Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, April 23: The Bandipora Awami Mahaz, a recently formed party by civil society in Bandipora, won the Traders Federation elections by defeating People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Congress and National Conference supported candidates.
The secretary of Bandipora Awami Mahaz Mohammad Yusuf Para was elected as president of the Federation.
The Mahaz candidate Para got 375 votes while his nearest rival PDP supported candidate Nasir Ahmad Matoo got 169, Congress supported candidate and former chairman of Bandipora Municipal Committee got 106 and NC supported candidate Mohammad Mir got 54 votes.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 23: PCC general secretary & spokesperson Ravinder Sharma (MLC) has denied that JKPCC Chief Prof. Saifuddin Soz, blamed National Conference for creating hurdles in empowerment of Panchayats in the State.
Reacting to the news reports appearing in a section of press regarding the statement of PCC Chief, during the course of interaction with a delegation of Sarpanchs and Panchs at Rajouri, on Sunday. Spokesperson stated that Prof. Soz had explained the position of the Congress party viz- a -viz the 73rd Amendment of the Constitution and said that Congress favours its implementation in the state or adoption of its provisions in the State Panchayat Raj law, wherever required. Prof. Soz further told them that the Congress is in discussion with its alliance partner (NC) on the issue.
Prof. Soz further advised the delegation that there was no need to adopt agitational path, as was being put forth by the leaders of delegation and asked them to persue their demands in a peaceful and democratic manner through the mode of debate and dialogue.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 23: The 57th Birth day of Swami Kumar Ji of Geeta Satsang Ashram was celebrated with fervour and gaiety at TRT Muthi today.
A large number of devotees thronged the Ashram to participate in the function. Besides the religious scholars saints also graced the occasion.
The Advisor to Chief Minister, Mubarak Gul, was the chief guest. Prof R N K Bamezai Vice Chancellor Mata Vaishno Devi University was the guest of honour. Among other dignitaries present included Swami Chaman Lal Bamzai, Ashok Kaul, chairman Rural Development Society (RDS).
Swami Kumar Ji gave religious discourses and highlighted the religious significance of birthday pooja among Hindus.
On the occasion Ramesh Hangloo president Pir Panchal was felicitated by the Ashram for its setting up Sharda Radio and termed it a great service to community.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 23: Thousands of people participated in an impressive Shobha Yatra taken out in the city of temples in connection with the birth celebrations of Bhagwan Parshuram ji here today.
Minister for Revenue and Relief, Raman Bhalla and Minister for Health Sham Lal Sharma flagged off the Bhagwan Parshuram Jayanti Shobha Yatra from Brahman Sabha, Parade Ground here this afternoon. BJP MLA from Jammu East, Ashok Khajuria and Jammu State Morcha MLA from Bishnah, Ashwani Sharma, were also present on the occasion besides executive committee members of the Dogra Brahman Pratinidhi Sabha and a large number of members of the community.
Addressing a large gathering on the occasion Mr Bhalla said ‘Akshay Tritiya’ (Parshuram Jayanti) is observed traditionally as the birth anniversary of Parshuram ji, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. ‘Akshay Tritiya’ is considered as one of the most auspicious days, according to the Hindu Calendar. He said the day on which Moon, Sun and Jupiter unitedly come under Mrigshira Nakashatra, is called Akshya Tritiya. He urged the people to follow preachings of Bhagwan Parshuramji in their daily life.
Mr Bhalla further said according to the Puranas, the holy Hindu scriptures, on this day of ‘Akshay Tritiya’ Vedvyasa alongwith Lord Ganesha started writing the great epic of Mahabharata. The Mother Ganga (river) also descended to the earth on this day. He said the people today from all walks of life, particularly the Brahman community offer special prayers, take bath in holy rivers, make charity, offer barley in the sacred fire and worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi. He said Parshuram Bhargava belonged to Treta Yuga. The purpose of this sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu is considered by religious scholars to relieve the earth’s burden by eliminating sinful, destructive and irreligious monarchs.
While congratulating people on this occasion, Sham Lal said that Parshuram is famous for killing ‘Haihaya-Kshatriyas’ on the earth 21 times for their pride. He wanted to spread and preserve the Vedic culture on the earth. Parshuram is said to be a warrior Brahman and the first-ever warrior saint as well.
Tableaux of Bhagwan Parshuram, Lord Shiva, Data Ranpat, Baba Jito, Brahma Kumaris , Dwarika Nath Shastri ji and many others mounted on highly decorated chariots/ open vehicles were the main attractions of this grand Shobha Yatra. A large number of devotees/ members of the Brahman community, raising religious slogans like “Bhagwan Parhsuramji Ki Jai”…..were following the chariots. Most of the vehicles were fitted with loud speakers. The devotees were also singing Bhajans, sermons and many were seen even dancing. Band Baja and traditional `Dhols’ were also part of this impressive Shobha Yatra. It started from Parade Ground and after passing through Moti Bazar, Link Road, Jain Bazar, Kanak Mandi, Raghunath Bazar, City Chowk culminated at Parade. Many people greeted Shobha yatra enroute and also joined. They showered flowers petals from the top of their houses, building when the Shobha Yatra was passing through city routes. President Brahman Sabha, Pt Ved Parkash Sharma, general secretary Shakti Dutt Sharma, vice president Virender Magotra, secretary Sat Pal Sharma, treasurer Ram Pal Sharma and others were also accompanying the yatra. They greeted the people on this occasion.
Earlier, the Revenue Minister released the DVD of Bhagwan Parshuram (Bhagwan Parshu Chalisa). The music to this DVD has been given by Prakash Sharma, renowned music artist. It has been sung by Pratima Sharma and Kanta Sharma. The other supporting artists are Pramila Bali, K M Jaitee, Ramesh Raina and Surinder Sharma. Recoding has been done by Amarjit Singh while it has been founded by Late Pritam Singh, music composer of Radio Kashmir Jammu.
Meanwhile, Dogra Pujari, Jyotish Shastri Sangh, Jammu province also celebrated Parshuram Jayanti at Bakshinagar here today. The ceremony commenced with `havan’ and special prayers in the morning. Jagdish Chander Sharma, general secretary SD Sabha Geeta Bhawan, Jammu was the chief guest. Several other scholars also attended the programme. Later, they joined Shobha Yatra of Bhagwan Parshuramji at Parade Ground.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU/SRINAGAR, Apr 23: While 42 passengers crossed sides in ‘Karvan-e-Aman’ bus at Aman Setu ( Uri), 63 persons from both sides of the LoC made entry and exit at Chakkan-da-Bagh LoC point in district Poonch today.Twenty five (25) PoK guests came via Chakkan- da-Bagh while nine (9) through Aman Setu here this afternoon.
As many as 24 returnees also crossed sides at Kaman post, the last Indian military post on the LoC in Uri sector. Nine PoK residents, including two women and three children arrived at Kaman post after crossing the Aman Setu, (peace bridge) on foot. Twelve Kashmiris, who had gone to other side of the LoC in previous buses also returned to their homes after completing stay in PoK.
Out of the total 63 passengers who crossed sides at, thirty went to that side of the LoC while 33 arrived here from the PoK via Chakkan-da-Bagh. Eight Indians crossed over to that side for first time while 25 new guests came from that side. Eight Indians returned after stay in PoK while 22 PoK residents also returned today.
The LoC point was opened between 2 and 3 pm and Abdul Hamid GM DIC Poonch and M A Qureshi DSP DAR Poonch were deployed to facilitate the passengers at the LoC point. Arshad Mehmood, SDM Hajira (PoK) was deployed from the Pakistani side.

Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Apr 23: Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University hosted two lectures of Chief Information Commissioner GR Sofi on the topic Right to Information Act. Vice Chancellor Prof. Irshad Ahmed Hamal was also present on the occasion. Attended by large number of students and staff members, the lectures were organized at Conference Hall and College of Engineering and Technology in the campus premises.
Speaking on the occasion, GR Sofi elaborated various provisions of Right to Information Act 2009. He also responded to the queries on the subject.
Terming RTI as corruption crusader act, Sofi said that the act has larger importance to curb corruption practices in the system. He said that the act will ensure transparent and clean system if implemented properly. He said that people should get the advantage of this act which has been legislated for the benefits of the common people.
About the RTI awareness, Sofi said that although it is the duty of the government to create awareness about the act, he felt need that Commission should also do some work in this regard. “We are holding awareness programmes in remote areas only to make the people aware about the advantages of the act and the campaign is giving fruitful results”, he said.
Extending gratitude to Mr Sofi Vice Chancellor said that the lectures of Sofi have tremendously benefited the staff and students of the University, He said that the act is revolutionary and playing its role in bringing transparency in the system.
Registrar MR Choudhary, Dean Academic Affairs AK Koul, Dean of Management Studies Prof Dost Mohammad, Principal CoET Prof Mohammad Asghar besides faculty, officers, staff and students were present on the occasion.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 23: One of the leading city businessmen and sitting secretary general of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Manish Gupta, who is contesting again for the same post, has said that protecting interests of the Jammu traders and industrialists will be his top priority.
Talking to the Excelsior, Mr Manish, an experienced Executive Committee member of the CCI, said that if he is voted to power again in the Chamber elections to be held on April 28, he along with his team mates would strive hard to achieve the goal and give new vision and direction to this pioneer body traders and industrialists. He said his Chamber team headed by Y V Sharma has gone for conduct of elections in time as per constitution of this body and this act would certainly give a great relief to many members of CCI.
Recalling some achievements of the present body, Mr Manish said that several meetings were held with the IT, Sales/ Commercial Tax authorities, the Finance Minister A R Rather and Industries and Commerce Minister S S Slathia to convince them and project the issues of traders and industrialists forcefully. The team also succeeded in minimizing the losses to business community by not resorting to strikes/ bandhs as it was considered as the last resort. The issue of VAT returns, harassment of traders at Lakhanpur was taken up vigorously with the concerned minister and some relief was accorded the business community.
The Chamber has strongly pleaded for opening of more cross LOC routes for trade and the Jammu Sialkote road and also increasing tradable items at Chakkan-da-Bagh LOC point besides providing banking and telephone facilities to traders on both sides. The Jammu Chamber has stressed for the enhancing Shri Amarnath Yatra periodicity to two months so that traders could be benefited and more devotees could visit the holy shrine. This team has also taken up issue of setting up a Businessmen Club and for this a demand of providing 25 kanals of land has been projected before the DyCM.
Referring to stoppage of industrial incentives in J&K, Manish said he would continue his struggle to get the incentives revived. He said already this issue has been taken up with the Chief Minister and a communication was also forwarded to the Union Finance Minister and the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. The Chamber has also pleaded for review of hiked power tariff and put forth a demand of uninterrupted supply of power on concessional rates to the industry, he added.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 23: All Private Schools and ETT Institutes Association (Progressive) strongly criticized the casual approach of the State Government towards school education, in its meeting held under the chairmanship of its president, Deep Singh, to discuss the educational scenario of the State and possibilities of countrywide implementation of RTE Act 2009 after the recent judgment of Supreme Court.
The Association said it is unfortunate that instead of a needed joint review over the unjustified clauses of SRO-123 and early renewal of affiliation to the Private Schools, State Government and its agencies seem almost non-serious to put the things on track and the main reason behind this is lack of coordination or a negative attitude towards the Private Schools and non-participation of Private promoters.
The Association stressed upon the need of at least district level education advisory committees with participation of Private stakeholders to streamline the day to day working of the Department including the functioning of State Board of School Education, particularly its utter failure in ETT admission process.
“Despite qualified and well paid teachers, infrastructure and enrolment, the academic conditions of Government Schools are quite poor and on the other hand 25% free admissions to weaker section students in Private Schools would lead to almost closure of Government Schools, on which the Government is spending a huge amount”, said Association leaders.
The Association urged the ruling class to consider their suggestions including laying down parameters for proper identification of weaker section students, deployment of at least 25% of the total teaching staff in a particular Private School having full salary control with itself, diversion of a part of the Government funds being allocated to the States for SSA or RAMSA schemes to the Private Schools for construction of adequate computer labs, libraries, etc depending upon the enrollment and academic performance of a particular School.