Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 9: Former Chief Justice of State High Court, Justice (Retd) Bashir Ahmad Khan today stressed upon the formation of an independent executing and law enforcing agency for effective implementation of anti-smoking and anti-tobacco laws in the State.
Delivering presidential address at a media sensitization workshop on tobacco control, Justice (Retd) Khan said that implementation part is missing as far as anti-smoking and anti-tobacco laws are concerned. He said individual efforts are also lacking, adding that people should be vocal in raising their concern over the usage of tobacco and other forms.
“It is important that an independent executing and law enforcing agency is established so that the laws that are there in black and white are implemented. Laws are there but when it comes to implementation there is disappointment and only disappointment for us. This needs to be changed and it is possible only when a separate agency is entrusted the responsibility in this regard,” said Justice (Retd) Khan.
He said that legislation should be enacted so that the production of tobacco and allied products is banned not only in State but across the country. He said a social movement needs to be carried so that people are made aware about the ill-effects of the tobacco consumption.
The former Chief Justice said that police should not be expected to do the enforcement of the different laws, adding that people too have a role to play. He advocated disciplinary action against the Government officials found smoking at public places. He said students should be expelled from educational institutions if found smoking.
Addressing the workshop, prominent physician and former Principal Government Medical College, Srinagar G. Q Allaqabandh gave detailed overview about the ill effects of tobacco and chewing Ghutka. He said the use of tobacco products is major cause of mouth cancer and other dangerous and horrifying diseases.
He stressed upon the teachers, Imams, Civil Society members, voluntary organizations and other sections of the society to raise their voice in this regard.
The other speakers underscored the need of rejuvenating anti tobacco and Ghutka campaign which is posing threat to community at large scale.
The workshop was organized jointly by Voluntary Health organization of India and Jammu and Kashmir Voluntary Health and Development Association (JKVHDA) in collaboration with Civil Defence organization. The workshop was inaugurated by ADGP Civil Defence Dr. Dolly Burman.
Former CJ for independent agency to implement anti-tobacco laws
Div Com inspects sewerage works
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 9: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Pardeep Gupta on Saturday inspected sewerage works being executed at B. C. Road by NBCC and directed for completion of the same within week’s time.
Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Sanjeev Verma, SSP Traffic Manmohan Singh, Senior General Manager NBCC, Hem Raj, SE R&B, P. L. Bhushan, XEn, UEED Rajinder Sharma and other senior officers of various departments also accompanied him.
The Divisional Commissioner exhorted upon the concerned officers of NBCC to gear up their men and machinery for completion of this 700 meter sewerage work at BC road well in time in view of ensuing Shri Amarnath Yatra. He also directed the NBCC to ensure that the road becomes operational within the shortest possible time.
Referring to other sewerage projects being done in Jammu city by NBCC, he asked the executing agencies to work in close coordination with representatives of various markets so that projects could be completed more effectively and smoothly.
Div Com to enquire into complaints about JAKFED functioning
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 9: In modification of its earlier order, Government has ordered that Pardeep Gupta, Divisional Commissioner Jammu will enquire into the complaints pertaining to the functionaries and functioning of JAKFED.
As per the order issued by the General Administration Department, Mr Gupta will submit report to the Government within a period of one month.
In the meantime, Ravinder Gupta, Managing Director JAKFED and Girdhari Lal Abrol, General Manager JAKFED have been directed to report in the office of Divisional Commissioner, Jammu with immediate effect.
Sudarshan Sharma, Registrar, Cooperative Societies will hold the charge of the post of Managing Director, JAKFED in addition to his own duties till further orders.
Involve Panchs, Sarpanchs in Implementation of schemes: Sham
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 9 : Reaffirming coalition’s government resolve to empower the Sarpanchs and Panchs, Minister for Health, Horticulture and Floriculture, Sham Lal Sharma today said that devolution of powers for making panchayats effective unit of democracy at grass-root level is a conscious decision of the Government led by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah.
The Minister was addressing a public meeting at Nai Basti (Sungal) in Akhnoor block which was attended by the large number of people, local Sarpanchs and Panchs besides senior officers of various departments.
Mr. Sham also directed the officers to conduct tours to the far off places to physically monitor the status of works being under taken and also get the requisite feedback from the local representatives as well as the people of that area. He also asked them to involve the Panchs and Sarpanchs in the implementation of various schemes besides preparing the plans for that area.
Spelling out measures of the Government in socio-economic emancipation of the people, Mr. Sham said that over the past 3 years a number of reformative steps have been taken to ensure better living to underprivileged sections of the society. He said that people’s participation in all endeavours of the government has really helped the state to enter into new era of peace, progress and prosperity.
Responding to demand of staff at Government Middle School, Nai Basti, the Minister assured that the vacant posts will be filled up at the earliest. He said that Central Government has sanctioned Rs.4.70 crore project for development of Samaha village which will become an attractive tourist destination for domestic and foreign visitors.
Earlier, the Minister inspected the compact 10 hectare horticulture plantation at Nai Basti Akhnoor. He directed the officers of Horticulture and Floriculture to jointly organize a mega awareness programme to educate the farmers about the Government schemes and incentives under Modern Hub Horticulture Programme. He directed them to encourage maximum number of farmers towards these sectors to tap the potential in the area.
Later, the Minister visited the Government Sub District Hospital Akhnoor and enquired about the facilities being provided to the patients.
Lone, Sagar, Altaf, recall contribution of Sheri-e-Kashmir for welfare of State
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 9: Recalling the contribution of Sheri-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah for the cause of the people of the State, Speaker Legislative Assembly Mohammad Akbar Lone, on Saturday said it was Sheikh Abdullah who ushered the new era of development where under, healthcare, education and public welfare in the State registered focused attention.
He was addressing a large public gathering in Haritar Sangrama. The Speaker said that Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah are striving hard to realize the dream of Naya Kashmir and bring the Jammu and Kashmir to new height of development and progress.
Minister for Rural Development, Law and Parliament Affairs, Ali Mohammad Sagar, Minister for Forest, Mian Altaf Ahmad, and Minister of State for R & B Javeed Ahmad Dar were also present on the occasion.
Speaker said that several development programmes have been launched in the State which have yielded good result but there is need to monitor the execution of these schemes at the ground level.
Minister for Rural Development, Law and Parliamentary Affairs while referring to the land mark initiatives under taken by the Government, said that it is due to the efforts of the Chief Minister that the peace was restored in the State and now the parties who were preaching separatism are now raising the issues of the public interest which is a healthy sign.
Terming the putting in place a vibrant Panchyati Raj System as water shed in the history of the State, Mr. Sagar said “we have ensured that effective decentralization of powers is ensured by way of passing the requisite orders to this effect and also directions down the line to ensure the same.”
“Now the opposition party is frustrated on seeing the democratic decentralization and is trying to mislead people by false propaganda and lies”, he maintained, adding that the people are smart enough to understand the mechanization of the party which has always mislead the people of the State.
Minister for Forest said that several welfare schemes have been launched in the State with the aim to improve the living standard of the people and focus is being given to strengthen the existing infrastructure in every sector. He said employment opportunities have been generated for educated unemployed youth also during last three years.
Minister of State for R&B said that Coalition Government has taken several steps for the welfare and development of the people of the State, adding that government is committed to upgrade the basic amenities and thrust is being laid to further improve health care facilities, education, road connectivity, power, drinking water and civic amenities particularly to uncovered and un attended areas.
Scientific collaboration promotes mutually beneficial research: Governor
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 9 : Governor N. N. Vohra, today said that the exchange visits of scientists and students from various institutions of higher learning and high-end research, from within the country and abroad, facilitate mutually beneficial collaborations for sharing research outcomes and experiences.
The Governor was interacting with a group of 38 scientists from the Helsinki University and the Geological Survey of Finland, who called on him at Raj Bhavan here this evening. These scientists arrived here today on a 10-day visit of the State for field work to study the Himalayan Geology, besides having interactions with the faculty, scientists and students of the Kashmir University.
They will visit various geologically important places in Ladakh region and undertake field work. This visit of scientists is a follow up of the visit of Prof. Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, Kashmir University, to Helsinki University, in October 2011, for discussions on Himalayan Geology.
Interacting with the visiting scientists, the Governor, who is Chancellor of the Kashmir University, shared his own past experiences of visiting and working in Ladakh in the early 1960s. He observed that Ladakh is a fascinating area where considerable scientific work can be undertaken on Himalayan Geology. Welcoming the scientists, he hoped that their visit would pave the way for varied Indo-Finnish scientific research collaborations. He also spoke about his visits to Finland in the past years.
The scientists spoke about some of their research projects in the Himalayan Geology arena with the Governor.
Earlier, Prof. Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, Kashmir University, briefing the Governor about the visit of the scientists from Finland said that they will hold discussions with the faculty and students of the Kashmir University and discuss possibilities of future research collaborations with the varsity as well as the students exchange programme.
Navin K. Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor, was present on the occasion.
Bhalla inspects development works
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 9: Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Raman Bhalla, today said that Government is according focussed attention on development of rural areas at par with urban pockets in providing better civic amenities.
This was stated by the Minister after laying foundation stone of additional accommodation at Government High School Shergarh, here today.
Chief Education Officer, Natha Ram Dingra, Executive Engineer D K Rampal besides other senior officers of R&B, PHE, PDD, School Education and RDD accompanied the Minister.
Mr. Bhalla said Government has earmarked Rs. 24 lakh for construction of 4-room, one varandha including two toilet blocks in the school.
Elaborating on importance of education in today’s competitive world, the Minister stressed on the need of ensuring maximum enrolment of children in schools. In this regard, he directed the school authorities to create awareness in rural and far off areas about the significance of education for their wards. He said Government has directed the School Education Department to conduct door-to-door survey to identify the children who are not enrolled in schools. He also asked them to ascertain the reasons behind this injustice to the unfortunate children.
Responding to locals’ demand, the Minister announced Rs. 10 lakh for multipurpose community hall at Shergarh. He asked R&B to prepare this project at the earliest so that the hall could be dedicated to the people within next six months. He said Government has earmarked Rs. 1.50 crore for construction of double lane bridge at Rohi village, adding that the project is in progress.
At Dharp village, Mr. Bhalla kick started construction work of link road, for which Government has earmarked Rs. 21 lakh. He asked the executing agency to complete the project well before the start of monsoon. He said that an effective monitoring mechanism has been put in place to enforce accountability and transparency in implementation of developmental schemes. He also underlined the need for public involvement in the developmental activities and said that without their cooperation the objective of the Government of taking state’s development tempo to new highs cannot be achieved.
At Narwal Pain, the Minister launched construction work of 300-meter long deep drain, for which Government has released Rs. 12 lakh. He also inspected the construction work of 1-km long recreation park along Ranbir canal. He asked the executing agency to immediately add the facilities of illumination, irrigation, landscaping and walkway in place.
Later, Mr. Bhalla visited Gangyal and inspected ongoing modernization work of box type culvert over Gangyal nallah, for which Government has earmarked Rs. 2 crore under State plan. He asked the executing agency to immediately remove the garbage from the choked portion of the nallah holes so that the people do not face any inconvenience due to stagnation of foul nallah water in the locality.
The Minister said Rs. 1.6 crore have been sanctioned for development of recreation park at Gangyal, adding that work on it would be completed within stipulated time.
Employees stage protest, seek redressal of demands
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 9: The State employees under the banner of Govt Employees Joint Action Committee (GEJAC) held protest demonstration at all the district headquarters and offices in support of their pending demands today.
With the protest programme of GEJAC, the normal work in many offices was affected as employees remained involved in the agitational programme today.
In Jammu the protest programme was held at Exhibition Ground near Press Club under the leadership of senior trade unionists and employees’ leaders Shushil Sudan, Subash Verma, Mohd Farooq and Suresh Sharma.
While addressing gathering, they said that Government has failed to honour its commitment and solve pending issues of the employees. The employees have been forced to go on agitational path. They further pointed out that State Government has proved as anti-worker because despite several representations and even agreements reached, it failed to address the pending demands of the employees. They said the Government must withdraw the conditions for arrears diverted to GP Fund. The pending arrears of 6th Pay Commissions be released without any delay. The Government should provide Pay Commission benefits to all the PSU workers, a decision of daily rated/ consolidated workers should be taken, pay anomalies be removed and retirement age be enhanced from 58 to 60 years. They also urged the Government to frame clear policy for the Anganwadi and Asha workers’ regularisation.
At Srinagar, the protest was held by employees under the leadership of Shabir Lingu and Taslima Subhan outside DC office.
Reports of similar protests have also been received from Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Udhampur, Samba, Kathua, Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar.
Pranav given rousing reception by Jammu youth
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 9: Newly elected vice president of Pradesh Youth Congress, Pranav Shagotra was given a rousing reception by the Youth Congress activists and his supporters by taking out a large scooter/ motor-cycle rally in the winter capital city here today.
The Youth Congress leaders and workers in large number assembled at Exhibition Ground in the morning and garlanded newly elected vice president Mr Shagotra and shouted slogans in his favour and the party as well. The drum beaters had also been arranged who converted the atmosphere into a grand celebrations.
Mr Shagotra was mounted on a decorated open vehicle. Several Assembly presidents and office bearers of Assembly/ Lok Sabha bodies accompanied him.
The vehicles and scooters/ motor-cycles were fitted with party flags. The rally then started towards old city, which after passing through Gumat, Shalamar Road, Ranbir Market, Raghunath Bazar and Residency Road, culminated at Shahidi Chowk near PCC headquarters.
Senior PCC leader and former MP Dharam Pal Sharma, former Minister Manjit Singh, Dr Karan Bhagat, Neeraj Gupta, Mehboob Azad and others welcomed Shagotra and garlanded him at PCC headquarters.
While addressing the gathering, Mr Shagotra said that PYC under the guidance of AICC general secretary, Rahul Gandhi will launch a drive against corruption. He said that corruption is eating every vital of society and therefore, need of the hour is to eradicate corruption at all level. For this purpose, PYC activists will make the people, especially the youth of the State aware of the negative effects of corruption in the society as well as in the State.
Mr Shagotra said that the elected office bearers of PYC will visit every Assembly segment of the State to take stock of the problems which needs to be addressed on top priority. For this State purpose, both State and Central Governments should come forward as J&K is the most sensitive State. The youth of this State need special care so that they may not fall in the hands of anti-national elements. He demanded special recruitment drive for the educated unemployed youth of the State in Central services. He also extended gratitude to youth activists and Congress delegates to render him support and accord warm reception.
Other elected office bearers of Lok Sabha and Assembly segments, who accompanied Mr Shagotra included Rajan Sharma, Paramjit Singh, Shamsher, Hoshiyar Singh, Khushwant Singh, Neeraj Kumar, Rashid Choudhary Ex-NSUI present and Chander Shekhar.
Janata Dal Secular accuses Govt of discrimination with Jammu
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 9: The meeting of Janata Dal Secualr (JDS) Executive body J&K was held under the leadership of Dhanraj Bargotra, its president at Party headquarters here today.
Bargotra criticized the Government for discrimination with Jammu and Ladakh in all fields particularly employment of educated youth and allocation of funds.
It said funds allotted by the Central Government to the state are being misused.
The meeting while expressing concern over the condition of roads and lanes etc in Jammu alleged that no development works are being taken up in hand and people are facing acute power crisis. It said the exercise of interlocutors in solving the Kashmir issue was meaningless and wastage of time and money.