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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 8: Dismissing charges of human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir as propaganda, Governor, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) S K .....more PCC chief for probe into fake surrender episode Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Dec 8: Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Peerzada Mohd Sayeed today said.. .......more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 8: An action committee comprising of representatives of various religious, social, political and trade organisations has been constituted to wage united fight against ........more Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Dec 8: Several deputations today met Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and apprised him about their problems.......more Polytechnic students torch effigy of CM Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 8: Continuing their stir for fourth consecutive day, students of different Polytechnics in Jammu, staged a massive demonstration at the Technical Board office, near Vikram Chowk, here today.Raising slogans in favour of their demands, they also torched an effigy of Chief Minister Mufti Mohd ........more |
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J&K
Police adopts Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 8: Home Guard and Civil Defence wing of J&K Police (Aux) on the eve of its annual Raising Day adopted Mohalla Doogian near Bathindi to develop and promote a community Centre to provide schooling to children, vocational training and promote games in the area, in a function held here today...........more Kashmir
IT firm bags Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Dec 8: In what can be described as a highly encouraging development for Information Technology sector in Jammu and Kashmir, a group of IT professionals of Kashmir, Magnum Software, has bagged an international project to design software for the European Union. The EU has commissioned front ranking Malaysia based IT company, Cellframe for .. ................more Govt committed to build basic infrastructure: Mir Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 8: Describing infrastructure building imperative for healthy economy, the Minister of State for Public Works Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Mir has said that for this fact the Government was giving attention for building ...........more MAM College organising seminar on security challenges Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 8: In connection with ongoing Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the institute,.....more |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 8: Dismissing charges of human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir as propaganda, Governor, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) S K Sinha has said: "Much is made of the army committing human rights violations. I don’t say there are none, but we check every single complaint." In an interview with Gulf News, a reputed newspaper published from Dubai UAE with a circulation of over one lakh, the Governor said that of the 1,300 complaints, every single one had been investigated. "Of these, we found 33 to be genuine and others false. We have taken action against the guiltily personnel. Half of them have been dismissed from service and given prison sentences up to 12 years while other half were given lesser punishment in relation to their offence". The controversial case of Major Halim Mahboob, whose alleged rape of a 30-year-old woman and her ten-year-old daughter, which brought Handwara, and much of Kashmir to a standstill last month is a case in point, the Governor said. When told that the residents of Srinagar believe that the major’s name is actually Vijay Raman and the case has been hushed up, the Governor reacted: "This officer’s name is Major Halim, who has been suspended pending an inquiry’. Recounting his days in Indian Army, the Governor, who as an ill-equipped Indian soldier fought off the marauding tribals, pays tributes to Kashmiris for the battle they fought to preserve their homeland. He hopes that they will again stand up for saving Kashmiriyat. To overcome the situation posed by the proxy war, he believes that a unified command of all forces and building bridges with the people will help greatly. When asked about the perception in Kashmir towards accession with India, the General said that a poll conducted by Lord Avebury in 2002 showed that 64 per cent of the population wanted to remain with India, while six per cent wanted to secede to Pakistan. "At least 30 per cent are undecided," says the Governor, "that’s the percentage of the population I am reaching out to." Asked what India had against a so-called ‘second’ partition, he said, "We are wedded to secularism, and secularism is more important than the game of numbers. Kashmir has five million Muslims, the rest of India has 150 million Muslims. Are we going to sacrifice the future of 150 million Indian Muslims?" "Fundamentalism is missing among Kashmiri Muslims. They believe in Kashmiriyat (Kashmiri community). The grievances have their genesis in corrupt Governments, but it’s only after Pakistan lost the 1971 war that it decided to foment militancy, by funding madrassas, that gave rise to a new generation that grew up believing in a fundamentalist philosophy. This led to the militancy in 1989," he added. About border fencing on 700 kilometer area, the Governor feels that the fence, electrified after dark, has had a "choking effect" on infiltration, which will be felt in the hinterland as the army raids hide-outs, "forcing an attrition that will exhaust their stockpile of arms". "From last year, infiltration has come down by 70 per cent, the full impact will only be seen next year, when I am confident it will be down to a trickle." |
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PCC chief for probe into fake surrender episode Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Dec 8: Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Peerzada Mohd Sayeed today said that reports being published in a section of press regarding ‘fake surrender’ must be probed and any individual or person involved in it must be punished. In a press statement issued here today, Peerzada Mohd Sayeed said that Congress and its chiefs in the State have always fought against anti-national elements. " I have always served Congress with firm determination, honesty and sincerity right from my childhood. It is because of this firm belief and ideology that I consider my party precious rather than my life. I caution all those individuals who are maligning me and my Party’s image to exercise restraint in future," he maintained. The PCC chief pointed out that any person with doubtful credentials , will not be tolerated in the party. He said even the close relation, party activist or anybody else, if found guilty, will not be spared. He said Congress was ready to provide every sort of cooperation to the law implementing agencies for booking the culprits involved in the fake surrender case irrespective of their relation and party affiliation. He demanded that whole episode of alleged fake surrender must be probed thoroughly at an earliest and who so ever is found guilty must be dealt sternly. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 8: An action committee comprising of representatives of various religious, social, political and trade organisations has been constituted to wage united fight against the brutal and illegal action of the authorities in forcibly demolishing Pipleshwar Shiv Mandir adjoining Jammu Club. This was disclosed by president of the Committee Inderjeet Khajuria while talking to media-persons here today. "We will not allow Talibanisation of situation in Jammu at any cost and would fight both legally and on streets", he made it clear and termed the demolition of temple and handing over land to Jammu Club as an attempt to disturb the communal harmony and brotherhood in Jammu. The existence of Hindu temple and Muslim shrine side-by-side on the bank of sacred River Tawi is the symbol of communal harmony and respect for each other’s religious faith. But it appears that some elements in the administration are hell bent to create communal divide otherwise there was no reason behind ignoring the repeated requests of the temple management committee to allot the land, he said. "There seems to be deep rooted conspiracy behind the whole episode as the situation could have been stopped from taking ugly turn by regularising the land in the favour of temple under Roshni Scheme of the Government", Mr Khajuria said and warned to gherao Jammu Club if the administration and members of the Jammu Club failed to desist from sacrilegious act. Leaders of various political, social, religious and trade bodies were present in the press conference and they condemned the brutal lathicharge on the persons preventing administration from taking forcible possession of temple land. |
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Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Dec 8: Several deputations today met Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and apprised him about their problems. The Chief Minister listened to them patiently and assured appropriate action. A deputation from Behrampora, Baramulla informed the Chief Minister that the agriculture department had asked them to prepare their land for saffron and vegetable cultivation for which seeds would be provided by the department. The deputation complained that so far the promised seeds have not been provided to them. The deputation also demanded posting of staff for the local health centre, a pump station and development of a park for which 45 kanals of land has already been earmarked. A deputation of fruit growers from Sopore said that due to drought conditions for some years, they were not in a position to pay interest on bank loans obtained by them and requested for waiving off 5 year’s interest. The Chief Minister said that he would have the demand looked into. A delegation of tourist traders including travel agents, hoteliers, houseboat owners and taxi operators also met the Chief Minister and requested him to have a stall allotted to them in the Craft Bazar being held at New Delhi from December 15. They also requested him to sponsor a team of their 6 office bearers to handicraft exhibition at Dubai in January 2005. Another deputation came from village Kond in Devsar constituency and demanded construction of roads between Nuwang to Nigeenpora, Waltengoo to Naad and Panjgam to Naad. They also demandedelectrification of villages Pachigam Nad, Maltengoo Naad and Nikipora Naad besides making functional the Nagras water supply scheme. |
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Polytechnic students torch effigy of CM Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 8: Continuing their stir for fourth consecutive day, students of different Polytechnics in Jammu, staged a massive demonstration at the Technical Board office, near Vikram Chowk, here today. Raising slogans in favour of their demands, they also torched an effigy of Chief Minister Mufti Mohd Sayeed and vowed to take the struggle to a logical conclusion. The agitating students of different Polytechnics are demanding carry-on system for them, re-evaluation of their answer sheets and separate Technical Board for Jammu province. The protest demonstration was also addressed by a number of student leaders who accused the Government of forcing them to resort to agitational path. Alleging discrimination with Jammu region, they claimed that separate Technical Board for Jammu province was only solution to redress the grievances of Polytechnic students here. Those who addressed the demonstration, included; Sandeep Manhas, Vishal Manhas and Onkar Seth. |
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J&K Police adopts Doogian village Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 8: Home Guard and Civil Defence wing of J&K Police (Aux) on the eve of its annual Raising Day adopted Mohalla Doogian near Bathindi to develop and promote a community Centre to provide schooling to children, vocational training and promote games in the area, in a function held here today. The organisation also held a free medical aid camp in this connection at the village. The adopted locality, though is adjacent to city but it has minimum facilities. On this occasion , a large number of people of the area and children were present. A Civil Defence public park, a vocational training centre and children’s park were amongst the activities inaugurated by the chief guest Mrs Neena Bakshi, wife of Rajan Bakshi DG Transport today. ADG P S Gill and his wife were the guests of honour on the occasion. The guests distributed educational and sports material among the children and also handed over sewing machines to incharge vocational training centre in order to promote welfare activities. Welcoming the guests, Jugal Mahajan Chief Warden of Civil Defence conveyed the message of CD organisation. He also projected its aims and objectives. Sarpanch of the village Noor Ali welcomed the Civil Defence members and extended thanks to him for adopting Doogian. He assured full support and cooperation to the organisation from the Village Panchayat. DIG HG/CD Ch Chirag Din, Dy Chief Warden Paramjeet Kumar and several other CD wardens and citizens were present on the occasion. |
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Kashmir IT firm bags EU project Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Dec 8: In what can be described as a highly encouraging development for Information Technology sector in Jammu and Kashmir, a group of IT professionals of Kashmir, Magnum Software, has bagged an international project to design software for the European Union. The EU has commissioned front ranking Malaysia based IT company, Cellframe for developing software on E-governance and complete transparency in corporate sector which has outsourced the project to the Kashmir group. The executives of the Magnum Software along with General Manager Operations, Cellframe, S. R. Deepak today called on the Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and informed him about the Rs. 27 crore project. The Chief Minister was pleased to know about the project and described it as a good omen for the IT sector in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the outsourcing of the project to Kashmiri IT professionals is an acknowledgement of their talent and professional competence. Mufti Sayeed said the project is a small step but could open up new opportunities for the local IT professionals. He said upgradation of skill is an important facet of the Government’s policy and adequate funds have been made available for it in the recently announced Prime Minister’s economic package for Jammu and Kashmir. The Chief Minister asked the Magnum Software and Cellframe to explore possibilities of IT application to horticulture and agriculture sectors in Jammu and Kashmir. Mr. Deepak briefed the Chief Minister about his company and said that its activities extend to many countries including United Kingdom, Australia, UAE and India. He said he was happy to outsource his project to Magnum Software as he found the Kashmiri IT professionals very brilliant and professionally competent people. He said the Cellframe considers the project as a kickstart for a long lasting relationship with Kashmir. Mr. Deepak appreciated the Chief Minister’s interest in the development of IT industry in Jammu and Kashmir and assured him that his company would do its best to realize his vision of IT developed State. |
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Govt committed to build basic infrastructure: Mir Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 8: Describing infrastructure building imperative for healthy economy, the Minister of State for Public Works Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Mir has said that for this fact the Government was giving attention for building basic infrastructure for all round development in the endeavour especially roads and bridges to ensure easy accessibility and fast communication. The Minister while inspecting some prestigious construction projects in Vijaypur, Samba, Mansar and Majalta areas today said that a massive works programme at a cost of Rs. 15.68 crore has been formulated for these areas out of which most of the works are presently under execution. The Minister said that under PMGSY Phase-IV Rs. 12 crore projects for construction of Kamdana-Banjan, Garhsamnabang, Dhar-Jansal, Dhar-Nabi and Dhar-Pathwar 33 kilometre long roads of Mjalta have been formulated and work on which would be taken up shortly. This would provide road connectivity facility to 40000 population of 9 villages of the area. Mr. Mir said that to ensure comfortable access to the tourist spot of Mansar and boost its tourism importance Rs. 60 lakh project has been framed for construction and repairs of retaining/breast walls and renovation of Samba-Mansar road. Similarly, Rs. 32.25 lakh project has been prepared for taking up construction of multi cell box culvert on Mana Nahalla. The Minister asked the engineers to take into view the topography and the need of the people while formulating the developmental projects. |
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MAM College organising seminar on security challenges Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 8: In connection with ongoing Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the institute, Government MAM PG College, Jammu, is organising a two-day national seminar on the topic ‘Major Security Challenges of J&K: People, Politics and Preserving Human Rights’. The seminar, which is being organised in collaboration with ICSSR, will be inaugurated on December 10 at Jammu University auditorium where Minister of Finance Muzaffar Hussain Baig will be the chief guest while Education Minister Harsh Dev Singh will preside over the function. This was informed by MAM College Principal Prof Indira S Rathore while talking to mediapersons, here today. "The seminar will be attended by eminent intellectuals from different parts of the country who will present papers on security challenges vis-a-vis situation in J&K State," she said adding that during the seminar, special issue of the college magazine would also be released. Informing more about other ongoing activities of the college in connection with its Golden Jubilee celebrations, Prof Rathore outlined various extension activities undertaken in the recent past to unleash students’ potentials. On the occasion, the Principal also disclosed that the college has initiated process to get ISO 9001:2000 certification. "Steps are being taken to get ISO certification and further up grade the NAAC rating," she said. Prof Neeraj Sharma, staff secretary of the college, Prof Vishal Sharma and some other senior teachers of the college were also present in the press conference. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 8: The coalition Government in the State has galloped large chunk of funds provided by the Centre to strengthen Panchayats in Jammu and Kashmir and to hush up the matter it was planning to dissolve the basic democratic units. Moreover, freezing cold months have intentionally been chosen for urban bodies poll to ensure low turnout and to pave the way for rigging of elections. This was stated by chairman of Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) Prof Bhim Singh while talking to media-persons here today. "The coalition Government has never been serious towards strengthening basic democratic units in the State which is evident from the fact that it has galloped Rs 1.5 lakh of each and every Panchayats", he alleged. "Centre provided Rs three lakh each for 2700 Panchayats with the condition that State Government would add Rs one lakh in it for strengthening such institutions. But State Government gave just Rs 1.50 lakh each to 1608 Panchayats as against the announcement of Rs two lakh", he said and added that now when all the Panchayats have been demanding remaining amount the Government was planning to dissolve the Panchayats so that none could know where the money had gone. Making it clear that JKNPP would strongly oppose any move to dissolve Panchayats, the party supremo said that such a move would be disastrous and invite public wrath. "The Government of India should constitute a Parliamentary Committee to find out where the money meant for strengthening of democratic institutions has gone", he demanded. "If the Government can hold elections to Lok Sabha and four Assembly seats successfully then what is the harm in holding elections for remaining 992 panchayats", Prof Singh asked and alleged that Coalition Government has no intention to empower the basic democratic units. About the schedule for urban bodies poll, he said "we don’t see any justification in holding the local bodies polls in January and February. It is a mockery of the process to hold election in Srinagar in the freezing cold", asking what is forcing the Government to conduct urban bodies polls in January and February only. Not only the schedule of the elections be changed but it should also be ensured that there would be simultaneous polls throughout the State, he stressed. To a specific question, he said "it is astonishing that Coordination Committee has not met for the last 14 months and all the policy decisions like holding of elections to urban bodies and reservation to women, SC and ST are being granted unilaterally". |
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All J&K Diploma Engineers discuss demands Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 8: A meeting of All J&K Diploma Engineers Association (state body) held today under the presidentship of R S Jasrotia discussed the horrendous stagnation countered by cadre as a consequence of stunningly low promotional avenues resulting in the superannuation of almost every Diploma Engineer on the same post to which they stood employed three to three and half decades back. Association president Mr Jasrotia asked the authorities not to fiddle with future of Diploma Engineers, the constructive, qualified and globally revered cadre any more by acting partisanal. He asked the Ministers for R&B, HYD and PDD to hold inquiry that why even the meagre cadre strength of 20 percent due in favour of Diploma Engineers under rules has not been realized at the rank of AE, AEE and X-En level till date despite strict directives from Supreme Court of India in Suraj Parkash Gupta versus State and the guidelines illustrated by GAD vide its order 107 of 2002. He also made a general appeal to the entire cadre to remain united and prepared for future course of action to be announced by Apex body of the Diploma Engineers Association. Association vice president R K Kohli asked the works authorities not to make promotions till the ambiguity regarding the actual sanctioned strength was clarified by issuing a white paper in this regard. He also asked the Government to follow PSC directions not to promote any one unless confirmed on the previous post. Association general secretary Jugal Kishore appealed the Chief Minister to intervene and issue a direct mechanism so that more than 5000 diploma engineers languishing for a moderate single promotion are saved from humiliation and discrimination by at least restoring the quota to 33 percent towards the cadre strength of diploma engineers at all ranks, the policy which remained in vogue till 1992 and unfortunately which was slashed down to 20 percent. Messrs R S Sudan, Sunil Sharma, Paramjit Singh, V K Trikha, V K Verma, Juvraj Singh Slathia, Kuldeep Singh, Sudhir Singh, Devinder Sharma, Pawan Gupta, Beant Singh, Tara Chand and Deepak Sharma also spoke in the meeting. |
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PG course in music starts at Parade College Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 8: Minister for Education Harsh Dev Singh has lauded the role of colleges for maintaining the standard of Education and bringing the colleges of the State among the best top five percent colleges of the country. Minister was addressing the students and teachers after formally inaugurating the Post Graduate Course in Music in the Government Degree College for Women at Parade here today. Mr. Singh said opening of Post Graduate Courses in the colleges is a remarkable achievement of the coalition Government. He said introduction of Music courses at PG level has fulfilled the long pending demand of Music pursuing students who has to go out side the State to pursue these courses. He further said many students especially girls could not pursue their studies outside the State due to diverse reasons. Minister announced that the Post Graduate course in Music would also be started in the Jammu University and in one more college in the next year. Referring to the results of the PG classes in various colleges the Minister said the results of these courses stands hundred per cent with more than 90 per cent first divisions. He said these colleges have managed within their existing resources. He said observing the encouraging results of these colleges some more colleges will get the PG courses in the near future which will further fulfill the pressing demand of student community. The Minister said rating of our colleges by NAAC has shown the quality of education we are providing to the students and also give confidence to the students and their parents that our colleges are not less than any other colleges of the country. Moreover these recognized colleges are entitled to get direct funds from the UGC which will further supplement the finance of the State, he added. |
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GCET students continue stir, apprise VC of their demands Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 8: Agitating students of Government College of Engineering and Technology (GCET) Jammu, today apprised Jammu University Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo of their demands. Even as the Vice-Chancellor assured to concede the demands for supplementary exams and placement funds for GCET, the Engineering students have announced to continue the ongoing agitation till all their problems and grievances were addressed. Earlier, after boycotting their classes for the third consecutive day, this morning, students of the Engineering College assembled on the campus and marched towards Jammu University in the form of a procession. Raising slogans in favour of their demands, the protesting students, including girls, reached Jammu University where they staged a massive demonstration in front of the Administration block. They were demanding re-start of supplementary system in examinations for Engineering students, adequate infrastructure at GCET, involvement of Engineering students in sports and cultural events of JU and timely declaration of results. Later some representatives of the agitating students were allowed to meet Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo who apprised the latter about their demands. Prof Mattoo gave a patient hearing to the students and explained them that Jammu University had no role in granting autonomy to GCET and providing adequate infrastructure at the college. However, he assured that the demands for re-start of supplementary exams and funds for placement activities, would be considered by the University. After meeting with the Vice-Chancellor, the students dispersed off peacefully though they did not call off their stir and announced to continue the ongoing agitation. |
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Contempt case against DC Kargil SRINAGAR, Dec 8: Jammu and Kashmir High Court has issued a show cause notice to Deputy Commissioner Kargil asking him why contempt proceedings should not be started against him for violating court direction in the Hill Development Council case. However, Justice Nisar Ahmad Kakroo upheld promulgation of the SRO 371 order by the Government by virtue of which it nominated four members to Kargil Autonomous Hill Development Council on the basis of religious minority and observed Shias and Sunnis are the constituent of one religion and fall within principal religious minortiy. The row had started when no confidence motion was brought against the Chairman of the Kargil Hill Development Council, Qamar Ali Akhoon of the National Conference (NC), who is also its executive councilor.(UNI) |
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Cong deputation from Samba meets Deputy Chief Minister Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 8; A deputation of Congress workers of Samba constituency led by former MLA Swaran Lata met the Deputy Chief Minister Pt Mangat Ram Sharma and apprised him about burning problems of Samba Assembly constituency. The deputation alleged that rationing population of Samba have not received Sugar quota for the last six months and demanded compensation for farmers whose land has been under mines as they could not cultivate the land. Other demands pertained to construction of link road in Nud; upgradation of High School Nud to Higher Secondary School and Middle School Bhangdoor to High School level; opening up of women college at Samba and immediate start of classes in Degree College Samba as stands already sanctioned. The Deputy Chief Minister assured the deputation for an early action on all demands. Prominent deputationist included Gauri Shanker Sharma, Milkhi Ram Badyal, Master Rekhi Ram, Sarpanch Kuver Singh, Lal Chand, Munshi Ram, Punu Ram and Om Parkash. |
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Medical Officers of ISM discuss burning demands Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 8: A joint meeting of office bearers of Medical Officers (Indian Medicine) Welfare Forum of Jammu and Kashmir provinces was held under the chairmanship of Dr Riaz Ahmed Dar, president MOWF, Srinagar. Members discussed burning problems concerning the Department of ISM like delay in filling up vacancies, conducting of DPC/PSC of the promotions made in the Department, non-finalization of recruitment rules for gazetted cadre and safeguarding the promotional avenues of graduate medical officers, creation of posts of Pharmacists (ISM) for the dispensaries being run by lone Medical Officer, issuing of seniority list of Medical Officers whose names were found deleted in the said list issued some times back. The Forum also demanded redesignation of ADMOS (ISM) and AC Stores, opening of ISM clinics in District Hospitals, regularisation of ISM dispensaries being run by internal arrangement, betterment of ISM dispensaries in respect of building, staff and supply of medicines, enhancement in wages of PTS, rational transfer policy, initiation of continuing education programme for Medical Officers of ISM and regularisation of adhoc doctors. Meanwhile a deputation of office bearers of both the provinces led by Dr Riaz Ahmed Dar called on Director (ISM) and Special Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department Mr Samoon and apprised them of the restlessness and demoralization prevailing amongst ISM doctors on account of delay in conceding their genuine demands. Dr V S Manhas, president MOWF Jammu, Dr Ali Mohd Reshi, general secretary MOWF Srinagar and Dr Khalid Rashid Mir were also in the deputation. Prominent among those who attended the meeting included Dr K S Reen, Dr Jatinder, Dr Randhir Dubey, Dr Ashok Jallah, Dr Arun Jandial, Dr V S Manhas, Dr Ali Mohd Reshi, Dr Khalil Mir and Dr V K Gupta. Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 8: A delegation of State BJP led by its general secretary and former MLA Ashok Khajuria called on Chief Electoral Officer Rakesh Gupta and took up matters with him in connection with forthcoming civic body elections. Hailing the Government decision to hold these election after a gap of 28 years, the BJP leaders said grant of reservation to the women and SC/ST in the polls was a welcome step. They said final decision on wards reservation and procedure adopted for demarcation of new wards was unilateral as the same was taken by the officials of Housing and Urban Development Department without taking the political parties into confidence. The BJP leaders also brought to the notice of CEO that voter lists prepared recently and supplied to the political parties were having many mistake and need corrections. The members of the delegation urged the CEO to make sure that the reservation policy meant to give due representation to the women and SC/STs was transparent. They also demanded that the voter lists should be checked properly and necessary corrections made in the names/addresses, where ever these were required. Other members of the delegation included MLA Jugal Kishore Sharma and State secretary Jyoti Parkash Sharma. Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 8: To develop a sense of creativeness among the students, a Rangoli competition was organised by New Modern Group of Institution, here today. More than 80 students from different institutions participated in the competition and displayed their talent by making beautiful Rangolis. Topic of the contest was ‘Nature and its Surroundings’. Anoop and his group of 10th standard students, clinched the first prize while the second prize was shared by group of 8th standard students, headed by Akshay and 11th class group, headed by Rajni. Third prize was bagged by 12th class group which was headed by Isha Kashayap. Special consolation prizes were given to the group of 9th class and ETT students. Monica and Parveez were experts to assess the performance of participants. The event was supervised by Mrs Kesar, Mrs Seema, Mrs Savita, Mrs Navjot, Miss Bindu and Miss Simran. Tarun Bahal, Director of New Modern Group of Institutions, was the chief guest on the occasion. He distributed the prizes and certificates of merit among the winners. Rashtriya Gaurav award for Prof D P Khajuria Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 8: India’s most coveted Institutional Presentation of "Rashtriya Gaurav Award" with a `certificate of excellence’ was presented to Prof D P Khajuria (retired) for his meritorious services, outstanding performance and remarkable role in field of education. The Award was presented by Dr Bhisham Narayan Singh, former Governor of Tamil Nadu on the occasion of significant seminar on ‘Economic Growth and National Integration’ at New Delhi on December 3. A few other most extra ordinary persons who have excelled from different fields throughout the country in their respective fields of work were also honoured. The function was held under the aegis of India International Friendship Society, New Delhi. Among others former Chief Election Commissioner of India GVG Krishnamurthy and ex-director CBI S Joginder Singh graced the occasion with their presence and addressed the audience. Prof D P Khajuria in his active service in Education Department in J&K for over 40 years has served in various capacities and is presently Principal of KC College of Education. Prof Khajuria is also recipient of the Title of ‘Man of the year, 2001’ awarded to him by American Biographical Institute INC, North Carolina 27622 USA. City witnesses another display of ‘Aap Hamare Hain Kaun’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 8: Jammu city witnessed yet another miraculous performance by children who performed on the launching of Children weekend club by Natrang. The play was Balwant Thakur’s highly acclaimed production ‘Aap Hamare Hain Kaun’ and with this presentation Balwant Thakur has introduced 45 new young talents of Jammu in the world of theatre. The play shakes the parents, educationists, guardians of society out of reverie of materialism, consumerism and unbridled desires. This play compels elders to look around and clear the mess they have created due to their own amorous ambitions. Parents in the play saw in their children an extension of their unfulfilled dreams and force them to become stereotypes and kill bountiful charm in them. In a pursuit to make them doctors, engineers and IAS, they are subjected to every kind of cruelty. The children become mechanicals and hardly get time to discover their real self. Prevalent education system adds further insult to their injury and creativity gets scuttled and children grow up devoid of values. Play deals with contemporary problems that younger generation is up against from their own loved ones and surroundings. Natrang team which supported Balwant Thakur in the making of this mega production included Neeraj Kant, Anil Tikoo, Satish Lakhotra, Music, Rhythm by Sanjeev Gupta, Pankaj Sharma and Suraj Ganjoo while lights were designed by Pawan and Mukulini Sethi, Costumes by Rahul and Pawan, Props by Deepak Virdhi and Sunil Palwal, Exhibition by Venus Sharma and Sumit Sharma, Public relations by Kanhiya Sharma, Kamaljeet Kour and Dimple Sharma as also Shivali Abrol. The children who participated in the play included Shabnam Puri, Sahyil Anand, Sakshi Anand, Chitwan Khurana, Krmanaya Dev Sharma, Kamakshi Malhotra, Rohan Jain, Sanchit Singh Wazir, Ashima Khajuria, Shiv Anand, Krishan Anand, Sagun Mahajan, Sumedha Chaudhary, Anam Khan, Manyata Gupta, Isha Jain, Sidhant Chowdhary, Kavish Mahajan, Vandita Mattoo, Pallavi Gupta, Krishan Gupta, Tanvi Sharma, Mehak Seth, Ayaz Khan, Yugindu Raizada, Pravnav Raizada, Sahitya Sharma, Avelok Sharma, Avelok Singh, Arnav Gupta, Mayank Gupta, Ananya Kuthiala, Devataman Suri, Medhavini Oswal, Prachika Kanotra, Sanehal Jain, Sunalika Jain, Rishab Gupta, Arushi Gupta, Kriti Soni, Arushi Jain, Arihant Gupta, Radhika Wani and Mohit Sharma. DPS students collect donation for Helpage India Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 8: For the cause and care of elderly, students of Delhi Public School, Jammu collected donation of Rs 2,32,789 for Helpage India. The amount in the form of a bank draft, was presented by Gurmeet S Arora, the school Principal, to Brig R S Duggal, Regional Director of Helpage India. Appreciating children’s efforts for the social cause, Brig Duggal presented prizes among the students who had collected highest amount. Teachers and other students were encouraged for their participation with presentation of mementoes. M K Ajatshatru Singh, Mrs Ritu Singh and S S Sodhi congratulated the children and teachers for showing their sensitivity towards the elderly people. |
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