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

JAMMU, Apr 25: On the eve of Manav Ekta Diwas, Sant Nirankari Mandal Shastri Nagar organised a blood donation camp with the blessing of Baba Hardev Singh Ji Maharaj at Nirankari Bhawan Shastri Nagar.

According to a press release, the camp was organised in collaboration with the Indian Red Cross Society and Blood Bank of the Government Medical College Jammu. Dr R K Goel, Director Health Services was the chief guest while Mr Abdul Majeed, Deputy Director and Mr K L Dubey, secretary Indian Red Cross. As many as 210 units of blood was collected.

Earlier speaking on the occasion, Dr R K Goel lauded the activities of the Nirankari Mandal in the field of health and social welfare. Rev Labh Singh Ji, Parmukh, Sant Nirankari Mandal, Jammu thanked all the diginitaries who graced the occasion. Among others who spoke on the occasion were Dr Romesh Birpuri, Dr Mohan Lal, Dr Jugal Kishore, Dr V S Manhas and Mr K L Dubey.

The Manav Ekta Diwas is celebrated all over the country and abroad by the devotees of the mission in the everlasting memory of Lata Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji Maharaj who sacrificed his life for the noble cause of truth, humanity and universal brotherhood.

Sant Nirankari Mandal has already emerged as one of the leading blood donating organisation of the country everently holding more than 65 blood donation camps simultaneously on this single day all over the country. Nirankari Mandal is running a full fledged health care centre at Narankari Colony, Delhi, a mini-general hospital at Chennai, Degree colleges, public schools, vocational training centres as well as child care centres.

NC stands for stable Centre

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 25: Sheikh Nazir Ahmed Advocate, state general secretary of National Conference today said his Party has always upheld, and continue to do so, that a strong and firmly based Centre augurs well for the country as a whole.

Sheikh Nazir, however, expressed anxiety on the current political debacle at the Centre which did not speak well of the political image of the country. A strong Centre, he reiterated, is always welcome to the people of Jammu and Kashmir because "we rate the interests of the people above everything else".

Sheikh Nazir was addressing one day convention of party functionaries at Majalta today. Provincial president of the party Sardar Harbans Singh, secretary Mr Bashir Ahmed Sheikh and newly elected MLC Mrs Depinder Kour, besides local party office bearers were present on the occasion.

Referring to forthcoming Panchayat polls, Sheikh Nazir called upon the women to play a constructive role as the Government was keen for their welfare at the grass root level. He said that 33 percent for them is a clear and meaningful indication of the policy of the Government in this behalf. He exhorted the concerned functionaries to ensure the candidature of persons, who have a clean image and can deliver goods for the people they represent.

He said his party stands committed in the election manifesto for the overall welfare of the people of the State and for a strong and firmly based Centre.

Sardar Harbans Singh, provincial president referred to a number of steps taken by the present democratic Government under the dynamic leadership of Dr Farooq Abdullah and expressed sanguine hope that his party candidates would carry the day at the hustings. He, however, called upon his party functionaries to play a dignified role during the polls in the rural areas and asked them not to be lead away by the unfounded and useless jargon of the opponents who have no role in the forthcoming elections.

ITI Diploma holders hold meet

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 25: The ITI Diploma holders working in commercial and survey wing of PDD held general body meeting at Canal Power House under the presidentship of Mr Jasbir Singh.

As per a release, the speakers expressed anguish over attitude of the electricity authorities who were causing delay in handing over the charges to this wing which has halted its proper functioning. They demanded immediate handing over of the charge so that operations could be started.

It was unanimously decided to frame a committee of commercial and Survey wing which will have its affiliation to J&K Central Non-gazetted Electrical Employees Union to highlight the demands of the wing.

Mr Mohd Maqbool, general secretary of CNGEEU who was specially invited in the meeting, while addressing extended full support on behalf of his organisation for their just demands.

A committee of 11 members for Commercial and Survey Wing was constituted with Mr Jasbir Singh as president, K D Sharma as general secretary and Vijay Paul Sharma as vice president.

Ambedkar school celebrates annual day at Bhadola

Excelsior Correspondent

RAMNAGAR, Apr 25: Dr B R Ambedkar Memorial Convent School, Bhadola in tehsil Ramnagar held its annual function on April 21. Babu Parmanand, former Speaker and ex-Finance Minister was the chief guest and ZEO Mr Bhagat presided over.

As per a release, addressing large gathering Babu Parmanand highlighted the distinguished services of Baba Sahib for the cause of down trodden, deprived sections and the nation at large. He emphasised that the Constitution of India is the result of sole efforts of Dr B R Ambedkar, who wanted every citizen to be "Indian first and Indian last".

He blamed the Central Governments for having failed to implement the constitutional provisions of providing free education to children within 10 years. He cautioned that without voluntary efforts the goal of universal education may not be achieved at all.

Babu Parmanand lauded the efforts of management committee of Dr B R Ambedkar Memorial Convent School led by Mr Madan Lal to spread literacy in the backward area and assured his full cooperation in the noble cause.

ZEO Ramnagar also appreciated the work of the management committee and assured then all help from the Department.

Principal Government Girls High School Ramnagar, Headmasters of surrounding area schools, Mr Vijay Bhagat, secretary Bhartiya Dalit Sahitya Akademy, J&K, B L Bharti, secretary BJP and S C Bhagat, president Confederation of SC/ST, Ramnagar also spoke.

People donated Rs 3000 on spot in appreciation of cultural items presented by the children. Mr Madan Lal and Mr Vakil Singh, Principal, presented vote of thanks to participants and the guests.

RTA Kashmir earn record turn over

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Apr 25: The Regional Transport Authority, Kashmir has earned a revenue to the tune of over Rs 2.91 crore during the last financial year against over Rs 2.35 crore realised during the year 1997-98. The Authority has also recovered a fee of over Rs 2.35 crore against Rs 1.90 crore of fee recovered during the year 1997-98.

This was stated by the Regional Transport Officer, Kashmir, Mr Rafiq Ahmad Dar in an interview here today. He said that 1012 and 2834 driving licenses were issued for commercial and non-commercial purposes during the same period respectively. About 3700 Computerized licenses have also been issued by the Authority.

Regarding permits Mr Dar said that 1232 permits were issued to various persons during last year. Of these, 718 permits were issued in favour of auto-rickshaws, 295 for mini-buses, 92 for maxi-cabs (TATA Sumo) while 77 permits were issued to other buses. The Regional Transport Officer further said that the Regional Transport Authority has intensified its campaign to check violation of traffic rules. As a result of this, a fine of about Rs forty-two thousand was realised from the defaulters. In addition, 20 fake licenses were sized and the case has been handed over to Crime Branch for investigation. Similarly, 10 licenses have been suspended.

Regarding issuance of computer-sized driving licenses, Mr Dar said that some delay has caused in this behalf due to occasional power breakdown particularly during winter months.

Regarding transport facilities made available to the commuters, the Regional Transport Officer said that a number of new routes were identified and direct mini-buses are plying on these routes. The routes include Channapora-Soura, Nowgam-Humahama, Pantha Chowk-JVC-Medical College Bemina etc. In addition, he said bus service on metro-politan pattern was made operational in the city for the facility of the people.

The Regional Transport Authority, he said, has also decided to ply bus service of SRTC from Hazratbal to Ganderbal and vice-versa for the convenience of communters. The SRTC has also been asked to explore possibility for operating a daily bus service from General Bus Stand to Ganderbal (Duderhama), the Regional Transport Officer added.

Swami Nityanand Samarak Trust holds general meet

Excelsior Correspondent

KATRA, Apr 25: Swami Nitya Nand Samarak Trust, Katra convened a general body meeting of prominent citizens of Katra today to decide the new formation of Swami Nityanand Samarak Raghunath Temple Committee. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Mr H B Khajuria, Chief Engineer (Retd).

As per a release, Messrs Kewal Krishan Padha and Kuldeep Kesar were unanimously elected as president and vice president of the newly constituted committee while Mulakh Raj Purohit, Jagdish Chander Shastri, Om Parkash Sadhotra, Prem Nath Acharya, Prem Nath Purohit, Om Parkash Sulabh, Jagdish Chander Verma, Lalit Kumar, Vijay Kumar, Subash Plasar, Bal Krishan, Krishan Kumar, Shashi Bhushan, Bharat Bhushan and Anil Sharma were elected as members. The office bearers were also appointed on the spot. They included Pardeep Kumar as cashier, Surinder Kumar Khajuria as organising secretary and Sham Lal Padha as secretary.

It was decided that elected committee shall have a tenure of two years. The committee decided to meet atleast once in a month and hold general body meeting every year.

Earlier Mr Kewal Krishan Padha highlighted the achievements of the Swami Nityanand Samarak Trust for the last four years. He assured the general body of citizens to get the on-going developmental works accomplished in a time frame. He also urged Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to complete the pending work of Shri Raghunath Temple at an earliest.

Ekta Manch organises symposium

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 25: The Jammu Kashmir Ekta Manch today organised a symposium on "The Role of Bhartiya Muslims in the Changing Soci-Economic Political Scenario" at Tourist Reception Centre here this evening. A large number of academicians, lawyers, prominent citizens, and leaders of social cultural and other organisations were present.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Sudershan Jee, Joint General Secretary of RSS said the Muslims have played a crucial role in the history and now it is essential that they contribute their part in making India strong. He stated that the Muslims should have a bit of soul searching and adopt the modern scientific and technological knowledge for the advancement of the society and in the true spirit of Islam. They should be proud of the common cultural heritage of the country in which the live, he added. He cited the example of the great saints and scholars who preached greatness of rich Indian traditions In this task, he called upon the Muslim intelligensia to assert to bring about healthy change in the society. The RSS leader asserted that there was no danger to identity of Muslims in this country as is the case of Parsis, Jews or others.

The Information Technology has changed the globe and everyone must rise and have wider vision in the fast changing global situation. In the race for scientific advancement the man should not to unduly exploit the nature as it would lead to disasterous results.

Two Earth Conferences are indication of the concern of mankind for the pollution and any disturbance in eco-system. He said the United States with merely 20 per cent of population has been utilising 8o per cent of natural resources while the entire world with 80 per cent people has to content with only 20 natural resources.

The RSS leader said that some powerful nations have created organisations like IMF, WTO to grab the resources of the world. He does not rule out the possiblity of the American hand in the recent political turmoil in India and called for contstant vigil.

Mr Muzaffar Hussain, a renowned journalist from Maharashtra, while speaking at the seminar said that in the Indian Constitution there is no discrimination on the basis of religion and the Muslims enjoy equal rights. Quoting facts and figures he said Muslims are not taking to modern education and low literacy is main reason for their lagging behind.

He criticised the fundamentalists who are misleading the society for their own narrow ends and at the same praised the role of enlightened Muslims who are serving the nation. He cited that on Eid there was also Mahavir Jayanti and by avoiding sacrifces on this particular day was in true tradition of holy Quran.

Mr Hussain advocated abrogation of Article 370 which is hindrance to the rapid progress of people of Jammu and Kashmir. He also stated that Divorce like births and deaths should be registered in the interest of Muslim women.

A number of those present also took part in the deliberations and welcomed the idea of organising such a programme bringing all shades of opinion to one plateform and discuss their programmes for brotherhood and advancement.

Mr Mohammad Amin Beg welcome the participants and Prof K L Bhatia conducted the proceedings.

Panchayat polls in Jammu, Kathua in first phase

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Apr. 25: Panchayat elections in Jammu and Kathua districts will be held during the first phase of polling in the State. This will be immediately followed by election in Rajouri and Poonch districts in the second phase and Udhampur and Doda districts in the third phase. The polling will be held between 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and counting of votes will start in the same day at 3 p.m. in respective panchayats or at the headquarters of the Returning Officers, keeping in view the topography, security arrangements and availability of counting halls. In this connection, Assistant Returning Officers and Additional Returning Officers are also being empowered to hold counting of votes and declare results.

The Chief Election Officer, Mr S P Bhave revealing this here today while reviewing the election arrangements made so far in the Kathua district said that elections will be held in Kathua district on two dates. Two command and two non-command blocks will be covered on the first day and remaining on the second date. Mr. Bhave cautioned that every one will try to prevail upon or influence the Returning Officers in view of local nature of the election but called upon them to conduct themselves in the most impartial way in performing their elections duties. He also stressed the need for proper training to the Returning Officers.

Mr Bhave said that over 5700 ballot boxes are requried during the first phase of the polling in the Jammu and Kathua districts. He said that ballot papers will be printed at the district headquarters and name of the contesting candidates will be both in Hindi and Urdu in these districts. However, the ballot paper will be serialised in Urdu alphabetic orders.

He issued instructions that no Village Level Worker will be appointed on duty. However, they can be appointed to assist the Returning Officers. Transport and security arrangements were also reviewed.

The Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, Mr Chaman Lal, who is also the District Panchayat Election Officer apprised that very senior officers have been appointed as Returning Officers in the hilly and far-off areas, keeping in view that vast experience to take crucial decisions on spot. he assured that all out efforts will be made to ensure free, fair and peaceful poll in the district.

The SSP, Kathua, Mr R R Swain said that foolproof security arrangements are being made and the Returning Officers will also be provided adequate security covers.

Among others, the Additional Dy. Commissioner, Mr O P Klandria, Assistant Commissioner (Revenue), Mr F R Javed and Assistant Commissioner (Development), Mr Mubarak Singh also attended the meeting.

SSSS to campaign for moral values

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr. 25: The Sarve Shakti Sewak Sanstha (SSSS), a State level spiritual-cum-social registered organisation, will launch a campaign for promoting spiritual, social and moral values among the people shortly. For the purpose, a corpus will be mobilised through donations from philanthropists and grant-in-aid from the State Government.

This was decided at a meeting of Jammu Unit of the Sanstha held here last evening under the chairmanship of the President, SSSS, Mr Krishan Lal. The meeting was convened to review the functioning and suggest measures for bringing more transparency and improvement in the working of the Sanstha.

In order to promote spiritual and moral values among the people, the Sanstha will continue holding door to door Sankirtan and Jagratas. Steps were also discussed for smooth and efficient conduct of the annual popular Machail Yatra to the world famous sapphire valley of Paddar in Doda district.

The Sanstha demanded that 3 gazetted holidays be declared in the State during the Machail Yatra and meeting decided to submit a memorandum to the State authorities in this regard shortly.

The meeting took stock of the assets of Chandi Mata lying with the Jammu Unit of the Sanstha. Records will be properly maintained and quarterly reports in this behalf sent to the head office at Bhaderwah. The resources generated by the Anokhi Bhajan Mandli of the Unit will be deposited with the Sanstha. The entire functioning of the organisation will be as per its bye laws and there will be no deviation from it. Bye laws for the Mandli will also be framed, the meeting decided.

Speaking on the occasion, Pt. Krishan Lal Sharma lauded the role of the Mandli for bringing awareness among the people about religious, social and other facets of the society. he said more dedication is required to have desired impact upon the minds of the people as far as creating awakening among them about spiritual and moral values is concerned.

The meeting among others was attended by Mr Hem Raj Gupta, President Jammu unit and other office bearers of the Sanstha.

RSS leader exhorts people to strive for stronger India

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 25: The deputy general secretary of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Mr Sudarshan addressed a gathering at Geeta Bhavan on the topic "Role of religious, political and social organisations in the changing scenario" here today.

As per a release in the beginning Kumari Latika Subash and Saraswati Vandana. Mr Sudarshan inaugurated a painting of Mr O P Sharma Sarthi of Mata Chabri.

Mr Sudarshan said there were number of social and religious organisations in the society working with objective and social cause. They are working selflessly but more than their organisations they are responsible to the whole society and nation. They should not involve so much in their organisation that the national fabric was harmed or damaged.

He spoke about Hindu way of life and held that every body should hold responsibility towards the society and the nation. He said Hindu Samaj is the oldest in the country and if it remained united the country will emerge more stronger.

He predicted that India will emerge super power in the years to come and exhorted all to work in that direction.

Prominent speakers included Messrs Prof Chaman Lal, Hansu Bhai Dave, Indresh Kumar, Choudhary Piara Singh, Daya Krishan Kotwal, Romesh Gupta, Ashok Khajuria and Tilak Ram

NTUF organises state level conference

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 25: Jammu Kashmir National Trade Union Front organised its first State level conference under the presidentship of Mr Mohd Gafoor Dar here today.

As per a release while addressing Mr Gafoor Dar sought from the delegates their suggestions on the report submitted by the general secretary of the Front and ways and means for the betterment of the Front.

Mr Mushtaq Ahmed Khan general secretary explained in details the achievements made by the Front. Master Shiv Nath, Advisor, in his address led the delegate session to seriously debate on the burning issues concerning State Government employees and workers so that a common strategy could be evolved.

Mr Gafoor Dar while concluding the session said that because of present anti-working class policies of the State and Central Governments, the back-bone of a common man has been broken and they have been left with no option than to launch state-wide agitation under a common and united platform to force the Government to concede their genuine demands.

The demands projected in the session included immediate payment of Ist and 2nd instalments of 5th Pay Commission arrears, withdrawal of professional tax on Government and public sector employees, implementation of all agreements made by the Government with State Government employees from time to time, regularisation of motivators of Forest Department, Anganwari workers and daily wagers who have completed more than seven years of regular service, maintaining upto date accounts of GP Fund and transfer of the same from one district to the other with out any delay, release of 10 percent DA instalment to all Government and Public Sector employees, employment to next of kin of the employees seeking voluntary retirement, constitution of Joint Consultative Machinery for employees, immediate redressal of sectional problems and doing away with the present system of distributing salary to employees through cheques.

The session also urged the Government not to make any move to lower the retirement age to 55 years.

Mr Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari, MLA Surankote who participated in the conference on behalf of Finance Minister declared full support to the employees. Other prominent leaders who addressed included Messrs Darshan Magotra, L N Mishra, Abdul Ahad Bandloo, Mohd Maqbool, Lekh Raj Khajuria, Karamat Malik, Abdul Majid Bichoo, Sawtantar Bakshi, Pradeep Sharma, Anil Mehta, Vijay Dutta, Abdul Rashid Sheikh, Dass Ram, Akram Khan, Yash Paul, Kuldeep Saraf, Arvind Singh Sambyal and Amar Nath.

Election to the office bearers were also held on the occasion for a term of four years. Messrs Mohd Gafoor Dar and Master Shiv Nath were re-elected as president and advisor respectively while Mushtaq Ahmed Khan was elected as senior vice president, Darshan Magotra and Abdul Ahad Bandroo as vice presidents, Dass Ram Kandley as general secretary, Chaman Lal as secretary, L N Mishra as chief organisor, Tirath Singh as organisor, Pradeep Sharma as finance secretary, Sheikh Ghulam Nabi as treasurer, S B Bakshi as publicity secretary, Shanti Saroop as assistant cashier, Vijay Dutta as office secretary, Mohd Azam Ganai as publicity secretary (Kashmir) Bashir Ahmad Bhat as assistant cashier (Kashmir).

Besides election of above, four women delegates were also elected for State working committee they are Mrs Tripta Devi, Akhtar Begum, Mrs Neelam Sharma and Mrs Kanta Nanda.

Harsh challenges locus standi of Autonomy Committee

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 25: Questioning the locus standi of State Government in appointing the Autonomy Committee, the National Panthers Party leader and MLA from Ramnagar, Mr Harsh Dev Singh has termed its formation totally null and void.

Talking to reporters here today, he while quoting a Supreme Court ruling said neither the Parliament nor the State Legislature is empowered to constitute a Committee to make recommendations for changing the basic structures of the Constitution.

He said only the President of India is empowered to order the Constitution of any such Committee. Mr Harsh Dev while making a strong dig at the National Conference leadership maintained that the report is totally null and void and has no locus standi.

He however, alleged that the report has been prepared just to hoodwink and mislead the "innocent" people of the state.

Panthers Party leader while apprehending that the report if implemented will take the State towards the independence and secessionism said, the Supreme Court will have no jurisdiction over the state and all the 350 Central laws implemented in the state will be repelled.

He said this report is fraught with serious consequences as it freezes the fundamental rights guaranteed in the Indian Constitution to its citizens and restricts powers of judiciary by making it subordinate to Executive. Such a step will push state towards the dictatorial and authoritarian rule, he added.

He said how the Central laws will be repelled at this juncture when maximum of them were implemented during the NC rule. Moreover, a committee constituted by former Chief Minister, Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah under the chairmanship of Mr D D Thakur has suggested that the Central laws implemented in the state since 1953 should be allowed to continue as they are good for state, he added.

Mr Singh said the people of Jammu have never demanded such type autonomy which will deprive them of the National Flag and National Anthem. He said if the clock is reversed to pre 1953 position the millions of Yatris coming for the dharshan of Mata Vaishno Devi have to seek visa and pass port first before visiting the state.

He said moreover it will also hit the tourism industry as no visitor can come to state without seeking a visa.

He also rejected the report submitted by the Regional Autonomy Committee saying that it is totally meaningless and misleading. He alleged the report is based on Dixon formula as it divides Jammu in eight provinces on communal lines which will not be acceptable to people of Jammu.

He said the people of Jammu demand equal share in Government, development funds, employment and admission in professional colleges and not the division of the region on communal basis.