NC in full election mood
*Debates allies, manifesto, electoral planks

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 26: Three days "extended working committee" meeting of main Opposition party, the National Conference, went underway today debating electoral strategy, present political scenario and major electoral planks.

The meeting, which was being attended by 31 working committee members besides special invitees and district presidents of NC, was chaired by party president Omar Abdullah in which former Chief Minister and party patron Dr Farooq Abdullah was also present.

Coming in last year of the present Assembly with elections only few months away, the crucial working committee meeting of the party, which is being held for three days after a long time, is all set to debate the options of pre-poll alliance, its electoral strategy in all three regions of the State, major electoral planks and, above all, working of the PDP-Congress coalition Government.

According to party sources, the working committee was considering to adopt a couple of resolutions including political and economic on its last day of meeting. However, if the resolutions are not adopted, the party will opt for a draft document highlighting failures of the coalition Government and steps it propose to take to strengthen the party during elections.

NC general secretary Sheikh Nazir, Leader of Opposition in Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, both provincial presidents Ajay Sadhotra and Dr Mehboob Beg and other senior party leader including Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, all MLAs and MLCs besides politically significant leaders, totaling 60-65 were present in today’s meeting.

Sources said excepting an hour when he attended a private college function, Farooq Abdullah along with Omar Abdullah remained present all along in seven hour long "extended working committee" meeting and listened to views expressed by more than two dozen speakers.

Tomorrow has also been fixed for eliciting opinion of party leaders while Abdullahs were expected to speak probably on last day of the meeting.

There was no official version of today’s meeting issued by the party. However, senior NC leader and former Minister Sheikh Mustafa Kamal told the Excelsior after the meeting that the party was in "full election mood’ as 2008 being the year of Assembly elections as well as last year of 10th Assembly.

"Constituency wise political scenario, election strategy, failures of coalition Government and other significant aspects of current situation were discussed and debated in today’s meeting", Dr Kamal said.

He added that possible issues the National Conference could highlight during elections also figured in the meeting. On election manifesto, he pointed out that it was not a new document for the party but what more issues are to be included in it will be debated and discussed. A high level committee is likely to be set up for the purpose.

"Of course, some decisions pertaining to election strategy will be taken in the meeting", Dr Kamal said.

According to party sources, top NC leadership was likely to elicit the district level leadership’s view point on which NC’s prospective pre-poll allies could be if the party decided to opt for a pre-poll alliance.

Recently, NC leadership had declared that it was open to pre-poll alliances, though, without identifying the possible allies.

Sources said autonomy will definitely be a major electoral plank of the party besides a policy to tackle with unemployment. Other issues will be elicited during three days meeting after which a high level committee is expected to be set up for the election manifesto.

According to sources, the NC was in full election mood and was even ready to go all alone in the Assembly polls if no prospective allies are managed for a pre-poll alliance. Majority of party leaders were of the view that even if the NC falls short of majority in next Assembly elections by few seats, it shouldn’t lag behind in forming the Government as it did in 2002 and should go for a post-poll alliance with like minded parties.

Govt considering hike in passenger fare

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 26: Government is considering for hike in fare of passenger services in the State keeping in view the demand of the transporters and rise in cost escalation. The matter is under consideration of the high power committee constituted by the Government for the purpose.

This was stated by the Minister for Transport Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen at a high level officers meeting here today, convened to review the over all functioning of the Transport and its allied departments.

Transport Commissioner, P. S. Gill, Secretary Transport Dileep Singh, Joint Transport Commissioner G. A. Sofi and senior officers of the Transport department were present.

Speaking on the occasion, Hakeem Yaseen said that measures were under way to provide licenses, registration certificates and other required documents to the transporters under Single Window System by Regional Transport Authorities in the State to ensure transparency.

He said Government would introduce a mechanism by which harsh driving would be controlled in the State. For the purpose, Speed Governor a sophisticated equipment would be fixed in the passenger vehicles plying in Srinagar and Jammu cities on experimental basis in the first instance, the Minister maintained.

Hakeem Yaseen said that the Government would add 50 more vehicles in the fleet of State Motor Garages to cope up the demands of newly created districts. He said presently 390 vehicles are available in the fleet of SMG which are not sufficient to meet the requirements of the State. He stressed to intensify the process for providing Smart Card to the transporters of the State in place of licenses and registration certificates, adding that all codal formalities must be completed in preparation of the cards.

Transport Minister said that Government would issue an SRO empowering the authorities for taking required steps to control the music system in the passenger services.

SRTC employees’ strike continues
Passengers suffer as inter-state bus
operation remains paralysed

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 26: The operation of inter-state bus service remained paralysed with the strike of J&K SRTC employees while the buses of Haryana, Himachal, Delhi and Punjab Roadways were not allowed to enter the State at Lakhanpur by the agitating Government Transport employees for several hours today.

The SRTC is suffering huge loss in lakhs per day as the entire fleet has remained off the road for the last several days in view of the strike of the employees and workers of the Corporation. The JKSRTC employees on the second consecutive day stopped the entry of buses of the northern states like HP, Punjab, Haryana etc. However, in the afternoon, some of the vehicles managed to enter with the intervention of police authorities.

A spokesman of the J&K SRTC at Jammu when contacted claimed that Transport Corporations of the neighbouring states showing sympathy with the J&KSRTC have agreed not to operate in J&K till their strike continues. With this thousands of passengers have been affected. They are forced to travel in trains or hire private transport. This situation has created a massive crisis while the State Transport authorities have failed to resolve the issue by paying pending five months salary of the employees. From Lakhanpur to Kathua some mini-buses were pressed into service by Regional Transport authorities but the plying of these vehicles have not provided major relief to the passengers stranded enroute.

Meanwhile, the protest demonstration by the SRTC employees continued at the General Managers’ office and Workshop near Bikram Chowk here today. Several leaders of the employees union including Pawan Sharma, Amrik Singh and Mr Bali from the SRTC addressed workers and condemned the attitude of the State Transport authorities for not releasing their salary. They demanded immediate release of their five months salary as their families were facing starvation and their children forced to leave schools. They sought the intervention of Chief Minister in this regard.

Similar protest demonstration was held under the leadership of Shakeel Ahmed Kuchey at Srinagar today. The workers shouted slogans against Government and maintained that their protest will continued till they are provided salary. The reports of protest demonstration have also received from various district headquarters as well.

Clerical employees’ strike hits normal work in offices

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 26: Normal work in all the State Government departments paralysed on the second consecutive day of the ‘Kam Chor Hartal’ of the clerical cadre employees in the State today.

On the call of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh All Departments Clerical Staff Association, the Ministerial staff of all the departments observed pen down strike in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions. The work in all the departments was affected with the strike. The general public had to suffer in view of the ongoing strike.

The agitating clerical cadre employees including junior assistants, senior assistants, head assistants and junior stenographers are demanding removal of anomalies in their pay scales. They are demanding that junior assistants be provide pay grade of Rs 4000-6000 as done in case of accounts assistants or teachers and senior assistants be given grade of Rs 4500-7000 and head assistants the Rs 5000-9000. They are also demanding exemption in the secretariat training for the promotion to the post of head assistants.

Rehmat Ullah Malik, Ram Kumar Sharma, Ravi Singh Bhau and Anil Kumar Mehta criticised the Government for its indifferent attitude.

The employees held protest demonstration at various district headquarters and the State capital here today to draw the attention of the Government towards their justified demand. At Kathua, a protest march was taken out by the clerical cadre employees under the leadership of Manohar Singh which passed through the main town.

In Srinagar, striking clerical staff held demonstration in support of their demands. Mohd Hussain Haji, Ali Mohd Khan, Mohd Amin Mir and Nusrat Beg addressed gathering.

Microscopes purchase scam
SVO presents challan against 7 persons

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 26: In much publicized microscopes purchase scam, State Vigilance Organization (SVO) today presented challan against seven persons including three Chief Education Officers (CEOs) in the Court of Special Judge Anticorruption. The court directed the Vigilance to lead the evidence for framing charges.

According to the challan, during the year 2004-2005 Education Department purchased substandard laboratory equipments including microscopes for examining properties of minerals on highly exorbitant rates.

The investigation into the case revealed that the accused supplier had actually purchased the microscopes at the rate of Rs 650 per piece from M/s Indo Sati Instruments and sold the same at the rate of Rs 1800 per piece to the Education Department in connivance with the accused public servants.

A total of 300 microscopes were purchased without any requirement thereby causing a loss of Rs 5.40 lakh to the State exchequer.

The accused against whom challan was presented are Jatinder Kumar Gupta, then Accounts Officer, Directorate of School Education, Balwan Singh, Lecturer Geology, SIE Jammu, Rameshwar Sharma, then Lecturer Geology, SRML Higher Secondary School, Jammu, Thakur Dass Sharma, then CEO Poonch, Prem Prakash Verma, then CEO Kathua, Balbir Singh Jamwal, then CEO Udhampur and Jasvinder Singh Manocha, proprietor of M/s Coson Polyton Traders, Vir Marg Jammu.

Meanwhile, the Vigilance Organisation produced challan against Tariq Ahmad Qadri, Assistant Director, CAPD (Rural), Srinagar, who was caught red handed while accepting bribe of Rs 10,000 from the complainant for release of his pending payment.

Jora for revival of sick IUs

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 26: Minister for Industries Nawang Rigzin Jora today stressed for revival and rehabilitation of sick industrial units in the State.

Addressing a meeting with representatives of Kashmir Industrial Revival and Development Forum, Mr Jora said that presently over 300 sick units are in the State and the rehabilitation of these units would be done under specific package provided by the Central Government under Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Programme.

The meeting was informed that Rs. 63.56 lakh were sanctioned as soft loan to 33 units by SIDCO and Rs. 225 lakh was disbursed to 22 unit holders.

Responding to the issues putforth by the Forum, regarding waive-off of interest by State Finance Corporation, extension of time period in liquidation of repayment of principal amount without charging further interest, the Minister said that the matter would be taken up with the concerned department.

Regarding identification of sick units, Mr. Jora directed the concerned Directors to make survey of sick units and identify the unit holders to revive their units.

Earlier, the Ministers also chaired another meeting with Kashmir Chamber of Commerce.

During the meeting various issues including Income Tax exemption to the industrial unit holders, reimbursement of insurance premium, Khasra number, funds for revival of existing sick units, determination of thrust areas and industries, land premium and power were discussed threadbare.

Among others, Commissioner Secretary Industries and Commerce Lokesh Jha, Director Industries and Commerce Pardeep Gupta and Managing Directors of SICOP and SIDCO S. B. S. Dua and Irfan Yaseen were attended the meeting.

Lalu’s railway budget a propaganda speech: Gupta

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 26: Terming it a propaganda speech than a promising Railway budget, the former Union Minister of State and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta regretted that nothing was said about the reasons that led to virtual collapse of the extension of rail link from Udhampur to the holy town of Katra and about the delay in ground work on the rail link connecting Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country.

Sharply reacting to the budget speech of the Railway Minister, Lalu Prasad Yadav, he said as usual the Minister has tried to be a poet to attract the galleries but mere clutches and platitudes would not lead to the desired results.

He said the Minister has referred to the much desired extension of Railway line from Udhampur to Katra and then onwards to Qazigund in the Valley but after change of guards at New Delhi four years ago the most of the development schemes taken up in hand by the Centre in J&K have come to a grinding halt. These also included the prestigious projects including one that of 290 kms long railway line which would link Udhampur to Baramulla in Kashmir Valley, he added.

Prof. Gupta said the main objective of this scheme was to link the Valley with the rest of the country to minimize its isolation and the prevailing feelings of separatism.

After the execution of much delayed execution of railway line from Jammu to Udhampur, the NDA Government had put the execution task of the rail link from Udhampur to Katra and then to the Valley on priority basis and the rail link to the Katra was to be completed by 2005, he added.

Prof. Gupta said that not only Mr Yadav but ruling Congress also owes an explanation that why the execution works on this project particularly from Udhampur to Katra and then onwards to Qazigund has been slowed down.

Charak inaugurates 3rd J&K Science Congress

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 26: Minister for Higher and Technical Education, Gulchain Singh Charak inaugurated the third edition of J&K Science Congress in a function organized at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu (JU), here this morning.

Minister of State for Science and Technology, Javed Mustafa Mir was the guest of honour, while Vice Chancellor Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, Commissioner Secretary DST J&K State, Lokesh Jha, SKUAST Jammu Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nagendra Sharma and SMVDU Vice Chancellor, Prof. N K Bansal were also present on the occasion.

In his address, Mr. Charak called the event as landmark. He said it’s an opportunity for all the young scientists to present their ideas in the congress and also to learn from others to enhance their expertise. Earlier, Prof. V K Anand, organizing secretary presented the welcome address and detailed about the objectives of the seminar. The function concluded with the vote of thanks by Prof. Ramji Tiwari, Dean Faculty of Sciences.

Later, in the first plenary session, SMVDU VC, Prof. N K Bansal and SKUAST VC, Prof. Nagendra Sharma made presentation on the topics "Energy Supply Systems for Sustainable Development" and Sustainable Agriculture" respectively.

Whereas, in second plenary session, AIIMS Medical Superintendent, Dr. Shakti Gupta made presentation on "Health Status in India: Road Ahead" while IIIM’s Jammu Director, Dr. G N Qazi made presentation on "Opportunities Offered by Integrative Medicines".

It is to mention that eight technical sessions are being held across six different venues in the event.

CEO pays surprise visit, observe irregularities

Excelsior Correspondent

SAMBA, Feb 26: The Chief Education Officer (CEO) Samba, Ramesh Choudhary paid surprise visit to the schools falling under Purmanadal Zone and found most of the teachers absent.

At Primary School Bara Khetar, Choudhary observed that Noor Din (teacher) and Parshotam (ReT) were absent and directed ZEO Purmandal to chargesheet both the teachers, detain their salary, obtain explanation and forward it with his recommendation within a week.

However, the condition at Primary School Utter Behni was more than worst, as none of the teachers was present during the time of visit and students were taking mid-day meal themselves. The concerned teachers were left with a note of warning.

At GHS Utter Behni, majority of the classes were found without teachers and temporary time tables by School Incharge. He was also left with a word of caution.

At GHSS Gurha Slathian, two contractual lecturers namely Devinder Singh and Shiv Dev Singh and Gulshan Kumar (teacher) were found absent. School Principal was on BOSE duty at Vijaypur during the time of visit. He was directed to chargesheet the absent teachers and detain their salary. However, the functioning was observed to be proper at GHSS (Girls).

He also visited GHS Khara Madana and GHSS Purmandal and found the functioning satisfactory.

Farooq releases magazine of ASN School

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 26: Former Chief Minister and National Conference patron Dr Farooq Abdullah today released the 4th issue of ASN Higher Secondary School’s magazine "Adarsh".

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Abdullah said that introduction of magazine was a way to explore the hidden tallent of the child and to develop the habit of writing amongst the students.

He advised the management of the school to open music centre and assured to provide musical instruments for the centre. "We have enough potential to produce more K L Sehgals, Allah Rakhas and other legends provided efforts are made to explore the hidden talent", he added.

Earlier, Ritesh Kapoor, Administrator of the A S N Higher Secondary School, Resham Ghar Colony and Channi Himmat, gave brief report about the magazine and highlighted its contents. He briefed that every issue of the magazine was made special by the editorial board.

The second issue contained the most valuable message of the then Vice-President of India, Bhairon Singh Shekhavat while the third issue was having the message of Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh and fourth issue received the message from first lady of the country—President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil.

On the occasion, souvenirs were presented to Om Vidhyarthi, Joint Director SFRI, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Director Academics, Board of School Education, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, former MLC, S K Sharma, Head of Law Department, University of Jammu, I D Soni, State Commissioner (S), J&K Bharat Scouts and Guides and Shiv Dev Manhas, Reader, Dogri Department, University of Jammu.

Chairman of Adarsh Educational Trust, A K Kapoor welcomed the guests while Principal of the School P B Kapoor presented vote of thanks.

Principals, Lecturers felicitated

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 26: All J&K Plus 2 lecturer Forum, Udhampur in a felicitation function honored principals, senior lecturers and lecturers, who attained superannuation recently. MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia and Director School Education AK Raina were the main guests on the occasion whereas Chief Education Officer Udhampur, Vinay Mohan Raina presided over the function.

District president of the forum, Sunil Sharma while speaking demanded regularization of principals and lecturers and introduction of fifth subject like IT, Computer Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Vedic Sciences etc in higher secondary classes.

In his formal address, Mr Mankotia endorsed the proposal put forth by Mr Sharma and urged for the early implementatioin of the same.

Meanwhile, Mr Raina in his key note address assurd that demands raised by the forum would be redressed shortly. He also appealed lecturers to work with zeal and enthusiasm to meet out the expectations of the society.

Earlier, those who were felicitated in the function included Jagan Nath Sharma, Kabla Sharma, Madan Lal, Praba Sharma, Shiv Kumar, Surinder Choudhary, Gian Chand, Mohd Iqbal and Mohammad Aslam.

Prominent among others who were present on the occassion included President of the Forum HD Qureshi, Principal Hr Secondary School Mansar, Vijay Nargotra, Joint Director School Education, Mohinder Prakash Gupta and Pratibha Gupta.

6 NCC staffers presented DDGs Commendation Card

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 26: Dy Director General NCC J&K Brig S K Sharma presented commendation card on behalf of Lt Gen P S Choudhary Director General NCC to the civil staff for the year 2007 in a simple function held here today.

Those who were presented the medals and certificate included Baljit Singh, LDC, Paramjit-Packer, Sushma Ganjoo -SA, A Bangroo -HA NCC Gp Hq Srinagar, Mukesh Dutta, Lascar 1 J&K Arty Bty NCC Poonch. The DDGs Commendation Card alongwith cash award was also presented to Ajeev Lochan Ganjoo, JHT of NCC Directorate J&K for his outstanding services.

Mutton sellers oppose sale of meat on Tuesday

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 26: All Jammu Mutton Sellers Association has expressed deep concern over order of the Municipal Veterinary Officer, MCJ, allowing a handful of mutton sellers to slaughter a specified number of sheep and goats on Tuesday.

Association president Mohd Ibrahim stated that the organization has declared Tuesday as Naga day for selling mutton, keeping in view the sentiments of Hindus in Jammu on the very day. Association declared that no mutton would be sold on Tuesday in any manner in Jammu city.

Demanding stern action against the Veterinary Officer MCJ, Association demanded immediate rescinding of the said order.

Association vice president Nazir Ahmed said no slaughtering or sale of mutton would take place on Tuesday as per the decision of the Association and warned that the persons defying the decision would be dealt with sternly. He demanded that the official who has granted permission for the same must dealt with under law and punitive action taken against him.

Shiv Sadna organizes training programme for women

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 26: A training programme organised by Shiv Sadna an NGO was inaugurated at village Gigryal block Khour today by A K Mathur, CGM NABARD J&K state. The training programme is for the female beneficiaries of the area and it has been sponsored by NABARD.

The training programme is for imparting training in sozni embroidery and garment making and will last for eight weeks. A number of officers including P K Talwar, district Manager, JCC Bank, Jammu, Mr Kulraj, CDPO Social Welfare, Jammu, Sudershan Ji, JCC, Bank Manager, Harnam Dass, Sarpanch Gigryal and a number of people living in adjoining area especially women attended the function.

The welcome address was read by Miss Shivani, member Shiv Sadna.

In his address, C G M NABARD, Mr A K Mathur highlighted the role of NABARD in the development of rural people and apprised the gathering about the various schemes launched by the NABARD in rural areas for construction of roads, lanes and drains, formation of SHGs or imparting trainings to people.

He urged the people to take part in every activity of Shiv Sadna and said the items prepared in the training programme could be put on sale in the NABARD sponsored exhibitions.

Mr Talwar, District Manager JCC Bank assured the participants all cooperation in granting financial assistance.

Mrs Suman Mahaldar of Shiv Sadan who proposed the vote of thanks assured the participants and officers that her organization will make continuous efforts in the development of rural areas.

CPSU organizing seminar on Urdu language

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 26: The Centre for Professional Studies in Urdu (CPSU) , University of Jammu (JU) will be organizing a two-day seminar on "Secular Character of Urdu Language" at university from March 1.

Briefing media persons here today, Prof. Shohab Inayat Malik, director of the centre and seminar informed that seminar is being organized in collaboration with National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL).

"Over 40 leading luminaries of Urdu from all parts of the country are participating in this seminar and will present their papers", he said.

He mentioned that papers will be presented in different sessions during the seminar and would be later published in the form of a book. "The book will help to counter the propaganda, being launched by vested interests to defame the language, that Urdu is a language of a particular section of people", Prof. Shohab added.

Among those expected to be the part of this seminar included Prof. Lutf ul Rahman, former Bihar Minister, Veteran writer Nand Kishore, Dr. Ali Javaid, Director NCPUL etc.

Prof. B P S Sehgal, Dean Academic Affairs and Prof. Asadullah Wani were also present and addressed the press conference.

Separate homeland only solution to
Pandits problems: ASKPC

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 26: All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) executive body in a meeting here, today held under the chairmanship of its senior vice president, R K Raina took stock of the prevailing political scenario and the statement of separatist leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

As per a release, the members marked the change in the present and the previous statements where conditions were laid on the return of KPs. It said this change in the statement of separatist leader is because of changing political situation in neighboring country.

Addressing the meeting, Mr H L Chatta, general secretary of the organization said the Kashmir is the homeland of the Kashmiri Pandits where they have a history of over 5000 years. The Pandits will never accept the dictates of those who have come from Iran and other countries and settled in Valley, he added.

He said the Pandits who believed in democracy, rule of law and co-existence have been exiled six times till date by the fundamentalists and were made to suffer over these years. He said the only solution to their problem was the carving out of a separate homeland within the Valley, abrogation of Article 370 of Indian Constitution and free flow of Indian Constitution.

Demanding the re-organization of J&K, Mr Chatta said this will help in eradication of terrorism from the state once for all.

Hindu organizations condemn murder of Mahant

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 26: State Vishav Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal (BD) and their sister organizations have strongly condemned the murder of Mahant Mahabir Dass, Mahant of Old Shiv temple Akhalpur.

In a statement issued here, today, the Hindu organizations said the murder of such a holy person belonging to a particular community seems to be part of a hidden conspiracy to grab the Hindu assets attached to these shrine, lay hands on the income received through donations and create a fear psychosis among the priests and Mahant heading these shrines and temples.

The Hindu organizations have also criticized the administration for its failure in nabbing the culprits responsible for this heinous act and cold blooded murder.

The meeting, which was chaired by VHP state president, Dr Rama Kant Dubey said that some income generating shrines like Shiv Khori and Sukrala Mata Temple have been brought under the control of the Government and properties of temples in Kashmir have been encro-ached upon through fraudulent methods and also disposed off by some organizations which is a cause of concern for entire Hindu Samaj.

The meeting among others was attended by Ashok Singh Manhas corporator, Hem Raj Khajuria general secretary, VHP and Vijay Pahalwan of Bajrang Dal.

KVIB inaugurates Crewel Embroidery Training Centre

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Feb 26: Crewel Embroidery Training Centre under craft training schme of J&K Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB) was inaugurated by Secretary KVIB, Mr R C Sharma at Sheikh Mohala Zakoora near here, today.

The village has been selected to uplift the economic standard of the women folk especially those living under below poverty line (BPL) who do not have any employment opportunties in the area.

The Board will provide craft training to the first generation entrepreneurs before setting up of flagship schemes of KVIB. Forty female trainees from the village and the adjoining areas were registered for the three month long training course. The trainess will be provided a stipend of Rs 100 per month along with the raw material for learning the craft, besides other benefits under the programme will also be extended to them.

Mohammed Hussain, Dy CEO, KVIB, Kashmir Division and District Officer, A L Masoodi threw light on various trades and their benefits. The secretary assured all help to the trainees from the Board for setting up of their own individual work centres within the area and also to form Self Help Groups after the training. He said J&K Bank has adopted the BPL villages for financial inclusion.

LAHDC committed to strengthen cultural heritage of Ladakh

Excelsior Correspondent

LEH, Feb 26: Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, was committed to strengthen Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage by promoting script and dialect of the region.

This was stated by Chief #Executive Councillor LAHDC Leh, Chhering Dorje, while addressing a valedictory function at Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), Leh, where more than 100 teachers of both, Government and Private Schools were being imparted 30 day training in Bodhi teaching.

The training was organized by LAHDC while CIBS provided Bodhi expert teachers and infrastructure assistance for imparting training. Mr Dorje said the said programme was started last year and seeing its end results it was decided to continue the same training programmes in the years to come. He appreciated the teachers who voluntarily participated in the training programme.

Executive Councillor, Education, Tsering Norboo Lampa, said that programme was held as per recently introduced new Bodhi text books for students from Class 1 to 5. He added that LAHDC was in the process of publishing new Bodhi text books for students of Classes 8th and 9th and would be available very shortly.

To make the Bodhi language more strong the LAHDC has decided to organize Bodhi mythology training to the teachers by inviting experts from Dharamshalla in Himachal Pradesh, said Mr Lampa.

IMO for strengthening of ISM at grass root level

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 26: The Indigenous Medicines Organization (IMO) in a meeting here , today held under the chairmanship of Dr K K Gandotra adopted a resolution in which it was demanded that instead of segregation of Directorate, the Government should enhance budgetary support to it.

The meeting said the present budgetary support to ISM is 5 percent of the total Health budget. It said such a step will help in strengthening the ISM at grass root level. It alleged that no posts have been created since the inception of Department in 1987.

The meeting also demanded release of third time bound promotions in favour of ISM doctors, creation of posts of Deputy CMOs (ISM) at district level and fulfillment of all other demands raised from time to time by the organization.

The meeting said that creation of provincial directorates will not serve the purpose. It said instead the Government should concentrate on creating the infrastructure by filling up the shortage of doctors and other staff members of ISM.

It said the spirit of AYUSH under which the treatment will be provided to ailing people under one roof is appreciable as it will help in integration of the Department.

The meeting also expressed satisfaction over the various schemes initiated by the Director, ISM, Dr Kabir.

4-day farmers awareness camp concludes

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 26: To deal with water scarcity in Sai Khurd in Suchetgarh, the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Ch. Gharu Ram today laid foundation of a Bore Well at Sai Khurd to be completed at a cost of Rs. 80.41 lakh under Water Supply Scheme, the well will have capacity of drawing 20000 gallons of underground water per hour.

Addressing a gathering on the occasion, the Minister said that on the commissioning of well, large population of Nikowal, Sai Khurd, Sardari Camp and Saisar would be benefited. He said that the government was fully aware with the problems of border belts and taking keen interest to provide basic amenities to people. For this purpose, the Government has provided sufficient funds in every sector so that development schemes could be implemented across the State.

Later, the Minister attended concluding function of 4-day crop wheat awareness camp which was organised by Farmers Field School under Macro Management (CSS) at Sai Khurd.

Another accused arrested for cop’s killing

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 26: Police today arrested another murder accused involved in the killing of a police head constable Madan Lal, who was posted in Supwal police post.

Madan Lal’s wife and five other accused have already been arrested by Vijaypur police.

The remaining accused Mangal Dass son of Bua Ditta R/o Rarian, Ramgarh was arrested by police from Vijaypur police station when he was trying to board a train to flee from Jammu.

SSP Samba Rajinder Gupta said the accused was arrested by a Vijaypur police station party led by SHO Vijaypur Inspector Arun Jamwal.

A case against the accused has already been registered at Vijaypur police station.

3 arrested with pistol, kirch

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 26: Bakshi Nagar police today arrested three accused and recovered a pistol and kirch from their possession.

They have been identified as Joginder Singh son of Rangil Singh, Harpal Singh son of Manjit Singh and Ravinder Singh alias Bittu son of Joginder Singh, all residents of Raipur Satwari.

Their associates Tara Singh and his father Sadhu Singh were still at large and were being searches by police.

They had attacked Ram Singh, Joginder Singh and Surjeet Singh brandishing a pistol and a kirch in Government Medical College hospital last night.

The pistol and the kirch have been recovered from the accused.

A case against the accused has been registered at Bakshi Nagar police station.