People visit temples to offer special
prayers on first Navratra

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 6: Large number of devotees thronged the different temples in Jammu to offer special prayers and pay their obescience to Godess Durga on the occasion of first Navratra, today.

All the City temples were tastefully decorated befitting the occasion.

There was a heavy rush of pilgrims in Mata Kali Temple at Bhawe from early in the morning. People were waiting in long queues to have the darshan of Godess and offer pooja archana.

The authorities had made elaborate arrangements for the darshan of yatris. Heavy rush of devotees was also seen at Maha Maya temple in Bhawe as hundreds of devotees drawn from different parts of Jammu thronged the temple since early in the morning. The special matadors were pressed into service on the Bahu Fort route to tackle the heavy rush of pilgtrtims.

The hevy rush of pilgrims was also witnessed in the tempels of Sukrala Mata Bilalwar, Mata Sundrikot Billawar, Jasrota Fort Kathua, Cheechi Mata, Vijaypur and Mata Sundri Devi Nagri Parole in Kathua district.

According to reports nine day mela which started at Sukrala Mata from today will continue upto Ram Navmi. Besides the devotees from Jammu province, pilgrims from other parts of North India are also visiting the Shrine to particiapte in the Navratra festival and offer special prayers.

The rush of pilgrims which started early in the morning continued upto late in the night, the reports said.

Dogra Art Museum to remain open

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 6: On the occasion of Jammu Festival-2008, the Dogra Art Museum, Jammu situated in Pink Hall, Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex, shall remain open for visitors daily from April 6 to 15, 2008 during the festival days from 11 a. m to 10 p. m.

The Dogra Art Museum a treasure house of Dogra Heritage is having the distinction of possessing one of the best and largest collections of world famous Rasmanjari series of Basohli miniature paintings.

The other collections include miniature paintings from various schools of Art (Kangra, Basohli, Moughal, Jammu, Poonch, Kashmiri, Rajsthani, etc), Dogra costumes and jewellery, rare manuscripts, bronzes, coins, terra-cotta heads from famous Kushan site Ambran Akhnoor, metal ware, Dogra arms and armoury, musical instruments, contemporary art objects from renowned artists of Jammu etc.

The Museum is being kept open beyond its scheduled timing and late evening hours during the festival days to facilitate the general public to acquaint them with the rich Dogra heritage.

3 pick-pockets held with 6 Nokia mobiles

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 6: Gandhi Nagar police today arrested three pick-pockets including two from Punjab and recovered five Nokia mobile telephones and Rs 7500 cash from them.

Police identified the pick-pockets as Amandeep Singh of Jalandhar, Mohinder Singh of Amritsar and Suresh Gupta of Rehari Colony.

From their possession, police recovered two Nokia 6600 mobiles and three Nokia mobiles including 1100, 1110 and 6610.

Rs 7500 cash was also seized from them.

A case has been registered against the pick pockets for further investigations at Gandhi Nagar police station.

Arrests were made by a Gandhi Nagar police station party led by SHO Inspector Mohd Rafiq.

All J&K Plus 2 Officers Forum holds meet

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 6: All J&K Plus 2 Officers Forum has stressed the education authorities to concede their long pending demands.

In a general body meet which was held under the chairmanship of Gurcharan Singh, the forum urged the state Government to concede their demands including regularization of the officers and removal of pay anamolies.

While speaking in the meeting, general secretary, JK Sudan expressed concern over the alleged pick and choose policy being pursued by the authorities while inducting academic officers and permanent members of the J&K Board of School Education.

He also criticized the board authorities for depriving the Principal cadre of evaluation process and conducting practical exams.

Those who were present in the meeting were RK Maini, Tarsem Lal, Nirmal Choudhary, Anil Jain, SK Raina, Lekh Raj Rattan, Surinder Mahajan, Urmila Sharma, Shakuntla Rani and Om Prakash.

‘Name Rly Road as Guru Gobind Singh Marg’
SGPB passes resolutions, projects demands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 6: J&K State Gurdwara Parbandhak Board in presence of large Sikh Sangat on the occasion of visit of ‘Guru Manyo Granth Jagriti Yatra’ to Chand Nagar Gurdwara here today, passed resolutions demanding establishment of a chair in the Jammu University in the honour of Guru Gobind Singhji and naming of Railway Station Road as Guru Gobind Singh Marg here.

President of SGPB T S Wazir and another Board member, Surinder Singh read the resolutions which were strongly endorsed by the Sikh Sangat present in large number on the occasion this evening.

The main resolutions passed on the occasion included naming of road from Bikram Chowk to Railway Station as Guru Gobind Singh Marg, establishment of a chair in Jammu University in the honour of Guru Gobind Singhji, setting up of Minority Commission in the State, permanent settlement of the claims of PoK refugees and implementation of the recommendations Wadhwa Committee Report.

The Sikh Sangat also demanded that buses going for Yatra to Nanded Sahib in Maharashtra be exempted from paying road tax by all the states.

Jawan dies in accidental fire, youth’s body found

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Apr 6: A jawan of Border Security Force (BSF) died due to accidental fire at a forward location in Sunderbani area while body of a youth was found lying on the road in the same tehsil today.

Reports said that Constable Jasbir Singh of 69 Battalion of BSF was on night duty at Bhagla Tareru area at a BSF camp in Sunderbani last night. He slipped down in the darkness and his service rifle went off causing a bullet injury on his head.

He was evacuated to Sunderbani hospital by other jawans immediately after the incident during mid night where doctors declared him as brought dead. The police took the cognizance and registered a case for investigation. Post-mortem of the body was also conducted today and later it was sent to the BSF unit. An internal inquiry has been ordered by the concerned DIG BSF in this regard.

In yet another incident, the body of a youth was found lying on the road near village Badhok in tehsil Sunderbani. Some villagers noticed the body of local youth- Raj Kumar (30), son of Bansi Lal lying on the road in the today morning and informed police.

A police party from Sunderbani police station reached the spot and shifted it to hospital for post-mortem. The police suspects it as case of murder. However, inquest proceedings under Section 174 CrPC have been initiated by police.

Spl study on J&K industry released
Grant Rs 5,000 cr to set up SEZs in J&K: ASSOCHAM

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 6: With a view to attract huge investment and encourage industrialists to set up their units, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) has urged the Union Government to grant a special package of Rs 5000 crore to the J&K State for the creation of special economic zones (SEZs) and the industrial infrastructure.

The ASSOCHAM has identified food processing, agro and forest-based industries, floriculture, handloom and handicraft exports, gems, leather processing and goods, herbal pharmaceuticals, bulk drugs and hosiery as "most promising areas" to attract investments to the J&K State. It has also indicated huge potential in the tourism and hydro-power sectors in the State.

"Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as a multi-sector hub of business opportunities. In view of the improved law and order situation, the Government should extend a special package of Rs 5,000 crore to improve the infrastructure for investment flow, in terms of value and volume from domestic and overseas industries," ASSOCHAM president V N Dhoot told reporters here.

"Since restoration of normalcy and peace in the state, investment flow has gone up 10 times from USD 200 million in 2001 to USD 2,300 million in 2007, which is expected to further accelerate in the next 5 years," Dhoot, the CME of Videocon group said.

Dhoot submitted to Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad a special publication ‘Jammu and Kashmir: Striving for Industrial revolution’, copies of which were also released to the media.

ASSOCHAM has also decided to host a golf tournament in Gulmarg in September-October between corporate honchos from around the country and local businessmen, which "will generate a good deal of confidence among investors and tourists", Dhoot said.

Dhoot said the Kashmir valley and Ladakh had scope for adventure sports like trekking, mountaineering, water skiing and rafting in rivers like Indus, Sutlej and Kishanganga. The study suggested creation of an export promotion force for tapping potential international markets, opening marketing offices in metros and industrial cities to promote exports.

Cultural programmes, religious discourses
mark celebrations of Navreh by KPs

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 6: Cultural programmes, religious discourses and performing of hawans marked the celebrations of Navreh (first Navratra) by Kashmiri Pandits here, today.

Main function was organised by Kashmiri Pandit Sabha (KPS) Ambphalla this afternoon, where the Vice Chancellor of Jammu University, Prof Amitabh Mattoo was the chief guest while Additional Director General, Vigilance, Dr Ashok Bhan was the guest of honour. The function was presided over by president of the Sabha, Prof. A N Sadhu.

Prof Sadhu, while addressing appealed the members of the Biradri to remain united and work to seek its right place in the State of economy, polity and society.

The Sabha general secretary, H N Tickoo highlighted the works completed by the Sabha during this year. He also threw light on the socio cultural activities organised by the Sabha during the previous year.

Prof B L Koul, while delivering the lecture on the life and contributions of former president of the Sabha T N Khosa paid rich tributes to him. He said, Mr Khosa was having qualities of head and heart. He also described the significance and importance of Navreh. The vice president of the Sabha K K Khosa presented vote of thanks. Shanti Lal Sidha and party sang the melodious bhajans on the occasion.

In his address, Prof Mattoo appreciated the role of the KP Sabha in the service of the society. Dr Ashok Bhan also spoke on the occasion.

In connection with Navreh an impressive function was organised by Festival Committee of Anuradha Puram Barnai at Durga Nag Trust Community Hall.

The function was chaired by A N Vaishnavi while senior Congress leader and MLC Ashok Sharma was the chief guest. The president of the Trust P N Takoo castigated the Government for delaying the passage of Kashmiri Hindus Shrines and Temples Bill and assured full support from the Trust in its passage.

Dr Agnishekhar, chairman Panun Kashmir highlighted the significance of Navreh. He, while expressing his anguish over the plight of the displaced Pandits alleged that they are the victims of politics of apartheid.

The welcome address was read by M L Bhat, president Welfare Committee while the vote of thanks was delivered by Sita Ram Sharma.

On the occasion Dr R L Bhat was felicitated for his outstanding contributions to the community.

Another function was organised by ASKPC at Janipur in which Swami Kumar Ji was the chief guest. A Calendar for the New Year was also released on the occasion. The function was presided over by Amarnath Vaishnavi.

In connection with the Navreh a Maha Yagya was also solemnized by Prabhandak Committee Nagbal Anantnag headed by P N Goja here, today. A large number of devotees participated in the function.

In connection with Navreh a hawan was also performed in the premises of Sharika Peeth Sanstha, Subash Nagar this morning. According to president of the Sanstha the hawans will be performed daily in the Ashram and the Puranahuti will be held on Ram Navmi.

Consolidated, adhoc employees to begin chain hunger strike

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 6: The consolidated, contractual and adhoc employees of Health and Medical Education Department in an emergent meeting highlighted their long pending demands.

The meeting noted with serious concern over a Government order where in it has been mentioned that consolidated, contractual and adhoc employees of Government Medical College Jammu and Srinagar will get two and a half day extra salary on their existing pay.

The speakers in the meeting held that nothing of the sorts have percolated on ground and termed the said order as merely an eye-wash. The Association categorically rejected this order of the Government as Minister for Health and Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma had assured the agitating adhoc, consolidated and contractual employees that they would continue to get minimum basic pay, two and a half extra salary in favour of those employees who are performing roster duty and recommendation of their case in Cabinet Sub-committee for regularization of adhoc, contractual and consolidated employees.

Association decided to start chain hunger strike for one week starting from April 7, 2008, and in case their demands were not conceded within seven days, they would intensify agitation and carry it forward till its logical conclusion.

TAAI discusses arrangements for
facilitating heavy pilgrim traffic

Excelsior Correspondent

KATRA, Apr 6: To boost pilgrim traffic as well as other tourists in the State, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) organized a meeting of the members of Northern Region in the holy town of Katra, last evening.

Additional Chief Executive Officer of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board M K Dwivedi was chief guest whereas Chairman Northern Region (TAAI) Anil Kalsi presided over meeting.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Dwivedi said that with the arrival of Railway in the holy town, pilgrim traffic will increase manifold and is likely to touch one crore in a year. Since the inception of Shrine Board in 1986 there was fourteen lakh yatries and last year figure touched over seventy two lakh. Every year the number of yatries is increasing.

He sought the suggestion from the members of the association to provide more and more facilities to the visiting pilgrims. He desired to guide the pilgrims about weather of the State particularly of this area and also aware the pilgrims to seeking the blessing of Mata Vaishno Deviji in the month of January when they can have darshan through old cave and enjoy snowfall also.

Chairman, TAAI of Northern Region briefed the meeting about the various activities of the association for the promotion of pilgrims traffic and tourists in the country. He said that association having over 2000 membership on all India basis, which is largest association in the country established since 1951. He informed the members regarding TAAI’s initiative for strategy survey being conducted with TATA consultancy service. The meeting also discussed some problems faced by the Tourist Industry in the country.

The meeting ended with vote of thanks to the chief guest and others participants.

Among others, Secretary Northern Region A S Gujral, Chairman J&K Chapter Nasir Shah, Rajinder Kotwal Expert in Tourist Industry of the town, Treasurer J&K Chapter G M Wangoo (TAAI), Vijay Arora of King Fisher Airlines, besides executive committee and other members participated..

Qarra meets Chinese Construction Minister

Excelsior Correspondent

BEIJING (CHINA), Apr 6: Minister for Finance, Housing and Urban Development, Tariq Hameed Qarra held detailed deliberations on Indo-China bilateral co-operation in construction sector with the Chinese Vice Minister of Construction, Qiu Baoxing and his team.

During the meeting, Mr Qarra raised issues of bilateral co-operation between India and China in construction sector to enhance productivity, draw better results and overcome communication barriers.

He proposed various initiatives to enhance co-operation in the construction sector including Government to Government cooperation, Government to autonomous body co-operation and private-public sector co-operation.

Agreeing with the proposals of Mr Qarra, the Chinese Minister said that the construction industry of his country was already working with Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC) of India and would explore new avenues for enhancing co-operation further.

Mr Qarra invited Boaxing to visit India to further strengthen the co-operation in construction sector and said that in consultation with CIDC, J&K Government would promote innovative technology in housing sector to make it eco-friendly and affordable.

Pro-Vice Chancellor, Assam Central University, Prof G D Sharma proposed that the University would be interested to develop communication modules in co-operation with CIDC.

BJP celebrates 28th Foundation Day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 6: In connection with celebration of 28th Foundation Day of the Party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organised a function at Party Headquarters here, today. The function was organised by Rajesh Gupta district president BJP.

On the occasion, a special 28 kg Ladoo was made and distributed among the people.

The function was chaired by BJP State chief, Ashok Khajuria and among others it was addressed by former Party president and National Executive Member, Dr Nirmal Singh, Daya Krishan Kotwal, Party vice president, Prof. Hari Om and Shiv Kumar Gupta.

Speaking on the occasion, Ashok Khajuria said BJP is gaining popularity day by day as the people miss six years NDA rule at Centre badly. He, while castigating Congress for its wrong policies blamed the Party for the price rise.

He said BJP is not only a political party like Congress but a mission to strengthen the nationalism while Congress believes in appeasement for vote politics and promotion of dynastic rule.

In his address, Dr Nirmal Singh highlighted the contributions of Praja Parishad and Jana Sangh. He said the Partymen should seek inspiration from the sacrifices of the Jana Sangh and Praja Parishad leaders.

The function among others was attended by Suresh Jamwal, Shamsher Singh Manhas, Lalit Moza, Yudhvir Sethi and Ramesh Arora.

Unemployed Dental Assistants call on Mangat Ram

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 6: A deputation of Unemployed Trained Dental Assistants led by Mukhtar Ahmed Mir, district president J&K Trade Union Congress today called on Minister for Health and Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma.

The deputation apprised the Minister about the problems being faced by the unemployed Dental Assistants and said that majority of Dental Assistants were going to be over-aged soon and despite of their best efforts, they were not being provided the Government jobs.

The Government has recently created many posts of Dental Surgeons and process of their recruitment was almost over but it has not given any single thought to the fact that without Dental Assistant, a Dental Surgeon cannot function properly.

The Health Minister gave patient hearing to the deputation and informed that process of creating new posts of Dental Assistants was already underway. He assured that the process will be completed within a month and the new posts will be announced shortly.

DAHWA for compensation to farmers in Majalta

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Apr 6: A team of Destitute And Handicapped Welfare Association (DAHWA) led by its chief Surat Singh Sumbria conducted a tour of upper reaches of Majalta tehsil and after assessing the problems of farming community urged the Government to provide compensation to those farmers whose crops have totally failed.

The villages visited by DAHWA team included Sundla, Upper Sundla, upper villages of Jakhenu, Neeli, Jansal, Peuni, Tajoor, Banganeel, Garh, Babey and Chor Motu, observed that entire wheat crop has got damaged due to drought and the people had let loose the cattle to feed upon dry crops.

The DAHWA team which was accompanied by the teams of NGOs, Rural Welfare Association and Kirm Kash Kissan United Society, observed that though recent rains brought some succour to the farmers in low lying areas of Majalta tehsil where about 50% percent crops were saved, in the rest of Kasher areas, acute scarcity of fodder for cattle has arisen.

The DAHWA while appealing the Deputy Commissioner Udhampur for getting surveyed the losses suffered by farming community, called for immediate relief to affected farmers.

Others in DAHWA team besides Mr Sumbria included Rangil Singh, Kirpal Singh, Dhanantar Singh, Sagar Chand, Shiv Ram and Bikram Singh.

Charak inaugurates Mubarak Mandi illumination

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 6: Minister for Higher Education and ARI Trainings Gulchain Singh Charak inaugurated Mubarak Mandi illumination here today amidst dances, folk songs and cultural programmes and rural events with the illumination switched on.

The festival was organized as part of divisional level celebration of Jammu festival 2008 being celebrated at different places in the division.

Speaking to a section of press, Mr. Charak said that this year the festival is being held from Ist April 2008 to 15th April 2008 and will extend to all the district headquarters in Jammu division. Besides, as part of the cultural bonanza, Sonu Nigam, Suresh Wadekar, Bhajan Sopori and other artists are expected to perform in the various events of the festival.

Expressing satisfaction over the restoration work on Mubarak Mandi complex Mr. Charak hoped that the work shall be completed soon and the complex shall give a new look.

The first palaces of Mubarak Mandi complex were built by Raja Dharuv Dev Singh in 1710 A.D. The architecture is a blend of Rajasthani, Mughlai and even British and Roman elements. Present structures are believed to have been constructed by Maharaja Gulab Singh, Maharaja Ranbir Singh, Maharaja Partap Singh and their descendents. The main buildings are Gole Ghar, Rani Charak Palace, Grey Hall, High Court, Tosha Khana, Pink Hall and Marble House. Presently the Grey Hall and the High Court building stand taken up for restoration by ASI.

Among others, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Sudhanshu Pandey, Director Tourism Jammu Ajay Khajuria, Director Achieves Jammu, Khursheed Ahmed Qadri and other senior officers and prominent citizens witnessed the function.

ReT/ EV teachers hold meet

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Apr 6: All J&K ReT/ EV Teachers Forum, Rajouri today held a meeting under the chairmanship of Aftab Tantray, president, wherein State Government was appealed to convert EVs into ReT and EGS to primary schools.

All the zonal presidents and district executive body members participated in the meeting and urged the Government to enhance their honorarium while implementing 6th Pay Commission Report, besides inclusion of rendered period of ReT / EVs for promotion benefit and SRO 43.

Speaking on the occasion, Tantray appealed the cadre to participate in one-day proposed dharna in front of the office of DDC Rajouri. Others who also spoke included Razaq Choudhary, Tariq Choudhary, Kapil Sharma, Vikas Khajuria, Manzoor Khan, Sabar Khan, Wali Mohammed, Maroof Qazi, G M Tantray, Hanif Shah and others.

Mangat reviews arrangements for Mahila Congress rally

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 6: Asking Mahila Congress workers of Jammu West to participate massively in the Mahila Congress rally at Jammu on April 12, senior Congress leader and Minister for Health and Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma has said that rally would witness unprecedented participation of Mahila congress workers from all blocks, and halqas of the State.

Addressing a meeting of Mahila Congress workers of Jammu west here today, convened to review the arrangements made in connection with the visit of All India Pradesh Congress President and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi to Jammu, Mr Sharma said whenever UPA chairperson and Congress President Sonia Gandhi visits the state the people of the State give here a rousing reception especially the women which is because of her attachment and affection for the people of the State. He said that she had herself expressed gratitude and feelings in women's conference in September last at Srinagar and other similar functions. "Mrs. Gandhi herself admits that her dynasty belongs to Kashmir and it is because of this inherent attitude that she is very much serious about the welfare and prosperity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir".

Mr. Sharma said that "it was because of Soniaji's personal interventions and endeavours that Jammu and Kashmir State has been flooded with heavy financial assistance by the UPA Government for infrastructure development and other welfare programmes". He said that this has strengthened the faith of people in the Congress led Government in the State besides attesting its pro-people and welfare oriented policies.

He hoped that same would be witnessed in forth coming elections in the State to retain power to Congress party with people's mandate.

MLA Bishnah holds ‘Vishal rally’ in Arnia town

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 6: Jammu State Morcha MLA from Bishnah, Ashwani Sharma today held a ‘Vishal Rally’ in border town of Arnia falling under Bishnah Assembly segment in which he voiced concern over sufferings of the people due to problems in cultivation of agriculture land despite the fact that cease-fire between India and Pakistan was in force.

Addressing the rally, Mr Sharma regretted that no compensation has so far been paid by the State Government to sufferers of previous incidents of Pakistan firing including casualties, injuries and people rendered handicapped besides losses caused to the crops.

No cultivation is taking place in the areas ahead of border fencing though the land belonged to the local people, the MLA said.

He recalled that the Government had promised to allot 5 marlas plot in safer areas to the people living close to the border villages. However, he said, the promise has not been adhered which had caused a strong resentment among the local people.

Mr Sharma said former Chief Minister Mufti Mohd Sayeed had also promised a special recruitment drive in the border areas but this too remained a mere promise and was not kept.

He also sought compensation for the people whose land was mined by security forces and State land allottees.

The MLA Bishnah said during his five and a half year tenure, several link roads, lanes and drains have been constructed in the border areas besides power and irrigation water distribution system has been improved. New electric poles, transformers and pump sets have been installed, he added.

As far as Arnia was concerned, he added that efforts were on to make it a model town.

Treva-Kathar border road has been taken under CRF while work was on in several link roads.

Mr Sharma urged the Government to extend the provision of reservation to the people living on International Border (IB) on the pattern of Actual Line of Control (ALC).

No external power to be tolerated in
J&K's internal affairs: Vakil

Excelsior Correspondent

BARAMULLA, Apr 6: Social Welfare Minister Abdul Gani Vakil on Sunday said that solution to Kashmir issue lies in political discourse within India. "No external power will be allowed to interfere in our internal affairs", he added.

Addressing a public meeting at Repan in Rafiabad, the Minister said Congress party favours involvement of all political parties and shades of thought in the resolution process of State’s problems through reconciliation and consensus.

"Everybody in a democratic set up is free to express his views but that expression should not reflect opinion of external forces", he said and added that people and their representatives were the only stakeholders of peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir.

Mr.Vakil also referred to measures taken by the Government to tackle corruption in the State. He said State Vigilance Organization was mobilized with strong legal back up for rooting out graft and purge administration from unscrupulous elements.

He said that Government also succeeded in safeguarding human rights in the State. Security forces were sensitized and directed to avoid harassment to innocent civilians while combating militancy. This has resulted in the remarkable reduction in rights’ violation.

The Minister also laid foundation stones for twin parks at Mazbug and Nowpora villages. He also distributed Rs 20 lakh among 200 beneficiaries of Rafiabad and Sopore tehsils under National Family Welfare Scheme.

He also announced setting up of Yatim Khana for rehabilitation of orphans in Reban village of Rafiabad and asked people to donate land for the purpose.

Speaking on the occasion, Sports Minister Haji Nisar Ali said that Government was serious in introducing Rehbar-e-Khel scheme (ReK) in the sports sector. The step, he said, would open employment avenues for trained physical education youth besides promoting sports activities in the State.

Among others, MLA Khem Lata Wakhloo, Youth Congress President Mohammad Amin Bhat and General Secretary Congress Amrina Badar addressed the gathering.

Natrang stages Dogri play "Kolen Diyaan Lakeeran"

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 6: As a part of its initiative to encourage young directors, Natrang today staged "Kolen Diyan Lakeeran", a Dogri play written by late Narinder Khajuria and directed by Dimple Sharma and Mohit Sharma, a pair of young directors.

The play depicted the story of an era when marriages in the hilly areas of Jammu were arranged either by exchange or purchase of girls.

The story of the play was focussed on a Subedar (Government Official), who entered into a contract to buy a young widow at the cost of Rs ten thousand and deputed his Hawaldar (his subordinate) to bring her to the town.

The Hawaldar, who went to bring the young widow, in the process, fell into love with the women after being impressed with her behaviour. Thereafter, he started cursing his boss, who bought her for Rs ten thousand.

On their way back, the Hawaldar got extremely angry with his boss on seeing him at the mid of the journey. He took the matter otherwise and remarked over his character but, surprised to know that the Subedar had bought the widow for him.

Those who performed in the play included Gaurav Jamwal, Dimple Sharma, Kamakshi Pattayal, Pawan Verma and Sajara Qadir. The leaders were designed by Mohit Sharma and executed by Rahul Singh and Pankush Verma, while Rohit Verma designed the sound effects and Mohd Yasin executed the sets.

Facets of 'Devi' exhibited

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 6: Devi-an art exhibition of Govind Kour, organized by J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages (JKAACL) was inagurated by Member of Parliament TS Bajwa here today at Kala Kendra.

As many as twenty artefacts including drawings, paintings as well as sculptures in different elements were put on display for the onlookers. Speaking about her art work, the artist said that most of her work is related to the people's faith in "Maan-the devine feminine power in Hindu mythology, which has many facets like Kaali, Saraswati etc."

Secretary JKAACL, Rafeeq Masoodi, president Dogri Sanstha, Lalit Mangotra were the main guests present on the occasion.

S R Public School organizes seminar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 6: S R Public School today organized a seminar cum career counselling session for creating awareness among the students in the competitive world.

The seminar was attended by a large number of students, parents and other educationists of the region. In the beginning, the parents were asked to fill the say forms aimed at identifying key potential of their wards.

Ms Neena Sharma, vice principal of the school, made an audio-visual presentation on career exploration and planning modules involving discussion with students and parents to find out aptitude and aspirations of each student.

She emphasized upon the need for availability of comprehensive study material, personalized coaching, research and development for the overall grooming of a child. The presentation was followed by one to one interactions and doubt-clearing session.

Earlier, Sonika Gupta, HoD English, in her welcome address, highlighted the significance of exploration and counselling exercises in discovering the natural career inclinations of a child. The seminar concluded with vote of thanks by Parveen Kumar Sharma, school chairman.

'Guru-Geeta' recitation competition held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 6: To mark first Navratra, Bhagavaan Gopinathji Trust held its annual function at Udaywala which was attended by a huge congregation of devotees. The function was presided over by a religious scholar, Bimla Raina.

On the occassion, a 'Guru-Geeta' recitation competition was held to promote teachings of religion among the youth. Pyare Hatash, Prof ON Chrangoo and Man Mohan Jyotshi were the jury members.

In the junior category, Ajay Bhat bagged first prize whereas Arun Koul and Sumedha Mujoo won the second and third prizes respectively. Similarly, in the senior category, Nikhil Tikoo, Sheeba Wali and Sakshi Tikoo won the first, second and third prizes respectively.

Certificate of merit as well as Bhagavad Gita were presented to the winners in each category.

On the occasion, a CD and cassette of Guru-Geeta was also released. In her formal address, Mrs Raina appreciated the efforts of trust for making youth aware of the religion through such innovative ways.

Jora inaugurates community hall

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 6: Minister for Industries and Commerce Nawang Rigzin Jora today inaugurated a community hall at Kuyul Katley constructed by Rural Development Department under Border Area development Programme (BADP). He announced to provide Rs one lakh out of his Constituency Development Fund for the development of Kuyul.

Responding to the people’s demands, Mr. Rigzin Jora assured to make Diesel Generator set functional at Tsaga, Rongo and Allay within a week. At Kuyul, the people demanded a DG set for electricity. He assured to provide one DG set. People also demanded construction of road from Coma to Kuyul and Demjok.

At Anlay, Kuyul, Tsaga, Rongo, Mudh and Niddar, the Minister interacted with the people and assured about the availability of facilities like ration, medicine, old age pension and drinking water etc.

On his way to Chumathang, Mr. Jora also inspected the hospital and school hostel at Nyoma.

Coalition Govt failed on all fronts: Slathia

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 6: Former Minister and senior National Conference leader Surjit Singh Slathia today lambasted the coalition Government for its failure to redress the grievances of the farmers.

Addressing public meetings at village Gadwal and Mahalshah in Vijaypur constituency, Mr Slathia said "the Coalition Government is not bothered about the poor farmers, who suffered a lot due to drought like situation".

He demanded that the Government should give compensation to the farmers especially those in Kandi belt and conduct survey vis-a-vis losses suffered by the farmers due to drought.

The Government has failed to provide irrigation facilities to the farmers resulting into strong resentment among them, he alleged and said that development projects which were initiated by the previous National Conference Government have come to standstill due to the inept handling by the Coalition partners.

"Only hype is being created about the massive development and nothing is visible on ground", he further alleged and said that had the thousands of crores of rupees given by the Central Government to the State, been utilized properly there would have been massive development across Jammu and Kashmir.

The Government has also failed to check unemployment which has been rising during the past five years, Mr Slathia said and added that the policy of contractual appointments has been spoiling the future of the educated youth.

He asked the party workers to educate the people about the policies of the National Conference so that anti-people Coalition Government could be thrown out in the ensuing elections.

Corporator's concern over water scarcity in Sainik Colony

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 6: Congress Corporator from Ward No 71, Sainik Colony, Mrs Namrata Sharma has expressed her grave concern over the scarcity of water in the area.

In a statement issued here, today she held the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department responsible for the water scarcity and alleged that withdrawal of water tankers from supplying potable water in the area has led to the crisis.

Mrs Sharma demanded that immediate steps be taken for solving the problem. She also demanded restoration of tanker service in the locality so that people are relieved of their worries.

Govt adopting delaying tactics on
employees' demands: KEEWA

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 6: Chief patron Kashmir Electrical Employees and Workers Association (KEEWA) Mir Ghulam Rasool has criticised the State Governemnt for adopting delaying tactics in redressing the grievances of employees of Power Development Department (PDD) and Power Development Corportation (PDC).

In a statment isused here, today, he said thousands of the employees mainly class fourth are stagnated at the posts since their appointment 20 years back as Governemtn ahs clsoed the doors for their promotions.

He demanded that there should be total reorganisation of PDD and PDC so taht the avenues of promotion are made for these employees.

He also dmeanded counting of entire work charge and dailywage period for the pensioanry benefits of the employees workign in PDD and PDC.

Mir said that these employees otherwise on retirmetn are deprived of amximum benefits.

He also demanded change in teh desisgnation of helpers as per actual technical jobs asigned to them, reguliarisation of daily wagers, enhancment of daily wages to Rs 100 per day.

He cautioned the employees against the disruptive elemetns among the employees who are hell bent to damge the genuine cause of workignclass.