Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7: Commercial banks in the State have agreed to fund Rs 1500 crore for expeditious completion of 450 MW Baglihar Hydel Project....more

Mortal remains of
Kushak Bakula flown
to Leh for last rites

Excelsior Correspondent

LEH (LADAKH), Nov 7: The mortal remains of Ladakh’s legendary spiritual leader, Kushak Bakula, who passed away in New Delhi on November 4, was received at the airport by the cross sections of the society today........more

845 illegal saw mills
dismantled, 4444 hectare
forest land retrieved

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Nov 7: The Centre has under a special package approved Rs. 100 crore project regarding eco-restoration of degraded catchments of Jhelum and Chenab basins over five years. Of this Rs. 19 crore would be utilized during current year........more

One killed, 6 injured
in mishaps

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7: One person was killed and six others received injuries in separate road accidents while as two bodies were recovered.....more

Police Public School
celebrates Annual Day

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7: An impressive Annual Day function of the J&K Police Public School was held at Abhinav theatre..........more

4 injured in
bear attack

SRINAGAR, Nov 7: Four persons, three of them women, were injured when wild bears from Pir Panjal mountain range came down to villages in Qazigund area of Jammu and Kashmir’s.........more

Young judicial
employees condemn
vicious propaganda

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7: Young Judicial Employees Association today condemned the vicious propaganda let loose by certain vested interest against the.....more

Dogri play ‘Guddi’
staged in Akhnoor

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7: Disha Kala Jagat staged Dogri play Guddi at town hall Akhnoor. Based on the evil of dowry , the play was directed by Ashok Kumar and written by Pawan Sharma.

Minister for Roads and Buildings Madan Lal Sharma was chief guest on the occasion. A large number of people witnessed the play. The role of Guddi, played by Miss Ritu Sharma was highly appreciated by the audience. Other main artists of the play included O P Shakir, Ashok Kumar, Ritu Sharma, Rinku Saroch, Jyoti Sangotra, Som Nath, Subash Chander, Neeru Sarmal, Pritam Chand, Swarn Singh.....more

Speaker inaugurates
awareness camp at Khour

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Nov 7: Speaker Legislative Assembly Tara Chand today inaugurated a one-day awareness camp on SJGSRY at village Dwal, block Khour in Akhnoor......more

Awards soon for best bank professionals: Bloeria
Commercial banks to fund Rs 1500 cr for completion
of Baglihar hydel project

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7: Commercial banks in the State have agreed to fund Rs 1500 crore for expeditious completion of 450 MW Baglihar Hydel Project.

Appreciating the decision of financing the dream power project in the State at 61st State Level Banker’s Committee meeting here today, the Chief Secretary, Dr Sudhir S Bloeria said that massive funding would help in completing the work on the prestigious project within stipulated time frame. This he said, will go a long way in meeting the growing energy requirements for industrial and domestic sectors.

Dr Bloeria observed that the diversification of targeted areas by the banking sector is a welcome step that will certainly push up the economy steering the State to economic transformation. He advised the banks to fan out in rural areas and concentrate on shaping the rural economy by way of liberal funding and simplified lending procedures.

Saying that numerous Government sponsored poverty alleviation programmes were totally dependent on the banking support, the Chief Secretary impressed upon the professionals to lend their wholehearted support to the priority sectors as these will help in tackling unemployment problem by generating new avenues for the skilled and unskilled human resource. He agreed in principle institution of cash awards for best performing bank professionals annually and said that this incentive and token of appreciation will act as morale booster for the banking professionals.

The Chief Secretary stressed for greatest coordination between the Government functionaries and banking institutions for speedy disbursal of finances under various self-employment schemes. "It is question of trust and faith and each functionary cannot exercise individual discretion", he said. Dr Bloeria said that banks must expand their operational areas by opening new branches in far-flung areas of the State adding that the security cover in militancy infested areas is being strengthened.

Dr Bloeria called for frequent holding of each such interactive for maintaining the desired level of cash-deposit ratio and synergising functionaries towards betterment of weaker sections.

Earlier while admitting that performance of banks under Government sponsored schemes has remained below the desired level, chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank Limited (JKB), M Y Khan requested the State Government to expedite establishment of Debt Recovery Tribunal in the State, which according to him, would help banks to speed up efforts for recovery in outstanding debts from the defaulting borrowers.

Mr Khan, while addressing the meeting, said that need to establish Debt Recovery Tribunal has become more imperative with the enactment of ‘Reconstruction of Debts and Securitization Act 2002’. "Though the Act has been made applicable to whole of India, in our State the banks are handicapped to initiate action under the Act in absence of the Debt Recovery Tribunal".

"The banks, it will be appreciated, have been playing a significant role in economic revival of the State but at the same time continue to face difficulties in recovery of loans, particularly those disbursed under Government sponsored schemes", he said, adding, "all of us are aware of the importance of recovery of bank dues for viability and recycling of funds for fresh loans".

Mr Khan further said that there was a need that the Government comes forward with practical measures, which would enable banks to recover their overdues expeditiously. "While the Government has already appointed the Director Employment as an authority under the Land Revenue Act for determining the banks dues under PMRY and JKSES as arrears of land revenue, yet no such officer has been designated for loans allowed under other sponsored schemes of the Government", he said. Financial Commissioner Finance M S Pandit deliberated on devising a mechanism for increased recoveries of Non Performing Assets. He said, banking finance and social transformation is sine qua non’.

Principal Secretary Agriculture B R Kundal impressed upon the banks for achieving the targeted financing to the farmers under Kissan Credit Card. Among others present on the occasion were Regional Director RBI, Mahesh Kumar and Executive Director NABARD, J B Bhoria.

Later interacting with reporters, Chief Executive of the Indian Banker’s Association, H N Sinor said that local youth will be recruited while making recruitments in banks. He assured banks functioning in Jammu and Kashmir will give every possible help to unemployed youth of the State to generate employment.

Excelsior Correspondent

LEH (LADAKH), Nov 7: The mortal remains of Ladakh’s legendary spiritual leader, Kushak Bakula, who passed away in New Delhi on November 4, was received at the airport by the cross sections of the society today.

Science and Technology Minister, Nawang Rigzin Jora, Chief Executive Councillor, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Thupstan Chhewang, Vice Chairman, National Commission for ST/SC, Lama Chhosphel Zotpa accompanied the mortal remains, which was flown here in a special flight.

Floral tributes were paid to the departed leader by the senior political leaders, Executive Councillors, prominent citizens, heads of different religious organizations and senior officers of district administration.

The mortal remains carried in a gun-carriage followed by guard of honour and was kept at Chowkhang Vihara.

Thousands of people including school children were standing enroute to pay their tributes to the departed leader. After performing Buddhist rituals in Chowkhang Vihara, the main Buddhist Centre in Leh, the mortal remains was taken to Spituk Gompa and the last rites would be performed at a later date with full State honours.

Among those present were former Minister Togdan Rinpochey, former Rajya Sabha Member Kushok Thiksay, former Member Minority Commission Lama Lobzang, MLC P.Namgyal, Sras Rinpochey etc.

845 illegal saw mills dismantled, 4444 hectare
forest land retrieved

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Nov 7: The Centre has under a special package approved Rs. 100 crore project regarding eco-restoration of degraded catchments of Jhelum and Chenab basins over five years. Of this Rs. 19 crore would be utilized during current year.

This was stated by Minister for Forests and Environment Mr. Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Sofi while giving a detailed resume of achievements registered by his ministry during last one year. He said the Forest department has afforested so far an area of 4444 hectare degraded forestland by planting 28.18 lakh saplings of various species during last one year. He said the Centre has released an amount of Rs. 12 crore to cover further area of 5985 hectare of degraded forests under national afforestation programme.

Mr. Sofi said that under external assistance programme launched for the first time in the State, the department has launched Indo-Norwegian project in Verinag, Kashmir and Mahamaya in Jammu to cover 7 lakh hectares of degraded forestland at a cost of Rs. 2.40 crore.

Referring to the activities initiated to curb the menace of smuggling, the Minister said the Government as a major has empowered the forest officers to directly take action against the smugglers and also evicts forest areas from the encroachers. He said during last one year 845 illegal saw mills have been dismantled and made non-functional and about 1636 hectares of forestland evicted and demarcated.

Mr. Sofi said that department would soon formulate a new forest policy for which suggestions have been invited from intellectuals, media personalities, students and NGOs.

Regarding conservation and preservation of fauna and flora of the State, Mr. Sofi said the Centre has given assistance of Rs. 1.49 crore for development of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries and management of wetlands in the State. He said pristine wetlands like Hokersar, Hygam and Mansar would be developed under national wetland conservation programme. He said vigorous drive has been launched for eviction of encroachments and about 3000 kanals of land has been recovered from encroachers at Hygam while as Hokersar has been demarcated for the first time.

One killed, 6 injured in mishaps

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7: One person was killed and six others received injuries in separate road accidents while as two bodies were recovered.

Police spokesman said that one Parveen Sharma, son of Mohan Lal of Vijaypur was killed after an autorickshaw skidded off the road and rolled down at Jakh under the jurisdiction of Vijaypur Police Station.

He was rushed to hospital in critical condition where he succumbed to his injuries.

Meanwhile, six persons—Sudir Ganjoo, son of Jagar Nath of Subash Nagar, Kehar Singh of Raipur Satwari, Nanak Chand and Sanjeev Singh, Ghulam Rasool, son of Mir Mohd of Udhampur, Rishi Kumar, son of Harbans Lal of Miran Sahib and Subash Chander, son of Rattan Chand of Ramgarh—were injured in separate road accidents.

All have been hospitalised and their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in.

A Special Police Officer (SPO) was found dead at Pari Nullah under the jurisdiction of Atholi Police Station. The deceased has been identified as Hem Raj, son of Lekh Ram of Tiyari.

Police has registered a case in this connection and further investigations were on.

An unidentified body was recovered from Tawi near Kishanpur Manwal under the jurisdiction of Jhajjar Kotli Police Station. The body was shifted to hospital for identification.

Police has started investigations under Section 174 RPC.

Meanwhile, Bhupinder Singh, son of Jang Bahadur of Mir Masjid Udhampur allegedly attempted to end his life by consuming some poisonous substance at his residence.

He was rushed to hospital when spotted unconscious by family members. Doctors attending on him at District Hospital Udhampur immediately provided him stomach wash treatment and later referred him to GMC Jammu for specialised treatment.

His condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in.

Police Public School celebrates Annual Day

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7: An impressive Annual Day function of the J&K Police Public School was held at Abhinav theatre, here this evening. The theme of the programme was " Mera Bharat Mahan".

The Director-General of Police Gopal Sharma, who was the chief guest at the function, in his speech said " we (J&K Police) are the one, leading all the way over others". We are ahead of others now. While earlier " we used to say that we are second to none but now certainly ahead of others. Mr Sharma stated that the school children have further reinforced his faith in them as well as the Police.

Mr Sharma expressed appreciation of the presentation of the cultural programme by the school students. It was so impressive that the jam-packed audience in the auditorium repeatedly cheered.

The Director-General stated that the Police Public School will shortly shift to its new building complex in Miran Sahib. The school will have playground and other infrastructure including computers.

A new complex of such a school is coming up fast in Srinagar as well, he added.

These institution will attain high standards in academic and extra-curricular activities, he said and added that a small beginning was made with Education Fund by Police officers and it has now brought excellent results. Mr Sharma spoke about the welfare fund for the Police personnel and their families and said efforts must continue vigorously.

The DGP announced that two creches would be set up in Srinagar and Jammu for looking after the infants of lady police personnel.

A Rehabilitation Centre will provide facilities to the physically and mentally affected by securing services of Psychiatrist, physio-therapists and others

The Principal of the school, Neerja Mehta, in her address highlighted the activities and achievements of this institution in the academic and other fields.

She said that two students of the school, Ankur Thakur and S Pal Singh participated in the national sports events and did proud to the school.

The school students raised over Rs 17000 and donated the amount to Helpage India for the welfare of the poor and needy persons in the society.

The function commenced with lighting of traditional lamp by DGP Gopal Sharma and Mrs Vimla Sharma, Chairperson of the J&K Police Public School. The school students of IV class presented Saraswati Vandana.

"Apne Ghar Se Nikle Hum" was presented by the Nursery class kids which was highly attractive, followed by a Dogri Dance and group poetry singing of "All things Bright and Beautiful".

Our Earth, a play depicted the theme of harmony in nature and Naga dance item impressed much with their tune, costumes and music. The Sketches of India delved on the theme of eradicating social evils. The hilarious Punjabi dance item was hit of the programme.

Renu Mattoo presented vote of thanks. The function was attended by a top Police officers, serving and retired, students and their parents and prominent citizens.

Healthful
Change in lifestyle gives rise to breast cancer

By Mohinder Verma

Though one should change lifestyles with the changing time, yet the same should not be at the cost of biological needs. It is only due to the concentration on lifestyles and ignorance of basic biological needs that breast cancer has been fast becoming commonest cancers among women in India. It is also the second commonest cause of death, after lung cancer, in the women.

Likewise in western world, the Indian women have also started changing lifestyles that too at the cost of their biological needs thus giving birth to breast cancer. The maximum cases of breast cancer are being reported from Western India followed by Northern parts, where though utreus cancer is still a commonest cancer among women yet breast cancer is fast taking womenfolk in its grip. Nodoubt any woman would dread getting cancer of the breast these days but it is also one of the curable cancers provided it is detected at early stage.

If someone has been diagnosed to have breast cancer it is important that one understand the disease, since ignorance breeds myths and in that case, the sufferer has to fight not just the cancer but also the myths. Such a dangerous disease it is that if a mother is suffering from breast cancer her daughter(s) would also come under high risk group. So don’t be only after changing lifestyles and take care of your biological needs also to prevent yourself from becoming patient of breast cancer.

In an interview for HEALTHFUL, Dr Ashutosh Gupta, Head of Oncology Department of Government Medical College Hospital, said that our body is made up of very tiny structures called cells. Normally, cells reproduce ‘regularly or systematically’ as a part of wear and tear. A tumour in the breast develops only when process becomes uncontrolled.

"Most breast cancer cases occur in the upper part of the breast closet to the arm. A woman may not be able to feel a slow-growing breast tumour by touch until it is one centimeter in diameter. It may spread to other surrounding tissues via bloodstream, he added.

The main signs of breast cancer are—a tumour or lump or mass in the breast, change in symmetry or size of breast, change in the skin, such as thickening or dumpling, scaly skin around the nipple, an orange peel like appearance, change in skin temperature or colour, unusual drainage or discharge from the breast, change in the nipple, such as itching, burning, erosion or retraction, swelling of the arm and pain (with an advanced tumor).

According to Dr Gupta, breast cancer usually occurs in women with family history (involving mother, grandmother, aunts or sisters), women who have had breast cancer in one breast, the women who have their first childbirth late in life, have no children, had an early menarche, have a late menopause and less breast feeding. However, there is no strong evidence that use of modern contraceptive pills leads to breast cancer but there is evidence that women, who breast-feed their babies for atleast a year have a lower risk of developing breast cancer.

"The breast cancer is also occurring due to less number of children and habits of having more non-vegetarian food", Dr Gupta said and added that less breast feeding, late marriage, late childbirth and less number of children are the outcome of change in lifestyles and exposes women to breast cancer risk.

The medical fraternity has categorised breast cancer into three categories: Early breast cancer—where the cancer is limited to the breast and lymph glands in the armpit. Locally advanced breast cancer—where the cancer has advanced but is still confined to the breast and lymph glands. Metastatic breast cancer—where the cancer has spread to other parts outside breast and lymph glands.

About 50 percent of breast cancer patients report to doctors in the second stage of cancer, 30 percent in third stage while 10 to 20 percent in fourth stage where chances of disease fully treated becomes very meager.

Woman more than 30 years of age should do breast self-examination about one week after the beginning of the each menstrual cycle. If period has stopped it should be done in the beginning of each month. Look at the breasts carefully; Elevate the breast and look at the undersurface. Put your hands on hips, press firmly inwards so as to tense the chest muscle and then look for lumps. Examine your armpits for any lump. Examine the right breast with left hand and vice-versa. Examine the breast with the pads of the middle three fingers. Examine gently but firmly in rotary movements, the whole of the breast from the area starting just below the collar bone to about two finger widths below the breast and from the midline to the outside of the rib cage. Place the hand on the side being examined under the head while examination. These steps can easily detect anything that is unfamiliar.

The treatment being given to breast cancer patients are surgery, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy and chemotherapy and it depends upon the stage of the breast cancer, Dr Gupta said.

Finally, the suggestion of Dr Gupta to womenfolk is to take care of biological needs and if a lump is noticed in the breast, don’t neglect or panic. Discuss it with people close to you and consult a doctor. Though 90 percent of lumps are not cancerous yet proper diagnose is necessary to prevent one from being the sufferer of breast cancer.