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| Lower courts complex at Janipur
inaugurated Evolve expeditious system to provide speedy justice: CJ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Stating that justice delivery system is fast becoming very expensive and time consuming affair, Chief Justice of the State High Court, Justice S N Jha......more Uttaranchal
reserves Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: After Karnataka Government’s announcement for reserving seats in various professional Colleges..........more 30
students leave for Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: As a part of its ‘Operation Sadhbhavana, the Army sent thirty students from Nagrota area.......more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: The Cabinet Sub Committee headed by Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma today...........more DB
issues notices Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: A writ petition against the delay of completion of Dulhasti Project, causing loss to the tune of over......more |
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CM
reviews functioning of Colleges Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 22: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today directed the setting up of a working group which would formulate policy guidelines for making higher education goal oriented, purposeful and in tune with the market demands of the present times.............more Sharma
releases Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Vijeshwar Panchang for the year 2005 and 2006 was released by Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma at a simple but impressive function here at Tourist Reception Centre today..............more Seema
Anand appointed Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Ms Seema Anand has been appointed as Additional Standing Government Counsel by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice, Department......more Review
meeting of Polytechnics, ITIs held Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 22: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today directed for the setting up of a high-level co ordination committee of the state government officers........more |
Lower courts complex at Janipur
inaugurated Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Stating that justice delivery system is fast becoming very expensive and time consuming affair, Chief Justice of the State High Court, Justice S N Jha today underlined the need to evolve more expeditious system to provide speedy justice to the people. The Chief Justice was addressing a gathering of advocates, judicial officers and others after inaugurating District and Sub-ordinate Courts Complex at Janipur this morning. "With the increase in population, the number of cases in courts has increased phenomenally. But there should not be delay in speedy delivery of the justice to the people", he said, adding "courts are for the litigants and it’s our responsibility to come upto their expectations". Justice Jha underlined the need to evolve more expeditious justice delivery system and suggested the judicial officers not to keep the cases pending and dispose off them without wasting time. "More attention needs to be paid towards the Lok Adalats, which are best way to provide speedy justice to the people", he stressed. Terming the Sub-Ordinate Courts as backbone of the justice delivery system, the Chief Justice said that lower courts occupy unique position in the hierarchy of judicial system and quest for justice begins from Sub-ordinate courts. "In India more than one crore cases are settled in the Sub-ordinate courts every year while in Jammu and Kashmir 1,34,000 cases are being settled by these courts", he disclosed and adding that these figures have made us to feel proud. ``I compliment lawyers, judicial officers and other staff for achieving this distinction", the Chief Justice said. Shifting of Sub-ordinate Courts marked the beginning of a new chapter because it coincides with the beginning of the new year which has been declared as year of judicial excellence by the Chief Justice of India Justice R C Lahoti, Justice Jha said and added that with the availability of new complex, 26 courts would be free from cramped confines of semi-dilapidated complex of Mubarak Mandi. "After so many years now we will function in safest place and this complex will improve functionings of the courts and utilisation of modern gadgets would help in proper maintenance of the records", the CJ said, adding "though we will face some teething problems yet the same would be sorted out within shortest possible time". Later, the Chief Justice, while expressing thanks to the Engineers of JKPCC and PWD for completing the project, hoped that remaining portion of the court complex would be completed soon. He also presented a memento to the Deputy General Manager, JKPCC S K Wattal. Giving details of the project, Managing Director of the J&K Projects Construction Corporation Ltd, Mohammad Amin said that the execution of complex at Janipur started in 1996 with a provision to accommodate 12 courts but later accommodation for more courts was created and at present the complex can house 27 courts. He said that remaining work like exterior painting, construction of sheds for petition writers, notaries, general parking and interior of conference hall and bar rooms would be completed within shortest possible time. Speaking on the occasion, president Bar Association Sunil Sethi welcomed the shifting of courts to Janipur but regretted that in absence of basic infrastructure like lawyers’ chambers, it would be very difficult for them to perform duties. Jusice VK Jhanji, Justice Permodh Kohli, Justice Y P Nargotra, Justice S K Gupta, Justice (retd) R P Sethi, Justice (retd) O P Sharma were also present on the occasion while Principal District and Sessions Judge Vinod Gupta delivered the welcome address. |
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Uttaranchal reserves seats for J&K migrant students Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: After Karnataka Government’s announcement for reserving seats in various professional Colleges of that State for the migrant students of Kashmir, Uttaranchal today announced the same facility for the wards of displaced families of the valley. The decision to this effect was taken at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Uttaranchal Chief Minister Mr ND Tiwari at Dehradun today. In this meeting, it was decided to reserve some seats for the children of migrant families of Jammu and Kashmir in technical and other educational institutions. The Tiwari Government said that these seats would be kept vacant in case they are not filled by migrants’ children. It may be mentioned here that Karnataka Chief Minister Dharam Singh, while taking part in All India Kashmiri Samaj ( AIKS) global convention held at Bangalore on December 19, declared that his Government would keep some seats reserve for Kashmiri Pandit students in professional and non-professional colleges from the next academic session. However, the KP students, like other students, have to clear the Common Entrance Test for seeking the admission in Karnataka Colleges. While Karnataka and Uttaranchal States announced these facilities only this week, Maharashtra was the first State followed by Gujarat who took initiative in granting admission to migrants children from the valley in their professional colleges, way back in 1990. Informed sources said that as a good-will gesture, the other Congress ruled States too are deciding to accord these types of facilities to the migrant students to keep the promise made by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh during his recent visit to Muthi migrant camp. |
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30 students leave for Army’s Maharashtra tour Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: As a part of its ‘Operation Sadhbhavana, the Army sent thirty students from Nagrota area on an Educational tour outside the state today. General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Northern Command, Lt Gen Hari Parsad was the chief guest on the occasion, who flagged off the group. Thirty students and 2 teachers left for Maharashtra. During the flag off ceremony, the Army Commander interacted with the students and teachers. He said that the tour would provide the children an opportunity to see for themselves the greatness of their motherland. He wished them all a happy and enjoyable journey. The students during tour programme will be visiting premier military and civil establishments at Ahmednagar, Pune, Lonavale and Mumbai. They will see Armoured Corps Centre and Tank Museum. They will also enjoy tank ride. They will be visiting National defence Academy, College of Military engineering and Indian Naval Ship ‘ Shivaji’ a premier national establishment at Lonavale. In mumbai they will see famous Gateway of India and Juhu Beach besides other places. |
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Pay
disparity of teachers, masters, lecturers Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: The Cabinet Sub Committee headed by Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma today examined the proposal putforth for the removal of pay anomalies of the teachers, masters and lecturers in the Education department. Minister for Housing and Urban Development Ghulam Hassan Mir, Minister for Education Harshdev Singh, Minister for Science and Technology Nawang Rigzin Zora and Secretary Education M M Bhat constituted the cabinet sub committee for having meticulous discussion on erasing of existing pay anomalies in the present pay structures of teachers, masters and 10 Plus 2 lecturers. The committee deliberated on various facets of the proposal submitted to it and found that it was based on the facts particularly that there were pay anomalies of teachers, masters and lecturers vis-a-vis their counter-parts serving in various departments like Forest, Revenue, Agriculture etc. Approving the proposal for removal of pay anomalies and eliciting their appropriate views on the matter, the committee endorsed the proposal to the Cabinet for its further consideration. Meanwhile, All J&K Teachers Forum and Plus 2 Lecturers Forum have welcomed the decision of the Cabinet Sub Committee headed by Dy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma for conceding the demands of teachers/ lecturers for removal of pay anomalies. Members of Teachers Forum in a meeting held here today under the chairmanship of Abdul Qayoom Wani, extended thanks to Deputy Chief Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma, Minister for Education Harshdev Singh, and two other ministers, members of the committee—Ghulam Hassan Mir and Nawang Rigzin Zora for taking a decision in this regard. They pointed out that teachers were fighting since long for removing disparity in pay. The Cabinet had formed a sub committee to look into the genuine problems of the teachers and lecturers. The Sub- committee which met here today reviewed the case today and recommended the decision to the State Cabinet for final approval in the next meeting on Dec 29. The Forum also thanked the teaching community for their untiring efforts in this regard. It also congratulated the community for this historic achievement. Plus 2 Lecturers in a meeting held under the chairmanship of H D Qureshi extended thanks to the Cabinet Sub Committee members for resolving the three decade long demand of the lecturers. Malik Mohd Usman president Kashmir province also conveyed his thanks to the DyCM and his committee members for this decision and hoped that Cabinet will give its final nod in the next meeting. The Forum members also met the Sub-Committee today and expressed their gratitude for this recommendation in their favour. |
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DB issues notices Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: A writ petition against the delay of completion of Dulhasti Project, causing loss to the tune of over rupees 5000 -crore has been filed in the larger public interest in the State High Court, wherein it has been demanded to have thorough investigation by Central Bureau of Investigation ( CBI) . The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice SN Jha and Justice SK Gupta of the State High Court issued notices to the Union of India through Ministry of Power, New Delhi, State of Jammu and Kashmir, Joginder Prasad, Chairman NHPC, M/S Jai Parkash Associates through its president Sumeer Gour and others to show cause as to why this writ be not admitted to hearing. This petition has been filed by N K Dogra, president All India NHPC Employees Front through Advocate Nitin Bhasin. During the course of arguments, Senior Advocate SS Lehar, arguing counsel submitted that the people of the country would have got electricity at the rate of 89 paisa per unit if Dulhasti Project would have been completed in time, but people now get the electricity at the rate of rupees five per unit. He said that the project was handed over to French Consortium in 1989 and the cost was fixed at rupees 1260 crore and time fixed was ending 1994. The civil contractor of the French Consortium in 1992 abandoned the project on the pretext of militancy, it was further held. The project was also abandoned by French contractor and the same handed over to NHPC with assets worth crores of rupees whose fate is unknown, it was argued. It was submitted that in 1997 Indian civil contractor took up the project for the civil work with the target of commissioning the same by March 2001 and M/s Jai Parkash Associates was awarded the contract and supposed to complete the same by March 2001. M/S Jai Parkash Associates, according to Mr Lehar could not complete the same. He expressed surprise that original cost of the Dulhasti Project was rupees 1260 crore and the project was to be completed upto 1994. As there was deliberate delay in the completion of the project, so the cost increased from rupees 1260 cr to rupees 4200 crore and may further escalate due to the negligence and undue favour shown by the official respondent to M/S Jai Parkash Industries, the CBI be asked to probe the matter in respect of the loss which Mr Lehar said amounts to rupees 5,000 crore. |
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CM reviews
functioning of Colleges Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 22: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today directed the setting up of a working group which would formulate policy guidelines for making higher education goal oriented, purposeful and in tune with the market demands of the present times. The guidelines to be adopted would form the basis of a policy on higher education by the State Government. Chairing a meeting of College Principals to review the working of colleges in the State here this afternoon, the Chief Minister directed the report of the working group to be submitted within two months. Minister for Education, Harsh Dev Singh, Minister of State for Education, Dr. Ghulam Nabi Lone, Financial Commissioner/Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Vijay Bakaya, Commissioner cum Secretary Higher Education, P K Tripathi, Secretary to Chief Minister, Nayeem Akhter and Director Colleges, Prof. N D Wani were also present in the meeting. Stressing the need for making College education market oriented, the Chief Minister suggested the introduction of job oriented and professional courses at the college level with each college specialising in atleast one discipline. He said the proposed 15 colleges to be opened in the State should be different from the present genre of Colleges in that these would be developed on the Subject-Speciality pattern whereby every college would be recognised by the speciality subject taught there. He asked for laying down of criteria for admissions to the colleges in the State in order to maintain and standardise the quality of education at college levels. Mufti Sayeed in specific sought details of the colleges where Post Graduate courses have been introduced. He sought the enrolment and result details of the students taking these courses and complimented the students and staff of these colleges for showing a good performance in the examination results. He asked for preparing an assessment report on these courses from these colleges so that the same is discussed alongwith the working group recommendations. The meeting also discussed the rationalisation of academic calendar, laboratory facilities at the colleges and maintaining the UGC pre requisite of 180 days classroom schedule for the students. The Chief Minister enquired about the sports activity at the colleges and asked the College Principals to encourage sports activities at their institutes. Asking for a co ordination between the respective universities and college authorities in this regard, the Chief Minister directed the Principals to augment the sports activities besides promoting NCC and NSS activities at Colleges. The Chief Minister sought details of activity from all colleges, particularly the ones in remote areas like Rajouri, Doda, Kargil and Kupwara, etc. Minister for Education, Harsh Dev Singh gave a resume of the present academic situation at college level in the State. He said the present college enrolment stands at 70, 000 and 15 colleges of the State have been categorised among the country’s top 5% colleges by the NAAC. |
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Sharma releases Vijeshwar Panchang Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Vijeshwar Panchang for the year 2005 and 2006 was released by Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma at a simple but impressive function here at Tourist Reception Centre today. The function was organised by Jyotshi Karyalya Gole Gujral to mark the 321st anniversary Vijeshwar Panchang publication. The function among others was attended by Kuldeep Khuda, Additional Director General of Police Operations, Dr B L Koul a renowned scholar and author, Jyotshi Pawan Shastri, senior Congress leader, M L Koul, Dr R L Bhat, Ashwani Chrangoo, president PKM, Mohan Lal Aash and K K Raina, Avtar Krishan Jyotshi, Asha Zaroo, Dr Sushil Wattal, Dr Ramesh and Veer Ji Saraf. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Sharma said the land of Kashmir has produced many scholars and saints. The almanac published by them was based on real calculations, he added. He said the Panchang a religious document of Kashmiri Pandits is a part of their heritage and this is the happy occasion for me to release it on its 321th year of publication. The Deputy Chief Minister said India for thousands of years has maintained its monopoly in astrology which reflects our ancient culture. He said the Western countries during our slavery took the advantage of the Indian scriptures which were treasures of knowledge by making the research on various subjects and we remained behind. However,the situation has changed after the independence and the nation has made strides in many fields. Earlier addressing the function Jyotshi Omkar Nath Shastri, editor inchief of the Vijeshwar Panchang said the astrology is an important part of the Vedas. He rejected the contentions that the birth place of astrology is Iran and said the astrology has its roots in Indian philosophy and all the 18 chapters of Jyotshi Shastras were written by Indian scholars. The programme was compered by Jai Krishan Baizan. |
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Seema Anand appointed as Standing Counsel Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Ms Seema Anand has been appointed as Additional Standing Government Counsel by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice, Department of Legal Affairs, Judicial Section. She will conduct cases of Central Government (other than the cases of Income Tax and Railway Departments) and cases filed against public officers while in the service of the Central Government before the District/Subordinate Courts in Jammu and Kashmir with immediate effect for a period of three years or untill further orders, whichever is earlier. Ms Anand is presently Standing Counsel for State Forest Research Institute, Allahabad Bank and Punjab and Sindh Bank. She is also on the panel of J&K High Court Legal Service Commission. Earlier, she had worked as Standing Counsel for Jammu Municipal Corporation for four years. |
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Review meeting of
Polytechnics, ITIs held Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 22: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today directed for the setting up of a high-level co ordination committee of the state government officers, which would take up the utilisation of local skilled professionals with the centre for its various ongoing projects in the state. He said with the state set for heralding into an era of industrial expansion, particularly in power sector, the committee would secure commitments from the central government’s project executing agencies in the state. Reviewing functioning of the Government Polytechnics and ITI’s in the state, the Chief Minister said the Rs. 18, 000 crore worth of investment in power sector under Prime Minister’s package for the state requires a bulk involvement of skilled professionals particularly in trades like construction, mechanics and IT, and the proposed committee would ensure the locally available talent is put to use in these projects. The meeting undertook a detailed review of the functioning, management, courses and placement profile of these institutions for the first time since their inception in 1958. Present in the meeting were Minister for Sports and Technical Education, Haji Nisar Ali, Minister of State for Technical Education, Yogesh Swahney, Financial Commissioner/Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr. Vijay Bakaya, Commissioner cum Secretary Technical Education, P K Tripathi, Secretary to Chief Minister, Nayeem Akhter, Director Technical Education, G H Khan and the senior faculty of all the Government Polytechnics and Superintendents of all these ITI’s. The Chief Minister said the atmospherics in the state is fast changing and investments worth Rs. 1500 crore in various sectors of the state’s economy are in the pipeline. Besides, he said, the investment of Rs. 18000 crore in building power projects in state under PM package would require a good number of human resources in the form of skilled professionals for which he asked the heads of these Polytechnics and ITI’s to prepare their institutions into centres of excellence. Asking for remodelling the course curriculum, infrastructure apparatus and advanced technical base of the Government Polytechnics, the Chief Minister stressed the need for the development of some of these Polytechnics and ITI’s as model institutes and suggested adoption of some of these institutes by the industry. He asked the Director Technical Education to reshuffle the courses available in these Polytechnics and asked for introduction of new job-oriented courses particularly in sectors like Tourism, IT and social sector. The Chief Minister was informed that new job oriented courses like Food Technology, Wood Technology, Textile Designing, Leather Technology, Building Construction Technology, Medical Laboratory Technology etc. have been started at the institutes and within a year every ITI would be provided with computers and other required technical gadgets. Mufti Sayeed also directed the creation of an Empowered Committee, on the lines and pattern of All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE), to monitor and manage the affairs of the Polytechnics and ITI’s in the state on a single window basis. Apart from making regular reviews of syllabi and courses, the Committee would save a lot of time and energy and contribute positively towards developing these institutes into centres of excellence in vocational education. He asked for adopting a regulatory mechanism for the computer institutes in the state and said this would entail laying of criteria for these institutes and a computer institute should be granted recognition only when it meets such a criterion. The Chief Minister sought a detailed account of the activities of these Government Polytechnics and ITI’s. The Chief Minister asked for preparing a plan blueprint for the two Polytechnics to be opened up at Leh and Kargil. Besides, two graduate courses are also being started at all the four Polytechnics for which the process has already been started. He also enquired about the qualification enhancement and various other welfare measures for the faculty of these institutes. |
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YNC stages dharna in protest against power, water crisis Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Youth National Conference today staged a dharna in front of the office of Divisional Commissioner in protest against the failure of Coalition Government to provide basic amenities to the people. The Youth National Conference activists led by provincial president Chander Mohan Sharma shouted slogans against the Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and said that the Government which cannot provide even basic amenities like drinking water and electricity has no right to remain in power. Addressing the dharna, provincial president of party Ajay Sadhotra said that Mufti Government has utterly failed to provide basic amenities of life to the people of State in general and Jammu region in particular. "The Coalition Government is only surviving on hollow slogans and false promises. Not even a single promise made with the people during Assembly elections has been translated into reality by this Government so far", he said. Chander Mohan Sharma said that miseries of the people of Jammu have increased multifolds since installation of Coalition Government in the State. "The people of Jammu are suffering due to non-availability of drinking water and electricity. Due to unscheduled power cuts the business enterprises have suffered a lot, students have been facing lots of problems that too at a time when their final exams are approaching", he added. Others who addressed the dharna included Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari, Javed Rana, Dr Chaman Lal, all MLAs, Taranjeet Singh Tony, Bimla Luthra, Bhushan Lal Bhat, Ravi Dogra and Krishan Lal. |
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Religious function held at Gurudwara Digiana Ashram Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: A Gurmat Samagam was organised under the supervision of Mahant Manjeet Singhji of Shiromani Dera Nangali Sahib of Poonch to memorise, commemorate remember and glorify the greatest of great Guru and founder of Panth Sri Guru Gobind Singhji, Baba Ajit Singh and Baba Jujaar Singh, who rendered the greatest of sacrifices in Chamkor Sahib, Punjab, 300 years ago. The function was organised at Digiana Ashram. Large number of people participated in the function. Many preachers within and outside the State threw light on the history of Guru Gobind Singhji’s sons, who laid down their lives for the sake of religion and country 300 years ago at Chamkor Sahib in Punjab. While addressing the huge gathering, Mahant Manjeet Singh stressed upon the Sikh Sangat to adopt the path shown by Guru Gobind Singhji. They said that we have to educate our children about the great teachings and sacrifices of the two sons of Guru Gobind Singhji so that they can become patriotic and true citizens of India. Ragi Jatha of International Shabad Kirtan Council led by Mohinder Singh Khalsa, Giani Bachan Singh of Digiana, Ashram, students of Sant Mela Singh College of Education and students of MBS Engineering College recited Kirtan. Giani Sahib Singh, ex-head Granthi, of Darbar SAhib, Amritsar, Swaran Singh of Sevak of Gurdaspur, Punjab and other preachers told about the history of two sons of Guruji. Many political Sikh leaders including senior vice-president of PDP and former Minister, Rangeel Singh, Gurmukh Singh, Sudershan Singh Wazir and others addressed the function. |
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Sahitya Akademy award for Dogri
goes to Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: The Sahitya Akademy award for 2004, for best works in different languages of the country were announced at New Delhi today. Considered as national awards, the Sahitya Akademy award for Dogri has been awarded to Col Shiv Nath, one of the most respected names in modern Dogri literature today, while Gulam Nabi Firaq got it for his poetry in Kashmiri. Though coming a bit late for the one who has been silently doing yeoman’s service to the cause of Dogri’s development as modern Indian language, the award has been given to Col Shiv Nath for his book Chetein Di Chitkabri. His other books in Dogri include Dogri Sahitya Da Ithas, Dogri Sahitya Darshan (co-author) and Sahitya Parchol. Right from the time of the recognition of Dogri by Sahitya Akademy, to the showcasing of Dogri to world through translations, and informative essays, Shiv Nath’s contribution to the cause of Dogri is no less than phenomenal. A scholar and well known translator of national repute, his writings in English include History of Dogri Literature, Monograph on Bhagwat Prasad Sathe, Churning of City, A Bird of Gold and other stories (both translation), Echoes and Shadows ( a selection of Dogri short stories), Dogri Folk Tales. He was also associated with the Dogri section of Sahitya Akademi’s prestigious projects Encyclopedia of Indian Literature, A History of Indian Literature and Anthology of Modern Indian Literature. Col Shiv Nath has also been member of Sahitya Akademi’s Advisory Board for Dogri and Convenor and Member of the Executive Board of Sahitya Akademy. |
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Govt Apex Committee discusses
problems Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: A delegation of Government Apex Committee on Kashmiri Migrants today called on the visiting inter-ministerial team and discussed the problems of exiled people with it. The members of the delegation include Ramesh Koul, Hira Lal Pandit, R L Bhan, Som Nath Kandi and Roshan Lal Raina. The delegation informed the team that the Pandits are living in miserable conditions and aimless life for last 15 years of their exile and submitted a memorandum to it. The delegation made it clear to the team members that the displaced people want to return to their homes and hearths as they do not believe in the controversies. It alleged that the exiled people have been deprived of employment opportunities and demanded that a special employment package be announced for the community youth. The delegation, while welcoming the construction of two rooms demanded similar steps be taken for the migrants living in other states. It demanded enhancement of monthly relief, rent allowance of non camp migrants, medical aid for needy, bifurcation of ration cards, promotion and other benefits to migrant employees, simplification of voting pattern for the displaced people and improving the living conditions of camp dwellers. |
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Minister releases Gojri poetry collection Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: The poetic collection Sajri Yad written in Gojri language was released at a function organised by Rasa Javdani Memorial Literary Society at the seminar hall of the Cultural Academy, here today. The book was released by Minister of State for Agriculture, Ajaz Ahmed. He appreciated the writer for publishing this valuable book and said that it will be an asset to the Gojri language. Congratulating the author of the book Ghulam Noor Mohammed Majroo for bringing out the poetry collection, he said it has a theme of present scenario as well as Gujjar culture. The function was presided over by Ramesh Mehta, Secretary J&K Cultural Academy. In his welcome address president Rasa Javdani Memorial Literary Society congratulated the author for this book. He also gave a detailed resume of the organization which is fighting for the cause of regional languages for the ten years. Speaking on the occasion Mr Mehta lauded the efforts of the Rasa Javdani Society for organising seminars , cultural programmes and other activities. CPI (M) state secretary and MLA Mohammed Yousf Tarigami was the guest of honour. In his address he said the languages unite the hearts and not divide them. The author of the book belongs to Gool area of Udhampur. The book has 136 pages and it has been published by Vegar Publications with the financial assistance of Cultural Academy. The detailed papers on the book were presented by Shah Nawaz and Hassan Parvaz. Earlier Bashir Mastana and Shabnam Akhter entertained the audience by presenting few gazals from Sajri Yad. The programme was attended by a large number of poets, writers and prominent citizens. |
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GCET students’ stir enters 17th day Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Ongoing agitation by the students of Government College of Engineering and Technology (GCET), Jammu, entered 17th day as Engineering students continued boycott of their classes, here today. Shouting slogans in favour of their demands, the students assembled within the college premises and held demonstration. Led by Neeraj Singh, president of GCET Students Union, they were demanding NIT status to GCET, adequate infrastructure at the college, hostel facility for the Engineering students and extra-curricular activities at the college. Later, a meeting of the students was held with GCET Principal R N Sharma who suggested students to leave the agitational path and join their classes. However, the students remained adamant on their demands and stressed that they would not suspend the stir on mere assurances. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: The State BJP president Dr Nirmal Singh today hailed Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh for his statement that his Government will not accept any Kashmir solution that redraws the political map of india and that it would not allow another partition of the country on the score of the religion. He at the same time also asked the Prime Minister to drop the idea of more autonomy to the State as demanded by National Conference and the so-called anti-American left parties. Dr Nirmal Singh said that the State already enjoys maximum autonomy with residuary powers and that grant of more autonomy to it would only help the Kashmiri separatists to delink Jammu and Kashmir from India. He said Gen Musharraf’s proposal on J&K and NC demand for autonomy were the two sides of the same coin. State BJP president said that the idea of granting more political autonomy to the State or giving it the pre-1953 politico-constitutional status needs to be rejected outrightly all the more because the people of Jammu and Ladakh were bitterly opposed to it. Dr Nirmal Singh opined that what is needed is not autonomy for the State but immediate re-organization of the State on regional basis so that the ignored regions of Jammu and Ladakh are able to manage their own affairs themselves and shape and mould their political and economic dynasty within the Indian constitutional frame work unhindered. Coalition Govt committed to development of State: Mir Excelsior Correspondent ANANTNAG, Dec 22: The Minister of Public Works, Ghulam Ahmed Mir today inaugurated the Computer Information Centre at Larkipora Anantnag. This is the first computer centre in South Kashmir which has been established under the Union Government’s policy to computerize the every block in the country and join it with Civil Secretariat through internet facilities. Speaking on the occasion the Minister said that the coalition Government was committed to restore the peace by launching many development projects in the state. He urged the people to cooperate with the Government in bringing the state on the path of progress and development. The Minister also laid the foundation stone of community centre at Chani Gund Anantnag and a building at Qamar Shahbad which will be constructed at a cost of Rs 21 lakh. Addressing the public meeting Mr Mir said various developmental projects have been undertaken in the state since the coalition Government took over in 2002. He said the return of peace was must for the overall development of the state as the people have suffered a lot in the last 15 years of turmoil. PCC president constitutes committees for Jammu Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Peerzada Mohammed Sayeed has constituted committees of senior party functionaries, legislators and district presidents of respective districts for holding preparations for the ensuing elections to the Municipal Corporations and Municipal Councils and to recommend the panel of candidates for each ward in their respective districts. The committee constituted for district Jammu Urban comprises of Deputy Chief Minister Pt Mangat Ram Sharma with other members being Parduman Singh Azad, Amrit Malhotra, Th Hari Singh, Mrs Kanta Bhan, Mrs Indu Pawar, Vinod Sharma, Om Chopra, Raman Bhalla and Yogesh Sawhney. Mula Ram and Balwan Singh will be special invitees. The committee for Jammu district rural comprises of Dharam Pal Sharma, R S Chib, Shiv Dev Singh, Vinod Mishra, Balwan Singh, Mula Ram, Suman Bhagat, Ch Garu Ram, Gulchain Singh Charak, Swarn Lata, Sham Lal Sharma, Ajat Shatru Singh, Choudhary Hamid, Prakash Sharma and Dr Jagdish Dubey. The DCC committee for Udhampur has its members like Yash Pal Khajuria, Geeta Devi, B S Pathania, Jugal Kishore Sharma Ch Aijaz, Gulzar Ahmed, Abdul Gani Bhat and Krishan Bhagat. DCC Kathua committee comprised of Balbir Singh, Rattan Chand, Subash Gupta, Babu Singh, Girdhari Lal Chalotra, Prem Sagar Aziz, Dr Manohar Lal and Kanta Andotra. The committee for Rajouri comprised of Ashok Sharma, Ravinder Sharma, Shabir Ahmed Khan, Puran Singh, Dr Ramesh Sharma and Ch Qamar Hussain. The Poonch committee comprises of Ch Mohd Aslam, G M Mir Poonchi, Yash Pal Sharma, Ch Zafar Ullah, Lal Mohd Sabir and Farida Mir. Doda committee comprised of Mohd Ayub Khan, Ghulam Haider Sheikh, Capt Hem Raj, Mohd Sharief Niaz, Abdul Majid Wani, G M Saroori, Molvi Rashid and Ashok Dogra. The representatives of frontal organizations would also be invited. Renovated building of Asha School inaugurated Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Dec 22: Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) president for Northern Command, Mrs Lakshmi Hari Parsad inaugurated the renovated Asha School building in a function held here today. Several members of the AWWA and some senior Army Officers were present on the occasion. Sweets were distributed among the children of the school and other invitees to the programme. The children presented an impressive cultural programme which moved so many persons witnessing it. Set up in July 1994, the school’s main objective is to prepare the differently abled children to lead a near normal life as also to provide educational and prevocational training to help them realise their inner potentials. The school facilitates their learning of basic skills towards leading a better life. Northern Command is running this school for the disabled children for the last ten years. AWWA, with its efforts has now transformed this school into best Asha school in the country. It is equipped with modern facilities in J&K for these children. Earlier, this school was housed in army barracks, AWWA president sought the assistance of experts who were mostly volunteer ladies from the army to renovate and introduce additional facilities. The renovated school provides the group hearing system for the hearing impaired, a physiotherapy hall for exercises, computers with visual aids, prevocational class rooms for chalk making, candle making and crafts like pet making, greeting card making and paper bags. Delay in functioning of
milk plant Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: The meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was held here today under the acting chairmanship of Mr. G. M. Saroori and discussed the Comptroller and Auditor General’s report for the year 2000-2001 pertaining to the Department of Agriculture Production. The Committee held wide ranging discussions on the functioning of various units of Agriculture Department and suggested measures for bringing improvement in the performance. The Committee sought a detailed report from the Commissioner/Secretary Agriculture Department on the alleged purchase of Milk chilling plant which was to be installed near Sunderbani in Rajouri District but has not been made functional even after lapse of over five years. The Committee also directed that the erring officers be identified and suitable action warranted under law be initiated for showing dereliction in performing their duty and did not make earnest efforts to procure funds for completing the project in time frame. The Department was asked to furnish a report alongwith the list of erring officers with proposed action shortly for the perusal of the committee. Meanwhile the Committee directed the department to take steps to complete the project and make it physically functional at the earliest so that the aim of the Milk Plant is achieved The Committee also suggested to consult the management of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) (Amul Milk) who have recently established their milk plant in Jammu and seek their cooperation for making this project viable. The Committee also expressed concern over the non-viability of Drip Irrigation Scheme which was proposed to be launched initially in Poonch District. The Committee maintained that the necessary project/ technical reports were not framed properly which resulted wasteful expenditure of lakhs of rupees. A status report was also sought by the Committee in this regard. The meeting was attended by Legislators, Lal Mohammad Sabir, Ms. Farida Mir, Moulvi Abdul Rashid, Mr. G.M.Jan, Sartaj Madni, Commissioners/Secretary, Agriculture Productions Department Mr.B.B.Vyas, Special Secretary, Agriculture, G.N.Sofi, Director Horticulture, Kashmir Dr. S. Naqash. Director Horticulture, Jammu, M. S. Qasba, Director Animal Husbandry Dr. Ashutosh Dhar, Director Horticulture (P & M), Mr. Irfan Yasin, representatives of Accountant General, J&K, Director Accounts and Treasuries and officers of Assembly Secretariat. Rs 3 cr sanctioned for upkeep of live stocks Excelsior Correspondent LEH, Dec 22: To oversee the condition of livestock in Changthang area which is witnessing drought like situation, Deputy Commissioner, Leh along with Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Nyoma, District Sheep Husbandry Officer, District Animal Husbandry Officer and other district and block officers conducted extensive tour of the Changthang Division covering 25 villages. Around three lakh world famous Pashmina and merino sheep are affected due to loss of pasture in the area. Government has sanctioned of Rs. three crore under calamity relief fund for up keep of affected cattle and live stock. Adequate quality of fodder and feed have already been stocked in the remotest villages of the area. Cash relief for purchase of local barley as a feed supplement amounting to Rs.38.75 lakh has already been placed at the disposal of disbursing committees headed by SDM, Nyoma and concerned Councilors of LAHDC. An amount of Rs.22.57 lakh was disbursed on spot in presence of Deputy Commissioner and Councilors to the beneficiaries. Deputy Commissioner, Leh said that due to dry spell prevailing in Changthang region has severely affected the availability of cattle fodder and caused pasture crises in the region. The people of this area are mainly depending on sheep and goat farming with a population of nearly 302847 sheep, goat and 22994 animals in the region, for their economy and livelihood. During the tour, the Deputy Commissioner, who is also the chairman of the Red Cross Society of Leh unit, distributed blankets and jackets among the poor and orphan children of Samad, Angkung, Kharnak, Fobrang, Man, Merak and Kakjung nomadic areas under Red Cross relief fund. The Deputy Commissioner also inspected the medical centres of these area and issued instructions to the medical staff to ensure availability of medicines and timely arrangement of ambulance service to the poor and needy patients for immediate treatment at Leh in the wake of emergency during the winter. He instructed the SDM, Nyoma to monitor and supervise the relief distribution process personally and urged upon the block officers to cooperate with the SDM in relief activities so that maximum life of the cattle are saved. BRTC drivers’ passing out parade held Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: A colourful attestation cum passing out parade of 71 trainees of BRTC driver course was held today at Police Training Institute, Vijaypur. Additional Director General of Police (Armed) Kuldeep Khoda presided the function. He inspected the parade and took salute of the march past of police trainees. He also presented medals to the trainees, who excelled in various activities. The performance of constable driver Sohan Lal Number 725/Sec was judged excellent for which he has been declared as ‘All Round Best’ trainee whereas Constable Meharaj-u-Din Number 893/D secured first position in outdoor, Constable driver Sohan Lal Number 725/Sec secured first position in indoor and constable driver Varinder Kumar Number 484/Sec secured first position in range classification. Addressing the passing out parade, the ADGP stressed upon the pass out driver trainees to perform their duties with the presence of mind as role of drivers is very crucial when the State is facing militancy. He asked Principal of the Institute to introduce more and more technical courses like computer course as the cyber crime is increasing day by day for which necessary guidance and support will be provided from the police headquarters. He congratulated the newly passed out trainees and advised them to perform their duties with dedication and honesty to achieve the over all function of police in maintenance of peace and detection of crime. Principal of the Training School, Bhupinder Singh gave a resume of the functioning of the institution and said that so far the institute has trained around 6422 police personnel of various courses since its inception in January 1999. IGP (Modernization) A R Khan, Director SKPA, Ram Lubaya, IGPNavin Aggarwal, DPT J&K Ashok Gupta, Director SSG Dilwagh Singh and others were present on the occasion. Rajiv Nagar water supply scheme
to Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 22: Water supply scheme for providing potable water to water scarce area of Rajiv Nagar would become functional within 15 days as work on reservoir of 60,000 gallon capacity has already been completed the laying of distribution pipes to the area started today in presence of Minister of State for Transport, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, Raman Bhalla who visited the construction site to inspect the pace of work on the project. Huge gathering was present on the occasion to thank the Minister for personally monitoring work on the project. Addressing the gathering, Mr Bhalla said that the work of lying of pipes would be completed within announced that the work on 112 flat complex for slum dwellers is in full pace and is nearing completion. While giving resume of the developmental works completed in the area during last two years, the Minister said Rajiv Nagar area which was ignored by the earlier Government has been brought under Jammu Municipality and all lanes and drains of the localities were constructed to facilitate the people who were living in unhygienic conditions. Paying tributes to those who were killed in a terrorist attack in the ocality some years back the Minister said that the present Government has pledged to protect the oppressed and poor people of the society. He said considering the plight of the people living in the locality all families were provided BPL ration cards. Similarly, a school was opened to provide the children of the locality an opportunity to get education. Kundal inspects semen centre at Utterbehni Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Minister of State for Animal and Sheep Husbandry Yash Paul Kundal today visited Utterbehni and inspected frozen semen centre there. The Minister during his surprise inspection of the centre checked the attendance of the staff as also enquired about the technique of the frozen semen centre. He evinced keen interest in centre and working that is of vital importance for livestock and expressed his satisfaction over the working of staff posted in the centre. Later, Mr. Kundal also attended the concluding function of an awareness camp at the adjoining Badori village. At the camp Rs. 6000 were distributed among 40 destitute women by the Minister. He was informed that the awareness camp organized by the local NGO trained the women of the village in making and preserving pickles, handicrafts, handlooms, and other skills through which they could set up their own income generating ventures. Suman for strengthening social sector Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Suman Bhagat has called for strengthening of social sector for rural transformation. Addressing a function after distributing Indra Awaz Yojana cheques among 79 BPL beneficiaries at R.S Pura, she said about 179 beneficiaries have been covered under this scheme for the last two years and assured the gathering that the quota of IAY would be increased Panchayat wise. Listing the developmental works completed in R.S Pura during the last two years , Ms Suman Bhagat said that about 900 water connections have been provided people of this constituency. Similarly 6 new dispensaries were opened in the far flung areas, besides 5 ambulances were provided to the block to provide better medical facilities at the door steps of the people. Regarding improvement for the transmission line in the constituency, Ms Bhaghat said that Rs.50 lakh would be provided for modernization of distribution system for ensuring un-interrupted power supply to the people .She further said that due share would be given to the R.S Pura, under Border Area Development Programme. Natrang stages ‘Nandikar’ in Kolkata theatre festival Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Natrang Theatre Group staged its fifth play in the International Theatre Festival of India—‘Nandikar’ at the Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata this evening. Natrang’s highly acclaimed play ‘Aap Hamare Hain Kaun’ written and directed by Balwant Thakur not only got the standing ovation from the intellectuals of Kolkata but also the real appreciation for highly innovative work in the field of children’s theatre. Young artists of Natrang stole the hearts of every body in the audience and for this they received repeated appreciation. This is for the fifth time that Natrang team is in Kolkata in connection with their participation in the prestigious theatre event ‘ Nandikar’ . Earlier to this plays, ‘ Mahabhoj’ ‘ Bawa Jittoo’ , ‘Mere Hisse Ki Dhoop Kahan Hai’ and ‘Ghumayee’ have featured in this festival. Twenty- one artists of Natrang appeared on stage and gave a lively performance. The younger group included Shubam Puri, Juhi Singh , Sahil Anand, Tanvi, Ruhi Singh, Shakshi, Mayank, Sunalika, Krishan, Aatish, Prachika and Parul. Senior group included Mohit , Mukta and others, Music has been composed by Anil Tickoo, Satish Lalotra played rhythm, lights were executed by Suraj Ganjooand Venus Sethi managed stage. Bhim asks PM to clarify scope of statement on Kashmir Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Dec 22: Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers’ Party Chairman Bhim Singh today asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to clarify the scope of his statement that India would seek negotiated settlement of Kashmir issue except redrawing the boundaries of the counrty. The Prime Minister should let the nation know the meaning and the scope of his statement as people of Jammu and Kashmir stand for the reunion of the state as it existed in 1947, Singh said in a statement here. It was the resolve of Parliament of India in 1994 when it unanimous adopted a resolution stating that the only agenda vis-a-vis Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan is that Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) should be liberated from Pakistan. The PoK includes entire area of the state comprising of 28,000 sq kms of Gilgit and Balstistan, he said. Singh asked the Indian leadership to let the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country know about the fate of that resolution. He also demanded a clear statement on whether India has agreed to surrender PoK and Gilgit to Pakistan by converting the Line of Control (LoC) into International Borders. People on the other side of LoC should be given the right and choice to hold referendum whether they want to live in Pakistan, Singh said. Any move, patronised by the Anglo-American axis, to divide the state shall be disastrous for peace and not acceptable to the people. Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: The Geeta Jayanti was celebrated with full religious fervour and gaiety at the Geeta Satsang Ashram Migrant Camp Phase Second today. On the occasion a Maha Yagya was also solemnized and religious discourses were held. Lecturers of the philosophy of Shrimad Bhagawat Geeta were given by Swami Kumar Ji, Swami Pran Nath Bhat Garib and other scholars. A large number of people drawn from different parts of the Jammu took part in the celebrations. The festive activities continued in the ashram for two days. The Havan started yesterday and Puran Ahuti was performed today after which the devotees were served with prashad. A two day function in connection with the celebrations of Geeta Jayanti commenced at Geeta Bhavan Muthi today with solemnization of a Maha Yagya under the supervision of T N Pandit. The Maha Yagya will culminate with the Puran Ahuti tomorrow afternoon. This will be followed with the serving of Prashad to devotees. |
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