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Jammu theatre workers wake up, hold ‘Rang Samvad’ Excelsior Corrospondent JAMMU, Dec 21: The issues raised about the state of theatre in the columns of Daily Excelsior, have succeeded in initiating a discussion ...more Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec. 21: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that he would forcefully take up with the Centre and the Punjab Government for ...........more Premini Sinha inaugurates Police Welfare Mela Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 21: A one-day Police Welfare Mela organized by J&K Police Wives Welfare Association was inaugurated here today in .........more Narayan Singh Jamwal is new president of Rajput Sabha Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 21: Mr Narayan Singh Jamwal has been elected as new president of Shri Amar Kshatriya Rajput Sabha, the election of which was held today.......more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 21: Excise team headed by ETO Yogeshwar Dubey during raids in Kathua recovered 1200 litres of lahan and 46 bottles of country liquor and arrested six persons.........more |
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Aum is divine spiritual Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 21: ‘Aum’ is the only divine spiritual word which can lead to all those who chant it regularly to such a sublime state where the concept of different sects, creed, sex, religions and imaginary .............more Happy Model School Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 21: Happy Model Higher Secondary School Udhampur, which participated in the State Level Children Science Congress held at Regional Research Laboratory here and won first position and ..........more Cong, NPP playing with interests of Jammu people, says BJP Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 21: State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), chief, Dr Nirmal Singh today warned the Congress and National Panthers Party (NPP) for playing with the interests of the people of Jammu region.........more ASKPC rejects return formula for migrants Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 21: All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) has rejected the return of selected migrants to some clusters in the Valley and warned that such a decision will be detrimental to the interests of the community as a whole. ........more |
Jammu theatre workers wake up, hold ‘Rang Samvad’ Excelsior Corrospondent JAMMU, Dec 21: The issues raised about the state of theatre in the columns of Daily Excelsior, have succeeded in initiating a discussion among the local theatre workers of Jammu about the problems and prospects of theatre in Jammu. In a first of its kind event, large number of theatre workers including directors, playwrights, actors, poets, writers and drama enthusiasts, came together to hold ‘Rang Samvad’, -the dialogue on theater- at the Abhinav Theatre, here today. Organised under the initiative of Ramesh Mehta, Secretary, Cultural Academy, the solemn gathering of intellectuals pondered about issues which ranged from the genesis of modern theatre in Jammu, its subsequent development and future. Attended by veteran director Kavi Rattan, N. D. Jamwal. Deepak Kumar, Mustaq Kak, who are well known for their commitment and passion for theatre, today discussion marked the beginning of a serious effort to pin point problems and their possible solution. The wide range of issue which came to fore included the lacklustre annual drama festivals, the channelization of financial support by agencies like Sangeet Natak Akedemy, New Delhi, North Zone Cultural Center, Patiala, creating performance spaces at districts level, encouragement of plays in regional languages, increase in the production cast and award money given by Academy. The other issues raised by speakers related to lack of training facilities in the field of theatre, the exodus of actors to electronic media, lack of commitment for theater in new generation, the changing scenario of presenting theatre as a salable commodity and which is giving rise to a new form of popular theatre etc. The panelists of today’s dialogue included Kavi Rattan, Deepak Kumar, Mushtaq Kak and Mohan Singh, who gave their views on the problems faced by theatre in Jammu. Representing an overview from ‘muffasil’, theatre workers from Akhnoor also raised problems faced by them in terms of performance space and urged the authorities to take steps in this direction. They also urged that theater workshops and seminar which are mostly organised in Jammu city only, should also held at small towns like Akhnoor. Other who spoke on the occasion included Sandesh Veer, Brahm Swaroop, Parveen Kesar, Liyaqat Jafari, Bharat Bhushan. Kavi Rattan, the reluctant speaker, in his characteristic style, refereed to the core issue of ‘commitment’ which is essential for meaningful activity of theatre. Ramesh Mehta in his vote of thanks said as a part of the endeavor of the Academy to create a vibrant theatre movement in the state more such interactive session will be held and announced the continuation of the dialogue immediately after the forth coming annual drama festival.—ends |
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Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec. 21: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that he would forcefully take up with the Centre and the Punjab Government for providing to Jammu and Kashmir full share of Ravi water as per the agreement with Panjab Government in the past. Addressing a largely attended public meeting at Sallan near Hiranagar in Billawar constituency of Kathua district this afternoon, the Chief Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir is not getting 1150 cusecs of water as agreed to by the Punjab Government while taking up Shahpur Kandi barrage. Depriving the State of its share of water from Ravi river amounts to injustice, he said that he would take up the matter at the highest level, both at the central and Panjab Government to get this injustice undone. He regretted that despite his meeting with the Punjab Chief Minister and his senior officers at Chandigarh on this issue of vital importance, no headway has been made in the matter. The chief Minister said his Government would also take up with the Centre for early approval of ambitious Rs 80 crore kandi water supply project. He said kandi area between Jatwal and Lakhanpur is facing acute problem of water supply both for drinking and irrigation purposes and due attention would be given to solve it. Meanwhile, the water supply scheme for Sallan would be improved. The Chief Minister announced that a dispensary would be set up at an appropriate place near Sallan to benefit the people. He said building housing the newly upgraded higher secondary school at Sallan would be renovated and improved. The Dayallachak-Chhallan road would be improved as demanded by the local MLA. Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma said that the Government would set up delimitation commission and finance commission in the State as promised in the common minimum programme. He said new administrative units would also be created after reviewing the recommendations of the Wazir Commission. He said that the Government is aware of the problems of the State and taking concrete measures to address these. He said the power and drinking water problems in kandi area would get due attention of the Government and a well-considered plan formulated. He said that Farooq Government had signed MoU with the central Government undertaking not to create jobs in view of precarious financial condition of the State. He said the present Government is bound by this agreement but still we are creating jobs wherever possible. He, however, made it clear that the jobs would be filled as per norms and not sold as in the past. Health Minister Ch. Lal Singh accused previous NC Government of doing nothing for the people of the State during its rule and only indulged in large-scale loot. He said jobs were literally auctioned. Due to their wrong policies the economy was shattered and only false promises hurdled with no actual work on the ground. Vice Chairman J&K Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Corporation Girdhari Lal who also spoke on the occasion, highlighted the demands of Hiranagar constituency. Dr. Manohar Lal, local MLA gave detailed account of the problems of the kandi area and sought Chief Minister’s personal intervention to address the acute problem of drinking water and irrigation. He regretted that Dinga Amb and Sallan area is devoid of dispensary and made a strong plea for setting up of a dispensary and accident hospital. Similarly, he demanded setting up of a veterinary centre in the area. Among other demands, he sought Chief Minister’s special attention on construction of a bridge over Ujh river at Juthane and link road leading to the proposed site of the bridge, improvement of Dayalachak-Chhallan road, electrification of five villages and upgradation of some schools. He demanded that Dinga Amb area be declared a backward pocket. Babu Singh, MLA Kathua who also spoke on the occasion stressed the need for reviving Ravi canal project which is suffering for want of non-fulfillment of the agreement by Punjab Government. He hailed the coalition Government for its several bold initiatives and said that credit goes to Mufti Sayeed and his Government for initiating peace moves which have not only been acclaimed within the country but outside as well. The Chief Minister distributed letters of appointment to the newly selected teachers of the area. |
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Premini Sinha inaugurates Police Welfare Mela Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 21: A one-day Police Welfare Mela organized by J&K Police Wives Welfare Association was inaugurated here today in Gulshan Ground by Mrs Premini Sinha, wife of Governor, J&K, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) S. K. Sinha. Amidst clappings and songs by small school kids, Mrs Premini Sinha inaugurated the mela. She was received by Chairperson, J&K Police Wives Welfare Association, Mrs Vimla Sharma. Wives of senior police officers including Mrs Neena Bakshi, wife of Mr Rajan Bakshi, Chairman-cum-MD Police Housing Corporation, Dr. Indu Koul, wife of Mr Kuldeep Khoda, ADG Armed Police, Mrs Jasjit Gill, wife of Mr P. S. Gill, ADG Home guards/Civil Defence, Mrs Kiran Bhan, wife of Dr. Ashok Bhan, ADGP (CID), Mrs Sunita, wife of Mr Madan Lal, ADGP (Security), Mrs Bharati Vaid, wife of Dr S. P. Vaid, IGP Modernization, Mrs Bhupinder Jassi, wife of IGP Traffic, Mr Ram Lubaya, Mrs Seema Aggarwal, wife of Mr Navin Aggarwal, IG Armed Police Headquarters and Mrs Manju Rashid, Commandant XIV Bn JKAP were present there. Director General of Police, Mr Gopal Sharma and number of other Police officers were also present at the venue of bustling mela. Accompanied by Mrs Vimla Sharma and wives of senior police officers, Mrs Premini Sinha had a round of all the stalls and evinced keen interest in the indigenously prepared products and particular cultivated produce of different parts of the State displayed at the stalls for sale. Various police welfare centres had set up their stalls at the mela venue. They included stalls by Police Family Welfare Centre, Jammu, District Police Welfare Centres of Doda, Rajouri, Poonch, Udhampur, Kathua, Reasi, Anantnag, Srinagar, Pulwama, Budgam, Baramulla and Awantipur, Destitute Children Balgran, SoS Children village Channi Rama, Police Departmental Store, Jammu, Department Canteen Store Batmaloo, IRP 7th Bn, JKAP 7th Bn, Departmental Canteen Store APC, Zewan, Home Store and Police Academy Udhampur. Profit from sale proceeds will be expended on the welfare of Police personnel and their families. There were more then 100 prizes, which were drawn through draw of lots. Maruti was the first prize followed by motorcycle, computer and jewellery set as second, third and fourth prizes respectively. Through draw of lots first prize went in favour of ticket number 082479, second prize was won by ticket number 032290, while third and fourth prizes were won by ticket numbers 050866 and 010977. DGP gave away the prizes to the winners. |
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Narayan Singh Jamwal is new president of Rajput Sabha Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 21: Mr Narayan Singh Jamwal has been elected as new president of Shri Amar Kshatriya Rajput Sabha, the election of which was held today. In a triangular contest, Narayan Singh defeated his nearest rival with a huge margin of 423 votes. Narayan Singh got 496 votes while Daljeet Singh Charak and Surinder Singh Jamwal, the other two contestants for the post, could secure only 73 and 13 votes, respectively. Total 588 votes were polled while six of them were declared invalid. For the post of senior vice-president, Dr Tanwantar Singh was declared elected with a huge margin of 436 votes. In a straight contest, he secured 509 votes while his only rival Arjun Singh Charak was polled 73 votes. Six ballots were declared invalid. For the post of vice-president, Maj B R Dogra has already been elected unopposed. With the announcement of results, the new body of Shri Amar Kshatriya Rajput Sabha has been elected for the next three years. After his election as new president, Narayan Singh Jamwal assured that he would work hard with dedication for further upliftment of the Rajput community and leave no stone unturned for betterment of Amar Kshatriya Rajput Sabha. He also sought co-operation of all members of the Sabha and Rajput community in his mission. Later Mr Jamwal was taken to his house in the form of a procession by his supporters. Elections of Shri Amar Kshatriya Rajput Sabha were conducted under the supervision of senior members of the Sabha. Voting commenced at 10 a.m and continued till 4 p.m. during which the delegates caste their votes. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 21: Excise team headed by ETO Yogeshwar Dubey during raids in Kathua recovered 1200 litres of lahan and 46 bottles of country liquor and arrested six persons. The sources said during intervening night of Dec 19 and 20, Excise teams raided village Chak Drab Khan, Taraf Sanji, Nagri, Jarri, Pattan Barian, Mandi Madikaran and Check Desa Singh. Working stills were smashed and six persons were taken into custody. They are Madan Lal, Shashi Kumar, Romesh Kumar, Geeta Devi, Pappu and Kamla Devi. The accused were produced before CJM Kathua. |
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Aum is divine spiritual word: Dr Krishna Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 21: ‘Aum’ is the only divine spiritual word which can lead to all those who chant it regularly to such a sublime state where the concept of different sects, creed, sex, religions and imaginary gods disappear totally. Then one comes face to face with the ultimate truth and there no Guru, no Shishya (Chela) but we all become one with Ultimate reality. This was stated by Dr K Krishna, the founder and National president of Spiritual Awareness Society, while delivering his sermons at a Satsang organised by the Society here today. He said chanting of ‘Aum’ and attending of Satsang in presence of a realised soul can end all the woes of a human mind and transmigratory soul. "Only chanting of ‘Aum’ will make your mind balanced", said Dr Krishna exhorting the devotees to chant ‘Aum’ regularly and attend Satsang. He said further that his spiritual discourses are not only to develop the all round personality of the individual but to turn a satan into a realised all powerful God. Dr Krishna said spirituality should never remain confined to a sealed book. Being a practical science, spirituality needs to be put into practice in the daily life of a human being because every individual is a spiritual being and he was ready to explain the most deeper bases of highest spirituality, if the devotees or Satsangies are really truth seekers, sincere to the core of their hearts and abide by his teachings to get the hidden and un-revealed secrets of the spirituality. |
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Happy Model School children to represent J&K at national level Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 21: Happy Model Higher Secondary School Udhampur, which participated in the State Level Children Science Congress held at Regional Research Laboratory here and won first position and received prestigious first prize trophy from the Science and Technology Minister J&K State Dr Nawang Rigzin Zora. The school also won the 13th position, thereby bagging two positions in the first 16 out of 39 projects presented by around 200 students from all the districts and regions of the State. These child scientists had worked on their innovative scientific project titled "Food nutrition, consumption pattern and Management in Udhampur" under the national focal theme `Food, health and nutrition for all’. This project won the first position and the trophy was received by Aakashi, Ankush, Shilakha Chaman, Ruhi Mahajan and Vibhor. these five students started working on their project in a scientific manner since September 2003 and prepared and presented their research findings in the form of 6 project files. The other projects which won the 13th position and also qualified for the Nationals were on "Organic farming— its management and usage in Udhampur". The team comprised of Chitresh Dhar, Anirudh, Ashish Kotha and Rahul Peer, all students of Class 11th. These projects were guided by the school teachers namely Arti Sehgal, Badresh Shukla, Mineesh Gulati (Head of the Department) and Dr Vikram Gulati. With this grand success at the state level congress organised by J&K State Council for Science and Technology, Department of S&T, the 9 students from Happy Model School Udhampur will represent J&K State at two prestigious platforms namely "National Children Science Congress" at Luchnow from December 27 to 31 and at the most elite 90th Indian Science Congress from January 3 to 7 at Chandigarh. |
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Cong, NPP playing with interests of Jammu people, says BJP Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 21: State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), chief, Dr Nirmal Singh today warned the Congress and National Panthers Party (NPP) for playing with the interests of the people of Jammu region. Addressing a Party function organised in connection with joining of Inderjit Khajuria president Hotel and Lodges Association in BJP here today, he said these parties exploited the sentiments of the people of Jammu during the electioneering. He wanted to know what happened to the promises made by the leaders of the two parties that the Chief Minister will be from Jammu region and what was the fate of Wazir Commission and Delimitation Commission recommendations. Lashing out at these parties he cautioned the people against the Jai Chands of Jammu who can go to any extent for their personnel benefits. Dr Nirmal Singh, while strongly advocating for the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir state said it is the only solution to the peoples problems. This Government is bereft of peoples friendly policies and the unemployment has increased tremendously. He termed the Rehbar-Taleem and contractual appointments for doctors and engineers totally useless saying what justice a person who is being provided Rs 1500 to his job and himself. Hailing the Union Government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he said many developmental projects have been taken in hand for the country after this Government came into being five years back. He said this Government has added to the India’s image at international level and today it has emerged as the leader of developing nations in the world. He said the BJP not only believes in making of atom bomb but also economic development of the country. Addressing the gathering Ashok Khajuria, general secretary of the Party criticized the present Government for its failure in redressing the peoples problems. Terming the hike in power tariff as an anti people decision he demanded its immediate revocation. He warned that Party will intensify the agitation if this demand was not solved. He asked the Congress and Leftists to explain the terminology of secularism. Addressing the gathering Inderjit Khajuria said he joined the BJP because it is the only Party in country which is wedded to the principles and discipline. Rejecting that BJP is a communal organization he said it is much more secular than any other political organization. The Party has always championed the cause of people of Jammu whether as Praja Parshad, Jan Sang and now BJP. He said whether it is the problem of refugees, change of demography of Jammu or the problem of border and Kashmiri migrants the BJP has taken lead among all in highlighting these issues. He said being associated with hotel Industry I think it is the appropriate platform where demand for promotion of tourism in Jammu can be raised. The function among others was attended by BJP spokesman Prof. Hari Om, Jugal Kishore Sharma, MLA, Kavinder Gupta, district Jammu urban chief, Chander Parkash Ganga, president BJP district Samba, Shamsher Singh, BJP Mahila Morcha chief, Sulekha Choudhary and Gita Thakur. |
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ASKPC rejects return formula for migrants Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 21: All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) has rejected the return of selected migrants to some clusters in the Valley and warned that such a decision will be detrimental to the interests of the community as a whole. Addressing a press conference here this afternoon, the ASKPC chief Amar Nath Vaishnavi and his general secretary, Hira Lal Chatta blamed the Mufti Mohammed Sayeed for not taking the Pandit organizations into confidence. They warned that any such move will be immature and is slated to boomerang. They said the Government instead of taking a selected migrants to Valley should work for the confidence building among the displaced community whose faith has been totally shaken in the present political dispensation in the state. Mr Vaishnavi charged both PDP and Congress led coalition for their total failure in redressing the problems of the Kashmiri migrants. He alleged the leaders of the two parties were mute spectators when the Pandits were uprooted from the Valley in 1989 -90. Criticizing the Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Mr Chatta said he was thrusting the decisions on the community. The Chief Minister was adding acid to injury with his statements on return as during his one year rule he has not given benefit to a single Kashmiri Pandit under its so called healing touch policy. The Nadimarg victims have not so far been provided a Government job and how can we trust this Government he asked? He alleged that migrant Government employees were assured to be posted in security zones in Valley have been transferred to far-flung and militancy infested areas. So we have no faith in the assurances of the Chief Minister, he added. Reiterating the demand of separate state for Kashmiri Pandits, Mr Vaishnavi said KPs are committed to carving out of a separate state within Valley as per the resolution of Kashmiri Pandit Representative Assembly. He said Pandits will not return on the assurance of Hurriyat as they are the people who were the part and parcel of the conspiracy hatched for uprooting of the community from the Valley. Rejecting the Hurriyat policy all together, he demanded that KPs be made a Party to dialogue on Kashmir and their views be sought on any decision taken for the settlement of the issue. He said Hurriyat Conference is responsible for exodus of the Pandits and when they will be invited to talks why not Pandits who are the aborigines of the Kashmir. |
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Sena’s concern over backdoor appointments in High Court Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 21: Jammu and Kashmir Shiv Sena has demanded a CBI probe in the recently made appointments in J&K High Court. Talking to media persons here this afternoon, the Shiv Sena chief, Rajesh Gupta, Sanjay Mahay and Vipin Hindu also demanded quashing of all these appointment orders which they alleged have been made through backdoor. "The Judiciary is the watch dog and guardian of peoples rights and if injustice will surface from there then where people will go to seek justice, asked Mr Gupta who made a strong plea to the authorities at the helm of affairs to look into the matter and provide justice to over one lakh candidates who have applied for these posts over one year back. He demanded that instead of favoritism the appointments made purely on merit basis so that the deserving candidates get their due. Giving details he said, applications were invited by the J&K High Court for filling up of various posts of steno/typists, junior assistants and orderlies through a notification No 18611 of 2001 dated 29-12-2001 and about 1,70,000 candidates applied for the same. But instead of sending call letters to the candidates the authorities made appointments through back door on the insistence of Judicial Employees Welfare Association, he alleged. This way all the norms and procedures have been thrown to winds, he said ,adding about 60 candidates out of 66 have joined their duties so far. He said when Judiciary which is the custodian of the peoples rights will itself become a violator what will happen to this nation. The Sena will also take up the matter with the Government, he added. |
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Govt to bring legislation to empower H &M Deptts Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 21: The Government is contemplating to bring legislation during coming session to empower the Horticulture and marketing department for regulating marketing and quality control of local fruit products to check adultration and deceptive packing of horticulture products. This was disclosed by the Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives Abdul Aziz Zargar at a high level meeting of the officers of the agriculture production department convened to review the developmental programmes initiated by the department here yesterday. The meeting, among others, was attended by Principal Secretary to Agriculture Production Department, Special Secretary Animal Husbandry, Special Secretary Horticulture and Cooperatives, Special Secretary Agriculture Production Department and other senior officers. Mr. Zargar said that it has become imperative for the department to regulate the quality control in various fruit mandis within and outside the state as some unscrupulous persons have been found indulging in deceptive tactics bringing bad name to the state. He said the horticulture and marketing inspectors would be empowered so that they can take action against these elements. Expressing his personal experience during his recent visit to the fruit mandis of Jammu and New Delhi, the Minister said that the menace of under table bids are prevalent in these mandis, which in turn affects our grass root growers. He exhorted upon the officers to take innovative steps for bringing the horticulture sector back on rails by providing information about latest trends in marketing to grower. |
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STG’s play ‘Apne Hisse Ka Sach’ presented in drama festival Excelsior Correspondent REASI, Dec 21: Sangam Theatre Group (STG) Reasi presented "Apne Hisse Ka Sach" in the five day Drama Festival 2003-2004 at Jyotipuram (Reasi) organised by J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages. The play written by Rajneesh Gupta was directed by M Akram Khan. The festival began with the lighting of tradition lamp by the chief guest Jugal Kishore Sharma Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, J&K State and DIG M A Anjum presided over while Chief Engineer Salal Project A K Sarkar, J P Singh, Commandant IRP 7th Bn, J L Sharma, Superintendent of Police were the guests of honour. The artists who participated in the play were Suresh, Neelam Gandotra, Luxmi Tagotra, Gourav Sharma, Akram Khan, Anita Sharma, Happy Sharma, Sumeer Raina, Babar Wani, Mohinder Thakur, Rajeev Rana, Raja Sohail Khan, Aamir Khan and Shashi Bhushan. Mr Shyam Lal Raina is incharge of the whole drama festival and Bhupinder Singh is supervising the festival. Speaking on the occasion the chief guest praised the Academy for providing a chance to artists of district Udhampur for showing their talent and hoped the cultural academy would hold such activities in future also. The roles of Happy Sharma as Manjari and Luxmi Tagotra as Rohini and Rajeev Rana as Inspector were highly appreciated. The music given by Ashok Anjum and Padam Nath was most suited and upto the mark. The judges of the festival are Messrs Bodh Raj Vardan, Arvind Anand and Suresh Sharma. Vote of thanks was presented by president of the Group with special thanks to secretary, Cultural Academy Mr Romesh Mehta. |
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Rigzin asks students to dream big, aspire for great Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 21: The Minister for Science and Technology, Rigzin Jora today appealed to the students to dream big and act devotedly to achieve lofty goals and go for exploiting indigenous scientific knowledge for a better tomorrow. The Minister was speaking at 11th State Level Children’s Science Congress-2003 organized by J&K State Council for Science & Technology in collaboration with National Council for Science and Technology Communications held at Regional Research Laboratory, (RRL), Jammu. With the theme "Food System: Towards nutrition for all", the objective of the exhibition was to enthuse students with a sense of belongingness to the society they live in and to nurture in them imaginativity and creativity about sciences. Describing such innovative exhibitions a revolutionary movement to achieve excellence in the field of science and technology, the Minister emphasized for inculcating students with a sense of inquisitiveness so that they can find scientific solutions to their own local problems. He said such activities are a unique platform for budding scientists to understand the ways of progress as also the loopholes in the present system and enable them to visualize the future of nation. |
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‘Govt suppressing employees taking undue advantage’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 21: United Forum of Trade Unions have accused the Government of harassing employees taking advantage of Supreme Court verdict in the much publicised case of Tamil Nadu Government. Various leaders of the employees’ unions, associations and federations came on a joint platform and raised the issue vigorously and also passed a resolution taking some decisions on the spot. The members observed that frightening aspect was the observation of Supreme Court that the employees had no fundamental, legal, statutory , moral or equitable right to go on strike. As such the employees about whom re-instatement was instructed were asked by the court to tender unconditional apology, as well as an undertaken to the effect that employees would abide by the rules 22 of the Tamil Nadu Government Conduct Rule 1973. The period during which this struggle was going on , Jaya Lalithaa Government taking the undue advantage of the judicial verdict used most suppressive methods on the employees. Another union leader Ram Kumar alleged that Jaya Lalitaa Government last year used suppressive methods on the employees of the State Government, teachers and the secretariat employees using the draconian laws -Tamil Nadu Govt Essential Services Maintenance Act 2002. The matter went to the High Court but no effective steps in the defence of striking employees were found forthwith. The matter went to Supreme Court which instructed the State Government to re-instate the dismissed employees expect those 2200 employees who were arrested or against whom FIRs had been registered. They said this SC verdict has come as rude shock and utter surprise to them. Mr Lekh Raj pointed out that workers and employees adopt the path of strike only when all other avenues of amicable settlement or grievances fail. In the present phase of retrenchment, down-sizing, suppression and exploitation of workers/ employees resulting in formidable unemployment and drastic cut in social security benefits including pension. The worker is ultimately suffering. They appealed the Parliament of India to discuss the matter urgently and express their views for abrogation of this law. Prominent speakers include—Gurdip Singh, Ram Kumar, K K Bakshi, Paras Ram Poonchi, Ajaypal Singh, Mohd Maqbool, Suresh Kumar, Daljit Singh, Raj Kumar, Ghulab Chand, Mohinder Singh, Lekh Raj and Gitten Singh. |
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Dy CM hands over appointment letters under SSA Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 21: As a part of coalition Government’s policy of providing jobs to the unemployed youth of the state in a more transparent manner and in accordance with the existing rules, Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma handed over appointment letters to the highly educated youth of Jammu at a function here today. At today’s function, the Deputy Chief Minister presented five appointment letters to the educated girls who were selected by the Selection Committee constituted by the Government for the purpose. These appointments have been made under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan scheme on the pattern of Rehbar-e-Taleem. The newly appointees would function as a third teacher in the Government primary schools. Those who got the appointment letters are Miss Anjana Sharma, Miss Shilpa Khajuria, Miss Harleen Kour, Miss Pooja Bajaj and Miss Simi Lal. Earlier, twenty-two similar appointments have been made in Jammu while another twenty-five highly educated youth are being provided jobs under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan shortly. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sharma said that in view of the state’s limited resources, the Government was not in a position to provide jobs in Government departments to all the educated unemployed in the state. He asked the youth not to hanker after white-collar jobs and instead take up self-employment ventures for which the Government would provide all possible assistance including subsidy on machinery, capital investment and loans. Among others, present on the occasion were G.A.Saroori MLA, Chief Education Officer, Jammu V.K.Sethi, Zonal Education Officer Mrs. Kamala Kumari, parents of the newly appointed teachers and a large number of people. |
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Old students meet at Sainik School Nagrota Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 21: Over 150 ex-students of Sainik School, Nagrota near here alongwith their families had their annual meeting at the school premises today. Besides interaction, these former students, who are presently serving with Indian Army, Air Force, Navy and those who have joined medical, engineering and other professions, also played cricket and Volleyball matches with those studying in the school. However, students and ex-students shared the winners trophies. In cricket, ex-students were the winners whereas the Volleyball match was won by the present students. The ex-students and those presently studying in Sainik School, Nagrota were also addressed by the Principal. Meanwhile, the ex-students also held their annual general body meeting and discussed in length how they can contribute to the welfare of the School. It was decided by those in medical profession to organise a special medical camp in the School in near future. Meeting also held elections to the ex-students body—NEXAS Society. Those elected office-bearers were Randhir Singh Billawaria (chairman), Hardeep Singh (president), Manoj Kumar (secretary), Naveen Gupta (treasurer) and Aman Sharma (publicity secretary). |
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Daya Sagar elected president of Voluntary Bodies Confederation Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 21: A special general body meeting of J&K Confederation of Voluntary, Social and Charitable Organisations was held today in which representatives and senior functionaries of 29 leading bodies attended. Affairs of the Confederation were discussed and progress report as prepared by the general secretary and the accounts statements prepared by the treasurer were presented. Accounts were accepted by the general body. Election to the new executive committee were also held under the supervision of Gulshan Kumar, election officer. Mr Daya Sagar (representing J&K Samaj Kalyan Kendra Jammu) was unanimously elected as president of the Confederation. Sagar moved a resolution appreciating the hard work done by the out-going president S S Jamwal, vice president Mrs Usha Anand, general secretary R Gupta and treasurer Ms Sureshtha Khajuria and the same was passed by the House. Mrs Usha Anand and Ms Sureshtha Khajuria were re-elected as vice president and treasurer respectively. Hirdaya Nath Tikoo was elected as general secretary. President elect Mr Daya Sagar assured all the member organisations that he will ensure that the new body stands to the expectations of the members. The new executive also enlisted its future priorities for the betterment of the Conferderation and resolved to achieve the same with the cooperation of the member organisations. |
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Grover elected president of Channi Himmat Residents Association Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 21: V K Grover was elected unopposed as president of the Channi Himmat Residents Association. As per a handout issued by R C Aneja, Advocate, and Election Officer six nominations came for the post and while scrutiny all of them were found in favour of Mr Grover. Hence he was declared elected unopposed to the post. Darakhshan Andrabi, Satish selected for Shair-e-Watan award Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 21: Dr Darakhshan Andrabi and Mr Satish Vimal of J&K State are among six persons who have been selected for the fifth Shair-e-Watan awards, 2003. The awards will be presented in the last week of January, 2004 at the annual function of All India Urdu Hindi Sangam at Bhopal. The list of writers/poets, selected for the award, included Diwakar Dinesh Gaud of Gujarat, Dr Mohd Sagheer Sadan of Rajasthan, Mr Uma Shanker Ashk of Gwalior and Dr Rajayan Jai Priya of Orissa. The award is given after every three years to the prominent writers/poets of India who have a significant contribution for the peace, universal brotherhood and religious tolerance in different streams of literatures. Plus 2 Lecturers meet Chairman of J&K Board of School Education Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 21: A delegation of All J&K Plus 2 Lecturers Forum , led by H D Qureshi, met Chairman of Board of School Education J P Singh in his office chamber and apprised him of the situation The delegation brought several issues into notice of the Chairman with special focus on the deployment of Plus 2 officers in the management of Board as Nodel officers and vocation of post presently held by the college teachers. The issues included mismanagement in the examination in Kashmir province, wrongly implication of Lecturers in fake cases, enhancement in the rates of various assignments of Board and assignments of Board on the basis of seniority and rotation. The Chairman assured that necessary steps will be taken to further enhance the strength of Plus 2 officers in the board and also a decision to enhance the rates of conduct and evaluation at par with Jammu University. The delegation also held a separate meeting with the Joint Secretary (Secrecy) and discussed issues with her. Hind Samachar Group distributes relief Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 21:Minister of State for Health and Medical Education Abdul Gaffar Sofi today said that a congenial atmosphere for a lasting peace in the sub-continent has dawned and the people in India and Pakistan are longing for normalization of relations between the two neighbouring countries. Addressing people at the border village of Trewa here this morning after distributing the relief package that was sponsored by Hind Samachar Group and Lions Club, Mr. Sofi said that the cease-fire has paved way for friendly ties between the two neighbours adding that the bold initiative should be supplemented with other confidence building measures to strengthen peace effort. Mr. Sofi said that the coalition government is committed for the balanced development of all regions and assured that promises made with the people in common minimum programme would be fulfilled in letter and spirit. He lauded the Hind Samachar Group and other philanthropic organizations like Lions Club for regularly arranging for relief to border people. The present package of relief was distributed among 700 border residents that comprises foodgrains, woollens and other essentials. It was 111th truck of relief provided by the Hind Samachar Group. Mr. J.S. Thind and Swami Krishnanand Maharaj handed over the relief material on behalf of the Group. Among others who spoke on the occasion were Ms. Shanti Devi MLA, Mr. Romesh Gupta, Mr. B.S. Slathia, Mr. J.B. Singh and Mr. Satish Sharma. Christian Association organises function Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 21: Jammu and Kashmir Christian Association organised Christian meet at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan. Former Finance Minister, Abdul Rahim Rather was chief guest in the function. While addressing the function, Mr Rather threw light on the life of Jesus Christ. He called upon the people to follow teaching of Jesus Christ. Former Finance Minister further stressed on the need of maintaining brotherhood and communal harmony at any cost. He called upon the people to strengthen secular fabric of the State. In the meeting problems being confronted by the Christian community were discussed. Meeting stressed on the need of formulating special programmes for the Christian as this community was socially, educationally and economically backward in the State. Prominent among others who were present in the meeting included Mohammad Aslam Goni, Abdul Karim Wani, Waris Gill, president Jammu and Kashmir Christian Association, S N Manyal, Sat Pal Lakhotra, ex-MLA, S M Gill, Rev. Paul Gill, Surjeet Singh and Bajaj. A cultural programme was also organised in which artists present cultural items. Razdan’s Kanthposh hits stalls Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 21: Chaman Lal Razdan’s"Kanthposh" a collection of Kashmiri Vaakhs was released at a simple but impressive function here at Kashmiri Pandit Sabha Ambphalla, this evening by Lt. Gen (retd) R K Langar. The function was organized by Sharda Publications, Jammu and Swami Pran Nath Bhat (Gareeb) presided over it. The galaxy of writers, poets, intellectuals and social activists participated in the function who among others include Pt. T N Khosa, K P Sabha chief, A N Vaishnavi president, ASKPC, H L Chatta, BJP Kashmir chief, Dr Aghnishekhar, PK convenor and Dr K L Choudhary. The function started with Guru Vandhna presented by Ms Vijay Koul (Gorkha) and the welcome address was presented by Ramesh Razdan on behalf of S L Razdan, Editor in Chief of Sharda Publications. Dr B L Koul an eminent scholar presented his introductory paper on the book. He threw light on the different aspects of Bhakti poet. The book is a collection of 290 Vaakhs consisting of six cantos including last one related to migration from the Valley. In his critical analysis, Dr Koul highly acclaimed the book which he said has a touch of spirituality. He said the Vaakhs of Mr Razdan have same spiritual touch which the poetry of Surdas and Miran Bhai has. He said one can find the mystic experience in his Vaakhs. While going through the book one comes across that Mr Razdan has influence of transcendental meditation on his philosophy. He said the Vaakhs of Mr Razdan are related to his personnel experience of day today life. Mr Langer, discussed the various features of Bhakti poetry and appreciated the creative abilities of Mr Razdan while Swami Pran Nath Bhat (Gareeb) spoke about the transcendental meditation, Yog Sadhna and Bhakti Movement. The vote of thanks was presented by Dr Premi Romani an eminent scholar while the programme was compered by Santosh Thathoo. Shiv Sena criticises Kundal, JKNPP chief Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 20: President of Shiv Sena Bal Thakeray’s Samba unit today criticised the Minister of State for Animal and Sheep Husbandry Yashpal Kundal and Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) supremo Prof Bhim Singh for not translating their promises into reality. Talking to media-persons at Samba, Mr Gupta said that during elections both the leaders promised to get Wazir Commission report implemented and degree college opened at Samba. "But till today they have not translated their promises into reality. Either the leaders should fulfill their promises shortly or resign from the ministry and Upper House", he further said. He disclosed that Shiv Sena would launch struggle to get district status for Samba and a degree college. Pir Panchal organises diabetes awareness camp Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 21: A diabetes awareness and detection camp was organized at Govind Nagar , Gole Gujral by Pir Panchal an NGO in collaboration with MSUDIK Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. Dr Jitendra Singh a renowned Diabetologist and author was the chief guest on the occasion who gave a detailed lecture on how Diabetes can be kept at bay. Over 200 patients were tested for blood sugar on the occasion in which some fresh Diabetics were detected. The patients were provided free of cost medicines by the Company. Speaking on the occasion Dr Jitendra Singh said Diabetes is a life style disorder and not a disease. He said lack of physical activity and excessive mental stress are the causes of this disease and mostly large number of youngsters are falling its prey now as they are also changing their life style. Dr Singh who is the member of National Diabetes Committee also disclosed that the task of preparing directory and data on Diabetics has been undertaken for the next year by the Committee. He said as per the research over 10 per cent people suffer from Diabetes in Jammu and its number can be even more. Addressing the function Pir Panchal president, Ramesh Kashmiri threw light on the activities of his organization. He said Pir Panchal has taken an onus to organize the diabetic detection camps since its inception in close cooperation of Dr Jitendra Singh in different parts of Jammu. The function was also attended by Vijay Kumar Koul, Mukesh Thaploo cultural secretaries of Pir Panchal and Bhushan Lal a social activist of the area. By Gopal Sharma A casual approach towards the activities of State Pollution Control Board by the Government, some bureaucrats and of course its members is a matter of surprise and shock. While the environment has become a most vital issue through out the world today, the J&K PCB authorities continue to adopt a half-hearted approach towards its affairs for improving air and water quality, educating people, scientific works and its smooth functioning. The review meeting of the board has already been delayed and it could not be held even once in last one and half year. As per its Constitution, the SPCB should hold review meeting after three months. It shows the real sense of responsibility and concern of the PCB, Government and even its members who are accountable to the general public which is the great victim of increasing level of pollution in the state and major cities. Saturday’s Board meeting chaired by its chairman Mr S D Swatantra witnessed some unpleasant scenes as some of the Board members including Mr Sadiq Ali (NGO) and Ashok Sharma (NGO) questioned the conduct of meet and its agenda which was circulated to the members just at the beginning of the meet. Only a few were provided the copy prepared clandestinly comprising of 27 items late last evening. It is again shocking to note that agenda which is mandatory to be circulated among the members 15 days before the meet, was placed on the table at the start of the meeting which was highly objected by many of them including JDA vice chairman Mr Navin Choudhary. Some of the members objected to the presence of some staff members from the PCB in the meeting hall, who had nothing to do with the business of the Board meet. As most of the members showed resentment, the way some of the PCB members conducted the affairs, they preferred to stay away and left the venue after some time without putting their stamp. The issue pertaining to appointments/ promotions of some favourites in the PCB as desired by insiders and manipulate the siting criteria of brick kilns and stone crushers could not be finalised as Board members preferred to go into the details and review the cases up to their satisfaction. It appeared to be shocking for many members as those working on the agenda, tried to reduce siting criteria of stone crushers to just 0.5 kms from residential areas which was earlier 1.5 kms and just 100 mt from National Highways which was earlier 500 metres and only 50 mts from state highways which was earlier mentioned as 350 mts. Similarly, the Board for giving benefits to many, reduced the distance of brick kilns three times less than what existed at present as per criteria. Over 28 adhoc employees were supposed to be regularised in this hurriedly called meeting. As it irked many, they alleged that agenda seems to be rushed through deliberately to achieve their designs and provide undue favour to some of the individuals. Minister for Forest and Environment, Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Sofi who had expressed his wish to join the meet, did not arrive even after long wait by the members. It was learnt that new Board members were appointed with the initiative of the minister concerned and he was himself particular about the conduct of the meeting. Later, Principal Secy Forest also joined them. It was said to be the 19th meeting of the PCB which was constituted about eighteen years back. Normally there should have been more than seventy meetings conducted so far. Not only this, affairs of other Boards are also running the same way. Nobody is bothered to conduct the meets of Ecology and Environment Board of which Chief Minister is the Chairman and Director Environment and Remote Sensing as its vice-chairman. Mr S D Swatantra, however, said that certain issues were reviewed in this meeting which was called by the Minister to introduce and welcome the new members. He said Besides Transport Commissioner, A C Chaturvedi and PCB Member Secretary R D Tiwari, Sadiq Ali, Ashok Sharma, Vice Chairman JDA, Naveen Kumar, Dr C M Seth, MD SFC, Director Industries and several others were present. The Transport authorities were advised to improve the Pollution checking devices and it was decided to issue instructions to all the HODs of the Government departments to get emission check certificates. The Transport department which has nine centres to check emission level of the automobiles, has agreed to get some advanced equipment. Some decisions regarding brick kilns and stone crushers were also taken. He said though the meeting was brief there was several issues on the agenda which could not be touched. A sub-committee as desired by some of the members was also constituted. Member secretary, Mr Tiwari said some members expressed resentment over non-providing of agenda 15 days before and also tried to disturb the process. But some business was conducted despite this all. Mr Swatantra further pointed out that in the recent meeting of the Board conducted on December 9 by the minister, it was decided that stone crushing units whether in Jammu or Kashmir divisions, will abide by the action plan for prevention and control of pollution before March 31, 2004 and in this behalf they will furnish Bank guarantee to the tune of Rs 20,000 by December 31, 2003. They will not be given any further relaxation and unit holders of Jammu and Kashmir divisions are being treated equally. Super Consumer Stores being opened on European pattern Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 21: Taking a cue from the European marketing concept, ‘Super Consumer Stores’, a group of promoters associated with manufacturing companies of branded products, is going to open chain of super consumer stores here at par with CSD canteens. In the first phase, 10,000 super consumer stores are being opened all over northern India covering 30 crore of population. In Jammu, which is being covered under first phase, total 40 stores have been proposed to be opened in different areas like Trikuta Nagar, Gandhi Nagar, Nanak Nagar, Channi, Satwari, Kunjwani, Shastri Nagar, Janipur, Talab Tillo, Kachi Chawani etc. Besides Jammu city, such stores are also being opened at Akhnoor, Udhampur, Katra, Samba, Nagrota, Reasi and Kathua. The super consumer stores are likely to become operational in Jammu by the end of current financial year. This was announced by R K Tandon, Managing Director of Super Consumer Stores, while talking to mediapersons during an impressive function on the commencement of business of the group, here today. "After every 6000 families or 30000 of population, one consumer store will be opened to cater to 2000 families, selling all daily need goods to them at 15 per cent cheaper rates than market rates," he announced. Mr Tandon explained that after every 20 consumer stores, the company is putting up one godown which will supply the goods sold on day to day basis. The godowns will receive the supplies from main warehouse, where all the manufacturers will deliver the goods on FOR destination basis, he added. Mr Tandon claimed that all consumer stores will be fully computerised and manned by four fully trained staff members. These staff members will compile daily reconciliation statements for onward submission and stock position of all the stores will be intimated to the manufacturers to enable them to resume daily dispatches, item-wise, he explained. On the occasion, ‘Super Consumer Stores’ organised an interaction meeting to explain business strategy of the group. Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma, Minister for Food and Supply and Consumer Affairs Taj Mohi-ud-Din, Minister for Health and Medical Education Choudhary Lal Singh and MLA Ashwani Sharma participated in the function and extended their good wishes to the group and extended their good wishes to the group. |
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