Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 5: A delegation of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Teaching Association Jammu (SKUAST-TAJ), led by its President Dr. Vikas Sharma, met Governor N.N. Vohra at the Raj Bhavan here today.
The delegation vociferously urged that the proposed Horticulture and Veterinary Universities should not be established by converting the existing Horticulture Centres and Stations and the Veterinary Campus of SKUAST-J; early sanctioning of faculties of Agricultural Engineering and Dairy Technology, Division of Seed Science and Technology; provision of adequate staff and financial resources to SKUAST-J for improving outreach activities of the University.
Governor, who is the Chancellor of the SKUAST-J, observed that he has already addressed the Chief Minister about the prolonged delay in the sanctioning of the now very long pending demand of the University for grant of three Faculties, which were duly approved by the University Council many years ago and observed that these issues would be reviewed in the University Council meeting to be held next week.
The delegation comprised Dr. Vivek M. Arya, Dr. P.K. Rai, Devinder Sharma and Dr. Rajeev Bharat.
A delegation of All Migrant Camps Coordination Committee Jammu (AMCCC-J), led by its President Desh Rattan Pandita also met Governor.
The delegation sought employment opportunities in the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and allotment of Yatra related public works contracts to Kashmiri Pandits; provision of soft loans to over aged youth; removal of encroachments on migrant property, temples, cremation grounds and corrections in the revenue records made after fresh settlement; early release of remaining 50% ex-gratia relief for gutted structures of migrants in the Valley; minority status for Kashmiri Pandits; issuance of backward resident certificates to Kashmiri Pandits who belong to villages declared backward in Kashmir; medical insurance and enhancement of cash assistance for the migrants; concrete steps to be taken for permanent rehabilitation of Kahsmiri Pandits in Valley and construction of quarters there for them; release of wages in favour of Anganwari workers; provision of separate budget for Kashmiri Pandits at the Centre; early promotions to migrant State Government employees.
Governor observed that the delegation’s demands will be taken up with the State and the Central Governments.
A delegation of All Jammu & Kashmir Panchayat Conference led by its General Secretary Gh. Mohi Din Sofi, met Governor and demanded very early conduct of the now long pending Panchayat elections; amendment of the J&K Panchayati Raj Act-1989 to restore the erstwhile provision for the direct elections of Sarpanches; and implementation of the 73rd Amendment of the Constitution in J&K.
Governor observed that the demands of the Panchayat Conference had already been discussed with the Chief Minister who stood committed to holding the Panchayat elections and establishment of Panchayati Raj institutions.
A delegation of the Executive Committee members of the Amar Singh Club, led by its Officiating Secretary Vijay Saraf met Governor and briefed him about the aims, objectives and social activities of the Club.
Governor advised the Club members to take up activities which help in generating enlarged awareness among the society about its responsibilities to tackle various local problems and suggested that a pilot project for greater cleanliness in the city could be taken up, among the many problems facing the winter capital.
Governor also advised the Club members to organize lectures and book discussions to focus on contemporary issues.
Members of the delegation included Dr. Vikram Handa, Karan Kapoor, S. Narinder Singh Chahal, Adv. Vishal Abrol, Dr. Rohit Gupta and Rajesh Gupta.
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