Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Apr 23: Property worth over 6.50 lakhs was destroyed after two shops were gutted at Dayala Chak in tehsil Hiranagar last night.
A police spokesman, the tea stall of one Ganesh Dutt and Maniyari -cum-ready made garments shop of Bharat Bhushan suddenly caught fire during mid-night. The shop owners were sleeping at their respective houses. Apparently due to short circuit at one place, both the shops were trapped in the fire. The Fire tender was called from Hiranagar which controlled the fire. The police party also reached there. The loss of property worth Rs 6 lakhs was projected by Bharat Bhushan while Rs 50,000 by Ganesh Dutt. The police has started investigation.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 23: Keeping in pace with the technology and modern scientific wildlife management tools, the department of Wildlife Protection has introduced latest cameras to be installed in different wildlife sanctuaries in Jammu in order to conserve and protect the wild animals in a scientific method.
The Department has recently procured IR as well as flash Camera Traps for studying animal presence, conducting research in different wildlife sanctuaries and conserve the reserves including Nandini, Ramnagar, Sudhmahadev, etc.
To train the field officials in using and handling camera traps, a training programme was organised by the Wildlife Warden, Jammu at Nature Interpretation Centre, Manda.
The wildlife range officers, block officers and foresters of Wildlife Division Jammu participated in the training programme.
The field exercise and demonstration was conducted in Ramnagar wildlife sanctuary, where the officials were practically involved in handling, setting and deploying Camera Traps in the field by a trained Camera Trap Engineer from Dehradun and Wildlife Warden Jammu.
Addressing the officials, Chief Wildlife Warden, AK Singh emphasized on the need of introducing new technologies in wildlife management and expressed hope that by using Camera Traps, the Department would be able to survey the diversity and abundance of wild animals in protected areas.
Wildlife Warden, Jammu, Tahir Shawl while interacting with the officers revealed that 30 camera Traps have been procured by Jammu and Kathua divisions which would be shortly deployed in different protected areas. He further informed that two Camera Traps have been installed today in Ramnagar wildlife sanctuary near Manda zoo.
Additional PCCF, Deepak Khanna and CCF Wildlife Jammu, Upender Pachnanda were also present.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 24: The chain hunger strike of Kashmiri Migrant Relief holders and over aged youth in front of Relief Commissioner’s Office here entered 23 rd day while the relief holders dharna at Jagti township entered 30th day.
The speakers addressing the demonstration in front of RC office lambasted the Central and state governments for their rigid attitude towards the relief holders and over aged youth and demanded immediate enhancement of cash assistance.
They said that despite giving the assurances the Government has failed to issue orders regarding hiking the monthly cash assistance. The migrants getting cash dolls of Rs 1000 per head per month are facing many hardships in making their body and soul together in these tough times when prices of essential commodities have touched the sky.
The speakers took serious note of the state government’s delaying tactics in sending the letter to Centre in this regard. They resolved to continue hunger strike till demand is settled.
The protestors at Jagti warned to intensify the struggle form tomorrow by launching chain hunger strike. The protestors urged the Government to take immediate steps in settling the issue failing which the relief holders present agitation will take ugly turn.

CS-headed committee report on irregularities
Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 23: Governor N N Vohra today authorized Vice-Chancellor of Jammu University, Prof M P Singh Ishar to take all remedial measures/ actions on the recommendations of Chief Secretary-headed Enquiry Committee vis-à-vis allegations of administrative impropriety, favourtism and financial irregularities against former Vice-Chancellor and officers of the Varsity.
Chairing the 72nd meeting of the University Council at Raj Bhawan here this evening, Mr Vohra asked the Vice-Chancellor to take action within his competence on the recommendations of the Chief Secretary headed Enquiry Committee, which was constituted by the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah to look into allegations of various kind of irregularities.
The Governor also advised the Vice Chancellor to ensure that the recommendations/ observations of the committee, which require special approvals, are placed before concerned bodies of the University on a time bound basis and entire report processed without any delay.
Mr Vohra, who is the Chancellor of the Varsity, called upon the Universities of the State to organize short-term vocational courses in tourism and other potential disciplines to enhance employability of the youth in travel trade and varied other employment intensive sectors.
“With the revival and the promotion of tourism in the State the youth having pursued short-term certificate courses could find ready employment avenues”, he said, adding “Universities could also think of organizing other such courses having potential in the emerging job market to benefit the youth of the State”.
Referring to the creation and upgradation of infrastructure facilities at the main campus and the off-site campuses, the Governor said that the construction of students hostels, particularly for girls, need to be given priority attention so the students from remote areas could pursue their academic careers in large numbers.
He underlined the need for micro-focusing on the growth of campuses for continually improving the quality of education to equip youth to compete successfully in the emerging competitive scenario. He also stressed that all the newly coming up buildings must have adequate provision for use of solar energy, harvesting of rain water, fire safety measures and ramps to facilitate physically challenged persons.
The Governor advised the Vice Chancellor to undertake visits to the affiliated Colleges to monitor the facilities and the performance of these institutions, adding that those of the Principals, teachers and the colleges showing outstanding performances could be awarded. Referring to the need for conducting academic audit of educational institutions, he said that such a mechanism can help in harmonious growth of all the institutions of higher learning. He suggested that the various Universities of the State could coordinate in regard to the functioning of their placement cells for the larger benefit of the youth of the State.
Prof MPS Ishar, in his power point presentation, gave details of the academic and extra-curricular achievements of the University. He also dwelt on the efforts being made to improve the existing infrastructure and the initiatives taken in the fields of teaching, and extension activities.
The meeting among others was attended by Prof Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof Vinayshil Gautam, Prof R P Tandon, M I Khandey, Principal Secretary, Finance, Navin Kumar Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Tanveer Jehan, Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education and Prof Naresh Padha, Registrar University of Jammu.

Lalit Gupta

JAMMU, Apr 23: In continuation to the 150th year birth celebrations of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, the Seven-Day Festival of Rabindranath Tagore’s plays, organized by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, started, here today.
With the Abhinav Theatre closed for repairs, the festival, being held at the Gandhi Nagar Government Women College Auditorium, opened with adaptation of Tagore’s short story ‘Khazana’, in Hindi by Nav Durga Kala Mandir.
The play adapted, dramatized and directed by Shashi Bhushan, was a comment on the materialistic tendencies in the society. That how human beings driven by the insatiable desire for hidden treasures as a panacea for alleviating their material wealth and status, stop thinking about the real treasure: the bounties of life that surrounds them like the nature, environment, land and the family.
The plot of the play revolves around one Ravishankar who finding that the skull-given by his grandfather that contained the map to a hidden treasure-has been stolen leaves his home and wife to search for the same.
After a chain of events, he succeeds in finding the treasure but is unable to get out of the spot. Thirsty and hungry, he realizes that the real treasure is not the wealth but bounties that define one’s life and to be able to live it with fullness is the real treasure.
Despite the lack of desirable facilities like proper lights and sound equipment and other infrastructure in Gandhi Nagar Government Women College Auditorium, today’s presentation-notwithstanding the technical handicap of dim lights, which put great strain upon the spectators-managed to bring home to the audience the message of the play.
Dilshad Shazi in the role of Ravishanker gave a good performance. He was especially effective in the Cave sequence where he goes ecstatic after discovering the treasure. Kamaljeet Singh in the personification of ‘Khazana’ as a snake also performed well.
Other members of the cast included Shashi Bhushan and Shishupal Khajuria as Sadhus, Rakesh Dogra as Grandfather and Pujajri, Komal Parihar as Radhika, Aman Verma as Villager. The members of the chorus included Ishmeet Kaur, Vanshika Kour, Muskan Kour, Jaspreet Kour, Renu, Aishwariya Sumbria, Mehak Sharma, Surbhi Kalsi, and Prabharanjanee.
The music and the ‘chorus’ of young dancers choreographed and designed by Padam Nath Kotwal, an alumni of IMFA, Jammu, proved to be a mainstay in structuring the play design. The locales of forest, temple, and the cave through different groupings of the ‘chorus’ were adequately communicated. The costumes design was by Ramesh Malhotra, make-up by Ritu Manhas and lights by Aditya Bhanu.
Nwang Rigzin Jora, minister for tourism and culture, the chief guest of the function, while appreciating the work of Gurudev, said that by dent of his remarkable literary achievements Tagore had made India proud.
Earlier in his welcome address, Commissioner Secretary, tourism and culture and Secretary Academy, Atal Dulloo said that the Tagore theatre festival, which was inaugurated today, would feature 14 plays of Gurudev. Of which seven will be staged at Jammu while an equal number of such plays would be showcased in Kashmir valley in the days ahead.
Among others former secretaries of Academy, Prof. Rita Jitendra and Balwant Thakur were also present on the occasion. The Academy was represented by its additional secretaries, Savita Bakshi, Shamima Akhter and Dr. Arvinder Singh Amn. The programme proceedings were conducted by Academy’s senior drama instructor, Dr. Sudhir Mahajan.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 23: Divisional Commissioner Jammu Dr. Pawan Kotwal launched his office’s website www.divcomjammu.gov.in here today.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Kotwal said that the main objective of launching the website is to make available all necessary information regarding functioning of the department to the common man on a click of mouse. It is indeed a step forward towards e-Governance in the office, he added.
Divisional Commissioner said that the website will increase transparency in the functioning of Divisional Administration and also improve public and Government interface by providing ample information on the website, adding that the Website is a one stop interface for almost all web sites of Jammu province, which will make the access of information relatively quicker by Government and general public.
He hoped that the website will serve the purpose for which it has been launched and will keep the citizens posted about latest activities and developments in Jammu Province.
It was informed that links to some important web sites have also been provided on the web site for facilitating the visitors for ease of access of information. Contact information provided on the site will help the visitors to interact with administration easily. Online queries of the public through mail can also be promptly responded and readdressed. Online orders and circulars from Divisional Commissioner Office will also be placed on this web site for the benefit of government and general masses and on day to day basis.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 23: Minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora, exhorted upon concerned authorities to ensure time bound arrangements for smooth conduct of forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
The Minister was reviewing the status of action taken on the recommendations of high level committee (HLC) on Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2012 at a high level meeting held here today. Minister of State for Tourism and Home, Nasir Aslam Wani was also present in the meeting.
The meeting reviewed the status of process initiated by the concerned departments to take up various works at Chandanwari, Baltal base camps besides en-route to cave for convenience of yatris.
The Minister directed concerned authorities to ensure construction of impregnable gates at Chandanwari and Domel for effective regulation of Yatri movement well before commencing of the yatra. He directed that upgradation and improvement of the existing Rangamorh-Baltal-Domel, Baltal-Holy Cave, Chandanwari- Holy Cave routes should be completed well in time so that visiting yatris don’t face any inconvenience during yatra days.
The meeting also reviewed the status of the sites for establishment of transit camps along national highway from Lakhanpur to Sonamarg and Phalgam, establishment of shelter units at various locations along yatra routes.
The meeting was assured that necessary healthcare arrangements would be made available at all base camps and en-route to the cave for yatris. It was told that besides making provision for ambulances at Baltal, Chandanwari and Phalgam, required diagnostic equipments, oxygen cylinders and medicines would also be made available at all health camps.
It was informed that necessary process has been initiated for strengthening of water supply system at Baltal, Panjtherni, Shashnag besides necessary arrangements of electric supply at camp sites would be fully ensured before commencing of yatra.
The Minister instructed Commissioner Secretary Tourism and Culture to maintain close coordination with concerned authorities for making foolproof arrangements for the visiting yatris. He also directed him to ascertain the progress of various works taken up by the department on the HLC recommendations.
Principal Secretary, R&B, K.B. Aggarwal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister B. B. Vyas, Principal Secretary Power Development Department, Sudanshu Pandey, Principal Secretary to Governor and Chief Executive Officer Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Navin Chodhary, Commissioner Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Atal Duloo, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Additional Commissioner, Kashmir, Abdul Majid Mir, District Development Commissioners, Anantnag and Ganderbal, Director tourism Kashmir, Mr. Farooq Ahmad Shah besides Senior officers of Health, PHE, GAD and Tourisms departments attended the meeting.

‘Some oppn parties playing destructive politics’
Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Apr 23: Minister for Rural Development, Panchyats, Parliamentary Affairs and Law, Ali Mohammad Sagar today said that the Omar Abdullah Government is very keen to empower the Panchyats as these institutions are basic sources of implementing the right decisions with regard to development process in the rural areas.
Addressing a large gathering including a number of Sarpanchs and Panchs at Dara-Faqir Gujjri in District Srinagar, Mr Sagar made it clear that 73rd amendment is not applicable to J&K State due to Article 370 of the State constitution. But at the same time, he said that certain good provisions of the 73rd amendment are already under execution and have been incorporated in the Panchayati Raj promulgated by the State. He said the report with regard to 73rd amendment of the Cabinet Sub Committee constituted by Government and other suggestions to make democratic institutions very powerful is under active consideration.
The Minister criticized those forces who during their tenure weakened the pillars of democratic institutions of the State but now advocating for strong democratic institutions. He said panchyat elections was a long dream of the late Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah as he was very much keen to empower the rural bodies so that development process in rural areas can get fillip and this dream has been fulfilled by Omar Abdullah Government.
Mr. Sagar said that the devolution of powers to Panchs and Sarpanchs was a sincere and conscious decision of the present Government as it really wanted that these grass root democratic institutions to grow and address the peoples grievances to their satisfaction. He said that the Panchs and Sarpanchs can play a major role in weeding out the corruption in the public life.
Referring to various achievements of the present Government, he said to make the administration accountable before the public,the Government has enacted passed a Public Services Guarantee Act under which any officer/official has to deliver within the 15 days, otherwise he has to face music by paying Rs 5000 as fine.
Lasting out at some disgruntled opposition parties, he said that their only one point agenda is character assassination of National Conference and nothing else. He said the same opposition party through a number of conspiracies succeeded in dislodging democratically elected Sheikh Abdullah Government in 1975 . The same opposition party in 1984 dislodged duly elected Farooq Abdullah Government and repeated the same undemocratic process in 1989.
Mr Sagar further said the same opposition party all along played destructive politics rather constructive and never protected the rights of the people of the State.
He said, it was the Omar led Government which employed 4000 Kashmir Pandit migrants, and this shows that how much present Government is conscious about the welfare of all the communities of the society. He said that the present Government is making every efforts to provide basic facilities to the common people especially to the poor, downtrodden and those belonging to SC, ST and weaker sections.
Meanwhile, the Minister impressed upon the Panchs and Sarpanchs to discharge their responsibilities honestly and effectively in accordance with the law and try to come to the expectations of the people.
On this occasion MLA, Mohammad Yaseen Shah, MLC, G.Q Pardasi and other Sarpanchs and panchs also spoke.