Capt Raina elected president of AICPA

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 30: A renowned pilot hailing from Kashmir, Capt. Kapil Raina has been elected as President of All India Commercial Pilot Association (AICPA), the most prestigious and powerful pilot association of India.

A spokesman of AICPA said Capt. Raina was elected for his excellent track record and expertise in the field of aviation. Capt. Raina has been member of the AICPA for last 16 years. He was trained at Pinjore Aviation Club, Pinjore, Chandigarh and Northern Region Flying Club, Jalandhar.

He started his career as a co-pilot of B-737 with Indian Airlines and he is commander on Airbus A319, A320, A321. He has piloted many international flights as well. A resident of Karan Nagar in Kashmir and son of Late Jawahar Lal Raina, a famous transporter of J&K (Bharat Transport Co.), Capt. Raina joined Indian Airlines in 1989.

PDP’s agenda guided by people’s aspirations: Qarra

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar , Dec 30 : Senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and Minister for Finance, Housing and Urban Development, Tariq Hameed Qarra has said in the coming elections the party would seek mandate on its pro-people agenda that has paved the way for dignified peace and participatory economic development for the State and its people.

Addressing public meeting at Gund Hassibhat and Khushipora in Batamaloo constituency today, Mr Qarra said PDP’s pro-people agenda, that is at the core of the governance as enshrined in the Coalition Government’s Common Minimum Programme, has not only altered the State’s ground situation materially but has helped create conducive atmosphere for initiation and continuation of the process of reconciliation, both within and outside the State.

Mr Qarra said the PDP would continue its struggle for further improving the ground realities, inspiring people’s confidence in the political process and institutions to facilitate just and dignified resolution of the problems of the State. "The State’s political turbulence that took a violent shape in early nineties not only jeopardized the peace and security of its citizens but imperiled the sub-continent’s peace as well," he said and added the PDP’s optimism that Jammu & Kashmir is now headed for political stability and economic prosperity is driven by its vision of a future that holds a promise of peace and prosperity in an environment of friendship and cooperation between India and Pakistan.

He said the PDP would go to the polls with a well-defined agenda encompassing the political, economic and social concerns of the State and its people. "Although the PDP has not finalized its candidates for the coming elections, the process would start once the party President returns from the Hajj pilgrimage," he said and added that the candidates would be selected through extensive consultation, not only within the party but in a true democratic spirit the people of the respective constituencies would be also consulted for the purpose.

The PDP leader announced that a new Women’s Degree College recently approved by the Cabinet for Srinagar would be established in Bemina area to cater to the huge population of Budgam, Srinagar, Baramulla and Pulwama districts falling in the catchment area.

Guru Ravi Dass Sabha felicitates Kundal

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 30: All J&K Guru Ravi Dass Sabha felicitated newly appointed Chief Secretary, B R Kundal in a function organised here today.

The function in this connection was held at Guru Ravi Dass Sabha Bhawan, Krishna Nagar. Shree Shree 108 Swami Gurdeep Girji Maharaj bestowed his blessings and presented a shawl on behelf of the Sabha to the special guest, Mr Kundal. A memento as a token of affection and honour was also presented to the Chief Secretary by the Sabha.

Presidents of different units of the Sabha, senior bureaucrat Ashok Angurana, several senior officers and people from all walks of life attended the function. The children greeted the guest with flowers and artists presented colourful cultural items. A Bangra item was also presented on the occasion.

Addressing gathering Piran Ditta convenor of the Sabha threw light on the rise of Mr Kundal from lower rung of bureaucracy to the present post of Chief Secretary. He further said that people of the low strata of society are very happy at the elevation of Mr Kundal to the higher post in bureaucracy. He advised the youth to work hard and follow the foot steps of Mr Kundal. R K Kalsotra, a member of the Sabha and C L Banal ( retd IGP) also spoke on the ocasion.

Mr Kundal while speaking on the occasion, expressed gratitude to Sabha for honouring him. He stressed the members from the the community to provide good education to the children and availa facilities in this regard being provided by the Government.

Dr Daljit creates history, by donating eyes of wife

Excelsior Correspondent

AMRITSAR, Dec 30: Noted Ophthalmologist Dr Daljit Singh of Amritsar has created the history of the sorts by creating an example of donating both the eyes of his wife, Swaran Kaur who breathed her last by, implanting her two eyes to two patients to restore their eye sight.

Dr Daljit Singh, who received the news of the death of his wife, immediately rushed to the hospital and managed to get transplanted the eyes of his wife to two people namely Raghubir Singh Randhwa and Parkash Kour.

Both the recipients expressed their gratitude to Dr Daljit Singh because of whose efforts at least two people have been restored their eye sight with the efforts of Dr Daljit Singh, whose wife donated both of her eyes after her death. After her death Mrs Swaran

Supertech Institute celebrates 10th Annual Day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 30: The Supertech (India) Computer Education, Talab Tillo celebrated its 10th Annual Day in the institute premises this afternoon.

Minister of State for Planning, Revenue, Finance, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Prem Sagar Aziz was the chief guest while MLA Bishnah Ashwani Kumar Sharma presided over the occasion. Registrar Jammu University Prof G S Sambyal, Director Agriculture Vinod Bala Sharma and Director Horticulture M S Qasba were among the guest of honours.

Speaking on the occasion, Aziz appreciated the management of institute for achievements made by it during the past ten years. He also praised the students who excellently performed cultural and others items during the programme.

Earlier, he along with other guests inaugurated the programme by lighting the traditional lamp. The annual report of the institute was read by Puneet Gupta, managing director. He also briefed about the landmarks achieved by the institute since its establishment. His report was followed by a bonanza of cultural and other items presented by the students.

The programme concluded with the vote of thanks by Puneet Gupta.

NC projects demands of educated unemployed

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 30: National Conference District Jammu (urban) president Chander Mohan Sharma addressed a series of meetings at Ward’s 30, 31 and 40 of Jammu West Assembly constituency today.

While addressing Chander Mohan Sharma stated that the era of Coalition Government has been the worst period, as all promises made by coalition partners during 2002 Assembly polls have turned out to be hollow.

Chander Mohan Sharma referred to the growing unemployment amongst the educated youth for whom the present Government has done nothing, while claims of the Coalition Government have also turned out to be a hoodwinking game plan of the Government as their development on ground was no-where visible as being claimed by it.

Sharma called upon all the party workers to fan out and strengthen the hands of National Conference president Omar Farooq and the party patron Dr Farooq Abdullah. He appointed Varinder Gupta as secretary, Youth National Conference.

These meetings were organized by Devender, Varinder Gupta, Sudershan Sharma, Ayudhya Gupta, Raj Kumar and Raman Kumar.

Others who present included Rachpal Singh, S Sucha Singh, Ashwani Charak, Parveen Singh Lucky, Ashanand, Ayudhya Gupta, Tilak Raj Gupta, Mohd Saleem, Manoj Kumar, Devender Sharma, Mohan Lal, Rajiv Singh, Bunty, Rajesh Gupta, Raman Singh, Santosh Kumar, Bittu, Rohit Kerni, Yashpal Chouhan, Yash Khajuria, Anil Raina and others.

Bhalla inaugurates road at Bhagat Pura

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 30: Congress MLA from Gandhi Nagar and former MOS, Mr Raman Bhalla today inaugurated three kilometer road in Bhagat Pura in Channi.

Addressing a public meeting on the occasion, the MLA announced construction of a park for Rs 50 lakh in Sector 6 of Channi Himmat under Floriculture Department during new year.

He assured the people of the area that all steps will be taken to redress their grievances. Mr Bhalla said that various steps were taken during last five years by the coalition Government to redress the problems of the people of the area.

He said the construction of Higher Secondary School in Channi is a glaring example in this regard. Besides many tube wells were dug in the area to provide the drinking water to the people as the area was facing acute water shortage.

Mr Bhalla said to improve the movement of traffic some link roads were also constructed in the area and for the proper facility of the people a bridge under railway track was constructed at Channi.

He, while asking the people to strengthen the hands of Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad, said the coalition Government headed by him (Mr Azad) is committed to the welfare of the people of the State.

Ex Municipal Councilor’s concern over
JMC’s dismal performance

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 30: Expressing his dismay over what he alleged the dismal performance of Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), Ex-vice president of Jammu Municipal Council, Mr Amar Nath Gupta today alleged that the basic purpose and objective for which the civic body was upgraded has been totally defeated.

The functioning of Jammu Municipal Council when controlled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Jan Sangh, its erstwhile name was much better and satisfactory, said Mr Gupta who had served as Municipal Councilor for three terms.

He said the people then had no problem from JMC as it provided better civic amenities and its functioning was satisfactory in enforcing municipal laws and regulating the civic life in the city. The main drawback for the dismal performance of the Corporation at present is failure of Government to grant adequate powers to Mayor or its other functionaries, he added.

He said the real powers rest with the Commissioner, an officer appointed by the Government while the Mayor is only a nominal head bereft of real powers.

He also termed the act totally faulty which provides for one year term for Mayor and Deputy Mayor. This way the Mayor can’t carry to their logical end the projects conceived by him. He demanded that Mayor be appointed for five years term.

Expressing concern over the prevailing insanitation in Jammu City, Mr Gupta demanded latest sewerage be provided in Old Jammu City and the funds given under ERA be spent judiciously to improve the life in city.

He further demanded that Sewerage system from UEED be transferred to JMC and for scientific disposal of municipal waste a plant be installed outside the City.

Expressing concern over supply of adulterated food products, milk and eatables, he demanded that sanitary inspectors be transferred from time to time.

He also criticized the BJP for its ambiguous stand on separate statehood to Jammu and urged the Party to raise this demand openly for the larger interests of people of Jammu.

Lecturers’Forum finalizes "programme of action"

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 30: The central executive of the All J&K Plus 2 Lecturers’ Forum today met and finalized its "programme of action" for the year 2008.

The meeting, which held under the chairmanship of H D Qureshi also discussed at length the overall scenario in School Education Department with special focus on the agenda for the year 2008.

The forum expressed satisfaction over its constant struggle in the year 2007, which culminated with the constitution of ‘Short Term Committee’ on the directives of Chief Minister for the removal of pay anomalies and benefit of running pattern in the pay scale Rs 8000-13500, completion of all the records for regularization of incharge principals and lecturers, besides the elevation of 700 incumbents to the level of lecturers and 300 to the rank of principals and senior officers.

Meanwhile, the forum expressed grave concern over the delay in the submission of final report by the Short Term Committee and stressed upon the Government for immediate submission of report, as further delay was not acceptable to the cadre.

Speaking on the occasion, state chief of the forum, H D Qureshi expressed determination the 2008 will be a year of further achievements for the cadre, as the forum has already intensified the consolidation at grass root level.

Others also who spoke on the occasion were D P Dutta, Manmeet Bali, S. Gurcharan Singh, Charan Dass, N S Jamwal, Rauf Dar, S. Ajeet Singh, Pardeep Kumar, Suresh Kumar, Paramjeet Singh, K R Sagar, Dr Satvir Gupta, Onkar Sharma, N P Singh and Gurvinder Singh etc.

BCDP holds rally, demands 27 percent reservation

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 30: Backward Classes Democratic Party (BCDP) today reiterated its demand regarding grant of 27 percent reservations in employment, constitution of Backward Classes Commission with its chairman and members from other backward classes communities and setting up of Advisory Board for Other Backward Classes in J&K.

These demands were made at a rally organized by BCDP in front of Press Club, here, today. The rally was chaired by the president of the Party, Shiraz Ahmed Azhari.

Mr Azhari, alleged that the backward classes have been deprived of their rights by the successive Governments. He announced that his organization will not support any political party in next assembly elections but field candidates for all 88 Assembly seats in the State on its own.

The other demands made by the Party include special employment drive for OBC youth to clear the backlog, constitution of separate Financial Corporation for Other Backward Classes communities for grant of financial assistance, grant of scholarships, arranging of educational tours, providing of hostel facilities to students belonging to OBC communities and provision of relief to migrants of Poonch, Rajouri and Doda at par with Kashmiri migrants.

It further demanded that OBC communities be granted reservations in State legislature, district development boards, urban local bodies and Panchayats, allotment of state be made free of cost in favour of houseless and landless families for residential purposes and refugees of PoK be given justice.

Those who addressed the rally included Mohammed Sadiq alias Shera Teli, Abdul Majeed Malik, Mohammed Nisar Bhat, Rohit Verma, S Mayor Singh Labana, Mohammed Rashid Malik, Haji Nissar Choudhary, Bharat Bhushan, Kesar Malik and Abdul Majeed Qureshi.

Dogra Sabha for reservation on economic basis

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 30: Dogra Brahman Pratinidhi Sabha, Sunderbani unit, held a meeting in which all the members resolved to impress upon the Governments at the helm of affairs to stop caste based reservation.

The speakers emphasized that the reservation, if any, should be based on economic condition of any community. Sabha members decided to hold protest demonstration against wrong policy of the Government about reservation on January 15 at Sunderbani.

The speakers in the meeting included Shakti Datt Sharma, Suresh Sharma, Vishwa Rattan Baru, Jagdish Dogra, Master Balak Ram, Dr Som Nath, Babu Ram, Inder Sharma and Chander Mohan Sharma.

NC condoles demise of Maulana Sanaullah

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 30: Patron J&K National Conference, Dr. Farooq Abdullah and party President Omar Abdullah have expressed shock and grief over the sad demise of Maulana Sanaullah, an old party colleague from District Poonch who was also holding the post of District Treasurer of District Committee Poonch.

Maulana Sanaullah was injured in an accident recently and breathed his last today. While expressing grief over the demise of Maulana, Party Patron and President, in a joint statement issued here today, said that untimely demise of Maulana Sanaullah is a loss to the party.

The duo conveyed their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for peace to the departed soul and courage to the family to bear this irreparable loss.

Salathia lambasts coalition for its
failure in fulfilling poll promises

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 30: National Conference (NC) senior leader and former Minister, Mr Surjit Singh Salathia today lambasted the coalition Government for its failure in fulfilling the poll promises.

Addressing public meetings at village Toindian and Brota Camp today, in Vijaypur Constituency, he said though the alliance partners had promised to provide two jobs to each house hold, it miserably failed to create employment avenues during its over five year rule.

Blaming the Government for its dismal performance, he said there are unscheduled power cuts, acute shortage of drinking water. The old aged, widows and handicapped face hardships in getting the pension, he added.

He also alleged no concrete steps were taken by State Government to minimize the grievances of the people.

Mr Salathia accused the State Government for neglecting the Vijaypur Constituency in developmental sphere and there is a lot of resentment among the people of the area against the coalition Government.

He also took the Government to task for the rising prices of essential commodities and alleged that price rise has broken the back of common man.

Mr Salathia urged his Partymen to gear up for the Assembly elections and strengthen the Party and hands of its patron Dr Farooq Abdullah and president Mr Omar Abdullah.

‘Mann-Simran Te Aatma’ released

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 30: A Punjabi book entitled " Mann-Simran Te Aatma" written by Baba Jasbir Singh was released by Harbans Singh, former Minister and senior National Conference leader, at a function here this evening.

The function was jointly organised by Punjabi Sahitik Sabha, R S Pura; Kanchan Art Society, Chohala (R S Pura) and Manaav Seva Mission.

The book, based on the teachings of Shri Guru Granth Sahib, has message of spiritualism and moral values for the modern society.

Speaking on the occasion, Harbans Singh, congratulated the author, Baba Jasbir Singh for writing this book on the theme which is very relevant to the humanity in the present times.

Bhai Kulwant Singh threw light on the contents of the book while Dr Arminder Singh Aman, spoke about the main message of this spiritually-inspired and scientific analysis publication.

Prithpal Singh Betab, an eminent Urdu poet and Punjabi writer; and Ram Chand Bhagat, ex-MLA, also expressed their views on the book and the author. The function was attended by a large number of writers, academicians and prominent citizens.

Earlier, the function started with recitation of Shabad Kirtan.

Shamsher Singh Cholawi, president, Kanchan Art Society conducted the proceedings and Bhupinder Bhargav, president, Punjabi Sahitik Sabha, R S Pura, presented the vote of thanks.

Samprati releases Anthology of Kashmiri poetry in exile

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 30: The much awaited Anthology of Kashmiri poetry in exile Sonbran te Saam was today released at a simple but impressive function by Samprati an organization of displaced Kashmiri writers here at K L Sehgal Hall.

The Sonbran te Saam is a collection of representative Kashmiri poetry of the last 17 years and a comprehensive evaluation. The collection has been edited by three well known writers and critics of Kashmiri who included Prof. R L Shant, M L Kanwal and R L Jawhar.

Prof. Shant has also penned down the exhaustive evaluation of the poetry in the collection and traced the signal features of Kashmiri poetry in exile.

The collection contains poems of 56 Kashmiri poets living in exile at Jammu, Delhi and other places of the country.

During the function Prof. R L Shant was felicitated for getting the Sahitya Akademi Award for the year 2007 for his short story collection Tshen.

The function was conducted by president of Samprati Dr R L Bhat and it was attended by a galaxy of poets,critics and scholars.

The function was presided over by noted poet and writer Arjan Dev Majboor while MLC Mohammed Yousf Teng was the chief guest.

In his address Mr Teng said such type of collection has not been made so far. He,while appreciating the displaced writers said they are struggling a lot to preserve their mother tongue which is evident from works like these.

Prof. Shant said this anthology has been collected scientifically to give representation to each poet on the basis of merit.

Those who were present on the occasion included Dr Rafiq Masoodi, secretary Cultural Academy, M L Kemu, H N Tickoo, Dr K L Choudhary, Prof. B L Koul, Prof. Sarla Koul, Dr A R Nazki, Mohammed Ashraf Tak, J N Sagar, J L Saroor, Atikaji, M L Pandita, M K Matoo, Mohini Ji, Santosh Nadan, Dr. S N Koul, Sham Bihari, Dr. R K Bhat, Ramesh Hangloo, Manoj Jad, K K Raina, P L Sudeshi, Mahraj Krishen Mahraj, B N Abilash, Shanaz Rashid, Avtar Hugami, Ashok Koul, Kalhan Koul, Tej Sagar, P N Shad, S N Veer and Dr Ramesh Taimiri.

Construct a seperate Gymnastic Hall

It is unfortunate that the Jammu gymnasts bring many medals home after competing at National level. Presently the gymnasts from Jammu have to do their work out in a narrow space of 50 x 30 feet. It is requested to the concerned authorities to kindly construct a dedicated hall for gymnastics so that the talented sports person in gymnastics got encouragement.

Gurmeet Kour
Chand Nagar Jewel Chowk Jammu

Distribute Zonal awards to teachers

Teacher is considered an important pillar of the society. Government regularily awards those teachers who have done something significant in the field of education. Unfortunately the Govt has not yet distributed awards at zonal level. Although a list of the teachers was made yet they have not been presented with awards for the year 2005-2006 and 2006-2007.

In this context these Zonal awardees had met the State Education Minister also. But nothing has been done in this regard. We request the concerned authorities to present awards at Zonal level also as the authorities have already distributed awards at State and District level. We sincerely hope that our plea will be addressed soon.

R L Raina
Jammu

Sanction a Degree College at Katra

Katra is not only a pilgrim township but it has its own population which runs into thousands. In addition to it many surrounding villages also fall within Katra. Hundreds of students have to go from Udhampur or Jammu to get education. In this context Katra badly needs a Degree College. In this way hundreds of students from Katra itself or its surrounding villages can get the benefit of Higher Education. It is hoped that the authorities will listen to our request and sanction a Degree College for Katra.

Bansi Lal Kohistani
Gandhi Nagar, Jammu

Repair roads and drains in Swarn Vihar

We, the residents of Swarn Vihar Cooperative Housing Colony want to draw the kind attention towards the deplorable condition of roads and drains. The roads and drains need immediate repair. Link roads within the colony need tarring. The park in the colony is not properly maintained and looked after. There are damaged water pipes. A lot of water is wasted through these damaged water pipes.

S N Raina
Swarn Vihar

Improve sanitation in upper Roop Nagar Sec-2

It is brought to the notice of the concerned authorities that the sanitation in Sector-2 JDA club road in upper Roop Nagar is so bad that the people residing there are falling ill. Lanes are crying for repair. Drains are seldom cleaned. These drains are full of filth and polythene bags. The waste water spills over the roads of the colony. This makes the use of roads difficult. Foul smell climates from these urged drains.

We the residents of the colony request the Municipality to kindly clean the drains at an earliest.

Ajay Kumar
Upper Roop Nagar Jammu

Address woes of Miran Sahib

The concerned authorities are requested to solve long standing problems of Miran Sahib. Miran Sahib is not connected from Panjtirthi.

This causes a lot of problems to people who want to go to Miransahib or to Panjtirthi. Another problem is the non availability of broad band facilities in Miran Sahib Telephone exchange.

The lanes and drains are in deplorable condition. In addition to this the consumers are put to trouble due to recurrent power cuts. It is hoped that Government takes stock of our problems and takes step to solve them speedily.

R L Bhat
Miran Sahib
Jammu

Tehsil status for Kastigarh, Assar, Batote demanded

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 30: Ramban MLA Chaman Lal Bhagat has demanded creation of tehsils at Kastigarh, Assar and Batote with Niabats at Dessa, Bulandpur, Samthi, Rajgarh, Hala, Kanthi and Gandhri in Ramban constituency.

Dr Bhagat also urged for creation of Rural Development Blocks at Kastigarh, Batote and Rajgarh, opening up of a degree college at Kastigarh, ITI at Assar, KV at Batote and additional University Campus in Patnitop-Sanasar-Batote belt. Dr Chaman Bhagat addressed public meetings at all the above mentioned places during his hectic tour and demanded free ration for drought hit area people of the district. He also highlighted various other development related demands. He also inaugurated upgraded Middle School at Dukson.

Provincial sheep workers discuss burning demands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 30: Provincial Sheep and Wool Workers Association in a meeting under chairmanship of Abdul Latif, general secretary, highlighted their long pending burning problems, which continue to be ignored by the Government authorities.The meeting while appreciating the Government gesture of removing pay anomalies of a few cadre also demanded that all other departments having lost sight of by the Government, should also be redressed at an earliest.

The speakers in the meeting included Girdhari Lal Chanda, G M Mir, Sansar Singh, Ved Sangra, B B Gupta, Ashwani Gupta, Sagar Chand, S Narinder Singh and Banarsi Lal.

After the meeting a deputation of the association also met the Director Sheep Husbandry and submitted a memorandum containing genuine demands and aspiration of the employees of the Department.

INTUC holds mass rally at Chenani

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Dec 30: Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) held its massive rally at Chenani, under the chairmanship of Som Nath, district Udhampur president of INTUC, in which various burning demands of working classes were highlighted.

The State chief of Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) was the chief guest.

The employees and workers from Kud, Madda, Patnitop, Basht, Sudhmahadev, Mantalai, Latti Dhuna, Kaldi, Barmeen, Ghordi, Chowki, Jonoo Bart, Ramnagar and other far flung areas of Chenani assembled at BDO Office Chenani and took out a massive demonstration in support of their long pending genuine demands.

The demands projected in the rally included benefit of essential services to PHE employees and workers; Change of designation of Helpers; Release of pending wages of workers; enhancement in daily wage rate of workers engaged under Community Participation projects; Release of pending wages of workers etc.

Other demands included release of COLA, which has not been paid for several years; Conversion of COLA into DA as promised by Chief Minister at a May Day rally at Abhinav Theatre in 2006, Employment opportunities to local youth, opening up of ITIs at all tehsil levels and providing jobs to technical hands being trained from those institutions.

The INTUC meeting also highlighted the demands of VDC members including provision of uniform, timely disbursement of their monthly salary at the rate of Rs 3000 per month.