JMC all set to register 100 FIRs under Defacement Act

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 4: Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) is all set to register 100 First Information Reports (FIRs) against the violators of the Defacement Act within a week.

Joint Commissioner of Corporation J S Pachnanda said that process of identifying violators of Defacement Act has been going on and their number is likely to go upto 100.

The decision to lodge FIRs was taken after the the Corporation team found people indulging into violation of Defacement Act despite the repeated warnings, he said and added that the violators include some big companies.

Mr Pachnanda also disclosed that about 20 FIRs are being lodged against the habitual encroachers tomorrow and added that only police action was the only option left for the Corporation to tighten noose around such encroachers.

These encroachers were identified during a review visit conducted by Joint Commissioner alongwith Chief Khilafwarzi Officers today. Of these 20 habitual encroachers, six are on Gurdwara Sunder Singh Road, five on Raghunath Bazaar, six outside SMGS Hospital and remaining in Kanak Mandi area.

During the review visit, the JMC officers warned those encroachers, who had again come up on footpaths and at certain places demolished encroachments and confiscated goods.

At Purani Mandi, the encroachers were given five days time to strictly adhere to the boundary line marked by the Corporation failing which the encroachments would be demolished and FIRs lodged against them.

Farooq joins condolence meet at BJP office
to pay tributes to Mahajan

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 4: Floral tributes were paid to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary and former Union Minister, Parmod Mahajan who breathed his last at Mumbai yesterday by the leaders of different political parties at a condolence meeting organized by state Unit of the Party here today where two minutes silence was also observed as a mark of respect to departed leader.

Paying homage to Mr Mahajan, former Chief Minister and patron National Conference (NC), Dr Farooq Abdullah said the demise of this dynamic leader is not only a great loss to BJP but the national also.

Recalling his services to the country as the Minister of Telecommunication, he said Mr Mahajan has brought a revolution in the field of Information Technology in India. Dr Abdullah who came all the way from Srinagar to pay homage to Mr Mahajan at BJP Office, here said he had been very close to late leader and was impressed by his nature.

He said in the past, a number of Indian leader’s left this world in their youth who included former Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi and former Union Minister, Rajesh Pilot and Pramod Mahajan too died at a young age.

He said India needs young and dynamic leaders like Mahajan for the rapid development and progress of the country. Regretting that mostly political parties forget the families of the leaders after their death, he expressed the hope that BJP will not do this with the family of Mr Mahajan, particularly his mother.

He also urged the BJP leadership to take the family of Mr Mahajan to pilgrimage of Mata Vaishno Devi so that it can pray for the peace of departed soul.

Paying tributes to Mr Mahajan, BJP state president, Dr Nirmal Singh said in his demise the country has lost a noble but dynamic leader.

Terming Mahajan a shining star in Indian politics, he said the late leader was embodiment of love and brotherhood. He was the shining star in Indian politics who had qualities to influence others.

While paying tributes to Mr Mahajan Prant Sangchalak RSS Prof. K L Bhatia, said the late leader worked for RSS with dedication in his early days and occupied various positions.

BJP senior vice president, Prof Hari Om, while paying his tributes to Mr Mahajan said no one was senior and junior in politics for him. While Party general secretary, Ashok Khajuria said Mr Mahajan touched heights in Party due to his hard work and dynamism.

Former BJP chief Daya Krishen Kotwal, former Mayor JMC, Kavinder Gupta, Shamsher Singh Manhas Lalit Moza, former Minister Gurbachan Kumari, Bansi Lal Bharti, Chander Parkash Ganga and Ch. Sukhnandan.

Ashok Gupta, president J&K Shiv Sena said Mr Mahajan was a man of great qualities who earned a lot of respect from Indian masses. Praja Parished president Chander Mohan Sharma while recalling his association with Mahajan said that he was an energetic, dedicated and a leader of great personality.

Various condolence meetings were held at Udhampur in which tributes were paid to departed soul. At Geeta Bhawan district President Pawan Gupta led the Party in paying homage to Mr Mahajan. At BJYM meeting Srikrishean Gupta its vice president led the organization in paying homage to departed leader.

The Municipal Councilors also held a meeting in the Town Hall, Udhampur to condole the demise of Mr Mahajan, while at Ramban Shashi Paul Goswami BJP district general secretary, Doda led the condolence meeting.

Jammu Kashmir Vichar Manch (JKVM) also held a condolence meeting to pay tributes to Mr Mahajan.

Jammu State Morcha (JSM) also held a condolence meeting to mourn the demise of Mr Mahajan. The meeting observed two minutes silence in memory of departed soul.

At Kathua separate condolence meetings were organized by BJP and Panthers Party in which floral tributes were paid to Mr Mahajan. Two minutes silence was also observed in both the meetings as a mark of respect to departed leader. The speakers said that his death has created a vacuum in Indian politics.

All the shops remained closed in Bani town for the half day today as a mark of respect to departed soul.

Speaker tours Khour, reviews development works

Excelsior Correspondent

AKHNOOR, May 4: Jammu and Kashmir Speaker Legislative Assembly, Tara Chand today conducted an extensive tour of Khour block of Jammu district to review the works being executed by various developmental agencies.

Addressing a series of public meetings, Mr Tara Chand said that government is determined to raise the socio-economic conditions of the people especially those residing in border and backward areas of the state. He said that government has been focusing full attention on developing far-flung and border areas like Akhnoor where a number of schools have been opened and upgraded, lanes and drains have been constructed, roads black topped and health services improved.

The Speaker said that the concerned authorities are preparing a Rs.100 crore horticulture project for active consideration of the government. The project envisages high graded fruits like mango, orange, strawberry, pear etc which would general ample opportunities of jobs for unemployed local youth.

He asked the functionaries of the Rural Development Department to accelerate the pace of development so that maximum benefits could percolate at the grass roots level saying that sub standard quality and bad workmanship would not be tolerated in the construction work. Mr Tara Chand said that foundation of second bridge over river Chenab has been laid in Akhnoor recently by the Chief Minister Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad which would reduce traffic congestion in the area.

Earlier, locals thanked the Speaker for incorporating Chak Malal area into Actual Line of Control (ALC).

SD Tarapuri School presents cultural programme

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 4: S D Tarapuri Public High School organised its annual function at Abhinav Theatre here this evening. The students showcased their artistic talent with presentation of a delightful cultural programme on the occasion.

The Minister of State for Roads and Buildings, Gulchain Singh Charak, who was the Chief Guest, appreciated the talent displayed by the students in presenting the composite culture depicting the rich heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.

Lauding the role of teachers in ensuring the all round development of personality of the students, the Minister called upon them to work with dedication. He said the teachers have to channelise the youth power for transformation of the society for better future.

Mr Charak also threw light on Ms Tara Puri in whose name this Educational Institution has been set up and said she was a great educationist who has made significant contribution.

Prof M R Puri, former Vice Chancellor and chairman, Management Committee of the school, spoke about the growth of this High School and its role in spreading quality education.

The Principal of the school, Neeru Puri, in her speech, presented the overall view of academic and extra-curricular activities by the students of the school. She said the students have excelled in all spheres and the institution has been making steady progress.

The Minister distributed prizes among the meritorious students for their performance in academic and other spheres during the past three years.

The Director, School Education, Jammu, D K Vaid, who was guest of honour, at the function, gave away mementos to the all round best students of the school.

Earlier, the programme commenced with lighting of traditional lamp and Saraswati Vandana.

The function was attended by a large number of students and their parents, staff members and prominent citizens. Secretary of the school, Ram Lal Sharma presented vote of thanks.

CS inaugurates residential blocks at Tulsi Bagh

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, May 4: Chief Secretary Vijay Bakaya inaugurated the newly constructed six residential blocks for move employees at Tulsi Bagh here today. Completed at a cost of Rs. 10.61 crore by the J&K Housing Board, these blocks comprise 48 two room tenements and 96 one room sets with all facilities available. These sets have been allotted to the Darbar Move employees and would go a long way in easing the accommodation problem of employees.

Director General Police, Gopal Sharma, Divisional Commissioner, Basharat Ahmed, IGP Kashmir K Rajendra Kumar and senior officers of Estates department and Housing Corporation were present on the occasion.

Later, the Chief Secretary accompanied by DG Police, Divisional Commissioner and IGP, Kashmir visited the Civil Secretariat and inspected pace of progress on renovation work going on it. He directed the concerned to speed up the renovation work and ensure its completion before the offices open here on May 8, 2006.

JMC recommends taxes on nursing homes,
private schools, dairies

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 4: Keeping in view the increasing population load, the Health and Sanitation Committee of Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) today recommended slapping of taxes on banquet halls, nursing homes, dairy farms and private schools to provide better civic amenities to the citizens.

Decision to impose taxes on these institutions was taken in a meeting Health and Sanitation Committee which was held under the chairmanship of Manmohan Singh, who is also chairman of the committee. It was decided in the meeting that Sanitary Inspectors and Sanitary Supervisors will be directed to furnish details of all these types of institutions in their respective areas within ten days.

Sources disclosed that it was unanimously decided that monthly tax of Rs 1000 will be imposed all nursing homes functioning within purview of JMC. Furthermore private educational institutions have been also brought under the purview of taxes. Monthly tax to the tune of Rs 200 has been recommended on schools upto middle standard while as Rs 400 per month has been suggested for institutions providing higher education.

Members present in the meeting was of the view that dairy farms, within the city, are responsible for choked drainage system. It was decided to impose tax worth Rs 25 per cattle on all dairies functioning in the city. Meeting also recommended tax ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 800 per month on banquet halls depending upon area of construction.

These recommendations will be sent to general house of the JMC which will meet very soon.

Satish Kumar, Pawan Singh, Vijay Malhotra, Jaswant Singh Soodan, Balban Singh and Rajrani attended the meeting.

A magic formula for entertainment

By Rajesh Bhat

They have no witch-craft or so-called black magic, but absolutely quick reflexes, confidence andn having mastered the art that has made the OP Sharma duo to make thousands of shows successful across the world.

The Sharma magicians— father-son combine are presently in the City of Temples with their wands. Though most of the shows are performed at City’s Swaran Theatre by Junior Sharma yet their is an overall supervision of the Senior magician from Kanpur who takes on the stage on special occasions.

Lights, sounds,shades and glittering costumes, coupled with having learnt the art that descended the next generation and support from dedicated team of assistants are some of the tools the Sharmas use while mesmerizing the people.

The junior Sharma magician has an added quality. He passes on the three components of communication — information, education and entertainment to the audience while exhibiting mysterious tricks. Through his other tricks, he infuses the sense of patriotism as well.

"Please don’t consider me a Guru, a Tantric or Yogi. There is all science behind my tricks", Junior Sharma says while performing one of his special items in which he remains ‘penduluming’ in air, giving an impression that he is not bowed by gravitational pull.

In next few seconds, he stretches his arms and catches up "powedered prashad" to serve amongst his assistants with a message to audience that he is no "Guru" but simply knows how to get the "Vibhuti" like socalled Tantriks or Swamis.

Sharma’s greatest feat and magic action is when he uses a strong round blade to "cut" one of his associates in two halves and both halves later get united. Although there is no blood ozzing out from the body and the dysected youth pieces appears back in one piece in flesh and blood yet audience gets astonished how does the magician plays this very trick.

O P Sharma Junior believes in maintaining rapport with the audience as well. In one instance, he selects a girl from the audience, hypnotizes her and then makes her to sleep in air without bed. And with the flashes of lights and high deafening music on , it appears that there is no support on which the child rests.

In another interaction with audience, Sharma selects a married man and gives an impression to the audience that the person loses his masculine character. The audience makes fun of the situation.

Apart from making things appear and disappear, Sharma Junior makes also impossible things to happen. He uses different types of boxes, ladders etc for presenting the things. In one instance, the magician puts humans in a box and makes animals (rabbits) to come out of the magic box. Similarly, he does with pigeons, artificial flowers, umbrellas etc to occupy the centre stage.

His another worth remembering and enjoying trick is when he allows some girls of his group to " pass" through his body. He calls it transferring of one body to another like the belief of " soul transformation".

There is also an item when a clown is put inside a box. The clown "disappears" only to be spotted amongst the audience!

The last item O P Sharma magician performs is when a well grown-up

elephant is brought on the stage, put inside a wooden cage. The magician comes down from the stage— occupies a torn out seat of Swarn theatre within the audience. The lights are put off for a second or two— smoke emanates for another second and elephant is no more on the stage. The animal appears to get extinct in smoke!

O P Sharma’s show is a fun to watch— a real treat as his action test any body’s reflexes. Those who would try to see his trick may not get a chance under flash lights, shades, glittering costumes and high music. It really needs a magic eye to decipher his trade secrets.

While his shows magic the depression away, the condition of the theatre where the show is performed is extremely obnoxious. Torn-out seats, ill-maintained hall are some of the green areas where owners need magician’s help to set it right!

MEF elects bodies for Ukhral, Banihal blocks

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 4: A team of Jammu and Kashmir Medical Employees Federation elected bodies for blocks Ukhral, Banihal as also a body for Pharmacist Association at Emergency Hospital Banihal.

Mohd Akhtar Malik was elected as president for Ukhral block other office bearers being Romesh Chander and Mrs Anoopa Devi as vice president, Firdous Ahmed as secretary, Abdul Qayoom as cashier, Ghulam Mohd as publicity secretary and Abdul Rashid Katoch as advisor.

Iftikhar Ahmed Mir was elected president for block Banihal other office bearers being Javed Iqbal Khan as and Mrs Muneera Begum as vice presidents, Mohd Yousuf Wani as secretary, Nissar Ahmed Katoch as cashier, Abdul Rehman Wani as publicity secretary and Abdul Rashid Padder as advisor.

Pharmacists also elected body for Emergency Hospital Banihal; with Mohd Yousaf Wani as president, Iftikhar Ahmed as secretary, Abdul Rashid Padder as cashier and Ghulam Nabi Shah as organizer.

Pardeep Kumar Bhagat was elected as president for block Ramban, other office bearers being Khursheed Ahmed Zargar and Ms Vijay Laxmi as vice presidents, Ashok Kumar Behl as publicity secretary, Om Singh as publicity secretary, Raj Kumar as cashier and Sanjay Kotwal and Farooq Ahmed as advisors.

Federation urged the Government to send a team of accountants to hold a probe into less withdrawal of salaries in block Ukhral as also other burning demands.

HC directive on contractual lecturers' petition

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, May 4: Justice Nisar Ahmed Kakru of the State High Court Jammu Wing in three writ petitions, filed by Parveen Kumar and four others and Pooja Devi and three others and Sanjay Kumar and three others, who are engaged as lecturer on contractual basis in academic arrangement in 10+2 Higher Secondary School, issued notice to the state of J&K and others subject to objection of other side and till next date before the bench, ordered that the petitioners if in position as on date shall be allowed to continue in terms of the order of engagement relating to them.

In the writ petitions the petitioner submitted that the higher secondary schools are sought to be replaced and substituted by another set of contractual appointees and/ or by transferring regular recruited lecturers from one institution to another and seeking petitioners' allowed to continue work as lecturers on contractual basis.

During the course of arguments, Advocate D S Chouhan submitted that in the facts and circumstances of the petition, the cases of petitioners in all the three petitions be considered for regularization of their services as lecturer from the dates the petitioners complete three years of satisfactory services as lecturers, pursuant to the approval of recommendation of Core Group of Employment in Education, Health and Vocational Training Services for creation of one lace employment and self-employment opportunities for J&K for two years.

In the prayer, the petitioners sought direction to the respondents to release the consolidated salary in favour of the petitioners for the vacation periods with effect from the dates the petitioners were engaged as lecturers in 10+2 Higher Secondary Schools.

One killed, 6 injured in road accidents

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 4: One person was killed and six persons were injured in separate road accidents while as four persons allegedly consumed poisonous substances at their respective residences.

Police spokesman said that one Amit Gupta, son of Chaman Lal Gupta of Purkhoo was killed in road accident. He was rushed to hospital where he was declared as brought dead.

Police has taken cognizance of the incident.

In another accident, two persons received injuries after a truck rolled down at Ramban. The injured have been identified as Karan, son of Jagat Ram of Shimla and Mohd Rafiq, son of Abdulo Subhan of Poonch.

Both have been hospitalised and their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in.

Meanwhile, four persons were injured in separate road accidents. All have been hospitalised and their condition was stated to be out of danger.

They have been identified as Ram Pal, son of Gania Ram of Hiranagar, Manga, son of Budhi Ram of Punjab, Hans Raj, son of Sain Dass of R S Pura and Tariq Ahmed, son of Sultan Badri Nath of Rehari.

Four persons allegedly consumed poisonous substances at their respective residences. Identified as Nasibo Devi of Garota, Manju of Rehari, Reeta Devi of Billawar and Yasodha of Satwari, they were rushed to Government Medical College Hospital when spotted unconscious by family members.

Their condition showed sign of improvement after doctors washed their stomach. They were responding to the treatment when reports last came in.

Police has taken cognizance of the incidents.

MIET festival inaugurated

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 4: SAMMILAN, 2006 the first national level technical cum cultural festival for engineering students got underway in a grand fashion at Model Institute of Engineering and Technology (MIET).

Minister for Information Technology, Sheep and Animal Husbandry and Science and Technology, Taj-Mohiuddin, was the Chief Guest. The function was presided over by Dr. Arun K. Gupta Director, MIER group of institutions.

Prof. A.R Chesti, Principal, MIET on the occasion expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest for sparing his time to encourage the students with his presence.

The Chief Guest in his address lauded the role of MIET in spreading quality technical education and launching innovative programmes designed to increase the skill levels of the students from the State. He congratulated the management and the students of MIET for taking the initiative in organizing SAMMILAN on such a large scale and offered his best wishes for its success. He expressed confidence in the ability of the students of the State to take on the best from the rest of the country and felt that organization of such festivals shall go a long way in providing valuable exposure to the student community.

Later more than 1600 students participated in varied technical, literary and management related events throughout the day, with gusto and enthusiasm. Events ranging from Techno I - Paper Presentation, Techno Matrix - Quiz, Code Clash - Programming Contest to Nirmitee - The Business Pipedream, Chanakyaniti - The Case Study and Ad-Innova - The Advertising Contest drew audiences in large numbers and were greatly appreciated. Other literary events like Parakram - The Debate, Colossus - The Group Discussion, Taaza Samachaar - Instant News Reporting were hotly contested with participants garnering great support from their peers. All events were not of a serious nature though and a few fun events such as poster making, collage making, rangoli competition etc were also conducted.

J&K must go for earthquake resistant
structures: Expert

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 4: Tata Steel Group organised a presentation on the ‘Super Ductile Rebars’ for the earthquake prone areas and an expert talk by a renowned structural engineer S A Reddi here this evening.

Mr Reddi, Ex-Deputy MD, Gammon India Ltd while delivering talk to a group of engineers and architects stressed the need for strictly using earthquake resistant technology in various types of constructions and specially in the multi-storey buildings.

Earlier, Mr reddi gave brief account regarding earthquake prone areas in the country and maintained that majority of the areas in J&K come under Zone-IV while areas around Srinagar city fall under Zone- V of the Seismic zone. He said that earthquake of the intensity 4-5 can be felt within 30 kms from the epicenter, earthquake of intensity 6 on the Richter scale is moderately destructive while 7 & 8 are major quakes. The aim is to prevent higher damages by using ‘ Super Ductile Rebars’ technology in the constructions.

During the presentation, Mr Reddi told about soft storey designs, ductility or element of elasticity and strong concrete designs. He referred to many earthquakes and shared his experiences with the structural engineers of the city. He discouraged the use of brittle material in the constructions. He said in view of the recent developments after major quake in parts this region, the people of the State must prefer earthquake resistance structures. It may contain damages in view of any clamity of this nature.

B N Sen Head Product Application TATA Steel also made a brief presentation about the new Super Ductile Rebars which has been developed by the company as per the latest international standards.

Mr Parveen Kakkar, Customer Account Manager, Tata Steel also spoke on the occasion. The meet was organised with the assistance of M/S Hindustan Steels Project distributor for Tata Tiscon Rebars for J&K.

Mehnatkash Morcha launches hunger strike

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 4: All Jammu Province Mehnatkash Morcha staged dharna at Shalamar Chowk in protest against failure of State Government to provide jobs to educated unemployed youth who had been earning their livelihood through rehris and pharis, but were uprooted by Government.

The Morcha demanded rehabilitation of uprooted Rehris and Pharis workers, whose families totally depended on daily earnings but the Government has snatched their means of earnings with an assurance to rehabilitate them but nothing was done by the Government till date.

The speakers questioned that while entire State was under the grip of terrorism and the Central Government providing huge funds for welfare of the public, then why State Government was discriminating with them.

Morcha leaders including president Rakesh Gupta and others warned to launch hunger strike for an indefinite period in support of their demands.

BJP Beopar Cell general secretary Sunil Dimple also sat on dharna and extended full support of BJP in their just cause.

Those sitting on hunger strike were Dhan Saroop Gupta, Bittu Malhotra, Tilak Mahajan, Rakesh Anand, Vijay Sharma, Kewal Krishan. Those sitting on hunger strike alongwith president Rakesh Gupta included Saroop Gupta and Suraj Kumar.

Lal Singh, Zargar, Qazi meet kin of Basantgarh
carnage victims

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, May 4: To express their solidarity with the victims of the Basantgarh carnage in their hour of profound grief and sorrow, Minister for Agriculture Abdul Aziz Zargar, Minister for PHE and Irrigation Qazi Mohammad Afzal, MP Ch Lal Singh and Divisional Commissioner Jammu Pramod Jain today visited the affected areas of massacre in district Udhampur.

Sharing their heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved families Minister for Agriculture strongly said that terrorists deserve no compassion or healing touch. He said that those indulging in such acts of bloodshed are beasts and not human beings. ‘They are infact a blot on the great religion which preaches compassion, peace and universal brotherhood’, he added

Qazi Mohammad Afzal, while speaking on the occasion, reiterated the resolve of the State Government to fight militancy with iron fist. He said that these attempts are being made by the terrorists out of frustration to harm communal harmony, development and process of Khushali.

The Minister appealed the people to remain united and strengthen the ethos of communal harmony and mutual brotherhood. ‘We have to defeat nefarious designs of terrorists by further strengthening the centuries old bonds of amity and brotherhood’, he asserted.

Describing the brutal carnage as act of cowardice, barbarism and insane behaviour, Ch Lal Singh, MP, asserted that those responsible for it would be apprehended and brought to justice.

Interacting with the kith and kins of the massacre, Mr. Singh assured them that he would personally impress upon the government to offer government job to one member of each affected family. He also stressed on the rejuvenation of the Village Defence committees in effectively tackling such anti-national acts in future.

Mr. Singh advised the people of the area to send their wards to nearby schools in making them educated and literate so that they are well aware not only of their rights but also of the vast opportunities afforded by the government besides knowledge about various welfare schemes.

On the occasion, the people of the village demanded issuance of gun licenses for their protection, conduct of special recruitment drive for the youth as also adequate security measures for their safety.

KV Nagrota celebrates Annual Day function

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 4: Kendriya Vidyalaya Nagrota celebrated its 27th Annual Day by organising a colourful and impressive function at Usman auditorium, here today.

The well attended function was marked by a colourful cultural programme by the students and distributions of prizes among the students who excelled in academic and co-curricular activities.

The cultural items, presented on the occasion, included Saraswati Vandana, Kashmiri and Dogri dances, Gidha, Bhangra, Kathak, classical group dance, Kawalli and some skits in Hindi and English.

S Vijay Kumar, Assistant Commissioner KVS (JR), who was chief guest on the occasion, urged the parents to extend their co-operation, support and motivation to KV to mould their wards into excellent citizens. He informed that KVs rank 25th among the 50 leading organisations like IIT, IIM, DPS etc in the country as per a recent survey conducted by Economic Times.

Earlier, the school Principal V P S Raghav presented the annual report highlighting the activities in academic and other spheres of the institution.

Vote of thanks was presented by Vice-Principal Y B Saxena.

The entire cultural programme was coordinated by Dr A K Singh.

Haji Nissar for speedy computerisation of SWD records

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 4: Intensifying its drive for maintaining transparency and punctuality in the government offices, Minister for Social Welfare Haji Nisar Ali alongwith MLA, R. S. Pura Suman Lata Bhagat and Director Social Welfare Satish Nehru paid a surprise visit to various offices of R. S. Pura viz Child Development Project Office, Central Stores, Bal Ashram and Nari Niketan, Observation Home, Tehsil Social Welfare Office, Social Welfare Centre and various Anganwadi centres.

Minister inspected the supplies received by the department in the central stores and also checked the records. He also checked the records of Tehsil Social Welfare Office, R. S. Pura. He laid stress on speedy computerization of all the records of beneficiaries under ISSS, NOAPs and other schemes and also directed the officials to maintain an inventory of pending cases.

MLA, R. S. Pura Suman Bhagat proposed that the government should amend the guidelines of pension schemes so that maximum destitute persons could be benefited.

While inspecting Bal Ashram and Nari Niketan, the Minister emphasized that the facilities being provided in residential homes should be upgraded as per needs of the inmates. He also laid stress on better education and rehabilitation of the inmates of these institutions.

Mr. Satish Nehru informed the Minister that 200 Anganwadi Centres are already functioning in R. S. Pura and 91 new Anganwadi Centres are being made functional under expansion programme.

Inspecting Social Welfare Centre, R. S. Pura, the Minister issued directions for upgradation of skills in these centres.

Bulls Eye conducts workshop in MIET
on campus placement

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 4: Bulls Eye, a preparatory institute which provides entrance coaching for MBA, MCA, GMAT, campus interviews etc, organised a workshop on ‘campus placement’ at MIET.

Atul Gopal, an IIM Calcutta alumni, who was the main resource person, gave several valuable tips to the students which would help them to prepare for the campus placement interviews.

This was for the first time that a person from IIM faculty acted as resource person and delivered lecture in a college in the State.

In addition to the seminar, Bulls Eye also conducted various management activities, such as NIRMITEE, The Business Pipedream; Chanakayaniti, The case study; Ad-Innova, the advertisement contest.

Nearly 500 candidates from 15 different colleges had enrolled themselves in these activities.

After the workshop, Director MIET Arun Gupta lauded the efforts of Bullys Eye in training students for interviews and said that such events would be organised on regular basis in MIET so that the students can get latest information regarding the corporate world.

He hoped that the trend set by MIET would be followed by other institutions for the benefit of students.

Dr Raina delivers lecture on Mata Roop Bhawani

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 4: A lecture on mysticism of Shri Mata Alakh Isheri Roop Bhawani was organized today by Shri Alakh Sahiba Trust at Tirath Nagar Bohri, Talab Tillo today evening.

Dr Chaman Lal Raina Indologist and author of book Shri Mata Roop Bhawani Rahasya Updesha working as visiting Prof. in Florida USA delivered speech on the subject.

He spoke on Sharika "Sahsarnama" and its "Bijamantras" in relation to mystic revelations of Mata Roop Bhawani.

Dr Chaman Lal Raina is doing research on the Vakhs of Mata Roop Bhawani and is instrumental in introducing the subject in the University at Florida USA on Mata Roop Bhawani under the name of "Female Godess of India" along with Lali Shori, popularly known as Lal Ded.

The function was attended by KP intellectuals, eminent scholars besides a large number of devotees. The vote of thanks was proposed by the chief organizer on the conclusion function.