Pediartics Deptt holds workshop

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 16: A two-day Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) training workshop under Reproductive Child Health (RCH) programme, was inaugurated by the Minister for Medical Education, Dr Mustafa Kamal in SMGS Hospital Auditorium here this morning.

The training programme, organised by the Department of Pediatrics, Government Medical Collegc, Jammu and IAP, J&K Branch for Pediatricians and family physicians is being attended by a large number of delegates from different parts of the country.

In his inaugural address, Dr Mustafa Kamal called upon the Pediatricians to take the responsibility of adolescence care as they form 20% of our population and are the future hope of the country. He said the adolescent group between 13 to 19 is no man's land as the pediatric care in our country is upto 12 years and the adult physicians lookafter the children beyond 19 years of age. He said the needs of this large segment can not be ignored and therefore every effort has made by the Pediatric Department to establish teenaged care centres in Government medical colleges, district hospital and other big hospitals in the State.

The Minister said the poor nutritional status of adolescent girls has important implications in terms of physical activity, work capacity and reproductive out-come. The adolescents are prone to sufer from medical and health problems particular to this age period. He said the nutritional requirements have to be increased and stressed the need providing for nutritious diet, rich in calories and proteins.

The Minister said that RCH Programme introduced by Central Government all over the country in 1997 has added adolescent health to the already existing child survival components of child survival and safe mother-hood. A beginning has been made by inclusion of adolescent girls as beneficiaries of iron tablets under the Integrated Child Development Services Scheme, he said, adding that 10% of adolescents have developed symptoms of Psycholigical stress which has led to abnormal eating behaviours, depression or even suicide. He said the militancy has also adversely affected the young children who are facing problems like trauma.

The Minister hoped that the workshop, besides covering topics in neonatal care, immunization, control of diarrhoeal diseases, respiratory infections would also lay particular stress on adolescent health as it has a direct bearing on maternal and child out-come.

Earlier, Dr D B Sharma President, IAP, J&K branch and HOD Depatment of Pediatrics, GMC, Jammu said that inclusion of adolescence in pediatrics is a vital step and would go a long way in improving material and child health status in our country. He said the objectives of the workshop are to introduce child health component of the national RCH programme for health care provides update the information base of participants, promote standard case management of common illness like malaria, drarhea, developmental delays adolescent health, HIV/AIDS, sick child, besides promoting comprehensive child care to new born to adolescents.

Dr Sharma expressed grave concern over the high rate of child mortality. He, however, said that with the introduction of several programmes, the infant mortality rate has come down from 110 to 70 during the last couple of years.

Eminent senior professors of Pediatrics from different parts of the country. Prof Lalita Behal (HP) Prof N K Anand (Amritsar) Prof A D Tewari (Haryana) Prof Daljeet Singh (Ludhiana) Prof D B Sharma (Jammu) Prof Suraj Gupta (Jammu) Prof Mrs Kum Kum Sharma, Prof K B Gupta, Prof Ashok Gupta, Prof Rekha Harish are deliberating and demonstrating practical aspects of primary care on wide range of problems the ARI, Diarrhoea Immunisation, Neonatal problems and care, Adolescent health, Developmental delay, Feeding, Nutrition, Sick child and HIV/AIDS.

There was an active interaction by the participants.

CMs, FMs conference held
Farooq for implementing floor rates on broad groups of commodities

Excelsior Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Nov 16: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah has emphasised the need for the implementation of the decisions on floor rates on broad groups of commodities.

Speaking in the Chief Ministers and State Finance Ministers Conference here today, Dr Abdullah said that in the last meeting of Chief Ministers held in January 1999 and at the meeting of the Finance Ministers' of Northern Sates as well as in the National Development Council meetings, there was consensus and a decision was taken that floor rates should be introduced for broad groups of commodities. In the meeting of State Finance Ministers at Suraj Kund, he said, 15 items were identified for floor rates which had to be applicable from Ist April 1999.

Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Abdullah said, being located at farthest end of the country and essentially a consuming State is the worst hit on account of tax rate differentials. Therefore, the State Government fully supported the floor rates in the northern region. Consequently, he said, our State introduced the floor rates from Ist April 1999 on the identified 15 items. Unfortunately, he said, the other neighbouring States instead of introducing the uniform rates reduced tax rates on a number of identified items.

Citing the case of the automobiles, Dr Abdullah said, the floor rate on this item was agreed by all the northern states at 8 per cent. He said the other neighbouring states reduced it from four per cent to 2-3 per cent. As this measure was definitely going to affect the trade in our State in this item, the State Government had again to reduce the rates on this item from 8 per cent to 4 per cent.

Dr Abdullah urged that the decisions taken shoulds be implemented in letter and spirit, otherwise the very purpose of having the meeting to bring about rationalization and unformity in the taxes and other matters is totally defeated.

Referring to the phasing out of sales tax based incentive schemes for industries, the Chief Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir is not an industrialised State. A few industries which were set up prior to 1990 have either been closed down or have been reduced to a very disadventageous position. To revive and rehabilitate sick industrial units, he said, in the new industrial policy reviewed in 1998, industries are provided incentives which include sales tax exemption except those which have been brought on the negative list. The period of incentives, he said, has been extended upto March 2003. At this stage, he said, the State cannot withdraw the incentives as it will invite litigation and the few existing units will also close down. Besides, without incentives it may not be possible to rehabilitate the sick units and attract entrepreneurs.

Regarding introduction of the VAT system, Dr Abdullah said it was observed in a number of meetings, that it was not necessary for all the States to adopt the VAT system at the same time. In view of the peculiar economic and geograpical situation of smaller States, he said, it was recommended that VAT system should be introduced by 15 major States with a period of three years. The smaller States could continue with the present system of sales tax but should follow a rationalized sales tax system, he said and added that these States must adopt reduced rates and only few exemptions. They must also adhere to the pattern of industrial incentives. In view of the geographical conditions of our State, the Chief Minister said, the VAT system can be introduced only in a phased manner after watching its progress in neighbouring states. Meanwhile, he said, the State has already initiated action for computerisation of the taxation system and training of man-power.

In Jammu and Kashmir State, Dr Abdullah said, sales tax was the largest single source of revenue as it constituted 43 per cent of State's total revenue. Immediately after assuming office in October 1996, the State Government, constituted a committee on Economic Reforms under the Chairmanship of Dr Madhav Godbole. On the basis of recommendations made by the committee, he said, a number of measures have been initiated for raising the revenue through sale tax, and other tax reforms including introduction of several new taxes, introducing the renewal of registration, introduction of floor rates for a number of items and widening of tax base. With the efforts, made by the State Government during the last three years, he said, the sale tax receipts have shown a substantial increase and the growth rate has gone up from 11 per cent in 1995-96 to 30 per cent in 1998-99.

The Chief Minister said that the State Government has already conveyed its views regarding the implementation of the recommendations of the Committee of Finance Ministers on Central sales tax. A number of recommendations, he said, have been made by the committee which included reduction in the rate of inter-state taxations, imposition of penalty on belated payments of CST. These recommendations, he said, have not been implemented as yet nor has the amendment been made in the CST Act.

Drawing attention of the Conference to the sharing of taxes between Centre and States, the Chief Minister said the 10th Finance Commission had recommended to the Government of India an alternative scheme of sharing of taxes between the Union and the State's. The Commission, he said, also recommended that this scheme of resource sharing be brought into force from Ist April 1996 after necessary amendments to the Constitution, After the new scheme comes into effect, he said, the State' share of union taxes will be 29 per cent of the gross proceeds of all centre taxes. This, he said, will not only help both the Centre and the State is sharing the buoyancy of aggregate central tax revenues but also provide certainty of resource flow to the States. He requested the Union Finance Minister to implement this recommendation immediately. The introduction of this new arrangement, he said, will also cater adequately to the long outstanding demands of the States for greater devolution of gross proceeds of Union taxes. He also urged that the share of taxes to the States under the alternate scheme he provided retrospectively from April 1995.

Efforts on to revive litrary activities in Kishtwar

Excelsior Correspondent

kishtwar, Nov 16: Anjuman-e-Islamia, Kishtwar has established a full-fledged faculty of literature with 90 year old prolific poet and writer Mr Nishtat Kishtwari as its founder patron.

This announcement was made by Mr B A Kichloo, chairman, Auqafe-Islamia, Kishtwar on the closing day annual function here today. While explaining the necessity of creation of faculty of literature, Mr Kichloo said that Anjuman intends to develop interest literature among the young generation.

It is propose to organise poetic symposium, literary conferences/meetings and other socio-cultural functions at the tehsil, district, divisional and state level and revive the literary tradition of Kishtwar.

Messrs Ulfat, Kishtwari, Man Mohan Qais Shamima Jenbaz, Wali Mohammad Aseer, Mohd Iqbal Dev and Abdul Majid Bichoo have been nominated as president, senior vice president, vice president, general secretary, press secretary and chief organiser respectively whereas Mohd Ashraf Shabnam, G M Rahi, Ghulam Hussain Naik, Farooq Ahmed Kandoo, Ghulam Hassan Mukhmoor are the organisors. A 30-member executive council was also announced wherein prominent wirters have been incorporated.

The faculty of literature also proposes to brig out a quarterly magazine "Anjuman". Mr Kichloo also announced the constitution of a culture committee with Mr Rehmat Ali Rehmat as its convenor. The sport committee shal be headed by Mr Farooq Ahmed Batt, whereas Mr Liaqat Ali and Javed Iqbal Sheikh got nominated as secretary and joint secretary.

LPEF highlights demands of daily rate workers

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Nov 16: A deputation led by Mr Abdul Majid Khan president, All J&K Low Paid Employees Federation, met the Director of Agriculture Department and apprised him of the Dharna staged by the Daily Wage Workers in Kathua town under the banner of Low Paid Employees Federation, in protest against unexplained and illogical delay being caused with regard to their regularisation who have completed seven years service by March 31, 1999 and non-payment of wage arrears for the last over one year by the department.

Mr Abdul Majid Khan made it clear that the workers will be justified to prolong their struggle in case the authorities did nothing soon to redress their grievances. Mr Krishan Singh, general secretary of the LPE Federation also accompanied the deputation.

The Director gave a patient hearing. He told the deputation that the cases of the daily wage workers have already been sent to the Administrative Department for regularisation. He further said that out of the available funds, two months wage arrears have been paid to the workers and efforts are being made to arrange the payment of another three months wage arrears soon. He said that due to lack of funds, he was not in a position to pay all the wage arrears soon.

He further told the deputation that due to financial crunch the department has with great difficulty been able to carry on its routine activities like ploughing and sowing the land in agriculture farms only partially and major portion of land has been left without cultivation.

Artists condemn propaganda against Balwant Thakur

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 16: Various artists and the activists of Namin Dogri Sanstha have condemned the propaganda campaign launched against the Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Mr Balwant Thakur.

According to a release, a meeting of the literary and cultural organisations of Jammu was held here today under the chairmanship of Dr Harish Kaila, president Namin Dogri Sanstha. Members of various organisations like—Duggar Manch, Samooh Theatre, Akashvani-Doordarshan Casual Music Artists Association, Theatre Mitra, Sadhna Cultural Society and Tushar Cultural Club participated.

The members at the meeting condemned in one voice the false propaganda initiated by some vested interests against the secretary of the Academy. Expressing their grave concern over the issue, the members said that it was a calculated move to malign the artistic and literary community.

They said that Mr Thakur, who is internationally renowned artist has contributed a lot for the development of culture in the Jammu and Kashmir state. Dr Kaila said that Mr Thakur has been conferred many fellowships and awards including Nation’s " Sanskriti Award", which is considered as the highest award in the country in the field of culture.

Dr Kaila appealed to the media-persons not to play in the hands of some disgruntled elements who are bent upon damaging the cause of culture in the state. He said that in the past history of fifty years, the Academy has been seen more active only in past few years due to the efforts of Mr Thakur.

Rotary Club Gangyal organises vaccination camp for Hepatities

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov. 16: In Ist phase of Hepatities-B Vaccination Camp organized by Rotary Club Gangyal in Mehar Chand Charitable Hospital Gandhi Nagar, here 2334 persons were vaccinated.

The camp was inaugurated by Works Minister Mr Mohi-din Shah who appreciated the efforts of Rotary Club Gangyal for such Noble cause.

According to the President Rotary Club Gangyal Mr Balbir Gupta, this camp crossed the expected number of people to be vaccinated. It is all due to proper educational drive and awareness created by club members from last one month.

The Immunization Camp was supervised by Dr K L Gupta (Retd.) Director Health Services, Dr Sudesh Sharma, Dr Vijay Gupta Suptd. Mehar Chand Hospital, Dr Vinod Gupta and Dr Umesh Gupta.

The Camp was managed by Messrs Balbir Gupta President. Rotary Club Pardeep Vaid Secretary, Ganesh Koul, Sanjeev Jain, Kamal Gupta, Devinder Vaid, Bansi Lal, Ashok Pandhoo, S. Aggarwal Ajay Khajuria, Balram Gupta, Kulbushan Gupta, Pawan, Rajesh Jain, B D Gupta, R P Sethi, V K Malhotra, Satinder Gupt, Arjan Gupta, Sanjeev Gupta, Manjo Mehra and Representative of Smithkline Beecham, Ashwani Mehta. The Camp on same pattern is going to be organised in Mahajan Hall Shalimar Road Jammu on November 20.

Shivam Appu Ghar organises ‘Bal Mela’

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 16: ‘Bal Mela’, a two day long festival of fun and competition was organised by Shivam Appu Ghar on the eve of Children’s Day concluded yesterday. The Festival was held on November 13 and 14.

About 550 children participated in various competitions which include dancing, singing, fancy dress and on the spot painting. They were escorted by 3500 strong audience of parents, teachers and friends.

The Shivam Appu Ghar offered free entry, free rides and refreshments to the participants besides other requisite infrastructure.

Even the parents teachers and escorts were given free entry passes so that they can watch their kids doing their dazzling acts.

The festivities were inaugurated on November 13 by Mr Anil Goswami who was the chief guest on the occasion.

The prize distribution function was held on November 14 in which DIG Jammu Mr S P Vaid and Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Mr P K Tripathy were the chief guests.

The function was presided over by Mr Manu Gupta, proprietor Shivam Appu Ghar.

The students from Little Flower School, J K Public School, Tiny Scholar, R RL School, Shining Star, Tiny Tots, Vishwa Bharti, Saraswati Shishu Niketan, Environment School, Vimal Public School and Sai Montessori besides individual students from many other schools participated.

Dr Kotru’s demise mourned

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Nov 16: Rich tributes were paid to late Dr RK Kotru, Director, Industries and Commerce who passed away fillowing a cardiac arrest yesterday.

A meeting was organised by the divisional administration here today, which was chaired by the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Mr Khurshid Ahmad Ganai was attended by Vice-Chairman, Srinagar Development Authority, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Ms Tanveer Jahan and Heads of the various Departments. The meet was held to condole Dr Kotru’s death.

The Divisional Commissioner while expressing his profound grief over the death of Dr Kotru, said he was one of the finest officers of the Valley with qualities of head and heart. His death was a great loss to the administration and people of the State at large.

Describing Dr Kotru as a true secular, he said, he worked in various capacities in the State administration and contributed a lot to re-organise the sick units of Industries Department by way of simplifying the procedure of schemes under small scale industries programmes. Other speakers also recalled the contribution of Dr Kotru to the State administration and described his death as a great loss.

Later, two-minutes silence was observed by the participants as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

Protest rallies in Udhampur banned

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Nov 16: The Additional District Magistrate, Udhampur, Mr ML Koul in exercise of powers vested in him under Section 144 CrPC has banned protect rallies for one week from November 17, 1999 within the premises of Dy Commissioner’s Office, Udhampur, Slathia Chowk and Court road.

This has been necessitated to maintain law and order situation in Udhampur town in the wake of a report that workers of a political party area going to hold a mass protest rally on November 17, 1999 against inadequate power and water supply to the public.

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