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 Minister for Information, Science and Technology, Mr Ajatshatru Singh lighting the traditional lamp to inaugurate the Navratra festival at Katra on Sunday. Excelsior Correspondent KATRA, Oct 10: The auspicious Navratra Festival jointly organised by the ......more
Millennium shows of Dean Mandir Ram Lila begin Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: Shri Sanatan Dharam Natak Samaj, Dewan Mandir Jammu, .more Concern over consumption of
Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Oct 10: National Students Union of India (NSUI) has ...more Plea for creation of Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Oct 10 : National Conference district president for ....more |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU,
Oct. 10: A
vaccination camp to fight against ....more Excelsior Correspondent KATRA, Oct. 10: The Industries and Commerce Minister, ...more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct. 10: A condolence meeting of the employees....more Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct. 10: In order to inculcate the civic sense and significance of .....more Unprecendent power cuts paralyse life in Jammu By Mohinder Verma JAMMU, Oct 10: The recently rescheduled power curtailment in the Jammu ..more |
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Excelsior Correspondent KATRA, Oct 10: The auspicious Navratra Festival jointly organised by the J&K Tourism Department and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board was declared open by the Minister for Information, Youth Services and Sports, Science and Technology, Mr Ajatshatru Singh a holy town Katra this morning by liting traditional lamp and garlanded the idol of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Ajatshatru Singh greeted the people and complimented the Tourism Department and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board for organising Navratra Festival at Katra. He said that the Government is making concerted efforts for the development of various religious and tourist spots like Shiv Khouri, Natha Top, Patni-Top, Surinsar, Mansar etc. to attract the tourists. He said that despite various problems, the Government is determine to promote tourism industry which is the back bone of our economy. The Minister whished and prayed Almighty that situation like Kargil may not occur again and tourist flow from within and outside the country continue unabated to the State. While replying to the queries made by the media persons regarding security arrangements at the holy spots in wake of militancy, the Minister said that the Government is committed to provide full protection to the people and said that adequate security measures have been made for all the religious places. The Minister desired that particular area involved by militants violence should only be reported in the press instead of projecting the entire region or district which gives wrong signals to the tourists. The Commissioner/Secretary, Tourism while speaking on the occasion, disclosed that to attract more and more tourists, the Government has sanctioned Rs 3 crore Cable Car Project at Natha Top besides sanctioned Rs 50 lakh for the installation of light and sound system at Shalimar Park, Katra for the entertainment of the pilgrims. He further disclosed that a Tourist Reception Centre also being constructed at Shiv Khouri Shrine at a cost of Rs 25 lakh for the visiting devotees and tourists. He said that Government have also accorded the sanction for the construction of two bridges over the nallah between Shiv Khouri and Runsoo village. To make the Navratra festival more attractive and successful, Mr Dewan said that All India Devotional Song competitions are being organised at Katrta and Bahu Fort, Jammu for the first time and 20 parties have registered their entries with the Tourism Department so far. Awards to the tune of Rs 3 lakh would be given to the best adjudged parties or individual during the competitions. In addition, best decorated and illuminated hotels and other commercial concerns at Jammu and Katra are also being awarded, he added. Earlier, an impressive procession was taken out from the main entrance of the town and joined by the Minister, Commerce/Secretary Information and Tourism, Mr Pravez Dewan, officers of various departments, prominent citizens. Bhajans and Kirtan parties, artists comprising of various cultural troupes singing and dancing on the tunes of drums, nagras and Narsingha depecting the culture heritage of the State. Thousands of people including pilgrimslined up both sides of the road witnessed the procession. Among others the representatives of various hotel and trade associations of Jammu and Katra were also present. |
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Millennium shows of Dean Mandir Ram Lila begin Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: Shri Sanatan Dharam Natak Samaj, Dewan Mandir Jammu, has organised the "shows of the millennium" with a concept of revival of traditional performing art, known for its traditional values and cultural ethos from today. According to organisors this is the devotional effort of the artists of the region to contribute in the endeavour that too after a long gap of several years to see and experience the Parsi theatrical style through Ram Lila in the City of temples. The organisors feel that perhaps this is a crucial juncture for the live performing art of the region, as lot of damage has already been done to the performing style of live medium of performing art. This has also provided a golden opportunity to the people who are interested in live performance enriched with traditional values and essence of Jammu. Only selected scenes are being performed in Parsi form of theatre in this years Ram Lila, in which TV and stage artists in the field of music and performing arts are going to perform. The artists and organisors of the Ram Lila, Dewan Mandir Jammu have appealed the people to ensure their presence on the said occasion in which selected scenes are going to be performed in the last millennium. |
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Concern over consumption of acid by girl student Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Oct 10: National Students Union of India (NSUI) has expressed serious concern over the consuming of acid by a 12th class girl student here recently. In a joint statement, the state president of NSUI Mr Rajeev Saraf and its district Udhampur chief, Mr Pretam Goswami have demanded a probe into the incident so that the facts will come to light. They alleged that the incident has generated a lot of resentment among the student community. |
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Plea for creation of 3 more blocks in Udhampur Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Oct 10 : National Conference district president for Udhampur-II, Mr Ajaj Ahmed Khan has demanded creation of three new CD and NES Blocks in district Udhampur for the better development. In a press statement issued here today, Mr Khan said that it was essential for the effective management and to execute smooth development works in hilly and remote areas. The Blocks proposed for the development are Bhamag, Thakrakot and Chasana. He said the people of these areas remained neglected for the decades together and there was strong need to pay some attention towards them. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct. 10: A condolence meeting of the employees of the State Information Department, Jammu held here today on the death of Mr O.N. Ganju, Special Correspondent, The Hindu. A two-minute silence was observed and prayed Almighty to give peace to the departed soul and patience to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss. |
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Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct. 10: In order to inculcate the civic sense and significance of clear environment a week-long Sanitation-cum-Awareness Drive would be launched by Srinagar Municipality from tomorrow. This was informed by the Administrator, Srinagar Municipal Committee, Dr Asgar Samoon at "Meet the Press Programme'' here today. Giving details of the programme of the week-long drive the Administrator said that the Citizens and students are being involved to inculcate the significance of better sanitation for cleansing the lanes, drains and surroundings besides public places like neglected parks and gardens. In reply to a question, Dr Samoon said that some some NGOs and private agencies are being involved for sanitation work against reasonable fee in some colonies and outskirts of the city on experimental basis. He said people in some areas have generally hailed the system following the better service rendered to them. In reply to another question the Administrator said that the Municipality contemplates to provide the better civic amenities to the people on the Metropolitian pattern and measures are also being explored to mobilize the financial resources for implementation of the proposal plan formulated for the purpose. He appealed the media that they will extend their cooperation for inculcating the better civic sense among people to cooperate with Municipality staff for sustaining the gamour of Srinagar city. |
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Unprecendent power cuts paralyse life in Jammu By Mohinder Verma JAMMU, Oct 10: The recently rescheduled power curtailment in the Jammu province has generated resentment among the people of City of Temples. It is for the first time in the last ten years that 9 hours power curtailment has been imposed on the people despite hike in the power tariff. According to Power Development Department (PDD) authorities the main reason behind such a prolong curtailment is the less supply of power as compared to the demand, which has been growing with every passing month. The unprecendent power curtailments in Jammu province is a very serious matter which has caused great hardships and suffering to the people. With the lowering of temperature, power consumption continue to increase as people have to use room- heater, geysers and other electric appliances to get themselves heat. But the curtailment of 9 hours is going to increase suffering of people rather than providing some reprieve from cold season. "Instead of improving the system of providing power supply, the administration has added to the woes of the people as never before. If such is the treatment from the `popular’ Government, one really does not know what is called unpopular or anti-people Government", said a senior official on condition of anonymity. Mr Sunil Anand, a Civil Engineer said the new schedule of power curtailment which is rather no schedule is causing great difficulties and needs to be reviewed immediately by the concerned authorities. He added that if there is no electricity then there will be no supply of water as power curtailment will also play havoc with pumping station of water to quench the thirst of citizens and the general public have to face many problems. "Our tests for the matriculation examination will start within few days and if there will be no power, particularly in the nights then how can we study’’?, asked students of matric class and added that it is an inhuman attitude on part of PDD authorities. With the increase in militant activities in some areas of Jammu province, police officers raised apprehension that mid-night power curtailment would give an opportunity to the militants and anti-national elements to accomplish their nefarious designs. A police officer said that their police force will find it difficult to patrol in the region due to darkness and added that thieves may use gloom to strike. Mr Ashok Khajuria, city MLA of Bharatiya Janata Party has also criticised the PDD authorities for imposing 9 hours power curtailment on the people and added that he will also raise this issue in the Assembly session. He warned that if the present curtailment will not be reduced the people will follow the agitational path. Pranab, a student preparing for IAS, alleged that ‘corrupt PDD authorities’ are only responsible for power shortages as there were many illegal connections given by the concerned authorities in almost all the areas and the prevailing system refuses to accept the current load and has worsened year after year. The industries are the worst victims of the power curtailment. Mr Bharat Bhushan Raina of Pelican Cables and Plastics, Gangyal said that low voltage has always created many hurdles in the production and the new power curtailments have added to the woes of small industrialists. "Due to new curtailment we find it difficult to produce the goods at time and it will put more financial burden on the industries", he said, adding, despite paying power tariff on time we are not getting uninterrupted power supply. He further said that if administration will continue with this attitude, the small industrialists may shifted their business from the Jammu. Expressing his anguish over the non-concern of the authorities at the helm of affairs, Mr Jagbhir Singh, a computer operator said, "if the system is bad why it has not been changed in proportion to growing population and the resultant demand. If the man behind are corrupt and incompetent why they continue to enjoy official patronage". Shockingly, Chief Engineer of the Power Development Department, Mr R S Sachdeva is not aware of the reason why 9 hours curtailment has been imposed on the people of Jammu region. When contacted, Mr Sachdeva expressed his ignorance over the reason and said that he was only following direction of the higher authorities to increase power curtailment from 4 hours to 9 hours. "I got a message from Srinagar in this regard and I am only implementing that direction", Chief Engineer said. |
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Slathia dedicates building to Ram Lila Club Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: The Minister for Animal/Sheep Husbandry, Mr SS Slathia today inaugurated a building and dedicated to Ram Lila Club of Guraha Slathian in Purmandal Block of Jammu district on the auspicious occasion of first Navratra. The building has been constructed at a cost of Rs 2.53 lakh out of the constituency fund by the Rural Development Department. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Slathia said with the construction of building, the long pending demand of the area has been fulfilled. He said the aim for the construction of building was to promote religious, sports and other curricular activities among the rural youth. Referring to the other demands and problems of the people, the Minister said that the Government is fully aware about their problems and efforts are afoot to solve these on priority basis. He assured instructions to the Director Rural Development Department on the spot to complete Gurah Slathian, cremation ground link road upto black topping as soon as possible. The Minister also assured that the matters like construction of Panchayat Ghar at Gurah Slathian, uninterrupted supply of potable drinking water and electricity will be taken up with the concerned departments. The Minister also contributed Rs 25,100 to the Ram Lila Club for utilising on the sports and cultural activities especially for the children. The President of the Club Mr Anchal Singh while giving the background of the Club apprised the Minister that it was established during the year 1943 and was founded by Master Nand Lal and German Singh to promote the cultural activities among the youth. Among others, Director Animal Husbandry, Dr ML Sharma, Director, Sheep Husbandry, Dr Iqbal Mir AC(D), Mr OP Gupta, SSP, Border, Mr GS Slathia, prominent citizens and officers of the various departments besides a large number of people attended the function. |
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Displaced students
demand extension Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: Displaced students from Kashmir Valley have demanded postponement of examination of the Third year Degree courses beginning from November 15. In a statement issued here today, these students expressed serious concern over the notification issued by Kashmir University in this regard. They while expressing surprise over the University notification alleged that only 30 per cent course has been completed by the students so far and hence they can not fare well in the examinations. The students said the college teachers of both camp colleges in Jammu have apprised their respective principles about the matter who in turn have brought the same in the notice of Sub Registrar, Kashmir University, Camp Jammu. These students in an appeal to KU authorities have urged them to fix the examination date in such a manner that the students can appear in competitive tests and PG classes also. The students expressed the hope that Sub Registrar of Kashmir University who has assured them that the date will be extended, will keep his word. |
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Shrine Board organises "Chhat Chandi Path" Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: In connection with celebration of Navratra Festival, the nine days long "Chhat Chandi Path" (Yagya) started at the Darbar of Mata Vaishno Devi today. The Yagya has been organised by Shrine Board in which eminent and renowned Pandits of the region participated. Earlier reviewing the various arrangements for on going rush of pilgrims during the Navratras, the Additional Chief Executive Officer accompanied by senior functionaries of the Board visited the holy Shrine to ensure that all possible amenities are provided to the visiting devotees. Hawan was also started today at different places like Adhkuwari, Banganga and Katra. Meanwhile, an official statement said, the Katra township is witnessing unabated rush of pilgrims. A record number of 20,000 yatris had the darshana of holy Goddess yesterday. |
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Telephone Exchange at Adhkawari upgraded Excelsior Correspondent KATRA, Oct 10: The MITL-64 Telephone Exchange at Adhkawari has been upgraded to CDOT-256P Telephone exchange from today, the first Navratra. As per a release the inaugural call was made by Mr Sat Pal, senior technical supervisor Telecom Katra to Mr Ramesh Lalwani, Chief General Manager telecom, J&K Circle. With its upgradation, the numbering scheme of Adhkawari and adjoining exchanges like Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan, Sanjhi Chhat, Aghar Jitto and Panthal has been changed from four digit to five digit due to technical reasons. The Exchange at Adhkawari affixing Number 83XX has been changed with 833XX, the exchange at Vaishno Devi at 82XX from 82XX, of Sanjhi Chhat from 86XX to 866XX, of Aghar Jitto from 84XX to 844XX and of Panthal from 85XX to 855XX. Regarding other Telecom development in Katra sub-division, 34 MB digital microwave link has been commissioned between Sanjhi Chhat and Katra to augment the capacity of STD/ISD circuits for Katra-Reasi group of Telephone Exchanges. Work for OFC Link between Sanjhi Chhat and Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan was under progress and likely to be commissioned shortly, which would provide most reliable media for communication to Mata Vaishno Devi exchange. The work for 8 MB digital microwave between Sanjhi Chhat and Reasi was also under progress for augmenting the ISD/STD channels for Reasi-Jyotipuram-Talwara group of exchanges and is likely to be commissioned shortly. The Telephone exchange at Jyotipuram has been planned to be upgraded from 500 lines to 1000 lines by installing State of the Art CDOT SBM exchange and is to be completed in third quarter of the current financial year. The Department of Telecom has a massive plan to connect this area through Optical Fibre network, the cable laying of which was in progress from Udhampur to Reasi via Katra by Project Organisation of DOT. This link will provide most reliable media for communication. |
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Artists of Dewan
Mandir Dharmik Samaj Jammu performing scenes of Ram Lila
at Jammu on Sunday. Excelsior/Ashok
