Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 12: A meeting of representatives of employees of ITI sector and J&K State Sports Council was held today at Jammu under the chairmanship of Minister for Medical, Technical Education, Youth Services and Sports, R S Chib.
The representatives of the employees led by Mohd Gafoor Dar, President J&K State National Trade Union, Nazir Ahmed Maulavi, Sunanda and Sumit etc put forth demands which inlcudes pensions for the employees of J&K State Sports Council on the pattern of culture academy and Institute of Management & Public Administration (IMPA), regularization of casual labourers who have completed 7 years services, holding DPC on regular basis, implementation of the transfer policy.
The other demands in ITI sector include regularization of vocational instructor whose working as academic arrangement, enhancement of the salaries of these contractual instructors and referred the vacant posts for selection to SSRB.
While giving patient hearing to the grievances of the representatives of the employees, the Minister said that demands of the employees will be looked into with positive manner.
Demands of ITI, Sports Council employees highlighted
Housing Board employees hold protest demonstration
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, April 12: Employees of J&K Housing Board today observed two hours protest demonstration under the banner of All J&K Housing Board Employees Association (HBEA) at the office of Managing Director, J&K Housing Board, Gandhi Nagar as well as Valley, in support of their long pending demands.
While addressing, president of the Association, Mohd Farooq stressed upon the long pending demands, which included regularisation of all daily rated workers as per Municipal pattern, implementation of pensionary benefits as approved by the Board of Directors since long, filling vacant posts in different cadres, avoiding the pick and choose policy, formation of full flagged enforcement units both at Jammu and Srinagar and creation of new colonies/flats/shopping complex for weaker sections.
General secretary of the Association, Suman Sharma and also some other leaders stressed on adherence of their legal demands, which have been discussed time and again for the redressal of the same at the earliest.
The protestors warned the concerned authorities that if their demands were not met within a week, they will be forced to choose the path of agitation.
Simultaneously, the protest demonstration was also observed by the employees of Kashmir Division in their respective units under the leadership of GA Ganie, Muneer Ahmed and others.
Meanwhile, senior trade union leaders of State Government Employees Joint Action Committee in a meeting with the Association representatives assured their full support to the Housing Board employees.
Prosecution clause in FSSA to help in checking food adulteration:MoS
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 12: Minister of State (MoS) for Home, Nasir Aslam Wani today said that the prosecution clause in the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006 would help in taking punitive action against the food adulterators.
Nasir, who is also MoS for Tourism, Housing, Urban Development and Public Health Engineering described food adulteration as the worst form of crime, adding that this leads to death of people in many cases. He said that the Act would also help in curbing the menace of spurious medicines being sold in the market.
“Food adulteration is the biggest crime in the world. It can cause deaths and has happened in the past. Food adulteration leads to diarrhea and diarrhea accounted to 22 lakh deaths during the last year across the globe. This should open the eyes of the people especially those indulging in food adulteration.. Hopefully with the new act in place action would be taken against the violators of the law,” said Nasir while addressing a workshop held in connection with the enactment of the Act.
The MoS Home asked hoteliers, traders, restaurant owners and industrialists to extend their cooperation in the implementation of the FSSA. He impressed upon the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) authorities to take people along with other stake holders on board before implementation of the Act.
The MoS Home said that if FSSA is implemented in letter and spirit then adulteration can be stopped and the customer can become the real king. He highlighted the importance of full throttle awareness campaign saying that such things are important before enactment of any new legislation.
Sharing his views, Municipal Commissioner, Dr. Ghulam Nabi Qasba said that SMC is the implementing agency for this Act in areas falling under municipal limits of Srinagar city. He said the Act has already come into force in the state since August 5, 2011.
In her presentation, Dr. Rubina Shaheen, Health Officer, Srinagar Municipal Corporation gave a brief of the different provisions of the Act.
Govt disallowed us to raise issues of public importance: BJP MLAs
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 12: BJP today accused the Government of not allowing the Party to raise the issues of public importance in the State Assembly during its just concluded Budget Session.
Talking to media persons along with party National Executive Member and MLA Jammu East, Ashok Khajuria, MLA Marh, Ch. Sukhnandan and MLA Sucheet Garh Ch. Garu Ram, BJP Legislative Party leader and MLA Nagrota Jugal Kishore Sharma said the party tried to raise the issues relating to three regions of the State including Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh through questions, bills and resolutions but it was unfortunate that every such question which sought Government’s intervention like granting citizenship rights to West Pak refugees, proper rehabilitation and compensation to PoK refugees were disallowed without assigning any logical reason.
Mr Sharma said same was the fate of the Bill seeking grant of ownership rights to the tenants of evacuee property in Jammu province and disbanding of Custodian Department. The implementation of 73rd and 74th amendments of the Indian Constitution in J&K was also ignored by the Government, he added.
During this session it became crystal clear that that NC-Congress coalition has neither time nor will for the people who are nationalists, want to defeat the anti national forces and advocate State’s full integration with rest of country, said Ashok Khajuria.
He said total refusal on part of the Government during the session to settle decades long claims of PoK refugees speaks volumes of coalition Government’s lack of concern for the suffering masses.
The issues related to the farmers including desilting of canals, shortage of seeds, fertilizers, sub –standards fertilizers were raised with full voice. It was due to our efforts that thousands of tonnes of fertilizers were dispatched back to Gujrat for the first time in history of J&K after being found to be sub-standard, said Choudhary Sukhnandan.
The Government did not give a proper response to their issue regarding the miserable plight of border people in the State and the fencing on border.
They also accused the Government of its failure in empowering democratic institutions in the State by not implementing the Constitutional amendments in this regard.
PSU workers to stage protest on April 16
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 12: The employees and workers of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), are going to stage protest demonstration, followed by day long dharna in front of the office of Divisional Commissioner here on April 16.
In a meeting of the PSU workers held under the banner of All Public Sector Employees and Workers Federation here today, its chairman Joginder Pal, announced the protest program after discussion with the members.
President of the Federation, Amrik Singh Sasan while speaking on the occasion, appealed all the Public Sector employees to participate in the protest program in large numbers. He said that senior trade union leaders Ram Kumar Sharma, Mohd Gafoor Dar, Ganesh Khajuria, Balvinder Singh, Balwan Singh and others would address the gathering.
It was further resolved in the meeting to support the Kaam Chhor Hartal announced by JCC on April 17 in support of long pending demands of the Government and PSU workers. Their major demands included regularization of daily wagers/ contractual employees, enhancement of retirement age from 58 to 60 years, payment of 6th Pay Commission arrears, implementation of 6th Pay Commission report in all the PSUs and conversion of COLA into DA in the left over PSUs, Pensionery bebenfits to PSU workers, revival of PSUs by enhancing budgetary support and removal of grade anomalies of PSUs.
Prominent among others present in the meeting included Kuldeep Sharma, Darshan Singh, Jagdish Sharma, Oranjan Bakshi, Rajesh Khajuria, Omkar Sharma, Raman Gupta, Surjeet Singh, Ashok Kumar, Dev Raj, C L Raina, Pawan Sharma and Som Raj.
Mufti cautions Govt against pushing people to wall
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 12 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammed today said while entire state was reeling under mis-governance, administrative anarchy , development freeze and corruption, certain areas like Anantnag had been pushed to a worse fate.
Interacting with members of civil society and party cadres in Islamabad, he said the historic town had been neglected completely on development front as part of political punishment.
He cautioned that given the continued apathy of the Government people of the area could be left with no choice but to take to streets to seek redressal of their problems. He advised the party cadres to mobilize the public opinion so as to press the Government for giving the area its due share in development process.
Mufti said all the major projects that had been started in the district by the previous Govt had almost been shelved. He said the district headquarters and the villages around were facing tremendous problems and there was no response from the Govt that could even marginally meet the challenge. He said roads in the area were in most dilapidated condition and the electric supply was marginal in most areas. The sanitation problems had multiplied manifold over the years and no new initiatives has been taken by the present Govt on urban development front.
Referring to the major initiatives taken in south Kashmir by previous Govt on human resource development and social sectors, Mufti said these had been completely reversed. The growth of south campus of Kashmir university has completely stopped and what ever had been achieved till 2008 even was in danger of degeneration. He said the auditorium and another hall in the Govt Degree College Anantnag that had been sanctioned by the previous Govt were still awaiting completion. Similarly work on the 300 bedded hospital was going on only at snails pace.
Mufti said people were facing immense difficulties in their daily travel on account of traffic congestion in Anantnag and adjacent areas. The traffic blockade at Panthachowk had become a chronic problem and in Anantnag the widening of roads and proposed construction of flyovers had made no headway.
Omar reaffirms holistic welfare of Gujjar, Bakerwals, other backward sections
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 12: Reviewing the progress of Sub-Plan at the 33rd meeting of State Advisory Board for the Development of Gujjar and Bakerwal here on Thursday, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah directed for finalizing the Sub-Plan along with the formulation of District Development Plans to ensure timely receipt of funds from the Centre Government.
The Chief Minister also directed the Planning and Development Department to earmark funds for the initiation of works under the Sub-Plan at the beginning of the fiscal to ensure launch of works well within the time limit.
“The amount thus earmarked can be subsequently appropriated and adjusted when the funds are received from the Centre Government”, he said and added that this action is required for timeline completion of schemes and to ensure benefits percolate to the people positively.
Omar Abdullah said that development of Gujjar and Bakerwal community along with other weaker sections of the society is the priority concern of the government. He said the schemes aided by the Centre Government in this regard need to be taken best advantage and funds utilized to obtain desired results.
The Chief Minister reviewed the action taken report on the decisions taken in the last Board meeting and impressed upon the Administrative Secretaries to regularly monitor the implementation of decisions on ground so that benefits reach to the people promptly.
At the outset, the Vice Chairman Gujjar and Bakerwal Advisory Board, B. A. Naaz pinpointed areas requiring focused attention of the government for addressing demands of Gujjar and Bakerwal community.
In a PowerPoint presentation, the Secretary Board, Abdul Lateef Puswal presented resume of the functioning of the Board and the progress achieved on various development schemes.
The meeting discussed matters relating to the construction of Gujjar Bhawan at Narwal, opening of PG Hostels in Jammu and Srinagar, creation of posts for newly created hostels, opening of new hostels, reservation of admission to Gujjar and Bakerwal students in private schools, opening of mobile medical centres, opening of additional mobile aid centres for livestock of migratory Gujjar and Bakerwal, insurance coverage of livestock and other matters pertaining to the welfare of the community.
Meanwhile, Mr Omar reaffirmed his Government’s determination to universalize equitable development and reach out to all areas in the comprehensive economic welfare process launched in the State.
The Chief Minister said that focus is on upliftment of weaker sections and people living in far-flung and backward pockets of the State. He said various Advisory Boards have been constituted to address the community specific issues and address these meaningfully.
The Chief Minister was chairing 2nd Board meeting of State Advisory Board for the welfare and Development of Other Backward Classes here today.
Reviewing the action taken on the decisions taken in OBC Board meeting, the Chief Minister directed for identifying land for the construction of OBC Hostel-cum-Bhawan at Srinagar. The land has already been identified under the directions of the Chief Minster at Jammu for this purpose.
The meeting discussed matters pertaining to creation of sub-clause for other backward classes, creation of staff for the Board, special vocational training to the youth belonging to OBC, providing of soft loans with subsidy to OBC, special recruitment drive for OBC youth in Police Department, organizing of annual exhibition of artisans from OBC and other related matters.
Speaking in the meeting, Vice Chairman, OBC, Kuldeep Raj Verma also identified areas where government action is needed for redressal of issues pertaining to the welfare of OBC.
The Secretary of OBC Board, Basharat Hussain explained the agenda items through a PowerPoint presentation.
Govt contemplating to constitute Chandi Mata Shrine Board: Jora
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU Apr 12: The Government is contemplating to constitute a Board to look after the affairs of Chandi Mata Yatra on the pattern of Shiv Khouri Shrine Board.
The Minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora today chaired a high level meeting convened to discuss the modalities for the proposed Board, here today.
Commissioner Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Atul Duloo, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Dr. Pawan Kotwal and District Development Commissioner, Kishtwar, M. H. Malik, were among others who attended the meeting.
The Minister asked the concerned authorities to formulate a proposal envisaging the structure and function of the proposed Yatra management body. He said the proposed Board would look after the affairs of the yatra, besides creating facilities for pilgrims and ensure proper management and utilisation of the resources donated by the yatries at the shrine.
The meeting was told that in order to create tourist infrastructure facilities in Chandi Mata shrine area, the Tourism Department has submitted a project report of Rs. 5 crore to the Centre for approval and funding.
It is pertinent to mention that the holy temple of Chandi Mata is located in far off Paddar area at village Machail. The temple has historical significance as it is said to be constructed during 10th century, with idols made of rare metal.
The Machail Yatra was first started in the year 1980 from Bhaderwah-Chinote with 25 yatries. Subsequently in the year 1985 a registered organization Sarva Shakti Sevak Sanstha organized regular Machail Yatra. Since then it has become an annual affair with due recognition of district and divisional administration.
Since the year 1985 the yatra has been attracting pilgrims from far-off places and 99326 numbers of yatries paid their obeisance during yatra-2011.
The Chandi Mata yatra starts in the month of August and the State Government is extending all possible facilities to the yatries during yatra period. This yatra has become one of the most important yatra in erstwhile Doda district especially in district Kishtwar. It was actually for a period of 10 days initially but over the years it is becoming month long affair.
HC dismisses petition challenging written exam of Law Officers
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 12: State High Court today dismissed a petition seeking quashment of notification and written examination of Law Officers.
The petition was filed by Yogeshwar Singh and others, who submitted that they applied for the posts of Public Law Officers/ Assistant Legal Remembrance as per the notification issued by PSC. In the screening test, the petitioners found 43 questions out of syllabus and despite issuance of legal notice for cancellation of the examination, the PSC conducted interviews.
With these submissions, the petitioners sought quashment of written examination and interview.
After hearing Senior Advocate S S Lehar assisted by Advocate Amit Gupta for the petitioners whereas AAG Gagan Basotra for the State and Advocate FA Natnoo for the Public Service Commission, Justice Mansoor Ahmed Mir observed, “the petitioners have not arrayed all those candidates, whose interviews were held in terms of the impugned notification, as party respondents in the writ petition”.
“The writ petition suffers from non-joinder of parties. Public Service Commission resisted the writ petition on the ground that Rule 12-A of the J&K Public Service Commission (Conduct of Examinations) Rules, 2005 provides self-contained mechanism for deletion of wrong questions and the manner how questions are to be evaluated”.
“Any candidate, if aggrieved, has to represent the Commission within 3 days from the date of examination and thereafter Commission has to make a decision. About 800 candidates sought consideration and after holding screening test in terms of Rule 40 of J&K Public Service Commission (Business and Procedure) Rules, 1980, only 612 candidates appeared and their result was declared on March 8, 2011 with 92 as cut-off-mark in the open merit category”, the High Court further observed.
“The petitioners have not invoked the remedy in terms of the rules and not questioned the same till the result was declared”, the High Court said.
Stating that petitioners have not carved out a space for interference, High Court dismissed the petition.
4200 intoxicant capsules seized in Doda; one held
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 12: Police today arrested a narcotics smuggler and recovered 4200 intoxicant capsules and some bottles of syrup from his possession in Bhaderwah town of Doda district.
Police identified the narcotics smuggler as Amjad Latief son of Abdul Latief, a resident of Thara Mohalla, Bhaderwah.
SSP Doda Arif Reshu said police parties captured the narcotics smuggler at a naka laid outside the degree college road at 3 pm.
From the possession of narcotics smugglers, police recovered 20 boxes containing 4200 intoxicant capsules and four bottled of syrup.
He had smuggled the consignment from outside the State for selling it in Bhaderwah and other parts of Doda district, Mr Reshu said.
A case against the accused has been registered vide FIR No. 33/2012 under Sections 8/21/22 NDPS Act in Bhaderwah police station.
Additional SP Bhaderwah PR Bhagat and SDPO Bhaderwah Jameel Ahmed Choudhary led police parties, which made the arrest, under the supervision of Mr Reshu.