Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 27: Minister for Housing, Horticulture, Culture, Youth Services and Sports Raman Bhalla today said that Government has identified 29 historical sites in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions for restoration work to revive their pristine glory, adding that in this regard directions have been issued to the concerned department to gear up their men and machinery in reviving the sites in their original form.
This was stated by the Minister while interacting with the faculty members after laying foundation of Snake Park at Government Gandhi Memorial (GGM) Science College, here today.
Principal of the GGM Science College Prof. Dr. Nutan K. Resutra and faculty members accompanied the Minister.
Mr. Bhalla said the proposed snake park in the college campus will provide safe natural habitat to prevent the extinction of the local species.
The Minister also visited the complex and took stock of condition of the building and the conservation works.
Mr. Bhalla said that stress is being laid on restoration of all heritage sites of the state to their original form by adopting scientific methods and involvement of highly skilled man power. He said number of state monuments have already been restored to their pristine glory during last five and half years, he added.
The Minister said the conservation works on Hari Parbat Fort at Srinagar, Chingus Fort at Rajouri besides other historical buildings, temples, monasteries and shrines have been completed besides work on damaged Bahu Fort wall is under progress on war-footing by Jammu Development Authority.
Mr. Bhalla said Government has earmarked Rs. 80 lakh for illumination of front view of Bahu Fort. He said due attention was also being paid to preserve ancient manuscripts, paintings and artifacts. He said that all the three regions of the state were receiving equal attention.
Earlier, in order to facilitate the fresh students of Semester-I B.Sc and BCA for the session 2014-15 of GGM Science College, the Minister also released on line first merit list of selected students.
Mr. Bhalla said with this facility, the students could easily access their merit and combination of subject in science stream at home easily through college website. He said that this historic and student friendly approach by the college will go a long way in reducing the inconvenience to students during conventional admission process.
While welcoming the Minister, Dr. Nutan K. Resutra, Principal of the College presented the blueprint of the future developmental plans aimed at increasing and updating the infrastructure of the college including the construction of the main gate.
He informed that the college plans to throw open the Wadia Museum, that houses rich and unique fossil collection, to interested outside visitors.
Later, the Minister visited Udham Nagar in Digiana and kick started construction work of three lanes and drains, for which Government has earmarked Rs. 4.50 lakh.
Bhalla visits GGM Science College, inspects conservation works
HC directive to CS, FS
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 27: High Court today directed the Chief Secretary and Commissioner Secretary Finance to consider the representation seeking exemption of Toll Tax on langar goods for Shri Amarnathji Yatra.
The direction was passed in a petition filed by Ashok Kumar Tadia, President Jai Baba Neel Kanth Sewa Mandal seeking appropriate direction to the State for deciding the representation seeking exemption of Toll Tax on langar goods transported in the State during Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
In the petition, it has been also submitted that the State of J&K exempted the levy tool on goods imported in the State by Radha Swami Satsang (Beas) Jammu from September 20, 2011 to October 1, 2011 in connection with spiritual discourses.
“As per the information dated May 5, 2013, the State lost more than Rs 62 crore in the year 2011-2012 and more than Rs 68 crore in the year 2012-2013 on the exempted goods that are being used by the fruit growers of Kashmir division for commercial purposes but the meager exemption sought by the petitioner has not been granted”, the petition said, adding “this is sheer discrimination and amounts to playing with the sentiments of a particular community”.
After hearing Advocate Sudershan Sharma appearing for the petitioner, Vacation Judge of High Court Justice J R Kotwal disposed of petition with the direction to the Chief Secretary and Commissioner Secretary Finance to accord consideration to the representation of the petitioner and take final decision at the earliest not later than three weeks.
HC directs deportation of foreigners
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 27: High Court has directed deportation of two foreign nationals to their respective countries within two months.
The directions in this regard were passed by the court after hearing separate petitions filed by the foreigners through their counsel advocate Mir Shafaqat Hussain.
The foreigners directed to be deported by the court include Diloo Mian, a resident of Baru Narpur Bangladesh and Saleh Mohammad of Jalalabad Afghanistan.
Diloo was convicted for commission of offences punishable under Foreigners Act in case FIR no. 80/2009 at Police Station Poonch and has since served the sentence, the court observed.
Disposing of the petition filed by Mian, the court observed that he was no impediment in his repatriation to his country of origin.
“Respondents are directed to complete the process within two months and ensure that the petitioner is repatriated to his country of origin by or before August 15,” the court said.
Similarly, the court observed that there was no impediment in repatriation of Saleh Mohammad to his native country and directed the Government to take steps for his deportation.
Saleh was convicted and sentence for commission of offence under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act and 3/6 IP Act in case FIR No. 35/2006 in police station Khour and has since served the sentence, the court observed. The court also directed authorities to ensure his deportation by or before August 15.
Besides, the court has directed authorities to accord consideration to the removal of a Pakistani, Ghulam Nabi to a jail in New Delhi so that he would be in a position to contest his appeal, pending disposal before Supreme Court of India.
As per Nabi in his petition, an appeal against his acquittal was pending before the apex court in FIR 261/1995 filed in police station Pacca Danga.
School Level Awareness Programme on Financial Literacy held
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, June 27: One-day School Level Awareness Programme on Financial Literacy was organized by Manohar Lal, DDM, NABARD, Udhampur at Government Higher Secondary School, Panchari, here today.
The objective of the programme was to generate awareness about Financial Literacy among the school children especially classes X, XI and XII.
The programme was attended by Pawan Salathia, Principal of the School, besides staff members and students of classes X, XI and XII.
DDM, NABARD informed the participants that the Government of India has initiated the process of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under which most of the subsidies would be given in cash and would be transferred in the bank accounts of the heads of respective families. Therefore, all rural households must have a saving account with the banks. The children were asked to spread this message in their respective families and also among the nearby households so that all households are covered under financial inclusion.
The children were also explained that the savings, except savings to meet emergency needs, of all households should be kept in the banks in the form of fixed or savings deposits as the same do not earn any interest if kept as idle savings at homes. They were informed that such savings kept at home as idle funds lose their value in view of the inflation.
DDM gave an account of the various types of bank accounts such as Savings Bank Accounts, Recurring Deposit, Fixed Deposit, etc.
They were also explained various schemes being implemented by the banks for the benefit of the children such as Education Loans, various savings schemes, etc. They were also informed about the JK Special Scholarship Scheme being implemented especially for the students pursuing studies after 12th class in other states.
A quiz competition was also organized by the DDM, NABARD for the children and prizes were distributed among the students. Meritorious students and the students who excelled in sports were also given away prizes.
Biscoot expands business in Kashmir valley
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 27: Renowned offline apps store and MVAS brand, Biscoot, a product of Shotformats Digital Works Pvt Limited has started their operations and business in Kashmir in an glittering ceremony held here.
After successful launch and operation in major cities and Jammu division, company appointed TPF Technologies Pvt Ltd. as its distributor for Kashmir division.
Biscoot Offline App Store plans to distribute digital content- mobile phone insurance, movies, music, games and apps – across mobile recharge and telephone accessory stores in the Valley.
Products range starts from 50 and, targets students, house wives, low middle class and middle class people, Internet-savvy office goers.
“Offline app store is less time consuming as there is no downloading, it is also less expensive as the product is priced very low, and there is no hidden cost of data” said Vivek Singh, Circle Head – North.
“We are pleased to partner with Shotformats to bring global quality mobile software and apps at affordable prices to Kashmiris,” said Naseer Ahmad, Business Head, TPF Technologies Pvt Ltd.
Present on the occasion were top retailer from market, Sahil Sharma-Territory Manager- J&K, Shotformats Digital Works Pvt Ltd, Tarun Anand-Director TPF Technologies, and other guests.
AICC reshuffle next month
NEW DELHI, June 27:
A reshuffle of the All India Congress Committee(AICC) set up is likely next month after an informal group led by A K Antony will submit its report to Congress President Sonia Gandhi after July 6, on the reasons for the party’s debacle in the recent Lok Sabha polls.
The reshuffle of the AICC could be the first major shake up exercise the party could take up after its worst-ever performance in Lok Sabha election, which saw its tally reduced to a mere 44, party sources said.
The informal group set up by Congress President Sonia Gandhi, which has, besides Antony, AICC general secretary Mukul Wasnik and secretaries RC Khuntia and Avinash Pandey as members, was expected to wind up its exercise this month end, they said.
However, the panel is now expected to complete the job by July 6 after which a report will be submitted to the party President. It has already held consultations with leaders from Delhi, Bihar, Jharakhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal.
Sonia Gandhi, who was authorised by the apex decision making body of the party Congress Working Committee last month to take whatever steps she deemed necessary to revamp the party, will take a call on the reshuffle in AICC after Antony committee submits its report.
Gandhi had said “unless we undertake some structural changes, we will not be able to meet the serious challenges we face” as the CWC meeting last month authorised her to carry out a “thorough revamp” at all levels.
The CWC resolution had pledged to the millions of Congress workers that it will create within the party opportunities and structures that will pave way for a “thorough revamp of the organisation at all levels”.
There is also a buzz regarding the possibility of holding a ‘Chintan Shivir (brain-storming camp)’ but no date has been finalised as yet.
The exercise is likely to happen only after a reshuffle of the AICC.
“A number of young faces are likely to come up after the reshuffle. Some sort of change has happen after Lok Sabha polls results.
“There are a number of general secretaries, who have been serving for a decade or more. Some of them may go,” said an AICC functionary speaking on the condition of anonymity.
The party was toying up with the idea of a change of guard in Maharashtra, Haryana and Assam but it appears to have been put on a back burner now. (PTI)
City Colleges release first cut off merit list for fresh admissions
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 27: All the five Government Degree Colleges in Jammu City today released first cut off merit list for fresh admissions in various Under Graduation courses.
While the highest cut off was registered in Bio Technology at GGM Science College, Government College for Women Parade and GCW Gandhi Nagar where the subject is offered, Functional English, Geology, Geography and Electronics etc were the other choices of toppers in these colleges.
In GGM Science Colleges, cut off percentage for admission in Bio-Technology was 92 percent, which was followed by Functional English with 88.4 percent, Geography 85.8 percent, Geology 83.8 percent and Electronics 82.4 percent.
At GCW Gandhi Nagar, the cut off percentage in Bio-Technology is also 92 while lowest merit for admission in Food Science, Geography and B Com was 80.4 percent, 82.4 percent and 80.6 percent, respectively. Cut off percentage in Medical and Non-Medical streams was 77.2 and 65.8, respectively while in Statistics, it was 72 percent.
The lowest merit for admission, 50.8 percent, was registered in Arts stream while cut off percentage in Arts with the combination of Psychology and Functional English, was 60 and 66.8, respectively.
In GCW Parade, where cut off in Bio-Technology was 81.2 percent, the lowest merit for admission in B Sc (Medical) and B Sc (Non-Medical) was registered at 74.6 percent and 71.2 percent, respectively. Cut off merit for admission in BA, B Com, BCA and Electronics, was 55 percent, 61 percent, 73 percent and 72.2 percent, respectively.
In SPMR College of Commerce, where only B Com, BBA and BCA streams are offered, the cut off merit percentage for admission was 63.6, 79 and 71, respectively.
BBA and BCA streams in MAM College registered 77 percent and 69.4 percent cut off for admission while for Arts, the lowest merit was 67.8 percent. For admission in Arts with Physics, Statistics and Geography, the cut off merit was 51 in each combination.
Since early morning, there was heavy rush in all these colleges where admission seekers were seen looking for their name in the merit list and thereafter taking admission.
In all these colleges, where the selected candidates started taking admissions from today, the second and third cut off lists will be declared on July 2 and July 5, respectively.
July 6 is the last date for taking admission without late fee.
Dulhasti Power Station organizes eye camp at NHPC Hospital
Excelsior Correspondent
KISHTWAR, June 27: Dulhasti Power Station is organizing three-day eye camp in association with KLSM Rotary, Eye & ENT Hospital at NHPC Hospital, Kishtwar which will conclude on June 28.
The camp was inaugurated by Arvind Bhat, General Manager, Dulhasti in the presence of Ajay Mathur, Chief Engineer (Civil), NHPC Limited, Dr Parvez Wani, Medical Superintendent, District Hospital, Kishtwar, D N Sharma, Chairman, Rotary Udhampur, Dr Manoj Kumar Yadav from Rotary, Dr Sham Prasad Gupta, Chief Medical Officer, Kishtwar, Colonal Aneel Sadhotra, 9 RR, other doctors/ Officers from NHPC Limited and State Government.
On the opening day of the camp, 327 patients from Kishtwar and its surrounding areas suffering from various eye problems were registered/checked up out of which 58 were identified for Small Incession Cataract Surgery (SICS) which was taken up by Dr Yadav and his team members in the evening. Pertinent to mention that earlier also, similar eye camps were organized by Dulhasti Power Station in the remote areas like Paddar and Chhatroo in district Kishtwar.
The camp is orgainsed under Corporate Social Responsibility-Sustainable Development Scheme of NHPC Limited.
J&K wins 30 medals in Matsogi-Do C’ship
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, June 27: Matsogi-Do Association of Jammu and Kashmir bagged 30 medals in the 1st Asian Matsogi-Do Championship held at Kathmandu in Nepal recently.
The event was organized by Nepal Matsogi-Do Union of National Sports Council Kathmandu.
8 countries participated in the event, wherein India emerged winner, while Nepal and Pakistan claimed first and second runners-up trophies.
The gold medal winners included Kunwarpal Singh, Sumit, Varun Partap, Anchal Sumbria, Mansi, Mehak, Abhishek Gandhi, Ansh Gupta, Vishal Sharma, Sukhmeet Singh and Danish Jaral, while the silver medals were bagged by Gurvinder Pal Singh, Gurkamal Singh, Atinter Pal Singh, Vivek Bgal and Pankaj Kumar. The bronze medals went to Mohit Sharma, Utraksh Singh, Agnish Ekhar, Gautam Sharma, Raj Kunwar and Magal Saini.
2 die during Algerian World Cup celebrations
Algiers (Algeria),
June 27:
Two people died in car accidents after Algeria’s capital exploded in fireworks and horn-honking joy after the national football team qualified for the Word Cup knockout stages for the first time.
As the post-match celebrations continued into the early hours of Friday, young people honked horns and drove madly through the streets, resulting in car accidents that wounded 31 people across the country, according to police. Two young men died in separate car crashes.
After Algeria’s 4-2 upset win over South Korea last week, there were five deaths from car accidents, and one man died after having a heart attack during the second goal.(PTI)