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| Financial Commissioners' meet held People's participation in polls has strengthened democracy: Mufti Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 23: Complimenting the administration for remaining neutral by strictly adhering to the model code of conduct, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today....more Army Naik,
civilian Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 23: An Army Naik and a civilian committed suicide in separate incidents whileas a boy was killed in accidental fire. This apart, eight persons were injured in separate.........more HC
directive in Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 23: In a much publicized alleged custodial death of a probationer Sub Inspector Sandeep Paul Singh, the State High Court has...........more ‘No
one caring for Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Apr 23: CPI (M) candidate for Anantnag— Pulwama constituency M Y Tarigami today criticised the various candidates........more Vikram
Choudhary Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 23: Vikram Choudhary, NDTV’s Special Correspondent of Jammu and Kashmir, has been selected for the prestigious.......more |
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Gupta
flays Cong, NC Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Apr 23: Union Minister of State for Defence and BJP nominee for Udhampur-Doda Lok Sabha seat, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta has appreciated role of the Village Defence Committees (VDCs) and those of the Sahik Police Officers (SPOs) in tackling.............more Sofi
suspends Divisional Excelsior Special Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 23: Minister for Forest and Environment Ghulam Mohammed Sofi has placed under suspension a Divisional Managar of State Forest Corpotation and a cashier for allegedly causing some financial irregularities in the Corporation..........more Institute
of Engineers Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 23: The ‘Water Resource Day’ was observed here, today by the Local Centre of Institution of Engineers (India). On the occasion a seminar on the theme topic "Efficiency of Water Resources System" was also held.........more Puri
addresses California Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 23: In a telephonic address to the faculty and scholars of California University on the topic ‘Conflict Resolution in Kashmir’, Mr Balraj Puri dealt.........more |
Financial Commissioners' meet
held Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 23: Complimenting the administration for remaining neutral by strictly adhering to the model code of conduct, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that this has provided a level playing field to all contestants and created a congenial atmosphere for holding Lok Sabha elections in the State in a free, fair and transparent manner. Addressing a high level meeting of financial commissioners and commissioners/secretaries here this morning on the closing day of the secretariat and other darbar move offices to the summer capital of the State, Mufti Sayeed said that the large-scale participation of the people in the election rallies of different political parties and the electoral process has further strengthened the roots of democracy in Jammu and Kashmir. Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma and Chief Secretary Dr. Sudhir S. Bloeria also participated in the meeting. Mufti Sayeed also had a word of praise for the administration for implementing the development agenda in an effective manner as per the aspirations of the people. He said that wherever he went during the election campaign, feel good factor is the buzz word all around and the people are highly appreciative of the effort made by his Government to institutionalize the recruitment process whereunder 26,000 teachers alone have been recruited under Rehbar-e-Taleem scheme in a most transparent manner as per norms without any complaints. The Chief Minister asked the administration for expeditious and judicious utilization of resources with strict monitoring of implementation of development projects to speed up socio-economic transformation of the State. He impressed upon the secretaries and the heads of departments to frequently visit different areas of the State for monitoring execution of schemes on-the-spot. This, he said, would help in prompt completion of schemes ensuring percolation of benefits of these to the people at the grass roots level without any delay. He said education, information technology, rural development, power and water supply, health, public works and centrally sponsored mega projects need special attention in view of these being multi-dimensional. The Chief Minister said that immediately after the re-opening of darbar move offices in Srinagar, the administration should once again embark upon expeditious development and economic activity as ample resources are available and the budget too has been passed by the State legislature. He said while the secretariat and other move offices are in Srinagar during summer, the administration has to ensure that it gives full attention to solve the problems of the people in Jammu region particularly on account of water and power supply. Reviewing the power development sector, Mufti Sayeed stressed the need for expeditious execution of modernization of power transmission and distribution system in Jammu. He was told that power grid corporation has taken up survey work of laying of transmission line from Srinagar to Leh. He was apprised that there has been good response to the offer to private sector to take up micro-hydel projects for tapping state’s huge hydel power potential and a meeting with the intending promoters would be convened at Srinagar soon. Taking stock of progress of implementation of information technology sector in the State, the Chief Minister was apprised that in the first phase, 60 community information centres would become functional within a couple of months and the remaining within a period of one year. The local area network in Jammu secretariat is being expanded for faster implementation of e-governance while such connectivity is being established with the district headquarters within next two months. In rural development sector, Mufti Sayeed was told that 518 school buildings in rural areas have been identified for construction. In most of the cases construction work has been taken up. He directed that the education department and anganwari centres should pool their resources, manpower and infrastructure for better implementation of the scheme regarding pre-primary classes in Government schools. Teachers are being trained for nursery classes. On inquiry about implementation of State plan, Financial Commissioner Planning and Development Mr Vijay Bakaya apprised the Chief Minister that the State recorded highest ever 98 per cent expenditure in district sector and 93 per cent overall expenditure during the last financial year. The Chief Minister also reviewed the availability of foodgrains and sugar with the consumer affairs and public distribution system department, preparation of inventories of old stocks lying with various departments and auction thereof besides implementation of Amul dairy and floriculture projects in the State. Headway made on land acquisition for prestigious Udhampur-Qazigund-Srinagar-Baramulla rail project, Roshini scheme and distribution of pension to the destitute through money orders and Jammu and Kashmir Bank, desilting of canals on last year’s pattern and setting up leather industries in the State also came under review. He was told that entire requisitioned land for rail project in Kashmir valley has been acquired except for a small patch of 47 kanals of land. Similar process at Banihal has been set in motion. The Deputy Chief Minister, who also addressed the meeting, emphasized that after the move of offices to Srinagar, the Ministers and secretaries should keep visiting Jammu on rotation basis frequently to attend to the problems of the people. He said adequate resources should be made available and coordination ensured between the concerned agencies at all levels to provide water through tanker service to the people promptly wherever required. Sharma directed the power development department to make arrangements for standby electric transformers of various capacities in Jammu for meeting any emergent situation so that people get best possible power supply. Similar arrangement was made in Kashmir for winter this year. The Deputy Chief Minister lauded the administration for maintaining highest standards of neutrality and strictly observing the model code of conduct for ensuring free, fair and transparent Lok Sabha polls in the State. The meeting, among others, was attended by Financial Commissioners of Home and Finance. |
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Army
Naik, civilian commit suicide; boy Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 23: An Army Naik and a civilian committed suicide in separate incidents whileas a boy was killed in accidental fire. This apart, eight persons were injured in separate road accidents and four persons consumed poisonous substances at their respective residence. Police spokesman said that Army Naik Mukesh Kumar of 103 Engineering Regiment allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself with his own service weapon. It could not be ascertained as to what prompted him to take this extreme step. The senior Army officers have taken the cognizance of the incident and started investigations. Meanwhile, a boy—Karanjeet Singh, son of Bishan Singh of Dardanbaat died in accidental fire at the residence of Kuldeep Singh. Information about the incident was given to police by Kuldeep Singh. Police has registered a case in this connection and started further investigations. One Subash Chander, son of Dharam Chand of Badon allegedly committed suicide by consuming some poisonous substances at his residence. The cause behind this extreme step was not immediately known. Three persons were injured in a vehicular accident near Science College. Identified as Sanjay Kumar, son of Om Parkash of Sarwal, Rajinder Gupta, son of Sunil Gupta and Surinder Kumar, son of Babu Ram of Sarwal, all have been hosptialised and their condition was stated to be out of danger. In another road accident, four more persons received injuries when a scooter, they were riding on, skidded off the road at Akhnoor. They have been identified as Swaran Lal, son of Bali Ram, Billoo, son of Swaran Lal, Anju, daughter of Krishan all and Bishno Devi, wife of Swaran Lal, all the residents of R S Pura In yet another accident, a scooterist received severe injuries when he was hit by a speeding truck bearing registration number JK02-9497 naer Kower Mandir on Paddar-Kishtwar road. He was immediately rushed to local hospital where doctors referred him to Government Medical College Hospital. His condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in. He has been identified as Satish Kumar of Takria. Meanwhile, Nama Singh, son of Goti Lal of Channi, Bindu, wife of Raju of Mastgarh, Hassina Begum, wife of Ghulam Hamid of Channi Himmat and Duraj, son of Nurboo of Bantalab allegedly consumed poisonous substances at their respective residence. All were rushed to hospital when spotted unconscious by family members. Doctors attending on them immediately provided them stomach wash treatment followed by other medicare. Their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in. |
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HC directive in Sandeep Paul’s case Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 23: In a much publicized alleged custodial death of a probationer Sub Inspector Sandeep Paul Singh, the State High Court has directed the respondents to pass appropriate orders of meeting the expenditure regarding the education of his minor daughter. Justice Pramod Kohli in his order expressed dissatisfaction over the attitude of the Government and reminded that the court in its earlier order had simply directed the respondents to bear the burden of expenditure of the minor. "By granting scholarship of Rs 100 per month by the respondents, the education expenditure of the minor cannot be meted out", the Court observed. The petitioner had earlier filed an affidavit on September 29, 2003 showing expenditure incurred on the education of the minor per year. In terms of the affidavit, an amount of Rs 17,000 per year was needed to meet the expenditures. It may be mentioned here that the petitioner (Sandeep Paul’s father) had filed a petition and Justice TS Doabia (since retired) had directed the State Government to pay compensation of Rs two lakh to the widow of the deceased besides expenditure of education for the minor daughter of the deceased upto bachelor degree course. The State Government had complied all the directions except the payment of education expenses and an application was filed in the State High Court by the father of the deceased. The respondents had filed affidavit in which it was stated that an amount of Rs 100 per month had been sanctioned in favour of the minor Child Kaynat. Justice Kohli while directing respondents to bear the expenditure on education, said that the appropriate orders be passed within four weeks. |
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‘No one caring for saffron growers’ Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Apr 23: CPI (M) candidate for Anantnag—Pulwama constituency M Y Tarigami today criticised the various candidates for not giving much attention to the problems of saffron growers, instead clicking to Bankrupt economic policies. Addressing the convention of prominent political and social workers of the Pampore area today he pointed out that despite qualitative superiority of Kashmir saffron Kashmiris are loosing international market for this product due to unconcerned attitude of Government. The Government must have fixed a suitable remuneration for this valuable product and explored the possibilities of specialised market for its sale. He further said that BJP Government under the influence of multi-nationals and their mentors who framed WTO rules , blindly allowed import of saffron which directly attacked the Saffron grower of Kashmir. If timely attention is not paid to the problem its growth will extinct from Kashmir valley. It is the responsibility of those elected for Kashmir valley for Parliament to raise the problems of local Kashmiris in the House. Mr Tarigami pointed out that political rivals have started abusing each other , setting a dangerous and scandalous trend in politics. The J&K is reeling under the hardships inflicted by disastrous policies and still people are trying to score through taunting. |
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Vikram Choudhary gets British Scholarship for journalism Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 23: Vikram Choudhary, NDTV’s Special Correspondent of Jammu and Kashmir, has been selected for the prestigious British Chevening/Scholarships Programme for Young India Broadcast Journalists 2004. Selection of Vikram Choudhary has been made after his excellent performance in the interview which was held on April 16, 2004. Journalists from all over India were present in that interview and Mr Choudhary performed excellently. Vikram Choudhary is the first and only journalist from Jammu and Kashmir, who has been selected for this prestigious scholarship. With his selection as a scholar for the British Chevening/Scholarships programme for Young India Broadcast Journalists 2004, Vikram will be able to pursue the course organised by the prestigious Thomson Foundation, Cardiff, Wales, UK for three months beginning from June 21, 2004. Thomson Foundation is one of the prestigious institutes of the world dealing with media. The scholarship is funded by Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and Vikram Choudhary will be entitled to a stipend and other allowance as applicable. |
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Gupta flays Cong, NC for
creating hurdles in Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Apr 23: Union Minister of State for Defence and BJP nominee for Udhampur-Doda Lok Sabha seat, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta has appreciated role of the Village Defence Committees (VDCs) and those of the Sahik Police Officers (SPOs) in tackling the menace of terrorism but assailed the Congress, National Conference and some other elements for their dubious role in creating hurdles in the functioning of these institutions. Responding to the complaints of the members of the VDCs and those of SPOs, Prof Gupta recalled that the BJP had visualized the need for cooperation of the people in fighting out the terrorists as far back in 1994 when the party had launched nation wide stir under the slogan of Save Doda. In wake of the agitation, the VDCs were organised and body of SPOs was created. This scheme was obviously to generate confidence amongst the villagers and seek the cooperation of the masses to meet the challenge, he added and said that the experiment has proved a big success. He pointed out that the Vajpayee led NDA Government at the Centre has sanctioned as many as 27000 SPOs and the each VDC has been provided three SPOs. For each SPO the Centre is providing Rs 20,000 to Rs 24000 per annum to the State Government to pay the emoluments to the SPOs. The entire expenditure in this regard is reimbursed by the Centre under the security related expenditure. But it was highly intriguing that the SPOs are paid Just Rs 1500 to Rs 1800 per month and that too, nor regularly, he added and regretted that in many cases no allowance is paid to the VDCs and even to the SPOs. Prof Gupta said that keeping in view the tremendous sacrifices made by the members of the VDCs and also the SPOs, he had been regularly taking up the matter with the Home Ministry at the Centre to take measures to further strengthen the VDCs and raise the emoluments of the SPOs but the response from the State in putting up the proposals, he been quite inadequate. He alleged that it was highly astonishing that even the funds provided by the Centre to the state under the security related expenditure were diverted and and misused in purchasing of luxury items like coolers and geysers etc. This fact was also figured in the report of Comptroller and Auditor General. The BJP leader appealed to the electorates of Doda district and those of others areas to punish the Congress, National Conference and the partners of the coalition government by casting their votes against them. He assured the deputationists of the members of the VDCs that the BJP would continue to strive for strengthening of the VDCs and increasing the allowances of the SPOs because the cooperation of the people is a must to fight out militancy and terror. |
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Sofi suspends Divisional Manager, Cashier of SFC Excelsior Special Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 23: Minister for Forest and Environment Ghulam Mohammed Sofi has placed under suspension a Divisional Managar of State Forest Corpotation and a cashier for allegedly causing some financial irregularities in the Corporation. Mr Sofi told Excelsior that action was taken against Divisional Manager (Accounts) Sant Ram and cashier Arvind Kumar after the receipt of specific complaints related to financial irregularities. During his surprised visit to the office of Managing Director SFC at Jammu on Thursday at around 3 pm, the minister directed the MD and Director Finance of the Corporation to place Divisional Manager and other official under suspension pending inquiry. He also issued on the spot orders for recovery of outstanding Government money lying with various officials both former and present. During surprise visit, Mr Sofi also found several officers and employees of the SFC absent from duty. He directed the Managing Director, Dr C M Seth to take immediate disciplinary action against the absentees. Institute of Engineers observes Water Resource Day Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 23: The ‘Water Resource Day’ was observed here, today by the Local Centre of Institution of Engineers (India). On the occasion a seminar on the theme topic "Efficiency of Water Resources System" was also held. A large number of engineers from different departments of Jammu attended the seminar which was chaired by H B Khajuria. The papers on the topic were presented by Santokh Singh, Anil Verma, Rabinder Shekhar and P K Nanda. They emphasized for improvement in water use efficiency in irrigation as well as drinking water sector. They also highlighted that there is a dire need for water conservation, not only to restore the fast deteriorating eco-system but also to meet the inevitable emerging shortages of water. It was also highlighted that the awareness of water as a scarce resource , should be fostered among the masses. It was resolved that optimal utilization of developed water resources and demand side management through mass awareness should be two important components of the strategy. The theme papers attempted to take stock of the present status efficiency of water use in various sector, analyse reasons for low efficiency and suggested measures to improve them to tide over the water scarcity. During the seminar stress was also laid on appropriate water pricing. The speakers said that the water rates have remained abysmally low over the years while the construction as well as maintenance cost has substantially gone up. This is the main reason for low returns, they added. They said under pricing of water adversely affects the availability of resource for the maintenance of the systems and suggested that the water rate be reassessed once in five years. They further said that the rationalisation of water rates will also act as deterrent to excess and wasteful use of water. The vote of thanks was proposed by Ashok Kumar Verma, secretary of the Institute. |
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Puri addresses California University students Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 23: In a telephonic address to the faculty and scholars of California University on the topic ‘Conflict Resolution in Kashmir’, Mr Balraj Puri dealt with wide ranging question and stressed that only a democratic, secular, federal and decentralised set up can maintain composite and harmonious personality of the State. On being asked about the formula he had worked with Nehru and Sheikh Mohd Abdullah in 1952, he explained that it had sought to reconcile the urges of the three region of the State on the basis of regional autonomy. Both leaders had agreed to his proposal but the same could not be implemented due to strong opposition of the Jammu Praja Parishad. JPP started an agitation for abrogation of Article 370 which caused an adverse reaction in Kashmir and started a process of alienation of its people, he recalled and claimed that had the formula been implemented, the Kashmir problems would have been resolved long ago. Referring to the elections in the State, Puri said that Kashmir had no tradition of political dissent as its most popular hero Sheikh Mohd Abdullah build a one party system and a monolithic and regimented set up after assuming power in 1947. Mr Puri, however, viewed Assembly election 2002 as end of one party rule and said that the opportunity should be utilised by leaders of the State to start internal dialogue for evolving a consensus on status of regions within the State. He favoured inter-regional dialogue to protect interests of each ethnic and religious community, including the right of Kashmiri Pandits for their return to Valley. Puri also dealt with emerging Indo-Pak relations, LoC and conditions in Pak held part of the State, including Northern areas in context of the Kashmir problem. |
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Mid-term polls in J&K
anticipated Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 23: All Party Action Committee Chenab Valley Autonomous Hill Development Council has decided to support in the Parliamentary elections any political party that will support the cause of Chenab Valley Hill Development Council. This was stated by chief patron of Committee Sheikh Abdul Rehman while addressing a media-conference here today. "There were three options before us like boycott of election, fielding of own candidate and support any political party that will support our cause", he said and added that keeping in mind pros and cons of all the options the Committee has decided to extend support to party which will fight for Chenab Valley Council in the Udhampur-Doda Parliamentary elections. "Even if any independent candidate supports our cause and has the potential to win the elections we will not hesitate to extend support", he made it clear and said that cadre of all 15 blocks of Chenab valley has already been issued directions in this regard. Alleging that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress have always exploited the people by raising hollow slogans, Mr Rehman appealed the people to strengthen the secular Third Front so as to defeat the nefarious designs of these parties. He anticipated that both Congress and BJP and their alliance partners will not gain a simple majority in the 14th Lok Sabha elections and there will be a hung Parliament wherein the regional parties and leftists will emerge as Third Front having magical power balance in formation of Government. "Congress and BJP have been representing capitalistic urban classes of the society and mislead the poor people through emotional and exploitative slogans", he alleged and said that "Garibi Hatao" and "Feel Good" slogans of Congress and BJP are of no use for the poor people of the country. Pointing towards the statements of PDP leaders, he said "ongoing Indo-Pak peace talks are the results of dictations of ring-master USA and none can take credit of on-going peace process". |
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Office bearers of Sarv Shakti Sevak Sanstha elected Excelsior Correspondent DODA, Apr 23: Sarv Shakti Seva Sanstha has elected its State office bearers and Subash Sharma of Kishtwar has been unanimously elected as its president for J&K. Puneet Gupta, Sanjeev Sharma and Daulat Ram Manhas were elected as vice-president while Banwari Lal Sharma has been given the post of general secretary. Om Parkash Manhas, Braham Saroop Gupta, Dev Raj Gupta, Sewa Ram and Koushik Ji were elected as joint secretary, publicity secretary, cashier, logistic officer and zonal president, respectively. The new team of office bearers has been elected for two years and the elections were held under the supervision of Advocate C L Thakur. |
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Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Apr 23: Like other parts of the country, Directorate of Libraries and Research also observed World Book Day here today. Secretary Education, M. M. Bhat inaugurated the function organized to commemorate the Day while Director, School Education, A. H. Samoon, Jammu presided. In this connection, an inter-school essay competition on "Reviving Reading Habits" was arranged by the Department of Libraries wherein 45 students drawn from different schools participated. Kadambari Gupta of Taawishi Scholar Public School, Trikuta Nagar got the first prize, while Krishna Arora and Anschal Mahajan of the same school shared the second prize and the third prize went to Anjali Mahajan. Besides, all the participating students were presented a book each. Director Libraries, Mohammad Rafi, highlighted the importance of printed material and public libraries. He urged teachers, children and others to inculcate the habit of reading books. He revealed that Rs. 3.80 crore have been earmarked for modernization of the public libraries which would be done in the State in a phased manner. Later, M. M. Bhat also inaugurated the Exhibition of rare books, manuscripts and photographs of historic importance available in the Sri Ranbir Singh Library, Jammu. He informed that there are 8000 rare manuscripts in the department of Libraries and Research and over 7 lakh books in 136 public libraries of the State. |
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Consumer courts
competent to entertain telephone matters: SCPC Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 23: Placing reliance on the recent Apex Court judgments in the cases titled "The Secretary Thirunurugan Cooperative Society versus M. Lalitha through and others" and "Fair Air Engineers Pvt. Limited versus N.K. Modi," the Jammu and Kashmir Consumer Protection Commission has ruled that consumer courts henceforth would have full jurisdiction to entertain matter relating to telephone appliances, apparatus or services. Pronouncing detailed 12-page judgement while disposing 10 appeals filed by Union of India against telephone subscribers, Justice M.Y. Kawoosa along with Khalid Hussain said that Consumer Act provides an additional remedy which is not in derogation of other Acts. The Act has been enacted to ensure better and speedy protection to consumer. Justice Kawoosa said, ‘it is exomatic fact that telephone services are common now and the consumers are in millions, so how courts could deprive the millions of consumers of telephone services from this new socially oriented welfare legislation, rather the telephone subscribers who are consumers now would have a speedy remedy under J&K State Consumers Protection Act’. The arguments advanced by the plaintiff counsel that consumer court has no jurisdiction to try matters relating to telephone services, which have to be dealt under specific legislation called Indian Telegraph Act too were rejected by Justice Kawoosa who observed, ‘Indian Telegraph act was enacted 100 years before framing of the Consumer Protection Act. Futher, Section 3 of Consumer Protection Act gives an additional remedy which is not in derogation of other Acts meaning thereby that even if there is section 7 B of the Telegraph Act, the Consumer Protection Act does not repel the former’. The recent full bench judgment of Kerala High Court in the case titled General Manager Telecom versus M. Krishenan II, wherein it has overruled its earlier judgment categorically holds that section 7 B of the Indian Telegraph Act does not in any way oust jurisdiction of Consumer Commission or a vis-à-vis cases pertaining to telephone services, appliances and apparatus. The Apex Court too has held that Consumer Act is a beneficial piece of legislation and it should receive a liberal construction, he said adding that it could be confined within doctrinairial limits. If the intention of the Parliament was that Consumer Protection Act should not apply to telephone services then they would have put a blanket ban on the Act itself to bar the jurisdiction of Consumer Protection Act, he said. On the excessive billing complaints, the commission however observed that telephone exchanges being electronic in mechanism and operation, there are marginal chances of any mistake. So any complaint regarding excessive billing has to be supported by expert evidence. Advocate K.K. Jandial pleaded the case of respondents while Ravinder Sharma appeared for appellant. |
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Cong played with sentiments of Jammu people: Hari Om Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 23: Making a scathing attack on Congress, state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) blamed the Party for playing with the sentiments of the people of Jammu region after transferring the power to Valley based National Conference (NC) in 1947 through dubious methods and by subverting the democratic norms. Talking to reporters, here, this afternoon, the BJP, vice president and spokesman , Prof. Hari Om blamed the Congress for hatching a conspiracy against the Jammu region by moving a resolution in the Indian Constituent Assembly on May 27, 1949 to change the name of the state from the State of Jammu and Kashmir to the "State of Kashmir". This way the Congress over looked that fact that it was the Jammu kingdom to which Kashmir was added in March 1846 under the treaty of Amritsar, he added. Lashing out at AICC chief , Ms Sonia Gandhi, Prof Hari Om said she also cheated the people of Jammu region by handing over the power of state to the Valley based PDP in 2002. He said the Party later again played with the sentiments of the people of Jammu region when PCC chief Ghulam Nabi Azad said that Congress committed a grave blunder by incorporating in its poll manifesto the idea of Regional Council for Jammu. Prof. Hari Om who listed 35 charges against the Congress blamed it for its failure in implementing the Wazir Commission and Delimitation Commission reports. He alleged that what the people will expect from a Party which maintained a stoic silence when the Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed declared at the floor of the State Assembly last year that Wazir Commission report is not a final word. He said even the Jammu region has been totally ignored in the development sphere by the present dispensation and the Permanent Residents (Disqualification ) Bill which deprives the women of the state marrying outside of their fundamental rights, was endorsed on March 4 in a Cabinet meeting presided over by Deputy Chief Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma. He said under the present dispensation the unemployment rate in Jammu region has gone up to 65 per cent while it is less than 30 per cent in Kashmir. Appealing the people of Udhampur and Doda Constituency to cast their vote in favour of Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta, he highlighted various measures taken by the NDA Government for the welfare of the Jammu Region. Bhim Singh flays Mufti for communal agenda Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 23: Chairman Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party and candidate from Udhampur Parliamentary constituency Prof Bhim Singh has criticised the PDP led Government headed by Chief Minister Mufti Sayeed and BJP led Government at the Centre for total neglect of rural masses of Jammu region. Addressing election rallies at Latti, Marothi, Sira, Man Talai, Sudh Mahadev and other places in tehsil Chenani the NPP leader said that both Governments should depute special teams to remote hilly areas of Udhampur and Doda districts to assess the ground problems of non-development, drinking water shortage, deplorable condition of link roads and growing unemployment among the educated youth. Prof Singh demanded that scenic tourist spots of Udhampur, Doda and Kathua should be brought on tourism map by providing necessary communication, road network, and other infrastructure at Sudhmahadev in Chenani so that domestic and foreign tourists can visit these famous natural places and help in restructuring the economic status of the people. He further alleged that Mufti Sayeed has encouraged fundamentalist elements in the state with the patronage of BJP led Government and its slogan of opening of Srinagar Muzaffarabad road is only for appeasement of the Hurriyat and other separatist elements and nothing else. He alleged that Mufti is expert in creating communal atmosphere only to woo a particular section just to grab the power. He said the future of Jammu Pradesh lies on the secular hands of NPP leaders and claimed that his Party will struggle for full statehood to the people of Jammu. |
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Rallies, symposium organised on ‘Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 23: As a part of Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan, awareness rallies and symposium were organised at Zone level. An awareness rally was organised in Arnia Zone in which students and staff of Government Middle School Arnia, Mishra Shiksha Niketan, Arnia and Navjyot High School, Arnia, participated. Speeches were made on importance of education to all and the people were urged to work for total literacy. Those who addressed the rally, included Headmaster Bishan Lal, Janak Raj Saini, Mumtaz Bano, Rakesh Chander, Kailash Chander and Ranbir Singh. Zonal Education Officer Mr Sat Pal Bharti also addressed the rally and explained the programmes of Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan. Students of Government Middle School, Saidgarh, under ZEO Arnia, took out a rally. The rally started from village Saidgarh and after passing through different areas, culminated at village Chak Chimna. The school children also presented a cultural programme and short plays on Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan. Headmaster of Govt Middle School Saidgarh, Subash Kumar Shastri, addressed the rally and appealed them to carry forward the message of Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan. In connection with Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan, a zone level symposium on ‘Education for All’ was organised by the Office of Zonal Education Officer, Barnoti in which the students and teachers of various schools participated. The participants spoke on the topic and threw light on the need for education for girls and down trodden people of the society. Miss Shakshi and Anu Radha of GMS Barnoti and Govt HS Forelain, respectively, were adjudged first while the second prize went to Miss Anku Devi of Govt MS Phelote. Miss Nisha Thakur got the third prize. ZEO Barnoti, Shhailo Ram, stressed upon the students and teachers to implement the scheme of SSA. He also asked the teachers to ensure discipline, regularity and punctuality in the schools. |
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DGPCs assure full support to new SGPB Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 23: Executive Committee members of State Gurdwara Parbandhak Board (SGPB) and District Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (DGPC) in a meeting held here today resolved to celebrate a religious function in connection with the birth anniversary of Guru Angad Devji at Nanak Nagar on May 2. The House during meet welcomed the newly elected body of State Gurdwara Parbandhak Board and hoped that the newly elected members under the presidentship of Trilochan Singh Wazir shall come to the aspirations of Sikh Sangat and also protect the Gurdwara property from the vested interests. The house also resolved that SGPB and DGPC of all the districts shall work under the blessings of Mahant Manjit Singh of Dera Nangali Sahib. Referring to misutilisation of Gurdwara property, movable or immovable property by some vested interest people it was decided that illegal occupation of such elements on Gurdwara property shall be vacated and no political office shall be allowed in the Gurdwara premises. The meeting was also attended by the local Gurdwara Committee members of Singh Sabha , Guru Nanak Nagar and Shiromani Akali Dal. |
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Ajit Kumar inaugurates
modernised kitchen Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 23: Newly modernised kitchen of the Priyadarshni Girls Hostel in Jammu University, was formally inaugurated today by Ajit Kumar, the Finance Commissioner with Government of J&K. Accompanied by JU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Amitabh Mattoo, Mr Ajit Kumar visited the hostel kitchen, its associate sections and was briefed about the modern apparatus installed there, by Provost Hostels, Prof Keshav Sharma. He also inaugurated modernised office of the hostel and interacted with the boarders. Expressing his satisfaction over the facilities being provided to the boarders, the Finance Commissioner lauded the JU and hostel authorities for their initiatives. Warden and Resident Warden of the Priyadarshni Hostel, were also present on the occasion. Prof Amitabh Mattoo briefed Ajit Kumar about the lay out plan of purposed girls hostel, construction work of which is starting very soon. With today’s inauguration, kitchens of all five hostels in Jammu University, except Vivekananda Hostel, have been modernised with latest apparatus and equipments installed. |
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22 candidates file
nominations for Udhampur Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Apr 23: Five more candidates today filed their nomination papers for Udhampur and two for Ladakh parliamentary constituency on last day of filing of nominations for these seats going to the poll in the fourth and last phase of Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir. With this, the total number of candidates who have filed their nominations for Udhampur Lok Sabha seat has gone upto 22 and for Ladakh 8. Five candidates who filed their nomination papers for Udhampur constituency today are Kuldeep Kumar of Samajwadi Janata Party (Rashtriya), Amar Nath of Indian Justice Party and Sanju Gupta, Jatinder Singh and Dev Raj, all independents. Two candidates who filed their nominations for Ladakh constituency today are Mr.Chering Dorjay and Mohammad Amir. The scrutiny of nomination papers will be conducted tomorrow while the last date for withdrawal of candidatures is April 26. The polling for both Udhampur and Ladakh constituencies will be held on May 10 and counting of votes will be taken up on May 13. DDC holds officers' meet at Udhampur Excelsior Correspondent Udhampur, Apr 23: The District Development Commissioner, Udhampur, Ashok Parmar has stressed the need for providing basic facilities to the people by making concerted efforts by various departments. The District Development Commissioner was addressing an officers meeting of Public Health Engineering, electricity, Health and Municipality convened to take stock of supply position of drinking water and electricity to Udhampur town here today. While discussing the measures adopted for ensuring uninterrupted power supply to various water supply plants, he asked the officers of the Electric Department to prepare and proposal for providing regular supply of electricity for augmentation of drinking water supply to the people of the town. He also advised the Public Health Engineering Department to ensure safe drinking water supply to the people after proper chlorinated besides cleaning of various storage water tanks to prevent them from spread of water borne diseases like Diarrhea, Dysentery, Typhoid, Gastroenteritis and Viral Hepatitis. Later, Parmar also inspected water treatment plant, Salmey and sought first hand information about whole process of safe drinking water to the people and for conducted on spot chronoscopic examination of water which was available stored to be used. Interacting with the officers of the PHE department,, the DDC exhorted upon them to conduct a survey for checking the leakage of water pipes which are the main cause of contamination of water . He also asked the officers to launch a campaign to educate the people about the use of safe drinking water and urged them to take boiled water to minimize chance of infectious disease. He said that most of the population is residing in far-flung areas of the district and using drinking water from natural sources of water like bowlies and wells which is not safe for drinking purpose. He issued instructions to the all BDOs to impress upon their subordinate staff for maintaining the cleanliness of natural sources to avoid any apprehension of water for diseases. |
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