Transport Advisory Comm being constituted

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov. 18: A Transport Advisory Committee will be constituted soon in Jammu and Kashmir State to discuss devise and measures for effecting further improvement in the transport system.

This was disclosed at a meeting of Transporters and representatives of various transport companies held here today under the chairmanship of the Transport Minister, Mr B A Kitchloo. Among others, Additional Chief Secretary, Transport, Mr S D Singh, Transport Commissioner, Mr A K Suri and President, J&K Transport Companies Association, Mr Gian Singh attended.

Mr Kitchloo directed to make registration of the vehicles only on the filling up of form 60 as prescribed by the Income Tax Department by the vehicle owners. In this connection, he said no relaxation should be given to any one.

Expressing his concern on the growing menace of over loading in mini buses, the Minister directed the concerned functionaries to intensify their checking and take stringent action against the erring operators.

The Minister stated that efforts will be made to effect the recovery of payable fee from the vehicle operators on the uniform pattern and scales prevalent in the neighbouring states like Himachal Pradesh and Punjab so that transporters may not face any difficulty on that count.

The Minister further said that the link road in Transport Nagar, Jammu will be upgraded and the matter in this regard will be taken up with Jammu Development Authority.

PP MLA flays Govt for unemployment

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov. 18 : Mr Harsh Dev Singh, Panthers Party MLA from Ramnagar has expressed grave concern over the apathy and neglect by the State Govt. in making fresh recruitment, and creating fresh avenues of employment for the educated unemployed youth.

He said that the resentment and dissatisfaction of the unemployed youth, is mounting in proportion to the swelling of their ranks and the tall talk of the Govt of recruiting a large number of unemployed youth has ended in smoke. He further regretted that Union Govt also keeps on harping on economic package, envisaging the creation of additional jobs but nothing has been done sofar.

Mr Harsh Dev Singh said it is time for those at the helm to realise the grave consequences of growing unemployment and poor administrative response to the demands for more jobs. He said that the private sector, facing recession, is not in a position to absorb the unemployed youth and moreover several industrial units are resorting to retrenchment adding to the number of unemployed.

Mr Singh urged upon the Govt to deal with the problem of unemployment on priority basis to satisfy the angry youth. All the sanctioned posts and vacancies in various department should be filled without delay and additional avenues of employment be created forthwith. The economic package that the Govt has assured must be announced forthwith. He said any further delay would only contribute to further unrest with serious ramisscations.

Mr Harsh Dev Singh further lambasted the Govt for discriminating against Jammu region in the matter of employment. He said that out of a total of 4766 appointments of Class IV made by the Govt since Oct. 1996 till date, 3325 belonged to Kashmir region and 1441 belonged to Jammu region.

Mr Singh further flayed the Govt for making large scale recruitments in Kashmir region by back door and denying the opportunities of selection to the rightful claimants of Jammu region. He regretted that in Kashmir region the recruitments to various posts had been completed in the departments of Agriculture. Horticulture, Sericulture, Rural Development, Co-operatives; Education, R&B, PHE, Irrigation andFlood Control but not a single appointment had been made in the aforesaid departments in Jammu region. He warned the Govt to undo this discriminatory tactus which could otherwise lead to desastrous consequences.

Mr Singh further flayed the irregular and back door appointments made in Kashmir region in the Land Development Bank and in Fire Services and Prisons Department and urged for their cancellation at the earliest.

No indiscipline will be tolerated in
Congress party, says Aslam

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 18: Choudhary Mohammed Aslam, former Speaker of State Assembly and Pradesh Congress Committee president, today said that that no indiscipline would be tolerated in the party and that those found working against the interests of the organisation for their personal gains would be weeded out.

Choudhary Aslam said this while addressing largely attended workers meeting at border town of Jourian in Akhnoor tehsil today. Choudhary Aslam said that it was the Congress party which fought for freedom of the country and achieved the same and then managed its affairs for 45 years to take the country towards progress, but some political parties with vested interests were out to tarnish the image of the party. He said to attain freedom was another thing and to maintain the same was another.

He said the Congress party was faced with three proxy wars, viz war with Pak sponsored militants, the proxy war of the BJP at the Centre and the National Conference at the state level, the fact remaining that all were looting the country on one pretext or the other.

He said the corruption was at its peak and added that the Congress will not tolerate any such designs any further.

Choudhary Aslam also made a dig at the leg pullers and stated that such sinister designs will not be allowed in the party any more. He assured the workers at grass root level that any decision about the party leadership will be taken after consulting the workers at grass root level and nothing would be thrusted on them. He said it was unfortunate that so far the decision on party affairs used to be taken at the Central level.

Stressing that it is only the Congress power which can Govern, the former Speaker said the real power lies with the masses.

Mr Dharam Pal Sharma, former MP and a senior Congress leader while addressing demanded the high command of Congress party to constitute a three member high level committee to probe in to the reasons which led to debacle of the party during the 1996 assembly elections as the party lost atleast 10 such seats which otherwise would have been won by Congress but for the sinister designs of some leaders of the party, which brought a bad name to the organisation.

Mr Dharam Pal Sharma also demanded setting up of a high level committee to identify areas to be declared as backward as so far the classification of such areas has made as mockery of the state of affairs, as non-deserving villages have been included in the list of backward areas.

Mr Sharma demanded from the State Government to reduce the term of the Assembly to five years through an amendment in the winter session of the assembly, so that a uniform system could be adopted on all India basis as for the present only J&K state Assembly has a tenure of six years that too at a time when the state leadership has lost its accountability. Mr Sharma demanded reservation for youth of backward areas in Government jobs.

He cautioned that Congress party can not become strong as long as some of its leaders who have worked against the interests of the party will continue to be rewarded with lucrative benefits and posts.

Mr Sharma said he was of the opinion that youth leadership should come forward, but not through illogical and unethical means.

Mr Sharma also called for adequate security to party leaders belonging to Poonch and Rajouri districts as both the districts were presently under the grip of stepped-up militancy.

Mr Balbir Singh, MLA Billawar while addressing dwelt at length about inner bickerings and called for greater unity among rank and file of the party. He also spoke about the plight of Hiranagar migrants and urged the Government to rehabilitate the uprooted people.

The local leaders who spoke highlighted various problems, the people of border areas were confronted with and stressed on the Government to come to their rescue.

New dynamism to Co-operative sector: Rather

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 18: The Minister for Co-operative and Rural Development, Mr A R Rather has reiterated Government’s determination to give a new dimension and direction to the co-operative to make it more purposeful and result-oriented.

Speaking at a seminar organised by Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative (IFFCO) as part of 45th national cooperative week, Mr Rather said the Bill which is presently under consideration of the State Legislature, will help in revamping the co-operative structure and making these more liberalised, self-reliant and democratic.

Mr Rather said that the great leaders on the eve of independence had a vision of strong so-operative movement which would act as a vehicle for the socio-economic transformation of the society. Though some progress has been made but still a lot remains to be done. For this, the Minister said strenuous efforts will have to be made by all those who are connected with this movement in one way or the other.

One of the success story of the Co-operative sector in the post-independence era that of IFFCO, which has come up from a modest start of capital of Rs 6 lakh only has now touched the high mark of Rs 373 crore now.

The Minister said that the fertilizer distribution system has been streamlined and every effort was being made to provide this vital component available to the farmers well on time and of standard quality.

The Minister appreciated the functioning of the JAKFED which had reduced its losses from Rs 126 lakh to Rs 13 lakh and now efforts are on to make it a profit-earning venture with service to the agriculturists.

Mr Rather had a word of praise for IFFCO which maintained regular supply of fertilizers to the State during the past two years. He said that mechanism be evolved so that no area faces shortage of this vital commodidty.

The topic of the seminar was "Role of IFFCO in strengthening Co-operative Movement in the country and the Jammu and Kashmir".

Mr Mohammed Ayub Khan, former Minister and president, State Co-operative Union, spoke about the role of co-operatives in the overall economy and highlighted the activities and achievements of the movement in the country and particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed the need for putting the co-operative movement on scientific lines.

The Zonal Manager(North) IFFCO , Mr Mokham Singh said this multi-unit co-operative society has in three decades has grown in strength and status becoming a pioneer venture in the country. He said during 1997 it produced 28 lakh metric tonnes of fertilizers of which urea accounted for 16 lakh. Now production of urea has been doubled.

Mr Singh stated that two per cent of IFFCO’s profit is earmarked for the benefit of farmers through various training and other such programme to upgrade their skill.

Mr P D Lochab, Area Manager in Jammu and Kashmir gave a broad outline of the activities of IFFCO in the State. He disclosed that as against supply of 27000 m tonnes of fertilizers in 1995-96, about 70000 m tonnes were supplied to the State during last year.

For excellence in sale promotion of IFFCO fertilizers in Jammu and Kashmir, Ambassador car was awarded to JAKFED on the occasion.

Mr Jitender Dev, general secretary, Cooperative Union, presented the vote of thanks. Senior functionaries of the JAKFED, IFFCO, Co-operative department were present.

'Chashma to Chisti' expedition returns to Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 18: 40 school children hailing from the remote helments of district Poonch, who were conducted on a religious sojourn named 'Chashma to Chisti' to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Poonch Link Up of the Indian Army, arrived here today from their pilgrimage to Ajmer-e-Sharif where they paid obeisance and visited a number of places enroute.

The children among with the teacher and troops of 22 Punjab battalion who conducted them were given a warm welcome by Major General Bhopinder Singh, GOC of the Tiger Division, Brigadier KS Kotwal and other officers of the station were also present.

Expressing their happiness and satisfactions, the children said that they were deeply grateful to the Army especially the Pubjab battalion for organising the religious sojourn. They said that at the Ajmer-e-Shrif, they could find fairly a large number of people belonging to all faiths, who worship together and could never find any discrimination anywhere.

While in Delhi they had an opportunity to meet General VP Malik, Chief of Army Staff, who met the children and advised them to drive maximum benefit from the visit. The GOC of the Delhi Area Major General AK Awasthy, who is also Colonel of the Punjab Regiment, also had an interaction with the children.

The aim of this sojourn was to expose 40 young and impressionable boys from Loran to the vast expanse of our country and to imbibe in them the spirit of unity in diversity. The children were taken through various places including Delhi, Agra, Jaipur giving them an opportunity to experience the pace and tranquility prevailing in our country. These young children on their return to Loran area expected to spread the message of peace and counter the propaganda of the of the Pakistani based militants.

45 operated for Cataract

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 18: Forty-five aged persons have been performed cataract operations at a 5-day free eye camp presently going on at Surey Chak in Marh block. The Camp has been organised by the Tawi Welfare Society - a Non-Governmental Organisation.

The Minister of State for Food and Supplies, Mr Ajay Sadhotra visited the camp and enquired about the welfare of persons operated upon. Nearly 300 persons were examined on the first day of the opening of the camp. Besides, medicines, free board and lodging facilities are being provided to the patients.

Mr Sadhotra met all the patients individually and knew from them about the medical facilities being extended to them.

The Minister while addressing the volunteers, appreciated their missionary spirit behind this noble cause. He asked the other social and voluntary organisations to come forward and rendering service for the people.

The Minister also appreciated the scouts and guides who are holding their camp at Surey Chak. He asked them to imbibe in them the missionary spirit for welfare of the suffering humanity.

Mr Sadhotra provided some fruits to the Society for distribution among the patients.

Mr Romesh Gupta, general secretary, Tawi Welfare Society disclosed that the society came into existance about eight years back and since then it has taken up a number of welfare works for the people. He said the fourth free eye camp for aged persons is in progress and nearly 300 persons have been operated upon. Besides, taking up plantation work and construction of a community hall for the benefit of the people in the Area. He said tricycles have also been provided some time back to handicapped persons by the Society.

NC holds delegates convention at Reasi

Excelsior Correspondent

REASI, Nov 18: National Conference held a one day delegates convention here today in which a resolution demanding due attention to developmental works was passed.

As per a release, the convention was oraganised by the Mr Tariq Bhat.

Among others who addressed the convention include Messrs Ali Mohammad Naik, Revenue Minister, Chuni Lal Khajuria, MLC, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, provincial secretary, Begum Zubida, Salaria, Jagjivan Lal and Abdul Wahid Shan, MLA, Ajaz Ahmed Khan, district president, S Peter, Ravi Mahajan, Ravinder Sawhney and Mohammad Sharif.

The members demanded district status for Reasi, opening of Degree College, shifting of Sub District Hospital, installation of fire Brigade Unit, upgradation of girls high school, opening of labour court, early completion of Sher-i-Kashmir Park, Primary Health Centre for Panchayats of Sundawan, Sojandhar, drinking water scheme for Bhamag, early completion of link roads in Reasi, waiving of bank loans to farmers, special recruitment drive, notifying Reasi as tourist spot, separate NC block for Katra and upgradation of Katra and Pouni Naibats.

Mr Naik assured the Partymen that he will apprise the Government regarding the plight of Reasi people. He urged partymen to work for the upliftment of masses and frustrate the designs of those elements who want to sabotage the peaceful environment.

He said the NC is determined to equal developemnt of all three regions of the State and party has always fought the battle against the forces who were inimical to peace and prosperity of the state.

Mr Tariq Bhat and Sheikh Bashir Ahmed urged the Partymen to remain united and strengthen the hands of Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah.

Arrangements reviewed for
Khalsa Chetna Manch celebrations

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 18: Management Committee for celebrations of Khalsa Chetna Manch has constituted a sub-committee and discussed other arrangements in a meeting held here today.

According to a release, the committee has selected Parade Ground for parking vehicles and decided to charge Rs 50 per devotee as registration fee.

The meeting also decided to form a co-ordination committee of all the political, religious, social organisations and prominent personalities to initiate the cooperation of all sections of the society.

The committee took a decision to start a broad-base building project in view of historical celebration of 300th birth anniversary of Khalsa Panth in Jammu for which services of technical experts will be taken soon under a master plan.