|
|
| Coalition partners would encourage honest candidates in civic polls: Mir Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 29: Asserting that Government is keen to de-centralize all powers to elected representatives in municipal corporations and other local bodies, the Minister for Tourism and Urban Development, Mr Ghulam Hassan Mir today said that coalition.....more Chief
Justice’s appeal Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 29: Chief Justice of the State High Court, Justice S N Jha has appealed to all members of Jammu and Kashmir Judicial Service, members.......more 36 AEEs in
R&B Deptt Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 29: Minister Incharge Road and Buildings, G A Mir has ordered transfers and postings of thirty-six Assistant Executive Engineers.........more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 29: The J&K Branch of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India organised a seminar on the Value Added Tax (VAT).....more Air Vice
Marshal Sofat Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 29: Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Satish Kumar Sofat has assumed the charge of Senior Officer in charge.....more |
 |
Shiva
Gun Factory arms licence case Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 29: The State High Court has directed Union of India to incorporate Dharam Paul as co-licence in place of late Dherendra Brahamachari in a much publicized Shiva Gun Factory.................more Four daily
flights Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 29: Minister for Youth Services and Sports Haji Nissar Ali and Minister for Science and Technology, Niwang Rigzin Jora alongwith MLC P.Namgial today called on the Union Civil Aviation Minister Prafull Patel.......more Flying
squads to Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 29: The Power Development Department braces for launching a comprehensive drive to check power theft by Industrialists and high power.......more Taj for
involving students Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 29: Spreading of awareness about consumer rights to the rural and semi-urban areas, establishment of consumer forums at district level.......more |
Coalition partners would encourage honest
Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 29: Asserting that Government is keen to de-centralize all powers to elected representatives in municipal corporations and other local bodies, the Minister for Tourism and Urban Development, Mr Ghulam Hassan Mir today said that coalition partners would extend all support to candidates having a recognition as dedicated and honest in their areas and would not float their candidate against such persons in the ensuing municipal elections. During informal chat with media persons here today, the Minister reiterated firm determination of the coalition Government to hold transparent, free and fair elections to the local bodies and other public institutions and said that it is optimistic to ensure massive participation of the people in the development process so that balanced development of all the municipal wards and areas of local bodies in urban areas could take off in accordance with the aspirations of the people. Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Mr Abdul Majid Wani, a galaxy of media persons besides Director Information, J&K Kh Farooq Renzu were also present. Mr Mir appealed people to elect honest, dedicated and popular representatives for their area so that the problems of the people confronting on civic amenities and other basic facilities could be addressed effectively. He said once the elections to the municipal corporations of Jammu and Srinagar cities besides other municipal councils and committees are concluded, the powers to look after all basic and essential services would be vested to the democratically elected bodies. Spelling out the performance registered in the urban development sector during last 22 months of the present Government, the Minister said that thrust was laid to construction and development of public utility assets like town halls, play fields, bus terminals, public parks and parking slots besides toilet and sanitation facilities at public places. In reply to a query, the Minister expressed full faith on the democratic set up and electioneering process in vogue said that there is no room to any sought of irregularity or rigging. He said the results of the last parliament elections in which people of the State elected representatives of various parties vindicates its transparency and free and fairness. Describing press fourth empire of democracy, Mr Mir appealed media persons to project the performance of the coalition Government and other parties objectively adding that it will always welcome the constructive criticism. Minister of State Abdul Majid Wani gave a resume of the achievement of Housing and Urban Development during last two years and appealed the media persons to extend their full cooperation for highlighting the programmes launched by the State and Central Government for alleviating poverty in the urban areas. He lauded the role of press both print and electronic media for highlighting several programmes among the rural masses for which the people are responding positively to avail the benefits of several schemes launched by Central and State Government for upliftment of socio-economic development in rural areas. |
 |
Chief Justice’s appeal to judicial fraternity Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 29: Chief Justice of the State High Court, Justice S N Jha has appealed to all members of Jammu and Kashmir Judicial Service, members of High Court/Subordinate Courts staff and Advocates to contribute generously to extend helping hand to the victims of killer Tsunami tidal waves that claimed thousands of lives in South-East coast of the nation. Moved by the tragedy, the Chief Justice has felt that judicial fraternity of the State should rise to the occasion and contribute generously— atleast one day’s salary for the purpose. He has also appealed Advocates to make suitable contributions. On his part, the Chief Justice has contributed rupees 5,000 towards this relief fund. According to Registrar General J&K High Court, those connected with judiciary and who want to contribute, may make the contributions to " Chief Justice’s Relief Fund Account number CD-38 J&K Bank High Court Complex Jammu and Chief Justice’s Relief Fund Account Number S/B-1355 J&K Bank High Court Complex Srinagar". The amount collected by cash/cheque/draft will be contributed towards Prime Minister’s Relief Fund, the Registrar General said. |
|
36 AEEs in R&B Deptt transferred, adjusted Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 29: Minister Incharge Road and Buildings, G A Mir has ordered transfers and postings of thirty-six Assistant Executive Engineers (AEEs) in the R&B department. Abhinav Wangnoo, awaiting orders of posting has been posted in Jourian R&B Sub Division vice Jaspal Singh who has been sent to Belicharana, Jammu. Ashok Kumar Koul, presently posted as TO to Xen R&B Division Chatroo is shifted and posted in Floriculture Department against available vacancy. Rajesh Gandotra has been shifted from MVDS Board to R&B Construction Div-III Jammu vice Tarsem Thappa, who will report to MVDS Board. Mushtaq Ahmed Raina, TO to SE R&B Circle Rajouri-Poonch has been transferred and posted in Sub Div North Rajouri vice Sadiq Ahmed , who shall report to CE R&B Jammu. Danish Ram Pal presently posted in R&B MC Sub Div -III Jammu is shifted to R&B Sub Div-II Jammu vice M L Thappa. Mr Thappa has been sent to M C Div Jammu . Mohd Jabbar Kuchey has been shifted from JKPCC Kashmir to R&B Sub Div Seer vice Akhtar Hussain Shah who will report to PDA in place of Mohd Yousuf. Mr Yousuf will go to R&B SD Khanabal vice I A Malik. Mr Malik has now been shifted to National Highway Bypass Sub Div -II Srinagar vice Mushtaq Ahmed Bhat. Mr Bhat will go to R&B SD Charar-i-Sharief. Bashir ahmed Bhat will go from Charar-i-Sharief to Kupwara Sub Division against available vacancy. Umar Jameel, under orders of transfer to LAWWDA shall report to Administrative department till further orders, Mohd Abdullah Bhat, under orders of transfer to SMC has been posted in Ganderbal R&B Sub Div against K A Magrey, who has been sent to R&B SD-II Srinagar. Balbir Singh has been shifted from SIDCO to Estates Division as TO to Executive Engineer. R K Gupta TO to Xen, Estates Division has been sent to SIDCO Jammu vice Balbir Singh. Deedar Singh Sandy, awaiting orders of posting has been sent to Billawar R&B Sub Division vice L K Mattoo. Mr Mattoo will report to JKPCC, Jammu. Rajesh Abrol, awaiting orders of adjustment has been shifted to Pouni Sub Div vice D R Khajuria, who shall report to Administrative department. Roop Lal TO to Xen R&B Division Katra has been shifted to Vigilance organisation. Parvez Qadeemi, awaiting orders of adjustment, has been sent to Police Housing Corporation vice N A Bandey. Jagdish Gupta, presently posted in REW Jammu is shifted to Bishnah R&B Sub Division, Arvind Gupta from R&B SD Belicharana to JKPCC Jammu, O P Sharma from Designs, Inspection & Quality Control Jammu to REW Jammu against available vacancy. Sunil Thusoo , under orders of transfer to R&B SD Bhaderwah has been posted in Nowshera Sub Div vice Paramjit Singh. Mr Singh will be TO to Xen R&B MC Div Jammu vice Ajay Kumar Raju. Mohit Mahajan has been shifted from Landhar Sub Div to JDA against available vacancy, Parshotam Kumar from SIDCO to PHC , Asgar Ali Watali from Forest Protection Force to Tourism department while Niaz Ahmed Bandey from Tourism department to Forest Protection Force vice Mr Watali. |
|
|
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 29: The J&K Branch of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India organised a seminar on the Value Added Tax (VAT) here at Hotel Ritz Manor ,today. Besides the CAs from J&K the seminar was attended by the Chartered Accountants from neighboring Punjab also. In this seminar Alok Krishan, senior Chartered Accountant from Chandigarh and VAT expert deliberated on the subject. He informed the members that over 140 countries are already following VAT system of taxation and some of the countries had adopted it way back in fifties. He explained in detail the concept of VAT and appreciated the Central and state governments for having taken a decision to finally implement VAT from April 1, 2005. He compared the Draft Bill of the J&K State with the bills and acts of the other states and highlighted the positive points as well as the deficiencies in the Bill which the State Government must take care of before implementing VAT in J&K. Vikram Garg , secretary of J&K Branch who convened the proceedings throughout the seminar, earlier introduced the guest faculties to the chartered accountants. Rajat Mengi, chairman of the J&K Branch while welcoming the speakers highlighted the role of CAs in proper drafting and effective implementation of VAT. He informed that the Institute of CAs of India has already been approached by many state governments for continuous guidance in this regard. Amarjit Chopra, Central Council member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of New Delhi spoke on peer review and accounting standards. He informed that now even the CAs work shall be reviewed by the Institute. He also advised all the business organisations to follow the accounting standards as these have become mandatory and stressed upon the CAs to report about the noncompliance in their audit reports. The vote of thanks was presented by V K Kapur, vice chairman of the J&K Branch. The seminar concluded with the recital of National Anthem. |
|
Air Vice Marshal Sofat assumes
charge of Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 29: Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Satish Kumar Sofat has assumed the charge of Senior Officer in charge Administration at Headquarters Western Air Command. Commissioned in the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force in December 1969 S K Sofat has had a very distinguished career. An Alumnus of National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla and a graduate from Defence Service Staff College, Wellington & College of Air Warfare, Secunderabad, Mr Sofat has held various command, staff, instructional and diplomatic appointments during his service career spanning 35 years. Mr Sofat has 3000 hours of accident free flying to his credit. He has flown various types of fighter aircraft in the inventory of the Indian Air Force and has the distinction of commanding a premier fighter squadron, a forward base, a training base and an operational base. Air Vice Marshal Sofat has taken part in the 1971 Indo-Pak war and he is an A -2 category instructor. Earlier he has served as Joint Director and Director at Air Headquarters and operations 1 at Headquarters Western Air Command. He was awarded Vayu Sena Medal in 1996. He has also served as Defence Attache at Embassy of India, Paris. Prior to this posting, AVM Sofat was commanding the Advance Headquarters HQ WAC, IAF for one year. |
|
Shiva Gun Factory arms
licence case Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 29: The State High Court has directed Union of India to incorporate Dharam Paul as co-licence in place of late Dherendra Brahamachari in a much publicized Shiva Gun Factory case. Dherendra Brahamachari, who was a Managing Partner of this gun factory and after his death petitioner Dharam Paul, on the basis of the will executed by Dherendra Brahamachari a day before his death on June 8, 1994 and on the basis of probate of will and letter of administration which was granted on November 2, 1994 by the then District Judge Jammu in favour of Dharam Paul, had claimed his name to be included in the gun manufacturing licence of Shiva Gun Factory in substitution of Dherendra Brahamachari. This judgment was pronounced by Justice SK Gupta of the State High Court, in his 19 page judgment, whereby direction was issued to Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs New Delhi and others to incorporate the name of the petitioner Dharam Paul. Dharam Paul had filed the petition in 2002 challenging the order, whereunder his plea to include the name was rejected. As per the case one Dharam Chand was granted arms manufacturing licence by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 1980. In 1982, late Dherendra Brahamachari was added as partner in the arms manufacturing licence of M/S Shiva Gun Factory Jammu having over 87 percent share. Brahamachari had executed will on June 8, 1994 in favour of Dharam Paul, whereby all rights enjoined by him in Shiva Gun Factory came to be bequeathed in favour of the petitioner Dharam Paul. Brahamachari had, however, died next day on June 9, 1994 in a plane crash. While allowing the petition, Justice Gupta observed that from the facts and circumstances, it is clearly established that District Judge Jammu issued a probate and letter of administration in favour of Dharam Paul with regard to the rights and interests of late Dherendra Brahamachari of Shiva Gun Factory and its licence. "Unless the probate and the letter of administration granted in favour of the petitioner has been revoked, in appropriate proceedings, its validity cannot be questioned in any other proceeding. It would be thus clear that the petitioner being successor-in-interest of late Brahamachari has a right to be considered for inclusion of his name in place of Dherendra Brahamachari in arms manufacturing licence. The case of the petitioner is squarely covered by the policy of the Government of 1971 being legal successor having acquired the rights and interest of late Brahamachari for incorporation of his name in arms licence"., the court observed, while setting aside the order of Home Ministry wherein under the claim of the petitioner was rejected. |
|
Four daily flights from Jammu to Leh from January Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 29: Minister for Youth Services and Sports Haji Nissar Ali and Minister for Science and Technology, Niwang Rigzin Jora alongwith MLC P.Namgial today called on the Union Civil Aviation Minister Prafull Patel at New Delhi and apprised him about the problems being faced to the Ladakhies especially in winter owing to shortage of air flights to Leh. They apprised the Union Minister that presently two flights are operating from Jammu to Leh which can not cater the need of passengers and demanded increase in air flights from two to four daily. They also requested for starting services of 80-R 50 seater from Srinagar and Jammu to Kargil to facilitate the people of the district. The Union Minister gave patient hearing to the demands of State Ministers and gave on spot instructions to Sunil Arora, Chairman of Indian Airlines for starting four flights from Jammu to Leh from Ist week of January. With regard to services of 80-R, the Minister assured them that measures would be initiated after assessment by a team of experts who will be deputed to the State soon. Later both the Ministers held a meeting with the Management of Decccan Airways and asked them for starting their services from Srinagar to Kargil and Leh and also from Jammu to Kargil and Leh. The Management agreed in principle and decided that this will be finalized in the next meeting being held in the next month. |
|
Flying squads to check power theft Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 29: The Power Development Department braces for launching a comprehensive drive to check power theft by Industrialists and high power consuming units. For the purpose, the department would constitute flying squads each at Jammu and Srinagar comprising Chief Engineer M & RE, Superintendent Engineers and all Executive Engineers M & RE for carrying out night raids. The flying squads to be headed by Power Development Commissioner would not only check misuse of power by the industrial units but also recover escalating amounts due from these industries. Announcing this at a high level meeting of officers of the PDD the Minister for Power, Mohammad Sharief Niaz instructed for speedy constitution of such squads for checking misuse of power during late hours by the Industrial units. He said that he would be personally supervising the functioning of these squads. He said such steps are imperative because the power position in the State could only be streamlined by plugging loopholes. Niaz said that the installation of electronic meters is a major success in curtailing power pilferage by the consumers. He said that work on installation of remaining electronic meters in the residential as well as business establishments would be completed soon. The minister warned the consumers and the field staff against resorting to unscrupulous activities and said that any body violating electric regulations would be punished as warranted under law. He said in-vogue methodology in consultation with engineers, planners and technical experts is also being devised to check the menace of power pilferage by putting hooks on the low tension lines. |
|
Taj for involving students
to create Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 29: Spreading of awareness about consumer rights to the rural and semi-urban areas, establishment of consumer forums at district level, inclusion of knowledge about consumer rights in academic curriculum at school and college level, expansion of the ambit of the Consumer Protection Act to uncovered items and services and more stringent laws for dealing with adulterators and profiteers were some suggestions put forth by the speakers at a consumer meet organised by the State Consumer Affairs Department at GGM Science college here today as apart of on going National consumer week. Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Taj Mohi-ud-Din was the Chief guest, while Minister of State for Transport, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Raman Bhalla presided over the function. The students of GGM science college and women College Gandhi Nagar, experts on the subject besides representatives of various NGO’s presented their view point on the subject. Highlighting the importance of creating awareness about the Consumer Rights in the era of globalization of economy, the Speakers stressed the need for carrying the message of consumer rights to the rural suburbs and called for involvement of NGO’s and grass root level institution in creating awareness among the ignorant masses about their rights and duties. Speaking on the occasion Taj Mohi-ud-Din said that the erstwhile Food and Supplies Department with its new name as Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department expanded its areas of activity with a thrust on its role as guardian of rights of the consumers. He said the Weights and Measure Department, which was earlier under Revenue Department was brought within the Consumer Affairs Department on the Central pattern. He said an independent consumer court with consumer forums at divisional level were set up for looking into the grievances of the consumer. Giving detail about the department’s activities in respect of protection of rights of consumers, the Minister said special teams have been constituted right from tehsil level to check adulteration profiteering by unscrupulous elements. Similarly, the department is creating awareness about consumer rights by organizing seminars in schools, colleges and other places, he said adding that both national and international events about consumer rights are celebrated by the department by organising seminars distributing pamphlets, posters and bills for educating people about the consumer rights. He said during the ongoing National Consumer Rights Week, the department took up a hectic exercise by distributing literature about the rights of the consumers and organising seminars at State, division and district levels. |
|
Praja Parishad forms new committee Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 29: Praja Parishad today formed a new committee for making survey of total territory of Jammu city, chalk out strategy and formulate the policy of making electoral understanding with the like minded political outfits if felt necessary for forthcoming Municipal Corporation elections. Chander Mohan Sharma, president of J&K Praja Parishad announced this 12-member committee with Pt Som Nath as convenor and Ramesh Chander secretary. The members are—Master Mukund Lal, Pt Dwarika Nath, Surinder Sharma, Surinder Saharan, Th Balwant Singh Jamwal, Arun Choudhary, Antu Kotwal, Raj Kumari, Ashwani Gupta, Aditya Gupta, Rajesh Khajuria and Gurmeet Singh. |
|
Qazi lays foundation stone of water supply scheme Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 29: Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Qazi Mohammad Afzal has reiterated the coalition Government’s resolve to provide basic amenities of life to the people at the grass root level. Speaking at a function after laying foundation stone of Water Supply Scheme at Greater Kailash in outskirts of Jammu city, Qazi said that in a democratic system it is the foremost duty of the Government to initiate measures for all round welfare of the people. He said that the Ministers are the servants and not the masters of the people. Referring to the past years of militancy in the State, the Minister said that the coalition Government headed by the Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed succeeded in bringing back an era of peace and tranquility in which the people have heaved a sigh of relief and the process of development has picked up at all levels. He added that this could be made possible only with the active cooperation of the people from all the three regions of the State. He said "what ever we promise we do it for the betterment of the people". He issued instructions to the concerned authorities for making immediate arrangements for the water supply to the area till the scheme was commissioned. He also praised the field staff and officers of the department for their dedicated and sincere working. The Minister of State for Transport, Raman Bhalla who was also present on the occasion said that whatever development the coalition Government achieved within a couple of years could not be achieved during last many years. He said that the coalition Government has succeeded on all fronts and the long pending demands of the people are being fulfilled now. He said unprecedented development is being experienced by the State at present. Bhalla said that Rs. 2 crores have been expended on providing road communication in Gandhinagar constituency during last two years. Much more is being done, he added. |
|
SBHT setting up Steelbird Shopee in J&K Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 29: Steelbird Hi Tech India Limited—one of the leading company in helmets and auto accessories is setting up Steelbird Shopee in Jammu and Kashmir as a part of its marketing network expansion programme especially after setting up of new manufacturing facility at Baddi in Himachal Pradesh. This was disclosed by Managing Director of Steelbird Rajiv Kapoor while talking to media-persons here today. "As a part of our expansion plan we have come up with a largest state of the art manufacturing facility in Baddi in Himachal Pradesh and to provide the people world class helmets we are expanding marketing network", he said. "We have chosen Himachal Pradesh because it’s so cheaper to set up unit there because of no tax, less labour cost and other similar factors", Mr Kapoor said while replying to a question and disclosed that Steelbird would also set-up a small unit in Jammu and Kashmir as Government in this State was also providing subsidies to attract industrialists. Since establishment of market was necessary before setting up of unit in that particular area Steelbird is setting up its Shopee in J&K to create market of its high quality and consumer friendly helmets, the Managing Director of the company said. About the company, he said "Steelbird is the only helmet manufacturing company in India which has a technical tie-up with a foreign company—Composites Bieffe SRL of Italy and AD Engineering, Italy", adding "it is due to the dint of our quality and standard that we have been able to establish vast distribution network in different countries like Europe, Egypt, Vietnam, Bahrain, Dubai and Nepal etc". Mr Kapoor said that Steelbird specialises in fiberglass reinforce plastic helmets and its pressurised dust free manufacturing facility is equipped with injection and balloon molding, ultra modern paint shop and conveyer based assembly system. "We believe in producing quality helmets, which are designed to provide maximum safety to its users and to achieve higher standards of safety we have acquired shock absorption test equipment from AD Engineering Italy", he said. He disclosed that company would launch riding suits in India by April 2005. |
|
JK Bank intensifies recovery drive Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 29: The Jammu and Kashmir Bank, a fastest growing bank with NPA level just 1% of the total advances portfolio has decided to further bring down the NPA level so as to improve the quality of its assets. The Bank, during a meeting of the executives decided to further intesify its already going on recovery drive so that more and more funds, which are locked up in non-performing category are recovered and recycled for the over all development of economic conditions of the people. Recovery teams have been constituted at branch level , district and zonal level to give a fillip to recovery drive. The recovery teams have been directed to move from door to door and meet defaulters at their homes as well as work places. This may cause some embarrassment to the defaulting borrowers but it has become unavoidable for the bank. In additrion to this, other steps such as action under securitization & Reconstruction of financial assets and enforcement of security interests Act 2002 arrears of Land revenue and recovery through Dy Director Employment are also being restored. The bank has also decided to seize commercial vehicles, cars and other conbsumer items where the installments have gone into arrears. A detailed programme has been chalnked out and is being vigorously followed. |
|
|
Camp to rehabilitate disabled held at Rajouri Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Dec 29: The Composite Regional Centre, Srinagar, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India organised a 2-day Assessment-cum-Distribution camp at Rajouri today. Mirdilla Jain, Director General of National Institute of India inaugurated the camp. District Development Commissioner, Rajouri, Mohd Abass Dar and Director CRC Srinagar, Mohd Iqbal Mir were present on the occasion. Over 250 handicapped persons belonging to different areas of the district were assessed by a team of professional doctors for prescribing need based aids and appliances. Reputed surgeons from National Institute of Orthopedic Handicaps carried out on spot corrective surgeries in the camp. Earlier, in her inaugural address Mirdilla Jain said that all the 250 identified beneficiaries would be provided with artificial aids like artificial limbs, tri-cycles, crutches, wheel chairs, visual and hearing aids besides counselling after thorough medical check up. |
|
|
|
|
|
Estimate Committee for
changes in Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 29: The Estimate Committee of legislators met here today under the chairmanship of Prem Sagar Aziz, MLA and discussed the functioning of the Estate Department. The committee deliberated on various issues relating to the Estate accommodation to various categories of Government functionaries and VIPs and suggested measures for bringing changes and improvement in the functioning. The committee expressed its concern over the large scale occupancy of Government accommodation by unauthorized persons both at Srinagar and Jammu resulting in depriving genuine persons from getting accommodation. The committee also took serious view about the poor conditions of Government quarters at some localities like Nehru market, Top Sherkhania, Janipur, etc as no repair works have been executed. The committee further said that the department must evolve a mechanism for providing suitable accommodations to legislators in future as the accommodation available at MLA’s Hostel is inadequate. The committee sought various details related to the criteria of allotment, expenditure on repairs of Government houses and funds involved on the repair works for the last couple of years. The meeting was attended by legislators Abdul Gani Malik, Bashir ahmad Naz, Ms Shanti Devi, Mohamma Sayed Akhoon, Qaiser Jamshid Lone, Ghulam Nabi Lone, Director EStates, Parvez Malik and other officers of EState Department and Assembly Secretariat. |
|
Zargar asks banks to
increase credit flow Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 29: The Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Abdul Aziz Zargar today called for reviving all cooperative credit societies to provide hustle free lending facilities to the peasants especially small and marginal farmers. He said number of Kissan Credit Cards should be increased to enhance the coverage of institutional credit. Speaking at the one day workshop on "doubling of credit flow to agriculture in next three years" organised by NABARD here this morning, the Minister asked the banks to further improve upon the credit flow to agriculture sector in view of its tremendous economic and employment generation. The Principal Secretary, Agriculture Production, Mr B.B. Vyas, Special Secretary, Agriculture Production, Mr M.Sayeed Khan, Chief General Manager, NABARD, Mr S. Mohapatra, Registrar Cooperatives, Dr G.N. Qasba, Director Agriculture Jammu, Vinod Bala Sharma, Managing Director JCC Bank Jammu and representatives of other banks including J&K Bank, Punjab National Bank, EDB and concerned officers of Horticulture and allied departments were present in the meeting. One of the objectives of the workshop was to familiarize the banks and field officers about latest schemes introduced in agriculture, horticulture and allied sectors for diversification, quality upgradation, processing, post harvest technology, marketing and value addition. The Minister enjoined upon the concerned agriculture and allied departments to increase sponsorship for KCC and agriculture clinics so that banks could consequently increase flow of credit. The meeting was informed that about 1.50 lakh Kissan Credit Cards are being issued this year and about 1.25 lakh families are being benefited under the agriculture credit plan this year. The beneficiaries would be provided a lending facility to the tune of Rs 267 crore, of which, 55 per cent has been incurred so far. The procedure of completing formalities for KCC has been made time bound and simplified. Petitions Committee welcomes genuine complaints Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Dec 29: The House Committee on Petitions has called for filling of any sort of genuine complaint from the aggrieved for seeking justice. The Petition Committee that met here under the chairmanship of Dr Manohar Lal Sharma, MLA and took stock of the pending petitions filed by the people before the committee on different subjects. In today’s meeting the committee deliberated on a complaint filed by one employee of Indira Gandhi Open University regarding eState accommodation at Jammu. The committee sought the report from the Director EStates on the subject and also sought views of other members of the committee. The committee sought certain details pertaining to the criteria for eState allotments to various sections of employees and other categories from the Director EStates. The committee directed the Director EStates to formulate a transparent system for Government allotments for residential purpose devoid of pick and choose and formula. The committee further suggested that genuine amendments should be made to the existing rules in tone with changing scenario and requirements. Director EStates, Parvez Malik briefed the committee about the general functioning of the department. He also apprised the committee about the various steps taken for bringing more transparency in the functioning of the department. Those present in the meeting included legislators Dr. Mehboob Baig, Nazir Ahmed Gurezi, G. M. Saroori, Ashwani Sharma, Zahoor Ahmed Mir and officers of the Assembly Secretariat. Interactive session on VAT held Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 29: The Sales Tax Department, Jammu division organised an interactive session on VAT (Value Added Tax) at Jammu. The aim of the session was to create awareness among the traders regarding this new taxation system. The aim of the session was to create awareness among the traders regarding this new taxation system. The session was held as a geared up measure towards implementation of VAT from April, 2005. Traders falling in the jurisdiction of Sales Tax circle ‘K’ and ‘O’ attended the session. The traders had many apprehensions regarding VAT which were removed by R K Koul, Dy. Sales Tax Commissioner, Tax Planning, i/c VAT. He gave a patient hearing to all queries and replied these upto the satisfaction of audiences. He spoke at length on VAT as a system of taxation, its near universal acceptability acceptability and transparency. Mr Koul told the traders that in case there is any doubt in their minds regarding VAT, they are always welcome individually as well as collectively in the VAT cell functioning in the office of the Commissioner Sales Tax, Jammu. He Koul was also assisted by resource personnel’s Avinash Sadhotra, Rajesh Sharma and Susheel Kumar (all Excise and Taxation Officers). Dy. Sales Tax Commissioner (Adm) Jammu, S K Koul, while concluding the session summarised the broad features of VAT. He stressed that VAT is a multi point taxation system that avoids cascading, enhances tax neutrality, promotes indigenous industry and exports and is a dealer friendly transparent system. He requested the unregistered dealers having sale/purchase above the threshold limit to voluntarily seek registration before implementation of VAT. Rajinder Motial, general secretary of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry appreciated the efforts of the Sales Tax Department in organising such sessions at different localities. Natrang begins winter theatre workshop Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 29: A 15 day ‘winter theatre workshop’ was inaugurated by Mr Balwant Thakur at Natrang Theatre Studio today. This workshop for children is being conducted by Moazzam Ali, an artist of Theatre-in-Education, National School of Drama, New Delhi and coordinated by Neeraj Kant. Moazzam Ali has been working with TIE company for the past 10 years. While inaugurating the Natrang workshop, Mr Thakur revealed the that thrust will be on personal development of children on the concept devised in Europe and through different experiments, exercises and games, the abounding potential of the participants will be tapped under the apt direction of the theatre experts on TIE, the workshop will give a chance to the children to express and explore themselves and not become part of this mechanized system. Two day Training Workshop for Vigilance Officers Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 29: State Vigilance Organisation is organizing a two day training workshop for Departmental Vigilance Officers at Jammu on 30th and 31st December 2004 to update the knowledge of Departmental Vigilance Officers and enable them to discharge their duties effectively. The Departmental Vigilance cells set up to strengthen the internal vigilance of various Government Departments and Public Sector Undertakings play an important role in conducting Departmental Verifications, surveillance of corrupt officials and participation in conduct of Joint Surprise Checks in association with officials of State Vigilance Organisation. The training workshop is an effort to update the knowledge of departmental Vigilance Officers to improve their efficiency and inculcate a sense of professionalism in them The inaugural function of the workshop will be held on December 30 in the Auditorium of Jammu Club. The Central Vigilance Commissioner, Government of India, New Delhi P.Shankar, would deliever keynote address on the occasion. The function would be presided over by the Chief Secretary, J&K, Dr. Sudhir S. Bloeria. A two day training programme spread over four sessions will follow the inaugural function. The State Vigilance Organisation is also going online by launching the website (www.jkvigilance.nic.in) at the inaugural function. |
|
| home | state | national | business| editorial | advertisement | sports | |
