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Dastan-e-Ladakh by From Tashi Morup LEH, June 19: Newly released Dastan-e-Ladakh (Ki Ki So So Lhargyalo), a film directed by Phuntsog Ladakhi is a story from 1948 to Operation.....more Sagar
reviews work Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, June 19: The Minister for Works, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar today visited Khanyar area of the downtown city to review the progress of ....more HDC to produce 30,000 metres of finer tweed by September Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, June 19: The Jammu and Kashmir Handloom Development Corporation has diversified its ..more Rs
38 cr project to modernize ITIs: CS Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, June 19: The Jammu and Kashmir government has formulated an ambitious Rs. 38.43 ..more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 19: A meeting of prominent political and social activists was held at Reasi to elect body for...more |
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Summit
talks to foster Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, June 19: Mr Ingoy Kiesoo of Institute of Defence Research, Swedon today called on Acting Chief Minister, Mr. Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Shah......more Suicide
note holds police responsible Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 19: Fed up with the alleged torture by the police, a cop today committed suicide by hanging himself at his house........more Chaman
holds massive Excelsior Correspondent Kishtwar (Doda), June 19: The Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Prof Chaman Lal Gupta has said that forthcoming visit........more Anti-drug
campaign by Kathua police Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, June 19: In order to keep youth involved in sports activities and keep them away from addiction or other bad habits, tehsil level youth clubs have been constituted at tehsil level in the district on the instructions of Director General......more |
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Dastan-e-Ladakh by Phuntsog reveals bravery of Ladakhis From Tashi Morup LEH, June 19: Newly released Dastan-e-Ladakh (Ki Ki So So Lhargyalo), a film directed by Phuntsog Ladakhi is a story from 1948 to Operation Vijay the resistant movement against Pakistani attack by Ladakh Scouts and people of Ladakh. The film is a product of Film and television Institute of India. Phuntsog Ladakhi has acted in many Hindi Bollywood films and Television serials and Dastan-e-Ladakh is his major debut as director. The video cassette of the film was released by Union Home Minister L K Advani during Sindu festival in Leh. Talking to Excelsior, Phuntsog gave brief account of the story of the film which is based on 1948 attack by Pakistan and Ladakh and nothing except 13-14 J&K Militia. Under the leadership of the then LBA meme Kalon guided by Pandit Shree Dhar Koul. Pt Dullu formed National Guard to fight against Pak Army regiment. Colonel Prithvi Chand, Major Khushal Chand, Subedar Bhim Chand and engineer Sonam Narboo crossed Zojila on foot in Feb 1948 to help the Ladakhis and save them from the Pakistani invasion. Since the Ladakh was cut off from the Nation it was easy from Pakistanis to reach up to Nemo village without much resistance. Finally, Pandit Dullu and Sonam Wangyal went to Delhi and managed to send reinforcement under the leadership of Maj Hari Chand who came to Leh via Manali. Hari Chand formed Gorilla groups which attacked enemy installations, camps and formations and destroyed cannons at Basgo and burnt Pakistani arms and ammunition at Lamayuru which finally led to Pak retreat. Norbo built airport with the help of locals within 18-20 days and Foker 1 Lt. Mehar Singh managed to land on this airport for the first time at this airport. The same Nubra Guard people were inducted into 7 and 14 J&K Militia who fought war with China in 1962 and earned many gallantry awards. Based on their extra ordinary performance in 1962 war against China the Ladakh Scouts was raised from J&K 7 and 14. In 1971 war the Scouts fought with the same courage and determination and captured and liberated Chalungkha Turtuk and Takshi area killing and capturing many Pakistani soldiers without casualty from our side. It was then Col Rinchen who was awarded MVC for the second time. The first time he got MVC at the age of 17 as Nubra Guard fighting against Pakistanis in the same terrain of Nubra. Thus he is popularly known as the lion of Nubra. During Operation Vijay, it was the Chorbat La the team was led by MVC Sonam Angchuk and it its performance was a turning point of the war in out favour. Since every soldier and the unit performed very well at these heights, but Ladakh Scouts were no match to anyone in this high altitude and difficult terrain. For their matchless performance Ladakh Scouts got the flag from Chief of Army Staff Gen Malik and now Ladakhis have a status of a Regiment with four battalions of honest, dedicated, brave and fearless Ladakhi boys who are ever ready to defend their motherland from any attack. |
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Sagar reviews work on Dastgeer Sahib Shrine Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, June 19: The Minister for Works, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar today visited Khanyar area of the downtown city to review the progress of developmental works there. The Minister visited the Shrine of Dastgeer Sahib (RA) to have on the spot assessment of the work going on for the expansion of the Shrine complex. Mr. Sagar asked the R&B and Revenue Department authorities to immediately settle the compensation cases of the house owners to be shifted from around the shrine complex, so that the developmental work can be started at the earliest. He also issued instructions for the expansion of the road and development of the nearby park. The Minister also reviewed the arrangements being made for the upcoming Urs of Dastgeer Sahib (RA). He said adequate arrangements of transportation, electricity and water should be made during the Urs. The Minister also visited Gousia Anwar-ul-Aloom to take stock of the measures being taken for the development of the Maddrassa. A number of deputations from the area called on the Minister and apprised him of the various problems facing them. Mr Sagar assured the deputations that their genuine demands would be looked into. The Minister was accompanied by senior officers of the divisional administration and the engineering departments. |
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HDC to produce 30,000 metres of finer tweed by September Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, June 19: The Jammu and Kashmir Handloom Development Corporation has diversified its marketing strategy to boost sale of its products in a big way. The Corporation plans to expand its network of sale outlets in Lucknow, Guhati, Chandigarh, Jammu and Banglore also. These sale outlets would be located in the marketing complexes of National Handloom Development Corporation. The Corporation also plans to participate in an exhibition of Royal Pashmina Shawls being held at Maxico shortly. The Corporation would also participate in an exhibition in New York, USA scheduled in September this year. The exhibition is being organised by the ITPO. The Board of Directors of the Corporation have already approved proposals in this regard. The Development Commissioner Handlooms, Government of India shall bear 50 per cent expenditure on this account. Meanwhile, the Central Government have sanctioned two projects for development of infrastructural support to handloom weavers in districts of Udhampur and Baramulla which will benefit about 600 weavers. These projects have been sanctioned under new integrated scheme introduced by Union Textiles Ministry called Deen Dayal Hathkarga Protsahan Yojna. The Centre has sanctioned Rs. 40 lakhs for this purpose in the first instance. The Corporation also proposes to launch a special project for development of Kani Jamwar at a cost of Rs.64 lakhs. The project shared by the Central and State Governments in 70 : 30 ratio. The Corporation have also launched a project for development of new designs in tweeds. Services of world renowned tweed designer have been acquired for this purpose. The Corporation shall import 900 Kgs of Cheviot wool, identified by the designer, from England which would be blended with local wool to produce about 36000 metres of finer tweed fabrics in 60 new designs by September this year. The expertise of National Institute of Designs, Ahmadabad and National Institute of Fashion Designs, New Delhi would be acquired for bringing further improvement in fabrication of ready made garments particularly jackets. |
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Rs
38 cr project to modernize ITIs: CS Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, June 19: The Jammu and Kashmir government has formulated an ambitious Rs. 38.43 crore project to revamp vocational training being imparted by the Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in the State. The vocational training would be modernized and synchronised in tune with the national and international job market requirements. The scheme, named Vocational Education Project-Phase II, has been submitted to the Directorate General of Employment and Trainings, Union Ministry of Labour for funding through international agencies like World Bank. This was stated by the Chief Secretary, Mr. Ashok Jaitly while addressing the first meeting of the newly constituted 24-member Jammu and Kashmir State Council for Vocational Training (SCVT), here today. The meeting took several decisions to strengthen and modernise ITIs in the State so that new trades are introduced and existing ones diversified to make these job oriented. The Chief Secretary said that the State Government attaches highest priority to tackle unemployment and keeping this in view, there is an urgent need to evolve a sound mechanism for upgradation and modernization of training system in the ITIs. "Keeping in view the new opportunities and challenges thrown up with the economic globalization, we have to go in for skill upgradation in a big way not only in our technical institutions but also in traditional crafts of the State for employment promotion," he added. The Chief Secretary said that private sector is also welcome to help in better management of ITIs to give much needed boost to the training facilities in these institutions. He said the Government can consider offering one ITI each in Kashmir and Jammu to the private sector on experimental basis and modalities for it could be worked out. He directed the Technical Education Department to draw up a scheme for providing incentives to the private sector for setting up ITIs in the State. He said a proposal has been formulated to make Jammu and Srinagar ITIs as model institutions with the state-of-the-art training facilities. He said management of ITIs should be given due attention so that available equipment and manpower is utilized to the optimum capacity. He also stressed for training of trainers, as it is must for adopting latest technology. He said continuous in-house training is imperative to update skills of the faculty for better performance. He said curriculum too should be revised, entire training programme monitored and some mechanism evolved to co-ordinate with industry for facilitating placement of trainees. He said to achieve this objective, industry, technical education and employment departments have to work in unison. The Chief Secretary asked the Employment Department to host the bio-data of technically trained youth on its website for the facility of industry and other prospective employers. Mr Jaitly emphasised that strategies have to be tailored effectively to counter locational disadvantages of the State to compete well with the emerging market situation. This requires technological upgradation in thrust areas like horticulture, sericulture, agriculture, handicrafts. In handloom and handicrafts sectors, we have to go in for new designs as per changing demands of the people with due attention on quality aspect for better marketing of the products, he added. This needs a holistic approach so that whole spectrum is kept in view while formulating schemes for upgradation of engineering and technical skills, saying that despite resource constraints, we have to put in maximum resources in this critical sector for securing a good future for our youth. Referring to Rs. 65 crore World Bank project for upgradation of polytechnics in the State, Mr. Jaitly said the scheme should be implemented in a desired manner to maximize its benefits. Regarding setting up of the State Board of Examinations in various vocational trades, Mr. Jaitly asked the Technical Education Department to draw up a detailed scheme within one month. He suggested that the Board should be autonomous to ensure transparency in conducting examinations. Director General Employment and Trainings, Union Ministry of Labour, Mr.S. Krishnan gave a resume of the broad features of the Draft National Policy Paper on Vocational Training and sought views of the Council on it. It, inter-alia, covers thrust areas like sharing of responsibilities for management and financing of vocational training institutions with all the stake-holders i.e employers and industrial houses. The meeting also discussed the draft paper in detail. Presently, 37 ITIs are functioning in the State with intake capacity of over 4000 trainees. Mr K Venugopal of Nettur Technical Training Foundation (NTTF), Bangalore putforth several suggestions for modernization of vocational education in the State and making it job-oriented. The Principal Secretary, Education, Mr. Vijay Bakaya and Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Mr. M.S.Pandit also participated in the deliberations. The meeting, among others, was attended by senior officers, Presidents of Chambers of Commerce, Kashmir and Jammu and a galaxy of representatives of the industry. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 19: A meeting of prominent political and social activists was held at Reasi to elect body for carrying forward the movement launched by Jammu and Kashmir Nationalist Front for the reorganisation of the State with separate statehood for Jammu. As per a release, the meeting was attended by Messrs Subash Chander, Kuldeep Singh, Subash Vaid, Udya Mani Sharma, Sudesh Puri, Sudesh Kumar and Krishan Lal. Mr Sudesh Kumar was unanimously elected as convenor and Mr Sudesh Vaid and Sudesh Puri as co-conveners for Reasi tehsil. Earlier, Mr Tilak Raj Sharma, state convenor JKNF while addressing the gathering counted various aspects of discrimination with the people of Jammu region in general and with the people of Reasi in particular ever since the reign of power of the State was handed over to Sheikh Mohd Abdullah 53 years back. He made a special mention of the Wazir Commission report, which besides other two additional districts in Jammu region, recommended a separate district for Reasi also but inspite of a historical agitation by the people of the Reasi and lapse of 18 years nothing happened so far towards the implementation of the report. He further emphasised that the Jammu people cannot expect any kind of justice from the Kashmiri rulers and therefore the remedy lies only in a spearate state-hood for Jammu and the people should make preparations for a final struggle to achieve the goal at an earliest. Mr Ramesh Sabharwal, state co-convenor also addressed the gathering and gave brief account of activities of JKNF. He cautioned the people to see through the gameplan of Kashmiri leaders whether in power or outside power, who are trying to mislead the people of Jammu region by sounding bells of dangers on the issue of reorganisation of the State. Mr Sudesh Kumar, elected convenor for Reasi tehsil while addressing the meeting narrated the couregous events of the historical movement by the people of Reasi for the achievement of a district status and pledged to fight another decisive war for Jammu statehood. |
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Summit talks to foster friendly ties: Shah Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, June 19: Mr Ingoy Kiesoo of Institute of Defence Research, Swedon today called on Acting Chief Minister, Mr. Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Shah at here and discussed prevailing situation and developmental scenario in Jammu and Kashmir besides peace initiatives taken up in the sub continent. During the interaction, the Acting Chief Minister said that the forthcoming talks between Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee and Pakistan Chief Executive, Mr Parvez Musharraf is a bold step to sort out various bilateral issues aiming at fostering friendly relations between two countries and heralding peace and normalcy in Kashmir. Mr. Shah hoped that the talks would provide a platform that would create palatable conditions for restoring peace and prosperity in the sub continent. The Acting Chief Minister said that gun has never been an answer to the problems and let the democratic approach come into force to solve these amicably. Referring to the urges and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Mr. Shah said that they are fed-up with gun-culture that has brought numerous miseries to the peace loving people of the State who want restoration of peace and normalcy. He said keeping up with the commitment made to the people during 1996 historic elections, the National Conference Government formulated the autonomy report, which was endorsed by the State legislature. This report, he said awaits considerations by the Centre. Restoration of autonomy will go a long way in satiating the aspirations of the people of the three regions of the State. Mr Shah also presented a copy of the autonomy report to the visiting envoy. |
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Suicide note holds
police responsible Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 19: Fed up with the alleged torture by the police, a cop today committed suicide by hanging himself at his house. The victim has been identified as Sukhwinder Singh (25), son of Saroop Singh of Digiana. Sources said that the victim for the last one month had continuously being tortured by the police on the allegations of being a member of gang of scooter lifters and thieves. He was posted at District Police Lines Doda when he went on medical leave. But since then he had been tortured and harassed by the police personnel of Gandhi Nagar Police Station. Unable to bear the repeated torture and harassment by the police, Sukhwinder Singh today hanged himself with the ceiling fan at his house and committed suicide. He was shifted to Government Medical College Hospital where doctors pronounced him as brought dead. The body was later handed over to family members after post-mortem. It may be recalled that the deceased had earlier also made an abortive attempt on his life at the Gandhi Nagar Police Station by hanging himself in the room of investigating officer. The police had then made all possible efforts to hush up the matter and admitted the victim in the hospital under fake name and got his name not included in the Medico-Legal Case. The youth on that day had informed the visiting EXCELSIOR Correspondent that he tried to commit suicide by hanging in the police station with help of a rope as he was unable to bear the repeated torture and harassment in the police custody. He had also disclosed that he was picked up from his house in Digiana by a Gandhinagar police party on the pretext that SHO had called him. In Police Station, the SHO and two officers locked him in a room and started beating and thrashing on the allegations that he was member of a gang of scooter lifters and thieves. It seems that the continuous process of torture by police forced him to take this extreme step. Meanwhile, a handout from Police Control Room said that the deceased was deserted constable and preliminary enquiry revealed that he was a drug addict. The handout further said that once he was brought to Police Station Gandhi Nagar for questioning on June 6 where he had attempted to commit suicide on same day. The suicide note recovered from scene of occurrence apparently written by the deceased held police responsible for his committing suicide. The handout said that what the deceased has referred to police harassment is actually a one-time questioning of the person in connection with a robbery case. Police said that he apparently got frustrated when he learnt that Jammu police has informed about his undesirable conduct at Jammu to Doda police where he was posted. |
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Chaman holds massive rally in Paddar area Excelsior Correspondent Kishtwar (Doda), June 19: The Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Prof Chaman Lal Gupta has said that forthcoming visit of Chief Executive of Pakistan Gen Parvez Musharraf to New Delhi has provided an opportunity for Pakistan and its Military regime to show its sincerity in normalising relations with India. Addressing a public rally at a remotest village Ishtiyari in Padder area (bordering Himachal) of tehsil Kishtwar in district Doda the Union Minister said that Pakistan has never been sincere towards India and has always shown its hostility towards India. Prof Gupta said that India extended hand of friendship time and again to Pakistan but it never reciprocated generously. He said the Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee in a bid to open a new era of good neighbourly relations with Pakistan undertook Bus Yatra to Lahore but instead of appreciating India’s bold initiative Pakistani rulers stabbed us in the back by indulging in misadventure in Kargil. It again goes to the credit of India and its valiant forces that they showed maximum restraint and did not cross the Line of Control and managed to evict the enemy from Kargil heights. The Union Minister said that yet another bold initiative was taken by Vajpayee Government in ordering unilateral cease-fire. But due to the rigid posture adopted by the Pakistani rulers to the Indian offer the Centre was left with no alternative but to withdraw the ceasefire in J&K. Referring to the recent statement of Gen Musharraf that Kashmir will be the core issue during talks, Prof Gupta set at rest all the speculations about Kashmir and said that J&K is an integral part of India and that there is no change in the stand of Indian Government in this regard. He said the NDA Government is keen for the development of all the three regions of the state. Several deputations also met the minister during his visit to the area. |
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Anti-drug campaign by
Kathua police Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, June 19: In order to keep youth involved in sports activities and keep them away from addiction or other bad habits, tehsil level youth clubs have been constituted at tehsil level in the district on the instructions of Director General of Police Mr A K Suri. As per a release, 65 Youth clubs have so far been formed in the entire district with the initiative of Kathua police. These Clubs at the initial stage were provided with free sports items in order to keep sports activities lively in the area so that instead of indulging in criminal activities and drug addiction they are put to the job of physical fitness besides better coordination, understanding and co-operation with the police and law abiding citizens of the district. In May, volley ball tournament of all the Clubs was held at Bani in tehsil Basohli. In continuation to this another tournament was of all clubs started at Chadwal in which various teams from Hiranagar participated. The final match of this tournament was played between police youth Club Hiranagar and and Police Club Gurha Mudian, which was won by Police Youth Club Gurha Mudian. DIG Jammu- Kathua Range Dr S P Vaid was the chief guest on the occasion who advised the youth to keep away from drugs and intoxication besides criminal activities. MLA Hiranagar was also present on the occasion and SSP Kathua Mr Manohar Singh presided over the function organised in this connection. Certificates were distributed among top four teams. The next tournament will be held in July in tehsil Kathua. |
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NTEAs of Jammu, Kashmir Varsities frame coordination committee Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 19: Executive body of Non-Teaching employees of Jammu University and a delegation of Kashmir University Ministerial Staff Association was held here today the agenda for which was to find out ways and means to approach UGC and other higher authorities for settlement of all such common issues of Non Teaching Staff falling beyond the jurisdiction of the Vice Chancellor and Registrars of both the universities. As per a release after threadbare discussions it was felt that constitution of a "Coordination Committee" of Non-Teaching Staff of Kashmir and Jammu Universities was the need of the hour. Accordingly a Coordination Committee named "Non-Teaching Employees Coordination Committee, Universities of Jammu and Kashmir" was constituted with members from NTEA of Jammu and Kashmir Universities including their presidents, general secretaries,,publicity secretaries and organizing secretaries. It was held that the president of NTEA Kashmir University will act as convenor of the Coordination Committee during summer and president of NTEA Jammu University will act as convenor during winter. It was resolved that the constitution of the coordination committee will be framed immediately. It was also resolved that there should be meetings of the coordination committee after every three months. However in the case of exigencies the committee could meet any time. |
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HC asks SFC to invite tenders for execution of work Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 19: Justice R C Gandhi of the State High Court has directed State Forest Corporation Chairman, Managing Director and others to incite tenders for execution of work to the extent of 67 percent. The respondents were at liberty to do so, but 33 percent of the work to be executed departmental/ Amani will not be allotted till the next date when the matter will be examined as to whether execution of the work by Amani is in consonance with the claim set up in the counter affidavit, the court held while delivering a judgment in a writ petition filed by J&K Small Contractors Association. It said that if the respondents decide that 33 percent of the work can be tendered, they are at liberty to invite tenders for that also. The Court in the writ petition filed by Abdul Majid Wani and others registered State Forest Corporation Contractors seeking similar direction as was passed in the petition filed by Small Contractors Association. Justice Gandhi yesterday issued notice for filing objections returnable within three weeks and observed that Advocate N P Kotwal appeared for the petitioner submitted that this case was identical to the writ partition wherein certain direction has been issued. In the meantime, State Forest Corporation (SFC) directed the direction passed in J&K Small Contractor Association shall be applicable to the petitioner also. In the petition, it was submitted that there is over 80 lakh cft which is available with the Corporation, but the tenders have been invited only for 13 lakh cft and remaining kept for allotting through " under-hand" means to the blue eyed boys. The petitioners prayed for issuance of direction to SFC for inviting tenders. |
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Gupta takes over as Sessions Judge Jammu Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 19: Mr Subash Chander Gupta today joined as Principal District and Sessions Judge Jammu against the post which was lying vacant due to the elevation of Justice B L Bhat. Meanwhile, Mr Rajesh Kohli also joined today as Additional District and Sessions Judge relieving Mr D K Kapoor. Mr H O Singh also joined as City Judge Jammu relieving Kanwar Jit Singh Kanwal who has been transferred to Kargil. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 19: A meeting of the activists of Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) was held at Geeta Bhawan. Mr Satya Pal Grover, city president of the Jammu city unit of the BJP presided over the meeting which was held regarding celebrations of Dr Shayma Prashad Mukherjee’s Baldan Divas scheduled to be held on June 23. Senior BJP leaders of the State and district presidents attended the meeting. Among others who attended the meeting including Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta. Messrs Chander Mohan Sharma, Master Sohan Lal, Kissan Morcha president, Madan Lal Gupta, Ram Saroop Sharma, H N Koul, Sardar Mohammed Khatana, Kashmir Singh, Ramesh Gupta, Krishan Dev Singh, Master Mukand Lal, D K Kotwal, state president of BJP, Murari Lal, Charanjeet Singh of Akali Dal, Dalip Gupta, Krishan Lal Gupta, Ch. Sukhnandan, Hans Raj Dogra, Bansi Lal Bharti and others spoke in the meeting. While addressing the meeting, Prof Gupta called upon the workers to participate in the function. He also appealed to the general masses to make function a great success. |
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Norwegian, Australian help sought for environmental improvement: Omar Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, June 19: The Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Omar Abdullah today said that Norwegian and Australian technical expertise is being improved to improve the peripheral sewerage of Dal Lake and taking up afforestation of degraded land in Kashmir valley. The Union Minister was addressing Environment Campaign 2001 organised by Directorate of Environment as part of the Environment week at Anantnag. Students hailing from different schools of the district presented a colourful variety programmes, which included symposium on environment, skids and folk lores conveying the message of preservation and conservation environment. The Minister said the environment issue is next to the problem of the militancy in the State. He said that such programmes should not be overshadowed by the politics as the issue under discussion is a threat to the existence of human life on the earth. He said, no doubt, militancy had struck all the vitals of the economy of the valley including the forest production. However, after assuming reins of administration, the State Government has largely succeeded in arresting the trend forest destruction. The Minister stressed the need for a commercialized forest policy as an ideal solution to arrest the fast extinction of green wealth. He quoted the examples of some European countries that are earning huge foreign exchange by selling forest products after adopting a well thought and planned forest policy. He said cutting trees to meet day-to-day requirements would in no way reduce the forest cover provided that it be done under a planned policy. For the purpose, he said, the programme of social forestry was the ideal one. Mr. Abdullah, also drew the attention of the Government towards environmental problems and stressed the need for considering all aspects before formulating a policy involving environmental issues. He said, the Kashmir valley has a sensitive environment owing to its geographical conditions. "If we are to think about setting up industries in the Valley, we have to go for environment friendly units", the Minister said adding that setting up of an pollution prone industry could further mar whatever is left with us. The Minister said greater thrust should be given for reviving of crafts with which a large number of the people are traditionally associated. The Minister said one has be dedicated and desciplined to be environmental friendly. He shared his experiences with the students and mentioned the European culture among the people in disposing the household waste in scientific way and going for its recycling. He said holding such seminars and involving the students could go a long way in achieving the objective of environment conservation provided that the message is spread with required intensity and sincerity. He said there are two types of adventure tourism and eco-tourism. He said, if we want to sustain our eco-system, we have to protect our streams, lakes, wet lands that can be done only by bringing about a drastic change in our life style. The Minister regretted that the people do not shoulder any responsibility and generally put the entire blame on the Government. He said to make laws is the duty of the Government but it is the obligations of the citizens to follow these for better environment. Speaking on the occasion the Minister for Forests, Peerzada Ghulam Ahmad Shah said that, a new forest policy with a holistic approach is being prepared by the Government. He said the policy is being formulated after taking into consideration all the aspects of public interest. He also stressed for mass awareness for preservation and conservation of environment. He said a disciplined and eco-conscious is to be cultivated in young generation. Others who spoke on the occasion include, Chairman, Legislative Council, Minister of State for Tourism, Sakina Itoo, MLAs of various constituencies of the district, Department of Environment officials and Pollution Control Board. |
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200 prisoners getting vocational training, higher education: Ali Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, June 19: In order to reform prisoners and to imbibe qualities of a good citizen in them, a reformative campaign has been launched by the Government in all the jails of the State in a phased manner. Disclosing this before the media persons here today, the Director General Prisons, Mr. S.S.Ali said that the jails in the State are also serving as the Centres of reformation of the prisoners. Opportunities are being provided to the prisoners to get training in a number of crafts like cutting, tailoring, knitting, carpentry, typing, computer training, electrician and plumber. Vocational courses like TV and radio repairing have also been started for them, he added. As many as 200 prisoners have so far been trained in different crafts. Mr.Ali added that the jails in Kathua, Poonch, Rajouri, Hiranagar, Kotbhalwal and Jammu have already been equipped with modern facilities. Water purifiers have been installed in Jammu jail and kitchens have also been modified. Special classes under IGNOU have also been started for the intending prisoners to seek education in various courses including computing, food technology and engineering. As many as 23 prisoners have been enrolled for the training this year. The government have deposited fee of Rs.40,000 to the University for the purpose. In addition, a number of prisoners are also preparing for matriculation and higher secondary class examinations from the jail, he added. In order to broaden the thinking horizons of the detainees, special arrangements of their interaction with NGO’s, social organisation and students of Law Colleges have been made. The prisoners are allowed to interact with them and accordingly rededicate and plan their future. In order to mobilise the energies of the prisoners, especially the youth, towards constructive side, special cultural and sports events are also being organised in various jails of Jammu division. The final match of Volleyball between the players of Hiranagar and Jammu Jail was held here today. The prisoner-players played a thrilling game which was witnessed by jail inmates, officers from different departments and media persons. A cultural programme was also organised in the jail premises in the evening. Replying to a question, Mr.Ali said that Jammu Central Jail is one of the best jails in the country in which the prisoners are provided required facilities besides proper humane behavior, diet, medicare and opportunities to seek vocational training and higher education besides participating in various extra curricular activities. Mr. Ali said that better conditions in the jails have helped a lot in changing the behavior and psychology of the prisoners which is a sliver lining for their better future. |
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