Governor meets Maj Raman's family

Excelsior Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Feb 17: She came to this world just 35 days back; got a name, Srishti- the Universe- and, of course, fame too, for being the daughter of a valiant soldier who would have been a proud father had the destiny not chosen otherwise.

Maj Dinesh Raghu Raman of 34 RR laid down his life in a fierce encounter with terrorists in the Kashmir valley in October last. The newly wed Major was awaiting his first baby, who opened her eyes nearly three months after her father left for his heavenly abode.

It was an emotional moment for Governor, Lt General (Retd) S K Sinha, who met the family of the brave soldier at New Delhi this morning. He consoled the wife of the martyr and took the baby in his lap.

The first lady Premini Sinha also consoled the wife and the parents of the young Major.

Consoling Ms Lata, the Governor said that the young Major left indelible mark of his bravery in the service of the motherland. He said that the Government and the Army would do whatever possible for the welfare of the family. "Maj Raman did a proud to all of us", he said.

Major Dinesh Raghu Raman was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, the peacetime equivalent of the Param Vir Chakra, the country's highest award for gallantry.

Born in 1978, Major Raman did his schooling in the Kendriya Vidyalaya, INA Colony, New Delhi, and joined the National Defence Academy in 1996. After passing out from the NDA, he was commissioned into 19 battalion of the Jat Regiment. He was awarded the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card in Drass during the Kargil conflict.

Posted to 34 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, he conducted a successful operation "OP Narawar" in June last year, leading to the elimination of three terrorists. On October 2, Major Raman deployed his company in a village in Baramulla district, where an encounter with terrorists had begun. While closing in on suspected houses, Major Raman heard shouts of a fellow officer (Major K.P. Vinay, awarded the Kirti Chakra posthumously) who had been seriously injured.

He crawled towards the injured officer under heavy fire and shifted him and two others to safety. He then took on two terrorists who had caused heavy casualties to the troops and shot both of them dead. The other terrorists fired at Major Raman from another house, causing him injuries that proved fatal.

"Major Raman displayed the most conspicuous bravery, besides camaraderie and leadership of the highest order and made the supreme sacrifice for the nation," said an Army news release.

Employees asked to clear power dues

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 17: Chief Engineer M&RE has urged State employees to clear their power dues by ending March 2008 in compliance to the instructions already issued by Government to this effect.

He said that it has been made obligatory on the part of all drawing and disbursing officers/treasury officers to draw and disburse the salary of the officers/officials for the month of February every year in favour of the employees under their jurisdiction after satisfying themselves about the clearance of power dues.

He urged all the drawing and disbursing officers/ treasury officers to ensure strict compliance of the government instructions.

State Govt biased against Dogras: Khajuria

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 17: Accusing the successive State Gove-rnments of adopting step-motherly treatment towards the people of Jammu region, State Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) President, Ashok Khajuria today said that unemployment among educated youth in the region is increasing day by day but the State Government is doing nothing to address the problem.

He was speaking in a function organized by Social Justice and Empowerment Cell (SJEC) of BJP at Tali Morh area of Jammu West Assembly constituency. He criticized State as well as Central Governments for their failure in checking the soaring prices of all essential goods.

He said that BJP will work vigorously in the coming days to expose the Congress, National Conference and People’s Democratic Party in the region for their alleged anti-Dogra approach.

SJEC state convenor, Rajinder Sharma conducted the proceedings of the function. Among other party leaders who were present in the function included state general secretary, Shamsher Singh, state secretary, Yudhvir Sethi, treasurer Sat Pal Sharma, press secretary Balbir Ram, district president, Kavinder Gupta, district general secretary Mohan Singh and mandal president Rakesh Gupta.

SOS International warns Govt of consequences

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 17: SOS International, an organization striving hard for getting the rights of 1947 refugees from PoK realized from the State Government held a public meeting at Sant Rocha Singh Nagar, Simbal Camp near here today, under the chairmanship of Rajiv Chuni.

The SOS chairman stated that while the State Government has spent huge sums of money for migrants of Kashmir valley, the refugees of 1947 have been left high and dry so far in the matter of their rehabilitation and relief.

Rajiv Chuni said the official figures of last four years reveal that a sum of Rs 22,792 lakh was spent as assistant to Kashmiri migrants over the past 4 years alone, while the 60 year old issue of PoK refugees continue to hang in balance, which smacks of discriminatory functioning of the State as well as the Central Government towards the hapless refugees of 1947 from PoK, who are still clamouring for their sustenance in the State.

He warned the Government that exiled community may take extreme steps in case the Government did not arise from its deep slumber of over 60 years.

Others who spoke on the occasion included Udhay Chand, Dr Gurmeet Singh, Raj Kumar Kohli, Suchwant Singh, J S Mangal, Dr Tarlok Singh, Santokh Singh, Master Dalip Singh, Harnam Singh, Dr Gurvinder Singh, Comrade Swaroop Singh and Nain Singh.

Clerical staff to go on mass casual leave

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 17: With an objective to protest alleged anti-clerical policies, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh All Departments Clerical Staff Association has decided to observe two days mass casual leave on Feb 22 and 23 this year.

This was stated by co-ordinator of the association, Ram Kumar while addressing a media conference here this afternoon. He said that the two day long pen down strike is to stress upon State Government for removing pay anomalies with in the cadre.

"While upgraded pay scale has already been released in favour of teachers and accounts cadre with effect from January1, 1996 notionally and with effects from Feb 19, 2003 with monetary benefits, the Section Officers are also enjoying upgraded pay scales but Junior Assistants, Senior Assistants, Head Assistants were ignored, discriminated and deprived of their due" said Mr Kumar.

" Presently there are 90 percent posts of Head Assistants and Section Assistants lying vacant in the Government departments but nothing is being done for fulfilling the same as a result of which clerical cadre has to bear extra work load," he decried.

He demanded upgraded payscale of Rs 4,000-6,000 for Junior Assistants, Rs 4,500-7,000 for Senior Assistants and Rs 5,500-9,000 for Head Assistants and Junior Scale Stenographers.

Madan announces Rs 20 lakh for lawyers chamber
Vakil seeks support of lawyers
in crusade against corruption

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 17: Seeking support of legal fraternity in war against corruption, Minister for Social Welfare Abdul Gani Vakil has said that intelligentsia and opinion leaders together with Government have to pool their efforts to weed out corruption for stability and progress of the State.

He was addressing lawyers at a function organized by Jammu Bar Association (JBA) at Jammu Club on Saturday evening.

Member Parliament Madan Lal Sharma, Deputy Chairman Legislative Council Arvinder Singh Micky, President JBA Baldev Singh Salathia and senior advocates were present on the occasion.

Mr. Vakil said Government has enacted masterpiece legislation against corruption with novel provisions stringent enough to tackle menace of ‘institutional graft’ effectively in the State. He called upon advocates to play their positive role in its fair implementation by rising above political considerations. "This will be your greatest service to motherland", he said.

Describing lawyers instrumental in dispensation of justice, Mr. Vakil called upon the community to extend their services to poor and needy with total sincerity and cause. He asked them to uphold sanctity of their noble profession by pursuing the cause of aggrieved and disadvantaged sections of society apolitically.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Madan Lal said that advocates were instrumental in spreading political awakening in the society. He advocated political representation to the community, saying the presence of legal luminaries in legislature and executive branches of Government was necessary in the larger interest of society. He announced Rs. 20 lakh out of his MPLAD for lawyers’ chambers.

The Deputy Chairman lauded the role of lawyers in safeguarding rights of people in a democratic set up. He said lawyer community deserves honour in the society in view of its vital role in administration of justice and protection of interests of the weak.

Among others, JBA President Baldev Singh Salathia, senior advocates Gagan Basotra, D. C. Raina, Zahid Manhas and Sachin Gupta spoke on the occasion.

Coalition working against national interest: Bhim

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 17: Hitting out at both main Opposition party, National Conference and the parties in State coalition Gover-nment over the issue of compensation to the kith and kins of slain militants, National Panthers Party (NPP) Supremo, Prof Bhim Singh today alleged that the latter are working against the national interest.

Addressing a press conference here today, Mr Singh questioned as to why Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad are maintaining cryptic silence over the whole issue. He urged that both PM and CM should come out with a clear stand. He also feared that in the given set of circumstances where more than 10,000 victims of militancy falling under the purview of SRO 43 are yet to get their due, a civil war can break out in the whole country.

While refering to the recent reported statement of chief patron NC, Dr Farooq Abdullah regarding the rehabilitation of family members of slain militants wherein he maintained that all the political parties had agreed to the proposal mooted out in Round Table Conference (RTC), Mr Singh contradicted saying that no such proposal was put up in the RTC. He also pointed out that all the nationalistic parties which were a part of PM’s Special Working Group must also oppose the reported quote of Dr Abdullah.

He further claimed that an amount of Rs 10,000 would be given to the next kin of any slain militant whereas Param Veer Chakra (PVC) awardee Subhedar Bana Singh is getting a petty amount of Rs 166 per month and added that such attempts are being made to part away Kashmir from India besides supressing patriotic feelings.

Meanwhile he announced, "Our party has decided to move to apex court right away over the issue of implementation of SRO 43 in the state, adding, "The party is also going to organise a meeting in this very regard on March 10" he added.

"The party is successfully completing 25 years in March this year and we have decided to celebrate silver jubliee throughout the months,"he stated.

Earlier, vice-chairman SC/BC Cell NC, Shankar Das Dogra joined the party fold and was welcomed by the party supremo. Speaking on the occassion Mr Dogra regretted Ajat Shatru Singh’s move of rejoining the NC cadre. He claimed that no other party in the State can fight for the cause of Jammuites but NPP.

Kashmir Sikh Sangat organises convention
Vested interests tried to scuttle
Chattisinghpora probe: Farooq

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 17: Former Chief Minister and National Conference patron Dr Farooq Abdullah today said that some vested interests tried their level best to scuttle the investigation into the massacre of Sikhs at Chattisinghpora for obvious reasons.

Addressing annual convention of the Kashmir Sikh Sangat here this morning, he said that the Sikh community stood like a rock and boldly faced the wrath during turmoil in the State in general and Kashmir valley in particular.

Braving violence the community kept the country’s old age secular character alive but unfortunately unfair treatment was given to the community even after the shameful and heinous massacre of community at Chattisinghpora and Mahjoor Nagar, Dr Abdullah regretted.

He disclosed that some vested interests tried their level best to scuttle the investigation into the Chattisinghpora massacre. Even the investigators into the Pathribal massacre were threatened for obvious reasons. Dr Abdullah, however, expressed his inability to reveal the names of such elements.

Assuring Sikh community that National Conference will always look for their interests, the National Conference patron mentioned numerous steps initiated during his Government for the socio-economic and political upliftment of the community.

Earlier, president of Kashmir Sikh Sangat Dr Sant Singh Azad said that this non-political entity came into existence almost a decade earlier by synchronizing the thoughts of Kashmir Sikh intelligentsia for the overall welfare of Sikhs living in Kashmir, Jammu and other places after turmoil.

Though big promises were made by the then administration but no concrete result was achieved, he regretted and said that this has shattered the confidence and faith of the community. He further regretted that the grievances of the community were highlighted time and again but successive Governments either gave false assurances or paid deaf ear towards the grievances of community.

Dr Azad demanded 10 per cent reservation in employment and professional institutions for Sikh community in the State, streamlining of system to issue permanent resident certificates without any hassle, nomination of one member from the Sikh community of Kashmir valley in either of the two houses of State Legislature and constitution of Minority Commission on the pattern of Centre so that minority communities could feel protected, safe and secure for their lawful rights.

The other demands raised on the occasion were proper implementation of Punjabi language in the schools, immediate end to discrimination with the Sikh employees in postings and adequate number of scholarships to the community students.

Sewa Singh, Sessions Judge (retd) was the guest of honour in the convention.

Mushtaq resurrects Shakespeare

By Ravinder Kaul

It is said that there was a time when Sun never set on the British empire. The days of the Raj are long over but even today one can safely say that Sun never sets on the works of Shak-espeare and that, at any given time, a play of Shakespeare is being staged at some place or other in the world.

The association of Jammu with Shakespeare has been longer than one would care to remember. Many of the plays that various theatrical companies used to perform in Jammu during the time of Maharaja Partap Singh were adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays in Parsi theatrical style. There is also a record of a visit by Shakespearana, the famous company of the Kendalls that performed the plays of Shakespeare in small towns and cities around the country, to Jammu. They are reported to have staged their plays in the, now dismantled, Uttam Talkies.

However, in recent memory one can only recall a performance of ‘Othello’ by Shivani Cultural Society at Abhinav Theatre in Jammu. And that was a very long time ago. The play ‘Macbeth’, presented by Mushtaq Kak at Abhinav Theatre here today as an outcome of the Theatre Workshop conducted by him on behalf of J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and National School of Drama, fills a yawning gap in the history of staging of the Bard’s plays in Jammu.

The play was conceived in the style of a fringe performance with sparse sets and simple costumes. Yet, the black robes with red waist bands, worn by all artistes, looked elegant. The sparse set was compensated by an imaginative use of lighting and various elevations on the set. The chorus also succeeded in creating the right ambience for the play.

Most of artistes were appearing on stage for the first time and that too in a complicated play that ‘Macbeth’ is. Yet, the very fact that all artistes held their own in the play speaks volumes about the quality of training that they have received during the Workshop. Of all the actors on stage, Renu Sharma in the role of an over ambitious and ruthless Lady Macbeth gave a stellar performance. Every part of her persona was involved in the role and she particularly excelled herself in the later parts of the play when her conscience starts pricking her for her sins. Manoj Kumar Bhat as Duncan was also very impressive. Mahesh Puri too,in the role of Macbeth, gave a good account of himself.

Although the Dogri adaptation did go well with the audience, yet one had a feeling that in order to assimilate the play completely with Dogra atmosphere, the names of the characters could have been changed to suit the changed backdrop. This has been successfully done so many times with plays of Shakespeare and quite recently in the film ‘Omkaara’, an excellent adaptation of ‘Othello’.

One knows Mushtaq Kak as one of the competent directors of Indian stage but in Jammu we had seen little of his teaching skills. A glimpse of the wonderful work done by him as the Head of Sri Ram Centre Repertory Company for nine years could be seen in today’s performance.

One can conclude with a quote from Purshottam Nedungadi, a scholar and author from Kerala, who jokingly used to say, " Do not be intimidated by Shakespeare. He is one of us. He is basically a Muslim from India who is called Sheikh Speare!"

There is a repeat performance of the play ‘Macbeth’ at Abhinav on Monday and Meera Kant’s Hindi play ‘Ant Haazir Ho’ will be presented on Tuesday.

Intellectuals suggest measures
to strengthen academic environment

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 17: A high level day long meeting of galaxy of intellectuals chaired by Minister for Higher Education Gulchain Singh Charak was held here today to seek suggestions and views to formulate a comprehensive action plan for bringing the academic excellence in the field of higher education in the State.

Addressing educational luminaries, which include former Vice Chancellor, Principals and Administrators, Charak expressed his desire to have regular interaction with all the eminent educationists and administrators both at Jammu as well as Srinagar to strengthen the academic environment in the institutions of higher learning and also to inculcate moral values among student community.

The distinguished guests appreciated this unique initiative taken by the Minister for Higher education for the first time in education sector by involving the experienced stalwarts in the field of education.

The issues raised in the meeting include infrastructural development, formulation of academic calendar, accountability and transparency, creation of more posts to improve the functioning of private sector, creation of more Directorates in higher education, to ensure coordination amongst board, department of higher education and universities, to prepare students for competitive examinations and stress on moral values, heritage and culture.

Academicians which include former Vice-Chancellor Jammu University Prof. M.R. Puri, Prof. J. R. Rathore, Prof. Lalit Mangotra, Prof. Devinder Singh, Prof. Ved Ghai, Prof. J. L Kotwal, Prof. Kubir Singh Charak, Prof. Rita Jatinder and many others spoke at length on various issues raised in the meetings.

Responding to the suggestions, the Minister assured them that all the genuine and constructive suggestions shall be implemented in letter and spirit for the overall development of higher education in general and welfare of students in particular. He also announced to hold similar meeting of academicians in Kashmir valley shortly.

J&K marked record progress under
Azad regime: Madan Lal

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 17: With the special Centrally sponsored schemes and Prime Minister Reconstruction Plan (PMRP), pace of equitable economic development in the entire State has further accelerated after the rein of Government was taken over by Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.

This was stated by Member of Parliament (MP) Madan Lal Sharma while addressing a largely attended public meeting at Rayal in Bishnah block. In his address, Mr Sharma informed that a sum of Rs 45 crores has been sanctioned by the Union Ministry of Water Resources to improve the functioning of canals for irrigation purposes for the Jammu region.

Meanwhile he also donated amount for the purchase of an ambulance for local Primary Health Centre.

Highlighting the achievements of State Government, Mr Sharma said that opening up of Forty Degree Colleges, implementation of recommendations of Wazir Commission and establishment of eight new Districts along with many Sub-divisions and Tehsil headquarters are some historic steps taken by the Azad led State Government.

Meanwhile, Member of Legislative Council (MLC), R S Chib appreciated the Budget for the current fiscal year. Deputy Chairman, J&K Legislative Council, S Arvinder Singh Micky lauded Azad Government for improving the lot of minorities in the state. He further said that Chief Minister is personally looking into the long pending demands of War refugees of 1947, 1965 and 1971.

Others who spoke in the function included district vice president, Jammu rural Shashi Sharma, Suraj Prakash, Rakesh Kumar, Yashpal Gupta, Puran Chand, Thoru Ram, Subash Bhagat, Raghunandan, Gulshan Sharma, Bodh Raj, Jagdish Sharma,Rockey Sharma and Jaswant Singh.

"Lekhak" showcases struggle of creative person

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 17: Under the Sunday Theatre Series, Natrang today staged Balwant Gargi’s Hindi play ‘Lekhak’ which showcased the struggle of a creative person while penning down a creative piece.

The story of the play revolves around a playwright who was shown engaged in the process of creating and writing a play. He had a commitment to provide the script in a given frame of time but he was distracted on several occasions by the visitors.

The play showcased his struggle for penning down that creative piece but none of the visitors bothered about his creative tensions and rather loaded him with their own problems. The play ended on an anguish note of writer that for a creative person prime wealth is time.

Pawan Verma as playwright portrayed the character sincerely. Others also performed included Rohit Verma, Mohit Sharma, Kamaljeet Kour and Gaurav Jamwal. Sound effects were arranged and executed by Ankush Lakhnotra while lights were designed by Rahul Singh.

Malhar teachers to lock up ZEO office

Excelsior Correspondent

BILLAWAR, Feb 17: The Malhar zone unit of Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Association (JKTA) has decided to lock up the office of ZEO Malhar if their demand would not be conceded.

The decision was taken during their meeting held today under the chairmanship of Amar Nath, tehsil president to discuss various issues confronted by the teaching community.

They were demanding immediate grant of GPF and SSA grant, time bound/ initial higher start, issuance of grants through accounts, provision of mid-day meal ration at nearest sale depot etc.

Others also present in the meeting were Subash Chand (vice-president), Hem Raj (general secretary), Kasturi Ram, Akhtar Ali, Shiv Kumar etc.

Gujjars oppose ST status to Pahari speaking people

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 17: Gujjar and Bakerwal Joint Forum has served an ultimatum to the leaders of PDP and NC who have been pursuing agenda of ST status to non-tribal Pahari speaking people to shun their anti-tribal Gujjar policies or remain prepared to face wrath of STs in the State.

This ultimatum was issued by Forum in the backdrop of 10 legislatures of PDP and NC having met the Prime Minister demanding ST status for Pahari Speaking people in the State. The group was led by Deputy CM, Muzaffar Hussain Beig.

The Forum chairman stated that community is spread over 13 constituencies and have sent 30 legislators in the State Assembly have decisive factor and cutting edge has threatened to boycott both the regional parties PDP and NC in the ensuing Assembly polls, in case the Government continued with its anti-tribal policies in the State.

The Forum has sent a strong worded letter to the PDP Patron Mufti Mohd Sayeed and NC Patron Dr Farooq Abdullah, demanding a hold and check against anti-Gujjar activities of the legislatures and functionaries of both these parties. It threatened to launch State wide agitation and expose the legislatures belonging to NC and PDP who have been elected with active support of Gujjars of the State, but were working against constitutional safeguards and genuine interests of the tribal nomad Gujjars, which constitutes third largest ethnic entity of the State having 20 to 25% population.

Akhand Yoga organizes 18th one-day workshop

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 17: Akhand Yoga organized its 18th one day workshop on ‘secret of true living’ at Brahman Sabha today in which a large number of people from all walks of life participated.

Founder of Akhand Yoga Dr Sunil Vasishth spoke at length on the topic and initiating participants in various psycho-spiritual techniques of Akhand Yoga, he said, " Saubhagya-Wardhani Kriya, Bhava Sidhi, Shakti Kriya, Shaktipata and Akhand Samadhi help in effective creation and management of of genuine wealth, by enabling us harmonize with the Universal Energy and channelize the same for creative purposes".

Earlier Pawanesh Abrol, organizer, in his address commented, " Yoga brings about an all round improvement in almost every facet of life, including wealth and financial power, that are so vital for the survival, progress and development of an individual as also the nation".

Offering various tips for effective creation and management of wealth, financial consultant Ashish Mahajan said, "wealth is vital for enhancing over-all performance and productivity of the individual".

Others who spoke included Dr Rashi Abrol while Mrs Anuradha Puri presented vote of thanks.

MP inaugurates additional
accommodation of Government school

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Feb 17: The Member Parliament, Ch. Lal Singh inaugurated additional accommodation of Government High School, Salmehri near Udhampur last evening. A specious class room constructed at a cost of Rs. 2 lakh under MP fund has fulfilled the long pending demand of the people of the locality.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Singh asked the general public to actively participate in development process and keep a close coordination with the development agencies for speedy execution of works in their respective areas. He stressed upon the people to always keep close eye on the quality of various works being executed and added that there would be no compromise on the quality of the works.

Mr Singh said that central Government has launched various poverty alleviation schemes especially for the poor masses to raise their economic status and called upon them to come forward and take maximum benefits out of these schemes.

Cautioning the people about the ill effects of chewing tobacco and smoking, the M.P. asked the people to refrain from such bad habits for their healthy body and bright future.

The general public through their representatives put forth various demands including repair of old school building, up gradation of girls primary school, Salmehri, provision of two hand pumps, metalling and black topping of road from Krimachi to Salmehri.

The Member Parliament assured the gathering that their all genuine grievances would be redressed soon on priority.

Govt committed to revive Co-operative sector: Zargar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 17: Minister for Co-operatives and Agriculture, Abdul Aziz Zargar has said that Government has taken several measures to revive the co-operative sector in the State, but it is only possible when the people running co-operative institutions extend full support to accomplish the objective.

The Minister was speaking at a convention of Citizen Co-operative Bank Subordinate Staff Association (CCBSSA) held here today. Secretary All India Trade Union Congress, (AITUC) G.L.Dhar and senior functionaries of the Citizen Co-operative Bank were present on the occasion.

Mr Zargar said co-operative movement has a long history in the State aimed to improve the economy of the farming community by way of providing timely loans for fetching seeds, fertilizers and allied inputs. He said the need of hour is to extend loan facilities to the people living in rural areas for setting up small units, adding that co-operative institutions should launch awareness campaign in rural areas about the schemes of the institutions.

The Minister said that Government is committed to improve the work culture in the State and bring new hopes for the employees working in the Government or public sector. He said employees working in the cooperative institutions should work with full dedication and honestly to make the organization financially sound and strong as the financial stability of the organization would percolate down to its employees directly.

The Minister said that Government is trying its best to explore the employment avenues to curb unemployment in the State, adding that new projects in Power Sector had been identified. He said work on certain projects had been started and some new projects are being started. Zargar said this will not only generate employment avenues but State will over come on the electricity problems to a large extent.

Secretary, AITUC also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the problems of the employees working in the public sector. He sought Government support for mitigated the problems of the employee’s particularly labour section which are the worst sufferers.

Human Right Watch highlights people’s problems

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 17: J&K Human Rights Watch (HRW), while highlighting problems of common people in both the provinces of Jammu and Kashmir, has alleged that the coalition Government upon which all eyes were set for good governance, have miserably failed to come upto the expectations of the people.

This was stated by the chairman of the J&K Human Rights Watch Chairman, B L Kapoor while interacting with media persons here today. He said surrendered militants continue to be harassed by police on one pretext or the other, while the menace of unemployment has assumed alarming proportions and the Government was desired to make a transparent recruitment policy to do away with mal-practices, and create more employment avenues.

Kapoor said initially the working of the Government looked very encouraging and as per Chief Minister J&K is second honest State in the country, he questioned why the State could not become Number One in India and suggested that Government should formulate some mechanism to check corruption and expel the corrupt ministers and bureaucrats, as the poor man was crushed due to corruption while on the other hand Government was imposing more and more taxes.

The HRW chairman desired from the Government to come out with a comprehensible report about the persons reported missing for the past 14 or 15 years in the State, who have either been declared missing or not traced.

The militants who were arrested or released by the army or police were still harassed by police and are still put on rolls of the police or army and are needed to show their presence at concerned police stations, which amounts to their physical as well as mental harassment, said Kapoor.

Other representatives of J&K Human Rights Watch present on the occasion were Ishtiyaq Rasool Shah (provincial general secretary, Kashmir), Sofi Mohd Fazil district president Rajouri, Altaf Hussain Mir incharge district Pulwama and various active workers.

Upgrade services at Udhampur Railway Station

The people of Udhampur conving to the authorities of the Railways that there is an urgent need to increase quota for Udhampur in Utter Sampark Kranti Express. At present there are only four seats in AC-III tier and two seats in AC-II tier in the train as well as in 0404 (Delhi-Udhampur inter city train). This falls short of the demand and need for the people of Udhampur. No Tatkal services are available. Reservation charts are not displayed. This puts passenger to lot of inconvenience as they do not know which train to board or not. Current reservations are also disallowed from Udhampur. There are no food stalls, cloak room or PCO etc at the railway station. We hope that the Railway authorities will pay due attention to these problems.

Vishwa Nath Sudan
Udhampur

Repair drain in Patoli Mangotrian

On the main road of Patoli Mangotrian there is a drain hardly 100 feet long. It is in such a state that it is reduced to a Kachi Nali. It has never been repaired for the last three decades Municipal Committee Jammu is requested to repair this stretch of drain as soon as possible.

M L Handoo
Patoli Jammu

Do justice with GP Fund subscribers

G P Fund subscribers are always suffering in the State. A news item published in this paper (Feb 2) about GP Fund vouchers of eleven crore missing is an eye opener. It is unfortunate that after putting in years of service when an employee retires he finds that either his GP Fund account is incomplete or has missing credit. He is asked to furnish many non drawal certificates or statements signed from the officer where he had worked years before.

It is sad that the retiree is made to suffer for no fault of his. It is the duty of the concerned drawing officers to maintain regular GP Fund account of the employees. There are many instances where a retiree died but his GP Fund still remained unsolved. The authorities are thus requested that the GP Fund account should be computerised so that on the day the employee retires his GP Fund balance is given to him without any hassels.

Yuri Rajput
Udhampur

Hold interviews of Dental Surgeons

We the Dental Surgeons of Samba district want to convey our apathy and grief over the delay in holding the interviews for contractual appointment of Dental Surgeons in Samba District. The District Commissioner had fixed 7th Feb as date of interview. But nobody came to hold interview. Then 13th Feb was fixed as the date of interview again no authority turned up to hold the interview. We request the District Commissioner Samba to kindly fix a real date for holding interviews as the candidates have to come from far off areas. The dates should be advertised on print media so that candidates know about the date of the interview.

Dr Arshad
Jammu

Improve roads in Poonch

There is no doubt that in the last two years Central Government has opened its coffers for the development of the State. In this regard we would like to draw the attention of the Government towards the state of roads in Poonch. Work is apace on the Airfield road to Police lines. But the important cross drainage work on this road is not considered. Plumb concerete with boulders is being used to construct side drainage which will affect the life of the drainage system. Many roads in the town are in shambles. Black topping has worn out.

The interior roads of the District are in shambles. Concerned authorities are requested to kindly release funds so that road infrastructure in Poonch is improved.

Javed Rana Hakla
Poonch

Start SRTC bus service from Jammu to Ransu via Taryath

We, the residents of the catchment areas of Sunderbani request the transport authorities of SRTC to kindly start a bus service from Jammu to Ransu via Taryath. This bus service would benefit thousands of villagers of Sarhoti, Harthama, Kallar, Thand Kassi, Dhroon, Salehri and Marchola etc.... School children and employees would be greatly benefitted from the bus service. Thus the transport authorities are requested to start the bus service soon.

Keshwa Nand Sharma
on behalf of residents of Sarhoti, Harthama etc.

Vacation Training Programme concludes at BGSBU

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Feb 17: The four-week Vacation Training Programme for the students of Ladakh, Kashmir and Jammu regions being held at Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University Rajouri, concluded after a valedictory function.

Centre for Biodiversity Studies of the university had organized the programme. Vice Chancellor Masud Ahmed Choudhary was the chief guest during valedictory function. Rashid Choudhary, Registrar was also present on the occasion.

During the function, prizes were distributed among the winners of the competitions organized during the VTP. Certificates and mementoes were also presented to all the trainees.

The VTP was part of a Department of Biotechnology, Government of India funded project of the Centre for Biodiversity Studies. Under the programme, BGSBU selected 10 nodal schools representing various socio-economic backgrounds in all the three regions.

Western song competitions held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 17: In the ongoing ‘Display Your Talent’ contest being organized by University of Jammu (JU), Western Vocal Solo and Group Song competitions were held on the sixth day, here today.

In Western Vocal Solo, Shivani Koul of Government College for Women (GCW) Parade was adjudged first while Gurvinder Kaur of GCW Gandhi Nagar and Gaurav Sharma of SPMR College of Commerce got second and third positions respectively. Those awarded Certificate of Merit were Heena Sharma of GCW Parade, Ankush Manhas of K C Law College and Sheena Maini of GCW Gandhi Nagar.

In Western Group Song, the team from GCW Parade clinched the top honour while GCW Gandhi Nagar and GCW Udhampur got second and third positions respectively. The adjudicators for the events included S. Jagdeep Singh, Sumit Sharma and Digvijay Singh.

Prof. N R Sharma, Chairman Campus Cultural Committee distributed prizes among the winners. The programme was conducted under the supervision of Vijay Atri, Asstt. Dean (Cultural Affairs).

Mangat interacts with Trade Union activists

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 17: A group of Trade Union Activists from North-East states called on Minister for Health and Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma after conclusion of 5-days training programme organized by Directorate of Central Board for Workers Education, Ministry of Labour and Employment , Government of India, here at Katra today. The theme of the programme was Women Empowerment and Rural Development.

Appreciating the role of Regional Director, Central Board for Workers Education (CBWE), the minister said that the need of the hour is to organize more such training programmes by local Trade Union activists in their respective areas to aware the masses about the schemes of Government of India meant for the empowerment of women and people living in rural areas.

The speakers emphasized on improvement of economy of women, besides their empowerment to save them from any exploitation in the society. The members desired to introduce more and more welfare schemes aimed to improve the plight of the women in the society.

Among others, Regional Director, R.S. Jamwal, CBWB, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, President JK Trade Union Congress Subash Sharma, Vice President S. Dedar Singh were also present on the occasion.

Concern over withheld promotions

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb17: All J&K Class IV Education Employees Association has expressed grave concern over the promotions which have been withheld by the concerned departments for the last five years.

In a general body meeting which was chaired by Mr Dev Raj Sharma, it was decried that inspite of the fact that several employees are well qualified, they are denied of time bound promotion for the last five years.

The members of the association demanded that in accordance with the qualification of employee, he/she must be promoted from time to time.