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renovated CM discusses project with officers Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov. 8: A blue print for ambitious project is being drawn up to give face lift to the famous Jammu and Kashmir House in New Delhi......more Bali
Bhagat calls for Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: Mr Bali Bhagat, BJP MLA from Ramban, today called on the Director General of Police, Mr A. K. Suri and demanded strengthening of Village Defence...more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: On November 2 about 300 civil and 40 military vehicles at the Drass convoy ground for move toward Sonamarg.....more Awards on
painting Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: The awards for the painting contest held on the subject of diabetes awareness in connection with the celebration of World Diabetes Day......more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: Sheikh Abdul Rehman, MLA and chief of the Bahujan Samaj Party was felicitated in an impressive function organised.......more |
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PK
condemns forcible Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: Panun Kashmir (PK) has expressed serious concern over the forcible eviction of a Kashmiri migrant family from a residential ......more Parrey for
concrete steps Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: The Awami League (AL) supremo and MLA Sumbal Sonawari Assembly segment Mr Kukka Parrey while expressing his concern over growing terrorism which....more Chamber
hails Food Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: Chamber of Commerce and Industry has hailed the efforts of Union Minister of State Food Processing for including flour mill and edible oil industry in the list of food processing industry.......more Newly
elected camp representatives felicitated Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: The newly elected camp representatives while demanding that the community be given a berth in State Cabinet have asked the State Government to ...........more |
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Kashmir House in Delhi being
renovated Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov. 8: A blue print for ambitious project is being drawn up to give face lift to the famous Jammu and Kashmir House in New Delhi. The project came up for discussion at a high level meeting here this morning with Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah in the chair. The project envisages renovation and upgradation of the Kashmir House that houses several offices of the Jammu and Kashmir Government in the union capital besides the office of the Resident Commissioner. Several dwelling units are also proposed to be constructed in the premises. The modalities of the project are being worked out that would be taken up for a final decision at an empowered committee, which will soon meet here. Dr Abdullah called upon engineers to endeavour for making the complex a model with latest amenities. He said the renovation and upgradation work needs to be taken up expeditiously in view of the dilapidated building structure. Financial Commissioner, Industries and Commerce, Mr I S Malhi, Financial Commissioner, Planning, Mr K B Pillai, Financial Commissioner, Finance, Mr Jalil Ahmed Khan, Principal Secretary Works, Mr Ajit Kumar and Resident Commissioner, New Delhi, Mr Khursheed Ahmed were present in the meeting. |
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Bali Bhagat calls for strengthening VDCs Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: Mr Bali Bhagat, BJP MLA from Ramban, today called on the Director General of Police, Mr A. K. Suri and demanded strengthening of Village Defence Committees (VDC) in Doda district by providing them automatic weapons, wireless sets and enhanced honorarium in view of their vital role in protecting people from militant attacks in far-flung areas. Mr Bhagat stressed that VDCs be constituted and SPOs recruited only after verifying their antecedents as a number of SPOs have deserted in the past alongwith weapons and joined militant ranks in the Doda district, a press release said. The BJP legislator pleaded that ex-servicemen recruited in the Police department in the district be regularised and remuneration of SPOs may be enhanced from Rs 1500 to Rs 3000 per month. He pointed out that if surrendered militants could be provided route permits of video coaches and Government jobs, why can’t the SPOs who are fighting a war for the country at the risk of their lives can not be provided adequate remunerations. The MLA urged upon the DGP to strengthen security grid keeping in view set up in militant operations to restore peace and normalcy in the area. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: On November 2 about 300 civil and 40 military vehicles at the Drass convoy ground for move toward Sonamarg. This large convoy was due to the fact that no vehicle movement was made on this road for the previous consecutive days. Due to light snowfall on November 2 the convey could not move at the schedule time in the morning and was detained at Drass till 3 pm, when the rain and snow had stopped clearance was given from the Sonamarg confirming road Sonamarg Drass clear for traffic movement by the military officer in charge traffic control. The officer himself came from Sonamarg till Meenamarg, in Drass after which permission was accorded for movement of the convoy. When the convoy was approximately 5 km short of Gumri, an extreme snow blizzard took place in the slow movement of the convoy due to poor visibility. It soon became dark and the temperature dipped low causing the snow to thaw and the vehicles started skidding due to the glaciated surface on the road. The intensity of the snowfall increased and the movement became even more difficult wit the leading vehicle coming to a halt and blocking the entire traffic. This information or the convoy having halted was relayed on radio set to Gumri and the Army Recovery Vehicle from Gumri moved towards the convoy. However, it could not make much progress due to poor visibility and glaciated conditions of the road. Commander of the Brigade at Drass on being informed of the situation immediately launched ‘Operation Snow Storm’. He moved an army petrol which included two medical teams based on snow vehicles toward the site with sleeping bags, snow boots, cooked food for 300 personnel, medicines, tea and dry ration. In addition an officer led patrol moved from Gumri on foot to establish contact with the standard convoy. The army patrol from both sides of the convoy under severe snow conditions established contact with the civilians and military personnel and provided them necessary help. Despite odd conditions army ultimately rescued all civilians and military personnel. |
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Awards
on painting contest on diabetes Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: The awards for the painting contest held on the subject of diabetes awareness in connection with the celebration of World Diabetes Day were announced today by Dr Raj Kumar Sharma, Physician and Diabetiologist, Medical College, Jammu, organising secretary of the event. As per a release, World Diabetes Day is celebrated all over the world on November 14. In India, the number of Diabetics is increasing every day coupled with ignorance about this disease which leads to long term complications involving kidneys, blood vessels, heart, eyes, brain and nerves. This puts enormous economic burden on the person and the country as a whole. Keeping this in view, a poster contest was organised in which entries were invited from various institutions for two categories—senior and junior. The enteries were judged and selected by noted artists Mr Bushan Koul and Mr Rakesh Sharma, members of the faculty of Institute of Music and Fine Arts. They were assisted by Dr Raj Kumar Sharma. In senior category, best poster prize of Rs 1000 given to Sunanda Khajuria, IMFA, second prize of Rs 500 each to Manisha Kapoor of Medical College, Amit Singh Slathia of IMFA and Ambika Ganjoo of Medical College. The certificate of merit given to Nony Gupta. In junior category, best poster prize of Rs 800 given to Harpreet Kour of Guru Harkrishan Public School and second prizes of Rs 400 each to Sushant Sadotra of MHAC School Nagbani, Megha Mahajan of Guru Harkishan Public School and Priyanka Koul of MIER B C Road. The certificate of merit was given to Divya Kohli of DPS Jammu. Over all best performance by Schools Trophy was bagged by Guru Harkishan Public School. The awards will be presented at a function presided over by Dr H L Goswamy, Principal, Medical College, Jammu on November 11 at Abhinav Theatre while Mr H L Kadalabju, Principal Secretary to Government, Health and Medical Education will be the chief guest. The selected works will be put on display. The participation certificates of all the candidates will be sent to their institutions. The exhibition will remain open on November 11 and 12. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: Sheikh Abdul Rehman, MLA and chief of the Bahujan Samaj Party was felicitated in an impressive function organised at R S Pura by Mr Sham Lal Mahasha upon his getting Best Legislator Award by the State Government. The leaders and workers of BSP garlanded Sheikh Abdul Rehman profusely and the speakers lauded his role in and outside the legislature for his longest inning in public life for the cause of down-trodden, neglected, discriminated against and poor strata of life in general and the Scheduled caste and Scheduled Tribe in particular. BSP senior vice president speaking on the occasion said that Mr Rehman has long experience in Parliament and Assembly and always struggled for the cause of have-nots. Thanking the people of R S Pure for felicitating him Sheikh Abdul Rehman strongly criticised the State and Central Governments for their failure on all counts and held that in order to divert the attention of the people, the Central Government has introduced POTO which is an open face of fascist, un-democratic and dictatorial. Mr Rehman said when 12 districts of the State have been declared as Disturbed and covered under the Disturbed Area Act the promulgation of POTO simply amounts to give a deliberate blow to the roots of democracy. BSP supremo cautioned the people to remain careful and demanded that State Government should not allow POTO to have its effects in Jammu and Kashmir in view of Disturbed Area Act and Army Special Powers Act already in force to deal effectively with anti-national elements and the terrorists. Lashing out at the State and Central Governments, the BSP supremo said that both the Governments are creating war like situation to divert the attention of the public from rampant corruption, unemployment, mal-administration and total collapse of systems at all levels. Those who spoke on the occasion included Messrs B D Bhagat, Mahasha Sham Lal, Chaman Lal, Chaman Lal, Gurdyal Dogra, Mrs Sudesh Puri and Dr M L Rao. |
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PK condemns forcible eviction of KP family Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: Panun Kashmir (PK) has expressed serious concern over the forcible eviction of a Kashmiri migrant family from a residential quarter near Railway Station today. In a statement issued here, PK general secretary, Mr Kuldeep Raina while condemning the act alleged that the family of Late O N Ambardar who was the Tourist Officer in the J&K Tourism Department died in harness. He was allotted a quarter at Railway Station where he along with his widow mother, a handicapped brother and other members of family was putting up. He said the family was asked to stay in the quarter after the death of Mr Ambardar. But surprisingly today morning the officials of the Department forcibly broke open the locks of the quarter and threw entire luggage of the migrant family on road side when no body was present inside the house, he said. He said all the family members had gone to Delhi to see one of their close relatives which is under going treatment in AIIMS. Mr Raina while condemning the act warned action against the Department. He said entire Kashmiri Pandit community was shocked over the treatment which the migrant family meted through the hands of Tourism Department officers. He demanded immediate action against the defaulters and termed the move an open violation of the Supreme Court guidelines. |
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Parrey for concrete steps for weeding out terrorism Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: The Awami League (AL) supremo and MLA Sumbal Sonawari Assembly segment Mr Kukka Parrey while expressing his concern over growing terrorism which has taken the entire globe into its grip warned if immediate steps were not taken to weed it out it will have serious repercussions. In a statement issued here today, he said though world opinion is growing against the terrorism but it will not end till concrete steps are not taken to curb it. He said till the terrorist camps are not attacked there will be no check on terrorism. Mr Parrey said US president George W Bush should fight the war of principles against the terrorism and warned that if the innocent Afghans are killed in US attacks this will tantamount to US sponsored terrorism. He also cautioned the US that in case the innocent Afghans were made the target this will intensify the terrorism further. It will also expose America that she does not want the global peace. The AL leader said even the entire world community will take side against the US if it bombs the Afghan population. Mr Parrey urged the UN General Secretary to intervene and mobilize international opinion in restoration of peace. He said India is passing through a crucial phase and the Pak sponsored terrorism has posed a grave threat to our national integrity. He said it is the duty of all political parties to join hands in weeding out the Pak sponsored terrorism from the state and restoration of peace and normalcy. |
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Chamber hails Food Processing Ministry’s efforts Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: Chamber of Commerce and Industry has hailed the efforts of Union Minister of State Food Processing for including flour mill and edible oil industry in the list of food processing industry. According to a press statement, Mr Ram Sahai, president of the Chamber said that inclusion of these units will be beneficial for their progress as these industries will enjoy the same facilities and incentives as being provided to other industries covered under the Food Processing units. He said that a large number of units working under this sector, are not doing very well due to the ongoing militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. However, he added, with this step of the Food Processing Ministry, the industry would surely get a fillip. |
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Newly elected camp
representatives felicitated Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: The newly elected camp representatives while demanding that the community be given a berth in State Cabinet have asked the State Government to devise their role and functions. Speaking at a felicitation function organsied by the Minority Cell of National Conference at Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) this evening, the members said that instead of felicitating them they will prefer solution of the demands of the displaced community which are hanging fire over a decade now. The function was presided over by the NC Minority Cell general secretary, Mr B L Bhat while MR A K Dewani a social worker was the chief guest on the occasion. Mr Bhat in his address while reiterating the resolve of Dr Abdullah’s Government regarding the honourable return of the displaced community to Valley asked the newly elected members to work honestly and dedication for the welfare of the exiled community. Making a strong dig at the opponents of the NC warned that those who are talking of the division of the state on communal lines are the worst enemies of the masses. He said NC is committed to secularism and party will not allow any body to play with the secular credentials of the state. He while criticizing the PDP Supreme Mufti Mohammed Syed blamed him of misleading the people as he has the long enemity with Sheikh dynasty. Addressing the gathering Mr J N Saproo working president All India Kashmiri Pandit Conference (AIKPC) urged the newly elected camp representatives that they should develop the spirit of selfless service. He said this spirit has now lost among the community leadership. He regretted that some community leaders are busy in constructing temples but they pay no attention to the temple of humanity which has been destroyed. "No attention is being paid to the community which is facing the extinction now," he added. He also warned against the forced return of the community members to Valley at this juncture when the ground situation is not conducive for the same. He asked the community members to develop self confidence among themselves and instead of offering alms they should keep their head high while projecting the problems before the Government. However, he said they should always adopt a conciliatory approach in projecting the problems instead of adopting a confrontationist path. He expressed the hope that Chief Minister will solve the burning issues before the community and give it the same representative character which the late Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah had given to it in the legislatures and Ministry. Mr A K Deevani said the development committees have the status of local self governments for migrants. He said these committees have the representative character as every member is the elected representative of the Government agency and we should not allow this effort to waste. He asked the members to work with zeal and dedication as they have a short span of time to show their performance. Mr M K Talashi while speaking said the newly elected members are the real representatives of the camps. The holding of elections in the camps was must as this has put a check on the self styled leaders of the community who had damaged the community interest. He said there is a wrong notion among the community that the Government was against us but the fault lies with us as we could not represent ourselves before the Government. Mr Mohan Lal a social worker expressed the hope that the newly elected members will project the demands in a better way before the Government. He said a trend has emerged in the community that the camp people are now being looked down upon. He warned this is a serious trend and we have to discourage it as it will have serious consequences for the community. He expressed the Hope that Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah will fulfill his promises and demanded that the community be given the representation in the State Cabinet. Mr R L Pandita district president Minority Cell stressed on strengthening the hands of Dr Abdullah who he said is the only leader to bring state out of present mess. Mr M L Munshi however stressed that the elections be held for the non camps as a majority of the community members lives there too. Mr Rajinder Kilam, publicity secretary, Minority Cell J&K National Conference was stage secretary on the occasion. Among others who spoke on the occasion include Messrs Ashok Hangloo, provincial president NC Minority Cell, Romesh Mohnoori and Shiban Ji. |
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Youth Cong workers hold rally against power curtailment Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: To lodge protest against failure of the authorities to stop power curtailments Youth Congress workers today organised a rally. The rally was held under the leadership of Mr Jang Bahadur Sharma, general secretary of the District Youth Congress. The rally started from Purani Mandi and passed through Link Road, Jain Bazar, Chowk Chaboutra, Pacca Danga, Moti Bazar and culminated at Parade Ground. Speakers in the rally criticised the authorities for their failure to stop power curtailments. Speakers said that people of the Jammu have been facing hardship due to the unprecedent curtailments. Highlighting woes of the masses, they said students were the worst suffer of the curtailments. They said that students study has been badly affecting due to non-availability of power during evening hours. Youth Congress leaders said that not only students community but bussiness of the region was also affecting due to power curtailments. Criticising State Government for not providing uninterrupted power supply in the Jammu region, Youth Congress leaders regretted that people of the Jammu region have been giving electric charges at time but still they have been facing curtailments. While addressing the rally, Mr Jang Bahadur Sharma reiterated the demand and requested the authorities to stop five hours power curtailment. Mr Sanjay Mengi, Dhiraj Mengi, Niraj Mengi, Amit Mengi, Ashwani Mengi, Nek Ram, Rajinder Singh, Arun Sharma, Atul Sharma, Laxmi Dhar, Lila Dhar and others also addressed the rally. |
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KPs demand berth in State Cabinet Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: The newly elected camp representatives while demanding that the community be given a berth in State Cabinet have asked the State Government to devise their role and functions. Speaking at a felicitation function organised by the Minority Cell of National Conference here this evening, the members said that instead of felicitating them they will prefer solution of the migrants problems which are hanging fire over a decade now. The function was presided over by the NC Minority Cell general secretary, Mr B L Bhat while MR A K Dewani a social worker was the chief guest on the occasion. Mr Bhat in his address while reiterating the resolve of Dr Abdullah’s Government regarding the honourable return of the displaced community to Valley asked the newly elected members to work honestly and dedication for the welfare of the exiled community. Making a strong dig at the opponents of the NC warned that those who are talking of the division of the State on communal lines are the worst enemies of the masses. He while criticizing the PDP Supreme Mufti Mohammed Syed blamed him of misleading the people as he has the long enemity with Sheikh dynasty. Addressing the gathering Mr J N Saproo working president All India Kashmiri Pandit Conference (AIKPC) urged the newly elected camp representatives that they should develop the spirit of selfless service. He regretted that some community leaders are busy in constructing temples but they pay no attention to the temple of humanity which has been destroyed. He also warned against the forced return of the community members to Valley at this juncture when the ground situation is not conducive for the same. He asked the community members to develop self confidence among themselves and instead of offering alms they should keep their head high while projecting the problems before the Government. However, he asked them to adopt a conciliatory approach in projecting the problems instead of adopting a confrontationist path. Mr A K Deevani said the development committees have the status of local self governments for migrants which in real sense have the representative character as every member is the elected representative of the Government agency. "We should not allow this effort to waste" , he warned. Mr M K Talashi while speaking said the newly elected members are the real representatives of the camps. The holding of elections in the camps was must as this has put a check on the self styled leaders of the community who had damaged the community interest. Mr Mohan Lal a social worker while demanding a Cabinet berth for the community expressed the hope that the newly elected members will project the demands in a better way. He said a trend has emerged in the community that the camp people are now being looked down upon. He warned against its repercussions and stressed on discouraging it. Mr R L Pandita district president Minority Cell stressed on strengthening the hands of Dr Abdullah who he said is the only leader to bring state out of present mess. Mr M L Munshi however stressed that the elections be held for the non camps as a majority of the community members lives there too. Mr Rajinder Kilam, publicity secretary, Minority Cell J&K National Conference was stage secretary on the occasion. Among others who spoke on the occasion include Messrs Ashok Hangloo, provincial president NC Minority Cell, Romesh Mohnoori and Shiban Ji. |
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Entertainment first victim: Ajatshatru Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Nov.8: "Entertainment was probably the first victim of terrorism in the State of Jammu and Kashmir" said the Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Information and Transport, Mr Ajatshatru Singh at the FICCI’s Conference of Information Ministers held here yesterday. Mr. Singh said, that in 1989-90 when Pakistan unleashed proxy war on the people of Jammu and Kashmir, targeted the cinema halls in Kashmir Valley. While their mentors and people across the border enjoyed fully the entertainment, and people of Kashmir were dictated to live a life without, he said. The conference was inaugurated by the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Smt. Sushma Swaraj in which Information Ministers from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Goa, Karnatka, Maharashtra and Gujrat also took part in the conference. The Minister said, that Kashmir once again has been re-discovered by the Mumbai Film Industry, which was once very popular for Bolly-wood. Shooting of films along with leading stars including Amrishpuri etc. took place in this paradise, since the present government came into power. He said two cinema halls were re-opened and are doing good business now-a-days. Efforts to encourage re-opening of other cinema halls in the Valley are in pace. For restoration of peace and normalcy the State Government is encouraging this industry, beside this these institutions are sources of revenue for the Government in the shape of entertainment tax. He also said that in pre-militancy period of 1988-89, the total revenue from entertainment tax was to the tune of Rs.289 lakhs per year, which wnt down to Rs.198 lakhs in 1991-92, due to the closure of all cenama halls in Kashmir Valley and one in Doda district of Jammu region. It was during 2000-01, entertainment tax to the tune of Rs.259 lakhs is still for behind of 1988-89 collections. Mr.Singh appealed to the film industry people to visit Kashmir in next summer in great number and explore the beauty of the valley. Beside they can short movies even in Jammu, which has also good number of scenic spots. He also said that the need is in application of new technology and improving amenities for the cinema goers rather than reducing the entertainment tax. He stressed that the quality of films and amenities in cenema halls which brings people to cenema halls be improved. The conference among others was attended by Commissioner/Secretary Information and transport, Mr. A.S.Sidhu and the distinguish guest were welcomed by the President elect FICCI(Federation of India Chambers and Commerce and Industry) Mr R.S.Lodha. |
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Sagar for speedy completion
of wa ter supply Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: The Minister for Works, Mr. Ali Mohmmad Sagar has called for speedy completion of rural water supply schemes especially in the hilly districts of the State. Addressing a meeting of PHE engineers and officials of Jammu region here today, the Minister stressed on accelerating the pace of work on the water supply schemes in hilly areas of the region, which are chronically deficient in potable water supply. He said despite availability of adequate funds the work on the ground was not going at full pace and there was urgent need for speeding up the pace of work so that people in all the areas of the State get safe drinking water. The Minister ordered constitution of a high level team of officers which will visit the hilly districts of Poonch, Rajouri, Kathua and Doda to take on-the-spot review of the progress of work on water supply schemes being executed under Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme. He asked the team to submit its report within one week. The Minister also sought a detailed report about the utilization of funds under the drought action plan in the region. He said another team of officers would visit Garhi Rehmbal area in Udhampur district to see the progress of water supply schemes being executed there. The Minister said the team would also contact the local MLAs to verify whether the schemes are being executed upto the optimum satisfaction of the public or not. He said all the details of the water supply schemes being executed and the progress of work on the schemes in each constituency should be submitted to the concerned MLA for verification. The Minister took strong exception to the non-compliance of Government orders regarding the transfer of some AEEs and AEs. He said all those engineers who are under orders of transfer should be relieved within 24 hours and warned of stern action against the officials who refuse to comply the Government orders. Mr. Sagar said most of the complaints in this regard have come from Jammu and Kathua districts. He asked the Chief Engineer PHE Jammu to initiate action against the officials who do not report to their new places of posting within stipulated time The Minister also viewed seriously the complaints regarding the supply of impure drinking water to the people in the Jammu city and asked for a report from the Chief Engineer in this regard. He said as per the orders of the Chief Minister no water supply scheme in future would be commissioned without filtration plant. He asked the Chief Engineer to submit a proposal for installation of filtration plants on all the old schemes so that people get safe potable water. The Principal Secretary Works, Mr. Ajit Kumar, Secretary Works, Mr. A.S. Bhat, Chief Engineer PHE Jammu besides SEs and senior officers of Planning and Finance Department were present. |
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Excise revenue more than doubles in five years : Rather Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: The revenue generated by the Excise department has more than doubled during the past five years. Stating this here today the Finance Minister, Mr.Abdul Rahim Rather, said that the excise collections have touched a record of Rs.304.85 crores in 2000-01 as against Rs.143.96 crores in 1996-97 . Of the total increase of Rs.160.89 crores the highest increase of Rs.91.08 crores has been witnessed during the last two years, he said. The Finance Minister was addressing the quarterly review meeting of the Excise Department here today. The Minister said that the review of the first two quarters held today reveals that this year would surpass all the previous records and will close with the highest ever revenue generated so far. He attributed this spectacular increase to the dedicated and determined efforts of the functionaries of the department and said they joined hands to achieve it in a team spirit. Mr. Rather, however, said that there is no room for complacency. In fact there is lot of scope and potential for further improvements. The functionaries have to make collective efforts to further increase the revenue. The increase, he said will have its impact in providing more amenities to the people and taking the State further to progress and prosperity. The Minister asked the functionaries to make frequent raids and maintain a strict vigil to eliminate the menace of distillation of illicit liquor. The Financial Commissinor Finance, Mr. Jalil Ahmed Khan, Excise Commissioner Sheikh Mohd. Hussain, Special secretary Finance Mr. K.M. Wani and senior functionaries of Excise Department attended the meeting. The day long review of the functioning of the department revealed that the Excise department has made collections of Rs. 191.70 crores during the period April-October this year as against Rs. 175.09 crores during the corresponding period last year. This year’s collections of Rs. 191.70 crores include Rs. 94 .04 Crores from excise , Rs. 96.23 crores from Toll Tax and Rs. 1.42 Crores from Entertainment duty. |
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Altaf visits Regional Institute of Health and Family Welfare Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: Two hundred drug samples were lifted from different areas of Jammu province during the first six months of the current financial year. Out of 110 samples tested in the laboratory 3-4 samples were found sub standard. Rest of the sample stand dispatched to Drug Testing Laboratory Gaziabad (UP) for test purpose, results of which are still awaited. These samples are being dispatched to Gazibad laboratory for testing as notified by the Government of India as such lab facilities are not available in the State. This information was given to the Minister for Health and Medical Education, Mian Altaf Ahmad during his surprise visit to the office of Drug Controller Jammu today. He emphasised for the improvement of work culture and undertaking frequent visits to rural areas for lifting samples. He said the State Government will never compromise on the issue where health care of the people is at stake. During the visit the Minister was informed that the organization is confronted with shortage of skilled manpower in the medicine-testing laboratory. In view of the under-staff position, one test sample takes minimum seven days to get it analyses. The Minister during his visit checked the attendance and issued on-the-spot instructions for proper maintainance of register. He visited the store and instrument rooms where testing equipment worth Rs 12 lakhs stand installed. He also witnessed the piled stocks of the spurious drugs approximately valuing at Rs 5 lakhs seized by the organization from Railway Station some time back. On being asked for its disposal, the Minister was informed that the case is pending with the Court and could not be disposed off pending Court decision. On the poor maintenance of the building the Minister expressed his concern issued on-the-spot instructions for its proper renovation and subsequent maintenance. Earlier the Minister also paid a surprise visit to the Regional Institute of Health and Family Welfare Nagrota and took stock of the RCH training programmes at the Institute. The Minister was accompanied by the Principal Secretary, Health and Medical Education, Mr. H.L. Kadalbuju, Director Health Services, Jammu, Dr. Jasbir Singh and Director RCH & Family Welfare, Mr. P.K. Jandial |
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Shah underscores importance
of safe disposal Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 8: Safe disposal of Municipal wastes is imperative for maintaining cleanliness and pollution free environment in cities and towns. This was stated by Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Shah here today. Mr. Shah while presiding over a meeting of officers of Jammu Municipality said that NGOs and private agencies should be involved in cleanliness and sanitation works in the cities and towns besides seeking active cooperation of citizens in this regard. Mr. Shah said that before disposing off the Municipal wastes proper scientific segregation methods for biodegradable and non-bio degradable wastes should be applied and littering of wastes near inhabited areas should be avoided. He said that proper and safer dumping sites should be identified in cities and towns so as to avoid the growth and dispersal of infectious micro organisation in populated areas. Mr. Shah directed the officers of Jammu Municipality to make anti-polythene squads and launch an awareness campaign about the hazardous use of polythenes under Food and Adulteration Act and added that it is right time to shun the injudicious use of polythenes. The Minister Said that installation of solid waste management plants in Jammu and Srinagar cities is under active consideration of the Government and added that besides adopting modern scientific methods for solid waste management the conventional methods for useful recycling of the solid wastes should also be applied. |
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