Develop capacity to execute prestigious schemes: Qarra

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 26: Minister for Finance, Housing and Urban Development Tariq Hamid Qarra today at a high level officer’s meeting reviewed the functioning of Jawahar Lal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) projects a Centrally sponsored schemes being executed by National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC) in the State.

Chief Executive Officer of infrastructure development agency Yadhullah, Director Local Bodies Jammu G A Qureshi, Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation, CE, UEED, GM North NBCC and GM Planning and Finance also attended the meeting.

The meeting was informed that under the programme the Central Government has sanctioned 121 projects involving Rs 1522.26 crore so far, out of which Rs 207.33 crore have been released with 10 per cent state share for taking up various projects in the State. At State level the scheme is coordinated by Urban infrastructure development agency.

It was told that out of sanctioned 121 projects, 22 projects have been allotted to NBCC for execution and rest would be undertaken by line departments like PHE, UEED and PWD. Rs 34.96 crore have till date been transferred to NBCC with whom Central Government has signed the memorandum of understanding for executing civic utility projects.

Addressing the meeting, the Minister exhorted upon the officers to develop capacity for executing prestigious works rather to entrust the same to other agencies. "This all demands commitment and efficiency for which there is no dearth in the State", he added. He urged upon the NBCC to take up the projects after and fulfilling required formalities as early as possible.

NBCC representatives informed the Minister that land has been identified in all the seven places of Jammu division where the works would be started shortly. They sought 6 months period for completing these projects.

The Minister also told the NBCC to install their own labs at Jammu and Srinagar for testing materials rather to approach other agencies for the same.

Khoda for structural communication
between security agencies

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 26: Expressing satisfaction over significant contribution of Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security agencies in improving the security scenario in the State, the Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda has urged for greater synergy among the forces for better results.

Mr. Khoda was reviewing the law and order situation with senior officers of CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police at Srinagar today. He emphasized on frequent structural communication between different agencies for maintaining optimum level of performance. He said that all ranks should ensure that the lives and properties of the citizens of the State are protected and Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security forces remain committed to the cause of ushering in era of peace and normalcy in the State.

Mr. Khoda said that all logistic support would be provided to the agencies dealing with the situation on ground.

He reminded the sacrifices of Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security forces personnel who laid down their lives while fighting militancy in the State and exhorted officers to remain alive to the welfare needs of their families.

Mr. Khoda also had a detailed meeting with senior police officers of Kashmir Zone at PCR Srinagar, where he reviewed security situation of the Valley. He emphasized on professional policing and rapport with public in bringing peace. He said while dealing with militants, all ranks should ensure that general public did not suffer.

In the meeting discussion pertaining to administrative matters, availability of accommodation etc. figured. Mr. Khoda said that Government was keen to improve building infrastructure in the police organization and also the better the service conditions of the jawans and officers of the force.

Qualification no bar for Gujjars, Bakerwals for
engagement as Anganwari workers: Vakil

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 26: Government would relax norms for engagement of Anganwari workers and helpers belonging to Gujjar and Bakerwal (G&B) category in tune with its policy of taking on board all communities and sections of society in progress and development. Such candidates would require no educational qualification for applying these posts.

This was announced by Social Welfare Minister Abdul Gani Vakil while addressing Gujjar and Bakerwal conference at Samba.

He said that Government has already decided to simplify procedure for widows, old aged and destitute who will henceforth require only BPL and ration card for obtaining social security assistance. Numberdars and Chowkidars would identify and verify genuine beneficiaries, he added.

Block Medical Officer, likewise would be the final authority for issuing disability certificate to those physically challenged requiring financial succour from Government.

Cautioning the people to remain vigilant against exploitative forces, the Minister said that opportunist politicians were even splitting hair on pro-people initiatives of Government.

The Minister called upon people to have realistic appraisal of performances of present and earlier Governments and distinguish between mirage and realities. "People are the best court in democratic setup. Your verdict is supreme and final", he said.

Minister for R&B Jugal Kishore Sharma, in his address, appreciated the leadership qualities of Late Haji Buland Khan, who had founded the Gujjar and Bakerwal Conference, which was providing a platform to the Gujjar Bakerwal community to discuss and project their issues for settlement. He said this platform gives an opportunity to political leaders and the Government to listen and know the problems of the community. He said people know it well how much work the present government executed and were able to differentiate between the role of present and previous Governments. He said people have right to criticize the wrong policies and decisions of the Government but should ideally also appreciate its good policies and programmes.

The leaders of GBC also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the problems being confronted by the Gujjar and Bakerwal community. A part from other problems, they demanded to deploy one Naib Tehsildar exclusively for renewal of their identity cards.

Minister of State for Revenue and Finance, Aijaz Ahmad Khan, who is also Chairman, Gujjar and Bakerwal Conference (GBC) said that Government is committed to mitigate the problems of Gujjar and Bakerwal community, adding that every community would get its due in development and progress.

Referring to the demands of GBC, Mr Aijaz reiterated the resolve of the government to settle all the issues of the community with regard to provision of land in light of Roshni Act, political reservation, reservation in govt jobs, ST status, road connectivity, issuance of BPL ration cards, old-age pension, up-gradation of mobile schools, besides setting right the census records in Samba on priority. He said instructions had already been issued to Forest and Revenue Departments to conduct survey of the houses of Gujjar and Bakerwals so that a concrete decision regarding transfer of land could be taken in light of Roshni Act as there is no provision of transfer of forest land to the people. The Minister directed DC, Samba to deploy an officer exclusively for renewal of identity cards of Gujjar and Bakerwals.

Clerical cadre employees to resume strike today

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 26: Clerical cadre employees of all the State Government departments have resolved to resume their strike from March 27.

Addressing a joint press conference at Press Club of Jammu here today, leaders of the Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh All Departments Clerical Staff Association, Ram Kumar Sharma, coordinator, Rehmat Ullah Malik, convenor, Ravi Singh, secretary and Bashir Malik alleged that agitation was suspended two weeks back by the Clerical cadre employees after assurance from the Government during meeting with the Divisional Commi-ssioner, Jammu that their pending issue of removing pay anomalies will be resolved by March 26.

It is unfortunate that Government has again failed to keep its commitment thus forcing the employees to go on the agitational path. This shows non-seriousness on the part of Government towards the problems of its workers and employees. They said the strike went on for more than three weeks last time and then after dialogue process was initiated by Divisional Commissioner, the employees representatives and members of negotiation committee decided to suspend agitation receiving response that issue would be solved by March 26.

They said all the Clerical cadre employees would observe pen down strike from tomorrow onwards up to April 2. Next course of action will be decided later. They appealed the employees in all the districts and Kashmir and Ladakh regions to observe complete Kam Chhor Hartal. It may be recalled that junior, senior and head assistants are demanding hike in their pay grades as done in case of others employees.

‘Fast unto death’ agitation goes on
Kathua town to observe bandh today

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Mar 26: The township of Kathua will observe a complete bandh in protest against the Government’s inaction into the increasing pollution level in and around the town.

The bandh call has been given by the Anti-pollution Joint Action Committee Kathua. The shops and educational institutions will remain closed while public and other transport vehicles will go off the road in view of the strike. All the organisations including political, social, trade and youth have given full support to the cause.

Meanwhile, the condition of five citizen’s who have gone on fast unto death dharna at Main Chowk Kathua, has deteriorated. A team of doctors examined those sitting on dharna this evening. Their ‘fast unto death’ agitation has entered third consecutive day. They have refused all the offers from the District Administration to accept any food stuff.

Deputy Commissioner Kathua Sarita Chouhan, however, claimed that she had written letters regarding growing problem of pollution in Kathua to the State Pollution Control Board and the Industries department several times. She admitted that problem of the residents of this town was genuine and justified and need immediate attention from the concerned agency.

Prof Rohmetra to head "International Centre
for Cross Cultural Research and HRM"

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 26: In line with the vision of Vice Chancellor Prof. Amitabh Mattoo (Padam Shree) to attain global ranking for University of Jammu (JU), a new centre "International Centre for Cross Cultural Research and Human Resource Management" has been established in the University under the aegis of Faculty of Management Studies, consequent upon University Council resolution passed in its last meeting.

Prof. Neelu Rohmetra has been appointed as the Director of the said Centre in addition to her existing duties. Prof. Rohmetra specializes in Human Resource Development and Cross Cultural Management and is already working as Professor in Management Studies at ‘The Business School’, JU.

She is the winner of prestigious AICTE Career Award for Young Teachers below 35 years of age for the year 1999 and has also been conferred with AIMS (Association of Indian Management Schools) Best Teacher Award for the Year 2007 at IIM Kolkata.

She is also the State Alumni of US State Department and has participated in ‘International Visitor Leadership Programme of the US State Department, USA for the State of Jammu and Kashmir on "Educational Leadership" in 2006.

She has also been the Visiting Fellow in the area of Interna-tional HRM to ‘The Centre for Cross- Cultural Management Research’, EAP-European Sch-ool of Management, Oxford, UK, in 1998 and is also the winner of Fulbright Visiting Lecturer Fellowship and Commonwealth Post-Doctoral fellowship, UK for the year 2001-02.

Prof. Rohmetra is the author of six books and 40 research papers in her area of specialization. Currently, Prof. Rohmetra is member International Editorial Boards of two international journals "International Journal of Cross Cultural Management" and "Human Resource Development International".

She has been member of ‘Project Globe - A 60 Nation study on Cross - Cultural Leadership’, developed by Prof. Robert House at Wharton Business School, USA and is also handling major research projects in the areas of Cross Cultural Management and Human Resource Development supported by University Grants Commission and All India Council for Technical Education, New Delhi.

The centre shall evolve with the strong support of international and national faculty. To begin with, the centre would function with international partners as the Technical University of Cluj Napoca, Romania. A formal cooperation agreement has already been signed between both the Universities and the partner institutions will promote cooperation and exchange in the domain of education, training and research as also organizing visits and exchange programmes for students, faculty and research scholars.

9 officials suspended

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Mar 26: Government has suspended nine officials for remaining absent from duty while as many traders were arrested for selling commodities on higher rates in south Kashmir today.

Official sources said Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, conducted surprise visits to various offices in temple town of Mattan in south Kashmir.

During the checks, nine officials of Health and Education Department were found absent from duty.

The DC later ordered suspension of the officials.

In a separate incident, a market checking party, headed by Additional Deputy Commissioner, during patrolling arrested nine vegetable sellers for selling commodities on higher rates.

A huge quantity of substandard and rotten fruits and vegetables were also destroyed on spot.

BJP committed to abrogation of Article 370: Khajuria

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 26: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has rejected the allegations that the Party is bereft of issues for contesting the ensuing Assembly elections in the State and made it clear that it is committed to abrogation of Article 370.

The two flags in one country can’t be allowed and our Party is committed to abrogation of Article 370, said BJP state chief Ashok Khajuria, while talking to mediapersons here, today.

Mr Khajuria who opposed the special constitutional status to J&K said this should end now so that the people of Jammu, Ladakh, Kashmiri Pandits, PoK, West Pakistan and other refugees could heave a sigh of relief.

Mr Khajuria, while making a dig at separatists, NC and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) said BJP will not tolerate any body who propagates anti-nationalism and thrusts fundamentalism on people.

He alleged that NC and coalition partners in J&K possess same ideology and instead of talking about eradication of unemployment, redressal of PoK, West Pak refugees and Kashmiri Pandits problems they were talking about the settlement of terrorist and their families.

He also made a dig at NC patron, Dr Farooq Abdullah, Hurriyat chief Mirwiaz Omar Farooq and other Kashmiri leaders to restrain from spilling venom against the BJP senior leader and Party’s Prime Ministerial candidate, L K Advani and not use unparliamentary language against him.

He said if Farooq considers the Advani’s autobiography as bundle of lies, he is free to move to court.

Welcoming the autobiography of Mr Advani, "My country My Life", he said the former Deputy Prime Minister has re-established the Party stand on J&K. Those who were in power and misused it feel themselves exposed and were now giving statements to save their skin.

Mr Khajuria said autonomy, demilitarization and other demands made by Dr Abdullah, PDP or Mirwiaz are made at the behest of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf.

He asked these leaders to go to Pak and talk about the autonomy of PoK people who have been suppressed by the Pakistani rulers.

BJP leaders Mohan Singh Chouhan and Balbir Ram were also in the press conference.

3 killed in road accidents

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 26: Three persons were killed and three others sustained injuries in separate road accidents while as two persons allegedly made abortive attempts to end their lives.

Police spokesman said that one Naseeb Singh, son of Kirpal Singh of Nanak Nagar was killed and three others sustained injuries when a Maruti car, they were travelling in, skidded off the road and rolled down near Dharamthal Pulli under the jurisdiction of Chenani Police Station late last night.

The injured have been hospitalised and their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in.

In another accident, a scooterist identified as Bansi Lal, a resident of R S Pura was knocked to death by a truck at R S Pura. Soon after the accident, he was rushed to Government Medical College Hospital where doctors pronounced him as brought dead.

A case has been registered against the truck driver.

Meanwhile, one Bodh Raj, son of Jattu Ram was killed when he was hit by a speeding tractor bearing registration number JK02AB-9103 at Jaganoo.

The spokesman said that two persons—Renu, daughter of Vijay Kumar of Adarsh Colony, Udhampur and Bantu, son of Swaran Chand of Batal Ballian allegedly made abortive attempts to end their lives by consuming poisonous substance in separate incidents.

They were rushed to District Hospital Udhampur when spotted unconscious by their family members. Later, they were referred to Government Medical College Hospital where doctors provided them stomach wash treatment.

They were reportedly responding to the treatment when reports last came in.

Aurat, Bhade Bhai Sahib staged in theatre festival

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 26: On the fourth day of Theatre festival organized by Academy of Art Culture and Languages in connection with World Theatre Day celebrations, The Self Help Group presented a street play "Aurat" in the premises of Cultural Academy.

The play based on the story by Sehmat and directed by Bupinder Singh successfully depicted the exploitation, harrasment and domestic violence inflicted upon women in a society dominated by men.

The play was enacted by Shalu, Sunita, Shakuntla, Rajni, Baby, Sweety, Makhni, Ritu, Veena, Sonu and Sapna. Earlier poems were recited by Kulvinder Singh, Krishan Lal, Sheikh Mohammad Kalyan recited their poems.

Meanwhile, Samooth Theatre staged a play "Bhade Bhai Sahib" in collaboration with J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages at KL Sehgal Hall. The play was based on story by Munshi Prem Chand and directed by Dr Sudhir Mahajan.

The play revealed story of two brothers; younger reading in class 5th and elder in class 9th. Although the younger one takes more interest in playing than reading yet he manages to secure good marks. On the other hand, his elder brother, who keeps on advising him to take more interest in studies rather than playing, gets failed every year.

When the youner brother rises to class 8th, the elder remains stuck in the 9th class. Elder brother yet again advises him that he might not feel proud that next year they would be in the same class, as a matter of fact he is five years elder than him and therefore he will keep on advising him.

Manoj Bhat in the role of elder brother was very muchappreciated by the audience. The music of play was composed by Deepak Kumar and lights were designed by Daya Ram Daya whereas Sheetal Mahajan was assistant director of the play.

Dr Rafeeq Masoodi was the chief guest on the occassion. In his key note address he congratulated Dr Mahajan for doing experimental theatre in the State.

Mangat inaugurates CT Scan unit in GMC

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Mar 26: Reiterating that the Government was committed to upgrade and expand ultra-modern healthcare to the people across the State, Minister for Health & Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma has said that all small, medium and larger health institutions are being equipped with latest medical gadgets to improve diagnostic and treatment facilities.

Inaugurating a Rs 1.30 crore CT Scan unit at emergency block of Government Medical College Jammu today, the Minister hoped that unit would facilitate the needy patients with latest CT scan facility in Jammu.

Mr. Sharma also inspected various units of the Hospital and impressed upon the concerned for ensuring upkeep and maintenance of the equipments and the units.

The Minister also had an interaction with head of the units, among which Principal GMC Dr. Rajinder Singh and Director Health Services Jammu Dr Jasbir Singh were also present. He sought an appraisal of the functioning of the hospital.

Later, in the afternoon, the Minister addressed a public meeting at Sidhra. He said that Government was committed to provide all basic amenities to the people of the state and has initiated various innovative steps for improvement and upgradation of these facilities.

He cautioned the people against vested interests who are bent upon to divide people on communal and regional lines for running their political shops. He said such elements are not well-wishers of the people but create wedge among different communities and religions to attain political mileage.

Responding to the demands of the locals, Mr. Sharma said that a health centre would be set up in Sidhra. He said for the purpose all necessary steps would be taken up at the earliest.

Former MLA Thakur Shiv Dev Singh also addressed the public meeting.

GMC Principal Dr Rajinder Singh, Administrator Dr Rakesh Khajuria and Medical Superintendent Dr Romesh Gupta were also present on the occasion.

‘Jonk’ staged on 4th day of Natrang Theatre Festival

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 26: Classical comedy play ‘Jonk’ was staged on the fourth day of the ongoing Natrang Theatre Festival.

The play ‘Jonk’- the Leech, written by one of the most celebrated playwright of Hindi Literature Upender Nath ‘Ashak’, was directed by Sumeet Sharma.

The play was based on the story of a intruder who disturbed the life and the quality time of a newly wedded professor. Seeing their petty state, a friend of theirs planned a theatrical act for them to out the unwanted guest.

But, despite enacting the planned drama, the sticky man was not ready to move out of their place. Finally, the professor declared to leave for a distant place but the unwanted guest again took the lead and carried baggage of the professor to his next destination.

Those who performed in the play included Mohit Sharma, Kamakshi Pattyal, Pankush Verma, Rohit Verma, Ankush Lakhnotra, Rajesh Mehta and Inderpal Singh. The lights were designed by Gaurav Jamwal and executed by Rahul Singh

Samajwadi Party holds meets at Korga, Kathar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 26: State Samajwadi Party chief Sheikh Abdul Rehman addressed largely attended public meetings at Korga and Kathar in Dansal block and flayed the statement of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad that general elections would be held in J&K in free and fair manner.

To make the election process a farce and mere formality, the Shiekh said coalition Government has already made a beginning of fraud by not constituting a Delimitation Commission in the State as per provisions of People’s Representatives Act as also under the constitution of the country.

He wondered that when Delimitation Commission has already completed its process in all the States of the country and even President of India has accepted its recommendations of the Commission, except Jammu and Kashmir State. Sheikh Abdul Rehman stated further that Congress has never allowed the people of J&K State to elect their Chief Minister as each time Centre has thrusted upon the people a Chief Minister of its own choice.

Sheikh lamented that while not so important leaders of the ruling elite have been provided adequate security along with vehicle by the coalition Government, the genuine leaders of the opposition have totally been ignored thus causing resentment among the common masses.

Various other SP leaders spoke on the occasion who included Ram Singh Chouhan, Mrs Amrit Varsha, Suram Chand etc.

Those who joined Samajwadi Party included Sohan Singh, Dhani Ram, Shallo Ram, Thakur Dass, Rattan Singh etc.

Workshop on wildlife conservation held at JU

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 26: Indian Institute of Public Administration, (IIPA) J&K Regional Branch today organized a workshop on ‘Wildlife Conservation in Jammu and Kashmir’ in collaboration with Department of Environmental Sciences of Jammu University and Wildlife Protection Department, J&K at Seminar Hall in Jammu University here this evening.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, J&K Irshad Ahmed Khan was the chief guest while Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K presided over the workshop.

Speaking on the occasion, Irshad Ahmed Khan said that environmental stability and ecological balance is the primary objective of forest management and derivation of direct economic benefits is subordinate to this principal aim. He said that conservation of flora and funa is the protection of the entire ecosystem including land, water, air and the entire range of plants and animal life. He said that biological diversity means the variability among living organisms from all sources and the ecological complexes of which they are part and includes diversity within species or between species and eco-systems. He informed that under Prime Minister Reconstruction Package, the government has sanctioned Rs. 4.19 crore for preservation of wetlands including Wular, Surinsar-Mansar and Tso-Moriri. He said that the Government has also submitted a proposal of Rs. 11.10 crore for funding to GoI for preservation of wetlands of Mirgund, Hygam, Shallbugh and Gharana Conservation reserve. He apprised that the centre has also provided funds under Centrally Sponsored Schemes for management of National Parks, Sanctuaries and Wetland in J&K. Vigilance Commissioner Dr. Ashok Bhan, SSP Vigilance Nissar Ahmed, Chairperson IIPA Dr. S. Bloeria, HoD Environmental Sciences Dr. Anil Raina and lecturers, professors and faculty members were present on the occasion.

Mela at Reasi on April 4

Excelsior Correspondent

REASI, Mar 26: District Development Commissioner Reasi, Sanjeev Verma convened a meeting of officers of varied departments to discuss necessary arrangements for the smooth conduct of Mela at Reasi commencing from April 4, 2008, which will be a part of Jammu Festival.

Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Tehsildar, Sub Divisional Police Officer and senior officer from R&B, PHE, PDD, Youth Services and Sports, Agriculture and Horticulture participated in the meeting.

During the meeting arrangements with regard to holding of Mela at Reasi on April 4, 2008 were discussed. The DDC asked the officers of concerned departments to make all necessary arrangements well before time.

The Department of Youth Services and Sports, Reasi was asked to organize rural sports on the occasion for the entertainment of general public in which students from all 7 educational zones of the Reasi district would participate. Various departments like Agriculture, Horticulture and Floriculture would put up their stalls at the venue to make general public aware regarding various Centrally and State sponsored schemes.

Doda displaced persons demand migrant status

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 26: Members of Erstwhile Doda Migrant Committee who have been on dharna in front of Divisional Commissioner’s Office for the last 91 days today flayed the State Government for maintaining silence over the whole issue and yet again raised their demand for the migrant status.

Addressing a press conference, president J&K Human Rights Watch, BL Kapoor alleged that despite the courts order in their favour, the displaced people of Doda have been deprived of the their legitimate rights despite several appeals to State and Central Governmnet.

"Due to displacement, the people are facing several hardships but they are yet to get relief on the pattern of other migrants in the state" he said and added that their children have been deprived of educational facilities.

As there are several snags in the procurement and processing of verification of migrants, Mr Khajuria demanded for on the spot verification for disposing of the cases. Among others who spoke on the occasion were Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Beig and Som Nath.

‘Gender sensitization workshop’ for postal
female employees organised

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 26: The Department of Posts, J&K Circle organized one day workshop for "Gender Sensitization" of female postal employees here today at K.L.Sehgal Hall in Abhinav Theatre.

The workshop was coordinated by the Centre of Adult, Continuing Education and Extension (CACE&E), University of Jammu. The aim of the workshop was to make women workforce aware about the gender-related issues in their work environment and thus improve upon their efficiency and contribute in a big way in the overall growth and development of the country.

Suman Bhagat, Member Legislative Assembly, was the chief guest of the function while Deepak Budki, Chief Post Master General (CPMG) presided over it. Professor Poonam Dhawan, Director, Centre for Adult & Continuing Education and Extension (CACE&E), University of Jammu who also heads Centre for Women Studies, JU, Prof. Sushma Yadav, Chairperson, Ambedkar Chair, IIPA, New Delhi, Dr. Abha Chouhan, chairperson, Centre for Ambedkar Studies, Jammu University and Dr. Kavita Suri, Assistant Director, Centre for Adult & Continuing Education and Extension, Jammu University spoke on various issues related to gender sensitization.

Inaugurating the workshop, Mrs. Suman Bhagat, said that though number of programmes were initiated for women emancipation and empowerment, yet she felt that the women emancipation had been reduced to mere lectures only and in reality lot of work needed to be done for their betterment. She also favoured reservation of women in parliaments so that they are adequately represented.

While making the women participants aware about gender sensitization, Professor Poonan Dhawan, Director, CACE&E, laid thrust on the fact that 'sensitization' was not merely related to women only but it encompassed men also. She said there was a need to break the stereotypes related to women and one needed to work toward 'men-women equity' and not 'equality'. She said women must also learn to deal with the patriarchal system.

Professor Rita Jitendra, member, J&K State women commission, made the women aware about Supreme Court's ruling on sexual harassment in the office.

Mr Deepak Budki told the participants that they had the option to go to senior officers of even CAT against their complaints of any kind related to their professional work.

Gyan Yagya begins

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 26: Shri Bhagwad Saptah Katha Gyan Yagya is going on at Shiv Mandi, Chandan Vihar, Lower Roop Nagar in Muthi. The Saptah is being conducted by Sant Dr Swami Nagesh Ji.

The Yagya will continue upto March 31 when Puran Ahuti will be held at 12 noon followed by a bhandara the same day from 2 pm to 5 pm

The Bhagwad Saptah Katha is being held daily from 7 am to 9 am and Yagya from 2 pm to 5 pm.

JKTF deputation meets Secy School Education

Excelsior Correspoyndent

UDHAMPUR, Mar 26: A deputation of Jammu Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF) from district Udhampur met the Secretary School Education, G A Peer in his office today and apprised him of the problems being faced by the teaching community.

Led by district president of the Udhampur unit, Rajesh Sharma and senior provincial leader Ganesh Khajuria, the JKTF members discussed the problems related to shortage of infra-structure in various government schools, flaws in examination system, adverse impact of deployment policy of teachers, favouritism and pick and chose approach in transfer of teachers etc. They pointed out that many school buildings have been raised under SSA but majority of the schools lacked, facilities like drinking water, toilets, furniture, desks, jute mats and boundary walls.

It was pointed out that teachers are forced to show 50% result to get through their annual increment and this was encouraging copying. They pointed out that teachers’ deployment policy has proved counter-productive as it is encouraging corruption and causing damage to students. They further demanded that GPF non-transferable sanction powers be restored to CEOs concern as teachers were suffering. Mr Peer gave patient hearing and assured to resolve the issues.

Those who accompanied included Ganesh Khajuria, Manmohan Singh, Raj Kumar, Rajinder Kumar, Raj Kumar, Bhupinder Shastri and Gopal Singh.

JKAACL felicitates theatre artists

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 26: Rangshala Theatre Group and Yamini Cultural Society swept Drama Festival organized by Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) by clinching several awards in different categories.

During the award ceremony, Himanshu Darshan bagged the over all best actor award, Umesh Singh won the best director, award and Neelam Pathania and Deewankshi Sabikhi got certificate of merit for the play, "Adhe-Adhure" written by late Mohan Rakesh and directed by Umesh Singh under the banner of Rangshala Theatre Group of society.

Similarly, best actress award was bagged by Kusum Tickoo and best make-up award went to Dr Kamal Sharma. Best Music Director, award was won by Arvind Kumar. All these awards went to Yamini Cultural Society for the play, "Ai! Ladki" written by Krishna Sobti and directed by Subash Jamwal.

Director of both the plays expressed gratitude towards the JKAACL for appreciating the efforts of artists.

JSSM delegation meets JU Registrar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 26: A delegation of Jammu State Students Morcha (JSSM) today met Registrar, University of Jammu (JU), Prof. G S Sambyal and highlighted several students related problems.

Sunil Sharma, JSSM State president, who was leading the delegation, apprised Prof. Sambyal about the absence of internet facility in most of the departments under Faculty of Arts and over six month long delay in the declaration of M.Ed admission list by DDE.

He demanded his intervention into both the matters and also demanded facility of self-attestation for students, as they were being denied attestation by the university teachers resulting in hardships to them.

The registrar gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured to look into their demands.

Div Com reviews Jammu Festival arrangements

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 26: Divisional Commissioner Sudhanshu Pandey today evening reviewed arrangements of Jammu Festival 2008 at a high level meeting. He informed that Mega Jammu festival 2008 would start with illumination at Bahu Fort with Band display, Multi Media Lazer show/ Fire works on 1st April, 2008 at 8 PM.

At Kala Kendra, an Art Exhibition would be organized by J&K Academy of Art, Cultural and Languages. Exhibition of paintings of N.D Jamwal, Photo Exhibition by A.R Nazki, Basohli paintings, Exhibition cum sale and Dogra/Ethnic Marriage Scene by Sahyog on 10th April, 2008.

There will be Hot Air Balloon Joyrides to be organized in the university grounds from 7th April to 18th April, 2008. Like wise previous year this year too illumination, light music and ethnic food stalls are also proposed to be organized at Mubarak Mandi from 6th April to 15th April. Lighting of other heritage buildings in and around the city will be done as per schedule. Nukkad Shows are also proposed to be organized on the location Bakshi Nagar( Resham Ghar Colony), Janipur, Gole Market, Science College, Raghunath Mandir and Rajinder park.

City Walks comprising of Philosopher Walk on 6th April, 2008 at 7 AM in collaboration with Summerland Travels start from Mohmaya hills and culminate with Quiz and light refreshment, Nature Walks on 8th April, 2008 in collaboration with Tawi Trekkers, Jammu start from Amar Mahal pass through Flora Founa of the ridge mostly join by the students. Whileas Heritage Walk on 9th April, 2008 in collaboration with Master Tours and Travels, Jammu will also start from Amar Mahal passes through Mubarak Heritage Complex and culminate at Kali Jani.

At General Zorawar Singh Auditorium, a Multi Arts Mega Cultural events presenting classical, popular and local performing arts is proposed to be organized on 11th April, 2008.

For the first time, a high profile family Car Rally is proposed to be held in collaboration with the Himalayan Motor Sports Association, Simla.

Among others DDC Jammu Hirdesh Kumar Singh, IG Jammu Rajindra, ADC Jammu, Samba, Reasi and Kathua, Director Tourism, Education, Floriculture and Archives, Chief Engineer R&B, PHE, Joint Director Information, S.E PWD, JDA Chairman YHAI Mr. S. P Verma, Vijay Gandotra, SEs, XENs and other senior officers of the concerned departments attended the meeting.

Dilawar announces Rs 1.30 cr for Chack Nowpora WSS

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU Mar 26: Saying that coalition Government was much concerned about the welfare of farmers and fruit growers, the Minister for Horticulture, PHE, Irrigation Mohammad Dilawar Mir today said that loan waiver scheme announced by the Centre for farmers in the budget proposals would also be extended to the fruit growers and traders of the State.

Addressing a mammoth public gathering at Rohama Rafiabad in Baramulla district today, the Minister said that Rs 16.50 crore regional water supply scheme Rohama has been sanctioned by the Government which will provide potable drinking water to the people of the area. He said that lift irrigation scheme constituted at a whooping sum of Rs 72 crore will bring a wide ranging green revolution and ensure overall socio-economic transformations.

He announced Rs 1.30 crore for Chack Nowpora water supply scheme which would provide potable water to about 7,000 population of the area.