Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Apr 15: Over 1.40 lakh visitors including men, women and children of all faiths witnessed 3-day Historic Devika Baisakhi Mela which concluded here last evening.
The mela is celebrated at the bank of sacred Devika rivulet from the time immemorial which is having a number of temples of different deities including famous and ancient Kamehswar Mahadev and temples of Ganga, Hanumana, Rama-Laxmana and Radha-Krishna on both sides of Devika. The visitors in addition to enjoying festivities of the mela, offered prayers in these temples to seek the blessings of Lord Mahadev and other deities.
Like previous year, the district administration had made adequate arrangements of barricading, security, sanitation, first-aid, drinking water and power supply during the mela.
Three-day Baisakhi Mela, which attracted thousands of people of all faith & beliefs, also an end at Naaz Khel Maidan in Billawar today.
Speaking on the came to occasion, Minister of State for Cooperatives, Finance & Planning, Dr Manohar Lal Sharma termed the Mela a successful event. He lauded the members of the organizing committee for their untiring efforts to make Mela a grand success.
Dr Sharma said such melas help in providing platform to the budding local talent to present their art. He added that Government is keen to organize such melas at different places to provide a stage to the local artist.
Baisakhi Melas conclude at Udhampur, Billawar
2nd phase of pulse polio campaign held
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 15: The second phase of pulse polio campaign was held across State aimed at reaching 17 lakh children.
The second phase of pulse polio campaign was inaugurated by Minister for Medical Education, Technical Education, Youth Services and Sports, RS Chib in presence of Ashok Khajuria, MLA, Jammu East and Chairman, Hospital Development Committee, SMGS Hospital, at Shri Maharaja Gulab Singh Hospital, Immunization Clinic in New Paediatric Block.
Speaking on the occasion, RS Chib, appealed the public to avail this opportunity of free polio drops being administered to their children below the age of 5 years, which is a step forward to eradicate the dreaded disease “Polio”. He said that more than 17 lacs children are going to be vaccinated across the State.
Among others present were Dr Rajinder Singh, Principal, Government Medical College, Dr Aniece Chowdhary, Head, Department of ENT, GMC, Dr Arvinder Sharma, Medical Superintendent, SMGS Hospital, Dr Rekha Harish, Prof and Head, Department of Paediatrics, GMC, Dr GS Saini, Associate Prof, Department of Paediatrics, GMC, Dr Dara Singh, Deputy Medical Superintendent, SMGS Hospital, faculty members and staff.
Minister of State for Health and Medical Education, Javed Ahmad Dar today started Pulse Polio Immunization campaign by administrating OPV drops to new born baby at Government hospital Gandhi Nagar.
Speaking on the occasion, Dar said that 25 lakh OPV doses are being administrated to an estimate population of more than 17 lakh children in the State. He said over 12000 booths have been setup for the purpose apart from 735 mobile teams moving house to house to ensure that no child will left un-attended.
In Kargil, pulse polio immunization programme 2nd round was held today, in which parents got their wards administered drops of polio vaccine.
Health Department Kargil has established 386 polio booths in the district and engaged 1544 workers and 76 supervisors for successful implementation of the national programme.
Dr Gurjeet Singh, Chief Medical Officer Kargil inaugurated the 2nd round of pulse polio immunization programme.
CMO Kargil Dr Gurjeet Singh while speaking said that, 85 per cent target of the whole district has been achieved till 3 pm toady and the house to house campaign will continue for next two days for 100 per cent coverage.
AJKLTF express concern over delaying tactics of Govt
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 15: All Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh Teachers Federation (AJKLTF) expressed concern over the delaying tactics adopted by the Government towards the demands of the teaching fraternity.
Addressing a press conference, Balwan Singh Jamwal, president of the Federation, said that inspite of repeated memorandums, Government has failed to promote the under graduate trained teachers working in the Education Department since 2004.
He said that headmasters and lecturers are still working in their own pay and grade inspite of Cabinet decision taken to regularize all the headmasters and lecturers working in their own pay and grade since 1998.
He added that the tentative seniority list of the headmaster which was published in the month of December, last year was still lying pending with the Directorate of School Education, where as on the other hand, hundreds of schools are working without teachers, masters and headmasters badly affecting the education of the students of the rural areas.
Jamwal further stated that due to lack of proper transfer policy the students of the rural areas are suffering due to the lack of subject teachers.
He appealed the concerned authorities to concede demands of the teaching community by promoting all trained under-graduate teachers in the selection grade, regularization of headmasters and lecturers, filling up of vacant posts of teachers, masters, headmasters and lecturers so that the education of the students may not suffer.
AJKLTF appealed the teaching community, employees of the State to observe Kaam Chhor Hartal on April 17, hold rallies and demonstration in their respective tehsils, blocks and district headquarters to ventilate their protest.
Among others present were Ram Kumar Sharma, chief spokesman of JCC, Manga Ram Sharma, Joginder Singh Manhas, Som Nath Banathia, Kewal Sharma, Inderjeet Gupta, Sudershan Sharma, etc.
Th Bhagat Ram no more
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 15: Thakur Master Bhagat Ram, a renowned teacher of Doda-Siraj area and a complete institution in himself, breathed his last at his native village ‘Ganika’ located on Doda-Dessa road at the age of 97 after a brief illness. He is survived by two sons and a daughter.
Born in a poor peasant family in 1915, Master Bhagat Ram did his primary schooling from Government Primary School, Doda, sixth from Government Middle School, Udhampur and later with the upgradation of Primary School to Middle School his seventh and eighth from Government MS, Doda and Matriculation from Government High School, Bhaderwah. He passed FA from the then University of Punjab. With poverty coming in his way, he could not continue his studies.
He was appointed as a teacher on 15th October 1935. His first appointment was in Government Primary School, Chinta (Bhaderwah) and worked in many other schools at Khalani, Trigam, Batote, Ramban and Udhampur. He served for a major part of his service spanning over 19 years in Government Higher Secondary School, Doda where he attained superannuation in 1970.
As a teacher, Master Bhagat Ram was known for its strict discipline and dedication besides high moral values. He was a model of simplicity and high thinking. The best teacher award was conferred on him by the then Governor Jammu and Kashmir Mr. Bhagwan Sahai, on the Republic Day in 1968.
Though he is gone, his plantation that he nurtured with so much care and commitment is blooming and flourishing in this vast area of Chenab valley.
Acknowledging his services, the citizens of Doda organised a function in 1997 to express their indebtedness to this great saint teacher who used to teach his students English, Math, Persian and Sanskrit with ease.
Bhalla dedicates Rs. 30 lakh CFC building to people
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 15: Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla on today dedicated Rs. 30 lakh Community Facility Centre (CFC) building including Rural Sanitary Complex to Bhour Camp people.
Director Rural Development Shafiq Ahmed Raina, Assistant Commissioner Development K K Sidha besides other senior officers of RDD, PHE and R&B accompanied the Minister.
Addressing a large gathering, Mr. Bhalla said that the CFC building would facilitate the people of Bhour Camp, Bhour Kothey and its adjoining areas in arranging their social as well as religious functions there on nominal fee.
The Minister said for the convenience of Upper Gaddigarh people, instructions have been issued to RDD to identify suitable place for construction of Community Facility Centre in the area. He said a multipurpose community hall is under progress on war-footing at Bhour Kullian at an estimated cost of Rs. 25 lakh, adding that the project would be completed by September this year with the facilities of kitchen, toilet and lawn.
Responding to the locals demand, Mr. Bhalla asked the PHE to prepare estimates for construction of one more deep drill tube well at Bhour Camp so that the people could get relief from drinking water scarcity.
Regarding upgradation of 14-km Karan Bagh-Chatha Mill approach road, he said Government has released Rs. 1.50 crore for this purpose for speedy completion of widening and blacktopping works adding that the projects are under execution and would be completed within prescribed time frame.
The Minister said Government has earmarked Rs. 2.20 crore for construction of 45 meter span trussed bridge over Landoi Choi nallah near to Flouriculture garden at Bhour Camp.
For construction of 3.5 meter long road including 12 box type culverts from Matador Stand to Cremation Ground at Bhour Camp, he said Government has earmarked Rs. 1.92 crore under NABARD RIDF-16 funding, the work on the projects are under progress on war-footing.
Earlier, Mr. Bhalla laid foundation stone of Panchayat Ghar at Bhour Camp, coming up at an estimated cost of Rs. 20 lakh.
Later, Mr. Bhalla visited Digiana Camp and Dashmesh Nagar in Gangyal and kick started modernisation work of local nallah, for which Government has earmarked Rs. 4 lakh.
Govt committed to equal development : Lone
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, APR 15: The Omar led Coalition Government is committed to equal development of all the three regions of the State.
was stated by the Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Mohammad Akbar Lone while addressing a public gathering in Ajas Bandipora today.
The Speaker said that the Government is making every effort to provide all the basic amenities to the people of Ajas in a phased manner. He further said that a hospital would soon be constructed in the area to cater to the health needs of the locals.
Mr. Lone asked the people to cooperate with his Government which has always worked for the upliftment of the downtrodden.
MLA, Gurez, Nazir Ahmad Gurezi and Senior Leader of National Conference, Ghulam Rasool Naaz also spoke on the occasion.
Empowerment of people Govt’s goal: Slathia
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 15:- Asserting that the Collation Government under the leadership of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah was keen to empower and make the administration accountable and responsive to the people’s aspirations, the Minister for Industries and Commerce, S. S. Slathia today said that PSG and RTI Acts are landmark initiatives in this regard.
Addressing public meetings at Teli-Basti, Bari Brahmna, Buchri, Platian, and Dollian village in Vijaypur constituency, Mr. Slathia said history of the State is testimony to the fact that such serious and practical initiatives have never been taken before by any Government for de-centralization of power and ensuring practical involvement of common masses in plan formulations at gross roots level.
He said each Panchayat of the State has been authorized by the Government to formulate its budget proposal up to a minimum of Rs. 1 crore from this year, adding that adequate allocations have been earmarked under MGNREGA for this purpose.
” Panchs and Sarpanchs now have to formulate development plan of their respective areas as per the basic requirement and needs without any interference”, said Mr. Slathia, adding that onus lies on the Panchayat bodies to serve the people to come up to their expectations. He said PSG guarantees delivery of notified Public Services in a time bound manner, adding that fourteen services of six important department including Power, CA&PD, PHE, Education, Revenue have been brought under the purview of the Act. He said delivery of passports and character antecedent reports by police are also being brought under the PSG to redress people’s grievances in this regard.
Mr. Slathia said providing all the required basic services to the people is the main agenda of the coalition Government and sought people’s cooperation to supplement Government efforts in this regard.
The Minister also inaugurated newly constructed lanes and drains at a Teli-Basti completed at a cost of Rs. 70 lakh and assured the people that all possibilities would be explored to get this private housing colony regularized. He asked the Naib-Tehsildar and Patwari concerned to remain present in village Buchri twice a week to attend the problems of the people, adding that black topping of roads in the village will be taken up shortly. He further assured the people of the village to arrange availability of cooking gas on regular basis besides play fields.
Mr. Slathia announced a new 63 KVA power transformer for village Platian. He also visited and addressed public meeting at Dollian village in Vijaypur constituency and interacted with the people to redress their grievance.
Woman knocked to death on NH
Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Apr 15: A middle-aged woman was knocked to death on Jammu-Pathankote National Highway near Hatli Morh here today.
A police spokesman said that a Scorpio vehicle bearing registration No. PB58C/1111 hit a woman when she was crossing road at Hatli Morh at around 11 am today. The people raised alarm but the driver escaped and then at some distance he abandoned the vehicle and escaped. The police party reached the spot and shifted the woman in serious condition to hospital where she was declared as dead. The police seized the vehicle and started manhunt for its driver. A case has been registered in this connection. Identity of the deceased could not be known till late this evening.
KPs take out procession to Raj Bhawan, demand constitution of Shrine Board
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 15: Demanding promulgation of an ordinance for constitution of a Board for management of Kashmiri Hindu Shrines and Temples in Valley, Kashmiri Pandits took out a procession from KP Sabha Ambphalla here to Raj Bhawan this afternoon.
Over 300 Pandits including men, women and children participated into the procession, which culminated into a protest demonstration outside Raj Bhawan. The procession was organized by Pt Prem Nath Bhat Mermorial Trust.
The procession was led by Dr K L Chowdhary and Dr K N Pandita. The protestors with banners and placards in hands were demanding constitution of Shrine Board immediately by promulgating an ordinance.
Raising slogans in support of their demands they accused the Government of hoodwinking the public opinion on the issue.
Earlier addressing the gathering of KPs Dr Choudhary and Dr Pandita said that Government should not further delay the constitution of the Board, which will act as a major CBM among the community.
They said the temples in Kashmir are not mere religious places but linked to thousands year old rich heritage and culture of Valley and their preservation is must for posterity. They said the sentiments of the Pandits all over the globe are attached to these shrines and temples and delay in constitution of the Shrine Board has led to a lot of resentment among the community.
Addressing the gathering Dr R L Bhat another scholar gave account of last one year’s struggle of Pt Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust, which has launched the crusade for passage of the Temples and Shrines Bill.
He said besides four major meetings, 40 corner meetings were held at different bastis by the Trust. Eight delegations of the Trust met ministers and political leaders of different parties seeking their support for passage of the Bill, he added.
Dr Bhat said the Trust launched a general awakening campaign in the community and also a seminar on the issue. He said despite the assurances given by ministers the Bill was not passed in the just concluded Budget Session of Assembly generating a lot of resentment among the community.
The KP leaders resolved to take the present struggle to its logical conclusion. H L Bhat a senior leader of the Trust warned the Government not to test the patience of the Pandits by delaying the constitution of Shrine Board and restore the land of all shrines and temples encroached during last 22 years of turmoil to them immediately.
‘Kunwari Chotti’ staged at Natrang’s Sunday theatre
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 15: ‘Kunwari Chotti’ a new play written by Balwant Gargi and directd by Neeraj Kant featured in Natrang’s Sunday Theatre Series this week.
The play opens at a small home of one ‘Chandi’, a young girl residing in a remote hilly village. Suddenly, a young man from city arrives there. He is on adventure tracking and wants to conquer the highest peak. As he is tired, he seeks a place for resting for a while. In his conversation with Chandi, he tells his plan to reach to the highest peak on which she warns him as there is a belief in the village that no one shall reach to the highest virgin peak as this will invite the wrath of ‘Lalji Devta’ and the whole area will be covered by snow.
The young man laughs at it and terms it as pure myth. By the time some ‘Bhairo’, Chandi’s lover comes there and young man hides. In her conversation with Bhairo, Chandi expresses her desire to go beyond the mountains and see the other side of the world and feel the life of city. She also asks that person to go and search her father as its been long that he had left the home. When he goes, the young man tells Chandi that he can take her where she wants to go. He will show her everything she wanted to see. He motivates her to go with him. She agrees to it as it was fulfilling her dream. After she leaves, her father and Bhairo come back home only to find that ‘Chandi has taken a leap towards city. They are afraid that she will be cursed by the wrath of the Mountain God, and suddenly a thunderous storm arrives to end the play in a mystery.
Sajra Qadir was successful in putting life in the character of ‘Chandi’, Balwinder Singh as ‘Tracker’ was also very impressive. Atin Tikka as ‘Bhairo’ and Ashwani Bali as ‘Baap’ also supported the play with their balanced acting. The Music was operated by Sachin Saini. Neeraj Kant operated the lights. The show was coordinated by Sumeet Sharma who also conducted the presentations.