|
|
| Floral tributes paid to G L Dogra Central package will take care of all three regions: Mangat Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: The interests of all three regions of the state have been taken into consideration in the recently announced Central package for Jammu and Kashmir and there will be no discrimination against any region......more Agri
Production Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: Mr B B Vyas, Commissioner Secretary to Government, Agriculture Production Department, reviewed the stocking and distribution of crop seed in Jammu division for the current Rabi 2004-05 season, in a meeting with officers of the Department here today.............more Accelerate
efforts to trace Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Nov 27: Inspector General of Police Kashmir range, Javaid Makhdoomi, has insisted police rank and file to accelerate their efforts to trace out the missing persons. The Kashmir police chief...........more HESK
felicitates Prof Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: Hindu Education Society Kashmir (HESK) organised a function at Gandhi Memorial College Raipur today to felicitate.........more Excise
team conducts Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: A team of Excise Department conducted a series of raids in R S Pura and Bishnah areas and destroyed illicit liquor besides arrest of 5 bootleggers............more |
 |
Kashmir
Arts Emporium Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Nov 27: In a rare feat of reconstructing Kashmir’s heritage, the 104 year old exquisite Kashmir Arts Emporium building gutted six years ago, was today inaugurated by Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed at a grand ceremony. The building originally served as the residence of the then British Resident in Kashmir before becoming the treasure trove of Kashmir handicrafts and a landmark site in Srinagar City. During renovation in 1998 the building was gutted and reduced to rubble and remained so for a long time till the present Government took up its reconstruction on priority...................more J&K
Police Public School Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: The J&K Police Public School, Miran Sahib, Jammu celebrated its annual day function with an impressive cultural programme...................more UDCC
demands Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: United Displaced Co-ordination Committee (UDCC) has expressed the hope that the interests of migrant youth will be taken into consideration............more Sofi inspects offices, orders Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Nov 27: The Minister for Forests, Wildlife and Environment paid surprise visits to the offices of the Joint Director, Forest Protection Force, Kashmir.........more |
Floral tributes paid to G L Dogra Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: The interests of all three regions of the state have been taken into consideration in the recently announced Central package for Jammu and Kashmir and there will be no discrimination against any region. This was announced by Deputy Chief Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma while addressing a function organised by the Congress Party in connection with observance of 17th death anniversary of former Minister and Party leader Girdhari Lal Dogra at Dogra Chowk, Gandhi Nagar this morning. He also assured the Partymen that the proposed Degree College at Hiranagar, the hometown of late leader will be named after Girdhari Lal Dogra. Termed it a balanced package in which due care has been taken of all three regions of the State, Mr Sharma said the Union Minister of Urban Development and Parliamentary Affairs Ghulam Nabi Azad deserves all praises as he played a key role in pleading the cause state before the Union Government. He said this is for the first time that Centre has distributed the package for the state by keeping the interests of all the three regions in view. He urged the Congmen to organise the rallies and public meetings in all corners of the State and apprise the people about new package which was announced by Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh under the guidance of AICC chief, Sonia Gandhi. Mr Sharma said the ban on the recruitment has been lifted by Centre and soon after the formal orders are received, the State Cabinet will discuss the pros and cons for launching the employment drive. He however, maintained that the 25 year long unemployment problem can’t be solved within a day but Government will take all measures to overcome this problem. The package covers all the spheres including education, industry, power, he said , adding for the first time six development authorities have been created for Jammu region under this package. They include Development Committee for Poonch, Rajouri, Bhadarwah, Kishtwar, Doda and Development Committee for the the areas from Lakhanpur to Bani. He said in some areas colleges have been sanctioned while in others the package covers setting up of ITIs and construction of power projects. The Deputy Chief Minister said under the new package the money has also been sanctioned for the power projects of Sewa and Parnai and by 2007 the state will be self sufficient in power supply. Asking the Partymen to work at grass root level, Mr Sharma warned the self-styled leaders in the Party saying no body will be provided ticket in future elections who fail to prove their credibility. Paying rich tributes to Mr Dogra he termed the late leader his political Guru. He said Mr Dogra was a secularist, progressive and a revolutionary leader who championed the cause of poor and down-trodden always. He also highlighted his contribution in making the land to tiller programme of State Government a reality. He said let us resolve to work for his unfinished task. Earlier besides Mr Sharma the statue of Mr Dogra was garlanded by various senior Congress leaders and ministers. Those who paid floral tributes to Mr Dogra include Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Raman Bhalla, MoS Rural Development, Garu Ram, MoS Revenue, Dr Ramesh Sharma, Party senior vice president, Pradhuman Singh, Dharam Paul, G M Mir Poonch, Ayub Khan, Yash Paul Khajuria, Girdhari Lal and Prem Sagar Aziz (MLAs), Ram Dass Dogra younger brother of Mr G L Dogra, Th. Shiv Dev Singh, Thakur Puran Singh and Mohammed Amin Bhat president PYC. Among others the function was attended by Farida Mir MLC, Congress leader M L Koul, Ex MLA Ashok Sharma and Sewa Ram Sharma. A function was also held at Hiranagar to observe the 17th death anniversary of Mr Dogra where besides district Congress chief Kathua Subash Gupta, MLA Girdhari Lal and a large number of Congmen paid tributes to late leader. |
 |
Agri
Production Commissioner reviews Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: Mr B B Vyas, Commissioner Secretary to Government, Agriculture Production Department, reviewed the stocking and distribution of crop seed in Jammu division for the current Rabi 2004-05 season, in a meeting with officers of the Department here today. The Commissioner was apprised that 21,000 quintals of wheat seed, 132 quintal of oil seed, 1222 quintal of fodder and 86 quintal pulses seed stood dispatched to different districts, of which 50% of wheat and 70% of other kinds stood distributed among farmers. He was also informed that another rack (about 2275 tonnes) of DAP fertilizer had arrived today thereby easing the fertilizer availability position significantly. Earlier the Commissioner has an interaction with the Floriculture Development Nursery, Vegetable Seed Production Farm, Seed Testing Laboratory, Mushroom Spawn Production and Demonstration Centre, Agriculture Engineering Workshop and Seed Processing Plant at Talab Tillo Jammu, where he expressed satisfaction over the the work being carried out for providing the basic inputs like quality seed, seedlings and machines/equipments for benefit of the farming community. The Commissioner Secretary asked the Director Agriculture Mrs Vinod Bala Sharma to pay s5till greater attention towards income generating ventures like Bee-Keeping, Mushroom Production, besides vegetable and flower production at farmers fields with concerted efforts in specific sub-divisions, based on potential for production, processing, marketing and employment generation. The Commissioner Secretary felt that lot more was to be done on account of providing facilities to farmers by way of technology development and transfer especially in case of saffron, Rajmash, Ginger, Garlic and Zeera cultivation. Those who attended the meeting included B R Lachhotra, Joint Director (P&S), B A Dar, Joint Director SLUB, S Rajinder Singh, Joint Director Agricultyure Engineering and others. |
|
Accelerate efforts to trace out missing persons: IGP Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Nov 27: Inspector General of Police Kashmir range, Javaid Makhdoomi, has insisted police rank and file to accelerate their efforts to trace out the missing persons. The Kashmir police chief expressed anguish over some missing cases where unknown agency or persons roaming in unnumbered vehicles had lifted some people. Chairing a meeting of police officers including DIG Central Kashmir range, SSP Srinagar, SSP Police Control Room, SDPOs and SHOs of Srinagar district at the Zonal Police Headquarters here today, IG Kashmir range observed that though the strength of J&K Police had increased manifold but proper policing was key to its success. "The strength of J&K Police has increased manifold and is capable to tackle the menace of militancy and restore peace in the State," he pointed out. IG Makhdoomi expressed his anguish over some missing cases where individuals have been lifted by some unknown agencies or persons roaming about in unnumbered vehicles. He directed the police officers to accelerate efforts to trace out the missing persons and book the culprits under law. The IG Kashmir termed such activities as unlawful and unacceptable and asserted that no officer should alow any unnumbered vehicle to ply in their jurisdiction. "All of us should dedicate ourselves for the service of the people," he maintained. Complimenting the officers for working with dedication and devotion during the visit of VVIPs to the State, he counseled the officers to enhance their public image by performance. He also stressed the need for close interaction at various levels and discussed some facets of proper policing. He advised them to improve their performance in preventing crimes like theft, burglary and gambling. |
|
HESK felicitates Prof Mattoo, Dr Gupta Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: Hindu Education Society Kashmir (HESK) organised a function at Gandhi Memorial College Raipur today to felicitate the Vice Chancellor of Jammu University, Prof Amitabh Mattoo and the members of the Quality Assurance Cell of the University headed by Dr Rajiv Gupta. The function was presided over by the chairman HESK , A K Deewani. He appreciated the role of Quality Assurance Cell of JU in making it the first holder of ISO- 2000 Certification in the country. While deliberating about the global dimensions, he said changing world scenario has posed a big challenge to the University in the field of education while maintaining its essence of development of body, mind and soul. He said the occasion becomes all the more important because it recalls that we are progenies of Kashyap and have given world the famous Vijeshwar University which produced great scholars, Historians , Scientists, teachers and so on. He said the raising of standards , the way done by J U has to be on sustained basis to face the ever changing challenges more so emergence of an adequate academic mix in the society. The HESK hoped that under the charismatic leadership of Prof. Mattoo the JU will continue to move in the right direction. In his welcome address Anil Dhar secretary, HESK appreciated the Prof. Mattoo and the team of his quality Assurance Cell for the excellent job done by them. He said the way Prof. Mattoo was working would definitely take Jammu University to the pinnacle of glory. In his address Prof. Mattoo lauded the role of Jammu University for achieving the ISO Certification. He also appreciated the efforts of HESK for becoming more viable and effective in recent times inspite of the difficulties faced by them. The vote of thanks was presented by Dr Kulbushan Kachru, Member Education HESK. Among others the function was attended by A N Vaishnavi, Maj Gen (retd) B N Dhar and Ashok Braroo all members of HESK. |
|
Excise team conducts raids, destroys illicit liquor Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: A team of Excise Department conducted a series of raids in R S Pura and Bishnah areas and destroyed illicit liquor besides arrest of 5 bootleggers. According to a release, 600 kg of Lahan and 20 bottles of illicit liquor were seized and destroyed on the spot during raids in different villages. Identity of the arrested bootleggers was established as Hurmeet Kumar, Neelma Kumari, Darshna Devi, Kuljeet alias Makhni and Prem Chand. The raids were conducted under the supervision of Excise and Taxation Officer, City Range and the team comprised of Inspector Mohd Manzoor, Inspector Varinder Singh Baloria and others. |
|
Kashmir Arts Emporium building
restored Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Nov 27: In a rare feat of reconstructing Kashmir’s heritage, the 104 year old exquisite Kashmir Arts Emporium building gutted six years ago, was today inaugurated by Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed at a grand ceremony. The building originally served as the residence of the then British Resident in Kashmir before becoming the treasure trove of Kashmir handicrafts and a landmark site in Srinagar City. During renovation in 1998 the building was gutted and reduced to rubble and remained so for a long time till the present Government took up its reconstruction on priority. The building will also have a museum of rare pieces of handicrafts and an art gallery besides being the main sales outlet of Kashmir’s beautiful handicrafts. The inaugural function was attended by a large number of artisans, prominent citizens, legislators, civil officers and common people. Deputy Chief Minister Mangat ram Sharma, Minister of State for Industry and Commerce, Raman Mattoo, Minister of State for Social Welfare, Ghulam Hassan Khan, Chairman, J&K Handicrafts (sales & export) Corporation, Haji Abdur Rashid, Union Secretary for Textiles, Wajahat Habibullah and principal Secretary, Industry and Commerce, A. Sasaranaman were present. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed highlighted the importance of creating an atmosphere for development of Kashmir’s rich tradition in handicrafts. He said the exquisite pieces of Kashmir art were the embodiment of its identity. He called for revival of old designs while catering to the contemporary tastes of consumers. He said Kashmir was not suited for big industries and as such handicrafts need to be promoted in a big way. The Chief Minister said his Government had taken several measures for promotion of industry including handicrafts that should be adequately publicized so that the intended sections were benefited. He said a free economic zone has been set up both in Kashmir and Jammu and an International Industrial Exhibition would be set up in the valley at a cost of Rs. 40 crore. The Chief Minister went round various sections of the reconstructed Emporium building and evinced keen interest in the handicrafts displayed there. Later, he distributed cheques to work shed beneficiaries, funds for which have been provided by the centre. The artisans from the 6 districts of Kashmir would be provided assistance to construct work sheds for carrying on their business. In his address, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the Government was making concerted efforts to improve the standard of living of artisans. He said several steps had been taken in this direction. Mr Sharma said Government would hold handicrafts exhibition in several foreign countries. The first exhibition, he said, would be held in Dubai. Minister of State for Industries and Commerce, Raman Mattoo and Chairman, J&K Handicrafts Handicrafts (sales & export) Corporation, Haji Abdur Rashid also spoke on the occasion and spelt out the measures taken by the Government to promote handicrafts. The Union Secretary for Textiles, Wajahat Habibullah said that under the Prime Minister’s package, Rs. 61 crore would be spent on the development of handicrafts in Jammu and Kashmir creating job opportunities for 25000 people. |
|
J&K Police Public School celebrates its annual day Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: The J&K Police Public School, Miran Sahib, Jammu celebrated its annual day function with an impressive cultural programme at Abhinav Theatre here this evening. Speaking on the occasion, Gopal Sharma, Director General of Police, said the school has made tangible progress during the last one year. From a crech this institution is now imparting education to the higher secondary level, he said adding that Plus two class will be added from early next year. The DGP stated that this school’s ultimate stature and strength will depend on the inspiring leadership of this institution and commitment of the staff. A J&K Public School is fast coming up in Srinagar and it shall be functional from March or April next, he informed. Underscoring the need for quality education in this educational institution, Mr Sharma said effort should be that its students are inducted into prestigious IPS, IAS and other services also. Total development of the personality of the children should be ensured in the school, he stressed. The DGP, who is patron of the J&K Police Public School, pledged support for improving the infrastructure of this institution by provision of good library, a laboratory and other amenities to the students. Hostels will be provided in both the Srinagar and Jammu schools so that the students of police personnel from far off places also get benefitted. Mrs Vimla Sharma, Chairperson of the J&K Police Pubic School, Miran Sahib, Jammu, was also present at the function. A colourful cultural programme of songs, drama and dances was presented which was highly appreciated by those attending the function. The DGP highly appreciated the talent exhibited by the student artists in the cultural show. The main attraction of the show was traditional Dogri and Kashmiri songs and dances. Dogri folk dance, Jagrana , performed by the students was adjudged first while Bawa Jitto staged by young artists was declared second and Bhalu, an item by primary class students got third position. The first, second and third position holders were given mementos and cash prizes of Rs 5000, Rs 3000 and Rs 2000 respectively by the Director General of Police. Ms Neerja Mehta, Principal of the school, in her speech, gave details of the activities and achievements of the school during the past one year. She recounted the performance of the school on academic front and other extra-curricular sphere. She informed that the result during March, 2004 examination was 100 per cent with good merit. The function was attended by ADGs: Dr Ashok Bhan, PS Gill and Kuldeep Khuda; Inspector Generals of Police: K Rajendra and Dr SP Vaid as also DIG Jammu Farooq Ahmed. Senior Police officers, jawans as also students and staff of the school were also present. |
|
UDCC demands rehabilitation of KPs Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: United Displaced Co-ordination Committee (UDCC) has expressed the hope that the interests of migrant youth will be taken into consideration by the State Government while launching the recruitment drive under the Centre’s employment package. Addressing a press conference, here, this afternoon, T K Dhar, chairman of the Committee,O N Kaw its president and Sanjay Ganjoo spokesman said the Pandits have suffered a lot in last 15 year turmoil and the displaced youth is in total desperation as the community was ignored though over one lakh jobs were filled up during last eight years. Mr Dhar, said that during the recent Padh Yatra of displaced youth to Union Capital, the AICC chief Mrs Sonia Gandhi had assured them that Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh will announce the employment package for the KP youth during his visit to J&K. He said the growing unemployment is a major problem being faced by the community and the Centre and State governments should pay special attention for its redressal. He expressed the hope that AICC chief will act on her word and issue instructions to State Government to provide the due share to the community youth in the recruitment. In an appeal to Union Government Mr Ganjoo demanded that the community be rehabilitated properly as construction of two rooms was not an everlasting solution to its problems. Criticising the Relief authorities, Mr Kaw demanded that the control of community halls in various camps be handed over to the respective camp commandants. He alleged that two orders issued by the Relief Commissioner in this regard were not got implemented. Highlighting the other problems of the community he alleged that 17 KP youth employed as class fourth employees by relief organization to be posted in various camps in Jammu Region have been attached in Kashmir Valley while their salaries are being paid from the relief organisation. |
|
Sofi inspects offices, orders action against absentees
Srinagar, Nov 27: The Minister for Forests, Wildlife and Environment paid surprise visits to the offices of the Joint Director, Forest Protection Force, Kashmir, Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K Srinagar, IWDP office, Srinagar and Pollution Control Board, J&K Srinagar. The Minister checked the attendance regular of these offices physically. In the office of the Joint Director, FPF Srinagar as many as 16 officials were found absent from duty at 11 a.m. in Chief Wildlife Warden office, five officials at 12.30 p.m., in IWDP office, five officials at 1.15 p.m. and 3 officials in Pollution Control Board at two p.m. Sofi ordered immediate disciplinary action against the negligent and erring employees and held the heads of the department responsible for lack of supervision and control. He ordered with-holding of the salary for the month of November 2004 until their cases of absence are decided. In respect of touring Gazetted officers the Minister ordered stoppage of their TA bills for not maintaining the movement registers. The Minister impressed upon the employees to bring punctuality in their attendance and ensure speedy disposal of office work or otherwise face drastic action under rules. |
|
JMC demolishes Hotel Jammu Palace Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: Demolition squad of Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) today bulldozed building of Hotel Jammu Palace in Ambphalla area which was constructed in violation of Land Use and Approved Plan. The demolition work continued till late afternoon during which the entire hotel complex, comprising seven shops also, was razed to ground by JMC bulldozers. Though heavy deployment of police was made to avoid any clash or untoward incident, the demolition team faced some resistance from a group of ladies and men, obviously backed by proprietor of hotel and shopkeepers in the premises. However, the situation was controlled soon as Dy SP City Ashok Sharma and SHO Pacca Danga Arun Jamwal were personally camping the area. The demolition took place in presence of Municipal Commissioner B D Sharma who personally supervised the whole operation. About 40 staff members of JMC were engaged in the demolition work which continued till later afternoon. According to JMC Executive Officer, Dr D R Kapoor, the demolition work will resume tomorrow and continue till the entire building is dismantled. He informed the Excelsior that Hotel Jammu Palace was constructed against approved plan while Land Use was also changed by proprietor of the hotel Sham Lal Gupta. Though the approved plan was for residential building, Sham Lal constructed a hotel there and changed the Land Use thus making two violations, he explained. Mr Kapoor also informed that after JMC served notice to the hotel owner for violation of construction rules, Sham Lal went to Special Tribunal where his application was rejected. Later he approached High Court and then Supreme Court but did not get any relief, he added. |
|
Development works in Udhampur reviewed Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Nov 27: To take stock of progress registered under different sectors in Udhampur district, the District Development Commissioner, Ashok Parmar convened a meeting of sectoral officers here last evening. In the meeting sector wise breakup of outlays and expenditure and notable achievements made under district plan were reviewed besides threadbare discussions on summery of centrally sponsored schemes including Prime Minister’s package ending October 2004 were also held. Addressing the meeting, Mr Parmar exhorted upon the officers to make sincere efforts in redressing the problems of the people especially living in far-flung and remote areas of the district by providing them effective and transparent governance. For the purpose, he instructed the officers to conduct frequent tours of such areas to assess the basic problems of the inhabitants. The District Development Commissioner asked the officers to educate the common masses about various State and centrally sponsored schemes especially designed to ameliorate their socio-economic status by organising inter-departmental awareness camps in remote areas of the district so that the benefits of such poverty alleviation programmes percolate down to the deserving people. He asked the members of the different committees constituted by the district administration for various purposes to complete their tasks well in advance. He also instructed the officers to maintain punctuality in their offices and work with dedication to come to the expectations of the people. During the meeting, the District Development Commissioner was apprised that 13,425 hectares of land was covered by paddy by distributing 15,474 quintals of high yielding variety seeds in the district ending October 2004. Besides over 1254 tonnes of fertilizers were also distributed among the farmers by the agriculture department during the period. Under Social Welfare sector, 6802 students belonging to scheduled caste and other backward classes were granted pre-matric scholarships besides 13,332 children and pregnant women were provided nutrition. The department has also set up 50 social welfare centres in different parts of the district during the period. Superintending Engineers of R&B, PHE, Chief Planning Officer and Assistant Commissioner Revenue were also present. |
|
Bhim urges PM to convene NIC meeting Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: Prof Bhim Singh, chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) has urged the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh to convene the meeting of the National Integration Council (NIC) to work out a consensus on the security related issues in Jammu and Kashmir pertaining to the opening of Srinagar-Muzaffrabad Road, Jammu-Sialkote Road and rail link besides the Mugal road connecting the Poonch with the Valley. Prof Singh expressed serious doubts on the credibility of the Central plan to settle the Kashmiri-Pandit migrants in two and a half room sets in Jammu and Delhi. He urged on the Prime Minister, who is also the chairman of the NIC, took the entire nation into confidence on the proposed measures sought to be invoked to seek resolution of the problems with Pakistan vis-a-vis Jammu and Kashmir. He said that the Hurriyat leaders, who have no representative character nor the mandate of the people, have guts to refuse meeting the Indian Government and hold secret meetings with the Premier of Pakistan in New Delhi. The people of India have every right to know as to what is cooking in Delhi and Islamabad. The people of Jammu and Kashmir decided their fate with secular democratic India in 1947 and that chapter cannot be opened again to please some vested interests and foreign powers at the cost of the 100 million people of Jammu and Kashmir and the secular survival and the security of the entire country. In a statement issued here today, Prof Singh said, "no one is above the constitution and the nation. Hurriyat or mercenaries do not represent the people of Jammu and Kashmir. They should be dealt with in accordance to the law of the land. Inflow of foreign money should stop. No state leader should be allowed to play with the security of the State. Talks with those who respect the law of the land and denounce violence". "All the external issues relating to Jammu and Kashmir should be settled with Pakistan on the basis of Shimla Agreement and other regarding internal issues should be settled on the profound basis of Indira-Sheikh Accord of 1975", he demanded. |
|
Colour print of ‘Mehjoor’ screened at Broadway Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Nov 27: Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed presided over the concluding function of the 9-day long Film Festival at Broadway Cinema here today. The festival organized by State Department of Information and Public Relations and sponsored by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, screened 22 films from the main stream Hindi and the Iranian films. Speaking to the media persons after screening of the Film "Mehjoor", the Chief Minister appreciated the demand of the public particularly of the intellectuals and writers of holding of SAARC level film festival at Srinagar. He said that he would work for ensuring the holding of the festival at Srinagar. Among the galaxy of prominent personalities, the Minister of State for Social Welfare, Ghulam Hassan Khan, IGP, Kashmir, Director School Education and senior of officers of civil and police were present. Earlier, welcoming the audience, the Director Information, Kh. Farooq Renzu sought the cooperation of the people and administration in helping to revive cultural and intellectual activities in the State. He said that till date about 20, 000 people in six shows viewed the 22 films screened during the 9-day long Film Festival. Meanwhile, the festivities of Eid and Diwali got extended by the 9-day long maiden Film Festival held at Srinagar with the cinema lovers and film connoisseur thronging to the two cinema halls to watch the reel life in a Film Festival first time in their real life. With the legendary Prithvi Raj Kapoor as the Great Mughal Akbar enthralling audience with the penchant and real life portrayal of the Great Emperor, the new colour/digital version of the film filled the missing colour mosaic of the occasion. As the exotic comedy romance in Kashmir Ki Kali in the typical Shammi Kapoor style brought cheer to a particular niche of the audience, Shahrukh Khan with his free go attitude in Khabi Haan Khabi Naa and Amir Khan in Dil Chahata Hai were equally received by applause by the new generation of cinema lovers. If Chandni by Yash Chopra, Dil Deke Dekho by Nasir Hussain,Mere Mehbooba, Laat Sahib, Professor, Baharon Ke Sapne, Dil Chahati Hai and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam representing the main stream Hindi cinema was showered with blessings with the audience registering house full attendance at their screening, the parallel cinema of Bariwali, Agantuk and Mitr-My Friend were equally paid due respect by the audience with their overwhelming presence. The presence of the Iranian segment in the film festival was echoed well by a young film maker Bilal who said, "One can watch the Hindi movies screened here in ones home but one can not afford to miss an opportunity to watch masterpieces from Mohesen Makhmalbaf, Abbas Kiarostami and Naser Gholamrezai" With the Iranian segment represented by films like Once upon a time, Cinema by Mohsan Makhmalbaf, Cease-feud by Naser Gholamrosa and where is my Friends home by Abbas Kiasostami presenting the emotions of a Iranian monarch from his hate against the visual art form and falling in love with the same and forsaking everything for its sake. At the same time the dilemma of the two families in Cease Feud and of the little boy in where is my friends home proved beyond doubt that Cinema despite its ups and down overcomes the regional, cultural and ethnic barriers and continues to be the Lingua -Franca of the modern age. Above all people along with their families who had come to watch the films at the film festival endorsed that a clean and knowledge based cinema appeals the audience, which the department of Information and Public Relations projected at the film festival. |
|
|
Gupta calls for early start of Jammu-Udhampur train Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: Strongly pleading for starting train services between Jammu and Udhampur, former Union Minister and senior BJP leader Prof Chaman Lal Gupta has impressed upon the Prime Minister to order the concerned to launch the plying of trains without any further delay. Responding to unrest prevailing in Udhampur and other places over issue of inordinate delay in start of train services Prof Gupta said it was strange that plying of trains have halted but for a inaugural function. Recalling that the foundation stone for the said project was laid by the then Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi on April 14, 1983, two months before 1983 Assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir with a promise of completing the project within five years, but little funds were provided resulting into escalation of execution cost. He said trial run of trains has since been completed, the running of train services has been delayed but for inauguration by a VVIP. He added that delay in the commissioning of this Rs 510 crore project was heavily costing the exchequer and loss of facility of the train services to people of the State, especially those of Udhampur areas. It may be noted, he said, that staff at the Railway Station enroute has been appointed and the security guards deployed to take care of the railway track and vital bridges and tunnels enroute. He also stressed for an early completion and commissioning of some other such like projects especially in Dul Hasti Hydel Power Scheme which is nearing its completion. |
|
|
|
|
|
DLF to launch signature campaign
against Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: Taking strong note of Dogras in every sphere of life, the Dogra Liberation Front (DLF) today announced to launch a signature campaign to create awareness among masses about step-motherly treatment being meted out to the real inhabitants of Jammu. Addressing a press conference, president of the DLF, Ram Pal Sharma took strong exception of the announcement of the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh regarding construction of two rooms flats for displaced Kashmiri Pandits at Jammu. He said that instead of permanently settling Kashmiri Pandits, Government should take concrete steps for their return to Kashmir valley with honour and dignity. "We will oppose construction of flats at any cost", he said and demanded that Jammu should be given its due share in Central services like Bank, Post Offices and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). Mr Sharma also flayed the authorities for allotting JDA flats at Railway Station to some non-Dogras. "Allotment of these flats should be canceled, otherwise we will launch an agitation", he said. Disclosing decision of the DLF to launch a signature campaign, Mr Sharma regretted that successive State Governments have rejected Dogras. He listed seven demands for which signature campaign will be launched. DLF leader demanded that Mubarak Mandi complex should be handed over to the Archaecology Survey of India (ASI) to protect this Dogra heritage. Expressing grave concern over pollution in river Tawi, DLF leader asked the authorities to take some solid steps to protect this river. He demanded development of river Tawi on the pattern on Haridwar and Kurukshetra. "River Tawi is part of Dogra culture and history and it should be protected at any cost", he demanded. Expressing concern over increasing unemployment among Dogra youth, he demanded that unemployed allowance to the tune of Rs 2000 per month for Dogra youth. He also demanded that 90 percent local youth should be given employment in the industries. |
|
Khan’s apprehensions over
viability of Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: President of All J&K Low Paid Government Employees Federation, Abdul Majid Khan has expressed reservations and apprehensions over the viability of Employees Mediclaim Policy, launched by the Government last year. In a letter to Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Chief Secretary of the State and Commissioner/Secretary of Finance Department, Mr Khan recalled that earlier Janta Personal Accidental Insurance Scheme was launched by the Government in 1997 fixing annual premium @ Rs 14 against risk cover of Rs one lac. However, the annual premium was subsequently hiked to Rs 72 while the risk cover remained static at Rs one lakh only. The letter further said adding that most of the insurance claims were either not processed or were rejected because of their being time barred while the nodal agency did not bother to plead on behalf of the aggrieved families. Keeping in view this, Mr Khan added in the letter, the employees have genuine apprehensions that this policy will also meet the same fate and prove to be disadvantageous for the employees and the retirees. Suggesting that the Medical Allowance and Medical reimbursement scheme should remain in vogue, Mr Khan said that the Government should stand guarantor for getting the medical claim cleared by the Insurance company expeditiously. Further, he suggested in the letter, the insured employees should have the option to seek treatment in any Government hospital and annual premium of the scheme should be fixed. JMM flays Govt for not meeting aspirations of Jammuites Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: Jammu Mukti Morcha (JMM) has severely criticised the State Government for its failure to meet the aspirations of Jammu people. A meeting held here said demands like implementation of Wazir Commission report, delimitation of Assembly constituencies, figuring in Common Minimum Programme of the coalition Government have been completely ignored. The JMM said it appears that Congress was not going to put its claim for having its Chief Minister from Jammu region after completion of three years in office by Mufti Mohd Sayeed, while developmental activities have come to a grinding halt in Jammu region. The JMM meeting resolved further that genuine demands and aspirations of the people were not being addressed to, which mainly pertained to supply of drinking water, electricity, repair of lanes and drains, while corruption as rampant every where. Jammu Mukti Morcha has asked the Congress and Panthers Party to set their house in order and direct their representatives to refrain from indulging in corrupt practices. Ekta, Himalaya, Sagar
adjudged best speakers Excelsior Correspondent KATRA, Nov 27: The District Science and Technology Department, Udhampur organized a debate on the topic ‘Use of Polythene Bags’ at Government Higher Secondary School, Katra here today. Principal Higher Secondary School, Katra K.K. Sharma who was chief guest presided. Ekta Kumari of Amba Kids Home Panthel was adjudged first, Himalaya Gandotra and Sagar Prashar of Trikuta Public School bagged second and third prize in the debate competition. Besides, three consolation prizes were also awarded to Diwanshi Sharma, Shaskhi Sharma of Pine Land Public School and Arvind Goswami of Shastri Memorial High School, Katra respectively. In all, 10 students drawn from different high and higher secondary schools participated in the debate competition. Principal Higher Secondary School, Katra who gave away the prizes to the meritorious students appreciated them for their keen interest in such events. Students of these schools also participated in on the spot essay competition and painting competition. In essay competition Nakul of Pine Land Public , Monika Sharma of Amba Kids Home Panthel and Pooja Dogra of Pine Land Public School were adjudged first second and third respectively. While Sahil Kumar, Surbhi Sharma and Diksha Sharma of Trikuta Public School were given consolation prizes. Tamana Rajput of Pine Land Public School, Vipul Katoch of Amba Kids Home School Panthel and Nirmani of Pine Land Public school were adjudged first second and third respectively in the painting competition. While Tarun Sharma and Rimpy Rajput of Trikuta Public High School and Sakshi Shrama were given consolation prizes in painting. Vote of thanks was presented by District Coordinator Science and Technology Department Mrs. Sunita Razdan. Dogra Kranti Dal organises cultural programme Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Nov 27: A function was organised by the Dogra Kranti Dal at Udhampur to create awareness about Dogra, art and culture. MLA Udhampur, Balwant Singh Mankotia was chief guest in the function which was presided over by Ashok Parmar, District Development Commissioner, Udhampur. Director Police Academy, Ram Lubhaya, Divisional Forest Officer, Udhampur, Brij Mohan Sharma and Joint Director Education were special guests on the occasion. The programme started with the lightening of traditional lamp followed by Sarswati Vandana by the students of Girls Higher Secondary School, Udhampur. On the occasion, students drawn from as many as 20 educational institutions presented cultural programme. The Dogra folk dances presented by National Academy, Nehru Memorial Higher Secondary School, Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Little Angles School kept the audience spell bound and received repeated applause. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Mankotia, who is chief patron of the Dogra Kranti Dal, complimented the participants for their whole heart participation in the programme. He said that the objective behind the programme was to promote the composite culture of the country besides strengthening the bounds of communal harmony, brotherhood and national integration. Bhalla inaugurates bridge at Kalika Colony Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: Minister of State for Transport and Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Raman Bhalla today inaugurated a bridge at Kalika Colony, Bahu Fort near Ravi Dass Temple. Constructed at a cost of Rs 4.50 lakh, the bridge would immensely benefit the devotees thronging the ancient temple of Maha Kali at Bahu Fort apart from facilitating the locals living within vicinity. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister exhorted upon the people to maintain cleanliness and hygiene of the area. This becomes even more important when the locality is a popular tourist destination with pilgrims and other tourists coming here in large numbers. He asked the public to extend their cooperation to the civic organisations especially the municipal officers, Jammu Development Authority functionaries and other allied wings for further beautifying the area. Mr Bhalla attended the function at Dogra Chowk and paid tributes to former finance minister and Congress leader Girdhari Lal Dogra on his 17th death anniversary. He garlanded the statue of the leader and also deliberated on the contribution of the late leader. The Minister also toured Trikuta Nagar, Govindpur, Old Satwari and Jeevan Nagar localities and took stock of the ongoing developmental works. On the spot directions were also issued to the public works and Jammu Development authority functionaries for speedy execution of various works in these localities. JKFAS felicitates Raj Kumar Dogra Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: Jammu and Kashmir Fine Arts Society (JKFAS), in its premises, today felicitated Raj Kumar Dogra, well known Sitarist and upcoming music director of Bollywood and son of the soil. The felicitation function was organised in connection with his return from performing in Serventino festival at Mexico (North America) of international repute. In this festival of highly magnitude, he performed with his Guruji, world renowned Pt. Arvind Parikh, Sitar Maestro of Mumbai, where 26 countries have participated. Both the artists have been invited by the Government of Mexico. It is pertinent to be mentioned here that he is working for Punjabi, Pop album ‘Churriyan’ along with noted Punjani singer Vinita Singh. He also scored the music for Hindi feature film of Bollywood ‘Kab Pyar Hua’ which is on the verge of release. Raj Kumar,a gold medalist of University of Jammu and to his credit he has already performed in Italy, France, Spain and England etc. Suresh Sharma, general secretary of the Society presented him a shawl as a token of love. The large number of artists fraternity attended the function besides Ashwani Sharma, Rohit Verma, Darshan Singh, Sudhir Mahajan etc. Artificial limbs camp at Srinagar, Jammu soon: Mula Ram Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 27: Minister for Social Welfare, Mula Ram convened the meeting with the senior officers of social welfare department for discussing the measures and criteria being adopted for providing artificial limbs, aids and appliances to the handicapped persons especially those residing in far-flung and remote areas. Joint Secretary Social Justices and Empowerment, Government of India, Sandeep Khanna presided over while Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare, G. D Wadhawa and Executive Director, J&K Rehabilitation Council, Gowhar Ahmed was also present in the meeting. It was decided that two camps for provided artificial limbs, aids and appliances to the handicapped persons have already been identified by Composite Regional Council (CRC). The camp would be organised in the second week of December at Jammu and Srinagar respectively. In the recent past over 14 camps for the disabled have been organized in Kashmir division including Kargil and Leh in which 25,000 aids and appliances were distributed. Similarly, in Jammu division 40 camps were organized where in 155 handicapped persons belonging to low-income groups were identified and provided artificial limbs and aids. The meeting informed that Rs.1.25 crore was released to the J&K Rehabilitation Council for providing relief to the dependents of militancy victims. On the occasion Managing Director SC and ST Corporation demanded budgetary support for meeting administrative expenses, release of subsidy grant for income generating units by the banks. He also requested for making a provision to meet the bad debit loans. |
|
| home | state | national | business| editorial | advertisement | sports | |
