Ousted employees may be adjusted in other Deptts

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 29: Ousted Class IV employees of the Excise department may be adjusted in other departments and the possibilities of accommodating them are being explored.

Responding to the Calling Attention notice of Congress legislator R S Chib in the Upper House today, Minister of State for Finance, RDD and Revenue Aijaz Ahmed Khan assured the House that government was concerned over the issue as the matter was already taken up with the Chief Minister. He said with a Supreme Court order the services of nearly 418 Excise employees were affected. After fresh appointment procedure was adopted, nearly half of them were accommodated.

The remaining employees went on agitational path and continued dharnas and protests. Government was sympathetically examining their case. Some more posts have been made available in Excise while others may be accommodated in other departments. The vacancy position is being examined in other departments and possibilities are being explored to accommodate them shortly once for all, minister added.

Capt Sunil cremated with full military honour

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Jan 29: Mortal remains of gallant Army Officer, Capt Sunil Kumar Chaudhary was cremated with full Military honour at his home town Govindsar near Kathua town here today.

People from all walks of life including Minister for Health and Medical Education Pt Mangat Ram Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Sarita Chouhan, SP Benam Tosh, President Municipal Committee Kathua Naresh Sharma, various Councillors of KMC, social and political activists, educationists, various officers in Kathua district Administration, youth and women of the area turned up to attend the funeral procession of the son of soil.

Brig K S Jaswal on behalf of the President of India and Chief of Army staff read the message at the cremation ground and paid tributes (Shradanjali) on their behalf to the brave martyr soldier. Commanding Officer of the 7/11 Gorkha Regiment, Col Nehra and several other Army officers were present to bid emotional send off to this young officer, who made supreme sacrifices for the country.

The entire funeral crowd turned emotional at the scene when the Martyr Captain’s fiance Monika, appeared at the cremation ground with her parents to have last glimpse of Capt Sunil and to pay him last floral tributes instead of offering ‘Jaimala’. Their marriage was scheduled to be held on March 9.

Wrapped in the National flag the body of Capt Sunil reached his home town last evening. A large number of family friends and relatives started arriving their home since morning after they came to know about the death of Capt Chaudhary. His father Col P L Chaudhary is posted in the Army Records wing at Nasik while his two other brothers are in Air Force and Army ( Engg Corp). The pyre was lit by his younger brother Pilot, Ankush Chaudhary and the mortal remain of the gallant Captain were consigned to flames at 12.30pm.

Scintillating start to Sa Ma Pa Aalap Festival

By Ravinder Kaul

JAMMU, Jan 29: The Sa Ma Pa Aalap Festival of Indian Classical, Sufi and Folk Music got a scintillating start here today with the Santoor recital of Abhay Rustum Sopori and vocal recital of Ragini Rainu at the General Zorawar Singh Auditorium of Jammu University. Speaking on the occasion, Lt. Gen (Retd.) S.K.Sinha, the Governor of J&K State, said that the initiative taken by the Sa Ma Pa to popularise classical music among youth was very laudable and any effort to preserve the cultural and artistic heritage of this region must be supported in full measure. Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, Vice Chancellor of Jammu University, also congratulated Sa Ma Pa for taking up the onerous task of preserving the culture of this rich land for the future generations.

The programme of the day began with the vocal recital of Ragini Rainu, the Sufi Diva of the nation, who has, in recent years, created a sensation in the music circles of the country with her mature and melodious voice. She began the recital with Shah Husain's 'Ghunghat Chuk O Sajna' based on Raag Bhupeshwari. She explained the salient features of the Raag and the beauty and the hidden meanings of the lyrics to an audience that mostly comprised of the students from the University and other affiliated colleges. Ragini then presented Bhulle Shah's Uth Challe Gawandoon Yaar, based broadly on Raag Bairagi Bhairav. The entire auditorium broke in a thunderous applause as she completed her recital. She truly lived upto her stature as one of the finest young singers of the country. Accompanying her on flute was Rakesh Anand. Darbari Lal on Dholak, Vijay Anand on Tabla and Ravi Sharma on Harmonium also gave able support to her.

The star of the evening, Abhay Rustum Sopori, then presented his Santoor recital. He presented Raag Patadeep and enthralled the audience with his mastery over the instrument. He presented a Bandish Anhad Baaje during his performance.

He began with inviting the entire audience to sing with him the basic notes of the Raag. The response of the audience was tremendous and he succeeded in creating a rapport with the students, most of whom had never heard classical music before. He then went on to enthrall the audience with an electrifying recital that will be remembered for a long time to come. Time and again the audience broke into a thunderous applause during his recital. He was accompanied on Tabla by well known and nationally reputed Tabla player Sarit Das. The Sa Ma Pa Festival continues on Wednesday with the vocal recital of Ragini Rainu and Sitar recital of Zunain Halim Khan at K.C.Public School.

Employees take out massive procession

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 29: Police today foiled the bid of State Government employees to gherao the Assembly as it did not allow the protesting employees to proceed ahead of the Shalamar Chowk.

The police erected barricades on the road at Shalamar Chowk and did not allow the employees procession to go further towards the Civil Secretariat in their bid to gherao the State Assembly.

A high drama prevailed at Shalamar Chowk for over one hour as the protesting employees jostled with the men in khaki. The employees with banners in their hands were shouting slogans in support of their demands.

Though the employees’ leaders were engaged in strong arguments with the Police authorities and tampers ran high but the situation was brought under control after the assurance of the Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Mr Sudanshiv Pandey to the employees that their demands will be conceded.

The employees leaders warned the authorities that in case they will not get a counter guarantee either from Chief Minister or Deputy Chief Minister by tomorrow morning, they will again take out the procession towards Civil Secretariat at 12 noon tomorrow to gherao the Assembly, informed president, Employees Joint Action Committee, Abdul Qayoom while talking to this reporter.

He said yesterday also meetings of the EJAC leaders were held with Secretary JDA, Mr Khursheed Ganai, Inspector of Police , S P Vaid, Financial Commissioner, B B Viyas and Divisional Commissioner, Sudanshiv Pandey and they had agreed in principle that the demands of the employees will be conceded by the Government. But the EJAC leaders were demanding a counter guarantee in this regard either from Chief Minister or Deputy Chief Minister.

Earlier a huge procession of the employees on the call of EJAC started from Hari Singh Higher Secondary School and after passing through various Chowk it converted into a protest rally at Shalamar Chowk.

The employees were demanding enhancement of retirement age to 60 years, change of designation of helpers, release of pending pay of nine months in favour of all public sector employees, qualifying service for pension be decreased from 33 to 21 years, payment of Interim Relief of Rs 1000 till Sixth Pay Commission report implementation, Risk Allowance for Mechanical Engineering, PDD and Health employees, enhancing SLI slab from Rs 36000 to 1,50000,all employees in 6500 grade be brought in the 7450 slab and benefits of Janata Insurance Policy in case of natural death.

Our Srinagar Correspondent adds, hundreds of employees took out a procession in support of the assembly gherao call given by the EJAC.

The two processions of the employees were taken out one started from Tourist Reception Centre and another from Municipal Park, Srinagar and later they converted into a huge demonstration in front of Divisional Commissioner’s Office at Old Secretariat.

The employees also staged a sit in dharna in front of Divisional Commissioner’s Office in protest against the Government’s failure to fulfill the promises made with EJAC.

LJSP calls for fresh Assembly elections

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 29: The Lok Jan Shakti Party (LJSP) has desired for fresh Assembly elections in the State at an earliest, as according to it both Opposition and members of Coalition Government have miserably failed to play their role accordingly.

Addressing a press conference here today, Rafiq Malik, LJSP State president said the messy situation prevailing in the ongoing budget session of the State Assembly has proved that the members of treasury as well as opposition benches are least bothered about issues of public importance and busy only in political game.

Disapproving Kundal committee, Malik said it was only an administrative order of Chief Minister and not a commission, so its report doesn’t carry any weightage. But, he demanded thorough probe into the Forest scam by CBI team and that too from outside the State. He also advocated for probe in SSRB, PSC, Cultural Academy and other autonomous organizations for unfolding discrepancies.

He reminded that several important issues pertaining to corruption by senior Govt functionaries were taken up in the past but nothing had been done into those and said like wise, this issue will also die its own death after some time.

Also speaking, Sanjay ji, president Kashmiri migrant cell demanded the immediate tabling of Mandir Bill for safeguarding the temple lands in valley, as he claimed some self styled Mahants were making sale deeds of the land. He also took up the issue of non-payment of relief to bifurcated ration card holders among Kashmiri migrants.

Among others who also present on the occasion were Sanjay Saraf (national youth vice president), Sudesh Puri (mahila president) and Dayal Singh etc.

CS calls for close vigil on bird flu

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Jan 29: With deadly bird flu creating a heavy scare in the eastern part of the country especially in the West Bengal, Chief Secretary B. R. Kundal has emphasized the need for launching vigorous awareness campaign in the state regarding preventive measures.

Mr. Kundal was speaking at a high level meeting convened to review impact of flu in the State.

Principal/Commissioner Secretary Forest, Atal Duloo, Commissioner Secretary Animal & Husbandry Davinder Nargotra, Commissioner Secretary Health K. B. Jandial, Chief Wildlife Warden A.K. Srivastva, Special secretary Health, Director health Jammu and Director Animal Husbandry Jammu also attended the meeting.

It was given out in the meeting that presently there was no sign and symptom of bird flu in the state and every precaution was being taken for its prevention. Mr. Kundal directed the Animal Husbandry Department to give wide publicity regarding do’s and don’t’ about the bird flu. He underscored the need for educating people in general and poultry dealers in particular for taking precautionary steps. He asked the department to collect samples from the birds at regular interval and ensure that the disease was properly prevented to leak in the state.

The Chief Secretary emphasized upon the concerned officers to keep close and constant vigil and be in touch with the Animal Husbandry team that has been stationed at Lakhanpur and Lower Munda entry points. He also advised the Animal Husbandry Department to keep the services of at least two doctors one each at Srinagar and Jammu at the disposal of Wildlife Department so that Joint endeavour was done to prevent the disease from spreading.

Director Animal Husbandry told the meeting that more than 300 Rapid Response Teams (RRT) have been constituted to deal with any eventuality besides control rooms have been opened at district & block headquarters.

AISF takes out march, clashes with police

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 29: The cadre of All India Students Federation (AISF) today took out a march towards the Civil Secretariat and held demonstration against the increasing commercialization of education and growing unemployment among the youth in the State.

The slogans shouting protesters also tried to sneak towards Secretariat and clashed with the police but were prevented from moving further. Police also used a mild use of force to disperse the protesters in which few of the activists received minor some injuries.

Later, they staged a demonstration and demanded proper employment policy for the youth of State and elimination of education commercialization. They also alleged that coalition government has failed to keep its promises particularly with the youth. AISF also sought unemployment allowance for the youth of the State

Among those who addressed on the occasion were Com. Vimal Manhas (state president), Com. Raiz Atish (state secretary), Com. Vijay Azad, Com. Sudesh, Com. Anil, Com. Balbir Singh etc.

Backdoor appointments made in SKUAST Kranti Dal

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 29: Lambasting the coalition Government for what he alleged its hollow claims on eradication of corruption from public life, the president Kranti Dal, Anan Sharma today alleged that backdoor appointments have been made in Sher-i-Kashmir Agriculture University, Jammu.

Talking to mediapersons here, today along with Lubha Ram Gandhi chairman of the Dal and Ranjit Singh Bali its another senior functionary, he alleged, authorities were instrumental in making the backdoor appointments by throwing all rules and regulations aside.

Mr Sharma said ,that vacant posts of non teaching staff are not being advertised and the necessary procedure is not being followed to make the appointments. These posts are instead being filled up clandestinely at the behest of politicians, Ministers.

Moreover, one junior minister from Jammu region also got appointed his sister-in-law as FCLA through backdoor. Though the qualification for the said post is needed 10+2 with Science or Degree from Agriculture field and another close relative of an EX. Minister in coalition Government was also appointed as FCLA .

R-Day celebrations end with beating retreat

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 29: To mark the end of Republic Day Celebrations-2008, beating the retreat function was held here today at MA Stadium.

Governor Lt. General (Retd) S. K. Sinha was the chief guest on the occasion.

Among others Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Sudhanshu Pandey and senior army, civil and police officers attended the function.

BSF and Army bands were awarded for their best performance on the occasion.

Gharu reviews functioning of Agriculture Deptt

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 29: Minister of State for Agriculture Ch. Gharu Ram has said that the Government has introduced a number of latest techniques in agriculture sector to boost agri-production in the State.

This was stated by the Minister at a meeting held here today to review the functioning of agriculture department.

Addressing the meeting, Ch. Gharu Ram said that the Centre and State Governments have launched a number of schemes to uplift the socio-economic condition of the farmers community by providing quality seeds, fertilizers besides loan facilities. For this purpose, the present Government has opened sale depots at every nook and corner of the state for the benefit of farmers.

The Minister exhorted upon the farmers to approach their respective Chief Agriculture Officer to lodge complaint, if any, regarding improper and sub-standard supply of seeds, fertilizers, tools kits etc.

During the meeting, Director Agriculture Vinod Bala apprised the Minister that a target of 13.12 lakh MT food grain production is likely to be achieved during the year 2007-08. She informed that strengthening of Seed Testing Laboratory, Fertilizer Quality Control and Pesticides Testing Labs for quality control is being given a renewed thrust under Macro Management and strengthening of Infrastructural Development facilities for seed schemes.

R-Day celebration in educational institutions

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 29: The 59th Republic Day (R’Day) of the nation was celebrated across the State with great enthusiasm and gaiety. Programmes were held in institutions to mark the day.

In New Millennium National College of Education, Sarore, Ram Paul, chairman of the college unfurled the National Flag to celebrate R’Day. Flag hoisting was followed by cultural performances by the students. Principal Anita Bali was also present on the occasion.

GHSS Ghou Manhasan, Jammu also held a function to mark the 59th R’Day. Principal Kanta Devi hoisted the Tricolor on the occasion. Later, cultural programmes were also held.

In GHS Sirah, Katra, Minister for R&B Jugal Kishore Sharma hoisted the National Flag. In all nine schools participated in the function. The minister also gave away Rs.5100/- to the children participated in the function.

GHS Barta, Udhampur celebrated the R’Day with great patriotic fervor and gaiety. Headmaster Ram Saroop hoisted the Tricolor. On the occasion, he presented mementos to five girl students Pooja, Suman, Mashuma, Sushma and Suman, who participated in 53rd National Level Athletic meet held at Kolkata.

Programmes were also held in J P High School Chatha Mill, and J P Academy Swarn Nagar, Jammu wherein B R Joshi, chairman J&K Samaj Sudhar Sabha was the chief guest. He hoisted the Tricolor in both the schools. Colorful programmes were also presented by the students to mark the occasion.

One killed, 3 injured in accident

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 29: One person was killed and three others received injuries when a mini-bus, they were travelling in, met with an accident at Kunjwani By-Pass this afternoon.

The ill-fated vehicle bearing registration number JK02D-3476 was on its way from Sainik Colony to Gangyal when the mishap took place. The mini-bus was carrying school children and staff of Maharishi Vidya Mandir School, Sainik Colony.

All the injured were rushed to Government Medical College Hospital where one of them was pronounced as brought dead. The condition of three injured was stated to be critical when reports last came in.

The deceased has been identified as Man Khan Hussain, son of Fareed Hussain of Sainik Colony while the injured have been identified as Mohd Shakeel, son of Hussain Din of Sainik Colony, Lal Chand, son of Amar Nath of Digiana and Manoj Kumar, son of Charan Dass of Gangyal.

13 cases settled in Lok Adalat

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 29: A total of 13 cases were settled in a Lok Adalat held in the premises of District Court Complex, Kathua under the chairmanship of chairman District Legal Services Authority S K Jamwal, who is also Principal District and Sessions Judge, Kathua.

For the amicable settlement of the cases referred to the Lok Adalat, two benches of Presiding Officers were constituted. The first bench was headed by S K Jamwal, Chairman District Legal Services Authority. Mr Jamwal was assisted by Vinod Chatterjee Koul, Additional District and Sessions Judge, Kathua.

One case pertaining to the financial institution was taken up in this bench and amicably settled. An amount of Rs 2,70,100 was paid on the spot to the concerned petitioner.

In the second bench comprising of V S Bhau, Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kathua and S S Bali, District Mobile Magistrate (Traffic) Kathua, 12 criminal compoundable cases were taken up and all were amicably settled. The compounding fee of Rs 2700 was realized on the spot.

Inter-college debate at GCW Parade

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 29: An inter-college debate competition on the topic "In the opinion of house, the opening of new colleges has added a new dimension to quality education in J&K" was organized in Government College for Women (GCW) Parade, here today.

A total of 22 students from 11 different degree colleges of Jammu took part in the competition. Vandana Sharma of GCW Gandhi Nagar was adjudged first while Shreya Jain of GCW Parade and Chaman Lal of GDC Reasi as declared second and third respectively.

Meanwhile, Priyanka and Bhoomika of GDC Udhampur and Indu Bagal of GCW Parade received the consolation prizes. The panel of judges comprised of Prof Kiran Bakshi, Prof Chanchal Dogra and Prof Asha Sharma.

Earlier, Principal Prof Usha Jayee inaugurated the event by lighting the traditional lamp.

IT awareness camp organised

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 29: An Income Tax awareness camp was organised in the auditorium of Government Degree College, Kathua.

The camp was organised to make all the Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) of the Kathua district aware about the latest amendments and changes that have taken place in the matters relating to the Tax Deduction at Source (TDS).

The camp was attended by the District Officers of different Government Departments and banks and insurance companies.

Addressing the camp, Income Tax Commissioner, J&K Virendra Singh asked the tax payers to file their income tax returns well within the prescribed time-frame failing which strict action would be taken against them.

He advised the DDOs to deduct the tax at source correctly and strictly according to the various provisions of the Income Tax. Mr Singh also warned the habitual defaulters that penalties and interests will be levied on them in case they failed to fulfill their legal obligation of filing returns disclosing exact income.

During the camp, a power point display was made by ITO Rajesh Raina explaining the details of the provisions, rules and relevant forms relating to Tax Deduction at Source.

Many doubts of the participants were also cleared on the spot by the Commissioner, Additional Commissioner Range-I Jammu Hemant J Lal and ITO Rajesh Raina.

The camp was organised by Kanav Bali, ITO Kathua.

12 Gojri publications released

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 29: The Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, released 12 latest Gojri publications brought out during the current year. A number of Gojri writers were present on the occasion.

At this function, the Secretary, Cultural Academy described this event as historic as scholars and researchers from all over the State participated and presented their view point on various aspects of Gujjars.

Various speakers urged the State Government to treat them as ethno linguistic minority in the State and demanded inclusion of Gojri in the Eighth Schedule of Constitution of India.

Javaid Rahi, editor-cum-cultural officer, in his welcome address said that 50 rare and great works in English, Persian and Sanskrit have been selected for translation in Gojri under a project. 12 publications have already been translated this year, he added.

The books released include: three volumes of " Golden History of Gojri Literature" by Dr Rafeeq Anjum, "Gojri Ka Lal" by Hussain Pervaz, six issues of Sheeraza, " Gojri Lok Geet" by Javaid Rahi and Gojri Lok Kahanies" by Manshah Khaki.

Noted writer Fazal Mushtaq, in his presidential remarks, spoke about literary traditions of Gojri language and underscored need for its promotion and due status.

Talab Hussain, former Minister, said the State Government has already recognised Gojri by including it in the 6th schedule of the State Constitution.

Ghulam Rasool Asghar, writer, pleaded for inclusion of Gojri in the Indian Constitution. Mohd Manshah Khaki of the Cultural Academy also spoke and presented vote of thanks.

Govt adopting anti-farmers policies, says BJP

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 29: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), today accused the State Government of adopting anti- farmers policies which has affected the small and marginal farmers in the state.

Talking to mediapersons here, today BJP state general secretary, Shamsher Singh Manhas, Kissan Cell chief, Ch. Sukhnandan and Party publicity secretary, Pramodh Kaphai opposed the procurement of the farmers produce through middlemen. They alleged that this way the farmers working day and night get exploited through Middlemen who take the maximum benefits.

Mr Singh demanded implementation of Crop Insurance Scheme in J&K, issuance of Kissan Credit Cards and granting of subsidy to farmers on fertilizers and seeds.

The BJP leader said the fertilizers which are imported in the state be also exempted from Toll Tax as is done in case of fruit. He also demanded lifting of ban on export of Deasi Basmati.

Mr Singh said BJP advocates for a policy which ends the official control on fertilizers and they should be available in open market.

Moreover, he alleged that farmers are not being given seeds and fertilizers in time and mostly seeds and fertilizers supplied to them are substandard.

AIKS demands passage of Kashmiri
Hindu Shrines, Temples Bill

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 29: All India Kashmiri Samaj (AIKS) has demanded passage of Kashmiri Hindus Shrines and Religious Places Bill so that the vast land and property of shrines and temples of Pandits in Valley is protected from illegal sale and encroachments.

Making this demand at a press conference here, today, AIKS chief, M K Kaw urged the Government to ensure that the Bill is not referred to Select Committee of the House but passed in the current budget session. He said the AIKS is going to set up self help and self reliance groups as it is the only way for survival for the community and the conclave mandated the AIKS to go ahead with holding of economic conclaves at various places in the country which can eventually create and own corpus for community’s projects.

Giving resume of the AIKS delegation meetings with Governor Lt. Gen (Retd) S K Sinha and Chief Secretary, B R Kundal, Mr Kaw said the meetings with them were cordial and they assured their all cooperation in mitigating the sufferings of the hapless community.

Mr Kaw said we demanded a total ban on selling of property of temples and shrines till the passage of the Bill and action against the encroachers.

Mr Kaw said though AIKS is not opposed to construction of Jagati township but stressed that there should be no forced shifting of displaced Pandits to Jagati who are living in various camps at Jammu.

The other KP leaders who were present in the press conference included H N Jattu, V K Kashkari, B B Gusani, Sq Leader, (retd) B L Sadhu, R K Bhat, H N Tiku, Avinash Tiku, Dr M L Hashia, H L Wangnoo and Rajinder Premi.

7000 more Anganwari centres demanded
Vakil seeks direct funds to SWD from Centre

Exclsior Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Jan 29: Minister for Social Welfare Abdul Gani Vakil today demanded additional 7000 anganwari centres in phase III for Jammu and Kashmir to improve nutrition facilities for children, expectant and nursing mothers.