Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 16: National Conference (NC) has advised the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) to desist from hollow sloganeering and unwanted criticism and instead contribute in the development and prosperity of the State.
In a statement issued here today, spokesman of NC and MLA Sajad Ahmed Kichloo said, ” It was the NC workers and leaders who faced the burnt on the ground and sacrificed their lives and properties only for the cause of democracy, brotherhood, peace and development”, adding that the party has revived the hopes and trust of the people on the democratic institutions through good governance, transparency and accountability.
Advising the opposition parties to desist from the practice of ‘criticism for the sake of criticism’, Kichloo said that history is testimony of the fact that NC visualized, created, strengthened and upheld the democratic institutions in the State for the development and prosperity of the general masses.
He added that Chief Minister of the State, Omar Abdullah has established himself as people’s leader in a short span of time through his visionary qualities and people friendly initiatives.
Asserting that holding of Panchayat elections in the State after a period of over 33 years was re-writing the history afresh, Kichloo said that the process is first step towards the cherished desire of Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah to establish an effective Panchayat system in the State, adding that the party is working on the same lines provided by its late leader and is committed for strengthening of the democracy at grass root level.
“The present Government headed by Omar Abdullah is realizing the dream of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah who had the target of empowerment of common man of the State”, he said and added that the several initiatives including implementation of Right To Information (RTI) Act and Public Service Guarantee Act in a short span of time could have been taken by a visionary leader like Omar Abdullah.
Kichloo advises PDP to desist from hollow sloganeering
Sainik Welfare officials meet ex-servicemen
Excelsior Correspondent
REASI, Apr 16: Officials of Sainik Welfare department (Udhampur) met ex-servicemen from Reasi district and resolved on the spot several of their problems today.
On the directions of Director Sainik Welfare J&K, Brig R S Langeh, Zila Sainik Welfare Officer Udhampur, Lt Col Man Singh Jamwal and his team held a meeting with the ex-servicemen and war widows of the area here today. The prominent among them included Hony Capt Krishan Singh, C D Singh, Hav Sham Lal and Som Nath.
While speaking on the occasion, Lt Col Jamwal referred to several concessions and welfare schemes extended by the Central/ State Governments for the welfare of ex-servicemen and widows. He appraised the ex-servicemen and widows about the importance of joint notification for family pension and publication of Part-II orders. He informed about Prime Minister’s Scholarship scheme for the wards of ex-servicemen and widows. He also created awareness regarding daughter’s marriage grant, demise grant, ADLR Scheme, relief to Ex-J&K Militia personnel, who have discharged at their own request/ on medical grounds and to non-pensioners. He also stressed on them to become members of ECHS under which complete medical cover is provided to the pensioners as well as dependents.
Zila Sainik Welfare Officer assured the ex-servicemen and others to provide every possible help to them. Some on the spot issues like issuance of I-cards, medical cards, completion of DD-40 forms and relief to Ex-J&K Militia personnel were resolved during the meet.
PK asks AIKS to clear stand on return
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 16: Expressing his serious concern over the recent hobnobbing of certain individuals and some affiliates of All India Kashmiri Samaj with the separatist leaders like Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Omar Farooq in Srinagar over the issue of return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley, Panun Kashmir Convener Dr. Agnishekhar has warned such individuals and groups not to take the hapless Kashmiri Pandit community for granted.
Dr Agnishekhar said that these individuals have no mandate to enter into any negotiations with the separatists on behalf of the community so far as their permanent geo-political return to the Kashmir Valley is concerned. He asked these Individuals, to make public the jointly signed reported memorandum of understanding and the copy of which has been reportedly sent to New Delhi through one Delhi – based Civil- Society activist. The community has a right to know the persons who have put their signatures on this document.
Dr Agnishekhar also asked AIKS president Moti Kaul to clear his stand over this issue as AIKS affiliates and some individuals who met Hurriyat leaders have reportedly rejected homeland demand of Panun Kashmir and pleaded with Hurriat leaders for allowing them to have a Satellite twin city for Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley which has been recently proposed by AIKS.
Dr Agnishekhar said that the 23- year old KP struggle has entered a crucial phase where all -out efforts are being made at the behest of agencies and the powers that be to dilute the Homeland demand of Kasshmiri Pandits by towing the line of pro-establishment.
The community has no option but to reject out-rightly the vested interests within the community and remain watchful against all those who attempt to damage the larger community interests as a whole which has far reaching wider ramifications.
Bhalla visits residence of victim
PDD employee injured on duty
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 16: Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Raman Bhalla, accompanied with District Development Commissioner Sanjeev Verma, and Chief Engineer M&RE, Shahnaz Goni today visited the residence of the causal employee of Power Development Department Sham Lal son of late Prem Chand of Uttam Nagar in Kunjwani, who has become disabled due to electric shock, while performing his duty at Gangyal.
Mr. Bhalla extended his heartfelt sympathies with the family members and assured them that all possible help from Government would be provided to the victim. He said that free medical treatment would also be provided to the employee under J&K Medical Attendance rules.
Tourism Minister, PAG, others call on Governor
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 16: Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for Tourism and Culture, called on N. N. Vohra, Governor, at Raj Bhavan here today.
During their meeting, Mr. Jora briefed the Governor about the various initiatives being taken by the Tourism Department for the promotion of tourism in the State, including the projected schemes for developing a pilgrim tourism circuit in Jammu, a Sufi circuit in Kashmir Valley and a Buddhist circuit in Ladakh.
They also discussed the arrangements to be made for the ensuing Yatra to the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnathji, particularly those which relate to the Department of Tourism. Among other matters, the timely commissioning of the shelter sheds/toilets at the various identified locations along the Yatra routes, by the Tourism Department, and increasing their number, wherever required, also came up for discussion.
Venkatesh Mohan, Principal Accountant General, Jammu and Kashmir, also called on Mr Vohra.
During the meeting, the Principal Accountant General briefed the Governor about the Audit Report 2010-11 for the Jammu and Kashmir.
Referring to the crucial role of the CAG at the Centre and the Principal Accountants General in the States, the Governor stressed the urgent need for ensuring effective financial discipline in the functioning of the administrative apparatus to achieve the objectives of good governance.
Meanwhile, a deputation of the Pahari Speaking People called on Mr. Vohra, and presented to him their demands.
The main demand presented by the deputation led by Syed Mushtaq Ahmad Bukhari, Vice Chairman, State Advisory Board for Development of Pahari Speaking People, related to the grant of Scheduled Tribe status to the Pahari Speaking People.
The Governor gave a patient hearing to the deputationists and informed them about the discussions on this issue which he recently had with the concerned authorities at the Centre. He assured the delegation that he would be further pursuing this matter.
The deputation comprised Mirza Abdul Rashid, former Minister, and Kuldip Raj Gupta, Narinder Gupta, Principal Controller of Defence Accounts, Northern Command, also called on Mr Vohra.
The Governor wished Mr Gupta high success in his new assignment, which he has taken over recently.
Agri Technocrats begin fast unto death
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 16: Agriculture Technocrats today launched ‘fast unto death’ against the State Government’s negligent attitude for not making an amendment in the cabinet decision dated August 4, 2011, as they are on chain hunger strike for last 45 days.
President of the Association, Dr Surinder Radotra flayed the Government for not fulfilling their demands regarding the amendment of the cabinet decisions on the pattern of Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers. He accused the Government’s policy of formulating Rehba-e-Ziraat policy for them.
Radotra expressed grief over Government’s concern that from last 45 days they are on chain hunger strike but nobody from the ruling regime came to see the pathetic condition of the serving Rehbar-e-Ziraat, whom the Government had considered the backbone of the economy of the State.
Vice-president of the Association, Dr Yasir Tak reiterated the demands of the association, which included amendment of the cabinet decision dated August 4, 2011, a concrete policy of regularisation on the lines of ReT teachers that too batch-wise and seniority should be considered accordingly the year in which the technocrats had acquired their degree.
Govt will explore herbal potential: Sham
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 16: Minister for Health, Horticulture & Floriculture, Sham Lal Sharma today said that Government was committed to promote AYUSH sector at par with Allopathic.
Maintaining that Jammu and Kashmir has rich potential of herbal system, the Minister said that people will be encouraged to grow herbal cultivation in a big way to promote AYUSH. For this purpose, the Government has already constituted an Herbal Medicinal Board in the State. He said during the past some years it has been observed that people have been showing more interests in the traditional treatment and demand of ayurvedic/unani medicines has increased manifold. Keeping in view changing trends and to promote AYUSH treatment, the Government has been giving due attention to this sector, the Minister asserted.
Interacting with the media persons after inaugurating an Ayurvedic Clinic under the name and style “Dr. Aishwarya’s Ayurvedic Poly Clinic” at New Plot, near the State Motor Garages, here today, the Minister maintained that private sector has greater role to play in the healthcare and Government was committed to promote it to ensure better and affordable medicare to the people at their doorsteps.
He appreciated the gesture of the owner, Dr. Aishwarya Sawhney Gupta, for initiating her own venture instead of waiting for Government job. He said this will inspire others to go for setting up their own healthcare outlets and helping the Government in overcoming the employment problem. He asked the concerned to provide quality treatment to the people on affordable price.
The Clinic will have the facilities of treatments for Skin disorders, Vitiligo, psoriasis, Eczema, Hair fall, Pimples, Pigmentation, joint and bones diseases, Arthritis, Gout, Sciatica, Gastro intestinal disease, Diabetes, Chronic blood pressure, Jaundice, female diseases, Piles, Fistula, Kidney stones, Infertility treatment for couples, Prostate enlargement and others related problems.
Director NRHM, Dr. Yashpal Sharma, ADMO AYUSH, Dr. Kashmir Singh, Chief Medical Officer, Jammu Dr. Javed Chib and citizens of the area were present on the occasion.
Sagar takes stock of renovation of historical pilgrimage sites
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 16: In order to review the progress of the construction/renovation, preservation and restoration of the old glory of some historical pilgrimage sites and get completed them in the stipulated time, the Minister for Rural Development, Panchyati Raj, Parliamentary Affairs and Law, Ali Mohammad Sagar on Monday conducted a whirlwind tour of the Srinagar city.
The Minister was accompanied by District Development Commissioner Srinagar, Baseer Ahmed Khan, Commissioner, SMC, G.N. Qasba, General Manager, JKPCC and officers of Tourism Department.
While paying obeisance at Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jeelani Dastgeer Sahib (RH), the Minister directed the JKPCC General Manager and other concerned Engineers to expedite the construction works and complete the project as early as possible. He also asked the shopkeepers coming under the extension project to shift their structures immediately so that the further construction works may be started soon. He also had an interaction with the some locals and enquired about the compensation process. He assured them that their grievances would be redressed.
Mr Sagar also took stock of the on-going construction works while paying obeisance at Naqashband Sahib (RH).
On the occasion, he was informed that so far Rs 1.29 crore have been spent on the construction of the mosque adjacent the Ziarat Sharif and on the other on-going construction works under Extension project against the estimated cost of Rs.10 crore.
Later, Mr. Sagar visited Zaina Kadal and took feed back of the steps taken for the preservation /renovation of the centuries old Zaina Kadal and the tomb of great King of the Kashmir Hazarat Zain-ul-Aabdin Badshah. On the occasion he said the affected shopkeepers coming under the preservation project will be shifted to Vakil Manzel.
The Minister also paid obeisance at Bulbul Shah Ziarat Sharief (RH) and reviewed the pace of the progress of the various on-going construction works. He was informed that so far Rs. 1.90 crore against the estimated cost of Rs. 2.27 crores have been spent on the various works and it is expected that the project will be completed within two months.
Mr. Sagar also visited Gada Kocha of Bohri Kadal and interacted with the locals. He assured them that their genuine problems will be solved.
73 major tourism projects completed: Jora
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 16: After according status of industry to tourism trade in the state, the Central Government has sanctioned 147 tourism development projects worth Rs.428.19 crore for creation of tourist related infrastructure and development of tourism spots in Jammu and Kashmir during last ten years. Against the total allocations, the centre has released Rs. 236.38 crore, of which Rs. 218.61 crore have been expended till last financial year on the execution of various schemes, including 73 completed projects.
This was revealed at a high level meeting convened here today to review the physical and financial achievements of centrally sponsored tourism development projects, with the Tourism and Culture Minister, Nawang Rigzin Jora in the chair.
Commissioner Secretary Tourism and Culture, Atal Duloo, Director Tourism Kashmir, Farooq Ahmad Shah, Director Tourism Jammu, R.S. Mehta, Managing Director JKTDC, Satish Nehru, Managing Director, JKPCC, Chief Executive Officers of Development Authorities besides senior officers of Planning Department were among others who attended the meeting.
The meeting was told that so far the construction and development work under 73 tourism projects have been completed and utilization certificates for the amount of Rs. 209.48 crore have been received by Tourism Administrative secretariat, while UCs for Rs. 56.13 crore are pending with concerned executing agencies.
The Minister stressed upon the concerned authorities to submit pending utilization certificates of the outstanding amount incurred on the projects at the earliest. He said this was necessary to secure the release of balanced amount from the Centre. He instructed the concerned officers to redouble their efforts and accelerate pace on ongoing development projects for timely completion. He also called for building tourism infrastructure to match the aesthetic look of a particular area.
Mr. Jora also reviewed pace of progress on development of tourism villages. He exhorted upon the concerned officers to ensure timely completion of all Tourism Development Villages in the State.
The meeting was told that as many as 29 villages are being developed as tourist villages in the State. Of which 8 villages are developed in Jammu Division and 21 in Kashmir. It was also informed that till date the work on 16 villages have been completed, while as the development of tourism infrastructure in 13 villages was in progress and would be completed this fiscal.
The meeting also reviewed pace of progress on mega tourism projects of Nagar-Watlab and Trans-Himalayan Culture Centre Leh which are being developed at a total cost of Rs. 60.58 crore against which Rs. 11.70 crore have been released by the Centre. It was told that necessary tourism development works have been taken up on these projects and would be completed in the stipulated time frame.
Later, the Minister released a booklet ‘Pahalgam – Paradise Awaiting” – published by Pahalgam Development Authority envisaging the information about the tourist attractions spots at the world famous tourist resort.
Jammu Varsity postpones paper
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 16: Jammu University (JU) today postponed English B paper of Part I and now will be held on May 16. The venues and time for the examination will remain same.
As per the handout issued by varsity authorities, a number of complaints were received with regard to the contents of the question paper of English B of Part I. The complaints were with regard to the inclusion of grammar portion from Part 2nd syllabus in the question paper of Part 1st.
Consequent to the same, the examination was postponed and now will be held on May 16 besides authorities are enquiring into the circumstances which led to this situation and taking steps to prevent such mishaps in future.