SP terms Cabinet expansion as mockery

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 5: State unit of Samajwadi Party has termed the recent Cabinet expansion in J&K as a mockery, putting an extra burden on State exchequer.

Addressing Party meeting at Satwari here today state unit president of the Samajwadi Party, Sheikh Abdul Rehman ( Ex-MP) alleged that expansion of State Cabinet at this juncture when the State is going for Assembly elections within next four-five months, was uncalled for and tantamount to putting additional burden on State exchequer.

Taking serious note of the exercise of the Azad dispensation, the SP leader feared bunglings in coming elections by Administration under the influence of those in power in the State. He said there was no justification of the expansion at this time and people apprehend increase in the corruption by present dispensation.

"While five ministers have already been inducted in Cabinet, it has been learnt that Government was now trying to accommodate its favourites as chairman and vice-chairman in the State Corporations/ Local bodies. It speaks of the double standards of the Chief Minister who claims to lessen burden on Government exchequer and wage war against corruption," the SP leader added.

He further pointed out that opening colleges and making announcements for the new projects etc at this time is directly connected to the coming elections. Special recruitment drive launched in certain pockets is also being done keeping an eye on the elections by parties in power. He warned to take up the issue with Governor.

Others who spoke in the meeting included - Ram Parkash Sharma, K A Dev, D K Singh, Sham Lal, Preeto Devi, Pritam Pal Gupta and others.

Teenager killed as gun goes off

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Jan 5: A teenager was killed and another injured when a gun went off accidentally in Gehlot village under the jurisdiction of Panchari Police Station.

Reports said that some children were playing in Gehlot village when a loaded double barrel gun, kept in the courtyard of a house, went off after a cricket bat slipped from the hands of a child and hit the trigger.

Two children Ghar Singh (13) and Surjeet Singh (9), both residents of Gehlot, were injured and immediately shifted to the District Hospital, Udhampur.

Ghar Singh was later referred to the Government Medical College Hospital but he succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital.

Sensitive portrayal of a timeless classic

By Ravinder Kaul

The penultimate play of the Drama Festival ‘Kaanch ke Khilone’, presented by Pancham Society for Art, Culture & Social Upliftment at Abhinav Theatre here this evening, was an excellent example of how to go about conceiving and performing a play. The director had chosen a timeless script and woven various theatrical ingredients around it to make it a memorable performance.

The play, a translation of ‘The Glass Menagerie’, written by Tennessee Williams, relates the story of a small family consisting of the mother, Amanda Wingfield, and her two children Tom and Laura. Amanda’s husband has abandoned the family and Tom is the only bread earner. Laura is suffering from a physical handicap and is an introverted person living in her own make believe world of tiny glass toys. Amanda is trying her best to pull the family out of the situation of hopelessness but inspite of her best efforts, she fails. There is another character in the play, Jim. He is a friend of Tom and is invited over dinner with the hope that he will marry Laura, without realising that he is already engaged to another person.

‘The Glass Menagerie’ premiered in Chicago in 1944 and won the prestigious New York Drama Critics Circle Award in 1945. Set in the time of the Great Depression of the 1930s, it is an autobiographical tale in many ways as Williams’ sister Rose was a patient of schizophrenia, who exercised a great influence on Williams and his writings.

Suresh Sharma, as Tom’s friend Jim, was able to project the extrovert nature of the character admirably. His had adopted the mannerism and flamboyance in order to project the leadership qualities required for the character. Rohini Jamwal, in the role of the delicate and fragile Laura was also very good. The pathos and the feeling of hopelessness that she instilled into her character got transmitted to the audience as well. She has all the makings of a good actress and one only hopes to see more of her plays in the times to come.

However, the play belonged to Gurmeet Jamwal and Dhanesh Dogra. Gurmeet, in the role of mother, was the personification of all the anxieties and tensions that a single parent goes through at a time when the going gets tough. Her concern for her children and her struggle for survival was conveyed by Gurmeet through the excellent histrionics displayed by her.

Similarly, Dhanesh Dogra in the lead role of Tom, who is also the narrator of the play, did exceedingly well. He truly excelled himself in the concluding soliloquy and in the scene where he scolds and terrifies his mother. He deserves all praise for his flawless performance.

The play had been mounted on a beautiful realistic set, designed by well known sculptor Ravinder Jamwal and Jagdish Kumar. An effort had been made to recreate the atmosphere of the 1930s. A gramophone, a backdrop of broken glasses, a dining and writing table and a strategically placed side rack containing small glass toys, had been provided to create an appropriate acting space for the play.

Music had also been conceived keeping in view the backdrop of the play. Western classical music had been used to create the right ambience. Symphonies and country music utilised in the play were successful in highlighting the turmoil and tensions of various situations. The number ‘I recall a gypsy woman’ by famous country singer Don Williams appropriately symbolised the feeling of hope just before Jim’s arrival for dinner. Raj Kumar Behrupia deserves all praise for an excellent musical score.

Costumes by Gurmeet Jamwal were also chosen keeping in view the period of the play. Make up by Shiv Dev Singh was appropriate. The lights had been designed and executed quite imaginatively and efficiently. The spotlight on the portrait of the missing father highlighted his jinxed presence in the household throughout the performance. An innovative touch indeed.

Last but not the least, the director of the play Bhupinder Singh deserves all appreciation for presenting such a thought-provoking performance. It is not that there were no minor flaws and hiccups in the play, the overriding factor remains that a conscious effort had been made by the director and his entire team to put their best foot forward. And that is what is the only expectation of the viewers and reviewers from the groups that participate in the Festival.

A number of groups have been complaining about the criticism by this reviewer of their respective performances. We want to make it abundantly clear that there is no intention on our part to discourage theatre or theatre persons. Quite contrary to this, our effort has always been to encourage not only theatre but all forms of creative activity including music, art and literature. The only point that we wish to underscore is that by presenting one sub-standard performance, we lose at least 50 members in the audience, who would never again return to theatre. This is an irreparable loss and each one of us needs to do our best to avoid such a situation. We assure you that we will always be at the forefront to applaud you in your sincere efforts for creating a vibrant cultural atmosphere in our State.

The Festival takes a break on Sunday. Mohan Rakesh’s play Aadhe Adhure, one of the major plays of modern Indian theatre, will be presented by Rangshalla on Monday as the last play of the Festival. Umesh Singh directs.

Book on ‘Renzu’s works and life’ released

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 5: An Urdu book, "Farooq Renzu as a Novelist" written by Mohd Imran Tak, an Urdu scholar, on the life and works of District Development Commissioner Budgam Khawaza Farooq Renzu was released during a function organized by Rasa Javedani Memorial Literary Society (RJMLS) at University of Jammu (JU) this afternoon.

Vice Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo was the chief guest while Chairman PSC Mohd Shafi Pandit presided over the occasion. Farooq Renzu and Dr Abdul Rashid Khan, regional director Maulana Azad University were also present there.

Releasing the book, Prof Mattoo termed Renzu a thorough gentleman and said his novels reflect the realities of the life. He also lauded the efforts of RJMLS for providing a platform to the budding writer.

Also speaking, Mohd Shafi Pandit threw light on the qualities of Farooq Renzu and congratulated Imran for bringing a valuable book on his life and novels.

Commenting on the book, Pandit said the young writer has critically evaluated Farooq Renzu as a novelist. He also praised RJMLS for putting in efforts for the upliftment of Urdu language and literature in the State.

While speaking Khawaza Farooq Rnzu said that it has been his utmost efforts to produce better literary works in the form of fiction and novels both in Kashmiri and Urdu. He sadi that he would continue to depict the issues concering humanity of the present age through his literary work.

Meanwhile, Dr Abdul Rashid Khan, in his address described Renzu as a man having secular bent of mind. Earlier, Prof Shohab Inayat Malik, president of the society presented the welcome address and also threw light on the art of Renzu. He said the book will help the new generation to learn about the works of Renzu.

The programme was attended by students, scholars and members from civil society.

HP launches iPAQ PDA phones in Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 5: Hewlett Packard (HP) India in association with Best Buy Computers, the retail arm of Logic Computers Jammu, launched iPAQ PDA Phones including first 5-in-1 PDA phones HP iPAQ 512 voice messenger and H 6365 pocket PC with mobile phone and camera here in Jammu today.

Speaking at launching ceremony, Bhupinder Singh Siddhu, HP’s area manager said, "These are the first handheld featuring built-in integrated three ways wireless capabilities (GSM, GPRS, WLAN and Blue Tooth)". He also asserted that this announcement will strengthen HP’s ability to deliver mobile solutions by converging the voice, data and mobile digital entertainment markets. Also speaking, Sumeet Gugnani, country manager handheld said, "Keeping in tandem with the mobile revolution that is sweeping the nation, HP’s new line of iPAQs features capabilities that address the converging data and voice needs of mobile professional and consumers, allowing them to take full advantage of the rich digital services that today’s wireless networks provide".

Meanwhile, H S Bedi, CEO Best Buy Computers added that sleek Microsoft Windows enabled PDA phone comes equipped with Wireless 802.11b, Bluetooth, Quad-band GSM mobile phone, mp3 stereo, digital camera and a detachable snap on-snap off keyboard at a price that starts at Rs.11,990/- onwards.

Rs 28.90 cr spent on development works in Rajouri

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Jan 5: An amount of Rs.2889.33 lakh stood expended in Rajouri district which stands at 43 percent of the total allocation of Rs.6017.62 lakh for the current fiscal.

This was revealed in review meeting of all sectoral officers held here. The meeting ws chaired by Minister for State for Irrigation, Industries and PHE Dr Romesh Sharma.

While reviewing sector wise both financial and physical achievement, the Minister was informed that Rs.36.59 lakh have been incurred in agriculture and allied sectors, Rs.29.66 lakh under Forest and Social Forestry, Rs.1280.34 lakh in education including sports activities. Similar under health sector Rs.74.75 lakh, Rs.13.16 lakh in social welfare and Rs.39.62 lakh were spent under self employment scheme.

In the engineering sector Rs.854.59 lakh stood expended during which includes Rs.264.55 lakh under irrigation, Rs.161.25 lakh in PHE, Rs.175.57 lakh in roads and buildings and Rs.22.89 lakh in power sectors besides Rs.230.37 lakh have also been utilized under special infrastructure programme.

The Minister was also informed that 3012 quintals high yielding variety seed has been distributed among the farmers through departmental outlets across the district during the rabbi season. Likewise 3528 tones of chemical fertilizer was also distributed.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister laid stress on early completion of work taken in various schemes. He emphasized upon the executing agencies to accelerate pace of work and monitor it regularity for ensuring quality of works. He said their will be no compromise on the quality of works.

PNB donates items to inmates of Home for Aged & Infirms

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 5: Sparing time from his busy schedule, Vivek Arya, Zonal Manager, Punjab National Bank, J&K Zone, personally visited Home for Aged and Infirm, Ambphalla, Jammu, and donated substantial quantity of provisions consisting of edible oil, sugar, cereals, washing powder, packaged tea and washing soap at a simple ceremony.

Mr Arya while interacting with the inmates of the Home stated that there was no reason for any person to feel disheartened, should the society come up to discharge collective social obligations when individuals fail to do so in any set up be it a family or any other inter dependent social order.

He added that old people Homes are a social reality and a need in the society wherein family values and joint family structure is breaking up for one reason or the other.

Vivek Arya also assured the management of Home for Aged and Infirm that PNB was ready to donate two TV sets, one each for male and female inmates. Bank officials also distributed sweets among inmates of the Home.

Secretary of the Home, Vijay Kumar Bhagotra, thanked PNB management for this noble initiative of the bank.

Ganai terms coalition Government a failure

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 5: The National Conference (NC) leader, Dr Shenaz Ganai has termed the coalition Government in State a complete failure on all fronts, as promises made by it have turned out to be hollow.

She was addressing a gathering after inaugurating Vocational Training Centres (VTC) at Azambad and Sawjian in Mandi area of Poonch district. She said corruption was at peak and nobody in the Government has time to redress the grievances of poor people.

She also levelled allegation that this area has been deliberately neglected by the present dispensation, as no sincere efforts were made to raise the basic infrastructure of the public importance here.

Ganai added that NC was the only party which is deep rooted and exuded confidence that people will bring it back with thumping majority and its leadership will lead the people towards the prosperity.

Meanwhile, she stressed upon the women empowerment and demanded a special package for women and unemployed youth of the area.

Fake ARTO arrested by police for cheating

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 5: Gandhi Nagar police have arrested a youth, who was impersonating as ARTO and had collected money worth over Rs 10 lakh from different persons on the pretext of getting their route permits, licenses etc issued from the Transport office.

Accused has been identified as Ashwani Bhardwaj alias Vijay alias Deepu alias Ashi son of Shiv Kumar Bhardwaj, a resident of Jhullaka Mohalla.

Sources said a Gandhi Nagar police station party headed by SHO Inspector Mohd Rafiq swung into action after getting complaints from several people that an ‘ARTO’ had charged money from them for getting route permits and licenses issued to them but later didn’t provide them documents and even refused to return their money.

On the basis of complaints, Bhardwaj was arrested and subjected to interrogation during which he has admitting charging money from several people assuring them to make their licenses and route permits etc. Police have registered a case against the accused at Gandhi Nagar police station for further investigations.

People protest unloading of coal by Rlys at Gobindsar

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Jan 5: Residents of Gobindsar and adjoining hamlets lodged strong protest against unloading of coal by goods trains at the railway station here today.

When a goods train was unloading coal this morning, the locals in large number gathered and not allowed the Railway authorities to unload the coal. They held demonstration at the Station and warned the Local Railway authorities of dire consequences. They alleged that unloading of coal be shifted to some other site as it creates pollution in the area as residential houses were closer to the rail track.

A large number truckers also reached there and opposed the demand of villagers. The Truck Union members had heated exchanges with the village Sarpanch and others. Situation turned explosive. However, timely intervention of police controlled the situation. Later, MP Lal Singh reached the site. He pacified the irate public and instructed the Railways authorities to shift unloading of coal to some other site. The people allowed unloading today and Railway authorities agreed the demand of local residents.

Cardiac Stents seized
DFCO seals 6 un-licensed Chemist shops in Valley

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 5: Drugs and Food Control Organisation (DFCO) today seized Cardiac Stents and allied materials worth Rs 2.79 lakh from the godown of a dealer in Talab Tillo and sealed seven Chemist shops being run without licenses in Kashmir

An official release said a DFCO team seized Cardiac Stents and allied materials worth Rs 2.79 lakh from the premises of Supreet Pandoh at Talab Tillo, which had been stocked in the premises unauthorisedly.

Action against the defaulter is being initiated, it said.

Another team of DFCO sealed six Chemist shops which were being run without licenses in Kashmir.

They include Dalip Medical Store, Lasjan, shops of Ghulam Mohd Mir, Ghulam Hussain Malik, Javid Ali Mir and Tariq Ahmed Bhat, all at Lasjan and shop of Nazir Ahmed Changa at Dangerpora Road, Rampora, Sopore.

The DFCO has asked SHOs of concerned police stations to keep a strict vigil over operation of the sealed shops. The un-licensed shops were sealed under the supervision of Assistant controller Drugs, Srinagar on the directions of Secretary Health K B Jandial.

The DFCO has also asked the consumers to check the rates printer on sterile devices before purchasing them.

JEWA highlights employees demands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 5: State president of Joint Employees Welfare Association (JEWA) was held today under the chairmanship of its State president Ramesh Chander Khajuria highlighted the pending demands of the employees.

The demands of the employees included enhancement in retirement age to 60 years, immediate grant of interim relief of Rs 1000 per month to employees till finalization of 6th Pay Commission award; reduction in qualifying service for retirement from 33 years to 21 years; and Earned leave and Leave encashment provision for teaching community.

Other demands included implementation of rational and transparent transfer policy; Initial higher grade for higher qualified employees and putting a halt on the practice of Inchargism.

Those who addressed the meeting included Bhikam Pal, Shakeel Ahmed, Suresh Kumar, Munir Ahmed, Zulfikar Ali Keen and Umesh Kumar besides others.

Power shut down

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 5: To carry out urgent work at 132 KV D/C Gladni-Bari-Brahmana-Miran Sahib transmission line, the power supply to Bari-Brahmana Industrial Area, Bari-Brahmana Town, Gangyal, Vijaypur, Kartholi, Smailpur, Raya, Gurah, Sarore, Jakh, Miran Sahib, R S Pura, Salehar, Bishnah, Seora and other adjoining areas shall remain affected on January 6, 2008 from 9 a m to 5 p m.

According to Superintending Engineer Electric Maintenance & RE Circle-II Jammu, the power shut down shall be subject to fair weather conditions.

Milchar Front’s concern over poor BSNL services

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 4: Jammu and Kashmir Milchar Front (JKMF) has criticized the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) for its poor service in Jammu region and alleged that consumers of both mobile as well as land line phones are facing problems due to the negligence of the organization.

The consumers from Jammu in general and those of Doda district in particular are the worst sufferers due to BSNL’s dismal performance, said, S N Saproo, president of the Front and Kuldeep Kumar Rao, its general secretary, while talking to reporters here, today.

The matter was brought in the notice of Chief General Manager and General Manager BSNL several times but to no avail, alleged Mr Saproo. He said that due to non functioning of BSNL towers at various places the mobile phones either get connected after many attempts or don’t get connected at all.

Same is the condition of land lines also and the situation is worse in far-flung areas of Doda district like Thatri, Gandoh, Kishtwar and Bhadarwah where the possession of mobile phones has become purposeless for consumers, said Mr Rao. Even in Chinore, Bantalab which is the nearest to Jammu City the BSNL services are not proper, he added.

Expressing solidarity with the striking KP youth the Front Chief demanded that bifurcated ration card holders be given benefit of relief immediately. He also demanded employment package for displaced youth, and restoration of KPs land in Valley which has been forcibly occupied by anti social elements.

Mr Sapru criticized the Government for not giving representation to KP community in State Council of Ministers and demanded that a High Level Commission be constituted to probe the causes of KPs mass exodus from Valley.

Cotton County unveils Winter Fashions ‘07

Excelsior Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Jan 4: Cotton County, one of the leading fashion brands in India, has unveiled its Winter Fashions ‘ 07, fine styling concepts in formals, semi-formals and leisure wear for this season.

The collection comprising of primarily pullovers, jackets, suits, thermals, tracksuits and cardigns comes in a heady blend of wild youthfulness in its colors, cuts, designs on one hand and serene visual appeal, comfort and fits on the other hand.

The wholly owned subsidiary of Nahar Industries Enterprises Limited (NIEL), Cotton County has made available its pret wear range across 400 exclusive outlets in India. The wears are priced between Rs 999/- to 6999/-.

Outlining the essence of the myriad options that the winter collection offers to the discerning customers, Kamal Oswal, vice chairman NIEL said, " Our Winter Collection’ 07 is a synergy of comfort and style. Its all about quality winter wear with a blend of fresh and unique styling ideas transformed into trendy hues and well crafted designs, cuts and fits, just what the customers are looking to add to their wardrobes this season".0

A muffled, unclear and choked voice

By Ravinder Kaul

Instead of a review, let us for a change read what the group itself has to say about the play Nami Awaz, presented here today by Unison Cultural Troupe in the Drama Festival being organised by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages at Abhinav Theatre. The following passage has been taken from the brochure circulated by the group during the play and appears under the title ‘About Play’. The passage is being quoted here without any change whatsoever:

"Nami Awaz dogri play by Sh. Mohan Singh exposes our existing system. This play is debate on unemployment, poverty, economic backwardness and exploitation without caring cast, creed or sex. Hidden authority is supreme who sets the things according to own choice for vested interests Sandesh, Mast Mangru, Budda Aadmi, Rollu Ram and Sanjogita all these characters in the play are exploited and revolt for a change in system for better society in which every good citizen feel that he is part and parcel of new system. For this Civil Society they even launch the struggle.

The controlling hidden authority have few puppets who act as middle man for their own petty interest. These middlemen like Randeep, have control over the Lilly. Though Lilly is innocent character, who some time thinks, and discuss with Randeep cannot we become noble and gentle like other citizen. Randeep the controlling authority dictates to trap the Sanjogita for his interest. Sanjogita is a new bird for Randeep. He wanted her to exploit."

Confused already? Wait, there is more to come. In his ‘Director’s Note’ in the same brochure Romesh Chander, the director of the play, writes, and I again quote without any changes whatsoever:

" `Nami Awaz’ is realistic play with absurd symbolic touches. Play is a revolt against existing system. The treatment to this Socio-Political play is own all realistic but our approach is experimentation with lights and music our costumes are simple and need of play. Innovations are only is case of subjects justification. Awaz is the hidden as well as live character."

Well, I assure you that not a word or punctuation mark has been changed and the two passages have been exactly reproduced in the manner that these appear in the brochure. If one cannot make head or tail of what the director wants to say about his own play in his own brochure, one can easily imagine the quality of the performance.

The play had been mounted on a bare stage with two blocks on one side and two curtains dangling in the backdrop. There were a couple of artistes in the group who showed some promise but in such a dismal performance they too failed to create an impression.

My only grouse with the director of the play is that if he was not so confident about direction, he could have taken help from some experienced person to put up a better show. Similarly, if his language and expression were not good, he could have asked some knowledgeable person to assist him in preparing the brochure. The combination of ignorance and arrogance is lethal and nothing worthwhile can be expected to emanate from such a deadly concoction.

I generally like to encourage newcomers, but on his debut I only want to tell the director of this play that he has a very long road ahead of him and that he should proceed further from here if only he has the courage and perseverance to undertake such a long and arduous journey.

Pancham Theatre Group presents its play ‘Kaanch ke Khilone’ in the Drama Festival on Saturday. The play is Hindi translation of ‘The Glass Menagerie’ written by Tennessee Williams. Bhupinder Singh Jamwal directs.

Vakil for reactivation of SWD

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Jan 4: Emphasizing on improving transparency and synergy at all levels, Minister for Social Welfare Abdul Gani Vakil has said that working of the department would be geared up to achieve the goal of ameliorating lot of the needy, poor destitute and downtrodden. For the purpose, he called for reactivation of all the officers and field functionaries.

Mr. Vakil was speaking at an introductory meeting of Social Welfare officers here today.

Secretary Social Welfare N. K. Verma, Director Social Welfare Satish Nehru, Managing Directors of J&K SC, ST Corporation and Women Development Corporation, Deputy Directors, Programme Officers, District Social Welfare Officers and CDPOs of Jammu Division were present on the occasion.

Asking officers to work with added devotion, he said the department should primarily focus on bettering life standard of the most deserving sections and endeavour for ensuring benefits of the welfare schemes to deserving needy. Any slackness or negligence in this regard would not be tolerated, he said, adding that performing officials will be rewarded and the negligent sternly punished".

Mr. Vakil said first priority would be on enhancing transparency in the distribution of social security assistance to restore credibility. For the purpose, officers have to remain on toes.

"It pains me to come across reports of embezzlement in the money meant for orphans, widows and physically challenged", he said adding that "liberal funds from centre getting wasted due to our mismanagement."

Jugal reviews construction of roads

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu Jan 4: Minister for Roads and Building and Mechanical Engineering Jugal Kishore today said that under Prime Minister’s Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Rs 217.55 crore have been released by the Central Government for execution of 408 schemes of new connectivity with a road length of 2142kms and upgradation of 37 kms road length of 12 roads in the State.

Mr. Jugal was reviewing the progress of roads at a meeting of high level officers of R&B department. Among others Secretary R&B Shailender Kumar was present in the meeting.

The meeting was also told that in phase IV, 143 schemes have been earmarked. Out of these, work for 96 schemes has been allotted and 10 schemes have been referred to contract committee for taking a decision.

Mr. Jugal Kishore while lauding the efforts of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said that it was due to his efforts that the Central Government provided liberal funds to the state for execution of various developmental and welfare schemes. He hoped that in future too, Central Government would support the State on all fronts to meet the demands of the people and ensure progress and prosperity in all the three regions of the State.

Subash Chander Sharma appointed president of JKTUC

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 4: Subash Chander Sharma has been appointed as the president of J&K Trade Union Congress (JKTUC). The announcement to this effect was made by Janak Raj Gupta, chairman of the organization.

It may be recalled that the post of JKTUC chief had fallen vacant after the demise of Sewa Ram Sharma last month.

Later, addressing a press conference Mr Subash Chander Sharma along with JKTUC general secretary, M K Koul urged the members of the JKTUC to unite and work for the fulfillment of the dreams of late Sewa Ram Sharma.

He also made an appeal to the Government to solve the demands of the working class like regularisation of consolidated workers and release of Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) in favour of Corporation and Industries employees.

Mr Sharma said JKTUC will struggle for the rights of working class. He said getting COLA for Public Sector employees released is the main issue before him. Beside he will strive for conversion of COLA into DA.

He also complimented the JKTUC Executive body for expressing faith in his leadership and said that he will try to come up to their expectations.

KPSS criticizes Govt

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 4: Kashmiri Pandit Sangarsh Samiti (KPSS) has criticized the State Government for not giving the representation to Kashmiri Pandits in State Council of Ministers.

The Samiti in a handout issued here, today said that after the demise of P L Handoo the then Law Minister, the NC did not give representation to the community in the council of ministers and after Ghulam Nabi Azad took as the Chief Minister of the state, he too ignored the community.

The statement said this reveals that the main stream political parties have taken the Kashmiri Pandits who constitute a minority in the state for granted.

The Samiti in an appeal to the community members living in India and abroad have urged them to raise their voice aga