Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 10: Divisional Commissioner Jammu Shantmanu today visited Home for the Aged and Infirm at Amphalla and interacted with the inmates of the Home and enquired about the facilities being provided to them.
He was accompanied by Senior Teacher Arun Kumar and volunteers of Art of Living namely Suyash Raj Shivan from Doon School Dehradun and Bhargavie Raj of Ecole Globale of Dehradun.
Div Com appealed the young generation to give due respect to their elders and take good care of them as they are the persons who have brought them in  the world and shape their future life. He said that parents, in their old age, need love, compassion and company of their children for leading a peaceful life.
Arun Kumar also appealed the youth to respect their parents and said that Parents are divine gift and are the source of our life on the earth. He further said that the parents always think of their children’s comfort and always expect their bright future.
On the occasion, the Div Com along with inmates of the Home performed meditation.

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, July 10: Paying rich tributes to Madr-e-Meherban Begum Akbar Jehan on her death anniversary, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has described her epitome of courage and a compassionate mother.
“It was Madr-e-Meherban who always supported Sher-i-Kashmir and spearheaded his mission when he was in jail, she exhibited highest courage, determination and commitment to lead the people in absence of Sheikh Abdullah”, he said, adding that Begum Akbar Jehan dedicated her life to people and worked tirelessly for their welfare and development with special focus on downtrodden, weaker sections, women and children.
The Chief Minister said that constitution of Gujjar and Bakerwal Advisory Board, Mobile Schools and Mobile Dispensaries for them, energizing Red Cross movement and establishment of Miskeen Bagh Education and Craft Training Centre for Women were some of the historic decisions taken by the Government on the advice of Begum Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.
“Proper nurturing of children particularly belonging to weaker sections, Gujjar and Bakerwals and other economically downtrodden categories was her highest dream to realize. She worked throughout her life in this direction”, he said adding that holistic development of women and children and their educational excellence was her aim in life.
“From my childhood, I remained closely attached to my Dadi and found her always working for the welfare of people especially women and children. Whenever I entered her room, I saw her either offering Nimaz or reciting Quran. I saw her always praying for the betterment and welfare of the people and prosperity of the State”, Omar said and maintained that the best way to pay homage to Madr-e-Meherban is to carry forward her mission of devoting selfless service to the people and treating all with love and affection.

Excelsior Correspondent
REASI, July 10: Dy Commissioner Reasi ordered an inquiry after  a Govt High School was found locked for three days in Mahore area of district Reasi.
A deputation of the village Challad Barla met the Dy Commissioner Reasi, Dr Shahid Iqbal today and brought the matter to his notice. They revealed that on July 7 they rang up ZEO Arnas and informed that the Govt High School having strength of 250 plus students, was locked and no teacher was available. This area falls under winter zone. The ZEO asked the villagers to put another lock and also assured to visit the village. But for the next three days, nobody came there including the ZEO.
Pained over the attitude of School Education authorities, the villagers today met the DC Reasi and narrated the whole story. The DC directed Tehsildar Arnas to hold an inquiry into the matter and submit report within four days. The villagers alleged that Headmaster of the School who hails from Poonch visits this school hardly once or twice a month.
The villagers revealed that against 11 posts of teachers, hardly five are in place at school but hardly just one  or two teachers often visit the school but for the last three days on July 7, 8 and 9 the school remained closed. Headmaster broken both the locks today and entered the school. There is strong resentment among the people of the area and they have demanded action against Headmaster and the other absentee staff.

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINGAR, July 10: Commissioner/Secretary PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, who is also Chairman of Water Sanitation & Support Organization (WSSO) today, convened a meeting to discuss and review the functioning of the Communication & Capacity Development Unit (CCDU) and WSSO here today.
Executive Director, CCDU, Rajiv Ranjan, Director Information, Tasaduq Jeelani, Chief Engineer PHE, Kashmir, A.M. Lanker, Chief Engineer PHE, Jammu, Sushil Aima, Joint Director Planning, Shabir Ahmed attended the meeting.
A threadbare discussion was held on various issues relating to the functioning of the CCDU/WSSO so that the mandate of providing safe drinking water to the people is achieved in letter and spirit as envisaged in WSSO. The members laid main emphasis on stepping up State-wide campaign on water sanitation to educate the general masses to use safe water to prevent the water borne diseases. The meeting stressed the need for involvement of various sections of the society and all other stakeholders to help in making the campaign successful and spreading the message of water sanitation at all levels.
The meeting decided to install hoardings with attractive slogans on water sanitation and judicious use of water at various focal points of State so that more and more people understand the importance of water sanitation and water usages. The Committee also favoured to involve credible NGOs, PRIs, educational institutions, social and religious organization to help in assisting for this noble cause.
Director CCDU briefed the meeting about the measures initiated to streamline the functioning of the organization to achieve the tangible results.

Excelsior Correspondent

DODA, July 10: The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) Paramedical Association  district Doda has extended its full support to the agitating Unemployed Dental  Surgeons Association, which is protesting in Jammu for the last ten days against State Government  for not conceding their genuine and long pending demands.
It may be mentioned that Unemployed Dental Surgeons under the banner of Dental Surgeons Association Jammu and Kashmir (DSAJK) have been protesting in Jammu for the  last ten days demanding their absorption in Government jobs and regular recruitment for the unemployed Dental Surgeons.
In a statement, the NRHM Paramedical Association district Doda Spokesman Faizan  Ali Tramboo said that we are extending our full support to the agitating unemployed Dental Surgeons.

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, July 10: Rashtriya Rifles Battalions of Romeo Force are conducting pre-recruitment training for the youth of Rajouri and Poonch districts as a part of their efforts to engage the youth of this remote border region.
A crowd of more than 196 young boys are being imparted training, for undergoing the arduous selection procedure for the Army, at various locations like Keri, Saaj, Basuni and Daraba. Participants are being made to undergo mock medical examination, physical and written tests. They are also being briefed about the documents required to be submitted to the recruiting authorities while attending an Army recruitment rally.
This initiative undertaken by the Army has drawn a massive response amongst the youth of these border districts, many of whom would be attending the recruitment rally scheduled to be conducted at Sunjuwan, Jammu from July 11.