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| Srinagar GMC's annual day organised
after 17 years I see a bright tomorrow for J&K: Mufti Excelsior Correspodent SRINAGAR, Oct 21: Asserting that situation in Jammu and Kashmir was gradually changing, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that he sees a bright future for the State. ‘ I see a bright tomorrow....more Baig
backtracking on Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 21: National Conference President, Omar Abdullah today asserted that Finance Minister, Muzaffar Hussain Baig was backtracking on his earlier challenge of holding Assembly elections......more LIC
observing Oct as Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is observing the month of October as the Social Security month.........more Cadbury
given clean Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: Refuting allegations against presence of some living insects in Cadbury Chocolates, a spokesman of the Company Satish Nair.....more One
killed, 16 injured Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: One person was killed and 16 others received injuries in separate........more |
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One job
per family whose Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 21: One member of the family whose entire land holding is acquired by the railway for the prestigious rail project would get job in the organization.........more Car
service from Adhkuwari Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: Sub Divisional Magistrate Bhawan, Mr Shiv Raj Singh inaugurated transport service through non-pollution power battery vehicles from Adhkuwari to Bhawan on Tuesday........more Nisar
monitors working Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct. 21: To monitor the functioning of private Polytechnic Colleges of the Valley, a meeting of officers of Technical Education department and Principals of Polytechnic Colleges was held here today. The Minister for Technical Education, Youth Services and Sports, Haji Nisar Ali presided.........more BJP holds
dharna in Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) Jammu Rural today staged dharna infront of Divisional Commissioner’s office in protest against ‘anti-farmers’ policies of coalition Government......more |
Srinagar GMC's annual day organised
after 17 years Excelsior Correspodent SRINAGAR, Oct 21: Asserting that situation in Jammu and Kashmir was gradually changing, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that he sees a bright future for the State. ‘ I see a bright tomorrow for people of Jammu and Kashmir’, he said and added that the State would emerge as the number one destination for tourists across the globe. Addressing the annual day function of the Government Medical College, Srinagar held after a gap of 17 years here this afternoon, Mufti Sayeed said that the coalition Government was keen to change the system and evolve norms where every deserving gets his due without favouritism and partisanship. He said that the people have great expectations from the Government that is endeavouring to come upto these. He said, he does not possess a magic wand to change the system over night, but had every desire to meet the urges and aspirations of the people. The Chief Minister said that the NDA Government led by BJP at the centre was aware that the coalition Government in Jammu and Kashmir meant business and was responsive to the problems confronting the people in the State. He said that people are fountainheads of power and they can no longer be held hostage at gunpoint. Lauding the role of medical fraternity especially those who remained in the Valley despite trying circumstances in providing much-needed health care, Mufti Sayeed said that militancy had left thousands of orphans and widows. He described the fraternity as a noble profession that provided ample opportunity to serve humanity. He said being in the medical profession was one of the best ways to serve the ailing and the infirm. He urged the doctors and para-medicos to work with missionary zeal and dedication to provide relief to the suffering humanity. Minister for Health and Medical Education Ch. Lal Singh said that such occasions provide lighter moments for serious professionals like doctors and stressed that it should be an annual feature. He said students also get opportunity to demonstrate their talent. Secretary Health, Dr. V. P. Gupta who is the alumni of the college, said that the institution has a glorious tradition of serving the ailing humanity. He dwelt on various measure initiated by the Government to improve physical infrastructure, academic standard and patient care system across the State. The Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof. Jalees Ahmad Khan Tareen, Principal, Government Medical College, Prof. G. R. Mir, Secretary, Health, Dr. V. P. Gupta, senior faculty members, former principals and faculty members and large number of students were present on this occasion. |
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Baig backtracking on Assembly election challenge: Omar Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 21: National Conference President, Omar Abdullah today asserted that Finance Minister, Muzaffar Hussain Baig was backtracking on his earlier challenge of holding Assembly elections, as he has developed ‘cold feet’ in view of dissent among the coalition partners. In a statement issued here today, Mr Omar Abdullah claimed that National Conference is a firm behaviour in democracy and will gladly face the people. He said that in 1996 when people who were ‘self styled’ leaders of the State, shied away from participating in elections, National Conference took up the challenge, gave credibility to the democratic process and laid the foundation for people like Muzaffar Baig to join the political process. Mr Omar said that the Finance Minister should think before issuing challenges, "because in today’s political climate, it would be difficult for him to retain his own seat, not to speak of his other colleagues". The statement asserted that if Mr Baig wanted to test the popularity of his government, let a bye-election take place in Ganderbal, a seat that delivered a stunning blow to NC 12 months back, and the world would see for itself the deep disenchantment of people with Mufti Government in a short time of one year. Referring to the issue of civic polls, Mr Abdullah denied that NC had ever asked for postponement of these polls. Instead, he said that the party only agitated about the ‘arbitrariness’ with which the electoral rolls were finalized and dates fixed without any consultation with National Conference, the main opposition party in the State. On the issue of his contesting elections, Mr Omar said that Mr Baig need not to worry for him, for, "he will definitely come to Assembly at an appropriate time". There are options of more than two dozen seats available to Omar Abdullah and need not to take a bad door entry into the State Legislature unlike some ‘leaders’, the statement added. |
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LIC observing Oct as social security month Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is observing the month of October as the Social Security month. The Central Government had set up a social security fund and LIC was entrusted the responsibility of managing the fund. The purpose of this fund is to finance Life Insurance Group Schemes for weaker and vulnerable sections of the Society, an LIC press release issued here said. It said that LIC’s front ranking scheme is " Jan Shree Bima Yojna" (JBY) and under this scheme people between age group of 18 to 59 are eligible. This scheme provides insurance cover of rupees 20,000 on natural death and rupees 50,000 in case of death and total permanent disability due to an accident. The premium under Social Security Scheme is rupees 200, out of which 50 percent is subsidized from Government of India’s Social Security Fund. The another attractive feature of the scheme is that the children of the parents covered under JBY scheme are provided scholarship under ‘Shiksha Sahyog Yojna’. The release said that under the scheme over 1000 handicraft artisans have already been covered under JBY in the current year . Mr Sachindra Sharma, Senior Divisional Manager while speaking on the occasion appealed to the NGOs, Government authorities, self help groups and Panchayats to come forward and avail the social security schemes which are being serviced by P&GS unit of LIC India situated at Rail Head Complex Jammu. |
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Cadbury
given clean chit by FDA, allegations Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: Refuting allegations against presence of some living insects in Cadbury Chocolates, a spokesman of the Company Satish Nair has stated that all such allegations were baseless. He said Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Maharashtra, which had seized stocks of Cadbury India’s products in Thane and CFA Bhavindi following incidents of worm infestation in two Daily Milk Chocolate packs, have since released the same after nothing wrong was found in them. FDA Maharashtra Commissioner Uttam Khobragade, said the spokesman, when contacted stated that stocks were seized as a precautionary measure after the infestation was detected. After Random inspection, the stocks were released as no infestation was detected in the seized products. Mr Khobragade, said the spokesman Mr Nair, has stated that seized stocks could not be held for long without reason. Meanwhile sources in Cadbury India stated that they were working on a strategy to undo the damage that may have occurred due to the incident. The spokesman said the company may issue advertisement which would ensure communication with the consumers directly. It may be recalled that over the past 55 years, millions of people have grown up enjoying the delicious taste of Cadbury chocolates which has been possible because consumers have reposed faith and trust in Cadbury quality. Cadbury spokesman added that company has taken various measures to ensure quality like strengthening the packaging of products by completely sealing it, generating awareness and providing advice and assistance in improving storage conditions for chocolates among retailers, replacing questionable stock from retail etc. |
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One killed, 16 injured in road accidents Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: One person was killed and 16 others received injuries in separate road accidents. Police spokesman said that one Tara Chand, son of Hem Raj of Bishnah was killed and Joginder Paul, son of Sodagar Mal received injuries in road accident at Dhainsar Morh, Bari Brahamana. Both were rushed to hospital in critical condition and Tara Chand, later, succumbed to his injuries. In another road accident, 11 persons were injured in collision between JK02L-2870 and tipper bearing number JKU-4115 near Traffic Check Post, Nagrota. All the injured have been hospitalised and their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in. They have been identified as Gopal Sarkar, son of Narayan Sarkar of Prem Nagar, Jagdish Sarkar of Prem Nagar, Sunil Sharma, wife of Parmanand of Pacci Dhaki, Mani Ram, son of Badri Nath of Subash Nagar, Surinder Kumar, son of Parmanand of Kheeri Bishnah, Ghulam Hassan, son of Shallu Ram of Satwari, Mohd Jaleel, son of Din Mohd of Nagrota, shiv Kumar, son of Ram Dayal of Shakti Nagar, Shyam Surya Bansi, son of Sham Lal of Maharashtra, Mohd Sadiq, son of Noor Ali of Nagrota and Sangeeta Koul, daughter of M L Koul of Nagrota. In other accidents, five persons—Sat Paul, son of Isher Dass of R S Pura, Pappu of Amritsar, Jyoti, wife of Ashok Singh, Purvi, daughter of Ashok Singh, Arti Sharma, daughter of Vijay Sharma—received injuries in separate road accidents. All have been hospitalised and their condition was stated to be out of danger. |
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One job per family whose
land fully acquired Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 21: One member of the family whose entire land holding is acquired by the railway for the prestigious rail project would get job in the organization. This decision of the Centre was conveyed by the railway authorities to the State Government at a meeting held under the Chief Secretary, Dr. Sudhir S. Bloeria to review the progress on the project. The Centre has also agreed to consider all such cases whose more than 60 per cent of land stands acquired and who have no other source of livelihood for appointment in the organisation. The meeting was informed that almost entire requisite land has been acquired and compensation provided to the owners. The Centre will also consider acquiring the small and marginal land holdings of those farmers who are left with uneconomical and unproductive stretches. On the status of project at various stretches, the meeting was informed that train would reach Udhampur by March next while at Katra by 2005. The Qazigund-Baramulla section would be commissioned in 2005 while work on the most difficult stretch of Qazigund-Katra would be completed by the year 2007. To expedite the construction activity enabling railway authorities to complete the whole task in stipulated time, the meeting informed that work on the project is being executed on multifarious fronts involving simultaneous construction of bridges, tunnels and adjacent roads. The railways would also lay three arterial roads alongside the track from Arnas to Sangaldam; Banihal section and Reasi area. These would be handed over to the State Government for mechdamization and maintenance. This, the meeting said will facilitate vehicular movement and give fillip to the local economy. Besides, the facility will also serve as an alternate highway between the valley and Jammu. The railways are constructing its rest houses homes the picturesque Pahalgam at a cost of Rs.1.40 crore. While the Pahalgam Holiday home would be constructed at a cost of Rs. 90 lakh another such home named Bakshi Home that is in final stages and constructed at a cost of Rs. 50 lakh would be opened for tourists in next season. A comprehensive plan for commercial development of Katra Railway Station too was discussed. The meeting was apprised that the railways are constructing 400-shop line at Katra. These commercial establishments would be leased out to the unemployed youth for boosting commercial activity and for facilitating the pilgrims. Other issues relating to construction of approach roads to railway stations, especially in the most treacherous area of Katra-Qazigund also came for discussion. The approach road of 15 stations falling in valley to be completed by the State Government in commensuration with commissioning of respective sections was impressed upon. The matter regarding providing greater security cover for survey and construction work in Katra-Qazigund stretch was deliberated with Director General of Police who assured increased personnel strength deployment in these pockets. Calling for maintaining the tempo of progress in execution of the work, the Chief Secretary directed the authorities to speed up disbursement of pending cases of compensation that were delayed due to standing paddy crops and harvesting of fruits in the fields. Dr. Bloeria also impressed upon the General Manager Northern Railways to construct fly-over bridges at Banihal and another linking Trikuta Nagar with Channi Himmat. He also stressed for allotment of stalls, food junks and vendor kiosks at railway stations to the local unemployed youth. Among others Director General Police Gopal Sharma, Principal Secretary Planning Vijay Bakaya, Principal Secretary Forests Ajit Kumar, Principal Secretary Power Anil Goswami and Secretary Revenue Mumtaz Afzal attended the apex committee meeting. |
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Car service from Adhkuwari to Bhawan inaugurated Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: Sub Divisional Magistrate Bhawan, Mr Shiv Raj Singh inaugurated transport service through non-pollution power battery vehicles from Adhkuwari to Bhawan on Tuesday. Jai Mata Movers of Delhi are providing this unique car-service and four vehicles will be plied on this route initially. The yatris shall have to pay Rs 100 per head from Bhawan to Adhkuwari and vice-versa. A spokesman of the Shrine Board said that the car facilities on this route will be provided to the old, infirm, patients and handicapped yatris. The vehicles shall ply only on the alternative route and the priority for vehicles shall be had from the office of SDM Bhawan for yatris who want to avail car facility from Bhwan to Adhkuwari and from Central office Katra for yatris wishing to avail this facility from Adhkuwari to Bhawan. The Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board authorities in order to provide this facility to the yatris coming from different parts of the country, had contacted "Jai Mata Movers" of Delhi to provide this unique service to the pilgrims. |
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Nisar monitors working of private polytechnics Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct. 21: To monitor the functioning of private Polytechnic Colleges of the Valley, a meeting of officers of Technical Education department and Principals of Polytechnic Colleges was held here today. The Minister for Technical Education, Youth Services and Sports, Haji Nisar Ali presided. During the deliberations, various problems being faced by the private polytechnic colleges were discussed in detail. These include allotment of seats under different vocational courses, lack of adequate infrastructure etc. The meeting decided that admission for vocational training should be made in two sessions i.e. February and November every year. For the vacant seats under various streams, it was decided that the proposal for allowing private polytechnic colleges to admit students as per laid down norms shall be considered shortly. It was also decided to explore possibilities of infrastructural facilities in Government Polytechnic Colleges to be used by the students studying in different private polytechnic colleges. For this purpose, Director Technical Education was asked to work out the modalities for the smooth conduct of various courses in private colleges. |
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BJP holds dharna in protest
against anti-farmers Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) Jammu Rural today staged dharna infront of Divisional Commissioner’s office in protest against ‘anti-farmers’ policies of coalition Government. Addressing the dharna, State president of BJP Dr Nirmal Singh said that coalition Government was non-serious towards the problems of the farmers and said that no policy has been framed by the State Government to help the farmers, who have been confronting with many problems. "In the agriculture sector, the coalition Government has only initiated steps to protect horticulture as the same has potential only in Kashmir Valley", he alleged and said that there was hardly any step initiated by the coalition Government which would help the farmers of the Jammu region. The intensity of discriminatory attitude towards the farmers of Jammu region can be gauged from the fact that seeds given to the farmers are of poor quality and dilly-delaying attitude is being adopted while distributing fertilizer among the farmers under a deep rooted conspiracy to demoralize the farmers of the Jammu region and to weaken the economy of the Jammu region. Dr Singh further said that the announcement of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda regarding waiving of loan upto Rs 10,000 taken by the farmers has not been implemented by the coalition Government so far, forcing the farmers to face so many economical problems. Addressing the dharna, former MLA and state general secretary of the BJP Ashok Khajuria said that what to talk of agriculture sector, the coalition Government has ignored the Jammu region in all spheres and there was hardly any step initiated to mitigate the sufferings of all sections of people of Jammu region. Speaking on the occasion, Ch Sukhnandan said "Government has fixed paddy rate at Rs 620 per quintal but what to talk of others even the Government is not procurring the paddy at the rate fixed by it". He demanded that procurement centres should be opened either at block or panchayat level to minimize the sufferings of the farmers. Later, a memorandum was submitted to the Divisional Commissioner for submission to the Government. The BJP, through memorandum, demanded that steps should be taken to mitigate the sufferings of the farmers of Jammu region and incentives should be announced in their favour besides providing them fertilizer and seeds in time that too at affordable prices. |
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Rashtra Sevak Samiti to launch
crusade Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: Rashtra Sevak Samiti, a voluntary organization has resolved to launch a crusade for the upliftment of women in the country and fight for their empowerment in real sense. This was disclosed by Akhil Bharatiya Seh Parmukh Sanchalika Promila Tayeji Maiday while talking to media persons here this morning. Promila Maiday who is here in connection with the celebration of 98th birth anniversary of Laxmi Bai Kelkar, the founder of the organization expressed concern over the decreasing number of girl child in the country as compared to boys. She said it is a serious issue and her organization will be launching a nation wide crusade against the abortions of the girl child by parents. She said as the issue pertains to women folk of the country, efforts will be made to educate them by organizing seminars and public meetings. She also advocated for making the law more stringent to give severe punishment to the rapists and indecent advertisements on TV and print media. Highlighting the role of her organization in country and J&K she said various projects have been undertaken in different parts of India for the betterment of women and girl child. She said in Jammu region a girls hostel has been set up near DBN School Mubarak Mandi in which 13 militancy affected girls and Kargil war victims are being provided free education and other facilities. Besides the Samiti has also set up a jute bag making plant at Panthal near Katra which provides the job opportunities to economically weaker women of the area. Highlighting the role of Samiti she said its volunteers look after the militancy victims in hospitals and organize camps for girls to impart training to them in judo Karate. She said the Samiti has published many books on enrichment of Indian culture and tradition. Giving more details she said at 100 places including Nepal the Book exhibitions have been held on the role of the Samiti on the 98th birth anniversary of Mosi Ji. She said the special attention is being given to J&K and Assam as both states are facing turmoil. She said the preparation are going on for the celebration of 100th birth anniversary of Mosi Ji falling in 2005. Among others J&K Pracharika Pankaja and Sneh Bali were also present. Later Samiti held a seminar at Geeta Bhavan in the afternoon in which various speakers took part. |
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Police commemoration day Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 21: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that the security forces and the police are showing a humane face and taking every possible precaution to protect civilians while dealing with militants. ‘This is healing touch philosophy of the coalition Government’, he added. Speaking at the police commemoration day parade at Zewan near here this morning, the Chief Minister said that the police and the security forces are functioning in a difficult situation but they are showing exemplary patience. In this connection, he referred to handling of the highly volatile situations in dealing with 2 holed up militants in Dr. Ali Jan complex last week and rescuing 12 civilians hostages in village Thearen Shopian today. While the militants effort is to shed blood, our effort, on the contrary, is to protect civilians and these incidents amply demonstrate security forces patience but firmness to handle such situations. Mufti Sayeed said that the State police is playing a pioneering role alongwith the security forces to give a turn around to the situation for restoration of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir as they being the sons of the soil have a greater responsibility in it. The Chief Minister asserted that his Government would not compromise on the dignity and honour of the people and restore peace in the State as per their yearning, adding that the peace, however, would not be of a graveyard but a vibrant democracy. ‘Peace has to be given a chance as lot of blood has been spilled and thousands of lives lost during the turmoil’. Referring to the police commemoration day, the Chief Minister said that the occasion provides us an opportunity both for paying our homage to the police martyrs who have laid down their lives for defending the territorial integrity and the lives of the people of the country and emulating their sense of supreme sacrifice. He said nothing can compensate for the human life and to make the supreme sacrifice is a big thing. Saying that the constable is the face of the police force that directly deals with the people, the Chief Minister said that keeping his key role, the minimum qualification for recruitment in constabulary has been fixed as matriculation. He asked the Director General of Police to find some way out so that courageous, meritorious and dedicated constables have opportunities of becoming even superintendents of police. The Chief Minister emphasized for activating police stations to deal with normal crime as prevention of such crimes is the main responsibility of the force. He also called for adopting innovative methods of interrogation to elicit information and stressed that there should be no physical torture. Director General of Police Mr. Gopal Sharma read out the names of the police and para-military force martyrs who have made the supreme sacrifice during the past one year. Mufti Sayeed and senior police officers laid floral wreaths at the roll of honour. A two-minutes silence was observed when the impressive commemoration parade reversed the arms to pay homage to their martyred colleagues. The Chief Minister also inaugurated a blood donation camp organized on the occasion and interacted with the police personnel who had gathered to donate blood. |
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Governor for organic mode of farming Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar Oct 21: Giving a clarion call to preserve bio-diversity, the J&K Governor Lt.Gen (Rtd) S.K. Sinha today urged for switching over to organic mode of farming adding that developed nations have already taken a lead in this direction. Governor, who is also the Chancellor of the Sher-I-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Kashmir was speaking at the inaugural session of the two-days National Seminar on "Organic products and their future prospects" organized by the Directorate of Research at University Complex here today. The Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr Abdul Aziz Zargar and the Minister of State for Agriculture, Ajaz Ahmad Khan were also present. Saying that organic products have tremendous demand in the global market, the Governor called for harnessing Information Technology in promoting organic farming operations in a big way as the J&K is shortly going to launch ambitious Rs 41 crore Information Technology Plan (ITP) focusing at block level computer network coverage. The Governor also stressed for maintaining highest standards of monitoring the brands of various organic products adding that only genuine products should be show-cased to establish credibility in the market. He said J&K has tremendous potential for organic products and urged the need for earmarking large areas of land for organic farming. The Governor also released the souvenir about the seminar. Speaking on the occasion, the Agriculture Minister termed introduction of a organic faming as a welcome development and said increased use of fertilizers and pesticides have raised problems of health and environmental hazards due to residual toxicity and chemical pollution. He asked the scientists and field officers to introduce organic farming in a big way as organic products sell at 20 to 30 per cent higher price in the open market. Mr. Zargar urged upon agriculture experts to look into all aspects of sustainable organic farming system suiting to our agro-ecological situations. He said concept of organic farming is more relevant in hilly regions of Jammu and Kashmir characterized by fragile agro-ecosystem, cost-effective and eco-friendly techniques. Mr Zargar also released a booklet on "Murgbani kay Jadeed Tareekay" (modern practices in poultry breeding). The Vice-chancellor, SKUAST in his welcome address highlighted the significance of organic farming in the present day world. The Director Research, M.H. Shah presented vote of thanks. Later, the Governor visited the University Museum and took a round of the Campus. He appreciated the good work done by the University. |
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Mir seeks early completion of sewerage schemes Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 21: Minister for Housing Urban Development and Tourism, Ghulam Hassan Mir has called for early completion of ongoing sewerage and drainage schemes under execution in the State for percolate down the benefits to the urban dwellers expeditiously. Addressing a high level review meeting here today, the Minister said that upgradation of civic amenities on modern lines and proper disposal of solid waste was imperative to preserve the environment and beauty of the cities and towns. The Minister said that instead of long-term plans which stretch over years and result cost escalation, short-terms plans are needed to be executed in order to provide quick succour to the people. Reviewing the UEED schemes, Mr Mir said Rs 8 crore would be spent for the construction of deep drains during the current financial year in J&K. Of this, Rs 5.52 crore are being spent on the execution of 40 drainage schemes in capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar, while as Rs 2.98 crore are being expended for construction of 27 drainage schemes in various districts. This, he said, would go a long way in providing modern drainage system in the State. |
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Cong highlights demands of Poonch Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, Oct 21: S Gurdev Singh, member Pradesh Congress Committee while addressing a meeting of party workers here demanded immediate repair to Poonch-Surankote road which has become dilapidated and not repaired for the past over six years. Mr Singh also demanded installation of a hand pump at Mohalla Khorinar, which stands already sanctioned. He also called for immediate installation of Rajouri-Poonch power line of 132 KV to overcome low voltage problem. The PCC member demanded representation to Sikh community in the cabinet and suggested the name of S Parduman Singh, MLC . Mr Yash Paul Sharma demanded free ration to those farmers whose crops damaged in recent storm. Advocate Mohd Zaman demanded ST status for Pahari speaking people of Poonch. Others who spoke included S Joginder Singh, Aushiq Hussain, Amer Singh Josh, Jahangir Sheikh, Randhir Singh and Pardeep Kumar. |
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Yosuf Meherelly Centre organises youth camp Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 21: A three day youth camp was organised by the Mumbai based Yosuf Meherelly Centre for the interaction of Kashmiri youth with rest of the country in the premises of College of Education, Srinagar. A total of 100 Kashmiri youth from various remote parts of the Valley gathered and interacted with youth of 17 others states in a youth camp. In the camp which concluded today there was exchange of views which touched upon essential topics such as growing communal disharmony, unemployment, unrest amongst the youth which expresses itself in violence, globalisation and urban-rural divide. The camp provided Kashmiri youth to learn from the experiences of their peers who are achievers in respective fields in rest of the country and vice-versa. Organised by the Mumbai based Yosuf Meherelly Centre the initiative was a bold venture to involve the youth of the Valley and seek their opinion on various issues. Speaking on the occasion in his inaugural speech vice-president of the Centre and renowned freedom fighter G G Parikh said that main purpose for the convention was to involve the youth of Valley in different problems facing the country. |
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Power employees finalize common agenda of demands Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: Co-ordination Committee of All J&K Power Engineers and Electrical Employees an amalgam of four unions representing the power employees has finalized a common minimum agenda on the various demands confronting the employees. This was disclosed by chairman of the Committee, Er. Mohan Singh while talking to media persons along with vice chairmen Dalip Singh Azad, Madan Gopal and Ghulam Nabi, here this morning. Highlighting the burning issues confronting the employees, he stressed on expansion of Power Development Department (PDD) and removal of stagnation of all cadres. Expressing concern over delay in grating the compensation in the accidental death cases of inservice employees, Mr Singh urged the Government to expedite compensation in pending cases. He strongly advocated for the abolition of word technician as the same does not exist in State Recruitment rules, allotment of designation as per assignment, issuance of separate seniority list in favour of ITI Diploma holders and stressed on creation of 33 proposed divisions, five circles, two additional cheif engineers and development commissioners for Jammu and Kashmir immediatley. He demanded filling up of vacant posts from Executive engineers to linemen through promotions to inservice employees, regularisation of daily wagers, release of their pending wages as festivals of Diwali and Eid are approaching, release of two and half days pay, convenience allowance in favour of field staff, introduction of free life insurance upto Rs two lakh for linemen, free mediclaim policy for employees, issuance of safety tools and filling up of 140 vacant posts in Commercial and Survey Wing of the Department. Advocating for the entry grade for degree engineers, he said the entry grade for these engineers at present is very low and they should be kept at par with medicos. He demanded transfer of all power projects to state sector to make it self reliant and debt free from import bill. The Committee complimented the Power Minister and Principal Secretary Power for their efforts in arranging finance for various projects and central funding of 16 mini hydel projects. |
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Foreign money playing dangerous role in JK:Gupta Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Oct 21: Union Minister of State for Defence Prof Chaman Lal Gupta has regretted that the Coalition Government is playing politics ignoring the national interest and the security of the State. Addressing a public meeting at Landhar in remote area of district Udhampur, Prof Gupta said that POTA can be an important instrument to deal with the terrorists and subversive elements but it is strange that at the instance of Congress and some other elements , this Government has put this law under the carpet. It is unfortunate that cases registered under POTA by the previous Government are not being pursued. He pointed out that invoking provisions of POTA can be an effective measure to check flow of Hawala funds being pumped for the use of terrorists. The foreign money is playing dangerous role in sustaining the Pak-sponsored terrorism. Referring to the liberal grants and other help being provided to the State by the Centre Prof Gupta said that Prime Minister is taking keen interest to get this State out of the wood and during his tours he announced two major packages of Rs 10,000 cr in addition to assure one lakh jobs for the unemployed people. The meeting was also addressed by ex-MLA Shiv Charan Gupta, Baldev Raj Sharma, Master Chhajju Ram and others. |
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Police Commemoration Day observed in Jammu Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: Police Commemoration Day Parade was held at the District Police Lines here today. Inspector General of Police, Jammu Mr P L Gupta took the salute. While speaking on the occasion he referred to the sacrifices rendered by the brave police men and officers of Jammu-Kashmir Police and Central PMFs, in maintaining integrity of the nation and secular fabric of the society. Mr Gupta stated that during the last one year 956 officers and men of various state police forces and PMF had laid down their lives. In J&K, he said, 181 officers and jawans sacrificed their lives which fighting militants. This included 110 personnel of J&K Police , 34 from CRPF, 31 from BSF , 5 from ITBP and one from SSB. He contended that in recognition of these supreme sacrifices of Jammu and Kashmir police personnel, President of India Dr A PJ Kalam had presented presidential colours to the State Police Force on June 26. Describing the situation as difficult the IGP exhorted the policemen and officers to perform their duties with high level of commitment and least concern about the physical hazards inherent in police functioning. A large number of police officers in service and retired and prominent citizens attended the function. Prominent among those included Ch Talib Hussain, MP, State BJP president-Dr Nirmal Singh, Amrit Malhotra MLC, Ashok Khajuria ex-MLA, Maj Gen G S Jamwal (Retd), DIG Armed M A Anjum, DIG Jammu-Kathua range Farooq Ahmed, Dr Pawan Kotwal DC Jammu, and Dr Rama Kant Dubey VHP chief for J&K. Sadhak Parivar holds meditation camp Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: The International Siddh Ashram Sadhak Parivar Jammu Branch today organized a one day meditation camp here at Zanana Park. The mediation camp started with the Guru Poojan of Paramhans Nikhileshwaranand (Dr Narayan Dutt Sharimali Ji). This was followed by Guru Vandhna by Bhai Jai Pralesh. Hundreds of devotees from different parts of J&K and neighboring states participated in the meditation camp to seek the blessings of their Guru Ji. Delivering the religious sermons, the Guru Ji said the land of Jammu is a sacred place and it has the same significance for the devotees as the religious shrines of Badri Nath and Kedar Nath have. He said the Jammu people have been facing the abnormal situation for over a decade now but arms and machine guns can not harm them as the Maa Durga the symbol of Shakti (power) and Lord Shiva’s blessings are with them. "No tool or machine gun can harm them" , he asserted. While stressing the people to free themselves form the bondage of desires which detract a human being from attaining salvation, he said the problems continue throughout the life and one should not succumb to them. He said through Atam Gyan (spiritual knowledge) one can overcome all barriers and he who follows this path will not be entrapped by the darkness. Guru Ji said failure on the part of a human being to fulfill his unlimited desires leads to tension and anger. This way he remains ignorant of realities and his life passes in wilderness. He said the life is short living and we have to utilize this opportunity for the welfare of mankind and society to keep an example for others to follow. Earlier Guru Ji was given a rousing reception by his devotees as he entered the venue of the camp in Zanana Park. Hundreds of devotees showered followers on him. NHPC finalises contract agreement for various works Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has finalised contract agreements for various civil works for the 120 MW Sewa-II hydro-electricity project in Jammu and Kashmir. The corporation has signed the contract agreement for executing the work pertaining to dam and appurtenant works with M/s Gammon India Limited at a cost of Rs 196.51 crore, a release said. The work of execution of power house and appurtenant has been assigned to M/S Patel Engineering at a cost of Rs 100.20 crore. NHPC is executing the Sewa Hydroelectric project in Jammu and Kashmir as a central sector project at an estimated cost of Rs 665.46 crore with debt equity ratio of 70:30. The project is likely to be completed in a period of four years. The project is located on the river Sewa, a tributary of river Ravi in the Basohli tehsil of Kathua district. The project envisages construction of 48 metre high concrete dam , 10,000 metre long headrace tunnel, three units of 40 megawatt each to be installed in underground power house and a 780 metre long tail race tunnel. On completion the project will generate 535.63 MU energy annually. Forah announces office bearers of RJD for J&K Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: Syed Ghulam Nabi Forah, state president of Rashtriya Janata Dal nominated Mr Vijay Mahajan as secretary general, Prof K C Chargotra and Des Raj Gupta as vice presidents, S S Sambyal, Naresh Kumar Talla, Master Shri Pati Sharma and Sumit Gupta as general secretaries, S Pritam Singh, Harbans Lal and Jagdish Raj Bhagat as secretaries of State council. Harsh Kumar Gupta N/C member for Udhampur, Doda and Kathua districts was nominated as provincial president (Jammu). S Anoop Singh was nominated as chairman of minorities, Backward Classes and Human Rights cell of RJD, Nasar Din as incharge of Gujjar Bakerwal Cell and Jamal Din as incharge of Border and Backward Area Cell. Mr Forah said activists of RJD will have to face serious challenges in serving the people of the State but hoped that they would come up to the expectations of people. Office bearers for Jammu East Mandal of BJP nominated Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 21: Newly elected BJP president for Jammu East Mandal Rajesh Gupta declared his team of office bearers in consultation with Jammu District (Urban) president Kavinder Gupta. Surinder Gupta has been made general secretary, Shatrughan Jamwal, Prem Gandotra and Naresh Pradhan as vice presidents, Romesh Sharma, Vidya Devi and S Manjeet Singh as secretaries. Naresh Abrol, Subash Gupta and Narotam Sharma were appointed as cashier, publicity secretary and press secretary respectively. The working committee members are Shashi Pal, Tarsem Jain, Ravinder Khajuria, Balraj Gupta, Charanjeet, Kuldeep Gupta, Rakesh Gupta, Joginder Anand, Romesh Tak, Rahul Chopra, Madan Lal Gupta, Rama Shah, Purshotam Sharma, Bodh Raj, Vijay Gupta, Sudesh, Satish Sharma, Mrs Ram Piyari and S Inderjeet Singh. Varsity Notes By Nishikant Khajuria Following complaints against some private B Ed Colleges that they were charging hefty sums from students for the hostel mess charges, Jammu University Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo has ordered a probe into such allegations. And till completion of the probe and falsification of charges, fresh admission to these B Ed colleges has been stopped by Directorate of College Development on the instructions of Vice-Chancellor. The probe has been initiated against four B Ed colleges. The five member inquiry committee, headed by Prof R D Sharma will investigate into the allegations and submit its report to the Vice-Chancellor within two or three days. While fresh admissions to these four colleges have been stopped from today, the candidates who have opted for these colleges, are being admitted to colleges in next in priority till final verdict of the inquiry. The inquiry was ordered following complaints that these colleges were charging Rs 18,000 to Rs 20,000 in lump-sum as hostel mess charges from freshly admitted students, mostly from other States. The Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo took serious notice of the allegations and immediately ordered an inquiry besides stopping fresh admissions to these colleges. If found guilty, these four B Ed colleges may even lose their affiliation with the Jammu University and get de-recognised by the Directorate of Colleges Development, sources said. Meanwhile, the process for admission to JU affiliated private B Ed colleges is going on in full swing. Out of total 8005 seats in different colleges, 8181 have been filled up till yesterday while the list of 645 was released today. Adequate arrangements have been ensured by the Director Colleges Development Dr D K Jain for smooth conduct of the admission process while Assistant Registrar Mr I D Raina can be seen giving patient hearing to the candidates’ who have any grievance. ******* Around 200 delegates from India and abroad are expected to participate in the three-day international conference on Yoga at Jammu University from November 13. More than ten delegates from foreign countries, including USA, France, Spain South Korea and Iran have confirmed their participation for the seminar while the organisors are expecting the number of delegates from abroad to further increase. Unfortunately, this seminar, which is being organised with the main objective of attracting global attention towards Yoga and for its promotion all over the world, may prove to be last one of its kind in Jammu University as the JU Yoga Centre is completing its duration by December 14. The centre was started by UGC in 1998 with the objective of promotion of Yoga in the University for the benefit of University teachers, students and society at large. About 3000 persons have been trained by the centre in Yoga and its success story is that one of its Yoga teachers has been selected as Yoga teacher cum demonstrator in Mauratius. However, there is still a ray of hope as JU has submitted its proposal for extension and taking over of the liability of the Yoga Centre by the State Government. The reply is hoped to be positive and received shorty. ****** In a bid to get a small space in newspapers and exhibit their support, some student organisations are resorting to cheap stunts like formation of fake units. Majority of the office bearers of the different students’ organisations, come to know about their appointment from newspapers. The height is that sometimes a few office bearers of one outfit are also announced office bearers of the other organisation. There are some student organisations in Jammu University, which exist only in newspapers. What to talk of having such organisations say among students, these do not have members to be appointed as office bearers. Non-seriousness of such organisations can be gauged from the fact that recently a students front was announced formed of a JU department which has only half a dozen students in its all four semesters. Such organisations are one man show and in some cases single individuals are heading more than one outfits. |
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