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| First batch of pilgrims to leave Jammu today Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 8: The first batch of about 35,00 Amarnath pilgrims will leave the MA Stadium for the Holy Cave amid tight security early tomorrow morning........more Kashmir
rail project chugging ahead of schedule: Bandaru Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, July 8 : Asserting that the construction of prestigious Srinagar Rail Project is ahead of schedule.....more Man
run over by train Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 8: Three persons were killed and 13 others injured in separate road accidents while as a man was run....more Power
connection sold for Rs 35 lakh Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 8: In a landmark decision, the Division Bench of the State High Court, comprising Acting Chief Justice......more HC asks
Vigilance Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 8: Division Bench of the State High, comprising Acting Chief Justice VK Jhanji and Justice SK Gupta.......more |
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Governor
visits Amarnath, Excelsior Correspondent Pahalgam, July 8: The Governor, Lt. Gen. (Retd) Mr S. K. Sinha today visited holy cave of Amar Nath and other camping sites at Panjtarni, Sheshnag and Chandanwari. Accompanied by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Mr Parvez Dewan.......more Sofi for
time bound Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, July 8 : Minister for Forest and Environment, Mr Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Sofi has ordered State Pollution Control..........more 3
employees arrested amid protests Excelsior Correspondent NOWSHERA, July 8: Three employees of the sub district hospital here last night made an attempt to rape two teen-aged.........more Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, July 8: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today called for creating awareness among people about cancer....more |
First batch of pilgrims to leave Jammu today Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 8: The first batch of about 35,00 Amarnath pilgrims will leave the MA Stadium for the Holy Cave amid tight security early tomorrow morning. Among them, the 2,700 pilgrims who leave via Chandanwari track will have a night stay at Nunwan Base Camp near Pahalgam tomorrow while the rest 800 pilgrims will leave via Baltal track. These pilgrims will leave the Nunwan for the Sheshnag next day to have the darshan of Icy Lingam in the Holy Cave on July 12. The month long Yatra will culminate on Sawan Purnima on August 12, the day coincides with the Raksha Bandhan festival also. The pilgrims going via Baltal track will have a night stay at Baltal before leaving for the Holy Cave next day. The Yatra will be flagged off by Minister of R&B, Mr Madan Lal Sharma who will be accompanied by Divisional Commissioner, Mr Lokesh Jah and IGP Jammu, Mr P L Gupta at 430hrs. The flagging off ceremony will also be attended by officers of CRPF, BSF, prominent citizens and heads of various social and religious organizations. The Government has made foolproof security arrangements in the M A Stadium and a big contingent of CRPF and Police is manning it. Any body entering the Stadium has to undergo security check at two points as the authorities do not want to take any risk. According to official spokesman the yatra will be proceeded by Road Opening Party and it will be escorted with full security to the Nunwan Base Camp. The spokesman said this year a deployment of 19,000 additional troops for ensuring multi tier and foolproof security around the places of stay of pilgrims and enroute. Besides the troops of BSF and CRPF, the jawans of SSB and ITBP will also be deployed at 26 different places where the Yatra will stay and enroute, he added. Meanwhile, hundreds of yatris were seen entering the Jammu City from the different parts of country for the pilgrimage of the Holy Amarnath situated at an altitude of over 12,000 feet in the Lidar Valley in Anantnag district of South Kashmir. By today evening over 1000 pilgrims including a seizable number of Sadhus had entered the Stadium for their onwards sojourn to Holy Cave tomorrow. There was also a beeline of pilgrims at M A Stadium Gate undergoing the security check before their entry inside the Stadium. The entire Stadium gave a festive look as it was agog with activities of enthusiastic pilgrims comprising of a large number of women also. Some pilgrims were taking rest near the internal gate of M A Stadium while equal number of them including some Sadhus were sitting on opposite side. Various social and philonthrophist organizations have opened the free Langers for the pilgrims inside the Stadium. The authorities have identified 26 places including some dharmashalas and community halls for the stay of pilgrims in Jammu. While talking to this Correspondent, some pilgrims complained lack of facilities inside the Stadium. They said no proper arrangements have been made to provide shelter to yatris during the rain. They also alleged lack of STD and local phone facilities inside the Stadium. The pilgrims who had to ring up their family members have to go outside the stadium for the same and on their return they are not allowed to enter inside by the security personnel they alleged. Meanwhile, police resorted to lathicharge against the Amarnath bound Sadhus near Tawi Bridge again this afternoon when a group of irate Sadhus tried to block the road. The agitated Sadhus demanding their registration laid on the road and the police had to face a tough time in restoring the traffic. Some Sadhus who laid in front of a vehicle were dragged by the police to clear the road. As the agitated Sadhus were adamant not to lift the blockade, police resorted to lathi charge to disperse them. Later the authorities issued security passes to 300 Sadhus in the evening . The rest have been assured that they will be cleared tomorrow. It may be recalled that the Authorities had given the assurance to agitating Sadhus and pilgrims on July 3 when they called off their three day long hunger strike that 800 yatris will be registered within next two days. But since then no registration was made that evoked a strong protest from the yatris. The Government has decided not to allow more than 35,00 pilgrims for darshan each day during the month long Yatra in view of Nitesh Sen Gupta Committee report. |
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Kashmir
rail project chugging ahead of schedule: Bandaru Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, July 8 : Asserting that the construction of prestigious Srinagar Rail Project is ahead of schedule, Union Minister of State for Railways Mr. Bandaru Dattatraya today announced that Srinagar railway station would now be completed by December this year instead of March next year. Addressing a press conference here this evening after inspecting the construction of 5 crore Srinagar Railway Station, the Minister exuded confidence about steaming in the first train into the valley on 15th of August 2007 transforming a dream into a reality. He said that the entire project from Katra to Qazigund and from Qazigund to Baramulla is unique for Indian Railways which has taken up this national project as a unparallel challenge to engineers who are determined to accomplish this task by exhibiting their grit, skill and determination to overcome any challenge that come in linking different parts of the country through a dependable rail link. Describing the project as a gift to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and as a solemn commitment to usher in peace and prosperity. The Minister said that Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla broad gauge line will be the most hazardous railway tract built in the country. The Minister said that the project is constructed through the most modern technology, which is known for its high safety component. He said to overcome the highly undulating terrain and cover stretches that are uninhabited and devoid of basic infrastructure the railways has pressed into latest techniques like Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM), Aerial Photography, Airborne Laser Terrain Mapping (ALTM) with Remote Sensing Station to ensure a safe rail network in the hard terrain. Indicating the progress of land acquisition in the valley was the main bottleneck in the past, the Minister said out of 118 km track from Qazigund to Baramulla land for 76 km has been acquired and Rs. 330 crore already deposited to the state government for distribution for compensation to the landholders. The remaining land will be acquired within next two months, he announced and the work on the phase will be completed by December 2005. The project is divided into three phases, with Udhampur-Katra phase targeted to be completed by March 2005, at a cost of Rs. 425 crore, with 263 crore already spend on the phase. The second phase of Qazigund-Baramulla covering a railway track of 118 kilometer is slated be completed by December 2005. The third phase of the Railway Project from Katra to Qazigund will cover a route length of 137 kilometer, out of which 70-kilometer work would be executed by tunneling and 16 kilometer by bridges. The phase would cost Rs. 1000 crore the Minister added. Work on Srinagar Railway Station is in full swing and is slated to be completed by December 2003. The Railway station would be unique in the country and will cost Rs. 5 crore, the Minister said. The Minister terming the project as a catalyst for economic development said that project is expected to provide employment to 4000 people during the construction phase and 4000 direct jobs in the Northern Railways, for its operation and maintenance thereafter. 1700 local people have already been employed, out of which 500 are skilled, educated youth and the rest 1200 as un-skilled. He said that to give employment to the local engineers 16 consultancy companies have been set up each with 9 engineers who will be provided consultancy charges of Rs. 1.20 crore for the project they have been hired as consultants. The Minister said that the project indicating potential for tourism said that the tunnel in the Pir Panjal Mountains running upto 12 kms in length will be a big tourist attraction. Besides a bridge of 1.4 km length at about 1400 metres above from the bed level will be another tourist attraction. The Minister defining the project as a product of state of art technology said that it will give a tremendous boost to both domestic and international tourism, besides helping the horticulture sector and the processing industry, which is brewing up as a industry in the valley. |
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Man
run over by train Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 8: Three persons were killed and 13 others injured in separate road accidents while as a man was run over by Jammu Mail. Police spokesman said that a woman—Santosh Kumari, wife of Chuni Lal Bhat of Rehari Jammu was killed when a Maruti car bearing registration number JK02N-9557 which was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar collided with a truck number JK13-8825 at Bagra Nullah near TCP under the jurisdiction of Batote Police Station. She was rushed to hospital in critical condition where she succumbed to her injuries. The body was, later, handed over to family members after all legal formalities. In another road accident, one Sanjeev Sharma, son of Ashok Kumar of Jyotipuram was killed after he was hit by an unidentified vehicle at Marhi in Reasi tehsil. He was rushed to local hospital where doctors referred him to Government Medical College Hospital for specialised treatment. Later, he was shifted to a nursing home where he succumbed to his injuries. In yet another accident, Girdhari Lal, son of Bali Ram of Doda was killed in road accident at Nepali under the jurisdiction of Doda Police Station. Meanwhile, a man Acha Lal, son of Birchamali of Uttar Pradesh and presently residing at Gangyal Jammu was run over by Jammu Mail at 93.9 kilometre. Police has taken the cognizance of the incident. Eight Amarnath Yatries were injured when a truck bearing registration number JK13-2505 which was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar collided with another truck number JKU-5249 at Narsoo under the juridiction of Chenani Police Station. All the injured—Bunet Kumar Kashap, son of Parveen Kumar, Anil Kumar, son of Mulakh Ram, Vinod Kumar, son of Hira Lal, Sanjay, son of Jai Singh, Vickey, son of Gopali, Munish Chadda, son of Tilak Raj, all the residents of Karaol Bagh Delhi, Bishop Jeet of Assam, Nikhal Gupta, son of Anil Kumar of Kanpur, Trilochan Singh, son of Narayan Singh of Gadigarh, Manzoor Hussain Bhat, son of Mohd Shaban Bhgat of Shopian and Muzaffar Ahmed Bhat, son of Abdul Rashid Bhat of Dooru—have been hospitalised. Three persons were injured in collision between a truck and tempo at Udhampur. The injrued have been identified as Ajay of Udhampur, Tirlochan Singh of Gandhi Nagar and Vinod Kumar of Bakshi Nagar. Meanwhile, two persons—Pritam Chand, son of Bua Ditta of Kharde Madhana and Kuldeep Singh, son of Sansar Singh, both the residents of Samba were injured after their tractor rolled down at Kharde Madhan. One Lal Din, son of Bahadur of Dehda Gool was found dead under mysterious circumstances at his residence. Police has initiated proceedings under Section 174 CrPC. |
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Power
connection sold for Rs 35 lakh Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 8: In a landmark decision, the Division Bench of the State High Court, comprising Acting Chief Justice VK Jhanji and Justice SK Gupta, today announced a judgment of wide public importance, in which an industrial power connection was illegally sold for a consideration of Rupees 35 lakh. The Bench, while ordering custodial interrogation of Parveen Kumar Gupta, the sole proprietor of M/s Quality Casting Industries Bari Brahamana Jammu, ordered cancellation of power connection to this firm and directed Vigilance Organization to unearth the enormity of the fraud. The DB also directed Deputy Commissioner Jammu to attach the property of Parveen Gupta for realization of Rupees 35 lakh with interest, till the competition of the investigation by Vigilance Organization in this illegal/fraudulent transfer of power connection. While directing Vigilance Organization to take into custody Parveen Gupta for custodial interrogation, the DB said that in the event of any clarification, the same can be sought from the High Court and Vigilance Commission’s Special Investigation Team will make all efforts to submit the report at the earliest. After hearing Senior Advocate ZA Shah, appearing for Parveen Gupta and Advocate Shaista Hakim, representing the State, the DB observed that in case of Quality Casting Industries, the Power Availability Certificate (PAC) was granted in favour of Parveen Gupta, but the power connection was sanctioned in the name of other firm comprising Krishan Gopal and Subash Chander as its partners. The observation was made on the basis of the report submitted by District Judge (Vigilance) and relevant material available on the record and the matter relating to sanction of Power Availability Certificate and subsequent power connection in contravention/relaxation of Government orders dated February 17, 1995 and October 28, 1997, imposing a complete ban on the issuance of power sanction of all kinds to industrial units which use electricity as major input. It was informed that Power Availability Certificate (PAC) was sanctioned in favour of the unit, which was not in existence and the same was subsequently transferred to other persons for huge consideration of money. Further, it as submitted that the unit was installed at a site other than for which the PAC was sanctioned. It was submitted that Parveen Gupta had obtained this power connection by concealing and misrepresenting the material facts by committing the fraud, not only on Power Department, but also on the Court. Parveen Gupta had obtained the PAC on the basis of the interim direction passed by the Court and after it was sanctioned, a writ petition/LPA was got dismissed "as withdrawn" and court never had any occasion to decide the same on its merits. The industrialists of Jammu, who were in the trade of steel rolling mills, had raised eye-brows about the sanction of power connection. Various complaints from different channels were also received about the issuance of PAC of 2MW to Gupta, who had subsequently sold it to Dewan Chand Bansal for Rs 35 lakh. During the inquiry conducted by Registrar (Vigilance) Judicial, it was found that Dr Mustafa Kamaal, the then Health and Medical Education Minister, in his statement recorded on February 15, 2003, had owned the confidential note addressed by him to the then Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah. Giving background of the confidential note, he had claimed to have come to know through reliable sources that Parveen Gupta had obtained PAC under the order of High Court and later sold the same for huge monetary considerations,. Dr Kamaal had identified Mr Vijay Mahajan, Proprietor of Hari Talkies as one of the sources of his information. The Division Bench observed that after taking facts into considerations and the circumstances of the case and the conclusion of the fact-finding inquiry, " it is in our view that clearly manifest that Parveen Gupta had indulged into fraudulent means despite a complete ban imposed by the State Government on the issuance of power connection of all kinds to industrial units" The Bench observed that in order to unearth the enormity of the fraud committed by Parveen Gupta and reach the disintegrating activity of the officials of Power Development Department and extirpate the position of the authorities there officiated self-conceit irresponsible exercise of authorities, first and foremost venality and all others who are privy to the fraud necessities and impels the court to direct registration of a criminal case and custodial interrogation of those involved in the scam including beneficiaries of PAC/Power Connection, because public interest is involved. The DB also dismissed the Review Petition filed by M/s Quality casting Industries saying that " we didn’t find good and sufficient reason carved out in the application necessiating the review of the order and also the grievance of the Advocate Shah that he was not heard by Inquiry Officer". |
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HC asks Vigilance Commissioner
to probe Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 8: Division Bench of the State High, comprising Acting Chief Justice VK Jhanji and Justice SK Gupta, in a much publicized multi-crore scam in Co-operatives Societies, including JAKFED, has directed Vigilance Commissioner to investigate the working of JAKFED and submit the report periodically. The Bench directed that in case there is any order by any court, subordinate to High Court, staying the investigation, then such order(s) shall stand vacated and shall not come in any way of Vigilance Commissioner to investigate the affair of JAKFED. These directions were issued in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by People’s Action and Public Accountability (PAPA) seeking investigation regarding misappropriation of crores of Rupees in the Co-operative Societies. The Bench observed that on the last date of hearing the case, the court had enlarged the scope of the present PIL in view of the embezzlements in JAKFED. " A detailed enquiry in regard to the embezzlements in JAKFED was initiated and special audit conducted wherein shortage, embezzlements and retentions of sale proceeds by various employees of the Federation running into crores were detected", the DB observed, adding that " we are satisfied that the working of JAKFED required to be investigated thoroughly and therefore direct Vigilance Commissioner to investigate the same". The DB further observed that as regards Citizens Co-operative Bank, the report was submitted, showing total deposits of Rs 157 crore as on March 31, 2003, but the net profit margin has been shown very low of Rupees 1.03 crore. " Some details have been asked from the CC Bank, but till date the same have not been furnished. The Bank directed CC Bank to furnish the details of loans it has advanced to various persons/organizations and also security which may have been obtained for realization of loan-amount in case of default in making the payment of loan. The DB said that J&K Housing Corporation has also given a detailed report which shows that certain colonies have been developed and some Societies registered. " However, the statement shows that there are liabilities of Rs 7187.66 lakh as against assets of Rs 8789.04 lakh and further details are being ascertained by the Office of Advocate General by the next date of hearing. The J&K Co-operation Union has sofar not submitted any report, the DB said, while directing Chairman of the Union furnish the same. "The report must be submitted within one month, failing which it will be taken that this Union has nothing to say in its Defence". The Bench said that in regard to Baramulla Central Co-operative Bank, the investigations were already on and in case the investigations are completed by the next date of hearing, then this report be also placed before the court. The petitions regarding Baramulla Central Cooperative Bank and pending before the Srinagaer Bench, have been asked to transfer to Jammu wing. Senior Advocate SS Lehar with Nitin Bhasin appeared in PIL while’s Advocate General AH Malik and Advocate BS Manhas and DS Chouhan appeared for the respondents. |
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Governor visits Amarnath,
Panjtarni, Sheshnag, Excelsior Correspondent Pahalgam, July 8: The Governor, Lt. Gen. (Retd) Mr S. K. Sinha today visited holy cave of Amar Nath and other camping sites at Panjtarni, Sheshnag and Chandanwari. Accompanied by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Mr Parvez Dewan, the Governor took stock of the arrangements made by various departments en-route for facilitating the yatra of the devotees commencing from July 12. At Pahalgam the Governor reviewed the security arrangements put in place at Pahalgam, Baltal and enroute to holy cave with high ranking Police, Army, BSF, and CRPF officers. He had in depth discussion with the officers about security measures taken at all camping sites and halting stations for safe and smooth conduct of yatra from both Baltal and Pahalgam sides. Later, while addressing officers at a meeting at Pahalgam, Mr Sinha expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made ahead of schedule and hoped that yatra would culminate successfully in a peaceful manner. He said that further efforts need to be made in ensuring comfortable trekking and stay of the yatris, adding that soon after conclusion of yatra all the concerned departments should initiate measures in right earnest for formulating short and long term plans envisaging placement infrastructure including accommodation at all the halting stations. This he said would go a long way to minimize the heavy expenditure otherwise being incurred on hiring of tents and availability of other related facilities. He said there is always a scope for improvement in arrangements and desired augmentation in the arrangements so that yatris could avail better amenities and comforts. The Governor said peaceful and successful Khir Bhawani Festival at Tulmulla last month is indicative of positive signs in the improvement of situation. |
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Sofi for time bound installation
of Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, July 8 : Minister for Forest and Environment, Mr Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Sofi has ordered State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) to frame a time bound action plan for the industrial unit holders of the State for installation of pollution control gadgets as the effluents discharged from these units are the biggest threat to ecology and natural heritage of our State. This was Stated at a high level meeting with the officers of SPCB, industry regarding implementation of Charter on Corporate Responsibility for Environmental Protection issued by Central Pollution Control Board, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. He said that it becomes imperative for Government to take stern action against those industrial holders violating the SPCB norms openly. Mr Sofi said that Cement factories in the catchments area of Dachigam are detrimental to environment of the area and he further said that according to the guidelines of Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, the industrial units should be 25 kilometre away from such national parks. He said the industrial units, which are not complying with national standards notified under the environment (protection) Act 1986 will submit action plan to meet the standards and bank guarantee to respective SPCB. Minister of State for Industries and Commerce, Mr Raman Mattoo said while upgrading the industrial scenario in the State, the department should keep in mind that these industries should be Eco-friendly. Referring to the complaint that the industrial holders are operating their industrial units without full-filling the norms of SPCB, the Minister directed the Director Industries and Commerce to make a list of such unit holders and take stern action against them. He further said that the coalition Government would not compromise on the environment and ecology of the State. He said all of us want development in every field in the State but it should be Eco-friendly. Among others who were present in the meeting include Commissioner Secretary, Forests, Mr Ajit Kumar, Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Mrs. Sonali Kumari, Chairman, State Pollution Control Board, Mr S. D. Sutentara, Secretary, SPCB, Mr Anayatullah Khan and Director Industries and Commerce, Mr Mohammad Saleem Baig. |
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3 employees arrested amid
protests Excelsior Correspondent NOWSHERA, July 8: Three employees of the sub district hospital here last night made an attempt to rape two teen-aged patients in a Ward but an alarm raised by the girls thwarted their nefarious designs. All three employees were today arrested by the police despite a strike by the para-medical staff and nursing orderlies. Police said two pharmacists and a nursing orderly switched off the electricity supply in the hospital in the mid-night and then tried to rape two patients Rani Devi, 18, daughter of Kamal Singh, a resident of Garan and Anita Devi, 15, a ninth class student daughter of Guljeet Singh R/o Nanyal, in the hospital Ward. There were only three patients admitted in the Ward last night. The third patient was an old villager and he was fast asleep. Under the conspiracy, the trio had removed all attendants of the patients from the Ward and asked them to sleep in terrace. They over-powered the girls but the victims managed to raise an alarm attracting the attention of a Sarpanch Ranjeet Singh, who was also sleeping outside and was an attendant of one of the victim. The Sarpanch rushed inside the Ward and with the help of other attendants thwarted the employees’ attempt to rape the girls. By that time, more people fathered in the hospital and thrashed the accused. The Sarpanch also lodged a complaint with Tehsildar Nowshera Ashok Sharma early this morning. Acting on the complaint, a police party led by SDPO Nowshera Benam Tosh rushed to the hospital and arrested all three accused after recording the statement of the two victims. Accused have been identified as Rajesh Kumar Dutta son of Sain Dass Dutta, Suraj Parkash son of Krishan Chand, both pharmacists and Mohd Hussain son of Alaf Khan, a nursing orderly, all residents of Nowshera. A case of attempt to rape and criminal conspiracy has been registered against the three accused. However, para-medical staff and nursing orderlies in the sub district hospital went on a strike this morning in a bid to blackmail the police soon after the arrest of the three accused. Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, Manoj Kumar Dwivedi and SSP Rajouri Prithvi Raj Manhas visited the hospital and the police station here this afternoon. The Deputy Commissioner directed the police to take stern action against the accused. He also warned the striking hospital employees to immediately resume their duties or, otherwise, he threatened to initiate disciplinary action against them. While Rani Devi was admitted in the hospital as a snake bite patient, Anita Devi was suffering from dehydration. Local people have expressed their strong resentment against the mischievous designs of the hospital employees and appealed to the police to teach them a lesson so that they didn’t dare to repeat such mistakes in future. |
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'Create awareness among
people about cancer' Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, July 8: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today called for creating awareness among people about cancer by launching massive campaign in the state. Talking to a deputation of Cancer Society of Kashmir here this evening, the Chief Minister said that doctors and NGOs should come forward in a big way to create awareness among the masses about the causes, diagnostic and curative aspects of this dreaded disease. He said the focus of such campaign should be students as they could help in further carrying the message to their parents and the society at large. The deputationists urged the Chief Minister to strictly enforce ban on smoking, chewing of tobacco and gutka at public places. He assured them to consider the demand. Interacting with another deputation of doctors, Mufti Sayeed said that Government is actively considering setting up of an authority for regulating working of nursing homes and private hospitals in the state. He said this is being done with a view to ensure that people get quality care at these institutions. He said the medical fraternity should work with a missionary zeal to serve the ailing humanity. A deputation of Bar Association, Pulwama led by former Minister, Mr. Sonullah Dar met the Chief Minister and pleaded for construction of lawyers’ chambers and additional court buildings at Pulwama. Mufti Sayeed assured to look into their demands on priority. A deputation led by MLA Pampore, Mr. Zahoor Ahmad Mir met the Chief Minister and apprised him about problems of the area. He said these would be addressed expeditiously. Another deputation from Srinagar led by Mr. G. M. Bawan, former MLA met Mufti Sayeed and demanded interalia developing playfield at Khimber, Hazratbal. He said that the demand would be examined at the earliest. Responding to the demands projected by a deputation of students of Manasbal Sainik School, the Chief Minister said that he would visit the institution shortly and take stock of its requirements on the spot. While responding to the demands of a deputation from Rajpora, Pulwama, Mufti Sayeed said that he has recently visited the area to take stock of the problems and development needs of the people. He said efforts are being made to provide adequate infrastructure and teaching staff for the higher secondary school at Rajpora. The deputation demanded tehsil status to Rajpora niabat, construction of a link road from Rajpora to Shopian and culvert on a local stream. He assured to examine these demands for appropriate action. Talking to a deputation of KMD Association, the Chief Minister said that Batamaloo and Lal Chowk bus stands would be shifted to Parimpora terminal and Pantha Chowk, respectively to remove traffic congestion in Srinagar city. He said several parking places would be created and the summer capital of the state beautified and developed on modern lines. Mufti Sayeed assured a deputation of teaching and non-teaching staff of Regional Engineering College, Srinagar that their demands would be considered sympathetically. A deputation of deaf and dumb met Mufti Sayeed and submitted him a charter of demands, which included opening of more schools for them. He asked the social welfare department to examine their demands and take follow up action at the earliest. The Chief Minister assured another deputation of J&K Bank security guards that their demand pertaining to regularization would be taken up with the bank authorities. |
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Govt contemplating to
impose ban on pvt Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, July 8: The Government is contemplating to impose blanket ban on the private practice of doctors to improve healthcare facilities in the State. This was stated at a high level meeting held here today under the Chairmanship of Minister for Finance and Planning, Muzaffar Hussain Baig. Economic Advisor to Government, Dr Haseeb Drabu, Chief Secretary, Dr S S Bloeria, Financial Commissioner Finance, Mr M S Pandit, Principal Secretary General Administration Department, Mr N R Gupta, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr M I Khanday, Commissioner/ Secretary Law, Mr Akhtar Kochak, Secretary Health, Dr V P Gupta, Director Finance, Sheikh Mushtaq Ahmad and DIG Vigilance Organization, Mr R R Swain were present. The meeting decided to build consensus on the issue by holding deliberations with people from different spheres of life before arriving at a suitable decision. It was decided in the meeting that in further deliberations opinion would be sought from medical practitioners to get their viewpoint on the issue before proceeding ahead. The meeting observed with concern that the private practice was mainly responsible for the deterioration of healthcare facilities in Government hospitals and academic standards in medical colleges and it has to be done away with. Various suggestions put forth on how to ban the private practice and ensure its compliance in letter and spirit included starting of super-specialization units in SMHS Srinagar and GMC Jammu hospitals. It was also suggested that OPD timing in government hospitals be started from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm in shifts to ensure that maximum number of patients get benefited so that they do not have to hanker after the private practitioners. The meeting observed that greater thrust should be laid on research and project work so that the doctors, especially in academic line, remain busy in research work which would also sharpen their clinical skills besides keeping them updated with latest developments in the field of medicine. The research work should be continuously monitored and evaluated. It was also suggested that paying clinics be opened in the hospitals for specialized consultation, investigations and treatment so that the specialized doctors can offer their services to the patients against reasonable payment which can be shared between the Government and the practitioner. The meeting observed with dismay the fate of such decisions taken in the past as these could not be implemented in letter and spirit. Although ban on private practice of doctors was imposed in 1983, 1986 and 1995, the same could not be enforced due to lack of monitoring. |
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Mufti opens elite Gupkar road to commonman SRINAGAR, July 8: In a bid to strengthen his pro-people image, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has opened the elite Gupkar road to the commonman and initiated work on the first fly-over of the Valley which would go a long way in solving the traffic woes of people here. Gupkar road was thrown open to public on last Sunday much to the delight of the residents of Dalgate and Boulvard road along the Dal Lake, signalling an end to exaggerated security concerns. The State Government took the decision following massive traffic jams on the Boulevard road in the evenings as the two lane road was not capable of holding the flow of traffic, officials said here. With the tourist arrivals picking up of late, the Boulevard road lining the Dal Lake used to wear the look of a metropolitan, being over-crowded in the evenings to allow smooth flow of traffic. It was pathetic that thousands of people had to suffer for the comfort of a few, said Ishtiyaq Ahmad, who works at a restaurant on the Boulevard. He said opening up of the alternate road leading to favourite tourist spots had reduced the pressure on the Boulevard by as much as 70 per cent. Now we have only tourists and local residents plying from dalgate to Cheshmashahi crossing and those who live in areas further up take the alternate route, said Mohammad Yousuf, a houseboat owner in the Dal Lake. Gupkar road, which was closed for commoners following eruption of militancy in the State in 1989, houses the residences of former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, his son and National Conference president Omar Abdullah and several ministers in the coalition Government. Another decision which has won praise for the coalition Government has been to initiate work on the first fly-over in the Kashmir valley. Sayeed sought a proposal for building a fly-over from Jehangir chowk to Civil Secretariat junction from the Chief Engineer of roads and buildings department during his whistle stop tour last month. The Chief Minister approved the proposal on July 3 and work began in right earnest the next day. Let us hope this project does not go the way previous fly-over project went, said Haji Mohammad Ali, a shopkeeper at Jehangir Chowk, who adds that the project should have come up at least three years back. The number of vehicles in the city has increased heavily in the last few years, without better road coverage, he said. The project was initiated in 1997 by the previous Government but was rolled back following objections raised by security agencies as the fly-over passed just next to the State High Court, the Civil Secretariat and Accountant General’s Office. The fly-over, whose foundation stone will be formally laid on July 13, has been scheduled to be inaugurated the same day in 2004. According to the officials, there is provision of connecting the flyover to Indira Gandhi Airport road later at a cost of Rs 3.60 crore. (PTI) |
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Mufti also discriminating with Jammu region: JSM Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 8: Mufti Mohammad Sayeed is no exception to the on-going discrimination with the people of Jammu region during the past 56 years by the rulers of Kashmir, said Mr Shri Kumar, Chairman Jammu State Morcha, while addressing a well attended meeting of JSM at Roop Nagar here. Mr Kumar referring to the healing touch policy stated that 1:3 ratio has been adopted in matter of appointments made under SRO 43 and same ratio was kept in mind while allocating funds to Jammu and Srinagar Municipal Corporations, inspite the fact that Jammu city has more area and population as compared to Srinagar. He demanded that people of Jammu region irrespective of caste, creed and political ideology should come under the banner of Jammu State Morcha and fight unitedly to achieve statehood for Jammu without which there can be no end to the problems of the region. Ramesh Sabherwal and K K Khosa, vice chairman of JSM as also Ramesh Gupta, Jammu district president also addressed the meeting. Ladies of the area who participated also assured that they would join the proposed rally on July 28 in large number and express their solidarity with the movement. Prominent among those present in the meeting were Messrs Ved Pal Sharma, Bimal Kumar, Virinder Sharma, Krishan Chand, Shiban Krishan, P S Pathania, S K Trisal, Darshna Devi, Rajni Sharma and Shakuntla Devi. |
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Insurgents possess hi-tech
gadgets By B L Kak JAMMU, July 8: About 2 lakh 50 thousand bullet-proof jackets are needed for Indian troops along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. According to the Standing Committee on Defence, units in Jammu and Kashmir need highly sophisticated communication equipment, in view of the availability of hi-tech gadgets in the hands of Pakistan-aided insurgents. 19th report of the Standing Committee and the sixth and seventh reports of 2003 of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India have made pointed references to the appalling problems faced by the Armed Forces. Most of the signal-jamming units, it is reported, do not work satisfactorily. As many as 13 signal-jamming units had been bought from a British company, which is now defunct. Eight to ten of these do not work well. Need for signal-jamming units has become greater in Jammu and Kashmir that before, it has been emphasized. The Standing Committee’s report has regretted that the 10th Defence Plan to outline course of force modernisation between 2002 and 2007 hasn’t been finalised even though the first two years of its shelf life are already over. And the report has commented that it is indicative of the "ad hocism and non-serious approach which still seems to prevail, notwithstanding the trauma of Kargil 1999 and other assaults on national security". The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) isn’t kind to the role of the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The post-Kargil review of defence expenditure by the CAG has criticised the MoD for purchases either contracted or effected after the end of hostilities. According to the CAG report, nearly all the supplies were either received or contracted and received "well after cessation of hostilities (in Kargil) and, therefore, in no way supported the operations". The CAG has brought to the fore a sensational piece of information: Defence supplies valued at Rs 2,150 crores were received after the end of Kargil war in July 1999. And supplies valued at over Rs 1,606 crores were contracted after the cessation of hostilities. Yet another sensational tale told by the CAG relates to the Gymkhana Club in Chennai, capital city of Tamil Nadu. In 1977, the Ministry of Defence leased 44.13 acres of its land to the Club for just Rs 3,526 a year. In 1986, the rent was increased to Rs 8,608 a year. On this land, Gymkhana Club constructed as many as 19 air-conditioned guest rooms for which it charged Rs 900 to Rs 1950 per night. In 1991, the Defence Estates Officer stopped collecting rental. And, a decade on, the Club’s dues were officially assessed at Rs 33.10 crores. The CAG report has brought to the fore equally significant revelation: As late as September 2002 the Director General of Estates had made no effort to recover this public money. And the apt comment: The dues of the Chennai-based Gymkhana Club alone could have paid for a sixth of the Indian Army’s entire requirement of bullet-proof jackets! |
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Manzgam to be developed as model village: Zargar Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, July 8: Rs 6.62 crore Nehama bridge having a length of 331 meters will be completed by the month of November this year. This vital bridge would connect vast area of kandi belt in Noorabad constituency comprising about 50,000 populations with rest of the Anantnag district. This was revealed during the inspection of the bridge site by the Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr Abdul Aziz Zargar and the Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Qazi Mohammad Afzal yesterday during a day long whirl wind tour of the entire kandi belt of Noorabad. The Ministers took stock of the problems confronting the people of this remote and backward area mostly in habitated by the people living below the poverty line. The villages visited included Nehama, Damhall Hanjipora, Danew kandi Marg, Lagaw Pora, Mandh Gori, Manzgam, Watoo, Nosnoor, Tangmarg and Aharbal. Speaking to a series of public meetings at Danew Kandimarg and Manzgam, Mr Zargar announced to develop Manzgam as a model village. He also announced to set up a sheep-breeding Centre at D.K. Marg. He also assured to take up Khawdagi (Dragdan to Nagam) Irrigation canal and Nandimarg water supply project on priority. However, he sought people’s cooperation in monitoring of various developmental schemes. He called upon the field agencies to develop missionary spirit and work culture for redressing the grievances of the people. The Minister for PHE Irrigation and Flood Control, Qazi Afzal announced an interim grant of Rs one lakh for completion of water service reservoir at D.K. Marg. He said a filtration plant would be constructed in the village to provide safe drinking water to the people. He also announced a hand pump at Mandh Gori and assured to take up irrigation scheme Mandh Gori shortly. He said Government has three options under consideration for construction of this vital irrigation scheme. These include construction of a Hydraulic tunnel, lift irrigation from Veshu nallah and construction of underground conduit for the project. The proposed Rs. 2.45 crore Mandh Gori irrigation project with a length of 7.5 kms would irrigate 960 kanals of land and would provide irrigation facilities to Hardmandh Gori, Check Rather, Hari Khah, Waripora and Khuri Batapora. The Minister said that Rs 90 crore water supply project has been formulated to provide drinking water supply in all kandi villages of the valley, which are devoid of this facility till now. The project which is likely to get nod of the centre very soon envisages to provide drinking water to all such villages which are situated at an altitude of 7000 ft. Atleast two Public Standing Posts (PSP) would be provided to each habitation with 500 souls under the scheme. |
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Madan inaugurates Gopala to Kailawali road Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, July 8: The Minister for Roads and Buildings, Mr. Madan Lal Sharma today inaugurated 2.70 kms Gopala to Kailawali road in Akhnoor Tehsil. The road has been constructed at a cost of Rs.35 lakh. Earlier, addressing a public meeting at village Sumah, the Minister said that a proposal for construction of 4 new roads is being mooted under the state sector. These are Akhnoor to Dhana Dhanu via Sumah, Jattargalah to Manwali, Chowki Choura to Gangal and Rajwal to Chemarki. He said that to link far-flung and hitherto neglected areas with the main roads is on the priority of the government. Mr. Sharma also informed that to improve the water supply position, a high power voltage stabilizer has been installed at Sungal Water Supply Scheme at a cost of Rs. 1.50 lakh and a dug well at Sumah has also been tapped for augmenting water supply to Kadgoi and Sumoti villages at a cost of Rs. 4 lakh. In addition, Rs. 70 lakh has also been utilized for improvement of basic amenities in Akhnoor town during the last fiscal year. Referring some complaints in recruitment of IRP, Mr. Sharma asked the people to come forward with authentic proof if any so that appropriate action is taken against the guilty. Regarding empowerments of Panchayats, the Minister said that the elected members of the Panchayats have been empowered to formulate and execute development plans in their respective areas, proper check over the activities of field functionaries and monitor their progress besides, implication of funds on various schemes to certain extent. He assured that all their genuine would be fulfilled in phased manner. Senior, Civil, Police officers, Engineers and prominent citizens attended the meeting. |
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Delhi thief held in City, cash recovered Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 8: City police arrested a thief this afternoon within a couple of minutes after he snatched a bag containing Rs 30,000 cash from a Kashmiri Pandit outside Mahajan Hall on Shalamar road. Police said a Special Police Officer (SPO) Lakhan Lal of City police station, on duty at Shalamar Road, came into action as soon as a Kashmiri Pandit, Dwarka Nath Koul raised an alarm that a thief had snatched his bag carrying Rs 30,000 cash. The SPO chased the thief, who was trying to board a matador, and captured him with the help of local people. The cash was recovered from the thief and later handed over to Koul. Thief, who has been arrested and locked in City police station, was identified as Raj Kumar son of Shankar Kumar, a resident of New Delhi. Police said the thief followed Koul from the Punjab National Bank (PNB) Shalamar branch from where he had drawn the cash. |
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Training programme for trainers
organised Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, July 8: To sharpen skills of trainers as per modern international standards, Sher-i-Kashmir Police Academy launched a six-day programme for training of trainers. Under British project on Development For International Development (DFID) police officers from Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and CDTS/BPR&D have received training in various training methodologies and teaching skills to improve the training abilities, delivering skills on the subject specific courses, internal and external validation and to provide exposure to the supplementary audio visual aids in the foreign countries. These trained officers serve as source personnel for imparting training to the trainees. This 6-day training course has been launched through auspices of BPR&D by the said course personnel for trainers of Police Training Institutions of the State besides that of Sher-i-Kashmir police Academy. Inaugurating the course Mr S S Bijral, Director Sher-i-Kashmir Police Academy dwelt at length on the need for trainers to be not only proficient in the subject but trained enough also to impart the knowledge on the subject to the taught and held that mere possession of knowledge does not entitle one with the claim to be a trainer. He said that advance preparation and also proper designing of the lecture to help the trainee pick up and assimilate what was being taught to him was essential and further that free interaction between the trainee and the trainer was must for obtaining intended results. He thanked BPR&D for organising said course in the Academy. |
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Challan against school Principal
for issuing Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 8: Crime Branch Jammu has produced challan against Principal Adarsh Public School Khour, Akhnoor for issuing fake school leaving certificates. According to the challan produced in the court of Sub Judge Jammu, the accused Principal, identified as Waryam Chand son of Jagat Ram of Camp Khour has issued fake school leaving certificates to Joginder Lal and Diler Singh. The case was registered on the written complaint of Deputy Chief Education Officer Jammu under FIR number 5/96 U/S 420/468/471/RPC/. Meanwhile, the Crime Branch also produced challan against two persons for managing loan under Prime Minister Rozgar Yojna on false grounds. As per the challan produced in the court of Session Judge Jammu, Sanjay Kumar Mattoo of Krishna Nagar Canal Road Jammu and V K Gandotra of Trikuta Nagar Jammu, had obtained loan under PMRY on false grounds for misuse of the same. Investigations by the Crime Branch revealed that the accused used false income and unemployment certificates for getting the loan to earn subsidy thereon for which they were not otherwise entitled. Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, July 8: Prof Bhim Singh, chairman of the JKNPP called on the Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed and asked him to take urgent and immediate measures to fill the vacancies in the various departments without any delay. He said that this was commitment of the coalition partners in CMP so that schools start working, public works in the rural areas accelerate, hospitals and dispensaries provide adequate service to the people. Prof Singh said that rural works have halted, schools have no teachers, Rehbar-e-Talim has to be placed with full appointment and police SPOs should be regularised so that exploitation of youth stops. JKNPP chief further demanded that revolutionary steps taken by the Education Minister needed to be implemented and 12000 english teachers need to be appointed. Reminded Government of its commitment to provide employment to the unemployed youth specially to the unemployed technocrats, he stressed on the need of recruiting youth in various Government departments. He announced that JKNPP will organise two days convention of the youth and students on 16th and 17th October this year in Jammu to decide a line of action to save the unemployed technocrats, doctors, teachers from disaster they are going to meet if not attended judiciously. Weather to remain partially cloudy this week Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 8: Weather is likely to remain partially cloudy with rains or thunder shower at few places for the next four days. According to the information generated by Super Computer National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting, Mausam Bhavan, New Delhi, westerly winds are expected to blow at speed of 5 km/hr tomorrow while south westerly winds are likely to prevail during the next three days with speed of 6 km per hour. No sharp changes are expected in day and night temperatures. The Agromet Advisory Services of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Science and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu, has accordingly advised the farmers to go for transplanting of paddy seedings under assured irrigation condition and sowing of moong, mash and fodder crop under rainfed condition. Farmers have also been advised to go for fruit plantation in new orchards during these days. The SKUAST bulletin also feared an increase in the disease attack like brown leaf spot in paddy nursery and Blight in chilli in the forthcoming days and advised farmers to spray Mancozeb or Zineb and Ridomil MZ, respectively, for protection from the diseases Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 8: Mr Himmat Singh, an exponent of Martial Arts has formed World Kalaripayet Federation (WKF) to keep Indian tradition alive and encourage this art and take the same to the grass root level. The art and science of kalaripayet is a traditional Indian Martial Art culture developed by ancient Indian Rishis that is why it is called the Art of Shastras. It is a combination of Ayurveda and Dhanurveda. Mr Singh said what makes Kalari unique is the fact that it is much moire than a martial art. A student of Kalari learns philosophy, medicine, attack and self-defence and above all learns how to avoid confrontations where one is to attack or defend himself. He even learns to treat the injuries, he causes to his opponent while attacking or defending himself. Chatterjee asks Advani to
seek Fernandes’ Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, July 8: Member Parliament and Chairman, Parliamentary Committee on Information Technology, Somnath Chaterjee has asked the Deputy Prime Minister L. K. Advani to personally take up with Defence Minister the matter relating to the clearance of mobile telephone service in Jammu and Kashmir from the Defence Ministry. In a communication to the Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Mr. Chatterjee said that during a meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Union Home Ministry last week, he had strongly pressed for early clearance of the mobile service in the state and requested Mr. Advani to personally take up the matter with Defence Minister George Fernandes "so that clearance from the Defence Ministry was also received". During the recent visit of the Parliamentary Committee on Information Technology to Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Minister among other things took up the issue of delay in clearance of the mobile service for the state. Mr. Chatterjee had promised to take up the matter with the Central Government for early clearance for launching mobile phones in Jammu and Kashmir. The Home Ministry, it may be recalled, has already given its clearance to the service for the state. Complimenting the Chief Minister, his colleagues and the people of Jammu and Kashmir for all round development and progress of the state, Mr. Chatterjee hoped that under the leadership of Mufti Sayeed, natural glory would be restored to J&K "which occupies a special position in the heart of every Indian". BSF sanitises twin route to Amarnath SRINAGAR, July 8: Four days ahead of the commencement of Amarnath yatra, Border Security Force (BSF) has sanitised the twin route to the holy shrine from Chandanwari and Baltal, BSF sources said today. BSF has been deployed at all the axes leading to the cave shrine from both Baltal and Chandanwari, sources said. Beside providing security cover to the devotees, BSF has also set up 12 medical camps throughout the 46 Km long route to provide medical assistance to the pilgrims. A medical team would also be patrolling the route once a week and would have its base camp at Chandanwari, they said adding, the teams have also been provided with adequate quantity of medicines and ambulances. The month long yatra commences from July 12. In an effort to ensure trouble-free Amarnath yatra, CRPF has also mobilised its 44 additional companies besides deploying sniffer dog squad and bomb detection and disposal squad in Jammu and Kashmir. While 16 companies have been entrusted with the responsibility of providing round-the-clock security to various lodging centres of pilgrims in Jammu, 28 companies have been deployed in Kashmir to provide cover to yatri camps and the route to the holy cave, a CRPF Spokesman said in new Delhi today. Among the forces deployed is a company of Mahila battalion, he said. The security arrangements by CRPF have been made at the starting point at M A stadium in Jammu and along the National Highway, he said adding CRPF would also escort convoys of pilgrims from Jammu to Shaitani Nallah. Around 3300 pilgrims in nearly 200 vehicles will proceed daily from Jammu in form of convoys, the Spokesman said. Security arrangements have also been made at camps route to the holy cave at Baltal, Panchtarni, Sheshnag, Poshpathri, Zojibal, Pissutop, Pahalgam, Chandanwari, Khanabal, Mattan, Noonwan base camp and Sarbal, he said. (PTI) Govt committed to
ameliorate lot of down Excelsior Correspondent ANANTNAG, July 8: Minister for Social Welfare Mr. Mula Ram distributed relief cheques worth Rs. 20 lakhs and tailoring kits among 200 beneficiaries belonging to weaker sections of the society of Anantnag district at a function organized by Social Welfare department here today. Minister of State for Health and Medical Education, Mr. Abdul Gaffar Sofi, Minister of State for Tourism Mr. Ghulam Ahmed Mir, Legislators Mr. Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami and Mr. Sartaj Madni were also present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mula Ram said that the coalition Government headed by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed is determined to ameliorate the lot of down trodden people by implementing various welfare schemes in letter and spirit. He said there are number of welfare schemes but underlined the need for generating awareness among the people who could be benefitted with all these schemes. He urged upon the officers to organiase such awareness camps even at tehsil headquarters which will make people aware about the benefits of these schemes but cautioned to cover the only deserving people rather than influential ones. The Minister reiterated Government’s resolve to provide clean, corruption free and responsive administration to the people of the state and added the age old social fabric of the state would be maintained at any cost. He sought active co-operation of the people in this behalf. He said with the active co-operation of the people nefarious designs of the vested elements who are hell bent to destabilize the peaceful atmosphere of the state could be foiled. He said the situation in the state is gradually returning to normalcy. Mr Abdul Gaffar Sofi said that the social welfare department should come up to the expectations of the people and serve the weaker and suffering community of the society. He said it should be ensured that benefits of all the schemes should percolate to the deserving people and urged upon the officers to conduct village level surveys for identifying the deserving beneficiaries under different welfare schemes. He urged for construction of community hall for the promotion of social activities in the distt. Minister of State for Tourism Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Mir complimented Social Welfare Ministry for organizing such awareness camp first of its kind in Anantnag district which will enlighten the people about several schemes of the department. Mr Mir lauded the efforts of Mr. Mula Ram after assuming the charge of social welfare ministry. He said the Minister has in fact infused new life in the department. He said with the sincere efforts of the department discrepancies in disbursement of financial assistance and old-age pension to the deserving people have been set right. He said in order to make the Anganwari Centres result oriented, surprise visits should be conducted. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. M. Y. Tarigami said the department should serve the depressed lot of the society and added that unfortunately the period of 13 years of turmoil have rendered most of the people helpless who have pinned their hopes on the financial assistance being given under several welfare schemes. Mr Tarigami said that the Government is committed to take care of all the militancy victims and also rehabilitate the families of militants. He said killing of political workers would lead the killers no where. Sartaj Madni emphasized the need for strict implementation of various schemes of the department so that the deserving people are benefited. |
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