Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 10: Governor N. N. Vohra, today emphasized the crucial importance of ensuring education to the girl child and lauded the Women’s Welfare Trust, Srinagar, for taking bold initiatives decades ago for the promotion of women’s education in the Kashmir Valley.
The Governor, as chief guest, was addressing a fund raising function organized by the Women’s Welfare Trust, Srinagar at SKICC here last evening, with a view to raise resources for effectively reviving the two schools run by the Trust in Srinagar to impart education to the girls, particularly those belonging to the under-privileged sections of society.
Usha Vohra, First Lady, Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shabir Ahmad Khan, Minister of State for Power, Khemlata Wakhloo, Chairperson, State Social Welfare Board, Dr. Girija Dhar, President, Women’s Welfare Trust, Srinagar, Mehmooda Ali Shah, eminent pioneering educationist of the State, Vijay Dhar, intellectuals, writers, academicians, prominent citizens, functionaries and Members of the Women’s Welfare Trust and school children were present on the occasion.
The Governor observed that it is an important challenge for the Government to ensure that all children, particularly those belonging to the less-privileged segments of society, receive education. He called upon one and all to contribute towards supplementing the efforts made by the Government and social and voluntary organizations for securing this vital objective. He lauded the Women’s Welfare Trust for carrying put this noble task for the past more than eight decades and complimented Dr. Girija Dhar and her valued colleagues for their commitment towards the promotion of education of the girl child by reviving and running Vasanta Girls High School and Kashyapa Girls High School in Srinagar, both of which had been set up by the Trust. He assured Dr. Dhar of continuing strong support for carrying out activities of the Trust.
A dance presentation titled “Kashmir, Kashmiris and Kashmiriyat” was made on the occasion by Rama Vaidyanathan, a well known Bharatnatyam dancer. The three part dance presentation was based on Lal Ded’s mystical poetic verses and a selection of contemporary poetry on Kashmir by Meera Khanna, a writer and social activist. The presentation was choreographed by Rama Vaidyanathan herself, while the verses in English were narrated by Meera Khanna.
The Governor and the Lady Governor interacted with Rama Vaidyanathan and congratulated her for her superb dance performance. They also felicitated Vaidyanathan and all the accompanying artists by presenting them mementos on this occasion.
Education to all children challenge for Govt: Vohra
PYC to monitor Centre’s schemes: Shahnawaz
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 10: Newly elected Pradesh Youth Congress (PYC) president, Shahnawaz Choudhary today said the Congress cadre would monitor all Central Sponsored Schemes and programmes across the State as most of them were not being implemented properly.
Addressing a series of meetings under his ‘Jan Chetna Rally’ at Gatti Morh, Thuba, Chinta, Jai and various other places of Bhaderwah in Doda district, Shahnawaz said the Central Government has announced a number of Centrally Sponsored Schemes like MG-NREGA, Rajiv Gandhi Vidhyutikaran Yojana, National Rural Health Mission, Indira Awas Yojana etc.
“We have reports that these schemes were not being implemented properly by the Government. We will monitor these schemes. The PYC cadre would keep a surveillance on the scheme to ensure that their benefits reaches to the deserving and common man’’, he said.
At all the place, Choudhary meet various delegations and listened to their problems sympathetically. He said the problems would be taken up with the concerned agencies.
Several Youth Congress leaders accompanied Shahnawaz Choudhary in his tour of remote areas of Bhaderwah, the home town of Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad.
Addressing the meetings, Youth Congress leader Nadeem Sharief Niaz said that Youth Congress, Bhaderwah will fight against corruption and assured general public that all their issues would be addressed.
Others, who joined ‘Jan Chetna Rally’ were Ajaz Mher, Ajaz Choudhary, Fairoz Khan and Ajay Kumar.
Bhalla lays foundation stone of Revenue Complex
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 10: Asserting that every step was being taken to bring transparency and accountability in the public affairs, Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla today said the Government has embarked on a comprehensive modernisation plan under which the revenue records are being computerised, besides making information easily accessible to the public.
This was stated by the Minister while addressing a large gathering after laying foundation stone of Revenue Complex (Niabat) at Lower Gaddigarh, here today.
Divisional Commissioner, Pardeep Gupta, District Development Commissioner Sanjeev Verma, PRO Custodian Department Abdul Majid Wani, Executive Engineer R&B, D K Rampal besides others senior officers of Revenue, R&B, PHE accompanied the Minister.
Mr. Bhalla said that the complex would be dedicated to the people within 6-month, adding that for timely completion of the project, Government has earmarked Rs. 64 lakh under State Plan. He said after the completion of the building, the revenue related issue of the Lower Gaddigarh, Rani Talab, Bhour Camp, Chatha and its adjoining areas would be redressed at their doorsteps under one roof.
The Minister said the Government was endeavouring hard for creation of revenue infrastructure in every nook and corner of the State so that the revenue related issues of the people could be solved at their doorsteps offices. He said that computerization of revenue records is under speedy progress, adding that with the completion of this process the people would be able to get their records easily. He said the Government was keen to construct Revenue Complexes including Patwarkhanas, Naibiats and tehsil buildings, revenue record rooms, Numberdars’ and Chowkidars’ offices with all modern facilities on the available revenue land in every district of the State.
Regarding filling of Patwaris posts, the Minister said Government has already advertised 750 posts each for Jammu and Kashmir regions to meet the short fall.
Mr. Bhalla assured the people that all their genuine demands and development needs would be fulfilled in a phased manner, adding that there was no constraint of funds in providing adequate basic amenities to the people of all the three regions of the state.
Speaking on the occasion, Divisional Commissioner Pardeep Gupta said that the Government has introduced Public Service Guarantee Act (PSGA) in various departments including Revenue Department for redressing the issues of the people in a time bound manners. He said Revenue Department was committed to provide people-friendly and responsive administration to the people.
Regarding the issue of distribution of compensation among 1947, 1965 and 1971 refugees, he said Revenue Department has already disbursed Rs. 25 crore out of Rs. 49 crore package released by the Central Government. He called upon the left out beneficiaries to approach revenue officers to clear their cases.
The Minister also inspected construction work on PHC, Community Hall, Cremation Ground and Tehsildar Building at Lower Gaddigarh, to be completed at an estimated cost of Rs. 6.40 crore.
At Rohi Morh, Krayani Talab and Raika localities, Mr. Bhalla kick started modernisation and road widening works of link roads, to be completed at an estimated cost of Rs.69 lakh.
‘Kabab Mein Haddi’ staged in Natrang’s Sunday Theatre
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 10: Natrang’s Sunday Theatre witnessed the performance of a comedy play ‘Kabab Mein Haddi’, which is Hindustani adaptation of Balwant Gargi’s famous play. The play was directed by Neeraj Kant. The hilarious situations in the play made laughter irresistible for the audience.
‘Kabab Mein Haddi’ as the name suggests is a story of one intruder between two lovers. Naseem and Safdar are two college friends. Naseem is in love with Jameela. Both are post-graduate students studying in a University. Jameela is putting-up in the girls hostel whereas Naseem and Safdar are living in a rented accommodation.
Despite having engaged they hardly find any space and avenue to meet each other to share their feelings. Jameela’s hostel warden is very strict and hardly allows her to move out and this side, Naseem’s sticky friend Safdar hardly leaves him alone.
Both have been shown making attempts to meet each other but in vain. Mustering courage and pulling in all resources they plan their outing on Friendship Day. The movement they step-out, Safdar makes his un-wanted entry and offers them to escort them throughout their outing. Both try to convenience him that they can move on their own but this foolish friend is not ready to buy their arguments and forcefully accompanies them.
The real comedy unveils here when Safdar spoils their every precious moment by intruding between them by creating funny situations. His intrusions irritate them and the moment he sees that they are irritated, he tries to be closer to them with the intention to ease out tension and conflict between them.
Finally they get an opportunity to meet but the same is spoiled by their sincere friend. In fact Safdar sincerely wants to help both but his over whelming concern creates dramatic turns in the story. Wherever he is not required he will suddenly make his entry and would turn the whole situation.
The play was presented by the young actors of Natrang. Rahul Singh as ‘Naseem’, Rohit Verma as ‘Safdar’ and Tajasvi Sharma as ‘Jameela’ played their respective characters with brilliance. Mohit Sharma executed the lights. Atin Tikka rendered the music. The show was coordinated by Mohd. Yaseen and Sumeet Sharma did the presentations.
Search Committee framed for new Secy of BOSE
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 9: Government has constituted a search committee for the new Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir State Board of School Education.
The Committee comprises of Administrative Secretaries of School Education and Higher Education Departments and Directors of School Education, Kashmir and Jammu. The Committee will recommend the names for the post of Secretary of JKBOSE within a period of 21 days.
Presently, Dr M S Baloeria is the Secretary of the BOSE and his term has already been expired.
Employees bodies support JCC’s June 13-16 programme
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 10: Several employees bodies of Jammu have endorsed the protest/ strike programme of JCC leaders Qayoom Wani, Khursheed Alam and Gafoor Dar from June 13 to 16.
J&K ITI Employees United Front Jammu in a meeting held here today under the leadership of Nazir Ahmed, president, resolved to support JCC’s programme and issued appeal to the employees to observe Sectt Gherao and Kam Chor Hartal programmes. Nazir asked the employees to participate in Secretariat Gherao programme on June 15 in large number in Srinagar.
He pointed out that Government has failed to already agreed demands of the employees including release of 6th Pay Commission arrears, regularization of daily rated, ad hoc, consolidated and contractual workers, enhance retirement age from 58 to 60 years and remove pay anomalies.
J&K Social Forestry Employees Union, Jammu in a yet another meeting here today under the leadership of Raj Singh has decided to endorse JCC’s four -day protest/ strike programme.
J&K Excise & Sales Tax Employees Union leader Subash Badu in a meeting held here today also supported the Secretariat Gherao Programme of JCC on June 15 and appealed the employees of the department to take part in the programme in good number from June 13-16.
Meanwhile, J&K Sheep and Wool Workers Association, J&K Sports Council Employees Union and J&K Command Area Employees Union also decided to participate in the strike/ protest programme announced by JCC leaders Qayoom Wani and Gafoor Dar.
8 criminals arrested
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, June 10: In a major success, police has apprehended eight top criminals including those involved in the much publicized broad-day light murder of Virender Singh alias Vicky in December 2008.
Giving details, a police spokesman said that during a special driver launched to apprehend the most wanted criminals involved in the murder, rape, dacoity, robbery and other heinous crimes, Udhampur police apprehended eight top criminals from different areas. Five of them were involved in the murder of Virender Singh alias Vicky.
Those arrested for their involvement in Vicky murder case have been identified as Sushant Sharma, son of Hem Raj of Ward No 1 Subhash Nagar, Sumit Singh, son of Surinder Singh of Housing Colony, Udhampur, Sunil Kumar alias Nitu, son of Krishan Lal of Domail, Mohd Maqsood Chandail, son of Mohd Sharief of Gangera and Zuber Ahmed Chandail, son of Mohd Hussain of Gangera
Meanwhile, Ramnagar Police apprehended three absconding dreaded criminals involved in different cases.
They have been identified as Dev Raj, son of Chatru of Lerh, Abdul Hamid, son of Kalu of Latti and Ashok Singh, son of Amar Nath of Kanah.
Plus 2 lecturers discuss problems
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, June 10: The District Udhampur unit of All J&K Plus 2 Lecturer’s Forum, held the monthly meeting here today. The meeting was attended by a large number of the members of +2 community from the length and breadth of the district. It was presided over by Arunesh Kumar, District President of the Forum.
The meeting had a threadbare discussions about the main problems being faced by the +2 cadre. The members expressed concern over the inordinate delay in the publication of necessary and formal orders pertaining to the regulaziation of the incharge incumbents of +2 cadre and demands the issuance of said orders at the earliest. The State Government was also urged to concede the long pending demand of the +2 cadre, which includes granting the benefits of running pattern in favour of +2 cadre, revival of 40% quota of promotion of +2 Lecturers to Assistant Professors in the Hr. Edu. Department, organization of referesher/orientation cources for +2 cadre during summer vacation to update and refresh their knowledge, decleration of post of Principal as Non-Vacational in view of the heavy official work during vacation and extending the benifit of earned leave to the +2 lecturers who are engaged during vacation in connection with various official works viz. examination duty, admission for HSP-I, enhancement of grade pay of +2 Principals.
The J&K Board of School Education also came in for sharp critisim for its failures to clear the pending bills of remuneration of supervisory and evaluation duties.
Speaking on the occasion, Arunesh Kumar shared the concern of the members of +2 Cadre and demanded that the State Government should honour its commitment and fulfill the genuine and long pending demands of the +2 cadre failing which the peace loving members of the +2 cadre would be compelled to adopt a path of agitation to get their genuine demands conceded by the Government. He apprised the members that he led a deputation of District Unit of +2 Lecturer Forum which met the DSE Jammu on May 23. He said that he requested the DSE Jammu to honour those Principals and Lecturers who had shown excelent results in Hr. Sec. Part – II in the session 2011-12 to which the Director School Education Jammu agreed in principle. Prominent among those who spoke on the occasion included Ashok Sharma, Ashwani Kumar, Kuldeep Kumar, Mohan Lal Baru, Sham Lal, Ravi Kanchan, Rajinder Kumar Gupta, Lakshmi Kant, Bhim Sein and others.
Planning Commission agrees to support Rs 1000 cr grant-in-aid for Baglihar-II
J&K seeks equity assistance under PMRP for other projects
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, June 9: In a significant development, Planning Commission of India has agreed to support provision of Rs 1000 crore grant-in-aid for the construction of 450 Mega Watts capacity Stage-II of the Baglihar Hydroelectric Project and assured to consider the request of Jammu and Kashmir Government for equity support for other hydro-electric projects under the Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Plan (PMRP) in order to help the State in tapping additional 3200 Mega Watts of electricity in next five years.
With the assurance from the Planning Commission, the process of seeking grant-in-aid for the Stage-II of the first ever mega State owned project on river Chenab in Ramban district started by the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah in the recent past seems to be heading towards positive conclusion.
Mr Omar had written to the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh seeking financial assistance from the Union Government for Stage-II of Baglihar on the pattern of Stage-I. The official communiqué of the Chief Minister was then forwarded to the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, who asked the State Government to get the necessary clearances for the project before having formal discussion on the issue of grant-in-aid.
“With all the clearances in hand, a high-level team of State Government headed by Principal Secretary, Power Development Department, Sudhanshu Pandey had a detailed discussion with the Advisor Energy of the Planning Commission yesterday and formally projected the requirement of grant-in-aid of Rs 1000 crore for the construction of Stage-II of Baglihar”, authoritative sources told EXCELSIOR.
They disclosed that Planning Commission has agreed to support provision of grant-in-aid of Rs 1000 crore for the Stage-II of Baglihar on the pattern of Stage-I of the project and the case will now be placed before the Prime Minister for final approval.
Disclosing that work on the Stage-II has already been started by managing finances from internal resources, sources said, “since major works like dam are not required to be carried out, the construction of Stage-II would cost Rs 3100 crore as against over Rs 5000 crore expended on the Stage-I of the project”.
“Following the assistance of Rs 1000 crore in the shape of grant-in-aid, Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation will have to only arrange Rs 2100 crore from the Financial Institutions. Moreover, with this assistance the power generation cost will come down considerably”, they said, adding “as against Rs 4.89 per unit projected cost of electricity from Stage-II, the generation cost will come down to Rs 1.60 per unit with the assistance of Rs 1000 crore from the Union Government”.
Sources informed that State team headed by Principal Secretary PDD, Sudhanshu Pandey also had detailed discussion with the Planning Commission team on other hydroelectric projects, which the State Government has decided to implement during the 12th Five Year Plan.
“The Planning Commission was informed that J&K Government would be able to generate additional 3200 Mega Watts of electricity during the next five year”, sources said while disclosing that Planning Commission appreciated the thrust of the State Government on generation.
The projects, which the State Government is planning to implement during the 12th Five Year Plan under State Sector include 93 Mega Watts Ganderbal, 450 MW Baglihar Stage-II, 37.5 Mega Watts Parnai, 1466 MW Sawalakote, 240 MW Karthai, 250 MW Lower Parnai and 990 MW Karthai-II.
Under Joint Venture, 600 MW Kiru, 520 MW Kawar and 1000 MW Pakal Dul while as under IPP Mode 850 MW Ratley project would be taken up during the period. Similarly, there are plans to construct 10 projects with total capacity of 108 Mega Watts under IPP (Small Phase-I) and 10 projects with capacity of 172 MW under IPP (Small Phase-II).
For the construction of these projects, J&K would need Rs 9380 crore as equity and Rs 30,381 crore as debt. “The State Government requested the Planning Commission to provide equity support for the already approved projects under the Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Plan (PMRP)”, sources said, adding “since considering this request was not in the competence of the Planning Commission team, they registered the request of State and assured to take up the same at the appropriate forum for necessary action”.
The Planning Commission also favourably responded to the request of the State for taking up of Uri-II and Dul Hasti-II under the Joint Venture mode with the equity support. “This would result into 50 per cent share of the State in the power as well as in the profit. Moreover, this would help the State in increasing its resources over the years besides generating employment for locals”, sources said.
Intrusion bid foiled on LoC; 3 ultras retreat
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 9: Army last night foiled an infiltration attempt by the militants on the Line of Control (LoC) at Janghar in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district forcing three militants to retreat. All three militants were reported to be Pakistanis.
Official sources said troops observed movement of three militants on the LoC ahead of fence in Janghar sector of Rajouri district at 11 pm last night and became alert. As the militants came close to LoC, the troops challenged them and asked them to surrender.
However, the militants opened firing with AK rifles, which they had been carrying with them. Troops fired back. Exchange of firing lasted few minutes.
“Finding themselves trapped by the Army from all sides on the LoC, the militants made no further attempt to infiltrate into the Indian side and retreated’’, they said, adding that the militants were three in numbers and all of them were believed to be Pakistanis going by the beard they were supporting and the Khan dresses they were wearing.
Troops did not suffer any casualties or damage in brief firing by the militants.
In the morning, troops conducted searches along the LoC in Janghar sector of Nowshera but there were no traces of militants. The signs showed the militants had retreated back to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) from where they had been launched into this side.
The militants also took away their weapons with them while fleeing back to PoK.
Each of the three militants were in possession of an AK series rifle, sources said.
Troops were already maintaining high alert all along the LoC following reports that with opening of passes in summer, the militants would make desperate attempts to infiltrate into this side as they were miserably running short of manpower and weaponry.
During past couple of months, the militants have made a series of attempts on the LoC to infiltrate into this side from Mendhar, Balakote, Krishna Ghati, Nowshera sectors etc in twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.
However, troops have foiled all attempts of the militants aimed at infiltration into this side. Some of the intrusion bids of the militants were also backed by Pakistan Army, which gave them covering fire in violation of ceasefire.
On the International Border (IB) also, the militants have made infiltration bids in Samba sector. Here also, the BSF has foiled all intrusion bids, some of which were backed by the Rangers, with covering fire.
Army and BSF were maintaining strict surveillance and using Night Vision Devices (NVDs) at LoC and IB respectively to thwart any possibility of infiltration by the militants. There were reports that a number of militants continued to camp at LoC and IB on Pakistan side awaiting an opportunity to sneak into this side but have failed to get any.