Zarine Khan to make her Tollywood debut? News on Page 10 Price ` 2.00 Pages : 12 DAILY www.glimpsesoffuture.in JAMMU WEDNESDAY | MARCH 25, 2015 | VOL. 30 | NO. 82 | REGD. NO. : JM/JK 118/15 /17 | E-mail : [email protected] | epaper.glimpsesoffuture.in No Disturbed Areas Act since 1998: Govt Jammu, March 24: n a revelation that is bound to rake up controversy over the powers of Jammu and Kashmir Police to fire, destroy any arms dump or fortified position being or likely to be used by terrorists, and their immunity from legal prosecution for such actions during counter insurgency operations except with the previous sanction of state government, the state government on Tuesday said that there has been no Disturbed Areas Act in the state since 1998. Significantly, the revelation has come at a time when Mufti Sayeed government is talking of denotifying certain areas of the state for phased withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). “Keeping in mind that the situation is steadily improving, the government will examine the need for de-notifying disturbed areas and this, in turn, would enable the Central government to take a final view on the continuation of AFSPA in such areas,’’ read the Governor’s address to a joint sitting of both the Houses of the State Legislature on opening day of the current budget session. “This is to inform you that the Jammu and Kashmir Disturbed Area Act, 1997, was valid for only one year and has lapsed on 7th of October 1998. At present, the Disturbed Area Act is not in force in the state. T herefore, the resolution submitted by you for revocation of Disturbed Area Act has been disallowed,’’ read a letter written by Additional Secretary in the Legislative Council to NC’s Dr. S. Bashir Ahmad Veeri. get the resolution placed in the House for adoption, the opposition member had submitted the resolution in the Council secretariat. Agitated over rejection of his resolution by the Council Secretariat, the NC member raised the issue in the House and even walked into th e I News Digest Council-2015: Governor assents to 3 Bills, returns 1 Jammu, March 24: Secretary Legislative Council, Mr. Mohammad Asharaf Mir informed the House that the Bills ‘The Jammu and Kashmir Pharmacy (Amendment) Act, 2014’, ‘The Jammu and Kashmir Water Resources (Regulation and Management) See COUNCIL on page 11 Proposal to set up over 20,000 bunkers along border sent to Centre: JK Govt Jammu, March 24: Jammu and Kashmir government has submitted a proposal to the Central government for setting up of over 20,000 bunkers at a cost of over Rs 1,000 crores at 448 border areas in the state. “The revised proposal for See PROPOSAL on page 11 Army Commander visits Samba Jammu, Mar 24: Army Commander Western Command, Lt Gen KJ Singh visited Samba Military Station on 22 and 23 March 2015. The Army Commander said “Sabaash” to the Officers and Jawans who had professionally eliminated two terrorists trying to enter one of the unit locations but were See ARMY on page 11 Weather JAMMU CYM K Maximum : 29.1 Degree Minimum : 16.1 Degree KASHMIR Maximum : 22.7 Degree Minmum 6.8 Degree Today`s Weather Forecast JAMMU:MAINLY CLEAR SKY BECOMING PARTLY CLOUDY SKY. MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE WILL BE AROUND 30 DEG, CELS. Today`s Weather Forecast SRINAGAR: MAINLY CLEAR SKY BECOMING PARTLY CLOUDY SKY. MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE WILL BE AROUND 20 DEG, CELS. well. “I have moved a motion seeking adjournment of question hour to discuss this important issue as it has serious and wider ramifications,’’ he added. The Council’s Chairman Amrit Malhotra asked the member to take his seat, saying that he has given him the full reply while rejecting his resolution on Disturbed Area Act. However, as Veeri did not listen to him, the Chairman asked the Marshals to take him out of the House. Later, outside the Council, Veeri said that the absence of Disturbed Area Act in the state has rendered the continuation of AFSPA “illegal’’. How AFSPA is continuing in the state when the state government has to first declare an area disturbed under provisions of the Disturbed Area Act which, however, is not in vogue in the state since 1998, he asked. The State’s Education Minister Nayeem Akhtar, who also happens to be PDP’s chief spokesperson, accused the NC member of raking up a non-issue. The power to declare an area disturbed was “inherent in AFSPA itself”, he pointed out. The Law Secretary Mohammad Ashraf Mir endorsed the government view, saying that the Jammu Kashmir Disturbed Area Act was promulgated by State Governor in 1990 and it was meant to give similar powers and protection to state police as were available to Army and other Central forces under AFSPA while carrying out counter insurgency operations in Jammu Kashmir. The Governor’s Act, which was due to expire in 1997, was ratified by was ratified for a period of only one year by the then Farooq Abdullah government. The ratified Act expired on October 7, 1998, he said. In its absence, he said that while the Army enjoys all the powers and immunity for its counter insurgency actions under AFSPA, the state police who is really fighting terrorists does not such powers and immunity. (Agencies) CM orders release BJP, PDP to announce coordination committee in J&K New Delhi, March 24: Hit by differences, Jammu and Kashmir's ruling alliance partners BJP and PDP would soon announce a coordination committee to ensure better coordination in the government and that the government there works in consonance with the common minimum programme. According to sources, the two parties will have three members each on the panel which would meet periodically and decide on important matters for the government in the state to work as per CMP agreed on between the two parties. Sources said that PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit president Jugal Kishore Sharma will be part of the committee, besides two other members from each side. The sources add that the committee will be finalised in the next two-three days but may be announced once the current session of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly is over by the end of the month. The coordination committee at the state level will see that there is smooth functioning in the government and this will ascertain the process of consultation and communication in running the government, a senior party leader said. CMP was announced in Srinagar after a 25-member council of ministers led by Mufti Mohammed Sayeed was sworn in on March 1. BJP leaders have expressed the hope that there will be no further controversies in Jammu and Kashmir and the government there will work as per CMP. MULTICRORE ROSHNI LAND SCAM DB’s expresses displeasure over SVOs status report Jammu, March 24: In the much publicized Public Interest Litigation filed by Prof. S.K. Bhalla V highlighting organized land grabbing in the State of J&K wherein CMA No.48/2014 has been preferred seeking entrustment of multi-crore Roshini Land Scam to the CBI, today a Division Bench of the State High Court comprising First Puisne Judge Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir and Justice B.S. Walia after hearing Advocate Sheikh Shakeel Ahmed for the PIL and Senior AAG Gagan Basotra for the State/SVO expressed its displeasure over the latest status report filed by the SVO and directed the Senior AAG to file the latest status report in the matter within two weeks. When this PIL came up for hearing Advocate S.S. Ahmed drew the attention of the Division Bench towards the latest status report wherein the Court was informed that five cases pertaining to Roshini Scam were concluded as “Proved” and submitted to the State Vigilance Commission under Rule 24(1) of SVC Rules, 2013 and case FIR No.6/2014 PS VOJ was also sent to the State Vigilance Commission after conclusion of the investigation in the case as proved. It was also pointed out in the status report that three more FIR have been registered by the Police Station VOJ bearing FIR Nos.3/2015, 4/2015 and 5/2015 and the investigation in these fresh FIRs is at its threshold. It was also disclosed in the status report that the SVC raised some observa- A C M tions in five cases i.e. FIR case Nos.6/2014 PS VOJ, 15/2014 PS VOJ, 16/2014 PS VOJ, 17/2014 PS VOK and 19/2014 PS VOK with the advice to rectify the same and submit the case to the competent authority for accord of sanction in respect of in-service accused public servants. Division Bench after going through the status report observed that the Senior AAG Gagan Basotra has filed the latest status report which on perusal is not found to be satisfactory. The position as was reflected in the earlier order is almost the same except for one i.e. in connection with case FIR No.18/2014 PS VOK, the competent authority to whom the case was submitted for accord of sanction has raised certain objections in the matter in light S of representations submitted by some accused persons, as such, remanded back for further investigation in light of the said representations. The Division Bench further observed that in the light of the said representations the VO has asked the SSP concerned to rectify the same and submit his comments. Division Bench further observed that firstly Advocate Sheikh Shakeel Ahmed appearing for the petitioner submitted that the sanctioning authority was not competent to sent the matter back in view of the observations made by the Apex Court in case titled Subramanium Swami V/s Manmohan Singh wherein in Para 44 the Apex Court observed that grant or refusal of sanction is not a quasi-judicial function and the person for whose prosecution the sanction is sought is not required to be heard by the competent authority before it takes a decision in the matter. What is required to be seen by the competent authority is whether the facts placed before it which in a given case may include the material collected by the complainant or the investigating agency prima-facie disclosed commission of an offence by a Public Servant. However Gagan Basotra Senior AAG submitted that there is no question of hearing to the accused persons See DB’S on page 11 Boundary talks: India, China agree to control disputes NEW DELHI, March 24: India and China today began the 18th round of talks to resolve the contentious boundary issue after which the Chinese official media said the two sides have agreed to “properly handle and control” their disputes before the boundary issue is solved. The Special Representatives talks for boundary issue, the first such meeting after Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in May last year, was cochaired by Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi and Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Though there was no official statement or reaction from India on the talks, which will continue tomorrow, Chinese news agency Xinhua reported, “The two sides agreed to jointly safeguard peace and tranquillity in their border regions before the resolution of the vexed issue.” Reviewing the progress achieved over the past years at the SR talks, they emphasised that the two sides should continue to move forward the process of framework talks in a correct direction on the basis of the existing achievements and consensus, while taking into consideration the overall bilateral relations and long-term interests of the two peoples, it said. It further said the of Rs 85.50 lakh ex gratia to compensate flood victims See CM on page 11 Jammu, March 24: Devotees stand on a long queue at Bawe Wali Mata Mandir on the occasion of Navratri in Jammu on Tuesday. GOF PHOTO Guru’s resolution not drawn out of balloting in assembly Srinagar, Mar 24: The resolution for the return of the mortal remains of Afzal Guru, moved by independent legislator Engineer Rashid, will not be admitted in the house this session as same was not drawn out of the balloting process held on Tuesday. Balloting the resolutions moved by various legislators was held on Tuesday in Assembly secretariat Jammu. Engineer Rashid said that in his absence the balloting was done on resolutions and alleged that it was a deliberate attempt to sabotage the resolution. “It was informed that balloting will be done on March 24 at 5 P.M. I made my presence at 4.45 P.M but was See HC on page 11 Amarath land resolution rejected, Congress stages walkout Jammu, March 24: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today ordered release of an amount of Rs. 85.50 lakh as ex gratia relief in favour of the remaining persons who were missing, dead or seriously injured during September 2014 floods. The money has been credited to from out of the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund to the Chief Minister’s Flood Relief Fund for onward disbursement to the affected people. An official spokesman today stated that the funds have been transferred electronically to the Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu for onward distribution to the Next of Kin (NoK) of 37 deceased and 23 seriously injured persons. While Rs. 62.00 lakh shall be given to the NoK of 27 dead and 16 seriously injured persons in Jammu Division, an amount of Rs. 23.50 lakh shall be provided to NoK of 10 dead and 7 seriously injured persons in Kashmir Division. The NoK of those persons who died in the floods will get Rs. 2.00 lakh each as compensation while those seriously There have been some controversies, especially on Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed's post-oath taking remarks crediting Pakistan, Hurriyat and militants for having contributed to the smooth conduct of elections in the state and on the release of separatist leader Masarat Alam. Some MLAs of PDP demanded that the NDA government return the mortal remains of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, another potential point of tension in the coalition. PTI told that the balloting had been already done at 2 P.M. It is a murder of democracy and on diktats of New Delhi, they run the house in Jammu and Kashmir. This is nothing but a clear injustice and anarchy. I will expose such measures before the outer world so that people come to know what the true face of democracy is here,” Rashid said, while pledging that he will continue his struggle to bring back mortal remains of Afzal Guru. Meanwhile, contesting Rashid’s claims, secretary Legislative assembly Mohammad Ramzan told KNS that on March 20, in a bulletin it was informed to all members that the balloting will be held on 24 March at 1.35. See GURU’S on page 11 Congress on Tuesday staged a walkout from Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council after its resolution demanding grant of land for building permanent infrastructure for annual Amarnath yatra was rejected. Congress MLA Jugal Kishore stood up from his bench during Zero hour and sought an reply from the Council Chairman Amrit Malhotra why his resolution was rejected. "I have powers and I have rejected it", the Chairman replied with angry Congress member rushing to the Well of the House to lodge protests over the rejection. After few minutes of protests, they staged the walkout. Later talking to reporters outside the House, Jugal said "I had brought a resolution in the house demanding grant of land for building permanent structures for Amarnath yatra at various places including Baltal etc". "I wanted a discussion on it and reply from the government that whether they want to See AMARATH on page 11 Crop losses due to floods is Rs 784 Crore: JK Government Jammu, Mar 24: There was a total loss of Rs 784 crore in the horticulture and farming sectors in Kashmir valley due to the recent floods, followed by an assessment report submitted to the Centre, the state government said today. "The fruit growers of Kashmir valley sustained huge losses due to recent floods adding that in this regard damage assessment report has been submitted by the Government to the Centre", the Minister for Horticulture, Haj and Auqaf, A R Veeri said. Replying to the supplementaries to the main question by Advocate Bashir Ahmed Dar in the Legislative Assembly, Veeri said among other sectors includes Horticulture crop losses for which an amount of Rs 784 cr representing 50 per cent of the actual loss, these fruit growers have suffered has been projected. Sharing concern of the members about alleged sale of spurious pesticides, the Minister announced that the government shall enact a stringent law to check this menace in the interest of the world reputed Horticulture Industry. He said that he has directed that both the Agriculture Universities of the State to prescribe scientifically proven standard pesticides and fungicides to the fruit growers and farmers well in advance of the spray season so that they are not fleeced by the unscrupulous pesticide traders. The minister said that horticulture industry has given sustenance to the livelihood of the people of the state in most difficult of times and nobody will be allowed to destroy this vital sector of state's economy. He said that promotion of Horticulture sector has been flagged as priority sector by the present government adding that several measures are being taken to promote this sector on modern lines. The minister said the government proposes to construct one cold storage in each fruit mandi of the state so that fresh fruit is exported in its original flavour to other terminal markets of the country. In addition, to this soil testing and pesticide testing laboratories would be set up in each district so that production and productivity is increased manifolds on scientific basis, informed the Minister. CYM K CYMK India to lead Asia’s economic growth: ADB News on Page 9 CYMK Glimpses of Future Gen V K Singh should quit if disgusted: Congress News on Page 7 Glimpses of Future 10TH DAY/KRIYA With profound grief and sorrow, we inform the sad and untimely demise of our beloved mother Smt Satish Kumari (Munni) W/o Sh Ishwar Dass Sharma of Reasi who left for heavenSmt Satish ly abode on 16-03-2015. 10th Day Kumari will be performed on 25-03-2015 at 11.00 AM and Kriya on 26-03-2015 at 10.30 AM at our residence House No. 64, Ward No. 11 (Reasi). GRIEF STRICKEN Sh Ishwar Dass Sharma -Husband (Rtd. Headmaster) Ph. 9796076140 Son & Daughter-in-law Sh Naresh Kumar & Shobha Ph. 9419959221 Grand Children: Shivom, Shivaansh Daughters & Sons-in-law Smt Babita & Dr. Lakshmi Kant Sharma Ph. 9419200534 Smt Sangeeta & Hemant Padha Ph. 9419165185 Grand Children: Bhavyansh, Mokshi & Inaya 10TH DAY KRIYA With profound grief and sorrow, we inform the sad demise of our beloved Late Sh Mansa Ram (Chacha Ji) age of 100 years son of Late Sh Kamal Singh R/o Village Dhanoo (Gatyal) P.O Chiryai Teh & Distt. Udhampur. Tenth Day will be performed on 25-03- 2015 11 am at home. Karam Sh Mansa Ram Kriya will be on 28-3-2015 at home. GRIEF STRICKEN Wife Diya Banti (i) Durgi Devi (ii) Sons & Daughter-in-laws Late Inder Singh & Makhana Devi Sh Gopal Singh & Puspha Devi Sh Chain Singh Dehati & Nisha Rani Sh Karnail Singh & Kanta Devi Sh Ajeet Singh & Sharista Devi Daughters & Son-in-laws Rano Devi & Romal Singh, Shakti Devi & Romal Singh, Surishta Devi & Angrej Singh, Santosh Devi & Gian Singh, Shova Devi & Karan Singh BHOG/ANTIM ARDAS With profound grief and sorrow, we inform the sad demise of our beloved Smt. Shant Kour W/o Late Bhagwan Singh originally resident of Village Narsinghpora Distt. Budgam Kashmir and at present Smt. Shant Kour Baba Faried Nagar (Seora) near Sarweshwar Rice Mill Jammu, died on 18-03-2015. PROGRAMME Arambh Sri Akhand Path Sahib 2503-2015 (Wednesday) at 9.00 hrs at residence at (Seora) Bhog Sri Akhand Path Sahib 27-03-2015 (Friday) at 9.00 hrs at residence (Seora). Kirtan and Antim Ardass 27-03-2015 (Friday) 10.00 a.m. to 12.30 hrs at Gurdwara Singh Sabeh Baba (Faried Nagar Seora) Jammu. GRIEF STRICKEN Sardar Surjeet Singh-Son (9906884056) Sardar Harjinder Singh-Son (9419763730, 9796003993) 10TH DAY KRIYA With immence grief and sorrow, we regret to inform the sad demise of Smt. Kamla Ji Koul W/o Sh. Nand Lal Koul of Lalgam Budgam A/P H. No. 62 Lane No. 9, Gurah Keran Barnai Jammu on 18-3-2015. TENTH DAY KRIYA will be performed on Smt. Kamla Ji 27-3-2015 (Friday) at Akhnoor and Koul Assembly will be held at our residence Barnai at 10.30 a.m. GRIEF STRICKEN Sh. Nand Lal Koul-Husband Daughters-in-law and Sons Smt. Sarla Ji & Sh. S.L. Koul Smt. Asha Ji & Sh. Ravi Ji Koul Smt. Priya Ji & Sh. Pintoo Ji Koul Smt. Manju & Sh. Vijay Ji Koul Daughters and Son-in-law Smt. Usha Ji & Sh. M.K. Dhar Smt. Daisy Ji & Sh. Opinder Bhat Grand Children Smt. Sushma & Sh. Deepak Ticku Smt. Poonam & Sh. Shailunder Koul Susheel, Anamika, Pooja, Neha, Sneha, Manav, Anash, Sheen Ticku-Great Grand Daughter Ph. Nos: 9419494821, 09871495403, 9419674598 10TH DAY KRIYA With profound grief and sorrow, we inform the sad demise of our Karamyogi father Shri Sham Lal Talashi S/o Late Sona Ram Talashi, original resident of Kounzgam, Pahalgam at present H.No 06, Sector No 04, Lane No 01, Sharika Vihar Lower Roop Nagar Jammu on 20-03-2015. 10th Shri Sham Lal Talashi Day Kriya will be performed on 28-032015 at Akhnoor. However Assembly will be held at our above mentioned residence at 10.30 am. GRIEF STRICKEN Sister-in-law & Brother Smt. Omashori & Sh. D.N. Pandita Daughters-in-law & Sons Smt. Dulari & Sh. Laxmi Nath Ji Smt. Girja & Sh. Rattan Lal Ji Smt. Jeeta & Sh. Pran Nath Ji Smt. Girja & Sh. Ashok Ji Smt. Pummy & Sh. Raj Nath Ji Smt. Dimple & Sh. Ramesh Ji Daughters & Son-in-laws Smt. Nancy & Sh. Sham Sunder Bhat Smt. Bimla & Sh. Roshan Lal Dhar Smt. Rajni & Sh. Bushan Lal Koul Grand Children: Sanjeev & Archana, Chanchal & Pankaj Ji, Sheetal & Vimal Ji, Amit Wali, Vishal, Sandeep Ji, Sunil, Vivek, Vikas, Shivani, Priyanka, Sakshi, Amit, Roopal, Ronit, Hardik, Vaibav Contact Nos: 9419329170, 9469234547, 9419255549 10TH DAY/KRIYA/UTHALA With profound grief and sorrow we inform the sudden demise of our beloved Smt. Kaushalya Devi (W/o Late Sh. Ram Dhan Gupta, Ramsoo Wale. 10th Day will be observed at our residence H.No. 22, Butta Nagar Enclave, near KCS College, (Police Post Naka, Roop Nagar) at 11.00 a.m. on 26th March, Thursday. Kriya will be per- Smt. Kaushalya Devi formed on Saturday 28th March, 2015 at 10.00 a.m. and Uthala at our residence on same day at 4.00 p.m. GRIEF STRICKEN Daughters-in-Law & Sons Late Smt. Taro Devi W/o Sh. Ramesh Chander Gupta Smt. Shakuntla W/o Sh. Sat Pal Gupta Smt. Kanta Gupta W/o Late Sh. Jugal Kishore Gupta Smt. Surishta & Sh. Vijay Kumar Gupta Smt. Anju & Sh. Ajay Kumar Gupta Smt. Neelam & Sh. Kasturi Lal Gupta- Daughter & Son-in-Law Smt. Kamlesh & Sh. Bansi Lal Gupta- Daughter & Son-in-Law Contact : 9419133325, 9419168068, 9419185525, 9419223069 10TH DAY/KRIYA/UTHALA With profound grief and sorrow, we inform the sad demise of our beloved father Sh. Om Parkash Tagotra S/o Sh. Kanshi Ram Tagotra (Malhotra Gali Wale) R/o 123 Lower Laxmi Nagar Sarwal Jammu who left for heavenly abode on 16th of March 2015. TENTH DAY will be performed on Sh. Om Parkash 25th of March (Wednesday) at 11 a.m. at Tagotra Shiv Mandir Vikas Nagar Sarwal Jammu. KRIYA will be performed on 26th March at our residence. UTHALA will be performed on 27th of March at Shagun Banquet Hall Vikas Nagar Sarwal Jammu at 4.00 p.m. GRIEF STRICKEN Mrs & Mr Vinod Sharma-Son Mrs & Mr Pardeep Sharma-Son Mrs & Mr Jatinder Sharma-Son Mrs & Mr Virender Sharma-Son Mrs & Mr Rajinder Sharma-Son (SAMAST TAGOTRA PARIVAR) MOB- 9419189294 10TH DAY KRIYA With profound grief and sorrow, we regret to inform about the untimely demise of our beloved Sh. Sham Lal Koul S/o Late Sh. Neel Kanth Koul (Papa Jee) of Hangalgund Kokernag (Anantnag) at present H.No 44, Lane No 4-A Sub Lane No 2, Laxmi Vihar Tomal Bohri Near Om Sh. Sham Lal Saraf Palace on 16-03-2015. The 10th Koul Day Kriya will be performed at Akhnoor Ghat and Assembly at our residence at 12 Noon on Wednesday, 25th March, 2015. GRIEF STRICKEN Son & Daughter-in-law Smt. & Sh. Ashok Kumar Koul Smt. & Sh. Kamal Koul Smt. & Sh. Krishan Koul Grand Children : Jann , Tamanna , Kalhan , Sharad Koul Ph. Nos: 9419224702, 7298184584, 9906213679 KRIYA/UTHALA With profound grief and sorrow, we inform the sad demise of our beloved Sh Girdhari Lal Dogra S/o Late Sh Tara Chand R/o 161/128 Pacci Dacci Jammu on 13- 03-2015. Kriya will be performed at our residence Pacci Sh Girdhari Lal Dacci on 25-03-2015, Wednesday at Dogra 10 AM to 12 PM. Uthala will be performed at Brahman Sabha, Prade on 27-03-2015 (Friday) at 5 PM. GRIEF STRICKEN Daughters-in-law & Sons Smt Santosh & Sh Tilak Raj (9796483992) Smt Santosh & Sh Suraj Parkash (Retd. PNB) Smt Shakti & Sh Subash Chander - 9697233050 Smt Babita & Sh Parshotam Lal - 9419703272 Smt Savita & Sh Naresh K. Dogra (APS Udhampur) - 9419160590 Grand Son & Daughter-in-law Sandeep & Poonam (9419121467) Grand Daughters & Grand Sons-in-law Shaveta & Sameer Meenakshi & Ajay Grand Children: Sushant, Sakshi, Sahil, Swati, Shivani, Shipra, Mugdha & Bhavishika Great Gr. Children: Saamya, Sanyam, Manan & Ridhima M/s Girdhari Tea Stall, Pacca Danga, Jammu 10TH DAY KRIYA With profound grief and sorrow, we regret to inform about the untimely demise of our beloved mother Karamyogi Smt. Prabhawati Tickoo W/o Late Shri Prithvi Nath Tickoo R/o Achan Pulwama, Kashmir at present House No: 57, Sharika Vihar, Roop Nagar, Jammu on 19-03-2015. 10th Day Kriya will be perSmt. Prabhawati formed at Akhnoor Ghat on 28-03-2015 at 7 Tickoo AM and Assembly will be held at Muthi Ghat, near Directorate of School Education, Jammu at 10.30 AM. GRIEF STRICKEN Tickoo & Kachroo Parivar 0191-2591546, 9797525101, 9796209699 10TH DAY KRIYA With profound grief and sorrow, we regret to inform that our beloved Sh. Kanaya Lal Ji S/o Late Sh. Gopi Nath, erstwhile resident of Village Waterkhani (Kupwara, Kmr.) and presently residing at H.No # 70 - D/5, Lane No. 23, Swarn Vihar, Police Colony, Bantalab, Jammu, left this mortal Sh. Kanaya Lal Ji world for his heavenly abode in the wee hours of 16th of March, 2015. The Tenth Day Kriya of the departed soul shall be performed at Akhnoor on 25th of March, 2015 @ 8.00 am (Wednesday) Assembly shall take place thereafter at his residence at 11.30 am. IN GRIEF: Smt. Phoola Ji -Wife Mr. Nikhil & Mr. Dushant -Sons Smt. Umashori W/o Late Sh. Lassa Kak -Sister Smt. & Sh. Moti Lal Pandita -Brother & Sister-in-law Smt. & Sh. Vijay Kaul -Daughter & Son-in-law Smt. & Sh. Sandeep Dhar -doSmt. & Sh. Umesh Bhat -doSmt. & Sh. Sanjay Pandita -doSmt. Umawati Pandita (W/o Lt. Ram Ji Pandita -Mother-in-law Panditas, Bhats & Kauls, Dhar Con: 94194-01662, 97960-23996, 97966-83746, 9622046686 10TH DAY KRIYA JAMMU WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015, PAGE 2 With profound grief and sorrow we regret to inform the sad demise of our beloved mother Smt Indrawati W/o Late Maheshwar Nath Pandita originally R/o Rohama District Baramulla Kashmir presently at TRT-01, Block-A, Muthi Camp (Phase II), Community Hall (Ekta Bhawan) Jammu on dated 17-032015 (0320 hrs). Tenth Day Kriya will be held Smt Indrawati at Akhnoor Ghat on date 25- 03-2015 (Wednesday) and Assembly will be held at 11.30 hrs at TRT-01, Block-A, Muthi Camp (Phase II),Community Hall (Ekta Bhawan). GRIEF STRICKEN Sons & Daughters-in-Law Sh Roop Krishan Pandita & Smt Bharti Pandita Sh Ashok Kumar Pandita & Smt Sweety Pandita Sh Raj Nath Pandita Sh Roshan Lal Pandita & Smt Durga Pandita Daughter & Son-in-law Smt Veena Pandita & Sh Ahsok Kumar Bhat Grand Children: Rahul, Komal, Adarsh, Aditya, Rithik Mob : 9469050344, 9419106038, 9469807758, 9419240601 10TH DAY KRIYA With profound grief and sorrow, we inform the sad demise of our beloved mother Smt Nirmala Devi W/o Lt Sh Tara Chand originally resident of Tailwani, Anantnag Kashmir A/p Flat No. 15, Block 34, Lane No. 7, Jagte Coloney. Tenth Day will be performed on 28-03-2015 at Nagrota Smt Nirmala Devi Near Sainik School Nagrota Jammu at 9.00 AM. GRIEF STRICKEN Smt & Sh Tej Krishan - - Daughter-in-Law & Son Smt & Sh Shuban Krishan - Daughter-in-Law & Son Smt & Sh Ravi Ji Tikoo - Daughter & Son-in-Law Smt & Sh Tej Krishan - Daughter & Son-in-Law Smt & Sh B N Pandita - Daughter & Son-in-Law Mob: 9419159679, 9419275367 10TH DAY KRIYA WITH PROFOUND GRIEF AND SORROW WE INFORM THE SAD AND UNTIMELY DEMISE OF OUR REVERED AND RESPECTED MOTHER SMT. KAMLA SAPRU (JIGRI) W/O LATE SHAM LAL SAPRU (TAROZDAR) ORIGINAL RESIDENT OF ZAINDHAR MOSMT. KAMLA HALLA, NEAR KATHLISHWAR TEMSAPRU PLE, SRINAGAR, KASHMIR (AT PRESENT 51-C, OM NAGAR, UDAIWALA, BOHRI, TALAB TILOO, JAMMU), ON 17.03.2015 AT NIT SRINAGAR. TENTH DAY KRIYA WILL BE PERFORMED AT PURSHYAR, HABBAKADAL, SRINAGAR, KASHMIR ON THURSDAY THE 26TH OF MARCH, 2015 AT 9 A.M. GRIEF STRICKEN: Daughters and Son-in-laws Mrs. Ratna Dhar & Mr. K. L. Dhar Mrs. Santosh Raina and Mr. M. L. Raina Mrs. Girja Raina and Mr. K. L. Raina Daughter-in-law and Son Mrs. Priya Sapru and Mr. P. L. Sapru AND DHARS, MUKUS, SARAFS, KOULS AND TIKOOS. 9419143102; 9419298727 10TH DAY KRIYA With profound grief and sorrow, we regret to inform that our beloved mother Smt Shobawati Pandit W/o Sh Sri Kanth Pandit R/o Tral Payeen (Erstwhile) Lajuran Pulwama Kashmir A/P Lane No. 17/18 Block Smt Shobawati 92, Flat No. 9 Jagati Colony Nagrota Pandit Jammu has proceeded to heavenly abode on 21-3-2015 Saturday. Tenth Day will be performed on 30-3-2015 Monday at TRT Nagrota Jammu at 9 PM. GRIEF STRICKEN Sh Sri Kanth Pandit -Husband Sister: Mrs Mohni Jee W/o Mr V P Dhar Sons & Daughters-in-law Mrs Girja Pandit & Ramesh Kumar Pandit 9419611426 Mrs Shakhti & Vinod Pandit 9796020283 Daughters & Sons-in-law Mrs Jyoti Bhat & J L Bhat Mrs Bubli Pandit & Ashok Kumar Pandit 10TH DAY KRIYA With profound grief and sorrow, we regret to inform about the untimely demise of our beloved Smt. Rita Vaishnavi W/o Sh. Manmohan Vaishnavi originally R/o Chatta Bal, Srinagar A/P 189/B, Sarwal Chowk, Jammu. The 10th Day Kriya will Smt. Rita be performed at Akhnoor Ghat and Vaishnavi Assembly at our residence at 11:30 AM on Wednesday 25th March, 2015. GRIEF STRICKEN Sh. Manmohan Vaishnavi - Husband Dr. Chetna & Vijay Vaishnavi - Brother-in-law Jaya Dhar & Usha Kour - Sister-in-law Reema & Varun Singh - Daughter & Son-in-law Dr. Meenakshi & Anil Vaishnavi - Daughter-in-law & Son Preeti & Ajay Vaishnavi - Daughter-in-law & Son Megha & Navneet Vaishnavi - Daughter-in-law & Son Gehna Vaishnavi - Daughter Dhar’s, Kissu’s, Koul’s, Wali’s (M): 9419661426, 9796818195 10TH DAY KRIYA With profound grief and sorrow, we inform the sad and untimely demise of our beloved mother Ashaji (Kaushalya) R/o Ichikoot Budgam at present H.No. 5 Sector-1, Krishna Vihar Vinayak Nagar, Behind Govt. Middle School (Girls) Muthi, Ashaji Jammu. 10th Day Kriya will be performed (Kaushalya) on 27th March 2015 at Akhnoor Ghat. GRIEF STRICKEN Shri M.L Bhat - Husband Smt. Rukmani - Mother-in-law Smt. Mohini Pandita - Sister-in-law Daughter-in-laws & Sons Smt. Tathi & Shri Surender Bhat Smt. Anjali & Shri Vinod Bhat Smt. Ishwari & Shri Sanjay Bhat Grand Daughters: Anu, Diksha, Khushi, Guddi & Gunni & Samast Bhat, Kachroo, Raina Parivar (M): 9596876081, 9419199611, 9796479447, 09310860024 10TH DAY KRIYA With profound grief and sorrow, we inform the sad demise of Sh. Durga Nath Dhar S/o Lt. Sh. Ram Chand of Bijbehara Anantnag Kashmir A/P Community Hall near Block No. 125, Flat No. 18, Lane No. 21 Jagti Nagrota Jammu on 20-3-2015. TENTH DAY KRIYA will be performed on Sh. Durga Nath Dhar 29-03- 2015 Sunday at TRT Camp Nagrota Jammu at 8 a.m. GRIEF STRICKEN Bimla Dhar-Wife Indu Bushan Kachroo & Babli-Brother-in-law & Sister Shuban Krishen Dhar & Savitri-Brother & Bhabi Vimal Kumar Dhar & Sunita-Brother & Bhabi Rajinder & Meenu-Son & Daughter-in-law Parvinder Garoo & Chanda-Daughter & Son-in-law Mob : 9858065018, 8803982587, 9697100667,9419313187 10TH DAY KRIYA With profound grief and sorrow, we inform that our beloved mother Karmyogni Smt. Sumitra Patwari (Appa) W/o Lt. Sh. M.N. Patwari and Grand Daughter-in-law of Yogi Raj Swami Parmanand Jee Patwari of Mattan, left for her heavenly abode on 19-3-2015. 10TH DAY KRIYA will be performed on Saturday 28-3-2015 at Delhi for Ghat Venue Contact on mentioned Mob Numbers on dated 27-3-2015. GRIEF STRICKEN Patwari’s 09419130120, 09818574547 Rishi’s - 09419190387 Kaul’s – 09810511945 Smt. Sumitra Patwari 10TH DAY KRIYA With profound grief and sorrow, we inform the sad demise of our beloved Shri Jagar Nath Raina S/o Late Shri Raja Ram originally resident of Hianjan Kulgam Kmr at present H.No 12, Lane No 3-A, Roop Nagar Enclave, Jammu. Tenth Day will be performed at Akhnoor Ghat on 29.3.2015 Shri Jagar Nath Raina (Sunday) & Assembly will be held at the present residence at 10.30 AM. GRIEF STRICKEN Smt Dura Devi -Wife Smt Chuni Devi -Sister Brother & Bhabi Smt & Shri Bansi Lal Raina Smt & Shri Pushkar Nath Raina Sons and Daughter-in-laws Shri Ramesh Kumar & Jyotishna Sh Manoj Kumar & Dolly/ Sheela Vijay Raina & Sarishta Grand Children: Antra, Varsha, Mayuri & Vansham Mob: 9419192849, 9419200997, 9419278573 OBITUARY With profound grief we regret to inform that our mother Shanta Pandit W/o Late Sh. Som Nath Pandit has passed away peacefully on 18.03.2015. 10th day (Kriya) shall take place on 27.03.2015 at Gaggar River, Panchkula (Near Shani Dev Temple) at 08.00 am. Smt Shanta IN GRIEF :Pandit Sons and Daughter-in-laws Satish and Rimpy Pandit (M)- 8968833444 Kanwal Kishore and Anita Pandit (M)- 9876638468 Vinod and Nalani Pandit (M)- 9814008711 & Thathus', Mattoos', Wazirs', Kauls', Adaltis', Zutshis', Dhars' A/P: A6/631, 3rd Floor, Palm Court, VIP Road, Zirakpur (Punjab SHADMOS/MASWAR Shadmos and Maaswar of our Mother Smt Jaikishori Warikoo Wife of Sh. Som Nath Warikoo will be performed on 24th and 25th March 2015 at our residence 1045 FF C2 Block Palam Vihar, Gurgaon. DEEPLY REMEMBERED Smt Jaikishori Sh Som Nath Warikoo: Husband Warikoo Daughter-in-Law and Son Arti and Maharaj Krishen Warikoo: Daughter and Son-in-Law Neena and Narinder Razdan Puja and Rajinder Warikoo: Daughter-in-Law and Son Ashutosh Dr. Shantanu (USA) and Ketan: Grand Children 10TH DAY KRIYA With profound grief and sorrow, we regret to inform about the untimely demise of our beloved Smt. Mohini Wali (Bhabhi) of Chinkral Mohalla, Habba Kadal, Srinagar on 16-3-2015 (Monday) at Jain Nagar Delhi. 10TH DAY/KRIYA will be performed on 25-3-2015 (Wednesday) at Smt. Mohini Wali Sector 18, Opp Badli Bus Depot, Rohini. The Mourning is being held at H. No. 2057, Jain Nagar, Karala Road, opp Sector 22, Rohini, Delhi -81 GRIEF STRICKEN Smt Seemaji and B. K. Wali (Bitu Ji)- Daughter-in-Law & Son Smt Neena and Kuldeep Wali- Daughter-in-aw & Son Smt. Veena and Sh. Vinod Kuchroo-Daughter and Son-in-Law Grand Children: Nikita Wali, Nitika Kuchroo, Siddhi Kuchroo & Vivaan Wali (Shehjar) Samast Arazbegi Pariwar Ph. No. 9419174959, 9810108782, 9910108792, 9310108782 10TH DAY KRIYA With profound grief and sorrow, we inform the sad demise of our beloved mother Smt. Mohini Devi (Bhat) W/o Late Sh. Mohan Lal Bhat originally resident of Gund Chakpora ( B K Pora) Teh. Chadura Distt. Budgam Kmr. A/P Govt Quarter No. E-101 Toph Sherkhania Subash Nagar Smt. Mohini Devi Jammu on 17-3-2015. TENTH DAY will be performed on 26-3-2015 (Thursday) at Akhnoor and Assembly will be held at Present Address at 11 AM. GRIEF STRICKEN Sons and Daughter-in-laws Sh. A.K. Bhat & Smt. Veena Bhat Sh. Ajay Mohan Bhat & Smt. Pupli Kumari Bhat Daughter & Son-in-law Smt. Titli & Sh. Manohar Raina Grand Children : Kunal, Suraj, Ayush & Bhumica Mobile Nos: 9419156471, 8713852021, 9469231795 GLIMPSES OF FUTURE JAMMU WEDNESDAY, MARCH, 25, 2015, PAGE 3 Education standards to be improved: Naeem GOF Staff Reporter Jammu March 24: Terming education as the most powerful medium to create an enlightened, progressive and a peaceful society, the Minister for Education, Mr. Naeem Akhtar, today said that the present government has flagged this sector as its top most priority. The Minister along with Minister of State for Education and Information, Ms. Priyar Sethi reviewed the progress achieved under Sarva Shikhsha Abhiyan (SSA) at a high level meeting here. Commissioner Secretary Education, Mr. Shaleen Kabra, Mission Director SSA, Mr. Ramesh Students need to be taught with devotion, commitment: Sethi Kumar, District Development Commissioner, Udhampur Ms. Yasha Mudgal, Secretary, Board of School Education (BOSE), Director School Education Jammu, Simrandeep Singh, Director School Education, Kashmir, Mr Showkat Ahmed Beig, Additional Secretary Education, Mr. F. A. Dar were also present in the meeting. The Minister said that in order to further enhance the standards of education, the education system is being rationalized, which is imperative for brighter future of the students. He said to achieve 100% literacy in the State, the Rehbar-eTaleem (ReT) have to play a pivotal role in increasing the enrolment of children in schools in their locality. Akhtar said that 20 KGBVs will be constructed in the State during this year for which Union Government has provided Rs. 90 lakh for each KGBV. The Minister said four schools; two each in Jammu and Kashmir will be developed as Model Schools. He said in the first phase Ranbir Singh School and Higher Secondary School Sunjwan in Jammu and Girls Higher Secondary School Amirakadal and MP Higher Secondary School in Kashmir will be provided modern equipments during this year. The Minister asked the officers to launch an awareness campaign all over the State highlighting the major schemes under implementation through SSA. He asked them to use print and electronic media for the purpose so that people in remote and far-flung areas remain fully aware about the schemes. Underscoring the importance of education in mental, moral and physical development of the children, the Minister of State for Education, Ms. Priya Sethi impressed upon the teaching fraternity to teach the students with devotion and social commitment. “Each word First budget viable, aimed at making NPP threatens movement against Govt policy J&K Self Reliant: Hamid Choudhary on AFSPA, Delimitation GOF Staff Reporter Jammu March 24: GOF Staff Reporter Jammu March 24: Prof. Bhim Singh condemned the BJP-PDP government for adding to the terror in the state which is already under security threat by the terrorist. He said that withdrawal of Army from Bani area of Kathua District smacks conspiracy that a district struck with terror has been made soft for the terrorists by the anti-national policy of Modi Government. Addressing meida persons here today, Prof Singh said the Delimitation of the Assembly Constituencies must be held immediately and the Civil Secretariat should function around the year both in Srinagar as well as in Jammu. Prof. Bhim Singh released political and international resolutions adopted last evening at the 33rd Foundation Day of JKNPP in Parade Ground, Jammu ( a copy of the resolution already released to the media) Prof. Bhim Singh said that the BJP had sold out the interest of the people of Jammu to PDP just for the sake of power and surrendered to PDP even the security of the state. NPP Supremo also demanded implementation of Supreme Court direction to pro- vide full relief to the Jammu migrant including those camping in Talwara without any delay. He warned that the JKNPP shall launch a civil disobedience movement in the State for the reorganization of the state and amendment in article 370. He appealed to all the citizen to preserve communal harmony for seeking ultimate justice for all. Prof. Bhim Singh also visited the striking temporary teachers, Civil Defence volunteers and nomads tribes volunteers sitting on protest, hunger strike and dharna outside the press club, Jammu. Expressing full solidarity with the protesting organization/groups of people, he assured that the JKNPP shall fight for their cause from the streets to the Supreme Court Other who were present in the press conference included Masood Andrabi Vice-President, Thakur, General Anita Secretary, Bansi Lal Sharma Adv, Political Advisor NPP, Jagdev Singh Coordination Secretary, S. Paramjit Singh Marshal President PTU, Sewa Singh Bali, State General Secretary PTU, Gagan Pratap Spokesman Young Singh Panthers, Neeraj Gupta Zonal President etc Appreciating coalition government's first budget, People's Democratic Party (PDP) Abdul Hamid Choudhary today said that provisions in the financial planning reflect government's resolve to make Jammu and Kashmir a self reliant state. This balanced budget is a beginning to help each and every section of society and in the years to come incumbent government led by Chief Mister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed is likely plan a better financial management as well. He said that creation of 3660 posts of helpers for regularisation of daily wagers, privatisation of Toll Plaza at Lakhanpur, Rupees 2200 crore earmarked for releasing DA of employees and pensioners, merging Plan and Non-Plan for ensuring employees salaries in time, concessions for flood affected people and transporters and exemption to all hoteliers from payment of entry tax on furniture/office are some of the historic decisions taken by he coalition government. The budget aimed at establishing fiscal autonomy for the state is appreciable for the reason that it intends to give people a quality life. Fight against corruption is also the resolve of this government. Criticizing the state government merely for the sake of criticism is no good job of opposition, he said adding that continuation of VAT exemption on Paddy, Rice, Wheat, Pulses, Floor, Atta, Maida, Suji and Besan upto March, 2016 and exemption of toll on export of fresh vegetables are all aimed at helping people at domestic level. Terming the budget a balanced one, Choudhary Hamid said while Dal Development Bonds for restoration of the Dal lake will generate enough funds for the government, Setting up of Pesticide Regulation Authority will approve and monitor all the pesticides that go into J&K. This is indeed a historic step aimed at taking good care of people's health. The PDP leader said that in the first ever budget the government has been able to touch every section of society and in years to come benefits of such a balanced budget will percolate down to each and every individual in one or the other way. Contribution of Rupees 1000 per month on behalf of every new born girl child for the next 14 years and on reaching 21 years giving her Rupees 6.5 lakhs is a very good scheme which will help bring foeticide to zero level. The project has been envisaged to begin from six districts with the most adverse child sex ratio and gradually extended to other districts as well. Another best thing in the budget is treating women employees of the state at par with women employees when it comes to admissibility of child care leave. This will not only help children have a good care but will also enable women to take good care of themselves as well. The children will be better nourished and grow into a healthy human being. The women who used to ignore themselves only to take care of their children will also be able to help themselves lead a healthy life. GOF Staff Reporter Jammu March 24: National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) held a strong protest demonstration outside the Jammu University Campus against BJP government at Centre and termed it a certified U-turn sarkar by burning effigies of modi govt. The protesters were led by Neeraj Kundan, State President of NSUI and accompanied by other members of NSUI State committee. Addressing protesting student activists & media persons, GOF Staff Reporter Jammu March 24: Kundan said that BJP is following a double standard in dealing with the matters with Pakistan. He also added that in twin attacks at Kathua & Samba districts BJP has not even spoke a single word and union MOS V.K.Singh has attended Pakistan Day parade along with Hurriyat leaders at Pakistan high commissioner in Delhi. Kundan further added that before coming into power BJP always spoke big words and made large speeches on the issue of terror attacks and also raised a great hue & cry in social media CEO inspects examination centres GOF Staff Reporter POONCH March 24: Chief Education Officer Poonch Ch. Lal Hussain heading a team of vigilance squad, inspected the Secondary School Examination Annual 2015 centers set up in GHSS Surankote, BHSS Surankote, HS Draba and HSS Bufliaz and framed 24 cases of unfair means against the examinees. In all two cases have been booked at GHSS Surankote, 10 cases framed at HS Draba and 12 cases at HSS Buffliaz. On account of dereliction of their duties in the examination canters, Mushtaq Ahmed Assistant Superintendent and Mohd Iqbal Assistant Superintendent at centers GHSS Surankote have been placed under suspension with immediate effect. Another team headed by DEPO Poonch N.M Suri inspected BHSS Poonch and framed four cases of unfair means against the examinees. on the meeting of Dr. Manmohan GOF Staff Reporter Jammu March 24: entire Ex-Servicemen community in the J&K State welcomes this announcement & thank Jenab Mufti Mohd Sayeed, Hon'ble CM & his entire cabinet for fulfilling this long pending demand of the Ex-Servicemen community. The other demands of the Ex-Servicemen viz were reservation in re-employment of Ex-servicemen in J&K Govt. departments to be restored to the Ent Test for Eng Diploma: BOPEE extends date for online form submission YP flays the withdrawal of Army from Bani, demands re-deployment of forces The J&K Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (BOPEE) has extended the date for the submission of online Application forms for Three Year Diploma course in Engineering (Polytechnic) Entrance Test2015 up to April 1-2015. As per a Notification issued by BOPEE, “All eligible candidates who are interested in appearing in the Three Years Diploma in Engineering (Polytechnic) Entrance Test2015 are hereby informed that the date for the submission of Online Application forms (for Open and Category candidates) as well as receipt of communication page (for category candidates only) has been extended upto 1st of April -2015 (5.00 PM). GOF Staff Reporter Jammu March 24: Rebuking the recent withdrawal of Armed forces from Bani several Panthers Party activists led by Shri Pawan Dev Singh staged a protest demonstration at Press Club, Jammu and burnt the effigy of the state government amid raising slogans against the BJP-PDP coalition. Pawan Dev Singh, state Secretary Young Panthers, while addressing the media said that soon after the state government’s decision to withdraw security forces from certain zones, the armed forces have been withdrawn from several areas of Bani like Dhaggan, LohaiMalhar, Machedi, Chochrugala, Lohang and Roulka. As a result a feeling of psychosis and fear has brewed among the people of GOF Staff Reporter Jammu March 24: University Health Centre and the Department of Botany jointly organized an awareness lecture on Tuberculosis on the of World occasion Tuberculosis Day-2015 in the seminar hall of the Botany department, University of Jammu. Dr.Sanjeev Narang, Consultant Pulmonologist at Dr.T.R.Narang Chest Clinic was the key speaker during this event. Prof.Geeta Sumbali from the Department of Botany was Chief Guest. Dr. Yash Pal Sharma, HOD Botany and convener Health Centre Advisory Committee , apprised the audience that such programmes are organized with an objective to sensitize the general public regarding the spread and control of TB which is taking prestigious lives of both rich and poor in India and other parts of the world. He further said that more such awareness lectures and health camps will be organised by heath centre in near future. Dr.Gautam Sharma, Dental Surgeon, delivered the welcome address and introduced the speaker to the audience. Jammu March 24: A meeting was convened at the Chamber House wherein Presidents of all the Trade and Industrial Associations across Jammu province were present to assess the proposed budget presented by the Finance Minister H.A. Drabu for the fiscal year 2015-16 in the J&K state assembly. Almost all the heads of the associations representing to trade and industry conveyed their displeasure regarding the anti trade / industries attitude of the government of J&K. while discussing the pre-budget memorandum submitted to the Finance Minister and deliberated upon, it was felt that the prebudget meeting was a meager formality and eyewash as all the legitimate / genuine demands of Chamber of Commerce & Industry which were well taken and agreed upon by the Finance Minister found almost no place in the proposed budget. The main demands of Chamber of Commerce & Industry included VAT on Shawls, Exemption of VAT on anti cancer drugs, benefits to the tourism / service industry as per the definition of the industry, reduction of tax on Automobiles in CSD, reduction in highest rates of tax on Beedi and Cigarette, reduction of tax on Desi Ghee, Uniformity of tax on dry fruits other than exempted, uniformity of tax on Shoes, amnesty on GST recoveries, exemption of Toll tax on import of fresh fruits and vegetables, exemption of entry tax on machin- ery used by stone crushing industry, VAT on TIN foil with retrospective effect since 20112012 , double taxation of service tax on MES contractors and deletion of Mustered Oil Industry from the Negative List. All the above said point were well explained and agreed upon by the Finance Minister but the Chamber of Commerce & Industry is surprised that these genuine demands have not met justice in the proposed budget. The Chamber also expressed anguish over the taxation on nursing homes which is not applicable elsewhere in the country and also taxation on sports services. The government of J&K that if our genuine / legitimate demands are not met with and if the people adversely effected by the flash flood last year are not rehabilitated we shall have no option but to take the course of agitation at the state level against the coalition government. Chamber feels that before calling for any such steps which would be detrimental to the tourism and the economy of our state we invite the Hon’ble Finance Minister Mr. H.A.Drabu for an open debate on any TV Channel as to why the government has behaved like a dictatorship and not as a democracy as also we would like the people from trade / industry and the common man in the state to know the cruelty action of the government which will not only render most of the people in business community bankrupt but also result in unemployment of lakhs of youths in the state. 15% as was earlier prevalent, fast tracking of all Revenue cases of Ex-Servicemen so that they do not face any problems due to their long absences while performing their duties for the country, the raising of a Disaster Management Force & Ecological Battalions exclusively consisting of the young Ex-servicemen so that their training & expertise is put to gainful use. Bani constituency. It is pertinent to mention that earlier many villages of Bani were targeted by the militants and subsequently the armed forces were called upon for the protection of the people. He added that the withdrawal of armed forces would foster a security threat to the inhabitants of the area and reiterated his demand to revoke the withdrawal order of forces and re- deploy them without any delay to save the people from further death and destruction. Pawan Dev disclosed that the entire Bani-Bazar has shut down for expressing resentment against the withdrawal of the forces and expressed his solidarity with the people of Bani on behalf of NPP. He maintained the Panthers Party shall stand by the people of Bani in all odds and circumstances and warned the state government of dire consequences if any untoward incident happens in future and it shall only be BJP-PDP coalition including the local MLA who would be held responsible for Singh with Nawaz Sharif. In a re- cent interview, Mr. Modi said that in the blasting sounds of bombs,no one can listen each other's voice but at this point of time, when twin bomb blasts took place in samba and kathua, modi led govt. is busy in engaging talks with pakistan, which is a very sadful story to narrate. After election and coming into power they forgot all their speeches and promises made to the people. They have started sympathizing with separatists and hurriyat leaders. Agitated NSUI activists raised slogans against Pakistan & BJP, Modi sarkar and said that it is very unfortunate that the promises and speeches made by BJP leaders especially Narendra Modi are contrary to the actions they are doing after coming into power. Other main NSUI leaders who were present in the protest demonstration included Nasib Ali, ajay kumar (national deligate), sahil singh langeh (senior nsui leader), ranjodh singh,mehran Anjum,shahbaz kohli, satvinder singh,Imran yaser javed,Sehdev akram, singh and many others. Grant special package of 2000 Cr to J&K per annum: NMC appeals Centre Capt. Anil Gour, State President JK Peoples Democratic Ex-Servicemen Wing (JKPDESW) & Brig. Anil Gupta, State President, BJP ExServicemen Wing alongwith Capt. M. S. Reen & others addressed a Press Conference today wherein at the outset they paid homage to the brave police personnel & innocent civilians who lost their lives in the cowardly attack of the militants in Kathua. Later they welcomed the recent budget announcement of Mr. Haseeb Darubu, Hon'ble Finance Minister wherein he has announced that the VAT being levied on CSD goods within the state will be rationalised to the levels as that being levied in the neighbouring states of Himachal, Punjab & Rajasthan. This is the fulfilment of the promise of both PDP & BJP in the recent elections & the Jammu March 24: Awareness lecture on tuberculosis held at JU GOF Staff Reporter NSUI stages protest over BJP’s new u-turn on India-Pakistan relations Rationalization of VAT on CSD goods hailed by Ex-Servicemen of J&K GOF Staff Reporter taught by them to children embeds life-long, far reaching and indelible impression and impact on their clean mind”, she asserted. The District Development Commissioner, Udhampur, Yasha Mudgal, who has served as Mission Director SSA earlier, as an expert gave a detailed resume through Power Point Presentations about the ‘Concerns and Solutions in education sector’ particularly the functioning and implementation of SSA in the State. She suggested some measures for streamlining the system. Budget 2015 is anti-trade & Industries: Business community President of the National Mazdoor Conference (NMC) Subash Shastri today appealed to the Prime Minister, Union Finance Minister and Minister of State, (PMO) to immediately grant special package to the tune of 2000 crores per annum for the regularization of sixty one thousand casual/seasonal laborers working in the various departments of the state Govt. to overcome their miserable conditions, they are facing their daily life due to non disbursement of wages and sharp increase the prices of essential commodities. Talking to media persons here, Shastri reminded the new Government at the state to fulfill their commitment which the BJP, a coalition partner in the State Govt. and their senior leaders had committed to resolve this very sensitive issue on pri- such mishap. Others who led the protest included Thakur Virender Singh, Rishi Badyal, Shori Lal, Lovely Singh, Amit Singh, Shubam Singh, Shubam Jasrotia etc. ority basic during the election rallies of recently conducted State Assembly election in presence of Prime Minister, if voted to power. Shastri hoped that BJP led NDA Govt. at the centre will rescue the Jammu & Kashmir Govt. by providing special package particularly for this purpose so that the long pending demand of these poor daily rated workers get fulfilled. While welcomed the decision of State Govt. to create 3660 posts of helpers for regularization of an equal number of daily rated workers Shastri described it as pro working class decision adding that same method may be adopted in phase manner to regularized remaining 61000 daily rated workers. Emphasizing on the need for creating separate Head in each department for their timely disbursement of wages, Shastri said this measure will go to ad- dress their financial problems permanently. Enhancing salary of daily wagers to rupees ten thousand per month, strictly implementing CP. Fund deduction scheme in all departments of the State Govt., increasing medical allowance to rupee one thousand per month and immediate release of all pending due s of daily wagers working in irrigation and flood control department, PWD, PDD and other departments were other demands highlighted on the occasion. Among others who also present on the occasion were Rajan Babu Khajuria, Sunil Kochar, Surinder Kumar, Pardeep Kumar, Jaipaul Sharma, Surjeet Kumar, Bhupinder Singh, Sudesh Kumar, Paramjeet and many others. JKACCL announces Annual Drama Festival 2014 -15 GOF Staff Reporter Jammu March 24: J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages Announced the results of Annual Drama festival held here recently at Govt. College for Women Gandhi Nagar, Jammu wherein fourteen plays in different languages were staged by the various theatre groups. The Jury has recommended the various awards to the Groups and in individual categories. The play Komal Gandhar by Pancham Society for art , Culture, Education and social upliftment was adjuged the best production while the play Andha Yug by Samooh Theatre has been adjuged as 2nd best production . Gurmeet Kour awarded as Best Director and Best Actress and Dinesh Dogra as Best actor for the play Komal Gandhar .Best Set has been awarded to Shalini Sharma for the play The last Seance while Best lights has been awarded to Juned Kak for the play Komal Gandhar . Best make-up and Best costumes have been awarded to Shami Dameer and Ravinder Sharma respectively for the play Andha Yug . Best Music has been awarded to Abhishek Bharti For the play Last Colony while Mega Ajanbi has been awarded as Best child artist for the play Sandhya Chhayya . Shadi Lal Koul as Bushan Lal for the play Local Tax Extra and Sapna Soni as Kasturaba for the play Adalat Mein Gandhi have been awarded 2nd best actor and actress respectively. In the consolation category Sonia Dhamir and Abhishek Bharti has been awarded in Make up and direction respectively while Sonia Dubey has been awarded in costumes for the play “the last Colony” and Sh. Himanshu Darshan has been awarded in music for the play The Last Séance The merit certificates in acting have been awarded to.Kanika Sharma as Gandhari , Vishal Singh as Ashwathama for the play Andha Yug ,Inderjeet Singh as Jogi ,Parul as Mubeen for the play Dukh Darya ,Farooq Sheikh as Malik , Meenal Peer as Usha Ji for the play Local Tax Extra , Aaditya Bharti as Chorus-1 Neha Bhat as Chorus-2 for the play Last colony , J. R. Sagar as Mahatma Gandhi , Deepak Sharma as Hari Lal Gandhi for the play Adalat Mein Gandhi , Archana Sharma as Laxmi , Sahiba as Champa for the play Sakha Ram Binder , Raj Bhagat as Devdas, Neha Raj Dabia as Paro for the play The Last Séance , Meenu Sharma as Nani, Rakesh Mayus as Mhadu for the play Sandhya Chhayya , Dharambeer Choudhary as Prem Singh, Javed Gill as Mushtaq, Som Nath Azad as Hawaldar for the play Kandyali Taar, Dilshad Ahmed as Nawab, Anoop Goswami as Boota for the play Wattan Fry , Pardeep Sharma as Shah, Anuroop Pathania as Gara for the play Shah Shahni , Mousami Thakyal as Noori, Vijay Sharma as Boota for the play Fasley Aryaveer Singh as Shakuni Dimpal Sharma as Bhishma and Seema Bhatti as Dassi for the play Komal Gandhar. Glimpses of Future JAMMU WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015, PAGE 4 L E G I S L A T I V E A S S E M B LY & L E G I S L A T I V E C O U N C I L P R O C E D D I N G S - 2 01 5 Govt proposes stringent law to eradicate sale of spurious pesticides: Veeri Council -2015: Discussion on General Budget in LC CONSIDERING SETTING UP OF PESTICIDES, SOIL TESTING LABORATORIES GOF Staff Reporter Jammu, March 24: Sharing concern of the Members about alleged sale of spurious pesticides, the Minister for Horticulture, Haj and Auqaf, Mr. A. R. Veeri today announced that Government shall enact a stringent law to check this menace in the interest of the world reputed Horticulture Industry. He said, he has directed that both the Agriculture Universities of the State to prescribe scientifically proven standard pesticides and fungicides to the fruit growers and farmers well in advance of the spray season so that they are not fleeced by the unscrupulous pesticide traders. Replying to the supplementaries to the main question by Advocate Bashir Ahmed Dar in Legislative Assembly to- day, the Minister said that horticulture industry has given sustenance to the livelihood of the people of the state in most difficult of times and nobody will be allowed to destroy this vital sector of state’s economy. Horticulture Minister said promotion of Horticulture sector has been flagged as priority sector by the present government adding that several measures are being taken to promote this sector on modern lines. He said government proposes to construct one cold storage in each fruit mandi of the State so that fresh fruit of the State is exported in its original flavour to other terminal markets of the country. In addition, to this soil testing and pesticide testing LA 2 laboratories would be set up in each district so that production and productivity is increased manifolds on scientific basis, informed the Minister. The Minister said that to enhance the KCC Loan, the matter would be taken up with the Finance Ministry, adding that 50% KCC loans upto Rs. one lakh have been exempted by the Government. He said Government is committed to initiate all necessary measures for the benefit of Fruit growers. He said focussed attention would be given to develop Fruit Markets in the districts adding that Fruit Mandi Sopore would be upgraded and necessary infrastructure shall be ensured at the Mandi to facilitate the fruit growers and traders of the area. He said efforts would be also made to com- 5 1 0 Jammu, Mar 24: Govt to consolidate educational infrastructure, rationalize teacher pupil ratio: Naeem Akhter GOF Staff Reporter Jammu, Mar 24: A L 2 5 1 0 1 20 5 for Minister Forests, Environment and Ecology, Mr. Bali Bhagat in reply to a question by Mr. Ajaz Ahmed Khan in Legislative Assembly here today, said that presently there are no projects sanctioned for block Arnas, Mahore, Gool, Sangaldan and Chassana under IWDP till date adding that as a result no funds have been released / utilized so far. He said the question of taking up works in these blocks under IWDP does not arise. LA - done for rehabilitation of flood affected families despite tall promises by the Prime Minister on the release of Rs 44000 crore package prepared by the previous Government. Kichloo said un-employment is a big problem in the State and presently five to six lakh educated youth are unemployed. He said no attention has been given towards Industries and said need is to look into this aspect seriously. He said there is no mention about the Singhpoura-Vailoo tunnel and the medical colleges sanctioned by UPA Government for the State. Regarding the newly created administrative units, Mr Kichloo said that no mention has been made in the budget speech for creation of infrastructure in these units. He said survey for generating 10000 MW, electricity in Chenab Valley has been completed but the budget is silent about its future. He said these projects will provide jobs to thousands of persons. He said there is mention of Apple of Kashmir and Basmati of Jammu in the speech but Saffron, Pulses, Peas, and nuts produced in Kishtwar also need to be given due consideration. Sham Lal Bhagat while taking part in the discussion highlighted the involvement of Panchayati Raj Institutions in the development process of the state. He said there should be a separate budget for Panchayts like done in case of the Power Budget introduced this year. He said Chenab Valley is a major producer of vegetables and suggested for its promotion like Basmati of Council -2015: Calling Attention Notices in LC GOF Staff Reporter Jammu, March 24: Minister of State for Power, Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Mir informed the House that during the current year in Kashmir Province including Lolab, about 5480 distribution transformers got damaged upto ending February 2015 while 5492 were repaired and re-installed in the period. The Minister was replying to a Calling Attention Notice by Mr. Qaiser Jamsheed Lone. He said that the capacity of Receiving Stations as well as Distribution Sub-Stations is more than sufficient to cater to the load demand of the consumers of Lolab constituency. Mir said due to recent rains and landslides majority of transformers were damaged adding that repair time of transformers depends upon the extent of damage. He said the average restoration time is of 45 days in urban areas and 10-12 days in rural areas. The Minister said that at present 13 Distribution Transformers (DTs), out of total 469 including 7 No 25 KVA DTs are under repairs. Ashraf Mir said that one Mr. Naseer Ahmad Khan (Civilian) S/o Mohammad Yaqoob Khan R/o Nunwani, Kalaroosa was fiddling with the electric network un-authorizedly on March 06 this year and got electric shock. The person was referred to the SKIMS, Soura Srinagar for treatment where one of his arms has been amputated during the surgery to save his life. The concerned Police Station has been informed by the Electric Sub Division Kupwara vide No: KSD/645-46 dated 07-032015 for lodging an FIR to this effect. Meanwhile, Minister of State for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Mr. Abdul Majid Paddar informed the House that the popu- lation of Sirhama is presently being provided drinking water by virtue of a closed scheme with spring as source. He said a new lift scheme at a cost of Rs. 198 lakhs is in progress in Sirhama to augment the water supply position in the area. The Minister was replying to a Calling Attention Notice by Dr. Bashir Ahmed Veeri. He said water supply scheme Kerwa Waghama, coming up at an estimated cost of Rs. 497 lakh is going on, adding that Rs. 25.40 lakh have been incurred during last year on the project. The Minister said that in order to cover the extended ar- 933947 students benefitted under SSA, RMSA: Naeem Akhtar GOF Staff Reporter Jammu, March 24: 2 C- Minister for Education, Naeem Akhtar while replying to a question by Ghulam Nabi Monga in the Legislative Council said that under SSA, 723258 students and under RMSA, 210689 students have been benefited in the State. The Minister also informed the House that already an expert panel has been constituted to formulate education policy for school system in J&K. The Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir School L 15 Education Act, 2002 is applicable throughout the State of Jammu and Kashmir. However, the act is under review to augment the spread and scope of the State law in perspective of the Central Act of right of children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009. Ali Mohammad Dar, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Ghulam Qadir Pardesi, Dr. Shahnaz Ganai, Showkat Hussain, Vibodh Gupta and Haji Anayat Ali raised 0 Jammu, Mar 24: Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Ghulam Nabi Lone informed the House that to tap the tourism potential along Mughal road, Rs. 5.6 crore project is under implementation in the area adding that Mughal road car rally was also organized for few years to popularize the area among the tourists. Replying to a question by Mr. Mohammad Yousuf Bhat in Legislative Assembly, the Minister 5 1 0 said that Government is committed to promote tourism in the State adding that necessary steps would be A L 2 taken up to tap hidden tourism potential of virgin spots in the State including Shopian area. The Minister said Mughal road is presently not an all weather road and it is being mostly used by the people from Poonch and Rajouri districts desiring to visit the valley in connection with trade and personal visits. Legislators, Mr. G. M. Saroori, Mr. Shakti Parihar, Mr. Deldan Namgyal, Mr. Nazir Ahmed Gurezi, Mr. R. S. Pathania, Raja Manzoor Ahmed, Mr. M. Y. Tarigami, Mr. Altaf Ahmed Wani and Ch. Mohammad Akram raised the supplementaries to the main question and demanded development of tourism spots in their constituencies. LC 2015: Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to take up Zojila, Z-Morh tunnels: Altaf Bukhari GOF Staff Reporter Jammu, Mar 24: Minister for R&B, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari replying to a question by Haji Anayat Ali in the Legislative Council said that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has taken up construction of Zojila tunnel as well as Z-Morh tunnel on National Highway-1D in order to have all weather connectivity for Leh region in the State. The Minister said that the construction of the tunnel was entrusted to BRO who invited Request for Quotation (RFQ) for the project in which four bidders were found qualified, besides, an amount of Rs. 20.86 crore was also deposited by BRO with the Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal for acquisition of revenue and forest land. He further informed that in order to expedite the construction of this tunnel, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has decided to take up the work directly under Builtoperate-Transfer (BOT) basis. Accordingly the Ministry has asked BRO to transfer all related documents. He said that invitation of the RFP is presently under progress for the award. He said that after its award, implementation of the work will start. GOF Staff Reporter Jammu, Mar 24: L Rs. 20 cr released as land compensation for R&B: Javaid Mustafa Jammu, Mar 24: supplementaries to the main question. 5 1 0 als. The Minister said that Deputy Commissioner Jammu has authorized the Sub Divisional Magistrate Marh to demarcate the land which will indicate the status of actual occupants. He has been asked to complete the task by May 2015, as it could not be completed earlier due to standing crops and engagement of field staff with other duties. He said no recent enumeration of trees has been done. However, tree growth on the land is thick and more than 6000 trees grow there. 2 C Minister for Revenue, Mr. Javaid Mustafa Mir replying to a question by Bashir Ahmed Magrey in the Legislative Council said that the shortage of boats was not a main reason causing huge loss to the life and property during the September, 2014 floods. The Minister said that the government is contemplating to get the Disaster Management Plan of whole State approved by State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and in future all the disasters including floods will be effectively dealt as per the said State Disaster Management Plan. The Minister further informed that the World Bank has also agreed to fund $ 25 million for the Capacity Building, setting up of emergency Operating System and strengthening of the State Disaster Management Authority. He said that the State Government has also submitted the detailed memorandum to Government of India for release of funds which includes provision of Rs. 155 Crore for strengthening of SDMA and Rs. 100 crore for establishment of two emergency Operation Centres (EOCs). Out of Rs. 155 crore projected for strengthening of SDMA a provision of Rs. 5 Crore has been kept for procurement of specialized boats for rescue purposes during emergencies. Sofi Yusuf, G. Q Pardesi and Jugal Kishore were raised supplementaries to the question. In reply to another question by Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, the Revenue Minister said that as per revenue records the land measuring 1213 kanals and 19 marla has been found recorded in the name of cooperative society, Gajansoo. He said this land has not been recorded in the name of individuals. He said there is also more land which is recorded in the name of different institutions, bodies and individu- eas of Mushhama and Balyar villages and to augment the supplies, work is in progress on Water Supply Scheme Balyar costing Rs. 930 lakhs, adding that Rs. 50.16 lakhs has been expended on the scheme upto ending February, 2015. He said that population of Wapzon/Kandipora villages is presently being provided drinking water through WSS Wapzon, commissioned recently at a cost of Rs. 350 lakh, adding that a lift water supply scheme for Dadoo (GB) has been incorporated in district plan during 2014-15 with an estimated cost of Rs. 90 lakh. GOF Staff Reporter Rs 5.6 cr project under implementation to State Disaster Management Plan promote tourism along Mughal road: Lone being prepared: Javaid Mustafa GOF Staff Reportr Jammu and Apples of Kashmir. Terming the budget anti people and anti poor, Ajay Sadhotra said that it will increase inflation. He said that it looks as arrows have been fired in the air. Regarding newly administrative units, Sadhotra said no mention has been made in the budget about this. He said increase in service tax on certain items will put extra burden on common people. He said Omar Abdullah led Government has recommended package of Rs 44000 crore for flood victims and 25 lakh as one time settlement of West Pakistan refugees but these are missing in the budget. He said Finance Minister should answer these points while replying on the budget. Charangeet Singh described the budget as people friendly. He said Finance Minister has for the first time presented such a comprehensive and people friendly budget in the State, where every section of the society has been well represented. He said the initiatives taken in the budget will benefit everyone. He appreciated Dr. Haseeb Drabu for presenting this people friendly budget. Yasir Reshi while taking part in the discussion termed the budget as pro people. said previous He Government had put the State under heavy burden of debt. He said people suffered a lot due to floods last year and some villages in Tehsil Sonawari are still inundated. He asked the Government to take steps to prevent such things from happening in future. LC-2015 Minister for School Education, Mr. Naeem Akhter informed the House that Government would initiate all possible steps to consolidate the educational infrastructure in the State. He said focus will also be given to rationalize the teacher-pupil ratio in schools and colleges in the State. Replying to the main question by Mr. Ajay Nanda, the Minister said that 23 new Degree Colleges have been opened during last five years in the State. He said that no new high and higher secondary school has been opened for last five years under RMSA and State Plan in the State. The Education Minister informed that 35 new primary schools have been approved by MHRD for Jammu division including three schools for Reasi district during current financial year. He said 224 middle and 153 high schools were upgraded to the next level in Jammu division including one middle and one high school in Reasi constituency under State Plan adding that 64 schools from middle to high schools have been also upgraded under RMSA in the division which includes 6 schools in Reasi district. The Minister said that at present 95 Government Degree Colleges are functional in the State, out of which 22 Degree Colleges were sanctioned during the year-2011. He said Government intends to equip these existing Degree Colleges with all infrastructure facilities to make them fully functional. He said Government Degree College, Reasi is functional in the vicinity of Katra, Pouni and Mongri. He said there are 606 students enrolled in the College including 367 female students and BA BSc and B Com streams are being taught. The Minister informed that the Government has constituted a Committee to look into the feasibility / other parameters and to device a mechanism for establishment of new Degree Colleges in un-covered areas of the State. He said the Committee has submitted the feasibility report; however, appropriate decision with regard to opening of new colleges would be taken in consultation with the Finance and Planning Departments. Legislator Mr. Usman Majid in his supplementary question demanded opening of Women’s Degree College at Bandipora whileas, Mr. Vikar Rasool demanded filling up of vacant posts of teachers in educational institutions of Banihal constituency. Initiating the discussion on the general budget in the House, Bashir Ahmad Magray said that the budget presented by Finance Minister, Dr Haseeb Drabu has generated hope among the people of the State. He said in the budget, every section of the society has been taken care of particularly the poor and the destitute population. He said waiving off the farmer loan is a good gesture. He said little has been mentioned about tackling unemployment and suggested that finance Minister should look into this aspect also. Regarding the Power budget, Magray said that generation of power will promote our industries which can create jobs for educated youth. He said PDD infrastructure in villages is in dilapidated condition and needs to be improved by way of replacing of old poles and wires, damaged transformers besides providing adequate manpower to cater to the needs of the department in the field. Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, while commenting on the budget said that at several places in the budget, the Finance Minister has thrown arrows in the air while certain schemes of previous Government have been replicated. He said, he doubts that Centre will release funds to the State as promised. Sajjad Kichloo said neither the poor nor farmers have been taken care of in the budget but only rich people seem to have been benefitted. He said nothing has been plete the development of Fruit Mandi Zazan-Ganderbal. Replying to the main question, the Minister informed that fruit growers of Kashmir valley sustained huge losses due to recent floods adding that in this regard damage assessment report has been submitted by the Government to the Centre, which among other sectors includes Horticulture Crop losses for which an amount of Rs. 784 crore representing 50% of the actual loss, these fruit growers have suffered has been projected. Legislators, Mr. Mohammad Khalil Bandh, Sheikh Ishfaq Jabaar, Mr. Zahoor Ahmed Mir, Mr. Altaf Ahmed Wani, Mr. Mohammad Yousuf Bhat, Mr. Shah Mohammad Tantray, Mr. Yawar Dilawar Mir and Mr. M. Y. Tarigami raised the supplementaries to the main question. Jammu, Mar 24: The Minister further informed the House that the scheme aims to cater to the vulnerable areas on priority, where HT/LT network is in a dilapidated condition with an objective to replace the rotten poles, un-serviceable/unauthorized conductors at 11 KV and below, unauthorized/sub-standard line supports, damaged LT cables, damaged insulators/guys and damaged earthing of distribution sub-stations. The Minister said that an amount of Rs. 1 crore has been authorized per district during financial year 2014-15, which will also cater to the areas of Karnah. He said that there is no proposal for conversion of pole structure into tower structure for 33 KV line from TeePee to Bagh Billa. Minister of State for Power, Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Mir, while replying to a question by Mr. Javid Ahmad in the Legislative Council said that the PDD department has initiated an HT/LT improvement scheme in Karnah during 2013-14 and the same is going on during the financial year 201415. The improvement of HT/LT lines are being carried out under Transmission and Distribution and Constituency Development Fund in a phased manner in Non Re-structured Accelerated Power Development Reforms Programme towns. Jammu, March 24: Presently no IWDP projects for block Arnas, Mahore: Bali Bhagat Rs 1 cr authorized per district for augmentation LC-2015 of power infra: Ashraf Mir GOF Staff Reporter GOF Staff Reporter Minister for Revenue, Mr. Javaid Mustafa Mir replying to a question by Mr. Naresh Kumar Gupta in the Legislative Council said that during the current financial year, an amount of Rs. 20 crore stands released as land compensation out of the State Plan R&B sector. However, under PMGSY, an amount of Rs. 710 crore has been sanctioned by the Government of India for land compensation out of which Rs. 347 crore have been already released. The Minister further informed the House that an amount of nearly Rs. 640 crore (approximately) is lying with Collectors of land acquisition throughout the State for payment of compensation to the rightful claimants on account of various works of public purposes pertaining to R&B, PHE, PDD, BRO, PMGSY, Education, Judiciary, Horticulture (Plg &marketing), Urban Local Bodies, NHAI, railways etc. while as an amount of Rs. 55.33 crore approximately is the additional requirement for Collector Land Acquisition ACR, Doda, SDM Bhaderwah and SDM Gandoh. Mr. Mir said that the land acquisition cases are at different stages of acquisition and the disbursement is in progress in various cases. In reply to another question by Mr. Master Noor Hussain, the Revenue Minister said that an area of evacuee land measuring 141774 kanals and 07 marlas is under unauthorized occupation of various individuals in Jammu Division and land measuring 8049 kanal and 14 marlas is under such occupation in Kashmir Division. He said that no illegal construction on evacuee land is reportedly going on in Jammu and Samba districts. The Minister said the department retrieved land measuring 1001 kanal 15 marlas from illegal occupants in Jammu Division and 287 kanals and 7 marlas in Kashmir Division. He said the department has been geared up to either regularize the position on payment of premium or vacate the illegal position in terms of the J&K State Evacuees (Administrative Property Act) He said the evacuee property lands measuring 365159 kanal in Jammu district and 102251 kanal in Samba district were allotted to the displaced persons. While as 153159 kanals in Jammu and 146283 kanal property has been allotted to local allottees of these districts. He said various land deficiency cases of PoK Displaced Persons are also under process in Revenue Department. Glimpses of Future JAMMU WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015, PAGE 5 Sukhnandan inaugurates IFFCO Crop Seminar Exhorts farmers for balanced, judicious use of fertilizers DLRC meet held at Reasi, banks performance reviewed under ACP Jammu, March 24: A meeting of District Level Committee Review (DLRC)/District Consultative Committee (DCC) for the quarter ending December-2014 of Reasi District was held under the of District chairmanship Commissioner Development Reasi, Sushma Chauhan, who is also chairman of DLRC. DDC Reasi had a threadbare review of Annual Credit Plan, CD ratio, JKSES, SC, ST, OBC, KVIB, KVIC, Industries, Agriculture, Handloom, Handicraft, Social Welfare, Employment with special emphasis on KCC and financial inclusion. In this connection, she advised all banks and agricultural department to complete the 100% coverage of farmers under KCC. She directed all the banks to adopt multi-pronged approach to make their outreach possible in the far-flung villages. They should endeavor to deepen the penetration of financial inclusion and expand the coverage GOF Staff Reporter Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Sukhnandan Kumar exhorted upon the farmers to make balanced and judicious use of fertilizers for enhanced agriculture production. Addressing the farmers during a seminar titled importance of micro nutrients in crop production by Indian Farmers Fertilizers Cooperative (IFFCO) here today, the Minister asked them to get soil tested to know about the potential and requirement of their agriculture land. “It will help them feed their land with proper and need based fertilizers for enhanced agriculture production,” he added. He said that fertilizer contributes to 50 percent of the agriculture production so it needs to be used as per the requirement of the land. The Minister said that the government has a vision of creating durable assets in every part of the state but simultaneously it becomes the moral responsibility of the people to ensure proper upkeep of these public utilities. He sought people’s participation in effective implemen- tation and monitoring of development works in their respective areas. Responding to demands of locals, the Minister assured that a tube well would be dug in the area besides other issues of better basic amenities would also be looked into for consideration. Elucidating the objective of the semi- nar, state marketing Manager, Shakti Singh, said that it is endeavour of IFFCO to raise awareness among the farmers about the significance of balanced use of fertilizers for better yield. He asked the farmers to use water soluble fertilizers that too as per land requirement. He said that besides fertilizer production IFFCO is involved in various social activities. The organization has contributed Rs.10 crore for Swachh Bharat Mission besides it has distributed 7 trucks of ration and 45000 blankets among flood victims in the state. Later, the Minister distributed blankets donated by IFFCO under relief programme for flood victims. Employment fair held at Chadoora 1100 jobless youth register at employment counseling centre GOF Staff Reporter Budgam, March 24: In order to aware the unemployed educated youth about various employment oriented programes and schemes of the Govt, an Employment fair was today organized by District Employment and Counseling Centre Budgam at Eid Gah Chadoora. While inaugurating the employment fair, the District Development Commissioner Budgam stressed upon the unemployed educated youth to take advantage of such fair as the aim and objective of organizing such em- ployment fairs is to provide awareness to the common masses about various Government sponsored schemes and welfare programmes. The DDC directed the youth to come forward for setting up of different kinds of income generating units in agricultural and allied sectors and also in private sectors. The Deputy Director employment Budgam on the occasion said that District Employment and counseling centre Budgam has provided an amount of Rs. 56 lakh Voluntary Service Allowances to the unemployed educated youth during 2014-2015. During the fair varidepartments like Agriculture, ous Horticulture, floriculture, Handicrafts, Handlooms, Fisheries, Sheep and Animal Husbandry, Co-operative, Industries and many financial institutions had established their stalls were requisite products and print potential was put on display. GOF Staff Reporter Reasi, March 24: HC orders Status-quo regarding post of Motor Vehicle Inspectors Jammu, Mar 24: In a petition filed by sunil Cannie and ors are Junior Engineers (Mechanical) from PW (R&B) Department, having been brought in the Motor Vehicle of Transport Department, Department, against clear available vacancies of Motor Vehicle Inspectors. The petitioners possess all the qualifications/eligibilities prescribed under J&K Transport Controller (Subordinate) Service Recruitmet Rules read with SRO 263 of 08.08.2012, for the recruitment of Motor Vehicle Inspectors seeking quashment of Transport order no. Commissioner’s TC/JK/Estt./673 dated 29.01.2015, being in violation of the Transport Controller’s (Subordinate) Service Recruitment Rules, 1974 read with SRO 263 of 08.08.2012 and also seekingdirectiontorespondentsforconsidering the petitioners for their permanentabsorptionintheMotor Vehicles Department, J&K, in termsoftherecommendationsvide Transport Commissioner’s No. TC/JK/Esst./3264 dated 22.05.2014. Justice Janak Raj Kotwal after hearing Adv Vikram Sharma with Suresh Sharma appearing for the petitioner issued notices to the Commissioner/Secretary Transport department returnable within four weeks and directed to file objections and in meanwhile directed respondents that till next date, status quo in regard to the post held by the petitioners shall be maintained.JNF NOTICE I, Subash Chander Gandotra S/o Sh Som Raj Gandotra R/o Ward No. 4, Ram Gali, Reasi has opened Nav Durga Super Store at Bus Stand Reasi. Now, I am applying for the License of Packing, Weight & Measurement from Legal Metrology Department. If anybody has any objection, may be conveyed to Legal Metrology Department within seven days from the date of publication of this notice. DIC Kathua organizes DLRC meeting held at Ramban, Rs Mushiara 176.15 Cr advanced in priority sector GOF Staff Reporter kathua, march 24: District Information Centre, Kathua organized a multilingual Mushiara at Rajiv Gandhi College of Education, Kathua today. Additional District Development Commissioner, Er Narinder Singh Bali was the chief guest, while Superintendent District Hospital Dr. Rajinder Kumar was the guest of honour on the occasion. Chairman of the college Pankaj Dogra, Principal of the college Dr. G P Sachdev, staff and large number of students were present on the occasion. Principal of the college welcomed the chief guest and other dignitaries. The programme started with lighting of traditional lamp by the chief guest and other dignitaries. The poets recited their ghazals and poems in Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi and Dogri languages. The poets also threw light on serious social issues like ADDC reviews Bankers performance GOF Staff Reporter Udhampur, March 24: To review the performance of all banks in key area of deposits and advance for quarter ending December 2014 under Annual credit dowry system, Drug Addiction, female feoticide and corruption. They suggested ways and means to eradicate the various social evils. Prominent among the poets who recited their writings included Santosh Dhiman, Renu Padha, Hajoora Singh, Kuldeep Kippi, Chandu Bhau, R S Katal. While speaking on the occasion, the ADDC said that poets play an important role making the masses aware about the various social evils, they guide the society in the direction leading to unity, peace and harmony. He appreciated the efforts of information department for organizing the musharia with which the students of the college got awared about the various social issues. Dr. Rajinder Kumar speaking on the occasion appreciated Information Department for organizing Mushyara. He said such programme provide platform to the artist to aggravate their talents & share their ideas with people. GOF Staff Reporter Ramban, March 24: Development District Commissioner, Ramban Farooq Shah Bukhari today chaired the District Level Review Committee Meeting at Ramban. Chief Agriculture Officer, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Chief Horticulture Officer, CPO, DSHO, AD Employment, AD Fisheries, GM DIC, AD Handlooms, LBO, Representative of NABARD and Managers of all the banks of the district were present in the meeting. The LBO informed that the banks of the district have recorded 9.12% increase in Deposits and 25.52% increase in the Advances over the corresponding December Quarter of the previous year. An amount of Rs 176.15 Cr has been advanced in the Priority sector up to the end of Dec 2014. The Chairman expressed concern over the CD ratio of the banks. He directed the banks to involve and mobilize the Self Help Groups for taking up activities Plan 2014-15, the District Level Review Committee cum District Consultative Committee (DLRC/DCC) meeting of bankers and district officers of various Government Departments of district Udhampur was held under the Chairmanship of Additional District Development Commissioner, Mr. Ajay Singh Jamwal here today. Joint Director Planning, Rakesh Jamwal, Lead District Manager, M.K Pandita, AGM RBI, Jammu R.B Gupta, Cluster Head, J&K Bank, Iqbal Singh,District Information Officer, Dr Ashwani like Floriculture, Horticulture and Allied activities under Agriculture for advancing more funds to the needy which can not only generate more employment but also improve the CD Ratio as per the standards of RBI. Regarding the disbursement made under KCC, the banks were directed to advance money as per the norms to the farmers since mere sanctioning of the KCCs without advancing the money shall not suffice the concept of this Financial Inclusion Scheme of the Government of India. It was given out that the banks in the district have so far lied departments can play a vital role in making people aware about the skill and capacity building programmes of R-SETI. He issued instructions to Chief Agriculture officer to provide sponsor troops for vegetable and saffron training in R-SETI. He stressed for better coordination for achieving the fixed target and would be seen at ground level for the welfare of rural masses. During the meeting, the Lead District Manager, Udhampur revealed that deposit of the district were 2557.54 Crores and advances Rs.738.35 crores as on December advanced an amount of Rs. 141 Lacs to 4595 KCC beneficiaries. The LBO informed that the banks have been organizing various Financial Literacy Camps for including people under the recently announced Prime Minister’s Jan Dhan Yojna and upto 31st of Dec 2014, 23814 accounts have been opened. The DDC directed the officers to work in coordination with the bankers and try to exploit every opportunity for advancing money to the needy unemployed youth under various schemes which shall minimize the unemployment of the district. 2014. He disclosed that CD ratio of the district was 28.88 percent. Under ACP 2014-15, the achievement of the banks was 40.72 percent against the annual target of Rs. 536.05 Crores and the achievement was Rs. 218.33 crores. AGM RBI, Mr Gupta while speaking on the occasion asked the LDM to allot targets to all private banks. He also asked to form sub committee for enhancing CD ratio in the district. Annual Action Plan and Budget of RSETI Udhampur for the financial year 2015-16 was also discussed and approved by the Task Force of District Level Advisory Committee posts by Sessions Judge DB grants two weeks time on the assurance of AG GOF Staff Reporter Jammu, Mar 24: Jammu, March 24: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr. Pawan Kotwal today chaired a high level meeting to discuss issues pertaining to expansion of Jammu Airport. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Jammu, A.K. Sahu, Assistant Commissioner (C) Sachin Dev Singh besides senior officers of Army, Air Force and civil administration. Threadbare discussions were held regarding expansion of Jammu Airport and issues impeding the expansion. Underlining the need for early expansion of NOTICE I, Ujjawal Pradhan S/o Sh. Sudhir Pradhan R/O Rehmbal, Teh. & Distt. Udhampur (J&K) inform that I have lost my Driving Licence (D/L) bearing no.JK1420110016105 at any where & not traced out. Now I want to get duplicate Driving Licence (D/L) to ARTO Udhampur. Objection if any may be convey to concerning authority. I, Nitish Kharka S/o Sh Kewel Krishan Kharka R/o Surni, Tehsil Ramnagar, District Udhampur have lost my original Driving License bearing Dl.No. JK1420100014595. Now, I am applying for duplicate of the same. Objection, if any, may be conveyed to ARTO Udhampur within seven days from the date of publication of this notice. I, Adarsh Anand have purchased Vehicle XUV 500 bearing Registration No. JK02 BD 1700 from M/s Sheela Builders Prop NICO DEMES R/o Prem Nagar, Jammu. Now, I am applying for transferring of the vehicle. Objection, if any, may be conveyed to Concerned Authority within seven days from the date of publication of this notice. I, Ghulam Nabi Khatana S/o Ghulam Hassan R/o Ferozpora (Drung) Tehsil Tangmarg District J&K and at present Jojran Talab Udhampur inform that the name of my son has been incorrectly entered as Ahqib Nabi Khattan instead of correct name Aqib Nabi Khatana. No, I am applying for the correction of the same. Objection, if any, may be conveyed to Concerned authorities. NOTICE NOTICE DDC initiates disciplinary action Budgam, March 24: In order to maintain punctuality and accountability in government institutions, particularly health institutions, the District Development Commissioner Budgam today in a surprise inspection of SDH Chattergam found 10 officials including 3 doctors and 7 paramedics absent from duty besides Block Medical Officer of the concerned SDH was not also available during the inspection. The DDC ordered disciplinary action against the absentees. Srinagar, March 24: Hansa, Chief Agriculture Officer, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Block Development Officers, Bankers and officers of line departments attended the meeting. Stressing greater need for generating awareness about different poverty alleviation schemes of the government, the ADDC exhorted upon the bankers to organize awareness camps with the involvement of block level officers especially in rural areas of the district by the banks so that rural masses may get aware about their financial inclusion schemes. He said that Agriculture and al- Jammu Airport, the Divisional Commissioner stressed that all agencies involved in the project should synchronize their working for timely completion of the prestigious project. Bottlenecks related to shifting of various utilities adjoining the airport were also deliberated upon besides transferring of land adjoining Airport which is presently housing several utilities of the Army and will be used for the expansion of the Airport. Dr. Kotwal asked the Army, UEED, PWD and other concerned authorities to constitute a committee of officers for effective monitoring of implementation of this project in a stipulated time frame. NOTICE covered within stipulated period. LDM apprised the house that the deposits and advances of all commercial banks as on 31 Dec-2014 stood at Rs 1441.46 lakhs and 41074 lakhs respectively. Additional Deputy Commissioner, Reasi Shiv Kumar Gupta, CPO Reasi HL Sharma, GM DIC Krishan Lal, Chief Agriculture Officer Dr Iqbal Choudhary, AD Employment Sulakshana Thakur, AD Handicraft Manu Hansa, CHOSusheel K Angurana, Cluster Head JK Bank, sectoral and district officers of various government departments and officers from banks attended the meeting. 81 city shopkeepers penalized for violating EC Act Div Com discusses Jammu Airport expansion Manning of Member Secy SLSA GOF Staff Reporter of financial services to all sections of society particularly to those at the bottom of the economic pyramid, added the Deputy Commissioner. She impressed upon the banks and line department, to ensure effective coordination in their working to achieve desired results. Lead District Manager Sanjeev Bhardwaj informed the meeting that against a target of 2208500 lakhs under ACP 2014-15 ending Dec-2014, in the district achieved 20.30%. More than 1049 KCCs were issued during the period and assurance was given that all the eligible farmers would be In a Public Interest Litigation filed by Rufi Khan & Ors final year students of Graduation in Law, University of Jammu, seeking effective prosecution of criminal trials particularly involving capital sentence and life imprisonment with a view to prevent crime, convict the offenders and to make punishments a real deterrent and also seeking direction to respondent to ensure the quality of Public Prosecutors and the guidelines for appointing the Public Prosecutors/ Additional Public Prosecutors in which an application for implementation of resolution passed in a Chief Justice and Chief Minister’s Conference on April, 2013, today A Division Bench of State High Court Comprising Chief Justice N Paul Vasanthakumar and Justice Bansi Lal Bhat granted two weeks’ time to state on the assurance of Advocate General that immediately after the budget session is over, the cabinet take into the consideration th issue involved in the appointment of Member Secretary JKSLSA. When the matter was came-up for hearing today Sr. AAG Gagan Basotra has pro- duced a letter dated March 23, 2015 given by Law Secretary wherein it is stated that the department has initiated process of placing the matter with regard to making amendment in J&K Legal Services Authorities Act, so far as it relates to the appointment of Member Secretary is concerned before the cabinet. Advocate General RA Jan who is also present in the Court gives the assurance to the Court that immediately after budget session is over, cabinet take into the consideration the issue involved. Upon this Court granted two weeks time to do the needful and directed Registry to list this PIL On April 15, 2015. JNF The enforcement squad of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution department conducted market checking of various markets of Srinagar city including Lawaypora, Methan, Pantha Chowk, Batwara, Khanyar, Sonwar, Pandrethan, Zewan, Balhama, Kanitar, Alamdar Colony, Fateh Kadal, Batmaloo, Lal Bazaar, Bota Kadal, Rajbagh, Jawahar Nagar, Rambagh, Shalimar, Hari Singh High Street, Zoonimar, Lal Mandi and Regal Chowk. During the checking, 620 business establishments were inspected and Rs. 64800 as fine have been collected from 81 erring shopkeepers for violating Essential Commodities Act. Attention Srinagar flood sufferers SRINAGAR, MARCH 24: All those affected Traders and Shopkeepers having business under Rs. 10.00 lakh and whose establishments were not insured are advised to furnish their details as per the notified format to the office of Additional Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar. Similarly the affectees of full damaged not insured houses shall furnish an undertaking to the effect of being not insured to the respective Tehsildar’s immediately. Destitute women who lost their residential houses along with household items as well as other means of sustenance due to floods of September, 2014 are also advised to give their details to respective Tehsildar’s immediately. Employment fair held at Bandipora Bandipora, March 24: District Employment and Counseling Centre Bandipora organized an Employment Fair here today which was inaugurated by Additional Deputy Commissioner Bandipora. Various department like Handicrafts, Fisheries, Sheep, Animal Husbandry, Sericulture, Floriculture, Health and financial institutions installed stalls in the employment fair during which the concerned officers provided awareness about various schemes. Speaking on the occasion, ADC said that the motto of organizing such programme was to mould the tendency of unemployed youth towards private sector so that they could adopt these schemes on their own will and improve their economy. On the occasion, it was informed that 18834 unemployed youth have so far been registered in the district whileas an amount of Rs. 12.35 lakh has been distributed as voluntary service allowance among 1702 candidates during the current financial year. World TB day observed in Sgr Srinagar, March 24: District Tuberculosis Control Society Srinagar in collaboration with Health Department today organized a function at Law College today. On the occasion, various speakers delivered lectures, generating awareness among the participants. It was informed that earlier TB was a deadly disease and was not curable but by now the disease is completely curable and free medicare, diagnostic facilities and medicines are available at every health institute of the state. The speakers also stressed for initiating vigorous awareness campaign in the valley especially in far off and hilly areas. Moreover, they also stressed for organizing awareness camps in colleges, schools and Anganwari centres so that patients suffering from this ailment could get benefited from this awareness. World TB Day observed at Anantnag Anantnag, March 24: In connection with World Tuberculosis Day, the ADC Anantnag flagged off a rally of students from various Nursing Training Schools and educational institutions for awaring the common people about preventive measures for TB Control. The students were carrying banners and ply boards and went from street to street and other parts of the District. A seminar was also organized at District TB Hospital Anantnag in which the Doctors and experts from WHO awared the audience about the preventive measures. The District TB Officer Anantnag highlighted the performance of RNTCP in Anantnag /Kulgam during the year 2014. He also informed that 16 treatment units under TB are functional in Anantnag and Kulgam Districts and 286 Dot centers have been established in the twin Districts. The rate of TB patients has reduced yearly which was 1010 in 2012,787 in2013 and 720 in 2014-15 due to the collective efforts of the department. 378 cases of TB were detected against sputum examination of 10286 cases during the current year. Glimpses of Future JAMMU WEDNESDAY MARCH 25, 2015, PAGE 6 DIVINE ENERGY (PART 2) CYMK Glimpses of future The evil he dowry system is a blot on rich Indian culture. Even modern, well-educated families start saving up money for their daughter's dowry as soon as she is born, so what can one expect from the uneducated masses, whose only form of education is tradition? When demands for dowry are not met, the bride is subject to torture, and often even killed. The reason many parents don't want to have daughters is because of the dowry they will have to shell out at her marriage, and the stress they go through due to never ending demands from her in-laws. Dowry is an evil, evil system and all of us, at some level, condone it and even contribute to it. Often the boys parents don't demand dowry, but our culture is such that we feel we must give something to the in-laws. In such cases, give as much as you receive. When you go out of your way because you are the parents of the girl, you are contributing to this evil. Come festivals like Diwali or Holi, and the parents of the daughter flood her in-laws with gifts. If gifts are expected - your daughter is married into the wrong family. If such giving is self-inflicted, you're making a mistake. Give a token present to your daughter. If you want to give her something more, do so, but don't feel pressured to give anything more than you receive to her in-laws. You don't need to if your daughter is happily married and has a supportive husband - so DON'T. An astounding number of parents still don't lay enough emphasis on educating their daughters. They believe their daughters will get married eventually, and husbands will support them, so why push them so hard? Poorer sections of society would rather send their daughters out to work and earn some money, to help them save up for her dowry. Those from regular middle and upper class backgrounds do send their daughters to school, but don't emphasise career options. They view education as a rite of passage. If their daughters do well, it's something to brag about at kitty parties. Similarly, very wealthy parents will happily support their daughters until they get married. Because of the family status and their ability to fork out a high dowry, they know they will get good matches for their daughter, and don't take their daughters education very seriously. Get serious about your daughter's education. Encourage her to have a career of her own, no matter what your financial standing. One of the reasons parents of the boy ask for dowry, is that they often expect that their son will be earning and supporting the wife, and it is only fair that she contribute somewhat towards the household by way of dowry. If your daughter is educated and has as good a career as her husband to be, you've got a strong step in your favour. Instead of giving her dowry so everyone is nice to her at her new home, give her a great career, so they can't help but respect her. So if they treat her badly, she can walk out, as she is not dependent on them. So they need her monthly contribution to the household expenses and dare not mess with her. Providing your daughter with a solid education, and encouraging her to pursue a career of her choice is the best dowry any parent can ever give their daughter. T In right hands he allotment of 38 mines to central and state public sector units including power major NTPC, DVC and steel giant SAIL is step taken BJP government to undo the wrongs of previous congress led government. The move comes on the heels of the auction of 33 coal blocks in two tranches to private companies with the government garnering over Rs 2 lakh crore, surpassing CAG's earlier estimates of losses of Rs 1.86 lakh crore on allotment without auction. Most of these 38 blocks have gone to the earlier allocatees. The Supreme Court had in September cancelled the allocations of 204 blocks in all, terming the process as "fatally flawed", leading the current round of auctions and allocations. The Coal Ministry had earlier received 107 applications from PSUs for allocation of 43 coal blocks. Finally, black gold in right hands. T THE GALACTIC NUCLEUS Energy remains as energy. A nuclear war would destroy the earth and only energy would be left. Whether it would be in the form of radioactivity, or light, or something else, it would remain as energy. If you follow the theory of action-reaction, it says that if destruction is the acthen tion, construction must be the reIf, action. upon its destruction, matter is transformed into energy, then the universe must have been created from energy, whose form was merely changed into matter. So before the creation of the material universe, there was spiritual energy. There are stars, which are millions of light years away from us, so far away that their light has not even reached us yet. God has created such an amazingly vast universe full of wonderful phenomena. There is so much radioactivity in the sun that it can give heat and light to the entire solar system. But from where does the sun get its heat and energy? Our solar system has only one sun and just imagine how many other solar systems and suns there must be! Just as our planets revolve around their sun, so countless suns revolve around a galactic nucleus. You can call the ‘galactic nucleus’ the Origin, the ‘first Cause’ or anything else, but it is actually pure consciousness. Just as the sun gives us light, from this point emanates the light of Consciousness. MIND – THE MIDDLEMAN TO GOD We all know that God is Truth Con- BY : RAHUL VERMA he ongoing controversy in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), between the proKejriwal faction and other party leaders, over organisational matters raises two important questions that concern most political parties in India. The first why do political parties in India have a tendency to centralise? And the second why do leaders of these parties project themselves as “supremo,” or the ultimate authority? This “high command” culture is often attributed to political parties that are dynastic in nature. Parties like the Congress, the Shiv Sena, the Akali Dal, the Biju Janata Dal, the Telugu Desam Party, the Samajwadi Party, the YSR Congress and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam are the usual suspects. However, centralisation of authority also extends to non-dynastic parties like the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) in Assam, the Trinamool Congress, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the Bahujan Samaj Party. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Left parties which occupy two ideological extremes in Indian politics have remained an exception, to an extent, to this trend. In our opinion, India’s political parties and their leaders have the propensity to centralise authority because most political parties do not have independ- T ent organisational bases, a large section of citizens depend upon India’s mai-baap state [nanny state] for their general well-being, and the nature of financing election campaigns in the country. The organisational base of political parties in India often precedes their formal creation. While the BJP spun off the Jana Sangh with support from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Left was moulded by the unification of splintered communist movements in the early 20th century. These parties and their leaders are often kept in check by strong, cadre-based organisations. If a party has a strong organisation and allows other contenders an equal opportunity to reach to the top, then factional politics within the party would create independent bases of power and incentivise lobbying. This is true in the case of the BJP and the Left parties as they are rooted in strong civil society organisations. For example, in case of the BJP, the RSS and its affiliates act as a strong check on party leadership. The AAP has severed its ties from the Anna Hazare-led anti-corruption movement in the wake of its party formation. It now lacks an independent organisational base that could check the leader becoming the party — a phenomenon common to most political parties in India. Even if it had retained its ties to the anti-corruption movement, the latter was just a movement without any structure or organi- you listen to beautiful music. The batteries could be in a watch that tells the time, the batteries could also be in a remote-control mechanism that triggers in atom bomb. Now, will you say that the batteries kill? People shoot with a gun; the gun kills but have you ever seen a gun convicted? There power is there; the gun is like the power. A person cannot kill without having a gun or a pistol, but is a gun convicted or sent to jail? No, it doesn’t happen because a person does it. The mind pulls the trigger. Similarly God is energy, but that energy is utilized, directed by the mind towards destructive or towards a constructive end. When a man doesn’t have the mind, then the energy simply flows. It’s like man-made canals and God-made canals. Isn’t there a difference? The latter are just right there. It’s like causing artificial rain and having natural rain. God is more like the energy that gives power to different things. God gives power to the mind also, but the mind dominates the body. With the power of soul, with the power of God, the function of the mind is actually to understand itself, to meditate, to be concentrated. But if that mind, which is energized, goes out in the world, then definitely that mind is going to suffer. And so the pains, the infliction that we suffer through the mind, are not suffered by God. THE KUNDALINI SHAKTI Chakra means a plexus, a circle of energy, a point of energy and when we study the Kundalini Shakti, we find the bottom charka, called muladhar charka is the South Pole. Then we have swadhisthan charka, manipurak charka, anahat charka, vishudhi charka and the other chakras, which are circles of energy along the etheric double of the spine. The ultimate charka is the sahastradalkamal, which mans ‘the lotus of one thousand petals’. So the bottom part of the spinal column is the muladhar charka like the South Pole and the top portion of the A new way forward for backward castes BY : SANDHYA JAIN n a judgement with far-reaching consequences for reservation politics in India, the Supreme Court on March 17 scrapped the UPA Government’s March 2014 notification that included Jats in the Central List of Other Backward Classes in nine States. In Ram Singh & Others vs Union of India (WP Civil No 274 of 2014), Justices Ranjan Gogoi and Rohinton Nariman inserted a startling ‘exit clause’ into the hitherto closed world of quotas and insisted that reservations must be justified on merit rather than slogans based on caste-centric mythologies of historical injustice and backwardness. The impugned notification put Jats in the Central List of Backward Classes for the States of Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, National Capital Territory of Delhi, Bharatpur and Dholpur districts of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Barring Gujarat, (Hindu) Jats are listed as OBC in these States; they are the erstwhile rulers of Bharatpur and Dholpur. The UPA amended the rules to allow the National Commission for Backward Classes to review their status at the national level. In June 2011, the NCBC deferred a decision on Jat representations until the finalisation of the Socio Economic and Caste Census 2011. But, in July 2011, the NCBC approached the Indian Council of Social Science Research to conduct a comprehensive survey in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat to ascertain the community’s socio-economic status. In October 2012, the NCBC pruned this to a two per cent sample survey. However, in June 2013, the Prime Minister’s Office informed the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment that a Group of Ministers chaired by the Finance Minister would interact with Jat leaders regarding their demand for inclusion. The GoM would also monitor completion of the ICSSR survey and facilitate an early decision by the NCBC. An ICSSR Expert Committee gathered all literature on the subject, including reports of the various State Commissions regarding inclusion of Jats in State OBC lists, and presented the NCBC a summary without recommendations. The NCBC asked the States to fix public hearings in the respective I The supremo culture in Indian polity Political parties and their leaders have the propensity to centralise authority because most parties do not have independent organisational bases, a large section of citizens depend upon India’s mai-baap state for their general well-being, and the nature of financing election campaigns in the country sciousness and Bliss. Now, when we say that God is Truth, consciousness and bliss, we say that the power that makes everything move in the universe is God. So the energy that flows and controls us, that makes us move, is Truth, consciousness and Bliss. Now that bliss is coming down and mind is like a man that gets a pure drug and mixes it with other things, and dilutes it. It takes the pure thing and dilutes it. That bliss is flowing. Mind, as the middleman, goes after, for example, food. It will take temporary satisfaction there, which is happiness, contentment. Or, it’ll go for wealth; it’ll get a temporary satisfaction there. Don’t people feel satisfaction in these things? Behind the temporary experiences of satisfaction that we all seek, we all demand that totality, the experience of totality, or completion. From eating a little bit, you taste a thing and you say “It’s fine” and you then eat the whole thing. So, it is because we experience peace or bliss or happiness bit by bit, that we all want to get the entire thing, the whole bliss. Mind is like a gate that stops everything, like a sluice gate. In Hardwar there is dam and it has gates and if they open them completely, then the water flows. If the gate is closed, then the water doesn’t flow. So the flow of the water is controlled. Now the water is energy, but that energy is still being controlled by the gates, which is like the mind. So, if you have not mind, then it simply flows and engulfs you life, but if the mind is there, then that thing will be checked. So, if you actually want to have more experience, you won’t get more, you’ll get less, because of the mind. “Man is destined to be perfect.” This means that through his trials and errors, man has to understand that his mind is the cause of suffering. His mind is dissipated and so the energy is dissipated. So he has to have a concentrated mind. Concentrated mind is ‘no mind’. God is like the batteries, but the batteries could be in a radio. Then you extract the energy from the batteries and sation. The AAP has been created from scratch on the back of general discontent with “politics as usual.” Currently, most leaders within the AAP have no independent political base. Their political careers are tied to the success of the party. Those eyeing positions of power — either for enhancing their political career or for carrying out genuine political reform — align their interests with that of their leader and suppress any challenges to his authority. It is this internecine conflict that lies at the heart of the recent internal feud within the AAP, and, broadly, its centralised leadership structure. Political parties in India have an incentive to centralise party organisation because the Indian state is the mai-baap. In a mai-baap state, the state is involved in everyday economic activity of most citizens — from running railways and building big industrial complexes to social sector programmes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), midday meals, etc. The state is the primary investor, creator and provider of most goods that citizens consume. The control over the state and its institutions help in crystallising the support base of a politician. The leader, especially if the party is in the government, is incentivised to restrict party colleagues who are not part of the faction from using the levers of this mai-baap state, as it would allow them to develop independent support bases and potentially challenge the authority of the leader. Other politicians from the pro-leader faction support this centralisation because their association with the leader protects them from challenges to their own positions within the party by others. The recent fracas in the AAP reflects these dilemmas. There are those who want Arvind Kejriwal to remain the leader of the party State capitals, but on receiving no response organised public hearings at Siri Fort Auditorium, Delhi, in February 2014. The same month, the NCBC advised the Centre that Jats did not qualify for inclusion in the Central List of OBC, as merely belonging to an agricultural community cannot confer backward status. Ruling that Jats were neither socially or educationally backward, the NCBC suggested the need for a noncaste based identification of backward classes. It noted that Jats were adequately represented in public employment (Armed Forces, Government services and educational institutions). Surprisingly, the Union Cabinet ruled that the NCBC failed to note “ground realities”. Claiming that the OBC lists of the concerned States was reasonable basis, it included Jats in the Central List of Backward Classes for the said States and notified the same on March 4, 2014. The general election were notified the next day, giving the decision a distinctly political taint. The Supreme Court, however, has opined that the backwardness contemplated by Article 16(4) of the Constitution is social backwardness, which may be linked to educational and economic backwardness, but is a distinct concept with its own implications. This was overlooked by the Cabinet meeting of March 2, 2014, as shown by a scrutiny of the minutes. The Court noted that while the minutes detail the deliberations with respect to Jats in Haryana, the National Capital Territory of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan, they omit to mention Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Bihar, though these States were also included in the amended Central List of OBC. This suggests that these States were not considered by the Cabinet at all. Justices Gogoi and Nariman concluded that barring Haryana (Justice KC Gupta Commission Report, 2012), all State Commission reports and literature on the subject was at least one decade old and hence inaccurate for measuring backwardness for purposes of inclusion in the List of OBC. As citizens are expected to continually progress on the social, economic and educational fronts, the data to measure their growth must be more contemporary. Disapproving of the fact that over the past two decades, there have only been inclu- and the Chief Minister. For many politicians in the AAP, and for Mr. Kejriwal, this makes sense as the AAP attempts to expand its electoral influence. It will use its control over the Delhi government to build the party. As it follows this path, the AAP will begin to look like all the other parties in India — a centralised party controlled by a leader accompanied by fellow politicians who need the leader to retain their position. The secondary leadership in the party also cannot allow dissent — especially challenges to the authority of the supremo. This centralisation is also helped by the opaque campaign finance regime of parties in India, which is closely tied to the mai-baap state and its institutions. Campaign finance in India is often undisclosed, collected centrally, and distributed by the central party office. While the central leadership handles the bulk of the campaign spending, political parties also allocate tickets to candidates with a substantial amount of wealth and a criminal background so they could finance their own elections. Nevertheless, all politicians, especially after winning elections, contribute greatly to a party’s election coffers by collecting commissions from businessmen and contractors by providing them access, such as getting them permits, licences, contracts, sions in the Central and State OBC Lists, the judges labeled this “negative governance”, which was not envisaged in the constitutional scheme. The Court acknowledged that backwardness is caused by several factors — social, cultural, economic, educational, even political. In Hindu society, owing to historical conditions, it has generally been associated with caste. The Supreme Court has now guillotined this conflation of class and caste by nixing the use of caste as sole basis of identification of a group as backward. Article 16(4) and Article 15(4) enjoin the State to take affirmative action for the most deserving. Social groups that are “most deserving” must necessarily undergo continuous change, and new methods and yardsticks must be evolved to identify them. In National Legal Services Authority vs Union of India (5 SCC 438, 2014), the Supreme Court mooted recognition of the third gender as a socially and educationally backward class entitled to affirmative action. This path breaking judgement showed the high degree of vigilance needed to identify emerging forms of backwardness. The constitutional mandate cannot be misused to enable groups of citizens to recover “lost ground” by claiming benefits on the basis of historical prejudice. Self-proclaimed social backwardness will no longer be constitutionally permissible. Nor will backwardness be ascertained through mathematical formulae based on social, economic and educational indicators. Backwardness must also cease to be relative erroneous inclusions cannot justify further inclusions. Henceforth, only the most distressed must be included. It follows that politically organised groups like the Jats cannot be included as OBCs just because groups who have fared better than them have been included. By enunciating rational criteria to determine backwardness and suggesting periodic revision of the OBC List to include newly deserving categories, and exclude those who no longer need affirmative action or were included on flawed premises, the Supreme Court has taken jurisprudence to a new morally just dimension. The task ahead is to take this to the next level and revise all quotas to exclude creamy layers and extend benefits to those who have never received them due to cornering by dominant groups within the SC or ST categories. etc., to the mai-baap state. [Read: 400% rise in parties’ spend on LS polls The AAP is indeed one of the few political parties that talks about and even experimenting with methods of open campaign finance. We will have to wait and see how politicians from the AAP, with a key to this mai-baap state, deal with it in the coming months, but one thing is for sure — a lot of candidates contesting on AAP tickets rely on the central party office for their funds. This is true for other parties as well. Thus, the control-command structure of financing election campaigns creates incentives for leaders to centralise party organisations. The tendency of party centralisation also explains why India has such a high rate of party fragmentation more and more parties competing in the next election and electoral volatility the net change in the vote share of a party from one election to the next. When one leader frequently makes the decisions regarding appointments to positions of power within a party, then others within the party become unsure of their career paths. Ambitious politicians in such a scenario are likely to desert their parent party and join another party to enhance career prospects. Lateral entry to a similar position in another party is however not always easy. spinal column, which comes right up to the top of the head, is sahastradalkamal – North Pole. So every human being is functioning and behaving like a magnet. But the magnet will only be charged when the energy flows from the North Pole returning back to the south, and when the energy from the South Pole goes to the North Pole. When the flow from the south to the north happens, when the energy circulates, then the magnet behaves like magnet. It has that magnetic flux and that magnetic energy. Now the problem is that we all are magnets but the South Pole is not giving energy to the north one. We have not raised ourselves from the lower level to the higher level. We have not evolved. The beauty of sadhana, the beauty of meditation is that it elevates you consciousness. When the consciousness is elevated, the energy from the South Pole goes to the North Pole, then human being functions like a magnet and this is called the awakening. This experience is called the awakening of serpent power, the awakening of the Kundalini Shakti, the potential power in us. So the Shakti is within us. The shakti, the energy is not outside; the Shakti is right within us. If we press a coil, the coil has a potential power; the potential energy is right inside the coil. The energy does not come from outside; it’s right within the coil. So when a person meditates, when a person concentrates, the function of the evolution of soul happens, it takes place within the body. The body is the temple of God. And the jiva, the soul, the small self realizes the big Self. This realization is called bhakti, devotion; this realization is called Gyan, Knowledge; this realization is called the awakening of the Kundalini. And this realization is called the second birth – that unless and until you are born again, you can not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. This is the second birth. By : Shri Satpal Ji Maharaj Swachch Bharat, Swasth Bharat BY : JAGDISH PRASAD n Gandhi Jayanti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Swachch Bharat Abhiyan, a nationwide cleanliness campaign. This flagship programme is designed to achieve its objectives by 2019. The campaign aims to provide sanitation facilities to every family — including toilets, solid and liquid waste disposal systems, village cleanliness, as well as safe and adequate drinking water supply. The campaign is snowballing into a mass movement with the public and private sector, civil society, academics and individuals, all lending their support to the cause of a Clean India. A clean environment and hygienic setting are intrinsically linked to a healthy life. They stem the spread of diseases. Population explosion, rapid urbanisation, poor sanitation, hygiene and poverty have compounded the public health problems in our country. Immunity of a person is compromised by un-hygienic living conditions and communicable diseases such as malaria, diarrhea and tuberculosis that spread at an alarming pace. World Tuberculosis Day is celebrated on March 24. It is a time to reflect on the past year’s achievements and outline challenges for the future. High prevalence of tuberculosis continues to threaten the health and well-being of millions of Indians. Unfortunately, India holds the dubious distinction of having the highest tuberculosis burden in the world. In 2013, out of the estimated global annual incidence of nine million tuberculosis cases, 2.1 million were estimated to have occurred in India. The Government of India has been working with great commitment and zeal to curb the scourge of tuberculosis. The National Tuberculosis Control Programme was rechristened to Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme in 1997 and is based on the World Health Organisation-recommended strategy of Directly Observed Treatment, Short Course. By March 2006, RNTCP achieved complete geographical coverage spanning the entire country. RNTCP has consistently achieved treatment success rate of more than 85 per cent, and case detection close to the global target, in line with the Millennium Development Goals set in the year 2000. Although millions of lives have been saved and we have come a long way, the road to achieve our goal is a long one. Pro-active Governments and bureaucracies can always achieve a great deal, as we have seen in the case of tuberculosis control in Mumbai. The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai has been steadfast in its efforts to combat the disease. The Mumbai Mission for TB Control, launched in March 2013, drew a comprehensive strategy to tackle the heavy burden of TB in Mumbai and serves as an example of an effective TB control programme. In December 2014, the ‘TB Harega, Desh Jeetega’ campaign was launched as part of the mission’s awareness building strategy. The induction of Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan as the brand ambassador has brought unprecedented attention to the campaign. With Bachchan, the campaign has managed to galvanise support from all quarters. This writer has stressed upon the need for key figures from the corporate sector and the film industry to adopt at least one slum in Mumbai to work for TB control and prevention. Corporates, individual donors and civil society organisations have been playing a major role by contributing additional resources, which will help reach the target of the mission in a quicker and more holistic manner. Different ministries and departments of the Government have come together as TB prevention and control is influenced and affected by a number of factors, of which good hygiene and a clean environment are of high priority. It is heartening to see the Swachch Bharat Abhiyan get a strong push from the authorities, which has propelled the movement to involve all stakeholders. To implement any policy effectively, the process has to be stakeholder-driven. The impact of any policy should be visible to the stakeholders for increased participation. The success of the Swachch Bharat Abhiyan in its initial phase is reflected in the fact that the campaign has garnered the support of the people and mobilised them to work towards the common goal of a clean and healthy India. O Printed, published and owned by Prem Nath Sharma, Printed at Glimpses of Future Press, 63 Padha Street, Purani Mandi, Jammu. Chief Editor Prem Nath Sharma, Associate Editor : Rajiv Sharma, Ph. 2546079, Fax 0191-25472420, RNI NO. 43798/86, emails : [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] Glimpses of Future JAMMU WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015, PAGE 7 Nirbhaya documentary: Supreme Court seeks reply from advocates of accused Agencies New Delhi Mar 24 : As the ban on the telecast of controversial BBC documentary "India's Daughter" on the December 16, 2012, gang-rape continues, the Supreme Court on Tuesday sought response from two lawyers for making derogatory remarks against women in the short film. While hearing the case, the apex court maintained that the matter requires consideration in view of the factual and legal argument made by women lawyers' association. "We have heard the argument, pleadings and grievances urged in the petition. The matter requires consideration in view of the factual and legal submissions," a bench comprising justices V Gopala Gowda and C Nagappan said. The bench issued notices to the two advocates, ML Sharma and AP Singh, and sought their response in two weeks. The Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association, in its petition, had sought restriction on the entry of the two advocates in the apex court premises, alleging that their remarks in the controversial BBC documentary were "inhumane, scandalous, unjustifiable, biased, outrageous, ill-minded" and are a "direct affront to and in violation of the dignity of women", especially those practicing in the Supreme court. Senior advocate Vibha Datta Makhija, appearing the women's association, submitted that the Supreme Court has to lead from the front and show zero tol- Azam skirts comment on SC order on Section 66A Agencies Lucknow Mar 24 : In the eye of a storm over arrest of a student for allegedly posting "objectionable" remark against him, SP leader Azam Khan Tuesday refused to comment on the Supreme Court scrapping the controversial provision of cyber law but accused the media of "supporting criminals". "Aap log aparadhiyon ki himayat kartey hain (you support criminals)," he said when asked by reporters to comment on the apex court's judgement holding the provision as "unconstitutional". Khan was embroiled in the controversy after the male student was arrested in Bareilly on March 18 for allegedly misusing Section 66A of the IT Act by posting on Facebook "objectionable" comments against the senior Uttar Pradesh minister. Section 66A (sending false and offensive messages through communication services) of the IT Act is sweeping in its powers if convicted, a person can be sent to jail for upto three years for sending an e-mail or other electronic message that "causes annoyance or inconvenience". The SP leader had earlier told reporters that the Class XII student has made "objectionable comments" against him. "Law is enforced with strictness and he has been arrested within 24 hours. Comments were made against me earlier also on Facebook," he had said, justifying the police action. A petition was filed before the Supreme Court in this regard alleging that its advisory was violated after which the apex court had asked Uttar Pradesh police to explain the circumstances leading to the boy's arrest. Terming liberty of thought and expression as "cardinal", the apex court today said, "The public's right to know is directly affected by Section 66A of the Information Technology Act." The boy, who bore the brunt of the controversial Section 66A and spent two days in jail, welcomed the judgement, saying the clause was being misused. "I am happy that Section 66A has been scrapped but I had a very rough time when I was booked under the provision which entailed a jail term of three years. I was stressed and was made to spend two days in jail. "I was also embarrassed about what I posted as I did it by mistake. I am still recovering from what happened and it will take some time for me to get completely normal on social media and other things," he said. His father, though relieved with the scrapping of the provision, said his son has suffered. "All this has affected his studies, his mental stability and the family too," he said. erance for such views. "We need an environment where we are fearless," she said and added that the two advocates need to be sensitised. Senior advocate Dushyant Dave, appearing for SCBA, submit- ted that there should be a meaningful and proper implementation of gender sensitisation regulation. He said, "SCBA has taken a unanimous decision to take action against Sharma." The petition had sought protection of fundamental rights, guaranteed under the Constitution, of the female advocates practicing in the apex court to work with dignity and without any gender bias. The documentary is about the gang-rape of a 23-year-old trainee physiotherapist, who was brutally assaulted on December 16, 2012 in a moving bus in Delhi. It kicked up a storm after one of the convicts Mukesh Singh was interviewed in Delhi's Tihar Jail. The documentary has comments from the convicts' counsel AP Singh and ML Sharma, who allegedly made derogatory remarks against women. The banning of the telecast of the documentary in all formats caused an uproar in India. The Centre on March 3 issued an advisory to ban the broadcast of the documentary and the trial court had on March 4 banned it until further orders. The Supreme Court in July put on hold the execution of the four convicts in the case. As per social media, the public at large wanted to see the documentary, as within a day of it being put up on YouTube, it was viewed by more 2.86 lakh people, the pleas said. Land ordinance likely to be allowed to lapse on April 5 Agencies New Delhi Mar 24 : Government is likely to allow the controversial land ordinance to lapse on April 5 amid stiff opposition by many political parties and activists who have stepped up campaign against the measure. "It has to lapse on April 5. We will then see what to do next," a senior Cabinet Minister said here today. Government had promulgated ordinance on land acquisi- tion on December 31 last year. A bill to replace the ordinance was brought to Parliament in Budget session which started on February 23. While the bill, providing for amending the Act of 2013, cleared Lok Sabha earlier this month, it got stuck in Rajya Sabha with entire opposition uniting in the House where the ruling NDA is in a minority. Since then the Budget session has gone into recess till April 20 and for re-promulgating the ordinance, Parliament has to be prorogued. Sources indicated that the government is not keen to take the unusual step of proroguing the Budget session during the recess as it will hardly serve any purpose and may lead to charges of arrogance on the ruling dispensation, which has not completed even one year in office. The thinking in the government is that the states have not framed rules and as such they cannot acquire land under new ordinance. Moreover, there is no big ticket investment project Agencies NEW DELHI Mar 24 : Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje, who had demanded scrapping of the MGNREGA last year, has now turned to the same law for helping her tide over a crisis. With hailstorms causing massive devastation of crops in 26 of the total 33 districts in early March — and Congress president Sonia Gandhi coming down to join protests against the state administration — among the multiple relief packages for farmers announced by Raje, is move to provide additional 'wage employment' funded from state coffers to the 2.26 lakh workers who have already received 100 days of work under MGNREGA. The central law guarantees employment for 100 days in various civic works funded by the union government. But the state government has decided to provide "additional wage employment on its own to 2.26 lakh workers who have already worked for 100 days" and are in need of sources of livelihood after hailstorms, explained Rohit Kumar, secretary of disaster management and relief department. No funding limits have been set for this, he added. The decision is striking because, in a letter to the Rural Development Minister Nitin Gadkari last year, Raje had said, "It is difficult to see the advantages of an Act, except that it can lead to increased litigation by all manner of organisations. Whether it is to be NREGA or NREGS is a matter of debate and decision". According to officials present at the March 19 meeting, where Raje announced this decision, not much debate happened before taking this decision as "she was clear that providing employment will help the needy". THRISSUR Mar 24 : The 112-year old Kunjannam of Parannur, near Choondal in Thrissur district in central Kerala died on morning. Tuesday Kunjannam's name figured in the latest Limca Book of Records as the oldest living woman in India. Kunjannam was not well for some days and she couldn't take any food since Monday. She was admitted to the hospital on Monday afternoon, and efforts to save her by providing intravenous feed did not prove successful. She died when her relative and wellwishers were planning a major celebration on her 113th birthday which was to fall on May 20. The officials of the Limca Book of Records had decided to include Kunjannam's name af- A saree trader with two specially made sarees of 65 thousand rupees each, to be gifted to team India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, after winning the World Cup Andhra Pradesh to name capital Amaravati Gen VK Singh should quit Finally, chief minister Chandrababu Naidu has zeroed in on Amaravati as the name of the new capital of Andhra Pradesh. TOI had hinted at the same name in November last year. The CM will announce the name in a couple of days at an auspicious moment, said sources. According to the sources, Naidu finalized Amaravati as the name of his upcoming capital on the banks of river Krishna on the rationale that in one stroke, a new modern capital can be linked to history dating back to at least 2000 years when the small town of Amaravati, which is about 32 km away from the core capital region, was a major Buddhist centre. Since Amaravati is also associated with Telugu heritage dating back to the Satavahana kingdom, Naidu felt that it would be Those who work on MGNREGA related issues seemed surprised about the decision. "It has come as a welcome surprise. Last year, she had argued for converting it into a scheme instead of an Act. In the recent past, Odisha had also provided 150 days employment to control stress migration, apart from some drought affected states," said Pramathesh Ambasta of the national consortium on NREGA. Economist Jean Dreze, who played a key role in drafting the act, said, "It may be more of a symbolic announcement, we will have to see how it is implemented on ground. I Agencies Tumakuru, March 24 HYDERABAD Mar 24 : New Delhi Mar 24 : Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Prashant Bhushan on Tuesday said that the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the controversial Section 66A of the IT Act was essential as it was extremely 'vague' . "It is a very essential judgment. People were being victimized due to a law which was very vague," said Bhushan. Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court struck down the IT Act Section 66A , terming it 'unconstitutional'. According to reports, the apex court ruled that the section falls outside Article 19(2), which relates to Freedom of Speech, and thus has to be struck down in its entirety. Person who circulated rape video on WhatsApp held Agencies NEW DELHI Mar 24 : CBI on Tuesday arrested a person in the case where videos showing two women being gang-raped by men who even smiled for the camera were doing rounds on the WhatsApp. The Supreme Court had last week, while observing that videos were "shocking and scary" handed over probe to CBI. The alleged sexual offender in the videos circulated on WhatsApp has been identified as Subrata Sahu from Odisha. Little Heaven Playway School celebrates annual day GOF Staff Reporter Jammu, Mar 24: A colourful cultural programme by the little students marked the 6th annual day celebration of Little Heaven Playway School at K L Sehgal Hall Abhinav Theatre Jammu. The Programme was received with big applause by the audience including parents of the students. Principal of the school Gurmeet Jamwal along staff members thanked the Chief Guest Sohail Kazme reputed media person. Tanvir Dar renown film personality and main actor of Dogri feature film ‘Geetiyan’ will be the special guest of the function. The principal also thanked the parents of the students and hoped for a positive cooperation from the parents in improving the concept of education of their wards. Further, prizes were presented to the little students by the chief guest. He also presented his views concerning moral values among little students through playway manner which is good concept and the need of the hour. don't think it (seeking scrapping of MGNREGA) was her own idea or she was advised...I don't think she had thought that thing through, and it's unclear if she has thought this thing through, either. I feel we are not getting a clear message from the BJP on (the party's) social policy. There is certainly an element of austerity, but there are times when they realise these things are important for people and, in this case for example, she may have realised that she has to do something. What is lacking is a sustained commitment to programs like NREGA that help poor people". Last week, barely a day before Congress president Sonia Gandhi was to begin her tour of hailstorm-affected districts, Raje had her own day long visits to similar areas. Despite the state administration's own survey of losses not having been concluded yet, Raje announced several measures for providing relief the same day. Among them was a measure to, as a statement from the chief minister's office put it, "provide additional employment in hailstorm affected gram panchayats to workers who have already worked for 100 days under MGNREGA till March 31". Oldest woman in India dies Agencies Agencies Agencies Vasundhara Raje turns to MGNREGA as hailstorms cause devastation of crops acrorss 26 districts Mallinkarjuna Bande’s wife demands CBI probe Mallamma Bande, wife of slain police officer, Mallikarjuna Bande has demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into death of her husband. Ms. visited Mallamma Doddakoppalu village in Kunigal taluk and spoke to the parents of IAS officer, D.K. Ravi and consoled them.s Speaking to reporters, Ms. Mallamma expressed her satisfaction about handing over the case of D.K. Ravi to CBI for investigation. “However, I did not get justice in this regard,” she said. She said “I will get Criminal Investigation Department (CID) investigation copies through RTI (Right to Information) and approach CBI for a thorough investigation into my husband’s killing”. She also demanded the State government to give her husband a bravery award for taking on anti-social elements. pending and hence there is no point in rushing with the repromulgation which will bring the government under unnecessary criticism if they prorogue the session, the sources said. There is also a thinking in the government that the ordinance can be re-promulgated after the Budget session comes to an end on May 8 as taking the step before the second half of the budget session is unlikely to yield any result since the opposition is unrelenting on scuttling the measure. It was essential to strike down 'vague' Section 66A: Prashant the most appropriate name for the AP capital. It was also felt that the name Amaravati will elevate the status of the new capital and will be embraced by all Telugus, whether they are in Andhra, Telangana, elsewhere in India, or abroad. The sources said many in the government and the TDP had suggested that the capital be named after NTR, but Naidu had shot it down. "The chief minister preferred the historical importance of the region to the parochial sentiments expressed by some of his colleagues," a minister, who revealed to TOI Naidu's decision to name the capital as Amaravati, said. A GO on the name would also be issued after the formal announcement by the chief minister himself, the minister added. Naidu was to have announced the name of the new capital while taking part in the Ugadi festivities in Tullur vil- lage last Saturday. "Before leaving Hyderabad, he told us that the name Amaravati would be announced on Ugadi and carried with him all the necessary historical reports about the political and spiritual importance of Amaravati. However, the CM later decided to make the announcement on an exclusive occasion," the minister said. The sources said Naidu did not want the capital name announcement to be mired in any controversy as the model election code of conduct was in place for the legislative council polls. Apparently, the CM zeroed in on Amaravati after discussing it with historians and vaastu experts. The TDP government has already acquired 33,000 acres of land from farmers of 26 villages to build the core capital on the banks of river Krishna. As per indications, the foundation stone for the capital would be laid on June 12 in a grand ceremony. if disgusted: Congress Agencies NEW DELHI Mar 24 : The Congress on Tuesday said that minister of state for external affairs Gen VK Singh (retd) should quit if he felt disgusted, referring to the tweets with the hashtag "Duty" and "Disgust" he sent out after attending Pakistan Day function here. "If the minister is so disgusted with the double standards of the government on Pakistan.... then he should have quit," Congress leader Manish Tewari told reporters. He also tweeted that if the minister felt "disgusted with the double standards of his government on Pakistan he should quit? Other ministers in the past refused to attend Pakistan events." Singh on Monday attended the Pakistan Day function in the presence of the Pakistan envoy, leaders of the Hurriyat Conference and other separatist outfits. Hours after attending the event, Singh sent out a series of tweets, calling to define "disgust" and "duty", indicating that he was unhappy at being deputed to attend it. TN fishermen released by Sri Lankan courts Agencies RAMESWARAM, TN Mar 24 : Two Sri Lankan courts today ordered the release of 54 Tamil Nadu fishermen, whose arrest by Sri Lankan Navy has threatened to derail talks between representatives of fishers of the two neighbouring countries, a Fisheries department official said here. The judicial magistrate courts in Trincomallee and Mannar in northern Sri Lanka ordered the release of the fishermen, arrested for allegedly fishing in Lankan territorial waters on March 21, at around 11.30am. Quoting information received by him, Assistant Director of Fisheries Gopinathan said the fishermen would return tomorrow after being handed over by the Sri lankan Navy to the Indian Coast Guard personnel. The Tamil Nadu government had last night threatened to call off the third round of fishermen-level talks, scheduled here today, if the arrested were not released by 11am. ter her family could produce her baptism records which was performed on May 20, 1903 by the Vicar of Our Lady of Rosary Church at Eranellur, near Parannur. The baptism certificate was issued by the Archdiocese of Thrissur. The church authorities testified that Christian families of those days used to get the new born babies in their families baptised within the seventh or eighth day of birth in those days . Kunjannam had lost both her parents in a gap of 40 days when she was young and she chose to remain a spinster after that. She was living with the family of brother's son Jose, and was hardly taking any medicine. Most of her faculties including vision, hearing, speech and even memory were fairly intact till couple of days back. Hailing from a poor family she had to work as home maid in a nearby Hindu family for about 50 years. She used to go to work till about five years back, though she was little scared to step out of her house following fall last year. During a recent interview with TOI, Kunjannam had said vegetarian food and regular walks were what kept her healthy. Mostly she was in a cheerful mood, though occasionally she was lamenting that she was alone now as all her 10 siblings had died earlier. "I want to live more, but I don't want to be a burden to others. I always thank God for His support throughout my life," she had said when she was told about her selection as the oldest living woman in India. The family members said the last rites of Kunjannam would be performed on Wednesday morning. Despite Karti episode, Chidambaram welcomes scrapping of Section 66 of IT Act Agencies CHENNAI Mar 24 : Former Union finance minister P Chidambaram on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court judgment that struck down Section 66A of the Information Technology Act, though his son Karti Chidambaram had earlier filed a case against a man under this section for a tweet against him. "I welcome the judgment of Supreme Court holding that Section 66A of the IT Act is unconstitutional," Chidambaram said in a press release. "The section was poorly drafted and was vulnerable. It was capable of being misused. In fact, it was misused," he said. He said, "There could be a case of misuse of the freedom of speech. In such cases, the ordinary laws should apply and the offender should be dealt with under those laws. If some provisions of the law have to be strengthened, that could be considered. But Section 66A was not the answer." In October 31, 2012, S Ravi, a native of Puducherry, was arrested on charges of trying to malign the image of Karthi. Ravi had posted a tweet calling the minister's son 'corrupt.' Ravi, an active member of the India Against Corruption (IAC) movement, tweeted that Karthi had amassed more wealth than Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra. Following the complaint lodged by Chidambaram's son, the Puducherry asked him to appear before them. He was taken into custody just a few minutes after he had met them, and a case was booked against him under Section 66(1) of IT Act. Glimpses of Future Govt to hold ‘stress relief’ programmes for officers: Dr Jitendra GOF Staff Reporter New Delhi, March 24: Govt of India's Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) will hold a series of regular "stress relief" and rejuvenating programmes including Yoga, workshops,sports, cultural events, etc. for IAS, Civil Services and other government officers in order to help them maintain a conducive frame of mind and ensure a harmonious well-being. At the same time, DoPT has also mooted a "stress management" segment in the Induction course for new employees joining State Services in the three States of Jammu & Kashmir, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, and based on the experience from these three States, the same practice would be replicated in other States as well. This was disclosed here by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Public Personnel, Atomic Grievances,Pensions, Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh while inaugurating the “All India Civil Services Tournament” organised by Central Civil Services Board under the auspices of DoPT. Addressing the IAS and other Civil Service Officers assembled for the event, Dr Jitendra Singh said such efforts not only help in rejuvenating the energies and spirits of officers who are subjected to increasing work load and office stress but also help in bringing together the fraternity of civil service officers from all over India thus promoting a spirit of comradeship among them. “Today I see in you a mini India gathered here -- brimming with hope, confidence and competetive spirit --- ready to take up any challenge inside or outside the office and this is indeed a great reassurance for all those keenly watching the march of 21st century India to become a world power”, he added. Increasing accountability and rising expectation level in administrative work tend to take their toll, said Dr Jitendra Singh and therefore, in-house provisions for stress management are called for.In this context, he referred to a two-day "Stress management" programme for officers being organized at New Delhi on 28th and 29th of this month followed by a Yoga course for officers beginning from April in forty different centers across India. Dr Jitendra Singh said, the DoPT will not only plan events for government officials but will also devise programmes for their children in the form of academic tutorials, summer coaching camps, etc. JAMMU WEDNESDAY, MARCH, 25, 2015, PAGE 8 AJHLA hails Kohli’s effort to decongest General Bus Stand GLOBAL NEWS US Drone Kills Nine Pakistani Taliban Militants in Afghanistan GOF Staff Reporter Jammu, Mar 24: All Jammu Hotels & Lodges Association has appreciated the efforts of Minister for Transport, Abdul Ghani Kohli for his sincere efforts to de-congest General Bus Stand, Jammu by ordering shifting of all ideal buses from General Bus Stand immediately. Inderjeet Khajuria, president AJHLA, while issuing statement on the issue made clarification that shifting of ideal buses from the General Bus Stand is one of the measures for decongestion. Main demand of the traders is to ensure entry of interstate buses at General Bus Stand only for pick and drop of the passengers, which otherwise were diverted at bye pass Kunjwani. Main damage causing set back to Jammu tourism is due to rail-link extension to Katra besides diversions of long route buses and light vehicles carrying pilgrims and tourists from Kunjwani itself. He appreciated the MLA East Mr Rajesh Gupta for taking keen interest in solving the problems of traders. Mr Khajuria reminded the MLA of the commitments made by him with the traders and made a fervent appeal for ensuring execution of multistoried shopping complex with parking and ISBT for which Rs 70 crore is already allotted by the center government to JDA department and foundation stone stand already laid by the then Chief Minister. He also stated in his press statement that the commitments made by two former Chief Ministers Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad and Omar Abdullah; Member Parliament Madan Lal Sharma; Jammu based former ministers and MLAs should be honoured, for retaining Interstate Bus Terminal at General Bus Stand. Agencies Peshawar, Mar 24: A US drone strike today killed at least nine Pakistani militants in Taliban Afghanistan's Nangarhar province near the country's porous border with Pakistan amid an intensified offensive against terrorists in the restive tribal areas using unmanned aerial vehicles. Militants belonging to the proscribed Tehrik-iTaliban Pakistan (TTP) and Lashkar-i-Islam (LI) terror organisations were killed in the strike in Nazyan district of Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, near the PakAfghan border in Khyber Agency. "Nine militants were killed in the attack," a Pakistani security official said. Most of the dead were identified including one Shakir Sipah, driver of Mangal Bagh, the chief of Lashkar-i-Islam group. The outlawed Bagh-led Lashkari-Islam had recently merged itself into the TTP under a reorganisation by militants. The CIA-operated unmanned aerial vehicle targeted a suspected militant hideout with two missiles, completely destroying the compound. Several people were also wounded in the strike. The details could not be independently verified as the access of media personnel is severely restricted in the region.\ Militant hideouts have been frequently pounded by Pakistan's security forces in Tirah Valley area of Khyber region. Khyber is one of Pakistan's seven semiautonomous regions governed by tribal laws and lies near the porous Afghan border. Pakistani military operations were launched by security forces and aimed at targeting militants in Khyber Agency, particularly the Tirah Valley of Bara which borders Nazyan. The operations in Khyber tribal region were launched amid operation Zarb-i-Azb being CDO Baramulla organizes awareness programme Computer training programme GOF Staff Reporter Baramulla, Mar 24: Civil Defence organization Baramulla organized an awareness programme on growing menace of Drug Abuse in youth at English Medium High School Botingo Sopore 0n 23rd March 2015. A large number of people participated in the programme including students,teachers,CD Wardens/ volunteers and SDRF people. A welcome note was addressed by priccipal Mr. Azad who also presided as chief guest and stressed upon the social,economic and health hazards of drug abuse in youth. He also showed a great concern on the cultivation of opium and cannabis around the vicinity and the level of ignorance where mother cultivates and son abuses. On this occasion while giving a presentation Dr. Mir Chief Warden CD said the social and economic implications of substance abuse are worrisome. Increased absenteeism and deterioration in quality and quantity of work output are also witnessed in substance abuse cases. These youngsters who should be at the prime of their abilities become dysfunctional entities within society in the long term, the official said. He said that the effects of drug abuse are long-term and limitless, as they percolate through all the aspects of life. There is an increase in the crime rate, road accidents, sui- Jammu, Mar 24: An emergency meeting of JK Youth Sharnarthi Action Committee was held under the leadership of its president R C Sharma strongly condemned and censured the move of the BJP government to confer minority status only to Kashmiri Pandits and depriving other Hindus residing within the state in general and PoK refugees in particular. While addressing the meeting, Mr Sharma pooh-poohed the BJP leaders belonging to J&K for their double standard and double speak, who are hell bent to divide the peace loving Hindu community on the basis of their living place. He said that if the BJP government is keen to announce Hindu as minority in the state, which they are, it would be welcome step but within the Hindu community they attempted to divide it on basis of language. He said that it was the BJP which opposed the then Kashmiri Hindu Shrine Bill in J&K assembly last year, while terming it as dividing the Hindu and now they are doing the same thing. He said that Kashmiri Pandits are elite section of the state and conferring minority status to them, amounts to criminal conspiracy against the other deprived and downtrodden Hindu community in general and Hindu of PoK refugees in particular. He said that if government is conferring the minority status to KP for being Hindu then inaugurated at Hiranagar GOF Staff Reporter Kathua, March 24: Project Officer, District Urban Development Agency Kathua Jaffar Abass today inaugurated Computer Training programme taken up under Project - Himayat of district administration for the skill development of the border youths here in Hiranagar today. Himayat is an initiative of the District Administration under Border Area Development Programme (BADP), especially devised to give opportunity to the border people by imparting them trainings under different departments and provision for exposure visits. In its first phase twelve youths were selected from different border villages for the six months computer cum accounts training. Abass said Project Himayat is a mission under which an effort has been made to capacitate border people involving all stakeholders which include youth Boys and Girls, Women Folks and Farmers to improve their socio economic status. He appealed the beneficiary students to educate others about the project and encourage them to come forward to avail this opportunity. He informed the selected students about the objective of the training and also job prospects in the government and private sectors. He said on the completion of the Computer cum Accounts Training, stipends and certificates from NIELET (formerly DOEACC) will be given to the successful candidates. Director Regional Institute, Kathua Suraj Parkash was also present on the occasion. Earlier, five day training for Poultry farmers was held at panchayat Pansar in village Gujre Chack at zero line of border in Hiranagar. During the training extensive lectures by Resource Persons of the department on bird disease were given to the beneficiaries besides pamphlets, brochures on department schemes were also distributed on the occasion. GOF Staff Reporter Reasi, March 24: Social Welfare Department Reasi organized an awareness camp at Gari, about 60 Km from Reasi today. The awareness camp is an effort to familiarize the public with various social welfare schemes being implemented by the department aiming to ameliorate the socially and we also qualify the same merit, if government is conferring minority status to KPs for being migrants within the state then PoK refugees are thousand time worst migrants then KPs and there is no justification for conferring minority status to rich and well up KP community. He said that KPs are sitting in the high offices of state and termed as ruling class of the state, which are enjoying all facilities on the government expensive and they all are white collared and they do not deserve the minority status for their upliftment. He said that KP migrants have eaten more than Rs 36000 crores rupees of government in the name of relief and rehabilitation within a period of 25 years, whereas the government has not spent more than Rs 50 crore on PoK refugees for last 68 years including transit charges when they were shifted in safer places during the riots. He said that more than 50000 PoK refugees including children and women had been slaughtered and 20000 persons died post genocide due epidemics spread after the genocide. He asked the BJP elected representatives to be impartial and judicious, while granting minority status to the Hindu community in J&K. He urged the Narender Modi not indulge in such shallow acts to get the get the media hype, which can damage the peaceful atmosphere of the country. economically backward, students of underprivileged class, differently disabled persons and widows. The camp was attended by a large number of locals including sarpanches, panches, prominent citizens, school teachers and students. District Social Welfare Officer, Reasi Rafiq Ahmad Jaral stressed upon the people to come forward for availing the benefits of various schemes such as Pension schemes (National Social Assistance Programme, Integrated Social security Scheme, Contributory Social security Scheme), Family Benefit National Scheme, Aam Admi Bima Yojna and Rehabilitation of militancy victims scheme. Teachers were also requested for in time submission of schol- PUBLIC UTILITY NUMBERS INDIAN AIRLINES City Office Airport P.H.E. Station Bakshi Nagar Gandhi Nagar Company Bagh Telecom Department Directory Enquiry Fault Repair Trunk Booking Trunk Assistant TAX Code NSD Phonogram International Booking Fax Service 2542735 2546086 2430449 2543537 2430786 2542582 197 198 1580 1581 1583 1585 1586 2544895 2540652 Fax Service, Gn Nagar 2431750 Billing Complaint 2543896 2548415 Fault Repair Service Janipur Kachi Chawani Postal Services H.P.O. City Gandhi Nagar Fire Services Control Room City Power Houses Gandhi Nagar Nanak Nagar Satwari Cantt. Canal Road Janipur Parade 198 25432198 198 25442198 2543606 2573604 2435863 101 2544263 2430180 2430776 2452813 2554147 2533828 2542289 Hospitals & Nursing Home ASCOMS, Sidhra 2662536 Ayurvedic College C.D. Hospital SMGS GMC, Bakshi Nagar GMC, Gandhi Nagar Para Physycatric Hos. Chest Disease Hos. Govt. Dental Hospital Guru Nanak Missionary Emergency Blood Bank Ambulances Maddan Hospital Medicare Triveni Nursing Home Suvidha Nursing Home Al. Firdous Nursing Home Astha Nursing Home Bee Enn Charitable Trust Chopra Nursing Home Harbans Singh Mem. Jeevan Jyoti 2662539 2543661 2577064 2548012 2547635 2584290 2436041 2577444 2560194 2544670 2435564 2549669 2547637 2584225 2575364 2456727 2435070 2452664 2555965 2545050 2576707 2505310 2573580 2541952 2576985 Agencies Washington, Mar 24: Yudhvir Nursing Home 2547821 Mediaid Nursing Home 2466744 Sita Nursing Home Vibhuti Nursing Home 2435007 2547969 Rameshwar Nursing Home 2580601 Bee Enn Chariatable Maharishi Dayanand 2555631 2545225 Jammu Municipal Corporation Jn. Lines Administration Officer Health Officer Executive Engineer Veterinary Officer 2578503 2542192 2547440 9419150429 9419102797 DC OFFICE 2544366 An Indian-American journalist suffered a heart attack inside the White House, but a prompt response by US Secret Service personnel saved his life. Manku Singh, the only Sikh journalist accredited to the White House, collapsed in the East Room while covering the White House Science Fair moments before President Barack Obama was to speak. Singh is a community reporter-cumcameraperson for TV Asia -- the largest South Asian cable network in the US. The alert Secret Service personnel immediately responded to him and called the ambulance. The emergency responders who tried to revive him found that he had no pulse. They used cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which is commonly known as CPR, to try to revive him while adminis- arship proposals of eligible students under various categories. Jaral apprised about different scholarships schemes such as Pre and post scholarship to SC, OBC, RBA, Disable students, orphan etc. Later a lecture as well as film show on Beti Bachao Beti Padhao was also presented by the department. <None> Arrival Departure Arrival Departure Arrival Departure Arrival Departure Arrival Departure Arrival Departure Arrival Departure Arrival Help-line RAILWAY TIMING TR. No ARRIVAL DAYS TRAIN NAME DESTINATION 9225 9226 2425 2426 4645 4646 2413 2414 3151 3152 4033 4034 1077 1078 2331 04-20 22-05 05-30 20-10 05-55 21-00 08-10 18-15 09-30 19-15 10-25 16-15 08-55 21-45 12-45 Departure 2332 22-45 Arrival Departure Arrival Departure Arrival Departure Arrival Departure Arrival Departure Arrival 5653 5654 2587 2588 5097 5098 5651 5652 6317 6318 6031 12-45 22-45 12-45 22-45 12-45 22-45 12-45 22-45 13-50 23-55 13-50 Departure 6032 23-55 Arrival 6687 Departure 6688 Arrival 2471 13-50 23-55 15-45 Daily Daily Sat Sat Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Sun, Mon, Thur Sun Mon, Thur Fri Fri TUE TUE Sat TUE Wed Wed Mon Mon Tue Fri, Sat Tue, Fri, Sat Thur Thur Mon Tue Fri, Sat conducted by the Pakistan Army in North Waziristan tribal region. Pakistan Army said yesterday at least 80 militants were killed and over 100 others injured in ground and aerial offensive in Khyber tribal district over the weekend. TTP chief Mullah Fazlullah, who masterminded the Peshawar school massacre, was also believed to have been killed after being seriously hit in air strikes. However, the Taliban rejected the claim and said their chief was alive. Also, earlier this month, senior commander Khawrey Meshud, who was a close relative of former Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud, was killed along with two other Taliban members when the CIA-operated drone targeted TTP militants in Shabak area of Kurram tribal district. The strikes also come amid warming relations bePakistan and tween Afghanistan, traditionally hostile neighbours who accuse each other of harbour- ing insurgents to act as proxy forces. ‘Don’t know yet what happened’ to Germanwings flight: Lufthansa chief Agencies Paris, Mar 24: airline German Lufthansa said Tuesday that it has no information yet about the crash of a jet belonging to its Germanwings subsidiary, describing it as a "dark day." "We do not yet know what has happened to flight 4U 9525," Lufthansa chief executive Carsten Spohr said via Twitter. "My deepest sympathy goes to the families and friends of our passengers and crew on 4U 9525. If our fears are confirmed, this is a dark day for Lufthansa. We hope to find survivors." Secret Service Personnel Saves Life of Indian-American Journalist Social Welfare organizes awareness camp at Reasi JKYSAC condemns BJP move to confer minority status to KPs GOF Staff Reporter cides and suicidal attempts, deaths due to overdose, psychiatric disorders and high cost on general health issues due to chronic drug abuse like liver disorders, gastritis, accidental injuries and an increased risk for HIV infections due to Intravenous Drug Use (IDU). Kashmir is losing the most productive age group to drugs, with manifold repercussions on social and occupational function, affecting both society and economy. from SDRF Mudasir demonstrated about fire fighting and utilization of ropes in rescuing the survivors during disasters. They were also informed about the treatment facilities provided by the ,J & K police , Civil Defence and Indian Army at Drug De-Addiction centres. At the end an interactive session was held where students asked many questions which were answered by the experts . The session concluded with vote of thanks by the chief guest and requested the organization for more such programmes. Nathalie Emmanuel poses at the Season 5 premier of "Game of Thrones" at the War Memorial Opera House, Monday, in San Francisco. BTI JAT EXP JAT ADI EXP Rajdhani EXP Rajdhani EXP Shalimar EXP Shalimar EXP Pooja EXP Pooja EXP Sealdah EXP Sealdah EXP Jammu Mail Jammu Mail Jehlum EXP Jehlum EXP Himgiri EXP BTI to Jammu JAT to BTI NEW DELHI Jammu to New Delhi New Delhli to Jammu Jammu to New Delhi Jaipur to Jammu Jammu to Jaipur Sealdah to Jammu Jammu to Sealdah Delhi to Jammu Jammu to Delhi Pune to Jammu Jammu to Pune Howrah to Jammu Himgiri EXP Jammu to Howrah GHY EXP GHY EXP GKP EXP GKP EXP Baruni EXP Baruni EXP Lohit EXP Lohit EXP Himsagar EXP Himsagar EXP Madras EXP GHY to Jammu Jammu to GHY GKP to Jammu Jammu to GKP Baroni to Jammu Jammu to Baroni Guwhati to Jammu Jammu to Guwhati Cape to Jammu Jammu to Cape Madras to Jammu Madras EXP Jammu to Madras Navyug EXP Navyug EXP Saraj EXP INDIAN AIRLINES FLIGHT TIMINGS FLIGHT NO. & SCHEDULE DEPARTURE IC-821 AB 320 Daily 11.30 Delhi a.m 01.20 Jammu p.m IC-822 AB-320 Daily 2.35 Srinagar p.m 3.50 Jammu p.m IC-425 B-737 (Mon. & Fri.) 07.40 Leh a.m 9.20 Jammu a.m Mangalore to Jat Jammu to Mangalore Mumbai to Jammu Departure 2472 11-15 Arrival Departure Arrival Departure Arrival Departure Arrival Departure Arrival Departure Arrival Departure Arrival Departure Arrival 2473 2474 2475 2476 2477 2478 2919 2920 9223 9224 4609 4610 8101 8102 2445 15-45 11-15 15-45 11-15 15-45 11-15 16-10 09-00 19-55 07-00 04-40 18-45 13.15 14-30 06.20 Arrival Departure Arrival Departure Arrival Departure Arrival Departure Arrival Departure Arrival Departure Arrival 2355 2356 1PJU 1PJU 2PJU 1JU 2JU 2PJU 1449 1450 4601 4602 3JU 09.55 20.10 07.40 07.45 17.10 13.10 17.00 17.10 14.10 23.30 12.10 20.00 08.30 Departure 2446 Departure 4JU 20-30 17.30 Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat Sun Thur Thur Mon Wed Sun Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Sun to Fri Sun to Fri Sun Mon Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Wed Wed Mon Fri Mon to Fri Fri to Mon Swaraj EXP Jammu to Mumbai Sarvodaya EXP Ahmedabad to JAT Sarvodaya EXP Jammu to Ahmedabad HAPPA EXP Rajkot to Jammu Happa EXp Jammu to Rajkot Jamnagar EXP Happa to Jammu Jamnagar EXP Jammu to Happa Malwa EXP Indore to Jammu Malwa EXP Jammu to Indore JAT ADI EXP Ahmedabad to JAT JAT ADI EXP Jammu to Ahmedabad Hemkund EXP Rskh to Jammu HW EXP Jammu to Rskh TAT MORI EXP TATA to Jammu Tawi TATA MORI EXP Jammu Tawi to TATA UttarSampar N Delhi to UHP Uttar SKranti Archana EXP Archana EXP DMU DMU DMU DMU DMU DMU Jabalpur EXP Jabalpru EXP Mordhwaj EXP Mordhwaj EXP DMU DMU Udhampur to MDLS Pattana to Jammu Jammu Tawi to Pattana Pathankot to Jammu Jammu to Udhampur UHP to Jammu JammuTawi to Udh UHP to JAT Jammu to Udhampur Jabalpru to Jat Jammu Tawi to Jabalpur Sonwpur to Jammu Jammu to Sonepur UHP to JAT Jat to UHP TELEPHONES:- Railway Enquiry 131, 132, 139, 2470212,2470029, Booking 2470318, Reservation 2470315, Computer Res. Enquiry 1931, 240314, 2470315, 2470316 Station Manager - 2474757. Division Traffic Manager 2474377. For online reservation equiry www.indianrail.gov.in FLIGHT TIMING ARRIVAL Jammu 12.40 p.m Srinagar 01.45 p.m Jammu 03.10 p.m Delhi 05.00 pm Jammu 08.40 a.m Leh 10.20 a.m tering oxygen. After about four minutes, one of the technicians said, "We have a rhythm." CPR is an emergency procedure performed in an effort to manually preserve intact brain function until further measures are taken to restore spontaneous blood circulation and breathing in a person who has cardiac arrest. The emergency medical technicians later said Singh had a strong pulse. He was transferred to the nearby George Washington hospital. At the hospital, soon, Singh underwent a heart catheterisation, and the early signs were reported to be encouraging. "Secret Service literally saves a life in back of East Room," Benjamin Corb, who was in the East Room representing the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, tweeted about the incident. The fair was attended by several Indian-American students. JET AIRWAYS FLIGHT TIMINGS SCHEDULE 9 W 605 TIME Daily Delhi Departure 11:50Hrs. Daily Jammu Arrival 13:00 Hrs. Daily Jammu Departure 13:35Hrs. Daily Srinagar Arrival 14:10Hrs Tele.No. City Booking Office 2574312/15, Airport : 2453888/999 Tele No. City Booking Office 2542735, 2546086 BUSINESS & SPORTS JAMMU WEDNESDAY MARCH, 25, 2015, PAGE 9 Glimpses of Future India to lead Asia's economic growth: ADB New Delhi, March 24: Projecting a slowdown in Chinese economy, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Tuesday said the economic growth in Asia would be led by India for the next couple of fiscals. The Asian Development Outlook 2015 projected Emerging Asian economies to clock average 6.3 percent growth in both 2015-16 and 201617 fiscal, as in the current financial year. The growth would be supported by a strengthening recovery in the major industrial economies and soft global commodity prices. "The expected pick-up in India and in most members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) could help balance gradual deceleration in the region's largest economy, China," ADB said. The ADB has forecast that India's growth will improve from 7.4 percent in current fiscal to 7.8 percent in 2015-16 and further to 8.2 percent in 2016-17. As regards China, the ADB projected the economic growth to decelerate from 7.4 percent in current fiscal to 7.2 percent next fiscal and 7 percent in 2016-17 as the government proceeds with its structural reform agenda and fixed asset investment slows. ADB said the growth in Asia would be aided by soft commodity prices and recovery in major industrial economies. It said India is poised to overtake China in terms of growth as as government removes structural bottlenecks and lifts investor confidence. Besides, expected easing of monetary policy and pick up in capital expenditure would also boost growth. Developing Asia is making a strong contribution to global economic growth, ADB Chief Economist Shang-Jin Wei said. However, ADB warned of several risks to Asia's growth outlook. "Risks to the outlook include possible missteps in the PRC as it adjusts to its new normal, less decisive action on reforms in India than anticipated, potential spillover effects on the global economy of the Greek debt crisis and the deepening recession in the Russian Federation," it said. The impending rise in interest rates in the US may reverse capital flows to the region, requiring monetary responses to maintain stability, ADB said. "Falling commodity prices are creating space for policy makers across the region to cut costly fuel subsidies or initiate other structural reforms. This is a key opportunity to build frameworks that will support more inclusive and sustainable growth in the longer term," he added.(PTI) Gold, silver rebound on demand increase Agencies New Delhi, March 24: Gold prices rose by Rs. 100 to Rs. 26,550 per 10 grams at the bullion market on Tuesday on increased buying by jewellers and retailers amid a firm global trend. Silver also moved up by Rs. 200 to Rs. 37,800 per kg on increased off-take by industrial units and coin makers. Bullion merchants said increased buying by jewellers to meet rising demand amid a firm global trend mainly boosted the sentiment here. Gold in New York, which normally sets price trend on the domestic front, rose by 0.58 per cent to $1,189.30 an ounce and silver by 1.49 per cent to $16.98 an ounce in Monday’s trade. In the national capital, gold of 99.9 and 99.5 per cent purity shot up by Rs. 100 each to Rs. 26,550 and Rs. 26,400 per 10 grams, respectively. Sovereign, however, held steady at Rs. 23,600 per piece of eight grams. In a similar fashion, silver ready rose by Rs. 200 to Rs. 37,800 per kg and weeklybased delivery by Rs. 360 to Rs. 37,780 per kg. Silver coins also spurted by Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 56,000 for buying and Rs. 57,000 for selling of 100 pieces. Sensex falls for 5th day, down 30 points at over nine-week low MUMBAI, March 24: The benchmark Sensex today succumbed to a flurry of selling in the last one hour to give up initial gains and extend its losses for the fifth straight session to end 30 points down at over nine-week low. The BSE 30-share barometer resumed better and rallied further to a high of 28,455.32, up by 263 points, on sustained capital inflows amid Asian Development Bank's (ADB) painting a positive outlook of India's economic growth. However, a brief period of heavy selling mainly in auto, banking and IT shares at the fag-end pulled it down to a low of 28,130.09, before settling at 28,161.72, showing a fall of 30.30 points or 0.11 per cent. Today's fall takes the Sensex to its lowest closing in over nine weeks since January 16. Similarly, the 50-issue NSE Nifty moved erratically in a range of 8,627.75 and 8,535.85 before ending at 8,542.95, a net fall of 7.95 points or 0.09 per cent. In five straight day, the NSE index has shed about 180 points. Traders said volatility was mainly due to rolling over of positions in the futures and options segment from the near month March to April series. March derivative contracts will expire on Thursday. On Sensex, scrips like, Tata Motors, HDFC Bank, Infosys, SBI, ICICI Bank, HUL and Hero MotoCorp suffered losses. Tata Motors suffered the most among Sensex stocks by plunging 3.27 per cent ahead of company's board meet tomorrow to consider rights issue. However, rise in HDFC, Bharti Airtel, Sun Pharma, RIL, Dr Reddy's Lab and Wipro among others cushioned the fall to a major extent. Pharma stocks attracted buyers' attention after Sun Pharma and Ranbaxy got approval from the CCI for sale of seven brands to Emcure Pharma to comply with the fair trade watchdog's conditional nod for their USD 4-billion merger.(PTI) Rupee ends at 62.26; logs longest run of gains since 2011 Agencies Mumbai, March 24: The Indian rupee on Tuesday inched up by a paisa against the American currency to end at 62.26, extending its winning streak to seventh straight session — the longest string of gains since June 2011. The rupee opened higher at 62.20 per dollar as against Monday’s closing level of 62.27 per dollar at the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) Market. It then firmed up further to 62.14 per dollar on initial selling of dollars by banks and exporters in view of sustained capital inflows. Expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve will not tighten its monetary policy until the second half of the year has helped emerging market currencies like rupee to gain. However, the rupee trimmed its initial gains on some dollar demand from banks and importers and ended at 62.26, showing a marginal gain of one paise or 0.02 per cent. The rupee has now gained 71 paise or 1.13 per cent against the U.S. dollar in seven straight trading sessions. In the Asian market, the euro fell against the dollar and the yen, with some traders adjusting positions after the currency staged a rally overnight. The dollar index, a gauge of six major global rivals, was down by 0.19 per cent on Tuesday. In New York Market Monday, the dollar traded lower against its rivals after recording its largest weekly percentage decline against the euro since October 2011. Oil prices declined in the Asian trade on Tuesday after activity in China’s factory sector fell to an 11month low, stoking worries over the strength of the world’s No.2 economy. Meanwhile, the Indian stock benchmark Sensex ended lower by 30.30 SPORTS NEWS District volleyball meet from March 29 points, or 0.11 per cent, to 28,161.72. “Technically, the pair has remained below an important level of 62.40. So only a break above the level could push the pair higher. On the other hand, we believe that importers may have to come into the markets to cover for their month-end and year-end positions around 62.10 levels,” said Suresh Nair, director, Admisi Forex India Pvt. Ltd. Globally, the dollar index remained weak as markets will be turning their attention to Tuesday’s U.S. inflation report after Fed Chair Janet Yellen warned last week that the stronger dollar was pushing down inflation. The euro continued its upward momentum against the dollar on Tuesday, he added. The forward premia firmed up further on sustained paying pressure from corporates. The benchmark six-month premium payable in August firmed up to 223-1/2- 225-1/2 paise from Monday’s closing level of 217-219 paise and forward contracts maturing in February 2016 also moved up further to 457-459 paise from 445-447 paise. The Reserve Bank of India fixed the reference rate for dollar at 62.1988 and for euro at 68.0330. The Tawi Trekkers holds events for handicapped children GOF Staff Reporter JAMMU, March 24: Organised by the Jammu District Volleyball Association, the district (boys and girls) championship shall take place at MA Stadium, here from March 29 to March 30. Those interested participants have been advised to report to the general secretary of the District Association, HS Gill on or before March 27. For further queries, the clubs and institutions can contact on Mobile No. 9419142292 and 9419274764. ICC World Cup: Perfect time to beat Australia, says Virat Kohli Sydney, March 24: Crediting bowlers for Indian team's remarkable turnaround after a winless show preceding the World Cup, star batsman Virat Kohli feels it is the perfect time to beat Australia in Thursday's semifinal and do justice to their performance in the showpiece event. "There couldn't be a better time for us (to beat Australia). It is an opportunity for us to do justice to the way we have played so far in Australia, and we haven't had the results," Kohli told cricket.Com.Au. India have won all their seven games going into the semifinal at the Sydney Cricket Ground, after losing the Test series 0-2 and turning up last in the tri-nation event in early part of the Australian summer. Glenn Maxwell, earlier in the week, reminded the Indians that they are yet to beat Australia during the long tour. Kohli spoke about how the team prepared in the little time it got leading up to the 50-over showpiece event. "We felt as a group that we need to step up and make corrections now. We don't really have too much time because we can't afford to go into the World Cup thinking 'okay fine, we have things to work on but we can do that over the period of time'. "So we immediately went to work, wrote things down, what are the things we need to improve on," said Kohli, who has not crossed the 50-run mark since hitting a fine hundred in the tournament opener against Pakistan. If the batsmen have played their part then the bowlers, ably led by Mohammed Shami (17 wickets in 6 games), got their act together in the quadrennial extravaganza. Kohli said the bowlers' stand-out show has made the biggest difference. "The way the bowlers have reacted and the way they have performed with the composure and the confidence and the aggression all together, it has been wonderful to watch. "So we expect the bowlers to step up if you want to beat quality sides in the world and the way they have done this in this World Cup has been commendable. "We have played the right kind of cricket and the difference now is how our bowling attack has come into play in this World Cup taking 70 wickets in seven games. That's probably been the difference, and if we continue to do that we have a great chance come game day," added Kohli. rupee recovered against the pound to 92.79 as against 92.88 previously while continued to decline against the euro to 68.33 per euro from 67.82 previously. The domestic currency also dropped further against the yen to 52.14 per 100 Japanese yen from 51.98 previously. GOF Staff Reporter JAMMU, March 24: Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) North Zone Committee, in collaboration with Tawi Trekkers, J&K organised two -day programme (activities) for Specially abled children at different venues, here. The event concluded with the holding of sport climbing competition at Sprawling Buds School, Chinore, Jammu. “The purpose of the programme was to inculcate the spirit of adventure especially mountaineering, sport climbing and allied sports among the younger generation and to spread it to the nook and corner of this part of the country. The programme was highly successful as it received overwhelming response from Home for Handicapped and School for Blinds,” informed vice president of the Tawi Trekkers, Ram Khajuria. Earlier, on the first day, on the spot painting competition was organized at Home for Handicapped , Udheywala, here. Mr Chattarpal, a reknowned writer, an artist and president Dogri Sanstha, Jammu was the judge. Painting competition was followed by a visit to the Aquarium at Bahu Fort for the inmates of the Home for Handicapped besides an adventure films show and some interesting talks by prominent personalities in the field. On the second day today, the specially abled children of Home for Handicapped and Home for Blind were imparted training in sport climbing in which all the participants showed keen interest and enthusiasm. An informal competition was also organised and winners in various categories were honoured with cash prizes. It was for the second time that such a programme has been conducted by the IMF North Zone Committee at Jammu. Chairman, IMF North Zone Committee, S. Bhattacharjee, who has come to Jammu especially for the conduct of this IMF Metro Programme , personally supervised all the arrangements and facilities provided to the participants. Secretary IMF North Zone Committee, Ram Khajuria and secretary, Tawi trekkers J&K, Shawetica Khajuria were the resource persons of the rare event. State wrestling meet gets underway GOF Staff Reporter POONCH, March 24: Organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Wrestling Association, the 20th Men and VI Women Wrestling Association got underway at Indoor Complex, MA Stadium, here today. Around 150 wrestlers drawn from all over the state, including those from districts of Poonch, Doda, Jammu, Srinagar, Samba, Reasi, Ramban, Udhampur and department team of J&K Police have reported for the two-day competition to be held in different weight categories. The competition was declared open by Director General, Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS), Navin Agarwal, who was chief guest. The distinguished gathering was welcomed by president of the Association, Dushyant Sharma. Vote of thanks presented by general secretary, Ajay Vaid. Among others present were Chief Sports Officer, Abdul Qayoom, Sports Officer, Rajan Sharma, Managers, Ravi Singh, Satish Gupta and SP Singh as also Vikas Gupta, Raju Pahalwan, Amit, Dheeraj Sharma, Rakesh, Sukhdev, Mulkh Raj, Ravi Sharma, Om Parkash and Kulbir Singh. BUSINESS NEWS Cairn Energy seeks compensation from India on tax demand New Delhi, March 24: Cairn Energy of UK is seeking compensation from the Government of India for the loss in value it suffered due to an "unfair and arbitrary" Rs 10,247 crore tax demand raised using a retrospective tax law. Using the UK-India Investment Treaty, the Edinburgh-based firm filed a formal dispute notice against the tax demand raised on an internal business reorganisation seven years ago and sought an arbitration with the government to quickly resolve the dispute that is impinging on its investment plans. Cairn said the imposition of capital gains tax on transfer of its India assets to a new company, Cairn India in 2006, was not only contrary to relevant legal standards but unjust because it was an internal transaction and no shares or assets were sold to any third party to make any capital gains. The internal reorganisation was fully disclosed to relevant agencies and ministries including Income Tax Department in 2006-07, the company said adding it would not have undertaken the internal reorganisation if it had received any indication that its purely internal transaction would be subject to capital gains tax. Prior to the previous UPA government bringing a new law in 2012 to tax share transfer retrospectively, foreign firms - filing returns in their respective jurisdictions - were not required to file tax returns in India. Cairn Energy, being based outside India, too did not file returns. The tax demand breaches several of India's obligations under the UK-India Investment Treaty including that of creating favourable conditions and ensuring fair and equitable treatment and full protection and security of Cairn's investments by introducing unfair and arbitrary tax obligations, it said. Also, the attachment of Cairn Energy's 9.8 per cent share holding in Cairn India in the aftermath of the January 22, 2014 tax notice also breached the treaty obligations. Income Tax Department says Cairn Energy allegedly made a capital gain of Rs 24,503.50 crore in 2006 while transferring all its India assets to a new company, Cairn India, and getting it listed on the stock exchanges. Cairn Energy, which had in 2011 sold majority stake in its Indian unit to mining group Vedanta for USD 8.67 billion, still holds 9.8 per cent stake in Cairn India. The I-T Department, in January last year, barred it from selling this stake. In the Notice of Dispute filed under UK-India Investment Treaty, Cairn sought withdrawal of all notices, release of attached shares and payment of full compensation for any resulting damages sustained by it, including for the diminution in value of the attached shares (which have declined in value by hundreds of millions of US dollars since they were first attached). Cairn said it was encouraged by the new BJP government's public disapproval, including one by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, of the retroactive taxation. But it regretted that those sentiments were not reflected in any plan or undertaking to relieve Cairn from the taxation policies of the prior government. Cairn said given the circumstances, it has no choice but to safeguard and protect its interests and the interests of its shareholders by serving the Notice of Dispute. Article 9(1) of the UK-India Investment Treaty provides that the parties shall endeavour to settle their disputes through amicable negotiations. In accordance with this provision, Cairn invited the Government of India to engage in negotiations, which should be commenced immediately. Cairn said it has been fully compliant with the tax legislation in force in each year and paid all applicable taxes. Under the terms of the UK-India Investment Treaty, the Government of India and Cairn are now required to enter a period of negotiations to seek a resolution to the dispute. To the extent that a satisfactory resolution is not reached during that period, an international arbitration panel will be constituted to adjudicate on the matter.(PTI) Pinto Club faces Manjeet Club in volleyball final GOF Staff Reporter POONCH, March 24: Pinto Club shall be playing against Manjeet Club in the final of the two-day 12th Manjeet Singh Memorial Volleyball Tournament, organised by District Police at Sports Stadium, here today. In the semifinals, Pinto Club defeated Surankot Club while Manjeet Singh Club outplayed District Police XI in straight sets. Earlier, in the preliminary round of the competition, Pinto Club beat Shah Club Mendhar 2-0. In all, nine teams, representing various clubs of the district, are taking part in this knockout competition. The competition was declared open by Padamshri Shambhu Nath Khajuria was chief guest, who interacted with the participating teams. Prominent among others present were SSP Pooch, JS Johar, chairman orginsing committee, Additional SP Amit Gupta , DySP, DR, MR Giri, vice president hockey J&K, Sham Lal Sharma, Prem Parkash Luthra and Principal Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Pooch, Kerath Singh. Today’s matches officiated by the technical penal comprising Rajinder Singh PEM, Narinder Singh PEM, Ram Prakash, Bal Krishan and Narinder Singh PEM and Sourab Sharma PET. More misery for South Africa as Kiwis advance to maiden final with 4-wicket De Villiers shows raw emotions after SA falls again Agencies Auckland, March 24: South Africa-born Grant Elliott`s brilliant 84 not out, capped with a stunning six off the penultimate ball, saw New Zealand to a four-wicket win over the Proteas in a cliffhanger World Cup semi-final at Auckland`s Eden Park on Tuesday. Elliott`s winning six, off injured South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn, took New Zealand into the World Cup final for the first time and they will play the winner of Thursday`s second semi, between Australia and India in Sydney, in Sunday`s showpiece match in Melbourne. New Zealand faced a revised target of 298 under the Duckworth/Lewis method after South Africa made 281 for five in 43 overs, which included a near two-hour rain stoppage. Black Caps skipper Brendon McCullum made a typically quickfire 59 off 26 balls at the head of the innings. Then came a valuable 103-run partnership between Elliott and Corey Anderson and New Zealand appeared to have the game in hand with six overs to go. But Morne Morkel regained the initiative for South Africa by taking a wicket and conceding only one run in the 38th over and by the start of the 43rd, and final, over New Zealand required 12 to win. They started with a bye, a single, a four to Daniel Vettori, another bye and then Johannesburg-born Elliott, who turned 36 last weekend, smacked Steyn high into the stands as New Zealand, after losing all six of their previous World Cup semi-finals, completed a thrilling win. South Africa, struggling to throw off their unwanted "choker" tag, have now failed to win all four World Cup semi-finals they have contested. As McCullum flung his bat at the start of New Zealand`s run chase, South Africa captain AB de Villiers was forced to take three of his frontline bowlers out of the attack. At a news conference after his team’s Cricket World Cup loss to New Zealand, as the emotions of the defeated captain were almost painfully raw, AB de Villiers’ most revealing answer was of only one word. De Villiers’ voice cracked as he fielded questions, and he paused at times to wipe his eyes. At other moments, his answers trailed off and he looked almost vacantly into the middle distance. Finally, he was asked whether this was the worst he had felt on a cricket field, and he answered, simply, frankly, “Yes.” That single syllable spoke more eloquently than any of his deeper and more reasoned answers. This was the nadir of de Villiers’ career as South Africa captain. His deep belief in his team’s ability to win under any circumstances had been tested and even shaken, and he found the dissolution of his hopes almost too much to bear. “It doesn’t make me feel better at all,” he said. “My goal is to win games of cricket, to take glory home, and make a difference in the nation’s heart and hope, and we didn’t achieve that, and it hurts quite a bit. I’m gutted. We had our chances and didn’t take them. CYMK Glimpses of Future 62nd National Film Awards: Priyanka Chopra’s Mary Kom declared as the best popular film providing wholesome entertainment! ENTERTAINMENT Should Sunny Leone, Sonakshi Sinha and Lisa Haydon be worried due to no Sec 66A? The Supreme Court has slashed Section 66A which curbed freedom of speech on the Inernet and while many will benefit from the verdict we are worried about how Kamaal R Khan is going to use the Supreme Court decision. There is bad blood between the self-proclaimed critic and many B-Town actresses. Reason? The man is always objectifying them on social media and tweeting debasing comments about them. Sonakshi Sinha and Lisa Haydon have even retaliated in the past. Considering that his tweets are his only claim to fame, we are sure that KRK will take the No Sec 66A and turn it on it’s head! Our concerns aren’t entirely unsubstantiated. Here is what KRK tweeted when he found out about the SC verdict, “Thanks to Supreme Court to strikes down #Sec66A Main Abb Kisi Ki Bhi Kahkar Le Sakta Hoon.” A little while lat- Katrina Kaif: I’m really looking forward to unveiling my wax statue at Madame Tussauds Priyanka Chopra’s Mary Kom took the nation by a storm upon its release. A biopic based on the famous boxer of the same name, the venture proved to be a massive hit not only in India, but overseas as well. The film settled with 92 crore gross at the domestic box office and grossed over 12 crore in the international market. Mary Kom gave a tough fight to films such as Mardaani starring Rani Mukerji and Queen featuring Kangana Ranaut. The biopic now has another feather added to its cap, as it has bagged the national award upon being declared as Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment! We bet all the die hard Priyanka fans will be ecstatic with joy! The 62nd National Film Awards were declared recently and Mary Kom bagged the trophy in the titled mentioned above. With this achievement, the venture has proved to become not only big in terms of competition with other ones featuring women in lead roles such as Mardaani, NH10 and Queen, but also a film being celebrated for the powerful impact it has had on the people. Priyanka’s stint as the protagonist in the film was and will be cherished by her fans for years to come. All we can say is, congrats team Mary Kom, this was well deserved! Actress Katrina Kaif, who is set to unveil her wax statue at Madame Tussauds London on March 27, is very excited about the achievement and is looking forward to this special moment. “It was really exciting when I first heard the news. It is something which will be there forever,” Katrina, who spent her childhood in London, said here on Monday at the red carpet of Femina Women Awards. “I have grown up in London for a few years, so it brings back lot of nice memories. I would be launching it on March 27 in London at the main Madame Tussauds and I am really looking forward to it,” she added. Before Katrina, Bollywood celebrities like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar have their wax statues at Madame Tussauds. The 31-year-old British-indian actress is over the moon about her wax statue being unveiled and calls it a special moment for her family and added: “Everyone always wants to be acknowledged for his work in whatever way possible.” Meanwhile, it is being said that superstar Salman Khan, who is close to Katrina and Ranbir Kapoor, will fly off to London with his entire family to support the actress Neither Salman Khan nor Shah Rukh Khan, Sidharth Malhotra wants to work with Amitabh Bachchan! Sidharth Malhotra is currently gearing up for two big releases- Brothers and Shakun Batra’s next. While in Brothers he will be seen playing Akshay Kumar’s younger brother, it was recently confirmed that Shakun Batra’s film will have an ensemble cast of Sid, Alia Bhatt and Fawad Khan in lead roles. We certainly are excited for Sid’s upcoming ventures. But the actor on the other hand is wanting to work with an even bigger star. No, not Shah Rukh Khan or Salman Khan. Sid is aiming at legendary Amitabh Bachchan. Yes! The Brothers actor took to Twitter recently and wrote, “Good morning peeps feel like chatting this morning so #asksid ” Is when one his fans quizzed him asking, ‘Who is that one actor who he wishes to work with, at least once in his career?’ And Mr Malhotra was quick enough to prompt- “Mr Bachchan” Knowing how its usually either of the Khans making it to the’ wishlist, fans were quite surprised hearing Sid’s ‘Bachchan’ confession. But Sid will definitely make an impressive team with the Piku actor, don’t you think so? Hope filmmakers take a note of Sid’s wish! And meanwhile, you do watch out this space for more updates! ter, his next tweet was, “Oye Nangi, Chalu, Porn Star @SunnyLeone when are you going to leave India? Stop spoiling our youngsters. And Refund my 3$ you cheater no.1.” So, you see we weren’t all worked up for nothing. With No Sec 66A regulation, we are expecting KRK to become an even bigger pain in the ass. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section below! JAMMU WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015, PAGE 10 SCREEN SHOW I won’t be dancing in Gabbar Is Back since it is not a dance-oriented film, says Akshay Kumar Actor Akshay Kumar, who has put on his dancing shoes for almost all his films, will not be seen showing his moves in the forthcoming film Gabbar Is Back as he says “the character does not demand dancing”. However, he admitted there are three-four songs in the film as per the requirement. “It’s not a dance-oriented film so you will not see Gabbar (me) dancing in the film. However, there are threefour songs in the film as per the demand of the film,” Akshay told reporters here on Monday at the unveiling of the trailer of the film. Directed by famous southern director Krish and produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, Gabbar Is Back also features Shruti Haasan. It is a remake of the 2002 Tamil film Ramanaa and features Akshay as a vigilante, a righteous man and an enemy of the corrupt. Kareena Kapoor Khan: Saif Ali Khan is okay with returning the Padma Shri Award! Kareena Kapoor Khan was calmness personified as she battled media queries on Saif Ali Khan being stripped of the second biggest honour Padma Shri Award. Bebo who looked ravishing Anamika Khanna at the Lakme Fashion Week said, “The fact is that it is a national honour and they have obviously researched pretty well to have given him this award. If they want to discuss it, what had happened at Wasabi and how it should affect the Padma Shri, as far as I know, I haven’t discussed it with him yet but I am quite sure he is pretty relaxed and okay to give it back.” A look back at Saif’s Wasabi brawl, In February 2012, Saif Ali Khan was having dinner with Kareena Kapoor, Amrita Arora, Malaika Arora Khan, Shakeel Ladak and two other friends at Taj hotel’s Wasabi restaurant. An NRI businessman Iqbal Sharma allegedly complained about Saif and his friends creating a ruckus at the restaurant. It seems that an irritated Saif called him an ‘idiot,’ which gave way to a verbal dual and finally turned into a fist fight that lead to Sharma walking out with a fractured nose. However, Saif alleged that Sharma had misbehaved with the ladies and hence he got into a scuffle with Sharma. Sharma and his wife filed a complaint against the Humshakals actor and doled interviews after interviews to the press. Zarine Khan to make her Tollywood debut? She was a sensation back in 2010 when Salman Khan introduced her as his heroine in Veer. She was the talk of the town for her uncanny resemblance with Katrina Kaif. But four years and three films later, Zarine doesn’t have much work in Bollywood. So we hear that the pretty belle may be packing her bags and move down South for greener pastures. If rumours are to be believed, then Zarine Khan has apparently signed a Telugu film opposite actor Srikanth. Apparently, the actress will be seen romancing Govindudu Andarivadele actor in a Telugu film titled Jalsa Rayudu. The makers are still in talks with the Housefull 2 actress. Director Sudheer Babu said,”I wanted to spring a surprise with the film’s casting. I saw Zarine‘s earlier films and was very impressed with her acting and dance skills. She fits the bill perfectly and when we approached her for the role, she agreed to do it. However, negotiations are still on. She is yet to sign on the dotted line.” The film marks Srikanth’s comeback into playing lead roles after being sidelined as a supporting cast after emergence of new heroes. Will Zarine sign the dotted line and feature in a Telugu film? Only time will tell, but I think it is the right choice by Veer starlet to tread down South, in order to resurrect her acting career. JAMMU WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015, PAGE 11 Glimpses of Future TBS JU holds UGC SAP National Conference on Tourism Management GOF Staff Reporter Jammu, March 24: A National Conference on “Integrated Strategies for Marketing Tourism and Allied Services” (Under UGC SAP-DRS-II) was organized by The Business School, University of Jammu. Prof R D Sharma, chief guest on the ocassion in his address highlighted the role of tourism in providing employment and entrepreneurial opportunities and also congratulated the School for their efforts towards such deliberation which is the need of the hour. Prof Sharma further said that the tourism education should be directed towards the pragmatic concepts of Peter Drucker and quoted that destination should be prepared in such a manner that the total output delights the clients and tourists. Prof. Nimit Chowdhary ,from Indian Institute of Travel and Tourism Management (IITTM) Noida in his key Key Note Address highlighted the need to understand that every destination has a unique personality and that the personali- ty of the destination should be the focal point of marketers for devising the integrating marketing strategies.. Prof. Anu Singh Lather, GGS Indraprastha University, Delhi and Member of the SAP Advisory Committee during her inaugural address shared her experiences and nostalgic memories about the destinations around the globe. Earlier Prof. Versha Mehta, Director, The Business School in her welcome address elaborated on the outline of the ini- Students of Bhajnowa pledge for Swachh Bharat GOF Staff Reporter Jammu, Mar 24: Bhajnowa village of Naushera Tehsil joined the rest of India in Swachh Bharat Campaign, Indian Army in continuation with Governments agenda of Swachh Bharat Campaign, joined the campaign by sensitising the locals of remote border Villages to keep pace, with rest of the country. Kalal Based Rashtriya Rifles Battalion under the aegis of Reasi based Counter Insurgency Force organised screening of an animated movie for students of Govt High School, Bhajnowa. The animated movie gave the young minds a vivid description of importance of cleanliness, hygiene and its relation with a healthy body. The idea of incorporating children in the cleanliness drive would give a solid foundation to the Campaign and would take the movement ahead. Eight teachers and 40 Children of Government Middle School attended the same. The Indian Army has planned several more screening of movies and lectures for the entire Naushera Tehsil. The image of a smart looking soldier with clean military station not only strengthens the cleanliness drive but also is a reflective of the fact that Indian Army is not only a security apparatus of the nation but also a harbinger of good social ethos. TIC Bhaderwah organizes multilingual musharia GOF Staff Reporter Bhaderwah, March 24: Multilingual Mushaira was organized by Tehsil Information Centre Bhaderwah at Government Higher Secondary School (Boys) Bhaderwah. Tehsildar Bhaderwah Bashir-ul-Hassan was the chief guest on the occasion while Principal, Government Higher secondary School Boys Bhaderwah Ajit Kumar was the guest of honour besides senior lecturers, students, prominent citizens and media persons were present on the occasion. Prominent poets of Bhaderwah town recited their poetic compositions in Urdu, Kashmiri, Hindi and Bhaderwahi languages. T.H.Rind was the Mire-eMajlis. The other poets who participated in the Musharia include S.H Sarmadi, Chanderkant, Amardeep, S.Kak An and,F.H Tahir, Touseef Tabish, M.H.Mir, Adil Choudhary, A.H Rahat, A.U Naizi, R.A Bhaderwahi. Tehsildar Bhaderwah appreciated the efforts of Information Department in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the region. He said that the poetic compositions represent many social issues prevailing in the society adding that such events also provides a platform to the artists and poets to showcase their talents. Principal, Government Higher secondary School Boys Bhaderwah recalled the contributions made by the renowned poets of the region in field of art, culture and languages, said that this Chenab valley region has a history of producing great poets and artists. BJP Kashmir Displaced Unit meets Secy JKSSB GOF Staff Reporter Jammu, Mar 24: T N Bhat, President BJP (J&K) Kashmir Displaced unit met Khurshid Ahmed Shah, Secretary SSB J&K in his office and apprised him about the problems of those migrant Candidates who could not present themselves before the concerned authorities for the respective interview in the different district Head Quarters in Kashmir Valley due to road block of national highway and non-availability of Air Services. The Secretary assured Sh. T.N Bhat that the Board is going to consider the cases of these candidates sympathetically. The secretary directed that those candidates who could not present themselves for the interview in Kashmir due to various reasons shall submit their application to the Chairperson SSB J&K immediately in person or through post, so that their interview can be also held accordingly. Moreover, the selection of those Candidates whose selection has been withheld shall produce their certificates before the concerned authorities in the office of SSB J&K (Jammu). tiatives undertaken by The Business School to promote academic research. Prof. Keshav Sharma, Dean, Faculty of Business Studies and Coordinator, UGC SAP DRS-II said that J&K is a frontline state of India in Northern Frontier. It has both strategic and cultural significance. The need is to amalgamate the cultural resources and spiritual moorings to develop marketing strategies comprehensively. Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Deputy Coordinator, UGC SAP DRS-II while set- J&K Bank holds awareness camps in Baramulla, Udhampur GOF Staff Reporter Srinagar, Mar 24: J&K Bank conducted a financial literacy and credit counseling session at Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI) Sopore, which was attended by a batch of sixty undergoing trainees Entrepreneurship Development Programme. RSETI Riyaz Director Ahmad Mir after introducing the FLCC centre Facilitator Baramulla to the trainees impressed upon them the importance of the credit counseling session. Facilitator FLCC Baramulla informed the audience about benefits of savings with banks besides various attractive plans of banks like Savings Bank Account, Recurring Deposit, Mehandi Deposit and other fixed invest- ment plans. He explained to them various products of the bank like Kisan Credit Card, Education Loan, Computer and Laptop Loan facilities and subsidy linked plans of government agencies so that they also spread the message in their respective areas for the benefit of people and other unemployed educated youth. Customer rights and responsibilities, why repay in time, recycling of funds, RTGS, NEFT were also discussed. Educating the trainees about how to finalize their credit proposals with the bank, the facilitator educated the trainees about pre sanction, post sanction and post disbursement formalities required to be completed by the entrepreneurs. He impressed upon them to establish their units for income generation to ensure the repayment of installments to the Bank and for earning of DDC Samba convenes SBI R-SETI LAC meeting GOF Staff Reporter Samba, March 24: The District Development Commissioner Samba Sheetal Nanda (IAS) today convened a meeting of Local Advisory Committee (LAC) of SBI RSETI Samba to review the progress of training programmes for the quarter ending December 2014 today. Convener of the Committee Rajesh Sharma Director SBI RSETI, Samba, briefed the house about the progress of RSETI, for the quarter ended Dec 2014, and presented the training calendar for the year 2015-16 in which various programs are designed viz Dress designing for women, plumbing and sanitary works, soft toys making, advanced beauty parlour, poultry, multi phone servicing, Computer tally, Light motor vehicle (LMV) driving, Fashion designing, Mushroom cultivation, Beauty parlour management, Dairy farming etc . He informed that four training programmes covering 128 candidates were held in different streams by RSETI during the quarter and 24 awareness camps were held by RSETI in different parts of the district to educate the masses especially the youth about the programmes of R-SETI. He assured that more training would be conducted at the institution as per local need and requirement. The DDC while speaking on the occasion impressed upon the sponsoring agencies to conduct the awareness camps in the villages especially in far flung and border areas to expand their orbit so that maximum people are educated, motivated and facilitated to initiate self employment enterprises. She stressed for giving training to the female candidates especially in the rural and far flung areas so that they can start their own enterprises and become self dependent. The DDC further asked the Banks and line Departments for sponsoring candidates particularly the female candidates to RSETI and also suggested that possibility of holding training courses for Agro related activities viz mushroom, Apiculture should also be encouraged with other activities. Among others, GM DIC, DDM NABARD besides officers from various government departments and Financial Institutions participated in the meeting. JU SC/ST employees hold meeting GOF Staff Reporter Jammu, March 24: The Jammu University SC/ST Employees Association held its meeting in the University Campus, today which was chaired by its President Mr R.L. Kaith and attended by a large number of SC/ST employees. The meeting resolved to commemorate the incoming 125th birthday of Bharat Ratna Baba Saheb Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar on April 14, 2015 with enthusiasm and present Ambedkar Award 2015 to Mr S.K. Shavotra for Social Understanding and Promoting Ideology of Ambedkar. The meeting also resolved to invite the J&K Social Welfare Minister Bali Bhagat to grace the Birth Commemorative Function as the Chief Guest. While discussing the reservation and other matters, the Association urged the Vice-Chancellor Professor R.D. Sharma to take their important issues in the ensuing meeting of the University Syndicate and have the same considered sympathically in the larger interest of social justice. Adbi Kunj holds special multifaceted patriotic tributes literacy meet GOF Staff Reporter Jammu, mar 24: In keeping with its tradition the front ranking multilingual literary organization Adbi Kunj J&K, Jammu continued its weekly and social activities for the last 40 years since 1975. With this view on the eve of “Navratra” and “Nauroz Aalam” festivals and the occasion of martyrs day the organization held a very special multifaceted patriotic tributes literary meet at its literary centre Zee Pre Kidzee School Talab Tillo, Jammu. The meet was presided over by noted poet writer and journalist Aarash Om Dalmotra whereas a well known Gojri poet and writer Ch. Mohamad Adris Shad was the guest of honour. K.L. Dewama Vice President of the ting the tone of the conference said that tourism as an industry depends upon synergy, partnership and working together. Tourism impacts communities empowerment, social interaction, employment and infrastructure development. She added that tourism market strategy must embrace potential allied services, develop wholesome packages and should revolve around market penetration, extension and development. Dr. Nirupa Rai (KAS), Joint Director Tourism Jammu, in her address organization conducted the proceedings of the meet. In the welcome address Sham Talib president of the organization greeted the people as well as writers of various languages on the eve of Navratra and Nauroz Alam festivals. He also paid rich tributes to the Martyr sons of the nation like Bhagat Singh, Raj Guru and Sukhdev who sacrificed their lives for attaining Independence. Mr. Sham Talib and others also threw light on the various aspects of the festival of Navratra and Nauroz Alam. In the prose session the presentations were included Sarfarosh an Urdu write up on martyrs by Sham Talib, Nauroz-Te-Us (Gojri write up) by Ch. Mohd Adris Shad, Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharni (Hindi Kahani with patriotic tributes on Navratra occasion by K.L. Dewana (d) Shikari (a Punjabi Kahani) by S.K. Deewana. In the composite poetic session the poets were recited their poems, songs and Ghazals, on the said occasion the participant poets were included Aarash Om Dalmotra, Taiyab Bharti, Bishan Dass, Ch. M. Adris Shad, Sanjeev Kumar Shahid Iqbal Kosar, Rajeev Kumar, K.L. Deewana, M. Ashraf Ganaie, S.K. Gupta, Abdul Jabar Butt, Raj Kumar Uttam, M.S. Kamra, Raj Kamal, Ch. Manzoor Badana, Santosh Nadan, Dr. R K Sahjandhan, Sham Talib. The meet was come to end with the vote of thanks by Santosh Nadan. livelihood. Certain clarifications were sought by the participants regarding various schemes which were cleared on spot by the facilitator. Another such credit couselling camp was organized at Seer jagir in Sopore. Meanwhile, the bank organized an awareness camp regarding PMJDY besides a Coin-cum-Note exchange mela at Majalta in Udhampur. Speaking on the occasion, Cluster Head S. Iqbal Singh highlighted the Bank’s efforts to provide world class banking facilities to unbanked areas. He also informed the audience about the salient features of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna Scheme. He educated the participants about the benefits of Insurance and RUPAY Card under PMJDY. On the occasion 1332 pieces of soiled and mutilated currency notes were exchanged and coins of denomination of Rs. 1, 2, 5 & 10 were distributed. Head B.U Majalta presented vote of thanks & appreciated all the people for sparing their valuable time and making the event successful. talked about the growth and employment generating aspect of tourism.. During the function the conference proceedings were also released. Dr. Vinay Chauhan, Conference Organising Secretary, presented a formal vote of thanks while Dr.Komal Nagar, Asstt. Prof., The Business School conducted the proceedings of the inaugural function. Later during the day, a panel discussion was organized which was moderated by Prof. Ashok Aima, Central University of Jammu and coordinated by Dr. Rajendra Mishra, The Business School. The panelists included Mr. Ujjwal Kant, Vice President, Cox and King, Mr. Jyoti Bhatti, Principal, FCI, Jammu. and Sh. VK Sehgal, Founder Chairman, Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh Tourism Promotion Council. Five technical sessions were also held wherein around 60 papers were presented on the diverse issues related to the identified themes of the technical sessions. In the valedictory session. Sh. S.S. Beloria, IAS, Former Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Jammu , Chief Guest on the occasion in his address enlightened the audience with the birds eye view of tourism potential of Jammu region. He highlighted the five untouched virgin areas of Jammu region that need to be exploited and explored. Prof R D Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu presided over the valedictory function.Prof. Desh Bandhu, Director, CDC, JU was also present at the occasion and spoke about the marketing strategy of tourism and how to modernize tourism in our country. Prof. Ashok Aima, Professor, Central University Jammu suggested the remodeling of the present teaching pattern of the higher education and suggested the SAP committee for undertaking projects and research that have applicable relevance to the state. Prof. Vinay Chauhan, Conference Organizing Secretary and Dr. Rachna Mahajan presented the conference report. Prof. B.C. Sharma, Dean Student Placements, University of Jammu, also spoke on the occasion. Prof. Alka Sharma, TBS, JU presented a formal vote of thanks. Dr. Amisha Gupta, Assistant Professor, The Business School conducted the proceedings of the function. Centennial Battle Equitable development is not possible Honour Day without delimitation commission: Rao celebrated by 5th GOF Staff Reporter managed to obtain stay orders from the High court and movJammu, Mar 24: Sikh Battalion ing scout free and working on GOF Staff Reporter Jammu, Mar 24: 5th Battalion-the Sikh Regiment set an unparalleled benchmark of bravery and chivalry during World War I and earned laurels for the nation as well as the SIKH community. On the historic occasion of 100th anniversary of La-Bassee Day, the unit is organizing a function with full military grandeur to pay a befitting tribute to its martyrs from 29 - 30 March 2015. In order to ensure maximum participation Col Rajiv Mehta, VSM and all ranks of the battalion are extending a warm welcome, through an open invite, to all the retired and serving Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and Jawans. During this landmark event, War Memorial service, Sainik Sammelan, Memorial Paath at Unit Akhand Gurudwara, traditional Barakhana (community meal) and other such functions will be organised with Military Elan. Kuldeep Kumar Rao, an member of the active Movement for Peace, Equality & Justice, hoped that newly formed PDP-BJP coalition government will fulfill aspirations of the people of both the regions irrespective of cast, creed and colour. In a press statement issued here today, Rao said that despite having Accountability Commission & State Vigilance Commission in our state, not a single politician, any minister and big fish were put behind the bars till date. Politics is for serving the nation and society whereas today, politics means crime & corruption. Money for power and power by using money is the foundation of modern politics. Mr. Rao hoped that Cheif Minister Mufti Mohd Sayeed will take quick and daring action against the corrupt officials, bureaucrats and politician who have been convicted earlier and who have easily Vibodh meets FM, demands promotion for Banking Associates ‘J&K Bank must adopt district-wise recruitment quota ’ GOF Staff Reporter Jammu, Mar 24: Taking into the consideration the plight of the people who were recruited in the Jammu & Kashmir Bank as Banking Associate about seven years back under the ‘hard area recruitment’, Member Legislative Council (MLC) Vibodh Gupta on Tuesday met Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu at Civil Secretariat Jammu. Vibodh apprised to the Finance Minister that about 260 people were appointed in the districts of Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Udhampur and Kishtwar under the ‘hard area recruitment’ quota and they are still waiting for their promotion to the scale-1 level even after serving in the J&K Bank for the last seven years. He also informed Drabu that the promotion of these employees had already been delayed by two years which was due after the completion of five years in service. Gupta also took up the matter regarding the recent of ‘Relationship posts Executives’ being advertised by the bank in which neither selection criterion nor total number of posts were properly mentioned which according to him is creating confusion among the aspirants across the State. In the meeting, Vibodh also appealed to the Finance Minister that the J&K Bank must adopt district-wise recruitment quota so that the people in any district of the State would not feel discriminated and every aspirant would get equal opportunity to serve in the bank. Giving a patient hearing to the issues of public importance raised by Vibodh, the Finance Minister assured that he will personally look into the promotion issue of the Banking Associates after the conclusion of the Budget Session. Drabu further assured that the recruitment in the bank would be made district-wise and in the most transparent manner. top lucrative posts under the nose of state govt. because without taking action against these corrupt officers, good governance is not possible. He added that equitable development to all the three regions is not possible without De-limitation commission. He said that total voters of assembly segments of Karnah 27,672, Gurez 15,676, Habha Kadal 50,780, Khanyar 52,159 is hardly equivalent to one Gandhi Nagar constituency of Jammu region having around 1.50 lacs. voters & Jammu west with 1.42000 voters, which is an open disparity with Jammu . The Highest voter constituency in Kashmir division is 70,000 & lowest is 27,000 & the Highest constituency in Jammu division is 1,50,000 & the lowest is 70,000. Is equitable development possible in this open discrepancy? Roadside bomb kills two soldiers in Egypt’s Sinai Agencies Cairo, Mar 24: A roadside bomb killed two soldiers and wounded six others on Tuesday as it struck a passing armoured vehicle in the restive Sinai peninsula, Egyptian military and medical officials said. A military official said the explosion took place as army forces patrolled an area near the village of el-Kharouba, close to the Gaza Strip in the north. Egypt has been battling an Islamist insurgency in North Sinai since the army ousted president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013. Militant attacks in Sinai are spearheaded by a group called Ansar Beit al-Maqdis (Partisans of Jerusalem), the Egyptian affiliate of the Islamic state group that controls swathes of territory in Syria and Iraq. Ansar Beit al-Maqdis has claimed some of the deadliest and most sophisticated attacks against Egyptian security forces in the Sinai peninsula, which neighbours Israel and the Palestinian enclave in Gaza. Islamist groups say the attacks are in response to the deaths of more than 1,400 civilians and the arrests of more than 15,000 since Morsi`s ouster. Continuation From Page No. 1 DB’s but the Hon’ble Governor has received the representations and on finding some positions requiring clarification has send the cases back to the Vigilance Organization for verification. DB further observed be it as it is, such question is not required to be decided and deliberated upon at this stage. Expressing its displeasure the Division Bench observed that respondents /SVO are required to show some promptness in the matter. In the status report it is nowhere mentioned as to when the case FIR Nos.6/2014, 15/2014, 16/2014, 17/2014 and 19/2014 were send to the Branch SSPs for clarification and what is the latest status regarding the steps taken by the Branch SSPs. The Division Bench observed with annoyance that after all there has to be some time limit for finalizing the process as permissible under law. Tardy Pace by no stretch of imagination shall be substitute for effective action, be it in favour or otherwise. The DB further observed, “We are not satisfied with the report so filed, therefore, fresh status report shall be filed by the SVO wherein it shall be clearly indicated as to when these cases have been received back from the Vigilance Organization, when these cases have been send to the Branch SSPs and as to why till date process has not been finalized.” Advocate S.S. Ahmed also pointed out that in terms of order dated 17-122014 status of all 547 Roshini cases pointed out by Audit was requisitioned but the same has not been filed and the Division Bench issued directions to the SVO that the same be filed by or before the next date before the Bench. In OWP No.1810/2014 Senior Advocate B.S. Slathia appeared on behalf of the petitioners and after considering the submissions of the Senior Counsel the Division Bench disposed of the same with a direction to the VOK that they shall receive and look into the said documents which the petitioners may have and finalize the process. Boundary two sides will make common efforts to implement the important consensus reached by their leaders, maintain the momentum of highlevel exchange of visits, and enhance the development of China-India strategic cooperation partnership. CMinjured will be paid Rs. 50,000 each, the spokesman added. Amarath grant land for building infrastructure for Amarnath yatra. It was arbitrarily rejected by the Chairman without giving any reasons", he said. Jugal claimed that deaths have taken place due to poor infrastructure at the yatra places so we wanted better infrastructure, as BJP is in the government they should facilitate grant of the land for the yatra. It may be recalled that on 26 May 2008, the then Jammu and Kashmir government led by Gulam Nabi Azad had transferred 99 acres of forest land to the Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) in the main Kashmir Valley to set up temporary shelters and facilities for pilgrims. This caused a controversy, with demonstrations from the Kashmir valley against the land transfer and protests from the Jammu region supporting it. PTI Guru’s “There is no question of balloting being held at 5 P.M on Tuesday. It Army is very much in the records that we have intimated all members that balloting process will start at 1.35 P.M,” secretary L.A said. (KNS) successfully foiled by the alert sentry on the post. The Army Commander in his visit met troops deployed in the forward area and applauded their role in ensuring the peace and security of the area. The alertness and timely action not only foiled the terrorists’ attempts in gaining entry inside the Military Station but also prevented any loss of life of any citizen of our country. The Army Commander also felicitated three civilians who had assisted the security forces during the operation. He took stock of the present security scenario in the region in view of the two back to back terrorists attacks. In this interaction with the local Formation Commanders and intelligence agencies he re-emphasised the need to maintain a strong vigil against inimical design of terrorists. Proposal construction of 20,125 community bunkers at an estimated cost of Rs 1006.25 crores in 448 identified border villages in the state has been sent to the Government of India,” Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said in a written reply to the question of BJP member Sham Lal Choudhary in J&K Assembly today. The proposal will cover a population of 4,02,455 close to the border areas in districts of Kathua, Samba, Jammu, Rajouri and Poonch, he said, adding the proposal has been sent to Government of India on February 23, 2015 for consideration. Council-2015: (Amendment) Act, 2014’ and ‘The Jammu and Kashmir Civil services (Special Provisions) (Amendment) Act, 2014’ passed by both the Houses of Legislature during the last session (August, 2014) have been assented to by the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. He also informed that the house that the Bill “The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2014 (L.A. Bill No 18 of 2014) passed by both the Houses of the State Legislature during the last session (August, 2014) and presented to the Governor for his assent has been returned by the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir on 5th January, 2015 for reconsideration of the Legislature under Proviso to section 78 of the constitution of Jammu and Kashmir. CYM K SC strikes down Section 66A of IT Act, says it's unconstitutional New Delhi, Mar 24: In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court today struck down a controversial provision in the cyber law providing for arrest for posting allegedly "offensive" content on websites saying, it is "unconstitutional" and has a "chilling effect" on freedom of speech and expression. The apex court also held that the expressions used in section 66A of the Information and Technology Act, which had been used by various administrations against inconvenient posts in the cyber space, are "completely openended and undefined". However, the bench turned down the plea to strike down section 69A and Section 79 of the Act which deal with the procedure and safeguards for blocking sites and exemption from liability of intermediaries in certain cases respectively. It is clear that the impugned provision of Sec 66A "arbitrarily, excessively and disproportionately" invades the right of free speech and upsets balance between such right and reasonable restrictions that may be imposed, the court held. The provision, which had come under the scanner of the court after two Mumbai girls were arrested for posting and liking a comment on Facebook relating to shutdown in the city following Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray's death, was also invoked recently against a youth in Uttar Pradesh for his post on the state minister Azam Khan. The court examined the validity of the provision by referring to various aspects relating to the freedom of speech and expression under Article 19 (1) (a) and 19 (2) of the Constitution which deals with reasonable restrictions and its impact on Article 14 and 21 which relate to the right to equality and personal liberty respectively. While quashing section 66A, which was brought through an amendment by previous UPA government and defended by present NDA regime, a bench of justices J Chelameswar and R F Nariman said, "Incidentally, none of the expressions used in Section 66A are defined. "Even 'criminal intimidation' is not defined – and the definition clause of the Information Technology Act, Section 2 does not say that words and expressions that are defined in the Penal Code will apply to this Act." Regarding the other two sections, the court said, "Section 69A and the Information Technology (Procedure & Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules 2009 are constitutionally valid. "Section 79 is valid subject to Section 79(3)(b) being read down to mean that an intermediary upon receiving actual knowledge from a court order or on being notified by the appropriate government or its agency that unlawful acts relatable to Article 19(2) are going to be committed then fails to expeditiously remove or disable access to such material. "Similarly, the Information Technology 'Intermediary Guidelines' Rules, 2011 are valid subject to Rule 3 sub-rule (4) being read down in the same manner as indicated in the judgement," said the bench in its 123-page judgement. The bench assailed the provision, which in the recent past has resulted in indiscriminate arrests, on the ground of its "chilling effect and over breadth". "We, therefore, hold that the section is unconstitutional also on the ground that it takes within its sweep protected speech and speech that is innocent in nature and is liable therefore to be used in such a way as to have a chilling effect on free speech and would, therefore, have to be struck down on the ground of over breadth," the court said. The apex court, which held that the expressions used in section 66A are "open minded and undefined", also analysed the meaning of terms like "causing of annoyance, inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal in- timidation, enmity, hatred or ill-will", used in the provision. Referring to various judgements, it said, "It was further held that a penal law is void for vagueness if it fails to define the criminal offence with sufficient definiteness. "Ordinary people should be able to understand what conduct is prohibited and what is permitted. Also, those who administer the law must know what offence has been committed so that arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement of the law does not take place." The apex court also rejected the plea of the Centre that the fact that Section 66A is capable of being "abused" was not a ground to test its validity and its contention that the government is committed to free speech and undertakes that it will be used only when excesses are perpetrated by persons on the rights of others. "In this case, it is the converse proposition which would really apply if the Additional Solicitor General's argument is to be accepted. If Section 66A is otherwise invalid, it cannot be saved by an assurance from the learned Additional Solicitor General that it will be administered in a reasonable manner. may come and "Governments Governments may go but Section 66A goes on forever. An assurance from the present Government even if carried out faithfully would not bind any successor Government. It must, therefore, be held that Section 66A must be judged on its own merits without any reference to how well it may be administered," Justice Nariman, who wrote the verdict, said. Dealing with the plea of the Centre that some part of the provisions can be saved by applying the doctrine of severability, the bench said, "The submission is vague. The Additional Solicitor General does not indicate which part or parts of Section 66A can possibly be saved." It dealt with the subject matters of Article 19 (2) and said that "...no part of Section 66A is severable and the provision as a whole must be declared unconstitutional". The court, however, did not allow the plea of petitioners that the provision is unconstitutional also on the ground that it violates Article 14 (equality before law) as the freedom of speech and expression be made applicable equally to internet and other traditional medium. "We make it clear that there is an intelligible differentia between speech on the internet and other mediums of communication for which separate offences can certainly be created by legislation. We find, therefore, that the challenge on the ground of Article 14 must fail," it said. Govt says it’s not in favour of curbing dissent on social media New Delhi, March 24: Government, whose counsel had defended the constitutional validity of Section 66A of IT Act, today maintained that it respects freedom of speech and expression and is not in favour curbing dissent on social media. At the same time, it said it had conveyed a request to the court that government is willing to come out with additional, more stringent guidelines so as to prevent abuse of Section 66A of the Act which allows arrest of a person for posting allegedly “offensive” content on websites. “Our government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a very conscious decision that we don’t support the stand of the previous government. “We respect the freedom of speech and expression. We respect communication of ideas on social media and we are not in favour of curtailing communication of honest dissent, opinion, disapproval or criticism on social media,” Union IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said. In his initial comments on the Supreme Court verdict, he said the government had stressed that it will not support any interpre- tation of Section 66A of IT Act that curtails the ideas of freedom of speech and expression enshrined under Article 19(1) of the Constitution. “It is very important to be noted that in our affidavit filed, apart from reiterating our new position on behalf of Government of India, we have clearly conveyed that if Section 66A of the IT Act cannot be interpreted in consonance with Article 19(1) read with Article 19(2), then we don’t support that interpretation at all,” he said. Though Prasad said he will come with a structured response once he reads the entire judgement that runs into 200 pages, he said, on government’s instruction the additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also conveyed a request to the bench that “government is willing to come out with additional more stringent guidelines so as to prevent abuse of Section 66A of the Act”. “I am awaiting the judgement. The Government of India’s stand is quite different from the previous Government’s and it has been very clear and consistent which I have just mentioned. I will come with a structured response after going through the judgement,” he said. (AGENCIES) CYM K JAMMU WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015, PAGE 12 Glimpses of Future Conference on energy sustainability in J&K through Renewables held Ease of Doing Business in J&K is on Govt priority: DyCM Jammu, March 24: PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry in collaboration with Jammu & Kashmir Power Development Corporation Ltd. and the Department. of Economics, Jammu University, organa conference on “Energy ized Sustainability in J&K through Renewables”, today at the Rajinder Singh Auditorium at Jammu University. Dr Nirmal Kumar Singh, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Power Development, Government of Jammu & Kashmir was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Dr. Nirmal Singh while addressing the gathering highlighted the present condition in the power sector in the State of J&K. He said that the new government of Jammu & Kashmir is committed to make the power department more efficient and transparent. He also highlighted that in the present budget there are special provisions for the development of power projects in the State both in the areas of Hydel and thermal. He assured that the Government is committed to make J & K an investor friendly State and extended the wholehearted support of the government to the industry and the investors. He emphasized that bringing ease of doing business in the State of Jammu Kashmir is one of the priorities of the new government. Saurabh Bhagat IAS, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology & IT, Govt of J & K was present as the Guest of Honour on the occasion. Other dignitaries who were present during the Inaugural Session were Mr. Ruchin Gupta IRS, Deputy Secretary, MNRE, Govt of India, Mr Upinder Singh, Director (Finance), JKSPDCL, Mr Sudarshan Mundhra, Director, Simplex Projects Ltd., Mr Vikrant Kuthiala, Chairman, J & K Committee, PHD Chamber, Mr Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya, Co Chairman, J & K Committee, Prof Dipankar Sengupta, HOD, Dept of Economics, Jammu University and Mr Saurabh Sanyal, Secretary General, PHD Chamber. Saurabh Bhagat, IAS shared that the state of J&K has the second highest potential for generation of renewables in the country and can contribute towards 17% of the total energy generated in the country through renewables. He said that out of the 25 solar parks in the country with production capacity of 500 MW, 100 MW capacity is presently the contribution in the state of J &K. Ruchin Gupta, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Govt of India pointed out that the State of J & K has tremendous potential for generating solar power of 111 GW, Hydel power of 1500 MW and wind power of 5000 MW , but the performance of the state in this regard has been moderate. He stressed on the initiatives of the Ministry and exhorted all stakeholders to undertake consorted efforts to capitalize the immense natural resources available in the state. The Conference also had two Technical Sessions on Opportunities & Challenges in Renewable Energy Sector in J & K in the wake of Make in India & Financing & Regulatory Issues of Renewable Energy Projects, that were addressed by experts from the Government, Industry, academia, media, financial institutions and regulating authorities. The participants included Prof Dipankar Sengupta, Mr Yoginder Kotha of NHPC, Mr PB Jain of CVPP Ltd, Mr Sudarshan Das Mundhra of Simplex Projects Ltd, Mr Shafat Sultan of JKEDA, Mr Iftekhar Ahmed of JKSPDCL in the first session and Mr AA Khatana of IREDA, Mr PR Dhar of JKEDA, Ms Jyotsna Kumar JK Bank, Prof G.M. Bhat Rector Bhaderwah Campus and Department of Geology, Dr Manoj Bhatt Department of Economics, Mr Rahul Jalali independent media commentator and Mr Debojit Talapatra PHD chamber of commerce in the second session. Salal Power Station distributes scholarship to students under CSR-SD programme Continuing its initiatives in the Education Sector, Salal Power Station of NHPC Limited distributed scholarship among 38 meritorious / economically weak students of Govt. Hr. Secondary School, Salal / MS Chubbi / MS Salal, Kotli. Sh. A.G.Ansari, General Manager, Salal Power Station was the chief guest who distributed the scholar- M&ULB pensioners call on Director Account & Treasures CYM K Jammu, Mar 24: A five member delegation of Municipal & Urban Local Bodies Pensioners Association Jammu Province under the leadership of B S Jamwal advisor-cumSpokesperson of the association met Lochan Dass Director Accounts and Treasures, Finance Department in his office chamber to apprise him about the burning problems of the pensioners and sought redressal at the earliest. The delegation demanded bifurcation of monthly pensionary and Gratuity commutation funds like and ensure disbursement of monthly pension on 1st day of each month as per the standing Govt order No. 18-f of 2012 Dated 18-12-2012. Strict direction he passed to all the treasure officer of Jammu Province not divert the pensionary funds of gratuity/commutation to pensioners out of monthly pensioners funds. Delegation also demanded disbursement of gratuity/commutation to the civic body pensioners under the formala 1st come 1st serve and maintenance of the register in each treasures any office to register pension/gratuity case serial & date wise and when those pensioners office to treasury officers. was also urged to the Director to issue fresh circular on this account at the earliest direction the Try Officer to comply with the standing instruction strictly. Delegation also demanded removal of anomaly among the IV class family pensioners, Safai Karamcharis. Besides the civic body pensioners also hailed the state Govt in releasing two installments of 17% pending DA since January and July 2014 in favour of employees and pensioners of J&K state. The Director listened the demands and problems of the pensioners patiently and assured for its redressal at the earliest. Y S Jamwal, President, B D Verma, general secretary, K S Jamwal, district President, Jawhar Lal Sharma secretary participated along with B S Jamwal in the meeting. Girl carrying an umbrella to save herself from heat as temperature rise in Jammu. GOF PHOTO Assembly-2015: Budget local requirement specific: Drabu 3-phase rehab plan of flood victims from 1st April Jammu March 24: While winding up the Budget Speech discussion in the Legislative Assembly, the Finance Minister, Dr. Haseeb Drabu has said that the budget presented by the government has been formulated for the specific local requirements and would ensure that the benefits percolate to every section of the society. The Minister said that budget has been formulated in such a manner so that it provides succour to not only the people, but also benefits entrepreneurs businessmen practising various trades in the State. “Care has been taken to make it comprehensive, by exploring the possibilities of putting back the sagging economy of the State on the trails and also catalyzing the business environment in the State which has witnessed a slump post-floods”, he added. Referring to the proposed out sourcing of the Lakhanpur Toll Post, the Minister said that by privatising it we would be getting the additional revenues besides checking the menace of corruption. He said the business community has also been pressing for the same and it would go a long way in catalyzing the business related activities in the State. “Our duty is to protect the State’s Special Taxation Powers”, the Minister said while referring to the General Sales Tax (GST) regime. He said ‘we have to cre- ate a conducive atmosphere so that businessmen can carry out their trade without hassles’. “We do not need any special assistance if power losses are managed”, Dr. Drabu maintained while referring to the presentation of a separate power budget. We are looking on reducing the T&D losses then only we can make a head away in reducing the electricity duty thereby giving the consumers much needed relief. “Under the power reforms the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) would be offering shares to the public and we hope that people would receive dividends on the same which would in future take care of entire electricity bills. Referring to the Government’s initiative of preserving, propagating and professionalizing the traditional handicrafts which go a long way in contributing their bit in economy and job-employment generation, the Minister said that craft economy will be made buoyant and to revive it courses of MBA in craft management would be introduced in the twin Universities of the State. “Unless we change the basis of the craft economy, we will not able to revive and revitalize this important aspect of our heritage and culture”, he added. “We have 7 lakh small and micro-enterprises involving 14 lakh people. Through technology inputs, market incentives and proper branding we hope to encourage natural growth in the handicraft sector, thereby giving employment to more than 21 lakh people associated with this sector”, Dr. Drabu maintained. Terming tourism as one of the mainstays of the State’s economy, the Minister said that we will be taking the necessary steps to ensure its augmentation so that it also contributes in the revenues of the State. He said focussed attention would be paid to promote Jammu as an independent tourist destination. “Pilgrim Circuit would also be developed in Jammu by virtue of which the devotees can pay obeisance at various shrines of the division which would be properly augmented by various logistics and infrastructure development”, the Minister added. On Public Enterprises, Dr. Drabu said that Government will initiate steps for reviving these enterprises by bringing them under a common ambit so that their resources can be pooled in a coordinated way and the concept of corporate set up can be introduced. This would facilitate the private investor developing the much needed confidence in investing in these enterprises which would in turn contribute immensely in the economy of the State, he maintained. Referring to the Relief and Rehabilitation package for the flood affected, Dr. Drabu announced that from 1st April, a 3-phased rehabilitation plan will be launched starting with restoration of livelihood followed by restoration of business and restoration of houses and assets. It is the top priority of the Government to ensure that the people, who were affected by the September deluge start their normal business and day-to-day activities as soon as possible, he said. Dr. Drabu while referring to the development of backward areas said that Government would accelerate their growth by carrying full-fledged programmes as special projects, so that these areas are developed at par with the developed pockets of the State. “The Agriculture sector would be revived and developed on modern and scien- tific basis by introducing certain new and traditional farm practices and in this regard the Khul Development Programme would be introduced on a large scale so that proper irrigation facilities are provided to the farmers round the year which would in turn increase the agriculture productivity and yield thereby contributing in making the State a prosperous agrarian belt”, the Minister said that this would also result in making the state economically strong. Responding to the demands of legislators for increasing the CD Fund, the Minister said that a mechanism would be framed in future, for equitable development of every constituency, which would be based on the requisite para meters of area, population, accessibility and efficiency. “We will see that a scheme is framed where area, population and efficiency in the constituency is given due consideration for releasing additional funds besides the normal CD Fund”, he added. Dispelling the doubts being created about privatization of the State Motor Garages, the Minister said that the organization would be empowered, so that employees would be getting incentives and would also increase the efficacy in working of the same. He also negated the news report that was circulated in certain media about the reduction in retirement age of the employees. “The Dal forms one of the important part of our culture and its preservation is one of the top priorities of the Government as well as the people and J&K Diaspora and it is in this regard we would be floating Dal Development bond for its restoration. It would be a pilot project to involve the nonresident state subjects of Jammu and Kashmir by leveraging their professional competencies, financial strength, and emotional equity”, Dr. Drabu elaborated. Announcing certain additional incentives, the Finance Minister said that he respects the sensitivity of the House towards widows, disabled and the destitute and announced merger of various pension schemes for widows available under Sate and Central Social Welfare initiatives. He announced a hiked pension of Rs. 1000 per month for widows. He also announced Rs. 1000 per month for disabled persons having disability of more than 60%. In addition to these welfare measures, Dr. Drabu also announced that the Government will try and explore possibility of ensuring that grown up girls get financial assistance at the age of 17 or 21 years depending upon their choice. In his budget speech under the gender welfare initiative, the Finance Minister had proposed to contribute Rs. 1000 per month on behalf of every new born child for the next 14 years and on reaching 21 years, she would receive Rs. 6.5 lakhs. Dr. Drabu also announced three more model business villages of Rajmah, Mango and Apricot in the state which would further accelerate the agriculture and horticulture related activities besides creating an integrated business infrastructure and foster a culture of modern business practices in these villages. He also announced an ethnographic village to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Kashmiri Pandits at MartandAnantnag and a village for Gaddi-Sippi tribe in Jammu. The Minister also announced for taking the necessary steps for upgrading the exiting press club in Jammu besides establishing another one in the Summer Capital, Srinagar. CYM K Jammu, Mar 24: ship to the students at Govt. Hr. Secondary School, Salal in a simple function in the presence of Principals of all the schools, students and locals. The aim of the programme was to facilitate the students and develop the feeling of competitiveness among them. Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Ansari advised the students to work hard and make judicious use of their time. He further said that lack of resources can not come in the way of students to obtain good results if the students take studies on priority. Principal, Govt. Hr. sec. school, Salal, Sh. V.K. Damral appreciated the initiatives taken by NHPC Limited and thanked on behalf of all the schools. To promote Art and Culture, a workshop on ‘Tips on Art’ was also organised for the students wherein Artist Smt. Anuradha Rishi and her team members gave basic tips to the students on Art & use of colours in a painting. Response of the students during the workshop remained interactive. Earlier, Sh. J.K.Sharma, Manager (HR) welcomed all present in the function and apprised about the event.
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