4 killed, 18 injured in road accidents

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7: Four persons were killed and 18 others received injuries in separate road accidents.

Police spokesman said that one Ram Paul, son of Dhanu Ram of Kerala was knocked to death by a speeding and unidentified vehicle at Nai Basti. He was rushed to hospital where doctors pronounced him as brought dead.

A case has been registered at Gandhi Nagar Police Station in this regard and efforts were on to trace out the vehicle.

In another accident, driver of Tipper bearing registration number JK02-7379 was killed when the vehicle rolled down at Kandaire Nullah. The critically injured driver identified as Javed Ashraf Khan, son of Mohd Ashraf Khan of Bemina Housing Colony and presently residing in Bahu Fort area was immediately rushed to hospital where he succumbed to injuries.

In yet another accident, a Selection Grade Constable of State Police was killed when his scooter was hit by a speeding Traffic Police vehicle at Poonch. He was rushed to hospital where he was declared as brought dead.

The deceased has been identified as Kishori Lal, son of Shonku Ram of Poonch and posted in 8th Battalion of JKAP at Channi Himmat.

The spokesman said that a youth was killed and two others received injuries when motor-cycle bearing registration number JK02R-7092 was hit by a truck at Bagyal Morh. He was rushed to hospital where doctors pronounced him as brought dead.

The deceased has been identified as Surjeet Singh, son of Ujagar Singh of Lachipura.

Meanwhile, 15 persons were injured, three of them critically when a bus which was on its way to Jammu from Kathua rolled down at Jatwal. All the passengers were rushed to hospital and three of them were, later, referred to GMC Hospital for specialised treatment.

The injured admitted in GMC Hospital have been identified as Krishna Devi, Pushpa Devi and Puro Devi.

Kashmiri Pandits burn their effigy

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7 : Kashmiri Pandits burnt an effigy symbolising their community here today to express grave concern at the "extinction" of their identity and protest their neglect by the State Government.

The activists of the All Party Migrant Coordination Committee (APMCC), a grouping of 16 Kashmiri Pandit migrants’ organisations, paraded through Jewel Chowk area shouting anti-Government slogans. They burnt an effigy with the words "identity of Kashmiri Pandits" inscribed on it and later immersed the ashes in Tawi river.

"We set afire the identity of Kashmiri Pandits here today as the community is fast heading towards extinction due to the stepmotherly treatment and anti-Kashmiri Pandit policies of the Government," APMCC chairman Vinod Pandit told reporters after the protest.

"The community is hurt as the Congress has been giving stepmotherly treatment to Pandits, who gave this country three Prime Ministers - Jawahar Lal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi besides scores of ministers, policy-makers and planners," he said. The community also demanded the creation of an Autonomous Council to supervise their affairs.

Criticising the State Government for "total neglect" of the community, Pandit said, "there is not a single minister or MLC from the community in present Government unlike during the regimes of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Farooq Abdullah. He also complained of the absence of a Government job policy for the community. "There is no recruitment policy for pandits," he said, claiming that the number of employees from the community in the state had dropped from 17,000 in 1990 to 3,600 employees now.

He said since the community members were rendered homeless, their trauma had led to an increase in their death rate. Criticising the State and Central governments, he also said there was no response to memorandums submitted to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Home Minister Shivraj Patil on massive encroachments of properties, temples and land of Pandits in the Kashmir valley.

Pandit said according to an APMCC survey, a kin of a PDP Minister, a NC MLA and several top businessmen had encroached on temple lands and other religious structures in the Kashmir valley and nothing was done by the State Government despite many pleas from the community.

Obstructing Mobile Magistrate from discharging judicial duties
DB directs SSP, ADM Kathua to explain
for not registering case

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7: A Division Bench of the State High Court Srinagar was comprising Chief Justice BA Khan and Justice Bashir Ahmed Kirmani today directed SSP Kathua and Assistant Commissioner Kathua to explain the circumstances in which no case was registered against the persons, who had admittedly been party to commission of offence in their presence, while obstructing Mobile Magistrate from discharging the Judicial Duties in which a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed by Kashmir Consumer Forum in the state High Court Srinagar Wing.

The Division Bench after hearing Additional Advocate General A M Magray and Advocate BA Dar, Assistant Commissioner (ADM) Kathua and SSP Kathua seem to have no explanation for the failure of action by the law enforcement agencies in registering case against the persons, who had blocked the national highway and had allegedly taken law into their own hands and also obstructing the Mobile Magistrate from discharging the Judicial duties. No case has been registered by the local SHO or SSP of the District in this regard. On the contrary they seem to have acted on the complaint of Mobile Magistrate and registered FIR. Therefore, both SSP and ADM are directed to explain their position, the Court held.

The Affidavit filed by SSP Traffic Jammu showed that the In-charge Officer of Traffic contingent which was attached to the Mobile Magistrate and his official, was suspended and the other personal have been attached. Upon this, the DB observed that it is expected that the competent authority or the Traffic Police would initiate the final enquiry against the personal of his contingent who had allegedly abandoned their duties and take appropriate action under law against them as expeditiously as practicable within two months in any case. At this stage some CDs have been submitted before the court which are said to be depicting the goings on in the incident leading to the alleged illegal confinement of Mobile Magistrate and also blocking of traffic on National Highway by some leaders of Truck Union of Kathua. The DB directed Registry to prepare transcripts of CDs and place the same on the record of this case.

In compliance to order November 3, 2006, the SSP Traffic Jammu and SSP Kathua filed their respective explanations. Assistant Commissioner Kathua Abdul Hafiz also produced the report which was submitted to the District Magistrate Kathua. No reply or explanation or any version, however has been filed by him before the court for which he was granted two weeks time, which he required to file in the shape of an affidavit, the DB Observed.

Court rejects bail application of Xen arrested
in pipe purchase scam

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7: Special Judge Anti-corruption Kashmir, Suresh Kumar Sharma today rejected the bail application of Abdul Aziz Kashmiri, the then Xen Bandipora allegedly involved in purchase of pipe specials to the tune of Rs more than 72 lakh.

In this much publicized purchase scam Aziz Kashmiri the then Xen Bandipora, who retired in July, 2006 was arrested by VOK on November 3, 2006.

According to vigilance case that the accused had placed an order for supply of pipe and pipe special for an amount of Rs 72,89,455/- with three suppliers namely Dar Mechanical Engineering Works, M/S Mir Construction Company and G N Tantray of Bandipora. It was alleged that he had entered into a conspiracy with them to cause unlawful loss to the State and unlawful gain to himself and the other accused persons with whom he had entered into conspiracy for the supply of the pipes and pipe specials. The order for the supply in pursuance to the conspiracy was placed for highly placed for a large number of pipes and pipe special than required. Further, more storekeeper Saf-ud-Din Mir and supplier Naseer Ahmed Mir in furtherance of conspiracy received small number of pipes but showed on the record receipt of pipes purchase in its entry. He issued fictitious GRS for the same; the said store-keeper fraudulently adjusted the pipe actually not received by showing excessive issuance of pipe.

It was further alleged that Xen in violation of departmental rules and regulations did not project the demand of the pipes and pipe-specials required for his division to Chief Engineer PHE.

It was also alleged that the supply order was placed with accused suppliers who were neither registered dealer for pipes and pipe specials nor had CST/GST registration.

Mr. Suresh Sharma after hearing Advocate MM Iqbal appearing for the petitioner and Chief Prosecuting Officer Nissar Ahmed Draboo appearing for the State and referred various judgments and observed that the corruption in the society has deeply affected the moral fabric of society and acquired alarming proportion public interest would best be served in case the application is rejected at this stage as the investigation in the case of corruption involving more than Rs 72 Laces is at the initial stage. From the perusal of the record the condition of the accused does not appear to be so severe as to entitled him to bail at this stage, however, directed Vigilance Organization to provide all the medical facilities to the accused as required. With these observations the court rejected the bail application of accused Abdul Aziz Kashmiri.

Refugees warn to intensify stir

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7: Encouraged by the over-whelming response given by the cross sections of the people, the Refugees United Front (RUF) has given 15 days ultimatum to the State Government to solve their problems.

Addressing a press conference, president of the RUF Rajiv Chunni regretted that instead of taking positive steps State Government was trying to further complicate this human issue. He said that RUF has decided to give 15 days ultimatum to the coalition regime to solve their decades old problems.

"For the last 60 years we have been getting just assurances from the people. Now we don’t want further assurances, we want some concrete steps and their implementation in time frame’’, he said and asserted that 15 days period was enough for the State Government to solve this problem.

The RUF leader made it clear that their organizations has been fighting for the redressal of problems of all refugees including West Pakistani, PoK, and displaced people of Chhamb during 1965 and 1971 wars. He asked the State Government to solve problems of these refugees once for all.

Speaking on the occasion, general secretary of the RUF, Labha Ram also condemned State Government for not taking this issue seriously. "Instead of initiating some effective steps, this regime has been adopting delay tactics to further complicate the matter’’, he said and warned that helpless refugees will not hesitate to take some extreme step to get their problems solved.

Two commit suicide, three make abortive attempts

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7: Two persons allegedly committed suicide while as three others made attempts in separate incidents.

Police spokesman said that a youth Parveen Singh, son of Sardar Singh of Jahkole under the jurisdiction of Rajbagh Police Station allegedly committed suicide by consuming poisonous substance at his residence.

He was rushed to District Hospital Kathua when spotted unconscious by family members. Doctors immediately provided him stomach wash treatment but he could not fight for his life and died.

Police has registered a case in this connection to ascertain the cause behind this extreme step.

Meanwhile, a young girl allegedly ended her life by jumping in front of a train at Chann Datyal under the jurisdiction of Hiranagar Police Station. Her badly crushed body was found by some villagers, who informed her parents.

Police has taken cognizance of the incident. It could not be immediately ascertained as to what prompted her to take the extreme step of committing suicide.

The spokesman said that three persons allegedly made attempts to end their lives by consuming poisonous substances. Identified as Harjeet Singh of Raj Bagh, Rahul of R S Pura and Ashmit Kapoor of Shakti Nagar, they were rushed to Government Medical College Hospital when spotted unconscious.

Doctors immediately provided them stomach wash treatment followed by other medicare. Their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in.

Attempt to illegally transport 90 qtls of Anardana foiled

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7: Forest Protection Force (FPF) sleuths today foiled an attempt to illegally transport ‘Anardana’ ( pomegranate seeds) to Amritsar and seized 90 quintals of forest produce worth Rs six lakh at Forest Check Post Lakhanpur.

An official spokesman said that a team of FPF sleuths under the supervision of Deputy Director T B Singh, during checking of vehicles at Forest Check Post Lakhanpur, intercepted a truck number JK01A-0745 driven by one Aziz, son of Abdul Gaffar and subjected it to checking.

From the vehicle, the FPF sleuths recovered 90 quintals of Anardana packed in gunny bags which was being smuggled to Amritsar. "The truck was not having Form-25 issued by the Forest Department as necessary permission for transporting any forest produce under the J&K Forest Act, 1987", the spokesman said.

The truck alongwith Anardana was immediately seized and shifted to FPF campus at Kathua. During questioning, the truck driver revealed that the vehicle was loaded at Ramban and no necessary permission of transportation was obtained from the concerned DFO.

The FPF team comprised Suresh Anthal, Inspector and Forest Guards—Rajesh Kumar, Ranjeet Singh, Sanjeet Padha, Ram Paul and Jankar Chand.

The spokesman said that the FPF unit of Kathua has seized 35 trucks since January, 2006 for violating Forest Act and J&K Willow (Prohibition on Export and Movement) Act, 2000. All these cases were challaned in the court of authorized officer, Kathua and in the civil courts for penal action under law. In some cases, fine was also imposed on the accused.

Classical vocalist Shanti Sharma performs at GCW Parade

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7: Noted classical vocalist Shanti Sharma performed at Government College for Women, Parade, here today.

The performance was organised in collaboration with the J&K Chapter of Society for Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC-MACAY).

Manjit Singh, who is an ex student of the J&K Institute of Music and Fine Arts and accompanies Shanti Sharma on Harmonium, also performed classical vocal on the occasion and mysmerized the audience.

Principal of the college, Indira Rathore, expressed gratitudes to Shanti Sharma for accepting the request for performing in the college and also lauded the activities of SPIC-MACAY. She also honoured Shanti Sharma by presenting her a shawl and memento.

The programme was conducted by Prof B B Sharma while Renu Nanada presented vote of thanks.

Hakeem reviews functioning of State Motor Garages

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Nov 7 : Government contemplates to take measures of urgent nature for strengthening of State Motor Garages so that suitable and comfortable transport is made available to the State guests, who are visiting the state now-a-days in connection with important conferences and meetings being held in the back drop of changing political situation in the State.

This was stated by the Minister for Transport Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen today here at a high level officers meeting convened to take stock of the functioning of the department.

Commissioner Secretary Transport, Davender Nargotra, Special Secretary Transport Haq Nawaz, Director State Motor Garages G. R. Leharwal besides senior functionaries of the department attended the meeting.

Mr Yaseen said that the workshops located in various districts would be strengthened and some more would be set up at Kupwara and Budgam. He asked the officers to take up the matter with concerned Deputy Commissioners and get the workshops vacated from Security Foreces at Anantnag, Pulwama and Doda. He also directed to submit a proposal for arranging new vehicles for the newly created districts in the state. He said nearly 127 more vehicles are being included in the fleet of State Motor Garages in near future to meet out the increasing requirements. He also directed to speed up the auction process of the old and condemned vehicles of the department.

Floriculture employees project demands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7: Newly promoted Director Floriculture, K K Sharma was accorded grand reception by the Non-Gazetted Employees/ Workers Association of the department in a function held at Bagh-e-Bahu here today.

Several senior officers of the Floriculture department were present on the occasion besides all the executive members of the Association. While addressing the employees on the occasion, the speakers welcomed the decision of the government for according promotion to Mr Sharma as Director keeping in view his ability and vast experience.

The Association assured to provide full cooperation to the new director and hoped that long pending issues of the employees would be resolved shortly. They also projected their demands like re-organisation of the department by creating posts of ministerial and supervisory cadre, head gardeners, gardeners, orderlies, peons, plumbers, electricians etc, providing uniforms to Class IV and gardening staff, release of arrears of newly regularised gardeners and the wages of casual labourers/ workers and enhance their wages from Rs 90 to Rs 120 per day.

The director assured the employees to resolve their genuine problems and take up the issue of pending wages/ arrears with the concerned higher authorities.

ReTs’ dharna enters 2nd day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7: Three-day long continuous dharna by Rehbar-e-Taleem Teachers Forum, in front of the Divisional Commissioner’s office at Jammu, entered into second day today.

The protest dharna has been organised in support of the ReT Teachers’ demands, which included enhancement of monthly honorarium up to the basic pay of regular teachers, inclusion of five years service in service book, provision of SRO-43 and regularisation of EVs as ReT teachers.

Addressing the dharna, A Zargar, Najamal Jafri, Khalil, Azaz, Arvinder Sharma and Vinod Kumar highlighted the plights of ReTs who are highly qualified but paid only Rs 1500 per month as honorarium which is lower than what the unskilled labourer earns as daily wager.

Today, leaders of different organisations and political parties visited the protest dharna and extended their support to the demands of Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers.

MLA Bishnah Ashwani Sharma and MLA Udhampur, Balwant Singh Mankotia were among those who visited the dharna and addressed the protesting ReTs. They announced to take up the agitating ReTs’ demands before the State Government for consideration.

Chairman of All J&K United Teachers Federation, Satish Sharma alongwith other office bearers, also visited the dharna and announced that the Federation would bear all expenditures for three-day long dharna.

According to a press statement, Mohd Yusuf Tarigami and Sham Prasad Kesar, CPI(M) leaders, has extended full support to the ReTs for their just and genuine demands. They also appealed the Chief MInister Ghulam Nabi Azad to intervene personally into the matter and concede the demands, particularly increase in honorarium.

A meeting of Jammu Provincial Teachers Association was held wherein support was extended to the ReT. The meet described the ReT Teachers’ demands genuine and appealed the Education Minister to accept the same.

Seminar on drug delivery system begins at SKUAST-J

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7: Ten-day seminar on ‘Drug Delivery System’, organised by the faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-Jammu, began here today.

About 30 faculty members from various Indian universities and national institutes are participating in the seminar.

Prof H P Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Rajendra Agriculture University, Pusa, who was chief guest in the inaugural session, said that India’s system of Animal Husbandry was essential a vocation of millions holders who raise food and utilities without depleting the land, energy, water or competing with man for food. He urged upon the participants and scientists to inculcate discipline, commitment and knowledge.

Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST-J, Prof Nagendra Sharma stressed that the pharmacokinetic studies will help in monitoring drug residues in livestock products, which is a cause of major concern from Public Health point of view. He hoped that the participants will find the deliberations quite fruitful and interactions will go a long way in adding to their knowledge particularly about safe and efficacious use of drugs in therapeutics.

Earlier, Prof A K Srivastava, Director of the Course, presented a formal address and said that an understanding of clinical pharmacokinetics ensures not only the safety of drugs but also optimize the effective dosage regimen.

Deptt of Horticulture bags Ist prize in Jhiri Mela

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7 : A divisional level fruit show was organized by Department of Horticulture, Jammu in Jhiri Mela-2006 in which farmers from every nook and corners of Jammu division participated with their fruit exhibits like Kinnow, Malta, Mosambi, Sangtra, Sweet Lime, Lemon, Galgal, Kimb, Papaya, Guava, Apple, Almond, Walnut, Pecan-nut, Kiwi, Olive, Olive oil and canning products.

The Minister for Roads and Buildings Gulchain Singh Charak and Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Jugal Kishore Sharma inaugurated the Horticulture stall. Director Horticulture, In the show, 2200 exhibits of different fruits both fresh and dry were kept for display. Besides informative material, models and soil testing equipments were also displayed.

The Horticulture stall bagged first prize among all the stalls displayed by various departments. Director Horticulture, Mr Qasba received the trophy from the Ministers. Important literature about packages and practices of various fruit crops and incentives being provided under Horticulture Technology Mission programme was distributed free of cost to the visiting farmers and dignitaries.

Agriculture employees stage protest rally

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7: Non-Gazetted Agriculture Graduates Association organised a large protest rally in the ‘Krishi Bhawan’ complex at Talab Tilloo here today.

A large number of members of the Association, employees of the Agriculture department participated in the agitational programme. The members of Agriculture Graduates Association Jammu province also joined the rally today and sat on protest dharna with their colleagues.

Carrying placards and banners depicting slogans, the agitating employees including large number of women were shouting slogans against the Minister for agriculture Abdul Aziz Zargar and other higher officers of the department. They alleged that officers gave only false assurances and nothing concrete was done to mitigate their long pending demands.

The rally was addressed by several senior leaders of the Associations including NGAGA president, Pradeep Sharma, general secretary S.Koul, retired Directors Agriculture B B Gupta & V K Tandon, Retd CAO O P Andotra, Nazir Ahmed president Sectt Employees Union, Ripuji (president- Agri Gazetted Employees Association) and Babu Singh, general secretary.

The agitating employees were demanding change in present service rules and 80:20 quota ratio to fill up the posts for Agriculture Assistants for promotions, change in designation from JAA to Asstt Agri Officer, declare JAAs Qasi Permanent, removal of pay parity, framing rational and transparent transfer policy and formulation of clear seed policy.

Later, a memorandum was submitted by the executive committee to the Director Agriculture, Jammu Mr Hakak for forwarding it to the Minister for Agriculture, A A Zargar.

Meanwhile, Kashmir unit president of NGAGA, Iqbal Bhat in a statement has assured full cooperation to the Jammu unit and said that Kashmir employees will also be launching massive struggle shortly if the Government failed to honour its promise.

The Agriculture employees (N-G) are already sitting on relay hunger strike and their struggle entered the 30th consecutive day here today.

Minister reviews functioning of SICOP, SIDCO

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7 : Export of Kashmir Handicrafts has touched to Rs. 705 crore during the last financial year and to boost it further the Handicraft Organization is organizing exhibition in International Trade Fair at New Delhi from November 14.

This was revealed at review meeting of Industries, SICOP, SIDCO and Handicrafts held here today under the Chairmanship of Minister of State for Industries and Commerce, PHE and Irrigation Dr. Romesh Chander Sharma.

The meeting was informed that the small-scale industrial products were exhibited in International Trade Fair held at Dubai, Atlantic, USA and U.K.

While reviewing functioning of SIDCO, the meeting was informed that the SIDCO has acquired 503 Kanals of land out of 2830 Kanals at Samba for establishment of industrial units. The first and second phase has been fully developed and equipped with necessary accessories. Similarly at Lassipora in Pulwana district, 2000 kanals of land have been acquired for the purpose. So far 50 small-scale industrial units have provided land.

Addressing the meeting, the Minister stressed for exhibiting industrial products of J&K based industries out side of the state to encourage the local entrepreneurs. He said that the Government would provide 10 percent extra benefits to those who would start their industrial units in far-flung areas of the state. For this purpose the Minister asked the concerned officers to conduct survey of Rajouri, Poonch and Doda to explore possibilities for establishment of industrial units so that local and unemployed youth shall be benefited.

HPCL starts vigilance awareness week

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7: Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) launched a vigilance awareness week from November 6, 2006 at M/s Jay Kay Gas.

According to a press release, the awareness week would prompt the customers to check for themselves quality and quantity of the products at retail outlets and whosoever would do so shall be given a pen in return as a token of good gesture. This campaign will continue till November 10, 2006.

Vigilance awareness week was launched by S K Gupta, manager Vigilance, who elaborated on opening of oil market sector and increase in the competition.

S K Soni, regional manager, HPCL, Jammu also highlighted various measures being adopted by the Corporation in bringing more transparency in the system for the benefit of customers.

Other who participated in the function included V V Bazaz, executive engineer, Gyan Prakash, Vinod Chobber and others.

Various activities were conducted by the Jammu office of HPCL such as taking of pledge by entire staff, quiz contest etc. First prize was given to V V Bazaz whileas second prize was given to Gyan Prakash and Rajesh Sharma.

Capacity building workshop for NGOs begins

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7: Jammu based ‘Social Work and Rural Development Society’ organised two-day capacity building workshop for NGOs of Jammu region for orientation of New Policy Guidelines of CAPART-March 2006.

The workshop was inaugurated by MLA Bishnah Ashwani Sharma alongwith Regional Director, CAPART, Chandigarh, R B Singh and Research Officer Joginder Walia of Technology Research Centre, Mandi (HP).

During the workshop to be held on November 7 and 8, CAPART officials and experts will explain about all 6 new schemes of CAPART, which included, Advancement of Rural Technology Scheme; Public-Cooperation Scheme; Organization of beneficiaries; Gram Shree Mela; Exhibition/seminars/ workshops; Disability scheme; and Monitoring and evaluation systems of CAPART.

Society president Rajinder Khajuria welcomed the participants and assured full cooperation to NGOs. Ashwani Sharma appreciated the efforts of CAPART.

Regional Manager CAPART R B Singh stated that the workshop has been organized to inform the NGOs about formulation of need based project, area specific, innovation and integrated projects which would be considered by CAPART in future. he stressed the need of people participation in all Government programmes.

Resource persons Joginder Walia and Navneet Virk explained about Rural technology Scheme of CAPART and also its monitoring and evaluation systems. Rakesh Sharma read out welcome address for all participants and CAPART officials from outside the State. Workshop presentations were made by Ms Nisha Virk and Pooja Bhalla while Babu Ram also spoke about the activities to be taken up by CAPART.

The workshop will be concluded tomorrow by Special secretary Higher Education, A K Angurana.

DADAA deputation calls on Director Jammu Doordarshan

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7: A deputation of executive members of Doordarshan Approved Drama Artists Association (DADAA) led by vice president Jagdish Singh Babli met Madam Anguma, Director Doordarshan Jammu and presented a charted of demands of DADAA.

DADAA has demanded that the fee structure of approved drama artists of Jammu be enhanced at par with drama artists of Doordarshan Srinagar. The charter stated that the new in-house productions be started as there is no production since the past two and a half years.

The DADAA stressed that approved drama artists be booked on rotation basis with priority to those who are not booked for trial bookings till date. The audition, DADAA said, be conducted for those artists who are performing in the in-house as well as private productions of Doordarshan but are not listed in the approved list.

The DADAA called for construction of full fledged studio with modern infrastructure; Commissioned programmes be also started from Jammu Doordarshan; enhancement in the time slot of Jammu Doordarshan to cater to more programmes relating to rich cultural heritage of Jammu region.

Director Doordarshan gave a patient hearing to the deputation and discussed in details each and every point mentioned in the charter. She assured that issues under her control and competence would be given priority and resolved soon.

The deputation comprised of Janak Khajuria, Sandesh Vir Dogra, Subash Jamwal and B M Dubey.

WEJAC to hold convention on Nov 22

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7: One day session of the representatives of constitute units of J&K Workers and Employees Joint Action Committee was held here today.

The agenda of the meeting was, In the present crisis, how to build a better society; Delay in implementation of 6th Pay Commission; and Burning issues of employees- uniformity in wages of temporary workers and employees and other issues.

The meeting discussed the agenda threadbare and decided to hold a day long convention of State Government employees on November 22 at Jammu. The session besides other things asked the Government to implement the agreement for uniformity of wages of temporary workers and employees and their regularization, who have completed five years and seven years services respectively before and after 1994.

The session demanded that the Central Government should immediately grant Rs 1000 as interim relief to employees till the outcome of the 6th Pay Commission report; 15% dislocation allowance to employees posted outside their home towns; Transparent transfer policy; Full pension benefits to 21 years qualifying service rather than 33 years; Introduction of a proper Medical Scheme; and Regularization of temporary workers and employees.

Those who addressed the meeting included Ram Kumar Sharma, convenor, Jaswant Singh, Mohd Salim Wani, Balwinder Singh, Ravi Singh, Mohan Lal Sharma, Ganesh Khajuria, Gulzar Mohd, Sham Lal, Prem Singh, Madan Gopal, Abdul rashid, Mohan Lal, Joginder Singh, A R Wani, Pritam Singh Bogal, Mangat Ram Parihar and Surinder Singh.

7-day long Bhagwat Katha underway at
Bawa Kailakh Dev Mandir

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 7: Seeking the cooperation of people in eradication of social evils especially the female foeticides, Swami Danish Bharti today said this is a curse and against the teachings of Sanatan Dharam.

Swami Ji, who was giving religious discourses at Mud Bhagwat Katha at Bawa Kailakh Dev Mandir, Raipur near here today, said that women can play a great role in eradicating this social evil which is a curse on the society.

He regretted that a female is becoming the killers of another female today and there is a need of public awareness against this evil.

He also expressed concern over the westernization of Indian culture and urged the parents to make their children "Sanaskarit". He said women again can play a great role in stopping the fast invasion of Western culture in our society. He urged the people to stop the cutting of birthday cakes or celebrating the valentine day functions etc.

Swami Ji during the first day of Bhagwat Katha yesterday highlighted how Arjun and Daryudan visited Lord Krishna’s Abode in Dwarika to seek his help in Mahabarta war. He said, while greedy Daryudan sought military assistance from Lord, the Arjun who was the true devotee of Lord Krishna showed contentment by asking Lord to be personally present from the side of Pandvas.

On the second day of the Katha the Swami Ji highlighted the role of Kapil Muni.

The seven day long Katha has been organized by Bawa Kailash Dev Mandir Prabhandak Committee headed by Ram Paul Sharma. It will conclude on November 12.