Excelsior Correspondent
MANTALAI (Udhampur), May 26: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohamamd Sayeed today sought support of the people to change the present inept and corrupt system to bring positive change in the life of the commoners. He said that PDP, during short span of tenure, had proved how a change could be brought about in the life of the people even with a fractured mandate.
Addressing a well attended public meeting here today, the Mufti reminded the gathering that PDP led regime had changed the fundamental of politics and administrative system through its conviction and commitment. He especially mentioned various developmental projects, which were initiated in this belt during the PDP led regime.
“This region remained neglected for decades together and it was only during the tenure of PDP led regime that various developmental projects were initiated”, he said and mentioned towards various comprehensive projects for exploring tourism potential in this belt which were started during that period.
He said that this area-which comprised parts of Udhampur and Ramban districts, has huge potential of tourism so there was a need to formulate a comprehensive policy to develop new tourist destinations in this belt. He pointed out that there was an apprehension among locals that after construction of the Nashri tunnel on Jammu-Srinagar national highway this area would be ignored and sidelined.
“There is a need to constitute an exclusive tourism circuit for this region connecting all tourist spots like Chenani, Mantalai, Sudhmahadev, Latti, Patnitop, Sanasar, Kud and Batote to develop this belt as separate tourist destination to divert pilgrims and other tourists towards this side”, he emphasized and observed that properly exploitation of tourism potential would change socio-economic conditions of the people. He said that instead of treating this belt as transit tourist destination, this region be development as a separate tourist circuit.
He also demanded a comprehensive policy to develop Bhaderwah and famous Jai Valley as exclusive tourist destination to attract tourist from all over the world. He further demanded that adequate infrastructure should be created to develop picturesque area of Kishtwar for mountaineering because that belt has huge potential for mountaineering.
Mr Sayeed said that credibility of the present regime headed by National Conference (NC) has reached at its lowest ebb because this dispensation has lost faith of the common masses due to misdeeds and rampant corruption. He pointed towards recent exposure corruption cases in the coalition regime figuring involvements of ministers and leaders of the ruling party. “There is total chaos and anarchy because the present regime has failed to bring transparency and accountability in the government”, he said and added that corruption has sneaked from top to bottom in the administration.
Mufti for corruption free system
Police gives CD to accused
NEW DELHI, May 26:
The Delhi Police today supplied copies of transcript of the CD of the sting operation in the 2008 cash-for-vote scam to all the seven accused, including former Samajwadi Party former general secretary Amar Singh and BJP leader L K Advani’s former aide Sudheendra Kulkarni.
The transcripts of the CD were suppplied after Special Judge Sangita Dhingra Sehgal had during the last hearings questioned the police for delay in handing over the same to the accused.
The court had on April 30 directed the police to supply the transcripts to the accused by May 8, which it had failed to comply with.
The agency had told the court that it did not have the necessary infrastructure and manpower at one place to prepare the transcripts and was given time till today to supply it to the accused persons.
On July 22, 2008, some BJP MPs had waved wads of currency notes on the floor of Lok Sabha during the trust vote, faced by UPA-I Government, claiming they were given the money to vote in favour of the Manmohan Singh Government.
Amar Singh, Sudheendra Kulkarni, BJP MP Ashok Argal, two ex-party MPs Faggan Singh Kulaste and Mahabir Singh Bhagora along with Amar Singh’s former aide Sanjeev Saxena and alleged BJP activist Suhail Hindustani are accused in the case. (PTI)
Rather asks banks to improve CDR in agri sector
EDB Kissan Loan Mela held
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 26: In a bid to reach out to small farmers with bank credit facilities at their doorsteps, the Ellaquai Dehati Bank (EDB) today organized a massive Kissan Loan Mela at Zaloowa Bogam village in Tehsil Chadoora, a biggest vegetable producing area in Kashmir, also known as Chotta Punjab.
The initiative is first of its kind to encourage and boost vegetable growers in an organized cluster by providing hassle free credit facility to the farmers and to make vegetable cultivation a commercially viable business activity.
The Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Abdul Rahim Rather was the chief guest on the occasion.
Mr. Rather, besides distributing Kissan Credit Cards among about 500 vegetable growers of the area also launched a new Deposit-cum-Loan Product ‘EDB Kissan Dost’ for the small farmers under which the common man can open/maintain bank account at “no cost” and can also avail an overdraft facility up to a maximum amount of Rs 10,000 without any mortgage. Mr. Rather also distributed credit cheques sanctioned by the bank in favour of students and self-help groups of the area.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister urged the need for providing hassle free credit facilities to the farmers to give boost to the rural economy. He asked the banks to improve their Credit Deposit Ratio (CDR) towards agriculture sector, which he said was the backbone of the state’s economy. He said dream of a prosperous and self-reliant J&K lies in financially vibrant rural economy.
Explaining objective of the Kissan Loan Mela, Mr. Rather said “it was a sequel to the measures to take the administration at the doorsteps of the people to redress their grievances as per their urges and expectations”. He said all the banks have been instructed to improve their CDR towards agriculture so that educated unemployed youth could be provided dignified job avenues available in abundance in the sector. He also referred to SKEWPY and Seed Capital Fund Scheme and asked the youth to avail benefits of these novel employment schemes launched by the present Government.
The Chairman EDB AK Razdan while giving a resume of the Bank said that it provides credit facilities to the people at meager 7 percent interest through its 124 Business units spread across 13 districts of the state. He said the dank is fully computerized with all modern transaction facilities including e-banking.
Regarding achievements in the field of Financial Inclusion Scheme, Mr. Razdan said that the bank has accomplished the assigned target of 35 village in this regard where-under 24000 Bank Accounts have been opened with a credit of Rs 16 crore. He said business correspondence has been started in the areas where there is no banking facility.
Start construction of PHC in Court Complex within 10 days: Sham
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 26: Minister for Health, Horticulture and Floriculture, Sham Lal Sharma today issued directions to the concerned authorities to commence the construction of Primary Health Centre in the premises of Court Complex at Janipur.
The directions were issued by the Minister during his maiden visit to the Court premises this morning on the invitation of Bar Association Jammu.
Speaking on the occasion, the Health Minister said that Primary Health Centre has become a necessity in the Court premises keeping in view the visit of large number of litigants to the Court complex every day.
He issued on the spot instructions to the concerned authorities to commence the construction work of the Primary Health Centre with in 10 days so that the facility is made available to the lawyers and litigants at the earliest. He announced that the blue print for the Primary Health Centre has already been chalked out and the project would be completed at a cost of nearly Rs 1 crore.
Mr Sharma also made an announcement for providing a beautiful park in the Court premises for the lawyers and litigants’ use and issued instructions for commencement of work within a week’s time.
Speaking on the occasion, Bar President, B S Slathia said that requirement of Primary Health Centre in the Court premises was the need of the hour. He referred to few incidents where the litigants and lawyers required immediate health care but due to non-availability of such services, had to be rushed to the hospital in emergencies.
He appreciated the role of Jang Bahadur Singh Jamwal, Principal District and Sessions Judge, who was guest of honour on the occasion, for making tireless efforts towards realization of this project, which would be first of its kind in any District Court Complex across the State.
Earlier, while welcoming the Minister on his first ever visit to the Court complex, Vikram Sharma general secretary Bar Association lauded the Health Minister for raising the standards of health care across the State. He also appreciated the Acting Chief Justice of the High Court and other Judges for identifying the land required for the setting up of the Primary Health Centre in the Court premises.
Usman Salaria, vice president, Bar Association, presented the vote-of-thanks.
Bhalla launches Rs 35 lakh dev projects
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 26: Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla today said that people’s participation was imperative in the development of the state as they are the main stakeholders in the process.
The Minister said this while interacting with the inhabitants of Haji Pura, Sanjay Nagar and Gangyal after launching up-gradation work of lanes and drains in the area to be completed at a cost of Rs. 35 lakh.
The Minister said that the Government was making all out efforts for providing better infrastructure and amenities to the people. He called upon the people to extend their cooperation and keep a watch on the implementation of schemes for better results on the ground.
The Minister also directed the PHE and PDD functionaries to complete their respective works including installation of poles in uncovered areas besides laying of water supply pipes well before the start of up-gradation work of lanes and drains.
The Minister said the Government has prepared a detailed project report costing Rs. 5 crore for face lifting of Sanjay Nagar and Rani Talab in Digiana.
In order to improve educational facilities, the Minister said Government has upgraded schools under RAMSA and provided all infrastructural facilities to them.
Listing the measures taken by the Government for improving the amenities in Sanjay Nagar, Digiana, Nanak Nagar and Preet Nagar areas, Mr. Bhalla said that the Government has earmarked Rs. 4 crore for setting up a receiving station and Rs. 5 crore for construction of a parking slot near the cremation ground at Shastri Nagar. He said that works on both the projects are in progress and would be completed within stipulated time frame.
Deputations call on CM
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 26: Various deputations called on Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah and presented the memoranda of their demands to him for redressal of grievances and accommodation of development demands.
A deputation from Seer Pahalgam led by Altaf Ahmad Kaloo apprised the Chief Minister of various demands of the area pertaining to its comprehensive development.
A deputation of Shopian Bar Association apprised the Chief Minister about the issues pertaining to the welfare and development of the Bar while two deputations from Pattan and Pulwama highlighted the issues of the development there areas.
The Chief Minister gave patient hearing and said that the genuine demands would be looked into for active consideration.
Scooty driver knocked to death
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 26: A scooty driver was knocked to death by a truck near Canal Road area of the winter capital here this afternoon.
Police spokesman said that a Government employee of Central Public Works Department (CPWD) identified as Shamsher Ahmed, son of Abdul Majid, resident of H No 473, Bantalab, was on his way to the Jewel on his scooty (JKO2AS 2756) when the truck bearing registration No JKO8 9990 heading towards Jammu from Akhnoor hit him near Pawan Ice Cream parlour, Bakshi Nagar.
After getting information, police team from Canal Road Police Post led by Sub Inspector (SI) Rattan Singh Rana rushed to the spot and shifted the profusely bleeding person to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) for treatment.
He added that at GMCH, Shamsher Ahmed failed to respond to the treatment and succumbed to his injuries at around quarter past three.
“After autopsy the body of the deceased person was handed over to legal heirs, spokesman said, adding, that the driver of the truck namely Hardev Singh, son of Mohan Singh, resident of Ward No 14, Sawan Chak, Kathua, was arrested and the vehicle has been seized”.
A case under FIR No 61/12 stands registered at Police Post Canal Road and the investigation started.
Interlocutors’ report indicts Govt on PoK refugees: Chuni
Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu, May 26: SOS International- an organization for PoK Refugees has said that report of Interlocutors for Jammu and Kashmir headed by Dileep Padgaonkar has rightly vindicated the stand of PoK refugees that they are being discriminated by successive Governments.
Addressing a press conference here today, chairman of the organization, Rajiv Chuni said that Interlocutors observation, “PoK refugees entitlements are nowhere on par with Kashmiri Pandits…”, is a slap on the face of the NC-Cong Coalition Government which has been denying the PoK refugees their due despite the fact that PoK refugees are as good as citizens and State Subjects as Valley migrants are.
Strongly criticizing State Government for its indifferent approach towards PoK refugees, Mr Chuni said that Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Raman Bhalla should own the moral responsibility and resign as Minister. “The Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation has been acting as Minister of Relief and Rehabilitation for Kashmiris only and not the refugees from other parts of the State.
Mr Chuni said though S O S International is not having much hopes from the report of Interlocutors as it is only recommendatory in nature and not binding on the Government, yet it has reinforced the PoK refugees’ resolve for a dignified settlement of their demands as already recommended by J&K High Court and Wadhwa Committee.
He claimed that S O S International would launch a nationwide campaign to expose this most ineffective, insensitive and incompetent Government through media, poster, pamphlet campaign besides holding rallies, dharnas etc highlighting the comparative study on the discrimination against PoK refugees as compared to Valley migrants. Chuni said.
BJP also needs to rethink on its stand on J&K as people consider it also as a Valley centric party than pro-nationalist, pro-refugees. BJP should have given priority to the Jammu refugees than Kashmiris but its out right rejection of the Interlocutors report indicates that policy planners in the party are not cohesive in thinking.
The SOS International demanded that PoK refugees be given all the facilities including monthly cash doles, ration money, Satellite towns for 39 camp inmates of PoK refugees, employment package, reservation in professional institutions, interest- free loans to over aged unemployed youths, cash compensation in lieu of the properties left behind in PoK, exemption from Income Tax etc.
Dr Gurmeet Singh, Suchwant Singh, J S Mangal, R C Sharma and Roshan Lal were also present.
MLA holds public meetings
Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH, May 26: Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) Ajaz Ahmed Jan said that Sultanpatri-Arizal road will connect Poonch with Badgam and lessen 400 kilometer distance to reach Srinagar from Poonch.
He said this while addressing public gathering during his three-day tour to Poonch and Mandi area.
Jan further stated that he has taken up the matter with Chief Minister who had given nod to it and finally the process of road construction is being initiated.
MLA along with sectoral officer and block president of National Conference Abdul Ahad Bhatt, Comrade, Baghussain, Shabir, Ghulam Abass and all the concern sarpanches and panches of the area held series of public rallies at Fathapur, Loran, Khanater, Chandal, Mandi, Wand Tantrya and Saral, in which hundreds of people participated.
Ramgarh group clash
Excelsior Correspondent
SAMBA, May 26: Three persons were injured in a clash between groups over some land dispute at a Plot, village near Naya Chak in Ramgarh area today.
A police spokesman said that nearly 8 marla piece of land was donated by members from both sides, one group was interested to raise temple while the other side was stressing for construction of a community hall. The issue after heated exchanges took ugly turn and both sides came to blows. They even freely used lathis and blows.
Later police rushed to the spot and arrested five persons. Three injured persons namely Gurdyal, Haqiqat Singh and Sunil Kumar were rushed to GMC Hospital from Ramgarh Hospital. Counter FIRs have been registered. Those arrested were identified as Ashok Kumar, Ghari Ram, Rashpal, Kewel and Lamberdar Jarnail Singh. The police was also looking for Tara Chand, Ramesh, Mohinder and Swarn Singh.