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

JAMMU, Oct 18: The regular ‘Literary Meet’ of ‘Nami Dogri Sanstha’ (NDS) was held yesterday in the form of a ‘Kavi Goshatti’. Th Kartar Singh, renowned Dogri Poet of Reasi was the Chief Guest, whereas Goshtti was presided over by Dr Harish Kaila, president NDS.

Various Dogri Poets recited their poetry. They include Mohan Lal "Komal", Surinder Singh Manhas, Karnail Singh, Jagjivan Viaspuri, Yash Pal "Yash", Gian Singh, Harish Kaila, Jagpal Singh, Brij Mohan, Upender Sharma, Satpal Deol, Usha Kiran "Kiran", Yogeshwar, Subhash Farnalia, Chuni Lal, Prakash Sharma, Parveen Chowdhary, Capt Lalit Sharma, Mohan Mishra, Som Nath Azad, Satpal Sharma and Th Kartar Singh.

Dr Gian Singh, a prominent Dogri writer and vice president of NDS and poet compered the proceedings. Th Kartar Singh in his address complimented the NDS for stirlising the whole literary circles with their dedicated and devotional endavours over the last about ten months now.

Dr Harish Kaila, president of the NDS while addressing the audience thanked them for the participation. He said that basic aim of the NDS is to serve the Dogri language and culture. He appealed all Dogras to get united for the noble cause of inclusion of Dogri Language in 8th schedule of the constitution.

Earlier, on October 9 a "Special Kavi Goshtti" was organised on the eve of "Chobarasi" of eminent "Upniaskar" and story writer of Dogri, Narinder Sharma at Jammu by Nami Dogri Sanstha. This Goshtti was presided over by Th Parduman Singh Jandraiya and famous "Cartunist" and writer of Jammu, Vijay Puri was the chief guest.

Various poets who recited their poetry were Prithvi Raj Sharma, Abhinash Chowdhary, Joginder, Shiv Dev Sushil, Som Nath Azad, Kuldip Kapoor, Bal Krishan Nagar, Nadeem Khan, Ayodhya Rani "Gamkhar" Parduman Singh Jandaiya, Harish Kaila, Naseeb Singh Manhas, Gian Singh, Ramesh Rahi, Mohan Singh, Arya Vir Singh Jandraiya, Ashu Kumar Mangotra, Kulbir Singh Charak, Varinder Slathia, Balvinder Chowdhary, Yash Pal Yash, Surinder Singh Manhas and Sham Talib.

Earlier, Dr Harish Kaila, president of the Sanstha alongwith other literary personalities present on the occasion, garlanded the potrait of Late Narinder Sharma.

Mr Prithvi Sharma, Chairman of NDS extended vote of thanks to the participants, Chairman also paid rich tributes to Late Narinder Sharma.

PDP activists stage dharna against power curtailment

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 18: To lodge their protest against unprecedent power curtailment imposed on the people of the Jammu region, activists of the J&K Peoples Democratic Party today staged a day long protest dharna at Shalamar Chowk. A large number of PDP worker joined the dharna which was staged under the leadership of Mr Tirlok Singh Bajwa.

Addressing the party activist, Mr Bajwa strongly criticised the National Conference Government for its failure to solve problems of the people. He alleged that instead of solving woes of the masses, ruling elites have been involved in corruption and nepotism.

Mr Tirlok Singh termed 9 hours power curtailment as unprecedent and asked the people to oppose anti-people policies of the State Government.

Coming down heavily on the elected representatives of the State, PDP leader accused State BJP leaders of maintaining a criminal silence over the ever increasing woes of the Jammu people. He alleged that after forging an unholy and unethical alliance, both National Conference and BJP have back-stabbed the masses who had voted them. He asked the people to unmasked these anti-people parties who for their petty political interests have been be-fooling the masses.

Mrs Surjeet Kour, another PDP leader lambasted the National Conference Government for its indifferent and apathetic attitude towards the problems of Jammu people. Launching a scathing attack on National Conference, Mrs Kour said that woes of the people have been compounded after installation of the popular government in the State. She alleged that Ministers of NC Government were involved in the corruption and funds meant for development have been pocketed by NC activist.

Mr Randeep Singh, advocate, in his address, criticised the State Government for its failure to solve genuine problems of the Government employees in general and daily wagers in particular who have been denied wages for the last six months. He regretted that Government has been ostentatiously spending public exchequer on the luxurious of the ruling elites while it do not have money for the wages of employees.

Mr Ved Gandotra, Bhushan Gupta, Gurdeep Singh, Ranbir Singh, Harmet Singh, Jagdish Jaggi, Rameshwar Singh Jamwal, Murtaza Khan, advocate, A K Jotshi, Baldev Singh Slathia, Ganesh Sharma (advocate), Devender Sharma, Dr Gulam Mohiudin Giri (Kishtwar), Waryam Singh, Kh Mohammed Rashid (advocate), Ch Ghulam Hassan, Pritam Singh, Tirath Singh, Tej Ram Dogra, Madan Chaddha, Sanjay Bali and other leaders addressed the dharna.

Theatre shows on pulse polio campaign

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 18: In connection with the Intensive pulse polio, the State Academy of Art, Culture and Languages has campaign 30 Theatre groups belonging to different parts of the State and these groups are performing five shows per group per day.

This is for the first time that the plays based on theme of motivation have been produced in the languages; Kashmiri, Dogri, Ladakhi, Pahari, Gojri, Balti, Badharwahi and Shiraji.

Earlier, the State Academy of Art, Culture and Languages had organised two Special Workshops held at Srinagar and Jammu in which the group Leaders of 30 groups were provided guidelines for scripting and production of Short-Plays in their respective languages evolving a theme-motivating the rural audience to have their young children vaccinated to erradicate the polio.

The programme of the performances by these groups started from October 16 and till date over 300 programmes have been organised by these groups as per the reports received from all the distrit headquarters.

These groups are drawing large crowds particularly in the rural pockets of the State.

In Kargil and outskirts of Leh, people had the opportunity to watch theatrical performances for the first time.

PDP flags BJP Govt's policy

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 18: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has termed the BJP Government's stand to continue with their pro-active policy in the State as totally futile, unfruitful and unfortunate.

The party has also criticised the recent grenade attack on the office of Urdu daily "Uqaab" in which a lady employee had received serious injuries. Urging the government to take serious note of the incident.

The party also termed the kiling of halqa president of National Conference, Mr Ghulam Ahmed Nath as unfortunate and undemocratic.

Governor, CM greet people on Dussehra festival

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 18: The Governor, Mr Girish Chandra Saxena, and the Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah have extended warm greetings to the people of the State on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra.

In a message, the Governor said that the festival is a universal symbol of victory of truth over untruth and of righteousness over evil. The festival also symbolises our glorious and composite culture heritage and ethos. In the context of increased violence in the contemporary society, the philosophical belief that virtue triumphs ultimately has great relevance.

The Governor expressed the hope that Dussehra would be celebrated in the State in a spirit of traditional harmony, fervour and festivity.

In his message, Dr Abdullah, currently abroad on an official visit, said that the day marks the victory of good over evil. Truth, he said, has and will always prevail notwithstanding the attempts of evil forces to pollute the society by their evil deeds. Evil elements many attempt to dominate for some time but it is ultimately truth which prevails. He said all religious preach truth, love, righteousness and compassion and hoped that the people would tread the path of righteousness and work for strengthening the bonds of universal brotherhood.

The Chief Minister hoped that the festival would be celebrated in true spirits of our composite culture and prayed for peace and prosperity of the State.

Partymen urged to rejuvenate Cong in J&K
Karan predicts mid term poll in 2000

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 18: Predicting that the 24 party National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government will fall under its own contradictions, the former Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir State and Congress-I leader Dr Karan Singh asked his partymen to be prepared for the next mid term poll in 2000.

Dr Karan Singh was addressing a party workers meeting which was organised by Pradesh Congress Committee-I at Zanana Park here today to welcome him.

Expressing concern over the political uncertainty in the state he asked the State party chief to be prepared for the Assembly elections also from today.

He said though the NDA has claimed that its Government will complete full term, but there are so many contradictions among its constituents that Government will not complete more than six months in the office.

Making a scathing attack on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its unholy alliance with National Conference, he said on October 12 the State unit leaders openly came against the inclusion of Umer Abdullah in Central Ministry and next day Prof Chaman Lal Gupta took oath along with him.

Dr Karan Singh who returned to Congress fold after 18 years and contested the Lok Sabha elections from Lucknow Parliamentary Constituency against Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee said he gave a tough fight to BJP in the Constituency.

He said the BJP became so perturbed after he filed the nomination papers that Prime Minister himself came for campaigning in Lucknow.

He said the main reason for his entry into politics was the prevailing political uncertainty and premature fall of governments at Centre. "This was the main reason that I sought the support of National Conference (NC) to become Rajya Sabha member," he maintained.

He said however, he rejoined the Congress as this Party can still play an important role in Indian politics.

"I was welcomed in the Party fold by AICC chief, Mrs Sonia Gandhi with open arms who offered me mandate from one of the Parliamentary seats in Jammu region also," he said.

The former Maharaja said that he had no intention to contest the poll but after the High Command decided to field me from Lucknow Parliamentary Constituency, I lost no moment in giving my nod to Mrs Gandhi’s proposal.

He said I did not contest the elections in Lucknow to give a symbolic fight but for victory but as the decision was taken at late stage only three weeks ahead of scheduled date of polling still I made my presence felt and gave a good fight.

People from all communities in Lucknow gave me enough love and affection and I really enjoyed contest there, he said, adding the Muslims who were divided between Shias and Sunis this time enmass voted for Congress.

He said there is need for serious introspection among the Party cadres why the party suffered such a debacle at the hustings in the just concluded Parliamentary elections, despite the hectic campaigning launched by Mrs Gandhi in every nook and corner of the country.

Stressing on rejuvenating the Party in the state, he said as the Congress has lost much ground in J&K the Party leaders should sit together and discuss the issue.

Maintaining that he has an emotional attachment with the J&K State, he said our ancestors have created this state, the boundaries of which were extended from Chashul to Gilgit and the instrument of accession with India was also signed by his Father and former Maharaja of the state Mr Hari Singh.

Expressing concern over the recent developments in Pakistan he asked the Central Government to maintain extra vigil so that the Kargil like situation is not created by the neighboring country any where else. He asked the people also to remain vigilant against the Pak misadventure as the national security is of utmost importance for every body.

He however, welcomed the announcement of Pak Army Chief Gen Parvez Musharraf regarding withdrawal of troops from LOC.

Besides he PCC-I Chief Ch. Mohammed Aslam the meeting was addressed by senior Party leader and Ex MP Messrs Mangat Ram Sharma, Pradhuman Singh, Lal Mohammed Sabir, Miss Mehmooda Ali and Th Divakar Singh.

Power Grid organises cultural programme

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 18: Mr R P Singh, chairman and Managing Director, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited inaugurated regional cultural festival of Northern Region-II, comprising states of J&K, HP, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh at Moga. Mr Singh who was the chief guest inaugurated the show by lighting the lamp.

The colourful and event full festival presented by the employees of Power Grid and their children was held at Moga sub-station complex of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited in the eventful evening of October 17 to celebrate the first successful decade of formation of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited.

The evening show of pageant colours depicting the composite culture of Northern region was witnessed by Mrs Deep Singh, president Srishti Mahila Samiti, Mr R D Kakkar, executive director, Contract Services, Corporate Centre, senior officers from the region, employees and their families and media persons were among the galaxy of the personalities present on the occasion.

Earlier, the chief guest and other distinguished guests were welcomed by Mr S K Dube, general manager, Northern region-III.

Employees and their children presented Haryanavi folk dance, Punjabi Giddha, Dogri folk dance, Kashmiri dance and world famous Punjabi Bhangara to commemorate the 10th raising day of the Powergrid.

Based on the performance at the stage the group from Hissar who presented Haryanavi dance was adjudged the best and took away the first prize while the team from Moga sub-station for performing the Gidha won the second prize. Haryanavi folk dance team has been selected for participation in the grand cultural festival of Powergrid to be held on October 23 at Agra.

DGPB presents swaroopas to Mahant Manjit Singh

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 18: Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Prabandak Committee, carried out the Kar Seva of the Sarovar of Bangla Sahib Gurdwara on October 17.

According to a press release issued by the Jammu and Kashmir State Akali Dal, the Kar Seva started after the ardas by the Panj Pairas namely Mahant Manjit Singh of Dera Nangali Sahib-Poonch, Sant Baba Harbans Singh Delhi Wale, Sant Baba Labh Singh Ji Anandpur Wale, Sant Baba Sewa Singh Khandoor Sahib Wale and Sant Baba Karnail Singh Sangroor Wale. The kar seva was attended by thousands of devotees from all over the country and outside the country. Panj Pairas started Kar Seva using golden karies.

Mr Paramjeet Singh Sarna, president of the Delhi Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee presented swaroopas to Mahant Manjit Singh Ji for his educational contributions and for setting up of Mahant Bachitar Singh Engineering College and other institutions in the State. Swaroops were also presented to Sant Baba Harbans Singh for construction of historic Gurdwara buildings throughout the country, Sant Baba Labh Singh Ji, Baba Sewa Singh Ji and Baba Karnail Singh Ji for their devotional service.

Besides the swaroops were also presented to other prominent personalities namely Mr Sudarshan Singh Wazir, chairman J&K GPB, Jagdev Singh and Balak Singh president and vice-president respectively of the State Akali Dal, J&K.

Mohinder Singh, Harbans Singh Raina, Manmohan Singh, Paramjeet Singh, Gajan Singh, Wariyam Singh, Avtar Singh and others were present on the occasion.

1.80 lakh youth given employment opportunities

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 18: The formal registration of as many as 0.415 lakh industrial units have been made by the Industries and Commerce Department in the Jammu region by the end of September, 1999, generating employment opportunities for about 1.80 lakh individuals.

Of this, 581 industrial units were registered during the first two quarters of the current financial year generating employment for about 3,000 people.

This was revealed at a meeting of district officers of the Industries and Employment Departments held here today to review the physical and financial achievements registered in their respective districts. The Industries and Commerce Minister, Mr Bodh Raj Bali presided.

The meeting was apprised that during the year 1998-99 despite heavy crunch in the State the department has disbursed an amount of Rs 850 lakh to the cases sanctioned under "Package of Incentives". A total amount of Rs 1224 lakh had been spent during the period against allotment of Rs 2445.83 lakh. Rs 920 lakh have been allotted under "Package of Incentives" during current financial year, against this allocation Rs 882.66 lakh has been made available as full payment to the cases sanctioned during the last years well as cases sanctioned during the current financial year. In addition to this an Integrated Industrial Development Project sanctioned for Battal Ballian, Udhampur has also been completed and 158 kanals of land was allotted to 92 unit holders.

The much long awaited project "Industrial Growth Centre" at Samba in Jammu district shall be operational by the end of this year. So fare allotment to 10 units have been made. The process of acquisition of land for phase II and III of the centre is in very advance stage the meeting was told.

Another Centrally sponsored project "Export Promotion Investment Park" in Kartholi in Jammu shall also be made operational during the current financial year. Allotment to 8 number of unit holders have been made who are in the process of setting up of their units. Two blocks of three storied structure having 12 numbers of modular flats in each block are ready for allotment.

The Department of Industries has taken up the construction of one 6.3 MVA sub-station at the Industrial Estate, Kathua at a cost of Rs. 140 lakh to meet the demand of the power supply to the Industrial houses. The sub-station is likely to be energized shortly.

To encourage and uplift the women entrepreneurs in the State, the department of Industries also organised one months training programme on Hi-Fashion Garment through Hardicon, New Delhi during the current year where in 25 women candidates were trained. Of this 15 are interested to set-up their units in the SIDCO’s Industrial Complex.

The meeting informed that under the programme for the identification of potentially sick/closed units for rehabilitation launched by the Department of Industries 150 units have been identified as sick in Jammu province. Out of which 56 units have been granted the permission for preparation of rehabilitation project report so as to recommend the package to the financial institutions.

The Minister for Industries and Commerce expressed his satisfaction over the achievements made by the District Industries Centres under PMRY. However, he asked the officers to re-double their efforts in bringing awareness among the youth for setting up of their own income ventures as the Government can not provide Government jobs to all the un-employed educated youth. He also impressed upon them to have close liaison with the bankers for speedy disposal of loan cases of the beneficiaries enabling them to set up their ventures as early as possible. Mr Bali also stressed the need for proper monitoring the activities of the respective untis and asked the officers to remove all the hindrances if any and guide the youth properly as and when they approach.

Mr Bali said with the introduction of new industrial policy in the State, the number of sick units have been revived. He said for the first time Government has identified thrust areas for investment where raw material is available in the State. These include computernocs and software, food processing, agro based industries, floriculture, handicrafts, leather processing and leather goods, sports goods, forest based industries excluding saw mills and joineries, process of aromatic plants and herbs, pharmaceuticals based herbs bulk drungs, silk reeling, weaving, processing, printing and made ups, items of textile goods, cutting and polishing of stones, gems and jewellery, precision engineering etc.

The Minister said that the new industrial policy and the package of incentives announced during the last year, various industrialists from outside the State have made the investments and their units have started production during the current year. The major ones are two units each for manufacturing of the Vanaspati and Cement, one unit each for Dairy products, pharmaceuticals, fertilizer and alloys etc. Apple juice concentrate plant at Industrial Complex Rangreth has also commissioned at a cost of Rs 40 crores. The project has been set up with the German collaboration. Many more have also taken the effective steps for setting up of their units. Number of queries are being made by the investors.

Mr Bali said that as a result of new industry policy of the Government an unprecedented achievement has been made in Leh and Kathua districts of the State. The Industries sector has now come on first priority of the Government, he added. Mr Bali reiterated the resolve of the Government to promote the small and medium scale industries sector so that the benefits of socio-economic emanicipation percolate to the grass root level.

Mr Bali assured the officers of the Industries Department that their genuine demands will be considered sympathetically by the Government.

Among others officers the meeting was attended by Director Industries, Dr RK Kotru, Joint Directors Messrs CK Gupta and SR Gupta, Dy Director, General Managers, DICs, Dy Director Employment, Kathua.

Ladakh hosts film festival of Japan

Excelsior Correspondent

LEH, Oct 18: Ladakh, the land of Lamas, achieved a rate distinction of hosting a week-long Japanese Film Festival, the first ever such event in Jammu and Kashmir.

With the screening of a noted Japanese film at the famous Leh auditorium last evening, the Ambassador of Japan in India, Mr Hiroshi Hirabayashi formally inaugurated the film festival in the ‘moon-land.’

The festival has jointly been organised by the Namgyal Institute for Research on Ladakh Art and Culture (NIRLAC), Japan Foundation and Film Societies of India.

For quite some years, Ladakh has been a destination for holiday makers around the globe. Events like film festivals will, therefore, go a long way in giving fillip to tourism promotion in this part of the world.

Mr Hiroshin aptly described the occasion as a milestone in ushering into a new era of cultural exchange between India and Japan in general and Ladakh and Japan in particular.

A galaxy of personalities including the Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Mr Thupston Chhewang, Director Japan Foundation, Mr Tadashi Ogawa, the Secretary to the NIRLAC, Mr Jagmed Wangchuk Namgyal and Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Mr NK Chowdhary were prominent among those present on the occasion.

Mr Chhewang expressed gratitude to the organisors for choosing Leh for the big event and appreciated the efforts of the Namgyal Institute for this.

Secretary NIRLAC, Mr Wangchuk spelled out the objectives of holding the film festival and gave a resume of the week-long programme.

The people of Leh are evincing keen interest in the festival.

CS for restoring Srinagar’s glory

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 18: The Chief Secretary, Mr Ashok Jaitly has underlined the need for improving sanitation in Core Area in down-town on priority basis so that the historical Srinagar City could be brought back on its original glamour by way of implementing comprehensive Master Plan.

Addressing at concluding function of cleanliness and sanitation drive launched by Srinagar Municipality, the Chief Secretary said that peoples’ co-operation was necessary to implement the proposed comprehensive plan of Srinagar Municipal Corporation formulated on metropolitan pattern.

The function was also addressed by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Mr Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, Chairman, J&K Bank, Mr MY Khan and Administrator, Srinagar Municipality, Mr Asgar Samoon.

Among others the function was attended by Vice-Chairman, Srinagar Development Authority, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, high level officers of various departments, media-persons and three thousand work-force of Srinagar Municipality besides sizeable number of citizens.

The Municipal staff members were awarded for their better performance during the drive.

SRTC introduces new inter-state services

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 18: Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation has introduced three new inter-state services from here today.

This was stated by Mr S S Jamwal, Manager Passenger Services, JKSRTC, Jammu. He said the decision in this regard was taken after the Corporation inducted new-Inter-state buses in its fleet.

Accourding to Mr Jamwal, the new routes are from Jammu-Anoopgarh in Rajasthan (night service). The bus will leave General Bus stand at 6 pm. Another route introduced is between Jammu-Chandigarh via Hoshiarpur (night service) and the bus will leave Jammu at 7 pm.

The third route is between Jammu-Dharamshala (day-service) for which the bus will leave at 6 am.

Booking for all the three services is being undertaken at General Bus Stand Inter-state Booking counter, Jammu, he added.

Jobless pharmacists again on war path

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 18: The un-employed Pharmacist Association has convened a meeting on October 25 to chalk out programme of launching an agitation again to press for their unfulfilled demands.

In a statement the president of the Association, Mr Kuldeep Singh stated that the Government had promised to provide jobs to un-employed pharmacists after they had staged strike for 69 days. The Minister of State for Health had made a firm commitment with the striking pharmacist to absorb them in Government service.

Though some doctors were appointed in 1998 on adhoc basis but the unemployed pharmacists were left high and dry, Mr Kudeep Singh said. This is grave injustice with this category of persons, he added.

The un-employed pharmacists are once against on the war path and they are going to discuss their strategy on the meeting on October 25 at Jammu.

Welfare committee for Purkhoo camp

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 18: The new office-bearers of the Social Welfare Association, Phase II, Purkhoo camp has been constituted at a meeting held under the chairmanship of Mr Makhan Lal Kanwal here yesterday.

Mr Bhushan Lal Bhat has been made Chairman, Mr Badrinath Thusoo becomes President, Mr Chuni Lal Raina is vice-president and Mr Omkar Nath Saproo is general secretary of the Association.

While Mr Makhan Lal Kanwal is Advisor, Krishen Lal Kheda is publicity secretary, Bhushan Lal Raina is Accountant and the cashier is Mohan Lal Akhoon.

The meeting discussed the problems like scarcity of water, frequent power cuts, non-availability of tube lights, proper upkeep of camp promises.

Divisional heads' meet held
Shah indicate review in power curtailment

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 18: Indicating review in the power curtailment schedule in Jammu and Kashmir, the Works Minister, Mr Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Shah today emphasised the need for resource generation saying that it was imperative for providing better services to the people.

Mr Shah said the endeavour of the Government is to provide respite to the people and the Cabinet may take a view on the power scenario. He, however, expressed concern over the low recovery of tariff despite the fact that a whopping sum is being spent on procurement of power annually.

Mr Shah, who is officiating as the Chief Minister in absence of Dr Farooq Abdullah, currently abroad on an official visit, was addressing a high level meeting of the divisional heads which had been convened here this morning to review the functioning of Government machinery and development scenario in Jammu division.

Minister for Finance, Mr Mohammad Shafi, Minister for Transport, Mr Bashir Ahmed Kitchloo, Minister for Forests, Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan, Minister for Agriculture, Mr Nissar Ahmed Khan, Minister for Education, Mr Mohammad Sharif Tariq, Minister of State for Food and Supplies, Mr Ajay Sadhotra and Minister of State for Health, Pt Govind Ram Sharma were present in the meeting.

Calling for coordinated efforts to mitigate the problems faced by the people, the Minister urged the divisional heads to gear up their field agencies and subordinate units for taking measures in solving the difficulties of the masses particularly those living in rural and far-flung areas. He said the Government is seized of the difficulties of the people and every measure would be taken to solve these within available resources.

Referring to the status of various development projects, the Minister asked the engineers to formulate project reports for funding by various financial institutions like NABARD and Life Insurance Corporation of India. Such finding could be immensely beneficial for the schemes under accelerated rural water supply scheme, he said and asked the engineering departments to nominate nodal officers for pursuing the projects for expeditious funding.

Mr Shah also urged various departments to gear up for ensuing Darbar Move and take early measures for providing various facilities to the move employees. He said the departments like food and supplies, public health, municipality etc. have to play a greater role in providing facilities to the employees. He asked Jammu Municipality to set up garbage collection centres in various colonies and emphasised on Food and Supplies department to ensure supply of rations, kerosene and other essential commodities to the move employees. He also urged the telecommunication department to take advance measures in setting right the tele-communication system especially in the civil secretariat.

Addressing the officers, the Minister for Finance, Mr Mohammad Shafi said that a view on power curtailment scheduled could be taken after the position of tariff recovery improves. Against the target of Rs 125 crores in the past six months, the recovery has been just Rs 25 crores till mid September last, he said and hoped that the engineers concerned would take appropriate measures to achieve the target within stipulated time-frame.

Mr Shafi called for 10 per cent cut in non-plan sector in view of the prevailing financial scenario in the State and said that the measure would have little impact on the essential works. He said such a step is necessary to overcome the fiscal difficulties to some extent.

Mr Shafi asked the officers to make judicious use of funds earmarked for various sectors and to desist from shifting the responsibilities or overlapping the funds. He also emphasised the need for forwarding projects for funds from institutions like NABARD strictly on the prescribed formats to avoid delays.

The Minister also spelled out measures being taken for generating resources and said that the people should be taken into confidence about the tight fiscal situation. Awareness among the masses is essential so that a culture, for payment of dues for the serviced availed of is promoted.

Referring to the demands projected by the Jammu Municipality about release of grant-in-aid the Minister said the Government would soon take a view on this issue. He appreciated the concept of users to pay for the services' and said generation of resources is vital for the organisations like civic bodies.

Assuring about the availability of kerosene, cooking gas and rations at specified centres for the move employees, the Minister of State for Food and Supplies, Mr Ajay Sadhotra said that measures are already underway in this regard. He said the centres, at which these commodities would be available, shall be notified immediately after the reopening of the offices in the winter capital.

The meeting reviewed in details the status and progress achieved on various development projects in Jammu division.

Besides senior divisional officers and engineers, the meeting was attended by the Divisional Commissioner, Mr BS Jaswal.