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Educationists, politicians unanimous in opposing open choice system Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 11: All the speakers were unanimous in a meeting here today to oppose the demand of open choice system......more Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar 11: The Jammu and Kashmir Government’s Transport Department in its Citizens’ Charter, has undertaken to issue driving....more Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar 11: Sixty-one per cent of the electorate exercised their franchise in Panchayat election held in Kupwara block today.....more Democracy strengthen through Panchayat elections: Slathia Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar 11: Mass participation of people in the Panchayat election has strengthen the bonds of democracy in the.......more Globalization
key Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar. 11: The Minister for Labour and Sports, S. Harbans Singh accompanied by Ex-Minister,.....more |
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SAD-B
holds convention Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 11: Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal), J&K has impressed upon the Sikhs living in Kashmir to play their historical role in.......more BJP
deputation Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Mar 11: A deputation of the BJP leader lea by Mr Kuldeep Raj (B A) called on District Development Commissioner Rajouri to discuss...more Constitution
of DPC hailed Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 11: Expressing happiness over the constitution of Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) after ....more Cement Manufacturers’ Association hails reduction in import duty Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 11: The Cement Manufacturers’ Association has said that reduction in import duty would help to establish ......more |
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Educationists, politicians unanimous in opposing open choice system Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 11: All the speakers were unanimous in a meeting here today to oppose the demand of open choice system saying that it will hit the reputation of Jammu University badly besides affecting the career of students. The meeting which was held at Government Womens’ College Gandhi Nagar this afternoon was convened by the Principals of degree colleges of Jammu and it was attended by well known educationists, politicians and student leaders to find the ways and means of completing the syllabus of the college students whose studies were hit by past two months agitation. In his introductory address Dr S Sapru, Principal G G M Science College Jammu said that the principals and members of the teaching faculties of Jammu Colleges are ready to create an conducive atmosphere in the Jammu Colleges which of late has suffered a setback due to two month long student strike. He said the teaching community is ready to compensate more time in covering the syllabus. He while welcoming the guests apprised them of background leading to present situation. Addressing the meeting Prof Zahoor-ud-Din, Registrar Jammu University clearly pointed out the consequences that may arise in case the Syllabus was curtailed and the guidelines laid down by the UGC are not adhered in toto. He said curtailing the syllabus will be a problem and there is every possibility that degrees given by Jammu University will be derecognised by UGC. He maintained that minimum 75 percent attendence in competition of course as per UGC norms is required before the examinations are to be conducted. He while opposing the open choice system however said that the examination time can be postponed to cover the syllabus. If exams are held in May still University can declare the results in July and the students can apply for any course and there will be no loss of time, he added. However, the student representatives Messrs Vivek Sharma, Adrash Kumar and Ranjit Sharma opposed any move to "over dozing" the students with the lessons saying that overeating causes indigestion hence it will prove counter productive for the student community. Squarely blaming the Government and Vice Chancellor of the Jammu University for the last two months agitation they alleged that students were told by a Cabinet Minister in a meeting that you take Rupees five lakh and withdraw the agitation. Besides, you will be given the open choice in examinations. This way it was the Government which is totally responsible for misleading the students, they added. The ABVP leaders also maintained that their organisation has never supported the open choice in past and they are of the firm opinion that such a system will lower the educational standard. But it was the Government which did nothing to resolve the crisis created due to the admission of PRIME Medical College students. They also maintained that had the VC of Jammu University felt concern and taken the issue with Government the crisis could have been averted long before. Supporting the cause of students Mr Mangat Ram Sharma, Ex MP and senior Congress leader said had the Government not made the admissions, the strike would have not taken place. He while justifying the students said the problem has been created by Government which could have cancelled the admissions long before. However, Th. Randhir Singh State president NCP said the issue can be better sorted out by students, University, teachers and Educationists and the politicians have no role in it. Some speakers were of the opinion that the main thrust should be that how the future of students is saved and how they can compete in examinations. They can get degrees by granting open choice or curtailing syllabus but face problems in future studies. Some speakers made a fervent appeal to student community not to do injustice to themselves as they have suffered a lot of loss during the past two months. They assured them all help and maintained that teaching community feels hurt when the students do not compete in national level competitions. Prof. J L Kotwal former Principal and well known Educationists was of the opinion that the building becomes only strong when its foundation is firm.He said that University being an autonomous institute should be clear in its decision. He also appealed the college teachers to prepare children for facing the competitions and not allow them to seek degrees through concessions. Congress leader Gulchain Singh Charak maintained that what ever decision taken in the meeting here is not mandatory to be accepted by the students. He said the open choice system will bring bad reputation to Jammu University and it will also affect the students career as they can not face the competitive examinations. Janata Dal Secular leader, Mr Dhan Raj Bargotra also blamed the Government for the problem saying that it did not show any maturity in tackling the issue. Prof Virender Gupta said the system has eroded since past some years and teachers and students have to work together to put it back on track. He said the students have to change their mind set on open choice. They should now concentrate on books from today. Principal MAM College, Prof. M M Sahni said 30 to 40 days are required to cover the syllabus. Prof B L Koul, Principal Commerce College in his speech also opposed open choice saying that it has hit the reputation of Jammu University and we have become habitual of it despite the fact that students themselves know that they have no benefit of the same. The entire syllabus should be covered and students should not stress on open choice, he suggested. Among the other prominent speakers were Prof M R Puri former VC C Jammu University, S Surinder Singh president DGPC, Prof Kailash Rajput, Prof Abdul Aziz, Prof M L Dogra, Prof Asha Sharma, Prof Vijay Sharma, Prof Gopal Ram Sharma, Dr Renu Goswami, Prof Hemla Aggarwal and Prof Manisha Jatindera. |
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Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar 11: The Jammu and Kashmir Government’s Transport Department in its Citizens’ Charter, has undertaken to issue driving licences and their renewal within two days of completion of formalities. The Citizen’ Charter formulated under the instructions of Government as part of strategy for greater transparency into the functioning of all organizations, spells out eligibility criterion, procedure for applying for such licenses including prescribed forms, documents required, fees etc. The department provides services to the people in shape of issuance of licences, and their renewal. For driving, two types of licences are issued-Learners’ driving licence and driving licence. For Learners’ driving licence, the applicant should be 16 years in case licence is needed for driving motor cycle without gear not exceeding 50 CC, 18 years for motor cycle with gear and light motor vehicle and 20 years for transport vehicle. In all cases, the applicant has to appear in person. Forms prescribed are Form No. 1, Form No. 2, Form No. 3 and Form No. 14 (Form No. 14 only for those who studied through driving school). Documents required include proof of address. It could be anyone of the following documents. It could be a Ration Card, Electoral Roll, LIC Policy, Passport, or Telephone bill, Pay slip issued by Government office or a local body. House tax Receipt School Certificate or Birth Certificate, Affidavit. Four passport size copies of Photo should be enclosed. The fees prescribed for it is Rs.15 only. The applicant should apply to Licensing Authority having jurisdiction in the area that shall also be the sanctioning authority while Transport Commissioner is the Appellate Authority. Time frame fixed for the licence is two days. Eligibility for Driving Licence is 16 years for motor cycle without gear not exceeding 50 CC and 18 years for motor cycle with gear and light motor vehicle. The applicant is required to appear in person. Forms prescribed for it are Form 4 and Form 5 (Form 5 only for those who trained through driving school). Documents required include Learner’s Licence, Vehicle with records, Consent letter from vehicle owner to conduct driving test in his vehicle, if the applicant does not own the vehicle and four passport sized copies of the photo, one laminated and 3 book type. Fees fixed for it is Rs. 200. The applicant can apply to Licensing Authority having jurisdiction in the area who is also the sanctioning authority while the Transport Commissioner will be the Appellate Authority. Time frame fixed for issuance of the licence is within 2 days of trial test. For endorsement in licence to other vehicle, the eligibility fixed is 18 years for motor cycle with gear and light motor vehicle and 20 years for transport vehicle with one-year experience in LMV and Badge. The applicant has to appear in person. Forms prescribed for it are Form 8 or Form 5 (Form 5 only for those who studied through driving school) Documents required include Driving Licence, Learner’s Licence and Vehicle with records. Consent letter from vehicle owner to conduct driving test in his vehicle, if the applicant does not own the vehicle. Fee prescribed for it is Rs. 15/- as endorsement charges plus Rs. 20/- trial fee for licence in Form-6 and Rs. 215/-. The applicant can apply to Licencing Authority having jurisdiction in the area who is also the Sanctioning Authority while Appellate Authority is Transport Commissioner. For Licence for transport vehicle, eligibility for it is 20 year. The applicant is required to appear in person. Forms prescribed include Form LTVA, Form 1 & 1a, and Form 5. The documents required are Driving Licence, Medical Certificate and First Aid Certificate. This is not being issued for the present. Only PSV endorsement is allowed under rules on Driving Licence. For Endorsement to hazardous vehicle licence, the eligibility is that the applicant should have a Driving Licence and Training certificate from recognised motor driving school institutions. The applicant is required to appear in person. No Forms is prescribed for it Requisition letter on plain paper is sufficient. Driving Licence and Certificate of a recognized Motor Driving Institution are the documents required to be enclosed. The fee prescribed is Rs. 15 only. The applicant can apply to Licencing Authority having jurisdiction in the area that is also the sanctioning authority. The Transport Commissioner is the Appellate Authority for it. The time frame for it is two days. In case of International driving licence, the applicant should be holder of Driving Licence and is required to appear in person. Form prescribed is form IDPL. The documents required are driving licence, passport, visa and 3 is also the Sanctioning Authority with Transport Commissioner as Appellate Authority. This will be issued within in two days. For renewal of driving licence, the holder of Driving Licence has to give re-test. Forms prescribed are Form 9 and Form 1 & 1a (1a if the applicant is above 40 years) Documents required are Driving licence, age proof and passport size photos 3 copies for book type and 2 for laminated licence. Fee prescribed for it is Rs. 15 plus additional fee @ Rs. 10/- for per year or part thereof for subsequent period while Rs 200/- for laminated type computer cards. Compounding fees for belated renewal is Rs 10/- per year . For re-test and renewal, the above endorsement fees for each class of vehicle would be applicable. The applicant can apply to Licensing Authority who is also the Sanctioning Authority with Transport Commissioner as Appellate Authority. It can be given the same day. For Duplicate Driving Licensing holder of Driving License should appear in person for laminated license. Forms prescribed is Form LLD while documents required are driving License. Police Certificate, Passport size photo for book licence . The fees prescribed for it is Rs. 200/- for laminated type & Rs. 50/- for other types of licences. One should apply to Licencing Authority having jurisdiction in the area that is also Sanctioning Authority while Appellate Authority is the Transport Commissioner. For Change of address in driving licence, the applicant having a driving licence should apply in a requisition letter and enclose with it his/her driving licence and document for proof of address. |
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Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar 11: Sixty-one per cent of the electorate exercised their franchise in Panchayat election held in Kupwara block today. However, low to moderate polling was recorded in Sumbal and Bandipur blocks. In Sumbal block 36 per cent votes were polled while 16 per cent electorate exercised franchise in Bandipur block. |
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Democracy
strengthen through Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar 11: Mass participation of people in the Panchayat election has strengthen the bonds of democracy in the State. This was stated by the Minister for Power, Mr. Surjit Singh Slathia while addressing a public gathering at Smailpur here today. He congratulated the people for showing keen interest in the current Panchayat elections and fulfilling the dream of Baba-e-Quam, Jenab Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah to bring the democratic set up to the door steps of the people. Mr. Slathia said that Government is fully alive to the problems of the people which includes drinking water, electricity and other basic needs of the rural areas. He said to cope up the urgent need of drinking water, the Government is likely to take up two water supply schemes at Smailpur and Barikhud to improve the water supply in the area. He said that stress is also laid to repair and renovate the existing ponds to store the rainy water. He asked the youth not to lend ears on the rumors and cautioned them against the anti-social elements who are bent upon disturbing the glory of communal harmony, brotherhood and social structure of the State. Referring to the power crisis he said has added another difficulty for the Government as the water level in rivers, dams has gone low with the result generation in the power projects has considerable gone down. He said to minimize the power crisis in Vijaypur constituency, Government has proposed to set a grid station in the area but due to some dispute the matter has gone sub-judicious. He asked the PDD authorities to pursue the matter speedily. He said the Government has issued orders for special girdowri to access the losses of Rabi crops caused due to dry spell. The Minister disclosed that the Jammu and Kashmir State is a major employer in the country. He said that the employment cannot be created for all and asked the unemployed youth to avail the maximum opportunity of self-employment schemes. Mr. Slathia said that about Rs. 75 lakhs have already been spent by the Power Development on electric maintenance and rural electrification in Vijaypur and Samba division besides Rs. 10.56 lakh has been spent on rural development works out of MLA constituency fund. He asked the development committee to identify the remaining works which could be executed in phased manner before the durbar move. The Minister also distributed six sewing machines alongwith allied kit to the deserving women of the area. These machines were arranged by the Social Welfare Department. On the occasion Vikram Singh ,Arjun Singh of Badhori and Bawa Tarsame Lal of Samailpur joined the National Conference . On way back , SAHYOG Committee Industrial area Bari Brahamna handed over a cheque of Rs. 51 thousand to the Minister for Prime Minister’s Gujarat relief fund. Among those who present on the occasion were the Chief Engineer, EM & RE, Mr. H. S. Raina, District Social Welfare Officer, Mr. Sukhdev Singh, senior police and other local officers of various departments. |
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Globalization key to the problem of unemployment: Harbans Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar. 11: The Minister for Labour and Sports, S. Harbans Singh accompanied by Ex-Minister, Mr R. S. Chib and MLA, Mr. Ram Chand Bhagat today visited Simbal Camp and Govindpura village where he was felicitated on his induction as Cabinet Minister. Various NGOs, local Sarpanchs and Panchs present on the occasion also hailed the induction of Mr. Singh and greeted him. The function marked by a procession which started from Tali Morh, Miran Sahib and culminated at Simbal Camp. Mr Singh and others marched on foot the whole distance and took stock of the developmental activities carried on in the region. A grand reception was hosted at Government High School, Simbal Camp by the localities where the villages laid down their demands before the Minister. These ranged from the common issues of construction of drains, streets and roads to the burgeoning problem of unemployment. Besides, the other grievances like, power shortage and lack of irrigation facilities, upgradation of high school to 10+2 level and ambulance for Primary Health Centre were also on the agenda. Pacifying the villagers, Mr. Singh assured them that all their genuine demands would be considered well in time. Elaborating on the achievements made by his government to develop the area, he said that a total of Rs. 8 lakh were spent by way of various funds and schemes on developmental activities. On the issue of unemployment, Mr. Singh said that it is a major area of concern and asked people to avail the benefit of various self-employment schemes. Lauding the role of present Government in providing the employment to weak and downtrodden, Mr. Singh said that about 38-40 unemployed Sikh youth were inducted into the belt forces from the region as a part of special employment drive launched by the Government. He further asked the youth to get themselves registered with the Employment Exchanges so that a comprehensive employment policy could be framed. The Minister said that in today’s age of globalization and liberalization is the only answer to the burgeoning problem of unemployment and asked youth to cash on the opportunities available with the private concerns and Multi-national companies. He further added that bright vistas were in waiting for professionally equipped outside the country especially in the Middle-East and European nations and for the same the Government has opened up a recruitment cell at Delhi. Mr. Singh conceded to the demands of localities for the construction of community hall at Simbal Morh and promised to sanction Rs. 3 lakhs for the same. He also promised to provide 30 hockey sticks along with complete kit for the youth of Government High School, Simbal Camp. Earlier, Mr. Singh visited village Govindpura where a function was held to induct Dr. Romesh Bhagat as Ex-BSP worker into National Conference. |
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SAD-B holds convention Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 11: Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal), J&K has impressed upon the Sikhs living in Kashmir to play their historical role in strengthening the traditional communal harmony in the State in the interest of the Sikh community and the country. In a resolution adopted at a convention of SAD-Badal held at Gurudwara Kaligidhar here today, it was pointed out that the State Government has miserably failed to protect the life and property of the minority community in the State. " The Sikhs living in Kashmir valley have been subjected to the selected killings by elements who want to create panic amongst the Sikh community members so that they leave their hearth and home and migrate from Kashmir", the resolution said , adding that Sikhs have been living in Kashmir for centuries and have made sacrifices for the territorial integrity and maintaining communal harmony in the State. The convention stressed the need to play the same historical role in strengthening the tradition of communal harmony. The convention regretted that State Government has not taken any concrete measures for the recruitment of Sikh youth in the Government services. It was also pointed out that Government has so far not given due place to the Punjabi language, inspite of giving commitments. "This has resulted in frustration amongst the students of their community", it was pointed out. By another resolution, it was pointed that for the effective management of the Gurdwaras in the State, there was an urgent need for making amendments in the present Gurudwara Act, which it said was in all respects "incomplete and ineffective and has also resulted misunderstanding in the Sikh masses and management." The Convention also raised the problems being faced by the refugees of 1947 and said that they have remained ignored till this moment, while’s migrated population of Chhamb areas had been suitably compensated and rehabilitated. Those who participated in the seminar included Gurbax Singh Kala, Babu Sant Singh, Daleep Singh, Surinder Singh, Malak Singh, Pritam Singh, Mohinder Singh, Aman Singh Wazir, Basant Singh and Swaran Singh Chima. The speakers laid stress that the State Government must come with concrete steps to ensure the security to the life and property of the community members in the State. |
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BJP deputation calls on DDC Rajouri Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Mar 11: A deputation of the BJP leader lea by Mr Kuldeep Raj (B A) called on District Development Commissioner Rajouri to discuss problems being faced by the employees. According to a press release, the deputation apprised the DDC that due to dry spell there was acute shortage of drinking water not only in the villages but in the town also. They said that in the villages the water be supplied through water tankers and in the town efforts should be made for the proper and balanced supply of water to all the wards in the town. The deputation also drew attention of the officials towards encroachment of land by some NC leaders. BJP leaders also expressed concern over large scale killings in Kot Chadwal and Ghambir Mughlan. The others accompanied the deputation were Mr Sham Sood, Bharat Bhushan, Meg Raj Bali, Pushpinder Kumar, Vikas Gupta, Vivek Mahajan and Rajesh Kumar. |
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Constitution of DPC hailed Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 11: Expressing happiness over the constitution of Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) after 30 years, All J&K Estates Employees Association, Jammu Province today said that its future course of action will be for reorganisation of the Department and two and half day salary for the executive staff. Addressing a press conference, Mr Jasbinder Singh Lovely, general secretary of the Association said that it was only the struggle of Estate employees that DPC has been constituted after the lapse of 30 years. "Since 1973 when Estate Department was reorganised the employees were stagnated and have been deprived of their service benefits inspite of their long tenure of service in the Department", Mr Lovely said, adding now "we have achieved 70 percent of our long pending demands as 46 helpers were promoted to next higher post and were provided due grade, 30 daily wagers have been regularised under SRO 64 besides basic demands of the employees have been conceded by providing them tools and equipments. The general secretary of the Association informed that their future course of action will be for reorganisation of the Department which has not been affected since 1973 and two and half days salary besides filling up of the vacant posts after holding DPC, original designation to the particular employees and removal of pay disparity, fixation of 50 percent quota to the employees of the Department for next higher post and regularisation of all daily wagers. Opposing the Cabinet decision regarding termination of daily wagers, Mr Lovely said that Estate Department is solely dependent on the daily wagers as the strength of the staff is still same as was in 1973 and it was all due to the help of daily wagers that Department has been working effectively inspite of having been expanded. He appealed the Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah to personally intervene in the matter and solve the remaining long pending demands of the Estate employees and take back decision of termination of daily wagers. He expressed gratitude to Director Estate Department, Mr M L Kirmani, Chief Secretary Ashok Jaitley and Commissioner/Secretary to Government, GAD/Estates for their kind intervention in changing recruitment rules and conceding demands of the employees. He hoped that all other demands would be conceded at an earliest. Others who were present on the occasion included Messrs Prem Singh, president, Shashipal Singh, senior vice-president, Ashok Kumar, senior secretary and Rajesh K Gupta, chairman of the Association. |
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Cement Manufacturers’ Association hails reduction in import duty Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 11: The Cement Manufacturers’ Association has said that reduction in import duty would help to establish the fact that the Indian Cement Industry was cost competitive and that even the current prices prevailing in the market and inadequate to provide a fair return on capital. The Association in a press release said that the Union budget announced a reduction in basic import duty for cement and clinkers from 35 percent to 25 percent and abolition of 10 percent surcharge on the same. The domestic cement industry has built up a sector that is globally competitive in technology, quality and cost of production. The ex-factory cement prices in India are among the lowest in the world. The release reads as "this has been achieved even though transaction costs impose an additional burder in India due to poor infrastructure e.g. manufacturers have to invest in captive power for assured supply of this critical input; turn around time for both road and rail transport remains much higher than international levels; the level of taxation represents 1/3rd of the ex-factory prices; and the real rate of interest is much higher". The release further stated that it was therefore commercially enviable for any Asian supplier to compete on price in the Indian market unless they resort to dumping. Any such action would be inevitably attract anti-dumping measures as prescribed by the WTO. "It is essential in the interest of the level playing field that Countervailing Duties on import of cement should not be restricted to excise duties but must also cover state level taxes, which together impose a much larger tax burden than Central Duties", the release read as. |
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Seminar on future of
Sikhs in Kashmir Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 11: Various Sikh religious and political leaders, intellectuals, social activists, members of State Gurudwara Parbandhak Board, District Parbandhak Committees, Sevadars and youth, taking serious view of the increasing attacks on members of the community in Kashmir expressed that fear Psychosis continued to haunt Sikhs residing in Valley after unfortunate incidents of Chhatisinghpora and Mehjoor Nagar in Kashmir. Speaking in the seminar on "Future of Sikhs in Kashmir" organised by some Sikh Youths at Hotel Asia here today, the members of the community presented their view point and some of them also narrated some recent incidents which are forcing them to think on the migration lines. Most of them specially from Valley were of the view that migration is being forced on them by anti-Sikh elements and some Islamic fundamentalists on the behest of Pak aided militants to achieve their game plan. The speakers expressed that Chhatisinghpora episode of March 2000 has hurt the Sikh psyche in big way and has raised the doubts regarding safety and security of Sikhs in Valley. Sikhs are facing dejected and frustrated as the Government has not taken positive action on the promises made by them to the Sikhs at various points of time resulting in recent killings near Banihal and Mehjoor Nagar. Minister for Employment and Labour Mr Harbans Singh who is only representative of the community in Farooq Government asked the members of the community to take any good decision studying all the aspects. He said that being member of the community he extends full support and assistance and will welcome the unanimous decision taken by top leaders of the community, intelligentsia and religious people. He expressed that being in Government he would not be able to speak his heart but his cooperation will be with the community. Mr Sudershan Singh Wazir, president State Gurudwara Parbandhak Board while speaking on the occasion congratulated Sikh youth for organising such a seminar for making consensus on this issue and gather general opinion and view point. He suggested that the seminar should have been organised on broader basis involving more leaders and Sikh community representatives. He suggested not to take any decision in haste and said that need of the hour was to rise above the groupism and Party level and do something better and most desired at this juncture for the welfare of the community. Recalling the incident of Mehjoor Nagar where six Sikhs were killed and also that of Chattisinghpora, the Sikh leader said members of the community are in dilemma and some of the families have already migrated. There is need to open an office or form a committee for the welfare of such families. He assured his full cooperation from SGPC and DGPCs. MrTeja Singh, retired IAS officer while narrating some past incidents maintained that there was no need to be panicky. The process of peace initiative is going on and the community members should watch the situation and the coming developments very carefully. It was very difficult and painful decision and all the pros and cons be studied well before taking any such decision, he suggested. Some Sikh representatives from Anantnag, Baramulla and Srinagar (names avoided) narrated some recent incidents and their experience after Mehjoor Nagar incident and Chattisinghpora massacre and maintained that they have observed a change in the attitude and in the eyes of some people in their neighbourhood. A change in their mind and increasing greed and their eyes on the properties of the minority community members are also unfortunate development. Such hard facts and the sense of insecurity prevailing in the minds of members of the community , are forcing them for migration. Increasing non-cooperation from the workers of the other community in the fields/ orchards and business are also some the real facts which can not be overlooked. Prof Kulwant Kour in her address said that increasing Islamic fundamentalism threat has caused sufferings to the Sikh community and others in the world. In Afghanistan and Russia took, they have hurt the sentiments of the members of other community and the need is to face the challenge. In Kashmir the Kashmiri Pandits and now Sikhs are being targetted but the minorities continued to suffer due to lack of will on the part of Government and also due to its weak and wrong policies. She said that even Jammu is not safe today and it will come under the grip of Islamic fundamentalism if effective measures were not taken to tackle the situation. She said that she hardly sees any difference in so called autonomy or the demand of pure Islamic state by terrorist groups. The need is to understand their strategies and hidden agendas. Dr Gurmeet Singh and Prof Darminder Singh in their brain storming lectures impressed the gathering and gave valuable suggestions. They stressed the need to constitute a Crisis Management Group and a core group of community members to tackle and deal with such problem. He said that Sikhs have past glorious history and great Sikh Gurus have taught to sacrifice and fight for justice and rights of the weak and dejected people. He also narrated past incidents and said that Pakistan tried to disintegrate Punjab and its eyes are now on Kashmir. It wants to take revenge of Bangladesh and efforts would be laid to understand its game plan. Major Sant Singh, Ms Depinder Kour (MLC), Mohan Singh Shan from Baramulla also presented their view point and sought a consensus on the issue. They said that no sufficient security measures have been taken despite assurance by the Government. Various other leaders also spoke on the occasion. |
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NC abusing its brute majority to strangulate democracy: Harash Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 11: Accusing State Government of strangulating democracy by abusing its brute majority, Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party MLA from Ramnagar, Mr Harash Dev Singh today said that National Conference Government has lost its moral authority to remain in power. Addressing a press conference, Mr Singh expressed concern over callous and non-serious behaviour of the State Government in Legislative Assembly. "See the apathy of the State Government that not even a single Government Bill has been present in the House in the on-going Assembly session", he regretted and said that it was indication of the non-serious attitude of the State Government. He said that 12 private bills were present in the House but State Government has miserably failed to introduce any new bill. Coming down heavily on State Government for maintaining a criminal silence over miseries of the masses, Mr Harash Dev Singh said that there was all-round bankruptcy in the State. " There is both moral and intellectual bankruptcy as not even a single NC leader is interest in hold logical discussions on any topic", Panthers Party leader said and lamented that National Conference had a man (late Mr P L Handoo) of high intellect but unfortunately they had lost that man. Expressing his grave concern over non-serious attitude of the ruling party members in the House, Mr Singh said that it was very unfortunate that his Bill regarding induction of word ‘Secular’ in the J&K Constitution was out-rightly rejected without any discussion. He also expressed his reservation over rejection of his bills regarding restriction of Legislative Assembly term to 5 years and abolition of Legislative Council. Mr Singh regretted that National Conference has been abusing its brute majority. He, however, appealed to the members to support his Bill regarding political reservation for Scheduled Tribe community in the State. Taking strong exception of the decision of the State Government to retrench daily wagers and 4th Class employees, Mr Singh warned that his party would launch an agitation if any attempt was made to retrench daily wagers. Panthers Party, MLA also expressed his concern over deteriorating law and order situation in the Udhampur town and accused the Police of concealing the fact regarding kidnapping of a girl. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 11: To highlight miseries of the masses the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party today staged a dharna in front of Raj Bhawan today. A large number of people including farmers, youth and workers of JKNPP activists participated in the dharna. JKNPP chief, Prof Bhim Singh while addressing the dharna demanded intervention of the Governor in the prevailing situation and demanded constitution of a all party government to mitigate miseries of the masses. He demanded immediate attention of the Government towards the woes of the Pallanwalla migrants. Earlier, Prof Bhim accompanied by Mr Naveen Bakshi, senior vice-president, general secretary Bharat Bhushan Kotwal, Faqir Chand and Bansi Lal Sharma, Anita Thakur and other visited Beli Charana camp this morning to enquire into the situation and circumstances responsible for firing and assault on the migrants on the night of Idd day. Prof Bhim Singh demanded a judicial probe into the cause of the migration of Belicharana migrants from Rajouri and Poonch district. He also alleged that some officials and ruling party leaders were behind the move to grab Government land at Sidhara where some persons lost their lives in firing. |
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BSP organises meet of
newly elected Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 11: Jammu and Kashmir Bahujan Samaj Party organised one day meeting of newly elected Sarpanches and Panches of Jammu district. As per a release more than 300 Sarpanches and Panches belonging to Bahujan Samaj Party participated in the meeting. They were introduced with their fellow members elected from different blocks and Panchayats and felicitated by the BSP leaders. It was insisted that all the members should work with dedication and devotion for upliftment of down trodden people of the society and for the development of poor and rural masses. It was also impressed upon them that they should work for spreading the ideology of Bahujan Samaj and the programme of social transformation and economic emancipation launched by MP and National president of BSP Mr Kanshi Ram for furthering the Ambedkarite movement and they should work for strengthening the bond of brotherhood amongst the Bahujan Samaj. State president of BSP Sheikh Abdul Rehman, MLA, presided over the meeting. Other main speakers included Messrs G L Bhagat, H R Chargotra, S Makhan Singh, Sant Ram Bhagat, B D Bhagat, Jagdish Chander Bhagat and youth wing leaders Sham Lal Mahasha, Balkrishan Verma, Deyal Singh, Surjeet Singh Mehta, Mrs Thorro Devi, Dr Manohar Lal and Gurdiyal Singh. Mr Som Nath, MLA was the guest of honour and Mr Roop Lal Advocate conducted the proceedings of the meeting. |
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Central Govt pensioners highlight demands Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 11: Jammu and Kashmir Central Government Pensioners Welfare Association held a meeting to consider issues like lack of medical facilities and absence of Central Government Health Scheme, confronting the Central pensioners of the State. As per a release the president briefed the members about the meeting of the delegation of the Association with the Commissioner/Principal Secretary (Health) J&K Government. It was decided to send a detailed proposal to the Government to take up the matter of initiating setting up of CGHS in the State on the pattern existing in other States for Central employees. The scheme if started in the State will not only mitigate the sufferings of the pensioners most of whom are senior citizens and even in the age group of 80 to 90 years, but also open avenues of substantial revenue and scope for further improvement of Government Hospitals of the State. It was further decided to seek active help of the local MPs to help take up the matter with the Centre. The meeting also placed on record its disappointment at the budget provision of reducing the bank interest on long term deposits and lowering the limit of ‘at source deduction’ of income tax on the bank deposits. These proposals have hit hard the pensioners subsisting on pensions and interests on terminal benefits of retirement. It was noted with regret that the pensioners and senior citizens have not been given any worthwhile attention in their medical needs. On the other hand the lowering of interest rates on General Provident Fund and long term bank deposits by salaried class will discourage small savings trend. It was decided to submit a representation to the Finance Minister to give a second thought in these proposals. Mr M N Sehgal, president, announced that Rs 5100 donated by the central pensioners towards Gujarat earthquake sufferers has been sent to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund. He thanked all the donors for their ready response. |
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