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| ‘Bhoomi Pujan’ for ‘Ati Maha Vishnu Yagna’ performed at Tawi Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: Sant Shri Balak Yogeshwar Dass Ji Maharaj of Badrinath Dham performed Bhoomi Poojan today at Surajputri Tawishi, Panjtirthi where Ati Maha Vishnu Yagna is being performed from October 27 to November 10.....more Chowkidar
commits Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: A Chowkidar committed suicide by hanging himself in the premises of Indo-Japan Rubbers factory under the jurisdiction.........more Purchase
of pipes worth crores by PHE Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: In a purchase of pipes worth crores of rupees by Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department, the State High Court has stayed the supply order, as the same was against the Industrial Policy of Jammu and Kashmir.......more Symposium
on violence Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Oct 10: Female senior students of Degree colleges and schools of Kathua town forcefully expressed their views on the topic—‘Samaj Mein Kamzor Varg Aurat Ki Suraksha.......more Court
rejects bail in Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Oct 10: Munsiff Judicial Magistrate First Class Udhampur Ms Archana Charak has rejected a bail application of an accused involved in abduction and rape of a woman..........more |
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Mufti
approves township Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 10: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today approved an ambitious and integrated Rs 33 crore project for construction of a cluster of 300 houses for migrants at Sheikhpora in Budgam district at a high level meeting held here this morning..........more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: Three houses were damaged in unabated shelling by Pakistan army in Nowshera sector in Rajouri district today while a Special Police Officer (SPO) was injured in an encounter with the militants........more Rs 47 cr
envisaged Excelsior Correspondent Kathua, Oct 10: The annual district plan of Kathua district has been envisaged to the tune of Rs. 47.43 crore for the current financial year. Out of which Rs. 15.83 crore is capital component while Rs. 31.20 crore as Revenue component. An amount of Rs. 1811.49 lakhs has been released out of which an amount of Rs. 1491.23 lakh has been spent by ending September 2003. This includes Rs. 184.13 lakh as capital component..........more Panchayat
Adalats Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Oct 10: The Minister for Rural Development, Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed today convened a high level meeting...........more |
‘Bhoomi Pujan’ for ‘Ati
Maha Vishnu Yagna’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: Sant Shri Balak Yogeshwar Dass Ji Maharaj of Badrinath Dham performed Bhoomi Poojan today at Surajputri Tawishi, Panjtirthi where Ati Maha Vishnu Yagna is being performed from October 27 to November 10. Amidst chanting of ‘Shlokas’ from ancient ‘Vedas’, the learnt Pandits performed Poojan at the Tawi where the work for the construction of grand ‘Pandal’ for the Yagna is going on at war-footings by the devotees. After completion of ‘Bhoomi Pujan’ ceremony, flag hoisting ceremony of ‘Shri Hanumanji’ was also erected at the main site of the Yagna. A large number of people from Jammu, Samba and other areas participated in the function. Earlier, Sant Shri Balak Yogeshwar Dassji Maharaj was accorded warm reception by their disciples at Samba around 8 am in the morning. From there the procession left for Jammu. At Shri Raghunath temple here, the Organising Committee and the members of Ram Raj Nar Narayan Sewa-ashram Trust accorded rousing reception to the young Saint and after offering prayers there, the followers of the young Saint and other people in general, took out a procession in the old city and after passing through various main city markets arrived at the bank of river Tawi at Panjtirthi which is the site selected for performing this grand Yagna of this Century. According to president of the Trust, Suresh Sharma there will be 1296 Havan kund for the performing Yagna. There will be reciting of Twenty four crore ‘Gayatri Mantras’, 1200 Shri Ram Charit Manas Path, 1600 ‘Shri Mad Bhagwat Puran’, four Vedas, six Shastras Path by the learnt Pandits and Yogis. A large number of Saints, Yogis from various parts of the country will be participating in this grand religious congregation in the city of temples. |
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Chowkidar commits suicide by hanging himself Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: A Chowkidar committed suicide by hanging himself in the premises of Indo-Japan Rubbers factory under the jurisdiction of Gangyal Police Station this morning. Police spokesman said that the Chowkidar—Piara Lal of Trewa was looking after the closed factory for the past several years and today police received information that he had committed suicide by hanging himself. A police team from Gangyal immediately rushed to the spot and shifted the body to Government Medical College Hospital for post-mortem. The condition of the body depicted that he committed suicide only in the morning. It could not be ascertained as to what prompted him to take this extreme step. Police has registered a case in this connection and started investigation to ascertain the cause behind this extreme step. Meanwhile, an unidentified boy of a male was recovered from Dara-Ki-Gali under the jurisdiction of Thanamandi Police Station. Police has initiated proceedings under Section 174 RPC. A police constable Mohd Saleem, who received severe injuries in road accident at Gurdaspur on September 25 and was undergoing treatment in Government Medical College Hospital Jammu, succumbed to his injuries today. Two persons—Kuldeep Raj, son of Prem Chand of Godhan in Akhnoor tehsil and Jai Bharti, daughter of Romesh Chand of Rajpura allegedly consumed poisonous substance at their respective residence. They were rushed to hospital when spotted unconscious by family members. Doctors attending on them immediately provided them stomach treatment followed by other medicare. Their condition was stated to be out of danger. It could not be ascertained as to whether they intentionally consumed poison or swallowed the same mistakenly. Meanwhile, Jagdev Chand, son of Punjab Chand of Subash Nagar died of severe burn injuries he had sustained reportedly in accidental fire at his residence. |
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Purchase
of pipes worth crores by PHE Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: In a purchase of pipes worth crores of rupees by Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department, the State High Court has stayed the supply order, as the same was against the Industrial Policy of Jammu and Kashmir. The order was passed by Justice SK Gupta of the State High Court in a writ petition filed by M/S Small Scale Industrial Units, who are engaged in the manufacturing of galvanized steel pipes. The Court while admitting the petition, issued notices to State Government through Commissioner PHE, Chief Engineer PHE and others for filling objections. While staying the order issued by PHE Department to six Delhi and Punjab based firms, Justice Gupta observed that Senior Advocate AV Gupta appearing for the petitioners (M/S Samrat Ferro Alloys Private Limited) and another, submitted that State-respondent have neither followed the Industrial Policy nor invited tenders and also not assisted the petitioners while entering into negotiations with outside firms and further supply orders have been issued in violation of the State Industrial Policy. It was mentioned that a circular was issued by the Government on June 15, 2000, whereby orders were issued that a local registered SSI unit who is on rate contract with DGS&S, DGOA, NSIC etc. for a particular item needed by the Government, shall be asked to provide items and Government shall purchase the items from such SSI units without inviting tenders. It was alleged that PHE Department has violated the Industrial Policy by issuing supply order to the firms outside the State. The petitioners prayed for quashing the supply order issued by PHE Department on September 17, 2003, which were stayed by the High Court |
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Symposium on violence against women organised Excelsior Correspondent KATHUA, Oct 10: Female senior students of Degree colleges and schools of Kathua town forcefully expressed their views on the topic—‘Samaj Mein Kamzor Varg Aurat Ki Suraksha—Police Se Umeedein’ at Police Training School here today. The programme was a part of celebrations of Police Community Induction Week for Freshers. Prof Vishav Raksha of Department of Sociology of Jammu University who was specially invited to the programme spoke on the gender discrimination existing in the society and the inferior status that women are placed in. She focused on the factors leading to the present position of women in the society. The expectations of women from police range from protecting them from various atrocities they face and also to be friendly and cooperative to the women. Various ugly incidents that take place with the women in police stations tarnish the image of police. She emphasized the need of police—public interaction and the immense need for awareness and knowledge of various laws on part of women. Director S K Police Academy Udhampur, Mr S S Bijral (IGP) also spoke on the subject. She stressed the need of great awareness among the women. The women should attain good education and come out boldly for meeting the challenges. Twenty eight students participated in this symposium and expressed their views on various problems being faced by the women in the society. They also threw light on the role of police and raised some hard facts of the present scenario. Most of them referred to the much publicised Madhumita murder case and mentioned that guilty should not go scot free even if he is a minister or a top bureaucrat. Ist prize was bagged by Ms Geetanjli of Rainbow Modern Hr Sec School and Ms Rakhi Bhardwaj of Cosmic Heart School Kathua jointly, Ms Harvinder Kour of Govt Hr Sec School Kathua bagged 2nd and third prize was shared by Ms Abhilasha Sharma of Degree College Kathua and Ms Jyoti Kapoor of Rainbow school. |
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Court rejects bail in rape, abduction case Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Oct 10: Munsiff Judicial Magistrate First Class Udhampur Ms Archana Charak has rejected a bail application of an accused involved in abduction and rape of a woman. The Judge while rejecting the bail application, observed that if at this stage the accused is admitted to bail, it will send wrong signals to the society and adversely affect the confidence of woman-folk in the judicial system of the country. " The act of granting bail to the accused at this stage will further boost the morale of other accused who have succeeded in evading the arrest so far", Ms Charak held. The Judge held that in the present case a heinous offence has been committed and any person involved in such crime doesn’t deserve any sympathy at the hands of the court. " Thus in the interest of justice, society and women-folk, the bail in hand is rejected", it was ordered. According to the case, the prosecutrix Gulzara Begum of Batal Balian Udhampur had presented a complaint before the police with the endorsement of CJM Udhampur with allegations that she wars abducted forcibly from the village six months back by Majid, Mian, Hamid Sheda and others and taken to different places. She was kept in illegal confinement and also raped against her will. While other accused have not been so far arrested, Mian has been arrested. Mian had accordingly filed bail application, which was rejected by the court. |
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Mufti approves township for migrants at Sheikhpora Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 10: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today approved an ambitious and integrated Rs 33 crore project for construction of a cluster of 300 houses for migrants at Sheikhpora in Budgam district at a high level meeting held here this morning. The township spreading over 92 kanals envisages construction of 300 two-bedroom tenements, with 12 sets in each of the 25 blocks in the 3-storeyed complex. It will have a high school, hospital, community hall, shop line, temple, electric sub-station, sewerage plant, car parking lot, overhead water tank, well developed internal roads, children’s play field, green areas and other such common facilities. The cost of each two-bedroom set with kitchen, bathroom, lobby, etc would be around Rs 9.60 lakh. The Chief Minister ordered that the work on the project should be taken up immediately and the complex should have a touch of local architecture by going in for brick walls instead of concrete. Mufti Sayeed said that priority should be given for allotment of dwelling units in the complex to those who are putting up in migrant camps at Jammu, Udhampur and Delhi and are willing to come back to the valley. He said half of the construction activity should be taken up by the JKPCC, the executing agency for the project, while open tenders must be issued for some of the blocks to make it competitive. Meanwhile, the custodian department has prepared a project for construction of a convention centre at Pirbagh here. Spreading over 13 kanals it would be on the pattern of SKICC though on a smaller scale. It will have a 700-seater conference hall with two multipurpose halls, 35 guestrooms, exhibition halls, main lobby, informal meeting place, 4 VIP lounges, services and catering blocks. The Chief Minister, who was given a presentation of the project at the meeting, directed that more facilities be conceived in the project to make it futuristic. Mufti Sayeed also directed that the project prepared by the custodian department for construction of a shopping mall at Hyderpora be formulated for the entire 40 kanals of land stretch with a provision for a multiplex on the lines one being constructed by Srinagar Development Authority at old SRTC yard here. Minister for Revenue Hakim Mohammad Yasin, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister M. I. Khandey, Commissioner/Secretary R&B Pramod Jain, Secretary Revenue Mumtaz Afzal and other senior officers were also present. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: Three houses were damaged in unabated shelling by Pakistan army in Nowshera sector in Rajouri district today while a Special Police Officer (SPO) was injured in an encounter with the militants. Reports said that Pakistan army fired mortar shells targetting civilian locations in Kalsian in Nowshera sector this morning. Three houses belonging to Jia Lal, Hari Dass and Rajinder Kumar were damaged in the shelling. However, no casualties were reported in shelling which was replied by the troops. Meanwhile, SPO Mohd Rafiq was injured in an encounter with the militants at Dhar Chak in Gandoh area in Doda this morning. He has been hospitalised. Army and police destroyed a hideout of the militants at Lower Tipper near Dara Sangla, Surankote in Poonch district. Recoveries made from the hideout included five Chinese grenades, one RPG, one UBGL, three detonators, 75 litres kerosene oil, one plywood sheet and 30 pencil cells. However, no arrests were made from the hideout. |
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Rs 47 cr envisaged in Kathua plan Excelsior Correspondent Kathua, Oct 10: The annual district plan of Kathua district has been envisaged to the tune of Rs. 47.43 crore for the current financial year. Out of which Rs. 15.83 crore is capital component while Rs. 31.20 crore as Revenue component. An amount of Rs. 1811.49 lakhs has been released out of which an amount of Rs. 1491.23 lakh has been spent by ending September 2003. This includes Rs. 184.13 lakh as capital component. The plan was formally discussed at a meeting of District Development Board here today. The meeting was presided over by Minister for Education, Mr. Harshdev Singh who is also the Chairman of district Development Board, Kathua. Among others, MLA, Kathua, Mr. Babu Singh, MLA, Bani, Prem Sagar Aziz, MLA, Billawar, Manohar Lal and MLA, Hiranagar, Girdhari Lal, Vice Chairman, Gujjar and Bakerwal Advisory Board, Haji Buland Khan, heads of various departmental and officers attended the meeting. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Harsh Dev Singh urged upon the officers to mitigate the problems of the public with honesty and dedication and works should be executed on priority basis. He appreciated the working of local legislators who projected their demands with great patience and spirit of public service. The Minister asked the authorities to identify the sites for opening new schools and EGS centres in the district. Reacting to the demands of the MLAs for increasing the ceilings for the district, the Minister said that the matter would be taken up with the Planning Department for additionality at the earliest. MLA, Hiranagar, Girdhari Lal in his address demanded the setting up of Degree College at Hiranagar. He also urged the chairman to upgrade various schools and to provide adequate staff. He also demanded for construction of buildings of ISM centres. MLA, Bani, Prem Sagar Aziz showed dis-satisfaction over the lack of road links and drinking water facilities and non-availability of doctors in the sub-district Hospital, Bani. He also demanded the re-establishment of various offices to Lohai-Malhar which were shifted due to militancy. He also demanded for setting up of more Anganwari centres. MLA, Billawar, Manohar Lal Sharma strongly projected his long pending demand of Degree College at Billawar. He also demanded more funds under R&B for Billawar. The Minister assured the MLA that the setting up of Degree College at Billawar will be discussed with the centre shortly. The MLA, Billawar demanded more 100 Anganwari centres for Billawar constituency. MLA, Kathua, Babu Singh demanded immediate solution of drinking water problems in the Kandi areas of Kathua. He also demanded special package for the development of Kathua town. Mr. Babu Singh also demanded renovation of Rawi-Tawi Canal at the earliest. Haji Buland Khan, Vice Chairman, Gujjar and Bakerwal Advisory Board pointed out the non-functioning of public schools and lack of Urdu teachers in the schools. He demanded that EGS centres should be opened in scheduled tribe basties. |
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Panchayat Adalats to be
constituted within Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Oct 10: The Minister for Rural Development, Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed today convened a high level meeting to review the development process and preparation of forthcoming Panchayat elections in Jammu division. The Minister of State for Rural Development, Ch. Gharu Ram was also present. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Peerzada said that Panchayat play a pivotal role in a democratic system of society and help in mobilizing the public opinion for betterment of the living conditions of the people. He said Panchayats are in reality the basic units of democracy and all other such institutions have to function on their pattern. Mr. Peerzada said that the elections for Panchs and Sarpanchs in the left over Panchayats of the region would be conducted in due course of time. He asked the people to elect most deserving candidates for the post of Sarpanchs so that the process of development and dispensation of justice at the grass root level could be streamlined in a better way. Mr. Peerzada said that the dedicated and honest functionaries especially working in the field would be properly encouraged and those found indulging in malpractices would be penalized. The Minister of State for Rural Development while reiterating the resolve of coalition government to provide basic amenities of life to the people of rural areas said that the roads, lanes, drains and other development infrastructure are being provided in all the villages of the state on priority basis. He asked the concerned officers to prepare comprehensive plan for conducting Panchayat elections in left over halqas. The Minister said that each Panchayat Ghar would shortly be equipped with sign board depicting detail of works being executed in it. He said that Sarpanchs should have knowledge of full statistics of their respective Panchayat. He also disclosed that Panchayat Adalat should also start functioning within a weeks time. There are 594 vacant seats of Panches and Sarpanchs in different panchayats for which, the election would be held in December this year, he added. The Minister also disclosed that the officers of the department would be sent for Panchayat training in different states of the country to improve the functioning of the department. |
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Gulmarg periphery being developed as resorts: Mir Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 10: The periphery of the world-famous hill resort Gulmarg would be developed as tourist attraction in a big way to enable nature lovers enjoy the depths of scenic splendour bestowed on Kashmir valley. Housing, Urban Development and Tourism Minister, Gh. Hassan Mir today said the peripheral villages of the famous meadow resort like Baderkoot, Gagaldara, Rangawali, Toshamiadan and Dardpora would be developed and adequate infrastructure created for the visiting people. The Minister was addressing a public meeting at Baderkoot, near Tangmarg. He said these measures would not only increase the sate income but would also open up new employment avenues in tourist sector for the locals of the area. Besides, development of tourist infrastructure in J&K, Mr. Mir said the pilgrim and heritage tourism is also being given due attention. He said the centre has already released Rs.6.69 crore during current financial year for development of Shri Amarnath Ji, Mattan, Kheerbhawani, Baba-Reshi, Khanqa-i-Molla, Pathan Masjid, Aish Muqam, Jamai Masjid and Katra. This will upgrade the infrastructural facilities in these places, the Minister added. Referring to the development of remote areas, the Minister said that the coalition government is committed to provide economic and social justice to all sections of the state. The massive mandate given by people to the present government would be utilized for integrated and balanced development of the three regions of the state, he said. About the development of Tangmarg area, the Minister said that an Industrial Estate, spread on 80 kanals of land, is being established at Dobiwan and 100 kanal of land have been acquired for opening of Kenderia Vidyallia at Kazipora. He announced upgrading of central school Baderkoot to Middle level and 1st Aid Centre to Allopathic dispensary. He also announced that 150 Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers would be appointed in Tangmarg Assembly segment, this will enable all the graduates of the area to get jobs he added. Responding to the demand for provision of relief to the people whose crops were damaged due to drought, the Minister gave on the spot instructions to Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla for immediately assessing the loss so that the relief could be arranged by the government. The MLA, Sangrama, Dr. Gh. Nabi Lone also addressed the public meeting. Later, the Minister alongwith MLA, Sangrama visited on foot remote tribal village Rangawali, interacted with the people and took stock of their problems. The Minister assured that the government is seized of their problems and effective measures would be taken to improve their economic and social condition. The Minister also inspected the food store at Baderkoot and stressed for provision of quality food grains to the people. |
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Veeri visits Muthi migrant camp Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Oct 10: Minister of State for Education, Abdul Rehman Veeri has said that the government is well aware of the problems and difficulties being faced by the Kashmiri Pandits putting up in different camps for the last 13 years. The Minister was addressing the migrant families staying in migrant camp at Muthi today. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Veeri reiterated the resolve of the government to mitigate the sufferings of the Kashmiri Pandits who for the last many years are facing hardship .The Minister said that situation has now become quite different as since the present government has taken over the normalcy is returning swiftly. Mr. Veeri made it clear that on the one hand government is tackling the situation and developing the religious places on the other steps have been initiated for the development of Khir Bhawani He assured the migrants for their early return to valley with honour and dignity. Referring to the demand of single room accommodation provided to the migrants, Minister said that efforts would be made to provide two rooms accommodation with one kitchen and a bathroom for the migrants. With regard to library and laboratory and provision of playground in the existing school, the Minister asked the concerned officers to initiate the steps to provide these facilities to the student community of these families. Referring to the development works, the minister said that present government has done a lot for the people with in a shortest span of time which could not be done by the previous government during last two decades. The Minister asked the Relief Commissioner, officers of PHE, and PDD to initiate the necessary steps to concede the genuine demands of the migrants. The Minister stressed upon the PHE and PDD functionaries to provide adequate drinking water and electricity to the migrants camps. |
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3-day yoga conference being held at Jammu Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: A three-day international conference on yoga is being organised by the Yoga Centre, University of Jammu. Scheduled to be held on November 13 to 15 at Jammu, it will be inaugurated by the Governor, Lt Gen (retd) S K Sinha and number of leading yoga experts from across the globe are expected to participate in it. The main theme of it will be "Dimensions of Mental, Spiritual and Physical Health- Yogic . Its objective is to send message of peace, harmony and unity through yoga. Dr D L Choudhary, Director, Yoga Centre, JU, informed that the about 200 delegates are expected to attend and participants will deliberate on various aspects of the yoga for development of physical, mental and spiritual health of the humanity. Among the notables who are expected to participate include: Dr Pranav Pandaya, Chancellor Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar, Swami Ram Piaraji from Amritsar, Padam Shri Bharat Bhusahn, president, World Yoga Organisation, Saharanpur, Jaya Parkash Surya Foundation, New Delhi, OP Tiwari from Kaivalyadharma, Lonavla, JC Dumeria, Delhi. Dr Arun Khodaskar from Banglore, Anirudh Kumar Sarangi. Some foreign delegates are also slated to be present. Besides, a number of dignitaries from the Central and State Government are also to take part in it. Swami Girjeshananda, secretary, Rama Krishana Mission. Sant Mangit Singhji and Swami Paul, founder Director of Meditation Homes. It is proposed to hold an exhibition pertaining to environment, naturopathy and yoga literature and yoga equipment. A souvenir containing articles on various aspects of yoga is being put out. It is proposed to hold proceeding of the conference for one day at Patni Top, a picturesque spot of Jammu. It will be presided over by Mr Amitabh Mattoo, Vice Chancellor, Jammu University. |
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PSUs employees demand COLA before Diwali Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: All Public Sector Employees Joint Action Committee was held a meeting held at Srinagar under chairmanship of Mr Suresh Sharma. Various trade union leaders attended it. Mr Sharma, while addressing the executive body expressed great anguish and surprise that inspite of repeated assurances the Government has miserably failed to mitigate the hardships of the PSU employees. It was pointed out that COLA has not been released for the past three years and the employees are feeling pinch of sky rocketing prices. The delay in release of COLA has shaken the faith of the employees in the present Government, he said. Mr Sharma has warned that the present regime should not test the patience of the workers who will not now be a silent spectator the attitude of the Government. He asked the workers to remain united and be ready for any struggle the announcement of which may be made later on. Meanwhile, he appealed the Chief Minister to intervene and get the COLA released well before the Diwali festival. |
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Cultural Academy staff accords
warm Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: The Cultural Academy Employees Union today organised a function to accord warm welcome to Mr Ramesh Mehta newly appointed Secretary of the J&K Cultural Academy, who is on a visit to Jammu. On his arrival at the Jammu airport, Mr Mehta was received by the staff of the Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and office-bearers of the employees union. At an impressive function held at Seminar Hall of the Academy, representatives of the employees union lauded the Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed for appointing Mr Mehta, who is an experienced administrator, a literary figure and an artist. Mr Mehta who started his career in the Cultural Academy, is well versed with the objectives and programmes of this organisation. He has rapport with the employees and also all those connected with the art, culture and literature. One speaker said Mr Mehta knows the problems and grievances of the employees and expressed the hope that he would tackle them , it was pointed out. He is quite conversant with the cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir and has firm commitment to preserve and further promote it, a speaker stated. Additional Secretary, Cultural Academy, Jammu, Dr Om Goswami, in his speech, spoke about the qualities of head and heart of Mr Mehta. He opined that under strewardship of the new Secretary the Academy will make steady progress. Others who spoke on the occasion included: SL Raina, editor, Dogri; Dr Arvinder Singh, editor, Punjabi; Randhir Kumar, Lajpat Rao, Azra Choudhary, Bishen Dass, TS Batra. Mr Ramesh Mehta, while expressing his gratitude and sought active co-operation by all the employees for effectively implementing the programmes of the Academy. The proud cultural heritage must be preserved and promoted by the Academy, he stressed. |
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Sukhdev, Romesh elected BJP Mandal presidents Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: Sarpanch Sukhdev Singh and Romesh Singh have been elected as BJP Mandal president for Raipur-Domana, and Nagrota, respectively, the elections of which were held today. The elections of Sukhdev Singh and Romesh Singh were announced by Jyoti Prakash, who was acting as returning officer. BJP president (rural) Sukhnandan Choudhary and other senior leaders of the party including Col Uttam Singh, Bansi Lal Bharti, Bodh Raj, Ranjeet Singh Jamwal, Mangat Ram Gupta, Suraj Prakash Padha and others were present in the election for Raipur-Domana Mandal while the election for Nagrota Mandal were supervised by BJP MLA Jugal Kishore Sharma and Darshan Sharma, general secretary. |
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DyCM for maintaining quality, standard Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Oct 10: Maintaining that the coalition government is giving major thrust to boost the handloom sector in the state so as to compete at the national and international level, the Deputy Chief Minister, Pt. Mangat Ram Sharma today stressed the need for maintaining quality and standard in production of various products. The Deputy Chief Minister was speaking at the 50th meeting of board of directors of Jammu and Kashmir Handloom Development Corporation Limited, (JKHDC) here, this evening. Principal Secretary, industries and Commerce, Mr. A. Sahsaraman was also present in the meeting. Mr. Sharma who is also the Chairman of the corporation, reviewed the progress of the decisions taken in the previous meeting of the Board of Directors. It was decided in the meeting that the proposal regarding opening of new showroom at New Delhi, would be submitted to the Administration department, Industries and Commerce for allotment of shop through Jammu and Kashmir Industries Ltd. (JKI). Regarding the purchase of Handloom products by government departments and organisations from JKHDC Ltd, the meeting was informed that a circular has already been issued through JKI in this regard. It was decided to identify the cluster of weavers in Udhampur and Baramulla for providing them infrastructural support and training so as to give them employment and work at their doorsteps. The Deputy Chief Minister stressed that the weavers who have already availed the benefits should not be repeated for the same product. Referring to the project for development of Kani Jamawar Shawls, the meeting was apprised that the project costing Rs. 5 crore has been sanctioned during the year 2002-03 under Special Economic package as announced by the Prime Minister for the state and J&K HDC has been nominated as implementing agency for the project. The corporation is also planning to produce 20,000 m of finer tweed and readymade garments made out of the product, which would be available in the ensuing season within and outside the state. The project was sanctioned with cent per cent funding of Government of India having project cost of Rs.18.83 lakh, of which Rs.13.10 lakh has been released and utilized till date. The meeting was further informed that during the year 2002-03, under special Economic package as announced by the Prime Minister for Jammu and Kashmir, two projects namely Integrated project for development of wool and woolen design development centre and Integrated project for development of Kani Jawawar Shawls would come up in the 10th five year plan with the project cost of Rs.10 crore and Rs. five crore respectively. It was disclosed that in order to have better facilities for finishing of Tweed and Bleu, the CFC (UNDP) at Nowshera, Srinagar is being upgraded at a cost of Rs.63.18 lakh. Earlier, while addressing public meetings at Mathwar and village Kary Rapta, the Deputy Chief Minister said that all possible efforts are being made to execute development works in every locality of the state. He said that the areas which remained neglected over the years are being given priority. He said that the people themselves have witnessed tremendous change in the functioning of all departments. He sought their cooperation to bring the state back on the rail of development and peace. He asked the people to thwart the nefarious designs of the anti-national elements and maintain communal harmony and brotherhood. Referring to the demands put forth by the inhabitants, regarding repair ,renovation of roads, upgradation of schools and providing pensions, Mr. Sharma said that all necessary works would be initiated in respective areas in a phased manner and assured to redress their other grievances in due course of time. |
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Lal Singh inaugurates blood donation camp at Nagrota Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Oct 10: One-day blood donation camp was inaugurated by the Health Minister, Ch. Lal Singh at Nagrota near Jammu today. One hundred NCC cadets from 22 educational institutions of Jammu province donated blood. Speaking on the occasion, Minister said that the NCC training makes the human a complete man and build the qualities of confidence especially among the young generation. He asked them to inculcate the qualities of head and heart so that they become good citizens of tomorrow besides to maintain character in their daily routine. He said that students community should take keen interest in studies as well as in extra-curricular activities and as a result of it they become physically strong and the nation too would be benefited. He also advised them to respect elders and the teaching community so that a healthy atmosphere is created in the society. He also advised the students not to fall prey to intoxicated items which would ruin their career and health. He also advised them to be honest throughout in their life and work with dedication and devotion and as a result of it many more would follow. He said that real objective of the blood donation is to serve those were injured in accidents, militancy related incidences. He said that students too could play a vital role in eradicating the any ailments of militancy with stronger hand for the prosperity of the nation. Among others the function was attended by DDG, NCC, Brig. J. R. Sharma, Group Commander, Col SS Bagga. Camp Commandant Lt Col R. S. Jamwal and Training Officer, Lt Col K. K. Pallisser. |
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Seminar on ‘Roads in service of mankind’ organised Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 10 : In connection with R&B awareness fortnight, a seminar on the topic "Roads in the service of mankind" was organized by the R&B department, Kashmir at SKICC here today. The Minister for Roads and Bridges, Madan Lal Sharma presided. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that peoples’ participation is imperative for obtaining optimum benefits of various schemes launched by the state as well as central government, aimed at improving socio-economic conditions of the common masses. He said road communication system is directly linked with growth of various sectors and added that it is the foremost duty of the people to safeguard existing infrastructure of roads for faster economic development. Mr. Sharma said that due to turmoil, the R&B sector of the state suffered a lot and added that present coalition government accords priority to strengthen existing infrastructure besides taking up new schemes for the backward and uncovered areas of the state. As many as 25 students from various educational institutions of the summer capital expressed their views on the topic. Ms. Sameena Yousuf of Iqbal Memorial School was adjudged as best speaker whileas Ms. Nabela Farooq of Government Higher School, Kothi Bagh and Ms. Alia Khan of Iqbal Memorial School got second and third positions. The Minister alongwith Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Asghar Samoon and Chief Engineer, R&B, Kashmir, distributed the prizes among the first three winners of the seminar. Superintending Engineer, R&B, Srinagar presented vote of thanks. NC MLAs reiterate faith in leadership of Omar Abdullah Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: Reiterating their faith in the leadership of Omar Abdullah, National Conference Legislatures have condemned the alleged villification campaign by ruling coalition partners against the party. In a joint press statement, issued by a number of NC MLAs, the party alleged that ruling coalition partners were spreading the rumours of discontent in National Conference Legislature Party only to cover up growing contradictions amongst themselves. The villification campaign of ruling coalition partners against NC is a futile attempt to drift attention from prevailing situation in the State and shortcomings of Mufti Government which has failed on all fronts, they added. The statement further said that National Conference Legislatures wereunited behind the party president Omar Abdullah and the party has formulated an elaborate plan of action to expose the mis-deeds of coalition Government. The signaturies on the statement included Ajay Sadhotra, Abdul Gani Malik, Rachhpal Singh, Mohd Aslam Khan, Dr Chaman Lal, Sayeed Mushtaq Bukhari, Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo, G M Jan and Javed Ahmed Rana (all MLAs). CSSS organises graduation camp for border migrants Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: Catholic Social Service Society J&K an NGO organized graduation ceremony for the camp women and youth who were trained in computer , driving cutting, tailoring, embroidery, painting and drawing at Nailwala Camp near Akhnoor today. Block Development Officer (BDO), Akhnoor N K Sharma, Father Jeykumar, Principal St. Francis High School Akhnoor and Father Alphonse, Director Catholic Social Service Society (CSSS) distributed the certificates to various candidates. Besides training these women and youth the CSSS also engaged in tuition classes for the children, remedial classes for the school dropouts and the special vocational guidance for the youth. CSSS conducts medical camps and health awareness programmes at regular interval in all three camps and it has provided water tanks, tents and has made sock pits and washing pads too for the convenience of the people living in the camps. Presently CSSS is organizing cluster wise awareness programmes to build bathing rooms, toilets and drainage system. Addressing the function Mr Sharma appreciated the role of CSSS and congratulated the trainees for their achievement. He also assured the help of the Department to form self help groups (SHGs). Apart from working in migrant camps, the CSSS is also working in 175 villages of Jammu and Kashmir region for the over all development of the state. Electoral rolls of 15 newly created wards prepared Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: Electoral rolls of 15 out of 20 newly included wards have been prepared by the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) and the whole process will be completed in stipulated timeframe—October 15. According to Commissioner JMC Jeet Lal Gupta, the electoral rolls of newly created wards are being prepared exclusively by the Municipal Corporation staff and since the staff conducting proper survey by visiting door-to-door before finalising the electoral rolls, the elections would be very fair", he said. "The electoral lists would be acqurate because of the fact that Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayat Halqas have been cooperating with our staff and have provided them their own electoral lists", the Commissioner said and added that this time the electoral rolls are being prepared in English only. To conduct proper survey of the wards, different squads headed by Dr D R Kapoor, Executive Officer JMC have been framed and this time services of the employees of different departments were not hired as this would also acquaint JMC staff about the areas and their problems, Mr Gupta said and added that JMC employees living in newly included wards have been rendering all possible help in preparing acqurate electoral rolls. When asked, he said "only those people are entitled to vote in Corporation elections who cast votes in Assembly elections. Even those putting up in the limits of Corporation for over one year are entitled to cast votes but they should be the permanent resident of the State". Healthful By Mohinder Verma General public may not be familiar to the word "Thalassemia" but it is a harsh reality that about 240 million people around the world have the Thalassemia trait. Amongst Punjabis, Gujaratis, Bengalis, Parsis, Lohans and North Indians, about three to six percent are carriers of Thalassemia gene while throughout the country the percentage of such patients is between two to 18 percent. Moreover, estimated 8000 to 10,000 children with Thalassemia (Major) are born every year in India while four fold increase has been witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir particularly in Jammu, Rajouri and Poonch districts of the Jammu province. This increase cannot be attributed to the disease spreading its tentacles at a very rapid pace but to the lack of awareness among the people about the disease. The disease had originally started from Mediterranean countries like Sudan, Italy and Turkey etc several years back and later it started spreading its tentacles in several other countries particularly in South East Asia. Thalassemia is a hereditary and genetic defect wherein an adequate amount of normal haemoglobin is not being made in a body system. The haemoglobin , therefore, falls progressively and blood transfusions are required to maintain haemoglobin at optimum level which becomes the life long process to prolong the lives of such patients. "If both husband and wife are Thalassemia trait, in each pregnancy there is 25 percent chances of having a Thalassemia major (deceased child), 50 percent chance of Thalassemia trait (like parents) and 25 percent chances of a normal child (not even a trait)", said Dr Ashok Gupta, Professor Department of Paediatrics, SMGS Hospital, Jammu in an interview for HEALTHFUL. It is only due to the lack of awareness among the general public about the disease that one Thalassemia major child is born every hour in India. "For the birth of Thalassemia child neither husband nor wife can be held responsible as both contribute equally to the birth of such child", Dr Gupta said and added that if both the partners are carriers, tests to determine whether the feotus has Thalassemia major are possible and these are usually done at 9-11 weeks of pregnancy. If the tests indicate that the foetus has Thalassemia the doctors advise for abortion. "If the parents are not aware about the fact that they are carriers of the Thalassemia, the symptoms of disease usually start coming to fore after five to six months of delivery with the fall in haemoglobin in the child", Dr Gupta, who is also Coordinator Thalassemic Cell of SMGS Hospital said and added that the suffers of Thalassemia usually require blood transfusion after two to four weeks of time in the early state of life. But with the advancement of age, the requirement of blood transfusion also increases as the survival of such patients is dependent on regular blood transfusions. According to Dr Gupta, there are three types of Thalassemia — Thalassemia Major, Thalassemia Minor—Thalassemia Trait and Thalassemia Carrier—and Thalassemia Intermedia Syndromes. The Thalassemia Major patients usually present with anemia and spleen enlargement between the age of six months to two years and they require blood transfusion alongwith drugs to remove extra iron from the body. In second category of Thalassemia — individuals have no symptoms and are detected with blood tests while the third category is a milder form of the disease and usually presents in later childhood and may require transfusions. "We are not transfusing blood in Thalassemia patients like normal person as only packed red cells are being transfussed every two to three weeks", he said while pointing towards the conventional treatment and added that Iron Chelation Therapy is also being given to such patients to prevent the deposition of iron in vital organs of the body. About the permanent treatment of the such patients, Dr Gupta said that such patients can be cured for forever by way of Bone Marrow Transplantation which is being done in the only centre in India—CMC Vellore and added that cure by way of this transplantation is possible in 60 to 80 percent of cases. This procedure costs about Rs nine lakh in India. The spread of disease can be prevented by avoiding marriages between two Thalassemia carriers, once a child with Thalassemia major is born in a family and further births of affected children must be avoided by screening near and distant relatives who are unmarried or married and planning to have a child. The disease can be controlled by creating awareness among the people. Everyone should get his/her screening test conducted for carrier status, camps to conduct the tests in schools and other educational institutions be organised, programmes should be organised after regular interval of time to apprise people about their the disease and above all diagnose foetus during pregnancy. Kalika Trust postpones Bhagwati Jagran Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: Kalika Trust which was going to organize the Vishal Bhagwati Jagran at GGM Science College tomorrow has postponed the function due to unavoidable circumstances. This was disclosed here today by the president of the Trust who regretted the inconvenience caused to the public due to sudden change in the programme. He said the future date for organizing the Jagran will be announced soon while seeking the cooperation of various social, religious, political, government organizations and district administration in making the event a success. The Trust in an appeal to district administration urged it to lend its full helping hand to organize the Jagran by giving all the necessary clearance in the shortest possible time. He said all the formalities have been completed by the Trust in organizing the function in the shortest possible time. He said to meet the expenditure the Trust has decided to enroll 3000 new members soon. Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 10: Kashmiri Pandits owing allegiance to Congress, National Conference and other factions today said that Pandits have an open mind on return to Valley. In a joint statement issued by N C Minority Cell president, B L Bhat, Congress Minority Cell, chairman, Hira Lal Pandit, Shadi Lal Pandit president Kul Hind Nove Soan Kashmir Front, S N Saproo, president Milchar Front, M K Talashi and Som Nath Kandi today maintained that the Pandits have not rejected the idea of returning to their roots. They said that a large number of migrants are facing problems in camps and non camps and they crave for returning to the Valley to join their brethren there. They however maintained that migrants feel that their return is possible on the goodwill of majority community which should take an initiative in this regard. The situation has completely changed in the Valley over the years and unless a solid ground work is not done the only economic package will not help in return of the community, they added. They said the situation has totally changed in the Valley and a conducive climate for the return of the community is to be created. They also demanded that before floating the idea the Government should ensure a full and lasting security, recognize the community as a party to all parlays on Kashmir, give them full guarantee of constitutional rights, should not expose it to the vagaries of internal and foreign mechanizations and grant an unfettered right to live in their ancestral land with assured political space. Meanwhile, Prof G K Mujoo another KP leader has sought an open debate among the various groups of the community on the issue. He said the community has suffered a lot over 14 years of turmoil and it is the duty of leadership to have a debate with open mind on the return formula. |
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