Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 26: Natrang is celebrating ‘World Theatre Day’ with big fun fare tomorrow Natrang Studio Theatre, Jammu This was disclosed here today by Natrang director Balwant Thakur in a press briefing which was held at Natrang Studio Theatre, Jammu. As a part of the celebrations of World Theatre Day Natrang is organizing a five day Theatre festival featuring five best plays of the year which featured in Natrang’s Sunday Theatre, he added.
Giving further details Balwant Thakur informed that these celebrations were started in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute (UNESCO, Paris) and World Theatre Day is celebrated annually on March 27 by the international theatre community. Various national and international theatre events are organized world over to mark this occasion. In addition to the presentation of a highly hilarious comedy ‘Bichoo’ under the direction of young National Awardee director Sumeet Sharma which is based on Moliere’s world famous French Comedy, Natrang will also honor its artists to mark the celebrations of World Theatre day.
Natrang pioneered this tradition of the celebrations of World Theatre Day in the year 1985 in Jammu and organizes this day every year with much of the enthusiasm and funfare to celebrate the most significant role of theatre in bringing communities together and shaping the societies. The celebrations of this day in Jammu has become even more important for the reason that theatre has given an International identity to this land and the plays produced in Jammu have been acknowledged globally.
Balwant Thakur appealed all the lovers of theatre and culture to join Natrang in these celebrations and invited them to witness Natrang plays every evening at 6 pm at Natrang Studio Theatre from March 27, 2014. The plays being featured include Hawalaat, Uthal Puthal, Sabse Bada Aadmi, Kavita Ka Chakkar and Hawa Hawai.
Natrang celebrating World Theatre Day with a theatre festival
Ruling Ministers violating Code of Conduct: Harsh
Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu, Mar 26: NPP chairman Harshdev Singh (MLA) has urged upon the Election Commission to take cognizance of the gross violations of the Model Code of Conduct by the candidates and ministers of ruling alliance in the State of J&K.
He said that the ruling ministers are using the official vehicles for electioneering and the fuel for the said vehicles and their escort vehicles is also being provided by the Govt. free of cost. He further charged the Coalition Govt. of abusing the official machinery and bureaucratic set up for the promotion of their electoral prospects in the elections.
Mounting a scathing attack on the acute politicization of bureaucracy during elections, Mr. Singh sought immediate intervention of the ECI and appropriate action against the delinquents. He further pointed out that not only was the administration actively associated in election campaign, but the Govt. functionaries were showing several other undue favours to the Congress-NC alliance. He said that while the hoardings and cut-outs installed by opposition parties especially the Panthers Party had been destroyed by the Govt. functionaries, the Cong.- NC leaders’ hoardings were allowed to stay.
NPP leader expressed dismay over the charging of fees from Panthers Party workers for use of party flag and public address system in the vehicles used by them in elections. He said that Rs. 200/- per vehicle were charged for all the vehicles being used by the Panthers Party in district Udhampur by the election cell Udhampur.
NC-Cong regime legalized corruption: Bhim Singh
Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Mar 26: National Panthers Party chief patron Prof Bhim Singh today said that National Conference and Congress regime has legalized corruption and promoted nepotism in the State.
Addressing serious of public meetings at Sunderbani, Nowshera, Surankote and other places today in support of party candidate from Jammu-Poonch seat, H C Jalmeria-advocate, the NPP leader said the present Government led by Omar Abdullah has given miseries to the people. The corruption has crossed all the limits and favouritism and nepotism is being promoted by leaders of these parties. The regime has also promoted communalism for the vested interests.
Prof Singh appealed the people of the State to vote for HC Jalmeria from Jammu Poonch Lok Sabha seat because he needs another member in the Parliament to second his resolutions and Bills. Prof Singh said the NPP is committed for providing rail and air link to Rajouri -Poonch. He also assured the people to fight for the rights of refugees, Paharis, STs, OBC and others.
The NPP leader further demanded that travel between J&K and PoK should be facilitated by passports issued by the respective countries so that permit nuisance and complication is brought to an end. Mr Jalmeria and other party leaders also addressed rallies.
Chib asks voters to be vigilant against forces dividing secular fabric
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 26: Former Minister and general secretary J&K PCC RS Chib cautioned the voters to be vigilant from the political forces, who are bent upon dividing the secular fabric of our great country.
Chib said this while addressing a largely attended public meeting at Suchetgarh.
He said that the Congress is the only party, which can guarantee the unity and integrity of India. The Independence movement of India was led by the Congress in which all Indians irrespective of colour, caste and religion made it a complete success.
He added said that the relevance of Congress at the present moment is even more, when the divisive forces within the country and external powers from outside are trying their best to divide this great nation.
Chib appealed to all sections of people to cast their valuable vote in favour of the Congress candidate for Jammu-Poonch Parliamentary Constituency Madan Lal Sharma, who has served the people of this constituency very effectively for last 10 years.
Chib made a special mention of the decision of the UPA–II Government for grant of One-Rank One Pension, which was a long outstanding demand of our Ex-servicemen.
Swaran Singh, Sarpanch Chak-Baja, Rashpal Singh Gill, Sarpanch Magowali and Satvinder Singh Chairman, Panchayati Adalat, also appealed to the people to vote for Congress candidate Madan Lal Sharma.
Others who spoke included Jeet Raj, Gurdeep Singh, Captain Waryam Singh, Nambardar Baldev Singh, Panch Swaran Singh, Rajinder Kumar and Choudhary Sarfa.
Poonch victim of Govt’s wrong policies: PDP
Excelsior Correspondent
SURANKOTE (POONCH), Mar 26: PDP candidate for Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha seat Yash Pal Sharma today addressed series of public meetings in Surankote and adjoining areas.
While speaking in these meetings, Yash Pal Sharma said that Poonch district is victim of the discriminatory policies of the National Conference and Congress regime. He said that this region has been neglected in all spheres of life because Government is not interested in the development of this belt.
He said that failure of the State Government to effectively pursue the case of starting rail network in this belt is glaring example of the discriminatory policies of the this Government.
Calling upon party workers to expose misdeeds of Omar Abdullah Government, he said that present Government has completely failed to address grievances of the people so the residents of this State are looking towards PDP to get their aspirations addressed.
He called upon party cadre to educate the masses about various developmental schemes started by the previous Government headed by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed for uplifment of backward and neglected areas. He especially mentioned that various developmental projects were initiated for this region during the regime of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.
He said that previous PDP led regime had set an example of good governance and the people have realized that only this party has the vision and conviction to solve their problems.
He, however, regretted that state has been plunged into unprecedented crises due to wrong policies of the present regime. “People have to launch agitation even for getting basic amenities like ration, power or drinking water”, he said and added that every section of the society is agitating for one or other issue.
Meanwhile, State secretary of the PDP Surinder Choudhary addressed series of public meetings at Marchaba, Banyia, Chawarian, Bakhar, Khoeteri Seot and Takyamohalla Seot.
Development only poll plank of Cong: Madan
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 26: Congress-National Conference coalition candidate for Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha seat Madan Lal Sharma today said that development is the only poll plank of Congress party.
Addressing public meetings at Janipur, Bhalwal, Gharota and Gour today, the senior Congress leader claimed that development was the election plank of Congress Party and he is going to the people for votes only on this plank. He said the UPA Government led by Congress has ensured massive development in the State. The Centre has provided massive funds for the projects in the State and it has witnessed tremendous progress.
The Congress MP claimed that Coalition Government has taken landmark decisions like introducing Public Service Guarantee Act, RTI Act, creating independent Vigilance Commission, conducting Panchayat elections, empowering PRIs in line with Central Government and creating large number of Administrative units.
Mr Sharma claimed that during his two tenures as MP he has tried his best to do justice with every section of society in his Parliamentary constituency which is spread right from Samba to Poonch. He said though MP has limited role and meager funds at his disposal, he has used his good offices and tried to ensure substantial development in all essential sectors.
Prominent among others who spoke on the occasion included Ex-MLA Shiv Dev Singh, Kanta Bhan PCC general secretary, Uttam Singh Chib, Sikander Singh, Darshna Devi and Sarpanch Raj Dev Singh.
DB directs JMC to make Service Tax Scheme compulsory
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 26: In a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Deepak Singh Balouria and others seeking implementation of provisions of the Essential Services (Maintenance) Ordinance in letter and spirit to ensure clean, hygienic and healthy environment, Division Bench of High Court comprising Chief Justice MM Kumar and Justice Muzaffar Hussain Attar today directed the Jammu Municipal Corporation to make Service Tax Scheme compulsory.
After hearing Advocate Meenakshi Salathia for the PIL whereas AAG Seema Shekha for the State and Advocate SS Nanda for JMC, DB observed, “in response to the notice of motion, two status reports have been filed. In the status report filed by Jammu Municipal Corporation and its Health Officer, it has been pointed out that a comprehensive scheme for collection of garbage from door to door has been unfolded by the Corporation and every household is required to pay Rs 100 as Service Tax. However, the scheme was made optional and only meager 5% of the people came forward to adopt the scheme”.
“We fail to understand why a scheme which is aimed at achieving healthy and hygienic condition on the public route should be made optional”, the DB said and asked counsel for the respondents as to why such a scheme could not be made compulsory.
“Such a thinking has developed for the reason that throwing garbage and creating unhygienic condition is the source of various diseases which has cascading affect on the health of the residents”, the DB said, adding “in the larger public interest it is imperative to make such a scheme compulsory to ensure that every household puts its garbage outside the house which can be collected by the vehicle of the Municipal Corporation on periodical basis”.
“Another reason for making the scheme compulsory is that the State Government cannot run without revenue and such like services could be extended if corresponding fee is paid to the service provider”, the DB said and directed that the needful be done within two weeks.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support Course conducted in SMGS Hospital
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 26: Department of Pediatrics and IAP City Branch Jammu organized the first ever course of “Basic Life Support” and “Pediatric Advanced Life Support Course” in the Department of Pediatrics, SMGS Hospital.
The course is rated as the toughest of all the courses conducted by Indian Academy of Pediatrics and the delegates are certified purely on the basis of merit in accordance with the standards of American Heart Association. A highly distinguished faculty comprising of Dr L N Taneja (National Convenor PALS), Dr A K Sharma (Zonal Coordinator PALS), Dr Shalu Gupta (Prof LHMC Delhi), Dr Vikas Verma (Consultant Fortis), Dr Poonam Dalal (Consultant PGIMS Rohtak) and Dr Vishal Guglani (Prof and Head of Pediatrics GMC Chandigarh) conducted the course.
Dr Rekha Harish, Prof and Head Department of Pediatrics GMC, Jammu & President IAP City Branch Jammu was the Course Coordinator. Dr Sanjeev K Digra, Assistant Prof & Dr Mohd Razaq, Lecturer Department of Pediatrics were the Co-coordinators.
Dr Rekha Harish, in her welcome address, highlighted the importance of competent life saving skills in day-to-day practice, which can save many a lives. Twenty nine Pediatricians from Jammu, Udhampur and Kathua participated in this two day intensive training programme. All the participants had to pass an online prior preliminary self assessment examination at the website of American Heart Association.
Subsequently, the delegates had to clear the written as well as the practical examination with a minimum score of 84% to be certified as PALS Provider. A total of 26 delegates successfully completed the course and four out of them which included Prof Rekha Harish, Prof G S Saini, Dr S S Slathia and Dr Vikas Mahajan were invited for PALS Instructors to conduct future similar courses.
A galaxy of Pediatricians attending the course included Dr Ashu Jamwal, Dr Sunil Dutt Sharma, Dr Mohd Razaq, Dr K R Sangra, Dr Neerupam Gupta, Dr Pankaj Gupta, Dr Ashwani Verma, Dr Kaushal Khajuria Dr Ajai and Dr Uttam Chand widely appreciated the content of the course and lauded the efforts of organizers. Dr Sanjeev K Digra conducted the proceedings and delivered the vote of thanks.
The Department of Pediatrics GMC Jammu also extends its willingness to conduct basic CPR training programmes and train the public /school children /community in Jammu Region in the art of Basic Life Skills and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
SC blames UP Govt for riots
NEW DELHI, Mar 26:
In a jolt to the Akhilesh Yadav Government in UP, the Supreme Court today held that it was prima facie responsible for negligence in preventing communal violence in Muzaffarnagar and adjoining areas but refused to direct a CBI or SIT probe into the cases.
A Bench headed by Chief Justice P Sathasivam said that the incidents of communal clashes and subsequent violence could have been prevented by the Samajwadi Party-ruled Government if the intelligence agencies had detected these problems.
“Had the Central and State intelligence agencies smelt these problems in advance and alerted the District Administration, the unfortunate incidents could have been prevented. Thus, we prima facie hold the State Government responsible for being negligent at the initial stage in not anticipating the communal violence and for taking necessary steps for its prevention,” it said.
The Bench, also comprising justices Ranjana Prakash Desai and Ranjan Gogoi, directed the Government to pay compensation of Rs 15 lakh to family members of those who lost their life and Rs 5 lakh to rape victims.
It passed a slew of directions for proper investigation in the cases and directed the Government to bring to book all accused irrespective of their caste, religion and political affiliation.
The court said that CBI or SIT probe cannot be directed at this stage in view of various steps taken by the State Government including the setting up of Special Investigation Cell.
“In the light of various steps taken by the State, facts and figures, statistics supported by materials coupled with the various principles enunciated in the decisions referred above, we are of the view that there is no need to either constitute SIT or entrust the investigation to the CBI at this juncture.
“However, we are conscious of the fact that more effective and stringent measures are to be taken by the State administration for which we are issuing several directions,” it said.
The apex court said the security cover provided to rape victims shall continue till they desire or completion of the trial, whichever is later, and criminal action taken against political persons shall be continued by placing acceptable materials before the court concerned.
“Sincere efforts shall be made to apprehend all the accused irrespective of political affiliation and produce them before the appropriate court,” the Bench said, adding, “The investigating authorities should eschew communal bias and proceed against all the offenders irrespective of their caste, community and religion”.
It also directed that the State Government shall not recover the amount given to people for settling in other places if they want to come back to reside at their place.
“For any reason, after receipt of Rs.5 lakhs those who want to settle to other places than the place of occurrence after change of mind and in order to join their relatives and friends in the village/place where they lived at the time of violence, are permitted to resettle, in that event, the State is directed not to recover the amount already paid,” it said.
The communal violence, which had broken out on September 7, last year in Muzaffarnagar and adjoining towns, had claimed over 40 lives. It left 85 others injured and rendered 51,000 people, mostly Muslims, homeless. (PTI)
RO Jammu-Poonch discusses election arrangements with AROs
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 26: To review the election preparedness for forthcoming election to Jammu-Poonch Parliamentary constituency which is scheduled to be held on April 10, Returning Officer, 6-Jammu Parliamentary Constituency (Deputy Commissioner) Jammu, Ajeet Kumar Sahu convened a meeting of concerned Assistant Returning Officers, Zonal Magistrates and Sectoral Officers here today.
The issues which figured during the meeting included effective implementation of Modal Code of Conduct, expenditure monitoring mechanism, MCMC, provision for political parties’ meetings/rallies, preparations of EVMs, provision for use of vehicles in the rallies, preparation of polling station-wise route charts.
The RO asked the Assistant Returning Officers to ensure that the guidelines of the Election Commission of India are implemented in letter and spirit. He asked them to keep proper accounts of the expenditures incurred by the candidates and the political parties according to the guidelines of the Election Commission of India.
Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kalyan Singh, SSP Jammu, Atul Goel, ACG Shenaz Choudhary and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.
Meanwhile, the District Election Officer also convened a meeting with the representatives of various political parties to discuss the enforcement of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and Pre-certification of advertisements in electronic channels and print media.
Representatives of various political parties were present in the meeting.
Mr. Sahu and Observers namely Rajesh Jadav, M P Aggarwal and Ashutosh urged the representatives of political parties to fully honour the guidelines of Election Commission of India to ensure smooth and peaceful conduct of elections.