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Jammu Chapter of HRD
informally launched Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 9: In connection with the process of establishing Jammu chapter of National HRD Network, Department of .....more Nirmal,
Kavinder felicitated Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 9: Accusing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by coalition Government of its dismal performance, the Bharatiya ........more ICTIL
celebrates Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 9: To celebrate its 100 days of networking in Jammu, ICTIL organised a grand musical evening for its members, here today..........more Truck
carrying Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Nov 9: Excise team has seized a truck trying to evade the toll tax at Lakhanpur Toll Post......more 2
bodies recovered Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 9: Two persons were killed 12 injured in separate road accidents while as two bodies were recovered under mysterious circumstances..........more |
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Rich
tributes paid to Excelsior Correspondent LEH, Nov 9: Rich tributes were paid to Buddhist spiritual saint and leader Kushak G Bakula at a condolence meeting here today organized by Sonam Wangyal Memorial Committee. On the occasion two minutes silence was observed in memory of departed soul. Paying rich tributes to Kushak G Bakula the speakers termed him a .........more 2040
militants killed SRINAGAR, Nov 9: The Border Security Force (BSF) which is being replaced by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) from November .....more DyCM’s
assertions Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 9: Spokesman of Pradesh BJP Prof Hari Om has termed as white lies the assertions of Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram ....more Sharma lauds Mother Teresa’s selfless service to suffering masses Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Nov 9 : The missionaries of charity today organized an impressive function at Abhinav Theatre here this evening to mark the "Beatification .. .....more |
Jammu Chapter of HRD informally
launched Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 9: In connection with the process of establishing Jammu chapter of National HRD Network, Department of Management Studies in Jammu University organised an interactive session between local entrepreneurs and Mr K Satyanarayana, President Emeritus and Executive Director National HRD Network. Thought provoking and highly informative interactions took place between participating entrepreneurs and the HRD expert who enlightened the former with importance of human resource development networking in the business organisations. He emphasised that it was human resources which makes some organisations different from others despite existing under similar circumstances and same laws. Listing some tips for further growth and development of a business house, Dr Satyanarayana said that one is required to dream and should have confidence as well as guts to transform dreams into reality. He stressed that in present time of intense competition, regular training and development have become necessary for the existence. Replying to a query, the HRD expert said that pay and wages should be linked to performance and signal should not be sent to workers that they would continue to get handsome salaries without doing good and satisfactory. He admitted that corporate industry has suffered a lot due to trade unionism and involvement of certain vested interests in trade unions but at the same time be stressed that one should not succumb to non-genuine demands of workers. "You may undergo a bit of trauma for some temporary moment but ultimately you will succeed if you are confident that truth is on your side," Mr Satyanarayana said. The Executive Director of National HRD Network also announced informal launch of Jammu Chapter of the National HRD Network and hoped that same would be launched formally very soon with making of 50 local members, including five corporate, 20 individual and 20 annual members. Listing advantages of being a member of HRD, he said that the HR professionals can take advantage of contacts, to network for any consultation with fellow professionals and get access to latest reading and reports on HRD issues. Earlier, Dr Neelu Rohmetra of the Department of Management Studies who is the Coordinator for Jammu Chapter of National HRD Network, welcomed K Satyanarayana and listed the objectives of HRD. She said that HRD network presents a new world view conducive to growth and development and it has a preventive, curative, adaptive and transformative and promotive role in the organisational context. In the post liberalisation period, focus of HRD has shifted to make it more business driven which implies that more inputs relating to human resources be provided at the strategy formulation level, she added. Dr Neelu also informed the audience that National HRD Network is an association of professionals committed in promoting the HRD movement in the country. It is a non-profit organisation dedicated to develop human resources through education, training, research and experience sharing, she added. Prof A N Sadhu co-ordinated the interaction between Mr Satyanarayana and the entrepreneurs. He expressed his pleasure over establishing of Jammu Chapter of National HRD Network and listed the advantages of being member of HRD. In this fast changing business environment, acquiring knowledge at ones own pace is just not adequate to be in business. One needs to become aware of what other professionals are doing, instead of reinventing the wheel and this forum provides an informal platform for such an interaction and learning, he explained. Head of the Department of Management Studies Prof J R Dhotra presided over the session while Dr Versha Mehta presented vote of thanks. Several prominent entrepreneurs from Jammu, Jammu University faculty members and students of MBA as well as BBA participated in the interactive session. Earlier, in the afternoon, Mr K Satyanarayana held an interaction with students of MBA, DBM, MTM, BBA and B Com at the Department of Management Studies and delivered a lecture on the topic ‘Leadership among youth and nation building. |
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Nirmal,
Kavinder felicitated Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 9: Accusing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by coalition Government of its dismal performance, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership today alleged that the alliance partners have miserably failed to come upto the expectations of the people of Jammu and Ladakh regions. The BJP leaders including the Union Minister of State for Defence, Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta, BJP state chief, Dr Nirmal Singh, vice president, Ashok Khajuria and Jammu urban chief, Kavinder Gupta reiterated the BJP’s resolve to intensify the struggle for rights of people of Jammu and Ladakh regions. Addressing a function here this evening organized by Party’s Jammu East Mandal to felicitate Dr Nirmal Singh and Kavinder Gupta they asked the people to be ready for the struggle. Terming the Mufti Government’s much hyped healing touch policy a total gimmick, Prof. Gupta alleged that the real victims of terrorism have been ignored. He said under this policy the terrorists involved in the killing of 28 civilians in Qasim Nagar, were released though they all were detained Under POTA earlier. He said the real victims of terrorism , Kashmiri Pandits whose number in Government employment has declined from 13,000 in 1990 to 2,000 now and the people of Doda deserve the healing touch. But they have been totally ignored, he added. He said this is a confused Government as those run it are not only confused but the people associated with it are also confused as this Government has no clear cut policy. Terming the recent rally organized by the coalition partners a political gimmick , he challenged their authenticity of distributing Government jobs in Party rallies. He strongly criticized the Congress for misleading the people of Jammu in last Assembly elections by making false promises. He wanted to know what happened to their promise of implementing the Wazir Commission report. Lashing out at the Party he said it is responsible for the present crisis in J&K and had not the Congress leaders done a blunder in 1947 the situation could have been totally different in J&K at present. Asking the Partymen to continue struggle as it is the only solution to their problems, Prof Gupta alleged we are ashamed of the conduct of State Government. Endorsing the Party stand to launch the agitation for winding up of Custodian Department in J&K, he said this Department has lost its utility and it has been closed every where in the country except J&K. He also blamed the National Conference for playing a political gimmick after coming to power in 1996 by raising the bogey of autonomy and restoration of pre 1953 position. Prof. Gupta made it clear that BJP has taken a principled stand on total integration of J&K with India and against the discrimination to which the Jammu and Ladakh regions were subjected. He, while highlighting the achievements of four years long NDA Government, said the Jammu, Udhampur rail link which was an abandoned project under the Congress rule has been completed by NDA Government. Turning tables on State Government Dr Nirmal Singh said all the poll promises made with the people have proven hollow now. He said it is the weak Government as different coalition partners are pulling it in different directions. He also wanted to know what happened to Congress leaders’ promise regarding Regional Councils for Jammu. Blaming the Government for increasing discrimination with Jammu region he said the traders of this region are harassed at Lakhanpur Toll Post unnecessarily. He, while criticizing the Government’s move to pay rupees three lakh to surrendered militants warned that BJP will thwart such a plan of at any cost. He also demanded that the people of Jammu and Ladakh regions be made a party to the proposed dialogue. Party vice president Ashok Khajruia however stressed unity in the rank and file of the state unit to make its prospects better in the next year Parliamentary elections. He also made a scathing attack on State Government and criticized it for postponing the Municipal elections. The meeting was also addressed by Kavinder Gupta and Rajesh Gupta. |
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ICTIL celebrates 100 days in Jammu Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 9: To celebrate its 100 days of networking in Jammu, ICTIL organised a grand musical evening for its members, here today. Former Miss India, Geetika Ganjoo was the star attraction of the programme who handed over keys to the winners of three Santro and one Maruti 800 cars for achieving the company target. Balraj Babbar claimed Maruti 800 car while Raman Suri, Y S Soodan and Jaidev Singh won Santro cars. They were given away brand new cars for making 400 members’ chain on their both sides. Amidst cheers and clappings, Geetika Ganjoo handed over keys of cars to their respective winners. She also expressed her pleasure over her participation in the ICTIL function and wished more success to the members. The company has also distributed three Santro cars in Jammu to its three members for completing the required target. The earlier winners are Neeru Dhalla, Manoj Bakshi and Ajay Bhan. A large number of people, mostly young and active members of ICTIL networking, participated in the musical evening. Top artists from Punjab and Jammu presented colourful and musical items on the occasion and enthralled the audience. Young Punjabi singer from Jammu Lali made people to dance on some popular Punjabi numbers. Bhangra party from neighbouring Punjab also mesmerised the gathering and made the musical evening colourful. |
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Truck carrying 12000 chicks seized Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Nov 9: Excise team has seized a truck trying to evade the toll tax at Lakhanpur Toll Post. According to an official hand out issued by the Deputy Commissioner Toll Post Lakhanpur, in the intervening night of November 8 and November 9, a truck carrying 12000 chicks tried to evade the toll tax at the Toll Post by running away. Excise party comprised Inspector Sohan Lal, Brij Pal Singh and Gh Hyder Guards chased the vehicle and intercepted at Kalibari Morh, Kathua. The penalty of Rs 120990.00 was imposed and recovered from the owner along with normal toll of Rs 24048.00. Total amounting of Rs 145188.00. The swift action of the staff was highly appreciated by D C Toll Post. |
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2 bodies recovered Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 9: Two persons were killed 12 injured in separate road accidents while as two bodies were recovered under mysterious circumstances. Police spokesman said that a woman—Garoo Devi, wife of Mangat Ram of Kangerdhar was killed in road accident at Kangerdhar under the jurisdiction of R S Pura Police Station. She was rushed to local hospital where doctors referred her to Government Medical College Hospital. Later, she succumbed to her injuries. In another road accident, Taloo Ram of Kathua was killed in road accident at Chadwal. He was rushed to District Hospital Kathua and later at GMC Jammu where he succumbed to his injuries. Police has taken the cognizance of the incident. Meanwhile, nine persons were injured when a mini-bus they were travelling in skidded off the road and rolled down near Sangrampur under the jurisdiction of Domana Police Station. All the injured have been hospital and their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in. Three persons—Parwati Kumari, wife of Krishan Chand of Kathua, Hem Raj, son of Jarnallu Ram of Jhajjar Kotli and Rajesh Chowdhary, son of Harbans Choudhary of Jourian—received severe injuries in separate road accidents at Kathua, Jhajjar Kotli and Doomi Malpur. All have been hospitalised. Meanwhile, bodies of two persons—Jamsheeda Akhtar, wife of Mushtaq Mohd of Kangri under the jurisdiction of Sunderbani and Sarda Ram, son of Chatru Ram—were recovered under mysterious circumstances. Police has registered cases in this connection and started investigations. |
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Rich tributes paid to Kushak Bakula Excelsior Correspondent LEH, Nov 9: Rich tributes were paid to Buddhist spiritual saint and leader Kushak G Bakula at a condolence meeting here today organized by Sonam Wangyal Memorial Committee. On the occasion two minutes silence was observed in memory of departed soul. Paying rich tributes to Kushak G Bakula the speakers termed him a noble and simple person who served the Ladakh all through his life. They said Late Buddhist leader worked tirelessly for upliftment of poor and downtrodden people of J&K in general and Ladakh in particular. The speakers while recalling his services to the nation said, Kushak Bakula has followers and admirers throughout the world. He will be always remembered for his Gandhaian values and principles. they said a big void has been created by his demise which can not be filled up for years together. Illicit liquor destroyed Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Nov 9: The Excise Department officials in the raids conducted during last three days have destroyed 770 kgs of Lahan material, 16 small drums, one cufri, 60 pouches and 18 bottles of illicit liquor in different parts of the Kathua district. The raids were conducted by Excise Inspector, Joginder Singh, incharge Excise Sub Range Kathua under the supervision of Yogeshwar Dubey, Excise and Taxation Officer, Jammu in the villages of Gatti, Jarrai and Tarat Sanji. Earlier in 45 raids conducted by the Department in the district 78 bottles of illicit liquor and 5,410 kgs of Lehan along with nine stills were recovered and destroyed on spot. |
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2040 militants killed by BSF in Kashmir SRINAGAR, Nov 9: The Border Security Force (BSF) which is being replaced by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) from November 15 in north of Jhelum in Jammu and Kashmir State, killed 2,040 militants since it was given the job of counter insurgency in 1989, said a senior BSF official. "The force apprehended 9,525 militants, including some top Commanders of different outfits in the Valley," Inspector General of BSF Kashmir range, Vijay Raman said. The BSF also motivated 918 militants to surrendered alongwith their arms and ammunition during the same period, Mr Raman said. BSF recovered 5,495 weapons of all types, seven lakhs rounds of assorted ammunition, 785 wireless sets, 6,950 Kg of explosives, including deadly RDX and 986 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The force lost 668 personnel and 3,191 soldiers were injured in the counter insurgency operations, he said. The force with committed team of officers and men and strong leadership created history by eliminating dreaded terrorist Gazi Baba, who struck at the foundation of Indian Democratic Institution and his associate, the master-mind of Akshardham attack, the brain behind Nadimarg carnage and the chief of the HM in the Valley and several other senior commanders of various outfits, he said. Beside containing militancy, BSF organised several civic action programmes like free medical camps and education. (UNI) |
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DyCM’s assertions termed as white lies by BJP Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 9: Spokesman of Pradesh BJP Prof Hari Om has termed as white lies the assertions of Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma that Mufti-led Government has not done anything wrong with people of Jammu and that it is Union Tourism Minister Jagmohan who has excluded Jammu region from his recently announced tourism package for the State. Prof Hari Om also described as very meagre this year’s plan outlay of Rs 446 crore for Jammu region as against Rs 497 crore for the very well developed Kashmir area. He said distribution of 2,272 appointment letters in a rally at Zanana Park on November 7 among the Congress, Panthers Party and PDP supporters and sympathizers can be legitimately termed as onslaught on democracy and a naked attempt to politicise vital employment sector. He questioned the mode of distribution and said such things could happen only in local oligarchies and not in a democratic country like India. Prof Hari Om said statements made by him and uninspiring and unconvincing response of Chief Minister to the BJP’s unequivocal charge that present Government has turned out to be much worse against Jammu region, have only vindicated the BJP’s stand. He said had Mr Sharma and his anti-Jammu colleagues anything in their kitty, they would have contested BJP’s November 6, nine specific charges against them. He reiterated BJP’s demand that coalition Government must publish a white paper containing all details on the antecedents who so far have been employed under SRO 43 ad other centrally sponsored schemes as also on the credentials of the persons who have been set free under the garb of their ‘healing touch’ policy. |
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Sharma lauds Mother Teresa’s selfless service to suffering masses Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Nov 9 : The missionaries of charity today organized an impressive function at Abhinav Theatre here this evening to mark the "Beatification of Mother Teresa", winner of noble peace prize. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma stressed the need for imbibing the spirit of selfless service and contributing in eradicating sufferings and poverty in the state. He said Mother Teresa all along her life worked for upliftment of poor and downtrodden and her devotion towards the poor won her respect throughout the world. He said Mother Teresa right from the age of 12 made up her mind and realized that her calling in life was aiding the poor and became a nun and traveled to Dublin, Ireland to join the sisters of Loreto. Minister for PHE Qazi Mohammad Afzal was also present. Mr. Sharma said the noble peace prize winner dedicated majority of her life to helping the poorest of the poor in India and was popularly renamed as "Saint of the Gutters". He said Mother Teresa founded an order of nuns called the missionaries of charity in Kolkata and dedicated her life for serving the poor. The missionaries of charity have grown up from 12 sisters in India to over 3,000 in one hundred countries in world over, he added. To mark this joyous event various programmes were conducted in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir, which include charitable works, awareness programme, symposium, peace rallies and inter religious prayer gatherings. Special prayers were offered at Churches in which dignitaries paid their respect to Mother Teresa. As a part of the celebrations of the beatification ceremony, a cultural evening was also organized in which students of Convent School Kunjwani presented a tasteful cultural programme enthralling the jam-packed Abhinav Theater auditorium. A ballet on the life of Mother Teresa depicting her various facets of personality was also staged at the function. The ballet depicted the compassionate of the Mother Teresa which gave succour to thousands of suffering people as well as the magnetic power of her personality inspiring thousands of people to join hands with her in her cause by rendering physical, spiritual and material help. Rt. Rev. Peter Celestine, the Bishop of Jammu, Srinagar Diocese, who was the guest of honour, in his speech stressed the need for cultivating a compassionate heart. He called upon the people of all walks of life for bringing peace to the terror stricken state of Jammu and Kashmir. It may be recalled that on October 19, 2003, Pope John Paul II, the highest authority in the Roman Catholic Church at the Vatican elevated Mother Teresa to the penultimate stage of being declared Holy publicly, in a ceremony known as beatification, which in Catholic circles signifies the last stage before a person is declared a Saint and presented for public veneration, the first stage being servant of God. Later, Mr. Sharma presented mementoes to the students who participated in the cultural programme. |
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Shekhawat says people, not troops can change Kashmir situation Excelsior Correspondent New Delhi, Nov 9:Panther’s party president Bhim Singh’s ‘Chetna Yatra’ from Kargil to Kanyakumari two months after the Kargil war is now a book written by him. ‘Chetna Yatra, Kargil Se Kanyakumari’, released here yesterday by vice-president Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, chronicles the journey of Prof Singh’s 35-member team comprising mostly students from Kargil and the Kashmir valley. "The security forces can’t alone change the situation in Kashmir. But the people of the state can do it alone," said Mr Shekhawat at the release function held at his residence. The ‘Chetna Yatra’ team had five young Muslims from Kargil and ten Kashmiris. The team, which set off from Kargil in November 1999, reached Kanyakumari in the first week of January 2000, taking 46 days to complete the journey. "We were received in Delhi by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and opposition leader Sonia Gandhi, in Rajasthan by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and in Maharashtra by Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray," said Prof Singh. The vice-president said Prof Singh became a "symbol of the Kargil victory" by beginning his journey from Kargil itself. Published by har-anand, the 248-page book in Hindi, narrates chapter-wise the progress of the ‘Chetna Yatra’ through different states. |
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National Legal Services Day observed in J&K Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 9: In connection with the National Legal Services Day, an impressive function related to Special Lok Adalat cum- legal services was organised in the District court complex at Mubarik Mandi here today where a large number of cases were settled on the spot. Lok Adalat was held under the chairmanship of Mr Subhash Chander Gupta, Principal District & Sessions Judge, Jammu. Nine benches were constituted including three special benches headed by ladies Sessions Judge, Sub Judge and Munsiffs for the settlement of matrimonial and maintenance cases. Out of the 199 Motor Accident claim cases, 37 were settled on the spot. A compensation of Rs 69,16,000 was awarded in accident claim cases. Out of 740 cases taken up under Matrimonial, maintenance cases , 184 were settled and fine of Rs 39,500 was recovered. Despite being Sunday, hundreds of litigants, lawyers and representatives of Insurance Companies, Secy State Women Commission, Mrs Chandra Gupta and other NGOs participated to provide counseling to the litigants. Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalat was fully supported by State Commission for Women as decision regarding this was taken in a recent meeting of the National Commission for Women held in New Delhi. It was resolved to set up at least two Benches to settle Matrimonial disputes on priority. Next Lok Adalat will be held on Nov 25. Meanwhile, an impressive function was organised in the District Court premises, in connection with the National Legal Services Day at Udhampur today. Chairman, Distt Legal Services Authority Mr B L Saraf presided over the function. President Bar Association, Judicial officers Addl SP and Tehsildar Udhampur were also present. The people were made aware of the benefits being provided under the schemes. A legal awareness camp was organised in the Distt Court premises at Doda today under the chairmanship of Chief Judicial Magistrate Doda, Mr Inder Singh. Lok Adalt Bench was headed by Addl District and sessions Judge—Mr Brij Mohan Gupta. At Bhaderwah, similar function was organised in the local court complex under the chairmanship of Mr N D Wani, Principal District & Sessions Judge, Bhaderwah. Two benches were constituted and a total number of 43 cases were decided and an amount of Rs 8150 was realised. In Bishnah, special Lok Adalat was held to commemorate National Legal Services day today. Out of the ten cases taken up, five were settled on the spot. MLA Ashwani Sharma, Tehsildar, SHO and BDO were also present besides senior advocates and prominent citizens on the occasion. A legal awareness camp was organised in the premises of the Court of Munsiff / JMIC Hiranagar under the chairmanship of Ms Sudesh Sharma Munsiff Hiranagar today. The litigants, general public of the town of Hiranagar and sarpanchs and Panchs of different Panchayats of the tehsil who were especially invited attended the camp. President Bar Association, Ranjit Singh, SHO Hiranagar and Jail Superintendent Hgr also attended the camp. In the court complex, Ramban a legal service awareness camp was organised today. A Lok Adalat was also held on this occasion under the chairmanship of Additional Distt & Sessions Judge, Ramban—Mr A H Shah. It was assisted by Sub Judge—R N Watal and Munsiff Amit K. Gupta. Fifteen cases were taken up and settled in the Lok Adalt and a fine of Rs 2540 was realised on spot. |
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Madan inaugurates Panchayat Ghar at Kathar Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Nov 9: Minister for R&B, Madan Lal Sharma reaffirmed the Governments resolve to bridge the gap between rural and urban areas by providing equal opportunities of development in all sectors. The Minister was addressing a public meeting at Manoha, a remote village of Akhnoor tehsil yesterday. Mr Sharma said that the area remained deprived of road communication for the last 55 years with the result no progress has been achieved and socio-economic condition of the people as whole as not shown much improvement. He said the present Government has taken the road sector on priority and a number of villages are given road connectivity during a short span of one year. He said work on Akhnoor Kathar road is in progress and by the end of March next year shingled work will be completed and made trafficable, which is the long pending demand of the area. Regarding construction of bridge between Kathar and Manoha, the minister directed the engineers to conduct survey for construction of bridge and prepared project report for submission to the Centre Government. He said work on number of water supply schemes is in progress and on completion almost all the villages of the Akhnoor tehsil would get portable water. Mr Sharma sanctioned two additional rooms for primary school Thara and asked the chief education officer to introduce 6th class in primary school in Manoha from the next academic session. The Minister of State for PHE, Jugal Kishore while addressing gathering said that in spite of liberal funds from centre, far-flung areas remained neglected in the past. He said the Government initiated a number of welfare measures by involving people from the grass root level. For this purpose views of all the elected representatives including Panch, Sarpanch and legislators are given due attention while formulating projects for development of the remote and far-flung areas. Mr Kishore said that PHE department has given special attention to the Kandi and Hilly terrains. He said about 20 water supply schemes sanctioned for Akhnoor tehsil and most of these have already been completed. Work on the remaining is in progress. Earlier the Minister inaugurated a Panchayat Ghar at Kathar. The building was constructed by the Rural Development Department block, Akhnoor at an estimated cost of Rs.3.30 lakh. The Chief Engineer R&B, MD, JKPCC and senior officers of PHE, Education, PDD besides prominent citizens were present. |
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Manav Kalyan Samellan held at Udhampur Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Nov 9: 12th annual Vishal Saint Samellan for Manav Kalyan and on spiritual Gurubani of Guru Ravi Dassji was held in the premises of Guru Ravi Dass Sabha Udhampur under the aegis of 108 Swami Gurdeep Girji Maharaj. Large number of people from all walks of life participated and received the blessings of Saints who come from various states of North India. The programme started with bhajans, Aarti and Ardas. A warm reception was accorded to the saints and devotees from within and outside the State by Guru Ravi Dass Sabha, Udhampur. Various saints who delivered their sermons highlighted teachings of Guru Ravi Dassji, Guru Kabirji, Guru Nabhe Dassji and Guru Nanak Devji Maharaj. A free medical camp was organised by Sabha in which free medicines were given to the patients. Medical camp was attended by Dr Chander Prakash, Dr Anil Saloch, Dr G L Dogra, Dr S D Atri and Dr Mohan Lal. President of the Sabha, Thakar Dass and all members thanked all participants, sevadars and sangat for their cooperation. He appealed to the community in particular and general public to follow the path shown by the great saints. |
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"Mere Hisse Ki Dhoop Kahan Hai" being staged in National Theatre Festival Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 9: The highly acclaimed play of Balwant Thakur "Mere Hisse Ki Dhoop Kahan Hai" is being staged in the 10th National Theatre Festival at Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. This children production of Natrang will be featured on November 14, the children’s day. Other important directors who are participating in this seven day event include—Nadira Babbar, Naseer-ud-Din Shah, Arvind Gour, Laique Hussain and Alaknandan. "Mere Hisse Ki Dhoop Kahan Hai" has already been staged over 50 times and has featured in the prestigious Nandikar’s International Theatre Festival (Kolkata) and National School of Drama’s National Theatre Festival—Jashan-e-Bachhpan. "Mere Hisse Ki Dhoop Kahan Hai" in a very sensitive manner deals with the hazards of population explosion and very subtly highlights every deplorable aspect of population explosion. The irony, which children have to live with, the obstacles they have to face, are brought out in an intrepid manner. Beginning with malnutrition, inadequate food and clothing to seek admissions in schools and overcrowded classes with no jobs and glaring short-comings, practically every damaging result of over population is dealt with. The play warns one and all with imminent threat of disaster and destruction if this malady is not immediately arrested. The play ends with thought provoking questions by children "what we are brought into this world" and "Where is our share of sunlight". On great public demand, this play will be staged on November 11 at Abhinav Theatre. Deputy Chief Minister Pt Mangat Ram Sharma will be the chief guest. The young artists who are participating in the play included Sumit Sharma, Pancham Singh, Sonia Sharma, Aarushi Thakur, Mohit Sharma, Mukta Passi, Sajra, Qadir, Kanhaiya Sharma, Pawan Verma, Kamaljeet Kour, Deepak Virdhi, Rahul Chanda, Arti Gupta, Biblove Gupta, Ruhi Singh, Juhi Singh, Parul Mahajan, Mohd Yaseen, Aatish Gupta and Rohit Verma. The music is being played by Padam Nath and Satish Lalotra will be on Dholak. Mr Suraj Ganjoo is designing the lights of the play. |
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Dogri Sangharsh Morcha holds meeting at Samba Excelsior Correspondent SAMBA, Nov 9: Dogri Sangarash Morcha organised a public meeting at Samba today in furtherance of its programme of holding meetings/rallies at tehsil and district headquarters. Large number of people including womenfolk from Samba town and adjoining villages participated in the meeting and expressed their anguish over non-inclusion of Dogri in the 8th schedule of Indian Constitution. A resolution with unanimous voice was passed urging upon the Prime Minister to present official bills in the winter session for inclusion of Dogri in 8th schedule. Dhan Raj Bargotra presided over the meeting while Sat Pal Mishra conducted the proceedings. Hari Chand Jalmeria, Jugal Mahajan, Udhay Chand, Inderjeet Khajuria, Hoshiar Singh participated from the Central committee of the Morcha. Sita Ram Sapolia, Raj Badyal, Shashi Sambyal, Ravi Khajuria, Maj Sushil Singh, Sukhdev Singh Sambyal, Brahamdev Sharma, Romesh Gupta, Capt Parsidh Singh, Dr Kiran Gupta, Babu Din, Master Kasturi Lal Gupta, Chhaju Singh Kattal, Bishan Singh Dardi, Chattar Singh spoke from Samba committee and B D Thakur (retired Sessions Judge) and I D Khajuria of Kathua committee. All speakers expressed anguish over discrimination and injustice with Dogri and resolved to fight for its inclusion in the 8th scheduled. They declared to participate in the mass dharna on the Morcha at Raj Bhawan Gate on November 29, in a big way. |
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Babu Parmanand visits Ashram of Sant Rasila Ramji Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 9: Haryana Governor Babu Parmanand wished a long healthy and happy life to Sant Rasila Ramji Maharaj on his 83rd birthday which was celebrated at Radha Swomi Rasila Ashram at village Sarore today. Village Sarore of Bishnah tehsil is birth place of Sant Rasila Ram where an annual function to mark the birthday of Sant Rasila Ram is organised every year. Thousands of devotees from the Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Punjab, UP, Uttaranchal, Delhi, Chandigarh and foreign countries like UK and USA also attended the function and listen to the spiritual sermons of Maharaj Rasila Ramji. Addressing the function, Haryana Governor Babu Parmanand described Sant Rasila Ramji as great saint of the country who has been preaching the teachings of divine knowledge, self-less karma, love, peace, sympathy and universal brotherhood which ultimately resulted in strengthening the national unity and integrity. Sant Rasila Ramji also delivered the message of do good for others, have faith in God and realise the existence of God with the help of true master. Minister of Roads and Buildings Madan Lal Sharma, Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Yash Pal Kundal, Harnam Singh from England, Behari Lal Bhagat, president Radha Swomi Rasila Ashram Trust Sarore also congratulated Maharaj on his birthday. Sudesh Kumari wife of the Haryana Governor was also present on the occasion. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 9: National Mazdoor Conference state president Subash Shastri has reiterated his demand of immediate constitution of 6th Pay Commission, prior to coming Lok Sabha elections, to evolve a National Pay policy throughout the country. Addressiung a convention of NMC workers here today the Shastri said such a step would help in fixing salary structures of central and state Government employees on the same pattern. Messrs Puran Chand, Madan Lal, Asha Singh and Chaman Lal also spoke in the convention. USTA leaders meet Tarigami Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 9: A delegation of Jammu and Kashmir United teachers Association led by Sham Prasad Kesar, president and Sohan Lal, general secretary, met the State Secretary of CPI (M) MLA M Y Tarigami and discussed various burning problems of teaching community with him. The demands discussed pertained to delay in implementation of recommendations of Pay Anomalies Committee, statutory transfer norms on pattern of Andhra Pradesh, Modification of transfer orders of USTA leaders who have been victimized in Udhampur and Kathua districts, granting of initial higher start and leave encashment in favour of teaching community. Other demands discussed included withdrawal of cases against the leaders of teaching community, creation of separate directorate for Elementary and Secondary Education and 20 days casual leave for female teachers on the pattern of Punjab State. Mr Mohd Yousuf Tarigami assured the delegation that he would take up all their demands with the concerned authorities at an earliest. |
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Six injured in clash inside Bilwara factory Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 9: Six persons were injured in clash between workers and managing committee of Bilwara factory at Bari Brahamana last evening. Police spokesman said that the tension erupted when the employees objected to the decision of managing committee to shift a machine out of the factory on the plea that the step would deprive a number of employees of their livelihood. After heated exchanges, the workers and managing committee members entered into scuffle and in the melee six persons sustained injuries. On the receipt of information, a police party from Bari Brahamama Police Station rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. All the six persons were rushed to Government Medical College Hospital and their condition was stated to be out of danger. They have been identified as Ganesh Dass, son of Shanker Dass, Chaman Lal, son of Lal Chand, both the residents of Samba, Balbir Singh, son of Shanker Dass of Kathua, Rajinder Singh, son of Lehar Singh of Raya Suchani, Krishan Lal, son of Sain Dass of Samba and Subash Chander, son of Tara Mani of Karyal Brahamana. Seminar on Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings organised Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Nov 9: Glowing tributes were paid to Guru Nanak Dev Ji at a seminar organized to celebrate the birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism. The seminar on "Relevance of the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s in today’s context" was organized by the Foundation for Peace and Social Justice, a NGO at Nanak Nagar here today. Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma was the chief guest. Minister for Consumer Affairs and PDS Taj Mohi-ud-Din and Minister of State for Rural Development Gharu Ram were also present. Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister threw light on the life and teachings of Guru Ji and recalled his services for the humanity. He said Guru Ji always fought for equality to all human beings and preached peace, love, brotherhood and communal amity. He said Guru Ji’s teachings are of much relevance today when the country in general and Jammu and Kashmir in particular is passing through a critical phase. He said the challenge of militancy has to be faced collectively and in this connection sought the cooperation of people. He said the need was to maintain communal harmony and defeat the anti-national elements who were out to create disturbances on sectarian basis. Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister attended a religious congregation at Lt. Gen. Bikram Singh Gurdwara at Bikram Chowk and offered prayers and took part in the Akhand Path on the occasion of celebrations of Gurupurab. He also attended a Sikh congregation at New Plots. New CCMCC constituted Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 9: A committee for control and management of Christian Cemetry (burial ground) Denis Gate (CCMCC) was constituted in a meeting held here today. According to a release, Jackson Sotra was unanimously elected as president, Clint Mattoo as vice president, Donald Khokhar as secretary, Rohit Robert as cashier, Raju Khokhar as co-ordinator and Yousuf Mattoo as storekeeper. Five members were nominated for collecting funds/ donations. They are Solman Slasten, William Gill, Binny Khokhar, Sanju Bhurat and Vincet Khonja. With this the long drawn controversy pertaining to the management of the Christian Cemetry belonging to Christian Biradari Residency Road Jammu ends. The Committee for control and management of the cemetry will work under the strict supervision of the Christian Biradari Service. The ‘so called’ Joint Church Development Forum ceases to function of exist. Gharu Ram lays foundation stone of link road Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Nov 9: Minister for Rural Development, Gharu Ram laid the foundation stone of a road link from Badyal Brahmana to Nikki Tawi in R. S. Pura block of Jammu district today. The length of the road link is one kilometer and Rs.5 lakh will be spent benefiting a population of 2,000 residing in Badyal and adjoining villages. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the government is committed to provide road links and development opportunities to the people residing in border hilly and far-flung areas of the state. He said that a road link from Badyal Brahmana to Ramnagar Basti will be black topped soon. He directed the concerned authorities to submit the proposal. He said the residents of the area will be provided drinking water facilities from PHE station Badila. He said that hand pumps will also be installed to meet out the problems of drinking water facilities of the adjoining areas. Ch. Gharu Ram announced that an ambulance will also be provided for the people of Badyal Brahmana out of his constituency development fund. He also announced to set up primary schools at Badyal Brahmana and Badyal Derian. He said that local youth will be appointed in the schools. He assured that 5 marlas of plots will be provided to the border people. He directed the local people to cooperate the government for the execution of developmental works in the area. He also sanctioned Rs. 70,000 as financial assistance to seven persons living in BPL of the area. He also assured for the up-gradation of Government High School, Badyal Brahmana to Higher Secondary level. He appealed the people to send their kids to government schools where qualified teachers and staff and other infrastructure facilities is being provided by the government. Among others the function was attended by BDO R. S. Pura, officers and prominent citizens. Kathua residents too falling victims to increasing pollution, factory affluents By Gopal Sharma Increasing level of industrial pollution in Kathua town and its adjoining areas has become the cause of worry for many. Residents of the several localities and particularly those residing in Mazdoor Bastis near Hatli Morh and National Highway area and upper northern localities of Kathua town are felling victims to the many diseases like allergy, skin, eye ailments, throat problem, chest diseases, asthama etc. but the concerned Pollution Control Board authorities and the District Administration has yet to wake up and take desired steps in this regard. About a dozen factories are operating in the area and many new are coming up. The affluents including chemical wastes and other harmful liquids being released from these units remain contaminated in the adjoining Kutcha nulla and also along National Highway. Since most of the nullahs flow down towards the town, these affluents emitting foul smell have made the life of several residents of the upper localities like Amrit Vihar has made miserable. The complex is said to have been developed by the SICOP and the most important factor regarding safe and proper disposal of chemicals and other harmful affluents remained neglected. Most of the units including the two bigger ones, have also not taken proper steps for the safer disposal of these affluents. The dirty factory waters remain contaminated to a larger area and major portion of it may be absorbed in the earth. It has been observed that about 20 to 25 green trees of Sheesham (Tali), have turned dry and the residents allege that only those trees which were seen in the range of contaminated water turned dry. It is only due to the harmful effect of the chemicals being released alongwith dirty factory waters. A senior official at PCB, Kathua told on the condition of anonymity that residents of Mazdoor Basti and upper localities near highway are also getting badly affected as in most of these areas have hand-pumps. The water they are consuming is highly polluted. The matter in this regard had been taken up with the Kathua Municipal Committee Kathua and the District Administration for issuing clear directives in this regard but no positive results were observed. About one year back, the notice was issued to the KMC and also to the DIC and concerned unit holders to ensure the proper management of dirty water/ chemicals being drain out from the factories. In this regard, the Municipal authorities had sought at least six months time to construct pucca drain and ensure safe disposal of Industrial affluents but the measures in this regard are still to to be taken. A very small portion of the nullah was the then constructed by the SICOP near units but the contamination of harmful alluents near Highway has also created problem for those passing through that area. Again, the increasing number of workshops in the town and improper disposal of dirty water has remained unchecked. The PCB has yet to take some steps in this regard. Creation of several authorised and unauthorised Colonies in and around Kathua town has also caused massive damage to the green cover around it. The Industrial area is needed to be taken care of properly. Green strips are required to be developed in the area so that increasing level of air pollution could also be contained to some extent. Another factor which has polluted the atmosphere in the city is the deffective and old drainage system and non-disposal of total garbage/ solid waste from the town. The garbage remains scattered in the lanes and by-lanes as the civic authorities have only one tractor-trolley to lift the daily solid waste. The area of the town has increased manifold with the massive migration of people from adjoining rural areas and several colonies have come up. The small nullas remain dumped with garbage as no proper disposal system exists. This becomes the cause of worry during the rainy days and the water overflows to the houses of the people due to blockades. Massive use of polythen bags over-burdens the drains and they often remain choked. The strength of the Safaikaramcharis is not adequate and the city remains dirty and pollutted, causing worry to the residents. The UEED wing may improve the system of drainage specially in Parli Band, Shiv Nagar, Patel Nagar, Krishna Colony, Jawahar Nagar and Bhagwati Nagar. But not only the air and water pollution, the sound pollution has also caused impact in the town. There is no check on this menance. The pressure horns go bloing within the town limits and the operators hardly bother about it. The excessive smoke being emitted by the old and other vehicles go unchecked and concerned Traffic Police and PCB authorities perhaps yet to draw its attention towards the growing menance. Kangri under threat of extinction: Artisans SRINAGAR, Nov 9: Mindless deforestation and the apathy of Jammu and Kashmir Government towards the plight of wicker work artisans, who produce the world famous Kangri, earthen fire pot used by Kashmiris to keep themselves warm during winter, has brought Rs 40 crore annual industry on the brink of extinction, claim Kangri artisans. Between 30 to 40 lakh Kangris are being produced every year to meet the demand within and outside the state, says Assadullah Bhat, a wicker work artisan from Charar-e-Sharief town in central Kashmir’s Budgam district. Bhat says mindless deforestation had threatened the industry as wicker, the raw material for Kangris, was short in supply. This has raised the prices of wicker and hence the final product as well. We had approached the Government to take remedial measures but seems that it has fallen on deaf ears, he claims. Today, a Kangri costs anything between Rs 50 to Rs 1500. Though not an organised sector, Bhat is seen as the unofficial leader of the artisans of the area. He said he went to the Government for providing soft loans to the artisans so that they can expand their operations. This plea also got cold response from the Government. This industry is dying. The artisans are taking to other trades as wicker work does no fetch them enough money to feed their families, he added. Giving details of the wicker work setor in the Valley, Bhat says although our town produces only 2.5 to three lakh Kangris every year, the bulk of Kangris come from Anantnag district in south Kashmir. The Kangris from Charar-e-Sharief are famed for their beauty and stregnth as they are made from superior wicker. That is why ‘Chrar Kangri’, as known locally, is expensive, Bhat says. He says besides customers within the Valley, the ‘Chrar Kangri’ is sold in Jammu and Delhi. We also take occasional orders from abroad, he adds. Bashir Ahmad Wani, another Kangri worker says this industry provides employment to lakhs. An artisan hires many labourers who help him in making the product, he says. He says the sale of Kangris picks up from October, when the the power supply becomes erratic. We have good business between October and February of every winter. On an average, I sell around 50,000 Kangris each season. Ghulam Mohammad Shiekh, who used to be a wicker artisan, has converted his shop at Hazratbal in Srinagar into a general store. "There is no point being in this trade. Human habitation has penetrated deep into what used to be forest area. It is not easy to find good raw material now," the 60-year-old says. Shiekh says in good old days we used to make a host of furniture from wicker but now it is restricted to Kangri, baskets and trays. Walter R Lawrence, the British settlement Commissioner in Kashmir, in his book wrote: what Laila was on Majnoon’s bossom so is Kangri to a Kashmiri. But this art imported from Italy and perfected in Kashmir may not survive for too long. (PTI) Multi dimensional plan for Doda in offing Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Nov 9: A series of preliminary plan proposals for Doda district to be sent for Centre’s approval under Backward Area Development Programme (BADP) were today discussed in a meeting held under the chairmanship of Minister for Power Mr. Mohammad Sharief Niaz. The Central Government has sanctioned a special grant of Rs. 15 crore for the hill bound district under the said programme. Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Abdul Majid Wani, MLA Banihal, Molvi Abdul Rashid and District Development Commissioner, Doda, Mehboob Iqbal attended the meeting. Describing the features of the scheme, Mr. Niaz said that the programme envisages development of social and other infrastructure that help people to raise their living standard both socially and economically. He said a multi dimensional plan aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions should be made to utilize this money optimally. He stressed the need for development of dairy, poultry and fish farming besides introduction of new techniques for the development of horticulture and apiculture in potential areas of the district. The meeting identified various sectors and areas of development to be covered under the scheme. These include development of laboratories and library blocks for higher secondary schools lacking the same, proto type buildings for primary health centres across the district, pedestal and motorable bridges over nallahs for linking agriculture potential areas and important habitations, identification and development of potential areas for cash crops, augmentation of power supply etc. |
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