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| Finance Commission presents interim
report to CM Appraisal committee to examine recommendations Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 27: The Chairman J&K State Finance Commission, Mr. A. M. Lanker presented the interim report of the commission....more Udhampur
to have Rs one cr frozen semen plant Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 27: Centre has sanctioned Rs. 11.20 crore Technology Mission for development......more Jamaat
orders Hizb ISLAMABAD, May 27: Close on the heels of imposition of restrictions on the activities of the Hizbul Mujahideen.....more Govt to
explore mini Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 27: Government will explore techno-economic...more Road
connectivity being Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 27: Rs. 4.44 crore is being spent on construction and....more |
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Musical
tributes paid Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 27: Sham-e-Rasa, a musical evening in honour of renowned Urdu and Kashmiri poet Rasa Javidani, was held at the Auditorium of Jammu University, here today.......more Summary
revision of Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 27: The Election Commission have ordered summary revision of electoral rolls for the Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir with January 1, 2003 as qualifying date. According to the Chief Electoral Officer, Mr. B. L. Nimesh the persons........more Cong
gearing up Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR May 27: The Kashmir valley is gearing up for the big event of hosting the two day's Congress Chief Ministers conclave later this week.........more Mankotia
demands Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 27: Terrorists activities have been increasing multifold in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch....more |
Finance Commission presents interim
report to CM Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 27: The Chairman J&K State Finance Commission, Mr. A. M. Lanker presented the interim report of the commission to Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed here today Deputy Chief Minister Pt. Mangat Ram Sharma, Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Tourism Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir, Minister for Social Welfare Mr. Mula Ram, Minister for Rural Development Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, Chief Secretary Mr. S. S. Bloeria, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr. Mohammad Iqbal Khanday, Economic Advisor to Government, Mr. Haseeb Drabu and members of the Commission were present. After discussing the recommendations, the Chief Minister appointed an Appraisal Committee to examine these for follow up. Economic Advisor to Government, Mr. Haseeb Darboo will head this committee. The Chief Minister broadly discussed the functioning of local bodies in the context of recommendations of the commission and stressed the urgent need for upgrading services to the people and mobilization of resources by the urban local bodies. Issues of devolution of taxes to urban local bodies, imposition of property tax and user charges were among the issues discussed. He stressed the need for going in for reasonable and generally acceptable size of taxes to improve resource position of these bodies. The Chief Minister also stressed the need for making these bodies fully democratic by holding elections. Even before elections, their functioning and resource position should be improved, for which these bodies should make serious endeavours. Mr Lanker and Mr. M. S. Pandit, Financial Commissioner (Finance) who is member of the commission explained to Chief Minister some of the recommendations. It may be recalled that Government had constituted State Finance commission to deliberate upon and make recommendations on specific issues related to urban and rural local bodies. The members of the commission include Financial Commissioner (Finance), Principal Secretary, Planning and Development Department, Principal Secretary, Agriculture Production and Rural Development and Commissioner/Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department. The term of reference of the commission include suggesting distribution between State and Municipal Corporation/Municipalities of the net proceed of taxes, duties, toll and fees leviable by the State, formula for determination of taxes, duties and fees to be assigned or appropriated by the Corporation, Municipalities, to regulate grant-in-aid to corporation and Municipalities from consolidated fund of State, measures needed for improving financial positions of corporations, Municipality and panchayats, structure of taxes to be imposed by halqa panchayats on various items, formula for allocation of funds to the block development councils and recommendations necessary for viability of corporation, Municipality and panchayat bodies. |
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Udhampur
to have Rs one cr frozen semen plant Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 27: Centre has sanctioned Rs. 11.20 crore Technology Mission for development of Sheep and Wool products in Jammu and Kashmir. The project to be funded by the Union Textile Ministry would be implemented in five years and would go a long way in development and promotion of livestock population. This was Stated by the Minister for Agriculture and Co-operatives, Mr. Abdul Aziz Zargar at a meeting of district heads of various departments under Agriculture Ministry working in Doda and Udhampur districts held at Pantitop last evening. The Minister said that important component of the ambitious scheme is genetic improvement of livestock by way of importing exotic germ plasma, purchase of foundation stock and crossbred rams. He said 40 multipurpose extension centres for development of sheep and wool products would be set up under the programme in remote areas where sheep breeders would be provided various facilities under one roof. Of these, 23 extension centres would be set up in Kashmir and 17 in Jammu division. He said marketing assistance will also be provided to the sheep breeders to sell their wool produce at remunerative price. He said 16 rearing machines each costing Rs. 1.60 lakh, would be imported for providing latest facilities to the sheep breeders and for improving wool quality. Besides, the two divisional level wool-grading centres would also be strengthened and about 6 lakh sheep would be provided prophylactic health treatment in the State. He said a modern frozen semen plant costing Rs, one crore would be set up in the Udhampur this year to boost crossbred cattle population n the district. The Minister said that sheep and animal sectors have tremendous potential for further expansion as the State is still importing sheep and poultry birds worth Rs. 500 crore for mutton consumption. He said coalition Government's priority is to boost agriculture and allied sectors for bringing revolutionary improvement in the rural economy. While reviewing the performance of sheep and animal husbandry in Doda district, the Minister was informed that the sheep and goat population in the district has reached to 3.91 lakhs and 1.5 lakhs heads respectively. The Doda district is most suitable for sheep and goat rearing owing to its topography and conducive agro-climatic conditions. There is tremendous scope for promotion of this sector and concerted efforts are on to upgrade the local flocks by introducing modern techniques. During the review of horticulture sector in Udhampur district, the Director Horticulture, K. Wazir apprised the meeting that 45658 plants of various hybrid species of plants were distributed among the farmers in the district from the Government run nursery during last year. These include 80000 plants of strawbary, 300 olive plants, 25200 walnut plants and 41785 other plants. About 100 grafted walnut plants are ready for distribution. In addition, 900 high density apple fruit plants have been first time introduced in Ramnagar and Panchari areas of the district. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister called for a missionary spirit to bring revolution in the rural economy by boosting agriculture and its allied sectors which have not been exploited fully. He asked the field agencies to launch massive awareness campaign in the nook and corner of the State for developing human resource in the agriculture sector. |
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Jamaat orders Hizb to vacate its offices in Pakistan ISLAMABAD, May 27: Close on the heels of imposition of restrictions on the activities of the Hizbul Mujahideen by the Pakistan Government, the Jamaat-e-Islami has asked the outfit to immediately vacate the premises of the party offices in the country. The central Jamaat leadership after a meeting recently asked the Hizb to leave and shift its offices from the premises of the Jamaat offices in Pakistan, Daily Times said today. Quoting Hizb sources the newspaper said the Jamaat has also asked the Hizb to remove all hoardings and signboards from its offices across Pakistan. It said the Hizb had been operating from the premises of the Jamaat offices since 1990. The Hizb is the largest indigenious militant group operating in Jammu and Kashmir and is believed to be the armed wing of the Jamaat. Pakistan had restricted the Hizb activities in the country and barred the outfit’s leaders, including its chief Syed Salahuddin, from entering Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan Interior Minister Faisel Saleh Hayat while announcing the Government decision had said that Islamabad cannot ban the Hizb as it is not a Pakistan based organisation. Earlier the US administration had listed the Hizb as terrorist organisation. Jamaat chief Qazi Hussein Ahmad told reporters yesterday that such offices were established by the Hizb sympathisers and not by the Jamaat. Hizb spokesman Abdul Saleem Hashmi denied the organisation had any offices in Pakistan. "We have only one office in Rawalpindi and that too for media purposes only. Since we have no offices in Pakistan, the question of shifting or removing them does not arise," Hashmi said. He said only the Kashmiris who had migrated from Jammu and Kashmir in the 1950s were active for the Hizb in Pakistan. "They were working independently without the Jamaat’s assistance. Now we have stopped these Kashmiris too," he added. Hashmi also denied that the Hizb was the Jamaat’s armed wing. "Qazi Sahib rightly stated we have no organisational link with them," the Hizb spokesman said.(UNI) |
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Govt
to explore mini hydel projects on Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 27: Government will explore techno-economic feasibility for setting up two mini hydel projects on Sukhnag lake and Shaligund and construction of a major grid station of 220 KV, 132 KV, 133KV in district Budgam. This information was given at a high level meeting of officers of power development department here today with the Minister for Power, Mr. Mohammad Sharief Niaz. Minister for Revenue, Mr. Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen was also present. The meeting was informed that measures are under way to devise ways for construction of 6.3 MV receiving station at Khansahib, Budgam. The matter is being taken up with Rural Electrification Corporation. Some new sub stations are being constructed and critically overloaded stations augmented under Prime Minister's Gram Yojana Scheme. The meeting decided to set up a Task Force which will be called Electric Task Force in each Electric Sub-Division of the State to conduct frequent inspection to check illegal connections and power theft. These task forces will be accompanied by a Magistrate. The Revenue Minister assured the meeting that necessary directives in regard would be passed on to the concerned tehsildars. He said that this will improve regularization of electric connections and collection of electric tariff in the State. The meeting also discussed the matter of installing new transformers and augmentation of existing transformers. The meeting was informed that the centre Government has sanctioned Rs. 20 crores for APDRP works for improvement of electric system in Budgam, Ganderbal and Srinagar in Kashmir division and in Jammu district in the first phase. The meeting decided to pursue the centre Government for release of adequate funds to ensure full implementation of the schemes in the rest of the State also in phased manner. |
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Road connectivity being strengthened in Baramulla Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 27: Rs. 4.44 crore is being spent on construction and completion of various roads in Baramulla district. Of this, Rs. 1.45 crore are being spent on construction of Chooru Kreri - Wattergam road, Rs. 2.05 crore on Tapper Kreri, Kawachak, Sheikhpora and Dardgunda road and Rs. 94 lakh on Sheeripora-Chukar road. This was disclosed at a review meeting of officers of R&B department, Baramulla held here today. The Minister of State for Roads and Buildings, Mr. Abdul Rehman Veeri presided. Addressing the meeting, Mr. Veeri exhorted the officers to implement the decisions taken in the last board meeting for early execution of the projects. He also stressed for taken up construction work of Bandipora-Lolab road. He asked the officers to maintain transparency in their work as there would be no compromise on the quality. The Minister asked them to discharge their duties with dedication and sincerity and come up to the expectation of the people who have pinned high hopes on the present Government. He reiterated Government's resolve to provide accountable governance to the people. Earlier a delegation led by MLAs of Sangrama and Bandipora, Mr. G. N. Lone and Mr. Usman Majid and a social worker Mr. Abdul Haq called on the Minister for completion of Bandipora Lolab road. |
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Musical tributes paid to poet Rasa Javidani Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 27: Sham-e-Rasa, a musical evening in honour of renowned Urdu and Kashmiri poet Rasa Javidani, was held at the Auditorium of Jammu University, here today. Glowing tributes were paid to Rasa Javidani for his literary contribution to Kashmiri and Urdu poetry and different aspects of his personality like simplicity, sincerity and secular outlook were highlighted at the function organised by Rasa Javidani Memorial Literary Society and MA Urdu Professional Course, University of Jammu. Mrs Kailash Mehra sang Kashmiri songs of the poet Rasa Javidani and her musical presentation was highly appreciated by the large audience attending the function. Mr Sunil Raina was on sitar, Mr Anil Raina on flute and Mr Sami Feroz was on tabla. Mrs Kailash Mehra also sang a gazal, a Dogri song and Kashmiri gazals. Mr Ravi Thakur also made musical presentation of Javidani’s poetry and regalled the audience. Speaking on the occasion, Prof Amitabh Mattoo, Vice Chancellor of Jammu University, underscored need for preservation and promotion of literary and cultural heritage. He called for a launching a popular movement for cultural revival in this part of the country. Prof Mattoo stated that the University would do everything possible in this respect and declared that JU will be a hub of cultural and literary activities. The past as well as contemporary literary and cultural stalwarts should be properly encouraged. Prof Zahur ud Din, presented his key note address and stressed for remembering the contribution of all those who enriched our cultural and literary heritage. Mr Ved Bhasin also spoke on the occasion. Mr Aseer Kishtwari, general secretary of threw light on Rasa Javidani’s literary contribution to Kashmiri and Urdu poetry. Dr Shohab Malik, president, Rasa Javidani Memorial Literary Society, in his welcome speech, highlighted the activities and achievements of the society since past 8 years of its inception in 1995. On this occasion, Prof Zaman Azurda of Kashmir University, Mr Hasrat Gadda and Mr Balraj Bakshi were presented mementos for their contribution to art and literature. Mrs Kailash Mehra and Mr Ravi Thakur were also honoured with presentation of shawl by the Vice Chancellor. Mr Talab Hussain, MP, Prof Ram Nath Shastri, Mr Balraj Puri, academicians, students and prominent citizens attended the function. |
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Summary revision of electoral rolls from today Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 27: The Election Commission have ordered summary revision of electoral rolls for the Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir with January 1, 2003 as qualifying date. According to the Chief Electoral Officer, Mr. B. L. Nimesh the persons who have attained the age of 18 years on or before January 1, 2003 are eligible to apply for inclusion of their names in the electoral rolls. Any person whose name or other particulars have been incorrectly recorded in the existing rolls can also apply for correction. Applications can also be made for deletion of names of persons who are dead or who may have shifted from their original places of residence. For this purpose, the Electoral Registration Officers shall keep the draft rolls at the polling stations and other conspicuous places in the Assembly Constituencies or at the offices of designated officers and at the offices of Assistant Electoral Registration Officers, who will supply requisite forms free of cost to the desired persons. They shall receive the applications under proper receipt from May 28, 2003 to June 18, 2003. For any further assistance in the matter, the Deputy Commissioner (District Election Officers), Assistant Commissioner (Revenue) of the district, Executive Officers of Srinagar/Jammu Municipal Corporations or the local Tehsildars can be contacted. |
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Cong gearing up for CM conclave Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR May 27: The Kashmir valley is gearing up for the big event of hosting the two day's Congress Chief Ministers conclave later this week. Arrangements related to the security, reception and lodging of the VVIPs were finalized at a high level meeting here this morning chaired by the veteran congress leader and Dy. Chief Minister, Mr. Mangat Ram Sharma. Top officials from the security, intelligence and state civil and police administration attended the meeting. Mr Sharma, who is coordinating the arrangements is in constant touch with AICC General Secretary Ms. Ambika Soni and State PCCI Chief, Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad. He said the scheduled public meeting to be addressed by the Party President, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi at Baramulla on June 1st would be a historic event in which the alliance partners of the Government particularly the Congress and PDP are making all out efforts to make it a grand rally. Significantly, the people of the valley are enthused over the selection of Kashmir as a venue by the premier political party for holding this important conclave which augurs well for giving boost to the tourism activity that has received tremendous set back over the years in the wake of militancy. The occasion will serve as a message to the compatriots that everything is not lost in Kashmir, but it continues to be the tourist's most admired destination. Mr. Sharma has held a series of meetings with his party functionaries and ministerial colleagues for making the stay of the visiting leaders comfortable and ensuring smooth proceedings of the conclave in the mesmerizing environs of Srinagar city. The conclave is being attended by 15 Chief Ministers of the Congress ruled states besides the executive members of the AICCI. The conclave is seen as a continuation of the tremendous affection the Nehru family has with their native land. The conclave comes close on the heels of the successful visit of Prime Minister Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee to Srinagar where from the positive signals of peace and friendship with Pakistan emanated. |
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Mankotia demands reactivation of STF in Rajouri, Poonch Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 27: Terrorists activities have been increasing multifold in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch and reactivation of Special Task Force (STF) in these districts is the only option left to flush out militants. This was stated by MLA Udhampur and president of Young Panthers Mr Balwant Singh Mankotia while addressing a press conference here today after conducting three day tour of Rajouri and Poonch districts. "Brutalities of the terrorists are on rise in these districts and hardly any day passes when innocent civilians are not being killed", he said. Such is the intensity of terror, he said, among the people that they are not ready to discuss even the ongoing militancy with anyone and added that the recent killing of innocent persons in these districts on the pretext of informers of security forces has sent a fresh wave of terror among the populace. Stressing the need to reactivate Special Task Force in these districts to prevent innocent civilians from being killed, he said that Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) will talk to Government in this regard very soon. Mr Mankotia said that on one side India and Pakistan are embarking on talks to resolve the various issues and announcing various Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) but on the other side ISI has indulged into aiding and abeting militants operating in Jammu and Kashmir in general and Rajouri and Poonch district in particular. He urged the Central Government to pressurize Pakistan to discourage terrorists outfits operating in this State before the start of dialogue. "Poonch and Rajouri districts were not only discriminated by the Kashmir rulers but also by Jammu leaders and both the districts are lagging behind in all spheres", he said and demanded that special developmental and economic package should be announced for these districts and the work on Shahdara Sharief Technical University be expedited. The president of the Young Panthers further said that during interaction with the people of these district, he felt undercurrent of reorganisation of the State among the people and added that he has also constituted various committees to create more awareness among the people that reorganisation of the State is the only solution to each and every problem. |
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Kashmir Sikh Sangat demand healing touch from Govt Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 27: Kashmir Sikh Sangat in its semi annual conference under the presidentship of Dr Dhanwant Singh expressed displeasure over non-reaching of ‘healing touch’ policy towards Sikhs of Jammu and Kashmir State. Dr Singh said since installation of coalition Government, the Chief Minister Mufti Mohd Sayeed has not uttered a word on the plight and sufferings of Sikhs living in the Valley, who have been ignored in all walks of life. "No step has been initiated by the Government to mitigate their sufferings and Sikh employees have been posted in far flung areas of Kashmir, amid threats to their lives", said Dr Dhanwant Singh. The house condemned the unjustified detention of two innocent Sikh youths Mohan Singh and Barkat Singh and requested Mufti Mohd Sayeed to order release of these Sikh detenus forthwith, as has been done under healing touch policy in Kashmir. The participants held that National Commission for Minorities headed by Mr Tarlochan Singh has not come upto the expectations of the minorities, particularly Sikhs living in Valley inspite of tall assurances and has failed miserably to bring any respite to them. Mr Randhir Singh Bali condemned the brutal killing of police inspector Fauja Singh at the hands of people opposed to peace and demanded that adequate security measures be adopted for protection of Sikhs particularly living in villages of the valley. Mr Tejwant Singh requested the State Government to consider Valley Sikh youths for providing seats in professional colleges outside the State as was being contemplated for KP youth living in Valley. S Karamjit Singh, general secretary KSS, J&K, urged all Sikh organizations to sink their separate ideologies and converge their resources, efforts and better thoughts to create a single entity under one flag which would strengthen our resolve to fight for justice Prominent persons who spoke and attended the conference included S Moti Singh, Dr Sant Singh Azad, Balbir Singh, K N Singh, Babu Singh, Ram Singh, Capt Ujagar Singh and Bibi Amar Jit Kaur. |
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Glowing tributes paid to Pt Nehru Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, May 27- Glowing tributes were paid to the first Prime Minister of India, Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru on 39th death anniversary all over Jammu and Kashmir State today. At a special function organised at Srinagar this morning, the speakers threw light on different facets of the life of Pt. Nehru. Paying rich tributes to the Pandit Ji, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Mangat Ram Sharma described him as a towering Statesman of his time who laid an indelible imprint on the political horizon of the entire world. He was visionary, who envisioned a progressive and prosperous India that could play a leading role in the economic transformation on the world. As a result of Pandit Ji's focused attention towards technological development, the Deputy Chief Minister said the country has attained in enviable place in the comity of nations in producing human resources, particularly technocrats and professions who have fanned out in various countries and are playing a leading role in the economic development. Mr. Sharma said the biggest tribute to the great visionary would be to carry forward his message of technological development that alone can lead the nation towards highest panicles of prosperity. |
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PM insists on
end to cross-border terrorism NEW DELHI, May 27: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee today declared that India wanted to start talks with Pakistan "as soon as possible" but made it clear that for a meaningful dialogue cross-border terrorism should end and terror infrastructure dismantled. Before embarking on a 3-nation tour, Vajpayee also said that India would take "more" confidence-building measures to carry forward its peace initiatives with Pakistan. "Some steps have already been taken and more will be taken," he told reporters at IGI airport here, a day after India announced its decisions to resume the Delhi-Lahore bus service and release 130 Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails. Replying to questions on when the 2 countries would resume talks in the wake of several peace initiatives taken by New Delhi, Vajpayee said "we want it to be as soon as possible. But for a meaningful dialogue to begin, cross-border terrorism should end and terror infrastructure dismantled". The Prime Minister, who left for Germany on the first leg of his 8-day tour that would also take him to Russia and France, said he was confident that an atmosphere would be created for Indo-Pak talks to begin. Vajpayee, who has been specially invited by French President Jacques Chirac for a "broader dialogue" on June 1 ahead of the G-8 summit in the French Alpine town of Evian on the Franco-Swiss border, will hold bilateral meetings with various heads of State and Government present there. Asked whether he would be meeting US President George W. Bush either in St Petersburg in Russia or in Evian, he said "I do not know about any such meeting at the moment". Besides Chirac, PMO sources said Vajpayee would have scheduled bilateral meetings with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Hu Jintao. Meetings with British Premier Tony Blair and leaders of Canada, Belarus and other nations were in the process of being lined up. The sources said though there is no bilateral meeting scheduled with the US President, there could be a "chance meeting" between the two leaders when they gather on different occasions at St Petersburg or Evian. The Prime Minister said Putin had invited him to the celebrations of 300th anniversary of the historic city of St Petersburg. "I will attend these celebrations along with heads of State and Government of a number of countries from the G-8, Europe, former Soviet Union and China. Besides joining the celebrations, I hope to have the opportunity of bilateral meetings with a number of world leaders". Pointing out that his visit to Germany was pursuant to the agreement between Chancellor Schroeder and him that they would have summits every year, Vajpayee said he hoped to discuss with the German leaders "concrete measures to strengthen our political and economic co-operation and our collaboration on global issues like international terrorism and WTO". Vajpayee said the meeting in Evian was the result of a progressive initiative of the French President to create a framework of dialogue between G-8 countries and selected representatives of the developing world. "I hope this meeting would promote a meaningful interaction between these two groups of countries on a number of political, economic, social and environmental concerns which are now being discussed in different international fora," he said. Vajpayee said he had often talked about the need for a forum for a global dialogue on development to enable developing and developed countries discuss issues of concern in a cooperative rather than a confrontationist manner. "I believe President Chirac’s initiative could mark a beginning in this direction".(PTI) |
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War against corruption to be institutionalized: Mufti Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, May 27: Saying that his government has launched a war against corruption, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that no one would be permitted to squander tax payer’s money and stringent action would be taken against the corrupt. Addressing after inauguration Rs. one crore Trikuta Municipal Complex at Dogra Hall here today, the Chief Minister said that the campaign against corruption is being institutionalized and a mechanism evolved for keeping a constant vigil even on the vigilance organization to make the system fool-proof. He said the coalition government would not allow any body to misuse the people’s money at any cost and would ensure that funds are utilized judiciously for socio-economic emancipation of the people at the grass root level. Lauding the people of Jammu for their ‘open mindedness’, the Chief Minister said that Jammu being the gate way and winter capital of the state would be made beautiful. Referring to the beautification drive in the city and surrounding areas, he thanked the people for their whole hearted support for it and said that it was not done with any other objective than to make the city beautiful. This is in the interest of the people of the city as a whole. He mentioned some of the beautification projects ordered by him during his last city round which included parking lots, walk ways, parks etc. The city needs express corridors widened roads and modern shopping plazas. He said earlier there was literally lawlessness and people have been constructed where they want it without any plan development. The Chief Minister said that Jammu city is compare with any European city in view of its setting and grandeur. ‘It would be our endeavour to beautify this city whose fashionable Ragunath Bazar finds mention in Krishan Chander and other literary documents’, he said and added that the problem of traffic in the bazar needs to be tackle so that consumers can freely visit this area as in the past. He recalled how people from the Sialkote use to throng Jammu city enjoy cool breeze and return with happy memories before partition of the country and said why can’t we restore the same environment in Jammu city. He said this calls for collective efforts of the administration traders and the residents who should pride of this historic city and make it a clean and environment friendly. Asserting that the local bodies would be made fully representative by local bodies, the Chief Minister said that the elections to the Municipal corporations postponed because we find that the certain urban areas were not included in the Municipal limits. Now the wards are being delimited and after the process is completed elections would be held. The Chief Minister said that today at Srinagar he had discussed with the Municipal Finance Commission measures for mobilization of resources for Municipal Corporation and Local bodies. The government has received the interim report and the decision on it would be taken soon to make local bodies more vibrant and development oriented. Referring to the Trikuta Municiapl Complex, he complimented the Municipal Engineers for constructed such a Municipal complex. He hope that the corporation would continued to meet the development requirement with zeal and grid. The Jammu Municipal Commissioner, Mr. Jeet Lal Gupta said that Trikuta Municipal Complex has been completed in three years. It has been raised through internal resources of the Municipality. The 4-storeyed complex has 27 shops in three floors and three halls at the top floor. Proper toilet facilities in each floor have been provided and the area in the rear side has been proposed for parking facilities. The total built of area of the four floors is 20,000 square feet. |
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Arrangements for ‘Sindhu Darshan’ being finalised Excelsior Correspondent LEH, May 27: All the arrangements for the smooth conduct of Sindhu Darshan -2003 are being finalised by the local Administration. The Deputy Commissioner Leh, Mr Tashi Dorje today held a meeting of the concerned officers of different arrangement committees and reviewed the pace of progress registered by the concerned committees in their assignments. Mr Dorje visited the Sindhu Ghat. 6 kms away from Leh city and reviewed the progress for the arrangements of seating system, electricity, drinking water, etc. This year around 5000 devotees are expected to arrive at Leh to have the darshan of Sindhu commencing from June 1-3. Three Central Cabinet ministers,3 Governors and several other Central and State Ministers are expected to arrive here for the festival. A team of 24 persons of Arunachal Pradesh are also participating in the Sindhu Darshan carrying the water of Brahma Putra to be mixed in the Indus on this occasion. Central troupes of Arunachal Pradesh, HP, Sikkim and other national reputed singers / dancers and other artists are expected to take part in the programme. Deputy Chief Minister, L K Advani will inaugurate the Holy Sindhu Darshan festival. The tourists have started arriving at Leh and the Indian Airlines and Jet Airways have arranged special flights for the occasion. A national level literary and religious meet is also being conducted. |
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Female candidate forced to leave examination hall Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 27: Apparent inhuman approach of an Invigilator compelled a female candidate of B Com Part I to handover her answer sheet without answering all questions and leave the examination hall midway at the GCW Parade, here today. The incident took place this morning inside Hall-A of the GCW Parade where examination of B Com Part I was being held. During the exam, a candidate under roll number 232016, Anpurna Raina, sought the permission of Invigilator to attend a natural call but was not allowed. After a few minutes, the candidate repeated her request but the plea was turned down again by the Invigilator. After repeated requests of the candidate that she was not feeling well, the Invigilator instead of permitting her to attend the natural call, suggested that she might leave the examination centre after handing over her answer sheet. The situation compelled the candidate to surrender her answer sheet even as she had not yet completed her paper and more than an hour was left for the same. It may be mentioned here that there is no restriction on candidates attending a natural call during examination. |
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Jammu State Party vows to launch new campaign Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 27: The newly formed Jammu State Party activists have assured the people of the Jammu to get punished the ‘Jai Chands’ of Jammu and launch massive agitation to ensure justice to its people. Addressing a press conference president of the organisation Mr Sanjiv Gupta termed the Resettlement Act and SRO 215 of the previous Government as big frauds on the people of Jammu and it will be a major security threat to the State and the country as well. The people of Jammu are being discriminated by the Kashmiri rulers since long in every field and most of the jobs are being given to the Kashmiri youth. Even the new coalition Government has only made false assurances with the people here but it is still silent on Wazir Commission Report and other major issues confronting the people of Jammu. Most of the tourism promotion related funds are being diverted to Kashmir and Agriculture and Horticulture promotion activities are being initiated in Kashmir. The Jammu people are not being provided due share even now and it has been confirmed that even PDP is not doing justice with the people of Jammu. Mr Gupta demanded that unemployed youth be provided stipend and Jammu youth be provided equal opportunity in jobs in the Civil Secretariat. He said the Party would fight for the rights of Jammu people and also get Dogri included in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution. Jammu Doordarshan be converted into full fledged TV Station and important religious places in Jammu be brought under a Trust / Board like Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board for their better development. The organiser, Mr Vishal Sharma demanded that Government should order a probe into fire incident of 1985 in which a major portion of Mubarik Mandi complex was gutted. An independent agency should conduct the probe into the whole episode. They demanded that it was a deep rooted conspiracy to ruin the old complex. He also demanded that all the rare books of Ranbir Library which were brought to Srinagar from Jammu by the previous Government be brought back and threatened to launch a massive agitation. The militancy has affected the business and other activities in the region and all out sincere efforts be made to restore peace in the region. |
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Two-day Research Council meet held Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 27: Two- day research council meeting of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology was inaugurated by Prof H U Khan, vice-chancellor of the University at Jammu. The meeting was attended by directors, project Planning and Monitoring Officer, head of Divisions and incharge of the research stations, sub-stations of the University, HODs of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Horticulture department. Eminent Scientists Dr I P Abrol (FNAAS, FNA), Dr Sher Ali FNASc also attended the meet. Dr Rangil Singh Director Research being the Member Secretary of the Research Council initiated the proceedings. He informed that there were 205 on-going research projects and 20 new research projects have been proposed for approval of the council. The projects are being funded by DBT, NATP, ICAR and DST besides private sector. Dr Abrol stressed the importance of sustainability of agriculture in the present scenario. He advised the Scientists to take up the research projects which are location specific and need based to fulfill the requirements from the farmers’ perspective. Mr Khan (VC) also spoke on the occasion and suggested that the projects are needed to be done in consultation with the concerned departments. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 27: District Congress Committee Jammu (Urban) today paid rich tributes to former Prime Minister Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru on his 39th death anniversary. A meeting in this connection was organised wherein the party leaders remembered the great leader and urged people to follow his footprints. Paying tributes to the leader, ex MLA Mr Om Chopra, who presided over the meet, said that Jawahar Lal Nehru was a great orator, diplomat, statesman, philosopher and visionary who fulfilled the dream of modern India. "The people of India were fortunate enough to have Pt Nehru at the helm of affairs to lead the country at a time when the Britishers left the nation divided and exploited," he said and added that it was Nehru who felt need for industrialisation, planned economy and far reaching agricultural reforms. Mr Parduman Singh Azad, MLC, said that Panditji is remembered for his historic role in the country’s freedom movement and later for building a new India as first Prime Minister of the country. "The country and Congress party continues to derive inspiration from his policies and programmes," he added. Among others who spoke on the occasion included Yogesh Sawhney (MLA), Dharam Pal Sharma (ex-MP), Th Puran Singh, Jagdish Dubey and others. Transparency sought in
appointments Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 27: Doda Joint Students Federation has alleged irregularities in the appointment of teachers under Rehbar-i-Taleem scheme in Kishtwar under Doda and sought Chief Minister’s intervention into the matter. The issue was raised during a general body meeting of Doda Joint Students Federation, which was held today on the Jammu University Campus. The meet observed that some meritorious candidates were being ignored while a few others who have low merit but political influence, were given appointments. Alleging that some officers of the Education Department were responsible for the discrimination, the DJSF appealed Chief Minister Mufti Mohd Sayeed to personally look into the matter and make the recruitment policy transparent. Varsity notes By Nishikant Khajuria Even as some private colleges have approached the court seeking direct control over admission of students, the fresh B Ed admissions for the forthcoming session are likely to be made again by the Central Admission Committee of Jammu University. According to reliable sources, the Jammu University and its Directorate of Colleges Development have not yet worked out the modalities and compiled new statutes accordingly a Supreme Court ruling seeking a minimal State regulatory control over the unaided private educational institutions. Since the new regulations, after amendments in the light of SC observations, are required to get approved by the University Syndicate as well as the University Council which will obviously take time, the fresh B Ed admissions for the forthcoming session are likely to be made on the old pattern. Earlier, there were speculations that the B Ed as well as other courses admissions in Jammu University affiliated private colleges would be made by these unaided institutions on their own from this academic session in the light of SC observations. It may be recalled that in a landmark judgment last year, the Apex Court observed that State and the University concerned should not interfere in the management of an unaided educational institution as long as the administration is transparent and merit is given due primacy in grant of admission to students. The B Ed admission process usually begins by the end of July. There are 32 JU affiliated unaided private colleges having around six thousands seats. * * * * * With the announcement of President A P J Abdul Kalam’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir State next month and his formal nod to address the Jammu University convocation, a sense of enthusiasm prevails on the Campus. The entire University administration is gearing itself for preparation of the much awaited convocation, the date of which is likely to be disclosed by the Vice-Chancellor tomorrow during a meeting of the JU officers. Roaster of duties is also likely to be formed and group convenors appointed during the tomorrow meeting. Meanwhile, according to authoritative sources, the proposed convocation, which is 11th of the Jammu University, is likely to be held at the Abhinav Theatre instead of University Gymnasium hall as the latter is not air conditioned. Further, only Gold Medals will be given away to the students on the occasion and no M Phil as well as Ph D Degrees will awarded due to paucity of time. Around 130 Medals will be given and the convocation is likely to last for two hours. The tenth convocation of Jammu University was held on March 17, 2001. * * * * * To help, develop awareness about Jammu’s heritage within and outside the Campus, the Jammu University Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo has constituted a Heritage Cell. Comprising senior Professors and some prominent citizens, the Cell will not only work for creating heritage awareness among people but also take steps to build a museum at Jammu University. A meeting of the members of the Heritage Cell was convened recently by the Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo wherein several important decisions were taken. The meet decided to take some immediate steps for preservation and maintenance of the Heritage of Jammu region and press the State Government to constitute a heritage board to look after all aspects of preservation-cum-maintenance of both movable and immovable heritage. The Cell, whose convenor is Prof Zahur-ud-Din has undertaken several activities during the next 6 months which included; organisation of lectures and seminars on the subject, organisation of exhibition of artifacts both on the Campus and outside in collaboration with the State Archives, collection of artifacts and articles and movable heritage from the people and organisation of heritage week in the month of October, 2003. D K Abrol is new president of Swarankar Sangh Udhampur Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 27: Mr Darshan Kumar Abrol of Lambi Gali Udhampur has been elected as president of Swarankar Sangh, Udhampur. Election to the district body of Swarankar Sangh was held under the observation of J&K Swarankar Sangh, Jammu body. The election was among others attended by Krishan Lal Abrol, convenor, Raj Babbar, general secretary, Rajesh Gandhi, Sudesh Gandotra and Mahesh Sethi. Mr Darshan Kumar Abrol was authorised by the provincial body to frame his new committee. Later, Mr D K Abrol appealed the Swarankars to strengthen the body to fight the problems like Sales Tax etc with unity. Rajesh Gupta appointed State president of Shiv Sena Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 27: Mr Rajesh Gupta has been appointed as State president of Shiv Sena. Decision to this effect was taken by Shiv Sena Supremo Bala Saheb Thackrey after consultations with National working president Mr Udhav Thackrey and Rajya Sampark Pramukh, Uttar Hindustan, Lt Gen P N Hoon during National conclave held at Mumbai. Mr Rajesh Gupta was formally declared appointed by Lt Gen P N Hoon at Chandigarh on May 25 during a specially called meeting of office bearers and prominent leaders of J&K, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh. Prominent among those who attended the meeting at Chandigarh were Messrs Rakesh Gupta, Sanjay Mahey, Dimpy Kohli, Jagdev Singh, K L Verma and Vipan Hindu from Jammu and Kashmir. |
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