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| Teachers’ role pitol in raising education standard Excelsior Special Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: The Directorate of Colleges Development, University of Jammu in collaboration with Post-Graduate Department of Education....more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: The Government proposes to declare Kishtwar-Simthan Road a National Highway to speed up its development. The proposal has already been submitted....more Harbans
joins Bhog of martyred Sikhs Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: The Minister for Labour & Sports, S Harbans Singh accompanied by IGP, Jammu Range, Mr R V Raju and Mr G M Jan, MLA today...more Lok Jan Shakti demands all party meet on Kashmir Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: Expressing his serious concern over deteriorating situation and influx in militancy activities, State Lok Jan Shakti Party.......more Rs 6 lakh
spent on Excelsior Correspondent Kathua, Mar 21: Out of Rs.15.67 crore allocated for the modernization of Kathua canal project, an amount of Rs. 6.52 lacs has......more |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: Natyotsav, a festival of plays by young Directors is all set to open a Abhinav Theatre, Jammu on March 23.......more UGC
team visiting Jammu next month Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar 21: The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) of University Grant Commission is visiting Jammu next month to inspect and assess the implementation....more Cath Lab
at GMC, Jammu Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar 21: The Cardiac Cath Laboratory at Government Medical College Hospital, Jammu will start functioning by the end of May,2001. The process of installation......more Display
Your Talent Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: Mr Sumit Khajuria, student of Institute of Management Sciences secured first position in the Western Music (solo) category at the inter-collegiate and post-Graduate departments’ " Display Your Talent" organised by the Department of Students Welfare in collaboration with the Campus Cultural Committee and Students Cultural Council in the varsity here today.....more |
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Teachers’ role pitol in raising education standard Excelsior Special Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: The Directorate of Colleges Development, University of Jammu in collaboration with Post-Graduate Department of Education organised a one-day seminar on the theme " National Curriculum and Teacher Education " in the varsity campus here today. In his Welcome Address, Prof Devinder Singh, Director, Colleges Development Council, said in the fast changing scenario and technological development, the curriculum has to be reviewed from time to time. Through upgradation of the teachers’ training programmes, the quality of education can be effectively improved, he added. There are nearly 200 univsersities and over 4000 colleges in the country and in order to improve the academic standards the professional skill of teachers have to be continuously sharpened for optimal results. Prof S N Suri, Head and Dean of Education Faculty, who iinaugurated the seminar, said constant efforts have to be made to upgrade the training programmes for the teachers. He said the curriculum should be reviewed from time to time in view of overall changes and technological advances. Mr OP Baru, an eminent educationist and ex-Director of Education, stated that teaching is a specialised field and the teachers have to keep update knowledge for improving education standards and make it more relevent. Prof Lokesh K Verma of PG Department of Education highlighted the aims and objectives of the seminars. The thrust of it is on raising the quality and competence of the teachers through an updated and revised curricula in the light of national curriculum. Among others Prof Lokesh Koul of HP University, Shimla made his presentation. Education experts from various institution also made their presentations and put forth their suggestions for improving the quality of teachers for raising the standard of education. A number of educationists, faculty members and students attended the seminar. Vote of thanks was presented by Prof Devinder Singh. |
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Rs
39 cr spent on developmental works in Doda Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: The Government proposes to declare Kishtwar-Simthan Road a National Highway to speed up its development. The proposal has already been submitted to the Union Surface Transport Ministry for approval. This announcement was made by the Works Minister, Mr Ali Mohammad Sagar at the District Development Board meeting of Doda held here today under his chairmanship. He is also the Chairman of the Board. The Minister informed the meeting that during his recent visit to New Delhi, he has also sought approval of the Union Surface Transport Ministry for the construction of a By-Pass on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway near Banihal to ease the traffic load in the area. The proposal has received a favourable response from the centre, Mr Sagar said. The Minister said under the State sector Rs 50 lakh are being spent on the repairs of Doda-Dessa road. The meeting was informed that construction of several roads and bridges in the district is being undertaken under the NABARD assistance. Out of these 38 schemes have already been sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs 34.88 crore, while another 26 schemes are in the pipeline. Besides construction of several roads is being undertaken in the district under the Prime Minister’s Rural Road connectivity programme. The Minister also asked the PHE and Irrigation Departments to submit proposals for availing NABARD assistance for various schemes. Mr Sagar while expressing satisfaction over the utilisation of funds and execution of developmental works in the district, said that close rapport needs to be maintained between the officers and representatives of the people with a view to ensure that developmental schemes are formulated, monitored and expeditiously completed to the satisfaction of people. He underlined the need for ensuring transparency and accountability in developmental works and impressed upon the heads of the departments in general and district officers in particular to regularly visit the far flung areas of the district in order to mitigate the problems of the masses. The Minister said that decentralisation of powers was the need of power to ensure people’s participation in development. The Minister asked the District Development Commissioner, Doda to constitute a coordination committee of Revenue, PHE, Irrigation, Rural Development and Food and Supplies Departments to assess the losses due to continued drought conditions prevailing in the district for the last three years and suggest measures to tackle the situation. Earlier, in his welcome address the District Development Commissioner, Doda, Mr Shailendra Kumar gave a brief resume of the developmental activities undertaken in the district during the current financial year. He said against the approved outlay of Rs 49.34 crore in district plan for the year 2000-2001, availability of funds was Rs 42.29 crore out of which Rs 39.00 crore which is 93% of the available funds have already been spent on various developmental works. Referring to the physical achievements registered during this period the District Development Commissioner said that 60377 hectares of land have been brought under high yielding varieties of seeds and 24592 quintals of high yielding seeds were distributed among the farmers of the district. Under horticulture sector an additional area of 115 hectares have been brought under fresh and dry fruit cultivation and a plantation of 18000 saplings of different species was done in the district. Under SGSY 69 self help groups have been established, besides providing assistance to 214 individual Swarozgaries. Under JGSY, 70,000 mandays and under EAS 2034 lakh mandays with the completion of 214 and 603 works respectively were generated. Similarly, under PWD sector 5.96 kms. of roads have been black topped, 7.92 kms. metalled, 8.55 kms. shingled and an additional 27.68 kms fair weather road length was added during the period. Mr Kumar further said that under sericulture sector 27000 kgs of silk worms cocoon were produced and as many as 75000 mulberry saplings were planted. Four new hamlets were provided drinking water facilities covering and additional population of 10,000 souls. |
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Harbans
joins Bhog of martyred Sikhs Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: The Minister for Labour & Sports, S Harbans Singh accompanied by IGP, Jammu Range, Mr R V Raju and Mr G M Jan, MLA today visited Poonch on the Bhog Ceremony of two sikhs who were killed by the militants a few days back. He paid his homage and expressed his sympathies with the bereaved families. Condemning the heinous crime, Harbans Singh announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs one lakh and Government job for one member each of the deceased families. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Singh warned Pakistan to stop cross border terrorism and advised her to respond to the gesture of cease-fire announced by our Prime Minister. Expressing his concern over issue of migration of the sikh community members from the Poonch, he disapproved it saying that the valiant people should face the challenge posed to the integrity of the country and support the security forces to protect and safe guard nation’s frontiers. Reminding the people especially, the Sikh brethren of the sacrifices made by them during the period of turmoil and in the past in defence of the mother land, the Minister said that we cannot be cowed down from the challenge posed by militants and no sacrifice is great enough to uphold the unity and brotherhood. He said sikh community has glorious history of sacrifices and fighting injustice ever since our great Gurus showed us the path towards martyrdom. Lauding the efforts of Government and the district administration in maintaining law and order situation, he asked the officials of administration to work with zeal and dedication for the welfare of the people. Prominent among those present on the occasion include President Gurudwara Board, S Harnam Singh, President Sikh Student Federation, S Harcharan Singh and Parchark Gurudwara, S Manmohan Singh. |
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Lok Jan Shakti demands all party meet on Kashmir Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: Expressing his serious concern over deteriorating situation and influx in militancy activities, State Lok Jan Shakti Party president Peerzada Abdul Hamid has stressed that all party meet on Kashmir be convened immediately. Talking to media persons here today , Peerzada said the views of all political parties be ascertained and viable strategy be evolved for restoration of peace in the trouble-torn Valley. He while lambasting the National Conference (NC) Government said it has failed to solve the problems being faced by the common man in the State. He alleged the much talked about Rehbar-e-Taleem Scheme has not cut much ice as the deserving candidates have not been provided justice under this scheme also. He demanded that the measures be taken to provide employment to hundreds of unemployed youth in the State as there is every apprehension that these youth may fall as a prey in the hands of anti national elements and take to arms as has happened in Kashmir. The Lok Jan Shakti state chief also accused the NC Government for withdrawing security to the political leaders of opposition parties in the State and exposed them to militants threat. "These were we who worked for restoration of political process in Kashmir during the 1996 Parliamentary elections when Dr Farooq Abdullah was in London," said Mustafa Malik vice president of the Party. He warned agitation if the leaders of all political parties upto block level were not provided security in Kashmir Valley. Expressing serious concern over the power crisis being faced by the State, Peerzada urged the Government to take immediate steps in bettering the electricity supply as the student community in the entire state has been worstly affected by the power curtailments and the progress in industries was also hit. Highlighting the plight of farmers whose crops have been damaged by drought, the Lok Jan Shakti leader demanded compensation for them. He also demanded compensation for the farmers whose crops have been damaged by constant firing from across the border and for Kashmir migrants whose property has been set ablaze by militants. He further urged the Government to ensure protection of left over property of Kashmiri migrants in the Valley and demanded age relaxation be given to unemployed migrant youth in appointments. He alleged that the Centrally sponsored schemes are not properly implemented in the state and their maximum benefits go to rich people. Blaming the Government for its dismal performance he said the farmers in far-flung areas and villages face shortage of fertilizers and seeds. He also nominated Mr V K Mishra as district Jammu Lok Shakti chief and authorised him to constitute the party units in the district. |
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Rs 6 lakh spent on Kathua canal project Excelsior Correspondent Kathua, Mar 21: Out of Rs.15.67 crore allocated for the modernization of Kathua canal project, an amount of Rs. 6.52 lacs has so far been expended by the Irrigation Division on it during the current financial year. This was disclosed by the District Development Commissioner, Kathua, Mr. Mehboob Iqbal during his extensive tour of a number of villages of Kathua tehsil today. During the tour, the District Development Commissioner inspected a number of works of irrigation currently under execution in the area. He also inspected a number of khuls which include Andri, Bella, Matoor, Shater Shah, Lakhnote-4 and Nakkian and Ranki etc. MrIqbal further revealed that over 8705 acres land has been brought under minor and 20891 acres under major and medium irrigation schemes in the district. In addition an amount of Rs. 5 lakh has also been expended on the regularization of 300 khuls upto ending February 2001. During his tour, Mr.Iqbal also inspected desalting of a number of khuls on spot and directed the Executive Engineer irrigation Division, Kathua to come up with a comprehensive proposal for augmentation of irrigation water in Matoor and Bella khuls so that the farmers could irrigate nearly, 800 acres land. A number of deputations of farmers met the DDC and put forth their demands before him which include uninterrupted supply of electricity, supply of chemical fertilizers on subsidised rates and allotment of irrigation works to farmers committees etc. Mr. Iqbal gave a patients hearings and assured that their demands would be considered on priority basis. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: Natyotsav, a festival of plays by young Directors is all set to open a Abhinav Theatre, Jammu on March 23. Disclosing this at a press conference here today, Secretary J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Mr Balwant Thakur said that it has been endeavor of the Academy to provide enough opportunities to the theatre groups working in our State not only to display their creative talents both within and outside the State, but also to enable them and the general public to witness the best theatre being performed in other parts of the country in various languages. Thakur said the some of the plays have used multi-media techniques to exploit the full potential of stage-craft. An exhibition related to the job done by Sangeet Natak Akademi in the field of development of theatre, portraying the growth of the theatre, will also be put on show for the entire duration of theatre festival. It is for the first time that a Dogri play is included in the National Theatre Festival being held at Jammu and the reputed young Directors from all over he State invited as observers, the Secretary said. Mrs Kiran Bhatnagar, Deputy Secretary (Drama), Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, on the occasion highlighted the achievements of Sangeet Natak Akademi in the field of drama. She said that this event has been organised with a view to focus on young practioners of theatre from different parts of the country. "Natyotsav" will bring to the theatre-lovers of Jammu some significant recent plays in Marathi, Manipuri, Dogri, Malyalam, Oriya and Hindi. Number of talented young Directors, actors and other theatre workers, around 150 artists in all are involved in the effort, she said, adding that an event of this nature can be successfully organised only with the participation and support of arts organisations within the state. |
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UGC team visiting Jammu
next month Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar 21: The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) of University Grant Commission is visiting Jammu next month to inspect and assess the implementation of UGC programmes and adherence of its norms in the Universities. This assessment will help in determining the gradations of universities and also continuation of UGC funding. A spokesman of the Jammu University said here today that in the event of any violation of UGC norms noticed by NAAC, not only its grading at national level will come down but also effect the future funding to the Jammu University, which could even be stopped. The NAAC’s visit is part of UGC effective supervision and monitoring of implementation of its programmes and norms, as a sole custodian and watchdog of country academic growth. Urging the striking College students of Jammu city to resume their classes without any further delay, the spokesman said that continuing abstention from classes is only complicating the issue. He said as per the agreement with the UGC following introduction of semester system, a minimum 180 teaching days has been made compulsory in an academic calendar. Not only this, the UGC has also raised the percentage of minimum attendance of students for appearing in the examinations from 66% to 75%. In fact, attendance is one part of the overall internal assessment of the students for which 20% marks have been earmarked in each subject.. Referring to the demand for open choice, the spokesman said the demand actually implies reduction of syllabus by 45% to 50%. He said this not only contravenes the UGC norms but also put a question mark on the degree, which the striking students wants to procure after studying hardly 50% syllabus. They would be half baked graduates having no potential to face any of the challenges of the future. He said the time for organizing additional classes and also holding exams and declaring timely results is slipping out of our hands. He said while the Jammu city college students are abstaining their classes even after their courses have not been completed fully, the students of the Muffasils Colleges have completed their syllabus. Their future cannot be put on hold. The Jammu University have once again appealed to the parents of the striking College students to use their influence on their children and make them realise the consequences of continuing the strike. The loss of their teaching period can still be made good and remaining syllabus taught by redoubling the efforts of the college teachers, for which the College Teacher Association and the Principals already made commitment. |
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Cath Lab at GMC, Jammu to be commissioned soon Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar 21: The Cardiac Cath Laboratory at Government Medical College Hospital, Jammu will start functioning by the end of May,2001. The process of installation has almost been completed. The latest equipment has been purchased at a cost of Rs. 4.59 crore and is likely to involve around more Rs. 0.30 lakh more on other civil works which is being pursued expeditiously. This information was given to the Minister for Health & Medical Education, Mian Altaf Ahmed during his visit to Government Medical College Hospital Jammu this morning. The Minister was apprised that the Lab., when completed will cover Angiography, Angioplasty bloon Valvotomise etc. which were not available in the State till date. The people had to go to Delhi/Chandigarh for these services. He was requested to provide additional manpower and funds for running the Cath Lab. The Minister assured every possible financial assistance in this behalf. The Minister also inspected department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging and Spiral CT Scan Section which has started functioning from March 15, 2001. He was happy to see the functioning of 3D construction C.T Angio Visual Endoscopy and C.T. Guided Biopsies. He was told that the department has been providing routine CT Scan Services from 10 a.m to 9 p.m and emergency services round the clock. This is the latest equipment in the country and Government Medical College, Jammu is the first in the country India which have a latest Spiral CT Machine. This machine with turnkey and work station has costed about Rs. 2.85 crores, the Minister was informed. The Minister also inspected the MRI Machine which is likely to start functioning by April end this year. During the visit the Minister was accompanied by the Principal Government Medical College, Jammu, Dr. H. L. Goswami, Medical Superintendent, Dr. Ramesh Gupta, several heads of departments and senior functionaries of the concerned units. |
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Display Your Talent Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: Mr Sumit Khajuria, student of Institute of Management Sciences secured first position in the Western Music (solo) category at the inter-collegiate and post-Graduate departments’ " Display Your Talent" organised by the Department of Students Welfare in collaboration with the Campus Cultural Committee and Students Cultural Council in the varsity here today. In this Western Music competition, Pankaj Sharma of Department of Computer Sciences got second position while Ms Shwetambri Sharma and Ms Etta Talwar, both students of Government Women College, Prade jointly bagged the third position. Certificate of Merits were awarded to Ms Seema Teji of Women College, Udhampur and Ms Preeti Dogra of Government Women College, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. The programme of western music was presented by the students was most exciting and excellent which was appreciated by the audience. The solo performance accompanied by musical instruments synthesizer, lead guiter, bases guitar,drum-sets and octopads amply indicated that the younger generation is capable of preserving our cultural heritage as also well versed with western music. In addition to those who bagged prizes, were Naresh Kumar, Shilpi Walia. Some of the items were repeated on the request of the audience. In the Western Music Group category, Government Women College, Prade was declared first while Government Women College, Udhampur secured second position. Govt Gandhi Memorial Science College, Jammu was declared third in this keen contest. Suman Gupta and Naresh Sharma were among the adjudicators. The guest items presented by Sanjay Dogra, Narinder Wazir, Manveer Singh Lali and Subhash Chander alias Kaku were also highly appreciated. The programme was attended by Prof Lalit Magotra, Dr Pritam Singh,Dr NR Sharma, Dr VS Manhas, galaxy of artists, large number of students and college teachers. Mr Iftikhar Ahmed Bazni and Ms Hema Gandotra compered the musical programme. Pooja Sharma,, Vaishali, Mr Pradyot, Mr Kuljeet and Vishal were in the management committee. |
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Lead Bank provides Rs 9.32 cr in Leh Excelsior Correspondent LEH, Mar. 21: A district level review cum consultative committee meeting for Leh district was held under the chairmanship of Mohd Ismail Baji, Additional Deputy Commissioner Leh on Tuesday. As per a release, Chief Manager Lead Bank Mr I K Raina informed the participants about the performance of commercial banks under the annual credit plan 2000-01 as well as Government sponsored scheme up to the end of December 2000. Against a total credit plan of Rs 17.32 crores for the current financial year, the banks have disbursed Rs 9.32 crores to 558 beneficiaries upto Dec 2000. In respect of Government sponsored scheme, Banks have sanctioned 45 new loans aggregating Rs 47 lakhs under PMRY against a target of Rs 62 lakhs to 65 beneficiaries. Similarly, the Bank against a target of Rs 2.25 crores to 200 beneficiaries under J&K Self Employment Scheme Banks have sanctioned loans aggregating to Rs 83 lakhs to 72 beneficiaries. Under SGSY Rs 43 lakhs have been disbursed to 177 beneficiaries against a target of 54 lakhs to 180 applicants. Additional DC impressed upon the sponsoring agencies and commercial banks to ensure achievement of the target and all round development of all the six blocks. |
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Employees continue
strike Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Mar 21: The work remained paralysed in all public sector units in district Udhampur for the eighth consecutive day today in response to strike call given by Public Sector Employees Joint Action Committee. Besides Udhampur the protesting employees held demonstrations at all tehsil headquarters in order to show solidarity with their demands. The employees also assailed the Government for its failure to full fill their genuine and long pending demands. Meanwhile the various employees associations and bodies in district Udhampur and District Doda have extended their full support to the striking PSU employees. All Public Sector employees Association president Udhampur has urged the Government to accept the demands of the employees without further delay. He said the PSU employees of Udhampur and Doda districts will hold a massive rally on March 23. The Association in an appeal to employees from Udhampur and Doda have urged them reach the Dabbar Park Udhampur on the said day. Meanwhile the All Public Sector Employees Association for district Udhampur has been constituted here today under the chairmanship of Mr Madan Lal Sharma of Action Committee. It nominated Mr Oranjan Bakshi of JKPCC as president while K K Sharma of SFC has been nominated as vice presidnet. Farooq Ahmed Mir of JKHDC has been nominated as general secretary, Gurmeet Singh of SRTC as secretary, M A Ayaz of SC/ST Corporation as publicity secretary, Shanaz Iqbal of JKHDC as treasurer and Hafiz-ullah Wani of SFC has been nominated as organisor. |
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| AIKS to give 100
scholarships to displaced KP community Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: A meeting of All India Kashmiri Samaj was held at SOS Children’s Village of India, Jammu here today. As per a release, Mr Janki Nath Kaul, president AKKS presided over the meeting which was attended by all the camp representatives of Muthi, Purkhoo, Mishriwala, Nagrota, Udhampur and secretary All India Kashmiri Samaj Mr V K Wattal from New Delhi. Mr Kaul told the camp representatives that the mass contact progamme which had been launched in January has been a great success. The campaign has enabled us to identify the most needy and deserving families of our community living in the camps. He told the meeting that relief in the shape of beddings, clothes and fans etc had been extended to such families to make their lives comfortable. Mr Kaul announced that AIKS has decided to give 100 scholarships to deserving and meritorious students of displaced Kashmiri Pandit community. The selected students will be given free uniform, tuItion fees, books and stationery etc. He asked the camp representatives to prepare the list of such students so that scholarship can be started from the next academic session. He also announced that exceptionally brilliant students can be provided free boarding/lodging in leading reputed educational institutions which will help them to prepare for civil services etc. Regarding the technically qualified but unemployed youths, he asked the representatives to prepare a list of such young boys and girls in their respective camps which will be circulated among the affiliated bodies which will help them to find proper jobs. A coordination committee was also constituted which will identify the cases and monitor the progress of the above progarmmes. Mr M L Raina will be convenor and Mr P L Raina will be secretary. The other members are—Messrs Romesh, Bushan Lal, B L Dhar, Ravi Bhat, T K Raina, Vinod Pandita, M K Wali, M L Kandroo, S N Gorkha and Madhusudhan Koul. Mr M L Bhat and Mr Veer Ji Bhat will be permanent invitees and the first meeting of newly constituted committee will be held on March 24. Others who spoke on the occasion included Messrs M L Raina, R L Raina, M L Kandroo, Romesh and B L Dhar. |
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PSEJAC extends strike up to March 22 Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar. 21: Public Sector Employees Joint Action Committee (PSEJAC) has urged upon the Chief Minister to issue clear instructions to the concerned Ministry for early settlement of demands of Corporations workers who are on strike for the last eight days. According to a release, executive secretariat of JAC met here today under the chairmanship of Mr Suresh Sharma. The members reviewed the developments after the announcement of COLA by Chief Minister in Legislative Assembly a few days back. While appreciating the CM’s efforts in resolving the issue, the JAC chairman said that he should come out with clear announcement and an order should be issued in this regard immediately. The executive committee extended strike up to March 22 and maintained that further decision will be taken in the rally to be organised from Bikram Chowk at 11 AM on Thursday. Mr Sharma sought the cooperation of all the PSUs, Government employees unions and the general public for this cause. He alleged that Corporation workers were facing discrimination in the hands of Government since long. The State Government has totally failed to make its commitments with the union leaders, regarding workers’ demands. It may be recalled that Corporation workers are on strike for the last eight days and work remained paralysed completely in the Corporations. |
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