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| Recruitments being made purely on merit, laid down procedure: CM Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said the recruitment in Government departments is being made purely on merit and laid down procedure in a most transparent manner....more Seminar
being organised Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: Coordination Committee of All J&K Power Engineer and Employees has decided to clear the misconception...........more 2
Tehsildars get bail Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: Justice YP Nargotra of the State High Court has granted bail to two Tehsildars involved in Kathua land scam case..........more Malik
appears in Rubia Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) supremo Yasin Malik, alongwith three other accused, facing trial in Rubia Sayeed kidnaping case, appeared before TADA Court here today......more Rs 31 cr
scheme to Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: A new scheme involving expenditure of Rs.30.60 crore has been taken up to augment the potable water supply in the core areas of Jammu city. The scheme........more |
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Zero
Hour in Legislative Assembly Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 18: Minister for Finance and Parliamentary Affairs, Muzaffar Hussain Baig today assured the assembly that an inquiry would be conducted into the allegations of backdoor appointments in some departments............more JDA,
JMC file contradict affidavits Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: In a much publicized Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the inhabitants of Topsherkhania regarding the alleged illegal construction of two banquet halls— New Palace Marriage Hall and Akshay Guest House at Vikas Nagar Sarwal, the Division Bench of the State High Court.........more BJP
implicated Mayawati Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: All India general secretary of Bahujan Samaj Party, Narinder Kashyap has alleged that Bharatiya Janata Party was trying to sabotage their Party..........more LAHDC
amendment bill Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: Legislative Assembly today referred a bill to amend the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council..........more |
Recruitments being made purely on
merit, Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said the recruitment in Government departments is being made purely on merit and laid down procedure in a most transparent manner leaving no scope for backdoor appointments. ‘We have passed on instructions for strict observance of norms and made it loud and clear that no appointment, even those of casual labourers, would be allowed in any circumstance’, he said while intervening to the supplementaries to a question by M.Y. Tarigami in the legislative assembly this morning. The Chief Minister said that wherever exigency of manpower is felt, the department concerned should train the candidates in the requisite trades and then effect their regular appointment after following proper procedure. Such exigencies generally arise in public health engineering, power development, gardens and parks, irrigation departments etc, he added. On allegations that some casual labourers have been engaged, he said, whenever such complaints are received, necessary steps are taken for revoking these appointments. Earlier, in reply to the main question, Agriculture Minister Abdul Aziz Zargar said that no person has been appointed as daily rated worker after the formation of the coalition Government. Casual labourers, he said, however, are engaged by the department in departmental nurseries and farms for different agricultural operations. This arrangement is purely temporary and discontinued with the completion of the specific operation, he added. J&K receives Rs. 1600 cr. investment proposals Jammu and Kashmir Government has received investment proposals amounting to Rs. 1600 crore for setting up industrial units in the State during the past one year. Minister of State for Industries and Commerce Raman Mattoo while replying to the supplementaries to a question by Raman Bhalla, said these investment proposals are being processed. Mr. Mattoo said that a committee comprising Sales Tax Commissioner and Director Industries has been constituted to sort out the matters regarding payment of sales tax by some units, adding that the issue would be resolved and units start production soon. He said out of 40,000 industrial units registered in the State, 18000 are non- functional due to locational and other disadvantages. The Minister said that the state’s new industrial policy would be announced by February next. He said the North East type benefits of the industrial policy of the centre have been extended to Jammu and Kashmir, benefiting the local entrepreneurs. Earlier, in reply to the main question, Mattoo said that 89 industrialists from outside the State have offered to set up units here. He said 60 of these have already been registered provisionally and 29 formally. SIDCO has received 28 proposals for setting up medium and large scale industries from prominent industrialists in response to the Chief Minister’s visit to various parts of the country. These proposals have been cleared by the apex project clearance committee. Of these, four units, Burger Paints, Sun Pharmaceuticals, Vinayak Synthetics and Tawi Enterprises, with an investment of Rs. 48.50 crore are at various stages of implementation. Mr. Mattoo said that the visit of the Chief Minister alongwith Deputy Chief Minister and other concerned officials to Delhi, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Lucknow and Kolkata and his subsequent meetings with top business and industry leaders to re-establish entrepreneurial bonds between Jammu and Kashmir and rest of the country has created a good impact. He said a number of leading industrial houses are making frantic enquiries for setting up their ventures in the State. |
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Seminar
being organised to educate people Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: Coordination Committee of All J&K Power Engineer and Employees has decided to clear the misconception of the people about the recent decision of the Government regarding hike in electricity consumption load and charging of flat rate from those who have not installed the electronic meters. For this, Coordination Committee is going to organise a seminar at Abhinav Theatre on December 22. The Committee is of the opinion that lack of awareness regarding electricity scenario in the State and its use and misuse has forced the people to take the decision of Government as a harsh step. Talking to media-persons, Chairman Coordination Committee Mohan Singh said that there has been a communication gap between the Power Development Department (PDD) and the consumers about the judicious use of electricity vis-a-vis resultant loss to the State exchequer. "The consumers are not aware of the fact that there has been a vast gap between the electricity purchased and the revenue realisation thereof. Moreover, the electricity is widely being misused and to keep check on the same some steps have to be taken by the department", he further said. Mr Singh disclosed that Jammu and Kashmir, which is dependent on the Northern Grid for purchase of power, has been purchasing power by spending about 60 percent of the total State budget. "But when it comes to realisation of the revenue the scenario is very grim. At present the revenue realisation is Rs 325 crore every year which is just 1/5th of the total import bill", he said and added that the import bill could be reduced and more people could be benefited only when there would be judicious use of electricity. According to Mr Singh, there were certain points where the consumers have to be cleared so that they instead of criticising the PDD and Government would make proper use of the electricity and revenue realisation thereof. "It is only to create awareness that we have decided to organise a seminar on December 22", he further said and added that all the constituents of Coordination Committee would take part in the seminar. "The seminar would highlight the need of power in domestic and industrial sector, its importance for every individual and how to prevent misuse of electricity", vice-chairman of Coordination Committee Dalip Singh Azad said and appealed the people not to be carried away with false propaganda and contribute in bringing the state out of financial morass. |
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2 Tehsildars get bail in Kathua land scam Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: Justice YP Nargotra of the State High Court has granted bail to two Tehsildars involved in Kathua land scam case. The bail was granted on the applications filed by Ashok Kumar Gupta, Tehsildar Territorial Kathua and Shiv Kumar Sharma, Tehsildar Agrarian Reforms Kathua. It was directed that in the event of the arrest of the accused persons, they be released on furnishing bail bonds to the tune of Rupees 25,000 each and personal bond of the like amount to the satisfaction of detaining officer. They shall, however, not directly or indirectly tamper with the prosecution evidence and shall also participate in the investigation of the case and for that purpose make themselves available to the investigating authority, as and when required. In the approved for reporting 34 page order, Justice Nargotra observed that without referring to the facts involved so as to see whether the offenses are made out against the accused prima facie or not, lest it may prejudice the parties during the trial. The court would simply say that the petitioners-accused are entitled to grant of anticipatory bail for the reasons that they are Government Officers and they have roots in the society, there is no likely-hood of their absconding. As per Vigilance case, Ashok Kumar Gupta and Shiv Kumar Sharma— both Tehsildars, Dewan Singh, Naib Tehsildar, Des Raj, Girdawar and Raghuwinder Singh, Patwari had hatched a criminal conspiracy with one Kashmiri Lal Bali with a view to make fraudulent allotment of 48 kanals of land falling in Janglot village. They fabricated the record and allocated the land to Kashmiri Lal Bali on January 20, 2003, showing him the occupant of the land from 1971 onwards, despite the fact that he had migrated from Chhamb in 1971 and settled in Manwal camp upto 1978. This land was the State land and under illegal occupation of Parveen Kumar, Lokesh Kumar, Tilak Raj, Rajesh Kumar and Nek Mohd. It was also alleged that the attorney holder Uttam Singh had sold 16 kanals of land out of 28 kanals to Raj Daluja, who is constructing a school building on the said land. Apprehending the arrest, the accused Tehsildars had filed bail application before Special Judge Anti-corruption Jammu, which was rejected. They later moved the High Court. |
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Malik appears in Rubia Sayeed kidnaping case Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) supremo Yasin Malik, alongwith three other accused, facing trial in Rubia Sayeed kidnaping case, appeared before TADA Court here today. The accused appeared alongwith their Advocates BL Chatta and Yogesh Bakshi who also filed applications for other six accused persons for their exemption. The TADA Court Presiding Officer PN Razdan after hearing the Advocates and the Special Prosecutor appearing for the CBI, exempted six other accused for appearing in the court for today, as the stand was taken that due to the bad weather, the accused couldn’t reach here for hearing. The Court also cancelled the arrest warrants which were earlier issued against Yasin Malik for securing his presence, as he appeared in the court and requested for cancellation of the same. As per CBI case, in December 1989, Rubia Sayeed, daughter of then Union Home Minister and present State Chief Minister Mufti Mohd Sayeed, was going to hospital where she was doing her house-job. She was kidnaped at gun point and taken to an unknown place. The abductors had demanded the release of their colleagues from the jails and the deal was struck between the Government and the kidnapers. The Government was compelled to release the detenues as demanded by the kidnapers. The case was initially registered by State Police and after sometime, referred to the country’s premier investigating agency, CBI. The CBI, after the completion of the investigation, had presented the challan in the court of TADA. |
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| Rs 31 cr scheme to augment water
supply in Jammu: Qazi Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: A new scheme involving expenditure of Rs.30.60 crore has been taken up to augment the potable water supply in the core areas of Jammu city. The scheme envisages tapping of water from the river Tawi near Sitlee to meet growing water requirements of old Jammu city particularly New Plots, Sarwal, Bakshi Nagar, Roop Nagar and other adjoining areas falling on the right bank of the river Tawi. This was stated by the Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Qazi Mohammad Afzal while interacting with a deputation of prominent citizens of Jammu who called on him here today. Mr. Qazi said the scheme would be completed in a phased manner. He said due to mushrooming of unplanned colonies, pressure of migration and other factors, the need for augmenting existing schemes has increased. The work of construction of 5.4 MGD filtration plant has been allotted to JKPCC, he added. The Minister said during last financial year, about Rs.2 cores have been incurred on providing and laying of 250 mm gravity main from Lohar to Roop Nagar, improvement and extension of distribution system Chinoor- Roop Nagar, development of PHE station, Sitlee, Roop Nagar and Dhounthly, lying of 200 mm gravity main from Manda to New Plot. Besides, Rs. 45 lakhs have been spent for further improvement and extension of 5.4 MG of water treatment plant up to October 2003. The Minister said to ensure optimum water supply in the Jammu city, improvement, extension and replacement of worn out pipes in the existing distribution system would be taken in hand in a phased manner. For this purpose Rs.1.14 crore have been earmarked. |
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Zero Hour in Legislative
Assembly Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 18: Minister for Finance and Parliamentary Affairs, Muzaffar Hussain Baig today assured the assembly that an inquiry would be conducted into the allegations of backdoor appointments in some departments. He said he would be formally writing to the Chief Minister about this and in deference to the ruling of the Chair the inquiry would be conducted to ascertain facts. This followed allegations made by some members during the Zero Hour about appointments in some departments in violation of the rules and Government policy. The Deputy Speaker, who was in the Chair, asked the Government to institute an inquiry into the allegations. Earlier, Ali Mohammad Sagar alleged that a junior officer was promoted to a senior position in the Board of School education who subsequently issued some appointment orders in violation of the rules. Contesting the allegation, Minister for Education, Harsh Dev Singh said he would rescind all such orders if proved that these were issued in violation of the rules. Dr. Mehboob Beg also referred to some appointments made in the agriculture department allegedly in violation of rules. Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma said that route permits are issued to Sumo vehicles throughout the State but clarified that presently route permits for matadors are not provided in the two capital cities. Replying to the issue raised by Sartaj Madni, Sharma said that to cope up with the unemployment issue, route permits are given to unemployed educated youth who apply for the same. In reply to Yogesh Sawhney’s allegation that attachments of teachers is continuing in Jammu and Srinagar, the Minister for Education asked him to come up with specific instances so that same are detached at the earliest. Mr. M. Y. Tarigami stressed on continuing the drive to get the administration rid of corrupt and deadwood elements. He urged for implementing the Pillia Inquiry Committee report into JAKFED scandal. Molvi Abdul Rashid pleaded for providing relief to the families whose members died in a recent road accident on the national highway near Banihal. Mr. Nazir Ahmad Gurezi demanded relief to the families affected due to border shelling in Gurez. Rashpal Singh appealed to the Chief Minister to relax the qualification bar for educated youth of areas where graduates are not available for appointment of third teacher under Rehbar-e-Taleem. Raman Bhalla demanded for immediate release of COLA to public sector employees. Dr. Mahohar Lal sought filling up of two vacant posts of Assistant Engineers of Irrigation and Flood Control in his constituency. S. Manjeet Singh raised the issue of deteriorating condition of health centres in his constituency. Mr. Mian Altaf Ahmad alleged clandestine sale of livestock of Government cattle farms by some sheep husbandry officials. Mr. Javeed Ahmad Rana demanded release of dues to daily wagers of PHE department in Poonch and Rajouri districts. Mr. Saifullah demanded probe into the mysterious killing of six family members of Habibullah Khan of Bumhama in his constituency. Mr. Sharief-ud-Din Shariq asked for speedy disposal of ex-gratia and SRO cases of Kashmiri Pandit migrants. Mrs. Khemlata Wakhloo and Jugal Kishore demanded relief and compensation to the affected families of Nadimarg massacre. The latter also presented a memorandum of the affected families to the Chief Minister. Mrs. Suman Bhagat demanded upgradation of High School R. S. Pora to Higher Secondary level while as Pir Mohammad Hussain demanded upgradation of High school Achabal to Higher Secondary school. Mr. G. M. Jan asked for action against an official of PHE who has allegedly taken pipes from the department. Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather quoted former Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah having alleged that his telephone lines were being tapped and personal servants immediate. Rather said that this tantamount to curtailing the political activities of leader who has been thrice the Chief Minister of the State. Mr. Babu Singh wanted the extension of industrial pension scheme to Jammu and Kashmir also. Dr. Romesh Chand demanded construction of cluster houses for border migrant on the pattern of those being raised for Pandit migrants in the valley. Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar demanded that pilgrims proceeding on Haj for the second time be allowed to proceed Haj from Srinagar instead of New Delhi. Mr. Ashwani Kumar sought simplifing the process of renewal of OBC certificate. Mr. Abdul Gani Malik demanded the release of detenues of Gool area who are not involved in heinous crimes. Mr. Mohammad Abbas pleaded upgradation of interior rural roads in Kargil district. Dr. Chaman Lal proposed holding of annual examinations in October-November session in his constituency. Mr. Balwant Singh pleaded for sorting the pay anomalies of teachers and release of DA installment. Mr. Usman Majeed asked for maintaining the reserve value while auctioning the tourist cafeterias at Nishat, Shalimar and Harvan by JKTDC. Mr. Prem Sagar Aziz asked for providing ambulance to PHC in Lohi Mahilla and Machali. Mr. Sajad Ahmad Kichloo and G. M. Saroori demanded district status to Kishtwar as per the Wazir Commission report. Dr. Ghulam Nabi Lone and Faquir Nath demanded upgradation of village roads in their constituencies. Mr. Mohammad Syed Akhoon demanded halting of the demolition drive in Nandnipora and Mir Bhari areas. Mr. Mohammad Syed Shah demanded selection of the candidates of the panel made last year for the appointment of Rehbar-e-Taleem in mixed primary school in his constituency. |
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JDA, JMC file contradict
affidavits Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: In a much publicized Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the inhabitants of Topsherkhania regarding the alleged illegal construction of two banquet halls— New Palace Marriage Hall and Akshay Guest House at Vikas Nagar Sarwal, the Division Bench of the State High Court, comprising Acting Chief Justice VK Jhanji and Justice Syed Bashir-ud-Din appointed Registrar Vigilance for verifying the factual position of the land on which these hall/guest house have been raised. The order came after Jammu Development Authority (JDA) and Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) gave contradicting facts in their affidavits with regard to the status of the land comprising khasra number 872. The documents filed by Municipal Corporation showed that the permission to raise the construction was given on Khasra number 872 which is not the State land, whereas in the affidavit filed by JDA, it has been clearly mentioned that the land bearing khasra number 872 is a State land. In order to determine whether Khasra number 872 is a State land or otherwise, the DB directed Registrar Vigilance (Judicial) to call for the record or examine any Official/Officer of Nazool department, JMC, JDA and all other concerned agencies. It was directed that the Registrar is at liberty to examine any record of the concerned Sub-Registrar relating to any transaction or sale deed with regard to any portion of the land comprised in khasra number 872 situated at Top Sherkhania. The Registrar Vigilance (Judicial) shall submit the report to the court on or before the adjourned date of hearing, it was further directed. In the meantime, one Hem Raj, S/o Shanker Dass, who appeared before the court, sought time to engage counsel and file affidavit. He was directed to produce the record, the sale-deed or titled deed in regard to the land underneath and adjacent and forming the part of the complex— New Palace marriage Hall and Akshay Guest House at Sarwal. The Court stayed the construction, if any carrying, till further orders. |
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BJP implicated Mayawati to defame BSP: Kashyap Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: All India general secretary of Bahujan Samaj Party, Narinder Kashyap has alleged that Bharatiya Janata Party was trying to sabotage their Party and implicate the top Party leader, Mayawati into false CBI cases. Addressing Party workers in a one day convention- cum-workshop of the Party held here today, the BSP leader said that CBI was fully acting on the dictates of the BJP leaders in the Centre and it has been fully influenced by the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani. Describing the cases against Mayawati as baseless and total manipulation of the BJP leaders, Mr Kashyap said that Party supremo Kanshi Ram was not keeping well for the last several months and immediately after fall of Government in UP, the BJP lead NDA Government adopted the attitude of confrontation and suppression against the BSP leaders. Refuting the claim of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee that BJP has achieved victory in Rajasthan, MP and Chhatisgarh due to over all development agenda of BJP, the BSP leader alleged that even today majority of people live below poverty line and Party won seats by misusing Administrative machinery and luring voters by offering huge money. The negative attitude of media towards BSP and Administrative support to BJP helped a lot them to ensure their win. Former BSP state unit president, Sheikh Abdul Rehman while speaking on the occasion said that Party has suffered some weakness in certain areas and there is need to strengthen it by giving proper attention. He asked the party workers to face all the challenges and make party strongly with the dedicated services. Mr Sewa Raman, state unit president of the Party while addressing the workers said that despite lot of hurdles and problems being created by some parties, the BSP is turning out as popular party among the poor and down trodden. He said it is only due to the sacrifices and visionary eyes of Baba Bhim Rao Ambedkar that the neglected lot of the society could get some justice. A lot more is yet to be done. He asked the Party workers to go to the masses and identify their problems so that they could be taken with the concerned authorities. Ex-MLAs, Som Nath from Samba and Sagar Chand from Kathua besides, another Party leader from Ramnagar—Khalil Ullah Qazi and Lt Col Manohar Lal (Retd) also spoke on the occasion. |
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LAHDC amendment bill goes to select committee Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: Legislative Assembly today referred a bill to amend the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Act, 1997 to a select committee for consideration with a voice vote. Moving the bill in the House, the Minister incharge Ladakh Affairs, Muzaffar Hussain Baig said that since the amendment in Panchayati Raj Act envisaging voting right to panchs is in conflict with the voting rights of councilors of the council, the select committee would sort out the issue. |
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Electric metre system being introduced in phased manner Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: The State Government has formulated a plan for introducing electric metre system in all the three regions of the State in phased manner. This was stated by Minister of Power Mohammed Sharief Niaz while replying to a question of P Namgyal in the Upper House. Mr Niaz informed the House that an amount of Rs 4.79 crore would be required for installation of 25560 electric metres in Leh and Kargil districts and the requirement has been projected under Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme funded by the Central Government. The Minister informed that the High Court had directed the State to take a decision in regard to installation of meters one way or the other within a period of six months from the date a copy of the court order made available by the petitioner. The Minister made it clear that the Government has not ignored directives of the High Court. He said that the Department has initiated action to implement the directives of the High Court and has prepared a scheme for strengthening and upgradation of the sub-transmission and distribution system besides metering of all consumer installations in Ladakh. Replying to the question of B A Naaz, the Minister of State for Roads and Building Bashir Ahmed informed the House that the work for improvement and widening on Jammu-Poonch road has been taken up at eight spots with a view to complete it within stipulate time. He said Rs 33 crore have so far been utilised for the purpose. |
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CSIR lecture at RRL Excelsior Special Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: Bright young minds must be attracted to careers in science and technology, stated Prof Rajeev Gupta, Department of Chemistry, University of Jammu, while delivering a lecture at Regional Research Laboatory (RRL) here today. Prof Gupta, who was chief guest at the function, stressed that science should be popularised at the school level by providing adequate and well qualified staff as also laboratories in Jammu and Kashmir. The students should be encouraged to do practical experiments in laboratories and also imparted knowledge about history of scientific advancement and philosophy of science. This will kindle among them deep interest and scientific temper at the young age and go on as a life-long experience. Catch them young, he said adding this will pave way in further promoting science. The 2-day CSIR programme on Youth for Leadership in Science being attended by nearly 100 top ranking 10th class science students from various educational institutional across Jammu and Kashmir was inaugurated by Prof Gupta, who was the chief guest. They will interact with scientists of RRL and acquaint themselves with popular science and contribution of eminent Indian scientists and technologists. Dr G N Qazi, Director, RRL, said this annual programme is to expose young minds to the exciting world of science. This will help them in building up a scientific temper at early age and instill a sense of pride in the achievement of Indian science. The Director said the scheme aims at encouraging youth to discover science exciting, rewarding and fulfilling career and gave his personal example. Dr Y S Bedi, Co-ordinator of this programme gave detailed introduction of the scheme. He said its aim is to attract best students toward science through a unique "hand holding" experience. This year 120 students were invited for the programme against 100 in the previous years. The top ranking five students in the merit list will be given facility to visit two CSIR laboratories anywhere in India and other schemes are there to popularise science among the talented youth. This lecture series, an annual feature, was introduced in 1999 and it is brain child of Dr Murli Manohar Joshi, Union Minister for HRD and Department of Science and Technology. During the open two days, the students will be acquainted with opportunities and challenges in the sphere of science and technology. The proceedings were ably conducted by Mrs Neelam Sharma. |
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More than 9000 performing Haj pilgrimage from J&K SRINAGAR, Dec 18: The Jammu and Kashmir Haj Committee has decided to take up with the Central Haj Committee the issue of more than 300 Kashmiris who have been directed to board the plane from Delhi instead of Srinagar to Jeddah. Meanwhile, for the third successive year, the first direct flight to Jeddah will take off from the Srinagar airport on December as more than 9000 pilgrims are performing the Haj this year from the state. There are 318 Kashmiris who are not entitled for the Haj subsidy this year and have to report at New Delhi for onward journey to Jeddah, state Haj committee convenor Khursheed Ahmad Ganai said. He said as per the new central guidelines, a person who is an Income Tax payee or have performed the Haj pilgrimage earlier also, is not entitled for the subsidy. He said there are 30 people who are paying Income Tax while remaining have performed the Haj pilgrimage earlier also. Mr Ganai, who is also the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, said all these people, already selected for this year’s Haj pilgrimage, have to report at Delhi for onward journey to Jeddah. Mr Ganai, admitting that this will create a lot of problem for the pilgrims, assured that he will take up the matter with the authorities concerned and the Central Haj Committee so that these people could also board the plane from here instead at Delhi. This is the decision of the Centre and not by the State Haj Committee, he clearified. However, he said, all these people have to deposit full amount with the State Haj Committee which will provide them with all travel documents. He said the Air India and the Indian Airlines have decided to operate two flights daily from next Wednesday till January 7 while as from January 8 there will be only one flight and the process of taking the 9080 pilgrims from the state to Jeddah will be completed by January 20. Mr Ganai said if any flight will be cancelled due to snowfall or bad weather, the pilgrims of that flight will be taken next day. However, the pilgrims booked for the third day will be affected and they will be taken to Jeddah at the end of the schedule programme after January 20. He said the pilgrims of Leh and Kargil will be brought here in advance by air while those Doda from will come by road for overnight stay here before their schedule flight for Jeddah. Hotels with heating arrangement have been booked for the pilgrims, he said, adding the Government will pay for their stay. Mr Ganai said because of security reasons, no individual pilgrim will be allowed to the airport. All the pilgrims have to report at the tourist reception centre here about five hours before the departure time from where they will be taken to the airport in buses. About the general complaints from pilgrims that C-grade accommodation is being provided at the Mecca and Madina to those who pay for a grade, Mr Ganai said the Haj Committee has taken care of this problem. He said the committee has selected 22 people who will work as guide to pilgrims from the state during the pilgrimage. The manager of the Srinagar airport said that all arrangements for the safe departure of pilgrims have been finalised. He said the authorities have installed two new X-ray machines at the main gate of the aiport for pilgrims with additional staff to avoid any delay. He said pilgrims will not be allowed to take any banned item with them. However, they can take their mobile phones with them in the baggage only while they can take passport and other documents besides ‘Ahram and Chappel in the handbags. The pilgrims will be provided foreign exchange at the airport, he said, adding the authorities have made adequate arrangements for offering prayers there. He said a pilgrim can take only Rs 5000 Indian currency with him. About the problem faced last year, Mr Ganai said, the customs office confiscated about 100 video cameras and other electronic goods from the pilgrims at the airport on their return. However, these items were released after recovering proper tax. He said a pilgrim can bring goods worth Rs 12000 only which are duty free. He appealed to the people that in case they are taking their mobile phones or any electronic goods from here, they need to get a certificate from the customs department so that they not face any problem on their return. (UNI) |
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Bid to evade Excise Tax foiled, heavy penalty imposed Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: Excise Department in its stepped up vigil against tax evaders, seized a vehicle at Samba loaded with chicks and imposed a heavy penalty which was realised from the defaulters. According to reports, a naka was organised in the early hours of this morning at Nud Morh, Samba by the Excise department party headed by Deputy Excise Commissioner (Executive) Jammu Mubarak Singh alongwith Excise and Taxation Officer, City Excise Range (South) M N Malik and Excise and Taxation Officer (Eradication) S Gurmukh Singh and other officials. During course of random checking a vehicle No: HP 12 3807 carrying 8160 chicks from M/s Raja Pharmaceuticals, Solan (Himachal Pradesh), consigned to a local dealer at Jammu was intercepted and when put to physical verification, it was revealed that the attendant of the vehicle had declared with active connivance of a local agent at Lakhanpur, as fish instead of chicks and evaded an amount of Rs 16,320 on account of Toll Tax. The driver of the vehicle and representative of the firm were apprehended and the vehicle seized and later released after imposing a penalty of Rs 93,072. The Department has registered a case with Police for arresting the person involved at Lakhanpur as also for further investigation of the matter. |
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Natrang to stage ‘Ghumayee’ in and outside J&K Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: Natrang’s highly acclaimed Dogri play Ghumayee has gained popularity across the country. This was claimed by Balwant Thakur, Director of this theatre group, while addressing a press confernce here today. He said there demand for staging this Dogra play at various parts of the country. Natrang proposes to make presentation of Ghumayee on December 24 at prestigious theatre "Nadikar" at Kolkata. Next, Gumayee is programmed to be staged at Bhubneshwar (Orrisa), Chandigarh (UT), Imphal (Manipur), Udaipur (Rajasthan), Jabalpur and Bhopal (MP), Shimla (HP), Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram, he informed. Mr Balwant Thakur announced that the performance of the play will be arranged in Jammu before its staging in various other cities in the country. The first such show of Ghumayee is being organised on December 20 at Abhinav Theatre, Jammu, he stated adding a ticket of Rs 100 will be charged. Ghumayee play has been staged a number of times in the city of temples and different other cities. Its popularity in and outside Jammu and Kashmir speaks volume about its touching story, direction and acting by the artists. Replying to question, Mr Thakur said that theatre is a potent media of communication and it is being utilised by Natran for raising issues of public importance. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: A meeting of FCI Staff bodies namely BKNK Sangh, FCI Executive Staff Union, FCI Employees Congress was held today with the Chairman of Food Corporation of India R M Premkumar and Zonal Manager (N) Kush Verma at regional Office here in the presence of Senior Regional Manager Dr Shoukat Hussain. Various problems being faced by the Staff in J&K region like grant of Disturbed Area Allowance on the pattern of Kashmir valley and promotional avenues under the Assured Career Progression Scheme in order to remove acute stagnation faced by the FCI employees were discussed. The Union leaders laid stress on making compassionate appointments to one member of bereaved families to mitigate their sufferings and urged that Management may take up the matter with Union Government for allowing appointments to the next of kin of these employees. The Unions also demanded that additional budget may be provided to J&K region for releasing payments to the employees who are performing during late hours. The FCI Chairman gave a patient hearing to the demands of the different unions and assured that he would ensure early settlement of the problems. The Unions of FCI employees thanked the Chairman and Zonal Manager for appointing Dr Shoukat Hussain, son of the soil and a career officer of the Corporation as Head of the Region. |
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Motivation campaign for
prospective Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: The National Small Industries Corporation Limited (NSIC), Jammu, in collaboration DOEACC Centre, Jammu, organised an intensive motivation campaign for young prospective entrepreneurs at Jammu University, here yesterday. The programme was launched for 35 students of the institute to encourage them for starting their own venture. In his key note address, Mr Rajiv Kapur highlighted the role of NSIC and its various schemes in general and the constant initiative for conducting such programmes in particular. He also outlines various schemes of NSIC for the students. In his address, the Manager (Extn), District Industry Centre, Mr Vinay Bhushan explained the formalities to be completed for getting DIC registration. The Manager, Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), Mr Naresh Babuta underlined the importance of SSI sector in the country and SIDBI’s efforts to further strengthen it to generate more employment. District Co-ordinator of PNB, Dr M D Bali, highlighted the role of his bank to help the entrepreneurs to run their enterprise successfully. General Manager Women Development Corporation (WDC), Dr Naheed Soz, spoke about promotion of women entrepreneurs and various schemes and programmes of the Corporation for the cause. Director of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Mr P L Kuril, elaborated on various schemes of KVIC for J&K State. He also impressed upon the participants to take advantage of this programme and ream the reward of being significant partner in improving country’s economy. R S Bir highlighted the role of SISI for development and promotion of SSI sector in J&K. Earlier, Branch Incharge NSIC Jammu H Saini outlined objectives of conducting such programmes. |
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Inter-college seminar organised at GCW Gandhi Nagar Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: An inter-college seminar on the topic ‘Current Scenario in Computers and Employment’ was organised by the Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar. Ranika Manhas and Venus Upadhaya of GCW Gandhi Nagar, secured first and second prize, respectively while the third prize was bagged by Shiveta Pandita of GCW Parade. Minister of Education Harshdev Singh, who was chief guest on the occasion, gave away prizes to the winners. He stressed that such type of activities were a must for an overall development of the students. Keeping in view the fact that computer education has become essential for every student, the State Government has introduced the same in all the schools and in some colleges, he added. The Minister exhorted the girl students to come forward in the field of education alongwith extra curricular activities so that overall development could take place. The college Principal, Gurdeep Kour, highlighted the indispensability of computers in the present scenario. Earlier, the programme started with lighting of traditional lamp and Saraswati Vandana by the college students. Vote of thanks was presented by prof Kiran Bakshi while Ms Uzma and Ms Navneet Kour compered the programme. |
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Two suspects arrested in Kallar killings: Veeri Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: Minister of State for Home A. R. Veeri today said that two suspects have been rounded up and their interrogation is going on to extract the motive behind the killing of one Khan Mohammad and his wife of Kallar Mohra, Mendhar recently. Local involvement in the crime is alleged and is being verified, he added. Replying to a calling attention notice moved by B. A. Naz in the legislative council regarding killing of Khan Mohammad son of Ali Akbar and his wife resident of Kallar Mohra, Mendhar on Dec 10, 2003, the Minister said that through police station Gursai it was learnt that some unknown militants entered in the house of the deceased and killed them. Mr. Veeri said that the case, FIR No:112/03,U/S 302.120-B/RPC,7/25/26/27 under Indian Arms Act stands registered and investigation started. Dead bodies of the victims were handed over to the legal heirs for last rites after autopsy and observing other legal formalities, he added. The Minister said immediately after the incident, nakas were laid and search operations conducted alongwith a commando group deployed in the area of occurrence. So for two suspects have been rounded up and their interrogation is going on to know the motive behind the crime. Local involvement in the occurrence has surfaced which is being verified. Search operations and patrolling by the local police and the commando group is going on in the area. The Army alongwith the local police has also laid nakas in the area, the Minister said. Jammu youth’s quest for male modelling Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: A Jammu youth achieves a milestone in the field of male modelling by contributing a lot in converting his ‘Model Dreams’ in a shape of a book. Authored by Vikram Mahajan, a son of the soil, this book entiled Model Dreams is becoming popular among the youth. He had emerged as first runner up at Grasim Mr India 2003. The book is the first ever on male modelling in the country. It was recently launched in Delhi in a glittering ceremony by Millind Soman, India’s famous super-model, who has also written the foreword for the book. The event in Delhi was also witnessed by Aryan Vaid the first Indian to win an international male modelling contest, as guest of honour. He remarked, " I wish such a book existed when I was aspiring to be a model." Every page of the book is full of useful tips and every word comes straight from the heart. Sonali Nagrani, the first runner up at Miss international 2003, who was also present on the occasion, lauded the book as remarkably insightful and informative. Model dream contains 24 chapters, 144 pages and is published by Word Smith. It is reasonably priced at Rs 180 and is available in Jammu also at Sher-e-State Fabrics, Gumat. Those who wish to join the runway can do it in organised manner. Excelsior Correspondent DODA, Dec 18: All J&K Low Paid Employees Federation held a rally here in which employees from Bhaderwah, Doda, Kishtwar, Thathri and Gandoh participated under the presidentship of Shakeel Ahmed Dev, district president of LPEF. The rallyist demanded immediate release of 4 percent DA instalment to employees and pensioners. The speakers Abdul Hafeez Fani, Sayed Ahmed Shah, Akhtar Hussain Nehru, Anand Pal Gupta, Kewal Krishan, presidents of different trade unions also highlighted various other demands. The demands pertained to enhancement in Medical Allowance to Rs 300 per month, regularisation of daily wagers under SRO 64, revision of Minimum Wage to Rs 100, absorption of village guards on the posts of Mali-cum-Chowkidar in Panchayats raising their remuneration to Rs 1000 per month, grant of cash in lieu of leave to teachers, allotment of funds for payment of four months arrears of OBB teachers. Later employees took out a process and a deputation met the Executive Engineer PHE Division and urged for enhancement of wages of HR workers at uniform rate of Rs 450 per month, which demand was conceded. Govt to review implementation of reservation norms Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Muzaffar Hussain Baig today said that a comprehensive review would be undertaken of the implementation of reservation norms in appointments and promotions. If need be, the Government will bring a legislation in the next assembly session to accord statutory status to the reservation policy, he added. Winding up the short duration discussion initiated by Mrs. Suman Bhagat on non-implementation of reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir, with particular reference to denial of promotion to senior Principals belonging to Scheduled Caste community as Chief Education Officers, Mr. Baig assured that a roster would be maintained about appointments and promotions as per the reservation rules. He also referred to Article 16-A of the Constitution that relates with promotions under these rules. He said year-wise details of roster would be asked from all departmental heads regarding reservation and its implementation. The list of officers who deviate from the fixed roster would be placed before Chief Minister for departmental action. Maintaining that reservation should not be purely on the basis of caste or colour considerations, Mr. Baig called for humanizing the reservation rules as per the guidelines of the Apex Court. He said the Supreme Court propounded theory of creamy layer is most balanced and rationalistic as it enumerated reservation for economically and socially backward classes and not based on caste or region basis. Mr. Baig said that discrimination on the ground of caste, colour, creed and race is not limited to India but prevails worldwide as even in the advanced nations Whites claimed superiority in intelligence quotient (I.Q) over the Blacks.he ridiculed this superiority complex of the Whites saying that one would like to know about it from them if all the Whites were put under subjugation of the Blacks for a century or so. Mr. Baig also dwelt at length on the Hindu mythology that preaches and propagates equality. He said that the Hindu faith treats every individual as embodiment of God. He said now the upper caste Hindus are vociferously asked for reservations. Mian Altaf Ahmed, Dr. Chaman Lal, Mr. Yogesh Sawhney, Mr. Girdhari Lal, Mr. Nazir Ahmed, Mr. Javid Rana, Mr. Manjit Singh, Mr. Yash Pal Kundal, Mr. Raman Bhalla, Mr. Babu Singh, Mr. Prem Sagar, Mr. Mohd. Abaas, Mr. Faquir Nath, Dr. Nazir Ahmed Lone and Mr. M. Y. Tarigami took part in the discussion. Pritam Spiritual Trust shows path: Madan Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: A rare example of service to humanity was set up by a voluntary organisation when it identified 60 physically handicapped persons of the state for getting them artificial limbs from Delhi. This happened when Minister for R&B, Madan Lal Sharma inspired the voluntary organisation rendering yeomen service to suffering community and set an example for other NGOs and voluntary organisations to serve the physically challenged persons of the society. The local organisation known as Pritam Spiritual Trust, Poonch has decade long experience of rendering its services to the humanity. The trust was founded in the year 1990 by like-minded persons including retired army officers, academicians, social workers etc. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister complimented the Trust for its vigorous efforts to serve the society especially the physically challenged and destitute people by providing them artificial limbs, arranging marriages of orphans, organizing free medical camps and other social services. The President of the Trust, S. Raghubir Singh Sudan disclosed that trust has rendered services to the deprived sections of the society and physically handicapped persons in various fields. The trust got 1738 free artificial limbs for handicapped victims of militancy, mine blasts and cross border firing, arrange nine marriages of orphan girls, three orphan child adopted, scholarship arranged for poor and orphan students, five eye camp organized in Rajouri, Surankote, Loran in collaboration with army, arranged free books, uniforms and arrange railway traveling concession certificates for handicapped and other deserving candidates, tricycles provided to 158 disabled persons at a camp organized by Pritam Trust with the help of CRC Srinagar and Kilo Force at village Langate, district Kupwara in Srinagar. Presently, 60 handicapped including eight women from district Poonch, Rajouri and Kupwara are being taken to Delhi for providing artificial limbs at a camp being organized from December 20 to 26 in collaboration with Bhagwan Mahavir Sahitya Samiti, Delhi. During the period, the handicapped will be taken to some historical places in and around Delhi including Durbar Sahib, Birla Mandir, Nizam-ud-Din Dargah and Agra. The candidates will be introduced with some dignatories at the capital. Assembly adjourned
sine-die Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly was today adjourned sine-die after a hectic last day session that lasted more than 6 hours. Speaker Legislative Assembly Tara Chand complimented the members for their healthy discussions and well conduct. He also thanked the media for projecting the lively discussions in a professional manner without any bias. He also had a word of praise for the state administration for providing timely replies and other information sought by the members. Complimenting the staff of legislative assembly for ensuring smooth conduct of proceedings, Mr. Tara Chand said that despite shortage of manpower and other infrastructural facilities the whole business was conducted successfully. Giving details of the business conducted during the brief session that commenced on December 10, the Speaker said that 365 questions including 205 starred and 160 unstarred were received. He said of the 21 calling attention notices received, 8 were adopted. He said all the 8 Bills introduced were passed by the House. Four private Member’s Bills were introduced out of five. One was referred to the select committee. As many as 17 private members resolutions were received out of which 3 were disallowed and 7 balloted. Mr Tara Chand also rejected 2 breach privilege motions moved by Ali Mohammad Sagar against Finance Minister, Muzaffar Hussain Baig. He said that the specific allegation against Mr Baig regarding misleading the House on the questions proved false. The Speaker also gave details of time allotted to various parties with National Conference topping the slot by consuming over four hours followed by Congress and PDP. Earlier, the Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed expressed his satisfaction over the role of the opposition and said, ‘dissent is the essence of democracy.’ He also complimented the Speaker for smooth conduct of Assembly proceedings and was all praise for Mr Tara Chand whom he described as a man of patience. He said despite being young he is calm and composed and had the qualities required by the chair. Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma described the session as most successful and complimented the opposition for raising matters of public importance. He praised the media for highlighting the proceedings both nationally and internationally. In a lighter vein, Mr Sharma described Mr M.Y. Tarigami’s role as that of a ‘buffer’ indicating his seat placement in the House being in between the treasury and the opposition benches. Mr M.Y. Tarigami suggested a legislature-training course by experienced parliamentarians on parliamentary procedures for state legislators. He said a consensus among all the parties should be evolved so that no member resorts to rushing to the well of the House, which he said is unparliamentary. Mr Tarigami suggested that a special session of the legislature be convened before the ensuing budget session for discussing anti-defection bill which has been passed by Lok Sabha yesterday. He said this historic piece of legislation needs to be adopted by Jammu and Kashmir as well. Referring to the patience and amicable nature of Speaker, Mr Tara Chand, Mr Tarigami said that he deserved a ‘Tamga-e-Sharafat’. Mr A.R. Rather said that ruling and opposition parties are the two pillars of the parliamentary system of democracy. He suggested strengthening of committee system in the House and better space for holding meetings of the committees. He also emphasized on better management of the assembly library. Daily wagers of Parnai project stage dharna Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 18: Daily Wagers Association of Parnai Hydel Project staged two days dharna in office premises of the Managing Director, JKSPC Jammu. While addressing the dharna, president of the All J&K Low Paid Employees Federation condemned policies against daily wagers and urged upon the Government that demands of daily wagers were genuine and just. He said that it was fault of the head of the departments who have appointed daily wagers after the ban. He assured full support of the Federation. Sayed Mushtaq Bukhari, MLA Surankote also addressed the employees and assured them that he has taken up the matter with Power Minister who was agreed to fulfill demands of the daily wagers of Parnai project. Zamurd Hussain Khan, president of Parnai Hydel Project demanded immediate release of the wagers. Daily wagers have been demanding release of wages, issuance of the order of PDL and regularisation of daily wagers who have completed seven years of service. |
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