Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 28: Pradesh Vishwakarma Sabha (PVS) J&K today stressed upon the Government to announce gazetted holiday on Vishwakarma Day.
Addressing a gathering at PVS headquarter, Gurha (Bakshi Nagar), Jammu, Shashi Verma, president of the Sabha and Charanjeet Chargotra stated that the Sabha is reiterating the demand of “gazetted holiday” on Vishwakarma Day since long but no Government in the past paid heed to this most genuine demand. They appealed the Governor SP Malik to announce ‘gazetted holiday’ on Vishwakarma Day keeping in view sentiments of the OBC community.
They also stated that drug abuse and other social evils are a threat to the society and youth should be educated sufficiently to keep away from this menace. During the function, Chairman, PVS J&K, Lakhpat Rai honoured those Vishwakarma people who contested the elections of Panchyat and Local Bodies.
Prominent panchs/ sarpanchs honoured on the occasion include Vinod Kumar from Magyot (Rajouri), Neelam Kumari Verma from village Shoa, Anit Devi from Village Arnia, Shushma Gandhi from Purkhoo, Suman Kumari from Tanda Ganderwan (Akhnoor), Shukar Dass Verma from village Channu Chak, Vishal Verma from Kangrail, Shuvam Goutam from Bathera, Kewal Krishan from Baba Talab, Kamlesh Kumari from Village Bhalwal (Akhnoor) and Darshana Devi Verma from village Pragalta (Nagrota).
On the occasion, speakers expressed satisfaction over the participation of good number of Vishwakarma people in the democratic process of Panchyati Raj. It was lauded that Indian Democracy is deep rooted and matured over the period of 70 years. Speakers said Rural India is Real India and Panchyati Raj is foundation of Real Democracy.
Raman Chalotra, youth wing president of the Sabha and Om Parkash Kataria (district president) regretted that OBC people are being put to harassment by the Revenue Department during the process of OBC certificates. “Such cases have come to our notice in Tehsil Khour and Tehsil Janipur of District Jammu and Tehsil Katra of District Reasi,” they said and appealed Divisional Commissioner Jammu to intervene and investigate the matter.