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Handcuffs was reward for his revolutionary work By Avtar Bhat JAMMU, Dec 19: Harassment, humiliation, torture and jail is the reward which he ....more Video & audio albums
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 19: The Minister for Industries and Commerce, Dr Mustafa Kamal today ...more Employees to go on 4 day long strike from today Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 19: The state Government employees will go for four day long strike from tomorrow in pursuance of the ....more 3rd phase of Pulse Polio prog carried out in Kashmir Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Dec 19: The Third phase of Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization Programme was carried out .....more Youth have to play a role in nation building: Saxena Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 19: The Dogra College of Education, Bassi Kalan, Bari Brahmana, .....more |
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A play on Polio Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 19: Samooh Theatre staged Dogri play "Langa Hindustan" in five villages of Miran Saheb block of Jammu ....more Pritam Spiritual Trust brings succor to people Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, Dec 19: The border district of Poonch besides being known for its beauty, strategic and emotional ...more CGEA supports EJAC’s strike call in J-K Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 19: The Confederation of Government Employees Association (CGEA) has supported the four-day strike call given by the Employees Joint ....more |
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Handcuffs was reward for his revolutionary work By Avtar Bhat JAMMU, Dec 19: Harassment, humiliation, torture and jail is the reward which he received from the authorities at the helm of affairs for cherishing the dream to bring prosperity to himself and the people in terrains of Doda district. Before initiating the work on preservation of tree culture, the young Kesri Shashi Kumar might have never thought that he may fall a prey to official apathy and instead of being rewarded will be handcuffed and put behind the bars for his work. Spending over 25 years in the field, this revolutionary man from Doda made an asset worth crores of rupees by toiling day and night and converted a piece of barren land in a remote village into a big horticulture farm. His work on this piece is unique and no any agriculture expert in the state has done such a tremendous job so far. On this desert land he planted 1,54,500 saplings of various forestry species including fruit trees and Olive Culture which was newly introduced by Government of India. Besides this he set up a demonstration plot of 200 Olive cultivators imported from Italy by the Government under Indo- Italian Project in 1985-86. Later more 500 grafted saplings on local vegetation were added to it by him. But instead of showering praises on Kesri and providing the encouragement he has been subjected to torture, harassment and humiliation through the hands of the administration. Kesri who is a dejected man today while narrating his tale of woes said that a single tree of Olive can bear 50 kgs of fruit and the total production of Olive crop from his project was expected to be 35,000 kgs. He said one litre of Olive oil costs Rs 2500 in the market and the total extract of 7000 litres of oil which his farm had the capacity to produce at maturity would have turned his dreams into reality but due to the constant humiliation faced by him through the administration, he was forced to abandon his project and migrate to Jammu for safety of his life and kith and kin. What has pained Kesri the most is that while his work has been appreciated by various foreign experts and researchers he was dubbed anti -national and "Kranti Kari" by the state police and jailed several times. Even the two former District Development Commissioners of Doda Messrs Sudhan Shiv Pandey, Khurshed Ahmed Ganai and then Special Commissioner, Swami Raj Sharma highly appreciated the work done by him. Mr Ganai in his appreciation letter described him a guide of the generation while Mr Pandey described him a great proud futurist of India. Besides this Mr B K Goswami the then Advisor to State Governor while commenting on his works said he is worshipable and great noble. Today this Olive Culture Project on which even Government has spend huge amount by importing trees from Italy is in shambles as Kesri has deserted the area due to police harassment. I have no future there, said Kesri, I faced five attacks by militants and when they let me free, the Police was behind me. I was interrogated by the district Police at a number of occasions on the ground why the militants left me unharmed. Kesri who broke down while narrating his tale of miseries said since then police is behind me. I repent why I undertook such a revolutionary work. Had I planted walnut trees on this land I would have not become the target of police like this. He alleged that I was not provided any help in marketing of Olive Oil as processing and transportation is in the hands of the Government. This was done despite the instructions of the Italian experts who had told the state Government authorities that processing of fruit droops is must within 24 hours after harvest but no body in the administration later bothered about the same. Today the crop remains dumped for months and the administration refuses to lift it, he alleged. I have spend the maximum portion of my life in struggle of bringing a new conception in the field of horticulture, but my all dreams today lie shattered and I have lost all hopes to live and his efforts to bring prosperity in the hills have turned futile due to the official apathy. Kesri who is a graduate of 1966-67 batch has a record of struggle behind him. He was appointed Field Assistant Botanical Garden Chashma Shahi was terminated from the services within a year. Later he was selected as Food Inspector in Jammu Municipality but also terminated from there within a month and a relative of an influential politician was adjusted in his place. This became a turning point in the young Kesri’s life who vowed not to join the Government service later and instead started working on preservation of tree culture. He selected over 100 kanals of barren land at Krantipuram six kilometres away from Doda and after hard toil converted it into a farm for tree cultivation. |
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Video & audio albums of Anjum released Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 19: The Minister for Industries and Commerce, Dr Mustafa Kamal today released the audio and video album of gazals and geets of Sudha Anjum Jain, a lyric and singer at a function held at Abhinav Theatre here this evening. The video album, a colourful picturisation of some songs of Anjum, has ably been directed by Mr Shiv Dutt Sharma. Produced under the banner of Aditya Arts presentation, it was screened winning aplomb from the audience present in the hall. Dr Kamal appreciated the presentation and said the poetry evokes deepest emotions of human beings. He said that Urdu language needs to be promoted popularised further as its literature is very rich and rooted in the Indian culture. Urdu is, he stated, now gaining ground in other countries as well. The Industries Minister praised the video presentation which has depicted the theme well and handled the subject in a professional manner. He also had a good word for poetry of Anjum. The provision of new facility of colour projector in the Abhinav Theatre will certainly lead to more screening of telefilms for public view and thus encourage the local talent and benefit the artists. Mr Ram Sahai, chairman, Institute of Public Opinion and also Roop Wani Kala Mandir, stated that the art and culture must be promoted to enrich the society. He praised the poet Sudha Anjum and Shiv Dutt Sharma for expert direction of the video album. Mr Balwant Thakur, Secretary, Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, while speaking at the function, stated that the number of cultural activities has been stepped up in Jammu and Kashmir State during the recent years. Referring to the facilities by the Academy, he said that a new projector has been provided now in the Abhinav Theatre for screening colour films and tele-serials. The Minister also released two poetry books, one in Urdu and another in Devnagari script, by Ms Sudha Anjum. The function was attended, among others, by Mr M S Gill, MLC, Mr P P Sharma, Balraj Puri, Mr Ram Nath Shastri, Mr Teja Singh, Prof Ved Ghai and a galaxy of prominent citizens, literary figures, poets and academicians. While Mr Vijay Atri conducted the proceedings of the function, Mr S P Sahni presented vote of thanks. |
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Employees to go on 4 day long strike from today Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 19: The state Government employees will go for four day long strike from tomorrow in pursuance of the call given by J&K Government Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC). The EJAC which is spearheading the present movement had warned to resume the strike on December 20 after it suspended its three day long ‘Kaam Chhore Hartal’ on December 8 in case the Government failed to concedes the demands till then. According the EJAC spokesman, no initiative was taken by the Government to hold the dialogue with the employees representatives during the last 12 days forcing it to stick to its already announced strike programme. He said there is a brewing resentment among the every section of the Government employees on the rigid stand adopted by the Government on what he called the genuine demands of the employees and blamed Government for backtrackting from the agreement held with the employees during the 19 day long strike in January this year. Giving details of the previous agreement he said the Government has made a commitment with the EJAC representatives that three percent DA from January and six percent from July 1998 will be paid in cash in April this year but after elapse of eight months nothing was done in this regard. He said similarly Government backtrackted from its assurances regarding the completion of GP Fund Pass books of employees, regulari-sation of daily wagers and enhancement of their wages. He said the another meeting which was recently held with the Government failed to yield the tangible results as the former turned down the demands of the EJAC on the plea that the State Government is facing the acute financial crunch. The spokesman said that this time the total strike will be observed in all the Government offices and barring the emergency, the hospitals have not been kept above the purview of the strike. He also claimed the support from the drivers and operators of State Motor Garages Union and said this time they will also participate in the strike to take it to the logical conclusion. The spokesman while disclosing that the Safai Karamcharis have also extended support to the strike however, maintained that the decision regarding their participation will be taken after the Christmas festival falling on December 25 in case the strike was extended further. To a question whether the employees will extend the strike after December 23 in case the demands were not accepted till then he said, the decision to this effect will be taken by the State Council of J&K Employees Joint Action Committee which is a 30 member body having 10 members each from Jammu and Kashmir regions two from Ladakh and eight representatives from Civil Secretariat. He alleged in view of the Government’s dilly dallying tactics on various demands EJAC is this time adamant not to budge till the all previous agreements made with employees are implemented in letter and spirit. Meanwhile, J&K Joint Employees Federation (JEF) a Unit of EJAC has extended its full support to the employees strike. A meeting of the the JEF was held here today under the chairmanship of Mr Mushtak Ahmed Khan its president in which this announcement was made. The meeting also urged the Government to concede all the demands of the employees immediately. It among others was attended by Messrs Swatantar Bakshi, senior state vice president, Ravi Sharma, state general secretary, M A Khan Chief organisor and Abdul Rashid Sheikh state secretary. Besides this the representatives of various associations and unions also took part in the meeting to discuss the future strategy. Addressing the meeting Mr Khan assured the employees that further programme will also be given by EJAC keeping in view the aspirations of the employees. He appealed the employees to make the four day long strike a success and blamed the State Government for its total failure in conceding the demands of the employees which include release of two day installments, second installment of Pay Commission arrears, regularisation of daily wagers and enhancement of their wages. |
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3rd phase of Pulse Polio prog carried out in Kashmir Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Dec 19: The Third phase of Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization Programme was carried out smoothly in all the eight districts of Kashmir Division including twin districts of Ladakh region. At Srinagar, the programme was inaugurated by the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Mr Khurseed Ahmad Ganai by administering polio drops to a baby born a few hours earlier, at Children Hospital Srinagar early this morning. As many as 4050, including additional 55 pulse polio posts had been set up across the Kashmir Division to cover a targeted population of (0 to 5 years) 7.79 lakh children. Over 16,200 employees of Health, Education, Social Welfare and other departments had been deployed for the purpose. At district hearquarters, the programme was launched by the District Development Commissioners and the officers of health department including Chief Medical Officers and Block Medical Officers were personally supervising the process of administering the drops to the children throughout day and it wored a children's festive look every where. The CRPF, BSF and Army contingents besides several Non-Governmental Organisations had also set up their posts to supplement the programme. The Health Department had also set up PPI posts at Airport, TRC, General Bus Stands, Bijbehara and Qazigund on the National Highway to ensure the facility to the travelling children and cover cent per cent targeted population. The Chief Medical Officer, Srinagar Dr Sheikh Abdul Samad was personally monitoring the Immunization programme in Srinagar city and elsewhere in the district. Meanwhile, Pulse Polio Immunization Camp was organised by 111 Bn CRPF, Dalgate, Srinagar today under commendable arrangements of Unit Commandant Ms G S Mastana. About thousand babies administered immunization drops by unit M O Dr Rabinder. The grand compaign personally witnessed by honable DIGP (OPS) CRPF. Mr R C Puri, and local gentry which achieved heart-felt appreciations and glory to the force. |
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Pritam Spiritual Trust brings succor to people Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, Dec 19: The border district of Poonch besides being known for its beauty, strategic and emotional values also boasts of its rich spiritual heritage and unique communal harmony. Situated in the serene surroundings of Poonch, is the Pritam Spiritual Trust which has been carrying out yeoman’s service for a decade and helping the poor and disables in this area. Founded in 1990 with the objective of promoting universal brotherhood, the Trust aims to foster greater religious and cultural understanding among the members of various communities. The Trust besides undertaking repair of all religious shrines is actively engaged in social service and arranges marriages of orphans and poor. It also organises medical camps and provides specialised treatment to all handicapped persons with the help of Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayata Samiti. The Trust has provided 1538 persons with artificial limbs till date. It also provided scholarship to 11 students of Balakot. The Trust with the help of a Battalion of Rajputana Rifles at Bhimber Gali has selected 35 handicapped persons to be taken to Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayata Samiti, New Delhi. The boarding and lodging of these persons has been arranged by the Rajputana Rifles Regimental Centre. They are also scheduled to have interaction with the President, Prime Minister and Chief of the Army Staff. |
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CGEA supports EJAC’s strike call in J-K Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 19: The Confederation of Government Employees Association (CGEA) has supported the four-day strike call given by the Employees Joint Action Committee. As per a release, Mr Ram Kumar chief advisor of the Confederation said that his unit being one of the constituents of the Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC) has offered full support for the cause. He appealed to the leaders of the EJAC and Civil Secretariat Employees unions to keep in mind the sentiments, emotions and problems of the employees while deciding the future action programme. It is necessity of the time to put the employees for decisive struggle, he added. |
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Farewell accorded to Army School Chairman Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 19: Army School Damana organised a function to bid farewell to its Chairman Brig Sumant Chatterjee. A variety entertainment programme was presented by the teachers and students which included Ghazals, solo dance and farwell couplets from various songs on the occasion. Mrs Asha Sharma, Principal of the school welcomed Brig Chatterjee, Mrs Shikha Chatterjee and Brig D N Warma, SM and Mrs Asha Verma besides other guests. Mrs Chatterjee gave the prizes to Master Rahul and Miss Sonia, who were adjudged on the best talented students on the Annual Day Function Col D S Bindra, the secretary read out the farewell speech highlighting the contributions made by the outgoing Chairman. He also welcomed the new chairman Brig D N Varma. The programme was compared by Ms Inderpreet. Brig Sumant Chatterjee thanked the management for the function and expressed his happiness over the functioning of the school. |
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Fancy dress competition organised Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 19: Mayflower Public School, Paharian Street, Jammu, organized a Fancy dress competition. Tiny scholars displayed their artistic talent. Students posed as Lord Krishna, Spiderman, Milkman, Baloonwala, Lord Shiva, Meeran Rani Laxmi Bai, Hanuman, Angad, Fairy, Aadiwasi man, Chacha Nehru, Armyman, Black cat commandos etc. Cultural items were also presented. Students who topped in academics in the years 97-98 and 98-99 were awarded. Prizes were awarded to the position holders of Justice Bakshi Ishwar Singh Memorial Painting Competition and Master Jagan Nath Memorial Talent Competition 99. The guests of the day were Mrs Bimla Rajput, Mr J S Kapoor, Mr I M Arora, Mr Bharat Bhushan, Mr R S Charak and Mrs Usha Sharma. Dr A K Arora, Principal stressed upon the need of all round development of the student community. |
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BJP’s concern over
border migrants plight Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 19: Terming the Cabinet reshuffle only an eyewash, the senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and MP, Mr Vaid Vaishno Dutt said the corrupt elements still prevail in Government and only a few have been removed while the big crocodiles have been left scot free. Talking to media persons here today, the BJP leader accused the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah for not coming up to the expectations of the people of Jammu region as his Government has failed to redress their grievances. He while highlighting the plight of border migrants alleged that State Government has totally ignored their plight and claimed that Rs 37 crore received from the Centre as a grant for border migrants has not reached to the deserving people. Mr Dutt also took the staff posted at Lakhnpur Tool Post to task for deducting the tool tax from a relief truck which was being dispatched by the NGOs of Punjab for the border migrants of Jammu. He said it is unfortunate that instead of coming to the rescue of these people the Government has also deducted the Tool Tax from the relief truck. He demanded that the money collected as Tool Tax may immediately be returned so that the said amount can be utilised for the welfare of border migrants. He said the border migrants are passing a miserable life and as the State Government has failed to fulfill its commitment they are again going to launch the agitation in support of their demands. The state BJP chief, Mr Daya Krishan Kotwal was also critical of the NC Government for what he alleged its negative attitude towards the border migrants who he said are living in a miserable condition. He while criticising the Lakhanpur Tool Post authorities for not allowing a relief truck for the border migrants to cross the barrier without deducting the Tool Tax demanded immediate action against these officials. Ridiculing the Government he alleged that it has no guts to deduct the 46 crore Sales Tax arrears from a Minister, slapped Tool Tax on a relief truck which was meant for the border migrants. He said the relief has been collected by the NGOs of Punjab under the banner of ‘Rahat Vitran Samagri Samiti’ of the Hind Samachar Group. The Committee members including Messrs K P Singh, Sunil Dawan, Journalist, Ajay Kohli, S S Jain Biradri chief Amarnath Jain and its Member Tarsem Jain were also present on the occasion. They said so far seven trucks of relief have been dispatched from the Samiti for the border migrants of Jammu since July this month and first relief truck was donated by Punjab Electricity Board Wives Association. The truck contained 350 ‘Razais,’ 275 sweaters and 1000 caps. The Samiti members said they will continue to supply the relief for the border migrants till they return to their homes and hearths. They also showed readiness to provide the relief for the families of Muslim migrants who have also been affected from across the border shelling on militancy violence. They said the relief will be distributed among the border migrants in presence of Mr Vaid Vaishno Dutt. |
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LPEF leader asks employees to observe complete strike Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 19: Mr Sampat Prakash, president All J&K Low Paid Government Employees Federation, while addressing a meeting of representatives of various employees’ bodies, fully supported four-day pen down strike commencing from tomorrow. As per a release Mr Sampat said that the four lakh employees of State constitute massive electoral and political strength who have cut across the divisions of caste, creed and shaped secular texture and popular image of unity to fight the policy of ruling class, which has miserably failed to take an organic view of the financial positions of the State and burning demands of its employees who have become great sufferers of the financial crunch which is the product of the party in power. Mr Sampat said IAS bureaucracy was hardly capable of taking any serious decisions because of its reactionary and cryptic outlook. He said the employees spirit was undaunted and the strike programme would be in full strength with re-doubled vigour and strength of conviction. He added that the employees cannot pawn their interests for the extravagant and princely life style of Chief Minister, his ministerial colleagues and "MLAs". He also alleged several irregularities on the part of state bureaucrats. Prominent presidents and general secretaries of trade unions who addressed included Messrs Shakti Gupta, Surinder Chowdhary, Shiv Kumar Sharma, R R Prabhakar, Thakur Balwan Singh, Saroop Singh, Pritam Singh, Sunil Handoo, Bhagat Ram Sharma, Yash Paul, Fida Kishtwari and others. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 19: A convention of United Front Associations of Private Schools was held in Nai Singh Vidya High School Ghagwal in which most of the Private Schools of Distt. Kathua participated. Mr Abdul Qayoom, Revenue Minister was the Chief Guest. Mr A K Kapoor, Chairman presided over the function. Senior members of the United Front Yuv Raj Singh, Mr P B Kapoor, Mr Santosh Sharma, Mr Ram Lal Verma, Mr Karan Singh, Mr P C Suri, Mr Paras Ram and other participated. Mr A K Kapoor of the United Front highlighted the problems of the Private Schools and requested the Minister to discuss the problems with the Education Minister Mohd Shafi. Mr Yuv Raj Singh also spoke about the problems faced by the private schools regarding non-involvement certificate, recognition and exemption of Middle Standard Examination. Mr R L Verma, Distt. Planning Officer, Kathua, Mahant Ji Ghagwal were also the speakers in the convention. The Revenue Minister praised the institution. He stressed the sacred relation between the teachers and the students. |
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Udhampur teachers elect members Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Dec 19: An election of Udhampur Zone was held today in City High School Udhampur, in which 271 teachers out of 350 participated. Mr Ashok Kumar Gupta Master, Girls High School Udhampur was elected as president of United School Teachers Federation by defeating his nearest rival Gopal Dutt Sharma of High School Krimachi by a margin of 51 votes and Mr Anwar Hussain teacher High School Chak Rakhwalan by a margin of 98 votes. Mr Pankaj Sharma, teacher Govt Girls Higher Secondary Udhampur was elected as secretary by defeating his nearest rival Mrs Usha Sharma, Master Boys Higher Secondary School Udhampur by a margin of 108 votes. Mr Ishpal Singh of M/s Patti was elected as Sr vice president by defeating his nearest rival Mrs Prem Piyari of High School Krimachi by a margin of 93 votes. Mr Mohan Lal master Girls High School Garhi was elected as Organisor by defeating his nearest rival Mr Surinder Sharma of High School Krimachi by a margin of 35 votes. Mr Ved Parkash Provincial president, Mr Shankar Dass district president and others were also present on the occasion. At the end the elected members thanked the teachers and assured that they would work with full dedication for the betterment of the teacher community. |
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CRPF Jhiri holds Pulse Polio Prog Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 19: The A/136 Bn Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Jhiri organised the third phase of Pulse Polio Eradication Programme under the supervision of Mr P P Singh, Commandant and Chief Medical Officer Dr Sukhdev Singh with the coordination of Primary Health Centre at Canna Chak. Over 190 children were given Polio drops. The door to door vaccination from December 20 to 22 will be given by the Primary Health Centre Canna Chak for the left out children. |
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