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Great opportunity for
India, Pak to make Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 28 : Describing the prevailing scenario in the sub-continent as a moment of great opportunity and challenge, the .......more Mufti interacts with Sarpanchs, Panchs Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 28: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed took stock of socio-economic development scenario of Leh at a meeting with a ......more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 28: Amidst chanting of religious slogans three days long Gita Bhagwat Satsangh concluded here today. Large number of .......more Vidyarathi's landmark addition- a reference book in Dogri on birds By Lalit Gupta JAMMU, Dec 28: The single minded pursuit of writers like Om Vidyarathi is silently preparing Dogri language to take up challenge ........more BJP
asks Govt to Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 28: Terming as a lope-sided, Valley-centric discriminatory and irrational the employment policy of the State Government, the BJP has demanded that the same be reviewed immediately taking into considerations ...........more |
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Bid to smuggle taxable items foiled, penalty imposed Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 28: A security and penalty of Rs 54,240 was recovered from a person attempting to smuggle taxable goods into the State during the previous night. Giving details Deputy Commissioner, Sales Tax Check Post, Lakhanpur, Ajaz A Kakroo revealed that in the wee hours today during routine check up ..........more Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Dec 28 : Trade Union leader Mohammad Ishtiyaq Qadiri today joined the ruling Peoples Democratic Party along with hundreds of his supporters. Qadiri announced his decision to join the PDP in the presence of Party chief .........more Peace will restore to Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 28: Governor Jammu and Kashmir, Lt Gen S K Sinha (Retd) has said that peace will restore to this troubled State which is unfortunately facing the wrath of militancy for the last more than a decade now. . .........more Himachal
Minister appreciates role played by Dogras Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 28: Appreciating role played by the people of Jammu for strengthening national integration, Himachal Pradesh Minister of Rural Development and Employment, Sat Mahajan today said that Dogras of Jammu and Kangra are famous all over the country for their bravery and physical appearance.....more |
Great opportunity for India, Pak to make peace, resolve Kashmir: Baig Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 28 : Describing the prevailing scenario in the sub-continent as a moment of great opportunity and challenge, the Minister for Finance and Planning, Muzaffar Hussain Baig has said lot now depends upon the political leadership of India and Pakistan how effectively they use this opportunity to establish long lasting peace in the region. Speaking at a function organized by an NGO, Kashmir Foundation for Peace and Development Studies (KFPDS) here last evening, the Minister said for the first time both the hostile neighbours seem to be making a sincere and genuine effort towards restoration of peace by addressing the each other’s concerns. He said an encouraging development is that there is also a willingness on both the sides to address the Kashmir issue by showing flexibility in their known stands. The outcome of the ongoing exercise, Mr Baig said depends upon two factors viz, how the leadership in both the countries address the problem and how the people of Jammu and Kashmir deal with the situation? He said there are several dimensions of the Kashmir issue which are to be taken care of in a holistic manner considering the aspirations of people in all the regions of the State. For working out an amicable solution, he said the prerequisite is to go to the table with an open mind and start talking. "Any effort to go to the table with a preconceived formulae would only add to the confusion," he said adding that all the parties including Hurriyat Conference and the militants have to adopt a reasonable and acceptable approach. He said that is the process of dialogue, the Coalition government is advocating and insisting upon. "The clue for the talks is do not look for a formulae, look for a solution," he said. To reach a workable solution of the Kashmir issue, Mr Baig said there is a need to simultaneously involve Pakistan in the negotiations as well. "Even while talking with Kashmiris you have to have an understanding with Pakistan," he said adding that no platform in Kashmir can claim to represent the people as we have a fragmented, unascertained view of people in Jammu and Kashmir. "We have told the Centre to start talking with Hurriyat and then involve other groups as well," he said. Attributing the present problems in the sub-continent to the partition, Mr Baig said,"we are a generation of pre-judice and bias and the politicians on both sides have kept the fire of hatred burning to meet their vested interests." He said these walls of hatred could only be brought down by increasing people to people contact and make the people on both sides to develop stakes in each other’s interests. "Once the people on both sides develop stakes in each other’s welfare, they would force the politicians to work for peace instead of spreading hatred," he said adding that the thrust should be laid on interchange of cultural, educational and trade activities so that the misconceptions created in the minds of the people are washed away and they develop stakes in peace. He said once the peace is restored and people start tasting its fruits, they would never talk of war and conflict again. As a confidence building measure, Mr Baig called for immediate opening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Suchetgarh-Sialkote roads so that people on both sides can freely interact and exchange thoughts. Earlier, the Minister released the special issue of KFPDS bi-monthly journal, New Hope edited by Mr Firdous Sayeed. A souvenir of the foundation was also released on the occasion. Renowned economist, Dr Arjun Sengupta, Prof Bernard Haykel of New York University, former Foreign Secretary, Salman Haider, Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly, Mohammad Akbar Lone, Prof Rekha Chowdhary of Jammu University and journalist Satpal Sahini also spoke on the occasion. |
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Mufti interacts with Sarpanchs, Panchs
JAMMU, Dec 28: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed took stock of socio-economic development scenario of Leh at a meeting with a group of Sarpanchs and Panchs of the district here this evening. Minister for Science and Technology Nawang Rigzin and Minister for Revenue Hakim Mohammad Yasin were also present. A group of 37 sarpanchs and panchs of Leh district, who were on a month long visit to West Bengal and Sikkim to study implementation of panchayati raj system in these two states, apprised the Chief Minister about their experience. The visit was organised by the Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), a leading NGO of Ladakh devoted for the cause of promotion of education. Last year also, it had organised a similar visit of panchayat representatives from Ladakh to Kerala, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. Mufti Sayeed said that teams of panchayat representatives from Jammu and Kashmir would visit various states of the country to study working of panchayats there so that this grass-roots democratic system is further strengthened in the state. Mr. Rigzin apprised the Chief Minister about the steps already taken to promote use of solar energy in Ladakh and the keen interest people are taking in adopting this technology to meet their energy requirements. The Minister pleaded for opening of Leh route to Kailash Mansarovar as it would promote tourism in the region. Programme Coordinator of SECMOL Mohammad Hasnain was also present. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 28: Amidst chanting of religious slogans three days long Gita Bhagwat Satsangh concluded here today. Large number of devotees from different areas of Jammu province attended this religious congregation. Delivering religious sermons amidst chanting of Hari Om, Swami Narsinghanandji described those individuals as liability on the earth who despite having body are salves to worldly comforts and luxuries. "They are ignorant to such as extent that they have ‘Kohinoor’ in their hands but they are hankering after pieces of broken glasses", he said, adding, "that is the reason that these types of human beings, despite having all materialistic comforts, are aggrieved and disguest". "Once one determines to remain detached to materialistic race and does his deeds in accordance with the principles of Shrimad Bhagwat Gita, he becomes dearer to the almighty and is even worshiped", he said. Quoting examples of ‘Sarupnakha’ and ‘Kubja’, Swamiji pointed out that Sarupnakha approached Lord Rama with evil designs and was penalised whereas Kubja approached the God with devotion and was rewarded with Divine bliss. Stressing on the need of having blind faith on God, Swamiji quoted Shrimad Bhagwat Gita and said Lord Krishana told Arjuna "you surrender completely to me and I will liberate you from all the sins". "If our deeds are sincere and without selfish ends, we need not to visit even Mathura and Kashi", he said. Speaking on religion, Swamiji said that no religion teaches hatred. All religion teach love, brotherhood and service to humanity. "If religion is understood with real sense without any prejudice, there would be no quarrel over religion", he said. Let all human beings pledge to become ‘humane’ by doing out duty to the society in particular and the nation as a whole without partisan ends, caste, colour or creed. Swami Narsinghanandji said that God is the real companion in all our endeavours. It is God who accompanies us even after our death. He advised the people to make it a habit to pray the almighty not only in difficult time but all the time even while doing your duty. Swamiji also touched the health side and told the devotees numerous prescriptions of Bapu Asa Ramji for the eradication of chronic diseases. Braving severe cold, devotees in large number attended concluding day of the Gita Satsangh. Devotees were seen seen mesmerized by the religious sermons of Swami Narsinghanandji. Even small children, claded in white Kurta Pajamas, were seen seriously listening to the sermons of Swamiji. The three days long religious congregation was concluded with Aarti. Om Jai Jagdesh Harey... rented in the air as hundreds of devotees were seen singing the Aarti. |
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Vidyarathi's landmark addition- a reference book in Dogri on birds By Lalit Gupta JAMMU, Dec 28: The single minded pursuit of writers like Om Vidyarathi is silently preparing Dogri language to take up challenge of assimilating in its traditional structure the modern-age sensibilities and concepts of science, technology, social sciences and other new ideas. Today’s release of book in Dogri titled ‘Chitlagne Chirhu-Phakhru’ written by Om Vidyarathi at the Press Club here today, was the continuation of writer’s pioneering efforts to write exclusively on issues relating to environment. The name of Om Vidyarathi , IFS, and Sahitya Akademi Awardee, stands identified with a new genre in modern Dogri writings in which scientific facts are woven in a narrative with marker literary expression. Om Vidyarathi has already penned down more than 21 books. Exhibiting a rare combination of poetry, prose and scientific outlook, Om Vidyarathi’s writings are unique and have no comparison in any other language. He is relentlessly devoted to the cause of documenting traditional terms and expressions that are fast falling into disuse and therefore at the verge of extinction and coining new words in Dogri that act as synonyms of scientific terms in English or Hindi. The book ‘Chitlagne Chirhu-Phakhru’, is an anthology of Dogri essays which have already appeared in serialized form in Dogri Times in 1996. The opening essay of the book traces the evolution of plant and animal life on this planet, while the others are devoted to different characteristics of birds like types of beaks and feet, flightless birds, mating and nesting habits, exotic and colourful birds, different types of nests, general varieties of birds. In the last pages of the book the writer has given a list of more than 150 Dogri names of birds and new Dogri terms coined by Om Vidyarathi along with their English synonyms. ‘Chitlagne Chirhu-Phakhru’ is a landmark in Dogri literature as it is a first of its kind of reference book on birds in Dogri. Such books not only establish Om Vidhyarathi as a Dogri writer with modern and scientific outlook, but also are milestones in Dogri’s evolution of becoming a modern language. Today’s function, organised by Nami Dogri Sanstha, was presided by reknowned Dogri writer N.D. Jamwal and who also read a critical paper on the book. Other who also spoke on the occasion included Dr. Vijay Puri, Prof Champa Sharma, Ved Bhasin, Mohan Singh, R.D. Tiwari, IFS. On the occasion the musical rendering of Vidyarathi’s poetry was also done by Surinder Singh Manhas. The book release function was attended by writers, poets, literateurs of Punjabi, Urdu Hindi and large number of culture activists. |
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BJP asks Govt to review employment policy Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 28: Terming as a lope-sided, Valley-centric discriminatory and irrational the employment policy of the State Government, the BJP has demanded that the same be reviewed immediately taking into considerations the legitimate aspirations and qualifications of the unemployed youth of Jammu region. State BJP vice president and spokesman Prof Hari Om has said that latest official figures on the unemployment rate in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh have only served to lay bare the disparities between the official claim and the actual position as it exists in different parts of the State. Prof Hari Om said that out of a total nearly 1,40,000 registered youth in the State, over 95,000 belong to Jammu region as against less than 48,000 in Kashmir the percentage of which comes out to 69.5 for Jammu and about 30 percent in Kashmir. Elaborating further he said the number of registered unemployed youth in Jammu, Udhampur, Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch and Doda districts is 45,934; 16,548; 7,461; 4961; 1,588 and 6,544 respectively while figures for districts of Srinagar, Badgam, Anantnag, Pulwama, Baramulla and Kupwara was 17,491; 6,614; 6,220, 4,908, 10,315 and 2,370 respectively as per Assembly papers. Prof Hari Om stated that while the State Government benefitted 1,97,266 Kashmiri farmers by waiving off their agriculture loans to the tune of Rs 10,000 each, in the case of Jammu only 55,406 such farmers have been given relief. He warned the coalition Government not to pursue anti-Jammu policies and said the need of the time is to devise State-centric policies so that justice is done to all. He said that any failure on the part of the State Government to do so would not only be to invite wrath of the angry unemployed youth and discriminated against farming community but also to further add to the already explosive political situation in Jammu region. |
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Bid to smuggle taxable items foiled, penalty imposed Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 28: A security and penalty of Rs 54,240 was recovered from a person attempting to smuggle taxable goods into the State during the previous night. Giving details Deputy Commissioner, Sales Tax Check Post, Lakhanpur, Ajaz A Kakroo revealed that in the wee hours today during routine check up passenger vehicles the checking team led by ETO Kuldeep Krishan Sidha, Inspector Anil Chandan and Guards Prabhu Dayal and Reyaz Ahmed recovered photographic goods and CDs worth Rs 60,000 hidden under the back seat and AC Chamber of the Vehicle No. RJ23 1718 belonging to Krishna Travels plying from Chandigarh to Jammu. The goods were seized and security and penalty of Rs 54,240 was recovered from the driver of the vehicle namely Karam Chand. The Deputy Commissioner has expressed his resolve to continue with the increased vigil and check round the clock to prevent evasion of tax by unscrupulous elements. |
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Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Dec 28 : Trade Union leader Mohammad Ishtiyaq Qadiri today joined the ruling Peoples Democratic Party along with hundreds of his supporters. Qadiri announced his decision to join the PDP in the presence of Party chief Mehbooba Mufti at a workers’ rally held at Baramulla, 45 kms from here in North Kashmir,. "It is the duty of every genuine Kashmiri, who wants to realise the cherished dream of peace in Kashmir and restoring the dignity of its people, to strengthen the PDP," Qadiri said. Welcomed Qadiri and his associates into the Party fold, Mufti hoped they would work for strengthening the Party. Hailing the PDP’s "pro-people policies", Qadiri said the Party in a short span had proved that it truely represented the aspirations of masses. |
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Peace will restore to J&K soon: Governor Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 28: Governor Jammu and Kashmir, Lt Gen S K Sinha (Retd) has said that peace will restore to this troubled State which is unfortunately facing the wrath of militancy for the last more than a decade now. While speaking at a function organised in connection with the Christmas day at St Mary’s Garrison Church, Gandhinagar here today, the Governor said that with the power of prayers being held throughout the state, normalcy will definitely be restored here. Everybody wants peace and we wish God may listen to all those praying for peace. Their prayers may prove fruitful. He appealed the people in general to strengthen the forces of friendship and peace so that a new era ushers in the State again. Appreciating the role of the Church and the Christian missionaries in the Jammu and Kashmir, the Governor said that by running more than thirty schools in the state, they are rendering a great service to the people here. Imparting education is the best service to any society and we hope that they will continue to work with same zeal and dedication. He referred to the dedication of two Christian nuns in late forties, who used to visit Leh and move on foot to reach Ladakh region from Srinagar. They used to come during summer months from the Scandinavian countries by ship and reach Rawalpindi and from there they move to Kashmir and thereafter, trek to Kargil and Leh. This is one of the examples of the true dedication of such missionaries educating to the masses around the world. Earlier, Bishop Peter Celestine welcomed the Governor and other guests invited to the Christmas get-together. He gave a brief account of the Church activities in the state and disclosed that the in early 60s, the beginning in the field of education was made with the setting up of two schools here and now there are 34 schools being run by Catholic missionaries specially for the welfare of the poor and down-trodden children of society. He spoke about the teachings of Lord Jesus and the path of peace, love and brotherhood shown by Him. On this occasion, the children of Christan schools of the city presented cultural programme. The short play presented by the tiny scholars on the birth of Lord Jesus and Mother Mary was highly appreciated by the audience. The guests were offered Christmas cake. The chief guest was honoured by Bishop Peter and presented a memento as token of respect. |
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Himachal Minister
appreciates role played by Dogras Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 28: Appreciating role played by the people of Jammu for strengthening national integration, Himachal Pradesh Minister of Rural Development and Employment, Sat Mahajan today said that Dogras of Jammu and Kangra are famous all over the country for their bravery and physical appearance. Addressing a function organised by the Mahajan Sabha Gandhi Nagar in connection with the 114th birth anniversary of Justice Mehar Chand Mahajan, Himachal Minister said that Dogras have been acrediated as brave all over the country. He called upon the Mahajan community of Jammu to work for the upliftment and betterment of the neglected and marganalised lot of the society. He stressed on the need of eradicating social evils to build a advanced society. Sat Mahajan appreciated Mahajan community of Jammu for excelling in different fields and called upon community members to work for the development of the society. Paying tributes to Justice Mehar Chand Mahajan, who was uncle of Sat Mahajan, Himachal Rural Development Minister, said that it was Justice Mahajan who saved Jammu and Kashmir. "Justice Mehar Chand Mahajan was a revolutionary person who had played important role in different fields", he recalled and narrated some incidents of the life of Justice Mehar Chand Mahajan. He recalled that Justice Mehar Chand was the first person who had used the title Mahajan with his name. Speaking on the occasion, Ved Mahajan, MLC, who presided over the function, recalled services of Justice Mehar Chand Mahajan. He called upon the people to follow guidelines and principles of Justice Mahajan. Mr Mahajan stressed on the need of eradicating social evils. He further called upon Mahajan community to work for the development and betterment of the neglected lot of the society. On this occasion, Jugal Mahajan recalled the services of Justice Mehar Chand Mahajan and paid tributes to his services as member of Boundary Commission. Yash Paul Gupta, president Central Mahajan Sabha Jammu appreciated the role and services of Gandhi Nagar Mahajan Sabha and also apprised the gathering about newly constructed and beautification of Hans Raj Park, Gurdwara Sunder Singh Road. He also highlighted services of the Central Mahajan Sabha Jammu. Justice (Retd) K K Gupta, Yashpal Rohmetra, K R Gupta, Om Parkash Goel, Kailash Langer, Om Parkash Gupta, Bansi Lal Gupta, N K Gupta and Ramesh Gupta paid tributes to Justice Mehar Chand Mahajan. Jagdish Vaid, president Gandhi Nagar Mahajan Sabha requested the community to be united and also advice them to refrain from show off in the marriages and other ceremonies. He appealed to the community support the weaker and needy section of the society. Chanan Shah Gupta, P C Gupta, Raj Kumar Gupta, B L Gupta, N K Gupta, D P Mahajan, Yash Paul Gupta, T R Gupta, Sadhu Ram Gupta, D P Gupta, Vijay Gupta and others participated in the function. Earlier Mahajan Sabha Gandhi Nagar felicitated Sat Mahajan, Ved Mahajan and K B Jandial. Sat Mahajan was chief guest, Ved Mahajan presided over the function while K B Jandial was guest of honour in the function. Cultural programmes was performed by the students while the function was conducted in Dogri. |
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PK, PKM observe Homeland Day, reject return formula Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 28: Different functions were organised by Panun Kashmir and Panun Kashmir Movement (PKM) here, today in connection with observance of the Homeland Day. While the activists of Panun Kashmir tookout a scooter and car rally in the City, the PKM held meetings of its cadres at Purkhoo migrant camp and Press Club to observe the day. The PK rally started at Ram Vihar, Janipur and it after passing through various markets of the City culminated at Jammu Press Club. It was also supported by the leaders of All Kashmiri Pandit Solidarity Conference (AKPSC). Some women activists owing allegiance to both PK and AKPSC also participated in the rally. The rallyists with banners and placards in their hands shouted slogans in support of Homeland demand and against the proposed move of the State Government. The PK activists later held a demonstration near Dogra Chowk to protest against the Government’s apathy towards the displaced Kashmiri Pandits. Addressing the P K activists Dr Ajay Chrangoo lashed out at Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed for ignoring the Kashmiri Pandits in the dialogue. He said when every section of the people is being asked to take part in the dialogue why not the Pandits. He sought the immediate intervention of the Government of India in this regard. Dr Chrangoo while reiterating the Homeland demand said the peace can not be restored in Valley till this demand is accepted. He said on this day in 1991 a resolution has been passed by the entire Community that it will not live at scattered places in Kashmir now and will continue struggle for carving out the Homeland within Valley. He said the community is going to mobilize the public opinion throughout the country in favour of the demand and against the Government’s apathy towards the community. In his address AKPSC chief, O N Trisal said that over three lakh Pandits have outrightly rejected the return formula and they have made it categorical to Government that nothing short of Homeland was acceptable to them. He asserted that Kashmir is the part of Indian civilization and Pandits are the aborigines of the Valley who can not live in a state where there is theocracy, Islamisation and fundamentalism. Kuldeep Raina, secretary general, PK said that Kashmiri Pandits will approach human rights bodies and apprise them about the real motivation of Mufti Government on return. While Satish Mohan Pandit another KP activist alleged that the Government was contributing to the economy of those who are responsible for exodus as well as present mess by constructing the clusters in the Valley. Addressing the PKM meet, its president Ashwani Chrangoo said that Kashmiri Pandits are so obsessed with the Homeland name that it has emerged a a future leader for the community. He asserted that protagonists of this thought have laid such a strong foundation of this demand that no solution is possible to Kashmir except the fulfillment of the aspirations of the Pandits who are the aborigines of Kashmir. He said the displaced people languishing in camps in different parts of the country have supported this demand with one voice by rejected the return formula of the present Government. Lambasting the State Government for blackmailing the community on giving jobs to youth on their return he alleged this is a human rights violation and deserves strong condemnation. He said Government was trying to exploit the community which will be given a strong resistance. He said this Government was trying to close the chapter of KPs and community has not to allow its voice to die. He said Kashmiri Pandit is an internationally recognized issue now and the Government of India also accepts it. "Even the Indian Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister knows that Pandits can not live in the same system in Kashmir in which the Hindus in other parts of the country live but they maintain silence for political reasons," he added. He also introduced the health wealth scheme for the community and sought the support of all in contributing to it. On the occasion O N Pandits, deputy chairman of the Political Affairs Committee PKM was also honoured for his outstanding contribution. |
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Speaker inaugurates eye check-up camp Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 28: Speaker, Legislative Assembly Tara Chand inaugurated a 2-day free eye camp at Kaleeth in Khore block near here today. The camp has been organized by Langer Mahajan Biradari in collaboration with state health department. The Speaker was apprised that during 2-day camp about 100 operations would be performed by the senior surgeons of health department. Free medicines, opticals and food would be provided to the poor patients at the camp. Mr. Tara Chand appreciated the efforts of organizers and said that this would go a long way in providing on the spot treatment to those suffering from various eye ailments. He appealed the people to get the benefit of the facilities available in the camp. Earlier, President Sat Paul Langer said that the Biradari has already organized such camps at various places successfully and intends to hold more such camps in different localities in near future. He also conveyed his gratitude to the Speaker for inaugurating this camp and also appreciated the role of doctors and para-medical staff associated with this camp. Later, the Speaker laid a foundation stone of 1-km long link road from Kaleeth pond to Kamata thereby fulfilling a long pending demand of the locals. Various demands were also putforth before the Speaker including upgradation of school, primary health centre and improvement of water supply schemes etc. He gave a patient hearing to the demands and assured appropriate action at the earliest. Those present on the occasion include Prof. Tara Chand Langar, General Secretary of Langar Baradari, Mr. Suram Singh, Mr. Nirinder Sharma, and Dr. Ashok Sharma, BMO, Akhnoor. |
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Kundal hands over cheque to clear JCCB dues Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 28: Principal Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, B R Kundal handed over a cheque of an amount of Rs 1,42,65000.00 (Rupess one crore forty two lakh and sixty five thousand) to the Managing Director of the Jammu Central Co-operative Bank Limited, R K Sharma in settlement of dues of the Jammu Cooperative Wholesale Store (Super Bazar) to the Bank. Registrar Co-operative Societies, Dr G N Qasba was also present. This payment has become due consequent upon the orders passed by the Court of the Registrar Co-operative Societies, J&K, an arbitrator under J&K Cooperative Societies Act. The arbitrator, however, waived off interest due on the said amount at the rate of 17 percent since April 1, 1999 till date of adjustment aggregating more than Rs 90.00 lakhs. The amount was payable out of the sale proceeds of the plot of the land mortgaged to the Bank against the said liability by the Super Bazar, which plot has been acquired by the Jammu Development Authority on payment of compensation of Rs 2.00 crore for developing parking facility. Dr G N Qasba ordered that the balance amount after settling the Bank’s liability, shall be placed in a Fund for the purpose of augmenting resources of the Super Bazar to enable it raise financial assistance (working capital) for pursuing the objective of the society, which primarily is to deal in consumer goods for holding the price line. He has specifically directed that the said amount shall not be utilised for payment of any past liability including salaries, establishment cost etc. |
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Cong holds meet to celebrate party’s foundation day Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 28: To celebrate Congress Foundation Day and to memorize its great aspects, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of Om Chopra, president DCC (Urban) Jammu today. Spelling out the importance of the Day Om Chopra said that Congress was born on this day in 1885, when only 72 delegates met at Bombay to form National Congress. Its formation laid by an English man A O Hume to fight against hunger, sickness and poverty. Later some towering personalities and patriots of the nation, Hindus, Muslims, Christian and Parsies joined together and passed some resolutions criticising policies of British Government and thus created awareness among Indians. After that Congress started fight for complete independence. Mr Chopra appreciated the women wing of DCC and appealed the party workers to beware of the divisive forces. S Parduman Singh Azad MLC, warned the party workers against adopting short cut methods which damage everybody. He recalled December 30, 1929 when goal of freedom was set at Lahore when Mahatma Gandhi moved his resolution of Pooran Swaraj and Pandit Nehru unfurled Tricolour flag of Independence and the nation observed January 26, 1930 as Independence Day and thus civil dis-obedience movement began. Mahatma Gandhi gave a call for do or die and a quit India resolution was passed. He hoped that Congress with like minded parties will defeat the communal and reactionary forces. Through a resolution the participants congratulated all the Dogri speaking people in the country and outside in general and Duggar Pradesh in particular on inclusion of our mother tongue in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Prominent among those who spoke included former MPs Dharam Pal Sharma and Janak Raj Gupta, MLCs Gulchain Singh Charak and Ms Farida Mir, former MLC S Gurmukh Singh, Capt Jagan Nath, Ram Labaya, Mohan Lal Sharma, Ali Mohd, Nek Mohd, Mrs Shanti Devi Vaid, Prabhat Khokhar, Charan Dass Angral, Inder Sehgal, Inayat Bibi, Mohd Saleem Khan, B B Gupta, Hardeep Singh, Pawan Sharma, Subash Mehra, Madan Lal Malagar, Shakuntla Devi and Ajay Toni, vice-president J&K Pradesh Youth Congress. |
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Teachers’ Forum delegation meets Harshdev Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 28: A delegation of Teachers’ Forum met the Minister for Education Harshdev Singh and urged upon him to resolve their issues as per commitment made earlier. Led by Mr Abdul Qayoom Wani, the delegation members including Gh Rasool Bhat, Ganesh Kumar, Sushil Kumar Rajinder Gupta and others raised the issues related to the teaching community. The main issues pertains to pay anomaly, initial higher start, leave encashment and regularisation of RET/FAT teachers and migrant substitutes. The Minister issued on the spot instructions to Director School Education Jammu to submit the data regarding pay anomaly by January 10, 2004. The data from Kashmir has already been submitted by the Directorate. He also assured that 1000 masters would be promoted as lecturers and 1000 teachers as masters as new year gift to this community. The other issues will also be resolved in phased manner, he added. |
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‘India, Pak should work for creative solution of Kashmir’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 28: Instead of making claims and counter claims on Kashmir by leaders of India and Pakistan, both the countries should work for development of the region and a creative solution of the problem. This was opined by Prof Riaz Punjabi of Jawahar Lal Nehru University, while presenting his paper during a seminar by Kashmir Foundation for Peace and Development Studies (KFPDS), here today. Topic of the session was ‘Comparative Study of Development in PoK, Northern Regions and J&K after Independence’. "Let us have a creative solution of the problem and work for development of the region on the line of European Union," he said and favoured people to people contact, open border and strengthening of friendship between people of both the countries. Listing the steps involved in creative solution of the vexed issue, the Professor of Political Science suggested that economic development of Kashmir valley and granting of fundamental rights to people of PoK and Northern Region should be the immediate issues for redressal. He opined that no comparison of development on both sides of the Line of Control can be drawn as people of the State on this side of border have a number of privileges as compared to those living in PoK and Northern region. "J&K State enjoys special status under Article 370 and has a Constituent Assembly while on the other hand, PoK is virtually governed by Islamabad," he said and alleged that Pakistan has drawn an iron curtain on Northern Region where scores of Afghanis have been settled to dominate the local populace. Dr Dhyan Singh Bhau of Jammu University, while presenting his paper on the topic, was also of the opinion that there can be no comparison of J&K and PoK in view of a large difference between their area. He lamented that after independence no infrastructure development has taken place in J&K but free flow of money from New Delhi to keep the State leadership pro-India. However, he added, the State witnessed rigorous implementation of land reforms and remarkable growth in education while on the other hand Pakistan occupied Kashmir remained neglected in all respects. In other session of the seminar, Prof Rekha Choudhary, while presenting her paper on ‘Regional disparity in J&K’, held politicians responsible for infusing the feeling of discrimination among people of different regions of the State and lamented that common grievances of masses were being politicised. "There is a feeling among Jammu people as well as Kashmiris that they were being discriminated at the cost of each other," she said and listed the points on which the discrimination is alleged. However, at the same time she expressed satisfaction that despite repeated attempts by the enemies of peace, multi-cultured Jammu has not been communally polarised. "Ground reality is that bonds have not been broken and multi-cultured Jammu people understands each other," she remarked. Speaking on the topic, Mr Balraj Puri lamented that fact of diversity among people of J&K, was not recognised by Government as well as national and international experts. "And lack of this recognition is the root cause of all problems of J&K," he said and claimed that diversity was the greatest asset of the State and most celebrated value. However, he added, the international experts have now started recognising this aspect and realised that people who want independence are confined to Kashmir valley only. Mr Puri suggested that devolution of power was needed to end the feeling of disparity. Earlier, in the morning session, Prof Nisar Ali of Kashmir University presented his paper on the topic ‘Economy of J&K; The Challenges and Prospects. He said that the State economy has suffered over more than five decades on account of wrong development strategy pursued by the Government. "The State economy has emerged more a market than a developed region," he said and added that due to wrong policies, dependence of the State on Central grants has increased from 47 per cent in 87 per cent during the last thirty years. "Unless its total potential is geared up, its dependence will increase and the end result would have to be faced in terms of more unemployment, lack of economic opportunities and economic crisis," he warned. |
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Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Dec 28: A meeting of Village Level Workers Association was held here under the chairmanship of Rajinder Sharma, district president. Association demanded clarification of SRO 64 regarding Situ Promotions. The speakers in the meeting also demanded enhancement in the rate of Field Travelling Allowance which is a long pending demand of the VLWs. The meeting attended by provincial president Mr Kapoor Singh Jamwal was also attended by Mohd Sharief Zahid, senior State vice president of the association which condoled the demise of father of Deputy Commissioner Rajouri. |
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Fruit growers demand facilities to compete in world trade Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 28: Jammu and Kashmir Fruit and Vegetable Growers cum Dealers Association has demanded the facilities for the growers of the state as per the World Trade Agreement (WTA) Act. According to Association chief, Ghulam Rasool Bhat, unfavorable weather conditions coupled with lack of facilities has led to decline in fruit production in the State. He said if Government does not pay immediate attention to put the fruit industry, which sustained the economy of the state during the turmoil, back on rails it can not resist the global competition. He said under the WTA the import duty will end after April next year and the fruit from the countries of Japan, Australia, Newzealand, USA and China will enter our domestic market. In the absence of cooperation and assistance from the Government the fruit growers of the state cannot meet the challenge, he apprehended. Mr Bhat said for providing boost to fruit industry in J&K all the schemes of Central Government besides those of NCDC be implemented. He demanded that the Government should renew its loan schemes to the farmers and announce an interest free package for them on the same pattern as was announced by the Punjab Government for its farmers during the militancy. Strongly advocating for implementation of Quality Control and Marketing Act, Mohammad Ramzan Mir another member of the Association stressed on construction of cold stores and Godowns for storage of the fruit in the State. He also demanded that 25 to 30 percent of the total fruit be purchased under the Marketing Intervention Scheme (MIS) and the same be implemented in all the districts of the Valley. The present rate under this scheme be enhanced to Rs 5 from Rs 2, he added. Demanding full control on the distribution of pesticides, fungicides and fertilizers, Mir Mohammad Akram, secretary Fruit Association Pattan stressed that these be tested before supplying to farmers. Besides the soil testing of land which is under the orchards be conducted properly. However, expressing confidence in the present State Government, Mr Bhat said the abolition of tool tax and the introduction of MIS are the bold decisions taken by it which no Government in past has done. He said but more needs to be done for boosting this industry in the state which is providing employment directly or indirectly to 40 lakh people of the State. |
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PDD lineman, another assaulted Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Dec 28: A lineman of Power Development Department was severely assualted by a group of miscreants at village Saroora under Hiranagar Police Station. Police spokesman said that the lineman—Vaishno Dutt was on his way to home after performing duty at village Dulmachak near International Border. As soon as he reached near village Sanoora he was stopped by a group of miscreants, who assaulted him with wooden logs. After critically wounding the PDD employee, the miscreant fled from the spot. He was rushed to District Hospital Kathua by some padestrians and his condition was stated to be critical when reports last came in. Police has registered a case in this connection and hunt was on to nab the miscreants. But no arrest was made till late this evening. The employees of the department have also threatened to go on strike if the accused were not arrested immediately. Meanwhile, a youth was assaulted by three cousins at village Lachipora under Kathua Police Station. The land dispute was stated to be reason behind the incident. The injured has been identified as Amarjeet Singh, son of Kapoor Singh while identity of accused has been established as Rajinder Singh, Simran Singh and Narinder Singh. State BJP condoles Thackrey’s demise Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 28: State unit of Bhartiya Janta Party has condoled the death of former party president Kushabhau Thackrey who passed away this morning. A condolence meeting of Pradesh BJP was held today at the party headquarters to pay homage to Late Thackrey. Attended by Ashok Khajuria, Ajay Jamwal, Anil Parihar, Bansi Lal Bharti, Mrs Suresh Jamwal, Choudhary Sukhnandan, Virenderjeet Singh, Kavinder Gupta, Subash Jandial, Shiv Kumar Gupta, and Sat Pal Grover, the meet highlighted the ideology of Thackrey and paid rich tributes to the departed soul. The participants recalled the services, devotion and dedication of Thackeray for the national cause and for strengthening BJP. It was also impressed on all the participants and party workers to emulate Thackrey’s example and work for the party and the cause. The condolence meeting concluded with a speech by Mr Satpal Gupta focusing on the multifaceted personality of the departed soul who had joined RSS at the very young age, worked as Pracharak and served his entire life for the Sangh. Others who were present in the condolence meeting included Narsing Dass, Dr Mohan Lal Gupta, Baldev Singh, Rajinder Gupta, Subash Chander Gupta, Munish Sharma, Jaswant Singh and Rajnish Jain. NMC demands release of DA instalment Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 28: Subash Shastri, president of National Mazdoor Conference has reiterated his demand for release of 4 percent DA in favour of State Government employees and pensioners. Addressing a meetings of NMC workers in different parts of Jammu, Mr Shastri stressed on the Chief Minister to personally intervene in the matter and issue orders with regard to release of DA instalment to employees. Shastri also demanded release of COLA instalments in favour of Public Sector employees at an earliest. WEJAC demands release of DA instalment Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 28: A meeting of All J&K Workers and Employees Joint Associations Committee (WEJAC) discussed threadbare the situation arising out of the indifferent, inaction and apathy of the State Government for not releasing DA instalment from July 2003, Disturbed Area Allowance, non-maintenance of GPF Accounts due to faulty system as also the issue of termination of daily wagers. The meeting held that the Government has asked the PDD employees to increase double power load by increasing units from 120 units to 200 units on flat rate. The speakers in the meeting described the order of the Government as totally undemocratic, unwarranted against the people of the State, especially of Jammu region. The meeting held that Government in general and the Power Minister in particular has come out to throttle the voice of Jammu people by indicting the senior trade union leaders. Plus 2 lecturers to intensify struggle Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 28: All J&K Plus 2 Lecturers’ Forum has reiterated its decision to intensify struggle for implementation of Pay Anomalies Committee report. The house of representatives which met here today under the presidentship of H D Qureshi resolved to gear up its cadre to get pay anomalies removed at an earliest. The meeting stressed on the Government to desist from the delaying tactics in redressal of genuine grievances of the cadre. The house strongly advocated for making functional all the newly upgraded Higher Secondary Schools with posting of Principals and Lecturers. The house also expressed serious concern over deteriorating conditions in the functioning of Fund offices and stressed on the authorities to bring all the records of GP Fund on the website net-working. Mr H D Qureshi expressed his determination to get the anomalies of cadre removed with the beginning of the next year and held that ‘Lecturers’ Day’ scheduled for April 9, 2004 is an opportunity to expose the Government if it fails to fulfill the commitments made in the historic State Level Silver Jubilee Conference. Others who spoke included Messrs Nirmal Choudhary, Ms Devinder Kour, Ajit Singh, Pardeep Kumar, Vir Singh, Jai Krishan Sharma, B L Sharma, Harbans Lal Choudhary, S K Gupta, Narinder Suri, Kuljesh Chander Kattak and Vidya Sagar. Financial secretary of the Forum Dr Satvir Gupta conducted the proceedings. By Gopal Sharma With the growth of civilization, man’s requirement of water has increased. The country crossed population mark of about 1000 millions in 2000 and in next two decades there will be almost doubling up of different uses of water. The food grains demand will also go on rising simultaneously. The only possible way to boost agriculture production is to make improvement in agricultural technology, extensive and intensive irrigation practices and more importantly—water conservation in all walks of life. It is mention in our Granthas (Shaloka, Atharva Veda II) that water of rivers, wells and ponds etc. if used and managed efficiently will reduce the intensity of drought and water scarcity. This Shaloka clearly indicates the concern of thousands years old generations towards water conservation and its judicious use. Our elders were wise enough because they dug wells, constructed Bowalis, ponds etc. They had devised old and traditional techniques of conservation of water. In one of the Shalokas it is mentioned that banks of the water sources lakes, ponds, rivers etc must be shaded by Kakubha, Vata, Amra, Plaksha, Kadamba, Nicula, Jambu, Vetasa, Nipa, Kuravaka, Tala, Ashoka, Madhuka and Bakula trees. The scope of storage varies from region to region depending upon water availability, topographic conditions etc. Besides cost of construction has gone fairly high. On an average, cost of creating irrigation potential by building dams and canals is as much as Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 per hectare. The environmental impacts of such storages also need to be examined for developing an environmentally balanced strategy. Water is used in various sectors including houses, live stock, agriculture and industry. As the consumption is ever increasing with the population explosion, necessary measures are required to be taken for the conservation of water and also reduce water consumption. Rain-water harvesting techniques have been used for agriculture in several parts of the world since ancient times. The frequent rain, if harvested over a large area can yield considerable amount of water. The examples of ancient rain water harvesting involve water and moisture control at a very simple level. It often consists of rows of rocks placed along the contour of slopes. In a conference on fresh water held at Bonn recently, it was stressed that improvement of indigenous technologies are needed to effectively utilise water, control pollution and develop alternative sources in water stressed countries. The draft declaration signed by the representatives from 46 countries has stressed on a number of suggestions for greater commitment to implement commonly agreed principles on water resources management, in view of pressures on world’s scare fresh water resources as hardly one per cent fresh water is available the world over. The water is needed in all aspects of life and for its sustainable development it is essential to adopt an integrated approach on water management, requiring to take into account water’s social, environmental and economic dimensions and all of its varied uses. The scarcity of fresh water in several areas of the northern region has posed a severe threat. Growing population, large scale mismanagement, pollution and wastage are increasingly straining our limited fresh water supplies. It has been estimated that of the total precipitation of around 400 million hectare metres in India, the surface water availability is about 1,178 million hectare per metres. Of this, about 50 per cent can not be put to use because of topographical and other constraints. Apart from the engineering and management approach towards addressing the water crisis today, what is really required is behavioural change in water users so that each human being begins to respect water instead of abusing it. According to a scientists of Ground Water Management, there is a massive groundwater potential in the region. Still to a large population urban and rural, access to safe drinking water is a distant dream. Unabated pollution of water courses and underground aquifers by untreated domestic, agricultural and industrial effluents coupled with over use and over-extraction of ground and surface water has resulted in several regions in the country reeling under water stress conditions. Water is used for number of activities and with every use of it we pollute it. Agriculture, irrigation, drinking, sanitation, protection of natural eco-system, industrial and allied services to the growing population. They said the world-wide agriculture is considered as the single largest drain on water supplies, accounting for about 69 percent of all uses. About 23 percent of water meets the demands of industry and energy and just 8 percent goes for domestic and commercial use. In India, agriculture uses as much as 93 percent of water while industry uses hardly 3 per cent and the domestic and commercial sectors consume the remaining 4 per cent. Flush toilets are considered as the major culprits using exhorbitant amounts of water which is released as sewage into our waterways, causing organic pollution. Agriculture is largest puller of water, due to largely poor land management and unwise use of chemical fertilizer and pesticides, which end up polluting rivers, ground water and ponds. Provision of low or subsidized water costs also encourage wasteful water practice. This misuse of water has led to a fall in water table, decline in well yields, land subsidence, the intrusion of saline water, making freshwater unfit for drinking and irrigation drying up the wetlands. Significant problems with groundwater quality as a result of excessive fluoride, iron, nitrate and arsenic or excess salinity are affecting about 45 million people in the country. |
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