CM inspects Siraj Bagh

Excelsior Corresopndent

SRINAGAR, Feb 20: Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad inspected Siraj Bagh being developed as one among the largest Tulip gardens in the world at the foot hills of Zabarwan overlooking the famous Dal lake.

The Chief Minister while visiting the whole area issued certain instructions to Director Floriculture Dr. Sarwar Naqash for further improvement of this prestigious Tulip garden. As many as 12 lakh Tulip bulbs would be ready by first week of April in the garden which is being developed over 100 kanals of land. The total area of Siraj Bagh is 600 kanals and it is planned to be developed as a all season garden.

Mr. Azad directed the authorities for leveling various sections of the Tulip garden and maintaining the ornamental trees. He asked for completing the work within one month before the garden is thrown open for visitors.

He also suggested for preparing sitting place in the centre of the garden for the entertainment of the visitors which would add another attraction for them.

Meanwhile, Mr Azad visited Hokersar wetland. He gave on the spot instruction for better management of the wetland so as to promote eco-tourism, adding the wetland has the potential to become an attraction for tourists visiting Gulmarg.

The Chief Minister directed the concerned officers to remove encroachments. He said that the wetland must be managed and maintained properly as it is an ideal destination for bird-watchers.

He said efforts were needed for creating a suitable habitat for various bird species which migrate from across the globe to this sanctuary.

Governor, CM greet people on Guru Ravi Dass Jayanti

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 20: Governor, Lt. General (Retd) S K Sinha and Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad have greeted the people on the birth anniversary of Guru Ravi Dass Ji. 

In a message, the Governor said that Guru Ravi Dass was one of the great saints of India who championed the cause of the oppressed and made a significant contribution to India's spiritual ethos. He said that the teachings of Saint Ravi Dass Ji had won the hearts of millions because of his unique simplicity and that by advocating a classless society. Guru Ji sought to ameliorate the lot of the down trodden and the poorest of the poor. 

General Sinha expressed the hope that the teachings and message of Guru Ravi Dass Ji would inspire the people to overcome the divisive forces in our society.

In a message, the Chief Minister said that best way of paying tributes to Guruji is to contribute for strengthening secular ethos, brotherhood and amity.

Mr. Azad prayed for peace and prosperity for the people of the State on the occasion.

Post snowfall situation tackled effectively: CS

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Feb 20: Chief Secretary B.R. Kundal has called upon the officers to be more responsive and prepared to meet the exigency that may arise in the event of any natural calamity.

Lauding the dedicated efforts put in by the divisional administration in restoring essential supplies and services as also road connectivity within the shortest possible time after the recent heavy snowfall in the Valley, he said it has to work with the same spirit in future as well.

Taking in-depth and exhaustive review of post snowfall scenario, physical and financial achievements under various sectors at a high level meeting here today, the Chief Secretary announced release of rupees one crore for replacement of worn out and damaged electric poles. He also sanctioned Rs. 80 lakh to meet expenditure on snow clearance.

Commissioner-Secretary Finance, B.B. Vyas, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Mehboob Iqbal, IGP Kashmir, all the Valley Deputy Commissioners, Chief Engineers of various disciplines and heads of departments attended the meeting.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir gave a detailed resume about the measures taken by divisional administration to cope with the post snowfall situation in the Valley. He said 15 deaths were reported as a result of heavy snowfall while 50 persons were injured, 600 structures partially damaged and 60 got fully damaged. He said that the traffic plied normally on trunk routes despite heavy snowfall while the road connectivity in tehsil and block headquarters was restored within two to three days. He said the divisional as well as district administration swung all its men and machinery into action to restore power supply, water, road connectivity and essential supplies.

The meeting was informed that about 65 to 70 per cent financial and physical achievements have been registered under district plan in the Valley districts so far which is expected to swell to about 95 per cent by end of current fiscal year.

The Chief Secretary while taking note of bulk posts of teachers lying vacant in Ganderbal district, directed the Deputy Commissioner to start recruitment process of vacant posts of teachers on contractual basis.

He directed to speed up the transfer of jurisdiction and activities to the concerned departments falling in the newly carved out districts to facilitate immediate disposal of cases relating to these areas.

The meeting also reviewed the performance of PHE, Irrigation, Mechanical Engi-neering, Social Welfare, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, Medical College Srinagar and took numerous decisions to further streamline it.

Environment Committee inspects fuel outlets in Jammu city

Excelsior Corresopondent

JAMMU, Feb 20: The Environment Committee (EC) of Legislative Assembly has called for coordinated efforts to check the menace of pollution and stringent measures for conserving the environment in the State. The Committee has maintained that environment is degrading substantially every where and has become a matter of concern for entire world, in view of this, coordinated effort at various levels are required for eco-conservation and protection.

The Environment Comm-ittee, which met here today under the chairmanship of MLA Ali Mohammad Sagar reviewed the overall scenario of environment and measures initiated for its protection by various agencies.

The Committee stressed upon Pollution Control Board, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department and other concerned agencies to establish a well-knit mechanism for checking fuel and lubricant adulteration, adding that these agencies should undertake frequent inspections of various oil companies’ outlets and lift samples for testing in laboratories. The defaulters should be booked under law. The Committee stressed for regular monitoring by the concerned agencies for checking fuel adulteration, which is major cause of vehicular pollution.

Making a special mention of Bhure Lal Committee’s Report (an Expert Committee constituted by the Government of India, Ministry of Environment) on environment which has indicated that major cause of pollution in Jammu and Kashmir is adulterated fuel used by vehicles and has recommended stringent measures for checking it. The Committee asked the agencies to implement the recommendations of the Expert Committee in letter and spirit.

The Committee was briefed by Chairman, State Pollution Control Board, Dr. C.M.Seth, Director CAPD Jammu Mahmood Rana and R.K.Gupta, State level Coordinator-cum-Senior Divisional Manager, Indian Oil Corporation about the steps taken for checking the adulteration of fuels. The meeting was told that oil companies have deployed three Mobile Vans fitted with modern equipment and technical experts for testing of fuels and lubricants. These vans are conducting regular tests of samples lifted from various outlets.

Later, the Committee conducted on-spot inspection of various petrol pumps in the city and lifted samples of petrol and diesel for testing. The samples would be tested by company’s Mobile Lab and Forensic Science Laboratory simultaneously.

Legislators Qaiser Jamsheed Lone, Ghulam Raza, Shanti Devi, Mohammad Sarfraz Khan, officers of State Pollution Control Board, Assembly Secretariat and representatives of various oil companies were also present in the meeting.

2-day workshop on PNDT Act concludes

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 20: Two-day workshop was held in the department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Jammu under the auspices of National Rural Health Mission Directorate of Family Welfare and RECT State on February 19 and 20.

On the inaugural day Media workshop was held in which eminent media personnel participated and deliberated about various aspects of PNDT Act and its implementation in Jammu and Kashmir State. On the second day today re-orientation of the appropriate authorities under the PNDT Act was held. The participants included senior officers of department of Health, RECT and Family Welfare.

Dr. Elizabeth Valliked, Professor and Head, Gynecolog-ical Oncology, St. John Medical College, Banagalore and Dr. Sabu G eorge from Delhi were the outside experts who spoke on the issues of Medical Ethics and Basic concepts and introduction to sex selection.

Secretary Health and Medical Education K. B. Jandial and Dr. Rajinder Singh, Principal and Dean GMC Jammu attended the valedictory function today and interacted with the participants on the issues related to female foeticide and PNDT Act, its status and implementation in the State.

On the occasion, Mr. Jandial emphasized upon the health officers to make wide publicity of PNDT Act through electronic and print media besides involving religious preachers and public representatives for awaring general masses about the impact of declining sex ratio in the society.

Dr. Abduyl Hamid, Director, RECH and Family Welfare Dr. Vijay Mengi, HOD Community Medicine, Dr. D. S. Jamwal and other faculty members of the department participated actively in the workshop.

International Conference on "Oil and Gas Hunt" inaugurated
Cooperation in hydrocarbon exploration
to improve Indo-Pak ties: VC

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 20: "The regional cooperation in the field of hydrocarbon exploration between India and Pakistan will further improve the bilateral ties between the two nations", expressed Vice Chancellor University of Jammu (JU), Prof. Amitabh Mattoo while speaking during the inaugural function of International Conference on "Hunting for Old Oil and Gas" at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium of the university.

Prof. Mattoo further said that such a cooperation would not only pave the way for successful exploration in the region but also help in improving the bilateral relations effectively. He also stressed for using the energy resources judiciously and explore new frontiers of energy.

Meanwhile, in a message to Vice Chancellor, the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has congratulated the JU for organizing such a conference here in cooperation with Maghreb Petroleum Research Group at University College London and Cambridge University.

He also expressed hope that the conference will lead to generation of new ideas and opportunities for research collaboration between academia and the industry.

Earlier, the conference was declared open with the lighting of traditional lamp by the chief guest Dr. Alan Smith from University of Cambridge, Prof. Mattoo and other dignitaries.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Smith hoped that the conference would open new opportunities for exploration in the region and other parts of the world. He informed that Prime Minister of India has also supported the conference, which is being attended by delegates from Pakistan and 16 other countries of the world.

Prof. Jonathan Craig, Head Geology ENI Milan presented the inaugural lecture on "Global Climate, the Dawn of Life and Petroleum Systems from North Africa to Indian Subcontinent".

Also speaking, Syed Munsif Raza, MD PPL Pakistan expressed desire for Indo-Pak venture in oil exploration in the subcontinent and get benefited with experience of each other. He also thanked JU authorities for inviting Pakistan oil companies and academia for participation in the conference.

Prof. M A Malik, HoD Geology presented the vote of thanks at the conclusion.

Gharu for concrete proposals to
generate income resources

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 20: To review the physical achievements and financial expenditure for the year 2007-08, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development and Co-operatives, Ch. Gharu Ram today convened meeting with the officers of Housing Board and Co-operatives.

Managing Director Housing Board, B. K. Sharma, Registrar Co-operatives G. N. Qasba and other senior officers of the Housing Board and Co-operatives were present in the meeting.

In the meeting, the Managing Director Housing Board informed the Minister that during last fiscal, the institution has started construction work of 30 flats besides maintenance of roads, lanes and drains in Housing Colony Channi Himmat, Jammu. Regarding development of Housing colony Bemina and Ompora in Budgam and 144 flats Tulsibagh in Srinagar, it was informed that construction work would be completed by April 2008. It was apprised that the execution of balance work of Model Village Purmandal, Jammu and Housing Colony, Kathua are also under progress and would be completed within stipulated time frame.

It was given out in the meeting, the department has submitted a proposal for funding for improvement and upgradation of roads, drains and parks in the existing colonies of Soura, Botakadal, Bemina, Bagh-i-Mehtab, Ompora in Kashmir division and Channi Himmat, Patoli and Udhampur in Jammu.

Regarding Co-operatives sector, the Registrar Co-operatives was apprised that 9 Poultry Projects involving a cost of Rs. 434.40 lakh have been sanctioned by NCDC for J&K State and an amount of Rs. 98 lakh have been released to the Poultry Co-operatives of the State.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister exhorted upon the officers to redouble their efforts and come out with concrete proposals for generating more and more employment opportunities for educated unemployed youth across the State.

Next two months crucial: IG CRPF

SRINAGAR, Feb 20: Asking his men to strictly uphold the Human Rights, CRPF IG (Kashmir) Sunil Kumar Jain today expressed satisfaction over the success achieved by the security forces against militants and said next two months will be crucial.

"The situation in the Kashmir valley has witnessed a sea change now against what was years ago," he said, stressing that they too would have to change.

Addressing jawans and all other ranks of the force here today after distributing DG’s commendation certificates to winners, he stressed they were public servants and whatever they did should be in the best interest of the country and public.

"We are answerable to nation and its people," he said, adding "people have great expectations from us and it is the duty of every soldier to uphold the HR and work for the betterment of the common people".

Mr Jain said about 20 years ago, nobody in the force had heard about human rights. "Now we are teaching our troops about it before their deployment", he noted, asking them to imbibe it thoroughly.

About the recent success achieved by the security forces in the Valley, he said they were ready for such encounters since November last year.

"There was information that militants will come down from the heights in the town. We achieved major success and a number of top leaders were killed," he added.

Mr Jain said next two months are crucial before the militants again shift to woods. (UNI)

Rs 91 cr utilized under Health sector in Valley: Mangat

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Feb 20: "The timely provision of medicare facility to patients is worship and performing this assignment is our duty."

This was stated by the Minister for Health and Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma while addressing a review meeting of the Health department of Kashmir division here today. He said "since a healthy society is the key to speedy development, we must prioritize this sector."

Minster of State for Health and Education, Peer Mohammad Hussain and Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr. Muzaffar Ahmad also attended the meeting besides all Chief Medical Officers and Medical Superintends of Kashmir division.

The Minister said that the present Government is committed to provide better medicare facilities to people of remotest areas of the State at their doorsteps.

It was given out that 62 medical blocks and 1290 health institutions are providing health care facilities to the Valley people. Work on 52 buildings for various health institutions coming up at a cost of Rs. 91.37 crore is apace.

The meeting was told that about 47.40 lakh outdoor patients and 20.44 lakh indoor patients were provided medical facilities in various health institutions of the Valley during the current fiscal. Besides, 14,655 major and 153548 minor surgeries were conducted while 61815 deliveries conducted.

About 241519 lab tests, 222123 urine tests, 1890 sputum, 84132 X-Rays, 26880 ECG and 43620 USG’s were also conducted in the division during the same period. Besides, 49988 patients treated for various dental ailments.

The meeting was told that 10863 eye surgeries were conducted in various health institutes of the Valley. Similarly, 6843 school children were treated for various eye ailments.

Deputations call on Azad

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Feb 20: Several deputations and individuals belonging to various areas of the valley called on Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad at his private office here today.

The Deputations of Medical Employees Federation, Kashmir, Municipal Councilors of Chrar-i-Sharief, delegation from Pahru Nowgam and Chattergam led by Congress leader G. N. Mir, Chrar-i-Sharief citizens council led by Mirwaiz Molvi Amir-u-Din Shah also met the Chief Minister.

The Medical Employees Federation leaders apprised the Chief Minister about functioning of the associated hospitals. The Federation demanded improvement in academic standard in Medical College Srinagar, upgradation of medicare facilities for the indoor and outdoor patients, better accommodation for nursing staff and filling up of vacant posts in various sections of the hospitals functioning under Medical College Srinagar. The federation leaders assured the Chief Minister of their full support for making the functioning of the associated hospitals more transparent and accountable.

The Chief Minister assured the deputationists that their demands and suggestions would be given due cognizance.

The Councilors of Chrar-i-Sharief besides other demands raised the issue of allotment of funds to Municipal Committee Chrar-i-Sharief and re-locating of Housing department at Chrar-i-Sharief presently functioning from Chanapora area. They also raised the issue of construction of Chadoora bridge.

The Chief Minister in a reply to their demands said that Chadoora and Bemina bridges have already been brought under double-shift work system as earlier their construction was going on at a snails pace. He hoped that these bridges would be completed soon.

The Chrar-i-Sharief Citizens Council led by Mirwaiz Chrar-i-Sharief Molvi Amir-u-Din Shah demanded early completion of Khankah, setting up of Degree College, improvement in Sub-District Hospital and construction of 4 km Chrar-i-Sharief Tilsarah road.

Mr Azad assured the deputationists that he would look into their genuine demands early.

Another delegation of Pahru Nowgam led by G.N. Mir (Lasjan) projected several problems and demands confronted by the people of various areas of Chadoora tehsil. Their demands included construction of one distributary from stage Ist of Marvel Lift Irrigation Scheme at Chattergam benefiting 18 villages. Mir also raised the issue for construction, improvement and augmentation of water supply schemes at Yousmarg, Pahru, Nowgam and Gopalpora besides remodeling of khuls and distributaries.

They also demanded early completion of Khanda grid station and construction of stadium at Natipora for which land is available already.

The Chief Minister listened to the problems and demands of deputationists patiently and assured them that the Government had already initiated various schemes for providing basic amenities like road connectivity, water supply, hospitals, schools, colleges.

J&K Ministerial staff to stop work on Feb 22, 23

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 20: J&K Ministerial staff of all the Government departments will observe two-day mass casual leave on Feb 22 and 23 in support of their demands.

Addressing a joint press conference, president of All J&K Ministerial Staff Association Abdul Majid Bichoo and Mohd Gafoor Dar, president J&K National Trade Union Front said that entire clerical staff in the State would stop working to mark its protest. They said several times the Association apprised the Government of the pay anomalies and requested to remove the same but nothing was done to provide justice to the clerical cadre.

They pointed out that Government reviewed certain pay scales of various cadres in several departments but the ministerial staff which is working in a particular grade have been deprived of review. They have not been provided justice. Junior Assistants, Senior Assistants, Head Assistants and Junior Stenographers and other equivalent cadres were given no look. They said the struggle will continue till they get justice. They have also appealed the clerical staff of all the departments to observe mass casual leave on Thursday and Friday.

The main demands of the Association projected included providing pay scale of Rs 4500 to Rs 7000 to the Junior Assistants, Rs 5000-8000 for Senior Assistants and Rs 5500-9000 for Head Assistants, lifting of secretariat training bar for promotion as Head Assistant. It was also demanded for the creation of Administrative Officers post with all head of departments in each division and the posting of Administrative Officer from other than SO cadre be stopped. It was stressed that qualifying service from the post of Senior Assistant, Head Asstt and Section Officer be kept three years for promotion so as to make them at par with Secretariat employees.

Health & Medical employees demand
regularisation of adhocees

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 20: Jammu and Kashmir Medical Employees Federation and Jammu and Kashmir Medical Employees Association in a joint meeting here, today has welcomed the Government decision regarding the regularisation of adhoc employees of Kashmir Division who were working against migrant vacancies especially in Health and Medical Education Department. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Pardeep Sharma and Sushil Sudhan.

However the meeting criticized the Government for not issuing such orders in favour of adhoc employees working in Jammu and Ladakh regions. They demanded that same yardsticks be applied in favour of the adhoc employees of these two regions. In an appeal to the Government they demanded regularisation of adhoc, contractual, consolidated employees working in Health and Family Welfare, Medical Education and other departments on the pattern of Kashmir Valley.

They warned that in case the decision was delayed the Association and Federation will launch a joint struggle and services in all hospitals will be paralyzed and the Government will be responsible for all the consequences.

The meeting among others was addressed by Vinod Sharma, secretary general, JKMEF and Kamaljit Sawhney its senior vice president.

Streamlining of traffic in Jammu city discussed

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 20: A high level meeting of senior officers was convened under the chairmanship of Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Sudhanshu Pandey to discuss various issues pertaining to road safety and smooth regulation of traffic here, today.

Commissioner JMC, Vinod Sharma, Chief Engineer R&B, Nazir Ahmed, ADC, Hemant Sharma, IGP Traffic, SSP City and Joint Director Information, were present in the meeting.

Interacting with the participants, it was decided that passenger sheds would be constructed at identified locations for convenience of commuters. A committee comprising of representatives from R&B, ADC and JMC was constituted to identify and propose locations for passenger sheds. It was decided that in urban areas, passenger sheds will be got constructed from private agencies on voluntary basis. The passenger sheds would be completed within two months period, before annual Darbar move, Pandey added.

The areas identified for constructing passenger sheds include Tali Morh on Janipur Road, Ambphala Chowk near Astha Nursing Home, Children Hospital at Ambphala, Rehari Chungi, under the flyover of Shakuntla crossing, on BC Road Government Quarters, Mini Bus Terminal at KC Chowk near Trikuta Complex, near Exhibition Ground/Press Club and family quarters gate of Jammu University.

Other issues discussed included Bus Bays at Ambphala, KC Crossing, Asia Crossing, Satwari, Mini Bus Stops at Panjthirthi, Kachi Chawni, Library Chowk, Ranbireshwar Temple towards Doctors Lane, J.P Chowk, Dogra Chowk, Ambphala, Rehari Chungi, Ahead of Shakuntla Crossing near B.C Road Quarters, near Trikuta Complex ahead KC Crossing, Jewel Chowk, Asia Crossing towards Gandhi Nagar Turning. Whereas possible, passenger sheds would be constructed at mini bus stops otherwise, information of routes would be highlighted on the poles, it was apprised.

He said that help line numbers be displaced at all prominent bus/mini bus stops for the convenience of general commuters. On to the bus stand over bridge near Hari Market, provision shall be made for carrying luggage by making the steel slop pathway. Traffic signals are to be installed prominently, cautioning the vehicle operators.

Vice Chairman JDA, Commissioner JMC, IG Traffic, Chief Engineer R&B were of the opinion that for evolving proper traffic engineering master plan, Town Planning Department must be involved for practical expertise. It is the primary duty of executing agency to install no parking sign boards at identified sites for de-congestion and its enforcement shall be done by Traffic police.

Improvement, widening and repair of roads would be done on both sides of Rehari Chowk, Balwinder Chowk to be completed (At Rehari Chungi), Turning near Ware House (Kala Kendra side), Asia Hotel out gate upto SRTC gate and Circular road to avoid problems at Indira Chowk.

The other issues deliberated upon include railings on footpaths with appropriate breaches, construction, re-designing of traffic circles, installation of traffic signal system, installation of reflectors, erection of heavy vehicle barriers, construction of new bus stands, parking lots, relocation of offices, educational institutions located on main roads and restriction on tongas.

Teachers can play vital role : Qazi

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 20: Minister for Forests and Environment Qazi Mohammad Afzal stressed the need for launching a massive campaign at various levels for protection of environment and maintaining the ecology balance in the State and said that teaching community can play a vital role in this direction.

The Minister was addressing after inaugural function of 3-day Masters Trainers workshop of the teachers Incharge of Eco-clubs organized by the J&K Pollution Control Board here today. The J&K State Pollution Control Board is imparting training to at least four Masters of each district of Jammu Province under National Green Corps Scheme. The Board has till date registered 5066 Eco-clubs of various schools.

The Minister asked the concerned to aware general public by organizing seminars, debates and workshops He said that Master Trainers should educate students about deteriorating environment and its adverse effects.

Qazi Afzal asked the concerned for affective implementation of Environment Act so that natural resources and water bodies of the State could be protected for the longer use of the humans. He said that the need of the hour was to strengthen the eco-clubs and making them pro-active for environmental awareness.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Forests and Education G. M. Saroori stressed the need for coordinated efforts to protect the natural resources. He said environment was degrading substantially world over which is a matter of great concern and every body should contribute to conserve the environment. He said efforts were required by the Government agencies, education institutions and NGOs at various levels for maintaining eco-system and preserving healthy environment.

Director, Forest Protection Force Vinod Ranjan, Director School Education, Jammu A. K. Raina, Chairman Authority of Environment J&K and Retired Principal Conservator of Forests P.P.Sharma and Chairman Pollution Control Board C.M Seth also addressed on the occasion.

Shakir’s album of Kashmiri Bhajans released

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 20: Amit Koul (Shakir’s album), a video CD of Kashmiri bhajans was released by JSAV Productions here at Jammu Press Club today.

The Chief Post Master General, J&K, Deepak Budki was the chief guest on the occasion while senior KP leader, Amarnath Vaishnavi, chairman Pt. Prem Nath Shastri Sanskritik Shodh Sansthan, Pt. Omkar Nath Shastri and convenor, Panun Kashmir, Dr Agnishekhar were the guests of honour.

A JSAV production, the album has been indigenously prepared by renowned artists who included Vijay Malla, Kiran Koul, Usha Handoo, and Sandeep Koul (Sunny). Besides the famous actors and actresses including Rohit Razdhan, Raj Kumar Bhat, Pummy Zutshi, Jitender Jotshi, Kuldeep Sudeshi and Seema Moti have also performed in the album.

The artists were felicitated by Mr Budki later. The function among others was attended by K K Raina, Dr A N Pandita, Soom Nath Pandit, M L Dogra, Mrs Jaikishori Handoo, Ksheminder Raina, K D Koul (Mehboob), Ravi Kachroo, J K Raina, Mrs Santosh Koul, Mrs Parmila Koul, Ramesh Pandita, S K Pandit, J K Parihar and H S Ranotra.

Mohalla Paharian Beopar Mandal
holds protest demonstration

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 20: Beopar Mandal Association, Mohalla Paharian Jammu, held a dharna at the entrance of locality in front of Government Girls Higher Secondary School in protest against negligent approach of Municipal authorities towards residents and business community of the area.

The protesters said many a times it was brought to the notice of the concerned MLA, Municipal Councillor and all associated Government functionaries to clean and replace the garbage dump from outside the gate of the School to provide pollution free atmosphere to students of the school as also people of the locality, but nothing was done till date.

The speakers at the demonstration warned that if their demand was not conceded at an earliest, Beopar Mandal Association of Mohalla Paharian would come on the streets alongwith student community and the residents of the area.

The main demanded forwarded to the authorities concerned for their immediate redressal pertained to shifting of Garbage Dump; metalling of road, cleaning of the area and providing three or four water coolers for general public, especially for students of the school.

Final phase of "Display Your Talent"
Mime, Mono Acting, Mimicry competitions held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 20: Mime, Mono Acting and Mimicry competitions were held on the ninth day of the final phase of inter-collegiate/ departmental competition "Display Your Talent" being held in Brig. Rajinder Singh Auditorium of University of Jammu (JU), here today.

In Mono Acting, Ifra Mushtaq of GCW Parade, Ajay Kumar of Vivekananda College of Education Kathua and Talab Hussain of MAM College were adjudged first, second and third respectively. Certificates of Merit were awarded to Rishi Kumar of The Business School, JU and Bhasha Sumbli of GCW Gandhi Nagar.

In Mimicry, Priya Raina of GCW Gandhi Nagar was declared first while Rajinder Singh of Sant Mela Singh College of Education and Rishi Kumar of The Business School were declared second and third respectively. Bhasha Sumbli got the Certificate of Merit.

In Mime, first prize was claimed by the GGM Science College (Evening) got the first position while GGM Science College (Morning) and GCW Gandhi Nagar claimed second and third positions respectively. Certificate of Merit was awarded to GCW Parade.

The adjudicators for the event were Jia Lal Sharma, Digvijay Singh, Dr. Jagdish Mehra. Prof. N R Sharma, Chairman Campus Cultural Committee and Dr. P S Pathania, Dean Students Welfare gave away the prizes among the winners.

RJD for empowerment of women

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 20: The women wing of the J&K Rashtriya Janata Dal is fully committed for empowerment of the women and to ensure their active participation in the socio-economic transformation.

This was stated by Gaytri Devi, president of women wing of RJD, while addressing a press conference here today.

Exposing the claim of the state Government, Gaytri Devi emphatically said that educated women were not being provided adequate avenues of employment with the result that number of jobless women is swelling in Employment registers.

Responding to a question, RJD women wing chief expressed stronged criticised the Government for keeping the State Women Commission without a Chairperson for about five years. She also made out a case for empowerment of women.

Earlier, Ghulam Nabi Forah, president, J&K state unit of RJD, stated that women wing of the party is being strengthened further to intensify various activities particularly among youth and women, across the State for the State Assembly election.

Answering a question regarding formation of Third Front in the J&K State, he said " we are in touch with various political parties, youth organisation and intellectuals." He added that some parties and political leaders evinced interest and responded positively.

BJP for enactment of law for protection of doctors

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 20: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Doctors’ Cell has demanded enactment of a law for protection of life and property of practicing doctors in the country. The Cell in its recent two-day national workshop at Jaipur, Rajasthan has passed a resolution to this effect.

This was stated by Dr Yog Raj Padha, co-convenor, BJP Doctors’ Cell who represented the Party in this workshop.

He said the workshop, which was chaired by All India convenor BJP Doctors Cell, Dr S S Aggarwal has also demanded charging of culprits with non -bailable offenses for assaulting a doctor or a medical professional.

The resolution also demanded that no doctor be arrested on the basis of a private complaint and in case of a major injury or death to a patient, the initial inquiry be made by a class one police officer and the report should be forwarded to a Board comprising of the Superintendent of Police, CMHO and a specialist concerned with the type of the case.

Maintaining that the good health of the people is a major requirement for the development of the country, he said the resolution demanded that health education should be started at primary school level while at secondary level the students should be taught about health nutrition diet and Yoga.

He said the workshop demanded that the Government should ensure that all doctors should actively participate in all activities aimed at preventing any citizen, non medical people or medical professional from violating the rules and regulations of the preconception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Tests Act.

Dr Padha said during the workshop grave concern was expressed over the increasing cost of medicines and drugs thus making treatment expensive and out of reach for the commonman. It demanded establishment of National Board for Quality Control of Drugs and drug pricing should be set up as a regulatory Board at the Central level.

He said the Cell also favoured constitution of a separate Board for control on nutrition supplements, herbal medicines and natural products.

Archana wins first prize
Prof Raghuvir memorial debate held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 20: An inter-collegiate in the memory of Prof. Raghuvir Singh was organized in Government MAM College, here today.

The debate was held on the topic " New Economic Policies Can Make India a Superpower" in which Archana Gupta of SPMR College of Commerce got first prize while Indu Bagal of GCW Gandhi Nagar and Aruna Bhat of GGM Science College claimed second and third prizes.

Nitin Kesar of MAM College and Vandana Sharma of GCW Gandhi Nagar were awarded consolation prizes.

Commissioner Higher Education, Pramod Jain was the chief guest while Mrs. Anjana Raghuvir Singh, wife of Prof. Raghuvir Singh was the guest of honour on the occasion. She was presented with a memento and a citation.

Earlier, Prof. Muqbil Chishti, Principal of the college presented the welcome address and spoke about Prof. Raghuvir Singh, who died in 2001 during an educational tour.

BJP activists leave for Delhi to participate in rally

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 20: Over 100 activists of BJP’s Mahila Morcha left for Union Capital today to participate in Party’s rally to be held in New Delhi tomorrow in support of its demand regarding grant of 33 percent reservation to women.

These activities were led by Usha Choudhary, State president of BJP Mahila Morcha. Addressing the women activists before their departure to New Delhi, BJP State president, Ashok Khajuria said though women constitute 50 percent of the population,still they have been deprived of all opportunities to prove their talent.

He said the role of women in nation building can’t be ignored and they deserve their due place in the society.

Mr Khajuria said women are not behind males in any field and if proper opportunities and support is rendered to them, they will definitely prove their mettle. The BJP is committed to ensure reservation to women and the recent decision of the Party at national level to grant 33 percent reservation to females in its organizational set up is a welcome step, he added.

He demanded 33 percent reservation to women in Parliament and State legislatures.

KPS for immediate passage of Temples, Shrines Bill

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 20: Kashmiri Pandit Sabha (KPS) in its Executive meeting here, today has demanded immediate passage of Kashmiri Hindu Temples and Shrines Bill

The meeting, which was chaired by the president of the Sabha, Prof. A N Sadhu expressed serious concern over the delay in the passage of the Bill. It said the encroachments made on the Hindu temples in Kashmir be got vacated immediately and steps be taken to check any attempt of encroachment of their properties.

The KPS also urged the Government to provide land in Kashmir Valley for setting up of Sharda University . Prof. Sadhu said such a step will contribute to reconciliation process and enrich the Kashmir culture.

The meeting also urged the Government to formulate a comprehensive rehabilitation package for displaced KPs immediately. It also demanded an employment package for displaced youth. It said, while the employees working on adhoc basis on the posts of Pandit employees have been regularized but no concern has been shown for the unemployed KP youth.

General secretary of KPS, H N Tiku demanded that KPs be declared a minority as has been recommended by National Minority Commission (NMC). Being the actual minorities in the state, they have been deprived of all facilities granted to the minorities in other parts of the country, he added.

He alleged that KP youth especially those who are not registered as migrants were facing many hardships in getting their state subject certificates and the process in this regard be simplified.

Taj takes stock of ration supply

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Feb 20: To take stock of activities of Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution and Sheep and Animal Husbandry departments, the Minister Taj Mohi-ud-Din convened a meeting of officers of the concerned departments for comprehensive planning to ensure availability of ration and other domestic use items.

Member Legislative Assembly Chenani Faqir Nath, Commissioner Secretary, CAPD, Khalid Habib, Director Animal Husbandry, Dr. S.P.Sharma, Director, Sheep Husbandry, Dr. B.R.Bhagat also accompanied the Minister.

While speaking on the occasion, Minister enquired about the ration supply in snow bound areas like Gool, Sangaldan and other far flung areas of Udhampur and Ramban districts and instructed them to ensure the availability of ration in these areas.

MLA, Chenani, Faquir Nath apprised the Minister about the problems of people of his constituency including shortage of kerosene, LPG and ration, the Minister directed the concerned officers on the spot to ensure the availability of essential commodities so that the people of the areas may not suffer.

Among others, Assistant Director, CAPD, Assistant Commissioner, Legal Metrology, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Dr. S.P.Gupta and Sheep Husbandry Officer, Dr. P.R.Kapoor were also present on the occasion.

Plus-2 Lecturers’ plea to BOSE, Govt

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 20: A meeting of All J&K Plus-2 Lecturers Forum was held under the chairmanship of its district president Sunil Sharma wherein the State Board of School Education was criticised for violating the norms while conducting the practical examination of Higher Secondary Part-II.

Mr Sharma said that two examiners have been assigned to conduct the examination of same students at the same time which showed total non seriousness and incompetence of the concerned authorities.

The Forum appealed the authorities of the Board not to repeat the same practice in the forthcoming examination.

The Forum also appealed to the Government that newly promoted lecturers who are waiting for their adjustment orders should be adjusted in the educational institutions where the academic functioning has totally been paralyzed due to shortage of lecturers.

The long pending demand of regularisation of Incharge Principals and Lecturers was also raised and Government was urged to translate its promises into reality.

The Forum made it clear that if the Government’s attitude will remain same, it will be left with no other option but to intensify the struggle.

Foundation day observed

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 20: ''Home for the Aged and Infirm" today observed its foundation day by organizing a function wherein several social workers besides member of the institute participated. A 'Hawan' was also performed to mark the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, president of the organization, Vijay Kumar Bhagotra said that the institite was founded in 1964 and has a capacity of 100 persons. "For the time being, there are 65 inmates in the institute including 40 males and 25 females,"Mr Bhagotra said.

The institute offers patronage to old and destitutes having age more than 65 years but in case of handicaps, it accomodates persons having age of 45 years, Mr Bhagotra said.

During this function, money as well as clothes were distributed amongst the inmates of the institute, apart, a community lunch was also organised.

Renowned social worker Ved Ghai and vice president of the institute Vidaya Nath also made deliberations.

257 school buildings under construction in Valley

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Feb 20: Work is apace on 107 school buildings at a cost of Rs. 33.47 crore in the Valley. Of this, Rs. 19.70 crore stands utilized upto ending January this year.

This was stated at a review meeting convened by Minister of State for Education and Health, Peer Mohammad Hussain. The meeting was attended by Chief Engineer R&B, Managing Director JKPCC, Director School Education, Kashmir and concerned officers.

The meeting was told that under district sector, 150 school buildings are under execution at an estimated cost of Rs. 19 crore, of which Rs. 15 crore have been utilized so far.

It was told that NABARD has provided Rs. 7 crore under various schemes, of which Rs. 3.50 crore stands utilized so far.

Director School Education informed that Rs. 1.21 crore are being utilized for cons