|
|
| Kashmir transporters meet CM Farooq calls for expanding state's resource base Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 6: Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah today underlined the need for expanding resource base for overall development of the state....more NC
holds election rally at Mishriwala Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Feb 6: Senior National Conference (NC) leader and Minister for Works, Mr Ali Mohammed Sagar.....more Cancellation
of SRO-233 sought Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 6: Seeking immediate cancellation of Registrar Co-operative Societies’ order regarding........more Rather
for greater credit flow for JK development Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 6: Emphasizing the need for more credit flow to various developmental sectors in Jammu and Kashmir...more Jammu
achieves Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 6: Jammu region has achieved self-sufficiency in milk production...more |
 |
Parents
delegation meets Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 6: A delegation of Jammu Schools Parents Association led by its convenor , Mr Chander Sheikhar Gupta called on Director School Education, Mr M S Khan here today.......more Will Pak
allow secessionists From B L Kak NEW DELHI, Feb 6: Even as the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has received information vis-a-vis inclination of a section of the All-Party Hurriyat Conference ......more Rather
holds First pre-budget discussion Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Feb 6: Finance Minister Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather today held a marathon 3 hour pre-budget discussion with the representatives of the Kashmir.........more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 6: Expressing grave concern over indifferent attitude of the State Government towards the farmers of Jammu region, the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) candidate for Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha constituency.........more |
Kashmir transporters meet CM Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 6: Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah today underlined the need for expanding resource base for overall development of the state, saying that a whopping sum of the plan goes on employees wage bills. 'Against Rs 280 crore in 1988-89, the salary bill has swelled to Rs 3200 crore, reflecting about 13 fold increase', the Chief Minister said while taking stock of the problems faced to transport sector in the Kashmir valley at a meeting here this morning. The Chief Minister said the state has to be steered to newer heights of progress and development and an all out effort is required at all levels to ensure infrastructural development. He said for achieving this ambitious objective, internal resources have to be mobilized for giving fillip to road development, drinking water facilities, health and educational sectors. Referring to the points raised by the transporters, the Chief Minister said the government is committed to promote transport industry that is the only viable medium of communication in the state. He agreed that the transport sector had been immensely hit by slump in tourism that has caused immense difficulties for a good chunk of population directly or indirectly involved with it. Responding to the demands of the delegation for freezing issuance of permits for one year and remission of token tax from 1989 to 1997 etc., the Chief Minister asked the Commissioner/Secretary, Transport, Mr. A. S. Sidhu to examine these urgently. Dr Abdullah also discussed various problems related to mini buses and other models of passenger transport. Minister for Finance, Mr Abdul Rahim Rather and Commissioner/Secretary Transport, Mr A S Sidhu were also present in the meeting. The Chief Minister asked the transporters to discuss finance related matters with the Finance Minister. The delegation under the aegis of Kashmir ValleyTransporters Federation included representatives of KMD, Western Bus Stand, big bus operators, Western Mini Bus Operators and other modes of transport organizations. |
 |
NC
holds election rally at Mishriwala Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Feb 6: Senior National Conference (NC) leader and Minister for Works, Mr Ali Mohammed Sagar has said the biggest achievement of Dr Farooq Abdullah’s Government is that it gave the political stability to the State which was brought on the path of destruction by the enemies of peace . Addressing an election rally at Mishriwala in Damana Assembly segment of Jammu, Poonch Parliamentary Constituency today, Mr Sagar said that despite the conspiracies being hatched both within and outside the state, the NC Government gave a befitting reply to the enemy’s designs by completing full five years in power successfully. He said there is a discernible change in the situation at present and state is marching to prosperity and progress under the leadership of Dr Farooq Abdullah. He said this fact has been acknowledged by the detractors of the Party as well. Making a scathing attack on political parties exploiting the people on the name of religion, Mr Sagar said his Party having full faith in secularism and nationalism never tried to garner the public support through religion or regional politics. He said in 1947 when whole Sub-Content was engulfed in communal flames, the people or Kashmir raised the slogan "Sher-i- Kashmir Ka Kya Irshad, Hindu Muslim Sikh Itihad." (The slogan of Sher-i-Kashmir is Hindu, Muslim and Sikh unity). Mr Sagar said even during the bloody turmoil of the past decade, the party leaders had to pay with their lives to uphold the secular credentials. Mr Sagar asked the people to judge the parties by their achievements and commitment to public cause and do not be swayed by the communal slogans. He said the people must only support that party which has made unlimited sacrifices for safeguard of their interests. He said the NC can only ensure political stability and equitable development of all the three regions of the State. He while criticising the opposition parties alleged that they have no thing for the people to offer. Some unscrupulous politicians have been right from 1977 working for creating uncertain political atmosphere in the state. Mr Sagar said these leaders have resorted to every kind of maneuvering to ensure that stability never come to the State. He also cautioned the people of the nefarious designs of such elements who have adopted the policy of divide and rule. Besides the Mr Talib Hussian Party candidate for Jammu, Poonch Parliamentary Constituency, the rally was also addressed by Messrs Ram Paul, Minister of State for Agriculture, MLA Raipur Damana Sat Paul Lakhotra and MLC Bhushan Lal Bhat. While seeking the vote for his Party candidate, Mr Lakhotra said NC is the only Party which can take the State to prosperity and progress. He said the Party in last over five years has not only stood like a rock against the Pak sponsored terrorism but has also taken up many developmental projects for the upliftment of the people in all three regions of State. |
|
Cancellation
of SRO-233 sought Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 6: Seeking immediate cancellation of Registrar Co-operative Societies’ order regarding reduction in retirement age of the employees of Co-operative societies, All J&K Co-Operative Bank Employees Joint Action Committee has threatened to go on an indefinite strike if their demand was not conceded within fifteen days. "If the anti-employees’ order is not cancelled and other demands are conceded by the State Government within fifteen days, we will resort to direct against i.e strikes, stoppage of loaning as well as issuing of Kissan Credit Cards," announced Mr Surinder Bhat, president of All J&K Co-Operative Bank Employees Joint Action Committee, while addressing a press conference, here today. Claiming that the Registrar’s order regarding issuance of SRO 233 has posed a grievous challenge to the very basis of Co-operative movement in Jammu and Kashmir State, Mr Bhat said that the controversial order was in defiance of established service rules and bye-laws of the Co-operative banks. "Our Registrar has no knowledge of Co-operative societies and its bye-laws," he said and added that implementation of SRO-233 was in violation of the norms of fairness and statutory rights available to the Co-operative Bank employees. While elaborating, Mr Bhat said that under the provision of by-laws and service rules of the Co-operative banks governing the service conditions of the Co-operative bank employees, Registrar of the Co-operative Societies has absolutely no power to reduce retirement age of the bank employees. Alleging that issuance of the order was based on malafide exercise of power tainted with ulterior considerations and suffers from gross abuse of power and authority, the employees’ leader, however, appreciated the management of concerned Co-operative banks which has so far refused to implement the controversial order. Leveling a series of allegations against the Registrar Co-operative Societies, the employees’ leader also demanded immediate removal of the former and appointment of a high level enquiry commission into the mismanagement of JAKFED, Super Bazar and CONFED etc. "The office of Registrar Co-operative Societies has virtually turned into a dumping ground for the corrupt officers who are involved in the scandals worth crores of rupees," he alleged. Disclosing that crores of rupees of Co-operative banks, were still outstanding against JAKFED, Super Bazar and CONFED, which are directly under the control of officers from Co-operative Department, Mr Bhat alleged that no steps were being taken by the Registrar to identify the officers involved in the financial scandals. The employees’ leaders appealed the Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah to immediately remove the present Registrar of Co-operative Societies and order constitutions of a high level inquiry into the mismanagement of JAKFED, Super Bazar and CONFED etc. "Orders issued by the present Registrar must be scrutinised also and reviewed," he added. All leaders of the Joint Action Committee were present in the press conference, who included Kewal Krishan Sharma, B A Bhat, Vijay Khajuria, Kalu Ram Khajuria and Dinesh Singh Slathia. |
|
Rather
for greater credit flow for JK development Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 6: Emphasizing the need for more credit flow to various developmental sectors in Jammu and Kashmir, Finance Minister Mr Abdul Rahim Rather today said this is imperative for giving a fillip to the state's economy and overall development. Delivering presidential address at a one day seminar on 'State Credit Seminar 2002-03', organized by the National Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) here today. Mr Rather said though all the developmental sectors need to be taken adequately care of, yet agriculture, rural development and other allied sectors have to be accorded top priority. A massive funding is needed for achieving desired goals, he said and referred to the role financial institutions like NABARD could play in this regard. Minister for Works, Mr Ali Mohammad Sagar, Financial Commissioner Finance, Mr Jalil Ahmed Khan, Principal Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Mohammad Shafi Pandit also addressed the seminar. The key note address was presented by Mr Banwar Puri, Chief General Managar, NABARD. The Finance Minister while expressing satisfaction for boosting the credit flow in the rural areas by NABARD, however said the position in respect of banks and financial institutions is very low. He said important banking indicator is Credit Deposit Ratio (CDR). He said this was 30% in the State which is well below the all India average of 60%. This, he said is a serious situation and needs attention by Government, banking and developmental agencies. The banks, Mr. Rather said have to raise the level of their advances. NABARD, the Minister said has indicated vast potential in various sectors in the Potential Linked Credit Plans (PLPs). For this purpose banks and other financial institutions need to adopt suitable strategies for achieving targets. The Finance Minister said that Annual Action Plan targets of the banks increased from Rs. 222.14 crores during 1998-99 to Rs. 367.01 crores during 2000-01. However in terms of achievements as against the targets set under the Annual Action Plans, the achievement level was recorded at significantly lower at 77.48% for the year 2000-01. He said that Potential Linked Credit Plans for the districts have to be formulated carefully. While identifying the potential every care has to be taken that the adequate credit is made available so that the identified units come up properly. Banks and other financial institutions have to keep close and constant watch on the advances and to see that the advances provided are spent for the purpose for which these have actually been issued. Attention has also to be given for conducting survey and providing proper marketing cover to the unit holders for enabling them to repay their loans. Stressing for greater attention for recoveries, the Minister said it was necessary for the overall financial health and recycling the finances by banks and other financial institutions. The recovery by banks and other financial institutions is far below the desired level. The State Government is committed to create a condusive climate for recoveries. However, he said the banks should also gear up their own recovery machinery. Mr. Rather referred to the issuance of the Kisan Credit Cards, which have also been given a great importance at the national level also. So far at All India level 138 lakhs KCCs have already been issued. In respect of J&K about 3.50 lakh farmers have to be issued these cards every year. The position in this regard was reviewed at the meeting of the Union Finance Minister with the Chief Executive Banks and financial institutions in Srinagar on 2nd September 2001. It was decided that the number of KCCS will be increased from 13,567 as on 31st March 2001 to 1 lakh by March end 2002. The targets were communicated to the banks and these were highlighted through the print and electronic media. The position, he said in this regard in the State is not encouraging. So far only 26153 cards have been issued since the inception of the scheme and number of cards issued this year is only 10603 as one December 31,2001.The banks, he said have to make the vigorous efforts to achieve the allocated targets by 31st March 2002. He expressed the hope that today's seminar will focus attention on all these aspects. All the agencies concerned will find the reasons for these inadequacies and take appropriate steps to achieve the targets for all in full. Addressing the seminar the Works Minister, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar stressed upon the Commercial Banks and other financial institutions to increase the credit flow ratio to the state, which, he said is very dismal at present as compared to the national average. Expressing dismay over the credit flow by the banks particularly the nationalize banks, the Minister said that advances in the State should have been to the tune of Rs. 7325 crore to match with the national average, he said despite the instruction of the Union Finance Minister to the banks to increase credit flow ratio to Jammu and Kashmir, no progress has been made on this front so far. The Minister said keeping in view the prevailing situation in the State, the banks and other financial institutions should have redoubled their efforts to increase credit flow to the State for the development of infrastructure and creation of job opportunities for the un-employed youths. However, I am pained to observe that the performance of the banks has not been upto the mark in the State, he said and added that the banks have not even honoured the commitment of the Union Finance Minister regarding reopening of all the closed branches in the State. The Minister said that another marked disparity is the poor investment in the agriculture and horticulture sector. He said advances to the tune of only Rs. 367 crore have been made in this vital sector against the requirement of Rs. 6000 crore. He further said against the target of 1.25 lakh Kissan cards only 10,000 such cards have been issued so far. Thus the State, he said is deprived of basic funds for the development of agriculture sector which is the backbone of the State's economy. The Minister, however, appreciated the commendable role played by NABARD, which, he said has acted as a major contributor in the infrastructure development of the State. The Minister said NABARD has approved over 2000 projects worth Rs. 458 crore in the rural infrastructure development programme particularly roads, bridges and irrigation sector. Mr. Sagar called for speedy release of funds by NABARD to accelerate the pace of development in the State. He said against the sanctioned loan of Rs. 458 crore, NABARD has so far released only Rs. 138 crore to the State. He said even the actual target fixed by the Planning Commission, Government of India for raising loan assistance form NABARD has not been fully raised. Mr. Sagar said some steps have recently been taken to remove bottlenecks in the release of funds by NABARD and there has been appreciable improvement in loan disbursement. The Minister said under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, the State has achieved 90 per cent road connectivity which is quite satisfactory keeping the prevailing situation in view. He said 800 school and hospital buildings gutted during militancy have also been reconstructed. He said the Government has provided the communication network to all the areas of the State and it is the duty of the financial institutions to reach out to the people there. The Minister asked the banks to formulate potential linked and areas specific credit plan for the State to ensure sustainable development in all the regions. He said there was a tremendous scope for investment in agriculture, horticulture, dairying, animal husbandry and power generation sectors in the State and urged the banks to concentrate on these sectors also. The Minister assured of full cooperation and support of the State Government to the financial institutions and commercial banks operating in the State. He urged the bankers to use this seminar as an opportunity to explore ways and means for increasing credit flow ratio to the State. |
|
Jammu achieves self-sufficiency in milk production Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 6: Jammu region has achieved self-sufficiency in milk production. This remarkable achievement has been possible by improving the genetic cover of the livestock. The division has registered annual grow6th rate of 5 per cent in milk production due to the massive cross breeding programme launched by the Animal Husbandry Department using Frozen Semen Technology for artificial insemination programme. The milk production has registered an increase of 10,000 MTs in a single year. The production has gone up to 540 MTs in 2000-01 against 530 MTs in 1999-2000. The production was just 490 MTs in 1996-97. With the increase in production, the per capita availability of milk has increased from 224 ml per day in 1994-95 for a human population of 29.76 lac to 341 ml per day for a record population of 41.56 lac in the division. The present per capita availability of milk is much higher than the recommendations of Indian Council of Medical research (ICMR) which is 265 ml per day only. The Department is making concerted efforts to further increase the production for which thee is sufficient potential available. The increase in the production would help meet the requirements of the floating population, ever increasing tourist influx and the security forces stationed in the division. |
|
Parents delegation meets Director School Education Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 6: A delegation of Jammu Schools Parents Association led by its convenor , Mr Chander Sheikhar Gupta called on Director School Education, Mr M S Khan here today to highlight the problems and plight of the students before him. As per a release, the delegation raised the issue of malpractices and exploitation made by the private schools after charging exorbitant fee under various heads without providing the proper facilities. It alleged that the management of these schools maintain monopoly and the parents who dare to seek any explanation are warned of dire consequences. "Even they (parents) are being warned by the management that they can not touch them due to their highest connections. The delegation alleged that the parents under duress have to go for distress purchase of text books, note books and stationery items, uniforms without any receipt or cash memo. It alleged even to get provisional and character certificates from private institutions one has to pay when all the annual charges have been already cleared. They demanded that Government should seriously consider the fee structure, rules be made for rationalisation of school fee and other miscellaneous charges, Government should conduct a random audit of accounts of the schools and fee anomaly and grievances cell be formed in Education Department. |
|
Will Pak allow secessionists to fight J&K polls? From B L Kak NEW DELHI, Feb 6: Even as the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has received information vis-a-vis inclination of a section of the All-Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) towards participating in the Assembly polls in Kashmir, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee has no plans, at least for the time being, to hold "direct" parleys with the Hurriyat leaders. The Prime Minister is fully aware of an inclination of some Hurriyat leaders towards "direct" interaction with him. Indeed, Mr AS Dulat, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Prime Minister’s Office was, once again, contacted by two leaders of the Hurriyat Conference for "direct" talks with Mr Vajpayee on the Kashmir situation. But Mr Vajpayee has opted for a wait-and-watch approach. The Prime Minister’s line of thinking in this regard, as explained by a Ministerial source is to ensure that other channels opened to bring Kashmiri opposition leaders to negotiating table were not disturbed. Since a larger section of the secessionist camp in Jammu and Kashmir continues to look at Islamabad with hopeful eyes, the BJP-led ruling coalition at the Centre wants to monitor Pakistan’s signals to the average secessionist in the coming days and weeks. Clearly, the question which has led the Prime Minister to adopt wait-and-watch attitude is: Will Pakistan allow secessionists to participate in the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir this year? The Ministerial source said, "We want complete peace in Jammu and Kashmir. We have, as a matter of fact, reiterated our willingness to hold talks with all those who eschew violence. We have repeated our invitation to the Hurriyat leaders for talks with the Government." Elaborating on it, the Ministerial source said that it would be in fitness of things to expect ‘willing’ leaders and groups to directly interact with the Government’s principal representative, Mr KC Pant, before anyone sought to highlight the need for "direct" talks with the Prime Minister, Mr Vajpayee, significantly, has endorsed Mr Pant’s plan, seeking the involvement of yet another ‘Kashmir specialist’, Mr Wajahat Habibullah, in attempts to keep open the channel with the Hurriyat leadership. All the more reason for Mr Pant’s latest statement that Mr Habibullah’s role as the Government’s emissary "is not a new initiative". It is now revealed that Mr Wajahat Habibullah, former Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, was roped in after Mr K C Pant did two things without any fanfare — first, he held quiet consultations with him and, then, contacted Mr Vajpayee for his approval of his (Mr Wajahat’s) ‘Mission Kashmir’. Subsequently, Mr Pant also apprised the Home Minister Mr LK Advani, and the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah, of the development. Mr Pant is in touch with at least two leaders of the Hurriyat Conference. Their identity has so far been kept a guarded secret by Mr Pant. And Mr Wajahat Habibullah has established an open channel with the Hurriyat chairman, Prof Abdul Ghani Bhat, while Mr A S Dulat, former chief of the RAW, has established behind-the-scene contact with at least three Hurriyat leaders. All the three representatives — Mr Pant, Mr Habibullah and Mr Dulat — have received indications from some Hurriyat leaders about their inclination towards participating in the Assembly elections. At the same time, however, the umbrella outfit (APHC), the trio has learnt, is divided on the question of participating in the electoral process. It is generally felt that the Hurriyat’s participation in the Assembly polls will depend on Islamabad’s standpoint. And the standpoint of militant outfits based in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) on the issue will also matter in any move by the Hurriyat leaders as well the secessionist camp in Kashmir vis-a-vis the electoral process in J&K. It is not an easy task to woo the estranged lot of leaders and activists on the Kashmir scene. It is not unknown that more than 40,000 people have lost their lives in Kashmir during 12 years of militancy. And if the Hurriyat leaders finally decided to enter the electoral fray, they may not escape the question: Was the ‘freedom struggle’ launched in Kashmir to pave way for their participation in the elections and for capturing political power? |
|
Rather holds First
pre-budget discussion Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Feb 6- Finance Minister Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather today held a marathon 3 hour pre-budget discussion with the representatives of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation. The purpose of the meeting, the first in the series the Minister is holding this year, was to seek suggestions from trade and industry before finalisation of the budget proposals for 2002-2003. The Financial Commissioner, Finance, Mr. Jalil Ahmad Khan and Commissioner, Sales Tax, Mr. A. R. Mubarki were present. The minister had started this practice of interaction two years back when he took over the portfolio of finance. He is meeting members of Chamber of Industries and economic experts from Kashmir University also. Later on, he will have similar meetings at Jammu. About today’s meeting, Mr. Rather said that he heard the members of the two associations and would try to accommodate within the financial constraints the suggestions put forward by them while preparing the budget proposals. He said similar discussions held last year were helpful. The Minister said that tax collection was not aimed at causing inconvenience to the people but raise finances for their development and welfare. He said he had no pre-determined proposals for the ensuing budget and had come with a clean slate to have a discussion with and seek suggestions from the members of trade and commerce associations and economic experts. He said the memoranda given to him and the points raised in the meeting were noted. Mr. Rather asked the participant members to update their information when speaking at the forums like today’s meeting and dispelled the notion that the state was exporting electricity while the locals were facing curtailments. He said this was not a fact. The state in fact was annually importing electricity worth Rs. 850 crore besides its own power generation. In contrast to this, he said, only Rs. 270 crore were realised as power tariff last year. He said the Government has started a major power project at Baghliar in the State sector that would produce 450 MWs of power. Another major project is being taken in hand at Sawalakot, he said adding, 7 more projects have been given to NHPC which would be returned to the state after the corporation recovers their cost. He said such an agreement had been signed for the first time in the state. The Minister said the shortage of power in the state was a hindrance to industrial growth and said the Government was doing all out efforts to improve the situation and cited the instance of ‘Roshni’ scheme that was meant to increase power generation. In reference to the VAT scheme, he said, it has been decided to now implement it from April 2003 in the entire country. He said it is a new system that would be implemented after the tax payers and tax collectors are fully aware about it. He assured of minimising procedural difficulties in tax collection. He said if the Government felt that the self assessment scheme for sales tax was doing well then it might consider raising the present limit of amount which, he said, had already been raised from Rs. 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh. Mr. Rather thanked the participants for the open discussion and suggestions and said these would be put forward before the state cabinet while discussing budget proposals for 2002-2003. Earlier, the Financial Commissioner, Finance said a complimentary copy of the budget would be sent the Chamber of Commerce for study after it is presented in the Assembly. In reply to the demand of downsizing the government, he said that appointment against vacancies have been frozen in 1999 except where recruitment is essential. He said for the last two years no taxes were proposed in the state budget. |
|
Teach traitors a
lesson to restore dignity, honour Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 6: Expressing grave concern over indifferent attitude of the State Government towards the farmers of Jammu region, the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) candidate for Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha constituency, Dr Nirmal Singh today said that it was all due to the sycophancy of the National Conference leaders that inhabitants have been facing hardships. Dr Singh, who has conducted a whirlwind tour of Vijaypur, Bari-Brahamana, Palli, Dug, Swankha, Gho Brahamana, Ramloo, Basti, Khurd, Kralian, Tug and other areas of Vijaypur constituency regretted that instead of mitigating woes of the local people, NC leaders were involved in accomplishing nefarious designs of their Kashmiri masters. "Jammu based NC leaders have crossed all limits of sycophancy and have sold dignity and honour of Jammu for their petty interests", he lamented, adding, "it is hightime to protect honour and dignity of Jammu". "With a hope that their representatives will solve their problems, residents of Vijaypur constituency had cast their vote in favour of NC leader in 1996 Assembly. But instead of heeding woes of his own people, elected NC leader is more particular over fulfilling aspirations of his political masters", he said. Without naming Power Minister, Surjit Singh Slathia, who represent Vijaypur constituency, Dr Nirmal Singh said it was very unfortunate that despite being a constituency of a Cabinet Minister, inhabitants have been living in virtually hellish conditions. "A large chunk of this Assembly segment has been confronting with the problem of acute shortage of drinking water while another chunk has been struggling for irrigation facilities", he said while expressing his full sympathy with the farmers. Taking a dig at National Conference for neglecting Jammu, BJP candidate said that they (NC) leaders were representatives of Jammu but their policies and programmes were guided by the interests of their Kashmir mentors. "Your MLA is Power Minister but it is very unfortunate that this constituency has been facing worst every power crises", he said and exhorted the people to teach a lesson to those who were responsible for their woes. Seeking a reply from the Power Minister for not mitigating woes of the people of his own constituency, Dr Singh lamented that Jammu based NC leaders were more interests in the sychopancy of their Kashmiri leaders rather than solving problems of people. "They (NC leaders) have been enjoying power and can change fate of the people", he explained but regretted that NC leaders were more interested in plundering wealth and fulfilling wishes and aspirations of their mentors. While interacting with BJP candidate, Dr Nirmal Singh, local people lavished all praise on late BJP MP Vaid Vaishnu Dutt. They informed that during his tenure Vaidji has done a lot of work for the upliftment of these area. They informed Dr Singh about projects undertaken by Vaidji. Reacting to the emotions expressed by the local people, Dr Nirmal Singh said that he has been contesting election only to complete unfinish task of Vaidji. A rousing reception was accorded to Dr Nirmal Singh at various places. People resorted to beating dhools as BJP candidate reached these duty villages. Attraction of these meetings was participation of large number of youth and women. Mr Suresh Chandel, MP from Himachal Pradesh in his address said that BJP leadership has vowed to root out terrorism from the soil of India and exposed the nefarious designs of Pakistan. Mrs Suresh Jamwal, Satish Sharma, Digvijay Singh, Virender Mohan Sharma, Tilak Raj Gupta, Ram Parkash Sharma and other BJP leaders also accompanied Dr Nirmal Singh and asked the people to vote in favour of BJP candidate. However, BJP leader, Mr L K Moza organised series of public meetings in Jammu city especially in Kashmir Pandits pockets to kick off election campaign for Dr Nirmal Singh. He appealed to the voters to cast vote in favour of Dr Singh as he is highly educated and well aware of the problems of the people. Meanwhile BJP MLA from Jammu East, Mr Ashok Khajuria has strongly criticised the statement of AICC general secretary, Mrs Mohsina Kidwai in which she had stated that BJP led Government at Centre has no clear policy on Kashmir and it acts in the influence of America. He said it was first Prime Minister, Jawahar Lal Nehru who was responsible for taking Kashmir problem to United Nations. He warned the people against nefarious designs of Congress and asked them vote in favour of Dr Nirmal Singh who is intellectual, historian and a dedicated work. |
|
Youth Information Centre Organises a Debate Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb. 6: "Science is a Blessing or Curse" was the topic on which Youth Information Centre/ Ladies Information Centre Jammu organised a debating contest in S.D. Higher Secondary Kenya Vidayala, Jullakha Mohalla here today. As many as 12 students of the Vidayala expressed their views on blessing and curses of modern age of science and technology. However, curses of science out-numbered blessing. The curses included modern inventions of nuclear energy, devised for destruction of humanity, the poisonous gases and exhaust and nuclear fall out, pollution caused in the environment and artificial ways of living by the human beings. Speaking on the occasion, the Principal, Mrs. Sharda Sharma lauded the State Information Department for its valuable efforts to disseminate awareness and general knowledge among the people especially the students community. This helping the youth to prepare for future life which is full of competition. The Department distributed trophies among the students adjudged the best. They included Miss Prynka 11th, Miss Dimple 9th and Master Sanjeev 12th and Miss Shikha 10th respectively. The artists of the State Information Department presented a colourful cultural programme which was highlighted by the audience.Among others the function was attended by the Member, SD Sabha, Mr. Krishan Kumar Kesar, prominent citizens and teachers of the institution. |
|
NC Govt adopting callous
attitude towards Excelsior Correspondent JOURIAN, Feb 6: Charging Farooq Abdullah Government with adopting callous and indifferent attitude towards interests of the masses, the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), chief Mufti Mohammed Sayed today said that ensuing by-election for Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha seat will provide an opportunity to the people to decide their future. "Inhabitants of border areas have been facing hardship but state government has failed to provide them adequate relief", Mufti said while addressing public meetings at Gour and Jourian, Bahujan Samaj Morcha president Tulsi Dass Langeh and PDP general secretary also addressed the rallies which were organised by Mr Devinder Sharma, zonal president Akhnoor PDP. Mufti said that there has been virtual anarchy in the state. Corruption and nepotism has creeped into all spheres of life. "The State Government have been provided employees even though the Chief Minister always speaks about providing one lakhs", he said and added, "jobs were either given to kith and kin of Ministers or sold in open market". Speaking about the problems of border migrants, he said while displaced people have been living in inhuman conditions, the State Government has failed to provide them adequate relief. The Chief Minister has not even visited them. This is height of irresponsibility and it could not be allowed to continue for long. The people must come forward for a change and vote out the NC. BSM president, Mr Tulsi Dass Langeh said that PDP was the only viable and suitable alternative and it was for this reason that BSM has decided to support PDP. He said that NC Government was anti-poor and anti-downtrodden section of the society. PDP general secretary, Mr Ved Mahajan said that Dr Farooq Abdullah makes tall claims of equitable distribution among all the three regions of the state. But adequate representation has not given to Jammu. Mr Davinder Sharma, zonal president in his address highlighted problems of border displaced people. Messrs Trilok Singh Bajwa, Haji Noor Ahmed, Abdul Gani Aftab, Haji Nazir, Nazir Ahmed, Ashok Sharma, Amarjeet Singh, Peer Abdul Majid Shah, Thoru Ram, Zaffar Shah and others addressed the rally. Meanwhile a meeting of the minority wing of the PDP was held under the chairmanship of Mufti Mohammed Sayed to take stock of the situation in the state and the present condition of the minority community in Kashmir. Speakers highlighted problems being faced by the Kashmiri Pandits. Mufti gave a passionate hearing and said that PDP was committed to work for the welfare and upliftment of every citizen of the state irrespective of his caste, creed and colour. |
|
Handloom research and design dev centres soon: Kamal Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 6: J&K Government today chalked out a time bound programme to give a fillip to handloom sector in the State. About 100 new handloom cooperative societies and self help groups (SHG) would be set up by the end of current fiscal enabling handloom weavers to avail off wide range of special incentives under centrally sponsored Deen Dayal Hathkargah Protsahan Yojana (DDHPY). Decision to this effect was taken at a review meeting of the handloom development department held here today. The Industries and Commerce Minister, Dr. Mustafa Kamal presided. The Financial Commissioner, Industries and Commerce, Mr. I. S. Malhi, Secretary Industries and Commerce, Mr. Khursheed Ahmed, Director Handloom department and concerned officers were also present. It was informed that two handloom research and design development centres one each at Jammu and Srinagar would be set up during 10th five year plan period to develop new designs to suit the changing consumer preference and market trends. Expertise of National Institute of Design, Institute of Fashion Technology and Indian Institute of Handloom Technology would also be sought for this purpose. It was informed that for the first time, Kani Jamawar craft has been introduced in private sector at Narwarah in Srinagar district. A group of 23 handloom weavers after getting training in Kani shawl weaving have set up a cooperative society, which has started production. This society would be brought under DDHPY. These weavers were earlier associated with Shahtoos trade and have now switched over to Kani Jamawar after imposition of ban on Shahtoos trade. The department have started four training centres for Kani Shawl at Aripanthan in Budgam district, Shrai and Feroz pora in Baramulla and Handwara at Kupwara districts. The handloom department have also introduced three pronged strategy to check misuse of incentives provided to the weavers by the Government. This includes issuing of identity cards to weavers both in private as well as cooperative fold, introduction of thrift fund scheme and group insurance scheme. Special credit plan has also been extended to handloom sector. The scheme provides credit facilities to the weavers to set up their units with only 10% promoters contribution and 90% loan component for financial institution. It was informed that Rs. 3.47 crore have been provided to the weavers under MDA scheme on sale of cloth produced by them during last 5 years of the present government. About 3394 weavers were provided employment in the organised sector whereas 2580 weavers were covered under new insurance scheme. Besides, 2425 girl students belonging to weaver's community were provided scholarships. |
|
Kamal for restructuring handloom training programmes Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 6: The Industries and Commerce Minister, Dr. Mustafa Kamal today called for re-structuring of handloom training programmes to make them in tune with the latest market trends and changing consumer preferences. "Some of the existing handloom training programmes designed decades ago could have become absolute, as such needs revamping with innovative design inputs", the Minister said while speaking at the review meeting of handloom development department here today. Dr. Kamal emphasised for dovetailing programmes of Handloom Corporation and handloom department adding that efforts made in reviving antique shawl design needed to be shared for boosting craftsmanship in the State. He said focus should be laid on research and design development aspects also to make products exclusive and market competable. Dr. Kamal also called for a massive drive to de-register bogus handloom cooperative societies so that genuine societies could be provided incentives due to them under various State and Central handloom development schemes. "Genuine handloom cooperative societies should not be made to suffer for fault of bogus/fake societies, the Minister said and instructed the concerned authorities to process cases of all genuine societies for getting incentives available under market development assistance (MDA) scheme. He said plenty of funds are available under this scheme which provides a range of financial assistance to the handloom weavers for purchasing looms, creating infrastructure, design development and availing bank credits and all efforts should be made to ensure that benefits of this scheme accrue to the weavers at gross root level. Dr. Kamal also stressed for promotion and preservation of heritage crafts with particular reference to development of Kani Jamawars. Financial Commissioner, Industries and Commerce Department, Mr I.S. Malhi stressed for mobilizing handloom cooperative societies into productive assets adding that defunct societies have no place in a vibrant cooperative set up. He also called for vigor in implementing various handloom developments schemes so that weavers could be benefited. He asked the concerned officers to conduct surprise checks of handloom societies and training centres to ensure accountability at gross roots level. Mr. Malhi asked for creating an exclusive trademark for handloom products of the State for recognition in the world market. The Secretary Industries and Commerce, Mr. Khurshid Ahmad, Director Handicrafts department and other senior officers were also present in the meeting. |
|
Compensation for land
mine victims demanded Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 6: Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party chief and candidate for Jammu-Poonch parliamentary constituency Prof Bhim Singh today vehemently criticised statement of Pakistani military ruler General Pervez Musharraf and said that the statement aimed to interfere in the domestic affairs and seeking international intervention on Kashmir. Addressing election meetings at Rajouri, Badoon, Kalakote, Dangri, Nowshera, Langer and Sunderbani, Prof Singh urged the people to stand united and give befitting rebuff to ruling National Conference, BJP and Congress for their anti-Jammu policies pursued for the last 53 years by supporting Panthers Party in both Parliamentary and Assembly elections. Prof Bhim Singh said that NC-BJP alliance has proved dangerous for the masses of Jammu region who are treated as second class citizens by the rulers. He said that BJP led Government at the Centre is making experiments with Kashmir politics only to please their American masters least caring to attend the plight of border residents who have been left in lurch. He said that appointments of new interlocutor to hold talks with separate and other harbourers of terrorism in the Valley is ridiculous which lack solid policy. He further said that BJP-led Government at the Centre is only making these somersaults to keep voters in good hunour for the time being just to win parliamentary by-elections and nothing else. The National Panthers Party chief further said that NC-BJP are only for power and eager to continue their respective misrule. Panthers Party MLA from Ramnagar Mr Harsh Dev Singh appealed the electorates of Jammu-Poonch parliamentary constituency to exercise their franchise in favour of Prof Bhim Singh in the overeall interests of Jammu region. He further said that Prof Singh has a long history of struggle and sacrifice and had made significant contributions towards the cause of Jammu region. He said that under the prevailing circumstances Panthers Party alone could ensure justice to the people of Jammu region and liberate them from the hegemony of Kashmir rulers. Panthers Party leader Mushtaq Khan demanded full compensation to land mine victims in border areas who have lost their lives, bovine and crop due to blasts. |
|
RPI supports BSP for
Jammu-Poonch elections Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 6: Bahujan Samaj Party candidate for Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha constituency, Sheikh Abdul Rehman has alleged that National Conference and Bharatiya Janata Party are responsible for miseries of the people from Jammu and Kashmir state. Addressing series of public meetings in Marh and Raipur Domana assembly segments today, the BSP leader alleged that for the present scenario in the state, the National Conference and BJP are mainly responsible. Earlier, the Congress played dubious games in the state politics and caused severe damage to the state. Mr Rehman further alleged that BJP led NDA Government at the Centre has privatised all the public sectors but the corruption and nepotism is flourishing even there. The present Home Minister had promised for the end to militancy if voted to power but instead of containing it, the militancy has reached the Parliament House, which exposes the inefficiency of the Central Government. Lakhs of tonnes of food grains are lying is the godowns and are being wasted but the people in Orissa and other areas are still at the verge of starvation. Referring to the state politics of BJP and PCC, Mr Rehman alleged that Congress is a non-entity and is involved in party defections while BJP is also plagued with inner party differences and a large section of the party leadership is not working for the candidate who who has no political base and experience. National Conference is working against the interests of the common masses of the state and especially the Jammu region, which has been deprived of its development since long. The NC has given rise to corruption and militancy. Its MLAs and Ministers have accumulated huge wealth through unfair means. They have deliberately ignored SCs, STs and the OBCs in the state. The border migrants are not being paid compensation and they are living in terrible condition. BSP general secretary, Roop Lal, G L Bhagat-senior vice president, Darshan Lal- block president Marh, Jagdish Raj Sarpanch Bhalwal, Kuldeep Kumar, Amit Manhas, Ghulam Hassan, Gharu Ram, B D Bhagat district president Jammu also spoke on the occasion. Meanwhile, Republican Party of India, J&K unit has announced its support to the BSP in Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha elections. The party chief Mr Som Nath Lalotra in a press conference today disclosed that RPI would fully support the BSP and work for the success of BSP candidate, Mr Sheikh Abdul Rehman for Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha seat. Mr Lalotra claimed that BSP is the only party party which is fighting for the cause of down trodden sections including SCs, STs and OBCs. This party is aimed at fulfilling the mission of Dr B R Ambedkar and is striving hard for social transformation and economic justice to the power and down trodden. |
|
|
|
|
| home | state | national | business| editorial | advertisement | sports | |
