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

KATHUA, Oct 2: A meeting of the Graduate and Post Graduate Teachers Forum held today under the chairmanship of Mr Kapil Bakshi, district president of the Forum.

According to a press note, meeting took serious note of the rampant corruption in the Education Department. In this connection a 7 members committee was constituted to expose the corrupt officers and officials. It was also decided to hold a one day protest dharna on October 9 in front of the DSE office, Jammu to lodge protest against existing pay anomalies.

Mr Bakshi appealed to the different teaching organisations for physical support on broader out-look.

Mr Ram Gopal Sharma, Rajeev Srikant, Dhrub Singh Pathanai, Vijay Pathank, Sanjeev Vaid, Omkar Gupta, Pardeep Bali and other participated in the meeting.

Wildlife preservation week programmes begin

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU. Oct 2: The Department of Wildlife Protection Jammu organised a inaugural function of the "Wildlife Preservation Week" at Wildlife Sanctuary Mansar.

As per a release the students and teachers of various schools participated in the programme which included a symposium and on the spot painting competition on wildlife.

The students spoke at length about the importance of wildlife. Speaking on the occasion Mr Shafiq Hussain and Mr T B Singh, Wildlife Officers, laid stress to ensure protection and propagation of wildlife and its habitat. They emphasised on the conservation of bio-diversity among the students community in particular and common people in general, as the students are future citizens of the nation.

During the week various functions like symposia, painting competitions, debates, seminars and meetings of villagers and Non-Governmental Organisations were being organised throughout Jammu province besides film shows and nature tours to inculcate the importance of wildlife and its habitat for survival of mankind.

In the symposium held at Mansar today the first, second and third prizes were bagged by Ms Shakti Devi of GHS Mansar, Shakeel Mohd of Indira memorial Public School Mansar and Ms Renu Sharma of Dream India Public School Mansar respectively. Consolation prizes were bagged by Ms Anu Radha of DIPS Mansar and Ms Sharuti Gupta of GHS Mansar.In the on spot competition the first three prizes were bagged by Ms Manjulika Kumar, Mr Dittar Singh and Ms Asha Kumar and consolation prizes by Mr Jagdish Singh and Mr Ajash Sharma.

Tributes paid to Mahatma Gandhi

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 2: Rich tributes were paid to the father of nation, Mahatma Gandhi Ji on his 130th birth anniversary and the former Prime Minister, Mr Lal Bhadur Shastri at Shiva Public School, Prem Nagar, New Plots today. The Minister for Medical Education, Dr Mustafa Kamal was the chief guest and the former Minister, Mr Rajinder Singh Chib was the guest of honour. The function was organised by a youth leader, NC Mr Sunil Dimple.

Dr Mustafa Kamal garlanded the portrait of the father of nation, Mahatma Gandhi.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that Mahatma Gandhi gave us freedom from the clutches of foreign yoke. He said that Bapu Ji wanted to see the country independent, strong and prosperous. He said that Mahatama Ji worked tirelessly for upliftment of the down-trodden and eradication of untouchability and other social evils. He appealed the people to follow the path shown by our great leader Mahatama Gandhi of unity and integrity of the country. The Minister said that Mahatma Gandhi had seen a ray of light from Kashmir.

The former Minister, Mr Rajinder Singh Chib also paid glowing tributes to the father of nation and highlighted the importance of the day.

Mrs Bimla Luthra, MLA in his address said that the real tributes to the father of nation will be to follow the path shown by him and Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah of love, affection, brotherhood and non-violence.

A youth leader, Mr Sunil Dimple in his address also paid rich tributes to the Mahatma Gandhi said that Gandhi Ji was Masiha of the nation who gave us the lesson of non-violence and got freed from shakles of slavery the lauded the State has progressed many fold under the dynamic leadership of the Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah and made many strides of new achievements to herald a new era of stability, to be free from gun culture.

Among others the function was attended by Mrs Nargis, Mr Sansar Chand and prominent citizens.

Centre hikes allocation of food-grains

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 2: The Union Government have increased monthly allocation of food-grains to Jammu and Kashmir State from 32000 mts to 40000 mtrs.

This was stated by the Minister of State for Food and Supplies, Mr Ajay Sadhotra while taking stock of transportation of food-grains from outside and within the State at a high level meeting held here yesterday.

The Minister asked the representatives of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to chalk out the movement and distribution plan of food-grains in view of increased allocations in Jammu and the Valley having drought like situation in certain areas.

The Authorities of Food Corporation of India informed the meeting that the supply of rice from Punjab has been stopped as it contains increased percentage of discoloured rice which is not acceptable to the people of Kashmir valley though it contains all nutritious values as per the Food Preservation Rules.

The Minister said that the State Government was not going to accept the rice of below specification. He said the FCI should ensure that the rice of proper specification is supplied to the State. He also asked the officers of the Food and Supplies Department to ensure that the food-grains coming from rest of the country to the Valley are not stranded anywhree and quickly unloaded without loss of time so that movement of trucks could not be hampered.

The Minister also asked the FCI to make buffer stocks of the food-grains for ensuing winter months in the Valley.

The meeting among others was attended by the Sr. Regional Manager, Food Corporation of India, Mr Mumtaz Afzal and Director Food and Supplies, Mr Gulzar Ahmed Gulzar.

TB seal campaign

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 2: The 50th TB seal campaign organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Tuberculosis Association was launched here today. The day coincides with the Gandhi Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Mahatama Gandhi, the Father of Nation.

On this occasion, the Minister for Medical Education, Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, in a message has said that Tuberculosis is a major health problem taking the toll of terming millions in the country. He said that the disease is becoming a dreaded scourage since the IDs has raised its ulgy head alongwith Multi Drug Resistant Tuberculosis.

Dr Mustafa said that about 14 Million people are suffering from TB in India of which about 0.5 million people fall prey to this disease annually. He said Tuberculosis kills more women every year than all cases of maternal Mortality combined as women find it difficult to have access to the health care services.

The Minister has said though the Government has made strenuous efforts to chalk this disease, yet its efforts have not been sufficient to fully contain this dreaded disease. He appealed the new Government and other voluntary organisations to supplement the activities of the Government adding that the J&K Tuberculosis Association devoted to the cause of eradicating the TB has proved milestone in this venture by way of supplementing and assisting the Government efforts. He stressed the need for creating awareness among the people particularly, the women J&K, about the ill efforts of this disease and the preventive measures required to check the spread of this disease. He asked the voluntary organisations to come forward in a big way to supplement the Government efforts and ensure that the disease is fully controlled in the State.

6-day workshop to upgrade PG exams system in JU

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 2: The examination Reforms Unit of the University of Jammu is organising a six-day workshop from October 4 for upgrading the Post-Graduation examinations conducted by the University.

The workshop will be attended by the officers of the examinations wing, who will devise newer strategies, if needed, to tone up the present system.

The main aims of the workshop is to think of newer and more vibrant strategies of form filling and conduct of examinations, besides speeding paper setting and moderation. University transport for the delivery to and collection of scripts from evaluators, onspot payment and speedier declaration of results as also involving of computer in accelerating the process of result compliation.

These officials would also worked out a model so that the results can be declared within six weeks from the last day of the conduct of examinations.

Meanwhile, the Coordinator, Examination Reform Unit of Jammu Universtiy has also complemented the concerned JU officials for declaring under-graduate results before the first week of August. He said that previous year the class work of one of the classes used to start in October.

There is need to keep up the momentum. He further pointed out that there is lot of scope for improvement in the process of conduct of examinations and declaration of results of the Post-Graduate classes.

JM appeals for sanitation

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 2: Appealing to the residents of the city to follow 15 point Common Agenda launched recently by the Jammu Municipality (JM), its Administrator KB Jandial today said that it will go a long way in maintaining the sanitation in the city clean besides putting a check on violation of Municipality norms.

Speaking at a panel discussion organised by the Siti-Channel here today Mr Jandial appealed the residents to abstain from throwing garbage in the open and blocking the drains by disposing polythene bags in them. He said though it is people's right to complain to the Municipality about insanitary conditions in the city but they should also on their part avoid littering on the roads and drains.

Chairman institute of Public Opinion, Mr Ram Sahai president J&K Society of Technocrats, Mr Jatinder Bakshi, former Chamber of Commerce & Industries secretary Mr Rajinder Motial, former DG Police, Mr MM Khajuria, Superintending Engineer (Retd) UEED, Mr Madan Dogra, Maj Gen (Retd.) Jagdish Singh Jamwal and women activists, Hira Shakti Singh, Rimpa Kakar and Sarla Kohli constituted the panel of the discussion.

Besides, Directors of the J&K Bank (JKB) Mr HS Anand and Mr Devender Singh Rana, Deputy General Manager JKB, Mr Ajit Singh, JM Health Officer, Mr Anwar Chowdhary and Executive Officer Mr Ajan Khajuria were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr DS Rana Director of the Bank highlighted the performance of the Bank and the height's which it has gained under the dynamic chairman of the Bank, Mr MY Khan. He said to help in Jammu Municipality to keep city clean is interalia a step in furtherance of its social obligation towards the society.

The discussion also highlighted the impact of night scavenging launched by the JM since March and help extended by the J&K Bank by donating certain items to the JM required by its safai karamchari while on their beats besides putting forth certain suggestion to the JM to improve its functioning.

The panelists suggested that a counselling committee comprising of prominent citizens should be constituted with the objective of reviewing the functioning of the JM and advise it on various matters concerning the sanitation and Municipal norms.

While speaking on the occasion Ajit Singh, DGM J&K Bank said the J&K Bank is the first Bank in the country which has sponsored cleanliness drive launched jointly with the Jammu Municipality particularly night scavanging. He said the Bank under the glorious leadership of its chairman MY Khan is determined to turn dream of the people and its customers into realities.

He also thanked the participants who took part in the discussion organised for the purpose.

Some elements within Government
supporting militants : Gupta

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct. 2 : The Bhartiya Janta Party has emphasised the need for unity amongst the forces of nationalism and that of encouraging the spirit of patriotism because of the challenge being posed by the Pak-sponsored terrorism and subversion.

Addressing a meeting of the polling/counting agents of the party from the militancy infected areas of Doda District, BJP leader, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta said that the electorates of Doda district and other such like areas deserve a salute because they were not only staying at their places but also came out in good numbers to cast their votes ignoring all the threates of heavily armed terrorists.

He said that because there being little spirit of nationalism amongs tthe supporters and traditional votes of the National Conference as also that of the Congress, they did not dare to come out to cast their votes. This was one of the main reasons that the polling percentage in many areas remained quite low. He added and further said that this indicates that both the Congress and National Conference were standing on weak foundations.

The BJP Leader said that the militancy cannot sustain without the local support and sustaining of the militancy in Doda and some other shows that certain elements from within and outside the Government were playing dubious role.

Prof. Gupta was highly critical of the State Government authorities for not providing ex-gratia releif and other assistance to the victims of the wrath of terrorists as also to the sufferers of Border areas, and said that it was intriguing that the delibrate attempts are being made to neglect such families and villagers. Although the entire amount spent on these accounts is to be re-imbursed by the centre.

1000 lines C-DoT exchange commissioned at Batote

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Oct. 2: One thousand C-DoT Telephone exchange with state of the art technology has been commissioned on the auspicious day of Gandhi Jayanti at Batote. The inaugural call was made by Mr T K Chandershekhar General Manager Telecom District Jammu to Mr Ramesh Lalwani Chief General Manager Telecom Jammu.

The exchange is commissioned with all modern facilities like Internet, calling line identificatioin and is also Y2K compliant.

With the commissioning of this exchange, 30 more channels have been added in the STD route increasing the STD channels upto 60 which will cater for STD traffic of not only Batote but also for Ramban and Chanderkote subscribers. With the commissioning of this exchange long pending demands of the people of the area will be met.

Prefix 4 is to be added to the Telephone numbers of old Batote telephone exchange i.e. old number 4598 will become 44598 and like wise.

Meanwhile, Jammu Telecom has launched internet web page today on Gandhi Jayanti day. It is acessed on http://www.dot India: com/J&K.

JKNPP holds workers' meet

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Oct. 2: The J&K National Panthers Party (JKNPP) held a workers convention here today which was attended by many party workers and delegates belonging to Udhampur, Ramnagar, Chenani, Basholi, Billawar, Hiranagar, Kathua, Ghordi, Reasi, and Doda.

Addressing the party workers, Prof Bhim Singh called upon the party activists to organise village block and Tehsil level committee to prepare for the coming times. He lambasted the BJP and Congress parties for befooling the common masses.

He reiterated his resolve to fight for statehood by Jammu region as that alone could provide justice to the people of Jammu. He further called for liberation of PoK and announced the holding of a March on Oct 26 to impress upon the Govt. to urgency liberate Pak aggression from occupied territories.

Mr Harsh Dev Singh Panthers Party MLA flayed the Central and State Govts for subjecting the people of the State particularly Jammu region to grave injustice and discrimination.

He alleged that the successive central Govts. have discriminated against the J&K State in the matter of provision of funds. He said that Centre had waved off the debt liability of Punjab Govt. to the tune of Rs. 8000 crores but it had refused to provide funds to J&K even for the bare necessities. He said that Indus water Treaty, was another instance of hostile treatment of Centre to State.

Some elements within Government supporting
militants : Gupta

Excelsior Correspondent

Vaid concerns over power position in Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 2 : Senior BJP leader and former Member of Parliament, Vaid Vishno Datt has expressed his serious concern over the long and untimely curtailments in the power supply to the consumers in Jammu that has added to the miseries of the masses and added that this long and untimely cuts in electric supply has effected the student community in particular.

In a statement Vaid said that curtailment has not effected only the domestic consumers but the economic activity where the Industrial sector is the worst hit as the Industry needs more and more power for the activity and to earn economy but the mismanagement and callous attitute towards the sector has made this vital sector to suffer and be in last row in terms of the national gradation.

Mr Dutt in this connection called upon Chief Engineer, Mr Sachdeva of the electric Maintainance Deptt and told him about the problems being faced by the masses due to the curtailments, who assured the BJP leader that necessary measures will be taken up shortly to over come the difficulty.

The BJP leader said that as per the information the step-down transformers of the Grid stations at various places have not been repaired for a quite long time that has hampered the load bearing capacity and asked the authorities to take immediate steps to upgrade these and make them viable to bear the more loads of electricity.

He also referred to the Grid stations at Mahanpur and Burn those are held up due to the unattendence on them and asked the authorities to take measures on war footing for their execution so that the supply requirement of electricity is fulfilled.

Mr Dutt asked the authorities and the State Government to initiate measures and make arrangements where the people here can get uninterrupted electric supply.

World class medical treatment at our door-step
KHN doctors conduct Bilateral Craniotomy,
save life of a woman

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 2: A team of doctors of the KHN Hospital, led by Dr Anil Sharma, Neurosurgeon with their excellent treatment saved life of a70 year old woman, who got multiple head injuries in an accident.

She was getting deeper into coma and paralysis lying on hospital bed until her son came into consult with Dr Anil Sharma, Neurosurgeon and part of the excellent team of doctors of KHN Hospital.

Accepting the challenge, the team took charge and patient underwent Bilateral Craniotomy at KHN Hospital. She was recovered her paralysis, gained here higher faculties and is able to walk and go back to her home with family in just 8 days of treatment.

Not only the bilateral craniotomies are rare but also shows the goals achievable through aggressive and timely medical and surgical teams working together first time in J&K. Neuro trauma centre available in the Hospital helping patients from all spheres of life including all age groups and stratas of the society.

KHN is an NRI enterprise affiliated to the upcoming KHN Memorial Hospital and Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagrota, Jammu, to serve the disadvantaged and neglected people of Jammu and Kashmir and surrounding states to guide proper scientific therapies with well accepted standards of Healthcare of 21st Century.

10 RR organises Goodwill Camp at Kastigarh

Excelsior Correspondent

DODA, Oct. 2: As part of the Army's on going drive to win the hearts and minds of the civil population a Goodwill Camp was held at Kastigarh in Doda district under the aegis of 4 Sect RR and organised by 10 RR Battalion. Inhabitants of the local villages turned out in large numbers. Over 6000 people attended.

On this occasion the camp was inaugurated by Addl DC, Doda, Asstt Commissioner, Chief Medical Officer, Executive Engineer, District Sheep Husbandry officer, Chief Horticultue officer, Chief Animal Husbandry officer, General Manager DIC, Deputy Dir Employment, Asstt Director Handicraft/Handloom and various other district officers were present on the occasion.

Due to over whelming respone 16 schools from Kastigarh, Gurmul and Bhagwa area participated. Cash prizes worth Rs. 6,000/- was given to various school children who participated in the function.

A total of 32 ex-servicemen interacted with Addl DC and District officers. Their problems were discussed and attended to.

Gift hampers were given to widows due to militancy related incidents. The gesture was appreciated by all present.

The medical specialist and the immunisation team of the General Hospital, Doda joined the Army doctor to provide free treatment and specialist cover. Around 1400 people were provided medical care. Seventeen cases for prolonged treatment have been referred to Civil Hospital, Doda. Lady doctor Dr Mahajbeen braving, climb uphill of three hours reached Kastigarh and attended to lady patients. She was first lady doctor to visit the Kastigarh area since long.

Veterinary cover provided at the Camp was a big draw. Veterinary doctors of the Animal Husbandry Deptt provided treatment and advisory services.

Sheep Husbandry Department provided treatment to over 500 animals and 1000 were vaccinated.

Poultry Depot sold 200 chickens at subsidised rates and various Govt schemes were also announced.

Highly subsidised agricultural equipment displayed by the District Agriculture Department attracted a large number of farmers and were sold like hot cakes. The stall of Handloom Deptt was also a big attraction and did good business.

Chief Education Officer assured locals that problems of schools in remote areas will be attended to.

This Goodwill Camp was first of it in Kastigarh area and local population was overwhelmed by assistance provided by elite troops of 10 Rashtriya Rifles. The active participation by officers of District Administration has given healing touch to the locals of the area. They have understood the nefarious designs of militants and have agreed to fight militancy jointly with security forces.

Rich tributes paid to Mahatma

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Oct 2: Rich tributes were paid to Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi at a function organised by Nizam-e- ST Welfare Society Rajouri on the occasion of Gandhi Jyanti today.

On the occasion certificates were issued to those students who qualified the various training courses conducted by the Society.

Speaking on the occasion Mr Nisar Hussain chairman of the Society and M Qaium its patron said the best tribute to Gandhi Ji is that we should follow the principles for which he sacrificed his life.