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| Pak playing duel game over terrorism: Gupta Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: State vice-president of Bharatiya Janata Party Mr Kuldip Raj Gupta has said that there has been no decline in the.....more 30
lakh subsidy provided under SGSY Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 10: The Rural Development Department, Anantnag has mobilized credit amounting.......more Rs 1
cr project approved for modernization of Kut Khul Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct: 10: The Works Department has approved Rs one crore project for cleaning and desilting........more No
financial constraints for development programmes: CS Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Oct: 10: The Chief Secretary, Mr. Ashok Jaitly today said that the State Government has got......more NC
highlights Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: Mr Bodh Raj Bali, provincial President of J&K National Conference has.....more |
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DAHWA
chief constitutes Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Oct 10: Mr Surat Singh Sumbria, president Destitute And Handicapped Welfare Association, who was conferred with International award recently conducted a hectic tour of 26 villages of Majalta block and constituted units at atleast 16 places.......more Sadhbhavna
school in Excelsior Correspondent Leh, October 10: Children singing Sare Jahan Se Achha rippling through the air is pleasant to hear while nearing Darchiks village through a craggy road in a deep valley along River Indus. The Army ....more 40
year’s of litigation Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: Justice T S Doabia of the State High Court, in a landmark judgment, has directed Jammu and Kashmir Government to allot........more Bank
officials acquitted Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Jammu, Suresh Sharma has acquitted accused persons involved in over rupees 19 lakh misappropriation of Citizen’s Cooperative Bank after 18 years long litigation..........more |
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Pak playing duel game over terrorism: Gupta Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: State vice-president of Bharatiya Janata Party Mr Kuldip Raj Gupta has said that there has been no decline in the militancy despite attacks in Afghanistan as Pakistani authorities continued its support to terrorists operating in J&K despite his joining hands with the anti-terrorism alliance. Addressing a press conference at Party headquarters here today the senior BJP leader said that Pakistan can befool United States or the other countries by disillusioning them over the issue of terrorism but India can never trust that country as it has always dubious role in the past and has always betrayed at various fronts. Its terrorist training camps are still operational in PoK and other areas and the attack on the J&K Legislative Assembly in which over forty people were killed was itself an eye opener for all the countries fighting against terrorism. It will perish soon due to its own misdeeds, he maintained. Despite assurance of Pakistan to the United States to support him in his fight against world terrorism, it continued to display double standards. There has been no decline in the militant activities. The State Government has totally failed to contain it. Coming down heavily on the ruling regime, he said National Conference Government despite his tall false claims, has failed to provide basic amenities to the people. The people are starving for electricity. There is more than ten hours power curtailment and nine hour power cut as claimed by the PDD department is just a mockery. The corruption is at its height and total lawlessness prevail. He strongly condemned the arrest of BJYM leaders who were protesting against the power crisis at the office of Chief Engineer PDD, Jammu. The leaders have been implicated in false cases and are being victimised and harassed by the Government. He warned the State Government not to test the patience of the BJP and the people of Jammu as its consequences will be fatal for the National Conference. Mr Gupta said that he has confidence in the judiciary and the youth leaders who were protesting for the common cause and the essential services will be let off soon. Referring to the drought relief funds provided by the Centre, the BJP leader said that hardly 5 kg per member ration was supplied to the kissan families in some area that too for only one month while a large number of families have been ignored. He alleged that funds have been diverted to other sectors by the NC Government while farmers have been left high and dry. He threatened an agitation if the relief for six months was not provided to the farmers hit by drought. |
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lakh subsidy provided under SGSY Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 10: The Rural Development Department, Anantnag has mobilized credit amounting to Rs. 1.90 crore under Swaran Jayanti Gram Sawrozgar Yojana and provided Rs. 30 lakh subsidy to 393 beneficiaries including 195 Self Help Groups this year upto September 2001. This was disclosed during a meeting of officers of the department and MLAs of the district held under the chairmanship of Minister of State for Rural Development, Mr. Ajay Sadhotra here yesterday. The focus of the deliberations, among other things, was on the involvement of public and its representatives to ensure effective implementation of the Centrally sponsored poverty alleviation schemes. Addressing the meeting, Mr. Sadhotra said the involvement of people and their representatives at every level of implementation of developmental schemes only can make the endeavours meaningful and result oriented. For this purpose, the main focus will be on strengthening the newly elected panchayats and related institutions at Block and Zila level which combinedly comprise three-tier panchayat system, the Minister said adding that this would be done by way of devolution of maximum power to these grass root level institutions. Henceforth, he said, it is the elected panchayats that would prepare plans and execute the development works. He said close coordination between Government officials and public representatives will definitely go a long way in raising need based and employment-oriented infrastructure and assets in the rural areas. Referring to various centrally sponsored schemes, the Minister said, the prestigious SGSY scheme has been successfully launched in the district. He said the scheme has taken off well as more and more people associated with traditional crafts and primary sector are keen to organise themselves in Self Help Groups to start a joint venture or set up their individual units by availing benefits of the scheme. The Minister impressed upon the officials to aware the people about the SGSY scheme and the viability and potential of setting up employment units by organising themselves in Self Help Groups. He said the scheme can help a great deal in solving the alarming problem of unemployment confronted by the State. The Minister said that during his recent visit to the State, Union Minister for Finance has promised that the centre would make generous allocations against the scheme and would consult the heads of the financial institutions to persuade them to extend full cooperation in making the said scheme a success in the State. The meeting was informed that Rs. 3.4 crore credit was mobilized last year against which subsidy of Rs. 68 lakh was provided to the creditors covered under SGSY. Regarding other schemes, the meeting was informed that 970 dwelling units were provided to BPL families during last year and 1132 cases have been taken up during this year for which the department required an amount of Rs. 1.28 crore. So far Rs. 37.81 lakhs have been spent by releasing first and second instalment for construction of 1038 new units and 94 units entitled for upgradation. Under JGSY the department completed 27 works at a cost of Rs. 15.42 lakhs and under EAS 38 works at a cost of Rs. 22 lakh during the current year. Among others the meeting was attended by Minister of State for Tourism, Ms Sakina Ittoo, Secretary, Rural Development, Mr. Abdul Salam Bhat, MLAs Mr. Abdul Rehman Veeri, Mr. Bashir Ahmad Beigh and Mr, Gul Rafiqui besides Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag and official of Rural Development department. Later, the Minister visited Kulgam constituency to inspect pace of work at various sites and the works already completed. He inspected work on primary health centre at Srandhu, Kulpura being constructed at a cost of Rs. 3.50 lakh and Gulbul road constructed at a cost of Rs. 0.5 lakh and Panchayat Ghar at Tuli Nowpora. The Minister also interacted with the families who have been provided dwelling units under IAY at Tuli Nowpora. The Minister impressed upon the officials to ensure sustained pace of work and quality in construction taken up under various schemes in the area. |
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1 cr project approved for modernization of Kut Khul Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct: 10: The Works Department has approved Rs one crore project for cleaning and desilting of Kut Khul and Sunri Khul to restore the pristine glory of these water channels in Srinagar city. This was decided at a review meeting of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department Kashmir held here today under the chairmanship of the Minister for Works, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said work on the project would be started within one week and is likely to be completed by March next year. He said in the past Shikaras and Doongas used to motor in these channels but unfortunately human folly has ruined these waterbodies. The condition of these channels Mr. Sagar said, has worsened as a result of dumping of garbage and continuous siltation. He said the two city channels-Tshunti Khul and Sunri Khul were taken up for modernization under Core Area Development Programme in 1989 and were closed in 1994, improving the condition of these channels to a large extent. But the Kut Khul, he said, was left unattended resulting in huge contamination of filth in it. Mr. Sagar said the present condition of this channel has adversely affected the social life of people living on its banks. Besides, this channel does not take the requisite discharge from river Jehlum owing to its siltation thereby causing a threat to the city during high floods. The Minister said in order to improve the general hygienic condition of this city channel, desilting has become necessary. The operation, he said, would not only improve the drainability and flood carrying capacity of the channel but will also provide relief to the population living on its banks who generally suffer from unhygienic conditions. The project could also revive navigation in the channel and restore its pristine glory. The Minister said de-listing of river Jehlum would be also taken up at Athwajan, Pampore and Noor Bagh. He said de-listing of river Jehlum was already completed at Abdullah bridge and Veer project Chattabal which was largely appreciated by the people. Mr. Sagar said the thrust of the irrigation projects should be on creating potential for new areas of land instead of lingering on the stabilisation of present facility. He said the State was facing depletion of surface water resources due to low rainfall and there was an urgent need for exploiting the ground water resources for irrigation purposes. He said more funds would be in future earmarked for exploration of ground water resources to augment the irrigation facility across the State. Mr. Sagar said while formulating projects greater emphasis should be laid on kandi areas which are chronically deficient in irrigation facilities. The meeting was informed that additional irrigation potential would be created for around 3 lakh kanals of land during the next four years with the commissioning of several new irrigation schemes. The department has taken up five major/medium irrigation projects in the Kashmir Valley, under Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme. These include Lethpora Lift Irrigation scheme, Tral Lift Irrigation scheme, Rajpora Lift Irrigation scheme, Rafiabad Lift Irrigation scheme and Zainageer Lift Irrigation scheme. Seven more projects have been submitted for AIBP assistance. These include Dadi canal, Martand canal, Babul canal, Maav canal, Ahji canal, Laar canal and Nandi canal. Under the minor irrigation sector 10 schemes in the Valley have been sanctioned for NABARD loan. The department is also commissioning seven irrigation tube wells by the end of current year for which money has already been released. The meeting was told that Rs 33 lakhs would be provided for replacement of 308 worn-out irrigation pumps in the Valley. Under flood control sector four schemes have been sanctioned for NABARD funding. The Principal Secretary Works, Mr. B.R. Kundal, Chief Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control department Kashmir, Mr. Mohammad Ramzan Bhat besides senior officers of various engineering and Planning department were present at the meeting. |
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financial constraints for development programmes: CS Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Oct: 10: The Chief Secretary, Mr. Ashok Jaitly today said that the State Government has got a good outlay of Rs. 2050 crore for current year’s annual plan and there should be no financial constraints in further speeding up the pace of development. Reviewing the implementation of various schemes and programmes at a meeting of the Committee of Secretaries here today, the Chief Secretary said that strict monitoring of implementation of development programmes must be given priority so that benefit of funds and development effort percolate down to the common man. He also asked the officers to ensure that utilization certificates in respect of centrally sponsored schemes should be sent in time which will help the State in getting additional funds released. Expressing concern over inordinate delay on action on audit reports, the Chief Secretary asked the Secretaries to Government to hold regular periodical institutionalized meetings with concerned heads of departments on financial matters. While the draft model purchase manual is almost ready, the departments have been advised to formulate their department specific purchase manuals by November. The Finance Department is undertaking revision of Book of Financial Powers to bring it in tune with the present requirements. The Chief Secretary stressed the need for decentralizing the powers, including financial powers, to facilitate acceleration of work. Referring to the move of offices from Srinagar to Jammu in connection with bi-annual durbar move, the Chief Secretary directed that all arrangements should be lined up well before the opening of offices in Jammu on November 5. The offices are closing at Srinagar on October 29 forenoon. The Chief Secretary directed the Estates Department that a specific allocation be made for repairs of non-gazetted employees quarters at Jammu. Reviewing the pendency of Government cases in courts, the Chief Secretary took serious view in delays in departments’ response to the petitions, which normally leads to ex-parte decisions, loss to the State and contempt proceedings against senior officer. He directed that all the departments shall notify nodal officers and ensure that at no stage of the case Government goes by default. As regards the Government advocates, a counselling session be organised by the Law Department. The departments would be authorized to file LPAs, wherever required. On recruitment process, the Chief Secretary said that all the vacancies to be filled through PSC or SSRB are required to be cleared by the Standing Screening Committee headed by Principal Secretary, Planning and Development and there should be no deviation from it. Emphasizing to maintain tidy and presentable record with aesthetic sense, the Chief Secretary asked the General Administration Department to organize monthly orientation programmes for the officials for the purpose. |
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NC highlights achievements of last five years Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: Mr Bodh Raj Bali, provincial President of J&K National Conference has asserted that State administration headed by Dr Farooq Abdullah after assuming office in September 1996 lost no time in addressing itself to the basic problems of the people. As per a release Mr Bali said this while addressing a meeting of Sarpanches, Panches and prominent party workers of block Bhalwal at Party headquarters here. The tasks undertaken by the State administration as enumerated by Mr Bali included rejuvenation of infrastructure damaged during militancy and restoration of law and order in the State. Expressing satisfaction over return of normalcy Mr Bali asserted that schools, colleges, medicare institutions and other Departments of public like are functioning with renewed vigour and purpose to bring peace and prosperity to the State. He asked the party workers to fan out in the interior areas of their respective constituencies and tell the common masses as to what the Government has done for them. Mr Bali enlisted the measures taken by administration to ameliorate the lot of migrant population. He said free ration at the rate of 9 kg rice and 2 kg atta per member and one kg sugar per family were provided to them. He said that Rs 36 crore were incurred for providing them with free ration and as many as Rs 38 crore in 3631 cases for militancy damaged property and cash assistance to migrant families from 1996 enhanced to Rs 2400 from Rs 2800 per family in 1998.. He added that an amount of Rs 15 crore has been disbursed as cash assistance to migrants during the last five years under review. About the false propaganda of some elements to malign the image of president Government, Mr Bali said the same was being done with the nefarious designs of maligning the leadership. He however asserted that people should not give credence to such propaganda. Provincial secretary Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Jugal Mahajan, treasurer and Lt Col D S Trehan, joint secretary also addressed. Those who participated and addressed the meeting included Messrs Shakti Ram Sharma, Bodh Raj, Capt Bihari Singh, Jagpal Sharma, Kuldeep Singh Chib, Gurbachan Singh, Narinder Singh Jamwal, Tara Chand Gupta, Kuldeep Raj,, Mohinder Singh, Ch Sain Khan, Ch Bag Hussain, Ch Anwar Khan, Sudershan Singh, Ravi Khajuria and Major Kulwant Singh. |
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DAHWA chief constitutes various units in Majalta Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Oct 10: Mr Surat Singh Sumbria, president Destitute And Handicapped Welfare Association, who was conferred with International award recently conducted a hectic tour of 26 villages of Majalta block and constituted units at atleast 16 places. People in thousands including women and children thronged at all the places and garlanded Mr Sumbria with flowers and currency notes and raised slogans in his favour and describing him as messiah of poor resolved to carry forward his message of literacy among rural poor especially the women folk for the overall development of the villages under his stewardship. Speaking at all the places Mr Sumbria said that conferring of International award has changed his life altogether and enthused a new spirit in him and held that he would continue to serve the people throughout his life selflessly. He said villagers would have every right on me to get their problems mitigated through whatever means. He said I don’t make speeches. My message is only to make the people literate and fight collectively against exploitations of every kind and fight out the social evils to uproot the same. He said he wanted to liberate the common masses from the clutches of wrong elements, strengthen the communal amity and to see every person master of his religion, to respect the elders, shun casteism and that above all caste their vote after giving a due thought to the candidate who could deliver good to them in hour of need. Others who spoke in these meetings included Messrs Khajoor Singh, Kripal Singh, Vikram Singh, Chanchal Singh, Dhanuram, Jhanda Singh, Shivdev Singh, Ramesh Chander, Parshotam Lal, Sohan Lal, Roop Chand, Mohd Kasha, Vikrant Sumbria, Rinku, Ashok Kumar, Kulbhushan Singh. DAHWA committees were constituted at different places. At Peuni Kulbhushan Singh, Mahatma Singh, parshotam Singh were elected as president, vice president, secretary respectively while Beram Singh was elected as cashier and Harjeet Singh as joint secretary. At Pardaie unit Messrs Krishan Chand, Des Raj, Jeet Lal were elected as president, vice president and secretary while Jagdish Raj, Bishan Dass Om Parkash and Kuldeep Kumar as announced as secretary, organisor, cashier and member respectively. The Neety unit comprised of Jatto Ram, Roop Chand, Karnail Singh as president, vice president and secretary while Chain Singh, Romal Singh, Bansi lal, Subash Chand and Bodh Raj were elected as joint secretary and members. The demands of the areas visited by Mr Sumbria included electricity supply to village Kandi, repair of road from Balpur to Kandi, upgradation of Dhamma Middle School, starting of work on road from Bharnara to Dhamma, bridge be constructed on the nullah and water supply be improved. The people also demanded opening of a primary school at village Neeli and upgradation of High School at Khoon. They also demanded payment of salary to the members of Village Defence Committee like their counter parts else-where. |
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Sadhbhavna school in Ladakh Excelsior Correspondent Leh, October 10: Children singing Sare Jahan Se Achha rippling through the air is pleasant to hear while nearing Darchiks village through a craggy road in a deep valley along River Indus. The Army Sadbhavna School perched on a rugged foothill at the village end is a pleasing post-Kargil-war scene in this border area inhabited by peculiar Dards race. This primary school is one of the many Sadbhavna schools opened by Army after the installation of 14 Corps in Ladakh two years ago. 111 children from Darchiks and adjoining villages studying in this primary school have the facility ranging from Basketball court to computers besides other learning materials. Most of the parents have taken out their kids from the State run schools to admit in the Sadbhavna School for good. A staff Ghulam Mohammad said, a government school in an adjoining village called Hordas has now only five students left. 12-year-old Dechen Paljor in fourth standard was earlier studying in Garhkon Government School. He was then in fifth standard. His open expression before his mentor Naib Subedar (AEC) of Ninth Garhwal Rifles M K Mishra told about the child-friendly approach adopted in the school unlike in conventional schools. Some of the charts describing child rights in the classrooms further convince you about this. For Thinley Dorje this school was a near-home alternative to his previous Lamdon Model school a private institute in Leh. School hours from nine to 2.50 p.m. give him ample time at home also. Charging a nominal fee of about 100 rupees students get healthy lunch also in addition to other facilities. Ex-servicemen's kids have further 50 percent discount. Army even gets the school uniform sewn for children. This noble effort by the Army led by Lt. General Arjun Ray, Corps Commander is welcome in the wake of education crisis in Ladakh, wherein many government schools record zero percent pass in the annual board exams. Under the supervision of chosen army personnel Darchik School has mostly local teachers selected from the qualified natives. Ishey Dolma from Sanachey village is happy to work as the Principal of the school on a salary of 2500 rupees. While as Zahara Bano from Silmo draws 2000 rupees a month while continuing her own further studies. Both of them are qualified 10+2. But a cursory look at their teaching methods probably call for necessary training to bring them up to the level of the fine school, which follows NCERT syllabus. Also removal of nursery sections in the school have led to difficulties in teaching the small children who are directly put into the first standard, said Ghulam Mohammad. Meanwhile zealous Lt. General Arjun Ray pays frequent visits to the school to ensure its proper functioning. Now since his transfer is due in the month of February 2002 (according to some sources) everyone wonders about the next chief who replaces him. This puts a question mark to the sustenance and further growth of Sadbhavna Schools in Ladakh. However, many quoted him saying that he does not share the wide concern and in a meeting with local leaders Gen Ray asserted confidence about the sustainability of Operation Sadbhavna. |
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40 year’s of
litigation Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: Justice T S Doabia of the State High Court, in a landmark judgment, has directed Jammu and Kashmir Government to allot land in the vicinity where the land of which petitioner Late Shiv Nand Gupta was deprived from the possession, and in case it is not possible, then allot at the alternative site in the city of Jammu or pay cash compensation for the same by following the decision of Supreme Court. These directions were passed in a petition filed by Shiv Nand Gupta who was allotted a plot measuring four kanals at Gogji Bagh Srinagar in 1939 for a period of 40 years. He had raised the construction on the land for his residence. The plot in question was resumed without notice. The petitioner felt aggrieved and filed a petition in 1958, wherein he had challenged the Government order. The petition was allowed in October 1986 with the observation that for foregoing reasons, the petition is allowed and the Government shall allot land in lieu of the land resumed from the petitioner in Srinagar city. An SLP was preferred in the Supreme Court which was dismissed on July 3, 1996. Senior Advocate A V Gupta with Advocate Yasser Ejaz Tak appeared for the petitioner. It may be worth to mention here that the petitioner died at the age of 100. He had signed an affidavit in May 1997 at the age of 98. While directing the respondents, Justice Doabia observed that on account of the situation prevailing in Kashmir valley and large scale migration, it may not be possible for the petitioner to look after and manage the land if it is allotted to him in Kashmir valley, as such the land be allotted at an alternative site in Jammu city. |
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Bank officials acquitted in misappropriation case Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Jammu, Suresh Sharma has acquitted accused persons involved in over rupees 19 lakh misappropriation of Citizen’s Cooperative Bank after 18 years long litigation. Those acquitted included Sunil Maini, Vice Chairman of the Bank, Atma Ram Sawhney, Chief Manager and Vinod Koul. In his 11 page judgment, the Judge observed that the Chairman of the Bank at that time, Harbans Lal Bhagotra, then Directors Lila Karan Sharma, Ram Sahai and Romesh Gupta and then Managing Director Ravi Kumar Sharma had lodged a report with the Crime and Railways Police. However, the witnesses turned hostile and none of the official working with the accused persons at that time identified the signatures. The CJM wondered what action has been taken against them by the Bank. "They didn’t even identify the signatures of the accused Sunil Maini and most of them said that their statements were not recorded. Not only this, even the complainant who was no less than the Managing Director of Bank has not supported his case nor did he identify the signatures of Maini who was Vice Chairman of the Bank at that time", the court observed, adding that this indeed is pathetic especially so as over rupees 19 lakh of the Bank have been swindled. The judge held that the prosecution has miserably failed to prove the charges, as such the accused are acquitted. |
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Traffic regulation in
city Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: Justice R C Gandhi of the State High Court has directed that the respondents shall file their compliance report in terms of its implementation for regulating the traffic in Jammu city. The Jammu Development Authority (JDA) will also implement these directions wherever the area falls within its jurisdiction, the court held while exempting the representative of the Divisional Commissioner for the time being. The direction was passed in a writ petition filed by Prabhat Singh in Public Interest Litigation (PIL) through Advocate Romesh Arora. The Regional Transport Officer (RTO) has filed an affidavit as directed by the court. Ashok Parihar, Additional Advocate appearing for him, submitted that court direction with regard to introduction of number and colour scheme depicting plying of various mini-buses on various routes in Jammu city and its periphery has been directed to be enforced. It was submitted that there are about 800 minibuses in the city. It was directed that RTO and ARTO will ensure that no minibus will ply without number and colour scheme. These officers will check the vehicles on different routes in the city daily atleast three hours till the next date and submit report. They will ensure that that the vehicles didn’t carry video tapes and other such nuisance items. The Court directed RTO to sumbit a copy of the notice issued on September 19, 2001 to SSP Traffic who will also ensure that the instruction used for the mini-buses are strictly complied with and three wheelers don’t ply in the city unless their meters depicting chargeable fare are in order and in operation. The SSP Traffic will also ensure that the stops earmarked by the Municipality for the stoppage are made in operative. Additional Advocate General H A Siddique stated that to widen the approach road to the High Court, a project report has been approved by the Divisional Commissioner and sent to Administrative Department for release of funds. Advocate SS Nanda appeared for Jammu Municipality. |
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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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Youth
shot-at by miscreants Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: One person was killed and four others injured when an army vehicle rammed into a house at Batote while as a youth was shot-at by a group of miscreants at Phalata near Tikri this afternoon. According to police, a house-wife was killed and her husband, 2-year old child and two Naiks of Army sustained critical injuries when Army vehicle rammed into a house situated just adjoining to Hotel Hill View at Batote. Both the Naiks of Army were in the Army vehicle when suddenly the steering of the vehicle got locked resulting into vehicle ramming into a house. One of the occupants of the house Salima was killed on spot while other two namely Nazir Ahmed and his 2 year old child sustained critical injuries. The Army personnel namely Ram Pal and Rajinder Singh also sustained injuries. All were rushed to district hospital and their condition was stated to be critical. Armymen were later airlifted to Military Hospital Udhampur. Meanwhile, a youth identified as Chajju Ram of Phalata was shot at by a group of three miscreants at Phalata near Tikri. The victim had gone to take bath in ‘Bowli’ when assailants, who were present also there, fired on him with "Katta"—country made pistol, after verbal dual and fled away from the spot leaving behind Chajju Ram in pool of blood. The bullet reportedly pierced into the chest of Chajju Ram. Some locals spotted Chajju Ram in critical condition and shifted him to district hospital Udhampur where doctors referred him to Government Medical College Hospital Jammu in view of his deteriorating condition and his condition was critical when reports last came in. Getting the report of firing, a police party from Tikri Police Post rushed to the spot and started investigation. A case has been registered in this connection and a hunt was on to nab the assailants but no arrest was made till reports last came in. Affair of Chajju Ram with a girl was stated to be reason behind attack on him. But whole story would came into light only after the arrest of accused persons. The miscreants have been identified as Yash Pal S/o Om Parkash, Galdy S/o Mohinder Singh and Sonu S/o Rattan Singh, both the residents of Rehmbal. In another road accident, two persons namely Sudesh Kumar, son of Chajju Ram of Uttri and Sardari Lal, son of Mani Ram of Basohli were injured when an unknown vehicle coming from Lakhanpur to Raj Bagh hit them at Lagate Morh under the jurisdiction of Kathua Police Station. Both were admitted in district hospital where Sudesh Kumar succumbed to his injuries while condition of Sardari Lal was critical when reports last came in. |
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Engineers observe National Disaster Reduction Day Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: The International Day on National Disaster Reduction was observed by the local center of the Institution of Engineers India here today. On the occasion seminar on the theme topic was held which was chaired by Mr V K Bhagotra, chairman of the Local Center of Institute of Engineers. It was presided over by Mr Inderjeet Singh, former Chief Engineer. A large number of engineers from various Government departments and other engineering organisation participated in the function. In his address Mr Singh stressed on providing of more education to women and children and creating awareness among the people. Engineers who presented papers covering various types of natural disasters and measures for reducing their occurrence and effects include Messrs A N Thuso, Santokh Singh, Inderjit Singh, O N Thuso and K K Gupta. All the speakers stressed for involvement of various sections of society and updating the technical knowledge of the concerned for effective natural disaster reduction activities. The speakers also emphasised that to minimise the loss of human lives, assets and environment all the agencies should work together and cooperate with each other so that natural disaster are minimise. Mr K P Nanda honorary secretary of the local center of the Institute Institution of Engineers (India) also deliberated on the topic. He appealed the public to use water and power judiciously. Mr Nanda conducted the proceedings and presented a vote of thanks. |
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Naik inaugurates LPG Bottling Plant, AFS at Leh Excelsior Correspondent LEH, Oct 10: The Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mr Ram Naik has dedicated to the nation a LPG Bottling Plant built at a cost of Rs 27.00 crores and a bulk depot cum Aviation Fueling Station (AFS) of Indian Oil Corporation built at a cost of Rs 12.25 crores at two separate places at Leh today. The Bottling Plant has capacity to fill 20,000 LPG cylinder per month and bulk depot cum AFS has a storage capacity for 4200 KL of Aviation Turbine, petrol, diesel and kerosene at Leh. Addressing the inaugural function of two plants at Leh, Mr Naik said that the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is trying to increase the availability of petroleum products in Jammu and Kashmir and especially in Ladakh. He said that the oil depot will provide adequate storage of fuel during winter months when the entire Ladakh region cut off from rest of the country. Similarly, the LPG Bottling Plant is thermally insulated to facilitate bottling even during winter months when the temperature drops to minus 35 degree centigrade. The Minister said that the Indian Oil Corporation has released an additional Kerosene quota of 25,000 KL in 1999-2000 and 14,987 in 2000-2001 to Jammu and Kashmir as a whole, of which 2000 KL each year in 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 has been earmarked for Ladakh region. He further said that Oil Corporation Committee has given 100 percent transport subsidy of Rs 90.00 for Ladakh sector for LPG supplies and 100 percent subsidy of Rs 43.00 lakhs per annum for Kargil sector for Public Distribution System Kerosene supplies. Realising the hardship of this area and to preserve the ecology, the Minister said that LPG connections are available on demand in J&K State. A total of 40,000 connections were released in J&K during the year 1999-2000, of which, 1532 released in Ladakh sector. More than 19000 connections were released for the state in 2000-2001, of which 841 LPG connections were released in Ladakh region. In the current year over, 9,000 connections were released for the state, of which 225 for Ladakh region. Further, 149 extension counters were opened by the oil companies in the state, of which 14 were opened in the far-flung areas of Ladakh region. Today, 137 petrol pumps, 71 LPG agencies and 44 SKO/LDO agencies meet the demand of J&K, of which 4 LPG Distributions, 2 petrol pumps and Kerosene Outlets meet the demand of Ladakh sector, the Minister said. The Minister said that before 2 years ago, the waiting list for LPG connections was more than 1.1 crores and from October 1999, the oil marketing PSU have released over 1.95 crores connections and today LPG connections is available across the counters to all customers through out the country. To facilitate the use of LPG in remote, hilly and far-flung areas, the Minister said that the Petroleum Ministry has decided to allow 5 kg cylinders for domestic use which will ease transportation of LPG in these areas and also reduce the cost of purchase for the rural households. On this occasion, the Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mr Santosh Gangwar, Union Minister of State for Food Procession, Mr Chaman Lal Gupta, chairman LAHDC, Mr Thupstan Chhewang and the chairman, Indian Oil Corporation, Mr Pathan also addressed. Minister of State for Food and Supplies, Mr Bashir Ahmed Nengroo thanked the Union Petroleum Minister for commissioning 2 petroleum products plants in the district. |
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