PCC leaders appeal people to observe
complete bandh on Nov 5

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 4: A meeting of the Pradesh Congress Committee was held today under the chairmanship of PCC vice-president, Mr Pardhuman Singh Azad.

According to a press release, meeting observed that the Jammu region has been facing discrimination in various fields since long but the present Government has beaten all past records. To focus the attention of the Government towards the most burning problems of people like heavy curtailments in electricity, acute shortage of drinking water, unemployment, militancy and border migration, the Congress Party has given a bandh call for November 5, 2001 coinciding with the opening of Darbar in Jammu.

The PCC leaders appealed to various traders organisations, transporters unions and general public to observe bandh in peaceful manner.

Prominent among those who attended the meeting included Mr Mula Ram, Dharam Pal Sharma, Hari Singh, Swaran Lata, Darshan Raina, Manmohan Singh, Anil Chopra, Hukam Chand Sharma, Parkash Sharma, Nek Mohammed, Shankutla Devi, J N Dhar, Krishan Lal Gupta, Deepak Kumar, Mohammed Younis, Sugreev Singh, Vijay Sharma and others.

Bhalla cautions against rigging in forthcoming Assembly polls

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 4: Senior Congress leader and PCC member, Mr Raman Bhalla has warned that the situation in the State would take a turn for the worse if the next Assembly polls in the State were allowed to take place with controversial Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah continuing at the helm of affairs. He said that polls under Dr Farooq Abdullah will be further disastrous and the NC leaders are planning to rig the polls.

While addressing a public meeting at Roopnagar, Digiana of Gandhinagar constituency, Mr Bhalla said that militancy and insurgency in the state were outcome of the massive rigging of the Assembly polls held in 1987. He said that it was high time to allow the people to elect their representatives freely.

He accused the Chief Minister of legitimising corruption. He further said that to hide the misgovernance of his Government, Chief Minister has been playing the autonomy card.

Messrs Rajinder Mann, Ashok Kumar, Amrit Bali, Balbir Singh Manga, Dalip Singh, Amrish Sharma, Kuldeep Raj, Bittoo, Nishu, Balwant Singh Manhas, Vijay Kumar, Janak Raj, Raj Kumar, Pritam Dass, Sewa Ram, Harnam Singh, Des Raj, Mohinder Pal, Mangal Dass, Darshan Lal, Behari Lal, Kala Ram, Raju, Sat Pal, Udhampur Singh, Bodh Raj, Surinder Kumar, Girdhari Lal, Bachan Lal, Prem Singh Charak, Pawan Kumar, Banarsi Lal, Garib Dass, Sita Ram, Seetal Singh, Harbans Lal, Udham Singh, Koki, Gudu, Dr Sabarwal, Soma Salaria and others.

Sharma for supply of subsidized seed, fertilizer to farmers

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 4: Mr R S Sharma, MLA Nowshera, during his tour of the constituency, assessed the prevailing conditions of farmers in both the blocks of Sunderbani and Nowshera, confronted by them due to drought, which has shattered the living of the peasantry.

As per a release Mr Sharma was told that free ration was supplied to farmers but only for one month and the sowing season has already set in and the farmers were not in a position to purchase seed and fertilizer. He said by supplying free ration the Government has acknowledged the distress financial condition of these farmers, having lost purchasing power and that it would be difficult for them to purchase seed and fertilizer.

Mr Sharma stressed that farmers have pinned their hopes on Kharif crop and the Government should provide them quality seed and fertilizer free of cost, which can go a long way in redressal of their financial hardships. Mr Sharma has pleaded with the Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister to intervene in the matter at an earliest to save the farming community from starvation and provide seed and fertilizer at subsidized rates.

Mr Sharma also pleaded for exemption of toll tax and sales tax on fertilizer to relieve the small and marginal farmers from additional financial burden.

The Congress leader hailed the announcement of the Industries Minister about revival of viable sick industrial units in the State like Woolen Mill, Bemina, Silk Factory, Rajbagh, Government Spinning Mill Nowshera and Rosin and Turpentine Factory Miran Sahib, whereas the deserving viable sick units of Government viz Rosin Factory, Sunderbani and Rajouri have been lost sight of despite of their past better performance. These units had to stop working for no fault of theirs. He said raw material procured from the forests of Rajouri district was diverted to Miran Sahib, leaving these units of border district at the cross road though these units had been making profits.

Mr Sharma requested the Government to also consider revival of these viable units at par with those units with the same yard-stick so that employees and labour, economically depressed as of now, were able to maintain their families.

PNB offers special festival bonanza

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 4: The Punjab National Bank (PNB) has earned all time high profit of rupees 4.22 crores in the first half of the current year in the Jammu and Kashmir state. This was disclosed by Mr V K Gupta, senior Regional Manager, while addressing a press conference.

"The Bank has a net work of 64 branches in the State with deposits of Rs 975 crores and advances of Rs 216 crores as on September, 30, 2001", he said, adding, "the Bank in the state has earned all time high profit of Rs 4.22 crores in the first half of current year".

Emphasising bank’s commitment towards eradication of poverty and unemployment, Mr Gupta informed that Punjab National Bank in the Jammu and Kashmir has sanctioned loans to 413 beneficiaries under various Government sponsored schemes during the first half of this year as against 243 beneficiaries during the corresponding period last year.

To give boost to the Agriculture sector, disbursement to the tune of Rs 216 lakhs made during the first half this year as against Rs 85 lakhs during the corresponding period last year. "PNB J&K has sanctioned 465 Kisan Credit cards upto October 2001 as against 27during the corresponding period last year", he said and added that the Bank has launched a mass awareness campaign in the state amongst the farmers and the results are encourging. Mr Gupta said that we have realised the dreams of many build good houses, to renovate existing houses, to furnish their houses, to own a vehicles, to set up a trade, to build up self employment ventures and have sanctioned loans to the tune of 13 crores under our retail lending schemes. He implored that new entrepreneurs must come forward to set up viable projects for which Bank is ever ready to extend the finance. In this context he informed that the Bank has financed the first industrial unit to come up in Food Procession Park in Khunmoh, Srinagar.

PNB has a new blue print for the future banking facilities to give best services to our customers. The Bank is implementing centralised banking solution by achieving connectivity in 1500-2000 branches. Mr Gupta said that the ultimate beneficiary of the investments in technology will be the Bank’s customers. Mr Gupta said that 29 branches in the region have been computerized and the process is on for computerization of all the branches of the Bank in the state at the earliest. ATM facility is also being made available at Jammu and Srinagar. The Bank has started electronic clearance of out station cheques at Jammu and Srinagar. Mr Gupta further said that the Bank in the state is in the process of getting quality system certification for its branches.

Mr Gupta said that our emphasis has been to delight our customers from whom we derive our strength. The Bank thanks its customers for continuing to response to repose faith in its services.

He also gave information about celebration of festival season bonanza by PNB upto 31-12-2001 wherein interest rates on Housing Consumer and personal loans have been reduced by 0.50 percent. During this festival season processing fees in respect of housing, consumers, personal, car loans and loans to pensioners will not be charged. He impressed upon the people to take full advantage of these relaxations.

Hind Samachar relief to 500 DPs
Harbans calls for NGOs help for migrants

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 4: The Minister for Labour and Sports, S Harbans Singh today visited the migrant camp at Belicharana and distributed the relief to over 500 people. The relief was arranged by the Hind Samachar Group and sponsored by prominent businessman of Delhi, Mr. Chanan Lal.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Singh called on various social organizations, NGOs and prominent citizens to make their concerted efforts for the upliftment of the socially backward and for the migrants.

He lauded the campaign carried out by the Hind Samachar Group for the well being of the migrants and persons displaced due to the on going terrorist activities in the State. The Group has pioneered itself in the field of social service and already 42 trucks of relief have been distributed to the down-trodden and the needy residing in these camps, said Mr. Singh.

He said that J&K State shares close proximity and relationship with the State of Punjab. Referring to the linguistic and cultural similarity of the two states. Both the states are the victims of the cross border terrorism. While Punjab has sternly dealt with terrorism, people in Jammu and Kashmir too should prepare themselves for this such approach which is the only answer to this menace, added Mr. Singh.

The Minister urged the Rajouri and Poonch displaced persons return to their native places and to prepare themselves to fight against the nefarious designs of the divisive forces. Migration only adds to the woes and is no solution. This will only provide the boost to the rogue neighbour Pakistan, opined Mr. Singh and added that the State Government is making every endeavor for the safe return of the migrants to their native places.

On the occasion the Minister also wished the women migrants all happiness and longevity of their family members on the auspicious day of Karva Chauth.

Various NGOs and social organizations including Lions Club, All India Anti-terrorism Front and prominent citizens were also present and assured the people of all possible help.

A representative of Hind Samachar Group who also spoke on the occasion said that besides providing the relief material to the migrants, monitory assistance ranging from Rs. 10000 to Rs. 30000 was also provided under the aegis of Shaheed Parivar Fund.

Earlier, the Minister visited Gole Market and persuaded Class IV employees of the Education Department to end their relay hunger strike. He also assured them that their services will be reinstated as promised by Chief Minister as soon as the offices resume their daily activities.

Sadhotra for completing the works in time

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 4: The Minister of State for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Mr. Ajay Sadhotra has reiterated Government’s resolve to provide maximum basic amenities to the people living in far flung areas through execution of a number of Centrally sponsored schemes.

Addressing the officers of Rural Development Department at a review meeting held here yesterday, Mr. Sadhotra said that the developmental activities in the State especially in the rural and backward mountainous areas are going apace despite Pak sponsored militancy. He said that the Panchayats are the basic institutions of a democratic system through which psyche of the people is reflected from their representatives.

Mr Sadhotra impressed upon the officers to come to the expectations and aspirations of the people by completing the development works in stipulated time. He said at present about half a dozen Centrally sponsored schemes are rendering yeomen service to ameliorate the socio-economic standard of the people by generating mandays on various schemes.

The meeting was apprised that as many as 416 rural works were completed in six districts of Jammu division with an estimated cost of Rs.2.29 crore generating 2.30 lakh mandays during the first eight months of the current financial year. It was further revealed that 331 rural works were completed under JGSY with an estimated cost of over Rs.1.88 crores generating 1.88 lakhs mandays during the period. Under Indira Awas Yojna (IAY) as many as 688 rural works including construction of link roads, lanes, drains, baolis and cattle sheds etc were also completed with an estimated cost of Rs.1.17 crore.

The Minister called upon the concerned officers to create a closer rapport with the people and involve them while preparing development schemes. He said all the schemes and yojnas were aimed at ameliorating the socio-economic standard of the people specially living below poverty line (BPL).He also exhausted upon officers to mobilize public opinion for constituting maximum self help groups (SHB) in the blocks. Mr. Sadhotra was apprised that under SGSY schemes as many as 542 Self Help Groups were performed in the division during t he period. Under the scheme loan of Rs.5.44 crore were sanctioned in favour of 1117 cases in the division.

Principal Secretary, Rural Development, Mr. Amit Kusshari and Director of the department were also present. The meeting was also attended by officers from different blocks, Panchayats and Rural Development agencies.

Suhrawardhy for speedy redressal of problems

Excelsior Correspondent

DODA, Nov 4: The Minister of State for Home, Mr. Khalid Najeeb Suharwardhy has called upon the District Officers to visit the far-flung areas of the district Doda to ascertain the grievences of the people confronting them and ensure speedy redressal of their genuine problems.

Addressing a joint meeting of District Officers representatives of social andd political organizations of the Doda town here today, the Minister congratulated the people of the district for maintaining the age old tradition of communal harmony and mutual brotherhood at all times, despite machinations of the communal elements.

The District Development Commissioner Doda, Mr. Azad Ahmed Lone who also spoke on the occasion assured the people that transparency and accountability in all the aspects of the administration. He ensured that genuine grievances of people of the district especially those living in far-flung areas will be addressed at the earliest and on priority basis.

Notables of the town while extending their welcome to the new District Development Commissioner assured their full cooperation to the District administration in accelerating the development process. They also tabled some local demands for consideration which includes, security of lives and property of the common masses, adequate drinking water facilities, construction of Court Complex, providing seeds and fertilizers to the farmers, avenues of work opportunities for the educated unemployed and uninterrupted power supply at morning and evening hours.

Prominent among those present on the occasion include SSP Doda, Mr. Ashkeer Ahmed Wani, Mr. R.K. Bhagat and Assistant Commissioner, Revenue, Mr. M.A. Qazi.

Earlier, the District Development Commissioner also inspected the District Hospital Doda and took stock of its functioning. Mr. Lone directed the Medical Superintendent of the Hospital to ensure best possible treatment to the patients. Mr. Lone also enquired about the welfare of the admitted patients.

3 killed, 25 injured as bus rolls down

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 4: Three persons were killed and 25 injured, nine of them seriously when a bus fell into a gorge near Sunderbani today.

According to police, the ill-fated vehicle bearing registration number JK02A-3075 was on its way from Thanamandi to Jammu when driver lost control over the speeding vehicle while negotiating sharp curve at Khud Nullah, one kilometre short of Sunderbani resulting into vehicle rolling down into deep gorge.

Three passengers were killed on spot while 25 others sustained injuries, nine of them critically. Getting the report of accident, a police party from Sunderbani led by SHO Mr Rajinder Sharma rushed to the spot and started rescue operation with the help of locals.

All the injured and killed persons were brought out of the gorge and shifted to hospitals. Six of the injured were admitted in Army Hospital and Sunderbani Hospital while 13 were referred to Government Medical College Hospital Jammu in view of their deteriorating condition.

The condition of six of the injured admitted in GMC Hospital was critical when reports last came in.

Two of the deceased have been identified as Lok Nath, son of Tara Chand of Lamberi and Naseer Ahmed, son of Sakhi Mohd of Mendhar. Identity of the third deceased has not been established when reports last came in.

Meanwhile, two persons sustained minor injuries when their scooter skidded off the road at Majalta. They were rushed to hospital and their condition was out of danger.

They have been identified as Sham Lal and Mansa Ram, both the residents of Majalta.

One Rajan Kumar of Tarore allegedly made abortive attempt to end his life by consuming some poisonous drug at his residence. He was immediately rushed to hospital when spotted unconscious by family members.

Doctors attending on him immediately washed his stomach followed by other medicare. His condition was out of danger when reports last came in.

The cause behind this extreme step could not be immediately known.

Civil Graduate Enggs discuss demands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 4: A meeting of all J&K Civil Engineering Graduates Association was held under the presidentship of Mr M A Mir.

As per a release senior engineers from Hydraulic and R&B wings working in various capacities participated and problems facing the engineers community in general and Graduate Engineers in particular, were discussed at length.

Almost all the members were of the opinion that since winter capital of the State is going to start its functioning at Jammu from tomorrow, it was enjoined upon all the Civil Engineering Graduates working under Jammu and Kashmir Government to participate in the activities of Association in order to protect their service interests.

It was resolved that Administrative wing of PWD must be approached with concrete proposals for the betterment of the engineers working in various capacities in order to create more promotional avenues and improvement in their status and standards of service.

Some of the members brought to the notice of the Association that due to manipulations of corrupt engineers and their touts in PWD, Government orders are not being implemented particularly in I&FC Department Jammu as a result of which the Chief Engineer I&FC Department was not being allowed to function properly by the unscrupulous elements among field staff and Ministerial staff of I&FC Department.

It was further impressed upon Mr Ali Mohd Sagar, Minister for PWD to adhere to the instructions and Government orders issued by it from time to time so that sense of discipline prevailed amongst the engineers working under its control and take those engineers to task who don’t comply these, which is in the best interests of Government works and overall development of Jammu and Kashmir State.

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