Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Apr 12: A Jammu Kashmir Armed Police Constable and J&K Fire Services jawan were killed while seven other persons injured, when a Tempo Traveler skidded off the road and fell into a nallah on Darhal road today.
The mishap took place at around 8.50 am when the Tempo Traveler bearing registration No. JK-11/9880 was on way to Darhal from Rajouri. As the vehicle reached near Dhana, the driver lost control at a curve and the vehicle landed into a nallah. Immediately after receiving information about mishap, the locals of the area rushed to the spot. The police party also reached there after some time. All the nine injured were rushed to District Hospital, Rajouri.
Three critically injured were referred to GMC, Hospital Jammu but two of them succumbed to injures on the way. While one passed away near Chingus, the other succumbed to injuries near Chowki Choura in Akhnoor. They were identified as Mohd Sharief ( JKAP Cop), son of Hakim Din of village Dhanna and J&K Fire Service jawan, Maqbool Hussain, son of Noor Hussain, resident of Dhanna. Third seriously injured identified as Naseem Akhtar of village Dhanna was undergoing treatment in GMC hospital, Jammu.
Six injured persons including driver, admitted to District Hospital Rajouri were identified as Safia, daughter of Mohd Naseeb, Maqsood Hussain, Insha Iqbal, Manzoor Hussain, Jameela Khanam and Shah Bandhal.
The police registered a case for investigation. The bodies of the deceased were brought back to Rajouri hospital and after conducting postmortem and performing legal formalities by police, handed over to the respective families.
Fireman, JKAP cop killed; 7 hurt in accident
NC takes exception to Baig’s utterances Frustration evident in PDP camp: Kichloo
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 12: National Conference has taken serious exception to the repeated utterances by the People’s Democratic Party leaders, whose misinformation campaign is testimony of the frustration in the opposition camp.
In a press statement, issued here today, provincial spokesman NC (Jammu) and MLA Sajad Ahmed Kichloo said that it was the National Conference led Coalition Government which has steered the state out of the financial mess created by the Peoples Democratic Party.
Referring to the statement of Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Kichloo said that the utterances were completely far from the fact and concocted figures were projected by him to justify his claims, which only speaks about the frustration the PDP leadership was undergoing due to the new dimension to development and prosperity in the state.
Kichloo said that the dynamic and visionary leadership of Omar Abdullah has been hailed at state, national and international level. He said that several historic decisions and initiatives have been taken during the last three years, which are aimed at changing the destiny of the people in the state and given a new meaning to the development, transparency and accountability.
The state was under the grip of liabilities created by the PDP regime, he said, adding, today the overdraft with Jammu and Kashmir Bank stands zero while the state has earned considerable interests amount on its money under the new arrangements with the RBI. He said that the Central Government was kind to allocate highest ever annual plan to the state worth Rs 6600 crore. This year too the state was expecting a hike in the annual plan allocation for which the State Government and the officers associated with the process have to be appreciated.
He said that the state has shown tremendous increase in the tax collection and generating own resources over the last three years, which itself speaks about the sincerity and dedication the Government was working with. The state is progressing towards the economic self reliance but this fact does not seems to go well with the opposition parties, who are out to mislead people only for their own vested interests.
Tanishq offers Spl discount on Akshaya Tritiya festival
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 12: Tanishq, India’s largest and more preferred jewellery brand has announced an exciting offer to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.
Celebrating the spirit of gold, Tanishq is offering a free gold coin with every jewellery purchase. For purchase of diamond jewellery of Rs 2 lakh and above, a flat 10% off has been announced and the offer would be valid from April 13 to April 24 at all Tanishq showrooms across the country. Any one of the said two offers can be availed exclusively, read a handout from Tanishq.
Speaking about the offer Mr Sandeep Kulhalli, vice president, Tanishq said, “we at Tanishq are a part of all celebrations and we strive to make Akshaya Tritiya extra-special for our customers by offering a wide range of collections, exquisite designs and attractive offers. Purchasing gold for Akshaya Tritiya is believed to bring about success and wealth. In sync with this joyous occasion, we have attractive discount offers that provide an opportunity to our customers to own exclusive Tanishq jewellery at better rates”.
Tanishq’s pure 22 karat gold and studded jewellery range spans across all occasions of a woman’s life- everyday wear, wedding, parties and festivals.
To make celebrations even more memorable, Tanishq brings to its customers an entire range of ‘affordable diamonds’ consisting of exquisitely designed finger rings, ear-rings and pendants that appeal to a wide spectrum of consumers. The affordable diamonds range is priced between Rs 10,000 and Rs 25,000 and is available at all Tanishq stores across the country.
CS for making administration more responsive
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 12: Carrying forward the process of interaction with officers, Chief Secretary, Madhav Lal today convened a meeting of another batch of KAS Officers here.
It is worth-mentioning here that General Administration Department has devised a schedule to organize interaction session of Chief Secretary with KAS officers so as to assess the problems being faced by the field officers while discharging their duties.
Nearly 30 KAS officers drawn from various departments from all the districts of Jammu province participated in the interaction session.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Secretary said that this programme is an attempt to create an atmosphere of approval and security in which the subordinate officers feel free to express their views to make administration more accountable and responsive . He also advised the officers to attain proficiency in their respective fields by keeping themselves well abreast of the latest innovations in the administration in other states by making the optimum use of information technology.
“An administrator is effective when he builds strong relationship with his team, colleagues and the public”, he said, adding that administrators must make positive, confident contribution and achieve excellence in the service they provide.
Madhav Lal emphasized the need for concentrating on the developmental issues and improve the delivery system with optimum utilization of available human as well as material resources and emphasized for maximizing the administrative efficiency for realizing the desired goals.
He also exhorted the officers to improve their administrative skills and sensitize the officials to achieve the desired goals, adding that the attitude of the administrator colours the whole character of the organization’s response.
The Chief Secretary also cautioned the officers to prepare themselves to serve anywhere in the State without sticking to few departments.
Secretary, GAD, Sheikh Mushtaq Ahmed, Special Secretary GAD, G S Chib and other officers from GAD were also present.
Trade worth Rs 2.63 cr at LoC point
Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH, Apr 12: Trade worth over Rs 2.63 crore was conducted at Chakkan-da-Bagh LoC point in district Poonch today.
An official spokesman said that today 25 trucks loaded with chillies, bananas and spinach crossed over to PoK from this side. The value of goods sent to that side by the traders here was put at around Rs 66.80 lakh. Fourteen trucks loaded with almonds, dry dates, dry grapes and herbs came to this side from PoK and the value of goods was put at around Rs 1.97 crore.
The LoC point was opened between 1pm to 1.30 pm and then between 5 to 5.30 pm. TFO Arshad Mehmood from Pakistani side and TFO Vivek Ravel from Indian side were deployed by the authorities concerned to facilitate the trade.
Police raids ex-Patwari’s house, seizes record
Excelsior Correspondent
MENDHAR, Apr 12: The police raided the premises of a former Patwari and seized revenue record including Latha and important Revenue record files from his premises at Harni today.
Sources said acting on a specific information regarding tempering of some Revenue record and conversion of Forest land into State land some exercise was going on in the premises of former Patwari Mohd Sharief in connivance with an ex-Naib Tehsildar hailing from the same area. Two serving Patwaris Rasool Hussain and Jangbaz Khan were also there when the police reached.
The Police party led by SDPO Mendhar, Parbheet Singh, raided the house and seized nearly forty files, Latha and some Revenue official record lying in the house of retired Patwari. While two serving Patwari managed to escape, the Ex-Patwari Mohd Sharief was detained by police and taken to police station. It was later learnt that an exercise was going on to convert Forest land measuring over 1000 kanal on the name of some locals by showing it as State land and forging the record.
Sources said that land measuring nearly 34 kanal and 15 kanal from Compartment No. 165 of Mendhar Forest Range has already been shown on the name of two locals. Some more beneficiaries were in the process of getting benefit with the connivance of some Revenue officials. The police also raided the house of a retired Naib Tehsildar at Harni but he went under ground. No record could be found at his place. The SDPO when contacted said that record was being scrutinized. He said further investigation was in progress. He said the concerned Tehsildar Mendhar has been asked to assist the police investigations.
Governor, CM greet people on Baisakhi
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 12: Governor N N Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today extended warm greetings and good wishes to the people on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi.
In a message of felicitations, the Governor said that this day has a special significance for the Sikh community, as Khalsa Panth was born on this day. He added that the day also marks the beginning of the New Year in the Indian Calendar.
The Governor said that in the Northern States, Baisakhi also marks the commencement of the harvesting season, when farmers reap the fruit of their hard work. He observed that the celebration of this festival is a shining example of our glorious pluralistic traditions.
The Governor prayed for peace, harmony, progress and prosperity in the State.
In his greetings message, the Chief Minister said that the tradition of observing Baisakhi with harmony and brotherhood adds colour to its festivity.
“Jammu and Kashmir is known for celebrating holy occasions and festivals in the spirit of unity, amity and love”, he said calling for cementing the love bonds between various sections of the society and nurturing communal harmony at all levels.
The Chief Minister prayed for peace and prosperity of the State and the Country.
Sagar reviews progress of development projects
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 12: The Minister for Rural Development, Panchayat, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Ali Mohammad Sagar took stock of latest position of a number of development projects currently under execution in the Srinagar city.
The meeting discussed at length various projects including latest progress of the widening of Syed Mirak Shah road, Zadibal to Pandach, preservation of centuries old bridges, regulation of traffic system before Darbar Move, construction of Makhdoom Sahib Community Hall, completion of the construction work of Bulbul Shah Shrine, Rangil Water Supply Scheme, smooth function of street lights, lighting of public parks, construction of flyover from Jahangir Chowk to Natipora and rehabilitation of affected shopkeepers, construction of various bridges in Srinagar city, drainage system, decongestion of traffic jams, especially on some vulnerable places like Pantha Chowk, Dalgate, Rambagh, Jahangir Chowk, Karan Nagar and sanitation, removing of garbage from the different places and its dumping at a proper place including providing better transport facilities to the common people.
While briefing the Minister about the latest progress of widening of Syed Mirak Shah road and Khanyar-Zadibal-Pandach, the Chief Engineer PWD said that work on the said roads is in full swing. The Minister directed the concerned agencies to expedite the work on war footing basis so that tangible results would be visible on the ground.
Referring to the construction of Jehangir Chowk to Natipora flyover, the Minister was informed that the work on this project would be started soon while 116 shops and 43 kiosks have already been allotted to the affected shopkeepers near Kabbadi market while the rehabilitation process of Rambagh onwards affected shopkeepers is also in progress.
While discussing the matter of the smooth functioning of the lighting system of the Srinagar city, the Minister asked the PDD to transfer Electric division to SMC for the maintenance of street lights properly and also said that only two departments SMC for internal and PDD for the main roads should be responsible for the smooth functioning of street lights.
Meanwhile, the Minister was informed that the Dalgate Bridge coming at a cost of Rs.1338 lakh would be completed by July-August and Rs.1050 lakh have been spent on this bridge so far.
Mr. Sagar was further informed that the commercial complex near Exhibition ground-Jahangir Chowk is coming at a cost of Rs. 48.93 crore and Rs. 410 crore have been spent on this project so far.
The Minister also enquired about providing adequate drinking water to the citizens of the city and asked the concerned agencies for early completion of Rangil Water Supply Scheme.
Meanwhile, the Minister was informed that the construction work of Tagore Hall coming at a cost of Rs. 216 lakh will be completed by the end of May. However, the Minister asked JKPCC to expedite the preservation work of the centuries old Zaina Kadal, Habba Kadal and Zero Kadal for which the money has already been allotted.
Mr. Sagar was also informed by the District Development Commissioner Srinagar about the arrangements made for Darbar Move and assured him that every possible step would be taken for smooth functioning of the traffic system in the Srinagar city.
Omar reviews PMGSY, calls for e-payment of works
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 12 : Equating dependable road communication with economic prosperity, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah on Thursday emphasized the need for dovetailing various road development schemes to obtain holistic results and expand benefit orbit.
Taking stock of the progress and status of flagship programme PMGSY here, the Chief Minister said that linking rural and remote areas with highways is all the more important in a State like Jammu and Kashmir with a hilly and difficult terrain.
“Your focus should be on deriving maximum benefits by integrating schemes aimed at construction and upgradation of road communication network in rural areas”, he told the R&B Department, adding that MGNREGA and PMGSY can complement and supplement each other in achieving the goal of rural connectivity.
The Chief Minister said that his Government has flagged construction of roads and bridges as an important segment in the overall development policy of the State. He said a dependable road network in the State and sound linkage between various districts through good inter-district roads is the endeavour of the Government. He said construction of tunnels and making hilly and remote areas accessible for generating economic activities and helping comprehensive development are receiving concentrated attention.
“After successful launch of e-tendering, you should go for e-payment to make the system more transparent and reduce chances of malpractices to zero level”, Omar Abdullah told the concerned department directing for taking early necessary action for introducing e-payment for the works completed. He said that regular physical and financial monitoring by the department at various levels and third party analysis by independent agency should remain the permanent feature of administrative functioning.
Omar Abdullah asked the department to penalize and blacklist those contractors who indulge in unnecessary delaying in the completion of schemes.
The meeting was informed that about 240 habitations have been connected with roads during the last financial year. A road length of 872 kilometres has been added against the target of 750 kilometres indicating 116 percent achievement of the road construction target fixed under PMGSY for the State for 2011-12. In addition to this earthwork has also been completed on 450 kilometres in the same period. The financial achievements registered during the last fiscal amounts to over Rs. 510 crores.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary, Madhav Lal, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, B. B. Vyas, Principal Secretary R&B, K. B. Agarwal, Commissioner Secretary Forests, Shantmanu, Principal Chief Conservator Forests, Vinod Ranjan, Commissioner Secretary Revenue, B. A. Runiyal, Chief Engineers of PMGSY and other officers.
In a PowerPoint presentation the Principal Secretary R&B. K. B. Agarwal explained the status of land acquisition, forest clearance, shifting of structures and other related matters. He said awards for 496 schemes have been issued for land compensation distributing an amount of Rs. 252 crores to land owners.
Joint Committee identifies 35 new progs for JU, KU campuses
- Joint Committee identifies 35 new progs for JU, KU campuses
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 11: The Joint Committee meeting of University of Jammu and University of Kashmir was held under the chairmanship of Prof. Mohan Paul Singh Ishar, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu.
Several items common to both the Universities were discussed in detail and a common line of action was evolved. The major items of agenda included the introduction of new Grading System of Evaluation in the Universities, formulation of Transfer Policy for the employees of the Offsite Campuses, establishment of School of Visual and performing Arts, Introduction of combined single paper examination system in the Undergraduate courses of the University, identification of new job and skill oriented short term courses.
Around 35 such new programmes were identified to be launched by the two Universities through their main campuses, Satellite Campuses and Colleges through formal and non formal medium.
The members also discussed several other far reaching policy issues relating to the functioning of the two Universities and the possibility of greater coordination and collaboration between the two Universities and the State Government for promoting the cause of higher education in the State.
The recommendations of the Joint Committee will be placed before the two University Councils for final approval, being the highest decision making bodies of the Universities
Prof. Mohan Paul Singh Ishar, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu thanked Prof Talat Ahmed, Vice-Chancellor Univerity of Kashmir, Mohd. Iqbal Khandey Principal Secretary to Government, Department of Finance and Financial Advisor Universities and Tanveer Jehan Commissioner Secretary Higher Education and Advisor Educational Universities, for their valuable suggestions and sought their continual support for taking the Universities to newer heights and excellence.
Among others Prof. Naresh Padha, Registrar, University of Jammu, Prof Syed Fayaz Ahmed, Registrar, University of Kashmir, Dr. Jatinder Khajuria, Joint Registrar( CDC) and Dr. Nissar Ahmed Mir, Deputy Registrar were also present.