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| Over 3700 ex-gratia cases settled Govt to elect migrant development committees Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: The State Government has decided to conduct elections in the migrant camps set up in and around Jammu to elect the development committees that can help.....more Govt
initiates measures Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 9: A number of measures have been taken to expedite the disposal of cases in the subordinate courts.......more 95 pc
people suffer Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: Indian Dental Association Jammu branch has launched a awareness campaign to educate the people about oral dental health........more Transport
department earns revenue of Rs 7.60 crore Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: The Transport Department Jammu division has realized a record revenue of Rs 7.60 crore during first 6 months of the current financial......more Underground
power Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 09: Underground power cable is proposed to be laid in areas of Rajbagh in Srinagar, Gandhinagar and Shastrinagar in Jammu in the first phase.....more |
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‘e-Bill
Post’ service introduced Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: Out of the 43 post-offices lying closed due to militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, thirty of them have been reopened by .......more Withdrawal
of cases against Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: State Bharatiya Janata Party president Mr Daya Krishan Kotwal has demanded withdrawal of cases against BJYM state.....more ‘Officials
only interested in collecting Haftas, Entry -Fee‘ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: Expressing grave concern over, what he called, blatant violation of High Court order, president of the Jammu and Kashmir ........more Rs 11 cr
incurred on Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 9: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has taken up a number of projects involving Rs 52 crore for upgradation of infrastructure facilities for tourists.........more |
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Over 3700 ex-gratia cases settled Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: The State Government has decided to conduct elections in the migrant camps set up in and around Jammu to elect the development committees that can help the administration in addressing to the grievances and problems being faced by camp dwellers. This will be for the first time since the eruption of militancy, followed by mass exhodus of Kashmiri Pandits, that the Government has decided to hold such elections in order to elect the real representatives of the community who can guide the authorities on development works and other related issues. Giving details of this exercise, Relief Commissioner (Migrants) Jammu, Mr Dalip Singh told EXCELSIOR that a notification in this context has been issued on October 6 , 2001, under which three each members from three phases of Purkhoo and Nagrota camps will be elected. Similarly, from two each phases of Muthi and Mishriwalla camps, three each members will be elected. From Batal Ballian Udhampur and Kathua camps, three each members will also be elected, Mr Dalip Singh said. He informed that the date of filing nominations will be upto October 11, scrutiny will take place on October 12, while’s date for withdrawal of applications will be October 13. Allotment of symbols will take place on the same day and elections will be held on October 28, the Relief Commissioner said. Mr Singh said that the counting will be undertaken by the Presiding Officers under the supervision of Camp Commandants on spot in presence of contesting candidates. To a question, the Relief Commissioner said that his office has sofar settled 3717 ex-gratia cases in a record time and distributed rupees 24 crore to such migrants whose property was gutted or damaged in the Valley. During his tenure, Mr Dalip Singh said that most of the pending ex-gratia cases have been settled. Similarly, 14,000 candidates who had applied for Permanent Resident Certificates, have been issued in time. The Relief Commissioner said that loans to migrant industrialists and others desirous to set up their own units, have also been sanctioned. He informed that he has taken up the issues like unemployment within the migrant youth, enhancement of relief in favor of those families who get relief and setting up of two-room tenements for the camp dwellers, with the concerned authorities, and was hopeful of positive response. |
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Govt. initiates measures for speedy disposal of cases Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 9: A number of measures have been taken to expedite the disposal of cases in the subordinate courts. The High Court has issued instructions to all subordinate courts to expedite the disposal of all pending cases giving preference to the cases, which are pending for more than seven years. These instructions have been issued following the directions of Chief Justice of India. The Government have, during the last five years created two courts of Sub Judges and 10 courts of Munsiff. During current year 43 courts which include two Sub Judge and 41 Munsiff Courts have also been created aiming at providing cheap justice at the door steps of common masses and speedy disposal of pending cases. In addition, circuit courts have been established in Samba, Bishnah, R.S. Pura, Akhnoor, Basohli, Billawar, Ganderbal, Kangan, Budgam, Chadoora, Magam, Pulwama, Pampore, Shopian and Tral. The main function of these courts is to have the matters pertaining to session courts at the nearest available court of a litigant. This brings the appellate court at the nearest court of the litigant. The Government has also empowered certain special courts of District Judges to exercise the jurisdiction of Additional Session Judge and Additional District Judges. Lok adalats are also being organised throughout the State under the Jammu and Kashmir Legal Service Authorities Act 1997 so as to reduce the burden on courts and to provide justice and speedy disposal of cases at large scale. |
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95 pc people suffer from gum diseases Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: Indian Dental Association Jammu branch has launched a awareness campaign to educate the people about oral dental health. In the first phase, the association in collaboration with 79th battalion organised a Dental Hygiene Camp for the family and jawans of security forces at Nagrota CRPF training centre yesterday. The DIG CRPF Jammu range presided over the function. Speaking on the occasion, the secretary of the association Dr Romesh Singh disclosed that a latest survey conducted in the region showed that 95 per cent people were suffering from various gum diseases like pyorrhea, gum cancer, etc. The survey further reveals that 90 per cent people suffer from carries and tooth decay. Mr Singh said that latest technique of jaw surgery has been evolved to correct jaw relation. The orthodontic treatment is being used to make the face structure more attractive. Dr Singh said that 90 per cent of school children who are habitual of eating chocolates, sweets and toffies suffer from dental carries and sour throat. He advised children to brush their teeth after consuming sweets. Dr Garish Gupta also delivered a lecture on oral dental hygiene and demonstrated various techniques of brushing of teeth. The awareness camp was attended by the families and jawans of CRPF Nagrota. |
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Transport
department earns revenue of Rs 7.60 crore Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: The Transport Department Jammu division has realized a record revenue of Rs 7.60 crore during first 6 months of the current financial year. This information was given to the Minister for Transport and Information, Mr Ajatshatru Singh who reviewed the working and achievements made by various units wing of the Transport department at a meeting held here today. Giving details of the revenue collections, the Commissioner/Secretary, Transport and Information, Mr Mushtaq Ganai who is also holding the additional charge of the Transport Commissioner said that RTO, Jammu has earned Rs 5.02 crore, while ARTO Lakhanpur collected a revenue of Rs 1.89 crore. Similarly a revenue of Rs 41.78 lakh was earned by the ARTO, Doda, Rs 17.42 lakh by ARTO, Rajouri and Poonch and Rs 11.47 lakh by the Board of inspections Jammu. The Minister discussed with the officers various problems being faced by the department in respect of plying the SRTC buses on different routes in Jammu division particularly on Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch route. The Minister was informed that the private transport operators were creating problems in plying of bus services by SRTC on Jammu- Rajouri-Poonch route. Mr Singh asked the Transport Commissioner to sort it out with the private transporters so that the commuters do not face any problems. Earlier, the Minister visited the State Motor Garages Complex Jammu and inspected its various units which include, Regional Store, Workshop, Yard and the proposed site for staff quarters. On this occasion, the Minister was shown the latest machinery acquired by the State Motor Garages, which includes Digital Fuel Injection Plant, Tyre Removing Machine, Lathe and Cylinder Machine. He was informed that by installing these modern machinery the efficiency of workshop has tremendously improved. The Minister visited the dumping place of old and unserviceable vehicles, which are going to be auctioned next month. The Director, State Motor Garages, Mr Shashi Khajuria informed the Minister that the auction date of these vehicles has already been published in the leading national and local newspapers. The Minister directed Mr Khajuria to prepare a detailed plan for the construction of 8 one-room staff quarters having a kitchen and attached bathroom. Among others, the Minister was accompanied by the senior officers of JK SRTC, State Motor Garages and RTO Jammu. |
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Underground power cable proposed Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 09: Underground power cable is proposed to be laid in areas of Rajbagh in Srinagar, Gandhinagar and Shastrinagar in Jammu in the first phase. This was revealed at a joint meeting of experts from M/s CESCON Kolkata and senior engineers of PDD Jammu division here today. The Minister for Power, Mr S S Slathia was in the chair. The brief project report prepared by the PDD in this regard was discussed in the meeting. It was decided that underground power cable will be laid in Rajbagh Srinagar, Gandhinagar and Shastrinagar Jammu in the first phase. The Minister asked M/s CESCON, to prepare the detailed project report so that the work on it could be started early. The Minister also reviewed the progress of on-going works and revenue realisation of the PDD. The Minister emphasised that revenue collections should be given top priority. He asked the engineers that they should ensure that revenue targets are achieved in full. For effecting prompt revenue collections he asked the engineers to ensure that the electric bills are issued to the consumers well in time. This, he said, will help in achieving revenue collection targets in full. To ensure that the consumers pay according to the actual consumption, Mr. Slathia said two lakh metres will be provided to the consumers in the State from 15th November. He said that total availability of power to the state including imports is 450 MWS to 530 MWS daily while the requirement is 1463 MWs. He appealed to the consumers that they should use the power judiciously. He also directed the engineers that they should step up the checking of misuse of power by the consumers and bring the defaulters to book. He said that Rs 83 lakh have been spent for the restoration of transformers in Jammu division. He was apprised that 280 MVA transformer capacity each at 220/132 KV level and 132/33 KV have been added in the division so far during the current financial year. In addition, 132 KV ring main Gladni-Sidhra-Janipur-Canal has also been commissioned via Gladni-Janipur. The works which are likely to be commissioned within next three months include increasing the capacity of Hiranagar Grid Station from 120 MVA to 320 MVA, 50 MVA 132/66 KV Samba Grid Station, augmentation of capacity of Udhampur and Gladni stations from 70 MVA to 100 MVA each and 132/66 KV transformers at Kathua will be restored within one month. The Minister said that work on 105 MW Upper Sindh Power project 5MW Pahalgam generation station in Kashmir, two and half MW capacity Igomercelong in Leh is apace. The work on 3x250 KWs Narpchoop and 2x500 KWs Haftal project is also apace and will be commissioned next year. He said that power projects of 330 MW Krishan-Ganga, 280 MW Uri-II, 120 MW Seva-II, 18 mw Ghutak (Ladakh), 30 MW Nimmo-Bazgo MWs and 1000 MW Pakhal-Dool are being constructed by the NHPC. With their completion, the power situation in the State will improve to a great extend. The meeting was attended by Mr K A Siddiqi, Chief Engineer and Mr S C Sinha, Chief Engineer, (Distribution), CESCON Ltd; Kolkata, Mr Vinod Sharma, Development Commissioner, power, Chief Engineers, S&O Wing, M&RE Wing, and P&D, Jammu. |
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‘e-Bill Post’
service introduced Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: Out of the 43 post-offices lying closed due to militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, thirty of them have been reopened by the Department of Posts and Telegraph. Addressing a press conference here today, Chief Post Master General J&K Circle, Mr G. Mohanakumar said that functioning of P&T department in J&K was also affected due to militancy during last decade. He said due to security reasons and militants’ threat 43 post-offices were closed in the Valley. Now thirty of them have been revived while thirteen still remain closed. Referring to some new schemes introduced by the Department, the CPMG disclosed that besides launch of e-Post project to receive and send mail to all those who do not have the connectivity to internet or do not have access to a computer, the P&T has also introduced ‘e-Bill Post’ service. He said this facility is an electronic collection in different locations, instruments processed and the accounts settled at one point as per convenience of the service provider. Introducing about the scheme of electronic fund transfer over VSAT, he said in the collection service, the cheques presented by the agents of the UTI are drawn in favour of the local bank will be presented to the post office. The cheques will be cleared and remittance made to Mumbai GPO through VSAT. Commenting on the ATM services introduced by various banks, Mr Kumar said that the scheme is to be made operational in the Head Post Offices in collaboration with Private Sector Banks by setting up of ATMs for electronic fund transfers in Post Offices. Mr Kumar further disclosed that computerized care centres have been introduced at three centres in the circle viz. the office of Senior Suptd. of Post Offices Jammu, Suptd of Post offices Udhampur, and Srinagar GPO for better handling of public complaints. Referring to the modernization activity in the Circle he said 10 Post offices have been modernized till last year. It is proposed to modernize 15 more offices in this circle during the year 2001-2002. Several post office building like Janipur, Hiranagar and three in Trikuta Nagar have been almost completed. Speed Net ( Track and Trace system) has been introduced in Jammu Two Head Office from Aug 15 this year. This helps to have access through internet to trace the disposal of speed post articles booked and dispatched. The department plans to computerise all the head post offices and the five of them including—Gandhinagar HO, Jammu Tawi HO, Srinagar GPO, Jammu RMS, Udhampur and Kathua HO have been fully computerised. VSAT network has been commenced at Gandhinagar HO and seven ESMO Centres (Extended Satellite Money Order Centres). The P&T proposes to have 11 more ESMO stations in the Circle during this year. Express Parcel post has been introduced with door to door service with maximum limit up to 35 kg and VPP service up to Rs 50,000. |
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Withdrawal of cases against BJYM men demanded Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: State Bharatiya Janata Party president Mr Daya Krishan Kotwal has demanded withdrawal of cases against BJYM state president Mr Satish Sharma and other party leaders arrested by police. The Party workers continued their protest dharna outside the office of Divisional Commissioner Jammu at Mubarik Mandi. They reiterated their resolve to continue their agitation against power curtailments and intensify struggle in near future if the Government failed to give relief to the public. The announcement to this effect was also made by the state BJP president Mr Kotwal and the BJYM leaders. The speakers demanded unconditional release of all the leaders lodged in Jammu Central jail and withdrawal of cases against them. Mr Kotwal said while the protest dharna against the indifferent and callous attitude of the Administration entered second consecutive day today, the Divisional Commissioner Jammu Mr Anil Goswami on one pretext or the other , remained absent from his headquarters. He alleged that not even a single Gazetted officer was present in the office today. Such an attitude of the Administration betrays itself that it is not interested in resolving the behaviour the problems of the people of Jammu. The BJP leaders further questioned the validity of the Chief Engineer PDD Mr H S Raina to suspend the power supply to the Jammu region following the petty incident, thereby causing untold sufferings and loss worth crores |
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‘Officials only
interested in collecting Haftas, Entry -Fee ‘ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 9: Expressing grave concern over, what he called, blatant violation of High Court order, president of the Jammu and Kashmir Transport Operators Union, Mr Narinder Singh Raina today alleged callous and negligent attitude of the Traffic Department, Excise and Taxation Department and Regional Transport Authority has been causing severe financial loss to the State exchequer. Addressing a press conference, Mr Raina said, "the High Court in the month of January 2001 passed an order on OWP No 121/97 through which loading of goods carrier was limited to 90 quintals based on the provisions of SO 416(E) of Central Motor Vehicles Rules of 1989". "Due to the non-cooperative attitude of concerned departments the spirits of court rullings have raised dust as still today vehicles are being loaded and driven over load ranging from 120 quintals to 180 quintals with cement, fertilizer, food grains and other items", he said, adding, "this unabated over-loading has causing a severe financial loss to the State exchequer which runs into lakhs of rupees per day". Coming down heavily on Food Corporation of India for continuing middle man (carriage contractor) system, Mr Raina said that this system was creation of few vested interest who have been charging highest carriage rate from the FCI and paying very less to the carrier. He alleged that that there was a nexus between officials of the FCI and contractors due to which contractors getting trucks overloaded with food grains. "Apart from this the contractor of FCI charges Rs 100 per trip from the transporter on the pretext of insurance of goods which is not done practically and in fact the transporter/carrier has nothing to do with the insurance of the consignment as this factor lies on the part of contractor or FCI Department", he said. He expressed surprise that vehicle owners have to pay amounts from Rs 700 to Rs 1000 for shed loading and unloading charges despite the fact that permanent labour has been employed by the FCI Department. "Trucks loaded with FCI stocks are being halted for days together at various destinations in the Valley for want of availability of storage site for which no compensation is paid", he said, adding, "at the time of unloading FCI stocks at vehicle load is purposely put under shortage and the owner is made to pay double of the cost of the item when the rate of the same is very less in the open market". Shifting all blames on Traffic Police for jams in the city, Mr Raina said, " the State Government has spent crores of rupees for construction of Fly Over and bridges on river Tawi but due to non-profession skill the traffic is not properly regulated and the old roads are being subjected to jams and unwarranted harassment to the general public. "Motor Vehicle Department has created points to check the over-loaded vehicles passing through the particular point but it is noted seriously that the staff deputed has only interest in the ‘Haftas’ and Entry Fee and they are not bothered to halt and check over load while the trucks move under their nose by paying Rs 50 to Rs 100 as the demand is made", he alleged, adding, " to curb the over-load menace all trucks are required to be weighed at check post Lower Munda and permitted to take their journey with the specified load 90 quintals as per Motor Vehicle Act rules". He also expressed concern over load carried by buses on their roof tops. |
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Rs 11 cr incurred on upgradation
of tourist Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 9: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has taken up a number of projects involving Rs 52 crore for upgradation of infrastructure facilities for tourists in the State. So far over Rs 11 crore have been spent for the purpose. This was stated at a review meeting of various programmes of Tourism department held here last evening. The Minister of State for Tourism and Floriculture, Ms Sakina Itoo presided. The projects under execution include illumination of Boulevard, development of Ziarat Mirak Shah Sahib and pilgrim spot at Buchwara, upgradation of circular roads at Gulmarg, Bus adda at Tangmarg, improvement of circuit roads Pahalgam, Aru road, improvement of Golf Course at Pahalgam and augmentation of water supply at Pahalgam, water supply at Patnitop and Gulmarg. Besides, development of Aishmuqam Shrine, Amarnath Ji Track, Seer Hamdan Shrine, construction of Sonamarg bye-pass road, foot bridges along track at Shiv Khori and development of Kassal Morh road, upgradation of Jammu Airport, development of tourist spots in Leh and Kargil districts In addition various centrally sponsored schemes are under various stages of execution in the State at a cost of Rs 3.61 crore. So far Rs 1.55 crore have been utilized on these works. These include beautification of Srinagar city, pilgrims spot at Parmandal, pilgrims spot at Utterbhani, construction of tourist complex, Rajouri, Charar-i-Sharief, construction of Yatrika at Kheer Bhawani and Budha Amarnath The Minister expressed satisfaction over the pace of progress on various development works and asked the officers to make judicious use of allocated funds and ensure completion of works within the prescribed time frame. She stressed that the upgradation of roads at Gulmarg, development of Amarnath yatra track and water supply scheme at Katra be given top priority in view of importance of these tourist spots. About Rs 5 crores are being spent for the development of these tourist places this year. The Commissioner/Secretary, Tourism, Mr. Parvez Dewan, Director General Tourism, Mr. Mohammad Ashraf and other senior officers of the department were present. |
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Employment offices in the State
being Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Oct. 9: All the Employment offices in the State are being computerized in a phased manner. For the purpose, Rs. 70 lakh have been earmarked for the current financial year. Of this, Rs. 30 lakh have already been expended. This was disclosed by the Minister for Labour and Employment, S. Harbans Singh at a meeting of Employment Officers held here today to review the functioning of the department in Jammu division. The Minister said that Employment Offices at Jammu, Srinagar, Doda and Anantnag have already been computerized and Employment offices in rest of the districts are being computerized during the current financial year. During the first six months of the current financial year, the meeting was informed that as many as 2400 cases have been sponsored under Self Employment Scheme(SES) against the annual target of 4700 cases in the Jammu division. Of these, 444 cases have been sanctioned. Assistance of Rs. 579.05 lakhs have been sanctioned by various banks for these cases. So far Rs. 124.20 lakhs were disbursed to 131 cases. Similarly, under PMRY, 1760 cases were sponsored by the department in the division during first six months of the current financial year. Various banks have sanctioned assistance of Rs. 307.92 lakh for 353 cases and Rs. 189.15 lakh were disbursed to 239 cases under the scheme, the meeting was informed. The meeting was further apprised that under SES during the last financial year, against the target of 4700 cases, 2812 were sponsored by the department in the division. Of these, 753 cases were granted financial assistance of Rs. 917.74 lakhs by various banks while Rs. 477.98 lakhs were disbursed to 474 cases. Similarly under PMRY, against 1965 cases, 2719 cases were sponsored. Assistance of Rs. 935.09 lakhs were sanctioned for 1109 cases by the banks and Rs. 551.05 lakh disbursed for 671 cases under the scheme during the last financial year. The meeting was also informed that the department is also organizing recruitment rallies for Army, Air force and Navy for benefit of unemployed youths. It was stated that in the Air Force rally held at Jammu in May this year, 54 youth have been selected in the force. Similar rally is being held from November 7 to 8 at Srinagar and Indian Navy is also holding recruitment rally at Baramulla from November 14 to 18. To overcome the problems of unemployment in the State, the Minister impressed upon the functionaries of the department to redouble their efforts in educating the masses about the schemes launched by the government under Self Employment Scheme and PMRY. He asked them to involve the Sarpanchs and Panchs for this purpose in their respective areas by educating them about the benefits of these schemes. He also asked them to organize employment/ loan melas at block level for awareness of unemployed youth so that they can avail of facilities of these schemes by setting up their own income generating units. Among others the meeting was attended by the Commissioner/Secretary Employment and Labour, Mr. P.L. Raina, Director Employment, Mr. Naveen Chowdhary, Joint Director Employment, Mrs. Vineeta Gupta and other senior officers of the department. |
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Seek people’s suggestions on new master plan: Shah Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Oct. 9: A new master plan for Greater Jammu is being prepared with active collaboration of Union Town and Country Planning Organization, New Delhi. This information was given to the Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Mohi-ud-Din Shah by the Vice Chairman, Jammu Development Authority Mr. Shant Manu at the presentation ceremony of the draft new Master Plan in the Engineers Institute here today. He was apprised that a master plan for Jammu was formulated in 1974 to cover the needs of perspective population of 5.52 lakhs in next 20 years. This master plan covered an area of 110 sq. kms. and encompassed 53 revenue villages extending from Nagrota on the North-East to Balwal Nallah on South and from Sidhra (east) upto Muthi Dharmal on West. During the period, Jammu Development Authority constructed complexes of Transport Nagar, Fruit Mandi, Trikuta Nagar, Roopnagar, Ban Talab, Paloura, Udhawala Housing colonies and development of various traffic islands etc. With the increase in the population of the town to about 19.28 lakh, the necessity of a new master plan has been felt. The proposed master plan is designated for projected population and will cover 250 sq. kms. and encompass 160 villages falling in the tehsils of Jammu, Samba and Bishnah. This area will extend to village Kote Morha Purkhoo on west, village Rajinder Singh Pura on Vijaypur- Gura Salathian road on south, village Bain Bajalata on North east, village Bathindi, Sunjwan, Choadi, Birpur, Mahin Charkan, Ismailpur and Bhadori on the east, no extension is proposed towards north, as the area has protected forests, the Minister was informed. Addressing at the presentation ceremony, the Minister said that the Master Plan should be finalized after ascertaining valuable suggestions of people representatives and experts. He said that the committee already constituted under the chairmanship of Divisional Commissioner, Jammu will scrutinize all aspects of the Master Plan before submission to the Cabinet. He asked them to hold meetings with the prominent citizens and seek their views on the proposed master plan. He also stressed the need for reviewing each sector for the implementation of master plan so that the expectations of the people are taken care of. Earlier, the Senior Town and Country Planner, Town and Country Planning Organization, Government of India, Mr. J.B. Kshirsagar highlighted the salient features of the new Master Plan. Among others, legislators Ch. Piara Singh, Mr. Hans Raj Dogra, Mr. Goverdhan Singh Jamwal, the Financial Commissioner, Planning and Development, Mr. K.B. Pillai, the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Mr. Anil Goswami, Administrator Jammu Municipality, Mr. Pawan Kotwal and senior officers and engineers of various departments were present at the presentation ceremony. |
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MoUs for Rs 1.36
crore Common Facility Centre Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 9: The J&K Government today signed three MoUs for setting up of Rs 1.36 crore Common Facility Centre (CFC) at Baghi-Ali Mardan Khan Srinagar. The CFC to be funded by the Central and State Governments in the ratio of 70:30 and would provide latest scientific facilities in carpet washing and drying, walnut wood seasoning and paper pulp moulding. The project will be completed in March next. The MoUs were signed in presence of the J&K Industries and Commerce Minister, Dr. Mustafa Kamal, Principal secretary Industries and Commerce, Mr. M.S. Pandit and Secretary Industries and Commerce, Mr. Khurshid Ahmad. The MoU for setting up of Walnut Wood Seasoning Plant was signed between the Director Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, Mr. G.S. Rawat and Managing Director, J&K Handicrafts (Corporation), Mr. Irfan Yaseen who represented the State Government. The Plant would be set up on turn key basis. The National Hand made Paper Machie Institute, Jaipur signed MoU through its Director, Dr. Hari Kishore Gupta to set up paper pulping plant in the CFC for boosting paper machie Industry in the State. For the Carpet washing and Drying Plant, the MoU was signed with the Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi which envisages evolving of suitable technology and installation of the unit on turn key basis. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that setting up of the Common Facility Centre at Srinagar would go a long—way in consolidating and expanding the handicrafts sector in J&K which has provided sustenance to the people of the State always at odd times. He said after establishing Arts Emporium in 1948 to promote sale and production of handicrafts, the CFC would be another land mark in this direction. The Principal secretary Industries on this occasion, Mr. Pandit said that the State Government have tied up a mechanism with the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun to provide training to the entrepreneurs and offices of the State in latest developments in wood based Industry especially technologies related to furniture manufacturing including finishing and adaptation improvements in texture of wood and its treatment. He said the Institute would arrange a comprehensive training course exclusively for the J&K during which consultants from National Institute of Designs NID would also be involved so that participants are acquinted with latest innovations in design inputs as well. The Managing Director SIDCO, Mr. G.Q Wani was also present on the occasion. |
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Shafi announces special
arrangements Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Oct 9: Minister for Education, Mr. Mohammad Shafi has announced special measures for smooth conduct of school exams in the Valley. As per BOSE authorities X and XII class examinations, starting from 13th and 27th October respectively, are being conducted at 367 centres in the Valley. The Minister announced a multi pronged strategy formulated to maintain discipline at the examination centres. Measures like deployment of Police including CRPF and BSF has been arranged, special emphasis have been given to 35 sensitive centres. At the main entrance of each examination centre police including lady cops will carry out frisking of candidates. Sealed packets of question papers and answers sheets would be deposited with Police Stations and the latter would then be forwarded to the BOSE against proper receipt. Section 144 of CRPC (Criminal Procedure Code) will be enforced around each examination centre to prevent unnecessary crowd round the examination centres. Vigilance Squads both from the Board and the District Administration have been arranged to check menace of copying. These Squads would make surprise checks during the exams to ensure strict discipline. Appropriate arrangements have also been made for advance delivery of sealed question papers at identified Police Stations in rural areas. Appointment of such staff for examination duty has been completely banned against whom any complaint of misdemeanor have been received in the past. The BOSE has also established a help line bearing the Nos. 437984/480821/433628 for any complaint or help sought by students, teachers or the administration. Addressing the meeting, Mr. Shafi said that Government is committed to provide quality education with concrete results, which will offer a successful future to lakhs of students. He said that Government will firmly curb the evil of copying and the efforts of the anti-social elements to disturb process of the examinations would be foiled. Principal Secretary, Education, Mr. Vijay Bakaya, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Mr. Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, Director, School Education, Kashmir, Mr. Masood Samoon , IGP Kashmir, Dr. Ashok Bhan and senior officials of the Education Department were also present in the meeting. |
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Rs 5 cr spent on PHE
sector during 6 months Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 9: The Government had made an investment of around Rs 5 crore on augmentation of potable water supply in the Kashmir Valley during the first six months of the current fiscal year. This was revealed at the half-yearly review meeting of the PHE Department Kashmir held here yesterday under the chairmanship of the Minister for Works, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar. The meeting was informed that out of the plan allocation of Rs 16.04 crore for the current fiscal year an expenditure of Rs 2.47 crore has been booked upto September 2001, in the PHE sector. In addition Rs 2.51 crore was spent during the period on the augmentation of potable water under centrally sponsored Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP). Under the State sector Rs 27.37 lakh have been spent on exploration of ground water, Rs 26.54 lakh on Master Plan phase-II, Rs 35.45 lakh on augmentation of potable water in Srinagar city, Rs 72.69 lakh on improvement of water supply to towns and Rs 8.20 lakh on machinery and equipment. The Government have taken in hand 10 MGD Rangil water treatment plant under Master Plan phase-II. The Government have earmarked Rs 5.17 crore for improvement of water supply in towns during the year 2001-02. Under this programme 78 schemes are targetted for completion during the current year. These includes 8 in district Srinagar, 11 in Budgam, 9 in Pulwama, 20 in Anantnag, 23 in Baramulla and 7 in Kupwara. Under ARSWP, 72 schemes were taken up in phase-I at an estimated cost of Rs 17 crore, out of which 58 have been completed at a cost of Rs 15.89 crore. Similarly, in the phase-II, 167 schemes at an estimated cost of Rs 50 crore were taken up for execution, out of which 70 have been completed at a cost of Rs 32.49 crore. In the phase-III of ARWSP 205 schemes at a cost of Rs 70.29 crore have been taken up in the Kashmir Valley. The department have also proposed an outlay of Rs 18 lakh for setting up of district level water testing laboratories and a training centre at Zainakote. During the current financial year, Rs 3 crore have been proposed for digging of 260 deep wells and 101 shallow hand wells, out of which 336 wells have already been commissioned at a cost of Rs 90 lakh. Speaking at the meeting, the Minister called upon the engineers to complete all the schemes within the targetted time to ensure supply of pure drinking water to the people. He said action would be taken against the officials who fail to meet the targets. Mr. Sagar said the funds for these schemes have already been released and the benefits should percolate to the people at the earliest. The Minister said providing safe drinking water to the people was the priority of the Government as several areas in the State were still without this basic necessity of life. He said around 750 water supply schemes have been commissioned during the past five years bringing a huge chunk of population under the safe potable water supply. The Minister said that all the water supply schemes would be provided with filtration plants to ensure supply of pure drinking water. He said orders have already been issued for installation of filtration plants on all the new schemes. On the instruction of Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Mr. Sagar said Rs. 2 crore are being released for the installation of filtration plants all the old schemes. He said a Rs 65 crore project have been formulated for Rangil water supply scheme phase-II which would be completed with three years. With the completion of the project, Mr. Sagar said, the city would get additional one crore gallons of water per day. The Minister said another one crore gallon capacity water supply scheme is being constructed near Pantha Chowk to tap the water from river Jehlum for drinking purpose. The Principal Secretary Works, Mr. B.R. Kundal, Chief Engineer, PHE Kashmir, Mr. M.Y. Hakeem besides senior officials of the department were present at the meeting. |
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