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No major incentives for state;
Governor stresses imparting quality education
CM rushes his ministers to curfew-bound Rajouri
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Call for Jammu bandh today
Large turnout at Army recruitment rallies
Army Chief visits 16 Corps
Disaster preparedness training concludes
Governor, CM for insurance cover to Red Cross volunteers
Cabinet
meet
Govt has failed to provide basic amenities: Mehbooba
MLC Jugal Kishore gets rousing welcome at Katra
Leopard carcass recovered
Governor stresses on quality education
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No major incentives for state; industry disappointed
Jammu, March 16 While the industrialists and traders dubbed the Budget as a “ritual” and “customary exercise” having “negative impact” on the economy of the state in the near future, the political groups and the civil society maintained that it had “inflationary tendency” and it would push the common man to the wall. President of Bari Brahmana Industries Association (BBIA) Annil Suri said, “The government is bent on weaken the Jammu and Kashmir economically. There is no special incentive announced for the state and the Budget is just a ritual.” He said the Union government completely ignored the industrial sector in the state and it didn’t take any initiative for setting up of new industry. “The government is bent on ruining the existing industry by imposing heavy excise duty, service tax and no extension to income tax exemption to J&K, which is ending on March 31,” Suri said, adding, “We are quite disappointed with the Budget.” Dispelling the “wrong information” that the Centre announced Rs 150 crore for the industrialisation in Jammu and Kashmir, BBIA president said the government had given nothing extra for the promotion of industrial sector in the state. “Rs 150 crore was a part of the Government of India’s package which was announced after the recommendations of Rangarajan Committee.” President of the Associated Chamber of Traders Federation (ACTF), Jammu, Yash Paul Gupta, said: “The Budget was presented on political lines. The government has tried to play safe while providing some kind of relief to the people. It gave a setback to the people by increasing the prices of electronic goods and construction material.” The ACTF chief maintained that the traders were expecting an increase in upper slab of income tax up to Rs 2.5 lakh from Rs 1.80 lakh, but the government made a nominal increase in it. Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) working chairman Harsh Dev Singh said the Union Budget has “inflationary tendency” and the common man would bear the brunt of the price hike in essential goods. “The prices of computers, telephones, air fares and other electronic goods, which are necessities rather than luxury items, have been hiked and it will affect the common man adversely. Also, Jammu and Kashmir as a whole and Jammu in particular, was overlooked and ignored while announcing major incentives for the other states,” Singh said. Mahesh Koul, a Jammu University scholar, said it was a “defensive Budget” and the Finance Minister tried to play safe. “The poor performance of Congress in the assembly elections in five states was reflected in the Budget and it couldn’t be seen as a good Budget keeping in view the 2014 General elections,” he remarked.
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Governor stresses imparting quality education
Jammu, March 16 The Governor was speaking after inaugurating a two-day “Higher Education Summit” on the theme “Higher Education for Innovation and Change”, organised by the Forum of Recognised Colleges, Jammu, in collaboration with the Indian Colleges Forum, at University of Jammu, here today. Referring to the public-private partnership mode in the arena of higher education, the Governor said such arrangements would prove successful if there was a close coordination and understanding between all the stakeholders for collectively striving to secure the objective of quality education. Highlighting the role of private sector in the promotion of higher education, he observed that tremendous growth of private educational institutions had been witnessed over the past years, which calls for all-round superintendence, monitoring and accountability to ensure the attainment of quality parameters. He said adequacy of funds, qualified faculty and satisfactory infrastructure must be ensured for achieving the desired goals. The Governor hoped that the summit would provide a profitable opportunity to the participants to look at the larger picture as far as the arena of higher education was concerned and come up with appropriate recommendations for filling up the gaps, wherever required, to meet the challenge of improving the quality of education on continuing basis in consonance with the emerging challenges. The Governor, who is also the Chancellor of the university, while referring to the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Constitution of India as well as in the State Constitution, said systematic hard work would be required to achieve these objectives, particularly the mandate of the J&K Constitution for education up to university-level being provided to every permanent citizen. The Governor expressed hope that the participation in the Summit by intellectuals and academicians from across the country has provided a useful opportunity to deliberate on the obtaining issues in the arena of higher education and come out with appropriate recommendations in this regard. He congratulated the Forum of Recognised Colleges, Jammu, for organising the summit and wished fruitful discussions to all the participants. The Forum of Recognised Colleges presented a cheque of Rs 5.51 lakh to the Governor for the Rajya Sainik Board for the welfare of ex-servicemen, their families and children. |
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CM rushes his ministers to curfew-bound Rajouri
Jammu, March 16 “We are reviewing the situation at a high-level meeting here and efforts are being made to defuse the situation, the Political Adviser to the Chief Minister, Devinder Singh Rana, told The Tribune over phone. Curfew remained enforced in the town today. It was reimposed yesterday following clashes between the police and members of the minority community. The border towns of Sunderbani, Nowshera also observed a bandh in support of the minorities in Rajouri district. “While a group of ministers has been holding talks with both communities to defuse the situation, Divisional Commissioner Pawan Kotwal along with a delegation of Muslims visited the houses of the minority community to end the impasse,” Rajouri Deputy Commissioner Ghulam Ahmed Khwaja told The Tribune. In a positive development, a 10-member peace committee constituted by the Muslim community today visited localities of the minority community and condemned the police atrocities on the latter. The delegation was joined by Pawan Kotwal. During the visit to localities of the minority community, the delegation found that the police force had committed atrocities on the minority community yesterday. “They had ransacked houses, smashed window panes and had beaten up women and children,” said Shafiq Mir, one of the members of the delegation. The delegation condemned the police brutalities and described the police act as unwarranted, he added. It also demanded a judicial probe into yesterday’s incident. On the goodwill gesture of the Muslim community delegation, Sanatan Dharam Sabha president Dinesh Sharma, senior BJP leaders Vibodh Gupta and Rajinder Gupta expressed gratitude, said Mir. Meanwhile, residents of Rajouri have demanded the registration of an FIR against police personnel for committing atrocities upon the minority community. They have also demanded compensation for the damages to their properties in the police action. Yesterday, the police had allegedly beaten up members of the minority community who had taken out a procession, in violation of prohibitory order, demanding action against those who had hurled stones at their religious processions on March 8.
Call for Jammu bandh today
Jammu, March 16 Speaking at a press conference here today, state VHP president Ramakant Dubey said the entire Jammu province would observe a bandh tomorrow in protest against the police atrocities on minority community members in Rajouri town yesterday. He alleged that people of the minority community had been facing the wrath of the local administration, which had totally failed to protect the minorities. Curfew had to be reimposed in the town yesterday due to the mishandling of the situation by the administration and the police, he added. He asked the Union Home Minister to take a serious note of the prevailing situation in the border town of Rajouri. Later, a procession which included representatives of the BJP, Shiv Sena and various socio-religious and business organisations like the Sanatan Dharam Sabha, Brahaman Sabha, Hindu Jagaran Manch, Megh Sudhar Sabha and Mahasha Sudhar Sabha was taken out here in support of the people of Rajouri. Meanwhile, the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, All Jammu Hotels and Lodges Association, BJP, Shri Ram Sena, Shiv Sena, Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Front and 25 other religious, social and trading organisations have supported the VHP’s bandh call.
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Large turnout at Army recruitment rallies
Anantnag, March 16 “We are overwhelmed by the response as 6,000 youth have already turned up. In 2010, we could not have even thought of holding a recruitment rally. There has been a sea change in the attitude (of youth),” said the DDG, Recruitment (Punjab and J&K), Brigadier Vinod Raizada, during a recruitment rally at High Ground in this district of south Kashmir today. Similar rallies were held in Srinagar, Shopian, Ganderbal, Kupwara, Budgam, Bandipora, Kulgam and Baramulla districts from March 12. Brigadier Raizada said the Army had received the maximum response from south Kashmir. “Today is the last day of screening and the process consists of verification of documents, putting the candidates through physical tests that include a 1.6-km run and crossing a nine-foot ditch. After undergoing physical measurements of height, weight and chest, they will undergo a medical test. The process will continue till March 18,” he added. After the youth are medically examined by a team of doctors, those found fit will appear in a Common Entrance Examination on April 29. Brigadier Raizada said the rallies were conducted on the directions of General Officer Commanding (GoC) of Chinar Corps S A Hasnain. “The GoC has given very clear instructions that youth of this region must get all possible help and assistance for selection into the Army in order to mitigate unemployment in the Valley,” he added. The Army had recruited around 800 youth across the state the last year. Meanwhile, a lot of enthusiasm was witnessed among the youth who had turned up at the rally. “It has been my childhood dream to be in the Army and I am confident that I will get through,” said a college student, Jehangir Ahmad of Shangus, after passing the 1.6-km run. Another local youth said, “Our state is facing a grave unemployment problem and the Army should organise more such
rallies.” Col S K Malhotra, who is in charge of the recruitment rally at High Ground, said the huge turnout suggested that the Army had “carved a niche in
the hearts and minds” of the locals. |
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Army Chief visits 16 Corps
Jammu, March 16 He expressed satisfaction over the reduction in terrorist infiltration. Explaining the present environment, the General said troops should not become complacent as we are yet to see the end of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. He said there was a need to remain vigilant and prepared at all times. In a special Sainik Sammelan held on the occasion, General Singh addressed the officers and men of the White Knight Corps and outlined the priority areas of the Indian Army. The General also spoke about the steps being taken towards transformation of the Army to make it operationally and logistically more efficient. He informed the men about various measures initiated for their welfare in the recent times. He said long overdue improvements have been made in the ration and clothing of jawans. The process for removal of anomalies in the 6th Pay Commission has also been initiated. The General underlined the need for all ranks of the Army to always maintain high moral values and to live by the principles which are traditionally identified with the Army. Earlier, on his arrival at Jammu, he was received by Maj Gen Surinder Singh, General Officer Commanding of Tiger Division, Maj Gen BK Dhingra, MGGS Northern Command and Group Captain Manish Girdhar, Officiating AOC, Air Force Station, Jammu. |
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Disaster preparedness training concludes
Srinagar, March 16 Speaking at the valedictory function at New Dreamland Higher Secondary School, Beehama, Additional District Development Commissioner
MA Shunthu, who was the chief guest, appreciated the Civil Defence for training community members, especially youth and students to handle any
emergencies, including disasters. Shunthu said community members were always the first responders and urged youth to come forward and participate in such training programmes. Deputy Controller, Civil Defence, Rafiq Ahmad informed students about the role of Civil Defence in disaster preparedness and management. He encouraged children to come forward and join the Civil Defence for the sake of their own safety and that of their relatives and neighbours. Aamir Ali, Officer on Special Duty with the Divisional commissioner, Kashmir, said since the student community was most vulnerable during disasters, therefore there was a need to train them. He urged upon the
students to upgrade their life saving skills and assist the people during emergencies. Later, students actively participated in a mock drill. They were given a practical demonstration of search and rescue methods
and usage of fire extinguishers. About 150 students and teachers participated in the training
programme while the whole school participated in the mock drill. |
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Noted Gandhian meets Governor
Jammu, March 16 The Governor congratulated Varma for the recognition of his contribution in the arena of social work by propagating the Gandhian values and philosophy. Varma briefed the Governor about present activities of the Gandhi Global Family and those planned for the coming months to spread awareness about the Gandhian philosophy. Meanwhile, MLA Chaman Lal Gupta also called on the Governor at Raj Bhawan here this evening. Gupta discussed with the Governor various issues relating to the state. |
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Governor, CM for insurance cover to Red Cross volunteers
Jammu, March 16 They also stressed the usefulness of examining the possibility of bringing all Red Cross volunteers across the state under a group insurance scheme to cover the risks they have to face while undertaking rescue operations when reaching out to victims of natural calamities and other disasters. The Governor and the Chief Minister were addressing the 167th managing committee meeting of the Indian Red Cross Society, J&K State Branch, here this evening. The Governor called for maximising the collection of funds to carry out Red Cross activities and observed that among various other initiatives, collection boxes should be placed at airports, railway stations, bus stands, hospitals, government offices and other public places to encourage and enable public to make contributions to give a fillip to the activities of the Red Cross. He added that we should avail of every opportunity to raise resources round the year for the benefit of people. In this context, he said an effort must be made to organise Red Cross melas and raffle draws in all the districts of the state to enhance the resource base so that the ambit of Red Cross activities is optimally spread to far-flung areas. Referring to the action plan being formulated for undertaking various Red Cross activities in the state in the next two years, the Governor said more innovative ideas should be put in the framework of the action plan for the benefit of the needy. The Chief Minister said identity cards need to be issued to all Red Cross volunteers to facilitate their functioning in the hour of the need. He said all out efforts must be made for enhancing the resource base of the Red Cross so that it reaches out to the needy in the remote areas. While discussing the modalities for the construction of a Red Cross complex in Srinagar, the Chief Minister assured required support for the purpose. Sham Lal Sharma, Minister for Health, gave details of various schemes to help poor patients suffering from serious ailments. He also dwelt on the to-date status of the implementation of the Swasthya Bima Yojana in the state. Madhav Lal, Chief Secretary, laid stress on raising resources to progressively enhance the activities of the Red Cross. |
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Cabinet meet
Jammu, March 16 Highly placed sources said the decision on the imposition of the ban on private practice of doctors was in the agenda, but no consensus had emerged on the issue. Some ministers, who were present in the meeting were of the view that imposing a ban on private practice of doctors was impossible so there was a need to discuss all the pros and cons. — TNS
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Govt has failed to provide basic amenities: Mehbooba
Jammu, March 16 Addressing a series of public meetings at the Top Sherkhaniana, Talab Khatikan and Pucca Danga areas of Jammu city, Mehbooba regretted that residents of Jammu city were struggling to get basic amenities like drinking water, drainage system and power supply. She said it was due to the casual approach being adopted by the state government that residents of the city were not getting the basic amenities. “On the one hand, the government has hiked the charges on water and electricity while on the other residents have been struggling to get potable water and power,” she pointed out and added that during the last three years not even a single step had been taken to mitigate the woes of people. “The miseries of residents of Jammu city have been increasing with each passing day, but the government is apathetic towards solving them,” she regretted, adding that, “It is very unfortunate that people are not getting a basic amenity like drinking water.” She claimed that during the regime of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed some concerted steps were taken to solve the problem of drinking water in Jammu city. “To cope up with the problem of the scarcity of drinking water, especially during the summer season, a plan funded by the Asian Development Bank was implemented in Jammu city,” she said and added that a number of new tube wells were dug up, besides construction of a filtration plant at Sitli to solve the problem of scarcity of water in the city.” |
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MLC Jugal Kishore gets rousing welcome at Katra
Katra, March 16 A large number of people had gathered to receive him in Katra amid beating of drums and raising slogans like “Indian National Congress, Sonia Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Jugal Kishore zindabad”. Speaking on the occasion, Jugal said he was familiar with the demands of people of the area, including setting up of a degree college, an ITI, improvement in drinking water facility, power supply, road connectivity and other genuine demands. He said the Congress had given him a responsibility to serve the people of Reasi district and he would leave no stone unturned to come up to the expectations of the people of the area and the party leadership. |
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Leopard carcass recovered
Jammu, March 16 Villagers informed the police, who rushed to the forest along with Wildlife officials and took the carcass into their possession. Later, a team of Veterinary officials led by Block Veterinary Officer Dr Satpal Verma conducted an autopsy on the carcass after being requested to do so. “The leopard has died some days ago and its body was completely decomposed,” the Veterinary officials said. The Wildlife Department officials ruled out any foul play and said a Forest Department team was looking into the matter. The decomposed body of the leopard was later cremated in the forest. |
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Governor stresses on quality education
Jammu, March 16 The Governor was speaking after inaugurating a two-day “Higher Education Summit” on the theme “Higher Education for Innovation and Change”, organised by the Forum of Recognised Colleges, Jammu, in collaboration with the Indian Colleges Forum, at University of Jammu, here today. Referring to the public-private partnership mode in the arena of higher education, the Governor said such arrangements would prove successful if there was a close coordination and understanding between all the stakeholders for collectively striving to secure the objective of quality education. Highlighting the role of private sector in the promotion of higher education, he observed that tremendous growth of private educational institutions had been witnessed over the past years, which calls for all-round superintendence, monitoring and accountability to ensure the attainment of quality parameters. He said adequacy of funds, qualified faculty and satisfactory infrastructure must be ensured for achieving the desired goals. The Governor hoped that the summit would provide a profitable opportunity to the participants to look at the larger picture as far as the arena of higher education was concerned and come up with appropriate recommendations for filling up the gaps, wherever required, to meet the challenge of improving the quality of education on continuing basis in consonance with the emerging challenges. The Governor, who is also the Chancellor of the university, while referring to the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Constitution of India as well as in the State Constitution, said systematic hard work would be required to achieve these objectives.
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To restore normalcy in the strife-torn Rajouri, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has rushed his two advisers -- Devinder Singh Rana and Mubarak Gul.
Anantnag, March 16
Army Chief General VK Singh today visited the headquarters of Nagrota-based 16 Corps, also called as White Knight Corps.
On his arrival at Nagrota, General Singh was received by Lt Gen KT Parnaik, GOC-in-C, Northern Command, and Lt Gen AS
Nandal, GOC, White Knight Corps. The Army Chief was briefed on the prevailing security situation south of Pir Panjal ranges in J&K.
Jammu, March 16
