Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 7: Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand today inaugurated two days 213th General Council Meeting of All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP) with great fanfare at Hotel Ashok. The General Council Meeting was organized by Jammu Printers Association.
Former Minister Dr. Romesh Sharma was also present on the occasion.
A large number of members of Jammu Printers Association (Regd) attended the meeting.
Addressing the meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister hoped that the deliberations will come out with concrete suggestions for making the federation strong and viable for building economy and status of people.
This is the 3rd time that the GC Meeting of AIFMP is being held in Jammu and Kashmir. A GC Meeting was held at Hotel Lake View in famous Dal Lake, Srinagar in the very first year of the induction of Jammu Printers Association.
The second meeting was held at Patnitop in the year 2006.
Now again, Jammu Printers Association has been given the honour of holding the 213 GC Meeting at Jammu.
Members will sit together for two days and deliberate on the problems being faced by the printing fraternity. Rajjan Kuthari, President AIFMP will preside over the 2 days meeting ably supported by a glaxy of office bearers and a good number of past Presidents.
On the occasion, ‘JPA Reporter’ and ‘PRINT INTERNATIONAL Expo 2012’ were released.
DyCM inaugurates GC meeting of AIFMP
World Health Day observed across State
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 7: World Health Day was observed across the State today.
World Health Day was celebrated at Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Sidhra. On the occasion, seminar, skit and poster making competitions were organised. Dr SL Verma, Founding Principal of ASCOMS was the chief guest while Dr A Kumar, Director Principal and Dr VK Gandotra, Prof and Advisor Academics were also present.
During the seminar, speakers from different specialities spoke on different aspects. In poster making competition, group headed by Nitika and Oshin were adjudged first while group headed by Poonam and Sakshi were conferred second ranking. Group headed by Shilpa and Harpreet bagged third ranking.
Regional Red Cross Society and Hrideya Deep Ashram, organised a free medial camp at Lower Ratnu Chak to mark the World Health Day. The camp was inaugurated by Anil K Padha, secretary, Regional Red Cross Society and was presided over by Swami Hridaya Nand Giri. During the camp, over 460 patients were examined and free medicines jointly contributed by BEE ENN Charitable Trust and Hridaya Deep Ashram were distributed.
World Health Day was observed at Government Middle School, Phinter, Billawar, where students from various schools participated. A seminar on “Health for All” was organised where number of speakers threw light on the importance of the topic. A rally was also organised on the occasion.
Guru Nanak College of Education, Jallochak, celebrated World Health Day by organizing the visit of its students to Saint Edward Public School, Sarore, thereby spreading the message of healthy mind and body in today’s stressful living environment. On the occasion, students performed various health education informative programmes elaborating the noble cause of blood donation. Sunita Jamwal, Principal of the college was the chief guest while the whole programme was organised by Anita Gupta.
On the eve of World Health Day, a seminar on the theme “Save the Girl Child” was organised by Red Cross and Education Department at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Kathua, in which students from various schools participated. On the occasion, Zahida Parveen Khan, District Development Commissioner, Kathua was the chief guest, who while speaking appealed the people to cooperate in eradicating this social evil, which is posing serious threat to the sex ratio. Officers from civil administration were also present on the occasion.
Health Department Ramban in collaboration with Ramban Police organised rallies to mark World Health Day, in which hundreds of students participated.
Eco Sanitation Welfare Council in collaboration with Guru Harkrishan Public School, organised a seminar on “Eco Sanitation–A way to Healthy life” and an awareness rally, to celebrated World Health Day. On the occasion, Commissioner, JMC, KL Khajuira, was the chief guest while Balbir Singh, Principal of the school and galaxy of senior citizens were also present.
Yogathon, unique nation wide initiative by the Art of Living was performed at GGM Science College, KC Public School, NITS Polytechnic, Miran Sahib, Heritage School, MHAC Nagbani, Vaishno Devi College of Education besides Kot Bhalwal and Amphalla jails to commemorate World Health Day. Hundreds of people participated.
An awareness rally “To Save Girl Child” was organised at Government Higher Secondary School, Nagri Parole to celebrate World Health Day. The rally commenced from the school premises and passed through various streets, in which staff members and girls students participated.
IPS Kidzee, Kathua organised a Medical Check up camp to celebrate World Health Day, in which Dr Mohinder Lal, Dr Reva, Dr Raj Kumar, Dr Vikas Pandu, Dr Dimple and Dr Ravinder, examined the children.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Dr Asgar Hassan participated in a “Walk for Good Health” organised by World Health Organization in association with Valley Citizen Council from Nehru Park, today to commemorate World Health Day. People from all walks of society including officials from civil administration also took part in the rally.
Sagar inaugurates Rural Development Complex
Excelsior Correspondent
GANDERBAL, Apr 7: Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Ali Mohammad Sagar today inaugurated Rural Development Complex at Vakoon Ganderbal coming up at Rs. 36.97 lakh.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sagar said that Chief Minister is monitoring the overall development of the Ganderbal since 10 years as the Ganderbal is the Chief Minister’s own constituency.
The Minister said that conducting of Panchayat elections devolution of powers to Panchayats, RTI Act and Public Services Guarantee Act are the main achievements of the present Coalition Government, which provides rights to the general people to get the grievances redressed within a stipulated timeframe.
Referring to the development of the Ganderbal district, Mr. Sagar assured the people that all the demands of the people would be fulfilled in a phased manner. He said that Central University, Mini Secretariat, 16 bridges, Colleges, road connectivity and other developmental achievements would be put in force.
The Minister also visited under construction District Hospital building at Ganderbal coming up at Rs. 522.56 crore and took stock of the construction works.
The Minister impressed upon the concerned agencies to gear up their efforts for timely completion of the all ongoing projects within a stipulated timeframe.
On this occasion, Member Legislative Council, A.M. Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Showkat Ahmad, Director Rural department, Kashmir, Jehangir Mir, District Officers, prominent party leaders were present.
2 artificial dams coming up in Kathua: Altaf
Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Apr 7: Two artificial dams are being constructed at Dabbi and Phangeri in Kathua district to create ground water recharging facilities to the fields, drinking facilities to nomads and their livestock besides wildlife habitation, costing Rs. 39 lakh.
This was stated by the Minister for Forest and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad while taking stock of the progress of the projects taken under forest sector in the Kathua district today.
The Minister exhorted upon the officers to start work on new projects approved under CAMPA and ensure 100 per cent utilization of funds provided for the projects. He asked them to come up with detailed reports of big projects so that more people are benefitted.
The Minister urged upon district administration to get fenced the land available in the towns so that it could be saved from encroachment. He also directed officers to complete all projects under execution as per fixed schedule.
The Minister underlined need for proper and regular monitoring of the projects coming up in the district under forest sector and directed them that these projects should be completed within stipulated time frame.
While reviewing the functioning of Pollution Control Board(PCB), the Minister said the Kathua is the gateway of the Jammu and Kashmir and asked the concerned officers to ensure implementation of the laws enacted for checking the pollution control in the state.
The Minister also inspected Forest Nursery Sagwan in Samba district. He was informed that 25000 teak wood plants, imported from Madhya Pradesh and Utrakand, have been raised on experimental basis and subsequently for distribution among the farmers on concession rates. He was told that 50000 plants of different species have been raised at forest nursery Hari- Chak.
It was given out that 344 hectares of land has been treated by soil conservation department besides planting 3.14 lakh plant saplings costing Rs. 1.02 crore. Apart from this, the department also fenced 1.12 rft forest land and distributed 1.06 lakh plants among the farmers, it was told.
The meeting was informed that 1.19 lakh plants have been planted by DFO, Kathua, apart from raising 1.30 lakh plants raised for next season in three nurseries of the department. An area of 243 hectares have been brought under plantation, it was added.
Dr Raina attends national seminar on blood advancements
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 7: Dr TR Raina, Programme Manager, Blood Transfusion and Laboratory Services, J&K and Secretary General of Indian Society of Blood Transfusion and Immunohamatology (ISBTI) attended one day national seminar on `Advancements in Immunohamatology-Indian Perspective” at Apollo Hospital, New Delhi.
Dr Raina was one the panelists for the seminar.
Deliberating on the steps being taken to strengthen the blood transfusion services in J&K by the Government, Dr Raina said that action plan for the year 2012-13 has been prepared to set up three Component Separation Laboratories-one each at Jammu, Srinagar and Leh, nine new blood banks and 26 blood storage centres at first referral units in the State.
He told the audience that a national seminar on `Voluntary Blood Donation-A Need of the Hour’ shall be organized at Srinagar on April 30, 2012, which will be attended by experts in the field of transfusion medicine from across the country. He said J&K has achieves the target of voluntary blood donation, which was more than 80 per cent.
Ex-servicemen rally organised
Excelsior Correspondent
AKHNOOR, Apr 4: An Ex Servicemen rally was organized under aegis of the Crossed Swords Division at Byram Auditorium in Rakhmuthi, Jaurian today.
The rally was inaugurated by Maj Gen NPS Hira, GOC Cross Sword Divison who reiterated the commitment of the Division towards supporting welfare schemes and measures for improvement and upliftment of the ex-servicemen and ‘Veer Naris’ of the region. The rally was attended by nearly 800 ex-servicemen, which included two retired officers and 46 ‘Veer Naris’ of the region.
President J&K ESM league, president Rajya Sainik Board and Director ECHS were the eminent speakers who enlightened the ex servicemen regarding various schemes and programmes being organised for their benefit.
The rally was aimed at addressing relevant issues pertaining to health services for the Ex Servicemen and acquaint them with various schemes and plans for enhancing their quality of life even after retirement. The ex-servicemen and veer Naris were informed about welfare and financial schemes available for them i.e. pension related information, functioning of Cross Swords Ex-servicemen helpline, Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), post retirement schemes and service opportunities after retirement.
The rally was an attempt by the Division to increase communication amongst Ex-servicemen of the region and showcased the continuous commitment of the Armed Forces towards recognition of the valuable sacrifices and service rendered by the Ex-servicemen and Veer Naris towards the nation. Madhu Nandal, Regional President AWWA, White Knight Corps felicitated the ‘Veer Naris’ present during the rally.
Power shut down
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 7: In order to carry out the preventive maintenance of equipment and replacement of worn-out jumpers/droppers and clamps of 220/132/33 KV yards of the Grid Station Udhampur, the shut down of 220/132/33 KV Grid Station Udhampur, the shut down of 220/132/33 KV Grid Station on April 8, 2012 from 6 a.m to 12 hrs has been allowed.
During the shutdown period, the power supply to Batote, Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur, Ramnagar, Chenani, Army and Airforce will remain affected.
Meanwhile, in order to carry out the emergency work of rectification of hot spots developed in 132 KV burbar droppers of 400 MVA Power transformer bank bay and preventive maintenance works at the Grid Station, shut down of 132 KV busbar and 220 KV Salal Ckt. I/II at 220/132 KV Grid Station Glandni on April 8, 2012 from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. has been allowed.
As informed by Chief Engineer, S&O Wing, Jammu, during the shut down period, power supply to Bari-Brahmana-I, Miran Sahib, Gangyal, Twin Districts of Poonch and Rajouri, Old Jammu City, Chhani, Nanak Nagar, Gandhi Nagar areas etc will be affected.
In order to carry out the work of erection of 33 KV CT/PT unit on 33 KV Canal- Talab Tillo line & 33/11 KV R/Station Talab Tillo, the power supply to the areas fed from 33 Canal-Talab Tillo line will remain affected on April 8, 2012 (Sunday) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The part of Tabab Tillo, Tirlokpur, Ghomanhasan and adjoining areas will remain affected during the shut down.
In order to carry out the work of replacement of damaged 33 KV CT/PT unit on 33/KV New Sectt. Line, the power supply to the Kachi Chawni, Dogra Hall, Indra Chowk, Bus Stand, part of Jewel Chowk, Raghunath Bazar, Shalimar Chowk, Kanak Mandi, part of Rehari, B. C. Road, Resham Ghar Colony and adjoining areas fed from 33 KV New Sectt.. Line will remain affected on April 8, 2012 (Sunday) from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Impressive Shoba Yatra taken out on Guru Naba Dass Parkash Divas
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 7: The 439th Paraksh Divas of Goswami Guru Nabha Dass Ji Mahraj was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety by Goswami Guru Nabha Dass Ji Mission Shiv Mandir Sarwal today.
On the occasion a grand religious procession was taken out which was flagged off by Kanta Bhan general secretary PCC, who was the chief guest on the occasion while Chaman Ji ex corporator was special guest.
A large number of devotees took part in the Shoba yatra. The 50 tractor trolleys and other vehicles, which were the part of Shoba Yatra, were fully decorated. The tableaus were depicting the life of Guru Nabha Dass Ji.
The people had made elaborate arrangements in their respective areas where from the Shoba yatra passed. The devotees, enroute, served drinking water and langer to participants in the yatra.
Those who participated in the Shoba yatra included Vijay Magotra Chairman of Goswami Guru Nabha Dass Ji Mission, Ramesh Sarmal its president, Ramesh Lalotra, its general secretary and others.
Operation of Spice Jet from Srinagar, Jammu to Kargil soon
Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Apr 7: Union Ministry for Civil Aviation has decided to operate 78 seater Q-400 Spice jet aeroplane from Srinagar to Kargil and Jammu to Kargil for which trial landing at Kargil airport will start shortly.
This was stated by Minister for Transport Qamar Ali Akhoon after a detailed discussion with the Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Choudhary Ajit Singh here today.
Union Minister apprised Mr. Akhoon that this decision has been taken by the Ministry on the basis of favourable reports submitted by teams headed separately by Director General Airport Authorities of India (AAI) Bharat Bhushan and Deputy Director AAI Lalit Gupta which in consultation with the Commissioner Civil Aviation, Jammu and Kashmir S. Katoch visited the mountainous district Kargil during last year to inspect facilities at the local air base for operating the passenger services.
Mr. Ajit Singh said that the 78 seater Q- 400 Spice jet aeroplane has been specially procured by the Ministry to add it in the fleet of Spice Jet for operating exclusively in the snow bound areas like Kargil. He added that 78 seater Q- 400 Spice jet aeroplane is highly suitable for Kargil in view of its geographical and topographical conditions.
Mr Akhoon said that the air service was the need of the hour as the area remains land locked from other parts of the country during winter months due to heavy snow fall. He said that the people of Kargil, Drass and Zanaskar are facing tremendous problems due to closure of Zijola pass and operation of air service was very important for the people of the area.
Pensioners highlight demands
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 7: All J&K State Pensioners Association (AJKSPA) held a meeting to highlight their demands, under the leadership of Convenor, Mukund Lal Sharma, here today.
Addressing the meeting, Madan Lal Abrol, general secretary of the Association criticized the indifferent attitude of the State Government regarding their demands.
He reiterated their genuine demands, which included payment of arrears of the revised pension with effect from 1-1-2006 to 30-6-2009 in one installment, additional quantum of the pension after attaining the age of 80, 85, 90, 100 years and above at the rate of 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% and 100%, enhancement of medical allowance from Rs 300 to Rs 1000, release of 6% DA arrears from January 2009 to June 2009, payment of 6% DA from January 2012 onwards to the employees and pensioners and withdrawal of 13.5% VAT imposed on the sale of canteen goods to be purchased by Ex-servicemen.
Besides, in order to elevate the social status of different categories of working class in the society, the meeting demanded that honorarium of Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers, Anganwadi workers, Home Guards and Safai Karamchari be increased to Rs 5000 per month, honorarium of Agriculture Technocrats be increased to Rs 10,000 per month and newly elected sarpanches and panches be given a salary of Rs 10,000 and Rs 6000 per month respectively.
Mukand Lal Sharma warned the Government and ruling party to fulfill their demands or be ready to face the defeat in the local body elections.
S D Verma, Jagdish Dogra, K K Sharma, Suraj Singh, Madan Lal Sharma and many others attended the meeting.