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| Mufti seeks compensation for Indus Water Treaty losses Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Nov 29: Laying stress on building an economically self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today sought compensation of losses suffered by the State due to Indus Water Treaty signed between India and Pakistan in 1960s.......more JK Bank
enhances Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Nov 29: The Jammu and Kashmir Bank Limited has revised the interest rates on domestic term deposits by 0.25-075 percent. The new rates are effective from December 1, 2004............more Tajamul
Haq was a Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Nov 29: A police spokesman today said that after thorough investigation it has been established that four terrorists killed in police encounter on November 28, 2004 morning at Nishat, belonged to the Laskher-e-Toiba (LeT)...........more Senior
Citizens Council’s Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 29: A deputation of Senior Citizens Welfare Council, Jammu called on Minister for Social Welfare.........more Reciprocal
arrangements, Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 29: The State Government is working on a multi-pronged strategy to boost handloom production, trade and sales..............more |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 29: The Jammu and Kashmir Bank Limited today organised a customer meet at Hotel Asia Jammu. Customers from various branches of Jammu and also a few from Leh attended the meeting. The meeting was chaired by M Y Khan, chairman of the Bank..........more State’s
economy must Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 29: Purposeful and productive steps for moving forward J&K economy to fast-growth, self-reliance and also self-sustaining during the two academic sessions held as part of two-day seminar on " Political Economy of Jammu and Kashmir" in the varsity campus here today.................more Army
School Jammu Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 29: The Army School Jammu Cantt would soon be converted into Army Public School. Modalities for the conversion of the school into a public school is being worked out.............more Govt
formulates Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Nov 29: Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Tourism Ghulam Hassan Mir while addressing the conference of Minister of Housing from the States and Union Territories at Vigyan Bhawan, here, today, has said that Jammu and Kashmir has formulated..........more |
Mufti seeks compensation for Indus Water Treaty losses Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Nov 29: Laying stress on building an economically self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today sought compensation of losses suffered by the State due to Indus Water Treaty signed between India and Pakistan in 1960s. He said even as it was not possible to reopen the clauses of the treaty the State should have rights over its rivers. Inaugurating a two-day seminar on Political Economy of Jammu and Kashmir at Jammu University organised jointly by Indian Institute of Public Administration (J&K Chapter) and Jammu University this morning, Mufti Sayeed said the treaty had not taken into consideration the interest of Jammu and Kashmir. He said the rivers of the State irrigate almost entire Pakistan but Jammu and Kashmir cannot optimally utilize its waters for harnessing the huge power potential badly needed for its economic growth. He said in the face of the treaty the State cannot construct dams to store water for generating power and hydel projects have to be run-of-the river schemes that do not generate the designed levels of power during low water discharge. He said each time ‘we want to construct a major hydel project Pakistan raises an objection citing the clauses of the treaty. The Chief Minister said that Pakistan has raised objections on the Baglihar power project, the flagship of the State’s economic development, also while in its construction the treaty has not been flouted. He said the project is expected to drastically ease the State out of the acute power crisis and the Government had managed with great difficulty the financial closure of the project. Referring to his meeting with the Prime Minister prior to the formulation of the economic package for the State, the Chief Minister said that he apprised Dr Manmohan Singh about the disadvantage the treaty had put Jammu and Kashmir into. He said as part of compensation, he had demanded handing over of the Salal Hydel Project to the State saying the NHPC had already earned more than what it had invested in the project. He said the State has the potential of generating 20,000 MWs of power from already identified sources but the treaty was a major roadblock. He said despite this vast potential the State has to buy power from national grid during peak hours at the rate of Rs. 6 per unit. The State, he said could generate this power at much lower rate. The Chief Minister said that economic self-reliance was the key to the problems confronting the State and invited suggestions of experts and economists to evolve a strategy for making a blueprint for the State’s economic resurgence. Describing development of human resource as a precursor to the overall development at society and individual levels, Mufti Sayeed asked for better resource allocation for the improvement of skilled professionals. He highlighted the potential the outsourcing industry has for the State of Jammu and Kashmir by absorbing a good number of qualified professionals. He also stressed the need for vocationalization of education to create avenues of gainful employment for the youth of the State. Terming the process of reconciliation between India and Pakistan as a historical necessity, the Chief Minister said that consensus was emerging in the two countries about the imperativeness of peace and friendship. He said the change of mindset on either side was the outcome of the people’s yearning for end to the long animosity and hatred between the two south Asian neighbours. Calling Jammu and Kashmir as the symbol of the country’s secularism and democracy, the Chief Minister said the accession of the State to India was a conscious decision of its people. He said the State’s identity was secured in the country’s diversity and pluralism. He called for greater people to people interaction to remove misconceptions among the people of Pakistan about Kashmir. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Secretary Dr. S. S. Bleoria who is also the Chairman of the IIPA, J&K Chapter said the feeling of participation among the people was a must for the economic development of the State. Earlier, Vice-Chancellor, Jammu University, Prof Amitabh Mattoo called for a fresh look on the education policy of the State. He suggested refocusing of educational goals by broad-basing the primary education, vocationalizing the secondary education and specialization of the higher education. Prof Rekha Chowdhary of Department of Political Science delivered the keynote address while Dr. Ashok Bhan, Additional Director General of Police, welcomed the guests and invitees. Prominent Journalist Sati Sahni read the vote of thanks. |
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JK Bank enhances interest rates on deposits Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Nov 29: The Jammu and Kashmir Bank Limited has revised the interest rates on domestic term deposits by 0.25-075 percent. The new rates are effective from December 1, 2004. The domestic term deposits for 15-45 days maturity bracket will attract 4.25 interest (previous 4.00 percent), 46 to 90 days 4.75 percent (previous 4.50 percent), 91 to 179 days 5 percent (previous 4.75 percent), 180 days to less than one year 5.25 percent (previous 4.90 percent), one year to less than three years 5.50 percent (previous 5.00 percent), three years to less than five years (previous 5.50 percent) and five years and above 6.25 percent (previous 5.50 percent). However, for 7 to 14 days maturity slab, the interest rate would continue to be 3 percent. The revised interest rates are among the best in the industry. |
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Tajamul Haq was a active terrorist: Police Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Nov 29: A police spokesman today said that after thorough investigation it has been established that four terrorists killed in police encounter on November 28, 2004 morning at Nishat, belonged to the Laskher-e-Toiba (LeT) outfit and wanted to carry out a Fidayeen attack on security forces camp. The police recovered arms and ammunitions from the site of encounter. The spokesman clarified that Tajamul Haq son of Ghulam Rasood Dar of Kulangam, Handwara was a active terrorist not innocent as claimed by certain elements and reported in press quoting different sources. The spokesman added, the terrorist was involved in militant activities, as sketches and maps of security camp which they intended to attack was recovered from his possession, besides it has also been learnt from reliable sources that he sustained a minor injury while throwing a hand grenade few months back in Handwara town. The spokesman rejected the claim that Haq was forcibly lifted by terrorists, saying why an FIR to this effect was not lodged in the police station, if Tajamul Haq was forcibly abducted ? and why he was with two Pakistani mercenaries and district commander of LeT Zahoor Ahmad Najar, travelling in auto riksha in the dead of night at a desolated place with other militants? this he said is clear proof of his involvement. Giving the details, the spokesman further elaborated that identity of other terrorists involved in the encounter have been established and they are Zahoor Nazar son of Farooq Ahmed Najar, Ali Mohammed Kamran, Rashid Block (both Pakistani nationals). The spokesman said that body of Zahoor Ahmed Najar was collected and buried in Ali Kadal Srinagar. |
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Senior Citizens Council’s plea to Mula Ram Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 29: A deputation of Senior Citizens Welfare Council, Jammu called on Minister for Social Welfare, Mula Ram and apprised him of various problems being confronted by the council in Jammu division. The President of the Senior Citizens Welfare Council, Manjit Singh informed that welfare council is facing difficulties for want of residential accommodation to house office and day care centre for elder persons. They appealed the Minister for initiating necessary measures for release of funds from Central Government to enable the council to raise basic infrastructure for its proper functioning. Mr Manjit also informed the Minister that awareness camp would be organised in Jammu in the first week of December. During the camp awareness would be generated among the younger generation as how to manage their elders because they need due care, respect and sympathetic attitude from their wards. Minister assured the deputationists for rendering full support and assistance by the Social Welfare department besides matter would be taken up with the Government for favourable action. President of the council on behalf of Northern Zone Citizens Council also presented a memento to the Minister. Other members accompanying the President included S. N Koul, Vice President, B. L Raina, General Secretary, J. L Mattoo, Secretary Publicity and Vice President Women Wing, Prof Rita Jitendra. |
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Reciprocal arrangements,
private tie-ups to Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 29: The State Government is working on a multi-pronged strategy to boost handloom production, trade and sales. The modalities for increasing the trade and sales of the States’ handloom corporation include reciprocal sale and expo arrangements with other States’ corporation, setting up of consignment centres in major business centres especially in the northern zone and tie-up with private houses who have made a mark in this field. Announcing these steps while chairing a meeting of board of directors of Jammu and Kashmir Handloom Development Corporation here this morning, Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma said that tapping the arena of macro-sales and then steadily entering into the diversified sector of designing are the core of the strategy to generate better marketing for the State’s handloom products. The Deputy Chief Minister said that possibilities are explored through private agencies for setting up of over 100 marketing centres in the remote and far-flung pockets of Jammu and Kashmir to increase the sales of the finished products especially the tweed, blankets, shawls, etc. The move will be followed by heavy discount on these products that would motivate the consumers to purchase handloom products. He said that this would immensely benefit not only the corporation in terms of economics of trade and sales but also better the conditions of the weavers and workers in the trade. He said this would be supplemented with holding of expos in all the major towns and cities of the State. Mr. Sharma said that the corporation is in tandem with the prestigious Raymond garment house for production of the tweed cloth in view to exploit the potential of marketing in the European and American nations. On the need to strengthen production activities in handloom sector, the Deputy Chief Minister said that three vital sectors of Railways, Police and health are being approached for bulk purchase and institutional sales. He refereed to the Statement of the union Railway Minister Mr. Laloo Prasad Yadav who said that henceforth all purchases meant for the Railways would be affected through the concerned States handloom corporations. Similarly, police and health department has huge potential for utilization of the finished handloom products. The meeting also deliberated on Rs five crore integrated wool and woolen development project sanctioned under the Prime Ministers’ package as also on the implementation of the UNDP project for scouring, dyeing, finishing of handloom products The Deputy Chief Minister also called for price fixation mechanism of handloom products to bolster its production and for taking on the competitive edge with private ventures. Emphasizing on the urgency to constitute an Inventory Estimation Committee, Mr. Sharma said that it will work on the realistic projections of the stocks and stores availability to properly monitor the conditions of various garments and suggest measures for the disposal of the same. Earlier, the meeting apprised the Deputy Chief Minister about the production and sales plans for the current fiscal. As per the formulated plan of sales, the corporation has fixed a sale target of Rs 501 lakh for the current financial year. Among others, the meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Planning and Development M.I. Khandey, Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce A. Sahasaranaman, Secretary Handloom Development Corporation Rohit Khajuria, MD HDC, Zahid Hussain and Director Handloom Development Corporation Davinder Sharma. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 29: The Jammu and Kashmir Bank Limited today organised a customer meet at Hotel Asia Jammu. Customers from various branches of Jammu and also a few from Leh attended the meeting. The meeting was chaired by M Y Khan, chairman of the Bank. Senior executives of the Bank also attended the meet. Customers appreciated the Bank’s progress, services and products the Bank has been offering to the customers which match with any world class bank. Customers praised the technology application adopted by the Bank in operations and services to the customers. The customers lauded the leadership of M Y Khan to the Bank, his dynamism, vision and personal concerns for the customers, which has contributed to the Bank touching the new horizons. The customers made many suggestions for further providing value added services and delivery channels, which the chairman assured the customers that, shall be considered and implemented soon. Suggestions includes installation of ATMs and opening of new branches for collection of various state/central government taxes. At the meeting the branch managers whose branches have shown excellent performance during the year 2003-2004 were presented awards by the Chairman. |
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| State’s economy must move towards
self-reliance: Experts Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 29: Purposeful and productive steps for moving forward J&K economy to fast-growth, self-reliance and also self-sustaining during the two academic sessions held as part of two-day seminar on " Political Economy of Jammu and Kashmir" in the varsity campus here today. At the first session, chaired by Prof Amitabh Mattoo, Vice Chancellor of Jammu University, Dr Haseeb Drabu, Economic Advisor to J&K Government and Dr R L Bhat spoke on the subject. The presentation by Dr Drabu, illustrated by slides, underscored need for restoring the economic health to its full vigour by taking concrete political policy decisions and efficient utilisation of resources. He diagnosed some of the problems and suggested few steps as well. Dr R L Bhat pointed out that due emphasis should be laid to develop human and material resources and re-look on the education and thrust on some key economic and social sectors in the State. The second academic session was chaired by Mr Balraj Puri and the speakers were M Y Khan,Chairman, J&K Bank; Prof Riaz Punjabi and Prof Nissar Ali. The Chairman, J&K Bank, M Y Khan spoke about the role of this banking institution in the overall economy of the J&K State. Mr Khan listed the spectacular achievements registered by this Bank and its contribution to various sectors by providing credit in key areas. Prof Riaz Punjabi spoke about the crucial thrust areas for economic development and need for bold political will to accelerate process of socio-economic development. Referring to Indus Water Treaty, which hinders harnessing water resources of the State, stated that Pak should not use it as a strategic weapon and allow the completion of important projects like Tulbul, Baghliar. Prof Nissar Ali was critical of dependency syndrome and called for making the economy self-sustaining and growth-oriented. There was lively interaction between the speakers and the audience who asked searching questions. Those who participated in the question-answer session with comments and queries included; Prof Bhim Singh, Prof Hari Om, VN Sharma, BK Sharma, Maj-Gen G S Jamwal, R S Jamwal, M N Sehgal,M L Pandit, Prof Jigar Mohammad and some other members of Indian Institute of Public Opinion (IIPA) as also staff and students of Jammu University. The seminar, organised by IIPA in collaboration with Jammu University, was inaugurated by the Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. |
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Army School Jammu Cantt
being converted Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 29: The Army School Jammu Cantt would soon be converted into Army Public School. Modalities for the conversion of the school into a public school is being worked out. This was announced by the GoC 26 Infantry Division Major General Vinay Sharma, at the annual day function of Army School Jammu Cantt here today. General Sharma who is also the patron of the school was addressing an impressive gathering of school staff, students and their parents at the end of two-hour long action packed thrilling cultural entravanagaza presented by over 1500 students in the school premises here this afternoon also said that bio-technology as a new subject of study would be introduced from the next academic session in the school thereby adding to the rich dimensions of its academic performance. Mass participation, riot of colour with thrust on learning through cultural activities and focus on freedom movement, country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage and display of talent by hundreds of colorfully dressed student mark the annual day function organized in the sprawling campus of School. President Army Wife’s Welfare Association (AWWA) Roopa Sharma, Chairman of the School Brig. M.M. Choudhary and Vice President AWWA Shashi Choudhary were among others present on the occasion. The cultural programme opened with evolution of dances of traditional like Kathak, Bangra and twisted to disco, jazz, etc. Sporting different dresses matching the particular dance, the tiny tots presented riot of colour to unfold diverse cultural ethos that had been the craze of youth in different time since independence. Keep fit and healthy through world acclaimed India gift yoga was aptly performed by about 100 students of class eight. This was followed by thrilling Indian dances of various regions like Kashmiri, Gujarati, Bengali, Punjabi, Tamil, etc. The interesting skit that followed the dances was the dilemma of every parent to see their child transforming into professional wizard with parents always focusing on studies to the neglect of sports and other extra-curricular activities. Ballet on famous war scene of Kalinga was beautifully portrayed by the students of class seven. the message was that there is no victory in every war and peace is always the winning factor. The grand finale was no other than the high-pitched fascinating Gidda, which electrified the school campus with melodious voices, beautiful faces and colourful dresses. Echoing the feelings of the audience Maj General Vinay Sharma appreciated the programme and said that wonderful programme presented today was the result of the hard work put in by the students and staff and Principal Anu Jandial and all other associated in the programme. The Principal of the School, Anu Jandial in her welcome address briefly presented report on the achievements of the school and said that due to the guidance and support of the Chairman the school has become one of the best in Jammu and Kashmir. One student achieved highest 94.8 percent marks in 12th class and selected in BITS Pilani. |
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Govt formulates housing policy Excelsior Correspondent NEW DELHI, Nov 29: Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Tourism Ghulam Hassan Mir while addressing the conference of Minister of Housing from the States and Union Territories at Vigyan Bhawan, here, today, has said that Jammu and Kashmir has formulated a housing policy to provide shelter to all and bring the housing shortage to zero level during next ten years. The Minister has sought full support from the Central Government to make this policy viable and successful. Mr. Mir welcomed Valmiki Ambedhkar Awas Yojana which for the first time ever provided central assistance for the construction and upgradation of shelter for urban poor enabling the States to leverage funds for this purpose to meet the demands of huge housing shortage in the country. The Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir as per the census report on housing, has a total housing shortage of 5 lakh dewelling units adding that bulk of them belonging to the poor and economically weaker sections of the society. He said Government is bringing out necessary legal, institutional and systemic changes to attract the required investment in public, private and cooperative household sectors to make this happen. Mir said that urban population during last two decades has grown by over 98 percent against the national average of 64 percent. The matching investment to cater to the requirement of this growth in this sector has not taken place adding that improvement of the environment of the towns can bring out a much needed change in the situation, he added. Urging upon the Central Government to augment allocation under National Housing and Habitat policy, the Housing Minister called for reviewing the norms of central assistance for construction of dewelling units in various categories of towns. Mir suggested that a committee of experts be constituted to assess the actual cost index and said that norms of assistance should be revised. Recalling the decision taken during last year’s conference for the special category States, Mr. Mir said that the ration of State under VAMBAY scheme should be brought down from existing 50 percent to 10 percent to make it at par with the general funding pattern of 90:10 in these States. Mr. Mir also suggested that the procedure for sanctioning the projects under VAMBAY should be further simplified and streamlined adding that on the pattern of IDMST scheme a State level sanctioning committee needs to be authorised to consider the scheme on the basis of the appraisal report of the HUDCO. Regarding cost of construction of housing for the poor, Mr. Mir said that technology innovations can play an vital role in reducing its cost. He said that decline in the rate of interest on housing credit in the past few years has been a very positive development which has encouraged house building activities on a large scale but unfortunately its benefits have not percolated to the EWS properly. The Minister asked HUDCO to continue play a move proactive role in this behalf. The Minister of housing suggested to computerize the registration of immovable property in urban areas and to introduce double entry system of accounts in the urban local bodies. |
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Sarod maestro to perform at Akhnoor, Jammu Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 29: "An any young person who wants to be a musician must have proper talim from right kind of guru, followed by riaz , imagination and above all respect for the subject", was how Pandit Tejendra Narayan Majumdar, the well known Sarod player from Calcutta, enumerated the pre-requisites for taking up classical music as a vocation. Tajinder Majumdar, who is visiting Jammu on the invitation of J&K Cultural Academy, will be performing at Akhnoor, tomorrow, November 30, 2004., under Border Area Development Scheme. He is the first artist of national and international repute to perform in a border town, said Ramesh Mehta, Secretary, Cultural Academy. Tajinder Majumdar, one of the talented Sarod players of present generation, was initiated into music by his grandfather, Bibhuti Ranjan Majumdar, and later his father, Ranjan Majumdar. After vocal and rhythm training under Amresh Choudhary and Anil Palit, he went under the tutelage of Ustad Bahadur Khan. After 18 years of rigorous study, recognition came when he stood first in All India Radio Music Competition and was awarded President’s Gold Medal and Pandit D. V. Paluskar award. Presently he is under the continuous guidance of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and carrying on the mantle of Senia Mahiar gharana. Today, most of his time is taken up in visiting abroad, presenting concerts, lecture demonstrations, doing recordings and taking up teaching assignments. Being a contemporary musician, he is also open to experimentation and often performs in innovative collaborations. Tajinder Majumdar will also give Sarod recital in winter capital on December 1, 2004, at the Abhinav Theatre. |
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Concern over non-fulfilment of assurances Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Nov 29: The House Committee of Legislators has expressed its concern for non-fulfilment of assurances given by the Government on the floor of the House from time to time. The Committee that met here today with Ali Mohammad Sagar in chair has opined that the Government is bound to fullfil its assurances in the House on various issues related to the public importance. In today’s meeting the committee discussed the issues pertaining to the Public Health Engineering and Irrigation Departments and sought latest position of various projects undertaken by these departments. The committee was not satisfied with the information furnished by the department and directed the Secretary PHE, Atul Dulloo to furnish the detailed report of issues before the next meeting is held. Senior officers of PHE and Irrigation Departments and Assembly Secretariat were present in the meeting. |
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New industrial estates at
Kathua, Udhampur, Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 29: Jammu and Kashmir Government is developing two Silk Tech. Parks at Zakura in Srinagar and Samba in Jammu for boosting the silk production and export. Apart from this, four new industrial estates at Kathua, Udhampur, Budgam and Zakura too would be created to meet the ever growing demands on the prospective entrepreneurs and industrial houses desiring to invest in the state. Decisions to this effect were taken at the SICOP Board of Directors meeting here this evening with Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma in the chair. Dwelling on the need to develop silk parks one each at Kashmir and Jammu, the Deputy Chief Minister said that this becomes necessitated in view of the fact that while Jammu and Kashmir produces over 800 tonnes of cocoons only a meager 80 tonnes is consumed to manufacture finished products. To be developed under centrally sponsored textile centres infrastructure development scheme (TCIDS), the silk parks would also house handicraft park, buyer-seller centre, exhibition platform that would display the papier machie, wood carvings, finished silk and other products in which the state has a monopoly under one organised roof. The move would also expose the product range of local entrepreneurs and explore the market avenues for these goods. The park would also be a major tourist attraction where the visitors would be able to eye witness each production. While the Zakura Silk Park is estimated to be developed at a cost of Rs. 7.92 crore, estimations for Samba is being worked out. On the creation of new industrial estates under the integrated industrial development scheme, the Deputy Chief Minister said that new estates are extremely vital to cater to the futuristic requirement and for attaining the objectives enshrined in the new industrial policy. He said that new estates would also be attracting heavy investments in the SSI and subsequently generating job opportunities. With land allocation of 979 for Kathua, 427 for Udhampur, 109 for Zakura and 1200 for Budgam, the demands of the forthcoming industrialists for setting up of their ventures is likely to be met. The meeting also proposed to house a full-fledged aesthetic SICOP Display Centre in the Raj Bagh Srinagar to facilitate the buyers as also for increasing the business prospects of the company. Managing Director SICOP B.S. Dua apprised the meeting that achievements of the SICOP and said that a composite turnover of Rs. 94. 60 crore was achieved till November 28. The total income generated during this period, he said, is Rs. 4.42 crore and a cash surplus of Rs. 1.17 crore. The efforts of the SICOP turnovers were highly appreciated by the Deputy Chief Minister and the members of the board of directors. President Jammu Association of Industries A.K. Wadhera proposed development of new industrial sites for Jammu and also upgration of the existing ones. He further demanded that items manufactured by small scale industrial units be mandatorily purchased by various government departments through SICOP. Among others, the meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Industries and Commerce A. Sahasaranaman, Industrial Advisor, SSI P.K. Goel, Director Industries and Commerce Pawan Kotwal, Director SISI Jammu Ranjit Singh, President Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industries Ram Sahai, President Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries Rauf Punjabi and President Federation of Industries Kashmir Shakeel Qalendar. |
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| JKTF delegation meets Pay Anomaly
Committee members Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 29: The leaders of J&K Teachers Forum held detailed meeting with the Chairman of the Pay Anomaly Committee, Deputy Chief Minister Pt Mangat Ram Sharma, who assured the delegation that pay anomaly issue would be resolved within 10 days. The delegation led by its chairman Abdul Qayoom Wani comprised of Ghulam Rasool Bhat, Bhupinder Shastri, Ganesh Khajuria, Sushil Kumar, Kapil Bakshi, S Puran Singh, Gopal Sharma, Paramjeet Singh, Harjinder Gupta, Gurjeet Singh, Ashwani Kumar, Pardeep Khajuria and Vishwa Mitra. It met the other members of the Pay Anomaly Committee viz Education Minister Harsh dev Singh, Minister for Housing Ghulam Hassan Mir, Minister for Science and Technology Nawang Rigzin and MoS Education Dr Ghulam Nabi Lone and apprised them of their concern. The delegation was assured by them that they were apprised of the issue and would soon convene a meeting of the Cabinet Sub Committee to settle the issue. The Forum, the leaders said, doers not believe in confrontation but further delay in the settlement of their demands would compel them to come on the roads and for the purpose two central committee leaders are camping in Jammu and visiting all districts to gear up teaching community for future course of action if needed and emphasizing them to discharge their duties with more dedication, devotion and sincerity. |
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Master plan being formulated for Poonch Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 29 : A comprehensive master plan would be formulated and submitted to the Union Urban Development Ministry for funding for all round development of border township of Poonch. Besides lying of 132 KV line for the district would also be recommended for funding under Prime Minister’s Financial package. This was decided in a review meeting of District Development Board held under the chairmanship of Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, Taj Mohi-ud-din. Member Parliamenta T. S. Bajwa and Madan Lal Sharma, besides local legislators, members of the Pahari Advisory Board, Gujjar Development Board, Directors of various departments, District Development Commissioner and district heads of various departments attended the meeting. Addressing the meeting the minister asked the District Administration to formulate separate master plan for each department and finalize the same within one month. On the suggestion of the Minister the meeting unanimously decided that lying of 132 kV line followed by construction of 130 kV grid station would be recommended to the Government for funding under the prime Minister’s Financial package. Describing the Prime Minister’s package as a vehicle for all-round development of the State, the Minister said each region has been given separate allocations for different departments to avoid any complaint of discrimination in the utilization of funds. He stressed upon the officers to involve Panchayat members and legislator while formulating plan for particular area and in the implementation of developmental schemes. Stressing for close monitoring of educational institution Mr. Taj asked the District Development Commissioner to involve village education committees and also seek help of army under its Sadhbhavna programme. He also appreciated the work of army including construction of school building in the border district under Sadhbhavna programme. Giving the details of developmental works taken into hand for the current financial year, the Development Commissioner said that Rs.40.32 crore have been earmarked for the current financial year which include loan assistant of 5.44 crore. He said under the Agriculture sector 34700 hectares land have been brought under different agriculture activities besides 1075.21MT fertilizer was distributing among the farmers. Under soil conservation 18 hectare area has been covered and a harvesting tank constructed in Mendhar sector so far. Similarly, 50 MT. Chemical fertilizers have been procured for horticulture purposes. Under Rural development 133 beneficiaries have been provided assistance under IAY and 690 works of different nature completed so far. Under Hariali scheme, the Centre has approved 3 crore IWDP project against which 47 lakh have already been released. |
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Railways workers resume work on rail project Excelsior Correspondent DODA, Nov 29: The workers of Gareeb Behbood Railway Union, Ramban, Banihal at Khari in Doda district resumed their work on the under construction railway project after 45 days of strike, following an agreement between the Union and the Management of JP Industries and its sub committees. A big rally was held at Khari-Ramsoo today under the leadership of State INTUC president Shiv Kumar Sharma, district Doda INTUC president Mohd Akram Malik and leader of Gareeb Behbood Railway Union Ramban after the agreement was reached with representatives of JP Industries and its sub contractors JPICC, VCC, BPC, BC etc over the demands of the union. The workers of Gareeb Behbood Railway Union Ramban were on strike for the last 45 days in support of their demands like jobs to local drivers with vehicles, enhancing of daily wage rate to Rs 150, allowance for food, washing, housing and pollution etc. The negotiations were held with the management and workers in the presence of leaders of INTUC and the Railway Union led by Shiv Kumar Sharma and settlement was arrived at between them. Following the agreement a bog rally was held and the union leaders decided to resume work today. State INTUC president Shiv Kumar Sharma welcomed the decision of the management and workers for settling the issue amicably for then larger interests of the public and smooth work on the project. Those who spoke on the occasion included Shafiq Ahmed Katoch, Sakhi Mohd Sarpanch, Bashir Ahmed, Nazir Ahmed, Mohd Iqbal and other local leaders. |
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‘Opening of Sharda Temple can bring people together’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 29: While expressing satisfaction over the goodwill gesture shown by the Pak Occupied Kashmir (PoK) Government to renovate and open to Hindu pilgrims the ancient Sharda Temple in Neelam Valley falling on the confluence of River Madumati and Kishen Ganga, Pir Panchal an NGO today expressed the hope that both Government of India and Pakistan will respect the sentiments of Hindus of the country. The meeting which was chaired by the president of the organisation Ramesh Hangloo said that a detailed memorandum in this regard will be submitted to Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh and External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh. He complimented the SAFMA delegation that had visited the J&K for taking up the issue with PoK Government on the request of the organisation. Mr Hangloo said that during the visit of SAFMA delegation to the state his organisation had submitted a memorandum to its chairman Imtiyaz Alam seeking his intervention in throwing the shrine open to Hindu pilgrims. He expressed confidence that throwing this historical shrine open to pilgrims will help in improving the bilateral relations between India and Pakistan and bring the people of two parts of Jammu and Kashmir much closer to each other. Agri employees for regularisation of daily rate workers Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 28: All J&K Agriculture Employees Association, Jammu province, in a meeting under the presidentship of S Joginder Singh demanded regularisation of daily rated workers and holding of DPC meeting of different cadres. The meeting also reviewed the progress of the memorandum which was earlier submitted to the Director Agriculture on October 5, last. The meeting took serious note of the issues still pending at various quarters and asked that these issues be taken up with the Government for their immediate redressal. All prominent office bearers participated in the meeting. RAHAT organises medical camp for senior citizens Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 29: A free health care camp was organised in Green Belt Park, Gandhinagar here by NGO-Rahat on Sunday. The camp was jointly organised with the initiative of Preventive Health Care Association Mumbai and Rural Assistance and Health Awareness Trust (RAHAT) active support of Swastik Diagnostic Lab Jammu. Convenor Dev Raj Sharma explained the objective of the camp and appealed the participants to spread the message of preventive health care in the society and stressed about laying responsibility of at least one member of the family above 40 years of age to preach, practice and create awareness of preventive health care of the whole family. Based on his experience in Mumbai, he stressed the need of regular health check ups including testing of blood for fasting sugar and Haemoglobin , blood pressure and ECG including weight to monitor their health. Dr J K Sharma president Trustee of RAHAT spoke on the objective of the Trust and impressed upon the senior citizens who attended the camp that they should reduce daily consumption of starch, sugar and salt while making liberal use of water , walking and will power to preserve their quality of life in ageing process. About 100 senior citizens both male and female registered for the camp. Dr Rak Kumar, Dr K K Sharma and Dr J K Sharma rendered their services. Khan directs action against absentees Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR Nov 29: Minister of State for Social Welfare, Ghulam Hassan Khan has said that the situation in trouble turn state is fast improving as the present Government is working for restoration of peace and providing succor to the people of the State. Mr. Khan today paid surprise visit to various offices in Budgam district including Sub-district hospital, integrated child development project, Khan Sahib and destitute home of children, Chadoora. During his visit the Minister found nine officers/officials including Block Medical Officer, Dr. Mehraj-ud-Din absent from duty. Of these seven officials found absent where from Sub District Hospital, Khan Sahib and two from Destitute Home of Children. The Minister directed the concerned authorities to take immediate disciplinary action under rules against the absentees. He stressed upon the government employees to remain punctual to their duties and attend to the problems of the people. Later, the Minister inspected the construction work of Bal Ashram building at Khan Sahib which is under execution at a cost of Rs. 95 lakh and exhorted upon the Engineers and officers to accelerate their efforts and complete the on going developmental works in the area within the stipulated time. Producers wait for shifting of Kashir Channel to Srinagar Excelsior Correspondent SRINGAR, Nov 29: After the previous NDA Government failed to shift the Delhi based Kashir channel to Srinagar, the Producers and freelancers are now pinning their hope on the UPA Government hoping that the channel will be shifted to Srinagar without any further delay. "Even though the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had issued an order to shift the Kashir channel to Srinagar, the order was not implemented because some producers with vested interests are lobbying in New Delhi to stall the shifting of the Kashir channel to Srinagar," says senior film producer Shabir Haider. "The Kashir channel was started with the purpose of preserving the unique Kashmiri identity and culture. Therefore the programs aired through the kashir channel should subscribe to the local needs and trends. But if the channel is operated from thousands of kilometers away from Srinagar how will it serve the purpose it was meant for," questions Mr. Haider. The shifting of the kashir channel is not the only worry the local producers have to cope with. The producers from Kashmir valley face discrimination when it comes to allotting work to private producers under various schemes. " The percentage of programs which the Prasar Bharti allots to the producers from the valley is very less. According to the rules seventy percent of programs have to be allocated to local producers and thirty- percent programs to producers from outside the state. But in reality the reverse is happening as producers from outside the valley are getting the loins share," says Zameer Ashai, a senior artist and chairperson, Kashmir Creative Peoples Forum. "Apart from this funds are not provided to commission classics of Kashmiri language and literature, while as the same are provided towards preserving other languages and literature. We had raised the issue several times with almost all the authorities in the past but nothing has been done in this regard," adds Mr. Ashai. Surprisingly, the officials of the Kashir Channel seem to pay least attention towards promoting professionalism in the Kashir channel. " The qualified producers are given least number of programs to produce. Even those with post-graduate qualifications in Mass Communication are ignored," says a spokesman of the Mass Comm. Pass-outs Guild, Haroon Rashid "Even at the Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar, Mass Communication Passouts are ignored. Last year the Kendra gave away programs to some 800 producers under the Complete Broadcasting Category (CBR) and only a handful of professional producers could make it to the final list. If the situation is not dealt with at an earliest how can Prasar Bharti face the tough competition from various private channels," questions the President. Make effects of troop reduction visible: Hakim Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 29: People’s Democratic Forum Chairman and Minister for Revenue Hakim Mohd Yasin has urged upon the Central Government to make the effects of troop reduction on the grounds. In a press statement issued here today the PDF leader said while the UPA government’s decision on troops reduction is , of course, the biggest confidence building measure during one and half decade of insurgency but the effects of withdrawal are yet to be seen on the grounds. He pointed out that in the rural areas people are still being subjected to character verification in their own homes while on the roadside one can see long queues of women and elders lined up for checking and frisking. Mr Hakim said while there should not be any laxity in dealing with elements of violence, wherever they exist, but the decision on troop reduction can be made result oriented only when the level of human rights violations is brought down. He said the people from rural areas of district Kupwara have much complaints of H R violations. Hakim said such incidents of rights violations have a serious effect on the efforts of the leaders of coalition Government in creating an atmosphere of a dialogue for peace and reconciliation. Hakim Mohd Yasin also urged upon the militant leaders to lay down arms to pave way for a dialogue in the interest of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He on the other hand appealed New Delhi to announce general cease-fire in a gesture of magnanimity. Medical Colleges in J&K, MP,
Rajasthan to be CHANDIGARH, Nov 29: The Central Government proposes to upgrade medical colleges of Jammu and Kashmir, Andhara Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh to AIIMS level spending Rs 120 crore each on the upgradation process, Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss today informed. Talking to reporters after inaugurating a blood resource centre here, he said the existing facilites of these medical colleges would be upgraded and they would be brought at par with AIIMS, Delhi. Ramadoss said that the Centre’s proposal to create six new AIIMS in Orissa, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Uttaranchal, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan was awaiting nod from the expenditure finance committee and the project could take off soon. Touching upon the stem cell research, he said "this concept is going to be the future of medicine in the world as cure for many fatal diseases can be found by replacing the cells of the diseased organs by fresh ones". He said that a private hospital in Chennai had recently opened an umbilical stem cell branch and urged more health institutes to take up the research work more for a social cause than merely for commercial purposes. "ICMR is already doing research in stem cell research. We will also fund institutes like PGI, Chandigarh and AIIMS and even the private ones doing commendable work in this field. The Central Government understands that this area needs huge funding. In California state alone, they spend nearly three billion dollars on stem cell research," he said. Ramadoss said the Government was committed to eradicate polio from the country and added that while many states had fared well states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar remained problem states. Asked about the increasing population, he said the Government plans to bring down the total fertility rate to 2.1 per cent by 2010. "While in many southern states the rate has already been achieved, but in states like Bihar, UP, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh it remains a problem. I will be going to all these states soon and advocate for small family norms. However, we will not be forcing anybody into having a small family," he said. Ramadoss also expressed concern over the declining sex ratio in Punjab and Haryana. "The Centre is considering to take more stringent action against those violating the provisions of the PNDT Act. The states will have to employ more monitoring methods," he added. (PTI) Strictly adhere traffic rules: Niaz Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 29 : Saying that the ever increasing traffic chaos could be overcome by improving proper training to vehicle operators to a large extent, the Minister for Power Mohd Sharief Niaz today called upon the people to strictly adhere to the traffic rules and cooperate with the authorities. The Minister was speaking at an inaugural function organized by a Driving and Maintenance Institute at Roop Nagar. Mr Niaz Highlighted the dire need to impart adequate knowledge to the drivers regarding basic rules of traffic. He said in view of the increasing number of vehicles in the city it has become more important to be well aware so as to avoid unpleasant incidents. He expressed confidence that driving and maintenance institutes could prove quite helpful in guiding the people. Later, a deputation at Roop Nagar and adjacent areas met the Minister and apprised him of various problems being faced by them due to unscheduled power cuts and irregular supply. Mr Niaz gave on spot instructions to the officers to provide electric poles and supply lines so as to improve the power supply in the area. Sikh bodies hail appointment of J J Singh as Army Chief Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 29: Bhai Kanahiya Jee Nishkam Seva Society and other Sikh organisations have expressed their pleasure on the appointment of a Sikh as Chief of Army Staff. This is for the first time that a Sikh has been given the top most post in Indian Army and this decision of the Central Government has applied great balm on earlier wounds of the Sikh community, observed a joint meeting of several Sikh organisations, held today under the chairmanship of Mohinder Singh, chief organisor of Bhai Kanahiya Nishkam Sewa Society, J&K. The meet also expressed its pleasure over appointing Sikhs on some other important posts like Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission and Governors of States by the UPA Government at Centre. It is now our turn to make the hands of Madam Sonia Gandhi so strong that she could do more for the country under Prime Ministership of Dr Manmohan Singh, said the meet which was attended by presidents of Sikh Welfare Society, Shiromani Youth Akali Dal, State Akali Dal, AISSF and Sikh Noujawan Sabha. JD (U) asks Govt to clarify PM’s package Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 29: Pradesh Janata Dal United in its executive committee meeting held here today has asked the Central and State Governments to clarify in simple terms about the Prime Minister’s economic package of Rs 24,000 cr announced by him during his recent visit to the State. The meeting which was presided over by state unit president Sanjesh Gupta said that initially the announcement by the PM had created great hope among the masses here but with the passage time the people have started feeling disillusioned as the announcement of Rs 24,000 cr economic package is proving as jugglery of figures only and the already existing projects being presented in new bottles. Mr Gupta said the announcement of PM lifting ban on Government jobs too is proving as hoax as the State Government has not yet advertised the vacancies nor there is clarity about the availability of funds for new jobs. He also expressed his apprehensions about the jobs if filled any to be done in hush-hush manner as was done during the NC rule when the jobs were given only to the favourites of the ruling politicians. General secretary of the party, A K Kharu also spoke on the occasion and flayed Pak president Parvez Musharraf for insisting on inclusion of Hurriyat Conference in the Indo-Pak talks. Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 29: A voluntary blood donation camp was organised at Sainik School, Nagrota, which was inaugurated by Chief Minister Mufti Mohd Sayeed. Department of Transfusion Medicine, Government Medical College, Jammu participated in voluntary collection drive. Mr Sayeed appreciated gesture of NCC cadets, who donated blood and took keen interest in inter-acting with the donors. He inquired in details from Dr Kum Kum Sharma, Prof and Head Transfusion Medicine the number of blood units required in GMC Jammu, the sources of blood and the organisations regularly donating blood besides latest technological advancements in blood banking. Others present on the occasion were Brig K D Malhotra, DDG NCC J&K, Col K B Gupta, Commandant NCC, Dr R Kapoor, Assistant Professor and Mrs Santosh Mangotra. They co-ordinated the voluntary blood donation programme. |
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