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Pandits Muslims ready to perform any role to facilitate return of Pandits: Shabir Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 14: Reiterating that Kashmir was incomplete without the Pandits, Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) chairman.......more PIL
against encroachment of State land filed Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 14: The Division Bench of State High Court has pulled up Jammu Municipal Corporation........more RTO
acquitted of Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 14: Special Judge Anti-Corruption Jammu Mr M K Hanjura has acquitted Khazan Chand, the then Regional Transport officer..........more Youth
hangs himself to death Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 14: A barber was severely stabbed by a group of miscreants in the city while as a youth hanged.......more Dogri
Sanstha organises Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 14: Dogri Sanstha organised a multi-lingual short story session at Dogri Bhavan here this evening......more |
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J&K to make universities as centres of excellences: Mufti Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Feb 14: Focusing on education sector to make it as a vehicle for socio-economic change in the state, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that it would be the endeavour of the coalition government to develop universities as centres of excellence. ...............more ‘Alliances
are marriages of convenience’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 14: Even as the emergence of coalition politics in India has offered greater say to the States in the federal system, unfortunately it has also led to fall of idealism among politicians and their political parties...........more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 14: Hurrah Ashtami was celebrated at different places and the Bhajans and Kirtans were held in the temples during the yesterday night.........more State
level AIFACS art Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 14: 76th State level All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society, (AIFACS) New Delhi, opened today at the Abhinav Art Gallery, here today................more |
Restore shaken confidence of
Pandits Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 14: Reiterating that Kashmir was incomplete without the Pandits, Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) chairman, Shabir Ahmed Shah today assured the displaced community that Muslims are ready to perform any role defined by their Pandit brethren for their return and rehabilitation in Kashmir Valley. Addressing a seminar organized by Action Committee for Return of Migrants at Hotel Asia today, he said we are incomplete without each other. He said DFP is working for last four years on the return of Kashmir migrants to Valley and since my release from jail I have been often visiting their camps. He, while ruling out that Muslims were responsible for migration of Pandits from the Valley, said every body knows the reasons behind the migration of Pandits. Mr Shah said Kashmir does not belong to Muslims alone but equally to Pandits and Sikhs who are its aborigines. "We have a common heritage of 6000 years."Doom spelled on us when the migration took place", he added. He said no doubt we were fighting for independence and Pandits had differences on it with us. But they were not supposed to leave their homes and hearths as Kashmir is not the property of Muslims alone. He said Hurriyat does not represent the all people of the State and we have to take all sections of society including people of Ladakh, Jammu, Pandits and Sikhs with us for resolving the issue. Shah said the confidence of the Pandits has totally been shaken and steps needed to be taken to restore the same. He said the situation is rapidly changing in the Sub Continent and if we are united the politicians will fail to exploit us. Hailing the recent Hurriyat and Centre talks he said it was not a sell out. Addressing the seminar, Mohammed Shafi Hussain of Itihadul Muslimeen who represented the Hurriyat chief, Moulvi Abbas Ansari said, the message from Mr Ansari is that all Hindu brethren should return to Valley as they are part and parcel of our society. Mr Hussain said both majority and minority communities have to play their role in restoration of age old harmony in Kashmir. "Let bygones be bygones and we have to make efforts afresh", he added. He said Hurriyat is playing a positive role in restoration of peace and that is the reason we participated in dialogue process with Centre. Both countries India and Pakistan are also working in this direction. He said I have come with a message that majority community is incomplete without minority and whatever our goal will be we will struggle for it unitedly. Majority members in the seminar however opined that the situation was not as yet conducive for the return of Kashmiri Pandits to Valley. Addressing the seminar Jitender Bakshi, president of the Action Committee maintained that the interaction process will continue in future too. He, while rejecting the construction of clusters in Badgam and other places said, how Government can restore Kashmiriyat this way and it tantamounts of carving out many Panun Kashmirs in the Valley. He, however, maintained that he had an interaction with Syeed Ali Shah Geelani and Mohammed Yasin Malik of JKLF and both of them showed their desire that the Pandits should return to their homes and hearths. Outrightly opposing the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley at this juncture, senior Congress leader, Rafiq Sadiq said the situation is not yet ripe for the same. He turned tables on his own Party saying being the ruling partner in the coalition it has no judge of the situation. He said the KPs should not return at this juncture on the false assurances of the Government as no security of their life and limb can be guaranteed. Rejecting the construction of hutments for the rehabilitation of Pandits in Badgam, he said it is a way of minting money. He suggested that before floating the move on Pandits return the secessionist leaders Sayed Ali Shah Geelani and Yasin Malik be roped in as till they will not give assurance no guarantee to Kashmiri Pandits’ security can be ensured. Prof J K Muju chairman, Minority Council while stressing on inter community dialogue cautioned against the vested interests who he said are hell bent on sabotaging the same. He said during his recent visit to Kashmir he also interacted with some Hurriyat leaders and ready for interaction. Prof. Zahoor u-Din made it categorical that till gun is not silenced in Valley the return of migrants is not possible. He also suggested confidence building measures be initiated in the community. Ved Bhasin, chairman Kashmir Times Group in his presidential address also agreed that the situation was not conducive for the return of migrants and sense of security be restored among them. The welcome address was read by Prof. A N Sadhu who said restoration of confidence among the Pandits was the need of the hour. The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Shohib Anayat Malik. However a group of Kashmir migrants representing various organizations alleged that they were not allowed to enter the Hall to participate in the interaction. They include representatives of All KP Coordination Committee, R L Pandits and Vir Ji Billo, Youth Front activists, M K Bhat, Dilip Walli, P K Bhat, T N Bakshi and M L Munshi of NC, Ashwani Matto and Ravi Raina. |
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PIL
against encroachment of State land filed Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 14: The Division Bench of State High Court has pulled up Jammu Municipal Corporation authorities in a case connected with the encroachment of State land by one Hem Raj for the construction of a marriage hall. The court also directed inquiry officer to submit the detailed report within the given time. The PIL in this connection was filed by the residents of Tope Sherkhanian against the encroachment of land by an owner of a marriage hall. It was alleged in the petition that Hem Raj Gupta being hand in glove with the revenue authorities, Municipal Corporation and Judicial Officers has encroached upon land situated under survey No. 998, 849 and 872. The Division Bench directed Commissioner JMC to file affidavit and and documents regarding sanction of the site plans, if any, approved and also the documents of title in regard to the land, on the basis of which new marriage hall and Akshay Guest House are being constructed. The court also directed vice chairman JDA to file status report regarding the ownership and possession of the land. The Bench comprising Mr Chief Justice S N Jha and Ist Puisne Judge Mr Justice V K Jhanji directed the Registrar Vigilance High Court to call for the record or examine any official/ officers’ from JMC, JDA, or Nazool department involvement in the case. |
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RTO acquitted of corruption charges after 17 years Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 14: Special Judge Anti-Corruption Jammu Mr M K Hanjura has acquitted Khazan Chand, the then Regional Transport officer Jammu who was facing trial under Prevention of Corruption Act and embezzlement of Government money, for the last over 17 years investigation and Judicial trial. According to Vigilance case, Khazan Chand the then RTO with a malafide intentions, irregularly issued temporary permits and misappropriated fee to the tune of Rs 1,005, realised for the issuance of temporary permits, after such retention of the fee Khazan Chand remitted the same into the Govt Treasury many months after when the matter was investigated by the Vigilance Organisation. It was further alleged that accused Khazan Chand while issuing temporary permits, misused his official position as a public servant and thereby committed criminal misconduct during the discharge of official duties. The case was registered in the year 1986 and Vigilance organisation after completion of investigation presented challan in the court. Special Judge Anti-Corruption Mr Hanjura after hearing Chief Prosecuting Officer appearing for the Vigilance Organisation and advocate S C Bali appearing for the accused observed that it was for the prosecution to lead unerring evidence that the accused acted with dishonest or corrupt notice or abused his position in the issuance of temporary permits and thus burden has not been discharged by any evidence in this case . The judge observed that there is no evidence on record to state that the accused received an amount of fee personally and therefore, even the question of temporarily entrustment fact that accused had issued temporary permits from his home , particularly so , when the evidence on record is that the amount of fee was required to be deposited by the cashier to the Government Treasury on the next working day. As prosecution failed the prove the charges, the accused Khazan Chand is acquitted of the charges levelled against him. |
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Youth
hangs himself to death Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 14: A barber was severely stabbed by a group of miscreants in the city while as a youth hanged himself to death over some family dispute. This apart, four persons received severe burn injuries in accidental fire at their house. Police spokesman said that a barber Subash, son of Chela Ram of Fatoo Chougan was severely stabbed by a group of miscreants this morning soon after he opened his Delight Beauty Saloon. The miscreants, about four in number first entered into verbal dual with the barber and later stabbed him severelly with sharp edged weapons. After critically wounding the barber, the miscreants fled from the spot leaving behind the victim bleeding profusely. The victim was, later, rushed to Government Medical College Hospital and his condition was stated to be critical when reports last came in. Police has registered a case in this connection and launched hunt to nab the absconding miscreants. But no arrest was made late this evening. Meanwhile, a youth—Vakil Chand, son of Durga Dass of village Hakal under the jurisdiction of Satwari Police Station hanged himself to death near his house late last evening. He was spotted hanging with a tree by some villagers, who raised alarm and flashed the message to the police. The body was, later, rushed to hospital for post-mortem. The preliminary investigations revealed that he committed suicide over some family dispute. Four persons—Mamata, wife of Rajesh, Kulbir Singh, son of Prem Singh, Kirpal, son of Inder Singh and Ranjeet, son of Ajay Singh received severe burn injuries in accidental fire at their residence at Muthi under the jurisdiction of Domana Police Station. The cause of the fire was stated to be petroleum products kept in the house. |
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Dogri Sanstha organises multi-lingual short story session Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 14: Dogri Sanstha organised a multi-lingual short story session at Dogri Bhavan here this evening. Four short stories in Dogri, Punjabi, Hindi and Kashmiri were presented by eminent writers Prof Lalit Magotra, Khalid Hussain, Kiran Bakshi and Dr R L Shant respectively. Prof Lalit Magotra’s story in Dogri " Pehla Faisla " was highly appreciated by the audience comprising leading literary figures, prominent citizens and others. "Halala" a short story in Punjabi by Khalid Hussain was marked by its literary style and real life-like characters. Kiran Bakshi’s short story in Hindi had good narration and based on basic human emotions. " Miti" a story in Kashmiri by Dr R L Shant depicted in a dramatic style the socio-cultural life in Kashmir. Prof Veena Gupta, general secretary, Dogri Sanstha, in her opening address stated that the function has been arranged as part of year-long celebration for inclusion of Dogri in the Indian Constitution. Various literary programmes are being arranged in this connection, she added. Mr Ramesh Mehta, Secretary, Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, who presided over the function, appreciated Dogri Sanstha for organising such literary programmes. He lauded the merit of the short stories presented by the four eminent writers. |
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J&K to make universities as centres of excellences: Mufti Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Feb14: Focusing on education sector to make it as a vehicle for socio-economic change in the state, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that it would be the endeavour of the coalition government to develop universities as centres of excellence. Addressing a huge gathering after laying foundation stone of North Campus of Kashmir University at Delina in Baramulla, the Chief Minister said that the university should introduce job-oriented streams like IT, Bio-technology rather than the routine subjects. He said that in Information Technology there was requirement of 3 lakh trained personnel in the country but unfortunately the state lagged behind in producing such technocrats adding that this area needs to be given greater impetus. He said that on the persuasion of the government, the Reliance group of industries have agreed to set up an Institute of Management in the valley which will start functioning from July this year. This institute, he said, would be educationally and qualitatively as good as the one in Ahmadabad. The Chief Minister said that with Indo-Pak relations getting improved, we might, at one stage, think of reserving some seats for the students of POK as well. Such should be the excellence of our institutions that the students from different parts of Asia come here for higher studies. He emphasised on the university authorities to develop new campuses of the university with perspective planning for next 50 years to meet the future requirements as well. He further counseled them to explore the possibility of starting a medical college within the campus so as to meet growing requirements. He announced the government has decided to give admission to 30 students from each assembly constituency in ITIs to impart training to them in various skills and trades enabling them to get absorbed in different projects that are coming up in different parts of the state with stepped up pace of development. Mufti Sayeed said that our state does not lack in talent and ability to compete with the students of developed countries, adding that during his Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia he came across some doctors of the valley employed with the Royals. In Education sector, he said some far-reaching steps have been initiated by his government, which includes pre primary schooling, reduction in age for admission at primary level from 6 to 4 years and introduction of English as a medium of instruction from first primary. He said private sector has also been involved in this important sector and in this backdrop DPS are being set-up at the district headquarters. 20 per cent free seats for the meritorious students belonging to weaker sections have been reserved in these institutions and the state would bear their educational expenses. He asked University authorities to discuss the issue of introduction of streams in new campuses with the government before these could be started. Finance Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig in his speech that a comprehensive proposal for seeking assistance from the Centre for development of new campuses would be formulated. He said when ever the present government mooted any proposal to the centre it was nodded. He said the student community should not opt for traditional and routine streams but go for such streams which have ample job opportunities within and outside the country. He said the coalition government has pledged to take the state towards progress and development and eradicate illiteracy, diseases and poverty. He expressed the hope that the construction work of the new campus would be completed speedily within targeted time. He sought cooperation of the public in implementation of development activities for which peace is pre requisite . Member Parliament Saif-ud-Din Soz in his address said that a master plan for over all development of the university campus at Delina should be formulated. He said that any stream to be introduced in any campus need not be repeated in other campuses. He demanded that some of the Kashmir crafts were on the verge of extinction which required rejuvenation and preserved for progeny. Vice Chancellor Kashmir University, Prof. Jalees Ahmad Khan Tareen in his address said that Kashmir University has switched over to revised semester scheme with updated syllabi and are on the way to adopt internationally accepted credit based system to meet the growing challenges. He said the dream project of awarding joint degrees through national and international collaboration is also in the pipeline. He said the opening of north campus will bring us in line with the other states of the country where concept of multiple campuses is already existing and reaping healthy fruit. Present on the occasion were Minister for Tourism Ghulam Hassan Mir, Minister for Consumer Affairs Taj Mohiuddin, Minister of State for Education Dr. Ghulam Nabi Lone, Minister of State for Planning Usman Majid, prominent educationists and scholars and faculty members of Kashmir University, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, IGP Kashmir and Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla. |
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‘Alliances are
marriages of convenience’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 14: Even as the emergence of coalition politics in India has offered greater say to the States in the federal system, unfortunately it has also led to fall of idealism among politicians and their political parties. This was stated by Prof Neera Chandhoke, an eminent expert and Professor of Political Science in Delhi University, while delivering a lecture on ‘Trends in Indian Politics’, at Jammu University, here today. "The coalition politics has exposed the opportunists nature of politicians who join and quit an alliance as per their convenience," she lamented and dubbed the alliances as marriages of convenience. Prof Chandhoke alleged that buying of political support for power sharing has become an industry in India where political integrity and principals have been replaced with single agenda of capturing power. "No one can answer to whom Mamta Banerjee, Ajeet Singh, Ram Vilas Paswan or Sharad Pawar like politicians and their outfits represent," she said and sarcastically remarked that people may predict that Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be next Prime Minister of India but no one can guess which parties will be in the ruling alliance. Stressing for a public debate on the issue, Prof Chandhoke opined that only political awareness and a strong mass movement can check the menace as a legislation against the practice is unlikely to yield a positive result. However, at the same time, the Professor of Political Science stressed that rise of coalition politics in India has given more importance to the State and provided them an opportunity to have greater say in the federal system. "Coalition politics signifies increasing regionalism while regional parties are no longer confined to their regions only," she explained and added that the situation has resulted in decentralisation of federal power. Listing significant trends in Indian politics since independence, Prof Chandhoke opined that Mandal Commission controversy and demolition of Babri mosque irrevocably changed Indian polity. She also highlighted the greatness of Indian democratic system which has been flourishing day by day despite earlier apprehensions by developed Western nations over its fate. Dr Sudhir S Bloeria, Chief Secretary of J&K Government, chaired the session and observed in his remarks that role of money and quality of politicians have greatly effected the Indian polity. However, he also hoped that intelligent and brilliant people will soon attract towards politics and join it for betterment of society and development of the nation. The lecture was jointly organised by the Indian Institute of Public Administration, J&K Regional Branch and UGC Special Assistance Programme, Department of Political Science in Jammu University. Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 14: Hurrah Ashtami was celebrated at different places and the Bhajans and Kirtans were held in the temples during the yesterday night. A grand function was held at Kumar Ji Geeta Satsang Ashram, Nand Bab Ashram Muthi, Bhagwan Gopi Nath Ashram Udhaywala Bohri, Kral Bab Ashram Ghari Udhampur and Bantalab and Sai Palace Trikuta Nagar by Kashmir Pandits. At Trikuta Nagar the function was organized by Shayak Samiti and it was chaired by its president S N Pandita. People from all walks of life participated in it. On the occasion Prof. B N Kalla a renowned scholar highlighted the importance of Shiv Ratri and Hurrah Ashtami. Among other members of the Biradri the function was attended by B N Sadhoo, S N Koul, B N Handoo and N L Koul. |
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State level AIFACS art exhibition opens at Abhinav Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 14: 76th State level All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society, (AIFACS) New Delhi, opened today at the Abhinav Art Gallery, here today. Organised by AIFACS in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, the show was inaugurated by noted Dogri writer and artist, N.D. Jamwal in place of Raman Mattoo, Minister of state Industries who had suddenly to leave for Srinagar. The exhibition is phase one wherein the awarded works of state artists will be displayed in all India exhibition by AIFACS to be held later at New Delhi. The 43 works on show by visual artists from the Valley and Jammu comprise of paintings, sculptures and graphics. The works been selected from the entries submitted local artists by Baldev Gambhir, well known artist from Amritsar who was nominated by AIFACS for the judgment of the works. The winners for AIFACS awards of Rs.10,000, each, are Mandira Chaterjee Sharma (Jammu) for her painting, ‘Green Memories of a Breakfast’, Mohammed Ashraf Munshi for his work ‘Expanding Vortex’, Sameena Maqsood for her work ‘Portfolio-1’- (both from Srinagar), Jai Singh for his sculpture ‘Tailor Master’and Vikesh Jandial for his wood cut print ‘A Leisure Time’- students of Institute of Music and Fine Arts, Jammu. Such exhibitions in the state, along with Annual State Art Exhibition by Cultural Academy, and Lalit Kala Akedemi, New Delhi, emerge as platforms where the practicing visual artists can exhibited their latest works. Thus providing an opportunity for the connoisseurs as well as general public to have a glimpse into the contemporary art scene of the state. Comparatively less number of works in the exhibition can be ascribed to the entry fee which acts as a deterrent for non-serious and casual artists who otherwise throng in the state annual art exhibition. Speaking on the occasion N.D. Jamwal, said that he has discerned an overall change in the works especially the entries from Kashmir. He also suggested that an invited section wherein senior artist can be requested to exhibit their works should also be included in such exhibitions. Ramesh Mehta, Secretary, Cultural Academy, in his address said that it is endeavor of the academy to provide equal opportunity to all art forms and it is in this connection that Academy is trying to give due focus to the visual arts. |
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Mangat asks private schools
to strive for Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 14: Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma has favoured a proactive participation of private educational institutions in supplementing Government efforts to achieve cent percent literacy in Jammu and Kashmir. The Deputy Chief Minister was speaking at annual day function of Little Flowers School at Abhinav Theatre here today. Minister for Education Harshdev Singh was the chief guest. Minister of State for Rural Development Ch. Gharu Ram was also present on the occasion. Mr. Sharma complimented the school management for their performance in academics as well as co-curricular activities. He hoped that young students of this institution would earn a good name in various spheres of life. The Deputy Chief Minister said that Government has accorded priority to the education sector adding that many bold initiatives have been undertaken by the present Government in this direction. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Harshdev Singh said that private sector has important role to play in supporting the Government’s efforts of providing quality education in every nook and corner in the state. The Education Minister said that various steps have been initiated by the coalition Government to cut unnecessary documentation in the working of private educational institutions. He said norms for recognition of such institutions have been relaxed. Schools with at least 10 years of existence could now get permanent recognition, he added. Highlighting the importance of annual day celebrations in the schools, the Education Minister said that such occasions not only give vent to the hidden talent but also provide a window of open interaction on divergent aspects of education amongst parents and teachers. Tiny tots between the age group of 3 to 6 years presented a colourful cultural programmes, which kept the audience spell bound for two hours. The cultural items were forceful enough to spread the message of secularism and unity in diversity and depicted every thing pertaining to national integration. There was all praise for Mr Ashok Soni (chairman), S Jeet Pal Sawhney of Administration Council and Principal Meera Soni for the hard work in elevating the status of the institution. |
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College non-teaching employees
to observe Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 14: To lodge their protest against the insensitive attitude of Government towards their demands, All J&K College Non-teaching Employees Association has announced to observe blackday on February 21. This was decided during one day convention of the Association, held at Rani Park, Jammu, wherein grievances and demands of the non-teaching employees were highlighted. The convention also decided to extend full support to the February 24 strike, called by J&K Government Employees Joint Action Committee. Speakers, on the occasion, expressed their resentment against the dilly dally attitude of Education Department towards grievances and demands of the non-teaching employees who are struggling for implementation of UGC pay scale, up-gradation of posts of technical staff, formation of GCET norms, scrapping of Sectt Training class and creation of posts according to the work. To look into the said demands, the Government had constituted a committee of the Principals of J&K State and the committee also submitted its report to the higher education authorities in the 2002 for the necessary action but nothing has been done so far, they added. The convention also discussed the last year commitment, made by the Jammu University Vice-Chancellor for increasing their remuneration at the earliest and reminded the latter to fulfill his promise. |
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College teachers
meet Controller Examination, Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 14: A deputation of All J&K College Teachers Association today met Controller Examination, Jammu University, Prof Onkar Singh Sudan and submitted a memorandum of demands to him. Dr Ravinder Chadha, who led the deputation, apprised Dr Sudan of college teachers’ demands which included renovation of evaluation centres, repairs of air conditions and provision of generators in evaluation centres. Dr Chadha demanded that the notification as regards to announcement of remuneration be issued immediately. The Association also demanded the complete streamlining of evaluation as well as examination system. The evaluation at the under-graduate level should be done only by college teachers, they demanded. Prof Sudan assured the college teachers that notification regarding enhancement of remuneration will be issued very soon. He also assured the renovation of evaluation centres and agreed for streamlining of the evaluation as well as examination system. The CTA members who accompanied the deputation, included Dr Anil Gupta, Prof Narayan Sharma, Dr Anil Ganjoo, Prof Surinder Sharma, Prof Asha Gupta and Prof Seema Mir. |
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Hakeem takes stock of Shivratri arrangements Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 14: Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Hakeem Mohammad Yasin today paid day-long extensive visit to the migrant camps at Mishriwala, Purkhoo, Muthi and Nagrota and took stock of the arrangements made for the Shivratri festival. During his visit, the Minister had a detailed interaction with the Kashmiri migrants and enquired about the arrangements made for the supply of essential commodities like LPG, K. Oil, spices etc through sale outlets set up by various departments in these camps. Hakeem also had a first hand look of other civic arrangements made by the Jammu Municipal Corporation. He also directed the concerned officers accompanying him during visit to ensure that the dwellers are provided regular drinking water supply and un-interrupted electricity supply during the festival days especially on February 18 and Feb 19. The Minister assured several deputationists who called on him during his visit that all their problems would be redressed for their comfortable stay till the Government succeeds in its comprehensive plan for their honourable and dignified return to their homes and hearths. At the same time he assured the people that they would be consulted before finalizing their return plan. Addressing the gathering at Purkhoo camp, the Minister revealed that a plan of Rs. 3.50 crore has been drawn up for upgradation of drainage and sewerage system at the camp. He said Government is already seized with their problems and is trying to provide every facility to the camp dwellers till their dignified return materialize. The Minister was accompanied among others by Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Lokesh Jha, Commissioner Secretary, Revenue, Mumtaz Afzal, Commissioner Fisheries, Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Relief Commissioner, (Migrants), R. K. Thusoo, senior engineers, PHE and PWD and senior officers of health, Jammu Municipal Corporation. |
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BJP deplores Chief Minister, Panthers Party chief Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 14: State Unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) deplored the Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Panthers Party chief, Prof Bhim Singh for launching no- holds barred propaganda blitz against the BJP led NDA Government at Centre. Talking to media persons along with Bali Bhagat, the Party vice president, Prof Hari Om alleged that both PDP and PP are leaving not stone unturned to tarnish the image of BJP by attributing such things to it with which it has nothing to do. He, while dismissing the allegation that Centre had okayed the surrender policy of Mufti Government said, the allegation levelled by the ruling partners is totally baseless. He termed it white lie that PM or Deputy PM had given the consent to such a policy and made clear that the Centre had shown willingness for releasing those prisoners only who do not have serious charges against them. He made it clear that BJP is totally opposed to any policy that will further aggravate the situation in the state. Prof Hari Om, while accusing the Congress, PDP and PP for this surrender policy said Union Home Ministry had categorically rejected the release of ten hard core terrorists proposed by Hurriyat Chief Moulvi Abas Ansari. A statement was issued by North Block that those involved in subversive activities will not be released. He alleged that Congress, PDP and PP are playing a dangerous game by devising the pro separatist and terrorist friendly schemes. Criticizing the Government for expansion of the Cabinet Bali Bhagat alleged that the state exchequer has to bear a huge burden. He said Rs 25 lakh are the annual expenditure on a Minister and the total amount spent on all ministers could be utilized for giving jobs to 2000 unemployed youth. He termed the reshuffle in bureaucracy was politically motivated and blamed the Government for humiliating the IAS officers by posting KAS officers in their place. |
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Autonomous Hill Council for Rajouri, Poonch demanded Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 14: Rajouri- Poonch People’s Welfare Forum today demanded Autonomous Hill Council for the twin districts on the pattern of Leh and Kargil to overcome the socio-economic backwardness of the region. Talking to media-persons, chief executive of the Forum Tahir Khurshid Raina said that both the districts continued to remain backward due to the neglecting attitude of the political dispensation of the State and added that the only solution lies in granting Autonomous Hill Council for these districts. "Government should grant the Hill Council status to these districts on the pattern of Leh and Kargil, create separate parliamentary constituency, bring them on the tourism map of the State and speed-up the process of constructing Mughal Road and give adequate representation to employees of these districts in Civil Secretariat and Divisional Offices", he demanded. He further said "if Government is interested in the equitable development and true healing touch to the people then this region needs to be addressed sympathetically which is lagging behind in all spheres due to deliberate neglect of the people at the helm of affairs". Others who addressed the press conference included Sarfraz Hamid Rather, Zabid Sarfraz Malik and Suriya Mir. |
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SC/ST Confederation leaders meet Zopta Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 14: The Jammu and Kashmir unit of All India Confederation of SC/ST Employees met the vice chairman of the National Commission for SC and ST, Ven Lama Chospal Zopta, here today The delegation led by state president of Confederation R K Kalsotra apprised Mr Zopta about plight of Gujjar and Bakerwals of J&K State. The delegation apprised Mr Zopta of the designs of the State and Central Government to grant SC and ST status to Pahari Speaking people of Jammu and Kashmir. Mr Zopta was requested to intervene and prevail upon the State Government not to support the claims of the rich and ruling class of the State which would further lead to oppression of the weaker sections. He was informed that Pahari Speaking people are the ruling elite and they were educationally and economically most advanced class of people in Jammu and Kashmir. Mr Zopta after listening to the delegation with patience assured to take up the matter with Government of India. He added that he has already met the Chief Minister Mufti Sayeed and will take up the matter with the Government of India also. |
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Natrang Theatre Group stages Hindi play ‘Fandi’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 14: Natrang staged late Dr Shanker Shesh’s Hindi play ‘ Fandi’ here today. The play has been directed by Mipham Otsal —a National School of Drama graduate. Designed in an intimate style, Natrang has planned to have its series of show in the studio theatre as well as in other parts of city with the motive to promote intimate in Jammu city. The play, which is having only three characters were played in a highly professional manner by Anil Tickoo (Fandi), Neeraj Kant ( Vakeel) and Pankaj Sharma ( Warder) Sanjeev Gupta designed the lights and Sumeet Sharma arranged sound effects. Pawan Verma and Kanhaiya Sharma executed the sets. Fandi portrays the pathetic feelings of a son who has to mercy kill his father. Unable to bear the torture which his father suffering for being a poor cancer patient. Fandi is forced to do such act. Poverty stricken Fandi could no longer provide required medical aid and having exhaused all the resources, he has no option, other than to yield to his father’s pleadings for giving him a respectable death. The trial for the case unfolds s situation in which the tarnished action of the son appears to be a compulsive act to bring an end to the misery of a cancer patient writhing in pain. While the charges of fatricide are being framed against Fandi, his advocate assures him that judgment will go in his favour if the judges go into the details of the case. |
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| Dy CM distributes appointment letters to
159 SSA teachers Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 14 : Deputy Chief Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma today distributed appointment letters to 159 highly qualified unemployed youth of Jammu district at a function held as teachers under Sarva Shiksha Abiyan at Government Girls High School Satwari this afternoon. Education Minister, Harshdev Singh, Minister of State for Rural Development, Ch. Gharu Ram, Minister of State for CAPD and Transport Raman Bhalla and Minister of State for Law and Parliamentary Affairs S. Manjit Singh were also present. Those who got the appointment letters today hailed from five assembly constituencies of Jammu West, Gandhinagar, R. S. Pora, Nagrota and Sucheetgarh. These appointments have been made for the newly set up schools and those upgraded recently. Addressing the gathering present on the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister listed the measures taken by the coalition government to further improve the education system in the state. He said the thrust has been laid on universilisation of elementary education to achieve total literacy in the state. The measures taken include introduction of English from the primary classes and starting of pre-nursery classes in the Government schools. To give due representation to Jammu in various matters, the Deputy Chief Minister said the Government has established separate directorates for social welfare and the horticulture departments. He said thrust is being laid on tapping the vast tourism potential in Jammu region to attract visitors to this part of this State, which has been neglected in this sector in the past. He said the Government believes in equal development of all the regions and maintained that no region would be allowed to get supremacy or dominate the other regions. Referring to 1947 PoK refugees, the Deputy Chief Minister said the Government has taken up the matter with the Centre for their permanent settlement and grant of compensation of the property left over by the refugees. Responding to the teachers’ demand for removing pay anomaly, Mr. Sharma said that Government is seized of the problem and would do everything possible to mitigate this long pending demand at the earliest. He said the teachers should not get disappointed as several measures have already been taken for improving their working conditions. He said the government would also examine to enhance the honorarium of the teachers appointed under ReT and SSA. Mr. Sharma announced upgradation of the Government Girls High School Satwari and said that new classes would start from the next academic session. Education Minister Harshdev Singh said that the Government has taken up with the Centre the matter regarding lifting ban on appointments in Government offices. He said despite several constraints the coalition Government has made new strides in the education sector and appointed 23000 new teachers for the upgraded and new schools set up in the state during the past one year. He said Jammu and Kashmir is one of the few states in the country to have achieved excellence in the implementation of Sarav Shiksha Abhiyan. He said 7000 teachers have been appointed under the scheme in a most transparent manner. Director School Education, Chief Education Officer, senior functionaries of education department, patents of the newly appointed teachers, prominent citizens of the area and the students of the school were also present on the occasion. |
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