State RCA extends support to agitation of Blind in HP

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 11: A meting of Rehabilitation Coordination International (RCI), J&K Chapter, was held under the presidentship of Mr R C Sharma, in support of the agitation launched by the Blind Association of Himachal Pradesh at Shimla under the presidentship of Mr Shobu Ram.

As per a release it was resolved in the meeting to extend whole-hearted support and stand at the back of this agitation which the blind are fighting for their noble cause. In the meeting an earnest appeal was made to Himachal Chief Minister Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal to personally look into the problems of this sect of the community and take early and adequate measures to solve the same.

The meeting was of the firm view that if any further delay was caused or their demands not conceded, there was every apprehension of flaring up of the agitation to outside Himachal Pradesh in other states of the country. They held it was unfortunate that the strike has entered 37th day and the Government has not paid any heed towards the most genuine demands of blind.

While addressing Mr R C Sharma cautioned the Himachal Pradesh Government not to consider the Blind Association as an isolated one and expressed the resolve that entire country would be mobilized to come in their support if any adventurism was sought to be played by the Government of Himachal Pradesh.

Prominent among those who attended and spoke on the occasion included Messrs V L Verma, Roshan Bhan, Dr R R Khajuria, Vinod Kumar Chalotra, G Singh, JKHWA, S P Verma, A S Manhas, M L Sharma and others.

Extension of Bank’s services in Doda, Udhampur demanded
Rather assures every possible help for JRB

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 11: Finance Minister, Mr Abdul Rahim Rather today assured employees of the Jammu Rural Bank that State Government will take every possible step for the development of this rural bank.

Addressing a function which was organised in connection with the Silver Jubilee of the Bank, Mr Rather said that main aim of the Bank was upliftment and betterment of the rural masses. He said that development of the country was depend upon the upliftment of the rural areas. "As 75 percent of the population of India is living in India so it is necessary to take every possible efforts for the development of rural areas", he stressed.

"The basic objective of setting up RRBs was to free the poor man from the clutches of the money lender and JRB has achieved that to a large extent", he said and hailed the Bank for its excellent achievement in the mobilisation of deposits.

Appreciating employees of the Bank, Mr Rather expressed his satisfaction that deposits of the Bank has reached to Rs 343 crores. He, however, asked the management of the Bank provide advances to the clients through easy procedures.

Speaking on the occasion, Power Minister, Mr S S Slathia, who presided over the function, congratulated the management and staff of the Bank for their excellent performance inspite of the staff constraints, difficult topography and stiff competition from other banks. He was further of the view that JRB has fulfilled the very objective and such its service area should be extended to Udhampur and Doda districts. Mr Slathia also urged chairman of the J&K Bank, Mr M Y Khan to help JRB in computerisation.

Mr M Y Khan, chairman of the J&K Bank, in his congratulated the management and staff on the occasion. He was all praise for the Bank for wiping out the losses accumulated over the years and bringing bank to substantial profits during last four years. He also appreciated the present chairman, Mr Sharma for carrying forward the good work done by the previous chairman. While wishing the Bank success in the days to come assured genuine support at all times.

Addressing the function, Mr Bhawan Puri, General Manager of NABARD, appreciated the efforts of the Bank in increasing of the deposits, advances, formation and linkage of SHGs. He further stated that Bank in doing a good job in disbursement of production credit by issuance of Kissan Credit Card. He underlined that full support will be extended by the NABARD to Jammu Rural Bank. He congratulated the management, staff and their families on this day.

Chairman of the Jammu Rural Bank, Mr S C Sharma, in his welcome address gave a brief resume about the working of the Bank for the last 25 years. He said that after 1977 the deposits of the Bank have increased to Rs 342.75 crores and advances by Rs 61.06 crores as on March 2001. He further disclosed that the Bank has turned around and is earning profits for the year 2000-2001 was Rs 7.62 crores. He also disclosed that the Bank with an endeavour to increase CD Ratio is making all efforts and is extending credit facilities.

Arrest warrants issued against Vaishno Dogra
BJYM leaders lodged in Jammu Central jail
released on bail

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 11: Chief Judicial Magistrate Jammu Mr Suresh Kumar granted bail to the arrested Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha leaders including state BJYM president- Mr Satish Sharma and issued general arrest warrants against another accused Vaishno Dass Dogra of Bakshi Nagar.

These activists had been arrested by police and lodged in Jammu Central Jail on the charges raised by Chief Engineer PDD (M&RE) Mr H S Raina and Mr Shakti Gupta, president PDD employees union.

The CJM framed charges against the accused persons—Vikas Gupta Satish Sharma, Naresh Pardhan, Rakesh Chouhan and Vaishno Dass Dogra, son of MLA Hans Raj Dogra, under section 452, 147, 148 and Section 3 of Provision of Damage to Public Property Act 1984. The court after recording the statements of the police officials issued general arrest warrants against Vaishno Dogra under Section 512 CrPC and declared him absconder.

The police through chief prosecuting officer has presented challan against the accused persons who according to the challan have forcibly entered in the office of Chief Engineer PDD (M&RE) Jammu on Oct. 4, 2001 at about 11 am. The police further alleged that accused persons led by Mr Dogra ransacked the office and damaged the Government property including photostat machine, Fax, telephone and furniture.

The CJM had earlier also directed the accused persons to furnish bail bond to the tune of Rs 10,000 each but the arrested BJYM/BJP activists declined to do so, demanding unconditional release. Today, the accused persons furnished bail bond and the court issued the release orders.

Meanwhile, the activists of BJP and BJYM continued their protest dharna outside the office of Divisional commissioner Jammu demanding unconditional release of arrested BJYM leaders. Mr Daya Krishan Kotwal, state BJP president was leading the protest while other senior party leaders including Ch Piara Singh, Mr Ashok Khajuria, Mr Hans Raj Dogra, Mr Bali Bhagat —all MLAs also joined the struggle. BJYM general secretary Tilak Raj Gupta threatened to open old cases against PDD Chief Engineer Mr H S Raina. He also warned the Administration to release BJYM activists unconditionally or to face the consequences.

Mr Kotwal addressed the gathering and strongly criticised the NC Government for its alleged failure to ensure uninterrupted power supply. He said the people of Jammu are being harassed and victimised.

He said the PDD has imposed power curtailment for more than ten hours and the people are the great sufferers. The people should stop payment of bills as Government has no right to collect revenue as it is not providing regular supply of electricity. The other MLAs also spoke on the occasion.

A release of the BJYM issued from its headquarters this evening, claimed that all the arrested leaders of the Morcha were released on ‘Muchalkas’ on the assurance of the authorities that all cases framed against them will be dismissed immediately after consulting with the higher authorities.

Sakina hopeful of tourism picking up
Pony race, golf competition enlivens Gulmarg

Excelsior Correspondent

GULMARG, Oct 11: The captivating meadows of famous hill station Gulmarg in the Kashmir valley today witnessed a unique sports event with the local ponyriders participating in the first ever pony race competition.

First of its kind over a decade long terrorism, the competition organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, attracted a large number of people from the peripheries, reminding the pre turmoil days.

The event was widely covered by print and electronic media. As a part of destination tourism promotion activity, the other important feature of the event was a gold competition of local participants. The three-day twin competition started Tuesday, in which 41 ponyriders and 18 golfers took part.

Minister of State for Tourism Ms Sakina Itto gave away prizes to winners of the competition. In category A of the pony race section, Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, Mohammad Akbar and Mohammad Yousaf Chechi bagged first, second and third prizes respectively. It category B, Mohammad Yousaf Degar, Abdul Majid and Mohammad Farooq got first three prizes.

Deen Mohammad, Mohamad Sadiq Katari and Ghulam Rasool Katari got first, second and third prizes respectively in golf competition. Consolation prizes were also awarded to 18 ponyriders and 13 golfers.

The first prize in the Category A pony race carried Rs 5000, the second prize Rs 3500 and the third prize Rs 2500. In category B, Rs 3500, Rs 2500 and Rs 1500 were awarded for the first three position. Similarly, Rs 5000, Rs 3000 and Rs 2000 were awarded to first, second and third position holders in golf competition.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Itoo said that purpose of holding such events is to give philip to tourism that was severely hit by militancy. She said tourism revival is a priority with the Government and all efforts are being made to attract nature lovers from various parts of the country to different destinations in the Valley.

The Minister spelled out the steps taken to create infrastructural facilities and said that special emphasis are being laid on giving face lift to Gulmarg. This includes development of the circular road that has cost over Rs 2.65 crore.

Commissioner/Secretary Tourism Mr Parvez Dewan also spoke on the occasion. The Director General Tourism Mr Mohammad Ashraf and Director Tourism Kashmir, Sheikh Nissar were among those present on the occasion.

Later, the Minister launched a week long cleanliness drive at the hill station.

KPs sceptical over Govt move to hold elections in camps

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 11: Various Kashmiri Pandit (KP) organizations have sharply reacted to the Government’s move to hold the elections in the migrant camps and termed it a politically motivated step of the State Government.

Reacting to the move, Mr R K Raina senior vice president , ASKPC said this way the Government was trying to divide the community. He while cautioning the KPs asked them not to be swayed by the official propaganda and maintain unity in their rank and file.

Criticising the move Mr M L Koul, general secretary, PCC and chairman of the Minority Cell of the Party said no body is opposed to elections but how can you determine that a particular person elected from the camp will represent the majority will if the number of candidates contesting will be more.

Moreover, he said the Government has not taken the non camp residents into consideration which constitute the majority of the Kashmiri migrants.

Same views were expressed by Mr A K Jyotshi, leader of the Minority Committee PDP. He said the sudden move of State Government has created a lot of confusion in the community as this way the representation will be given to camp inmates only while the majority of migrants living in non camps will be ignored.

Over 400 JAAs face official apathy

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 11: With the authorities at the helm of affairs sealing their chances of promotions by either throwing to winds or ignoring the service rules, over 400 Junior Agriculture Assistants (JAAs) of Jammu region are facing a bleak future now.

Stung by what can be termed as the official apathy, these JAAs with 12 to 15 years service in the Department have been deprived of promotions to the posts of Agriculture Extension Officers (AEOs) for unknown reasons by the Department. The biased and apathetic approach of the authorities has generated a lot of resentment among the cadre.

Non Gazetted Agriculture Graduates Association (NGAGA) president, Mr Rajesh Langer while talking to this reporter said unlike the other State Government departments, the Agriculture Department in Jammu is not being guided by the service rules. The rules are no doubt there but they are never implemented in letter and spirit but violated giving rise to many irregularities, he added.

He while highlighting the plight of his cadre alleged that over 400 JAAs are running from pillar to post for promotions as Agriculture Extension Officers (AEOs) but to no avail. Though the Department has no difficulty in issuing the orders for these officials as they have been already placed in the higher grade. Moreover, there will be no burden on the state exchequer, yet the Department is reluctant to issue the orders.

Total chaos and confusion prevails in the Department, he said, adding what can be the more apathy towards the JAAs that the technical and non technical staff have been placed in the same grade.

"We have been ignored in promotions and recently some gazetted posts were filled up through PSC by ignoring the JAAs," he said and added this is the total violation of the norms which call for 50:50 quota for PSC and DPC.

Mr Langer said though the Government has agreed in principle to fix a quota for JAAs in MSc but the same was not extended after one year.

Stressing on separation of input and extension agencies in Agriculture Department, Mr B J Zuthsi, another NGAGA leader said a mess has been created in the Department by not assigning the proper work to these two agencies.

He alleged that unlike the Kashmir Division, the JAAs are forced to sell the seed and fertilizers to farmers in Jammu region when this is the job of store keepers. The JAAs are being penalized and forcible recoveries are made from their salary in case the target is not achieved by them for certain reasons.

Elaborating it he said some times the farmers due to unfavorable climatic conditions show reluctance to purchase a particular variety of seed and the JAAs are penalized for the same. This is totally an injustice with our cadre as the extension agency is meant for development and education of the farmers and not the sale of seeds and fertilizers.

Stressing on revival of 1984 position, Mr Sanjesh Kaul, general secretary NGAGA demanded immediate restoration of gazetted status to JAAS.

He further castigated the Department authorities for adopting the pick and choose policy while sending the JAAs on deputations to soil Conservation, horticulture and Rural Development Department as BDOs and demanded that proper rules may be framed for the same.

Refix eligibility criteria for teachers’ selection: HC

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 11: Justice T S Doabia of the State High Court has directed Jammu and Kashmir Government and others to refix the eligibility criteria and also the selection criteria for the appointment of the teachers.

The Court however, directed that the petitioners who have already applied, their claims would be considered, as otherwise they are likely to become overage.

In his 41 page judgment in a writ petition fled by Jyoti Rani through Advocate Surinder Kour, Justice Doabia observed that there has been a consensus from both the parties that the eligibility criteria has to be laid down by the authority who is ultimately to make the appointments." The eligibility must be possessed by a candidate on the date on which notification notifying the vacancies is issued or on the date it is prescribed in this behalf in the rules or in the notification itself.

While allowing the petition, Justice Doabia observed that the issue involved in this petition has already been settled that the eligibility criteria which is fixed by the State for making selection is fixed in the exercise of the power which is both executive and legislative. " This power vests only in the executive wing and it cannot be exercised by any authority exercising the delegated power".

It was pointed that laying down of the qualification would be done in such manner that it doesn’t lead to a situation in which trained graduate in Education discipline is left out and graduate in any other discipline other than education is getting into the teaching stream." The syllabus for BEd is entirely different as compared with the course of study which is undergone by a 10 plus candidate. Therefore this aspect of the matter has to be taken note of, the Justice observed while disposing off the batch of writ petitions.

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