Daily Excelsior.........State

Mufti for restoration of Peace with dignity justice to all’
‘Good governance can turn around in situation’

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 12: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said the main agenda of the coalition Government is to restore peace with dignity in Jammu and Kashmir, adding that good governance could be a turning point in achieving this basic objective.

‘If we are able to deliver, tables could be turned, but there is a big if’, he said in an exhaustive and exclusive interview to Doordarshan.

He said the people have immense aspirations that have to be met and effective steps taken in changing the system in which justice is done to all. Alienation breeds discontent that become a ground for exploitation which the Government to endeavour to check. An opportunity has been thrown up by recent election, which must not be missed to provide respite to the people.

Emphasizing the greater role of the administration in achieving broader objectives of development, dispensation of justice and mitigating people’s problems, the CM said that his Government would watch the performance of officers before effecting changes. He made it clear that those found indulging in corrupt practices would not be spared. Devotion, hard work and punctuality would be the watchword.

He spelled certain steps taken recently to provide immediate relief to the people that include uninterrupted power supply and pension to handicapped at their doorsteps. Appreciating the armies to decision to stop frisking and searches especially during Sahri and Taraveeh prayers during the holy month of Ramazan at his instance, he said it is great relief to the people. He said people had to travel half a kilometer for security checks that has now given way to random checking.

Mr Sayeed said that he has asked the police hierarchy to ensure humane touch in their dealings with the people. Instead of third degree and physical torture during interrogation. They could use innovative methods to find out the truth. He said he has also interacted with the top officials in the administration and stressed for eliminating red tape and rejuvenating administrative machinery from top to bottom.

On coalition Government’s decision POTA, Mr Sayeed said he has been Union Home Minister for a year and he believes that more force is rebounded by equal reaction. He said the Government has the mandate of the people for restoring peace with dignity and it is their prerogative how to achieve it. He said root cause of the situation would have to be addressed to.

He expressed happiness that their point of view has the support of major political parties at national level. The Congress, the main party and CPI (M) have understood the issues like non-implementation of POTA, release of political prisoners, rehabilitation of militancy victims reorientation of the SoG etc. He said he told the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister after the fair and transparent conduct of elections that an opportunity has emerged that should not be lost. And they share his views on this issue.

When asked on his stand for dialogue, Mr Sayeed said earlier also efforts were made. He referred to the unilateral cease-fire announced by the Prime Minister some time back that was negated by the United Jehad Council and dialogue initiated by Mr K C Pant, which was not responded by the Hurriyat Conference. He also referred to the release of Late Abdul Gani Lone, Mohammad Yasin Malik and Syed Ali Shah Geelani. These all were part of dialogue

Believing in consensus and pledging to respect the people’s mandate, Mufti Sayeed vowed to remove the alienation of the people. ‘You can’t always use the stick and there is no carrot.’ He said the people must meet the challenge cutting across the party lines and referred to the CMP, the basic point of which is that the Government of India will be requested to initiate unconditional dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir including elected representatives in the assembly.

He said the Centre must talk to others and representatives of the people, who were elected in internationally acclaimed free, fair and transparent election. He said that he has been repeatedly advocating that dialogue and not the gun could solve problems. He added that every party has a stated position and he believes that talking is necessary and everybody should contribute in steering the state to peace. Unity of all is immensely needed, he added.

To a pointed question, he asked who released the thousands of surrendered militants who are either known as Ikhwani or working in SoG or with army. He referred to the release of political prisoners and said that let them put forth their point of view. Departure of political prisoners from behind the gates of prisons will be a good diversion in them as democracy is the battle of ideas, he felt.

On administrative front, he said the local officers have made their mark internationally, as some of them are working in Geneva and London. ‘We are trying to get some of the officers (posted outside the state) back’. He said political direction plays a significant role and referred to his commitment in non-interference in the working of his ministerial colleagues, who, however, will be accountable to him. Mufti Sayeed also replied to a question about dissent among various parties before Government formation and said that stability does not depend on the numbers but the public support and pressure. He referred to the pressure by the people of the state, in media commentaries and at national level for formation of the Government after the historic verdict in the recently held elections. He said Dr Farooq Abdullah had ‘greatest number of 60 MLAs’ but he could not utilize the opportunity.

He said the coalition Government is committed to fulfill regional aspirations and referred to the talks with a delegation from Ladakh to address to their problems. He expressed satisfaction over the deep longing among the people of the state for maintaining the identity of Jammu and Kashmir as a single entity.

When asked about the unanimity between various political parties in Rajya Sabha elections, the Chief Minister said that there was no Sodabazi. Having 28 members, National Conference could get one Rajya Sabha seat, he said, adding that the PDP got one and Congress was given two seats. ‘I can’t write off National Conference. They are in opposition and will ‘depose, expose and oppose’ us. ‘You know, (what was the role of) Mehbooba Mufti, Harashdev Singh and Mohammad Yousf Tarigami in the previous House’.

Mufti Mohammad Sayeed replied a volley of questions on tasks ahead of his Government, challenges in the coalition politics, toning up of administration, tackling the prevailing situation, enforcing accountability, redressing public grievances, implementation of welfare programmes and his political odyssey. He said he joined politics in 1959 as a member of Democratic National Conference headed by Kh. Ghulam Mohammad Sadiq, joined his ministry in 1967. He was a minister in the cabinet of Syed Mir Qasim in 1972 and remained Union Minister in the Rajiv Gandhi Government. He was Home Minister in the ministry headed by Mr V P Singh.Mr Sayeed said that he had been working on an alternative to the ruling party, though he had nothing personal against Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. He said he believes in the concept of ruling and opposition set-up and continued to form a parallel when in the Congress and after forming the PDP, though at times some of his colleagues had not that enthusiasm, matching his determination.

SC directs Union to file report in JK Migrants case

Excelsior Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Nov 12: Division Bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Mrs Justice Roma Paul and Mr Justice BN Srikrishna has directed Union of India to place on record the report of the Second Committee, which visited various migrant camps in different areas of Jammu province, on its earlier directions, in a writ petition filed by Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) seeking appropriate relief for all the categories of the migrants.

The Union of India had failed to annex the report of the Commission, as a result the hearing remained unconcluded.

Earlier, Prof Bhim Singh of JKNPP and a note Supreme Court Advocate submitted that there are three categories of migrants residing in Jammu province, which include Kashmiri migrants of 1990, Doda-Udhampur-Rajouri-Poonch migrants and displaced persons from the International Border and Line of Control (LoC), commonly known as border migrants.

Prof Singh said that while Kashmiri migrants were living in a humiliating condition in rotten camps at Nagrota, Jammu, Udhampur and Kathua with inadequate facilities, the second category of migrants where mostly those who had to migrate to Reasi, Udhampur and Jammu in the wake of Prankote massacre. These migrants, Prof Bhim Singh said, were also living in most inhuman conditions and getting just one time ration at the rate of nine kg per person.

The border migrants, Prof Singh said, have not been given any compensation or relief for the loss of their land and crop due to the mining of their lands by Army.

Prof Bhim Singh said that the order and the directions of this court were not implemented at all by the State Government, as the Apex Court, during the last hearing, had directed Jammu and Kashmir Government to provide relief to migrants from various parts of Jammu, but the same was not implemented.

He urged the Court for immediate relief to these migrants in the interest of human rights and Security of the State.

The case shall be heard after two weeks.

Girl with critical burn injuries found near Shamshan Ghat

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 12: Domana Police today found a girl with critical burn injuries at Shamshan Ghat near Pouni Chak under mysterious circumstances.

According to police, some persons spotted the girl with critical burn injuries and informed the Pouni Chak Police which swung into action immediately.

The critically injured girl was immediately rushed to Government Medical College and Hospital for treatment. Her condition was stated to be critical when reports last came in.

The girl has been identified as Jyoti Devi, daughter of Bua Ditta of village Khantha.

A case has been registered in this connection and further investigations were on.

Meanwhile, one Abdul Rehman, son of Fazal Hussain of Shahdhara was killed when he run over by a bus bearing registration number JK14-3557.

He was immediately rushed to hospital in critical condition where doctors pronounced him as brought dead.

A case has been registered in this connection and further investigations were on.

In another road accident, one Darshan Kumar, son of Prahlad Singh of Khantha Ram Nagar sustained severe injuries when he fell down from the bus at Basohli Bus Stand.

He was immediately rushed to District Hospital Kathua where doctors referred him to Government Medical College and Hospital for specialised treatment. His condition was stated to be critical when reports last came in.

In yet another mishap, one Tasleema Bani, daughter of Mohd Ramzan of Doda sustained severe injuries after she was knocked down by a speeding motorcycle at Doda. She has been hospitalised and her condition was stated to be critical when reports last came in.

J&K Bank employees flay management

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 12: The representatives of All India J&K Bank Employees Federation today staged their protest dharna for the second consecutive day in support of their demands.

The employees of the Bank have been resenting the "adamant and dictatorial attitude" of the Bank management towards their long pending demands, adopting unfair labour practices and victimizing the Trade Union activists.

The Association release issued here said that the management in order to adjust and accommodate their blue-eyed, have been deviating from the mutually agreed policies and depriving the hard-working and sincere employees of their just rights.

The release said that Federation has been demanding promotion of all senior clerks on the basis of their seniority and promotion of all Matriculate peon to the post of Assistant Cashiers as per the mutual agreements.

It also strongly resented non-payment of Disturb Area Allowance to the employees working in Jammu division on the pattern it is already being paid to their counter-parts in Kashmir valley.

Mr Mohan Singh, president of the Federation said that representatives from Kashmir, Punjab and Jammu are participating in the protest dharna. The Federation has given a call for one day stay-out strike on November 18, 2002 in the Bank throughout the country and their agitational programme include dharna, allies before observing strike.

Mohan Singh warned to further intensify the agitational programme in case the demands were not accepted at the earliest.

Bua-Dati Temple Management Committee lists demands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 12: An emergency meeting of Bua-Datti Temple Management Committee was held here under the chairmanship of Mr Sat Pal Saini, wherein the problems being faced by the management committee were discussed.

The Committee expressed concern over the reluctant attitude of the Government in fulfilling the pending demands of the Bua-Datti Temple management.The meeting demanded vacation of doctors’ quarters built on the land belonging to Bua-Datti Temple so that a Yatri Bhawan could be set up there. It was demanded that all the land measuring over 250 kanals be vacated and handed over to the Temple management.

The meeting demanded payment of rent from the State Government from the day it acquired the land of the Temple. It also sought the permission for the reconstruction of holy " Sarovar" which was filled at the time of the construction of the Civil Secretariat Building.

Other demands projected during the meeting included removal of the toilets from the roof of the main temple, removal of the beds from the roof top of the Temple to avoid leakage of water, removal of the canteen of the Civil Secretariat and stopping of preparation of the non-vegetarian food, constructions of Parikerma in the Temple, handing over of the locked room to the Temple Management Committee and construction of the lavatory for the devotees.

Science Exhibition at Poonch

Excelsior Correspondent

Poonch, Nov.12: A 2-day District Level Science Exhibition was organised by locaL District Institute of Education and Training today. The District Development Commissioner, Poonch, Dr. Pawan Kotwal inaugurated.

As many as 36 secondary level schools of the district participated. There were 24 elementary and 48 secondary level science models were put in the exhibition. Interacting on the occasion, Dr. Kotwal appreciated the efforts of students in preparing the models. He also appreciated the work done by the DIET staff and children for arranging this science exhibition. He asked the teaching community to work with great zeal and dedication, honestly and efficiently for up keeping the education standard in the Government schools. The Principal of DIET, Mr. Y.K.Kar also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier, a cultural programme was also presented by the children of Christ School, Poonch.

Among others present on the occasion were Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mr. J.S.Pachanda, Chief Education Officer and well known educationists and district officers.

Police organizes symposium on terrorism

Excelsior Correspondent

Poonch, Nov. 12 : The Jammu and Kashmir Police, Poonch organized a symposium on the topic " Challenges of terrorism before Nation, Police cannot face with out public help " in the premises of Boys Higher Secondary School Boys Poonch today.

The DIG, Rajouri-Poonch Range, Mr. S.S.Bijral was the Chief guest on the occasion. In all one hundred students drawn from different educational institution participated in the symposium. Of these 12 students of different schools took part in the symposium and spoke on the subject. Among the speakers Mr. Zabir Ahmed Mughal of HSS Chandak, Miss Gulshan from HSS,Mandi and Miss Shaista Parveen from HSS Chandak were adjudged first, second, and third and were awarded prizes of Rs. 3000, Rs. 2000 and Rs 1000 respectively .The other participants were given consolation prizes for their participation in the symposium.

Among other were present included Sy.S.P, Mr.S.Manjeet Singh and school intellectuals were present on the occasion.

While Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bijral appreciated the participant students for their best preparedness and out spoken on the subject.

3 challaned in fake recruitment case

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 12: Crime Branch Jammu has produced challan in the court against accused Shafiq Ahmed of Rajouri and Mehraj-ud-Din Shah of Banjgam in Pulwama and Mukesh Kumar of Pacci Dakki Jammu in a fake appointments case.

The case No. 7/ 97 was registered on March 15, 1997 in police station Crime Branch under sections- 420/ 467/ 468/ 471 and 120-B RPC against accused Shafiq Ahmed and two others in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Jammu and has been committed to the court of sessions.

The action had been taken on the basis of a written complaint received from private secretary to Minister of State for Power alleging that two fake Government orders were prepared and presented to Assistant Executive Engineer PDD Poonch for implementing and permitting one Zaffar Iqbal, son of Mohd Sadiq of Bherain tehsil Mendhar, who was purported to have been appointed as Junior Assistant and adjusted in SDC in R&B wing of PWD Mendhar.

On suspicion the Executive Engineer clarified the matter from Minister of Power on his visit to Poonch and the Minister ordered that matter be referred to Crime Branch Jammu for investigation. The officials of the CB thoroughly investigated the matter and accused were interrogated along with beneficiary and it was found that Mehraj, Shafiq and Mukesh had prepared the fake orders and beneficiary Zaffar Iqbal has paid Rs 28,500 for this illegal task. The typing machine used for typing the fake order by the culprits was also seized. After completion of probe, the challan was presented in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Jammu.

National level training programme on PIM commences

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Nov. 12: A week-long national level training programme on Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) under Command Area Development Programme was inaugurated by the Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control (retd), S. Inderjit Singh here today. The programme has been sponsored by the Union Ministry of Water Resources and is being conducted by the Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS) (India) Ltd, a Government of India undertaking.

The Director Agriculture, Mr. S. N. Anand was the Guest of Honour while as Director, Command Area Development, Mr. M. M. Khan presided.

In his inaugural address, Mr. Singh stressed the need for active participation of Agriculture and Irrigation departments besides users in the operation and maintenance of irrigation system. He said that persons working in the field especially in irrigation commands has to equip themselves with latest technologies available besides interacts with co-workers, planners and technologists on different aspects of developments and field problems.

The Director Agriculture in his address highlighted the importance of PIM and said that there is a need of creating awareness among the masses in general and farming community in particular about the methods preserving different water sources.

The Course Director, WAPCOS (India) Ltd., Mr. D.P.Gupta gave detailed resume of the course content and need for adoption of participatory approach in irrigation system management by the farmers and water users.

Vote of thanks was presented by Project Officer, S&W, Command Area Development, Jammu, Mr. K.R. Gupta.

The function was also attended by former Director Agriculture, Mr. D.P. Khajuria, Chief Agriculture Officer, Command Area, Agriculture scientists and agriculture field workers.

VARSITY NOTES
Speculations agog over new VC

By Nishikant Khajuria

Following the change of guard in the State, the speculations are agog on the Campus over the person to occupy the prestigious seat of Vice Chancellor of the Jammu University.

Guess work over the name of new probable, who may be a local or the outsider, is high among the students and teachers as the topic has become talk of the Campus.

While majority is of the view that a Professor from outside the State, probably from Delhi University or JNU, is likely to be installed as the new VC, a section feels that a local may be given an opportunity this time.

Even as the Search Committee has already sent the panel of probables to the Governor who should be10 Chancellor of the premier institution, there are also speculations among the University fraternity that a fresh panel may be submitted in view of the changed Government in the State.

It may be mentioned here that even after rejection of another extension to Prof R R Sharma as the Vice-Chancellor, whose tenure ended in the last December, the Chancellor has not made new appointment for the top post and Prof Sharma is still continuing as acting VC.

However, after the change of guard in the State, speculations over the appointment and name of new VC have once again gripped the Campus and everyone is almost certain that the University will have new Vice-Chancellor within few days

* * * * *

‘Display Your Talent’ contest - the mega event of Jammu University is beginning from November 16.

According to Associate Dean Students Welfare Dr Pritam Singh, for the first time the event in being held in three different phases with commencement of first phase on November 16. Prize distribution will be held immediately after the conclusion of each phase while final awards will be given away after the last phase.

Division of the ‘Display Your Talent’ into three different phases has been done to decrease load of the mega event on the organisors, Dr Singh disclosed and further informed that the JU Campus Cultural Committee, which organises the event, is also contemplating to hold some competitions in open instead of at the University auditorium.

In the first phase, total eight events of Fine Arts category, which included painting, sketching, poster-making, collage, cartooning, clay modeling, flower arrangement and Rangoli, will be organised.

In the second phase, which is likely to commence in first week of December, literary and photography related events will be held which included debating, elocution, poetry recitation, on the spot essay writing, on the spot short story writing, quiz and photography. The third and last phase will have events in the category of music, dance and theatrical activities.

Dr Pritam Singh also informed that on November 16, before commencement of the Display Your Talent’, prizes among winners and runners-up of the Elocution as well as debating contests, held recently by the Department of Students Welfare, will be given away.

However, on the other hand, office bearers of the JU Students Cultural Council, the body which is instrumental in organising the cultural events in the University, seem irked over their non-participation in the preparation of calendar for the ‘Display Your Talent’ and some statutory amendments in the Campus Cultural Committee.

The Students Cultural Council is up in arms particularly against the amendment according to which an aspirant for the post of secretary or joint secretary of the Cultural Council, must have atleast 8 credits. A large section of the University students feel that the new amendment has been brought to debar them from contesting for the posts.

The previous statute in this regard, declares a student eligible to contest for the post of secretary or joint secretary of the Council if he is below 25 and holds a participation certificate in the ‘Display Your Talent’ contest.

Degree Engineers Forum (Civil) nominates body

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 12: The problems being faced by the graduate engineers of the State were discussed in a meeting of All J&K Degree Engineers Forum (Civil) which was held here today.

As per a release, the meeting also constituted an adhoc body of the Forum to solve the day to day and general problems of the engineers to bring about a greater cohesion and unity in the ranks and cadre of degree engineers and to achieve smooth working.

Mr Gandeep Pargal was nominated as the generals secretary of the body while Mr Rajinder Bali will be the press secretary and Rajinder Raina as cashier.

The other executive members of the Forum are Messrs Rajnesh Kohli, Satish Sharma, Ashok Tandon, Sanjay Nargotra, Rajesh Bhagat, Anil Sharma, Ajay Gupta, Chander Kant Sudan, Rajesh Sumbria, Anil Janjuya, Suresh Khajuria, Narinder Sapolia, Rajesh Gandotra, Sudhir Sharma, Devinder Singh, Rajesh Dubey, Tanzeer Afzal Khan, Sunil Tagotra and Sham Gandotra.

The engineers present on the occasion hailed and welcomed the new Government led by Mr Mufti Mohammed Syeed and Mr Mangat Ram Sharma. They pledged to work with missionary zeal and re-dedicated their services for the upliftment and faster development of this trouble-torn Himalayan state.

CM sanctions additional Rs. 3 cr for Budgam

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 12: Additional allocation of RS 3 crore has been sanctioned for District Plan Budgam which would thus be of the order of Rs. 59.60 crore for execution of development process implementation of several welfare schemes in the district during the current financial year.

This was announced by the Chief Minister, Mufti Muhammad Sayeed who chaired the Cabinet cum District development Board Budgam meeting here this afternoon. The Chief Minister, Mufti Muhammad Sayeed chaired and it was attended among others by Ministers, Parliament Member, Mr. Omar Abdullah, Legislators of Budgam district, Chief Secretary, Commissioner Planning, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir and District Development Commissioner, Budgam besides all heads of departments and district officers.

The MP Mr. Omar Abdullah and Legislators of the district projected their demands of the respective constituencies and pleaded for allocation of additional funds to augment water supply in scarcity areas and up-gradation of road communication. The Board had on the spot decisions to over come these problems.

The Finance Minister, Mr. Muzaffar Hussain Beigh underscored need for financial discipline and urged for effective monitoring and evaluation of development process. He said that Government is seriously considering the plan for re-modeling and up-date water supply schemes as long term planning so that the basic facility like water and other facilities are made available to the people of all the three regions of the State.

The Chief Minister summing up the discussion had on the implementation of district plan stressed for involving unemployed youth in rural areas for their active participation in the development process. He announced that all the damaged and defective power transforms be got repaired immediately so that the people can not face hardship for availability of power supply. He, however directed the power development authorities and engineers to fix technical auto cut gadgets with the transformers so that the misuse of power could be checked.

Earlier, the DDC Budgam, Mr. Baseer Khan presented the salient features of the current year’s plan and projected demands for allocation of additional funds for completion of public utility assets.

Cong MLAs of Jammu Distt ask Bhim to prove charge

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 12: A meeting of Congress MLAs, and those who had contested party election in Jammu district,was held with Mr Madan Lal Sharma, MLA and District Congress president Jammu (rural), in the chair.

As per a release the meeting took serious note of the wild allegations levelled by Prof Bhim Singh and published in a section of the press against Congress leadership of selling party mandates in Jammu district in recently held Assembly elections.

All the participants in the meeting condemned the statement and described the charges levelled as baseless, frivolous and false and resolved "we are pained and shocked over such unfounded statement".

They said it was unfortunate as Congress has always been supporting party candidates during elections by paying them and not receiving any thing from them.

All in the meeting stressed upon Prof Bhim Singh to restrain himself from from making such statements in future and also asked him to prove charges against Congress within one week or withdraw the statement, otherwise be prepared to face the consequences in the Court of Law.

The meeting decided that If Prof Bhim Singh does not prove the charges or withdraw the statement within one week, the MLAs and contested candidates will sue him for defamation in the Court of Law.

Besides others who attended the meeting included Messrs Tara Chand, Mrs Suman Bhagat, Raman Bhalla, Yogesh Sawhney, Ch Garu Ram, Mrs Swarn Lata, Prakash Sharma, Dr Jagdish Dubey, Balwan Singh and Ch Hamid.

Gujjar, Bakerwal ST Association holds meet

Excelsior Correspondent

POONCH, Nov 12: A meeting of Gujjar &Bakerwal Schedule Tribe Association was held at Surankote today to take the stock of the various problems being faced by the employees belonging to this category.

As per a release, meeting was chaired by Mr Fazal Ahmed Bajar and it also exchanged views on the activities of ST Employees Association.

The speakers while expressing satisfaction over the functioning of the Association expressed concern that over the lapse of 11 years, the ST Status has not been implemented in letter and spirit.

It alleged that the policy of the National Conference Government was biased with regard to the promotions of the employees in the state.

The state general secretary while addressing the meeting came down heavily on the previous Government. He expressed the hope that the PDP, Congress Government will draw a comprehensive mechanism to get the status implemented in all the relevant institutions of the state with regard to promotions. He demanded the release of backlog quota in different departments.

He also expressed the hope that the present Government will grant the political reservations to the community in the state. The community also expressed its regrets regarding non inclusion of any community member in the state cabinet and demanded that during the next expansion a senior and mass based leader of the community from Rajouri and Poonch be inducted in the Council of Ministers.

The meeting also demanded release of three per cent DA due from July this year.

Dogra College opens admission in 5 year Law Course

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 12: Dogra Law College, Bari Brahmanah, affliated to Dogra Educational Trust will be the first professional institute in J&K to start five year Degree course in Law. The admissions are open from today till November 30.

This was stated by Chairman of the Dogra Law College, Mr Gulchain Singh Charak while talking to media persons here this afternoon. He said the criteria for the course is 10+2 with 55 per cent marks for admission.

He said opening of the Law College was a great desire of the people of Jammu and Dogra Educational Trust has taken up this challenge with establishing the Law College in 2000 and at present the third session has been given the admission to LLB in this institute.

He said as the five year integrated law course after the higher secondary school education is becoming the new pattern of professional education in law in India since 1983-84, our institute has taken this challenge too to provide the facility to the students of J&K who otherwise had to bear heavy expenses for seeking admission in the said course outside the state.

He said on the directives of Bar Council of India, the Dogra Educational Trust submitted proposal to Jammu University for granting permission to five year integrated course in Law which has been approved.

Director of the College Prof T N Shalla while giving more information, said the legal education is the part of national prospective planning.

He said traditionally it was a two year course in law and then three years degree. But when the experts came to know that the three year course is not also giving the justice they approved a five year Degree course scheme.

He said during the five year degree course the trainees are given fullest exposure to face future challenges. Under this scheme the course of two years includes other non law subjects like sociology etc.

Prof Shalla said the admissions are given as per the norms fixed by Jammu University and first preference is given to its products.

He said students are given admission in three categories which include merit category, payment seats and NRIs.

He said the admission fee is Rs 8,000 while the tuition fee is Rs 14,000 and 28,000 for merit category and payment seats respectively per year. The tuition fee for NRIs is 15,00 dollars per year, he added.

However, there is a package for the meritorious students who are interested to pay the entire tuition fee in a single installment.

He said the admission is made by a five member Committee headed by Chairman of the College. The three members of the Committee are from the College while the two are from University, he added.

All Gurez households to have solar electricity: CM

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 12: Chief Minister, Mufti Muhammad Sayeed today ordered all households in Gurez to be provided electricity through solar lights to mitigate the sufferings of people in the far flung area due to power shortage.

This was one of the several decisions taken at the joint meeting of the State Cabinet and the District Development Board, Baramulla held here today with Chief Minister, Mufti Muhammad Sayeed in the chair.

According to yet another decision, the Vigilance Organization would be asked to speed up investigation in development works and work on no project to be stopped for more than 3 months on account of investigations.

It was decided that three ration depots would be set up in Uri and one ration ghat sanctioned for Bandipore constituency. A lady doctor to be posted on priority in Uri and a specialist doctor at Gurez. De-silting of irrigation canals would be taken up before the onset of agriculture season.

An ambulance sanctioned for Sumbal hospital.

District Development Commissioner was asked to work out cost on aforestation in Sonawari constituency. A fire station sanctioned for Sangrama after survey while one high school to be upgraded in Bandipore tehsil. Ajas village to be again included in Bandipore.

Rs. 5 lakh sanctioned for health sector buildings in Uri. Cost/benefit analysis to be worked out for Lolab- Bandipore road and closed canals to be revived.

Encroachment on PHE feeders in Sonawari to be removed Water supply scheme, Durhama, left incomplete, to be completed. District Development Commissioner to have on the spot inspection of Wagoora- Durhama road and take appropriate measures for re-starting work on it.

The Minister for Finance and Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Muzaffar Hussain Beigh stressed on close monitoring of ongoing development works and said that the Chief Minister had given clear instructions in this regard. He said the government would ensure that every single penny spent on development works was accounted for.

GES celebrates Children’s day with difference

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 12: Global Educational Society, Jewel Chowk, Canal Road Jammu celebrated Children’s Day in unique way.

As per a release the vice president Mr Henry Don alongwith general secretary Ritesh Gupta, Centre Head, Mr Harry Sexon and other teachers of Global Educational Society together distributed the books to more than one hundred and five students from Classes KG to Matriculation of Ashoka Higher Secondary School, Krishna Nagar Jammu.

The selected books were distributed for building mental ability, increasing IQ and incorporating competence in students along with their general studies.

The Principal addressed the students on the occasion and delivered an impressive speech on eve of Children Day and encouraged the management of Global Educational Society to keep up their movement for upliftment and betterment of students and for their efforts.

The main motto of Global Educational Society is to uplift the deviated, non-directional and unawared students and incorporate confidence and success in their lives.

Addl. Rs. 6 cr allocated for district plan, Baramulla

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 12: An additional allocation of Rs. 6 crore has been sanctioned for execution of welfare schemes in Baramulla district under current year’s plan. Thus the total plan of the district will be of the order of 78.43 crore.

The decision to this effect was taken at a joint meeting of State Cabinet and District Development Board, Baramulla here today. The meeting chaired by Chief Minister, Mufti Muhammad Sayeed was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Mangat Ram Sharma, Finance and Planning Minister, Mr. Muzaffar Hussain Beigh, Housing and Urban Development Minister, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir, Education Minister, Mr. Harash Dev Singh, Social Welfare Minister, Mr. Mulla Ram, Rural Development Minister, Peerzada Muhammad Sayed, Legislators of Baramulla district, Chief Secretary, Mr. I. S. Malhi, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr. Mohammad Iqbal Khanday, Principal Secretary, Planning, Mr. Vijay Bakaya, District Development Commissioner, Baramulla, Mr. Naveen Choudhary and all Heads of departments and district officers.

Earlier, the District Development Commissioner, Baramulla gave a resume of the current year’s plan and put-forth several requirements of the district and assured the Chief Minister that the instructions conveyed by the august forum would be implemented strictly.

The Minister for Education, Mr. Harsh Dev Singh said that with a view to universalize the elementary education, 842 new primary schools are being opened in the State.

The Minister for Social Welfare, Mr. Mulla Ram said that 23,000 beneficiaries will be provided financial assistance through money orders, likewise widows and old-aged pensioners will also be brought under the same scheme, he added.

The Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir said that municipal elections will be held very soon in the state so as to make urban local bodies more effective.

There is a need to follow a transparent policy in executing rural development programmes so as to make them result oriented., the Minister for Rural Development, Peerzada Mohammad Sayed said in the meeting.

The Minister for Planning and Finance, Mr. Muzaffar Hussain Beigh said that proper planning and implementation of developmental programmes with a close co-ordination among various executing agencies can only ensure a total socio-economic transformation in the state. He sought an active cooperation of the opposition to work for making J&K a true welfare state.

Addressing the meeting the Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Mangat Ram Sharma said that the present government in its Common Minimum Programme has resolved to strengthen the coordination between the government and common masses and decentralize the powers to grass root level. Mr. Sharma asked the officers to gear up their field agencies to solve the problems of the people with due care and dedication.

Formation of VDCs in Hiranagar demanded

Excelsior Correspondent

HIRANAGAR, Nov 12: Kissan Mazdoor Welfare Association has demanded constitution of Village Defence Committees in view of increasing threat of terrorists.

According to a release, a meeting of the members of the Association was held here today under the chairmanship of Mohan Lal Sharma. The members expressed concern over the increase in the activities of the militants in the tehsil and demanded formation of VDCs immediately in all the villages so as to restore confidence among the people. They also demanded the drought compensation to the farmers for the years 2001.

The issues regarding shortage of drinking water, supply of fertilizers and seeds, setting up of Police post at Hiranagar Morh, clearance of silt from old canal etc. were discussed in the meeting. It was urged upon the authorities to give authority to the Sarpanchs to issue character certificates.

It was further demanded that Panchayat elections may be completed by nominating Panchayat Adalat Block Development Chairman and District Development chairman.

Prominent among those who were present in the meeting included —Ram Krishan, Rasal Chand, Choudhary Naseeb, Capt Ram Krishan

Nisar urges early completion of Hoftal &
Sanjal power projects

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov. 12: The Minister of State for Rural Development, Haji Nisar Ali has urged the Power Development Department authorities to ensure constant electric supply in Leh and Kargil districts.

He also asked the engineers to redouble their efforts for early completion of Hoftal and Sanjal power projects presently under execution.

The Minister was addressing officers of the Power Development Department here today.

He said that the present Government is committed to provide healing touch to the miseries of common masses and fulfill their urges and aspirations. He said considerable improvement has been made in the power supply as curtailment has been reduced to 50 percent. He said that the present government is determine to provide equitable development to all the three regions of the State.

The Minister expressed hope that the administration will work with greater zeal and determination and come up to the expectations of the common masses.

Among others Mr. B. R. Kundal, Principal Secretary, Power Development Department was present in the meeting.

Anganwari workers hold meet

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 12: J&K Anganwari Workers Welfare Association in its meeting at Samba today held under the leadership of Shashi Bali, senior vice president of Jammu Kashmir Government Employees and Workers Federation discussed various demands.

As per a release, the meeting demanded regularisation of anganwari workers, promotion on seniority basis enhancement in the honorarium and absorption of workers in the Department.

The meeting also elected a body for Samba with Mrs Santosh Samyal as its president. Mrs Raj Kumari and Parsino Devi were elected as senior vice president and vice president respectively.

Sumila, Rano Kumari, Sunil Sharma, Neelam, Koushliya, Rekha, Ganesh Kumari and Soma Devi were elected as general secretary, joint secretary, secretary, publicity secretary, cashier, deputy cashier, organizer and advisor respectively.

Dip Enggs hold meet

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 10: A general body meeting of All J&K Diploma Engineers Association was held at Irrigation Complex under the chairmanship of Mr R S Jasrotia, state president.

As per a release Mr Jasrotia condoled the sad demise of former president of the association Mr M H Kuttay and highlighted the achievements and recalled the qualities of head and heart of Mr Kuttay.

Vice president of the Central body Mr R K Kohli while addressing asked the authorities to consider the long pending demands of the cadre like withdrawal of Circular No 518 of 10-3-1998, enhancement in promotion quota with maintenance of cadre strength, restoration of of entry level scale and absorption of unemployed diploma engineers.

Association general secretary Mr Jugal Kishore appealed to all rank and file of the Association to strengthen the cause of the cadre and remain united for getting the demands conceded from the Government.

Prominent among those who attended the meeting included Messrs V P Sharma, R S Sudan, Paramjit Singh, Sunil Sharma, V K Trikha, V K Verma, Sudhir Singh, Kulbir Singh, Dheeraj Khajuria, S K Abrol, M K Bazaz and Kuldeep Singhh Katoch.

Puran Singh’s victory from Darhal challenged

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 12: Ch Zulfikar Ali, Advocate, has challenged the election of Mr Puran Singh, who was elected to State Assembly from Darhal segment recently.

Mr Ali, who challenged the election of Puran Singh in the State High Court, was contesting as an Independent candidate from Darhal.

Ali in his petition has alleged that Puran Singh resorted to corrupt practices and created communal wedge amongst different sections of the voters.

The petitioner further submitted that Election Commission of India has issued a list of free symbols to the allotted candidates. The Returning Officer Rajouri allotted " Watch" as an election symbol to the respondent Puran Singh which didn’t exist in the free symbols’ list.

This, the petitioner said, was done with an ulterior motive to benefit Puran Singh, as " Watch" was the symbol of another candidate Mohd Sadiq Malik in the previous election and this symbol was familiar and well-known among Pahari people, who had voted for Puran Singh.