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| Governor, CM greet people on Holi Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 25: Governor, Lt. Gen (Retd) S K Sinha and Chief Minister, Mufti Mohd Sayeed have extended warm greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the auspicious occasion of Holi. "Let the spirit of Holi inspire us to work with a common goal of bringing prosperity and happiness in the lives of all", General Sinha and Chief Minister said in their separate messages....more Hoteliers
hail Govt move By Shafat Ahmed Kira SRINAGAR, Mar 25: The Governments move to get various hotels vacated by security forces and protected political workers in order to make available accommodation for the upcoming tourist season......more Sahasranaman,
Parmar Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Mar 25: Principal Secretary to Government Industries and Commerce Department, A. Sahasranaman, accompanied.......more BJP to
protest on Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 25: Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP) has decided to protest against UPA Government’s ‘weak policies’ towards......more Retired
Police Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar 25: Keeping up its high traditions of camaraderie, J&K Police today bade adieu to 50 officers of different gazetted ranks who attained.......more |
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Mufti
calls all-party meet Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar 25: In order to evolve consensus on the proposed legislation on reservation for women in the state assembly and bringing in a new anti defection law in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed held a meeting with opposition and the ruling coalition parties here this afternoon..................more AWWA opens
mobile library Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 25: Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) Northern Command added another feather to its cap by launching the AWWA Mobile Library at the Command Hospital today. The Mobile Library was inaugurated by president AWWA Mrs Lakshmi Hari Prasad.......more 61
defaulters owe Sales Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 25: There are 61 tax defaulters in Jammu and Kashmir against whom there are outstanding of over Rs one crore each. This information was given to State Legislative Assembly in a written reply by Finance Minister, Muzzaffar Hussian Baig to the question of Jugal Kishore Sharma today..............more NC blames
Govt for Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 25: Shifting blames on State Government for gruesome killing Mohammed Akbar Bhat, brother.......more |
Governor, CM greet people on Holi Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 25: Governor, Lt. Gen (Retd) S K Sinha and Chief Minister, Mufti Mohd Sayeed have extended warm greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the auspicious occasion of Holi. "Let the spirit of Holi inspire us to work with a common goal of bringing prosperity and happiness in the lives of all", General Sinha and Chief Minister said in their separate messages. The Governor in his message said that Holi in our country being celebrated over the centuries by the people of different faiths has become a part of our composite culture. The festival also signifies the triumph of good over evil, he added. The Governor expressed hope that Holi will be celebrated with traditional gaiety and enthusiasm as well as decorum. In his message, Mufti Mohd Sayeed said that such festivals are part of our unique ethos and should be observed by sharing each others joy. He expressed the hope that the festival will strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and unity among various sections of the society The Chief Minister prayed for peace and tranquility in the State. |
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Hoteliers
hail Govt move to vacate hotels By Shafat Ahmed Kira SRINAGAR, Mar 25: The Governments move to get various hotels vacated by security forces and protected political workers in order to make available accommodation for the upcoming tourist season has gone well with the people associated with the tourism trade The move has been welcomed by most of the people because they feel that the heavy presence of security personnel was sending a negative signal among the tourists as they were getting the impression that all is not well in the Valley. "This step taken by the Government will go a long way in establishing the fact that the Valley is quite safe for tourists," says Abdul Ahad, a tour operator, who is presently thronged with calls seeking reservations for the upcoming tourist season. "Last year many of the tourists that came here were asking about the heavy security presence along the Boulevard and various other hotels. It took us lot of efforts to convince them that there is no threat to their lives and the presence of security personnel was a mere coincidence because the shortage of space was compelling the Government to put them in various hotels,"adds Ahad Interestingly, most of the hotels along the Boulevard road were occupied by security personnel the early nineties when militancy erupted in the State. The State Government at that time deemed it fit because all the hotels in the valley were vacant as no tourist dared to come to the Valley. However, after the successful tourist season last year when the tourist inflow crossed four lakh mark, the Government felt the need that better infrastructure needs to be provided to the tourists. "Last year we felt that we were running short of accommodation as the tourist inflow was so overwhelming that all the hotels were booked during the whole season. This fact compelled to take the decision that all the hotels along the Boulevard and the Tourist Reception Center need to be vacated," says states Tourism Minister Ghulam Hassan Mir. According to Mir, the State Government has made it a point that all tourist destinations are made available to tourists only and the persons, who were otherwise using the accommodation, will be provided with some alternative. So far the efforts of the Government have yeilded results as 231 hotel rooms have been vacated. Besides, the Government plans to vacate some 430 more rooms by the end of this month so that an additional accommodation of more than 650 rooms is made available to tourists this year. "We are happy that the Government is taking some positive steps in order to revive the ailing tourism industry in the valley and the step to get vacated all the hotels by security forces and other protected persons will send a good message. This year we may see a record number of tourists because the opening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road will definitely encourage more tourists to come to the valley and for that we need more and better infrastructure," says Mohammed Sidiq, a house boat owner, who feels that the step should have been taken much earlier. |
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Sahasranaman, Parmar visit IID Centre, Battal Ballian Excelsior Correspondent UDHAMPUR, Mar 25: Principal Secretary to Government Industries and Commerce Department, A. Sahasranaman, accompanied by Dy Commissioner, Udhampur, Ashok Parmar and Managing Director, SICOP, B. S Dua visited Integrated Infrastructure Development (IID) Center, Battal Ballian and Industrial Estate, Udhampur today. The Principal Secretary reviewed the position of the allotment of land made by the District Level Land Allotment Committee of Udhampur and also the pace of progress of various entrepreneurs insetting up their industrial ventures in the center. It was informed by the Managing Director, SICOP that 122 units have been allotted land in the center so far out of which 25 cases have been cleared by the land allotment committee, 15 units have already commenced their production and 30 units have taken effective steps for establishing their units. It was further informed that around 40 kanals of land is available for allotment to the prospective entrepreneurs. He advised the DDC to convene the meeting of Land Allotment Committee immediately and clear all pending cases of Land Allotment on merits of each case. Mr Sahasaranaman had an interactive session with the entrepreneurs of IID Batal Ballian and Industrial Estate Udhampur. The entrepreneurs highlighted their demands with regard to availability of power, insufficient water supply, lack of communication facilities etc. He issued on spot instructions to the concerned officers for redressal of their grievances. He assured the entrepreneurs that all their genuine demands would be adequately taken care of for ensuring conducive atmosphere for rapid industrialization of the area. Mr Sahasranaman also announced that to cope with demand for having industrial infrastructure in the area, the SICOP would be taking up the development of the phase 2nd of the IID Center under the centrally sponsored scheme. The representative of Chamber of Commerce appreciated the on spot assessment about the over all industrial scenario of the district. The officer of SICOP, Industries & Commerce Department, Power Development Department and other concerned agencies attended the meeting. |
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BJP to protest on Apr 7 against Govt stand on Kashmir Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 25: Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP) has decided to protest against UPA Government’s ‘weak policies’ towards Kashmir and its decision to do away with passport and visa system for proposed Muzaffarabad-Srinagar bus service on April 7. This was informed by State BJP president Dr Nirmal Singh, while addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, here today. "Certain steps taken by the UPA Government on Kashmir, which include militants’ surrender policy, rewarding moderate militants, reducing military strength in Valley and decision to allow Pakistanis to enter Jammu and Kashmir through Uri-Muzaffarabad with simple entry permit, are not in the national interest and BJP will never allow the Government to pursue such weak policies," he said. Stressing that BJP is not against people to people contact and road link between the two countries, Dr Singh, however, made it clear that no compromise should be made on sovereignty of the country. "Visa and passport are symbols of sovereignty of an independent country and by abolishing both as requirement for Muzaffarabad-Srinagar bus travel, the UPA Government has put a question mark on Indian sovereignty," he remarked. Dr Nirmal Singh, who alongwith the party MLA Jugal Kishore, has been invited by the State Government to travel on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus, has also not accepted the invitation. "BJP doesn’t want to become a party to any ‘blunder’ against the national interests and there we have rejected the offer," said State BJP spokesman Prof Hari Om, who was also present in the press conference. Regarding the protest on April 7, Prof Hari Om informed that former Governor of Rajasthan Madan Lal Khurana and BJP incharge for J&K, Manohar Lal are arriving on March 29 to finalise the proposed programme in consultation with the BJP State unit. |
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Retired Police officers honoured Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar 25: Keeping up its high traditions of camaraderie, J&K Police today bade adieu to 50 officers of different gazetted ranks who attained superannuating from 2001 to 2004. Describing the force as a great Police family, Director General of Police, Gopal Sharma said that though the Police Officers have retired from the active police policing, yet they continued to be a guiding force for the young officers. Mr Sharma said that the Police Force has fashioned a scheme for the welfare of its ranks which include retirees as well. He said their welfare measures will always remain a major concern for the organization and urged them not to feel any inhibition in seeking whatever assistance they may be requiring in their retired life. He lauded the role of police in meeting the challenges particularly during the past decade and a half. The achievements of J&K police have been recognized all over the country, he said adding that it will work hard to maintain its high reputations as the friends of people. He also presented mementos to the retired police officers. Among others present on the occasion include senior officers A.C. Chturvadi, Kuldeep Khuda, Ashok Bhan, Madan Lal and Dr S.P. Vaid. The farewell party was organized by Dr S.P. Vaid, Inspector General of Police Jammu Zone at Gulshan Ground, Gandhinagar Jammu. |
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Mufti calls all-party meet on
women reservation, Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar 25: In order to evolve consensus on the proposed legislation on reservation for women in the state assembly and bringing in a new anti defection law in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed held a meeting with opposition and the ruling coalition parties here this afternoon. Deputy Chief Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, Abdur Rahim Rather, Minister for Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Finance, Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Minister for Tourism and Urban Development, Ghulam Hassan Mir, Minister for Education, Harsh Dev Singh, Minister for Information Technology, Nawang Rigzin, Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Haji Nisar Ali, Minister of State for Labour, Manjit Singh and MLA, Ashwani Kumar were present. The meeting discussed threadbare the important issues of reservation for women in the legislative assembly and anti-defection law in consonance with the law enacted by the Parliament on the subject. There is a proposal also to bring the two recently elected Municipal Corporations under the purview of the new anti defection law. The Chief Minister said Government proposes to bring in legislation on the two subjects but before doing so, it wants to evolve consensus among different political parties. He said the support of the Opposition is crucial for passing the two pieces of legislation as these involve constitutional amendment requiring two-thirds majority in the legislature. He said without the support of the Opposition it is not possible to muster two-third majority and asked the leader of the Opposition to spell out his party’s views on the issues. Mufti Sayeed said at the central level reservations having been expressed by some political parties it is being proposed to increase the number of seats in the Lok Sabha corresponding to the number being reserved for women. He said similar proposal could be adopted in the state and called for consensus among the political parties on the issue. Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather said that he would go back to his party and discuss the issues to form National Conference’s view and get back to the Government. He said since the legislature is not meeting for some days owing to holidays and off days, the party would form an opinion on the twin subjects soon. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma said in view of the existing anti-defection law not being effective, it is being felt to amend it and bring it at par with the law enacted by the Parliament. He said besides legislators it is proposed to extend the law to the newly elected councilors also. Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Muzaffar Hussain Baig said while the anti-defection law for legislators would require a constitutional amendment the law pertaining to Municipal Corporations calls for amendment to the statute only. The parties decided to meet again soon and evolve consensus on the issues. The Chief Minister also stressed on the need to hold a meeting of the committee entrusted with the job of recommending a name for the Chairperson of the Accountability Commission emphasising that the matter should be finalized urgently. He asked from Rather if the Opposition has someone with undisputed integrity and honesty in mind to head the Commission. |
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AWWA opens mobile library at Command Hospital Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 25: Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) Northern Command added another feather to its cap by launching the AWWA Mobile Library at the Command Hospital today. The Mobile Library was inaugurated by president AWWA Mrs Lakshmi Hari Prasad. Books open the window of the mind, entertain, stimulate and inspire thought processes and offer an escape from the real world - in this instance, a world pain and trauma- into a world of knowledge and wisdom. Keeping all this mind, president AWWA Northern Command Mrs Lakshmi Hari Prasad has taken upon her self the onus of providing the funding, the incentive and impetus for the formation of a library on wheels that perambulates from ward to ward, bed to bed and patient to patient. trolleys laiden with a cross section of titles in a variety languages will be wheeled between beds giving even bed-ridden patients the pleasure of selecting books of their choice. Books will also be available to ambulatory patients at a central library in ther premises of Command Hospital where they can settle down to a cozy reading session or simply enjoy the company of best selling authors. The mobile library covers a wide variety of topics, genres and languages from quick read novels to classics, tomes on self employment, personality development, leadership, management, healthcare, sports, etiquette as well as books with spiritual and religious subject matter. Similarly books are available in Tamil, Hindi Malyalam, Punjabi, English and Bengali thus ensuring that no one feels neglected or is without a book to read in his native tongue. |
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61 defaulters owe Sales Tax
arrears in Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 25: There are 61 tax defaulters in Jammu and Kashmir against whom there are outstanding of over Rs one crore each. This information was given to State Legislative Assembly in a written reply by Finance Minister, Muzzaffar Hussian Baig to the question of Jugal Kishore Sharma today. The Minister said for recovering the tax arrears, the concerned authorities have been vested with the powers to affect arrest and attach properties of the defaulters. He said besides all the dealers against whom arrears of over Rs one lakh each is outstanding have been notified for payment of advance tax at the entry point on the taxable goods imported from outside the state. The Minister said among the defaulters in private sector the M/S Chenab Agencies, Akhnoor tops the list as the firm has an outstanding of Rs 13.3 crore followed by Rom Industries Ltd Bari Brahmana Jammu and Ess Emm Coated Steel Industries J&K Ltd Mubarak Mandi Jammu which owe the tax arrears amounting to Rs 8.40 crore and Rs 8.42 crore respectively. He said there is an outstanding of Rs 8.24 crore against M/S Rakesh Kumar Gupta Wine Dealer Jammu, Rs 5.92 crore against M/S Jai Beverages Pvt Ltd Bari Brahmana, Jammu, Rs 3.06 crore against M/S ABC Hightech Works Gangyal and Rs 3.83 crore against M/S Gulati Oil Ltd Birpur Jammu. Mr Baig said M/S Power Grid Corporation is the Highest Defaulters as it owes Rs 37.43 crore as tax arrears to Government followed by M/S J K State Forest Corporation against whom there is an outstanding of Rs 18.57 crore. The Minister said the outstanding against M/S Uri Hydel Power Project is Rs 16.82 crore, while M/S JKPCC Ltd Haftchinar owes Rs 10.65 crore as tax arrears to Government. He said besides them in the Public Sector, M/S J&K State Cooperative Consumer Federation Ltd, S F Road Srinagar owes tax arrears amounting to Rs 6.67 crore while M/S M D JKTDC Ltd, Srinagar owes Rs 4.06 crore. The other defaulters against whom there is over one crore outstanding include M/S Sunil & Co Maharaja Bazar Srinagar, 2.55 crore, M/S Payal International Rajbagh, 3.74 crore, M/S Nippon Down Ispat Ltd, Rajbagh, 1.35 crore, M/S Steel Age Industries, 1.23 crore, M/S Alson Arts Exports, 1.41 crore, M/S EMM Cee Trading Co Buchwara, 1.42 crore, M/S Mir Sons Dalgate, 1.22 crore, M/S Fancy Electric Store, Gasiyar Srinagar, 1.98 crore and M/S Modern Radio House, Saraf Kadal Srinagar, 1.14 crore. The Minister said M/S Falka Sales Corporation owes Rs 1.20 crore, MS S A enterprises Lethpora, 2.07 crore, M/S Norplex India Ltd, Rangreth, 1.08 crore, M/S Well Fab Steel, Khunmoh, 2.68 crore, M/S Zam Zam Cement Product Khunmoh, 1.01 crore, M/S Ruby Enterprises (Old Name Srinagar Hosiery Store), 1.58 crore, M/S Srinagar Traders , Habbakadal, 1.23 crore, M/S Trade Trends S R Gunj, 1.30 crore, M/S Iran Traders, K K Mohalla, 1.08 crore and M/S Fair Deal Traders K P Road , Anantnag, 1.13 crore. He said Jammu Agro Oil Pvt Ltd Kathua, has an outstanding of Rs 3.37 crore, M/S Kishba Traders Udhampur, 1.45 crore, KEC International Ltd Vir Marg Jammu, 2.72 crore, M/S C R Associates, 183 crore, M/S Trans Asia Tubes Industry Bari Brahmana, 3.31 crore, M/S Kashmir Vanaspati Bari Brahmana, Jammu 6.23 crore, J K Rubklame Pvt Ltd, Bari Brahmana Jammu, 1.46 crore, M/S J K Exserviceman Bari Brahmana, Jammu, 1.04 crore and M/S Shiva Gun Factory Digiana Jammu, 1.58 crore. M/S Jammu Steel Industry Gangyal, Jammu owes Rs 1.12 crore, M/S Ishan Industry Bari Brahmana , Jammu 1.01 crore, M/S Sansar Oil Mills Gangyal Jammu, 1.21 crore, M/S Raman Steel Industry Bari Brahmana, Jammu, 1.48 crore, M/S Energy Food Products Gangyal Jammu, 1.70 crore, M/S Kissan Milk Food Bari Brahmana, Jammu, 1.89 crore, M/S Jammu Ispat Pvt Ltd Industrial Estate , Jammu, 1.64 crore, M/S Dunlop India Ltd Gandhi Nagar Jammu, 1.29 crore, M/S Packmans Diesel Gangyal, Jammu 1.36 crore, J K Motors Pvt Ltd Gandhinagar Jammu, 1.60 crore, M/S Gujarat Cooperative Milk Federation Ltd Airport Road Jammu Rs 1.20 crore, he informed. In addition to it there is an outstanding of Rs 4.55 crore against M/S Conservator of Forests (East), Rs 5.77 crore against M/S Conservator of Forest (West), Rs 6.30 crore against M/S Chief Conservator of Forests, 2.37 crore against M/S ITI and Rs 1.34 crore against M/S Director Food and Supplies , Shaheed Gunj Srinagar. The Minister said in Jammu Division Rs 39705.16 lack was realised as Sales Tax during 2002-03, Rs 47429.75 in 2003-04 and 44774.16 in 2004-05 while in Kashmir Valley Rs 13319.35 lakh were realised in 2002-03, 16466.56 in 2003-04 and 15,692.30 in 2004-05. He said there was an outstanding of Rs 48359.40 on ending March 2003 in Kashmir Division and Rs 53098.00 lakh in ending March 2004 in the division while the outstanding in Jammu region on March 31, 2003 was 18086.93 lakh and on ending march 2004 there was an outstanding of rs 30822.55 lakh |
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NC blames Govt for killing of Veeri’s brother Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 25: Shifting blames on State Government for gruesome killing Mohammed Akbar Bhat, brother of Minister of State for Home Abdul Rehman Veeri, National Conference members today chided the Chief Minister for repeatedly stating that ‘Kashmir is the epi-centre of peace in the South Asia’. "Killing of the brother of MoS Home has exposed your claims of return of peace", National Conference member and former Minister Ali Mohammed Sagar shouted in the House and added that coalition regime has failed to protect lives of the people. "If family members of a Minister are not safe what will be the fate of common masses", he asked, regretting that the killing of innocent people has been going on but the State Government was claiming improvement in the situation. Another National Conference member, Sharief-ud-Din Sharik chided that the Chief Minister was repeatedly stating every where that "Kashmir has become epi-centre of peace in the South Asia". "Your tall claims have been exposed", he stated and blamed State Government for killing of brother of the Minister. Earlier, paying tributes to Mohammed Akbar Bhat, the Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma informed the House that the deceased had not demanded security despite the fact that he was brother of MoS Home. He further informed that Mr Bhat was standing in the market when he was shot dead by some unidentified gunmen. "We have to strongly condemn this act of terrorists", the Deputy Chief Minister said and called upon leaders of all political parties to unitedly face challenges of those who have been desperately trying to derail the on-going peace process. Mr Sharma assured the House that coalition Government will take effective steps to frustrate evil designs of terrorists. He sought cooperation of all political parties in this regard. Two minutes silence was observed in the House for the peace of the departed soul. |
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National afforestation
project worth Rs 100 cr Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 25: Minister for Forests, Environment and Wild Life Protection, Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Sofi today said that national afforestation programme has been launched in the State vigorously and under this project, 27 divisions of the State have been covered. While replying to the discussion on the working of Forest Ministry in the Upper House today, the Minister said that out of the total 28 Forest divisions in the State, the project has been sanctioned for 27 and there will be direct funding worth Rs 100 cr for massive afforestation programme to the concerned divisions and this money will be spent through Village Forest Development Committees. In this connection, two projects have already been started in Jammu and rural infrastructure of village level will also be covered under this project as per demand of local population. The community involvement has been stressed under this programme and this will create belongingness among the villagers who will themselves look after the plantations. The village common land and forest areas will be identified for plantation and after completion, it will be handed over the community. Referring to the massive destruction of forests in last 50 years in the State, Mr Sofi said there had been several reasons behind it. Poverty, non-awareness, exploitation of green wealth by big and small contractors in connivance of bureaucrats and other insiders, lack of proper policy in the past have caused destruction to the forests. It is the collective responsibility of the Government as well as the society to protect them for the coming generations. It is also the responsibility of the department to provide fire-wood and timber to the people but it is not essential to put all the pressure on our forests. Some alternative ways as suggested by the members are needed to be taken into consideration. The Minister further pointed out that under PM package several areas have been identified. A total 417 mini-watershed projects have been identified and 112 projects have been sanctioned. He said resin extraction process has also been contained and 25 % reduction has been brought from last year, initially for a period of three years. A project for development and encouragement of medicinal plants is also being taken up shortly. It will also provide income to the villagers connected with this activity. With extraction works through proper tendering an amount over one cr was saved. He further said that Forest Protection Force was raised to save the forests and arms are being provided to them to deal with the armed smugglers. The revenue of SFC has increased and there is no liability of the Corporation. These liabilities including Sales Tax arrears and bank guarantee etc have been cleared. Referring to functioning of PCB he said earlier some officials may be issuing NOCs without visiting sites of units but now they have been strictly directed to go by the norms. Some time is definitely required for completion of process and visiting sites. The people have to bear with this in the larger interest of saving forests and protecting environment. Regarding illegal functioning of saw mills, the minister said that saw mills are also required for people’s need. On Supreme Court ruling to have saw mills outside 8 kms radius, he said that we have taken up the case in the court for seeking request to reduce it to at least 5 kms radius. Earlier, while participating in debate, Prof Bhim Singh pointed out that how a forest land measuring 623 kanals at Sidhra was handed over to JDA in violation of apex court directives for development of colony. More than 1400 tress have been fallen there. He said no such example will be available as a large number of trees are being felled while world over massive efforts were on to save forests. He also stressed to remove encroachment on forest land and alleged that it is being done by an organised mafia with the help of some insiders. He further said it was unfortunate that how 122 kanals of land of Maharajas’ in Srinagar is being converted into amusement park to destroy environment. Mr Yousuf Taing while giving valuable suggestions stressed the need of proper plans for the conservation of forests, encouragement to Social Forestry Project and streamlining of FPF department. He said there is need of this force to be in forests, check illegal activities like encroachment on forest land in connivance with Revenue officials. He suggested to create artificial forests around Srinagar city, including Hari Parbat to further beautify the city. At the same time, there is need to protect wild life and sancturies like Dachigam. Brij Mohan Sharma suggested to keep a check on utilisation of timber in construction of houses and timber. Explore ways to use other material inplace of wood as use of Deodhar wood and maximum use of wood is becoming status symbol these days. This practice is needed to be discouraged. Bashir Naz drew attention towards working of IWDP projects and need to keep check on timber smuggling. Ch Khatana stressed the need to keep check on encroachment of forest land and said that 80 kanals forest land could be vacated in the fight of two legislators from Sunjwan area. Big sharks should be taken into task. He said some black sheeps hovering around Minister are highly corrupt and needed to be exposed. They are responsible for damages to forests. No senior officers go into the forests and remain inside their AC offices. Gone are the days when CCF, CFs or DFOs used to go into the forests. These officers even hesitate to walk out of their Gypsis. How can we expect that they will take better care of the forests, he maintained. Others who spoke on the occasion included—Depinder Kour, N A Mir, A R Takroo, P Namgyal, G S Charak, Mohd Sultan Panditpuri, G N lone and Bilal Lodhi. |
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Consensus being
evolved on 33 percent Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 25: Issues regarding 33 per cent reservation to women in the Legislative Assembly and other democratic institutions is under consideration of the State Government. This was stated by Tourism Minister Ghulam Hassan Mir while answering a question by Praduman Singh, Congress, in the Legislative Council today. The Minister, while re-affirming Government’s commitment to reservation for women, said consensus is being evolved in this matter as it would require amendment to the Constitution. The Minister sought co-operation of all political parties and sections of the society for bringing about the amendment in the Constitution. It was disclosed that a meeting of leaders of various political parties was convened by the Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on March 4 to seek their views and discuss different aspects of the reservation. He said efforts are on to evolve consensus on this matter which require amendment in the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir. In the Municipal corporation, and other civic bodies 33 per cent reservation has already been provided through an ordinance in 2004. A Bill to replace the ordinance is being introduced shortly, the Minister informed the House. The J&K Panchayati Raj Act has already been amended in 2004 to provide reservation for women to the extent of one-third of total number of seats to be filled up by direct elections in every panchayat. MLCs Shamima Firdous, Depender Kour and A R Takroo asked supplementaries and put forth suggestions as well. In reply to another question by P Namgyal, Social Welfare Minister, Mr Mulla Ram informed the House that there is a network of 10,455 anganwari Centres in Jammu and Kashmir. The Minister disclosed that more 8317 anganwari centres are being opened in the State during the next financial year. He said that 203 Centres in Leh district and 230 in Kargil district will start functioning next year. He also stated that the State Government has approached the Government of India for sanction of more anganwari Centres for this State in view of difficult topography. Mr Abdul Rehman Takroo, CPI leader staged a walkout from the House in protest against sharp increase in registration fee from Rs 5 to Rs 500 under the Trade Union Act, 1926. He charged that the hike will hit the labour class in the State and so he protested. The Minister of State for Labour and Parliamentary Affairs, Manjeet Singh, in reply to Mr Takroo’s question stated that the hike in registration fee has been made after a long period of three decades and justified it due to mushroom growth of unions. Answering a question by Mr Gulchain Singh Charak, the Tourism Minister, Ghulam Hassan Mir stated that a separate Directorate of Tourism was established in Jammu during 1996 and it will be strengthened shortly. He promised to look into the matter and take suitable steps for making it more functional for the promotion of tourism in Jammu region as well. In a joint question Mr Brij Mohan Sharma and Mrs Farida Mir regarding traffic jams at BC Road, Rehari Chungi, New Plot, Kachi Chowni especially during the peak hours the Tourism Minister stated that at the present there is no such proposal under consideration of the Government to build fly overs in this area. However, he said in future such plan can be formulated on availability of funds. Mr Mir, in reply to another question by Shamima Firdous, stated that the deployment of security forces will continue as long as it is required to maintain security in Jammu and Kashmir. Answering a query by Mrs Firdous whether the Government intended the security forces to be recalled back the Minister said it depended upon the improvement in the situation, which is constantly being monitored, Mr Bhim Singh asked supplementary and pointed towards the latest killing of a non-political person, brother of MoS, Home. Mr Bashir Ahmed Naaz also expressed concern over security situation and called for constant vigil. The joint question by Prof Bhim Singh, Ram Paul and A R Takroo about the latest status of Srinagar-Uri road and further from Uri to Kaman Post generated in the House and members put many questions to Mr Ghulam Hassan Mir who replied to this question on behalf of the Chief Minister. He informed that this 188 kms road stretch is being upgraded and made operational much before April 7 for inaugural bus service. A detailed project has been drawn up at an estimated cost of Rs 155 crore for this route. He said both India and Pakistan have taken historic decision to re-start this bus service on this route to connect divided families in both parts of Jammu and Kashmir. He also informed that all parties meeting was convened by the Chief Minister few days back and it was decided that a delegation of members from recognised political parties will go on a visit to Pak Occupied Kashmir. He gave detailed reply to queries on supplementaries of Bhim Singh, Ram Paul, B A Naaz, A R Takroo, Nazir Khan, Mrs Depender Kour. |
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No plan to construct flyover at Rehari, New Plot: Mir Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 25: Minister for Housing and Urban Development Ghulam Hassan Mir said that there was no proposal to construct flyovers at Rehari Chungi, New Plot crossing -BC Road and Kachi Chawni and traffic cops were enough to control traffic on New Plot-Janipur road. While replying to a joint question of Brij Mohan Sharma and Farida Mir in the Upper House today, Mr Mir admitted that traffic remains slow during peak hours on Rehari Chungi, New-Plot-Janipur road as several pvt offices, educational institutions, hospitals, Govt offices exist along the roads. Shifting of Courts complex from Mubarik Mandi to Janipur has increased the volume of traffic. The VIP movement also leads to slow movement of traffic here. He claimed that traffic jams on these roads are not frequent and traffic is being regulated by the Traffic police effectively. In his supplementary, Brij Mohan Sharma pointed out that DyCM in a statement in the House had informed last year about the construction of flyovers and what about that project. He pointed out that there was heavy volume of traffic on New-Plot road and no measures are being taken to contain the increasing load of vehicles and contain accidents. Prof Bhim Singh pointed out that what measures are being taken to check corruption by the cops as in large number at city points they are only after collecting money and not bothered in regulation of traffic. Whether, it (Govt) intends to smash this den of corruption, he maintained. The minister, however, avoided to give a direct reply and maintained that if any such proposal of flyover comes, the Government will consider it after examining. Minister of State for Transport Raman Bhalla in response to a question of Nazir Ahmed Mir said that SRTC at presently, was plying buses on Jammu to Shahdra -Sharief, Jammu to Jhangar and Jammu to Rajouri routes. Under the scheme of nationalisation of routes, Corporation primerily caters to nationalised routes, however, it also plies on district and inter-district routes. Larger routes are being prefered over shorter routes and parallel operation with private operators is avoided as for as possible. The condition of the SRTC has improved and it will come to profit in next 1-2 years. He said abouit 750 new buses are required to cover all the areas and improve functioning of the Corporation. A committee has been constituted to keep a check on the life of the vehicles and remove the old ones in phased manner. |
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Bhagat visits SMGS hospital, inspects patient care system Excelsior Correspondent Jammu, Mar 25 : With a objective to streamline the functioning of health institutions in the State and equip them with best possible medicare facilities, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Suman Bhagat today conducted a surprise visit of SMGS hospital. The Minister inspected the patient care delivery system besides taking stock of the under execution construction works in the hospital. She interacted with the patients and their attendants to enquire about the treatment and other basic amenities being provided to them. Mrs Bhagat asked the ailing people to immediately contact her in case of any complaint or ill-treatment by the medical, para-medical staff. She warned that no laxity will be tolerated when it comes to providing health care facilities to the patients. The Minister also went around the Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Paediatrics and other wards of the hospital. Medical Superintendent, Dr. Yeshpal Sharma briefed the Minister regarding the increased work load, shortage of staff and ongoing civil works in the hospital. Mrs. Bhagat inspected the newly repaired and renovated Paediatric Neonatal ICU, ward No.5, X-ray Section, ENT OPD, Audiometry room and administrative block. She was also briefed about the construction of additional 20 beds Labour room, Augmentation of Sub-Station with provision of new generators, waiting area for the attendants of the patients, water storage tank with capacity of one lakh gallons, renovation of nurses hostel and construction of toilet blocks in Gyane OPD, office complex, laboratories and in the room of some consultants. |
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SPO held for providing vital information to HM militants Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 25: A SPO engaged in district Kathua was used to provide vital security related information and plans to the militants. This was disclosed by Minister of Roads and Building, G M Mir while replying to a Calling Attention Motion of Dr Manohar Lal Sharma on behalf of the Minister of State for Home. ‘Chan Mohammed son of Akbar Tapriyal of Sang Khaned, tehsil Ramnagar, Udhampur, who was working as SPO in district Kathua figured adversely during the interrogation of an Hizbul Mujahidin militant Abdul Lateef alias Zahid Fazal of Marmat Doda following his surrender before Kathua Police", the Minister stated in the Assembly. "During questioning, it came to the light that the SPO has been passing on important security related information including plans and movement of security forces to the militants. It also emerged that during the winter this SPO used to arrange transport and other logistics for the militants for operating in in-depth areas of district Doda and Kathua for their safe arrival to Sarka Ghat in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh", he said, adding, "in view of his anti-national activities, the SPO was accordingly disengaged from his service on 31-1-2004. He is reportedly to be in constant touch with Over Ground Worker of militants in Billawar area. His activities are, however, monitored closely". Dr Manohar Lal, however, stated that the SPO was innocent and was physically tortured during interrogation. Regarding allegation of Dr Manohar Lal that minority community members were harassed by T A Battalion of Army, the Minister made it clear that allegations were not based on facts. Replying to another Calling Attention Motion of G M Jan, the Minister informed the House that case FIR No 22/05 has been registered in Police Station Poonch following bomb blast in the town. He stated that to prevent such incidents in future security has been strengthened and regular searches conducted in the town in coordination with other security forces. |
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JKSS sends third relief to snow affected areas Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 25: In the third phase of relief for snow storm victims of Doda district, two truck loads of relief material including rice, mustard oil, blankets, pulses, spices, tea, sugar and medicines were despatched from Jammu Kashmir Sahayta Samiti (JKSS) office at Jammu. The trucks were flagged off by Samiti Patron Rakesh Kumar and Satinder Mahajan. Samiti Patron Rakesh Kumar, personally conducted a tour of the affected areas for four days and supervised distribution of relief to victims at Kishtwar, Thathri, Gandoh, Kandrori, Paddar and other places in the district. Only last last week two truck loads of relief material was despatched to Anantnag, Kupwara, Srinagar and Badgam districts of Kashmir Valley by the Samiti which also provided cash assistance to stranded passengers at Jammu and other places. Thanking the people of Jammu, especially the business community the Samiti general secretary Col K S Juneja, said Jammu has tradition of helping the people in distress. |
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Gujjars, Bakerwals are
treated as one Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 25: Division Bench of the State High Court comprising Chief Justice S N Jha and Justice R C Gandhi, in the petition seeking appointment of Sub-Inspector Police in the Scheduled Tribe category, held that as regards Gujjars and Bakerwals have been included in the list of Scheduled Tribes in the J&K State but they cannot claim any separate reservation for themselves. There cannot be a sub-classification inter-se-amongst different tribes included in the list of Scheduled Tribes and confer any special status upon one or the other of them. They have to be treated as one class. These observations were made in review petition filed by Ch. Ayub Khan through advocate M R Qureshi seeking direction in the matter of appointment on the post of Sub-Inspector Police in ST category. According to the advocate appearing for the petitioner that in making selection/appointment, the respondents did not adhere to the reservation roaster meant for the Scheduled Tribes candidates. While defending the impunged selection/appointment, Additional Advocate General, Anil Sethi appearing for the State placed reliance on SRO 126 of 1994 accepting the respondent’s case, the Single Judge dismissed the writ petition. Before the Division Bench, a plea was taken on behalf of the petitioner that SRO 126 came into force with effect from June 28, 1994 whereas the selection had been finalised in January 1993. The petitioner thus tried to find loopholes in the stand of the respondents. According to him the SRO applicable at the relevant time was SRO 8 of January 3, 1991, R/W SRO 205. After hearing both the sides, the Division Bench held that in the earlier SROs too, the percentage of reservation for the Scheduled Tribes was the same 10 percent and therefore, there was no material difference between the SRO 205 and SRO 126 of 1994. In that view of the matter the Division Bench found no merit and dismissed the same. The Division Bench further observed that according to advocate Qureshi the respondents did not appoint adequate number of Scheduled Tribes candidates. The DB referred to the findings of the Single Judge that out of 123 candidates 20 candidates belongs to ST category had been appointed. The counsel for the petitioner submitted that about 200 candidates have been selected and not 123 candidates. The DB observed that there is no denial of finding of the Single Judge that 20 candidates belonging to the ST category had been appointed. Thus even the Court accpeted the petitioner’s version that about 200 candidates had been selected, the ratio of the candidates appointed in the ST category worked out to 10 percent in conformity with the reservation roaster and the Gujjars and Bakerwals have to be treated as one class. With these observations the DB dismissed the review petition filed by the petitioner. |
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