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| Stop bleeding J&K, respect people’s yearning for peace: Mufti to Pak ‘Dialogue, offer to open Muzaffarabad road achievements of Govt’ Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Oct 29: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today asked Pakistan to stop bleeding Jammu and Kashmir and respond positively to India’s....more Corruption
charges Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: Special Judge Anti-Corruption Jammu, M K Hanjura has framed charges against Vijay Kumar Trikha, the then officer of the State Bank of India (SBI), Kehli Mandi Samba under prevention.........more Thousands
of devotees Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: On the fourth day thousands of devotees today visited venue of the Ati Maha Vishnu Yagna and performed Parikarama of the Yagyashalla. Devotees also.......more Drastic
cut in food Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 29: While as the Governor’s administration and the National Conference (NC) Government had....more HC quashes
appointment Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: The State High Court, in an approved for reporting judgment, has quashed the selection and.......more |
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Coalition
Govt on way to Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: With rationalization of toll levy initiated through winding of four toll posts, the sales tax department registered an increase of 25 per cent in revenue. The revenue realized at the Lakhanpur toll post too has grown at 124 per cent bearing an ample testimony to the efficacy of measures put in place. Similarly, the Excise department registered an increase of 12 per cent in its collections..........more Woman
attempts suicide Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: One person was killed and four others received injuries in separate road accidents........more Appointment
of new Director hailed Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 29: Several trade unions of the state Horticulture employees have appreciated the appointment of Mr A K Saini as the Director of Horticulture but demanded a high level and time-bound investigation into the large-scale irregularities..........more SRINAGAR, Oct 29: Describing the Centre’s offer of talks to the Kashmiri leadership as a step forward in finding a peaceful solution to the Kashmir issue, the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (Amanullah) today urged for a positive, prudent and political response......more |
Stop bleeding J&K, respect
people’s yearning Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Oct 29: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today asked Pakistan to stop bleeding Jammu and Kashmir and respond positively to India’s comprehensive peace initiative to give peace a chance in the state. Addressing a series of largely attended public meetings at Tangdar, Machil and Gurez during his day long whirlwind tour of border areas of Kupwara and Baramulla districts, Mufti Sayeed said that thousands of children have been orphaned in violence that is taking place in the valley for 13 years. The people on the border are being made target of cross border shelling almost every day. Pakistan continues to give gun in the hands of our children and put them on the path of destruction. ‘For God sake, stop blood shed in Jammu and Kashmir,’ he added. Mufti Sayeed asked Pakistan leadership not to ignore the yearning of people of Jammu and Kashmir for peace. He said not only the people of Kashmir, even the people of Pakistan are keen to have lasting peace in the region by improving ties with India.. ‘Why then blood is being shed in Jammu and Kashmir every day and for whom’, he asked. Asserting that he visualises a bright tomorrow for people of Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Minister said that Prime Minister’s peace initiatives are bound to bring peace in the region because it is in deference to the pronounced aspirations of people of both side of the borders. He said gun has never solved problem anywhere in the world. Its futility in solving problems needs to be realised and accepted by every one, and instead work for dialogue. " Let us accept that dialogue and peace are inter connected and both the nations have to work for it’ He, however, cautioned against high expectation of instant solution and said that there might be ups and downs in the peace process and it would not come in one go. After all, solution has to be found to a vexed problem that has been pending for last over 5 decades. He, however, said that there is no reason for any one to run away for dialogue process. The immediate need, he said, is to build mutual trust and over come the occasional hiccups in the road to peace. Expressing satisfaction over Prime Minister’s proposal to open Srinagar - Uri Muzaffarabad road, for which he has been insisting for long, Mufti Sayeed got instant approval from the people at the public meeting when they enthusiastically raised their hands in support of the move and said that this is the biggest confidence building measure that has potential to demolish the walls of hatred between the people on both sides of the border. The Chief Minister said his Government has succeeded in pushing two major issues that are important for restoration of peace in the state. One is the initiation of dialogue, both to address internal and external dimension of the problem and second is to convincing the Union Government to open Muzaffarabad Road to enable the divided families to visit each other. Referring to the demands of the area, Chief Minister said that he would approach Prime Minister to explore possibilities of granting ST status to Paharis on the basis of geographical conditions. He said Karnah and Machil are better claim to ST status in view of their area being land locked and continues sufferers of Pak shelling. He said Helicopter service would be made operational for Tangdar, Gurez during winter. He said he asked the authorities to approach BRO to improve Tangdar road and request them to improve it within stipulated time and if it does not do it, R and B should take up the work. He said 1500 household bunkers have been sanctioned each for Tangdar and Gurrez besides 100 community bunkers. He said he would examine possibility of taking up power project at Gurez on which previous Government had spent Rs. 4 crore and abandoned it. Similar Power Project at Machil would also be examined besides investigating past decision to abandon it after spending huge money. Speaking on the occasion, Finance Minister, Muzaffar Hussain Baigh said that militancy has affected every one but it the Paharis who are the major sufferers he said in the same way they would be the major beneficiaries if peace is dawned in the state. He complimented Mufti Sayeed for his vision and persistent efforts, which led initiation of dialogue and other measures and said that he is championing the cause of peace. Speaking in chaste Pahari, Mr. Baig asked people to pray that the coalition Government remains stead fast on the path of honesty and fair deal and warned the administration against indulging in malpractice and corruption. He said they are there to serve the people and not to exploit their miseries and innocence. He said Government will not tolerate such acts. Mr. Baig sported demand of Paharis ST status to people of Karnah and said that Chief Minister will take up the matter with the Prime Minister. The Rural Development Minister Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed today announced additional grant of Rs. 3 lakh to each of 2700 panchayats in the state for executing minor rural works. This is in addition to 1.50 lakh to Rs. 2 lakh already placed at their disposal . This is the first time that the panchayats have been entrusted with this responsibility following their empowerment by the coalition Government. PDP Chief, Ms. Mehbooba Mufti who also spoke on the occasion shared the agony of people of border areas due to shelling from across the border and said that her party stand for friendly Indo Pak ties that alone guarantee peace in the region. She said opening of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road, which was one of major demand of PDP, would make people to people contact easy and help in demolishing walls of hatred. She said special recruitment drive would be launched in Karnah and other border areas for home and hearth Bns. She said the coalition Government has made the beginning and would achieve in six year what previous Government has not done in 25 year. The local MLAs Kafeel-ul-Rehman and Mr. Nazir Gurezi lauded Chief Minister and coalition Government for giving these areas focussed attention to solve long pending problems of their areas. At all places the Chief Minister distributed relief to over 262 victims of shelling, financial relief to beneficiaries identified under Social Welfare and Rural Development schemes. He also handed over appointment letters to 62 teachers of Karnah and Gurez tehsils. The Chief Minister also distributed Ex-gratia relief of Rs. 8 lakhs among shelling victim at Tangdar. |
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Corruption charges framed against Ex-Manager SBI Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: Special Judge Anti-Corruption Jammu, M K Hanjura has framed charges against Vijay Kumar Trikha, the then officer of the State Bank of India (SBI), Kehli Mandi Samba under prevention of corruption acts. According to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case, Vijay Kumar Trikha while working as Manager (PBD), SBI Samba during 2001 had entered into a conspiracy with others and de-frauded SBI to the tune of Rs 4,82,599 by opening fictitious bank accounts and special deposit account in the name of non existing persons and made un-authorized credits and withdrawals on the bases of false vouchers. It was further alleged that a fictitious S B Account number 26260 in the name of Mrs Sneh Lata was opened in the said Bank with an initial deposit of Rs 300 on March 5, 2001 and on the same date a fictitious demand loan account No 2132 in the name of Sneh Lata was opened and an advance of Rs 1,00,000 (One lakh) was allowed this account by Vijay Kumar Trikha and said loan amount of one lakh was credited to fictitious S B Account of Sneh Lata after the alleged advance of Rs 1,00,000 in the fictitious account too STDRs bearing No 82221 and 822222 for Rs 50,000 each was issued on the same date for a period of 60 months. But falsely mentioned date of issue STDRs was March 18, 1995 and date of maturity as March 18, 2001 with maturity value of Rs 94, 790 the said two STDRs were issued under the signatures of Vijay Kumar Trikha. In the allegations it has been mentioned that on March 14, 2001 two demand loans were raised in the name of Mrs Sneh Lata vide demand loan No 2142 and 2143 for a Rs 80,000 and Rs 76000 respectively by pledging the fictitious STDRs as security. The said demand loan amount to Rs 1,56,000 was again credited to said fictitious SB/AC No 26260. According to the investigation of the CBI it has been said that in this way Mr Trikha used to issue the STDRs in fake name and to raise the demand loans in the fake names/accounts and crediting the amounts in fictitious accounts. Then total defrauded amount of Rs 4,82,599 was encashed by Mr Trikha on fake account. The CBI after completion of the investigation presented the charge sheet against the accused in the court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption, Jammu. |
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Thousands of devotees throng Ati Maha Vishnu Yagna Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: On the fourth day thousands of devotees today visited venue of the Ati Maha Vishnu Yagna and performed Parikarama of the Yagyashalla. Devotees also participated in various religious function including recitation of Ramayana Paath and Hanuman Chalisa. On the fourth day of the Yagna, 70 Pandits have been pressed into service to perform Jaap of Gaytri Mantras as the management of the Yagna has decided to conduct 24 crores Jaap of Gaytri Mantras during the eleven days long religious congregation. 25 scholars and Pandits have been reciting paath of Ram Charitrya Manas while nine scholars have been doing Durga paath. Seven pandits and scholars are doing Laghu Rudhra paath. However, amidst chanting of hymns and recitation of Vedic mantras havan for the second day today at the Ati Maha Vishnu Yagna being organised in the river Tawi. Apart from conducting havan, recitation of Hanuman Chalisa and staging of Raas Leela were also going at the venue of the Yagna. Raas Leela is staged by a team of artists who came all the way from Varindaban in connection with the Yagna. This Raas Leela will be continued till completion of the Yagna. Moreover on the fourth day of the Yagna large number of devotees attended various functions. Even some devotees were seen conducting Parikaramas of the Yagyashalla as it is believed that one can get his/her wish fulfill by conducting atleast 108 Parikaramas of the Yagyashalla where havan being performed. Balak Yogeshwar Maharaj, who is the main source behind this Yagna, has also asked the devotees to take atleast 108 Parikarams of the Yagyashalla for salvation and to fulfill their wishes. Before beginning of the Yagna, Yogeshwar Maharaj has called upon the people of Jammu to take advance of this historical Yagna by participating in religious function and conducting Parikarams of the Yagyashalla. As reported earlier, 100 special designed Kundas have been constructed for performing havan which are conducted by scholars and Pandits from Varanasi and some other parts of the country. Keeping in view the recent militancy incidents in Jammu district security has been intensified all along the Tawi Island where Yagna has been going. Senior police officers have been personally visiting venue of the Yagna to review the security arrangements. Large number of police personnels have been deployed in the Tawi island to provide adequate security there. |
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Drastic cut in food supplies to Marwa, Wadwan Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 29: While as the Governor’s administration and the National Conference (NC) Government had been supplying 50,000 to 60,000 quintals of food grains to the far-flung Marwa and Warwan localities of Kishtwar area, the PDP-led coalition Government has reduced the same to the level of 31,000 quintals. Consequently, residents of these inaccessible areas are apprehensive of a situation of hunger and selective distribution of rations. According to a delegation from Marwa and Warwan, Government had supplied 45,000 quintals of food grains to 24,800 souls of these areas during last year. Some officials of Revenue and Food & Supplies departments, who were themselves involved in misappropriation of rations for years, projected it to the Government that the actual population of these localities was just 18,000 souls. Consequently, they managed to convince the authorities that only 38,000 quintals of food grains were sufficient for these areas. Residents alleged that the real factor behind the reduction was the fact that these officials were left with no scope to further swindle the supplies. Rather than ordering a probe into the irregularities committed by the Food & Supplies officials in league with Revenue Department, the Government ordered considerable cut in the supplies. Even as the coalition Government had fixed the target of 38,000 quintals, the supplies have been stopped just at 31,000 quintals. Residents alleged that a former Deputy Director of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD), who has been removed from his place of posting after 16 years, played a main role in misleading the Government. "In case, Taj Mohi-ud-Din’s Government is convinced that huge surplus quantities of rations have been swindled in the last, why should it not order an investigation? Why should it simply reduce the supplies and provide safe passage to the guilty officials?", asked members of the delegation. They alleged that Marwa and Warwan localities had been squeezed in the wake of trade union politics in the CAPD. According to residents, there was "genuine requirement" of at least 15,000 quintals more to cope with the actual demand. They urged the Minister incharge CAPD, Commissioner-Secretary and Director of CAPD to make a realistic assessment of the demand and supply and, accordingly, supply the requisitioned supplies before the onset of winter. They said that carriage of supplies beyond Kokernag would not be possible after a fortnight. |
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HC quashes appointment of 5 Lab Assts in Health Deptt Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: The State High Court, in an approved for reporting judgment, has quashed the selection and appointment of five Laboratory Assistants in Health Department in Rajouri District, with the direction to Selection Committee for holding fresh selection and consequently appointments be made on the basis of merit. The entire exercise of selection be completed within a period of two months and final selection list be declared/notified. Justice Permod Kohli of the State High Court, while quashing these appointments, observed that it is a settled proportion of law that whenever the selection committee had laid down criteria, the same is required to be adhered to and cannot be altered by the selection authorities. "The Services Selection Recruitment Board having totally ignored academic qualification which was one of the essential qualification/eligibly criteria for selection and the same has been made in arbitrary manner without application of mind, it was observed. He said that due weightage be given to the academic and technical education and the marks given to the candidates in interview shall remain the same. The court direction was passed in a writ petition challenging the selection of five candidates for the posts of Laboratory Assistants in Health Department in Rajouri district. The petitioners had mentioned that despite having high educational qualification, they were ignored while’s other five candidates, having less merit were selected. |
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Coalition Govt on way to attain
fiscal, Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: With rationalization of toll levy initiated through winding of four toll posts, the sales tax department registered an increase of 25 per cent in revenue. The revenue realized at the Lakhanpur toll post too has grown at 124 per cent bearing an ample testimony to the efficacy of measures put in place. Similarly, the Excise department registered an increase of 12 per cent in its collections. The toll tax collections in respect of textiles have increased by more than 281 per cent in Jammu and Kashmir while the shift from ad unitum on poultry resulted in 345 per cent increase in case of chicken the contributions increased by 345 per cent. Minister for Finance, Planning and Law and Parliamentary Affairs Muzaffar Hussain Baig said that it is not by default but by planned and focused implementation of the new fiscal policy that tax collections have been buoyant. He said that the coalition Government set the financial house in order by removing three-fold historic maladies of unfunded plans, increasing deficits and mounting debts in its path breaking zero-deficit budget aimed at bringing about a balance between revenue and expenditure. Mr. Baig said that in the budget the annual plan was fully funded, the budget deficit eliminated and fiscal deficit reduced by half. ‘Such changes, especially in vast magnitude, have perhaps not been done anywhere else in the country’, maintained Mr. Baig. Detailing the major economic initiatives of the new dispensation in their first year of governance, Mr. Baig said that normalization of financial borrowings arranged by planning a workout of arrears; debt rescheduling; repair of important infrastructure including key transport, communication and utility networks; rebuilding and upgrading education, health and other vital sectors; targeted assistance to those affected by war through reintegration of displaced population; reintegration of militants and revitalizing the disrupted communities by lending them credit lines for subsistence agriculture, micro-enterprises and support to other vulnerable groups have been some of the major economic initiatives. Mr. Baig said that with the fiscal situation now in control, the coalition Government is ready to jump-start the economy through ‘trigger-off’ investments, creating conditions for resumption of trade, savings and domestic and foreign investment; promoting macroeconomic stabilization, rehabilitation of financial institutions and restoration of appropriate legal and regulatory frameworks. The coalition Government’s new fiscal policy is framed to take Jammu and Kashmir towards fiscal autonomy, said Mr. Baig adding that the reconstruction of the economy is being designed in such a manner which supports the transition from conflict to peace through rebuilding of the economic framework. He said that the new fiscal policy envisages replacement of expensive debts by cheaper ones through debt swapping, use of over draft to cover temporary mismatch between revenues and expenditure rather than financing expenditure and reducing loan component from 51 per cent last year to 28 per cent this year. To bring in fiscal transparency and discipline, the Government created consolidated sinking fund. Similarly, the creation of guarantee redemption fund will effectively tackle hidden fiscal risk associated with guarantees besides, ceiling on the amount of guarantees to be fixed by the legislature, said Mr. Baig. The Government also announced tax holiday for hotels, restaurants, dhabas and on payment of entertainment duty to boost tourism and provide respite to the worst hit community. Mr. Baig said that the state has made its mission to move towards fiscal and economic autonomy. He said, ‘we have got from Centre what is our right in recognition of our efforts’. The coalition Government due to its pragmatic economic policies managed to get more resources from the Centre than ever before, he added. Apart from this, the Government also initiated a move to seek international assistance from multilateral agencies for promoting economic adjustment and recovery to address social sector needs and building institutional capacity, informed Mr. Baig. He said that Government is working out technical interventions with the World Bank, which will remove some of the core impediments in sustainable development. The World Bank will be providing financial assistance to Jammu and Kashmir from the Post-Conflict Fund besides the Development Grant Facility. ‘This is for the first time that the World Bank or any multilateral agency has been involved in the financing of economic development of the state’, said Mr. Baig. |
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Woman attempts
suicide Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: One person was killed and four others received injuries in separate road accidents. Police spokesman said that a scooterist was killed after his two-wheeler was hit by a Tata Mobile bearing registration number JK14-2967 at Domail under the jurisdiction of Jhajjar Kotli Police Station. The critically injured scooterist was rushed to hospital where doctors pronounced him as brought dead. The deceased has been identified as Vijay Kumar, son of Chuni Lal of village Tirthi in Udhampur district. In another road accident, one Pinki, wife of Yashpal of Talab Tillo received severe injuries in road accident at Canal Road Jammu. She has been hospitalised and her condition was stated to be critical when reports last came in. In yet another accident, constable Raj Kumar received injuries after he was hit by a Maruti car bearing registration number JK02M-1665 at Gandhi Nagar. He has been hospitalised. Two more persons— Dhanu Ram, son of Mangat Ram of Talimorh and Dhyan Singh, son of Kushal Singh of Janipur were also injured in mishaps and their condition was stated to be out of danger. Meanwhile, a girl—Anju Devi, daughter of Madan Lal of Akhnoor received burn injuries in accidental fire at her house. She was under-going treatment at Government Medical College Hospital Jammu and her condition was critical when reports last came in. A woman—Amit Devi, wife of Yashpal of Kalakote allegedly consumed poisonous substance at her residence. She was rushed to hospital when spotted unconscious by family members. Doctors attending on her immediately provided her stomach wash treatment followed by other medicare. Her condition was stated to be out of danger. |
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Appointment of new
Director hailed Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 29: Several trade unions of the state Horticulture employees have appreciated the appointment of Mr A K Saini as the Director of Horticulture but demanded a high level and time-bound investigation into the large-scale irregularities allegedly committed by the outgoing head of the department, Mr Kuku Wazir. All Jammu & Kashmir Non Gazetted Horticulture Employees Union (JKNGHEU) today urged the State Government to constitute a high level commission of inquiry to investigate the omissions and commissions which have allegedly taken place during the tenure of Mr Kuku Wazir as Director of Horticulture. In a statement, JKNGHEU made an appeal to the State Government to take meaningful steps for the improvement of functioning in the department of Horticulture. The statement said that a joint meeting of the officers and non gazetted employees has congratulated the Government, Minister incharge Mr Zargar and Principal Secretary Agriculture Production for appointing the senior-most incumbent as the Director of Horticulture. According to the statement, the meeting passed a resolution asking the Government to unearth the multi-Crore scandals which have taken place during Kuku Wazir’s tenure. It urged the Government to get back two lap-top computers which were currently in possession of the girl-friend of Mr Wazir’s son in London. The computers had been allegedly gifted away to the London-based woman at the cost of the state exchequer on occasion of her birth day party. As per another resolution, the meeting urged the State Government to terminate all the appointment and promotion orders which had been issued by Mr Wazir with gross injustice to the senior officials. According to the statement, Wazir’s right hand man, Abdul Majeed Dar (Helper) has been facing serious charges in the State Vigilance Organisation, State Human Rights Commission as also J&K Police. Rajbagh Police had even arrested him and detained him for a day but Mr Wazir got him released with misuse of his official position. Dar has allegedly collected lakhs of Rupees from 121 people for back-door appointment on behalf of Mr Wazir. Meanwhile, in a separate Press release, All J&K Horticulture Officers Welfare Association hailed the decision of the coalition Government for promoting the senior-most officer of the Department as Director of Horticulture thus having fulfilled the long pending demand of the Association. The Association described Mr Saini’s appointment as "right decision at the right time for welfare of fruit industry in particular and the Department in general". It also pleaded that a probe be initiated so as to bring various misdeeds of Kuku Wazir’s tenure to limelight. OUr Jammu correspondent adds : All J&K Non-Gazetted Horticulture Employees Union has welcomed the decision of the Government for appointing Mr. AK Saini as the new Director of Horticulture Department. The Union release issued here said that Mr Saini has a rich experience of 33 years in the department and served in both the Divisions of the State. The Union has thanked Chief Minister Mufti Mohd Sayeed and others for giving representation to Jammu by appointing Mr Saini as Director Horticulture. The Union further hoped that all the demands of the Horticulture employees will be looked after by Mr Saini. |
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SRINAGAR, Oct 29: Describing the Centre’s offer of talks to the Kashmiri leadership as a step forward in finding a peaceful solution to the Kashmir issue, the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (Amanullah) today urged for a positive, prudent and political response to the move. "Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s decision to depute Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani for talks with the Kashmiri leadership is a bold initiative." head of JKLF diplomatic wing Dr Haider Hijazi said in a statement here. "It seems that the ground realities have prevailed upon India to see the reason for a serious effort towards initiating a dialogue process," he added. However, he said, it needs to be moved in the right direction, aimed exclusively at finding a solution of the Kashmir imbroglio. The process should not be derailed by politicising the issue, Dr Hijazi added. Without naming anyone, he said it was unfortunate that some "freedom loving groups are playing with the gallery while reacting on the issue" and added that every Kashmiri should feel responsible for creating conducive atmosphere for a peaceful, equitable, democratic and permanent solution to the Kashmir issue. He said one should not at the same time loose the sight that the Kashmir issue could never be resolved through bilateralism, whether between India and Kashmiris, India and Pakistan or Pakistan and Kashmiris. Welcoming the proposal to open the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road, Dr Hijazi said it could provide a passage for re-unification of the divided Jammu and Kashmir state and help resolve the issue as envisaged in the road-map for peace and prosperity of south Asia. However, he said any move to recognise the Line of Control as the de-facto international border will be unacceptable to the "freedom-loving patriotic Kashmiris". (UNI) |
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Education helps Leh women to
break LEH, Oct 29: Education and overall development of this desert Himalayan region has empowered its women to break away from the tradition of two or more brothers marrying a single woman. "Yes, there was a tradition in some of our remote villages near the border with Pakistan and China in which a woman was forced to marry two or more brothers," says Tulip Zingpo, a long-time resident of the area. According to him, the people of these villages were very poor with little income and land to survive. "To avoid the division of the property among the brothers, they all used to marry a single woman. Besides, people were very simple and they wanted to avoid any confrontation for property and live together." There were some reports of such marriages in the Khalsay sub division bordering Pakistan some ten to fifteen years ago but now things have improved because of education and overall improvement in the standards of living of the people in the area, Mr Zingpo said. Another resident, 85-year-old Tasheen, said he knew a number of women who had married more than two brothers. "There was no dowry system and marriages were conducted at simple functions in the presence of village elders," he recalled. The first child from these marriages was given the name of the elder brother and the younger children bore the name of the other brothers. "Things have entirely changed now and the women enjoy equal rights in every field, except in the employment, because of very little opportunities for them as compared to men," says Tasheen. "After the Kargil war, the women of this region have expressed their desire to join the security forces and guard the country from the external threat," he says. There is absolutely no dowry system, says another resident Sonam. Women are now well educated and even merit-holders, she adds. She says the caste system, which was prevalent till a decade ago, has lost its dominance with families indulging in inter-caste marriages. "If such changes continued for five more years, there will be absolutely no caste system," she says, adding the middle class and upper class have already started interacting with each other. She says the change in the society was possible only because the children belonging to lower castes are also well educated and are holding high posts in the administration. Because of education, the girls are aware of their rights in the society and are ready to fight for them, she says. (UNI) |
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We do not change stance: Mufti Excelsior Correspondent Tangdar, Oct 29: Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that his Government is stable and there is no cause of concern over it. Addressing a public a meeting at Tangdar jointly organized by People’s Democratic Party and Congress, the Chief Minister said that coalition Government is stable as it enjoys people’s support and goodwill. He said Government is not as much dependant on the number game as on people’s support and goodwill. The Chief Minister said that his experience of one year as head of the multi-party coalition Government in the State, shows that the people are matured enough to understand things in the proper perspective. He said the people have always supported the right steps of the Government. He quoted people’s wide spread appreciation of the demolition drive launched by the State Government. He said that his Government has made a humble beginning and we don’t claim miracles but we did show that we are serious in addressing public problems and tackling even sensitive issues. Mufti Sayeed said it is the politicians who change colours and not the people. Without naming any party or individual, the Chief Minister said that coalition leaders have established that they are not chameleons but pursue the same ideology which they had even in opposition. He said, his famous slogans ‘Goli sey nahin Bholi sey’ has been pursued and dialogue process got initiated even with separatists.Similarly,opening of Muzafferabad road has been included in PM’s peace initiatives. |
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Workshop on Adolescence at St Peter’s School Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: A workshop on ‘Adolescence growth and sex education’ was conducted at St Peter’s High School B C Road here for the students of Class IX today. The workshop was conducted by Dr Poonam Dhawan, the director, Population Education Resource Centre, University of Jammu and her team included Dr Mrs Khan and Priyanka Sharma. They discussed on bodily changes, emotional psychological changes, rational thinking, importance of health and hygiene, nutritional food and healthy relationships. There were interactions with the students in which students put forward their doubts and questions, which were answered and discussed by the resource persons in a very satisfactory way. The workshop enabled the students to understand themselves better as also others of their age. Sr Annie, Coordinator, St Joseph’s health Programme of Diocese of Jammu-Srinagar organized the workshop. Fr Thomas Niravathu, the Vice Principal, thanked the team and assured that follow up programme of the same nature will be conducted in the near future. |
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Charges for hostel mess
fixed Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: In a punitive measure against Adarsh College of Education for allegedly fleecing students, Jammu University Vice-Chancellor has curtailed allotment of total seats to the college. According to the Campus sources, Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo has ordered the Directorate of Colleges Development to decrease the total number of seats for Adarsh College of Education, Bari Brahmana, from 210 to 180. The action was taken against the college following complaints that it was fleecing innocent students and charging exorbitant amounts from them on the name of uniform fee, that too without issuing any receipt. During investigations by an inquiry committee of the Jammu University, it was established that the college charged Rs 2760 from each student for providing a simple saree as uniform fee. There were also some other complaints of fleecing by the college which included overcharging of hostel fee and mess charges. Meanwhile, to check alleged fleecing by some other private B Ed Colleges, Jammu University has fixed Rs 15000 as maximum charges for hostel mess. The maximum charges were fixed following the complaints against six private B Ed Colleges, including Adarsh College of Education, that they were charging exorbitant mess charges from the students. The managements of these six colleges have also been directed to refund the extra amount, charged by them, to the respective students. The University has also taken an undertaking from all the private colleges, affiliated to JU, that they will not charge any exorbitant fee from the students, sources said. |
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Milk production touches 3000 litre in Ganderbal Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Oct 29: The coalition Government is committed to revive the cooperative movements in the State and uplift the socio- economic conditions of the rural population by providing all necessary help to the different Cooperative Societies operating in the State. This was Stated by the Minister for Agriculture, Abdul Aziz Zargar at a bonus distribution function amounting to Rs. 1.32 lakh among 300 members of the Tulmulla Ganderbal Milk Producers and Dairy Cooperative Society ltd. (TGMPDCSL) at Tulmulla today. Minister for PHE and Irrigation, Qazi Mohammad Afzal was also present on the occasion. Appreciating the efforts of TGMPDCSL for increasing the milk production from 10 liters in 1982 to 3,000 liters, Mr. Zargar said that this society will be developed as a model for the whole State to achieve the goal of complete white revolution in the State. Mr. Zargar said that the revival of cooperative movement would be taken up on the pattern of Land to Tiller movement in order to reach the people and inculcate participatory approach in them He called upon educated unemployed youth to come forward and venture in poultry farming, dairy farming and sheep breeding by constituting a 6- member group cooperative societies. He said such societies functioning in close coordination with J&K Cooperatives department will be extended every assistance and incentive. Enumerating the achievements of one year of coalition Government, the Minister for PHE and Irrigation, Qazi Mohammad Afzal said that Tulmulla would be developed as model town and Ganderbal area as a historical constituency will be given full attention as for as its development is concerned. The Minister said that the members of TGMPDCSL have faced hardships in the past but now time has come when their tireless efforts are bearing fruits and are being rewarded. He said people should involve themselves in the policy of present Government and its implementation be also monitored by them. Registrar, Cooperatives, G.N. Kasba, officers of Cooperatives and Agriculture department, Members of TGMPDCSL were also present on the occasion. |
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EEGA discusses demands with Power Minister Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: Executive body of J&K Electrical Engineering Graduates Association led by its general secretary Rajinder Kohli called on Power Minister Mohd Sharif Niaz to discuss various issues pertaining to cadre and in particular about recent promotion/transfer order of AEEs which has been kept in abeyance. Association suggested the Minister to have a clear cut transfer policy while issuing amended order and stressed that transfer policy in vogue in early 90s may be followed. The Minister outrightly denied the report about involvement of some leaders of the Union in transfer order of AEEs. Power Minister showed his interest and assured the association that no premature transfer order will be affected and the transfer order will have a rotational arrangement comprising of all wings of PDD. The Minister agreed in principle to fill up all vacant posts from the level of AE to AEE as he felt that non filling of vacant posts will affect the working of department and collection of revenue in particular. Association stressed for further expansion of PDD and creation of Engineer-in-Chief post, one for each province. The Minister asked the engineers and workers of the Department to work sincerely for collection of revenue which would benefit the State Government. Association also requested the Power Minister to hold seminars and symposia related to judicious use of electricity. Mr Niaz appreciated the concern of the association and assured to do the needful. Executive members of the association besides Mr Kohli included P D Singh, Umesh Sharma, Sanjiv Mohan, Janak Raj Sharma, Rajesh Gupta as also some senior members of the Association. |
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VC inaugurates girls hostel in KC College of Education Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: A well furnished hostel building for girls having intake capacity of 100 boarders, was inaugurated at the KC College of Education , here today. Jammu University Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo inaugurated the hostel building. He was accompanied by Controller Examination Dr O S Soodan and former Vice-Chancellor of JU Prof M R Puri. The newly constructed hostel building is well furnished and equipped with various facilities for boarders like a recreation room with colour television, play ground, dining hall and a lush green lawn. Prof Mattoo visited inside the hostel building and appreciated the college management for constructing a well furnished hostel for girl students. He also expressed his satisfaction over the additional facilities like recreation room and play ground etc for the hostel boarders. Chairman of KC Educational Society Mr Sudershan Mahajan, Principal of KC College of Education, Mr D P Khajuria, vice-chairman Raju Choudhary, ex IGP S S Wazir and ex Justice J&K High Court Mr O P Sharma were also present on the occasion. |
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Government neglecting Sanskrit
language Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 29: Grave concern was expressed over the non-seriousness of the State Government in promoting the Sanskrit language in the Jammu and Kashmir by the Sanskrit Bharti in its Executive Committee meeting which was held at University of Jammu today. The meeting which was held to discuss and deliberate over the status of the Sanskrit language in the State, took the serious view of the Government’s lackluster attitude in fulfilling its promises regarding the appointment of Sanskrit teachers in high and higher secondary Schools. The meeting said it is a matter of shock that non Indian languages are active being promoted in the State but the Sanskrit which is the mother of all Indian languages is being demoted. As a result the Sanskrit is not available as a teaching subject and there is little scope for studying this subject in schools. The meeting was presided over by Dr Ramnika Jalali, HoD Sanskrit, Jammu University and among other scholars it was attended by Dr Vishwamurthy Shastri, Dr B B Sharma, Dr R L Bhat and Pardeep Koul. |
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