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| MLA demands clear Transport policy Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Choudhary Piara Singh, MLA Gandhinagar has expressed grave concern over the burden....more ‘Peace
initiative vindicated PDP’s stand’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Shifting all blames on ruling National Conference for miseries of the masses....more Sagar
reviews water Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, May 7: The State Government is fully committed to provide drinking water facilities in every nook and corner......more Response
to talks offer Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: In order to bring the different factions of the Kashmiri Pandit community on single platform.....more Srinagar
Doordarshan Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 7: Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar has decided to initiate an action against a private producer who had allegedly ........more |
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HC
directive on daily Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Justice Arun Kumar Goel of the State High Court has directed the State and others that in case the petitioners have....more Court
frames charges Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Special Judge Anti- Corruption Jammu, Vikas Kant Gupta has framed charges against M K Jalali, the then Superintending Engineer (SE) Irrigation and Flood Control Circle.........more SC orders
status quo Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Division Bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justice H B Shah and Justice S N Variava had directed to maintain status quo on.........more Lord
Buddha Club Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, May 7: On the occasion of the Budha Purnima, All India Confederation of the SC/ST Organisation organised a function in which large number of intellectuals participated................more |
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MLA demands clear Transport policy Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Choudhary Piara Singh, MLA Gandhinagar has expressed grave concern over the burden faced by the transport industry and demanded that Government should come out with clear Transport policy. As per a release, the BJP leader demanded that State Government should work out the requirement on transport and then only permits be issued for all classes of public transport and the practice of showing favours to influential and powerful persons should be given up as has been done in granting point to point permits for buses. This selective approach has benefitted only and riches and others deserving have been ignored. He further demanded that the Union Government should lay out a uniform pattern / policy in the matter of fixing the cost of chassis, levying of taxes like excise duty. The high Excise duty has shot up the cost of chasis to Rs 8.50 lakhs. Thus only wealthy transporters can get benefit out of it. The MLA expressed that vehicles having 25 year age are running on the Jammu roads and so special attention has been given by the Transport authorities towards it while in other major cities of the country their operation has been banned. He said the Government should fix the life of the vehicles. |
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‘Peace
initiative vindicated PDP’s stand’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Shifting all blames on ruling National Conference for miseries of the masses, Jammu and Kashmir Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Union Home Minister, Mufti Mohammed Sayed today said that State Government has failed to mitigate woes of the people in general and youth in particular. Addressing one day convention of the youth wing of the party, Mufti demanded an employment package for the youth of the State. He further demanded that students and unemployed youth from Jammu and Kashmir should be given reservation in professional colleges "It is very unfortunate that Farooq Government has not formulated any programme and policies for youth of this violence plagued state", he regretted and added that miseries of the youth further compounded after installation of the NC Government. "Alienation and dischentment among youth have been increasing due to the non-serious policies of the State Government", he said and added that as long as Farooq Government was at the helm of the affairs alienation among youth will increase after every passing day. He exhorted the youth to launch a war to get the masses rid from this most corrupt Government. Contesting State Government’s claim of providing Government jobs to thousands of educated unemployed youth, PDP chief said that Government jobs were not provided to genuine and deserving lot but sold in open auction. " Farooq Abdullah has doled out licence to his touts to sell Government in open market", he said and added that legitimisation of corruption was the only achievement of Farooq Government. Pointing towards thousands and thousands of backdoor appointments made by the State Government, Mufti said that these backdoor appointments were the clear indication of the approach of the State Government. Highlighting woes of the youth, PDP chief urged the Central Government to reserve seats for J&K youth in different professional colleges of the country. He also demanded reservation of J&K youth in different public sector units. PDP chief assured that youth that his party would formulate a comprehensive youth policy to solve woes of the youth. "Our policies and programmes will be guided by the interest of the youth", he said. He further stated that PDP would shortly announce its socio-economic programme. Former Union Home Minister appreciated Union Government for announcing unilateral peace and initiating peace process. He said that unilateral cease-fire and peace process was vindication of their party’s stand that bullet was the no solution of the problem. He, however, said that solution of the Kashmir problem could not emerge in days or two. "It is long process and it was consume some time", he said and hoped that peace would be ultimately prevailed in this violence plagued State. Accusing Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah of creating hurdles in the on going peace process, Mufti aired apprehension that Chief Minister may sabotage the process as prevailing situation suit him. State vice-president of the youth wing of PDP Mr Ashok Sharma while addressing the convention criticised the State Government for its failure to solve woes of the masses. "Instead of solving problems of the youth State Government has further compounded miseries of the youth", he said while listing problems being faced by the youth. Mr Sharma condemned the authorities for not formulating any policy for the youth of the State. Exhorting the youth to oppose anti-youth policies of the State Government, Mr Sharma said that it was high time to launch a war against this corrupt Government. Addressing the convention, Mr Baldev Slathia, district president of the PDP Jammu rural lambasted the Farooq Government for discriminating with rural youth. He regretted that State Government has not formulated any programme for the betterment and upliftment of the rural youth. Mr Slathia said that instead of providing Government jobs to deserving youth Ministers have been appointing their relatives by floating all norms. Master Tassaduq Hussain, Tirlok Singh Bajwa, A K Jothshi, Surjit Kour, Ashok Jogi, Harmit Singh, Baldev Singh Pappa, Sohit Sharma, Balbir Singh, Balwan Singh, T R Dogra, Ch. Chuni Lal, Parmanand Saini, Gulam Nabi, Vinod Sharma and others addressed the convention. |
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Sagar reviews water supply schemes Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, May 7: The State Government is fully committed to provide drinking water facilities in every nook and corner of the State. This was stated by the Works Minister, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar while presiding over an officers meeting held here today to review the various water supply schemes. The meeting discussed in detail how to tackle the supply of drinking water in the water scarcity areas particularly in Kandi belt. It was decided in the meeting that water tankers would be pressed into service as and when need arises. Besides the ponds be used for storage of water for the cattle. The meeting was told that 37 water tankers are being pressed into service to meet the requirements of the people of Akhnoor, Samba and Jammu areas. The meeting was informed that there is no shortage of water in Jammu city as adequate quantity of water is being supplied to the people. It was also disclosed in the meeting that the Central team who had visited in the state in the recent past to assess the losses to crops. The team was taken to Kandi belts to know on spot the ground realities of the water is being supplied to the people. To monitor the drinking water supply position in Jammu division, it was decided that Control Rooms will be set up at various places in the region. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that there should be no complaint from any quarter about the shortage of water. He said that no drinking water supply scheme or any government work should starve for want of funds. He asked the engineers to work with dedication and devotion so that adequate water is made available to common man even in the remotest areas of the State. Among others the meeting was attended by the Chief Engineer, PHE, Mr.J.R.Gupta, Superintending Engineer, PHE, Mr. I.C.Jandial, Superintending Engineer, (Rural) Mr. S.N.Manyal (Rural), Executive Engineer, PHE, Mr.V.K.Abrol Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, Mr Mehboob Iqbal, Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Mr. R.K.Goyal and the engineers of the various departments. |
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Response
to talks offer Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: In order to bring the different factions of the Kashmiri Pandit community on single platform to have a consensus on various issues to be put forth before the emissary of the Central Government, Mr K C Pant,some intellectuals from the community have started an exercise in this regard for last over one month now. According to sources, during this period three meetings were organised by these intellectuals in which representatives from every KP organisation participated to elicit their views on the issue. The main purpose of this exercise according to sources is to constitute a core group so that a consensus is reached among the Kashmiri Pandits to put a collective view point on community’s response before Mr Pant. It may be recalled that Mr Pant has invited people representing the different political and non political groups for talks to resolve the vexed Kashmir problem soon he was appointed as Centre’s emissary by the Union Government. The intellectuals move has received a positive response from all the Kashmiri Pandit organisations including the Panun Kashmir, protagonist of a separate "Homeland" for over three lakh KPs in the Valley, the sources said. The sources said regarding the community’s response to the dialogue offer made by Mr Pant to Kashmiri groups, various other issues have been discussed threadbare in past meetings. All the KP factions who attended in the past meetings were of the unanimous view that no solution to the vexed Kashmir problem is possible without fulfillment of the aspirations of the KP community which are the aborigines of the Valley. The sources said even the community intellectuals have shown total flexibility in their approach and have assured even to pursue the Homeland demand if it emerges as consensus in the core group thus framed. This way the intellectuals are of the opinion that a loud and clear message will go to all directions that the community will not allow any sell out on its rehabilitation and it has no two thoughts on return to Valley. The sources said Prof G K Mujoo who of late was associated with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has contested the Assembly elections in 1996 from Hazratbal Assembly segment is brain behind this move. The first meeting in this regard was held on April 6 in which besides Mr Amarnath Vaishnavi, a veteran community leader, Mr O N Trisal, Prof M K Teng, K P Sabha chief, Mr T N Khosa and P K Convenor , Dr Aghnishekhar participated. This was followed by another two meetings held on April 18 and 30 respectively, the sources informed and added in the last meeting held on April 30 a Sub Committee was also framed to prepare the draft resolution. Prof G K Mujoo was elected as convenor of this Sub Committee. This meeting besides Prof Mujoo was attended by Dr K N Pandita, Prof M K Teng, Mr P L Bhat, Mr T N Khosa and Mr R K Raina. The sources said the community leaders are again meeting tomorrow at Kashmiri Pandit Sabha Office, Ambphalla and there is every possibility that a consensus will emerge and a draft resolution will be adopted unanimously to put before Mr Pant. |
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Srinagar Doordarshan to initiate against private producer Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 7: Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar has decided to initiate an action against a private producer who had allegedly deposited a fake bank guarantee with the DD officials. The bank document, which is acquired against cash payment, serves as a counter-guarantee for Doordarshan, incase a producer turns defaulter, an officer of Doordarshan said today. He said that a private producer, Abdul Rashid Barki was allotted a programme series under the commissioned slot recently. It was mandatory for Barki, like other private producers, to produce a bank guarantee before Doordarshan releases 40 percent of the money allotted to him for making a commissioned series. The officer said that Barki also deposited a bank guarantee with Doordarshan, but on verification, it was allegedly found to be a fake one. A Doordarshan officer, while admitting that a "fraud" was committed with Kendra, said that it has been decided to initiate legal action against this private producer. This is necessary to prevent other producers from cheating Doordarshan by resorting to such fraud, the officer asserted. He charged Barki with resorting to black-mailing tactics in a bid to force Doordarshan to close the chapter. Barki, the officer said had also sent various memoranda against local Doordarshan station to "pressurise" the Kendra, the officer said, adding that local station has decided to initiate an action against him, in addition to a defamation suit. |
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HC directive on daily wagers case Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Justice Arun Kumar Goel of the State High Court has directed the State and others that in case the petitioners have completed 240 days in a calendar year as daily wagers, they should not be dispensed with their services, except by following the provision of Industrial Disputes Act-1947. In case there are any unpaid earned wages receivable by the petitioners as per the official records, those will be released forthwith. This court direction was passed in two writ petitions filed by Sheetu Mahajan, Meenakshi Dogra and Vinod Kumar and 27 others working as daily wagers against the post of Architectural Assistants, Electricians, Pump Operators and Class-IV vacancies. The petitioners challenged the Government order number 144-GAD of 2000, dated February 2, 2001 issued by Commissioner/Secretary, General Administration Department by which the order for dis-engagement of daily wagers who were appointed after January 31, 1994 was issued. While admitting the petitions, the Court issued notice, which was accepted by Government Advocates, to file the counter within eight weeks and rejoinder if any within next four weeks. In the peition, it was submitted that the petitioners have been working from the last six to seven years. The petitioners also sought the quashment of Government order number 144-GAD of 2001, dated February 2, 2001, while terming it illegal and unconstitutional. |
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Court frames charges against SE, wife in graft case Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Special Judge Anti- Corruption Jammu, Vikas Kant Gupta has framed charges against M K Jalali, the then Superintending Engineer (SE) Irrigation and Flood Control Circle Kathua and his wife Nirmala Jalali, the then teacher Government Girls High School Delina, Baramulla (now migrant) and residents of 74-Sector-B Trikutanagar Jammu for possessing assets worth over rupees 44 lakh, disproportionate to their known source of income. While framing charges, the Judge observed that during the service period as SE, M K Jalali had abused his offdicial position and thereby raised wealth and assets through dishonest means in league with his wife Nirmala Jalali, a teacher by profession. During investigation, it was found that many items of property including cash was recovered either from the possession of the accused or from other agencies owned by Jalalis. It was found that Jalali couple had raised assets over rupees 50 lakh while’s they had earned a total income of over rupees 16 lakh. After deducting day to day expenditures on the education of their sons and other expenses, they were likely to have saved over rupees 6 lakh, while’s their property was found of over rupees 50 lakh, which turned out to be over rupees 44 lakh disproportionate to their known source of income. It was further found that Jalalis had purchased property in and outside the State without prior permission of the prescribed authority, thereby violated the Service Conduct Rules. After framing the charges, the Court directed the Vigilance Organisation to produce evidence in this case. |
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SC orders status quo on shop near Katra Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Division Bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justice H B Shah and Justice S N Variava had directed to maintain status quo on a shop situated at Pakki Chabeel on way to Mata Vaishnodevi shrine. The Court direction was passed on a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by Narayan Dutt versus Subash Chander, in which S S Lehar and P D Sharma appeared for the petitioners. It was contended that the shop in dispute is situated at Pakki Chabeel, village Purana Daroor Katra and on way to Mata Vaishnodevi shrine and was allotted by Dharamarh Trust in 1979 to Subash Chander, the respondent. It was contended that the respondent after taking the possession of the shop, was not in a position to run the business and had allotted the same shop to the petitioner by taking the lump- sum money as cost for the furniture and other articles lying in this shop. After subletting, the petitioner had started running a milk bar after seeking licence from the Health Department for the same. The petitioner had also paid the income tax for the last 12 years. However, it was submitted that the respondent was forcibly trying to dispossess the petitioner from the shop in dispute. Upon this, a suit was filed and thereafter SLP filed in the Apex Court. The Supreme Court granted status quo. |
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Lord Buddha Club organises function at Kathua Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, May 7: On the occasion of the Budha Purnima, All India Confederation of the SC/ST Organisation organised a function in which large number of intellectuals participated. A Prabhat Pheri was also taken out which passed through the main bazaars of Kathua city . Later, Buddha Vandana was performed by Dr Rasaal Chand Boudhi which was recited by the participants after him. Addressing the function, Mr B D Ladwal, president of the All J&K Buddha Club thanked the participants who had come from various nook and corner of the State and called upon them to remain united. Similar views were expressed by Mr S K Kalsotra, president of the J&K unit of All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisation. Mr Gian Chand Thapa, Dr Shiv Kumar vice-president All India Confederation of SC/ST J&K unit. Mr Romesh Chand and others addressed the function. Mr Kalsotra further said that Mahatama Buddha’s preaching were so pious, justice loving and down to earth in practicability that India progressed in all walks of life as long as Buddhism was allowed to flourish in the country. Mr Kalsotra, therefore, called upon the people to March to Delhi in on October 14, 2001. |
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Centre considering special economic package to J&K SRINAGAR, May 7: The Centre is considering granting a special economic package to Jammu and Kashmir to give a boost to the State’s horticulture and industrial sectors, a top Central Government official said today. The State Government has been asked to prepare an action plan in this regard which could raise the economic status of the people, Union Special Secretary, Home, in charge of Kashmir Affairs, Ashok Bhandari, said. Addressing a meeting of officers at Baramulla, 55 kms from here, he said the Government has already asked NABARD and Reserve Bank of India to send teams of officers to Kashmir for on-the-spot assessment and see how people could be helped. Bhandari said economic development is one way to curb militancy as when people get jobs and economic conditions improve, they will not pay any heed to militancy. Asked whether the economic development has any link with the ongoing peace process in the State, Bhandari said economic development will definitely help speed up the peace process. Bhandari, accompanied by Shiv Basant, Joint Secretary in the Home Affairs, is on a two-day visit. Immediately after their arrival here today, they drove straight to Baramulla in north Kashmir and reviewed the law and order situation at a joint meeting of army, police, paramilitary forces and civil officers. They also discussed various matters related to agriculture, horticulture, irrigation, social welfare, industries and public health engineering with district officers, official sources said. The Central team directed the district administration to formulate a comprehensive plan aimed at providing succour to the people, they said. The District Development Commissioner pleaded for allocation of liberal assistance for creating and consolidating the basic infrastructure to promote horticulture and industries besides providing succour to the farmers in the event of draught, the sources said. (PTI) |
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2 member Central team in Kashmir SRINAGAR, May 7: A two-member Central team headed by the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home today took stock of the law and order situation in Baramulla district with senior army, paramilitary and police officers at a meeting at the district headquarters. The Joint Secretary Home, Mr Shiv Basant along with Special Secretary Ashok Bhandari also discussed matters related to agriculture, horticulture, irrigation, social welfare, industries and public health. Earlier, the team arrived in Srinagar today on a two- day visit and drove to Baramulla district, 55 kms from here, official sources said here. The District Development Commissioner, Baramulla, pleaded for allocation of liberal assistance for creating and consolidating the basic infrastructure to promote horticulture and industries besides providing sucour to the farmers in the event of drought, the sources said. |
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Arthritis camp held at KHN Hospital Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: An arthritis camp was yesterday conducted at KHN Hospital by Dr Annil Mahajan, a rheumatologist with tremendous response from the public. Free medical consultation was rendered to the patients who attended the camp. They were diagnosed having suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoararthritis, low backache, soft tissue rheumatism, seronegative spondyloarthropathy and gout. The medicines for the camp were provided free of cost by Cadila Zydus. On the occasion, Dr Mahajan said that the year 2000-2001 has been declared " Bone and Joint Decade" by World Health Organisation (WHO). He said that the purpose of holding such camps and CMEs is to disseminate the basic message and slogan of WHO— " Keep People Moving" . He further assured all concerned that he will hold such like camps in near future to help the patients lead a better quality of life and be out of clutches of morbidity and mortality of rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease. |
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Army takes up construction of road in Darhal Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, May 7: Construction of five kilometer road from Darhal to Khoriwali Gali via Pargal has recommenced today. Maj Gen Richarad Khare inaugurated the event by cutting a ribbon. The road will link the 12 villages in this hilly belt. The security forces will use the dozers , JCB and tippers in cutting the road and after that its development will be taken as all weather metalled road. Member Parliament Mirza Abdul Rashid graced the occasion. Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, Mr S A Khan also attended the function. Besides him prominent citizens of the area and people of Darhal and adjoining also attended the inauguration ceremony. In his address Mirza Rashid highlighted the commendable efforts of the security forces in eliminating the terrorists, especially foreign mercenaries, thus paving the way for restoration of normalcy in the area. Maj Gen Khare in his address assured the people about the Army’s resolve to combat terrorism which has hindered the development. He conveyed his determination in extending all support and security to the development activities and usher in an era of peace and prosperity. He urged all to work together and strive to achieve the same. The ceremony concluded with a delegation meeting the senior Army officer who assured their full cooperation and expressed their gratitude to help being extended. |
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Week-long painters’ camp concludes today Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: The week-long painters’ camp being attended by 10 young artists, is successfully concluding here tomorrow. Organised by the Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in collaboration with North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala, the camp commenced on May 2 after its inauguration by Mr Balwant Thakur, Secretary, Academy of Art, Culture and Languages. A total of 20 good paintings have been prepared, two art pieces by each artist, during the camp. Ten of these painting will be kept by the Academy of Art, Cultural and Languages and remaining will be with NZCC, Patiala for display of selected ones at different exhibitions. Mr Rohit Verma was convenor-cum-artist of the camp which is being attended by Ms Shivani Shaminotra, Sunanda Khajuria, Messrs Suresh Sharma, Darshan Singh, Sat Paul Deol, Vinay Khajuria, Amit Singh and Ajay Gupta. The artists passionately rendered their job with conviction and consistency to give expression to their imagination and feelings. Some of the end-products were of high quality with professional touch and attractive colour scheme. The organisation of camps do help in promotion of professionalism and upgrading and sharpening of artistic skill among the young artists. The campers, while talking to EXCELSIOR. appreciated the Academy for taking welcome step of arranging artists’ camps which are useful for young artists, Mr Tiku, an renowned artist, opined that the duration of the camp should be long than just one week, secondly. these may be held in conducive environs and also there must be interactive sessions with highly professional experts. A overview of paintings prepared during the camp, give a glimpses of variety and depth of creative talent of these young artists. Mr Suresh Sharma’s canvas painting with spiritual flavour havingwhole range of concentration, creativity and cool atmosphere. It at once attract attention and admiration. While Mr Rohit Verma, who holds Master’s degree in Fine Arts, moves with a quest to unravelk the mysteries of unknown which incorporates dreamscapes and world of desires. Ms Sunanda Khajuria’s approach is distinctive with attention to details. Use of vibrant colours reveals her optimism in life. And Shivani Shaminotra has her own distinct style of depicting tenderemotions and intricate human relationships. Mr Vinay Khajuria’s work represents landscape with un-conventional approach could be termed as re-arranged landscapes doing while Mr Sat Paul Deol’s figurative work is marked by simplicity of life which connotes his philosophy of art. Mr Darshan Singh’s composition reveals optimism and liberal outlook. For him it is bed of roses that is important; rather than too much fuss about the thorns. Mr Naveen Singh Sambyal’s product indicate his search for stability. Use of colour do reflect his inner romanticism. Ajay Gupta’s work seeks solace and versatility of temperament. The camps are useful as these provide ideal opportunity of upgrading their professional skill through exchange of ideas and experiences, practical work and team spirit. So more such camps must be organised. |
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Gupta reviews pace of work
on upgradation Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: The Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, presided over a high-level officers’ meeting held to review the work of modernisation going on at the Jammu Airport, here today. Reviewing the pace of progress, the Minister urged the officer associated with construction and modernisation work, to speed up the work in shortest possible time. The re-construction and upgradation of Jammu Airport terminal should be expeditiously completed, he added. So far, an amount of Rs 6 crore has been spent on the expansion and modernisation of the Jammu Airport. The Union Minister was apprised by the officers that the construction work of extension and re-surfacing of the existing run-way and apron extension is in full swing. The Minister was informed that in the first phase 104 kanals land out of 115 kanals has been acquired while the remaining 11 kanals are being transferred to the Airport Authority of India. In the first phase, a compensation of Rs 2.58 crore has been paid to the private land owners whose land has been acquired.In the second phase, land compensation to the tune of Rs 2.74 crore has also been paid, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta was also informed. The Union Minister was informed that the State Government has made available about 276 kanals land free of cost to the Airport Authority of India. The meeting was attended by Mr K Ramalingam, Member, Planning, Airport Authority of India; Mr B K Duggal, General Manager, Aerodome Planning, Mr T K Dass, Chief Engineer, Airport Authority of India; Mr Veeranna Aivalli, Commissioner, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security; Mr R K Singla, Director, Airport Authority of India, Civil Airport, Jammu and Mr Anil Goswami, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu province. Our Udhampur Correspondent adds: Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, who represents Doda-Udhampur-Kathua constituency in Lok Sabha, today disclosed that the Centre has sanctioned a Pilot Project worth Rs 50 crore for the Udhampur district. Of this Rs 25 crore will be spent in urban areas while equal amount has been earmarked for provision of drinking water in the rural areas in the district. At a meeting about Member Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLAD), he declared to give to priority to drinking water scheme followed by construction of school buildings and roads in the rural areas under this scheme in the district. Prof Gupta directed the district administration to take up the works under MPLAD scheme in areas of the district which are not having basic facilities like drinking water, schools, roads and primary health centres. He asked for speedy completion of works so that the people are benefitted by the scheme. Since becoming MP of 11th, 12th and then Minister in 13th Lok Sabha, Prof Gupta has released Rs 7 crore out of MPLAD scheme for carrying out various development works for the benefit of the people in his constituency. The Minister told various delegations, which meet him today, that the Vajpayee Government was fully aware and alive to the problems of the people in Jammu and Kashmir and eager to take all possible steps for their development and welfare. The Minister announced sanction of Rs 39 lakhs for carrying out works under MPLAD scheme which include Rs 5 lakh for compound wall for Govt Girls College, Udhampur. funds for construction of Meeting Hall for Govt Girls Higher Secondary School as also District Police and Rs 2 lakh for construction of building for Fast Track Court. |
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Family of porter killed in Kargil awaits ex-gratia Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Mr Sel Dorje, brother of Mr Sonam T Lamba, Care of Mahajan Shoe Shop No 6, Sadar bazar Jammu Cantt Satwari, has sought to draw the attention of State Government as also of the Central Government towards the pathetic tale of a young person from Nepal namely Sonam T Lamba, 22 son of Mr Singhe T Lamba, who died in his prime youth while carrying ammunition in his capacity as porter on May 8, 1999 at forward post in Kargil during Operation Vijay. As per a release at that point of time he was engaged as a porter by Third battalion of Punjab Regiment. Since his death on May 8, 1999 till date, neither the Government of India nor the State Government of J&K has paid any ex-gratia relief and all efforts in pursuing these Governments have added miseries to the concerned family, which has been faced with economic and otherwise ruination. The brother of the deceased Sel Dorje said no body cared for their miseries while tall claims have been made by both State and Central Governments for quick relief to those who died in Operation Vijay in Kargil sector. Mr Dorje said the relief authorities including the Home Department of the State has added salt to the injury by doing nothing and taking our miserable plight inhumanely. For six months during winter 2000, Mr Dorje followed all the quarters in J&K but got disappointment, when he returned from Civil Secretariat empty handed just at the close of offices on Friday last. Mr Dorje has said that he would be obliged if the Governments of J&K and Centre take notice of his plea and settle ex-gratia relief issue of his brother at an earliest. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 7: Buddha Jayanti was celebrated by J&K Buddha Mission Society today. The function was attended by over 100 people including eminent thinkers, academicians and social activists. The programme started by garlanding Buddha’s picture and offering prayers in a traditional way. Many scholars expressed their views on different aspects of Buddhist philosophy and religion. K K Dogra, president of the Association on the occasion highlighted the aims and objectives of Buddha Mission Society. He appealed to the audience to follow the path shown by Lord Buddha, which he said, was the need of an hour. Dr Poonam Choudhary from Jammu University revealed the ongoing excavation work at Ambaran near Akhnoor. S L Bharti elaborated the importance of truth and non-violence in the percent scenario. Dr Anita Billawari, Tulsi Dass Langeh, Nirmal Nargotra, Jagan Nath Sharma Shakeel Ahmad Sheikh, D C Bassan, Kanta Bassan, Surrinder Kapoor, Kamini Kapoor, Mrinalinui Attrey, Shagufta Parveen, Major Singh and S P Kundal also expressed their views on the occasion. |
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