Asma calls on Azad, CS

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Mar 7: Noted lawyer and human rights activist of Pakistan, Asma Jehangir, currently on a visit to Jammu & Kashmir, called on the Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad here today.

Ms. Jehangir, visiting the State as UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion and Faith, had a breakfast meeting with the Chief Minister during which they discussed the post-election scenario in Pakistan and the security situation in Jammu & Kashmir.

The Chief Minister welcomed the positive change in the thinking of Pakistani leadership and said it would go a long way in further improving the relationship between the two south-Asian neighbours. He hoped that the dialogue process between India and Pakistan, slowed down due to the internal situation there, would be taken further. He said lots of things had been lined up for confidence building and improving the bilateral relations including a visit by Prime Minister to Pakistan. The process, he said, suffered a hiatus due to the developments within Pakistan.

Mr. Azad welcomed the holding of elections in Pakistan and said it paved way for return of democracy there. He said he was hopeful that the new Government would carry forward the peace process initiated by India and Pakistan about four years back. He said he was looking forward to harmonious and ever increasing good relations between the two countries.

Ms. Jehangir stressed the need for carrying forward the peace process and confidence building measures, saying it was in the best interests of the people of the sub-continent.

Meanwhile, in an interaction session with Dr. Asma, Chief Secretary B. R.Kundal, apprised her of the measures State Government has taken to protect Human Rights and check rights violation at all levels.

Giving details of the measures, Chief Secretary told Ms. Jehangir that graph of rights violation in the State has gradually declined to the lowest during the current year, adding that State and Central Governments have categorically directed the law enforcing and security agencies that there will be zero tolerance on the issue of human rights violation.

Mr. B. R. Kundal also informed the visiting rights activists about the Chief Minister’s keenness to ensure protection of rights of innocent people under all circumstances.

Mr. Kundal also informed Dr. Asma about the large scale infrastructure development kick started in the State to catapult development and nurture peace and normalcy.

Mr. Kundal also gave resume of the unprecedented financial support by the Union Govenrment to State for speedy development of all public sectors. He said people were greatly involved in development process and restoration of peace in the State.

5th round talks of Clerical staff fail

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 7: While the 5th round talks of the Negotiation Committee of the JK Clerical Staff Association with Divisional Commissioner failed to yield positive results here today, the normal work in all the Government departments paralysed in the state due to ongoing strike.

Pen down strike of the Clerical staff is going on for the last about two weeks and the general public is suffering. The State government has failed to resolve the crisis. The strike remain in all the districts and tehsils besides Jammu and Srinagar cities. The employees held demonstration and staged dharnas in support of their demand of removing pay anomalies in the grades of the junior, senior and head assistants.

A spokesman of the Employees Association said that on the invitation of Government, 5th round of talks led by Ram Kumar Sharma and Rehmat Ullah Malik were held with the Divisional Commissioner Jammu. After long discussions with the members of 15-member Negotiation Committee, no result could be achieved.

Reports of strike have also been received from various tehsils and district headquarters. The work continued to be paralysed in many Government offices.

Neeraj Sharma adjudged overall best student
GCW Gandhi Nagar lifts championship
trophy in "Display Your Talent"

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 7: Government College for Women (GCW) Gandhi Nagar lifted the overall championship trophy, while its arch rival GCW Parade managed runners trophy for their magnificent performances in inter-collegiate/ departmental extravaganza "Display Your Talent", organized by Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu (JU).

Today, prize distribution function of the event was held in General Zorawar Singh Auditorium Complex in the university. Minister for Higher and Technical Education, Gulchain Singh Charak was the chief guest while Vice Chancellor, Prof. Amitabh Mattoo presided over the occasion.

Neeraj Sharma from Deptt of Library and Information Sciences was adjudged as the overall best student and awarded Pankaj Mohan Bhatia Memorial Trophy. He also bagged Prof. Y B Singh Memorial Trophy for overall best performance in fine arts.

In addition to overall championship trophy, GCW Gandhi Nagar also bagged Dr. Jagmohan Singh Memorial and Prof. Santosh Sharma Memorial trophies for being the best team in debating contest and theatrical events.

However, GCW Parade also claimed Vinay Verma Memorial and Dr. J R Sharma Memorial Trophies for best performance in music, whereas GDC Kathua clinched the Dr. Surinder Sharma Memorial Trophy for being the best team in quiz.

Meanwhile, blazers were awarded to Juhie Mohan, Shiveta Pandit and Sachin Bhagat for their outstanding performance in North Zone Inter University Youth Festival held at Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj University, Kanpur, while medals were awarded to all the members of the contingent.

Indu Bagal and Vandana Sharma were awarded special mementos for winning prizes in National Debating Contest on Cooperative Movement held at Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat. Special mementos were also awarded to secretary and joint secretaries of Students Cultural Council as well as among all the departmental cultural secretaries.

On the occasion, a colorful cultural programme was also organized to mark the event. Earlier, Dean Students Welfare presented the welcome address while, the function concluded with vote of thanks by Chairman Campus Cultural Committee.

Those present included Heads of teaching departments, faculty members, Principals and teachers from affiliated colleges besides research scholars and students.

One killed, 8 injured in road accidents

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 7: One person was killed and eight others received injuries in separate road accidents.

Police spokesman said that one person was killed and three others received injuries when a tanker bearing registration number JK02L-7634 hit the GREF labourers working on the road side at Mand under the jurisdiction of Udhampur Police Station.

The deceased has been identified as Dhani Ram of Toldi. The injured have been identified as Basant Ram of Toldi, Mangat Ram of Durjal and Jagdish Singh of Mourd Balli.

In another accident, five persons were injured when a Santro car, they were travelling in, collided with a tipper bearing registration number JK02J-2689 near Toldi Nullah under the jurisdiction of Udhampur Police Station.

All were rushed to hospital and their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in.

KAS officers for enhancement in pay scale

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 7: The KAS officers of all the departments today demanded the enhancement in their pay scale from existing 7500-12000 to 9000-14000.

In a meeting of the officers held at Jammu, it was pointed that headmasters, lecturers and veterinary doctors, who came through PSC were been given the scale of 8000-13000, whereas the KAS officers who also came through the same channel were placed in scale of 7500-12000, which is highly unjustified.

It was also said that even the grades of AAOs, SOs and stenographers were revised and now they were almost equivalent to KAS officers that is not acceptable to them.

Meanwhile, the officers unanimously requested the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary and other top functionaries to intervene in the matter and redress their demand for releasing the grade of 9000-14000 retrospectively from the date the grades were revised in favour of AAOs, SOs, stenographers etc.

Gupta for strict action against anti-India elements

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 7: Former Union Minister and senior BJP leader, Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta has said that clear cut nationalistic policies alognwith alertness against the designs of anti-India elements and true democratic approach can be the only solution to the complexed problems in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing the meetings of Party workers at Tikri and other places in Udhampur district, he said J&K is an integral part of India but due to the wrong policies of the Congress leadership right from the accession of J&K with India numerous problems have come up. He said Congress and its allies in the state are the mother of all these problems.

Prof. Gupta said the Congress leadership not only cheated the nationalists of India by accepting the partition of the country on communal lines but also under the same communal approach granted the so-called special status to J&K State. This has given birth to separatism, fundamentalism and the terrorism which has consumed the thousands of human lives and made lakhs of people as refugees within their own country.

He said even over these years the Congress has not learnt any lesson from this huge devastation and still the Party is pursuing strange policies.

He also blamed the Congress for thrusting the political slavery on the people of Jammu by denying the much promised appointment of Delimitation Commission.

Katra-Baramulla Rail project
Kundal for coordinated approach to remove hurdles

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Mar 7: Chief Secretary B. R. Kundal has stressed on coordinated approach by various departments to remove all hurdles causing delay in smooth implementation of Katra-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway project.

Understanding the importance of the project-cherished dream of the people of Valley for trade and travel, he asked the officers to accomplish their responsibilities in this regard in a missionary spirit.

Reviewing the progress of the project at an apex level meeting here today, Chief Secretary said that all matters should be cleared for accelerating the work on project. Matters pertaining to forest clearance, acquisition of land, shifting of electrical lines, etc came up for the discussion in the meeting for which vital decisions were taken in the interest of the project.

Among others meeting was attended by the Principal Secretary Planning Iqbal Khanday, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Anil Goswami, Commissioner/Secretary Forest Atal Dulloo, Commissioner/Secretary Power Basharat Ahmad Dar, Chief Executive Officer Railway B. P. Kherj, Deputy Commissioners of Reasi, Ramban, Anantnag, Budgam, Baramulla, DC Central and Engineers of IRCON attended the meeting.

VAT exemption on pesticides in offing: Dilawar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 7: Government today decided to constitute Expert Technical Teams which will identify newer suitable varieties of fruit plants proposed to be imported from most developed countries of the World to J&K and subsequently sign MOU in this regard to give boost to the Horticulture sector in the State.

Decision to this effect was taken at a high level meeting convened here today under the Chairmanship of the Minister for Horticulture, PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Mohammad Dilawar Mir. Various issues under the Technology Mission Programme for Integrated Development of Horticulture came under thread bare discussion in the meeting.

The Minister asked the concerned officers to explore all possibilities for air lifting of the selected plant material so that this ambitious horticulture developed programme takes off as early as possible.

Principal Secretary Agriculture Production Department, Sonali Kumar, Director Horticulture, Jammu, M S Qasba, Director Horticulture Kashmir, who is also the nodal officer for implementation of the Technology Mission Programme, N A Wani, Directors of Research of the two Agriculture Universities of Jammu and Kashmir, Director Temperate Horticulture, J&K and representatives of fruit growers and fruit traders were also present in the meeting.

While stressing for implementing the Technology Mission Programme for Integrated Development of Horticulture with a mission, the Minister asked the Principal Secretary to moot a comprehensive proposal for exemption of VAT on pesticides and fungicides, adding that this concession would provide much needed relief to the farming community. He also called for early action for procurement of about 10 Lakh Card Board Cartons to improve grading and packaging of the fruits.

Kotwal for setting up of micro small, medium enterprises

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 7: Holding the present age of globalization as the age of extending development to the micro level, Secretary Industries and Commerce, Dr Pawan Kotwal said that earlier thrust of industries have shifted from tiny/small/medium industries to Micro Small (MS) and Medium Enterprises (ME).

Mr Kotwal in an interactive session with the representatives and entrepreneurs of various industrial association i.e Bari-Brahmana Industries Association (BBIA), ASSI Gangyal, Birpur, Digiana, Samba, Kathua informed that with the passage of new Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006 procedure to do away with the initial hiccups have been laid. Under the new act, the prospective entrepreneurs have to submit a memorandum stating the type and nature of venture to the MS and ME, Nodal Officer i.e the General Managers DIC who will issue the acknowledgement on the same day, he clarified.

Dr Kotwal said that procedure for allocation of smaller industrial plots will be liberalized to the extent possible while as for allocating larger industrial area, a special committee has been formed to oversee the task.

Dr Kotwal informed that an Entrepreneur Development Institute and central tool room workshop will be established at the capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar which will not only impart training to prospective entrepreneur but will also chisel their skills in a particular line thereby creating channels of employment generation in different industrial units for unemployed education youth.

Earlier, various associations highlighted their problems to which Dr Kotwal assured to implement the incentives announced by the Government of India and the State Government in letter and spirit so that the genuine grievances of industrialist are addressed. He further informed that a consultative committee would be constituted to address the issues and problems of industrialist amicably.

Director, Industries and Commerce Pradeep Gupta informed the meeting the government has in a short span of six months convened four state level incentive committee meetings in which 69 units were granted interest subsidy worth Rs.5.26 crore. Whileas in the last four years only Rs.1.34 crore subsidy was disbursed to them, he added.

Mr Gupta said that for establishment of green unit the No Objection Certificate (NOC) can now be issued by Pollution Control Board at Jammu which earlier was given only from Srinagar. He said that the Consultative Committee constituted will look into the problems of industries and the unilateral withdrawal of incentives will not be.

Earlier, Chairman, Federation of Industires Annil Suri in his welcome address informed that after the central package granted by government in 2002, investment worth Rs.4000-5000 crore were made by various industrialist but are lying dead merely on account of simple problems of Toll Tax, NOC by PCB, power curtailments pending transport subsidy etc.

The meeting was attended by MD, SICOP B S Dua, Jt Director I&C S C Sahni, General Manager SIDCO and General Manager DIC Jammu, Joint Director of Information S K Sharma and other officers.

Nomad Gujjar women, a neglected lot: Study

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Mar 7: Early marriage system, illiteracy, extreme poverty, and nomadic way of life is causing dark shadows over the future of lakhs of nomadic Gujjar women residing in the most backward, hilly and border areas of State, said a recent study conducted by Tribal Research and Cultural foundation a National Organization working on Indian Tribes with special focus on Gujjars.

Dr. Javaid Rahi, National secretary of the foundation while revealing the jist of the study said here at winter capital today on the eve of International women day that out of 1000 Nomad houses of nomadic Gujjar and Bakerwal tribe surveyed in Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla and Kupwara districts, a total of 89 percent Gujjar women between the age of 10 to 65 were illiterate

According to the study, the worst condition was of the nomad girl children belonging to Ajjhari Gujjar (Shepherd) and Manjhii Gujjar (Buffalo keeper) 88 percent of whom have not seen the doors of the school and only a few were getting education in religious institutes.

The study further revealed that more than ten lakh Gujjar Women which constitute 10% of the total population of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, unaware of their rights and pace of progress in the modern world and are posing a question mark over the Government and other Non Government Organisations working for women claiming of social changes in twenty first century.

Student leaders from GCW Parade join NSUI

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 7: A group of student leaders from Government College for Women (GCW) Parade joined National Students Union of India (NSUI) in a programme held at Press Club, here today.

Those who joined included Neha Verma, college president, Sakshi Thakur, vice president, Goldy Bamgotra, vice president, Renu Sharma, general secretary, Surekha Sharma, general secretary, Deepika Verma, Archana Parihar, Purnima and Isha all secretaries.

The executive members of the college body who joined were Jiya Chandar, Rasleen Kour, Parleen Kour, Jagmeet Kour, Mannu Kour, Roohi Nanda, Rajul, Aditi Bargotra, Vineta Jandiyal, Shivdarshan Kumari, Deepika Sharma, Shivani, Aditi Rayal, Isha Bhat and Pooja.

They joined NSUI under the leadership of Virender Singh Chib, State general secretary (incharge Jammu).

While addressing the newly joined members, Chib stressed upon them to play active role in the society to bring vibrancy. He also apprised them about nationwide programme started under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi to inculcate principles of secularism and peace among the student community.

NSUI Jammu University president Raja Majid Bhat was also present on the occasion.

CM inspects work on key development projects

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 7: On a day when politicians and leaders are known to throw parties and engage in celebrations with friends and relatives, the Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad chose to do his routine work and pursue development activities in the State.

Today was the birthday of Mr. Azad who completed 58 years of his eventful life. However, the Chief Minister, concerned about the development of the State, utilised his time in visiting several key projects in Jammu city to inspect ongoing work and monitor early completion. He took hours in discussing the details of each project with the site engineers and officials.

The Chief Minister first visited the under-construction 5-storey attendant sarai adjacent to the Government Medical College Hospital here. The sarai will have 15 dormitories. The project is being executed by the Police Housing Corporation and will facilitate a large number of attendants who visit the hospital from distant places daily and do not have any night shelter in the city.

The Chief Minister then visited the upcoming Rs. 120 crore super-speciality hospital at Resham Ghar Colony.

Six super-specialities of neurology, neurosurgery, cardiology, cardio-thoracic and vascular surgery, urology and renal transplant, nephrology and dialysis will be housed in the new hospital complex. The nine other super-specialities are being upgraded in the existing hospital complex. These include gastroenterology, surgical gastroenterology, medical oncology, surgical oncology, endocrinology and metabolic diseases and clinical haematology, pulmonary medicine, plastic surgery, paediatric surgery and emergency.

The Chief Minister also inspected pace of work on the multi-storey OPD block of Gandhi Nagar Hospital. He inspected different floors of the building and asked the executing agency to complete the project by the targeted timeframe.

Another significant development project coming up in Jammu city is the Flower Garden being developed at Bhour Camp here. Conceptualised and personally monitored by the Chief Minister, the Garden is spread over an area of 543 kanals and would emerge as a major tourist attraction in the winter capital when it will be thrown open for public sometime soon.

The Chief Minister also inspected the ongoing work on the widening of the Airport Road and laying of a park on the right bank of the River Tawi between Gujjar Nagar and Tawi Bridge.

The Chief Minister also inspected the site for construction of a complex for J&K Public Service Commission.

Governor releases Academy publications

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 7: Governor Lt. General (Retd) S K Sinha today called for a major initiative for promoting rich art, culture and literature of the State.

Releasing a set of latest publications of Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages at Raj Bhavan this morning, the Governor appreciated the endeavours being made in this regard.

Secretary of the Academy, Dr Rafeeq Masoodi briefed the Governor about various activities during the past two years with special reference to publications of various research oriented documents and periodicals. He said that 100 prestigious publications in various languages have been brought out in the past two years which include Urdu, Kashmiri, Dogri, Hindi, Punjabi, Ladakhi and Balti etc. The Academy, he said has shown a quantum jump in its activities.

The Governor hoped that the Academy will continue its mission of identifying talent and giving them appropriate exposure at the State and national level.

General Sinha released Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh Number of Sheeraza in Urdu, the Kashmiri translation of Tareek Hassan, Volume 4 and the Kahani Number of Sheeraza in Hindi.

The publication released today has a special focus on the cultural legacy of Jammu and Kashmir. The special numbers of Sheeraza focus on certain unexplored areas of the State's cultural heritage while its Kahani Number in Hindi contains masterpieces penned during the past half century. A critical study by the noted critics of the State has also been included in this special issue.

The fourth volume of Tareek Hassan pertains to the poets of Kashmir through the ages. It is a Persian classic and has been written in late 19th century. It has been translated into Kashmiri by Prof. Shams-ud-din Ahmad. With its publication, the Academy has compiled the prestigious project of rendering this Persian Classic into Kashmiri, which spreads over 3000 pages.

Taj for fresh survey of BPL
Border migrants to get Rs 35 cr for construction
of houses: Speaker

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 7: As a part of implementation of Prime Minister's rehabilitation package, migrants of Khour block would get Rs. 35 crore for construction of alternate shelters on 5 marla plots to be allotted by the Government at Gurah Jagir migrant colony at Akhnoor. Nearly 6072 families would be benefited by the scheme. First installment of Rs. 25,000 to each family would be distributed by Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad soon.

This was disclosed by Speaker Tara Chand while addressing a largely attended public meeting at Khour today.

Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Taj Mohi-ud-Din, Minister of State for Housing & Urban Development Gharu Ram and Minister of State for Revenue, PHE Dr. Romesh Sharma also spoke on the occasion.

Tara Chand said that Government was aware of peculiar problems faced by the people of border areas, adding that due to Kargil turmoil these people have suffered a lot. During uncertain conditions, the people were forced to leave their homes and made to live in camps for 5-6 years. "I also hail from the border locality and can better feel the plight of border people", he said. He added that the UPA Government considered request of the State Government and sanctioned a comprehensive package of Rs. 59 crore for reconstruction and rehabilitation of border migrants in phased manner.

The Speaker who represents Chhamb Assembly segment said that almost 90 per cent package had been implemented and rest was in the process of implementation. He said "entire damaged infrastructure has been restored and people have returned to their homes and are engaged in routine activities.

He told the gathering that the Centre has approved a proposal for Rs. 20 crore for boring of tube wells with other infrastructure for irrigational purposes in Khour block which was a long pending demand of the people. This scheme would be implemented in a phased manner and first phase would be implemented in border villages, he added.

Tara Chand said another comprehensive proposal under Indira Awas Yojana was also under active consideration of the Central Government and efforts were on to get the same through shortly. With the sanction of this proposal, the people living below poverty line and who were not having their pacca houses would be benefited.

Taj Mohi-ud-Din said that rural and border areas have received focused attention of Azad-led government. He said during last five years, the government had ensured all round development in all three regions irrespective of caste, creed and region. He said bold decisions taken by the Chief Minister were self speaking.

Appreciating the courage of border people for facing many wars, Mr. Taj said "government acknowledges their courages and making all out efforts to provide them all basic facilities". Referring the PM's rehabilitation package for Khour border migrants, he said "this has been possible due to the earnest efforts of Speaker who constantly pursued the matter at different levels". People of Khour block are lucky enough to have a leader like Tara Chand. He appealed to the people to strengthen the hands of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and Tara Chand for prosperity.

The Minister issued instructions to the officers to make available adequate quantity of PDS ration in all border villages on government rates. He also issued instructions for conducting fresh survey to identify BPL families in Khour block. The Minister also announced waiving off license fee to all Atta Chackki owners of border villages for the period they remained in camps.

Gharu Ram highlighted the programmes and policies of the Government.

Dr. Romesh Sharma said that State has seen new heights in the leadership of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Senior Congress leader and District President PCCI Balwan Singh and Congress Working President Block Khour Suram Singh also spoke on the occasion.

Huge public in the rally wanted Tara Chand to contest election again from Chhamb to make a hattrick in the Assembly.

Babu for reviving canal Power House

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 7: To strengthen power position in Jammu city and adjoining areas, a high level meeting of officers of Power Development Department was held here today under the chairmanship of Minister of State for Power Babu Singh.

Economic Advisor to Government Haseeb Drabu, Commissioner Secretary Power Development Department, Mr Kochak, Vigilance Commi-ssioner Ashok Bhan, MD JKPDC, S. K. Nayak, Development Commissioner Power, S.A.Wani, Special secretary PDC, Khursheed Ahmad and Deputy Advocate General attended the meeting.

During discussion, it was felt that people of Jammu were facing lot of problems due to shortage of power particularly in summers. The meeting decided to revive the Canal Power House for which Mr. Babu Singh instructed the concerned officers to initiate necessary measures for revival of station so that people get sigh of relief. He said that 1250 canal Power House has a capacity of generating 1 MW power and also harbours two generators for power distribution.

The meeting decided to ask the law department to amicably settle the case pending with the court against private agency M/S Trehan Borther Pvt. Ltd. who was earlier running the power centre.

Meanwhile, Mr Singh took a meeting of Secretary School Education and Director School Education Jammu in his office chambers at Civil Secretariat today.

A number of male as well as female Masters, belonging to Kathua district and posted in Udhampur district, are facing hardships. Power Minister asked Secretary School Education to mitigate the problems of such Masters, specially female one, by transferring them to Kathua district against available vacancies in the district.

On spot instructions were issued by G A Peer to Director School Education Jammu to identify the vacant posts of Masters in Kathua district, against which the Masters belonging to Kathua district presently serving in Udhampur district shall be posted.

Electric Linemen Workers Union’s plea to CM

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 7: At a meeting of J&K Electric Department Lineman and Workers Union, held under the chairmanship of Madan Lal Chalotra, vice chairman, discussed various problems and demands of the workers.

The union leaders urged the Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad to listen the grievances and demands of the employees who are presently on hartal and redress their grievances expeditiously. It will be in the interest of the PDD employees, the department as well as the general public, it was argued.

The linemen and workers’ demands include: skilled workers and permanent employees be given technical grades as per their job status and daily rate to skilled workers. Another demand is to grant designation to the workers as per their job work as per SRO 149 of 1973 so that these skilled workers do not suffer any longer.

The union leaders expressed the hope that the Chief Minister will intervene in the matter at the earliest.

Those who participated in the meeting included Tara Chand, Suresh Kumar, Sharma Ram, Girdhari Lal Bhagat, Mangat Ram, Vijay Kumar, Darshan Lal, Gian Chand, Girdhari Lal, Mohinder Lal, Krishan Lal, Yash Pal.