Azad calls on Baalu, seeks funds for road projects

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 29: Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad called on Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Minister T R Baalu in New Delhi to discuss the development and maintenance of road network in the State

Mr Azad raised some specific issues concerning road development in Jammu and Kashmir, including release of second installment of funds under the Central Road Fund (CRF) due to the State, to be released by the Road Transport and Highways Ministry and release of funds for Bhaderwah-Chamba road from the Inter State Connectivity (ISC) fund.

The Chief Minister also demanded release of outstanding amount under CRF commencement of work on four-laning of National Highway No.1 A from Srinagar side; and provision for street lighting on Jammu bypass.

Mr Azad briefed the Minister about the ongoing up-gradation work on Srinagar-Uri, Srinagar-Kargil, Khanabal-Pahalgam, Narbal-Tangmarg, Domel-Katra and Batote-Kishtwar roads. The slow pace of work on widening of the National Highway from Pathankot to Jammu was also taken up by the Chief Minister. He also discussed the improvement of roads in Rajouri and Poonch districts.

Mr Baalu informed that his ministry had already released the second installment amounting to Rs 16.95 crore and further release would be made on submission of utilisation certificate by the State Government.

On the issue of Bhaderwah-Chamba road, he said estimate for the project was being made and funds would be released soon.

The Minister also assured that the other issues, raised by the Chief Minister, would be examined at the earliest possible.

Meanwhile, the road infrastructure in the State is in for a major improvement with State Government embarking on an ambitious Rs. 1230 crore programme of constructing expressways, bridges, flyovers and by-passes in the twin capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar.

The massive road infrastructure development plan would overcome traffic congestion in the two cities, presently faced with choking of roads by ever increasing number of vehicles.

The Government is planning to construct two by-passes, one each in Srinagar and Jammu, to ease traffic pressure on cities main roads. In Srinagar, the by-pass would be constructed from Pampore via Lasjan and Mehjoor Nagar. The Jammu by-pass, costing Rs. 400 crore, will ease traffic pressure on city roads.

In the summer capital, a flyover and expressway corridor would be constructed from Jahangir Chowk to Rambagh Bridge. Another expressway corridor would come up from Budshah Chowk to Dalgate Crossing. A sum of Rs 60.84 crore is proposed to be expended on construction of expressway, bridges and widening of Dalgate-Dharamdas Temple, Dalgate-Khanyar and Boulevard roads in Srinagar city.

The Jammu city will see three major flyovers coming up at a total estimated cost of Rs. 210 crore. The flyover from Bikram Chowk to Satwari including six-laning of Airport road would cost Rs. 110 crore. Two other flyovers would be constructed from Jewel Chowk to Canal Junction, Akhnoor Road and from Shakuntala Cinema to Manda along B. C. Road. These would cost Rs. 60 crore and Rs. 50 crore, respectively.

Clerical cadre employees’ strike enters 7th day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 29: Clerical cadre employees of the State who are on strike for the seven days continued their protest demonstrations and dharnas at Jammu, Srinagar and various district and tehsil headquarters in support of their demands today.

These agitating employees are demanding to remove pay anomalies in the grades of junior, senior and head assistants besides junior stenographers and steno-typists. They have demanded grade of Rs 4000-6000 for junior assistants, Rs 4500-7000 for senior assistants and Rs 5500-9000 for head assistants.

The strike in all the departments was complete and reports from various districts including Srinagar and Leh indicated that work remained affected in majority of the offices due to ongoing strike of the Ministerial staff.

Meanwhile, leaders of both the associations spear-heading strike including Ram Kumar Sharma, Rehmat Ullah Malik, Ravi Singh, Vishav Bandhu, Chain Singh, Gafoor Bhat and others strongly criticised the government for its adamant attitude towards clerical staff. In a meeting held today, the employees leaders chalked-out strategy for further program. It has been resolved by the leaders to continue their struggle for carrying it to the logical conclusion.

Ministerial staff of Health and Family Welfare also continued their strike and protest dharna in the Directorate complex here today. C L Koul, Darshan Khajuria, Anil Kesar and others are leading the strike. The Association urged upon the government to accept the genuine demand of the cadre. They have resolved to take out protest march on Saturday up to Press Club of Jammu.

Meanwhile, Public Health Engineering Employees Welfare Association, province Jammu has extended full support to the strike of Clerical cadre. In a meeting of the Association held here today under the chairmanship of Balwinder Singh, all the members expressed that demand of the cadre was justified and the government should resolve the crisis by accepting the same.

Govt extends winter vacations

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 29 : The Government has extended winter vacation in the educational institutions of Kashmir Division.

As per Government order all the educational institutions up to higher secondary level including the recognized private schools located in snow bound areas of Kashmir Division (excluding Leh & Kargil) and like areas of Kathua and Doda districts in Jammu Division shall re-open on March 10, 2008 instead of March 3, 2008,

The identification of areas shall be made by the respective Directors of School Education in consultation with local educational authorities.

Centre sanctions 4 Anti-Erosion Projects

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 29 : The State Government has submitted 109 Flood Control Projects amounting to Rs. 23.85 crore to the Government of India for sanction under newly launched Flood Management Programme.

Stating this here today, the Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Mohammad Dilawar Mir said that the Union Minister of Water Resources, Government of India has also sanctioned four Major Critical Anti-Erosion Projects for River Devak, Udhampur, River Tawi and Chenab, Jammu and River Jhelum in Srinagar costing over Rs.31 crore. Centre has so far released 17 crore for execution of these works, the Minister added.

Gangs of burglars, vehicle lifters busted

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Feb 29: Police claimed to have busted two gangs of burglars, car and motorcycle lifters and arrested five people.

However, one of the arrested person Adil Sidiq Matta shouted that he was not a car lifter or burglar as was being projected by the police.

‘I am innocent’, Matta said when a senior police officer was addressing a press conference and introduced him as one of the gang members who were arrested alongwith stolen car, motor cycles, computers and other gadgets.

The officer said Aijaz Ahmad Sabloo alias Waseem and Adil Sidiq Matta alias Pinka were involved in lifting vehicles from different parts of the city.

Four maruti cars lifted by them from Srinagar, Hazratbal, Bagat Barzulla and Karan Nagar and TVS motorcyle from Baramulla were recovered.

He said Adil has also committed a fraud by using forged cheques and has withdrawn an amount of Rs 35,000 from J&K Bank.

The officer said another gang consisting Firdous Ahmad Dandroo, Niyaz Ahmad Matta and Zahoor Ahmad were also arrested by police.

He said on their disclosure police recovered one car, two computers, one printer, one transformer and one gas cylinder.

Kidnapping, attempt to murder case worked out; 5 arrested

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 29: Police today worked out a kidnapping and attempt to murder case and arrested all the five accused.

Police spokesman said that on January 15, 2008 one Raj Ali, son of Hasan Din of Kartholi was kidnapped by three criminals from Bari Brahamana and taken to Chirrak Kharra, Madana Road where he was brutally assaulted.

Considering Raj Ali as dead, the miscreants left the spot. However, the victim managed to approach some vehiclists, who rushed him to Government Medical College Hospital.

After recording the statement of the victim, police registered a case and started investigation. After hectic efforts, police team headed by SHO Bari Brahamana Khaliq Hussain came to know that Raj Ali was also kidnapped earlier but at that time the criminals could not accomplish their nefarious designs.

The further investigation revealed that Gulzar Bibi, with whom Raj Ali was married in the recent past had also been kidnapped by some unknown persons and involvement of one Pawan Kumar alias Sonu, son of Thoru Ram of Swankha Morh was surfaced.

Subsequently, Pawan Kumar was arrested and put to sustained interrogation. But he remain mum over the incident. Later, police managed the video cassette of ring ceremony of Pawan Kumar and screened the same before Raj Ali, who identified one of the friends of Pawan Kumar as a culprit.

The identity of the culprit then established as Sham Lal alias Shama, son of Rattan Lal of Pallanwalla. Police immediately arrested Sham Lal and his interrogation led to the arrest of two more accused Subash Chander, son of Gurdas and Surinder Kumar, son of Sardari Lal, both the residents of Salma Chak.

Gulzar Bibi was also recovered from the residence of one Samro Devi, wife of Dhian Chand of R S Pura, who happened to be the real sister of Subash Chander.

The interrogation of all the five accused revealed that Pawan Kumar was having illicit relations with Gulzar Bibi before her marriage with Raj Ali. The accused, who could not manage his marriage with Gulzar Bibi hatched a conspiracy to eliminate Raj Ali. But following the survival of Raj Ali, they decided to kidnap Gulzar Bibi.

The kidnapping and attempt to murder case has been solved by Bari Brahamana Police under the direct supervision of SSP Samba Rajinder Gupta, Additional SP Vijay Kundal and SDPO Yogesh Sharma.

Manmohan, Dharamveer file papers for Mayor, Dy Mayor

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 29: With the Mayoral elections in the offing, Congress leader Manmohan Singh today filed nomination papers as party nominee for the coveted post of Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) whereas National Conference leader and Deputy Mayor, Dharam Veer Singh yet again filed his papers for the contest of Deputy Mayor.

After filing the nomination papers for the elections of JMC Mayor which are scheduled to be held on March 5th, Mr Singh visited Congress headquarters where he was accorded warm reception by cross section of party leaders and supporters.

Several leaders and supporters of Pradesh Youth Congress Committee, Mahila Congress Seva Dal and National Student Union of India (NSUI) and JMC corporators of party were also present on the occassion.

Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor and member of National Conference, Dharam Veer filed his nominations for the race of Deputy Mayor’s post, for the fourth consecutive time. However, both Congress and Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) have yet to formally announce their candidates for the post of Deputy Mayor.

A cursory look at the present scenerio suggests that both the Congress and BJP cannot work out in the absence of requisite support from the corporators of National Conference as well as independents.

SRTC workers flay Yasin for ‘false promise’

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 29: Agitating employees and workers of the State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) have strongly criticised the Minister for Transport, Hakim Mohd Yasin and the Managing Director of the Corporation for making false promises for releasing salary of the employees within a day or two and continued their strike today in the State.

Entire SRTC fleet remained off the road and the inter-state bus operation also affected with the on going strike. The passengers were facing a lot of problems while the Corporation was losing lakhs of rupees per day. The State Government has totally failed to resolve the crisis by paying pending salary of the SRTC workers and employees for the five months.

Leaders of the SRTC Employees Union, Ashok Mehra, Pawan Sharma and Dev Raj Bali alleged that Minister for Transport Hakim Mohd Yasin and the Managing Director have only given the false statements in the media regarding release of salary for four months within a day or two. They were doing it just to create confusion while the fact remains that till Friday evening not even a single penny was paid to the SRTC employees. They strongly condemned both of them for their hollow claims and said that they should desist from giving such irresponsible statements.

Meanwhile, the protest demonstration and dharna of the SRTC employees continued at the old Transport Yard near Bikram Chowk throughout the day here today. Several leaders addressed the gathering and demanded release of their salary pending for the last five months.

Another protest dharna and demonstration under the leadership of Mr Kuchey was held at Srinagar. The speakers decided to continue their protest till their pending wages were released.

18th Annual Conference on Mathematics begins

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 29: The 18th Annual Conference of Jammu Mathematical Society and a National Seminar on "Emerging Trends in Analysis and Operator Theory" was inaugurated in a function held at University of Jammu (JU), here this morning.

Former Vice Chancellor JU, Prof. (Retd) M R Puri was the chief guest while Prof. Dominic Rochon from Qubec University, Canada was the guest of honour. Vice Chancellor Prof. Amitabh Mattoo was also present.

In his inaugural address, Prof. Puri emphasized upon the need of such events for thorough deliberations on Mathematical concepts and called it an opportunity for scholars to learn and share their expertise.

Also speaking, Prof. Mattoo mentioned about the series of seminars and other important events, both national and international level, being held in the university on regular basis. He said students and scholars have a great opportunity to witness such events in their campus itself. He also expressed satisfaction over progress made by the university on all spheres.

Earlier, Prof. B S Komal, HoD Mathematics presented the welcome address and detailed about the programme of the event. He apprised that 150 mathematicians from all over the country were attending the conference.

On the occasion, Department of Mathematics felicitated Prof. Mattoo on being nominated for prestigious Padam Shree Award. He was presented with a memento.

Two sessions were held on the inaugural day of the conference. The conference is being organized by Department of Mathematics in collaboration with Jammu Mathematical Society.

HC quashes termination of Excise Guards’ services

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 29: Justice Nirmal Singh of State High Court today quashed the Government order terminating the services of Excise Guards appointed prior 1994 and directed that the petitioners shall be entitled to the same relief as has been allowed in the favour of similarly situated persons.

In the writ petitions, it has been alleged that petitioners Parvez Ali and others were engaged on March 30, 1993 and thereafter appointed as Excise Guards on July 2, 1993. However, their services were terminated by the respondents in pursuance to a judgement passed by the State High Court in a petition titled Bodh Raj and others and decided on July 5, 2000.

They further submitted that as per the judgement passed in the said petition, the adhoc arrangements made after 1994 were to be cancelled but the respondents wrongly terminated the services of the petitioners though they have been engaged prior to 1994.

Advocate Veenu Gupta appearing for the petitioners submitted that since the petitioners were engaged prior to 1994, the observations made by this court in the judgement on the petition titled Bodh Raj and others doen’t apply to their case.

After hearing both sides, Justice Nirmal Singh observed that respondent authorities have granted the benefit of regularization to similarly situated persons mentioned in the petition. Therefore, the respondents cannot make any discrimination and adopt different yardsticks for a category of employees who are on the same footing as those who have been allowed the benefit.

"The Court is of the opinion that the respondents have wrongly passed impugned orders rejecting the claim of the petitioners", Justice Nirmal Singh said and quashed the impugned orders of termination with the direction that petitioners shall be entitled to the same relief as has been allowed in favour of Joginder Singh and others.

In case the petitioners were engaged prior to the Joginder Singh and others than the petitioners should be given the benefit of regularization by placing them over and above of the said persons.

VO presents challan in misappropriation case

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 29: State Vigilance Organisation (SVO) today produced challan in the case of misappropriation of Rs 1,27,000 by the then foreman/mechanic of SRTC after conducting investigation into the case for second time on the directions of the Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption.

The Vigilance Organisation had on January 19, 2005 presented the final report of the case for closing the case as not proved but the Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption disagreed with the closure report and order for further investigation.

On the basis of order passed by the court, the VO started further investigation and found that accused Suraj Parkash the then foreman/ mechanic SRTC had misappropriated Rs 1,27,000 as fee deposited by the vehicle owners for mechanical inspection of the vehicles involved in accident cases during the period 1996 to 1998.

After completion of the investigation, the Vigilance Organisation today presented challan against the accused.

Transporters for enhancement in passenger fare

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 29: All the transporters of Jammu proviance have displayed serious resentment over the attitude of State Government for not revising the passenger fares in the wake of oil price rise.

In a meeting held under the chairmanship of STS Wazir which was attended by representatives of different transporters associations including Jammu Province Passanger Vehicles Transporters Association, the participants rued that transporters are not in a position to operate their vehicles as usual due to steep hike in the fuel prices.

Mr Wazir maintained that the transporters of state are already granting 50 percent concession to students and disabled persons. " In December 2007 a memorandum was submitted to DG Transport seeking revision of passanger fares and the same has been forwarded to Fare-Standing Committee for final approval" said Mr Wazir.

He also requested to the Power Committee to take transporters into confidence before the announcement of revision in passanger fares.

those who attended the meeting included Vijay Kumar, Kuldeep Singh, Anil Chopra, Pritam Singh, Ashok Sharma, BB Gupta, Anchal Singh, Shanti Saroop and Vijay Singh.

CT scan facility for poor patients

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 29: Red Cross Society, Jammu region has come out with a special arrangement for underprivileged and poor patients who need to undergo CT Scan or MRI test.

This support of concessional rates for the said test have come from Mediscan Diagnostic Centre, Trikuta Scan and ASCOMs Jammu on the initiate taken by Secretary, Indian Red Cross Society Jammu Region Anil K Padha who disclosed that CT Scan and MRI test for the deserving patients shall now be considered at lower rates than the prevailing market rates and even at part with the Government rates in some special cases.

Needy people/patients can approach the Red Cross Society, Regional Office Kachi Chawani Jammu for this facility.

Mixed response on budget

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 29: Chamber of Comerce and Industries (CCI) has lauded the Union Railway Minister for making the Jammu-New Delhi Rajdhani Express feasible throughout week.

Secretary General CCI while commenting upon the general budget in a press statement here today said that special allocations have been made for the welfare of farmers and destitutes besides lauding the increased tax exemption to women and senior citizens.

However, leaders of Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh, Keshu Bhai Thakre, national executive member, Lakshman Ravinder Singh and Harbans Choudhary have criticized the budget presented by Finance Minister for the year 2008-09 describing it anti-poor.

In a press statement, the leaders while pointing out flaws said that the income limit has been fixed in the light of 6th pay commission, no proposal for the job creation, relief to the debt ridden farmers or the families of farmers who committed suicides, economically weaker sections have been left high and dry and real developmental policies are missing.

State Govt biased: Hindu organizations

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 29: Several Hindu organizations have expressed grave concern over alleged repressive policies being adopted and practised by the State Government against minority communities in the State including Hindus.

In a joint meeting of different Hindu organizations which was held here today under the chairmanship of President J&K Dharmarth Trust Davinder Singh, in which, representatives of Sanatan Daram Sabha Kashmir, Beragi Virakat Mandal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Swami Vivekananda Kendra, Shiv Sena and Dharmik Yuva Mandal Jammu participated.

During the meeting, all the participants unanimously decided to constitute a joint forum under the banner, ‘Jammu and Kashmir Math-Mandir Bachao Committee’ to fight against the alleged suppressive policies being practised against Hindus in the State.

During the meeting, the participants expressed apprehensions that the State Government is arbitrarily passing Private Member Bill in the legislative assembly to annex the property of Hindu shrines.

Those who were present in the meeting were Mr Vijay Gandotra, Mr Daram Vir Batra, Mahant Rameshwar Dass, Mr Ramakant Dubey, Mayor JMC, Narender Singh Jamwal, Mr Vivek Sharma, Mr Rajesh Gupta, Mr Sanjay Anand and Mahant Madav Dass.

SCDRC’s directive to New India Assurance

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 29: State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC) has directed the New India Assurance Company to reimburse a shopkeeper on the basis of total loss alongwith interest at the rate of 8 per cent per annum.

According to the counsel for the appellant—Rajiv Gandotra, son of Prem Raj Gandotra of Kali Janni, was running a shop on Raj Tilak Road and got insured the same for a sum of Rs one lakh with the New Indian Assurance Company Ltd.

During the bomb blast on June 1, 1998, his shop as well as the stock bore the main brunt and everything alongwith the record of the business got destroyed.

The appellant raised the claim with the respondent insurer for the reimbursement of the insured liability of Rs one lakh on the ground that the stored stocks in the trade inside the insured shop at that time were of the value of Rs 254000 which were totally destroyed and it was a case of total loss.

The insurer company deputed a surveyor and the loss was assessed to the tune of Rs 6525. The surveyor didn’t allow any reimbursement of the stocks in trade on the plea that appellant had failed to produce any record before him.

The Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum when approached by the appellant initially allowed the claim of the appellant to the extent of 75 per cent of sum insured alongwith interest at the rate of 9 per cent per annum vice order dated December 12, 2003.

This order was challenged before the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Comm-ission which after thorough discussion accepted the appeal. The Commission directed the respondent (insurer) to reimburse the appellant on the basis of total loss to the extent of Rs one lakh alongwith interest at the rate of 8 per cent per annum after three months from the receipt of survey report till the final payment is made. The respondent was also directed to bear the litigation cost.

One killed, 14 injured in Ramnagar accident

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Feb 29: One person was killed and 14 others received injuries when a bus, they were travelling in, skidded off the road and rolled down at Nanga under the jurisdiction of Ramnagar Police Station.

The ill-fated vehicle bearing registration number JK02D-6379 was on its way from Basantgarh to Ramnagar when met with accident. The bus was reportedly giving pass to another vehicle when it rolled down into a nullah.

On the receipt of information, a police party led SDPO Ramnagar Ramesh Kotwal and SHO Inspector Anu Sharma swung into action and started rescue operation. Even former Minister and MLA Ramnagar Harsh Dev Singh reached the spot and personally supervised the rescue operation.

All the occupants of the bus were immediately brought out of the nullah and rushed to Sub-District Hospital, Ramnagar where one of them was pronounced as brought dead. He has been identified as Shanker Dass, son of Munshi Ram of Morah Kanalah of village Ladana.

Later, three persons, who were seriously injured, referred to District Hospital, Udhampur for specialised treatment. Their condition was stated to be critical when reports last came in.

They have been identified as Shabo, son of Devi Ram of Basantgarh, Varsha, wife of Kewal of Kaitha and Yog Raj, son of Ram Dass of village Marta

Sahai’s new team for IPO nominated

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 29: The new team of J&K Institute of Public Opinion (IPO) headed by president Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ram Sahai has been nominated.

In the general body meeting, Ram Sahai was unanimously re-elected as chairman of the Institute. He was given the authority to nominate the office bearers.

The members elected/ nominated office bearers for the executive committee are- Arun Gupta, B V Sharma, Ramesh Kaul, S K Gupta, B S Mastana, Satti Sahni, Rajendra Motial, P N Daftri, K K Gandhi, Deepak Gupta, Vinod Sachdeva, P L Saraf, Ravinder Sawhney and Kulbhushan Gupta.

Satti Sahni is senior vice chairman, A M Watali vice chairman ( Kashmir), Rajendra Motial vice chairman (Jmu), Arun Gupta -secretary general, S K Sharma- organising secretary, Nirbhay Trehan- treasurer, R K Tikku-Jt secretary, K K Gandhi- jt secretary and Rajan Dutta- media and publicity secretary.

Azad, Qarra hail budget as pro-people

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Feb 29: Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has welcomed the Union Budget-2008-09, hailing it as historic, growth oriented and pro-people.

In a statement, the Chief Minister said that the Budget takes adequate care of all sections of the society as well as of the economy of the country which is bound to show an upward trend in the next fiscal also. He welcomed the provision of waiving of loan to small and marginal farmers, saying it would provide the much needed relief to them. He said the one-time settlement of loan for other farmers was also a welcome step.

The Chief Minister said that special attention accorded to the healthcare sector and doubling of allocations for welfare schemes for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and minorities would help people, especially in rural areas as also allow the economically backward sections of the society to be equal partners in the march of the country to progress. He referred to the increased allocations proposed for education sector, especially Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and secondary education, setting up of national knowledge centres, women and child development and technical education and said it would lead to a massive facelift of the education scenario in the country.

The Chief Minister said that raising of the threshold of exemption for income tax assesses was a great news for the Government employees across the country. He also hailed 5 year tax exemption for promotion of cultural tourism.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister, Tariq Hameed Qarra welcomed the measures announced by the Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram in his budget speech in the Lok-Sabha today.

In a statement issued here today, Mr Qarra said the union budget demonstrates the strength of Indian economy - with GDP over 9%, forex reserves touching 8 billion dollars and buoyancy in the tax revenues and above all lower fiscal deficit. The historic decision of bringing in, a comprehensive scheme of debt waiver of Rs 60000 crore for the small & marginal farmers indicates the resolve and commitment of the UPA Government headed by Dr. Manmohan Singh to adhere to the challenges of agriculture indebtedness.

The other initiatives of stepping up of credit to agriculture sector (Rs 20,80,000 crores), RIDF - XIII of Rs. 4000 crores, strengthen of credit of Cooperative institutions on the basis of recommendations of Vydianathan Committee which will provide much impetus to agriculture growth are very welcome steps.

The emphasis on financial inclusion through the self help group route will hopefully lead to higher rural productivity and income.

Allocation of over Rs.5500 crores for Rajiv Gandhi Vidyutikarn yogna and Rs. 13000 crores for National Highways Development program will help the State in implementing the infrastructure development with renewed vigour.

‘‘ The Finance Minister has also displayed tremendous sensitivity to social security needs and concerns of the informal sector, be it the Health insurance schemes for weavers in mega clusters or Aam Admin Bima Yojna or the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna. Higher allocation will lead to expansion in coverage with qualitative gains’’, Mr. Qarra said.

‘‘On the whole, it is a Budget that looks at both the aspects generating incomes and wealth and equitable distribution of gains. It is symbolic of a growing and developing Indian economy with special commitment of the rural and agro based population,’’ he further said.

Charak reviews functioning of higher education

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 29: Minister for Higher Education Gulchain Singh Charak chaired a high powered meeting to review and further streamline the present status of higher education in the State.

It was decided in the meeting that a workshop would be held in the first week of March 2008 to chalk out modus operandi to improve the working of higher education. In this regard, a committee was also constituted with former Vice Chancellor Jammu University, Prof. M.R.Puri as its chairman and Prof. J. R.Rathore, Prof. L.K. Mangotra, Prof. A.N. Sadhu, Prof. Indira Rathore and Prof. Vijay Kotwal as members.

The aim of the workshop is to make recommendations to further strengthen the higher educational set up so that it can face the challenges of the modern times.

Mr. Charak said that a separate workshop would also be organized soon for professional educational institutions.

Among others, Prof. M. R. Puri, Prof. J. R. Rathore, Prof. L.K. Mangotra, Prof. A.N. Sadhu, Prof. B. P. Sehgal, Prof. N.R. Sharma and Prof. Muqbil Chisti attended the meeting.

Meanwhile, a mushaira on "peace, communal harmony and human rights" was organized here today in which Minister for Higher Education Gulchain Singh Charak was the chief guest.

Government M.A.M College under the auspicious of Gandhian studies centre organizing the mushaira on the occasion of the centenary year of the writing of the Mahatama Gandhi’s Megnumopus "Hind Swaraj" multilingual poets from the state participated in this colourful mushaira.

Mr.Charak appreciated the role of college authorities for their standard of education and said that such programmes provide a platform to the established and the budding poets as well to promote their poetry.

He said that the education system which suffered massively has been brought back on rails and efforts are further on to consolidate the infrastructure and improve standard of education.

Eminent poets like Prof. Rita Jatinder, Vidya Rattan Aasi, .Balraj Bakshi, Tara Samelpuri, Sunil Shad, R.S.Masthana, Ichhu Pal Singh,Vidya Thakur, T.R.Sumberia, Bupinder Singh, Dr.Nighat Nazir, Dr.Liaqat Jafri, Dr.Javed Rahi, Faroow Mirza, Sheikh Mohammad Kayan, Sham Talib, Miss Nargis Sitara and Miss Kalvinder meet enthralled the audience. Principal of the college Prof Muqbil Chisti delivered welcome address.

Dr. M.A.Wani anchored the whole proceedings, which was appreciated by one and all and the programme was compared by Ms Puja Gupta and vote of thanks was presented by Ms Shakun Sethi.

Training of tribal leaders under NRHM concludes

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 29: A 5-day workshop on Training of Tribal Community Leaders (Gujjars and Bakerwals) of Jammu province organized by Regional Institute of Health and Family Welfare Nagrota under National Rural Health Mission concluded here today.

The workshop was held at Rehbar-i-Sehat building Government Medical College Complex Jammu. The objective of this workshop was to extend the outreach of quality healthcare in this disadvantaged group which constitutes a major chunk of J&K population. The broader area of the training programme included promotion of safe maternal and Child Health Practices and availing the benefits of maternity schemes like Janani Surksh Yojna, Immunization Nutrition and Common Medical Emergencies in this community.

The training programme was designed under the guidance of Secretary Health and Medical Education Jammu and Kashmir K B Jandial. Director, Health Service Jammu Dr Jasbir Singh and Director Family Welfare and RCH J&K Dr Abdul Hamid were Course Directors, while Satesh Nehru Director Social Welfare acted as Nodal Officer. The resource faculty included experts from Health and other departments like Dr B S Modi, Dr Gurdeep Singh, Dr K K Gupta, Dr Sudesh Sharma, Dr B S Pathania, Dr S P Sharma, Dr Mohd Younis, Dr Mohd Saleem, Dr Taran Singh, Nahida, A U Bhat and A K Braru.

About 15 participants from Poonch, Rajouri, Udhampur, Reasi and Jammu attended the programme who were given deliberations in local dialect and study material in local language under National Rural Health Mission was provided. Already 101 mobile teachers from Gujjar and Bakerwal communities were trained in this institute in collaboration with Education Department and Indian Red Cross Society Jammu so that the opinion leaders are trained and the message under National Rural Health Mission reaches to this deprived community.

The valedictory functioned was chaired by Mr Jandial who highlighted the objectives of National Rural Health Mission and its present and future scenario in these Gujjar and Bakerwals Communities.

Connectivity, education key sectors of development: Jugal

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 29: Maintaining that road connectivity and education are the key sectors for the development of all areas, Minister for R&B Jugal Kishore Sharma said that Government has done substantial progress in these sectors during last five years.

Addressing a largely attended public meeting at village Tareen in Katra here today, the Minister said that other sectors like PHE, Health, Agriculture have also received due attention of the Government and efforts have been made to fulfill the aspirations of the people.

Mr. Sharma on the occasion directed the Executive Engineer R&B to resume the work on construction of road from Kidyari to Tareen immediately. The construction of road would cost Rs. One crore upto black toping. After completion of road 500 families would be benefited.

The Minister also directed the PHE agencies to complete the Suer Patwar Water Supply Scheme so that people of Tareen will get benefit of this scheme.

He was told that work on water supply scheme Suer Patwar has been started.

Mafia dons harming work culture in
Govt Departments : Qadri

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 29: J&K People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Trade Union Front has expressed grave concern over what it called the existence of mafia dons in various Government departments in Kashmir Valley especially in Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department and demanded stern action against them.

The prevailing mafiaism in the Government departments, especially in PHE Kashmir is a grave issue as it has severely affected the work culture, said State president of the Front Ishtayaq Qadri while talking to reporters here, this afternoon.

He said some of the so-called Trade Unionists have open partnership with the contractors and gundaism was prevailing every where in the Valley on the name of Trade Unions. Even the mafia group and agents are involved in transfers and postings of officers in different departments, he added.

Highlighting the employees problems, Mr Qadri has demanded age relaxation in favour of contractual, consolidated and adhoc employees for their regularisation.

Alleging that the Government has failed in settling the genuine demands of the working class, he said this has been main cause for frequent agitations and demonstrations by the Government and public sector employees.

He demanded immediate release of wages of daily wagers, COLA and salary to PSU employees especially to SRTC, Wool Board, JKI and PHE, constitution of 6th Pay Commission and enhancement of retirement age to 60 years.

While welcoming Mohammed Ayub Bhat in the PDP Trade Union Front, Darshan Mangotra its general secretary said this will further strengthen the organization. Besides him Ghulam Rasool Tantray from South Kashmir also joined the PDP TUF.

JK Bank adopts Behrote village

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Feb 29: Pursuant to policy initiative of ‘financial inclusion’ of J&K Bank, Zonal Office West-Rajouri today adopted Behrote village falling under Thanamandi bank branch.

In this connection, the Bank held a colorful function in Behrote village which was presided over by Additional District Development Commissioner K. L. Khajuria while vice-president Madan Gupta J&K Bank was the chief guest on the occasion.

Speaking at the function, Mr. Gupta said that the bank under Village Adoption Project focuses on upliftment of financially excluded class by providing credit facilities to them at their door steps. The Bank would also contribute in the capacity building of the targeted group to promote entrepreneurship in them, he added.

He said special counter at Thanamandi branch was also made operational for catering to financial and development needs of Behrote village.

He said one village under each bank branch would be covered under this ambitious programme of the bank in all the three districts of Rajouri, Poonch and Reasi.

In his brief address, Additional DDC assured full cooperation of District Administration in carrying out pro-people initiatives of the bank.

Earlier, the bank sanctioned credit to the tune of Rs.65 lakh and disbursed it on spot among the beneficiaries under various schemes besides bringing 60 percent of BPL households of the village under banking fold.

Choudhary becomes 1st Asian to get Rothschild Internship

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 29: Abdul Rashid Choudhary, a young research scholar of Life Science from University of Jammu (JU), has attained the distinction of being the first from any Asian University to get prestigious Rothschild Internship from University of Cambridge.

His work will cover the important aspects of "Biodiversity Conservation in North Western Himalaya and Climate Changes in Indian Himalayas".

He was among the 2000 young researchers from 113 countries who had applied for this prestigious internship and Students Conference on Conservation Sciences-2008 offered by the university. Out of the total applicants, 190 were invited for the conference, whereas only 12 best researchers across the globe awarded the internship.

Choudhary, son of Hakim Bi and Alhaj Allah Din Choudhary of Panihad, Budhal in Rajouri District, has not only brought laurels to JU but also made his otherwise nomadic Gujjar community feel proud of his rare feat.

He is also the recipient of Young Scientist Award besides receiving many other honours at this young age. Presently, he is doing research under the supervision of Prof. V K Anand, Dean Life Sciences JU.

Choudhary has expressed in his words that opportunity provided by University of Cambridge to a JU scholar, apart from highlighting the high quality global research work going on in JU, may prove beneficial in formulation and cementing some joint projects and proposals with the world class research institutions in UK.

Silver jubilee rally of JKNPP continues

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 29: Several rallies were held as shows of strength by J&K National Panthers Party in connection with its silver jubliee celebration today. The silver jubliee ralley led by party supremo Prof Bhim Singh started from here today and passed through different parts of states with enthusiastic party supporters according warm welcome at different halts.

The silver jubliee rally was received at Pulwama by party workers led by Mr Masood Andrabi whereas District General Secretary KS Bedi welcomed the rally at Tral. Similarly, in Khannabal, the district president of the party, Mohammad Iqbal received the rally. The silver jubliee rally also passed through Khannabal to Doru.

Addressing the rallies at different places, Mr Bhim Singh did not loose any opportunity to castigate Congress, National Conference and People’s Democratic Party. While speaking Mr Bhim Singh accused the trio of exploiting the youth and forcing them to resort to gun. He maintained that these are the parties which are responsible for rise in corruption and violence in the State.

While paying tributes to Ex-Chief Minister, Syed Mir Qasim, he alleged that Mr Qasim was disgraced to death and he died uncared and unattended. Meanwhile he assured full support to the demand of Hill Council for Shahbad and Doru.

Prominent party leaders who also addressed the rallies included Mohd Iqbal Wani, Bashir Ahmed Kathu, Farooq Ahmed Dar, Gulam Rasool Nadeem, Masood Indrabi, Abdul Rashid Para, GM Shah and Anwar Dilshad.

Brahman Sabha to celebrate Parshuram
Jayanti with fervour

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 29: Dogra Brahmin Pratinidhi Sabha has drawn up an elaborate programme for celebration of Bhagwan Shri Parshuram Jayanti on May 7 this year with great religious fervour.