United Public High School celebrates annual day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 16: United Public High School celebrated its foundation day today in which Minister of State for Education, Abdul Rehman Veeri was chief guest. Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Abdul Majid Wani was also present on the occasion.

While addressing the function, Mr Veeri said that education should not be considered merely a subject but it should be taken up as a mission. He said that unless education is considered as a movement abrupt reforms in this sector were impossible.

MoS Education said that commercialisation of education was infact degrading the system which needs commitment of people, parents, teachers, politicians as well as students. He stressed upon the teachers to impart quality education besides involve in extra curriculum activities which would automatically help build a strong nation like ours.

Appreciating the education policy of State Government, Mr Veeri said that the State was facing financial constraints and despite the fact that Mufti led coalition Government had given education top priority. He assured that Government was considering of opening many new schools and colleges in the State to enable students to get better education at their door steps.

Addressing the gathering, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdul Majid Wani lauded the efforts of managements of the school for achieving good results in final examinations. He impressed upon the teachers to make sure that students are brought upon in a manner that they remain active in extra curriculum activities.

Mrs Rajni Sharma, chairperson of the school read the annual report, Principal Veena Jamwal also spoke on the occasion.

17th annual convention of LIC agents held in Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 16: Annual convention of Life Insurance Agents’ Association was held here today where the problems being faced by the agents in the life insurance business were raised and discussed in detail.

The function in this connection was chaired by H M Jain president LIAFI while Prem Singhal, president Northern Zone, V K Sinha Regional Marketing Manager and Sachinder Sharma Senior Divisional Manager were the special invitees. Sat Pal Gupta, a senior member of the Association, Radhey Sham Khajuria founder member of the Association, N K Sharma Divisional president and R K Chirvi senior vice president, raised the burning issues of the community.

Earlier, general secretary—D L Verma presented the annual report at this 17th annual convention. He highlighted the achievements of the Association and raised the main demands including enhancement in Gratuity Amount to Rs 3,50,000, pension to the agents, amendment to the Agents’ Regulation to the best benefit of the agents community, creation of separate division for Jammu at DO Cell, death claim lapsation etc.

Mr Jain in his presidential address pointed out that membership of the agents with the association is increasing with the alarming rate. Last year the membership was 423 while this year up to now it has crossed 600 mark. On Sept 27 this year at Srinagar, various issues were taken up with the Chairman of the LIC of India. A charter of demands was also submitted to him in the presence of secretary general and two senior members. He stressed the need of simplification in medical reports, some amendment in policies and creation of separate LIC Division for Jammu.

On this occasion, before the commencement of the programme a tribute was paid to late Prem Sagar Sharma, to whom most of the speakers described as role model for agents’ community. Mr Chirvi presented welcome address immediately after it. Mr N K Sharma, Mr Sachindra and Mr Sinha also spoke on the occasion.

Hurriyat factions formulating strategy for Centre’s move

SRINAGAR, Nov 16: Both factions of the separatist Hurriyat Conference are said to be formulating their strategy for the Centre’s plans for holding a dialogue with the faction led by Maulana Abbas Ansari to resolve the Kashmir issue.

While the hardline faction led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani is expected to declare its response at a public meeting next month, the Ansari led Hurriyat has said it would make an announcement in this regard at Jamia Masjid on the last Friday of Holy Ramzan.

Observers attach much significance to the public meeting being organized by the breakaway Hurriyat Conference in the first week of December.

The faction has formally approached the district administration for permission to hold the meeting at the municipal park here.

Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani had earlier hinted that talks may be held after Eid.

Though there appears remote chances of a rapproachment between the two factions, they were unanimous in their demand that New Delhi should concede Kashmir as a disputed issue.

"New Delhi should take steps that can form the basis for the proposed talks. We cannot talk in isolation. Centre should take steps to prove its sincerity. For that they shall have to accept Kashmir as a disputed issue. When I say disputed Kashmir, I refer to both PoK and this Kashmir," Ansari said. Conceding that gun cannot force a resolution to Kashmir issue, the Hurriyat Chairman said the only way to resolve the it was peaceful negotiations with all the parties concerned.

"We believe that the gun has played its role in highlighting the Kashmir issue. Now, the time has come to start negotiations with all the parties concerned for final settlement of the issue," he said.

Ansari said Pakistan was an important party to the Kashmir dispute and it was necessary that New Delhi should involve Islamabad in the talks.

"Pakistan cannot be ignored in the process. It is an important party and need to be taken into consideration for the final settlement of Kashmir issue," he said.

However, the hardliner Geelani said there was no room for any dialogue with New Delhi unless it acknowledges the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir.

"We don’t shy away from talks but these should be within the ambit of Hurriyat constitution and New Delhi should recognize that Kashmir is a disputed issue," he said.

Meanwhile, senior separatist leader and president of Democratic Freedom Party Shabir Ahmad Shah today said efforts should be simultaneously started for the restoration of peace in the state and solution of Kashmir issue.

Both restoration of peace and solution of Kashmir issue are imperative, he said addressing a public meeting at Veerinag in Anantnag today.

He said it was equally important to ease the tension between India and Pakistan for the solution of Kashmir issue and make atmosphere conducive for the talks.

According to him, the initiation of a meaningful and result oriented dialogue can help in reducing tension and building more confidence.

Shah said participation of Prime Minister A B Vajpayee in the SAARC summit in Islamabad would help the two countries in restoring friendly ties.

A meeting between Vajpayee and his Pakistani counterpart Mir Zaffarullah Khan Jamali can provide a major breakthrough in Indo-Pak relations. "In case the two countries agreed to engage in a dialogue process, it would be a happy message for the people of saarc member countries. Tension between India and Pakistan has adversely affected economic cooperation among SAARC encountries," Shah observed. (PTI)

Dev Raj Thakur re-elected president
ABVP conference concludes

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 16: With the passing of resolutions on ‘education scenario’ and ‘present situation of the State’, three day State conference of Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad concluded, here today.

In the conference, Mr Dev Raj Thakur and Pawan Sharma were re-elected as president and secretary of ABVP for 2003-04. Besides this, Narinder Singh, Shweta Sharma, Surinder Pawan, Vivek and Dr Narsh Padha were elected as vice presidents. Suresh Magotra, Anita Andotra, Vikas Sambyal and Veer Singh were elected as joint secretaries of the new body.

ABVP expressed its deep concern over the irregularities and difficulties being faced by the students in particular and youth in general. In the resolution, ABVP urged the Government to take adequate steps for reformation of education system and to check the commercialisation of education in State.

On the present situation in the State, ABVP criticised the healing touch policy of the Mufti Government and expressed serious concern over the growing terrorist activities in the State. According to the resolution, the State Government was living in fools’ paradise and encouraging pro-militant forces. ABVP also opposed the surrender policy and asked Government to give a free hand to security forces in dealing with terrorists.

Earlier, in the morning session, Mr Mohinder Panday, former all India general secretary of ABVP, expressed his serious concern over the growing commercialisation of academic and technical education in the name of privatisation. He said that the time has come when a sincere debate should take place in Indianisation of education. He opined that participation of the society was very important in formation of syllabi according to requirements of the society.

VC visits Old Campus hostel

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 16: Jammu University Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo today inspected the Old Campus Boys Hostel and inaugurated the hostel guest room, reading room and Warden’s office.

Accompanied by Provost Hostels Prof Keshav Sharma, Registrar Dr J S Dev, Prof Posh Charak, Dr V K Kapoor and members of the Hostel Discipline and Administrative Committee, Prof Mattoo also met the hostel boarders and sought to know if they had any problem.

The hostel Warden Dr Falendra Sudan apprised the Vice-Chancellor about some of the needs of hostel which included installation of new gas plant, cooking infrastructure, water cooler with purifier, deep freezer, gysers, water containers, ceiling fans, mosquito/flies catchers, desert coolers, internet facility and indoor games facilities in the hostel.

Prof Mattoo agreed to concede all the demands and said that the listed items would be provided to the hostel very soon. He said that the hostel life gives training to students in becoming a good citizen as they get an opportunity of mixing up with their fellows very intimately and learn many good things from one another.

The Vice-Chancellor appreciated the cleanliness and discipline in the hostel and appreciated Dr Falender Sudan, the Warden and Mr R L Kaith, the Office Incharge, for maintenance of the hostel.

Prof Shashi Kant, Joint Registrar D P S Pathania, Chief Medical Officer Dr Manju Gupta and Executive Engineer Mahesh Sharma also accompanied the Vice-Chancellor during inspection.

Universal Spiritual Association holds annual convention

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 16: The Universal Spiritual Association (Satsang) held its annual convention in which about 350 devotees from Jammu and adjoining areas participated.

The convention started this morning and concluded this evening. The convention was chaired by the spiritual head and founder of the Association, Saint Jankiji Maharaj. Among those who attended the convention included Prof S P Sharma, president of the Association.

The convention consisted of spiritual songs and speeches of the different members of the Association. There was collective chanting of AUM for the welfare, prosperity and peace of the entire mankind.

Saint Jankji Maharaj spoke at length on the all permeating and salutary influence of the chanting of AUM which can go a long way to create peace and harmony at national and international level.

In the last session, all the devotees sought the blessings of spiritual guru followed by Preeti Bhoj.

"Khema Posh" released

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 16: "Khema Posh"—a poetry collection of Kashmir poet Badri Nath Abhilash was released in a function organised by Nagrad Adbi Sangam at Kashmiri Pandit Sabha today.

The book comprises of Bhakti Bhajans and contains laudable and mellifluous bhajans and is the expression of poet’s enthusiastic feelings, deep devotion and contended contemplation.

Yogacharya Swami Moti Lal was the chief guest on the occasion while Swami Pran Nath Bhat Garib presided over the function. Eminent scholar and renowned writer Dr Bushan Lal Koul read an introductory paper on the book and described it as valuable contribution to the Kashmiri literature.

Nagrad Adbi Sangam was appreciated for organising such functions to enrich Kashmiri literature. President of the Sangam Mohan Lal Aash presented vote of thanks.

The proceedings of the function were conducted by general secretary of Sangam J N Sagar.

Social Forestry Project’s fate still uncertain, rehabilitation of degraded forests goes on in Akhnoor

By Gopal Sharma

While massive emphasis is being given to the aforestation activities in the entire world besides promoting environment protection works, the fate of Social Forestry projects is still uncertain after the change of regime in the J&K state. Initially, eager to revive the wind up project, the new Government too, seems to be now disinterested in deciding the fate of this project which otherwise has brought a sea-change in the degraded forests and barren hills in the State bringing improvement in the existing environment status.

The Government is spending around Rs 50 lakhs as salary component on the officials/ staff of the Social Forestry Project every month. But they have been forced to cease plantation task, which is infact a great service to the coming generations and also to save them from the growing pollution level and also to meet their requirements. A little plantation work was witnessed in this project during recent rainy season with the initiative of the Minister for Forests & Environment—Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Sofi. It has been learnt that Minister concerned and some top officers in the department were interested to revive the activities of the Project but some bureaucrats were still creating hurdles in the process and fully revival of this project.

Minister of State for Forests, Th Puran Singh when contacted said that new Government has taken a decision recently to revive this project and some amount to the tune of about Rs 2-3 cr has been kept for the plantation work this year. He disclosed that some funds were made available for some plantation work during recent rainy season and entire activities are being fully revived soon. He regreted the decision taken by the previous Government and maintained that they kept a large number of employees without any work for more than 18 months, thus creating liability on the Government. He pointed out that Project Director Mr Zadoo has been directed the carry all the activities of the project. Mr Zadoo, however, was not avilable for comments when contacted.

It is pertinent to mention here that the previous Government in its cabinet decision had declared that Social Forestry Project was a ‘white elephant’ for it, so it preferred wind up it. As per this Cabinet decision it was decided that all nurseries and assets of the Social Forestry Project would be transferred to the Rural Development for their ultimate transfer to the Panchayats. This would allow people to participate in the development of the forest wealth at the grass-root level. This decision of the Government evoked strong criticism from various NGOs, environmentalists and other Environment Protection related organisations. Some prominent environmentalists in the state expressing strong resentment over the decision of the Government said that J&K was loosing its forest cover very fast and was a suicidal to go in for such decisions.

The World Bank is funding several projects of the Central Government being run in various states, which have given top priority to the afforestation and conservation of water. Four such major projects with an estimated cost of Rs 165 crores have also been taken up in the Jammu and Kashmir. Of the four, two are in Jammu region while two in Kashmir. In Jammu region, one project has been sanctioned for Ramnagar block while the second one for Kandi belt of Akhnoor sub-Division of district Jammu. Yet another Rs 179 cr project has been approved for Kandi belt of Jammu region and the water conservation will be the major thrust area.

A recent visit to several villages and the Panchayats Halqas of Akhnoor indicated that within short span of 2-3 years, the forestry wing of the Integrated Watershed Development Project has managed to covert several barren hills on western bank of river Chenab and the upper and middle reaches of Kali Dhar (Shivalik hills) into lush green pastures. A senior forest official said that the Shivaliks of Akhnoor sub-watershed are highly degraded and require immediate attention. This adds to the problem of soil erosion, low water penetration and hence poor water availability particularly in the hot summer months both for farm and human use. The available forest areas subject to heavy biotic pressure resulting in their further denudation. The feasible waste areas outside demarcated forests are also being aforested in certain areas for easy availability of fuel wood and fodder etc.

Another officer connected with the project disclosed that to ensure re-habilitation of forests and waste areas a massive programme has been launched wherein plantation of locally desirable species is taken up particularly in trenches against slope for more water harvesting. Not only this, the technology of planting in continuous contour vegetative ditches with shrubs on berms and planting of desired species has been devised. He further disclosed that under the aforestation programme, plants developed by Hitech methodology produced by State Forest Research Institute Jammu have been procured and planted in the field which show very promising results. About 5000 hac. areas has been covered under this project so far in Akhnoor block and a total of 76 villages have been adopted so far. There is immediate need to cover badly degraded areas of Khour block.

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