Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 9: Senior Panthers Party leader and MLA Ramnagar has expressed serious concern over the growing unrest amongst the SPOs and the Home Guards of the State working in Police department and the protest demonstrations being held by them at various places in support of their demands.
While urging upon the Government to fulfill their legitimate demands, Mr Singh insisted for formulation of a definite policy for regularization of their services in conformity with the policy framed for regularization of other categories of ad hoc, temporary and contractual employees in various other government departments. He said that SPOs are performing a very significant role in security operations and maintaining law and order in the State but are being disregarded and ignored by the respective Governments. Mr Singh said a stipulated time frame is required for conversion of SPOs as Police Constables. He demanded fixation of specific number of seats in police recruitment for SPOs and enhancement in their honorarium besides extension of the benefits of SRO 43 to them.
Ther NPP leader further expressed concern over the plight of agitating Home Guards and the Government apathy towards their issues. He urged upon the Government to address their genuine issues and take immediate measures for fulfilling their long pending demands as assured repeatedly by it. He demanded due remuneration to Home Guards on the analogy of their counterparts in Punjab, Harayana, Andhra Pradesh and other states. He said Home Guards of AP are getting Rs 4500 per month plus allowances, in Punjab Rs 11,500 pm whereas, in J&K they are given just Rs 545 per month which is most glaring example of Hume Rights violation.
Provide justice to SPOs, Home Guards: Harsh
Gupta seeks intervention of EC
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 9: The former Union Minister and MLA Jammu West Assembly Segment, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, has impressed upon the Election Commission of India and all other concerned to have an extensive study of the electoral rolls in J&K to ensure fair delimitation of the constituencies and that of corporation wards.
In a statement issued here today, Prof Gupta said it was a sad history that certain elements had been playing foul with the electoral process making a mockery of the democracy. This approach had led to many problems in this part of the country. But it was unfortunate that even after the extension of the jurisdiction of the Election Commission of India, such elements did not relent, he added.
Prof Gupta said it was intriguing that prior to 2008 Assembly elections, Jammu region was having more electorates than those of Kashmir Valley. In 2002 Assembly elections the Jammu region was having more electorate than Kashmir Valley and in the history of electoral process these elections were recognized everywhere as “most fair’’.
In the wake of these elections, Prof Gupta said it was for the first time that the Government of the State was changed through elections. He further said that during the past 4/5 years large number of electorate of Jammu region have been mysteriously deleted to change the regional balances. Not only this, even in the preparation of electoral rolls for civic elections, a foul play is evident itself, he added.
He said in certain wards large number of voters have not been registered and on the contrary in many wards especially in the city of Srinagar the number of electorate have almost been doubled whereas in some other wards there have been no change. In this regard, he pointed out that in Srinagar city an increase of over 1.55 lakh voters has been registered in 68 wards where as in Jammu city this increase in 71 wards is just about 17,000, he added.
Plus 2 Lecturers’ Forum organizes ‘Annual Lecturers’ Day’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 9: All J&K Plus 2 Lecturers’ Forum organized “Annual Lecturers’ Day” with fervor and enthusiasm at Auditorium of IIIM (Regional Research Laboratory), Canal Road, where hundreds of delegates participated from all the three region of the State along with galaxy of Intellectuals, educationists and scholars.
The speakers from different parts of the State expressed their views on the importance of the Day and discussed at length the functioning of the Department in School Education with special focus on the role of Plus 2 Cadre in the development of Education in the State.
The House also passed a number of resolutions which included Academic areas, Re-organisation of the department, functioning of Board of School Education, Infrastructural Facilities, residential accommodation, revival of 40 percent inservice quota in the colleges, rational transfer policy, benefit of incentives for Higher Qualifications and many others.
NS Jamwal, State president of the Forum said that the Day provides an opportunity to exhibit a show of strength, unity, determination, self introspection, accountability and above all to review the overall scenario in the field of education.
Dr Manzoor Ahmed, president Kashmir province while speaking elaborated the efforts of Forum for maintaining an exemplary coordination throughout the State which has forced the authorities to listen to the voice of community and also act on the suggestive proposals for the betterment in the field of Education.
The dignitaries who spoke were Sham Lal Sharma , Madan Lal MP, Mangat Ram Sharma , Ex-Dy Chief Minister, Balwant Singh Mankotia MLA, Mushtaq Bukari Vice Chairman, Phari Development Board, Harsh Dev Singh, RA Inquallabi Additional Secretary School Education Department, GA Qureshi, Director School Education, HD Qureshi, Former President, Gurcharan Singh, former general secretary besides large number of officers of the Department.
The proceedings of the function were conducted by Tarsem Singh, general secretary and Dr Gopi Puri, whereas Charan Dass, vice president presented the vote of thanks.
Prisons staff demands ‘Hardship Allowance’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 9: All J&K Prisons Staff today said that though they are performing their duties 24 hours round the clock, yet they have been deprived of the benefits of ‘Hardship Allowance’ as per the Government order NO: Home-1162(P) of 2010 dated 16-9-2010.
They pointed out that the Government had sanctioned ‘Hardship Allowance’ in favour of All J&K Police Personnel vide Government order No: Home- 1162(P) of 2010 dated 16-9-2010, which was immediately implemented and all the J&K Police Personnel were availing the benefits of the same with effect from January 1, 2010, but the benefit of the said allowance was not given to Jail Staff.
They have stated that they approached the then IG Prisons and he had assured that the needful would be done forthwith. He then communicated with the Government Home Department vide letter No: Esst/210/4650 dated September 24, 2010, with the request for the extending of said allowance in their (Jail Staff) favour and Government was informed about the grievances of the prisons staff.
The Deputy IG Prisons requested the Government for the grant of ‘Hardship Allowance’ in favour of the J&K Prisons Staff at an earliest, but till date nothing has been done so far.
Besides during ‘J&K Prisons Meet’, held at Central Jail, Kot Bhalwal in January 2012, the issue was again raised up by the DG of Police (Prisons) before the Deputy Chief Minister and the Principal Secretary to Government Home Department and they had also assured us that the benefits under the said order will be given to them at an earliest.
“CPI-M leader and MLA, M Y Tarigami, also put up the question in this regard in the Legislative Assembly and requested the Government to provide the benefit of the Order to Jail Staff, but all in vain”, said a representative of Jail Staff.
They have requested the concerned authorities once again to give necessary sanction in their favour as they are also a part of the Police Department.
CS interacts with KAS officers
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.
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.