BALLIA, Apr 22:
Chief of Army Staff General V K Singh today hinted at implementation of one rank one pension and said all information regarding ex-army men would be collected and their problems would be sorted out.
Addressing a conference of ex-army men Gen Singh said that all efforts were being made to implement one rank one pension from the last two years.
Stating efforts were also being made to remove disparity in the family pension scheme, the COAS said it may take time, but there would certainly be one or the other good outcome.
Implementation of one rank one pension scheme would involve an expenditure of Rs 3,000 crore, but it was less from the point of the welfare of the soldiers, Singh said.
He was here to unveil the statue of former Prime Minister Chadrashekhar at Devsthali.
Assuring soldiers after becoming pensioners they would not be forgotten, Gen Singh said both unit and headquarters have been directed to speedily redress pension related and other complaints of ex-army men.
He said that all details of ex-army men, including that of their families, were being gathered and they would include whether any family member of an ex-army man was aggrieved and what his problem was.
Though the media was kept away from his programme some reporters managed to enter the venue and enquired Gen Singh whether he would hand over documents related to the bribery case to the CBI.
Gen Singh refused to comment and said that media should gather information from the CBI in this regard.
At a public function later, Singh emphasised on setting up of better educational institutions in rural areas and said they should focus all round development of students.
“It is the responsibility of the younger generation to take the country forward,” he added.
Chandrashekhar’s son and MP Neeraj Shekhar and MLC Ravishanker Pappu were also present at the event. (PTI)
Army chief for one rank one pension
Why no AFSPA in Maoist hit areas: Omar
SRINAGAR, Apr 22:
Drawing a parallel with insurgency in Maoist-infested areas, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said his State should be given a choice on revoking the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from some areas.
“If Maoist-infested states can choose not to use the army, why can’t my State choose not to use it in some areas?” Omar wrote on micro-blogging site Twitter.
“I want to know why no one is demanding AFSPA in these areas when they are so keen to see it continue in J&K,” he said.
The Chief Minister, however, dismissed suggestions that he was supporting the use of army to tackle Maoists.
“I’m not. I’m asking why those making a big deal about it in my State are happy to be quiet in this case with a worse problem.” (PTI)
Rajouri-Poonch to get rail connectivity: Soz
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 22: Former Union Minister and Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president, Prof Saifuddin Soz (MP) has said that border districts of Rajouri and Poonch would be connected with the Railways in order to ensure economic development in the area.
Addressing large public meetings at Kalakote and Rajouri today, Prof Soz said that both Poonch and Rajouri districts have lagged behind in various spheres of life because of its topography and lack of special focus. But now the focus of the State and the Centre is towards the over all development of the remote and backward areas.
Prof Soz said during the recent visit of All India Congress Committee general secretary Rahul Gandhi to Rajouri, a strong demand for the Railway connectivity was raised and the same has received the due attention. He said that this issue is being pursued vigorously by him and the party MP from Jammu-Poonch constituency, Madan Lal Sharma. The day is not far away when this area would get the Railway connectivity. Such connectivity would given economic boost and ensure over all development in these border districts.
The PCC chief said that Congress has always played a positive role to unite the people of different religions and regions, caste and creed as secularism is the strength of unity and integrity of the State and the nation. He said equitable development of all the three regions of the State is the key to ensure unity and integrity of Jammu and Kashmir.
Prof Soz asked his party ministers, MP and the legislators to frequently visit to the remote areas and listen to the people and the party workers and solve their problems on priority basis. He announced installation of 20 hand pumps to meet the demand of shortage of drinking water in this belt.
Minister for Medical and Technical Education R S Chib announced Rs 10 lakh for the promotion of sports in the backward belt of district Rajouri. Member Legislative Council Ravinder Sharma announced funds for development of the area from his CD Fund.
Prominent among others who addressed the gathering included MP Madan Lal, Ministers R S Chib, Sham Lal, Shabir Ahmed Khan, Ex-MOS Puran Singh, Indu Pawar (MLA), Kuldip Raj Verma, Shiv Kumar Sharma (INTUC chief), Manmohan Singh, Dr Rashid Choudhary, Udhey Bhan and AG Kohli. Mr Kohli put forth several local demands in his welcome address at the rally. The local leaders complained about attitude of administration towards Congress workers in the area.
Earlier, addressing Sarpanches and Panches meeting organized by J&K Panchayat Conference at Rajouri, Prof Soz said that Panchayats would be empowered like other parts of the country and for this purpose Congress Party is on fore front and committed for strengthening these basic democratic institutions. He said Congress was committed for 73rd and 74th amendments in the Panchayati Raj Act. It was Congress party under the leadership of Late Rajiv Gandhi which had moved for amendment in constitution to empower Panchayats. He said J&K would also enjoy similar powers and benefits. The meeting was organized by Sarpanch Fazal Hussain and Shafiq Mir to present their demands and to express gratitude for raising the cause of Panchayati Raj Institution.
Meanwhile, during workers meeting at Rajouri today several local BJP leaders along with their supporters and others joined Congress party in the presence of Prof Soz. The PCC president welcomed them in the party fold and hoped that they will strengthen the party in the area. Prominent among them included Rakesh Mahajan BJP district general secretary, Rajesh Gupta president Beopar Mandal Rajouri, Sanjeev Mahajan, Emroz Suri, Subash Gupta, Abdul Gafoor and Moulvi Younis. These new entrants have expressed their faith in the leadership of Prof Soz and AICC president Sonia Gandhi.
Pensioners hold protest rally, warn Govt
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 22: Jammu and Kashmir Pensioners Association held a protest rally at Gita Bhawan here today against anti employees and anti pensioners policies of the State Government.
Hundreds of pensioners drawn from different parts of Jammu region participated in the rally. The protestors were shouting slogans in support of their demands and the rally was presided over by Pavitar Singh, ex Sessions Judge and Mohi-ud-Din Poshpuri was the chief guest on the occasion.
Addressing the protestors the speakers said the employees and pensioners of the State have been struggling for over last three years for resolution of their problems including implementation of 6th Pay Commission but the State Government has failed to take any initiative in this regard till date.
They said the State Government has hiked the salaries of ministers and legislators three fold but it has no money for payment of 6th Pay Commission arrears to pensioners and employees. The Government has given enormous benefits to Legislators but it is showing utter neglect towards the demands of the employees and pensioners, they added.
They said the legislators have been allowed ten lakh rupees in one installment where as pensioners and employees will be paid arrears in five installments. Such an attitude of the Government is disappointing and discriminative, they added.
They while raising the problems of pensioners and working class demanded VAT on canteen items be exempted, payment of Rs 5000 to Safai Karamcharis and causal laborers as wages per month, payment of Rs 10,000 as honorarium to Sarpanches per month and Rs 5000 to panches, payment of arrears of revision pension in one installment and release of additional quantum of the pension in favour of State pensioners after attaining the age of 80, 85, 90 and 100 years and above at 20 per cent, 30 per cent, 40 percent, 50 percent and 100 percent on the analogy of Central Government older pensioners.
They also demanded enhancement of Medical Allowance from Rs 300 to Rs 1000 to the State pensioners and employees, release of 6 per cent D A arrears from January 2009 to June 2009, seven per cent DA from January 2012, extension of retirement age to 60 years and reviewing of the new recruited policy.
They warned that in case the Government failed to give relief to the pensioners and other working class, the Pensioners Association will constitute a Political Front of Trade Unions in the State to ensure the defeat of the ruling Party.
Mukand Lal Sharma, convener and Madan Lal Abrol, general secretary of the Association were among others who addressed the rally.
PDP’s struggle has started bearing fruits: Mufti
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 22: Maintaining that transformation is going to take place in the State, PDP supremo and former Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, today said his party’s struggle for change of system and to make J&K a land of peace will definitely bear fruit.
Addressing a one day convention of PDP’s Minority Cell at Bohri near here today, he, however, said this is not possible without the cooperation of Pandits who are the aborigines of Kashmir Valley and who have played a remarkable role in Kashmir history in all times including freedom struggle.
Mufti Sayeed said July 28, 1999, was a historic day and a turning point in J&K history when PDP came into being. The Party resolved to fight for strengthening the democratic system in J&K, which was facing nepotism, corruption and where there was no rule of law.
“It is my Party’s endeavor to take you back with honour and dignity to Kashmir and I will struggle for achieving this goal till my last breath’’ he said, adding the Pandits have also to struggle for their rights and even not hesitate in snatching them.
It was only with this objective that my Party started dialogue with the community which can play a remarkable role in transformation of system in the State, he said. “You have been uprooted from Valley and during my Government from 2002 to 2005 many steps were taken for restoring the confidence of the people in democratic set up and to set an example of good governance 60,000 youth were appointed as ReTs while 30,000 youth were appointed in Anganwari without spending any penny’’, he added.
He said the Pandit youth living in Kashmir were also absorbed in Government services during PDP rule and old age and widow pension was dispersed at the door steps of the people. He maintained that to make system transparent one has to take bold initiatives.
He said during his regime efforts were made that every individual in the State should have sense of security whether living in far-flung area of Rajouri or Parankote in Reasi.
Lauding the role of Late Maharaja Hari Singh, Mufti said he was a visionary who introduced the State Subject and duel citizenship law in J&K. It was Maharaja who brought law during his rule when people from Punjab were out to grab the land in J&K, he added.
Addressing the gathering former Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig said holding interactive dialogue was cultural necessity and there was a need to organize such sessions in future also. He said a human approach is needed for solving the problems of Kashmiri Pandits.
Maintaining that Kashmir was incomplete without Pandits and their return was must for restoration of age-old traditions and culture, he said KPs have been facing many hardships during 23 years of turmoil.
He said while those who were at helm of affairs in the State during 1989-90 fled to England but the leaders who are in PDP at present resolved not to be afraid of militancy and initiate the dialogue process under the frame work of the Constitution with misguided youth for restoration of peace and normalcy in the State.
He said PDP is for end to hostilities between India and Pakistan and resolution of all conflicts so that everlasting peace prevails in Sub Continent. He said it was Mufti Mohammed Sayeed who kept Indian flag unfurled in Kashmir when Sheilh Abdullah formed plebiscite Front. Defending the demilitarization doctrine of his Party he said when army is sent to borders and they are totally sealed no militant can sneak inside.
Mr Baig said every one knows who is responsible for turmoil in J&K and had the elections not been rigged in 1987 the militancy would not have engulfed the State. The people lost faith in democratic setup in the State with Pakistan exploiting the same and launched a proxy war to take the revenge of 1971 Bangladesh War, he added.
PDP spokesman Dr Sameer Kaul who was the chief guest exhorted Kashmiri Pandits to strengthen the hands of Mufti Mohammed Sayeed for establishing ever-lasting peace in the State. There is no leader of his stature who can solve the problems facing the State, he added.
He said PDP under the leadership of Mufti Sayeed is committed to create a conducive atmosphere in the Valley for honourable and dignified return of Pandtis and accused the State Government of its total failure in solving the problems of Pandits.
PDP senior leader Dilawar Mir also spoke on the occasion. Among others who addressed included P N Goja, Ashok Sidha, S L Kaul, Ashok Tickoo and Pinto Ji. The function was organized by PDP Minority Cell led by Ramesh Kaul. PDP MLAs Abdul Rehman Veeri, Abdul Gafar Sofi, Abdul Haq Khan, Basharat Bukhari, senior leaders Ved Mahajan, Fillail Singh and others were also present on the occasion.
Raymond launches ‘Makers’ in Jammu markets
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 22: Raymond Limited today launched of its economy brand “Makers” in the Jammu markets.
While speaking, officials of Raymond Limited informed that the launch of “Makers” marks their foray into retailing poly viscose fabrics. One of the many highlights of “Makers” is the fashion and style guide provided along with the fabrics in an effort to bring fashion to everyday dressing, they said.
Makers is the first brand to introduce such an advisory in the economy clothing segment, this feature of the brand and the quality assurances form Raymond has resulted in “Makers” receiving an overwhelming response in eastern markets, they added.
They further stated that “Makers” aims to address the need of populace with its wide range of fabrics’ colours, matching options and appropriate pricing.
This range of well-matched shirting and trouser fabrics under the makers label comes as a kit, along with a style card through which Raymond’s expert stylish and designers guide helps customers to stitch the fabrics fashionably, they maintained.
In addition to this style card, the kit also comprises a guide to choose the right cuts and branded accessories of buttons and labels, to go with the shirts and trousers. Called a Combo pack, this kit is a great boon to style conscious in the economy segment as it provides the customer the right match of shirting and trouser fabrics, with of course the style and accessory advisory, all in an attractive package. These pre-matches ready-to-stitch combo packs will be available at prices starting Rs 499.
The poly viscose range of “Makers” is priced between Rs 250 and Rs 390 while shirting range starts from Rs 129.
VRS given SRTC workers flay management
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 22: Volunteer retirement given employees of J&K State Road Transport Corporation criticized the Management of the Corporation for non-release of their pending dues.
The VRS accorded SRTC workers under the leadership of Dev Raj Bali, president All J&K SRTC Volunteer Retirement Employees Association, in a meeting held today condemned the attitude of Managing Director of the Corporation. They alleged that some officials in the Corporation were hell bent to deny them their dues.
The trade unionists including Bali, Balwinder Singh, D N Sharma, Prem Nath, Surjit Singh, Mohd Sharief, Ehsan Elahi and Javed Iqbal criticized the management of the Corporation for causing discrimination. They alleged that Management of the SRTC deliberately avoided to place their case in the agenda of the SRTC Board meeting held on April 10 this month. They said the VRS workers are being given lame excuses by the people at the helm of affairs in the SRTC. The management is just buying time. They pointed out that 670 VRS given employees of the Corporation are suffering for the last nearly three years.
These workers are demanding 126 slabs of cost of living allowances (COLA) with effect from January 1, 2006 and pending arrears of COLA since 1999 besides benefits of 6th Pay Commission from January Ist, 2006.
Road stretch inaugurated
Excelsior Correspondent
Rajouri, Apr 22: The Nadani-Lamman road was inaugurated at an impressive function held at village Bhajwal-A, near Sunderbani in Rajouri tehsil today.
Rajguru Mahamandaleshwar 1008 Swami Vishwatma Nand Saraswati Ji Maharaj of Shiv Kashi, who was the chief guest, inaugurated the road stretch in the presence of Sarpanch Pahalwan Yashpal Sharma.
Acharya Rajesh Prashar and Acharya Naresh Prashar recited Vedic Mantras at the inaugural. Speaking on the occasion, the Sarpanch dedicated the road to the villagers and offered all his services to the people.
He said for getting ameliorated all the sufferings of the people pertaining to water, power, roads, schools etc. were being taken due care of. He added that Member Parliament Madan Lal Sharma and other local leaders were fully cooperating for getting fulfilled their demands.
Prominent among those present on the occasion included Suraj Prakash, Babu Ram, Bodh Raj and Panch of the ward Surinder Kumar.
Police’s `Run For Fun’ attracts huge participation in City
More such events in future: Khoda
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 22: A large number of people including men, women and children from 5 to 85 years of age participated in the Marathon “Run for Fun”, organized by Jammu and Kashmir Police under its `Civic Action Programme’ in Jammu city this morning.
Such a largely participated Marathon was held for the first time in Jammu city.
Enthusiastic children and youth including many girls, senior citizens, both serving and retired police officers and people from other walks of society participated in the Marathon in different categories.
Minister of State for Home, Nasir Aslam Wani flagged off the Marathon from Police Sports Stadium, Gulshan Ground in the wee hours. The Marathon culminated back at the venue after passing through various routes in the city. People cheered the Marathon as the runners passed through different routes.
The flag off ceremony for different categories of the Run
started at 5 am. People from different parts of the City had thronged the venue to participate in the Marathon.
More than 15,000 athletes including students from different educational institutions, sports bodies, police personnel, para-military personnel, small children, members of Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jammu civil society, Jammu Club, Jammu Bar Association, media persons and senior citizens joined the Run.
The Marathon passed from different routes of the City before returning to Gulshan Ground from where it had started. The City wore a festive look with people of all ages and all sections of society participating in it. The children were also seen enjoying the Run for Fun.
Director General of Police (DGP) Kuldeep Khoda told the Excelsior that the Marathon was very well organized and it would further promote good relations between police and public.
SSP Jammu Prabhat Singh was the topper in four kilometers senior citizens Marathon.
On the culmination of Run, 33 winners from all categories were awarded cash prizes and certificate of participation by Mr Khoda, who was the Chief Guest at the concluding function. Prize winners of the Marathon, who got first position in different categories include Tanvir Ahmed, Ghulam Mohammad, Ifra Anjum and Renku Kumar.
On the occasion, the Director General of Police addressed the gathering and said that the JKP has organized various sports events during the winter under its Civic Action Programme.
“The people particularly the youth have shown much interest in these events. The aim behind organizing sports events is to develop police public coordination and strengthen their relation with the people’’, Mr Khoda said, adding that such events help to channelize the energy of the youth towards right direction and hone their talent.
He reiterated that the police organization would continue its efforts to inspire the youth of the state towards sports and for this purpose such events would be held in future also. He thanked the people particularly the youth for their participation in the Marathon. He added that huge participation of the people has encouraged police organization to conduct such events.
Appreciating the efforts of Additional Director General of Police, Armed/Law & Order, K Rajendra Kumar and members of organizing committee for organizing the event in a befitting manner, the DGP said that the officers put great efforts and ensured large participation of athletes from all shades of life. He said that due to the support and cooperation of sports bodies, educational institutions and other organizations, the event was concluded successfully. He also appreciated the arrangements made by the Traffic Police on the routes of the Marathon.
Among others, the function was attended by Additional Directors General of Police, K Rajendra Kumar and Dr Shesh Pal Vaid, IGPs, Dilbagh Singh, Dr. B. Srinivas, A K Chowdhary and Gulzar Singh Salathia, senior retired police officers, DIGs, Dr KK Saini, Yogender Koul, Alok Puri, A Q Manhas, Danish Rana, J P Singh and Johny Williams, Director Youth Services and Sports, Jai Paul Singh, Secretary, JK Sports Council, Kiran Wattal, President Bar Association, D S Slathia, President, Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry Y B Sharma, Physical Director, Jammu University, Prof. Dian Singh, Commandants of Jammu based armed/IRP battalions and prominent citizens.
Clerical staff decides to revive suspended strike
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 22: The clerical staff of all the departments has decided to revive their suspended strike as the Government is alleged to have failed in addressing their pending demands.
In a meeting of All Departments Clerical Staff Association held here today, the members unanimously resolved to resume their suspended agitation. The speakers including Ravi Singh Bhau (president), Sukhbir Singh (Gen Secy), Anil Mehta, Ravi Razdan, Bashir Malik and others alleged that State Government has made number of agreements and commitments with the clerical cadre for removal of pay anomalies but it has failed to implement. Even the time frame given on several occasions was not honoured. They said on 15-9-2011, another agreement was reached with the employees’ representatives but again it has not been implemented.
Sukhbir Singh said that the Pay Anomaly Committee was constituted by the Government with the direction to submit its report in ending February 2012. The association has already submitted another memorandum to all the members of the Committee but the committee even after lapse of two months has failed to submit its report. There is great resentment among the employees of this cadre. Since 2008, the employees are agitating and Government is only buying time. He demanded that discrimination against the cadre be stopped and report be submitted at the earliest failing which the employees would resume strike shortly.
It was decided to mobilize the cadre by holding meetings at block and district level for starting agitation. Prominent among others present in the meeting included Ravi Kumar, Manohar Singh, Brijesh Mehta, J R Sagar, Vishva Bandhu, Ghulam Mohd, Balbir Singh, C L Koul, R S Bhau, Onkar Chand, Anita Sharma, Gurmeet Singh and Onkar Sharma.