Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 21: Former Minister and senior NC leader Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo (MLC) met the agitating contractual/ temporary teachers sitting on hunger strike outside Press Club of Jammu here.
The former Minister joined the agitating teachers and also spent some time with them. He also offered juice to a few of them whose condition had deteriorated. The NC leader assured them to take up their issue in the Legislature and also personally take up with the Education Minister Naeem Akhtar.
Mr Kichloo pointed out that nearly 8700 temporary teachers were engaged by the previous coalition Government during August-September 2014, to run the schools. He said with the regularization of many ReT teachers many schools especially in rural faced acute shortage of teachers. In order to make these schools functional a Cabinet decision was taken in August last year and after inviting applications, these teachers were engaged under academic arrangements. Most of them are highly qualified and were selected on merit. Now throwing them out is most injustice with them. He demanded that these teachers be regularized by adopting some frame work as done in case of ReTs.
Many of them are going to be over aged. Government should consider their case sympathetically, he added.
Kichloo meets agitating temporary teachers
Shat Chandi Maha Yagya commences at Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 21: Shat Chandi Maha Yagya organized by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) at the holy cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji commenced today on the auspicious occasion of beginning of Navratras amidst chanting of Vedic Mantras and performance of other religious ceremonies.
The Maha Yagya, which is performed at the shrine during Navratras for peace and prosperity, will conclude with Purna Ahuti on Ramnavami.
Dr MK Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer, Dr MK Kumar, Additional CEO, Neeraj Gupta, Chief Accounts Officer, SMVDSB, Ranjeet Singh, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Bhawan, Sandeep Kumar, Tehsildar Bhawan, Onkar Singh, Manager Bhawan, other officers of the Shrine Board and a large number of pilgrims were present on the occasion.
The Bhawan, Atka and the area surrounding it have been tastefully decorated with flowers. The Shrine Board has made elaborate arrangements for the large number of pilgrims expected to visit the shrine during Navratras. These arrangements included ensuring sufficient water and uninterrupted power supply along the track leading to the shrine, sanitation and availability of special “fast related” food at the Bhojanalayas.
The CEO took stock of the arrangements put in place from Katra to Bhawan for the pilgrims. Accompanied by officers and engineers of the Shrine Board he also took physical on-spot review of the ongoing development works in the Bhawan area undertaken by the Shrine Board.
Zulfkar expresses concern over delay in distribution of ration, issues directions
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 21: Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution and Tribal Affairs, Ch. Zulfkar Ali today visited Narwal to inspect progress of ongoing construction work on building of Legal Metrology Department (LMD) besides inspecting the functional department office in Jammu.
The Minister was accompanied by Secretary CAPD, Vice Chairman, JDA Director CAPD, Superintending Engineer, Housing and Urban Development Department, Joint Controller, Deputy Controller Legal Metrology, and other senior officers of concerned department.
Directing for expediting the construction work, the Minister asked the executing agency for ensuring its completion before June this year as it will facilitate in maintaining quality of essentials.
Interacting with the LMD officers, the Minister asked them to effectively enforce accuracies in weight and measures, during various commercial and industrial transactions, to ensure that the consumers get due value of the money they spent.
He also stressed for periodical verification and stamping of meters in Auto-rickshaws and Taxis.
Earlier, the Minister visited the land identified for construction of directorate of consumer Affairs and Public Distribution at Channi Ramma
Later, the Minister convened a meeting of officers to review functioning of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) Department.
He was apprised about stock position staff strength, distribution status besides details of BPL, APL families in Jammu division.
Expressing concern over delay in distribution of ration, the Minister directed the concerned officers to prepare a calendar of activities on monthly basis depicting the dates for lifting , stocking and distribution of ration to consumers. He further stressed on the need for evolving a proper strategy for ensuring uniform scale of ration distribution as per need of area.
The district officers were asked to conduct a survey of areas with no fair price shops and having population of more than 250 for establishment of new shops. He also instructed for installation of digital weighing machine at all fair price shops.
Reviewing the position of LPG connections in rural areas, the Minister directed the officers to ensure that all needy and deserving beneficiaries are given priority while issuing new connections.
Underscoring the need for efficient working and delivery of services on ground, the Minister said that there should be a visible change felt by the common people with regard to the overall functioning of the department.
The Minister called for stern action against those dealers who violate the prescribed norms and directed officers to conduct regular market checking to monitor rates and quality of essential commodities.
Greater accessibility catchword for promotion of new tourist destinations: Mufti
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 21: Describing tourism as one of the most rapidly-growing sectors in the world and backbone of J&K’s economy, the Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today called for harnessing the tourism potential of the State by providing greater accessibility to new destinations and creating high-end infrastructure at existing ones so that a new class of visitors is attracted to the State.
The Chief Minister said this while taking a detailed review of the functioning of Tourism Development Authorities (TDAs) of Kashmir and J&K Cable Car Corporation here today. MD, J&K SCCC and CEOs of Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Yusmarg, Aharbal, Verinag, Kokernag and Lolab TDAs gave power-point presentations to the Chief Minister on the functioning of their respective departments.
Unveiling his strategy for the next six years for increasing footfall of visitors to the State from other parts of the country and abroad, the Chief Minister took a series of decisions which include laying of golf courses at Sonamarg and Yusmarg, commencement of work on Ashmuqam Cable Car Project and Jammu Ropeway by removing bottlenecks, preparation of feasibility report of Cable Car Project at Yusmarg and outsourcing accommodation and sanitation in respect of all Tourism Development Authorities of the State. He also issued immediate instructions to CEOs of Gulmarg and Pahalgam TDAs to take over administrative control of their respective golf courses.
Describing accessibility as the catchword for exploiting the rich potential of leisure, adventure, pilgrim and heritage tourism in the State, the Chief Minister said aggressive marketing is the need of the hour at the national and international levels to promote J&K as an ideal tourist destination.
Laying great emphasis on keeping the health resorts neat and clean and ensuring regular power and water supply in the jurisdictions of all Development Authorities, the Chief Minister called for adopting the Ring-and-Cluster Approach in construction of tourist accommodation at all the resorts without disturbing the Bowls and the surrounding environment. “We will talk to the Forest Department for a more coordinated effort in increasing the carrying capacity at these resorts,” he said and added that amusement parks, which are a major attraction for children, along with other connected paraphernalia should also be created to increase the flow of tourists.
The Chief Minister issued immediate directions to major Tourism Development Authorities for procuring garbage dumpers to address the issue of piling of waste within the Resort Bowls for its proper scientific disposal. Expressing concern over establishment of TRCs even at places where flow of tourists is very low, the Chief Minister asked all CEOs to concentrate on focusing and developing a “Single Destination Concept” in their Development Authorities.
The Chief Minister asked the Commissioner/Secretary Tourism to provide a dedicated uninterrupted power supply to the Pahalgam resort by de-linking it from the main grid so that people visiting the place are not deprived from this basic necessity. “This will also facilitate the pilgrims who visit the place during the Amarnath Yatra,” he said while calling for immediate outsourcing of Pahalgam Shopping Complex comprising 80 shops.
The Chief Minister stated that he will take a review of Jammu-based Tourism Development Authorities later this month.
Principal Secretary, Planning & Development, B. R. Sharma, Commissioner/Secretary, Tourism & Culture, Shailendra Kumar, MD, JKTDC, Farooq Ahmad Shah, Deputy Commissioners of Baramulla, Anantnag, Kupwara and Kulgam, besides the CEOs of Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Yusmarg, Aharbal, Kokernag, Verinag and Lolab-Bangus Development Authorities attended the meeting.
Bukhari takes stock of Law Deptt Library
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 21: Highlighting the importance of updating and upgrading departmental libraries, the Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and Relief and Rehabilitation, Syed Basharat Bukhari underscored that libraries are sources of rich and diverse information and need to be preserved and kept updated.
The Minister said this while taking stock of the library of Law Department in the Civil Secretariat here today. He was accompanied by Law Secretary Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Director Estates G. N. Itoo besides other officers of the Law Department.
The Minister was informed that the library has over 21000 books and other material including journals etc. The Minister took a round of the library and took stock of the ambience and condition of the books. He asked the Director Estates to immediately initiate the process for the extension of the library to increase its space.
The Minister said that in order to improve the present condition of the library, a good model from any of the best libraries in the country can be used to develop it according to the modern setup.
He said that there is need to take steps to modernise the library including its computerisation, internet facility, maintaining a proper inventory, enhancing manpower, and improving the overall ambience. The Minister said, being a reference library, it should be equipped with latest books, relevant journals and other material.
Bukhari said, this library is a source of reference for various officers of the Law Deptt including law officers, law assistants etc and needs to be kept updated on regular basis with latest legal volumes, journals and other relevant material.
Later, the Minister also visited the clerical hall of the Law Deptt and took stock of the working conditions there. He asked the Director Estates to provide all the facilities in the hall as the employees need to be made comfortable as they need to work long hours especially in view of the ongoing legislature session.
Symposium on rural drinking water, sanitation held
Excelsior Correspondent
DODA, Mar 21: To create awareness in the villages across India on issues pertaining to Rural drinking water & sanitation, a symposium to aware the general masses about the best practices to be adopted for safe rural drinking water & sanitation, was organized by Tehsil Information Centre Bhaderwah at Government Higher Secondary School (Girls), Bhaderwah.
Tehsildar Bhaderwah, Bashir-ul-Hassan was the chief guest on the occasion, while Principal Govt. Higher secondary school girls Bhaderwah, Senior lecturers and teachers participated in the symposium.
Six students participated in the contest among which Shifali Kotwal of Class 10th bagged the 1st position while as Saika Sheikh and Ridha Fatima both of class 10th were adjudged 2nd and 3rd respectively.
While addressing the participants, Tehsildar Bhaderwah informed that Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Government of India has launched a National Rural Drinking Water & Sanitation awareness week across the country from March 16 to March 22, 2015.
He said, this symposium is one of the efforts of District Administration Doda to inculcate the safe Drinking water and sanitations habits among the common masses. He also elaborated in detail the various technicalities associated with the testing, treatment, storage and supply of drinking water in the area.
Senior lecturers highlighted the benefits of sanitation and as to how the sanitation results in the availability of safe drinking water.
Youth consumes poison
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 21: A youth today made an abortive attempt on his life by consuming some poisonous substance at his residence at Tali Morh, Miran Sahib.
According to a police spokesperson, the youth identified as Anil (32) son of Kewal Krishan of Tali Morh, Miran Sahib, allegedly consumed some poisonous substance at his residence. In unconscious condition, his family members took him to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), where his condition is stated to be stable.
However, it was not known why he took this extreme step. The concerned police has taken cognizance of the matter.
Podar Jumbo Kids launches its first center at Jammu
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 21: Podar Jumbo Kids launched its first center at Jammu, today.
Speaking on the occasion Dr Nirmal Singh, DyCM of State emphasis the kindergartens importance which would help the childrens to holistically improvement.
Podar Jumbo Kids Kindergarten and day care chain is run by Podar education network, who have been icons in the education field in india with over 80 years of experience. Mahatama Gandhi was its First president and since its inception in 1927 Podar brings to fore learning that is dynamic and constantly evolving.
The Podar Jumbo playway school is for kids grooming and its first playway school of Podar in Jammu.
4 students hurt as car falls into gorge
Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Mar 21: Four college students were injured when a car skidded off the road and fell into a gorge on Thannamandi-Shahdara Sharief Road this afternoon.
A police spokesman said that accident took place when all the four devotees were returning from Ziarat to Rajouri town. As they had covered hardly 2 kms of distance, due to over speeding the driver lost control on his i10 car No. JK02S/0273 and it fell into a gorge near PWD Dak Bungalow.
The people of the area rushed to the spot and police party from Thannamandi also reached there. All the four injured including two girl students were shifted to Sub District Hospital by police. Later, they were referred to District Hospital, Rajouri. The victims have been identified as Sufian Ahmed, resident of Thannamandi, Mohd Shamsheer and his sister Misbah Shamsheer from Darhal and Afsan Akhtar from Mahore. The police has taken cognizance of the matter.
Dr Jitendra asks partymen to act as ambassadors of Govt
Excelsior Correspondent
—Excelsior/Rakesh
JAMMU, Mar 21: Union Minister in PMO with independent charge of North Eastern States, Dr Jitendra Singh today asked the partymen to fan out in entire State and apprise the people of the nine months performance of Narendra Modi led Government at Centre.
Addressing a meeting or Party representatives from Kathua-Doda Parliamentary Constituency here today, Dr Singh said it is an evidence based age and hence nothing can be concealed from the masses.
He asked the Partymen to be available to the people and listen their grievances and problems to project them before the appropriate forum for redressal.
Maintaining that the Party workers are ambassadors of the Government in their respective areas, Dr Singh said that they have to counter the propaganda of opponents and highlight the achievements and people friendly policies of Government.
Dr Singh said to have a better coordination with Partymen and the people a monthly meeting will be held in future at Party’s Gandhi Nagar office where he will also be available for the people. This will help in maintaining a good liaison with public and seeking a feedback from them.
Highlighting the new projects taken up in hand during the last nine months in the State in general, and his Constituency in particular, he said besides the sanction of AIIMS for the Kashmir Valley, IIT and IIM have been sanctioned for Jammu region. The process for identification of land for IIT has started, he added.
In addition to it inauguration of Kidyan Gandyal bridge, technical park at Gatti Kathua, High technical forecast system at Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, identification of land at Hiranagar for settlement of border migrants, doubling the salaries of SPOs and VDCs, KV for Jodhpur Gandoh in Doda district, smart villages etc are the other achievements of nine months tenure.
Besides, the work on Stage second of Dul Hasti Power Project will also be taken up in hand soon as the DPR of the project has been prepared.
Stressing that the project should be constructed by NHPC, Dr Singh said the company has better technical know-how than State. Besides, this way the Centre will also have some control over the power sector in the State, he added.
Dr Singh said mobile towers will be established in far-flung areas of Kishtwar to connect the 58 villages which have no connectivity and FM channels for the State have also been sanctioned.
He said starting of Yuvavani Station for Jammu and upgradation of KV at Udhampur are other achievements of last nine months.
Dr Singh said Kathua-Doda Parliamentary Segment played a significant role in BJP’s victory in Assembly elections in which party won 25 seats from Jammu region out of 37.
He urged the Partymen to identify the areas where the MP LAD (Local Area Development) Fund can be utilized. But these areas should be other than those where the funds from other sources and schemes are not utilized.
Speaking on the occasion Minister of State for R&B and Revenue, Sunil Sharma said that the work on second phase of PMGSY will begin soon in the State as the Centre has agreed to release funds for the same. He urged the Partymen to maintain vigil that funds are utilized properly meant for developmental purposes.
BJP organizational general secretary Ashok Koul while speaking on the occasion stressed on strengthening the Party by launching membership drive in farflung and remote areas. He said Party workers should enroll as many members as they could.
MLA Doda and MLA Bhaderwah Shakti Parihar and Daleep Parihar stressed on construction of Power Projects in the area. They said the Chenab Valley has a tremendous potential for generating power and the same should be tapped properly. Shakti also stressed on construction of tunnel to connect Doda Kishtwar trough an alternative road.
The meeting was attended by the Party representatives from Doda, Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, Ramban, Banihal, Udhampur, Reasi, Chenani, Gool Arnas, Gool Gulabgarh, Kathua, Bani, Basholi, Billawar, Hiranagar, Ramnagar and Inderwal Constituencies.