Islamic University has vital role in scientific education: Azad

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 10: Establishment and functioning of Islamic University of Science and Technology in Kashmir during last one year has a definite and vital role to play for imparting quality scientific education to students", according to Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.

He was addressing a function at the Islamic University of Science and Technology at Awantipora today.

Mr Azad said that in present world scenario where some vested elements are trying to give wrong name to Islamic thought and a new impression is gaining ground in the world community about linkage of Islam and terrorism, the present generation has a role to erase all such impressions. He advised students to understand Islam in its true spirit, which propagates truth, honesty, humility, compassion, graciousness, virtuousness etc. He said doctrine of Kashmiriyat based on secular and composite culture is also required to be propagated at the national and inter national level so that world community is able to comprehend the real secular character of Kashmiriyat as well. He expressed surprise that at the international level impression of Kashmir being one of the violent states still exists and "we all have to endeavour to convince world at large that Kashmir is an epitome of peace, love and brotherhood."

He asserted that situation at world level is leading to clash of civilizations and if intellectuals, philosophers, writers and statesmen do not act in ensuring harmony between various religions the clash may devour humanity. He said that immediately when he took over as Chief Minister he had a definite agenda of eradicating corruption and other social evils, introducing work culture and creating infrastructure for the implementation of which he has geared up machinery but at the same time from day one he has been continuously advising the Wakf Board and state administration to work fast for better functioning of the Islamic University. He expressed satisfaction over the fact that five months before the classes were started and some structures raised but said that keeping in view the importance of the University and Kashmir being its seat, extraordinary measures are required to be taken for reorienting its landscape and decorating classrooms and interiors so that it is able to match with other modern universities.

The Chief Minister directed the Floriculture Department to prepare project report for proper landscaping of the University Campus. He advised students to work hard during the next year and prepare themselves competitively through debates, seminars, workshops, festivals and other inter exchange programmes to be able to participate in seminars of international value. He said after receiving report about full preparedness of the students he would recommend their participation in workshops out- side the country. He also offered to recommend students for further studies abroad.

Mr. Azad said that new courses like MCA, MBA, Food and Fruit processing offered ample employment avenues and asked the students to seek admission in such courses. He said Food and Fruit processing has enough scope to absorb local youth in a place like Kashmir where fruits and vegetables of different varieties are grown in abundance. He said establishing of units in food and fruit processing sectors can go a long way to improve socio–economic profile of the people.

The Chief Minister appreciated Vice Chancellor of the Islamic University for his dedication and working in an honest way to setup the university. He said that Dr. Wahid and his team had worked efficiently despite constraints of time and resources to ensure that classes in the university start functioning within one year. He also assured that every assistance would be extended so that the University comes up as one of the prime institution of higher education in the country.

Mr. Azad went round classrooms, computer laboratories, library and campus and enquired about facilities available to the students.

Earlier, Vice Chancellor Dr. Sidiq Wahid extended welcome to the Chief Minister and other guests and gave a resume of functioning of the Islamic University.

Registrar of the university M. A. Masoodi presented vote of thanks.

‘Commercialization of education could
be counter productive’

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 10: ‘Privatization of education might be a challenging need of the 21st century but its commercialization can be highly counter productive’, said speakers at a high profile seminar on "Privatization of Education in India".

Organised by the Mind Set Forum, the seminar was an attempt to develop a mutually beneficial learning environment and nurturing intellectual creativity at the University. Dr. B.K Vashishta, former Professor and Dean, Department of Economics, Kurukshetra University, Haryana presented key note address while Prof. N.D.Mathur, Dean College of Management, Dr. Dhiraj Vyas of School of Biotechnology and the Awdesh Kumar and Subika Jamwal, representing the students spoke on the occasion .

Prof. Vashishta emphasized on the role of state in the monitoring of the private institutes while encouraging its growth. Though more private participation in the education sector should be encouraged, yet the state has to play a robust observer role. Dr. W.C. Singh, the convener of the forum, appraised about the status of students' distribution in various Universities of India and budget outlays of education in India. Prof. Mathur addressing the queries of the students, highlighted the needs of privatization and stressed that privatization is not due to ideological change of society but due to a crisis situation. He also emphasized on the difference between privatization and commercialization of education. According to Dr. Vyas it's the lack of opportunities that has led to the mushrooming of private institutes. Registrar SMVD University, Col. (Retd) D. K. Kapoor also addressed the seminar and stressed on strengthening the monitoring process of private institutes in the country.

Meanwhile, B.B. Gupta, Vice-President of a multi national company gave a special lecture to students of Masters of Business Economics and Masters of Business Administration and dwelt on the importance of team work for achieving success. He emphasized that success is made up of a number of failures which leads us to the victory in life. He encouraged students to maintain a balance between the six spokes of lie i.e. Education, Money, Social Needs, Career, Security and Relations to achieve success in life.

Bajaj Allianz launches UnitGain plan,
generates Rs 22 cr business

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 10: Bajaj Allianz, a leading private player in the Life Insurance sector, has crossed Rs 22 cr mark business in the Jammu and Kashmir state.

Talking to media-persons, State (J&K) Manager of the Company, Jeetinder Kaushik disclosed that Bajaj Allianz which is number two in the Life Insurance sector in the country after Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India launched its operation hardly in October 2003. During last financial year, the Company recorded Rs 40 cr business in the State. This year the Company may cross the double mark. He claimed that till now, the Company has generated Rs 22 cr business. The maximum business is usually generated in the last quarter of the year.

Mr Kaushik further disclosed that in J&K, the Company is operating through its 14 offices including two main branches at Jammu and Srinagar. He said almost all the districts including Leh and Kargil have been covered through its various agencies and offices and at present there are nearly 4000 agents and 180 Sales Managers in the region including Pathankot branch. The Company work force has started consolidation and more thrust will be given in the rural areas, he maintained.

While announcing the launch of unique UnitGain Plus SP plan for the public here today, the State head of the Company said that UnitGain Plus SP is a powerful investment plan that provides its customers the opportunity to make a one-time payment and enjoy potentially high returns. This is unique single premium product with a high allocation of 98 % up-front. Unlike most other products in this segment that gives a graded allocation, the Plan furnishes uniform allocation across all premium slabs. These twin benefits of protection and investment can be purchased with a single premium as low as Rs 25,000, Mr Kaushik added.

Highlighting some features, Kaushik said this Plan empowers the customers the flexibility to select any term, starting from 5 years and could withdraw the money partially or fully after 3 years, without any surrender charge. The Plan structure is ideal for persons of any age group and even the customers above the age group of 50 years.

Senior Area Manager, Kuldip Singh, State Operations Incharge-Jitender Khurana, Dy Area Manager Vikas Magotra and Ajay Vaid were also present.

Bicycle lifters’ gang busted, 2 arrested

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 10: Police today busted a gang of bicycle lifters and arrested two of its members.

A police spokesman said that on October 4, Director Defence Estate Northern Command lodged a complaint with Gandhi Nagar Police that bicycle of his peon Ram Dass was stolen from outside the branch of a bank at Satwari.

Subsequently, police started investigations and rounded up two suspects for questioning during which they confessed to have stolen a number of bicycles from different areas of Jammu.

On their disclosure, police recovered 15 bicycles from different areas. Their questioning was going on and some more recoveries are likely, the spokesman said.

The arrested persons have been identified as Ajit Kumar, son of Kapoor Chand and Surinder Kumar, son of Sansar Chand, both the residents of R S Pura.

Their modus operandi was to lift the cycle from the crowded places and immediately board R S Pura bounded buses by keeping bicycles on the roof top of the vehicles to avoid any suspicion.

The gang was busted by Gandhi Nagar Police under the direct supervision of SP City South Zahid Manhas and SDPO South Shiv Kumar Singh Chouhan.

3 commit suicide; woman dies of burn injuries

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 10: Three persons allegedly committed suicide by consuming poisonous substances at their respective residences while as a woman died of burn injuries.

Police spokesman said that one Javid Mohd of Ward Number 9 Rajouri allegedly committed suicide by consuming poisonous substances. He was spotted unconscious by family members, who rushed him to District Hospital where doctors pronounced him as brought dead.

The body was, later, handed over to family members for last rites after post-mortem.

Another suicide was committed by Raj Kumar of Badyal Brahmana. He was rushed to hospital as soon as his family members found him in unconscious condition. Doctors immediately provided him stomach wash treatment but he could not fight for his life and died.

Meanwhile, one Parshotam Lal of Badyal Brahmana ended his life by consuming poison.

Police has taken cognizance of all the three incidents and started investigations to ascertain as to what prompted them to take extreme steps.

The spokesman said that one Sushma, wife of Harbans of Dilmah Dole died of burn injuries she had received in alleged accidental fire incident at her residence.

She was rushed to hospital in critical condition and later she succumbed to injuries.

SMVDU launches innovative cost effective electricity project

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 10: In the wake of roaring energy charges and scarce power availability in Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University has pioneered an innovative energy efficient project to bring down the load from 214 KWs to 81 KWs in the campus thus saving Rs 14.50 lakhs annually.

The innovative project has been conceived by Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, Prof N K Bansal, himself a renowned energy scientist, and has been implemented in collaboration with a reputed national firm in the mega varsity campus.

Under the project, 155 W street lights have been replaced by 57 W lights, FTL fixtures of 52 W have been replaced by 28 W FTL fixtures and 60 W GLS lamps have been replaced by 8 W GLS lamps. The total cost of the project is Rs. 21.91 Lacs, which is to be paid in 24 equal installments, in a deferred payment contract signed by the University with the thus making the project financially profitable right from the start.

A spokesman of the University said the connected electrical lighting load of the University has been reduced from 214 KW to 81 KW resulting in annual saving of Rs. 14.5 Lakhs, calculated @ Rs. 3.0 per KWh.

Prudential ICICI AMC launches equity, derivatives funds

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 10: Prudential ICICI Asset Management Company (AMC) today announced the launch of the Prudential ICICI Equity and Derivatives Fund.

It is an open-ended equity scheme, which aims to generate low volatility returns by investing in a judicious mix of cash equities, equity derivatives and debt markets. The fund aims to provide better returns than typical debt instruments and lower volatility in comparison to equity.

It offers two plan options which use equity derivative strategies to cater to differing risk return profiles of investors. One is Income Optimiser Plan-which aims to achieve stable debt income at low volatility while as other is Wealth Optimiser Plan-which aims to achieve wealth creation at equity risk.

Speaking at the launch of its new fund, Pankaj Razdan, managing director of the Company, said, "striking a balance between risk and return has been an endeavour of a common Indian investor since ages. Being a customer outcome oriented organisation, Prudential ICICI AMC aims to offer products that meet investors’ requirements, through a perfect melange of experience, expertise and edge".

Displaced Promottee Teachers' plea to CM

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 10: A meeting of Displaced Promottee Teachers Forum was held under the chairmanship of Roshan Lal Raina today in which the pending problems including promotion benefits in favour of senior most teachers was discussed.

The meeting alleged that despite the vacancies of 200 to 300 master grade posts in camp schools and Migrant Cell the promotee teachers have not bee absorbed in place of these vacancies.

It said the Director School Education, Jammu and Director School Education, Kashmir have made recommendations for adjusting the promotees on these vacant posts but the Government has not taken any action so far in the matter.

It said 250 promotee teachers have retired from time to time without availing the benefits and only 90 teachers are now left who are to be adjusted on vacant posts and a majority of them is already working in camp schools.

In a plea to Chief Minister, the Forum has sought his intervention in the matter.

PDD realizes over Rs 35 cr tariff
Jora lays stress to complete metering system

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 10: Power Development Department Jammu has realized a revenue of Rs. 35.09 crore upto ending October this year against target fixed for Rs. 39.31 crore for the current financial year.

This was revealed at a review meeting held here today under the chairmanship of Minister for Power Nawang Rigzin Jora.

Minister of State for Power Peer Mohammad Hussain was also present in the meeting.

It was informed in the meeting, that during the current financial year 13929 electronic digital meters were installed by ending October last. Out of which, 12859 meters have been commissioned.

Addressing the meeting Mr. Jora stressed for covering left over areas under metering system in order to control the misuse of electricity which would not only save the energy but also help in raising revenue realization. He asked the field staff to gear up their efforts for realization of tariff before the end of current financial year.

The Minister asked the concerned heads to deploy Junior Engineers as Feeder Managers to monitor the load of the power at every feeder. He asked the field staff to conduct regular visits to their respective areas and check the power pilferage. He directed to make the process easy for regularization of connections so that consumers may not face any inconvenience. "For installation of meters engage Self-Help Groups, contractors in addition to departmental concerned", he added.

Among others, Chief Engineer Power Jammu D. S. Pawar and other Engineers attended the meeting.

All J&K Kissan Mazdoor Party's convention held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 10: Maiden convention of the newly launched political outfit All J&K Kissan Mazdoor Party was held, here today.

Delegates from different districts and blocks of the State attended the convention and expressed their concern over the prevailing situation in militancy infested Jammu and Kashmir.

On the occasion, office bearers and executive members of the party were also announced by the president Sardar Kalu Khan Hamdard. Vijay Magotra, Bashir Ahmed Beig and Choudhary Mohd Tahir were appointed as vice-president while Dr H K Raj, Mohd Akram and Mir Shahwaz were given the post of general secretary. Prince, Tariq, Nissar Ahmed Sofi, Ghulam Mohd Zafri and Janak Singh were nominated as secretary while the post of treasurer was given to Gurdeep Singh.

Gulab Din, Joginder Singh, Janak Singh, Madan Lal Sharma, Lal Khan, Mohd Salim, Faiz Mohd, Rakesh and Yusuf Masih are executive members of the party.

Sardar Kalu Khan informed that District and block committees of the party shall be formed very soon which will be followed by a membership drive throughout the State.

While addressing the delegates, Mr Khan also highlighted aims and objective of launching the new party.

Hunger strike by SFP labourers enters 85th day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 10: Ongoing relay hunger strike by the casual labourers of Social Forestry Project MFP and Basantar (IAEP) Project entered into 85th day today.

Main demands of the protesters include; release of their pending salaries since July 2001 and regularisation of their services.

The 85th batch of the striking casual labourers, which sat on the relay hunger strike today, comprised of Shamsher Singh, Brij Lal, Mohinder Pal, Chuni Singh and Joginder Pal.

Addressing the protesting labourers, various union leaders impressed upon the concerned authorities and the State Government to take immediate necessary steps to resolve their very genuine demands and save the live of poor labourers’ family members who were inthe starvation.

Those who addressed the gathering, included Yash Pal, Mangal, Girdhari Lal, Baldev Singh, Raghubir Singh, Bansi Lal, Puran Chand, Major Singh, Mohinder Singh, Ramesh Lal, Parkash Chand and Pritam Singh.

Series of havans conclude with immersion
of Kalashs in Chenab

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 10: With the immersion of Kalashs in River Chenab, the series of 108 havans solemnized by Pt. Prem Nath Shastri Sanaskritik Shodh Sanasthan during last 10 months came to conclusion today.

A large number of devotees led by Pt. Omkar Nath Shastri, chairman of the Sanasthan including a seizable number of women participated in the concluding function held at the bank of river Chenab in Akhnoor.

Besides Swami Chaman Lal Bamzi of Swami Nand Bab Ashram and Swmai Kumar Ji of Geeta Satsang Ashram and president Jeshta Devi Sanstha Kuldeep Raina also participated in Kalash immersion Yatra.

The Kalashs were immersed in the river with the chanting of religious hymns and slogans. The devotees were later served the Prashad.

Later talking to mediapersons Shastri Ji said the mission of solemnizing the havans at the important shrines of Hindus will be accomplished only after the Sansthan performs one such havan at Sharda temple in Pak occupied Kashmir (PoK).

He said that Sansthan had earlier declared to perform the 80th havan of series at Sharda Temple on Sharda Ashtami this year but due to the failure of the Central Government to grant permission to the team to visit the religious place, this havan was performed at Jammu. He however, reiterated the demand of visiting the Sharda temple which is the presiding deity of Kashmir.

Supporting the demand convenor of the Sansthan, A K Jyotshi and its secretary Inder Krishen Kaul urged the Centre to take up the matter with the Government of Pakistan. They said when the permission is granted to members of majority community to visit PoK why the Pandits are being bared to visit their religious shrine.

On the occasion, Swami Kumar Ji, while giving the religious discourses, complimented the Sansthan and its activists for undertaking this religious mission. He said the series of 108 havans started with the solemnization of first havan in January this year at Bhagavaan Gopinath Ashram, Udaywala.

Earlier the yatra started from Raj Kamal Garden Community Hall, Om Nagar where a three day long Maha Chandi Yagya was solemnized from November 3 to 5.

CAPD employees hold one day convention

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Nov 10: A one-day convention of employees of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CA&PD) of all the districts of Jammu division was held here.

As many as 300 active workers of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Employees Association drawn from Doda, Jammu, Udhampur, Poonch and Rajouri districts participated. The convention was presided over by Rajinder Singh Wazir, President of the Association.

The aim of this convention was to press their genuine demands of conducting of DPC for class IV employees promotion, engaging of Departmental financial advisors/ Aos for checking the records instead of Chartered Accountant, providing weighing scales and all Accessories for weighing ratious, transfer policy be fixed and frequent transfers be stopped.

Various speakers appealed the Government to conduct the DPC for the promotion of class IV employees, who are well qualified and have accomplished their next grade by way of in-situ promotion. They further apprised that there is no loss to Government and no any special budget is required for these employees. Since they are already working in the next grade but only their designation has to be changed.

They also appealed the government that the audit and other inspection of stores and record be checked through departmental Financial Advisors and Accounts Officers instead of engaging Chartered Accountant who are un-necessary harassing the employees and their checking expenditure is a burden on public exchequer.

They appealed the Government to make a clear cut policy for transfers of employees and frequent transfers be stopped so that the employees can maintain the account of their respective unit for further transaction to the higher authorities.

The workers who addressed the convention included Abdul Raoof from Rajouri, B. A. Mir from Poonch, B. M. Chaudhari, Mohan Lal from Mendhar, Abdul Majid, Surankote, Ram Chand Gupta from Jammu, Om Parkash from Udhampur and Akram from Surankote.

Work to improve drainage system inaugurated

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 10: Mayor of Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) Ch Manmohan Singh alongwith MLA Jammu East Yogesh Sawhney today inaugurated the work to improve drainage system from City Chowk to Kanak Mandi area.

The improvement of drainage is a part of beautification project of Raghunath Bazar, Kanak Mandi, Rajinder Bazar, Shaheedi Chowk and Residency Road Circuit for which the Chief Minister has provided fund of Rs 1.40 crore.

The Mayor, on the occasion, directed all the concerned officers to look into the genuine problems highlighted by the people and initiate necessary steps for their redressal.

He alongwith Mr Sawhney also took stock of the development works of Raja Jambulochan Park at Purani Mandi and Karan Park at Mubarak Mandi and directed the Executive Engineer to speed up the pending development works and install a water cooler at Link Road to provide drinking water facility to the public.

The MLA agreed to give Rs 25 lakh for the improvement of street lights on main roads of Jain Bazar, Lakhdata Bazaar, Rajinder Bazar, Moti Bazar and Dhounthly Bazaar and in the internal lanes of old city.

Power Grid organises Vigilance Awareness Week

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 10: Power Grid Corporation of India (NR-II) observed ‘Vigilance Awareness Week’ in the Northern Region from Nov 6 to 10.

During the week various programmes like essay and debate competitions on prevention of corruption were organised at various site offices in the region including J&K, Himachal, Punjab, Haryana and Union Territory of Chandigarh.

Executive Director of the Power Grid, Dr N S Saxena was the chief guest on the concluding function here today. The Vigilance Week commenced here with a pledge and reading of the message of the President, Vice President, Leader of Opposition Lok Sabha and CVO.

On the concluding day of the programme, a seminar on prevention of corruption was organised at the Regional Headquarters of the Grid here today.

DIG Vigilance, R R Swain, Dr V K Kapoor, Director of the Law School Jammu University expressed their views and suggested various measures to eradicate corruption from society. Sudhir Dhar, Vigilance Officer conducted the programme.

Anant Kumar to launch BJP’s Yatra from Jammu on Nov 20

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 10: National general secretary of the BJP and former Union Minister, Anant Kumar will launch Rashtriya Suraksha Sankalap march from Jammu on November, 20.

This was announced in the meeting of the districts president and senior leaders of the BJP, convened by newly elected president of the party, Ashok Khajuria to chalk out plan for the march. The said march has been planned by the Central leadership of the party to protest against soft policy of UPA Government towards anti-national elements. The march will also highlight failure of the UPA Government to control prices of the essential commodities.

According to a press release, the suggestions in this regard were taken note of and it was decided that the BJP would hold a public rally in this regard. It was also decided that a signature campaign will be launched by the Bharatiya Janta Yuva Morcha at all district headquarters on November 15 in support of party’s demand of stern action against terrorism including hanging Afzal Guru.

While addressing the meeting, Mr Khajuria exhorted the participants to ensure that the march and the signature campaign would be successful.

Daya Krishan Kotwal, Babu Parmanand, Ajay Jamwal, Shamsher Singh, Lalit Moza, Bali Bhagat, Kavinder Gupta, Pt. Govind Ram Sharma, Ch. Piara Singh, Ram Saroop Choudhary, and others attended the meeting.

District status for Billawar demanded

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 10: Charging coalition Government with discriminating with areas comprising Billawar, Basohli and Bani tehsils, the Billawar Zila Andolan Committee today announced to intensify stir for district status.

Addressing a joint press conference, Ghulam Haider Malik (former Deputy Speaker) and Hari Chand Jalmeria, president Kissan Sabha, regretted that while creating new districts these areas were ignored. They regretted the Government has created districts at smaller distances of 12 to 15 kilometers in the Valley whereas the genuine claim of the vast area comprising these tehsils has been ignored.

Both Malik and Jalmeria asked coalition regime to immediately create Billawar district and warned about vigorous agitation of the people if the Government fails to concede this demand.

They further alleged that these hilly areas of Kathua district have been neglected in all spheres of life. Over 90 percent of villages in Bani and Lohai Malhar blocks and 50 percent in Billawar and Basohli blocks are without road connectivity.

Duggar Channel Action Committee meets Charak

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Nov 10: A deputation of Duggar Channel Action Committee met the Minister for R&B Gulchain Singh Charak and apprised him of the demand regarding launch of Duggar Channel from Jammu.

The members led by its convenor Prof Lalit Magotra pointed out that "Kashir Channel" which is supposed to be representative channel of the J&K State was giving step-motherly treatment to Dogri and other sister languages spoken in the region. They alleged that there was no representation of the art, culture, literature, language and social happenings in the Jammu region in Kashmir channel.

The members further pointed out that the much publicised aim of the Kashmir channel to counter the false and mischievous propaganda from the media channels across the LOC and across the international border is also not being achieved. They said the language which is understood on both sides of the LoC and in the vicinity across the international border is not Kashmiri but the Gojri, Dogri, Pahari and Punjabi. To meet the aspirations of the people of the region launch of Duggar Channel was must, they maintained.

The members further clarified that Channel will give due representation to all the languages of the region and culture of various communities. Mr Charak assured the the deputation that he will take up the matter with Dr Manmohan Singh and Mrs Sonia Gandhi.

Cultural Academy organizes 'Mushaira'

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Nov 10: Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, organized a multi-lingual Mushaira in the premises of PG Degree College for Boys, Udhampur with the participation of eminent poets and students of the college, today.

The Principal of the host PG College, Dr. A. S. Rishi was the chief guest on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the Principal extended his thanks to the Cultural Academy in organizing poetic 'Mushaira' in the college said that such events provide a change to boost the morale of poets in general and budding students poets in particular to expose their talent in the field of poetry. He called for organizing more such functions in educational institutions so that maximum number of budding poets could be brought to lime light.

The renowned poets who recited mesmerizing poetic verses in Hindi, Urdu and Dogri included Bal Krishan Bhanwra, Prof. Tara Nath, Jia Lal Jia, Praksh Premi, Surjeet Singh, Bal Raj Bakshi, Mulkh Raj Bhamagi and Pishori Lal Sharar.

The budding student poets of the college who took part in the Mushaira included Neha Sharma, Manju Sharma, Rakesh Singh Thakur, Rachna Sharma, Isha Sharma, Vivek Kumar, Asif Hussain, Bharat Bhushan, Pankaj Khajura, M.P. Pagal and Pankaj Sharma.

Strictly implement ban on entry of buses in Railway Station

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 10: Jammu Paryatan Vikas Mandal today urged civil administration and the police to fully cooperate with the Railway Station authorities in strictly implementing the ban on entry of SRTC buses and private luxury coaches inside the Railway Station premises.

In a meeting of the Mandal held under the chairmanship of Ravi Mahajan, the participants said that this decision will help the traders in Jammu as the visitors will now have to board the vehicles at the General Bus Stand Jammu.

President of the Mandal Kuldeep Vahi said that business in Jammu city was facing a serious threat after the extension of the rail line to Udhampur and Government should pay serious attention towards the concerns of the traders in Jammu city and take steps to protect their interests.

Mr Ravi Mahajan demanded that the railway station premises and surroundings should be highly beautified to give a pleasant look to the visitors. All encroachments around Jammu Railway Station should be removed, entry and exit points should be widened and metalled.

General secretary of the Mandal Inderjeet Khajuria demanded that plying of all unauthorised buses and deluxe coaches on various routes in Jammu area should be strictly prohibited and strong action be taken against the defaulters.

The meeting was among others attended by Ashwani Sharma, president General Bus Stand Shopkeepers Association, Jagdev Singh Jamwal, president Trikuta Complex Traders Association, M C Padha, president Tourist Trade Employees Federation and Pawan Gupta, general secretary of All Jammu Hotel and Lodges Association.

Bhalla inspects works in Gandhi Nagar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 10: MLA, Raman Bhalla today conducted an extensive tour of his constituency and inspected various under execution development works.

During his tour, Mr Bhalla took stock of various ongoing works that included tube-wells, road projects, lighting works, culverts and Nallahs.

Addressing a series of public meetings, Mr Bhalla said that majority of development works have been taken up by different departments in the constituency for the convenience of the inhabitants, which ought to be completed within the time frame.

Deliberating on the already executed projects, the MLA apprised that roads has been widened and black-topped from wall-to-wall besides lighting system has also improved to a larger extent to minimize the difficulties faced by the passers-by particularly during late hours. To ensure adequate water supply, tube-wells and over-head tanks has been completed besides renovation and replacement of old worn pipes.

He asked the accompanying engineers to accelerate the pace of progress and complete works like speed-breakers and zebra crossing in order to minimize accidents on the roads in view of increasing number of vehicles.

He said that strength of schools and medical centres has also been increased manifold during the past four years in Jammu and Kashmir to provide best possible medicare to the masses at their doorsteps. He divulged that various welfare schemes have been started to provide old age pension to widows and other deserving persons. He informed that free forms are available for this purpose at the Social Welfare Department besides scholarships are also being provided to the students. He asked the people to avail the benefits of various schemes formulated by the government for raising their socio-economic status.

Earlier, a number of deputations and individuals hailing from various walks of life met Mr Bhalla and projected their demands. He said that government was fully aware of the difficulties being face by the people adding that steps would be initiated by the concerned for their redressal soon.

Various cases settled in Lok Adalats

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Nov 10 : A special Lok Adalat was held on the eve of National Legal Literacy Day in the district court complex, Udhampur under the chairmanship of Principal District and Sessions Judge, Udhampur, Kartar Singh today.

Two benches were constituted in order to dispose off the cases listed in the Lok Adalat. Bench No.1 was headed by Chairman, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Udhampur assisted by Munsiff JMIC Udhampur to deal with the MACT cases. Seven MACT cases were listed before the bench and all of them were disposed off and an amount of Rs.14,20,000 was awarded to the claimants as compensation.

Second Bench was headed by the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Udhampur, M.L. Manhas assisted by Traffic Mobile Magistrate, Prem Sagar in which sixteen cases were listed and all of them were disposed off. A compounding fee of Rs. 5,000 only was realized on the spot.

National Insurance Company, Volga Complex, Canal Road, Jammu, New India Insurance Company and United Insurance Company participated.

The next Lok Adalat would be held on December 9, 2006.

National Legal Services Day was observed by Tehsil Legal Services Committee Doda on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Lok Adalat cum-Legal Aid clinic was organized in the court premises of Samba yesterday with a view to create awareness among the weaker sections of the society. Over 27 cases were taken up, of which 24 were settled and a fine of Rs 26350 was realized on spot.

All Bar Members, prosecution officers, litigants, NGO's and members of Tehsil Legal Aid Committee were present.

Additional District and Session Judge, Doda A.K Sharma, Chairman Tehsil legal Services Committee, Doda K.S Parihar and District Judicial Mobile Magistrate, Doda Khem Raj Sharma were present on the occasion. Members of Bar and litigants also participated.

A Legal awareness camp cum Lok Adalat was also held in court premises at Doda to mark the occasion. Mr Parihar highlighted the objective of the legal services scheme enshrined in the Jammu and Kashmir Legal Services Act 1997 and the importance of Lok Adalats as an alternative disputes resolution mechanism.

A total number of 28 cases of various natures were disposed off on spot through mediation and conciliation and a fine of Rs 7850 was realized on spot.

Science exhibition concludes

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Nov 10: Two-day long district science exhibition commenced on November 8 concluded with prize distribution by District Development Commissioner, Rajouri Parvez Malik yesterday.

Over 100 educational institutions participated in the exhibition with their science models exhibited for competition. The best adjudged models were awarded which include Government Girls Higher Secondary School Sunderbani who bagged prize in the model concept of the ecological interdependence while Government Higher Secondary School Sialsui and Himalayan Education Mission Higher Secondary School were declared 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Similarly at the elementary level Government High School Hathal, Government, Government High School Dalhori and Government High School Palam were adjudged first, second and third respectively. The first prize of Rs 1,000 went to Government Middle School Massiot while second and third prizes of Rs 750 and 500 were given to Middle School Jawahnagar and Middle School Dhangri respectively.

Brushman enters J&K market

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 10: Manufacturer of the largest range of paint brushes, Brushman (India) Limited, has forayed into the J&K market with the launch of its paint brush Paint Rollers and allied items for the paint and hardware industry.

Speaking on the occasion of launching, H S Kukreja, vice-president of Paint Brush Division, said Brushman was the only organized player in this category of the industry. We are the only company which has all its processes on-line including production, warehousing, dispatch, invoicing etc, he said and threw light on the history and growth of the company.

Mr Kukreja disclosed that that the company was eyeing a direct dealer base of 5000 dealers and another 2000 sub dealers by December 2006 by when it would be present in 8 States across the country.

On the occasion, a painters’ meet was also organised.

The only listed company in its products category, Brushman is today the largest selling paint brush across the country, said a release.

Paint Brush business today contribute about 70 percent of the company’s total turnover which is likely to get increased to INR 450 million for the current fiscal, added the release.