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for minority in J&K Union Minister charges State Govt with imposing ‘Jazia’ on Hindus Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 5: Taking strong exception to the decision of the State Government of imposing Toll Tax on pilgrims of Mata Vaishno Devi and Amarnath cave, Union......more Pune
Municipal Councillors call on CM Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, June 5: An all party delegation of 35 Municipal Councillors of Pune municipal corporation called on Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed here this.......more Mufti
favours institutional Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, June 5: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that a comprehensive plan......more Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, June 5: A permanent 2-bench Lok Adalat was held in the District Court Complex, Jammu under the chairmanship of Mr. Subhash.......more Use
electricity Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, June 5: Due to abrupt rise in the temperature during last few days, various power/ distribution.......more |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 5: An emergency meeting of the executive secretariat of the All Public Sector Employees Joint Action Committee (PSEJAC) Jammu was held under the chairmanship of Mr Suresh Sharma.........more Cultural
Academy organises Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 5: " Meet the Eminent Contemporary" a programme of interaction with multi-faceted personality Mr Narsingh Dev Jamwal, a noted Dogri writer, painter, sculptor..........more Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, June 5: Minister for Environment, Forest & Fisheries, Mr Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Sofi today said that in this age of modernization the greatest threat.......more People
hold protest, block National Highway Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, June 5: Kala Kacha Wale gangsters have surfaced again, this times making five members of an economically sound Gujjar family their victim.......more |
Udsul demands sophisticated weapons
for minority in J&K Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 5: Taking strong exception to the decision of the State Government of imposing Toll Tax on pilgrims of Mata Vaishno Devi and Amarnath cave, Union Minister of State for Finance, Mr Anand Rao Udsul today asked the coalition Government to immediately withdraw these taxes on Hindu pilgrims. Dubbing tax being imposed on Hindu pilgrims by the State Government as sort of ‘Jazia’, Union Minister, who is member of Shiv Sena, expressed surprise that for Haj pilgrims Union Government has been increasing subsidy with every passing year but for Hindu pilgrims J&K Government has imposed taxes and restrictions. "As a Union Minister I will take up this matter with Union Government and delegation of Shiv Sena MPs will meet Prime Minister Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee and Deputy Prime Minister Mr L K Advani in this regard", he announced while addressing a press conference and termed this matter as very ‘serious. "As a Union Minister I have some limitations but Shiv Sena will not allow Jammu and Kashmir Government these types of taxes on Hindu pilgrims", he declared and disclosed party will chalk out a strategy on this ‘very serious’ issue. "Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir have been living in constant fear for the last so many years", he opined, adding, "instead of inculcating a sense of confidence among Hindus, State Government has been demoralising the minorities by imposing such type of curbs. Launching a scathing attack on pseudo-secularists for adopting appeasement policy, Union Minister said that there was no harm to propagate Hindutava as, according to him, Hinduism is synonymous with nationalism. Stoutly defending demand of the Shiv Sena leaders that sophisticated arms should be given to the Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister said that besides forces, society should also be involved in facing the challenge of Jehadis. "We are of the opinion that instead of distributing Trishuls to the Hindus, it is better to distribute AK 47s among them for self defence", he advocated, adding, "we can take on Jehadis only by providing these types of arms to the general masses". "We are fighting virtually a full-fledged war unleashed on us by Pakistan", he observed and did not see any reason not to distribute arms to the masses to face the challenge. When his attention was drawn towards decision of some units of Shiv Sena to create ‘Fidayeens’ (suicidal squads) for protecting Hindus, Mr Udsul said that media has mis-interpreted the concept. "Actually aim of Shiv Sena was not to create ‘Fidayeens’ to attack any body but inculcate a sense of confidence among people to protect themselves from terrorists attack", he said, adding, "we require some youth we are ready to make any sacrifice to protect dignity and honour of Mother India from Pakistan sponsored terrorists. Stressing on the need of adopting a comprehensive policy to protect life and properties of Hindus and other minorities in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister regretted that killings of Hindus have been going on unabated in the State. "Except lip-service successive State Governments have done nothing to protect life, dignity and honour of Hindus living in this border State", he said. Opposing dialogue with Pakistan at this juncture, Union Minister predicted that this attempt of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee will also prove as ‘futile’ exercise. "Nothing will emerge from this exercise", he said and recalled experience of Lahore Bus Yatra and Agra Summit. Newly appointed president of Shiv Sena Rajesh Gupta, Rakesh Gupta, Sanjay Mahey and other senior leaders were present in the press conference. |
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Pune
Municipal Councillors call on CM Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, June 5: An all party delegation of 35 Municipal Councillors of Pune municipal corporation called on Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed here this evening. The delegation led by Mayor of Pune, Ms. Deepti Chowdhary interacted with the Chief Minister on various issues including their support in revival of tourism. Mufti Sayeed apprised the visiting councillors about the steps being taken by his Government to upgrade tourist infrastructure in the State. He said the recent visits of the Prime Minister Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Congress President Ms. Sonia Gandhi and Congress Chief Ministers’ conclave in the valley besides organising Ambassadsors’ Golf Championship-Kashmir 2003 and other such high profile events have created a good impact and helped in sending a right message across the country that the situation in the State has taken a turn around and the people are yearning for peace. The Chief Minister said the Prime Minister announced several development projects and creation of one lakh jobs for the State youth in next two years. He said the Congress Chief Ministers on the suggestion of Ms. Sonia Gandhi have decided to provide seats to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir in their professional colleges. The Chief Minister said he has taken up the matter with the Railway Minister for reserving coaches from Ahmedabad and other cities to facilitate tourists from those areas to Jammu and Kashmir. He said that he is also taking up the matter with the Union Civil Aviation Minister for providing concession to the Kashmir bound tourists in the Indian airlines flights. The Chief Minister said that the Government would hold handicrafts exhibitions in Mumbai, Pune and other major towns of Maharashtra to promote this sector. The councillors assured Mufti Sayeed of all help in this effort. Referring to their visit to the valley, Mufti Sayeed said that such interactions help in better understanding of the ground realities and changing the mindset of the people. Mr Sanjay Nahar of Pune based SARHAD NGO apprised the Chief Minister that first batch of 100 orphan children from Kashmir valley are being admitted on Ist November this year in the orphanage set up by his organisation in Pune while 400 more such unfortunate children would be admitted later. It would be provided all care and international standards education to the children. The Chief Minister, who had laid the foundation stone of the orphanage at Pune recently, lauded this gesture of SARHAD and said it goes well with his healing touch philosophy that has found a massive support at the State and national level. The Chief Minister also enquired from the councillors about the working of the Pune municipal corporation and said that a team of officers from Jammu and Kashmir would visit Pune soon to get first hand information about its functioning as Jammu and Srinagar too have been upgraded as municipal corporations. The Pune Mayor introduced municipal councillors to Mufti Sayeed and presented a memorandum to him. |
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Mufti favours institutional funding for flood protection Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, June 5: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that a comprehensive plan would be formulated for institutional funding to take up flood protection measures in Jammu and Kashmir on priority. Announcing this in the legislative assembly here this morning, the Chief Minister said that a high level committee headed by Chief Secretary would be constituted to arrange institutional finances for taking up flood protection works, wherever required. He said special allocations would also be made for this sector keeping in view the requirements in various areas. Mufti Sayeed said that he has also asked the rural development department to take up flood protection works under various centrally sponsored schemes by giving focus to the priority areas. Intervening during supplementaries to a question by Mr Qaiser Jamsheed Lone, Mufti Sayeed said that due to scanty rains and drought like situation in the State during the past 5-6 years, the State was saved of floods. Due to lesser flood threat, the allocations for this sector were quite meager and it could not get priority attention. The Chief Minister said that special funds have been provided by the coalition Government for desilting several canals, both in Kashmir valley and Jammu region to provide adequate water for irrigation. Replying the supplementaries, Minister for Irrigation and Flood Control Qazi Mohammad Afzal said that a scheme has been formulated for dredging of Madhumati nallah in Bandipora area and assured the House that work on it would be taken up shortly. Earlier, in reply to the main question, the Minister said that compensation on account of damages caused due to floods is being provided to the sufferers as per natural calamity relief fund norms, after the assessment of losses received from deputy commissioners. He said so far no report of loss on account of floods in Lolab constituency has been received from the concerned deputy commissioner. |
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Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, June 5: A permanent 2-bench Lok Adalat was held in the District Court Complex, Jammu under the chairmanship of Mr. Subhash Chander Gupta, Chairman, District Legal Services Authority, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Jammu today. First bench was headed by Mr. Subhash Chander Gupta, Chairman, District Legal Services Authority, Jammu assisted by Mr. Suresh Sharma, CJM Jammu to deal with Matrimonial, Bank and MACT cases. Total 11 cases of Matrimonial were taken up and 7 cases were settled. Out of 18 Bank cases only one case was settled. Total 7 cases of MACT were taken up and out of which 2 cases were settled and Rs. 90,000 was awarded as compensation. 2nd bench was headed by Mr. R.K.Wattal, Special Excise Mobile Magistrate, Jammu assisted by Mr. Virinder Singh Bhau, IInd Additional Munsiff Jammu to deal with Municipal court cases all private complaints under RPC and under Section 488 Cr. PC. Total 113 cases were taken up and 39 cases were settled. Rs. 2780 was imposed as fine and realized on spot. One case of under Section 488 Cr. PC has been taken up and settled. |
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Use electricity judiciously: CE Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, June 5: Due to abrupt rise in the temperature during last few days, various power/distribution transformers are getting overloaded and the department is forced to resort to unscheduled cuts to save overloaded transformers and other allied equipment. According to Chief Engineer, Electric Maintenance and RE Wing, Jammu, the consumers are requested to cooperate with the department to make minimum judicious use of electric gadgets. He further appealed the consumers to avoid use of air conditioners and other electrical gadgets during morning and evening peak hours especially between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. This will help the department to face the present crisis and give better services to the consumers. In case of power failure or any other complaints, the consumers of Jammu areas are requested to book their complaints on the phone Nos. 2543398, 2504989, 2432636, 2430180 and 2554147. Similarly the consumers belonging to Samba, Vijaypur and Bari Brahamana areas can contact on the phone Nos. 243260, 222837 and 231021. Besides the consumers can also lodge their complaints with Executive Engineers, Jammu in their offices Phone Nos 2562593, 2432636 and 2573155 and Executive Engineer, Vijaypur on Phone No. 231939. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 5: An emergency meeting of the executive secretariat of the All Public Sector Employees Joint Action Committee (PSEJAC) Jammu was held under the chairmanship of Mr Suresh Sharma. According to a press release, representatives of Forest Corporation, SRTC, JKI, JKTDC, JK SICOP, JK SIDCO, JK Cement, JK Agro Industries, Sheep Wool and Wool Board Industries, Silk Factory, Joinery Mills, HPMC, Art Emporium, Precast Concrete Factory, Women Development Corporation, SC-ST Corporation etc attended the meeting. Mr Sharma while addressing the meeting expressed anguish over the step-motherly treatment meted out the PSU employees by the present coalition Government as far as it was unable to incorporate even a single line in the budget with regard to the release of COLA pending for the last three years and continuation of budgetary support to the Corporations as was promised by one else than Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed when he was not in power. He said that it was painful that coalition partners namely Panthers Party, PDP, Congress and CPI (M) which were championed the cause of PSU employees have maintained a silence over demand of COLA. He severely criticised the ‘slow poisoning’ policy of Mufti Government. Meeting appealed to the Chief Minister to release COLA without delay and not to test patience of workers, who have no alternative but to come on streets. Messrs Karam Chand, Anchal Bakshi, C K Sudan, Jagjit Singh Bawa, Jeet Singh Jamwal, Jai Kishan, Joginder Pal, Baldev Raj and others attended the meeting. |
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Cultural Academy organises interaction with ND Jamwal Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 5:" Meet the Eminent Contemporary" a programme of interaction with multi-faceted personality Mr Narsingh Dev Jamwal, a noted Dogri writer, painter, sculptor and musician, was organised by the Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, at Abhinav Theatre here this evening. Mr Jamwal, recipient of Sahitya Akademi award, shared his personal experiences and his literary as also artistic career with the audience present in the auditorium. Answering a wide-range of questions on literature and his life, Mr Jamwal spoke about his creative works which include over a number of books and some prestigious awards. He touched on various incidences of his life from belt force to field of art and culture. He also spoke about the creative moments and process that shaped his personality as a writer, painter and sculptor. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Balwant Thakur, Secretary, Academy of Art, Culture and Languages gave details of various programmes being implemented for promotion of literary and cultural heritage. He also gave details of some future programmes of the Academy. He appreciated the contribution of Mr Jamwal to Dogri literature and other fields. The Secretary honoured Mr Jamwal by presenting him a shawl in recognition of his contribution to art and literature. Mr Hemant Rao Sathe, a well known critic, read a paper giving detailed account of life and creative faculties of this eminent writer and artist. An exhibition of paintings of Mr Narsingh Dev Jamwal was put up in the Art Gallery and books written by him were also on display at the auditorium. Dr Gian Singh, editor, Dogri Sheeraza conducted the proceedings while vote of thanks was presented by Dr Om Goswami, Additional Secretary, Academy of Art, Culture and Languages. |
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Kashmir University
observes World Environment Day Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, June 5: Minister for Environment, Forest & Fisheries, Mr Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Sofi today said that in this age of modernization the greatest threat hazard to the very sustenance of human race, has come up in the shape of environmental degradation, global climatic changes, extinction of precious flora and fauna species etc. These impending threats, which if ignored today might not leave a chance for us to act upon in future, he added The Minister was speaking at the inaugural session of the seminar on "Nature Conservation in Jammu and Kashmir" organized by the Kashmir University in collaboration with Directorate of Environment and Remote Sensing in connection with the World Environmental Day (5th June) here today. In addition to this many programmes like green marches, debates, painting competitions and seminars would also be held in every nook and corner through out the month starting from 5th June, by the Department of Environment and Remote Sensing J&K. Addressing the seminar, Mr Sofi said that man is the child of nature and whenever he tries to its act as its master he disturbs the whole ecological balance. In the name of progress and development who cannot afford to lose over environmental heritage. The Government is committed to a clean and safer environment for which more stringent measures are being adopted for environmental protection, he added. The Minister further said that the efforts of Government alone could not be sufficient and it needs wholehearted participation of people. He appreciated the efforts put in by the University and specially the students for their zeal and enthusiasm to spread awareness on this utmost important issue. The Minister said that the valley known for its intrinsic beauty is under the threat of biological degradation. The beautiful lakes which are the pride of every citizen today seems destroyed, polluted and eutrophicated. We all must consider that we do not owe the gifts of nature as our properties like the guardians of it, for the coming generation, he added. Mr Sofi asked the faculty of Environment Science and Directorate of Environment to come up with the concrete suggestions for pollution control and creating a healthy environment. He said that Government has planned to introduce environmental science as subject from the middle standard in schools. He also said that for acquiring the services of PG environment students their absorption in Pollution Control Board or Lakes and Water Ways, division is also on cards. The Vice Chancellor Kashmir University, Mr Jalees Ahmad Khan Tareen in his address said that the university has introduced the PG in environment science in 2001and the Ist batch of trained environmentalist is ready today to act as catalysts ensuring nature conservation in the State. The faculty remains committed to carry on research work for finding credible environmental solution for the society. In another seminar on the occasion of World Environment Day by the Institute of Engineering J&K State Cadre Sonawar here today, the Minister for R&B Mr Madan Lal Sharma stressed upon the intelligentsia to play major role in creating mass awareness about environmental protection. He said the cause of climatic disturbance, extinction of species and causes of other environmental hazards must be understood in right perspective. He said that the Government is planning to revive social forestry which has proved useful in tackling soil erosion. |
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People hold protest, block
National Highway Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, June 5: Kala Kacha Wale gangsters have surfaced again, this times making five members of an economically sound Gujjar family their victim. The gangsters barged into the house of the Gujjar family at village Jaria, seven kilometres from here, on the intervening night of June 4 and 5 and severely injuring five of the family members. Sources said that a group of seven to eight Kala Kacha gangsters struck in the village and attacked Haji Lal Hussain’s family, which is considered economically sound as compared to other Gujjars. All the victims were fast sleeping when they were attacked. The gangsters, who were carrying sharp-edged weapons, inflicted severe stab wounds on all the five members of family and took away all belongings of the family. The victims tried their level best to raise alarm when the gangsters were looting their belongings but they were prevented from doing so by the gangsters . As soon as the gangsters fled from the area, the victims raised alarm and a number of people from adjoining area reached the spot for their help. Police was also informed about the incident and a team led by DySP Headquarters Jugal Kishore Sharma reached the spot immediately. All the victims were rushed to District Hospital Kathua and later two of them were referred to Government Medical College Hospital Jammu for specialised treatment. Their condition was stated to be critical. The injured have been identified as Haji Lal Hussain, his sons—Teg Ali and Mohd Ali, Leema and Puggi, wife of Teg Ali. Haji Lal Hussain and Teg Ali have been admitted in GMC Jammu. Later, in the morning a large number of villagers led by Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) leader Rajinder Singh staged a protest demonstration and blocked Jammu-Pathankot National Highway near Degree College for about one hour. Shouting slogans against the police for failure to nab Kale Kache gangsters, the people were demanding that Village Defence Committees (VDCs) be established and licensed weapons be issued to the villagers for self-defence. On the receipt of information about the road blockage, Additional Deputy Commissioner U C Dingra and SP Manish Kishore Sinha reached the spot and pacified the protesters. They assured the people that gangsters would be arrested at an earliest. The Deputy Commissioner Mr B D Sharma, later, assured the people that VDCs would be constituted and licenses for guns would be issued to some people on the pattern of village Kiri Kadyal, where three persons were killed by gangsters. Mr Sharma announced that injured admitted in District Hospital Kathua would get Rs 1000 while those getting treatment in Jammu hospital would be provided with Rs 2000 each. |
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JKTDC management ‘siphons
off’ CP Fund Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 5: Blatantly violating Labour laws, enacted by the Government to protect interests of the working class, management of the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) has virtually ‘siphoned off’ an amount of about Rs one crore, contributed by the employees of Jammu province for their Contributory Provident Fund (CPF). Poor employees have been continuously contributing their share for CPF but management has not deposited even a single penny for employees’ CPF. "What to say of contributing their share, management has not even deposited amount which have been deducting from our salaries for the last so many months", said Bashir Ahmed Malik, who charged management with meting out step-motherly treatment with employees of Jammu region. Interestingly for the last 39 months, the management of the JKTDC has been deducting 10 percent of the salary of all employees of Jammu region as part of their share for CPF but this amount has so far not been deposited with the concerned department. "We have been contributing an amount to the tune of Rs 2.50 lakh per month as part of our share to the CPF. For the last 39 months we have contributed approximately about one crore for our CPF but where that money has gone is still a mystery", said a senior employee of JKTDC and charged the management with diverting the money. The poor employees, who were regularly contributing their share for CPF, were unaware that even their share was not deposited with the concerned department. The ‘scandal’ came into light only when some employees applied for the withdrawal of CPF. The employees were shell shocked when they were informed that management of the JKTDC has not deposited the amount of CPF for so many months. Sources said that instead of depositing employees’ money, the management has issued a circular No JKTDC/ADM/2253-80 dated 9-11-2002 in which it was clearly mentioned that ‘outstanding account of statutory CP Fund has been liquidated full and the subscribers can apply for CP Fund as and when they need the same’. Interestingly, this circular was issued only to befool the employees who strongly contradicted management’s claim. Actually the management has cleared outstanding CP Fund account of only Kashmir Division employees. Ultimately, the management was forced to issue a corrigendum No JKTDC/ADM/818-35 dated 26-5-2003 to clarify that CP Fund outstanding of Kashmir division employees have been cleared only. Employees, who have launched an agitation for the last three days, have expressed surprise that all employees are working under one Managing Director but management has been discriminating with employees of Jammu region. "CP Fund of Kashmir division employees have been deposited in the chest of CP Fund office but Jammu employees have been ignored", said Bashir Malik who sought explanation from the management where their share has gone. Employees, who are up-in arms against, what they alleged, discriminatory policy of the management, said that Jammu region employees have been discriminated in every sphere. They further alleged bonus was also given to the forth class employees of Kashmir division only. Charging management with dividing employees on region lines, Mr Lal Singh, employees leader, sought explanation from management that why fifth commission arrears and bonus are not given to the Jammu division employees as the same benefits have been already given to the Kashmir division employees. When contacted General Manager of the JKTDC, Mr B S Manocha said that he was not able to give accurate figure. "It is better you come to my office. I will give you accurate figure after going through the record", he replied. |
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ATEEKA distributes notebooks
among poor Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, June 5: A meeting of All Teachers Elementary Education Kranti Association (ATEEKA), zone Arnas, was held at Government High School Dharmari in which 600 notebooks and 200 pencils were distributed amongst poor, handicapped, orphan and helpless students. The notebooks and pencils were arranged by the Association. In the meeting various issues like menace of dowry, poverty and casteism were discussed in details. Association chairman and president Mr Balwant Singh announced free tuition to students from Class 8th to 12th of the poor strata of life including handicapped and orphan and economically weaker sections and urged on other teachers to provide moral education to the students. Association senior vice president Maqsood Ahmed, vice president Talib Hussain, publicity secretary Prabhat Singh and organisor Om Parkash were also present in the meeting. Other teachers present in the meeting were Messrs Mohd Aslam, Wazir Mohd, Nazir Ahmed, Aziz Ahmed, Mujahgid Ali, Talib Hussain, Junaid and Javed. Prominent citizens also attended the function who included Naib Sarpanch of the area. The programme was presided over by Mr Balwant Singh chairman-cum- president of the Association. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 5: The party workers of JKNPP R S Pura and Suchetgarh held a demonstration at Miran Sahib in protest against arrest of zonal president Mr Rajesh Padgotra, who was taken into custody by Samba police a few days back. Mr Kundan Sharma, district general secretary Jammu (rural) led the demonstrators and said that arrest of Mr Padgotra was a conspiracy by the political leadership which is presently holding high profile in the coalition cabinet. All the speakers demanded unconditional release of Mr Rajesh Padgotra. they included Messrs Charanjeet Singh, Raj Kumar, Amrik Singh, Tilak Raj Rakhwal, Mrs Sudesh Puri, Om Parkash, Tarsem Sharma, G L Dotra, Subash Khanna, Tajinder Singh Lucky, Lucky Choudhary, Sham Gorkha, Kuljit Singh, Ms Anita Thakur etc. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 5: Pradesh Bhartiya Janata Party has termed yet another onslaught on the Indian sovereignty, the latest decision of Mufti-led coalition Government to set free those arrested under POTA. The BJP also described as a dangerous game plan, the June 4 suggestion of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, that no non-State Subject skilled labourer should be allowed to work to work in Jammu and Kashmir. The party expressed its belief that decision of coalition Government and the suggestion of PDP chief are ill-designed, simply aimed at causing an irreparable damage to the civil society and vital national interests; embolden the subversives; anti-India elements; religious fanatics and murderers; and driving the State away from India under one pretext or the other. The BJP asked Mehbooba Mufti to justify her demand seeking ban on entry of skilled labourers in the State and urged the Central Government to accommodate as many Kashmiris as possible in the service sector in and outside the State. "How can she, like the late Sheikh Mohd Abdullah, demand all rights for Kashmir and Kashmiris all over India and deny the same rights to India and the Indians in Jammu and Kashmir" asked the BJP adding, "she must remember that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India to the same extent as other States of Union are and that no one can close the doors of the State for non-State Subjects, skilled workers or otherwise", as the State belongs to all the Indians. The BJP said the party had in the past opposed with full force the Valley’s sectarian and essentially separatist leadership for such actions and it, under no situation, would allow the present dispensation to take steps which have the potential of widening the gulf between J&K and New Delhi. Meanwhile the BJP has congratulated Gen S K Sinha for his new assignment in the State and urged him to advise the Chief Minister Mufti Sayeed and his daughter not to rake up issues which are fraught with dangerous ramifications. |
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Problems of Chhamb DPs highlighted Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 5: Chhamb Displaced Persons Association-1971 president Mr S R Nagial, participated in the high level meeting organized by the Divisional Commissioner Jammu in the wake of two day tour of Mr A K Shrivastava, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. The Central dignitary had come to review the progress achieved in the matter of solving the pending problems of Displaced Persons of 1947 from PoK and Displaced Persons from Chhamb presently putting up in camps and non-camps. While projecting the pending demands of Chhamb Displaced Persons of 1971, Mr Nagial told the visiting dignitary that payment of cash compensation in lieu of deficiency in allotable unit of land in favour of 699 DP families of Chhamb sector was sanctioned on December 15, 1990 but despite lapse of 13 years the scheme has not been completed. He added further that supplementary list of left out families was equally important which requires to be approved by the Government of India and additional funds allotted for disbursement of the same to the eligible DP families at an earliest. Mr Nagial also raised the point regarding enhancement in rate of compensation per kanal to be raised from Rs 5000 to Rs 30,000 per kanal in respect of irrigated land as earlier the rates were communicated by the J&K Government to the Central Government during 1987 and the decision was taken during 1990 and as such a long period of time has elapsed and price of land gone up manifolds. Mr Shrivastava listened to all the problems and demands projected by Mr Nagial and advised him to submit all pending demands and problems to the visiting high level officials, as desired by him (Mr Shrivastava). |
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Govt fully aware of Industries problem: CM Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, June 5: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that his Government is fully conscious of the problems of industry and several measures are being taken to put this vital sector of employment generation and economy back on the rails in the State. Interacting with a joint delegation of Federation of Industries, Jammu and Federation Chamber of Industries, Kashmir here this morning, Mufti Sayeed stressed upon the entrepreneurs to go in for setting up less power intensive industrial units. However, he asked them to make available a need based list of specific units that need expansion to avail benefits of central industrial package by making available additional power to these. Electric stations would be upgraded, wherever required, for the purpose, he added. He said he would convene a high level meeting soon after the assembly session to discuss threadbare the measures required for promotion of industry in the State. Referring to the introduction of VAT regime in the State from October this year, the Chief Minister said that seminars and workshops would be organized to create awareness among the industrialists, traders and other business sections for effective implementation of the new system. Responding to the demand of industrialists for setting up a high power committee to ensure strict implementation of 15 per cent price preference to the local units while making Government purchases, the Chief Minister said that this would be ensured but quality parameters of products can not be compromised. Deputy Chief Minister Mr Mangat Ram Sharma said the matter regarding waiving off conditions in central industrial package was taken up with the Prime Minister during his recent visit to the State. The deputation of Federation of Industries, Jammu led by its Chairman, Mr Kuldeep Dogra and comprising among others Mr Anil Suri, Mr Kushvinder Malhotra and Mr Rattan Dogra, interalia, pleaded for regular power supply to the units for availing optimum benefits of the central industrial package, rehabilitation of sick units and early finalization of State’s industrial policy on the pattern of central package. The deputation of Federation Chamber of Industries, Kashmir led by its President, Mr Noor Mohammad and Secretary General, Mr Afaq Qadri demanded a long-term State industrial policy and preference to small scale industrial units in Government purchases. |
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AITUC regrets PDP demand of ban on skilled labour Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 5: The J&K State council of All India Trade Union Congress has regreted the demand of PDP president Ms Mehbooba Mufti to ban entry of non-State subject skilled workers into Jammu and Kashmir on the plea that the State has a growing number of educated unemployed to be provided jobs. The State council of AITUC stated that the country, the J&K State is part of which, is no doubt facing problem of migrant labour, mostly engaged in construction activity, but "we should not ignore the fact that migration of labour is one of the accepted consequences of economic development. The AITUC said demanding a ban on entry of skilled workers from outside the State into Jammu and Kashmir was a dangerous trend. It said it was painful to observe that PDP lead coalition Government was shaking off all its responsibilities and duties towards labour. State council of AITUC said the attempts to create divide among the working people will serve no purpose except for weakening of people’s will to build and strengthen secular and democratic values, so dear to Kashmiri people. It added that it was the unity of workers, peasants and intelligentsia which can radically change the course of events today. The AITUC urged the Government to take appropriate steps to protect the rights of labour, absorb all daily wage workers in permanent jobs, increase daily wage rate at the level of full pay of Class IV employees and provide all facilities to the migrant labour as per provision of labour legislation. |
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Qazi reviews arrangements for Khir Bhawani Mela Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, June 5: Minister for Public Health Engineering, Irrigation and Flood Control Qazi Mohammad Afzal reviewed arrangements for smooth conduct of annual Khir Bhawani Mela at a high level meeting here today. The famous mela is being held on 8th of this month. It was decided that State Road Transport Corporation would make adequate transport arrangements for the pilgrims from Jammu to Tulamulla. The Corporation will also arrange buses to the employees lodged in hotels, guest houses and Government flats to participate in the festival. SP Ganderbal was asked to ensure appropriate security arrangements on the occasion. SDM Ganderbal will ensure pitching up of tents and availability of blankets. The JKTDC will also arrange tents and blankets for the yatris as in the past while tourism department will keep available buildings near Khir Bhawani for stay of pilgrims. Director Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, Kashmir will ensure sufficient quantity of atta, rice, sugar, kerosene, LPG cylinders and other essentials at Tulamulla for the facility of pilgrims. PHE department will make necessary arrangements for availability of safe-drinking water through tankers whereas Chief Engineer Power Development Department was asked to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the area on the festival. The diesel generator sets will also be arranged by the PDD from the tourism department. Adequate arrangements of sanitation have been made and the use of polythene bags will not be allowed in the mela to keep the area clean. Among others, officers of PHE, R&B, Health and other senior officers of the tehsil Ganderbal were present in the meeting. |
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J&K Govt approaches Centre
for expanding Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, June 5: Minister for Education Mr Harshdev Singh today said that the State Government has taken up the matter regarding opening of new schools and upgradation of existing ones under Sarva Shikhsha Abhiyan with the Centre. Replying to the supplementaries to a question by Mr Prem Sagar Aziz in the Legislative Assembly, the Minister said that all the 10179 primary schools in the State are being provided with third teacher and the selections made on Rehbar-e-Taleem pattern from among the locally available candidates having highest merit. He said several steps have been taken to improve teaching standard in Government schools that has resulted in increased roll and faith of people in these institutions. He said English has been introduced from Ist class and pre-primary classes in Government schools. The Minister said that all the students from class Ist to 8th are being provided free textbooks while those from Ist to 5th would get free uniforms as well. He said every effort would be made to ensure timely availability of books to the students. He said steps are also underway to upgrade the schools wherever required. He said Government is actively considering creation of additional posts for newly upgraded schools, which are being run presently by internal adjustment of staff. Referring to the attachment of teachers in urban areas, Mr Singh assured the House that no school would be allowed to suffer for want of staff. He said it is announced policy of the Government to do away with attachments baring extreme exigencies. Earlier, in reply to the main question, the Minister said that primary school at Bhullari is being upgraded to the middle level under Sarva Shikhsha Abiyan while upgradation of primary schools of Bajoi, Asso Bani, Nalad and Kasshed in Bani constituency would be examined. Replying to another question of Mir Zahoor Ahmad, the Minister said that Pulwama district already has three colleges at Tral, Shopian and Pulwama and as such there is no proposal to set up another college at Pampore. Tarigami underscores
thrust on areas of production Excelsior Special Correspondent SRINAGAR, June 5: While as leader of the 11-member Peoples Democratic Forum (PDF) and the State secretary of CPI (M), Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami, stressed on identification of the areas of production, National Conference leader Ajay Sadhotra today said that there was nothing in the coalition Government’s Budget for the relief of Jammu division, industry and educated youth. While participating in the general discussion on Budget, Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami said that an appreciable attempt had been made by Muzaffar Hussain Baig in the direction of the State’s fiscal autonomy. "It’s fiscal autonomy today, it can be certainly more tomorrow", Tarigami said. He observed that the coalition Government’s success in bringing the Central leaders to Kashmir and organising welcome meetings in their honour had positively reflected on the Budget. "Until yesterday, there was total loss of faith between New Delhi and the people of Kashmir", Tarigami said and gave credit to the people for all the good things in Baig’s budget. He endorsed the constraints of fresh levies for additional resources mobilisation but asserted that the real backbone of every economy was the level of production. "Without identifying the areas of production, fiscal autonomy is absurd and impossible", he said and emphasised that there should be particular focus on the growth in agriculture, horticulture, floriculture and other sectors. "These shall have to be made key areas of productivity with innovative schemes", he said. He was critical of the PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti’s suggestion that import of labour from other Indian States should be banned in Jammu & Kashmir. "It is a perversive thought which was first conceived by Shiva Sena in Maharashtra. It generated nothing but hatred and disharmony", Tarigami said. He also cautioned against entangling the fiscal autonomy with political autonomy and asserted that parties like BJP should not smell separation in this phrase. NC leader from Jammu Ajay Sadhotra pointed out that Mr Baig’s budget had brought no relief to the people of Jammu who had been waiting for a special industrial package. He said that the Centre had given nothing special to Jammu & Kashmir while as special industrial packages had been recently given to States like Utaranchal and Himachal Pradesh. Sadhotra said that the coalition Government could have got a freeze on sales tax and income tax for Jammu & Kashmir. He suggested that a particular stipend should have been announced for the unemployed youth. According to Sadhotra, the people of Jammu were particularly disappointed over the fact that Mr Baig had no measures for the growth and revival of industry in his much-hyped budget. He described it as Mr Baig’s jugglery that instead of imposing taxes on different items, he had proposed increase of 25% in toll tax, which would automatically mean increase in the prices of all incoming and outgoing items. Shanti Devi, Jugal Kishore, G M Sroori, Manohar Lal, Dr Ghulam Nabi Lone, Dilawar Mir, Abdul Gani Malik, Ali Mohammad Sagar, Mohiuddin Shah, Yogesh Sawhny, Raman Bhalla, Manjit Singh, Ashwani Sharma, Usman Majeed, Ghulam Hassan Khan, Girdhari Lal and Pinto Norbo also participated in today’s general discussion on the budget. Most of the MLAs, irrespective of their parties, lamented that officers had been treating the public representatives contemptuously. They demanded respect, wages and allowances according to their status under Constitution. MLAs from Jammu demanded relief for border migrants, scheduled tribes and scheduled castes besides infrastructure in health, education and agriculture sectors. Pinto Norbo gave a lucid explanation of the problems faced by people in Ladakh and demanded several initiatives of relief for them. Leader of the NC in Assembly, Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Shah cautioned the PDP-led coalition that it would also have to suffer humiliation and breach of faith at the hands of the NDA Government. He was also critical of Mr Baig’s proposal of shifting from Jammu & Kashmir Bank to the Reserve Bank of India for overdraft and other such facilities. Yogesh Sawhny described the budget as innovative and balancing but criticised the suggestion of introducing the lottery system after several years. He dismissed it as gambling which would make the poor poorer. He appreciated the people of Kashmir for welcoming the Congress President Sonia Gandhi and not observing any shutdown during the 3-day-long Congress Chief Minister’s Conference in Srinagar. JKPA discusses demands, elects
body Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 5: A meeting of Jammu and Kashmir Pharmacists Association was held at Gandhi Nagar hospital under the chairmanship of Mr Sushil Sudan, provincial president, in which all the pharmacists of Gandhi Nagar hospital participated. The demands raised in the meeting pertained to removal of grade anomalies in SRO-75 of 1992, upgradation of post of Pharmacist as Senior Pharmacist, supervisor and chief pharmacist, amendment in SRO-20 of 1992 lying pending in Administrative Department for the past over 11 years and implementation of remaining part of Government Order HME-48 of 1992. The meeting among others was addressed by Messrs K S Chouhan, president J&K Medical Employees Federation, Rajesh Sharma, Rakesh Bakshi. A body of JKPA for Gandhi Nagar hospital was elected with Mr Rajinder Sharma as president. Other office bearers included Messrs Manmohan Singh as senior vice president, Rakesh Bakshi as secretary, Chander Mohan Abrol as assistant secretary, Subash Manhas as joint secretary, Rakesh Kumar as publicity secretary, Romesh Sharma as cashier, Kewal Basotra and Ashok Kumar as advisors and Kashyap Bandhu and Davinder Rometra as executive members. Later a deputation of Jammu Kashmir Pharmacist Association Gandhinagar along with provincial president Sushil Sudan and Kulbhushan Singh Chouhan met Superintendent Gandhi Nagar Hospital Dr B L Drabu and discussed the problems being faced by Pharmacists. The meeting was held in cordial atmosphere in which Dr Drabu assured the deputation that their problems will be solved mutually in future for betterment of employees and the people. |
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