MLA Surjeet Singh Slathia addressing public gathering at Vijaypur on Sunday.
SAMBA, Jan 12: Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) Vijaypur and senior vice president, National Conference Surjeet Singh Slathia said that NC is committed for the upliftment of down trodden people of the society.
He said this while addressing party workers meeting at Village Pekhri and Dera Patti in Vijaypur constituency.
The people highlighted various problems being faced by them including road connectivity, electricity, etc.
Slathia assured that he would provide all types of assistance systems to them in the field of developmental activities. He also resolved various problems being faced by the people of the said areas on the spot.
He also highlighted the achievements of Coalition Government headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. He said that Coalition Government has strengthened democratic institutions by implementing Panchayati Raj Act in the State vis-à-vis RTI, Public Service Guarantee Act, Re-Constitution of Accountability Commission.
Government has also taken initiatives for bringing transparency, accountability in administration and curbing the corruption in the State.
He called upon the workers to work untidily to strengthen the party in their respective areas.
Slathia asserted that the main agenda of NC is reduction of poverty, employment to unemployed youth, more power projects and providing basic amenities to the people of the State.
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 12: Cautioning the Government against any manipulations for political ends in creation of new administrative units, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) today demanded publication of the Mushtaq Ganai report on the subject.
The party president Mehbooba Mufti told a meeting here that by employing the Cabinet Sub Committee for cosmetic meetings on the subject, the Government was apparently up to a mischievous agenda to serve the political interests of some Ministers.
Mehbooba said the Government would invite trouble if it created new administrative units in a secretive, selective and hush hush manner. “We won’t allow them to repeat the fraud that was committed in establishment of health centers recently which has left most deserving areas without the basic medicare but served only the interests of a few influential Ministers,” Mehbooba said.
She said the Mushtaq Ganai Committee report should be made public to seek the opinion of the people instead of holding hurriedly convened cosmetic meetings, by a group of Ministers who even select the audience for such meetings on political considerations in order to seek suggestions convenient to the political agenda of ruling parties. She said some schools were opened and upgraded only in few constituencies represented by some influential Ministers, leaving more genuine claims of other areas unaddressed.
Mehbooba said it was encouraging to see that people from different walks of life are joining the PDP in good number, and reposing faith in the democratic process to find solution of their problems. She said PDP is turning out to be a better alternative for the people as it has proved its credentials both in the Government and in Opposition and it is the party’s endeavor to offer a respectable space for intellectuals, professionals and the youth to help the party to take the state out of the present governance crisis and political uncertainty.
Mehbooba said reason for NC to get jittery over the growing popularity of PDP among all sections of people is because for the first time, they are facing a tough and structured opposition within the system, but the remedy for them is not to criticize the people who joined PDP, but offer a better and more creative atmosphere in that party which, unfortunately, has been sullied by the events like Haji Yousuf episode, Cricket scam, Drug Scam, BOPEE scandal etc. which is repelling people from NC.
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 12: The 151st birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda was celebrated with enthusiasm and zeal.
To commemorate the 151st birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda and annual Foundation Day of Swami Vivekananda Medical Mission Charitable Hospital, Ambphalla a function was organized, in which large number of people participated.
Minister of State for Health, Shabir Ahmad Khan was the chief guest and Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) Prof Chaman Lal Gupta was guest of honour.
Minister and other dignitaries paid floral tribute to Swami Vivekananda and threw light on his teachings.
Amar Chand Gupta, Senior Member Managing Committee presented the welcome address while Atma Sarup Gupta general secretary presented the annual report.
Minister said that it was high time that the ideals and teachings of Vivekananda are followed in letter and spirit by one and all.
Minister on behalf of Government assured financial assistance to the institution.
Khan along with Prof Gupta inaugurated the newly established modernized laboratory of the hospital and also launched the website.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University jointly organised a symposium on “Perspective Role of Youth in Nation’s Development” to mark the 151st Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda at the University Campus at Kakryal today.
Dr Mandeep K Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, was the chief guest, while Roop Avtar Kour, Registrar, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, was the guest of honour.
Prizes were awarded to the students who excelled in the Symposium. They included Shubham Tiwari and Ankita Keshari of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, who were adjudged first and second respectively in the senior group. In the junior group, Amar Pratap of Amba Kids, Panthal got the first prize, while Abhishek Kumar of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University received second prize. In the cultural event, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University got first prize, Bhartiya College of Education, Udhampur got second prize and Amba Kids, Panthal secured third prize.
A documentary on the life and contributions of Swami Vivekananda was also screened.
Prof Yugal Khajuria, Dean of Students, Ashok Kumar, Director Sports, SMVDSB, faculty members, staff, students and prominent citizens of the area, including PL Suri, Rakesh Wazir, Shyam Kesar, AS Katoch and Harish Dubey were also present.
At Rajouri, to pay tributes to the great nationalist and social worker Swami Vivekananda on his birth anniversary, a quiz and debate competitions were organized.
DIG Rajouri-Poonch range was the chief guest whereas SSP Rajouri Mubashir Lattifi was the guest of honour.
The debate competition was organised on the topic “Role of Youths in Nation building”, in which students of from various schools and colleges participated. The quiz competition was held on the topic “Life and achievements of Swami Vivekananda”.
In the quiz competition, all the three prizes were bagged by students of Happy Home Higher Secondary School, Jawahar Nagar, whereas in debate competition first prize went to Akshay Sharma of Government PG College, second prize bagged by Vedika Gupta of Happy Home School and third prize went to Kalpana Sharma of Government School Thandi Kassi.
Member of organizing committee Vikrant Sharma presented vote of thanks.
On the occasion of 151st birth anniversary of Swami Vivekanand, ABVP organized a programme at Keshav Bhavan Udhampur under the leadership of President Sushant Gupta.
Manooj Sharma, RSS Parcharak was the chief spokesman, who while speaking threw light on teachings and principles of Swami Vivekananda .
National Secular Forum (NSF), City Unit organized a programmed in Jammu University on the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
Dr Vikas Sharma was the chief guest and Sukhdev Singh President of Forum, presided over the function.
Amit Salgotra, City President, Qayoom Malik, University Unit president, Vikram Madhyal, Rishikesh Rana, Navjoot Singh, Zakir, Anees, Liaqat ali, besides many others were present.
A function was organized for celebrating 151st birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda at Trikuta Nagar by Trikuta Nagar Shakha under the management of Bharat Sharma, Nagar Incharge.
The chief guest was Rakesh, Parcharak and the guest of honor was Ravinder Raina, State President, BJYM. Rattan Kapoor, Mukhay Shikshak, BD Gupta, Basti Parmukh, Ishant Gupta, Press Incharge, Ajay Gupta, Surinder Gupta, Jog Raj Gupta and Ankit Sood were also present.
A painting competition was also organized in which large number of kids participated. Organizers distributed certificates among the winners and the participants.
A function was organized at Jagti township to celebrate birth anniversary of Swami Viveknanda. On the occasion, students from Heart Public School and Rising Star Public School sang patriotic songs and chanted verses from Bhagwad Gita. A group of ladies sang Kashmiri songs and also lit earthen pots.
Participants during valedictory function of 2-week ISTE workshop at SMVDU on Sunday.
KATRA, Jan 12: A two weeks ISTE workshop on Signals and Systems in collaboration with IIT Kharagpur, concluded today at SMVDU campus, under the coordination of Ashish Suri as Workshop Coordinator, and Sudesh Kumar as Remote Centre Coordinator.
The mode of presentation was live lecture series from the eminent professors from IIT Kharagpur and IIT Bombay. The participants were teaching faculties from SMVDU and faculty members from various technical Institutes of the State of Jammu & Kashmir.
It was live interaction program wherein participants attended the rigorous curriculum developed by IIT Kharagpur. There were live lectures through A-VIEW software in the morning session followed by interactions with the Subject experts of IIT Kharagpur and IIT Bombay in the afternoon session.
The workshop covered the basic concepts of the Signals and Systems and opened new pathways for teaching the subject to the students.
The Workshop Organizing Committee successfully conducted the two-week programme under the able guidance and continues encouragement from the Vice Chancellor Prof S K Jain, Dean College of Engineering Prof V Verma, and the continues support from the Registrar Roop Avtar Kaur and other administrative departments including Finance, Academics & Research, Stores & Procurements, Audio Video Cell, Transportation, Electricity Wing, Network Centre, Guest House and Dean of Students.
Excelsior Correspondent
BARAMULLA, Jan 12: Continuing with the mass contact meetings, the Cabinet Sub-Committee, (CSC) constituted for examining the creation of new administrative units today visited Baramulla and listened to the local demands and suggestions for creation of new administrative units in Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora districts.
The local representatives from the cross section of society presented their suggestions and demands before the Committee Chairman Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand, and members Minister for Urban Development, and Urban Local Bodies, Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Sham Lal Sharma, Minister for Agriculture, G.H. Mir, Minister for Higher Education, Mohammad Akbar Lone, Minister for Planning & Development, Ajay Sadhotra and Minister for Law, Justice and Parliament, Mir Saifullah.
Secretary, Revenue, Vinod Koul also accompanied the Sub Committee during the visit.
On this occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand said that Government has constituted the committee to ensure that new administrative units are formed as per the aspirations of the people of various districts. He said Government is committed to provide all basic facilities to the people at their door steps, adding that Government’s initiative of holding such meetings by the CSC has been taken to give due attention to the people’s demands so that the deserving areas are not neglected in the developmental process in the State.
The meeting was attended by the public representatives, activists of various political parties, civil society members and PRIs of these districts and presented their suggestions, proposals and demands before the Committee for giving due consideration.
The Committee members gave a patient hearing to the valuable suggestions of the public representatives and assured that these would be given due consideration by the Government.
District Development Commissioner, Baramulla Khwaja Gh Ahmad, District Development Commissioner, Kupwara Itrat Hussain Rafiqui, District Development Commissioner, Bandipora Mohd Yousuf Zargar, besides, District and sectoral officers of these districts were present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, CSC will meet general public of Leh & Kargil at 10 am on January, 15, 2014 at State Guest House Jammu.
Similarly, the Cabinet Sub-Committee is also scheduled to meet general public of district Jammu at 11 am on January, 15, 2014 at State Guest House Jammu.
Provincial President NC, Devender Singh Rana addressing public gathering at Thannamandi on Sunday.
RAJOURI, Jan 12: Provincial President National Conference Devender Singh Rana today assailed People’s Democratic Party for political opportunism, saying its leadership is finding a new Messiah in Narendra Modi whose role in Gujarat carnage has been colossal and horrendous.
“The height of the political treachery is that despite inherent contradictions in its pretensions and actions, PDP is shamelessly claiming to be the champion of the cause of the people of Jammu and Kashmir”, the Provincial President said while addressing a public meeting at Thanamandi this morning.
Mr Rana detailed the sequence of events in the past few months wherein the PDP leadership sought the intervention of a former Intelligence chief, a journalist and a woman associated with a non-governmental organisation in furthering its clandestine talks with the Gujarat Chief Minister and his cohorts and said the party president went even to the extent of publicly eulogising Narendra Modi and claiming that he was the only person who could take right decisions on Kashmir.
“PDP President made the claim days after Narendra Modi sought debate over Article 370 in Jammu to deprive the State of its special status”, the Provincial President said and warned both PDP and BJP for scheming against the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said National Conference will not allow their nefarious plan to succeed even if it means offering sacrifices. “The movement launched by Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah has been based on sacrifice and selfless service”, he said, while giving the background of NC’s fight against those who came in the way of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Provincial President said that PDP has become so brazen in pursuit of power that it has lost the sense of proportion as far as public sensitivities were concerned. So long the party had been working behind the screen in the companionship of BJP and now it openly insults the dignity of the people, he said and maintained that the two parties have mastered in hoodwinking the public opinion.
Referring to the ensuing elections, Mr Rana asked the rank and file of the party to get ready in a big way for triumphing in both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. He pooh-poohed the claims of some political outfits on emerging as number one party of the State, saying they knew well where they actually stand. The people have always rejected these seasonal groups and will do so in future as well.
Mr Rana also made a mention of the Chief Minister’s initiative about creation of new administrative units at block, naiabat, tehsil and sub-divisional level and said that certain elements were creating obstructions by describing the report of Dr Bloeria and Mushtaq Ahmad panels as discriminatory towards any region. “This is malicious propaganda and a sign of frustration as these elements are unnerved about Omar Abdullah taking yet another bold step towards taking the administration at the doorsteps of the people”, he added.
The Provincial President said that National Conference is keen that the administrative units should be created immediately and those who are trying to obustrct the process should be exposed because the party feels that they are working against the interests of the people of the state.
Those present on the occasion included Provincial Secretary Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, District President Bashir Ahmed Wani, former MP Mirza Abdul Rashid, former legislator Mohammed Aslam Khan, , senior leaders Shafayat Khan, Mushtaq Ahmed Shawl, Mirza Ashraf, Shafqat Mir, Iftar Lone, Parvez Wani, Murtaza Khan, Mohammed Iqbal Bhat, Arshad Samyal, Abdul Majid Dar, Abdul Rashid Ganai, Haji Reyaz, Mushtaq Querishi, Shamsher Lone, Haji Maqbool and others.
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 12: Governor N. N. Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today extended warm greetings to the people on the auspicious occasions of Lohri and Makar Sankranti. In their message of greetings, the Governor and the CM observed that these two festivals are a tribute to the bounties of nature and mark the change in weather moving towards Spring. They prayed for the well-being and happiness of the people and wished that may these festivals bring sustained peace and prosperity in the State.
Mir Iqbal
Srinagar, Jan 12: Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) National President Minority Morcha, Abdul Rashid Ansari today accused Kashmiri politicians of exploitation by making false promises for last 66-years.
While speaking at one day party workers convention here, Ansari said Congress, National Conference (NC) and other politicians have failed to work as per the aspiration of people in the State.
“Successive Government didn’t give anything to Kashmir despite ruling the State for last 66 years,” he said, adding that the Kashmir lags behind in education sector, developmental projects and industrial sector.
He said that once BJP comes to power, it will change the political culture in Kashmir by ending the dynasty rule.
Criticizing the NC’s autonomy and Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Self-rule formula, Ansari said these parties have befooled public by coming with such formulas. “NC’s Autonomy and PDP’s Self rule was not the demand of people, but these parties designed it for their personnel benefits and it has nothing to do with general public,” he said.
Ramesh Arora, state vice president of BJP on the occasion said the traditional politicians here have kept public in dark with misleading facts and false promises. He stressed that issues like Article 370 without going into its provision are thrown in public in such a way that gives them (politicians) opportunity to exploit the helplessness of people.
“Article 370 is the hindrance for the development of Kashmir, but these politicians have portrayed it in such a way that it has become a tool for them to lure voters,” Arora said, adding Article 371 which gives other benefit to state like Punjab, Maharashtra cannot be implemented here due to article 370.
Other leaders present also demanded that refugees from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) be given full benefits as given to other citizens. “PoK refugees are also part of our state and they must be given full citizenship rights in the state,” they said.
Muslim Morcha State Chief Mushtaq Noorabadi and other leaders also spoke on the occasion.
MP Madan Lal Sharma addressing members of Dehati Brahman Sabha in a function at Bishnah on Sunday.
JAMMU, Jan 12: Member Parliament from Jammu-Poonch constituency and senior Congress leader, Madan Lal Sharma for the first time today, raised the voice for Brahmans and members of other castes/communities demanding reservation on the economic criteria. Addressing a large gathering of Brahmans at a function organised by Dehati Brahman Sabha at Bishnah today, the Congress MP advocated reservation for the marginalized Brahmans and other communities on the basis of economic criteria. He said the time has now come to rethink on the issue of reservation in the country and provide real justice to the people from all the communities. At the same time, the Congress leader said that all the under privileged communities like Jats, SCs, STs and OBCs should get their due share here at par with other states of India. Mr Sharma said that some Brahmans and the people from other communities who very poor and not covered under any social protection schemes and fall Below Poverty Line, the Government should seriously think to formulate a reservation policy for such marginalized communities on the basis of economic criteria. On this occasion, the whole community members appreciated the issue raised by the MP. Meanwhile, the MP also celebrated Lohri festival with Jat community at Channi Bypass and extended good wishes to all the members of the community and other people. Later, he also visited JRC Home for Handicapped at Jammu and celebrated Lohri with the inmates.
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 12: Government today said that Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode in the health sector has been conceived for the help of the patients.
Keeping in view the financial constraints, Task Force on Health & Medical Education Sector in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah felt that wherever non-availability of funds will come in the way of installation of machinery for better health care, Government would involve private sector in the interest of patient care on the terms and conditions set by the Government, a spokesman said.
“It is only a small group with vested interests who oppose the move on one pretext or the other to safeguard their interests. The fact is that under the PPP mode diagnostic machinery would be used by hospital authorities as they are using their own machinery round the clock and the charges would be as determined by the Government”, the spokesman further said.
Not only this, he said that the students, faculty and doctors can use the machinery as freely as they would in case of the facilities owned by the hospital, adding “this is not the first State in the country adopting PPP mode for installation of machinery. Several States like Himachal Pradesh have already adopted the practice”.
“It is not the question of privatizing State hospitals but to facilitate general public with 24×7 sophisticated diagnostic facilities at the Government approved rates/conditions”, the spokesman said.
