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| Rawat opposes state intervention in education Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: To save the Indian ethos in education from the Leftist onslaught, the Shiksha Bachao Andolan Samiti has started a nationwide movement and various programmes are being organised all over the country to highlight the politically motivated distortions in history and other subjects......more Chaturvedi
takes Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: S K Chaturvedi has taken over as Director (Personnel), National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC)...........more JM, JDA
launch Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: Jammu Municipality and Jammu Development Authority (JDA) have joined hands to curb the activity of illegal constructions in the winter capital city.......more JAKFAS
holds on spot Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: On the occasion of the holy Navratras, the J&K Fine Arts Society (JAKFAS) organised an on the spot inter-school children painting competition..........more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: Police today arrested two groups of thieves hailing from Uttar Pradesh and who had entered the State about five days back for series of thefts in posh localities.........more |
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Farooq’s
statement Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: Jammu Kashmir Vichar Manch (JKVM) today reiterated that State Government’s return formula was not acceptable to displaced Kashmiri Pandits and maintained that construction of clusters in Tulmula, Mattan and Sheikhpora in Kashmir valley for the rehabilitation of the Pandits was a futile exercise.............more Committee
framed for Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Oct 19: Government today constituted a five-member Programme Monitoring and Evaluation Committee in the Agriculture Department to ensure effective implementation of various schemes at ground. The Committee would also investigate and fix responsibility................more Consumer
Protection Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Oct 19: A sustained consumers awareness movement with active participation of Non Governmental Organisations coupled with responsive law enforcement agencies............more Mir, Div
Comm visit Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Oct 19: Minister for Tourism and Urban Development Ghulam Hassan Mir today visited Sharifabad, Zanakote..............more |
Rawat opposes state intervention in education Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: To save the Indian ethos in education from the Leftist onslaught, the Shiksha Bachao Andolan Samiti has started a nationwide movement and various programmes are being organised all over the country to highlight the politically motivated distortions in history and other subjects. This was stated by Atul Rawat a renowned journalist and researcher, while talking to mediapersons here today. He said the de-Indianisation of education began with the establishment of Muslim rule in India a thousand years ago and the British gave it impetus in their own way. "Unfortunately after the British left this process continued", he added. Strongly opposing the state intervention in education he said, "it is not good for us., Prior to Muslim rule the historians were free as they were not linked to the court’s. "During that period the history was in the hands of Rishis and at that time there was no state intervention", he said. He said the Raj Tarangni written by Kalhan Pandit of Kashmir was the last such granth. Kalhan was an impartial historian who continued the legacy of Rishis. Turning tables on the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government for ordering change in the syllabus and creating a hue and cry on the saffronisation of education during National Democratic Alliance (NDA) rule, he said a long struggle has to be launched against it. Supporting the NDA’s intervention in the education policy, he said it had become necessary to change the 1,000 year old distorted history of the country. He said for the first time during the NDA Government an attempt was made to Indianise the education system which is now labeled as safronisation. Now the reversal of that process is being called detoxification but no one is clearly telling what is detoxification and which toxic elements are being removed from history. He said in comparison to that when the text books written by Leftists historians were removed objectionable paragraphs were clearly identified. These books were not balanced regionally as the history of various regions was given very inadequately and there were many factual mistakes. "The Communist authors in these books had negated the contribution of all Hindu communities." He said in these books the Jats have been described as plunders, the Aryans as foreigners and the Mugals as indigenious. He said one of these books which is 260 pages (Medieval India) describes the 400 years of Rajput rule in 36 pages, while it provides 222 pages to the alien Muslim dynasties. Strongly advocating for the depoliticising of education, he said in future it (education) should be controlled by society. Lashing out at the Leftists he said the protagonists of Marxism and Leninism consider the state the nodal agency for social change while we strongly differ with their view point. He said the decision of UPA Government to reintroduce the books of the Leftists historians in the classrooms without any debate is a matter of concern as this way they were bulldozing the academic institutions. He, while lashing out at UPA said under the negative influence of the Communists this Government is hell bent to de-Indianisation of education. He said the only way to take India to the state of eternal bliss is through reviving the Indian tradition of writing history which was Shastra and called the Pancham Veda. |
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Chaturvedi takes over as Director (Personnel) NHPC Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: S K Chaturvedi has taken over as Director (Personnel), National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC), a schedule ‘A’ enterprise of the Union Government under Ministry of Power. Prior to joining, NHPC, Mr Chaturvedi was working as executive director (human resource and corporate communication) with Power Grid Corporation of India Limited. Born on August 6, 1951, Mr Chaturvedi is a first class graduate and post graduate in human resource from University of Lucknow. Mr Chaturvedi-a seasoned HR professional with varied experience of more than 28 years in the area of human resource management, industrial relations and organisational development, had worked with Steel Authority of India Limited and National Thermal Power Corporation in various capacities before joining Power Grid Corporation of India Limited. A strong votary of human development, Mr Chaturvedi has introduced several new concepts of employee development. An ex-fellow of CSIR and UGC, Mr Chaturvedi is a regular faculty for programmes being organised by well known institutes like Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI), Hyderabad, Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon and National Power Training Institute (NPTI), Faridabad. He is responsible for initiating several progressive HR policies in the organisations, he had served earlier. |
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JM, JDA launch operation against illegal constructions Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: Jammu Municipality and Jammu Development Authority (JDA) have joined hands to curb the activity of illegal constructions in the winter capital city. In a joint operation launched here today under the supervision of Executive Officer Jammu Municipality T R Kapoor and assisted by some senior Khilafwarzi officers of both the agencies, at least thirty illegal structures including twenty shops were demolished/ restricted from construction in Transport Nagar, Channi Himmat, Railway Station and Trikuta Nagar area. During operation it was found that at least twelve shops were being illegally constructed in Transport Nagar area. The individuals had not secured any permission from the Municipality or JDA in this regard. Similarly, some structures were being constructed in Narwal area and Channi Housing Colony. Illegal construction of a basement in Channi Himmat area was also stopped by the joint team. Those indulging in violation were booked by the Khilafwarzi officials of the agencies. This joint operation against illegal constructions which commenced here today will continue for some days. JDA vice-chairman K B Jandial will be supervising the operation from tomorrow onwards. Those indulging in violation were issued warning and asked to get permission from the concerned building authorities before initiating any work. It may be recalled that Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Ghulam Hassan Mir during recent review meeting in Jammu had directed the JDA and Municipal officials to curb the activity of illegal constructions and encroachments in Jammu city. This special drive has been launched to keep a check on the increasing activity of encroachments. |
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JAKFAS
holds on spot painting contest on Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: On the occasion of the holy Navratras, the J&K Fine Arts Society (JAKFAS) organised an on the spot inter-school children painting competition on the topic of Ramayana for promotion of art and culture and to strengthen brotherhood and communal harmony. This unique painting competition, organised to educate younger generation about our culture and religious, was held at historical Mubarak Mandi Park. More than 300 children participated in the painting competition. The children artists were asked to draw paintings on Ramayana events like Dashratha Yagna, birth of four brothers, Sita-Ram marriage scene, death of Raja Dashratha, Ram-Bharat Milap, golden deer episode, meeting of Hanuman and Sugrev, killing of Bali, search for Sita, killing of Ravana and return of Shri Rama to the Ayodhya. The participants were divided into three groups. Group ‘A’ comprised of children of class 4th and 5th, class 6th and 7th children were in group ‘B’, group ‘C’ comprised students of class 8th, 9th and 10th. Response of the students were over-whelming and they displayed their talent by sketching excellent pictures of different episodes of Ramayana. Parents of the students were also present in the competition and they were surprised to see talent of young students. It was really a colourful and a successful event. Parents were of the view that such type of events create awareness among students and it was help in further strengthening over cultural ethos. The event depicts the moral aspect of life like brotherhood, peace, duties and devotion and over and above the respect for all values of life. Darshan Singh, Rohit Verma, Ashwani Sharma, Suhail Koul, Vinay Khajuria, Sanjay Kotwal, Suresh Sharma, Ashok Koul and other members ofthe JAKFAS actively participated in the event while Rohit Verma, Vinay Khajuria and Sanjay Kotwal were among panel of the judges. The JAKFAS is also going to hold another such on spot competition on October 21, 2004 at Talab Tillo. The best of the paintings will be exhibited at Abhinav Theatre. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: Police today arrested two groups of thieves hailing from Uttar Pradesh and who had entered the State about five days back for series of thefts in posh localities of Jammu city and holy town of Katra during the festival season. During the five days stay in Jammu, the thieves had conducted thefts and snatched goods worth Rs one lakh from different localities and were planning to leave for the holy town of Katra when police nabbed three of them red-handed at Nai Basti two days back. Police sources said that two groups of 13 thieves reached Jammu about five days back from Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh and started staying in some broken kiosks near Shastri Nagar Cremation Ground in order to avoid any sort of suspicion from the locals and police. "On the very next day they struck near the Pahalwan Di Hatti and decamped with cash from the dickey of parked scooter. Later, they snatched Rs 50,000 from Satwari Chowk and were about to broke open the dickey of a scooter when caught red-handed by police team led by SHO S S Sambyal under the supervision of SP South Bhupinder Singh and DySP Shiv Kumar Chouhan", the sources said and added that the modus operandi of the thieves was to keep vigil on the persons visiting banks and on finding opportunity either snatch the money or conduct theft. During the interrogation, the thieves arrested from Nai Basti broke out and revealed their plans and places where other thieves were staying. All other members of both the groups were, later, nabbed. "These groups used to visit Jammu once in a year that too in winter season for carrying out thefts and snatchings in posh localities of Jammu and holy town of Katra", the sources said quoting arrested thieves and added that the arrested thieves had also confessed their involvement in series of thefts at Katra town took place last year. The arrested thieves have been identified as Dharminder, son of Gauri Shanker, Salig Ram, son of Ram Ujjaghar, Hari Chand, son of Nebra, Ganga Ram, son of Ram Parsad, Rameshwar, son of Sheedi, Jagan Nath, son of Ram Lachan, Sanjay Kumar, son of Rameshwar Prasad, Sunil Kumar, son of Jamuna Prasad, Suresh Kumar, son of Ram Dayal, Shiv Partap, son of Ram Raj, Ram Bhadur, son of Mira Lal, Sudesh Kumar, son of Kaniah Lal and Bachan, son of Ram Saroop, all residents of Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh. With the timely arrest of all the thieves, Gandhi Nagar Police has prevented several thefts from taking place. Meanwhile, a notorious thief—Rajesh Kumar alias Tony, son of Kuldeep Kumar of Kachhi Chawani was arrested by Gandhi Nagar Police and two steroes worth Rs 60,000 were recovered from his possession. |
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Farooq’s statement on return vindicates our stand: JKVM Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: Jammu Kashmir Vichar Manch (JKVM) today reiterated that State Government’s return formula was not acceptable to displaced Kashmiri Pandits and maintained that construction of clusters in Tulmula, Mattan and Sheikhpora in Kashmir valley for the rehabilitation of the Pandits was a futile exercise. The organisation which held an interactive meeting with the Kashmiri Pandit Association Mumbai chief M L Matoo here, today deliberated on various issues confronting the community. The meeting was chaired by Dr R L Bhat, All India vice president of the Manch. He said the displaced community has also turned down the return to their original localities as the situation was not conducive in the Valley for the same. He said the Manch has time and again made its point clear on this issue. "We are for the comprehensive and compact return of the community so that it is not uprooted in future too", he added. The meeting said the statement given by former Chief Minister , Dr Farooq Abdullah in this regard has vindicated our stand as the Manch has rejected both clusters and return under prevailing conditions. Hailing the statement of Dr Abdullah it said, the Government should take the cognizance of it and restrain itself from taking any decision in haste. The meeting discussed many other issues confronting the community and the members were apprised of the recent decisions taken in the National Executive meet of the Manch at New Delhi. It expressed grave concern over the growing unemployment among the community youth and it decided to devise a mechanism in close coordination with Kashmiri Pandit Association Mumbai to solve this issue. Addressing the meeting Mr Matoo expressed grave concern over the plight of the displaced people. He stressed that the nodal organizations of the displaced people should work in close coordination with the KP organizations outside the Jammu in mitigating the problems of the community people. He assured full support in providing the medical aid to the needy community members and urged the Manch leadership to devise a mechanism for that. He also assured help to the deserving children undergoing various professional training courses in Maharashtra subject to approval of the Other trustees of his organisation. Mr Matoo, while seeking the cooperation of the Manch in this task stressed on evolving of an honest mechanism so that real and deserving people can seek the help. The meeting among others was addressed by JKVM senior leaders Hira Lal Bhat, Dr R K Bhat, J L Raina, Chand Ji, M L Bhat and Vinod Dhar. Later Mr Matoo also visited Purkhoo Migrant Camp to ascertain the problems of the people there. |
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Committee framed for
implementation of various Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Oct 19: Government today constituted a five-member Programme Monitoring and Evaluation Committee in the Agriculture Department to ensure effective implementation of various schemes at ground. The Committee would also investigate and fix responsibility for alleged distribution of sub-standard seeds to the farmers in certain areas of the Valley during the current year. The Committee will submit its report by 29th of this month. The Committee will be comprising of Secretary, Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Special Secretary Agriculture (Adm), Special Secretary, Agriculture (Coop), Director Sericulture, Joint Director Planning and Financial Advisor, Agriculture Production Department. This decision was taken at a high level meeting held here today to review performance of Agriculture and allied departments. Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Abdul Aziz Zargar presided. Minister of State for Agriculture, Ajaz Ahmad, Minister of State for Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Yash Paul Kundal, Secretary, Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Dr. Mohammad Din and Special Secretary Agriculture, M.S. Khan were also present. The meeting also discussed measures to check import of non-ISI mark cattle feed in the state. It was revealed at the meeting that an amount of Rs. 26.49 crore are being expanded under centrally sponsored macro management scheme for development of agriculture and allied departments in the state during the current fiscal. Of this, about Rs. 8.44 crore would be spent on agriculture in Jammu and over Rs. 8.64 crore on agriculture Kashmir. The meeting was informed that central government has sanctioned Rs. 2 crore for revival of poultry farms at Athwajan and Mattan in Kashmir and Belicharana in Jammu. Centre has also sanctioned a Rs. 1.35 crore project for cattle and buffalo breed improvement in the Valley. The meeting also decided to submit six more development projects under command area to the centre for financial assistance. The meeting was informed that the cattle feed plant Jammu run by Agro-Industries Development Corporation has shown a profit margin of about Rs. 8 lakhs after its renovation. The feed produced at the plant has tremendous acceptability among the farmers as one kg of agro feed is required for 2.5 kgs of milk in cow and 2 kgs of milk in buffalo. Speaking on the occasion, Zargar called for revising an effective monitoring mechanism for implementation of various agriculture development schemes at the ground level. He asked the officers to undertake extensive field visits to have on-the-spot assessment and feedback about the impact of agriculture schemes among the farmers. He urged the need for associating public representatives in plan formulation to ensure equitable distribution of funds to the backward and far-flung areas. He stressed for greater coordination between Agriculture Universities and various Agriculture Development Departments. Speaking on the occasion, Ajaz Ahmad Khan called for better incentives to the farmers living below poverty line. He asked the concerned officers to formulate fool proof mechanism for procurement of maize, potato and its value addition. He also asked for formulation of water user committees under command area. He also urged the need for setting up of silk exchanges for promotion of heritage silk industry in the state. |
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Consumer Protection Councils at district level soon: Taj Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Oct 19 :A sustained consumers awareness movement with active participation of Non Governmental Organisations coupled with responsive law enforcement agencies, besides adequate infrastructure and revised laws with more teeth to punish the offenders, were recommendations that the participants made today during second State Consumer Protection Council meet 2004 presided by Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution and Chairman of the Council Taj Mohi-ud-Din held at SKICC. Minister of State for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Raman Bhalla, MLC Farida Mir, Commissioner/Secretary CA&PD K.A. Malik, Directors of CA&PD, Kashmir and Jammu and members of the Council were among others present in the meeting. The members stressed for mobilization of public opinion towards creating a society well aware about the consumer rights. Presenting the government’s stand, Mr. Taj said that various measures for taken during last two years to re-introduce the department as guardian of rights of the consumers. He said this was done at two levels, creation of awareness among the public through awareness programme and acting promptly against the profiteers hoarders and black marketers both after conducting departmental enquires against the suspects and on the tip off provided by public. He said in various cases Public Safety Act was invoked against the persons found blatantly violating Essential Commodity Act. He, however, regretted that the public is not extending much cooperation by providing adequate feedback to the government. Taking cue from the speakers on the serious matter of prevalence of spurious drugs in the market, Mr. Taj said the Government is contemplating to bring Drug Control Department under the jurisdiction of Consumer Affairs Department for better drug market regulation. Acknowledging the gravity of the matter related to sale of spurious drugs in the market, Mr. Taj appealed the doctors, consumers and even the drug store owners to cooperate with the government by identifying the companies who are selling such products. Regarding check on adulteration including that of petroleum products and sale of banned products in the market, Mr. Taj sought cooperation of trading community especially of Chamber of Commerce at Jammu and Srinagar. He said that whenever government bans the sale of a product or book an adulterator, various trade organisation jump into defend them. He said the government banned sale non-iodized salt but the trading community is not yet cooperating inspite of the fact consumption of such sale leads to serious physical deficiencies in the consumer. Reiterating his commitment, Mr. Taj said he is for cleaning the society from unscrupulous elements, who indulged in adulteration and profiteering but for this he requires regular feedback from the public. He said the consumer movement that is at present gaining momentum at twin capitals would be soon taken to the districts. He said District Consumer Protection Councils would be soon set up in all the districts. He said these councils would receive the complaints of consumers and also provide legal assistance to the person who wishes to fight his case in consumer court. Mr. Raman Bhalla sought active cooperation from Trade Union Organizations in spreading consumer awareness in the society. He also stressed the need coordination among the various departments in checking unfair practices in trade and commerce. |
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Mir, Div Comm visit damaged Sharifabad grid station Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Oct 19: Minister for Tourism and Urban Development Ghulam Hassan Mir today visited Sharifabad, Zanakote and took stock of the damage caused to the Grid Station and system operation thereof. The Minister alongwith Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Khursheed Ahmad Ganai and DIG Police Mohammad Amin Shah also inspected the site of incident which claimed life of two children and injured several others. During his interaction with the local gathering, Mir expressed grief over the incident and sympathy with the bereaved families. He also expressed concern over the damage caused to the Grid Station estimated to over Rs. Three crore and appealed people to have patience and extend helping hand for restoration of the damaged system operation. While taking stock of the damaged infrastructure and system operation of the Grid Station, the Minister informed that the restoration work would take at least six months and there is apprehension for power supply affecting the areas fed from the Grid Station. The Minister asked the engineers and the concerned staff to initiate effective measures on war footing for restoration of system operation within shortest possible time. |
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Trade bodies review
arrangements to Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: A joint meting of various trade unions held today reviewed the arrangements for making the one day strike strike call on October 26, issued by Employees Joint Action Committee, a grand success. The meeting unanimously appealed the employee community to make the programme a grand success to counter the anti-employees and callous approach of the Government. It was held that various teams were being deputed for mass contact programme through the Jammu division at all the districts and tehsils level. The meeting was attended by representatives of over 17 trade unions who included Messrs Anwar Beg, Pardeep Kumar, Subash Chander, Balwan Singh Jamwal, Parshotam Singh Chib, Satish Sharma, Mangat Ram Parihar, Surinder Singh, Bakshi Singh, Yash Pal Sharma, Ashok Kumar Manmotra, Sanjeev Khajuria, Rattan Lal Bhatti, Narinder Tony, Seroj Bala, Swarn Singh, Suman Sharma, Vijay Chandel, Omkar Sharma, Ram Kumar, Farooq Qaiser, Shanti Saroop Raina, Kartar Chand Dubey and Rajesh Dutta. |
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Himani bags first prize in devotional song competition Excelsior Correspondet UDHAMPUR, Oct 19: The picturesque holy town Katra continued echoing with "Jay-Karaas" of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji on the fifth day of Navratra Festival being celebrated here from October 14. The Divisional Commissioner, Jammu B. R, Sharma accompanied by District Development Commissioner, Udhampur Ashok Parmar lit the sacred Jyoti in the evening procession which started from Asia Chowk of Katra town. President, Travel Association Katra, Surinder Khajuria, President, Cultural Association, Katra, Surinder Kumar, prominent citizens from all walks of life and pilgrims of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji also participated in the event. All the bazaars of Katra town are dazzling with the colourful illuminations including hotels, business establishments and Shrine Board Office. Other attraction of the festival was All India Devotional Song competition in which 41 singers from different parts of the state and outside took part. Himani Kapoor of Faridabad was adjusted as best while Vicky Sajan of Sunder Bani (Rajouri district) bagged second position and third prize was jointly shared by Pradeep Mehra of Udhampur and Miss Bindu of Jammu respectively. Cash prizes worth Rs.5,000, Rs.3,000 and Rs.2,000 were awarded among the winners. In another programme, various cultural troupes from different places performed thrilling cultural performances at main bus stand stage, which got loud applause from a large audience comprising of both locals and pilgrims. During the Navratra festivity, the Light and Sound presentation "Kavita mein krishan" by the artists of Song and Drama Division, is attracting thousands of pilgrims in particular and locals in general. Minister of State for Tourism, Jugal Kishore Sharma who is also chairman of Navratra Festival Committee, Katra also witnessed the programme and appreciated the performance of the artists. |
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Raising Day of Military Police celebrated Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: The Corps of Military Police celebrated its 65th Raising day with full military traditions and festivities in the 16 Corps Provost unit here today. The functions were spread over three days which included prayer meetings, unit ladies meet, games for jawams and families, community lunch, inter section competitions and grand finale of an entertainment programme followed by the Barakhana. The Corps of Military traces its origin to the days preceding World War II. The first unit was raised at Secundrabad on Aug 18, 1939. Since then white belts took place in all operations and contributed to various victories. On Oct 18, 1947 when all British Military Police personnel left India, the Corps of Military Police shed its British connection and was redesignated as the Corps of Indian Military Police. In January, 1950, it was finally named as the ‘ Corps of Military Police’. In a special sammelan held on Monday, the message of the Chief of Army Staff was read out. Col Amrit Sarin, Commanding Officer of 16 Corps Provost Unit, while speaking on the occasion emphasised the need of high degree of operational preparedness, military discipline and dedication to duty. He said the Corps has the distinction of serving in all the United Nations Missions. It has also distinction of winning Republic Day Marching contingent awards. In another function held in 26 Infantry Division the GOC Maj Gen Vinay Sharma graced the occasion and conveyed his felicitations to the Provost Unit. |
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Govt Employees JAC intensifies campaign Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: The members of J&K Government Employees Joint Action Committee of various tehsils and districts of Jammu province launched intensified campaign in support of state-wide token strike on October 26. In Jammu city central committee members Ram Kumar Sharma, Bharat Kumar, Gurmeet Singh, Girdhari Lal Chanda, Ganesh Khajuria, Darshan Mangotra, Balwan Singh, Parhlad Singh, Paramjeet Singh, Shahid Hussain, Arun Moza, Ram Lal and Tulsi Singh visited various office complexes viz Mechanical Division, Old Secretariat Complex etc. Employees from different departments came out of their respective offices and assembled in the lawns and were addressed by members of central leaders of Joint Action Committee. They said the Government has miserably failed in conceding the just and genuine demands and was ignoring the four lakh employees and workers whose survival has been threatened due to rising prices of essential commodities. The leaders said the State Government was deliberately provoking the employees by not releasing 5% DA and merging 50% DA in their basic pay and instead has resorted to cheap labour exploitation means by engaging temporary workers on meager wages of Rs 500 to Rs 1500 per month besides other contractual and consolidated arrangements in the Government institutions. They also demanded enhancing of retirement age on the pattern of Central Government to 60 years instead of 58 years and revival of LTC. The JAC leaders called upon the employees to remain prepared and consolidate their ranks for decisive struggle ahead, if Government failed to concede their genuine demands. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: The Director General, National Cadet Corps, Lt Gen MC Bhandari, AVSM and Bar is visiting Jammu and Kashmir on a two day official visit, which would his first visit after taking over as Director General. Gen Bhandari an alumnus of NDA was commissioned into illustrious Garhwal Rifles on June 11, 1967 and is also holding the coveted post of Colonel of Garhwal Rifles and Garhwal Scouts. A veteran of 1971 war (Chhamb-Jourian sector) Gen Bhandari has vast experience in operation planning with particular reference to counter insurgency operations. He raised and commanded a Rashtriya Rifles sector and was BGS of prestigious 15 Corps, both in Kashmir Valley. For his outstanding services of an exceptional order, President of India conferred upon him the award of Ati Vishisht Sewa Medal in 1997. Again for his outstanding services rendered during Operation Vijay in Kargil sector, he was awarded a Bar to AVSM by President of India. Apart from being a graduate of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and having successfully undergone senior and higher command courses, he holds Masters Degree in Defence Studies, Personal Management and Industrial Relations, Business Management, Labour Law and Human Resources Development. He has authored a number of papers and articles and is presently a Research Scholar with Meerut University. He will be visiting NCC Directorate J&K on October 21 and brief by Brig KD Malhotra, Deputy DG NCC J&K on various NCC activities being undertaken in the State of J&K. |
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Niaz condoles death of school children Excelsior Correspondent Srinagar, Oct 19: Minister for Power, Mohammad Sharief Niaz and Minister of State for Power, Javed Mustafa Mir have expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragic incident in which two children got electrocuted and six others injured at Shariefabad, Zainakote, Srinagar. Expressing sympathies with the bereaved families, the Ministers condoled the death of innocents and assured all possible assistance and specialized treatment to the injured admitted in various hospitals. Immediately after hearing about the tragic incident, Niaz convened a high level meeting to review the situation raised out of the tragic incident with the senior officers of the department. It was revealed in the meeting that due to overloading, the conductors of 11 KV feeder of Shariefabad-Zainakote Grid Station got snapped resulting in death of two children and injuring six others who are undergoing treatment in different hospitals. Some sections of the people resorted to violence and burnt 300 MVA 220 X 132 KVA Grid Station at Shariefabad (Zianakote). The entire control room which houses control panels and other equipments, Power Transformer and the store shed of the Grid Station got damaged. The Minister said that power supply of Kashmir Valley is being supplied from two main Grid Stations at 220 KV i.e. Pampore Grid (450 MVA) and Shariefabad (Zianakote) Grid (300 MVA). Shariefabad Grid thus supplies power to nearly 50% to the valley. With the burning of Shariefabad Grid, the power supply to the entire north Kashmir and parts of Srinagar City shall remain affected. The equipment required for restoration of Shariefabad Grid Station is not readily available and orders have to be placed for purchase of the equipment and new Control Room is to be constructed, which he said will take some time. Mr. Niaz directed the concerned authorities to take all necessary steps to restore the power supply to the affected areas as early as possible so that the people do not suffer for a long time especially during the holy month of Ramzan. Mr. Niaz appealed the people to maintain peace and help the authorities in restoring the power supply and bear with the problem of power failure. The Minister has assured that a high level enquiry would be conducted in the incident and stringent action would be taken against those found responsible for the lapse. Later, the Minister of State for Power Javed Mustafa Mir accompanied by team of senior officers of the Power Development Department visited different hospitals to enquire about the welfare and medical treatment being given to the injured admitted. |
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Harshdev visits Sharifabad school, hospital Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Oct 19: Education Minister Harshdev Singh today visited Government primary school at Sharifabad in Srinagar outskirts to assess the situation arising out of the felling of a high tension wire on school compound yesterday leading to death of two children and serious injuries to eight others. Mr Singh met the local people to elicit their view on the situation. The people told the visiting Minister that earlier also, the wire had fallen on an ox. The people had then complained to the local authorities but they just fixed the wire and took no steps to shift it from the school. The people, who had burnt the Powergrid yesterday disrupting electricity supply to several areas of the Valley, also shouted slogans against the PDD during the visit of the Minister. The people demanded that the line should be shifted from the ‘basti’. The Minister was accompanied by Minister of State for Education Dr Ghulam Nabi Lone and Director School Education, Kashmir. Later, the Minister also visited the hospital and inquired condition of the injured students. |
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Army opens environmental park at B D Bari Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: The General Officer Commanding (GoC) Tiger Division, Maj Gen. Vinay Sharma, SM inaugurated environmental park at B D Bari MIE Station in a glittering ceremony and dedicated it to all ranks and their families in the station. B D Bari station is being rapidly developed into a model cantonment. Recently the GoC taking inspiration from the Supreme Commander had a Vrakasharopan drive in which thousands of medicinal, herbal and other saplings had been planted at BD Bari station and in forward areas along the border. This is another step in this direction for greening of the area and improving the environment and quality of life. This park has been named as ‘Veer Vatika’ and is a tribute to the courage and valour of the soldiers of this gallant station. The station already has well dispersed green belts where plantation of 6021 trees have been carried out recently during the Vrakasharopan Saptah. This Park is well planned to have ornamental and shady trees in the centre where people can sit close to the fountain and enjoy the beauty. On the sides will be ornamental and medicinal plants adding beauty and bio diversity to the area and along the Bari Khad lemon grass and Ashoka trees is planned. The park is close to the soldiers family quarters and the shopping complex where people can come for walks each and evening. The station has been well named as Sunrise Station where the brilliance and shine of this station is increasing each day to make it a trendy, vibrant, energetic and shining station. Allahabad varsity Director visits CARE College Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Oct 19: Dr Henry Shepherd, Director of Distance Education, Allahabad Al-Deemed University, today visited CARE College at Exchange Road, which is the University study centre in Jammu. Dr Henry interacted with students of CARE College and was pleased with the their interest in the filed of Information Technology and Management courses being run by the centre. He was also highly impressed with the knowledge and commitment of faculty of the college and infrastructure available there to run IT and Management courses including BCA, B Sc (IT), BBA, MBA, MCA and M Sc (IT). Dr Henry also assured all co-operation to Director CARE College Munish Pathania from the University in running its prestigious courses in Jammu. Varsity Notes By Nishikant Khajuria Jammu University has suspended admission in two B Ed Colleges for the year 2004-05, as both these institutes have failed to get renewed ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) from the State Government. According to Director Colleges Development, Prof Rajiv Gupta, admission in New Millennium College Jammu and Bharti College of Education, Udhampur, has been suspended following non issuance of NOC to both the colleges in wake of their failure to raise desired infrastructure by September 30, 2004. The University is conducting admissions for total 57 non-Government B Ed colleges, affiliated to it, having 12840 seat capacity. Meanwhile, counseling of non-local candidates for admission to B Ed course in various non-Government Jammu University affiliated colleges, began today amidst heavy rush of admission seekers. Large number of candidates, mostly females, accompanied by their parents or guardians were seen assembled in-front of the Gymnasium Hall, JU, where the counseling is being held. To ensure that complete transparency is maintained in the whole admission process and the candidate do not suffer any difficulty, Directorate of Colleges Development has made elaborate arrangements at the counseling site. Besides pasting sketch of whole procedure for counseling on entrance of the venue, the Directorate has put up a LCD screen inside the hall where latest position of availability of seats in each college is being shown continuously. To know the grievances of admission seekers, a complaint/suggestion box has also been put outside the Gymnasium Hall. ****** Department of Students Welfare, JU, has started receiving nominations for election of Students Cultural Council office bearers, polling for which is being held on October 30. Last date for filing of nomination papers is October 27 while scrutiny of nomination papers shall be held on the same day. October 29 is the last date for withdrawal of candidature and the polling will be held on October 30 from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Meanwhile, there seems no progress on holding much awaited Jammu University Research Scholars Association (JURSA) elections. Even after two months since Vice-Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo’s green signal for the elections and constitution of a Core Committee for the same, zero progress has been made. While the Core Committee chairman Gopal Sharma alleged that scholars did not co-operate him in finalising the voters list and completing other formalities, the latter claimed that University authorities were delaying the elections on the pretext of constitutional formalities. ********* For the first time, Jammu University has identified the duties of Assistant Dean, Students Welfare, and assigned the same to concerned officer. According to a notification, issued by Dean Students Welfare, the Assistant Dean will look into the problems and complaints of the students, assist Dean Students Welfare in maintaining discipline, make regular check up of parking vehicles, check of entry of unauthorised vehicles and visitors on the campus, ensure no ragging on the campus and assist Dean Students Welfare in performing his duties and functions. And now these duties have been assigned to Dr Shohab Inayat Malik who was appointed Assistant Dean (Male) a few months back. ******* Non-inclusion of international fame painter Suman Gupta, an alumni of Jammu University, in the list of invited artists for All India Contemporary Artists Camp by JU at Patnitop from October 21, has triggered resentment amongst number of students and scholars of the University. Alleging favouritism in selection of artists, these scholars have expressed their surprise and anguish over non-inclusion of Suman Gupta whose artistic stature can be gauged from his being in executive body of Lalit Kala Academy. In the painting camp at Patnitop, prominent painters of the country are participating and their works shall grace the walls of upcoming Art Gallery in Jammu University. |
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