Transfer research to fields for optimum
productivity: Governor

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 28: Governor Lt. General (Retd) S K Sinha today called for enriching knowledge of farmers on latest farming and transferring agri-research to the fields for optimum productivity.

General Sinha was addressing farmers and agriculture scientists after inaugurating the main faculty building of faculty of agriculture in the Chatta campus of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology this morning.

The Governor said that sustained research in the field of agriculture and hard toil of farmers had steered India from food deficit to food surplus country. He exhorted scientists to transfer their research and knowledge to the farming community for further growth in agriculture development.

The Governor lauded the progress made by SKUAST Jammu in recent years and appreciated its infrastructure development. He said he felt elated to interact with farmers in Kathua, Rajouri and Bhaderwah through e-connectivity. 'This holds great promise for future", he maintained. He also complimented Vice Chancellor, Prof Nagendra Sharma for his dynamic stewardship and innovative Land Health Card system, which was given a kick start from today. "These initiatives will go a long way in establishing India as a super power of future", he said, while stressing upon the need for further improvement in productivity.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof Nagendra Sharma said that the university is doing its best for the farmers of the region in particular and the whole State. To promote the knowledge of agriculture, livestock sector, enhancement of farm income and productivity on sustainability basis, the state of art facilities developed at the campus will be helpful to enrich farmers' life and livelihood and provide alternative means of sustenance besides generating the employment.

About e-learning, Prof Sharma said that through this programme they are directly connected through information e-kiosks at block level with e-studio based at Chatha campus so as to solve their problems online and get the latest information. He said e-studio has already been established at main campus at Chatta, whereas the setting of these at 20 other locations is in advance stage of installation.

On the occasion, General Sinha launched the Farm Health Card scheme by presenting such cards to progressive farmers each from Doda and from R S Pura.

Earlier, the Governor inaugurated the main faculty building constructed in a record time of 20 months at a cost of Rs 28 crores by M/s Construction Engineers. The main features of these faculty buildings are 8 blocks housing 13 different departments of agriculture, modern Biotechnology labs, students refreshment centre, four lecture theatres, museum and offices.

The Governor also presented cash awards to progressive farmers and went round the museum and different blocks of the campus. The memento and letter of appreciation was also presented to proprietor of M/s Construction Engineers Talib Hussain.

Financial Commissioner, Home, SS Kapur, Principal Secretary to Governor, Dr Arun Kumar and Principal Secretary, Agriculture Production Deptt Mrs Sonali Kumar were present on the occasion.

Later, Governor visited prestigious flower garden at Bhour Camp visited garden this morning.

Withdrawal of Central Excise incentives condemned

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 28: Federation of Industries Jammu and Federation of Chamber of Industry Kashmir today strongly condemned the Central Government’s decision to dilute the industrial incentives for J&K and termed the same as rude shock to the industries in the State.

As per the decision of the Central Government, the excise refund available to the industry in J&K has been reduced only to the extent of value addition.

"This will be disastrous for the industries in the State", Chairman of Federation Annil Suri said in a statement, adding "more than 3000 units in the State will be directly affected".

"The amount of excise exemption received in J&K is negligible as compared to exemptions received by industry in other states with similar excise package", he regretted and said "the impression that the entire excise refund benefit is profited by industrial units in the State is wrong."

Mr Suri said that industries in J&K have been passing on the excise refund benefits to the end users to be competitive with industries situated in Uttaranchal and Himachal Pradesh. "If the basis of excise refund is changed to value addition it will put all industries in a loss making situation and result in ultimate closure of the units based in J&K", he further said.

The Federation of Industries surprised that the Government had first offered incentives to industries in J&K only to withdraw prematurely from its commitments by twisting norms. "This will not only adversely affect Government credibility but also create serious financial difficulties for businesses that have invested on the basis of clear Government policy, the Federation chairman said.

He apprehended that the withdrawal of excise duty will lead to closure of industries in J&K, retrench over one lakh workers, restrict new investments and deteriorate socio-economic conditions.

JKTUC to organise one day convention on May 1

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 28: A large convention of the Jammu Kashmir Trade Union Congress (JKTUC) will be organised on the May day at Abhinav Theatre and the organisation will also be holding elections for the post of president at a delegate session here on April 24.

Addressing a press conference here today, Subash Chander Sharma, designated president of the JKTUC said that a large convention of the delegates will be held on May 1 at Abhinav Theatre Jammu in which Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad will be the chief guest. Besides Azad, a few other Cabinet Ministers will also be invited in the function.

The Trade union leader said that issues confronting the workers and labour class will be raised before the Chief Minister on this occasion and a memorandum will also be submitted to him. The delegates from all the parts of the State will be participating in the programme.

Besides this, elections as per constitution for the post of president will be held in a delegate session on April 24 in Jammu. The new body will also be framed there after.

Expressing gratitude to the Minister for Transport for the redressal of pending demands of of the SRTC workers, Mr Sharma said that all other pending issues like disbursement of 42 slabs of COLA and regularisation of daily wage and consolidated workers would be resolved at the earliest. He demanded that Corporation workers should be paid salary regularly as their families have to suffer every month.

2-day seminar on education for quality improvement held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 28: A two-day seminar on " Education for Quality Improvement", organised by Vishwa Bharti College of Education concluded here today.

At the valedictory session, Dr Ashok Bhan, State Vigilance Commissioner, was chief guest, who lauded the rapid growth of this institution.

"The education plays a major role in social transformation", he said and emphasised to maintain high standards in this sector.

Prof Lokesh Koul, in his speech appreciated Dr Bhan’s contribution in social development and also remarked that the seminar was successful.

Earlier, Prof Aneeta Koul, Principal, of the institute, welcomed the participants.

The seminar was held in four technical sessions which were chaired by Dr P L Koul, Dr Lokesh Koul, Dr M K Zutshi and conducted by Dr C K Zadoo and Dr Krishna Raina.

The chief guest, Dr Ashok Bhan distributed certificates among the participants.

No arrest in PP attack case, locals deny charge

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Mar 28: While the police was looking for the eleven accused persons allegedly involved in the attack on the Mahanpur police post and beating the incharge police post, nobody could be arrested in this connection till this evening. While the incharge police post, Anil Kumar Zad who was hospitalised yesterday after attack by the mob, was withdrawn by the SSP J P Singh yesterday, the new officer has been placed there. Additional SP Benam Tosh who was camping there after trouble, held police public meeting at Mahanpur. SHO Basohli and DySP were also present. The police sought the cooperation of the local public in the inquiry and also in the investigation of the case related to the suicide by a young girl-Sushma.

The sources said that the police has identified a total 11 persons so far allegedly involved in the attack on the police officer and the police post. While some more names have figured in the inquiry but 11 have already been booked in the case.

Meanwhile, P N Mansotra, Ex-Principal and Sarpanch Mahanpur has denied the police allegations of attack on the police officer and the post on Thursday. Speaking on behalf of public he alleged that ASI Anil Zad in drunk condition entered the village in civil dress during night alongwith some cops and terrorised the public at gun point. He knocked at the doors of several houses and abused the elderly persons and ladies. Mansotra said if police had needed somebody in connection with a case, they should have picked up them during day or sought cooperation of public representatives. The public reacted after provocating step of the ASI.

BJYM to hold Sankalap rallies

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 28: To register its protest against the discriminatory policies of the State Government towards the youth of Jammu region, the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), will organize Sankalap rallies in different districts of the Jammu region.

The first such rally will be held at Ramlila Ground Kathua on March 30 which will be followed by Jammu and other district headquarters, said BJYM State president, Pawan Khajuria while talking to reporters here, today.

Alleging that the Jammu region was facing total discrimination, he said 69 percent youth of Jammu are unemployed in comparison to 30 percent of Kashmir Valley.

Moreover, he said, the daily wagers in Jammu get Rs 500 as wages per month while those in Kashmir Valley are paid Rs 2,100. While 5500 posts of engineers and 4550 posts of technicians are lying vacant in various engineering departments, the Government has failed to adjust the 3,500 unemployed engineers and 1,827 ITI diploma holders who are on dharna for over a year now.

He also accused the Government of not issuing the SRO in favour of agriculture employees and alleged that in Kashmir Rs 3 lakh are being paid as cash assistance to the family of a slain militant with a job to his next kin while the Jammu youth are given the lathis.

He said the party has been given instruction by the BJP High Command to mobilize the public opinion throughout the Jammu region against the anti youth and discriminative policies of the Government. The Sankalap rally will be led by national BJYM president, Amit Thakur, he added.

RSS stages demonstrations, demands
dismissal of Kerala Government

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 28: To register protest against the killings of its activists by Marxists in Kerala, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) held demonstrations at Janipur and Patta Bohri Chowk this morning.

A large number of RSS activists participated in the demonstrations and blocked the traffic on Court road at Janipur and Bohri Chungi for over 20 minutes at Janipur an effigy of Kerala Government was also burnt.

The activists of Sangh raising slogans in support of their demands and blamed both UPA and CPM led Government of Kerala for the killings.

The demonstrators reiterated their demand regarding immediate dismissal of Kerala Government and imposition of President’s rule in the state. They also demanded deployment of Central forces in the riot hit areas.

The demonstration at Bohri Chungi was addressed by State president Vishaw Hindu Parishad (VHP), Dr Rama Kant Dubey and RSS leader Tilak Raj Sharma. The other activists of Sangh who participated in it included Shamsher Singh Manhas, Ramesh Pahalwan, Jagdish Gupta, Bodh Raj Gupta, Dr Subash Chander, Mohan Gupta, Mrs Pushpa Gupta and Ashok Singh Manhas.

Earlier the procession of RSS activists started from NITCO Lane Talab Tillo which culminated at Bohri Chungi with a demonstration.

The demonstration at Janipur was led by Surinder Sharma and among others addressed by Amarchand Gupta, Satpaul Sharma, Danish Gupta Corporator, Anil Choudhary and Prabhat Singh.

Equating the Nandigram episode in West Bengal with killings in Kanur district of Kerala, the RSS leaders accused the Communists of being agents of Russia and China.

Indo-European Kashmiri delegation visits Muthi Camp

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 28: Mrs Krishna Bhan, president Indo-European Kashmiri Association today assured all assistance and help to the displaced Pandit students in their studies and professional trainings.

Mrs Bhan who is on a tour of J&K State visited the migrant camps of Muthi today. She was accompanied by Dr Chandan Kotwal, Co-ordinator of Indo-European Kashmiri Association and Dr R K Raina, ex Principal Government Medical College, Jammu.

At Muthi Camp Phase IInd, while addressing a joint function organised by Pir Panchal and Swami Kumar Ji Ashram, Mrs Bhan said Indo-European Kashmiri Association is working for Socio political cause in Europe. She also threw light on various projects undertaken by the organization for the welfare of the displaced people. She said the organization has been sponsoring the migrant children and the main objective of their visit is to have an interaction with the displaced children.

Addressing the function, Dr R K Raina said instead of looking towards the Government, the KP organizations should take responsibility for establishment of the University themselves. He urged Pir Panchal to come forward in this regard.

Dr Chandan Kotwal said the Association will hold interactive meetings with the students which are being sponsored by it to have a feed back from them.

In his address, Swami Kumar Ji complimented the KP organizations abroad for rendering assistance to their brethren living an exiled life for over last 18 years.

He urged the Association to impress upon the Governments of India and Pakistan to allow the pilgrimage to world famous Sharda temple situated in PoK and establishment of Sharda University in Kashmir.

Manoj Jad and Vir Ji Bhat also spoke on the occasion.

Lal Singh tours remote villages of Kathua

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 28: Parliament Member and senior Congress leader, Ch. Lal Singh visited various Kandi villages of Kathua to ascertain the problems of people there.

Mr Singh, who visited 20 kilometers by foot toured villages of Barwaal, Bada Naal, Bindal, Dwalta, Danga, Ghaati and Dhabwal. These villages san road facilities and people requested the MP for construction of a road from Barwaal to Bindal.

Ch. Lal Singh sanctioned Rs two and half lakh for the construction of road and assured them that water and electricity will also be made available to them on priority basis.

At Bada Naal, the MP sanctioned Rs one lakh for construction of room for middle school in the village. He urged the people to give good education to their children as they are the future of the nation.

Later the MP addressed public meetings at Dwalta, Danga, Ghaati and Dabwal. He said it was due to his efforts that Rs 16 crore were sanctioned for fencing around Ujh river and it will benefit the people of the area and farmers.

He said the fencing around the Ujh river will save the erosion of land in flash floods during the monsoon. He said that various welfare schemes have been launched in the area by the Government.

Mr Lal Singh was accompanied by ACD Kathua, Shyam Bijyal, chief Horticulture Officer, Sunil Sharma, AEE PHE, Gopal Sharma and other officers.

DPs’ deputation meets Div Comm

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 28: A deputation of Chhamb Displaced Persons Association led by S R Nagial, its president met the Divisional Commissioner Jammu Sudhanshu Pandey and apprised him of the problems of DPs residing at Kartholi in Samba and other places on Thursady.

The deputation also submitted a memorandum to Mr Pandey and discussed several problems being faced by the refugees families. They pointed out that these residents of Kartholi were uprooted from Chhamb in 1971 but were still fighting for justice. They were allotted land there and were settled as per Government order No 578/C of 1954. But the land allotted to them was acquired by SIDCO for the purpose of Industrial complex including some parts of the refugees Basti.

It is unfortunate that land was acquired but no compensation was given and even no alternative land was provided by the Industries department to these families. For the last so many years these families are suffering. Some houses were still in the industrial area and the inhabitants were facing health hazards but the Government was least bothered about the issue. These families be given compensation and landless be given alternative land, they maintained.

Divisional Commissioner gave patient hearing and assured to personally visit the site and take immediate measures.

16 Corps initiative of women empowerment

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 28: Apart from taking up several projects in hand for the welfare of the local public, Nagrota based White Knight Corps (16 Corp) of the Northern Command has taken up major initiative of women empowerment.

Under Operation Sadbhavana of the Indian Army several civic action programmes have been taken up by the Army in areas like Doda, Udhampur, Kishtwar, Rajouri, Reasi, Akhnoor and Poonch. The remote and hilly areas which lacked proper attention of the civil administration, are being attended by the Army under this unique operation.

But the new initiative of imparting training in various trades like cutting , tailoring, knitting, computer education etc. to the militancy victim women and girls is another initiative widely appreciated by the people in general and the public representatives in particular. The Corp besides fighting militancy is addressing various public issues and its latest initiative of organising artificial limbs camp at Hamirpur for many border area people who lost their limbs in mine blasts was a unique example of the Army’s social cause in the region.

A lot of emphasis is being put on women empowerment to fill up the developmental gaps of women in these areas and the Army Wives Welfare Association is also taking keen interest in such projects for women and girls.

Army to locate stranded passengers

Excelsior Correspondent

LEH, Mar 28: Army will press into service its chopper to locate 10 to 15 passengers including students who had struck somewhere between Dipling and Lingshet five days back.

An official spokesman said that these persons had left Leh for Lingshet and Dipling but reportedly struck somewhere between Dipling and Lingshet. To locate the stranded passenger, the Deputy Commissioner, Dr M K Bhandari sought Army’s chopper service and the same was agreed to.

The Army helicopter will fly from Leh tomorrow at 8 am alongwith the ration.