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| Concerted efforts on to improve power generation: Slathia Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 23: The Government has taken various measures for augmentation of Hydro Electricity in Jammu and Kashmir State and currently the work is in......more Harbans
calls upon Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Nov 23: The Minister for Youth Services and Sports, S. Harbans Singh has called on the people to cooperate the Government in.......more Training
camp on Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 23: Seven days, Mushroom training camp organised by Mushroom Development Scheme, Department of Agriculture Talab Tillo.....more Nami Dogri
Sanstha Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 23: Noted Dogri writer, Mr Romal Singh Bhadwal was honoured by Nami Dogri Sanstha Jammu at premises of Jagritia Niketan School......more Drive by
Income Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 23: The Income Tax Department has launched a drive to crack-down on persons who have taxable income.......more |
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RBI opens
mobile counters Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 23: As a sequel to the clean note policy declared by the Governor Reserve Bank of India Dr Bimal Jalan, mobile exchange counters were operated.....more Satya Sai
Baba’s Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 23: The 76th birth birthday of Sri Satya Sai Baba was celebrated with fervour and enthusiasm, here today. Sai Baba is held in high esteem.....more ‘Computer
Era’ CD-Rom launched Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 23: What it can be termed as a big leap towards self learning era from the traditional method of learning through books, M/S Vidya Parkashan Mandir Limited Meerut -a prominent name in publication, today launched a CD-Rom for computer learners.........more IETE holds
extension Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 23: The Jammu Centre of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers organised an extension lecture on Information Technology today at Government College of Engineering and Technology Jammu...............more |
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Concerted efforts on to improve power Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 23: The Government has taken various measures for augmentation of Hydro Electricity in Jammu and Kashmir State and currently the work is in progress on number of power projects while others are in pipeline. Disclosing this at a function organised by Jammu Consumers Council here this evening, the Power Minister Mr S S Slathia said with the commissioning of these projects the J&K will not only become self sufficient in power generation but will also export the hydro electricity to other states. The Minister said the J&K needs 14,00 mw of power. But its self generation which was 200 to 250 mw in normal period of the year has reduced to 40 mws due to the dry spell this time making the state entirely dependent on Northern Grid. He said the State was getting only 430 mws of power from Northern Grid and it was due to his efforts that it managed to get additional power from the Centre taking the supply to 650 mws. This way the shortfall which was upto over 900 mws was reduced to 700 mw, he added. The Minister attributed the leakages in transmission system another cause of power crisis saying that out of 100 mws of power supplied from Northern Grid only 80 mw reach in the State. To arrest this the main thrust has been laid on self generation, he said, adding that a number of new projects including Sewa Stage one and two, Sawlakot and other small projects have been taken up in hand by the Government. He said for 450 mw stage Third Sewa Hydel Project, a loan of Rs 2740 crore has been got sanctioned and the work for construction of road has been taken up in hand for Sawlakot Project. The Minister said the work is going on at Dul Hasti Hydro Electric Project also. He said the Third Unit of Upper Sindh Hydel Project will be commissioned in March next year and with its commissioning the Project will generate 105 mw of power. He said one and half mw Pahalgam Project will be commissioned in 2002 while the work has been started on one and half mw Bhadarwah Hydel Project. Highlighting the performance of his Ministry he said Kargil Project has been commissioned in August this year and the generation capacity of Chenani Project has been increased to 14 mws. He warned that the NHPC which has been allotted seven projects for construction purposes will be grilled to expedite the work on them. He said had these efforts been made 20 years back the State would have been self sufficient in power generation. The Minister said in order to avert the risks and snapping of lines due to gale and hail storm a pilot project has been introduced for the first time in the State. Under this project the underground cables will be laid at Gandhinagar in Jammu and Rajbagh in Srinagar at first instance. He said to overcome the power theft by the supervisory staff of PDD and the consumers the metres will be installed outside the residential houses and commercial establishments and the consumers will be charged the tariff as per the metering. He said no tampering is possible after the installation of these metres either by the consumers or the PDD employees. The Minister maintained for this purpose the orders have been placed for the purchase of two lakh metres. He said besides the Gladni, Hiranagar, Samba and Bani Grid stations have been upgraded to increase the intake capacity. He said earlier our intake capacity was poor which affected the supply also. He said the Department is making considerable efforts to improve the power supply and replace the old system. For this purpose the old conductors and poles have been removed and the cabling system introduced. In Kathua town under this scheme Rs 20 lakh have been spent for replacement of conductors and this will also be applied to other districts, he added. Replying to queries raised by the students regarding the power cuts that has affected their education, Mr Slathia said the night cut has been removed keeping in view the interests of the student community. He however, denied that the power curtailment schedule has been modified for the Ramzan and maintained that the schedule has been changed for the convenience of the people of the state and not for any particular community as alleged. Not agreeing with the students that their eye sight was affected after reading under the dim lights of candle and lanterns, he said there can be some biological reasons for it while asking the students to take the good quantity of Vitamin A for protection of their eyes. The Minister while stressing the people not to misuse power also sought the cooperation of Consumer Council in this task. The Minister said for lighting system in City separate feeders will be created for convenience of the masses. He while holding the consumers equally responsible for the power theft said after bribing a lineman with Rs 50 they deprive the Department of hundreds of rupees revenue. Speaking on the occasion the Consumer Council Chief, Mr Ved Bhasin stressed on rationalisation of distribution system and checking of leakages and power thefts. Emphasizing on transparency in Department he also suggested the conservation of power on public level. Terming the system of minimum charges totally wrong, Mr Bhasin warned that if it was not modified his organisation will challenge it in the court of law. He also suggested that connections may not be provided for commercial purposes in the residential areas as this results in increase of load on transformers and their subsequent damage. The welcome address was read by Mr Jitender Bakshi, former Chief Engineer and secretary general Consumers Council. He also highlighted the various shortcomings on the part of the Department which are the cause of power curtailments. |
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Harbans calls upon people to help develop stadias Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Nov 23: The Minister for Youth Services and Sports, S. Harbans Singh has called on the people to cooperate the Government in maintaining and preserving the stadia. The Government, he said, is committed to provide stadia at every district of the State so as to give boost the sports activities. Addressing players and locals at Baba Jamuna Das Stadium, Paloura near here today on the final of the Shaheed Gulbadan Singh Cricket tournament, he said that Government contemplates building up of an out door stadium of international specifications at Paloura. A Rs. 2 crore project has been formulated for the purpose and appealed the locals to help the authorities in purchasing the adjoining land so that the area could be developed as an ideal place for holding national and international sports meets. Lauding the efforts of the players in organizing the tourney in the remembrance of martyr Dy. S.P. Gulbadan Singh, he added that this is the best mode of paying our glorious tributes to those have who laid down their lives for the safety of nation and its people. Such tournaments, he said, should be organised more frequently with larger participation of sports lovers. Later, the Minister congratulated the winner and runners up the final and announced Rs 2000 each for the participating players of both the teams. Sonnet Cricket Club lifted the trophy by defeating Baba Jamuna Das Club. Devinder Singh of Sonnet Club was declared the man of the match. Prominent among those present on the occasion were former Minister, Mr. R.S. Chib, Director Youth Services, Syed Asgar Ali, Assistant Director Sports, Mr. Ashok Kumar. |
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Training camp on mushroom cultivation concluded Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 23: Seven days, Mushroom training camp organised by Mushroom Development Scheme, Department of Agriculture Talab Tillo, Jammu concluded today. According to a press release, the training camp which was started on November was inaugurated by Director Agriculture Jammu, Mr N N Anand. Addressing the participating farmers on the inaugural session of the camp, he highlighted the importance of mushroom cultivation in present agriculture scenario and its role in boosting the economy of the State in general and that of the farming community in particular and suggested the participating farmers to start their own mushroom farms after completing the training. In the camp, 30 farmers from different sub-divisions of Jammu district were trained in cultivation techniques of white button mushroom on farmer’s field pattern of mushroom. The farmers were also taken to the local mushroom farm’s located in the vicinity of Jammu to show them various system’s of mushroom cultivation adopted by the local growers. The camp was conducted under the techniques guidance of Mr Nishan Singh, Mushroom Development Officer. Mr Aman Jyoti Sharma, Mushoom Development Assistance was training incharge. |
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Nami Dogri Sanstha felicitates Dogri writer Romal Singh Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 23: Noted Dogri writer, Mr Romal Singh Bhadwal was honoured by Nami Dogri Sanstha Jammu at premises of Jagritia Niketan School, Kachi Chowni Jammu. According to a press release, Mr Bhadwal belongs to the soil and has been depicting plethora of moods of Dogras through his poems. He is popular poet who is considered next to Prof Ram Nath Shastri as per age and stature, according to Narsingh Dev Jamwal. Not only he is concerned with his poetry only, he agile, energetic and enthusiastic about social issues too. He participated in various such activities and raised issued of concern of masses. In its ‘Ek Malati’ programme, Mr Bhadwal was honoured by Nami Dogra Sanstha where Dr Satya Pal Srivats, Mr Narsingh Dev Jamwal and Dr Vijay Puri were present as president, chief guest and guest of honour respectively. President of the Sanstha, Dr Harish Kaila conducted the proceedings. Dr Gian Singh, Mr Ayodhya Rani Gamkhar, Mrs Rakesh Sharma, Brij Mohan, Subash Jamwal, Sanjeev Nirdosh, Sham Talib, Mangal Dass Dogra, Jagdish Chander Sharma, Parveen Sharma and Sat Pal Sharma, Gopal Krishan and various other were present on this occasion. Mr Bhadwal’s contribution was appreciated by various speakers like Mr Narsingh Dev Jamwal, Mrs Raksha Sharma, Sham Talib and Mr Vijay Puri. Mr Bhadwal recited some of his popular which were applauded by the audience. Dr Satya Pal Srivats lauded the effort of Mr Bhadwal who inspired a group of peots in Billawar area. He defined him as a straight forward and honest person. Mr Sham Talib in his address stated that function is considered great not by virtue of number of audience but by the stature of the persons present. Gathering condoled the death of the daughter of Mr Yash Pal Yash organiser Nami Dogri Sanstha-Anu Sawhney, who died suddenly at young age. House also condoled death of Pt. Jagan Nath Shivpuri, a renowned musician of the state who died recently. |
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Drive by Income Tax Deptt to identify tax evaders Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 23: The Income Tax Department has launched a drive to crack-down on persons who have taxable income but do not file their Income Tax returns. There are approximately 50,000 assesses in Jammu whereas about 90,000 persons in Jammu have already been allotted PAN. The Department has prepared a list of such persons who have obtained PAN but not yet filing their Income Tax returns and notices will be issued to them shortly. Further, there are about 85,000 telephone connections in Jammu which is one of the six criteria under 1/6 scheme which has been implemented in J&K during this year. Income Tax Department is planning to issue notices to these telephone subscribers who do not file their Income Tax returns. It has been also gathered that Department can levy a penalty of Rs 5,000 after the due date for filing return under 1/6 scheme is over. Information from various sources is being collected to identify PCO booth owners, parking area contractors and persons who are liable to pay service tax so that these categories of persons could also be covered by Income Tax Inspectors which will visit the different places of city and ensure that all those persons who earn taxable income should file their Income Tax return. For the moment the emphasis will be implementation of 1/6 scheme for which the last for filing returns in Form No 2C is closing on 30-11-2001. Similar action is being contemplated by the Department of Udhampur and Kathua. |
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RBI opens mobile counters to exchange mutilated notes Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 23: As a sequel to the clean note policy declared by the Governor Reserve Bank of India Dr Bimal Jalan, mobile exchange counters were operated for the first time today at Gole Market Gandhinagar Jammu between 1030 and 1430 hrs to retrieve soiled and mutilated notes particularly of lower denomination from circulation and supply of coins. Mr J B Bhoria, Regional Director for Jammu and Kashmir Reserve Bank of India who launched this drive in presence of other senior RBI officials told Excelsior that the move was intended to further supplement the Bank’s ongoing efforts to mop up such notes and to provide facilities for exchange of soiled/ mutilated currency notes and issue of coins at its counters at Rail Head Complex Jammu. He said keeping in view overwhelming response from the public which availed this facility from the mobile counters and exchanged their soiled and mutilated notes, the Bank will consider extension of the mobile counters facility at other places as well. The adequate stock of coins and fresh currency are available and members of public are welcome to exchange their cut and soiled notes with any denomination of fresh notes or coins. Mr Bhoria appealed the public not to circulate soiled and mutilated notes. Such notes may be exchanged at RBI or at the currency chest branches of commercial banks. The Bank has also asked all commercial banks operating in the state to exchange old/ mutilated notes at their branches. He exhorted the public to exercise their right to have clean currency. All currency notes cut either from or near the Centre could be deposited in one’s account, used for making payment in the banks or exchanged at all the Bank branches. The Reg. Director further informed that one coin dispenser machine has also been installed by RBI at its office for the benefit of general public. Coins of Re 1 and Rs 5 denomination can be had from the machine without queuing up at any counter. The RBI discharges the note issue and currency management function through its 18 issue offices/ sub-offices and a wide network of currency chests, numbering around 4386, maintained by banks and Government treasuries spread across the country. The position of notes in circulation was 124 million pieces valued at Rs 172 crores in 1935 and 38,000 million pieces valuing Rs 2,18,205 cr including coins as on March 31,2001. As on March this year volume of Rs 10 denomination notes was highest in circulation followed by Rs 100. The Government has stopped printing Re one and rupees Two denomination notes, he added. |
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Satya Sai Baba’s birthday celebrated Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 23: The 76th birth birthday of Sri Satya Sai Baba was celebrated with fervour and enthusiasm, here today. Sai Baba is held in high esteem by devotees across the country as well as in Jammu and Kashmir. A large number of devotees participated in the celebrations organised by Sri Satya Sai Seva Organisation at Parshoram Bhawan, Brahmin Sabha, Jammu. Celebrations started with chanting of Vedic Shalokas by children. Bhajans were sung on the occasion. Mr Shiv Kumar Sharma is state co-ordinator of the Sin Satya Sai Seva Organisation while Mr S P Virdi is its spiritual co-ordinator. Dr M L Sharma and Mr Fateh Singh stated that this organisation in addition to arranging such celebrations and spreading message of Satya Sai Baba, it has also been undertaking some welfare works too. Earlier, Sai devotees took out parbhat pheri through the main bazars of Jammu city. |
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‘Computer Era’
CD-Rom launched Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 23: What it can be termed as a big leap towards self learning era from the traditional method of learning through books, M/S Vidya Parkashan Mandir Limited Meerut -a prominent name in publication, today launched a CD-Rom for computer learners. Named as Computer Era, it is a complete journey to know all about computer for the beginners in play-way method through multimedia. The said CD-Rom has been developed on the basis of NCERT syllabi upto fifth standard and its maximum retail price is Rs 295. This was disclosed by Mr Surinder Kumar Jain, chairman of the Vidya Prakashan Mandir Ltd, while addressing a press conference here today. Mr Jain said that the Computer Era has been developed keeping in view the problems being faced by students in understanding the different concepts of computer science. "Now with the help of this CD-Rom, the students will be able to understand the concepts better in lesser time," he said. Listing various significances of ‘Computer Era’, Mr Mukul Goyal, who developed and programmed the CD-Rom, claimed that while preparing the product, the company has taken all the possible care that a student need not to visualize anything for himself about any process. "We have presented all in our multimedia that is required for the learner," he added. While playing ‘Computer Era’ CD before the mediapersons, Mr Goyal said that they have defined the puzzling concepts through cartoon animation pictures which make the presentation more interactive and interesting for the students, particularly children. "Besides, making students understand the difficult concepts of computer science, it helps the learners in self-evaluation and understanding the subject," he said and added that the CD would also increase the intelligence level of the students as well as maintaining his technological upgradation. Mr Jaishanker Aatre, who is the editor of Vidya Publication’s magazine ‘Vidya Megh’, said that the ‘Computer Era’ has received a tremendous response in the Delhi schools though a survey for the same is yet to be conducted in Jammu. The ‘Computer Era’ CD-Rom is latest presentation of Vidya Prakashan Mandir Limited wand has been developed by Research and Development wing of the publication house. B R Trading Company, Kanak Mandi Jammu, which is the sole distributor of Vidya Books in Jammu, has been authorised as dealer also of the ‘Computer Era’ CD-Rom, here. |
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IETE holds extension lecture on IT Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 23: The Jammu Centre of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers organised an extension lecture on Information Technology today at Government College of Engineering and Technology Jammu. Col B K Sharma, FIETE spoke on the topic "EDPS to Information Technology". He said that all the advancements in the field of IT have taken place because of defence requirements. He discussed at length the long journey from Electronic Data Processing Systems way back in 1950’s to the IT as we see it today. He also discussed the developments in the areas of circuit technology, component size, execution speed and cost factor from the era of EDPS to IT. Col Sharma also emphasised that the technology in IT has advanced at the fastest pace as compared to developments in other areas. He said that in the next 10 years we will see a totally different PC as we have today. The extension lecture was attended by a large number of engineers including the faculty and students of GCET and members of IETE. Prof H L Jalali, FIETE, Head of the Department of Computer Engineering and IT, MIET Jammu and Vice-Chairman of IETE Jammu centre was the chief guest on the occasion. He deliberated that there is a dire need of creating awareness amongst the present generation about the importance of internet. He said that the reliability of computers has increased with time and laptops of today are much more powerful and compact as compared to large sized computers earlier. He said that today we have the concept of pipeline and multi processors and lot of development has taken place in the area of cache memory. Earlier, Mr Samir Sharma, MIETE, Honorary Secretary of the Institution while welcoming the august gathering gave brief resume of the IETE which has around 40 centres/sub-centers with a total membership of over 45000 spread all over India and in few countries abroad. He deliverated that IT has become a potent force in transforming social, economic and political life globally. He emphasised that Internet has not only transformed the way of communication but it has also dramatically changed the way of work, business, interact, play, seek information and learn. He regretted that Internet users account for only five percent of the world population and 85 percent of them are in development countries. He also conducted the proceedings of the day and thanked all the participants for making the function a grand success. He thanked Dr M R Verma, MIETE, HoD Computer Engineering, GCET for coordinating and providing all the help for the extension lecture. |
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Sharma’s concern over
increase in charges Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 23: Mr R S Sharma, MLA Nowshera constituency today expressed grave concern over the Government order empowering Medical College, Jammu authorities and introducing hefty charges on surgeries and tests in GMC and its associate hospital. In a statement issued here today, Mr Sharma said that establishment of Government Hospital do serve the poor class of the society as a health care concept envisaged in the constitution and charging of huge fees for surgeries and tests shall bound to hit badly the common man in general. Providing free education and free medical aid to the citizens of India are the two basic concepts of constitution, said Mr Sharma and appealed the Government to withdraw the order in the public interest. He further invited the attention of the Government towards the plight of the Class IV employees of the Education Department who had been ousted and have resorted to fast unto death demonstration. He emphasised for their early reinstatement. Mr Sharma further stated that the role of a Anganwari worker is equivalent to that of a teacher and plays a magnificent duties in the awakening of womenfolk in the rural sector and emphasised for sanctioning of their grades as that of teacher and class IV status for the helpers attached with the Anganwari centres. He also urged the Government to regularise the services of SPOs who are rendering the services as that of a constable and pleading for the enhancement in their salaries. |
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Rs.49 lakh water supply scheme for Khanpur sanctioned Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 23: The Government has sanctioned Rs. 49 lakh water supply scheme for Khanpur in Nagrota Constituency to overcome the scarcity of potable water in the area. This was stated by the Minister for Information and Transport, Mr. Ajatshatru Singh at a relief distribution function organised by the Social Welfare Department and Integrated Child Development Project (ICDP) at Nagrota today. The Minister of State for Social Welfare, Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad Bukhari was also present on the occasion. The function was organised to provide financial assistance to 54 beneficiaries of Dansal and Jammu blocks under Balika Samridhi Yojna (Apni Beti Apna Dhan) and National Maternity Benefit Schemes. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ajatshatru Singh lauded the role of Social Welfare Department in removing socio-economic inequalities by serving the needy and poor sections of the society in the State. Referring to various programmes meant for the emancipation of the women folk, the Minister said the Nation can progress only by giving women her due status in the society and providing her ample opportunity to take part in nation building. The Minister for Information regretted that the traditional bias against women in our society still persist and people commit crime of infanticide even today in one or other form. He said to save the future of girl child from further exploitation and victimization, the Government have launched various schemes to be implemented by the Social Welfare Department. For providing adequate drinking water to the people of the kandi area of Khanpur (Nagrota) Mr. Singh said that Rs.49 lakh water supply scheme has been sanctioned on which work will be started at the earliest. He said that for construction of Panchayat Ghars at Dhok Waziran, Bumial and Nagrota will be taken in hand immediately for which funds have already been released. While addressing the function, the Minister of State for Social Welfare impressed upon the officers of the Department to take extra efforts to ensure that the benefits of welfare schemes reach to the deserving persons. He stressed upon them to bring more transparency and accountability in their working. He asked the field staff to make people aware about the schemes launched by the Government for their betterment. Mr. Bukhari asked the people to avail maximum benefit of the welfare schemes and cooperate with the department in their implementation. He also asked the officers of the department to involve Panchs and Sarpanchs while implementing the welfare schemes in their areas. Mr. Bukhari announced that the measures are being taken to promote Matriculate Anganwari workers having 10 years and Graduate having 5 years service as Supervisors. Later, Ministers distributed FDRs of Rs.11000 to 22 girl children under Balika Samridhi Yojna (Apni Beti Apna Dhan) and disbursed Rs.16000 to 32 expectant mothers under National Maternity Benefit Scheme. Among others, present on the occasion were Legislators Mrs. Zubida Salaria, Mrs. Bimla Luthra, Mrs. Depinder Kour, Deputy Director, Social Welfare, Jammu, Programme Officer, CDPOs, Panchs, Sarpanchs and prominent citizens. |
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Sadhotra lays foundation stone of vital road in Akhnoor Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 23: Minister of State for Rural Development and Panchayats, Mr. Ajay Sadhotra today laid the foundation stone of 4.70 km long main Bhalwal road to Jamotina via Kondywala in block Akhnoor being constructed at an estimated cost of over Rs.1.40 crore under Prime Minister’s Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY). Speaking at a function on the occasion, the Minister said that the road would be further extended to village Mawa at later stage. Referring to creating infrastructure for Panchayats, he said, the Rural Development Department has completed 12 Panchayat Ghars involving Rs.18.60 lakh during the last year in the Akhnoor block under 10th Finance Commission. Under 11th Finance Commission, the department has incurred Rs.48.70 lakh on the construction of 23 Panchayat Ghars during the first 8 months of this fiscal year. Out of these, six Panchayat Ghars have been completed and the work on remaining 17 is in apace, the Minister added. Mr. Sadhotra reiterated that the Government headed by Dr. Farooq Abdullah is committed to ensure overall development of all the areas of the State, which will go a long way to reduce the gap of development between urban and rural areas. He said nearly 85 per cent population in India is living in villages and it is imperative to lay thrust on rural development so that people’s problems like poor road connectivity, least avenues of drinking water etc. are solved. He said despite heavy odds and militancy unleashed by Pakistan in J&K, the Government has taken revolutionarily steps for development of the State. He said achievements of the present Government registered during the past over five years are very discernable for every one to witness. Recalling the historic role played by National Conference a multi religious party in steering the State to new vistas of progress, the Minister said that this great organisation cannot be termed as the property of any particular community as it has always taken lead during trying circumstances to uphold the secular values. While responding to the problems/demands of the people, the Minister assured that every step would be taken to mitigate their sufferings. He said the Government has provided thousands of jobs to the educated unemployed youth and have launched several self-employment schemes and asked the educated youth to come forward and derive maximum benefits from these schemes. The Minister said the Panchayati elections have been conducted in the State after a gap of 23 years by the present Government with an aim to strengthen the democratic set up in the State and added that this is the remarkable achievement especially when the State was facing proxy war. He said Panchayats would be empowered with certain powers, which include completion of development works in every sector like agriculture, education, health, etc. He said there will be no intervention by the Government and announced that every Panchayat will be provided Rs.25,000 for creating infrastructure at their own. Mr. Govind Ram Sharma, MLA Akhnoor, who accompanied the Minister during the visit said that with the construction of 4.70 km long road the long pending demand of the area has been fulfilled and hoped that other demands like safe drinking water, better road connectivity and installation of tube wells will also be got materialized in due course of time. A number of Sarpanchs and Panchs of the area also spoke on the occasion. Senior officers of the Rural Development Department besides large number of people were present on the occasion. |
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Assembly libraries to be computerized - Vakil Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 23: Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has a rich collection of 50,000 books worth Rs. 4 crore in its libraries at Srinagar and Jammu. Stating this here today, the Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Mr. Abdul Ahad Vakil said that 25,000 books each have been placed in Srinagar and Jammu libraries for legislators and legislative staff. These include several valuable reference books also. He called for appropriate protection of these books saying that the treasure would further be enriched by latest collections. The Speaker stated that a spacious and modern library complex has recently been constructed at Srinagar at a cost of Rs. 40 lakh for proper upkeep of books and convenience of the legislators and the Assembly staff. Mr. Vakil said a Rs.10 lakh project for computerization of library complexes both at Jammu and Srinagar, has been formulated and sent to the government for sanction. Besides, another scheme costing Rs.12 lakh has also been prepared for purchase of almirahs, racks and sitting arrangement for these libraries. Mr. Vakil exhorted upon the legislators to take full advantage of the library facilities as the books on different subjects like agriculture, transport, power, environment, history, forests, animal and sheep husbandry bee keeping, horticulture and fisheries are available in the libraries. He sought suggestions from them for better upkeep and maintenance of the books as they could prove useful for them for better in gaining information about latest techniques of development in different sectors. The meeting, among others, was attended by Deputy Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Malik Ghulam Hyder, Mr. Hans Raj Dogra, Mr. Prem Lal, Mr. R. C. Bhagat, Mr. Bali Bhagat, Mr. G. M. Bawan and Mr. Balbir Singh, all MLAs and Secretary, Legislative Assembly, Mr. Mohammad Iqbal Ganai and Deputy Secretary, Legislative Assembly, Mr. Mohammad Ramzan. |
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Peerzada calls for improving SFC functioning Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 23: The Minister for Forests and Environment, Peerzada Ghulam Ahmad has called upon the employees of the State Forest Corporation to put in every effort for bringing more improvement in the functioning of Corporation so that people of the State are provided better services. The Minister was speaking at a function organised by the State Forest Corporation Employees Association here last evening. The function was organised to brief the Minister about the problems being faced by the Corporation employees. Peerzada urged the need to make the Corporation self-sustainable so that people are provided with timely supply of timber and fuel at affordable prices. He said onus lies on the Corporation employees to bring down losses in the Corporation by the dint of their hard work and dedication. He said that the role of Corporation employees in working hard in the interest of the State is appreciable. The Employees Association putforth their charter of demands, which include pending issues repatriation of deputationists of other departments, release of COLA in favour of the employees etc. The Minister assured that the deputationists from other departments would be repatriated immediately in a phased manner as was decided in the Board of Directors meeting of the Corporation. The Managing Director, State Forest Corporation, Mr. Jagdish Keshwan, while speaking on the occasion assured the Minister that the Corporation staff would not leave any stone unturned to bring the Corporation on proper rails. The Employees Association have demanded that since the Corporation Act envisages exploitation, better supervision and development of forests in the State, therefore, it was emphasised that the Corporation should be entrusted the job of developmental activities as well. Among others, Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu, Dr. M.Y. Kawoosa, senior officers of the Corporation, besides representatives of the Employees Association were also present on the occasion. Later, Iftiar party was also arranged on this occasion. |
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