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Mufti reviews Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Sept 23: In keeping with his style of sticking to his commitments and personally follow up decisions, Chief Minister ......more Chhewang inaugurates bridge on river Indus Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Sept 23: Chief Executive Councillor LAHDC, Leh Mr. Thupstan Chhewang inaugurated a 50 metre bridge at Skitmang in .....more Malaysian familiarization team to visit J&K Excelsior Correspondent KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23: A familiarization team of travel, trade and journalists fraternity of Malaysia are likely to visit J&K to assess the ..........more Zargar for familiarizing grading concept among fruit growers Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Sept 23: The implementation of innovative market intervention scheme (MIS), aimed at to familiarize concept of.....more Annual plan of Rs 58.55 cr for Budgam approved Excelsior Correspondent BUDGAM, Sept 23: The current year’s plan of Rs 58.55 crore has been approved for the execution of developmental progress and implementation of welfare programmes in Budgam district. This year,...........more |
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Opium poppy, cannabis worth Rs 300 cr destroyed SRINAGAR, Sept 23: In a major offensive against illicit cultivation of narcotic crops in south Kashmir’s Anantnag and Pulwama districts, Narcotic Control Bureau has destroyed opium poppy and Cannabis...........more IMFA
organising Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 23: A three day Photo Workshop is being organised from September 25 to 27, by the Applied Art Department of Institute of Music and Fine Arts (India) in the premises of the Institute and will be ...............more Tribal hostel to come up at Leh shortly: Mula Ram Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Sept 23: A Tribal Hostel will be constructed at Leh shortly. The hostel, which will involve cost of Rs. 2.50 crore, will be funded by the Centre. ........more Niaz commissions 50 MVA transformer at Amargarh Grid Station Sopore Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Sept 23: To ensure uninterrupted power during ensuing winter in the valley, the Power Development Department has taken up augmentation of 6 Grid Stations. These include Habak, Wanpoh, Amargarh, Rawalpora,......more |
Mufti reviews arrangements for Meraj-ul-Alam at Hazratbal Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Sept 23: In keeping with his style of sticking to his commitments and personally follow up decisions, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad today visited the revered shrines of Hazratbal, Jenab Sahab Soura and Aasar-e-Sharief Shehri Kalashpora to take stock of the arrangements made in connection with the ensuing auspicious occasion of Meraj-ul-Alam. He issued on the spot instructions to ensure hassle free measures for the visiting devotees who throng these shrines in tens of thousands on this religious event. Mufti Sayeed was accompanied by the Minister for Finance and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Mr, Parvez Dewan, Chief Executive Officer, J&K Specified Wakaf and Specified Wakaf Properties Board (J&KSWWPB), Mr. Nayeem Akhtar and senior officers of various departments. The Chief Minister saw the refurbished shrine complex and the development made after the creation of the Board. He expressed satisfaction over the progress even as he called for speeding up the improvement works. Making specific enquires about the arrangements at the Hazratbal shrine, the Chief Minister asked to ensure uninterrupted power and water supply within the shrine complex and adjoining area. He was informed that tankers would be pressed into service to keep available at least 10,000 liters of spring water at a given time that would be subsequently replenished. The J&KSWWPB has arranged fruit juice for the devotees at four places for which a voluntary corps has been set up. About the sanitation in the area, Mufti Sayeed stressed on cleanliness and upkeep of the shrine premises and the approach roads. He directed the Vice-Chairperson, Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) to take up the job of cleanliness of the area outside the shrine premises. This job is currently looked after by different agencies. The cleanliness within the shrine complex would be taken care of by the J&KSWWPB. The Chief Minister instructed the concerned authorities to make adequate medicare facility available at the specified places for the devotees. He directed that besides the Health Department first aid should be arranged by the SKIMS and Medical College Srinagar. The local hospital was decided to be shifted to the nearby LAWDA building. The vacated hospital building would form part of the adjacent school. Mufti Sayeed enquired about the arrangements made for traffic regulation to ensure free flow of devotees coming from across the valley. He was told that one-way traffic regulation would be strictly followed. He asked the Divisional Commissioner to take up with the Army the transportation via Batwara of devotees from south Kashmir. At Jenab Sahab Soura, the Chief Minister issued instructions for laying out a beautiful park on the sprawling land of the shrine. Addressing the people assembled in the shrine complex, he said the approach road to the shrine would be developed and macadamized besides renovating the shrine building. He assured upgradation of the Primary School, Anchar. Responding to the demand of the locals for a playground, the Chief Minister said that the Finance Minister would soon visit the area to identify site for it. Taking stock of the arrangements at the Aasar-e-Sharief Shehri Kalashpora, Mufti Sayeed ordered removal of structures in front of the shrine and proper rehabilitation of the affected families. This, he said, would allow more space for the devotees. Later, the Chief Minister visited the historic Idgah and asked the J&KSWWPB authorities to ensure its better upkeep besides proper landscaping. He asked them to engage expert landscape designer for the purpose. Local people demanded restoration of the adjacent Aali Masjid and arrangements for offering prayers there. The Chief Minister directed the J&KSWWPB to look into the matter and take appropriate action. |
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Chhewang inaugurates bridge on river Indus Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Sept 23: Chief Executive Councillor LAHDC, Leh Mr. Thupstan Chhewang inaugurated a 50 metre bridge at Skitmang in Changthang area, 130 kilometer from Leh. The bridge constructed under Border Area Development Programme has been completed at a cost of Rs. 1.50 crore in a record period of two years. Minister for Science and Technology Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora was the guest of honour on the occasion. With the construction of the bridge on Indus river, various parts of far-flung area of Skitmang would be connected with Leh. It would also benefit the nomadic pashmina rearers for transporting their livestock from one bank to another. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Chhewang said that four more motorable bridges are currently under construction on the river Indus in Rong Chhurguad area. Mr. Jora said that Leh region has registered spectacular progress in different sectors following the constitution of Hill Development Council. He congratulated the coalition Government led by Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed for empowering the Council. He called upon the people to actively take part in the policies and programmes of the Government and strengthen the hands of Mufti Sayeed who is committed to take the State to the new heights of progress and prosperity. |
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Malaysian familiarization team to visit J&K Excelsior Correspondent KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23: A familiarization team of travel, trade and journalists fraternity of Malaysia are likely to visit J&K to assess the ground situation and explore the possibility of bringing package tours to see the scenic splendour of the State. This assurance was given to the 13-member delegation led by Jammu and Kashmir Minister of State for Tourism Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Mir during their interaction with the local members of travel and trade of Malaysia today. The delegation, currently on a tour of Malaysia to attend the 52nd Annual Convention of Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) in their meeting with the local tour and travel agencies discussed the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting, which was organized by the Indian High Commissioner in Malaysia Ms. Veena Sikri was held at Indian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur. Briefing the members, the Secretary, J&K Tourism Mr. Najamus Saqib said that situation in Jammu and Kashmir was as conducive as in other parts of the country. He said the situation has undergone a sea change and people feel relaxed. He said the State received a heavy influx of tourists, especially foreigners during this year. He said the 50- member Malaysian delegation who visited the State recently had expressed satisfaction over the conducive atmosphere prevailing in the State. Indian High Commissioner in Malaysia asked the Jammu and Kashmir State to become a partner of the celebrations of the India Week in Malaysia like Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan, which is being celebrated on the Chinese New Year day in January-February. She said with its participation in the week, Jammu and Kashmir would have a chance of showcasing its world famous handicrafts, handlooms, carpets and other products. Mr. Mir apprised the members that Jammu and Kashmir has very rich and unique places of tourist interest and in this connection referred to the cable car project. He said with the construction of the second phase of the project, currently under execution, the State would have the world’s highest Gandola ride upto 13,000 feet linking the meadows of Gulmarg with Afarwat. He said every effort is being made to popularize this ride for the tourists especially the foreigners. The meeting also discussed the matter regarding package of concession by Indian Airlines to the tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir. |
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Zargar for familiarizing grading concept among fruit growers Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Sept 23: The implementation of innovative market intervention scheme (MIS), aimed at to familiarize concept of standard grading of apple fruit among the fruit growers and traders and to provide them support price on low grade fruit was reviewed at a meeting held here today. The Minister for Agriculture and Cooperative, Abdul Aziz Zargar presided. The scheme would be launched on pilot experimental basis in the first instant with an investment of Rs. 9 crore. About 30,000 metric tones of apple would be procured from the fruit growers of some compact fruit producing belts of the Valley. About 90 procurement centres have been identified where from the C-grade fruit would be transported to fruit concentrate units both in public and private sectors. After successful implementation, the scheme would be extended to other leftover fruit producing belts of the State. The State produces about 10 lakh metric tones of fresh fruit, of which about 3 lakh metric tones are of C-grade quality. With a view to ensure standard grading of exportable fresh fruit, the coalition Government soon after coming to power decided to launch MIS. The main objective of the scheme is to motivate fruit growers segregate C-class fruit from the exportable quality so as to withstand market competition in the wake of WTO regime. The coalition Government has also decided to expand and upgrade the capacity of the existing fruit concentrate plant at Doobgah in Sopore running in public sector. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs would also be offered attractive incentives for setting up of fruit processing units in the State so that whole quantity of low-grade fruit could be processed locally after its value addition. Principle Secretary Agriculture Production, B.R. Kundal, Director Horticulture, Planning and Marketing, Irfan Yaseen, Director Horticulture, K. Wazir, Managing Director, J&K Horticulture Produce Marketing Corporation, G. H. Shah were also present in the meeting. |
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Annual plan of Rs 58.55 cr for Budgam approved Excelsior Correspondent BUDGAM, Sept 23: The current year’s plan of Rs 58.55 crore has been approved for the execution of developmental progress and implementation of welfare programmes in Budgam district. This year, the budget has been enhanced by Rs 2 crore. This was stated at the District Development Board meeting chaired by the Minister for Forests and Environment, Mr Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Sofi here today. The meeting was also attended by Minister for Revenue and Rehabilitation, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen, Minister of State for Power, Mr Javid Mustafa Mir, Mr Abdul Rahim Rather, Mr. Mohammad Sarfraz Khan, Aga Syed Rahulla, Mohammad Shafi Bhat, MLAs, Ghulam Nabi Lone and Mr Abdul Qayoom, MLC and Haji Balund Khan Chairman of Gujjar and Bakerwal Board. The legislators of the district had threadbare discussion on various public importances and stressed for implementation of decisions taken in previous board meetings. Out of this year’s approved outlay, Rs 29.42 crore will be utilized on various welfare schemes and general services while as Rs 11.42 crore will be spent on roads and buildings, Rs 12 crore on agriculture and allied sectors, Rs 3.91 crore on rural development and Rs 1.72 crore for industries. Giving the resume of last year achievements the District Development Commissioner, Budgam said that Rs 19.03 crore were incurred on R&B sector. Nearly 76 km of road length was black topped and 11 numbers of bridges and culverts constructed. Under PHE sector, 28 water supply schemes at a cost of Rs 26.36 crore were taken in hand. He said that 34 minor irrigation schemes estimated to cost Rs 35.86 crore were taken in hand during last financial year, of which, 9 schemes are financed under NABARD. While as under Employment Assurance Scheme, 367 works were completed in the district, similarly under JGSY, 341 new works were completed during 2002-03. He said 142 roads and 314 lanes and drains were completed in the district during the period. He said Rural Development Department provided shelter to 500 houseless persons living the below poverty line under IAY and RH schemes. Under Education sector, 58 schools under SSA have been opened while as one high school has upgraded in the district. As many as 62,000 students were provided free uniforms and 50,000 students were provided free textbooks. Moreover, 3000 Gujjar and Bakerwal students have been provided scholarships. Under ISSS Programme 6973 physically handicapped destitutes and widows were benefited an amount of Rs 1.23 crore has been provided to them as a grant-in-aid during last financial year. MLA Budgam Syed Aga Rahulla announced to donate land for construction of Degree College at Budgam. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister for Revenue and Rehabilitation Mr Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen stressed for the complementation of the ongoing schemes on priority. The Chairman of District Development Board, emphasized to accord priority to health, power, PHE and education sectors. The Minister directed the PDD authorities to start repairs and restoration work in the far-flung and hilly areas of the district, so that power supply is restored without further delay. He also directed to keep available stand by transformers to meet any eventuality in case of damages to the existing transformers. Responding to the suggestions and demands put-forth by the local legislators, the Ministers assured that these would be fulfilled in phased manner. |
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Opium poppy, cannabis worth Rs 300 cr destroyed SRINAGAR, Sept 23: In a major offensive against illicit cultivation of narcotic crops in south Kashmir’s Anantnag and Pulwama districts, Narcotic Control Bureau has destroyed opium poppy and Cannabis worth Rs 300 crores. The 11-day-long operation, which was launched on September 12 and covered 682 hectares of land, was the third major offensive against cultivation of narcotic plants in the twin districts but no one has been arrested, Assistant Commissioner of Customs, V Prabhakar, told reporters here today. He said the the first two operations failed to have the desired impact as cultivation of Cannabis has become popular in the Valley because it provides maximum profits with minimum labour. He said in villages such as Malhura, Tulkhan, Duptyr, Gurri, Kawin, Banda people had stopped the cultivation of paddy and maize to grow this deadly poison, commonly known as bhang. Prabhakar said thousands of quintals of the narcotic material was being exported abroad and to such far-off states as Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa. This narcotic material is sold locally at a rate of Rs 20,000 per Kg while it fetches Rs 25 lakh per Kg in the international market, he said. Prabhakar said the operation was launched after surveys conducted thoroughly by customs officials posted at Srinagar revealed that there was massive cultivation of narcotic plants in scores of villages. He said various security agencies and State police assisted in the operation. Prabhakar said such destruction operations shall be carried out in future as well and the department was gearing itself to launch punitive measures against the elements selling this poison. He said cultivation of Cannabis is strictly prohibited under section 8 of narcotic drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 and punishable for a period ranging from 10 to 20 years with a fine ranging from one to two lakhs under section 20 of the Act. (PTI) |
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IMFA organising 3-day photo workshop from Sept 25 Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 23: A three day Photo Workshop is being organised from September 25 to 27, by the Applied Art Department of Institute of Music and Fine Arts (India) in the premises of the Institute and will be inaugurated by Mr V N Kohli, Principal IMFA, Jammu. HoD Incharge Applied Arts Department Mr Anil Saraf, who had himself participated in a number of National and International Photo Exhibitions, told media persons that it would be first of its kind photo workshop. Besides students of the Applied Arts Department, the workshop will also be open to students of other departments of IMFA, he said. Besides exhibition of photos by the expert photographer and students, there will also be lectures by experts and also discussions. renowned Jammu photographers Mr Ch Sunder (Member IPC, FIP, RPS, IAF, WWF, India) and Mr Vijay Gupta have agreed to deliver lectures acquainting students inter-alia with latest developments in photography as also the importance of the photography as an art. There will also be demonstrations. Mr Anil Saraf hoped that the workshop will surely help students in toning and updating their knowledge of photography. |
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Tribal hostel to come up at Leh shortly: Mula Ram Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Sept 23: A Tribal Hostel will be constructed at Leh shortly. The hostel, which will involve cost of Rs. 2.50 crore, will be funded by the Centre. This was stated by the Minister for Social Welfare Mr. Mula Ram while inspecting the Nari Nikatan Centre at Leh today. The Minister, who is on a 4-day visit to Ladakh, inspected several ICDS, Balwari and Ladies Vocational Centres. He also inspected the pace of progress on the construction of a working women hostel coming up at Murtse at a cost of Rs. 34 lakh. So far, Rs. 7.80 lakh have been expended on the project. The Minister was informed that 25 orphans girls have been lodged at the Nari Nikatan Centre at Leh where they are provided free boarding and lodging. He gave on the spot orders for distribution of 20 sewing machines to the girls who have completed their training at the centre. There are 173 ICDS projects in Leh where 4525 infants upto the age group of 0-6 and 940 pregnant and lactating mothers are provided nutritious food, free schooling and health cover. Addressing the officers, the Minister stressed the need for bringing more infants under the ambit of ICDS and popularizing the schemes aimed at the welfare of the poor and down trodden. |
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Niaz commissions 50 MVA transformer at Amargarh Grid Station Sopore Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Sept 23: To ensure uninterrupted power during ensuing winter in the valley, the Power Development Department has taken up augmentation of 6 Grid Stations. These include Habak, Wanpoh, Amargarh, Rawalpora, Chashmashahi and Bemina grid stations. Of these, augmentation of Habak and Amargarh has been completed whereas Wanpoh Grid Station has been put on test trial after installation of 150 MVA transformer. Work on other stations is in progress. This was stated by Minister for Power Mr. Mohammad Sharief Niaz while commissioning of 50 MVA transformer at Amargarh gird station, Sopore today. MLA Sopore, Haji Abdul Rashid Dar, Development Commissioner, Power, Mr. Jigmet Namgyal, Chief Engineer, Systems operations, Mr. Muzaffar Ahmad and other PDD officials were present on the occasion. Following augmentation the installed capacity of the grid station has been raised to 95 MVA. The grid station is feeding vast areas of Baramulla district extending from Bandipore on one hand to Uri tehsil on the other. The augmentation of 132/33 KV Grid Station at Amargarh was taken up under REC at a cost of Rs. 3.28 crore. Giving details of the scheme, the Chief Engineer, System Operations, Mr. Muzaffar Ahmad said that the scheme envisaged installation of 50 MVA transformer and replacement of old switch gears besides some civil works. He said with the commissioning of this 50 MVA transformer, there shall be no overloading of the grid station, which will help in containing unscheduled power curtailments due to overload particularly in winter season. He said replacement of worn out switch gear by new ones of latest technology shall further ensure reliable power supply. A delegation of PDD employees also met the Minister on the occasion and put forward their demands. The Minister gave a patient hearing and directed the Power Development Commissioner, Mr. Namgyal to look into their demands. Later, the Minister visited the residence of Tahir Hassan at Tujjar, Sopore and extended his heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family. |
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Mufti opens infrastructure building at tourist resorts to private sector Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 23: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said that sites would be provided to private sector for construction of resorts, hotels, lodges and other facilities at Patnitop and other tourist destinations for expanding and upgrading tourist infrastructure and a policy for the purpose is being formulated soon. The Chief Minister was speaking after inaugurating a week-long national integration camp-cum-youth festival at Patnitop on Monday afternoon. He said this would supplement Government efforts in meeting the futuristic requirements to provide world class facilities to the tourists at the picturesque spots in the State. He said given a reasonably good tourist traffic to the State this summer including many foreigners, arrangements have to be made well in advance to handle increasing number of visitors by putting in place adequate infrastructure to suffice the needs of tourists. He said the sites to be offered to the private sector for construction of residential accommodation and other facilities would be in the foothills outside the bowl at Patnitop. He said a similar approach would be followed for other tourist places. Mufti Sayeed announced that Patnitop, Sanasar, Kud, Batote, Sudhmahadev and Mantalai would be developed as a major tourist circuit with best possible facilities to attract at least 5 lakh yatris out of over five and a half million pilgrims of Mata Vaishno Devi that visit the shrine every year. This would transform the socio-economic profile and open new vistas of development in the picturesque belt. He said Patnitop Development Authority has been entrusted with the task of development of Patnitop and its surrounding sites as a round the year major tourist destination in Jammu region. He said other beautiful spots in Jammu too would be developed for tourism promotion. He announced that Patnitop national integration camp-cum-youth festival would be made an annual feature and events organized on a much larger scale from next year. He asked the concerned authorities to evolve strategies for participation of a large number of youth in the festivals in future from all parts of the country. He said through wider exchange of ideas and interactions the youth .get an opportunity to better understand and appreciate the glorious composite heritage and humane face of the country. He said the youth from Jammu and Kashmir would be the major beneficiary of such youth conclaves. He said though elders get some opportunity to interact with people from other parts of the country but children particularly from Kashmir valley could not get such an exposure during militancy. He hoped that a concrete action plan would emerge during the festival to strengthen the bonds of communal harmony and national integration with emphasis on role of youth in achieving the objectives. Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Mangat Ram Sharma said that the youth festival is indeed a great occasion for children from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to interact and forge life long bonds of friendship. He said unity in diversity is the hallmark of the country. Mr. Sharma asserted that the coalition Government is committed to ensure equitable development of all the three regions of the State. He said that Jammu would get due attention in tourism promotion as it is full of picturesque spots. He urged the Chief Minister and Tourism Minister to give priority for developing infrastructure facilities at tourist places as these were neglected by the previous regime. Minister for Tourism Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir said that tourism has been accorded highest priority by the coalition Government as it being a force multiplier with instant results. He said with the setting up of Patnitop Development Authority, the area is get full focus and prove instrumental in its speedy progress. Referring to over 400 youth from different parts of the country attending the camp, Mr. Mir called upon them to be ambassadors of Jammu and Kashmir in their states and persuade the relations and friends back home to visit Kashmir. He said this would be their greatest contribution in promotion of tourism in the Valley that has hit hard due to militancy. Minister for Education Mr. Harshdev Singh welcoming the youth attending the festival said that such events represent unity in diversity of the country and enable mutual understanding among the youth. He said the holding of national level youth camp at Patnitop will send a right signal across the country that normalcy is fast returning in the State thereby giving fillip to tourism. He said trekking and organizing symposia, cultural events and group discussions would be the major highlights of the festival. Among others present at the inaugural function were Mr. Balwant Singh Mankotia and Mr. Faquir Nath, MLAs, Director Youth Services and Sports Mr. Manoj Pant and Chief Executive Officer, Patnitop Development Authority Mr. Hardesh Kumar Singh. |
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Kotwal convenes SC Advisory Board meeting Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 23: District Development Commissioner, Jammu, Dr. Pawan Kotwal today convened a meeting of the members of the Scheduled caste Advisory Board of district Jammu and all the concerned district offices to finalize the Draft Special Component Plan meant for the Scheduled Castes Population under the Special Central Assistance for the year 2003-04. Legislators, Madam Suman Bhagat and Mr. Ram Paul were also present in the meeting. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kotwal gave a brief resume of physical and financial achievements made in Jammu district during the last financial year under the said component and informed the members that against the allocation of Rs. 141.17 lakhs an amount of Rs. 118.47 lakhs has been utilized under various sectors. He stressed upon the Members to identify the works which require priority so that while formulating the plan, important works are not left and said as per the guidelines, 90 per cent of the funds are to be utilized on oncoming generating units and 10 per cent on creating infrastructure. Madam Suman Bhagat apprised the meeting that some villages in R. S. Pura constituency need repair of electric wires at village Malowal, replacement of Transformers at Jindermelu, Kothey Salehar and Chohala. Mr. Ram Paul said that concept of Special component Plan is not clear among the masses and funds are not being properly utilized. He suggested that proper planning is needed as per the present demand there should be flexibility in the norms. He also suggested that block-wise allocation be fixed with priority sector such as social welfare sector should be given priority as the department is directly related with the welfare of Scheduled Castes. The other members also gave certain valuable suggestions including that norms should be fixed first and priority should be given to the computer classes, sheep units and old age pension as most of the deserving pension cases are pending for want of funds. It was unanimously decided in the meeting that works like construction of link roads, lanes and drains should not be included in the Special Component Plan and these funds should be utilized on priority in sectors like Power, Education, Health, PHE, and construction of the Community Halls and on Social Security Scheme. |
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CM lays foundation stone of Patnitop-Gouri Kund, other roads Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Sept 23: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed laid the foundation stone of Mall Road Kud and Patnitop-Gouri Kund-Karlah Road during his visit to Patnitop yesterday. These roads would involve a cost of over Rs. 7.55 crore. Deputy Chief Minister Pt Mangat Ram Sharma, Minister for Tourism Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir were also present. The 3.55 km. Mall Road Kud involving a cost of Rs. 6.40 crore would be completed in one year. It would take off from Mada Road and pass through the Kud village. The road would have two terraces with upper terrace for pedestrian traffic and lower for light vehicles with restricted entry and wayside amenities like shopping mall and kiosks. The central verge would have electrical tubes and lights for attraction of the tourists who visit the area to enjoy the beauty of the hill resort. The other road, which is being constructed in phases, would connect Gouri Kund via Karlah temple amidst lush green majestic deodar trees. On completion, it will open up the whole hilly area beyond Patnitop and connect the tourist spots of Gouri Kund, Sudhmahadev and Mantalai and form a circular loop via Gouri Kund, Chenani, Kud and Patnitop. The first phase of the project involving over Rs. 1.15 crore would be completed in six months and connect Karlah temple where thousands of tourists and devotees pay obeisance at the Nag temple. Mufti Sayeed announced upgradation of the Patnitop-Sansar road in view of its tourist importance. |
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16th meet of Bhartiya Shiksha Samiti ends Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 23: 16th annual provincial athletic meet of Bhartiya Shiksha Samiti was held from September 20 to 23 in which 382 students and 40 teachers from seven zones participated. The team standing first in the provincial level is to meet North Zone level competition at Chandigarh next month. In the 100 m race among boys Harmesh Padha of BVM Bhaderwah stood first in the Under-11 Years while Arjun Kotwal of BVM Bhaderwah stood first in the Under-14 years group and Prabhat Sharma of BVM Ramban was first in the Under-17 years group. In the girls 100 m race Ambika Rathore of BVM Bhaderwah stood first in Under-14 years group while in the Under-17 years girls group the winner was Sheetal Shan of Kishtwar. In the Long Jump (boys) Yograj of BVM Kishtwar was first in the Under 11 years group, Surjeet Singh of BVM Kishtwar was first in the Under-14 years age group and Balbir Singh of Kishtwar was first in the Under-17 years group. In the Long Jump (girls) Anita Devi of Udhampur stood first in Under 11 years and Ambika Rathore of Bhaderwah was first in the Under-14 years group. In Shot Put (boys) Jog Raj was the winner under-11 years, Imran Hussain of BVM Kishtwar stood first in the Under-14 years and Raj Kumar of BVM Thathi (Udhampur) attained top slot in under-17-years group. In the girls section of Shot Put Anita Devi of BVM Udhampur stood first, while Seema Devi of BVM Thathi was first in the Under-14 years group and Kamlesh Devi bagged first place for her in the Under-17 years age group. In Kho Kho Bhartiya Vidya Mandir Thathi was on the top. |
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Girl recovered within
7 hrs Excelsior Correspondent KISHTWAR, Sept 23: A minor girl was kidnapped by a Special Police Officer (SPO) from village Sartangal late last night. However, acting swiftly, police arrested the SPO from his native village near Pul Doda and recovered the girl within seven hours after her kidnapping. Police spokesman said that the SPO—Abdul Hafiz number 2368 remained deployed at Sartangal police picket for quite sometime but after receiving some complaints about him, the senior police officers had posted him at Bhaderwah Police Station about a week back. It was only on Sunday that he reported at Police Station and deposited his official weapon. "After that, he went missing and didn’t turn back but late last he kidnapped the girl of same village", police spokesman said and added that though family members of the girl kept her kidnapping a secret, yet police from reliable sources came to know about the incident. Keeping in view that communal tension could erupt in the village after the spread of news as the girl belonged to minority community, DIG Udhampur-Doda range Satvir Gupta immediately deployed police teams to different areas to arrest the SPO. It was only due to the swiftness of the police under the supervision of DIG that SPO was arrested and girl recovered within seven hours after the incident. The medical examination of both SPO and girl got conducted by the police and later, the girl was restored to her family. A case under Section 363 and 376 RPC has been registered against the SPO and further investigations were on. The preliminary investigations revealed that the SPO had made plan to kidnap the girl during his posting in the village. |
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Balwant donates bus to Udhampur Degree College Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Sept 23: President Young Panthers and MLA Udhampur Balwant Singh Mankotia today donated a bus to Degree College for Boys Udhampur from his constituency development fund. Addressing the students after donating bus to the College, Mr Mankotia said that since the students are the future of the State every possible facility is to be extended to them at any cost. He advised the students to pay full concentration towards their studies and bring laurels not only to the College but also the district. Apprising the students about the discrimination being meted out to the Jammu region in all spheres, the MLA said that the discrimination could be brought to an end by way of being aware about the fundamental and basic rights and added that keen interest in studies would make them aware about their rights and make them capable enough to fight for justice. "Students have a greater role to play for bringing an end to discrimination and without your support this goal cannot be achieved by us", he said and advised them to be united to get due share in all fields. He also apprised the students the role of legislator in the House and said that Jammu and Kashmir Panthers Party (JKNPP) bill regarding fixation of minimum qualification for MLAs has been referred to select committee and would be implemented at the earliest. Some of the students of the College said that donation of bus was their long pending demand but the previous legislators didn’t pay attention towards the same despite repeated recommendations. They also highlighted some more problems being faced by them in the College. Meanwhile, the MLA termed the news-item published in section of press regarding joining of BJP by some JKNPP workers as fabricated and baseless. |
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PIL for
cleanliness of Ranbir Canal Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 23: Division Bench of the State High Court, comprising Acting Chief Justice VK Jhanji and Justice SK Gupta has directed Planning and Development Department to accord approval to the project of cleaning Ranbir Canal so that the project could be completed before the next rainy reason. Any delay in releasing the funds besides escalating the cost on the project, will also render the earlier exercise futile, the DB observed, while directing Additional Advocate General SC Gupta to place on record the information by the next date of hearing regarding the action taken by the Department. The judgment was passed in a letter written by the residents of Akhnoor Road to the Chief Justice of the State High Court, which was later treated as Public Interest Litigation (PIL). The residents had alleged that three nallahs originating from Bakshinagar, Qasim Nagar and other small colonies were entering RRL premises and a pond was created there which contains waste, excreta, dirt etc and the same water later goes into Ranbir Canal, thereby polluting it. In compliance of the orders passed by the DB on July 15, 2003, Mr SC Gupta had placed on record a letter received by him from Housing and Urban Development Department, informing that a project has been formulated at a total cost of rupees 297 lakh. It was stated that Planning and Development Department has been requested to give necessary clearance for according administrative approval. It was further mentioned that an amount of rupees 15 lakh has been sanctioned to start the work in anticipation of the necessary approval as reported by Superintendent Engineer UEED Jammu construction tributary No 1 and main drain has been taken up and the work within the allotted amount has also been completed. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 23: As a part of ‘girl child week’ celebrations, Post Graduation Department of Home Sciences in Jammu University in collaboration with Young India, organised ‘Meena Day’ on the Campus. On the occasion, academic presentations on rights of girl child were made by scholars of Home Sciences Department. The programme was organised to improve awareness among the University and college students about the various issues related to girl child. DIG Jammu Range Mr Farooq Ahmed, who was chief guest on the occasion, stressed that in order to help girl children survive and reach their full potential, the Beijing declaration needs to be implemented to eliminate all forms of discrimination, eliminate negative cultural attitudes and protect the rights of girl child. Over and above all these, the role of family needs to be strengthened in improving the status of the girl child, he added. He said that Jammu and Kashmir Police have made a conscious effort to provide an environment that would ensure the advancement of women and their participation in conflict resolution. "We believe that increased women’s participation is the only way to protect women and young girls living in areas of armed conflict," he said. Listing some names of female cops in Jammu Police who have excelled in the department by their performance, the DIG maintained that women have proved that they are equally efficient as men if provided opportunity. He hoped that the deliberations in the programme would help the Police department in particular and society in general to further move ahead towards gender equality. Dean Academic Affairs Prof O P Sharma, who presided over the function, said that even as things were fast changing, a lot was yet to be done for gender equality and rights of girl child. Even as laws are there to protect girl child, they are not implemented effectively, he said and maintained that equality can be brought only by bringing awareness in the society. Director SOS Home, Mr K K Mom, who also addressed on the occasion, opined that men needed more awareness about importance of girl child and the NGOs have to play a major role in this connection. He also admitted that even as there are laws for women and girl child protection, the same are not implemented properly. We must create awareness at society level and explain people that if girl child is taken of care properly, whole nation and country will grow, he added. Mr Mom lamented that despite the fact that women contribute more for families, they are given less weightage. He also criticised television channels for portraying women in negative roles notwithstanding the fact that ‘woman is Shakti and even Shiva is incomplete without her’. Earlier, Head of the Home Sciences Department in JU, Dr Rajni Dhingra welcomed the guests and highlighted objectives of the programme. Vote of thanks was presented by Young India chairman Mr Vivek Raina. |
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Hizbul militant arrested in Doda Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 23: Security forces today arrested a militant of Hizbul Mujahideen outfit in Bhaderwah area of Doda district. He has been identified as Abdul Rashid alias Wasim, a resident of Chijot. One pistol, one magazine, three rounds and two hand grenades were recovered from him, official sources said. Meanwhile, SPO Noor Hussain was injured in an encounter with the militants at Houja, Gandoh in Doda early this morning. Militants escaped. Militants set ablaze the house of two Village Defence Committee (VDC) members Chapeel Singh and Faqir Singh in Dharamkund area of Gool last night. Eight cattle were burnt in the fire while there was no human loss of life. Golden chain recovered Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 23: A golden chain was today recovered by a Selection Grade Constable Dharam Pal, posted in Residency Road police post. Claimant of the chain can collect it from Residency police post after proper verification. Ansari accuses detractors of parting ways for "personal gains" SRINAGAR, Sept 23: Describing the discord in the separatist leadership as "unfortunate", Hurriyat Conference chairman Moulana Mohammad Abbass Ansari today accused his detractors of parting ways for "petty personal gains". " At a time when the pro-movement people should have joined hands to carry forward the ongoing struggle, they have started toeing different lines for petty personal gains which is unfortunate," Ansari said, addressing a public meeting at Devar-Pattan in Baramulla district. Without naming any one but apparently referring to Syed Ali Shah Geelani who led a revolt within the separatist conglomarate recently and became the chairman of the breakaway faction, Ansari said the whole Kashmir is well aware of the attempts made by the Hurriyat for unity. "We can achieve our goal by standing united," he said and asserted that the ongoing struggle would continue. "We will neither allow our enemies to be successful in their plans, nor will we fall in the tricks of our enemies in the diguise of friends." (PTI) Varsity Notes By Nishikant Khajuria Department of Management Studies in Jammu University, is celebrating World Tourism Day on September 27 on the Campus. Having four sessions, including inaugural and valedictory, the programme includes interaction with Hotel Association and Travel Association. Minister for Tourism, Housing and Urban Development Ghulam Hassan Mir has been invited to inaugurate the seminar which shall be presided over by Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo. The key note address on the occasion shall be by Mr S P Sahni, former Director General of Information, J&K Government. In the first technical session, deliberations shall be held by Prof S N Sadhu and Prof M R Rana while in the second session, Prof J R Dhotra and Prof Keshav Sharma will make presentation. According to Head of the Management Department Prof J R Dhotra, objective of the programme is to have an interface with State Government and organisations in tourism trade. Besides tourism industry and the people associated with the tourism trade in Jammu and Kashmir, the programme will help students of Tourism Management course in Jammu University, he added. It may be mentioned here that Masters Degree course in Tourism Management was introduced in Jammu University, about two years back and first batch of the MTM pass-outs is coming soon. ****** With the admission of candidates, who had approached Appellate Committee, the entire admission process in various PG departments of the University, has been completed. Further, the controversy in PG Dogri and PG Sanskrit following Appellate Committee’s direction to the respective Head of Departments for cancelling admission of those candidates who have less percentage of marks than those who could not deposit admission fees till last date because of one or the other reason and later filed appeal form, has also been solved. After PG Dogri, PG Sankrit has also increased four seats in the department for the current session to accommodate the new entrants without cancelling admission of already admitted candidates. Since neither the students not the departments were at fault in admission of these candidates and no practical work is included in the course, the intake capacity was increased in the department for current session to sort out the problem. ****** Post for Jammu University Security Officer is likely to be re- advertised soon with some amendments in pay-scale, grade and qualification eligibilities. According to Campus administrative sources, the amendments are being made following very poor response of the earlier advertisement for the same post. The reason for the poor response apparently was inadequate pay scale and low grade. Sources added that the ammendments are likely to be made very soon after getting formal approval of Financial Advisor for the same as Jammu University is without Security Officer for the last two months. ****** As the class work is gaining momentum in all departments of Jammu University, ritual of torching effigies on the Campus as a symbol of protest by different outfits of students, seems getting popularity. Almost daily, an effigy, mostly of the State Government, is torched near the University main gate with holding of symbolic protest demonstration by handful of students under any banner. Since the ritual has virtually become a routine affair, the different student outfits have apparently entered into a new type of competition among them. The competition among these outfits in effigy torching ritual can be gauged from the fact that activists of an organisation purchased a brand new shirt from the market and put it on the effigy to give it an impressive look. Keeping in view the emerging trend, one may not be surprised if an unemployed youth opens a stall for sale of effigies near the University main gate, remarked a JU official in a lighter vein. Rajput Sabha celebrates 108th birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 23: Shri Amar Kashatriya Rajput Sabha today celebrated the 108th birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh in a function organised in the Sabha premises. The function started with the garlanding the portrait of Maharaja Hari Singh followed by presentation of cultural programme by students and artists. Addressing the function, the speakers highlighted the contributions of Maharaja in the development and progress of the State in various fields such as economy, social relations, administration and politics. They said that Maharaja Hari Singh introduced many reforms which include throwing open all public schools, colleges and wells to the down trodden and ignored section of the society and added that it was due to his efforts that all the sections of the society enjoyed equal status. President of the Sabha Lt Col (retd) K S Jamwal said that Maharaja Hari Singh brought two important social reforms of prevention of juvenile smoking and removal of legal disabilities on the marriage of Hindu widows. "It was again due to Maharaja Hari Singh’s efforts that social evils like female infanticide, child marriage and untouchability was removed from the society", he said. He appealed the youth to follow the path shown by the Maharaja Hari Singh and work towards fulfilling his dreams. "It becomes the duty of each and every citizen to work towards weeding out social evils from the society which have again started raising ugly heads", he said. Lt Col (retd) K S Jamwal and his team took keen interest in celebration of birth anniversary of last Maharaja of the State. Anand elected HRANI Managing Committee member Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 23: Mr H S Anand Managing Director Asia Group of Hotels and president Jammu Hotel Restaurant & Bar Association has been elected as member of Managing Committee of Hotel & Restaurant Association of Northern India (HRANI). Mr Anand was elected in the annual general meeting of the Association held on Monday. This is another achievement to his credit. Mr Anand joined the Hotel industry in 1995 and during his short tenure he has contributed a lot for the improvement of Tourism industry in J&K State. |
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