Law point decided
Whether a candidate from open merit can
be selected against reserved post?

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Nov 11: Justice Nirmal Singh of the State High Court Jammu wing has decided a law point involved in the writ petition filed by a Doctor who was recommended against the post meant for SC Category The point was raised whether a candidate from the Open/General Category can be selected and recommended by the Commission against the post meant for reserved category without getting the post de-reserved.

This law point was raised in a writ petition filed by Dr. Sanjeev Puri through Advocate Ashok Parihar that the JKPSC invited applications for five posts of B-Grade Specialist in Ophthalmology in the Health and Family Welfare Department with the break-up that two posts in open category, one post in RBA Category, one post in ST Category and one post in SC Category tweleve candidates appeared and on the basis of all over performance and academic qualification, experience and other relevant factors, Dr. Sunil Ji Mattoo and Dr. Sajjad Hamid Fazli were found suitable for appointment in open category, in the ST category Dr. Tsering Angchuk was selected, no candidate was found available in the category RBA and SC. Dr. Sanjeev Puri petitioner and Dr. Ashok Kumar Sharma were recommended by the Commission against the post reserved for RBA and SC Categories. On the recommendation of the Commission, Secretary to Govt Health and Medical Education issued appointment orders of Dr. Sunil Ji Matoo, Dr. Sajjad Hamid Fazli and Tsering Angchuk. The Department of Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education also wrote a letter to GAD for giving approval that the petitioner may be given appointment against the reserved category post. The GAD upheld the recommendation of the Commission and allowed the Health Dept to issue the appointment orders in favour of the selected candidates including the petitioner. The Commission Vide its letter dated January 21, 2003 after considering the proposal of Health Family Welfare and Medical Education Dept did not extend the validity of the selection list, which was challenged by petitioner.

Justice Nirmal Singh after hearing all the sides, observed that the point which has to be considered in this petition is whether the commission has erroneously declined to extend the life of the select list. The commission has formulated the J&K PSC Rules 1980, Rule 57, these rules facility of convenience Under the Rule 57, the recommendations shall be valid for a period of one year from the date they communicated to the Govt. The validity period of one year can, however, be extended for a further period of six months on specific request, if the request for such extension is made before the expiry of validity of panel. A perusal of Rule 57 shows that the life of panel of candidates selected by the Commission will be one year from the date of communication send by the Commission to the Govt. In the present case the respondent department had not made any such request within stipulated period of one year. In the present case the name of the petitioner was recommended by the Commission in violation of the statutory rules. The commission should recommend the name of the candidates selected as per the advertisement, requisition made by the indenting department and strictly in accordance with the rules. If the commission will recommend the names beyond its jurisdiction it will generate litigation as it has been done in this case. With these observations the court dismissed the writ petition along with other writ petitions as there is no merit.

Kidnapped girl recovered from Pathankot, accused held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 11: Police today worked out kidnapping of a minor girl and arrested the accused from Pathankot area.

Police spokesman said that one Bua Ditta, son of Shiv Ram of Makwal lodged a complaint with Satwari Police about kidnapping of her minor daughter on the intervening night of November 7 and 8, 2006.

Subsequently, SHO, Inspector Arvind Kotwal under the direct supervision of SP City South Zahid Manhas and SDPO South Shiv Kumar Singh Chouhan started investigations.

Police came to know that one Romesh Lal, son of Girdhari Lal of Jalandhar, who was residing with his relatives in Makwal area for the past quite sometime, was seen near the house of Bua Ditta on the day of kidnapping of minor girl.

On this, the relatives of Romesh Lal were questioned and they disclosed the location where the minor girl was kept after kidnapping. A police team was immediately deputed to Pathankot area and the girl was recovered from the house of another relative of Romesh Lal. The accused was also arrested and brought to Satwari Police Station.

The girl was restored to the family members after medical check-up. In her statement to the police, the girl said that she was raped by Romesh Lal a number of times. Police spokesman said that relatives of the accused in Makwal area helped Romesh Lal in kidnapping the girl and action would also be taken against them.

A case of kidnapping and rape has been registered against the accused and abetment to kidnapping against his relatives.

Cooperative Week from Nov 14

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 11: The Jammu and Kashmir Cooperative Union, an apex organisation of the J&K State Cooperative Movement is observing ‘Cooperative Week’ from November 14 throughout the State.

Disclosing this to the media-persons at a press conference here today, chairman of the Union, Rajesh Sharma said that during the week long campaign, various educative and awareness programmes will be organised throughout the state. He said under the guidance of Registrar Cooperative Societies J&K, Dr G N Qasba the whole Cooperative fraternity is observing the week from November 14 to Nov 20.

Director J&K Cooperative Union, Balbir Singh Manhas said that basic motive behind this campaign is to educate people associated with different trades to take full advantage of the present cooperative movement, which is sweeping whole of the country and the world. He said Cooperative movement is one of the three pillars of democracy and people in large number should participate actively in the week.

Vikrant Dogra, secretary J&K Dairy Producers, Processors and Marketing Coop Union and Jamil Choudhary, chairman JKDCUL gave brief account of the programmes to be held in this connection at various places in the state. They said that not only in Jammu and Srinagar, the programmes would also be held at various district headquarters and even at the tehsil and block level. The Unions of various Cooperative Banks have also been involved in the programmes. They admitted that as compared to Gujarat, Maharashtra and Haryana, J&K was far behind in the Cooperative movement and stressed the need to have vigorous awareness campaign in the rural areas.

Cartooning, Poster Making competitions held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 11: On second day of the ongoing Display Your Talent contest, Cartooning and On the Spot Poster Making competitions were held at Jammu University, here today.

Stanzin from the Government MAM College Jammu was adjudged best in cartooning while Sachin Bhagat from the JU Law School clinched first place in Poster Making.

In Cartooning contest Kanwar Iqbal from Government Medical College, Jammu and Neeraj Sharma from GGM Science College Jammu were declared second and third, respectively. Navneet Broca from GCW Parade and Pallavi Arora from the JU Business School were awarded Certificate of Merit.

In On the spot Poster Making competition, Stanzin from MAM College and Himani Jain from PG Department of Psychology bagged second and third position, respectively. Certificate of Merit were given to Pooja Langar from GCW Gandhi Nagar, Sapinder Kour from Bio-Technology Department and Sivenay Kumari from Zoology Department

Topics for the contest were ‘Save Water’, ‘Prevent AIDS’ and ‘Female Foeticide’. Dev Dass, S T S Batra and Suresh Sharma were among the adjudicators.

For the cartooning contest, topics were National Political Scenario; Darbar Move; University Canteen and Road Side Dhaba Scene. Noted cartoonist Manoj Chopra and Bhushan Kesar were the experts for the contest.

One killed, 8 injured in road accidents

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 11: One person was killed and eight others received severe injuries in separate road accidents.

Police spokesman said that an unidentified pedestrian was knocked to death by an unidentified vehicle at Badyal Morh, R S Pura. The critically injured pedestrian was immediately rushed to hospital where doctors declared him as brought dead.

Police has registered a case in this connection.

Meanwhile, 10 persons were injured in separate road accidents reported from different parts of Jammu city and its outskirts. All were rushed to Government Medical College Hospital and their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in.

They have been identified as Shameem Akhter, wife of Sajad Ahmed of Surankote, Ghulam Rasool, son of Lal Din of Gujjar Nagar, Chajju Singh, son of Kalyan Singh of Janglote, Abhi Kumar, A H Qazi, Atul Sharma, son of Romesh Sharma of Jib, Sham Lal, son of Dhani Ram of Khour and Krishno Devi, wife of Krishan Lal of Langotian.

The spokesman said that three persons allegedly consumed poisonous substances at their respective residences. Identified as Kusum Devi, daughter of Puran Chand of Gajansoo, Veenu Kumari, daughter of Subash Chander of Bari Brahamana and Sunny, son of Sham Lal of Bahu Fort, they were rushed to hospital when spotted unconscious by family members.

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.

Police has taken cognizance of the incidents.

JKVM decries double standards of
Centre, State Governments

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 11: Decrying the double standards adopted by United Progressive Alliance at the Centre and coalition Government in the State towards the displaced Pandits from the valley, the Jammu and Kashmir Vichar Manch (JKVM), accused them of not being serious to their genuine problems.

"Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh played a high trick on the community when he visited Migrant Camp, Muthi on November 18, 2004 and made an admission that the Kashmiri Pandits had lost their home due to the failure of the Government to protect them", said JKVM national president, T N Razdhan and its senior vice president, Dr R L Bhat while addressing a press conference here today.

Charging Dr Singh of only shedding the crocodile tears on Pandits plight they alleged that not a single promise made by him was fulfilled later.

"The work on two room sets is going at snails pace and PM’s promise to release the CCA and HRA for displaced employees has also not been kept. Moreover no sanctions have been made out of the amount kept at the disposal of Chief Secretary for providing medical aid to the deserving members of the community suffering from various ailments ," they alleged.

Ridiculing the announcement of the Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad to constitute a new Committee on the migrants demands, Dr Bhat said the exiled people need immediate succor and this way Government was trying to divert attention from one issue to another.

He said instead of constituting another Committee the Government should implement the recommendations of Inter Ministerial Committee constituted by Prime Minister in 2004.

He said the unemployment is a grave issue before the community as it has been totally ignored by the successive governments which provided jobs to over two lakh youth in the state since 1996.

He demanded 10 percent share in the jobs for the community youth and stressed on enhancement of cash relief and bifurcation of ration cards.

NC workers protest against un-controlled price rise

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 11: To lodge protest against failure of the Union Government to control hike in the prices of essential commodities, activists of National Conference led by Chander Mohan Sharma staged demonstration.

Shouting slogans against UPA regime for its failure to control prices of the essential commodities especially vegetables, Dals and Atta, NC workers regretted that Centre government seemed to be unconcerned towards problems of the middle and lower middle class families.

Speaking on the occasion, NC leader Chander Mohan Sharma said that except promises government has done nothing to control prices of essential commodities. He said that even Dal-Roti has become unaffordable for middle class families what to say of those who have been living below the poverty line.

Mr Sharma pointed out that during the last two years prices of essential commodities have been increasing like any thing and neither State nor Centre has taken any step in this regard. He specially mentioned that prices of vegetables have crossed all limits.

Corporators Ashok Kumar, Ashok Singh Manhas, Subash Bhagat, NC women wing provincial president Bimla Luthra, Sucha Singh, Rashpal Singh, Amit Sharma, Mohammed Shabir Samyal, Asha Nand, Jammel Shah and others also addressed the dharna.

Sonali leaves audience spellbound
Indian ethos survived vicissitudes of time due to
its inherent strength: Governor

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 11: Sonali Sharma, an upcoming Bharatnatyam exponent today enthralled the Jammu audience by her scintillating performance, which Governor Lt. General (Retd) S K Sinha described as par excellent at this young age.

‘This depicts the great Indian ethos, which withstood test of times and survived while other contemporary civilizations vanished’, the Governor, who was the chief guest said while blessing and congratulating the budding disciple of Guru Shrimati Jayalakshmi Eshwar at jam packed Abhinav Theatre here this evening.

General Sinha and the first lady Mrs Premini Sinha praised the young artist for carrying forward the great Indian traditional dance. ‘We will be pleased to honour Sonali, her Guru and the accompanying artists’, the Governor said.

Sonali, having passion for dance, took off with Pushpanjalim Nattai Aaadhi followed by traditional Thisra Alarippu, an invocatory rendition wherein the danseur worships the Supreme Being by the form of Aanqika Abhinava. She continued the odyssey by presenting Jathiswaram Saveri Rupakam, a composition based on Nritta, pure dance, Kauthvam Hamsadvani Aadhi, Shiva Stuthi Hamsanandhi Aadhi and musical repertoire.

The mesmerized audience gave a big applause when the young dancer performed Meera Bhajan Hindolam Chatushra Eka. She gave vivid account of Meera visiting Mathura in search of Lord Krishna. On seeing a peacock, she is reminded of her Krishna who adorns his Crown with peacock feather. The dancer also narrated the episode of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Mountain in order to protect people from heavy rains.

The finale by Sonali was Tillana Amritavarshini Aadhi Thaalam, an intricate blend of movements expressing the joy of rhythm.

The programme started with litting of traditional lamp and concluded with presentation of mementos and awards.

Additional Secretary, Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, T R Sharma and Joint Director, Information, S K Sharma besides senior military and civil officers and large number of music lovers witnessed over one hour programme.

Sonali Sharma took to dancing at 5 and now just 11 years old, she has rendered a number of performances that have won accolades. She has the unique distinction of performing before President, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam.

JK Bank opens 519th branch at Nasik

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 11: The Jammu & Kashmir Bank today opened its branch at Nasik, Maharashtra. The branch was inaugurated by Dr. Shobha Dinesh Bachhab, MLA Maharashtra. Dr. Vasant Pawar MLA presided over the function as chief Guest.

With the opening of the branch at Nasik, the number of bank branches in Maharashtra has gone up to 13 and the total branches of the Bank to 519. The branch is fully computerized with the latest state of art technology.

On the occasion, Tafazal Hussain, Dy.General Manager of the Bank stated that the J&K Bank is a 68 year old bank promoted by the Govt. of J&K in the year, 1938. The Bank has attained the stature of one of the major and leading commercial banks of the country and is considered among the best banks.

Mr.Ajit Singh, Joint General Manager of the Bank spoke about Bank’s commitment towards playing a vital role in providing best possible and professionalized services for economical upliftment of the area. He further stated that the bank has both will and determination to serve the people of Nasik and assured of tailored and quality services, backed by state of art technology provided at the new branch.

Expansion of power infrastructure showing
encouraging results: Jora

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Nov 11 : Minister for Power Nawang Rigzin Jora today said that the expansion of power infrastructure and introduction of reforms at various levels has greatly helped in improving the distribution network and reducing energy losses in the state.

Minister was reviewing financial and physical achievements registered by Jammu power division II.

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

Stressing for keeping a close cheque on power pilferage, the Minister said that the consumers should be educated about the necessity of installation of meters for improving power scenario in the state. He said that reducing power pilferage would help in providing uninterrupted power supply to the consumers. He called for creating awareness among consumers about judicious use of power for better power supply.

To achieve the target of installing of electronic meters, Mr. Jora directed that a household should be connected with only one connection which will cover the whole consumption including electronic gadgets. He also instructed for providing uninterrupted power supply in the areas where 80 per cent electronic meters have been installed. He said special increment including certificates for excellent service would be awarded to efficient employees.

Addressing the meeting, Peer Mohammad Hussain asked that there should be no compromise on quality of installation of meters for which various agencies and Self-help Groups have been engaged. He said consumers who have tempered or damaged the meters should be identified and action against them initiated as per law.

The meeting was informed that Rs. 40 crore has been realized as revenue till October against the fixed target of Rs. 50 crore from division-II. It was informed that 27665 meters were working in the division. Out of which 14733 were installed upto October.

It was also revealed in the meeting that 1860 inspections were conducted and Rs. 23 lakh were recovered as fine besides, 1896 illegal connections were regularized during the period.

The Minister also convened a meeting of power division-I, yesterday wherein it was revealed that Rs. 35.09 crore has been realized upto ending October from the division.

Bloeria convenes review meeting

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Nov 11: Chairman Demarcation Committee Dr Sudhir. S. Bloeria today convened a meeting of officers and prominent citizens to discuss the jurisdiction of proposed Bani tehsil.

Among others, Additional District Development Commissioner Kathua Dr Mandeep K Bhandari, SDM Bani, committee members, Tehsildar Bani and prominent citizens were present on the occasion.

Mr Bloeria asked the prominent citizens of the area to convey their suggestion regarding the fixation of jurisdiction for the proposed tehsil. The people stressed for including three Panchayats of Hut, Khaddu and Jannu in Bani tehsil and create three new Niabats of Bani, Duggan and Bhoond with the new tehsil.

Mr Bloeria gave patient hearing to the demands and assured that their genuine suggestions will be considered. He said that with the creation of Lakhanpur-Basohli-Bani-Sarthal tourist circuit the area would witness new era of development.

Earlier, Pahari cultural manch presented colourful cultural programme, which was highly appreciated by the audience.

Army launches recruitment drive in Marwah area

Excelsior Correspondent

DODA, Nov 11: The Army has launched first ever recruitment rally in collaboration with 9 RR, Army and District Administration at Marwah. The GOC Northern Command Lt Gen Deepak Kapoor during his visit to Navpachchi in September 2006 had promised to organize a recruitment rally for inducting young and energetic men of the area into Territorial Army.

In keeping with his promise the Army organized recruitment rally from November 9 to 11 at Navpachchi by 9 RR under the aegis of Headquarters CI Force Delta.

All arrangements were made in a manner to select the prospective candidates in fair and transparent manner. The candidates were tested for standards of medical fitness, physical fitness including a 1.6 km run, pull ups on beams and jumping over ditch obstacles. The candidates were subjected to a written test and the final selection would be made on the basis of overall merit position obtained by individual by a Recruitment Board of officers especially flown from Udhampur.

The people of Marwah thanked the Army for giving them a chance to join the Indian Army and serve the country.

Farooq visits ‘Ashiana’

Excelsior Correspondent

DODA, Nov 11: Former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah visited Ashiana orphanage, boys hostel at Kishtwar today.

This hostel has been constructed by Army under Sadbhavana Mission to ensure rehabilitation of militancy effected orphans. He was accompanied by MLA Kishtwar Sajjad Kitchloo and senior NC leader Mohd Aslam Goni. He spent about half an hour with inmates of Ashiana and asked about their welfare and facilities available to them in this orphanage. He stressed upon the inmates to achieve their basic need of education and and become good citizens of the country. He assured to provide some funds from his Constituency Development Fund for the construction of one more hall.

Chairman of the Social Reforms and Charitable Organisation, Sanjeev Parihar apprised Dr Abdullah about the activities of the NGO in running the Home.

Symposium organized at S D Tarapuri HS

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 11: A symposium was organized by the Department of Information, Jammu at S D Tarapuri High School here today.

Prof. MR Puri, ex-Vice Chancellor of Jammu University who was the chief guest on the occasion, said that awareness among students is imperative for bringing healthy changes in the system.

While speaking at the symposium on 'Present system of Education', the students highlighted both merits and demerits of present education system. They also gave suggestion for improving it and streamlining the teaching- learning process. The participants spoke on the efforts of government to make education available to all at their doorsteps.

The best adjudged students were awarded by the Information department. Jaskaran Singh bagged first prize while second and third prizes were clinched by Aastha Thappa and Manjula Verma respectively. Consolation prizes were also given to other participants. Prof. Puri gave away prizes to the winners and other participants.

On the occasion, the Cultural Wing of the department presented a scintillating cultural programme comprising of patriotic and Dogri folk songs. The skit 'Anpad Prah' received immense applause. Incharge Cultural Officer, Jammu Jeevan Sharma presented a song based on current education scenario, which was appreciated by all.

Ajaz for effectively management of natural resources

Excelsior Correspndent

Jammu, Nov 11 : Minister of State for Agriculture Ajaz Ahmed Khan has called for effective implementation of the Natural Resource Management of sustainable Hill Agriculture to give boost to agriculture production and productivity in a big way.

Speaking on one day workshop on Natural Resource Management held at Sher-I-Kashmir University of Agriculture Science and Technology here today, the Minister said exploitation of natural resources for development of hill farming was imperative to improve livelihood of the farming community adding that officers and field agencies have to shoulder added responsibility in this regard. He stressed for adopting watershed approach to achieve the desired results for agriculture development.

The meeting among others was attended by Director Command Area Development, Kashmir Dr. G. H. Shah, Director Command Area Development Jammu/Nodal officer State Watershed Development Programme and Dr. M. Saleem, Professor and head Agro-forestry Division SKUAST, Jammu.

The Minister appreciated Concern of Soil Conservation Society of India headed by Prof. Suraj Bhan, Dr. M.L. Diwani, Gunjan Jain and a Jammu based NGO Dr. G. A. Dar for their interest in establishing four model pilot projects in J&K State with the assistance of donor agencies. He suggested that thrust on bio-industrial watershed approach needs to be given due importance.

ZSWO visits Akhnoor to address needs of
ex-servicemen, widows

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 11: Zila Sainik Welfare Officer Lt Col Karan Singh alongwith his staff visited Akhnoor to attend to the problems of Ex-servicemen and widows on the spot.

Col Singh spoke to the present gathering on various concessions and welfare schemes being extended by Central and State Governments for the welfare of war widows and ex-servicemen. he stressed on them to become member of ECHS and explained the advantages of the scheme.

Ex-servicemen projected their demands that compensation of land under army area has not been paid to them so far for the past two years. Col Singh assured to approach the concerned authorities for payment of land compensation.

Col Singh presented sewing machine to Mrs Santosh Sharma, widow of Hav Sham Lal, daughter marriage relief of Rs 5000 paid to an orphan Manjali Devi, daughter of late Nk Ravel Singh, Rs 1000 paid to needy widows and ex-servicemen namely Mrs Pushpa Devi, widow of Sep Sham Lal, Mrs Toshi Devi, widow of Nk Mohan Lal, Ex-Rifleman Janak Singh and Ex-Sepoy Shanker Dass.

All routine work like issue of Identity Card, Medical Card, CSD Card, completion of application for financial assistance were assured by ZSWO who said that he would approach all the concerned authorities for redressal of grievances of the ex-servicemen and war widows etc.

Gurmat, Amrit Sanchar Samagam organized

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 11: A Gurmat and Amrit Sanchar Samagam was organised by Sikh Sangat and S Jarnail Singh Khalsa, senior vice president, District Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee Jammu at Guru Nanak Public Higher Secondary School Ramgarh.

Thousands of Sikh Sangat and leaders of various Sikh organizations participated. The Amrit Sanchar was arranged by Panj Piaras from Shri Akal Takht Sahib Amritsar and Shri Anandpur Sahib. Jathedar Avtar Singh, president Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee and Shriman Mahant Manjeet Singh Ji of Dera Nangali Sahib, Poonch were special invitees.

While addressing S Avtar Singh said that he has visited 13 Indian states and two foreign countries and served Amrit Sanchar to about 1.5 lakh people. He said that his aim is to serve the Sikh Sangat on purely religious basis without including politics.

He also announced a grant of Rs 2.5 lakh for Gurdwaras in tehsil Samba for completion of incomplete buildings. He also appreciated the role of Mahant Manjeet Singh in every field of life including religious education, moral education and technical education.