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| DB directs that additional marks for BEd be given for Teacher’s post Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 27: Division Bench of the State High Court comprising Justice T S Doabia and Justice SK Gupta, in a Letters Patent Appeal (LPA) filed against the judgment....more 6-channel
road from Dalgate to Budshah bridge Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 27: To ease traffic congestion in the Srinagar city the road from Budshah bridge to Dalgate is being upgraded as a 6-channel........more Pak terror
spoiled Excelsior Correspondent PAHALGAM, May 27: Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah today said the long spell of militancy has shattered tourism, the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir economy.......more Special
interest waiver Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 27: Jammu and Kashmir Government is contemplating to extend a special debt relief scheme to rehabilitate militancy hit sick industrial units.....more One
killed, 3 injured Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 27: One person was killed and three others injured in road accident while as two persons including a young girl allegedly made attempt....more |
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Sadhotra
convenes Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 27 : In order to mitigate the problems of border migrants affected due to heavy shelling from across the border, a high level meeting of provincial officers was convened here by the Minister of State..........more Over 3000
devotees Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 27: Over three thousand pilgrims participated in the Shoba Yatra of Satguru Kabir from Govind Puri Vijaypur to Utterbeni taken in connection with Murti Sattapna Samaroh...............more Harbans
for excellency Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 27 : The Minister for Labour and Sports, S. Harbans Singh has called upon the younger generation to imbibe spirit of patriotism, punctuality and discipline which is vital for preparing them to meet the future challenges in their lives..............more VHP
ridicules PM’s Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 27: Ridiculing the announcement of economic package when the very lives of those for whom the package is claimed to be meant are endangered and their very existence at stake, State unit of Vishav Hindu Parishad (VHP) today said that patriotic people were expecting military......more |
DB directs that additional marks for
BEd be Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 27: Division Bench of the State High Court comprising Justice T S Doabia and Justice SK Gupta, in a Letters Patent Appeal (LPA) filed against the judgment of the Single Bench, has directed that the appellants would be given additional marks for BEd qualification as has been given to other candidates, on that basis the merit position would be reassessed. In case after the re-assessment, the appellants came high up and their merit is higher than the merit of the candidate last selected, then issue appointment orders in their favour. In the judgment, the Division Bench observed that those candidates who figured as petitioners in the writ petition filed in 1997 who possessed BEd were not entitled to any extra benefit, goes counter to the stand taken by J&K Service Selection recruitment Board in two other cases. If educational qualification acquired after the last date for filing applications could be given the benefit and as a matter effect was given, the benefit to two candidates—Madhu Dogra and Anjali Sharma and if on that basis a direction could be given in favour of Nisha Sharma petitioner of the writ petition out of which this appeal has arisen, then there appears to be no distinguishing feature so far as the present appellants are concerned. They did possess BEd degrees if the benefit could be given to Nisha Sharma of the higher education, then the similar benefit was given to the appellants also. The claim of the appellants taken into consideration their BEds qualification and also taken note of the decision taken by them in the case of Shasi Kala and others and also on the basis of observation made in the writ petition. The appellant would be given additional marks for BEd qualification as has been given to other candidates. Advocate Adarsh Sharma appeared for the appellants while’s WS Wargal, S Sethi and M Koul appeared for the respondents in LPA filed by Kamal Kishore and others. |
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6-channel
road from Dalgate to Budshah bridge Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 27: To ease traffic congestion in the Srinagar city the road from Budshah bridge to Dalgate is being upgraded as a 6-channel expressway. The road from Barbar Shah to Women’s College Amira Kadal is also being upgraded to 60 feet wide expressway. This was stated by the Minister for Works, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar during his extensive tour of the Srinagar city today. The Minister said that the Government is launching a massive road upgradation programme for the summer capital during the current financial year. He said under this programme all the major/important roads would be further widened to remove the bottlenecks. He said a macadamization programme is also being launched to provide high quality roads in the city. Spelling out the measures to be undertaken for road upgradation in the city, the Minister said that the 4-channel Dr. Ali Jan road leading to Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura would be completed within two months. He said work on widening of Habba Kadal to Tankipora road would be taken up shortly. The Minister during his visit reviewed the progress of work on Budshah bridge and Dalgate-Zakura road. The Minister asked the police authorities to take up with security forces the matter regarding removal of bankers from the main roads in the city which are creating problems in the smooth traffic movement. Responding to the overwhelming demand of the people for restoration of pristine glory of the Srinagar city, the Minister ordered immediate removal of encroachments from the banks of river Jhelum. In the first phase, he said all the encroachments would be removed from Chattabal Veer to Cement Kadal. During the inspection of desilting of Sonar Khul, the Minister asked the concerned authorities to speed up the work so that this water body is restored immediately. The people appreciated the cleaning of the Khul and assured of their full cooperation in the removal of encroachments from the banks of the Khul. To ensure a pollution free environment, the Minister said a network of public parks is being developed in the Srinagar city. Under this programme, he said parks have already been developed at Makhdoom Sahib, Nowhatta, Khanyar, Sonawar, Zaindar Mohalla and Chattabal. The Minister asked the Srinagar Municipality authorities to ensure cleanliness of the city. During his visit people at various places interacted with the Minister and apprised him about their problems. They expressed satisfaction over the developmental works executed in their areas during the past five years and urged the Minister to speed up the developmental process. The Minister during his tour, visited Habba Kadal, Fateh Kadal, Tankipora, Chota Bazar, Karan Nagar, Sarai Safa Kadal, Chattabal, Nawa Kadal, Nawab Bazar, Zaldagar, Dalgate, Nowpora, Budshah bridge Amira Kadal, Nowhatta, Gojwara, Nallamar and Miskeen Bagh. Senior officers of R&B, PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Power, Health, Education, SMC, UEED, LAWWDA and Food and Supplies Departments accompanied the Minister. |
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Pak terror spoiled Kashmir tourism: Farooq Excelsior Correspondent PAHALGAM, May 27: Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah today said the long spell of militancy has shattered tourism, the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir economy. Speaking to a gathering of ponywalls in Pahalgam this morning, the Chief Minister said the State had nothing to boast of except its scenic splendor, vast meadows, virgin peaks and places of immense tourist attraction. But the terror unleashed from across the border has given a tremendous setback to tourism industry. ‘’Due to cult of violence, the otherwise humming hill stations of the valley at this point of the season, wear a deserted look’, he observed. Fixing the responsibility at Pakistan for bringing the State to this situation, Dr Abdullah said the neighboring country has not yet given up. They have created such a situation that war clouds are hovering over the region, he said, adding that Pakistan was never reconciled with the prosperity and progress of the people of the valley. Though tourism had shown signs of recovery in recent years, he said, this again received a jolt due to machinations of the enemy across the border. Responding to the demands of the ponywallas, he said that these will be taken up with the concerned and measures explored to minimize their sufferings. Chief Secretary Mr I S Malhi, Director General of Police, Mr A K Suri and Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Mr Parvez Dewan were present on the occasion. |
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Special
interest waiver scheme for revival of sick Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 27: Jammu and Kashmir Government is contemplating to extend a special debt relief scheme to rehabilitate militancy hit sick industrial units in the State on the pattern of interest waiver scheme sanctioned to the houseboat owners under tourism revival package. The unit holders are likely to get cent percent loan waiver incentive on their borrowings under the scheme. Announcing this here today while delivering a lecture on "New Initiatives for Industrial Development in J&K", at the Induction Training Course for members of Combined Service Officers organized by the Institute of Management and Public Administration (IMPA), the Minister said besides providing some interim relief to the sick industries out of its own resources, the State Government would also continue to press its demand with the Centre for sanctioning a debt relief package for revival of sick industry in the State. The demand for debt relief package has been submitted by the State Government to the center when the then Mr. Devi Gowda was the Prime Minister and an inter-ministerial committee was constituted to examine this demand, which has cleared it for approval of the Union Cabinet, the Minister added. He said a central assistance of Rs. 112 crore only is needed for revival of sick industries in the State. Saying that industrial sector has vast potential to provide employment to large number of unemployed persons, Dr. Kamaal said first priority of the Industries and Commerce Ministry is to protect and promote the traditional crafts linked to our heritage and history. He said handicrafts sector alone provides direct employment to about 3.10 lakh artisans and its production has increased from Rs. 20 crore in 1976 to Rs. 750 crore during last financial year. He said about 10,000 persons are being trained in various handicraft trades every year. He said carpet trade alone fetches Rs. 450 foreign exchange annually adding that both Centre and State Governments would provide some new incentives to enable carpet industry compete challenges in the open market. Handloom, Khadi and Village Industries Board, Handicrafts and Industries departments jointly provide employment to about 6 lakh population of the State, Dr. Kamaal added. He said out of 40,000 industrial units registered with the Industries and Commerce department, about 18,000 units are functional providing employment to about 80,000 people. He said an investment worth Rs. 360 crore in the shape of machinery and infrastructure has been made in these industrial units and Government was endeavouring to upgrade and modernize these units to improve quality and productivity. Hailing the economic package sanctioned by the centre for industrial sector in J&K, the Minister said that in view of the existing situation prevailing in the State, this package falls short of expectations of the people particularly concerned with the industrial sector. The Central Government under the new economic package has sanctioned Rs. 32 crore for handicrafts, Rs. 15 crore for handloom, Rs. 10 crore for sericulture and Rs. 20 crore for wool sectors. Enumerating measures taken by the government to promote industries in the State, the Minister said that Sher-i-Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute is being set up at Rajbagh Srinagar to familiarize prospective entrepreneurs skills. He said two Udhyog Bhawans one each at Srinagar and Jammu cities are being set up to provide all available facilities to the entrepreneurs under one roof. He said a Craft Development institute is also being set up at Bagi Ali Mardhan Khan for carpet drying and dying, walnut wood seasoning and paper machie. He said sports goods export promotion council will provide all latest inputs to J&K for enabling local unit holders to produce export quality cricket bats. He said government will explore possibilities to provide cold chain facilities to the orchadists to increase life of fresh apple and make it exportable. Dr. Kamaal on this occasion asked the under training combined services officers to work with social commitment without any fear or favour. He said the combined services officers are the vital components of the system governing the administration and its effective functioning lies with the devotion and dedication of officers. |
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One killed, 3 injured as truck rolls down Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 27: One person was killed and three others injured in road accident while as two persons including a young girl allegedly made attempt to end their lives. According to police, a woman was killed and three others were injured when a truck in which they were travelling rolled down 300 feet deep in a nullah at Shaban Ban area under the jurisdiction of Banihal Police Station. The ill-fated vehicle bearing registration number JK02F-8597 was on its way from Srinagar to Jammu when met with accident. The deceased has been identified as Atiqa Begum, wife of Mohd Hussain of Khanday while injured have been identified as Mohd Hussain, Mukhtyar Ahmed, son of Mohd Khanday of Batore and Balbir, son of Pyar Chand of Batote. Meanwhile, two persons including a young girl allegedly consumed poisonous substance at their residence in a bid to end their lives. Identified as Rakesh Kumar, son of Behari Lal of Jourian and Sushma Devi, daughter of Ruldu Ram of Rajpur Mandi, they were rushed to Government Medical College and Hospital when spotted unconscious by family members. Doctors attending on them immediately washed their stomach followed by other medicare. Their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in. One Jyoti Devi, wife of Ravi Kumar of Afghan Mohalla sustained severe burn injuries when her clothes accidentally caught fire while cooking at home. She has been hospitalised and her condition was stated to be critical when reports last came in. |
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Sadhotra convenes provincial officers meeting Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 27 : In order to mitigate the problems of border migrants affected due to heavy shelling from across the border, a high level meeting of provincial officers was convened here by the Minister of State for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Mr. Ajay Sadhotra today. The Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, the Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Chief Engineers, PHE, PDD, PWD, Principal Medical College, Jammu and DIG Jammu also attended. At the meeting disaster management teams were constituted for all areas where from there is likely hood of migration due to heavy shelling from across the border. The teams shall be headed by respective Tehsildar alongwith Tehsil Officers from PHE, PDD, Food and Supplies and Health departments. The meeting also decided to constitute committees of migrants in camps to supervise distribution of relief including cash and ration among the affected persons. The meeting also decided that special medical teams shall visit migrant camps regularly and the Health department will make arrangement for adequate supply of medicines to the affected persons. The Food and Supplies department will appoint a Dy. Director of Food and Supplies department at Kathua and Jammu districts for monitoring the distribution of ration in close liaison with the Deputy Commissioners. The meeting also decided to set up special control rooms at offices of Deputy Commissioners of Kathua and Jammu districts. The Power department was asked to make adequate lighting arrangements at all the camps. NGO’s and other voluntary organizations have been appealed to come forward for mitigating problems of border migrants. The meeting also reviewed functioning of migrant camps at Samba, Hiranagar and Akhnoor. The Minister assured the migrants that good quality ration and adequate quantity of kerosene oil will be supply to them. The Minister was assured by Divisional Commissioner that administration has been fully geared up to mitigate the problems of border migrants within available resources. The Deputy Commissioner, Jammu was directed to provide Civil Defence Ambulance for R.S.Pura. |
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Over 3000 devotees
participate in Shoba Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 27: Over three thousand pilgrims participated in the Shoba Yatra of Satguru Kabir from Govind Puri Vijaypur to Utterbeni taken in connection with Murti Sattapna Samaroh. As per a release, besides Jammu and Kashmir state the a large number of pilgrims were from Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. T he Yatra left the Govind Puri at 8 am and it reached Utterbeni at 11 am. Elaborate arrangements were made by the Satguru Kabir Sabha Utterbeni for the Pilgrims on the occasion. The Sabha served free langer to them. The pilgrims also took a holy dip in the sacred river. Mr Bhagat Chandi Ram of Dhariwal Punjab and Mangal Dass Bhagat of Jammu highlighted the teachings of this great saint of India. J L Bhagat was the chief guest on the occasion and he felicitated the persons who donated their land for kabir Temple Utter Behani. He also offered his thanks to Sewadar who made the whole arrangements for the pilgrims on the occasion. During the end of the function Chander Mohan Bhagat, president of Kabir Sabha Uttar Behani thanked the chief guest, pilgrims and the Sewadars for making the function a success. |
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Harbans for excellency in education system Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 27 : The Minister for Labour and Sports, S. Harbans Singh has called upon the younger generation to imbibe spirit of patriotism, punctuality and discipline which is vital for preparing them to meet the future challenges in their lives. Addressing the students at annual day function of Chenab College of Education at Kalu Chak near here today, the Minister said that quality education with ingredient of extra-curricular activities is imperative for overall personality development of the students. He said that quality education with excellence is helpful for developing the personality of a student. Referring to mushrooming of a number of educational institutions in the State, the Minister stressed the need for equipping the existing colleges with proper infrastructure so that maximum students from within the State as well outside could also get benefits from these institutions. The Minister while referring to the prevailing situation on the borders exhorted upon the youth to be prepared for facing any challenge from across the border. He said army has to ensure security on the borders whereas students, NGOs and other voluntary organization have to maintain peace and order within the country. He said our country is a peace loving nation but we are fully prepare to retaliate the enemy if it venture to attack us. The Minister also lauded the management of the institution for its concerted endeavours to promulgate the message of education among the students getting admission here. He said that the institution has progressed by leaps and bounds during its three years of existence. The Vice Chancellor, Jammu University, Prof. R.R. Sharma congratulated the management committee for its excellence performance and hoped that the college will render yeomen service in education field in future also. He assured all help from the University for promotion of education in the institution. The Chairman of the College, Mr. R.S. Chib presented welcome address and gave a brief resume of the achievements and activities of the college. Earlier, the Minister inaugurated a Multi-purpose Hall named after Dr. Radha Krishnan, the former President of India. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. R.R. Sharma also inaugurated a Girls Hostel named as Mira Bhawan Hostel. The students of the college presented a captivating cultural bonanza on the occasion. The Minister also distributed prizes among the students who excelled in academic and extra-curriculum activities during last academic session. He also announced that Rs.10,000 will be provided by the sports council for the purchase of sports material for the college. Earlier, the function was inaugurated jointly by the Minister and Vice Chancellor, Jammu University by lighting the traditional lamp. Among others, Registrar, Jammu University, Dr. J.S. Dev, Chairman, MIER, Mr. Arun Gupta and large number of educationists and students attended the function. |
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VHP ridicules PM’s economic package Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 27: Ridiculing the announcement of economic package when the very lives of those for whom the package is claimed to be meant are endangered and their very existence at stake, State unit of Vishav Hindu Parishad (VHP) today said that patriotic people were expecting military response against Pakistan for virtual aggression not an eye wash in the form of economic package. In a statement, State president Dr Rama Kant Dubey, general secretary Surinder Sharma and Bajrang Dal state convenor Sushil Sudan criticised the lukewarm response of the State and Central Government towards the Pakistan offensive. They demanded that out of Rs 6165 crore economic package announced, separate amount should be earmarked for Jammu region and youth from border areas in Jammu should be offered special employment package. The VHP leaders expressed total dissatisfaction and disillusionment with the visit of Prime Minister. It was expected to boost up the morale of the nation but on the contrary it has given rise to diffidence and demoralisation them. VHP has also expressed the apprehension that economic package may be used as election fund for the State ruling party through its misappropriation. VHP also criticised the Prime Minister for stating that he was ready to discuss greater autonomy with the state ruling party. The greater autonomy demand of NC was earlier rejected by the Union Government as its was considered to be not in the interest of the State as well as the nation because it sought reversion of the needle of clock of J&K’s integration with the rest of the country to pre 1953 stage as well gives absolute powers to the State rulers to suppress people’s freedom and fundamental rights. The leaders expressed serious concern over continous mortor firing and shelling by Pakistan on the villagers situated along the borders. Meanwhile, a team of VHP and BD from Sunderbani and Nowshera led by Sushil Sudan conducted two days tour of border villages of Nowshera and Jhangar sector to take stock of the sufferings caused to the people as a result of continouous Pakistan firing. He was accompanied by Messrs Som Sharma, Parshotam Sharma and Dev Raj. |
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JM’s special
helpline Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 27:Jammu Municipality today launched ‘Hello, Good Morning Jammu’ helpline to provide immediate relief to the citizens on sanitation problem. Unique and innovative in nature, the objective of the scheme is to facilitate registration of complaints of citizens about sanitation conveniently by providing them easy access to helpline system and to give prompt response. Thirty-one complaints were received today morning during one hour which were flashed on pagers to the concerned Sanitary Inspectors. In 24 cases, the Sanitary Inspectors or the Sanitary Supervisors responded. However, in some cases the message could not be received by the Sanitary Inspectors and in couple of cases, the complainant could not traced. The Administrator, Jammu Municipality, Mr. K.B.Jandial personally supervised launching of the scheme and personally attended some of the calls from the citizens. He has advised citizens to register only those sanitation complaints which could be attended to by the deployed staff. The bigger problems like repairing the damaged nallahs, drains etc. cannot be attended to immediately as it would involve money and have to be attended to by the UEED. The citizens are requested to also mention their telephone Nos. so that random monitoring of the complaints can be made by senior functionaries. The complaint needs to be specific. These shall be registered on telephone Nos: 578503 & 571308 between 7 a.m. to 8 a.m on all week days except Sundays when JM does not have sufficient strength of sanitation staff. This service does not cover paid services like dispatch of Septic Tank clearaning machine, Water tanker or tanki. For these facilities, they have to deposit the charges in the Municipality. |
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Khan asks people to remain vigilant Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, May 27: Haji Buland Khan, Vice-Chairman of J&K Gujjar and Bakerwal Advisory Board said that communal harmony is vital essence in democratic setup. Addressing a public meeting at Sangaldhan-Gool, he appealed the people to be vigilant against the anti-national elements and maintain communal harmony at any cost. People should be stand guard to defeat nefarious designs of the forces which are hell bent to divide the people on the name of religion. He alleged that Central Government is not tackling the menace of terrorism which has created havoc in the remote and hilly areas. He said that assurances given by Ministers of Central Government from time to time to defeat terrorism with iron hand has proved hollow and people of this State are forced to face the brunt of terrorism. He demanded that Centre should npt play with the sentiments of the people and take sten action against the terrorism which is the need of the hour. Mr Khan assured the people to take up the issue of constant drought in Sangaldhan, Chachva, Dharm and Thetharka for relief and provision of adequate rice, wheat and sugar at Food Store Sangaldhan. He also assured to have augumented water scheme of the area and tapping og water sources of Margoota, Jangdi, Chewal to provide uninterrupted water supply to the people of these areas. He asked the authorities concerned to ensure regular plying of passenger vehicle from Sangaldhan to Gool which has been disrupted for over one week. |
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Art living training course concludes Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, May 27 : For seeking mental peace and physical fitness, the District officers of various departments attended a week long training course which concluded here yesterday under the overall supervision of District Development Commissioner, Udhapur, Mr. Shailendra Kumar. Miss Kavita, a teacher of "Art of Living" Non-governmental organisation of Karnatka imparted this training to officers for 4 hours daily. The trainees undergone course which include Sudershan Kriya, Pranayam and Bhestrika. The District Officers who undergone the week long training course included Additional Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur, Chief Planning Officer, Superintending Engineer, PWD, Executive Engineer PWD and Rural Engineering Wing, Chief Horticulture and Agriculture Officers, Udhampur, Assistant Director Handicrafts, Fisheries Development Officer, Divisional Forest Officer, Social Forestry, Assistant Commissioner (Dev), Deputy Director, Sericulture, Sheep Husbandry Officer, District Social Welfare Officer, District Panchayat Officer and Project Officer, ICDS, Udhampur. Expressing their views the District officers called upon all citizens to practice these exercises as these keep a man physically fit and mentally sound to lead a perfect life. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 27: S Budhi Singh, incharge Election Campaign, 10 Plus 2 Lecturers’ Forum has stated that a large number of lecturers have lodged complaints regarding irrational and partial functioning of the central election authority. As per a release reports reaching from Poonch, Udhampur and Kathua districts regarding low turn out to the Plus 2 Lecturers Forum due to wrong and partial policies adopted by the central election authority, as the staff of most of the higher secondary school failed to participate in the elections because no presiding officer appointed by Central election authority reached there. A large number of lecturers have demanded that fresh election be held under the supervision of new impartial election authority constituted with the consent of both the panels contesting elections. They also demanded that election in other remaining districts be held without clubbing to ensure maximum polling and election agents appointed by both panels be given full details regarding polling process. The hidden and non-transparent policy adopted by Central election authority has been strongly condemned by the lecturers who had not been allowed to cast their votes. Later on lecturers of Poonch, Udhampur and Kathua districts held demonstration at different places against partial attitude of central election authority. They alleged that election authority had become a party in the election by working for the success of the particular panel. |
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BJP deputation calls on DC Jammu Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 27: A deputation of Bhartiya Janata Party led by its State president Daya Krishan Kotwal today called on Deputy Commissioner, Jammu Rohit Kansal and discussed with him the problems of border migrants. As per a release, Mr Kotwal apprised the DC Jammu of the problems of border people who are forced to migrate amid intensification in the firing from across the border and the resultant woes and miseries to which they are subjected to in these hot days. The delegation requested DC Jammu to ensure that all facilities including rations, kerosene oil, drinking water, cash relief at the enhanced rates and suitable accommodation are provided to these hapless persons well in time so that their sufferings could be mitigated to some extent. The BJP chief also offered cooperation of the BJP in ensuring timely help and assistance to the migrants and said that he has already directed local units to cooperate with the administration. The Deputy Commissioner assured the deputation that he will do his best to see that the border migrants are accomodated suitably in schools and other Government buildings. He further assured to provide tents to the migrants in addition to other facilities. He thanked Mr Kotwal and his party for extending cooperation which he said will ease the work of the administratiom. The deputation comprised off Messrs Ram Prakash Sharma, J R Gupta and Jugal Kishore Sharma. |
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Bimla Luthra meets border migrants Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 27: Mrs Bimla Luthra, MLA and president Women Wing, National Conference, Jammu today had a meeting with the border migrants of Pindi camp and Kotli Charkan village in Government High School Bishnah. As per a release, the migrants apprised the MLA about their problems which included shortage of drinking water, ration and unhygenic condition in camps. The MLA gave patient hearing to their demands and assured them that their problems will be redressed very soon. She appealed the DC Jammu to take immediate measures for providing all essential benefits to these border migrants. She also had a meeting with members of women wing of Bishnah and adjoining areas. Others who accompanied MLA included Gunga Singh, Sangram Singh, Narayan, Veena Oberoi and Manbir Kour. |
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SKIMS being made
operational shortly Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 27 : As part of the ambitious project launched for switching over to e-governance in Jammu and Kashmir speedily, the Secretariat Knowledge and Information Management System (SKIMS) is being made operational in the State secretariat shortly. This hi-tech new software will run on the Local Area Network (LAN), which has already been made functional both in Jammu and Srinagar secretariats. The Srinagar secretariat has 440 nodes LAN, with Centre for Electronics, Design and Technology of India (CEDTI) of the Union Ministry of Information Technology as advisors. Various facets and vital aspects of SKIMS are being taken care on priority to achieve immediate objective of switching over from manual file movement to less paper governance. In this connection, a comprehensive 3-phase training programme for the officials has already commenced at IMPA and CEDTI in Srinagar from 17th of this month. The package includes basic training in computers, specific operational lotus notes software and on-site SKIMS training in the Secretariat. Subsequently, the ministers, administrative Secretaries and all other officials down the line in the secretariat will also be imparted software-user training. The SKIMS will prove crucial in increasing employees’ productivity, ensure efficient data, information and knowledge management, exploitation of the power of the network and expeditious advancement towards a paper-less, more responsive, transparent and knowledge-led governance. To give much needed thrust for implementation of information technology in the State in a big way, an Information Technology Unit (ITU) has been set up in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, with a high-powered committee headed by the Chief Secretary to monitor its progress constantly. The ITU has also got conducted a feasibility study for setting up of Jammu and Kashmir Wide Area Network and follow up action on it will commence once the SKIMS becomes functional in the secretariat. This will pave way for providing connectivity upto block level across the State in phases. |
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Celebration of International
Year of Mountain Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 27 : The year 2002 has been proclaimed as International Year of Mountain by United Nations Organization to increase the awareness about the global importance of mountain eco-system. Alongwith Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as lead agency, the collaboration of government, NGOs and other UN agencies is being sought in this regard. To celebrate the Year of Mountain, the J&K Government has constituted a committee, which has worked out a detailed programme of events to be organized in different parts of the State. Various sports activities are proposed to be organized as part of the programme including Rafting, Para-gliding, Mountaineering and Rock-climbing. These programmes would be organized at different times in all three regions of the state. A number of seminars are proposed to be held during Environment and Wildlife weeks to increase the awareness. Ozone day would also be celebrated for drawing the attention of people towards ozone depletion. Preservation of trees, especially Chinar would be highlighted by celebrating ‘Chinar Day’. Special attention is being given for the awareness of people regarding conservation of environment and maintaining ecological balance of mountain regions. In this direction the committee has taken up cleaning of various tourist resorts, mountain tracks and base camps. Over use of these tourist sports results in accumulation of perishable and non-perishable garbage here which spoils the natural beauty and increase the pollution level. Cleansing operation would be conducted in Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Patnitop. Among the mountain tracks Markha Valley in Ladakh and Amarnath Yatra route is proposed to be cleaned. The mountain basis of Nun-Kun and Stok Kangri are also scheduled to receive cleansing expedition. The Committee decided to approach the government for making a firm land use policy of the state for maintaining ecological balance and preserving environment. Collaboration of NGOs, educational institutions and other similar agencies would be taken for organizing the events to celebrate International Year of Mountains. |
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Kashmiris do not want war between India, Pak SRINAGAR, May 27: Senior separatist leaders and others in Jammu and Kashmir are of firm belief that war between India and Pakistan will result in nothing but more bloodletting. Fire-brand Jamaat-e-Islami and senior Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani hopes that there is no war between the two South Asian nuclear powers. "Kashmir has become a nuclear flash-point and it is acknowledged by international community. War will lead to nothing but immense destruction and blood-letting. Whatever the two countries have achieved in past 55 years of indepandence will be lost," Geelani told PTI in an interview. He said New Delhi and Islamabad should sit with the ‘true’ representatives of Kashmiris to resolve the Kashmir dispute. Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party leader Shabir Ahmad Shah, echoing Geelani’s sentiments, says three, "or should I say four," wars have yielded nothing. The problem continues to persist. The only solution is to have a dialogue with people of Kashmir and sooner India realises it the better it is," Shah said. He said the massive expenditure of India and Pakistan on their defence preparedness has put the two economies under tremendous strain. Shah said "the money could have been used for developmental purposes. India, I believe, could have come out of the third world bracket had they not indulged in spending such enormous amounts of resources on keeping Pakistan at bay,". Hashim Qureshi, an accused in the hijacking of an Indian plane to Pakistan in early 1970, believes that there is no place for a war in the subcontinent. "I think the leaders of India and Pakistan do not realise the effects of war. We have seen people dying in Kashmir every day over the past decade and it is heart-wrenching," Qureshi, who formed democratic liberation party on his return from the Netherlands after 16 years, said. Even the common man feels that enough is enough and India and Pakistan should resolve Kashmir peacefully. "I am tired of this daily bloodbath. I want to live in peace as I used to 14 years ago. I hope with international pressure on India and Pakistan, something long-lasting will come out on Kashmir," Showkat Ahmad Khan, a businessman, said. Women folk of the Valley feel they have got the worst deal out of the situation prevailing in the Valley. "Men are the direct target of any action from any side. But women have to bear the long-term of effects of these acts," Massarat Jan, a housewife, said. "Men leave home to earn for the family but we are not sure if they will return," she added. However, there are some elements who do not seem to have had enough of violence. Hizbul Mujahideen supreme commander Syed Salahuddin in a faxed statement to a local news agency yesterday asked Pakistan not to buckle under pressure. (PTI) 28 schools closed in Kathua district due to Pak shelling Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, May 27: About 28 schools have been closed in the Kathua district following Pakistani shelling from across the border. Study of over 1867 students have been affected following closure of schools in the bordering areas. According to an official handout, PS Regal, PS Madhwal, PS Londhi, PS Panjgrian, MS Chachwal, MS Chalyari, HS Chak Sadda, PS Mangu Chack, PS Dollian Jattan of Gagyal Education Zone, P S Karole Matharian, M S Ladhwal, M S Spalwan, PS Karole Bidhoo, PS Bobeya, PS Chhan Tanda, PS Gujjar Chak, Manyari, PS Rathua, PS Pansar of Hiranagar Education Zone and P S Dalli and MS Chhan Lal Din of Marheen Education Zone have been closed due to Pakistani firing. Chief Education Officer has directed the concerned ZEOs to make suitable arrangements for the children effected in these institutions. All the students affected by the Pakistani firing will be adjusted in safest schools. Teachers of all these effected schools have been directed to report to the schools where the students have been migrated. |
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