NYKS to organise Reciprocal Cultural
Exchange Programme

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 3: Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), J&K Zone is going to organise Reciprocal Cultural Exchange Programme from February 3 to 12.

Large number of participants drawn from all over India are likely to take part in the said programme.

K L Khanna, Director, NYKS while addressing the media said the primary objective of organising the programme is to provide opportunity to the youth to gain first hand knowledge of the State.

He further said the programme would help in great deal to interact with the local communities, PRIs and the youths affiliated with the NYKS Youth Club/Mahila Mandals thereby enabling them to understand, appreciate and compare each other’s perceptions about political, economic and social problems.

J&K Rural Youth Cultural Exchange Programme was started in 2001 in six districts of the State.

This is for the first time that participants from other states of the country are visiting J&K.

JD-S to contest forthcoming Assembly polls

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 3: State executive body of Janata Dal (Secular), in its meeting under the presidentship of Dhanraj Bargotra unanimously decided that party would contest forthcoming Assembly election and come up to the expectations of the people.

JD-S senior vice presidents Mast Nath Yogi and Kulbeer Singh said that coalition Government has miserably failed on all fronts which has resulted into rampant corruption, increasing unemployment, price rise and black-marketing of essential commodities.

Others attended the meeting included Ram Rattan Sharma, secretary general, Bhagwati Sharan and Teerath Singh, vice presidents etc.

Develop civic facilities in Kargil

We the people of Kargil request the Government to upgrade various civic facilities at Kargil. Kargil Hospital needs to be developed at par with its sister hospital at Leh. Similarly a university camp office should be made operational at Kargil. The diesel generator sets for Kargil are woefully short. Kargil needs at least two 1500 kw diesel generator.

The Chief Minister is requested to kindly upgrade the general civic facilities at Kargil so that people do not suffer hardships.

Haji Mohd Ibrahim
Kargil

Stop unscheduled power cuts in Sunderbani

We, the residents of Sunderbani want to convey our plight to the PDD authorities due to unscheduled power cuts in our area. These unscheduled power cuts have told upon the studies schedule of the students who are preparing for exams. We again request the PDD authorities to kindly stick to the schedule power cuts and desist from cutting of power supply at their sweet will.

Jagdev Singh Jagral
Loharkote
Sunderbani

Repair Nowabad-Sunjwan road

Nowabad-Sunjwan road is in shambles. There is hardly a meter of road that is not full of pot holes. To travel on this road has become so uncomfortable that now people like to travel on this stretch on foot. This road caters to a huge population. Due to the poor state of this road even autorickshaw drivers do not wish to come here in the case of an emergency. Concerned authorities are requested to kindly repair this road on a priority basis so that hardships of people are lessened.

Rohit Pandita
Nowabad
Jammu

Upgrade Primary School Joura Kalan to high school

Joura Kalan, in Doda district has a central position. Besides, it has a population of about twenty thousand people. Unfortunately the area has only one Primary school. Since last fifty seven years the school has not been upgraded. We request the Government to kindly upgrade the school to a high school so that it benefits thousands of children in the area.

Public of village of Joura Kalan, Budhi, Suranga etc.

Remove garbage from Justice Lane-Sarwal

Justice lane, in Sarwal is full of filth and garbage. The lanes in the colony are littered with dumps of garbage. Foul smell emnates from these dumps of filth. They choke the drains with the result foul water of drains overflows into the lanes. The authorities are requested to kindly maintain the cleanliness of the colony on a regular basis.

Sanjay Gupta
Justice Lane
Sarwal

Control monkey menace in Akhnoor

I want to bring to the notice of the concerned authorities about the monkey menace in Akhnoor. Monkeys have created heavoc in Akhnoor. People are forced to stay inside their homes due to the fear of monkeys. They attack people and injure them. Sometimes they chase boys and girls. The incidence of biting has increased. This has increased the risk of rabies also. The concerned authorities are requested to kindly take immediate action in this regard.

Abhishek Khajuria Akhnoor

Supply electric poles to JDA plots Phase I Ploura

The plots of JDA housing colony, Phase-I, Ploura are without electric poles. Many people are constructing houses in the Colony but they suffer due to the unavailability of electricity in the area. People who reside here have to use hundreds of meters of their own wires to carry power to their homes.

Besides there is a two kilo meter long Nallah running across the Colony. It gives out bad smell for hundreds of meters. The place has become unlivable. Concerned authorities are requested to kindly supply electric poles to the area with power electricity and also cover the Nallah so that people heave a sigh of relief.

Sureshta Jamwal
Shant Nagar
Ploura Phase-I

Govt determined to create employment under SES: Jora

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 3: Minister for Industries and Commerce Nawang Rigzin Jora has said that creating Employment avenues under Self-employment Scheme (SES) is high on the agenda of the Government, emphasizing on educated youth not to follow the Government job rather to set up self-employment units.

This was stated by the Minister after inaugurating 2-industrial units established under Rural Employment Generation Programme (REGP) sponsored by Khadi Village & Industry Board (KVIB) at Bari-Brahamana today.

Minister of State for Industries and Commerce Dr. Romesh Chander Sharma was also present on the occasion.

Addressing on the occasion, Jora said that REGP provides employment not only to the entrepreneurs but also to artisans seeking employment under such programmes. He said that this programme played a vital role in transforming socio-economic condition of the people. Minister said that for establishing a industrial units under REGP in the rural areas, Rs 25 lakh with 25 per cent subsidy of the total project is provided by KVIB. The subsidy of 30 percent is being provided to the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Women Entrepreneurs under the scheme. The Minister said that such industries are established keeping in view the potential and consumption of the products at local level.

He said that the project reports for the units are prepared by the Board free of cost besides providing training and marketing facilities to the unit holders. Jora emphasized on creating public awareness about the schemes at grass root level.

Giving account of the programme, Secretary KVIB R. C. Sharma said that during 2006-07, 9387 employment were generated under the scheme by establishing 779 units at a total cost of Rs 17.87 crore in Jammu with Rs 4.68 crore margin money provided by the KVIB. He said during current financial year 572 units were established at a cost of Rs 13.19 crore with margin money Rs. 3.34 crore generated employment for 8438 persons by ending December 2007. He said 56 projects were also established by funding Rs 3.31 crore with margin money of Rs 0.41 crore providing employment to 1020 persons in the Samba district under the REGP scheme.

Later, the Ministers handed over cheques of margin money to the beneficiaries.

Dissolve Assembly: JSM(P)

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 3: Stating that unprecedented peculiar situation has been prevailing in the State due to serious allegations of corruption against all the Ministers, Jammu State Morcha (Progressive) today demanded immediate dissolution of State Assembly and imposition of Governor’s rule.

Addressing a press conference here this morning, president of the Morcha Virender Gupta said that people of State have lost confidence in the State Cabinet and the Legislators, who were entrenched in the corrupt practices. He demanded that the State Assembly be dissolved and Governor rule be imposed.

Under the Governor rule, a Commission be appointed to investigate the corruption cases against the Ministers and Legislators so that they are completely exposed and taken to task for looting the State’s exchequer.

The JSM(P) chief was also critical of recommendations of the various Working Groups set up by the Prime Minister and said that the groups were framed to appease the separatists. He warned that if the recommendations of these groups were implemented the same would encourage terrorism and secessionist forces.

He demanded reorganisation of the State with Jammu region and Kashmir valley as separate states, granting of Union Territory status to Ladakh and centrally ruled Homeland for the Kashmir Pandits.

Mangat asks youth to take benefits of SES

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 3: Minister for Health and Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma has said that Government is determined to provide job opportunities to the educated unemployed youth of the State, adding that various measures have been taken to absorb them not only in Government departments but also in private sector.

This was stated by the Minister after opening ceremony of Krishna Boutique at Patel Nagar Talab-Tillo today. He said during last five years over one lakh educated unemployed youth were provided employment in Government departments and thousands were also absorbed under private sector by creating new job opportunities both in Government and private sector.

Mr Sharma called upon the unemployed youth to come forward and take benefits of various self-employment schemes, (SES) adding that they should not run after the Government jobs but set up their own income generating units for respectable livelihood. He said for this purpose Government has launched various self employment schemes (SES) under which the educated unemployed youth could get subsidies and loan facilities for setting up their own ventures.

Later, the Minister also inaugurated an automobile workshop at Gadigarh, Satwari, Jammu and called upon the youth to acquaint themselves with technical trainings for securing easy job opportunities in Government as well as private sectors.

YWAIKS delegation calls on DGP

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb.3: A delegation of Youth Wing All India Kashmiri Samaj (YWAIKS) led by president R K Bhat called on Kuldeep Khoda, Director General of Police (DGP) here today.

The delegation apprised the DGP about their demand of releasing relief benefits to bifurcated ration card holders. The problems being faced by them and pathetic conditions of the displaced youth.

DGP gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured them all possible to redress their grievances.

Meanwhile, the on going hunger strike of YWAIKS entered into 54th day. While intensify the strike, the president said the Kashmiri Pandit youth are committed to fight for their demands and want final verdict on the issue by the Government.

He further stressed that the ongiong agitation should flared up and we will not hesitate to make any sacrifices for this genuine cause.

Other members of the delegation who met DGP were Sanjay Raina, Sunil Fotedar, Sanjay Shashoo, Ajay Safaya, Pinkey Bhat, Usha Koul, Sunil Kaul, Manoj Handoo, Sunil Dhar, Virander Misri, Ashok, Ravinder Wali and Bubloo.

Sahara Channel tele-serial ‘Mera Sasural’
has Jammu background

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 3: The 260 long episode In-house Sachdanand Productions’ new serial ‘Mera Sasural’ will be telecast on Sahara Channel from March 10 at 7-30 pm daily.

This was stated by Producer of the serial Anjana Sood, veteran actor Sudhir Pandey and Vicky Chandra while talking to reporters here, today.

The crew, which is in Jammu for shooting, said the story of the serial has the local background of Jammu and its shooting was being held at the Temple of Bawe Wali Mata, Roop Nagar, Bantalab and Jammu Bus Stand.

They said the main objective of the serial is to highlight the positive aspect of Sasural (in-laws) instead of its negative aspect as has been a trend in the society and projected by the media so far.

"We want to reform the society so instead of highlighting the negative aspects of Sasural life, we have given stress to positive side, said Vicky Chandra, Creative Head and writer of the serial.

The story of the serial is the concept of both Anjana Sood and Vicky Chandra.

Besides Sudhir Pandey, who is performing the role of Sasur, Pankaj Beri and Behari Kak the artists who have acted in renowned tele-serial Gul Gulshan Gulfam are also performing in ‘Mera Sasural’.

Renowned actress Nandita Puri is performing the role of Sas (Mother-in-law) in the serial, while other artists acting in it included Rajni Shah, Vishal Puri, Urmila, Kanetkar and Sonia a local artists from Jammu.

Anjana Sood and Vicky Pandey have so far written stories of dozens of tele serials and main among them included ‘Maayaka’ which is being telecast on Zee TV, ‘Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki’, ‘Kalash’, ‘Kundali’, ‘Kahin Diya Jaley Kahin Jiya’, ‘Mansha’, ‘Movers and Shakers’ and ‘Sanskriti’.

Besides Anjana has produced five hit serials which were telecast by different channels of the country.

Govt mulling to go beyond CMP: Qazi

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Feb 3: Claiming that present Government has fulfilled its commitments made to the people of the State while taking over the reins in 2002, Minister for Forests, Qazi Mohammad Afzal has said that the Government contemplates to go ahead of its Common Minimum Programme (CMP) by the end of its tenure. He said many more historical decisions were in offing.

He was speaking a public meeting at Kathua today.

Referring to the development scenario of the State, Qazi said people are witnessing all round development in the State. He said several projects have been completed and work on certain massive projects is in progress. He said education, PHE, Health and R&B are among the priority sectors of the Government and a colossal amount has been expended on several projects in the State.

The Government has focused on health, education and R&B sectors as these sectors facilitate all round development, Qazi said, adding opening of forty colleges, universities and upgradation of health institutions hold promise of prosperous State.

Minister of State for PHE Manjeet Singh while addressing the gathering highlighted the achievements of the present Government.

Among others, General Secretary, PDP, Daman Bhasin, Farooq Indrabi, senior leaders also address the gathering.

Gharu visits Jora Farm to assess
Gujjars, Bakarwals problems

Excelsior Correspondent

SUCHETGARH, Feb 3: Minister of State for Housing Gharu Ram today asserted that Azad-led Government was committed to provide all basic amenities to uplift the socio-economic status of the Gujjars, Bakerwals and other tribal people across the State by providing healthcare, drinking water, road connectivity, electricity, schools and colleges.

He was addressing Gujjar and Bakerwals at Jora Farm in Suchetgarh here today after assessing the problems confronting the tribals. He said that for early mitigation of the problems of these people, a separate Directorate of Tribal Affairs has been constituted by Azad led Government last year.

A large number of deputations and individuals met the Minister and putforth their demands including allotment of Jora Farm land to 96 Gujjar and Bakerwal families for agriculture purpose, repair and renovation of interior lanes and drains, upgradation of Government Primary School Jora Farm, educated unemployed youth recruited under SSA, 100-day wages job card under NREGA to unemployed youth, construction of crates along Aik nallah at Jora Farm, blacktopping of Jora Farm-Chakroi village link road, installation of poles in left out villages of Jora Farm.

Activists of different parties join NPP

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 3: Several activists of different political parties including Sarpanches and Panches from different villages of Bishnah today joined National Panthers Party (NPP) in a function held at party office here this morning.

MLA Ramnagar and Legislature Party leader of the NPP Harsh Dev Singh welcomed them in the party fold.

Addressing the new entrants to the party, Mr Singh said that National Panthers Party was representing all segments of the society irrespective of caste, creed and colour and fighting to ensure justice to the neglected sections including refugees.

"It stands proved that both within and outside the State Legislature that only we are vociferously raising the voice of the Jammu people", he claimed and said that only NPP raised the issues of Jammu in the recently concluded Budget Session.

The anti-Jammu stand of all the parties including Congress came to fore when they opposed the Delimitation Bill moved by the National Panthers Party in the Legislative Assembly, he said and added that the credibility of the Government stands exposed for its failure to fulfill the assurances given on the floor of the House.

The Government had assured that IRCON would be directed to change its policy of inviting tenders from only Kashmir Valley contractors but the assurance has not been translated into reality so far resulting into IRCON continuing with its anti-Jammu tender policy.

Meanwhile, supremo of the NPP Prof Bhim Singh inaugurated Bishnah constituency office of the party. He was accompanied by Bansi Lal Sharma, Anita Thakur, Romesh Khajuria and Yash Pal.

JCCB officers form executive body

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 3: An executive body meeting of Jammu Central Co-operative Bank Officers Association was held here yesterday under the chairmanship of Lakshman Ravinder Singh, president and national leader of Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh.

In the meeting its was decided to form association on the name and style of Jammu Central Bank Officers Association with Lakshman Ravinder Singh as president and Kewal Krishan Sharma as general secretary.

While addressing Lakshman Ravinder Singh stressed that all the officers of JCCB should contact Kewal Krishan Sharma in case of any type of problem. The executive body of the association would be chosen later with the consultation of general secretary. Chief patron also participated.

NMC asks PM to release pending DA installment

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 3: Subash Shastri, president, National Mazdoor Conference, has urged the Prime Minister and Union Finance Minister to release pending installment of DA due from January this year at the rate of 5% in favour of State and Central Government employees.

Shastri said price index was rising like anything and the worst sufferers were the salaried class people and purchasing power of rupee fallen to 23.81 paisa from 40 paisa six months ago.

He also appealed the Union Finance Minister to raise the income tax exemption limit to Rs 2 lakh in the ensuing budget keeping in view steep rise in the prices of essential commodities.

Others who spoke in the meeting included Rajan Babu Khajuria, Sunil Kochhar, Shyam Lal Sharma, Bodh Raj Sharma, Mohan Lal, Madan Lal, Subash Chander and Parshotam Kumar.

Public Information Campaign concludes

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Feb 3: Valedictory function of Bharat Nirman Campaign organized by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting was held at District Police Lines, Kathua today.

Member Parliament, Doda-Udhampur parliamentary constituency, Ch. Lal Singh was the chief guest.

Additional Director General, PIB, Bharti Vaid, SSP, Kathua, J.P. Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, Laj Ram, Chairman, Municipal Council, Kathua, Naresh Sharma were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Vaid said that Bharat Nirman Campaign is not only a campaign but the main motive behind this campaign is to see whether the centrally sponsored schemes and projects are benefiting the general masses or not.

Ch. Lal Singh spoke about the NREGS in which the Government has made act to provide guarantee of jobs to the rural people. Through this act the Government has made itself responsible for providing the job to the rural people otherwise it will pay the card holder at the rate of Rs. 70. Singh also lauded other centrally sponsored schemes like NRHM, SSA, and appointment of Asha workers and Right to Information Act.

A scintillating cultural bonanza was also presented on the occasion by the local artist and artists from Song and Drama Division, Jammu.

The Chief Guest gave mementoes to the departments who had installed stalls in the Public Information Campaign.

Later, Mr Singh held a public meeting at Kathua to listen to the problems of the people.

The Member Parliament took stock of development works being executed in the district and showed his displeasure over slow pace of progress on the development works. He said that only 58 percent progress have been made in the district on development works. Singh impressed upon the concerned officers to gear up the pace of development works to achieve better results.

A deputation also met with the MP and apprised him about their problems which were mostly related to road connectivity, unemployment, power supply and medicare facilities. Singh assured them for their early redressal.

He handed over 4 cheques to the beneficiaries of Kathua block under Indira Awas Yojana.

UCMAS children excel in Arithmatic contest

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, FEB 3: UCMas Kachi Chawni’s wonder children have done it once again in a breathtaking test of speed, skill and accuracy as also the accuracy and confidence of self reliance of children between the age of 4 to 12 who were put to world renowned pioneer and leader in Abacus and Mental Arithmatic- UC MAS at DBN School Mubarak Mandi Jammu.

A total of 54 students from various schools participated in the competition. The parents and audience was fascinated by the confidence level inculcated by UC MAS.

UC MAS Jammu centre bagged overall 5 top ranks out of nine.

In the Level 1, first three winners were Krishika Gupta, Anirudh Anand and Rohan Verma, all from Kachi Chawni Centre, while in Level 2 the winners were Vanya Tripathi and Lakshmi Myoch from Udhampur centre and Ketan Gupta from Mohinder Nagar Centre.

The winners of Level 3 test were Abhishek Khajuria (Kachi Chawni Centre), Moksh Vir (Mohinder Nagar Centre) and Mudit Gupta (Kachi Chawni Centre).

The organizer of the competition Vinod Malhotra, Deputy Chief Civil Defence Warden, presented a memento to the Chief Guest Principal Suresh Sharma.

Earlier during his introductory remarks Vinod Malhotra apprised that UC MAS is an international, certified Arithmatic Skill Development Programme spread over across the globe. He had special praise for Mrs Sonika Sethi, instructor, the desire among children to learn and encouragement of the parents of the young children.