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| J&K to have water policy soon: Mufti Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar 22: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has stressed on the optimal utilization of water resources adding steps have already been taken to develop...more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 22: All commercial banks today wore a deserted look as the bank staff members went on one day strike in protest against the decision of Ministry of Finance in the name of autonomy to allow privatisation, merger and acquisition of Public Sector Banks and to oppose foreign direct investment to acquire equity in private sector.......more College
Chairman Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 22: An elementary teachers training college at Kunjwani under the jurisdiction of Gangyal Police Station has duped 75 students of thousands of rupees.......more Lt Gen
Jamwal takes Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 22: Lt Gen K S Jamwal, General Officer Commanding of Desert Corps, has been appointed as the Colonel Commandant of the Army Aviation Corps..........more GOC
Nagrota Corps Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Mar 22: General Officer Commanding (GOC) Nagrota Corps Lt Gen Sudhir Sharma today inaugurated two water mills and Army Playway School at Palma Model Village near here.......more |
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‘Ailing’
prisoners in By Mohinder Verma JAMMU, Mar 22: A piquant situation has arisen for both India and Pakistan. The situation is, clearly, the product of inconclusive negotiations over how to handle the future of a set of foreign nationals held in captivity in Jammu.................more Life
throws new Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Mar 22: After losing his four daughters in the snow storm, life has brought new challenges for 42 year old Mohamed Sidiq Khan, a Gujjar who is a resident of Halsidar Dooru, a village in Anantnag district of Kashmir valley that witnessed nature’s fury in the form of snowstorm last month.......more Bhim
re-elected Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 22: Working Committee of Jammu Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) today unanimously declared Prof Bhim Singh elected as the chairman of the Party for the next three years term.............more Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 22: Members in the Legislative Assembly today expressed concern over discrimination with border migrants and demanded statement from the Government in this regard before beginning of the Question Hour.......more |
J&K to have water policy soon: Mufti Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar 22: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has stressed on the optimal utilization of water resources adding steps have already been taken to develop a water policy for the State. Addressing a function to celebrate the World Water Day here today, the Chief Minister asked for harnessing latest scientific and technological developments in water conservation and recycling. At the same time, he said, the time tested traditional methods of water management have also to be followed. Asking for close co-ordination between the farming community, engineers and common people, the Chief Minister said a holistic approach is needed to address the problem of water management at various levels. "We should make concerted efforts to stop wastage of water everywhere and every time", he added and asked for community participation in making water conservation a concern for everybody. The Chief Minister said the groundwater potential of Jammu and Kashmir is estimated at 4,426 million cubic metres which is sufficient enough to create 7,07,950 hectares of irrigation potential after meeting the drinking and industrial requirements. He said the present level of ground water development in the State ranges from 4 to 16%, leaving a wide scope for further development. He said steps have been taken to develop and adopt a water policy for the state to ensure proper development of water resources keeping in view the national perspective and requirements of the people. Referring to the functioning of various water related development schemes, the Chief Minister said these are being implemented through Panchayats and asked these local bodies to help in the maintenance of village level water conservation projects. In his address, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs and Transport, Raman Bhalla termed water conservation as the need of the hour. He said growing population coupled with depleting water resources has given rise to a shortage of water at global level. The Regional Director, Central Groundwater Board, Dr. S C Dhiman also addressed the function organized by the Union Ministry of Water Resources. |
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Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 22: All commercial banks today wore a deserted look as the bank staff members went on one day strike in protest against the decision of Ministry of Finance in the name of autonomy to allow privatisation, merger and acquisition of Public Sector Banks and to oppose foreign direct investment to acquire equity in private sector. United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), representing all five employees and four officers organisations consisting of all bankmen has called upon its employees for all India bank strike today. A massive protest demonstration was held in front of State Bank of India, Zonal Officer at Bahu Plaza where both officers and workmen criticised the policies of the Central Government in an attempt to handover the Indian Banks to foreigners. The union leaders pointed out that working class and Banking Industry and their unions have major stake and have great concern towards the policies of the Government and called upon the Government to amend its policies. Meanwhile, on the call of All India Regional Rural Bank Employees Association, JAC of Jammu Rural Bank Officers’ and Employees Associations observed one day token strike today. The employees staged protest at Town Hall Building complex. They demanded parity of supernuation benefits, total delinking from sponsor banks and formation of national rural bank with amalgamation of RRBs. They also expressed solidarity with AIRRBEA. |
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College Chairman dupes students, goes underground Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 22: An elementary teachers training college at Kunjwani under the jurisdiction of Gangyal Police Station has duped 75 students of thousands of rupees. The chairman of the college has gone underground alongwith the entire money collected from the students for two years course and is being hunted by the police. Police sources said that a large number of students today gathered outside the KP College of Teachers Training and Research, Kunjwani affiliated with Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (BOSE) to collect the admit cards to appear in the examinations. But they came to know that the chairman of the College Krishan Lal, a resident of Kolkatta had gone underground alongwith the entire amount he had collected from the students for the two years course. From one of the employees of the college, students also came to know that neither their application forms nor the fee was submitted by the college to the BOSE. On this students started raising slogans against the college and later got an FIR registered with Gangyal Police Station against the chairman of the College. They told the police that the College had collected Rs 20,000 from each student for two years course and chairman had duped them of their hard-earned money. Police has launched a hunt to nab the cheater but no arrest was made till late this evening. Police also didn’t rule out the possibility of chairman leaving the State alongwith the entire money. One of the employees of the College has also been nabbed by the police for questioning and to ascertain the whereabouts of chairman. |
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Lt Gen Jamwal takes over as Col Comdt of Aviation Corps Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 22: Lt Gen K S Jamwal, General Officer Commanding of Desert Corps, has been appointed as the Colonel Commandant of the Army Aviation Corps. Lt Gen Jamwal, now has the rare distinction of being the Colonel Commandant of two different Regiments/ Corps simultaneously. It is the matter of great honour to the Army Aviation Corps. Prior to assuming the present appointment as Colonel Commandant, Gen Jamwal was already the Col Commandant of Regiment of Artillery. The Army aviation Corps has always been inspired by his ideals and strived to live up to his expectations. The Corps will, in days to come too, benefit immensely from his immense experience, wisdom and guidance. Being a son of the soil, Gen Jamwal has during his distinguished service, held many Command, Staff and instructional appointments, including in J&K. He has been an alumnus of all the premier training institutions of the army and has qualified on the Air Observation Post course, graduated from the Defence Services Staff college, Higher Command course and is also a Post Graduate from the prestigious National Defence College. He has held prestigious Staff appointment including the Brigade Major of an Infantry Brigade, the General Staff Officer as also the Colonel General Staff of a Division and Brigadier General Staff of a Corps. He has fielded 14 Field Regiments, 74 Infantry Brigade and also the prestigious 12 RAPID. He was instrumental in establishment of Army Aviation training school. Gen Jamwal has rendered commendable service in UN Peace Keeping missions in Angola as Principal Staff Regional Commander and the Deputy Chief Military Observer. He has been awarded VSM and AVSM and a Bar. |
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GOC Nagrota Corps
inaugurates water mills, Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Mar 22: General Officer Commanding (GOC) Nagrota Corps Lt Gen Sudhir Sharma today inaugurated two water mills and Army Playway School at Palma Model Village near here. The function was organised by the Romeo Force, which has been working to empower rural communities in the remote reaches of Rajouri and Poonch under Operation Sadbhavana. Both the water mills have been set up to act as a captive power plant for the fruit processing centre that is a part of the Army Biotechnology Initiative. Romeo Force has built 15 such water mills based micro hydel projects in the twin border districts. Speaking on the occasion, Lt Gen Sharma lauded the efforts of Romeo Force which has been continuously making efforts to improve the economic condition of the rural populace. He said that if the economic condition of the rural people improves it would automatically prosper the State as a whole. Later, Lt Gen Sharma inaugurated the Palma Children’s Academy which has been constructed on the unique Playway Methodology Model by Romeo Force. "The aim is to attract the children and induce them to come to school on their own", the GOC said and added that education is the only took to prevent youth from being misguided by the anti-national elements. Speaking on the occasion, GOC Romeo Force Maj Gen G D Bakshi said that terrorists had made a determined bid to destroy the infrastructure of liberal, secular and education in J&K and added that now the aim is to revive the fabric of modern and secular education. Lt Gen Sharma also inaugurated first Army Biotechnology Centre comprising fruit processing machines which have been provided by the Ministry of Biotechnology. Dr Anil P Joshi of the Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organisation (HESCO) and his team from Uttaranchal taught the local womenfolk to make jam, squash, juice and tomato ketchups which have also been given local brand names. Lt Gen Sharma was highly impressed to see womenfolk preparing jam, squash and juice and interacted with them as well as the children. Deputy Inspector General of Police Rajouri-Poonch Range S M Sahai, SSP Rajouri Mushtaba, prominent citizens and officers of Romeo Force and State Police were also present on the occasion. |
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‘Ailing’ prisoners in captivity for no fault of theirs By Mohinder Verma JAMMU, Mar 22: A piquant situation has arisen for both India and Pakistan. The situation is, clearly, the product of inconclusive negotiations over how to handle the future of a set of foreign nationals held in captivity in Jammu. With Islamabad continuing to drag its feet on New Delhi’s proposal for early repatriation to other side of "ailing" Pakistani prisoners, the fate of as many as 32 of them, presently lodged in highly fortified Central Jail at Kot Bhalwal, is hanging in the balance. These 32 "ailing" Pakistan nationals are lodged in the jail for the past over 10 years after they crossed over to this side of the border `inadvertently’ and none of them with any record of involvement in the anti-India activities, highly placed official sources informed the EXCELSIOR. Sources said that at the time of their crossing over to this side of border they had minor psychiatric problems but with the spending of eight to 10 years in jails in Jammu their ailment increased multifold and they have became mentally ill—in quite a few cases, the illness is close to total mental derangement. Citing Yaqub Ali of Sialkot as an instance in this regard, the sources said that at the time of his crossing over to this side he had just 10 percent of the mental problem but with the spending of all these years in isolation of its own kind the problem aggravated to 80 percent. Similar is the condition of Khadim Hussain, Mohd Yaqoob and Nomi Ali, whose ailments have assumed alarming situation due to lack of emotional support and love. All these "ailing" prisoners have undergone the basic punishment for inadvertently crossing the border but they could not be released because of Islamabad’s failure to pave the way for their repatriation. In absence of any negotiation between India and Pakistan the authorities of Prison Department are apparently left with no choice but to invoke Public Safety Act (PSA) on them in order to keep them in detention, it is officially admitted. The impact of Pakistan’s policy of indecision on the issue is evident from the fact that about three months back New Delhi set in motion the process of exchanging of prisoners held in captive in either side and officials of both sides met in Amritsar for the counseling access of these 32 prisoners. But even after producing all the proof of these prisoners belonging to different areas of Pakistan no response has been received from Islamabad for the repatriation of these ‘ailing’ prisoners, who, according to some psychiatrists, can overcome their psychiatric problems if re-united with their respective families. Sources said that it is due to Pakistan’s failure to seek their return and law barring their release till the country they belong to comes forward for their repatriation that the authorities concerned in Jammu are not in a position to uphold the Supreme Court’s verdict which says that psychiatric patient cannot be kept in the prisons. The Prison Department is spending Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 per month on these prisoners for the treatment of their psychiatric problems for the past 10 years but all in vain as the doctors in the psychiatric hospital, who regularly examine these prisoners, feel that it was due to the life in depression that their psychiatric problems get aggravated. |
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Life throws new challenges
to Halsidar Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Mar 22: After losing his four daughters in the snow storm, life has brought new challenges for 42 year old Mohamed Sidiq Khan, a Gujjar who is a resident of Halsidar Dooru, a village in Anantnag district of Kashmir valley that witnessed nature’s fury in the form of snowstorm last month. Since then Mohamed Sidiq Khan has been finding it hard to survive as the aid provided by the Government and other NGOs has dried up and life has been throwing up fresh challenges every day. "The snow storm took away every thing that I was once proud of," said Sidiq, who was away at Jammu working overtime to earn some money for his family that was totally dependent on him. "I came to know about the snow storm in Jammu and when I reached my home all my dreams were shattered. My four daughters were dead and the two surviving members, my wife and my 12 year old son were in an injured State," recalls Sadiq, who has been trying hard to get medical aid for his injured son and wife. "My 12 year old son who is my only hope has not recovered the physical as well as the mental trauma he suffered during the three days that we spent buried underneath the snow," says Zevra, wife of Mohamed Sadiq, who escaped death closely. "We were lying under the snow for three days before the local population from the adjacent village of Halsidar came to our rescue. The rescuers tried their best but they could not save our four daughters who were trapped in another room in our three storyed house," recalls Zevra. Zevra, after witnessing the ordeal of loosing their four members of the family as well as the cattle wealth has only one regret: the Government and all other NGOs who came forward to offer help to the victims of snowstorm turned a blind eye towards their village. "Our village also suffered heavy loses in the snow storm but very little attention was given to us. We lost 25 members of the village but nobody cared as much as they did for the victims of Waltengoo Naar, where every body showered the victims with help. We were even ignored by the Government as the ration that was given to us lasted for only 15 days. Besides, the ex-gratia relief that was promised to the victims has not been paid so far," she adds. "If we would have been provided with the money we could have used it for treating our injured son, who now is our only hope," says Zevra. Zevra and Sadiq have now praying that the Government realizes their plight and comes forward with a helping hand. "We are not asking for the sky and the stars but expect the Government provides us with the relief that was promised to us. We want to spend the amount to get medical help for our son so that we are in a position to start our lives afresh," adds Sadiq, with a twinkle of hope flickering in his eyes. |
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Bhim re-elected chairman JKNPP Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 22: Working Committee of Jammu Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) today unanimously declared Prof Bhim Singh elected as the chairman of the Party for the next three years term. The name of Prof Singh was proposed by five members of the Working Committee namely- Harshdev Singh, Mushtaq Khan, Yashpal Kundal, Faqir Nath and Balwant Singh. The committee elected Prof Singh as he was the lone candidate for the said post. A senior advocate of Supreme Court, Prof Bhim Singh holds Doctorate in International Relations. He has been imprisoned for 54 times. According to B B Kotwal returning officer, 10 members of the Working Committee were also declared elected unopposed. They are Mohd Yousuf Ganai, Ghulam Ali Engineer, Syed Rafiq Shah, Farooq Ahmed Dar, Govind Ram Sharma, Daljit Singh, Haji Abdul Khaliq, Bashir Ahmed, Mool Raj and P K Ganjoo. |
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Tarigami highlights woes
of HMT employees Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 22: Members in the Legislative Assembly today expressed concern over discrimination with border migrants and demanded statement from the Government in this regard before beginning of the Question Hour. The agitating members were pacified when Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Tara Chand assured half an hour discussion on this issue. As soon as the House assembled this morning, MLA Bishnah Ashwani Sharma joined by Panthers Party members Balwant Singh Mankotia and Faqir Nath stood up and raised the issue. National Conference member Ajay Sadhotra also joined the slogan shouting members. Members in one voice expressed concern over miseries being faced by the border migrants. Demanding attention of the Government towards problems of displaced border people, Ashwani Sharma demanded that border migrants should be treated at par with Kashmiri Pandits. "Why Government is discriminating with border migrants", he asked, and added "it is a very important issue so government should clear its stand and treat border migrants with those of displaced Kashmiri people". The Speaker tried his best to pacify the members but of no avail. Ultimately he asked Dr Manohar Lal Sharma to rise for his question. Due to uproar in the House, Mr Sharma could not ask his question. Speaker later assured the members that there will be half an hour discussion on this issue as it was a very important issue. He assured Ashwani Sharma that House will discuss the issue as he has already given notice for discussion in this regard. Members of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) M Y Tarigami raised the issue of problems being faced by the employees of Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT). National Conference members namely Mir Saifullah, Quasar Jamshed Lone and Mubarak Gul raised the issue of killing innocent people. Speaker assured them that they will be allowed to take up the matter after Question Hour. Later replying to a question, Finance Minister Muzaffar Hussain Beig said that a proposal for an amount of Rs 78.00 crores which was subsequently revised to Rs 72.00 crores was submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India for special package for border migrants of tehsil Akhnoor (Niabat Khour). The proposal has now been included in the reconstruction plan of the Prime Minister in November 2004. |
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Jammu-Udhampur rail link
to be through by April 20 Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 22: Jammu-Udhampur rail link would be inaugurated by April 20, 2005. This was stated by Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma today in the Legislative Assembly in reply to a point raised by Panthers Party member Balwant Singh Mankotia. The Deputy Chief Minister said that he had already taken up the issue with the Union Railway Minister, Lalu Prasad Yadav and Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed has also discussed the matter with the Central leadership. Earlier, Panthers Party member Mr Mankotia raised the issue in the House during discussion on a point regarding package announced by Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh. Mr Mankotia alleged that State Government was not giving security clearance for this road link. "Every one is talking about Uri-Muzaffarabad or Mugal Road but no one is interested in opening Jammu-Udhampur rail link", he said and rushed towards Well of the House where he staged a dharna there and resorted to shouting slogans. As Balwant Singh was shouting slogans, Deputy Chief Minister stood up and lashed out at Panthers member for adopting double standard. "On one hand, your member is a Cabinet Minister while on the other hand you have been behaving like Opposition", Mangat Ram Sharma stated while pointing towards Education Minister, Harsh Dev Singh. "This is not the way as your party is our coalition partner", Mr Sharma expressed his anger and warned Balwant Singh against behaving with such irresponsible manner in future. "We are also trying our best for starting Jammu-Udhampur rail line", he said, adding, "we are more keen than you". |
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Govt faces
embarrassment over disappearance of Suman Excelsior Special Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 22: The Government had to face an embarrassment over the "disappearance" of Minister for Health and Medical Education Suman Bhagat from the Upper House when the discussion on the working of Health Ministry was just to begin today. National Conference member, Ghulam Nabi Shaheen raised the point that there was no purpose of holding discussion on working of Health Ministry under Rule 183-A (I) as the Minister concerned, Suman Bhagat was not present in the House. " It was unfortunate that for the past over one month, Mrs Bhagat has never attended this House and either MOS Health, Mr Sofi or other Ministers made reply in her place during Question Hour," he maintained. Several NC members raised this objection and they stood up demanding postponement of the discussion and requested Chairman to adjourn the House. It was supported by several other members including Prof Bhim Singh, Nazir Ahmed Mir, Bashir Ahmed Naz, Depinder Kour and Ram Paul, who stressed that discussion should be postponed and fixed for some other day. They further pointed out that discussion be held when Cabinet Minister is available in the House. Minister for Housing and Urban Development Ghulam Hassan Mir had to intervene twice during the noisy scenes in the House. Mr Mir claimed that perhaps Mrs Bhagat will be busy in some work or may not be well but junior Minister was there to attend the House. Later, Junior Minister Abdul Gaffar Sofi came to the rescue of her senior colleague and maintained that the members should not think that the points they were raising during discussion will not be taken care of. Taking serious note of the issue, Chairman, Legislative Council, A R Dar said, it was unfortunate that some Ministers were not taking this House seriously. He pointed out that during current session Mrs Suman Bhagat has not attended this House. The minister concerned should realise about her duty. She is answerable to the members and of course, the public of this State and she should realize that not only the Assembly but this House too, was equally important. Mr Dar turned more tough when he found that even the Commissioner Secretary Health was not available in the Gallery. He asked the junior Minister where was his commissioner or head of the department. Taking serious note of it, the Chairman directed the Government to ask its Ministers to behave in responsive manner and attend the House proceedings seriously in future. He said some Ministers were taking the House seriously and were actively participating in the discussions and responding to the queries of the members. With these remarks the House was adjourned and discussion was postponed for tomorrow. |
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Question Hour in
Legislative Council Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 22: Minister for Housing and Urban Development Ghulam Hassan Mir today said that as per the reports filed by screening committee constituted by Deputy Commissioner Doda, Udhampur , Rajouri and Poonch, 4017 families comprising 20,931 souls were displaced from the militancy effected areas during the past ten years and the cases of 1717 families of these districts are under investigation. Responding to a question of Prof Bhim Singh in the Upper house here today the Minister in district Udhampur alone, there are 650 such cases, in Rajouri 172 cases, Doda 761 cases while 134 cases in district Poonch. In response to another question of Prof Singh, the Minister said during Kargil conflict nearly 1.57 lakh people were displaced from the border belt. Now, all of them have returned to their respective places except 1302 families of Niabat Khour in Akhnoor. Of the total, 1.07 lakh were migrated from Jammu, 17,692 from Kathua, 10,327 from Rajouri and 21,952 from Poonch. Besides this, in Kupwara district 16 families consisting of 97 souls were displaced. Replying to another question, Prof Singh said relief and package as per norms/ scale of free ration / cash assistance sanctioned by the Government up to September 2004 stands disbursed / provided to the border migrants. In addition relief package at par with border migrants has also been sanctioned in favour of migrants whose migrants status is not in dispute vide Govt order No. Rev (MR) 21 of 2003 dated 1.02.2003 . The relief in the shape of cash relief has been released in favour of 348 migrant families of district Udhampur putting up in Talwara colony Reasi. He said only 119 families of Doda are registered with Relief organisation and getting benefit at par with Kashmiri migrants. He further pointed out that in Kupwara district 8 families are being paid cash assistance at the rate of Rs 400 per soul or Rs 1600 per family per month. Besides, 15 families are being provided Ration including rice 9 kg per member, atta 2 kg per head and sugar one kg per head regularly. Prof Singh however, asked the Government to provide the list of pending cases and demanded clarification from the Government regarding delay being caused in the finalisation of pending cases. |
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Govt spent Rs 53.17 lakh on official functions in 2003-04 Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 22: The Hospitality and Protocol Department of the State Government has spent a whooping amount of Rs 53.17 lakh during the last financial year on official functions. In the written reply to the question of National Conference member Dr Mehboob Beg, the Minister incharge Hospitality and Protocol Department said that the expenditure indicated reflects the fact that during the year 2003-04, the State Government has encouraged visits of VVIPs from the Union Government and other dignitaries for conferences, seminars and workshops in order to restore normalcy in the State. The Minister incharge was of the view that this expenditure could not be called as wasteful. Replying to another question raised by Ashwani Sharma, Minister of State for Home, Abdul Rehman Veeri informed the House that minor repairs, renovation of the building of JK House, Chandigarh has been taken up and measures are afoot to complete the renovation of the complex so that it would be made worth residing for the visiting VIPs. In reply to the supplementary queries raised by Mubarak Gul, Sartaj Madni, Dr Mehboob Beg and G M Jan, the Minister made it clear that no construction is allowed by the Chandigarh administration on the available land near JK House for being a VIP area and thus there is no proposal for construction of residential quarters for the employees there. |
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Sawhney lays foundation stone of Shanan Ghar Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 22: Minister of State for Youth Services and Sports Yogesh Sawhney laid foundation stone of Shanan Ghar on Tawi Ghat at Vikram Chowk here today. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that these community bath rooms will be both for ladies as well as gents and will involve Rs. 2.75 lakh spent under Capital City Development Programme. He said that these would be constructed on the pattern of same established at Rani Talab, near Sabzi Mandi, Jammu. He said that it was a long pending demand of the people as there was no such Shanan Ghar available in this area. Mr. Sawhney said that Kashmiri Pandit coming to Tawi Ghat to perform their spiritual ceremonies on 10th and 13th day of the death will avail to the facilities of washing and cleaning with the construction of Shanan Ghar . The Minister was informed by the concerned authorities of Jammu Municipal Corporation that the Shanan Ghar shall be constructed after the reclaim of the land on the Tawi bank. Among others, Executive Engineer, JMC and Councilors Ward 19 were also present on the occasion. |
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2 projects for development of Purmandal, Uttervehni Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 22: Two projects for the development of Uttervehni and Purmandal pilgrimage centres of Hindus have been taken by the Government. In response to the question of Gulchain Singh Charak in the Legislative Council today, the Government in a written reply said that a project worth Rs 48.37 lakh for renovation, restoration of Sarais, construction of public conveniences and illumination/ lights system around the temples has been taken up at Purmandal. Another project worth Rs 32.76 lakh for construction of bathing ghats, public convenience, development of a park and lights has been taken up at Uttervehni. The work on 60 mtrs span steel bridge over nallah Devak at Mandal is in progress with an estimated cost of Rs 150 lakhs. Rs 50 lakhs stands released for the said work. Minister for Housing and Urban Development Ghulam Hassan Mir said that MLCs deserve equal treatment in the District Development Board meetings. Their suggestions are always welcomed in such meets. They should not have such feelings. While intervening during the reply of a question of Depinder Kour and a number of supplementaries from Bashir Ahmed Naz, Nazir Ahmed Khan, G R Kar, Ram Paul and Prof Bhim Singh; G H Mir assured the House that if the MLCs have any specific complaint regarding their neglect or providing less importance to them while distribution of funds and fixing district plans, they should come out with their complaints. He assured that the Government will ensure in future that no such incident occur. The MLCs are equally important and deserve the same treatment as other members of the Lower House enjoy. He said as per the Central guidelines, the MLCs are also important members of the Board. The MLCs have specific role to play. Prof Bhim Singh objected to response of the Minister and sought clarification over the role of MLC from Attorney General or Advocate General for the knowledge of the House members. Earlier, MoS RDD Gharu Ram said that the Government of India has raised the budgetary allocation to the extent of Rs 2.05 cr under Centrally sponsored schemes namely SGRY and SGSY aiming at creating wage employment and in the process strengthening of the rural infrastructure and promoting self-employment in rural areas under implementation in Rural Development Department. He said during 2004-05 Govt has allocated Rs 26.81 cr under SGRY and Rs 6.12 cr under SGSY. Under SGRY Rs 12.97 cr and Rs 2.17 cr under SGSY will be the share of J&K State during the current year. |
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BJP against entry of Pak nationals without visa Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 22: Expressing grave concern over the UPA Government’s decision to allow Pakistanis to visit Jammu and Kashmir with a simple entry permit, Pradesh Bharatiya Janta Party has appealed the Union Government to review its stand on the issue. Allowing Pakistanis to enter J&K without passport and visa has the potential of not only opening flood gates for the terrorists but also diluting Indian sovereignty over Jammu and Kashmir, said State BJP president Dr Nirmal Singh in a press statement. Stating that his party was neither opposed to people to people contact nor opening of new road links between the two countries, Mr Singh, clarified that BJP was, however, against recognition of Islamabad as custodian of the State subjects residing across the Line of Control and parity between Pakistanis, people of PoK as well as Gilgit-Baltistan. By allowing Pakistan a say in the matter, the Union Government has caused an irreparable damage to the country’s vital interests and enabled Pak to play its nefarious games not only in J&K but also elsewhere in the country, he said and urged the Government to refashion its whole policy regarding Uri-Muzaffarabad road. The BJP leader warned that to continue to pursue the Natwar Singh line would be only to play with the fire and directly help the dictatorial and aggressor Pakistan to fulfill its 58 years old evil design on J&K. Nirmal Singh also urged NC president Omar Abdullah to follow in the footsteps of his father Farooq Abdullah and join hands with those who stand committed to pluralism, secularism, democracy and unity and integrity of India. Spring Camp-2005 at KC International School Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 22: Six-day long ‘Spring Camp 2005’, organised by KC International School, began today in the school premises. More than 300 students from various schools are participating in the camp which was inaugurated by Saroj Mahajan, Senior Vice-Chairman of the KC International. The camp would focus on traininig of young minds towards multi dimensional horizons of Yoga, skating, martial arts, music, dance, photography, fine arts and other activities. Speaking on the occasion, Saroj Mahajan inspired the participants to come out in their best in the end of the camp. She announced that KC International would continue to organise such youthful activities. Principal of KC International School, Subhendu Sarkar addressed the camp assembly and expressed faith in the potential of youth. He also laid out a brief outline of the Spring Camp, its objectives, motto and proceedings. The staff members rendered a special song on Spring Camp and the brief ceremony ended with tributes to the motherland with rendering ‘Vande Matram’. Development has suffered jolt in remote areas: Mian Altaf Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 22: The over all developmental activities in remote areas of the State have suffered a big jolt due to tug of war and credit game plan between coalition partners. This was stated by former Minister and senior NC leader and MLA Mian Altaf Ahmed while addressing a well attended party rally at Bagle Nadyala, Rajouri. He said because of this meaningless process the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri have been lagging behind in the developmental activities. He added that the process of normalization of relations and peace process between India and Pakistan has been welcomed by the people of border districts, who faced the main brunt of miseries of wars during the past half century. Mian Altaf Ahmed disclosed that democratic ethics in the State were disappearing and dying down and the bureaucracy with vested interests was prevailing over the system which has resulted in abrogation of basic rights of the people of the State in various spheres. He stated that despite non-cooperation from the Central Government, the developmental activities were made possible during NC rule and have been written in golden words. He said the NC, the only party with secular credentials has guaranteed all round development of all the regions and communities of the State including the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and OBCs of the State. MIER organises workshop on ‘Disability Rehabilitation’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 22: A workshop on ‘Disability Rehabilitation in Jammu and Kashmir: Strategies for Implementation’ was organised by Model Institute of Education and Research (MIER) on the campus, here today. The workshop has been organised in collaboration with the Rehabilitation Council of India of Government of India. It was inaugurated by Chairman of the Rehabilitation Council, Major H P S Ahluwalia (Padma Bhushan and Arjun Award winner). Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma presided over the inaugural function. Leading citizens, eminent educationists and personalities representing Health, Social Welfare, Service institutions and other NGOs, participated in the deliberations. More than one hundred participants attended the workshop. In his inaugural address, Mr Ahluwalia said that RCA has launched many schemes for the rehabilitation of the disabled but more cooperation is sought from the private sector. Dy CM Mangat Ram Sharma said that such workshops should be organised on regular basis so as to ensure public cooperation and involvement. Earlier, Dr Arun K Gupta, Director MIER, presented welcome address. |
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