Minimize
formalities, procedures for
obtaining building
permission: DyCM
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Feb 11: Deputy
Chief Minister, Tara Chand has stressed on
simplifying procedures and minimising formalities
for issuing building permissions, saying
complicated formalities cause unnecessary delay.
He said all building permission cases should be
disposed off within 15 days.
Tara Chand was
addressing a joint review meeting of Municipal
Corporators and senior officers of Jammu
Municipal Corporation, Jammu Development
Authority, Urban Development Department and Chief
Engineers of PDD, PHE and UEED.
The Deputy Chief
Minister said that projects worth Rs. 35 crore
have been got sanctioned under Basic Services for
Urban Poor (BSUP) for improvement of 811 dwelling
units for the urban poor and 36 residential
structures in Leper colony within Municipal
limits of Jammu, besides other facilities.
Another project of Rs. 28 crore has been also
sanctioned for developing slaughter house at
Nagrota, he added.
Stressing on
putting in coordinated efforts to effectively
implement the urban development programmes, Tara
Chand called for rising above political
considerations to extend succour to the poor and
downtrodden. He said it was the prime duty of
Corporators to work with perfect team spirit for
providing basic amenities to the people of Jammu
city.
The Deputy Chief
Minister asked for scientific treatment of solid
waste and sewerage disposal. He said any
negligence on this account was intolerable as it
directly impacts human life. He cautioned against
casual approach in waste management and directed
for preventing recurrence of sewerage incident
near Jain school.
Tara Chand
underlined the need for extending full civic
amenities to the under developed wards and
extended wards in Jammu city. For the purpose
ways and means will be found soon, he added.
Among others
Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr. Pawan Kotwal,
Special Secretary Housing and Urban Development
G.A. Qureshi, Commissioner JMC, Mubarak Singh,
Vice Chairman JDA, V.C Phule, Corporators and
Chief Engineers of PHE,PDD and UEED attended the
meeting.
SAYSS to
hold demonstrations across
Jammu region tomorrow
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Feb 11: Accusing
the State Government of sleeping over the
agreement reached during agitation over Shri
Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) land row, Shri
Amarnath Yatra Sangarsh Samiti (SAYSS) today gave
a call for two hours demonstrations across the
Jammu province on February 13 as a warning about
major agitational programme.
"The core
committee of Samiti, in its meeting held
yesterday, has unanimously decided to go in for
two hours protest demonstrations across the Jammu
province as a sort of warning to the Government
against further delay in implementing the
agreement", convenor of Sangarsh Samiti,
Leela Karan Sharma told the reporters.
From 9 am to 11
am, there will be peaceful protest
demonstrations, dharnas and road blockades at
many places in Jammu city and its outskirts
besides district and tehsil headquarters of the
province, he said and warned police
administration against using any sort of force on
the protesters.
The Government in
the agreement had assured to withdraw all
criminal cases registered against people during
agitation and provide financial assistance to
traders, transporters and tourism industry but
till today it has not shown any sincerity in
implementing the same, Mr Sharma regretted,
adding Samiti tried its level best to meet Chief
Minister, Omar Abdullah to discuss the
non-implementation of agreement but to no avail
forcing Samiti to adopt agitational path.
"The decision
about not having rotational Chief Minister,
sending three members to Rajya Sabha from Kashmir
valley and ignoring Swami Dinesh Bharti while
withdrawing PSA of several other persons are
testimony of even this Government is carrying
agenda of discrimination with Jammu", he
added.
About allegations
of Shiv Sena Hindustan, Mr Sharma said "such
persons seem to be on the pay-roll of Government
and trying to mislead the people".
Moreover,
Chartered Accountant, S P Sharma was auditing the
accounts of Samiti and report of the same will be
made public to clear the doubts of all, he added.
UGC team
inspects teaching departments on 1st day
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Feb 11:
The 11-member UGC team which is here to
review the progress of University of Jammu (JU)
inspected teaching departments on the initial day
of its visit today.
According to
sources, the visiting team divided itself into
four different teams. The first team comprising
of Prof Sanjay Wadhwa and Prof G C Pandey which
was given the task to inspect departments under
Faculty of Life Sciences while, the team of Prof
P R Sarode, Prof P Trimurty and Prof Nissar Ahmed
Shah inspected departments under Faculty of
Science.
It is to mention
that UGC Joint Secretary A K Dogra is the member
secretary of the visiting team.
The third team
comprising of Prof J V Prabhakar Rao and Prof S
Sandhya Menon was given task to inspect Faculties
of Social Sciences, Commerce and Management
Studies. The last team included Prof K R Iqbal
Ahmed and Prof Manjula Chaturvedi and they
inspected Faculties of Arts, Behavioral Sciences
and Law.
During the visit,
the team members were accompanied by members of
the Coordination Committee, constituted by the
University, and deans of the respective
faculties. The head of each department made a
detailed presentation over the ongoing research
projects, existing infrastructure and their
future proposals along with estimated cost of
those.
According to
sources, the inspection to all the teaching
departments, excluding some in the Faculty of
Science, has been completed by the evening.
Meanwhile, the inspection in the non-teaching
departments is likely to commence tomorrow.
Earlier, Vice
Chancellor Prof Varun Sahni made a detailed
presentation on the University at General Zorawar
Singh Auditorium. He briefed the UGC team about
various courses being offered by University
besides, strength of teaching and non-teaching
staff and several future proposals. Registrar
Prof G S Sambyal and Dean Academic Affairs Prof B
P S Sehgal were present on the occasion.
Gupta
takes over as Excise Commissioner
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Feb 11:
Pradeep Gupta, who is the recipient of State
Award-2006 for meritorious services, today took
over as the new Excise Commissioner of the State.
Prior to his
posting as Excise Commissioner, Gupta was the
Director of Industries and Commerce Jammu. A
Science Post-Graduate from Delhi University,
Gupta joined the Kashmir Administrative Services
in the year 1977.
He brings with him
the rich administrative experience, as he has
worked as Tehsildar in Revenue Department, Deputy
Commissioner Excise at Toll Post Lakhanpur and
Deputy Commissioner Sales Tax (Appeals) at Jammu.
The officer twice
served as Director Rural Development Department
and thereafter as Deputy Commissioner for
District Kathua.
He was promoted to
the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in the
year 1995.
West
Pakistan refugees to protest outside Parliament
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Feb 11:
West Pakistan refugees have resolved to stage
demonstration and launch indefinite dharna
outside the Indian Parliament at New Delhi from
February 24 in support of their long pending
demand.
These refugees,
presently residing in various areas of district
Jammu, Samba and Kathua are demanding citizenship
rights and their permanent settlement. They
alleged that they have not been provided right to
cast vote in the State Legislative Assembly
elections. They can not purchase land or any
other property as they have not been provided
citizenship rights here despite the fact that
they were living here for the last more than
fifty years.
Labba Ram Gandhi,
leader of the West Pakistani Refugees Forum while
addressing refugees at Suankha in Vijaypur, Marh,
Gajansoo and Mishriwalla today said that nearly
5000 refugees from this border belt of Jammu
region will march to New Delhi on February 23.
They will start their protest dharna outside
Parliament on February 24 and their dharna will
continue till they get the citizenship rights.
Mr Gandhi further
pointed out that they have been organising
protest rallies in support of their demand in
Jammu and other tehsil and district headquarters
since long. Only false assurances were given by
the previous governments. He said refugees even
marched towards Pakistan but they were stopped
twice. They faced lathis and teargas shells
during struggle in last several decades but
justice was never done with them. He said that a
campaign in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts has
been launched and tremendous response was being
received from the refugees. Many have volunteered
them-selves for the cause.
Sarpanch,
blacksmith held with country made pistols
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR,
Feb 11: Police
today arrested a Sarpanch and a blacksmith and
recovered three country made pistols from their
possession.
Police spokesman
said that a police team from Udhampur Police
Station alongwith CRPF personnel intercepted
Sarpanch of Madha Panchayat Jai Kumar Chand, son
of Bal Chand of Chenani at MH Chowk during
routine checking and recovered one country made
pistol and two live rounds from his possession.
During
questioning, he disclosed the name of a
blacksmith namely Kuldeep Singh, son of Tej Raj
of Nagolta from whom he had purchased the pistol.
Subsequently, police arrested the blacksmith from
Chenani and three more country made pistols were
recovered from his possession.
A case under Arms
Act has been registered against them and further
investigations were on.
Meanwhile,
Udhampur Police raided a tea stall of one Bhagwan
Singh, son of Mani Ram of Salian Talab and
arrested five anti-social elements.
From the
possession of one of them namely Rajesh Sharma,
son of Suraj Ram of Battal Ballian, police
recovered a sharp edged weapon.
The other
anti-social elements have been identified as
Harvinder Singh, son of Hardeep Singh of Salian
Talab, Sham Lal, son of Sonu Ram of Ghordi, Ajay
Kumar alias Sanjay Kumar of Fattu Ram of Ghordi
and Mohd Rafiq, son of Mohd Sharief of Salian
Talab.
DD
Kashir’s musical bonanza
showcases rich cultural
heritage
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Feb 11: On
the third day of DD Kashir’s musical
bonanza, Jugalbandi, the musical show regalled
the audience with showcasing the rich cultural
heritage of Jammu and Kashmir at Abhinav Theatre,
here this evening.
This grand
programme made presentation of the music and
dance items mainly from J&K, which were
highly appreciated by the large audience in the
Auditorium and across the globe as it was being
telecasted ‘live’ from the DD Kashir.
On the occasion,
Health Minister, Sham Lal Sharma termed the music
as "bridge of peace between estranged
communities and regions and added that "
music brings cultures together and fosters the
integrity of the nation in testing times".
The Minister
underscored the need for preservation and
promotion of rich cultural heritage of Jammu and
Kashmir. He appreciated the talent of the artists
and expressed thanks to Prasar Bharti for
organising such cultural shows.
At the outset,
Director, DD Kendra Kashmir, Rafeeq Ahmed Masoodi
said the programme has been organised on 60 years
of India’s independence and 50 years of
Doordarshan. Similar musical festivals will be
arranged in Ladakh after re-opening of
Srinagar-Leh road and subsequently in Srinagar
(Kashmir), he added.
Mr Masoodi stated
that this musical show has got very positive
public response and has been proving a success.
There was applaud
on the presentation of Dogri folk music item and
a gazal in Kashmiri sung by Mir Ahmed Mir. Subash
Langeh’s Urdu gazal, Parveen Bano’s
Gojri song, a Dogri duet by Usha Sharma and
Chimney were other items which also were
appreciated.
Praduman Singh and
Krishna Kumari drew high applaud for their famous
folk song "Bhakhan".
Shazia Bashid, an
artist who secured first slot in DD
Kashmir’s "Talent Hunt", impressed
with her Kashmiri song. Pahari song by Tariq
Pardesi, Musrat Naaz and Kabul Bukhari alongwith
Kashmir song by Ravi Bhan was also in the
programme.
Mohammad Shafi
Pandit, Chairman, J&K Public Service
Commission, Shabir Mujahid, Deputy Director, DD
Kendra, Kashmir, high officials and prominent
citizens were present.
DAK
demands revamping of BOPEE
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR,
Feb 11:
Doctors Association of Kashmir (DAK) today
appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to
revamp the Board of Professional Entrance
Examinations (BOPEE) accusing the present set up
of going about callously in the process of
conducting examinations for the post-graduate
entrance examinations.
"We appeal to
the Chief Minister to change the key positions of
the BOPEE and new honest and dedicated personnel
be appointed purely on merit who can wriggle the
board out of the present mis-adventurism and give
it a new direction and hope," DAK said in a
statement issued here.
The statement said
DAK will also request the Government to probe all
the bunglings in the PG entrance test by BOPEE
for the last five years.
"DAK has
received various complaints from aspiring
candidates, due to appear in PG Entrance
examinations 2009 for MD/MS courses. In this
connection, an executive meeting was called
wherein DAK strongly condemned the attitude of
officials of BOPEE, as there is no set system and
rules for conduction of the examination," it
said
The DAK alleged
that the application format seems to be for the
students of class 8th. "There is same code
for two different entities. There is a row for
writing aggregate marks and percentage of the
final year MBBS examination, which the candidates
are later on told to rub off and write the
aggregate and percentage of marks for all the
professional classes."
The DAK also
alleged that the rules and regulations in the
BOPEE brochure for year 2009 have been grossly
violated. "In one case, the interns who have
not completed their internship and are not
eligible as per brochure rules have been allowed
to submit their forms and on the other hand,
Assistant Surgeons who have just one or two
months to complete their rural probation have not
been allowed to submit their forms."
"Ideally the policy should have been that
the internship and the probation should be
complete by the time the session for the P.G.
course starts like in PGI and AIIMS," it
added.
The DAK statement
claimed that some 'blue-eyed' doctors, who have
regular service without rural probation, have
been allowed to sit in the examinations in the
past, when two years of rural probation is
mandatory as per the concerned SRO.
Isband
debuts at official functions
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR,
Feb 11: A
small act of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah marking
the beginning of a function with the aroma of
'Isband' may be the lease of life needed to
rejuvenate the Kashmiri culture in public life.
Although Isband (a
seed which emanates aroma on being burnt) has
been used commonly in auspicious but private
functions like marriages and circumcision of new
born boys, it was probably for the first time
that it was used at an official function graced
by the Chief Minister of the State.
Omar Abdullah
marked the beginning of proceedings at the
foundation stone laying function of Aegis BPO
Call Centre at Rangreth Industrial Complex
yesterday by putting a handful of Isband seeds in
a 'Kangri', an earthen fire pot.
Despite having
lived most of this life outside Jammu and Kashmir
before jumping into politics just over a decade
ago, the youngest Chief Minister of the State has
reportedly not been at ease with aping of western
culture by the youth of the State.
Sources close to
the Chief Minister said Omar was keen that people
of the State, especially the youth, should not
only know but also adopt their local culture and
traditions.
"The Chief
Minister is of the view that the State culture is
rich in all three regions and even at
sub-regional level. There was a need to create
awareness among the youth that their identity
lies in them upholding the culture and traditions
they were born into. It was at the insistence of
the Chief Minister that a local flavour was added
to the function at Rangreth," the sources
said.
The initiative of
the Chief Minister is heartening, considering
that he hardly spoke his mother tongue when he
joined public life in 1998. His spoken Kashmiri
was so bad when he became the National Conference
president in 2002 that it became butt of many
jokes.
However, the
desire in him to succeed was so strong that today
he speaks mother tongue as well as any other
Kashmiri.
Dr Khursheed Ul
Islam, an expert in Sociology, said it was a good
beginning. "It is a welcome step as it will
help in promoting our culture within and outside
the State. Someone has given right suggestion to
the Chief Minister."
Islam said the
step taken by Omar should move beyond symbolism
and more steps should be taken to familiarize the
youth with their culture and traditions.
"We have been
aping outside culture too much. It is time we go
back to our roots as ours is a culture rich in
tradition and history," he added.
Asked if Kashmiri
language should be the language of official
functions, the sociologist said it was not
possible as the world was moving towards a common
integrated language.
"It is not
possible … even countries like China, Russia
and Germany are embracing English as it is
emerging as lingua franca. We cannot live in
isolation," he said.
Islam said,
moreover, the diversity of audiences at the
official functions would not allow use of a
regional language as one has to communicate in a
language that will be understood by all.
Agri
technocrats appeal CM to regularize them
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Feb 11: The
Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Technocrats
Association, Poonch district, appealed the Chief
Minister to regularize them as per commitment.
In a meeting, the
technocrats showed their anger with State
Government for ignoring them. The Association
took a serious note that their future was at
stake and requested the Chief Minister to fulfill
his commitment of regularizing the technocrats.
Rajeev Sharma, who
chaired the meeting, alleged that Chief Minister
Omar Abdullah assured the technocrats that
regularization policy would be made very shortly
when a deputation met him on January 21, this
year. He said that nothing has done so far and
urged to consider the same otherwise the
association will be compelled to launch
agitation.
Those who were
present in the meeting included Darminder Singh,
Sukhbir Singh, Anshu Banotra, Mohd Farid and
Paramjeet Singh.
Several
theft cases worked out, 5 arrested
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR,
Feb 11:
Police today worked out several theft and
burglary cases and arrested five persons.
SSP Udhampur,
Surinder Gupta said that on the basis of specific
information, police conducted several raids in
different areas and arrested five thieves.
On the disclosure
of thieves, police recovered two colour
televisions, three LPG cylinders, two CD players,
two stereo, one transformer, two steel beds, one
gold ornament, 40 kg iron wire, eight kg copper
wise, one telephone and other articles.
With the arrest of
these thieves and burglars, a number of cases
have been worked out including theft in the shop
of Gopal Singh at Sangroor and residential house
of Raj Krishan and at Mandir near Billan Bowli,
the SSP said.
"The kingpin
of the gang is Des Raj, son of Parkash Chand of
Chenani, who is a hawker and used to visit one
place to another in the town and adjoining areas
to identify the target houses and shops", he
said.
The arrested
thieves and burglars have been identified as Des
Raj (kingpin), Shyam Lal, son of Ganga Ram of
Neeli Nullah, Sushil Kumar alias Sonu, son of Om
Parkash of Karan Nagar, Pawan Kumar, son of Bodh
Raj of Karan Nagar and Sanjay Kumar alias Bittu,
son of Krishnu of Chenani.
TADA
Court awards 19 yrs RI in murder of ex-MLA
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Feb 11:
Presiding Officer of Court under Terrorists
and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act today
decided a much publicized case of kidnapping and
killing of former MLA, Mir Mustafa after 18 years
and awarded 19 years rigorous imprisonment to
accused Mohd Maqbool Tantray. The Court also
issued General Arrests Warrants of another
accused Mohd Rafiq Beigh.
According to the
CBI case, on March 23, 1990 an information was
received at Police Station Chadodra that Mir
Mustafa, former MLA was kidnapped by unknown
armed persons with the intention to kill him so
as to spread terror. On March 25, 1990, the dead
body of Mir Mustafa was recovered and on April 9,
1990 a case was registered by the CBI.
During
investigation, it came to fore that the
responsibility for the murder of ex-MLA was taken
by chief commander of Hizbul Mujahdeen on the
basis of note on the letter head of the outfit
found near the body of deceased.
The investigating
agency further revealed that ex-MLA was kidnapped
by accused persons Mohd Maqbool Tantray alias
Aizaz, Nazir Ahmed Dar alias Arif, Rauf Rasool
Bhat alias Yaseen and Abdul Rashid Dar alias
Imran on the instructions of Abdulla Bangroo,
Chief Area Commander of Hizbul Mujahdeen, who had
also trained the accused in handling of arms and
ammunitions.
It is worthwhile
to mention here that during the investigation
Chief Commander of Hizbul Mujahdeen Abdulla
Bangroo got killed in an encounter with BSF on
June 18, 1990.
In the 61 pages
judgment, the Presiding Officer after hearing
both the sides observed "in view of the
facts of the case and the evidence, accused Mohd
Maqbool Tantray is guilty of conspiracy with
other accused in kidnapping Mir Mustafa.
Therefore he is convicted under Section 3(2) (II)
of TADA Act read with Section 364/120-B
RPC".
The Court referred
various judgments regarding the confessional
statement and said "in view of the facts of
the case and looking to the voluntary nature of
his confessional statement, the accused Mohd
Maqbool Tantray is sentenced to rigorous
imprisonment for a period of five years and fine
Rs 1000. The accused is further sentenced to
rigorous imprisonment for a period of 14 years
and fine of Rs 5000". The Court also issued
General Arrests Warrants of another accused Mohd
Rafiq Beigh.
The other accused
mentioned in the charge-sheet have already been
discharged.
Two
killed, 2 injured in road accidents
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Feb 11: Two
persons were killed and two others suffered
injuries in separate road mishaps.
Police spokesman
said that one Mohd Rafiq, son of Gulab Din of
Badori, Bari Brahamana received severe injuries
after he was hit by a bus. He was immediately
rushed to Government Medical College and Hospital
where doctors pronounced him as brought dead.
After post-mortem,
the body was handed over to his family members
for last rites.
Meanwhile, an
elderly woman namely Muneera Begum, wife of Nazir
Hussain of Darhal, who was admitted in hospital
on February 6 after sustaining injuries in road
accident, succumbed to injuries.
The spokesman said
that two persons sustained injuries in road
mishaps at Mudan under the jurisdiction of Jatwal
Police Post and near Kalith Nagar.
They have been
identified as Papu, son of Itwari of Nadala,
Samba and Pankaj Jamwal, son of Ashok Jamwal of
Upper Gumat.
Revival
of wool industry on anvil: CM
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR,
Feb 11:
Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today said that
revival of wool industry in the Valley was on the
anvil and the Government has already initiated
measures in this behalf.
The Chief Minister
was talking with a deputation that was one of the
many that met him here this morning to acquaint
him about issues confronting them.
The deputations
came from different areas including Pulwama,
Kulgam, Anantnag, Ganderbal, Srinagar and
Beerwah.
Mr. Abdullah said
the revival of the wool industry was being
attended on priority and the matter was under the
active consideration of the Government.
Describing the industry as mainstay of the
economy of rural areas, the Chief Minister said
that its revival will help better the
socio-economic profile of a large segment of
population, directly and indirectly.
The deputations
apprised the Chief Minister regarding adequate
power supply, improvement in drainage and
sewerage, employment, better road connectivity,
revival of wool industry in the Valley and
setting up of a college at Beerwah.
Mr. Abdullah gave
a patient hearing to all the deputations and
assured them of considering the demands put forth
by them. He told the deputation from Beerwah that
he will explore possibility of setting up of a
college in the area.
The Chief Minister
said that since the Government alone could not
provide jobs to everyone, the private sector was
being approached to set up their ventures for
generating employment avenues to the educated
unemployed youth. He said the setting up of a BPO
Centre by ESSAR-Aegis at Rangreth yesterday was a
beginning in this behalf. He expressed hope that
other industrialists and leading businessmen of
the country would also come to set up their units
in the State.
Mr. Abdullah asked
MLA Amira Kadal, Nasir Aslam Wani to take stock
of the drainage problems in various areas of the
city along with concerned officers and ensure
pumping out the water from waterlogged areas.
Regarding
improvement in road connectivity and streamlining
power supply, the Chief Minister said that a
comprehensive road connectivity programme has
been framed and by March, all the damaged
transformers would be replaced by new ones for
which Government has issued orders for stocking
adequate number of new transformers.
Former Minister
and senior NC leader, Peerzada Ghulam Ahmad Shah,
ex-MLA Ali Mohammad Dar and some leaders of
National Conference also met the Chief Minister.
Jammu
Yatri Niwas to be fully
functional by Feb-end:
Jora
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Feb 11:
Minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang
Rigzin Jora today visited the newly-constructed
Yatri Niwas here at Bhagwatinagar and issued
instructions for making it fully functional
before the end of this month.
The Yatri Niwas,
constructed for facilitating pilgrim-tourists
coming for Amarnath Yatra from all over the
country, has been set up at a cost of Rs. 7 crore
and was completed in a record period of 4 months
last year. The work on the project began in
February 2008 and was completed by the end of
June in the same year.
The Yatri Niwas
can accommodate over 2,000 pilgrim-tourists at a
time. It is fully equipped with latest facilities
like banking, medical aid, travel information
centre, police assistance, food court,
telecommunications, fair-price shop, public
conveyance and parking.
While going
through the premises of the Yatri Niwas, the
Minister issued instructions for relocating the
security forces and making the Niwas fully
functional before the end of this month as also
temporarily setting up the Food Craft Institute
within the complex as a stop-gap arrangement,
till the building for the institute comes up at
its identified site.
Mr. Jora also
ordered the concerned authorities to immediately
start training courses in housekeeping, food
recipes and beverages at the Food Craft
Institute.
During his visit,
the Minister was accompanied by Divisional
Commissioner, Jammu, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Inspector
General of Police, Jammu Zone, K. Rajendra,
Director, Tourism, Jammu, and other senior
officers of the Tourism Department.
1955
schools covered under rural sanitation: Sagar
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Feb 11:
Minister for Rural Development and
Panchayats, Ali Mohammad Sagar today said that it
is the endeavour of the Government to provide
proper sanitation facilities to the people living
in far-flung and rural areas of the State.
The Minister was
speaking at a meeting called to monitor various
sanitation and hygiene schemes and other rural
developmental works being implemented across the
State. "The rural areas constitute major
chunk of our population and to provide basic
amenities of hygiene and sanitation to them forms
one of our top priorities", Mr. Sagar said.
The meeting was
informed that about 1,955 schools had been
covered by providing sanitary units during the
current financial year. Similarly, 19,000
households have been provided sanitation points
under the Individual Household Total Sanitation
Campaign.
The Minister
directed the Deputy Commissioners, who are
Chairmen of District Water and Sanitation
Mission, to cover all the schools by providing
them sanitation units in their districts before
the end of this financial year.
Don’t
test patience of employees: BJP to Govt
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Feb 11:
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State president,
Ashok Khajuria today said that Congress-National
Conference Government has back-traced from poll
promises by not implementing the recommendations
of 6th Pay Commission.
Addressing a press
conference here this afternoon, Mr Khajuria said
that both the parties had made promises about
implementation of 6th Pay Commission report and
providing Government job to atleast one member of
each family in the State.
"But after
assuming power, they have back-traced from their
poll promises. It is due to failure of the
Government to translate promises into reality
that lakhs of Government employees are on
strike", he said, adding "the Chief
Minister has even started making statements that
providing Government job to all is not possible
which conveys that promises were made only to
gain power".
Extending
party’s full support to agitating employees
and unemployed youth staging dharnas for
employment, the BJP State president warned
Government against playing with the sentiments of
employees and unemployed youth anymore.
He said that Rajya
Sabha polls have exposed the communal approach of
the Coalition Government. "By fielding
candidates from one community by ignoring all the
minorities in the State, the Government has shown
its communal face", adding "like all
previous dispensations, this Government is also
anti-Jammu, anti-Ladakh and anti-nationalist
forces".
Swami Dinesh
Bharti, a nationalist continued to be under
detention but several terrorists, who were
involved in anti-national activities have been
freed by the Government and this further exposed
its designs, Mr Khajuria said and extended full
support to Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangarsh Samiti in
its agitation programme for Feb 13.
About the
allegations against Sangarsh Samiti by some
elements, he said "such elements are the
tout of Government and people of Jammu should be
cautious about their nefarious designs".
He also took
strong exception to the reports that Government
was proposing to increase the number of VDC
members from existing eight to 16 on the same
monthly emoluments.
CGDA
lays foundation stone of office/hostel complex
Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu,
Feb 11: Bulbul
Ghosh, Controller General of Defence Accounts
laid the Foundation Stone of the Pay Accounts
Office Hostel Complex Building of Jammu and
Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment in the Regimental
Centre at Rangreth, near Old Air Field at
Srinagar.
The Project has
been sanctioned by Government of India at a cost
of approximately Rs. 3 crore. The ceremony was
held in the presence of Lt. General Bikram Singh,
GOC 15 Corps, Gautam Sen, Principal Controller of
Defence Accounts and Major General S.S.Goudar,
GOC Kilo Force and a large number of Defence and
Civil officials including Chief Engineers of
Project Beacon and Srinagar Zone and Cantonment
Executive Officer, Srinagar.
The project will
take care of the welfare of the Pay Accounts
Staff of Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry
Regiment, which is one of the two Regiments
raised in this State. The programme was
coordinated by S.S. Rajashekar, Joint Controller
of Defence Accounts, Jammu and Brig. Varinder
Singh, Commandant of the Centre.
The Controller
General had a meeting with Lt. Gen. P.C.
Bhardwaj, GOC in C Northern Command at Udhampur
before leaving for New Delhi.
2 women
die as cattle shed collapses
Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI,
Feb 11: Two
women were killed as a cattle shed collapsed at
village Kajot Kalas in Thannamandi area of
district Rajouri last night.
Reports said it
was heavily raining during last evening. These
ladies were returning from the nearby forest.
They took shelter in the nearby old cattle shed
at some distance from their house. The shed
suddenly collapsed. The family members after
search removed the bodies from the debris in the
morning.
The victims were
identified as Shaheen Akhtar (30), wife of Mohd
Ashraf and Makhdoom Akhtar (24), wife of Junaid,
residents of Kajot Kalas. The police has
registered a case for investigation.
Army
organises medical camp
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
11 Feb:
Bringing to light the Army’s continuing
endeavour under Operation Sadbhavana to reach out
to the local population staying near the IB, 9
MADRAS (TRAVANCORE) alongwith 326 Field Ambulance
under the aegis of 19 Infantry Brigade organised
two days medical camp at village Gajansu.
Brigadier VP
Singh, Commander, Muthi Brigade inaugurated the
Medical Camp and exhorted people to make full use
of medical facilities being provided at their
door steps. Large number of persons of all age
group and strata including old men, women,
children, Gujjars and Bakerwals attended the
medical camp. Around 950 patients from villages
of Kukrahan, Chakkrali, Sandvan, Makwal, Swagni
and Salapur registered on the first day of the
camp. Second day witnessed an even larger
gathering with 1200 people turning up for medical
check up.
OBC
Jagriti Manch discusses demands
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Feb 11: A
meeting of OBC Jagriti Manch under the
presidentship of Ramesh Billa at Mishriwalla,
flayed the Government for down-playing the rights
of Other Backward Classes in Jammu and Kashmir
State on different pretexts.
The speakers in
the meeting held that there were 25 other social
castes in the State which constituted 52 percent
of the entire population, but have been provided
with only 2 percent share, while SCs and STs were
getting their due share in all spheres. Mr Billa
while addressing demanded a political reservation
and an Advisory Board for Backward Classes, which
has stopped functioning since 1977. He said there
was scope to improve and ameliorate the condition
of OBCs, who have been ignored for the past many
years after independence of the country.
The meeting also
demanded declaration of gazetted holiday on
Vishwakarma Day to be observed by State
Government every year.
The members who
participated in the meeting included Sita Ram,
ramesh Billa, Ramesh Andotra, Mangal Dass, Kali
Dass, Madan Chalotra, Ram Pal Salaria, Puran
Chargotra, Jaswant Ray, Sat Pal, Balwant Raj etc.
ABVP,
PSU extend support to SAYSS
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Feb 11: The
Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and
Panthers Student Union (PSU) have extended their
support to Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangarsh Samiti
(SAYSS) in launching tirade against the State
Government for revocation of PSA on Swami Dinesh
Bharti.
In a statement
issued, the ABVP has said that PSA on the saint
should be revoked immediately, as he’s not
an anti-social or anti-national element. The
Parishad also urged the Chief Minister to
personally intervene into the matter.
The ABVP has also
said to hold protest in all the educational
institutions throughout the province on February
13 on the call of SAYSS.
Meanwhile, PSU
leaders in a meeting demanded the implementation
of all the agreements that were inked between
SAYSS and Governor’s committee headed by S S
Baloria.
SKUAST
Jammu organises workshop on SRI
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Feb 11: The
Directorate of Extension Education, SKUAST Jammu
organised one-day workshop on "System of
Rice Intensification" (SRI) for the officers
of Department of Agriculture, Command Area
Development, NGOs as well as scientists of
SKUAST.
The workshop
inaugurated by Dr B Mishra, Vice-Chancellor of
SKUAST-Jammu, who was chief guest on the
occasion. Sonali Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary
of Agriculture Production was the guest of
honour. Dr Biksham Gujja, Policy Advisor,
WWF-International, Switzerland was the special
guest whereas Vinod Bala Sharma, Director
Agriculture was also present.
In her address,
Sonali Kumar encouraged to organise such type of
workshops and advised that demonstration should
be carried out in different places with different
cultivars with the involvement of State
Agriculture Department.
While, Dr Mishra
said that SRI methodology was very beneficial,
but methodology should be standardized with the
more research through multi location trails in
the State.
Dr Biksham
delivered presentation of SRI in India. Also, Dr
Vijay Bharti and S Darshan Singh shared their
experiences on SRI.
A technical
bulletin on SRI in Jammu and a folder on SRI in
Hindi was also released on the occasion. Large
number of officials from State Department of
Agriculture, faculty members of SKUAST
participated in the Jammu.
‘Secretariat
Challo’rally today
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Feb 11: Youth
Wing of All India Kashmiri Samaj (YWAIKS) met
under the presidentship of R K Bhat and took
stock of arrangements for " Secretariat
Challo rally" scheduled for tomorrow to
start from Relief Commissioner’s office,
Jammu.
As per release, Mr
Bhat said at the meeting that PM’s
employment package has not been implemented so
far and now "enough is enough" and the
circumstances have forced them to come on the
streets and the Government has to concede their
demands.
Others, who spoke
at the meeting included B K Bhat, J L Pandita,
Manoj Handoo, Ajay Safaya, Kuldeep Raina, Sanjay
Shashoo, Pinky Bhat, Rakesh Pandita, Ramesh Bhat
and Deepak Dhar.
Panun Kashmir, at
its executive body meeting has decided to extend
support to the proposed march of AIKS youth wing
on February 12.
Dr Agnishekhar,
while addressing the meeting said the employment
package announced by the Prime Minister for the
displaced youth has remained unimplemented and
thus the youth have been forced to come to the
streets.
Panun Kashmir has
appealed the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to
delink the return of Kashmiri Pandits from the
proposed employment package.
Rs 1.61
lakh penalty imposed
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Feb 11: A
team of Commercial Taxes (Vigilance &
Inspections) today recovered Rs 1.61 lakh penalty
from the tax evaders, who were importing items
into the State without paying proper taxes.
During checking at
Lakhanpur on the national highway, the team found
that taxable goods like ready-made, hosiery,
hardware, electric and electronic goods and
manyari were being imported into the State
evading actual tax element.
The team seized
all such vehicles and after the conduct of
physical verification levied penalty worth Rs
1.61 lakh.
The inspecting
team was supervised by DC Commercial Taxes
(Vigilance and Inspections) Shamsher Bahadur and
comprised Kuldeep Krishan Sidha and Manav Sharma,
Inspectors, Shubh Kumar, Sub Inspector and
Taxation Guards.
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