Rs.10 cr. Central assistance for upgradation of Industrial Estates in J&K
20 lakh Cricket Bats worth Rs.30 crore exported from J&K

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, July 25: Centre has sanctioned Rs. 10 crore for upgradation of existing Infrastructure in various Industrial Estates in J&K. The State Government had sought this special dispensation in a bid to strengthen the Industrial infrastructure which got dilapidated due to continued turmoil for over last one decade.

This was disclosed by the Industries and Commerce Minister, Dr. Mustafa Kamal during his inspection of various Industrial Estates in Anantnag district today. The Minister visited the Industrial Extension Estate, Anchidoora, Industrial Estate, Anantnag and the proposed site of Industrial Estate at Wanpooh to bid exclusively for Saw Mill Owners and took on the spot assessment of problems confronting the entrepreneurs.

The Minister was accompanied by the District Development Commissioner, Anantnag, Mr. G.A. Peer, Director, Industries and Commerce, Mr. M. Saleem Beig, Local MLA, Mr. Safdar Ali Beig and other senior officers of the district administration.

Dr. Kamal also held a joint meeting of the entrepreneurs and officers of the Industries and Commerce Department and discussed problems being faced by the unit holders.

The Minister announced that a new power transformer of 1000 KV capacity would be installed at the Industrial Estate, Anantnag to provide maximum possible power supply to the unit holders. This would be in addition to the already existing 500 KV transformer. The Minister asked the unit holders to lend cooperation to the district administration to check misuse of power transformers installed in various Industrial Estates. He said these transformers should be used to supply electricity only to unit holders and not to adjacent localities.

Dr. Kamal said that a new scheme would be launched to provide Diesel Generator Sets at 100 per cent subsidy to the small and tiny Industrial Units after organising them in clusters. The Industries Department would formulate a comprehensive scheme for this purpose shortly, he added. The Minister also asked the District Development Commissioner, Anantnag to revive the wood assessment committee for ensuring adequate supply of raw material to the wood based Industrial Units in the district. He assured the metal work unit holders that every effort would be made to ensure regular supply of raw material (Scrap) to them so that they could run their units without any difficulty.

Dr. Kamal sought cooperation of the Industrialists in particular and people in general in creating a congenial Industrial atmosphere in this militancy ravaged state adding that Government too have launched many new Industrial ventures including prestigious projects like Software Technology Park (STP), Food Processing Park, Industrial Growth Centre at Lassipora. He said it was Government’s endeavour to create new Industrial estates alongwith strengthening the existing Industrial Infrastructure in the State. He said Industrial Sector has a vast scope to provide employment avenues to the youth in the State as Government Departments are saturated. Dr. Kamaal enjoined upon the field agencies of the Industries Department to undertake upgradation scheme of Industrial Estates in their respective areas with dedication and as a social obligation.

The Minister was informed that there are about 2846 SSI Units formally registered in the district out of which 1394 Units are functional providing employment to 5072 persons. About 351 Units have been registered formally with an investment of Rs.7.42 crore during last four years. These new units provide employment to 1633 persons. There are 164 Cricket Bat Manufacturing Units in the district providing employment to 1102 persons. About 20 lakh Cricket Bats worth Rs.30 crore have been exported from the State during last four years.

The Industries Department have provided various kinds of incentives amounting to Rs.55.25 lakh to SSI Units during last four years. This include Rs.34.48 lakhs as 30 per cent capital investment subsidy, Rs.14.23 lakh as 5 per cent interest subsidy on working capital and Rs.6.54 lakh as subsidy on Diesel Generator Sets.

The Industries Department has identified about 120 kanals of land near Hardwath Wanpooh for relocating among 100 Band Saw Unit holders, whose units are to be vacated from the populated areas of the district as per the new Forest Policy and Pollution Control norms.

Fruit Mandi at Kupwara soon
Fruit growers conference to be organised next
month : Ramzan

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, July 25: A state level fruit growers conference is being organized in Srinagar next month.

The conference is aimed to educate the people about the latest trends in fruit cultivation besides creating awareness among the orchardists about the schemes launched by various national level agencies like Agriculture Produce Export Development Authority (APEDA) for promotion of horticulture industry in the state.

The Agriculture Minister, Ch. Mohammad Ramzan revealed this while interacting with a deputation of fruit growers of Kupwara district who called on him here today.

The Minister said that a fruit mandi is shortly being established at Kupwara for which land has been acquired. The mandi spread over 46 hectares of land would have 135 shop sites besides other facilities.

Ch. Ramzan assured the deputationists led by Mr. Khazir Mohammad Malik, President of the Association that work on the development of mandi would start soon. He said the land in the first instance would be got fenced. He said with the coming of the mandi the interests of the fruit growers would be safeguarded and the growers would be able to get remunerative prices of their produce.

The Minister asked the growers to take maximum benefits of the schemes launched by the government for the promotion of this vital industry that sustained the economy of the state during the period of turmoil. He said the Horticulture Department would be providing 20,000 walnut and other fruit plants to the orchardists of Kupwara district free of cost this year. In addition foot and power sprayers would also be made available to the growers of the district.

The Director, Horticulture (P&M), Director, Horticulture, Managing Director, HPMC were also present.

Shah for quick implementation of Srinagar
Master Plan 2000-21

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, July 25 - The Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Shah has asked Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) to implement the Srinagar Master Plan 2000-21 as soon as possible.

Mr. Shah while presiding over a meeting held here today to review the salient features of the Srinagar Master Plan 2000-21 said that the plan stands already submitted to the Government for its approval after the completion of all necessary formalities. He said the suggestions/objections sought from general public under the provisions of J&K Development Act, 1970 were reviewed thoroughly by a Sub-Committee and the recommendations made by this Committee were approved by the Board of Directors of SDA, which submitted the revised Draft Master Plan 2000-21 for Srinagar to the Government for its approval.

The meeting which was attended by Commissioner/Secretary, Housing and Urban Development, Vice-Chairman, SDA. Chief Town Planner and other officers of SDA revealed that the Srinagar Master Plan 2000-21 will cover a projected population of 23.50 lakhs (2021) besides, rehabilitating a population of 3 lakhs from core area of Srinagar city in six housing colonies over 32000 kanals of land at Rakhi-Gund Akshan, Bemina, Mujgund, Saidapora, Pandach and Nowgam. 126 new villages are being added to the local area of Srinagar city from Galandar to Narbal and Humhamma to Nagbal increasing the existing area of 236 sq. Kms to 416 sq. Kms.

It was also said in the meeting that four new bus stands are being developed at Parimpora, Pantha Chowk, Soura and Nowgam and a new 28 km. Ring Road is proposed from Galandar to Narbal under the new Master Plan. The Transport Agencies from the Core of the city and SRTC complex from M.A. Road and State Motor Garages from Residency Road are being shifted to Parimpora.

Under the Master Plan, four multi-purpose commercial complexes will be constructed at Doodhganga, Excise complex Lal Chowk and existing premises of SRTC complex and State Motor Garages. Four Industrial Estates are proposed at Machua Ranbirgarh, Wagoora and Ompora.

The meeting also revealed that two new Engineering Colleges, 9 other Colleges, 818 Schools, 48 Vocational Centres and two General Hospitals are also proposed under the new Master Plan for greater Srinagar city.

Harbans exhorts media to promote religious
tolerance,harmony

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, July 25: The Minister for Labour and Employment, S. Harbans Singh said that media especially Radio as mode of education and entertainment can play a vital role in promoting communal harmony and universal brotherhood thereby ensuring peace in strife torn valley.

He was addressing Sangat at a function hosted by Radio Kashmir Srinagar at Gurudwara Chatti Padshah here today.

The Minister said that Radio and print media are the most potent weapons which can transform and eradicate illiteracy among masses. Terming Radio as poor man’s best companion, he asked Radio officials to organize such functions at district and block levels also saying, the radio has made its presence in the remotest and farthest corners of the country and as such could effectively counter the propaganda unleashed by Pakistan.

Mr. Singh said that with latest technology, innovative techniques and computerization media has helped in bringing more accountability and transparency in Government functioning.

About promotion Punjabi language, he said that every endeavor would be made to include Punjabi as a subject of learning at school level. In this regard he also sought the cooperation of radio for the promotion of the Punjabi language.

Later, the Minister also listened to the shabad kirtan recited by the Ragis.

Station Director, Radio Kashmir, Mr. G.H. Zia who also spoke on the occasion said that this was for the first time that Radio Srinagar is organizing such programmes outside its campus. All this has been done to imbibe confidence and to promote religious tolerance among the people. He further informed that Ragi Jathas from Radio Station from Radio Station Jalandhar, Delhi and Amritsar were specially invited to recite Shabad and kirtan on the occasion at the Gurudwara.

Present on the occasion include S. Parvinder Singh and Mr. R.K. Bhat.

CM, Ajatshatru condole death
Veteran journalist Sarin passes away

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 25: Veteran journalist and Managing Editor of the Kashmir Times, Mr V I K Sarin died of cardiac failure here at 1 am.

He was 67 and is survived by his wife, two sons and grand children. Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah and Information and Transport Minister, Mr Ajatshatru Singh have condoled the death of Mr Sarin.

In a condolence message, Chief Minister has expressed profound shock and grief over the sad demise of veteran journalist. He recalled his laudable services as a journalist and said that Mr Sarin has worked as a fearless journalist in different parts of the country including North East representing various news-papers. His sudden passing away has caused a irreparable loss to journalism especially in our state. Chief Minister conveyed his personal condolences to Mrs Sarin and other members of the family and prayed to the almighty to give courage and strength to bereaved family to bear this loss.

Information and Transport Minister, Mr Ajatshatru Singh, in his condolence message, recalled the services of Mr Sarin to the journalism and said that state has lost a brilliant and a bold journalist. He said that his death has caused a great void in the field of journalism in the state which will be difficult to be filled.

Information Department has also condoled the sad demise of Mr Sarin. A meeting of the officers and employees of the State Information Department was held under the chairmanship of Director Information, Mr K B Jandial to mourn the sad demise of Mr V I K Sarin. Meeting recalled the commendable services of Mr Sarin in the field of journalism and said that due to his death the state has lost a bold, fearless, dedicated and experienced journalist. A two minutes silence was observed in the meeting for the peace of the departed soul.

Jammu Kashmir Journalist Union has also condoled the sad demise of Mr VIK Sarin. A meeting of the Union was held today to condole the death of veteran journalist. A two minutes silence was observed in the meeting to pay tribute to the veteran journalist.

Known for his integrity, objectivity and dedication to the profession, Mr Sarin joined journalism in 1958 as sub-editor of Kashmir Post. In 1960 he started and edited an English Weekly Mirror from Jammu. Later he joined the Indian Express and its staff correspondent in Jammu. He served as special correspondent of Indian Express at Shillong for over a decade.

Mr Sarin was considered as a noted observer and analyst of the North Eastern states and was a popular figure in the media in that region. He also edited a magazine North Eastern Affairs and was instrumental in highlighting the affairs and events of that region.

A disciple in Shri Satya Sai Baba, who enjoyed close proximity to him, Mr Sarin devoted himself to propagating the message and teachings of the Saint. He is credited with compiling and editing the publications relating to Sai Baba from Sriputtinpuram for few years. He was author of four books including Face to Face with Satya Sai Baba and Assam Empire.

The cremation will take place at Shastri Nagar Cremation Ground tomorrow (July 26) and funeral procession will start from his residence, 11 A/C Gandhi Nagar Jammu at 1 pm.

HC directs Education Deptt to release salaries of Teacher

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 25: Mr Justice T S Doabia of Jammu Kashmir High Court, has directed the Education Department to release the salary of Mr Parveen Kumar, Laboratory Assistant, Government Higher Secondary School Ramkote since May 1998 within a period of two months with the interest of six per cent.

The court has also directed the Education Department that if the salary was not released within the two months, the petitioner would be entitled to interest of 12 percent. It shall be payable by a person who is responsible for the delay.

The Court directed the respondents to take the notice of allegation of the petitioner.

The petitioner was directed to handover the charge to one Prem Chand. According to advocate Anil Sethi this was done even though there was no written order issued in this regard. He submitted that petitioner was called upon to make certain entries regarding some purchases in the cash book but the petitioner has not done this. The petitioner who was promoted as teacher and adjusted in middle school Lakhanpur was forced to tender apology for his refusal. He was served with relieving orders.

The court directed the respondents to take notice of the allegation pertaining to certain acts of omission and commission on the part of respondent number 2 and disposed of the petition.

HC directives to Tourism Deptt

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 25: In yet another judgment, Mr Justice T S Doabia of J&K High Court, Jammu Wing has directed the Tourism Department that for all intents and purposes, the Assistant Director Tourism would be deemed to be governed by Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Services Recruitment Rules 1970 and therefore he is entitled to other reliefs which are being given to persons holding the posts as held by the petitioner.

This direction was passed by the court on a writ petition filed by Mr G M Kakpori, presently working as Deputy Director in his own pay and grade seeking induction in KAS.

While disposing of the writ petition, Mr Justice Doabia observed that the court is of the opinion that the stand taken by the respondents that the petitioner was first appointed as Tourist Officer under the rules and therefore, his appointment as Assistant Director Tourism is not in accordance with the law is not correct.

There was a proposal to regularise the services of certain incumbents who came to be appointed by the Ladakh Affairs Department and once a view was taken to regularise their services, then the lacuna pointed in the objections would be of no consequence.

Therefore for all intents and purposes the petitioner would be deemed to be governed by the Jammu and Kashmir Service Recruitment rules and therefore he would become entitled to other reliefs which are being given to the persons holding the posts as held by the petitioner on the establishment of the Tourism Department.

Mr Justice Doabia further observed that as regards to the prayer of Sr Advocates P S Dutta appearing for the petitioner regarding a uniform scale, it be seen that the stand of the state is that a proposal has been sent to the General Administration Department. This Department would accordingly take notice of the proposal and would take decision within a period of three months.

He also issued directives that the state would take steps to remove the anomaly pointed out by the Tourism Department.

Amarnath pilgrim traffic reaches 1.12 lakh
'Chhari Pujan' ceremony performed

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, July 25: 'Chhari Mubarak' the holy mace of Lord Shiva, was worshipped this evening on the occasion of Nag Panchami at the Dashnami Akhara here with traditional manner.

The Mahant of the Akhara, Shri Depinder Giri performed the 'Puja' of the 'Chhari Mubarak' which is a symbol of Lord Shiva. This marked an important part of the annual Amarnath Yatra. The 'Chari Pujan' ceremony was marked by chanting of hymns and verses from religious scriptures with religious fervor and gaiety. A large number of Sadhus, Yatris and some Muslim brethren also participated in the ceremony.

The 'Chhari Mubarak' has already been taken to Shiva temple at Shankaracharaya and Sharika temple at Hari Parbhat for puja as per rituals. It will now leave for Pahalgam on July 30 from Dashnami Akhara. Accompanied by Mahant Depinder Giri, Sadhus and pilgrims, 'Chhari Mubarak' will reach Amarnath Shrine located at a height of about 3800 metres in South Kashmir after making halts at Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni.

'Chhari Mubarak' will reach the holy cave on the night of July 3. It will have darshan on the occasion of Budh Purnima falling on July 4, marking the culmination of 30-day yatra.

Over 1.12 lakh pilgrims have so far joined the yatra. Of them, nearly 1.07 pilgrims have had darshan at the holy cave. Highest ever pilgrim traffic was recorded last year when 1.73 lakh pilgrims joined the yatra.

Meanwhile, one woman pilgrim, Smt. Satwarsoo Devi W/o Shri Ram Chander R/o Bihar passed away at District Hospital, Anantnag, raising the toll to 20.

According to weather report, it was slippery at Chandanwari, Sheshnag, Panchtarni and Baltal. It was raining on both Pahalgam and Baltal tracks.

Natrang artists perform in ‘Natrang Nahien’

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 23: Natrang series of seven shows of the play ‘Natrang Nahien’ concluded here today at a Natrang studio theatre.

The play was produced in a workshop process which was supported by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi and the play was directed by Anil Tickoo. The main motive of the workshop was to involve the new comers as well as the other experienced young actors in a process of play production.

The training programme was not limited to acting alone but the actors were involved in the set design, light design, make up and sound effects. The experts to the workshop included Mipham Otsal, a NSD graduate, Neeraj Kant and Sanjeev Gupta who has recently completed his masters in Dramatics from Chandigarh.

The play ‘Natak Nahien’ written by Laxmi Kant Vaishnav deliberates upon the contemporary issues of bankruptcy of Indian economic, political, social and instructional system in a sarcastic manner. The onslaught in the play is on hypocrisy, corruption amid duality prevailing in the society.

This play opens with two beggars roaming for alms near bus stand. The dialogue between them exposes the vagaries of various systems and clamours for human values. The play concludes with the statement about the pauperization of our political system which forces main characters to join the milieu of survival. The play was presided over Mr Balwant Thakur, Secretary J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages.

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