Slathia distributes cheques

Excelsior Correspondent

Kathua, Oct.7: The Minister for Power, Mr. S.S.Slathia last evening distributed cheques amounting to Rs.1.50 crore among the beneficiaries of 19 villages in Hiranagar tehsil who could not cultivate their land due to unprovoked firing from across the border. The function was organised at village Karol Krishna, situated on zero line of Indo-Pak border.

Mr.Slathia said with the implementation of Border Area Development programme (BADP), the road communication net-work in the border areas has improved to a great extent. He said several schemes like construction of school buildings, drinking water supply, power supply in the area under the BADP are under execution. He said a special drive for recruitment of the youth of the border area in the Army and para-military forces will be launched soon.

The Minister instructed the District Development Commissioner Kathua to ensure that 15 km long road from Karol Krishna to Pamesar should be black topped by November end.

Present on the occasion were the DDC Kathua, Mr. Mehboob Iqbal and MLA Hiranagar, Mr. Prem Lal.

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 8: The Chief Whip of National Conference, Mr. Mubarik Gul has said that Government is making concerted efforts to further improve educational standard in the State with special emphasis on over all personality development of the students.

Addressing annual day function of Bonvivant English School, Nowhatta at Tagore Hall today Mubarak Gul said that in the present world of competition the physical and mental growth of students was equally important to enable the youngsters to shoulder the future responsibility of the nation building. He stressed upon the teaching community to pay keen attention for undertaking extra curricular activities and provide equal opportunities to the boys and girls in exposure of their talent and capabilities so that they can participate in national and inter-national events and earn lurals for the State.

Mr Gul appreciated the efforts of the school managements for imparting quality education to the students and hoped the students of this school will make significant contribution in the reconstruction of the State.

Later Mr. Gul distributed prizes among the students for excellent performance in various disciplines. On this occasion, the variety cultural programme was presented by the students by the institution.

VDC’s involve for the protection and preservation
of Forests: Peerzada

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct. 8: The Minister for Forests and Environment, Peerzada Ghulam Ahmad Shah said that a proposal actively under the consideration of Government to involve the Village Development Committee’s in the protection and preservation of forest, who will work overall control and guidance of forest development committee already set up by the Government.

He said for the purpose and forest department will provide necessary technical guidance to these committees. The step he said will go along way to save the forest from encroachers, menace of smuggling and helpful degraded forests.

Addressing in a seminar to celebrate wildlife weak 2001 organised by J&K Forest Department in collaboration with State Institute here today, the Minister said that for implementation of the scheme necessary funds be alloted to these committees for undertaking regeneration and afforest work in their respective areas. He said for survival of wildlife the survival of forest was most essential.

He said un-controlling hunting of wildlife has caused great threat to the ecological balance and it was equally important to preserve forest, trees, microorganism, herbs and wildlife. He said great increasing pressure on forests for meeting timber requirements has greatly disturbed the natural habitat of wildlife and thus effected the food chain in forests.

Mr. Shah stressed upon on afforestation so that wildlife get back natural habitat. Free and undisturbed natural habitat to the wildlife. He said to save the forests and wildlife for over posterity and maintained the natural and beautiful environment around us, it was the moral and social responsibility of every citizen to extent their cooperation to the Government.

Peerzada released a book let at the occasion published by publicity wing of forest department. He also distributed the prizes among the students who took part in painting and debate.

Among others who were present at a seminar Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr. A. R. Wadoo, Projector Director, Social Forests, Mr. Tiwari, Chief Integrative Water Development, Mr. Bali and Principal State Institute of Education, Mr. Tirlok Singh.

BJYM workers stage dharna at Div Com’s office
CJM orders medical examination of arrested BJYM leaders

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 8: While the court today ordered the conduct of medical examination of arrested Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha leaders, the workers of the Morcha staged a dharna in front of the office of Divisional Commissioner Jammu at Mubarik Mandi today demanding unconditional release of BJYM president and three other party leaders. Chief Judicial Magistrate Jammu Mr Suresh Sharma ordered Medical examination of BJYM activists who were arrested on October 4 in connection with the ransacking of the office of Chief Engineer PDD, M&RE Jammu while protesting against the erratic power supply and 9-10 hour power curtailment imposed in Jammu region.

The court directive came after counsel for the activists, Babu Ram Sharma moved an application in the court submitting that during the stay in the judicial lock up, the Jail authorities have beaten up the Party workers, harassed them and put into the cells ment for dreaded criminals. Over this statement, the judge Mr Suresh Sharma directed CMO of the Medical College Jammu to conduct medical examination of these activists.

The court also directed the accused persons to furnish bail bonds and personal bond to the tune of Rs 10,000 each but the activists refused to be released on bail as they are political activists and have not committed any crime. They submitted before the court that they have protested against the power crisis in the general interest of the public. The allegations levelled against them are not only false but concocted.

According to challan filed in the court, as per the complaint of the Chief Engineer Mr Raina, a mob of about hundred people led by Vaishno Dass Dogra, son of MLA Hans Raj Dogra forcibly entered the office of the complainant and ransacked furniture, photo state machine and FAX machine and other material.

Meanwhile, a large number of activists of BJP including state president D K Kotwal, vice-president Chander Mohan Sharma MLA Hans Raj Dogra and BJYM activists were present in the court premises when the accused persons were produced in the court. The activists of BJYM staged massive dharna outside the office of Divisional Commissioner Jammu. They were shouting slogans against Chief Minister, NC Government, Power Minister S S Slathia and Chief Engineer PDD, H S Raina. They alleged that some activists of became furious over the arrogant behaviour of the Chief Engineer which resulted into confrontation. They also demanded arrest of PDD union leader Shakti Gupta and some union members besides others against whom BJYM has lodged an FIR with the Nowabad police.

Valedictory function of wildlife week held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 8: An impressive valedictory function of the Wildlife Week 2001 was held today at Nature Interpretation Centre Building Manda Ramnagar Jammu.

Main attraction of the programme was cultural items presented by the students of various schools of the city. Students of the New Era Environment School got first prize in the cultural items. Model Academy School, Dalpatian Mohallah got second prize while third prize gone in favour of Government Girls High School Bazar Kasaba Jammu. Trikuta Deep School and Government Girls High School Kacchi Chowni got consolation prizes.

Students of various schools of the city presenting cultural items. Main stress of these items was on protect wildlife. Students through their presenting have highlighted need of maintaining balance with nature.

Addressing the Valedictory function of the week long celebrations of Wildlife Week, Chief Conservator of Forest, Mr P P Sharma, who was chief guest in the function, stressed on the need of educating people about protecting wildlife. He said that people should be made aware that protection of wildlife was essential for preservation of universe.

Stressing on the need of people’s participation in the on-going efforts for protecting wildlife, Mr Sharma said that involvement of people was essential. "Only Government authorities can not protect wildlife. People should shoulder their responsibility as their existence is related with protection of wildlife", he said. He further said that awareness campaign for wildlife should not confined to wildlife weeks it should rather continues throughout the year.

Appreciating cultural items presented by the students of various schools of the city, Mr Sharma expressed his satisfaction that younger generation was aware of importance of wildlife.

Mr S D Swantra, Chief Wildlife Warden, Manoj Pant, Regional Wildlife Warden, P C Kapoor, chairman J&K State Forest Research Institute, Maj Gen (Retd) G S Jamwal, chairman Priavaran Sanstha were among those who were present in the function.

Mangat flays NC Govt

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, OCT 8: Residents of Roopnagar Enclaves-A,B,C and D and adjoining areas including Durga Nagar to highlight the demands of the areas.

According to a press release, the meeting was organised by Mr J P Chadha, ex-Principal, who joined Congress party alongwith some his friends and colleagues. Former Member Parliament and senior Congress leader, Mr Mangat Ram Sharma was chief guest in the meeting.

While addressing the meeting, Mr Sharma criticised both State and Central Governments for their failure to mitigate woes of the masses. He regretted that State Government led by Dr Farooq Abdullah has miserably failed to even solve the basic problems of the masses.

Coming down heavily on National Conference Government, Mr Sharma said that killings of innocent people have been going unabated notwithstanding tall claims of the NC Govt.

Reacting to the demands of the residents, Mr Sharma assured the people that he will request Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad, MP and general secretary of AICC to provide some funds from MP’s Development Fund for development works.

Earlier, while speaking in the meeting, Messrs J P Chadha, P N Koul, O P Katoch and M L Qureshi highlighted woes of the residents. They demanded supply of adequate drinking water and uninterrupted power supply. They also demanded direct matador service from Prade to Roopnagar-Durganagar and other areas and vice-verse should be started. They also demanded funds for the raising bund on Chinore Nullah.

Speaking in the meeting, Mr Ashok Sharma, MLA, Capt Jagan Nath, Kuldeep Sharma, Kamal Gupta, Lal Muni Sharma and others addressed the meeting.

Consumer column
Service stations lack management

Avtar Bhat

While going to purchase a two or three wheeler you will be treated with all curtsy by the concerned dealer or agency you visit for this purpose. To lure you they may make bundle of promises with the only intention that you purchase the particular brand of vehicle they are dealing in. They will even give you assurances that the firm will be curtious whenever you visit for the servicing of the vehicle purchased from them later on.

But you will only come to know of reality when you visit the company’s service station afterwards for repairing of the vehicle. You will see later that every thing will happen contrary to what has been previously promised to you.

During the first year after purchasing the vehicle no doubt the company provides the three or four services free of cost. But they will never try to make the client satisfied. Nodoubt there will be banners and posters to welcome you in the every corner of the station reading the service are provided to the best satisfaction of the customers but the reality is totally otherwise.

The main problem with the management of these service stations is that they never allow the customer who comes for the service of his vehicle to enter in the workshop so that he can see whether the servicing has been done to his best satisfaction or not. Customers thus are asked to come at a particular time by which there vehicle will be ready or sit in waiting room till the service is completed.

Though you may apprise the incharge of the workshop regarding the problem in your vehicle and he may note it down and assign the job to a mechanic giving you the assurance that the vehicle will be ready after particular time. But to your discomfiture when you come take the vehicle in the evening you are surprised to see that the problem has not been removed.

Recently a customer took his two wheeler in a reputed workshop where from he has purchased the vehicle two years back for the routine servicing. After apprising the workshop foreman of the problem in his vehicle he was asked to come at 4pm by then the two wheeler will be totally ready. Though the customer visited at 4-30 pm, half an hour late the scheduled time, he was surprised to see that the servicing of the vehicle was half incomplete.

On inquiring from the concerned mechanic he was told that the repairing will take yet two hours to complete i e at 6-30 pm. Again when he returned at 6-30 pm he was astonished to see that his vehicle was in the same position as before two hours. Seeing that he has no excuse to avoid the customer this time, the mechanic tried in hurry to tie the screws of handle which were untied by him to repair the clutch plate. He succeeded in tying the screws but had to cut a sorry figure to find that the gear was not functioning properly. He called the another mechanic for help and who after checking the wires etc asked his colleague to open the clutch plate again. The former did the same and it was found that he had put the spare part in the vehicle which was meant for the another brand.

Though the mechanic tried to get the original part from the store but the same was out of stock. The hapless customer was left with no alternative but to wait for three days till the spare part reached the store.

This is not the only complaint of the customers against these so called service stations of repute. During the maintenance of the vehicles in the service stations every problem is not being looked into though the customer might have apprised the incharge workshop of the same beforehand.

Every time you take the vehicle to the workshop you will return with one or two complaints. Even putting your grievances in the complaint box will not work which may have been placed in the corner of waiting room or any other place of the workshop.

The main reason that why your vehicle is not properly attended in these service stations is that the majority of mechanics engaged there are under trainees who have no proper knowledge of dealing with the job. They could only perform better if there is a proper supervision over them by seniors but this practice is not common in these service stations and the job is fully assigned to the trainees.

The only intention the customer coming for the maintenance of the vehicles to these service stations is that he thinks that he will get the service to his the best of his satisfaction which he hardly gets.

Moreover, some agencies have even introduced a scheme for servicing. Under this scheme the customer is asked to deposit Rs 300 in advance as servicing charges for one year. No doubt the company collects huge amount this way to promote its business but they never bother to see whether the customer gets the service to his satisfaction or not who has paid the money in advance for the year.

Samba Bar condemns attack on Sambyal

Excelsior Correspondent

Samba, Oct 8: A meeting of Joint Action Committee of Muffasil Bars Association was held here today under the chairmanship of Th Ranjeet Singh, senior advocate Hiranagar here today.

As per a release, the meeting took serious note and strongly condemned the uncivilised most ugly and shameful act of some Jammu based lawyers who mis-behaved and manhandled its president Mr Sukhdev Singh Sambyal on october 4.

The meeting warned that such elements have no place in this legal and noble profession which is greatly respected by the people. The members appealed the saner and the sober lawyers of Jammu Bar to prevail upon the situation and to take the appropriate and immediate steps to curb such shameful activities of so called marshals who have no regard of the institution of judiciary and who have already caused a tremendous to the image of the Jammu Bar. It warned that Jammu Bar should not encourage the elements who create problems for others.

Later the meeting chalked out its future course of action which it said will be announced shortly. T he Muffasil lawyers of bars of Hiranagar, R S Pura, Bishnah and Samba attended the meeting.

Sikh organisations strongly condemn sacrilegious act

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 8: A gathering of all prominent leaders and activists of all the Sikh organisations i e Sikh Missionary College Circle, Jammu, Akhand Kirtani Jatha, Jammu, Shiromani Akali Dal Badal, Sikh Students Federation, Shiromani Akali Dal Mann and Sikh Jagrook Lehar, Jammu was held at Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Nanak Nagar near here.

As per a release the meeting was arranged by the District Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee, Jammu to take the stock of the situation arising out of burning of Holy Guru Granth Sahib by certain anti Sikh elements.

All the participants strongly condemned the act and demanded stern action against the culprits.

It also appealed to the entire Sikh community to be vigilant for safeguarding the holy Guru Granth Sahib and its preaching as certain anti Sikh elements are bent upon to denegrade Sikh religion, history and culture.

It was unanimously decided to organise a peaceful protest march on October 12 which will start from Gurdwara Chand Kour, Jammu. A joint memorandum will be presented to Divisional Commissioner Jammu for its onwards submission to Chief Minister of Punjab and Home Minister of India.

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