Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 24: Personal Staff Association, High Court of J&K, has strongly condemned State Government for not taking any favourable action towards the genuine demands of its employees and extended its support to the strike call given by the State Government Employees.
The Association has urged the Government to consider the genuine demands of the employees including regularisation of daily wagers, removal of pay anomalies amongst different categories and enhancement of medical allowance. However the Association is not in favour of enhancement of retirement age and is of the view of that there should be some ceiling fixed in this regard i.e. 30 years of service or 60 years of age, whichever is earlier.
As far as medical allowance is concerned the members urged the Government to increase the same to Rs 2000 from the present Rs 300.
All the members flayed the Government for its anti-people policies quoting that in case of pay hike of its members, the State Legislature did not make any committee but in case of State Government employees, the Government constitutes committees from time to time to enter into negotiations with the State employees.
Condemning this discriminate attitude of the Government, the Association urged the Government to accept the genuine demands of the State Government employees without forcing them to go on strike, which paralysis the smooth functioning of the Government offices resulting in great inconvenience to the public at large.
PSA of High Court extends support to Govt employees’ strike
DDC convenes Citizen Advisory Council meet
Excelsior Correspondent
KISHTWAR, May 24 : In order to ascertain the basic problems of the people of Kishtwar and to ensure cordial atmosphere with the administration, newly appointed District Development Commissioner Kishtwar, Saleem Mohammed convened a meeting with the members of Citizen Advisory Council.
Various issues were raised by the members which include water scarcity in various peripheral areas of the district including Mandal area, frequent traffic jam on the Shaheedi Road from Dak Bunglow to Bus Stand, slow pace of construction of drain by GREF, poor maintenance of roads within and outside of the town, road connectivity for the far flung and hilly areas besides slow pace of execution of developmental works by the Kishtwar Development Authority.
DDC gave patient hearing to the demands and passed onspot instructions to the concerned officers to mitigate the grievances, He directed various executing agencies to speed up the pace of work for time bound completion of under construction works. DDC sought Cooperation from the people for speedy and on ground implemention of various developmental and beneficial schemes of the Government. He said peace and harmony is most important parameter for the development of the district.
He assured the public that the problems being faced by them will be dealt with zeal and honesty and justice will be delivered at the ground level.
Congregation
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 24: Half-yearly congregation of Sadhotra Biradari is going to be held on May 27, 2012, at Datta Dev Talab, Datta Dhera and Dev Sthan, Birpur.
The function will start with Hawan and Pooja and thereafter Bhandara will be served. Biradari organizes two functions annually in the name of Data Ranpat Dev Ji Maharaj, who sacrificed his life for upholding Dharma and truth.
All Biradari members have been asked to participate along with their families to invoke blessings of Data Ranpat Dev Ji Maharaj.
Transport facility is also available at Barti Brahmana to Data Ranpat Dev Talab and Dev Sthan Birpur and back.
Sheila Dikshit inaugurates Yasho-Karan Park at Ranbireshwar
Jammu historic Shiva temple endowed with picturesque feature
Lalit Gupta
JAMMU, May 24: With Sheila Dikshit, Chief Minister of Delhi, inaugurating the Yasho-Karan Park, constructed at the backside of historic Shri Ranbireshwar Temple, a new picturesque feature was added to Jammu’s historic Shiva temple, here today.
Shiela Dikshit, accompanied by Dr Karan Singh, Chairman Trustee, J&K Dharmarth Trust Council and Member Parliament, dedicated the beautiful Yasho-Karan Park in the memory of Maharani Yasho Rajya Lakshmi on the day of her third death anniversary.
Speaking on the occasion, Sheila Dikshit said that ”though I do not belong to Jammu, but my relationship with Dr Karan Singh and his family is very old. She said that the late Maharani was a rare personality, who despite being born in the royal household was full of kindness and compassion. The home for mentally challenged children, which she established in Delhi, is one of the many testimonies of her life long concern for the welfare of the poor and needy.
She said, I am sure that the park by becoming an attraction for tourists as well as citizens of Jammu will always keep the memory of the late Maharani alive.
Starting his address with Shiv Stuti, Dr Karan Singh, thanked Chief Minster of Delhi for specially coming to Jammu to inaugurate the Yasho-Karan Park. He said sister Sheila Dikshit, being a close family friend was the unanimous choice of his family members for the occasion.
Sharing the background of the construction of the Park with audience Dr Karan Singh said that whenever he would take pradakshina of the Ranbireshwar Temple, the almost barren piece of ground at the back of the temple would always catch his eye. He said that he is happy that today a beautifully laid park has come up at the sprawling eight kanal of land. The attractive fountain surmounted with a Shiva Murti has been specially sculpted by the craftsmen of Jaipur, he said. The attractive fountain surrounded by attractive pathways and flowerbeds will prove to be a great attraction for the yatris and citizens of Jammu.
Beside Yuvraj Vikrmaditya Singh, Rajkumari Chitrangdha, Dr Jyotsna Singh- the family members of erstwhile Dogra royal house, President J&K Dharmarth Trust, Maj Gen. (retd) Rajinder Singh Jamwal, Members J&K Dharmarth Trust Council comprising of Vijay Bakaya, MLC, Senior Advocate, D C Raina, Umesh Gupta, Shashi Khajuria and prominent citizens such as Prof Zahoor-ud-Din, Padamshree Nilamber Dev Sharma, Rani Bileoria were also present.
Earlier, on her arrival from Delhi, Sheila Dikshit, paid obeisance at Shree Raghunathji Temple and went around the main temple complex and appreciated the architectural and artistic grandeur of the grand religious structure.
JK Bank opens ATM at High Court Complex
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 24: Committed to expand its network to ensure that people have easy access to their money, J&K Bank today commissioned an ATM at High Court Complex here.
Janak Raj Kotwal, Registrar General High Court inaugurated the ATM in presence of Principal District and Session Judge Jung Bahadur Singh, President Bar Association B S Slathia and President J&K Bank O P Sharma.
Dedicating the ATM machine to the staff of High Court Complex O P Sharma reiterated Bank’s commitment to provide technology driven services to the people.
He also said, “economic well being of a society begins with the financial empowerment of an individual. So, we mostly offer financial solutions that are tailored according to these individual needs and capacities.”
Janak Raj appreciated the Bank for providing the much required ATM facility at the High Court Complex.
Govt working for bright future of militancy affected women, children: CM
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 24 : Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that the children and women in the State had to bear most and severe brunt of the militancy even as the society in general suffered a lot.
Speaking to Chairpersons of Social Welfare Boards of various States, who are presently here, Omar Abdullah said that the worst sufferers were – children and women. “They were most innocent victims of the militancy who had no say and nothing to do with anything in this regard”, he added.
“The psychological and physical trauma they had gone through in the period of disturbance has created deep scar of depression in them”, he said, adding that the State Government was gradually pulling them out of this pain and provide palatable and helpful atmosphere to heal their wounds and help them live a normal life.
“Our endeavour has been to keep their optimism live and work for their bright future”, he said, adding that process of bringing them out of darkness is on. He said that the visit of Chairpersons of Social Welfare Boards from various States and the Centre and their interaction with women folk of Jammu and Kashmir at various levels would help to restore confidence in the women of the State who have suffered during the militancy and also in those who are enthusiastic to serve the society in various capacities.
The Chief Minister said that the perception generated during the period of militancy regarding visiting Jammu and Kashmir for security reasons has to be removed and the mindset changed from negative perspective to the positive one. “I would like you to carry the message from this place to whole of the country reflecting the positive change and peaceful atmosphere gaining ground in the State especially in the Valley. You represent all corners of India and I would like you to tell your countrymen what you have felt and experienced here during your stay”, he told the Chairpersons.
Omar said that the people of the State are known for their hospitality and they are resilient to rebuild peaceful and progressive Jammu and Kashmir. He said “peace is returning and we are receiving quiet large number of guests from all across the country since last year. We would like more and more visitors travelling here and relishing the natural beauty and hospitality of the people”, he maintained.
The Chairperson of National Social Welfare Board, Preama Carippa and State Chairperson, Khem Lata Wukhloo, introduced the chairpersons from various States to the Chief Minister.
The Advisors to the Chief Minister, Mubarak Gul and Divender Singh Rana were present on the occasion.
Court issues fresh notice to Basant Rath, Latifi for appearance
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 24: In the much publicized Nagar Singh interrogation CD case, Special Municipal Magistrate V S Bhou has issued fresh notice to Basant Rath, then SSP Jammu and presently Commandant 3rd IRP Bn and sent the same to Additional Director General Armed for getting served on Basant Rath. The notice in duplicate was also sent to Mubasir Latifi, who is presently SSP Rajouri.
After hearing Advocates Rajesh Kotwal and Mandeep Singh for Choudhary Nagar Singh, Special Municipal Magistrate observed, “neither any report regarding service of summons on then SSP Jammu Basant Rath and SP Mubasir Latifi, Incharge Special Investigation Team in Amandeep murder case, has been filed by IGP Jammu in the Court nor the officers have caused appearance in the Court”.
“Some specific verifiable allegations emanating from the alleged CD and case are to be proved and in this back drop presence of the officers is inevitable and imperative. Court is conscious of the powers engrafted under Section 202 CrPC and jurisdiction of Enquiry Magistrate in this contest, but in order to verify the allegations which have crucial significance of scientific nature, the Enquiry Magistrate is not precluded to associate the person against whom allegations are alleged for the purpose of limited investigation, otherwise allegations would remain un-probed and enquiry inconclusive”, the Special Municipal Magistrate observed.
With these observations, the Court issued fresh notice to Basant Rath, then SSP Jammu and presently Commandant 3rd IRP Bn and sent the same to Additional Director General Armed for getting served on Basant Rath. The notice in duplicate was also sent to Mubasir Latifi, who is presently SSP Rajouri.
Power shut down
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 24: The power supply would remain affected on May 25, 26 and 27, 2012, from 7 am to 11 am in areas fed from RC-1 feeder emanating from 33/11 KV Railway Station, Rail Head, in order to carry out erection work of 11 KV new ERA Line.
The areas to be affected will be Green Belt Park, C/C Block, A/D Block and part of Auqaf Market.
The shut down will be subject to fair weather conditions. The Superintending Engineer Electric Maintenance and RE Circle 1 has regretted the inconvenience to be caused to the public on this account.
Synergy among line depts imperative for strengthening PRS: Sagar
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 24: Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ali Mohammad Sagar today stressed for close coordination among Rural Development Department (RDD) and line Departments for strengthening Panchayati Raj System(PRS).
The Minister instructed the field functionaries to maintain liaison with the rural people and make them aware about the programmes, policies and various schemes being implemented by the Rural Development Department for their welfare.
The Minister was speaking at a convention of employees of Rural Development Department of Jammu province at Civil Secretariat, here today.
Director Rural Development, Shafiq Ahmed Raina appraised the Minster about the physical and financial achievements registered on account of various schemes and general functioning of the Department
During the convention, employees projected their demands, including regularization of daily wagers, enhancement of salaries and time bound promotions. They also demanded time frame for regularization of services against their respective posts.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the Government has already recruited 1087 village level workers for smooth functioning of the Department, while concrete steps have been taken for the regularization of daily wagers.
Mr. Sagar instructed the employees of Department to work with dedication, devotion and commitment. He said that the Government was providing all possible facilities to the employees and stressed upon the officers to strengthen the newly elected Panchayats .
The Minister said that the Coalition Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, was committed to transform and uplift the living standard of rural people of the State and in this regard it has launched several development projects and welfare schemes. He said that people should come forward and avail the benefits of such schemes. He appealed the panchs and sarpanchs and general public to extend their full support to strength the Panchayati Raj system in the State.
Among others, Assistant Development Commissioners of Jammu division, BDOs, BLWs, MPWs, Data Operators, Panchs and Sarpanchs were present on the occasion.
Omar reviews development of Ganderbal
Excelsior Correspondent
GANDERBAL, May 24 : Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah on Thursday reviewed the status of development of various on-going schemes in the education sector in Ganderbal constituency at a meeting of officers of Education Department.
Taking appraisal of physical and financial status of Sarva Shikhsha Abiyan (SSA), the Chief Minister was told that under this scheme Rs. 3.66 crore have been spent on the opening and upgrading of schools besides engaging ReT and providing free supply of text books to about 10, 000 students. It was stated that under NEPEGEL, the training for vocational skills like cutting, tailoring, embroidery, soziny, book binding etc is being imparted to the girl students and activities like sports, competitions, health and hygiene camps are being held.
It was stated that under SSA, 16 primary school buildings at a cost of Rs. 1.54 crore are under completion in the constituency while 5 new works at a cost of about Rs. 50 lakh have also been launched.
The Chief Minister was told that under RAMSA, one model school is being established at Rabitar at a cost of Rs. 3 crore. It was stated that during the last year about Rs. 85 lakh have been spent on various schemes under RAMSA in the constituency. It was stated that Boys Middle School Chounti Waliwar, MS Dhobipora and GMS Waliwar, MS Sherpathri and MS Theuroo have been upgraded.
It was stated that construction of multipurpose science lab at Boys Higher Secondary School, Laar is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 15 lakh. It was stated that scholarship worth Rs. 16.44 lakh has been provided to Pahari Speaking students last year.
Chief Minister inspected the Kasturbo Gandhi Balika Vidaliva at Waliwar constructed at a cost of about Rs. 27 lakh. More over Rs. 3 lakh are being spent on the construction of boundary wall of the institution. Presently building is functional with intake capacity of 50 girls. He also inspected constructed of multipurpose Science Laboratory at Laar being constructed under State sector.
The Chief Minister was apprised about the status of the construction of 5-room double storey building at Wakoora and a similar building at Kurhama.
Omar Abdullah also met various deputations and heard their demands relating to the development of their areas.