Excelsior Correspondent
GUREZ, June 16: Minister of State for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Nazir Ahmad Gurezi conducted an extensive tour of his constituency and inspected the on-going developmental projects, besides assessing the developmental needs in various areas.
He underscored the need for time bound completion of on-going developmental projects and emphasized upon the concerned authorities to activate men and machinery for the purpose, so that the benefits of these accrue to the general public well in time.
Accompanied by officers and Engineers, the Minister visited Bagtore, Banjran, Kanzalwon, Wanpora, Chaurwon and Dawar villages and took stock of people’s day to day problems and developmental needs.
Mr. Gurezi inspected pace of progress on several under execution projects taken up under core sectors for improving basic facilities in the area. He instructed the concerned Engineers and officers to ensure use of quality material and judicious utilization of funds for creating durable infrastructure and assets.
The Minister directed the officers of CA&PD Department to ensure hassle free ration supply to the area during the holy month of Ramadhan.
Responding to the developmental needs of the people, Mr Gurezi assured them that their genuine individual problems and developmental needs would be redressed from concerned departments on priority.
At Chaurwon village, the Minister directed the concerned to renovate Chaurwon link road on war footing basis. He also asked them to construct protection bund on the nallah in the village.
The Minister was informed that 14 families of Rafujeegam Tulail who were facing tremendous difficulties in respect of developmental front have been merged with Panchayat Markoot enabling them to get maximum benefits of Government launched schemes.
During the tour, the Minister also addressed series of public meetings at different places including Dak Banglow Dawar and Wanpora.
Gurezi inspects developmental projects
Nirvana Academy’s painting camp gets underway
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, June 16: To make children skilful in painting and to promote the art of painting among them, Nirvana Academy began off 10-day painting camp at Pammy Art Academy, Sanjay Nagar, here. Students from different parts of Jammu are participating in the camp.
Prominent artists from Jammu will also be invited in the camp for interaction with the children to make them aware about the local art and the painters of Jammu. Children will also learn the basics including trace, sketching, brush and pencil strokes and colour mixing in the camp.
Paramjeet Kour ‘Pammy’ chief instructor of the camp said on the occasion that Nirvana Academy is playing a pivotal role in promoting performing arts, culture and through these camps helping children to improve their artistic skills.
Prominent among others present on the inaugural day were Hitesh Badyal, president Nirvana Academy, Neeraj Sharma, vice president, Meenakshi Sharma, general secretary, Nishant Vaid, Shaveta Sharma, Nishat Khan and Paramjeet Kour.
India aim to complete series win against Bangladesh today
Mirpur, June 16:
A confident Indian cricket team would look to keep the momentum going in its favour as it gears up to complete an expected series victory against minnows Bangladesh in the second of the three-match ODI series here tomorrow.
Having won the rain-truncated lung-opener fairly comfortably, Suresh Raina’s boys are eyeing an unassailable 2-0 lead against Bangladesh which will help them get the much required confidence before the England ODI series comes calling.
A series against Bangladesh is a thankless one as one doesn’t get credit for a win but faces a lot of backlash if there is a freak defeat.
Rahane was also a picture of confidence during his innings of 64.
Cheteshwar Pujara was the victim of an umpiring blooper and would surely like to make it count as he is likely to get a full series this time. However, time is running out for the Saurashtra ‘Run-Machine’ as far as cementing his place in the limited overs side is concerned.
Skipper Raina and Ambati Rayudu would be hoping to get another decent hit in the middle but obviously not at the expense of a poor opening start.
It will be interesting to see whether India make a few changes or not as far as their bowling department is concerned.
Medium pacer Mohit Sharma couldn’t complete his full quota of 10 overs owing to an injury which kept him out for the better part of the Bangladesh innings.
However, with both Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami rested for the series, there are very few options for Raina. These options include Vinay in case Mohit does not get fit in time for the second ODI.
Among the debutant spinners, Parvez Rasool was impressive of the two while Akshar Patel might have to make way for either Stuart Binny or Manoj Tiwary — both of whom are potentially batting all-rounders.
Teams:
India: Suresh Raina (captain), Ajinkya Rahane, Robin Uthappa, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ambati Rayudu, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Akshar Patel, Parvez Rasool, Mohit Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Amit Mishra, Manoj Tiwary, Kedar Jadhav, Stuart Binny, R Vinay Kumar.
Bangladesh: Mushfiqur Rahim (captain), Tamim Iqbal, Anamul Haque Bijoy, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib al Hasan, Mahmudullah Riyadh, Nasir Hossain, Ziaur Rahaman, Mashrafe Mortaza, Abdur Razzak, Al-Amin Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Sohag Gazi, Shamsur Rahaman. (PTI)
Clerical staff seeks removal of pay anomalies
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 16: Members from Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh All Departments Clerical Staff Association have demanded immediate settlement of their demand of removing pay anomalies of the cadre.
In a meeting of the Association held here today under the presidium of Bashir Ahmed Malik, Anil Mehta and Sukhbir Singh, the members pointed out that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has already assured that pay anomalies of the cadre will be removed and the statement of some of the employees’ representatives to announce protest would harm the interests of the employees.
It is said that senior employees who held recent meeting, are already in touch with the Finance department and the pay anomalies are being removed. They said that clerical staff have nothing to do with the so called protest on June 17 announced by some employees’ groups in Jammu. The members appealed to the Government to issue order with regard to the removal of pay anomalies of the cadre without any further delay.
Germany crush Portugal 4-0
SALVADOR, June 16:
Thomas Mueller marked his 50th international with a hat-trick as Germany strolled to a 4-0 World Cup victory over a Portugal side reduced to 10 men late in the first half of a disappointly one-sided Group G match today.
It had been expected to be a close game between two strong sides but Germany took control early on as Mueller scored a 12th-minute penalty after Mario Goetze was felled, before Mats Hummels powered a header from a corner after 32 minutes.
Portugal defender Pepe, furious at what he felt was ‘simulation’ by Mueller following a slight collision between the two, was sent off after 37 minutes for pushing his head into the German’s face as he sat on the ground.
Mueller lashed in the third in first-half stoppage time, and completed his treble with a 78th-minute tap-in after Germany had spurned a series of chances. (PTI)
Villagers protest against GREF
Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, June 16: The residents of various villages today held protest demonstration in the office of Deputy Commissioner (DC) here against GREF.
Large number of people including women assembled in the premises of DC office and raised slogans against the State, Central Governments and GREF.
The protestors said that the 20 kilometer long road from Hatli Morh to Manu is in dilapidated condition. They added that this road connects 20 villages and also a link road Bani-Basholi.
They stated that Central Government handed over the project of construct of the said road to GREF, but the road is not constructed till today, causing various problems to hundreds of people.
The protestors demanded immediate construction of the said road and regular monitoring for its early completion.
They also apprised DC Kathua about their problem, who assured to take up the issue with the concerned agency for early completion of the road.
Declare Rajouri-Poonch as backward area: BJP leader
Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, June 16: Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) State vice president Advocate Vibodh Gupta today met Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (MoS) in Prime Minister Office (PMO) and highlighted the plights being faced by the people in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.
Vibodh apprised Dr Singh that Paharis, Gujjars and Bakerwals communities were exploited by the previous Governments for their political benefits. These communities are living in tough terrain and under extreme conditions and they need special attention of Central Government for their development, Gupta added.
He also submitted a memorandum of demands and requested Dr Singh to declare Rajouri and Poonch districts as backward areas and a special package be announced for the overall development of these districts.
Vibodh informed MoS that the people of these districts were the worst sufferer when militancy was at its peak in the State. Some families which were migrated during militancy from their native villages are not given recognition as migrants till date, he said, adding that Central Government must provide relief to these families at par with Kashmiri migrants.
Moreover, the people living near LoC have to migrate when tension mounted across the borders and they also suffered huge losses in term of damage to their crops during cross-border firing, which was seen as a routine affair in last few years.
He added that Pir Panchal region has a tremendous tourism potential but due to the deteriorating conditions of roads, the tourists are not attracted.
He requested Dr Singh for the early restoration of railways project which was earlier shelved by the previous Government and sanctioning of four-lane road from Jammu to Poonch and to Mughal Road.
“Central Government should consider these projects as most urgent which would further boost the tourism sector in the districts and in turn reduce the unemployment problem”, Vibodh stressed.
He also demanded for increasing the monthly honorarium of SPOs from Rs 3,500 to Rs 7500 and special recruitment drive for the local youth.
Giving a patient hearing to the demands raised by Vibodh, Dr Jatinder Singh assured him that the development of J&K is the top agenda of Central Government and special focus will be given to the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.
Strong, prosperous India can help neighbours: Modi
THIMPHU, June 16:
India and Bhutan today decided to scale up their bilateral relations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserting that a “strong” and “prosperous” India can help smaller countries in the region.
Concluding his two-day visit to the Himalayan Kingdom, Modi gave an assurance that a change of government in Delhi will not affect their ties and past commitments will be fulfilled.
Thimphu, on its part, promised not to allow its territory to be used against India, an assurance that comes against the backdrop of militants from northeast taking shelter there.
Just before winding up his visit, Prime Minister Modi, who was given a rare honour of addressing the joint session of Bhutan’s Parliament, agreed with Speaker of the National Assembly Jigme Zangpo that stronger India is, the better it is for Bhutan.
Referring to the welcome remarks by Zangpo, Modi said the entire region, especially the SAARC countries, could benefit if India is prosperous. “Only a strong, prosperous India can help alleviate the problems that its neighbours face,” he said.
At the end of the visit, the first foreign outing since he took over three weeks ago, the two countries came out with a joint statement that reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the special relationship between the two countries.
They expressed satisfaction with the cooperation related to their mutual security.
The two countries agreed to continue with their close coordination and cooperation on issues relating to their national interests, and not allow each other’s territory to be used for interests inimical to the other, the joint statement said.
The Prime Minister also said both India and Bhutan have seen transitions of power but their relationship has remained strong.
He said that change in government will not alter the dynamics of Indo-Bhutan ties, as he vowed to further deepen the relationship through certain new proposals like organising joint sports events between Bhutan and India’s northeastern states and setting up a Himalaya University for joint research.
Asserting that, “terrorism divides, tourism unites,” Modi said Bhutan has immense potential in the tourism sector.
He said development of tourism does not require large investment but can yield substantial profit and even the poor can benefit from it.
“Strong Bhutan will benefit India like a strong and prosperous India will be beneficial for the countries of the region, especially the SAARC members. India’s prosperity is important as then it can help small countries and perform its duty of a good neighbour. But if India is weak and struggling with its own problems, then how can it help others,” he said.
Modi said India was always conscious of its responsibility towards its neighbours and in this context referred to the invitation extended to SAARC leaders for his swearing in ceremony last month. “It added sheen to the event.”
On Indo-Bhutan ties, he said, “Governments have changed but that has not affected the closely-knit ties,” and quoted former Bhutan King to say that India and Bhutan were like “milk and water”.(PTI)
Summer Camp concludes at Little Millennium
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, June 16: Little Millennium, a premier Preschool chain promoted by Educomp Childcare, organized a multi disciplinary 13-day Summer Camp at its Roop Nagar Branch, which concluded today with fun party for the children.
Children exhibited their groomed skills especially in Abacus, origamy, dance, communication, social etiquettes and art & craft in presence of distinguished guests and specialized instructors. The little buddies in junior and senior group enjoyed the camp with loads of fun learning and creativity based activities.
The pre school had tied up with Career Abacus and professionals in the field of music, western and folk dance, art, communication skills and social etiquettes for grooming the participants in the Summer Camp.
While interacting with the invitees and parents of the children, Akhila Magotra Chief Learning Officer Little Millennium Pre Schools elaborated on the need of such camps for holistic development of children as such activities are not part of formal curriculum.
Little Millennium is a preschool venture of Educomp Childcare which believes in exploring the hidden talents in the children.
Residents call on PHE XEn, raise water issue
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, June 16: A deputation of people from Ward No. 12 and 17 of the town called on Executive Engineer PHE Udhampur and projected issue of water scarcity in the area.
Led by former Councillor Rajesh Pachiala, the deputation projected the issue of water scarcity in the locality near Devak and Trikuta Ice Factory on National Highway. The locals alleged that they were suffering for the last three years and the department has turned a deaf ear towards their plight. They pointed out that there are nearly 60-70 families which are badly hit. The department has not changed pipes as per the need of the area. There has been over loading but new pipes were not laid despite a number of requests.
The XEn showed his inability to help the people on the plea that department had no funds. But with the intervention of BJP leader Pawan Gupta and assurance from MP Dr Jitendra Singh, the issue was resolved on the spot. The MP offered funds from his own Constituency Development Fund for the purpose. The locals extended gratitude to the MP and BJP leader Pawan Gupta. The XEn assured to start work with in one week. Rajesh Sharma, Saurav, Pushpa Devi, Suman Rajesh Gupta, Naveen Kumar and others accompanied.