Mehbooba for women-oriented social security scheme

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 9: People's Democratic Party (PDP) President, Mehbooba Mufti has called for devising a comprehensive social security scheme for the State's women to improve the standard of their living not only in material terms but also in emotional and qualitative terms.

Addressing a day-long convention of the PDP women's wing at Marh today, Ms Mufti said the coalition Government headed by PDP took certain radical measures towards the political, economic and social empowerment of the women starting with reserving 33 per cent seats in the local bodies for them. She said the involvement of the women in the political decision making and developmental initiatives at the grassroots level has proved effective given their impressive performance on the ground.

Ms Mufti said the coalition Government headed by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had even planned to hold Panchayat elections in the State on the same pattern with 33 per cent reservation for women. "However, the move was scuttled by the opposition National Conference as they pleaded before the Governor for the deferment of the Panchayat Polls," she said and added that the party is committed to implement its commitment in this regard.

The PDP President said the women must draw their due from various welfare schemes in vogue to improve their lot. She said as the women are vulnerable to various social problems, they must get adequate economic security to prevent them from being exploited. She said there is especially a major chunk of educated unemployed girls in the State and the Government must address their job concerns to prevent them from facing social troubles.

Referring to the proposed fast-track recruitment drive to be launched by the Government for filling up various vacancies, Ms Mufti said the Government must ensure that there is no political interference in the recruitment process and the meritorious and deserving educated youth get justice. She said a transparent mechanism must be put in place to make recruitment of Anganwari workers in the newly created 7000 Anganwari centers as unemployment has been not only a touchy issue but also the biggest source of corruption in the State.

PDP leaders Dhaman Bhasin, Shanti Devi, Renu Azad, Suran Singh, H R Chalgotra, K K Sharma, Sushila Jamwal, Devender, Nirmal Chalgotra and Rajkumari were present in the convention.

ST, clerical employees for removal of pay anomalies

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 9: Sales Tax and Clerical cadre employees have urged upon the State Government to remove anomalies in their pay grades.

Sales Tax Employees Welfare Association in a meeting held under the chairmanship of Swatantar Bharat Bakshi at Panama Chowk office complex here on Saturday urged upon the Government to remove anomalies in the pay grades of Class-IV employees, junior, senior and head assistants besides junior scale stenographers.

The Association also demanded absorption of ousted employees of the Sales Tax/ Excise department, conducting of DPC, enhancement of retirement age from 58 to 60 years, maintenance of GP Fund accounts of the employees and re-introduction of Mediclaim policy. He stressed for immediately resolution of the demands of Ministerial staff.

Meanwhile, leaders of Clerical cadre employees Ram Kumar Sharma and Rehmat Ullah Malik have appealed the cadre to continue their strike up to March 15 for their genuine and justified cause.

Several organisations including All J&K Department Drivers, Operators and Cleaners Federation have assured full support to the Clerical cadre employees in their struggle and urged the government to address accept their demand.

AITUC, teachers support SRTC workers’ strike

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 9: All India Trade Union Congress and All Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Teachers Federation have supported the agitation launched by SRTC workers for salary.

Some leaders of various organisations joined the meeting of SRTC workers at Chand Nagar today. A strategy was discussed for carrying on the agitation of the SRTC workers and employees. They decided that rallies and processions would be continued vigorously and they will not succumb to the pressure from the government.

President AITUC N K Dogra along with his team of office bearers declared full support while speaking in the meeting. He urged the Government to immediately release the pending salary of agitating SRTC workers. He also condemned the use of brutal force on the employees who are demanding their salaries against the work done by them.

All J&K Ladakh Teachers Federation president Balwan Singh condemned the lathicharge on SRTC employees and their families and alleged that worst days are ahead for this government which has crossed all the limits of HR violations for ‘offering lathis’ instead of wages to the employees and their wives and children. This government has broken all the records. He declared full cooperation from the Federation and appealed all the unions and association of the employees to join hands and openly support the SRTC workers.

Qarra cautions people against political
gimmicks of vested interests

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Mar 9: Fina-nce Minister Tariq Hameed Qarra has appealed the people to vote for the candidates in the upcoming Assembly elections on the basis of their performance, adding that the coalition Government during its rule of five years has done a lot on all fronts of economy thereby, bringing about discernible and visible change on ground.

Addressing a public meeting in which people of Eidgah constituency participated in large numbers here today, the Finance Minister accused the previous Governments of exploiting the sentiments of the people for their petty interests. He expressed confidence that people in the upcoming Assembly elections would not vote on the basis of personality but on dedication and performance shown by the public representatives when in power.

He said the nation has full faith in the leadership of PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, who always stood for the cause of people and strongly pleaded for good relations between India and Pakistan, adding that it is by virtue of his personal efforts that trade between the two countries is being revived.

The Minister claimed that sound infrastructure in schools, hospitals and other sectors has been built up by the present Government saying that development scenario of the State has altogether been changed with major projects coming up and remote villages being connected with major towns by a road network.

Several Zonal and Block Presidents of PDP also spoke on the occasion.

Azad Govt non-serious on PoK refugees issue

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 9: Leaders of SOS International, an organisation of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir refugees have alleged that Azad led Government in the Jammu and Kashmir was non-serious towards the sufferings of the PoK refugees.

Speaking in the general body meeting of the organisation held here today, its chairman, Rajiv Chuni alleged that refugees community from PoK and West Pakistan/ Chhamb had lot of hopes from the Coalition Government headed by Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad but his tall claims have proved as farce cry and now the elections are round the corner and hapless refugees have lost all hopes of the resolution of their issue of permanent settlement.

He said refugees were expecting a special package, but when Mr Azad himself called a meeting of refugees it was sad plight that instead of announcing some package, he claimed that as per Revenue record of his Government, all the refugees have been rehabilitated and only 5000 families were having deficiencies of land and for that some families had been paid sum of Rs 25000 against the deficiencies. Mr Chuni said if Government shows indifferent attitude then the refugees will be left with only option to go on fast unto death agitation of commit self immolation.

The refugees leaders alleged that political set up in the State was hell bent to sabotage refugees’ cause but it is hoped that judiciary would deliver long awaited justice to them as they are already contesting in the Supreme Court of India. He said Working Groups were created by the Prime Minister but no member/ representative from their community was accommodated. The Centre and State Governments have soft corner for Kashmiris and Delhi’s appeasement policy has turned people from this region deadly against Kashmir region.

Prominent among others who spoke on the occasion include Rameshwar Sharma, B S Mahant, Jagan Nath Thappar, Netar Parkash, J S Mangal, R C Sharma, Udhay Chand, Suchwant Singh, Ayush Gupta, Raj Kumar Kohli and S K Puri. Today’s meeting also chalked out strategy to further intensify struggle for their demand.

West Pakistan refugees’ convention at RS Pura

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 9: West Pakistani refugees organised one day convention at the border township of R S Pura and condemned the State Government for not honouring its promises.

A large convention was organised by West Pakistani Refugees Action Committee under the leadership of Labba Ram Gandhi on Saturday while Anan Sharma, president Pradesh Kranti Dal, Jia Lal Verma general secretary, Capt Suraj Parkash and Nathu Ram Sharma president Block R S Pura were the main speakers.

While addressing large gathering, Mr Gandhi said that on the assurance of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad in the Assembly recently to issue domicile certificates and give some relaxation in employment sector to refugee families, the agitation program was suspended but till date nothing was done in this regard. He urged the Chief Minister to honour his promise by March 31, otherwise refugees will be forced to come out on the roads and launch massive agitation.

State Kranti Dal leader Anan Sharma said that Mr Azad should fulfill the demands of refugees during his regime. He criticised the coalition Government for causing delay in resolving the issues of refugees.

Mr Sharma also condemned the Kashmiri leadership for their anti-PoK and West Pakistan refugees mindset and cautioned them to shun their policy otherwise they will be facing serious consequences in coming elections.

Kundan Lal president SWORD (NGO) alleged that respective Governments have failed to resolve the issue of refugees of 1947 and PoK, who are struggling for the last over 60 years for their rights.

Puri Shankracharya to organize "Ati Rudra Maha Yagya"

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 9: Puri Shankracharya Jagadguru Swami Adhokshjanand Maharaj today declared to organize "Ati Rudra Maha Yagya" and "Raj Rajeshwari Tripur Sundri Aradhana" in Jammu from May 7-15, 2008 for peace and prosperity of the State.

He disclosed this while interacting with media-persons here, in Jammu, after his return from Buddha Amarnath Shrine in Poonch District, where he performed "Jalbhishek Pooja" on the holy occasion of Shivratri.

He said, "The sole aim of organizing these religious rituals is to ensure peace and prosperity in this otherwise trouble torne State. The yagya and aradhana will also enlighten the minds of people with devotional and divine knowledge".

The Jagadguru, however, expressed unhappiness over lack of development in and around Buddha Amarnath Shrine. He pointed out that, in shrine, there was lack of basic amenities causing hardship to the pilgrims. He said that it is extremely important to develop this shrine, which is of historical and religious importance, both for smooth facilitation of pilgrimage and development of the region around it.

He also expressed keenness to visit other ancient temples and shrines in the State, especially Srinagar. "Very shortly I am planning to visit Shankracharya Temple in Srinagar", he added.

Meanwhile, he constituted a committee for making necessary arrangements for yagya and aradhana. The members of the committee included MLA Gandhi Nagar Raman Bhalla, V K Sharma, B R Chandan, Anil Khajuria, S. Gurdeep Singh, Raman Sharma, Yogeshwar Dubey, S. Phulail Singh, Vijay Saraf, B S Mastana, Shiv Kumar Sharma and Dwarika Nath Shastri.

Faridabad youth held for rape in Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 9: Police today arrested a youth, who was wanted in a rape case at Talab Tillo for last more than seven months. He has been identified as Vaneet Kak son of Preduman Kak R/o Indraprasth Colony, Faridabad.

He was arrested from Rehari Colony where he had been putting up in a house of his friend, police said.

A total of four youths were involved in the rape committed on a Talab Tillo girl in the same locality in August last year. While three other accused had already been arrested, Vaneet Kak was absconding.

SSP Jammu Parminder Singh had constituted a special team under the supervision of SDPO Bakshi Nagar M L Kaith for the arrest of Kak. Police had conducted a series of raids at Faridabad to apprehend Kak but he remained untraced.

Today, a police party led by SHO Nowabad Inspector Kulbir Honda and Incharge Talab Tillo police post Manjit Singh apprehended the accused from Rehari Colony.

A case against the accused has already been registered under Sections 366, 376, 343 and 109 RPC at Nowabad police station.

The girl, whose identity has been kept a secret by the police, had recorded her statement blaming Kak and his three associates for the rape.

4 held for attempt to murder in Katra

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 9: Police today arrested four persons in an attempt to murder case in Katra.

They have been identified as Madan Lal Maddi, a resident of Naleha, Mushtaq Mohd alias Bhola and Talib Hussain, both residents of Chamba, Katra and Raj Kumar R/o Padoh.

They were involved in attempt to murder of Arjun Singh son of Naseeb Singh R/o Painthal.

Accused had intercepted Maruti car of Arjun Singh at Chamba, Katra on February 28 and inflicted serious injuries on him. All of them had managed to escape from the spot.

Sources said police parties led by SDPO Katra Jugal Sharma under the supervision of SP Katra Ashok Sharma conducted searches at different places and arrested all four accused today.

A case of attempt to murder has been registered against the accused under Section 307 RPC at Katra police station for further investigations.

Tehsil status for Jammu West under consideration: Mangat

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 9: Minister for Health and Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma has said that State was marching towards peace, progress and prosperity.

"Massive development has been kick started across the State to realize the goal of prosperity envisioned by the Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad", Mr Sharma said while addressing a public meeting at Indira Colony.

He further said that State has registered marvelous achievements on all fronts, adding for the first time all the regions and sections of the State got equal share in development process. The Minister said that State Finance Commission has been made functional to ensure equal distribution of funds.

Mr Sharma said that besides upgrading other sectors, health care facilities were getting priority. Uncovered and far off areas were covered under National Rural Health Mission, he said and added J&K has been enlisted in the category of 18 high focused States under this programme.

Referring to the demands of Jammu West constituency, the Minister said that tehsil status to Jammu West constituency is under active consideration of the Government. He assured the locals that unregularized colonies of the constituency like Indira Colony and Hyderpora falling under Ward No. 36 and Shant Nagar under Ward Number 35 in Old Janipura locality would be regularized in due course of time.

The Congress leaders of these wards alongwith PCC office bearers, in their memorandum to the Minister, said that these colonies have been facing step motherly attitude of the administration and have not been regularised despite repeated assurances.

"Several colonies have been regularised under rules on the nominal rates and these three colonies be treated on the same pattern", they said and urged the Minister to translate assurances into reality at the earliest.

General Secretary JKPCC and former MLA Shivdev Singh, general secretary PCC Kanta Bhan, block president Joginder Singh Chib, Corporator Deep Bhardwaj, Corporator Darshana Devi, district secretary of the Congress Gopal Sharma, Harjeet Singh, Pawan Kumar, Mukesh Sharma, Anil Verma, Maheshwar Singh Sethi, Madam Champa, J B Sharma, Mr Dubey, Raj Bakshi, Kamla Devi and Vijay Kumar were among others who spoke on the occasion.

Farooq pleads SRTC employees’ case

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 9: The patron of National Conference Dr Farooq Abdullah has urged the Government to take a sympathetic view of the demands of the striking State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) employees.

Addressing a deputation of the families of striking employees, who called on him here today, Dr Abdullah said that Government must understand that SRTC happens to be a public sector which is working for the welfare of the people and is primarily in losses because it is operating in the far flung sectors of the State where private operators refuse to operate.

Dr Abdullah said that these employees of SRTC have operated the fleet even in the most difficult circumstances that prevailed in the State and need to be respected and regarded.

He said that in a democratic system the use of force is no way to resolve this issue and instead Government must go into a dialogue with these employees and take a sympathetic view so as to give relief to them and their families.

The National Conference patron said that he was deeply anguished by the fact that the Government has used force on the families of these employees and urged the Government to exercise absolute restrain in the matter.

Bhalla lays foundation stone of Community Hall

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 9: MLA Gandhi Nagar Constituency, Raman Bhalla today laid foundation stone of Community Hall at Gorakh Nagar which would benefit the people of Gorakh Nagar and adjoining areas.

Mr. Bhalla was addressing a mammoth gathering at a function organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Gorkha Sabha, Gorakh Nagar, Jammu.

Mr. Bhalla said that the construction of Community Hall at an estimated cost of Rs. 18 lakh would fulfill the long pending demand of the people of Gorakh Nagar. He highlighted the other under execution development works which included installation of transformers and poles, replacement of old wires, adequate lighting system, renovation and upgradation of roads, buildings, lanes and drainage system, cleanness drive and regular water supply in the Gorakh Nagar and adjoining areas.

He assured for early resolution of state subject issue of Gorkha. He said that 42 lakh tourists visit Bagh-e-Bahu every year so the present Government is prioritizing widening of roads to Bagh-e-Bahu and adequate parking facilities.

Earlier a cultural programme was presented by the children of Gorkha Nagar

Corporator Asha Devi, Col. Ranender Kumar (Retd), President Sudhar Sabha Kuldeep Chhettri, Capt. R. S. Sharest (Retd) also spoke on the occasion.

BSWC asks Billawar MLA to fall in line

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Mar 9 : Sending a clear warning to their elected representatives to 'fall in line or prepare for defeat in next assembly elections', Billawar Social Welfare Committee, (BSWC) representing Billawar constituency has decided to vote for those who will work for their welfare.

With assembly elections just few months away, the Committee has warned that they will 'outcaste' the politicians who have failed to represent them during past five years.

Addressing a press conference on Sunday, Advocate J S Badwal chairman of the committee alleged that development of these villages has been a dream since it came into being and succcessive MLA's even failed to provide basi amenities.

"Who so ever will work for the development of the area particularly villages and will not distribute funds on the basis of community and criminal lines will be supported and we want to inform those who claim to be the coming MLA's of the area that they will have to issue the property statements before they contest elections". Akther Ali, general secretary of the committee said.

"We the people of the Billawar constituency will not allowed people to rule who are either corrupt or play politics and make the people to suffer.", he said.

"The committee has alleged that the work culture of Health, Revenue, PHE, irrigation, R&B, Flood Agriculture, Horticulture and Sericulture like sectors are defunct and no one was being benefited,"

"The schools and colleges are with out staff and students are suffering in absence of the adequate staff. Hospitals are with-out doctors, thus the area is given step motherly treatment", he said.

He further alleged, "Despite the announcement of the Chief Minister that on the spot recruitment would be done in the area to appoint youth in police department, nothing has been done so far."

"The BPL community has also been at receiving end as those who are really coming under the category of BPL are not given benefits, " he maintained.

KLM School providing best education to students

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 9: KLM International School, located on defence road near Mamoon Cantt in Pathankot, in serene pollution free atmosphere, on 15 acre of land has been established to cater to the educational needs of students from within and outside the country from Nursery to 10+2 level.

KLM School is a boarding institution where students from all the States of the country like Leh Ladakh, J&K, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal and Rajasthan as also as also wards of NRIs from Germany, Canada, USA and Philippines are attaining quality education.

The KLM management has made a resolve to provide best quality education to the students as best possible teachers have been engaged in the school, who besides enhancing the educational activities of the students, are also contributing towards mental and physical development of the students in all the disciplines.

A special cell has been constituted by the KLM School in which delegates from foreign countries and prominent educationists from reputed professional institutes of India, which take aptitude test of each student to ensure as to in which field a particular student can excel and the students are allowed to chose their line of excellence as per their interest and capability.

KLM School has been serving as a home away from home because entire team of management and teachers is dedicated and sincere and spend much of their time with them for the well being of the children.

Govt committed to develop neglected villages: Gharu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 9 : Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Ch. Gharu Ram has said that Azad-led Government was committed to develop all the neglected villages across the State and bring these at par with towns and cities by providing better road connectivity, healthcare, electricity, drinking water and educational facilities.

The Minister was inaugurating upgraded lanes, drains and culverts at Sidhar in Suchetgarh constituency today.

Ch. Gharu Ram asked the engineers to use quality material on development works to create durable infrastructures. He said that "the Central Government has provided sufficient funds in every sector for large scale development in the State and officers have to use the funding judiciously and honestly to ensure every areas get share in development".

He said that scores of schools were upgraded besides opening of new colleges in every nook and corner of the State. To improve the power scenario in Suchetgarh constituency, he informed that the Government had already sanctioned five power stations in the area.

Responding to the irrigation demands, the Minister asked the Irrigation department to start the desilting of irrigation canal of Mulay Chak-Sher Chak via Panj Garain and complete the work before April 15 for the benefit of villagers. For this purpose, the Minister announced Rs. 3.40 lakh. Regarding maintenance of link road from main road Jangwal to Peer Baba, he asked the engineers to prepare estimates and submit for funding so that the work would be started soon.

Later, the Minister inaugurated Common Shed at Jungwal.

DDC inspects Ganpat Bridge

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Mar 9 : To take stock of ongoing construction work on Ganpat Bridge coming up over river Chenab at Doda, District Development Commissioner, Khurshid Ahmed Bhat visited the construction site and inspected state of the art bridge last evening.

Accompanied by engineers of JKPCC, Mr. Bhat had a detailed discussion about the pace of progress of the construction of the bridge. He called upon the engineers to put in their sincere and coordinated efforts for its timely completion.

One of its kind, the Ganpat Bridge having largest central span in the country (135 meters) is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 29.95 crore by JKPCC.

On the speedy execution of the work, the Assistant Executive Engineer JKPCC, Gopal Sharma detailed that two piers of sixty meters height each required for giving final shape to the bridge are being constructed earnestly by the engineers and out of them first pier has been raised to a height of 40 meters while second pier to a height of 35 meters.

On the peculiarity of Chenab bridges, the AEE apprised that the Ganpat Bridge would have a raised height of 96.54 meters which again lends it that status of being yet another momentous accomplishment in the engineering history not only of the State but also in the country.

SC,ST organizations for proper
implementation of amended act

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 9: All India Confederation of SC/ST Organizations today appealed Chief Minister to remove supposed detrimental clauses while framing the rules for proper implementation of amended Reservation Act 2004.

In a day long meeting held under the chairmanship of its State president RK Kalsotra here today various clauses of SRO 294 were discussed and it was appealed to Chief Minister to identify and clear entire backlog of reserved vacancies and fill them by launching a special recruitment drive besides ensuring that roster point remains the criterion for reserved position.

Among other demands which were raised in the meeting included rules for proper implementation of amended Reservation Act 2004, issuance of caste certificates to OBCs on the basis of caste in which one is born and not the profession being practiced by an individual and increase in share of reservation for OBCs as per their population.

Prominent among other SC/ST leaders who expressed their views in the meeting were Shah Mohd Choudhary, Shah Nawaz Choudhary, Anwar Choudhary, Darshan Bhagat, Dr AC Bhagat, Roshan Din Choudhary and Madan Lal Dogra.

Repair fire brigade road, Roop Nagar

The road leading to Roop Nagar Colony through Fire brigade station is in shambles. The road has not been repaired for the last five or six years. There are rough patches on the road surface. Large portions have been damaged at many places. Full of ditches, this road demands immediate attention. The authorities are thus requested to kindly repair this road at an earliest.

People’s Forum
through Ritu Singh
Upper Roop Nagar
Jammu

Employ MoP diploma holders

A large number of diploma holders of Govt polytechnic for women in Srinagar have done their three year diploma in office Management and Computer Application. But to their dismay the Service Selection Board does not recognise these diplomas at par with other diplomas. We thus find ourselves in a dilemma. It seems as if our skills and training has gone down the drain.

We request the Government to kindly look into our plight and take steps so that the diploma is not only registered with employment exchanges but is also given due weightage in Service Selection Board.

MoP diploma holder through Gull Zainab,
Srinagar

Check overloading in buses

We the residents of Basohli want to bring to the kind notice of the transport authorities as well as the Government to stop overloading of buses in Basohli. The buses heading to and fro Kathua which is the District headquarter of Basohli area. The buses are full of loads of passengers who are pushed inside like cattle. Similarly the roof of the buses is also full with passengers.

This puts the passengers at grave risk. Anytime accidents can happen. The traffic and transport authorities are requested to look into the matter and stop the overloading.

M L Gupta
Basohli.

Check stray dogs in Ram Vihar

We the residents of Ram Vihar, Old Janipur near Park, once again request the Municipal authorities to kindly take some immediate steps to control the dog menace in our locality. Many times before we had requested the concerned authorities to look into the matter and take necessary action but till now no action has been taken in this matter. These stray dogs bite people especially children and women. Many incidents of dog bite have taken place in the locality. The life of people in our area has become difficult. We once again request the authorities to kindly take steps so that the dog menace is controlled.

Residents of Ram Vihar
Janipur, through
Waryam Singh Jamwal

Regularise daily wagers of Chenab Forest circle

Daily wagers of Forest Department falling under Chenab Forest circle and numbering about 305 have not been regularised till date despite clear order from the CM to DC Doda dated 21 June 2006.

These daily wagers have been examined in depth by the Department and their regularisation was recommended to Principal Conservator of Forests. But till date nothing has happened in this matter.

We request the higher authorities in the Forest Department to kindly look into the matter and issue orders so that these daily wagers are regularised at the earliest.

Azaj Ahmad
Kishtwar

Non availability of rice bran

In Industrial Complex at Bari Brahmana there are a few units which are engaged in the manufacure of Cattle Feed. Besides other ingredients being used in manufacturing of Cattle Feed, Rice Bran also constitutes about 10% to 15% in the manufacture of cattle feed as it provides the desired levels of protein and fat in feed. In the past during these months the cost of rice bran being arranged locally would not exceed Rs 550/- per quintal. Cost of Basmati Rice in the local market has crossed Rs 55/- per kg. It has been learnt that under the garb of Basmati Rice, Paddy is also being exported outside the State which has resulted in acute shortage of Rice Bran as there is no Paddy available for the local Rice Sheller’s/Mills for shelling. The present cost of Rice Bran therefore in the wholesale market has touched Rs 700/- per quintal.

In order to make Rice Bran available to the local manufactures of cattle feed here and to ensure their viability, it is requested that the State Government should impose a strict ban on the export of Paddy from the State. And ensure that rice bran is available at cheaper rates.

Bari Brahmana Industries Association,
through Anil Suri (President)