Govt. refuses to hold fresh talks with JCC, asks them to meet CS.

“Gherao won’t yield anything. Will consider CS’ report after Monday.” Sagar.

Srinagar, May 04(VOS) : A day after Employees leaders vowed to go ahead with their proposed Secretariat ghero next week, Government while declining to hold any fresh round of formal  talks with JCC leaders, ande has asked them  to approach Chief Secretary and Commissioner GAD to sort out the differences ‘if any’. “They have good relations with the officers and they can meet Chief Secretary and Commissioner GAD any time they want”.” Law and Parliamentary affairs Minster and Member of the cabinet Sub Committee Ali Mohammad Sagar told VOS on Friday, adding that there was no  plans with the government to invite the employees’ leaders for the formal talks. “Various Issues have been settled though negotiations and I don’t think there is any difficulty to sort out  the differences this time also.” Sagar asserted, however he maintained that it were the National Conference governments right from late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah who had been Pro-employees. “ Sheikh sahib to Omar Abdullah, NC has always been at fore front to solve the employees problems.”  Sagar asserted.

Appealing JCC leaders to avoid agitation ‘tactics’ , Sagar said,   “ Omar government is committed to solve the problems of Employees and we have done what others couldn’t for employees.”

 Law and Parliamentary affairs Minster further added that the report ‘if submitted’ by the Chief Secretary will be taken up for consideration after ‘darbar’ opens on Monday. “Employees have got very mature leadership and they must realize that nothing will come out from gheroas and strikes. These will only add to the worries of the common man.” He maintained, and asked asked,” When everything is settled amicably, what for the strikes.” Stating that the demands of employees were a continuous process, Sagar said, “It is not that your demand has been met with today and you won’t come up with a second demand tomorrow. So this is a continuous process and govt, has to look into it keeping in view its resources.” Sagar maintained.

He hoped that employees will help govt. in maintaining the law and order and will not allow situation to derail. “I appeal them not to take the extreme steps and cooperate with the govt. in marinating calm.” Sagar added.

NC alienated people for power, luxuries: Mehbooba

“Srinagar worst victim of NC policies”

Srinagar, May 04(VOS): PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has said NC in its different avatars has always tried to create a gulf between the people of Kashmir and rest of the country so that it is able to exploit it for its own benefit. Addressing meetings of workers at Palpora and Waniyar in Eidgah constituency today she said whether it was Raishumari or autonomy NC raised tempers among the people, created wedge between different regions of the state and pitted the people in direct confrontation with rest of the country. This she said resulted in unending troubles for every one without the state being able to achieve any thing but in the process lost whatever had been guaranteed to it under the constitution by way of political authority and economic resources.

Mehbooba said while the state hurtled from one crisis to another the NC and its leadership struck deep bonds with everybody in Delhi whether it was Congress, RSS, BJP, Third front or different agencies. “They convinced Delhi that if any body could beat Kashmiris into submission it was the Abdullah Family and NC and for that all tricks were employed”, she said and recalled how the central government had helped NC rigg elections in 1987 and resort to tactical rigging in 2008.

The PDP president said while the NC enjoyed power for personal luxuries they took the people of the state for granted and the Srinagar was the worst victim of their power arrogance. She said the people of Srinagar were forced to cocoon themselves into a boycott mode and NC kept getting elected as their representatives without having any commitment to the welfare of the people. She said even as the ruling party continues to hope that the people of Srinagar would again fall prey to their tactics the PDP would put up resistance and try to convince people that without holding political parties to account for their conduct, Srinagar would continue to suffer politically and economically. “ For that to happen it was necessary that people of Srinagar join the political process launched by the PDP which aims at a dignified solution to the problem of Jammu & Kashmir and economic emancipation of the state”, Mehbooba said.

Describing youth as the main focus of PDPs policies Mehbooba said the party wants to liberate them from unemployment and social evils. It was necessary she said to provide and enabling atmosphere for our youth to acquire knowledge and skills for empowering them economically and politically. She said if the NC had not sold out state’s huge power and water resources to NHPC Jammu & Kashmir would not only  have been self reliant but would be able to cater to the employment needs of its every citizen. She said on the one hand NC gave away more than a dozen power projects to NHPC and on the other the state is reeling under darkness. The electric supply is getting reduced with every passing day under NC government while power tariff has been increased threefold in the last three years. “If NC had not sold the power projects the state would have had enough money to provide employment for every youth and power to every house hold and industry”, she said.

Expressing her dismay at the shelving of the development projects in Srinagar that had been started by the previous government Mehbooba said this spoke volumes of the political narrow mindedness of the present dispensation. She said Eidgah and its peripheries were planned by the PDP led government to become hub of socioeconomic acitivity and modern amenities so that entire downtown could benefit from it. “Not to speak of the allied development even the preservation and beutification of Edigah it self had been stopped”, Mehbooba regretted. She said similarly, the beautification of Jehlum was to be extended to entire city so that the historic city could be rejuevenated but again the government failed to carry on the process, she said. She pointed out that even the construction of new weir at Chatabal has not been sucessfully executed. She said the reconstruction of weir would have helped navigation through the river and would have opened up the heritage part of the city to tourism activity.

Speaking on this occasion Fomer Finance Minister& Senior leader Tariq Hameed Karra blamed NC of worsening economic, political and infrastructure condition of the capital city. “Srinagar is turning into world’s fastest growing slum because of government neglect while the ruling national conference doles out the haphazardly conceived works to its cadre in the name of development, only to provide them monetary benefits.”

Karra said that lack of vision in the ruling party was the misfortune of Srinagar as the city now looks, centuries behind its counterparts in other states. “National Conference has unfortunately taken Srinagar for granted and does not feel accountable to its residents as its leaders from the city know they are only beneficiaries of boycott politics and are not even concerned with the huge issues of development that city faces.

Govt. reacts to Amnesty’s allegations, terms amendments a ‘remarkable achievement.

“Come up with evidence and we’ll act.” Law Minster.

Srinagar, May 04(VOS): Reacting to the global human rights watch dog, Amnesty International’s   accusations of underage boys being detained under the controversial Public safety Act (PSA),  Jammu and Kashmir Government on Friday asked it (AI) to come up with the details and proof . “Chief Minster Omar Abdullah has created history in bringing amendments in the act. Which must be appreciated?” Law and Parliamentary affairs Minster Ali Mohammad Sagar told VOS on Friday, claiming that the move was a major achievement.  Commenting on the ‘dissatisfaction’ shown by AI over the amendments, Sagar said, “ we need to see the content of the report first as in what perspective Amnesty international had said so.” However Law Minster was quick to add that anybody could make demands but to meet them was the job of that of the government. “ Anybody can make any demand, this is the beauty of democratic set up.” Maintained Sagar.

He further added that if Amnesty had any proof which substantiates their allegations of ‘underage youth’ being detained even after the amendments were made in (PSA), they should handover that to the state government. “They must identify the cases; we will go deep to dig the fact.” Minster promised. He said government was committed to bring relief to the people of the state and the amendments also were aimed to bring respite to the people of the state.

Pertinently Amnesty international had on Thursday accused state government of detaining underage youth under PSA even after the amendments. “Amnesty International delegates noted an apparent drop in the number 16 and 17 year olds being detained, since a welcome new provision in the amendment that persons under 18 can no longer be detained under the PSA. However they continue to be unlawfully detained in police stations and other detention centers run by state authorities. Moreover, young persons over 18 years of age, in particular those perceived as having separatist views, continue to be harassed by the state police, including with threats of detention under the PSA, and with charges of attempted murder.” Amnesty claimed in its statement to VOS. It further said, “Some former detainees and families of those still detained told the Amnesty International delegates that the revised PSA does not inspire much confidence, since authorities are able to continue their practice of “revolving door detentions” after the detention period, or after the judiciary has set aside the detention order.” Amnesty has also demanded a complete revocation of the law and said that ‘amendments in PSA won’t serve any purpose.” (VOS)

Morning Shift, ‘Violation of Child Rights’: Teacher’s Forum.

Threatens Protest, as Director School Edu. Stand Unmoved.

Srinagar, May 04(VOS) : While terming the ‘morning shift’ in schools, a violation of ‘Child rights’, Jammu and Kashmir Teacher’s forum has threatened to oppose the decision and raise voice  against  it  .Forum has said that that the new school timing has created tremendous incontinences to children, parents and the teachers alike. “How do you expect a 6 year child to wake up at 5 am and run to school?” Teacher’s forum Chairman Ab. Qayom Wani told VOS, adding that forum will oppose the move if it was not revoked immediately. Meanwhile parents from different areas of the city have also expressed their anguish over the decision and termed a ‘one man show’.  “ It is not possible for me to wake up my child at 5 and through him in school bus with half of his eyes still closed.” a parent from down town Srinagar told VOS, adding that the decision was taken in haste and needed to be revoked. “It is an injustice with the juveniles which can’t be accepted with folded hands.” Asserted another parent from Dargah Hazratbal.

 Parents claimed that decision was a clear violation of Child Rights and would be opposed severely.

Meanwhile Teachers, especially the female were also seen anguished over the new School timing. “We have to ready our children first for school and then leave ourselves, but where should we get transport from.” Asked a female teacher from Downtown who has to cover more than 20 km’s to reach her school.

Pertinently Directorate of School Education (Kashmir) had issued a circular with regard to the changes in school timing. As per the new School timing, the schools will remain open from  8 am to  2pm

According to official statistics, there are more than 11633 govt. and 2047 private schools in 102 education zones of 12 districts in Kashmir which employ more than 22056 male and 11853 female teachers, whereas  10 lakh 23 thousand students are said to be enrolled in these schools .

Meanwhile Director School Education Shugufta Parveen  did not seem convinced with the objections raised by the parents and teachers. “There will be no revocation of the order pertaining to morning shift.” Shgufta told VOS.

Qazi Yasir on Amnesty Report

Srinagar, May 04(VOS): Today Mirwaiz South Kashmir, Qazi Ahmed Yasir while addressing thousands of people in Jamia Masjid referring to the PATHRIBAL KILLING CASE said the Judgement in this case is an Eye Opener and a punitive lesson for those parties and HR groups who still believe in Indian Judicial system.

            Qazi Sahab said, the people of Kahsmir have given Countless sacrifices for the cause of liberation and these sacrifices should not be forgotten by the people of Kashmir, He said back on this day in the year on 1997, two girls was raped by Indian Forces and incidents like that have happened time and again whether it be Kunan Poshpora, Brah ranipora, be it Budasgam, or Shopian. He warned people that Incidents like this will continue to happen till the end of Indian Occupation.

            On the report of Amnesty International regarding PSA, He said that This Is the agenda of the Indian chapter of amnesty to divert the Anti-Indian sentiment into the anti law sentiment.

            Dr. Yasir expressed grief over the demise of the mother of Mirwaiz central Kashmir Molana Abdul Latief sahib and Imam Dargah Hazratbal.

            Mirwaiz reiterated his demand for the release of political prisoners. He said they are the heroes of our land and they will remain our heroes.

J&K Bank extends insurance services through Khidmat Centers

Srinagar, May 04(VOS): Under an agreement with Bajaj Allianz General Insurance company ltd (BAGICL), J&K bank Yesterday launched the sale of insurance products through its Khidmat Centres being established under the national e governance programme of GoI. 

J&K Bank Zonal Head North Kashmir, Ghulam Qadir Shah launched the service at Baramulla in presence of Project Incharge CSC Project, Khursheed A Pandit and state Head BAGICL Aijaz khan. Business Correspondents from Baramulla & Kupwara districts were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion Zonal Head said, “Through the Khidmat centres the Bank aims to take not only B2B and G2C services but also other banking and non banking services to unbanked and under banked areas thereby building further upon its financial inclusion Programme.”

“It is in this context that Bank has appointed most of the VLEs running Khidmat center as its Business Correspondents to leverage its tie up with BAGICL and insurance products  shall also be made  available through these centres.”

CSC Project Incharge spoke about the roll out of insurance services through Khidmat Centres saying, “The service shall be initially available to customers through the VLEs, at 440 Khidmat Centres, who have been appointed as Business Correspondents by the Bank under its financial inclusion programme. We are also looking into making these service available through all the 700 Khidmat Centers established till date.” 

Calling it as a value addition to already available bouquet of B2B services available, he announced that the Bank would soon make available the services of MetLife through Khidmat centers. 

BAGICL state head also expressed satisfaction over the launch saying, “I hope that through this understanding we would be able to extend our reach to hinterlands as the Bank has established Khidmat centres in the far off corners of the state” 

The launch of the service was followed by a training session for Business Correspondents about the BAGICL products and services

Army withdrawal the only positive CBM: Khan

Srinagar, May 04(VOS): Demanding Army withdrawal as the only positive Confidence building measure, Senior Resistance Leader and National front Chairman Nayeem Ahmad Khan has said that repealing of draconian laws can prove a beginning in this way . He once again called the Kashmir Dispute as political in nature and stressed on political Measures to solve this oldest and long standing Dispute. Pushing forward his mass contact campaign Nayeem Ahmad Khan today visited Dalina Baramula and addressed a huge gathering there.

Nayeem Ahmad Khan apprised Peoples patience which they display amid tremendous pressure from Police and other forces. Khan said, “People of Kashmir are worth praising for the resolve and patience which they show against the undemocratic and inhuman attitude of men in uniform”.

Khan said that Kashmiri People can’t be conquered by using force against them and it has been proved time and again. He said that Kashmiries are enough aware that their Martyrs have not laid their lives for building mere roads and establishing more and more Rashan Depot’s but Kashmir is a Political dispute and it’s resolution needs political measures only. Khan said that Army withdrawal is the only CBM that can raise confidence of Kashmiri People and to start with Black and Draconian Laws like Armed Forces Special Powers Act and Public Safety Act must go. Nayeem Ahmad Khan said  that  India must honor the international opinion that People should be given a free and fear less atmosphere to express their will.

Earlier yesterday Nayeem Ahmad Khan went to Beerwah Budgam and condoled Mirwaiz Central Kashmir  Moulana Syed Abdul Lateef Bukhari on the death of his Mother.

4 May 2012

World Community Play effective role in resolving Kashmir Dispute. Zaffar

Srinagar, May 04(VOS):    Salvation Movement Chairman, Zafar Akbar Bhat appealing to the world community to play effective role in resolving Kashmir dispute said that the people of Kashmir will never get justice from Indian courts or authorities on human rights violations. Zafar Akbar Bhat while addressing in Beerwah Budgam said that Kashmir was a political dispute and should be resolved through tripartite talks involving Pakistan, India and the genuine Kashmiri leadership.He stressed India to create conducive atmosphere for meaningful and result-oriented talks on Kashmir. The senior APHC leader said that permanent peace in South Asia was impossible without the settlement of the long-pending dispute over Kashmir.

Expressing serious concern over the continued detentions of Kashmiri Hurriyat leaders and activists he urged India to fulfill the promises made by its former Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru to the people of Kashmir and take concrete steps to resolve the longstanding dispute. He also hailed the recent concern about human rights violations statements issued by the Amnesty International and human rights watch. He said that the Indian court had proved that it had become impossible for the Kashmiris to get justice from Indian judicial system.

Power reforms to make JK self-reliant: NC
Kichloo for employment preference to local youth

Srinagar, May 04(VOS): National Conference Friday said that the reforms undertaken by the state government in power sector will go a long way in making Jammu and Kashmir a self reliant state, reducing the dependency of the state on the central assistance. “The power sector has seen remarkable improvement under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who has taken up various initiatives not only to improve the present infrastructure but also to harness hydro-electric positional of the state” , NC spokesperson and Member Legislative Assembly Sajad Ahmed Kichloo said, while interacting with a deputation of party activists, who called him here today. He said that several power projects including Keru, Pacal Dul, Karthi and Rattle are in pipeline on river Chenab which is sure to create a remarkable dent towards the realization of self reliance dream. Mr Kichloo said that it was the coalition government led by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah which ensured that state gets its share on the central power projects and NHPC was forced to pay the water usage charges its major power projects, like Salal, Dul Hasti, and Uri. The revenue so realized can be used on building more power projects in the state, which will not only cut down the electricity shortage but will go a long way in stabilizing the economy of the state and at the same time will open huge avenues of employment.” Those who waste no opportunity in criticizing the present dispensation and resort to mud slugging, for their own pity political interests, only tried to fed the people with their hollow slogans and tall claims”, Kichloo said while referring to the propaganda campaign launched by opposition Peoples Democratic Party adding, “When given a chance they betrayed the people and instead watched their own interests”. He urged the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to personally intervene and ensure that the central agencies working in road, railway and power sectors in the state ensure priority of employment to the local youth.” There was a need to put in place a monitoring mechanism to ensure that the local youth gets their share of employment at all levels”, he added.

Female body recovered in Ganderbal   

Srinagar, May 04(VOS): Ganderbal police recovered a female body near forest area of Rezzen. Police station Gund recovered a female body who was later identified as Shahnaza daughter of Mohammad Yousuf Bokada resident of Razzen age about 17/18 years in the forest area of Rezzen. The lady had gone in the forests to see the cattle but did not return back till night. The family reported the matter to the police. Police along with her family members started the search in the forest area of Rezzen and later found her dead.  As per reports of witness, her death proved to be of accidental nature.

ARMY ORGANISES AN INTERACTION WITH

TEACHERS AND CHILDREN AT KUPWARA DISTRICT

Srinagar, May 04(VOS): As part of ongoing effort of Army to reach out to people of remote areas, an interaction between teachers, students of far flung villages of Zarhama, Luderwan, Hundi, Kawari, Awra, Hiri and Army personnel was organised on 04 May 2012 by the Hajipir Brigade/ Vajr Division.  More than 40 teachers and 250 children participated in the interaction which was presided over by Commander of Hajipir Brigade.  Commander highlighted the importance of as teachers turned them as pillars builders of the nation he further added that the future of the nation depends on good teachers and students.

            The interaction was organised to bring out the importance of quality education in shaping the future of the children and of the society.  The efforts of the Army in organizing such events was appreciated by the teachers, students, parent of the student and locals of the area and one teacher, expressing his gratitude towards the Army said “ We thank the Army for organizing such events and encouraging our children to shape their future towards a right direction”.  

  

Javed Dar reviews ongoing project in Srinagar

            SRINAGAR, MAY 04:  Mujgund-Tengpora Bridge, completed at a cost of Rs. 12 crore, would be dedicated to public shortly while the 2^ndtube of Hyderpora Bye Pass Flyover is scheduled to be thrown open for traffic by ending June this year.

            This information was given to the Minister of State for R&B, Mr. Javed Ahmad Dar while inspecting the ongoing projects.

The Minister was informed that Rs. 75 crore stands expended out of Rs. 84 crore earmarked for construction of bridges and flyovers at Hyderpora, Lasjan, Padshahi Bagh, Tengpora and Chanapora. He was informed that 2^nd tube of Hyderpora Bye Pass flyover would be thrown open for traffic by the end of coming June.

The Minister asked the executing agency to accelerate the pace of work and ensure that deadline of the project is met.            

He was told that Mujgund-Tengpora Bridge has been completed at a cost of Rs. 12 crore and will provide road connectivity to the exterior parts of Eidgah Constituency like Gund Roshan, Bakshipora, Guzarbal, Chonch Faqir, Sangam and Noor Bagh with North Kashmir. It was given out that the bridge, a long pending demand of the people of these areas, would considerably reduce the distance of journey and will also go a long way in improving socio-economic status of the people living in these areas.

            Senior engineers of R&B department accompanied the Minister.

Drive against misuse of red flasher lights

            SRINAGAR, MAY 04: The Traffic department is launching a special drive to check the misuse of red flasher lights on the tops of the vehicles which are not entitled to use the same.

Prestigious Literary Organisation, Karwan-e-Adab Dab Ganderbal releases two books

Rahi, Renzushah, Hajni, Iftikhar, Khan addresses the audience

Srinagar, MAY 4: A Prestigious Literary Organisation, Karwan-i-Adab, Dab Ganderbal today released two books, “Mukhta Mall”written by Syeed Abass Jawhar based on spiritual version of love while the other one “Look-i- Baeth Samajuk Aina” by Syeed Akhtar Mansoor based on social aspects of Kashmiriyat.

The Director of Information, Khawaja Farooq RenzuShah was the Chief Guest while the famous poet and GianPeeth awardee, Professor Abdul Rehman Rahi presided over the function held at Radio Kashmir Srinagar Auditorium.

The Special Secretary, Syeed Iftikhar Hussein Bari, Professor Aziz Hajni, besides prominent poets and personalities were present on the occasion.

Earlier, a Mahfil Mushria was conducted by the Karwan-i-Adab,Dab Ganderbal,, in which prominent poets and literary personalities recited their poetry.

In his speech, the Director Information, said that Kashmir has a rich cultural history and has produced a number of poets, intellectuals, Sofi Kirams like Sheik-ul-Aalm, Lal Ded,Habba Khtoon and famous historian Khawaja Mohammad Azam Dedmeri.

            Highlighting their unique role in developing the Kashmiri culture especially the poetry of the valley in the local language, he said that their unique contribution is un forgettable and stressed upon the audience to preserve their rich culture by saving Kashmiriyat which is a message of brotherhood, tolerance, mutual understanding, communal harmony and respect to others.

The famous poet , Mr, Rahi while addressing the gathering emphasised on the intellectuals to come forward for restoration of old rich Kashmiri culture and asked them to adopt the  Kashmiri language in their homes so that the new generation may be aware of their culture which is our identity.

On the occasion, Special Secretary Health, Mr. Bari,Prof .Hajni, and the Hero of the Kashmiri Flim,Habba Khtoon,Mr. Ab. Gani Khan also spoke and highlighted the role of Kashmiri literary personalities for preserving their rich culture.

Linking of GPF Interest Rates With EPFO

New Delhi, May 04, 2012.

The rates of interest on General Provident Fund (GPF) is 8% for the
period from 1.4.2011 to 30.11.2011 and 8.6% from 1.12.2011 to
31.3.2012, whereas the rate of interest on EPF for the financial year
2011-12 is 8.25%. Rate of interest on EPF is fixed on the
recommendation of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) by the Employees
Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Ministry of Labour and Employment
based on the income earned on the accumulated fund during the
financial year. However, rate of interest on GPF is generally fixed
after taking into consideration the average secondary market yields on
government securities of similar maturity.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Finance, Shri
Namo Narain Meena in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha
today.

Soft Loans to Poultry Farmers

New Delhi, May 04, 2012.

Financial assistance to Animal Husbandry is classified under Priority
Sector lending by banks. NABARD refinances banks against their lending
under this activity.

The Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries has reported
that they have no proposal for providing soft loans to farmers engaged
in poultry farming. A Central Sector Scheme ‘Poultry Venture Capital
Fund’ (subsidy) scheme is being implemented by National Bank for
Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) under which back-ended
capital subsidy is provided @ 33.33% for SC/ST & North Eastern Region
and @ 25%, for others. The scheme has been extended for the financial
year 2012-13 by the Government of India.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Finance, Shri
Namo Narain Meena in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

Lessons on Integrity and Honesty in School Curriculum

New Delhi, May 04, 2012.

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) in its Annual Zonal review
meeting with the CEO’s of various Departments held on 19.7.11 during
discussions has asked Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to
explore ways to increase lessons on integrity and honesty in schools.
The lessons on human values such as integrity and honesty are well
integrated in languages, Science, Social Sciences and Environmental
Education to help the child imbibe values of honesty, integrity,
cooperation, concern for life and preservation of environment.
Further, the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) – 2005 affirms that
the school curriculum should provide for landscape of social and moral
values. CVC also recommended to Central Board of Secondary Education
(CBSE) and Council for the Indian Schools Certificate Examinations
(CISCE) to initiate a new concept in the form of co-curricular
activities known as Integrity Club in the schools for inculcating
ethics and corruption issues amongst school children of Class VI to
IX, CBSE and CISCE have issued circulars to its affiliated schools to
introduce integrity club as part of co-curricular activities to
eradicate corruption and inculcate moral values into the young minds
of children of classes VI to IX.

This information was given by Dr. D. Purandeswari, Minister of State
for Human Resource in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha
today.

S.B.I. CONDUCTING COACHING CUM COUNSELLING PROGRAMME FOR 8500 CLERK,
STENOGRAPHER POSTS AT ALL INDIA LEVEL
Srinagar, May 04, 2012.

To add wheels to its ongoing expansion program, State Bank of India,
the largest bank in the country, is planning to recruit 8500
Clerks/Stenographers at all India level. Taking note of the enthusiasm
shown by the local youth and large number of applications, SBI
Regional Office has set up Recruitment Test Centers at Srinagar for
the first time, which will be held on May 27 and June 03, 2012.
Regional Business Office Srinagar, as a special industry initiative,
is regularly conducting 2 days Coaching cum Counseling program for the
eligible candidates of the valley. Under this initiative 910
candidates have attended such programmes. Another batch of 300
candidates, has been registered for coaching cum counseling programme.

 ‘High voter turnout strengthens Iran position in P5+1 talks’

A political analyst says high voter turnout in the Iranian parliamentary elections “strengthens Iran’s negotiating position” in talks with world powers in Baghdad on May 23, Press TV reports.

In an exclusive interview with Press TV, Professor Seyyed Mohamed Marandi said the high voter turnout showed the Iranian nation’s trust in the electoral system. 

“The fact that many of the Reformists and the most important of them all participated in the elections itself showed that they believe that the electoral system is trustworthy and they had confidence in it and it negates all the accusations made in the Western media with regards to the elections,” he added. 

The 9th Majlis runoff election officially started across the country at 08:00 local time on Friday. 

The runoff elections are being held in 33 constituencies across the country with 130 candidates from different political factions competing for the remaining 65 seats in the 290-member legislative body. 

The first round of elections was held on March 2 with around 67 percent of some 48 million eligible voters taking part in the event. 

China PM tells US to respect differences

China has asked the US to respect the differences between the two countries amid a row sparked by Washington's support for a blind Chinese dissident.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao made the remarks on Friday after welcoming US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner to the Purple Light Pavilion of Zhongnanhai. 

The meeting held at the Chinese leadership's compound in Beijing came on the sidelines of the annual two-day Strategic and Economic Dialogue between the Pacific powers. 

"What is the secret behind the sustained and the steady growth of the Strategic and Economic Dialogue? I believe the most important thing is that we respect each other and treat each other as equals and have accommodated each other's major concerns," Wen said at the start of the meeting. 

President Hu Jintao made a similar request at the start of the talks on Thursday for the two nations to respect one another’s differences. 

The long-planned talks have been overshadowed by a row over a Chinese dissident taking refuge in the US Embassy in Beijing on April, after escaping house arrest in the eastern province of Shandong. 

His case has added to tensions between Beijing and Washington, with the US declining to respond to China’s demand for an apology. 

Presidential polls: NCP backs Pranab Mukherjee, Mamata Banerjee says all options open

NEW DELHI: As the talk for a Presidential candidate gains ground, Sharad Pawar's NCP is learnt to have favoured finance minister Pranab Mukherjee for the top constitutional post. 

The key UPA ally is keen to back Mukherjee over Vice-President Hamid Ansari, who is also among the top contenders for the post of the President. 

"Pranab Mukherjee suits us more," a NCP leader said on condition of anonymity. He pointed out that both the UPA and the NDA do not have the numbers to get their choice of candidates elected and will have to depend on allies. 

The party believed that former President APJ Abdul Kalam and other non-political candidates were out of contention for the top post. When asked for comments on the Presidential election, NCP spokesman DP Tripathi said neither has the party thought of any name nor has any name being suggested to it by the Congress or other UPA partners. 

"The party has not thought about any name, nor has any name been suggested to us," he said. 

Asked about Mukherjee emerging as a candidate, Tripathi said the NCP has not formed any view on the subject. 

"It has to come to us from the Congress, then we can think of a response," he said. 

Asked whether the party would back Ansari for the top post, Tripathi said that he cannot pre-judge the stand of the party. On NCP general secretary PA Sangma's statement pitching for a tribal candidate as President, Tripathi merely said that "Sangmaji is an important leader of the country. He has every right to have his say." 

Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee told reporters that she is keeping all options open regarding the issue. She said, "Our options are all open. There has been no talk regarding candidature (in presidential elections). There is time. If they want to talk, they will let us know."