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| ‘Responsibility to be fixed
for party’s poor performance’ Peerzada not against taking NC’s support in formation of JMC Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 4: Virtually annoyed over poor performance of party in the just concluded Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) elections, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief and Minister...more Police
register FIR Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Feb 4: Police have registered a case against JKLF chief Yaseen Malik and his associates for assaulting police personnel......more 10th class
student Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 4: A 10th class student of Government High School for Boys Koota in Kathua district was stabbed to death by his school mates over some triffle issue here yesterday.......more ‘Naad’
recalls Excelsior Correspondent BARAMULLA, Feb 4: The clap and cheers in the once isolated Sherwani auditorium in the northern township of Baramulla was quite......more PIL
for preserving Mubarik Mandi Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 4: In a much controversial future of the historical Dogra heritage Mandi Mubarik Complex, the Division Bench of the State High Court Jammu Wing.......more |
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Army Chief
visits Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Feb 4: Gen J J Singh, Chief of Army Staff, paid a visit to HQ Northern Command at Udhampur today. Accompanied by his wife Mrs Anupama Singh, Gen J J Singh was received by the GOC-in-C Northern Command Lt Gen Hari Prasad and Mrs Lakshmi Hari Prasad, president AWWA, Northern Command..............more Div Com
prefers to SAGAR, Feb 4: Riding a horse through the rough rural roads and fields, she is often referred to as "Rani Ki Jhansi Bai" by the villagers in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh. .......more Jaffar
Khan’s victory from Hindu dominated area Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 4: Jammu has once again presented an example that it is a land that believes in high traditions of secularism and universal brother-hood.......more Bhardwaj
inaugurates conference on religion NEW DELHI, Feb 4: Emphasising Hinduism was not limited to rituals alone, Union Law Minister H R Bhardwaj today said the religion had assimilitated virtues from all religions, making the country a rich and stable fabric. At a conference here on ‘Relevance of Hinduism to understand India’, noted scholar and Congress......more |
‘Responsibility to be fixed
for party’s poor performance’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 4: Virtually annoyed over poor performance of party in the just concluded Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) elections, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief and Minister of Rural Development, Peerzada Mohammed Sayed today hinted to fix responsibility on some leaders for the outcome of polls. "We will seriously review and assess performance of party in just concluded JMC elections", Peerzada told the EXCELSIOR, adding "we were expecting more seats from Jammu due to strong hold of party here". Although he pared the question that who will be held responsible for poor performance of Congress, PCC chief said that every aspect will be taken into consideration while making poll assessment. "We will sit and discuss each and every thing", he said when asked about responsibility of senior leaders including members of the Legislative Assembly, who had taken guarantee of the success of their men when mandates were given to them. He, however, hinted that responsibility of party’s poor performance will be fixed on those leaders who had played dominant role in selecting candidates as well as managing elections. Even as the PCC chief was not happy with party’s performance, he asserted that only Congress will form Corporation in Jammu. "Being the largest group in the elections, Congress has every right to form Corporation", he said and added that process has been started to woo independents. "Most of independents, who have emerged victorious in the elections, are rebels of Congress party", he said and exuded confidence that party will not face any difficulty in managing their support. "We will try to bring them back in party fold", he said. Replying to another question, the PCC said that main task before Congress was to frustrate evil designs of communal forces. When asked whether party will seek support from National Conference, PCC chief replied, "we have no hesitation in seeking support from like minded secular parties to face the challenge of communal forces". PCC chief, who returned from Srinagar this morning, expressed satisfaction over party’s performance in Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) elections. "Although our seats are less yet we got more than 16 percent of votes in SMC on our own", he asserted and pointed out that two coalition partners-PDP and Congress jointly got 47 percent of the total votes polled. He was of the view that for Congress it was just a new beginning in Srinagar. Without naming PDP or National Conference, Peerzada remarked that Congress fought elections in the name of Hindustan nor in the name of emotional issues like other parties. "For us it is really an excellent performance", he observed, adding, "we have consolidated our position in North Kashmir as party has secured 41 seats leaving behind PDP and National Conference". Meanwhile Congress leaders resorted to exerting pressure on PCC chief to fix responsibility on local MLAs for debacle of party in their respective constituencies in just concluded JMC elections. A good number of Youth Congress leaders, some of them who were denied mandates at the eleventh hour, gathered at the residence of PCC chief and asked Mr Peerzada to take action against leaders. Later in the evening PCC chief conducted whirlwind tour of R S Pura and border town of Arnia. Accompanied by Lok Sabha member Madan Lal Sharma, Peerzada addressed series of public meetings in support of party candidates and sought support of the people. He asked the people to elect Congress candidates for overall development of their areas. Campaign committee of Youth Congress comprised Kamal Anand, Ravi Singh Slathia and Sanjay Sawhney also addressed meetings in support of Congress nominees. |
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Police register FIR against Yaseen Malik Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Feb 4: Police have registered a case against JKLF chief Yaseen Malik and his associates for assaulting police personnel in South Kashmir yesterday afternoon, an official spokesperson said today. The spokesperson said Mr Malik and Democratic Freedom Party chief Shabir Ahmad Shah along with their associates visited district Anantnag in South Kashmir for anti-election campaign yesterday afternoon. While they where on way to Anantnag town, they were stopped at Naka Point Khanabal near District Police Lines Anantnag by police personnel on duty, he said. As soon as the vehicles stopped Mr Malik and his associated alighted from the vehicle and assaulted the police personnel. He said after that Mr Malik and his associates left for Srinagar. In this connection an FIR under Section 353/147 PRC 3, 4 PR Act was registered in Anantnag against Mr Malik and his associates and started investigation. Meanwhile, a complete strike was observed at Maisuma and its adjoining areas here in protest against the police action against Mr Malik and his other supporters at Anantnag. Shops and business establishments remained closed in the area. Mr Malik has been admitted to Shair-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura after he was allegedly roughed up by police and complained of chest pain. The JKLF, Jamaat-e-Islami, Democratic Freedom Party and several other organisations have condemned the police action against the JKLF leader. |
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10th class student murdered by school mates in Kathua Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 4: A 10th class student of Government High School for Boys Koota in Kathua district was stabbed to death by his school mates over some triffle issue here yesterday. Police spokesman said that the victim— Shamsher alias Munna, son of Anchal Dass of Koota left the school alongwith his school mates—Surjeet alias Lovely, son of Tarsem Lal and Karan alias Sethu, son of Bachan Lal to play cricket in the nearby fields. After playing cricket for sometime, the trio came back and started playing game of cards in the backyard of the school. During the game, the victim entered into verbal dual with the accused and after heated exchanges the accused brought out sharp edged weapon. They fled from the spot after inflicting severe injuries on Shamsher. He was found dead today morning and police was informed about the incident. A police team led by DySP Border Jugal Kishore Sharma under the supervision of SP Kathua Raghubir Singh immediately started investigation into the case and arrested both the accused this evening. A weapon of offence was also recovered. Meanwhile, a Vaishno Devi pilgrim—Moti Chand of New Delhi was found hanging with a tree at Maghar Road side under mysterious circumstances. The body was shifted to Primary Health Centre Katra for post-mortem. Police has registered a case in this connection and started investigation. |
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‘Naad’ recalls turmoil in Valley Excelsior Correspondent BARAMULLA, Feb 4: The clap and cheers in the once isolated Sherwani auditorium in the northern township of Baramulla was quite a reflection of the liking the audience showed for the play-"Naad" (Call), which was played here during the inaugural ceremony of the District drama festival. The week long festival will see many plays being enacted, but what was note worthy was the interest the audience showed in the festival where the very first play reflected the pain and suffering the people in the Valley had to undergo during the 17 years of turmoil. "Naad", a play written by senior television artist, Mohammed Amin Bhat, was enacted by the Mehboob Cultural society, where artists were able to put in life to the characters they were playing. Though the festival was organized after a gap of 15 long years the descent presence of the audience made it amply clear that the people wish to see revival of cultural activities. And rising to the occasion was the play-"Naad", which did justice to the overwhelming response of the audience. The bold display by the artists left the audience spell bound as every scene reminded them of the loss every Kashmiri had to face during the violent phase the valley had to see. " Naad in technique is an experimentation in the Kashmiri folk theatre and in content a symbolized theatrical documentation of contemporary socio-political realities of Kashmir with special reference to the sufferings of common masses, which they suffered during the last 17 years of turmoil," says the director and writer of the play, Mohammed Amin Bhat. What was more attracting during the whole play was the clarity the characters showed to portray the real problems the people faced during the period of turmoil in the valley. Besides, the portrayal of the background in clear black and white was another feature, which impressed the audience. "Showing the background in black and white was a reminder that whatever we are trying to portray in the play may actually be documented in the hearts and minds of the common people who have come here to see the play," says Bhat, who also believes that theatre is a powerful medium if one wishes to send out a powerful message. Interestingly, the strong message the play held out needed courage not only from the writer but also from the artists who had to enact the play without knowing what will be the response from the audience. "Participating in the play needed courage because we were trying to send a strong message to the audience that Kashmir has witnessed lot of pain and now is the time that this suffering has to end," says the main character in the play, Mohammed Ashraf Nagoo. "Hopefully the people responded in a positive way which encouraged us to act in a much better way," adds Nagoo. Not surprisingly, the play attracted much applause from the artist community as well. "Naad in reality is a call to all those who at any point of time were attached to the rich cultural ethos of the valley," says veteran Television artist, Ghulam Mohammed Wani. "I traveled all the way from Srinagar to witness the play and when I saw the response of the audience I felt so impressed that I foresee a bright future for theatre in Kashmir," adds Wani. |
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PIL for preserving Mubarik
Mandi Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 4: In a much controversial future of the historical Dogra heritage Mandi Mubarik Complex, the Division Bench of the State High Court Jammu Wing comprising Chief Justice S N Jha and Justice S K Gupta after hearing Senior Advocate A V Gupta with Advocate Yaseer Ejaz Tak and Senior CGSC Mr V K Magoo for Union of India and Additional Advocate General Anil Sethi appearing for the State issued notice to Union of India and State of J&K to file objections in the PIL within four weeks. This petition was filed by Dogri Sanstha through Prof Lalit Magotra and Preserve Art Treasures and Heritage through Mr Lalit Gupta for the protection of Mandi Mubarik Complex Jammu. During the course of arguments, senior Advocate A V Gupta submitted that this complex was dated back of 14th century and some of the existing structures were later additions/built between 18th and 19th centuries. He alleged that so many thefts committed in this complex after the shifting of subordinate courts in which the costly marble was also taken away by the unknown people. He further submitted that the complex suffered great damage because of neglect vandalism, thefts, improper stabilsiation interventions. There were as many as 35 major and minor fire incidents in this complex. The result was that many Government buildings in the complex fell down and surviving buildings are facing a threat of destruction. He prayed for immediately preserved and protected this complex by the appropriate security agencies and also demanded handing over to ASI. |
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Army Chief visits Northern Command Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Feb 4: Gen J J Singh, Chief of Army Staff, paid a visit to HQ Northern Command at Udhampur today. Accompanied by his wife Mrs Anupama Singh, Gen J J Singh was received by the GOC-in-C Northern Command Lt Gen Hari Prasad and Mrs Lakshmi Hari Prasad, president AWWA, Northern Command. The COAS was briefed on current situation in Jammu and Kashmir. he also interacted with the Army Commander as well as other senior officers of the Command headquarters. This was followed by a banquet in the honour of the New Army Chief and President AWWA. The Army Chief thereafter proceeded to Srinagar where he would be briefed on the situation in Kashmir Valley region and where an interaction with the men was also scheduled. He would also be visiting Jammu and Nagrota where he will be meeting the Governor of J&K, the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police. Gen Singh who has served and operated in J&K earlier, stated that people friendly approach in all operations by the Army in J&K would continue, as hithertofore. He reiterated that Indian Army is a ‘Peoples Army’ and that the basic aim of Counter Terrorism Operations is to get back misguided youth into the mainstream. President AWWA who has had immense contributions towards resettlement of War Widows, was briefed on AWWA activities in Northern Command by the first lady Mrs Lakshmi Hari Prasad. the former immensely appreciated the contributions of AWWA in Northern Command in the multifarious spheres of activities like running a boys hostel for the wards of War Widows, running ASHA schools for special (physically challenged) children, pursuing multifaceted activities towards women empowerment and doing its best to improve the quality of life in difficult areas of Northern Command at the grass root level. Mrs J J Singh wished Mrs Lakshmi Prasad continued success in all the endeavours of AWWA in Northern Command. |
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Div Com prefers to ride a horse than use official car SAGAR, Feb 4: Riding a horse through the rough rural roads and fields, she is often referred to as "Rani Ki Jhansi Bai" by the villagers in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh. In what seems to be a throwback to the British Raj when officials rode to work, is Sagar Divisional Commissioner Snehlata Kumar, who prefers riding a horse than travel in her official car for her Dauras (official tours), especially to visit far flung areas not easily accessible by vehicles. She had used the horse to visit polling centres to oversee the recently concluded panchayat elections. The Commissioner gets the horses from the seventh battalion of Madhya Pradesh Police for which she has formally sought permission from the Inspector General of the zone. However, some critics carp that Ms Kumar’s riding roughshod in this manner saying that apart from the horses, vehicles of other officials accompanying her on these tours add to the expenses. (UNI) |
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Jaffar Khan’s
victory from Hindu dominated area Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 4: Jammu has once again presented an example that it is a land that believes in high traditions of secularism and universal brother-hood. This time, this example was set during the just concluded Jammu Municipal Corporation elections, as some of the results not only astonished people who believe in fundamentalism, but also silenced them and their ideology. Jaffar Javed Khan—— Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) candidate emerged victorious from ward number 2 of Jammu Municipal Corporation. Ward number 2 comprises Pacci Dhakki and Jullaka Mohalla localities which are pre-dominately Hindu majority areas. But the electorate of this Hindu belt chose to elect a non-Hindu. Not only these areas are Hindu majority, but this ward is also considered as citadel of Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP). Since 1950’s, BJP or erstwhile Jan Sangh had taken lead from this ward in every elections be them Lok Sabha, Assembly or civic bodies. But this time inhabitants of this ward elected a Muslim- that too a candidate of PDP. By electing Jaffar Khan from this ward, people have once again presented Jammu’s age old tradition of unity, brotherhood and secularism. "Neither it is victory of PDP or defeat for BJP. It is only a vote in favour of Jaffar Khan", said a staunch BJP supporter on the condition of anonymity, adding, "Jaffar Khan is working in the locality for so many year so he was our first priority. Out of total 5802, numbers of Muslim voters are not more than 3 percent in this ward. "My victory has strengthen Jammu’s tradition of brotherhood and secularism. ", elated Jaffar Khan told EXCELSIOR. "I donot have words to express my gratitude to the people of Jullaka Mohalla and Pacci Dhakki, who have reposed faith in me", he said. "It is all due to the love and affection of the people that I never felt even during election campaign that I am contesting from a pre-dominately Hindu majority area", Mr Khan said, who is a senior leader of the youth wing of the PDP. Jaffar Khan is among the few leaders who has been associated with PDP just after its formation in the year 1999. After Jaffar Khan’s success from ward number 2, victory of Sheikh Abdul Rehman from Jammu East seat refreshed the minds of Jammuites. Sheikh Abdul Rehman had won Jammu East constituency in 1972 Assembly polls when Dogra legend Pandit Prem Nath Dogra had asked the people to elect Rehman from a traditionally Hindu majority seat. Pointing his priorities, Mr Khan said that solving sanitation problem in the ward was his first priority. "Like other parts of walled city, my ward is also confronting with the problem of sewerage", he said, adding, "besides initiating some concrete steps to solve this problem, we will create awareness among masses in this regard". He further said that services of Sulub Shochayala will be utilised to solve sanitation problem in some areas of the ward. Problems of street lights will also be given priority. Expressing his grave concern over conditions of two historical temples of his ward, Mr Khan said that renovation of these two centuries old temples was also on top of his list. "Most revered historical Rani Khundari Mandir will be brought on the tourism map", he announced and disclosed that he has already taken up this issue with the Tourism Minister, Ghulam Hassan Mir, who has assured every possible help. "Renovation of famous Radha Krishan temple will also be started very soon", he said. |
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Bhardwaj inaugurates
conference on religion NEW DELHI, Feb 4: Emphasising Hinduism was not limited to rituals alone, Union Law Minister H R Bhardwaj today said the religion had assimilitated virtues from all religions, making the country a rich and stable fabric. At a conference here on ‘Relevance of Hinduism to understand India’, noted scholar and Congress MP Karan Singh said the concept of globalisation was alien to the religion but came easily to the Hindu psyche. "Globalisation was not the concept of one market necessarily, but of one world," the former Union Minister added. Inagugurating the conference, Bhardwaj said Hinduism was a "practical religion....And adaptability of its strength." He said the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the whole world is a family) was an important realisation long before the breakthroughs in information technology and satellite technologies. Singh said Hinduism was a "vast ocean" and without some understanding of it, India would not make sense to anybody. But, it did not mean that India was or would ever become a Hindu state, he noted. Singh noted that Hinduism has always been open to good ideals wherever they came from. "Therefore, we have been able to re-adapt, re-articulate and re-interpret Hinduism from age to age." Hinduism, with its "tremendously powerful" background and universalised values, has an important role to play not only in understanding India but in understanding the world and in trying to build a better world for the future, the Padma Vibhshan awardee said. Singh also said it was difficult to find such examples anywhere in world history where a country partitioned on the basis of religion does not react but in fact sets up a completely secular polity, if anything a polity which leans towards giving special rights to the minorities. He said "Hindusim does not confine itself to one master or one book. It is an ever-evolving religion, having the ability to adapt itself to face the challenges that an increasingly globalised world presents." In his keynote address, Swami Jitatmanandaji Maharaj of Ramakrishna Ashram said that Hinduism was based on eternal principles and not on any person. Speaking as the guest of honour, Prof Bernhard Vogel of Germany recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s efforts to bind people with his message of love and non-violence. Earlier, Subhash C Kashyap, president of Rashtriya Jagriti Sansthan and former Secretary General of Lok Sabha welcomed the delegates at the meeting organised by the Rashtriya Jagriti Sansthan and the International Konrad Adenauer Foundation from Germany. (PTI) |
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Pvt schools to
reserve 20% seats for poor students Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 4: Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen has said that the Roshni Act envisages leasing out of Nazool land and transfer of ownership rights to the occupants for generating revenue for development purposes. He called for a comprehensive and a well evolved policy for commercialisation of the Nazool land within the Municipal Limits of Jammu & Srinagar cities. Mr Yaseen today addressing a meeting of officers of Price Fixation Committees of Jammu and Srinagar cities constituted under the chairmanship of Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu divisions said that commercialization of Nazool land in the municipal limits of Jammu and Srinagar cities has taken off. He said that 150 cases for leasing out and vesting of ownership rights to the occupants on the Nazool land have been received by the Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu. Out of these, 46 cases have been cleared and recommended by the Price Fixation Committees to the government for allotment to the applicants. The meeting which was attended by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir K.A. Ganai, Divisional Commissioner Jammu B.R. Sharma, Commissioner/Secretary Revenue, Mumtaz Afzal, Special Secretary Revenue, Shahid Iftikhar, Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dilshada and other senior officers of revenue department was told that big corporate houses and establishments have come forward with huge bids for the Nazool lands which are holding the lease on them. The meeting decided to extend the time period for inviting applications for leasing out the Nazool land and transfer of ownership rights to the lease holders upto ending February 2005. The Minister taking a strong note of the illegal occupation of Nazool land in twin cities of Srinagar and Jammu by the businessmen using it, for commercial purposes without paying the premium and also against those whose lease deeds have ceased, impressed upon the officers of the Revenue Department to intensify the drive against them. The Minister also asked them to make speedy recoveries from the lease holders who are using the Nazool land for residential purposes in Jammu and Srinagar cities and added that they may be asked to submit the arrears within a period of one year in the offices of Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu. The meeting also deliberated on the issues regarding the allotment of Nazool land to the private schools in Jammu and Srinagar municipal limits. It was said in the meeting that all such schools have been asked to reserve 20 per cent seats for poor and economically week students, otherwise their lease deeds would be cancelled and that the schools should use the allotted land for promoting education and not for other purposes |
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Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 4 : Mr. Usman Majid Minister of State for Planning and Development called on Union Home Minister Mr. Shiv Raj Patil at his office at North block New Delhi this afternoon. The Minster apprised the Home Minister of the steps taken by the Government for initiating necessary steps for return of normalcy and peace in the state. He informed the Home Minister that the participation of the people in the recent civic polls is clear indication that people want peace and development. The Minister said that the participation of the people in the democratic process with enthusiasm was a manifestation of the change in the public attitude. The Minister of State said that the policy of Healing Touch advocated by Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has sent a positive message across the country. He said by adopting this policy in the state remarkable change has been brought about in maintaining of law and order and peace in the state. He said this policy is currently helping in other areas of the country including North-East also. Mr. Majid informed the Union Minister that the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has revived the economy, tourism and industrial activities in the State. The Home Minister said that the Centre has already initiated several measures for bringing peace and prosperity in the Jammu and Kashmir state. |
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BJP Corporators-new for party
but already Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 4: Jammu Municipal Corporation election has surfaced new faces in Pradesh Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) who were lesser known in politics but had solid footing among people because of their social works. Sureshta Jamwal, newly elected BJP Corporator from ward number 35, might be a new face for the BJP before elections but not for people of Shant Nagar and its adjoining areas where she is known to every household because of her very social behaviour and ‘Satsangh’ activities. Talking to the Excelsior, Sureshta Jamwal admitted that it was only due to affection of people that the BJP decided to give her party mandate. "People have done their job and now it is my turn to come upto their expectations and solve their problems,"she said. To ensure all civic amenities in the ward and adequate supply of drinking water as well as power are among priorities of the BJP Corporator. "Construction of a community hall in Shant Nagar, sanctioning of a park in the area and covering of all nullahs are among my other priorities for development of the ward," she added. BJP Corporator Usha Choudhary, who has been elected from ward number 25, has also little experience of politics but enjoys tremendous support of people of the locality because of her tireless social activities. "I will leave no stone unturned for development of my constituency and make it a model ward in Jammu," she said while listing her priorities as a Corporator. Besides repair of lanes and drains in the locality and covering of nullahs, Usha Choudhary has a plan for beautification of the Rehari Chowk by constructing an attractive fountain there and widening the roads. "Starting mini-bus service from Rehari to Bakshi Nagar, upgradation of existing community hall in the locality for the benefit of people and standardisation of schools in the area are among my priorities, " she added. Usha Choudhary also sough cooperation of people and their feedback so that she can fulfill all the promises made for development of the ward. Young Priya Sethi, who has been elected as Corporator on BJP ticket from ward number 10, is also a new face in the party. Though she remained associated with Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) during her college time, she was not in active politics. "But now I am a committed soldier of the party which expressed its faith in me and gave the mandate. I am also debited to people of my ward for electing my to the Corporation and I assure them that welfare of the ward is my only priority," she told the Excelsior. Unfolding her plans as the Corporator for welfare of the ward, Priya Sethi said that being a part the old city, Mohalla Paharian has been facing numerous problems like improper drainage system, filth, garbage and non-availability of parking places. "Sanitation and cleanliness of the locality will be given top most priority while sites will be identified for parking places to avoid conjunction on roads," she elaborated. The BJP Corporator particularly mentioned the names of Mohalla Borian and Mohalla Patran which need immediate attention for development. "I will make Mohalla Paharian free from filth so that it may no longer be known for the smell emitting from drains," she said |
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Centre enhances scholarship quota for minorities Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 4: Maulana Azad Education Foundation, New Delhi NGO aided by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Government of India has enhanced the quota from 40 to 400 students for advancing of Rs. 10,000 to meritorious girl students of minority community for the year 2004-05. The girl students of minority communities viz Muslim, Buddist, Sikhs, Christians and Zorastrain who have secured more than 55 per cent marks in 10th class examination during 2004-05 and their family income is less than Rs. One lakh per annum are eligible for this scholarship. According to a notification of Managing Director, J&K State Women Development Corporation all eligible girl students of the minority community are advised to apply upto February 18, 2005 on prescribed application form which can be had from the offices of the General Manager, Development Officer and District Managers of JKWDC. The application form should be supported by income certificate in case of Government employee and an affidavit duly attested by a Magistrate or Public Notary for others. |
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First J&K State Science Congress at JU from Feb 7 Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 4: First J&K State Science Congress is going to be held at Jammu University from February 7 to 9. About 450 scientists from various parts of the country are participating in the three day conference who will present their papers in seven broad areas, including Natural Science, Bio-Sciences, Agriculture Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Medical Sciences and Engineering. J&K Council for Science and Technology is collaborating with Jammu University in organising the Congress. This was informed by Prof I B Sharma, Dean Faculty of Science, JU and Head of the Geology Department, while addressing a press conference on the University campus, here today. "The conference will have seven sessions and some leading scientists from outside the State shall be delivering plenary lectures on various aspects of science and technology such as bio-technology, nano-technology, agriculture sciences, modeling software, crystal structure, development of life on earth etc," he added. Prof Sharma said that main objectives of the science congress are to provide opportunity to the participants from J&K to interact with leading scientists from other parts of the country to broaden their scientific and technological understanding, to improve research and teaching of science, to improve quality of scientific manpower and to encourage inter-disciplinary interaction and promote scientific temper. "During the three-day congress, scientific and industrial development in the State will also be highlighted through an exhibition on the University campus," he informed adding that Department of Industries, Department of Agriculture, Regional Research Laboratory and several industrial units in Jammu will put their stalls in the exhibition. Dr G M Bhat, Reader in the Department of Geology, JU, said that the conference will also aware Jammu people about the natural disasters and future problems to which Jammu region is prone to. |
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Infiltration, forced conversions
threat to Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 4: Infiltration across the border over the years has not only led to the law and order problem in various parts of India but also to the smuggling of narcotics and deadly weapons inside the country. This was stated by senior Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS) leader and Prabhari of its Media Wing, Shri Kant Joshi while talking to media persons after addressing the activists of various social organizations here today. Expressing concern over infiltration and narcotic trade he said this is posing a great threat to national security, besides adding to the crime rate alarmingly. "Infiltration and narcotic smuggling are grave problems and the Government should crush it with the iron hands., This issue should be seen from the national point of view instead of pseudo secular view and vote politics , he added. Mr Joshi who was on the tour of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu, while cautioning the Government on rapid demographic changes in some parts of the country, said it is the another threat which the national unity and integrity is facing. There should be a ban on forced conversions as they are anti human and have basically led to the change of demography in many parts of country, he said, adding conversions cause tensions and social divisions. Mr Joshi, while terming the action of Nepal King as undemocratic he said the prevailing situation in that country is also a cause of concern for the people of India. The ISI has hide-outs in that country and now it depends upon the King that how he tackles the insurgent activities. Even the Mao groups which had the support of King have increased their activities and become a problem both for India as well as Nepal, he warned. |
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CM pays tributes to DIG Amin Bhat Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 4: The Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has paid rich tributes to late Mohammad Amin Bhat Ex-DIG Police on his Ist death anniversary being celebrated as a week long memorial during which seminars functions and prayers will be held to highlight his outstanding performances and social life. The Chief Minster said that Mr. Amin was honest, brave competent and daring police officer who earned high reputation while rendering his services in various capacities during his service tenure. He said Mr. Amin was killed last year on Idd day while coming out from a mosque and added that it was not a shock to the police department alone but to the whole civilized society for losing a generous and a noble person. While conveying his sympathies to the family of Mr. Amin, the Chief Minister praised the Renzu Shah Society for organizing Mr. Amin’s memorial week Tiger Division organizes Technology Fair- 2005 Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 4: A Technology Fair was organized by the Tiger Division at Satwari from February 4 to 5 which was inaugurated by General Officer Commanding Tiger Division Maj Gen Vinay Sharma SM. The Fair showcased latest state of art equipment in the fields of communication, surveillance and Electronic warfare. A large number of national and multi-national firms participated in the fair. Amongst the latest equipments on display were a wide range electronic exchange, LAN extenders, Routers, Switches and other networking products and accessories, end to end digital communication solutions, mobile base stations, cellular equipment and system, telephone interceptors and bugs, cellular jammers, VOIP products, CCTV surveillance systems, biometric access control devices, perimeter access control equipment and a hoot of other sophisticated products. Some of the notable firms which took part in the technology fair were CISCO, Nortel Network, Motorola, Bharat Electronics, ITI, ACCORD Communications, Alcatel Business Systems, Tropicana Communications, Shoghi Communications and AE Telelink System Limited. The fair was aimed at showcasing the latest products available in the market, which can be of use to Armed forces thereby increasing user awareness, strengthening the existing ties and interactions between the industry and Army and making the industry aware about the essential requirements of the security forces. The technology fair was attended by a large number of senior officers, JCOs and other Ranks of Army, Air Force and BSNL. MIER celebrates 69th Foundation Day Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 4: Model Institute of Education and Research (MIER) celebrated its 69th Foundation Day at its B C Road Campus in which Director MIER Arun K Gupta was the chief guest, who was accompanied by Dr (Mrs) Renu Arun, Joint Director. The chief guest in his address said that the quality education is hall mark of MIER. He added that through the hard work and cooperation of students, teachers and parents, a small school Model Academy has grown into MIER Complex and is providing quality education from early childhood to Post Doctoral Level to thousands of young learners both men and women at affordable cost to the public. Dr Gupta expressed confidence that educational growth and development of MIER shall accelerate further and open up new vistas in the field of education. He said further that while Model Academy had become the first ISO 9001-2000 certified educational institute in the J&K State last year, the MIER College of Education had the unique privilege of becoming the first ever college in the State to be conferred ISO9001-2000 certification for which external audit was undertaken in January 2005. Dr Gupta also dwelt at length about future plans of the MIER and said the day was not far when MIER would provide 24 hour service through computer technology via internet. Prominent among the distinguished guests were Prof N D Gupta, Mrs K R Gupta, Abdul Aziz, J N Kaul, Prof M L Vakil, Dr (Mrs) R Bindra, Dr Surinder Kour, Prof Adit Gupta, Prof S P Sharma, Dr P N Khosa and HoDs of MIER. Earlier at the start of the function rich tributes were paid to the founder of MIER Late H L Gupta and his co-partner Late Mrs Shashi Gupta by laying floral wreaths at their portrait. Mula Ram for simplification of loan procedures Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Feb 4: Minister for Social welfare Mula Ram has stressed the need for making effective recovery measures to keep in rotation the allocated funds under various poverty alleviation schemes launched by the Jammu and Kashmir SC/ST and OBC Corporation for the poor and downtrodden sections of the society. The Minister who is also the chairman of the SC/ST and OBC Corporation was speaking at annual general meeting of SC/ST and OBC to review its functioning here today. The Minister said for taking benefits of the schemes at the door steps of every needy and deserving beneficiaries, loan advancing procedure must be simplified by taking guarantee of a Government servant instead mortgaging of property for advancing loan as has already been decided by the Government. The Commissioner/Secretary Social Welfare, G.D. Wadhwa while intervening in the discussion stressed for holding periodically board meetings and internal auditing of the record for ensuring transparency and efficiency of the corporation. The Managing Director SC/ST and OBC Corporation, G.L. Bhagat while giving a resume of the corporation said that the corporation since its inception has established 20484 income-generating units with bank assistance involving subsidy component of Rs 959.11 lakh by supporting 80,000 persons and supplementing their existing income. Under the national scheme for liberation and rehabilitation of scavengers 40 units have been set up during last year with bank loans involving a subsidy of Rs 3.93 lakh and margin money of Rs 2.53 lakh. 53 units have also been established up to December 2004 involving subsidy of Rs 5.23 lakh and margin money of Rs 3.31 lakh. The corporation has disbursed an amount of Rs 17.66 lakh for setting up of 16 units up to December 2004 under direct financing scheme launched in collaboration with Apex Corporations. The corporation has made highest recovery of Rs 149.47 lakh during the year 2003-04 and efforts have been made to achieve the recovery target in full. The corporation has recovered Rs 1.15 crore during the current year. Suman addresses election meetings in R S Pura Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Feb 4: With the support of people, the Congress party has emerged as the single largest party in the civic polls of Jammu Municipal Corporation due to implementation of its policies and programmes for the socio-economic upliftment of the poorest sections of the society and speedy execution of development works for the betterment of people in general. This was stated by the Minister for Health and Medical education and party leader, Mrs Suman Bhagat while addressing a series of public meetings organized in favour of congress candidates in connection with the ensuing elections of Town Area Committee R.S. Pura. During door-to-door campaign in various wards of R.S. Pura in favour of congress candidates, she highlighted the efforts of congress to win the hearts of people and reiterated the commitment of government to mitigate the public grievances in a phased manner regarding electricity, water, medicare, road connectivity, employment etc. She appealed the people to vote and support the congress candidates so that the ongoing developmental works be speedily completed and new other works for the betterment of the people taken in hand for early execution. She urged the younger generation especially women to come forward and participate in a democratic set up to choose the honest and hard working candidates who are already in social service in their respective areas and well known to them for good governance and solving the problems at the gross root level. The efforts are going on at high level to maintain the good relation with the neighbouring countries so that peace may play a vital role in the development and progress in the state, she added. After the ceasefire on borders, the farmers residing near the line of control of both sides yielded the benefits of their land due to the fruitful efforts of peace process.The Minister appealed the people to continue their full cooperation to the Government in uplifting the living standard of border people. Among others who also spoke on the occasion include, Darshan Raina, Dayal Singh, Dhan Raj Khajuria, Janak Raj, Ganesh Dutt, Kartar Chand, Sham Mehra, Kura Ram, Badri Nath Sharma and Madam Sunita. |
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