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| Chanting religious slogans, devotees perform Parikaramas of Yagyashalla Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 30: As the number of devotees are increasing with every passing day, the Ati Maha Vishnu Yagna being held at Tawi Island entered fifth day today. Chanting religious slogans, thousands....more 100 more
flats in Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar Oct 30: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today inspected the execution work of the new township for Kashmiri Pandits at Sheikh.........more Woman will
not lose PRC Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 30: The State High Court has held that after a marriage, a woman will not lose the status of permanent resident of Jammu and Kashmir State if she marries to a non-resident person........more VHP
demands Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 30: Concerned over a spurt in militant attacks in Jammu and Kashmir in recent weeks, VHP today demanded that the Centre....more Patwari,
other acquitted Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 30: Special Judge Anti-Corruption Jammu, Mr MK Hanjura has acquitted Shamsher Chand, Patwari Halqa Gole Jammu and Mohan Lal of Talab Tillo Jammu from the charges of corruption and conspiracy........more |
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Coalition
Government Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar Oct 30: The Chief Minister Mufti Mohmmad Sayeed has said that the coalition Government had been ensuring equitable distribution of funds and each district in the State got due share. He said the major challenges before the govt are to banish poverty, illiteracy and disease besides tackling unemployment problem adding that the people should extend their support to the Government in addressing these issues...........more Govt to
soon announce Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Oct 30: Jammu and Kashmir Government will soon announce a new industrial policy for the State.........more SHRC takes
cognizance Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 30: J&K State Human Rights Commission (JKSHRC) has taken suo motto cognizance of news item published in a section of press in which it was stated that Tihar and other jail detainees were deprived from basic facilities provided under law...........more No power
cut Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Oct 30: Chief Minister Mufti Muohammad Sayeed today ordered the Power Development Department to ensure uninterrupted power supply in the valley during Shehri in the month......more |
Chanting religious slogans, devotees
perform Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 30: As the number of devotees are increasing with every passing day, the Ati Maha Vishnu Yagna being held at Tawi Island entered fifth day today. Chanting religious slogans, thousands of devotees from city and rural areas today visited venue of the Yagna and performed Parikaramas of the Yagyashalla. Apart from performing Parikaramas, devotees also participated in religious functions including recitation of Ramayana Paath and Hanuman Chalisa. Recitation of Shrimad Bhagwat Puran also started today. However, amidst chanting of hymns and recitation of Vedic mantras havan continued for the third day today at the Ati Maha Vishnu Yagna. Some devotees who came just to perform Parikarma also sat in the havan. 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 have come all the way from Varindaban. On the fifth day, there was heavy rush of devotees around the Yagyashalla to perform Parikaramas. Since morning people irrespective of their caste, creed and colour were seen performing Parikarams. 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 called upon the people of Jammu to take advantage of this historical Yagna by participating in religious functions and conducting Parikarams of the Yagyashalla. In this Yagna chanting of religious hymns, recitation of Mantras during the Yagna would be to pay obeisance to God and to invoke His blessings aimed at universal peace with particular reference to J&K. It is believed that the Yagna rituals have manifold advantages but only selective have been explained. The Yagna, in one form of other are performed all over the world with some communities attaching more sentimental importance, where as, the other on a lesser scale. In the Hindu scriptures the Yagna is considered as a supreme sacred holistic ritual with certain articles offered to the fire in oblation to propitiate God to seek protection from natural calamities, protection from diseases, improve environment and to attain universal happiness as well as prosperity. The Yagna Sanskar is well developed Karama based on long deep research and experimentation by the religious scholars, saints and seers. Through Yagna, the higher consciousness is created which helps to awaken and systematized the inner subtle power of human beings. The great Yogies like Vivekananda and Yogananda had laid much emphases on adopting Yagna rituals religiously in their discourses when they had visited America and European continents. The Yagna, when performed, jointly amidst chanting of hymns and recitation of Mantras, is to invoke the blessings of God to strengthen the devotees to overcome even seemingly insuperable odds. |
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100
more flats in proposed KPs' township Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar Oct 30: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today inspected the execution work of the new township for Kashmiri Pandits at Sheikh Pora in Budgam and ordered that 100 more flats be added in the proposed complex. Minister for Revenue and Rehabilitation Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen accompanied the Chief Minister during his visit to the site. The Revenue and Rehabilitation Department has taken up the construction of 300 flats in the shape of a cluster with provisions for amenities including schools, parks, hospital, shopping complex, temple etc. The Chief Minister said that the proposed number of dwelling units is less and in view of site being appropriate and spacious, more flats should be constructed there. The proposed complex has been approved for Rs. 32 cr. and with the addition of 100 more flats the cost of the project would go up to Rs. 40 cr. The J&K Project Construction Corporation is executing the complex. |
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Woman will not lose PRC status after marriage:HC Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 30: The State High Court has held that after a marriage, a woman will not lose the status of permanent resident of Jammu and Kashmir State if she marries to a non-resident person. The observation was made in a case, wherein a woman, belonging to Jammu and Kashmir and had married to an outsider (non-resident) and approached the court, as she had applied for the post of teaching guide under Rehbar-e-Taleem. Justice Permod Kohli, while disposing of the writ petition, said that the petitioner who is a permanent resident of J&K State, after her marriage, she was staying at a place where her husband’s family is settled. This fact has not been denied, merely because the petitioner’s husband is a non-permanent resident of the State, on this basis alone, she will not lose the status of permanent resident after the marriage, in view of the judgment delivered by full bench of this court in a case "State of J&K versus Dr Susheela Sawhney and others". Justice Kohli further said that even if her husband is a non-permanent resident and not withstanding the endorsement made in Permanent Resident Certificate of the petitioner (Valid Till Marriage), she will continue to be a permanent resident of J&K. Whether the petitioner is the resident of village Channi Tana, Akhnoor or not is the only question that needs to be verified. There is a certificate issued by Sarpanch Zone Jourian verifying the same. However, if respondents have any doubt regarding her residence, they are at liberty to ascertain that fact and also hold an enquiry in that regard and pass the order within three months. The court held that after ascertaining that fact, the petitioner has to be accorded consideration as determined by the recommending authority. The court also directed the respondents that in the meanwhile, one vacancy in the school Channi Tana shall not be filled. According to the petitioner Renu Bala, she had applied for the selection as Teaching Guide under Rehbar-e-Taleem scheme in Primary School Village Channi Tana. Her name was recommended by Village Level Committee but objection was raised that the husband of the petitioner is not a resident of J&K. This question was challenged by way of a writ petition, which was decided by the Court. |
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VHP demands dismissal of Mufti Govt Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 30: Concerned over a spurt in militant attacks in Jammu and Kashmir in recent weeks, VHP today demanded that the Centre stop its ‘appeasement policy’ towards the State Government, dismiss it and impose President’s rule. Talking to reporters here, VHP state president Ramakant Dubey also opposed the Centre’s proposal to hold talks with the Hurriyat Conference faction led by Maulvi Abbas Ansari, saying it represented a ‘minuscule’ section of Kashmiris. Dubey said the attack on the Shalimar Express by militants on the night of October 26 and the subsequent bloodbath unleashed by them as they tried to flee to the border was a result of "casual working" of police and security forces. The attack on BSNL headquarters in Srinagar on Tuesday and blasting of an Army bus near Khelani Doda should not be taken as isolated incidents, he said. Dubey warned that militants may increase their activities when Government offices open in Jammu, the winter capital of the State, next week. On the recent peace proposals by India, the VHP spokesman said the Centre was behaving in a "most unreasonable" manner by granting special facilities to an "enemy country, which is hell-bent on breaking our nation by pushing in hoards of militants." He opposed the proposed talks of the Centre with a "minuscule faction of Kashmiris" like the Hurriyat faction led by Ansari. "We have been loudly telling the world for last 56 years that J&K is an inseparable and integral part of India. Where does the question arise of holding talks with such a small section of Kashmiris," Dubey asked. |
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Patwari, other acquitted of corruption charges Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 30: Special Judge Anti-Corruption Jammu, Mr MK Hanjura has acquitted Shamsher Chand, Patwari Halqa Gole Jammu and Mohan Lal of Talab Tillo Jammu from the charges of corruption and conspiracy. The Judge maintained that the prosecution has not been able to establish the case against the accused persons. According to Vigilance case, one Kamal Nanda had lodged a complaint with the Organization that Shamsher Chand, the then Halqa Patwari Gole Jammu, in connivance with Mohan Lal of Talab Tillo had misused his official position and changed the entry in revenue record consisting of survey number 511-min, measuring six marlas on the basis of an affidavit with the intention to bestow undue pecuniary gain to Mohan Lal. Mohan Lal in turn had encroached the land illegally. It was also alleged that Mohan Lal had paid Rupees 5,000 to Patwari as illegal gratification. The Vigilance Organization after the competition of the investigation,presented a challan in the court of Special Judge Anti-corruption Jammu which was decided today. |
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Coalition Government ensured
equitable Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar Oct 30: The Chief Minister Mufti Mohmmad Sayeed has said that the coalition Government had been ensuring equitable distribution of funds and each district in the State got due share. He said the major challenges before the govt are to banish poverty, illiteracy and disease besides tackling unemployment problem adding that the people should extend their support to the Government in addressing these issues. Addressing a largely attended public meeting jointly organized by PDP, Congress and PDF at Budgam here today the Chief Minister said that the development scenario of rural areas could effectively be changed for better only by the activities under taken by the Rural Development Department. He said that the centre has allocated additionally of Rs 80 crore over and above normal outlay under rural development sector as a result of Coalition Government’s efforts. He suggested Rural Development Minister Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed to take up construction of primary schools under additional financial package rather than going for construction of community centres which hardly whereof common public utility. The Government is infusing a new life panchayats institutions for which the people should ready to participate in electing their representatives. Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen in his address said that the success of the coalition Government depended on the cooperation of the common masses and asked the people to lend support to the coalition Government. He said that the Government would ensure all round development of every section of population and no area will be discriminated. He said that the Government has ensured transparency at every level and strained that this will continue in future also. The Minister said that the natural beauty of the district had been ignored and not exploited for tourism by the previous regime and efforts are on to bring the district on the tourist map of the State and added that once the district is promoted as a tourist destination, the unemployment and related economic problems of the district will be addressed. Speaking on the occasion the Minister for Rural Development Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, said that the coalition Government has not only restored the confidence of the people but t the same time has made administration accountable. He said the major achievement of the Government is that it had passed accountability bill in the legislature making the Ministers and legislators more accountable. He said that to ensure transparency both major and minor works are notified through media for information of the public adding that no interference in allotment of these works is allowed. The Minister added that while implementing the State and the centrally sponsored welfare scheme, the interests of the deserving are taken care of by the coalition Government. Vice President PDP and Ex Minister Aga Syed Mehmood in his welcome address outlined the achievements of the present Government saying that it had been focusing attention on backward and far-flung areas to transform socio economic conditions of the people. He also projected various demands including opening of a degree college at Budgam and construction of a bus stand and up gradation of road between Budgam -Chadoora. Present on the occasion were MLA Chadoora, Sarfaraz Ahmad Khan and MLC, Gh. Nabi Lone. |
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Govt to soon announce new industrial policy Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Oct 30: Jammu and Kashmir Government will soon announce a new industrial policy for the State. The new industrial policy is likely to entail a special package of incentives for providing marketing and financial support to industry, purchase preference availability of power at low cost and upgradation of industrial infrastructure for attracting investments, state Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma said. Within two weeks, two export zones will be sanctioned, one for Jammu and the other in Kashmir valley, the Deputy Chief Minister said it in his address to PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI). For assisting entrepreneurs, all clearances will be given at the single window including sanction of power and allotment of land. Those units which are less power intensive would be given priority. Mr Sharma also said that a growth centre for leather industry and two food parks in the state would also be announced shortly. He urged the investors to take advantage of the liberal Central Government package of incentives and the state Government’s own package and set up new industrial projects in Jammu and Kashmir. The Central Government package includes excise duty exemption for ten years, Income Tax holiday and capital subsidy. The J K Deputy Chief Minister offered total support of the state Government to investors. The attractive state incentives included capital subsidy of 30 per cent, transport subsidy of 90 per cent, electricity duty exemption on captive power generation, exemption from toll tax on raw material import and export of finished goods for five years. Mr Sharma said that an Entrepreneurship Development Institute has been set up at Srinagar. On the occasion PHDCCI also entered into an MoU with the J&K Government for creating an NGO for vocational training and rehabilitation of unemployed youth and women. |
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SHRC takes cognizance of press report Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 30: J&K State Human Rights Commission (JKSHRC) has taken suo motto cognizance of news item published in a section of press in which it was stated that Tihar and other jail detainees were deprived from basic facilities provided under law. According to a statement issued here today, SHRC issued notices to the State and central governments for clarification. The report received by the Commission, however, revealed that all the basic facilities guaranteed under law were being made available to the jail inmates. The statement said that the president of J&K Awami Action Committee was asked to assist the Commission in bringing home to accept his statement, which had given rise to this case. "Neither anybody appeared nor any comments have been received from the said president." The SHRC statement asked the president of the Awami Action Committee to contact the Commission or file rejoinder by November 12 this year before appropriate orders are passed. |
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No power cut during Shehri: CM Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Oct 30: Chief Minister Mufti Muohammad Sayeed today ordered the Power Development Department to ensure uninterrupted power supply in the valley during Shehri in the month of Ramadhan. Reviewing the power supply especially during the holy month of Ramadhan at a high level meeting, he asked the senior engineers of PDD to operate Gas Turbine Unit to grapple over the shortage of power but in no case should put the consumers to any inconvenience during Shehri. Among those present in the meeting were Finance Minister, Muzaffar Hussain Baig and Tourism Minister, Ghulam Hassan Mir. Mufti Sayeed instructed the Engineers to set up Control Rooms at district headquarters with helpline facility to enable the people to lodge complaints and get authentic information about disruption, if any, and its restoration. Some senior officer should man these control rooms and be polite to the callert while listening to their complaints and responding to a situation. These Control Rooms should remain functional round the clock. Similarly, curtailment schedule for the winter months should be notified through electronic and print media for the convenience of the consumers and stick to it. The Chief Minister was apprised that the department has been drawing about 400 MW power from the Northern Grid over and above its allocation. Even then the department is deficient of power to meet the requirement. The power generation at Uri Project has declined making power availability more scarce. When specifically asked about the problem of Rawalpora locality of Srinagar, the meeting was informed process of augmentation of receiving station is in progress and expected to be completed in a weeks time. The meeting stressed need for keeping people fully informed about power situation and available channels of electronic media be used for reaching the people. The Chief Minister ordered Engineers to speedily procure machinery for Pahalgam Mini Hydle Project on which Rs. 30 crores are being utilized so as to make it functional within the stipulated time. Besides, work on Mini Hydel Projects in Leh and valley should be expedited for completion. The Chief Minister and Ministers were informed that PDD is launching a fortnight drive from November 1 to regularize all illegal power connection for which the consumers should come-forth and apply. The Chief Minister also took stock of the progress with regard to procurement of transformers and their installation across the valley for which Rs. 8 crores were allocated by the present government. He also enquired about follow up action on modernization project for Budgam, Srinagar and Jammu cities on which Rs. 20 crore would initially be utilized. The total project cost is of the order of Rs. 180 crore. Later, a delegation of House Boat Owners Association led by PDP Treasurer and a leading Tour and Travel operator called on the Chief Minister and demanded waiving of loan in favour of house boat owners. Mr. Sayeed asked them to consolidate details with regard loaned amount individually and submit this information to his for consideration. |
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PDP urges people to support policies of coalition Govt Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 30: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) today urged the people to support and cooperate the pro-people policies being propagated by the coalition Government headed by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. Addressing workers meetings at Chak Shain and Bagg Jamer villages of R S Pura, PDP leaders said that cooperation of the people was must to yield results of the radical steps being taken by the Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed for restoration of peace in the State and for the socio-economic development of the people. Speaking on the occasion, MLA Shanti Devi announced to give a grant of Rs one lakh for development of each village. She urged the people to strengthen hands of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. Addressing the meetings newly appointed general secretary of the party Dhaman Bhasin highlighted achievements of State Government led by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. He said that there was transparency and accountability in the present Government. "Unlike previous corrupt National Conference regime this Government has maintained a check on the corruption and nepotism", he said and assured the people that action will be taken against those Ministers of Farooq Government who had pocketed public money. He said that during one year Mufti led Government has earned support and faith of the masses. District president (Rural) Baldev Slathia in his address asked the people to strengthen hands of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and party chief Mehbooba Mufti. General secretary Romesh Mottan, Kirpal Singh, Satpal, Shakti Sharma, Milkhi Ram, Thoru Ram, Gian Chand, Amir Chand, Amarnath, Bihari Lal, Daya Ram, Dalip Singh, Santokh Ram and others addressed the meetings. |
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Govt to confer ownership rights of Nazool land: Yasin
JAMMU, Oct 30: To mop up resources by suitably raising revenue generating assets, a residential-cum-commercial complex on the evacuee property is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 12 crore while a 4-storeyed multi-facility shopping plaza is coming up at Hyderpora, Srinagar which will comprise shopping mall, restaurant, halls, office rooms and other facilities. Revenue Minister Hakim Mohammad Yasin said that under the new revenue policy, the coalition government has decided to inventories evacuee, custodian and ghacahari properties to prevent malpractice. He said that all evacuee and other property would be optimally utilized by setting up revenue generating assets. The projects approved by the government under new policy include construction of 114 flats at Peerbagh, Rawalpora-Goriporta, Batmaloo, Burzulla and Sanatnagar in Srinagar city, said Mr. Yasin. Mr. Yasin informed that presently, 156, 2100 kanals of land is under the control of custodian department while under evacuee property the revenue department manages 2400 kanals of orchard land, 8128 houses, 772 shops, 1356 kothies, 1429 plots, 15 annexes, 51 flats of four set, 12 hutment, 23 garages, 1 office complex, 6000 Khair and 13,000 cheer trees. The Minister said that under the new policy enhanced rent on evacuee and custodian property would ensure generation of greater revenue. He said that the department expects an income of Rs. 9.50 crore through various sources during the current fiscal. Mr. Yasin said that a drive has been launched for surveying the hidden evacuee property in Jammu and Kashmir adding that the revenue department has been successful in recovering 230 kanals of land including orchards under illegal possession. In yet another far-reaching and significant decision to benefit rural families, the coalition government abolished land revenue that benefited over 16 lakh families in the state, said Mr. Yasin. Detailing about the perspective management for efficient administration of Nazool land, the Minister said, ‘it received focused attention under the new dispensation which was lacking during the previous regime’. He said that the coalition government has decided to confer ownership rights over Nazool land to generate revenue for construction of power projects in Jammu and Kashmir. The exercise would be taken up in a phased manner and in the first instance the properties under commercial use would be disposed of at market rates or through auction mode. On the issue of conferring ownership rights to the leaseholders of commercial establishments, Mr. Yasin said that government proposes to granting ownership rights on market price. However, if the leaseholder refuses to purchase the property rights against the price fixed by the government, the same would be auctioned. To ensure better returns a comprehensive policy is also being formulated for allotment, renewal, termination and lease of state land. ‘Earlier all laws and regulations have been thrown to wind and a total mayhem existed in this sector’, said Mr. Yasin adding that all such properties are being sealed to secure the interest of the state. Deliberating on the major initiatives of the coalition government in its first year of governance, Mr. Yasin said that the present dispensation proposes to computerize the available records of land afresh by developing indigenous software in Urdu that will help in maintaining the girdawri and other record. For this purpose, computers provided to all the tehsils and field staff will be made functional soon, he said adding that panchayats too are being involved in this mechanism for intensifying land measurement work. Mr. Yasin said that government also intends to construct a patwar khana for each patwar halqa for providing office accommodation to the patwaris and to facilitate easy access of the people. He said that being in the administrative control of the relief and rehabilitation wing, the revenue department disbursed Rs 4 crore as ex-gratia to those of the families who were affected due to natural calamities. The government is also planning to widen the purview of calamity relief fund. The coalition government made another headway in just one year by completing land acquisition of 30,000 kanals and disbursing compensation to the holders for the prestigious rail project, said Mr. Yasin. He said that small and marginal uncultivable and unproductive stretches too would be acquired as assured by the Centre. |
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10 Bangladeshi nationals arrested in R S Pura Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 30: Army today took into custody 10 nationals of Bangladesh at two different Border Out Posts (BOPs) in R S Pura sector of Jammu district. Official sources said that eight of the arrested Bangladeshis were apprehended at BOP Badyal Brahamana while two others were taken into custody at BOP Makwal. All the arrested Bangladesh nationals were heading towards International Border suspiciously to cross over to Pakistan when they were apprehended by the alert troops. After preliminary questioning all the arrested Bangladeshis were handed over to police for further investigation, the sources said and disclosed that maximum attempts of exfiltration are being made through BOP Badyal Brahamana and there was hardly any day when attempts were not made to get the groups of Bangladeshi national exfiltrated towards Pakistan. According to sources, the citizens of Bangladesh are usually lured by agents on false promise of providing them jobs and brought here by train then asked to cross over the border, they said, adding hundreds of Bangladesh and Myanmar nationals have been arrested near IB during this year. |
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Finance Deptt hell bent to destroy SSIs of Jammu: FoI Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 30: Federation of Industries (FoI) in a meeting held under the chairmanship of Mr Kuldeep Dogra, discussed the industrial scenario particularly the alleged hurdles being created by the Finance Department through its sale-tax wing. The meeting which was also attended by Messrs Rattan Dogra and Devinder Mahajan, co-Chairmen of the Federation, said that refusal and non-issuance of GST registration to Small Scale Units, which have started production and obtained permanent registration from the District Industries Centre, has been creating problems for the small industrialists and added that files regarding the GST are pending for the disposal for the last more than six months. The participants criticised the refusal to Small Scale Units to import goods mentioned as raw material in the Central Sales Tax registration and said that as per law Lakhanpur authorities have to simply see that goods mentioned in the Central Sales Tax registration are listed or not, but instead of performing assigned tasks they have been harassing the industrialists on one pretext or another. They disclosed that Sales Tax Commissioner has clarified that a SSI unit which by way of partly manufacturing and partly by importing the parts to produce and conduct sale of its product under its own name and trade mark is eligible to be registered as an SSI unit under the provisions of J&K General Sales Tax Act, 1962 and entitled to exemption as provided under SRO-246 but DIC while registering a unit for the manufacture of a product—is alloting a manufacturing code which has been prescribed by SISI, Government of India. "The clarification of ST Commissioner has made it clear that he has no knowledge about the manufacturing code", they said and alleged that Finance Department alongwith ST Department hatched a conspiracy to destroy all the Jammu-based units in order to destablize the economy of Jammu. They also appealed the Chief Minister to remove Commissioner Sales Tax. |
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Crime Branch presents challan in coins case Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 30: Crime Branch Jammu has produced challan of case FIR No: 46/2003 under sections 379, 403/ RPC and 5/24 T T Act (Treasury Trove Act) against Santosh Kumar of Chhatisgarh, Santosh Kumar of Bilaspur, Sohan Lal of Jai Jai Pur, Chhatisgarh and Sanjay Kumar of Tusar, Chhatisgarh in the court of Sub Judge Jammu. The said case was registered in Crime Branch Jammu on October 5, 2003 after GRP wing of Crime and Railways Jammu seized large number of ancient coins which were hidden by one Santosh Kumar of Chhatisgarh in his luggage when he was about to board a train for his home town outside the State. The coins were detected through baggage scanning machine. During sustained interrogation Santosh Kumar revealed that he alongwith three others were working as labourers and had found the ancient coins while digging land at Jung Bari (Domana). They distributed the coins amongst themselves with intention to take these to their native places and dispose them off. Subsequently GRP party conducted raids in a planned manner and caught hold of the remaining three associates of Santosh Kumar and recovered in all 1178 such coins. During course of trial the accused persons made confessional statements before the Sub Judge Jammu that they have committed the offences. The court took a lenient view as they were labourers and sentenced them to undergo imprisonment as they have already undergone and also sentenced to pay a fine of Rs 200 each. In default of payment of fine, the defaulters will undergo simple imprisonment for a week. In the meanwhile Court has directed the Crime Branch Jammu to deposit the ancient silver coins with the State Treasury. |
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Madan calls for afforestation for ecological balance Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Oct 30: Expressing his concern about the ecological imbalance caused by alarming degradation of forest cover, the Minister for R&B, Madan Lal Sharma called for massive plantation and protection of wildlife habitation in the state. The Minister was speaking at a valedictory function of Diwali Milan, which was organized by Morning Walkers Association (MWA), Jammu at Wildlife Sanctuary, Manda last evening. Mr. Sharma said that every effort should be made towards afforestation and nothing should be done which may cause ecological imbalance and pollute the atmosphere. Mr. Sharma applauded the presentation made by the culture troupe on the occasion that enthralled the audience with their melodious voices. He appealed the people that while executing the construction work of their houses, they must keep a part of land for plantation. He said programmes and seminars need to be organized to create awareness among the general public about the importance of green wealth and plantation of trees. He assured of his full cooperation for the development of Manda Sairgah as to create healthy atmosphere for the walkers. He also assured of construction of cattle shed at the place. Among others, Commissioner Municipal Corporation, Jammu, Chairman, Pollution Control Board, prominent citizens, political and social organizations were present on the occasion. |
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IDP hails India’s peace proposal with Pak Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 30: In a meeting held at Samba, Internationalist Democratic Party hailed the 12 point peace proposal of India to Pakistan and its offer of talks to All Party Hurriyat Conference. The IDP meting suggested the Centre to involve the representatives of all ethnic communities like Dogra, Pahari, Pathwari, Ladakhi, Kargili, Balti and Gilgitis of the former Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir in the process of dialogue jointly or separately, in the beginning or later on. However it may be initiated with Hurriyat Conference in the first stage. The IDP advocated unconditional dialogue between involved parties including India, Pakistan and people of Jammu and Kashmir. The condition of stoppage of cross-border terrorism to hold talks with Pakistan and the condition of framework of Indian constitution to talk with APHC may jeopardize the much-hyped recent proposal of India. The IDP pleaded in favour of even the ‘bad’ peace instead of a ‘good’ war, because peace is never bad and the war is never good. Peace is imperative for the progress and development of the people of India, Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir and it needs no pre-condition for talks for its restoration. The party firmly believed that restoration of peace in South Asia primarily depended on fair and just solution of Jammu-Kashmir dispute and such a solution of the problem can be hammered out only through dialogue. The meeting presided over by Master Kasturi Lal Gupta was addressed among others by Messrs Hoshiar Singh, Des Raj Sharma, Inderjit Singh Slathia and Subash Singh Sambyal Advocate, all senior leaders of IDP. |
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2-day seminar on Ved Pal
Deep Excelsior Special Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 30: A two-day seminar, organised by Sahitya Akademi in collaboration with Dogri Sanstha on " Ved Pal Deep’s—Life, Contribution and Works" commenced here today. Speaking at the inaugural function held at Brig Rajinder Singh Auditorium, Jammu varsity campus, the Deputy Chief Minister M R Sharma lauded the contribution made by Ved Pal Deep to the Dogri literature especially ghazals and poetry. Recalling his association with Deep, Mr Sharma said he had secular outlook, leftist leaning and was in the DNC party as a political activist. The Deputy Chief Minister, while appreciating the Dogri Sanstha and Sahitya Akademi for organising seminar on Deep, should also remember and encourage the living poets, writers and artists. He reiterated the commitment of the state Government to get Dogri language its due status in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. He said all the political parties have agreed to provided justice to this language and so the Constitution amendment should be brought forward by the Union Government. In his key-note address, Prof Ram Nath Shastri, traced the antecedence of Ved Pal Deep and spoke high of his literary contribution. He was a genius Dogri poet and will be remembered for his ghazals. Prof Lalit Magotra, president, Dogri Sanstha, in his welcome address said that the Dogri Advisory Committee at its first meeting decided to organise a seminar on Ved Pal Deep and so this two-day function to throw light on various aspects of life and achievements of Deep. Ved Bhasin gave presidential address and went down the memory lane of time spent together from student days till Deep’s death in 1995. Renu Mohan Bhan, Deputy Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi presented vote of thanks and praised literary merit of this "unsung hero" of Dogri poetry. Prof Veena Gupta, Head of Dogri Department, University of Jammu, compered the programme and made introductory remarks. A cassette of Ved Pal Deep’s Dogri Ghazals and a Sahitya Akademi publication were both released on the occasion by the Deputy Chief Minister. The video cassette of Deep was also screened at the venue of the seminar. The function was attended by a eminent Dogri writers, leaders of various social and cultural organisations, political activists, prominent citizens. In the afternoon session chaired by Prof Champa Sharma, a detailed paper on life sketch of Deep was read out by Prof N D Sharma throwing light on various literary aspects of this eminent Dogri writer and poet. He was a prolific writer and a literary genius. Prof Zahoor ud Din also made presentation of a paper on literary life of this Dogri poet. An other paper highlighting life and works of Deep was read by Madan Padha. There was interactive session as well. An evening of Dogri ghazals of Ved Pal Deep and sung by noted singers regalled the audience. |
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Society in urgent need of
selfless, efficient,
Jammu, Oct 30: In the prevailing time when social and moral values are degrading day by day, a silver lining appeared in the dark clouds of immoral and materialistic social horizon when government employee welfare forum organized a commemoration day in the memory of a ritualistic, a educationist and a social reformer, Late Master Krishen Lal of Akhnoor. The Minister for Roads and Buildings, Mr. Madan Lal Sharma was the chief guest. While paying rich tributes to the visionary social reformer, Minister said that to follow the foot prints of such human beings we can eradicate all the evils from our society which have crept up to dehumanize us. He said that service before self would always be the guiding spirit of our life to enrich the traditions of love for humanity. He said that Master Krishen Lal was an embodiment of love and compassion and all through his life he remained a front line crusader to champion the cause of employees and downtrodden section of the society and created a niche for himself as an luminary soul. The Minister said that at present also there is no dearth of selfless, dedicated and human loving persons in the society but the need of the hour is to identify them and utilize their services for the benefit of the society. He said that government is committed to suppress the corrupt practices prevalent in the administration and said adding that honest government employees of his constituency would be honoured on the Republic Day next year. He appealed to the prominent citizens and government employees to imbibe high traditions of valour and courage in your character to lead a peaceful life. For revamping the administrative system, he said that people’s participation is a must for balanced development of the society so that benefits of the launched scheme could reach to the people. He called upon them to have a pledge on the day to do our assigned duty as a social responsibility, which will prove a great solace to us. On the occasion, J&K Academy of Arts, Culture and Languages also arranged a Mushiara and various poets of the area recited their poems as a tribute to the Late, Master, Krishen Lal. The senior Medical Officer and a humanist to the core, Dr. Vijay Saraf also appealed to the citizens to follow the wise sayings of scriptures for building a strong National character so that no one could exploit us for their petty gains. BJP opposes Govt proposal to help surrendered militants Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 30: State BJP spokesman Prof Hari Om has expressed grave concern over reported proposal of the coalition Government seeking to entitle each surrendered militants to a ‘bank balance’ of Rs 3 lakh in fixed deposit and monthly allowance raising from Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000 and contemplates general amnesty and a host of self-employment opportunities to them for which bank loans would be arranged by the Government. Prof Hari Om said this proposal if implemented would only induce the Kashmiri youth towards militancy and further complicate the State’s rather complex political scene. He said this scheme was fraught with dangerous ramifications as it has all the potential of promoting Pakistani cause in Kashmir at the cost of the hard-earned public money. Questioning the coalition partners as to under which authority they have planned to throw open State exchequer to militants, Prof Hari Om said the Central Government has not given liberal financial aid to the State Government for pampering those involved in subversive and anti-national activities. He strongly urged the Congress, Panthers Party and PDP to reconsider their stand on the said proposal and advised them to utilize Central assistance for the benefit of people and unemployed youth. Polytechnic students
continue stir in Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 30: Continuing their chain hunger strike, agitating Polytechnic students today held demonstration in front of the J&K Technical Board office, here today. Shouting slogans in favour of their demands and against the Technical board, the agitating students blocked entrance of the Technical Board and did not allow anyone to enter the office. They were demanding a through probe into the alleged irregularities in their examination results, introduction of carry-on system, separate Technical Board for Jammu, re-evaluation of their answer sheets and declaration of the withheld results. Meanwhile, the ongoing chain hunger strike by the agitating students, under the banner of All Polytechnic Students Association, Jammu, entered into 9th day today. This morning, Arun, Chetan Handoo, Harpinder Singh, Rakesh Sharma, Rajeev Sadotra, Rashmi and Namita sat on hunger strike. Meanwhile, Jammu Joint Students Federation (JJSF) has extended its support to the ongoing agitation of Polytechnic students and justified all their demands. In a press statement, jointly issued by JJSF chairman Kuldeep Singh Chib and president Pushvinder Singh Manhas, the Federation asked Government to consider all demands of the Polytechnic students, including a separate Technical Board for Jammu Polytechnics. INTUC demands compensation for militancy victims Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 30: Indian National Trade Union Congress has strongly condemned militants’ attack on the Defence civilian family quarters at Akhnoor and expressed deep sorrow and grief over the killing and injuries to the innocent persons including women and children. In a press statement issued here today, a spokesman of the INTUC said that J&K is suffering from numerous problems due to extensive militancy going on in the State. The worst affected is the class of civilian employees working in the Defence department in the State. There are no equal benefits to them despite the fact that they have to work under similar circumstances as their other counterparts in the department. The J&K has been declared as disturbed area and the defence personnel serving here are getting special DDA, mess maintenance allowance and field concession while the civilian employees working in Defence are not being provided these allowances. The militants have struck defence personnel’s family quarters and there after adequate fencing and protection work was initiated but it is unfortunate that no proper security arrangements have been made for the defence civilian family quarters. Mr Raghubir Singh Chib general secretary of the INTUC has demanded that compensation at the rate of Rs 7 lakhs for each killed and Rs 3 lakhs for each injured be paid to the victims of Akhnoor incident. The others allowances should also be given to civilian workers engaged with Army in J&K MLA demands opening of addl JU campus at Batote Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 30: MLA Ramban Dr Chaman Lal has demanded setting up of additional campus of Jammu University at Batote to facilitate the higher education youth of the far-flung area of Doda and Udhampur districts. In a press statement issued here today, Dr Chaman Lal Said that Batote being centrally located is ideal place for setting up north campus of Jammu University. The youth of Padder, Dessa, Gandoh and Bhalessa, Pogal Paristan, Gool-Gulabgarh, Landhar-Bhamag, Dudu-Basantgarh, Kud, Chenani, Doda, Banihal, Ramban, Kishtwar and Bhaderwah who can not afford to go to Srinagar or Jammu for pursuing higher studies will be immensly benefited from this campus. The MLA pointed out that with the opening of Ghulam Shah Badshah and Mata Vaishno Devi Universities, the opportunities of higher education would become available to the youth in Rajouri-Poonch and Udhampur districts. He stressed the need for opening additional campus at Batote at the earliest. The NC leader also demanded opening of Degree college at Ramban and starting post-graduate classes in Bhaderwah, Doda and Kishtwar colleges. Tanvi, Atul are toppers in ‘Gyan Pratiyogita’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 30: Tanvi Mahajan of Army Public School, Udhampur and Atul Gupta of Brahmrishi Bawra Shanti Vidya Peeth Udhampur have secured first positions in higher secondary and high school student categories, respectively of recently held Sunil Upadhayay Memorial Gyan Pratiyogita, results of which were declared today. They secured 93 per cent and 80 per cent marks. Rajnesh Kaith of S M Jain School, Kachi Chowni, Jammu and Tapan Abrol of Army Public School secured second and third positions, respectively in the higher secondary category while in high school category, Abhinandan of RSJN Higher Secondary School, Kathua and Mithila Gupta of Little Angles High School, Kathua, got second and third place, respectively. Three consolation prizes were also given in both the categories. They are Sakshi Sharma, Suhail Gupta, Aastha Nagpal (category of higher secondary students) and Deepak Sharma, Sanjeev Sharma and Manish Sharma ( category of high school students) The Gyan Pratiyogita (competitive test) was organised by Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad and held on September 28, 2003. More than 5000 students from various schools had participated in the test. BKS, KVIC hold function at Bishnah Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 30: Bharatiya Kissan Sangh (BKS) J&K and KVIC Jammu held a joint function today at Bal Bhartiya Shiksha Kendra, Bishnah in which T S Bajwa, MP was the chief guest. Director Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Jammu P L Kuril presided over the function and MLA Bishnah Ashwani Sharma was the guest of honour. The welcome address was made by Satish Bharti, state secretary, B K Sangh. He also delivered the lecture on importance of Vermi composed Javid fertilizer. He urged the farmers to start the organic farming for the welfare of the society and the nation. M R Puri, secretary, Mahila Gramin Hastkala Sadan Bishnah also delivered the lecture on Vermi Composed. K K Sharma, District Agriculture Officer Command Area Jammu stressed the farmers to use the organic fertilizer instead of chemical fertilizer. J C Bhagat, ADO Chandigarh, KVIC also threw light on the scheme and urged the farmers to promote the Javid Khad. Mr Kuril announced that KVIC is offering 25 to 30 per cent subsidy to install the new unit for the promotion of Javid Khad. Ashwani Sharma said the chemical fertilizers are the cause of many diseases like cancer, Asthama, blood pressure and diabetes so the framing community should promote the organic farming to keep these diseases at bay. Honour stone laid in memory of Martyr Neeraj Charak Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 30: An Honour stone in memory of Martyr Neeraj Charak alias Lucky son of Kripal Singh Charak of Jagru Chak in Bishnah Tehsil was laid today by A S Wazir, Chief Engineer R & B, Jammu in presence of a large number of people in his native village. Mr Wazir also paid the floral tributes to the martyr and recalled the supreme sacrifices of this brave soldier of IRP Fourth Battalion of J&K Police. He said his valour of martyrdom will be remembered for ages to come. Martyr Charak laid down his life after killing three militants on July 2 at Badgam in Kashmir Valley this year. The people of the area in general and his parents in particular are proud of this son of soil for making the supreme sacrifices for his motherland, he said, adding this brave son of India will be remembered by the people for centuries to come. A prayer meeting was also held in memory of the martyr by the people. Consumer Column By Avtar Bhat If you want to purchase an audio cassette of songs of your choice, you can get it within no time as there is no dearth of audio pirates in our country who will prepare item of your choice within a day or so. This is the common trend nowadays throughout the country and the Jammu and Kashmir State is not any exception in this regard. So one should not feel surprised if the dealers of cassettes make a total mockery of Copy Right Act of 1966 in this State as well. Under this Act, for duplicacy recording Company has to purchase the Copy Right of Music for a hefty sum from the film makers or producers. They then can make the audio or video cassettes and CDs for selling in the market. But this is no where in practice and the shopkeepers or dealers both at small and large level in open violation of the Act make the duplicate copies of these cassettes and sell these everywhere. There are two kinds of piracy.One is at higher level while the another is done at local and lower level. The piracy at higher level is being done in metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Delhi where thousands of duplicate copies are being made by the pirates secretly and tactfully to evade the eye of the Law enforcing agencies. However, at local level the pirates do it openly in front of the law enforcing agencies. They openly make the copy of the cassettes as per the choice of their customers by making a selection from different recorded cassettes. The pirates both at higher and lower level use the substandard material. But at higher level the printing and cover is same to same and it becomes difficult for a customer to find a difference. This way the customer does not get the good quality which he otherwise will get from the original sound track or cassette. This duplicate cassette can also damage the equipment of the customer. Similar is the case with lower level and in both the cases the customers after being fleeced do not get the proper quality but the substandard cassette. As at local level piracy is being done openly without any hesitation. It seems the shopkeepers and dealers as well as the customers do not know that piracy is punishable under the law. Besides the law enforcing agencies are not taking any cognizance of this open violation of the Copy Right Act. This way the pirates not only fleece the customers of hefty amount of money but they also kill the original music. Moreover, the original maker does not get the expected amount as well. Though the main reason for this menace is the failure of law enforcing agencies to maintain the constant check. But the consumers have also to become vigilant so that they can get the cassettes of the good quality. Another basic cause for the encouragement of the audio piracy is that while releasing the original songs the big cassette companies sell it at a premium cost and hence it becomes beyond the purchasing power of a common customer to buy a cassette on such an exhorbitant rate. The intention for selling the songs at a premium cost of the big music companies is that they want to encash entire money spent on the project in a huff. This way a cassette which costs Rs 80 in the market is beyond the purchasing power of a common man. However, the entry of some smaller music companies in the market to maintain competition have helped in containing the piracy as they sell the original cassettes at a reasonable rate. A blank cassette of good quality which is sold for Rs 15 in wholesale costs Rs 80 in the market with 10 to 12 songs. Though its cost should not go beyond Rs 30 and to take the advantage of it the pirates indulge in making of duplicates. Had there been a proper check by the law enforcing agencies and people indulging in this unlawful act dealt severely, the piracy could have been contained to a great extent. Besides this video cassettes dealers have also maintained their monopoly by charging the prices at their will from the customers. This way a large number of consumers in our State get cheated as they are charged exhorbitant rates by them. A blank video cassette that is sold for Rs 500 in Union Capital costs over Rs 650 in the market here. Though the authorities at the helm of affairs are ceased of the issue but they never bother to look into the matter and take action under law. Shrine Board offers gold, silver
coins to Excelsior Correspondent KATRA, Oct 30: Gold and silver coins and pendants of guaranteed purity are now being offered by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. These coins are minted at the Government of India Mint, Mumbai out of the gold offered by the devotees at the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. The gold and silver offerings received at the holy shrine are weighted, melted and refined so that all the impurities are removed. The pure gold and silver so obtained is then used for minting gold and silver coins of various denominations. These coins are in the form of medallions having the photograph of Divine Goddess mother Mata Vaishno Deviji sitting on a lion on one side and the holy pindies of three deities-Maha Kali, Maha Laxmi and Maha Saraswati engraved on the other side. Since the coins are minted out of gold/silver offered at the holy shrine, they are often used as pendants by devotees in the chains worn around their necks. These coins can be used in Pooja also. Gold chains are available in 10 grams and 5 grams weight of 995.3 fineness and are priced @ of Rs 6100 and Rs 3100 respectively whereas silver coins are available in 20 grams and 10 grams weight .995 worn fineness and priced @ Rs 300 and Rs 150 respectively. For the benefit of the devotees, the price of these coins is not changed even when gold or silver prices show minor fluctuations and only when major changes occur in the market prices of these coins revised. Official spokesman of the Shrine Board clarified that for present these coins are available only at Katra and Bhawan. In Jammu these coins are available at the office of the Shrine Board at Vaishnavi Dham complex near Railway Station. Any outside devotee wishing to obtain these coins can send a demand draft of the requisite amount in the name of Shrine Board and the coins can be sent via registered post. Shrine Board also planning to offer these coins through Internet shortly. Besides the above gold and silver coins, Shrine Board has also offered to the devotees on sale various murties, silver chatters, photos and other items relating to the holy goddess. These items made by MMTC are of guaranteed purity. Besides old silver coin of Rs 1 are also being provided by the Shrine Board @ of Rs 120 each through its Souvenir shops located at Bhawan, Katra and Vaishnavi Dham Jammu. These coins have also been received in offering at Bhawan and devotees are showing lot of interest in them and these coins are also in much demand. |
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