Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Nov 28: The first randomization of EVMs and polling staff was conducted by District Election Officer Kathua (DEO), Dr Shahid Iqbal Chaudhary in presence of the representatives of political parties here today.
DEO detailed the whole process of randomization of EVMs and briefed the representatives of political parties about the details of allocation of EVM Ballot Unit & Control Unit to all 625 polling stations of the district in which 73 polling stations are in Bani, 121 in Basohli, 150 in Billawar, 147 in Kathua and 134 in Hiranagar Assembly constituency, added that 30% of the total EVMs allocated to each polling stations will be kept reserve to meet any contingency during the polling day.
First randomization of polling staff included Presiding Officers and Polling Officers was also held in the presence of District Election Officer.
Pertinent to mention here that Election Commission of India has devised software for the randomization of EVMs and polling staff.
Nodal officer for EVM Management Vivek Puri, Nodal Officer for Training & Management Amarjeet Singh, District Informatics Officer Kathua Sideshwar Bhagat, Election Naib Tehsildar M.A Mughal were also present on the occasion.
First randomization of EVMs, polling staff held
Drinking water, electricity, heath-care our agenda: Charak
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 28: Former Minister and senior Congress leader Gulchain Singh Charak has said that safe drinking water, adequate power supply and better health care to the people is the top agenda of his party for the people.
Addressing series of public meetings at Chak Jaralla, Mian Chak and Chak Umran in Bishnah constituency today Mr Charak said that providing safe drinking water, adequate supply of electricity, better healthcare and good education facilities to the people of this constituency is the main agenda of the party and his priority. Charak said that he will also will take up the critical issues especially allotment of alternate accommodation /plots and adequate compensation to the border villagers for losing live stock and crops in the firing.
Reiterating that progress and prosperity of the masses, development of Bishnah as a model town, supply of safe drinking water and regular electric supplies, streamlining the education and health care system are among the main agenda of his commitment, he said secular credentials of the Congress party cannot be ignored. Charak said that he has all along during his political career dedicated himself for maintenance of peace and communal harmony and worked for the progress and prosperity of the people without discriminating on the basis of cast or creed. He appealed the people to cast their precious votes to strengthen his hands so that their grievances and demands are addressed as per their wishes.
A large number of people thronged the venue of the `Jan Sampark’ meetings organized by the Congress party comprising Sarpanchs, Panchas, prominent citizens of the area, youth and women folk. The villagers pledged their vote and support to Charak and showered their full faith and confidence in his leadership.
Gambhir Dev Singh, Capt (Retd) Harshvardhan Sadotra, Madan Lal, Shamsher Singh Chib and Surjit Sarpach also addressed the meetings.
Meanwhile, as a part of foreign embassies reporting on the electioneering in J&K State, Ms Amelie Klussmann, Political Counselor from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany called upon Gulchain Singh Charak at his residence to discuss the up-coming elections in the State and understand the state dynamics.
Awareness programme under SVEEP organized
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 28: An awareness programme under Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) was organized at Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar.
College Ambassador for SVEEP, Prof. Surinder Sharma coordinated the programme.
The programme started with the awareness address by Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) Jammu Suram Chand Sharma. He explained to the young students about the importance of their vote and motivated them to ensure their participation in the coming Assembly elections which is scheduled to be held on December 20. A signature campaign was also held in which thousands of students participated and pledged to cast their vote as well as motivate their nears and dears.
Principal of the College Dr. Kiran Bakshi educated the students about the importance of right to vote and motivating others also regarding participating in the electoral process.
The programme was organized by District SVEEP team on behalf of District Election Officer Jammu Ajeet Kumar Sahu.
BSF Ankurites celebrate Sports Meet
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 28: BSF Ankur Play School, Jammu, celebrated its first Sports Meet with pomp and show at Hargobind Sagar Stadium, Paloura, today.
President of BSF Wives Welfare Association, Jammu Frontier, Pratibha Sharma was the chief guest on the occasion and declared the Meet open.
The chief guest addressed the gathering and inspired the young minds with the motivational and inspiring words.
She said sport is an integral part of our life which helps to achieve a common goal. She urged that every student must participate in a particular sport of their choice, instead of getting hooked to electronic media.
She lauded the efforts of the team managing for organizing the sports event and for instilling the sportsmanship and spirit of competitiveness in the young toddlers.
Earlier, the chief guest was welcomed by the HeadMistress of BSF Primary School, Gayatri Kotwal who presented a brief sports report of the School.
The main attraction of the Sports Meet was the March Past, wherein the Ankurites marched confidently with poise and grace.
A variety of team games and athletic events were conducted like hurdle race, hopping race, discuss throw, biscuit eating race, kick the can, hug the balloon, pin bowling, relay race, football, table soccer, judo and kick boxing.
Though the tiny tots were too small to cover the distance in the field and too weak to push the opponents with their might but, their unrefined neuromuscular coordination and shaky movements were good enough to make everyone enjoy their movements. They created movements of laughter and provided cheerful experiences for all.
The tiny tots also presented cultural items. The winners of various games were awarded with medals and certificates.
DPS Udhampur organizes kho-kho match
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 28: Delhi Public School (DPS) Udhampur organized an Inter-Class kho-kho match for Primary Wing in which Class IIIrd emerged as winner by defeating Class IVth.
The match officiated by Jagdeep Sharma, Rakhi and Siloni Thakur.
The match was presided over by the School Principal Sanjeev Pradhan and Vice-Principal, Sucheta Gupta.
J&K artists enthrall audience at New Delhi
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 28: Top artists representing diverse cultural ethos of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh enthralled thousands of audience assembled at Lal Chowk Theatre here at Pargati Maidan to witness the mega cultural show organized Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages.
The grand show was held in connection with the State Day celebrations which marked the conclusion of the 34th India International Trade Fair (IITF) opened on November 14.
Mr Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, Financial Commissioner, Industries and Commerce, was the chief guest on the occasion.
Dr Javaid Rahi , chief editor JKAACL stated that 60 artists from all part of the State were participating in this evening specially designed for International audience.
The audience appreciated the Folk Dances of Kashmiri, Dogri, Ladakhi, Getro, Chaja and other dances representing the folk of all the 3 regions of the State, highly appreciated by the audience present in large number there.
A number of people including foreigners witnessed the event.
Officers of various departments of Industries and Commerce, besides Director Information, Mukhtar-ul-Aziz, Director Handicrafts, Tariq Ahmad Ganai, MD, JKI, MD, Handloom Corporation, MD, Handicraft Corporation and officers of Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages were also present.
The event was sponsored and coordinated by Department of Handicrafts.
Presentation Convent presents preview show of Musical Extravaganza
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 28: Presentation Convent Senior Secondary School Jammu presented a preview show of a Musical Extravaganza titled ‘UDAAN’ to mark the culmination of year long Diamond Jubilee celebrations at General Zorawar Singh auditorium in Jammu University here this evening.
The cursory of Udaan was showcased specially for the media and the staff of school.
The concert was conceptualized, scripted, designed and directed by renowned dramatist, Padamashree Balwant Thakur and his creative Natrang team of choreographers/directors and designers as a befitting tribute to the founder of the School, the legendary Venerable Nano Nagle.
Over 600 students participated in the show which was enriched with melodious music, spectacular performances and synchronized dances.
This mind blowing presentation glorified Nano Nagel’s vision to create a just and sustainable society by educating the masses.
Three formal shows of the play will be presented at the Zorawar Singh Auditorium in Jammu university campus.
For the first show which will commence on Saturday November 29, 2014 at 11 am on, Sr Anne Fox from Ireland, former Principal of PCS Jammu and former Provincial Leader of Presentation Congregation of Sisters in India, will grace the occasion as the chief guest and retired Justice O P Sharma, Father Ivan Pereira, Principal of Burn Hall School Srinagar and Chairman Diocesan Education Board Jammu-Srinagar and Sr Annice George , Circle Leader North Region Congregation of the Presentation Sisters and president of the School Managing Committee PCS Jammu will be the guests of honour.
For the second show which will begin on Saturday November 29, 2014 at 4 pm, Brigadier J S Rajpurohit Deputy GOC 26 Inf Div will be the chief guest and Sangeeta Arun Jaitley and Sr Dorothy Fernandes, women and child right activist will be the guests of honour.
For the final show on Sunday November 30, 2014, the Governor of N NVohra will add to the grandeur of the show as a chief guest and Raman Bhalla, Minister for housing, horticulture and culture, Sr Anne Fox from Ireland, former Principal of PCS Jammu and former provincial leader of Presentation Congregation of sisters in India and Sr Lizzy Mathews Provincial Leader Presentation Sisters in India will be the guests of honour.
Manohar intensifies door-to-door campaign
Excelsior Correspondent
BILLAWAR, Nov 28: Senior Congress leader and Minister for State for Forests and Cooperatives, Manohar Lal continuing his election campaign in his constituency addressed several public meetings and conducted door- to door campaign today.
Addressing public meetings at Salore, Chinji- Makwal, Banyadi, Ragali, Nagrota Gujroo, Gurha Kalyal, Dandian, Kalyal, Martian, Komla, Ujh Pul, Rajwalta, Ramkot, Chhallan, Thara Kalwal, Gurah Kalyal, Dungara, Dewal, Bhaddu, Phinter, Dadwara, Dhara-mkote, Dingi Simbli, Kohag, Mandli, Dramani and Lakhri in Billawar segment, he sought support for him. He appealed the people to vote for Congress party which he said was symbol of peace, unity, prosperity, mutual brotherhood and development of the State.
He said Congress was the only party which could ensure unity, integrity and keep united all communities strengthening the nation. Congress always voiced the concern of the common man in every forum and tried to fulfill their aspirations.
“The country has progressed tremendously under the regime of Congress and several people friendly welfare programmes were launched which were well taken by the people,” Mr Lal said.
Exuding hope that the Congress alone would form the next Government in the State, he asked the people to support the party whole-heartedly to accomplish the unfinished tasks initiated by the coalition Government. He cautioned the people against the mischievous design of parties like BJP and PDP as these parties have hidden agenda of disintegrating the people in the name of religion, caste and region.
1 killed, 2 injured in road accidents
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 28: One person was killed while two others injured in separate road accidents in different parts of Jammu region.
According to a police spokesperson, a 45 years old person namely Mir Singh son of Kher Singh of Kathua got serious injuries when an unknown scooty driver hit him while crossing a road at Kathua. He was immediately shifted to district hospital Kathua, from where later he was referred to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Jammu, where during treatment he succumbed to his injuries.
The dead body has been shifted to mortuary room of the hospital for post mortem.
The concerned police has taken cognizance of the matter and started investigations.
In Sangrampur area of city outskirts, a car hit a bike and left injured his rider namely Mohan Lal (28) son of Bansi Lal of Ko Manasa. One person namely Dr Neeraj Vohra on of Ved Prakash Vohra of Rani Park also injured when the scooter he was riding on was hit by speeding van at Gandhi Nagar area of city outskirts. Both the injured have been shifted to GMCH for treatment.
The concerned police has also taken cognizance of the matter in both the cases.
NC-BJP nexus exposed: Sham Lal
Excelsior Correspondent
AKHNOOR, Nov 28: Minister for PHE and Congress candidate from Akhnoor Sham Lal Sharma has alleged that BJP-NC nexus has been exposed before the people of the State.
Addressing public meetings at Kot Gahri and Gurha Brahamana in Akhnoor constituency senior Congress leader said that National Conference and BJP nexus is being exposed as one talks about autonomy, revocation of AFSPA, the other hoodwinks with the aggrieved masses like DPs/PoJK refugees, showing them day dreams but actually both of them denied one time settlement package as recommended by State Government.
Castigating NC, which under garb of six pre-conditions, laid down before BJP, indeed have hidden agenda to misled the people of Kashmir and Jammu regions but exploring opportunities to destabilize the State for their vested political interests; as both parties frustrated by first phase of polling and high turnouts, given Congress total edge over all the opponents. He said that the next Govt will be formed by the Congress as State people from three regions realized that only Congress can ensure equitable development.
Mr Sharma urged upon the Jammu people that from across the border all ill conceived attempts are made to disturb the peaceful Assembly elections in the State and appealed the local people to lend helping hands to Security forces to check any such incidents like Arnia.
While seeking support from the people of the area he said that Mini Secretariat on main road will be his next agenda besides developing both these panchayats as Satellite areas to enjoy all civic amenities of town to boost industrial activities in addition to one proposed ITI there. He said drinking water supply, opening of more schools, dispensaries, power stations will be his priorities.
He said when he was elected MLA of Akhnoor, the area lacked all the basic infrastructure required here. But in last 12 years, the people has witnessed massive change.