HC allows bhandara at Shiv Khori

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 7: Justice J P Singh of State High Court today allowed Mahant Omkar Giri to hold Bhandara at the Samadhi of his Guru Mahant Romesh Giri outside the cave at Shiv Khori on February 10.

Senior Advocate U K Jalali and AAG, A H Qazi appearing for the respondents opposed the application and submitted that Mahant Omkar Giri has no right to hold Bhandara at the samadhi of Mahant Romesh Giri.

After hearing Advocate D S Thakur appearing for the petitioner and other side, Justice J P Singh observed "the right of disciple of offering obeisance to his late Guru, flowing from Constitution of India cannot be interfered with by the respondents’ objections in permitting petitioner from holding bhandara".

Justice Singh further said that holding of such congregation will not be an interfere in any manner whatsoever in the administration of the shrine by the respondents. While allowing his application, the Court permitted Mahant Omkar Giri to hold bhandara at the Samadhi of his late Guru at Shiv-Khori outside the cave on February 10, 2008. Holding of bhandara shall however be under the supervision and control of Deputy Commissioner Reasi.

Horti employees meet Financial Commissioner

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 7: A delegation of JK Non-Gazetted Horticulture Employees Union led by State president Mohd Maqbool, met Financial Commissioner Agriculture and discussed their long pending burning demands.

The demands discussed by the deputation included provision of technical grade, re-organization for creation of adequate higher grade posts, especially in the department of Nurseries, creation of demonstrators at district level, creation of posts at district level in canning training centre, proper categorization and gradation of Chowkidars as also DDO powers for block level officers etc.

Delegation was given patience hearing and assured a better deal in the days to come.

BJP stages demonstration against ERA

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 7: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists today staged a demonstration here at Shalamar Chowk against the Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA) for delaying the construction of developmental works in Jammu City.

The demonstration was led by BJP state secretary, Yudhvir Sethi. The demonstrators who were shouting slogans against the ERA demanded early completion of works in the city.

Addressing the demonstrators, Mr Sethi, criticized the ERA for delaying the works of public conveniences and parking places in localities of Mohalla Paharian, Old Hospital Road and City Chowk. He said the works in these areas were undertaken a long time ago but are still incomplete for unknown reasons.

He said the people are facing lot of difficulty due to the delay in construction of the works in these areas. He alleged that work on construction of Sulabh Shouchalaya outside Girls Higher Secondary School, Mohalla Paharian was started two years back and had the organization been serious towards its construction it would have been completed in six months.

Criticizing the Government, he said, it is giving a stepmotherly treatment to Jammu region in releasing funds for developmental works. During the current financial year the ERA sanctioned Rs 190 crore more to Kashmir Valley which has exposed its anti Jammu and Kashmir centric approach.

Mr Sethi, who wanted to know what parameters are applied in distribution of funds by ERA in Kashmir and Jammu regions demanded a probe into delay in construction works in Jammu.

Others who addressed the demonstration included Om Parkash Mahajan, Karan Singh, Dharamvir Sethi, Mehar Singh, Ramesh Sharma, Bittu Pradhan, Sat Pal Sharma and Surinder Singh.

Dental College students’ strike enters 8th day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 7: The strike of students of Indira Gandhi Government Dental College entered 8th day today.

The students, who were not allowing any patient to enter the Dental College/hospital to lodge their protest over the neglecting attitude of the Government towards them, were caught by surprise when they found huge deployment of police personnel on the main gate.

The agitating students were not allowed to enter the College premises today despite their hectic efforts. However, after one and half hour long struggle, some of them managed to enter the campus forcibly and locked the dispensary.

But the hospital administration with the assistance of the police personnel succeeded in reopening the dispensary. Some of the students were also taken into custody by the cops but were later released.

Later, the students had a meeting with Principal, who assured them that their demand was already under the consideration of the higher authorities.

The Dental Students Association, in a hand-out, made it clear that in case the Government fails to take up their issue with the Dental Council of India, they will intensify strike and even sit on dharna in the Government Medical College and University of Jammu.

Clerical staff for removal of pay anomalies

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Feb 7: All J&K Clerical Staff Association has demanded immediate removal of pay anomalies of junior assistants, senior assistants and head assistants.

In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister through Deputy Commissioner Rajouri here today by the district unit of the Association, it was strongly urged upon the Chief Minister to personally intervene into the matter.

It was pointed out that pay scale of teachers after removal of anomalies was raised from 3050-4590 to the scale of Rs 4000-6000 but junior assistants were not considered. Graduate teachers were given hike after removal of anomalies from the grade of Rs 4000-6000 to 4500-7000 but senior assistants were again discriminated. Accountants were given hike in grade after removal of anomalies from Rs 5000 to 8000 to Rs 5500-9000 but head assistants were retained at the same grade of 5000-8000. They sought immediate removal of pay anomalies.

Those accompanied in deputation included Mohd Sadiq, Chamail Singh, Tirath Ram, Bhola Ram and others.

State witnessing era of fast infrastructure
development: Speaker

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 7: Speaker Legislative Assembly Tara Chand has said that State had witnessed a new era of fast infrastructure development during the last 5 years.

Mr Tara Chand was addressing a largely attended public meeting at Khour today.

Saying that Azad led Government would be remembered for all round development and landmark decisions it had taken for the equitable development of all areas, he said that the bold initiatives like implementation of Wazir Commission, Roshni Act, setting up of independent Finance Commission and establishment of 40 degree colleges would go a long way in changing the socio-economic status of people of the State.

Sectors like Education, Roads and Buildings, PHE, Rural Development and Health have received focused attention, he said, adding that every effort had been made to connect all villages with the road link.

To improve the socio-economic status of the people of rural areas, the Speaker said that Government has launched various schemes. He urged the people to avail benefits of such schemes, which have been specially designed for rural areas. He impressed upon the youth not to chase Government jobs but go for setting up their own self-employment units under various schemes for which the Government provides substantial subsidy, the Speaker added.

On the issue of rehabilitation of Khour border migrants, the Speaker said "decks have been cleared for allotment of 5 marlas of plots and distribution of cheques for construction of shelters at safer places identified by the Government. Very shortly the allotment orders and cheques would be distributed to those families, which were dislocated from their homes during the Kargil conflict in 1999. Army authorities have been asked to de-mine the land adjoining the zero line so that the people could undertake the agricultural activities".

He asked the district officers to attend peoples’ problems on priority. He stressed for timely completion of various ongoing works in Khour block.

Mangat interacts with noted Gandhian from PoK

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 7: Chairman United Kashmir People’s National Organization (PoK) Sardar Showkat Ahmad Kashmiri called on Minister for Health and Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma here last evening.

During two hour long meeting both the leaders discussed various issues related to political situation and developmental process in the sub-continent.

Mr Khan apprised the Health Minister about his visit to Jammu and Kashmir and said "being an international peace messenger and devotee of Mahatma Gandhi his mission is to spread the message of peace throughout world".

He sought the help of J&K Government for upgrading higher education and medicare facilities to the people of PoK.

Health Minister informed him about the initiatives taken by Government of India and State Government for restoring peace, tranquility in the State and putting in place a comprehensive development programme. He said Jammu and Kashmir was marching fast towards prosperity and the people of the State had always upheld the principles of brotherhood, amity and communal harmony.

Mr Sharma informed him that State Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has offered the services for providing higher education, medicare facilities besides technical know how in other development fields to the people of PoK. "It is upto PoK Government to come forward and take benefits of J&K government’s offer", he added.

Minister of State for Health and Medical Education Peer Mohammad Hussain present on the occasion also informed the guest leader about the pro-people policies of Centre and State governments initiated for peace, prosperity and tranquility of the State.

Dr. Karan Singh, S. N. Sharma, Sanjeev Luthur, State President Trade Union Congress Subash Sharma and Chairman South Asian People’s Development Organization Tahir Manhas and S P Verma were also present on the occasion.

Farmers to get compensation for crop damage: Gharu

Excelsior Correspondent

R.S.PURA, Feb 7: Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Ch Gharu Ram today distributed 183 cheques amounting to Rs. 31 lakh to the affectees of mines in border belt of Nikowal during Operation Prakrama in 2001.

Addressing the people on the occasion, Ch. Gharu Ram said that Government was fully aware of the problems of people in border areas, adding that comprehensive programme had been launched to provide basic amenities and mitigate the difficulties in these areas. For this purpose, the Government has provided sufficient funds to uplift the socio-economic status of the villagers across the State.

The Minister also chaired a meeting of officers of R&B, Social Welfare, PDD, I&FC, Municipal Committee, PHE, Health and Education and reviewed the functioning of these departments.

He stressed on providing quality seeds, fertilizers and pesticides to farmers well in time for successful and massive Rabi cultivation. He said that the Government was making concerted efforts to boost agriculture by popularizing latest farm techniques. He informed that the Centre Government has released Rs. 4.80 crore for installation of pump sets in sub-division of R. S. Pura to meet the drinking water facilities of the people during summer season. He informed that the Centre Government has also launched National Agriculture Insurance Schemes (NAIS) for farmers whose Potota, Wheet or Paddy crops would be damaged due to calamities.

He directed the officers of Agriculture, Sheep and Animal Husbandry to arrange camps in their respective areas so that the people are fully made aware of the schemes launched by the Centre and State governments besides displaying lists of such schemes in their offices prominently.

BGSBU conducts Biodiversity quiz

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 7: The Centre of Biodiversity Studies, Baba Ghulam Shah Budshah University (BGSBU) Rajouri organized the first ever state level Biodiversity quiz for nodal schools of Ladakh, Kashmir and Jammu.

The prize distribution function of the event was held at K B Public School. Himalayan Education Mission Jammu got the first prize while St Peters Public School Jammu and K B Public School Jammu received the second and third prizes respectively.

A K Srivastava, chief wildlife warden was the chief guest whereas Prof. A K Koul dean School of Biosciences and Biotechnology presided over the function. Both Srivastava and Koul distributed mementos and certificates to winner teams.

Rs 30 cr fruit market coming up at Qazigund: Dilawar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 7: Minister for Horticulture, Mohammad Dilawar Mir has said that 400 Kanals of land at Baihama, Qazigund had been identified near proposed Railway Station for establishing a modern terminal fruit mandi. This will provide adequate marketing facilities to the fruit growers and traders of the State, he added.

Speaking at a meeting of the officers of Horticulture (Planning & Marketing) here today, the Minister said that the proposed fruit mandi would be equipped with all the modern facility like CA stores, cold chain, packaging and grading, internet for market accessibility, banking, conference auditorium and farmers lounge for boarding and lodging of the buyers.

Financial Commissioner Agriculture Production Department, S S Sahni, Director Horticulture (Planning & Marketing), Showkat Ahmed Zargar and concerned officers were present in the meeting.

The Minister said that to provide adequate post-harvest facilities for maintaining the quality of fruit, "Government has planned to establish eight CA stores in collaboration with the J&K Bank. Each store is estimated to cost about Rs. 16 crore. Necessary modalities for this purpose have been completed," the Minister said.

The Minister asked the concerned officers that in view of the Globalization and proposed free trade economic zones in SAARC, a well planned and conceived programme needed to be formulated to organize fruit shows and exhibitions outside the State and import of horticulture produce from metro-politan cities. This step would help to showcase and promote world famous fruits of the State.

The Minister enjoined upon the officers of Horticulture (Planning & Marketing) to focus on post-harvest facilities in nook and corner of the State encourage in service manpower in the department for this purpose by imparting latest training and promoting qualified persons. A well conceived initiative was needed to achieve this vital goal, the Minister said.

No end to discrimination with Jammu region: JSM

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 7: Leaders of Jammu State Morcha (JSM) have alleged that there was no end to discrimination with Jammu region and claims of Coalition Government headed by Ghulam Nabi Azad in this connection have proved to be false and hollow.

In a joint press statement issued here today, Morcha leaders Prof Virender Gupta, H B Khajuria, Abdul Rouf (advocate), Devinder Singh Jamwal, Digvijay Singh and Chander Udhey Sharma alleged that in civil secretariat hardly 28 % employees were from Jammu region while 72 % from Kashmir region and no efforts were done in last 5 years by this Government to make a balance or improve percentage share of Jammu region. They alleged that in allocation of funds, particularly in Tourism, Horticulture, Agriculture, R&B and PHE sectors major share of the funds has gone to Kashmir region.

In provincial services nearly 30% employees from Kashmir region have been accommodated in Jammu region while there are hardly 1 % employees from Jammu region posted in Kashmir. Of the total unemployed youth, 70 % belong to Jammu region. Till Sept 2006, there were 63613 unemployed youth as registered in employment exchanges as compared to 35,329 registered in Kashmir valley.

The unemployed Postgraduates were 5421 in Jammu region as against 2474 in Kashmir. Unemployed technical degree holders in Jammu region are 11,861 as against 6370 in Kashmir region. Even in professional courses, hardly 25 % of the students from Jammu region are getting seats as noticed in last four consecutive years.

Figures from Tourism department have indicated that out of funds worth 24 cr, Jammu received only Rs 4 cr share while lion’s share worth Rs 20 cr went to Kashmir during 2007. Morcha leaders said that a public campaign would be launched before elections to expose the Coalition Government.

BJP Mahila Morcha demands 33 percent
reservations for women

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 7: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Mahila Morcha state president, Usha Choudhary today organized a meeting of the Morcha office bearers and female corporators of the Party to brief them about the Party’s Mahila Arakhshan rally to be held in New Delhi on February 21.

Addressing the meeting, Mrs Choudhary said that the women constitute 50 percent of the population of the country but unfortunately they are still deprived of their rights. She said the women needed to be educated about the discrimination they are to be subjected by the male dominated society during last 60 years.

She demanded that Government should provide 33 percent reservation to the women if it is realy committed to their upliftment and welfare of women folk in the state. She said the Party rally will mount pressure to the UPA Government to grant reservations to the women without further delay.

The Morcha leaders who addressed the meeting included Mrs Mamta Singh, Sheela Handoo, Priya Sethi, Raj Rani Jamwal, Sweety Koul, Rajni Sethi, Geeta Thakur, Sureshta Jamwal, Sunita Kapahi and Rashmi Sharma.

Agriculture Deptt drivers, cleaners elect new body

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 7: Drivers and Cleaners Union of Agriculture Department conducted election of the cadre under the supervision of provincial general secretary J P Verma, provincial general secretary as Returning Officer with Keshav Singh as president.

Other office bearers elected in the meeting included Suresh Kumar as general secretary, Romesh Lal Kala as cashier and Bodh Raj as advisor.

Others present in the meeting included Uttam Chand Sharma as president, Suresh Kumar as general secretary, Romesh Lal (Kala) as cashier and Bodh Raj as advisor.

During the election all executive members of All J&K Agriculture Employees Association namely Uttam Chand Sharma, president, Harbhajan Singh, secretary, Amrik Singh, chief spokesman, Devkinandan, cashier, Ashwani Khajuria and Deep Kumar, vice presidents and member Raj Kumar were present.