NEW DELHI, Apr 22:
After the successful launch of Agni-5 Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), India is all set to develop reusable rockets which will combine the technologies of both ballistic and cruise missiles.
As part of plans to develop reusable ballistic missiles, Defence Research and Development Organisation will test indigenously developed scram jet engine next year, DRDO Chief V K Saraswat said in an interview to Doordarshan.
“We have propulsion technology, we have re-entry technologies, we have the technology which can take a re-entry system which will deliver a payload and have yet another re-entry system which will bring the missile back when it re-enters the atmosphere on its return journey,” he said.
“We have demonstrated the performance of a scram jet engine operating at Mach six speed (six times the speed of sound),” he said.
On the range of Agni-5 missile which was scuccessfully test-fired recently off Odisha coast, the DRDO chief said with moderate modifications, “it can be extended to any range which is of our interest.”
On technological capability available with the agency, he said, “DRDO has built the necessary technologies, production infrastructure and design capability for developing a booster or a sustainer… We have the capability to develop a re-entry nose cone which can withstand higher temperature and velocity.”
Reacting to reports that India does not possess sufficient indigenous technology for missile guidance systems, Saraswat said Agni-5 has used a completely indigenous and high precision missile guidance system with “0.001 degrees of per hour accuracy.”
On criticism that DRDO sometimes does not live up to expectations, he said the agency was as good as its counterparts in advanced countries.
“Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), F-18 and Eurofighter took similar number of years and cost wise they were three times more than what we have put in our LCA,” he said.
On development of Kaveri engine, Saraswat said it too has performed well and was, “flown an IL-76 aircraft in Russia, 55 hours of successful flight… We are going to upgrade it so that it can be used in India’s LCA Mark-II and future systems.” (PTI)
India to develop resuable rockets
Two HM OGWs arrested
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 22: Police today arrested two Over Ground Workers (OGWs) of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) from north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
Police said that acting on a specific information Handwara police apprehended Masood Ahmad Geelani son of Mohammad Maqbool resident of Laribal Handwara and Zahoor Ahmad Dar son of Gulam Nabi resident of Saderkot Bandipora from Laribal, Handwara and recovered Rs 45,000 Indian currency from their possession.
Police said that the money was supposed to be delivered to militants in Bandipora and Srinagar area. Handwara police has registered a case in this regard.
It may be mentioned here that 10 militants were killed by the security forces during last one month in the Handwara’s Rajwara forests.
About 4.5 lakh non-metered consumers not entitled for power supply beyond April 28
Electricity Act bars PDD from continuing with existing practice
By Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, Apr 22: About 4.5 lakh non-metered electricity consumers across the State will not be entitled for the power supply beyond April 28, 2012. These include 3,99,697 domestic and 43,339 non-domestic/ commercial connections.
Official sources told EXCELSIOR that State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC) in its first Tariff Order for 2007-08 financial year and subsequent Tariff Orders for 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11 had directed Power Development Department to complete 100 per cent consumer metering as a step towards energy accounting and reduction of power losses.
However, the time-limit in this regard was fixed when the Jammu and Kashmir Electricity Act was enacted by the State Legislature in 2010. Under the provisions of Section 49 of the Act, deadline of two years was fixed for metering all the un-metered connections across the State .
But despite this, no serious attention was paid by the Power Development Department (PDD) towards chalking out comprehensive metering plan and the deadline of two years is now expiring on April 28. “This was the response of the Department despite the fact that un-metered supply has been one of the factors responsible for such high loss levels in the State”, sources said.
In the prevailing circumstances, about 4.5 lakh un-metered connections across the State will not be entitled to get power supply beyond April 28 as per the provisions of Section 49 of the J&K Electricity Act. The Section 49 mandates that no licensee shall supply electricity after April 28, 2012 except through installation of a correct energy meter.
These un-metered 4.5 lakh connections, which will be legally not liable to get power supply after six days, include 3,99,697 domestic, 43,339 non-domestic/ commercial, 3,022 agriculture, 249 public street lighting and 598 LT public water works. These un-metered connections are consuming connected load of 344.86 Mega Watts (MW).
“The casual approach of the department towards metering of un-metered connections can be gauged from the fact that Power Development Department in its Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR) petition for 2012-13 financial year has submitted that nearly three lakh un-metered consumers are targeted to be metered in 2012-13 financial year and approximately 1.5 lakh consumers will remain un-metered and efforts would be made to cover them by the end of 2013-14 financial year”, sources said.
Stating that State Electricity Regulatory Commission has also expressed grave concern over the approach of the Power Development Department towards metering exercise, which is otherwise very vital to check the losses, sources said, “the Commission has suggested the Department to approach the competent authority with a metering plan to get the deadline under J&K Electricity Act, 2010 extended”.
“But this via-media is not so easy as the State Legislature, which has the powers to amend the relevant Section of the Act, is not in session at present”, they said, adding “it is not understandable as to why this issue was not seriously pondered upon well in time and necessary step taken during the Budget Session”.
Responding to a question, they said, “now the Department has only left with option of amending Section 49 of the Act by virtue of an Ordinance, which is also going to take sometime”.
Had serious attention been paid by the Department towards the directions of SERC since 2007-08, such a situation would have not been erupted, sources said, adding “the submission made by the Department in the ARR petition for financial year 2012-13 that metering process will continue till the end of 2013-14 financial year indicates that there will be no appropriate loss reduction strategies and schemes, which are otherwise based on correct energy accounting”.
The SERC, in its order on Annual Revenue Requirement and Determination of Retail Tariffs for current financial year, has also observed, “it is unambiguously clear that PDD has not made any serious effort to reduce loss levels”.
Farooq fully recovers from infections
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 22: Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy and National Conference president, Dr Farooq Abdullah has fully recovered from pneumonic and chest infections and the doctors in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) would take a decision tomorrow on his discharge from the hospital.
Dr Abdullah today spent seventh day in the AIIMS.
“Condition of Farooq has considerably improved. Injections have been stopped. He has been put on oral medication. He was responding very well to the treatment”, the doctors attending on the Union Minister said.
Sources said the doctors treating Dr Abdullah would take a decision on his discharge from the hospital.
Farooq was admitted to AIIMS in New Delhi on Monday last after complaints of chest and pneumonic infections.
Army chief for one rank one pension
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)
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.