Chaman ridicules CM’s statement

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 2: The Bharatiya Janata Party senior leader and Member Lok Sabha, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta has ridiculed the suggestion of Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah and some others for increased representation to Muslims on communal basis and appealed to the Muslims and others to remain at guard against such gimmicks.

Addressing public meetings in Bani-Basohli and other places of hilly areas, Prof Gupta said that such slogans were also raised by some elements before the partition of the country and two nations theory was virtually the creation on basis of such slogans at the behest of foreign rulers who intended to divide this great country.

He lashed out at the Congress and some other pseudo secularists and pointed out that the Congress leaders who had pledged that they would not accept partition on religion basis and Pakistan would come up on their dead bodies, had accepted the partition of India at cost of the lives of crores of people and they are now responsible for the problems from theortic state of Pakistan.

Prof Gupta alleged that on one hand the Congress and other pseudo secularists kept the Muslims away from the mainstream parties so as to exploit them as their vote banks, on the other they did not bother for proper representation in various fields of life for different communities.

He made a strong appeal to the Muslims and other religious minorities to join the mainstream parties like the BJP and others instead of being swayed by the slogans of some self-styled Muslims leaders and alleged that these fundamentalists and pseudo secularists have caused more harm to the Muslims than anyother. If the Muslims join in the mainstream parties in large numbers and take active part in their movements, in a democracy no power can check them to have their due representation, Prof Gupta asserted.

He further said that for upliftment of various religious minorities it is essential that they should join different parties instead of being misled by the fake secularists and exploiters.

Prof Gupta assailed the Government for not attending to the burning problems of the people under communal and regional considerations, in this regard, he particularly referred to the false promises of Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah for construction of a bridge at river Ravi which has come to be life death question for the lakhs of people of Basohli areas in wake of construction of Ranjit Sagar Dam at Thein on river Ravi.

Many local leaders brought to the notice of Prof Gupta the numerous problems facing the people especially that of unemployment, backwardness etc.

Pradesh secretary of the BJP Mr Kashmira Singh also addressed the meetings and charged both the Congress and National Conference being responsible for the sufferings of the masses as they ruled for past 45 years but instead of devoting to the welfare and development of the poor and backward people.

BSP chief demands immediate release of funds for Doda

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 2: The State Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has demanded immediate release of funds for Doda district for completion of developmental works.

As per a release, the demand was made by the state party chief and MLA Sheikh Abdul Rehman during his meeting with the Finance Minister, Mr Mohammad Shafi Uri at Srinagar recently.

The BSP chief also expressed his grave concern over slow pace of development in Doda district. He expressed his surprise and anguish over non release of sufficient funds for the district.

Sheikh Abdul Rehman while apprising the Minister of peoples problems said they have suffered heavy loss due to drought and said that in case the developmental works are not taken up in hand the people will be forced to starvation as they have no money to feed themselves.

Demanding early release of funds Mr Abdul Rehman said the developmental works will come to grinding halt after the snow fall and hence no further time should be lost in releasing the funds.

The BSP leader also expressed his apprehension that further delay in releasing the funds will result in non execution of developmental works. This will force the enmass migration of people from hilly areas of the district, he warned.

Mr Shafi assured the BSP leader that requisite funds will be released within week’s time.

Maladjusted masters on chain hunger strike

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 2: In connection with their second phase of agitation the maladjusted teachers started chain hunger strike here today.

As per a release, four members of teachers sat on the fast today who include Mrs Padem Lata, Mrs Santosh Kumari, Miss Gurdeep Kour and Mr Rajinder Wattal.

Speaking on the occasion Mr Satish Sharma, provincial general secretary United School Teachers Federation (USTF) held the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Jammu responsible for the entire problem.

Later in a joint statement both teachers leaders expressed their serious concern over the non seriousness of the authorities. They warned them for serious consequences if they continue on the present policies.

The statement also demanded immediate redressal of the grievances of the agitating masters so that the situation will not take an ugly turn.

Meanwhile, Mr Lekh Raj Khajuria, president JKSTA has congratulated the members of the teaching community for launching a struggle for their rights. He has assured full cooperation to the striking masters in their struggle.

Minister visits exam centres

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 2: As a part of the drive launched to ensure copying free examination the Education Minister, Mr MS Tariq accompanied by Director of School Examination, Mr RK Goyal, Joint Secretary (Exams). State Board of School Education, Dr ND Wani and Deputy Secretary, Board of School Education, Udhampur, Mr AK Chadha paid a surprise visit to various examination centres set up at Katra and Reasi today. These centres are conducting supplement examination of class 10th (Private candidates).

The Minister visited examination centres set up at Government Higher Secondary School, Katra and Government Higher Secondary School and High Schools, Reasi. During the checking of these centres the students were properly firsked by the inspecting team.

The Minister expressed his satisfaction over the arrangements made by the State Board of School Education in conducting the examination smoothly even in the far-flung areas of the Jammu province.

While talking to the staff engaged in the examination duty, the the Minister warned them that no deliquency will be tolerated in the examination system and if any body found abetting copying will not be tolerated. He said that the Education Department is engaged in preparing the seniority list of the Chief Education Officers, Lecturers, Headmasters and Headmistress of both Jammu and Kashmir province. He said if any individual has any complaints/claims may write to the concerned Director of Education so that the same could be ractified well in time.

The Minister enroute to Katra also visited the Government High Schools both boys and girls at Nagrota and checked the attendance physically of the staff posted in these schools. He asked the teachers to be punctual and work with dedication zeal and misionery spirit for imparting education to the students.

Bid to check price rise

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 2: To check and control over the prices of essential commodities, a high level officers meeting was held here today. The Minister of State for Food and Supplies, Mr Ajay Sadhotra presided.

The Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Mr BS Jaswal, Commissioner/Secretary, Food and Supplies, Mr RK Jerath, Director Food and Supplies, Mr SS Jamwal, Administrator, Jammu Municipality, Mr KB Jandial, Health Officer, Jammu Municipality, Mr Anwar Choudhary, MD, JAKFED, Mr NK Verma, Additional Dy. Commissioner, Jammu, Mr Naveen Choudhary, SP North Jammu, Mr John William, DIG, Jammu, Mr AK Mishra, DIG, CID, PR Gandotra were also present in the meeting.

Addressing the officers, Mr Sadhotra stressed the need that the price lists of essential commodities must be got displayed by every shopkeeper at their business establishments for the knowledge of the general public. The wholesale traders may also be asked to show the stock position at their respective godowns. He asked the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu to gear-up the flying squads already constituted comprising of officers of Food and Supplies, Revenue, Jammu Municipality, Weights and Measures and Police and other officers of the concerned departments under the supervision of Additional Dy. Commissioner Jammu and ensure to enforce the Consumer Protection Act for the welfare of the consumers. He also asked the SP City to keep strict vigil on the shopkeepers who may found quilty by overcharging and for not displaying the rate lists. The defaulter, if any, be booked under law and stern action taken against him, he warned.

The meeting further decided to sell the edible palmol oil at Rs 44 per litre per ration card at Super Bazar and JAKFED at two liters per ration card for the consumers for the time being in the city.

Mr Sadhotra asked the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu to call a joint meeting of the officers of all the concerned departments, prominent citizens, traders, retailers as well as wholesaler associations and consumer forums tomorrow to chalk out way and means to control over the rates of essential commodities and enforce the Consumer Protection Act strictly. The meeting also reviewed prevailing law and order situation in the city.

Jandial accorded warm send off

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 2: A warm send off was accorded to the outgoing Director Information, Mr KB Jandial by the officers and staff of the Information Department at an impressive function held here this evening.

The new Director Mr Sudhanshu Pandey was also present.

Responding to the cooperation, love and affection shown by the officers and employees of the department, Mr Jandial said that he tried his best during last 26 years of his service in the department to project the policy, achievements and image of the Government at the gross root level. He said that hard work and sincerity in service was the major factor for his success in the department.

Introducing Mr Pandey to the employees of the department, Mr Jandial said that the department would further take leaping strides in all respects and its functioning would become more tangible and smooth. Praising Mr Pandey for his qualities of head and heart, Mr Jandial asked the employees of the department to work with dedicated zeal and spirit to render result-oriented service to the Government.

Referring to the specialised and peculiar nature of job of the department, Mr Pandey said that efforts would be made to further streamline the functioning and provide more incentives and facilities to the functionaries of the department. He said that media was bestowed with special significance and duty in a democratic set up. He said that the limits of transparency in the functioning of the department would further be broadened in near future. Mr Pandey congratulated Mr Jandial for his new assignment and wished him a successful happy career.

The Joint Director Information, Mr Narinder Singh and Deputy Director, Information Mr SH Shah eulogised Mr Jandial for his selfless service in the department and wished him success in future. They welcomed the new Director.

Mr Jandial was also honoured with a token of love from the employees.

Sumbria's plea to Director Accounts and Treasuries

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 2: Mr Sain Dass Sumbria, president, All J&K Subordinate Accounts Services Association urged the Director, Accounts and Treasuries in the Finance Department to review the orders relating to promotion of Accountants as Assistant Accounts Officers issued on September 29. As per a release, he said granting such promotion from prospective date and to grant such promotion from the date of their adjustment as such i.e. from 24-7-97. He also urged him to immediately release the annual increments of Accounts Assistants declared successful by the Public Service Commission in the ACC examination from the date of announcement of results.

Mr Sumbria was however critical of the reported statement of the State Finance Minister on the matter relating to the exemption of 22 Accounts Officers (Probationers) who failed to qualify the prescribed mandatory examination of SAC Part I and SAC Part II, while Accounts Assistants, placed in similar position have been denied such benefits.

He further stated that it is surprising that the Finance Minister is quite ignorant of the rules relevant on the matter as it appears from the assertion that the paper not qualified by the AOs (Probationers) have no utility now and the Government is doing away with such papers as these papers have not been identified by him.

Mr Sumbria further added that the Accounts service is highly professionalized/Technical and it is because of these reasons that persons selected for appointment against available vacancies are deputed for undergoing training in the prescribed courses before their formal appointment/posting and their confirmation is linked with successful completion of the said training course.

He demanded immediate recind-ing of the orders of exemption of these 22 officers forth-with. He also demanded regularisation of Incharge Accounts Officers from the date of their elevation as Accounts Officers.

Prof Iqbal flays Govt

Excelsior Correspondent

BHADERWAH, Nov 2: Prof Javed Iqbal Khan, president All Jammu and Kashmir People Welfare Society has expressed deep concern on the Govt's discriminatory attitude towards Bhaderwah Tehsil.

Speaking here to a joint meeting convened by all social organisation of the area, he flayed the Govt's unjust decisions by means of which this far-flung tehsil has always been victimised and put to a great disadvantage.

He alleged that Bhaderwah that was once a predominating tehsil as far as area and administrative jurisdiction was concerned, but now it has been reduced to a small pocket of 20 km square are. He further alleged that Government has always been indulging in negating its parts and adding the same to other tehsils of the district.

While citicizing the Government SRO 280, he expressed his astonishment over the nonseriousness of the Government in respect of not yielding to the one month old Bar Association Bhaderwah's strike. He called the merging of the Munsiff Court Thathri with Add Session Court Doda, as the Government's anti Bhaderwah Conspiracy Policy. He appealed the people of Bhaderwah tehsil to stand united and understand the Government's apathy for Bhaderwah's development.

Describing the growing unemployment problem in district Doda as the element, of frustration among educated unemployed youth, Prof Khan stressed on the authorities to launch a massive derive for employment. He further urged upon the Chief Minister and Law Minister to immediately intervene and forth with issue the orders for the revocation of SRO 280 in view of the mass resentment of the public of Bhaderwah tehsil.

War of words hots up

Excelsior Political Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Nov. 2: A war of words has begun between the BJP and non-BJP parties. The BJP is suddenly coming under attack from the entire left-of-centre groups in the country.

The BJP has been forced to go on the defensive, and is now engaged in a massive public relations exercise to neutralise the damage caused to its image. Actually, the party has brought trouble for itself with open eyes. And hence it has only itself to blame for its current plight.

The origin for the current phase of embarrassment for the party can be traced to the agenda prepared by the Human Resources Development Ministry. It is reasonable to assume that the Cabinet Minister, Dr Murli Manohar Joshi, provided the inspiration for including in the agenda the items which subsequently gave room for intense controversy and bitterness.

It is also reasonable to presume that the idea of Saraswati Vandana at the start of the Government-hosted conference attended by Education Ministers of all States, including those not under the BJP control, was also his. Indeed, the spirited manner in which Dr Murli Manohar Joshi defended the agenda before the conference and criticised the behaviour of State Ministers after it suggests that he was the sole guiding force behind the entire exercise.

Therefore, the responsibility for the fiasco which the conference tourned out to be should be laid at his door. There can be no objection per se to the invocation of Goddess Saraswati on any occasion. Not at least in India, North, South, East or West. Saraswati is worshipped by all. Dr Joshi and other BJP leaders should therefore ask themsleves why the State Ministers, including Ministers from States ruled by parties friendly to the BJP, acted out of character in opposing the rendering of Saraswati Vandana, and that too at a gathering which was to discuss one of the most noble disciplines in the world, namely, education, which is, after all, Saraswati's exclusive portfolio.

The protest may have had greater validity of Saraswati Vandana was rendered as a substitute for the national anthem. But in this case, it followed closely the anthem, and still there was such a strong resentment against it that Ministers chose to stage a walk-out unmindful of the presence of the Prime Minister on the dais.

Obviously, any item which by common belief and understanding is exclusive to the practitioners of one religion ought not to be included in the agenda of an official function of a secular Government. It wss on this score that the protest was registered. Along with Saraswati Vandana, the ctritics registered their protests against the entire "unofficial'' agenda, some 14 pages of annexures of contributions from experts.

Coincidentally or otherwise, the experts turned out to be friendly to the RSS and the BJP and that particular school of political, social and cultural though which in this country is symbolised by the Sangh Parivar. It was because of the addition of these experts' recommendations in the agenda that criticism against the Human Resources Deelopment Ministry erupted a few days before the conference.

Where was the need for Dr Murli Manohar Joshi to throw open a Government platform to an individual, described as RSS-friendly, Calcutta industrialist by the name of PD Chitingla? This was deliberately showing the red rag to the bull. The gentleman has denied any links with the RSS.

But people are bound to ask how an unknown industrialist could gain importance at a Central Government conference unless he had the right connections. It does no credit to Dr Joshi or his Ministry that the entire unofficial agenda had to be dropped by the Government under pressure.

No unofficial agendas were circulated in the past. This time, not only are recommendations from a sectarian group of experts added to the official agenda but the views of a RSS-friendly expert is sought to be thrust on the State Ministers. Who would not become suspicious?

Pen down strike by diploma engineers

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Nov. 2: Complete pen down strike was observed today by the Diploma engineers working for different Government organisations in the Valley.

As per release issued by the All J&K Diploma Engineers Association the strike was observed as an agitational tool in response to a section of graduate engineers misinformation campaign launched to subvert the rules of law.

The association alleged that the degree engineers are trying to emotionally blackmail the masses and launch propaganda against Diploma Engineers cadre.