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

CS sets agenda for administration to speed up
work, solving people’s problems

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 23 : Chief Secretary Mr. I S Malhi today called upon the higher rung of Jammu and Kashmir administration that has been vested with ministerial powers by the Governor to work out modalities for effective functioning at various levels in the State.

This has become necessary to steer the state to progress and development besides taking care of the problems faced by the people in the changed scenario, the Chief Secretary said while addressing the meeting of committee of secretaries here this morning, last in the summer capital before moving of offices to Jammu on Darbar Move.

He said the administration has to shoulder additional responsibilities in the prevailing situation and rise to the expectations of the people. The accountability at all the levels has to be ensured and there should be no room for laxity, he added.

The Chief Secretary asked the administration to set an agenda for speeding the pace of work and keep on moving to various districts for taking stock of the schemes under execution. During Darbar Move also the secretaries must visit the field areas to monitor the implementation of various programmes, he said, adding that he will himself undertake such visits in the valley.

Referring to the move of offices to Jammu, Mr. Malhi stressed that the secretariat and other move offices should become fully functional in the winter capital on 5th November itself. He said the advance parties must ensure that the record is opened during the move days to make the offices operational well in time.

About stepping up pace of work on developmental front, the Chief Secretary pointed out that in view of limited working season in Kashmir valley, rate contracts for Government supplies need to be finalized quickly so that work on various projects is completed within the fixed time schedule. He said funds provided for various schemes should be optimally utilized for greater impact of development works and speedy completion thereof.

Mr. Malhi directed the heads of departments to report the number of class IV vacancies in their departments so that the backlog of militancy victims could be cleared under compassionate category. He asked them to provide information regarding the appointments made in their departments after the Government imposed ban on recruitment.

The Chief Secretary said that modalities should also be worked out for re-constituting the board of directors of various corporations and the autonomous bodies as the concerned ministers earlier headed most of these.

Court directive to release salary, arrears of
18 aided institutions

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 23: Division Bench (DB) of the State High Court, comprising Justice V K Jhanji and Justice B L Bhat, has directed Secretary Higher Education, School Education, Secretary Finance Department and Chief Accounts Officer Migrant Cell Jammu to take necessary steps for carrying out directions of the High Court for release of the salary and arrears of the employees of 18 aided institutions of Kashmir valley, whose staff migrated to Jammu due to the militancy in Kashmir.

In its six page order, the DB observed that after migration, the migrant staff of Islamia College Srinagar were given all benefits regarding the pay. The same benefit was, however, not granted to migrant staff of Gandhi College Srinagar, who moved even the Apex Court for the same and got the relief. The DB said that the other 18 private aided Education institutions also filed four writ petitions, whereby the court directed to release the salary of the staff.

The court while deciding these petitions, held that the amount payable to the staff of these 18 private aided institutions with effect from March 1990 till September 2002 if calculated will not be less that rupees 12 crore, but sofar only an amount of Rs 85 lakh have been released. As per the statement of the Education department that this department has already written to the Finance Department to release rupees 2,95,27,000 for payment to the migrant staff of 18 institutions towards their salary.

The court observed that it was really unfortunate that the staff of these aided schools is forced to approach this court time and again and it is only on the direction of this court or under the threat of contempt petition, salary in parts is being released. The Court orders are to be respected and directions if any given, are to be carried out in later and spirit, the State or its functionaries are not to find the ways and means to avoid or delay the execution of the court orders, it was observed.

The DB directed that in case the salary in respect of 18 institutions is not released in time and arrears not paid within three months as directed, then the person(s) who may be found responsible in not releasing the amount, shall not only be dealt with under the provisions of contempt of court Act, but the contempt authority too would be directed to take departmental proceedings against such officers and in that event court may also direct the said person to pay interest from his own pocket.

With these directions and observations, the DB adjourned the case,— contempt petition filed by 18 private aided educational institutions of Kashmir valley, for six weeks.

NYK organises seminars

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Oct 23 : The District Development Commissioner, Kathua, Mr. B.D.Sharma exhorted upon the youth to come forward and take opportunities of loan for setting up their own ventures. This, he said, would go a long way in solving the burning problems of un-employment.

Mr. Sharma was speaking at the seminar organised by the Nehru Yuva Kendra, Kathua here today. He appreciated the efforts of Nehru Yuva Kendra for organising seminar to aware the youth about differeent Self Employment Schemes launched by the Central and State Govenments. He said that Government is making all out efforts to solve the problem of un-employment. For this purpose, he said that the loan facilities are being provided under various Self Employment Schemes. He asked the youth to come forward and avail of the loan facilities being provided by the different agencies and set up their own units for improving their economic conditions.

He said that due to lack of awareness, the schemes launched for providing employment opportunities could not be implemented properly. He stressed the need for arranging awareness camps in for flung areas of the district to aware the rural youth about different self employment schemes.

Realising the youth about their responsibilities Mr. Sharma said taht the youth are the future of our country. He said that the youth should not merely depends on parents for their requirements. He said that parents have great hope for them and it is duty of all of them to activate themselves for improving their living conditions and work hard unitedly for the development of the country.

While addressing Zonal Director, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangthan J&K zone, Mr. K.K.Gandotra asked the youth to establish their units after taking loan for improving their living conditions. He said that youths should realise their duties towards their parents and come up to their expectations.

The District Manager, Lead Bank, Kathua, Mr. S.C.Ahuja And Assistant General Manager, NABARD, Mr. Ram Rao highlighted various self employment schemes and asked the youth to take benefits of these schemes.

While welcoming the Chief Guest and the audience, District Youth Coordinator, Mr. S.P.Sharma apprised about the aim and objective for arranging the seminar.

About the hundren youth including female hailed from 24 youth culbs/Mahila Mandals of Kathua district participated.

Among others, Chief Planning Officer, kathua, Mr. B.R. Lachotra and District Pancyayat Officer were present on the occasion.

Challan presented against CEO in illegal
appointment case

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 23: Vigilance Organization has presented a challan against P L Sharma, the then Chief Education Officer (CEO) Poonch for making illegal/backdoor appointments by getting gratifications from the appointees.

Special Judge Anti-Corruption Jammu, Mr R K Magotra after considering the case, has directed O S Jamwal, Public Prosecutor to produce the witness in the case on next date of hearing fixed on November 22, 2002, for framing charges against the accused.

As per the case, Sharma, in capacity as the CEO Poonch, had demanded rupees 70,000 per candidate for the post of Laboratory Assistant and rupees 50,000 per candidate for class-IV posts. Later, the money for both the posts was settled at Rs 65,000 and Rs 40,000 respectively.

According to the investigations, it was established that accused Sharma had accepted the illegal gratification while making appointments against these category of posts.

After the completion of the investigations, the Vigilance Organization today presented the challan in the court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption Jammu. The date has been fixed for framing the charges.

Om Goswami’s literary contribution lauded

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 23: " Meet the Author" programme was organised by the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi in collaboration with the Academy of Art, Culture and Languages at the Abhinav Theatre here this evening. Renowned litterateur Dr Om Goswami interacted with the galaxy of prominent literary luminaries assembled for the prestigious function at which focus is on works and life of outstanding writers and poets.

Sharing his experiences and works, Dr Goswami narrated his life-long literary activities and achievements. Starting early in childhood, he has to his credit nearly two dozen books and some other periodical publications in Dogri and Hindi.

Recalling his childhood initiation in literary field, he said that his Hindi poems did find place in some periodicals and papers which encouraged and inspired. Then, later he switched over to prose as well and wrote short stories as also novel. In an emotion-charged journey into the memory lane, he recalled the personalities who inspired him.

Dr Goswami, recipient of coveted Sahitya Akademi award in Dogri, has rendered praiseworthy contribution for the development of the Dogri language and literature.

The programme started with a recital of famous lyrics of Dr Goswami.

Mrs Renu Mohan Bhan, Deputy Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, in her speech, highlighted the purpose of organising such prestigious literary programmes. She said that the Sahitya Akademi was making concerted efforts for promotion of literary activities and popularising the Dogri language as well.

Mrs Bhan gave a brief introduction about the author in whose honour the programme "Meet the Author" is being organised.

Dr Goswami interacted with the audience about his life and works.

4-day workshop in JU
Day-long session held to render Dogri poetry into English

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 23: On the second day of national workshop on translation of Dogri poetry into English, eminent resource persons and noted translators devoted full day session to fine-tune the translation work.

The 4-day workshop is on to open up selected Dogri poem through standard translation to the English readership. The workshop has been jointly organised by the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi and the PG Department of Dogri, University of Jammu from October 22-25.

The eminent Dogri poets whose compositions are being rendered into English are: Ram Nath Shastri, Narsingh Dev Jamwal, Ved Rahi, Romal Singh Phadwal, Padma Sachdev, Jatindra Udhampuri, Ashok Jerath, Kanwar Vijogi, Satpal Misra, Darshan Darshi. Shakuntla Birpuri, Abhishap, Mohan Singh, Gayaneshwar, Champa Sharma, Dhian Singh, Virendra Kesar, Parduman Singh, Arvind, Mohammad Yasin Beg, Shivdev Singh Susheel, Dhian Singh.

The translation work has been taken up by noted literary figures including leading academicians, famous writers/ poets and professionals. Among others, the translators are: Ashok Jerath, Satnan Kour, Deepshikha Kotwal, S P Srivats, Rajeshwar Singh Raju, Sucheta Pathania, Desh Bandhu Nutan,, Nilamber Dev Sharma, Shashi Pathania, O P Sharma and Ravinder Kaul .

The translation of these famous poets will open doors for their wider readership and upswing in their popularity graph, nationally and globally. This will also certainly give a further boost to Dogri literature and language.

Arrangements for Urs celebrations

Excelsior Correspondent

KISHTWAR, Oct 23 : Arrangements for the celebration of Annual Urs of Hazrat Saraj-ul-Din Sahib Bagdadi which is falling on Nov.10, were finalized at a meeting of officers held here today under the chairmanship of SDM, Kishtwar.

It was revealed in the meeting that during 11-day long Urs programme all basic facilities including drinking water, electricity, transportation, medicare and essential commodities would be made available to the devotees which are expected to participate in large number from within and outside the Doda district as Urs is falling during the holy month of Ramzan.

Later, the SDM accompanied by the officers visited the holy shrine and took stock of the arrangements under way for the devotees.

NGO implements Uchand-Kani project

Excelsior Correspondent

POONCH, Oct 23: The Pir Panchal Environment and Eco-Development Society J&K has implemented a peoples water shed conservation project ‘Uchand-Kani’ over a 50 hectors state land which was rocky, rugged and refectory.

According to a press release, the success was achieved due to people’s participation, cooperation and coordination in Poonch district. The project is being sponsored by National Afforestation and Eco-Development Board, New Delhi.

The over grazed, degraded barren and ugly looking hillock has been converted into a lush green pasture in a record time of 4 months during 2001-2002.

Moisture conservation, levelling and massive afforestation works have been executed excellently in the project are under the personal supervision of NGO president, Mr M B Mugal, DFO (Retd).

A variety of local edible grasses have profusely come up in the project area which has been distributed amongst 42 local beneficiaries free of cost during record drought period w.e.f June to September 2002. The locals were allowed to harvest the grasses weighing 412 quintals costing more than Rs 1,58,000 for saving their cattle from starvation in the surrounding area.

Five Medical Supdts of Jammu bypassed
to promote a junior

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 23: Five Medical and Deputy Medical Superintendents, presently posted in the Medical College and its associated hospitals, have been by-passed by Health Department in the seniority to promote and induct a junior Deputy Medical Superintendent as Superintendent.

Seniority of Dr Romesh Gupta, Superintendent Medical College, Dr Harbans Sharma, Superintendent, Dental Hospital, Dr Ravinder Rattan Pal, Superintendent Psychiatric Hospital, Dr Vinod Gupta, Superintendent Chest Diseases Hospital and Dr Yashpal Sharma, Deputy Superintendent, Medical College, Jammu was ignored by the Health and Medical Education Department while promoting Dr Wasim Qureshi, Deputy Medical Superintendent, Children Hospital, Srinagar as Superintendent.

Subsequently, Dr Qureshi’s services were regularised as Superintendent.

Reliable sources told EXCELSIOR that Dr Romesh Gupta was a pass out of December 1990 while Dr Harbans Sharma and Dr Ravinder Rattan Pal were pass out of July 1992. Dr Vinod Gupta was a pass out of December 1992 and Dr Yashpal Sharma of 1995 batch. All of them had Masters Degree in Hospital Administration (MHA) from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

However, according to sources, Dr Wasim Qureshi was junior from all these five Superintendents and Deputy Medical Superintendents, posted in Jammu but he was promoted and his services regularised as Medical Superintendent in the grade of 12,000-16,500 by an order issued by Health and Medical Education Department under Government Order No. 880 H&ME of 2002.

Under Medical Services Recruitment Rules of the State Government, the services of a Medical or Deputy Medical Superintendent had to be confirmed after three years. However, in the case of Jammu Superintendents, their services hadn’t been regularised even after 10 to 12 years.

According to sources, the aggrieved Superintendent and Deputy Superintendents in Jammu had been giving representations to the concerned authorities a number of times for last several years for their regularisation and induction from Health to Medical Education Department.

However, their representations were not considered by the authorities while a Deputy Medical Superintendent, who was far junior to all of them, was promoted as Superintendent and his services were regularised.

Sources said that even the High Court had directed the Government to confirm Dr Romesh Gupta, Dr Harbans Sharma and Dr Ravinder Rattan Pal as Superintendents and induct them to Medical Education Department. But, order of the High Court hadn’t been implemented by authorities so far.

According to sources, even if the aggrieved Superintendents and Deputy Superintendents are now confirmed and inducted to Medical Education Department, they will become junior to Dr Qureshi, who was earlier junior from all of them.

Militancy, Govt apathy responsible for delay on project
Fate of Bani-Bhaderwah road uncertain despite
17 yrs of work by PWD, GREF

By Gopal Sharma

JAMMU, Oct 23: The fate of Basohli-Bani-Bhaderwah road is still uncertain even when the GREF and PWD agencies have put 17 long years of work on this project.

The amount worth over Rs 25 crore has been spent on this road by the Border Roads Organisation so far but its completion is no where in sight. It is believed that if the work went on the snails pace as happened in the past, the road will not be completed even during the next ten years.

While the top officials of the BRO mainly hold the State Administration responsible for the non-cooperation including obstacles being created in land acquisition from Revenue and Forest authorities, the Government on the other hand cites reason of militancy behind the delay in the completion of work on this road. The PWD authorities reportedly carried a little work of widening for a few years in the beginning and later the project was handed over to the GREF. Col. Padmanaban, a senior official in the Project, told Excelsior that Basohli-Bani-Bhaderwah road having length of 165 kms was handed over to the BRO in 1986 and the Class 9 Formation works were completed in 1993. He said the road link was established but several works including construction of several culverts, small bridges, retaining walls etc. were pending. Unfortunately, due to militancy and paucity of funds too, the work remained affected for about 7 years on this project and the machinery of the BRO was damaged with the acts of militants. Due to lack of security cover to the men working on the project, the smooth execution of work was not possible.

The militants are not in favour of opening of this road and that is why they have tried to cause damage to the machinery of the BRO. After they struck at Sarthal, causing a few casualties about 6-7 years ago, the work was almost suspended there after. In January 1998, the Government of India gave approval for making this road double-lane and the fresh land acquisition process had to be started but due to the non-cooperation from the civil Administration in Doda and also in Kathua, the work was affected. Bhaderwah is hardly 78 kms from Bani while the vehicular traffic on 86 kms Basohli-Bani road is already operational. It passes through beautiful Valley of Sarthal which needs due attention from Tourism department.

He said the Border Roads Organisation plans to spend Rs 8 crore on this road during the current financial year and if the non-cooperative attitude from the Civil Administration continues, the amount is likely to be diverted to some other project. Unfortunately, the Civil Administration is not showing interest in the early completion of work on this road which will ensure direct link of district Doda with Kathua and neighbouring Himachal Pradesh. At present about 300 FREF men are at work on this road. " We want to do wonders in this tough mountainous region but at the same time cooperation from the civil administration and regular financial support is imperative," he maintained.

The GREF official regretted that Bhaderwah-Chamba road is not being used despite its completion more than ten years back. The people from district Doda for going to Himachal have to go via Udhampur, Jammu, Kathua and then Punjab to reach there. The lack of will on the part of civil administration to re-open this road is responsible for the miseries of the public, he added.

The Chief Engineer Project Beacon indicated that a strong letter in this regard has already been written to the Deputy Commissioner, Doda and it has been suggested to cooperate with the BRO in the land acquisition process through Collector Land and also issue necessary directions to the Forest authorities to clear all the hurdles in ensuring smooth work on 78 km-long Bani-Bhaderwah road.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Basohli Mr P K Bakshi when contacted said that the NOC for the double lane Basohli-Bani -Bhaderwah road ( 60 feet wide) has already been issued to the BRO authorities and they may go ahead with the proposed task. The compensation will be disbursed among the affected people as soon as the BRO authorities deposit the same with the Collector Land.

Responding to a question he said no doubt the work was started long-long ago initially by the state agency and then by BRO but the militancy remained the main hurdle in the smooth execution of work. The Administration is interested in the early completion of this road and it will redress a lot of miseries of the people of this remote area. The work can be executed with the help of security cover and the agency concerned must write to the Government for the same.

Symposium held at Mendhar

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Oct 23: The youth in Mendhar was exhorted to develop values to strengthen common brotherhood and patriotism. The Teachers were impressed upon to treat students as their own children and imparted moral education besides the academic.

According to a press release, first ever, youth of Mendhar participated enthusiastically in symposium on topic of ‘Be Eyes And Ears Of Police For Own Sake’ organised by DIG Rajouri Poonch Range. Mr S S Bijral, DIG Rajouri, in his address, explained that the police has numerically small strength of which major part was devoted towards law and order, security of installation and VIPs leaving very small number to serve in police stations and police posts. He said that function can not be well attended to unless every citizens particularly the youth take to community policing functions.

Dr Kamal Saini, SSP Poonch also attended the function and served as one of the three judges.

Students of Higher Secondary Schools of Mendhar, Harni, Chithral and Dhargaloon attended the symposium.

Speakers stressed on the need for every one to help police by staying alert about their surroundings and inform them in time about every unlawful happening harming the interest of the society. In the symposium first, second and third positions were given Rs 3000, Rs 2000 and Rs 1000 respectively as cash reward.

Ms Sonia Kumari of Muqadas Hr Sec School Mendhar won first prize while Ritu Sharma of Govt Hr Sec School Harni won second prize. Mr Nizam-ud Din of Govt Hr Sec School Chitral got third prize.

Ms Fatma Choudary of Muqadas Hr Sec School, Ghosia Rashid Choudhary of Chitral School, Mehtab Ahmed of Mendhar Hr Sec School and Jameela Khatoon of Girls Hr Sec School Mendhar got consolation prizes.

LPEF demands DA installment

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Oct 23: All J&K Low Paid Government Employees Federation has demanded immediate release of DA installment from July 2002 in favour of employees and pensioners and enhance their medical allowances to Rs 300 per month.

According to a press release, while addressing a rally of the workers at Sanji Morh, Mr Abdul Majid Khan, president of the Federation said the employees have been facing financial hardship due to soaring price of all goods of daily consumption and medicare facilities as well. Mr Tara Mani Sharma, president Hiranagar presided over the meeting.

Mr Khan criticised the Central Government for its sinister designs to freeze the payment of DA installments, bonus and commutatiion of pension on the pretext of arresting deficit finances of the Central and State Government.

He said that Country is facing financial constraints due to the wrong fiscal policies pursued by the exploiting ruling classes. He said that instead of recovering taxes and loans running several thousand crores of rupees from the influential sections of the society, the ruling classes are bent upon depriving the working classes from rights they have earned after persistent and protracted struggles in the past.

The Federation chief also urged upon the concerned authorities of Education Department to promote general line teachers on senior teachers posts forthwith.

BOSE comes to rescue of injured serviceman

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 23: State Board of School Education swung into action once again and came to the rescue of one Prithpal Singh constable STF of the Police Department and moved yet another step forward in extending unique example of service orientation and student welfare by helping the distressed service personnel who would not have been able to give his examination otherwise, had it not been for the timely cooperative action and attitude of Board authorities.

As per a release the examination wing of Board received an application from Prithpal Singh with request that since he was injured and admitted in hospital and had to appear in 12th class which he was desperate to do to improve his qualification, arrangements for his examination may be made in the hospital.

Under the directions of the Chairman who ordered special arrangements to be made for the examinee in the hospital for the conduct of examination of the said candidate. Immediately a team headed by Mr I K Kotwal, Assistanmt secretary was sent to the hospital to conduct examination in an effort to provide facility to thr examinee to improve further his career.

JKNPP expresses concern over delay in Govt formation

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 23: Mr Harsh Dev Singh, MLA J&K National Panthers Party and leader of Legislature Party has expressed grave concern over the delay in Government formation in Jammu and Kashmir and the failure of political parties to respect the logic of people’s verdict.

In a release Mr Singh said the people of State have given a historic mandate which demonstrated the victory of democracy over terrorism, but this opportunity could be squandered and missed if the political parties failed to respond to the people’s verdict for a non-NC Government in the State.

Complimenting the people for giving support to ballot against the bullet, Mr Singh said the have given a rasping blow to Pak sponsored terror and indicated their preference for peace and normalcy and solidarity with the Indian Union. He said all political parties should bear in mind that 800 precious lives have been lost for the present democratic exercise and the people of the State will never forgive them in case the democratic process was rendered futile and public mandate betrayed.

Mr Harsh Dev Singh ridiculed the PDP stand to have a valley chief minister so as to end the alienation in that part of the State. he said the alienation today is more a phenomenon in the other regions of the State than Kashmir and the need to cater to other regions is more acute and pressing. He said the people of Jammu had been persistently nursing a grouse against the perpetual preferences that has been fixed by erstwhile rulers of the State, in all matters relating to appointments, postings, allocation of funds, assignment of offices, rationalization of administrative units etc.

Mr Singh said that all that had bred a sense of alienation that was more substantial, more factual, more true than any alienation in Kashmir. he said the recent vote for peace and prosperity was also a vote for equitable treatment, an attitude of equality, removal of disparities, imbalances and prejudices.

Mr Singh appealed the PDP to shun its inhibitive approach and to support the Congress-NPP-Independents combine so as to facilitate the formation of a stable Government in the overall interests of the State and the nation at large.

Pragat Divas of Bhagwan Valmiki celebrated

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 23: As usual on the Pargat Divas of Bhagwan Valmiki, a grand Satsang was organised at Bhagwan Valmiki Mandir Dogra Hall Jammu which was organized by Mr Dev Anand Gill, state president.

As per a release after conclusion of the Bhajans and discourses, election of the Valmiki and Christian community, Dogra Hall was held under the chairmanship of Choudhary James Masih in which Mr Yousuf Massih was unanimously elected as president for ten years and Mr Surinder Bhat as vice president for the same period.

Mr Dev Anand Gill urged upon the State Government to fulfil 10-year long demand of treating Bhagwan Valmiki Pragat Divas as ‘Gazetted Holiday’. He recalled that a dharna in this regard was held in Jammu and appealed the Government to treat this sacred day like other sacred days and treat is as a gazetted holiday., He also demanded that all Valmiki/Christian colonies in Gandhinagar, Jogi Gate, New plots, Dogra Hall Rehari, Mohalla Ustad, Resham Ghar, Bakshi Nagar etc be got regularised immediately.

the function was attended among others by Messrs Amar Chand, Krishan Gill, Sethi Gill, Kiran Hans, Hakumat, Raju Momen, Younis Gill, Vijay Gill, Pushpa Devi, Nikki, Pappu, Ashok Kumar Bittu, Bimla Devi, Rakesh, Krishan Gill, Sohan Lal, Karam Singh, Suresh Kumar etc.

Court rejects bail to gang-rape accused

Excelsior Correspondent

REASI, Oct 23: Additional Sessions Judge, Reasi Mr B L Bhat has rejected the bail application of accused involved in a gang rape of a woman inside a mini-bus near Reasi.

The accused Parshotam Singh driver, resident of Ghun and Anchal Singh -conductor of the bus 3273/JK02A, were arrested under section 366/ 376/ 307 RPC in case FIR No. 119/ 2002 by Reasi police. The accused through their advocate applied for the bail but the court denied them bail with the observation that the accused persons on noticing prosecutrix -Babli, waiting for a bus at Bara Dari near Reasi took advantage of her helplessness when she was proceeding to cast her vote on the election day. She was gagged on the back seat and gang raped inside the vehicle and then threw her from the moving bus with the intention to physically harm her.

The court further observed that the accused not only abducted the prosecutrix to satisfy their lust but also attempted to eliminate her by pushing her down with a view to mis-lead the people by giving a twist to the case. The victim sustained serious head injuries and could be rescued after the villagers heard her screams.

The judge held that the entire sequence of events is shocking and plight of prosecutrix can not be ignored. The charges against accused are very serious and the incident has created insecurity among the lady commuters. Keeping in view the above facts, the court rejected the bail to the accused.

Gharu Ram calls on DC

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 23: Choudhary Gharu Ram, newly elected MLA from Suchetgarh constituency today called on Deputy Commissioner Jammu and apprised him about the various problems of the people of the border area of Suchetgarh. He said that compensation for the land acquired by the Army or crops damaged due to Army build up along the border for the last one year has not been given to the farmers.

Ration and relief have been stopped by the Government. He demanded immediate release of ration, relief, land compensation to the affected people of border area of Suchetgarh sector immediately.

According to a press release, Deputy Commissioner Jammu gave a patient hearing to the deputation and assured them that he will be issuing orders to Tehsildar R S Pura in this regard and problems of border area people would be looked into favourably.

Choudhary Gharu Ram was accompanied by Sobha Singh, Subedar Paras Ram, Ch Krishan, Ch Dayal, Sarban Kumar, Ch Prem Chand and Rachpal Singh.

BOSE chairman conducts surprise visit

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 23: Prof M A Charoo, chairman of Jammu and Kashmir State Board of School Education paid surprise visit to examination centres of class 12th bi-annual session, 2002 (Jammu division).

According to a press release, on October 21, he inspected at Banihal and Ramban, at Banihal four copying cases were framed by the team accompanying the chairman. On 22-10-2002 he made it a point to visit city centres as well as centres located in Muffasil areas. He also visited Gurah Slathian and finally called off his day at Samba centres. In examination centre constituted at Samba four unfairmeans cases were framed by the Superintendent of the Centre namely Mr Ranjodh Singh. The chairman appreciated the action of the Superintendent of having registered unfairmeans cases on his own. Today centres in which he made surprise checks were in Jammu and Akhnoor tehsils. He took stock of the arrangements made for the smooth conduct of examination and expressed his satisfaction over it.

It was observed that there was no outside interference in or around the examination centres and security arrangements were satisfactory and upto the mark.

Joint secretary, Secrecy, JD, Dr B N Sharma also accompanied the chairman during his visit in Jammu district.

Cocoon bank at Srinagar, Jammu starts functioning

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct. 23: Known around the world for its bivoltine silk, Jammu and Kashmir is gearing up for promotion of silk sector in a big way. To boost its production and to encourage farmers financially, two cocoon banks, first of its kind in the State, have started functioning at Srinagar and Jammu from the current year. The Centre has agreed to provide funds for purchase of modern infrastructural facilities under a special package for the purpose.

Setting up the bank would help further boost the traditional silk industry in the state. It would help to meet round the year requirements of raw material of the silk reeling units and ensure optimum utilization of the installed capacity of reeling units. To boost cocoon production in the state, the Government is offering several incentives to the cocoon rearers which include incentives on plantation of mulberry saplings, subsidy for establishment of cottage basin and multi-end reeling units, soft loans, subsidy on purchase of machinery, besides incentives for production of silk yarn. Following the concerted efforts of the Sericulture Development Department and with the adoption of modern techniques of rearing, the cocoon production in the state has shot up to 890 MTs from 731 MTs some four years ago. Of this, the ‘A’ grade cocoon production accounted for 65 to 85 per cent. According to the Director Sericulture, Dr. A.R. Trag the adoption of scientific methods has helped increase productivity and the per ounce productivity of cocoon seed has registered considerable increase during the last few years. The productivity in Kashmir Valley registered an increase of over 125 per cent. It has shot up to 34 kg per ounce in 2001-02 from 15 kg per ounce in 1996-97. Similarly, the per ounce productivity in Jammu region has gone upto 32 kg from 27 kg per ounce in 1996-97,registering an increase of 5 kg per ounce in five years, he added.

Jammu and Kashmir is one of the five traditionally states in the country with potential to produce silk yarn of international grade. About 27,000 families of 2266 villages are engaged with this part time trade generating income of Rs. 6.50 crore annually for the rearers. This part time activity generated over 19 lakh mandays in rural areas during last six years.

For generating more employment opportunities as also value addition of the cocoon, the Government has decided to set up several reeling units in the private sector in a phased manner. As a part of this programme, 16 reeling units have come up, while others are in the pipeline. These units have produced over 100 metric tons of silk yarn during the last five years.

Two growth centers, one each at Srinagar and Jammu, involving Rs.53 lakhs have also been established in the state .In addition, over Rs, 14.87 lakhs have been paid as subsidy for installing multi-end reeling units, besides providing Rs 79.18 lakhs as incentive to such private unit holders engaged in silk yarn production.

To give further fillip to the famous silk industry of the state, the entrepreneurs are also being given 15 per cent subsidy and 60 per cent of the cost of machinery as loan for setting up reeling units. In addition black cloth for drying cocoons and financial assistance for purchase of GI sheets are also being provided to the entrepreneurs. During last five years 23,328 beneficiaries were provided black cloth for drying cocoons, while 4500 beneficiaries were provided rearing kits. For construction of rearing sheds, each beneficiary is being paid Rs.5000 for purchase of GI sheets.

PDP condemns rivals for disinformation campaign

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Oct 23: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the vicious campaign launched by some fundamentalist and communal organisations against PDP chief and former Union Home Minister Mufti Mohd Syed.

In a joint statement issued here today, a PDP spokesman has shown concern about the ultras of the parties like Sate Morcha, Shiv Sena, VHP and other like minded parties regarding PDP and its chief Mufti. Mr Mufti needs no certificate from any such organisation.

He said the PDP got mandate against the corrupt Farooq Abdullah Government and it is PDP only which can fulfill the aspirations of the people The party treats Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh equally and Mufti Syed is a secular Indian like the leaders of other parties.

The spokesman claimed that PDP is committed to treat all the three regions equally. Mufti Syed is the man who stood clearly in his four decades long political career, adherence to the principles or what he believes to be correct and stands opposition to the Sheikh Mohd Abdullah and his son-Farooq. It is stark truth that he alone carried the Congress flag in the Valley for long and faced the onslaught of the National Conference.

Ashwani demands relief for border migrants

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 23: Jammu State Morcha (JSM) MLA from Bishnah Mr Ashwani Sharma today demanded immediate release of ration, cash relief and land compensation to the border people of Bishnah tehsil.

In a statement issued here today, Mr Sharma reminded the authorities that relief-both ration and cash, for displaced border people were stopped due to elections. He said that election process has been completed and authorities have to immediate release relief as these displaced people have been facing hardship.

Pointing towards the decision of the Centre to withdraw troops from the border, Mr Sharma demanded that adequate compensations should be given to farmers whose lands have been mined by the Army. He also demanded adequate compensation for those farmers whose crops have been damaged due to build up on border.

Highlighting problems of the displaced border people, JSM MLA said that border people have been bearing brunt of the unprovoked firing from across the border. He demanded that alternative land should be given to border people so that they can run their lives smoothly after displacement from their native places.

LIC agent to participate in New York conference

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 23: LIC Agent, Mr Gurmeet Singh, son of Mr Gurbax Singh working under code number 1091-14 B has become the first agent in the current financial year to qualify for the prestigious MDRT conference which is to be held in USA next year.

As per a release, he has done a new business of Rs 2.30 crore on 116 policies and has also qualified for Kottayan Convention to be held in November this year.

Mr Gurmeet Singh was appointed agent on May 30, 2000 and he did over one crore business during his first year of career. Since then he did not look back in doing business in crores year after year.

Mr Singh attributed the reason of his success to the help and support rendered to him by his Development Officer, Mr Parvez Kalsi, Branch Manager, Mr C J S Slathia, ABM, Mr R K Bhat and other staff members and development officers of Unit Third, Jammu. At a function organized in the Branch, Mr Sachinder Sharma, Divisional Manager of Srinagar Division, Mr Balwant Sing, Marketing Manager, Mr Sat Paul Manager Sales, the administrative staff and the agents congratulated Mr Gurmeet Singh on achieving the success.

LG Electronics to expand J&K market

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 23: LG Electronics India Ltd which claims to be the leader in colour Television, semi automatic washing machines and frost free Refrigerators, is expanding its market in Jammu and Kashmir by opening a factory here in December.

This was stated by Mr K R Kim, Managing Director, L G Electronics Pvt Ltd while talking to media persons here this afternoon.

He said besides generating employment avenues for the unemployed youth of the state, the quality products will also be available to the consumers with the opening of new factory at Jammu.

He said to dominate the market in J&K, the LG is also going to open its Branch in Jammu on November 6. This will be headed by Mr Vijay Singh Lalhal.

Moreover, he said the company has established a network of four distributors in Jammu, Srinagar, Anantnag and Baramulla and seven direct dealers. Four of them will be in Jammu and one each in Kathua, Udhampur and Leh, he added.

To further expand its market reach, the LG will appoint its 60 sub dealers in J&K, Mr Kim announced.

He said LG has earned Rs 35 crore business in J&K which he expected to double this year. The Company earns a yearly turnover of Rs 500 crore, he claimed.

He expressed the hope that the Government will open the notification for the opening of new factory in Jammu soon.

He said while LG has captured the number one position in the colour television category in the month of August this year, the company has attained the number one status in semi autonomic washing machine category and the frost -free refrigerators segment from April to August this year.

He said the Company’s philosophy is expressed in the words "Expand your life" as consumers worldwide focus health, product quality and durability combined with reliable after sales service."

He said LG has set a sales target of one million units of Colour television in the domestic market in 2002 and has already recorded the sale of over seven lakh CTVs till September this year.

Setting a sales target of 2,85,000 in semi automatic washing machines for 2002, the LG has achieved 145,000 lakh till August this year, he said adding it has achieved Rs 125 crore turnover so far in this category for the year 2002.

He said the LG has introduced its new technologically, superior semi automatic washing machines with the unique fabricate system, that enables unmatched cleaning with maximum tangling of clothes. The Turo Drum is the recent introduction in this category with a washing capacity of 6.5 kg.

Mr Kim said the LG’s Electronics Branch Office in Punjab which caters to the states of Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh has achieved a turnover of Rs 182 crore for the period from January to September 2002 against Rs 139.33 crore last year.