Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 11: The Jammu and Kashmir State Motor Vehicle Act would be amended soon for teething the field functionaries with greater powers to stringently check abuse of these rules as also for enforcement of the traffic and road safety norms........more

Governor, CM greet
people on Lohri

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Jan 11: Governor Lt. General Retired S. K Sinha and Chief Minsiter Mufti Sayeed have greeted the people of the State on the auspicious occasion of Lohri, marking the start of the end of winter and subsequent change in the season......more

Omar hopeful of
early restoration
of peace in J&K

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 11: National Conference president Omar Abdullah has expressed hope that India and Pakistan shall be evolving a formula for peace, which is acceptable to the people of all the three regions.....more

HC directive to deposit excess amount in land acquisition case

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 11: Justice YP Nargotra of the State High Court has directed the respondents Chain Singh and........more

Power lies in people's
unity: Bhagwat

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 11: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Sarkariwah Mohan Ji Rao Bhagwat today asserted that peoples unity........more

PWWA chairperson
hands over Esteem
car keys to winner

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 11 : Chairperson Police Wives Welfare Association (PWWA) Vimla Sharma, handed over the keys of Esteem Car to Mr. Krishan Kumar Tiwari from Chandipur, U.P at a function held at Police Headquarters here this morning.............more

6 injured in mishaps

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 11: Six persons were injured in separate road accidents while as five persons allegedly consumed poisonous substances at their respective residences.............more

10 truck loads
of charcoal seized

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Jan 11: Forest Protection Force (FPF) and Forest Territorial team from Kathua Forest division during surprise raid near Dingamb seized at least 10 truck loads of charcoal dumped illegally for transportation.......more

Samaj Sudhar
Committee stages dharna

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 11: Activists of Jammu and Kashmir State Samaj Sudhar Committee organised a protest dharna in support of their demands. They demanded that all the retrenched workers should be adjusted in other government departments as their families were at the verge of starvation. It was demanded that sacked daily wagers employees of the Irrigation Department should be reinstated so that they should not be deprived of from the legitimate........more

Road Safety Week concludes
MVD amendments to zero in on traffic melancholy: Dy CM

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 11: The Jammu and Kashmir State Motor Vehicle Act would be amended soon for teething the field functionaries with greater powers to stringently check abuse of these rules as also for enforcement of the traffic and road safety norms.

The Motor Vehicle Department in consultation with the Traffic and other allied departments would formulate the comprehensive proposal for amending the Motor Vehicle Act which is inept. These proposed amendments after thorough deliberations would be submitted to the Union Ministry of Surface Transport on January 28 for its incorporation in the Jammu and Kashmir Motor Vehicle Act.

Announcing this at the concluding-day function of the 16th Road Safety Week being here this afternoon, Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma said that the proposed amendments not only focuses on bringing about the behavioral and attitudinal sensitivity amongst pliers but within its fold do away the present system of compounding of the offences. The new law would henceforth vest the traffic regulatory authorities with permit and licence cancellation powers and for initiation of punitive proceedings against overcharging and overloading.

The Deputy Chief Minister invited suggestions from all quarters and intelligentsia for making amendments in the present act so as to make it wider in its ramifications of catering not only to the transportation but also as a public health issue. The economic development brought along with it transport melancholy with the increased density of vehicles and stagnant infrastructure creation. The surging cases of traffic violations and the non-seriousness of the offenders to comply with the laid norms calls for initiation of stringent punishment, he said and detailed the comparative figures of traffic violations by the pliers.

This year, the motor vehicles department challaned over 14,000 vehicles for over speeding, 7366 for driving without licence, 6293 vehicles were without fitness certificate, 14, 300 were over loaded, 1762 were plying without route permit, 9721 trucks were challaned for their being over loaded and 391 for using pressure horns, informed the Deputy Chief Minister, adding that the number of cases points towards the urgency of bringing in self regulation by the drivers.

On the urgency to sensitize the posterity towards traffic norms, the Deputy Chief Minister favoured the idea of including road safety chapter in the school and college syllabi. He said that the matter would be taken up with the Education Ministry in the right earnest for its early implementation. He said that the motor vehicle and traffic police departments are already educating the students by involving them in the celebrations of the traffic week every year.

The Deputy Chief Minister complimented the students for their encouraging participation in the weeklong celebrations in making the general public aware about traffic rules and its observance. He said that participation in symposia, painting, debate and seminars were truly enlightening and eye opener and fitted in the popular jargon, ‘quality of traffic reflects the culture of the town’.

Minister of State for Transport Raman Bhalla, who also spoke on the occasion called for greater coordination among the traffic regulatory authorities for streamlining vehicular movement.

Mr. Bhalla warned the public transporters to desist from over charging and appealed to the public to bring to his notice any complaint of over charging by the matador pliers directly. He said that those over charging would have to part away with their permit and route licences.

The Minister sought cooperation from the Jammu Chamber of commerce and business establishments in voluntary removing the encroachments from the pavements to facilitate the pedestrians. He instructed the traffic police to stringently book the mobile users during driving as the drivers cause most road accidents due to mobile usage.

Later, the Deputy Chief Minister gave away prizes and certificates to the meritorious students who participated in various events during the weeklong celebrations. The Best Cop award for this year was bagged by Mohammad Rashid while ‘Cellular on wheel will be a costly deal’ and ‘Traffic Ke Assul, Lambha Jeevan Vasul’ were adjudged as best slogans.

Among others, present on the occasion were Commissioner/Secretary Transport Pramodh Jain, Transport Commissioner Rajan Bakshi, Joint Transport Commissioner Hemant Sharma and senior officers of police and motor vehicle departments.

Governor, CM greet people on Lohri

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Jan 11: Governor Lt. General Retired S. K Sinha and Chief Minsiter Mufti Sayeed have greeted the people of the State on the auspicious occasion of Lohri, marking the start of the end of winter and subsequent change in the season.

In their messages, the Governors and Chief Minister said that the people of the State particularly Jammu, like other parts of North India have been celebrating Lohri, with much fan fare , gaiety and fervour from time immemorial. The lighting of bonfires on this festival denotes not only the onset of more comfortable days ahead but also richness and continuity of the State’s unique heritage that has withstood the test of times, he added.

May this festival of enjoyment be a harbinger of an early spring unfolding with it peace, happiness and prosperity for the people of the State,General Sinha and Chief Minsiter said.

Omar hopeful of early restoration of peace in J&K

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 11: National Conference president Omar Abdullah has expressed hope that India and Pakistan shall be evolving a formula for peace, which is acceptable to the people of all the three regions.

Addressing Party workers at the Party headquarters here today, the NC president said that everybody is yearning for peace in the entire South Asian region and both the countries seems to be heading towards logical conclusion. He favoured a solution in this regard which is acceptable to the people of all the three regions of the State. Hoping for early peace, the NC leader said that people from all the sides and the groups should be taken into confidence.

Welcoming some advocates of J&K High Court, who joined NC today during the function, Mr Abdullah said that these advocates will prove as asset to the party. Earlier, Provincial president Ajay Sadhotra introduced the advocates to the Party president. He hoped that they will strengthen the party and shall render their services for the cause of common masses.

Those joined the party are-S K Anand, Dinesh Singh Chouhan, Rupinder Singh, Ajay Sharma, Minu Koul, Kulwant Singh, Avdesh Raina, Jeevan Sharma, Balbir Singh, Deepak Gupta, Vikas Nargotra, Sidharth Khajuria and Akshay Anand.

The NC leader alleged that coalition Government has failed on all the fronts and the people of J&K have realised that present Government is only believes in hollow slogans and the previous Government was redressing the problems of the people in real sense. He asked the Provincial chief to constitute a legal cell at provincial level and district level and get valuable suggestions from the members on various organisational matters. He said that doors of NC are always open for all those who believe in the policies and programmes of the party.

Several prominent party leaders were also present on the occasion. They include-R L Gupta, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, M A Bhukhari, Rachpal Singh, G M Jan, Zubeda Slaria, Chander Mohan, B A Manhas, Ravi Dogra and others.

HC directive to deposit excess amount
in land acquisition case

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 11: Justice YP Nargotra of the State High Court has directed the respondents Chain Singh and others to deposit the excess amount of rupees 40000 per kanal of land with interest at the rate of nine percent per annum for over 408 kanals situated at villages Sansoo and Dhanoori, Udhampur which was acquired under J&K Requisition and Acquisition of Immovable Property Act 1968 in terms of DB judgment dated September 16, 2002, with the Registrar Judicial within a period of one month.

In the event of failure to do so, the Registrar Judicial will issue a certificate of recovery and send the same for affecting the recovery as arrears of Land Revenue from the respondents to Tehsildar recoveries concerned who shall after recovery, deposit the same with Registrar Judicial for disbursement to Union of India, the Court directed.

This judgment was passed in a restitution petition filed by Union of India through Central Government Standing Counsel Mr Ajay Sharma seeking recovery of the excess amount with interest paid to the respondents/land owners.

The brief facts of the case are that Army had taken the possession from the land owners/predecessors of the respondents situated in villages Sansoo and Dhanoori in Udhampur district in 1950.

The rental compensation was assessed and paid to the owners under the provisions of J&K Requisitioning and Acquisition of Immovable Property Act 1968. Subsequently, the land of the respondents was acquired and for determining the compensation, the District Judge Udhampur was appointed as Arbitrator, who by his award dated May 4, 1994 had assessed and granted the compensation of the land at the rate of Rs 70,000 per kanal in addition thereto also granted compensation of Rs 14 lakh for trees standing on the acquired land.

Aggrieved by the rate of compensation, the Union of India filed an appeal before High Court. The High Court in its order in May 1996 dismissed the appeal of the claimants and allowed the appeal of the UoI partially by reducing the compensation for trees from Rs 14 lakh to Rs 4 lakh. The UoI filed LPA, but the same was dismissed.

The matter was taken before Supreme Court. The Apex Court reduced the compensation to Rs 30,000 per kanal and upheld the compensation on the account of trees at Rs 4 kanals and disposed of the petition on May 6, 1997, with the observation that it is open to the appellants to have the excess amount recovered from the respective persons as per rules.

Mr Nargotra while finding that the applications of the petitioners have merit, stated that the respondents have enjoyed the fruits of the money received in excess to what they were entitled to receive. " They are bound to repay the excess amount with interest. The amount to be paid back by the respondents have been worked out by the petitioners and are being claimed from the respondents through the present applications", it was stated.

Power lies in people's unity: Bhagwat

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 11: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Sarkariwah Mohan Ji Rao Bhagwat today asserted that peoples unity and strength is a great force to fight out the demons which are much more powerful than Ravan.

Addressing a function organised by Sanatan Dharam Sabha at Geeta Bhavan Parade this afternoon on the eve of Lohri celebrations, the RSS leader said peoples unity is the great force and Lord Ram also used this force to eliminate the demon king Ravan by joining hands with people from different sections of society.

He said the author of Ramayan Maharishi Balmiki reveals that how Lord Ram even sought the help of Vanar Sena in the battle against Ravan. This shows how important is the peoples unity and so we have to embrace everybody in society to fight the forces who are inimical to human prosperity and peace, he added.

While referring to the challenges facing the present society, he said people of all shades of opinion have to be stone walled against them so that we can overcome all the challenges and threats.

He expressed the confidence that with this firm resolve we will achieve the goal.

He said word dharama has different meanings but the simplest one explained by the Rishi Ved Viyas is that to do good to others is dharama and to harm them is adharama.

He said dharama is the only way to unite the society and take it ahead. A human being is dependent on each other and he can not live in isolation by ignoring society as he depends on the support and help of others. This unity makes society assertive and forceful, he added.

The function was presided over by Jeet Gill, president Balmiki Samaj.

On the occasion the portrait of Maharishi Balmiki was garlanded by Mr Bhagwat and others.

A cultural programme was also presented by the students of Sanatan Dharam Sabha School Jullaka Mohalla, Sanatan Dharam Sabha School Rehari, S D Tarapuri School, Gandhinagar and Sanaskar Bharti.

The function started with lighting of traditional lamp which was followed by Sarswati Vandhana.

Later the students of S D Tarapuri School, S D School Rehari and Sanatan Dharam Sabha School Jullaka Mohalla who made outstanding performance in different fields were felicitated by Mr Bhagwat. Besides them the management of these schools were also felicitated.

On the occasion a cheque of Rs 51,000 was presented to Mr Bhagwat by the Sanatan Dharam Sabha for the Tsunami relief fund.

A resolution condemning the arrest of junior pontiff of Kanchi Mutt Vijayinder Sarswati by the Tamil Nadu Government was also passed with a voice vote. The resolution was moved by the J&K VHP chief, Dr Rama Kant Dubey who termed that action of Central and state governments has hurt the feelings of Hindus in India and abroad.

He announced that a demonstration will be held by the Dharam Raksha Sanyukt Sangrash Samiti tomorrow to protest the arrest of junior Shankaracharya.

Among others the function was attended by Dr O P Mengi, RSS Sangchalak, Prof K L Bhatia, Seh Sangchalak , Rakesh Ji, Prant Pracharak , J&K and Himachal Prant and Prof M R Puri, ex Vice Chancellor Jammu University. The programme was conducted by Sham Churamani.

DyCM flags off BSF's Bharat Darshan tour

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 11: Sare Jahen Se Acha Hindustan Hamara- the patriotic song penned by Allama Iqbal echoed in the atmosphere with the pipe bands playing rendering melodious tunes to it while the 40 odd students drawn from the six districts of the Jammu division chanting at the top of their voices Bharat Mata Ke Jai marked the flagging-off ceremony of the Bharat Darshan excursion organized under India Civic Action Programme by the BSF.

Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma accompanied by Inspector General BSF Mr. B.D. Sharma flagged-off the 15-day Bharat Darshan tour bus at the BSF Camp Paloura here this morning.

Earlier, while addressing the students before their maiden journey to various parts of the country especially in the northern region, the Deputy Chief Minister dwelt on the importance of such activities that go a long way in inculcating not only patriotism among the posterity but also imbibes in them the quest for knowledge. He said that during their journey to various places of historical significance these students from Jammu and Kashmir would be exposed to the greatness of the India in the form of its rich and diversified heritage. The Bharat Darshan excursion would also help in widening of their mental horizons that have so far remained cribbed and cabined within the geographical limitations. ‘Tour and travel to various places not only enriches a person in experience but also understanding’, he commented, adding that sense of oneness, brotherhood and communal harmony are the obvious gainers.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that Bharat Darshan study tours have further bridged the cordial ties among the local populace and the security forces personnel. He said that during their 15-day stay with the personnels of the BSF, these students not only get the first hand feel of the life and style of the belt forces but are able to understand their responsibilities as a good citizen.

Another facet of the Bharat Darshan study tour is that it has fostered secularism in its true version of Sarv Dharma Sambhav.

Inspector General BSF Mr. B.D. Sharma who also spoke on the occasion said that the group of 40 students has been largely drawn from border areas of various districts of Jammu division. The most surprising fact of the excursion is that as many as 11 students of the group were for first time visiting the winter capital of the State.

Mr. Sharma said that the group would first visit Wagha border and witness retreat ceremony. Thereafter, the students will visit historical places at Amritsar, Kurukshetra, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Gwalior, Jhansi, Allahabad, Lucknow and union capital where they would also witness full dress rehearsal of the Republic Day-2005 before coming back to Jammu and Kashmir. The group is also expected to call on the Vice President Mr. Bharion Singh Shekhawat and other dignitaries.

Automobile market grows across Kashmir valley

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Jan 11: Encouraged by the growth in automobile market across the Kashmir valley, people associated with this trade have started conceiving new ideas in order to attract more and more consumers. Young marketing professionals who are coming up with some novel ideas are not only addressing the needs of the consumer but various options are also spread out to the consumers in order to make him feel that in today’s market consumer really is the king.

One such example can be seen at the Big Bazaar Mela at Residency Road in Srinagar where Safeway’s, an event management company has brought automobiles and Fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) under one roof in order to provide consumers with the best deals available in the market.

" Our idea to start the Big Bazaar is that we wanted that the consumer should get all the facilities under one roof. Today’s consumer is hard pressed for time and we want that if a consumer wishes to opt for a vehicle or any other product he should get it without facing any hassles for finances besides, wasting his time," says Fabehyan Wahid, a young marketing professional who runs the Safeway’s.

‘‘At the Big Bazaar we have been able to get some big names in the business world together-so that the consumers get a varied choice and they feel free to come forward and avail the facility of purchasing the products available here. We are offering wide range of finance schemes so that every consumer selects the scheme of his choice," adds Fabehyan.

The Big Bazaar has already started to attract the consumers and topping the list of most visited stalls, are the automobile stalls where varied brands are available to suit the needs of the consumer.

‘‘Right on the day one we gave deliveries of two Maruti cars to our customers," says Urfan Afzal, Marketing Manager, Vehicleades Srinagar. "Infact the number of inquiries has gone up and most of our counters are witnessing a heavy rush," adds he.

‘‘The reason for the rush is simple. The consumers feel that they are saving lot of trouble for themselves as we are helping them to get finances through various financial institutions. Presently we are providing the options of finance through the Jammu and Kashmir Bank and some other private financial agencies like the Ashoka Leyland," informs Urfan.

Interestingly, the Bazaar is witnessing a heavy rush of keen visitors who seem to be interested in getting their queries addressed. "Actually the idea of setting up the Bazaar is great, because the consumers are getting every thing under one roof. Now I need not to waste time at an office of any financial institution to get my case cleared as the same facility is being provided here at no extra cost," says Yassar Hamid, a government employee who wishes to purchase a vehicle.

‘‘In the coming few days the consumers here will come for a surprise as some big players like the Birla, Canon, Sunflame and some others too will be part of the Big Bazaar," says Fabehyan Wahid, who plans to extend the working days of the Bazaar till the festival of IDD.

Star Achievers Award 2004 presented to M Y Khan

Excelsior Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Jan 11: Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Bank, M Y Khan has been given Star Achievers Award 2004 by NRI Institute at a function here. The award was given to him in recognition of his excellence in the chosen field and commitment to the motherland.

The Union Minister of State of Science and Technology and Ocean Development Kapil Sibal presented the award to Mr Khan at a function held in connection with 31st International Conference for Pravasi Indians at Delhi on Monday.

Among other dignitaries the function was attended by Surrinder Singla, Finance Minister Punjab and Madhu Goud Yaskhi, MP.

NRI Institute has acknowledged Mr Khan as an ace banker with leadership qualities for taking the J&K Bank to Himalayan heights within a short span of eight years.

During the conference, the NRI Institute stated that he is responsible for registering the business turnover of the Bank from a mere Rs 4259 crore to a whooping Rs 27,946 crore and net profit jumped from Rs 18 crore to Rs 406 crore as on March 2004.

The Institute pointed out that J&K Bank has rightly been hailed by the media as nations fastest growing Bank under his leadership.

Cong election committee for Jammu district holds meet

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 11: District election committee of Congress for Jammu Municipal Corporation met today to discuss selection of party candidates for the ensuing elections.

The convenor Om Chopra apprised the members about the process conducted so far including the short-listing of the aspirants at various levels including the sitting legislators of the party in Municipal limits.

The sitting legislators would forward their respective proposals and recommendations which will be discussed in the next round of the meeting of election committee and panel of candidates will be framed for submitting the same to Pradesh Congress Committee.

After panel of candidates was submitted by the District Election Committee, the Pradesh Election Committee shall meet in next couple of days to finalize the names of candidates for each ward.

The meeting was attended by S Parduman Singh, Mula Ram, Amrit Malhotra, Yogesh Sawhney, Shiv Dev Singh, Balwan Singh, Vinod Sharma, Mrs Kanta Bhan, Ravinder Sharma, Mrs Indu Pawar, Parkash Sharma, Manmohan Singh and Kamal Anand.

Iqbal Project's power load reduced

Excelsior Correspondent

KARGIL, Jan 11: A load of 600 KW of power was reduced on the Iqbal Hydel Project due to consistent checking for mis-use of electricity.

The reduction in load has ensured lesser curtailment of power in Kargil city, giving a sigh of relief to the consumers. Following strict instructions of Chief Executive Councillor LAHDC, Kargil Asgar Ali Karbalaie for giving adequate electricity to consumers, the mobile teams of PDD alongwith Magistrates conducted consistent inspection and caught 12 persons using cooking heaters and boilers illegally. A fine to the tune of Rs 10,300 was imposed on them.

To cover the Kargil city for electricity, Iqbal Hydel Project at present only generates 1.08 MW against its capacity of 3.75 MW.

BJYM for formulation of youth policy in J&K

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Jan 11: Expressing grave concern over the plight of unemployed youth in the state, the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) has Urged the State Government to formulate a youth policy.

This demand was made through a resolution passed by the organisation in its State Executive meeting here, today.

It also demanded that the unemployed youth be paid Rs 4000 as stipend till the Government provides jobs to them.

Expressing deep concern over the indifferent attitude of the State Government towards the burning issues being faced by the people, it alleged that the leaders of the Congress, Panthers Party and PDP are backtracking from the promises made with the people during elections.

The Executive meeting said the Party was equally concerned over the internal security scenario of the state and the Government has totally failed to protect the life and property of the innocent people.

It stressed on strengthening of VDCs to contain the militancy.

Through another resolution it resolved that the BJYM will launch a door to door campaign during the ensuing local bodies elections to expose the wrong policies of the coalition Government.

The executive meet among others was addressed by state BJYM chief, Anil Parihar, and national leader of the organisation, incharge J&K Vijay Joshi, Ajay Jamwal, general secretary BJP and Jugal Kishore MLA besides other senior leaders.

Private school teachers’ issues under
Govt consideration: CM

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Jan 11: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said that the issues of job insecurity and low wages of private school teachers are under the consideration of the Government and that there was a need to regulate these matters.

Mufti Sayeed was talking to a group of private school teachers that called on him today to discuss their problems and seek his intervention to redress these.

The Chief Minister assured the group that he already knew their problems as these had been brought to his notice earlier adding that he would discuss the issue with the Education Minister and the concerned authorities to take a view. He agreed with the teachers that they should have a decent salary and security of job. He was of the view that private schools impart quality education and teachers in these institutions should have job satisfaction.

A deputation of college teachers also met the Chief Minister today and apprised him about their problems including halt in time bound promotions. He assured them that their grievances would be looked into.

The members of the Roopnagar Welfare Committee drew the attention of the Chief Minister towards problems of drinking water and drainage. They said that the work on construction of drainage in the area had been stopped midway causing inconvenience to people.

Other deputations of people that met the Chief Minister today include those from Kotranka and Bijbehara and employees of the public sector corporations and physical education teachers.

A deputation of members of the scheduled caste demanded early convening of meeting of the J&K Scheduled Caste Advisory Board.

Local bodies election after two decades

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Jan 11: To ensure greater public representation in grass root democratic institutions like municipal committees and speed up development process at the ground, the Government have announced holding of elections to Municipal Committees and councils except to those institutions, which have status of being tourist attraction places, after more than two decades.

The history of the existence of local body institutions dates back to the pre independence era. However, the chosen public representatives have administered these institutions for very brief period.

Presently, there are 34 local body institutions in the valley, out of which 28 institutions would go to polls. These institutions have been categorized as Municipal Committee for small and medium towns and Municipal Corporation for capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar.

During turmoil in the State, these institutions too suffered a lot. Due to discernible change in the situation, the Government decided to restore the true democratic character of these institutions by announcing elections to them as envisaged under J & K Municipal Act 2000.

The significance of local bodies is much more in urban areas than such institutions in rural areas because cities, small and medium towns are the main centres of economic, civic, administrative and development activity. The magnitude of problems too is comparatively greater in urban areas. The maintenance of sanitation, regulation of building activity, removal of encroachments, prevention of food adulteration, development of civic amenities and related facilities need to be attended to ensure proper upkeep of urban areas. Therefore, handing over administration of these areas to locally elected representatives would not only ensure addressing of public grievances at the basic level but also promote excellence in the functioning of these institutions.

These municipal elections have an added importance as 33 percent of seats have been reserved for women as per the land mark decision of the Government. The Chief Electoral Officer has notified these wards.

The elected members have to elect President and Vice-President as per the rules laid down in the Act. In addition to the elected members, the Government may nominate not more than three persons as members for each municipality. However, these nominated members would have no right to vote in the meetings of these municipalities.

To monitor proper development of the town, the municipal committee would have powers to appoint four sub-committees. These would be General Standing committee, Finance, Audit, Planning and Health committee, Development committee and Social Justice committee.

AD Handicrafts caught red-handed

Excelsior Correspondent

Leh, Jan 11: One Ishaq Hussain Lily, Assistant Director Handicrafts, Leh was caught red-handed today while accepting Rs. 20,000 as bribe from one Mr. Tsetan Wangbo for sanctioning and releasing Rs. 50,000 to set up a Self Help Group for Chiling, an area of Leh district.

The raid was conducted under the command of P. Wangtak, Dy S. P. Headquarter, Leh and T. Mutup Tehsildar (Executive Magistrate), Leh. The bribe amount has been recovered from Ishaq Hussain Lily, which was reported to be handed over to him by Smt. Tsering Chorol resident of Chushot. A case under Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered by the police station, Leh and further investigation has been taken up.

In this connection, the Chief Executive Councilor, LAHDC, Leh, Mr. Rigzin Spalbar convened a press conference here today. Appreciating the district administration and the police party, Mr. Spalbar said that LAHDC is determined to root out corruption from the society. He said that Council will never tolerate and compromise the menace of corruption at all levels.

He appealed to the people to extend cooperation to the Council and the Administration to make Ladakh a corruption free region.

The Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Satish Nehru who was also present in the press conference said that drive against corruption is on the top agenda of the council and district administration. Whosoever is found involved in corrupt practices would not be spared and tolerated by the district administration.

Shakuntala Theatre sealed for screening porno movies

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 11: Police has sealed Mini-Shakuntala Theatre for screening pornographic movies in violation of Cinematographic Act and arrested five persons.

Police sources said that on a specific information special squad of Jammu Police under the direct supervision of SSP Jammu Dr Kamal Saini conducted a raid in the Mini-Shakuntala Theatre this evening when a pornographic movie was being picturised there.

All the staff members present in the cinema hall were immediately arrested by the special squad. The theatre was immediately sealed and arrested persons were handed over to Pacca Danga Police for further action.

Sources said that the process of screening pornographic movies under the garb of english movies was going on for the past quite sometime and police was maintaining strict watch on the theatre.

"The modus operandi of the theatre owner was to start the show with an english movie and after half an hour of picturisation change the film with pornographic one", the sources said.

Bloeria elected chairman of IIPA

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 11: Dr Sudhir S Bloeria, Chief Secretary J&K, has been unanimously elected chairman of regional branch of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA).

Ram Sahai, A M Watali and S D Swantantra were elected as vice-chairmen of Jammu, Kashmir and Central, respectively. Dr Ashok Bhan and T P Singh were elected for the posts of Hony secretary and treasurer, respectively. K K Gupta, Prof Khurshid Ali and G N Qasba were elected as joint secretaries Jammu, Kashmir and central, respectively. Sat Sahni and Prof Mehraj-ud-Din will be the director seminars and joint director seminars, respectively.

The new executive committee includes, M N Sehgal, Prem Gupta, S K Sharma, Vikram Gour, Madan Dogra, Maj Gen B N Dhar, Swami Raj Sharma, Prof Rekha Chowdhary, G J Nahvi, M A Mufti, P N Daftri, Prof S M Afzal Qadiri, J B S Johar,, Prof A N Sadhu, Vikrant Kuthiala, A C Chaturvedi, Krishan Lal Gupta, A Q Manhas, V K Suri, P P Sharma, Prof J R Dhotra, S K Gupta, Prof Ashok Aima, S K Rekhi, Prof V K Kapoor, Qazi Shabir Ahmed, S N Sharma, V K Ghai, Prof Keshav Sharma and Prof Santosh Gupta.

Maj Gen (Retd) B N Dhar was returning officer for the elections.

BJP leader demands shifting of some polling booths

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 11: State BJP general secretary Bali Bhagat has denounced Executive Officer Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) and concerned Naib Tehsildar for not honoring their assurance that there would be three polling booths in the Tube Well Building, Kunjwani and one at Deeli falling in Ward number 55.

In a press statement, the BJP leader alleged that JMC authorities have set up 2 polling booth at Deeli under pressure from some Congress leaders so that they could easily rig the elections as these polling booth are located in an area where no vehicle ply.

Bali Bhagat said that nearly 50 BJP activists had met the JMC authorities in this connection and drew attention towards the fact that setting up of polling booths in Deeli area would only cause inconvenience to the people as they will have to travel a distance of no less than 4 kms. Most sufferer would be the electorates inhabitating Shiva Colony and Uttam Nagar, he added and warned the election authorities not to force the people of area to take agitational path.

The BJP leader also expressed surprise over the setting up of 2 polling booths meant for ward number 45 in ward number 46. He said it is highly ridiculous that the electorate of ward number 45 will go to ward number 46 to exercise their right to vote. He also described as inconvenient the setting up of polling booths number 1,2,3,5 and 7 in conjested Tagore Academy and demanded that polling booth numbers 4, 6, 7 and 8 be shifted to Middle School Digiana.

Property estimated at Rs 25 lakh gutted in resin factory fire

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 11: Property estimated at Rs 25 lakh was gutted in a devastating fire that broke out in a resin factory in industrial area of Gangyal last mid night.

A fireman of the Fire and Emergency Services Department got seriously injured during the fire-fighting operation and has been hospitalised. It was due to the swiftness of the fire fighters that a major catastrophe was averted by way of preventing large quantity of turpentine oil from being catching fire.

A spokesman of the Fire and Emergency Services Department said that fire broke out in the Dogra Resin Factory due to electric short circuit at around 2.40 AM. A message was immediately flashed to Fire Station Gangyal and within minutes, fire tenders reached the spot and began the fire fighting operation.

On the receipt of information, Deputy Director Fire and Emergency Services R T Dubey also reached the spot and personally supervised the fire fighting operation. A total of seven fire tenders from Gangyal, Bari Brahamana and Gandhi Nagar Fire Stations besides multi-purpose fire tender were pressed into service.

While the operation was going on, a fireman—Shiban Lal fell from 20 feet height and his ribs and arms got fractured. He was immediately evacuated from the spot and shifted to hospital. His condition was stated to be critical when reports last came in.

"It took about four hours to the fire fighters to completely extinguish the fire", the spokesman said and added that it was due to the swiftness of the fire fighters that a major catastrophe was averted. Since large quantity of turpentine oil besides raw material of resin was present in the factory there was every possibility of fire spreading to the adjoining factories.

But the firemen managed to douse the fire before it could engulf turpentine oil tanks, the spokesman said and added that the property worth Rs 25 lakh got damaged in the fire.

Joint Director Fire Services R S Sodhi also visited the spot to take the stock of the fire fighting operations and later visited the hospital to enquire about the health of injured fireman.