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| BJP, Cong oppose budget Bhawan turns tables on Centre, asks NC Govt to quit in protest Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 15: Taking serious exception of Centre’s what he said indifferent attitude towards the Jammu and Kashmir State, the National.....more Kawa
Institute Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 15: Jammu Kawa Institute a unit of Kawa Educational and Welfare Society an affiliate of MCRP and Sikkim Manipal University....more PS
Officers Asso Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 15: Public Sector Officers Association in a meeting held here today under the chairmanship of its...more Opening
of Vaishnodevi Varsity Excelsior Correspondent KATRA, Mar 15: In connection with establishment of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University on 6000 kanal of land of two villages Sirkotla and Kakryal........more Channi Himmat residents deputation meets DIG Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 15: A delegation of Channi Himmat Housing Colony Welfare Association led by Parveen Kumar Gupta its president....more |
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Police
presents challan Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 15: Police has presented a challan against Mohammad Sajjad, the then Junior Assistant in the Employment Exchange Poonch, who was caught red-handed by Poonch Police while accepting rupees 40,000 from the ......more Notice to
BSNL Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 15: President, State Consumer Protection Commission has issued notice to the Chairman Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, (BSNL) New Delhi.....more Muslim
Federation calls Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 15: Muslim Federation Jammu in a meeting under the chairmanship of Mr Talat Niaz Qazi, district president, condemned .....more Question
hour in Legislative Assembly Excelsior Correspondent Jammu Mar 15: Acting Chief Minister, Mr. Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Shah today said, the Government will consider the enhancement in the emoluments of the SPOs......more |
BJP, Cong oppose budget Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 15: Taking serious exception of Centre’s what he said indifferent attitude towards the Jammu and Kashmir State, the National Conference Legislator, G M Bhawan today urged his Government to resign in protest. The MLA who was participating in discussion on general budget for year 2001-2002 in the State Assembly today he said the Centre is not helping us though we have been fighting a proxy war in the State. "We should quit the Government ( hakomat per hami lat marni chahay). The Delhi people will themselves come to know," he added. Bhawan said crores of rupees are being spent on Siachen Glacier but when turn of our State comes which is also fighting a war they (Centre) does not show willingness to help. Ridiculing the Central Government’s role Bhawan said on the one hand 11th Finance Commission enhances your aid and on the other your share in taxes is decreased by Government of India and urged his good to see what is the reason for the same. He however hailed the Finance Minister, Mr Abdul Rahim Rather for presenting a people friendly budget. The rationalisation of taxes and reduction in deficit is a good sign, he added. Participating in the discussion his party colleague Safdar Ali Beg criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members for raking up the name of Union Minister of State, Mr Omar Abdullah at every moment. He reminded them that Omar Abdullah is not a member of BJP but the NDA as he (Omar) has always been saying that NC is giving issue based support to NDA at Centre. He said if BJP members consider Omar Abdullah is a member of their party then they have a wrong notion. He while taking the Centre to task for not granting the adequate funds to the J&K said, they are bound to fulfill their commitments with us as J&K is not an amalgamated state of Indian Union but an acceded state. But the ruling Party member from Surankote Mushtaq Ahmed Bhukhari was not all praise for the budget saying that people,living in far-flung and border districts of Poonch and Rajouri like past have been neglected in this budget also. Bhukhari said these two border districts do not get the shares properly and alleged what ever meager funds are diverted to the twin districts go down the drain. He demanded posting of honest executive engineers and Chief Project Officers in twin border districts so that the public money is utilised properly. The MLA alleged that situation has so worsened that when we go for the execution of works, commission (bribe) is being demanded from us. This way the peoples expectations attached to us are not being fulfilled. He while criticising the Government for not taking up new projects in hand and abandoning the work on Parnai Hydel Project said please now do that which is in your competence as the border districts have been totally ignored fro last 52 years. He also demanded rent for the people whose houses and land has been occupied by security forces. Bukhari also made a dig at Government for its indifferent attitude towards Poonch and Rajouri migrants saying the Kashmiri migrants whose even four members were not killed by militants have been given all facilities but the Rajouri and Poonch people have been ignored where hundreds of people were killed by militants. Countering the ruling party legislators the BJP MLA, Ch Piara Singh termed the charges levelled by them totally baseless on finalisation of annual plan by Centre. He said the annual plan for J&K has been sanctioned on January 4 while the plan for HP which is ruled by BJP has been finalised on January 8. He asked the NC members not be so ungreatful to the present Government at Centre as Atal Behari Vajpayee is the first Prime Minister who exempted the goods purchased by Haj pilgrims from Excise duty which no Indian PM has done so far. He while opposing the budget termed it defective and asked the Finance Minister to take measures so that state will become self reliant. He regretted that J&K State has not made a remarkable progress in last 52 years as we have not established the poultry farms in Doda and other far flung areas. It is a pity that for an egg we are still dependent on Centre , he added. He said State Government is itself responsible for the financial mess and it is unnecessarily blaming the Centre. He said crores of rupees have been given as loan to some industrialists and the loanees are the guarantors themselves. They all fled from the State after taking the subsidy but no action has been taken by the Government against the deflators. He said the condition of schools is worst and no upgradation has been made for last 12 years. Even the performance of Government in the power sector and other fields is worst. He also demanded abandoning of Roshni scheme. However, his party colleague Ch. Chooni Lal described it a balanced budget to a great extent. But he regretted that some important issues have not been touched in the budget. He alleged that there is no special provision for farmers who are the backbone of our economy. He said we have water resources but those are not being utilised properly. The people on tail end of Ravi, Ranbir and Tawi canals do not get water for irrigation. Has the power theft and leakages been plugged, the PDD would have never said we do not have money to purchase poles. Criticising the Government’s pro rich policies, he said the loans upto Rs 50,000 have been remitted to rich people while the deserving and poor farmers have been ignored. BJP’s Prem Lal also targeted the Government for not making any provision for the border people who could not cultivate their crops for last seven years now due to shelling from across. He demanded a special package for these people to be announced. He said there is no provision for the farmers in the budget. Criticising the budget, Ashok Sharma of Congress said it is against the expectations of the people. "We thought extra ordinary package will be given to people in the budget who are passing through a difficult situation but this was not done." He said since the NC Government is partner at Centre "you should press them to release your share instead of curtailing the expenditure. " He strongly urged the NC Government to demand a special package from Centre for the development of the State. He said the State is facing drought and the Government should prepare a disaster management programme for the same. Moreover, he regretted that the budget is silent on eradication of unemployment saying no provision has been kept for 1,50,000 unemployed youth in the budget. He demanded constitution of Shrine Boards for Sukrala Mata and Shiv Kohri shrines in Jammu region and settlement of the demands of the Himalayan Wool Combers workers. Hailing the Budget Ch. Mohammed Hussian of NC said it has become a showpiece now as Centre makes us to suffer for months together in releasing the plan allocations. He said the cease-fire has brought peace on border as shelling stopped from both sides but in the internal areas lot of ammunition has been dumped. There are reports that hundreds of militants have come since the cease-fire declaration by Centre. |
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Kawa Institute launches Website Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 15: Jammu Kawa Institute a unit of Kawa Educational and Welfare Society an affiliate of MCRP and Sikkim Manipal University launches its Website. As per a release, Er M S Katoch the Director of the Institute said the Website was hosted by Mr Arvind Chaturvedi, the Ex-Director general of MCRP-University and nephew of Makhan Lal Chaturvedi, the renowned poet and freedom fighter for whose great achievements the University was formed by the Government of Madhya Pradesh. Er M S Katoch said now the institute is accessible throughout the world the url of the Institute is http/www.kawainstitute.4t.com is available on web site. He said now we are much more close to the public the student, parents and candidates and they can now get our details on the net too by browing our web site. He said the site is still under improvement and certain other facilities such as on line registration, on line admission, career counselling etc to be started immediately. Er Katoch further said that Institute is shortly launching a latest technology to improve the better quality in education by installing VSAT interactive channel by end of the current session because it is observed that so far computer education is concerned the technology keeps on changing every third day there is a drastic change but skilled person to handle are not available at all the places. He said assume that an experienced person is delivering lecture some where in the other part of the country in a studio from where his lecture will be telecast to all those institutes which are equipped with equipment to receive the lecture on their PC in the computer lab. he said when the students are doing their practicles the lecturers can also be stored either in hard disk of CD and can be availed later on to clarify the doubts. |
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PS Officers Asso condemns inhuman act of police Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 15: Public Sector Officers Association in a meeting held here today under the chairmanship of its president Mr H S Jasrotia strongly condemned the inhuman action both on the part of Government and police. As per a release, the meeting said that despite repeated assurances Government failed to release COLA, due from January 1999, 2000 and 2001 together with release of Second and Third Instalment of 5th Pay Commission arrears. Mr Jasrotia said that the brutal lathicharge on the public sector employees exhibited the high handedness of the Police which has been putting salt on the injuries of the employees who are also the victim of State Government’s neglecting attitude. The Association said that during the meeting with employees, Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah on January 6, 2000 had assured that surplus staff of PSU will be shifted to Government departments but nothing has been done so far in this regard. The Association further said that if Government could fillup 60000 vacancies illegally by backdoor appointment then why a handful of PSU employees are being given step motherly treatment. Mr V K Gupta, chairman of the Association alleged that bureaucrats and politicians have indulged into favoritism and other corrupt practices rather than encouraging the additions to existing PSU establishment. He suggested that Government instead of offering golden handshake scheme to PSU employees should implement the said scheme for the Government employees which will prove fruitful. Besides, Government should prove its bonafide and seek termination of all those employees appointed without the recommendations of SSRB and PSC to save 800 crore annualy to Government exchequer, 10 percent out of the same is sufficient to meet the salary and other requirement of PSU employees and officers. |
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Opening
of Vaishnodevi Varsity Excelsior Correspondent KATRA, Mar 15: In connection with establishment of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University on 6000 kanal of land of two villages Sirkotla and Kakryal of Udhampur tehsil a meeting of persons whose lands and houses are to be acquired was held here the other day. As per a relase, Trikuta Hills Development Forum sub-committee comprising Shyam Lal Kesar, Mulkh Raj Batkatia, Rakesh Wazir, Om Parkash, Sardari Lal Dubey and Bansi Lal Kohistani participated in the deliberations. Mr Dubey presided over the function and Mr Bansi Lal conducted the proceedings. The Forum congratulated the residents of Sirakotla and Kakryal who are cooperating with the authorities that a harmless suggestion involving no extra financial burden on Government or Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board in getting additional land acquired (at the cost of residents themselves) for setlement of those being uprooted has not so far been considered by the authorities. Everyone admitted that rate of compensation for lands and houses is quite mearge in contrast to the land acquired for railway in the vicinity. The meeting held the view that whole of congested Harijan Mohalla of Thangar in Kakryal could have been excluded very conveniently. A number of decisions were made to induce the authorities to take all the implications into consideration. One of the decision was to invite intellectuals in a seminar to be held in the twin villages Sirakotla and Kakryal so that communication gap between the people and the authorities was eliminated. |
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Channi Himmat residents deputation meets DIG Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 15: A delegation of Channi Himmat Housing Colony Welfare Association led by Parveen Kumar Gupta its president called on Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Dr S P Vaid here today. As per a release the delegation held a detailed discussion on the theft incident which took place in the House of Ram Paul in Sector No 3. The Association members wanted to know about the further investigations in the matter and progress in the case. The Association informed the DIG that the residents of the Channi Himmat are not satisfied with the security arrangements of the police as there is no adequate police patrolling in the locality. The Association blamed squarely police for its failure to perform the duties which it alleged has emboldened the miscreants and anti social elements to commit the serious act. The president informed the DIG that Sector No 3 and 4 of the Housing Colony require more attention of the police as there is no CRPF Camp near these sectors. He said the DIG has listened to the grievances of the Association and issued instructions accordingly. The DIG assured the Isooctane that police is after the burglars and it will catch hold of them very soon. The delegation also apprised the problems of the colony to the SSP Jammu the the Police Station of the area be strengthened by providing telephone facility. |
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| Police presents challan against
Junior Asst in bribery case Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 15: Police has presented a challan against Mohammad Sajjad, the then Junior Assistant in the Employment Exchange Poonch, who was caught red-handed by Poonch Police while accepting rupees 40,000 from the complainan Ajaz Ali, a candidate for the post of a teacher. Special Ani-Corruption Jammu, Vikas Kant Gupta, while entertaining the challan, directed Mohammad Sajid to furnish the Bal bond and personal bond to the tune of rupees 20,000 each, failing which he will be sent to judicial lock-up. The accused furnished bail bond and personal bond as per the direction of the Court. Upon this, the court directed Chief Prosecuting Officer of the Police department to produce witnesses on April 16, 2001. According to the challan, on October 14, 1997, the complainant had approached Superintendent of Police Poonch with a complaint that the accused Sajjad had demanded rupees 40,000 as illegal gratification for getting the former selected as the teacher in Education department. As complainant had no money to offer, the SP arranged the same from his SS Fund and handed over to the complainant. A raiding party was in the meantime constituted and in the trap, the accused was caught red-handed. After completion of the investigation, Police presented a challan in the Court of Special Judge Anti-corruption. |
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Notice to BSNL under Consumer Act Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 15: President, State Consumer Protection Commission has issued notice to the Chairman Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, (BSNL) New Delhi and General manager telecommunications, Jammu in rupees one crore compensation complaint for providing deficient service to Internet service account holders. President of the Commission, Justice M Y Kawoosa directed the respondents to file objections within 30 days and in the meantime rectify the defects in any. Romeshwar Singh Jamwal, Advocate in his complaint said that the Nigam was providing connection through a new server after receiving the fee at the revised rates. The new server, it was alleged was of poor quality and remains out of order for three days a week. It was mentioned that the matter was raised many a times with the department, but no action was taken to rectify the fault. |
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Muslim Federation calls for Jammu bandh today Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 15: Muslim Federation Jammu in a meeting under the chairmanship of Mr Talat Niaz Qazi, district president, condemned the burning of Holy Quran by the communal elements and unanimously resolved that a total bandh would be observed on March 16 against the action of those communal forces, who were bent upon to create an atmosphere of insecurity and instability among the minority communities. As per a release Mr Qazi said this inhuman and communal act of communal forces is a part of ongoing anti-minority mission in the country, in which demolition of Mosques, Churches and other historical monuments have been carried out by such forces to create a particular thought among the majority against minority communities in the country only to fulfil their nefarious designs. The speakers were of the view that the Government has failed to act swiftly against such forces, since the ruling share-holders are the promoters of such shameful and barbaric acts. They added that this attitude of the vested interests could create an atmosphere of uncertainty, insecurity and a negative thought among the minorities. The speakers alleged that authorities at the helm of affairs did not initiate any concrete action during the trouble and irreparable ugly incidents, which has hurt the sentiments of Muslim and other minority communities, who are God fearing human beings around the globe. A call for bandh was issued for March 16 in Muslim dominated localities throughout the Jammu province against such communal acts. The participants sought immediate steps to be taken to ban such organisations and a thorough proper probe be conducted into the matter to defuse the situation. Those who spoke on the occasion included Messrs Master Mohd Akram, Ch Bahar Din, Showkat Ali, Iqbal Salaria and others. |
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Question hour in
Legislative Assembly Excelsior Correspondent Jammu Mar 15: Acting Chief Minister, Mr. Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Shah today said, the Government will consider the enhancement in the emoluments of the SPOs. He said, since provisions for increasing the wages of daily wagers have been envisaged in the new budget, government will due consideration to this demand as well. Replying supplementaries to a question by Mr. Prem Lal, he informed the Legislative Assembly that 7499 SPOs were recruited in Doda district. Of these,1718 SP0s were surplus on existing sanctioned strength and were terminated while 462 SPOs transferred to the newly created police district Ramban. He said, the names of those being terminated are being collected and will be furnished to the members during the same session. Mr. Shah denied that SPOs who had eliminated hardcore militants in Doda district were terminated. Replying to supplementaries he said that recruitment of SPOs are made from amongst the candidate fulfilling the eligible criteria. About recruitment of police personnel, he said, the DGP also visits to far-flung areas to make on-the-spot recruitment of eligible youths, besides normal selection process. The reservation rules are being strictly adhered to during the recruitment, he said adding that if any member has a special complaints that can be looked into. Medical Rules for Legislators In reply to another question by G.M. Bhawan, Mr Shah said that draft rules for amending the medical allowance rules of the members of the State Legislature, 1986 have already been prepared and shall be issued as soon as the same were approved by the Chief Minister. Intervening, the Speaker Mr. Abdul Ahad Vakil asked the Acting Chief Minister to ensure that the medical allowance be released in favour of the members as rules permit. Power supply Replying to the supplementaries to a question raised by Ghulam Hussain Geelani, the Minister for Power, Mr. S.S. Salathia informed the House that a survey has been conducted to ascertained the need of additional electric pools in wake of ever increasing constructions in the colonies bordering Jammu city. He said, the project have already been referred to REC. The Minister further said that power has been restored in most of the areas which were effected due to the hurricane last year. He said that in R.S. Pura 17 transformers have been reinstalled to make irrigation tubewells operational. Repair of 32 KV line at Nikowal damaged due to cross border firing has also been completed, he said. The Minister admitted that the poles carrying transmission lines of 33 KV,11 KV and 440 volts erected about 40 year back in hilly areas need replacement. He said that a scheme for re-electrification of 448 de-electrified villages in hilly areas has been prepared for REC funding and shall be executed in phased manner, depending upon the availability of funds. He said that the scheme will also cover de-electrification of 80 villages of Budgam constituency. Illegal occupation of quarters To another question, the Minister admitted that four residential quarters at Chenani HEP colony have been illegally occupied by some employees working in other Government departments. He however, assured that all illegal occupants will be served notices for vacating the HEP accommodations. He said, a retired accountant of BDO office has already been served eviction notice. Health Service The Minister, Dr. Mustafa Kamal on behalf of Health Minister said in reply to a question by Mir Saifullah that the expansion and upgradation of CHCs. PHCs, NTPHCs and Ads were made during 1998-99 in proportion to the population of different areas as projected by the census of 1981. He however, said that in view of the expected report of 2001 census the matter would be re-examined. The Minister said that at present thrust is being paid to ensure supply of adequate medicines and availability of doctors and other para-medical staff in the existing health centres. In this regard adhoc appointments of doctors and Asstt. Surgeons are being made from time to time in far-flung areas of the State. He said the PHC has recently interviewed the medicos for recruitment as doctors. Replying to a supplementary, the Minister said that 225 posts of doctors for Health department have been referred to SSRB. The proposal of recruitment of drivers on temporary basis against consolidated pay of Rs 2500 is under consideration to ensure ambulances services in the far-flung areas, he added. Replying to yet another question by Mr Faqir Mohammad Khan, the Minister said that the demand of providing non-conventional heating arrangements in Government dispensaries in Gurez and Telial will be given due consideration in the next winter season. He said that conventional heating system like bukharies is already available in the health institutions of Darar , Gurez and other areas, however provision of kerosene and gas heaters could also be considered. Coal Mines In reply to question by Mr. Shiv Charan Gupta regarding the extraction of coal at Jungal gali coal mines, Industries Minister, Mr Kamal said that since the said coal mines contain poor quality of coal having high ash contents, the same is not economically viable for power generation or for other uses. PSUs In reply to another question raised by Ch. Piara Singh, Mr. Mustafa Kamal said, it has been decided in principle to offer golden handshake scheme on the pattern of 100 PSUs being closed by the Central Government, to the employees of HWCL and HNNO, as it is not possible to adjust all the employees rendered surplus in these two organisations. Ashmuqam School Minister for Education, Mr. Mohammad Shafi in reply to a question raised by Abdul Kabir Pathan assured the House that as soon as land for construction of Government Higher Secondary school at Ashmuqam is made available by the villagers, administration department will be approached to released the funds for its construction. Replying to supplementaries on the question raised by Ms Zubeda Salaria, the Minister said that criteria for selection of teachers has been changed according to the directions of the High Court decision in a writ petition, following which interviews will be conducted as per new criteria in future. The Minister also furnished the list indicating appointments made under Rehbr-e-Taleem scheme in each district of the State. Salaries through Banks The Minister for Finance, Mr. Abdul Rehman Rather has said that payment of salaries through banks is applicable to the employees serving at district headquarters and in the cities of Srinagar and Jammu. The drawing disbursing officers operating on district treasuries and treasuries of Jammu and Srinagar cities only are required to disburse the salaries to the employees through banks, he added. The Minister was replying to a question by Mr. Khalid Najeeb Suhraworthy, the Minister of State for Works, Mr. Qamar Ali Akhoon in reply to a question by Mr. Mohammad Abbas said that most of the Government primary and middle schools in villages of Zanskar are housed in Government buildings. He said these constructions of buildings for remaining schools would be taken up in phases during the next year. |
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Shah spells measures to
rehabilitate Poonch, Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar 15: The Government would take all possible measures to rehabilitate the migrants of Poonch and Rajouri in the interior areas of the twin districts itself as their settlement in Jammu city in not feasible. However, possibilities would be explored to provide facilities to the migrants in earning their livelihood in Jammu city. This was stated by the Acting Chief Minister, Mr.Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Shah while replying to the supplementaries to calling attention notice of Sheikh Abdul Rehman and Mr. Bali Bhagat regarding killing of four persons in Sidhra area of Jammu in a fire incident while encroaching forest land on February 25,2001. Earlier in a written reply, Mr. Shah said it seems that some vested interests and land grabbers are hand in glove with the property dealers and are attempting to take undue advantage of the situation arising out of the migration of people from border areas. The land grabbers, he said, are trying to exploit the sentiments of migrants for their self-interests. The land encroachment incident at Sidhra also seems to be the result of these attempts, he added. Giving details of the incident, Mr. Shah said the preliminary enquiry conducted by the Police and Revenue agencies reveals that some people from the districts of Rajouri and Poonch had been coming in small groups and camping at Belicharana. Led by some prominent residents of Rajouri and Poonch, these persons suddenly moved from Belicharana to village Rangura in about 10 to 15 hired trucks/buses. Some movement was noticed by the illaqa police officer, Incharge Police Post, Narwal who alongwith S.H.O. Police Station Bagh-e-Bahu, followed some of these vehicles and reached Rangura. Some of the villagers who had already reached the site entered a nallah on both sides of the road and started clearing the under-growth. By the time the police could ascertain what was happening, some of them set the grass and bushes on fire with the obvious intention of obtaining quick clearance and claim on the forest land. The police party comprising about 7/8 persons, tried to persuade them not to do this but the unruly mob did not pay any heed. The dry grass and under-growth quickly caught fire and spread rapidly on all sides in the form of a wild fire. Within minutes, there was fire on both sides of the National Highway alongside the nallah. Two persons namely Tahir Mahmood S/O Bashir Ahmed R/o Ari Mehder and the other unidentified got trapped up and burnt badly. By the time they could be rescued they had already breathed their last. Some other persons got injured in the fire. Subsequently to this mishap, the encroachers were warned by the authorities that more causalities could take place and they should immediately withdraw from the area. The gathering hurriedly left the site in the same transport in which they had come from Belicharana. Fire Brigade and ambulance were immediately called and pressed into service. The dead and the injured were shifted to the hospital. Out of injured, two persons, namely, Nazir Hussain S/o Alam Din R/o Budhal and Mohabat Ali S/o Abdul Khaliq R/o Mendher also succumbed to their injuries in GMC Jammu taking the toll to four. Local villagers alongwith the available policemen assisted the fire tenders and extinguished the fire in the area adjacent to the National Highway. Mr. Shah said the District Administration is in the process of identifying the identities of the encroachers so that effective steps are taken to vacate the encroachments. He said the Forest and Revenue Departments have been asked to intensify vigil in the area and thwart any further attempt of such organised encroachers. The situation is being properly monitored by regular police patrolling. A case has been registered in Police Station Nagrota and investigation is in progress, he added. |
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Bagh-e-Bahu to have computerised
musical Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar 15: A musical fountain will be installed at Bagh-e-Bahu shortly. First of its kind this artistic and entertainment fountain to be set up in the State will have computerised musical system in 16 languages. Estimated to cost Rs 1 crore, the musical fountain will have water effects like straight jet, mist column, main central column and sun burst jets, dancing fountain and inside drop dome as a major tourist attraction. For this purpose, a water body measuring 120’x30' will be constructed to meet the water requirements for various effects of the fountain. This was stated by the Minister of State for Tourism, Ms Sakina Itoo while inspecting pace of progress on various development and beautification works at Bagh-I-Bahu here last evening. Ms. Itoo said that the design for musical fountain has already been finalized and the work on its installation will commence shortly. It will be a Centrally sponsored project, she added. The Minister also inspected several development works taken in hand at Bagh-I-Bahu to upgrade facilities for tourists. These include installation of tube well at a cost of Rs. 20 lakh, construction of view points and shelter sheds at an expenditure of Rs. 10 lakhs and land scaping of Bagh-I-Bahu costing Rs. 5 lakhs. Work on recycling of water from all the water bodies to mini lake is also going on speedily. An amount of Rs. 4 lakhs has been sanctioned for this purpose. Similarly work is also under execution on lighting system in phase-III at a cost of Rs. 11 lakhs. Renovation of electrification system phase I and II is being completed with an expenditure of Rs. 13 lakhs while Rs. 8 lakhs have been spent on construction of path-walk ways. Likewise, Rs. 4 lakh are being incurred on fixing ship chain on both sides of the path ways and construction of paragolla on slope side walk ways, respectively. Other works under progress include grill fencing near mini lake, laying of water channal in phase-I and restoration of toilet blocks. The Minister directed the Parks and Gardens authorities to ensure speedy completion of the ongoing works as the rush of tourists and picnickers to Bagh-I-Bahu has increased tremendously with the on set of summer season. The Director, Floriculture and other senior officers of the Tourism Department accompanied the Minister during the inspection. |
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Zero Hour
in Legislative Council Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar 15: The Minister for Education, Mr Mohammad Shafi today informed the Legislative Council that the Government will encourage the writers of local regional languages by providing financial assistance for their publications. Responding to a point raised by Mr M Y Taing during the Zero Hour, the Minister said that the Libraries Department will be asked to give preference to the local authors of regional languages while purchasing books and magazines for the public libraries of the State. Raising the issue, Mr Taing said the Government was ignoring the local writers and due to lack of adequate resources, most of them were not able to publish their works. He said in the past, the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages used to provide financial assistance to the local writers for their publications. The Minister assured the member that the Government will look into the matter at the earliest. Mr Bushan Lal Bhat expressed concern over the sudden spurt in the militant violence in the Kashmir valley during the past couple of weeks. He urged the Government to beef up security in the Valley especially in the areas inhabited by the minority communities to instill a sense of confidence among them. Mr Abdul Aziz Wani demanded setting up of examination centres by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education in the far-flung areas of Marwah and warwan in district Doda. Mr A R Takroo urged the Government to develop Tata-Pani at Kalakote in district Rajouri as a tourist spot as lot of people visit the spring every year. He also urged the renovation of the park in the area also. Qari Abdul Aziz urged the Government to speed up work on the three power projects, presently under execution, in district Kargil to meet the power requirements of the people. Mr Virchand Mahasha demanded extension of Samba-Suntak road upto Dadi Morh. He said the road was presently under construction with NABARD assistance. Prof Y R Malhotra drew the attention of the Government towards violation of traffic rules by the drivers. He said the traffic department should educate the drivers to follow traffic rules, especially at Zebra Crossings. Mr Mohd Sadiq Malik demanded settlement of the cases of 1947 and 1965 migrants of Poonch and Rajouri whose land has been taken-over by the defence authorities. |
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Land mafia taking
advantage Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 15: The State Government today categorically ruled out the rehabilitation of Poonch and Rajouri migrants, presently putting up at Belicharana, and said they can be rehabilitated only in their districts in safer areas. "We have no objections if the migrants stayed in tented houses on their own but as far as Government’s police was concerned, we have no proposal to settle them here. They (the migrants) will have to return to their districts of Poonch and Rajouri and will be settled there in interior areas", acting Chief Minister Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Shah said in the Assembly. He was responding to a supplementary raised by BSP member Sheikh Abdul Rehman on a Call Attention Notice given on the subject by Rehman and BJP member Bali Bhagat. In his written reply given on the behalf of Minister Incharge Home, Shah said a quick fact finding revealed that while some of these persons could have been compelled to migrate out of their villages due to militancy, many of them were interested in grabbing land on the name of genuine victims. "The encroachers of Government land in Belicharana included inter alia the families of many inhabitants of Poonch, Rajouri and Doda districts, who are temporarily residing in Jammu in connection with their ordinary callings like Government employment, business, education and labour etc.", Shah said. He said the district administration was in the process of identifying them so that effective steps could be taken to vacate the encroachments. According to acting Chief Minister, Jammu based land grabbing elements, connected with property dealers in real estate, were also attempting to take advantage of the situation on the name of militancy victims. "The Government have asked concerned authorities like Forest and Revenue Departments to intensify vigil in the area and thwart any further attempt of organised encroachment. Situation was being properly monitored by regular police patrolling", he said, adding a case in this connection under FIR No 19/2001 and Sections 447-A, 435/RPC has been registered at Nagrota police station and investigations were in progress. BJP MLA from Ramban, Bali Bhagat said while Government has admitted that some prominent residents of Rajouri and Poonch districts led the march to encroach Government land at Ragoora (Sidhra), their names haven’t been mentioned. He wanted to know the name of a Minister, who had instigated the migrants to encroach upon Forest land. However, there was no reaction from Government side to Bali’s question. |
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Consumer commission awards Rs one lakh compensation for Doctor’s negligence Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 15: J&K State Consumer Protection Commission in a significant judgement has granted a compensation of Rs one lakh to Mrs. Shashi Sharma, a resident of Gandhi Nagar, Jammu from the management of Bee.Enn General Hospital managed by Bee.Enn Charitable Trust and a Surgeon Dr Satya Atri, Gynecologist, for their negligence in conducting her operation. The judgement came in response to a complaint by Mrs. Sharma that during her operation for the delivery of her child, Dr. Atri has negligently left a stitching needle in her abdomen for which she had to undergo another operation. According to her application before the consumer court she was admitted to the said hospital on 30th September 1998 where she gave birth to a female child after her caesarian operation by Dr. Satya Atri. A week after her discharge from the hospital she started having acute pain in her lower abdomen. After re-examination Dr. Atri gave her a gel to apply and said, it is nothing serious but for Mrs Sharma pain continued becoming more severe. With some doubts she went for an X-ray on her own which showed " a F.B. stitching needle in the pelvis region over lying sacrum". Test was repeated at Batra Hospital Sidhra, an ultrasound was also taken. The patient after approaching with these test to Dr. Atri was suggested for another operation which was conducted by Dr. Pankaj Aggarwal with the assistance of Dr. Yash Paul Gupta and the needle was removed. The complainant alleged that due to the lack of skill, carelessness and negligence of the doctor she not only had to suffer physical pain, mental shock and trauma but had to undergo un-necessary second operation. She had to spend a month in this process and had to make a lot of expenses for the required tests and medical consultations. She claimed Rs 6 lakhs as compensation. The Hospital and the doctor tried to save their skin by taking a plea that the compensation can not be claimed for as it is run by a trust and that the foreign body was later inserted by some other doctor for professional rivalry. They also took plea said that foreign body was only a small piece of metal in the outer part of the skin. Consumer court has rejected all these pleas as though run by a trust the hospital takes full charges by the patients just like any other private hospital. Rs 8819 was charged from Mrs. Sharma too for her first operation. The consensus of all experts who have conducted X-rays, CT Scan, ultrasound was that there was a needle used for medical purposes left inside the operated part of the patient and the removal of it needed a major operation. The commission was convinced that due to negligence of the doctor and the hospital Mrs Sharma had to undergo a lot of mental, physical and financial stress for which she needed to be compensated by the hospital and its surgeon. The Consumer Court awarded Rs one lakh compensation to Mrs. Sharma which is directed to be paid within four weeks failing which 12 per cent interest per annum shall be charged. |
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Dr. Saraf Releases The Law Reporter Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 15: The Chief Justice J&K High Court, Dr.B.P.Saraf released the Revised Edition of " The J&K Law Reporter", at a function held in High Court Complex here today. Mr.Justice T.S.Doabia, Mr. Justice, R.C.Gandhi, Mr. Justice A.K.Goel, Mr. Justice G.D.Sharma and Mr. Justice O.P.Sharma were also present on the occasion. President and members Jammu Bar Association and a galaxy of advocates also attended the ceremony. The J&K Law Reported has been compiled by the Judges of the State High Court and has AFR judgements of last five years. It is being kept in the libraries of High Court both at Jammu and Srinagar for ready reference. The High court has already been equipped with a Website. The Website has information about the history of the High Court, former Chief Justices and Judges, High Court Registry, Lower Judiciary, Oath Commissioners, pendency statistics for High and Lower Courts, Judgement Texts, Official Calendar, News and Events, Legal Aid Services and Law Reporter. In near future, the daily orders, case status online, Lok Adalat and High Court Rules will also be added in the Website. Later, Dr.Saraf inaugurated a Section from where the certified copies of the judgements can be obtained. |
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