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| Folk dances to represent composite culture at Republic Day Tableaux Excelsior Corospondent JAMMU, Dec, 22: Symbolising the composite culture of Jammu and Kashmir, folk dances of three regions of the state will be presented in state’s tableux at the Republic Day parade this year......more Omar hails
Fernandes Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Dec 22: Omar Abdullah, president of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and Ghulam Hassan, Member Parliament met the Defence Minister George......more Fake
armed licence case Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Acting Chief Justice VK Jhanji has dismissed the writ petition seeking quashment of FIRs registered by Central Bureau..........more Stop
reservation, give Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: All India Brahman Federation (AIBF) has urged upon the Government to stop reservation for all the communities.......more GCW Parade
holds Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: As part of Golden Jubilee celebrations, the Government College for Women, Parade held a function.........more |
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Mehbooba
inaugurates Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Women entrepreneurship development programme under Madanjeet Singh scholarship scheme for rural women, was formally inaugurated today by People’s Democratic Party president and MLA Ms Mehbooba Mufti..............more Mass
awareness campaign Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: National Institute of Hydrology, Western Himalayan Regional Central organised Mass awareness campaign under Fresh Water Year-2003 and training course for women on the theme here today...........more Excelsior
bags Ist prize Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Daily Excelsior has bagged the first award of Rs 25000 for the coverage of legislative proceedings during the year 2002-03. .........more BJP
demands enquiry Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Chander Mohan Sharma today demanded enquiry into the housing and car loans given to the........more |
Folk dances to represent composite
culture Excelsior Corospondent JAMMU, Dec, 22: Symbolising the composite culture of Jammu and Kashmir, folk dances of three regions of the state will be presented in state’s tableux at the Republic Day parade this year. The J&K tableux 2004, will be comprising of three distinct units, each representing different region of the state viz., Jammmu, Kashmir and Ladakh. The tableux has been designed by well known artist and son of the soil Veer Munshi, who has the distinction of designing state tableaux since 1997. The leading unit of the proposed design of the tableaux, which stands already approved by the Government, will showcase Jammu region with folk dance popularly known as "Dheku" which is performed by hill and highland communities of Duggar to please a deity. The assembly of the people on this occasion of this dance is called ‘Kud’. The dance is characterized by complete harmony and synchronization of feet movements with slow and delicate hand gestures. Talking to Excelsior, Veer Munshi, said that to make the performance space come alive, I have decided to place large sculptures of deities as central to the performance. "The large sculptures of deities are inspired by the venerable shrine of Cherena Devta in Reasi area", said Veer Munshi. In the second unit of the tableux, Kashmir will be represented with "Rove" dance. Meaning semicircle, the dance is popularly called as "Ruff". Among the Muslim women in Kashmir, Ruff is an important expression of the festivities on Eid, marriage or in the month of Ramazan. It is a group dance performed by women in a semicircle while singing songs of joy and love. The tableux will present the dance in the background of traditional Kashmiri rural architecture of a two-storied mud house. "To give a glimpse of the rural life of Kashmir, the house will be true to original details in terms of architecture & materials, will also include a women looking out of the ‘wov’, the window like opening in the top floor, and spreading vegetables and chilies etc. for drying purposes. Of course, adjacent to the mud hut will be the tree of Chinar", said Veer Munshi. The last unit of the tableux will present Ladakhi dance "Motses". which is mostly performed during festivals. Here the dancers dressed with full ceremonial costumes, will enact various types of dance movements to the tune of traditional musical instruments. The dance will be shown in the artistic background of a ‘chorten’, a big drum and circle of spinning drums. The entire tableaux will be artistically decked with flowers to make it attractive and as well as reminder of the natural beauty of the state, said Veer Munshi, whose past four designs of tableaux have already been awarded as best Republic Day tableaux presentations. |
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Omar
hails Fernandes for starting Srinagar Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Dec 22: Omar Abdullah, president of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and Ghulam Hassan, Member Parliament met the Defence Minister George Fernandes and thanked him for acceding to the long standing demand of the National Conference to start a Defence Air Service for civil passengers from Srinagar to Kargil. The National Conference president urged the Defence Minister to initiate steps to start a similar service from Jammu to Kargil for better connectivity and convenience of the people of Kargil. The Defence Minister assured him that he will take up the matter with the concerned authorities. The two NC leaders also urged George Fernandes to start a helicopter service between Kargil and Zanskar, Leh and Zanskar to improve the accessibility to the remote area of Zanskar particularly in the winter months. They also requested the Defence Minister to create more economic opportunities through his Ministry for the local people of Kargil and Leh so that they get adequate employment avenues. |
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Fake
armed licence case Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Acting Chief Justice VK Jhanji has dismissed the writ petition seeking quashment of FIRs registered by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in fake gun licence scam. In his judgment, Justice Jhanji observed that this is not the first attempt to stall the investigation of a scam relating to fake armed licences. Earlier an attempt was made by one Surjit Singh Rana, who filed a writ petition in the State High Court, wherein it was alleged that the entrustment of case to CBI was without any rhyme and reason. This writ petition was dismissed on March 20. The petitioner who had later filed LPA, was also dismissed on May 16, 2002. The Acting Chief Justice, after hearing Advocate Sakal Bhushan appearing for the petitioners, directed Advocate KN Bhat of CBI to disclose as to what extent the involvement of the petitioners was in FIR Nos 11, 12, 13 and 14 of 2001 registered by CBI and FIR 7 of 2002. He was also to file affidavit disclosing such an information. In pursuance of the direction, Advocate Bhat filed a detailed affidavit giving complete information in regard to four FIRs and said that during the investigation, it has been revealed so far that one of the petitioners Vinay Verma was instrumental in issuance of these armed licences from the office of District Magistrate Jammu and all the four FIRs relate to separate instances. In the investigations, it was revealed that Joginder Mehra— Petitioner number 2, had arranged issuance of arms licence and played an active role in the issuance process. Justice Jhanji after hearing both the sides, observed that in view of the statement made by CBI, the court is of the view that no prejudice is likely to be caused to the petitioners as the issue of double jeopardy doesn’t arise in this case. Accordingly, the judgment cited by Advocate Bhushan in this case " TT Auntony Vs State of Kerala" is of no help to the case of the petitioners, the Court held, while dismissing the petition and directed CBI to proceed at liberty with the investigations. These court directions and observations were passed in a writ petition filed by Vinay Verma of Trikutanagar Jammu and Joginder Kumar Mehra of Parade Jammu. |
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Stop reservation, give fair chance to all: AIBF Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: All India Brahman Federation (AIBF) has urged upon the Government to stop reservation for all the communities as it is dividing the Hindu society and stressed the need for financial benefits and other facilities to the members of SCs/ STs and other economical weaker sections among all the communities. All India secretary general of the Federation, Prof Devinder Sharma while addressing a press conference here today expressed serious concern over the extension being provided in reservation by the Parliament every year to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. He said reservation in jobs, promotions, admissions and now even in the private sector, has jeopardised the career of the students of other communities. Referring to the demand being raised by the Brahmans and Rajputs in Rajasthan for reservation to the poor members of these communities of economic basis, the Federation leader said that issue is becoming serious and the Government of India should take some immediate decision in this regard otherwise the things would go out of the hands. It Government wants to continue with the reservation policy, it should identify the poor and economically backward families of among the Brahmans and provide reservation. He said in the recent meet of the Federation held at Rajkot, several issues pertaining to community were raised and discussed in detail. In the proposed meeting of Federation at Hyderabad on Dec 27, a large number of top Brahman leaders from various parties and in other fields are expected to Participate. The issue related to simplification of Hindu Marriage Act will also be discussed and it was urged upon the Parliament and Law Minister to make some amendments in the Act so that Hindu women do not suffer much in case of separation. The issues related to ills spreading in the society, dowry, drug addictions etc. will also be taken up during this Braham Ghosh in which about 5 lakh Brahmans from all over the country are expected to take part. The community is not opposed to any help to the SCs or STs but pleads that at the same time poor families from Brahmans should also be given some assistance. The Supreme Court too, has directed for reservation only once but the politicians in the country for their vote bank continued to support this policy even after 55 years of independence. Fair chance be provided to the candidates of all the communities and castes to display their talent and achieve a post/ job with ability. Mr Inderjeet Khajuria, Federation leader also spoke on the occasion. |
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GCW Parade holds impressive function Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: As part of Golden Jubilee celebrations, the Government College for Women, Parade held a function to felicitate the students who recently bagged prizes in the Display Your Talent programme at JU campus. The Commissioner, Higher Education, Sonali Kumar, who was the chief guest at the function, advised the students, to become strong from within and nurture desire to serve the society." There are lot of things to do and achieved with dedication and hardwork", she stated. Mrs Sonali Kumar suggested that with the opening of the world, the girl students should seize opportunities and make move forward. She counselled them to have faith in themselves and scale new heights of achievements. The Commissioner, Higher Education, appreciated the talent among the students, who got top positions in classical vocal, instrumental music, painting competition and other literary and artistic events. She presented awards to the students who excelled in Display Your Talent contest recently organised by the Department of Youth Welfare, University of Jammu. The Principal of GWC, Parade, Vijay Lakshmi, while speaking on the occasion, spoke about the achievement of this 50-year institution in spreading female education especially in Jammu region. She also spotlighted the activities of the college. Mrs Rita Jatendra, also spoke. The students gave performance of song and dance items which were highly applauded. On the occasion, ex-Principals of this college: Vidya Gupta, Rita Jatendra, Kiran Bakshi, Swarn Lata Dogra, Chanchal Pandoh were presented mementos by the chief guest. |
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Mehbooba inaugurates ‘women
entrepreneurship Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Women entrepreneurship development programme under Madanjeet Singh scholarship scheme for rural women, was formally inaugurated today by People’s Democratic Party president and MLA Ms Mehbooba Mufti. The programme is being run by the Centre for Adult Continuing Education and Extension, University of Jammu. In the first batch thirty girls from rural areas in Kathua are being given free training in entrepreneurial, marketing, computer and vocational skills besides general English. Speaking on the occasion, Ms Mehbooba Mufti expressed her pleasure over the conduct of a programme for women entrepreneurship and said that most significant aspect of the training was transformation of rural girls. "These girls, who are being imparted training under the scheme, will surely encourage others in their village and area to join such entrepreneurship programmes for self employment," she hoped. Favouring more privileges to private entrepreneurs, the young leader lamented that majority of youth prefer Government jobs only probably because of the fact that more privileges are given in Government sector. Extending her good wishes to sponsors of the programme, including Centre for Adult Education and Extension, Kalamkari Centre Society (KCS) and others associated with the scheme, Ms Mehbooba said that these people were sharing burden of the Government in providing employment to youth. She also assured all possible help to voluntary groups engaged with such programmes. Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo, who presided over the function, lauded the services of all the persons engaged with the programme and said that Madanjeet Singh scholarship scheme is a pilot project of Jammu University at field level. He said that Jammu University will continue to work in association with civil society and voluntary organisations for upliftment of women and their empowerment. Earlier, Dr Poonam Dhawan, Director of Centre for Adult, Continuing Education and Extension, JU, welcomed the guests and threw light on nature of the women entrepreneurship development scheme and its expected outcomes for rural women. She also highlighted the importance of field outreach and role of the University. Dr Madhu Gupta, Assistant Director Continuing Education, delivered vote of thanks. On the occasion, an exhibition of the craft items, made by students undergoing the training, was also organised wherein several items were put on display. |
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Mass awareness campaign on fresh water launched Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: National Institute of Hydrology, Western Himalayan Regional Central organised Mass awareness campaign under Fresh Water Year-2003 and training course for women on the theme here today. This programme was organised in collaboration with All India Women’s Conference and J&K unit president of the Conference Mrs Nirmal Padha coordinated the activities. Twenty-seven such programmes are organised in this connection throughout the country and Roorkee Centre of the NIH organised six programmes under Fresh Water Year-2003. Member secretary of State Commission for Women, Mrs Chandra Gupta was the chief guest on the occasion while Dr Partap Singh, Head WHRC was the special invitee to the programme. Dr Partap apprised the gathering about the activities of mass awareness programme going on in the country. He stressed the need for awareness among the people specially the women from rural and urban sectors regarding importance of fresh water and keeping healthy. He suggested that if water being consumed is fresh, over 90 percent of the water borne diseases will never attack a person. He said on this planet earth hardly 1 per cent water is fresh while 97 is hardwater. Therefore there is urgent need to conserve water for the generations. The population explosion is the major problem to be tacked and there is also need to preserve our old and traditional water sources to meet our requirements. Mrs Gupta in her address, drew attention towards the increasing level of water pollution in rivers. She said it is the responsibility of every citizen to keep their surroundings clean and water sources well protected. Besides Government agencies, the NGOs can play vital role in this regard. Dr Vijay Kumar, officer incharge WHRC Jammu sought people’s cooperation to make this programme a grand success. The women from rural and urban areas were also imparted training in handling kits for testing water quality. Twenty kits were distributed among them. A doctor was also engaged to educate gathering regarding water borne diseases. Certificates were also distributed among the trainees. |
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Excelsior bags Ist prize
for coverage of Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Daily Excelsior has bagged the first award of Rs 25000 for the coverage of legislative proceedings during the year 2002-03. The second award of Rs 15000 each goes to Dhanik Jagran and CNS news agency while the All India Radio and Doordarshan have claimed the third award of Rs 10000 each. The awards were announced by the Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Tara Chand on the recommendations of a press award committee headed by the Deputy Speaker, Mohammad Akbar Lone. The committee had been constituted by the Speaker on 26th February last. The committee has appreciated the role of the print and electronic media both at state as well as national level for coverage of the proceedings of the House in a very skilled and professional name. |
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BJP demands enquiry into
housing, car loans Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Chander Mohan Sharma today demanded enquiry into the housing and car loans given to the legislators of the previous legislatures. Talking to media-persons, Mr Sharma said "all the MLAs and MLCs of the previous Legislatures, barring Lala Shiv Charan Gupta and Ajat Shatru Singh, availed housing and car loans but none used the same for the said purpose", adding "all the Legislators had misused the money and if an enquiry is conducted into the matter, everybody would come to know that the Legislators had deposited the money either in the Finance Companies or used the same for other purposes". The senior BJP leader said that a committee headed by MLC Pardhuman Singh was also constituted by the coalition Government but the matter continued to hang in balance till today which showed that coalition Government was not serious about bringing an end to corruption and misappropriation of the funds. "Since the Accountability Commission has not been formed so far, this case should be handed over to Vigilance Organisation to conduct detailed enquiry to expose the MLAs and MLCs who are the guilty of misappropriating the state exchequer", Mr Sharma demanded. About the statement of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed regarding review of the Wazir Commission report, the BJP leader said "this shows that coalition Government don’t want report to be implemented. For what the report needs to be reviewed despite the fact that the same was prepared by the retired justice in 1982". He expressed apprehension that Government would accord district status to only Kishtwar and Bandipora under a deep rooted conspiracy. "The MLAs of the Congress and Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) who had come to power on the assurances of implementation of Wazir Commission report and other issues related to Jammu have no right to stay in power as while remaining in the Government they are not in a position to get the same assurances translated into reality", the BJP leader said. He also demanded a thorough enquiry into the supply of defective equipment to the police. "Despite being aware of this fact the Government has not initiated any step which shows that the Government is hand-in-glove with the corrupt elements", he said. The BJP leader appealed the Central Government to release a stamp on the 50th anniversary of the Praja Parishad. |
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Ex-servicemen rally organised by Army at Thanna Mandi Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Dec 22: An ex-servicemen rally was organised by the Indian Army at Chapta Post, Thanna Mandi with a view to provide a platform to ameliorate problems being faced by ex-servicemen of the area. The rally was inaugurated by Commandant 12 Mahar Regiment and attended by various ranks of Army besides Tehsildar Thanna Mandi Shahbaz Mirza, SHO Thanna Mandi Vijay Kumar and officials of Zila Sainik Welfare Board. The rally was attended by about 15 ex-servicemen from the area as there are only 25 ex-servicemen in the whole area of Thanna Mandi. A team of officials from Zila Sainik Welfare Board was also present at the rally for providing information about the newly introduced schemes and programmes for the ex-servicemen by the State and Central Governments. Sainik Board officials highlighted various schemes for ex-servicemen which included self-employment scheme and Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme by Central and State governments. An Army doctor was also made available at the rally for general medical check up of the ex-servicemen of the area who attended the rally. CSD Canteen facility was also made available for the convenience of the former soldiers. While concluding the rally the Commandant requested the Ex-servicemen to cooperate with the Army to eradicate the terrorism from the area for restoration of law and order and peace. |
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Jewellery worth Rs 2 lakh seized at Lakhanpur Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Dec 22: During the stepped up check and vigil at the Sales Tax Check Post Lakhanpur, Jewellery worth Rs 2 lakh was seized the previous night. Giving details Mr Ajaz Ahmad Kakroo, Deputy Sales Tax Commissioner, Check Post Lakhanpur, revealed that during the routine check up of the Video Coached and buses, the alert Checkpost sleuths suspected one Rigzin Dorjey, resident of Ladakh, travelling in Video Coach No DL1PA 7660 plying from Delhi to Jammu,of smuggling taxable goods into the State in a hand bag. On search the hand bang was found to be containing Jewellery worth Rs 2 lakh with out any documents. It was accordingly seized and security and penalty under various sections of GST Act, 1962 imposed on the offender. The Deputy Commissioner exhorted the staff to maintain the momentum of vigil and check and prevent the tax evaders from hood-winking the authorities by smuggling taxable goods into the State. |
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BJP accuses Power Minister of painting party in black Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: State BJP vice president and spokesman Prof Hari Om today accused the Power Minister Mohd Sharief Niaz of painting the BJP black for its stand on the irrational hike in power tariff and said no efforts on the part of Mr Niaz to mislead the affected people of the State will ever succeed. Prof Hari Om also termed as a white lie the assertions of Mr Niaz that Government has not hiked power tariff and that it is charging tariff according to the old rates. He said BJP is a responsible opposition political party and thus duty bound to take up public related issues, including discrimination with people of Jammu region and their total neglect in the crucial employment, service, power, tourism and industrial sectors. He said such an approach on the part of BJP has become all the more necessary in view of the the indifferent attitude of the Congress and Panthers Party to the innumerable problems being faced by the people of Jammu region, as also owing to the fact both these so-called pro-Jammu formations have subverted the people’s mandate in their desperate bid to retain control over the loaves and fishes of office and amass wealth. Prof Hari Om reiterated that party stand on the issue of power tariff and asked the Power Minister to explain the circumstances under which power tariff load was doubled in October this year and the people directed to pay tariff accordingly with effect from April 1, 2003. He also asked him to make public the reasons behind the introduction of slab system for all, without any exception, under which the consumers have to pay power tariff at enormously enhanced rates. In this connection, he said that those who used to pay about Rs 600 for consuming 3 KW electricity are now required to pay Rs 1399 per month. He urged the Government to withdraw its anti-people decision under which the power load has been doubled and tariff hiked by 115 percent. He advised the Power Minister to introduce in the State a power policy similar to the one which is in practice in neighbouring States of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and delhi and charge tariff as per the meter reading. he warned him and the State Government that any failure on their part to do so would be to invite more public wrath. |
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Inter school science quiz contest organised Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: An inter-school Science Quiz contest in memory of Late Dr B N Sharma, Professor of Chemistry and an educationist, was organised by Shastri Memorial Higher Secondary School Patoli in collaboration with Mahamana Malaviya Mission, J&K Chapter in which students of Class X level from as many as nine schools participated. Dr Champa Sharma, Founder head of PG Dogri Department of Jammu University, in her speech highlighted the contribution of Prof B N Sharma in the field of education. She said that Prof Sharma always thought of and worked for the betterment of student community. He was product of Banaras Hindu University founded by Mahamana Pt Madan Mohan Malaviya. Prof Sharma did his MSc and PhD in Chemistry from this University and rendered his valuable services for the promotion of education. He authored 43 books on Chemistry and other subjects for students of various levels. Prof Champa Sharma blessed the students and spoke a word of appreciation for the staff associated with the conduct of Inter-School Science quiz. While welcoming the guest and Principal of the Institution Mrs Shakti Kohli brought home the relevance of literary activities to broaden the mental horizon of young learners. She also expressed her gratitude to Malaviya Mission and Dr Champa Sharma for sponsoring such programmes for exploring the inherent talent among students. First position was bagged by Shiksha Niketan High School Gandhi Nagar and Shastri Memorial Higher Secondary School Patoli (For being the host), second position went to Oriental Academy Mohalla Afghana, Jammu and third position secured by Light House Public School. Consolation prize was announced in favour of New Era Environmental School. Mr Ravinder Gupta acted as quiz master whereas the vote thanks was presented by Mr O N Ganjoo. The prizes will be distributed to the winning teams on December 25 by Malaviya Mission at Jammu Club. |
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Impressive Christmas procession taken out Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: An impressive Christmas procession (Jhanki) was taken out, here ,this afternoon. The procession was jointly organised by Saint Paul Church (CNI), Residency Road, Jammu and St. Peter Church, Prem Nagar, Jammu. A large number of people including men, women and children on tractor trolleys participated in the procession. They were singing in the praise of Merry Christmas and Jesus Christ. The procession was led by a man on camel back depicting Adam (the first human being on this universe). He was followed by three persons called astrologers riding on camel backs and some jhankis on the life of Jesus Christ. The procession was taken under the chairmanship of Rev Sohan Lal, Priest Incharge St. Paul Church, Residency Road, Jammu and prominent Christian leaders S M Gill, ex MLC and Waris Gill were also present. The procession after passing through Residency Road,Raghunath Bazar, City Chowk, Purani Mandi, Link Road, Raj Tilak Road, Parade, Kachhi Chawni and Jain Bazar culminated at the St . Paul’s Church on its return. As a goodwill gesture people in various markets enroute had erected welcome gates to greet their Christian brethren. The Jhanki was flagged off Peter Celistine, Bishop J&K State Catholic Church. |
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Secretariat employees delegation calls on Baig Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: A delegation of Civil Secretariat Non Gazetted Employees Union led Nazir Ahmed Mir, president called on Muzzafar Hussain Baig, Minister for Finance and apprised him of the problems being confronted by the employees on account of release of 4 percent DA. The Finance Minister appreciated the problems on this account and assured the Union that the DA installment of 4 percent will be released shortly in favour of the employees. The delegation thanked the Finance Minister for appreciating the problems of the employees and for taking steps to redress the grievances of the employees whenever such problems are brought to his notice. The delegation of Union comprised of Ghulam Mehdi, vice-president, Mohammad Shafi Khan, general secretary, Chandji Bhat, secretary, Mushtaq Hussain Khan, publicity secretary, K L Anand, treasurer and other executive members. |
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College teachers meet Sonali Kumar, discuss demands Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: The presidium of J&K College Teachers Association, led by Dr Ravinder Chadha, today met Mrs Sonali Kumar, Commissioner/Secretary, Higher Education, and discussed with her the problems confronting the college teaching community. Dr Ravinder Chadha highlighted and pleaded the grievances of college teachers. He said that pay fixation and placement of college teachers should be done within two weeks, orientation and reference courses should be held at Jammu and UGC service conditions be implemented in toto. Seeking revision of SRO 175, the Association requested Sonali Kumar to safeguard the interests of college teachers as regards to their representation in University, J&K Board of Secondary Education and in other departments like Gazetteer unit, Archaeology, Libraries, Fisheries etc. The Association also demanded constitution of an advisory committee in the Higher Education Department and suggested that college teachers with administrative acumen may be inducted in KAS cadre. Sonali Kumar gave a patient hearing to the deputation and assured that the demands would be considered positively. The deputation comprised of Dr Renu Goswami, Dr Anil Gupta, Prof Surinder Sharma, Prof Seema Mir, Dr Asha Abrol, Prof Narain Sharma and Dr Anil Ganjoo. |
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BJP Mahila Morcha office
bearers, working Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: State president of BJP Mahila Morcha, Surekha Choudhary has announced names of the Morcha office bearers, working committee members, district presidents and incharge Kashmir Migrants Cell. Chanderakanta Sharma, Archana Kesar, Raj Rani Jamwal, Umresh Khajuria and Kausar Sultana have been appointed as vice presidents while Geeta Thakur is new general secretary. Raj Kumari, Parseen Kour, Nirmal Koul, Kamla Devi and Sunita Mahajan are secretaries. Uma Bakshi and Antu Kotwal (Banerjee) have been made treasurer and office secretary, respectively while the charge of media secretary has been given to Chanchla Sharma. Names of Pushpa Devi, Updesh Andotra, Neelam Sharma, Vaishno Sharma, Usha Sharma, Usha Gupta, Shaiful Nisha, Anu Gupta, Tahira and Abida Shah have been announced for the post of district president for Jammu Urban, Kathua, Rajouri, Akhnoor, Samba, Udhampur, Kupwara, Poonch, Anantnag and Srinagar, respectively. Mrs Santosh Pandita has been made incharge of Kashmir Migrant Cell. The working committee members of the Morcha are Suresh Jamwal (also Prabhari of Mahila Morcha), Neelam Sumbaria, Shivo Devi, Amarjeet Kour, Aarti, Sudha Anand, Sheela Devi, Geeta Devi, Amarjeet Kour, Sheela Sharma, Soma Gupta, Sudesh Sharma, Shakuntla Gupta, Nirmal Sharma, Shashi Bala, Madhu Vaishnavi, Raj Kumari, Santosh Bhagat, Sanjogta, Trishla Manhas, Saroj Gupta, Mamta Singh, Neena Gupta, Darshana Gupta, Vindo Sharma, Rajni Bhat, Roopa Raina, Kamlesh Manhas, Indira Jamwal, Munira Begum, Pushpa Devi, Sushila Jandial, Darshna Devi, Maya Devi, Gita Manhas, Manohari, Amina Begum, Veena Singh and Janak Rani. |
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Rs one cr bridge over Shahpur nallah Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, Dec 22: The Minister for Roads and Buildings Madan Lal Sharma has said that the coalition Government is maintaining close rapport with the people and involving them in the development process for achieving desired results and quality work at grass root level. Addressing a series of public meetings at Mendhar, Rajouri and Poonch the Minister said that for prompt socio-economic development of rural areas powers have decentralized to panchayats. He stressed that basic workers be involved in plan formulation and effective monitoring various programmes and policies. He said the coalition Government is committed to provide good and clean administration for which process has started and tainted and dead wood elements have been retired from their services but maintained that honest and dedicated officers will be encouraged. Responding to the local demands, the Minister said that his visit to the twin border districts is to ascertain their problems and initiate remedial measures at their doorsteps. He asked people to coordinate with the local administrations in the development process and closely monitor the development works being executed in their areas so that quality and standard is maintained. Earlier, the Minister inaugurated a 30 metre motorable bridge constructed at a cost of Rs. one crore over Shahpur nallah on Sain Baba-Mira Sahib road. This bridge will provide connectivity to 6 villages and benefit 10 thousand souls of the area. The Minister was apprised that bridge at Pumbode is under execution at a cost of Rs.3.86 crore and its completion would benefit a vast area. Another bridge on Chandimash-Dungrian road would also be constructed at a cost of Rs 5.31 crore. Bar members demand district status for Reasi Excelsior Correspondent REASI, Dec 22: Bar Association Reasi has urged upon the State Government to fulfill the long pending demand of 45 years of creation of district at Reasi. The Bar members in a meeting held alongwith political workers of Reasi, Dharmari, Mahore and Pouni demanded immediate implementation of Wazir Commission Report. In the meeting it was resolved that long standing demand for creation of district was also put forth before the earlier Government when the entire Reasi observed bandh for 72 days in the year 1988. The people of this area are in dire need of district and Government should not take this demand non-seriously. The earlier governments have done a great injustice with the people of this area. In the democratic set up the power lies in the hand of the people and anybody or the Government under-estimating the power of people and strength of voters has suffered a lot. The present Government should come forward and create history by fulfilling the long standing demand. Advocate R K Sharma, Ajay Nanda, K K Dubey and Sarvar Mir also spoke in the meet. Rs 20.73 crore incurred in Doda district Excelsior Correspondent Doda, Dec 22: An expenditure of Rs. 2973.00 lakh stands incurred in Doda district on various socio-economic activities during first eight months of current financial year against actual authorization of Rs. 6326.38 lakh allocated for the purpose. This was stated at a meeting of officers of different sectors held under the chairmanship of District Development Commissioner Doda Mehboob Iqbal. The expenditure included Rs 570.29 lakh on agriculture and allied activities followed by Rs193.00 lakh on rural development, Rs.83.63 lakh on industries, Rs.511.93 lakh on road communication, Rs1602.32 lakh on social and general services and Rs 7.64 lakh on planning machinery. Besides Rs 539.60 lakh were spent on execution of various centrally sponsored schemes of EAS, JGSY, DPAP and DRDA against an availability of Rs 1367.65 lakh. An area of 56700 hectares was brought under high yielding variety seeds and for this purpose about 793.12 quintals of HIV seed and 2517.80 tones of chemical fertilizers were made available to the farmers during both Rabi and Kharief crops in the district. Similarly under horticulture an area of 8220 hectares was brought under plant protection scheme while 2900 farmers were trained against latest techniques of boosting agriculture production in 58 farmers training camps organised at different places of the district. Under horticulture sector an additional area of 125 hectares is proposed to bring under new orchards. About 4.56 MT fruit and vegetable were processed in the fruit preservation and utilization centre at Bhadarwah. Similarly, under animal and sheep husbandry sectors, 2.62 lakh cattle were treated and 4.87 lakh sheep and goats were dosed against various ailments. Wool productions in the district have gone up to 6.03 lakh kgs and mutton 18.81 lakh kgs in the district. Under IRDP/SGSY twenty Self Help groups and 218 individual Swarozgaries were benefited and under JGSY 64,000 mandays were generated besides construction of 60 houses under IAY. Simultaneously, under EAS 1.12 lakh mandays were generated. Ten cases were formally and 78 cases provisionally registered under industries sector. 18,000 kgs of cocoon production was registered .9.71 kms roads were black topped, 11.52 kms metalled and 3.99 kms shingled besides adding 6.43 kms of fair weather roads. Over 345 physically handicapped students were benefited with pre-metric scholarships under social welfare sector. However, 5409 students of scheduled castes and 5124 students of other backward classes were benefited under pre-metric scholarships. Speaking on the occasion the Mr Iqbal asked the sectoral officers to speed up their activities so that targets fixed under various schemes are achieved with in stipulated period. Budgam timber smugglers being detained under PSA Excelsior Special Correspondent BUDGAM, Dec 22: District administration of Budgam has directed officials of Pirpanjal Territorial Forest Division to prepare dossiers of all the notorious timber smugglers as they had caused considerable damage to dozens of compartments in Chrar-e-Sharif, Raithan, Khansaheb, Arizal, Drang, Gogaldara, Khag and Tangmarg forests. Green felling has emerged as a phenomenal menace in Upper Budgam as over 3,000 horses and 100 tippers and trucks are being used for transportation of the illicit timber. Informed sources told that EXCELSIOR that Deputy Commissioner, Kh Bashir Ahmed, has received a pile of complaints regarding the activities of about 30 notorious timber smugglers in Budgam district. He is now keen to arrest all of these wood-poachers and detain them under Public Safety Act (PSA). Divisional Forest Officer, Mohammad Ashraf Beig, confirmed that Pirpanjal Division had received instructions to make dossiers of all notorious timber smugglers. He said that his division had launched a major drive to seize every cubic foot of the illicit timer and the instruments used in timber smuggling. Mr Beig said that 37 sawmills have been dismantled and tools of smugglers have been seized in the last few years. He claimed that officials of his division and Forest Protection Force had also seized 400 horses and 27 wooden carts which were being used for transportation of the illegally felled trees. He claimed that activities of the timber smugglers had been curbed to a large extent due to these organised raids. According to him, as many 72 vehicles have been seized and confiscated by his division in the last three years. He said that smuggling by ponnywallas was more difficult to curb as these experienced people used inaccessible and non-motorable routes. The Forest authorities have requested the people in general and those living in close vicinities of the forests in particular not to extend any support to the timber smugglers. The local people have been asked to surrender all quantities of the illicit timber besides tools used in illegal felling of trees within a weeks time. Thereafter, Forest Department would initiate stringent action against the guilty. |
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