Transparency in recruitment
fundamental of State policy: Mangat

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 29: Minister for Health and Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma has reiterated Government’s firm resolution to make recruitment procedure transparent, credible and merit oriented.

Speaking at the inaugural function of one day workshop on ‘Transparent & Credible Selection Procedures for Recruitment’ organized by J&K Public Service Commission (PSC) on its Golden Jubilee celebration at Zorawar Singh Auditorium Jammu University today. He said "the selection process shall be transparent under all circumstances".

Former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah, former Chairperson Union PSC P. C. Hota, Chairpersons of PSC West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Karnatka, Uttarakhand, Manipur, J&K PSCs members, VCs of Kashmir and Jammu universities, senior officers of civil and police departments including commissioner secretaries besides a large number of university students were among others who attended the workshop.

The Health Minister said that Government would give top priority to the preparation of an employment oriented medium term plan. He said the basic objective of the 11th five year plan would be to accelerate the rate of growth of the State’s domestic products to 8% and maximize the employment generation.

Mr. Sharma said "although in recent years the State has made steady progress in all sectors of the economy and is moving towards strong economic fundamentals, it is still lagging behind in terms of infrastructure and some social sectors like education and health care, agriculture continues to be the predominant sector in terms of employment and livelihood" he added.

The Minister released first news letter of the commission. He was honoured by memento by Chairperson PSC. Former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah was also honoured.

In his key note address Chairman PSC Mohammad Shafi Pandit said that commission has taken several steps in the last four years to enhance transparency and speed up the recruitment process in an efficient and equitous manner. He said the commission would soon have its own office complex at Jammu for which Government has chipped in funds to supplement the grant of Rs. 10 crore. He said the land for its complex at Srinagar has been allotted by the Government for construction of its new complex at Solina.

He said "most of the PSCs in the common wealth countries, except India have moved away from the task of actual recruitment to the job of enforcement of recruitment standards which they have been assigned the more onerous task of auditing of recruitment for monitoring adherence to recruitment policies, which has become their main function".

Former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah, former Chairperson Union PSC P. C. Hota, Chairperson PSC West Bengal T. K. Bose and J&K PSC member N. A. Jan also gave their presentation on the occasion.

Industrial Units Association flays Central Govt

Excelsior Correpondent

JAMMU, Mar 29: Industrial Unit Association, Kathua has condemned the Central Government’s decision to dilute the Central excise incentives in the state and apprehended that the ‘hasty decision’ will have serious ramifications leading to financial crunch and unemployment.

In a press statement issued here today, chairman of the association, Ajeet Bawa maintained that the decision will trigger direct and indirect unemployment in the state as under the newly made provisions the excise refund available to the industry in the state has been reduced to only to the extent of valve addition.

Keeping in view the geographic localtion of the state and the amount or benefit of exemption, Mr Bawa said that it would not be possible for them to compete with the other states. He further said that any kind of change in excise refund will effect the Government’s credibility as the latter has failed on its commitments on the basis of which the industrial units were established.

Attempt to loot J&K Bank in Surankot

Excelsior Correspondent

POONCH, Mar 29: An attempt was made by some unidentified burglars to loot cash from Lasana branch of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank in tehsil Surankot last night.

A police spokesman said that burglars managed to break the main shutter of the bank branch and entered inside. They tried hard to break the chest (safe) where the cash was kept. Though they had extensively damaged the safe by using iron rods and other instruments but failed in their attempt.

Visibly frustrated over the attempt, they then damaged the files and other bank record and tore many registers.

SDPO Surankot and SHO, Mohd Aslam reached the spot in the morning after villagers raised alarm about theft in the bank. The Bank staff was summoned and the police also reached there. It was found that cash was intact and there was no loss on that count. However, burglars had damaged the bank record.

An FIR No. 18/ 2008 was registered in this connection at Surankot police station. The police has started investigation into the case. The police was also looking for some people who have taken huge loan from the bank branch and turned defaulters.

PSCs Chairpersons call on Governor

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 29: Chairpersons of various Public Service Commissions called on Governor Lt. General (Retd) S K Sinha at Raj Bhavan and had an informal interaction on various issues.

The Chairpersons and other dignitaries were in the town to participate in a seminar on Transparent and Credible Selections organized by Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission as part of its Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Chairman J&K Public Service Commission, Mohammed Shafi Pandit presented a copy of the News Letter released to commemorate the occasion. He also briefed the Governor about the celebrations, saying that these will go a long way in ensuring proper functioning of the commissions.

General Sinha appreciated various initiatives introduced for greater transparency in the working of Public Service Commission and hoped that the News Letter will serve as an additional means of communication between the commission and stake-holders.

Prominent among those present on the occasion were besides Ex Chairman, Union Public Service Commission, P C Hota and Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Riyaz Punjabi, Chairman West Bengal PSC, T K Bose, Chairman Punjab PSC, Sanjeet Kumar Sinha, Chairman Andhra Pradesh PSC, Dr Y Venkatarami Reddy, Chairman, Karnatka PSC, Gonal Bhimapa, Chairman Uttrakhand PSC Lt Gen (Retd) M C Bhandari. Members and former members of J&K Public Service Commission and senior officers were present on the occasion.

Samaj Sudhar Committee flays Govt
for not curbing corruption

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 29: The J&K Samaj Sudhar Committee has criticised the State Government as all the claims made by the Chief Minister regarding eradication of corruption have proved "hollow".

Addressing a press conference today, Gulzar Ahmed Pardesi, a senior leader of this committee, stated that the Chief Minister has deviated from his pledge to root out corruption and weed out corrupt elements from the administration. He charged that instead Chief Minister has been shielding the corrupt politicians and officials.

Pardesi alleged that there was mis-utilization of Form 25 by the Forest Department officials. He said though Form 25 system stands abolished it was very much prevalent in kashmir valley and Ladakh region. He added that though agriculture produce has been spared from the purview of taxes, yet 12 percent tax is being charged from them. He cautioned the people to be vigilant in the coming Assembly elections while using their right to vote and cast their ballot in favour of candidate possessing and practicising righteousness in his life, so that no unscrupulous element could get elected to the Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir. The another committee member was critical of the Government from backing out of its promise to provide job to one member of a family whose land was acquired for the NHPC project in Uri.

Others members of the State Samaj Sudhar Committee, who were present at the press conference included: Yousaf Khan, Dr Ramesh Verma, Mohan Choudhary, Narinder Pal Choudhary.

Clerical staff organises protest rally in Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 29: Clerical cadre employees of various Government departments held massive protest demonstration at Exhibition Ground near Press Club here today.

A large number of clerical staff members under the banner of Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh All Departments Clerical Staff Association assembled outside Exhibition Grounds near Tawi bridge and held protest demonstration and a rally. Several leaders of the Association and also from other trade union organisations addressed the gathering.

Ram Kumar Sharma, coordinator, Rehmat Ullah Malik- convenor, Ravi Singh Bhau and others while speaking on the occasion strongly criticised the State Government for forcing the employees to go on agitational path. They said the employees suspended strike on the assurance of the Divisional Commissioner Jammu who was authorised by the Government to initiate talks with the representatives of the employees, but unfortunately Government failed to honour the commitment that pay anomalies will be removed by March 26.

They pointed out that clerical cadre employees including junior, senior and head assistants faced discrimination while the pay grades of other cadres were given hike. Despite several representations to the Government nothing was done in this regard. The employees have been forced to go on pen down strike. They have resolved to continue their strike till Government takes a decision about their fate.

Meanwhile, the work in various departments was paralysed today due to strike of clerical staff. The staff was seen staying away and sitting on dharna in the premises of their respective offices. Reports of strike were also received from Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch, Samba, Reasi, Doda, Udhampur, Kishtwar, Srinagar, Leh and other district and tehsil headquarters.

GMC holds lecture on chest trauma

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 29: Under the preview of Medical Education Cell of Government Medical College, Jammu, a lecture on ‘chest trauma’ was today held in the Medical College.

Dr Gurjit Singh, HoD Cardiovascular and Tho-racic Surgery, GMC discussed in detail the aetiology, presentation, diagnosis and management of chest trauma.

Dr Arvind Kohli of the same department spoke about local perspective of chest trauma and highlighted various presentation, publication of CTVS Department in various national symposia and journals.

GMC Principal Dr Rajinder Singh chaired the session. Prominent among those present on the occasion were Dr Rakesh Khajuria, Administrator Associated Hospitals, Dr Yudhvir Gupta, chairman Academic Cell, Dr Dara Singh, president Medical Teachers Association, Dr Romesh Gupta, Medical Superin-tendent, Dr Manoj Chalotra, Deputy Medical Superi-ntendent and other faculty members, resident doctors, students and staff.

Artists allege flaw in Jammu Festival

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 29: While welcoming the holding of Jammu Festival, Pawan Sharma, President, Talent Club (regd) has alleged irregularities in the allotment of work to "selected few" while totally ignoring the claim of other theatre and cultural organisations.

Complaining that their organisation approached and submitted their proposal to the concerned authorities regarding the cultural event in Jammu but nothing came out of it. It was alleged that the decision has been repeated like last year for some "favourites only".

It was stressed that the Jammu Festival provides opportunity for the young and gifted artists to display their talent which has been denied by the Tourism Department authorities, president of Talent Club, emphasised and decried injustice done to them.

Relief for earthquake victims sought

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 29: "Most of the poor victims of earthquake are yet to get relief and compensation, forwarded by the Government of India, in hilly district of Poonch as the State coalition Government has turned a blind eye towards the victims," said Provincial secretary, Youth National Conference, Poonch, Aijaz Jan in a press statement issued here today.

"Relief cheques of many earthquake victims are still awaited for the reasons best known to the authorities concerned. The poor sufferers of catastrophe seek a reply from the present State Government as to why they are not being heeded," said Mr Jan, adding that the State Governnment should wake up from its deep slumber and disburse the relief to victims who have been waiting for last four years.

Sahitya Akademi organises Kashmiri poetic meet

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Mar 29: A Kashmiri poetic meet first of its kind organised by Sahitya Akademi was held here, today. Besides local poets the programme was attended by the poets from Kashmir and Jammu who included Prof. Margoob Banihali, Prof. Ayaz Rasool Nazki, Mrs Bimla Raina, Dr Aziz Hajni, Sad-ud-Din Saidi, Shahzada Rafiq and Shahbaz Rajouri.

While welcoming the poets and guests, Dr Aziz Hajni, convenor Kashmiri, highlighted the need of organizing such programmes in neglected and far-flung areas.

He appreciated the creative abilities of the writers belonging to these areas and said that such programmes will be organised in other areas as well.

The function was presided over by Prof. Margoob Banihali who congratulated the Sahitya Akademi and its new convenor, Dr Hajni for starting such activities from Rajouri. Two Kashmiri books Izhar by Shahbaz Rajouri and Razweri Hend Loke Bath by Fida Rajouri were released on the occasion. The programme was followed by an interesting interaction between poets and the audience.

Natrang stages Balwant Gargi’s play Lekhak

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 29: A play titled "Lekhak" on a theme depicting plight of intellectual community, was staged on the 7th day of Natrang Theatre Festival, here today.

The play written by noted playwright, Balwant Gargi tries to display the struggle a creative person has to undergo various problems as he is not understood, his complexities and anguish are portrayed in the play.

Gargi’s theme is that time is very precious for a creative writer andf all sort of people and if something untoward happens it gives lot of pain to him. Pawan Verma played role of writer. Other artists were Rohit Verma, Dimple Sharma, Kamaljeet Kaur and Gaurav.

Week long training programme on
Saffron cultivation concludes

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Mar 29: The week long second phase of training programme organised by SKUAST, Kashmir under Saffron Development Technology Mission at Pampore for the training of progressive saffron growers of Pampore Zone concluded today.

The Vice Chancellor, SKUAST, Kashmir, Dr Anwar Aalam was the chief guest during the function. On the occasion, he released a book on Saffron cultivation. The book has been jointly written by Dr Nehvi and Dr Shafiq Wani, Agriculture Scientists.

The funds for the training programme have been provided by Ministry of HRD Government of India.

The first phase of training programme was held from March 1 to March 7. Total 300 progressive saffron growers of the area participated in these training camps.

The farmers of the area hailed the Government of India for providing help and assistance in organizing the camps. They also complimented the Agriculture Extension Officer, Pampore, C L Bhat, Dr Nehvi, Project leader Saffron Development project and Scientist Dr Maqdoomi for their role and contribution.

AHD organizes Calves rally

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Mar 29: Department of Animal Husbandry (AHD) Rajouri organised a crossbreed Calves rally with special emphasis on Heifers (female calves) at Tandwal, outskirts of Rajouri town.

A huge numbers of progressive farmers brought their calves for competition with great enthusiasm from nearby and adjoining villages. The Department provided the vehicles for picking and dropping of registered calves.

The competition was held in three categories. Anil Bakshi’s calf from Tandwal village was adjudged best in the category of 0 to one year while Janu Sharma’s calf also from Tandwal was adjudged best in the category of one to two years category.

In two to above year age group, the calf of Shamsunder of Chenani Bagla was adjudged as best.

The best calf of the show was given the cash prizes on spot. MLA Rajouri Mohammed Aslam and Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Rajouri also addresed the farmers.

Mangat flags off pilgrimage trip of Old Age Home inmates

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 29: Minister of Health and Medical Education, Mangat Ram Sharma today flagged off a four day long pilgrimage trip of 22 inmates of Old Age Home, Ambphalla, Jammu to Haridwar and Rishikesh this afternoon.

The pilgrimage trip is being jointly conducted by Jammu Yatri Bhawan and Old Age Home Management. While the to and fro railway fare between Jammu and Haridwar has been arranged by the Old Age Home Management through donations by some philanthrophists, the other expenses on the trip will be borne by the Jammu Yatri Bhawan. This includes the transportation charges at Haridwar and Rishikesh, besides their boarding and lodging charges.

In his address, Mr Mangat Ram Sharma hailed the role of Old Age Home and Jammu Yatri Bhawan who, he said, were rendering a yeoman’s service to the society. He also announced Rs 200 per yatri for the trip as pocket money.

Besides Rs 100 was also paid as pocket money to per yatri by Dev Raj Baru, president, Dogra Brahmin Sabha.

Speaking on the occasion, president Jammu Yatri Bhawan, Pawan Shastri said that more such pilgrimage trips will be organised by the Yatri Bhawan for the deprived sections of the society, so that the financial constraint does not come in their way to fulfill their desire to visit the holy places and take a dip in the sacred Ganges river.

V K Balgotra, honorary secretary, Old Age Home, while proposing the vote of thanks expressed his gratitude to yatri Bhawan Trust for providing opportunity to the destitute and Old Age Home inmates.

A hawan was also performed in the Old Age Home yesterday.

BJP Migrant Cell discusses problems of KPs

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 29: Migrant Cell of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in a meeting held under the chairmanship of its president Hira Lal Chatta here, today demanded employment package for the displaced Pandit youth.

The general secretary of the Cell Bharat Bhushan Gosani demanded enhancement of cash relief to Rs 7000 permonth, while P L Sudeshi demanded insurance cover for both camp and non camp migrants.

Sanjay Bhat,while expressing concern over the displaced patients suffering from chronic diseases demanded that Government should immediately pay the Medical Aid to them.

Plots allotted by Ex-Service League

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 29: A total number of 112 plots of different sizes were allotted by draw in a function organized by the Welfare Housing Organization of J&K Ex-Services League at Digiana. Divisional commissioner, Sudhanshu Pandey was the chief guest on the occassion while Lt Colonel RL Gangal was the guest of honour. Preisdent JKESL, Mjor General GS Jamwal presided over the function.

Meanwhile, the chief guest took out the draw for two compassionate cases including that of a war widow namely Zaheeda Parveen and mother of a young martyar namely Krishna Devi.

The ground demarcation of plots have been made in the proposed colonies namely Rajinder Vihar and Kargil Vihar.

Safer Skies introduces new courses for aspirants

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 29: Safer Skies-a premier international air hostess institute in affliation with the London College of Excellence (UK), has introduced a number of courses in aviation, tour and travels and hospitality first ever in India.

Addressing a press conference here this afternoon, Managing Director of the Safer Skies Air Hostess Academy, Gandhi Nagar Vishal Mahajan said that the institute offers hundred percent job placement assistance to its students.

While revealing the newly introduced courses, the representatives of Safer Skies named; certificate in professional cabin crew services, certificate courses in customer care, travel and tourism, diploma in professional ground staff services, personality development, grooming courses and courses in foreign languages like French, English etc.

"For the first time the London College of Excellence will be giving international certificates in aviation, tour and travel from to the pass outs of the academy," they disclosed.

Highlighting other salient features of the academy he said that it offers training in live mock aircraft, well equipped computer labs, alliance with airline companies, hotel indistry and diploma/cerrtificate from UK.

RSS activists stage demonstrations at City Chowk, Satwari

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 29: Intensifying its agitation against the Communists and Kerala Government, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on the second day of its agitation today staged demonstrations here at City Chowk and Satwari Chowk.

The activists of RSS, Vishav Hindu Parishad and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) participated in the demonstrations. They burnt the effigies of the Kerala Government both at City Chowk and Satwari Chowk.

At City Chowk, the demonstration besides RSS leader Tilak Raj Sharma VHP chief, Dr Rama Kant Dubey, Yudhvir Sethi, Ramesh Arora, Dansih Khanna was also addressed by Laxman Ravinder Singh of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh. They accused the Communists of letting lose a reign of terror in the states ruled by them.

The speakers demanded immediate dismissal of Kerala Government, imposition of president’s rule in the state and a CBI probe into the attacks on RSS activists in Kerala.

"Such attacks will not be tolerated by Hindus and killing of innocent people in Kerala by the Marxists has proved beyond doubt that Communists don’t believe in composite culture and co-existence", said Tilak Raj Sharma. He also demanded deployment of Central forces in the sensitive areas of the State and blamed the local police of working in a partial way. The BJP state chief, Ashok Khajuria also participated in the demonstration.

At Satwari the demonstration was addressed by Ch. Vikram Randhawa, BJP Mandal president, Rajesh Gupta, BJP district president, Virenderjit Singh, Mrs Suresh Jamwal, Baldev Singh, Jaideep Sharma and Vijay Gupta.

The speakers warned to intensify the agitation throughout the nation if the Marxists willn’t desist from such inhuman activities. They said the nation faces real threat from these elements.

One killed in blast

Excelsior Correspondent

BARAMULLA, Mar 29: One person was killed and a police constable injured overnight, official sources said today.

They said one Mehdi Bashir was killed when a hand grenade he was fiddling with, exploded at Mumkak in Sopore today.

The other family members however, escaped unhurt in the blast.

Meanwhile, an encounter took place during a search operation at village Check-e-Sodal in Handwara. One police constable was injured in the encounter and the militants managed to escape.