|
|
| Mufti lambasts Farooq Government Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Nov 10: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supremo, Mufti Mohammed Syed today blamed the National Conference (NC) Government for its failure.......more Cong MLA
for free Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 10: Senior Congress leader and MLA Nowshera Mr R S Sharma has welcomed the decision of the Government to provide fertilisers free of cost in the scale of DAP ......more JMM hails
Advani’s Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 10: Members of Jammu Mukti Morcha (JMM) have hailed the statement of Union Home Minister L K Advani for outrightly rejecting the.....more National
Unity Day Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 10: Debate on ‘War leads to Peace’ and an evening of classical music marked the celebrations of National Unity Day......more Farooq
trying to divide Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 10: State Akali Dal (SAD) Badal today blamed the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah for trying to divide the Sikh community in J&K.......more |
 |
NCP
assured Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 10: Mr R K Thoopal, Member Traffic, Railway Board and Secretary to Government of India has assured Thakur Randhir Singh, former Minister and state chief of Nationalist......more Insurance
employees hold Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 10: The employees of Life Insurance Corporation of India held lunch hour demonstration yesterday through out the State as a part of Anti-Globalization Day observance.....more Tension
in Nagrota Camp Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 10: Tension prevailed in the Nagrota migrant camp when the demolishing squad of the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) tried to bulldoze a Kiryana shop in the camp premises this evening........more Leadership
Foundation Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 10: Free counseling seminar was organized at Government College for Women..........more |
 |
|
|
|
Mufti lambasts Farooq Government Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Nov 10: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supremo, Mufti Mohammed Syed today blamed the National Conference (NC) Government for its failure in providing a succor to the people of trouble -torn state during its over five year long rule. Addressing a public meeting at Kohri Batpora, Noorabad in South Kashmir district of Anantnag today he said instead of licking the scars of the people of the Valley, the NC Government has added to their woes by its wrong and anti people policies. He equated the role of state Government with the monarchs like Changez Khan and Hitler. While making a strong dig at Dr Abdullah Government, Mufti said the Chief Minister has lost the opportunity to restore the peace and bring the state economy back on rails due to his faulty and anti people policies and misgovernance. He said though the state is at the verge of bankruptcy, the Government is making claims by spending huge sums on advertisements to make false propaganda of its performance. He said the State Government has been admonished by the Auditor General of India in its reports and if these reports can be published in the regional languages the people of the state will come to know about the real performance of the Government. He while highlighting the peoples problems said the performance of the Government in solving the problems of electricity, drinking water, irrigation and unemployment are totally dismal. He said all the schemes of public importance have fallen a prey to corruption. He while lambasting the N C for its last 25 years political role in the state said the time and again statements of Dr Farooq Abdullah urging the Union Government to attack Pakistan has a big conspiracy behind it. He said Dr Abdullah wants to involve the India and Pakistan into a war so that his Government which is a failure can last for some more time. Addressing the meeting, Mr Tariq Hamid Qarah, Party general secretary , said that instead of talking of the war the Government should try to heal the wounds of the people. Mr Abdul Rehman Veeri demanded ration for the People living Below Poverty Line (BPL) and relief be provided to deserving people under Indira Avas Yojna (IAY). He alleged that deserving people have been deprived of these benefits. Mr Mohammed Sultan Pandit Puri, MLA demanded compensation to the farmers in the Kandi belt of Anantnag whose crops have been damaged due to "blast" disease. |
|
Cong MLA for free fertiliser to farmers Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 10: Senior Congress leader and MLA Nowshera Mr R S Sharma has welcomed the decision of the Government to provide fertilisers free of cost in the scale of DAP 3 kgs and urea one kilogram to the drought affected farmers. In a press statement issued here today, Mr Sharma said that Government was fully aware that about 100 per cent crop failure had been in both the tehsils of Nowshera and Sunderbani due to drought ad the farmers are passing through a desperate financial crisis having lost purchasing power. He demanded that farmers be provided free of cost fertilisers and seed and the quantum of relief should be increased. The Government is also aware that sowing season has set in and the farmers are claimouring for the supplies of fertilisers and seeds need top priority attention of the Government. Meanwhile, Mr Sharma visited several areas of his constituency and reviewed the development works and listened to the problems being faced by the people. During public meetings the people raised the issue of non-availability of seeds and fertilisers in most of the areas. Later he also met the DC Rajouri and apprised him of the problems of the people of these areas. At Sunderbani a massive rally was organised where he addressed Congress workers and asked them to remain united to strengthen the party. Various speakers also expressed their faith in the leadership of Mr Sharma. During his speech Mr Sharma apprised the gathering about the misrule of NDA Government and signalled that the Congress party is ready to take over. Mr Mulakh Raj Sharma Sarpanch Bajwal was also present in the meeting. The MLA also distributed cheques to the kins under the militancy affected scheme. Tehsil Social Welfare Officer Sunderbani was also present on the occasion. |
|
JMM hails Advani’s statement on autonomy Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 10: Members of Jammu Mukti Morcha (JMM) have hailed the statement of Union Home Minister L K Advani for outrightly rejecting the demand of granting autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir State. As per a release, a meeting of the members of the JMM was held here today in which the situation prevailing in the State was discussed. President of the Morcha Prof Varinder Gupta alleged that demand of autonomy is communal, parochial, retrogative and against the interests of the country. He said the demanded does not represent the wishes of the people of the State and in particularly the people of Jammu and Ladakh regions. Any attempt to reverse the clock and force such type of decisions upon the people of Jammu and Ladakh shall be resisted with full might. The members also opposed the proposal of Dr Farooq Abdullah to implement the so called Regional Autonomy Committee report. It looks that Dr Abdullah is bent upon playing the communal card in Jammu region and divide the people and the region on the communal lines. He further pointed out that the report is nothing but it is merely an endorsement of Dixon plan. Dr Farooq abdullah who dubs the trifurcation of the state as extension of Jinnah’s two nation theory, is infact himself propagating the same and raising the communal passions. The JMM has appealed the people of Jammu to resist the moves of NC Government with all possible means. The members of the Morcha supported the devolution of powers at the district and Panchayat levels. The Morcha further criticised the Government for neither allocating funds nor empowering the recently elected panchayats with financial and administrative powers. This has made panchayats as defunct and has reduced the panchayati system to merely a farce. The JMM also strongly criticised the NC Government for suspending Mr Asgar Ali Samoon , Director Food and Supplies Srinagar who had the courage to speak the truth and raise his voice against the rampant corruption in the State Government at the ministerial and bureaucratic level. |
|
National
Unity Day Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 10: Debate on ‘War leads to Peace’ and an evening of classical music marked the celebrations of National Unity Day at the Arohi Sangeet Vidyalaya, a voluntary cultural society for promotion of classical music and folk culture, here today. In the debate six students participated, while in the classical evening Dr Padmini Tikoo performed on the sitar accompanied by the known tabla maestro John Masih continuously for fourty minutes. The selected audience enjoyed the performance of Dr (Mrs) Padmini Tikoo, who executes all her fine intricacies on the sitar and sum-up with a dun Bhairavi. Earlier, the classical evening started with rag Bagashree on the sitar first the Alap of the rag played for about twenty minutes with the movements of fingers perfectly moving on each string giving clear conception of the Alap Baby Veechika Tikoo accompanied on Tanpura. The chief guest on the occasion was Mr A K Dewani, who lauded the efforts of the Arohi Sangeet Vidyalaya for selecting the two unique ways of holding debate competition and organising classical music evening to celebrate the occasion of National Unity Day. He later gave away prizes to those who performed on the stage and to the participants in the debate competition. |
|
Farooq trying to divide Sikh community: SAD Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 10: State Akali Dal (SAD) Badal today blamed the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah for trying to divide the Sikh community in J&K. This allegation was leveled in a press conference by Mr Jeet Singh secretary general of SAD (B) here this afternoon. The Akali leader while responding to a question said every where the divide and rule policy is being pursued hence Dr Abdullah is also following it. He demanded that a Shrine Board on the pattern of Vaishno Devi Shrine Board be constituted to preserve the property of the Sikh Gurudwaras and Shrines in the State. SAD president, Mr H S Raina took serious exception of some "self styled" community leaders for their recent outbursts against the Minister of Sports, Mr Harbans Singh. He while challenging their locus standi in making such statements against the Sikh leader who is representing the community in the Government said they have no public base and hence should refrain from such acts. Expressing concern over their style of functioning, he said after remaining mum for some time they have again tried to create a confusion in the community and mislead it by making wild allegations against the Sikh leaders. He said to create a confusion in the community some people are being paid to keep the pot boiling. These leaders have since been rejected by the community as they have converted the Gurudwaras and other Sikh religious places into the political Akharas. Challenging the opening of Akali Dal office in a Gurdwara last week, he said the Gurdwaras are not the personnel property of any body but belong to entire Sikh community and hence no one has the authority to open offices there. Mr Raina said even Mahant Manjeet Singh has himself made it clear that Digiana Gurdwara and Dera Nangali Sahib are public property. He also alleged that these two disgruntled Sikh leaders are trying to grab the Guru Harkishan Singh School after opening a Degree College there by becoming the sole trustees. This School they said has been constructed through public donations. The two leaders are even creating hurdles in the renovation of Raghunath Bazar Gurdwara and demanded immediate dissolution of Gurdwara Prabhandhak Board and holding of fresh elections. The Akali leader said this Board has become non functional since its general secretary Mr Ranjit Singh resigned in protest against the president’s dictatorial style of functioning. Besides the six members of the Board from Srinagar have also resigned in protest. |
|
NCP assured Jammu-Haridwar direct train Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 10: Mr R K Thoopal, Member Traffic, Railway Board and Secretary to Government of India has assured Thakur Randhir Singh, former Minister and state chief of Nationalist Congress Party to start direct train between Jammu and Haridwar. As per a release Mr Thoopal had a meeting with Railway Officers here today. Mr Singh put up this proposal to the high level railway officers and said thousands of people go to Haridwar every month for pilgrimage and also for immersing ashes of their dear ones in Ganga. He said Haridwar is most sacred pilgrimage for Hindus and regular and direct train will benefit pilgrims coming to Haridwar from rest of India to visit holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. Mr Singh who is former chairman of Railway Recruitment Board Jammu also took up the issue of double railway track between Jammu and Jalandhar and demanded more publicity for Yatris for their safe journey to Jammu from rest of India. Besides senior officers other NCP leaders present included Messrs G M Shah, B L Suri, Paras Ram Poonchi, Bansi Lal Sodhi, Amrit Sagar, Shiv Dev Jasrotia, Balram Singh and Surinder Bhatti. |
|
Insurance employees hold protest demonstration Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 10: The employees of Life Insurance Corporation of India held lunch hour demonstration yesterday through out the State as a part of Anti-Globalization Day observance. As per a release the decision to hold demonstrations was taken at a meeting held at New Delhi on October 17 last. The convention of the Trade Unions had decided to launch a joint struggle against retrenchment, down-sizing and abrogation of labour rights. The Rakesh Mohan Committee had recommended the privatisation of Railways and the increase of passenger fares at an annual rate of 8 percent, besides privatisation of medical, educational facilities, quarters/colony maintenance, catering etc and reduction of work force by 20 percent. The Ahluwalia Committee though concerned with the issue of employment generation recommended the dismantling of the regulatory mechanism and amendments in the labour laws on pro-employer basis. The Geetha Krishnan Committee has suggested the measured aimed at targeting the working classes and the economy of the country as per the dictates of IMF and World Bank. All the central trade unions viz AICCTU, AITUC, CITU, HMS, TUCC, UTUC, UTUS (LS) and other major organisations from banking and Insurance sector had decided to observe November 9 as Anti-Globalization Day, to register protest against WTO conference scheduled to be held at Doha. The employees raised slogans against US’ Imperialist designs which were turning this world into a place where only the United States and its stooges can live. Addressing the employees at DO Cell office premises, the Divisional Secretary of NZIEA, Mr Gurdeep Singh asked the employees to prepare themselves for ensuing struggle with special focus on One Day strike in Insurance Sector which may become necessary in case NDA Government dared to introduce Anti-Labour, Anti-Working Classes Bills in the Parliament during Winter Session. |
|
Tension in Nagrota
Camp Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 10: Tension prevailed in the Nagrota migrant camp when the demolishing squad of the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) tried to bulldoze a Kiryana shop in the camp premises this evening. As soon as the demolishing squad and security jawans entered the camp premises to bulldoze the shop, hundreds of camp inmates including women and children came on the road side to protest the action. They shouted anti JDA slogans forcing the demolishing squad to beat a hasty retreat. Later another attempt of bulldozing the shop was made by the authorities forcing the camp inmates to retaliate. However, the situation was saved from taking any worst turn with the timely intervention of SHO Nagrota. The agitating camp inmates warned the authorities that any action on their part will have serious repercussions as entire community will resort to agitation. Meanwhile, various Kashmir Pandit community leaders have expressed their serious concern over the action of JDA authorities. In a hard hitting statement issued here this evening, Mr Hira Lal Chatta provincial president ASKPC termed it a big conspiracy of some vested elements in the administration. He termed it a game plan to completely uproot the community by certain elements in the administration on behest of ISI and militants. Mr Chatta while smelling a rat in the move said the entire community was perturbed by the unilateral action of JDA. He alleged this is for the first time in over the decade long migration that JDA authorities have entered the camp premises to demolish the shops there which have been constructed with due permission of the Government. The move has also been strongly condemned by Mr R L Bhan president All India Kashmiri Hindu Forum. He said it speaks of the double standards of the State Government and the action has fully exposed the policies of NC viz a viz displaced community. He said instead of redressing the grievances of the displaced people from the Valley, the Government was trying to further uproot them by bringing the community on footpaths. Mr Bhan urged the community to maintain unity in its rank and file and resist such a move with full might. Terming the action of JDA authorities totally inhuman, Mr R K Raina senior vice president ASKPC said the camp is presently under the control of Relief organization and the JDA took the step without intimating the organization. Mr M L Kaul, senior Congress leader and chairman Migrant Cell of the Party expressed his surprise over the action. He said it is a slap on the secular credentials of NC Government which after failing to provide the security to the community in the Valley has now set the move of their further uprootment afloat. |
|
Leadership Foundation
organises seminar Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 10: Free counseling seminar was organized at Government College for Women at Parade by the Leadership Foundation today. As per a release, the areas touched in the session were the various options for higher studies in India and abroad. The main speakers on the occasion were the Foundation Centrehead, Mr Vivek Sharma, the GCW Alumni, Ms Bhavana Sharma and Ms Nidhi Sharma the two Jammu University students of MCA and MBA respectively. Talking to students Mr Vivek deliberated in detail about the entrance tests of various options of higher study like MBA,MCA, fashion, hotel management, foreign trade, CA/ICWA, CS, Law, Fine arts etc. Replying the student quries he apprised them about the various tests in which they can appear for seeking admission in these courses. Commenting on the seminar Ms Suchi said that it was a truly informative session and expressed the hope that institute conducts some more such seminars in future also. In her concluding address Ms Ruchi Mehta from Foundation, emphasized the need to develop overall personalities in order to get admission in these professional colleges. She also announced a free mock CAT on Sunday for the students of the City who might be applying for the same this year. The test will be sponsored by TEJPUNJ and NGO working for cause of Education and Employment in the city. |
|
GoI assures
additional finance, power Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Nov 10: While the State Government is all set to break its previous records of curtailments in the months to come in both the summer and winter capital, it seems to be little concerned about the issue of reforms in the power sector. This become evident from the fact that the State Government’s reluctance to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Goverment of India which was aimed to deal with problems in the power sector, with particular reference to the distribution. Reliable sources in the Ministry of Power revealed that so far 18 states had signed a similar MoU. The MOU is broadly a joint commitment of the State Government and Government of India to undertake reforms in a time bound manner. The States which have signed the MOU included Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Mahrashtra, Rajasthan, Assam, Uttaranchal, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Orissa, Chattisgarh, Kerela and Bihar. "Had the Jammu and Kashmir Government opted to undertake these reforms as mooted by the Indian Government, it would have gained on seveal fronts. The Union Government could have helped them make provisions of additional power from Central Generating Stations, development of new generating capacity through CPSUS and also was ready to offer other substantial support for enhancement of generating capacity in the state sector", soruces remarked. Sources further added the border state, which has been reeling under financial cruch for the past annals would have gained sufficient financial assitance. The Centre has assisted states which have signed the MOU by making provissions of additional financing by PFC in relaxation of standard requirements; assistance in getting financial from other sources such as World Bank, ADB, etc. Further, as a part of the Accelerated Power Development Programme (APDP) finance is provided with regarded to projects involving renovation and mordernisation, uprating of old power plants; upgradation of transmission and distribution network including energy accounting and metereing. Dwelling upon possible reasons for not signing of agreement with the Central Government, top official sources remarked that the main impediments were the meeting of requirements, which besides others included constitutions of independent organisation like State Electricity Regulatory Commission, for ensuring a time-bound process. However, there was complete unanimity among the officials that the signing of MOU would enable the state to have more power and additional funds as well. While the Union Government, sources pointed out always admitted that there was need to tap the hydr-electric potential of the state, it had so far refused to provide counter-guarantee to the hydel power projects here in this state. At present, 57 projects for around 27,000 Mw capacity are having foreign developers and investment worth nearly Rs 15,000 crores had been already made in the private sector. So far eight projects had been identified by the Indian Government for extending counter - guarantee. These included Jegurupadu Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) of M/s GVK Industries in Andhra Pradesh, Dabhol CCGT of M/s Enron Power Company in Maharashtra, Visakhapatnam Thermal Powr Project (TPP) of M/s Hinduja National Power Company in Andhra Pradesh, Bhadravati TPP of M/s Central India Power Company (CIPCO) in Mahrashtra, Neyveli TPP of M/S ST-CMS Electric Company in Tamil Nadu, Mangalore TPP of Mangalore Power Company in Karnatka and Ib Valley TPP of M/s AES Ib Valley Corporationin Orissa. While the Central Government has been reluctant to provide counter guarantees of power projects in Jammu and Kashmir, it acknowledges the fact that it is one of the few states in the country that hold key in view of its massive hydro power potential. The Government of India has given very high priority to efforts aimed at exploiting the balance hydro-electric potential of each rever basin in the country and particular emphasis is being laid on few state. Besides, this border state other states which could contribute substantially included Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Sikkim and North- East. Further, sources remarked that the budgetyary support for Central Sector projects had also been substantially increased and efforts are being made to create a favourable environment. |
|
"Foreigners
inclining towards Indian culture’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 10: Young and noted dancer of Jaipur Gharana of international fame, Miss Anuradha Arora today captivated the audience with charm of her exequisite performance at Model Institute of Education and Research (MIER). Miss Arora, a versatile and talented artist, enthralled the audience with a lively presentation of varied emotions. Though she is young artist yet the dance performed by her reflected the perfection of a mature artiste. The upcoming artist displayed sincere dedication to art alongwith the expert guidance provided by her eminent Guru Mr and Mrs Shobha Kosar. The sequences performed by her at MIER showed the beauty of the dance as well as the control of the artiste over the form. It was Miss Anuradha Arora who enchanted the audience with her ‘Bhava’ and the ‘Mudra’ that is peculiar of the dance form and convincing expression. She was moulded into the present form by Kathak maestro Mrs Shobha Koser who introduced her to the intricacies of Jaipur Gharana including the presentation of ‘Nrittya’ items. Anuradha also had the privilege of learning Manipuri dance. She has always been acknowledged by experts of the discipline as a versatile, talented artiste at this young age. Talking to EXCELSIOR after performing at MIER, she said that she has performed in the cities of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Orissa, Delhi, Chandigarh and other important towns which brought her laurels from critics as well as connoisseurs of classical dance. "My guru Mrs Shobha Kosar is disciple of leading lights of Jaipur Gharana, Guru Kanahiya Lal and Guru Kundal Lal Gangani, both of whom had been key exponents of Kathak dance", said Miss Arora, who has been awarded the title of `Urvashi’ by Arvind Kala Mandir, Sunder Nagar, HP, `Nrityashree’ by Nami Dogri Sanstha, Jammu in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and a commendation certificates by the Himachal Pradesh Rajya Kalakar Kalyan Parishad, Bilaspur. She stands empanelled by the ICCR as performer-cum-instructor in foreign countries. She said that foreigners listen and observe classical music and dance of the India very carefully as compared to Indians and added that despite having no knowledge of rich Indian culture they gave full concentration towards their performance to understand what they want to convey. "Though pop music is gaining more popularity as compared to classical music yet the western music will not stay here any more as even people of western countries have started inclining towards our rich culture", she said and added that the impact of western product on young generation is due to television. "We can not change the mood of the people towards rich culture of country due to less publicity to Indian culture as compared to foreign culture", she further said. Earlier, the function was started with the lighting of traditional lamp by chief guest Mr Ajay Sadhotra, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats. Speaking on the occasion, he said that such type of programme should be encouraged as young generation is inclining more towards pop and other western products. Nami Dogri Sanstha also felicitated Miss Anuradha Arora with the Upadhi of Kalashree on the occasion. Mr Rajinder Motial, general secretary Chamber of Commerce and Industry was the guest of honour and Dr Arun Gupta, Director MIER was special guest on the occasion. |
|
All Rural
Development blocks to have 10 Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 10: Keeping pace with the State Government’s commitment of achieving Universalization of Elementary Education by 2007, the construction of 1200 primary school buildings is being taken up in the first phase this year. This was informed by the Minister for Education, Mr. Mohammad Shafi here today. Mr. Shafi said that the construction of these schools is to be taken under the Rs.250 crore project financed by NABARD to construct buildings for 2500 primary schools functioning in rented buildings, alongwith providing additional class rooms in the existing schools. In the first instance NABARD has released Rs. 35 crore for the project, he added. The Minister reviewed the arrangements for the construction work to be completed in the first phase. He said that the construction of these schools would go a long way in providing primary school facilities to all within a radius of one km. Along with constructing new buildings additional class rooms would also be provided to the existing schools under the project, Mr. Shafi added. Mr. Shafi said that all 120 Rural Development Blocks under National Extension Service Programme would be provided with 10 primary schools each on an average to give equal coverage to every nook and corner of the State in providing elementary educational facilities. Commissioner-Secretary, Education, Mr. Vijay Bakaya, Chief General Manager, NABARD, Director Education, Jammu and Director Education, Srinagar were also present in the meeting. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| home | state | national | business| editorial | advertisement | sports | |
