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| World AIDS Day observed Govt to take all steps to keep AIDS at bay: CM Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has sought the cooperation of all in making the sustained campaign launched by the Government against the dreaded....more ‘No
backdoor Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: Asserting that the coalition Government did not make any backdoor appointment, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that the entire recruitment system has been institutionalized............more HC stays
election Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: The State High Court in a writ petition challenging the election process of Citizens Cooperative Bank Limited (CCBL) has stayed the process of the election of the Board of Directors................more Two
employees of RDD Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: Two employees of Rural Development Department (RDD) were killed when their official gypsy skidded off the road and plunged.....more J&K,
Punjab to jointly From Gopal Sharma Basohli, Dec 1: Minister for Tourism, Housing and Urban Development Ghulam Hassan Mir has said that.......more |
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DGP
orders memorial, top brass gives sendoff Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: The sacrifice of ‘Kiran Hero’, a trekker dog with several successes to its credit, didn’t go waste................more PDD to
launch awareness Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: The State Power Development Department (PDD) is bracing up to launch a campaign for creating awareness among masses about the judicious use of power. A seminar in this connection will be organized in Jammu on 22nd December to kick-start the awareness drive. ........more Govt
decision dashes Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: By giving the sanitation work of Government Medical College Hospital to a private company the Government has virtually dashed the hope of unemployed Sanitary Inspectors and pushed their future towards the darkness..........more Accounts
employees Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: To discuss several demands and problems, a meeting of Jammu Kashmir Accounts Employees Association was held today under the chairmanship of Suresh Singh Bandral. The issues discussed in the meet included, release of central scales to the Accounts cadre......more |
World AIDS Day observed Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has sought the cooperation of all in making the sustained campaign launched by the Government against the dreaded disease AIDS a success. Formally inaugurating the AIDS campaign on the occasion of World AIDS Day here today, the Chief Minister said his Government will make all out efforts to keep this disease at bay. This campaign has been launched by the Directorate of Field Publicity J&K in active collaboration with Health Department of J&K State, J&K Police and AIDS Control Society. He said AIDS has gripped the world at present and the Asian and African countries are the most affected by it. This disease can be fought by launching a forceful campaign among the masses as no medicine has been found as yet to check its rapid growth. Mufti Mohammed Syeed said in yesteryears Cholera and Smallpox were considered deadly diseases but later they were controlled through vaccination. But there is no treatment for this disease at present and it can be checked through preventive measures, he added. He said presently the awareness campaign against this disease has been launched throughout the world and our country has also joined it. He said the Health Ministry has taken many steps to keep this disease under check and in this regard the focal points have been created. He said a patient suffering from AIDS needs help as well as support and the Health Services Department of our state is doing a good work in this connection. He assured all support from the Government level in fighting this deadly disease. He also went round the small exhibition organized for awareness about the AIDS on the occasion. The Chief Minister was presented a memento by the Director of Field Publicity, Ms Bharti Vaid. The Minister of Health and Medical Education Ch. Lal Singh who presided over the function said there was no question of this deadly disease gripping India provided we maintain our own cultural heritage. The Minister sought the cooperation of all in making the awareness campaign a success. He announced that the blood banks are being opened in all the district headquarters and warned that if any private nursing home was found administering the contaminated blood to the patients, that will be sealed by the Government. He said the AIDS Control Society is working for prevention and detection of the disease at grass root level in the state. On the occasion Minister presented the awards to all the participating schools, Anganwari centres and NGOs. He also presented awards to the toppers in best slogan writing competition, skit competition and Inter School Symposium on AIDS. In slogan writing competition slogan of Sulekha Rawat of K V No 2 Na shap hain na pap hain AIDS aik abishap hain got the first prize, while the second prize went to slogan of Monica Gupta from National Public School Shiv NagarVideshi bimari apnay log, dhoor karain gay desh sai rog and the third prize was given to the slogan Soyam aur surakhsha, AIDS say raksha of Gourav Joshi from KV No 2. In skit Competition the first prize went to Alexender Memorial School, while second and third prize was bagged by K V No 2 and Girls High School Gandhi Nagar, respectively. In Inter School Symposium, the first prize was bagged by Isher Malik of Alexender Memorial School, while second and third prizes were given to Malvika Sharma of K V 2nd and Ajikya Sawalkar also of same school. In her welcome address Bharti Vaid said her Department has taken an onus to launch a massive campaign against this deadly disease in J&K. She said this border state is more vulnerable to AIDS due to the terrorism and movement of truckers. She appealed the Health Minister of the State in view of these factors special counciling centres and campaign be launched in the state for awareness among the masses. The Director General of Police Gopal Sharma was guest of honour on the occasion while Principal Medical College, H L Goswami was expert guest speaker. They were also presented mementos by the Minister. Earlier over 2000 children drawn from different private and Government schools, artists, NGOs and Anganwari workers with placards and banners in their hands participated in the rally taken in connection with observance of World AIDS Day. Enroute they were shouting slogans AIDS ko mitana hain desh ko bachana hain, "Know AIDS for no AIDS" etc. The rally was organized by Regional Office of Directorate of Field Publicity, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Jammu. It was led by Director of Field Publicity, Ms Bharti Vaid. It was flagged off by Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma at M A Stadium in the morning and it after passing through, Dogra Chowk, Vivekanda Chowk, Raghunath Bazar, Shaheedi Chowk, Kanal Mandi, Purani Mandi and Parade culminated at Parade Ground. In his address Mr Sharma said this rally is a part of awareness campaign being launched throughout the world to fight out this deadly disease. He hailed the efforts of the Field Publicity Wing, J&K Police and State Health Department in making this campaign a success. |
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‘No backdoor appointment by coalition Govt’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: Asserting that the coalition Government did not make any backdoor appointment, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that the entire recruitment system has been institutionalized with political authority having no role in it. The selections are made purely on merit and as per procedure in a transparent manner with every area getting its due share. There is no question of showing preference to any area or section of population in recruitment. Interacting with a deputation of Jammu Muslim Federation here today, the Chief Minister said that minimum qualification for 3rd teacher for teaching English in primary schools is graduation, adding that if the qualified candidates are not available in a particular locality, the youth from the adjoining areas are being appointed. This has been done to ensure qualified teachers for teaching English better at the primary level. He also referred to the appointments made of the victims of militancy and said these jobs were given where there existed large number of victims. The deputationists also presented a memorandum of demands to Mufti Sayeed interalia urging for construction of a community hall in Gujjarnagar locality and upgradation of road from Panjbakhtar to DC office for removing congestion in the area. They appreciated the healing touch philosophy and various bold initiatives taken by the coalition Government to provide succour to the people. The Chief Minister assured the deputation that Minister for Housing and Urban Development Ghulam Hassan Mir would visit the area shortly to take appropriate decision on their demands. Another deputation of prominent political leaders and former legislators led by former Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Abdul Ghani Goni and former Minister S. Rangil Singh met the Chief Minister and demanded raising minimum pension of ex-legislators from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 10,000 and medical allowance from Rs. 300 to Rs. 1000 per month. They also pleaded for rationalization of power tariff. The Chief Minister assured them to look into their demands on priority. |
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HC stays election process of Citizens Cooperative Bank Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: The State High Court in a writ petition challenging the election process of Citizens Cooperative Bank Limited (CCBL) has stayed the process of the election of the Board of Directors. Justice Permod Kohli after hearing Advocate VK Magoo, Jatinder Choudhary and Vimal Balgotra appearing for the petitioner Updesh Kesar and Deputy Advocate General Vinod Bakshi appearing for the respondents, observed that the matter was taken up on November 27, 2003 and Bakshi was asked to seek instructions and inform the court about the election process. Mr Bakshi on the day of hearing informed that the electoral roll has not been published as required under law. In view of his, there is no option but to stay the election process as initiated by the respondents. Upon this, the court issued notice to the respondents returnable within three weeks. Subject to objections from the other side and till further orders, the election process initiated by the respondents for holding election of Board of Directors of the Citizens Cooperative Bank Limited Jammu shall remain stayed, it was ordered. In the petition, the petitioner claimed to be a member of the Citizens Cooperative Bank Limited Jammu whose total membership is 15082. The petitioner’s plea was that he intends to contest election for the Board of Directors of the Bank for which the process has been initiated by Registrar Cooperative Societies vide order dated September 18, 2003 and consequently, a notification dated October 30, 2003 was published by Deputy Commissioner Jammu, publishing the schedule for holding election. In the petition, it has been submitted that the respondents were required to publish the voter list and invite objections to the same. It is only after such a voter list is published, the further process of the election could be initiated. The petitioner placed Rule 21 of J&K Societies Rule 2001 on record which provides that the Assistant Registrar Cooperative Societies within whose jurisdiction the Society is functioning, shall notify the proposed date of election to the Committee of the Society atleast two months in advance. The petitioner leveled serious allegations in the petition and said that the names of the dead persons have been incorporated in the electoral rolls whereas genuine voters ignored. Justice Kohli observed that without going into the aspects mentioned in the petition, the fact remains that the election process is governed and regulated by statutory rules i.e SRO 404 of September 2001 issued in exercise of the powers under 176 of J&K Cooperative Society Act 1989. It is apparent that the procedure prescribed under rules has not been adhered to which may render the entire process and consequently the election illegal. With these observations, Justice Kohli stayed the election process of the Board of Directors. |
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Two
employees of RDD killed as gypsy Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: Two employees of Rural Development Department (RDD) were killed when their official gypsy skidded off the road and plunged into Chenab river near Ramban. Police spokesman said that the RDD employees were on their way back to Ramban when official gypsy bearing registration number JK05-014 skidded off the road and rolled down in Chenab river. On the receipt of information about the accident, a police party swung into action and pressed divers into service. However, only one body could be recovered till late this evening. The deceased have been identified as Mohd Amin of Banihal and Nasir Ahmed of Doda. Reports said that both the employees had gone to bring some food for Minister for Rural Development Peerzada Mohd Sayeed and Minister of State Gharu Ram, who were in Doda district to attend one day conference of Sarpanchs and Panchs. In another road accident, four persons received severe injuries when a Video Coach bus bearing number DLIPA-7669 met with an accident at Supwal. All the injured have been hospitalised and their condition was stated to be critical when reports last came in. They have been identified as Sunita Devi, wife of Rajesh Kumar of Kathua, Aisha, wife of Abrul Rashid of Pampore, her daughter Arfat, Vikas Sharma, son of Govind Ram of Udhampur and Bhushan Lal, son of Sansar Chand of Saroj Nagar, Delhi. In yet another accident, one Om Parkash, son of Radhey Sham of Birpur received injuries after he was hit by a speeding scooter at Birpur. He has been hospitalised. Meanwhile, a woman—Parkash Kour, wife of Jasbir Singh of Nanak Nagar, who was admitted in Government Medical College Hospital on November 27 for the treatment of her burn injuries, today succumbed. She had reportedly sustained injuries in accidental fire at her residence. Body of a Vaishno Devi pilgrim was recovered under mysterious circumstances from Bani Check Post under Katra Police Station. Identity of the body has been established as that of Des Pahari Magrey of Maharashtra. Police has started inquest proceedings under Section 174 CrPC. Another body was recovered from near the Gurdwara in Ashoka Nagar area. Identity of the body was not established till late this evening. One Bhupinder of Hiranagar allegedly consumed poisonous substance at his residence. He was rushed to District Hospital Kathua when spotted unconscious by family members and doctors attending on him immediately provided him stomach wash treatment followed by other medicare. He was, later, referred to Government Medical College Jammu for specialised treatment. His condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in. |
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J&K, Punjab to jointly
involve Centre in From Gopal Sharma Basohli, Dec 1: Minister for Tourism, Housing and Urban Development Ghulam Hassan Mir has said that Jammu and Kashmir State in consultation with Punjab Government will jointly involve Union Minister for Tourism, Jagmohan for promoting picturesque Ranjit Sagar dam lake on river Ravi near Basohli, as best tourist resort in the Northern India. The minister on board a steamer of Ranjit Sagar Dam authorities, while identifying some beautiful spots and conducting extensive tour of the entire lake on Sunday said, " We do not want to waste the potential of this beautiful lake sites by conducting tourist activities at local and lower level. The snow-clad high mountains in the north, beautiful hilly surroundings in the territory of Punjab and J&K, the cold, clean and fresh water of lake and several long lagoons has the highest level of tourist potential which needs the high level expertise and huge funds. " Referring to his recent visit to Europe, the Tourism Minister said that he still recalls several beautiful resorts in France and their healthy environment." Some picture emerges in my mind to have some touch of those sites here while developing them. I am going to take up the matter with the Punjab Government and in consultation with them the matter will be jointly taken up with the Central Government for sanction of a major tourism project as a comprehensive plan which will help a lot in promoting the site as one of the best in the northern India, " he added. He said the eastern bank of the lake which falls in Punjab is also very beautiful and the historical township of Basohli, its fort, historic temple in the Fort at the hill top is the best spot to have a complete view of the entire lake town and surrounding villages spread over an area of 20 to 30 kms. It will be better to seek high level consultation from the experts from outside the country and the huge funds will be required for the comprehensive project. The efforts will be utilised to encourage water and adventure sports at this site. Even the Himachal Government can also be involved in the project. Not only in Kashmir valley or Ladakh, rich tourism potential also prevails in several parts of Jammu region. The previous Government must have ignored this region but Mufti Sayeed led coalition Government will pay equal attention to develop tourist resorts of Jammu region, too. There is need to concentrate much on the road network and possibilities will be explored to connect this resort with adjoining Punjab, Himachal and through district headquarters-Kathua by improving existing road from Lakhanpur and also exploring the possibilities of constructing some alternative road link. Mr Mir while responding to a question said, " We will not be looking towards Centre for the entire funding. Till the formulation of a major Central funding project involving Punjab, the J&K Government will conduct a detailed survey of the project and develop the area around Basohli and at some sites of lake to attract tourists in big way. The activities like construction of a good tourist complex at Basohli, some huts near Satwain and motor boat/ steamer service will be introduced in the first phase. With the increasing tourist influx to the Basohli township other town development activities will also be taken up which included construction of circular road, beautification works. The town and surrounding will glow with lights and it will give attractive look from distance. The economic condition of the people will definitely improve with increasing tourism activities. In response to yet another question Mr Mir said that the work on this project will be completed in a phased manner. We do not want to develop it in haphazard manner. Our department is going to start motor boat service to Basohli from Satwain and also to other areas. Some sites will be selected for launch of steamer service as all the safety measures will also be taken care of. The Tourism department has its own land measuring around 21 kanals near Navodaya Vidhyalya in Basohli, closer to the bank of beautiful lake. The residential complex and a restaurant will be constructed there. Director Tourism, Mrs Nirmal Sharma pointed out that steamer service to Basohli and adjoining Punjab from Basohli will be the top priority and it will be commenced soon. |
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DGP orders memorial, top
brass gives sendoff Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: The sacrifice of ‘Kiran Hero’, a trekker dog with several successes to its credit, didn’t go waste. Though eight years old ‘Kiran Hero’, as it had been named by the Crime Branch, lost its life in firing by two terrorists in the Mahamaya forests yesterday, it succeeded in identifying the exact location where the terrorists were hiding, thus, leading to a successful operation in which both the terrorists were killed. "We have lost an extremely helpful trekker dog, who was instrumental in several successful operations. It’s loss is not less than the loss of a brave jawan for us", SSP Crime and Railways H L Fotedar said during a ceremonial send off given to the dog at Railways police station this afternoon. "It was really a Hero for us", he added. The importance the Crime Branch attached to ‘Kiran Hero’, who was born in November 1995, could be well gauged from the presence of top brass of Crime and Railways Police at its burial ceremony. IGP Crime and Railways Abdul Rashid Khan and SSP Crime and Railways H L Fotedar besides entire top brass and cops of the Crime Branch and Railways Police were present at the burial. Director General of Police (DGP) Gopal Sharma was also quick to realise significance of an important role played by the dog in identifying location of the terrorists. Mr Sharma has immediately ordered to raise a memorial of ‘Kiran Hero’ at the Railway Station where it was buried. "Work on the memorial would start very soon", Mr Fotedar announced. Senior police officers admitted that it was due to the identification of an exact location of the two terrorists by the trekker dog that "we could encircle the area which, finally led to the killing of both the terrorists". Recalling achievements of ‘Kiran Hero’, Mr Fotedar said it had played a commendable role at Katra, Adh-Kunwari and Mata Vaishnodevi Bhawan in 1998-99. It was instrumental in sniffing out a huge quantity of objectionable material during its posting at Katra and Bhawan. In view of its excellent record, the Army authorities had requisitioned its help in Nagrota during a trekking expedition by the students in a sensitive area. As it accomplished the mission assigned to it to the satisfaction of the Defence authorities, the Army personnel had again requisitioned it during Ghati operation in Kathua district in the month of August. During the time of a sudden red alert, the Kiran Hero’s help was sought by the police authorities in carrying out a check of the Civil Secretariat and VVIP houses like the Governor and the Chief Minister. As reported today, ‘Kiran Hero’ alongwith a squad of three police personnel of the Crime Branch was sent out on a mission to trace movement of the two terrorists in the Mahamaya forests yesterday morning after the terrorists had taken positions in the dense forest area. It succeeded in reaching close to the terrorists and was fired upon by them leading to its on spot death alongwith one of its master Bal Krishan and injuries to two others including Kunj Lal and Ashok Kumar. DIG Jammu range Farooq Ahmed, who was closely following the trekker dog while personally supervising the operation, too had a narrow escape in the terrorists’ firing. According to Crime Branch sources, they have a fleet of a total of 25 dogs. "We have three variety of dogs including trekker dogs, explosive dogs and narcotics dogs", they said. A lot of manpower as well as money is spent on training the dogs and maintaining them. It requires a minimum of one year training to make a dog perfect. Two trainers are attached with a dog. The authorities also ensure that the dogs are given all possible comforts enjoyed by a human being. In summer, the coolers are installed in rooms of the dog. The coolers are replaced with heaters in the winter. Each dog gets, 400 grams of meat, 400 grams vegetables, one kg milk, rice, chapatis and daals per day. |
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PDD to launch awareness campaign
about Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: The State Power Development Department (PDD) is bracing up to launch a campaign for creating awareness among masses about the judicious use of power. A seminar in this connection will be organized in Jammu on 22nd December to kick-start the awareness drive. This was disclosed in a meeting of members of Power Engineers and Employees Coordination Committee (PEECC), a body constituted to represent different unions of the PDD employees held under the chairmanship of Minister for Power Mohammad Sharief Niaz here today. The seminar would be followed by street corner skits in different localities and seminars, rallies, etc in schools for involving the students and general public. The concept of organizing mega-seminar in Jammu was conceived to bring people representing cross-section of the society and government on a single platform for a broad based interaction to understand the urgency of energy saving, which otherwise is leading to energy crisis in the state. Elucidating the aim and objective of the campaign, the Minister said it is observed that saving of power will greatly help the department in curtailing its expenditure on power purchase. He said assessments indicate that by checking misuse of power the PDD can save upto 90 MW energy per day and the same could be utilized for productive purposes. He said to achieve this objective the involvement of general public is imperative. Taking strong note of the misuse of energy in the Government offices, the Minister said that all head of departments would be intimated to take care that all the lights are switched off after offices are closed. He said Municipality authorities will also be approached to make it sure that the streetlights be switched off in the morning and not left glowing in the daytime. Referring to the circular issued by the government making it obligatory upon the employees to produce power tariff clearance receipt on the end of financial year, the Minister said left over employees including those working in autonomous bodies like banks will also be soon covered under this Government order. He further said that similar conditions put on people applying for driving licenses would be extended to the people seeking renewal of shop licenses and other business establishment licenses including those for hotels, restaurants, clinics, internet cafes, etc. Giving a resume of the activities proposed to be held during the campaign, Mr. Mhander Madan Gupta a senior engineer of the PDD who has been appointed as Nodal Officer for organizing programmes under the campaign said that the fundamental objective of the seminar will be to bring the people representing different walks of life on a single platform to make them understand the problems faced by the department and request them to do their bit to create awareness among the public about the judicious of the power. He said social and NGO bodies will putforth the public perspective whereas Chamber of Trade and Commerce representatives would express the point of view of the industrialists and businessmen. |
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Govt decision dashes hopes of
unemployed Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: By giving the sanitation work of Government Medical College Hospital to a private company the Government has virtually dashed the hope of unemployed Sanitary Inspectors and pushed their future towards the darkness. Instead of handing over the sanitation work of hospital to private company the Government should have appointed unemployed Sanitary Inspectors, who have potential to look after the affairs of sanitation in a better way, said Mr Kuldeep Sharma, president of Unemployed Sanitary Inspectors Association while addressing a press conference. "This decision has conveyed to us that the claims of the Government that it is committed to eradicate unemployment are hollow and that it has indulged into back-stabbing the unemployed but highly trained Sanitary Inspectors", he said and disclosed that since 1990 there has been no open recruitment of Sanitary Inspectors. Launching scathing attack on MLAs and Ministers, Mr Sharma said that during elections all promised moon to the people particularly unemployed youth but after coming to power they failed to look beyond their luxuries. "We have contacted a number of ministers and MLAs yet nobody seems to be ready to solve the problem of unemployment as promised during elections", he said. Mr Vinay Sharma, general secretary and Mr Rakesh Sharma, chief organisor of the Association said "as per rules all the 33 committees of local bodies should have atleast three Sanitary Inspectors in each committee but it is astonishing that the number of Sanitary Inspectors is even less than the total number of committees", adding "even after converting Jammu Municipality into Municipal Corporation and expanding its limits the Government has not appointed Sanitary Inspectors". "What is the fun of conducting elections to Municipal Corporation when the Government is not ready to appoint Sanitary Inspectors", they asked and appealed the Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma to first appoint the staff and then conduct the elections to Municipal Corporation. |
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Accounts employees discuss demands Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: To discuss several demands and problems, a meeting of Jammu Kashmir Accounts Employees Association was held today under the chairmanship of Suresh Singh Bandral. The issues discussed in the meet included, release of central scales to the Accounts cadre on national basis, issuance of promotion cadre in respect of Accounts Assistants, Accountants, transfer of Accounts officials working in far flung area and Gazetted rank to Accounts officers with central scales. Ganesh Dass Sharma, Khem Raj, Banarsi Dass Sharma, Ram Dass, Ajay Sharma, Pritam Singh, Ashwani Kumar, Kartar Singh and Sukhdev Singh were among those who attended the meeting. |
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AIDS victims deserve compassion
not Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: Minister for Science and Technology Nawang Rigzin has said that the AIDS victims deserve compassion and not condemnation and urged the opinion leaders to vouch for their rightful place in the society by creating general awareness among the masses. The Minister was speaking as a chief guest on World AIDS Day at Jammu University here, today. The function was organized by JK State Council for Science and Technology in collaboration with JK Chapter of National Academy of Sciences, India. Professor Amitabh Mattoo, Vice Chancellor, Jammu University presided over the function while former Vice Chancellor and Chairman JK Chapter of National Academy of Sciences, Professor Y. R. Malhotra was the guest of honour. The Minister stressed the need for educating the people particularly the vulnerable sections about the lethal disease AIDS and preventive measures. Elucidating the theme of the programme "Stigma and Discrimination", the Minister said that discrimination with the HIV positive patients prevents them from participating in social activities, causes isolation and thus leads to self-destruction. This is purely a violation of human rights and the people responsible should be brought book, he added. Appreciating the announcement made by the Union Ministry of Health to provide free medicine to AIDS patients, the Minister said that this will go a long way in treating the affected people who cannot afford the expenses. He said that various national and international NGOs are playing a pivotal role to combat this killer disease besides former President USA, Mr. Clinton is negotiating with several pharmaceutical companies to bring down the rates of medicines meant for treating the AIDS victims. Deliberating on the initiatives taken by the coalition Government, the Minister said that the health sector has witnessed a radical change during the past one year of its governance. To effectively tackle such dreaded diseases, the health department is launching various innovative campaigns, which are yielding encouraging results, he added. The Minister also lauded the role of JK Chapter of National Academy of Sciences, that is endeavouring a lot in strengthening the general awareness programmes in the state. J&K has the privilege of being the first state in the country, which has got J&K Chapter of NASI sanctioned in 1993, he extolled. Prof. Mattoo who also addressed the gathering bemoaned that within next less than seven years India will top the numbering of AIDS patients, which at present occupies second position after South Africa. He said that the purpose of observing the such days should not be only to raise money for conducting seminars, campaigns but it should have an ethical approach to create awareness regarding the disease among the most prone sections of the society. Saying that prevention is the only cure to combat this dreaded disease, he emphasized the need for bringing in new technologies and innovations in awareness campaigns which is the only perennial tool to serve the disadvantageous people of the society. Among others Prof. M. K. Jyoti, Prof. Rajiv Gupta, Advisors, J&K Chapter NASI and other dignitaries attended the function. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: The Mishriwalla unit of the Panun Kashmir Movement (PKM) held its unit convention at Mishriwalla camp. The convention was presided over by Prof M L Raina and proceedings of the programme was conducted by Chaman Lal Tickoo. Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo, president PKM was chief guest on the occasion. The convention among others was attended by Rattan Lal Pandita, Ashok Tickoo, Dilip Kumar, Prof M L Bhat, Kamal Bagati, Upender Koul and S K Raina. Addressing the gathering, Mr Chrungoo said that dialogue with separatist elements in Kashmir cannot bring any solution to the core issue of Kashmiri Pandits. " The Kashmiri Pandits are first and natural party to Kashmir and their involvement in a composite dialogue to settle the Kashmir tangle is absolute important", he said, adding, "return and resettlement of the displaced Pandits in the Valley in a secure manner and on a lasting basis is most important essential for the survival of the community". He further said that compact living and an in-built mechanism for retention of the community in the Valley are the two most essential components of any resettlement plan. "Pandits cannot live in Kashmir at the mercy of others as drawers of water and hewers of wood", he said and stressed that secure settlement of Pandits in the Valley is also the most important requirement for the upkeep of the territorial sovereignty of India over the strategic Northern frontier of our country. Mr Chrungoo asserted that Pandit community is determined to fight for establishment of Homeland in the Valley as per the Margadarshan Resolution of 1991 and this is the only way of settling Pandits in the Valley in a secure manner to live a full life in Kashmir. Speaking on the occasion, M K Bhat congratulated the PKM leadership for their role in the human rights field. He also hailed appointment of Mr Chrungoo as the representative of Global Rights Defence.Chaman Lal Tickoo presented vote of thanks and assured the PKM of support of the Mishriwalla unit. |
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Nowabad
GHS upgraded Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU Dec 1: Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Sharma today hinted that a separate college would be opened in Jammu West Constituency and several other existing schools would be upgraded to meet the growing education needs of the students of the area. Addressing a function organized to mark the upgrading of Govt Girls High School Nowabad to Higher Secondary, Mr. Sharma said that the coalition Government conscious about the needs of the children has taken several revolutionary measures to modernize the education system in the State to meet the new challenges taking place in the sector all over the globe. To achieve this objective, several new job oriented courses have been introduced in the Colleges besides introducing Computers. Mr.Sharma said that the Government has laid thrust on elementary education and is committed to achieve the goal of cent percent literacy by 2010 in the State. He said the Government has set up a net work of educational institutions in the State besides taking up Sarva Siksha Abiyan on a large scale. He called upon the people to send their children to the Government schools as these are fully equipped with trained and qualified staff and have all requisite infrastructures. To improve education standards, the Government has introduced English in Government Schools from the primary classes and started pre- nursery classes in some schools. He said the books are being provided free of cost to the poor and needy children of Government schools upto 8th class. The Deputy chief Minister said that 17 high schools in Jammu District have been upgraded to Higher Secondary during the past one year of the coalition Government besides upgrading several primary schools to Middle and Middle to High Schools. He said the High School Sarwal has also been upgraded to Higher Secondary level this year. Referring to the shortage of accommodation at the newly upgraded Higher Secondary School Nowabad, Mr. Sharma said that he would take up the matter with the Evacuee Property Department so that the land adjacent to the school building could be acquired for expansion of the school .The school which is running from the Evacuee Property building has limited space to accommodate the heavy roll of 550 students. He also announced upgrading and modernization of the existing laboratory of the school. The Deputy Chief Minister announced Rs 2 lakh each for Nowabad and Sarwal Higher Secondary schools out of his constituency development fund for undertaking renovation, repairs and meeting charges for development of playing fields. Mr Sharma appreciated the students of the school for winning several medals in the inter-school games and other activities and called upon them to actively participate in national level events. He was of all praise of the students for presenting a colourful variety programme depicting the rich composite culture of the State. The students of the school presented a cultural programme which included Kashmiri Rouf, Dogri and Punjabi Folk songs and a Qawali, ‘DO Din Key Zindghi Mai, Mil Jul Key Raho Bhai,’ mesmerizing the crowd present on the occasion. Chief education Officer and Zonal Education Officers of Jammu district were also present on the occasion. Earlier, the Principal of the School presenting annual report said that the institution has made great strides in imparting quality education to the children. She said the institution set up in 1947 has a glorious history and several of its students have earned laurels in various fields. |
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Indresh stresses on Hindu-Muslim unity Excelsior Correspondent NAGPUR, Dec 1: Sah Sampark Parmukh of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Indresh Kumar stressed on the need of inculcating patriotism among people. Addressing a seminar organised by Bhau Rao Devras Human Resource and Development Institute on ‘Bases of Hindu-Muslim Coordination’, Mr Kumar said that India a motherland of both Hindus and Muslims as their forefathers are same. He stressed on the need of interaction between Hindus and Muslims to strengthening unity of the country. Mr Kumar asked the Muslims to treat India as their motherland and expose designs of those forces which are hell bent to divide the country in the name of religion. RSS leader appreciated Mahatma Gandhi for doing commendable job for Hindu-Muslim unity. He further reminded that some organisations like Hindu Mahasabha and Ram Rajya Party had failed as both these outfits degraded Muslims. He further said that RSS is of the view that reconciliation not confrontist approach should be adopted to solve problems as both Hindu and Muslim are sons of Mother India. |
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IMFA presents lively classical music show Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: A lively programme of classical music, Shastriya Sangeet Sandhya, presented by the students of the Institute of Music and Fine Arts, Jammu (IMFA) showcased their quality of training in classical music, at the Abhinav Theatre here this evening. Professor Amitabh Mattoo, Vice Chancellor of Jammu University, was the chief guest at this classical music programme organised by the IMFA. The Sangeet Sandhya commenced lighting of traditional lamp by Prof Mattoo. The programme opened with Saraswati Vandana which was composed by Suraj Singh and Ms Roshi and accompanied on tabla by Parshotam and Rajesh Kumar. It was followed by Raag Mian Malhar on sitar by the students of Sitar department of IMFA. The next item of the musical evening was a composition based on Rang Malkous which was presented by Vocal department of the institute. It was well very well received by the audience and it drew repeated applaud for the talent displayed in it. A composition in Ragheshwari, which was also presented by the students of Violin section also was quite appealing. A recital of Tabla titled "Tabla Triveni" was the next presentation and the students impressed with "teen taal" and started with "uthan" and then followed by peshkaar, Kaide, Tukde, paran,gat and tripali. The last item was a patriotic song sung by the students. The Vice Chancellor, in his speech, highly praised the talent displayed by the students of the IMFA which is affiliated to the University of Jammu since 1974. He promised that everything possible would be done to further upgrade the infrastructure for improving facilities and further raising quality of training. The Secretary, Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Mr Ramesh Mehta, who guest of honour at the programme also spoke. Earlier, Savita Bakshi, Principal, Institute of Music & Fine Arts, in her welcome address, highlighted the activities and achievements of this premier institution. She demanded better infrastructure and demanded proper building, UGC grades for teaching and technical staff and also more avenues of employment to graduates in Music and Fine Art. The programme was attended by a large number of renowned musicians, academicians, prominent citizens, students and staff of the institute. |
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Nirmal blames Govt for ignoring Rajouri villages Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: The BJP state chief, Dr Nirmal Singh has expressed grave concern over the neglect of the Rajouri villages by the Government. Dr Singh who made an extensive three day tour of the district alleged that local legislators and NC MP have done nothing for the development of this hilly district. He, while addressing the public meetings at Bathuni, Dassal, Thanda Kassi, Sasalkot, Dilogra, Muradpur, Naban Mohalla, Kurriyani and Tandwal apprised the people about the policies of NDA Government. He said the five year rule of BJP at Centre has been a golden period in the post independence era and country under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee has achieved spectacular success in all walks of life. He asserted that India has attained a unique position in the comity of nations and even the advanced countries like USA and Japan have recognized our country a great power. He said it was because of the efforts of Prime Minister that Pakistan today stands isolated in the world and condemned as terrorist and rouge state. He shared the concern of the people who lack basic civic amenities, infrastructure for education, healthcare, roads bridges and sanitation. He said the BJP is fully alive to the problems of the people especially the unemployed youth of the border district. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: In connection with ongoing ‘Display Your Talent’ contest, Department of Students Welfare in Jammu University organised a debate competition today Topic of the debate was ‘In the opinion of the house co-operative movement is the best instrument to involve youth in the programme of economic development’. Total 24 participants expressed their views for and against the motion in either Hindi or English. Uzma Hamal of GCW Gandhi Nagar and Mithila Nanda of GCET Jammu bagged first and second position, respectively while the third place was secured by Navneet of GCW Gandhi Nagar. Since all the three winners were English debtors, Seema Kumari of GCW Udhampur and Amita Koul of Government Medical College Jammu were selected from Hindi debtors for representing Jammu University in the Inter-university National Debating Contest at Pune from December 29-31. Navneet of GCW Gandhi Nagar and Ambally Ram Sharma of Government MAM College, will remain stand by. Prof R L Bhat, HoD Economics, Prof Desh Bandhu, Dean Faculty of Commerce and M A Siddiqui, Joint Registrar, Co-operatives, were among the adjudicators in today’s debate contest. Dr Pritam Singh, Associate Dean, presided over the competition while Prof Devinder Singh, Dean Students Welfare, inaugurated the contest. Zulfkar Ahmed, Secretary Students Cultural Council, conducted proceedings of the competition. |
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GCW Gandhi Nagar students get health cards, ambulance Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: Attributing spread of AIDS in value-enriched Indian society to the fast degenerating morality, Health Minister Ch. Lal Singh today said that instead of going to the genesis of the disease, medical fraternity should concentrate on preventive and educative aspects to check the menace. Speaking at a function organized as part of observance of World AIDS day at Government College for Women, Gandhinagar after distributing Health Cards to all the 5000 students there, Mr Singh said that westernization and adoption of evils from the orient, a section of the youth has chosen for itself a destructive path which leads to the dark allays of death. He said modernization is all right but it should not over take the limits of sobriety that is bound to have its ill effects on the entire social fabric. He laid stress on educating the younger generation about their glorious past and high traditions, which had laid solid foundations for a harmonious and healthy society that withstood various onslaughts. ‘But, now the evil is making inroads very fast and we must wake up to this new phenomenon’ he observed. While the awareness on AIDS has to be undertaken with the missionary zeal, the Minister said that on the preventive front the government has taken several initiatives which include setting up of blood banks in all district hospitals, diagnostic centres facilitating compulsory HIV testing in 10 districts of the state. |
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BJP flays Govt decision on hike in power tariff Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: The decision of the State Government to charge flat rate at Rs 390 for 1 KW load is not acceptable to the people of Jammu region, stated Mr Kavinder Gupta while addressing maiden working committee meeting of BJP Urban District Jammu here today. Inaugurating the meeting Kavinder Gupta described coalition Government as pro-terrorist and anti-people. He said policy of healing touch is to provide support to people who have taken to gun and added that the Government through its action has added to the discrimination with Jammu. Mr Gupta said the Government after failing to collect tariff has resorted to 100 percent hike without making proper verification of load on ground, but effected the hike while sitting in their cozy offices. The meeting termed the decision as arbitrary, irrational, undemocratic and anti-people. The BJP stressed on the Government to take back its decision otherwise party has already asked people not to pay according to new rates. It said the party will approach judiciary in this regard, besides launching a signature campaign and other agitational paths. The meeting expressed serious concern over the spurt in terrorist activities referring to Sidhra act and called for beefing up security in Jammu. The BJP also demanded gallantry award to Joginder Singh (Auto driver) for his brave and timely action. State general secretary Ajay Jamwal was also present while Jammu Urban general secretary Subash Jandial conducted the proceedings of the meeting. NC discusses political situation at Jammu Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: A meeting of National Conference MP, MLAs, MLCs, ex-MLAs and ex-MLCs was held here to discuss political situation under the chairmanship of Mr Ajay Sadhotra provincial president. Addressing the meeting NC leaders said that since this Government has brought miseries to the people and the terrorism touching the peaks and human rights being violated, the people were feeling insecure as Government was not heeding to problems of Poonch and Rajouri districts. Addressing the meeting Mr Ajay Sadhotra said that NC was committed for equal development of the three regions of the State and speedy development of remote districts like Poonch and Rajouri. he said the benefits of centrally sponsored schemes are not percolating in the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri and endorsed the woes of people of twin border districts. About party’s further programme Mr Sadhotra said that NC president Omar Abdullah will be addressing a rally at an earliest at Rajouri against mis-doing and non-performance of present coalition Government. Prominent leaders who spoke included Messrs Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Ch Talib Hussain, Mirza Abdul Rashid, G M Jan, Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari, Rachpal Singh, Javed Rana, Mohd Aslam, Bashir Ahmed Naz, Ch Liaquat Ali Advocate, Bashir Ahmed Lone, Bashir Ahmed Wani, Shafayat Ahmed, Shafaqat Mir, Arshad, Rafiq Mir, Mohd Shafi Malik, Ch Mohd Shafi, Dev Saroop, Bhola Ram, Mohd Jahangir, Mohd Khalil Malik, Mohd Ayub, Mohd Rafi Mir, Abid Malik, Khurshida Begum, Amrito Devi, D S Raina, Raja Nawaz Ali, Gh Hassan Din, Talib Hussain, Abdul Aziz, Wazir Hussain and others. World AIDS Day observed by education institutions Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: World AIDS Day was observed today by various education institutions across Jammu region. KCS College of Education organised a programme in the college premises to observe the day. Principal Dr K L Bharti delivered a speech on the causes of the fatal disease and preventive measures. Neeti, Aparna, Anuradha, Smita, Renu and Sanjana spoke on the topic ‘Stigma and Discrimination . Three skits in Hindi, English and Punjabi, on the theme of the subject, were also presented on the occasion. Posters and charts relevant to to prevention of AIDS, made by the students, were also displayed on the occasion. NSS unit of Government College for Women, Udhampur, organised a programme on the World AIDS Day in the college. Principal Prof Usha Jayee presided over the programme while Assistant Commissioner, Udhampur, Abdul Hafeez was chief guest on the occasion. A symposium on the theme ‘Awareness and Prevention of AIDS’ was organised in which five NSS volunteers namely Neena Marhatta, Kalpna Singh, Shreeya Bakshi, Kriti Mahajan and Shaheen Bano participated. Prof M A Wani, HoD Urdu, conducted proceeding of the programme and presented vote of thanks. Sayed Habibullah Memorial Society, an NGO, in collaboration with NSS unit of Government Degree College Poonch, observed World AIDS day. A symposium was organised in this connection in the college auditorium. The topic was ‘AIDS a global tragedy’ how to cope with it’. A large number of students participated in the symposium. Rajiv Sharma, Shezad Banday and Ishrat Bhat were adjudged first, second and third, respectively while Tabussam Bukhari was consolation prize. The programme was presided over by Dr S D Sharma, Principal, who gave away certificates and mementos to the winners of the symposium. He stressed upon the students to educate masses to adopt preventive measures against HIV AIDS. Dr Joginder Singh, Physician specialist of District Hospital Poonch, was the expert speaker. He delivered an educative and enlightening lecture on the topic. PHE employees hold rally at Ramnagar Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Dec 1: The employees of PHE Department held a rally in the sub-divisional office at Ramnagar in which large number of employees from Majalta, Kahgote, Dehari, Kulwanta, Majori, Dudu Basantgarh and far flung areas participated under the leadership of Som Nath, district president and provincial secretary of the Association. While addressing Mr Som Nath said that Mufti Government has also followed the policy of previous Government as far as demands of PHE employees were concerned. He said despite a written agreement between the Government and PHE Employees United Front on April 15 this year, but its implementation has not seen the light of the day so far. The demands highlighted pertained to non-implementation of SRO 64 for regularization of daily wagers, bringing at par with daily wage rate of all consolidated rate workers who are drawing a paltry sum of Rs 200 to Rs 100 per month despite the fact that maximum job is being executed through them, release of 4 percent DA instalment due to employees from July this year as also benefit of Essential Services, which must be extended to PHE Department as the employees are working round the clock through out the year to provide drinking water to the people. Mr Som Nath appealed the coalition Government to fulfill the genuine demands of employees and hoped that the same would be mitigated at an earliest. Others who spoke in the rally included Shiv Lal Pathania, S Baldev Singh, Jagdish Raj, Tilak Raj, Kuldeep Singh, Suraj Magotra and Shamsher Singh. Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: Vishav Hindu Parishad in its conclave today under the presidentship of Dr Rama Kant Dubey discussed various aspects of State VHP, in which over 100 activists including women and girls participated. The main issues discussed and deliberated upon pertained to unity among various sects and communities among Hindus shunning the practice of forming different platforms which prove harmful to the Hindu community, preaching and teaching of Hindu Sanskars to children, treating every Hindu as a Hindu without consideration of class, creed, community, colour or region, coming of all Hindus on a single platform in place of forming different Sabhas etc which otherwise weaken the Hindu community as a whole. Other issues discussed in the conclave pertained to putting an end to individualism especially during elections where the media persons bring out reports about strength of sub communities amongst Hindus, which ultimately harm of Hindu Samaj as a whole. Concluding the conclave Dr Rama Kant Dubey while announcing the appointment of new office bearers like Kulbhushan Gupta, Jugal Kishore Sharma and Mukesh Chalotra showed his satisfaction about working of VHP and advised them to remain united. Dr Dubey announced the forthcoming programmes which included VHP rally on December 7 under the leadership of Sudarshan Ji as also "Shouriya Divas" on December 6 at Dewan Mandir Jammu in the evening. The VHP condemned yesterday attack of terrorists on Mr Pillai, in which two precious lives were lost and urged on the security agencies to gear up so that such ugly incident don’t recur. NGOs asked to work together for development of women Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: A meeting of NGOs was convened by J&K State Women’s Development Corporation wherein the issues regarding upliftment of women were discussed. Prof Masooda Yasin, Managing Director of J&K Women’s Development Corporation, impressed upon the NGOs to work more dedicatedly for women who constitute 50 per cent of the total population but live in a miserable condition due to socio economic constraints. She asked the NGOs to implement the schemes like Norwegian Agency for International Development (NORAD), Support to Training Employment Programme (STEP) etc with full efforts and dedication so that maximum benefits could be given to women beneficiaries. It was also discussed that under NORAD scheme, the beneficiaries need to be encouraged to run their independent units by availing financial assistance at J&K Women’s Development Corporation. NGOs were asked to submit proposals for grant-in-aid scheme under NORAD and STEP within 15 days to be taken under PM’s special package for employment/self employment for J&K State. The meeting ended with vote of thanks by Dr Naheed Soz, General Manager, J&K Women Development Corporation. Hakim terms cease-fire as turning point towards peace Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 1: Peoples Democratic Forum leader and Revenue Minister Hakim Mohammad Yasin while describing the Eid cease-fire on LoC and International Border as a turning point in normalisation of ties between India and Pakistan has urged the leadership of both the countries to take this step forward for resolution of Kashmir issue. In a statement here the Revenue Minister said the current peace process should not end just at the cease-fire on borders but followed by more concrete and sincere efforts at resolving the outstanding issues. He said people of the state are keen to see bus link between Uri and Muzaffrabad and Suchetgarh and Rawalpindi, which should be translated into reality at an earliest possible time. He said solution of Kashmir issue largely rests with the normalization of ties and establishment of people to people contact. He said if divided families are allowed to meet freely and travel across both sides to understand each other, half of the problem shall end itself. He said if Pakistan Government is sincere, there should be no rider attached with the bus services proposed to link both parts of Jammu and Kashmir. He said Pakistan’s insistence on regulating bus service through UN agency conveys that Pakistan still wants to complicate the issue and is more into diplomatic exercise than in a sincere effort to resolve the issues. Meanwhile PDF leader has urged on the Government of India to announce a general cease-fire in the interior of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that there is a fast building up atmosphere for peace across the State and a general cease-fire will certainly offer an opportunity to those who want to put down the gun and contribute in the peace process in the interest of the suffering humanity of the State. Interview of the Week By Dinesh Manhotra His joining of Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was considered as ‘big-catch’ for the party as he is one of the veteran politicians of the State who has served the people at various capacities. Rangil Singh, newly appointed vice-president of the PDP, has been assiduously trying to expand base of the party at grass root level by utilising his vast political experience. Although he remained politically inactive after joining National Conference some years, he did not lose his grip on the masses. It is all due to his contact with masses that after joining PDP, he got good response from the people. Newly appointed vice-president of PDP has vast political experience. Highly educated and widely travelled person, Mr Singh is well versed with national and international affairs. Doing his Master of Law (LLM) from University of London, United Kingdom in 1960, Mr Singh served as Magistrate of J&K Government and worked at various places with commendable service record from 1962 to 1967. He voluntarily resigned from Government service in 1967 to join active politics and worked relentlessly in State Congress. Mr Singh contested election in 1972 and was elected Member Legislative Assembly from R S Pura seat as Congress nominee. In 1973 he joined Council of Minister as Minister of State for Revenue and Law. It was all due to his dedication and hardwork that he was elevated as Cabinet Minister. He also served as Minister of Education in the Ministry of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah after Indira-Sheikh Accord in 1975. In 1983 Assembly election, he was elected from Jammu West seat and became Deputy Leader of Congress (I) Legislative Party. Mr Singh was elected third time to the State Assembly in 1987 from R S Pura constituency. Mr Singh represented India twice on international conference. He represented India in international conference on education in Berlin in 1976 and United Nations seminar on population and law in Jakarata-Indonesia in 1977. In his conversations with the EXCELSIOR, Rangil Singh disclosed his future course of actions to strengthen PDP in Jammu. Excerpts. * Why did you join PDP after resigning from National Conference ? Actually I was not politically active in the National Conference. In reality I could not adjust myself in that party. After formation of coalition Government, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed asked me to join PDP. PDP was new party for us but Mufti Mohammed Sayeed was not unknown to us. We had worked under his leadership when he was president of the Pradesh Congress Committe (PCC) so without any hesitation I accepted his offer and joined PDP. * By appointing you as vice-president the party has put a greater responsibility. How will you shoulder this responsibility ? It is my privilege that party has appointed me as vice-president. No doubt it is challenging job but I am fully confident that we as a team definitely would come up to the expectations of the party leadership. *Don’t you think that PDP has no base in Jammu region. How would you expand party at grass root level ? I do admit that the PDP has not gained much ground in the Assembly elections but it does not mean that party does not have network. After formation of government, party high command has given one Rajya Sabha member, one MLC and one MLA to the Jammu region. We will work unitedly and strength party at grass root level especially in Jammu region. Like other parts of the State people of Jammu region are also impressed by the revolutionary policies of the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and people are coming in large number to join the PDP. * Have you devised any specific strategy to expand party in Jammu region? Our main stress will be on informing people about radical steps being taken by the coalition Government headed by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. Apart from reorganising party at grass-root level we have already started membership drive. With one year’s achievements of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s Government, we have been reaching to the people to expand the party. * In your opinion what are the achievements of Mufti Government? This Government has succeeded in every front. If we take education front it is not only totally over-hauled but also reactivated. New colleges have been opened while many defunct schools have been made functional by appointing teachers in these schools. Revolutionary steps have been taken in health sector. Government has formulated a comprehensive plan to provide medical facilities at GMC Jammu at par with prestigious AIIMS of New Delhi. Zero deficit budget and steep rise in the revenue collections speaks of Mufti Government’s performance. And most important of all, Mufti’s policy of reconciliation has been vindicated by the entire country. It is Mufti’s policy of peace which has been paying dividends today in the form of cease-fire and decision of the Centre to hold dialogue with Hurriyat. * What is your reaction over the allegation that Mufti Government has been discriminating with Jammu region ? It is absolutely wrong to charge this Government with discriminating with Jammu region. I do admit that successive State Governments have adopted discriminatory policies but as far as this regime is concerned it has been working towards equitable development of all the regions and sub-regions of the State. Further more, it is the first Government in the State which has been allocating equal funds to both Jammu and Kashmir region. |
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