Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 12: The employees and workers of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), are going to stage protest demonstration, followed by day long dharna in front of the office of Divisional Commissioner here on April 16.
In a meeting of the PSU workers held under the banner of All Public Sector Employees and Workers Federation here today, its chairman Joginder Pal, announced the protest program after discussion with the members.
President of the Federation, Amrik Singh Sasan while speaking on the occasion, appealed all the Public Sector employees to participate in the protest program in large numbers. He said that senior trade union leaders Ram Kumar Sharma, Mohd Gafoor Dar, Ganesh Khajuria, Balvinder Singh, Balwan Singh and others would address the gathering.
It was further resolved in the meeting to support the Kaam Chhor Hartal announced by JCC on April 17 in support of long pending demands of the Government and PSU workers. Their major demands included regularization of daily wagers/ contractual employees, enhancement of retirement age from 58 to 60 years, payment of 6th Pay Commission arrears, implementation of 6th Pay Commission report in all the PSUs and conversion of COLA into DA in the left over PSUs, Pensionery bebenfits to PSU workers, revival of PSUs by enhancing budgetary support and removal of grade anomalies of PSUs.
Prominent among others present in the meeting included Kuldeep Sharma, Darshan Singh, Jagdish Sharma, Oranjan Bakshi, Rajesh Khajuria, Omkar Sharma, Raman Gupta, Surjeet Singh, Ashok Kumar, Dev Raj, C L Raina, Pawan Sharma and Som Raj.
PSU workers to stage protest on April 16
Mufti cautions Govt against pushing people to wall
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 12 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammed today said while entire state was reeling under mis-governance, administrative anarchy , development freeze and corruption, certain areas like Anantnag had been pushed to a worse fate.
Interacting with members of civil society and party cadres in Islamabad, he said the historic town had been neglected completely on development front as part of political punishment.
He cautioned that given the continued apathy of the Government people of the area could be left with no choice but to take to streets to seek redressal of their problems. He advised the party cadres to mobilize the public opinion so as to press the Government for giving the area its due share in development process.
Mufti said all the major projects that had been started in the district by the previous Govt had almost been shelved. He said the district headquarters and the villages around were facing tremendous problems and there was no response from the Govt that could even marginally meet the challenge. He said roads in the area were in most dilapidated condition and the electric supply was marginal in most areas. The sanitation problems had multiplied manifold over the years and no new initiatives has been taken by the present Govt on urban development front.
Referring to the major initiatives taken in south Kashmir by previous Govt on human resource development and social sectors, Mufti said these had been completely reversed. The growth of south campus of Kashmir university has completely stopped and what ever had been achieved till 2008 even was in danger of degeneration. He said the auditorium and another hall in the Govt Degree College Anantnag that had been sanctioned by the previous Govt were still awaiting completion. Similarly work on the 300 bedded hospital was going on only at snails pace.
Mufti said people were facing immense difficulties in their daily travel on account of traffic congestion in Anantnag and adjacent areas. The traffic blockade at Panthachowk had become a chronic problem and in Anantnag the widening of roads and proposed construction of flyovers had made no headway.
Omar reaffirms holistic welfare of Gujjar, Bakerwals, other backward sections
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 12: Reviewing the progress of Sub-Plan at the 33rd meeting of State Advisory Board for the Development of Gujjar and Bakerwal here on Thursday, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah directed for finalizing the Sub-Plan along with the formulation of District Development Plans to ensure timely receipt of funds from the Centre Government.
The Chief Minister also directed the Planning and Development Department to earmark funds for the initiation of works under the Sub-Plan at the beginning of the fiscal to ensure launch of works well within the time limit.
“The amount thus earmarked can be subsequently appropriated and adjusted when the funds are received from the Centre Government”, he said and added that this action is required for timeline completion of schemes and to ensure benefits percolate to the people positively.
Omar Abdullah said that development of Gujjar and Bakerwal community along with other weaker sections of the society is the priority concern of the government. He said the schemes aided by the Centre Government in this regard need to be taken best advantage and funds utilized to obtain desired results.
The Chief Minister reviewed the action taken report on the decisions taken in the last Board meeting and impressed upon the Administrative Secretaries to regularly monitor the implementation of decisions on ground so that benefits reach to the people promptly.
At the outset, the Vice Chairman Gujjar and Bakerwal Advisory Board, B. A. Naaz pinpointed areas requiring focused attention of the government for addressing demands of Gujjar and Bakerwal community.
In a PowerPoint presentation, the Secretary Board, Abdul Lateef Puswal presented resume of the functioning of the Board and the progress achieved on various development schemes.
The meeting discussed matters relating to the construction of Gujjar Bhawan at Narwal, opening of PG Hostels in Jammu and Srinagar, creation of posts for newly created hostels, opening of new hostels, reservation of admission to Gujjar and Bakerwal students in private schools, opening of mobile medical centres, opening of additional mobile aid centres for livestock of migratory Gujjar and Bakerwal, insurance coverage of livestock and other matters pertaining to the welfare of the community.
Meanwhile, Mr Omar reaffirmed his Government’s determination to universalize equitable development and reach out to all areas in the comprehensive economic welfare process launched in the State.
The Chief Minister said that focus is on upliftment of weaker sections and people living in far-flung and backward pockets of the State. He said various Advisory Boards have been constituted to address the community specific issues and address these meaningfully.
The Chief Minister was chairing 2nd Board meeting of State Advisory Board for the welfare and Development of Other Backward Classes here today.
Reviewing the action taken on the decisions taken in OBC Board meeting, the Chief Minister directed for identifying land for the construction of OBC Hostel-cum-Bhawan at Srinagar. The land has already been identified under the directions of the Chief Minster at Jammu for this purpose.
The meeting discussed matters pertaining to creation of sub-clause for other backward classes, creation of staff for the Board, special vocational training to the youth belonging to OBC, providing of soft loans with subsidy to OBC, special recruitment drive for OBC youth in Police Department, organizing of annual exhibition of artisans from OBC and other related matters.
Speaking in the meeting, Vice Chairman, OBC, Kuldeep Raj Verma also identified areas where government action is needed for redressal of issues pertaining to the welfare of OBC.
The Secretary of OBC Board, Basharat Hussain explained the agenda items through a PowerPoint presentation.
Govt contemplating to constitute Chandi Mata Shrine Board: Jora
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU Apr 12: The Government is contemplating to constitute a Board to look after the affairs of Chandi Mata Yatra on the pattern of Shiv Khouri Shrine Board.
The Minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora today chaired a high level meeting convened to discuss the modalities for the proposed Board, here today.
Commissioner Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Atul Duloo, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Dr. Pawan Kotwal and District Development Commissioner, Kishtwar, M. H. Malik, were among others who attended the meeting.
The Minister asked the concerned authorities to formulate a proposal envisaging the structure and function of the proposed Yatra management body. He said the proposed Board would look after the affairs of the yatra, besides creating facilities for pilgrims and ensure proper management and utilisation of the resources donated by the yatries at the shrine.
The meeting was told that in order to create tourist infrastructure facilities in Chandi Mata shrine area, the Tourism Department has submitted a project report of Rs. 5 crore to the Centre for approval and funding.
It is pertinent to mention that the holy temple of Chandi Mata is located in far off Paddar area at village Machail. The temple has historical significance as it is said to be constructed during 10th century, with idols made of rare metal.
The Machail Yatra was first started in the year 1980 from Bhaderwah-Chinote with 25 yatries. Subsequently in the year 1985 a registered organization Sarva Shakti Sevak Sanstha organized regular Machail Yatra. Since then it has become an annual affair with due recognition of district and divisional administration.
Since the year 1985 the yatra has been attracting pilgrims from far-off places and 99326 numbers of yatries paid their obeisance during yatra-2011.
The Chandi Mata yatra starts in the month of August and the State Government is extending all possible facilities to the yatries during yatra period. This yatra has become one of the most important yatra in erstwhile Doda district especially in district Kishtwar. It was actually for a period of 10 days initially but over the years it is becoming month long affair.
HC dismisses petition challenging written exam of Law Officers
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 12: State High Court today dismissed a petition seeking quashment of notification and written examination of Law Officers.
The petition was filed by Yogeshwar Singh and others, who submitted that they applied for the posts of Public Law Officers/ Assistant Legal Remembrance as per the notification issued by PSC. In the screening test, the petitioners found 43 questions out of syllabus and despite issuance of legal notice for cancellation of the examination, the PSC conducted interviews.
With these submissions, the petitioners sought quashment of written examination and interview.
After hearing Senior Advocate S S Lehar assisted by Advocate Amit Gupta for the petitioners whereas AAG Gagan Basotra for the State and Advocate FA Natnoo for the Public Service Commission, Justice Mansoor Ahmed Mir observed, “the petitioners have not arrayed all those candidates, whose interviews were held in terms of the impugned notification, as party respondents in the writ petition”.
“The writ petition suffers from non-joinder of parties. Public Service Commission resisted the writ petition on the ground that Rule 12-A of the J&K Public Service Commission (Conduct of Examinations) Rules, 2005 provides self-contained mechanism for deletion of wrong questions and the manner how questions are to be evaluated”.
“Any candidate, if aggrieved, has to represent the Commission within 3 days from the date of examination and thereafter Commission has to make a decision. About 800 candidates sought consideration and after holding screening test in terms of Rule 40 of J&K Public Service Commission (Business and Procedure) Rules, 1980, only 612 candidates appeared and their result was declared on March 8, 2011 with 92 as cut-off-mark in the open merit category”, the High Court further observed.
“The petitioners have not invoked the remedy in terms of the rules and not questioned the same till the result was declared”, the High Court said.
Stating that petitioners have not carved out a space for interference, High Court dismissed the petition.
4200 intoxicant capsules seized in Doda; one held
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 12: Police today arrested a narcotics smuggler and recovered 4200 intoxicant capsules and some bottles of syrup from his possession in Bhaderwah town of Doda district.
Police identified the narcotics smuggler as Amjad Latief son of Abdul Latief, a resident of Thara Mohalla, Bhaderwah.
SSP Doda Arif Reshu said police parties captured the narcotics smuggler at a naka laid outside the degree college road at 3 pm.
From the possession of narcotics smugglers, police recovered 20 boxes containing 4200 intoxicant capsules and four bottled of syrup.
He had smuggled the consignment from outside the State for selling it in Bhaderwah and other parts of Doda district, Mr Reshu said.
A case against the accused has been registered vide FIR No. 33/2012 under Sections 8/21/22 NDPS Act in Bhaderwah police station.
Additional SP Bhaderwah PR Bhagat and SDPO Bhaderwah Jameel Ahmed Choudhary led police parties, which made the arrest, under the supervision of Mr Reshu.
Deputations call on CM
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 12 : Deputations of Karnah led by Legislator Kafil-ul-Rehman and those of Gujjars and Bakerwals led by Vice President National Conference A. R. Badana today called on Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah and discussed matters pertaining to the development of Karnah and welfare of Gujjar and Bakerwal community.
While expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister for his keen interest in the development of remote and rural areas and for equitable welfare of all sections of the society, Kafil-ul-Rehman and Badana pinpointed some areas needing focused attention in the development process to address the demands of the people. They also invited the Chief Minister to visit Karnah.
The Chief Minister gave patient hearing and said that holistic and equitable development of all areas and all sections of the society is the benchmark of his government’s development policy. He said the demands brought to his notice would be looked into positively for consideration.
Legislator Dr. Bashir Ahmad Veeri also called on Chief Minister, and discussed various issues relating to the development of various sectors in the State.
He discussed issues pertaining to the improvement and upgradation of functioning of SKIMS, creation of information backup system for State Legislators on the pattern of Parliament, development of agriculture, seismic mapping of State and conservation of bio-diversity.
He also brought to the notice of the Chief Minister various demands relating to Bijbehara. He requested for Khurpora and Wupzan water schemes, construction of Kirhama Dargah platform and suspension bridge. He also requested for PMGSY schemes in various areas, beautification of Bijbehara colony and model village for Veeri.
The Chief Minister gave him patient hearing and said that the demands and suggestions put forth by the Legislator would be looked into positively for consideration.
Fireman, JKAP cop killed; 7 hurt in accident
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.
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.