Monday July 3, 2017 4 DISTRICTS STATE TIMES NEWS POUNI: Minister of State for Finance and Planning, Ajay Nanda on Sunday said that all left out villages and small ham- lets would be covered under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) and other schemes including funds from CDF meant for augmenting power supply in the State. The minister was addressing gathering after dedicating 63 KVA transformer to the people of Jaldi Khote area of Pouni which shall augment power supply in the area. It was informed that Rs 9.88 lakh from CDF have been spent on the project.The minister said that all left out areas of Reasi Constituency stand identified and continuous efforts are being made to augment power supply in these areas in a phased manner. Responding to the demand raised by locals for Jaldi to Khote road the minster assured that necessary steps would be taken in this regard. He further assured them of taking up the issue of new Primary School in Jaldi areas with the con- cerned minister. He also said that proposal for new Anganwadi Centres in uncovered areas besides providing pen- sion to the old aged, handicapped and widows would be taken up with the department. Electrification of all left out villages under DDUGJY, says Nanda STATE TIMES NEWS NOWSHERA: AERO Nowshera Mohd Raiyaz on Sunday undertook various SVEEP activities in the town to create awareness among voters regarding effective participation in the electoral process and to increase the enrolment of newly eligible voters. He convened a meeting of the local representatives of the political parties and BLOs at PWD Dak Bunglow Nowshera to dis- cuss the issues and seek their cooperation to enhance the enrolment of newly eligible voters who have attained age of 18 years as on 1st January 2017. He informed the gathering that Election Commission of India has announced to carry out a special drive to enroll left out electors. He distributed EPICS to 107 freshly enrolled voters and they were urged to cast their votes as a social responsibility to uphold and strengthen the democratic set up of our nation. A voter's registration counter was also opened at GDC Nowshera where on the spot registration of 27 students was carried out. Awareness imparted on enrollment of eligible voters STATE TIMES NEWS POONCH: In compliance with the decision taken by the Panth to celebrate the Sirjna Divas of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib as 'Meeri - Peeri Divas', a programme was accordingly organised at Gurdwara Sant Bhai Bhadur Singh Ji, Khari Dharamsal, Chakan-da-Bagh, Poonch on Sunday in which besides Gurbani Kirtan and lecture on Sikh history, Gatka (Martial Art) was displayed. This being a historical event, large number of devo- tees including men, women and children from all walks of life, participated. The programme is being organised by All India Sikh Student Federation Poonch headed by Harcharan Singh Khalsa as a part of ongoing Annual Samagam since 28th May, 2017 to be conclude on 9th July, 2017. During this programme Raagis and Parcharaks including Harcharn Singh Khalsa, Manmohan Singh, Ravinder Singh, Hazara Singh, Nahar Singh, Mandeep Singh, Manmeet Singh, Mohan Singh, Pawandeep Singh, Ranjeet Singh, Gurvinder Singh and Jagjeet Singh recited Gurbani Kirtan and narrated Sikh history. The eminent Gatka parties exhibited martial art which became the centre of attrac- tion of the audience. Meeri-Peeri Divas celebrated STATE TIMES NEWS KATHUA: Terming PDP- BJP ruling coalition in the State as a zero performance government, opposition Congress on Sunday said that this regime has complet- ly failed on all fronts due to rampant corruption. Party observed that BJP, which had raked up sentiments of the people of Jammu in 2014 Parliament and Assembly polls , has shamelessly bartered wishes and aspira- tions of the people to remain in power. Addressing a well attended reception organised by Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) Secretary Pankaj Dogra at Kathua, Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), Thakur Balbir Singh regretted that people of the Jammu region have been back stabbed by BJP leadership as the Saffron Party has brazenly abandoned its core agenda and has adopted indifferent approach towards problems of the masses. "PDP and BJP have almost equal number of seats in the Legislative Assembly but leadership of Saffron Party has completely surrendered before its partner to play as second fiddle in the coalition to remain in power", Singh said and pointed out meekly surrender of BJP leadership on GST issue. "This is not a coalition but a collusion regime where the parties lack consensus on important issues," he charged Describing BJP ministers of the ruling coalition as paper tigers, Singh slammed them for having allegedly failed to deliver on the ground. He said that only noticeable achievement of BJP ministers is legalisation of corruption and projecting their family members. He also hit out at the apa- thetic attitude of the govern- ment towards the plight of the people of Kathua District, saying it had failed to even provide basic ameni- ties to the people. Accusing the government of fooling people by making false promises, he said the State's problems had been compounded by the policies pursued by the present dis- pensation. "Performance of this gov- ernment is a big zero because except for photo sessions and press releases, nothing con- crete has been visible on ground," he said. PDP-BJP combine is zero performance regime: Cong STATE TIMES NEWS SUCHETGARH: Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Sham Lal Choudhary on Sunday con- vened a pubic grievance redressal camp at Suchetgarh here to take stock of public issues and review the status of deci- sions taken in previous pub- lic meetings. Villagers hailing from Kotli Mafi, Abtal, Flora, Uttabali, Sai Dera Camp, Fatehpur Salai, Rakh Zora, Moga, Dablat , Bega Bera and Kotha Bera apprised the minister about their concerns regarding power supply, water supply, road connectivity and sanitation. While addressing the gathering the minister said that the government is tak- ing requisite steps to improve amenities and ensure an equitable develop- ment of all the areas. He said a comprehensive devel- opmental plan is underway to give fillip to infrastruc- ture in all vital sectors which will ensure tangible results on ground. He further said that efforts are being made to provide uninterrupted elec- tricity and adequate water supply during summers so that people do not face inconvenience. Sham Choudhary said that the government has ini- tiated various welfare schemes of the people with special focus on empower- ment of women, farmers and weaker sections of the society. Later, the minister participated in the annual congregation of Nengral Birdari at Chakrohi village and while addressing the people announced construc- tion of a community hall in the area under Constituency Development Fund. He also held public meet- ings at village Rathana and Baja Chak and took stock of public demands. He assured the people that requisite steps will be taken to redress their issues on pri- ority. STATE TIMES NEWS KATHUA: Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr Bharat Bhushan, MLA Bhaga Purana Punjab Darshan Singh, Dr Manohar Lal Sharma ex Minister, Subash Chander Gupta former MLC, and President Baba Barfani Sewa Mandal Moga Chander Shekhar Sood, inaugurated the 17th Bhandara/Langar at National Highway Kishanpur Kandi (Chann Arorian), on Sunday. SDM Hiranagar Sohan Lal Sharma, Jatinder Singh Tehsildar members of Baba Barfani Sewa Mandal Moga and large number of pilgrims also participated in the func- tion. Mahesh Chopra along with his team of Shri Bala ji Sankirtan Mandal Moga pre- sented attractive tableau to Lord Shiva and sung Bhajans of Baba Barfani and Maa Vaishno Devi amidst chanting of Bum-Bum Bholay. President Baba Barfani Sewa Mandal Moga Chander Shekhar Sood has been organ- ising Bhandara/Langar for the last 16 years for providing better facilities to the Shri Amarnath and Maa Vaishno Devi pilgrims. This organisa- tion has been providing food, tea, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and accommodation along with washrooms 24 hours free of cost. Dr Manohar Lal Sharma hailing the devoted and keen efforts of Sewa Mandal said that with the increase in num- ber of years Sewa Mandal is enhancing the facilities at lan- gar site, which proves their devotion towards Lord Shiva. Chander Shekhar thanked Subash Chander Gupta Former MLC, and other digni- taries for sparing their valu- able time for the inaugural cer- emony of Bhandara/Langar of Baba Barfani Sewa Mandal at Kishanpur Kandi Chann Arorian. Baba Barfani Sewa Mandal from Moga starts 17th Bhandara STATE TIMES NEWS RAJOURI: District Administration, Rajouri has announced 10 media fellowships for develop- ment administration to be awarded to working jour- nalists of district associat- ed with both print and elec- tronic media. The fellowships include three in rural development and agriculture, two in social welfare, one in health, two in education and tourism and two in dis- aster preparedness and mitigation. The selected fellows will be assigned specific areas to study and report on the best prac- tices, achievements, short- falls, gaps and come out with recommendations for improvement in service delivery. As per the scheme laid down the applicants for being eligible for fellowship must possess a basic quali- fication notified separately for each category, furnish the proof of association with or working for empan- elled newspapers of Hindi, English, Urdu or Digital News portals and wire services, and satellite TV channels. The journalists working with print media will have to submit at least 10 by-line stories filed in the year preceding the date of notification, five years of working experience in journalism, and currently active in field reporting. An NoC from employer will also be required, besides similar number of stories in case of electronic / digi- tal media. The fellowship will include an award of Rs 20,000 each , a citation and reimbursement of expenses incurred on field tours and documentation etc as permissible. They will have to work in the specific sectors and areas to evaluate outreach of welfare and developmental schemes, identify gaps and shortcoming, formulate recommendations for bet- ter public service delivery and to present the proceed- ings before the committee constituted for the pur- pose. Notification for the fel- lowships will be issued on 15th July 2017 and last date for nomination will 31st July. Shortlisted can- didates will be called for interview and discussion on project proposals in 1st week of August 2017. A committee headed by District Development Commissioner and com- prising of Asstt Commissioner Development, Chief Planning Officer, Asstt Commissioner Revenue, Chief Education Officer, Chief Medical Officer, District Social Welfare Officer, CEO Rajouri Development Authority with District Information Officer as convener will conduct the selection, eval- uation and coordination process. Selected fellows will be handed over offer letter on eve of Independence Day and citation after comple- tion of work on eve of Republic Day. District administration has encour- aged the local working journalists to apply for the fellowship. Two fellowships shall be reserved for women which will be awarded to candidates in male category in case of non-availability of suitable candidate. Distt Admn announces 10 media fellowships in development administration STATE TIMES NEWS UDHAMPUR: Raising the issue of non-implementation of GST in State, Panther Party's State President and former MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia reiterated that sep- arate Jammu State will endorse the one nation one tax rule as nationalistic peo- ple are willing to adopt GST in the State as implemented in country. Criticising the rul- ing coalition partner BJP, he blamed that BJP has totally surrendered its core issues for sake of power. Leading the Haq-Insaaf Yatra started for separate statehood for Jammu, Mankotia addressed series of rallies at Sanasar, Patnitop and attended the Annual Mela at religious place Sankhpal. Local people gave a warm reception to Balwant Singh Mankotia and partici- pated in the Mela as a Chief Guest. While addressing the gathering, Mankotia said that non-implementation of GST in State has proved the mind- set of Kashmir centric leaders and traders of Valley. They didn't want to become the part of one nation one tax rule. Mankotia said that nationalistic people of Jammu region are willing to adopt the GST in State. People of Jammu region have sacrificed their lives for one nation theo- ry and non-implementation of GST in State has also proved that separate Jammu State is the only viable solution. People of Jammu region have remained deprived of central laws and benefits due to wrong policies on Kashmir. Now time has come to carve out separate Jammu State so that nationalistic people can avail the benefit of GST in State and central laws. Criticising the ruling coali- tion partner BJP, ex-MLA blamed that BJP has surren- dered its core issues for sake of power. Since independence, BJP raised the issues of abro- gation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir but after coming to power, it is advocating to strengthen the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and hesitating to implement GST in the State. Mankotia also highlighted the issue of dilapidated condi- tion of Patnitop-Sanasar Road and demanded that being a picturesque place in Jammu region, road connect- ing Sanasar should be main- tain on war footing to boost tourism in this area. On this occasion he also announced a Yatri shed for devotees from his own money as people face problem during inclement weather. Separate Jammu State will endorse ‘one-nation one-tax’ rule: Mankotia STATE TIMES NEWS SAMBA: A Seven days long Annual Mela Baba Sidh Goria commenced in the Shrine of Baba Sidh Goria at Swankha in district Samba on Sunday. Thousands of devotees started pouring in on the premises of the temple since early morning and were seen waiting for their turn to pay obeisance. Heavy rush of devotes started at around 3:00 AM today morning in the shrine of Baba Sidh Goria at Swankha in district Samba. Industries Minister Chander Parkash Ganga, DC Samba Sheetal Nanda, SSP Samba Anil Magotra, Ex Minister Surjit Singh Slathia and Manjeet Singh Ex Minister also paid their obei- sance in the Shrine of Baba Sidh Goria temple and prayed for the Peace and prosperity of the State. The Shrine of Baba Sidh Goria is prominently known in the State and the devotees from different parts of the State and outside throng every year in the month of June-July and the Mela goes on for seven days. People also took a customary dip in the pond situated near the shrine which is believed to have cur- ative powers and then offered prayers at the temple. The district administration has made elaborate arrange- ments for the smooth conduct of the Mela such as uninter- rupted power, safe drinking water, sanitation, medicare additional buses for facilitat- ing movement of pilgrims and security. Baba Goria Nath was a follower of renowned legendary Saint Guru Gorakh Nath who took salvation while bathing in the pond at the place where Devasthal stands. Since then it is believed that the water of the Holy Sarovar (Pond) have mystic powers. During the week long festiv- ity a huge market comes up at the site of the fair, shops and stalls selling food items and all sorts of wares are set up. Mela Baba Sidh Goria commences PHE Minister Sham Lal Choudhary listening to people’s problems. AERO Mohd Raiyaz handing over EPICS to a voter. Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr Bharat Bhushan and others posing for a photograph. Sikh youth displaying martial arts. JKNPP State President Balwant Singh Mankotia addressing a gathering at Udhampur. Industries Minister Chander Prakash Ganga paying obeisance at Baba Sidh Goria Devsthan. Shopkeeper arrested for selling liquor STATE TIMES NEWS RAJOURI: Police on Sunday arrested a shopkeeper who was involved in selling illicit liquor. According to report, Police Post Chingus received a specific information that one person namely Deepak Kumar son of Ashok Kumar resident of Grati, who is running a Karyana shop is selling illicit liquor at Grati, area, Chingus. Acting on the information, In-Charge Police Post Chingus SI Fareed Ahmed along with police party con- ducted a raid and recovered 24 bottles of illicit liquor from the shop. The accused shopkeeper was arrested and a case vide FIR 282/2017 under section 48-A Ex. Act was registered against him at Police Station Rajouri. Youth's body recovered from road-side STATE TIMES NEWS NOWSHERA: Body of a youth was spotted by the locals lying on the road side in village Nonial, Nowshera. The locals informed the Nowshera Police which immediately reached the spot and shifted the body to Sub District Hospital Nowshera. After autopsy the body of the youth identified as Suresh Parkash son of Sat Pal resident of Chowki Hunden was hand- ed over to his family members. The police registered a case under section 174 RPC for investigation. Youth drowns STATE TIMES NEWS NOWSHERA: A youth who went to the local Nallah near Tehsil Lamberi for a bath, drowned. The youth identified as Inderpal (35/36), son of Chhatar Singh, resident of Poonch who was working at a Stone Crusher at Lamberi, went to the local Nallah with his associ- ates for a bath, drowned in the deep water. His body was shifted to Sub District Hospital Nowshera and later handed over to his family members by the police after completing legal formalities. Niaz expresses grief on drowning incident STATE TIMES NEWS BHADARWAH: Former Minister and Ex. MLA Bhadarwah Mohammed Sharief Niaz expressed great shock and grief on drowning incident of four girl students in a devastating flood near Buttla village of Tehsil Bhadarwah while crossing Neeru Nalla on a wooden log. Niaz said that among these four girls three were of village Buttla, those three girls were rescued by the local people and one of these girls namely Sheetal Bharti resident of Trown who was washed away, had gone to meet her relatives at Buttla. Niaz said that Sheetal Bharti has not been traced as yet and he demanded her search operation be continued. Niaz alleged that the bridge, estimat- ed at more than rupees two crore over Neeru Nala near Buttla had not been constructed by the present government, whereas it had got sanctioned and got it tendered some months before the 2014 Assembly elections, when he was MLA Bhadarwah. He has warned the present government that if this foot bridge is not taken in hand for execution at the earliest then there would be no other option left for Congress unit of Bhadarwah other than to take the path of agitation in which he would also participate . BJP OBC Morcha organises Langar at Swankha STATE TIMES NEWS SAMBA: On the auspicious occasion of Baba Sidh Goria Mela, BJP OBC Morcha organised a Langar here at Swankha Dev Sansthan in which eatable items were pre- pared and put on stalls. The Langar was held under the leadership of Braham Jyot,( Situ) General Secretary BJP OBC Morcha. Braham Jyot ( Situ) said that Baba Sidh Goria shrine has great signifi- cance among devotees. He prayed to Baba Sidh Goria for the peace and prosperity of the country and J and K. He con- gratulated people and said shrines were a part of our proud heritage and we must strive to preserve our social and cultural ethos. He also felt blessed by organising this Langar at Swankha. The Langar has been organised with the support and guidance of Health Minister Bali Bhagat. Govt taking requisite steps to improve amenities: Sham Choudhary STATE TIMES NEWS NOWSHERA: MLC Charanjeet Singh Khalsa on Sunday inaugurated 100 KVA S/Stn. at Borhi Mohala, Qila Darhal, Nowshera from his Constituency Development Fund for the welfare of the res- idents of the concerning area. It was the long time pending demand of the inhabitants which has been fulfilled. The estimated cost of the work was 4.50 lakh. Khalsa assured the residents that BJP will contin- ue developmental works in future as per the slogan of BJP Sab Ka Sath Sab Ka Vikas. Khalsa was honoured and thanked by the residents of the concerning area for this major developmental step. Paramjeet Singh (Sarpanch), Shabinder Singh and Harbans Singh were also present there. Khalsa inaugurates transformer DISCLAIMER “STATE TIMES” does not take responsibility for the contents of the advertisements (Display/Classified) carried in this newspaper. The paper does not endorse the same. Readers are requested to verify the contents on their own before acting there upon.” MLC Charanjeet Singh Khalsa inaugurating power station.