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| CBI books SBI, Rly officials in corruption cases Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 23: Anti-Corruption Branch of the central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered cases against Deputy Manager Accounts....more Geelani
did it in Jodhpur also: Spokesman Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 23- A spokesman of the State Government has strongly refuted the charge appearing in a section of the press that....more Women
empowerment Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 23: Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah today urged women to fight for their rights saying that women...more J&K
to open 43 new courts: Farooq Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 23: The Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah announced that the State Government has accepted the recommendation.......more Peace
imperative for Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 23: Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah today reiterated his Government's resolve to endeavour for ending ......more |
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NATYOTSAV By Ravinder Kaul Theatre has taken roots in Manipur. If one is asked to name any part of the country that has really established itself as a major centre of theatrical activity in the post independence era, the reply.......more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 23: The Director General of Police, Mr A K Suri has commended the people of border districts of Poonch and Rajouri for........more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 23: The Minister for Information and Transport, Mr Ajatshatru Singh accompanied by Minister for Works, Mr Ali Mohammad Sagar......more ICAI
organises Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 23: Jammu and Kashmir Branch of Northern India Regional Council (NIRC) of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).....more |
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CBI books SBI, Rly officials in corruption cases Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 23: Anti-Corruption Branch of the central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered cases against Deputy Manager Accounts, State Bank of India, Jyotipuram and Chief Booking supervisor and two cashiers of Northern Railways in two separate cases for their involvement in corruption charges. Narinder Bargotra, Deputy Manager, Accounts, State Bank of India, Jyotipuram, Reasi had committed numerous frauds, including encasing of nine cheques. He had further negotiated DDs on different dates from different branches while officiating as Branch Manager, Ramsoo without keeping sufficient balance in the Current Account at drawee branch. Bargotra had further enhanced drawing powers on his current account over draft while working as Accountant without the sanction of he Branch Manager. In another FIR, CBI booked Rajinder Kumar, Chief Booking Supervisor, Ashok Bhagat, cashier, Nardev Singh, cashier Northern Railways Jammu and others on charges of corruption. The officials had misappropriated about rupees 38,000 . The investigations were in progress. |
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Geelani
did it in Jodhpur also: Spokesman Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 23-A spokesman of the State Government has strongly refuted the charge appearing in a section of the press that Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Jamait-i-Islami leader, was assaulted by the Police causing him physical distress requiring hospitalization. This, he said, was an attempt on the part of Syed Ali Shah Geelani and his associates to mislead the public and make them to believe a disinformation campaign to gain public sympathy and retrieve a rapidly eroding credibility. The spokesman said the fact is that Syed Ali Shah Geelani was arrested on March 16 for defying prohibitory orders in force in Srinagar. In the evening when he was released from custody, he refused to go out without the release of one of his associates, Yousuf Mujahid. The latter, a former Divisional Commander of Hizbul Mujahideen, is in custody for his involvement in a serious criminal case. In the recent past, Yousuf Majahid has been coordinating activities of recycled HM militants. Next day, Syed Geelani was released. In deference to his old age, the State Police used the discretion of dropping him at his residence where a crowd of his followers awaiting his arrival pelted stones on the police vehicle and the escort party. Syed Geelani created a scene before a crowd of his followers again refusing to be released without Yousuf Mujahid. The police party showed utmost restraint and left the spot. After sometime, Syed Ali Shah Geelani was reported to have driven to the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Science, Soura with a complaint of serious health problem arising out of alleged manhandling by the Police. He was admitted to the hospital for a thorough check up. On finding nothing abnormal in his health conditions, he was discharged from the hospital subsequently. Feigning illness is not a new thing with Syed Ali Shah Geelani. He has done so on several occasions in the past when he was taken into custody for committing criminal offences of various kinds. In November, 1999, when he was detained in the Jodhpur Jail, he complained of serious heart ailment needing specialized treatment in New Delhi and managed to get a referral to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, only to be told by the super specialists there, after a thorough examination that much less requiring intensive care for any heart ailment, he did not even need hospitalization. He was returned to Jodhpur Jail on the same day. For this journey to Delhi and back, special transport facilities required for serious heart patients had to be provided, not only for him but also for the posse of police party escorting him to and fro. This referral process was carried out at huge avoidable State expenses. Although the doctors at Jodhpur felt at that time that specialized treatment was not required, yet by way of abundant precaution and giving him the benefit of doubt, he was referred to All India Institute of Medical Sciences. In January,2000 again, he was referred to the Escort hospital in Delhi under similar circumstances. He was then allowed to travel by air along with the police escort party again at huge State expenses. Syed Ali Geelani has been using an exaggerated health status to evade the due process of law. His recent admission to the Soura Institute has been part of this strategy. By now his these theatrics are widely known and even talked about by his colleagues tongue-in-cheek. |
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Women
empowerment imperative for healthy Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 23: Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah today urged women to fight for their rights saying that women empowerment is imperative for healthy and harmonious society. Speaking at a Credit seminar organmised by NABARD here, the Chief Minister hoped the women would brave all hurdles in male-dominated society and carve out a place for themselves. "You must benefit from various schemes offered by NABARD for setting up of income generating units to be come self-reliant", he said. Dr Abdullah appreciated the NABARD efforts in funding various projects and development schemes, as otherwise the states had to look upon Planning Commission for resources in implementing welfare programmes. The NABAD, he said, has immensely helped the state like Jammu and Kashmir in taking up roads, drinking water schemes and other development projects. He acknowledged with satisfaction the NABARD plan to construct 2000 new school buildings and renovating 1000 such building, saying this will go a long way in promoting literacy in the State. The organisation has already funded several projects and with strengthening its state unit, it will contribute in the development of the State in a big way, he hoped. Dr Abdullah asked financial institutions and banks to streamline and simplify loaning procedures, hoping that the loanees too would cooperate in abiding the laid down repayment schedules. Pointing towards the drought like situation in the country as well as in the State, the Chief Minister said earnest advance measures would be required for meeting any exigency. He said he will ask concerned departments to seek NABARD cooperation in formulating exigency plans. He feared scarcity of drinking water in the wake of drought as the water schemes were based on river tributaries, springs, ponds etc that get dried up due scarce rains. He attributed global environmental change as the major cause for drought. Referring to growing population in Jammu, he said the water supply scheme on Tawi would not suffice the requirements. Hence, Rs 400 crore Chenab water supply scheme will have to be expedited, he said and added that delay will result in heavy escalation of its costs. Referring to hydel potential in Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Minister said other modes like nuclear and thermal power projects would also have to be explored for stepping up power generation. In this regard he made mention of his plans to request the Prime Minister for examining Nuclear and Thermal power projects for Kathua as the country has successfully launched indigenous Nuke project in Kota Rajasthan. "I will be formally writing to the Prime Minister though I have already talked to him about this", he added. Dr Abdullah dwelt in details on unemployment, promotion of industry, harnessing hydel resources, improving health services, down sizing administrative hierarchy, closure of PSUs as per the recommendations of Godbole Committee report and said the workers of these undertakings would not be left in lurch and something has to be thought about them. He referred to golden handshake in this regard and said that PSUs would be closed in phases. The Chief Minister complemented BEACON for developing border roads and congratulated Mr. Bhawar Puri for his elevation to a senior position in NABARD's State unit. He appreciated the initiative taken by NABARD for preparing well documented potential linked plans for all the fourteen district of the states as also the liberal loan assistance being provided to the State Government for building rural infrastructure network. He dwelt in brief about the peculiar situation prevailing in the State for the past decade, which had adversely affected the development process. He emphasised that the situation demanded a compassionate consideration by bankers and the Government agencies for helping the masses in use of bank loan. He said banks should not over look the genuine credit needs of the farmers. Chief General Manager NABARD Mr P P Shrivastava dwelt on rural credit scenario in the country with specific reference to Jammu and Kashmir and emphasised the need for coordinated approach between the banks and government in introducing Model Cooperative Societies Act which reflected the concern of the State Government for rehabilitating the cooperatives. He appreciated the role of State Government and banks for accelerating the pace of economic development in the state inspite of unsurmountable problems and assured the Chief Minister of continued support from NABARD in helping the State. In his key not address, Mr Bhawar Puri, General Manager, NABARD, Jammu aid the State Focus paper 2001-02, prepared by NABARD on the basis of Potential Linked plans (PLPs) for all the 14 districts of the State, projects a total credit requirement of Rs 655.89 crore of which the share of agriculture and allied activities was Rs 257.51 crores, rural non farm sector Rs 183.40 crores and for services sector activities at Rs 214.99 crores. Mr Bhawar indicated that during the current year a large number of projects for funding of rural roads, bridges, irrigation, primary schools in the State are under active consideration of NABARD. He said NABARD was prepared to extend liberal refinance assistance to the banks to supplement their resources so as to enable these to meet the credit requirements of the rural masses. He urged the banks to expedite release of kisan credit cards to the farmers before the ensuing Kharief season. The concept of Self Help Groups which helps in increasing the accessibility of the institutional credit to the economically weaker segment of the society was also highlighted and the NGOs were called upon to facilitate formation and linkage of such groups with Bank loan. He said NABARD has organised special training programmes on SHG Bank linkage for 600 field workers of around 50 NGOs from all the three regions of the State at Chinmya Tapovan Ashram at Sidhbari (Dharmashala) in Himachal Pradesh in past three years. More than 450 Self Help Groups have been formed and 150 SGHs linked with bank credit of more than Rs 66 lakhs, he added. In his presidential address, Regional Director Reserve Bank of India, Mr Radhey Shyam called upon the banking system to adopt a proactive role in assessing the genuine credit needs of the rural clientele and seek support of the developmental agencies of the State Government wherever required. He laid special emphasis on issuance of Kisan Credit Cards to farmers and promotion and credit linkage of Self Help Groups. He also impressed upon the banks to develop a working relationship with the non governmental organisations (NGOs). Maj Gen (Retd) G S Jamwal, MLC and President Ex-servicemen League, in his address, appreciated the pro-active role of NABARD in bringing about integrated development of the State and emphasised the need for intensive involvement of NGOs in the development process. He also urged the banks to support the role of NGOs by involving the NGOs in the Institutional Credit Frame Work. Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the State Credit Seminar, 2001-02 by lighting a lamp and released Potential Linked Plans (PLPs) of Kargil, Udhampur and Anantnag districts for the year 2001-02. He gave cheques to 6 women Self Help Groups promoted by Zari Art Society (NGO) for Rs 5,800 to Rs 16,600 by Mud branch of State Bank of India. The cheques were presented by the Chief Minister to the Self Help Group members who had come from villages. On this occasion, Jammu Rural Bank presented a cheque for Rs 1.11 lakhs to Dr Farooq Abdullah towards CM's Relief Fund for Gujarat earthquake victims. |
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J&K
to open 43 new courts: Farooq Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 23: The Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah announced that the State Government has accepted the recommendation of the Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir to open 43 new courts - eighteen courts of Munsiff in the Kashmir valley, 19 in Jammu province, 3 in Leh (Ladakh) and 1 in Kargil; one court of Sub-Judge each in Kashmir valley and Jammu Division. The Chief Minister also informed, that 11 courts out of these 43 courts are going to be opened at new places where there is not existing court. With the creation of these 43 new courts, the strength of the existing courts in the State will rise by 40 per cent which is probably the highest increase in one year in the country. He also informed that steps were being taken to make all the newly created courts fully functional on or before 15th April, 2001. The Chief Minister stated that Jammu and Kashmir was the only State in the country where in the last calendar year on the recommendation of the Chief Justice all vacancies in the subordinate judiciary have been filled up and as on today no post in the subordinate judiciary is vacant. Speaking about the functioning of the judiciary in the State, the Chief Minister said that despite the prevalent law and order situation in the State, frequent bands and strikes, which seriously affect the working of the courts and availability of only 9 Judges in the High Court as against the sanctioned strength of 14, by proper court management the pendency of the High Court has come down to 50 per cent ( from 71,006 on Ist January, 2000 to 36, 794 on Ist January, 2001). He appreciated this great achievement in a short span of one year and congratulated the Chief Justice for his initiative, imagination and planning. He stated that large number of criminal and revenue cases which were pending for over 25 years have been heard and disposed of during the last one year. The Chief Minister informed that the pendency of 5 year old cases in the High Court is less than 25000. He also informed that the Chief Justice has made suitable plans and programmes to ensure that by the end of the current year there would be no case pending in the High Court which is more than 2 years old. The Chief Minister said that there was also great improvement in the working of the subordinate judiciary in the State. The Chief Minister informed that as on today also in the subordinate judiciary, as per the physical verification conducted in September, 2000 there were 1,00,754 cases pending in all the courts out of which only 9818 cases were old. During the last six months the number of old cases as also the total pendency has further gone down substantially. He expressed great satisfaction over the fact that the Judicial Officers in the subordinate courts were sitting punctually in the courts for full working hours and pendency there has gone down substantially. He informed that the Chief Justice has been regularly monitoring the working of the subordinate courts himself. Action plans prepared and reports are submitted every month by the Presiding Officers of the courts. It is expected that by the end of this year, in the subordinate courts also no case more than two years old will be pending. The Chief Minister said that he has also accepted the recommendation of the Chief Justice that at every place, where there is a court of Munsiff or Sub-Judge, one additional court room and one chamber for the judge should be prepared constructed so that the District Judge/Additional District Judge and Sub-Judges from the neighbouring places can be directed to hold circuit courts at those places to hear and decide the cases from that area to ensure quick and cheaper justice to the common man. This will ensure availability of even a District Judge and a Sub-Judge at every place where court is situated without the necessity of incurring any extra expenditure on opening regular courts of Sub-Judges and District Judges at those places. The Chief Minister said that steps are being taken in this direction to implement these suggestions as early as possible, in any event by the end of April, 2001. This will be a unique experiment in whole of the country in the direction of providing cheaper and speedy justice to the people at the doorstep. The Chief Minister appreciated the great improvement that has taken place in the High court as well as the subordinate judiciary during the last year and expressed his hope that at this pace the judiciary in this State may be a model for the rest of the country in the matter of disposal of pending cases and dispensation of speedy and cheaper justice to the people at the door step. The Chief Minister also complimented that Chief Justice for launching the web-site of the High court, computerising the working of the High Court and the subordinate courts and revival of the Jammu and Kashmir Law Reporter, which was not being published for the last five years |
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Peace imperative for tourism revival in Kashmir: CM Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 23: Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah today reiterated his Government's resolve to endeavour for ending cult of gun in Jammu and Kashmir that has shattered economy and affected tourism immensely. Intervening during supplementaries on a question by Mir Saif Ullah regarding measures taken by Government for the revival of Tourism in the Valley, the Chief Minister said that normalcy is imperative for reviving tourism in the State. In this regard every effort would be made to put an end to the gun culture, he said, adding that once peace and normalcy dawns in the State tourism will start picking up in a big way in Kashmir. Replying to main question, Minister of State for Tourism Ms Sakina Itoo said Government has sanctioned a special package to small units in the Valley like waiving off loans including interest outstanding as on 31st August 1997 to various registered tourism units. Soft loan through tourism department at the rate of 5 per cent interest to shikarawallas, photographers and hawkers, etc. is being provided, she said adding that an amount of Rs 625.67 lakh have been disbursed to these categories so far. Minister said that about Rs. 20 crore have been disbursed among the houseboat and taxi owners by different financial institutions on the recommendation of Tourism Department. She said on these loans government is providing 11 per cent subsidy for first three years. A proposal for similar package to Hoteliers is also under consideration, she added. |
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NATYOTSAV By Ravinder Kaul Theatre has taken roots in Manipur. If one is asked to name any part of the country that has really established itself as a major centre of theatrical activity in the post independence era, the reply will invariably be Manipur. With directors like Ratan Thiyam, Heisnam Kanhailal, K.Kunjbihari Singh and H.Thambal Sharma, the theatre of Manipur is not only livening up the prosceniums of Manipur but also of the entire country, as also the world at large. Therefore, the expectations of the serious theatre persons from the inaugural play of the six day Natyotsav, being presented by the Sangeet Natak Akademi and the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, were at an all time high. However, Paobirai Nongarol, presented by Manipur Dramatic Union, in the final analysis, proved to be just about a mixed fare. It all began with a colourful and rich audio-visual presentation about the music, dance and culture of Manipur. Various scenes from the life of ordinary people were depicted. The differences in costumes and language of the tribals (read Christians) and people from the plains (read Hindus) were highlighted. The need to co-exist in a harmonious manner, which is the theme of the play, was put forth in a subtle manner. But all this took so long that one really wondered as to when the ‘play’ would begin. At long last the theme unraveled itself. There is a demonic python which is killing people at random. When all the kings men and others have failed, a young boy, who is seething with anger because his father has been killed by the demon, goes to accomplish the task of killing the python. He does the needful but only with the help of a tribal shaman (a priest who is believed to be able to contact gods or spirits and cure people).Moral of the story ‘ Communal harmony and mutual co-existence are the need of day and nothing can be achieved without them.’ The temptation of showing songs and dances was so overpowering that even when the play got rolling, occasional breaks from the theme were taken in order to keep the audience ‘entertained’. A few love scenes were also thrown in. This severely hampered the process of the already thin storyline developing into a meaningful performance. Good songs, good dances but very little drama. The play was very rich visually. The music and improvised sound effects were also excellent.The richness of costumes left one spellbound. Some of the scenes like the dream sequence and the scenes of the python were very impressive. Scenes of boating, fishing and working in the fields were good. The stylised acting and the martial arts scenes were as good as they come in any play from Manipur. It was all there in good measure but the the real conflict situation that could have salvaged the play was missing. The slender storyline failed the accomplished performers. Lamabam Gojendra, the director of the play, needs to edit this play ruthlessly in order to make it worthy of its lineage of plays from Manipur. Awishkar, Mumbai presents its play Doongaji House in the Natyaotsav on Saturday. Chetan Datar directs. |
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DGP commends role of
Poonch, Rajouri people Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 23: The Director General of Police, Mr A K Suri has commended the people of border districts of Poonch and Rajouri for their prominent role in fighting Pak sponsored militancy in the area. Addressing a meeting of prominent citizens at Poonch today, the DGP was all praise for the valour and patriotism of the people of Poonch and Rajouri. He said that the people have withstood the onslaught of Pakistan and defeated enemy every time right from the tribal raids in 1947 to the wars in 1965 and 1971. "It is this very patriotic spirit of the population that not many boys from the area have gone across and it is only the foreign mercenaries who are keeping the pot of ISI backed militancy boiling", the DGP said adding militancy will be eliminated from the State with the cooperation of the people. He, however, appealed them to maintain the age old communal harmony despite adverse circumstances and grave provocations. He also appealed them to provide information about the movement and hide-outs of militants to police and security forces. Condemning the killing of innocent people by militants, the DGP said that the game plan of ISI is to cause mayhem and large scale destruction. Police and security forces together with people will foil the wicked designs of enemy, the DGP asserted. Responding to the issues raised by citizens, Mr Suri assured to conduct on spot recruitment in the border areas of Poonch and Rajouri in the coming months. He said victims of militancy would adequately be compensated and that police would sponsor the fitting of artificial limbs to those civilians or police personnel rendered handicapped by militants. He said that patrolling on Poonch road will be intensified and security pickets set up at some points enroute. The meeting in one voice condemned the desecration of the holy Koran by religious fanatics and the Taliban action of demolishing the Buddha statues. People expressed happiness in the working of local police and said that the morale of police force was very high. Later, the DGP held a police Darbar at District Police Lines (DPL), Poonch and said that those in the force showing results in anti-militancy operations would be suitably rewarded. It was in recognition of this valour against militants that DGP today accorded out of turn promotions to 17 police personnel at a function at DPL Poonch and appointed an equal number of Special Police Officers (SPOs) as constables The out of turn promotees are: S I Zakir Shaheen Mirza, HC Mushtaq Hussain, HC Manzoor Ahmed, SGCT, Mohammad Qasim, SGCT, Abdul Kabir, Const. Prithvi Singh, CT Maqsood Khan, CT Kikar Singh, CT Shamim Ahmed, CT Ranjeet Kumar, Ct Balbir Kumar, CT Shamlal, CT Shabir Ahmed, CT Baldev Singh, CT Naresh Kumar and CT Mohammad Akbar. The SPOs appointed as Constables are: Parveen Kumar R/O Jhulas Haveli, Poonch, Sharbat Hussain Shah R/O Marhot, Surankot Poonch, Shah Israr Shah R/O Marhot Surankot, Poonch, Zabir Hussain Shah R/O Potha, Surankot, Poonch, Mohammad Farooq R/O Gagrian Haveli, Poonch, Mohammad Shoukat, Mehboob Khan, Khadim Hussain, Arshad Hussain, Mohammad Rafiq, Mohammd Younis, Mushtaq Ahmed, Mohammad Qasim, Khalil Ahmed, Eshteyaq Ahmed, Maqsood Ahmed and Mohammad Hussain B/O deceased SPO, R/O Baila. The DGP also gave away Rs. 14.12 lakhs to IGP Jammu zone for further disbursement among the police and security forces parties of Poonch and Rajouri for their active participation in counter-insurgency operations. The IGP, Jammu Zone, Mr Radhavinod Raju accompanied DGP to Poonch. |
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Ajat, Sagar and Altaf take
stock of development at Suransar Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 23: The Minister for Information and Transport, Mr Ajatshatru Singh accompanied by Minister for Works, Mr Ali Mohammad Sagar and Minister for Health, Mian Altaf Ahmed today visited Suruinsar to take stock of the development of the area and mitigate the problem of the people in respect of the roads, drinking water and medicare facilities. Later, addressing a large gathering of people belonging to Dansal, Bhalwal and Purmandal blocks at Suruinsar, Mr Singh said, diversion of Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrim tourists to picturesque tourist spot of Suruinsar will go a long way to supplement the income of the people of this hilly and backward area besides, generating opportunities of employment for the educated unemployed youth. He requested the works Minister to take up the matter for transferring the approach road from Sidhra to lake site from Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to State R & B Department for its speedy construction. He also announced construction of additional rooms in Government high school, Suruinsar to overcome the accommodation problems of the students. Speaking on the occasion the Works Minister, while recalling the visit of late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah to Suruinsar during his Chief Ministership, said that Mr Abdullah was so fascinated by the beauty and grandeur of the area that he issued on the spot orders for preparation of the master plan for the development of the site as an attractive tourist spot. He said, under his orders, power and drinking water supply to the area was managed in a month’s period. He assured the people that the dream of late S M Abdullah of developing the spot as a main tourist resort will be now fulfilled by his son, the Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah. Mr Sagar said, he will request Minister Incharge Tourism , Ms Sakina Itoo to visit the area so as get fresh master plan prepared for the development of this beautiful tourist resort. Mr Sagar said to give boost to tourism in the area the matter regarding construction of link road to Suruinsar will be taken up with BRO within a week’s time and assured that the work on the road will be started during the next month. He issued on-the- spot orders to Chief Engineer R & B to submit the estimate of the project immediately. Mr Sagar said despite paucity of funds, the government is making all possible efforts to continue the pace of development schemes launched in the State. He said, a filtration plant will be set up at Suruinsar shortly. He said, Dug well with a capacity of 1 lakh gallons of water is coming up at Athen, besides, a link road from Chalana to Suruinsar has been completed at a cost of Rs 90 lakh. The Minister for Health, Mian Altaf said that the present Government is determined to provide all basic amenities to the people within minimum possible time. He said, the pace of development was hampered due to proxy war trusted upon us by the neighbouring country but no stone will be left unturned to ensure balanced growth of all the areas of the State. He assured the people despite ban on setting up of new dispensaries by the Central Government he will try to manage an Allopathic dispensary for the people of the area. Earlier, congratulating the newly elected Sarpanchs and Panchs, Mr Ajatshatru Singh said that to translate the real meanings of the democracy Panchayat Raj System needs to be applied in letter and spirit for the upliftment of the rural people. He said only this unique system could ensure speedy development of ruralites and thereby deliver the fruits of decentralisation of administrative and economic powers at the gross root level. Ch Mohammd Hussain, MLC, Ch Rehmat Ali, Mr Fakir Singh and Mr Jasbir Singh were present on the occasion and S/Shri Subash Singh and Master Tara Mani were the prominent speakers. |
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ICAI organises one day seminar Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 23: Jammu and Kashmir Branch of Northern India Regional Council (NIRC) of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) organised a one day seminar on "Bank audit and companies Amendment Act, 2000 at Hotel KC Residency". The seminar was held in two sessions. In the first session Mr Amarjit Chopra, Central Council Member of Companies (Amendment) 2000 spoke on Companies Amendment Act 2000. He threw light on the various changes made in the Act and pointed out certain shortcomings which need to be addressed by the Government. Mr Chopra informed the members that Institute of Chartered Accountants of India is in touch with the Department of Company Affairs in this regard. In the post lunch session, Mr Nitish Seth Advisor to NIRC on Information Technology spoke about bank audit in computerised environment. He made the members aware about the measures to be taken while auditing a computerised bank branch. In this session Mr Amerjet Chopra threw light on bank audit holistically. He advised the members about the precautions to be taken while conducting bank audits keeping in view the overgrowing cases of frauds and scams. Earlier in his address Chairman of the Branch Mr S K Malhotra congratulated Mr Chopra for his re-election to the Central Council. He raised certain issues regarding amendments made in Companies Act, 2000 concerning the profession. He also stressed on the need of organising such seminars annually on Bank audits to refresh and update the knowledge of the members regarding Bank audits. Mr K B Sharma, Member Central Council of Institute of Chartered Accounts of India and Mr Manmohan Juneja, Registrar of Companies J&K were the chief guest and guest of honour respectively. The vote of thanks was presented by Mr O P Garg senior member of of the branch and proceedings were conducted by Mr Lalit Mangotra, secretary. |
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JKNPP passes resolution for re-organisation of state Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 23: Amidst tumultuous applause from the large crowd the general body of the Jammu and Kashmir National Panther party today passed a resolution in one voice and called the Union Government to intervene for re-organisation of the present state of Jammu and Kashmir in order to create Jammu Himalayan state, Kashmir state and to grant union territory status to Ladakh region. The resolution also expressed faith in the secular, democratic and socialist system for each state that will emerge after re-organisation. The new set up shall be based on the cultural, geographical, linguistic character. The resolution further reads as "naturally entire Pakistan occupied areas which earlier belonged to Jammu province shall form integral part of Jammu-Himalayan state". The convention urged upon the Union Government to include Dogri language in the 8th schedule of the constitution as Dogri is spoken by one crore people in Jammu Himalayan State, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. It was also called upon the Government to rehabilitate all the Kashmiri migrants in their home towns in the Valley by providing them full security, dignity and financial requirements as this was urgent in the interest of return of peace in the state. The resolution urged upon the Union Government to immediately intervene to save nearly one lakhs civilians who have been forced out of their homes from Doda, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch and other places of Jammu by terrorists acts of the armed militants. It was demanded that hamlets should be selected and appropriate villages in each Panchayat halqa particularly in Rajouri, Mahore, Arnas and Doda so that the migrants could be provided collective security, schooling for their children, medical care and other basic amenities like power, drinking water etc. It was also urged upon the Centre and State Government to share the responsibility to rehabilitate more than one lakhs displaced persons from the border along LoC and International Border in J&K who were forced to leave their homes and hearths due to continuous shelling from across the border. The resolution strongly condemned the state government for stopping the Cost Of Living Allowance (COLA) for public sector employees. It was also urged upon the government to pay compensation to the farmers whose crop has been damaged by the drought and due to the closing of the Ranbir Canal. It was also demanded to release water of the Ranbir Canal to save further damage. The resolution also demanded setting up of State Artists Welfare Corporation to ensure the welfare of the artists, intellectuals, media persons and their families. Earlier one day convention of the JKNPP paid deep respect and high tributes to the great artists, poets including Kehar Singh Madhukar, Ved Pal Deep and other Dogra Ratans. Convention calls for an immediate withdrawal of termination order of all the Class IV employees who were appointed by the State Government. Political reservation for Scheduled Tribes was also demanded in the convention. Earlier, Prof Bhim Singh was unanimously elected as national president of the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party. His candidature was proposed by the state president and member working committee, Mr Mushtaq Ahmad Khan and seconded by Mr Harshdev Singh, MLA and member working committee. Prof Bhim Singh appointed Mr Mushtaq Ahmad Khan as state president of the party for another two years. |
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Martyrdom anniversary of
Bhagat Singh, Raj Guru, Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 23: On the occasion of 70th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed-e-Aazam Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru, the Martyrs’ Day Celebration Committee organised commemoratory meeting at Mubarak Mandi, here. The participants paid rich tributes to the great martyrs who made supreme sacrifice of their lives for the noble cause of freedom of this country from the yoke of British imperialism. They expressed that Bhagat Singh and his revolutionary colleagues wanted India to be socialist after freedom. They aspired for a system which would have been free from exploitation, corruption, illiteracy, unemployment and inequality. It was noted in the meeting that the present Government at the Centre is bent upon negating all what was achieved by the freedom fighters during the freedom struggle. Under the dictates of IMF and World Bank, they are inviting the multinational companies and selling the public sector to them at throw away prices. Even defence of this country has been compromised for petty gains. A need was felt for carrying forward the struggle initiated by Bhagat Singh and his colleagues to its logical conclusion and bring freedom and democracy to the people at grass root level. Others who attended the meeting included Messrs S D Sharma, Shabir Ahmed, Hari Chand, B L Kalgotra, Kuldip Pangotra, Subash Gupta, Daljit Singh Saini, Kuldip Kundan, Mohinder Gupta, Harpal Singh, Baldev Singh, D K Khajuria, A Kapoor, Rameshwar Singh Jamwal, Pawan Kumar, Ravinder Sharma, Gulzar Singh, M L Sharma, Baldeep Singh, Om Parkash, Balkar Singh, Ghanisham Singh and Umesh Bhat. Meanwhile, J&K Freedom Fighters Association today observed the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Raj Guru and Sukh Dev. Paying rich tributes to martyrs, Mr Ved Gandotra, president of the Association said that these martyrs have sacrificed their lives for attaining freedom from the British imperialism. Others who paid tributes included Messrs Bhushan Lal, Tej Raj Dogra, Surinder Sharma, Jasvinder Singh, Chaman Lal Angral, Ashok Singh Chib, Harmet Singh and Peer Abdul Majid. Our Udhampur Correspondent adds: A massive procession was taken out in town by Bhagat Singh Yadgar Committee in association with Rehri Union led by Mr Naresh Kumar, Yash Paul and Vishwa Mitter. A public meeting was also held at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Park. Addressing the gathering, Mr Vishwa Mitter said every martyr day is being observed by Bhagat Singh Yadgar Committee and added that Bhagat Singh and his comrades had laid down their lives for the independence of the country. He appealed the people to remain united and fight for their demands. Others who attended the meeting included Messrs Naresh Kumar, Krishan Lal, Rattan Lal, Bankey Lal, Moti Lal, Saber Ali, Yash Paul, Abdul Majid Khan, Jagdish Rah and Sardar Chand. |
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Party
workers asked to arson Congmen’s property Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 23: Stung by tehelka.com expose, State Bharatiya Janata Party top brass today fumed over Congress and alleged a conspiring behind the entire episode to defame the Vajpayee Government. Preaching a tit for tat, the BJP leaders instigated the party workers to arson and damage the property of Congressmen so that a lesson could be taught to ‘anti-national’ forces. The occasion was observance of ‘National Security and Awareness Day’, organised by Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha but the speakers debated security of BJP and made the party activists aware against ‘Congress campaign to malign the image of Vajpayee Government. Listing the number of alleged scams during Congress regime, the BJP leaders sought to justify the receiving of money ‘for party fund’ by Mr Bangaru Laxman. They also asked BJP workers to counter the allegations against ‘honest’ party leadership in a tit for tat manner. Terming the Tehelka video as a deep rooted conspiracy by Congress to defame ‘nationalist’ Bharatiya Janata Party, State BJP chief Mr Daya Krishan Kotwal claimed that such allegations would not affect the party image. He accused the opposition of shying away from holding a debate on the issue and said that everything will become clear after the outcome of inquiry. Echoing the voice of Pradesh BJP chief, State Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha president Mr Satish Kumar Sharma, who was chief guest on the occasion, exhorted party activists to launch a door to door campaign to counter the Congress propaganda against BJP leadership. MLA Jammu East Mr Ashok Khajuria instigated the party workers to arson the property of Congress leaders who dare to question the honesty of BJP leaders. "Eient Ka Jawab Patthar Se Do, Un Logon Ke Makan Jalaa Do Jo Kahte Hain Ki BJP Wallon Ne Paise Khaye Hain," he shouted. MLA Jammu Cant Choudhary Piara Singh alleged that Tehlka video conspiracy was hatched by Congress after it realised that it could never come back in power through democratic ways. "It was Congress regime when Bofors scam, urea scam, Jeep scam and countless of such scams occured and today the same corrupt Congress is raising fingers towards Atal Bihari Vajpayee who has devoted his entire life in service of the nation," he said. MLA Jammu West Mr Hans Raj Dogra, while speaking, claimed that BJP was most clean and honest party in the country and challenged Congress to come forward with solid proofs against BJP leadership. BJP general secretary Dr Nirmal Singh alleged that a deep rooted conspiracy was being hatched to destablise the nation by launching a wicked campaign against BJP-led NDA Government. He asked party workers to foil the nefarious designs of these anti-national elements who, with the help of some political parties and media, are hell bent to disturb the progress of India. Prominent among others present on the occasion included, Suresh Jamwal, Vaishno Dogra, Narinder Mahajan, Kousar Nasim and Deen Mohd Cheetah. Later the BJYM activists took out a procession through various bazars of the city and torched effigy of Congress president Sonia Gandhi |
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Display Your Talent Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 23: The students drawn from various post-graduate departments and inter-colleges displayed a unique talent of mono-acting and mimicry at the programme organised by the Students Welfare Department in the auditorium on the varsity campus here today. The programme "Display Your Talent" presented by the budding student artists was applauded by the audience. In view of "Balidan Divas", the programme commenced with rendering of " Bande Matram " remembering "Trimuti": Bhagat Singh, Raj Guru and Sukhdev, martyrs who made supreme sacrifice for the nation. A total of 22 students participated in the contest and it was a interesting presentation. The first session was chaired by Prof N A Ganai, Dean, Students Welfare. In the second session, the artists presented their performances with silence and expressed much without uttering any words. This mime competition was highly appreciated. The teams from Govt Women College, Gandhi Nagar; Govt Women College, Prade; Department of Law, JU; Govt Degree College, Rajouri; Women College, Udhampur; Department of Physics and Electronics and Govt Gandhi Memorial Science College, Jammu. The teams presented mimes on the themes like: Regular change of Governments, Corruption, Social Evils, National Integration and Environment to the delight of the audience. In the mono-acting category, Ms Puneeta Sharma of Women College, Gandhi Nagar bagged the first position while Mr Manik Jasrotia of Department of Computer Sciences was declared as second and Mr Sumit Sharma of SPMR College of Commerce secured the third position in the contest. Mr Satish Kumar, PG Department of Physics and Electronics and Ms Raakhi of Govt Women College, Udhampur were given certificates of merit. Ms Tabassum Mughal, student, Department of Law topped in the mimicry category while second and third position were secured by Mr Manav Sharma of SPMr College of Commerce, Jammu and Ms Sukriti Sharma of Govt Women College, Prade respectively. Mr Vikas Thappa, Department of Physics and Mr Amit Sharma of PG Department of Chemistry were given certificates of merit. For Mime, the Department of Law, JU, Govt Women College, Udhampur and GGM Science College bagged the top positions respectively. Govt Women College, Gandhi Nagar got the certificate of merit. According to the schedule drawn up for the Display Your Talent programme, skits and one-act plays will be organised tomorrow. |
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Rally for re-organisation
of J&K State Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 23: To reiterate its pledge for re-organisation of J&K State and separate statehood to Jammu, Jammu joint Students Federation today organised a mass rally at Parade. Addressing the gathering, JJSF chief Mr Rajinder Jamwal launched a scathing attack on successive State Governments as well as political leadership of Delhi and alleged that Jammu people have always been taken far granted by the ruling elite. "The successive Kashmiri rulers always exploited the sentiments of innocent, sincere and peace loving masses of Jammu," he said. Criticising the so called political leadership and self styled champions of Jammu for their dubious role in highlighting the cause of Jammu since independence, Mr Jamwal alleged that unholy NC-BJP alliance was hell bent to create communal tension for its petty gains. Advocating for re-organisation of J&K State, the JJSF chief said that nothing short of Jammu State, ranging from Ravi to Peer Panjal, was acceptable to them. Mr Hari Dutt Shishu, senior JJSF leader, in his address, questioned the credibility of BJP led Central Government after the recent Tehlka expose and cautioned people from so called nationalist forces in the country. While addressing, J&K Panther Party president Mr Uday Chand, strongly criticised the successive State Government for treating Jammu people as inferior and slaves of Kashmiris. Mr Rakesh Chargotra and Rajesh Dogra, while speaking, reaffirmed the resolve of JJSF to achieve separate statehood for Jammu. They charged the National Conference Government with flooding Jammu with liquor shops so that young Dogra generation can be spoiled. Mr Sonu Sharma and Anuj Tandon exhorted youth of Jammu region to remain united for achieving the goal of separate statehood to Jammu. Mr Ghulam Ali and Madan Gopal asserted that youth should get inspiration from the invaluable sacrifices made by great martyrs to liberate their motherland. Mr Bhari Lal and Harish Kumar Ashu appealed people to come forward and join hands with JJSF to attain the goal of separate statehood to Jammu. Mr Som Nath Dabgotra, president J&K Vikas Party, Kuldeep Chib, Sanjay Slathia, Rinkesh, Rajesh Kumar (Dheeru), Rajinder Singh Munna, Rikender Sambyal Kaka, Dinesh Singh, Rozy, Surinder Sharma, Rameshwar Jamwal, Sunny Sambyal and Rajesh Singh also addressed on the occasion. |
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NC Legislators hail
Ministry Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 23: Showing all qualities of a good and promising parliamentarian, the Panthers Party member from Ram Nagar, Harsh Dev Singh today castigated the Government for its dismal performance in the agriculture and its allied sectors. The Member during participation in the discussion for annual grants for Agriculture and Rural Development Ministry alleged that loans upto Rs 50,000 were not waived off to farmers as announced by former Prime Minister, Mr H D Deve Gowda at Udhampur. He said though the industrialists were given the benefits of the scheme the farmers were left in lurch. He said though the Agriculture is the important Department but unfortunately the Finance Minister who should have been here during discussions is conspicuous by his absence. He said the budget allocations are meager and insignificant which is totally an injustice with farming community. He said the agriculture is the only department that sustains our economy but it is pity that farmers who sustain us face starvation today. He said due to drought the cattle are also starving for fodder and the Department has not come to their rescue. He also took the Government to task for delaying the setting up of Agriculture University for Jammu. On the performance of Rural Development Department he said it has totally become defunct and redundant and demanded that the staff working in the said Department should be adjusted in other departments. He said though holding of panchayat elections was a good step but there were many lacunas in the Act in which the Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste have been given the raw deal. He demanded suitable amendments be made in the Act to make it democratic. Sharing the views of his Panthers Party counterpart, the CPI (M) member from Kulgam Mohammed Yousf Tarigami also lambasted the Government for its dismal performance in agriculture and rural development sectors. He said the Government has no agriculture policy which is the back bone of our economy and alleged that the meager allocations have been kept for this very important sector. He questioned how the farmers will make progress when they are not given the support price for their produce and said after the GATT and WTO we can not compete in the international market. Both our products apple and walnut have gone, he added. He said the Government has also taken no concrete steps to deal with the drought which has affected this sector worstly. Last year papers were made for purchase of pump sets to tackle the drought situation but till date they have not been purchased. He wanted to know when these pumps will come saying will Government fix the next century for that. Tarigami also expressed serious concern that the Government has not declared the horticulture as an industry which has sustained our economy during the militancy period also. He also criticised the Panchayat Act. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Member Abdul Rehman Veeri blamed the Government for not providing the adequate allocation to the Agriculture sector on which 80 per cent people of the state are directly linked. He said if any industry is presently functioning in Kashmir that is fruit but due to wrong policies of the Government the fruit production has decreased in the State. He demanded construction of cold storage for fruit so that it can be supplied to mandis on demand. Congress MLA from Leh Chewing Dorjay welcomed the Government for conducting Panchayat poll in the state. He demanded that crop insurance scheme be made for farmers as in all the three regions of state farming community is suffering. Participating in the discussions the BJP’s Ch. Chuni Lal said there are no irrigation facilities available to 1200 acres of land in his Constituency and the farmers are being provided the duplicate fertilizers. He said till, there was marketing societies control on the fertilizers there was no adulteration in it but now it has increased. He demanded subsidy be given to farmers on seeds and fertilizers. He also stressed on rural sanitation through RDD and strengthening of cooperative movement. Dr Jagdish Dubey of JDU demanded timely distribution of fertilizers and seeds to farmers. He also stressed that ration be provided to farmers as crops have been destroyed due to drought. He also demanded a constant check so that no adulterated fertilizers are distributed among farmers. NC’s Member Jagjivan Lal hailed the White revolution and urged the Government that immediate steps be taken to tackle the drought situation. Ashok Sharma of Congress demanded that more powers be given to Panchayat. He also demanded that crop and cattle insurance schemes be introduced in the State. Stressing that support price be fixed for agriculture produce he alleged that money has not been paid to people under Indira Awas Yojna. Dillawar Mir of NC demanded district level meet of Legislators and officers to devise the means for providing impetus to agriculture sector. He said the Government should pay first and foremost attention to tackle the drought situation and stressed on coordination between the Horticulture, marketing and producing wings to boost the fruit production. He demanded that a House Committee be constituted to probe the allegations regarding the Vice Chancellor SKUAST, Kashmir. Mir Saifullah of NC stressed on research be conducted so that the drought prone seeds are cultivated by the SKUAST Kashmir. Others who participated in the discussions include Sadiq Ali, Abdul Gani Malik, Mohammed Rafiq Sheikh of NC, BJP’s Prithvi Chand and Som Nath of BSP. |
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