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| MLA sees conspiracy behind settlement of migrants in Jammu Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 8: BJP legislator from Gandhinagar constituency Choudhary Piara Singh has alleged conspiracy behind settlement......more Lok Jan
Shakti Party Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 8: The state unit of the Lok Jan Shakti Party has expressed grave concern over ever-increasing......more HC admits
PIL against Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 8: Mr Justice R C Gandhi of Jammu and Kashmir High Court, Jammu wing, has admitted......more Speed
limit of vehicles Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 8: Mr Justice T S Doabia of Jammu and Kashmir High Court Jammu Wing has directed the Transport.......more Bajrang
Dal demands Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, March 8: State unit of Bajrang Dal has demanded immediate arrest of Syed Ahmed Bukhari Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid against.....more |
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Women’s
Day celebrated Excelsior Special Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 8: A Round Table Discussion on "Women’s Empowerment:Challenges, Issues and Concerns " was held on the International Women Day.........more DPS
celebrates Karan Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 8: Delhi Public School students and staff organised a colourful programme in connection with the 70th birth anniversary Dr Karan Singh.....more Rs 14 cr
spent under IWDP Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar 8: Rs. 14 crore have been incurred on execution of various schemes under Integrated Watershed Development Project (IWDP) (Hills)-II in Sub-watershed.......more Governor,
CM greet Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar 8: Governor Mr. Girish Chandra Saxena and Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah have extended warm greetings and best wishes to the people of the State on the occasion of Holi.......more |
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MLA sees conspiracy behind
settlement Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 8: BJP legislator from Gandhinagar constituency Choudhary Piara Singh has alleged conspiracy behind settlement of Rajouri-Poonch migrants in Jammu. In a press statement issued here today, the MLA alleged that state Government has hatched a conspiracy to behind this move by encouraging the people to grab Forest land in Sidhra area. He said that behind illegal land grabing, the migrants have full backing of some NC ministers. Another peculiar situation has been created by registration of some 6000 Kashmiri Muslim families in Jammu, following the exodus of lakhs of Kashmiri Pandits from Valley. These migrants receive cash and and other relief here while a sizable number of them are Government employees and are receiving salary. The MLA demanded that as decided in the meeting with the acting Chief Minister about a week ago, all the migrants from Rajouri and Poonch be settled sent back and settled in their respective districts. |
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Lok Jan Shakti Party concerns over increasing militancy Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 8: The state unit of the Lok Jan Shakti Party has expressed grave concern over ever-increasing militancy in the State. Addressing a press conference, state president of the Lok Jan Shakti Party, Peerzada Ab. Hamid regretted that despite unilateral cease-fire announced by the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari killings of the innocent people by militants have been going unabated. " Despite cease-fire militants have not stopped their killing", he said and lambasted some vested interest for launching vicious campaign against forces. He cautioned the people against nefarious propaganda of enemy, who according to him, were hell bent to sabotage on-going peace process. Expressing his anguish over treatment meted out by the authorities to the migrants of Poonch, Rajouri and Doda, LJSP state president urged the State Government to provide relief to these migrants at par with Kashmiri displaced people. LJSP chief also urged the Director General of Police to make on spot recruitment of migrants including border migrants. Earlier, state president of the Lok Jan Shakti Party, Peerzada Ab. Hamid announced office bearers for his party. Mr Sukhwinder Singh Aulakh has been nominated as chairman Kissan Cell, Mr Raj Kumar as state general secretary, Mr Sanjeev Manmotra as president Yuva Lok Jan Shakti Jammu and Kashmir, Mr Kamal Suri, state secretary and incharge Jammu, Mr Joginder Singh Manhas, secretary general, Yuva Jan Shakti, J&K, Sukhdev Singh Charak, general secretary, Mr Neeraj Gupta as secretary and Mr Ravi Rehmotra as vice-president of the Yuva Jan Shakti, J&K State. Mr Hamid while addressing the workers said that Jammu and Kashmir State has been passing through a very crucial time due to mis-governance of ruling National Conference. He regretted that suffering of the people further compounded after installation of Dr Farooq Abdullah as Chief Minister of the State. |
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HC admits PIL against illegal, backdoor appointments Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 8: Mr Justice R C Gandhi of Jammu and Kashmir High Court, Jammu wing, has admitted a Public Interest Litigation seeking quashment of 125 back-door appointments made in relaxation of rules right from 1996 onwards till date. While admitting the Public Interest Litigation, Mr Justice Gandhi issued notice which was accepted by Advocate J P Singh appearing for General Administration Department. The court has also issued notice to other respondents for filing Counter Affidavit. When this PIL had been fixed before Mr Justice Gandhi, Mr J P Singh Advocate took objection that this was required to be heard by the division Bench. This petition was deferred till break, with a view to find out from the PIL Section as to how this petition has been listed before the said court. On inquiry it was found that the Chief Justice had fixed this case before Mr justice Gandhi. Upon this the court admitted the said petition. The said PIL has been filed by Zulfiquar Ali Ahmed on the basis of a statement made by the Chief Minister in the Legislative Assembly in a question raised by Mr Mohd Yousuf Tarigami, CPI-M Mla, whereby Chief Minister disclosed and furnished a list of 125 appointments made in relaxation of rules from 1996 to 2000. During the course of arguments at the time of admission the counsel appearing for the petitioner Sheikh Shakeel Ahmed pointed out that right from the year 1996, when the popular Government came into power, a series of illegal and backdoor appointments were made and jobs were distributed in relaxation of rules to the kith and kin of bureaucrats, politicians including Ministers, MLA and MLCs in utter disregard to the recruitment rules. No criteria and procedure was followed while making these back-door entries and the rules were thrown to winds for conferring undue benefits to the people, who were close to the seat of power. However the Court issued notices to five alleged back door appointees whose names and appointment orders were furnished by the counsel of the petitioner Sheikh Shakeel Ahmed which are Messrs Abdul Rashid War, Assistant Director Hospitality and Protocol, son in law of Security Officer of Chief Minister, Vikrant Sharma, nephew of former Law secretary,Irshad Ahmad Mir, son of Mr Mohammad Dillawar Mir MLA (NC), appointed as Inspector Excise and Taxation, Naresh Koul, son of Retired Justice M L Koul, appointed as Inspector Excise and Owais Ahmed, son of Mr Mohd Shafi, Minister for education as Assistant Tourist Officer in the Department of Tourism. It had been prayed in the petition to refer the matter for investigation to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for thorough probe for identifying the official respondents responsible for these illegal and backdoor appointments. The Court further directed the registry to list this PIL alongwith other connected matters regarding illegal/backdoor appointments. |
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Speed limit of vehicles plying in Jammu city fixed by HC Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 8: Mr Justice T S Doabia of Jammu and Kashmir High Court Jammu Wing has directed the Transport Authority that while passing the buses would put governors in the carburetors of their vehicles so that these vehicles ply in the Jammu city at a speed which is not more than 30 kmph. The Court however cleared that this condition will be incorporated in respect of Matadors which are to ply within the town. This condition would be made applicable not only in respect of the present vehicles but other vehicles also, which are already plying on the roads. This court direction has been passed in writ petition filed by 14 petitioners who are running Matadors and want to replace them by newly purchased Swaraj Mazda vehicles. It is submitted that these vehicles are to be used in place of old Matadors F-305/307 Mini Buses. In the petition it was further submitted that the only formality is required to be carried out it to transfer the permits to the new vehicles. Senior Advocate A V Gupta appearing for the petitioners submitted that this formality was not being carried out by the respondents including Regional Transport Authority. Mr Justice T S Doabia while disposing off this petition directed the RTO Jammu to consider the prayer of the petitioners and pass appropriate orders within a period of 15 days. Senior Advocate A V Gupta appeared for the petitioners alongwith advocate Yaseer Eijaz Tak. |
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Bajrang Dal demands arrest of Shahi Imam Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, March 8: State unit of Bajrang Dal has demanded immediate arrest of Syed Ahmed Bukhari Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid against his utterances to justify the demolition action of Taliban Government in Afghanistan. The activists of Bajrang Dal led by senior leaders who held a demonstration here also burnt the effigy of Shahi Imam. Speaking on the occasion these leaders—Sushil Sudan, Jitender Kohli, Vijay Shastri and others demanded that Bukhari be arrested immediately and a sedition case be filed against him. They said that reaction of Imam should be taken seriously and it also poses threat to the peace of the nation. It’s a repitation of a direct action threat of Muslim League during pre-independence period. Bukhari seems to have close rapid with Pakistan ISI otherwise he must have not uttered such inflammatory and provocative words during prayers. Mr Shastri pointed out that majority of Muslim top scholars and intellectuals of the world have described demolition of religious statues as an un-Islamic action of Taliban Government. He expressed wonder as to how Bukhari has linked Afghanistan happenings with Ayodhya disputed structure. He warned Syed Bukhari to refrain from such statements or face the consequences if continued in the same way. Meanwhile, Vishv Hindu Parishad Mahanagar Jammu strongly condemned the provocative statement of Syed Bukhari. Mr Hem Raj Khajuria, joint secretary of the Parishad said that such statement of Imam can incite conflict between Hindu and Muslims in the country. Mr Surinder Sharma secretary VHP in his statement demanded immediate action against Bukhari by the Government. |
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Women’s Day
celebrated Excelsior Special Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 8: A Round Table Discussion on "Women’s Empowerment:Challenges, Issues and Concerns " was held on the International Women Day in the Varsity campus here today. Organised by the PG Political Science Department of Jammu University, it had collaboration of State Women Commission and the British Council in India. Dr Girija Dhar, Chairperson, State Women’s Commission, in her key-note address, underlined need for social and gender justice for all round development in all sectors. She said the main problem facing the womenfolk, especially in the rural areas and among disadvantaged sections of society, are low literacy, ill health, poverty and many hurdles in their progress. Hundreds of schemes are in operation but the benefits have not reached in the really deserving women especially in rural areas and among the weaker sections of society, she stated adding that there should be monitoring agency for it. She also emphasised the need for providing justice to women who are lagging far behind. She pointed out that women are far less represented in administration, political offices and economic spheres. They have to be fully involved in decision making and also implementation levels in all walks of life. The Constitution provides for equality and socio-economic justice to all citizens including womenfolk. The State Women Commission, she declared has identified areas of work for uplifting the condition of women in the Jammu and Kashmir. She also underscored the pivotal role that the non-Governmental organisations can play in it. Professor R R Sharma, Vice Chancellor, said it should be thoroughly examined why nothing is being achieved at the grassroots level for the women upliftment. In a democratic set-up, half of the population can not be allowed to denied equal opportunities for advancement. The VC said that some departments of the University are engaged in study of various issues relating to women in general and Jammu and Kashmir in particular. He, however, lamented that a Centre for Women Studies was sanctioned by University Grants Commission for in Jammu University but later on it was cancelled. He underlined the need for such a centre and pleaded that the State Government should take it up. It was resolved that some concrete Action Plan should be drawn up for the faster development of womenfolk who have lagged behind for centuries. Prof Rekha Chowdhary, Head, Political Science Department, outlined the objective of the Round-Table Discussion on this important day when the entire international community is observing Women Day. Dr Chowdhary said women in Jammu and Kashmir were discriminated in the State Subject regulation relating regulations in case of marriage with a Non-State Subject and also were denied due representation in the Panchayatiraj Act. She disclosed that Jammu and Kashmir will be participating in the North Zone colloqium being held at New Delhi on March 17-19 on women issues and strategy for their empowerment. Dr Poonam Dhawan said women are critical agents of development and should be provided their basic human rights and dignity. Database about socio-economic conditions of women is being collected for all the 14 districts in the State and it will vital for framing policies and plan for their all round development, she added. Prof A N Sadhu, Dean, Academic Affairs, also underlined the importance of vigorous implementation of empowerment of women in the context of globalisation. A number of papers were presented about various aspects of women’s problems and programmes. There was lively interaction also. A number of students, scholars, faculty members as also representatives of different social and cultural organisations participated. Those who participated in the discussion included: Balraj Puri, Farida Munir, Sati Sahni, M M Khajooria, Dr Jigar Mohammad, Dr Neelu Rohmetra, Ms Arpana Tandon. Prof Rekha Chowdhary presented vote of thanks while Ms Bhavna Khajuria conducted the proceedings. |
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DPS celebrates Karan Singh’s birthday Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 8: Delhi Public School students and staff organised a colourful programme in connection with the 70th birth anniversary Dr Karan Singh. The management of the DPS organised an impressive programme to celebrate the occasion. The blessings of Dr Singh were conveyed to the students and teachers in a special assembly held on this occasion. The birthday of Dr Singh falls during the festive season marked by the festival of sacrifice ‘Id-Ul-Zuha’ and the coming of the festival of colours Holi. Principal of the school Mr Ashok Pandey while highlighting the importance of the life, personality and achievements of Dr Karan Singh described him as a great scholar and a symbol of simplicity and humanity. He also recalled the contributions of Dr Singh especially in the field of education He also mentioned about the contribution of Dr Singh for making the draft resolution of " Education for the 21st Century" as a members of the special committee constituted by UNESCO. He was also a member of India’s delegation to the millennium religious meet held in New York last year. The students were exhorted to learn and derive inspiration from his teachings, writings and scholarships. |
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Rs 14 cr spent under IWDP in Akhnoor & Ramnagar Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar 8: Rs. 14 crore have been incurred on execution of various schemes under Integrated Watershed Development Project (IWDP) (Hills)-II in Sub-watershed areas of Akhnoor and Ramnagar during the current financial year so far. This was revealed at a meeting held here today to review the working of the World Bank aided IWDP. The Minister for Forests and Environment, Peerzada Ghulam Ahmad presided. Among others, the meeting was attended by MLA, Akhnoor, Mr. Govind Ram Sharma and MLA, Ramnagar, Mr. Harsh Dev Singh. The meeting was informed that works taken in hand include afforestation in village common land, construction of roads, buildings, bowlies, ponds, etc. To solve the genuine problems of the people of these hilly areas, both the MLAs desired that priority should be given on construction of roads and buildings under this project. Mr. Harsh Dev Singh has stressed for construction of a bridge at Khein over Ramnagar nallah. Addressing the meeting, the Minister impressed upon the functionaries of the project for speeding up the work so that the amount allocated for current financial year could be utilised in full. He also asked the authorities that the Village Forest Committees should also be involved in the implementation of the schemes of the project. |
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Governor, CM greet people on Holi Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar 8: Governor Mr. Girish Chandra Saxena and Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah have extended warm greetings and best wishes to the people of the State on the occasion of Holi. In a message, the Governor said that Holi, the festival of colours, which brings with it joy and festivity, inspires the people to spread good cheer and happiness amongst each other and promotes feelings of togetherness and brotherhood. He said the festival, which has been celebrated by the people of India with enthusiasm and gaiety over the centuries, has become part of our rich cultural heritage and has stimulated the development of art, music and dance. The Governor expressed the hope that the festival will be celebrated with traditional cheer and decent fervour. In a separate message, the Chief Minister said the festival symbolises the uniqueness of the country's glorious ethos of togetherness, love and harmony. Such occasions provide an opportunity to share each others joys in true sprit of festivity in consonance with our composite culture, he said hoping that the festival would be celebrated with fervour in decent way. 'Let us resolve to work for strengthening the bonds of amity and brotherhood that is the essence of festivals like Holi', Dr. Abdullah said while praying for return of peace and normalcy in the State. |
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CCI concerns over new levy on garment industry Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 8: Mr Ram Sahai, president Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed deep concern over the proposal of new levy of 16 percent on branded garment industry in the recent Union budget for the year 2001-2002. In a statement issued here today, Mr Sahai said that the levy would prove a great deterrent to the garment industry as it would result a far reaching consequences in view of the raw materials used in the manufacturing of such garments are already heavy taxed. Chamber of Commerce and Industry emphasised that 90 percent manufacturers of such garments are tiny/cottage and SSI units with five to 50 machines. He further said that levy will not only increase price of the garments by minimum 25 percent and effected badly over 50 lakhs people directly or indirectly employed by the industry. Chamber of Commerce and Industry appealed to the Union Finance Minister to have a second though on the said proposal and come out with a viable solution to save the industry from mortality. |
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PDP warns against
repression on Rajouri, Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 8: The Peoples Democratic Party’s Jammu urban unit has strongly criticised the " brutal lathi-charge" on the innocent migrants of Poonch and Rajouri who are putting up at Belicharana. A release of the party said this high-handedness shows the suppressive policies of the National Conference Government towards the people of Jammu region. The NC Government feels frustrated because neither it could save the innocent citizens from bullets of militants nor it would provide the basic camp facilities has failed to provide basic camp facilities to the displaced persons from Poonch, Rajouri and Doda districts. The genuine demands of the migrants for tens, drinking water, electric power supply, make-shift schools, monetary assistance has frustrated the Farooq Abdullah ministry because all ministers are amassing wealth through all possible means instead of attending to such human problems, said Bhushan Lal Gupta, district president of PDP. The PDP has warned the Government to arrange all basic necessities to these homeless needy migrants and stop immediate repressive measures otherwise the Government would be responsible for all the consequences. The meeting was attended by Ved Gandotra, Ms Surjeet Kour, Chaman Lal Angral, Ashok Singh Chib, Harmeet Singh, Sohit Sharma, Rajinder Singh, Randhir Singh Slaria, Ranbir Sinigh Manga, M G Chaddha, Rohit Dharmat and Sudarshan Thappa. |
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Mehboob Beg seeks more Central funds Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 8: Senior National Conference (NC) leader and former Minister, Dr Mehboob Beg has expressed the hope that Centre will come to the expectations of the people of the state by releasing more funds in next financial year so that the immediate problems being faced by the people of the state can be over come. In a statement issued here today, Dr Beg said the main task before the J&K is to tackle the growing unemployment problem. He said the unemployment is a serious challenge and it should be tackled immediately so that the youth donot become the cannonford for militancy. He while appreciating the performance of National Conference Government headed by Dr Farooq Abdullah after taking over the reins in 1996 said many developmental projects were taken up in hand by the Government to put the state back on rails. Dr Beg said despite the limited resources at its disposal and lot of devastation created by the militancy thousands of unemployed youth were absorbed in different Government departments besides rebuilding the damaged bridges, schools and hospital buildings. He said though State Government is committed to bring the economic prosperity in the state but it is constrained due to lack of proper support from the Central Government. |
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