The two-day third international conference on “Sustainable destination excellence: Revitalising peace through innovation in tourism” began at the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (SHTM), University of Jammu, here today. Kavinder Gupta, Speaker, J&K Assembly, was the chief guest at the inaugural function, while Farooq Ahmad Shah, Secretary, Tourism Department, was the guest of honour. RD Sharma, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, presided over the function. Ma Christina G Aquino, president, APacCHRIE, and Executive Director for Planning and Development of the Lyceum of Philippines University, Manila, was the keynote speaker.…
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State has potential to attract millions of tourists, says Tourism Secretary
The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (SHTM), University of Jammu, organised a day-long workshop on “Sustainable destination excellence” in collaboration with the state Tourism Department at the Golf Course, Jammu, on Wednesday. Farooq Ahmad Shah, Secretary, Tourism Department, was the chief guest, while RK Verma, Director, Tourism, Jammu, was the guest of honour. Prof Parikshat Singh Manhas, Director, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, presided over the function. The resources persons included Prof Marta Jusztin, Budapest Business School, Hungary, and Amir Shani, Ben Gurion University of Negev. The workshop…
Read MoreBSNL mobile users irked over call dropping; authorities blame PDD
Mobile network users of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in the city are facing the problem of frequent call dropping adding to their miseries as well as swelling their billing amount. Many network users across the city are of a general lament that even two-three minute talk on the cell phone is disturbed with dropped calls, which leads to frustration. The users also blame such malfunctioning in the connectivity for raising their billing amount as they have to complete their important conservation while reconnecting the call several times. “This is…
Read More‘Disappointed’, Srinagar traders down shutters in protest
Business establishments in and around Srinagar City Centre Lal Chowk remained shut on Tuesday in response to a call by a traders’ body against the J&K government’s “failure” to rehabilitate the Valley’s flood-hit businessmen. The shutdown, called by a faction of the Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF), evoked partial response. The business establishments in various markets in and around Lal Chowk remained closed for the day. The traders from main Srinagar markets—barring those from old city areas—responded positively to the call. However it had a limited impact on traffic…
Read MoreKashmiri traders facilitate return of Rs 25 cr business to Hindu family
Around 26 years ago, Sita Ram Sokhal left his business in Srinagar following eruption of armed struggle in Kashmir. Over two-decades later when he returned, he got back the possession of his shop and business worth Rs 25 crore at Srinagar’s centre Lal Chowk, courtesy the Muslims traders’ community. Sokhal (80) is proprietor of Kashmir’s famous Shakti Sweets. In 1990s, he like many other non-Muslims left Kashmir on the onset of armed conflict. Before leaving, Sokhal handed over the control of his shop ‘Shakti Sweets’ to his employees who ran…
Read MoreKashmir Inc calls Rs 800 cr interest subvention a ‘cruel joke’
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry Monday termed the announcement of Rs 800 crore for interest subvention to traders by the government as a “cruel joke”. The KCCI stated that the Rs 44,000 crore flood relief package which the then NC-led government in Jammu and Kashmir had sought from the central government, included Rs 19,241 crore for trade and business rehabilitation and revival. In this amount (Rs 19,241 crore), there was a provision of Rs 8741 crore for interest subvention including Rs 2880 crore for existing loans, Rs 5760…
Read MoreKashmir willow set to cross LoC, boost trade with Pak
The cross-LoC trade, which began in October 2008, takes place mainly through the Uri-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakote routes Despite the Pathankot terror attack destabilising the normalisation of ties with Pakistan, India may soon begin a different kind of “cricket diplomacy” to boost the bilateral trade across the Line of Control (LoC) and as a major confidence-building measure (CBM). The list of tradable items is likely to be substantially expanded from the current 21 (of mainly garments, handicrafts, carpets, agricultural items), by allowing, among others, Kashmir willow used to make cricket bats,…
Read MoreProtesting flood hit-traders seek rehab, threaten to intensify stir
A faction of the Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) staged a protest near the Press Enclave here today demanding suitable rehabilitation for the flood-hit businessmen. The KTMF members led by Mohammad Sadiq Baqal carried a banner in favour of their demands and raised slogans against the government. The protestors flayed the government for failing to rehabilitate them. They warned of dire consequences if their demands were not met at the earliest. “Our houses, shops remained submerged in 10 to 12 feet water during (September 2014) floods. Even though we…
Read MoreJK as safe as any other place in the world: Farooq Shah
Making a fresh pitch to attract tourists, Jammu and Kashmir government today said the state is the “best” destination for travellers in the country and it is as safe as any other place in the world. “When it comes to J&K, as a tourist destination, we are the best in the country. Problem lies with this false perception that J&K is not safe. Let me tell you it’s as safe as any other place in the world. “And if it’s about a safety certificate, I wonder if any other state…
Read MoreRoad contractors want three-year maintenance clause changed
Contractors involved in blacktopping and construction of roads in Jammu are making renewed efforts to change the three-year maintenance-guarantee rider included by the Roads and Building (R&B) Department during the PDP-BJP government. The clause was included to end the use of substandard material while laying road network. Feeling the pinch as they are now accountable for works undertaken by them, majority of the contractors want the deficit liability clause lowered to one year as was the norm earlier to repair or reconstruct any newly laid road if its condition deteriorates…
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