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| National Integration Week commences today Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: Arrangements for observing National Integration Week commencing from tomorrow were reviewed at a high level meeting chaired by Financial Commissioner, Home, S. D. Singh here today....more Inauguration
of new Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: New Yogoda Satsang Dhyana Kendra will be inaugurated on November 23, 2003........more Amar
Balidan Trust holds Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: A mass Yagnopavit of twenty five boys belonging to different families was held at Swami Kralbab Ashram, Bantalab. The Yagnopavit ceremony was.........more Is J&K
Govt serious Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: While the National Policy on Education has clearly stressed the need to introduce ‘Environment’ as subject in schools.....more BJP asks
CM to Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: Reflecting on People’s Conference chairman Sajjad Lone’s charge that ‘there is a covert alliance between J&K Chief Minister Mufti..............more |
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Motors
& machinery Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: Jammu Motors and Machinery Parts Dealers’ Association (JMMPDA), Parade, convened an extra ordinary meeting of its executive body to apprise the local MLA, Yogesh...........more Court asks
Vigilance to Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: Taking serious note of the report sent by the State Vigilance Organization for closing corruption cases against the then SHO Mahore.....more DC
Kathua appoints SDPO as Inquiry Officer Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Nov 18: Students of Degree College and activists of Mahila Adhikar Sangathan today staged protest......more
JAMMU, Nov. 18: Lack of a comprehensive Government cultural policy is one of the major factor in neglect of heritage.......more |
National Integration Week commences today Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: Arrangements for observing National Integration Week commencing from tomorrow were reviewed at a high level meeting chaired by Financial Commissioner, Home, S. D. Singh here today. The week-long celebrations will be launched tomorrow from the winter capital where several functions are being organized. The occasion will be marked by a pledge of national integration which reads, ‘I solemnly pledge to work with dedication to preserve and strengthen the freedom and integrity of the nation. I further affirm that I shall never resort to violence and that I will continue to endeavour towards settlement of all differences and disputes relating to religion, language, region or other political or economic grievances by peaceful and constitutional means.’ Participation of school students has been ensured in the functions. Symposia and seminars would be held to emphasize the theme of secularism, anti-communalism and non-violence. 20th November would be observed as welfare of minorities day and 21st November as linguistic harmony day. Similarly, 22nd November would be observed as weaker sections day, 23rd November as cultural unity day, followed by 24th November as women’s day and November 25 as conservation day. Mr. Singh stressed the need for observing the week in a befitting manner with the involvement of the students and the people at large. The meeting, among others was attended by Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Secretary Cultural Academy and Director Social Welfare, Jammu. |
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Inauguration
of new Yogoda Satsang Dhyana Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: New Yogoda Satsang Dhyana Kendra will be inaugurated on November 23, 2003. The new Mandir, built on four Kanals of land on Udeywala-Muthi (Poonch-Lines) Akhnoor Road, is located at about seven kilometers from Jammu Railway Station and about 2.5 kilometers from Jewel Chowk, Bus Stand. The Dhyana Mandir has a capacity of 250 to 300 devotees. Location and setting makes this Mandir an ideal place where devotees can come together and fill this hive with money of higher techniques of meditation and deep Kriya Yoga meditation. According to a press release, it was Sri Sri Paramahansa Yoganandaji’s instruction that meditation Kendras and Mandalies be established throughout India and the entire world so that God seeking souls can gather together and collect and imbibe the honey of God realisation. The YSS Sanyasis will also visit Jammu on the auspicious occasion of the inauguration of the new Yogoda Satsang Dhyana Kendra. The Sanyasis will speak about Guruji’s teachings, conduct Kriya Yoga Diksha, review the YSS meditation techniques and offer personal guidance to the devotees. |
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Amar Balidan Trust holds mass Yagnopavit Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: A mass Yagnopavit of twenty five boys belonging to different families was held at Swami Kralbab Ashram, Bantalab. The Yagnopavit ceremony was performed by Amar Balidan Trust. Swami Kumarji Maharaj performed the thread ceremony and gave Vedic Vyakhyan. He appreciated the work done by the Trust and appealed the people to encourage the mass Yagnopavit and also the mass marriages. He also appealed to the community members to come forward for performing the simple marriages. Poshbab of Chinore Ashram while appreciating the work done by the Trust appealed to the community members to cooperate with the Trust. H L Chatta president of the Trust thanked the public for their cooperation in bringing the social change by way of mass Yagnopavit and expressed hope that efforts for mass marriages will be made in the near future. The Trust has also decided to set up a memorial in honour of those who were killed by the militants in the Valley and those who fought bravely against Pakistan sponsored terrorism. President of the ASKPC A N Vaishnavi, president of Kashmiri Pandit Sabha, T N Khosa, T N Peshin, Dr Agnishekhar, Prof T N Shalla, Dr T K Moza, Raminder Koul, L K Moza, Bharat Bhushan of Purkhoo and B L Dhar attended the function. |
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Is
J&K Govt serious about introducing Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: While the National Policy on Education has clearly stressed the need to introduce ‘Environment’ as subject in schools and colleges, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has yet to make beginning in this regard. This subject has already been introduced by several state governments and students are encouraged for the nature tours. The previous State Government had shown some interest in this regard but the new regime has yet to act on it. Several government agencies and the non-governmental organisations often organise seminars, workshops, debates etc. on the subject environment and some activities of plantation are also taken up but the main focus remains on the maximum coverage and minimum contribution. The lush green thick forests of this state and its green gold reserves have suffered major devastation in past few decades. Its forest cover has reduced considerably and in absence of any effective Forest policy, the past governments have proved major failure in protecting its forest cover and the wild life here. Lack of will on part of Government, especially the Ministry of Education, Environment and Forests to take necessary measures in maintaining ecological balance and introduction of subject has worsened the situation emerging today. The National Policy on Education, NPE-1986 clearly states that ‘Protection of the Environment’ is a value which along with certain other values must form an integral part of the curriculum at all stages of education. This aspect will be integrated in the entire education process. The national system of education as defined in the National Policy on Education visualises a national curricular framework which contains a common core including several elements having direct bearing on the natural and social environment of the pupils such as ‘ Protection of Environment." The Ministry of Human Resources Development and the Ministry of Environment and Forests at the Central level and the state Governments and the NCERTs have through various initiatives tried to translate this commitment to concrete action at the ground level. Director School Education Jammu, Mr H K Singh when contacted disclosed that during this session there are no plans to introduce Environment as subject in schools but from next session, the Department of Education is planing to introduce it at school level. It will not be full-fledged subject at the elementary level as some chapters of it may be included in the Social Sciences. From Matric onwards, it may be introduced as a separate subject. But the formal decision in this regard is yet to be taken. The Higher Education department may decide about it for the college level, he maintained. A senior officer in the department of Environment and Remote Sensing department said that since Environment education is a life -long process touching every member of the society -young and old, literate and illiterate, employed and unemployed —an all inclusive approach encompassing formal and non-formal methods of imparting Environment Education is essential. He said several programmes such as National Environment Awareness Campaign, Echo Clubs, Prayvaran Vahinis, production of audio-visuals on environment, setting up of Centres of Excellence on Environment Education etc. , are aimed at sensitizing the people of the country to environmental and developmental issues. Another officer from Education department told Excelsior on the condition of anonymity that the NCERT has developed syllabi, curricula and text books incorporating environmental concepts at all levels of school education. While some states are using these in toto, the others have made their own attempts at infusing environmental concepts into the school curricula. Some serious efforts in this direction and suggestions and ideas from the great environmentalists, educationists for strengthening the infusion approach to Environment Education shall greatly help in making environmental education more relevant and practical in our state. |
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BJP asks CM to clear stand after accusations by Lone Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: Reflecting on People’s Conference chairman Sajjad Lone’s charge that ‘there is a covert alliance between J&K Chief Minister Mufti Sayeed and Hurriyat (breakaway) chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani’, State BJP president Dr Nirmal Singh said this is a matter of grave concern for all right thinking people and well-wishers of India. Dr Singh said Chief Minister has to make his position clear without wasting even a single moment and send a clear signal to all concerned. He held the view that nothing would be more unfortunate for the people of the State than that the Chief Minister should fail to allay their fears and abandon his essentially militant-friendly ‘healing touch’ policy and explain in clear terms as to what he exactly means by his "peace with dignity’ concept. The BJP president asked the Congress and Panthers Party to make clear their stand on the charges levelled by Sajjad Lone and asserted any failure on their part would further strengthen the belief of the people of the State in general and Jammu and Ladakh in particular that these formations like PDP too have a soft attitude towards the communal and separatist forces, that the national interests are not at all patent for them and that they can sell the national interests for the sake of power and pelf. Besides, Dr Nirmal Singh advised Sajjad Lone to stop pouring venom on India and its highly democratic and liberal institutions and re-fashion his views on the system through which they elect a Government of their own choice considering the fact that he himself is living under the protection of Indian security forces. He asked Lone to ask Pakistan first to liberate the J&K territory, illegally occupied by her in 1947-48 after rape, murder and pilage and then raise his accusing finger against New Delhi, which despatched its forces to the State on October 27, 1947, a day after the State had acceded to Indian Dominion as per required stipulations, for taking on the Pakistan forces, regular or irregular. |
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Motors & machinery
parts dealers apprise Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: Jammu Motors and Machinery Parts Dealers’ Association (JMMPDA), Parade, convened an extra ordinary meeting of its executive body to apprise the local MLA, Yogesh Sawhney, with problems of the business community. The Association office bearers discussed their long pending and very genuine demands with Mr Sawhney. They urged the MLA to take initiative and solve their grievances. Some of the issues, discussed in the meeting, included construction of another public urinal cum toilet at some appropriate place near Parade Ground, proper supply of drinking water and installation of a water cooler at the site, improvement in drainage system of the area and proper lighting of Parade market. The entire executive body of JMMPDA, comprising Vinod Jain (president), M M Ahuja (general secretary), Surjit Singh Chadha (vice-president), Arun Mehra (cashier), Sajan Bhalla (secretary), N K Gandotra, S K Puri, S M Bali, D Khullar and Sanjay Gupta, was present on the occasion and members thoroughly deliberated on the issues discussed with Mr Yogesh Sawhney. They lamented that despite repeated requests of the Association to concerned authorities in connection with their problems, nothing was done to solve their grievances. Mr Yogesh Sawhney gave patient hearing to the Association problems and demands and informed the JMMPDA members that maximum of their demands were already under his consideration. He said that he had taken up the matter of proper lighting of the area with the concerned authorities and very soon the market would be illuminated with neon lights. The Association members also apprised Mr Sawhney with the traffic chaos at Parade, particularly during peak hours. The MLA assured that he would personally visit Parade area alongwith SP Traffic and get the problem solved. The young MLA said that he would leave no stone unturned to mitigate the general problems of people of his constituency and anyone having any genuine grievance may contact him at anytime for the redressal. The Association also presented a memento to Mr Sawhney and assured their co-operation in development of the constituency. |
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Court asks Vigilance to
re-investigate corruption Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: Taking serious note of the report sent by the State Vigilance Organization for closing corruption cases against the then SHO Mahore, Mohd Iqbal, the Special Judge Anti-Corruption Jammu has asked Vigilance Commissioner to re-investigate the case. The Special Judge, Mr MK Hanjura while considering the facts of the case against Mohd Iqbal, the then SHO Police Station Mahore against whom Vigilance has started investigation and after completion of the investigation sent a report for closing the case said that the court was not satisfied that the cases be closed as not proved. Mr Hanjura while disagreeing with the request of the Vigilance Organization, observed that the evidence collected by Investigating Officer during the course of investigation brings it to bear that the accused under the colour of his, as the then SHO Police Station Mahore has fleeced a number of people. That is what has been established by the Additional SP Udhampur, RS Panu in the course of inquiry ordered to probe the conduct of the accused. This Officer in his statement had stated that the accused in his tenure as SHO adhered to corrupt practices. The statement of one Habibullah recorded by the Investigating officer proves how the accused who was to protect the life and limbs of the citizens forced and coerced him to grease his palm. He has stated that the accused threatened to put him behind the bars in case he didn’t meet his demand as bribe money of rupees 2,000. According to this witness, he paid rupees 2,000 through one Pritam Singh and the accused after the initiation of enquiry against him returned an amount of rupees 1,000. In another case, one Ahmida stated that he was confined by the accused in Police Station for four days and released after taking rupees 1,000 gratification. One Bashir Ahmad stated that the accused SHO demanded rupees 5,000 for disposing of a case lodged against him and final deal was struck at rupees 3,000 which was paid by Bashir. The Judge said that all this suggests that there is a prima facie evidence on record to state that the accused has committed the offence of bribery. It is not known this bulk of evidence on record against the accused has been brushed aside in taking a view that the accused not accepted any bribe. The accused perhaps has some moles in the Vigilance Organization itself. The matter, therefore, requires to re-investigated in the light of the evidence collected during the course of investigation of the case. The record of the case alongwith this order was made today to be sent to Vigilance Commissioner for re-investigation of the case, the court said. |
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DC Kathua appoints SDPO as
Inquiry Officer Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Nov 18: Students of Degree College and activists of Mahila Adhikar Sangathan today staged protest demonstration outside the office of Deputy Commissioner Kathua and demanded immediate arrest of all the in-laws of a woman, who died on November 12 under mysterious circumstances. The aftermath of the protest demonstration was the Deputy Commissioner appointing Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Border Shiv Kumar Chowhan as Inquiry Officer with the direction to submit the report into the mysterious death of Seema Devi, wife of Ashok Kumar of Kalibari within a week’s time. Though mother, father-in-law and husband of the deceased had already been arrested yet the protestors were demanding that the absconding in-laws and Chief Prosecuting Officer Kathua, who happened to be the relative of in-laws of the woman and has been helping them in making the case weak, be arrested immediately to provide justice to the parents of the deceased. They said that the strangulation mark on the throat of the deceased and statements of the woman’s parents have made it clear that Seema Devi was done to death for want of dowry and later in-laws gave a shape of suicide to the incident. The demonstration for hours together forced the Deputy Commissioner to appoint SDPO Border as Inquiry Officer, who was directed to conduct detailed enquiry into the mysterious death of woman and submit report within a week’s time. The DC also assured the protesting people that all the culprits will be booked under suitable law after completion of the enquiry. It was only due to DC’s assurances that the protest demonstration came to an end. |
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‘High time for Govt
to have full fledged Ministry of Culture’
JAMMU, Nov. 18: Lack of a comprehensive Government cultural policy is one of the major factor in neglect of heritage and its management . In a scenario where successives Govts. have so far failed to fulfill constitutional duty towards preservation of our heritage, the media has to play a pivotal role in sensitizing the common people-the real stake-holders in protecting and preserving the rich and varied cultural and natural heritage of the State. Initiating the first ever dialogue on issues relating to sustainable heritage management involving experts and representatives from both print and electronic media, a one day-Media Workshop on Heritage: Recognition And Preservation, was organized by Amar Mahal Museum and Library (AMML) in collaboration with Press Club, Jammu, to celeberate the World Heritage Week,(19 Nov.- 25 Nov.) today at AMML. The workshop, in which various aspects of heritage ranging from definition identification, preservation, sustainability, community participation were elaborated and thoroughly discussed, was a much needed effort to actively involve prominent members of civil society in the process of heritage management. Especially when the successive State governments in absence of a full fledge ministry of culture have failed to formulate a clear cut cultural policy, and the process of prioritizing heritage is far dream, such workshops can act as eye openers for the policy makers including politicians as well as bureaucrats. Speaking in his inaugural speech, Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, drew attention to four basic questions about retaining and managing heritage. What should be preserved? Who should decide? How should it be preserved? and Who should preserve it. He highlighted the need for more community involvement in heritage management. Ved Bhasin, president, Press Club, in his presidential address, highlighted the critical role of media in informing policy makers and public in general about the threats faced by our heritage. Aparna Tandon, Curator, AMML, in her welcome address, said that media needs to interact with heritage specialists in order to highlight pertinent heritage issues of the region. In the two business session of today’s workshop various issues relating to heritage were discussed by twenty panelists and moderators. The heritage issues highlighted by panelists included Definition of Heritage by Sat Pal Sahni, veteran journalist, Sociological, Anthropological and Ethnic Aspects by Balraj Puri, eminent journalist, Visual and Performing Arts by Lalit Gupta, art historian, Heritage in Making by Rajinder Tiku, sculptor, Built Heritage by Sanjay Tikku, architect and Prof. Sham Narayan, JU, Policy as well Exploitation of Heritage by Ved Bhasin, Treatment while Disseminating Heritage by Suraj Saraf, veteran journalist and Abhimanyu, journalist, Economics by M.N. Sehgal, Preservation, Aparna Tandon, Community Participation by Prof. Poonam Dhavan, JU. The fecilitators included Mandira, artist, Ashwani Kumar, journalist, Harshvardhan, artist, Suchi Samita, journalist, Kirpal Singh, conservator and Deepika Thakur. A special presentation was also made by P.B. S. Sengar, Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India on existing laws for protection of tangible heritage. The workshop which was organized for making media aware of the issues and challenges in preserving heritage which should be made known to people was attended by prominent citizens and media persons including K.B. Jandial. Director Information Dept. and Prof. Ram Nath Shashtri. |
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‘Chetna Yatra-Kargil Se Kanyakumari Tak’ released Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: Chetna Yatra- Kargil Se Kanyakumari Tak, a travelogue authored by JK National Panthers Party chief and MLC Prof Bhim Singh, was released today. The book is an account of Prof Bhim Singh’s experiences and observations during his Yatra from one end to the other end of the country. The author has also explained elaborately about the places and persons of different parts of India who came in contact with him and visited by the author. The book was released by Education Minister Harshdev Singh during a simple but impressive function at the Jammu University auditorium , here today. Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo presided over the function in which Prof Bhim Singh was also present. Speaking on the occasion, Prof Bhim Singh said that main objective of authoring the book on his experiences during the Chetna Yatra in country, was an attempt to understand and explain unity in diversity. He recalled the memories of his travel and narrated how the Yatra was welcomed and received in different parts of the country. Mr Harshdev Singh described Prof Bhim Singh a multi-dimensional personalities who has contributed a lot to various spheres of the life. The book illustrates of his personality and gives message of national integration and unity in diversity, he said. He wished that Bhim Singh would continue to write highlighting the national character and thus contribute to the society besides his political struggle for commoners. JU Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo, in his presidential address, said that the book ‘Chetna Yatra - Kargil Se Kanyakumari Tak’ can be described as Prof Bhim Singh’s idea of India. Comparing JKNPP chief with Troski of erstwhile USSR, Prof Mattoo said that Bhim Singh’s sense of revolutionary zeal was always inspiring for University of Jammu. Dean Students Welfare Prof Devinder Singh gave a review of the book while Prof Zahur-ud-Din highlighted some untouched aspects of Bhim Singh’s life. Associate Dean and Director External Relations Dr Pritam Singh presented vote of thanks and recalled his association with Bhim Singh during his student days. |
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Enhanced cash relief payment by next month Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: Government have formulated plan of cluster houses for the migrants at Anantnag and Budgam districts while land for similar projects at other district headquarters of the Valley has been identified. The Anantnag and Budgam projects have been approved for Rs 55 crore which is a part of over all plan of State Government for honourable return of Kashmiri migrants in district headquarters in a phased manner. Stating this during his interaction with a deputation of Kashmiri migrants, which called on him here this afternoon, the Minister for Revenue and Rehabilitation, Hakim Mohammad Yaseen said that Government is moving steadily on a plan for rehabilitation of those Kashmiri migrants who express their willingness to return their homes in the Valley. He said while the people of Kashmir desire that their Hindu brethren live in their locality, it will be entirely on the migrants to take a decision for their return. The Minister appreciated the desire of some of the migrants to return to their homes and assured the deputationists that Government will extend full support to them who take such a decision. He also informed the deputationists that payment on enhanced cash relief as announced by Prime Minister in his package would be made in a month’s time as a case is being expeditiously processed in Union Ministry of Finance. |
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Project to
improve sanitation system in Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: A Rs.14 crore comprehensive project is being formulated as a short term measure to improve existing sanitation, sewerage and road communication system in Jammu and Srinagar cities. The Jammu and Srinagar Municipal Corporations and UEED have been asked to prepare the plan for funding these projects. The decision to this effect was taken at a high level half yearly review meeting of housing and urban development sector here today. The meeting chaired by Principal Secretary Planning and Development Vijay Bakaya was attended by Commissioner Secretary Housing and Urban Development P.G. Dhar Chakraborty besides senior functionaries of two municipal corporations, UEED, Local Bodies, Lakes and Water Ways Development authority and Housing Department. It was informed that Rs.90 lakh each have been released for improvement of under-developed areas in Srinagar and Jammu cities under National Slum Development Programme (NSDP) and similarly another Rs.2 crore have also been released for beautification of 24 towns in the State. The expansion of Srinagar and Jammu municipal corporations limits also came up for discussion and the related parameters for improvement of civic amenities in the proposed areas surrounding around greater cities were also discussed in depth. It was decided that two Municipal Corporation Authorities would prepare detailed plan for the purpose so that financial resources would be made available accordingly. While reviewing the decisions taken during District Development Board meetings and Cabinet from time to time for beautification of several spots in the two cities, it was informed that four public parks in Jammu and three in Srinagar city would be completed by December end while as construction of city police complex and doctors quarters in Jammu city would be completed by March next. The Principal Secretary urged upon the executive agencies to maintain fiscal discipline and ensure timely completion of the on-going projects and works so that people are benefited by these works. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: Two bodies were recovered from different areas while as 10 persons were injured in separate road accidents. Police spokesman said that body of a labourer—Sunil, son of Mangal of Jharkhand was recovered from Channi area under mysterious circumstances. The body was shifted to Government Medical College Hospital for post-mortem and the cause of the death would be known only after the receipt of post-mortem report. Another body was recovered Bantalab area under the jurisdiction of Nagrota Police Station. Identity of the body was not established till late this evening. Meanwhile, eight persons were injured when a mini-bus, they were travelling in, skidded off the road and turned turtle near Narwal. All the injured passengers have been hospitalised and their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in. They have been identified as Abdul Rashid, son of Mushtaq Ahmed of Billawar, Bashir Ahmed, son of Abdul Gani of Doda, Tilak Raj, son of Krishan Chand of Kathua, Shakeena, wife of Peer Hussain of Gujjar Nagar, Maharaj Din, son of Mohd Shafi of Bathindi, Hajra Bibi, wife of Ahmed Din of Bathindi, Fareed Ali and Saleema, daughter of Mohd Shafi of Bathindi. Three persons—Puran Chand, son of Anant Ram of Billawar, Anil Kumar, son of Dhanu Ram and Ajay Pathania, son of Kohal Singh—were injured in accidents in Kathua district. All have been hospitalised and their condition was stated to be critical when reports last came in. Meanwhile, two persons—Kirpal Singh, son of Jaswant Singh of Raja Singh under Bishnah Police Station and Sonu, son of Girdhari Lal of Gole Gujaral—allegedly consumed poisonous substance in separate incidents. Both were rushed to hospital when spotted unconscious by family members and doctors immediately provided them stomach wash treatment followed by other medicare. Their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in. |
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Committee constituted to furnish
details of Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: The Government has constituted a committee to furnish details of diagnostic equipment and other implants lying in disuse over the years at SKIMS and other health institutions in the State for want of repairs. Serviceable equipment would be made functional to supplement the existing infrastructure. The 6-member committee headed by Additional Secretary Health and Medical Education would compile details of such equipment and give remedial suggestions for making these functional for better patient care and health management. The report will reflect detail of such equipment institution-wise. Minister for Health and Medical Education Lal Singh disclosed this at a meeting of senior health officers here this morning. In another major decision, the Government has also decided to dispense with the present procedure of paying cash incentive to the beneficiary of No-Scalpel Vasectomy. Instead, they would be provided drugs, medicines and other material immediately after sterilization operation in keeping with the guidelines issued by the Centre. The Minister said that the earlier procedure of cash compensation to the beneficiaries has been dispensed with on the proposal mooted by Director Family Welfare Dr. P.K. Jandial, who said that cash relief was at times delayed for want of budgetary grants, non-availability of addressee, etc. Mr. Singh also issued instructions for the expeditious setting up of ISM Pharmacy and Drug Testing Laboratory and purchase of diagnostic equipment and other machinery. |
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Distt Adm resolves workers’ issue at Bhilwara factory Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: The District Administration Jammu has resolved the problem going on with the workers and management in the Bhilwara Group at Bari Brahmana. Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Dr Pawan Kotwal, SSP Dr Kamal Saini, SP South, Managing Director SIDCO, Dy Labour Commissioner, Asst Labour Commissioner and Members of the Management including president—Anil Gandotra, DGM Deepak Sharma, Gen Manager— Vijay Mathur and Sr Managers-C S Rathore and Ravi Kant Goswami attended the meeting. Nine representatives of the workers led by Subhash Saini and Baldev Raj were also present. The agreement arrived at in between the workers of M/S Maral Overseas Limited ( Bhilwara Group) Bari Brahmana and the management regarding the differences and the grievances of the workers. It was agreed that there will be no retrenchment on account of shifting of the said Dying machine which can now be lifted any time. The confusion about payment of bonus was cleared. It was also resolved that management will try to clear the liability by March 31, 2004 provided they are in position to arrange for the cash. The workers also admitted the guilt of indulging in violence and misbehaviour and apologised for the act. The 23 workers identified for the action also apologised and requested not to pursue the action in respect of police complaint. |
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Damage estimated at Rs 20
lakh Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: Property estimated at Rs 20 lakh was gutted in devastating fire at seven shops in the main market of the Bishnah last mid-night. It was only due to the swiftness of the Bishnah Police and personnel of Fire Services Department that the adjoining 13 shops were prevented from being engulfed in the fire. Sources said that last mid-night police patrolling party of Bishnah Police Station noticed fire in one of the shops in the main market and immediately flashed a message to SHO (DySP Probationer) Manjeet Kour, who immediately swung into action after informing Fire Services Department about the incident. Within next sometime, two fire tenders from Bari Brahamana Fire Station reached the spot and started dousing the fire which by then had engulfed seven shops, adjoining to each-other. While the fire-fighting operation was going on, four explosions due to LPG cylinders kept in one of the shops caused panic in the adjoining areas. It was only in the sweets shops, where explosions took place, that the fire spreaded at faster pace but after three hours long operation the fire was completely extinguished. The preliminary investigations revealed that the fire broke out due to the electric short-circuit in one of the shops. "It was only due to the swiftness of the police personnel in flashing message to Fire Services Department and the later’s immediate deployment of fire tenders that the 13 adjoining shops were saved from being engulfed", the eye-witnesses said. The gutted shops belonged to Anil Kumar, Ram Paul, Vicky, Brij Mohan, Romesh Chander, Shiv Kumar, Arun Kumar and Mohan Lal, all the residents of Bishnah. According to the owners of the gutted shops, they suffered a loss of Rs 20 lakh due to the fire. Later, in morning MLA Bishnah Ashwani Sharma and senior police officers visited the spot to assess the damage caused to the shops due to the fire. The MLA demanded immediate relief for the owners of the gutted shops. |
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Problems of consolidated rate workers highlighted Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: Indian National Trade Union Congress held one day conference at Akhnoor under the chairmanship of Mr Shiv Kumar Sharma, State president of INTUC. Minister for R&B Madan Lal Sharma was the chief guest on the occasion while the occasion was also graced by Mr Raghunath Singh Chib, general secretary and Mr R S Reen among others. Speaking on the occasion Mr Shiv Kumar Sharma urged the Government to bring at par all the consolidated rate workers in PHE Department who were getting emoluments between Rs 300 and Rs 1000 per month, despite the fact that maximum work is getting done by them thereby exploiting their poverty. He also expressed concern over hanging in balance the case of all those daily wagers of PHE Department whose file has been licking dust at the table of the office of the Director Codes for obvious reasons. Mr Sharma also urged the Government to mitigate the sufferings of the daily wagers and motivators working in different Government Departments and continue to remain neglected by the authorities concerned. He also spoke about the difficulties being faced by Civil Defence employees, the main problem being their security related problems and appealed the concerned higher authorities to mitigate the same at an earliest. The INTUC chief strongly urged the State Government to release 4 percent DA installment in favour of State Government employees and pending installments of COLA (Cost Of Living Allowance) in favour of Public Sector employees of all the Corporations in the State. The chief guest Madan Lal Sharma in his address appreciated the demands raised in the conference and asked the authorities concerned to mitigate the same at an earliest. |
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Dogra Law College organises lecture on sociology of law Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 18: Dogra Law College organised extension lecture on Sociology of Law. Prof K K Arora delivered the lecture. Prof (Dr) T N Shalla, Director, Dogra Law College while welcoming the speaker said that course contents of modern legal education envisages an inter-disciplinary approach to the study of law. He said that the topic was one such area, which encompasses a close relationship between society and law. Tracing the development of law in civil society, Prof Arora said that the concept of law, justice and society underwent a change with the evolution of society. St. Thomas Aquinas has categorised this approach into 4 schools of law namely Eternal Law, Natural Law, Divine Law and Human Law. The earliest approach was that of natural law. This was followed by classical, analytical, historical and sociological. By giving concrete example, the speaker emphasised that none of the schools by itself give all pervading concept of law. There is no water tight compartment in which a particular school can be fitted. Reverting to the main topic of the lecture, the speaker said that law cannot be understood without understanding social forces, operating society. According to Duguit, the famous sociological philosopher there is one basic principle operating in every society and that is principle of inter-dependence which he called social solidarity. "So all laws which strengthen the principle of social solidarity are good laws while those which do not strengthen this principle are not good laws", he said. Varsity Notes By Nishikant Khajuria After successful conduct of elections for the Jammu University Students Cultural Council office bearers, Department of Students Welfare is all set to organise first phase of Inter-Collegiate/Departmental competitions under the ‘Display Your Talent’ 2003-04 from November 24. About 2000 students from approximately seventy colleges, Government and private -affiliated to Jammu University, and different departments of the University, will take part in individual as well as group events of the mega contest. Containing twenty two events, the eighteen day long first phase of the cultural bonanza will conclude on December 17 with the holding of Western vocal (solo) and Western group song competitions. Events in the first phase included, painting, sketching, poster-making, collage, cartooning, clay-modelling, flower arrangement, rangoli, elocution, debate, quiz, photography, on the spot essay writing, on the spot short story writing, poetry recitation, quiz, classical vocal (solo), classical instrumental (solo), light vocal, (solo), group song (Indian) Western vocal (solo) and Western group song. As per a notification issued by the Department of Students Welfare to all Heads of the teaching departments in JU as well as Principals of the JU affiliated colleges, the entries for various events are invited on or before November 23. All rules and regulations, including entry fee from the colleges, regarding the aforementioned competitions are same as were the last year. In case the entries are less than three in any contest, the Office of Dean Students Welfare, JU, reserves the right not to hold the said contest. The participants shall be allowed to participate in the competition subject to production of an authority letter from the Head of the Department or Principal of the College concerned stating that the competitor is a bonafide student of the department/college/ institution and he/she, as per records, is not older than 25 years of age on September 1 of the academic session. No entry shall be entertained if the same is not recommended by the Head/Principal of the Department/College concerned as well as not supported with eligibility certificates. The participants shall bring their own material, instruments, property etc, required for the competition. The Office of the Dean Students Welfare shall not be responsible for providing the same. ****** With the sprucing up of guest rooms, kitchens, dining halls, reading rooms, Wardens’ offices and re-creation rooms of all five hostels of the University, central facilities of all the hostels have been done up. Sodium lights around the hostels have been installed while indoor games facilities to boarders of Vivekanand hostel are extended with providing a Table Tennis table there. Besides this, white wash, repair works, beautification of lawns and other related works in all the hostel, are also going on with full pace. The Vice-Chancellor also paid visits to all the five hostels, last week and personally inspected the undergoing as well as accomplished works. Meanwhile, the hostel authorities have managed to get 22 rooms of the Nehru hostel vacated from former JU scholars who had occupied these rooms illegally since long. The credit goes to Warden of the Hostel Dr B V S Manhas and Resident Warden Dr Yash Pal Sharma who succeeded to senitise the rooms, though with the co-operation of authorised scholar boarders. ****** To foster the spirit of patriotism, communal harmony and national integration, the University of Jammu is observing National Integration Day on November 19. Besides national integration pledge, a symposium is being held at 12.30 p.m. at Brig Rajinder Singh auditorium on the occasion wherein Prof Zahur-ud-Din, Prof Devinder Singh, Prof Rita Saldanha and Dr Ramnika Jalali shall express their views. Civil Defence experts deliver talks in Govt Hospitals Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Nov 18: Civil Defence today organized seminars at Government Hospital, Sarwal and Government Hospital, Gandhinagar. Experts from Civil Defence delivered lectures o the achievements of Civil Defence and its scope for helping society in minimizing their sufferings occurring due to natural and manmade calamities. Various doctors also spoke on the occasion. SSP, HG/CD Aus. Police, Mr. Shakeel Ahmed Beig headed the Civil Defence team in Government Hospital Sarwal while SSP, Commandant 2nd Bn HG/CD, Mr. C. D. Choudhary chaired the seminar at Government Hospital Gandhinagar. Civil Defence an organization of the citizens primarily working to minimize the suffering of mankind occurring due to natural and manmade calamities, came into existence just after world war IInd. In 1941 Civil Defence was established in India and in J&K its existence came in 1965. Since its inception, Civil Defence came to the rescue of humanity on umpteen time. The seminars organized aimed at to impart training to more and more people, a Civil Defence college was established in Nagpur. Various towns and cities of India have been categorized into various groups classified as per the role of Civil Defence in case of any eventuality. Most of the towns in J&K fall under category one owing to their close proximity to border. Among the audience prominent doctors, medical staff and other functionaries of the Civil Defence were present on the occasion. Bid to smuggle gold ornaments
worth Rs 20 lakh Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Nov 18: Alert sleuths of Sales Tax Check Post Lakhanpur today seized gold ornaments worth Rs 20 lakh being smuggled into the State in the wee hours today. According to Ajaz Ahmed Kakroo, Deputy Commissioner Sales Tax, Check Post Lakhanpur, during routine checking of passenger vehicles, the vigilant staff stopped a video coach bus bearing registration number HP01-1817 which was on its way to Jammu from Amritsar and subjected it to thorough checking. During checking, ST sleuths found gold ornaments worth Rs 20 lakh in a cardboard box of one Padam Kumar, employee of M/s S S Jewellers Amritsar. The ST team headed by ETOs G M Dar and K K Sidha and comprising Prabh Dayal and Mohd Shafi, both guards, asked Padam Kumar to produce the valid documents for transporting the gold ornaments from Amritsar to Jammu which he failed to do so. The gold ornaments were immediately seized by the ST sleuths and a fine of Rs 1,26,000 was imposed and subsequently recovered from the offender under GST Act 1962. In another incident, the ST team detected and seized electronic goods worth Rs one lakh being smuggled in the State. The goods were hidden underneath bags of non-taxable goods in a truck bearing registration number JK13-1766. The penalty of Rs 90,400 was levied on the offender under various provisions of GST Act, 1962. In yet another case, Sales Tax staff detected and seized 9725 capsules of Proxyvon from a video coach bus bearing number DL1PA-5962. The capsules were being smuggled in the State by some unidentified persons. This case was, later, handed over to police authorities for disposal under suitable law. While appreciating the workdone by the Sales Tax Check Post, Mr Kakroo exhorted them to continue vigil and check with vigour and prevent evasion of tax by unscrupulous elements. The Deputy Commissioner Sales Tax Lakhanpur reiterated his appeal to traders, transporters and bus operators to refrain from attempting to dupe the authorities by evading Sales Tax and smuggling taxable goods into the State. The increased vigil and check at the Check Post shall continue and all out efforts will be made to prevent tax evasion, he said. |
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