Dy CM inaugurates 2-day workshop for weavers, artisans

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Feb 18: Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma today called upon the youth to acquire knowledge of traditional arts and crafts for setting up income generating units in the state.

Inaugurating a 2-day awareness camp cum workshop under dyeing and designing organized by the Handloom Development Department at Kathua, Mr Sharma said that the age-old traditional skills like Basholi paintings, the main attraction within and outside the state, should be preserved at all costs. He said the aim of holding the workshop is to create awareness among the weavers, artisans, dyers and painters about the use of improved designs with appropriate colour scheme that would help to improve the quality of the product.

Mr Sharma impressed upon the organizers to organize such camps in other parts of the state as well to enable the people to get acquainted about the latest market trends. The Government would provide all assistance for the development of handloom sector in the state, he added.

The Deputy Chief Minister expressed the hope that the workshop would go a long way in educating the people associated with the trade about the modern techniques of weaving and designing that would help them in getting added value of their products. He asked the people in general and those dealing with handloom sector in particular to avail the benefits provided by the Government under various schemes.

Earlier, the Deputy Director Weavers Service Centre, Union Ministry of Textiles gave the details about the objectives of the workshop.

A large number of weavers, artisans and printers from different areas of Kathua district took part in the workshop.

Among others, present on the occasion, were MLA Kathua, Mr Jatinder Singh, Director Handloom Development Department, Mrs Shayma Jain, District Development Commissioner, Kathua, Mr B.D. Sharma and other officers of the Handloom Development Department.

JM submits project report to Govt
Commercial complexes, parking lots will
fetch money within a year

By Mohinder Verma

JAMMU, Feb 18: Jammu Municipality has submitted the report of projects of parking lots and commercial complexes to the State Government with a mention that these projects are designed in such a way that they will recover the spent money within a year.

Highly placed sources told EXCELSIOR that the project report has already been approved by the committee headed by Divisional Commissioner Jammu Mr Anil Goswami and Chief Town Planner, Vice-Chairman JDA, Chief Engineer PWD and Administrator Jammu Municipality as its members and said that even Housing and Urban Development Minister has given his nod to the projects.

"In the report the Municipality has mentioned that the project of commercial complex and parking lots which will come up at Indira Chowk will be constructed at the cost of Rs 14 crores out of which Rs 10 crore will be recovered through the sale of 60 shops and remaining amount from the sale of office complex", the sources said.

Briefing about the project, the sources said that this multi-storey commercial complex and parking lot will come up on six kanals of the land and added that the project report which the Municipality has drafted has also the provision of adding additional floor in the event of the need.

Moreover, the report has also mentioned that 58 persons who have been running kiosks in the existing municipal market will be accommodated in the same complex free of cost as complex will also have separate 60 small shops.

"The complex will have two floors of the shops, two floors of offices and four parking lots with a capacity of hosting 50 cars and 55 scooters in each lot", the sources said and added that there will be different segments of car and scooter parking. The sources further said that in total, the complex will have the provision of parking 250-300 cars and 275-300 two wheelers.

Moreover, the sources said, the complex will also have the provision of parking ramps and vertical car lifters to ensure hustle free activities in the complex. About the generation of the revenue, they said that the parking lots will function in three shifts with a double charge for the night parking.

Informing about the others projects, the sources said that commercial complex at Ware House christened as Tawi Complex is near completion and the cost of this Rs 56 lakh project has already been recovered by selling five shops.

"Now Municipality has left with four floors of the complex which will, obviously, be a regular source of income", the sources further said and added that similarly the present complex which is housing Ware House Police Post will be taken into hands by the Municipality for construction of commercial complex.

The other projects included construction of commercial complex and parking lot at Municipal land opposite MA Stadium, Near Dogra Chowk, the sources said and added that another such complex—Trikuta Complex near Dogra Hall is near completion at the cost of Rs one crore. This complex will have 27 shops and three halls.

NIRC of ICAI releases news letter

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 18: J&K branch of Northern Indian Regional Institute of Chartered Accountants of India published its first news letter which was released by the Deputy Secretary Government of India, Ministry of Finance and Company Affairs, Mr Rajesh Malhotra at a function today.

He apprised the members about the modernisation and computer projects of ROC office Jammu. ROC Jammu Mr Manmohan Juneja gave the demonstration of website of ROC office which will be launched shortly.

Earlier chairman of the branch, Mr Vipen Seth welcomed the chief guest Mr Malhotra and told the members about the first ever news letter published by the branch which will help the members to know about the latest happenings and activities of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. This is for the first time that a news letter of the J&K branch of Chartered Accounts of India has been published.

The chairman appealed to the members of the profession to contribute their professional expertise in the news letter in the form of articles which will put the profession to the new hights.

Afzal raises several additional grounds
against his conviction

NEW DELHI, Feb 18: Jaish-e-Mohammed militant Mohd Afzal sentenced to death in Parliament attack case today raised several additional grounds in his appeal in the Delhi High Court alleging that he did not get free trial and the police action "forcing" him to make a statement before the media after his arrest had prejudiced the trial proceedings.

A division bench comprising Justice Usha Mehra and Justice Pradeep Nandrajog, before which the appeals in the case are pendings, issued notice to the prosecution on his application and directed the prosecution to submit its reply.

Prosecution counsel Mukta Gupta, while accepting the notice, said the application filed by Afzal should be heard along with the main appeals for which a date for hearing has yet to be fixed.

Agreeing to her request, the court directed that the fresh application by the convict be list for hearing with the main case of appeals by other convicts.

A special court here had sentenced Afzal, another JeM militant Shaukat Hussain Guru and a former Delhi college lecturer S A R Geelani to death in the case while Shaukat’s wife Navjot Sandhu alias Afsan Guru was sentenced to five years rigorous imprisonment under various provisions of law for conspiring to attack Parliament on December 13, 2001.

While describing death penalty as "barbaric and cruel", Afzal in his application said, "trial has been vitiated as he was forced to appear before media by the police even before it had commenced and was asked to admit to his guilt, which was against the principle of free trial...And had prejudiced the entire proceedings."

The JeM militant alleged that no proper legal aid was given to him and the lawyer provided at the expense of the State did not conduct himself according to his briefs. His relations with the lawayer got "strained" during the trial proceedings, Afzal said.

He also alleged that police had taken his signatures on several papers which "appeared blank" and the trial court had not conducted the test identification prade (TIP) of the accused persons after their arrest though it was a necessary provision of law.

"His signatures were taken on a large number of papers. These appeared to be blank. But he could be sure as only the part where he was forced to sign was visible and the remaining part was covered," he claimed.

Alleging that the trial court was "biased" against the accused persons, he said that it did not record his statement under section 313 of code of criminal procedure as he wanted to put it.

Under section 313, an accused is given last opportunity by the trial court to make his statement after recording the evidence and arguments on it.

The portion of statement, which he claimed not to be recorded properly by the court, relates to his visit to Pakistan occupied Kashmir in 1990, his disappointment with the inter-rivalry within the Jammu and Kashimir Liberation Front, especially the pro-Kashmir and pro-Pakistan groups, ISI’s initiation "to operate a proxy war in Kashmir for their own designs" and his alleged torture by the security forces after his return. (PTI)

Concessions make industry sick: Drabu
Govt formulating reliable, transparent fiscal policy: Beig

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Feb 18: Stressing the need for formulation of predictable, reliable and transparent policies, Minister for Finance, Planning and Law, Mr. Muzaffar Hussain Beig has said that the Government is evolving a coherent mechanism to overcome both the long and short term fiscal problems of the State. He sought the cooperation of people from different walks of life to retrieve the State from the present fiscal mess.

Speaking at the first pre-budget interactive session with the representatives of industry, trade, travel, hotel and other business organizations here last evening, the Minister dwelt in detail about the fiscal challenges facing the State. He said out of the annual plan allocation of Rs. 2100 crore for the year 2002-03, a whopping Rs. 1600 crore went in debt servicing to the Centre. He said the liability on electricity arrears have accumulated to Rs. 2200 crore, out of which a meager Rs. 100 crore is recovered as tariff annually. He said out of 19 lakh power connections operational in the State, only nine lakh are legal. The State, he said is at the verge of a fiscal disaster and called for immediate and tangible measures to overcome its financial problems.

Mr. Beig said there is a need to initiate both administrative and policy oriented measures to tide over the fiscal problems. He said it is the Government’s endeavour to take the State towards self-reliance and strengthen its resource base. The State, he said has tremendous potential of growth in agriculture, horticulture, power and IT sectors, which can prove as great economic boosters.

Mr. Beig said although there is lot of potential for accelerating industrial activity in the State but no concerted efforts have been made in this regard so far. He observed with dismay that out of 49000 industrial units registered in the State 29000 have been declared sick. He said the major obstacles in the promotion of industrial activity in the State are lack of adequate marketing avenues and non-availability of assured power supply. He offered an exclusive power package to the industry for which, he asked them to devise a proper distribution and revenue collection mechanism. He asked the industrialists to produce quality products, which can compete with their competitors globally. The industrialists, he said, instead of hankering after Government supplies should explore markets outside the State to widen their marketing capacity.

The Minister assured the industrialists that if they offer quality products, the Government would make cent per cent purchases locally and no orders would be placed outside the State. He stressed the need for using local manpower in their industrial units to generate more employment opportunities for local youth. For this, he said the Industrial Training Institutes in the State should design courses in consultation with the industrialists.

Mr. Beig assured the industrialists that the present Government would consider all their proposals before finalizing the budget and would make every effort to minimize the gap between promise and delivery. The Government, he said has already initiated various measures to do away with red-tapism in its functioning and joint committees have been constituted to synchronize the functioning of various departments.

Speaking at the meeting Economic Advisor to the Government, Dr. Hasib Drabu said for revitalizing the industrial activity in the State the basic premise is to bring efficiency in Government functioning. He said although the private sector has a claim over certain services from the Government but they should not look for incentives as it eats into the finances of the State and makes it inefficient. He said the greed for incentives produces a vicious circle as the industrialists look for incentives from the State Government, which in turn goes with a begging bowl to the centre for the same. He asked the industrialists to expand their market avenues to generate more profits instead of hankering after incentives, which in the long run prove disastrous for the growth of industry. This, he said has already happened in the much industrialized States like Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Dr. Drabu said instead of looking for incentives from the Government, the private sector should get into a partnership with the State and work towards earning mutual benefits. He said industry should never rely on Government concessions, as it is very short living. He said incentives should be aimed at re-structuring the industry and not for some short term gains.

To weed out corruption from the State, Dr. Drabu said the Government has to do away with the system of tax exemptions. He said the authority to an officer to give certain relaxations in taxes breeds corruption.

Dr. Drabu called for formulation of a comprehensive business policy, fiscal policy and economic policy to overcome the financial problems of the State. He said the State instead of relying on borrowings should concentrate on strengthening its resource base for long term economic growth.

Speaking on the occasion, Financial Commissioner, Finance, Mr. M. S. Pandit said that before finalizing the budget proposals for the year 2003-04, an incisive exercise would be undertaken to educate the people about the State of finances and economy. He said it would be the Government’s endeavour to work with cooperation with the industry and make them understand the problems of the State. He said the Government is shortly coming up with a comprehensive industrial policy, which would go a long way in the promotion of local industry.

Earlier, the representatives of Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jammu Hotel, Restaurant and Bar Association, Industrial Associations of Jammu, Hardware Retailers Association, Jammu and other trade organizations put forth their suggestions for budget 2003-04.

Commissioner Sales Tax, Mr A R Mubarki, Commissioner Excise, Sheikh Mohammad Hussain, Commissioner/Secretary Industries and Commerce, Miss Sonali Kumar and Special Secretary Finance, Mr K M Wani were also present at the meeting.

3 Xens, 2 AEEs of LAWDA challaned in Vigilance case

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Feb 18: Three Executive Engineers (Xens), two Assistant Executive Engineers (AEEs) and six other Government officials besides twenty non-officials have been challaned by the State Vigilance Organisation in a case pertaining to embezzlement worth crores in the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA).

The accused officials against whom the challan was produced in the court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption Kashmir on Monday are—Aijaz Rasool, Khursheed Ahmed Shadad, Mohammed Ramzan Bhat—all Xens, Altaf Hussain Bhat and Shafat Hussain Qadeemi —both AEEs and several others.

According investigations conducted by the Vigilance team, the accused officials and non-officials had purchased/ supplied empty cement bags, barbed wire (crate mesh) and half barrels, on exhorbitant rates and fabricated official record thereby causing a huge loss to the state exchequer.

It also transpired that the works in terms of construction of Dykes for dumping slush of Dal lake, were executed in absence of the administrative approval and technical sanction. The accused officials in order to earn pecuniary gains got the works executed prior to the approval of works of programme by the competent authority.

The LAWDA was set up in 1997 and crores of rupees were allotted by the Government to the said organisation for beautification of Dal and other lakes in Kashmir valley. The accused officials of the LAWDA connived with each other and hatched a criminal conspiracy to swindle Government money by way of abusing their official position.

It may be recalled here that the then Vice-Chairman, LAWDA Mohammed Rashid-ud-Din Kundangar, the then Director R&D Mohd Ramzan Bhat, the then Xen Mech and a number of other officers have already been suspended for misappropriating Government funds.

Qazi stresses on keeping environment pollution free

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 18: The Minister for Public Health, Irrigation and Flood Control, Qazi Mohammed Afzal has stressed the need to initiate effective measures to ensure pollution free environment.

The Minister was speaking at an inter college debate function on "State of environment in J&K and solution there to" at Women College Parade Ground here today.

The debate was organized by All J&K Awareness and Welfare Society , Jammu in collaboration with M C Mehta "a reputed environmentalists" environment foundation.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that deforestation rapid, industrial growth and ignorance about the importance of pollution free environment are main factors responsible for carrying pollution and disturbing the ecological balance. This he said has posed a great threat to mankind and living organisms. He expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of Dal Lake and other natural water resources adding that stringent measures are necessary for protecting these for our survival.

The Minister said debates, seminars and expressing concern over pollution will not serve any purpose until concrete measures are not taken in this direction to save people from hazards of polluted environment.

The Minister urged the NGOs to launch awareness campaign in this connection at all forums so that the objective of holding such debates is achieved.

The speakers who participated in this debate appealed the people to be conscious about their responsibilities in saving the environment from pollution. They also stressed the need for proper treatment of garbage and industrial waste which largely contributes to environmental degradation. They asked the student community to contribute their mite for creating awareness among people about hazardous effects of pollution.

In all six speakers participated in the debates, Ms Amita Malhotra, Ms Kishni Sharma and Ms Pooja Sharma bagged first, second and third position respectively in the debates. Among others MLA Vijaypur, S Manjeet Singh, Principal Medical College, Jammu and Principal Women College were present on the occasion. Chairman of the Society, S Yash Paul Singh thanked the chief guest and others for their participation in the debates.

Various NC leaders join PDP at Mendhar

Excelsior Correspondent

POONCH, Feb 18: Mr Murtaza Khan, state secretary of PDP and incharge for Rajouri and Poonch districts, addressed a largely attended public meeting at Mendhar and told the people that PDP has emerged as a force to fight against regional injustice, corruption and unemployment with top priority of restoration of peace and dignity.

He said National Conference is losing ground because of its anti-people policies. Mr Khan asserted that only PDP can bring the people of the State out of mess, they have been pushed into over the years and stressed on the PDP workers to strengthen its rank and file to enable Mufti Sayeed accomplish the dreams and objectives incorporated in the basic charter of the Party.

On the occasion Moulana Khalil Ahmed Johar, Ch Wali Mohd, Sardar Ayaz Ahmed Khan and Mohd Ibrahim Khan, all block president of NC quit and joined PDP alongwith hundreds of their supporters. Mr Khan welcomed them in the Party.

Former Minister Nissar Ahmed Khan, who recently quit NC and joint PDP also addressed and said NC due to its wrong policies would be wiped out from the State, Mr Abdul Haque of Lolab, who recently joined PDP also spoke.

District Youth president of PDP Kafeel Ahmed Khan, who organised the meeting, demanded that people at the bottom level have yet to feel the required change in the mood of the administration, which he said, should have come about by now with the change in the Government.

Others who spoke included Messrs Razaullah Shah, Sarpanch Inayatullah Khan, Maulana Khalil Ahmed Johar, Sardar Ayaz Ahmed Khan, Hav Hamid Khan, Wahid Ahmed Khan and Gulzaid Khan.

Telecom officers hold dharna, demonstration

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 18: Circle Co-ordination Committee of DoT Officers’ Association, J&K, held mass dharna and lunch hour demonstration despite hostile weather.

Dharna and demonstration was launched in support of charter of demands already served to Chairman, Telecom Commission which included immediate absorption of Grade A and Grade B officers of DoT into BSNL with effect from October 1, 2000 and an early settlement of IDA pay scale which are presently pending with DPE and release of Rs 2000 per month with effect from 1-10-2000, adjustable against IDA pay scale besides other burning issues.

Others in the dharna comprised of Telecom Engineering Services Associations, Accounts and Finance Service Officers Association, AI P&T Civil Wing Grade ‘B’ Engineers Association, Electric Engineers Association, J&K Circle and All India Telecom Stenographers Association.

Chairman Coordination Committee Mr Avtar Chand urged the Union Telecom Minister to intervene and concede the legitimate demands, otherwise committee will intensify the stir.