3 days Employment fair at Hiranagar

A 3-day employment fair was inaugurated by the Minister for Higher Education, Labour and Employment Abdul Gani Malik at Hiranagar today.

Member Parliament, Ch. Lal Singh, Member Legislative Assembly, Hiranagar, Durga Dass, District Development Commissioner, Kathua Zahida Khan, Deputy Director Employment, Natasha Kalsotra, Sectoral officers and large number of unemployed youth were present on the occasion.

The dignitaries went round various stalls set up by the various departments to provide information to aspiring youth about various self-employment schemes. They interacted with the stall holders and enquired about the facilities being provided to youth.

Addressing the function, the Minister Mr. Malik appealed youth to take up self-employment ventures under various schemes launched by several departments. He said that Government cannot provide job to all, hence self-employment is the best solution of unemployment crisis.

Mr. Malik while apprising the youth about the steps being taken by the Government for betterment of youth asked the officers to ameliorate the lot of people in general and educated unemployed youth in particular.

Member Parliament Ch. Lal Singh impressed upon officers to work for welfare of youth and extend hassle free awareness, guidance and counseling to them so that the young unemployed persons would feel comfortable in taking up a particular scheme for setting up of a unit under self-employment programme.

He said Central Government is committed to extend all possible help to State Government for the purpose and it is the duty of State functionaries to make judicious use of funds being provided by the Centre.

MLA Hiranagar also addressed the function.

Earlier, District Development Commissioner Kathua apprised the dignitaries about the steps taken by the district administration for organizing employment fair.

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Places to visit in kashmir

GULMARG

Gulmarg's legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country. Originally called 'Gaurimarg' by shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg was a favourite haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is the country's premier ski resort in the winter.

 

The journey to Gulmarg is half the enchantment of reaching there-- roads bordered by rigid avenues of poplar give over to flat expanses of rice fields interspersed with picturesque villages. Depending on the season, nature's colours could be the translucent green of spring, summer's rich emerald, or autumn's golden hues, when scarlet chillies festoon windows of village homes. After Tangmarg, the climb to Gulmarg begins through fir-covered hillsides. At one point, known simply as View Point, travellers generally stop their vehicles for a few minutes and look out a spectacle of snow-covered mountains, almost within touching distance

PAHALGAM - The Valley of Shepherds.

Situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder river, Pahalgam (2,130 m) was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. Now it is Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the height of summer when the maximum temperature does not exceed 250C. A number of hotels and lodges cater to all preferences and budgets, from luxurious hotels to unpretentious trekkers' lodges, including J&K TDC's huts.

Around Pahalgam are many places to visit in kashmir interest, and because the resort is set between fairly steep hills, it is worth hiring a pony rather than walking. Pony fares are posted at prominent locations.

The most beautiful of these is the huge, undulating meadow of Baisaran, surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine. Hajan, on the way to Chandanwari, is an idyllic spot for a picnic. Filmgoers will recognize it instantly as it has been the location of several movie scenes

SONAMARG - The Meadow of Gold.

The drive to Sonamarg is through the Sindh Valley which presents yet another spectacular facet of countryside in Kashmir. Situated at an altitude of 2730 m, Sonamarg (‘The meadow of gold’) has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The Sindh River that meanders through the valley abounds with trout and mahaseer. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas glacier, which is a major local attraction during the summer months.

 

Sonamarg is the base of a major trek that passes along several mountain lakes –Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. Sonamarg is also the take off station for the drive to Ladakh across the Zojila, a major pass in the Great Himalayan Range, through which the Srinagar-Leh Road passes.

Amarnathji Yatra - a journey into faith

"The Himalayan pilgrimages are the oldest organised travel system, evolved over time by Hindu sages and embodying the spirit of wander, adventure and spirituality"

One of the holy trinity, Shiva is a living god. The most ancient and sacred book of India, the Rig Veda evokes his presence in its hymns. Vedic myths, ritual and even astronomy testify to his existence from the dawn of time.

Shiva is known to have made his home in the Himalayas. He built no house nor shelter, not for himself or his bride. He was an ascetic, and yet married; he could be both for "he was the wild god sporting in the forest or taking his ease on a cloud."

Legend has it that Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of creation in the Amarnathji cave. Unknown to them, a pair of mating pigeons eavesdropped on this conversation and having learned the secret, are reborn again and again, and have made the cave their eternal abode. Many pilgrims report seeing the pigeons-pair when they trek the arduous route to pay obeisance before the ice-lingam (the phallic symbol of Shiva).

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Hundreds of vehicles leave for Srinagar from Jammu

Hundreds of vehicles, including those carrying essentials for the Kashmir valley, left Jammu this morning as authorities allowed only one-way traffic on the highway, connecting the Places to Visit in Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country.

The one-way traffic on the highway has been continuing since the past two weeks after heavy snowfall triggered landslides and shooting stones, killing 11 people, including four members of a family.

A traffic police spokesman said here today that hundreds of vehicles, including trucks loaded with essentials and passengers, left Jammu and Udhampur this morning for Kashmir.

He said no vehicle was allowed from Srinagar or any other part of the Valley.

This has been decided as a precautionary measure to avoid traffic jam on the highway. Two way traffic will be allowed after receiving green signal from the BRO, traffic and police officials posted at different places on the highway.

The highway remained closed for most period of January and February due to snowfall, avalanches and slippery road condition, resulting in shortage of essentials, particularly cooking gas.

Majority of meat and chicken shops remained closed. However, in

some areas, the butchers and those selling chicken were seen selling their products on higher rates against the government approved rates.

Ladakh region remained cut off from the rest of the state since December 1 last year when Zojila pass was closed for six winter months due to snowfall. The Centre and state government have approved to construct a tunnel at Zojila to make it an all weather road.

Dozens of far-flung and remote villages, including those near the Line of Control (LoC) also remained cut off from their respective district headquarters due to closure of the Sadhna and Razdan passes in north Kashmir.

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Media boycotts Assembly over Speakers statement

Journalists today boycotted House proceedings and sat on a dharna outside the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly complex in protest of Speaker Mohammad Akbar Lone's comment that the "Media was under his control".

The remark came after Health Minister Sham Lal Sharma, in the Assembly, raised the issue of a story carried by a local newspaper against him and his department, and sought action against the newspaper.

Appealing to the Speaker to seek an explanation from the newspaper, Sharma alleged that a section of media was carrying out a vilification campaign against state ministers.

Sharma was backed by PHE and Irrigation Minister Taj Mohideen, who said that serious allegations have been made against some ministers.

The Speaker said that he would announce his ruling over the issue and give direction to the media.

When PDP MLA Nizam-uddin Bhat pointed that the matter cannot be decided in Assembly and it should be taken up with the Press Council of India, Lone said that "media is under his control and they will have to reveal their sources".

"Media is under control of this House," the Speaker said.

Protesting against this comment the mediamen walked out of the press gallery and boycotted the proceedings. They sat on dharna outside the Assembly complex in protest against the Speaker's comment.

The journalists demanded that Lone's statement be expunged from proceedings. They said that the freedom of press cannot be undermined by the Speaker.

The Assembly proceedings continued without presence of media, who decided to continue the boycott tomorrow.

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Public Sector Banks Strike on Feb 28

Twenty two Public Sector Banks operational in Jammu and Kashmir are most likely to be closed on February 28, 2012 due to a strike call given by employees’ unions to get their long pending demands addressed.National Confederation of Bank Employees, Deputy General Sectary for J&K state,Mustaq Ahmad Bhat told JK News that it is an all India level strike call to get the genuine demands of the clerical and other lower staff addressed. “Employees of Public Sector Banks here too would observe the strike,” Bhat confirms.

Over one thousand five hundred employees of Public Sector Banks in J&K would go on strike on coming Tuesday. While at all India level more than 8,00,000 employees and officers affiliated with these unions are expected to participate in the strike. Across India there are about 87,000 branches of public sector banks, which control about 75 per cent of banking business.

Bankers expect the strike would several affected the operations of the public sector banks here particularly in the rural areas of the state. “Clearings and other inter banks operations would be hampered because of the strike. Particularly the customers of these banks would be the worst hit in the strike,” Sovais Shafi, an officer in a private sector bank here said.

The banks that would go on strike include: State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Central Bank of India, Union Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Bank of India and others.

The strike is against the privatization of Public Sector Banks and reduction of government’s equity in Public Sector Banks. “Against allowing unrestricted entry of foreign capital in banking sector, issuance of licenses to industrial houses to start their own banks,” Bhat said.

While stressing on the two demands Bhat said that employees of the banks demand implementation of uniform scheme for house building loan, vehicles loan, and festival advances to all bank staff. “Implementation of 5 days banking,” Bhat added.

The bank employees are also demand to scarp Khandelwal Committee recommendations.The committee had suggested a slew of measures, including outsourcing more and more non-core activities in a time-bound manner. The panel had also recommended raising the standard of recruitment, including the methodology and content for tests, besides making the testing of computer skills mandatory for both officers and clerks.“Seven bank unions of nine have given strike call for stringent and effective measures to recover bad loans of banks and unilateral imposition of Khandelwal committee recommendations," All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) General Secretary C H Venkatachalam on record has said.

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Farooq fake Twitter account off net

The fake Twitter account of Union Minister Farooq Abdullah today went off from the micro-blogging site with its discreet author apologising to the minister in a goodbye message.

This came a day after the Minister for New and Renewable Energy registered a police complaint against unknown persons for opening a fake Twitter account in his name and posting "some objectionable, indecorous and intemperate things" on the networking site.

Apparently facing the heat of law enforcement agencies, the author of the account made two entries in his final messages apologising to the Union Minister and his family for inconvenience caused by him.

"I had no intention, whatsoever, to tarnish the image of Mr Abdullah or to cause any harm to his image. This account was purely meant for fun," the anonymous author said.

Within minutes after posting the final two tweets past 1 PM, the page was off the micro-blogging site. However, police said that they would be able to trace the account at the earliest and bring the case to its logical conclusion.

The Minister had yesterday clarified that he had never opened any such account nor has authorised anyone to do it on his behalf.

"A complaint in this regard has already been lodged with Delhi Police with the request to initiate immediate probe in this regard," the spokesperson said.

Abdullah has expressed his anguish at "such misuse of social networking sites by unscrupulous elements which are otherwise a boon for spreading information and freedom of expression."

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Mega training camp held for Panchs Sarpanchs

A mega training camp was organized in Hardu Suresh Khag today on the side lines of Basic Foundation Course training being imparted to 165 Panchs and Sarpanchs of Khag Tehsil.

The Camp was attended by Panchs and Sarpanchs of Khag Tehsil officers and officials of Rural Development department and officers of 14 concerned departments.

Inaugurating the training camp, the chief guest on the occasion District Development Commissioner, Budgam, Mohammad Rafi said that by subordinating 14 departments to Panchayats, the Government has revolutionised the administrative process. He said that in future all the developmental activities would be implemented after discussing the plans with concerned Panchayats. He said that Rural Development department would soon release a Panchayat Directory, which would provide all necessary information and bio data of Panchs and Sarpanchs.

Interacting with many a public delegations on the occasion, the District Development Commissioner assured them that all their grievances would be address in a phased manner.

Among others, Dr. Shah Faisal, Assistant Commissioner Development, Qazi Sarvar, District Panchayat Officer, Budgam, Block Development Officer, Khag, Mohammad Ashraf Dijoo, Officers of concerned departments and other agencies were present on the occasion.

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Government totally ignoring displaced Pandits

Kashmiri Pandit Conference (KPC) has accused the government of ignoring the displaced Pandits totally and said that the community, which is living in exile for over last 20 years has a sordid tale of total neglect.

Highlighting the problems of the community, which has been the main victim of Pak sponsored terrorism, president KPC, Kundan Kashmiri at a meeting here today demanded constitution of a Commission of Enquiry to probe the mass exodus of KPs, selective killing of innocent members of the community, loot and arson of their property. He further demanded that KPs Shrine and Temple Bill be passed in the present session of State Legislature. Besides KPs participation should be made mandatory in all nature of dialogues related to Kashmir issue, grant of age relaxation to KP youths and construction of shops at Jagti township and other camps also needs urgent attention.

Stressing on the consolidated rehabilitation of displaced Pandits in Kashmir Valley with complete writ of Indian constitution Kundan Kashmiri said it is the only solution of KPs problems. He said that KPs return to their previous locations in Valley is impossible in view of changed mind set of the people there as majority community rejected co-existence in 1989-90 by forcing the community to leave their homes and hearths.

Highlighting the problems of KP youth, Kundan Kashmiri said that almost four years have now elapsed when Prime Minister declared employment package for 6000 posts for displaced community but till now hardly around 1500 posts were filled and rest were deliberately delayed on the one or the other pretext. If government goes by this process it will take next 10 to 15 years to fill up these posts, till then KP youth for whom the package was announced will become over aged, he added.

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Govt to tap pilgrim tourism potential

Lauding efforts of Shree Chandi Mata Trust for providing platform to singers, Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand said the State is rich in talent and local artists have excelled in their field not only in the country but all over the world. Such competitions go a long way in nurturing budding vocalists of the area and provides an opportunity to showcase the local talent to a wider audience, he added.

He was speaking after inaugurating Bhaint competition organized by Shree Chandi Mata Trust, Jammu and kashmir.

Calling upon the organizers to make the event a regular feature, the Deputy Chief Minister said every year a national level Bhajan competition is organized at Katra and local as well as national artists participate in the same, adding that success of the competition can be adjudged from the fact that winners of the competition have earned name and fame in the music industry.

Reiterating resolve of the Government for promoting pilgrim tourism, Mr. Tara Chand said focused attention is being paid to promote religious tourist circuits of the State and all out efforts have been initiated to upgrade required infrastructure at these world famous pilgrim destinations.

He said tourism is an important contributor to State's economy and Government is fully determined to tap the vast potential of pilgrim tourism in all three regions of the State.

Underscoring the need to provide better facilities to pilgrims, he said Ghulam Nabi Azad has shown personal interest in the project for upgrading infrastructure of Machail Yatra and measures have been initiated to improve the arrangements on the lines of Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra.

"Machail Yatra is growing every year and as per an estimate it has crossed five lakh last year, now we have to initiate measures for promoting the yatra in a much bigger way," he added.

Among others the function was attended by, Padam Shree S.P. Verma and Special Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Kuldip Lal Khajuria.

Various demands were projected by the Trust, including Bhawan/ Sarai at Jammu and Padar and up gradation of facilities for the visiting yatris.

Responding to the demands, the Deputy Chief Minister said all genuine demands of the Trust would be examined and necessary action taken.

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Shoba Yatra of Bhagat Kabir

An impressive Shoba Yatra was taken on the occasion of Nirvan Divas of Bhagat Kabir here today. The Shoba Yatra started from Satwari Chowk and later culminated at Bhagat Kabir Temple, Court Road, Janipur.

Hundreds of devotees drawn from different parts of Jammu participated in the Shoba Yatra, which was taken out by All J&K Kabir Sabha and the members of All J&K Megh Sudhar Sabha also participated in it. The Shoba Yatra after passing via Bikram Chowk, Indira Chowk, Rehari Chungi, Ambphalla, New Plots culminated into a religious congregation at Kabir Temple Old Janipur.

As the Shoba Yatra left the Satwari Chowk the slogans of Jai Kabir-Dhan Kabir rented the air. The Shoba Yatra was led by ex Minister Mula Ram and president of the Sabha F C Bhagat.

The devotees of Sant Kabir attired in colorful costumes and riding on tractor trolleys and two wheelers took part in Shoba Yatra. They were reciting the Dhohas of Sant Kabir, an apostle of peace and brotherhood enroute.

Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand who was the chief guest at Janipur function while paying rich tributes to Sant Kabir said the message of great saints have humanistic values and promote peace and mutual co-existence.

Urging the people to follow the path shown by great saints, he said the teachings of Sant Kabir are more relevant today. He described Bhagat Kabir a great saint of Bhakti movement and said his teachings have universal appeal.

MLA Chenani, Krishan Chand Bhagat, M L A RS Pura, Prof Garu Ram Bhagat, ex Minister Mula Ram, Special Secretary, Planning G R Bhagat and president of the Sabha F C Bhagat, also attended the function.

Dina Nath and Baski Ram of Kotli Shah Doula also gave the religious discourses. The State and district office bearers of the Sabha paid rich tributes to the Sant Kabir on the occasion.

A resolution was moved by F C Bhagat demanding that Kabir Jayanti be declared as Gazetted Holiday and it was passed with one voice by the gathering.

Mr Bhagat appealed the gathering to extend all support to the Sabha so that the dream of Sant Kabir is realized.

He also highlighted the achievements of the Sabha saying it is providing financial assistance to 500 meritorious students, besides it is giving appreciation letters to those community members who are selected in KAS and MBBS.

Bhagat Mahasabha organized another function at village Bala Chak, R S Pura in which thousands of devotees took part and paid their obeisance to Bhagat Kabir. A Satsang and Kirtan was held by Swami Milkhi Ram Bhagat of Gorda Waley. While singing the Shabad, Dohe, and Sakhian of Sant Kabir, Swami Ji asked the Sangat to follow the teachings of this great saint. He said only his teachings can bring Megh community out of backwardness.

He said the children should be made aware about the teachings of this great saint. The Sangat demanded declaration of Kabir Jayanti as gazetted holiday.

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Amarnath Yatra 2012 from June 25

As recommended by the Sub-Committee of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board headed by Sri Sri Ravi Shanker, this year Amarnath yatra 2012 will be for 37 days beginning from June 25 and will conclude on August 2 coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.

The recommendations of the Sub-Committee, which was constituted in July 2011 to advise the Board regarding the duration and schedule of the yatra in 2012 and beyond, were accepted in the meeting of the Shrine Board held under the chairmanship of Governor, N N Vohra at New Delhi.

The Board directed the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to timely commence the registration of pilgrims and ensure the effective management of the Yatra. He was also asked to arrange a Special Pooja on the day of Jyestha Purnima, which falls on June 4. This Pooja, if possible, will take place at the Holy Cave or at any other suitable location in the Yatra area.

The Board further directed that all possible efforts should be made, in coordination with all concerned agencies, to make a timely assessment to determine whether it would be feasible to consider advancing the Yatra by a few days, prior to June 25. 

In this regard, a specific review of snow melting and pace of snow clearing work would be undertaken in the first week of June. It was further resolved that if pre-ponement before June 25 is found possible, even by few days, the CEO will organize registration of Yatris through a speedy mode like on-line or even spot-registration.

The Board noted that a growingly large number of pilgrims have been losing their lives during the pilgrimage, particularly due to cardiac related ailments. As many as 45, 68 and 107 people had lost their lives in 2009, 2010 and 2011 Yatras respectively.

In this context, the Board observed that time has come to consider more effective approach and decided that pilgrims will have to furnish a health certificate issued by a Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP) at the time of registration. The enforcement of such a pre-condition had also been advised by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

The Board directed the CEO to issue a very clear advisory to inform every intending Yatri to undergo a medical check-up to assess his/her fitness for undertaking the arduous yatra. 

Referring to the helicopter services from Pahalgam to Panjtarni, which were started in 2009 on experimental basis for about two weeks before conclusion of yatra, the Board said heli services had been gainfully utilised by over 5000 yatris every year during the 2010 and 2011 pilgrimage.

The CEO informed that fresh contractual arrangements for the helicopter services from Baltal and Pahalgam to Panjtarni are being worked out and the schedules and rates would be notified shortly.

Expressing satisfaction over the measures taken for environmental protection, including the effective operation of two Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), based on the eco-friendly biological treatment, at the Baltal and Nunwan base camps, the Board desired that these measures should be sustained and progressively enlarged and upgraded for the future yatras. 

It was informed in the meeting that a comprehensive plan had been drawn up in this regard, in consultation with Sunita Narain, Director, Centre for Science and Environment, Delhi, who is also the Member of the Board. The Board also approved the proposal for significant augmentation of the toilet facilities at various camp locations in the yatra area.

All the Board members Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Dr Kapila Vatsyayan, Justice (Retd.) G D Sharma, Dr Sunita Narayan, Vijay Dhar, Pt Bhajan Sopori and Dr (Prof) Ved Kumari Ghai besides R K Goyal, Chief Executive Officer and Preet Pal Singh, Additional Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board attended the meeting.

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