AWWA organises felicitation function for Veer Naris

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 8: Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) felicitated Veer Naris in a function organised at Akhnoor, about 30 km here today.

The function was organised with the initiative of Cross Swords Div and president Army Wives Welfare Association, 16 Corps, Geeta Karwal was the chief guest. Mrs Karwal personally interacted with over forty Veer Naris from several villages from Khour, Pallanwalla and Jourian area of Akhnoor tehsil.

The AWWA president highlighted various welfare measures instituted for the Veer Naris and emphasized that a system of continuous monitoring of their welfare has been instituted. Mrs Karwal then felicitated all Veer Naris and assured them all possible help from the Army side. She also listened to the problems and assured to take up the issue with the concerned authorities.

It is pertinent to mention here that a large number of soldiers from Akhnoor and Chhamb (Pallanwalla) belt of Jammu region have made supreme sacrifices to safe guard the territorial integrity of the nation. The Army has taken up the cause for ensuring a better life for the parents, widows and children of the brave martyrs.

Hakeem Aslam rejoins PDF

Excelsior Correspondent

JMMMU, Feb 8: Hakeem Aslam, brother of President PDF and Transport Minister, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen today rejoined the parent party after breaking ties with PDP to which he remained associated for less than a year.

Announcing reunion with PDF Mr Aslam said that all differences have been sorted out for larger interests of the party and the people. "My return is mere a home coming", he said and added that he would render every support to the President PDF to carry forward the party's agenda of working for peace and prosperity of the State.

He said PDF would strengthen its rank and file and fight anti-people elements jointly and achieve the goal of lasting peace and economic welfare of the State.

95% increase in revenue collection by CT Deptt

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 8: Commercial Taxes department has claimed 95 % increase in revenue collection at Lakhanpur Check Post during January this year.

According to Dy Excise Commissioner, Toll Post/ Commercial Taxes Lakhanpur, Masood A Raja, revenue to the tune of Rs 990.72 lakh has been realised during January, 2008 on account of entry tax, security, penalty and passenger tax as against Rs 508.90 lakh realised during the corresponding period of January 2007, thereby, registering an increase of 95 %. This sharp hike has put the total increase in revenue upto ending January, 2008 to nearly 70 %.

Mr Raja disclosed that taxable imports into the state during the month of January 2008 have been recorded to the tune of Rs 1313.73 cr as against imports worth Rs 1187.17 cr during the corresponding period of January 2007. The taxable imports for Jammu region were to the tune of Rs 1156.91 cr while authorities avoided to disclose the figures for Kashmir region. Last year ( January 2007) Jammu region recorded taxable imports to the tune of 1026.62 cr showing an increase of 13 %.

The taxable exports have registered a hike of 18 %. The exports during January this year were to the tune of Rs 893.64 cr as against exports worth Rs 754.64 cr during January 2007. Toll Post Lakhanpur achieved revenue of Rs 174.52 cr ending January 2008 as against Rs 151.57 cr during corresponding period of last year.

146 JEs promoted as AEs

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 8: The Government today promoted 146 Junior Engineers of Hydraulic and R&B wings of the Public Works department.

Out of the total, 116 JEs of Hydraulic wing have been placed as incharge Assistant Engineers. They are-Sandeep Kumar Gupta, Rajinder Kumar Gupta, Sanjay Gupta, Mushtaq Ahmed Ganai, Wajahat Hussain, Nazir Ahmed Qureshi, Fayaz Ahmed Dar, Rajesh Sharma, Ashfaq Fazli, Ishfaq Ahmed Mughal, Ravinder raina, Shiv Kumar, Parveen Kumar Gupta, Ashwani Kumar Sharma, Ashok Kumar, Neeraj Kumar Gupta, Ali Mohd Dhobi, Subhash Kumar, A K Bhardwaj. Akil Ahmed Sha, Shamim Ahmed, Rattan Lal, Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Pradhiman Krishan Koul, Mohan Singh, Arshad Hussain, Bashir Ahmed Mir, Bharat Koul, A K Peshin, Ashok Bangroo, B A Sheikh, Amanullah, Abdul Salam, Ashaq Hussain, Ganesh Singh, Bashir Ahmed Rather, Vijay Kumar Gupta, Suresh Bharati, Sewa Ram, Gulzar Ahmed, Sheikh Irfan Qadri, Javid Iqbal, Satish Kumar, Gh Nabi Sheikh, Syed Maryam, Kuldeep Kumar, Abdul Khaliq, S S Jamwal, Rajesh kumar, Ajay Kumar Gupta, Rajesh Kumar, Javid Ahmed, Aftab Anwar, Imtiyaz Mir, Sanjeev Gupta, Munir Ahmed, Neeraj Gupta, Mohd Yousuf Shah, Sajjad Ali Bhat, Raminder Singh Bali, Vaneet Vaid, Isma Wahid, Asif Sultan, Manzoor Ahmed Tantray, Rafiq Ahmed Wani, Sunil Kumar Thusu, Harvinder Singh, Neeraj Vaid, Rohit Gupta, Imran Khan, Iqbal Ahmed, Ms Mona Bhat, Shuja Ahmed Malik, Gh Nabi Trambu, Altaf Hussain Jelani, Sansar Singh, Zahoor Ahmed, Gh Hassan Rather, Gulzar Ahmed Mir, Javed Iqbal, Altaf Hussain, Gh Mohd Sheikh, Akhtar Hussain Shah, Sayed Fida Hussain, Manzoor Ahmed Beigh, Nawaj Ahmed, Atta Mohd, Rashpal Singh, Nazir Ahmed wani, Imtiyaz Khan, Namit Ullah, Jahangir Mir, Murli Lal, Ashok Kumar, Vijay Kumar Koul, Rafiq Ahmed Ghani, Girdhari Lal, Zamir Hussain, Mohd Hussain Shah, Mohd Rafiq, Abdul Aziz Lone, Mohd Qasim, Abbas Ali, Sanjay Kumar, Mohd Sajjad Khan, Anil Kumar, Mohd Amin Shah, Khurshid Ahmed Mir, Madan singh, Muktar Ahmed Wani, Surinder Kumar, Sanjay Singh Bhalwal, Vel Singh, Suresh Kumar, Ranjit Singh and Zahoor Ahmed Khan.

Diploma holders of R&B promoted as AEs are-Mohinder Singh, Kundan Lal Sharma, Raghubir Singh, Ashok Kumar Suri, Parveen Chander Rekhi, Vijay Kumar Sharma, Vijay Kumar, Abdul Aziz Bhat, Mohd Yousuf Wani,

Mohd Iqbal Nehvi, Altaf Ahmed Qureshi, Mohd Ayub Ahengar, Mohd Yasin Nagri and Inderjeet.

Diploma holders of Hyd Wing are- Satpal Sharma, Dharamveer Gupta, Sunder Mohan Sapru, Avtar Krishan Zadoo, Opinder Krishan Bamzai, Bal Jee Mala, Kameshwar Sharma, Rattan Lal, Vijay Kumar, Joginder Singh, Ravi Kant, Mushtaq Ahmed Antoo, Mohd Amin Sheikh, Subhash Chander and Mohd Aiss.

Sanjeev Bali was unanimously declared president, Jagmohan Sadhotra- senior vice president, Ganesh Khajuria- general secretary, Amreek Singh- chief organiser, A S Sasan- chief coordinator while Deep Mehra -spokesman. The executive members are-Uttam Chand, Jai Krishan Koul, Abdul Manan Bhat, Rakesh Ram Pal, Mohd Iqbal, Susheel Kumar Pawar, Nar Singh, Ashok Gupta and Jagjeet Singh.

Mula Ram distributes IAY cheques
Reorganisation of SWD on cards: Vakil

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 8: Minister for Rural Development Mula Ram distributed cheques worth Rs. 14 lakh as cash assistance among 112 houseless families of Akhnoor block for construction of their own houses at a function held at Akhnoor today.

Minister for Social Welfare Abdul Gani Vakil, MLA Sham Lal Sharma and MLC R S Chib also addressed the gathering.

The Minister was informed that under NREGA and BADP Rs. 1.66 crore and Rs. 38.38 lakh respectively have been earmarked for development of the blocks. Besides 5 groups have been sponsored for financial assistance under SGSY.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the Union and State Governments have launched various schemes for upliftment of living condition of the weaker sections of the society. He asked the people to avail benefits of these schemes at large. He said that 5500 families of two panchayats of the block have been registered under NREGA and 4000 job cards have been issued among them. 142030 mandays in the block during the current financial year have been created under NREGA, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Vakil said that Social Welfare Department would be reorganized to provide large scale promotions to eligible officials including Anganwari workers within a month. Steps in this direction have been already initiated.

The Minister said that Azad led coalition Government believed in promotion of talent and safeguarding interests of dedicated employees. He said while the performing officials would be encouraged, the negligent and non-performing sternly dealt with.

Vakil said that serious and strong will of the present government was evident from the fact that historical decisions pending for decades were taken to benefit people of the State.

The Minister said that complete peace and normalcy returning in the State was due to efficient policies of congress led Government supplemented by the desire of people to live in violence free atmosphere. The Central Government through its peace overtures and confidence building measures greatly helped in restoring trust and confidence of people of the state in political process and democratic working, he added.

The Minister announced Rs 20 lakh from tribal sub plan for construction of twin roads of Mangu-di-Pattian and Kangar in Akhnoor block. He also distributed 175 sewing machines and 33 cheques worth Rs 3.30 lakh among the selected beneficiaries of the block.

Govt committed to establish more
small, medium industries: Jora

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Feb 8: Minister for Industries and Commerce Nawang Rigzin Jora while addressing the representatives of Association of Small Scale Industries at Gangyal said "industry is the backbone of economy and plays vital role in transforming the socio-economic conditions of the people.

Minister for Rural Development Mula Ram and Minister of State for Industries & Commerce Dr. Romesh Chander Sharma were also present on the occasion.

Mr. Jora said that the Government was committed to establish more and more Micro, Small Scale and Medium Scale Industries to promote local entrepreneur and added that under the Prime Minister Package various new industrial estates were being developed to tap the local potential.

Minister urged upon the youth to come forward and avail the opportunities for establishing their own income generating units under Prime Minister’s Package.

Earlier, the Minister also visited Industrial Estate Gangyal and inspected the functioning of the industrial units including Anand Foam, New India wires and cables Baba materials, B.T. Sports and Trivani Pencils established under Small Scale industries.

He also conducted an interactive session with the representatives of Associations of Small Scale industries. The Association putforth various demands, which include upgradation of infrastructure in the Industrial estates, decentralization of General Manager’s powers, price purchase performance, ban on export of raw material, implementation of Haseeb Drabu Committee recommendations and provision of raw material of Gypsem Industries.

Among others Commissioner/Secretary Industries and Commerce L.D.Jha, Director Industries, Pradeep Gupta, Managing Director, SICOP, B. S. Dua and senior officers of the Industries accompanied the Minister.

Zargar asks Co-op Societies to extend projects to Valley

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu Feb 8: Minister for Agriculture and Co-operatives, Abdul Aziz Zargar laid foundation of a multi storied housing project at Tawi Vihar Colony Jammu coming under co-operative sector at a cost of Rs. 21.52 crore. Under the project, a 8 storied building with basement parking, Swimming pool, Gym and health club facilities would be completed within two years.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that "the population of the State is increasing rapidly creating housing problems to the people in every section of the society. To over come the problem, co-operative societies in housing sector could play a vital role to create substantial residential facilities in the state". Mr. Zargar said several housing colonies had been developed by J&K Co-operative Housing Corporation (JKCHC) at Jammu as well as Srinagar, adding such projects were required in other parts of the state.

Appreciating the move of the JKCHC, Minister asked them to take the projects to Valley and Ladakh, so that the people of these divisions would be benefited. "The turmoil has devastated the State particularly Kashmir Valley and it is our duty to come forward with new innovated projects in the Valley" he said, and asked the management to extend the orbit of operation for which Government would provide every assistance.

Speaking on the occasion, Registrar Co-operatives Dr. Qasba said that co-operative is gradually coming back on the rails and hoped that with the active support of the Government it would touch new heights of success.

Punjabi Deptt organizes interaction with Sewa Singh

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 8: The Department of Punjabi, University of Jammu (JU) organized a programme ‘Writer Interaction’ with eminent Punjabi writer Prof. Sewa Singh and also felicitated him, in JU here today.

In inaugural session, Dr. Updesh Kour, HoD Punjabi read the welcome address and highlighted the achievements of Prof. Singh. She apprised that he holds 18 books to his credit. He also received Best Book Award from Sahitya Academy twice, once in the year 1975 and other time in the year 2005.

He was also awarded with Robe of Honour by the State Government in 1974 and honoured by Bakshi Memorial Committee in previous year for rendering services to Punjabi Language and Literature, she added. She mentioned that Prof. Singh was the first Professor in Punjabi from Kashmir province.

On the occasion, Prof. B P S Sehgal, Dean Academic Affairs was the chief guest while Prof. Neelam Gupta, Dean Faculty of Arts presided over. Dr. Rafique Masoodi, Secretary J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, who was also present on the occasion, appreciated the department for organizing such programmes and suggested for holding more such programmes in future.

In second session, eminent writers of the State including Dr. J S Shaan, Bikram Singh Rahi, H S Rehbar, Kanwal Kashmiri, S. K S Kasali and Shamsher Singh Chowalvi spoke on Prof. Sewa Singh.

Need to empower Pahari youth: Vakil

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Feb 8: Minister for Social Welfare Abdul Gani Vakil has emphasised the need for empowering Pahari youth through entrepreneurship development to open new vistas of socio-economic development for them. "Requisite capacities should be build for the purpose in them", he added.

He was chairing a review meeting of Pahari Advisory Board here this morning.

Vice Chairman Pahari Advisory Board Shabir Khan, legislators Ashok Sharma and Puran Singh, Financial Commissioner Planning S. S. Kapoor, Vice Chairman Jammu Development Authority, Director Social Welfare, Special Secretary GAD and other senior officers were present on the occasion.

The Minister advised the Board to come out with futureristic plans focusing on creating and developing assets instrumental for ensuring economic independence of Pahari youth, "To achieve this goal technical education in market oriented trades needs to be imparted to the youth. Board must formulate projects envisaging development of infrastructure in this regard", he said.

Strongly advocating grant of ST status to Paharis, the Minister assured that government would strongly pursue it with Centre in this regard. " A community, which has been co-habiting the same place as their Gujjar brethren in identical environment and social milieu certainly deserves ST status", he observed.

Vakil called for early constitution of committee to explore the possibility of extending OBC status to Pahari community till the grant of ST status in pursuance of direction of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Health awareness meet for retired officers held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 8: Retired Officers’ Forum organised health awareness meet here today.

The meet was sponsored by ICICI. The retired officers during the meet interacted with the agencies concerned with the Medical insurance and Pathological testing, with focus on senior citizens. Dr JK Sharma president of the Forum presided over the meet. S K Rekhi general secretary of the Forum welcomed the participants, speakers and the representatives of the agencies and explained the purpose of the meet so as to address the problems of the elderly citizens who are vulnerable to numerous health problems with the advancing age.

Romit Modi, zonal manager and Deepanker Manager ICICI Lombard New Delhi, explained the salient features of the different slabs of minsurance offered by ICICI Lombard at affordable rates upto the ripe age of 80 years.

Dr V K Wig extended gratitude to ICICI Lombard Dr Shiv Dutt, representatives of Lal Path Labs, Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences & Hospital, Commissioner Scouts and Guides, members of Retired Officers Forum and others.

JKNDF to contest ensuing Assembly elections : Mattoo

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 8: The newly formed Jammu and Kashmir National Democratic Front (JKNDF) will contest the ensuing Assembly elections in the state.

The Front will hold a one day convention at Jammu on February 10 to deliberate on various issues regarding the elections, said R K Mattoo national convenor of the Front and A K Dewani its working president while talking to mediapersons here, today.

Terming the JKNDF a political voice of the Kashmiri Pandits who have suffered a lot due to the 18 year long turmoil in the state, they said the organization has generated a new hope among the displaced community who see it as an important means of their political empowerment.

"The focus of the convention will be to formulate the line of action in the coming elections and seek a general consensus on the strategy to be adopted by the Party regarding its participation in political process’’, said Mr Mattoo.

Mr Mattoo said among other things the Party will also prepare a blue -print for seeking minority status for Kashmiri Hindus, package for unemployed youth, passage of Temple Bill and honorable return and rehabilitation with guarantees for the displaced community.

Mr Mattoo, while justifying Front’s decision to participate in political process, said "we will contest elections instead of demanding backdoor entries in legislative bodies".

Expressing concern over the plight of the displaced community A K Dewani said by making claims of providing class four jobs to 2000 community youth, the Government can’t absolve itself from its responsibility towards this hapless community.

He said over 10,000 KP youth retired during the period of turmoil from Government services and over 6000 business men have been uprooted and they have totally been ignored by the Government. Even some decisions taken in favour of migrant industrialists were not implemented till date, he added.

Lambasting the Government for not tabling the Kashmiri Hindus Shrines and Temples Bill during the just concluded budget session, he alleged this way it (Government) was giving time to big organizations to dispose off the temples property.

ABVP declares ‘Sunil Padha Gyan Pratiyogita’ results

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 8: The State unit of Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has announced the result of ‘Sunil Padha Memorial Gyan Pratiyogita-2007’ awards.

In category first (students of class IXth and Xth), Amandeep of BSF Senior Secondary School was declared 1st, Shavinder Singh of Tiny Aspirants Public Higher Secondary School as 2nd and Himani Gupta of Govt Girls Higher Secondary School Sunderbani as 3rd. The consolation prizes were given to Sonu Bala and Suraj Koul of Elite Public School and Abhishek Sharma of Bharti Vidya Mandir.

In category second (students of class XIth and XIIth), Pallavi Sharma of Govt Higher Secondary School Nowshera was declared 1st, Humma Humaid of Govt Higher Secondary School Kishtwar as 2nd and Arjun Singh of Green Model Higher Secondary School Doda as 3rd. Shivani of Higher Secondary School Nowabad, Meenakshi Bangroo of Green Model Higher Secondary School and Umand Sharma of S R Public School got the consolation prizes.

In total 173 students secured marks 60 percent or above who will be awarded certificate of merit. The pratiyogita was conducted in the month of November last year in which 16000 students from all the districts of Jammu province had participated.