|
|
Mufti reviews work on BGSB varsity Excelsior Correspondent Rajouri, Dec 15: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today inspected the site of the Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University and reviewed the preliminary work on the construction of the institution. .....more GCET students’ agitation enters 10th day Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 15: On tenth consecutive day of their ongoing stir, students of Government College of Engineering and Technology (GCET), Jammu, today held a massive demonstration in the college premises. ........more Group
Monitoring Workshop of TIME begins Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 15: Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) S K Sinha today said that 1500 micro hydel projects would be set up in Jammu and Kashmir to overcome power scarcity and generate economic activity in border areas.........more Hurriyat leaders must be allowed to visit Pak, PoK: Bhim Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Dec 15: Three day conference organised at Kathmandu by a pro-disarmament NGO, Pugwash has proved that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are . .....more Polytechnic
students Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 15: Following assurance by the State Technical Board to concede their two main demands, students of Polytechnics in ..more |
 |
New SKUAST VC visits R S Pura veterinary complex Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 15: Vice Chancellor of SKUAST—Jammu, Dr Nagendra Sharma on his maiden visit to Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry R S Pura addressed the faculty members and students today. The new VC in his visionary address prioritized the thrust areas of Animal Husbandry sector of Jammu region. The main challenges he stressed are.........more Unidentified body recovered, 2 die in separate incidents Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 15: An unidentified body was recovered while as a woman fell to death from a cliff. This apart, a girl died after consuming poisonous substances. Police spokesman said that body of a 75-year old man was recovered from Gangyal area. The body was spotted by some locals, .. .................more Another batch of troops leaves Kashmir valley SRINAGAR, Dec 15: The troop de-induction from Kashmir valley, begun on November 17, continued today with another batch of troops leaving, though with "a heavy heart" and promising to return as tourists...........more DIET Rajouri organises science exhibition Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI Dec 15: District Institute of Education and Trainings Rajouri organized a two days 21st district level Science Exhibition in the premises of DIET complex Rajouri which concluded here today. The valedictory function was presided over by the Principal DIET ,Sh. Rajinder Kumar ......more |
Mufti reviews work on BGSB varsity Excelsior Correspondent Rajouri, Dec 15: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today inspected the site of the Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University and reviewed the preliminary work on the construction of the institution. He was accompanied by the Deputy Chief Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma, Finance Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Consumer Affairs Minister, Taj Mohiud Din, Minister for Education, Harsh Dev Singh, Minister for Power, Mohammad Sharief Niaz, Mufti Azam Kashmir Mufti Mohammad Bashir ud Din, Minister of State for Forests, Puran Singh and Vice-Chancellor Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Masood Choudhary. Members of the J&K Wakf Council were also present. The Chief Minister went through the site plan of the proposed University which is coming up on 5,000 kanals of land. In the initial phase, the administrative block, hostel blocks and class rooms would be constructed from the pre fabricated structures and classes in Information Technology would start from August next year. Later on, courses in bio technology, environmental Sciences and Management Studies would be added to the University curriculum. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the Rajouri town is poised to emerge as a centre of excellence in academic and research activities and his efforts would be to make the up coming university as an important academic centre. The Chief Minister emphasized on starting market oriented courses in the upcoming university and specifically mentioned the subject of bio technology. He also asked for exploring possibilities of setting up a bio technology park in the area. Mufti Sayeed said the people of the area have expectations from the Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University and these would be translated into reality. He said at a time when the opening of roads is being discussed, one day students from across would also aspire to seek admission here. He said the road leading to the Shahdara Sharief shrine would be widened and 200 kanals of land have been acquired to extend the shrine complex for the facility of the pilgrims. He said a degree college is being set up at Thana Mandi and the government was trying to give every area its due and remove the roots of injustice. On this occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma said the coalition government has accorded top priority to the development of all the three regions of the state. He said development of education sector was receiving high priority. Mr. Sharma complimented the people of Rajouri and Poonch for upholding secular traditions saying that they never sided with the communal or anti national forces. The Vice Chancellor of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Mr. Masood Chaudhary gave an account of the upcoming university and said first batch of fifty students would join the institution from the next academic session beginning August 2005. He said in the first phase pre fabricated structures would be erected to start classes in Information Technology. Mufti Azam Kashmir, Mufti Mohammad Bashir ud Din also spoke on the occasion. On this occasion the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone of district headquarters of J&K Armed Police at Rajouri. The complex would be completed at a cost of Rs. 2 crore over an area of hundred kanals of land. In the first phase administrative and office blocks and barracks would be constructed. The construction would be completed in six months and the work would start in a couple of days. |
 |
GCET students’ agitation enters 10th day Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 15: On tenth consecutive day of their ongoing stir, students of Government College of Engineering and Technology (GCET), Jammu, today held a massive demonstration in the college premises. Shouting slogans in support of their demands and against the college authorities, the Engineering students boycotted their classes and assembled in open within the college premises. They were demanding adequate infrastructure at the college, NIT status and autonomy to GCET, hostel facility for the Engineering students and extra curricular activities for them. The agitating students, led by JJSF chief Pushvinder Singh Manhas and GCET students’ president Neeraj Singh, held a demonstration which continued for more than an hour. Even as the GCET authorities sought to assure the agitating students that their demands which come under jurisdiction of the college would be considered, the latter refused to suspend the ongoing stir. The demonstration was also addressed by some student leaders, including Vikram Singh, Rajat Kotwal, Rajat Mahajan, Manpreet Singh, Harvinder Singh and others. |
|
Group
Monitoring Workshop of TIME begins Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 15: Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) S K Sinha today said that 1500 micro hydel projects would be set up in Jammu and Kashmir to overcome power scarcity and generate economic activity in border areas. Inaugurating a 3-day Group Monitoring cum Project Planning Workshop of Time Intervention for Mountain Eco-system (TIME) here this morning, the Governor said that the Army has already taken up 300 projects during the current year and another over 1000 would be launched next year. He highly praised Dr Anil P. Joshi for his pioneering work on this project. By making optimum use of water mills with upgraded turbines, these projects would greatly help in meeting electricity requirements during nights and operating rinders, looms and lathas during day time, giving fillip to rural economy, he said, adding that there will be no transmission or distribution losses either. The Governor referred to the digging of one lakh shallow tube wells in one year in Assam during his gubernatorial assignment, that transformed it from a food deficit to food surplus State and said: Making a mention of magnificent Himalayas, General Sinha called for harnessing the benefits of t his great mountain without disturbing its eco-system. By citing the significance of Himalyas in religious scriptures as Shri Hanumanji came all the way from Sri Lanka to carry Sanjeevini (a medicinal herb) for treating wounded Shri Lakhshman, he sought to emphasize the richness of snow-peaked mountains in the sphere of herbs. He also called for promoting cultivation of traditional crops and conserving precious herbs saying that the Kashmir valley has the distinction of possessing rich bio-diversity. The Governor hoped that the workshop would come up with new ideas and suggest a road map for deriving maximum benefits from Himalayas without jeopardizing its eco-balance. He described the Himalayas as the soul of India. The Workshop has been sponsored by Department of Science and Technology (Science and Society Division) and hosted by Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organisation (HESSCO) and Vigyanprasth, Gwar Chauki, Uttranchal. Giving an overview of the workshop, Dr Anil P Joshi, a renowned environmental scientist (HESSCO Dehradun) said that the TIME programme adopts an innovative approach of networking a system of technology implementation. Dr Joshi elaborated that the programme, catalyzes and supports time bound action research projects for modulating technologies to address specific developmental challenges in the mountain and hilly areas taking into consideration the complexities of rural livelihoods. Maj. S Chatterji, Director, Science and Society Division of Department of Science and Technology and Brig. J L Koul also spoke on the occasion. The Governor released the latest issue of TIME, a magazine containing articles on promoting traditional knowledge and wisdom in the light of new sciences and technology. He also went round an exhibition, displaying produce of rural artisans. The Principal Secretary to Governor Dr. Arun Kumar was also present on the occasion. |
|
Hurriyat leaders must be allowed to visit Pak, PoK: Bhim Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Dec 15: Three day conference organised at Kathmandu by a pro-disarmament NGO, Pugwash has proved that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are capable and wise enough to adapt themselves to the changing situation in South East Asia. This was stated by Prof Bhim Singh, chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) while addressing a press conference. Prof Singh returned from Kathmandu last evening after attending a three day conference on Jammu and Kashmir. "The representatives of PoK, both from the ruling Muslim Conference and opposition Peoples’ Party have asserted their rule to be facilitators of the peace dialogue between India and Pakistan vis-a-vis Jammu and Kashmir", he stated and added that Hurriyat Conference has come out with a positive response modifying their earlier slogans and putting the J&K problem as human and not political. "Another positive outcome of the conference was that intra-JK dialogue is necessary among the genuine representatives of all the regions of the undivided (princely state) Jammu and Kashmir including Gilgit-Blitistan", he said. It was also felt, Prof Singh said, that to make the intra JK dialogue meaningful, it was necessary to include the representatives of the major political parties functioning in J&K in this process. It was also felt that the involvement in the dialogue of those who matter and have a say is essential. "It is also made clear that the organiser group Pugwash is not an American think tank as has been reported in a section of the press", he said, adding, "Pugwash came into existence in support of disarmament movement with the patronage of Bertand Russel. Pugwash is a place in Canada where the NGO was born. |
|
Polytechnic students lift dharna Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 15: Following assurance by the State Technical Board to concede their two main demands, students of Polytechnics in Jammu today lifted their nine-day long dharna at the Technical Board office, near Bikram Chowk. The announced in this regard was made by Sandeep Manhas, working city president of Jammu State Students Morcha, which was spearheading the agitation by Polytechnic students, while talking to mediapersons, here today. "Secretary of the Technical Board Mr A G Khan has conceded our demands for the re-checking of answer sheets, carry-on for the students with re-appear in seven papers and modification in examination fee ," Mr Manhas said adding that the nine-day long dharna at the Technical Board is being lifted following the development. However, at the same time, the JSSM leader made it clear that the ongoing struggle for separate Technical Board for Jammu province, would continue till the demand is fulfilled. "Separate Technical Board is the only solution of the oft-repeated problems of Jammu Polytechnics’ students and hence JSSM would continue struggle for the same," he stressed. Vishal Manhas, another JSSM leader, disclosed that the Technical Board Secretary has also made a proposal for deputing additional staff at the Technical Board office at Jammu which would help Jammu students to get their grievances addressed. The press conference was attended by some other JSSM and Polytechnic students’ leaders, including Sonu Chib, Raman Singh and Onkar Singh. |
|
New SKUAST VC visits R S Pura veterinary complex Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 15: Vice Chancellor of SKUAST—Jammu, Dr Nagendra Sharma on his maiden visit to Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry R S Pura addressed the faculty members and students today. The new VC in his visionary address prioritized the thrust areas of Animal Husbandry sector of Jammu region. The main challenges he stressed are development of indigenous technology for animal feeding and fodder around the year, breed improvement of cattle and buffaloes, use of agricultural by-products available in the region for feeding of animal livestock and vaccine development. Dr Sharma further emphasised the need of development and application of modern technology to process, preserve and utilise the animal products. He informed that although India is ranking Ist in milk production, 4th in egg and 6th in poultry at world level, but export share is meager due to their poor quality. In the globalisation era , WTO extends lot of opportunities as well as challenges where India can reap the benefits by way of enhancing quality production of livestock products. He emphasised that selection of sheep and goat which are reared for meat and wool production in J&K needs to be reviewed. Dr Sharma wished that transfer of technology through integrated village development be taken up to strengthen the extension activity. The new VC also inspected the ongoing development works of faculty, He inspected research labs, class rooms, clinics and hostel. Dr A K Srivastava , Dean Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & AH also spoke on the occasion. He welcomed the new VC and highlighted the faculty activities. |
|
Unidentified body recovered, 2 die in separate incidents Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 15: An unidentified body was recovered while as a woman fell to death from a cliff. This apart, a girl died after consuming poisonous substances. Police spokesman said that body of a 75-year old man was recovered from Gangyal area. The body was spotted by some locals, who informed the police and got the body shifted to mortuary of Government Medical College Hospital. Police has registered a case under Section 174 CrPC. Meanwhile, a woman—Shamima Bani, wife of Manzoor Ahmed Bhat of Ind died due to fall from a precipice in the area. She reportedly died on the spot due to severe head injuries. A girl—Rekha Devi, daughter of Jeet Lal of Chatha allegedly died after consuming some poisonous substance. She was rushed to hospital when spotted unconscious by family members. Doctors attending on her immediately provided her stomach wash treatment followed by other medicare. But she could not fight for her life and died. It could not be ascertained as to whether she intentionally consumed poison or swallowed the same mistakenly. Meanwhile, two persons—S S Nawab, son of Mohd Shafi of Janipur and Rajesh Sharma, son of Jagat Ram of Bakshi Nagar allegedly consumed poisonous substances at their respective residences. Both were rushed to hospital where doctors provided them stomach wash treatment followed by other medicare. Their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in. Five persons were injured in road accidents at Ramgarh, Tawi Bridge, Shakti Nagar, Jhajjar Kotli and Ratnu Chak. All have been hospitalised and their condition was stated to be out of danger. They have been identified as Gurmeet Kour, wife of Amarjeet of Kunjwani, Kanta Devi, wife of Des Raj, Narotam Sharma, son of Girdhari Lal of Rajpura, Jalil Mohd, son of Abdul Hamid of Jhajjar-Kotli and Din Mohd, son of Bahadur Ali of Vijaypur. |
|
Another batch of troops leaves Kashmir valley SRINAGAR, Dec 15: The troop de-induction from Kashmir valley, begun on November 17, continued today with another batch of troops leaving, though with "a heavy heart" and promising to return as tourists. "We are leaving with a heavy heart as we had developed good relations with the locals, who are fed up with the violence and want to live in peace," soldiers boarding the vehicle said. They said a majority of the people in Kashmir are peace-loving and very helpful. "However, because of some outside elements the atmosphere has changed," they said and prayed for peace. Many of the soldiers said that they would come back as tourists to see the beautiful sights of Kashmir. "As soldiers, we could not move out of from our camp," they said, adding they will also bring their families with them next time. The batch of soldiers left here this morning as part of the troop de-induction from the Kashmir valley. "It is a continous process and will continue," Defence Ministry Spokesman Lt Col V K Batra told reporters at Rengreth, though he declined to disclose the place and name of the batallion for "operational reasons." Troops who have left the Valley as a part of de-induction will not return, he said. Lt Col Batra said troops are being withdrawn after accessing the ground situation. The de-induction started from November 17 when Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh arrived here on his maiden visit to the Valley. The decision to withdraw the troops from here was criticised by a number of organisations, including Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). They alleged that violence in the Kashmir valley has increased after the de-induction started. However, the separatist organisations, including breakaway Hurriyat Conference (HC) said the de-induction was just a drama to mislead the world. The human rights violations by security forces, including rape, have increased after the "drama of de-induction" started, they alleged. However, almost all mainstream political parties have welcomed the move and said it will help to built confidence among the people. (UNI) Our Jammu Correspondent adds: One battalion was also withdrawn from Kalakote area. |
|
DIET Rajouri organises science exhibition Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI Dec 15: District Institute of Education and Trainings Rajouri organized a two days 21st district level Science Exhibition in the premises of DIET complex Rajouri which concluded here today. The valedictory function was presided over by the Principal DIET ,Sh. Rajinder Kumar Sharma where as the proceedings of this 2daylong function were conducted by A.Q.Nadvi. It is pertinent to mention here that it is for the first time in a decade that as many as 123 science exhibits were displayed by the students of different schools of the district Rajouri.. Large number of students , educationists and all walks of life were present in this valedictory function to encourage the young scientists of district Rajouri who came up with their new and innovative ideas developed in the shape of models .Principal DIET Rajouri Sh. Rajinder Sharma distributed trophies to the students who got positions in all the three categories. In the Higher Secondary Level Himalayan Educational Mission Rajouri got first position, National Public HSS Rajouri and Girls HSS Nowshara got Second while Panaroma Public HSS Rajouri and HSS Saj got third position Similarly, in the High School level catageory GHS Danghri got the first position , GHS Palam and GHS Kalakote got the second position,GHS Bravi and GHS Kala Changer got third position. In the Elementary category GMS Planger got first , GMS Rajouri got second and GMS Sakari got third position in this science exhibition |
|
EJAC approves agreement with Govt Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 15: Central Committee members of J&K Government Employees Joint Action Committee after agreement with the three member Committee of the State Government unanimously approved the agreement reached between EJAC and the Government representatives. In an emergency meeting held here today, the EJAC also resolved to defer the four day strike up to Dec 19. It also clarified that over four lakhs employees of the state would go on strike from Dec 20 to Dec 23, if Government breached the agreement. It said that negotiating committee members-Ram Kumar Sharma, Nazir Ahmed, Chandji Bhat, Bashir Ahmed Shola, Mohd Khursheed, Pardeep Kumar and others pleaded the hardships and miseries of the employees in view of price hike of every item. They said that they were also aware of the funds crunch but were under intense burden of price hike. After deliberations on the proposal put forth by both the sides, representatives agreed to sign the joint consensus agreement. It was agreed upon to pay 2 % DA from January 2004 and 3 % DA from July 2004 to the employees in cash with arrears. Fifty per cent merger of DA with basic pay from April Ist, 2004 on the pattern of Central Govt employees. It was also agreed that arrears of 50 % merger from April, 2004 to 28-2-05 including the increased House Rent Allowance to be credited towards the GP Fund and a part of revised HRA from March 2005 to 30-9-2005 also to be credited to GP Fund. It was also agreed to enhance daily wage rate from Rs 60 to Rs 70 per day and constitution of committee to look into the emoluments of different consolidated / temporary workers including RET/RES etc). Revival of LTC in form of token amount to respective Department and constitution of committee to look into the enhancement of retirement age from 58 to 60 years. |
|
Mir for responsive attitude by banks for advancing loans Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec15: Expressing dissatisfaction over the role of various banks operating in Jammu division for advancing loans to the urban unemployed youth for creating their own income generating units under various Employment Generating Schemes (EGS) sponsored by Jammu Urban Development Agency (JUDA) and District Urban Development Agencies(DUDAs) in five other districts of Jammu division, Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Tourism, Ghulam Hassan Mir today called for adopting responsive attitude by the bank authorities evolving effective mechanism for granting loans to the unemployed youth. Addressing joint meeting of senior functionaries of State Bank of India, Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Punjab National Bank and other financial institutions and Chief Executive Officers of JUDA and DUDAs here this morning, the Minister asked the bankers and the executive officers to strictly adhere the norms and guidelines devised by Reserve Bank of India so that the main objective of launching various employment generating schemes is achieved at grass root level. After threadbare discussion held over the effective implementation of several EG schemes it was decided that loan melas would be held at each district headquarter for disposing off the cases by way of sanctioning and advancing loans besides settlement of interest subsidy on the spot under single window system. In this connection, the loan mela for Udhampur, Kathua and Jammu districts would be conducted on January 3rd, February 1st and January 31st, 2005 respectively. Similarly, loan melas at Poonch, Rajouri and Doda would be held on January 7, 8 and 15, 2005 respectively. Director Local Bodies Jammu, Jeet Lal Gupta has been nominated nodal conducting officer for these melas. He has been asked to coordinate with all respective agencies so that these melas could take off smoothly and purposefully. |
|
Centre releases 1st instalment for cattle development project Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 15: Central Government has approved two cattle and Buffalo development projects each costing Rs 16.98 crore and Rs. 13.60 crore for Jammu and Kashmir divisions respectively. The first instalment of Rs 1.30 crore was also released to the state, after the Agriculture Minister, Abdul Aziz Zargar took up the matter with Union Agriculture Minister, Sharad Pawar at the conference of state Agriculture Ministers at New Delhi on Saturday. The cattle and Buffalo development projects approved by the Centre Primarily focuses on giving cross breeding coverage through Artificial Insemination (AI) at the door steps to uncovered cattle population and to bring genetic improvement to increase milk yield to the cattle. The project called as ‘Bare foot veterinary service’ would be implemented with the active involvement of local youth and volunteers who would go from door to door after getting necessary training and equipment in Artificial and Insemination. Mr Zargar also discussed contours of Rs 12 crore sheep and wool development project exclusively formulated for Doda district, with the Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Ghulam Nabi Azad and sought his intervention for early clearance of this prestigious project aimed at to boost socio-economic condition of poor sheep breeders in Doda. The project expected to be fully funded by the Centre envisages to be set up fodder banks in Kishtwar, Doda and Bhaderwah on the pattern of Ladakh religion to meet fodder exigencies in drought conditions. |
|
|
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 15: The Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) is at the verge of civil war between Pahari speaking people and those who speak Kashmiri. This was disclosed by team of media persons who visited Pakistan and PoK in connection with a tour organised by the South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) for encouraging people to people contact among residents of two neighbouring states. The media persons were sharing their experiences of Pakistan visit. Notwithstanding unflinching support being given by the Pakistani regime to the, what they called, on-going struggle in Kashmir, majority of the inhabitants of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) want strengthening of relations with people of India in general and Jammu region in particular. "Resentment has been brewing against those Kashmiri speaking people, who have crossed over to that part of Kashmir with a hope that there is more freedom", disclosed Mr Satish Verma, adding that PoK was at the verge of civil war between Pahari speaking and Kashmiri speaking people. Many Kashmiri youth, who crossed over to PoK for getting training of arms, have been virtually kept hostages by the Pakistani authorities. "As many as 500 Kashmiri youth, camping in various training centres of PoK, want general amnesty so that they can return back of India", said Mr Verma while quoting some Kashmiri youth, who met him alongith other newsmen in PoK. "Statement given by real brother of late Maqbol Bhat, his son and daughter-in-law is an eye opener for those Kashmiri youth who have been dreaming of getting freedom with the help of Pakistani authorities", said Mr Verma, adding that family members of late Maqbol Bhat, symbol of so-called freedom movement of Kashmir, told about miseries and problems being faced by them in PoK. Contrary to the much hype created by the State Government regarding opening of Uri-Muzafarrabad Road, the journalists informed that majority of the residents of PoK were least concerned about opening this road. "Inhabitants of PoK are more concerned about opening of Bhimber and Suchetgarh roads", President Jammu Press Club Manu Shrivatsa said. He informed that people of PoK have emotional attachment with Jammu, Poonch and Rajouri rather than parts of Kashmir. The journalists further informed that majority of the Pakistanis were liberal and were deadly against fundamentalists and pan-Islamic groups. Like metro cities of India, life was fast as well as ultra-modern in Pakistani cities also. Except a few, most of the people have secular thinking. Manu Shrivatsa expressed its gratitude towards SAFMA for giving a chance to scribes of Jammu and Kashmir to visit to Pakistan. He expressed his special gratitude towards general secretary of SAFMA India chapter Vinod Sharma and Pushap Saraf for arranging such educated tour. General secretary of the Club, Sohail Kazmi also thanked SAFMA for organising such tour and hoped that these types of tour will help in improving relation with neighbouring country. |
|
|
Govt has ignored vital demands: LPEF Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 15: All J&K Low Paid Government Employees Federation (LPEF) has demanded immediate release of DA installments in cash, full merger of 50 per cent DA with basic Pay, enhancement of minimum daily wages to Rs 100, enhancement of monthly medical allowance to Rs 300 and ehancement of retirement age to 60 years. In a handout issued here today, it also demanded solution of other burning demands of village guards, Anganwari workers, teachers, clerks and class fourth employees. The LPEF chief, Abdul Majid Khan while rejecting the recommendations of the Government Committee and the Agreement reached by the EJAC with it has alleged that the employees have been deprived of their due. He said the genuine demands including enhancement of daily wages to Rs 100, regularisation of daily wagers, raising of retirement age to 60 years, enhancement of Medical Allowance to Rs 300 have been left out. He said the Committee has slept over these and several other vital demands concerning different sections of the employees. Mr Khan said by this agreement the rights got by the employees through their persistent and protracted struggle under the banner of Federation have been jeopardized. He said the Government in principle had agreed that Fifth Pay Commission recommendations will be fully implemented and it was accepted that the DA exceeding 50 percent of pay will be merged with basic pay. |
|
|
|
|
|
BJP formally launches campaign for Municipal elections Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 15: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formally launched the poll campaign for the ensuing Municipal Corporation elections today with Party state president, Dr Nirmal Singh giving a clarion call to its cadres to ensure the victory of BJP candidates in these elections. Addressing a largely attended rally of Party’s Women Wing at Pt. Prem Nath Dogra Bhavan here, this afternoon, Dr Singh said these elections is a big challenge for the Party and "you have to ensure that Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) is controlled by the BJP people". Expressing concern over the power and water crisis facing the people, he said the women are most affected with these problems so they should ensure the victory of the Party candidates for solution of these problems. Making a scathing attack on State and Central governments, he said they have betrayed the people as the prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed since the Manmohan Singh Government took over at Centre. He also lashed out at administration for demolition of Shiv Mandir near river Tawi and alleged that this was done at the behest of Congress ministers. Addressing the function the BJP general secretary and Member National Executive, Ashok Khajuria turned tables on the State Government headed by Mufti Mohammed Sayeed. He alleged that the militancy related incidents increased in the state after the installation of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led coalition Government. He also took the Congress to task for backtracking from its poll promises saying they failed to install the Chief Minister from Jammu as was promised during the elections to the people. Addressing the meeting Ajay Jamwal party general secretary said BJP is not in politics to grab the power but with a mission. It wants that India should be on the top of the world and emerge as a developed country. Among other speakers include the BJP Mahila Morcha chief Sulekha Choudhary, district Jammu chief Kavinder Gupta his secretary Subash Jandial and Mrs Suresh Jamwal. On the occasion large number of women drawn from different parts of Jammu city joined the BJP. Among the prominent who joined the Party include Santosh Sharma, Jyoti Singh Jamwal, Priya Sethi, Principal Bachpan School, Satvir Kour, Abinash Kour, Usha Choudhary, Raj Rani, Teja Dhar, Pushpa Wazir, Kamlesh Jasrotia and Rani Devi. |
|
Agriculture employees meet Development Commissioner Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 15: A deputation of All J&K Agriculture Employees Association led by S Joginder Singh and Tel Wali, presidents of Jammu and Kashmir provinces respectively, met B B Vyas, Commissioner Secretary to Government Agriculture Production Department and apprised him of their burning problems. Mr B B Vyas, who has joined the Department recently, listened to the demands projected by the deputation, with patience and asked the Special Secretary to work out the strategy and assured to resolve the pending outstanding issues by ending this month. He also issued instructions to examine the DRWs cases for indepth appraisal and process the cases on first come first basis so that no grievance was left on this account. The demands projected by the Association pertained to holding of DPC on regular basis, induction of Filed Assistants into JAA Cadre strictly in accordance with the provisions granted as per SRO 2 of 2004 dated 2-1-2004, regularisation of DRWs and adhoc employees as per SRO 64 of 1994, uniforms for all workers, border risk allowance for employees of Chinore and Chakroi farms, upgradation of Head Assistants strictly as per the pattern of Government Order No 129-PD of 1996 as also release of 196 sanctioned posts of JAAs. Both the provincial heads of the Association expressed gratitude to the Agriculture Production Commissioner for sympathetic treatment and assurances made in this regard. Jammu Sewerage Treatment plant by March 2005 Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 15: Government has released Rs one crore for completion of Rs 18 crore Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) Jammu and efforts are on to make the plant functioned by March end which is a part of the comprehensive programme of improving civic amenities to Jammuites with focus on upgraded civic amenities and aesthetic grandeur. This was stated by the Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Tourism, Ghulam Hassan Mir at a review meeting of Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED). Special Secretary Housing and Urban Development, Abdul Hamid Wani, Chief Engineer UEED besides senior engineers and functionaries of the department participated. The Minister during the review of overall performance of sewerage and drainage schemes in Jammu city and other districts of the division emphasised the need to dovetail all efforts by concerned agencies for completion of sewerage and drainage schemes under execution in Gandhinagar, Satwari, Talab-Tillo, Bantalab, Shaktinagar, Sidhra, Shiva Colony, Trikuta Nagar, Nanak Nagar, Udhampur, Kathua and other towns in Jammu division. Mr Mir also asked the senior functionaries of UEED Department and Planning Department to formulate for next year’s plan of the sector focusing substantial allocation for the ongoing schemes so that these are completed in one throw which, he said, would benefit the people at the earliest as otherwise minor allocations spill over works for years together and ultimately does not serve purpose in accordance to the designed objectives. After detailed discussion held over the schemes of all sewerage and drainage sector in Jammu and other districts of the division, decisions for removing several bottlenecks were taken in the 3- hour long meeting, Financial and Physical achievement of Rs 32 crore sewerage drainage schemes launched under Capital City Development Programme (CCDP) and National Slum Development Programme (NSDP) were also reviewed. It was also decided that the task of clearance of various nallahs of Jammu city would henceforth be entrusted to Jammu Municipal Corporation and the necessary allocation for the purpose shall be transferred from UEED to the corporation at source. Mula Ram chairs SW Deptt’s meeting Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 15: Minister for Social Welfare, Mula Ram has said that sincere efforts and timely projection for expansion programme in the Social Welfare Department has resulted in sanctioning of more than 7,000 Anganwari Centres to provide hundred per cent coverage to the children and generate employment for the women folk belonging to the weaker sections of society. The Minister was speaking at a high level officers meeting of Social Welfare Department here today. He said presently 10,425 Anganwari Centres are functioning in 121 ICDS projects in the State. The Centre has sanctioned 7,592 additional Anganwari Centres in existing 121 ICDS projects and 19 new blocks have been created. With this creation, total number of these centres has gone to 18,772 which will provide job opportunity to more than double to these centres and provide cent percent coverage to the left over villages. In addition, 19 posts of CDPOs, 272 posts of Supervisors, 57 posts of ministerial cadre have been created under newly created ICDS projects for implementation of ICDS at the grass root level, the Minister said. The Minister informed that the department has formulated the list of uncovered villages as per the information available in the department for opening of Anganwari Centres in left out villages. The lists of uncovered villages are being forwarded to the Programme Officers ICDS for verification to ensure that no areas shall remain uncovered under this scheme. The selection of Anganwari Workers shall begin after identification of un-covered villages and formal sanction being accorded by the state government in this behalf Gharu Ram for eradicating stigma of illiteracy Excelsior Correspondent SAI- KALAN, Dec 15: Promoting foundational infrastructure and raise quality of education to erase the stigma of illiteracy and equip the students mind with innovative know-how for excelling in the most competitive world as successful human beings. This was stated by the Minister of State for Rural Development Ch. Gharu while laying foundation stone of additional block of Higher Secondary School, Sai-Kalan about 47 kilometer from Jammu. Member Parliament Trilok Singh Bajwa, Janak Raj Gupta, Block President PCC, Mast Raman Chand, Ch. Chuni Lal, Sagar Anand and Tilk Raj also accompanied the Minister. After laying the foundation stone, Ch. Gharu Ram while addressing the gathering said that the real objective of education could not be achieved without introduction of science subjects’ as well as commerce and laboratory facilities to fast changing competitive world. He said that the high schools too would be brought under the ambit of computerization in a phased manner. The Minister stressed the need for more plantations to keep environment free from pollution. The Minister emphasising the dire need to improve the educational standards right from primary level and he said that for sustained and remarkable results the foundation has to be strong and well reared. He said that teachers and parents are the real builders of their children and they have a special responsibility in moulding the character of their children, as they are future of nation. On the demand of locals, the Minister announced two toilets, one for boys and other for girls’ students, for construction of these bathrooms; the Minister sanctioned Rs. 20,000 for construction of bathrooms besides Rs. 50,000 for desks for higher secondary level students from his constituency funds. A scintillating cultural programme was also presented by the students of government higher secondary school, Sai-Kalan that was highly appreciated by the audience. Lower Mastgarh people select candidate Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 15: In a meeting of Lower Mastgarh welfare Association under the chairmanship of Surinder Singh, grave concern was expressed over callous attitude of the Government Jammu region. The people annoyed by the attitude of all the political parties resolved to nominate their own time-tested representative to contest the Municipal Corporation elections. Since the seat of Ward Number 3 stands reserved for women, several names were considered and it was unanimously resolved to nominate Joginder Kaur, wife of Surinder Singh, president from the ward. The Mohalla Welfare Committee and the residents appealed the electorates to vote for Joginder Kaur, who is a young, energetic, educated and dynamic lady, involved selflessly in the welfare of the Mohalla. They called upon the leaders of national parties either to support the candidature of Mrs Joginder Kaur or announce her as a party candidate. It was also decided to call a general meeting of the Mohalla/ward also to ask others to vote and support the people’s candidate Mrs Joginder Kaur. ‘Aap Hamare
Hain Kaun’ in international fest Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 15: Balwant Thakur, director Natrang, is going to be the first theatre director of India whose 5th play is being featured in the International Theatre Festival of India beginning tomorrow at Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata. The festival is opening with a Swedish Play "Tongue Tied" directed by Peter Engtkvist and presented by Teater Pero of Sweden. Balwant Thakur’s highly acclaimed play "Aap Hamare Hain Kaun" is being featured in this mega event on December 22 for which a 22 member team is leaving from Kolkata on December 19.. Other Indian directors whose plays are being featured in the event included Habib Tanveer, H Kanhailal, Lokendra Arambam, Waman Kendre, Bhanu Bharti and Veenapani Chawala. Balwant Thakur, the only theatre director from Jammu has already been conferred with highest Indian honour in performing arts viz Sangeet Natak Akademi Award is also recipient of the prestigious Ford Foundation Fellowship of USA. Winner of best director award in All India Cultural competitions for the years 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1988, is about to complete his century on National participations as a theatre director, which is already a record in the country. Sanskrit Awardee of the year 1991 (A Sanskriti award given in 12 years in theatre) Balwant Thakur have had his presentations in Bangkok, London, Oxford, Stratford, Cambridge, Brighton, Germany, Denmark, Moscow, Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, Dhaka and Sharjah. In addition to the life time achievement award, he has also received Abhinayak Samman, All India Citizens Award (Culture), Gurushree Samman and Natya Shree Samman. Artists of Natrang who are going to participate the Nandikar Festival included Anil Tickoo, Neeraj Kant, Sanjeev Gupta, Pankaj Sharma, Deepak Virdhi, Kamaljeet Kaur, Pawan Verma, Mohit Sharma, Mukta Passi, Parul Magotra, Juhi Singh, Roohi Singh, Atish Gupta, Shubham Puri, Sakshi Anand, Tanvi Sharma, Sahil Anand, Krishan Gupta, Mayank Gupta, Sonalika Jain and Prachika Kanotra. Satish Lalotra and Suraj Ganju will be in the off stage team. Prior to this plays of Natrang which have featured in the Nandikat Festival included ‘Mahabhoj’, ‘Bawa Jitto’, ‘Mere Hisse Ki Dhoop Kahan Hai’ and ‘Ghumhayee’. |
|
| home | state | national | business| editorial | advertisement | sports | |
