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underprivileged section from next year Take steps to provide quality education to orphans also: Governor to DPS Society Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: Lauding the decision of Delhi Public School (DPS) Society to open DPS Shiksha Kendra for the underprivileged section.....more BJP
accuses coalition Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: The State BJP has accused the coalition Government of mis-using hard earned public money for enjoyment and sight........more Zargar
suspends Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: The Minister for Agriculture, Abdul Aziz Zargar on way to Jammu from Srinagar paid a surprise inspection........more DB upholds
judgement Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: The Division Bench of State High Court comprising Acting Chief Justice V K Jhanji and....more ‘Mattoo’s
words highly Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: Taking Mr Devinder Mahajan, president Bari Brahmana Industries Association (BBIA) has strongly..........more |
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Mufti to
seek withdrawal of Excelsior Correspondent LONDON, Nov 11: Asserting that things are looking up in consonance with people’s pronounced yearning for peace, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that he would take up the issue of withdrawing adverse travel advisories.........more DB upholds
Single Judge Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: In a landmark judgment, giving severe blow to the backdoor appointments, the Division Bench of the State High Court, comprising Acting.....more DGP
reviews Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Nov 11: Security arrangements on and along railway track were reviewed at a meeting of police officers here....more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: On the occasion of birth anniversary of Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, the All India Association of University Urdu Teachers, M A Urdu Professional Course and Rasa Javedani Memorial Literary Society jointly celebrated Urdu......more |
DPS Shiksha Kendra for
underprivileged section from next year Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: Lauding the decision of Delhi Public School (DPS) Society to open DPS Shiksha Kendra for the underprivileged section of the society, Governor Lt Gen (retd) S K Sinha today asked the DPS to take steps for providing quality education to those children, who left orphaned at the hands of terrorists in the State. In his brief speech as a chief guest during the Utsav—festival of inaugurations in DPS Jammu, the Governor said that about 1000 such children have been getting education in various Army Public Schools and DPS should follow the foot-step and take initiative to furnish the future of those children, whose everything was snatched by terrorists. "It is due to its continuous keeping pace with the change in the system of education in the present era of globalisation that DPS has fast becoming highest seat of education not only in this country even in abroad also", Mr Sinha said and hoped that DPS would maintain excellence in all the fields and provide education to all sections of the society. He said that the decision of DPS Society to open DPS Shiksha Kendra in Jammu by next year would go long way in providing education to the underprivileged section of the society. Speaking on the occasion, former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah said that both education and extra-curricular activities should go side-by-side to make the students free of stress and hoped that the students of DPS would bring name and fame to Jammu and Kashmir not in the country but even in abroad also. Pointing towards replies of most of the students during his interaction with them, he said that students should be educated that future doesn’t lie only in medical and engineering fields and asked the teachers to diversify the attention of the students towards other options which have lot of scope in the present era. Terming Delhi Public School Jammu as a ‘jewel’, the Chairman of the DPS Society Mr Narendra Kumar, who was the guest of honour on the occasion, disclosed that DPS Society has decided to run 100 DPS Shiksha Kendras for the underprivileged section of the society across the country and in Jammu, first such Kendra would come up in April next year. This decision was taken so that not even a single child would remain deprived of quality education, he added. Informing about the future plans of the DPS Society, Mr Kumar said that next year a fortnight festival would be organised in Leh DPS wherein thousands of DPS students from all over the country as well as abroad will take part and added that this festival would provide an opportunity to the students of DPS to interact with each other and further enlighten their knowledge. Listing the achievements of DPS, he claimed that DPS students have surpassed any other institution of the world in getting scholarship in America and added that the credit for it goes to latest technologies being adopted by the DPS continuously. He further claimed that DPS continued to be at top slot as far as internal system of satellite based education is concerned. Pointing towards the suggestions of laying stress on extra-curricular activities, the Chairman of the Society said "we don’t call sports as extra-curricular acvitities and consider it as vital part of education and paying proper attention towards the same". It is due to the equal attention towards all the requirements of the students that Delhi Public Schools have become the most important schools of the country, he said. Earlier, Principal of the DPS Jammu, W T Charles said that the school has infused a sense of pride in the students by introducing a wide spectrum of activities like VSAT computer lab, new basketball court, mini-golf practice course, tennis express and skating rink. "The VSAT computer lab will enable the students to communicate with 114 schools of the country and 20 schools in abroad of DPS society", he disclosed and said that the school doesn’t tend to provide this activity to its students only and if approached the school will also provide this facility to the Government schools of the State. Vice Chancellor of Jammu University, Prof Amitabh Mattoo, in his address said "DPS is known for its holistic academic education and unlike atmosphere of quest for academic excellence only in most of the schools it has been continuously initiating steps to provide education through fun". Earlier, Mr Ajatshatru Singh, president RCT and pro-Vice-Chairperson of DPS Jammu Ritu Singh welcomed the chief guest, guest of honour and other VVIPs. |
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BJP accuses coalition Govt of mis-using funds Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: The State BJP has accused the coalition Government of mis-using hard earned public money for enjoyment and sight seeing under the garb of promotion of tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir. The Pradesh BJP president Dr Nirmal Singh lambasted the Chief Minister and PDP president for frequent use of State helicopter for promoting cause of the party in Kashmir and questioned the Government under which authority the PDP president was availing herself of this facility for purely partisan ends. Reacting to the week-long tour of the Chief Minister and a number of bureaucrats and others to London in the name of tourism promotion, Dr Singh said bankrupt state whose financial needs are being catered to by the BJP-led NDA Government, simply cannot afford such huge financial burden on the public exchequer. He said State was already passing through critical times as far as its financial position is concerned and that what is needed is the optimal use of the Central aid to mitigate the sufferings of the people. The BJP reminded the coalition partners that have time and again mentioned the reasons for non-implementation of Wazir Commission Report as financial crunch and that State was not in a position to set apart a sum of Rs 10 crore. Dr Singh asked them that if State was passing through financial crisis, then what was the need of appointing 12 legislators as head of different Corporations and Boards, then annual expense on which would be more than Rs 20 crore. BJP chief warned the so-called representatives of the people to stop looting and fleecing the public exchequer and instead devote their full time and energy for developmental activities and amelioration of the lot of people. He also asked them to refrain from holding rallies and politicising the service sector. |
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Zargar suspends veterinary doctor Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: The Minister for Agriculture, Abdul Aziz Zargar on way to Jammu from Srinagar paid a surprise inspection to the live-stock checking centre at Lower Munda yesterday afternoon and found Veterinary doctor posted their absent from duty continuously for some time. He has ordered suspension of the doctor immediately. The Centre has been set up at Lower Munda to monitor transportation of sheep and poultry birds and check import of diseases and dead live-stock in the state. The Minister expressed his anguish over the non-seriousness of concerned doctor in discharging his legitimate duty. He said any laxity on the part of staff posted at the Centre to check import of diseased animals have a direct bearing on the health of people. The Minister has asked Director, Animal Husbandry, Kashmir to take stern action against the erring Vet doctor and directed him not to post him on any other sensitive and vital duty of public importance in future. |
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DB
upholds judgement granting higher pay Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: The Division Bench of State High Court comprising Acting Chief Justice V K Jhanji and Justice R C Gandhi has upheld the judgment of the Single Judge, whereby the Single Judge had directed to treat District and Sessions Judges (Selection Grade) and District and Sessions Judges to have been placed in the grades of Rupees 5100-6800 and Rupees 4500-5700 respectively in the revised pay scales ordered vide SRO 45 of March 30, 1992. In the approved for the reporting judgment, written by Acting Chief Justice V K Jhanji for the Division Bench has observed this Letters Patent Appeal have been filed by the State of Jammu and Kashmir and others V/s Tarloki Nath Bhat and others against the judgment April 17, 1996 observed that the District and Sessions Judges were enjoying higher status than the secretaries to the Government. The Government created the post of non IAS Commissioner in the Civil Secretariat and accorded a grade higher than the District and Sessions Judges to such non-IAS Commissioner. This change occurred at the top and at the base line of Kashmir Administrative Service has been open to induction of many other subordinate services with far less inferior qualifications who by passage of time rose to the rank of Additional Secretaries and can even be posted as Heads of Department. The Division Bench further observed that Court cannot lose sight of this change, therefore, in this fact scenario, the District and Sessions Judges cannot be equated with Additional Secretaries or Head of Department. Maintenance of parity between the two, therefore, has been rendered only facial and superficial, and 24 of schedule appended to 1992 revised pay rules further lowers them in status by creating another pay scale above that of the District and Sessions Judges. That by itself is an arbitrary exercise of State power hit by the mandate of Article 14 of the Constitution of India. The Division Bench quoted various judgment of the Supreme Court observed that the members of other services cannot therefore, even be placed at par with the members of the judiciary. Independence or Judiciary cannot be secured by lowering their status in any way. The single judge has rightly come to the conclusion that their District and Session Judge/Additional District and Session Judges are entitled to the scale of pay shown at S. No 25 of the schedule appended to 1992 revised pay scales with these observations the Division Bench dismissed Letters Patent Appeal filed by the State of Jammu Kashmir through Advocate General K S Johal whereas advocates P N Raina and Anshuha Sharma appear for the respondents sessions judges in this appeal. |
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‘Mattoo’s words highly objectionable’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: Taking Mr Devinder Mahajan, president Bari Brahmana Industries Association (BBIA) has strongly condemned the statement of Minister of State for Industries, Raman Mattoo regarding arrest of CEO Maral Overseas. Addressing a press conference, the BBIA chief termed the attitude of Mr Mattoo as condemnable, immature and unwarranted. The Minister should tender apology for this comments against the industrialist who is respectable citizen. Mr Mahajan disclosed that labour issues in this factory Maral Overseas have been continuing for the last about one year and the management has been running from pillar to post to get it resolved. On Nov 1, Dy Chief Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma, DC Jammu Labour Commissioner and other senior officials visited the unit and had a meeting with the management. Association Member Anil Suri also participated. It was resolved that labourers will have no objection if the machine which is lying ideal for the last four months in the unit is transferred to the buyer M/S Crystal Knitters Pvt Ltd Tirupur. It was given an understanding that no worker shall be retrenched because of the disposal of this machine. On Nov 4 Maral management tried to dismantle the machine but the labourers asked for two more days from DySP supervising operation and the demand was accepted. On Nov 8, the Administration allowed the Company management to dismantle the machine and also provided police protection including DySP and SHO concerned besides Dy Labour Commissioner and Asstt Labour Commissioner. But the workers from Garments Division and from Dyeing division attacked the party and caused injuries to GM Arvind Koul and seven other members including some cops. Mr Mahajan said it was purely a legal operation carried out with the due permission from the Administration. The DC had sent the police protection and Tehsildar concerned for this task. Moreover, the attack on the management staff and police was the handiwork of workers from Garment and Dyeing Divisions. Mr Mattoo visited factory on Nov 10 at 2.25 pm alongwith MLA and some officials from Industries department. He had discussions with the labour union and directed SHO Bari Brahmana to arrest Anil Gandotra CEO of the Company. The words of the ‘responsible’ Minister are highly objectionable and highly condemnable, he maintained. |
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Mufti to seek withdrawal of adverse travel advisories Excelsior Correspondent LONDON, Nov 11: Asserting that things are looking up in consonance with people’s pronounced yearning for peace, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that he would take up the issue of withdrawing adverse travel advisories on Jammu and Kashmir during his meeting with British MPs and members of the House of Lords tomorrow. Interacting with senior diplomatic and foreign editors at India House here today, Mufti Sayeed said that about 35,000 to 40,000 foreigners are among about 1.80 lakh tourists who visited Kashmir this summer. He said despite the advisories, even foreign tourists are still pouring in and enjoying the serene and unmatched beauty of Kashmir. He said that these advisories need to be withdrawn in the changed situation. He said the state is heading for a record number of Vaishno Devi pilgrim traffic with 47 lakh pilgrims having already visited the shrine. Amarnath Yatra attracted over 1.56 lakh pilgrims and a large number of them stayed back in the valley after performing pilgrimage. He said taking Amarnath pilgrims together with tourists, we already have 3.50 lakh people visiting the valley that is enough signal to foreign tourists to visit the paradise which is calling again. Substantiating his claim of changing situation, Mufti Sayeed said that visits of 450 MPs in shape of different Parliamentary Standing Committees to Kashmir this summer alongwith 150 odd conferences of national and international level is important from the point of view of confidence building both within the state and country. These have had good impact on the growing tourist traffic despite continuing incidents of violence. He said one cannot overlook the fact that for the first time Inter-State Council meeting was held outside New Delhi and the honour of playing host went to Kashmir. It is, indeed, a great confidence building measure, which helped in changing mindset of the people of the country. Answering questions on Indo-Pak peace initiatives, Mufti Sayeed said that one should not ignore the fact that Pakistan could not reject India’s 12-point peace package. It is primarily because Pakistan has started responding to their people’s pressure as well as accepting ground reality of Kashmir, which has taken a turn. He said yearning for peace is not only in India but in Pakistan as well. ‘For how long Pakistan can continue with unproductive and self-destructive confrontation’, he said and added even USA and European countries are concerned about this tension and plead for reconciliation between two neighbours. Mufti Sayeed said that while dialogue with Pakistan is imperative, solution to more than five decades old problem cannot be expected just in one go. ‘What we need to pursue between two countries is trade and commerce and people to people contact’, he maintained. The Chief Minister said that offer to open Srinagar-Uri-Muzaffarabad road for direct bus service on the pattern of New Delhi-Lahore bus service would serve as a vital link like collapse of Berlin wall paving way for lasting peace. The editors evinced keen interest in willow cricket bats and industrial investment atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir. The Chief Minister said that his coalition government has taken steps to promote cricket bat industry as it has the monopoly of willows. In the wake of incentives announced by the Centre and motivational efforts of his government, proposals of Rs. 1700 crore have been received by his government which are being processed. He specifically mentioned about expeditious execution of North-South Superhighway Express Corridor and rail project whose one segment upto Udhampur is completing next month. Srinagar airport too is being upgraded to international level, he added. Mufti Sayeed explained the free and fair election to Jammu and Kashmir Assembly last year, which was acclaimed as the most transparent even by the world community. He said his government is responding to the mandate and moving step by step towards peace with dignity. |
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DB upholds Single Judge order,
sets aside Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: In a landmark judgment, giving severe blow to the backdoor appointments, the Division Bench of the State High Court, comprising Acting Chief Justice VK Jhanji and Justice YP Nargotra today quashed the appointments of six blue eyed persons of the high ups, who were appointed in Regional Transport Office (RTO) in violation of rules, by upholding the judgment of the Single Judge. This judgment was written by Acting Chief Justice VK Jhanji for the Bench, wherein it was observed that the law relating to the employment or appointment to any office under State is well settled and doesn’t require further elucidation. "The Constitution guaranteed equality of opportunity to all the citizens and every person fulfilling the qualification for a post has a right to be considered. A person must get a chance to compete. Whatever be the nature of the appointment— adhoc, temporary or regular, the guarantee of equality of opportunity has to be ensured", it was observed. The DB held that the fairest method for employer, especially the State Government is expected to adopt, is that the posts are advertised. "Every eligible candidate is given a reasonable chance to apply and the claim of all eligible persons is impartial and objectively considered by the competent authority by adopting a fair, just and reasonable criterion. The selection must be made in order of merit. This is the scope and mandate of Article 14 and 16 of the Constitution of India". While quashing the appointments of Sajjad Hyder Beigh, Mohd Saleem Akhoon, Vikramjit Mengi, Hafizul Rehman, Rajesh Jamwal and Manoj Nargotra, the Bench decided nine Latters Patent Appeals (LPAs) filed by the appellants in various period and observed that in the present case, the appellants are appointed against the post of Junior Assistant in the office of RTO without adopting due process of law. One of the appellants happened to be son of the then sitting MLA. The appointments came to be challenged by way of four petitions. The contention of the writ petitioners was that the appellants were initially appointed on adhoc basis for a period of 89 days in 1997/98/99, but later their services were regularized without adopting any procedure or observing norms as prescribed under law. The petitioners alleged that they were more qualified than the appellants, but neither the application were invited nor they were given any opportunity to compete with the appellants. The DB while quashing these appointments, upheld the decision of the Single Judge delivered on August 21, wherein the Judge had termed these illegal and in violation of Article 14 and 16 of the Constitution. The Bench accordingly dismissed the appeals against the Single Judge order. |
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DGP reviews security arrangements on railway track Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Nov 11: Security arrangements on and along railway track were reviewed at a meeting of police officers here this afternoon. Director General of Police, Gopal Sharma presided over the meeting. Security arrangements on railway track as also on the national highway which runs parallel were discussed and reviewed in detail. DGP while addressing the officers emphasized on increased mobility, intensification of patrolling and strengthening of nakas on the railway track. He said that the police personnel manning the nakas and undertaking patrolling on railway track and Jammu-Kathua national highway would be made accountable. ‘Identify the vulnerable points along the railway track, particularly falling in bushy patches or reverine stretches and work out foolproof security accordingly’, Sharma told the officers, exhorting them further to keep an eye on dubious characters and mobilize local intelligence inputs for result-oriented operations and abortion of subversive activities beforehand. DGP also called upon officers to strengthen and ensure that there is close coordination between local police and other agencies entrusted with the safety and security of trains and tracks. The officers who attended the meeting besides others included IGP, Jammu Zone, P. L. Gupta, IGP Crime and Railways, Abdul Rashid Khan, DIG Crime and Railways, Mohammad Amin Bhat, SSP Jammu, Kamal Saini and SSP Kathua, Manish Kumar. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: On the occasion of birth anniversary of Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, the All India Association of University Urdu Teachers, M A Urdu Professional Course and Rasa Javedani Memorial Literary Society jointly celebrated Urdu Day, here today. MLA and CPIM leader Mohd Yusuf Tarigami was chief guest on the occasion while Jammu University Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo, and former MP Sheikh Abdul Rehman were the guest of honour. Speaking on the occasion, Mohd Yusuf Tarigami expressed his grief over the injustice being meted out to Urdu despite of its being official language of Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the challenges the Urdu language was facing presently and particularly made reference to the Urdu Committee which was constituted by the previous Government for making recommendations for upliftment of the language. Despite the fact that the Urdu Committee had submitted its report to the Government making certain recommendations for promotion of Urdu language in the State, nothing was done, he lamented. Jammu University Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo, lauded the efforts of Rasa Javedani Memorial Society for promotion of Urdu language and also assured all possible help from Jammu University for the cause. Sheikh Abdul Rehman lashed upon the successive State Government for their failure to accord due place to Urdu language and expressed his concern over much delay in establishing Urdu Academy in the State. Chairman of Kashmir Times Group Mr Ved Bhasin presided over the function and also spoke on the occasion. Earlier, Prof Zahur-ud-Din presented welcome address. Dr Shohab Inayat Malik conducted proceedings of the programme while vote of thanks was presented by Aseer Kishtwari. Meanwhile, PG Department of Urdu also organised a separate function to celebrate the Urdu Day, today. Member of Parliament from Jammu-Poonch constituency, Choudhary Talib Hussain, who was chief guest on the occasion, said that despite certain threats and challenges, the Urdu language was becoming popular day by day. It is extending its roots of popularity in European countries also not to talk of sub continent and its future is very bright, he said. In her key note address, Prof Khursheed Hamra Siddiqui, HoD Urdu, urged the State Government to come forward for the upliftment and promotion of Urdu language in Jammu and Kashmir. She also highlighted achievements of the Department. Dr Javed Rahi, who conducted proceeding of the programme, also expressed his views on the occasion and lamented that despite being official language of the State, Urdu was not given proper respect and position. A five point resolution seeking establishment of Urdu Academy in the State and providing of Urdu teacher to all the Government schools, was also passed on the occasion. |
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Top position holders
of Ranbir HSS awarded Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: The Minister for Education, Harsh Dev Singh today reiterated Government’s pledge to establish standardized educational set up in the state and said efforts are on to raise the educational level in Government schools to enable them to compete with the best educational institutions of the country. The Minister was speaking as the chief guest at the function organized by Shri Ranbir Higher Secondary School, Jammu to award the meritorious students of the school. Director School Education, Jammu H.K.Singh was also present on the occasion. Established in the year 1885, the school was founded by Maharaja Ranbir Singh and built by Maharaja Partap Singh, The school presently has a record roll of more than 3000 students and proudly has its alumni in best of the positions including the Chief of Army Staff of the country Gen. Vij and the Chief Secretary of the State, Dr. Sudhir. S. Bloeria. Addressing the huge gathering Harsh Dev Singh congratulated the teachers, students and parents for bagging the best of the positions in academic, sports and extra activities and thus depicting the standard of education provided in the state run institutions. The Minister said SRHS school has set an excellent example for rest of the Government institutions to follow. Its works efficiently in the direction of building the trust of people on Government run institutions, he added. The Minister said that the fresh educational reforms like that of introduction of KG classes, English as subject from class one, new subject at higher level, provision of 3rd teacher in primary schools has started bearing results as enrolment in Government schools has increased by 9 per cent that is an additional admission of one lakh students. The Minister said that it is disappointing to find that about half of the state population is still illiterate, the curse can not be tolerated any more and the government is all set to wipe out illiteracy in the shortest possible span. As many as 910 new primary schools and 2500 EGS centres have been opened last year and in the coming years hundreds of new primary schools would be established to provide at least primary education facilities to all within a range of one k.m. The day this cherished goal of cent percent literacy is achieved every hurdle in the field of progress of the state would eliminate by itself, he added. A colourful cultural programme depicting the unity in diversity of the state was presented by the students from all the three regions of the state. Vishal Abrol, Rahul Azad, Manik Sheeri got the prizes for obtaining 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions respectively in 12th science and Piyush Jain, Rajinder Pathak got the prizes for obtaining positions in 12th commerce. These students have already got admission in best professional educational institutions within and outside the state. Prizes for excellence in sports activities were also given. |
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Ansari group not to attend Pak HC Iftar; Geelani elated NEW DELHI, Nov 11: To protest the Pakistan High Commission addressing Mr Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who floated a rival faction of the separatist conglomerate, as the Hurriyat chairman in the invitation, the Hurriyat Conference led by Moulvi Abbas Ansari has decided not to attend the mission’s Iftar on November 13 here. "Though I have received the invitation from the Pakistan High Commission, I will not attend the Iftar as I do not travel during the holy month of Ramzan," Mr Ansari told UNI over phone from Srinagar. Asked if other Hurriyat leaders will attend the party, he said, "it is their individual decision. We are not sending any official representative". About the Pakistan High Commission addressing Mr Geelani as the Hurriyat chairman, Mr Ansari said "we don’t care. Let them give any designation to whoever they want... It is the people of Jammu and Kashmir who will ultimately decide their real representatives." However, sources said the Hurriyat (Ansari) leaders are peeved over the Pakistan High Commission addressing Mr Geelani as the Hurriyat chairman thus giving the much-needed recognition to the hardline faction of the Hurriyat led by him and as a mark of protest will not attend the Iftar party. Talking to UNI over phone from his hometown Sopore, Mr Geelani said, "I have received the invitation from the Pakistan High Commission. Yes, they have addressed me as the Hurriyat chairman as ours is the real Hurriyat." Mr Geelani said he would go to New Delhi to attend the Iftar and also meet diplomats of several countries as part of his group’s mass awareness programme. "Leaders of all the 15 constituents of the Hurriyat have received the invitation in their individual names," he added. The Pakistan High Commission had sent invitations to the Hurriyat Conference in their individual names with no reference to their religious or political parties they represented. (UNI) |
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Hindu
Forum’s concern over delay in Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: Member Apex Level Committee, Government on migrants and president All India Kashmiri Hindu Forum, (AIKHF), Rattan Lal Bhan while sharing the migrants’ concern on various problems, today said the Government and the Relief Commissioner must let the people know the reasons for delay in enhancement of cash relief. Highlighting the other problems of the migrants, Mr Bhan demanded that the Kashmiri Pandits be given the employment package as per their population of 2002 census. He also demanded that instead of constructing clusters at selected places for the return of the Kashmiri migrants, the Government should restore and renovate the abandoned houses of Pandits throughout the Valley to make the return move a success. Besides the clusters should be constructed consisting of two room sets with attached bath rooms and kitchen in all the districts of the Valley to make the return move more practical. He also demanded that an Executive Committee of well meaning people among the community be re-constituted for renovation and maintenance of all the temples in Kashmir Valley. He justified the demand of bifurcation of ration cards of large families and urged the Government those ration cards which have already been bifurcated be provided relief benefits. |
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Sharma inspects pace of progress
on ARTO Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma today inspected the pace of progress on the ARTO complex coming up at a cost of Rs 76 lakh near Lakhanpur in Kathua, the gateway of Jammu and Kashmir. Mr Sharma instructed the concerned authorities to acquire the adjacent land for expansion of the complex and stressed the need for completion of the project on the scheduled date. Reviewing the working of the Assistant Regional Transport Office, Kathua, Mr Sharma was informed that the department has collected a revenue of Rs. 8.30 crore during the first seven months of the current fiscal against Rs 13.29 crore during the year 2002-03. Of this, a record revenue of Rs 1.80 crore was earned by the department during the month of October 2003 alone. It was revealed that the weigh bride at Lakhanpur has recovered an amount of Rs 2.39 crore as fine during the last year from the vehicles violating the Motor Vehicle Act norms. It also realized a revenue of Rs 1.45 lakh from the vehicles clandestinely operating on the national highway. Mr Sharma was also apprised about the progress registered by the department with regard to registration of vehicles, issuance of route permits, fitness and renewal certificates. The department has registered 1082 vehicles and issued 132 route permits during the first seven months of the current fiscal which included 44 route permits for trucks, 69 for mini buses and 19 for contract carriers. It also issued fitness certificates in respect of 130 new vehicles and renewed certificates of 986 vehicles. The Deputy Chief Minister gave on the spot orders for launching a vigorous drive against the violators of Motor Vehicles Act and instructed the concerned authorities to check overloading in buses, the major cause of road accidents on the national highway. He asked the employees to work with zeal and dedication and ensure better returns for the Government. Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, Mr B.D. Sharma, SP and other senior officer of Motor Vehicles Department were present on the occasion. |
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Three day International Yoga
Conference Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: Jammu University has finalised all arrangements for the three day International Yoga Conference on ‘Dimensions of Mental, Spiritual and Physical Health - Yogic Perceptions, which is beginning from November 13. This was announced by Dean Academic Affairs Dr Santokh Ram while addressing a press conference on the JU Campus, here today. He informed that the conference will be inaugurated by Governor and Chancellor of the University, Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha while Education Minister Harshdev Singh will be the guest of honour on the occasion. Dr Santokh Ram further said that the Governor will also inaugurate an exhibition pertaining to Environment, Naturopathy, Ayurveda and Yoga, books, charts, herbs and equipments for the treatment. The valedictory function will be held at Patnitop where Minister of State for Tourism G A Mir will be the chief guest, he added. Director, JU Yoga Centre, Dr D L Choudhary informed that during the three day deliberations, speakers from India and abroad will express their views and experiences about various aspects of Yoga. Yogacharya Padamshri Bharat Bhushan who is also president of World Yoga Organisation, , Saharanpur (UP), will be special guest in the inaugural session and highlight the important of theme of the conference, he added. Prof A N Sadhu put light on the importance of Yoga and said that the theory and practice of Yoga have assumed greater importance in modern life which is full of stress and strain. Yoga has opened up large avenues of attaining relaxation, peace of mind and stability in thought process while living amidst a fast changing technological order which throws up new challenges to mankind continuously, he imphasised. Director External Relations Dr Pritam Singh was also present in the press conference. |
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Attempts being made to grab school land: ABVP Excelsior Correspondent AKHNOOR, Nov 11: Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad has expressed its deep concern over the attempts being made by some vested interests to grab the land of Government Girls Primary School, Akhnoor and threatened an agitation to save the school land. Addressing a press conference, here today, ABVP State joint secretary Suresh Magotra alleged that some vested interests were making attempts to grab the Primary school land which is lying unoccupied since temporary shifting of the school to Government Middle School Boys. The land vacated by the Primary school is property of HSS Akhnoor but for the last two to three days, some elements, other than the schools authorities, are cleaning and modifying its structure for their personal purposes, he explained. Mr Suresh threatened that if necessary measures were not taken by the Government authorities to check the encroachment of school land, ABVP will be forced to launch ‘Save School Land Andolan’. He also appealed to the inhabitants of Akhnoor tehsil to cooperate students to save the school land from being encroached . Others who addressed the press conference included, president of HSS Akhnoor Ajay Singh, Sunil Sharma, ABVP leader Ajay Sharma, Akshay Sharma, Jatinder Mani, Rahul Gupta, Pawan Sharma, Narinder Singh, Sunny Dadwal and Surinder. |
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Brig Kotwal distributes relief among ex-servicemen Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: Director Sainik Welfare Department Brig (retd) Karan Singh Kotwal has asked the ex-servicemen to maintain discipline at this critical hour and extend all assistance and help to the state in weeding out terrorism. Addressing the rally of Ex-servicemen at Akhnoor near here, Brig. Kotwal said he was fully aware of the problems being faced by the Ex-servicemen and widows. He assured them that he will extend all possible help to solve their problems. He said ex-servicemen who are the disciplined soldiers of the nation should be ready for self help. Earlier on his arrival Brig. Kotwal was given warm reception by Lt. Col. Bana Ram Sharma on behalf of Ex-servicemen Committee Akhnoor. The Ex-servicemen while apprising Brig. Kotwal of their demands said they have not received the compensation of their land which has been occupied by the army units two years back. The Director assured them that he will take up the issue with concerned authorities. Brig. Kotwal handed over a draft of Rs 2,50,000 to Ex. Rfn. Sansar Singh became disabled during Operation Vijay in Kargil Sector out of National Defence Fund. He also distributed cash relief of Rs 1000 to Ex Lance Naik Punoun Ram. In addition to it he distributed cash relief among the widows and children of ex-servicemen. |
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PDD to launch awareness campaign
for Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Nov 11 : To aid its field staff in its effort to check power pilferage and misuse of power, the state power development department is bracing up to launch an awareness campaign about the judicious use of electricity by organizing seminars in localities educational institutions and tehsil and District head quarters. This was disclosed in a meeting of members of Co-ordination Committee of all J&K Power Engineers and Employees and other high officials and chief engineers of Power Development Department held under the chairmanship of Minister for Power Mohammad Sharif Niaz here today. The Committee is an amalgamation of various Unions and Associations of PDD employees formed to help to broad base their activities and coordinate their efforts to evolve a more dynamic work culture in the department and a common plate form for putting forth demands of the employees. The awareness campaign conceived to be launched in near future forms one of the innovative steps, the committee has started for effective implementation of reforms introduced by the coalition Government primarily amid at revamping and revitalizing the Power Development Department. Mr Niaz appreciated the idea and assured the employees of his full support. He also suggested that such seminars be made a regular feature and should be organized at school, college, locality, tehsil and district levels. The members also put forth a charter containing various demands of the employees for the consideration of the Government. The Minister gave a patient hearing and assured them that all their genuine demands would be addressed. The Minister reasserted that the reforms introduced by the Government could only be accomplished with due cooperation of the employees. The members of the committee pledged of every cooperation and expressed their resolve that the elements, who have been instrumental in maligning the image of the department will be exposed for the general welfare of the employees. |
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Factionalism in Hurriyat may
create hurdles Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: Faction of Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP) led by Syed Salim Geelani today apprehended that divided house of the Hurriyat Conference may pose hurdles in the dialogue process initiated by the Centre recently. But at the same the faction is of the opinion that if all the concerned parties, including warring factions of the Hurriyat Conference show political maturity to come to the negotiation table, the highly sensitive Kashmir issue could easily be resolved. Talking to media-persons, Syed Salim Geelani said "there is every possibility that difference of ideology among two factions of Hurriyat Conference can become hurdle in the way of peace process yet this should not be given due importance and talks should be held with all those who are serious in resolving vexed Kashmir issue. Since Kashmir is a human related problem, he said, a political solution based on sincerity be evolved and instead of rejecting peace proposals, every concerned party should show political maturity and come to the negotiation table. "Dialogue is the only way to settle the issues through negotiations and we are ready to extend any sort of support for the peaceful settlement of the vexed issue", he said and appealed all the parties to contribute in making dialogue process meaningful. Welcoming the proposal of opening Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road, Mr Geelani said that these steps would have far reaching effect on the peace process and added that people of divided Kashmir could visit and sit together to chalk out strategy which would be helpful and determental in the settlement of the vexed issue. He also suggested that the State subject of people of both sides of Line of Control (LoC) should be treated as travel document. Stressing on the need of creating atmosphere for unconditional composite dialogue and confidence building measures, Mr Geelani appealed all the political parties and outfits not to divide the people for petty interests and contribute in peaceful and early solution to the Kashmir problem. J&K launches crop insurance scheme: Zargar Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: In yet another bold farmer friendly measure, after abolishing Toll Tax on fruits and introduction of Market Intervention Scheme, the coalition Government have decided to launch National Agriculture Insurance Scheme in the state from ensuing Rabi Season. Initially wheat and oil seed crops would be covered under the Scheme while as Paddy crop will be covered from Kharief season instantly. Broad features of the proposed Insurance Scheme and modus operandi for its implementation were discussed by the Minister for Agriculture and cooperative, Ab. Aziz Zargar with the Principal Secretary, Agriculture Production B.R. Kundal here today. A detailed memo regarding implementation of the Crop insurance Scheme would be submitted to the cabinet for approval. It was decided that the General Insurance Corporation of India in coordination with the agriculture department will arrange regional level workshops and Seminars both in Jammu and Srinagar on National Agriculture Insurance Scheme during the current month to acquaint officers, field agencies and farmers about various pros and cones of the scheme and its benefits for the farming community. It was also decided that the lead Bank in each district shall designate one branch as a Nodal Agency for collection of Premium, providing of declaration forms and will keep liason with the farmers and GIC, New Delhi. About 1,11,000 hectares of land in J&K is under oil seed cultivation, which includes 70,000 hectares in Kashmir division. Likewise, wheat is grown on 2.52 lakh hectares of land including 2.46 lakh hectares in Jammu and 6000 hectares in Kashmir division. Paddy grows on about 236.20 thousand hectares of land including 140.34 thousand hectares in Kashmir and 95.85 thousands hectares in Jammu division. Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: Ten days training camp of Civil Defence was organised at Gandhi Nagar by Santosh Magotra, Dy. Divisional Warden, Division-5. More than sixty volunteers including boys and girls from walks of life between the age group of 17 to 60 years got the training from the trained staff of Civil Defence and Home Guard deputed by Sheikh Awaise, DIG Civil Defence and Home Guard under the supervision of B D Sharma, Dy. Controller of Civil Defence. In this training volunteers were given fire fighting, rescue and first aid training during 10 days. The volunteers showed their keen interest during the training. The 10 days training concluded during the last week. Chief guest on the concluding function was B D Sharma. A number of prominent social workers and citizens were also present on the occasion. In his speech the Chief Guest gave a brief report of aims and objects of Civil Defence. In the end, Santosh Magotra presented vote of thanks. Army organises medical camp at Madhana Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: Medical camp was conducted by an Arty Brigade of Army at village Madhana today. The camp was inaugurated by Brig C M Sharma at 1100 hours. Facilities available at the camp was gynecologist, pediatrician, ophthalogist, medical, surgical and general OPD. People from far-flung villages availed the facilities. Free medicines and vaccination were distributed by Army authorities. A health information centre was established for education of the villages for health awareness. One thousand people attended the medical camp. The gestures of Army were appreciated by the villagers. Doctor, Auquaf Administrator injured Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 11: A doctor and Administrator of Auquaf were injured when they clashed with each other in Auquaf office at Shaheedi Chowk this evening on the issue of approval of a hotel map. The doctor has been admitted in the hospital. Police said Dr Tariq Dar had gone to the office of Auquaf Administrator Ghulam Ahmed Mir to present the papers of Town Planner for permission for the construction of a hotel where he had a tiff with the Administrator. The Administrator, according to police, rebuffed the doctor for trying to grab the Auquaf land. Both manhandled each other and were injured. City police teams rushed to Auquaf office and recorded statements of both the parties. Two FIRs are being registered in this connection, police said, adding the doctor has been hospitalised. UK Govt permits Sikhs to build Gurdwara in England Excelsior Correspondent JALALABAD (PUNJAB), Nov 11: Government of United Kingdom which examines closely the construction of religious buildings in England, accorded permission for establishing a Gurdwara at Bilston. This proposal was initiated by Baba Swarnjit Singh, Mukh Sewadar of Gurdwara Manji Sahib at Mairi, the place where Brahmgyani Wadbhag Singhji lived life of renunciate in meditation. By years of hard work and perservance Babaji succeeded in convincing the UK Government about this ideal mission. While addressing a large gathering at Jalalabad (Punjab), Babaji said that he plans to provide a warm and hospital environment in new Gurdwara in England under construction with an investment of several crores of rupees. He said the spiritual activity should go hand in hand with social activity so that humanity remains aware of its present responsibilities. Babaji pointed out that Guru Nanak Devji, whose birthday was celebrated recently, travelled not only within his own land but also to far off countries about five centuries ago, spreading message of brotherhood and love to suffering humanity. Brahmgyani, after returning from active life as a ‘Sikh soldier’ spent about two decades of his life meditating of Akal Purakh at Mairi, a hill resort amid Shivalikrange, few centuries ago. His meditation left such indelible mark in that piece of land that it has been able to heal lakhs of marooned persons year after year. Baba plans to build another Gurdwara at California in USA. |
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