Social justice, upliftment of under privileged priority: CM

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 21: Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has said that providing social justice to all and upliftment of poor and under privileged sections will be his Government’s priorty.

Addressing a large gathering at a function organised in connection with the 631st birth anniversary of Guru Ravi Dassji here today, the Chief Minister said that it will be his priority to provide social justice to the members of all the communities and ensure upliftment of under privileged sections of the society.

The Chief Minister said that country is proud of its pluralistic ethos and has produced revered spiritual personalities. He said great saints like Ravi Dassji do not belong to a particular community but are the ideals and great inspirations for the people from all the religions and sections. He called upon the people to strengthen the composite heritage, secularism and brotherhood.

While paying floral tributes to the great Guru, Mr Azad said that the best way to pay homage to Guru Ravi Dassji is to strengthen communal harmony, amity, brotherhood and secularism which is the gist of his teachings. He said Guruji always worked for upliftment or poor and under-privileged persons of the society, equality and social justice. Whatever has been incorporated in the Indian constitution was conveyed to the society by this great Guru about 600 years ago. His teachings are more relevent even today and strengthens the fabrics of secularism and brotherhood.

Referring to the demands raised by members of All J&K Guru Ravi Dass Sabha, the Chief Minister said he has already brought amendment in SRO-294 providing 8 % concession to the SC/ST employees in promotions which was earlier reduced to 4 per cent. He also assured to clear the backlog of vacancies for the reserved categories.

Mr Azad annonunced Rs 50 lakh for the construction of Sarai at Guru Ravi Dass Sabha complex, Krishna Nagar in Jammu and stressed for commencing work at the project at the earliest. He also agreed to the demand of naming Jewel Chowk as Guru Ravi Dass Chowk. He suggested the members of the Sabha to raise Guru Ravi Dass Educational Trust and assured to provide them land and also some financial support for the same. He also assured to render some assistance to the women/girls for the community and asked the Sabha to seek their active participation and raise their issues by maintaining a balance.

Enumerating the initiative taken by his Government the Chief minister said that it was during his rule that an officer (BR Kundal) from SC community was offered a top post in the bureaucracy and made Chief Secretary. Another ST community member from Ladakh region was made Chief Secretary even during Coalition Govt regime and it happened for the first time in last 60 years.

Earlier, Mr Aad was presented ‘Saropa’ by the Sabha members led by president Piran Ditta. Minister for Health Pt Mangat Ram Sharma was also present.

Mr Kundal presenting vote of thanks assured prompt follow up on the assurances given by the Chief Minister with regard to the redressal of demands raised by Sabha members.

Piran Ditta, president of the Sabha earlier submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister with charter of demands. He extended gratitude to the CM for his initiative. He also threw light on the teachings and contributions of Guru Ravi Dassji. Roop Lal advocate was honoured on this occasion. Earlier, state BJP chief Ashok Khajuria also paid tributes to Guruji and greeted the community.

Prominent among others present included Raj Kumar Thapa, Sanjay Bhasin, Tarsem Lal Khullar, Raj Kumar, Ami Chand, C L Banal, R K Kalsotra, Kesar Singh and Munshi Ram.

Another function was organised at Reasi under the leadership of NC leader Jagjival Lal in connection with the birthday celebration of Guru Ravi Dassji. A Shobha Yatra was also taken out in the town. Local administration rendered full cooperation.

NC's manifesto to have special focus on youth: Omar

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Feb 21:- National Conference president Omar Abdullah today said that his party would specifically focus on the youth of the State in its election manifesto for the next assembly elections in the State. He said the manifesto will spell out a comprehensive economic policy which will focus on the employment avenues for the youth of the state as also their skill development to ensure their economic growth.

Addressing a largely attended public meeting at Billawar area of Kathua district, the NC president said that unemployment continues to haunt the youth of state despite tall claims and hollow slogans being raised by coalition Government.

Mr Omar said that the coalition Government turned a blind eye to the problem of rising unemployment. "Thanks to the policies of the government, the youth are going astray", he added.

Accusing the coalition alliance of using all undemocratic means to strangulate the aspirations of the people, the NC president said that Congress' famous slogans like "Garibi Hatao" (remove poverty) and "Berozgari Hatao" (eradicate unemployment) remained confined to papers and people especially youth have been left at the mercy of God" .

."We have been working on a special programme for the unemployed youth which include educated, uneducated and skilled one so that the state can take the path of development and prosperity", Mr Omar said.

He said that National Conference will ensure stability, peace, progress and development to the people if voted to power. To accelerate economic development and to provide opportunity to the educated unemployed youth, the NC would launch special programmes and policies across the state, he said adding, "The policy of my party for the unemployed youth would be highlighted in detail in the election manifesto, which we will release before the polls"..

He said, "We don't make false promises or raise hollow slogans for petty political gains but yes I assure you that NC, if voted to power, would work for the welfare of the people and would be transparent, clean and honest".

Emphasis, he said, would be on equitable development of all regions, especially the backward and far-flung areas where tourism potential would be harnessed by creating a good communication network.

National Conference President was accompanied by Ajay Sadhotra, Rattan Lal Gupta, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Devender Singh Rana, Mohd Aslam Goni, Ajit Kumar, Romy Khajuria, Th. Suram Singh, Bimla Luthra, Th. Kashmira Singh, Rajinder Zalam, Pardeep Bali, JP Singh, Shakeel Tony and Soma Devi.

Protagonists of autonomy, self rule be treated
as traitors: Indresh Kumar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 21: Senior leader of Rashtriya Swayams-evak Sangh (RSS) and member of national working Committee, Indresh Kumar while opposing the demand of autonomy, self rule, Resettlement Bill and Article 370 said those advocating for the same are sympathizers of ultras.

These people and organizations are traitors and should be dealt seriously under law. Mr Indresh Kumar expressed these views at a function organised by Adivakta Parish-ad in connection with observance of Sankalap Divas here, today.

He, while justifying the dialogue with the neighboring countries including Pakistan and China who have forcibly annexed portion of Indian territory in 1947 and 1962 aggressions said, dialogue process is also must to justify the strong action which India should take to get its territory back from these countries.

The Sankalap Divas was organised to remind the people about the Indian Parliament resolution passed on this day in 1994 to get back the J&K territory which is under occupation of Pakistan.

He said India should not behave like a weak nation during the dialogue process but keep its point forcefully.

Reiterating that parts of J&K occupied by Pakistan belong to India, he made it clear that history is witness that Kashmir was never a separate nation but a part of India from times immemorial.

Taking a strong objection to China’s claim that Arunachal Pradesh belongs to that country, he criticized the weak-kneed policy adopted by the Union Government on the issue. "What right China has to interfere in India’s internal affairs", he asked.

He said had the Jammu people not forcefully opposed the autonomy, self rule and Resettlement Bill the situation would have been akin to Kashmir Valley here too.

The RSS leader held the past blunders of politicians responsible for present turmoil in J&K and said India lost whatever it won in 1971 war during Shimla Agreement.

Maintaining that Kashmir is an integral part of India, Mr Kumar said the terrorism will die its own death. Holding Pakistan responsible for present insurgency in the state, he said neighboring country is on the brink of disintegration.

The RSS leader asked the people to make a firm resolve and take a solemn pledge to free the Indian territory forcibly occupied by Pakistan and China.

The programme was presided over by S S Bijral (retd) IGP). He held the politicians responsible for present turmoil in Kashmir.

He said the Government was duty bound to free its territory from Pakistan and China which has been forcefully occupied by these nations.

Other speakers were Sham Sunder Nanda, president of Adivakta Parishad and Tilak Raj Sharma. The programme was compered by Mr Parshotam Kumar.

Hakeem appeals SRTC employees to call off strike

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Feb 21: Minister for Transport Mohammad Hakeem Yaseen has appealed the employees of State Road Transport Corporation to call of their strike and resume the transport services without any delay.

He said that the pending wages of the employees would be released within couple of days as the matter has been taken up with the Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and the Finance Department. He said that the Chief Minister has agreed to his request and added that the employees would be provided salaries without any interruption in future.

The Transport Minister said that the employees of SRTC were socially and morally obligated to resume the plying of SRTC Buses and not to let the commuters to face any inconvenience. He also said that with the strike of SRTC employees tourists visiting the state have also been subjected to inconveniences thereby affecting the tourism sector in the state. He hoped that the SRTC employees would reciprocate his appeal and would resume to their duties without any fail.

Bersar, Ujh, Shahpur Barage
approved as National Projects: Soz

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 21: Centre has registered multipurpose Berser and Ujh Hydro-electric projects as National Projects to optimally harness vast irrigation and power potential in Jammu division.

While the Berser storage-cum-power generation project in Kishtwar district is estimated to cost about Rs 10,000 crore with 1020 MW power generation capacity besides acting as water source for down stream power projects like Baglihar, Dulhasti, Salal and other upcoming projects. The Power-cum-Irrigation Ujh project in Kathua district would generate 280 MWs of power. These projects will get 90 per cent funding as Central share.

This was announced by the Union Minister for Water Resources, Prof. Saif-ud-Din Soz while chairing a high level meeting to review status of various ongoing Centrally sponsored Irrigation, Flood Control and Command Area Development projects in the State here this afternoon. He said construction of Shahpur Barage on down stream of Thain Dam on River Ravi has also been included as National project.

Jammu and Kashmir Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Mohammad Dilawar Mir, Minister for Rural Development Mula Ram, Minister of State for PHE, Dr. Romesh Chander and S. Manjeet Singh were also present.

The Central team which has come alongwith Prof. Saif-ud-Din Soz to attend the meeting included Additional Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources (MOWR), Chairman Central Water Commission B. S. Ahuja, Chairman Central Ground Water Board B. M. Jha, Commissioners of MOWR A. S. Dhingra, Indra Raj, S. P. Kakran, Director National Institute of Hydrology K. D. Sharma and Senior Joint Commissioner (INDUS) G. Dranfanathan, whereas, the State administration was represented by the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu Sudhanshu Panday, Principal Secretary PHE A. K. Angurana, Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control V. K. Abrol, Chief Engineer RTIC, Director Command Area, Jammu, Mr. Manzoor Ahmad Shah, Director Command Area, Kashmir Mr. Ghulam Hassan Shah and other concerned officers.

While reviewing the pace on flood management schemes in Jammu, Prof Soz announced a grant of Rs 23 crore to complete critical anti-erosion works on River Chenab near Dera Baba Bandha, protection work on River Tawi and Flood protection work on River Chenab. He also assured to release an additional central assistance of Rs 38.19 crore for completion of various minor, medium and major irrigation schemes in Jammu division. He said Rs 16 crore have already been sanctioned for flood management of Ujh River in Kathua district.

Prof. Soz enjoined upon the engineers and officers of the state to develop a sense of urgency and social commitment to take optimum benefit of the liberal central assistance available adding that his ministry was very keen to provide outright help to J&K State without neglecting other states of the country, keeping in view its special category status and limited working season. He asked the engineers and officers of the state to prepare Draft Project Report (DPRs) for various schemes urgently and shoot these immediately to the Ministry of Water Resources adding that centre was even ready to bear the costs at its own for this purpose. He said centre was keen to enrich the state by exploiting its vast water and power resources.

Earlier, J&K Minister Mr. Mohammad Dilawar Mir gave a detailed resume of various ongoing projects under AIBP and sought release of balance grant from the centre for their completion.

He complemented the Ministry of Water Resources for providing outright financial support to the state to exploit its rich water and power resources. He sought release of funds for about 109 flood management schemes submitted to the centre recently.

Nine students of GDC Ramnagar in fix

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 21: A group of nine students (B.A Part-I) of Government Degree College (GDC) Ramnagar have virtually found themselves in a fix, as they were being asked to replace one of their subjects (Sociology or Applied Maths) at the fag end of the session by University of Jammu (JU) for none of their mistake.

These students had opted for subject combination comprising of General English, Sociology, Applied Mathe-matics and Computer Applications during the admission (July’ 2007) and college management offered the same to students despite of the fact that JU had ceased the said combination and intimated it to all the colleges through a notification dated June 13, 2007.

Dr. M S Baloria, the then Principal of the college was later transferred and Prof. S K Bhalla replaced him. Everything passed off peacefully till the matter was under the cover but recently it got surfaced and students were asked to replace either of their subjects Sociology or Applied Mathematics to rectify the mistake.

Prof. S K Bhalla, Principal of the college has also acknowledged the problem of these students and took up the matter with JU authorities, which in turn expressed helplessness in the matter but, assured adequate period of time to students to prepare the new subject.

When contacted, Prof. Deshbandhu, Controller of Examination confirmed the facts and maintained that students have to replace one of their subjects out of the two. But, also assured to give enough of time to students for preparation of the new subject, as a fair deal. He however, restrained from fixing the responsibility on anyone’s head.

Now, it’s upto the students to opt either for proposed scheme or to adopt the agitational path to come out of this fix.

Geoscientists call on CM

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Feb 21: Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad had an interaction with the delegates of the 2-day international conference on Geology and Hydrocarbon Potential of the Neoproterozoic-Cambrian Basins in India, Pakistan and the Middle East which concluded at Jammu University today.

The participating experts, who called on the Chief Minister, briefed him about the deliberations of the conference and said that emphasis was laid on the necessity of exploring new sources of oil. They also discussed the techniques that could be used to find out the oil-yielding rocks.

The delegates of the conference would have a 2-day field visit to Reasi, Patnitop and Ramban areas.

Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Mohammad Dilawar Mir, Minister for Rural Development Mula Ram, Minister for Forests Qazi Mohammad Afzal, Minister for Higher Education Gulchain Singh Charak, Chief Secretary B. R. Kundal, Principal Secretary PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control A. K. Angurana, Commissioner/Secretary Industries and Commerce L. D. Jha, Commissioner/Secretary Finance B. B. Vyas and Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Kotwal were also present.

Vice Chancellor Jammu University Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, Prof. Alan Smith from University of Cambridge, S. M. Raza, Managing Director PPL Pakistan and Prof. G. M. Bhat of Geology Department of Jammu University were among the galaxy of geoscientists present on the occasion who dwelt on the subjects covered during the deliberations.

The conference organized by the Geology Department of University of Jammu in collaboration with Maghreb Petroleum Research Group at University College London and Cambridge University was attended by 120 geoscientists from 16 countries across the globe besides 20 leading oil companies. The countries included USA, Britain, Australia, Pakistan, Italy, France, Sweden and Libya. The global conference on the subject was second in the series. The first such conference was held in London in 2006 while the next conference would be held in Tripoli in November this year.

Adbi Kunj organizes literary meeting

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 21: Adbi Kunj organized a literary-cum-poetic meet today which was presided over by a noted freedom fighter and well known writer and poet and eminent poet and journalist from Baramulla, Keerat Singh Inquilabi was the chief guest.

At the outset Adbi Kunj president Sham Talib congratulated Col Sanjeev Koul for bringing out fourth Urdu poetic collection titled ‘Saze-e-Raghe-Jaan’ of late Maikash Kashmiri. He also complimented Seema Anil Sehgal, a noted vocalist for the release of of a CD ‘Yadoon Ke Chinar’ based on Maikash’s Ghazals.

The chief guest Keerat Singh Inquilabi read a special prayer in English, ‘Guru Ravi Dass- champion of down trodden’ throwing detailed light on the life of saint poet. Tributes were also paid by talib Kashmiri and Sham Talib through their write-ups to the eminent poet Mirza Assadullah Khan Ghalib on his 139th death anniversary highlighting his out-standing contribution to the spirit and art of poetry.

Muni Lal Puri in his presidential address read a paper pointing to the menace of provincialism in the context of regional flare up in Maharashtra State. Those who recited their poems and Ghazals included Ch Mohd Idris Shaad, Talib Kashmiri, Mrs babli Zutshi, Mohd Nayeem Sayyed, Keerat Singh Inquilabi, Keemti Lal Deewana and Sham Talib..

Efforts on to develop Uttar Behni, Parmandal: Mula Ram

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Feb. 21: Minister for Rural Development, Mula Ram has said that Government is making all efforts to develop historically and religiously important places of Uttar Behni and Parmandal as heritage sites.

Minister was addressing a congregation at Sri Sad Gurur Kabir Mandir at Uttar Behni here today. The Sangat had also organized a Langar on the occasion.

Minister said the twin places have great significance as these enjoy great religious and historical significance with people from across the state coming here to quench their spiritual thrust. He said a development Authority has already been established to develop the twin places as heritage and Pilgrimage tourist sites.

Paying tributes to Sant Kabir, Minister said India is land of saints and seers who have, from time to time purged the Indian society of the social evils. The great Indian Civilization owes every thing to the galaxy of saints who taught about the equality of man. Mr. Mula Ram said that the teachings of these great people have infused the great values of communal harmony which culminated into the establishment of the composite culture that India boasts today.

Responding to the demands raised by the speakers, the minister issued on spot directions of constructing an Old Age Home, Bathing community halls for the convenience of the devotees visiting the revered Gupt Ganga flowing through Uttarbehni.

Earlier, the Sangat hounoured the Minister by presenting him a Shawal and portrait of Sant Kabir.

Div Com reviews Mubarak Mandi development works

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Feb 21: Divisional Commissioner Sudhanshu Pandey convened a high level officers meeting regarding development of Mubarak Mandi Complex here today.

Among those who participated in the meeting includes Additional DC Jammu, Director Tourism Ajay Khajuria, Director Archives K.A Qadri, SSP Jammu, Joint Director Tourism and other officers of the concerned department.

The meeting held threadbare discussions on progress of demarcation work of the land/ boundary of Mubarak Mandi Complex, encroachment /illegal construction along the periphery, vacation of the buildings by various departments, vacation of rooms by shifting of dead stock items/equipments of Information department, security and safety of the complex, general parking of vehicles inside the complex, report of the sub committee for shifting of Toshakhana from Civil Secretariat to Basement of Pink Hall and fund raising proposal to be adopted by the society. The Divisional Commissioner asked the officers to work with utmost dedication and efficiency so that the work would be completed within stipulated time frame.

NSUI nominates State office bearers

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 21: The National Students Union of India (NSUI) has nominated its team of office bearers for district/ university/ college levels.

Ms. Pratibha Raghuwanshi, National vice president and incharge J&K unit has effected the nominations with the approval of Nadeem Javed, National president and Rahul Gandhi, general secretary AICC and incharge NSUI.

Those nominated included Iftekhar, general secretary (Rajouri), Rajan Sharma, general secretary and Pankaj Basotra, secretary for Kathua district, Virender Singh, general secretary (Jammu), Sandeep Sandy, general secretary (Udhampur), Shahnawaz, general secretary (Poonch) and Mehboob Azad, general secretary (Doda).

Rajan Sharma was nominated general secretary (Reasi), Varun Magotra, general secretary (Ramban) Mehboob Azad, general secretary (Kishtwar), Rajesh Kale (Leh & Kargil), Rashid Chaudhry, general secretary (scholar units) and Manjeet, general secretary (Pro. colleges).

Tarigami describes Bakshi apostle of workers

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 21: Describing late K. K. Bakshi as an apostle of working class and downtrodden, CPI (M) State Secretary and MLA Kulgam, M. Y. Tarigami said that the late leader always stood for the cause of labourers and workers.

Paying rich tributes to late K. K. Bakshi former member of CPI (M) State Unit and General Secretary of CITU at a condolence meeting here on Thursday, Mr. Tarigami said that the late leader preferred to strive for the protection of workers rights instead of having a lust for power. He said that Bakshi’s strong political convictions some times made him to suffer but despite that his strong will and spirit led him to go ahead with his pro-worker agenda.

"In every forum and at every quarter Bakshi highlighted the issues concerning the work force and the backward sections and made those at the helm of affairs to acknowledge and address these", Mr. Tarigami maintained and said that he always advocated safeguarding of the interests of the working class. He said that the late veteran socialist and trade union activist over enthusiastically championed the cause of workers and remained actively associated with number of State and National level trade unions.

MLA Wachi Mohammad Khalil Naik paying tributes to K. K. Bakshi said that the late leader always had a quest to project and mitigate the sufferings and problems of working class. He said that in every capacity and manner the late leader strived for the protection of workers interests. He said that late Bakshi was a staunch socialist and trade union activist who stood for the cause of workers.

Ex-MLC and CPI leader A. R. Takroo paying homage to late trade union leader described him as a stalwart socialist and trade unionist who throughout his life strived for safeguarding the rights and interests of workmen and labourers.

NFTU leader Pars Ram Poonchi, IDP General Secretary Hoshiar Singh, CPI(M) Regional Secretary Sham Prashad Kesar and other trade union leaders also paid rich tributes to late K. K. Bakshi.

PG team adjudged best in skit competition

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 21: The Post Graduate Integrated team of University of Jammu (JU) was adjudged as the best in the inter-collegiate/ departmental Skit competition held under "Display Your Talent" contest at JU, here today.

The PG team presented a Hindi skit ‘TRP’. GCW Parade and GCW Gandhi Nagar bagged the second and third prizes for presenting ‘Bhola Ram Ka Jeev’ and ‘Matadin Chand Par’ respectively.

The skits titled ‘Bechari Amma’ and ‘Gajodhar Ki Nayno’ by GCW Udhampur and Jammu Institute of Ayurveda respectively were awarded Certificates of Merit.

Rishi Kumar and Isha Taggar from PG team were declared as best actor and best actress respectively for their superb performances in ‘TRP’. The Certificates of Merit in individual acting were awarded to Deepika Hans, Priya Raina, Nazneen Akhtar, Rameshwari Slathia, Abhishekh Bharti, Varun Suthra and Amit Gupta.

Among the adjudicators were Jitendra Sharma, Suresh Sharma and Vikram Sharma. The programme was compered by Suditi Suri and Priyanka Magotra while Tanya Akhtar and Vriti Uppal acted as time keepers.

LPEF extends support to Clerks Association

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 21: J&K Low Paid Employees Federation, in a statement, has supported the demands put forth by the Provincial Clerks Association and urged the State Government to concede their genuine demands immediately.

Abdul Majid Khan, LPEF chief, has also pledged support to employees of Provincial Animal Husbandry Association and Sheep and Wool Workers for monetary benefit to them.

YWAIKS asks Govt to implement package announced by PM

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 21: Youth Wing All India Kashmiri Samaj (YWAIKS) in its meeting here, today held under the chairmanship of its president, R K Bhat has expressed the hope that the Government will keep its word and issue orders soon regarding the payment of relief in favour of bifurcated ration card holders to avoid further harassment to the community youth.

Mr Bhat urged the Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad to implement the package which has since been announced by the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh for the displaced Pandits.

He said it is the need of the hour that each KP family should be given a Government job with age relaxation of minimum seven years as the community has lost all sources of its livelihood including immovable property due to the turmoil.

The meeting also expressed concern over the regularisation of adhoc appointees against the migrant posts in Valley. It demanded that community needed a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation package for its survival. It alleged that displaced traders, small scale industrial unit holders and other professionals were totally neglected over the years of turmoil by the Government. The meeting however expressed the hope that the Chief Minister will keep his promise and come upto the expectations of the community.

Education officers extend support to protesting employees

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 21: J&K Government Education Officers Federation (JKGEOF) has extended support to the on going struggle of all the protesting State Government employees, especially call for mass casual leave on February 22 and 23 by All J&K Clerical Staff Association.

In a general body meeting of the federation held here today, its Convenor Praveen Kesar while supporting the casue of different protesting State Government employees said that his federation stands by the demands of protesting employees.

Highlighting several demands he sought parity of service conditions with the employees of Central Government. He further demanded that retirement age be extended from 58 years to 60 years as most of the State Governments have enhanced the retirement age of employees. He also sought the filling of vacancies in most of the Government demartments.

Those who attended the meeting included Pritam Singh, Nek Chand, Vijay Kumar, Puran Singh, Dwarka Nath and Rama Devi.

Electrical employees’ concern over Govt’s attitude

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 21: J&K Electrical Employees Joint Action Committee (JKEEJA) today rued that despite written assurance by Power Minister, Nawang Ringzin Zora and Power Development Commissioner, their demands are not being addressed.

JKEEJA, an umbrealla organization of more than eight organizations including Line man and Workers Union, J&K Central Non Gazetted Electrical Employees Union, Power Workers Association, Provincial Electrical Employees Union, J&K ngeea, Power House Workers Association, Technical Diploma Holder Association and JPEEU is pleading the demands of employees of Power Development Department and Power Development Corporation.

Addressing a press conference here today, JKEEJA members raised several demands including grant of technical special grade to all categories at par with Patwaris and Accounts Clerks in Finance Department, amendment of SRO 64 by extending the date line from 31-31994 to 31-12-2007, retrospective effect to already regularized daily wagers as per SRO 64 of 1994, implamentation of SRO 149 in favour of ITI and non technical ITI employees and risk allowance to all executive categories.

They also demanded merger of posts of the grade 2550-3200/2600-3540 into 3050-4910 by making technical-III as entry grade, two and half days extra salary to all executive categories and removal of pay anomalies with junior assistants, ledger clerks, revenue clerks, seniro assistants, revenue examiners, head assistants, revenue assistants and revenue superintendents of the department.

Meanwhile, they also extended full support to the demands raised by J&K All Department Clerical Staff Association.

Those who spoke on the occasion included Ghulam Nabi Bhat, PC Sharma, Ashok Kumar Sharma, Dalip Singh Azad, Ram Kumar Sharma, Fateh Mohammad, Krishan Singh and Sanjeev Singh.

Magh Purnima celebrated with religious fervor, gaiety

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 21: Magh Purnima was celebrated with religious fervor and gaiety today and hawans and other religious functions were organised in various ashrams and temples here.

Hundreds of devotees thronged the Kumar Ji Geeta Satsangh Ashram Muthi where a Maha Yagya was organised in connection with culmination of holy month of Magh. The Yagya started yesterday evening and Puranahuti was performed this afternoon.

With this the month long lecture on Magh mass and Ramayana also culminated in the Ashram today. The function was held under the chairmanship of Swami Kumar Ji. The religious discourses besides Swami Ji were given by Pran Nath Bhat Gareeb and Dr B L Koul.

Speaking on the occasion, Swami Kumar Ji said the series of Vedic hawans will continue in the Ashram.

Dr B L Koul highlighted the importance of holy month of Magh. Others who attended the function included Swami Mohan Bab, Justice (retd) B L Bhat, Prof. R K Bhat, A K Raina, Director Education. The devotees were served Prashad after Puranahuti.

Month long series of hawans and recitation Panchastawi also culminated at Bhagwan Gopi Nath Ashram, Udaywala today.

Hundreds of devotees also participated in concluding function today. They were served Prashad after Puranahuti. The function was organised by Bhagwan Gopi Nath Ji Trust.

Another function was held at Swami Nand Bab Ashram, Lalay Da Bagh under the supervision of Swami Chaman Lal Bamzi. A large number of devotees attended the function who were served prashad after Puranahuti.

Jora visits Miran Sahib industrial area

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 21: Minister for Industries and Commerce Nawang Rigzin Jora today visited proposed site of Common Facility Centre (CFC) for Honey processing & Bottling and Multiple Disciplinary Training Centre (MDTC) of J&K Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB).

Minister was accompanied by Secretary KVIB R. C. Sharma, engineers and senior officers of the various departments.

Mr. Jora asked the concerned authorities to prepare a site plan for the proposed building within days so that he CFC and MDTC as proposed by the KVIB can be started at the earliest. The proposed MDTC includes Hostel for boys and girls separately who will come to seek trainings in MDTC.

Later, the Minister inaugurated a Masonry unit at Miran Sahib. KVIB has sponsored the unit with the project cost of Rs. 5.50 lakh under Rural Employment Generation Programme (REGP) and funded by J&K Bank Miran Sahib with a Bank loan of Rs. 4.95 lakh. The KVIB has released an amount of Rs. 1.375 lakh as margin money (subsidy) in favour of the entrepreneur.

While speaking on the occasion, Minister said that creating employment is one of the priority items for the government and industrialization was the only way to achieve it. He said that like REGP government has various schemes for the upliftment of the educated unemployed youths and these centrally sponsored schemes are a boon for the development of the area by creating self-employment opportunities. He informed that this unit shall further provide employment opportunities to 15 more persons.

Secretary KVIB R. C. Sharma while addressing the gathering informed that REGP is the only scheme among others centrally sponsored schemes which generates employment opportunities especially for rural artisans and involves minimum documentation.

Safai Karamcharis call off strike

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Feb 21: After hectic efforts and hot persuasion by District INTUC chief, Som Nath, the ousted Safai Karamcharis called off their strike today.

The striking Municipal Council employees met district INTUC president Som Nath, who interacted with them at the site of dharna and assured them a better deal. Later Municipal Council president Ashok Gupta and Executive Officer of MC Ram Pal Abrol called on INTUC president and representatives of Safai karamcharis to discuss the problems being faced by them.

The Municipal Council president re-employed 39 out of 72 ousted Karamcharis and assured that cases under SRO 43 have been forwarded to the head office for an early consideration. He also agreed to provide Jharoo and Tokri allowance at the rate of Rs 50 per month from April 2008.

The MC president also agreed to send cases of Karamcharis appointed during 1993 to head office for regularization.

INTUC president Som Nath complained of adulterated milk being sold in the town that too at higher rates without any check from the concerned quarters.

Others present on the occasion included Ashwani Khajuria, Municipal Councillor for Ward 1, Ashwani Khajuria, Teg Bahadur, Shafi Shabbarwal, Subash Chander and Vijay Kumar.

Displaced Non Camp Union highlights demands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 21: A meeting of All Displaced Kashmiri Pandit (Non Camp) Welfare Union was held under the chairmanship of Mr D N Kissu at Durga Nagar in which serious concern was expressed over the Government’s move to regularise the substitutes who are working against the migrant posts in Valley.

The meeting said such a move has sent shock waves among the members of displaced community and this shows that Government is least bothered for the welfare and rehabilitation of displaced people.

The meeting demanded that Government should come up with a package for the Kashmiri Pandits who are the worst victims of terrorism.

Briefing the members about the burning problems being faced by the community, Mr Karan Choudhary, chief spokesman of the Union said that Government should accept all the demands of the displaced community.

He also demanded that the quarters be allotted to displaced people living in rented accommodations, free electricity and water supply be provided to non camp dwellers and announcement of employment package for KP youth.

Prof. G L Koul, chief advisor and P L Sudeshi, president of the Union exhorted the Government to accord displaced status to the K P community. Others who addressed the meeting included Phoola Koul president Women’s Wing and general secretary of the Union S K Ganjoo.

SOS submits memorandum to CJI

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 21: SOS International, an organisation of PoK refugees has prayed to the Chief Justice of India for maintaining uniform application of law for two sets of migrants in the country.

In a memorandum submitted to Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan the POK refigees’ organisation pointed out that Government of India has set two different norms fopr the Kashmiri migrants and those migrated from PoK and suffered massacre, rape, arson and plunder in 1947.

It was pointed out that an amount of Rs 22792 lakhs has been spent on the assistance to the migrants from Kashmir Valley as per record in last four years. Rs 40 billion was mentioned in a reply in the Lok Sabha recently which is in addition to the abocve mentioned amount. But it is pity that POK refugees are struggling for the last over sixty years and still await permanent settlement or adequate relief.

It clearly exposes the discriminatory attitude of the Government towards POK refugees. It was prayed to the Chief Justice to issue necessary directions to the Court to ameliorate the sufferings of the uncared lot.