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| Incentives to hard working employees, punishment to dead wood in SRTC Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 11: In a bid to improve health of the loss making J&K State Road Transport Corporation, the management has taken some initiatives and decided to offer performance based incentives.....more 8 NSG
Commandos Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Dec 11: Eight commandos of National Security Guard (NSG) were injured when an escort vehicle of former Chief Minister and Member Parliament, Dr Farooq Abdullah.........more Rs
274 lakhs spent on Govt choppers in one year Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 11: Ministers of the coalition regime have drawn an amount of Rupees 54.20 lakh on account of Travelling Allowance/Dearness........more Govt to
implement Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 11: The implementation of J&K State Lands Act 2001 with amendments is under the consideration of the Government. This was stated....more Shivani’s
‘Arakt-Kshan’- By Lalit Gupta JAMMU, Dec 11: Mahesh Elkunchwar’s play ‘Arakt Kshan’ marked the opening of three day theatre festival by Shivani Cultural Society at Abhinav Theatre, here today......more |
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Gujjars
stage dharna Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 11: A large number of Gujjars under the banner of Jammu and Kashmir Gujjars United Front today staged dharna in front of Raj Bhawan to lodge protest against the discriminatory policies of the coalition Government towards Gujjar community.........more Members
demand constitution of House Committee Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 11: Members, irrespective of their party affiliations, today demanded constitution of a House Committee to inquire, what they called, fraud in purchasing land by the J&K Cooperative Housing Corporation Limited...........more Govt
orders probe into Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 11: The State Government today admitted that decision for purchasing of Tetroxin Colour Printer (TCP) by SKICC from a Chandigarh based firm in 1997 was taken without assessing requirement and viability that resulted in locking up of Rs 17.44 lakh upto 2002.........more Chinab
Valley Development Excelsior Correspondent BHADERWAH, Dec 11: On the first day of short Assembly session huge protest rally was organised at Bhaderwah under the aegis of Chinab Valley Autonomous Hill..........more |
Incentives to hard working employees,
punishment Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 11: In a bid to improve health of the loss making J&K State Road Transport Corporation, the management has taken some initiatives and decided to offer performance based incentives to its employees and punishment to dead woods. Now thirty per cent of the revenue earned beyond the load factor (round trip) for all routes, shall be shared among the conductors, drivers, booking staff, supervisory staff and Managers. This was announced by Deputy Chief Minister Pt Mangat Ram Sharma, who is also holding the portfolio of Transport Ministry, while talking to that mediapersons, here today. "In the event of JKSRTC earning a monthly income of Rs 6 crores or above with the current fleet, employees will be offered a bonus of ten per cent on their basic salary," he added and also announced 10 per cent bonus to the employees of the maintenance depots which will reduce the fleet detention level below ten per cent. Mr Sharma also intimated that the crew will be entitled to get repair charges at the rate of 10 paise per kilometer provided the vehicle does not breakdown enroute during the trip and is maintained clean. The order is on trial basis and its continuation will be reviewed after three months, he added. The minister divulged that the administrative decision to offer the performance based incentives to JKSRTC employees has been taken to improve the health of loss making Corporation whose operative loss is about Rs 2 crores per month. "Besides performance based incentives to reward hardworking employees, action will be taken against dead wood and the manpower audit in JKSRTC is going on," he disclosed but did not elaborate on the kind of punishment. He also informed that the Corporation has stopped issuing free passes except in rare cases and constituted several squads for checking irregularities. Principal Secretary Transport Mr Amit Koshari, who flanked the minister, claimed that the initiatives have started yielding results and income of the Corporation was about to touch Rs 4 crores per month. "Detention of vehicles has also decreased and about 71 per cent of the JKSRTC fleet was now plying on the roads," he said and added that the target was to reduce it further below ten per cent. Managing Director of the Corporation, Mr A K Mehta, who was also present in the press conference, disclosed that double decker buses will start plying on Jammu city roads within a week time. |
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Commandos accompanying Farooq hurt in mishap Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Dec 11: Eight commandos of National Security Guard (NSG) were injured when an escort vehicle of former Chief Minister and Member Parliament, Dr Farooq Abdullah collided head-on with an Army truck at Dayalachak under the jurisdiction of Hiranagar Police Station. Police spokesman said that two more vehicles which were following the collided one could not be abruptly stopped and collided with each other wounding NSG commandos travelling in these vehicles. The accident took place when the former Chief Minister was on his way back to Jammu after attending a function at Hiranagar. Soon on the receipt of information, a police party led by DySP Border Jugal Kishore Sharma swung into action and started rescue operation. All the injured commandos were rushed to Sub-District Hospital Hiranagar where three of them were discharged after first-aid treatment. The four critically injured commandos were, later, referred to Government Medical College Hospital for specialised treatment. Their condition was stated to be improving when reports last came in. The injured have been identified as Mukesh Kumar, Kuldeep Kumar, Anil Kumar, Manoj Kumar, Shottu, Gopal Sharma and Yashpal. A case has been registered against the driver of Army truck at Hiranagar Police Station and further investigations were on. The injured commandos were travelling in vehicles bearing registration number JK02F-8904, JK02G-5872 and JK02Q-3409. |
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274 lakhs spent on Govt choppers in one year Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 11: Ministers of the coalition regime have drawn an amount of Rupees 54.20 lakh on account of Travelling Allowance/Dearness Allowance during the last one year while as an expenditure of rupees 274.892 lakh has been incurred on the State aircraft and helicopters during the same period. TA/DA bills drawn by some Ministers of State (MoS) of the coalition regime during the last one year exceeded even the TA/DA bills of the Chief Minister. This was stated in a written reply tabled in the Upper House in response to the question of National Conference member M Y Taing. Government in its reply stated that an amount of rupees 1.38 lakh was drawn as TA/DA of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed while Deputy Chief Minister drew an amount of rupees 3.04 lakhs as TA/DA. Rural Development Minister drew an amount of Rupees 2.50 lakh, Agriculture Minister 0.90 lakh, Social Welfare Minister 1.98 lakh, Revenue Minister 2.68 lakh and Health and Medical Education Minister, 2.01 lakh. An amount of Rupees 2.80 lakh was spend as TA/DA in favour of Housing and Urban Development Minister while Rupees 2.65 lakhs in favour of Education Minister. Forest Minister drew rupees 1.05 lakhs as TA/DA while Technical Education Minister withdrew an amount of Rs 1.54 lakh, and Consumer Affairs Minister drew Rupees 2.43. Finance Minister has drawn an amount of 1.28 lakh and Roads and Buildings Minister drew Rupees 2.17 lakh. Minister of State for Industries and Commerce drew maximum amount of Rupees 4.51 lakh while Minister of State for Rural Development drew rupees 2.29 lakh. Regarding expenditure incurred on the operation of the State owned aircraft and helicopters, it was stated in the written reply that an amount of Rupees 141.424 lakh was spent on their maintenance charges while an amount of rupees 037.471 lakh incurred as fuel charges. Rupees 000.056 lakh was spent on routine medical check up of pilots while an amount to tune of Rupees 082.995 was given as salary including flying allowances. An expenditure of rupees 008.947 has been incurred as TA, rupees 002.791 on P.O.L.M/V, Rupees 000.465 lakhs on C.O.U and rupees 000.239 on books and periodicals. Regarding amount incurred on foreign trips of Ministers, it was stated in the written reply that the Chief Minister and the Tourism Minister have visited foreign countries during the said period. Expenditure of rupees 1.39 lakh and 3.94 lakh have been incurred on the tour of the Chief Minister and Tourism Minister respectively on their foreign tours. |
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Govt to implement State Land Act with amendments: Mir Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 11: The implementation of J&K State Lands Act 2001 with amendments is under the consideration of the Government. This was stated by Minister of Revenue, Hakim Mohammed Yasin in reply to a question of Mohammed Yousf Tarigami in the Assembly today. He said the Nazool land and state land will be allotted under the Act to the occupants at the rates to be determined by the committees. He also informed the House that the Evacuee property/ Nazool land has been allotted and leased to various interested persons and departments from time to time under the provisions of the relevant act. He said so far as Nazool land is concerned the State Government is considering the possibility to regularize the allotment on merit of each allottee after the revised policy is approved. He said in case of Evacuee property, the Government has already issued SRO 215 of 2002 where under instructions have been issued to revise the rent on commercial rates. However, the tenants have obtained stay orders and Department was making best efforts for its vacation. The Minister said the total state land is around 69,79,129 kanals excluding land of 44,600 kanals which became surplus after the operation of Agrarian Reforms Act, 1976 in the state. In response to a question of Jatinder Singh Independent , the Minister of Labour and Employment, Rigzin Zohra said that over 1,50,014 people have been benefited in the state under Prime Minister’s employment package. Out of it 54,635 people were benefited in Jammu region, 84, 755 in Kashmir Valley and 10,624 in Ladakh region, he added. The Minister also said that there was no proposal before the Government to make the Right to Work as a fundamental right. The Minister of Tourism and Urban Development, Ghulam Hassan Mir informed the House that Sudhmaha Dev and Mantalaie have been notified as local area of Patni Top Development Authority. Replying to a question of Faqir Nath of NPP, he said the comprehensive Master Plan stands prepared for its eco-friendly sustainable development. A part of Chenani has also been included under the Patnitop Development Authority at later stage and the development of these areas is being taken in phased manner, he added. In reply to the supplimentaries of Raman Bhalla and Yougesh Sawhney of Congress the Minister said the Director Tourism is already functioning in Jammu and the project report for River Tawi embankment has been framed and the decision will be taken soon. |
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Shivani’s ‘Arakt-Kshan’- A tale of varying emotion By Lalit Gupta JAMMU, Dec 11: Mahesh Elkunchwar’s play ‘Arakt Kshan’ marked the opening of three day theatre festival by Shivani Cultural Society at Abhinav Theatre, here today. Focusing on theme that even noble emotions like the motherly feelings if not understood in proper perspective can lead to an emotional trauma in the so-called cohesive unit, today’s play was directed by Anoop Verma. The story revolves around a middle class family comprising of a couple and their teen age daughter who are living a traumatic life after the loss of the fourth member of family-the young son. There is also one paying guest in the house-a 18 years old student. The mother who has become emotionally disturbed is drawn to the student as he reminds her of her lost son. This is misunderstood by the teen age daughter who is also attracted to the paying guest and accuses her mother of being immoral. The shocked mother breaks down and says that she was only trying to fill the void created by the death of her son. Enacted in the backdrop of a simple set, today’s performance saw time tested team of actors of the group giving a good performance. The inherent scope in the script for display of wide ranging emotions saw actors like Mitali Gupta as ‘mother’ rising to the occasion. She was able to portray the lonely mother who finds release for her emotions of longing as well as loneliness in fits of temper. But she could have controled her pitch, some times rising to the level of shrieking. Nonetheless she lived her role very well. Ajay Khajuria maintained the veneer of a silently suffering husband-father. Isha who acted as the teen age daughter proved that she is a natural actor and best suited for the character. Vikram Sharma in the role of young-paying-guest, Raju, gave a good performance. His forte was the use of a body language and dialogue delivery that refelcted body and mind of a 18years old young man. Lightdesign was found wanting with the result it did not support the play much. While the music by Arvind helped to elevate the intended mood. The make-up was by Kamal Sharma, sets by Shiv Mehta and costumes by Urmil Khosa. The performance was attended by Minister of Education, Harsh Dev Singh, Padamshree Ram Nath Shashtri, Prof Lalit Magotra, Prof Vijay Lakshmi, Manjula Raman and other prominent citizens, artists and actors. The second performance of the festival will be ‘Mahanirvan’ on Dec 13. |
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Gujjars stage dharna against
discriminatory Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 11: A large number of Gujjars under the banner of Jammu and Kashmir Gujjars United Front today staged dharna in front of Raj Bhawan to lodge protest against the discriminatory policies of the coalition Government towards Gujjar community. Amidst shouting of slogans against the coalition Government, president of the Front Anwar Choudhary said that about 20 lakh Gujjars and Bakerwals have been crying for the benefits they are entitled to for being Scheduled Tribe since April 1991 when the status of ST was given to them but the successive State Governments have not initiated any step in this regard so far. Instead, he said, the Governments diverted the funds granted by the Central Government for the development of the ST communities. "About five lakh Gujjars and Bakerwals have no homes and hearths of their own. Again several lakhs of them live in the temporarily built huts. But no housing has been scheme launched for the ST people in this State despite", he added. Mr Choudhary said that the grant of ST status had given a birth to hope in the Gujjars and Bakerwals but their discontent and despair continued to haunt them even now due to the biased politicians, who always adopted policies which only debarred these communities from obtaining their legitimate due in the all sectors. "Even the Kashmir valley-centric and Kashmiri dominated administration has resorted to issuing fake ST certificates to those who are already well entrenched in the corridors of power and have close rapport with the ruling class", he alleged. The intensity of discrimination can be gauged from the fact that none of the MLAs and MPs spend even a single penny in the areas inhabited by the Scheduled Tribes, he further alleged and said that National Commission for SC/ST has its offices in almost all the states but no such office has been opened in this State with the result State Government has been misusing the funds earmarked by the Centre under various schemes for Gujjars and Bakerwals. Later, a memorandum of demands of Gujjars and Bakerwals was submitted to the Governor. They are reservation to Gujjars and Bakerwals in proportion to their total population, introduction of Reservation Enactment Bill in the State Legislature, extending healing touch to STs, inclusion of Gojri language in the 8th Schedule of Constitution, start of Gojri News Bulletin from AIR, Doordarshan and initiation of action against those issuing fake ST certificates. |
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Members demand
constitution of House Committee Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 11: Members, irrespective of their party affiliations, today demanded constitution of a House Committee to inquire, what they called, fraud in purchasing land by the J&K Cooperative Housing Corporation Limited. Although Chairman of the Legislative Council Abdul Rashid Dar rejected members’ demand, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Abdul Aziz Zargar assured the House he will inquire the matter. Mr Zargar in his reply, to the starred clubbed question of Pradhuman Singh, Farida Mir and Ch. Nizam-ud-Din, stated that price of land purchased has been paid directly to land owners and Attorney holders. He further stated that price of land/plot was determined by the Society after adding to the cost of land, the interest paid to the finance agencies on the loan, obtained. Purchase of land adding expenditure involved in raising civic amenities like roads, parks, lanes, drainage system, water and power distribution etc, the Minister stated and added that the price of house structure constructed by the societies was fixed on the basic of recommendations of technical experts of engineering wing. Not satisfied with the reply, Pradhuman Singh stated that reply was misleading. He asked the Minister to take some time and go through the entire purchasing deals as, according to him, there was a big scandal involved in this purchasing. He stated that relief was not given to the original land holders while attorney holders were given compensations. Farida Mir, while joining the issue, stated that deserving people were neglected while giving land compensation. She said there was big scandal in purchasing of land. She also insisted that a House Committee be constituted to inqure the misdeeds. Gulchain Singh Charak and Prof Bhim Singh also supported the demand of House Committee. Mr Charak said that the Minister was mis-guided by the officials. Pointing towards reply of the Minister, Mr Charak said that annual audit report enclosed with the reply clearly indicated irregularities. Members’ demand of constituting a House Committee was rejected but Minister assured that he will personally inquire the matter. Minister in his reply stated that 2790 kanal and 60 marla of land has been purchased/acquired by the J&K Cooperative Housing Corporation Limited. "Out of the total land purchased/acquired by the Corporation 474.06 kanal of land was purchased from land owners while remaining 2316.10 kanal was purchased from attorney holders. Members drew attention of the Minister that just 474 kanals of land was purchased from land owners. They stated that attorney holders, from whom 2316 kanal of land was purchased, were members of cooperative societies who had purchased land from land owners and later sold it to Corporation. |
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Govt orders probe into purchase of TCP: Mir Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 11: The State Government today admitted that decision for purchasing of Tetroxin Colour Printer (TCP) by SKICC from a Chandigarh based firm in 1997 was taken without assessing requirement and viability that resulted in locking up of Rs 17.44 lakh upto 2002. Replying to a question of Khem Lata Wakhlu in State Assembly today, the Minister of Tourism and Urban Development, Ghulam Hassan Mir said that though the printer was to be used to produce colour brouchers, posters, tourist literature etc during national and international conferences for promotion of tourism in the state, it was not utilized though 638 conferences and meetings were held since February 1997 to April 2002. The Minister said the Government has ordered a probe after the matter came to light through Accountant General’s report. The member was however not satisfied with the reply saying that last time she was told that the investigation will be completed within one or two months. The Minister of R&B, Madan Lal while replying to a question of Yogesh Sawhney of Congress said, he was committed to hold inquiry against the officials and officers of the Department creating liabilities in R&B Sector of Kashmir Division. He said the Government has constituted a Committee to conduct the probe in June this year and this Committee was to submit the report within three months. But it could not do it so far and has sought extension in time upto March next year. |
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Chinab Valley Development Council holds rally Excelsior Correspondent BHADERWAH, Dec 11: On the first day of short Assembly session huge protest rally was organised at Bhaderwah under the aegis of Chinab Valley Autonomous Hill development Council, which passed through main bazar demanding status of Hill Development Council for Chinab Valley on the pattern of Leh and Kargil. At Doda district general secretary of Council after staging dharna submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner Doda urging him to see through the under currents in the district and recommend to the Government regarding grant of Hill Development Council for district. Addressing rally at Bhaderwah Sheikh Abdul Rehman, ex-MP and chief patron of the Council said that despite the fact that district Doda is lagging behind in all spheres of life, the Government is maintaining silence over the plight of over 7 lakh poor people, scattered over an area of over 12000 sq kms. Mr Rehman added that it was only because the movement of Chinab Valley gaining momentum in the district that Government sanctioned Rs 15 crore for the district under Backward Area Development Programme. He further added that people have now understood the discriminatory and biased approach of the successive Governments and have virtually girded up their loins to take the movement to the logical conclusion cutting across political or religious considerations. Those who addressed the rally included Hanief Hashmi, president, Mohd Imtiaz Advocate, Kewal Singh Manhas, general secretary Kotwal Hans Raj and Bhagat Gian Chand secretary. The meeting was presided over by Kotwal Sansar Chand while stage secretary was Ch Shabir Ahmed. |
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Geelani views Ansari’s roadmap as ‘made in India’ From Aijaz Hussain SRINAGAR, Dec 11: While branding the roadmap of Ansari faction of Hurriyat Conference as "made in India", firebrand separatist leader and chairman of his faction of Hurriyat, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, today asserted that the "oppressed people of Jammu and Kashmir have always been betrayed by its leadership". Amid high pitch pro-Azadi sloganeering, he vowed to continue freedom struggle "even if I had to go to gallows like martyr Maqbool Bhat". Addressing a well-attended gathering at a function organised by Jammu and Kashmir Mahaz-e-Azadi in memory of late Sofi Mohammed Akbar, Geelani clarified that they were not against dialogue aimed at resolution of the Kashmir issue. "But India has to accept that Kashmir is a disputed territory. And let me clarify one more thing that if India want to avoid United Nation’s resolution, we can go for trilateral talks," he elaborated. He reiterated that let India first talk to Pakistan and later both the countries involve Kashmiri leadership in the process. "No way can any of the two parties come out with a solution to the Kashmir dispute," he added. Geelani welcomed Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s decision to visit Pakistan to attend the SAARC summit and expressed optimism that he would initiate a meaningful dialogue for the lasting solution of the Kashmir issue. "On behalf of oppressed people of Kashmir, I appeal to Mr Vajpayee to initiate purposeful parleys during his visit to Pakistan," he pleaded. In an obvious reference to Indira-Sheikh Abdullah accord of 1975, he emphasised that they would not allow 1975 be repeated here. "This oppressed nation has been betrayed by its leadership. If there had not been betrayals, there would not have been deception in 1947 or 1953. Neither we would have 1975’s accord." In a veiled manner while launching a scathing attack on the Ansari faction of Hurriyat Conference, he castigated its roadmap for solving the Kashmir issue. "Hurriyat’s constitution is clear and unambiguous about resolving the Kashmir dispute. Infact, Hurriyat’s constitution itself is roadmap. What are the reasons behind formulating another roadmap," he asked and added: "Where from this roadmap has come and why it has to be first shown to the West. Its (roadmap) made in India?" As Geelani said "we’re wedded to the cause and are ready to go to gallows like martyr Maqbool Bhat", his supporters shouted slogans "Geelani sahib qadum badaou hum tumharay saath hain, Azam sahib qadum badaou hum tumharay saath hain, Yaseen sahib qadum badaou hum tumharay saath hain, hum kya chahtay azadi". Interestingly, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman, Mohammed Yaseen Malik was not present in the function. He sought to clarify that he was not against unity among separatist ranks. "But I must clarify that there has to be unity for achieving a goal. Unity is not itself a goal," elaborated he. He disclosed that he was not present at the meeting when Hurriyat Conference was established as a forum at Mirwaiz Manzil in 1993. "I accepted the decision in the greater interest of unity and struggle." Geelani gave a detailed account how after the four-year term of first chairman, he was elected as next head of the conglomerate. "I got elected by a draw of lots. See, what has been approach and mindset of the people in the conglomerate. Afterwards, yet another (executive member) was choosen as chairman for three years. What was their contribution? I honestly feel that if some people could not do justice to the freedom struggle, they should not be on the driving seat," he explained. He also said how Peoples Conference as a Hurriyat constituent participated in 2002 Assembly election in the State and how Hurriyat leadership erred in regard to the elections. "In 1996 and 1999 Assembly and Parliament, Hurriyat came out with a open boycott appeal. In 2002 Assembly election, when Yaseen sahib and I were in jail, was it justice to the movement on their part not to appeal for boycott? Above all, they started parleys with Mr Ram Jethmalani. What was the outcome? In the first place, what is the locus standi of Mr Jethmalani?" he added. The senior separatist leader asked that if 16 constituent parties of Hurriyat on this juncture decided no confidence motion against the conglomerate’s leadership how was it against unity? "I must tell you, this decision was to save cause." He said that his Hurriyat’s doors were open to anyone who accepts its constitution. "Sometimes our newspapers publish stories which are quite contradictory to facts. People must know that whatever is written in newspapers is not holy revelation to be believed." Geelani lambasted at the police action on the peaceful demonstrations on the occasion of World Human Rights Day on Wednesday. "It was a shameful attitude on part of Mufti sahib’s killer police. The so-called healing touch (policy) is just a charade to disguise their activities," he lamented. Earlier, Democratic Freedom Party’s supremo, Shabir Ahmed Shah, in his speech emphasised that unity among separatist ranks was the need of hour. "If we all believe in one God, one prophet and one aim then why are we scattered?" He also criticised the roadmap of Ansari led Hurriyat. "If they have prepared a roadmap why it has to be first shown to the West? West has to play a role but Kashmiris must be at the epicentre of everything vis-à-vis settlement of the Kashmir issue," he said. Shah said that foreign dignitaries and diplomats were meeting separatist leadership because of the unlimited sacrifices given by youth. He pointed out that print as well as electronic media was portraying Mr Geelani as hard-liner and others as moderates. "Time will decide who is what," he added. |
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Corrupt bureaucrats still
ruling the roost Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 11: Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) chief Prof Bhim Singh, though, appreciated Government’s action to remove 15 dead wood public servants, stated on the floor of the Upper House that tainted Ministers and corrupt bureaucrats were still ruling the roost. Raising the issue of retiring 15 tainted officers during Zero Hour in the Legislative Council, Prof Singh, whose JKNPP is a constituent of coalition Government, hailed Government for constituting a committee headed by Chief Secretary, Dr S S Bleoria, who according to him, is a dedicated and honest person. While pointing towards decision of the Government to retire 15 officers, Prof Singh said that atleast notice should be served on them before retiring them. He observed that it was violation of constitution. "Although action has been taken against some officers, most corrupt and tainted officers are still indulged in looting the State", he stated and asked, "you have taken action against some corrupt officers but what about tainted Ministers ?". "If you can not take action against real corrupt officers and tainted Minister how can you fulfill your promises to eradicate corruption and provide transparent government ?", he asked. When one of the National Conference member chided him that he too was part of the Government, Prof Singh reacted, "I am in the Government that is why I am not disclosing names of those tainted Ministers. I am very much aware of those Ministers". Earlier reacting to the reply of Minister of Technical Education, Prof Singh demanded that there should be separate technical board for the students of Jammu region. Replying to Prof Singh question, Minister of Technical Education and Youth Services and Sports, Haji Nisar stated that answer sheets of the students of Jammu Polytechnic College were evaluated at both divisions and the examiners of Jammu as well as Srinagar were engaged to evaluate the answer scripts. The Minister stated that the Government has accepted the demand of the protesting students to carry on their classes irrespective of their exam results. The Minister, however, made it clear that there was no proposal for having separate board either for Kashmir or for Jammu. Regarding percentage of pass out students in the Polytechnic colleges Jammu, the Minister stated that it was 6.87 percent in first year, 13.14 percent in second year and 34.11 percent in third year. Prof Singh while highlighting problems of the students demanded that answer sheets of the Jammu students should be evaluated at Jammu and Srinagar students at Srinagar. |
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BJP flays NC for moving adjournment motion Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 11: State BJP president Dr Nirmal Singh today criticised the National Conference for moving an adjournment motion on the issue of the so-called human rights. He said this motion simply proved that National Conference like other coalition partners are interested more in the "human right" of the religious fanatics, separatists, terrorists and murderers of humanity as also those charged with the defence of the country than in the vital national interests. He said that PDP president’s assertion that the motion moved by NC is people-centric can easily be described as unstinted cooperation of the State Government for the cult of gun and separation based on religious fanaticism. Dr Singh also dismissed as one more fraud on the people of Jammu, the dharna by the Panthers Party legislators in the Assembly and challenged them to come out of the Government if they are really interested in the well being of the people of Jammu. He asked them to clear their stand on Government decision to enhance power tariff five times, PDP’s refusal to implement Wazir Commission report and absence of Jammuites from decision-making bodies. Asking JKNPP to clear stand on report submitted by three member committee to the education Minister about 10 months back which recommends transfer from Kashmir 500 rare manuscripts to Ranbir Library Jammu which were taken to Valley 50 years ago. |
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Jugal inaugurates Dhanori-Lattori water supply scheme Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 11: As a step forward to ensure availability of drinking water to the people in rural areas of the State, the Minister of State for PHE, Irrigation & FC, Jugal Kishore laid foundation stone of augmentation of Dhanori-Lattori water supply Scheme at Katra yesterday. Releasing 35,000 gallons of water per hour, the scheme will meet the water requirement of about 1000 souls of 5 villages through 3 reservoirs of 2,40,000 gallons capacity at Dhanori, Lattori and at the site of source respectively. Earlier the Minister inaugurated Government Primary School, Lateri constructed at a cost of Rs.3.69 lakhs under "Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan", The school will provide education to the children who earlier had to cover long distance on foot. The problems like upgradation of schools, construction & repairs of roads, development of tourist spots and staff shortage were highlighted by the people. The Minister also assured that link road from Dhanori to Nomain will also be constructed soon. |
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Public issues dominate Council proceedings Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 11: Various issues of public importance were raised today in Legislative Council by the members. Abdul Rehman Tukroo drew the attention of Government towards dilapidated condition of Evacuee Property in Jammu and the property left behind by Kashmiri migrants in the valley. Bashir Ahmad Naz urged the Chief Minister to call a meeting of Unified Headquarters for reviewing the process of fencing being carried by the security agencies along Jammu and Kashmir border. He said large tracts of agriculture land would be rendered useless by the fencing. Nizam-ud-Din Khattana demanded opening of Degree College in Dooru Shahabad area of district Anantnag and said this has been a long pending demand of the people of the area. Mohammad Iqbal Bhat expressed his concern over alleged withdrawal of personnel security of National Conference activists of district Doda. He said Government should reconsider its decision and continue the security of the political workers. Ch Lal Mohammad Sabir demanded that the assassination case of Mohammad Afzal, Advocate should be handed over to the Crime Branch or Centre Bureau of Investigation for identification of the real conspirators who plotted the murder of a renowned advocate of the State. |
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Dharna staged infront
of Div Comm office Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 11: Dogra Liberation Front (DLF) today appealed the people to adopt tough posture and not to pay the enhanced power tariff at any cost. This appeal was made by the Front’s leaders while addressing a dharna staged in front of the office of Divisional Commissioner against the increased power tariff and load. "Increase in power tariff is yet another tool to exploit the people of the Jammu region and add insult to their injury", they said. President of the Front Narinder Sharma said that on one side the Government has been resorting to unscheduled power cuts and on the other side it has increased the power tariff overnight making it clear that even Mufti Mohammad Sayeed-led coalition Government was hell bent to oppress the people of Jammu region. "The hike cannot be justified in any way as Power Development Department has been realising lion’s share of revenue from Jammu people", he said and added that instead of improving the power generation system and starting new projects the Government has found it better to impose huge tariff. He appealed the Jammu people not to pay the tariff at any cost and stand like a rock against the oppressive policies of the coalition Government. "It is astonishing that despite having surplus electricity Jammu and Kashmir has been grooping in dark but Pakistan, which is dependent on the rivers flowing from this State, is having the surplus electricity", he expressed surprise and said that it was due to non-exploitation of resources available with the State. The Front urged the Government not to go in for realisation of increased tariff failing which people would come on roads as they were already facing discrimination and would not tolerate any more. The dharna was also addressed by Ram Pal Sharma, Ashish Nargotra, Sanjay Mehra, Vijay Kumar and Surinder Kumar. |
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Government refers case of Doda killing to Crime Branch Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 11: The Government has referred the case of killing of 7 members of family in Doda district on 21st Nov.2003 during a marriage ceremony, to the Crime branch for detailed investigation. This was stated by Minister of State for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Abdul Rehman Veeri on behalf of the Minister in-charge Home during the proceedings in the Legislative Council today. He was replying to the call attention motion moved by Prof. Bhim Singh in this regard. The Minister said that investigation of the case is on and the report as soon as is available would be presented in the House. It may be recalled that incident involved firing by some masked persons during the marriage ceremony of Mr Niaz Ahmed resulting in death of 7 persons and one got seriously injured due to firing. |
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Mazdoor Dastkar Front discusses demands Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 11: Mazdoor Dastkar Front, Jammu and Kashmir, elected office bearers with Bhagat Puran Chand as president for district Kathua, Raj Kumar Kangra as state general secretary, Jagan Nath Gadka as state vice president, Bodh Raj Banotra as secretary and Ramesh Chander as cashier. Members of executive body included Babu Ram, Vijay Kumar, Suresh Kumar, Parshotam Lal, Puran Chand, Uttam Chand, Ashok Kumar, Raj Kumar Manotra, Amar nath Gadka and Bachan Lal. The meeting demanded representation to Dastkars so as to project their demands and get them resolved accordingly. The meeting called for allowances to them for study of their children besides employment to their children. The members of the Front included Motor mechanics, Plumbers, polish men, white-washers, carpenter, Mason, Lohar, Shoe Makers and Rajrahs as also other kinds of works. All the speakers of the Front demanded allotment of space for them to eke out a living honourably. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 11: State Pensioners Association in a meeting under the chairmanship of Baldev Raj Sharma, chairman, expressed serious concern over unexplained delay in release of 4 percent DA instalment from July 2003 to State pensioners and employees. They said release was imperative in view of unprecedented hike in the cost of living as a result of which the affected people were undergoing various hardships and that any further delay may force them to launch an agitation. Besides Baldev Raj Sharma, general secretary D P Sharma, Harbans Lal Bhagat and Jagdish Raj Sharma were also amongst the speakers. They also raised voice demanding enhancement in Medical Allowance from Rs 100 to Rs 300, reducing of period of commuted pension from 15 to 12 years and extension of benefit of reimbursement of medical expenses including hospitalisation in favour of pensioners as in their old age the are more prone to time consuming and serious kinds of ailments and specialised treatment needed which they can ill-afford out of their meagre pension resources. Essay, short story writing competitions held Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 11: Under the ongoing ‘Display Your Talent’ contest by Department of Students Welfare in Jammu University, On the Spot Essay Writing and Short Story Writing competitions were held today. Topics for the Essay Writing in English language were ‘If I become Principal of my college’, ‘Women empowerment and National Development’, ‘Inter-net: A boon or bane’ while topics in Hindi language were ‘Terrorism and Kashmir problem’, ‘If I become Prime Minister of India’ and ‘Contribution of Hindi language in development of Indian culture’. The students were required to pen down the essays comprising 2000-3000 words on any one of the given topics. The contest was conducted under the supervision of Dr Deepsheekha Kotwal, incharge of the activity while 47 students from different colleges and the University departments participated in the contest. In the second session, On the Spot Short Story Writing contest was held. The participants were required to write short story comprising 1500 words in either English, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi or Sanskrit. Prof Neelam Saraf was teacher incharge of the event while Prof Devinder Singh and Dr Pritam Singh supervised the contest. Jammu Yatri Bhawan to provide all facilities to devotees Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 11: A meeting of the trustees cum office bearers of Jammu Yatri Bhawan, Haridwar was held today. It was decided in the meeting that Yatri Bhawan Trust would host the devotees from all over the Jammu region, visiting Haridwar either on the occasion of Ardh Kumba to be held next year or those visiting the holy place for performing holy baths (Maha Sanana), falling from January to May 2004. It was disclosed that in connection with Ardh Kumba and religious baths, the Jammu Yatri Bhawan has made elaborate arrangements for the pilgrims from Jammu region and other places, to perform the holy Yatra. Boarding and lodging arrangements for Yatries exist at the Bhawan comprising 90 spacious rooms with all the modern comforts and having attached bath-rooms, beddings and heating arrangements and other infrastructure for spiritual discourses. Besides providing accommodation without any charges, free four times meals are served daily to the pilgrims and all expenses are met from donations by the benevolent. The management of the Yatri Bhawan at Jammu called upon the pilanthropist and benevolent organisations and individuals, who are desirous to make contributions in cash or kind, to contact at phones number 3574881, 2562838, 2570998 and mobile number 9419182143 and 9419185058. Judicial staff holds rally
against inaction Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 11: Entire Judicial Staff posted at Jammu Headquarters took out a rally against the in-action of the District administration in respect of persons responsible for taking out a demonstration against the institution of Judiciary within the court complex. The rally among others was addressed by State general secretary S Surinder Singh and Mattu Khan, president of Process Servers. A resolution was later adopted resolving to launch an agitation against the District Administration and a demand was made to prosecute immediately the members of vested interests who led the demonstration. It was also decided to observe first half day token strike in the courts at Jammu and at other district headquarters on December 12 to press for the demands. Meanwhile a grand demonstration was held by parents as well as unemployed youth of Jammu division against alleged back-door appointments made by Acting Chief Justice of the J&K State High Court for the posts of steno, junior assistants and orderlies in subordinate courts in response to which more than one lakh youth applied for the aforesaid posts, but to their utter surprise various appointments were made without calling interviews. The demonstrators raised slogans for cancellation of the back-door appointments and demanded that proper procedure like test/interview be adopted to make the recruitment transparent. They also demanded an independent inquiry to bring out the truth which compelled the authorities to make back-door appointments. It may be mentioned that over a year ago the High Court had issued notification for recruitment of stenos, junior Assistants and orderlies in the sub-ordinate courts. The demonstrators threatened to to fight with full might against injustice done to them and continue their fight till back-door appointments were cancelled. They also released a list of candidates adjusted back-door. Punjabi Lekhak Sabha discusses demands Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 11: A meeting of Punjabi Lekhak Sabha was held under the chairmanship of S Kirpal Singh Kasali at M C Khalsa High School in which Prof (Doctor) Updesh Kour of PG Department of Jammu University was the chief guest and S Shamsher Singh conducted the proceedings. Speaking on the challenges to Punjabi language and literature in J&K State and responsibilities of the Punjabi writers, intellectuals and general masses linked with Punjabi, Kirpal Singh Kasali said in a written statement that matters related to language and literature are of serious nature and can not be sidelined or over-looked for long. He said coming generations will judge us by our conduct, work and output at this stage and bracket us in places of honour or humiliation. Mr Kasali thanked Mahant Manjeet Singh Ji of Dera Nangali Sahib for providing one kanal of land to Punjabi lekhak Sabha Jammu and promising to render all possible assistance and sources for raising a befitting building over there for the Sabha. He also thanked the outgoing executive committee of the Sabha as well as president of Bhawan Nirman Committee for starting the construction work over the said land. He was all praise for management committee of M C Khalsa High School/College of education for providing venue for Lekhak Sabha meetings so far. He stressed upon members to be ready to achieve the unfinished goal of Punjabi Lekhak Sabha to ensure the rights of Punjabi from Government and semi-Government organizations and implementation of Punjabi language in schools and colleges and to ensure proper place for Punjabi literature and its writers. Various demands were projected in the meeting and office bearers elected for Punjabi Lekhak Sabha who included Messrs Dr Devinder Singh as Patron, Kirpal Singh Kasali as president, Amar Singh Kooka as senior vice president, Dr Gurcharan Singh Gulshan as vice president, Shamsher Singh Chohalvi as general secretary, Dr Monojit as cashier, Pyasa Anjum as organiser and Mrs Sharanjit Kour as literary secretary. Executive members included Didar Singh, Dr Updesh Kour, Harbhajan Singh Saagar, Dr Baljit Singh Raina, Devinder Singh Vishva Nagrik, Bachan Bharti, Avtar Singh Chandan and Prof Janak Singh Kirti. Spree of accidents at Last Morh Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 11: Four persons were injured and seven vehicles damaged in three accidents at Last Morh Gandhi Nagar late this evening. All the three mishaps took place within a period of 15 minutes. Police spokesman said that in the first accident a truck bearing registration number JK02G-5182 hit Indica car number JK02E-0520. Though the occupants of the car escaped unhurt yet the vehicle was badly damaged. Before the police patrol party led by SHO S S Sambyal could sort out the matter, a mini-bus bearing registration number JK02P-8737 skidded off the road and rolled down. Due to this, about four passengers received injuries, one of them critically. While police was busy in shifting injured to hospital and getting the erring vehicles seized, a speeding and rashly driven truck number HR38F-3531 hit three parked vehicles bearing registration numbers—PB02F-1196, JK02R-3328 and JK02U-5370. The speed of the truck can be gauged from the fact that it dragged one vehicle upto large extent. |
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