Vaishno Devi University to start functioning from July

Excelsior Correspondent

KATRA, Dec 23: The prestigious Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University will start functioning from July 2004 with regular classes in the streams of Information Technology and Business Management.

This was apprised to the Governor, Gen (Retd) S. K. Sinha who is also the Chancellor of the University during his visit to the University campus today. The Vice Chancellor, B. B. Chattu, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Dr. Arun Kumar, District Development Commissioner, SSP, Udhampur, SP, Katra and Registrar of the University accompanied.

While reviewing the lay out plan and ongoing construction works of the University, the Governor was apprised that construction work of different buildings is going apace and over Rs. 5.81 crore has so far been spent on these works including staff quarters, Management block and Guest House.

The University is sprawling over 450-kanals of land of village Sirha- Kakeryal 13-kms from Katra, in Udhampur district. The construction work of the University had started during the year 2000. In the initial stage classes would be started in the subjects of Information Technology, Biotechnology and cultural heritage and Indian Philosophy. On completion Mata Vaishno Devi University will be the 3rd University in the state after Universities of Kashmir and Jammu.

Interacting with the Vice Chancellor the Governor said establishment of Mata Vaishno Devi University was a long pending demand of the people of the state, which is now fulfilled by the grace of Mata. Ascertaining that efforts are vigorously afoot to boost higher educational sector in the state, Gen Sinha said that this University has its own significance both from academic and geographical point of view as it is situated near the world famous historic shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. He said that more than 50 lakh pilgrims from different states of the country reach Katra to have holy glimpses of sanctum sanctorum. This University will help in imparting education to all deserving students from within and outside the state.

Referring to the families whose land has come under the University campus, the Governor was apprised that the effected families are being provided with alternate plots in the colony which are being laid out and allotment shall be made by the Collector concerned after the completion of necessary formalities. He exhorted upon the concerned engineers to expedite the construction works of different blocks so that classes are started well in time.

Mata Vaishnodevi pilgrimage breaks all record

Excelsior Correspondent

KATRA, Dec 23: The pilgrimage of the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishnodevi today surpassed all previous record and reached a historic high of 52, 19,752 today. The previous best was the figure for 2000 when 52,17,715 devotees had darshans of the holy Goddess.

On this occasion, Additional Chief Executive Officer of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), Rohit Kansal felicitated Hira Lal Parekh, who attained the rare privilege of becoming the record breaking pilgrims to pay obeisance at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. He was presented with an idol of the Goddess along with a memento and the traditional Chunni. His wife Sushila Parekh and his daughter Arti Parekh were also given mementos and Chunnies on the occasion.

Interestingly the family hailed from Bangalore and was a part of a group of 900 devotees who had come to Jammu by a special train under the auspicious of Jain Yuva Manch. On the occasion the Shrine Board announced that the family would be treated as the Shrine Board’s guests and would be given various privileges including accommodation, other services and special darshans. Addl. CEO also felicitated Paramjeet Singh Jamwal incharge Yatra Registration Counter.

SMVDSB achieved this all time high record under the stewardship of Rohit Kanshal, who has been working dedication and sincerity for this holy shrine.

According to Mr Kansal, for the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi situated in the folds of the Trikuta mountain new year 2003 has been unprecedented year as far as pilgrimage is concerned. "A number of new records have been achieved by the holy shrine. This is second time in the history of Shrine Board that five million mark has been breached", he said, adding, "the five million mark was previously achieved in the year 2000 and 2002 when 52 lakh and 50.5 lakh devotees paid their obeisance at the Shrine".

In the month of June this year this year, the holy shrine registered a record breaking pilgrimage of 7.40 lakh devotees which was a all time record for a single month and during autumnal Navratras this year a record breaking pilgrimage of over one lakh devotees was witnessed.

"Even terrorists’ bid to disrupt Yatra by launching a grenade attack at Banganga failed owing to the unflinching faith of the devotees", Mr Kansal said, adding, "Yatra statistics, with Shrine Board, reveals that devotees cutting across age, caste, sect, religion, geography and even nationality perform the pilgrimage".

Pointing towards number of Yatries, Mr Kansal said, "it shows that Mata transcends worldly divisions. The geographical composition of pilgrimage shows that national character. Pilgrims include devotees from all Indian states. Even far off island territories of Andaman and Nicobar alongwith Lakshadweep have their share of pilgrims. Over 7000 NRI’s also offer prayer at the Shrine".

Since the inception of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board in 1986, the Board has efficiently performed its role as a manager and facilitator of the holy Yatra. Within a short space of 17 years the pilgrimage of holy shrine has quadrupled from 13.95 lakh in 1986 to over 52 lakh in the current year, Mr Kansal said.

Highlighting benefits being provided to the Yatries, Addl CEO said that on-line reservation and booking facilities has been started for room booking, Poojans and helicopter services and on-line donation facility has been introduced. "Devotees can also donate through ATM services of various banks with whomed Shrine Board has tied up with besides information counters at Jammu airport and railway station Jammu are being opened up to facilitate the pilgrimage", he said.

He further informed that Shrine Board has undertaken many ambitious projects keeping in view the increasing arrival of Yatries this includes construction of dormitory accommodation at Sarai building at Katra and Manokamana Bhawan-Phase II at Bhawan. "More waiting halls will be constructed at Bhawan and free accommodation and locker facility at Bhawan is envisaged. Tarakote Power Station providing uninterrupted power supply exclusively to Shrine Board facilities including the track and the Bhawan was operationalised in the current year besides water supply to the Bhawan is being augmented with the construction of three level water lifting scheme at Siar Dabri", he informed.

He further informed that a new alternative track, gentler in gradient and shorter in length has been opened up. "Ponies are not allowed on this track, instead a environment friendly battery car service has been introduced for the aged and the infirm. The board is constantly engaged in improving facilities for the Yatries", he said.

Return in phased manner not acceptable: Delhi Samiti

Excelsior Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Dec 23: Kashmir Samiti, Delhi has made it clear that return of Pandits in phased manner was not acceptable to it as proposed by the State Government.

In a statement here today, the Samiti chief, Sunil Shakdhar while making the stand of his organization clear on the return move alleged, there was no concrete policy before the Government in this regard.

Contesting the Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed’s claim that the families who will return to Valley will be provided a job, he asked what steps his Government has taken during its one year rule and how many families of displaced Pandits were benefited under the healing touch policy.

The Samiti demanded that Government should instill confidence among the displaced community before setting any return formulla in motion and it should be given assurance and guarantee that community will not be uprooted in future.

Mr Shakdhar said the State Government can’t hoodwink the community any more by false assurances. "The Government lacked sincerity towards the displaced Pandits as no mention was made about their plight during the recent visit of Prime Minister to Kashmir or during the Chief Ministers conference held in Srinagar this Summer", he alleged.

He maintained that the return of Kashmiri Pandits can only take place when the secular values are fully restored in the Valley and when Indian state demonstrates its will and capacity to protect the life and honour of the community.

BJP jubilant over inclusion of Dogri in 8th Schedule

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 23: Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today hailed the Centre’s decision for inclusion of Dogri language in the 8th Scheduled of Indian Constitution.

Talking to media persons BJP president Dr Nirmal Singh, spokesman Prof. Hari Om and MLA Jugal Kishore Sharma complimented the Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. They said we pay gratitude to Mr Vajpayee for honouring the sentiments of the Dogri speaking people of the region.

They said BJP had made a promise with the people in this regard so it was committed to fulfillment of the same.

"Dogri Language had faced discrimination for 55 years and the parties who want to take the credit for its inclusion in the 8th Schedule of Constitution have done nothing in this regard when they were ruling at Centre, said Dr Nirmal Singh. They are unnecessarily trying to create a confusion in the minds of the people, he added.

The struggle for inclusion of Dogri in the 8th Schedule was launched by the Dogri Sangrash Morcha and BJP supported it, said Prof Hari Om. He alleged those parties who want to take credit at this time had opposed the Sangarsh Morcha for highlighting this issue.

Later a large number of Party workers led by Dr Nirmal Singh made jubilations in front of Party Headquarters at Kachi Chawni.

Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, Minister of State for Defence, has hailed the inclusion of Dogri language in eight schedule of the Constitution, describing it as a momentous decision which will usher in a new era of progress and development in Jammu region.

In a statement, Prof Gupta said the development was a new year gift from Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to people of Jammu. It is a matter of gratification that for the first time, any Central Government has moved promptly to recognize the aspirations and concerns of Jammu region in the post independent era, he said and added that recognition of the Dogri will open floodgates of development and progress of the language.

Stressing that people of Jammu have played a sterling role in defending frontiers of the country and decision has come as great morale booster for them, he also noted the contribution of various social, cultural and political organizations which extended their whole hearted support for the cause.

Meanwhile, BJP general secretary, Ashok Khajuria, senior leadersKuldeep Raj Gupta and Chander Mohan Sharma, BJYM state chief, Anil Parihar have also welcomed the decision.

Sanmukh a Forum for writers in exile in a meeting here has also welcomed the decision. The meeting which was chaired by Dr Agnishekhar was also attended by M K Santoshi, Khema Koul, Sham Behari and M K Bharat said this way a long struggle of Dogra writers was honoured.

The meeting, while congratulating the Dogri writers said it is a victory for all.

Doordarshan Approved Drama Artist Association (DADA), while hailing the decision has expressed heartiest thanks to Prime Minister for fulfilling the promise made with the people of Jammu.

The DADA which held a meeting here, today also expressed gratitude to all the social and other organizations who participated in the movement for inclusion of Dogri in the 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution.

DADA chief, Raj Singh Jamwal appreciated the efforts of Dogri Sangarsh Morcha, convenor Mohan Singh Salathia who carried this movement for 10 years.

Nami Dogri Sanstha has also welcomed the decision in its meeting here today. Patron of the Sanstha S S Lehar, Advocate and renowned Urdu poet and writer said it was the long pending desire of Dogra community which has been fulfilled.

He said inclusion of Dogri in the 8th Schedule is a matter of honour and prestige for Dogras. NDS also complimented Prime Minister,Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Deputy Prime Minister, L K Advani, MoS Defence, Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta, Leader of Opposition, Sonia Gandhi, Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed , Deputy CM, Mangat Ram Sharma and leaders of all social and political organizations who joined hands for this noble cause.

Doordarshan and Radio’s Casual Artists Association (TRAAIN) in a meeting held under the chairmanship of Shiv Kumar Mengi its president has hailed the Prime Minister and NDA partners for inclusion of Dogri language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution. The meeting also hailed all the political parties, Dogri institutions, associations and individuals for their struggle in this regard.

Rasa Jawdhani Literary Society, chief, Dr Shohaab Anayat Malik while welcoming the decision said it is a victory for the people of Jammu region as a whole.

Chairman Pir Panchal, Ramesh Kashmiri has also welcomed the decision. He said this way a long cherished demand of Dogri speaking people was fulfilled.

Fankar Cultural organization, general secretary, G R Hasrat Gadda and Sadiq Memorial Committee, secretary, K K Raina have also welcomed the decision. In a joint statement they said this is the greatest achievement for the Dogri speaking people in the North India.

Mir for strenuous efforts to make Patnitop
dream destination

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 23: The Minister for Tourism, Housing and Urban Development, Gh. Hassan Mir has exhorted the executing agencies of Patnitop Development Authority (PDA) to evolve healthy and responsive approach for developing Patnitop as a dream destination which he said is the major hill station nearest to the winter capital. He asked for strenuous efforts to achieve objective of making this health resort as a prime tourist destination in Jammu region.

Addressing a high level meeting of officers affiliated with the Patnitop Development Authority here today, the Minister underscored need for early completion of the liquid waste management project so that ecological balance is sustained at the famous health resort.

Several decisions for accelerating the pace of work on the action plan of PDA were taken at the meeting. These include restoration of street lights at Patnitop and Sanasar within a week’s time, keeping the circular road at Patnitop and road to Sanasar operational in the event of snow fall in the area during winter, un-interrupted power supply especially during night hours and maintenance of parks by gearing up Floriculture staff.

The arrangements regarding smooth conduct of ensuring Lori festival and continuation of winter sports activities as regular feature during the winter in Jammu division were also discussed in-depth and proper strategy devised in the meeting.

Among others, the meeting was attended by Director Tourism, Jammu, Mrs. Nirmal Sharma, Chief Executive Officer, PDA, K.K.Gupta and senior functionaries affiliated with PDA.

December 22 to be celebrated as Dogri Divas every year
Politicians, litterateurs and cultural activists urge
citizens to decorate their homes with
‘deepak mala’ on Dec 24 night

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 23:Culture is umbrella term of for all aspects of life and language is the instrument of Culture. It was Dogri’s recent inclusion in the Eighth Schedule which made people from divergent vocations and political ideologies, to celebrate the historical event on a common platform of Dogri Snastha, the symbol of struggle for the rightful place for Dogri, here today.

Coordinated by Hari Ram Jalmeria, the representatives and office bearers of rival political parties like BJP, NC, Congress, Janta Dal-S, JKNPP, JKPP and writers, litterateurs, artists, singers, businessmen, students, not only came together to share the happiness and the feeling of achievement after Dogri’s inclusion in the Eighth Schedule but also decided to celebrated Dec 22 as Dogri Divas every year.

Though Mohan Singh, the convenor of Dogri Sangharsh Morcha only made a token appearance and left, the gathering of political arch rivals forgetting differences agreed that had it not been for the cultural aspect of the movement, it would have been impossible to politically achieve the goal. They lauded the role of Dogri Sangharsh morcha in bringing together cultural activists, politicians, citizens and spearheading the movement for Dogri’s inclusion from 1992 onwards.

In a show of candid admissions, Prime Minister’s and Deputy Prime Minister’s personal initiative was praised by politicians from Congress, Jammu State Morcha, JKNPP and other parties and it was also agreed that the discrimination to Jammu region can be only be fought collectively forgetting differences.

It was also decided to take out a citizens’ rally on Dec 24, which will start from Radio Station at 4 p.m. and pass through different bazaars of the city. Also was decided that a call will be given to the citizens to light their homes with lamps to celebrate the historic occasion of Dogri’s inclusion in the Eighth Schedule.

Those who attended the meeting included Prof Nirmal Singh, president state unit of BJP, Prof Hari Om, spokesperson, Chandermohan, Congress leader Sardar Pradumayan Singh, MLC, Baldev Singh, ex-MLA. Janta Dal-S was represented by Dhan Raj Badgotra, Sat Pal, Tara Chand, also was present Ajay Sadotra, provincial president, NC, Mushtaq Khan from NPP, Udhey Chand from JKNPP, Kashmir Singh, Tilak Raj, Ch. Abdul Rouf from JSM. Bar Association president, D.K. Khajuria, secretary, Ravindr Sharma, Ch. Shah Mohd from Gujjar United Frot, Maj Gen (Retd) Govardhan Singh Jamwal, Inder Jeet Khuajuria, Hotel Association, Jatinder Udhampuri, director Radio Station, Jugal Mahajan, Federation of Industry and Commerce Balraj Puri.

Also were present Dogri writers and poets, including Prof. Ved Ghai,Prof Chmpa Sharma, Prof Veena Gupta, Satpal Mishra and well known ‘Bhaakh’singing duo of Pradumyan Singh and Krishna Kumari, who sang ‘Bhaakh’ on the occasion.

Inclusion of Dogri in 8th Schedule of Indian
Constitution hailed

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 23: Various political, social and voluntary organizations of Jammu region have warmly welcomed the decision of the Central Government regarding inclusion of Dogri Language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Pradesh Congress Committee while welcoming the 100th Constitution Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha for inclusion of Dogri Language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution in a meeting hailed the decision of the Central Government on this count. Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad PCC chief conveyed his appreciation and jubiliation over inclusion of Dogri language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.

Prominent among those who welcomed inclusion of Dogri in the 8th Schedule included Messrs Mangat Ram Sharma, Deputy Chief Minister, Peerzada Mohd Sayeed, Ch Mohd Aslam, Mohd Ayub Khan, Dharam Pal Sharma, Madan Lal Sharma, Mohd Sharief Niaz, Ch Lal Singh, Mula Ram, Ch Gharu Ram, Jugal Kishore, Raman Bhalla, Yogesh Sawhney, Mrs Suman Bhagat, S Prudman Singh, Amrit Malhotra, Mrs Farida Mir, Gulchain Singh Charak, Yash Pal Khajuria, Th Balwan Singh, Parkash Sharma, Th Hari Singh, Mrs Swaran Lata, Th Balbir Singh, Vinod Sharma, Subash Gupta, Shiv Kumar Sharma, Rajiv Saraf, Ashok Sharma, Th Shiv Dev Singh, Th Maheshwar Singh, Darshan Raina, Manmohan Singh, Narinder Sharma, S Gurmeet Singh, Rattan Chand, Om Chopra and others.

Dogra Sadar Sabha has expressed jubiliation over success of its protracted struggle to get included Dogri language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Sabha president Thakur Gulchain Singh Charak was accorded a warm welcome while reaching at Jammu. A well planned procesion was taken out by Sabha in the city streets congratulating the people for their whole hearted support for achieving this gigantic mission in such a short while. Th Gulchain Singh Charak while congratulating the public thanked them for their whole-hearted cooperation and support. He also thanked Mrs Sonia Gandhi, president AICC and MPs of other hues, the J&K State Government for their cooperation for the cause.

Dogra Liberation Front has while appreciating the decision of the Central Government to include Dogri Language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution congrtulated the DLF and all others for successful conclusion of the 50-year old struggle.

Janata Dal (Secular) office bearers in a meeting under the presidentship of Mr Dhan Raj Bargotra hailed the inclusion of Dogri in the 8th Schedule of the constitution of India. Prominent speakers in the meeting included JD-S president Dhan Raj Bargotra, Sat Pal Sharma, Tara Chand, Ram Rattan Sharma etc.

Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA) in its meeting held under the presidentship of Mr Vijay Malla celebrated inclusion of Dogri in the Eighth Schedule of Indian Constitution. Other office bearers being Davinder Mishra, S K Moza, Ashok Dogra, Noor Mohd, Kumari Seema, Sat Pal, Parminder Bhardwaj, Manoj Bhat, Sunit Singh, Padam Muflis and Mrs Promila Vijay.

National Peace Front president Sunil Dimple has described the inclusion of Dogri language in the eighth schedule as a victory of the people of Jammu region.

Former Minister R S Chib and a senior Congress leader has described the inclusion of Dogri language in the 8th schedule of Indian Constitution as victory of Dogra region. He thanked the Central Government for conceding the long pending demand of people of Jammu region.

Leaders of Jammu Mukti Morcha namely Prof Virender Gupta, H B Khajuria, Vikran Gaur, Col V P Sharma, S Rattan Singh Gill, Ashwani Khullar, Vivek Sharma and Dr Ankur in a joint statement have congratulated people of Jammu on inclusion of Dogri language in the eighth schedule of Indian Constitution.

Jammu and Kashmir Gujjars United front has hailed inclusion of Dogri language. Mr Anwar Choudhary, president and Mr Shah Mohd Choudhary, secretary general of the Front, have welcomed the Central Government decision on the most long awaited demand of people of jammu region.

Mr Shri Kumar, chairman, Ramesh Sabherwal and Kashmira Singh, vice chairmen of Jammu State Morcha have welcomed the historical decision of NDA Government to include Dogri language in the 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution.

Former MP and senior Congress leader Mr Dharam Pal Sharma while reacting to the inclusion of the Dogri language in the 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution has termed it as a very good decision though belated.

Pradesh Youth Congress general secretary Mr Ajay Toni has hailed the inclusion of Dogri language in the eighth schedule of Indian Constitution.

President of Rasa Javedani Memorial Literary Society Dr Shohab Inayat Malik has hailed the decision of the Central Government to include Dogri language in the eighth schedule of Indian Constitution.

Janata Dal United has hailed adoption of the Bill by Lok Sabha for inclusion of Dogri language in the 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution. The State JD-U president Sanjesh Gupta has stated that steps should be taken to ensure due representation to the people of this region in the State Assembly, State Services and other spheres of life.

Nationalist Congress Party president and former Minister Thakur Randhir Singh has thanked Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee for inclusion of Dogri language in the 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution.

Pankaj Dogra, National secretary of All India Youth Congress has hailed 100th constitutional amendment by Lok Sabha for inclusion of Dogri language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.

Mula Ram for strict implementation of reservation rules

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 23: Minister for Social Welfare Mula Ram has emphasised for strict implementation of the reservation rule available to the schedule caste, scheduled tribe and other backward classes. He said any deviation to this effect would be viewed seriously and those found involved taken to task

The Minister was addressing an Awareness Camp organized by Jammu and Kashmir Backward Classes Union here today.

Mr Mula said the Government is committed to provide justice to these under privileged sections of the society.

He said numerous schemes aimed at ameliorating the lot of deprived classes are available with different departments involved in the task of social reformation. He, however, regretted over the lack of awareness among people about these schemes and stressed for organising such more such camps in rural and remote areas of the state to make people familiar with the schemes available for their upliftment. He asked people to come forward and take maximum benefit from these schemes.

Referring to the issuance of category certificates, the Minister stated that all the concerned authorities have been directed to ensure that the certificates is issued within one month time, failing which action would be initiated against the erring officers. He said in order to make the procedure more simplified, the suggestion of involvement of a local MLA would be examined sympathetically.

Senior functionaries of State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Women Development Corporation and other financial institution were present on the occasion.

J L Bhagat, Managing Director, SC/ST/BCs Development Corporation also addressed the gathering and appealed to the people to avail the facilities from the Corporation.

Director Social Welfare Jammu also spoke on the occasion and dwelt at length on the schemes available with the department.

Representatives of Banks and other financial institutions informed the beneficiaries about the procedure of loan facility available with their institutions.

Municipal elections in February

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 23: The elections to two Municipal Corporations of Srinagar and Jammu, 6 Municipal Councils and 62 Municipal Committees are slated for February, 2004 in the state. An electorate of about 11 lakh have right to exercise their franchise in the local bodies election being held after a gap of about 30 years.

This was stated at a high level meeting held here today to discuss necessary arrangements and related parameters regarding holding of free, fair and smooth elections for local body institutions. The Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Tourism, Gh. Hassan Mir chaired the meeting.

The Chief Electoral Officer, B.L.Nimesh, Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development, P.G.Dhar Chakerborty and senior functionaries of state election department attended the meeting.

Detailed discussion was held over the arrangements being made for free, fair and smooth conduct of elections of local bodies. These include deployment of about 7,000 employees, identifying proper locations for setting up polling stations and notifying ward-wise electoral rolls.

The Minister said that requisite arrangements need to be dovetailed for smooth and timely conduct of much awaited elections to the local bodies. He said, once the elections are conducted, the balanced development of urban areas could gain momentum in accordance to the aspirations of people.

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