DDC reviews progress, stresses for transparency

Excelsior Correspondent

Kathua, Nov. 6: The District Development Commissioner, Kathua, Mr.B.D.Sharma reviewed the progress of several sectors at an officers meeting held here today.

The meeting was apprised that in the industrial sector, against the allocation of Rs. 6296 lakh, Rs.29.41 lakhs have been spent upto ending September this year. During this period, 81 units were provisionally registered while 22 cases were formally registered.

In Education sector, the DDC was informed that there are 1002 educational institutions in the district including higher secondary, high, middle and primary schools. The meeting was also apprised that no school is non-functional in the district now. In this sector, Rs.399.31 lakh have been spent so far against the total allocation of Rs.1081.70 lakh for the current financial year.

Similarly in Handicraft sector, the meeting was informed that Rs. 28.62 lakh have been incurred upto ending September against the allocation of Rs. 61.88 lakh. During this period, 293 trainees were imparted training in carpet weaving, bamboo work, phulkari, Chamba embroidry, Basohli painting etc.

Similarly in Social Welfare Sector, Rs.1.24 lakh have been spent in the district upto September this year. The department has one Balashram, one Nari Niketan besides embroidery and cutting and tailoring centres at different places of the district.

In Health sector, the DDC was informed that district has 5 medical blocks, 252 health institutions, one district hospital, 4 sub district hospitals and 28 primary health centres. The meeting was further apprised that Rs.187.67 lakh have been spent upto September against the total allocation of Rs.401.60 lakh.

Workshop-cum-exhibition of teaching aids held at MIER

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 6: The 27th batch of Nursery Teachers Trainees of the NTTC Wing of the Model Institute of Education and Research (MIER), B C Road, after their two day workshop-cum-exhibition camp prepared and displayed about 200 self-explanatory charts on various subjects and topics to be taught by them in the pre-school classes.

As per a release, Dr Arun K Gupta, Director MIER was the chief guest on the occasion. The exhibition was inaugurated by veteran educationist Prof Abdul Aziz, the Founder Principal of MIER College of Education and Advisor to Director. Dr Renu Tandon. HOD NTTC was among other teaching staff of NTTC Wing and senior officers of the administrative block present on the occasion.

Dr Arun K Gupta alongwith the team of his officers perused every item of the exhibition with keen interest and appreciated the skillful work done by the trainees under the guidance of highly qualified, experience and dedicated teaching staff. He also gave instructions wherever needed to make improvement in such like charts in future.

All the charts were exhibited in a very nice manner. The Director exhorted the trainees to prepare kits of such type of teaching aids, which will go in long run to inculcate professional efficiency while working in the field.

He advised them to make best use of the quality facilities of professional education provided by MIER. He highly praised the role of the devoted teaching staff of NTTC wing in this respect.

Ms Kanchan Tandon, Kavita Raina, Usha Ganjoo and other staff members of NTTC Wing had worked hard for the occasion.

Dowry death case
HC dismisses plea for CBI probe

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 6: In a dowry death case, Justice R C Gandhi has dismissed a petition filed by victim’s parents and brother who were pleading for CBI probe into the death.

The parents and brother of the deceased Vibha Gupta, who was married off to Vipul Gupta of Mohalla Dalpathia, had filed a petition that husband of Vibha and her mother-in law had " murdered" her for bringing insufficient dowry. The petition further stated that the investigating agency had not fairly investigated the case, as a result they were pressing for CBI probe.

Justice Gandhi observed that the investigating agency has filed a chalan and the petitioners are litigating for the last 12 years with the investigating agency without rendering any assistance at the time of re-investigation. The investigating officer has recorded in the report that in the room where the alleged offence has been committed, a stool has been shown in the room under the fan which has not been seized. The investigation was conducted earlier by two officers but both have died. The witnesses whose statement has been recorded with regard to the fact is sticking to old statement. The occurrence has become 12 years old and no other evidence could be collected.

Under such circumstances, the plea of the petitioners that re-investigations has not been done in fair manner is not justified. No case for quashing chalan is made out, it was observed.

VARSITY NOTE
JU Students Cultural Council elections on Nov 24

By Nishikant Khajuria

Election for the prestigious Jammu University Students Cultural Council body will be held on November 24 and the formal circular in this connection is likely to be issued tomorrow.

Prof S K Sharma of Department of Law has been appointed as Election Commissioner for the process while Dr C S Sudan of Geography Department and Dr Deepak Raj Gupta of Management Studies have been made as presiding officer and returning officer, respectively.

According to the University sources, the last date of filing nomination papers for the post of secretary and three joint secretaries of the Council will be on November 21.

Scrutiny of the papers will be conducted on the same day while the last date for withdrawal of candidature is November 22. In case, any departmental cultural secretary wants to cast his/her vote in advance due to some reason on the polling day, the person can get the ballot paper from the election Commissioner and submit it in a sealed letter on November 23, personally to the latter.

Polling for the posts, if needed, will be conducted on November 24 between 13 hours to 14 hours and the results declared on the same day. In case of tie after the polling, the Election Commissioner reserves the right to take a decision by draw of lots.

It may be mentioned here that only those students are eligible to contest for the post of secretary or joint secretary of the Council who hold a participation certificate in the ‘Display Your Talent Contest’ organised by the Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu. The contestants also must be below 25.

Presently the post of secretary Students Cultural Council, is being occupied by Hema Gandotra of Sociology Department while Miss Manmeet Kour of Geography, Vaishali Sharma of Hindi and Pradyot Gupta of Commerce are the incumbent joint secretaries.

* * * * * *

The Jammu University will remain closed for one week from next Monday as the Puja holidays are been announced from November 12.

The University will re-open after November 18 though the non-teaching departments will remain functional during the holidays.

* * * * * *

Anita Charak and Sajjad Ahmed Wani are ‘Miss Fresher’ and ‘Mr Fresher’, respectively in Political Science Department for the current academic session.

They were crowned with the titles during the intro-cum-farewell party of the department which was organised today at the Campus auditorium.

Varinder Jasrotia and Seema Sharma were adjudged as ‘Mr Political Science’ and Miss Political Science, respectively. Beautiful and charming Shivra Dipti, who could not get ‘Miss Fresher’ title due to some controversy over her provisional admission in the department, however, clinched ‘Best Performance’ award in juniors category while Gypsy Badyal got the same in seniors.

The colourful function was marked with impressive items including dance, songs, Gazals and Bhangra. Freshers were summoned on the dais and directed to get themselves introduced to their senior with full resume.

Meenakshi Chib and Muzaffar compered the programme on the occasion while ‘Great Loksevak’ co-ordinated perfectly among the organisors, students as well as teacher audience.

The function commenced with a beautiful dance item by Shivra Dipti on the hit number ‘Ram Ji Bada Dukh Dina Tere Lekhan Ne’, which was followed by a melody by Ashraf.

A group dance on slices of Hindi hits by Gypsy Badyal, Shivra Dipti, Anju Mahajan, Rattan and Amita enthralled the audience and got a lot of applause.

Shivra again appeared on the stage to enthrall the gathering with her solo dance on ‘Mujh Ko Huyee Na Khabar Chori Chori Chup Chup Kar’ and stole the show while Onkar Singh got a big applause for his performance on Dogri folk song ‘Loka Garhu Chuk Goriye’.

Payal Mahajan mesmerized by singing beautiful melody ‘Payar Tune Kaya Kiya’ in her melodious voice while ‘great’ Puran sang the Gazal ‘Teri Aankhon Mein Hamne Kaya Dekha, Kabhi Katil Kabhi Khuda Dekha’.

Head of the Department Prof Rekha Choudhry presented mementos to outgoing seniors and wished them a bright future.

SAWERA felicitates Sumbria

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 6: The Non Governmental Organisation SAWERA, accorded a warm reception in honour of Mr Surat Singh Sumbria, founder president of Destitute And Handicapped Welfare Association (DAHWA), who was awarded UNESCO award, the only one in the country, at at SAWERA office at Channi office here.

As per a release the function was held under the chairmanship of Dr R R Khajuria, chief of SAWERA in which Mr Sumbria was profusely garlanded. The SAWERA has presently undertaken the job for all-round development of over thirty villages in Bain Bajalta and Kana Chadgal area and also a water shed programme there. Dr Khajuria as also other office bearers of SAWERA sought guidance from DAHWA chief in accomplishment of their task, for being the champion in rural development. Dr Khajuria while addressing asked all individuals and the NGO to follow the path of DAHWA and strive for well being of have-nots with dedication, honesty, punctuality and devotion be it in lesser quantum.

Speaking on the occasion Mr Surat Singh Sumbria highlighted the spirit of DAHWA viz Jaago Jagao, Padho Padhao and its tirade against unemployment and exploitation of the poor.

Prominent among those who were present on the occasion included Messrs V K Grover Advocate, Prof Dr Kotwal, Yash Paul Khajuria, S K Dogra, Mrs Kamla Verma, R M Sharma, Ratan Lal and basic members of SAWERA.

NC's autonomy, war cry a gimmick: Mufti

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 6: Coming down heavily on Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah for again raising bogey of autonomy, former Home Minister and president of Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Mufti Mohammad Sayed today said that Chief Minister’s demand for autonomy was nothing but a gimmick to befool the masses.

Addressing a press conference, Mufti said that every time when Centre initiates sincere efforts to solve vexed problem of Kashmir, Farooq starts crying for autonomy.

"Why Farooq did not raise demand of autonomy when Mr H D Deve Gowda was Prime Minister of India", he asked and recalled that most of the United Front leaders were in the favour of granting autonomy to the State. "Farooq always raised controversial demand during unfavourable conditions", he alleged and added that during favourable conditions his only concern has been to get more and more funds from the Centre to accomplish his luxuries.

Mufti cautioned people against nefarious designs of Farooq Abdullah, who according to him, was trying to befool them by raising demand of autonomy.

Criticising Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah for, what he alleged, repeatedly giving provocating statements, Mufti Mohammed Sayed today said that war-cry of Dr Abdullah was nothing but a gimmick to divert attention of the people.

In which capacity Farooq Abdullah is demanding war with Pakistan? He is neither Prime Minister nor Defence Minister, Mufti challenged authority of the Chief Minister for demanding war. He, however, advised the Chief Minister to remain in his limitation. "It is better if he (Farooq Abdullah) concentrates more on heeding towards woes of this militancy plagued State", he said.

"Except promising moon Farooq Government has not done for the betterment of the people", he said, adding "there is wide-spread resentment among masses against National Conference as their miseries have compounded due to anti-people policies of the Government.

"With a hope that democratically elected Government will solve their woes, inhabitants of this State, braving militants threats, had expressed their faith in ballot during the last Assembly elections", Mufti recalled but lamented that instead of providing healing touch to the wounds of the residents of this violence plagued State, National Conference further increased alienation of the people manyfold due to its wrong policies.

"People are asking NC leaders about achievements of their Government during the last five years. Keeping in view the increasing pressure of the people Chief Minister has been raising bogey of war and autonomy to divert their attention", he said.

Describing suspension of senior IAS officer, Mr Asgar Samoon as ‘unfortunate’, former Union Home Minister and president of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mufti Mohammed Sayed today regretted that honest and straight forward officers are being harassed by the State Government.

Mufti Mohammad Sayed said that officers of dubious character have been patronised by the National Conference Government while those of high integrity are facing wrath of the ruling elite.

Taking strong exception to the decision of the Chief Minister to suspend Mr Asgar Samoon for, what he called, exposing mis-deeds of the State Government, Mufti listed names of corrupt officers who have not only been provided prized posting but partonised by the State Government.

Over 300 Congress workers court arrest
BJP Govt too week to contain terrorism: Surjewala

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 6: About 300 Congress workers, including senior leaders of the party, were arrested today while they were marching towards Civil Secretariat to lodge protest against failure of the State Government to mitigate miseries of the masses. The Congress workers were also protesting against failure of the NC Government to protect life and properties of innocent civilians.

Those who were arrested included, Mr Randeep Singh Surjewala, all India president of the Youth Congress, Mr Ayub Khan, Pt Mangat Ram Sharma, Yash Pal Khajuria, Balbir Singh, MLA, Ashok Sharma, MLA, Raman Bhalla, Vijay Lakshi Dutta, Yogesh Sawhney, Pankaj Dogra, Ch. Garu Ram, Ramesh Motton, Ashwani Sharma, Ashwani Puri, Ravinder Sharma, Kanta Bhan, Santosh Malhotra and others

Earlier hundred of Congress workers were gathered at Exhibition Ground where a rally of the Congress workers was held. Congress workers from all over the Jammu region attended the rally which was organised to lodge protest against failure of both State and Central Governments to solve woes of the masses.

Addressing the rally, all India president of the Youth Congress, Mr Randeep Singh Surjewala said that inhabitants of Jammu and Kashmir have been facing two types of militancy. One is supported and abetted by Pakistan while another is unleashed by National Conference and Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP).

"NC Government has compounded woes of the masses due to its anti-people policies", he said and criticised the BJP for maintaining a criminal silence over the policies of the NC. He lambasted the BJP leaders for entering into alliance with NC.

"What to say to highlighting woes of the people BJP has even sacrificed its ideology for the lust of power", he said and cautioned the people against nefarious designs of BJP. Mr Surjewala was of the view that un-holy alliance between NC and BJP was very dangerous for the people of State. "The un-holy alliance will have dangerous ramification", he cautioned and dubbed both BJP and NC communal parties which have been exploiting sentiments of the people for their political benefits.

Highlighting woes of the residents of the State, Mr Surjewala said that lakhs of people have been displaced in the State due to militancy and unprovoked firing from across the border. He demanded equal treatment for all the migrants.

Coming down heavily on National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government for its failure to contain militancy in the State, Mr Surjewala said that BJP Government has not policy on Kashmir. "NDA Govt is confused on Kashmir and lacks any policy to solve vexed Kashmir problem", he said.

He termed BJP Government as soft and recalled how Central Government succumbed before terrorists during Kandhar hijacking, Kargil intrusion case.

Senior Congress leader, Mr Ayub Khan, in his address, criticised the State Government for its failure to mitigate woes of the masses. He said that militancy has increased during the regime of Farooq Abdullah. He asked the people to strengthen Congress to throw out worst ever corrupt Farooq Government.

Former MP, Mr Mangat Ram Sharma while addressing the rally, flayed the State Government and said that NC Government has miserable failed to provide basic amenities to the masses. He exhorted the people to launch an agitation against Farooq Government.

Mr Balbir Singh, MLA, in his address, asked the people to come forward to launch an agitation to throw out worst very corrupt Farooq Government. He said that it was high time to launch agitation against NC Govt.

Mr Ashok Sharma, MLA Kalakote also criticised the State Government and demanded that Farooq Government should be removed before Assembly elections. He said that militancy has increased in the State during the regime of Farooq Abdullah. He demanded deployment of security forces in some militancy plagued areas.

Mr Raman Bhalla in his address criticised the local BJP leaders for maintaining a criminal silence over mis-deeds of NC. He expressed grave concern over increasing militancy in the State and said that it was duty of the youth to come forward to shoulder their responsibilities. Mr Bhalla also demanded free and fair elections in the state. He said that it was high time to strengthen hands of Mrs Sonia Gandhi to get the country rid from the yoke of week BJP Government.

Mr Yogesh Sawhney, in his address, also criticised the State Government and demanded removal of Farooq Government before Assembly elections.

Mr Pankaj Dogra, prominent Youth Congress leader from Kathua, while speaking in the rally, expressed concern over growing militancy incidents in the Kathua district. He criticised the State Government for not taking concrete efforts to contain militancy in the State. Pointing towards recent militancy incidents, Mr Dogra demanded deployment of additional forces in militancy plagued areas.

Mr Dogra, who along with hundreds of Youth Congress workers from Kathua district attended the rally, exhorted youth to come forward and strengthen hands of Mrs Sonia Gandhi at this crucial time.

Later the rally turned into a protest march. The march started from Exhibition Ground and passed through different bazaars before reaching Shalamar Chowk where Congress workers were stopped from moving towards Civil Secretariat. As the Congress workers were adamant to move forward, police arrested about 300 Congress workers for violating Section 144.

Earlier, Mr Randeep Singh Surjewala was accorded rousing reception at Jammu Airport on his arrival in the City of Temples. A large number of Youth Congress workers from Kathua led by Mr Pankaj Dogra, came all the way to Kathua to accord reception to Mr Surjewala. Mr Dogra along with other workers accorded rousing reception to Mr Surjewala.

Dr Beg asks people not be mislead by false propaganda

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 6: National Conference (NC), senior leader and former Minister, Dr Mehboob Beg asked the people not to be mislead by the false propaganda and misinformation campaign being launched by the party detractors against the State Government.

Addressing a gathering of Kashmiri migrants here today, Dr Beg said NC has a long history of struggle and the Party has withstood many challenges in past but it never compromised with the pro people polices and programmes dear to its founder leader Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah and Mirza Mohammed Afzal Beg.

He while expressing concern over the disinformation campaign being launched by vested elements against the NC Government, asked the people to be vigilant against them and their nefarious designs.

He said during the last five years of Dr Farooq Abdullah’s Government many welfare schemes and projects were taken up in the hand to put the state back on rails. The holding of Panchayat elections after two decades is a great achievement of NC Government , Dr Beg added.

He said instead of creating hurdles in the developmental process on which the state is marching at present, these elements should cooperative with the State Government in restoration of normalcy and peace.

Lambasting at the protagonists of trifurcation, he said this is a dangerous slogan which will pose a threat to national unity and integrity.

Dr Beg said how the trifurcation will be acceptable to NC when the party in late forties has totally rejected the two nation theory and joined Indian Union under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah. Terming this demand dangerous, he said no peace loving person will support it in the state.

He also opposed the politics of bandhs saying those who give the call of frequent bandhs are indirectly helping the enemy.

Highlighting the problems of the displaced Kashmiris he reiterated his Party’s resolve and commitment regarding their honourable return to the Valley saying Pandits have a role in the progress and prosperity the Valley which is incomplete without them.

He also urged the members of the community to strengthen the hands of the NC patriarch and Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah for weeding out terrorism in the state.

The NC leader also made a fervent appeal to the misguided youth to shun the path of violence and join the national mainstream as violence is no solution to any problem.

Leadership Foundation conducts seminar at SPMRCC

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 6: Leadership Foundation organised free counselling seminar at the SPMR College of Commerce. The topic of the seminar was the various options for higher studies in India and Abroad.

The main speakers on the occasion were the Foundation Centre head Mr Vivek Sharma and the SPMRCC alumni Mr Vishal Kapur and Mr Amit Padha.

Talking to aspirants of CAT/MCA/CDS/GRE/GMAT Mr Vivek informed that 27 students of Foundation cleared CAT to get to various colleges like SP Jain, MICA Ahmedabad, ITM Mumbai etc. He specifically reiterated that the students of Jammu are best in the country and maintained that if Foundation can send three students of Jammu to a college like Symbiosis in one academic year there is no reason why more students cannot.

He deliberated on the selection procedures of various colleges and suggested students to apply to colleges in keeping with their skills. The students, who missed these details, can have the same from the office of Leadership Foundation.

Mr Vishal Kapur mentioned that more often then not, the students of Jammu were maintaining first positions at their respective colleges in Pune. He informed students that Foundation keeps a vast databank of pen and paper tests as well as computer based tests. He stressed the need of following a structured plan to achieve good scores in these tests. He mentioned that practice of regular GDs helped him a lot in final personality tests.

Mr Amit Padha also spoke in length about the ways and means to prepare.

Commenting on seminar, Ms Shailaja said that this was a truly informative session and hoped that Institute conducts some more, in times to come. Among others to praise the session were Mr Parul, Mr Gaurav and Ms Poonam.

Foundation announced a Free Mock CAT on Sunday for the students of the city who might be applying for the same this year. The test would be sponsored by TEJPUNJ, an NGO working for the causes of education and employment in the city.

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