Govt will conduct enquiry into swindling
of Hindu shrines property

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 18: Government will conduct enquiry into the swindling of land belonging to Hindu shrines, temples and trusts in Kashmir valley.

This was announced by Minister of State for Revenue Aijaz Ahmed Khan after several members raised the issue during Question Hour in the Legislative Assembly.

"There is no Kashmiri Hindu in the managements of temples, shrines and trusts in Kashmir valley resulting into swindling of property", Raman Mattoo said, adding "on one side the Government has been trying to take back the Kashmiri Pandits but on the other side it has failed to protect the property of Hindu shrines and temples".

He stressed that Government should take serious note of it and conduct enquiry as to how the property of temples and shrines has been sold and where the money was utilized by the managements of these shrines.

National Conference (NC) Member Mohd Sayeed Akhoon said that for peanuts the land of Hindu shrines and temples was being sold for the commercial purposes by the managements. He termed the statement of the Government that only two such cases have come to fore so far as misleading. "Will Government take action against those selling the land and property?" he asked.

Another NC Member Ali Mohammad Sagar said that Leader of the Opposition Abdul Rahim Rather had introduced the bill in the House for protection of Hindu shrines and temples in Kashmir valley three years back but the bill was rejected with the promise that Government will bring the bill on its own. "Only Government is responsible for the swindling of the property of Hindu shrines and temples as it delayed the Bill", he alleged.

"Do Mahants have the authority to dispose off the property?" asked People’s Democratic Party (PDP) member Abdul Rehman Veeri.

Terming Members’ concern as genuine, the Minister said that instructions have been issued to the field staff of Revenue Department not to issue any revenue extract for purpose of selling of land belonging to temples, Ashrams and Trusts without orders from competent authority.

He said that Government would bring a Bill for protection of Hindu Shrines in the Valley shortly and announced that Government will conduct enquiry into the sale of temples and shrines land.

Bilawar fire victims to be compensated suitably soon

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 18: Minister of State for Revenue Aijaz Ahmad Khan today said that the relief cases of Bilawar fire victims have been prepared and forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner Kathua for suitable compensation.

Replying to the calling attention notice of Dr Manohar Lal Sharma, the Minister said that during the night between 3 and 4 January, 2008, two residential houses of Gian Chand and Prem Chand, sons of Ashru Ram of Amuwali, tehsil Billawar were gutted.

Total loss has been assessed at Rs 1116400 (Rs. 283800 suffered by Gian Chand and 832600 by Prem Chand), he said, adding the relief cases have been prepared by the concerned Tehsildar and forwarded to Deputy Commissioner, Kathua on January 11, 2008 for suitable compensation.

The Minister said that fire sufferers will be provided relief in accordance with the CRF norms shortly.

Budhal inhabitants’ plea to Govt

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Jan 18: The inhabitants of Budhal and surrounding villages in a meeting today chaired by Abdul Latif, senior leader of the area and a social activist have demanded that new degree college at Budhal should be made functional from coming academic session.

The meeting said that in view of the problems faced by the students of the Budhal and far flung areas of Rajouri, the Government should take all steps so that college becomes functional in the Budhal from coming academic session.

Moreover, the meeting said there is lot of land available for the construction of college complex and Government should take steps for the selection of the piece of land for this purpose.

They alleged that some self interested people don’t want that college should be opened in Budhal so they were hell bent to create impediments. But the decision taken by the coalition Government was right as Budhal is a centrally located place and deserves the degree college.

Budget neglected traders: ACTF

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 18: The Association of Chamber of Traders Federation, Jammu in a meeting here, today, while hailing the Government’s proposed continuance with placement of rice policy, wheat, pulses, flour, atta, maida, suji and besan in the Zero percent VAT schedule for one year more with effect from April 2008 as well as one sided toll plaza round the clock, it has expressed its dismay over the non inclusion of sugar within this schedule as demanded by the ACTF in its memorandum submitted to Finance Minister during the pre-budget discussions.

The meeting was chaired by Yash Paul Gupta president ACTF. It said varying VAT rates in different states defeats the very purpose of introduction of state level VAT. As in the neighboring states of Punjab, Delhi and Rajasthan etc, the items of similar nature attract lesser rate of 4 percent compared to 12.5 percent in J&K.

It said the sale of Dry fruit in J&K is linked to tourists and pilgrims and the items are therefore an essential component of our rituals and celebrations, the rate on this item in neighboring states is only 4 percent while it is 12.50 per cent in J&K. Obviously the sale of these items is on the lower side here, the traders are the losers and the Government also loses its revenue collection on this account in the process.

The meeting said ACTF in its meeting with Finance Minister had discussed all these issues but it seems that the traders of entire state have been ignored in the budget as their demands have not been addresed. The meeting said at the time when the Government has tried to reach out all the sections of the society, the traders have been neglected.

Govt approves Vaidaynathan Committee Report
Rs 248 cr for recapitalization of
Cooperative Credit Institutions: Zargar

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Jan 18: Minister for Cooperatives and Agriculture, Abdul Aziz Zargar today said that implementation of Prof. Vaidaynathan Committee Report, already approved by the State Cabinet, will go a long way in recapitalization of cooperative credit institution besides revival of the cooperative societies of the State.

Briefing reporters at a press conference, the Minister apprised about the working and revival of Cooperative banks and other credit institutions in the State and the impact of the package provided by the Central Government for the purpose. Mr. Zargar said cooperative banks and Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies (PACS) will get Rs. 248 crore for recapitalization under the package shortly . He said the PACS with recovery level of 50% or above as on 30th June 2004 will get full benefits of the package in one go, while as the PACS with a recovery level of 30% will qualify for getting the revival package and to receive financial assistance under this package. The PACS whose recovery level is below 30% and do not qualify for the benefit of the package would be taken up with the Union Ministry of Finance for relaxation of the eligibility criteria.

Mr. Zargar said that it is a historical decision and under this package all the cooperative banks shall be eligible for low cost refinance from NABARD for further loaning in the agriculture and allied sectors, adding that Government will shortly sign a MoU with NABARD in this regard. He said cooperative banks will become strong enough to compete with other public sector and commercial banks. The minister said Government is also preparing to implement a similar package for long term credit structure which will involve J&K SCARDB, which he said requires recapitalization of Rs. 43 crore.

Mr Zargar said that tendency of formation of Women Credit Cooperatives (WCC) is increasing rapidly, adding that two WCCs, one each at Srinagar and Jammu with a membership of over 1100, are working in the State.

Minister said that at present nine cooperative banks with 203 branches are working in the State providing short term and long term agriculture credits, besides service to their members in the non-forming sector.

Raina’s another book hits stalls

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 18: Pushkar Nath Raina’s another book "Henzay Vanuvun" was released by Swami Kumar Ji of Geeta Satsang Ashram Muthi at a function held in Swami Govind Koul Ashram, Mahinder Nagar on Thursday.

The function was held in connection with Nirvan Divas of Mata Kamlawati Kachrro, a Kashmiri saintess and direct disciple of eminent saint Swami Govind Koul Ji.

Speaking on the occasion, Swami Kumar Ji said the book is timely as it will enlighten the new generation about Kashmiri Hindu culture. The book deliberates upon sociao-religious importance of Vanvun and also throws light on other symbols of Kashmiri Pandits, he added.

The function was attended by a large number of people including scholars and intellectuals. The devotees were presented prasad after the function.

Hurriyat takes out rally against BJP

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Jan 18: Hurriyat Conference today held a rally "to register protest against the Bhartya Janta Party's (BJP) election agenda of hanging Mohammad Afzal Guru".

Shabir Shah, who has recently joined Hurriyat, said BJP recently won elections on the issue of hanging Afzal Guru in Gujrat and now they have put it in the election manifesto in the coming Assembly elections of two states. "So we want to register our peaceful protest against the hanging of the Guru. Guru has not been provided fair trial and it is well established that he is not directly involved in the parliament attack. So if such step is taken it will prove very fatal for India", he said.

The protest march headed by Shabir Shah was taken out from Hurriyat Headquarters.

But the "peaceful" rally was stopped by police just after it advanced few hundred meters. The protesters were shouting slogans "Afzal Guru Ko riha karo" (set free Afzal Guru). They were also shouting slogans in favour of "azadi" and against Chief Minister of Gujrat, Narender Modi. When the protesters did not stop and tried to advance further police made a human chain near the Abdullah Bridge Rajbagh and stopped them.

When the Hurriyat activist still resorted to sloganeering and were not ready to stop, police arrested about twenty of the protesters including Shabir Shah, Nayeem Khan, Yasmeen Raja and Shiekh Aziz.

The Station House Officer, Police Station Rajbagh, Gazanffar Ali said, "We did not arrest anybody, we picked Shabir Shah and some other persons who where protesting on road and released them very soon.

Earlier speaking to the reporters, Shabir Shah said, Hurriyat yesterday held an emergency meeting of its executive meeting and decided to protest on the decision taken by BJP.

He said, hanging Afzal Guru will not stop Kashmiris for their asking for their rights but will intensify it.

Electric Linemen Union discusses demands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 18: J&K Electrical Department Linemen & Workers Union held a meeting here, today under the chairmanship of Ghulam Nabi its president.

The meeting urged the PDD authorities to solve the genuine demands of the employees and workers of the Department and expressed the hope that effective steps will be taken by the authorities to solve the problems of linemen stationed at Dharmari.

The meeting alleged that the service books of linemen in Udhampur have not been completed and they have not been issued the identity cards by the Executive Engineer M&RE Division, Udhampur. It demanded immediate issuance of I cards to the linemen of the Division and completion of their service books.

The meeting further demanded that ex-gratia relief be released in favour of linemen under SRO 43 who died while performing the Government job.

Gulam Nabi also demanded release of seven and eight months salaries to need based employees, issuance of all accessories, LT conductors, tools and implements to the field staff.

JU Biotech building inaugurated
Governor gives Lifetime Award to Dr Billoeria

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 18: Governor Lt. General (Retd) S K Sinha today said that ensuring quality and monitoring improvement is imperative for achieving excellence in academics.

Speaking at a function held to confer Distinguished Alumni Lifetime Awards organized by the Quality Assurance Directorate of Jammu University in the campus this morning, the Governor said that honouring achievers provides impetus to others to emulate.

He said when he inaugurated the Quality Assurance Cell sometime back, he was somehow skeptical about its functioning but now 'I feel such a mechanism is necessary for the pursuit of excellence'. He added that in the odyssey of excellence, the University of Jammu has been crossing milestones after milestone. In this context, he lauded the role of Vice Chancellor, Prof Amitabh Mattoo and his team.

General Sinha expressed his happiness over the growth of School of Biotechnology, the building complex of which has been completed under the Prime Minister's package.

Speaking on the occasion, Professor Mattoo said that honouring achievers is duty of the civil society as their achievements open up new vistas for progress and development. He lamented that achievements are observed and honoured in silence while the failures of others are highlighted publicly. 'This mindset has to be changed', he maintained.

Former Chief Secretary, Dr S S Billorea, upon whom the lifetime award was conferred, said in humility that it is second occasion for him to receive any award which generally he has been avoiding. He said he had nurtured an ambition during the midst of his administrative career to become a teacher.

Chairman, Jammu and Kashmir Bank Limited, Dr Haseeb Drabu said that the bank in close cooperation with the university will play important role in quality assurance. He announced institution of award in the discipline of economics and finance.

Director, Quality Control, Meenakshi Kilam highlighted the aims and initiatives taken in the past for assessing the quality in various disciplines.

The Governor presented the lifetime award to Dr Billoeria amid applause. He also presented to Dr Namrita Sharma, Prof G V R Prasad, Dr Yashpal Sharma, Shri Parvesh Abrol, Dr Veenu Koul for their excellence in various disciplines.

Earlier, the Governor inaugurated the new building for School of Biotechnology which houses the departments of Biotechnology, bio-chemistry, microbiology and bio-informatics.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof Amitabh Mattoo gave away mementos to the Governor and the Guest of Honour, Dr Drabu.

Director ISM inaugurates 24 hour emergency

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 18: A 24 hours emergency unit was inaugurated here at Government Ayurvedic Hospital, Jammu today by Director ISM, Dr Abdul Kabir Dar. He also launched the four weeks re-orientation programme in the field of Panchkarma, Ksher-Sutra, Yoga, Naturopathy and Regimental Therapy of Unani medicines for the in-service ISM medical officers and paramedical to enhance their professional skills in these specialities which are gaining acceptance globally.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Kabir said innovative programmes have been launched in ISM and Homeopathy by the Government to bring the perceptible and systematic change in the Department.

Besides the main purpose of launching these schemes, he said is efficient and corruption free public health care delivery, improving employees motivation for accomplishment of assigned jobs and enhancing public awareness for the advantages and programmes available with the AYUSH System of Medicines for their primary health care needs.

He said the Government has started recognizing the services of ISM sector in the field of health care delivery of the State so as to achieve the goal of health for all. The J&K State has succeeded in getting the Central grant of Rs 1350 crore for infrastructure development in the area of pharmacy manufacturing and for quality control drugs by constructing one drug testing laboratory at Jammu and one State level pharmacy for manufacture of ISM drugs and establishing of speciality PHCs and integration with Allopathic System of Medicines under National Rural Health Mission.

Dr Kabir said about 400 ISM doctors and equal number of para medicos will be appointed upto March, 2008 and the process of selection is going on in all districts.

Dr Roop Lal, chairman Jammu Institute of Ayurveda and Research extended his full support in utilizing the infrastructure and the specialized manpower available with Directorate of ISM, J&K.

Course coordinator, Dr Mahesh Sharma, Dr Farhat-un-Nisa, Dr Rohit Gupta, Dr D K Sharma, Assistant Director , Dr Latif, Assistant Director and Dr Retika Raina, Medical Officer highlighted the activities and the curriculum to be adopted during the programme.

Peerzada maligned image of State Govt : IDP

Excelsior Correspondent

SAMBA, Jan 18:The Internationalist Democratic Party (IDP) has said that alleged act of corruption by senior Congress leader and Minister, Peerzada Mohd Sayeed has shaken the confidence of people in State Government and darkened the image of Congress.

Addressing one-day party conference at Nud in Samba, Hoshiar Singh, general secretary of IDP said the recent case of corruption in which PCC president and Cabinet minister was an accused and a MLA was a victim, has proved beyond any doubt that our political system is totally corrupt and a strong people’s movement is required to eradicate it.

He further said that cause of corruption lies in our political system, which has authorized MLAs and ministers to interfere in executive affairs, and a strong political will is required to curb this menace.

Give relief or cancel ration cards : YWAIKS to Govt

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 18: Youth Wing All India Kashmiri Samaj (YWAIKS), president R K Bhat who is leading the chain hunger strike launched by the KP youth demanding bifurcation of ration cards, has urged the Chief Minister either release the relief in favour of these card holders or cancel their ration cards.

Addressing the KP youth at the venue of hunger strike here, today Mr Bhat alleged that Government has maintained stoic silence on the plight of displaced Kashmiri Pandits who have been totally ignored in all spheres of life.

He warned that the ongoing agitation will take a critical shape in case the Government fails to redress the demand of the KP youth.

MLA Wachi, Mohammed Khalil Naik also visited the striking KP youth and assured all support to them in their agitation.

Other KP leaders who addressed the demonstration include JKVM chief, Ashok Kangan, Bansi Lal, Raj Nath Raina, G L Bhat, N N Dhar, president AIKHF and Pinky Bhat. Meanwhile a group of five youth including R K Bhat, Sanjay Shashoo, Sunil Fotedar and Sanjay Raina replaced the old batch of hunger strikes on 39th day of their chain hunger strike this morning.

Youth Day celebration at Vimal Muni College

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 18: The NSS wing of the Vimal Muni College of Education, Ramgarh today organized a symposium on "Philosophy and Teachings of Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru and other National Leaders" to commemorate National Youth Day.

Himmat Soni, Manisha Sharma and Sarabjeet Kour were adjudged as first, second and third respectively in the event. The consolation prizes were given to Neha Gupta and Sanjay Sharma. The panel of judges included Dr Manju Dwivedi, Principal of the college, R C Sharma, Administrator and Ashok Sehgal.

Earlier, chief guest Anu Gupta, chairperson of the college and others paid floral tributes to Swami Vivekananda. The welcome address was given by NSS programme officer Rajvinder Kour.

The students of the college also presented several cultural items and skit to commemorate the occasion.

Court awards 5 yrs imprisonment
to accused in murder case

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 18: 2nd Additional Sessions Judge Jammu A K Koul today awarded five years rigorous imprisonment to accused Pankaj Singh alias Kala by converting Section 302 to Section 304-II RPC with fine of Rs 5000.

According to the prosecution case, there was land dispute between deceased Nanak Singh and accused and on October 24, 2003, accused started ploughing the disputed land. The deceased objected the accused Pankaj Singh and Vijay Singh, who assaulted the former leading to his death.

Accused Vijay Singh managed to abscond after the commission of the crime and the charge-sheet was presented before the court against both the accused with a prayer that Vijay Singh accused be tried in absentia so the Court preceded against him under Section 512 CrPC.

Second Additional Sessions Judge Jammu after hearing APP Ravinder Sharma for the State and Advocate R K Kotwal for the accused, observed "what is worth notice is that accused have demonstrated unusually cruel attitude. They have used dharat from blunt side and would they intend to kill the deceased, they could hit him from the sharp side of the weapon on the vital part of the body".

The Court said that the injuries sustained by deceased indicate that accused never meant to kill him. They simply wanted to prevent him from causing interference in their cultivation. So it could safely be a case under Part II of Section 304/34 RPC.

With these observations, the Court convicted him to undergo five years imprisonment and fine of Rs 5000.

Custodian General passes strictures against Custodian

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 18: Custodian General Kifayat Hussain Rizvi in an appeal passed strictures against Custodian and his field staff.

The Custodian General said that Custodian and his field staff cannot absolve themselves from the responsibility. The omission and commission by the Custodian and his field staff has given free field to unscrupulous elements to play with Evacuee Property.

Had custodian not been negligent, the appellant in the case could not have raised illegal construction. "It is slackness of the Department which encourages such elements to take law into their hands", he said.

"The Custodian and his field staff should ensure that no such practice is encouraged and Evacuee Property protected from unscrupulous activity", the Custodian General further said.

In the present case the Custodian should ensure that the allottee Respondent No 1 be placed in possession after re-negotiating the premium and rent.

CS directs PCB to inspect proposed sites of industrial units

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Jan 18: Apex Project Clearance Committee (APCC) which met here today under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary B. R. Kundal accorded permission in principle to some companies to establish their units in the State.

The meeting was attended by Financial Commissioner, Agriculture S.S.Sahni, Financial Commissioner Planning S. S. Kapoor, Commissioner/Secretary PDD Basharat Ahmad Dar, Commissioner/Secretary Industries and Commerce Lokesh Jha, Commissioner/Secretary Finance B. B. Vyas, Director Industries Srinagar Farooq Ahmad, Chairman Pollution Control Board C. M. Seth and Managing Director SIDCO Irfan Yasir.

Mr. Kundal directed Chairman Pollution Control Board and Managing Director SIDCO to jointly inspect the proposed sites of these units and ensure strict adherence to the laid norms of Industrial policy and maintain natural beauty in their respective area of operation.

It was given out in the meeting that SIDCO got 104 investment proposals in medium and large sectors cleared by Apex Projects Clearance Committee during last three years. The total investment mobilized through these investment proposals has been to the tune of Rs. 2116 crore. Out of these, 30 units have gone into production and 74 units are at various stages of implementation. The employment potential envisaged in these proposals is to the extent of 17500 persons.

The Chief Secretary asked to explore possibility of public private partnership to identify and develop land for industrial purpose. He directed Managing Director SIDCO to prepare a comprehensive plan for this purpose.

Vakil orders action against absentee officials

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 18: Minister for Social Welfare Abdul Gani Vakil today made a surprise visit of R. S. Pura and inspected Balashram, CDPO and Tehsil Social Welfare offices there.

During the inspection, the Minister found a supervisor and a junior assistant of CDPO office besides a Balashram cook absent from duty. Taking strong notice of their absence, Vakil directed the concerned officers for initiating disciplinary action against these officials.

Addressing anganwari workers, later, the Minister called for making quality nutrition available to children. He exhorted them to be thoroughly professional in nursing and nurturing tender ones. "Social Welfare Department has a larger role in protecting health of younger generation and anganwari workers have to fulfill this social obligation by rendering their duty with exemplary dedication", he said.

Family of ex-DIG donates 2 kanal proprietary land to JKP

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Jan 18: Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda said that Late Shri Vishwa Mitter Bakshi Ex-Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) will be remembered always in the history of JKP for his professional policing, discipline and dedication.

Mr. Khoda was addressing the function held at Police Headquarters here today in which the family members of late Vishwa Mitter Bakshi announced donation of two kanals of proprietary land on his centenary birth anniversary to the Jammu and Kashmir Police at Sanasar tourist resort for use of Jammu and Kashmir Police Organization. His son Swadesh Mitter Bakshi, professionally an Industrialist handed over the complete revenue papers with regard to transfer of land to the Jammu and Kashmir Police Organization to the Director General of Police.

The Director General of Police paid rich tributes to the late police officer and thanked the family members of late police officer for coming forward and donating the land and assured them that a memorial would be built in memory of late V. M. Bakshi in Jammu.

Ex-Directors General of Police Ghulam Jeelani Pandit and M. M. Khajuria who were also present on the occasion.

Paying tributes to the late police officer, they said he was practical police officer, man of professionalism, honesty and would be remembered always for providing justice to the people.

Earlier, the Inspector General of Police (Headquarters) J. A. Makhdoomi threw light on the long service career of late Police Officer .

Among others, the function was attended by Davinder Rana MLC, Inspectors General of Police, K. Rajandra, P.L.Gupta, S.K.Mishra, Gopal Reddy, Dr. S.P.Vaid, Navin Agarwal, Dilbagh Singh, Sheikh Owais Ahmed, A.K.Gupta and Mohammad Amin Shah, Deputy Inspectors General of Police, L. Mohanti, Ravinder Kotwal, M.A.Anjum, Gulzar Singh, Suneel Kumar Sharma, and Muneer Ahmed Khan, Retired Senior Police Officers, S.S.Wazir, Nassan Khan,