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| Sinha pledges support to computer
literacy NIIT committed to integrate deserving students: Pawar Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: Pledging support to World Computer Literacy Movement, Governor Lt. Gen, (retd) S K Sinha today resolved to support cause of making people computer friendly.....more Panthers
Party NEW DELHI, Nov 27: The Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party today challenged an order of the Delhi High Court that upheld Election Commission’s refusal to allot an exclusive symbol to all its candidates for Delhi Assembly polls..........more Full court
reference Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: A full court reference was held under the Chairmanship of Acting Chief Justice VK Jhanji to mourn the demise of Advocate Harpal Singh Raina, who was assassinated on November 20 last..............more Dogri
Sangharsh Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: Dogri Sangharsh Morcha in a meeting discussed the details of preparation for protest dharna being held in front of Raj Bhawan on November 29....more Marwah-Warwan
food scam Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: Continuing with the effort to streamline the public distribution system and plug loopholes, Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public.........more |
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Ramnagar’s
Gitlu, By Nishikant Khajuria JAMMU, Nov 27: Folk song ‘Samaj Mane Di Sar Mein Tera Hirkhi Haan, Kari Gai Aen Khazal Khwar Mein Tera Hirkhi Haan’ ( understand the condition of my heart, I am in love with you; you have rendered me worthless, I am in love with you) and mesmerizing dance performance by Khajoor Singh Thakur on the Gitlu enthralled audience in valedictory function of 11-day exhibition of Jammu’s Heritage in the Jammu University Campus, here today..............more Appointments
in judiciary challenged Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: In a significant order, the Division Bench of the State High Court, comprising Acting Chief Justice VK Jhanji and Justice YP Nargotra, in a Latters Patent Appeal (LPA), directed Registrar General of the High Court to produce the entire record of the selection........more Defacement
of rocks Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: In a much publicised Public Interest Litigation (PIL) relating to the defacement of rocks on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway........more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: On fourth day of the ongoing ‘Display Your Talent’ contest by the Department of Students Welfare in Jammu University, Collage....more |
Sinha pledges support to computer
literacy Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: Pledging support to World Computer Literacy Movement, Governor Lt. Gen, (retd) S K Sinha today resolved to support cause of making people computer friendly. Launching the World Computer Literacy Day, 2003 an NIIT initiative to bridge the digital divide here at Hotel Asia, this morning, the Governor said the Information Technology has broken all the barriers. The function started with the lighting of traditional lamp by Lt. Gen. Sinha. He stressed the need for imbibing computer literacy skills and urged the people to come forward and participate in this drive. Recalling his old days in Jammu and Kashmir, the Governor said when he first came here in 1947 there was no hotel and today we are organizing a function in such a grand hotel. This shows that now we live in a changed world altogether, he added. He said remarkable progress has been made in the field of Information Technology in last 20 years and computer has become the order of the day now. He, while recalling the days when he used to work in his office on the manual type writer, said during his visit to abroad in 1990, his daughter insisted him to learn computer. Later I used to play golf on it, he added. He said the information technology has progressed so fast over the years that we watched the Kargil war and 11 September, 2001 terrorist attack on World Trade Centre and Pentagon on TV. The Governor also released a book written by NIIT on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Mrs Sunali Kumar, Commissioner,Secretary Higher Education stressed on the importance of computer education. She also shared her personnel experience about computer with the audience on the occasion. She said the computer has made work easier in every field of life like air travel, railways, industries, agriculture etc. Rajindera S Pawar, Chairman and founder, NIIT said "providing free training to 100,000 underprivileged children is the next step in our war against Digital Divide and we seek the support of all the Indians in this endeavor." He said the technology revolution sweeping the deep interiors is transforming the day a typical India lives’’. "We remain committed to integrating deserving students with no access to computer learning—into this emerging future, he added." He said the World Computer Literacy Day (WCLD) initiative will ascend to a new height, scale and dimension this year as NIIT plans to train a total of 2,00,000 people on computers through its 3800 education centres world wide. He said NIIT a leading global IT solutions corporation operates in 44 countries. It provides learning software and knowledge solutions to customers in Asia Pacific, Europe, India, Japan and the USA. He said NIIT is the largest training company from India and as per the Dataquest IT Industry annual survey 2002-03, its IT training revenue at Rs 418 crore exceeded the combined revenue of the three subsequently ranked players. The NIIT’s market share in IT training industry went up to 34 per cent in 2002-03 from 27 percent in the previous year, he added. Managing Director, Jammu Central Cooperative Bank, R K Sharma also spoke on the occasion. The vote of thanks was proposed by C V Raman, head NIIT Jammu Operations. |
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Panthers Party challenges single judge’s order on symbol NEW DELHI, Nov 27: The Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party today challenged an order of the Delhi High Court that upheld Election Commission’s refusal to allot an exclusive symbol to all its candidates for Delhi Assembly polls. A division bench of Chief Justice B C Patel and Justice A K Sikri admitted the appeal against the November 20 order of Justice B D Ahmed, who had dismissed the party’s plea on the ground that under Article 329 of the Constitution once the electoral process was set in motion, no court could interfere in the matter till declaration of results. "Even otherwise, the Election Commission has not faulted or acted unreasonably," Justice Ahmed had said, adding "courts are to facilitate the electoral process and not to impede it." However, Panthers Party president Prof Bhim Singh argued that the single judge’s judgment was contradictory. While dismissing the petition on preliminary objection, the court could not have made observations on the merits of the case, he submitted. The party’s Delhi unit chief Sanjoy Sachdev had sought quashing of the Commission’s November 17 order allotting ‘bicycle’ symbol to the candidates of Panthers Party and Samajwadi Party in 6 and 28 constituencies respectively. Singh had urged the court to ask the EC to issue an exclusive symbol other than ‘bicycle’ to both Panthers Party and Samajwadi Party so as to avoid confusion among voters. The appeal is likely to be heard after the December one Assembly polls. (PTI) |
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Full court reference mourns Advocate’s demise Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: A full court reference was held under the Chairmanship of Acting Chief Justice VK Jhanji to mourn the demise of Advocate Harpal Singh Raina, who was assassinated on November 20 last. Registrar General of the State High Court, Vinod Gupta conducted the proceedings. Additional Advocate General BS Slathia in the condolence message described Mr Raina as a great soul and said that with his untimelty death it was an irreparable loss to the family of legal fraternity. Justice Jhanji in his condolence message said that he had come to know that Advocate Raina argued some important matters in the State High Court and was a noble soul. Justice Jhanji expressed his deep sympathies to the bereaved family. In the reference, Justice SK Gupta, Justice Pramod Kohli and Justice YP Nargotra were also present. Presiding Officers of the Subordinate Courts and large number of Advocates attended the full court reference. |
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Dogri
Sangharsh Morcha to hold protest Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: Dogri Sangharsh Morcha in a meeting discussed the details of preparation for protest dharna being held in front of Raj Bhawan on November 29 from 11 am to 1 pm. Members of executive committee, representatives from districts, representatives of various political parties and social organizations also participated. Morcha general secretary H L Jalmeria informed the meeting that large number of people from various districts and tehsils would participate in the Dharna. The protest is being held against Government’s continued ignorant attitude of the Union Government towards demand of inclusion of Dogri language in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India. Morcha leaders appealed all the Dogri speaking people and others who support the demand to join protest dharna to impress upon the Union Government to present Official Bill for Dogri’s inclusion during the ensuing Winter Session of Parliament. Among others who participated in the meeting were Prof Nilamber Dev Sharma, Mohan Singh, Prof Lalit Magotra, Dhan Raj Bargotra, Parduman Singh, Jugal Mahajan, Kashmir Singh, Prof Shashi Pathania, Narsingh Dev Jamwal, Omkar Seth, Sheikh Abdul Rehman, Virinder Kesar, Inderjeet Khajuria, Tilak Raj Sharma, Shiv Charan Gupta (Udhampur), Bimal Kumar, Bharat Bhushan, Sandeep Kumar and Ram Lal. |
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Marwah-Warwan food
scam Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: Continuing with the effort to streamline the public distribution system and plug loopholes, Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Mr. Taj Mohi-ud-Din has saved a whopping amount of Rs. 6.70 crore annually that had been going into the pockets of many people. This has been done by reducing the projected population of Marwah and Warwan areas of Doda district. The population of these two far-flung pockets was inflated to 61000 by the staff in the past that enabled the employees to seek much higher food grain supply for ration that is carried to these areas on ponies and head load at a very high rate. Since this had become a controversial issue, the Minister got the population surveyed again which revealed that actual number of rationees is only 20000. Accordingly, the number of rationees has been brought down from earlier 61000 to 20000. It is now established that ration of 41000 rationees was pilfered by many people over the years. This step has effected a saving of Rs. 6.70 crore to the department annually. The department for the first time has been effecting such savings by plugging the loopholes in different areas. The case of Marwah-Warwan has been referred to the Vigilance Department for thorough investigation. The Minister who is monitoring the despatch of ration for Marwah and Warwan rationees personally said that this year the ration for actual rationees has since been sent to the area. The people of the area are satisfied with early despatch of ration. Inheriting an outstanding of Rs. 213 crore towards Food Corporation of India, the department for the first time, has succeeded in clearing liabilities of more than Rs. 100 crore. With the recent payment of Rs. 7 crore to Food Corporation of India, the liabilities have now come down to Rs. 107 crore. This has been done without seeking any additional budgetary support. |
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Ramnagar’s Gitlu,
Doda’s Kud aware people By Nishikant Khajuria JAMMU, Nov 27: Folk song ‘Samaj Mane Di Sar Mein Tera Hirkhi Haan, Kari Gai Aen Khazal Khwar Mein Tera Hirkhi Haan’ ( understand the condition of my heart, I am in love with you; you have rendered me worthless, I am in love with you) and mesmerizing dance performance by Khajoor Singh Thakur on the Gitlu enthralled audience in valedictory function of 11-day exhibition of Jammu’s Heritage in the Jammu University Campus, here today. Kud dance of Bhaderwah, in which Maheshwar Manhas and his party exhibited the traditional folk group dance of the hilly region, was also highly appreciated by the audience. Attired in traditional Dogra dresses, Suresh Manhas, Maheshwar Manhas and other artists performed Kud while dancing on the drum beats. For some moments, it seemed that the rich Dogra culture has revived its glorious past and prevailed on the semi Westernised audience who were fully captivated by the exhibition of their very own alive tradition and culture. Maheshwar Singh and his party presented another folk dance cum song of Doda region in which all sites of the land have been listed and glamourised for their beautiful scenery. Impressed by the performance of artists in presentation of folk dance items, MLA Ramban Mr Chaman Lal, who was witnessing the programme, announced a cash prize of Rs 1000 to the dance party. Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo, who presided over the function, sought to assure that Jammu University and its Heritage Cell would play a leading role in reviving rich cultural heritage of Jammu and Ladakh in particular and the State in general. He announced that the University would provide a proper space for keeping rare artefacts which have been collected by the JU Heritage Cell till construction of a museum. Prof Mattoo also expressed his satisfaction over the success of 11 days long exhibition of Jammu’s heritage and said that Jammu University was fast becoming a focal point and vibrant hub to generate awareness about the heritage. Earlier, on the occasion, SP Traffic Mr S D Singh made presentation of his collection on rock arts. Through slides, he exhibited the rare photographs of art on rocks in the State. Dr Anita Charak Billawaria of University’s Centre for History and Culture of Jammu, Ladakh Region, presented vote of thanks while Dr Shohab Inayat Malik, member of the Heritage Cell, anchored the programme. |
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Appointments in judiciary
challenged Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: In a significant order, the Division Bench of the State High Court, comprising Acting Chief Justice VK Jhanji and Justice YP Nargotra, in a Latters Patent Appeal (LPA), directed Registrar General of the High Court to produce the entire record of the selection for the posts of steno/typists, Junior Assistants and Class-IV category, made in pursuance of the advertisement notice 1998, on the next date of hearing, i.e December 15, 2003. This significant order, written by Justice Jhanji for the Bench, observed that vide advertisement notice number 1 of 1997, dated April 7, 1997 and notice February 24, 1998, posts of the steno/typists/junior assistants and orderlies were advertised and applications from the eligible candidates were invited. It was stated that after the process of selection, select lists of the selected candidates were not published, but individual appointment letters were issued to the persons who found place of the merit list. The appointments of Junior Assistants/orderlies came to be challenged in various writ operations. Some of the petitions were disposed of by directing the Registrar General to take into account everments made in the petitions and also consider the cases of the petitioners. Against this order of the Single Judge, LPAs were filed. Since some of the petitions in which the appointments were challenged, were pending, the same were also directed to be posted alongwith LPAs. All the petitions and the LPAs relating to the appointment of Junior Assistants and orderlies have been clubbed together. In the petitions, very serious allegations regarding the process of the selection have been leveled. Some of the allegations were that the persons who were under-age or over-age have been appointed. It was alleged that fake certificates were produced for seeking the appointment and no proper verification was made at any stage. The allegations were that the select list was not also published. After hearing both the parties, the Bench observed that since the allegations are of very serious nature, the court is of the view that before it makes any opinion on the merit of these cases, it is necessary to look into the records pertaining to the selection in question. With these observations, the DB directed Registrar General to produce the record of appointments on the next date of hearing. |
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Defacement of rocks Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: In a much publicised Public Interest Litigation (PIL) relating to the defacement of rocks on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the Division Bench of the State High Court, comprising Acting Chief Justice VK Jhanji and Justice YP Nargotra today after hearing Advocate Sheikh Shakeel Ahmed appearing for the petitioner and Anil Sethi and Vijay Gupta appearing for Dr KL Gupta and M/s ITC Ltd Kolkata ordered to deposit a sum of rupees 5,000 each as costs for damaging the rocks. On the prayer of the Advocates appearing for the companies, the Division Bench allowed their prayer and set aside the ex-parte order issued on September 19, 2003 with the directions to both the Advocates that they have also undertaken to deposit a sum of rupees 5,000 with Registrar Judicial of the High Court. The DB also issued notice in an application filed by the petitioner Narinder Singh, requesting the High Court to issue directions to Director General ICCI Lucknow or the expert committee for determining the methodology/expected costs of the restoration project. The Bench after hearing Advocates appearing for the PIL and for the respondents who painted the rocks, granted four weeks time for filing rely to the application and also directed the respondents who have not complied with the direction of the Bench passed on September 19, 2003 and directed them to deposit Rs 5,000 each within two weeks, failing which heavy costs would be imposed upon them, the court ordered. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: On fourth day of the ongoing ‘Display Your Talent’ contest by the Department of Students Welfare in Jammu University, Collage making competition was held today. The topics for the contest were ‘Land Scape’, ‘Development Festival’ and ‘Flower Vase’. Sonia Bharti of Department of Physics and Electronic in JU, stood first while Mridula Pargal of MC Khalsa College of Education and Amita Malhotra of Women College Parade got second and third prize, respectively. Anjana of Women College Udhampur, Aurella A Joseph of GCW Gandhi Nagar and Aruna Malhotra of MIER were selected for Certificate of Merit. Vinay Khajuria, Mohd Almansoor and Milan Sharma were judges of the contest in which total 32 students from different colleges and departments in Jammu University, participated. Prof B L Dhar was the incharge of the contest. Prof Devinder Singh, Dean Students Welfare, Dr Pritam Singh, Associate Dean and Vijay Atri supervised the contest. Zulfkar Ahmed, Secretary Students Cultural Council, Nazrana, Arti Mehta and Nidhi Vaid, secretaries, were also present on the occasion. Cartooning competition under ‘Display Your Talent’ contest will be held tomorrow. |
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4 hurt in mishaps; one injured in mine blast Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: Four persons were injured in separate road accidents while as two persons allegedly made attempts to end their lives. Police spokesman said that two persons—Rajinder, son of Mohan Lal of Rajinder Bazar and Amit Sharma, son of Vipan Sharma of Sunderbani were injured in road accidents at Ware House and Bakshi Nagar. Both have been hospitalised and their condition was stated to be critical when reports last came in. In another accidents, two persons—Puran Bhai, wife of Pitamber of Narwal and Sunil Singh, son of Gian Singh of Nagrota received injuries in accidents at Narwal and Indira Chowk. Both have been hospitalised. Meanwhile, two persons—Surat Singh, son of Laxman Singh of Raj Bagh and Puran Chand, son of Daulat Ram of Nokowal allegedly consumed poisonous substance at their respective residence. Both were rushed to hospital when spotted unconscious by family members. Doctors attending on them immediately provided them stomach wash treatment followed by other medicare. Their condition was stated to be critical when reports last came in. One Darshan Singh, son of Mela Ram of Chanana Camp, Arnia received severe injuries in mine blast at Channana Camp under the jurisdiction of Arnia Police Station. He has been hospitalised. |
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Addl strength of 5000 allotted to NCC in J&K: Gupta Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: Union Minister of State for Defence, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta has said that an additional strength of 5000 vacancies has been allotted to NCC in Jammu and Kashmir and most of the vacancies are are meant for border area schools. Prof Gupta was speaking to the NCC cadets at the National Integration camp being held at Nagrota on Jammu-Udhampur national highway today. He pointed out that till last year, the NCC had 15,130 cadets and considering the need of the hour and the situation prevailing here in this militancy hit state, an additional strength of 5000 vacancies have been allotted which will be completely funded by Central Government. These vacancies have been given to the schools and colleges in the border and far flung areas. He also mentioned that now out of the total 20130 cadets, 15670 are boys 4460 are girls from 222 institutions where NCC has been introduced which cover all the 14 districts in the State. The minister lauded the role of NCC in nation building and said that with a modest strength of 1.6 lakhs in 1948, the NCC now stands at approximately 13 lakhs covering 6985 schools and covering 5159 schools, colleges spread across the country being controlled by 765 NCC Units. He asked the cadets to follow the motto of unity and discipline. the minister pointed out that NCC as the unique youth force has always strived to develop character, comradeship, discipline, secular outlook , spirit of adventure and the ideals of selfless service. Expressing his happiness over smart turn out of the cadets representing different parts of India, he emphasised that conduct of such camps is the best way to foster unity between various regions of the State and also the integration between various states of the country. Though militancy has affected the conduct of the NCC activities in the state past, yet for the last couple of years a special thrust is being given to NCC activities in the State. He said it is always an endeavour of the NCC to organise such camps in remote and far flung areas which not only provide the opportunity to cadets from main land to acquaint themselves of the rich socio cultural heritage of these places which form a significant part of our nation. It also inculcates among the local cadets the sense of pride, belongingness and motivation. He complemented various serving and retired officers and eminent professors from the University of Jammu who participated in this camp. Earlier, the minister was received by Dy DG NCC Brig J R Sharma and other staff. He was briefed about the activities going on in the camp. A cultural programme was also organised on this occasion. |
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Tributes
paid to GL Dogra Excelsior Correspondent Jammu Nov 27: Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) S.K. Sinha today said that immediate halt to infiltration from across the border is imperative for realizing the objective of ceasefire on border to give much needed respite to the people of state from violence Speaking at a function organized in connection with the 16th death anniversary of Mr. Girdhari Lal Dogra here today, the Governor welcomed the ceasefire on the border and said that the bold initiative has raised expectations in both the sides. He however, added that this step needed to be followed with other measures necessary for normalization process which includes stopping of abetment to the cult of violence in Jammu and Kashmir from across the border. Mr. Sinha expressed optimism about peace heralding the state and an end to the senseless killing of innocent people. Peace, he said, is key to progress and prosperity of the people of this region. The Governor garlanded the statute of Mr. Dogra and recalled his services to Jammu and Kashmir. He said Mr. Dogra fought for the rights of poor and down trodden and is credited to have taken several revolutionary measures including the land reforms. He said Mr. Dogra with his administrative and political capabilities proved the Britishers wrong that agitators can not be good administrators. Paying rich tributes to Mr. Dogra, the Deputy Chief Minister threw light on his life and said that Mr. Dogra was a self-made person with clear vision. He said he was a true Ghandhian and always fought for rights of the under privileged classes. Mr. Dogra was a true secularist who strengthened the democratic fabric and was among the top stalwarts of the state, believing in unity in diversity, he added. Mr Dogra was the only leader of the state who remained the Finance Minister for 26 years and won all the 6 elections he fought besides winning parliamentary elections twice with thumping majority. His contribution for the development of the state would be scripted in golden letters in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. Welcoming the cease-fire on LoC, Mr. Sharma hoped that good sense will prevail on Pakistan and infiltration will come to an end. He expressed optimism that under the able guidance of Governor, the state would march ahead towards peace and prosperity. He said the Governor’s vision for creating adequate infrastructure at Amarnath Shrine and improving it further for Vaishno Devi Shrine would lead to greater influx of pilgrims to the state. He said according to the plan drawn up, the number of Amarnath pilgrims is likely to go upto 5 lakh. Power Minister Mr. Mohammad Sharief Niaz described Mr. Dogra as a symbol of secularism and said that the best way to pay tribute to him would be to follow his ideals. Minister of State for Rural Development Ch. Ghuru Ram, S. Rangil Singh, Mohammad Ayub Khan, R. S. Chib, Prem Sagar Aziz, Khem Lata Wakhloo, Farida Muneer, S. Prudhaman Singh, Girdhari Lal Chalotra, Dr. Manohar Lal, Ashwani Kumar, Mr. Dharam Paul and Ram Dass also paid rich tributes to Dogra describing him as man of masses and a messiah of poor and down trodden and said that best way to pay tributes to great leader would be to follow his foot steps and work for unity and integrity of the state. The function organized by G.L. Dogra Trust was attended by a large gathering including prominent citizens and followers of Mr. Dogra. Meanwhile the J&K Pradesh Congress Seva Dal organized a function on the death anniversary of former Minister Girdhari Lal Dogra here today. The function was chaired by Mr Subash Gupta, the state chairman of the Seva Dal in which rich tributes were paid to late leader. The speakers on the occasion recalled his services to the people of the state. |
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People living near LoC celebrate
Eid SRINAGAR, Nov 27: For the first time in the last 15 years, villagers living near the Line of Control in north Kashmir celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr without fear of Pakistani shells and gunfire following the ceasefire between the two neighbours. The villages in the border sectors of Uri, Gurez, Teetwal in Baramulla district and Keran, Karnah, Tangdar, Machil and Nowgam in Kupwara district witnessed Eid festivities in a big way yesterday as locals ventured out without fear of being caught in the cross-border shelling which was routine since the eruption of militancy in the State. The announcement of the ceasefire on the eve of Eid brightened the festivities this year. People offered special prayers in large numbers and celebrated the festival with great pomp for the first time since the hostilities between the two neighbouring countries began. The jubilant people described the ceasefire on the Eid day as "a gift". "It is a pleasant gift by the two Governments to the inhabitants of the border villages," Hussain Din, a school teacher of Kamalkote village, said. Hoping that the ceasefire would last long and the two nations would emerge as "friends", Din said "for the first time we have seen bulbs lighting our homes after dusk. Otherwise we have to put off our lights and take shelter in the safety bunkers to save our skin from the incoming shells." "We see the ceasefire as a new begining in the relations between India and Pakistan," he said. Din said his village, the worst hit by cross-border shelling, saw for the first time children playing in the open field. "Shelling has turned our lives into a living hell. Parents were not allowing their children outside their homes in view of the fear even on Eid days. But this time, they themselves took their wards to play in the open." Din was hopeful that enrollment in his school would increase manifold and those already enrolled would turn up in good numbers. "Shelling is a major obstacle in the smooth functioning of the school. Children are not turning up and those who are regular have to abandon their studies in the wake of booming of guns," he said, adding "at times, we have to close the school for days together which badly affect the studies of the children." Manzoor Ahmad, a medical student in Srinagar hailing from Uri, said the announcement came as a pleasant surprise to him. "We have been falling pray to shelling over the years and the latest development in the Indo-Pak relations has been a major relief to me." "My parents were not allowing me to visit the residence in view of the fear of shelling. I also used to remain worried al the time about the safety of my family backhome," he said and hoped that the situation would improve in future. A businessman, Mohammad Amin Chalkoo, termed the ceasefire as "great news" which proved as a big relief to the people. "If the ceasefire continues, the business is going to flourish as the friendly relations between the two countries will lead to the reopening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road," he added. (PTI) |
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4-day workshop concludes Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: Eighteen short stories in Dogri language were translated into English at the 4-day translation workshop, which concluded here this evening. Organised by the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi in collaboration with the P-G Department of Dogri, Jammu University, the workshop proved beneficial as it would open up Dogri literature to wider English readership and the Dogri writers get a better exposure. The renowned Dogri writers whose short stories were taken up for translation included: Ram Nath Shastri, Madan Mohan, N D Jamwal, Lalit Magotra, Champa Sharma, Om Goswami, Manoj Sharma, Chattrapal, Bandhu Sharma, BP Sathe, Chaman Arora, Sudesh Raj, Nirmal Vikram, Krishana Sharma Prem, Tara Danpuri, Ved Rahi, Narendra Khajuria. Those who actively participated in the workshop were : Nilamber Dev Sharma, O P Sharma, Dr Sucheta Pathania, Dr Satnam Kour, Dr Kiran Bakshi, Dr SP Srivatsa, Darshan Darshi ( DK Vaid), Rita Jatendra, Dr Alka Bakshi, Dr Shashi Pathania, Madan Padha, Abhishap, Dr Posh Charak, Dr Champa Sharma, Anupama Vohra, RP Sharma, RK Bharti, Dr Zahur-ud-Din. In four different groups, the experts translated the short stories after threadbare discussions and deliberations during the workshop. Prof Lalit Magotra was the convenor of this first-ever workshop on translation of short stories in Dogri into English. Prof Veena Gupta, Head of Dogri Department, who was the director of the workshop expressed satisfaction over the quality of work done during the workshop. She thanked the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi for organising this workshop and stressed that more such literary activites should be carried out for Dogri language. Prof Lalit Magotra, co-ordinator of the workshop, said that translation of Dogri literature into English and other important languages would further project our writers and promote Dogri. Renu Mohan Bhan, Deputy Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, while expressing her satisfaction over the success of the workshop and said that the Akademi would organise more such programmes for enrichment of Dogri language and literature. |
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NC’s concern over rising unemployment among youth Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: "National Conference has expressed concern over rise in unemployment resulting into frustration among the common youth", said Mr Ajay Sadhotra, provincial president of the NC while addressing a public meeting at Bishnah, organised by Mr Ganga Singh, block president. Mr Sadhotra said State Government has adopted anti-youth policy which has resulted in alienation of common youth. He said coalition partners have made tall claims of providing employment to youth and after one year net result in this front is zero. He added that people have fed up with the Government and there was a strong wave of change. He asked the workers to unite under the leadership of Mr Omar Abdullah as NC is committed to fight for cause of the youth. The large scale participation of people to expressed their anger against Government on November 12 has been appreciated by one and all, he added. Prominent among those who spoke on the occasion were Rachpal Singh MLA, Ch Piara Singh ex-MLA, Depinder Kour MLC, Bimla Luthra ex-MLA, S N Manyal, Sanjiv Bhagat, Kamal Arora, Sangram Singh, Narain Dutt and Sham Lal. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: A meeting of All India Confederation of SC/ST Organizations, J&K unit was held under the presidentship of R K Kalsotra. Addressing the meeting the members said only ray of hope for the depressed and exploited SC/ST/OBC communities was the reservation of posts in Government departments but it was astonishing that neither the previous regime nor present coalition Government was paying any attention towards the rights of these communities. The members urged the present Government to introduce and enact the ‘Reservation Bill’ in the ensuing Assembly session. Confederation president appealed to all SC/ST/OBC communities to participate in the ‘SC/ST/OBC Rights Conference’ being organized on December 7 at Abhinav Theatre from 2 pm to 5 pm in which the Chief Minister has been requested to be the chief guest and all ministers belonging to SC/ST/OBC communities as guests of honour. A decision was taken in the meeting to participate in the rally of All India Confederation of of SC/ST Organisations being organised at New Delhi on December 14 which is to be addressed by National Chairman Udit Raj. Prominent among those who attended the meeting included Ch Mohammad Abdullah, Ch Mohd Anwar, R L Kaith, Prof Khadim Hussain Khattana, Romesh Kumar Kaith, Romesh Chand, Zuber Ahmed, Ch Roshan Din, Kam Raj Kailla, Darshan Bhagat, Tarsem Hans Abdul Aziz and Garu Gill. |
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‘Peace imperative for socio-economic development’ Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Nov 27: Saying that peace is imperative for socio-economic development and prosperity of the state, the Minister of State for Tourism, Ghulam Ahmed Mir has called upon the countrymen to contribute their mite in creating peaceful atmosphere in militancy hit state of Jammu and Kashmir. The Minister was addressing a group of about 400 pilgrim tourists of Maharashtra the other day at world famous health resort, Patnitop. The pilgrim tourists had come here through a NGO viz Purnawal Nari Forum for attending spiritual congregation at Katra. The group after completing their religious obligations had also darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi. Mr Mir had one- to-one interaction with the pilgrim tourists and apprised him with their opinion with regard to the changed situation in the State. He hoped that their visit to the State will send a positive and healthy signal across the country and a good chunk of tourists would visit the J&K, which will prove helpful in boosting its economy. He said on their return their respective destinations they should present the changed situation in right perspective rather than going by the media reports as a semblance of peace has dawned in the State. He also asked tourists to visit the Valley next summer. The Minister appreciated the efforts of the Tourism department who took keen interest in motivating the conventional tourists to visit the picturesque Patnitop and enjoy natures beauty. |
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MARC holds technical session of plumbers Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: MARC Sanitation Pvt Limited organized a plumbers technical session here today. The company on the occasion provided detailed information to plumbers about its products. The information was given to the plumbers during the session by the Company Executive Sanjay Mattoo and Ashwani Dixit. They said that the company under the name of MARC since 1994 has achieved the high place in the market and its products are being used by the consumers with pride. On the occasion two new series have also been launched. The gathering was also informed that the technical staff of the company is taking proper care of the sale products in the market for the best satisfaction of the customers so that there should be no complaint against any of its products. The technical session among others was also attended by Manoj Gupta, Rahul Gupta and Atul Gupta. Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: Executive Committee of the Kashmiri Pandit Sabha Ambphalla in a meeting has welcomed the cease fire declaration by Pakistan on International Border and LOC. The meeting said this is the first serious attempt in this direction to normalize the relations between the people of India and Pakistan. The Sabha chief Triloki Nath Khosa expressed the hope that the step will go a long way in bringing great consolation to the one and half billion people living in the Sub Continent who are longing for the peace over the years. He said the decision will immediately give relief to people living on borders of the two countries. He expressed the hope that Pakistan will be serious this time. The meeting also demanded that the Kashmiri Pandits who are the worst sufferers should be a Party to the negotiations whenever they take place. Consumer Column By Avtar Bhat With the sudden hike in power tariff the Government has added to the woes of hapless people in this militancy affected state. The decision will put an additional economic burden on the people of this border state who are already facing economic pressure and many hardships. Especially the people belonging to lower and marginal income group will be the worse sufferers of this unpopular decision. They will not be in a position to pay the power tariff that has been increased by three fold by the Government which boasts of bringing a see change in the state through its much talked about healing touch policy. The people had much expectations with the new Government which soon after coming to power last year had assured to make the power supply position better in the state . And it took a number of decisions in this regard as well so the expectations of the people had increased with the new political dispensation. But much to the chagrin of the masses with the reduction of power curtailment from five hours that was during the previous regime to four hours, the Government put an extra burden on the masses after making an exhorbitant hike in power tariff within a go . The decision has generated a lot of resentment among the people who have to pay the power bills at a very high rate now. As per the Government notification it has been mentioned that the increase in power tariff was necessitated as there has been no change in the rate since 1999. By hiking the power tariff from Rs 50 to 140 for half kw load under the new slab and so on is not justiciable as this way the people using the electricity for domestic purpose have to pay the charges more by over 200 percent . A consumer who was till recently paying Rs 50 has to pay thrice of the amount now. As per the new Government notification the tariff slab has been fixed at Rs 50, 100, 225, 390, 500 and 774 for 250, 350, 750, 1000, 1500 and 2000 watts respectively. However, those consumers having a load of above 2000 watts have to pay Rs 774 plus Rs 317 for every half kw additional load or part there of per month, the notification reads. The argument made by the Government in defence of tariff can be justiciable but at the same time a system needs to be evolved on the basis of which the rate can be fixed. Instead of putting a sudden burden on the hapless people, it would have been better to make a moderate hike in electricity charges to which the people would have shown a willingness to pay. But by making a three fold increase in power tariff it appears that the Government was trying to bring the Department out of the loss incurred on it by offering the power subsidy to masses over the years for the political reasons. So increasing the power tariff in a huff can not be termed a wise decision as it is slated to put the hapless people of the state especially belonging to lower income groups to many hardships as they will not be in a position to pay the same comparatively at a very high rate. Under the new rate the consumer paying the power tariff at the rate of Rs 50 for half kw has to pay Rs 140 as per the new tariff slab. Likewise a consumer who was paying Rs 120 for one kw load in the previous rate has to pay Rs 390 under the new slab. Moreover by making a sudden hike in the power tariff the Government was making the people a scape goat for the wrong policies made over the years in the power sector. This way the Government which had over the years failed to make a coherent policy has now forced the people to pay through the nose by bearing the exhorbitant charges for the electricity consumed by them for the domestic use. So the public outcry against the decision is natural as the people with a marginal income of few four to five thousand rupees can hardly bear the power tariff at the rate Rs 140 or more for a month. Keeping the larger interests of the masses in view the Government before enforcing the decision should announce a relief for the people by decreasing the tariff rate to such an extent which can be affordable for a common man as well. B Ed students protest seeking NCTE approval to degree Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: Seeking NCTE (National Council of Teaching Education) approval to B Ed degree of Jammu University, non State students of JU affiliated private B Ed colleges today held a demonstration on the University Campus. They were holding banners and raising slogans in favour of their demand. The students assembled near the Central Library and demonstrated there. They also took out a procession on the Campus. Later a delegation of the protesting students met the Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo and apprised him of their problem with the JU degree which is not recognised by NCTE. They explained Prof Mattoo that following Rajasthan Government’s refusal to accept validity of non NCTE approved degree, there was no fun of continuing their B Ed course from JU affiliated colleges whose degree has been recognised by University grant Commission (UGC) only. The students demanded that either JU degree of B Ed should be got recognised by National Council of Teaching Education (NCTE) or their admission be refunded. The Vice-Chancellor gave a patient hearing to the deputation and assured that necessary action would be taken for safeguarding their future. Meanwhile, the students of different colleges of education formed All B Ed College Students Union and elected Mr Raj Narayan Mishra as the president. The body was constituted to effectively highlight problems and demands of the B Ed students. |
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