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| Arrangements Finalised for Jhiri Mela Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov. 12: Arrangements for the smooth conduct of ensuing 7-day Jhiri Mela commencing from 29th of this month were finalized at a meeting......more Regeneration
of Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 12: The Government is contemplating to sanction Rs one crore for regeneration and afforestation of degraded forests in.....more SSI
Sector to be encouraged in Food Processing: Kamal Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 12: J&K will encourage small scale entrepreneurs to set up units in food processing, a sector which has hitherto remained.....more Minimum
Wages for Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 12: A meeting of the State Advisory Board for revision and fixation of minimum wages for Industrial Workers was held here today under the chairmanship.......more Altaf
inaugurates one-day Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 12: The Minister for Health and Medical Education, Mian Altaf Ahmad today inaugurated one-day State level Dogri, Gojri and Pahari Cultural Conference........more |
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New
schemes for mentally Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 12: The Minister of State for Social Welfare, Mr Mushtaq Ahmad Bukhari has said that the Government will provide every possible assistance....more Transfer
of power to Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 12: Decks have been cleared for devolution of powers to Panchayats in Jammu and Kashmir with the constitution of Committee of Ministers and Finance Commission .....more Art
exhibition begins in Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 12: A two-day art and craft exhibition commenced at Shangrilla High School on the eve of Diwali and Children’s Day celebrations, here today........more Hundreds
PDP activists court arrest Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 12: Hundreds of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) activists led by the Party senior vice president, Ms Mehbooba Mufti and former MLA today courted arrest at Shalamar Chowk when police did not allow them to proceed towards Raj Bhawan and handover the memorandum to Governor, G C Saxena on what they called the "dismal performance" of NC Government.........more |
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Arrangements Finalised for Jhiri Mela Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov. 12: Arrangements for the smooth conduct of ensuing 7-day Jhiri Mela commencing from 29th of this month were finalized at a meeting of officers held here today. The Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Mr. Rohit Kansal presided. A detailed discussions to make elaborate arrangements of drinking water, electricity, medical, transport, fire services, etc were held the meeting. The meeting decided that PHE and Electric departments will ensure regular supply of drinking water and electricity round the clock during Mela days. The Medical department will deploy its medical teams at Jhiri Mela with sufficient quantity of medicines alongwith ambulance facilities to meet any emergency. It was also decided in the meeting that all the buses carrying pilgrims from Jammu will ply from out side MAM Stadium. The necessary security arrangements will also be made out side the stadium. The traffic authorities have been asked to ensure that there should be no over loading and rash driving to avoid accidents on the road. The meetings has also decided that there should be no sale of liquor and gambling in the Mela and as well as in the surrounding villages during mela days. The Deputy Commissioner, Excise shall make necessary measures in this behalf. The SSP, Jammu has been asked to ensure strict watch on the activities of anti-social elements by deploying sufficient number of police contingents. |
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Regeneration
of degraded forest land in Mahore Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 12: The Government is contemplating to sanction Rs one crore for regeneration and afforestation of degraded forests in Mahore. This was announced by the Minister for Forests and Environment, Peerzada Ghulam Ahmad Shah during his tour to far flung areas of block Arnas of district Udhampur the other day. While addressing the series of meetings at Arnas, the Minister stressed the need for protection of forests. He revealed that the Government has launched a massive programme for regeneration degraded forest land. Steps are being taken to save forests from smugglers and encroachers. He further added that Forest Village Committees have been constituted in each village in respective of forest divisions to protect the forest cover in the State and also help in implementation of various welfare schemes of the Forest Department. The Minister said that the unemployed educated youth would also be adjusted in the Education Department under the Rehabr-e-Taleem scheme. He gave on spot order to submit proposal for new Range Officer at Arnas and directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to make Mahore Forest Division functional at an earliest. The Minister revealed that the Fisheries Department is undertaking Mahsheer Project at Thanpaul. He instructed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests that only dry and fallen trees should be supplied to the people for construction purposes. |
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SSI
Sector to be encouraged in Food Processing: Kamal Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 12: J&K will encourage small scale entrepreneurs to set up units in food processing, a sector which has hitherto remained dominated by medium and large scale sector due to heavy investment requirements. For this purpose, the State Government have planned to create common facilities for tetra packaging, canning and bottling in the newly coming up Rs.7.25 crore Food Processing Park at Khanmoh in Srinagar for the benefit of small scale entrepreneurs as they could not on individual level afford to set up full fledged food processing facilities due to limitation of the funds. Stating this here today, the J&K Industries and Commerce Minister, Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal said that Jammu and Kashmir state is gifted with Nature's unbound vegetable and fresh fruit treasure of International acclaim which needs to be processed for export purposes. He said food processing ventures, which has in recent times emerged as the potential agriculture business, would not only save wastages due to transportation of fresh fruits but also generate employment avenues besides earning tangible foreign exchange. He said J&K has the distinction of producing more than 68 per cent of the total production of apple in the country followed by Himachal (18 per cent) and UP (13.4 per cent) respectively. The Valley produces more than 10 lakh metric tonnes of apple annually. He said the fruit and vegetable production in the State has registered 21 per cent growth over the last 5 years taking the total production in the State to 50.16 lakh metric tonnes from 41.47 Mts. The State generates an annual income of Rs 800 crore from fresh fruit production. Dr Kamal said coordinated efforts at country level are needed to be taken to prevent wastage in fruit production, which has been estimated to be of the order of 25 to 30 per cent annually as only 2 per of the fruits and vegetables are processed in the country as of now. He said food processing is of more significance for J&K as it would help to off set high transportation cost of vegetable and fruit production due to disadvantageous geographical location and would ensure better returns due to value addition. Dr Kamal said that the Union Ministry of Food Processing has assured the State to sanction, alongwith necessary financial back up support, three more Food Processing Parks, one each in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir. These Parks would facilitate exploitation of the available potential in food processing in these varied geo-climatic regions of the State. He said Jammu region needs food processing in Basmati rice, citrus fruits, olive oil seeds, hazelnut and has also high potential for propagation of medicinal and aromatic plants and their processing into final products. Likewise, Leh and Kargil areas have plenty of vegetable production due to successful Polygreen house experiments besides having world famous apricot, dairy and poultry which needs to be preserved and processed for value addition. Dr Kamal said work on Food Park at Srinagar is in full swing and 15 units have been registered so far. He said 5 export oriented walnut processing units would be set up in Export Promotion Park at Karthali, Jammu. He said vegetable, apple, saffron, black mushroom and honey brand of J&K has an international recognition and market acceptability which needs to be given further boost. For this purpose, he said focus needs to be on Research and Development (R&D) besides launching training programmes about latest techniques in food processing in the State. Dr Kamal said that Government will also seek Central assistance for reviving all the cold stores with grading facilities for apple and walnut drying and grading plants set up in J&K during Indira Gandhi's regime so that these could be again put to use. Presently these facilities created at an investment of crores of rupees is lying waste and deteriorating. A small investment of money will save this important investment. |
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Minimum Wages for workers revised Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 12: A meeting of the State Advisory Board for revision and fixation of minimum wages for Industrial Workers was held here today under the chairmanship of Minister for Labour and Employment, S Harbans Singh. The meeting approved in principle the revision of the minimum daily wages of the industrial workers under three broad categories of un-skilled, semi-skilled, skilled and Ministerial/accounts/ Supervisory staff from pre revised rate of Rs 30, Rs 45 and Rs 60 to the revised rate of Rs 45, Rs 60 and Rs 100 per day respectively. The Board approved in principle the revised rates after considering the objections received from various organizations to the notification already issued vide SRO No - 156 dated 25th April 2000. The Board authorized the Chairman, Minister for Labour and Employment to issue the final notification to this effect. The meeting apprised that the minimum daily wages have already been revised by the State Government and fixed at Rs 60 per day. The present revision will ensure necessary financial security for the industrial workers. The meeting held that the fundamental purpose of the minimum wages is to end the exploitation of the workers by the employer thereby ensuing him protection of minimum standard of living. The minimum wages must in this respect be calculated in direct proportion to the rise in cost of living index. This would inevitably result in the parity of wages and labour productivity. Acting Chief Secretary, Mr IS Malhi, Commissioner/Secretary, Labour, Mr P L Raina, Commissioner/Secretary, Food and Supplies, Mr S R Kapoor, Commissioner/Secretary, PWD, Mr Abdul Slam, Special Secretary, Mr Attal Dullo and Labour Commissioner, Syed Yasin Shah attended the meeting. |
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Altaf inaugurates one-day
State level Dogri, Gojri Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 12: The Minister for Health and Medical Education, Mian Altaf Ahmad today inaugurated one-day State level Dogri, Gojri and Pahari Cultural Conference. The conference first of its kind in the State has been organized by Dogri Sanstha tribal research and cultural foundation and J&K Pahari Welfare Society. The Minister of State for Social Welfare, Mr Mustaq Ahmad Bukhari was also present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, the Health Minister sought the cooperation of people in restoring the glorious past of Pahari and Gojri languages. He said during the period of over a decade turmoil these languages as well as communities have suffered a lot. He said in absence of basic amenities like better road communications, education and drinking water facilities in border and rural areas inhabited mostly by Pahari and Gojri population are facing tremendous hardships. He said need of the hour is to fight collectively for the betterment of these communities. He hoped that such conferences be organized in future also as it will play a pivotal role in keeping social evils at bay. He said such conferences will provides a common platform to assess the problems of these communities. The Minister assured for setting up of research wing at the University level and said that the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah has evinced keen interest for the development/upliftment of these communities of the State. He also lauded the efforts of the MP Mirza Abdul Rashid in parliament for inclusion of Dogri language in the 8th schedule of Indian constitution. The Minister expressed concern over the poor attention of the Central Government towards the communities demands at the time slot allotted for the Gojri news bulletin through Radio Kashmir/Jammu decades back has also remained unchanged when the population has increased manifold adding that we should strive hard for keeping pace with other languages of the State. The Minister of State for Social Welfare, Mr Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari while speaking on the occasion stressed for upliftment of these communities. He said that possibilities will be explored to provide all basic amenities to Pahari and Gojri people living in rural and border areas of the State. He said that the present Government is aware of the problem being faced by these ethnic groups. He further added that government is contemplated to introduce various schemes for the educational and socio-economic upliftment of them. He said that a large number of students have been provided scholarships and other incentives for their development. Secretary Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, Mr. Javed Rahi said that the main purpose for organising the conference was to enable the writers of these sister languages of the State to have an interaction and clear the understanding. Chairman Pahari Welfare Society, Mr Zaffer Iqbal Manhas also spoke on the occasion and said that in the fast changing regional and global scenario the role of writers and poets assume greater significant as the language is the only link to bring and bind people together rather than dividing them. President, Dogri Sanstha Jammu, Prof Lalit Mangotra gave a brief resume of Dogri, Gojri and Pahari Language and literature. He said that the Dogri languages should be included in the 8th schedule of Indian constitution and Gojri and Pahari departments should be started in both Jammu and Kashmir Universities |
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New schemes for mentally retarded on anvil: Bukhari Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 12: The Minister of State for Social Welfare, Mr Mushtaq Ahmad Bukhari has said that the Government will provide every possible assistance for upliftment of mentally and physically disabled people. Speaking at a function after inaugurating "Sahara"- a Day School for mentally retarded children at Trikuta Nagar here today, the Minister said that government will leave no stone unturned to provide every possible help for the betterment of mentally retarded children of the State. He said that special welfare schemes will be launched so as to give maximum opportunities to these mentally disabled children to live with dignity. The Minister urged the NGOs to come forward and take keen interest in social service activities. He asked them to work in close coordination with the government for effective implementation of various Centrally and State sponsored schemes. He said that government has already launched various schemes for the betterment of down trodden and weaker sections of the society. The children of the school presented a colourful cultural programme, which was appreciated by every one. |
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Transfer of power to panchayats on cards, says Sadhotra Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 12: Decks have been cleared for devolution of powers to Panchayats in Jammu and Kashmir with the constitution of Committee of Ministers and Finance Commission to work out modalities in this regard. ‘People are the real fountain of power and Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah made it a main plank in election manifesto to evolve greater mass involvement in decision making at grass roots level,’ said the Minister incharge Rural Development, Mr Ajay Sadhotra at a press conference here this afternoon. He said the State has its own Panchayati Raj Act 1989 that envisages constitution of these committees and the Government is expecting their report soon. The special and unique feature of the Act is to form Adalati Committees, a novel concept in the country, he said, adding that the Government intends to pay remuneration in the shape of sitting fee to elected representatives. For this Rs five crore would be needed annually that has been taken up with the Centre. He said the process for nominating women panchs, including those from scheduled caste and scheduled tribes, to ensure their 33 percent representation, will commence soon. Describing conduct of elections to Panchayats as a major event despite attempts from across the border to subvert these, the Minister said that the announcement regarding holding Panchayat elections unnerved the detractors who saw in it the accomplishment of yet another commitment by Dr Abdullah. He said pending recommendations of the Group of Ministers and Finance Commission regarding granting supervisory and monitoring powers to Panchayats, his ministry has already entrusted to these institutions the task that comes under the ambit of Rural Development Department. Panchayats have a vital role in fixing priorities of local development and regulating the functioning of administrative mechanism in rural areas, he said, hoping that elections to basic units of democracy after 23 years would certainly satiate the urges and aspirations of the masses. The Minister said the Centre has been approached for release of Rs 13.50 crore as recommencement grant for 2700 panchayats in the State. The Government wishes each panchayat to have its own panchayatgarh. Some of these have already been constructed by utilizing the funds provided under 10th Finance Commission, he said, hoping that adequate funds would be allocated during 11th Finance Commission for the purpose. The Minister said the State Government has sought Rs 315 crore for taking up at least two road projects in each block under Prime Minister’s Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY) proposal for 242 road projects has been submitted to the concerned ministry. While expressing his gratitude to the Union Minister for Rural Development, Mr M Venkaiah Naidu for visiting the State to take on the spot assessment of its problems and assuring liberal funding, Mr Sadhotra said Jammu and Kashmir should not be treated as any other State of the country in view of turbulence it witnessed over the years. This calls for a special dispensation and fixation of funding pattern at 90:10 instead of 75:25, assistance cum loan. |
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Art exhibition begins in Shangrilla High school Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 12: A two-day art and craft exhibition commenced at Shangrilla High School on the eve of Diwali and Children’s Day celebrations, here today. The exhibition, organised by Shangrilla High School with the collaboration of J&K Fine Arts Society (JAKFAS), was inaugurated by Mr Balwant Thakur, Secretary, Academy of Art, Culture and Languages while Mr O P Sharma presided over it. The art exhibits have been prepared the students of this education institution for which expertise was provided by JAKFAS. Students have displayed remarkable talent. The art works included: Diwali greeting cards, Diwali calendars in spray painting, pottery designing, three-dimension cut-out thermocol work, decorated Divas for Diwali and water colour as also poster colour paintings. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Balwant Thakur said that the artistic faculties of the students should be developed for promotion and preservation of our rich cultural heritage. He appreciated the talent displayed by the students and complimented them for the artistic display of their talent. The Principal of Shangrilla school, Ms Sureshtha Khajuria, in her welcome speech, said that the students have been excelling in both academic and other extra-curricular activities. She stated that the arts of JAKFAS and the staff have put in hard work in channelising the talent of the students. A 20 days workshop was held in the school for creative work in preparation for the exhibition with guidance of the JAKFAS artists comprising Messrs Suresh Sharma, Darshan Singh and Ajay Gupta. Twenty five students were given medal and certificates for their creative work during the workshop. The Secretary, Cultural Academy distributed the prizes. Such artistic activities should be continued vigorously among the students for developing their interest and channelising their talent. |
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Hundreds PDP activists
court arrest Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 12: Hundreds of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) activists led by the Party senior vice president, Ms Mehbooba Mufti and former MLA today courted arrest at Shalamar Chowk when police did not allow them to proceed towards Raj Bhawan and handover the memorandum to Governor, G C Saxena on what they called the "dismal performance" of NC Government. High drama prevailed at Shalamar Chowk when protesting PDP activists tried to break the police cordon in their attempt to March towards the Raj Bhawan. After failing in their attempts to break the barricades, the demonstrators later relented and courted arrest in protest. They were packed in two police buses and taken to District Police Lines Jammu. Elaborate security arrangements were made by the authorities to deal with any untoward situation. A big contingent of police and CRPF was deployed at Shalamar Chowk to deal with any eventuality. Earlier, hundreds of party activists shouting anti Government slogans took out a procession from Vivekananda Chowk. They after passing through Gurdwara Sunder Singh road, Raghunath Bazar and City Chowk where not allowed to proceed ahead from Shalamar Chowk. As the demonstrators left the Vivekananda Chowk the slogans like "Congress nah, BJP, NC ko Badlay Gee PDP"(neither congress nor BJP NC will be replaced by PDP), Jo sarkar nikami hai voh sarkar badalni hai"(The Government which is weak is to be changed) rent the air. While addressing the demonstrators at Shalamar Chowk, Ms Mehbooba charged the National Conference Government for its failure on all fronts and called upon people to throw this ‘corrupt regime’ out of power in the forthcoming State Assembly elections. "If free and fair elections are conducted in the State, the NC candidates will forfeit their deposits and Dr Farooq Abdullah regime will be wiped out from the state ," she said and urged the Central Government to ensure that forthcoming elections will not be conducted under the present regime in J&K. She warned if the poll malpractices take place in the next assembly elections and NC returns to power, it will prove disastrous for the entire state and the left out youth will be left with no alternative except to take to arms. Passing a sarcastic remark on Chief Minister, the PDP leader said Dr Abdullah is day dreaming to become the Vice President of India and appealed the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee to clear his candidature for the same so that the peace and normalcy is restored in the trouble-torn J&K. Ms Mufti while making a scathing attack on Chief Minister said the Railway firing and Billawar blasts are the "blessings" of his rule on people of this region. She said it is not only the Jammu region which has suffered under the NC rule but Kashmiris are too passing through the worst periods of history. "If Jammu is facing the discrimination through the hands of State Government the Kashmiris are not also safe,. They are facing the bullets and militancy", she added. She assigned the wrong policies of the National Conference Government as the main cause of militancy in the J&K saying if a middle pass is preferred to a post graduate in employment, the people are left with no option except to take to arms. Addressing the rally Mr Ved Mahajan, general secretary PDP opposed the trifurcation demand saying that this is fraught with serious consequences. he cautioned that the trifurcation is neither in the interests of the people of the State nor country. He however, said that this demand is the result of discrimination which the people of Jammu have met through the successive State Governments. He demanded that Jammu should be given proper share in power while alleging that the decisions are thrusted on the people of this region by the ministers and bureaucrats belonging to Kashmir Valley. He alleged that Chief Minister was taking the revenge of some "unknown things" from the people of Jammu region as this region has constantly met the injustice under the NC rule. Appealing people to support the PDP he said NC, Congress and BJP are the faces of same coin. These parties are responsible for growing corruption and unemployment in the State. He said if people want that the peace should be restored in the state and discrimination should end with the Jammu region then they should vote for PDP. Among other senior party leaders who addressed the rally include Messrs Trilok Singh Bajwa, Master Tasaduq Hussain , Mrs Shanti Devi, Murtaza Khan, Dhaman Bhasin, Ashok Sharma, Ashok Jogi, Surjeet Kour, Avtar Jyotshi, Baldev Slathia, Bhushan Gupta and Fulel Singh. Later in the evening the PDP workers handed over the memorandum to Governor. |
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DSS to organise Maha Panchayat on Nov 19 Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 12: Dogra Sadar Sabha (DSS) Jammu is organising a Maha Panchayat of all Sarpanches and Panches of Jammu region on November 19 here to chalk out future strategy. This was stated by Dogra Sadar Sabha chief, Mr Gulchain Singh Charak while talking to media persons here this afternoon. Blaming the Government for making the mockery of Panchayti Raj he alleged a pretty long time has passed since the constitution of Panchayats in the state but till date they have been deprived of powers. He termed it a big conspiracy hatched by the National Conference (NC) Government and alleged that during the finalisation of annual plan of District Development Boards no Panch and Sarpanch is invited. He said this is a wrong precedence and demanded that the Sarpanches be invited in these meetings. The sarpanches and panches have been sandwiched between the Government and the people, he added. The Sarpanches and panches are presently facing an odd situation, he said, adding they are neither in a position to face the people who have given them the mandate to represent them nor seek the powers from the Government to solve the peoples problems at village level. Mr Charak alleged that depriving of any elected body from the powers is a crime under Indian Constitution. In response to a question he maintained that the future course of action whether the agitational path will be adopted in this regard will be decided in the conference. While highlighting the other problems he demanded that attention be paid solve the unemployment problem and old and historical shrines and other tourist places in Jammu be developed to attract more and more tourists and pilgrims for boosting the economy of the region. |
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Rs.20 cr to boost agriculture in J&K : Ramzan Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Nov 12: A sum of Rs.20 crore is being utilized on boosting agriculture activities in the state during the current financial year. The earmarked amount is being enhanced by 100 per cent during for the next year keeping in view the significance of agriculture sector and as a mainstay of rural economy. Disclosing this while addressing a day long agriculture conference-cum-work shop here today, the Minister for Agriculture, Ch. Muhammad Ramzan said that as a result of timely availability of agriculture inputs and application of latest technology in the field, the agriculture production has touched 14 lakh metric tons during 2000-2001. Similarly, an appreciable increase has been registered in fruit mutton and vegetable production in the State. He said fertilizers covering an area of 2.50 lakh hectors would be provided farmers and orchardists on 50 per cent subsidy from the next financial year adding that entire forming community in the state would be covered under Kisan Credit Card Scheme by 2003. Responding to the demands highlighted by the progressive farmers and orchardists on the occasion, Ch. Ramzan said that Government is contemplating to introduce crop insurance scheme shortly and assured them that their grievance with regard to providing of irrigation pumps on subsidized rates and upgrading the fruit mandies in the state would be addressed on priority. The Minister said that measures have been initiated for revitalization of cooperative sector so that its benefits could percolate down to the masses. Speaking on the occasion, Principal Secretary to Agriculture Department, Mr. Muhammad Shafi stressed on timely pruning and manuring of orchards which, he said would go a long way in obtaining desirable fruit production. In this connection, he asked the functionaries of horticulture department to hold camps for educating the people about pruning and application of other methods in the field. He said that all efforts should be made to improve the functioning of agriculture and its allied departments for proper utilization of funds for the benefit of rural masses. He said that task force has be constituted for monitoring working and implementation of various schemes at the grass root level. A sizeable number of progressive farmers and orchardists of various districts attended the seminar and highlighted their demands vis-à-vis agriculture and its allied sectors. During the day-long work shop, the participants had an interaction a various subjects with the Minister and other experts of various departments. Directors of Agriculture, Horticulture and Sericulture were present in the conference. |
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Computer
courses to be introduced Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Nov 12: The Minister for Education, Mr. Muhammad Shafi today released Rs. 2 crore for works and renovation of degree colleges of Kashmir province. The Minister was presiding over a review meeting with heads of colleges of Kashmir province. Mr. Shafi said the quality college education is a must for providing better job opportunities and better future of students. He said all colleges would undertake academic analysis for past three years with particular reference to UGC norms for minimum attendance and duration of course completion. This would provide the indicators for the futuristic academic development, he added. The Minister said that the Government has plans to introduce computer education in all colleges including arts and commerce streams so that passed out students are computer proficient and hence have better placement opportunities. Mr. Shafi said that a proposal would be drawn shortly for introduction of PG courses as per the need in colleges having required couching infrastructure for NET and SLET. The tests which make the candidates eligible for selection as lecturers would also be organised in the colleges, he added. The Minister said that counseling of students at the time of admission is being ensured to eliminate improper selection of subjects by the students affecting their career prospects in the long run . The coordination between schools and colleges would also be maintained to ensure correct choice of subjects both at 10 + 2 level and under graduate levels. Mr. Shafi said the orientation and refresher courses for college teachers will henceforth be organised only in summer and winter vacations to prevent the disruption of studies. Mr. Shafi said that considering the limited funds available with the department over-costing of construction work in the colleges should be avoided. The Minister asked the JKPCC to help in making low cost and durable designs for various requirements of the educational institutions. At the same time he expected from the heads of the colleges to ensure proper maintenance of the building once they are renovated. The Minister said that from now onwards University and BOSE would adhere to a pre-determined schedule for conduct of examinations and declaration of results. They will also prepare a well-defined academic calendar for the whole year. The Minister later inspected the construction work going on within the premises of Government College for Women, M. A. Road, Director College Education, MD JKPCC and members of R & B department were present. |
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HUDCO vigilance awareness week prog concludes Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 12: Vigilance awareness week programme being organised by the Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd (HUDCO) concluded here the other day. According to a release, the Jammu regional office of HUDCO as part of its country wide programme, observed Vigilance Awareness week from Oct 31 to Nov 6. The main objective of the programme is to educate the people and the Government officials about the danger of corruption and sensitize them about the evil consequences of corruption. The programme here was organised under the chairmanship of HUDCO Regional Chief Mr R Ramaswamy. Messages from Union Home Minister L K Advani, Opposition leader Mrs Sonia Gandhi, Chief Vigilance Commissioner were also read on the occasion. As a part of programme a two day seminar was also organised. This programme commenced with welcome address by Mr Ramaswamy. Presentations were made by V S Sambyal , SP Vigilance, SSP Vigilance Mr A M Bhat and others. It also organised a symposium on prevention of corruption in which students from 25 schools/ colleges participated. The Minister for Rural Development distributed prizes among the participants. In the concluding part of the programme , HUDCO also organised a presentation by Dr Ashwani Jojra, the founder of SAHYOG, a NGO working for the noble cause of the under privileged citizens of the J&K. He emphasised the need for the self-discipline, self-adherence, dedication and devotion of the work entrusted to one and every individual which would automatically cover the main objective this programme on preventive corruption. Such programmes should be extended in our day today activities, Dr Jojra maintained. |
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ISM doctors asked to shun differences Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 12: Medical Officers Welfare Forum of the Indian System of Medicines has asked the State Government to fullfill their long pending demands. Addressing inaugural function of the Indian Medicine Awareness Week organised by the Medical Officers (Indian Medicine) Welfare Forum on the eve of Dhanwantri Jyanti at Jammu here today, Dr Govind Ram Gupta, president of the Forum expressed his grave concern that State Government has not take any step to fulfill long pending genuine demands of the doctors of the Indian System of Medicines. Highlighting demands of the doctors of the Indian System of Medicines, Dr Gupta said demanded regularisation of all dispensaries being run by the internal arrangements. He further demanded creation of 45 posts of Dawasaaz for upgrading Indian System of Medicine dispenseries. He also demanded upgradation of the quality and quantity of annual supply. Demanding provision for emergency and epedimic supply, he further demanded enhancement of the budget for annual supply. Mr Gupta further demanded that adequate staff should be deployed under minimum staff pattern for the Indian System of Medicines Institutions. Expressing concern over the transfer policy of the State Government, Medical Officers Welfare Forum of the Indian System of Medicines demanded rational transfer policy. It was also demanded that third doctor from ISM should be appointed at all Primary Health Centres. Separate registration for integrated graduates was also demanded. Principal Secretary Health, Mr H L Kadalbaju, who was chief guest in the function, in his address, said that State Government was very much aware of the problems being faced by the doctors of the Indian System of Medicines. He said that authorities were very much concern to solve all problems of the doctors. He said that State Government’s decision to appoint Indian System of Medicines doctors at the far-flung areas was aimed at providing jobs to the doctors. Expressing his sympathy with the demands of the doctors of the Indian System of Medicine, Principal Secretary Health shifted blame on doctors for their woes. He said that doctors of Indian System of Medicines have been facing problems due to their internal conflict. He asked the doctors to shun their differences for their own development and betterment. Dr Riaz Ahmed Dar, Kashmir province president and other office bearers also address the function. |
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Village guards hold massive demonstration Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 12: On the call given by the Provincial Village Guards Union, hundreds of village guards from Jammu province assembled in front of the office of the Divisional Commissioner’s office at Old Secretariat and staged a dharna there. The dharna was organised to lodge protest against callous attitude adopted by the State Government with regard to long pending just and genuine demands. Mr Thakur Dass, president of the Union presided over the function while Mr Dharam Chand, general secretary was the stage secretary. Mr Abdul Majid Khan, president, All J&K Low Paid Employees Federation, in his inaugural address, strongly urged upon the State Government to regularise the services of village guards with pay, pensions, gratuity another allied benefits at par with Class-IV employees and in the meanwhile enhance their remuneration from Rs 225 to Rs 1800 per month which is monthly minimum wage of daily wager workers in the State so that they are save from their present state of poverty and hunger. Mr Khan said that their counterparts in Haryana, West Bengal and many other states have been regularised as Class IV employees but in this State even the recommendation made from time to time by the successive Financial Commissioners, Revenue are gathering dust in the racks. Mr Khan severely criticised the anti-people and anti-worker policies of the Central and State Government which has been causing unprecedent rise in the cost of living and retrenchment of workers on a mass scale and also depriving the workers of the rights earned by them after long drawn struggles in the state. Mr Krishan Singh, general secretary, Low Paid Employees Federation, Giani Avtar Singh, president, Provincial Teachers Association, Baldev Raj Sharma, president Class IV Employees Union, Bodh Raj Sharma, Baldev Sharma, Balwant Raj Choudhary and others also addressed the rally and supported demands of the village guards. In his address, Mr Thakur Dass warned the State Government that in case their demands are not conceded soon they will be left with no other option but to intensify their struggle further. Speakers also highlighted issue of uniform clothes alongwith stitching charges and funds for the purchase of shoes in time as per market rates, payment of gratuity and old age pension to those who have died in harness or have been erased out on becoming aged and infirm, grant of fixed TA @ of Rs 100 per month, issuance of Identity Cards departmentally, issue of torches and umbrellas, issue of ration cards to get ration under BPL rates, issue of registers of death/birth records to all the village guards were some other demands raised by the speakers. Later the village guards took out an impressive procession which passed through different bazars of the city. |
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