Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 20: The seven rebel BJP MLAs who were disqualified by the Party High Command for cross voting episode last year said they continue in the Party and Prof Chaman Lal Gupta was still the leader of Legislative Party. However this was turned down by the party which held its Core Group meeting here today.
Talking to reporters here today the rebel BJP MLAs headed by former Union MoS. Prof Chaman Lal Gupta alleged that the cross voting episode was part of a design to weaken the nationalist voice of this State, more so, that of Jammu. But maintained that there is no change in their ideology and approach.
“As for as our status is concerned, the verdict of the Speaker is very clear that we continue to be the part and parcel ofthe BJP” and I am the leader of the Party in Assembly”, said Prof Gupta.
He said they firmly strand to the verdict of the electorates and would continue to strive for solution of the problems and removal of sufferings of the poorpeople as also those who are being discriminated against for various reasons by the Government.
“It is our firm belief that to bring to an end to the so-called Kashmir problem, all the barriers between this State and the rest of India should be demolished and there should be free flow of the Indian Constitution like other part of the country” said Prof Gupta.
He said the steps should be taken to bring the regional disparities to an end, which are the outcome of communal and regional bias of the men in power over the years. In this regard our stand had always been that there should be Regional Councils with statutory powers.
To remove the regional imbalances the first and the foremost step requires the proper delimitation of the Assembly Constituencies which have been denied by putting an embargo that there would be no delimitation till 2026, although there is no such bar in other parts of the country, said Prof Gupta. This embargo is also depriving the due political reservation to the Scheduled Tribes of the State, he added.
Alleging discrepancies in electoral rolls, he said they are not only faulty but also full of howlers and contradictions. Even the Photo Identity Cards issued by the Election Commission of India are loaded with mistakes and contradictions. The names of electorates written in English do not tally with those written in Urdu. All these needed a probe to identify the hands behind all this wrong.
There are numerous other problems, which need rectification and measures for their solutions. These also include those of the unemployed youth, refugees from West Pakistan, migrant from POK and displaced persons from within the State as also many other sections of the society.
However BJP national leader R P Singh who was here to attend the Party’s Core Group meeting said that BJP’s stand regarding the seven MLAs is clear and there is no shift in that. He denied that these MLAs are part of BJP saying had they been in Party they would have never said that “we continue to be in BJP”.
Others present in the press conference included Master Lal Chand, Jagdish Raj Sapolia, Durga Dass, Prof Garu Ram, Baldev Raj Sharma and Bharat Bhushan.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 20: One day Placement Preparation Workshop was organised by Office of Dean Students Placement and The Business School (TBS) in association with Randstad India Limited, Chennai for the MBA and MBA-IB students.
The workshop was conducted and facilitated by Nelson Victor Jacob an ‘Integrated Trainer’ with over 20 years of training experience to his credit. He runs Management Development Programmes for the corporate working at different management levels.
He specializes in American and British history, culture and communication. He is an Integrated Trainer handling English grammar, written and spoken English, Voice and Accent training, customer relations, soft skills, corporate communication.
The workshop was jointly During the workshop training was imparted in areas on: self development, resume writing, industry orientation, communication skills, with special focus on personal introduction and interview skills and group discussions.
Later, Nelson conducted mock interviews and also engaged students in self development activities to brush up their self-confidence and infuse assertiveness and develop a positive attitude.
Through the sessions, Nelson emphasised upon seeking effective communication through Voice and Accent training ,voice modulation, Grammar, and Spoken English. He trained students on resume writing and discussed various components of resume like objectives, paper presentations, additional qualification etc.
He highlighted the importance of team- building, professional strengths, competence and contributions, work- life balance activities, spirituality, which make people competent, compatible, responsible and accountable. In his closing session, he engaged students in open group discussion seeking extensive self introspection and feedback for holistic analysis.
Earlier, Dr Sameer Gupta Coordinator Placements at the Business school presented the welcome address whereas the concluding remarks were presented by Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Students Placement and Director, The Business School.
She expressed satisfaction over the placement and summer training initiatives undertaken at The Business School. Prof Rohmetra informed that majority of the MBA students at the Business school and a good number at the campuses have been placed with companies like HDFC Bank, ITC Limited, Waterhealth, Yes Bank, HDFC Life, ARCHELONS Consulting, Human Biosciences, Doetsehe Bank, J&K Bank, ICICI etc.

Declare film making as industry

Lalit Gupta

JAMMU, Apr 20: The regional cinema can only take roots in the State when filmmaking is declared as industry in J&K, and the State Government gives incentives to local film makers on the lines of policies followed by other states of the country, said Shabir Mujahid, Director Doordarshan Jammu.
He was speaking in the function held to launch the music CD of forthcoming Dogri film ‘Reet’, here today.
The gala function was presided over by Surjit Singh Slathia, Minister for Industries who praised the efforts of the entire team in making a film in Dogri. He said Dogri films can go a long way in re-connecting the younger generations with their roots and culture. He promised to talk to the Finance Minster for extending tax exemptions to the film.
Produced and directed by well-known actor and media personality Pankaj Khjauria, under the banner of Navrudra Productions, ‘Reet’ is totally an indigenously made film in which all the actors and technical crew hails from Jammu.
Speaking to Excelsior, Pankaj Khajuria, who is also the main lead of the film, said that ‘Reet’ is the story of love that is betrayed by customs.
He said that the Dogri film, which is getting final touches, would be released in June 2012, in Jammu. He hoped that the film packed with human emotions and by lilting music will be liked and appreciated by the audience and encourage him and others to making films in mother tongue Dogri.
The film ‘Reet’ which comes on the heels of films like Maa Ni Mildi’, ‘Lakeer’ and ‘Kuggi Maar Duari’, is being seen as a boost for the regional cinema and the miniscule local film industry popular by called as Jollywood.
The highlight of today’s function was showing of the promo of the film and live recital of the songs of ‘Reet’ by film’s playback singers like Suresh Chowhan and Surpal. On the occasion, film’s music director Arvind recited the song, which has been originally sung by Kamaal Hassan—of Bollywood fame for ‘Ishaq Mera Sufiana’.
The film ‘Reet’ has been written by Rajneesh Gupta, while other members of the team include cameraman, Rajesh Khajuria, editor (-) Taranjit Singh Saini, lyrics—Bishan Singh Dardi, Pankaj Khajuria, Rajneesh Gupta and Arvind, singers—Kamaal Khan, Lovely Chandra, Suresh Chowhan and Surpal, make-up Meenu Komal, art director Amarjeet Singh and production designer Akhil Gupta.
The members of the cast present on the occasion included female actor in lead role Riddhima Singh, R S Bali, Madan Rangeela, Janak Khajuria, J R Sagar, Santosh Sangra, Kusum Tikku, Shammi Malhotra, R K Bhat, Subhash Jamwal, Opinder Upadhyay, Harbans, Khabri Lal and Mohan Singh,
Other than the cast, and technical crew of the film, number of filmmakers, actors, media personalities and members of the civil society were also present in the function.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 20: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah on Friday reaffirmed his Government’s commitment for equitable development of all sections of the society and reaching out to downtrodden on development front with focused attention.
Speaking to a delegation of Guru Sant Kabir Sabha, which called on him to convey gratitude for declaring Sant Kabir’s Jayanti as holiday, Omar Abdullah said that justice to all has been underlined as the benchmark of the functioning of the Government.
He said that acceptance of the justified demands and taking right action to redress the grievances of people is important ingredient in the delivery of good-governance. He said that various measures aimed at ameliorating the lot of weaker sections of the society have already been initiated during the last three years which are showing visible impact on ground.
The Chief Minister said that the administration has been sensitized at all levels to focus on holistic development across the State. He said special schemes and development programmes are under implementation for the upliftment of backward areas and weaker sections of the society.
Omar Abdullah said that all round development of the State would continue to be carried forward with added endeavours and as a mission. He said upgradation and improvement of basic amenities is receiving priority attention of the government.
President of the Sabha, Faqir Chand Bhagat and its Chairman and former Minister, Mula Ram lauded the Chief Minister’s efforts aimed at comprehensive welfare of weaker sections of the society.
A deputation of Education Volunteers also met the Chief Minister and presented him a memorandum of demands relating to their regularization and issues.
A deputation of Education Volunteers also met the Chief Minister and presented him a memorandum of demands relating to their regularization and issues.
The Chief Minister gave patient hearing and said that the demand would be considered in its right perspective.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 20: In a PIL filed by National Federation of Blind, Division Bench of State High Court comprising Acting Chief Justice Virender Singh and Justice Hasnain Massodi today directed concerned departments of the State Government that posts available in categories of Persons with Disability (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act 1998 should be worked out and referred to Service Selection Board within a period of four weeks. The Service Selection Board was also directed to complete the entire exercise of filling-up the posts of the handicapped categories expeditiously, preferably within a period of three months.
After hearing Senior Advocate PS Dutta with Advocate Pranav Kohli for the PIL whereas AAG Gagan Basotra for the State, the Division Bench directed the Social Welfare Department to get wide publicity to the posts falling under handicapped categories vide Govt order dated December 28, 2011 within one month.
The DB further directed the respondents to place on record compliance report on or before the next date of hearing with an advance copy to Senior Advocate PS Dutta appearing for the PIL.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 20: Jammu and Kashmir postal circle will be organizing ‘India Post Gold coins festival’ from 21 April 2012 in connection with Akshaya Tritya festival. John Samuel, Chief Post Master General said that during the Gold coin festival, Post Office will be offering 6 % discount to the customers. This will make the purchase of Gold coins very attractive.
Mr Samuel said that Post offices at Gandhi Nagar, Jammu Tawi, Srinagar , Jawahar Nagar, Kathua and Udhampur are selling gold coins of 24 carat with 99.99 % purity in the denomination 0.5 g, 1 g, 5 g, 8 g, 10 g, 20 g and 50 g. The gold coins are manufactured by Valcambi from Switzerland and they are packed in a sealed cover with the certification from Valcambi, Switzerland. It has the benefits like internationally recognized certification, low risk of duplication, quality packaging, product standardization, numbering, and assayer certificate.
As a part of the Gold coin festival, Chief Post master General announced that Gold coin sales will be extended to Janipur and R S Pura Post offices immediately. Further, in connection with Akshaya Tritya festival, Gandhi Nagar and Jammu Tawi Post offices will be kept open for the sale of Gold coins from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on 23 April and 24 April.
Akshaya Tritya Festival is falling on 24th April this year. Buying Gold is an important aspect of the day. Taking this into account, the Department has decided to offer 6 % discount on the purchase of gold coins effecting from 21 April 2012. India Post commenced the sale of Gold Coins manufactured by Valacambi, Switzerland initially with few post offices across the country. Today, the Gold Coins are available through more than 800 post offices across the country.
Mr Samuel informed that Vaishno Devi Post Office has been made into Tourist Post Office and in this regard, a special cover was released by Suneeta Trivedi, Member Postal Services Board, Govt. of India at Katra. Post Shop has been established and items of utility like Flat Rate Boxes, Packaging Material, Pictorial Cards, Philately Items etc. are available for sale at Vaishno Devi tourist post office. Further, pilgrims visiting the Post Office can get their letters post marked with pictorial postmark of Vaishno Devi. These covers with cancellation are available at Vaishno Devi Bhawan Post Office and at Gandhi Nagar Philately Bureau for sale.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 20: In order to review the arrangements being made in connection with the Darbar move from Jammu to Srinagar, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary, Madhav Lal at Civil Secretariat here today.
Threadbare discussions were held on various issues for ensuring smooth conduct of darbar move.
It was decided in the meeting that Managing Director, SRTC would ensure adequate arrangements of transportation for carrying employees and record from Jammu to Srinagar on 28th and 29th April, 2012 and 05th and 06thMay, 2012.
It was decided that the Commissioner/Secretary H&ME will issue necessary instructions for arrangements of medical facilities for the move employees on the National Highway from Jammu to Srinagar from 28th April to 06th May 2012 at identified locations as per past practice. Besides, the Health Department will also arrange standby ambulances, which will accompany the convoy on the move days.
Deputy Commissioners, Jammu, Udhampur, Ramban, Kulgam, Anantnag, Srinagar will ensure that the National Highway is kept in a good condition during the move days so as to facilitate uninterrupted movement of traffic in coordination with BEACON, SAMPARK, NHAI.
The Power Development Department will ensure that there is no curtailment of electricity in the residential colonies of the move employees and the Civil Secretariat premises during Summer months at Srinagar.
Director, Estates will ensure that the cleanliness drive in residential colonies of employees at Srinagar and Civil Secretariat premises is carried out in collaboration with Srinagar Municipal Corporation.
The Advance parties being deployed by different departments will ensure that the offices are made fully functional well before the opening of offices. All records will also be properly arranged, besides, restoration of telephone networks and IT connectivity.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 20: A deputation of Non Gazetted Handloom Employees Association met Director Handloom Development Department today under the chairmanship of provincial president Mohammed Hanief Mir and apprised her of the long pending demands of the Non Gazetted Handloom employees.
As per a release, the deputation demanded filling up of vacant posts by convening DPC meeting, issuance of certificates/diplomas in favour of passout trainees as per ITI/NCVT programme, payment of two and half days salaries to class IV employees, provision of supporting staff to the assistant directors, creation of posts like junior assistants, senior assistants, section officers for district office and promotion of senior assistant as center incharge.