Govt committed to socio-economic development of rural pockets: DyCM

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July 8, 2014

Excelsior Correspondent

Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand addressing public gathering at Khour on Monday.

JAMMU, July 7: Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand today said that State and Centre Governments have launched numerous welfare schemes and stressed upon the people to avail maximum benefits of these schemes to uplift their socio-economic condition.
This was stated by Deputy Chief Minister during monthly meeting held at Khour block, here today.
Underlining commitment of the Government for socio-economic development of rural pockets, Deputy Chief Minister said remote and border belts are getting focused attention and work on the roadmap to upgrade infrastructure in these belts is going on at fast pace. He said exemplary development initiatives have been taken and focused attention is being paid to equip these areas with all required basic infrastructure.
Stressing on availing benefits through schemes like SKEWPY, the Deputy Chief Minister said that need of the hour is to look beyond Government sector for employment and develop those skills which have good market potential, adding that an entrepreneur not only becomes a role model for the society but also contributes in strengthening economy of the State besides providing employment opportunities to many others.
He said under the programme Voluntary Service allowance (VSA) is allowed to youth to promote sense of voluntary service among them, adding that provision for monthly assistance has been linked with qualification.
He called upon Panchayati Raj functionaries to ensure maximum participation in the series of registration cum awareness camps organized for ensuring large scale participation of people in different schemes of Labour, Social Welfare, Agriculture, Rural Development and other allied departments, adding that aim of such camps is to make people aware of different initiatives of the Government so that benefit reaches to all.
He asked the officers concerned to work with close coordination with public representatives for effective implementation of these schemes so that the benefit of same would reach to the targeted lot at grass root level.
Later, the Deputy Chief Minister also distributed sports kits among the youth and asked them to take part in sports activities alongwith education which can make them physically as well as mentally fit.

Rajpora MLA’s supporters protest, demand mandate in his favour

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Daily Excelsior

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July 8, 2014

Excelsior Correspondent

Supporters of sitting MLA holding protest demonstration on Monday. -Excelsior/Younis Khaliq

SRINAGAR, July 7: Scores of supporters of PDP MLA, Syed Bashir Ahmad from Rajpora Constituency today staged massive protest in Rajpora town in district Pulwama of South Kashmir against the party’s decision for not giving him mandate for the forthcoming Assembly elections.
After the PDP announced mandate for economist Dr Haseeb Ahmed Drabu from Rajpora Constituency, scores of supporters of MLA took to streets and staged a massive protest outside Housing Colony in Pulwama which houses top politicians and Legislative Assembly members.
Bashir’s supporters also staged protests outside PDP patron and former Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s Gupkar residence and demanded mandate in favour of Syed Bashir Ahmed.
The protestors amid anti-party slogans castigated senior party leaders for ignoring their present MLA.
They expressed their satisfaction with the performance of present MLA, saying, he has worked a lot for the people of Rajpora which was visible on ground.
“Denying mandate to him is injustice towards people,” they said.
Rejecting the party’s decision, some protesting youth said they have faith in their MLA and expect a lot from him in the new Government. “We don’t know Dr Haseeb Ahmed Drabu, and once he will contest from here and comes to power, he will never understand the problem of “poor” public here,” they said.
Meanwhile, PDP also came under sharp criticism particularly from the youth in South Kashmir’s Shopian and Pulwama districts after the party announced new faces for upcoming election in the state. “The party has disappointed us by sidelining our favourite leaders, we never expected such a move from PDP decision makers,” they angry protesters said, adding, this decision can prove costly for the party.
“The party (PDP) is compelling us to find a different party in the Assembly elections,” they said.

APMCC solemnizes 3rd Annual Mahayagya at Katyayani temple

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Daily Excelsior

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July 8, 2014

Excelsior Correspondent

Devotees at Katyayani temple Kulgam during a religious function.

JAMMU, July 7: A large number of devotees thronged the ancient and historical temple of Mata Katyayani at village Kakran in Kulgam district on 3rd Annual Mahayagya organised by All Parties Migrants Coordination Committee (APMCC) after reconstructing the four temples and a Dharamshala within the complex.
Hindus from Kashmir and other parts of the country participated in the religious function at the temple. The temple wore a festive look on the occasion. The remaining restoration and decorative work of the temple was undertaken under the supervision of APMCC Chairman Vinod Pandit.
According to King Bharati, National spokesperson APMCC, the Katyayani temple is like a jewel in the crown of APMCC achievements since 2005 as it is not only one of the biggest temples that APMCC has reconstructed, but is also the most beautiful one which has been expanded by initiating the construction of a huge Dharamshala within the complex adding the Kalhana Library was also in the pipeline.
Bharati who is the native of village Kakran said that team APMCC under the leadership of Vinod Pandit was committed to restore all the temples of Kashmir Valley to their original glory, adding APMCC was organising historical Kounsar Naag (Kramsar) yatra from Aharbal side this year after decades from July 30 to August 3, 2014 while the 6th Annual Gangbal Yatra, will be held according to schedule from August 31 to September 4, 2014.
Meanwhile the religious function was also held at Manzgam on the occasion of Ashad Ashtami under the supervision of its president Kuldeep Raina. A large number of devotees thronged the shrine and participated in the religious function. They were also served the prashad on the occasion.

MPSAT provides education, medical assistance to needy

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Daily Excelsior

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July 8, 2014

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 7: Mochhi Pholi Saet Athroat Trust (MPSAT) held its Annual General Body meeting, under the chairmanship of Veer Ji Bhat to discuss the problems being faced by Kashmiri Pandit Community, here today.
At the very outset, the meeting observed two minutes silence to pay homage to late Hira Lal Chatta and other leaders of the community, who have left for heavenly abode in the recent past.
The meeting said apart from providing Rs 1, 20, 900 as education and medical assistance to the needy and deserving candidates in the year 2013, the Trust provided an assistance of Rs 50,000 to the needy members of the community recently.
Mr Bhat informed that the Trust has 108 subscribers, with 68 male and 42 female, apart from some permanent donors who donate lavishly for the cause of the community.
Senior member and advisor, R L Koul, A K Dhar, S K Razdan, S L Koul and Manoj Kumar suggested for inclusion of quality members in the Trust to give impetus to its functioning.
The meeting also decided to include two female members in the Executive Body of the Trust to give representation to the females.
Prominent among others present on the occasion were Roop Krishan, Rattan Lal, Pyare Lal, Raj Nath, Surinder Pandita, Ramesh Pandita, K K Pandita and Venu Ji Bhat.

Pensioners discuss pending issues

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Daily Excelsior

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July 8, 2014

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 7: J&K SRTC/GTU Pensioners Welfare Association today discussed pending issues of the pensioners here today.
In a meeting of the members of the Association held here today under the chairmanship of Ajit Singh Adyal, the speakers projected pending issues of the Government employees and pensioners. They demanded removal of pay anomalies in pay scale under 6th Pay Commission, payment of HRA/CCA arrears with effect from January 1992 to August 1993, implementation of SRO-14 in favour of erstwhile GTU employees who were not covered under DPC, early clearance of cases pending with the AG office on account of pay anomalies and release of arrears/ payment of 6th Pay Commission.
Mr Adyal also demanded release of 10 % DA without any further delay and enhancement of Medical allowance in favour of State employees and pensioners.

Dental Surgeons’ fast unto death enters 3rd day

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Daily Excelsior

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July 8, 2014

Excelsior Correspondent

Unemployed Dental Surgeons on fast unto death at Ambphalla in Jammu.

JAMMU, July 7: The fast unto death of unemployed Dental Surgeons at Ambphalla Chowk today entered 3rd consecutive day.
Hundreds of unemployed dental surgeons under the umbrella of Dental Surgeons’ Association Jammu and Kashmir (DSA- JK) have also been sitting on dharna at Ambphalla Chowk Jammu and Press Enclave, Srinagar for last six days in support of their demands, which include complete absorption of unemployed dental youth, recruitment of dental surgeons every year and establishment of separate Directorate for Dental Health in the State.
Today on 7th day of their dharna, the dental surgeons shouted slogans against the ill attitude of Government towards the skilled unemployed youth of the State.
Speaking on the occasion, president, DSA-JK, Dr Asif Iqbal Chowdhary, said today our dharna entered 7th day and fast unto death, 3rd day but not even a single representative from the concerned authority or the Government came to listen our grievances.
Government always try to take credit for proposing and implementing the big schemes of Dental and Medical Health, but ignores the issues and demands of the intelligentsia which is supposed to be given their due job opportunities to run these health and welfare schemes, he added.
He said that the piling up of unemployment in dental sector in the State is only due to the negligence and failure of the Government in framing and executing the proper policy in relation to the dental health in the State.
Chowdhary said that their agitation will not be called off and can take even more serious mood if their demands are not met at the earliest.

Wrestler Abdul Gani wins Baba Sidh Goria Swankha Kesari title

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Daily Excelsior

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July 8, 2014

Winners of wrestling event being felicitated by the chief guest on Monday.

Excelsior Sports Correspondent
SAMBA, July 7: Outplaying wrestler Jagroop of Amritsar convincingly in the main bout, Abdul Gani of Mallerkotla in Punjab won the Baba Sidh Goria Swankha Kesari dangal title, here today.
MLA Vijaypur, Surjit Singh Slathia was the chief guest on the concluding function, who distributed prizes among the wrestlers in presence of SSP Samba, Anil Magotra, who was the guest of honour. Mahant Baba Sidh Goria Mandir, Girdhari Nath was also present on the occasion.
The winner was presented Rs 51,000 and a silver gurj (mace), while the runners-up wrestler was awarded with a cash prize of Rs 35, 000.
The second prize went to Pamma of Dera Baba Nanak and the third prize went to Pinder of Amritsar.
Around 250 bouts were played during the event.
The event was organized by Baba Sidh Goria Dangal Committee under the supervision of Mahant Girdhari Nath, Sarpanch Rampal Sharma, Sarpanch Devender Singh, Sarpanch Mohan Lal Sharma and Sarpanch Bladev Raj Sharma.

Kaw, Ramdayal star in KCCC, New Challengers wins

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Daily Excelsior

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July 8, 2014

Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, July 7: Opening batsman Vimarsh Kaw and all-rounder Ramdayal Punia were the star performers in the victories of their teams KCCC and New Challengers Cricket Club respectively to help them enter the semifinals of the ongoing Chevrolet Cup Cricket Tournament 2014, sponsored by KC Motors Jammu and being played at KC Public School ground adjacent to KC Sports Club, here.
Earlier, in the first match, New Challengers Cricket Club defeated Strikers Cricket Club by 6 wickets in an easy contest.
Batting first, Strikers Club scored a modest total of 130 runs in the stipulated 20 overs, losing 8 wickets in the process. Mohit Sharma and Rahul Sharma were the main contributors with 48 and 29 runs to the total respectively. For New Challengers Club, Ramdayal was the pick of the bowlers, who scalped 3 important wickets, while Rohit Sharma and Manjeet Singh took 2 wickets each and Deepak Singh Manhas claimed one.
New Challengers, in reply, chased the target easily by losing 4 wickets, thus won the match by 6 wickets. Ramdayal remained unbeaten on 48 runs, studded with 5 boundaries and 2 sixes, while Gokul Baru and Parveen Singh contributed 23 and 22 runs to the total respectively. For Strikers Club, Ankan took 2 wickets, while Sanjay and Kamal Kishore claimed one wicket each. Ramdayal was declared man of the match for his superb all-round display.
In another match, KCCC thrashed Krishna Cricket Club by a big margin of 51 runs.
Batting first, KCCC sailed on a brilliant knock of 67 runs by Vimarsh Kaw and scored a decent total of 170 runs for the loss of 4 wickets. He hit 9 delectable boundaries and one six in his magnificent knock. Bandeep Singh also contributed fabulous 40 runs, studded with 2 fours and 3 sixes, while Shashi Kumar chipped in with valuable 28 runs. Sahil and Sumit Mahajan took 2 wickets each for Krishna Cricket Club.
In reply, Krishna Cricket Club managed to score 119 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in the allotted 20 overs, thus lost the match by by 51 runs. Amit top scored with 40 runs, while Varun Kashyap contributed 32 runs to the total. Rawat Singh Manhas also chipped in with 16 runs. For KCCC, Vimarsh Kaw, Manik Gupta and Raman Dutta took 2 wickets each, while Shashi Kumar, Dhruv Mahajan and Soumay Jain claimed one wicket each. Vimarsh Kaw was adjudged man of the match for his all-round show.
Now, in the semifinals, KCCC will take on RCC Srinagar, while New Challengers Cricket Club will lock horns with KC Sports Club.
The matches were officiated by Sadiq Hussain, Rajinder Singh, Sandeep Manchanda and Sohail Yousuf.
Westside Coupons worth Rs 1000 each were presented to the winners of the man of the match awards.
The prizes are being sponsored by KC Motors, Narwal, Jammu.

Darhal Hospital staff goes on one-day strike

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Daily Excelsior

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July 8, 2014

Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, July 7: Entire staff of Sub-District Hospital, Darhal today went on strike, after a doctor was allegedly roughed up by an attendant of a patient in the hospital premises last night.
Reports said Dr Bilal Mattoo, posted in SDH Darhal had some altercation with the attendant Nasir Ahmed ( a PDD employee), resident of Darhal at around 10 pm. Nassir arrived hospital and asked the doctor to attend the patient. The doctor told the attendant that he was not on duty and get the patient examined by another doctor sitting inside. Dr Mattoo was leaving hospital at that time.
Over this, he had some altercation with the PDD employee. The doctor was allegedly roughed up and abused by the attendant. Upon this, the entire staff went on strike this morning and they struck work. Emergency was managed by BMO, Dr Iqbal Malik himself.
Later, senior citizens of Darhal along with Tehsildar and SHO arrived hospital. They discussed the issue with the staff on strike. Tehsildar and SHO assured the agitating employees that action under law would be taken against the person who had attacked the doctor. The citizens said that this hospital was already facing shortage of doctors and this act of a local was unfortunate. With the interventions of town elders, Tehsildar and SHO, the staff resumed work in the afternoon.

England toughest venue for sub-continental players: Kohli

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July 8, 2014

Nottingham, July 7:
Star Indian batsman Virat Kohli has described England as ‘one of the toughest venues for sub-continental teams’ but said they are focussed on putting up a strong performance in the five-Test series to start the transition of the young Indian team to a good quality side.
The opening Test begins on Wednesday here, as both teams started their preparations today at Trent Bridge.
“This tour is right up there with South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. I would say these are the four places where sub-continental players do want to perform well. I too have that in my mind,” said Kohli.
“It is a pretty special place to play cricket and I’ll be playing a Test at Lord’s for the first time. So all in all it is a very exciting tour for me personally because I have never played Test cricket here before and I am really looking forward to it.
“I have some goals I want to achieve, and I have been thinking about them. I am pretty excited about playing here.”
India have not done too well against England in their recent Test encounters. They lost the 2012-13 home series by a 2-1 margin and prior to that suffered a humiliating 4-0 whitewash in the summer of 2011.
It might appear to be a big burden on the outside but Kohli negated that this factor is having any effects on this new-look Indian team. (PTI)