|
|
| DDB Doda approves over Rs 67crore plan outlay Excelsior Correspondent DODA, Aug 5: Emphasizing for greater public interface and regular monitoring of various ongoing programme for effective implementation and socio-economic upliftment of the people, Minister for Health and Medical Education....more DB stays
quashing of Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 5: Division Bench of the State High Court, comprising Justice VK Jhanji and Justice Permod Kohli in two appeals filed by Irshad Amad Mir, S/o former Minister Dillawar Mir and Naresh Kumar.......more Transporters
demand Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 5: A meeting of Jammu province bus operators and other transporters was held under the chairmanship of Trilochan Singh Wazir, chairman Jammu Province Bus Operators Union/ J&K Motor Transport Companies..........more Sharma
asks MDs to Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Aug 5: Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma has said that all the impediments in the way of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) would be removed in a phased manner and bring these out of red.........more BJYM
activists demand Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 5: The activists of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) took out a procession in the City and staged a dharna in front of Divisional Commissioner’s Office this afternoon.........more |
 |
One rural
settlement in Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Aug 5: Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that one village in each block of State would be developed as a model village and asked the rural development department to take up, in the first instance, three villages each in Kashmir and Jammu provinces for implementation of the prestigious plan to transform the rural profile in the State..........more People,
pollution From Shafaat Ahmed Kira SRINAGAR, Aug 15: Rowing his boat through the once pristine Dal lake- Abdul Majeed moves on trying to hide the Melancholic look on his face. Dal has been like a mother to Majeed and thousands like him because it has been providing not only shelter but livelihood to them from the last many.........more Nirmal
warns Govt Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 5: Condemning the alleged move of the coalition Government to amend Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Act, State BJP president..............more Sadhotra
accuses Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 5: National Conference (NC) provincial chief, Ajay Sadhotra today accused the coalition Government led by Mufti Mohammed Sayeed of eroding............more |
DDB Doda approves over Rs 67crore plan outlay Excelsior Correspondent DODA, Aug 5: Emphasizing for greater public interface and regular monitoring of various ongoing programme for effective implementation and socio-economic upliftment of the people, Minister for Health and Medical Education Suman Bhagat who is also chairperson of District Development Board, Doda has asked the district administration to redouble their efforts for ensuring speedy progress and growth. Addressing the District Development Board meeting, Doda at the picturesque Patnitop here this morning, Mrs. Bhagat stressed timely completion of various projects as these would also ensure judicious spending of finances. Approving the annual plan for the current year at Rs.67.46 crores comprising revenue component of Rs.38.62 crore and capital component of Rs.28.84 crores, Mrs Bhagat said this year’s plan outlay has registered an increase of over Rs.4 crore than the previous year plan. Highest allocation of Rs.16.84 crore was earmarked for rural development followed by followed education at Rs. 16.54 crore while, Rs.15.15 crore were approved for roads and bridges sector. Minister for Power Mohd Sharief Niaz, Member Parliament Ch Lal Singh, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Abdul Majid Wani, Chairman Social Welfare Advisory Board G. M Saroori and legislators Moulvi Abdul Rashid, Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, Dr. Chaman Lal, Mr Amrit Malhotra and Brij Mohan Sharma attended the meeting. Detailing the proposed allocations for various sectors for the current fiscal, it was stated that under roads and bridges sector, 27 kilometer of road length would be black topped and 56 kms metalled, 49.43 kms to be shingled and about 55 kilometers fair weather roads would be constructed. Under rural development sector, thrust areas for current year would be completion of eight road projects, 37 panchyatgarhs, 62 school buildings, establishment of community information centres at each block headquarters, construction of 19 godowns, 33 passenger sheds, 31 foot bridges, providing of houses to 501 beneficiaries and organisation of at least 769 self-help groups for micro enterprises like dairy, sheep, mule, poultry, bee-keeping, mushroom etc. Under agriculture sector, an amount of Rs.28.14 lakhs has been earmarked to for enhancement of irrigation facilities, diversification of crops with a thrust on cultivation of cash crops like saffron, kala zeera, mushroom and apiculture. An allocation of Rs. 5.78 crore was approved for health sector whereas a special allocation of Rs. 50 lakh was earmarked for augmentation of power sub-stations. Minister for Power Mohammad Sharief Niaz called for problem and area specific devising of plans while formulating various developmental projects. He stressed for greater allocation of funds for soil conservation and afforestation for ensuring longevity of various power projects. Addressing the meeting, Member Parliament Ch. Lal Singh recommended reconstitution of all previously constituted monitoring committees with adequate representation to all sections. Mr. Singh also dwelt on promoting various tourists spots in the district especially Bhadarwah, Jaie, Patri, Seojdhar, Lal Draman, Machail and Sarthal as lasting health resorts. Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Abdul Majid Wani laid emphasis on the road connectivity for accelerating the pace of economic development in Doda district. He said full fledged laboratories and libraries be set up in newly upgraded higher secondary schools in the district. On the occasion legislators of the concerned constituencies projected the demands of their respective areas. These mostly include, construction of link roads, upgradation of schools, opening of Degree College at Ramban, mobile schools for Gujjar and Bakerwal students and construction of mini-hydel projects and adequate of supply of medicine. |
 |
DB
stays quashing of Inspectors’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 5: Division Bench of the State High Court, comprising Justice VK Jhanji and Justice Permod Kohli in two appeals filed by Irshad Amad Mir, S/o former Minister Dillawar Mir and Naresh Kumar Koul, S/o Justice ( Retd) ML Koul has stayed the Single Judge order whereby their appointments as Excise Inspectors were canceled. While admitting these LPAs, the DB ordered that these be heard with LPA SW No 374/2002, which is pending in the State High Court. "Subject to the objections from the other side and till further orders, the operation of the judgment July 27, 2004, impugned in the appeal shall remain stayed", the DB held. The Single Judge, had earlier, in a landmark judgment, quashed the alleged backdoor appointments of Naresh Koul, son of Justice (Retd) ML Koul and Irshad Ahmad Mir, S/o former Minister Dillawar Mir who were appointed as Excise Inspectors in the Department of Excise and Taxation in relaxation of rules. The court while finding their appointments illegal, had directed the respondent State to refer these vacancies for selection to the Competent Authority/Board for being filled up in accordance with the prescribed rules and the law after being advertised and by providing opportunity to all the eligible candidates. This exercise, it was directed, be conducted within a period of one month. Sanjeev Kumar Amla and others had challenged the appointments of Koul and Mir on the ground that the same were made arbitrarily and without following due process of law. These appointments were made just to grant favour to the duo by the then Government in power. In an Approved for Reporting judgment, Justice YP Nargotra while allowing the petition challenging the alleged backdoor/illegal appointments had referred a judgment of the Division Bench on November 23, 2003 in case of " Owais Ahmad V/s Rajan Gupta and others", wherein DB had quashed the appointment of Owais ( S/o former Education Minister Shaffi Uri). The Supreme Court has also upheld the judgment of DB in Owais Ahmad case. In his judgment, Justice Nargotra hed held that nothing has been shown by the respondents for attracting SRO 43 of 1994 to the case of Naresh Koul and Irshad Mir. " The absence of any such facts/evidence indicates that they were not entitled to claim appointments on compassionate grounds. Whatever be the nature of their appointments, the guarantee of equality of opportunities in the matter of appointment to the public post guaranteed by Article 14 and 16 of the Constitution to the petitioner and others eligible persons like them, thus clearly have been infringed". The Court had further held that the : the vacancies in the public office for the posts on which the private respondents have been appointed being the part of the national wealth could not be distributed by the Government...." Aggrieved by the judgment of the Single Judge, Mir and Koul had filed two appeals, which were admitted by the DB and also stayed the order of the Single Judge. |
|
Transporters demand hike in passenger fare Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 5: A meeting of Jammu province bus operators and other transporters was held under the chairmanship of Trilochan Singh Wazir, chairman Jammu Province Bus Operators Union/ J&K Motor Transport Companies Association. The meeting discussed the situation arising out of repeated hike in the cost of HSD by the Union Government and oil companies while mentioning towards hike of Rs 1.42 per litre on HSD from August 1, 2004. All the participants expressed grave concern over ever-increasing cost of operation which has put an adverse effect on the economy of the transporters of the State, who are otherwise financially weak as compared to their counterparts of other states. The participants were critical of the apathy on the part of the State Government, who according to then, has turned a deaf ear despite the fact that there was already a policy decision at the Government level to the effect that whenever there is any increase in the cost of POL, the Standing Committee set up for this purpose, will immediately notify revision in the fare rates but historically defer the decisions. The transporters appealed to the State Government to order suitable increase in the fare rates immediately and do not force the transporters to come on the roads. Representatives of Chhamb Union, Banihal Union, Poonch Union, R S Pura Union, Kathua Kathua, 407 Union, Matador Union, Three Wheeler Auto Union, Taxi Union, 2X2 Buses Union, Akhnoor Matador Union and Mishriwalla Tata 407 Union attended the meeting. |
|
Sharma asks MDs to improve PSUs functioning Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Aug 5: Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma has said that all the impediments in the way of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) would be removed in a phased manner and bring these out of red. Mr Sharma was reviewing the functioning of PSUs at a meeting here today, convened to review the functioning of the corporations and also to make on-the-spot assessment of the difficulties being faced by the concerned authorities to run their corporations. He impressed upon the Managing Directors of PSUs to put their best efforts to improve the working of the corporations, increase its turnover and strive to achieve profit. Taking note of the statutory liabilities of the corporations and the recent announcement of COLA, he assured the MDs that the present coalition government would resolve the issue amicably. |
|
BJYM activists demand
implementation of Wazir Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 5: The activists of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) took out a procession in the City and staged a dharna in front of Divisional Commissioner’s Office this afternoon in protest against the Government’s failure to implement the recommendations of Wazir Commission. After the culmination of dharna a memorandum highlighting the demands was also handed over to Divisional Commissioner by a delegation of the Party activists. Led by the BJYM state chief, Anil Parihar the processionists demanded immediate implementation of Wazir Commission recommendations. With placards and banners in their hands they shouted slogans in support of their demands. The procession started from BJP Office, Kacchi Chawni and among others the BJP district chief Kavinder Gupta also participated in it. Addressing the demonstrators Mr Parihar said in case the Government failed to implement the Wazir Commission recommendations and provide the district status to Samba, Kishtwar and Reasi the BJYM will launch a decisive agitation throughout Jammu province. He also blamed the Government for the growing unemployment in the state and criticised the Rehbar-e-Taleem and Rehbar-e-Sehat schemes which he alleged are nothing except a method of exploitation for the unemployed youth. He also criticised the so-called healing touch policy of the state Government saying it has benefited the militants and their harbourers. Mr Parihar also took the Government to task for increasing militancy in the state and alleged that the terrorist violence has increased manifold in in J&K after the UPA Government assumed office at Centre. Addressing the demonstration BJYM general secretary, Yudhvir Sethi said his organisation has resolved to take the present movement regarding the implementation of Wazir Commission recommendations to its logical conclusion. The other party activists who addressed the dharna include Narotam Sharma, Sanjay Mahajan, Rajesh Gupta, Raj Kumar Sharma, Dharamveer Sethi, Iqbal Singh, Amreek Singh and Deepak Aggarwal. |
|
One rural settlement in
every block being developed Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Aug 5: Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that one village in each block of State would be developed as a model village and asked the rural development department to take up, in the first instance, three villages each in Kashmir and Jammu provinces for implementation of the prestigious plan to transform the rural profile in the State. Mufti Sayeed was addressing a high level meeting to review the progress of various rural development schemes in the state. Minister for Rural Development, Peerzaada Mohammad. Sayeed and Minster of Sate for Rural Development, Ch Garu Ram, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Secretary, Rural Development and Deputy Commissioners were also present. The Chief Minister said that his vision about rural development was to transform every village into a model habitation. He said the development of rural areas was essential for the state to realise its complete potential. He said the Government has formulated a plan to develop model villages in every block of the state taking care of the entire rural requirements including electricity, drinking water, sanitation’ education, employment avenues, healthcare, communication and road connectivity. He asked the concerned officers to take up six villages, three each in Kashmir and Jammu divisions, in the first phase. He said the identification of the villages should be made on the basis of places of social or religious importance thronged by people so that its impact is on a wider level. The Chief Minister said that people’s involvement in rural development schemes was must to obtain the desirable results. Steps towards decentralisation of power and empowerment of Panchayati Raj institutions would remain futile unless the grassroots level functionaries and local masses understood the provisions of these, he said and instructed the concerned officials to arrange special one month training programme for village level workers. About the rural sanitation schemes in the state, the Chief Minister said that the required number of quality sanitary units should be constructed in educational institutions with a larger roll. He emphasised on cleanliness of these units and proper maintenance of assets raised in villages by spending crores of rupees. The Chief Minister stressed on proper utilisation of panchayat land in villages and asked the rural development department to explore the possibility of involving groups of unemployed agriculture graduates to use the land for vegetable cultivation and floriculture. Addressing the meeting, the Minister for Rural Development, Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed said that the government was working towards transforming the panchayats into the centre of all development activities. He said additional financial and administrative powers had been given to the panchayats to make these vibrant grassroots level institutions. The Minister said that panchayats had been provided with sufficient infrastructure. He said 2500 panchayat ghars had been constructed while the remaining 200 were under construction. He said the groundwork in terms of surveys for panchayat elections was completed. |
|
People, pollution shrink Dal’s life From Shafaat Ahmed Kira SRINAGAR, Aug 15: Rowing his boat through the once pristine Dal lake- Abdul Majeed moves on trying to hide the Melancholic look on his face. Dal has been like a mother to Majeed and thousands like him because it has been providing not only shelter but livelihood to them from the last many hundred years. "We have grown-up while playing in the lap of Dal and now when we are witnessing that the lake is dying it really pinches us," says Abdul Majeed. "Not only does the Dal provide us with shelter and livelihood but it has been our friend as we find solace while roaming in the Dal," adds he. The Dal lake which is considered to be a main tourist attractions in Kashmir has for centuries depicted Kashmir’s eternal beauty. During its prime the Dal was spread over an area of 32 square Kilometres which now has got reduced to a mere 14 square kilometer. Experts who have been working on the Dal believe that if the present rate of deterioration of the Dal continues it will take only 100 to 150 years before the Dal gets converted into a marshy land. The experts believe that the presence of nearly 50,000 people who still live inside the Dal, besides many other factors can hasten the process of turning the Dal into a marshy land. "The Dal is faced with the problem of pollution because it is over crowded with people," says Ashfaq a researcher working for the conservation of the Dal. "The government should seriously take the matter and try to rehabilitate the people living inside the Dal," He adds. Although the Government has taken some steps in this regard by in reality things have not changed to the extent they should have been. The Government had allocated some 127 crore of Rupees to rehabilitate the population living inside the Dal but, the project did not yield dividends. The people living inside the Dal are dependent for their livelihood on the Dal itself and this being the reason that they are not willing to come out of it. Apart from this the Dal is faced with a major problem of siltation which has risen because of the deforestation that has taken place in the nearby areas. The Telbal and Malhouri river streams, which emerge from the nearby cathment areas, have been bringing with it 60 to 80 thousand tons of silt annually which gets deposited in the Dal. This has resulted in the depth of the Dal getting reduced say the experts. "The Dal was eight meters deep but now its depth has reduced to mere three to four meters," say the experts. To counter the siltation problem the Lakes and Waterbodies Development Authority (LAWDA) has come up with a Catchment Management Programme. "Under this programme nearby areas of Dhara, Theed, Dhanihama ,Hadoora and Sangerrishi have been short listed and trees will be planted to check soil erosion," says an official of the department. Although preserving the Dal has become a priority for every one, but its preservation needs massive investment and it is here that the state government is feeling hand tied. Even if the State Government had sent proposals worth Rupees 543 crore to the Central Government under the National Lake Conservation Project, only 60 percent payments have been released so far. |
|
Nirmal warns Govt against
any move to Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 5: Condemning the alleged move of the coalition Government to amend Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Act, State BJP president Dr Nirmal Singh has warned the ruling coalition partners of serious consequences if they go ahead with the reported move. The suggested amendment in the Shrine Board Act, if introduced, will not only be construed as a deliberate interference in the religious affairs of the Hindu community but also a negation of the whole philosophy which had guided the former State Governor Jagmohan to create Shrine Board for managing whole affairs of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. Dr Nirmal Singh warned that any tinkering with the fool-proof Shrine Board Act will provoke explosions not only in Jammu region but across the country as Hindus are very much satisfied over the performance of Shrine Board and they would not allow any sort of Government intervention in its functioning. Dr Singh said that BJP alongwith other like minded parties would see to it that the evil designs of the State Government on the Shrine Board are defeated. He also appealed the masses, cutting across part lines, to see through the dangerous gameplan of the Mufti Government and work with single-minded devotion to defeat any anti-Hindu move. Such a posture has become a necessity in view of anti-Hindu mindset of coalition partners, he stressed. |
|
Sadhotra accuses Mufti Govt of
eroding Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 5: National Conference (NC) provincial chief, Ajay Sadhotra today accused the coalition Government led by Mufti Mohammed Sayeed of eroding the democratic institutions in the State by making a mockery of functioning of the District Developmental Boards. Addressing a press conference along with Party legislators from the district, Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, Chaman Lal, Brij Mohan, former minister, Khalid Najib Suharwardhy, MLA Surankote Mushtaq Bukhari and party vice president, Rattan Lal Gupta, Mr Sadhotra alleged that in the recently held District Development Board meeting at Patni Top the elected representatives of the people were ignored while the views of PDP and Congress activists were ascertained. Terming it a total reversal of democratic process initiated by the NC during the Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah’s Government, Mr Sadhotra said the basic objective of single line administration was that the peoples representatives can take part in the developmental process. Mr Sadhotra termed the promises made on the construction of micro hydel projects totally hollow by this Government. He alleged that the proposal made for the construction of micro hydel projects at Dachan, Pakal and Paddar by previous NC Government have been turned down by present Government. Lashing out at Government Mr Kichloo said that the deliberate delay was made in conducting the District Development Board meet for Doda. He said the meeting which was scheduled to be held in April for speedy construction of development works was held in August. This was simply to delay the development process in the far-flung and remote areas of the district, he said,adding imagine when the works will be undertaken and completed as the working season is almost complete by five months. |
|
STD, PCO holders apprise
CGM Telecom Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 5: A deputation of All J&K STD, PCO Holders Association called on Chief General Manager, BSNL Telecom Department (J&K Circle) and apprised him of their grievances. The deputation, led by Swarn Dass, narrated the difficulties, being faced by STD, PCO holders and sought personal intervention of the CGM. The STD/PCO holders expressed their reservation against ISD security of Rs 10,000 by the franchises of BSNL, cash security for STD/PCO booth and depositing of bills in cash only. No security deposit is required for ISD franchisee outside J&K while the security for STD, PCO booth should be in the form of FDR or Bank guarantee, instead of cash, they said. The deputation also demanded compensation to STD/PCO holders and installation of additional PCOs in the same premises, as already promised by the Telecom authorities. The CGM gave a patient hearing to the deputation and agreed over the demands for accepting security deposit in shape of FDR or Bank Guarantee and payment of bills through banker checque also. He also agreed that STD, PCO holders can get additional PCOs for installation in the same premises. The deputation comprised Kailash Langar, Surinder Sharma, Satnam Singh and others. |
|
Highest
ever Rs 135 cr being spent this year Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Aug 5 : Rating as one of the best states in the country to implement Border Area Development Programme (BADP), the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs S. Ragupathy today assured Jammu and Kashmir Government of maximum assistance in creating dependable infrastructure and improving amenities for the people of border areas. Jammu and Kashmir was the only State, which got Rs. 100 crore for BADP which constitute nearly 29 percent of the total plan. Out of the total plan of Rs. 350 crore for 17 border states of the country. This year, Rs. 135 crore are being spent on various works under it. Reviewing the implementation of BADP being implemented in 44 border blocks in 9 districts of the state, here today at a high level meeting of senior civil, police and army officers, the Minister said that the Centre has accorded highest priority to completion of border fencing on one hand and speedy execution of other infrastructure development schemes in health, education, agriculture, rural development, road communication, etc. Stressing the need for formulation of new innovative schemes under BADP the Union Minister also underscored the need for taking up 5 important border road projects by BRO, including Bonyer-Bhimber - Bara Gail-Satrari road so that the people of far flung areas are benefited by better connectivity. While the State Government sought additional funds for completion of health institution and electrification of 500 de-electrified villages, Principal Secretary Planning and Development, M. I. Khanday listed the achievements under the programme and, said that the state has recorded more than 100 per cent expenditure of the last years allocation on BADP, utilizing some unspent money of the previous year under the programme. Last year was significant for BADP as it was during this year that the centre released highest ever funds and the highest expenditure incurred. Commissioner Secretaries of various departments indicated the achievements registered in their respective sector. In the Education sector last year, 15 training school buildings, two middle/high school building, 79 additional rooms, 10 hostels and 5 laboratory buildings were constructed in border areas. In addition, 21 play fields were developed, 4 indoor/open stadia constructed, 8 school fenced and two single room tenements were constructed. In R&B sector, 53.32 fear weather roads were constructed while, 55.83 kilometers road shingled, 71.53 kilometers road metalled and 40.46 kilometers roads black topped. 59 other development schemes were also completed besides laying of 230 running meter drained. In health sector, 7 ambulances were provided besides constructing buildings for 16 sub-centres and 18 residential quarters for doctors. In addition, 5 allopathic dispensary were constructed and seven mobile medical teams/dispensaries established. In rural development sector, 32 community centres, 49 link roads, eight ICDS centres/buildings and 12 foot bridge/culverts, were constructed. The department also constructed 380 household latrines and 16 institutional latrines in the border areas during the year. The Minister was informed that the power development department has established 75 sub-stations besides augmenting 49 such stations, electrified 49 villages/mohras and laying 75 kilometres long transmission lines under electrification programme. This year, the department is developing schemes of BADP and Ministry of Non-Energy conventional sources to benefit the area in better way. The PHE has installed 247 hand pumps and improved 57 water supply schemes in border areas. The army authorities informed that it has spent Rs. 3 crore under the programme. Under its civic action programme, the army has upgraded 64 school buildings, established 13 computer centres, launched 13 mobile medical teams, constructed 550 kilometers roads/track and 8 bridges in border areas. It has also taken up 10 micro hydle projects in border areas for the first time. Jammu and Kashmir Police has established 23 border police posts besides completing 25 other works under its civic action programme for which it was provided Rs. 2.25 crore. During the current year, Rs, 135.18 crore would be spent including Rs. 5.60 crore through army, BSF, ITBP and J&K Police, on various BADP schemes. A provision has also been made for maintenance of assets created in border areas over the year. The meeting, among others, was attended by Financial Commissioner, Home, S. D. Singh, Director General Police, Gopal Sharma, Joint Secretary Ministry of Home H. S. Brahma, Commissioner Secretary R&B, R. K. Jearth, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, Commissioner Secretary Science and Technology, R. K. Gupta, Commissioner Secretary Health, Lokesh Jha, Secretary Education, Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, Secretaruy Planning S. K. Mahajan and other senior officers. |
|
SFC labourers serve one month ultimatum to authorities Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 5: State Forest Corporation Labour Union today served one month ultimatum to the Corporation to concede demands and warned that any failure to concede demands before September 5 would compel the labour force to resort to agitation which may include gherao of SFC Headquarters. Talking to media-persons, chairman/legal advisor of the Union Sat Pal Sharma said "enough is enough. We are not going to tolerate injustice anymore. If the Corporation authorities fail to concede our demands by September 5 we will first stage massive dharna infront of Divisional Commissioner’s office and then intensify agitation", adding "all the labourers working in the sales depots have unanimously decided to go to any extent to prevent Corporation authorities and contractors from exploiting them". To bring an end to the exploitation of labourers, he said, the then Advisor to the Governor D S Saklani directed the Managing Director SFC to give minimum wages to the labourers engaged by the Corporation. But at present as against 115 permanent labourers employed with various sales depots only 50 percent are being given minimum wages thereby denying others of their right, he added. "Though all the labourers are attending the depots regularly yet no record and muster roll in respect of 50 percent of the labourers is being prepared by the Corporation despite the fact that the matter was brought to the notice of several officers from time to time", Dharam Singh, president of the Union said. He demanded that minimum wages should be given to all the labourers of sales depots and no discrimination be made on account of wages. Moreover, necessary record of all the labourers be made so that half of them may not remain deprived of benefits of various provisions of labour laws. "Rates of loading, unloading and various other operations be increased as the last revision was made in June 2002. Since the COLA is being given to the employees of the Corporation it is necessary to increase the rates of the labourer from Rs 65 to Rs 100 per day as per the labour laws because they are also facing the same price rise", Mr Singh demanded and said that wages of additional work in the depots should be paid to the labourers. Demanding deduction of CPF as per rules, he said that on the directions of High Court the Corporation deposited only its share in the CPF and was not deducting the labourers’ share for obvious reasons. |
|
Physically challenged students call on Prof Mattoo Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 5: A deputation of physically challenged students and scholars of Jammu University today called on Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo and sought redressal of their problems. The deputation demanded that all the disabled students and scholars should be exempted from all types of University fees. Further, each student and scholar should be given a scholarship of Rs 1000 and Rs 2000, respectively, they added. The deputation also demanded 3 per cent reservation in PG and M Phil courses, teaching jobs, implementation of UGC funded welfare schemes for handicaps and creation of a cell to deal with the matters relating to disabled students. The Vice-Chancellor gave a patient hearing to the deputation and agreed that all the demands were genuine. However, he informed that there were no special funds from the State Government for welfare of physically challenged students. |
|
Geology students highlight
demands, Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 5: Accusing the State Government of adopting a dilly-dallying attitude towards their long pending demands, particularly inclusion of Geology subject at higher secondary level, the Geology Students Association (GSA) has vowed to take its struggle to a logical conclusion. "Even as some private schools have acknowledged the importance of Geology and are introducing the subject in their curriculum, the State administration is still sleeping over the file for the proposal," lamented Sunil Singh, a scholar of Geology and chairman of GSA, while talking to mediapersons, here today. Despite the fact that the Association approached State Chief Minister, Education Minister and others in this regard, nothing was done except giving assurances, he alleged. It may be mentioned here that Geology Students Association has been struggling for introduction of Geology at higher secondary level, creation of posts of Geology teachers and setting up of manufacturing units of quartz and cement in the State to utilize the services of Geologists. "Notwithstanding the abundance of natural resources and raw material in Jammu and Kashmir for manufacturing quartz, cement etc, the State Government is taking no initiative to set up manufacturing units of the same," said Deepak Gupta, Incharge of GSA, adding that setting up of the manufacturing units would not only generate employment but also improve economy of the State. At the same time, the Association leaders appreciated Jammu University Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo for his positive response to their demands. Prof Mattoo has also agreed in principle to accord permission for organising a seminar for awareness on the subject while Head of the PG Geology Department, Prof Sudan is also taking keen interest regarding the subject awareness,’’ said Yudhvir Singh, a senior scholar of Geology . The GSA leaders announced that besides continuing the struggle, the Association would constitute its units and create awareness regarding vital importance of Geology subject. |
|
Timber traders not to take part in auctions Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 5: Timber traders of Jammu have been passing through many crisis due to unnecessary harassment, teasing and corrupt practices adopted by Chief Conservator of Forests Jammu for the last three months. This was observed in the general body meeting of Association of Timber Industries here yesterday under the presidentship of Thakur Jai Singh, which unanimously decided not to participate in any timber auctions which may be held by State Forest Corporation till their demands were met with. Their demands include issuance of Form 25 for imported timber at Lakhanpur by a separate Forest Officer to be posted for the purpose, as agreed to by Forest Minister at Srinagar on July 17, but not yet implemented by the CCF Jammu. The Forest Minister had agreed to the demand regarding issuance of Form 25 in respect of cut-to-size timber for transportation within the State but the same has not been implemented by CCF Jammu. The ATI also demanded issuance of Form 25 direct in the name of customer for whom it is purchased by timber trader on his behalf in open auction, based on old practice. It also demanded suspension of maintenance of Docket Book System introduced by the Forest department for sale of timber by the traders to the customers, when sale to customers is already being made on proper Bill Books duly stamped by the respective DFO offices. Sofi seeks special package for forest projects Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Aug 5: To compensate the natural forests against the onslaught of ever increasing demands, the State Forest Department has fixed aforestation of 12,000 sq kms area under its Vision 2020 programme. This was stated by Minister for Forest and Environment, Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Sofi at the conference of Forest Ministers held at Indian Habitate Centre Lodhi Road, here today. Giving the resume of activities to be taken under this ambitious project, the Minister said that the department has fixed a target of covering 2 lakh hectares by introducing extensive energy plantation and fodder resources to meet the local demands for timber, fire wood, grazing and other local needs. For upgrading the degraded forests, new techniques would be adopted to increase the production levels of an area of 12 lakh hectares in a phased manner, the Minister said. Apart from long term measures, the department would take up joint forest management through social forestry programmes by involving local population in rural areas. Listing the measures taken by the J&K Government to preserve the natural resource, the Minister said Forest Development Agencies (FDAs) have been constituted by involving local population. He said people have started taking keen interest in the joint forest management programme and are contributing their bit in the other forest development activities taken up by the Forest department under various schemes. He said social forestry programme which was abounded have been revived by the present government. He said Research Institutes and Environment and Remote Sensing Department have been strengthened to facilitate latest technical now how in the regime of preservation of environment. He said protection of wildlife have also been given due attention. The State has 2408 sq km protected area in Kashmir and Jammu province and 13227 sq km in Ladakh region. Concluding his speech, the Minister sought a special economic package from the Centre to carry forward its programmes. He said among its various projects submitted to Central Government for funding the ‘Participatory Watershed Management Project’ is under active consideration of the Central Government. He hoped for substantial support from Central Ministry of Environment and Forests. |
|
S N Das Gupta College organises workshop Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 5: S N Das Gupta College organised a workshop cum seminar on IIT-JEE, AIEEE, AFMC and AIIMS entrance, at Jagriti Niketan School Kachi Chawni, here today. A number of students from the Jagriti Niketan School and S N Das Gupta College participated in the workshop. The workshop was presided over by B M Sharma, Principal of Jagriti Niketan School. Speaking on the occasion, he highlighted the efforts and performance of S N Das Gupta College in introducing a novel and updated coaching institute for students of Jammu and Kashmir State. The faculty of the college interacted with the participants and afforded them an opportunity to acquaint themselves with the tips and inputs that go into harnessing the talent. There was an overwhelming response and enthusiasm among the audience so much so that a few among them volunteered to speak on the occasion. According to a release, issued by the college, the academic cum entrance coaching programme has already been introduced according to the schedule. |
|
Qazi reviews facilities for yatris at Baltal Excelsior Corerspondent SRINAGAR, Aug 5: Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Qazi Mohammad Afzal reviewed various arrangements made for Amarnath pilgrims at Baltal. The Minister was informed that sufficient stock of foodgrains, sugar, kerosene oil and firewood has been kept available by the concerned department. It was told that 13,700 patients have been provided medicare by the Health Department whileas 503 patients were admitted and 130 laboratory test facilities provided. Regarding water supply facilities, it was told that PHE has provided additional 200 public utility posts at Baltal and other places besides reservoirs of 25000 gallon capacity has been constructed and water tanks have also been pressed into service to cope up with drinking water requirements. The Minister was informed that Rs. 78 lakh have been earmarked by the Srinagar Development Authority for the construction of Pony sheds, fencing of truck terminals, Tourist rest house, Toilet blocks at Sonamarg, while as R&B Department has constructed Helipads at the holy cave and at Baltal costing Rs. 25 lakh. Later, the Minister interacted with the yatries and enquired about the facilities available to them. The yatris expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made by the Government enroute to the shrine for smooth conduct of yatra. Shankracharaya for reviving
vedic culture, By Dinesh Manhotra JAMMU, Aug 5: Expressing grave concern over the spurt of secessionist violence in different parts of the country, Jagadguru Shankracharaya of Kashyapmeru Peeth Swami Amritanand Dev Teerthji Maharaj has stressed the need for inculcating nationalism and educate people about traditional Vedic culture. "Need of the hour is to revive Vedic culture as it is the very base of the Indian nationalism", Swamiji told the Excelsior, adding, that the main reason of the rising of secessionist forces is erosion of Vedic values and rituals. "India remained Vishwa Guru as long as its rulers followed Vedic religious rituals", he opined. Swamiji rued that successive rulers of the country have neglected Indian tradition and culture only to project themselves as ‘secular’ and ‘modern. "It is very unfortunate that in the name of secularism and modernism, Indian culture was neglected and ignored by our rulers", Swamiji regretted, adding, "as long as Vedic traditions are not revived, it is not possible to bring peace in the country". Not only in India, peace can be restored in entire universe by reviving Vedic culture and traditions, he said. Pointing towards problems being confronted by the country, the Shankracharaya of Kashyapmeru Peeth opined that it was all due to the wrong polices of our successive governments. "In the name of non-violence and Ahmisa Indian masses have been made cowards", he said while stoutly opposing the policy of non-violence propagated by a section of freedom fighters. "Leaders of Hindus always created confusion among masses in the name of secularism and non-violence", he rued and blamed Hindu leadership for the problems being faced by the country. "It is very unfortunate that despite being majority, rights of Hindu Samaj have been snubbed by the successive regimes". "Those claiming to be leaders of the Hindus have been cheating the people just for the lust of power’, he said. The Shankaracharya admitted that Sadhu Samaj too has failed to shoulder responsibility to guide the masses. Instead of guiding the society, Sadhus have indulged into fighting with each other for small interests, he said. Swamji also stressed on the need of starting reconversion movement in the country. "Those converted to other religious have realised that they have committed a blunder. Crores of converts want to return to Hindu fold so it is essential to start a reconversion", he said. Swami was in the City of Temples in connection with the visit of handicapped/physically disabled students from Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Visit of these 50 students has been arranged by Swamiji to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. A group of 50 students led by Prakash Chotora, chairman Municipal Corporation, Ujjain reached Jammu. With this, the long cherished desire of physically handicapped students of Vikram Khel Parishad Ujjain for having darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi has been fulfilled. V&I Wing of Sales Tax imposes fines on erring drivers Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 5: The Vigilance and Inspections wing of Sales Tax Department conducted surprise checking of vehicles by laying a Naka at Bari Brahmana on National Highway in the wee hours today. During the course of checking of one Swaraj Mazda goods carrier No. PB 6E 2196, carrying Newspapers Punjab Kesri/Hind Samachar. Since the driver of the vehicles behaved rudely with Naka team and tried to flee from the spot, the vehicle was forcibly stopped and put to search and it was found that three big nags of shoes and chappels valuing Rs 10,000 were found concealed under the newspapers without any documents as specified under the Jammu and Kashmir General Sales Tax Act 1962. The said vehicle was seized alongwith goods (shoes) and an amount of Rs 7360 was imposed, which was realized from the driver on the spot. Besides one truck No. JK02F 7775 carrying 175 bags of cement was also seized and an amount of RS24640 was imposed on the driver of the vehicle Kuldeep Singh for offences committed by him under different sections/ provisions of the Act. The said amount was also realized from the erring driver on the spot. The team was led by Deputy Sales Tax Commissioner (V&I), Jammu, Bashir Ahmed Saraf and comprised of ETOs Showkat Kazmi and Shiv Kumar Sharma, Inspector Bhupinder Singh and Guards Bimal Kumar, Ashok Kumar, Pardeep Singh, Ram Lal, Darshan Kumar and driver Rattan Lal. Jugal lists measures to upgrade tourism infrastructure Excelsior Corerspondent Srinagar, Aug 5: Encouraged by heavy tourist influx this summer, State Govt is embarking on a massive programme to refurbish existing infrastructure and creating additional facilities at various tourist resorts. Minister of State for toruism, Jugal Kishore today said that several schemes are underway in this regard that would be implemented in a phased manner. Talking to media persons here today the minister said that new tourist destinations are also being explored and upgraded as tourist resorts with all amenities in the three regions of the State. Focuss will also be on promoting pilgrim tourism that has sustained the economy particularly in Jammu region during the turbulent years of militancy. He said pilgrim influx to Mata Vaishno Devi has already crossed 54 lac last year. On the recommendations of select committee, the minister favoured specific provision for Baridars who have been affected by the constitution of Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji Shrine Board. " we cannot ignore the welfare of around 2000 families who have been associated with the pilgrimage for years together," the minister observed. Mr. Jugal said that tourism in Jammu will also get due attention and for the purpose thrust would be laid on encouraging weekenders tourism in Jammu and its peripheries for locals and those thronging from various parts of the country to pay obeisance at the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. The minister referred to holding of conferences and visits of youth groups from various parts of the country and said that such events would send a right message across the country about the fast improving situation in Jammu & Kashmir. " In fact, these visiting youth would serve as ambassadors in their respective areas to portray the real picture in Kashmir." Mr. Jugal exuded confidence that the people of Kashmir especially those associated with tourism trade would continue to extend their time tested hospitality to visitors. NC Women Wing stages dharna in front of Div Comm office Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 5: To register their protest against the nonpayment of old age and widow pension to hundreds of women of Jammu region, the Women’s Wing of National Conference (NC) staged a dharna in front of Divisional Commissioner’s Office here, today. The dharna was led by the Women’s Wing chief and Ex MLA Bimla Luthra who took the PDP led Government to task for its failure in mitigating the problems of the people especially belonging to poor and downtrodden communities. Ms Luthra, while lashing out at State Government was highly critical of its style of functioning. She alleged that this Government has not only denied the pension to old aged women and widows, but after assuming power it has failed to provide the Rs 10,000 one time special assistance given to a widow by Social Welfare Department. She warned that in case the Government fails to concede the demands the Women’s Wing will be forced to launch hunger strike which will be followed by fast unto death. Addressing the dharna N C provincial chief, Ajay Sadhotra said it is unfortunate that the coalition partners were playing with the poor and needy people of the state. He alleged that Government was not taking steps that CCS scheme should reach to the poor people. He wanted to know what happened to the promise made by the present Government during the elections to provide old age pension to the people at their door steps . Addressing the dharna NC leader Chander Mohan Sharma also lashed out at Government for its anti poor and anti down -trodden policies. He warned that in case the Government does not mitigate the problems of the poor people NC will be constrained to launch a movement. Among others the dharna was addressed by NC MLAs Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari and Abdul Gani Malik, Advocate Waris Gill, Sham Mehra, Darshana Charak, Rashida Begum, Veena Oberoi and Lalita Sharma. Earlier a large number of women activists of the Party assembled at Radio Station Chowk and took out a procession to Divisional Commissioner’s Office. The protesters with placards and banners in their hands shouted slogans against the Government. |
|
| home | state | national | business| editorial | advertisement | sports | |
