Constituencies represented by NC were
ignored during coalition regime: Omar
KT NEWS SERVICE
LOLAB, Nov 2: Taking dig at erstwhile PDP-Congress coalition regime, President Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Omar Abdullah alleged that the constituencies represented by the National Conference were deliberately ignored in all the sectors.
Omar, who was addressing series of public meetings in support of Qaiser Jamsheed Lone party's candidate from Lolab, said that the PDP and Congress have to explain as to where they have spent the Rs. 24000 crore package received from the central government for reviving the economy and providing basic amenities to the people of the state.
Demanding a white paper on the package, the NC president said that his party "views with dismay the manner in which the financial resources of the state were managed and frittered away by the previous coalition government
"Ministers and MLAs of the ruling parties filled their own pockets, while the people were at the receiving end", he said adding that if his party is voted to power it will investigate all the corrupt practices during the erstwhile regime.
Omar said that the coalition government in the name of development has brought unemployment, financial mismanagement, poverty, bad roads, dry taps, poor health care and crippled education system.
"National Conference will come out with a special package for employment of the youth and shall open new avenues for the young unemployed and ensure that in each household of the state there is atleast one earning hand", he assured. He also promised that National Conference government will also provide stipend to the unemployed till they are employed.
Mian Altaf Ahmed, senior National Conference leader while addressing the gathering cautioned the people against the divisive and double speak policy of the PDP. He said the National Conference is the only party which has the will and the capacity to work for the betterment of the state and upliftment of the downtrodden.
The meeting was also addressed by Qaiser Jamshed Lone and Din Mohammad Cheeta.

If voted to power, NC to take state to new heights: Farooq
KT NEWS SERVICE
RS PURA, Nov 28: Emphasizing that good governance is a primary requisite for overall development, former Chief Minister and patron National Conference Dr Farooq Abdullah today said that, if given a chance, a stable and strong National Conference government will take the state to new heights of development.
Addressing a public meeting at R.S. Pura in support of party candidate Ramesh Mottan, Abdullah said that the need of the hour is a stable one party government to steer the state out of the administrative morass created by the erstwhile PDP-Congress government, who during their six years of "unfortunate" rule have created mess and chaos and brought "corruption", "unemployment", while worsening the developmental scenario.
Despite huge flows of funds from the Government of India, the coalition partners, were not able to utilize the same on ground, for which they are accountable, he said.
Castigating the Congress-PDP government for indulging in divisive politics, he said that both the PDP and Congress tried to divide the people of the state on regional, religious, caste and ethnic basis for vote bank politics thereby destroying the traditional secular fabric of the state. He said that voted to power National Conference will work to restore the bonds of communal harmony and brotherhood among the people of the state.
Abdullah promised that his party after coming to power will reform the education system which will pave a way to eradicate menace of unemployment in the state. He said added that National Conference will take youth of the state out of hopelessness and despair by redressing the unemployment problem.
Expressing concern over the lack of basic infrastructure and development in R.S. Pura constituency, Abdullah said a lot has to be done for the development of the constituency, which has a great potential. He said people of R.S. Pura are enterprising and if voted to power National Conference will create enough avenues to give vent to their enterprising aspirations.
Abdullah also assured that if voted to power his party will provide old age pension to senior citizens in the state on the pattern of European countries and will also enhance the amount of old age and handicapped pension.
Terming the Mumbai incident as an attack on the integrity and unity of the country, Abdullah strongly condemned the incident and expressed deepest sympathies with the families of the deceased and those injured.
Appealing the people to keep calm and cool, Abdullah said "Unity and integrity are the basics of our heritage and we should remain cautious about the elements, who want to create a divide among us. We should uphold the traditional communal brotherhood and secularism at all times".
Romesh Motan, National Conference candidate from R.S. Pura, who filed his nomination papers in presence of Abdullah while addressing the gathering said that he has spent all his life in the service of the people of R.S. Pura and shall continue to do so in future also. He said unfortunately R.S. Pura Assembly Constituency has been neglected for the last three years and it will be his endeavor to strive hard to develop R.S Pura.

NC to bring era of development in state: Sadhotra
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Nov 28: Ajay Sadhotra, Provincial president National Conference said Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah had a dream to transform the destiny of the people of the state. Addressing a public rally after filing his nominations paper from Marh constituency , Sadhotra said National Conference after coming to power will bring an era of unparallel development in the state.
NC provincial president staid Congress-PDP coalition government has derailed the whole administrative setup and created chaos and confusion.
Sadhotra said National Conference has conceived an agenda for governance and will implement the same in the right perspective . He said first priority of the National Conference after coming to power will be to address the problem of unemployment which has assumed larger dimension during the six years of the coalition rule and brought hopelessness and despair among the unemployed youth.
He further said that National Conference after coming to power will strengthen the extension effort in the Agriculture sector and shall actively consider revamping the whole Cooperative structure to make it into a strong catalyst for economic growth in the rural areas, which will ultimately help the farmers.
He said during twelve years of his service to the area maximum development has been done in the constituency. He appealed the people of the constituency to support him to accomplish the uphill task for the overall development of the constituency.
Among others who accompanied Ajay Sadhotra included Rattan Lal Gupta, Advocate, Sr. Vice president, Dharamveer Singh Jamwal, Dy. Mayor, Satpal Lakhotra, Anwar Chowdhary, Th. Baldev Singh, Raghubit Singh Manhas, Subash Chander, Kasturi Lal, Master Paras Ram Saini and other Sarpanches and Panches.

Chaman accuses coalition of "soft" on "terror"
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Nov 28: Former union minister and senior BJP leader, Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta today accused the erstwhile PDP-Congress coalition government and National Conference (NC) of "mysterious soft dealing" on "terror" in Jammu and Kashmir.
"Over 70,000 militancy-related incidents were registered over the past 20 years in this state and 30,000 persons were arrested, including large number of foreigners, but none of the accused was awarded exemplary punishment," Gupta said. "Almost all the accused not only got freedom, but most of them were given government jobs and stipends."
Gupta was addressing election meetings at Janipura, Sarwal, Talab Tillo and other localities of the Jammu West assembly segment today.
He said that "secessionism and terrorism" had claimed over 40,000 human lives, "including those of innocent civilians" in the state.
Over 5 lakh Kashmir Pandits were rendered refugees, he said.
Gupta blamed the previous coalition government for "hushing up" the POTA cases registered in the state.
"416 cases were registered under POTA in the state, but all these were put under the carpet after the Congress-PDP and others coalition came to power," Gupta said. "Almost all the accused got freedom, even those who were hauled up in massacres of Rajiv Nagar and other places."
Gupta also accused the Congress and NC of being responsible for "regional disparities and political subjugation" of Jammu for the past 60 years
"The extent of discrimination against Jammu can be judged from the fact that there are over a dozen assembly seats in Jammu region for more than one lakh voters each, whereas in Kashmir there is one seat for about one lakh voters," he said.
Gupta appealed the electorate to strengthen BJP in order to "bring an end to the era of wrongs and sufferings".
Meanwhile, veteran BJP leader and former general secretary Bhagwat Sawroop today inaugurated the party's election office at Talab Tillo. Among those who were present on the occasion included, Mohan Lal Sharma, Chander Mohan Gupta Mandal President.

'Coalition failed to address problems of SCs, STs'
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Nov 28: State president and state general secretary of Anu Suchit Jaati Morcha (ASJM), Narsingh Dass Rajwal today blamed the erstwhile PDP-Congress coalition government for "failing" to address the problems of poor and schedule caste community in the state.
"Congress-PDP coalition government raised slogans of social justice and social welfare, but they absolutely failed to address the problems of poor and schedule caste community in the state," Rajwal said while addressing a press conference here. "They attempted to reduce the reservation in promotion provided to schedule cast (SC) and schedule tribe (ST) communities by introducing SRO 294, which was made with the discriminatory intentions with Jammu region, as SCs are part of Hindu society."
He said that reservation law in the state had diminished the interest of SC, ST, and OBC.
"This act of Congress has unveiled its actual face. With the introduction of SRO 294 it is proved that 'Congress Ka Haath' is not at all 'Garib Ke Saath'," he said
While referring to SRO 126, he said government had made no provision regarding backlog system.
"Till date backlog of 2 lakh posts reserved for SC community is there," he said. "During Deve Gowda regime in the centre in 1997 Backlog system was scrapped but when BJP-led NDA coalition came to power, Atal Bihari Vajpai Ji re-implemented Backlog system in relation to Govt. Jobs."
Among those who addressed the conference include, state president Anu Suchit Jaati Morcha, Corporator, JMC Adarsh Kumar, Advocate.

"12 newborn babies get affected
with HIV virus every minute"
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Nov 28: Though Jammu and Kashmir is a low prevalence state with regard to HIV AIDS disease, yet the large concentration of truckers in this mountainous state, heavy concentration of security forces, tourist inflow are few of the biggest worries before the AIDS control programme planners in the state.
Informing this at an extension lecture on "AIDS scenario in Jammu and Kashmir: Worries and concerns" organized by the Centre for Adult, Continuing Education & Extension (CACE&E), University of Jammu at the CACE&E Seminar hall here today, Dr. M. A. Wani, Project Director, J&K State AIDS Control Society, Jammu and Kashmir, said that the truckers, security forces, tourists (both religious tourists and other domestic tourists) were coming to Jammu and Kashmir from high prevalence states like Karnataka, Maharastra, Nagaland, Tamil Nadu, Bihar etc thus becoming a potential threat for spread of AIDS in this state.
"Tourism, business, modernization and HIV AIDS are directed linked and thus the threat is increased manifold," said Dr Wani who for the past seven years is working as Project Director, J&K State AIDS control Society.
"This disease was detected only in 1981 and it is unbelievable to see that it has spread like an epidemic in various countries. In just 27 years, 42 million people have got affected with this disease. In India, the first AIDS case was detected in Chennai in 1986 and in these 25 years only, 25 lakh people have got infected with HIV AIDS disease," said Dr Wani who has 27 years of experience in hospital administration.
Giving startling figures, he said, 12 new born babies are getting affected with HIV virus every minute, six people die with this disease globally every minute and India adds one person every minute to the number of HIV patients.
"Everyday, 16,000 patients are being added in the HIV AIDS patients'list world wide while 8000 deaths are occurring globally due to this killer disease," he said adding countries like Botswana are critically infected with this virus as every third person here is an HIV positive. Major issues in such countries are not education, poverty etc but only how to control HIV AIDS.
Regarding Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Wani said J&K is a low prevalence state and the epidemic here is static and totally under control. The percentage in both higher level risk groups and lower level risk groups in J&K has dropped.
"However, we still keep on adding numbers to the AIDS patients. But this is a very successful parameter of AIDS control programme as it shows that more and more people are coming forward to get treated by this disease," he said adding people are now voluntarily coming to get the disease detected.
Among those who were present on the occasion included Professor Jasbir Singh, NSS Coordinator, Jammu, Dr.Arti Bakshi, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Jammu University, Dr Manju Gupta,Chief Medical Officer, Medical Centre, Jammu University, Mr S.S. Bhalla, former Director Tourism, Jammu, Dr Anupama Vohra, Dr Seema Bhasin and Dr Shivani Suri from Department of Distance Education, University of Jammu, Mr Gowhar Hafiz Fani, Centre for Disaster Management, JU, Ms Priyanka Sharma, Project Officer, CACE & E, Vivek Sharma, Coordinator, CACE & E besides students and research scholars of the University.

IGP asks CD wardens to remain alert
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU Nov 28: Inspector General of Police Home Guards/Civil Defence and Auxiliary Police Dilbagh Singh, today following the militants attack in Mumbai directed the civil defence warden service to provide assistance to local executive police.
He assured that modern and sophisticated civil defence rescue equipments for warden service would be provided to the wardens according to their needs.
Meanwhile, SSP Jammu Manohar Singh assured that in near future a meeting of post wardens and SHOs of police stations of Jammu would be organised at SSP office.
Later, Deputy Controller Civil Defence Jammu Khalil-Ur-Rehman, assured every possible facility would be provided to the wardens.

BSP leader files nomination
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Nov 28: Rattan Lal Chargotra candidate of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) from Jammu West constituency today filed his nomination papers before the returning officer.

SP criticizes PDP, NC, Cong for regional imbalance
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Nov 28: Samajwadi Party (SP) criticized Congress, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and National Conference (NC) for regional imbalance and lawlessness.
SP, state president Sheikh Abdul Rehman while addressing a public rally in favour of party candidates of Bhagwa, Diman and Bhaderwah in Doda district, Rehman accused major political parties for giving rise graph of corruption, poverty, unemployment, and unrest among the youths.
Rehman, appealed the voters to cast their votes in favour of their candidates including Ghulam Qadir Wani contesting from Doda and Sheikh Mohammed Shaffi contesting from Bhaderwah constituency.

Education college holds interactive session
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Nov 28: Government P G College of Education today organised an interactive session on different issues pertaining to teachers education in the college premises.
As a press release, the programme was organised in collaboration with Indian Association of Teacher Educators (IATE). On this occassion, detailed information on teacher education was given by convenor J&K State Chapter of the Association Dr B C Verma.
It was further followed by another discussion among the faculty members and about the problems and prospects of the teacher education at the national level and with the special reference to Jammu and Kashmir State.
Earlier, principal of the college Dr M L Parwana inaugurated the programme.

'Implement 6th Pay Commission recommendations
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Nov 28: All J&K Low Paid Employees Federation expressed serious concern over dilly-dallying tactics being adopted by the state government in implementing the recommendations of 6th Pay Commission in respect of state employees and pensioners even when the Election Commission has given its nod.
Abdul Majid Khan state president of the Federation recalled that the Governor NN Vohra assured to implement the recommendations immediately after the Election Commission gives its nod sought by the state government. Khan further said that employees all over the state participated in rallies, demonstrations and dharnas organised by the Low Paid Employees Federation and stress was laid upon the government to implement 6th Pay Commission's recommendations expeditiously, revise minimum daily wage to Rs 150.00, wages and honourarium of village guards, numberdars, ReT teachers, Education Volunteers, Rehber-e-Zarayat, Anganwari workers community participation workers of PHE commensurate with rise in price index to provide them much needed relief from sky rocketing prices of essential commodities.

National seminar on 'Current trends in mobile technology'
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Nov 28: Two-day national seminar titled "Current Trends in Mobile Technology CTMT 2008" sponsored by AH India Council of Technical Education being organised by the Department of Computer Sciences of the BGSBU was inaugurated by the Chancellor BGSB University Masud A. Choudhary in a function attended by expert delegates, invited speakers and researchers representing several prestigious institutions of the country, faculty, officers and students in the conference hall of the university.
The two-day national seminar would focus on the r‚cent developments in the field of mobile Computing and pervasive Computing, impact of thŠse developments on the society as a whole, challenges and issues ahead and prospective measures to mitigate thŠse challenges.
The seminar was well attended by eminent computer scientists, scholars, academicians with specialization in computer sciences and Information technology. Prominent speakers included Prof. Mushtaq Ahmed Pir of Kashmir University, Prof. Khurram Mustafa of -Jamia Milai Islamia New Delhi, Prof. Moin-ud-Din Director, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology. Other institutions that are participanting in the event include Patiala University, Punjab University, Jammu University, Jamila Millia Islamia, Delhi University etc.
Earlier Prof. M Asgher Head Department of Computer Science provided an overview of the seminar and relevance of chosen thŠmes. During his address Masud A. Choudhary complimented the entire team of the Department of Computer Sciences for organising eminar and discussed the relevance of the mobile technology for human health, global economy, and other possible areas. He also cautioned the users of the potential n‚gative cons‚quences of the use of emerging mobile technologies and remediali measure that may be required.
Prof. Mushtaq Ahmed Pir of KU during his remarks said "In this arena of fast changing end user requirements, drastically reduced time to market and globalisation the researchers and design engineers in the field of mobile Computing have tough time ahead. It is therefore necessary to discuss the pr‚sent status and future possibilities of this changing technology, he added further. Prof. A. K. Koul, Dean Acad‚mie Affairs presented the vote of thanks. The function was compared by Tasleem Arif lecturer MCA.

Workshop on post harvest technology in Jammu
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Nov 28: Principal Secretary to Government, Agriculture Production Department, Sonali Kumar today reviewed the outcome of the Indo-US workshop-cum-Training on Post Harvest Technology, Cold Chain Management and Food Safety issues recently organized at Noida (UP).
The workshop was organized by the Amity University, Noida in collaboration with Global Agri Systems and sponsored by the Indo-US Science and Technology and co-sponsored by the Ministry of Food Processing Industry, Government of India. The participants from all states of the country especially from Horticulture Department and executives from corporate houses related to Handling of Agriculture/Horticulture Produce attended the workshop.
The Training Programme was very informative and educative as presentations were made by the Renowned Scientists (Resource Persons) from United States of America especially Dr. Adel A. Kedar U. S. Principal Investigator, Professor Emeritus of Post harvest Physiology, California (U.S). Dr. Elizabeth Mitcham specialist and Pomologist University of California and other consultants of Cold Chain Management and Post Harvest Technology, besides the Scientists from CFTRI Mysore, IIT Kanpur, U.S. Grains Counsel, Amity Science Technology and Innovation Foundation (ASTIF).
Sonali Kumar has asked the organizers to conduct the said workshop in Jammu on 26th and 27th of December to disseminate the latest techniques available in post Harvest Technology to the senior field functionaries of Agriculture /Horticulture Department. She said that similar workshop shall also be conducted at Srinagar.
She said that the participated officers will be acting as resource persons to train the field functionaries/fruit growers to save the post harvest losses which at present varies from 25-30%.

Reshuffle in Information Deptt
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Nov 28: With the approval of Election Commission of India, following promotions and transfers have been ordered in the Information Department.
Abid Hussain, District Information Officer, Budgam Ghulam Hassan Sheikh, District Information Officer, Rajouri, Namrita Dogra, Editor Yojana and Dr. Nasser Ahmad Lone, District Information Officer, Anantnag have been promoted as Assistant Directors and posted in the Directorate of Information.
With the promotion of above officers some transfers have also been brought into effect.
Mohammad Hussain, Information Youth Officer, Jammu has been transferred and posted as District Information Officer, Doda against an available vacancy.
Mohammad Akbar Khan, Incharge Information Officer, Joint Directorate of Information, Kashmir has been transferred and posted as Incharge District Information Officer, Poonch.
Shaheena Khan Incharge Information Officer, Joint Directorate of Information, Kashmir has been transferred and posted as Incharge Information Officer in the Directorate of Information.
Vivek Phonsa, Information Officer (probationer) has been posted as Information Officer in the Directorate of Information.
Pritam Lal, Information Officer (probationer) has been posted as District Information Officer, Rajouri.
Avleen Kour Bali, Information Officer (probationer) has been posted as Information Officer Youth, Jammu.
Mridhu Slathia, Information Officer (probationer) has been posted as Programme and Coordination Executive in the Directorate of Information against an available vacancy and Ideel Saleem, Information Officer (probationer) has been posted as District Information Officer, Budgam vice Abid Hussain.

CS chairs 44th Forest Advisory Committee meeting
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Nov 17: Chief Secretary, S. S. Kapur today chaired 44th meeting of Forest Advisory Committee (Forest Conservation Act).
The meeting cleared the agenda points purforth before the committee after holding a detailed discussion on these. The members of the committee put forth their views for effective implementation of the Forest Conservation Act. Suggesting that while enforcing the Act the preservation of forests and aforestation of degraded forest be kept in view.
Stressing on the preservation of the green gold of the state, the chief secretary said that we should endeavor to work for the effective conservation of the environment by resorting to large scale plantation of trees across the state.

Red Cross organizes emblem awareness campaign
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Nov 28: Indian Red Cross Society, Jammu Region organized Red Cross Emblem Awareness campaign and volunteer training programme at Government Degree College Reasi under the supervision of its Secretary Anil K Padha.
Over 40 students were selected from Degree College Reasi who were given dissemination presentation by Field Officer who apprised about Red Cross activities being undertaken all over the country besides use and misuse of Red Cross Emblem.
Principal of the College Dr Anita Sudhan expressed gratitude to the Red Cross team for conducting this programme in their college. A mock exercise was also conducted during the session in which volunteers were trained about how to safe-guard against the misuse of Red Cross Emblem. During mock exercise some printed material regarding emblem awareness was distributed among the volunteers.
Later, the students conducted door-to-door campaign on Red Cross Emblem in Reasi town.

Power shut down on Nov 30
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Nov 30: To carry out the maintenance work and re-conducting of 132 KV D/C Gladni-Bari Brahmana Transmission line, the power supply to Bari-Brahmana, Vijaypur, Ramgad, Gangyal Industry, Birpur complex, Industrial Area Bari-brahmana-I and adjoining areas shall remain affected on November 30, 2008 from 0800 hours to 1700 hours.
Similarly, to carry out the maintenance work and re-conducting of 132 KV D/C Gladni-Bari-Brahmana transmission line, the power supply to Gandhinagar, Nanak Nagar, Trikuta Nagar, Channi Himat, Bathindi, Sainik Colony, Bikram Chowk, Jammu University, Gangyal Industry etc (G-2, G-3 & G-3) shall remain affected on November 30 from 0730 hours to 1130 hours.
The PHE, MES installations and other essential loads shall remain affected during the shutdown.
According to Chief Engineer, M&RE Wing, Jammu, the shut down shall be subject to fair weather conditions.

Dr. Drabu inaugurates New TBS premises;
Executive Convention Centre
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Nov 28: The new premises of The Business School (TBS), University of Jammu and the new Executive Convention Centre were today inaugurated by Dr. Haseeb Drabu, Chairman, Jammu & Kashmir Bank Ltd. and Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu.
The programme was attended by the Faculty Members and the Administrative Officers of The University of Jammu, Senior Executives from the Corporate world including J&K Bank, ICICI Bank, HDFC, Airtel, Members from the Civil Society, Students, Scholars and Staff Members of The Business School, University of Jammu.
Dr. Drabu while expressing his delight upon the inauguration stressed upon the enduring and exclusive organic relationship between the institutions in the State. He emphasized that leading financial institution like the J&K Bank and The University of Jammu should take initiative to foster this bilateral relationship.
He said that the financial sector is an emerging area that needs concerted and collaborative efforts by both academia and industry. In this regard he announced the funding of a research project and endowed the School with a J&K Bank Professorial Chair in Business Studies as well as to promote research in the area of financial services.
Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu in his address said that the foundation for being tall and proud are tolerance, generosity of endurance and spirit of friendship. Emphasizing the academic excellence and entrepreneurship quality, he said that TBS speaks volumes about the stature it has earned in the Corporate World. He acknowledged the common thread of building and fostering relationship which passes both through the J&K Bank and TBS.
Earlier Prof. Keshav Sharma, Director, The Business School in his welcome address thanked the University that has enabled the facelift and upgradation of this infrastructural development of TBS. He said that with the concerted efforts of all the faculty members of TBS, it has today emerged amongst the top 10 University Business School in the Country.
The program was started with the invocation of Mata Saraswati and Saraswati Vandana presented by the students of the Government College for Women, Parade. Prof. B.P.Singh Sehgal, Dean Academic Affairs, JU and Prof. Gian Singh Sambyal, Registrar, JU who were also seated on the dias wished TBS their very best. Prof. J R Dhotra, Dean, Faculty of Management Studies presented the formal vote of thanks.

NUPE condoles Bali's demise
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Nov 28: National Union of Postal Employees, (NUPE) J&K chapter has expressed grief over the demise of Naresh Chander Bali retired Postmaster and former General Secretary Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) who died on November 20. He was 84.
As per a release, different meetings of the NUPE Group C, D & GDS held at Jammu and Srinagar wherein members threw light on the contribution made by N C Bali during his life under various capacities as member of Central Worker Committee, Postal Union, New Delhi, Circle Secretary, NUPE J&K Circle and general secretary INTUC.
An eminent social worker, a poet with many collections to his credit, N C Bali played a pivotal role in the national movement of P&T employees for their welfare, the members observed in the meetings.
By passing resolutions they expressed their sympathies with the bereaved family and prayed for peace to the departed soul.

PDP expels 4 leaders
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Nov 28: State general secretary of Peoples Democratic Party S L Gupta has expelled Sant Ram Bhagat, Baldev Mehra, Kailash Raina and Surinder Sethi from, the party for their anti party activities and cancelled their membership.
The decision in this regard has been taken by a committee headed by Ram Dass Bhagat, provincial secretary of the party.

Chib expresses grief over V P Singh's demise
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Nov 28: Member of Legislative Council and former minister R S Chib expressed grief over the sad demise of V P Singh, former prime minister of India.
In a press statement issued here today, Chib said that nation has lost a great leader who was extremely honest and totally committed to the national cause. He said that his tenure as prime minister of this great nation would be remembered for the social engineering in which he championed the cause of downtrodden and OBC, by implementing the Mandal Commission.

Mumbai attack condemned
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Nov 28: J&K Freedom Fighters Association has condemned the militant attack in Mumbai in which innocent people killed and many got injured.
In a meeting held here today, wherein the members expressed concern over the rising militant attacks in country and demanded stern action those who were involved in it and asked leaders to stop politicization of the issue and stood united in this state of time.
Prominent among those who were present included B L Gupta, Ved Gandotra, T R Dogra, Jagjit Sigh, Rashpal Sing, Paras Ram, K K Vaid, Akbar Ali and Romesh Salathia.

NCP releases third list of candidates
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Nov 28: State president of Nationalist Congress Party Thakur Randhir Singh has released third list of party candidates for ensuing assembly elections from Habba Kadal, Akhnoor, Amirakadal, Ramban and Nagrota.
Addressing media persons here today, Singh said that party has fielded young and people oriented candidates in elections and give opportunity to the youth of state to come forward and take part in elections.
He further said that , all major political parties has not given mandate to the new faces and repeat old players keeping in view of their means but NCP fielded new faces so that they can prove their mantel and serve the society.
On this occasion, Kuldeep Sharma president of Shakti Dal joined NCP alongwith his supporters in presence of Singh and other leaders of party. Welcoming the new entrants into the party fold, Singh said them to work hard and ensure victory of NCP in elections.
The name of Saira Sameer, Kuldeep Sharma, Ashiq Rafiq Khan, Bodh Raj and Rajinder Singh has been cleared for the five constituencies in a list announced today by Singh.

Contractors seek implementation of court order
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Nov 28: PWD and (R&B) Contractors Association urged all the engineering departments to implement the High Court order dated October 16 in letter and spirit.
Addressing media persons here today, president of Association Yogeshwar Singh said that there is misunderstanding prevailing among the contractors community regarding court order. He further said that it is important clarify the order of the court wherein court has given relaxation to the 'A' class contractor by allowing them to compete for contracts below the prescribed limit fixed by amended SRO 122 and under such order now they can compete contract even up to rupees two lacs.
He added that the said the said of court has no affect on the capacities fixed by the amendments made in SRO 122 dated May 5 and fixed capacities of other contractors are for 'B' class can compete above rupees ten lacs to upto 40 lacs, for 'C' class rupees 5 lacs to 20 and for 'D' class upto rupees ten lacs.
Others who were present on the occasion included Ravi Nath Sharma, Balvinder Singh, Sham Singh, Prem Singh, Mahesh Singh, Shranjeet Singh, Shunty, Bitty Singh and Manmohan Singh.

Congress, PDP ignored SCs and STs: BJP
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Nov 28: BJP Anu Sucit Jaati Morcha state president Narsingh Dass Rajwal accused PDP-Congress coalition government for ignoring the SCs and STs their due share in government sector.
Addressing media persons here today, Rajwal said that coalition has failed on all fronts and make hollow slogans pf social justice and social welfare and adopted double standards.
He alleged that previous government has passed controversial order of SRO 294 in which government has attempted to resume reservation in promotions on provided to SCs and STs.
He also condemned the policy of the government for adopting contract and adhoc system to employ educated youth at various capacities to serve as a stop gap arrangement which is against the educated youth and especially to the SCs and STs as there is no rule to follow to reserves some seats for the SCs and STs candidates.
Holding responsible Congress and PDP for the miseries of SCs and STs, he appealed to people to cast their vote in favour of BJP candidates.

Seminar on 'people' participation in polls
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Nov 28: A seminar on 'Peoples Participation in elections 2008' which was organised by J&K Institute of Pubilc Opinion was held today at Women College Gandhi Nagar wherein Director General of Police, Kuldeep Khoda and Ram Sahai chairman of Chamber of Commerce and Institute were also present.
Nalini Kohli, Principal College preside over the function and welcomed the guests. In his address, Khoda stressed upon the participants to participate in elections and use their franchise for election right candidate tio represent them in government of their own choice and speak at length about the importance of voters especially the young ones.
Sahai in his address gave details of series of the topic and its importance particularly during the period when election process in the state is on. He further emphasized the need to mane the constitution so as to make it mandatory for all to vote.
Earlier, Arun Gupta gave details about the functions and programmes of the institute .In the end, Rajendar Moti Lal presented vote to thanks.

Akedemi and Deptt Dogri organises Asmita
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Nov 28: P G Department of Dogri in collaboration with Shaitya Akedemi New Delhi has organised a programme titled 'Asmita' today in University of Jammu where in three women writers included Neeru Sharma, Vijaya Thakur and Shakunt Deepmala presented their compositions.
Highlighting the importance Dogri and activities of the department being undertaken for the promotion and development of Dogri language, literature particular in the field or research. Prof. Shashi Pathaina, Head of Department concludes her welcome address.
In their compositions, Neeru Sharma presented two short stories titled 'Ansanbh and Pagdandian, 'Jinna' were presented by Deepmala and Vijaya Thakur presented poems in Dogri.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Veena Gupta, convenor Dogri Advisory Board in Sahitya Akademy highlighted the role of Akadmi towards encouraging women writes in their creative process. She stressed that there should be more such program so as to ebale women writers to being awareness among women fold through their writings and appreciated the writings recited by the guests.
The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Shiv Def Singh Manhas and Vote of thanks was presented by Renu Mohan Bhan.

LJSP leader joins PDP
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU Nov 28: Mohammad Bashir Zargar, district president of Lok Jan Shakti Party from Doda today joined Peoples Democratic Patty in presence of Dhaman Bhasin, Shanti Devi, Fallail Singh and R K Bali.
Zargar posed full confidence in the leadership of Mufti Mohammad Sayed and the policies and programmes of the party.

BSF organises blood donation camp
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU Nov 28: Border Security Force (BSF) today organised a 'blood donation camp' at STC BSF Udhampur and Frontier Hospital BSF, Jammu wherein 67 personnel donated their blood.
As per an official hand out, similar such blood donation campus were also organised by BSF for the civil population residing in remote areas of Jammu.

Governor reviews power scenario
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Nov 28: Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation is approaching the Centre for allocating coal blocks for setting up of a thermal power plant to meet the growing energy requirements.
This was stated at a ÿmeeting of the Board of Directors of Power Development Corporation, presided over by Governor N N Vohra, here this afternoon.
The meeting was informed that the State of Jammu and Kashmir required base load power of about 2000 MW, as the power generation plummets drastically during the winter while the demand shoots up.
Being a non-cal bearing State, sufficient allocation of coal would be required for the proposed thermal plant.
Vohra called for making all the power houses operational to their full capacities in view of the power shortage in the State.
The Board was informed that the third unit of the Baglihar Hydro Electric Project-I is under trial run and with the running of all the three units of 150 MW capacity each, the power generation will improve subject to availability of water in River Chenab.
ÿThe meeting was attended by the Advisor to Governor, C Phunsog, Chief Secretary, S S Kapur, Economic Advisor to the Government, Dr Hasib Drabu, Financial Commissioner, Planning & Development, S L Bhat, Principal Secretary to Governor, B B Vyas, Commissioner Secretary, PDD, Sanjeev Naik and Managing Director, Power Development Corporation, Shant Manu.
Governor presented Dividend cheque

JKPCC becomes second dend cheques
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Nov 28: Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC) has emerged as the second Public Sector undertaking in Jammu and Kashmir having crossed the annual turnover of Rs 235 cr with a profit of Rs 3.02 crores. The Corporation registered a sharp increase in its annual turnover from Rs 135 crores in 2006-07 to Rs 235 crores in 2007-08.
Being a profit earning PSU, the Corporation presented a dividend cheque of Rs 30.40 lakhs to Governor, N N Vohra, here this evening.
Accepting the dividend cheque, Vohra acknowledged the achievements of the Corporation and called for its institutional development with adequate reserves for ongoing purchases of relevant machinery and equipment for taking up and timely executing major developmental projects. He also stressed the need for enhancing the corpus fund of the Corporation by enabling it to raise loans from the various financial institutions, for time-bound completion of the ongoing schemes.ÿ He expressed the hope that the annual turn over of the Corporation would go up to o Rs 500 crores in the coming years.
Advisor to Governor, C Phunsog and Principal Secretary to Governor, B B Vyas, were present on the occasion.
Giving a presentation in the ongoing schemes, under execution across the state, the Managing Director of the Corporation, Dilip Thusso, apprised the Governor that the JKPCC has acquired latest equipments and machinery worth Rs 3.50 crore for smooth construction on the various projects.
Thusoo gave a resume of the ongoing 201 major works taken up all over the State at an estimated cost of Rs 1830.82 crores. These include 92 works in the Jammu Division costing Rs 733.05 crores and 109 in the Kashmir Division at a cost of Rs 1097.77 crores. The works include 39 hospitals, 23 Primary Health Centre, 52 bridges, 24 Degree Colleges, 5 roads, 11 Industrial Training Institutes and 47 other major schemes.

Election Observer for Kathua, Hiranagar
reviews poll arrangements
KT NEWS SERVICE
KATHUA, Nov 28 : The Election Observer for Kathua and Hiranagar Assembly constituencies, Adhar Sinha, today visited both the constituencies and reviewed the arrangements made for free, fair and transparent Assembly elections.
Sinha visited the headquarters of the Returning Officers (ROs) of both the constituencies at Kathua and Hiranagar where the ROs apprised him about the arrangements made for the smooth conduct of elections. He also visited the border villages of Babiya, Ladwal and Chakra in Hiranagar constituency and interacted with the people.
Earlier, Sinha held detailed discussions with the District Election Officer, Kathua, Ms. Mandeep Kaur and SSP, Kathua, S. P. Pani and took stock of the election arrangements. He also reviewed the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct in these constituencies.
Meanwhile, it has been notified that the Election Observer for Kathua and Hiranagar Assembly constituencies, Adhar Sinha, would be available at PWD Guest House, Kathua and PWD Guest House Hiranagar and anybody having any election-related complaint can contact him personally or on Mobile Nos. 9858260797 and 098481-43758 and 01922-232386 (Fax) and 01922-274041 (landline).
Dr. Sat Paul, Liaison Officer with the Observer, can also be contacted on Mobile