Jain Rainka Samaj takes out grand Shobha Yatra

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 29: In connection with "Paawan Chinnh-Sthapna Samaroh", Jain Rainka Samaj today took out a grand Shobha Yatra in the city.

The Shobha Yatra started from Gali Hanuman Ji, Jain Bazar and after passing through Pacca Danga and Moti Bazar reached Parade where the participants of the Shobha Yatra boarded the vehicles for onward journey to Jain Nagar Talab Tillo where a temple has been constructed by the Jain community.

The Shobha Yatra was received by president of S S Jain Sabha Raj Kumar Jain and general secretary Raman Jain. Later, amidst pujan and kirtan the Paawan Chinnh Sthapna was performed.

Prominent among others who participated in the Shobha Yatra included president Jain Sabha Veer Kumar Jain, president Jain Rainka Samaj O P Jain, vice-president Babu Lal Jain, general secretary Arihant Jain, secretary Vinod Jain and president Atman Jain Sabha Sudershan Jain.

Jora conducts tour of Rajouri district

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Apr 29 : Minister of Power Nawang Rigzin Jora during an extensive 2-day tour of Rajouri and Poonch districts inspected 33/11 KV Receiving Station (R/Stn) at Phall in Sunderbani which is in advance stage of construction and likely to be completed by the end of June 2007. This receiving station would improve the voltage of areas of Kali Deh, Neli Dub, Jogi Nallah, Talla Madwal, Malla Pukharni etc.

He also visited 50 MVA 132/33 KV Grid Station, under construction at Siot under Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Programme.

The Minister apprised that all the civil works pertaining to land development and construction of staff quarters are complete. He gave on the spot instructions to immediately tender out the balance works on turnkey basis for early completion. This would benefit the Sunderbani, Nowshera and adjoined areas.

He also visited Nowshera town and reviewed revenue realization with PDD officers and directed the concerned officers to work with zeal and take effective measures to curb the menace of power pilferage to streamline the power scenario in the State.

The Minister was accompanied by Chief Engineer M & RE Wing D S Pawar, Chief Engineer S & O Wing R K Seli, Chief Engineer C & S Wing A R Tak and others officer of Power Development Department.

DCF organizes diabetes detection camp
for morning walkers

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 29: Diabetes Care Foundation (DCF) in collaboration with Johnson & Johnson organized a diabetes detection cum awareness camp for the morning walkers of Gandhi Nagar, Trikuta Nagar and Shastri Nagar today.

The camp was supervised by Dr Jitendra Singh a renowned Diabetologist and Professor GMC Jammu who also offered expert advice on the Diabetes.

The Camp, which started at 5-30 in the morning was held in Green belt Park area. Those present included Mr Ashok Chaturvedi, convenor DCF and Manager of Johnson & Johnson, Mr Rohit.

In the Camp, over 100 morning walkers got their blood sugar tested of whom five to six were new detections who were not aware that they have diabetes.

A large number of people of known diabetes who got their blood sugar tested were found to be having poorly controlled sugar level.

Dr Jitendra Singh provided general information about the disease and also gave counseling to those detected to be having diabetes.

Mahajan Sabha opens Counselling, Vocational
Centres for poor

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 29: Expanding its welfare activities for the community, Greater Jammu Central Mahajan Sabha today opened a Career Counselling Centre and a Ladies Vocational Centre at Canal Road, Jammu.

Minister for Social Welfare Haji Nissar Ali formally inaugurated both the centres during an impressive function, which was attended by a number of prominent citizens, retired officers and businessmen of the Mahajan community.

At the Counseling Centre, youth will be provided free career counseling by a 9-member panel of retired high ranking Government officers while at the Vocational Centre, free training in tailoring, toys making and embroidery will be imparted to poor and needy women.

On the occasion, participants of the Mahajan community took an oath of not attending those marriage functions where more than 100 Baratis are invited.

Speaking on the occasion, Haji Nissar Ali assured all possible help from his Ministry to the Greater Jammu Central Mahajan Sabha for such welfare activities.

Earlier, Kundan Lal Gupta, president of Greater Jammu Central Mahajan Sabha presented a formal welcome address and threw light on activities of the Sabha, which was created about three months ago.

He informed that efforts were being made to organise a conference of representatives of all Sabhas of different communities, such as Brahmans, Rajputs, Mahashas etc to launch a collective crusade against social evils. Jugal Mahajan, chief patron of the Sabha highlighted aims and objectives of the Sabha. He said that the Sabha has mooted an idea to open a Medical-cum-Engineering community college for providing free education to the needy and poor.

R C Gupta ( Deputy Secretary Retd) and P K Gupta (IGP Retd), also spoke on the occasion.

The Sabha also provided cash assistance to 30 poor women and children of the community.

Trouble-makers detained

SRINAGAR, Apr 29: Two youth landed in police lock-up today after creating nuisance at a dance and music show organised by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at a garden along the banks of Dal Lake here.

The youth were in an inebriated state and created trouble at the fag end of the show which otherwise enthralled hundreds of visitors, including a large number of tourists to botanical garden, for nearly three hours, CRPF spokesman P Tripathy said.

The youth, alongwith some trouble-mongers among the audience, damaged some furniture but were immediately detained by police, he said.

Earlier, the visitors including young men and women enjoyed the performance of the "Valley boys" who danced to the tunes. The show was a great success as it attracted large crowds to the garden, Tripathy said.

The garden alongwith other Mughal Gardens including Sheshmashi, Nishat, Shalimar and Harwan along the banks of the lake were thrown open for visitors on April 14 coinciding Baisakhi festival and have since attracted heavy rush of people, mostly locals, on holidays.(PTI)

IMO demands adequate staff for ISM dispensaries

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 29: A deputation of Indigenous Medicines Organisation (IMO) led by its president Dr K K Gandotra called on Secretary Health K B Janidal to apprise him of their long pending demands.

The demands pertained to strengthening of the department, requisite staff for ISM dispensaries, re-opening of Ayurvedic and Unani Colleges, besides clear transfer policy for the ISM doctors.

The Association ridiculed the demand of separate provincial Directors for ISM, pointing out that it could be an ill-moved proposal at present juncture, since after the creation of the department in 1987 not a single post was added or centrally sponsored scheme implemented during the past two decades.

It was pointed that when the present ISM Director was making serious efforts in reviving the forgotten system of Medicines by bringing about many radical and innovate schemes, as such, demanding a separate Directors at provincial level was ill-conceived. Moreover, at present the department has just 400 dispensaries across the State and its strength only 800, which was rather less than one CMO establishment. Under such circumstances, it will not be advisable to have separate provincial Directors, the deputationists pointed out.

They said that instead, Government should fill up more staff in ISM dispensaries and implement developmental schemes by projecting the same before the Centre under Single Directorate for the entire State.

Among those who were part of the deputation included Dr C D Thappa, Dr Vinod, Dr Vijay Sharma, Dr S K Magotra and Dr Mahesh Sharma.

Army saves lives of two teenagers

SRINAGAR, Apr 29: The Army today claimed to have saved the lives of two teenagers who had accidentally stepped on a landmine planted by troops near the Line of Control (LoC) on Gurez sector .

On April 11, a defence spokesman said, two boys — 15-year-old Bashir Malik and 13-year-old Jamir Malik — on way to their school at Gulab village in the Gurez sector stepped on the drifted mine near the LoC, triggering a blast.

Both were critically wounded in the landmine explosion.

On hearing the sound of the explosion, troops deployed in the Gulab village rushed to the spot along with a medical team where they found the two boys critically wounded and bleeding profusely.

The spokesman said after administering the life-saving first aid on the spot, the two teenagers were rushed to the nearest helipad by the Army and immediately evacuated to 92 base hospital at Badami Bagh Cantonment here.

He said specialist surgeons treated the boys at the hospital.

The entire expenditure of air evacuation and medical treatment was borne by the Army, the spokesman added.

He said while Jamir has recovered fully, Bashir’s left hand has been amputated. He was still recuperating in the hospital.

The spokesman said the Army would provide an artificial limb to Bashir so as to help him start a new life. (UNI)

KC Motors wins 3 prestigious awards

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 29: K C Motors—the dealers of World’s Number 1 automobile company General Motors, has won three prestigious awards in the recently held All India Retailers Meet organised by General Motors India in Seoul, Korea.

K C Motors won awards in three categories—Best in Parts Sales, Best in Highest Customer Satisfaction and Best of Best Dealers in India. The function was presided over by top management of General Motors.

There was another moment of rejoice when they crossed 500 vehicles mark in just less than two years of its inception. The customers associated to the dealership have made this a success with the kind of trust and confidence placed in the dealership and the products.

K C Motors always look forward for an opportunity to meet their customers and interact in a friendly atmosphere. As a part of this exercise, they organised a movie show on April 29 for all CARLINE customers. They also organised a mega road show and displayed their newly launched models of Chevrolet Spark and Chevrolet Aveo.

K C Motors will continue with the GM’s international trend of providing the best services to their esteem customers for years to come.

Coca Cola announces winners of
Under-the-Crown promotion scheme

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 29: Hindustan Coca Cola Beverages Private Limited (HCCBPL) today announced the names of 10 winners of the Under-the-Crown promotion scheme.

In all, there were 45 eligible claimants who collected all the four parts of the bike under the crown. The winners were selected through a lucky draw.

They are; Kulbir Singh Guru Simaran Store, Trikuta Nagar; Jai Shanker, Malhotra Mohalla; Mulkraj Karyana Store, Digiana; Padam General Store, Bishnah; Sahni General Store, Nanak Nagar; Coke Point, B C Road; Highway Cafeteria, Udhampur; Raju Sweet Shop, Surinsar; Sharma Sweet Shop, Akhnoor; and Verma Provisional Store, Gandhi Nagar.

The bikes were presented to the winners in a glittering ceremony, held here today. The promotion scheme was launched in February 2007 and had received a tremendous response, said Pankaj Thapliyal, General Manager Area Operation, HCCBL. As per rules of the promotion scheme, the company pays base price of the bike and winners have to deposit only Rs 11,915 as per IT Act.

The lucky draws were taken out in the presence of Additional Secretary Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution J L Bhagat and Deputy Director Weights and Measurement Prabhakar. Deputy Controller Legal Metrology, Amar Singh, also graced the occasion.

Meanwhile, HCCBPL has also announced the winners of promotional schemes such as ‘Bhagidari’ and ‘Dhoom Dhamaka’ for the retailers.

All Deptts ministerial staff asked to unite

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Apr 29: A meeting of ministerial staff of all the departments of Udhampur district was held under the chairmanship of Mohd Aslam Mir, district president of Animal Husbandry Department Udhampur.

The demands highlighted in the meeting pertained to up-gradation of pay scales at par with Accounts cadre; creation of posts of Section Officers at all district level offices; Regularisation of Secretariat training for cadre, batch-wise; enhancement in retirement age to 60 years; and Release of Installment of DA and Interim Relief.

The meeting appealed the ministerial staff of all the departments to come forward and struggle for common cause.

Those who spoke on the occasion included Mohd Aslam Mir, Vishwa Bandhu, Sardar Gurjit Singh, Kuldeep Kumar Gupta, J S Bandral, Mohinder Singh Bandral, Balbir Singh, Sunil Sharma, Chuni Lal Sharma, Dhian Chand, Vinod Kumar, Dwarka Nath, Rajeev Padha and Mool Raj.

The participants decided to meet again at Government poultry Farm Kallar, Udhampur on May 13 at 9 am.

Amandeep Hospital opens its OPD clinic in Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 29: Amandeep Hospital Amritsar, which is the first computer assisted joint replacement centre of North India and super speciality centre for trauma care, today opened its Sunday OPD Clinic at 8-A Gandhi Nagar, Jammu.

Minister for Rural Development Jugal Kishore Sharma and MLA Gandhi Nagar Raman Bhalla formally inaugurated the OPD Centre by lighting a ceremonial lamp.

On the very first day of its opening, 170 patients were provided consultations by super speciality doctors, who included Dr Avtar Singh (Chief Orthopedic Surgeon of Amandeep Hospital), Dr Ravi Mahajan (Consultant Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery), Dr A A Mehra (Neuro Surgeon) and Dr Amardeep Singh (Children Bone and Joint Specialist).

"With the opening of this Sunday OPD, patients in Jammu and Kashmir can now avail consultation of superspeciality doctors for computer assisted joint replacement surgery, brain and spine related problems, plastic cosmetic and microvascular surgery related problems without visiting Amritsar,"said Dr Avtar Singh.

According to Mr Manish, Promotion Officer of the Amandeep Hospital, fee for consultation is Rs 300 and the patients are required to get prior appointment for visiting Sunday OPD.

However, the children who require Clip-palate surgery are provided free of cost treatment by the Amandeep Hospital. Three such patients from the State were registered today at the OPD Clinic for their treatment, Mr Manish added.

Omar felicitates TV Super Filter Industries

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 29: National Conference president Omar Abdullah today felicitated TV Super Filter Industries, Parmandal Morh for its excellence and maintaining the high quality presentation in the industrial set-up.

At a function held today, Mr Omar presented a certificate of ISO-TS-16949:2002, ( a Belgium certifying agency) to Taranvir Singh Gujral.

The company has already the distinction of being the first small scale unit in Jammu and Kashmir to obtain ISO-9001 certificate way back in 1999.

Among those present on the occasion included Davinder Rana MLC, former Minister Ram Paul, Director SISI Ranjit Singh, Joint Director Industries and Commerce Satish Sawhney, Harminder Oberoi of M/S Vincotte International (I) Assessment Services, Chairman Samba Industrial Association Ravi Mahajan, Deputy Director SISI Virender Sharma and Taranjeet Singh Tony TNT, who also presented vote of thanks.

Charak takes stock of development works

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Apr 29: Underscoring the need for completing all the under execution works within the fixed time schedule, the Minister for R&B, Gulchain Singh Charak during his extensive tour of various areas in Srinagar city and Ganderbal directed the concerned authorities to spruce up the Srinagar city in view of the ensuing tourist season. He said better road connectivity in all the areas has been incorporated in the priority sectors by the Government.

The inspection of development works conducted by the Minister include Bemina Hajj House, Sainik Bhawan, Sonwar foot bridge, Ashai bagh Bridge, IMPA and under construction of 105 chambers for advocates in High Court.

Mr. Charak also took stock of Integrated Development of Khirbhawani Shrine at Tulmulla costing Rs. 17.50 crore. The Hajj House is coming up at an estimated cost of Rs. 10.50 crore and would comprise 3 double-storeyed utility service blocks, 3 storeyed residential blocks, paper collection block, immigration, custom, foreign exchange and Ahram block. It is expected to be completed by October 2007. Taking stock of construction work of Rajya Sainik Bhawan, being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 5.63 crore, Mr. Charak impressed upon concerned authorities to complete the project before next year's Darbar Move.

Reviewing the pace of work on Rs. 4.27 crore project of additional block in High Court premises, car parking cum lawyers chambers, the Minister said that with the completion of lawyers chambers a long pending demand of advocates would be fulfilled.

Accompanied by a team of senior officers of JKPCC and R&B, Mr. Charak also inspected the under construction cable suspension foot bridge at Sonawar which will facilitate the people living across the river Jhelum. This 125 meter long foot bridge would be completed by June ending this year and it costs Rs. 1.46 crore.

The Minister was accompanied by Managing Directors, JKPCC Dileep Thusu, General Manager JKPCC Mohammad Hussain, SE, R&B Muzafar Ahmad and other officers.

DKWA delegation meets Relief Commissioner

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 29: A delegation of Displaced Kashmiri Welfare Association (DKWA) Muthi Camp led by P L Raina called on Relief Commissioner, Migrants Jammu in connection with the burning demands of the Camp here today.

The Association demanded speeding up of ongoing work on construction of quarters which is going on at snail’s pace.

The Association expressed the apprehension that the process of allotments will get delayed in view of the slow pace of the construction work and the poor camp inmates have to face the hazards life in the killer domes in this scorching heat.

The delegation urged the Relief Commissioner that work on septic tanks, water tanks, lanes, park and fencing be started immediately.

The delegation highlighted the problem of unemployed youth, demanded medical aid for the needy camp inmates.

The other members of the delegation included S L Kaul, Mahraj Krishen, Ashok Raina ,Ashok Dhar and Hari Krishen.

Academy gives away best book awards

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 29: The J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages gave away the highest literary awards in different languages here on Saturday. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 25,000 each. These awards were presented by the Secretary of Academy, Dr Rafiq Masood at a function here.

While Dr B L Kaul was presented the Award for his best book "Arzat" in Kashmiri, Gian Singh Pagoch was given away the prize for his book "Mahatma Vidur" in Dogri language.

Mahraj Krishen Santoshi’s book "Vitasta Ka Kenara" bagged the award in Hindi while Dr Rafiq Anjum was given away the award for his book Gojri- English Dictionary.

In Punjabi Prof. Prem Singh got the award for his Book "Sehmay Huyay Buot" and "Chena Mama" of Perwez Mamoo got the award in Pahari language. In Balti Language Sadiq Ali Sadiq’s book "Sada -e- Sadiq" was given away the cash prize while in Urdu Prof. Nazir Malik got the prize for his book "Irtika Aur Jiaza" (Urdu Rasam-e-Khat).

In Ladakhi language Labzang Sampen was given away the award for his book "Loshal Gul Gyan" while in English Wali Mohammed Aseer got the award for his book Focus on J&K.

Gurah Patoli Brahmna- a case of total neglect

The village Gurah Brahmna (Patoli), is a perfect case of Govt apathy and neglect and the only apparent reason for it is that it is being inhabited by weaker sections of society. There is no bridge/foot bridge over the canal, potable water is in limited supply, link road is in shambles. The only bridge over the canal at Patoli, more than one kilometer away from the village, is badly damaged and a security risk to the people including hundreds of small school going children passing on it daily. This bridge needs urgent repairs, before any mishap occurs.

Besides, this damaged bridge is catering to the needs of a vast area stretching for more than 4 kms between Domana and Barnai. Hundreds of vehicles including school buses/Matadors, tractors etc travel on it daily and there is every possibility of a mishap. The authorities are requested to sanction a new bridge immediately at Gurah Brahmna (Patoli) opposite new Petrol Pump to ease the pressure on the existing bridge and reduce the walking distance of the people to the main Akhnoor road. This will be a great relief to the infirm and aged people of the area.

Manoj Kumar

Gurah Brahmna (Patoli)

Jammu

Neglecting attitude of traffic authorities for Sarwal

I just intend to being it to the notice of traffic authorities that albeit there is lot of traffic in each and every corner of Jammu city and matador services are also running high through each and every colony of the city giving all type of vehicular facilities to the inhabitants of those areas but with bad luck Sarwal Colony is devoid of such facilities. There is no doubt that one can count number of matador moving through and around the colony but none of them is kind enough to pick up. The passenger from colony back to city. For example, there are lot of matadors running from Janipur to Parade, Ban Talab to Jewel Chowk, From Jewel Chowk to Muthi Camp and Bagh-e-Bahu, From Janipur to Bahu-Fort, From Janipur to Sainik Colony etc. A few services no doubt pass through Sarwal Colony to Janipur but none of these matadors proceed to city from Sarwal. It means that passengers can come to Sarwal from any of these routes but passenger can't go back to city by these matadors. For going to city we have to go either to New Plots or to Rehari Colony to get the matador for City. Sarwal route is a blind route where one can come easily but for going back one has to go up or down to get the matador for the city.

So it is the request of Sarwal people that our problem should be considered seriously to get it solved. This problem demands high attention and should not go unheeded.

Lalita Sharma
Sarwal Colony

Bleeni-Damoni road craves for attention

A vehicular link road of about 3 km length from Bleeni Bridge, on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway at extreme North of Jammu's Nagrota, to Damoni village (Nagrota Bye Pass road) had been started in the year 1982 by the PWD (R&B) agency Jammu. Sadly enough, after the passage of such a long time, the road still is swinging in the airs in an incomplete condition. It speaks volumes of the authorities ‘as well as the peoples' elected representatives, some of those remained Ministers also in the state J&K cabinet, utter negligent and pathetic attitude. The road painfully reminds of the proverb-Justice delayed, Justice denied. The same feelings are gaining ground in the peoples heart here in this context. The road craves for due attention of someone having judicious mind and ‘‘work culture’’.

Though the road's first kilometer stretch stand blacktopped and enroute pullies (bridges) numbering about 10 erected. Yet, one is surprised to count the long time spent and heavy amounts from public exchequer consumed, it is yielding no results. It cannot be used due to its incomplete condition i.e upto Damoni. But unfortunately, the people got nothing except fake assurances every time from every quarter. The materialization of the cherished slogan of ‘‘Khush-hali’’ is still a distant dream from this part of fast developing Jammu.

The huge populace of the villages and vast scattered areas around have their local market, Niabat Headquarter, Dispensary, Police Station, Veterinary Hospital, Agriculture Office and various other institutions of fundamental human amenities nature at Nagrota. Besides all, the famous Kandoli Mata Temple to exists thereat. The people even for petty matters have to run over to Nagrota Town. They, particularly students, more especially girls, have to experience inexplicable hardships to reach Nagrota by covering long distance of more than 12 km and 8 km via Jagti and Bantalab respectively. Contrary, the said Bleeni-Damoni link road by providing a short cut would bring Nagrota at a little distance of only four Kilometres from Damoni, what benefits the rural area people would get due to the said link road's completion one way fully imagine.

Above all it is pertinent to stress here that the beautiful and historical area, being birth place of the Great Dogra Martyr Mian Deedo, deserves sincere attention, special developmental plans and allround upliftment.

Swatantra Dev Kotwal,
Udhampur

800 meter link road of upper Ramkot withour repair

After 4 year last summer season the patch repair work of this road was done by the department (PWD Sub Div. Billawar) but 100 meter i.e from 700 Meter to 800 meter portion of the road was left without repair which passes though populated Mohalla. Now it is requested that the work on 100 Meter portion of the road including drainage work and black toping may be done.

Th. Jiwa Nand Deonia
Ward No 1 Ramkot

Expediate work on drainage near SOS School

I would like to draw your attention towards a development work, construction of drainage system at Gole Gujral on Revenue Complex Road, adjacent to SOS Herman Gmeiner School, Jammu.

The work was started in October 2006 and since then the road is closed for all kind of vehicles. As the work going on very slowly it is causing lot of inconvenience to all using this road specially the students of this school who have to walk for about 1 KM with their bags on an alternate narrow road on which the buses cannot ply.

The speed with which work is progressing it appears that it may take very long time. Already more than six months full of incovenience have passed. If the work can be expedited using larger number of workers or working in two shifts. The residents and the students may get relief earlier. Due to scorching sun now it is becoming more more painful for the students to walk.

The concerned authorities are requested to speed up the work on the drainage so that the students are not put to trouble.

Mohd Ayyub

Hindi neglected in Bhaderwah school

We draw the attention of the concerned authorities as well as the Chief Minister towards a distressing trend of the neglect of Hindi language in the Bhadarwah loality. As a result of this a large number of Hindi knowing schools are suffering in their Hindi subjects.

On the Higher Secondary Schools boys/girls which are functioning we have made repeated requests to the concerned authorities to post the requisite Hindi knowing staff in the schools of Bhadarwah but nothing has happened so far. We thus again request the concerned authorities to post necessary Hindi teachers inthe schools here so that our children do not remain ignorant of our National language.

Parents of Hindi
Reading Students
Bhadarwah