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| Congmen recall services of Qasim, observe Rasam-e-Chahrum of former CM Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 17: Pradesh Congress observed the Rasam-e-Chahrum of former Chief Minister, Syed Mir Qasim at Mahajan Hall here, today which besides the senior Party leaders was attended by Congmen drawn from different corners of Jammu region......more CM orders
inquiry Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Dec 17: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today ordered inquiry into the allegations of sub-standard paddy seeds provided by agriculture department to farmers in Sonawari, Baramulla.........more Illegal
water connections Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 17: The public health department is bracing up to regularize all illegal water connections in Jammu province. ..........more Govt
making all efforts to Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 17: Himalayan Parivar an NGO organised a seminar here , today on the topic Surakhshit Himalaya.......more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 17: Public Health Engineering (PHE) Workers Welfare Association (Jammu) during a meeting held here today discussed various pending demands of the.......more |
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J&K on
threshold of Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Dec 17: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said that Jammu and Kashmir is on the threshold of a massive reconstruction adding that the financial resources being made available by the Prime Minister’s economic package and the Asian Development Bank would help transform the development profile of the State..........more Erratic
power supply Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Dec 17: As the winter season is nearing its zenith in the Kashmir valley erratic power supply has once again been the main source of trouble for the hapless people here. The power supply schedule issued by the Power Development Department (PDD).................more Police to
get latest Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 17: Director General of Police Gopal Sharma, today announced that optimum use of latest technology would be made to make police as a vibrant professional organization in Jammu and Kashmir............more Seminar on
‘Women Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 17: Women Power and the Consumer Research and Education Cell, University of Jammu, organised a one-day seminar on Women Empowerment......more |
Congmen recall services of Qasim, observe
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 17: Pradesh Congress observed the Rasam-e-Chahrum of former Chief Minister, Syed Mir Qasim at Mahajan Hall here, today which besides the senior Party leaders was attended by Congmen drawn from different corners of Jammu region. A seizable number of women workers also were present on the occasion to pay their obeisance to departed leader. Those who paid homage to the departed leader include Deputy Chief Minister and senior Congress leader, Mangat Ram Sharma, Minister for Social Welfare, Mula Ram, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs and Transport Raman Bhalla, Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs, Yougesh Sawhney, MoS Revenue and Rehabilitation, Dr Ramesh Sharma, Senior Congress leader and former Speaker, Ch. Mohammed Aslam, Party senior vice presidents, Dharam Paul, Pradhuman Singh and Yashpaul Khajuria, Girdhari Lal and Khem Lata Wakhloo, (MLAs), Farida Munir, MLC, Mohammed Ayub Khan, M L Koul, Chuni Lal Bhat, Om Chopra, Bharat Gandhi, Mohammed Sultan,Swaran Lata, Kanta Bhan, YCI general secretary, Manmohan Singh and Shanti Devi. Paying tributes to Syed Mir Qasim, Mangat Ram Sharma said the late leader had a true belief in secularism and socialism. Mir Qasim was a towering personality who initiated many steps as the Chief Minister of J&K for the benefit of poor and down trodden. It was he (Mr Qasim) who put an end to feudalism in the state, he added. The Deputy Chief Minister said the Cooperative Movement was initiated in the state under his stewardship and he was the champion of this movement. Describing Syed Mir Qasim a saint among the politicians, Mr Sharma said he was a man of discipline and principles who took every body along with him when he was the Chief Minister. He said it was Ghulam Mohammed Sadiq and Syed Mir Qasim the two stalwarts from J&K who brought the Congress Party to the state and took an initiative for replacing the Sadar-e-Riyasat by Governor and Prime Minister by Chief Minister. It was during their rule that the rule of law was established in the state, he added. Terming late Mir Qasim a true nationalist, the Deputy Chief Minister said the late leader represented the India in UNO on Kashmir issue in late sixties and he sacrificed the power to bring the plebiscite leaders in the mainstream politics. Making a strong dig at National Conference (NC) patron and former Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah, he accused him of hobnobbing with the Hurriyat leadership. Asking him to change this attitude, he said the former Chief Minister who had described the Hurriyat as fundamentalist and secessionist has suddenly developed a sympathy for them. Exuding confidence that the peace will return to State, he said the day is not far away when the Kashmir will be totally normal as neighboring Punjab. Mr Sharma appealed Congmen to fight out those forces who want to sow seeds of hatred and unrest in the country. The Congress is a vast Party and no power on earth can discredit our contributions to the nation. He also urged the women workers to share the responsibility as they have been given 33 per cent reservations in the Civic body elections. Paying homage to departed leader, Mula Ram said the name of Syed Mir Qasim will go down with golden letters in the history as he laid an example for sacrificing the power for the national cause. The best tribute to him will be that we should imbibe such a spirit of sacrifice in ourselves. Recalling the services of former Chief Minister, Raman Bhalla described him a disciplined and a dedicated leader who sacrificed power for the national unity and integrity. He said the best tribute to this towering personality is that we all should work hard to strengthen the secular and socialist forces in the state so that the democracy can flourish. Mr Bhalla said as the elections of the civic bodies are round the corner, it is the duty of all Congressmen to ensure the victory of the Party candidates and this will be a great tribute to late leader. The proceedings were conducted by the Congress leader and Ex MLA Shiv Dev Singh. Earlier the statue of Syed Mir Qasim was garlanded by the Party leaders and workers. |
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20 senior Forest officers transferred Excelsior Special Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 16: Minister for Forests and Environment, Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Sofi today ordered the transfers and postings of twenty senior Forest officers including some conservators and General Managers in the State Forest Corporation. Om Parkash Sharma, Joint Director State Forest Research Institute Jammu has been shifted and posted as Regional Director, State Pollution Control Board Jammu vice Manuraj Singh, who has been posted as General Manager in State Forest Corporation. M J Sharma Conservator East Circle, Jammu is shifted and posted as Project Coordinator Ujh vice H S Slathia who has been sent to Research Circle as Conservator. Ravi Kumar, CF West Circle is transferred and posted as Jt Director IWDP vice Opender Pachnanda who has been posted as Jt Director SFRI, Jammu. Suresh Chug, CF Research Circle after transfer is posted as CF East Circle Jammu whereas, P K Singh Nodal Officer PCCF is now posted as Coordinator for Norway project. Abdul Quyoom Khan, Regional Director SF Kashmir is posted as CF Central Circle, Mohd Shafiq Khan CF South Circle as Regional Director SF Kashmir, LK Sharma Regional Wild Life Warden Jammu as General Manager SFC and Manzoor Ahmed Jt Director FPF Kashmir as Project Coordinator North Jhelum. Asgar Anayatullah Jt Director FPF Jammu will be new CF West Circle, N H Hakeem CF WP & Research as the new CF North Circle, M A Hakak Project Coordinator North Jhelum as new Jt Director FPF Kashmir while A G Hajam General Manager SFC the new Conservator of Forests South Circle. General Manager SFC, SK Gupta is shifted and posted as Nodal Officer in the office of PCCF, Arun Kumar Tikoo CF Central Circle as CF Working Plan and Res, Roshan Jaggi GM SFC will be the new Joint Director FPF Jammu whereas, F A Geelani, attached with PCCF shall report to Managing Director SFC till further orders. Mr LK Sharma shall hand over the charge to the senior most officer in the department. |
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Illegal water connections being regularised Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 17: The public health department is bracing up to regularize all illegal water connections in Jammu province. A Task Force would be constituted at division level to carry out the regularisation of illegal connections in one month besides checking the use of water pumps and misuse of portable water for construction and cultivation of vegetables. The decision to this effect was taken in a meeting of the engineers and officers of the PHE department convened today to discuss the measures for adequate supply of potable water and checking its misuse. The Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Qazi Mohammad Afzal presided. The Minister asked the PHE functionaries to formulate a plan for repair and renovation of water supply net work in the Jammu city and its peripheries. He asked the engineers to personally monitor supply of water in the areas of their jurisdiction with emphasis on checking wastage of water due to leakages and misuse. Stressing the need for containing misuse of potable water, he said stern action shall be taken against those faced wasting and misuse of potable water. He said checking of misuse of water has become imperative as the State is during facing water scarcity. He asked the functionaries to conduct frequent inspection of their respective areas and seek police assistance of need arises. The meeting was attended by the Secretary Works Attul Dulloo, Chief Engineer, PHE, Jammu and other engineers of the department. |
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Govt
making all efforts to preserve environment Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 17: Himalayan Parivar an NGO organised a seminar here , today on the topic Surakhshit Himalaya, Surakhshit Bharat (Protection of Himalaya guarantees safety of India). The Minister of State for Animal Husbandry Yashpaul Kundal presided over the function and Mrs Bharati Vaid Director Field Publicity gave the guest lecture. In his address, Mr Kundal analysed the concept of environment preservation in villages and the hills. He said the J&K Government is making every effort to preserve environment of Himalayas as a whole because the entire state of J&K is in its lap. Speaking on the occasion , Mrs Vaid threw light on environmental concepts and their preservation in Himalayas. She laid stress on traditional environmental preservation methods. The J&K chapter of Himalayan Parivar chief, Ramesh Hangloo gave the details of the organization’s functioning in India and abroad. The Parivar has been doing a lot of work on every field including environment and culture in 10 states of the country which fall in Himalayan Range and two countries of Nepal and Bhutan, he added. He said the Himalaya is a concept which feeds every Indian. Speaking on the occasion Mrs Veena Handa chief advisor of the Himalayan Parivar gave details about the preservation of the environment. Later the mementos were presented to guests by Anil Sharma, chairman Himalayan Parivar while Abay Pargal its advisor presented the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Bikram Singh, general secretary Himalayan Parivar. On the occasion a film on the management of the polythene bags by NGOs in Himachal Pradesh was screened by the Field Publicity Wing of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 17: Public Health Engineering (PHE) Workers Welfare Association (Jammu) during a meeting held here today discussed various pending demands of the workers. In a meeting organised under the chairmanship of provincial president Bakshi Singh, the members extended thanks to the chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister Pt Mangat Ram Sharma and the Finance Minister, Muzaffar Hussain Baig for accepting some demands of the employees. The members expressed satisfaction over the package announced by Chief Minister for employees and hoped that their other pending demands will also be accepted shortly. The members discussed the sectional demands of the PHE workers which include two and half days’ extra pay, modification of SRO 380, disbursement of pending wages of daily rated/ consolidated workers and uniform wages at the rate of Rs 70 per day to all the workers including consolidated and others. The executive body of the Association also extended thanks to its cadre which has rendered support to the EJAC during agitation. Subhash Chander, Surinder Kumar, Vijay Singh, Gopal Bakshi, Munzoor Ali and Chuni Lal also spoke on the occasion. |
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J&K on threshold of massive reconstruction: CM Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Dec 17: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said that Jammu and Kashmir is on the threshold of a massive reconstruction adding that the financial resources being made available by the Prime Minister’s economic package and the Asian Development Bank would help transform the development profile of the State. Mufti Sayeed was speaking at the plan review meetings of Baramulla and Kupwara districts here this morning that discussed implementation of development schemes taken up in the two districts several ministers and legislators of the two districts were present. The Chief Minister said the paucity of funds have not been allowed to hamper the speed of development activities as institutional finances have been arranged to carry on the much needed infrastructure development. He said Rs. 1500 crore would be available from the Asian Development Bank for undertaking important projects particularly in road communication and urban development sectors. He said the schemes would be time bound and involve no bureaucratic hassles. He said an independent monitoring agency has been set up to ensure timely implementation of the schemes that include the construction of the prestigious Mughal Road and Simthan-Kishtawar Road and four-lanning of Srinagar-Uri and Srinagar-Gulmarg Roads. The engineers, he said, would be given special training to ensure timely completion of the schemes. The Chief Minister said the Prime Minister’s economic package announced recently would generate lot of economic activity in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the package envisages Rs. 18000 crore investment in power generation. He said mega hydel projects including Bursar, Kishenganga and Uri II would generate economic activity on a major scale like the ongoing railways and superhighway projects. He said that about Rs. 1000 crore would be spent on construction of road for the Bursar hydel project alone. He said the entire money would be spent over a period of four years. The Chief Minister said that the PM’s package also provides for Rs. 6000 crore for investment in social sector like education, community development, modernization of power transmission system and social welfare. He said 7000 Anganwari centres, 15 degree colleges and 8 polytechnic institutions would be opened in the State. Important roads like double lane Srinagar-Uri and Srinagar-Kupwara would be constructed. He said skill improvement and construction of tourist and model villages is also part of the package. The Chief Minister sought responses and clarifications from concerned officers on points raised by legislators with respect to the development schemes and problems in their constituencies. He asked the officers of the horticulture department to prepare a comprehensive project on sprinkle irrigation in kandi areas under the horticulture technology mission. The Chief Minister called for a mechanism for proper maintenance of community assets like panchayat ghars, schools and community information centres and impressed upon officers to work with dedication for timely implementation of welfare and development schemes taken up by the coalition Government. He directed the Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara to submit the works programme of Rs. 15 crore available under special dispensation of central assistance for the district within a week and asked for reasons about the delay in this regard. He said Rs. 45 crore would be provided to Kupwara district in three years under this programme. The Chief Minister said that the decisions taken in district development board meetings would be monitored and asked concerned officers to report to him any difficulty they face in the implementation of commitments made by him from time to time. Present in the meetings were Minister for Agriculture, Abdul Aziz Zargar, Minister for Rural Development, Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, Minister for Finance, Planning and Development, Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Minister for Tourism and Urban Development, Ghulam Hassan Mir, Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, Taj Mohiuddin, Minister for Forests, Ghulam Mohiuddin Sofi, Minister of State for Education, Dr. Ghulam Nabi Lone, Minister of State for Planning, Usman Majid, Deputy Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Mr. Mohammad Akbar Lone, Chairman, J&K Handicrafts (Sales and Exports) Corporation, Haji Abdul Rashid and legislators, Maulvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari, Mr. Mohammad Dilawar Mir, Nazir Gurezi, Mir Saifullah, Shariefuddin Shariq, Mr. Qaisar Jamshed Lone, Kafeel ur Rehman, and Nisar Ali Khan. |
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Erratic power supply continues to trouble hapless people Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Dec 17: As the winter season is nearing its zenith in the Kashmir valley erratic power supply has once again been the main source of trouble for the hapless people here. The power supply schedule issued by the Power Development Department (PDD) is not being followed and worst enough, the present situation is likely to continue as the Government is being blamed to have turned a deaf ear to the woes of the common man. "This year we are getting worst power supply. During evening hours electricity plays hide and seek and during the night the PDD officials think it wise to completely shut down the grid stations making our life miserable," says Irshad Ahmad Kar, a resident of Tral area of Pulwama District. Irshad is not the only person who is complaining about the erratic power supply in the Valley. Almost every body here seems to have the same complain. Even in Srinagar District the situation is worse with power supply being at its lowest ebb. " During the last 24 hours our area has got electricity for mere five hours. When we contact our nearest receiving station the reply we get is that there is some fault in the transmission lines. This has become a routine with the officials because faults cannot occur every day," says Ghulam Moihuddin, a resident of Indra Nagar, a posh colony in Srinagar. The officials of the PDD always used to blame the non-functioning of the destroyed Zainakot grid station as the main culprit for the power crisis. But now that the grid is functioning, the officials have resorted to other excuses. "The Zainakot grid station which was destroyed, is functional right now. But the power crisis in the valley will remain for the time being as the generation in the local power projects has reduced drastically," says Chief Engineer, Generation PDD, Molvi Manzoor. "Right now our total generation is dependent on Uri power project where we generate 150 to 200 megawatt (MW) and lower Jehlum where generation is a mere 10 MW. For the rest we have to be dependent on the Northern grid," adds Manzoor. Interestingly, the demand for power in the valley has been on the rise during the last few years. During the peak hours the demand touches 900 MW while as even half of this is not available with the PDD. Sources in the PDD say that even if the Government wishes to import more electricity from the Northern grid it cannot execute the decision as there are only two transmission lines through which transmission can take place. Sources say that the Kishenpore-Pampore and the Chenani-Srinagar transmission lines are the only two lines that connect the State of Jammu and Kashmir with the northern grid. If power through these two lines that too using both the circuits of the lines is transmitted the State cannot import more than 350 MW’s of power from the northern grid. Sources in the PDD also admit that keeping in view the present generation in the local power projects and the non-availability of power from the northern grid the valley will have to bear with the present erratic power supply. |
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Police to get latest technology,
weaponry to Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 17: Director General of Police Gopal Sharma, today announced that optimum use of latest technology would be made to make police as a vibrant professional organization in Jammu and Kashmir. Inaugurating a day-long conference of Senior Police Officers at Police Headquarters here this morning, the Director General of Police said that a series of measures have already been initiated by adopting information technology at various levels that have proved very useful. The conference discussed Vision-2005 for the police organisation in the State facing militancy for the past over one and a half decade and looking after other multipronged and security related and law and order matters. Underscoring the need for police to become friends of the people, the Director General of Police envisioned the organization providing the highest quality service to the people, who live, work and visit our State. 'we will keep evaluating and improving our efforts to enhance public safety with the goal of improving the quality of life while at the same time maintaining respect for individual rights and human dignity,' Sharma said. He said the sense of responsiveness and accountability will be ensured at all levels and progress monitored at the highest level. He made it clear that while the police will forcefully combat the activities of anti-social elements, harassment of any kind to the civil population would not be accepted. 'We are here to serve the people and it should appear that we are doing so,' he maintained, saying: 'we are committed to working in partnership with a community to identify and resolve issues that impact public'. While appreciating the role of police in meeting the challenges over the year that has got the organization having reputed position in the forces around the country, Sharma said, welfare of the officers and jawans receives top priority at the apex level. About strengthening in the force, the DGP gave an resume of measures taken in the past and proposed for the future. He said sophisticated weaponry is being inducted at all the levels in view of the prevailing situation and electronic gadgets like bomb disposal equipment is being provided for better and effective control of violence. The conference delivered in details the challenges and response by the police organization in maintaining law and order, controlling crime and tackling insurgency. The speakers spoke at length about their perception on the basis of experience gained over the years. The speakers emphasised that the police organization is to safe guard of life and property preserve the peace, prevent and detect crime, enforce the law, and protect the rights of all citizens. Close coordination with people would be ensured at the grass-route level like Police Posts and Thanas. Those spoke during the conference included Kuldeep Khoda, ADG (Armed), P. S. Gill, ADG (HG/CD/Auxiliary Police), Dr. A. K. Bhan. ADG (CID), Madan Lal, ADG (Security), Dr. S. P. Vaid, IG Jammu Zone, J. A. Makhdoomi, IG. Kashmir Zone. Present among others were P. L. Gupta, IG Traffic, A. R. Khan, IG (Mod) PHQ, P. K. Gupta IG, Crime and Railways, Dilbagh Singh, Director, SSG, A. K. Gupta, Director, Telecommunication and Mohammad Amin Shah, DIG (Admn) PHQ. |
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Seminar on ‘Women Empowerment’ held Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 17: Women Power and the Consumer Research and Education Cell, University of Jammu, organised a one-day seminar on Women Empowerment, Dignity and Challenges’ at JU campus, here today. Speakers on the occasion sought to explain the meaning of women empowerment and feminism. Though women are occupying offices and doing jobs, things have not changed much and women empowerment means to ensure that a women may take decisions independently without any godfather, stressed Prof Deepshikha Kotwal of English Department in her thought provoking address. Others who addressed the gathering, included Prof Khurshid Hamra, Vijay Thakur, Rabia Nasim, Prof Rita Jatinder, Prof Champa Sharma and Prof Ved Ghai. JU Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo, who was chief guest on the occasion, laid stress on education for girl children and said that women empowerment could be ensured only through education of girls. "Women can not be empowered through legislation or tokenism but only through changing mindset of people," he said adding that most important change has to happen at education level. Chairman of the Legislative Council, Abdul Rashid Dar, who was guest of honour in the seminar, also addressed the gathering and talked about equal status for women in the society. Prof Bhim Singh gave an account of the legal cases he has fought for the women’s rights and particularly mentioned about the State Subject Bill on women. He also gave a call to the women to unite under one banner for protection of their rights. On the occasion, a resolution for providing 33 per cent reservation to women in the Assembly and Parliament, was also passed. Earlier, the programme started with Saraswati Vandhana by some school children. Yogic prayer was recited by the Yoga coach Ajay Asin. Welcome address was introduced by Dr D L Choudhary, convenor of Consumer Research and Education Cell, JU. The welcome address was followed by introduction of the subject by coordinator of Women Power Organisation, Anita Thakur. On the occasion, students of JU Yoga Centre presented various advance Asanas. Vote of thanks was presented by Ritu Bahuguna, a students of Yoga. |
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Rasam-e-Chahrum of former CM observed Excelsior Correspondent Anantnag, Dec 17: The Rasam-e-Chahrum of Former Chief Minister, Syeed Mir Qasim was observed at his residence, Mir Madian, Dooru today. A large number of people paid rich tributes to the deceased leader. On the occasion the Minister of State for R&B, Ghulam Ahmad Mir while condoling the demise of Syed Mir Qasim said that he had worked for the welfare of the people through out his life and was an apostle of peace, brotherhood and humanity. The Minister of State assured that he alongwith the people of Dooru constituency will carry the left out works of Late Mir Qasim to their fruitful end. The Minister of State said on the occasion that the project for the development of Dooru-Lissar Muqam road will be prepared and the road alongwith the Degree College to be set up will be Christened after the name of Late Mir Qasim. He also made an announcement for donating Rs. 10 lakh to Auqaf Dooru and Shahabad Welfare Forum for development works which the Committee constituted from Auqaf Committee and Welfare Forum proposes for the development of the Dooru area. The senior Vice President of Congress, Abdul Gani Vakil also paid tributes to the deceased leader and said that Syed Mir Qasim was a great son of Soil and always disseminated the message of peace, love and brotherhood. The MLA, Devsar Sartaj Madni and other leaders also paid homage to the departed soul. Local Auqaf President also paid tributes and sympathies with the bereaved family. |
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Anti-encroachment
drive on Barnai-Bantalab Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 17: The Public Works Department (PWD) manning Barnai-Bantalab Road in an anti-encroachment drive, pressed its men and machinery into service in removing encroachments on this vital road that links old Akhnoor road with new one. During the past one week, the department removed number of encroachments on this road in a bid to widen it, an official of the department said. He, however, admitted that the work has been halted at some places as few influential persons were resisting against removal of the bottle-necks raised by them on this road. Meanwhile, the residents of the area demanded the reconstruction and widening of this three kilometer Bantalab-Barnai Road, which has a strategic importance, but is presently lying in shambles. The Road which was well metelled during the tenure of then Governor Jagmohan and given the strategic importance as it connects two main roads that lead to Akhnoor sector, doesn’t presently exist at many places and has turned into a nallah. It has got deep pits and sharp edges at most of the places, making it impossible for smooth flow of transport, especially for the vehicles of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) that has a Group Centre at Bantalab. While number of times the matter was raised for repairing of the road, no action, seems to have been taken in reality, although the road has been "repaired and constructed" many a times only on papers during the past half a decade just to withdraw money. It was again last year when lakhs of rupees were spent on the construction of so-called drain by UEED from Bantalab Chowk to Jyoti Academy, covering a distance of just 100 meters. The work was suspended mid way and money withdrawn. Bantalab Welfare Association has impressed upon Chief Minister Mufti Mohd Sayeed and concerned Minister to look into the matter and have a personal visit of the area so as to see in what bad condition the people have been residing. They also impressed upon Vigilance Organization to probe the malpractices and have a detailed independent inquiry as lakhs of rupees have been withdrawn by various departments on the repair of Bantalab-Barnai Road and construction of drain, which infact stand nowhere. |
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Rs 34 cr plan funds spent in Baramulla till Nov 2004 Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Dec17: Out of the approved outlay of Rs 81.23 crore for District Baramulla for the current fiscal, an expenditure of Rs 34 crore has been booked till ending November 2004. This was stated in the Baramulla District Development Board review meeting convened at SKICC here this morning. The meeting was chaired by Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. The Finance Minister, Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Rural Development Minister, Peerzada Mohammad Syeed, Consumer Affairs and PDS Minister, Taj Mohiuddin, Housing and Urban Development Minister, Ghulam Hassan Mir, Deputy Speaker Legislative Assembly, Mohammad Akbar Lone, Chairman Handicrafts Developmental Corporation, Haji Abdul Rashid, Minister of State for Education, Dr. Ghulam Nabi Lone, Minister of State for Planning and development, Usman Majeed, MLA, Pattan, Iftikar Hussain Ansari, MLA Rafiabad, Mohammad Dilawar Mir, MLA Gurez, Nazir Ahmad were present in the meeting. Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, heads of various departments, chief engineers and district officers were present. Giving a resume of achievements registered in various sections, District Development Commissioner Baramulla, Dheeraj Gupta informed that under R&B sector 88.35 Kms road length stand black topped, 98.70 Kms covered under WBM grades and 90 RM bridges and culverts constructed. Under PHE sector, 14 water supply schemes were completed besides 397 hand pumps installed in Gurez. Under Education sector, he said that 62 primary schools have been opened under SSA, 130 primary schools upgraded to the level of middle and 154 school buildings completed, 11480 quintals of food grains have been distributed as wage component. The DRDA has established 17 self help groups and 471 income generating units. Under health sector, he apprised that four X-ray machines have been installed, eight ambulances provided to various health institutions and blood bank established at District hospital Baramulla. Dheeraj added that 68000 house hold latrines and 574 school toilets are being constructed while seven community information centres stand sanctioned to provide internet facility to the masses at their door-step. |
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62 per cent of district plan outlay utilized in Kupwara Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Dec 17: Against a total allocation of Rs. 58.33 crore, an amount of Rs. 36.46 crore stand utilized on various developmental and welfare schemes in Kupwara district up to ending November of the current financial year. This was stated in the Kupwara District Board meeting held here today in SKICC to review the implementation of various developmental schemes in the district with the Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in chair. The meeting was attended by Agriculture Minister, Abdul Aziz Zargar, Chairman District Development Board, Kupwara, Finance Minister, Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Forest Minister, Sofi Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din, Minister of State for Planning, Usman Majeed, concerned MLAs and MLCs besides Heads of the departments and district officers. Giving the resume of achievements, the Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, Abdul Majeed Khanday disclosed in the meeting that under R&B sector 65kms of road length has been blacktopped and 188 kms have been brought under WBM grade Ist and 2nd. Also 108 bridges / culverts have been constructed in the district during the current financial year. Under Irrigation and Flood Control sector, Rs. 1.76 crore has been spent against the allocation of Rs. 6 crore so far. In addition to it 143 irrigation tanks have been constructed in the district for the benefit of the people living in Kandi areas. To improve power supply electricity network of different areas was restored / up-graded against the cost 50 lakh during the period. In education sector, 136 new primary schools have been opened and 73 primary schools have been up-graded as middle schools in the current financial year. Under sheep husbandry sector record live stock population of 3 lakh has been registered during the period. Similarly, under PHE sector 30,234 souls were provided with sufficient drinking water facilities. Besides, 108 un-employment educated youth were provided financial assistance during the period for initiating their own economic units under Self Employment Programme. |
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ASKPC’s concern over
reduction of 10 pc salary Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 17: The All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) in its meeting here, today held under the chairmanship of A N Vaishnavi has expressed grave concern over the attitude of authorities towards the Kashmiri Pandit employees working in public sector organisations in the Valley. Addressing the meeting ASKPC general secretary, H L Chatta urged the authorities to shun the prejudicial policies towards these employees. He regretted that the employees working in the Public Sector Corporation in the Valley especially the Hotel Corporation of India (HCI) have been deprived of risk allowance while the same is being paid to the local employees. He criticised the H C I Management for issuing orders to deduct the 10 percent of the Basic Pay of the Pandit employees working in the Valley. This way the authorities were backtracking from their promises made earlier. He warned that in case the HCI management fails to revoke the decision the ASKPC will be forced to resort to agitation against the biased and discriminatory approach of the management. In his address Mr Vaishnavi also appealed the authorities of BSNL, Post and Telegraphs Department and other Central Government run departments to solve the genuine problems of the employees. |
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Adventure Sports Club organises annual debate Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 17: Adventure Sports Club organised its annual debate at DPS today on the topic "Should Modern Structure Replace Heritage Building." Prof Y R Malhotra,ex vice Chancellor of Jammu University was the chief guest on the occasion. In his address Kunil Bhalla,chairman of he Club said that Club’s activities have become popular with the cycle rally, attracting over 600 students. The Club provides a Forum to students to express their opinion. Today’s debate was in connection with series of debates held by the Club since 1999. The participants were from the Presentation Convent, MHAC School Nagbani, BSF School, Army School Kaluchak, J K Public School, Tiny Tots, DPS, Dewan Badri Nath, St. Peter’s High School and Little Flowers School. The welcome address was made by Mrs Bhavana Sethi, vice principal Green Field’s School. She said the main objectives of the Club are to inculcate the spirit of adventure, protecting cultural heritage and protecting the environment. Consolation prizes were won by Shivastuti and Rana of Convent, Ratika of DPS and Kanav Mahajan of Nagbani, third prize was won by Stephen Vinod of BSF, IInd prize by Tanvi of BSF and First Prize by Shivani of Army School, Kaluchak. The R B. Jodhamal Rolling Trophy was won by BSF School. In his speech Prof. Y R Malhotra said that there should be a balanced and rational approach to heritage. He appealed the Government to develop a mechanism to gather public opinion on this matter. Dr Meenakshi Oswal and Prof Ashok Aima from University of Jammu and Mrs Mala Maroca were the judges on the occasion. The programme was compered by Mrs Aparna Kuthiala. |
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Speaker for early rehabilitation of border migrants Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 17 : Speaker Legislative Assembly, Tara Chand has stressed upon the administration to ensure restoration of the damaged infrastructure due to Pak shelling in recent years in the border areas of Chhamb Constituency expeditiously so that people may not suffer anymore. In this connection, Tara Chand convened a meeting of officers and discussed wide ranging issues of rehabilitation of border migrants, restoration of basic facilities in the affected villages of border areas here today. The Financial Commissioner, Home, S. D. Singh, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, B. R. Sharma and Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Hardesh Kumar Singh were present in the meeting. The issues deliberated in the meeting include early implementation of rehabilitation package sanctioned by the Centre Government, preparation of supplementary lists of those areas which have not been already covered under the package, reviving of all developmental schemes, tractorization of barren land, compensation for the land occupied by the army authorities near the zero line. Speaker asked the Divisional Commissioner to take up the issue of tractorization and other development with the army authorities for the areas which fall across the ditch under "Sadvabna" programme so that the affected people could take up the routine activities without any difficulty, he added. Tara Chand expressed dissatisfaction over the pace of progress in implementation of the relief package. He said that the people of border areas have tremendously suffered and any delay in the process would further hurt their feelings, the Speaker maintained. GCET students to further intensify stir from today Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 17: Not satisfied with the Divisional Commissioner’s assurance to get their demands considered by the concerned authorities, agitating students of Government College of Engineering and Technology (GCET), Jammu, have announced to further intensify their ongoing struggle from tomorrow. "From tomorrow, we are going to further intensify the stir and if the authorities would try to stop us from peaceful struggle, possibility of violence can not be ruled out and the Government will be responsible for the same," warned Neeraj Singh, president of GCET Students Union, while talking to mediapersons, here today. However, he did not elaborate agitational programme of the Engineering students and only said that the ongoing struggle would be taken to a logical conclusion and no stone would be left unturned in getting the demands conceded. "We have been agitating for the last eleven days but the Government as well as the College authorities are still in a deep slumber over the grievances of Engineering students," Neeraj Singh lamented. He alleged that the Divisional Commissioner Jammu, who had promised to organise a meeting between the Educational authorities and the agitating students within two days, was apparently taking no more interest in the same and adopting dilly-delaying tactics. Pushvinder Singh Manhas, president of Jammu Joint Students Federation (JJSF), who is spearheading the ongoing agitation, stressed that the demand of NIT status to GCET was not only the voice of students of the Engineering college but entire Jammu. "The issue is linked to discrimination with Jammu region as Regional Engineering College in Srinagar was given the status of NIT alongwith other Engineering colleges in the country but REC Jammu was virtually downgraded by making it GCET," he explained. Vikram Singh, another leader of GCET students, highlighted the demands and grievances of the Engineering students before mediapersons and feared any mishap in the campus as some blocks of the present college building may collapse at any time due to their dilapidated condition and poor maintenance. It may be mentioned here that GCET students are on agitational path for the last eleven days in favour of their demands which include; NIT status to GCET, adequate infrastructure at the college, extra-curricular activities for the Engineering students, hostel facility and shifting of college to new campus. Agro Industries Corporation
registers Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 17: The meeting of the Board of Directors of Agro Industries Development Corporation was held under the Chairmanship of Mohammad Shafi Bhat here this afternoon. The Managing Director, Inayat-U-Khan while initiating the discussions on Agenda items disclosed that Cold Storage Plant at Delhi shall be modernized and a new Controlled Atmosphere Store CAS) shall be put up in place of its Ice Factory which is closed at present. The Corporation would also set up some new projects including Canning Unit at Jammu and grading and packing unit for Walnut and almonds at Jammu. In addition, modernization of Khonmoh Units Plant would also be taken up shortly. The Board of Directors approved the setting up of these units and directed the Management to submit the proposals to Government. The Board of Directors also appreciated the management for good performance of the Corporation during the current financial year. Managing Director also apprised the Board Members about the progress made by Cattle Feed Plant, Bari-Brahmana, Jammu, Procurement & sales Division, Cold Storage Plant, Delhi, Inputs Division and Food Processing unit at Khonmoh. He said that the turn over of Cattle Feed Plants for the current year is expected to reach Rs. 4 crores and that of P&S Division's will be about Rs. 10 crores. The turn of the inputs division will be about Rs. 31 crores and that of other divisions around Rs. 5 crores thereby showing trend of profit in its business activities. The Managing Director also apprised the board members about progress in preparing the accounts which were in arrears for the last so many years and are now being compiled and will be ready after certain formalities done by the AG and CAG. Chairman of the Corporation, M. S. Bhat appreciated the efforts of the Management in putting hard work for restoring back the glory of the corporation and desired that more efforts in future be put to make this Industry vibrant and profit making. Speaking on the occasion, the Principal Secretary, Agriculture Production, B. B. Viyas called for a perspective business plan adding that corporation should come up with a pragmatic vision focusing on diversification of activities. He urged for acquiring services of eminent consultants so that corporation could make a difference among the corporation cadres. He assured government's full support to Agro Industries for launching its value addition project in Mushroom canning at Talab-Tilloo Jammu and modernization of plant at Khonmoh, Srinagar. He said liberal assistance would be provided out of technology mission adding that corporation should go ahead for its programme of office automation and computerization. He favoured price preference to the corporation in purchases made by various departments. He said agriculture and allied departments should preferably make use of petrol pump being restarted by the corporation at Lal Mandi, Srinagar shortly. Manjit lays foundation stones of three link roads Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 17 :The coalition Government headed by Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed is committed to provide all basic amenities to the people of the State for which various measures have been initiated in various sectors. This was stated by the Minister of State for Law, S. Manjit Singh while addressing a public gathering at Dag Batwalian in Vijaypur constituency today. The Minister announced that improvised transformer of 63 kv capacity at Dag Batwalian village would be installed which will redress the grievances of the people for want of un stabilized and interrupted power supply. Later, the Minister laid the foundation stones of three link roads to be constructed from Nandpur to Chak Batwalian, Vijaypur to Vishav Karma Mandir and Devak bridge to cremation ground. The construction work on these roads formally started in presence of the Minister and on completion will benefit about a dozen villages in surrounding areas. Sarpanch and Panchs of adjoining villages and prominent citizens also spoke on the occasion and appreciated the efforts of the Minister for fulfilment of promises made by him at the time of election. 18 years after sodomy, Bandipore youth lands in jail Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Dec 17: A subordinate court today sentenced a sodomite to two years rigorous imprisonment with a fine of Rs 1000. The culprit, hailing from Bandipore, had committed the unnatural act on a seven-year-old 18 years ago. According to prosecution, then 17-year-old Mohammad Akbar Ganai S/o Ghulam Rasool Ganai R/o Argam Chitti Bandi, Bandipore, had committed sodomy on a seven-year-old boy, Azad Ahmed Sheikh S/o Mohammad Amin Sheikh R/o Chandpora Habbakadal, on April 20, 1986. The accused had allegedly taken the boy in a factory and committed the unnatural act upon him. The victim’s relative Fayyaz Ahmed Sheikh had lodged a complaint with Police which investigated the matter and found the accused guilty. After hearing the prosecution and the defence arguments for 18 years, the Court of Third Munsiff sentenced the culprit to two years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1000. He was present in the court when the judge, Massarat Shaheen, pronounced the punishment. The culprit, who had obtained bail years ago, was detained and sent to Central Jail. SMVDU adopts IIT pattern, to start 4 new courses next year Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 17: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) has adopted the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) pattern of teaching and examination system in its endeavour to attain international reputation and start four new graduate and postgraduate courses from next year. The examination pattern will be akin to IITs with grading system and two minor and one major examinations in a semester. The faculty will set up question papers, conduct the examination, marking and evaluation. The students are being shown the answer sheets before finalization of grades by a centralized moderation committee. The step is aimed at inculcating responsibility and discipline amongst the students and the faculty. The University would provide education par excellence while providing a platform for interaction for faculty, students and industry for the ultimate benefit of the society, says the Governor, Lt. Gen. (Retd) S K Sinha, who is also the Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. The University, inaugurated by President APJ Abdul Kalam in August this year, has started undergraduate programme in Information Technology and Masters of Business Administration. The varsity is all set to launch courses in Computer Science and Engineering, Biotechnology, Electronics and Communication and postgraduate courses of M. Tech in Energy Management and Master of Science in Economics from August next year. The students admitted to the Ph. D programme would have to successfully complete the required course work before embarking upon their research topic. The University has an arrangement with visiting faculty from India and all over the world to give wider exposure to students and allow the university community to have broad vision. Based on the pattern of American Universities, SMVDU plans to have colleges of basic disciplines like College of Engineering, College of Science and College of Management. Various schools of studies like School of Information Technology, School of Biotechnology, School of Computer Sciences and Engineering, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, School of Applied Physics and Mathematics, School of Economics, School of Business Administration, School of Infrastructure and Resource Management, School of Foreign Trade would be the constituent of these colleges. A School of Philosophy and Culture has already been sanctioned for research and conducting regular seminars. The mission of the university is the pursuit of education, scholarship and research at the highest international levels of excellence. The objectives of the university are to provide scientific and technical education and training of excellent quality both at the undergraduate and at the postgraduate levels, to promote study and research in new emerging areas and encourage academic interaction of the faculty and students at national and international levels and to encourage close collaboration with industry, the new Vice Chancellor, Mr N K Bansal said. The University is also setting up a National Social Service (NSS) to interact with the society and every student will have to necessary enroll and take part in various activities of the NSS. The recreational and extracurricular activities are being planned on regular basis. The University campus is coming up in the serene surroundings of Kakrial, close to the holy town of Katra, at 400-acre land away from the pollution and noise of the cities. The aesthetically designed campus makes extensive use of pyramidal roofs that emulate the surrounding hills and symbolize harmony with the high mountain peaks in and around the site. Sawhney opens exhibition of building material Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 17: Minister of State for Sports and Technical Education Yogesh Sawhney today inaugurated an exhibition of building material at Jhelum Resorts, which has been organised by Indian Institute of Architecture. The exhibition will last three days, according to Harinder Arora, chairman and B S Chib, vice chairman of J&K Chapter of the Institute. In the exhibition, the latest products of building material are being displayed by the companies. Tomorrow, a seminar on ‘Landscape Architecture’ has been organised at the venue which will be addressed by national level speakers. Tomorrow, Principal Secretary, Tourism, Anil Goswami will also come to the exhibition while Dr Arun Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Governor will join the valedictory function on December 19. Jammu industries crying for uninterrupted power supply Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 17: Bari Brahamana Industries Association (BBIA) today expressed its concern over the deteriorating power scenario and appealed the Chief Minister Mufti Mohd Sayeed to take immediate steps in restoring the uninterrupted power supply to industries. In a meeting of BBIA convened under the presidentship of Annil Suri, all the members were critical about the virtual collapse of power distribution system to the industries in general and Bari Brahamana industries in particular. "Bari Brahamana industrial complex, which is called as gateway of industries in Jammu and Kashmir, is in complete blackout since morning resulting in loss of crores of rupees to the entrepreneurs and state and central exchequer", the meeting said. This has become a daily routine for the last over a fortnight with seven to eight unscheduled trippings during scheduled supply of 16 hours resulting in further loss of three to four hours a day, the participants said and added that industries which are the backbone of the economy of any Government were on the verge of collapse. "Inspite of various memoranda submitted to the PDD no attention has been paid towards the immediate problem of power cuts resulting in loss of production and revenue", they said, adding "PDD authorities always blame authorities of Northern Grid for the disruption in power supply". The BBIA appealed the Chief Minister to intervene and restore the power supply to industries immediately. The Association suggested that for the long term improvement the Central Government may be pressurised to release special quota of power for J&K industries failing which the much publicized central and state packages would go waste and investments of entrepreneurs worth millions will go down the drain. Gas Turbines being made operational, in Pampore Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Dec 17: On the instructions of the Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Gas Turbines at Pampore are being made operational from today to augment the power supply in the Kashmir valley owing to increase in demand due to cold weather. Instructions in this regard were passed by the Chief Minister last evening. This information was given by the Chief Engineer M&RE Kashmir, Showkat Rashid Wani at the plan review meeting of District Baramulla here this morning while responding to a query of Chief Minister regarding the position of power supply in the valley. The Chief Engineer said that the three units of the Gas Turbine would be made operational this evening. He said the Turbines would augment the power supply by 60 MWs which would be made available to the consumers for six hours from 5.00 PM to 11.00 PM each day. The operational cost of the Turbines would be Rs 2 lakh per hour consuming 7000 litres of fuel. Mr Wani said with the installation of the metres there has been phenomenal decrease in the power consumption. He said prior to installation of metres the consumption of power in Peerbagh area was 4 MWs, which has come down to only 1 MW after the installation of metres. He said the department would supply round-the-clock electricity to areas where meters are installed. Seminars, debates offer broader exposure to students Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Dec 17: To give wider exposure to students of far off places, in order to bring them at par with semi-urban competitions, State Information Department has launched a series of measures to hold seminars, debates, symposia and other extracurricular activities in schools. As part of reaching out to such pockets, District Information Centre, Udhampur in collaboration with Block Development Office, Ghordi organized a symposium on the topic "Role of Rural Development Department in improving the socio-economic status of rural masses" in the premises of Government Higher Secondary School, Ghordi, in tehsil Ramnagar, yesterday. The activity generated immense enthusiasm among the student community who thronged from various educational institutions of this remote block of Udhampur district to participate in the symposium which for most of them was a first experience. In all 40 students participated in the symposium and expressed their views on the role of Rural Development Department in socio-economic transformation of rural masses. They also highlighted the need of sanitation for which the Rural Development Department has launched awareness drive under Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC). Views expressed by the students got loud applause from the local gathering. Participants also narrated the role of the department through their poetic compositions and skits. Miss Pinki Devi, a student of Government High School, Chowki was adjudged best speaker in the inter-school symposium while as Miss Jyoti Sharma of Government Higher Secondary School, Ghordi and Surjeet Kumar of High School, Chowki bagged second and third positions respectively. Consolation prizes were also given to Miss Bholi Devi of Higher Secondary School, Ghordi and Manmohan Sharma of High School Chowki. The Block Development Officer, Ghordi, Dr. Raman Kesar while addressing the students, Sarpanchs, Panchs and local gathering revealed that this is the fifth awareness camp held by his office in the block which is aimed at to making the common people aware about the role of his Department and the people under TSC. He said under the TSC, educational institutions are granted Rs. 20,000 for constructing sanitation units in their schools while under individual household scheme, only Rs. 600 are granted to beneficiary. He laid emphasis for maintaining cleanliness in the schools and individual house holds as well to keep the environment pollution free. The Vice Principal of Govt. Higher Secondary School, Ghordi, Subash Abrol extended thanks to Information and Rural Development Departments for organizing the symposium in his school which gave an opportunity to students for exposing their talent. He asked for organizing more such programmes in future. On the occasion, a colourful cultural programme was also presented by the students of various educational institutions which included Dogri folk songs and folk dances which received repeated appreciation from the jam packed gathering. Essay writing contest held under ‘Display Your Talent’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 17: Under the ongoing Display Your Talent Contest at Jammu University, On the Spot Essay Writing contest was held today. Topic of the essay was ‘Role of Youth Festivals in Personality Development. The participants were required to write an essay of 2000 to 3000 words in either Hindi or English on the topic. The contest was supervised by Vikrant Sharma, Secretary Students Cultural Council, Rajesh Kumar, Suresh Kumar and Mohd Shah Nawaz. Meanwhile, according to a release by the Department of Students Welfare, the photography competition shall be re-conducted on December 21 while the quiz final shall be held on December 23. |
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