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 Justice MN Venktachalliah, chairperson National Human Rights Commission delivering a lecture on human rights at Jammu on Wednesday. -Excelsior/Ashok Justice
Venktachalliah Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU,
Nov 11:
Justice MN Venktachalliah, Chairperson, National Human
Rights Commission has said that human rights are too
precious and must be well protected in a democratic
system with rule of law. It is a most cherished value of
human heritage, he said.....more Excelsior Correspondent NEW
DELHI, Nov 11:
The Jammu & Kashmir Finance Minister, Mr Mohd Shafi
has demanded the 11th Finance Commission to grant special
award in favour of the State.........more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU,
Nov 11: Junior Red Cross Volunteers who brought
laurels to the State after participation in an
inter-State JRC Training-cum-Study Camp at Tara Devi,
Shimla recently were felicitated by Mr MS Tariq, Hon'ble
Minister for School Education in a specially organised
programme here today at Red Cross Office.........more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU,
Nov 11: In a
significant judgement, Mr Justice RC Gandhi of Jammu
Kashmir High Court Jammu Wing has directed Department of
Education to issue order of posting of the petitioner
within two weeks and settle leave period of Brij Mohni
who had proceeded on leave from April 74 and was not
given any posting after she submitted her joining report
in February 1979...........more Excelsior Correspondent LEH,
Nov 11: The
Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Mr Basharat Ahmad Dhar
alongwith all distt officers conducted on extensive 4
days tour of Changthang Sub-Division from Nov 6 to 9 of
this month. The Sub Divisional Magistrate, Nyoma, Mr
Sonam Lhundup also accompanied.........more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 10: Efforts will be made to set up a high-tech Laboratory at Jammu to examine the quality of raw and finished material used in manufacturing of consumable items........more |
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CS for
introduction of information technology Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: Information technology will be
introduced in the State in a big way to speed up the pace
of development and monitoring progress of various
schemes...more Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR,
Nov 11:
Alleging the misuse of Central funds by the state
Government, the senior BJP leader and Member Lok Sabha,
Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, has ridiculed the charge of the
State Government.........more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU,
Nov 11: A
meeting of the public sector/ Central Government and
State Government employees was held today under the
chairmanship of Mr Banarsi Dass, general secretary of the
NHPC Karamchari Mahasangh and vice-president of the
Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh..........more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU,
Nov 11: All
Jammu and Kashmir Tank Drivers and Cleaners Union
organised a Shradhanjali Samaroh at the Union Office at
Railway Station here in which rich tributes were paid to
those members who lost their lives in Pakistani shelling
in Ladakh region.........more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU,
Nov 11: The
Agriculture technocrats 72 hour long dharna entered into
third day today. As per a release, the demonstrators gave
a memorandum highlighting their problems to Mr Chuni Lal
Khajuria, MLC who assured them that their demands will be
conveyed to the concerned authorities as well as Chief
Minister by him........more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU,
Nov 11: Pradesh
Congress-I chief, Chowdhary Mohammad Aslam has said that
block Congress committees will be revitalised at grass
root level to encourage the dedicated workers and
strengthen the Party in the state.........more Excelsior Correspondent LEH, Nov 11: A joint meeting of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and the district officers was held at Nyoma.......more |
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Venktachalliah for protecting human rights Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: Justice MN Venktachalliah, Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission has said that human rights are too precious and must be well protected in a democratic system with rule of law. It is a most cherished value of human heritage, he said. Delivering a lecture on "Human Rights" organised by the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) Jammu and Kashmir branch here this evening, Justice Venktachalliah said that India has its on rich tradition of human rights. The Constitution, which the people have given to themselves, has embodied the human rights. The Article 21 of the Constitution envisages that rights of every citizens will be protected and cases of violation of law will be taken up under legal proceedure laid down for it. The Chairman said that the violations of law have to be dealt with firmly with force depending on the ground situation. It has to be ensured that the protectors of law do not become violators of law by resorting to use of force against innocents. He spoke of human rights as basic to all civilised society. He said that human rights were enshrined in United Nations charter in 1945. This was the first political document to make a mention of the term. It has now been accepted as a philosophy in India like many other countries. In his illuminating lecture he dealt on prevailing human rights situation in the country. He said it is born out of faith in the Constitution that is at the core of preserving and protecting rights of all human beings. He said it is not that in face of difficult disturbed situation created by terrorists or violators of law a a meek submission has to be made in view of human rights. It is rather in law to deal with the violations using the required degree of force. But concerted efforts have to be made to ensure that power is not used arbitrarily. What is at stake in dealing within such situation is our faith and confidence in the democratic system, our Constitution and rule of law. Citing examples, the chairman said that it is few individual rich who own vast wealth with teeming millions are deep in poverty. The inequalities lead to social tension and conflict. Today's deprivations sow seeds of discontent which culminate into conflicts in years. Justice Venktachalliah said the preservation of human rights is in the ultimate interest of the nation and is in keeping with our Constitutional provisions. He said the track record is overall gool. Mr Veeranna Aivalli, secretary IIPA in his welcome address focussed attention on the human rights situation. He pinpointed the violations of human rights of the victims of terrorists who are killed, kidnapped, rape of women. The question of violation of rights of migrants as well as Police personnel was also raised by him. Mr Ram Sahai, Vice Chairman, IIPA expressed thanks to Justice Venkatachalliah for his enlightened discourse on the most vital and serious human rights concept. A large number of legal luminaries, academicians, prominent citizens and members of IIPA attended the lecture. . |
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Shafi for special financial assistance to J&K Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Nov 11: The Jammu & Kashmir Finance Minister, Mr Mohd Shafi has demanded the 11th Finance Commission to grant special award in favour of the State. Participating in the meeting of Finance Ministers' of Special category States with the 11th Finance Commission here today, he sought a special financial assistance to cover resources deficiency estimated at Rs 2600 crore for the year 1998-99 and 1999-2000, comprising 1998-1999 opending overdraft (Rs 944.92 crore), resources deficiency left uncovered during 1998-99 (Rs 720.93 crore), unpaid bills outstanding at the beginning of the year 1998-99 (Rs 206 crore and provision for additional deficit likely to be generated during 1999-2000 estimated at the level of 1998-99 (Rs 720.93 crore). Mr Shafi said that the State's debt on account of central loans rose from Rs 554.37 crore in March 1981 to Rs 2396.67 by the end of March 1990 although the State was entitled to the dispensation of 10 per cent loan and 90 per cent as a special category State. He said inspite of the change in the pattern of cultural assistance from 70 per cent loan and 30 per cent grant to 90 per cent grant and 10 per cent loan from 1990-91, the outstanding loans have reached the leave of Rs 3028.91, the outstanding loas have reached the level of Rs 3028.61 crore by the end of March 1997 excluding other debt liability related to market borrowings (Rs 448.88 crore), non-plan loans (Rs 66.72 crore) GPF/Insurance (Rs 847.51 crore) and the bank overdraft (Rs 640.47 crore) awaiting settlement at the end of March 1997. During 1998-99, the Minister said, the State was required to pay Rs 823.51 crore on account of debt servicing of which the servicing of Central loans constitute a reverse flow of about 34 per cent of the devolution and transfers from the Centre as on account of shares of taxes and revenue gap-grant. He demanded that the Centre waive off Rs 1275 crore representing the quantum of loan accumulated by the non-application of the 90:10 formula retrospectively. He also demanded suitable debt relief of the analogy of the State of Punjab so as to reduce the burden of servicing these loans. In the wake of militancy, Mr Shafi said, the State Government incurred an expenditure of Rs 1661.51 crore on various security related problems from 1989-90 upto end of March 1998. Of this, the Centre reimbursed Rs 886.58 crore, thus leaving a substantial amount of Rs 774.93 crore uncovered as on ending March 1998. Referring to the Indus Water Treaty, the Minister said that the State can construct only run-of-river "power projects on the three rivers Chenab, Jehlum and Indus, flowing through Jammu and Kashmir. This, he said, has resulted in loss of a large potential of about 15,000 MWS of hydel power generation, which has remained un-tapped. One immediate fall-out due to the restriction in storage is that all the hydel-power schemes suffer from reduced generation which goes down to 33 per cent of the installed capacity for the winter months. He, therefore, pleaded with the Finance Commission that the State should be compensated for the losses suffered by on account of Indus Water Treaty. In this regard, he also urged the Finance Commission to consider transfer of three power projects viz Uri-I, Salal and Dulhasti to the State, giving adequate share from Bakhra Beas Power Project as a participatory State to Jammu and Kashmir and the Government of India should grant sovereign guarantees to the consortia who have already signed MoUs to build various power projects in the State. While deciding devolution and distribution of taxes and other resources to the State under its award, Mr Shafi demanded that the 11th Finance Commission should formulate a definite and specific formula for for determing the share of special categories State in view of their specific problems. He said for determing the share of special assistance, the weightage should be given to the area, its location, accessibility, topography and the fact of its being a vulnerable border State having faced the brunt of three wars in 1947, 1965 and 1971 and the ongoing law intensity proxy war. He said since the insurgency in the State would take time to end, the Finance Commission in its recommendations should built this factor as regular item for devolution of resources amongst the disturbed States. The Minister said that the private sector economy also suffered as a result of militancy and the borrowers became defaulters to the banks and financial institutions. This, he said, has put them into a debt trap and consequently they have not been able to raise further funds to restore, renovate and recommission their assets to make these functional. The Central Government, he said, waived off loans with interest of borrowers whose original loan did not exceed Rs 50,000 in an individual case. He said State Government had submitted a detailed memorandum to the inter-Ministerial Committee constituted by the Central Government to recommend relief in respect of borrowers where original borrowings exceeded Rs 50,000 in each case. The Commission, he said, should also recommend acceptance of this package in toto by the Central Government. Referring to the Kashmiri migrants, Mr Shafi said the to their homes with dignity and honour. Their renaniteration, he said was estimated to cost about Rs 3000 crore. An interim report indicating the details of relief and rehabilitation package, he said, has already been submitted to the Central Government. He urged the Commission to grant suitable award for the implementation of the rehabilitation package. The Chairman, 11th Finance Commission, Prof AM Khusroo in his concluding address, inter-alia endorsed the State Government's plea for sovereign guarantees by the Government of India for its power projects. Red Cross volunteers felicited Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: Junior Red Cross Volunteers who brought laurels to the State after participation in an inter-State JRC Training-cum-Study Camp at Tara Devi, Shimla recently were felicitated by Mr MS Tariq, Hon'ble Minister for School Education in a specially organised programme here today at Red Cross Office. The team comprising of 12 schools from Govt. Schools was earlier given warm send off by Mr PK Tripathi, Deputy Commissioner, Jammu and was led by Mr Suresh Dubey and Ms Pushkar Goel. The Minister appreciated the efforts of District Red Cross Society, Jammu for providing an opportunity to the students representing various zones of Govt. Schools. The Minister also flagged off another contingent leaving for participation in Inter-State Jr. Red Cross Camp at Puri (Orissa) under the overall supervision of Mr SC Bali. Earlier Minister was welcomed by Mr Jugal Mahajan and Mr Dinesh Gupta, Secretary, District Red Cross briefed about activities of Red Cross carried-out in the recent past. Miss Pushker Goel read Camp Report. Mr KL Dubey, Secretary Regional Red Cross and Mr RK Goel, Director School Education addressed the audience and complimented District Branch for number of activities undertaken. the Minister announced Rs 5000 aid for the participating campers and enhanced JRC Fund from Rs 3 to Rs 5 per student per year in case of Govt. schools. Prominent among those who attended the function were Sr. Kulwant Singh, CEO, Jammu, Mrs Blowria, ZEO Gandhinagar, Mrs Kanta Sharma, ZEO, Satwari, Mr RC Gupta, Mr SP Verma, BD Sharma, Dr RR Khajuria, Ashwani Jojra, Ms Sureshta Khajuria, Mr Santosh Magotra, Mrs Kusum Chopra, Mr MK Sharma, Mr BM Sharma, KL Bali and Ashutosh. Earlier the training to both the contingents was given by Mr SC Bali, Senior Counsellor. The programme was conducted by Mr Suresh Dubey, Councellor and Vote of Thanks was presented by Ms Farida Munir. |
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HC allows petitioner to join duty after 24 years Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: In a significant judgement, Mr Justice RC Gandhi of Jammu Kashmir High Court Jammu Wing has directed Department of Education to issue order of posting of the petitioner within two weeks and settle leave period of Brij Mohni who had proceeded on leave from April 74 and was not given any posting after she submitted her joining report in February 1979. The petitioner was working as teacher since year 1967. She was transferred and adjusted in the office of District Education Officer Jammu from where she was relieved on 31-10-74 and directed to report in the Middle School Badyal Brahamana Tehsil RS Pura. She proceeded on leave from 16-12-74 after availing winter break from 1st January 1975 and extended the leave on medical grounds. The petitioner submitted her joining report on 4-2-1979 to Tehsil Education Officer RS Pura to resume her duties. She wzs told by TEO that her lien has been shifted and thus not allowed to join. Again on 29-4-1980 she wrote to DEO Jammu that post be located and she be adjusted against the post for discharging her duties as she has been requesting since February 1979. But there was no response to her several representations. The petitioner filed a writ petition through advocate SK Raina for direction to give her a posting and payment of salary from February 1979 besides leave salary from 1974 as per rules. Mr Justice Gandhi while allowing the writ petition directed the respondents to issue her posting order within two weeks and settle the leave period of the petitioner under rules within four months. Petitioner was also directed to submit joining report to the Chief Education Officer Jammu forthwith for seeking posting order. While allowing the petition Mr Justice Gandhi observed that it is duty of the respondents to defend themselves in the court of law where they were called upon. It appears that since the respondents have no explanation to offer and have rightly opted not to contest the claim of the petitioner and seek judgement from the court. The treatment extended by the respondent to the petitioner is not protected under any provision of law. A Government servant is entitled to avail leave and with the shifting of lien the post does not disappear from the department. Mr DS Chouhan appared for the respondents. |
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Excelsior Correspondent LEH, Nov 11: The Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Mr Basharat Ahmad Dhar alongwith all distt officers conducted on extensive 4 days tour of Changthang Sub-Division from Nov 6 to 9 of this month. The Sub Divisional Magistrate, Nyoma, Mr Sonam Lhundup also accompanied. The Deputy Commissioner, visited every nook and corners of Changthang sub division to have a personal assessment of the public problems. The people in large number met the Deputy Commissioner and apprised him of their problems. He assured the people that their genuine demands will be redressed in a phased manner. During the 4-day visit, the Deputy Commissioner visited places like Liktse, Tarchit, Himya, Kyunggyam, Nee, Kesar, Skitmang, Chumathang, Mahe, Pooga, Anlay, Kuyul, Demchok, Tsaga, Mudh, Niddar and Nyoma. During his visit to Anlay, the Deputy Commissioner released Rs 50,000 to one Mr Ishey Gyatso of Anlay as an exgratia relief whose two children died in a house collapses due to recent snow fall. He also distribute Rs 5500 each in favour of Mr Jigmet Chhewang R/o Rongo and Mr Ishey Gyatso of Anlay whose residential houses were collapsed due to snow fall. The Deputy Commissioner, said that 1550 qtls of feed for livestock and 900 qtls of sub-standard food grains were distributed sofar in Changthang sub division for the snow sufferers. The Deputy Commissioner also inaugurated two community halls one at Kesar and another at Rongo constructed at a cost of Rs more than Rs 3 lacs each. Addressing the people, he said that Rs 34.82 lacs are being spent on construction of 10 numbers of community centres in Changthang block during this year. Besides Rs 65.86 lacs are also being spent on various other developmental works in the block during this year under EAS. The Deputy Commissioner also inspected the Agriculture and Poultry farm at Pooga valley the first of its kind in the district commissioned during the current year on Geothermal system. The Deputy Commissioner, also visited the world's highest Astro observatory centre at Anlay being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 200 crores. |
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