Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 9: With a view to improve administrative efficiency and to assess the problems being faced by the field officers, Chief Secretary, Madhav Lal held an interactive session with the J&KAS officers here today.
Secretary, GAD, Mushtaq Ahmed, Special Secretary GAD, G S Chib and other officers from GAD were present.
Nearly 30 KAS officers drawn from various departments from district Jammu, Udhampur, Kathua, Ramban, Kishtwar, Doda, Rajouri, Reasi, Poonch participated.
Speaking on the occasion, Madhav Lal emphasized the need for concentrating on the developmental issues and bring out innovative ideas to improve the delivery system with optimum utilization of available human as well as material resources. He emphasized for maximising the administrative efficiency for realising the desired goals.
He further suggested the officers to feel free to deliberate upon important issues with superiors to change the perception of the administration among the common masses.
The Chief Secretary encouraged the officers for their achievements in their respective fields. He also exhorted them to keep themselves well abreast of latest administrative innovations outside the state and the country through information technology.
CS interacts with KAS officers
Khoda reviews crime scenario, stresses for better synergy at all levels
Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu, Apr 9: The Director General of Police (DGP), Kuldeep Khoda has stressed upon the cops to chalk out an effective mechanism to deal with the challenge of crime firmly. He said that the investigation process should be stepped up to bring the culprits to justice.
Mr. Khoda was addressing the police officers meeting at Police Control Room (PCR) here today. The meeting was convened to review the crime scenario in Jammu Division and was attended by Inspector General of Police Jammu Zone, besides range Deputy Inspectors General of Police and District Superintendents of Police of the Zone.
He lauded the role of Jammu police for its achievements on various fronts during 2011 and said that efforts should continue to make improvements, keeping in mind the experiences of the bygone year.
Executive police plays a vital role in maintaining law and order and control crime , and the important pillar of the organisation should be further strengthened at all levels, said the DGP. Coordination among different agencies and public cooperation could lead to more successes, he added.
The DGP said that every evil should be nabbed before it raises its head and poses challenge to the law enforcing agencies. Counselling for the youth involved in drug addiction and crimes, in collaboration with other departments like health, can prove fruitful in eradicating the menace, he asserted.
Alarming situation in suicidal deaths due to mental depression and domestic violence also needs to be addressed, he said, adding that public cooperation achieved through community policing can help in controlling the situation.
He stressed upon the officers present in the meeting to focus on various situations which attract the youth towards the evils and for this purpose community policing should be improved further.
He directed that crime data and records at the police station level should be updated and the supervisory officers should conduct random inspections to ensure that the grievances of the public are addressed promptly.
The meeting also discussed traffic management, functioning of CCTV cameras and measures for smooth conduct of forthcoming Shri Amarnath Yatra. The DGP asked the officers to take effective steps and ensure a better management especially on National Highways. He said that violators should be booked under law to check road accidents, traffic jams and overloading. “CCTVs installed at various locations should be utilized to identify the culprits which could help to book them under criminal law”, he said.
Earlier, the Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, Dilbag Singh gave a detailed resume of the achievements of Jammu Police on different fronts during the year 2011.
Joint CCI discusses cross-LoC trade issues with CM
Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu, Apr 9: A deputation of Jammu of Kashmir Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industries (JKJCCI) today called on Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah and presented him a memorandum of demands relating to the development of industries, trade and commerce in the State with special reference to the matters pertaining to current cross LoC trade.
Minister for Finance, Abdul Rahim Rather, Minister for Industries, S. S. Slathia were present in the meeting.
While appreciating the keenness of Omar Abdullah in the development of industrial sector in the State, President of the Joint Chamber of Commerce, Mubeen Ahmad Shah explained the issues mentioned in the memorandum and sought the help of the Chief Minister in addressing and redressing issues relating to cross LoC trade fraternity.
The meeting discussed issues pertaining to creation of TFC infrastructure and facilities like full body truck X-ray scanners, storage, security and insurance of goods, additional warehouse, cold storage, medical facilities and accommodation for smooth cross LoC trade.
The deputation highlighted the need for including more items in trade list, conversion of LoC trade into an actual trade, allowing transit trade across the new markets emerging in Central Asia and Middle East. The deputation also talked about creation of communication and banking facilities, promotion of tourism trade, collaboration in the field of education and health care sectors and exploitation of water resources for power generation.
The Chief Minister gave patient hearing and said that State Government has initiated the issue of conversion of cross LoC trade from present barter status to the normal trading pattern with the Union Government and the State Legislative Assembly has unanimously supported the move.
Not sure of Pak taking action against Hafiz: Soz
Gear up for coming Urban Local Bodies polls
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 9: Despite providing solid evidences against Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorist outfit and 26/11 Mumbai carnage master -mind, Hafiz Saeed by India, it is not sure Pakistan would act against him and take some action.
Talking to media-persons at the sidelines of a party function here today, the PCC chief Prof Saifuddin Soz said, “I am not so sure of Pakistan taking action against Hafiz Saeed. But Prime Minister and his colleagues have given solid evidence against Lashker-e-Toiba, which was responsible for Mumbai attacks.”
PCC chief further said “the Pakistan civil society wants to have good relations with India. They have given a big list of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) demanding cross country mobile service, flights, exchanges of film personalities and writers and want Visa system to be eased.”
Earlier launching Congress campaign ahead of civic bodies polls here today Prof Soz said Pakistani people want strengthening of relations with India. They have realized that terrorism was posing great threat to that country. The strengthening of CBMs would further normalize the relations between the two neighbours, he added.
Referring to forthcoming Urban Local Bodies polls, Soz asked the party workers to gear up their activities in their respective areas. He said that Congress believes in fully strengthening of the basic democratic institutions of Panchayats and urban bodies in the spirit of 73rd and 74th amendment of the constitution. He said party favours reasonable honorarium to Panches and Sarpanches. He also referred to the demands of the daily wagers raised by INTUC in the rally.
Madan Lal Sharma (MP), Revenue Minister Raman Bhalla, ministers Peerzada, Sham Lal, senior PCC leader Dharam Pal. MLA Indu Pawar, MLC Ravinder Sharma, B A Magray- MLC, Kuldip Verma, Mula Ram, Kanta Bhan, Gurmukh Singh. Hari Singh, Prem Sagar, Manjit Singh, BA Naz, Shiv Kumar, A G Kohli, Ashwani Puri, Shivdev Singh, C L Bhat, Rashid Choudhary, Manmohan Singh and Parnav Sagotra were also present.
J&K Bank organizes Jashne Aamad-e-Bahaar
Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Apr 8: All the roads in the old Srinagar today led to historical Badamvaer where Jashne Aamad-e-Bahaar, organised by J&K Bank, appeared to herald publicly the arrival of spring in Kashmir.
Hundreds of families relished the precious moments of leisure under the shifting shades of almond trees across the park. Thousands thronged the park, young celebrated, kids had fun and elders turned nostalgic while ruminating over the past.
Festooned with the purple and white blossom across its panoramic landscape, the buzz of gleeful kids breathed verve into the sleepy soul of the park.
The hustle of the event radiated across the Srinagar and later in the afternoon people began to turn up from almost all its corners and beyond. Scores of tourists from outside the state could be spotted striking poses before the fountains, flower beds and almond trees in the afternoon.
Notably, J&K Bank has revived and restored the glory of Badamvaer under its Heritage Preservation Programme.
In the morning, Chairman and CEO J&K Bank Mushtaq Ahmad inaugurated the event by unveiling the black-stone, titled ‘Badamvaer in History’, upon which a brief historical overview of the park in English as well as Urdu has been inscribed. Present on the occasion were Executive Presidents,Tafazal Hussain, Ghulam Mohiuddin and Parvez Ahmad, Presidents, Meera Jamwal, Shafat Banday, Vagish Chander, Abdul Rashid, Nayeemullah, Mohammad Syed Wani, R. K. and S K BhatVice-Presidents and other officials of the Bank.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman said, “Places like Badamvaer rejuvenate our cultural and spiritual collective and this initiative is one of the expressions of our commitment towards the cultural and emotional health of the people of this state. We have tried our best to restore its traditional and cultural essence using quite modern means in the process as well.
“People have their deeper emotional equity invested in J&K Bank and we will leave no stone unturned to come up to their expectations, always”, he added.
The Chairman also unveiled a poem-in-stone titled Badamvaer that noted poet and humorist, Zareef and Zareef, has dedicated to the place evoking the cultural past of people vividly besides hailing the role of J&K Bank in its rejuvenation. Zareef recited the poem and talked in detail about the popular history of the place. The attraction of the event was the amphi-theater that resounded with the musical performances followed by thunderous applauses by the renowned Kashmiri singers like Abdul Rashid Hafiz, Mohammad Abdullah Shaksaaz and Gulzar Ahmad Ganie. Chinar Boys Orchestra, a musical band performed some popular Kashmiri songs to the delight of jam-packed audience of men, women and children that ran into hundreds.
Besides the music, boys and girls from Greenland Educational Institute (Hawal), Tibetian Public School (Hawal) and Sane Kids Secondary School (Gojwara) presented few cultural programmes on the stage.
Shortly after the cultural programmes, Chairman J&K Bank announced a donation of 5 computer systems each for the three participating schools.
DAC members’ 2-day visit concludes
Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 8: Two day visit of Delhi Advertising Club (DAC) members to the City of Temples concluded this afternoon.
Fifty senior members of the Club arrived here yesterday morning on the invitation of Editor-in-Chief of Daily Excelsior, S D Rohmetra and left for Union Capital this afternoon. Before their departure, the DAC members had a lunch hosted by Minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigjin Jora.
Several officers of the Tourism Department including Director, R S Mehta attended the lunch. On the occasion, a detailed presentation was made by the Tourism Department about the scenic beauty of the State. The presentation was widely appreciated by the media fraternity.
Earlier, in an impressive function held at Hotel Asia, the members of the DAC had an interaction with the management of Daily Excelsior on various aspects of advertising. On the occasion, mementos were also present to the members of the Club on behalf of the management of Daily Excelsior.
In recognition to their services in the field of advertising, some senior members of the Club including its president, R C Tanwar were given Excellent Award by the management of Daily Excelsior.
The delegates of the DAC who were on two day visit to City of Temples included Mukesh Gupta, Managing Director Graphisads Advertising, Anil Sharma, Past President DAC and Managing Director, Interads Advertising, Narinder Sharma, Past President DAC and Managing Director, Critique Communication, R C Tanwar, DAC president and Director Advertising, Aj Hindi Daily, Manmohan Gupta, Joint Secretary DAC and General Manager, Punyanagari, K K Malhotra, Hony Treasurer DAC and Managing Director K’s Advertising, Ashok Sharma, Member of Event Management Committee DAC and Regional Director, Rashtradoot Hindi Daily, Dinesh K Srivastava, Board Member DAC and Senior Consultant Sales and Marketing, Pearls News Network, J P Singh, Board Member DAC and Director Charhdikala Publications (P) Ltd, Kailash Arora, Board Member DAC and Regional Head, Tarun Bharat-Goa, Ashok Sharma, Chief (PR), Indian Airlines, Harpreet Singh, Director Sri Guru Harkishan College of Management and Technology, Paramjit Singh, Assistant Director (Publicity), M/o Textile, Amitabh Gupta, Managing Director, Airads Limited, Chander Mohan, Managing Director, Jupiter Advertising, Naresh Sachdeva, Managing Director Niyati Communications, Narinder Khanna, Proprietor Enkay Advertising and Marketing, R K Chopra, Managing Director, The Group Advertising, Rahul Srivastava, Managing Director MARCOM, Sandeep Sen, Director National Advertising, Arun Soni, Senior Director Buying and Operations, MPG India, Ajay Sharma, Media Director Dentsu Media, Ayyappan/ OPS Group Head, Madison Communication, C S Paul, Vice President Marketing, Paul Media Promoters, Devender Sharma, Marketing Head Niyati Communication, K K Padmanabhan, Investment Director, Group M/ Maxus, K Rajendran, Media Director, Lodestar Universal, Nitin Dhingra, Media Manager, Zenith Optimedia, Parmod Kumar, Assistant Vice-President, Zenith Optimedia, P P Grover, General Manager, Aj Hindi Daily, Rajinder Sharma, Media Director, Jupiter Publicity Company, Rattan Sharma, Senior Media Manager, Madison Communication, Ravi Shorey, Promo Producer/ Live India, Rohit Gora, Associate Media Director, Zenith Optimedia, Raj Kumar Raheja, Manager Madison Communication, S B Goel, Director Media, National Publicity, Sriram Gopal, Director Alaknanda Advertising, Surinder Malhotra, Group Head Implementation, Group M/Mediacom, Surinder Rana, Vice-President, Graphisads (P) Limited, Umesh Bhardwaj, General Manager, K’s Advertising and Marketing, H S Paul, Board Member, Convener Event Management Committee DAC and Advertisement Chief, Delhi, NCR , Daily Excelsior, Rajinder, Assistant Manager, Aj Hindi Daily, Tarun and Pankaj.
People protest against negligent death, 3 member committee constituted
Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 8: People today held a protest demonstration at Bakshi Nagar area of the winter capital, after a person died in the Government Medical College and Hospital here this morning, due to alleged negligence by the doctor.
An irate mob along with the death body of the deceased persons today disrupted the vehicular movement for couple of hours, outside the main gate of Government Medical College and hospital (GMCH), Bakshi Nagar, alleging negligence resulting into the death of a 45 years old patient.
Raising slogans against health authorities and management of hospital, the relatives and the people blocked the Bakshi Nagar road for couple of hours leading to traffic chaos.
Relatives of the deceased and locals alleged that 45 years old patient Mohan Lal, resident of Panjtirthi was admitted to Hospital after he was suffering from thyroid but doctors didn’t provide him timely help resulting into his death.
They said that Mohan Lal was admitted to GMCH fifteen days back as he was suffering from thyroid and due to medical negligence of the doctor, he died this morning.
They alleged that there is no proper facility in the hospital and no senior staff is available in the hospital. Junior doctors and the medical students were diagnosing the patients in this big hospital, they added.
“Doctors from the past fifteen days kept them on run to conduct tests including CT Scan, MRI, Blood test, etc and all these test were reported positive. But there was no improvement in the condition of the patients as the doctors failed to know the exact problem for what they had to treat the patient”, they added.
“The patient was suffering from thyroid and during the course of treatment, was inflicted with Jaundice, which the doctor could not diagnose, leading to his death. They demanded judicial probe into the matter, so that the doctors behind the negligence death could be punished.
Later police officials from Bakshi Nagar Police Station headed by SHO Sameer Jeelani rushed to the spot and pacified the protestors assuring them to take the matter with concerned higher authorities.
Meanwhile, Government Medical College authorities has constituted three member committee to look into the allegations leveled by the attendants of one Mohan Lal who expired today for not ensuring proper treatment to the patient.
Taking prompt action on hue and cry and serious allegations of improper treatment to the deceased Mohan Lal in the hospital, Principal of GMC Dr Aniece Choudhary has asked the committee to submit the factual report within two weeks for appropriate action against the defaulters under norms.
The committee comprises of Dr Ghanshyam Dev, Prof and HOD Radiology, Dr JP Singh, Prof Medicine and Dr Sandhya Arora, Lecturer Forensic Medicine.
‘Radical steps taken by Omar Govt to check corruption’ PDP saboteurs of peace: Rana
Excelsior Correspondent

Surinsar, Apr 8: The Political Advisor to the Chief Minister Devender Singh Rana said that PDP and its leadership are the saboteurs of peace for petty political gains unmindful of the ramification of their deeds.
He said it is sad that in a state like Jammu and Kashmir where political parties must rise above politics and work together for the peace and stability PDP has always indulged in political gimmickry for personal political ends sacrificing the interest of the state and its people.
Rana who was addressing a public meeting at Surinsar in Nagrota assembly constituency , said that 1984-the murder of democracy, 1989-the sending of Jagmohan as Governor, the bloodshed and destruction between 1990 to 1996 and 2008 the Amarnath row are stigmas on the political scape of Jammu and Kashmir which have all been orchestrated by the PDP leadership in one way or the other leading to destabilization of peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said corruption is a menace which has to be fought and Omar Abdullah led Coalition Government has taken radical steps to create functional autonomous institutional mechanism to check that menace rather than mere sloganeering.
“PDP leadership is in a habit of leveling unsubstantiated, unfounded, vague charges of corruption in the last four years against the present Government which is a sad commentary on their mind set. If it (PDP) has any substantial proof they must approach the autonomous institutions setup by the present Government and prove their charges rather than just giving vent to their frustration by mere hollow sloganeering and leveling motivated charges, he said.
The Political Advisor said that the Omar Abdullah led Coalition Government has unleashed an era of unparallel and unprecedented development and has taken some important steps to tackle the issue of unemployment as also to address the issue of unauthorized, fake, adhoc and daily wagers appointments done by the PDP led Government between 2002 to 2005.
Rana said the young men and women who are on the streets clamouring for justice today are the outcrop of plethora of fake/ unlawful appointments done between 2002 to 2005 by the PDP Government to hoodwink the gullible youth of the state. He said, the present Government has taken upon itself the challenge to resolve their issues and not let them suffer because of the wrong doings of the PDP Government and so despite financial constraints is trying to find via-media to dispense justice to them.
Speaking on the occasion, National Conference Provincial President, Rattan Lal Gupta asked the party rank and file and the National Conference delegates to strengthen the party at grass roots and play active role in development process.
He said during the last three year of the Coalition Government under the leadership of Omar Abdullah has kick started many developmental projects and laid out many developmental plans to be carried out in the next coming years. He called upon the people to come forward and join hands together in the State Government’s endeavor under the leadership of Omar Abdullah.
Among others who were present on the occasion included Rameshwar Dutt, Block President National Conference Block Dansal, Haji Mohammad Hussain,ex-MLC, Sarpanches Subash Singh, Girdhari Lal, Balwant Singh, Din Mohammad, Kirpal Singh, Bharat Singh, Joginder Lal, Mohan Lal and Gian Chand, Ch. Haroon Rashid, Som Nath Khajuria, Ch. Zaqir, Krishan Chand, Balwan Singh, Kuldeep Raj, Babu Khan, Girdhari Lal, Fareed Chowdhary, Ch. Sadiq, Hand Raj and others.
Fake PRC racket busted, 2 held
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 8: Police today unearthed a major racket engaged in making fake Permanent Resident Certificates (PRCs) with the arrest of two accused including a retired Revenue official and an ex-serviceman while a serving Irrigation Department Patwari was absconding.
Twenty nine fake PRC, seven files for making State Subjects, 16 blank forms and some other material has been recovered from the possession of accused. Police have reports many more fake PRCs had been made by the accused, which would be recovered during the ongoing investigations.
Addressing a press conference at Bishnah police station, SP Headquarters Shailender Singh along with SDPO RS Pura SS Samyal and SHO Bishnah Jai Pal Sharma said Himmat Singh son of Lakshman Singh R/o village Ratnal, Bishnah, a retired Girdawar was arrested on a specific information that he along with other accused was engaged in making illegal PRCs using fake stamps and other documents of the Revenue officers.
Himmat Singh had 30 years of service in Bishnah area including 15 years in one Patwar of Rial. He had started illegal business of making fake PRCs during his service tenure and continued with it even after retirement.
Police recovered two fake PRCs from his possession. He was subjected to interrogation during which he disclosed identity of his accomplices including Dev Raj son of Sanji Ram R/o Bishnah and Romesh Lal son of Hans Raj R/o Chak Majra, Bishnah.
While Dev Raj was an ex-serviceman and ex-Councillor of Bishnah Municipality, Romesh Lal was serving as Patwari in Irrrigation Department.
Police arrested Dev Raj and recovered 27 fake PRCs from his possession, seven files for making fake PRCs and 16 blank forms.
Police conducted raids for Romesh Lal but he had gone underground. Police said some more fake PRCs besides stamps and other material used for making fake State Subjects were lying with Romesh Lal for whom police have launched a manhunt.
Some more accused including Government officials were involved in making fake PRCs, sources said, adding that Himmat Singh and Dev Raj were being questioned to identify and apprehend them.
The accused had been charging Rs 3000 to Rs 5000 per person for making fake State Subject.
Police said most of the fake State Subjects had been issued to natives of Bishnah and surrounding areas.
A case against the accused has been registered at Bishnah police station under Sections 420, 467, 468 and 471 RPC for further investigations, which have been assigned to SHO Bishnah Jai Pal Sharma.
Coordination Committee meets today
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 8: The Coordination Committee meeting of both the Coalition partners – Congress and National Conference, in the State Government is going to be held here tomorrow.
Official sources said that meeting is likely to take place at State Guest House, Canal Road here at around 5 pm on Monday. Besides Coordination Committee chairman, Prof Saifuddin Soz (PCC chief), Dy Chief Minister Tara Chand and senior vice president of PCC Pt Mangat Ram Sharma (Ex-DyCM) would attend the meeting from Congress side.
Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ali Mohammed Sagar and former minister and senior NC leader Ch Mohd Ramzan are likely to participate from the National Conference side. Both the coalition partners are likely to discuss certain pending issues which may also include Urban Local Bodies elections.
PCC chief Prof Saifuddin Soz when contacted said that tomorrow’s Coordination Committee meet will be part of regular affair between both the Coalition partners. Several issues can be discussed during the meet tomorrow. Commenting on the agenda, he said it is not circulated earlier, the agenda in fact, would be discussed then and there.