Congress in fix as NC calls it ‘Impediment’ in cabinet expansion.

Saifullah may overrun others' in race to cabinet.

Srinagar, April 9 (VOS): With three ministerial births lying vacant in Omar Abdullah Cabinet since its inception in 2008 and two more portfolios of congress falling thereafter in his (Omar’s) lap, in wake of the resignation of two senior Congress ministers for allegedly ‘misusing’ their position, National Conference on Monday gave a new twist to the already complicated issue, saying congress was the biggest impediment in the ‘overdue’ cabinet expansion. “We are ready for the expansion but unfortunately there has been no green signal from congress in this regard.”  Additional general secretary Dr. Mustafa Kamal told VOS.

As per the present Cabinet format National conference has one cabinet vacancy available whereas congress has two, besides two additional portfolios of R&B and Education which had gone vacant following the resignation of the congress ministers after allegedly helping their children pass the different exams.

Sources told VOS that National conference had four contenders for the single vacancy available to it as per the seat sharing agreement in the cabinet, whereas congress was battling the factionalism within the party to pick up its  two candidates for the cabinet. “For one vacancy available to NC, we have Choudary Mohammad Ramzan, Mir Saif ullah from frontier district of Kupwara, Sajad Ahmad Kichlo from Kashtawar and Dr. Mustafa Kamal from Srinagar staking the claim.” A senior leader of the party told VOS . He however added that now after party reorganization in which Dr. Kamal and Sajad Ahmad Kichlo have been given the important party assignments, things eased up a bit for the ruling party. “There are now just two contenders for the lone cabinet birth and both are from the same district.” Added the sources.

Meanwhile party sources told VOS that Mir Saifullah may likely be picked up for the cabinet. They however added that no final decision had been taken as yet and maintained  that this was only the possibility. In the meantime Party additional general secretary Dr.  Kamal made it clear that party leadership was satisfied with the performance of its ministers in the Omar Cabinet and it was unlikely that any of them would be called back at this point of time. He insisted that whosoever makes it to the cabinet,party should now take a decision on the expansion as that would ease pressure from Omar." Taking one more  party leader into cabinet will help Omar to concentrate on governance more." added Kamal.

Meanwhile Congress sources revealed to VOS that the MLA’s from Doda are lobbying hard to get a representation in the cabinet. Known for their loyalty to former Chief Minster and now the union health Minster Gh. Nabi Azad, these MLA’s have reportedly approached 7 RC in New Delhi to get their names cleared for the cabinet. “We won 5 out of six seats in assembly elections, but the irony is that none of us is in the cabinet.” Claimed an MLA from Doda , wishing anonymity.  Sources told VOS that former Minster G.M Saroori  was  also lobbying hard for a come back which could be another big challenge for congress high command while taking any decision on cabinet expansion in Jammu and Kashmir. Sources maintained that CBI has not indicted Sarrori and even Chief Minster Omar Abdullah had also hinted of Saroori coming clean of the charges soon.

Omar to take up banking and communication issue for LOC trade with PM,

Says, state govt. wants normal trade instead of ‘batter’ across LOC.

Srinagar, April 9 (VOS): Vowing to double the efforts of transforming the present batter system into a normal cross LOC trade, Chief Minster Omar Abdullah has said that his government would take up the opening of communication lines across the line of control and seting up banking facilities at TFC’s with Prime Minster.

Omar was talking to the members of Jammu and Kashmir chamber of trade and commerce in civil secretariat on Monday afternoon. Sources told VOS that Chief Minster wasin agreement with the demands put forth by the chamber to strengthen the trade and said that communication was the back bone of the trade. Chief Minster according to the sources assured the delegation tat he would take up the matter with centre on priority.

 The deputation was headed by (JKJCCI) president Mubeen Shah  who presented a memorandum of demands relating to the development of industries, trade and commerce in the State with special reference to the matters pertaining to current Cross LoC Trade status to chief Minster.

Minister for Finance, Abdul Rahim Rather, Minister for Industries, S. S. Slathia were present in the meeting.

According to VOS,   While appreciating the keenness of Omar Abdullah in the development of industrial sector in the State, President of the Joint Chamber of Commerce, Mubeen Ahmad Shah explained the issues mentioned in the memorandum and sought the help of the Chief Minister in addressing and redressing issues relating to Cross LoC Trade fraternity.

The meeting discussed issues pertaining to creation of TFC infrastructure and facilities like full body truck X-ray scanners, storage, security and insurance of goods, additional warehouse, cold storage, medical facilities and accommodation for smooth Cross LoC Trade.

The deputation highlighted the need for including more items in trade list, conversion of LoC trade into an actual trade, allowing transit trade across the new markets emerging in Central Asia and Middle East. The deputation also talked about creation of communication and banking facilities, promotion of tourism trade, collaboration in the field of education and health care sectors and exploitation of water resources for power generation.

The Chief Minister gave patient hearing and said that State Government has initiated the issue of conversion of Cross LoC Trade from present barter status to the normal trading pattern with the Union Government and the State Legislative Assembly has unanimously supported the move.

Honorary Director, Indus Research Foundation (IRF), Zafar Choudhary presented a copy of the survey report regarding the Cross LoC Trade to the Chief Minister on the occasion. (VOS)

  

NC encourages corruption on Center’s behest: Ansari

Vows to vote out ruling party in civic polls.

Srinagar, April 9 (VOS): Accusing New Delhi of shielding  National Conference for the worst Kind of ‘scandals and corruption scams”, PDP on Monday claimed that National Conference

President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and his son and Chief Minster Omar Adullah were being Patronized by Centre to encourage corruption and other mismanagement in the state. Talking to VOS, PDP senior vice president Molvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari while criticizing New Delhi for Offering their ‘unintentional’ support to Abdullahs for practicing corruption in the state said,

“Had Haji Yusuf and JKCA like events happened in any other state, you would have heard a hue and cry all over.” He added, “Because it was in Jammu and Kashmir where Chief Minster and his father enjoy their (Centre’s) patronage, no one bothered to even talk about it.”

Castigating National Conference for what he said making ‘false promises’ to People for last forty years the PDP leader said , “ By befooling people NC leaders might have elevated to success but the Condition of the common man took a hit.”

Ansari rejected the claims of the National Conference President regarding the offer of 18 PDP MlA’s in 2008 and said that National Conference had itself turned into a camp of ‘opportunities’, where people Fight for the bigger positions and posts for their own benefit. Vowing that PDP would sweep the Municipal polls, PDP vice president said that people will vote out NC in these polls.(VOS).

Over 50 BJP workers from Panjthirthi join PDP

Mehbooba asks youth ton play role in weeding out corrupt system.

Srinagar, April 09 (VOS): Opposition party Peoples democratic party( PDP)  has claimed that  over 50 BJP workers in Jammu province have joined the party on Monday. “Impressed by the policies and programmes of the PDP, over 50 prominent BJP workers from ward number 1 Panjthirthi resigned from their party and joined PDP in the presence of party chief Mehbooba Mufti.” Party spokesman claimed in a statement to VOS.

During a public meeting which was organized by Romail Jaggi in connection with the on going mass contact campaign of the party, BJP announced their joining in the PDP. All senior leaders of PDP were present in the meeting to welcome BJP workers into party fold. Ward number 1 in home ward of prominent BJP leader and MLA Jammu East Ashok Khajuria. Resignation of such a large number of party workers has been considered a big blow to BJP in Jammu city.

Prominent among those who joined PDP included Sachin Mehta, Deepak Kumar, Rahul Gupta, Jimmy, Pankaj Singh, Gagandeep Singh, Sandeep Kumar, Vishal Kotwal, Darminder Singh, Rohit Chopra, Sahil Sharma, Deepak Raina, Aneez Mirza, Bharat Badyal, Rakesh Kumar, Akshay Sharma, Sahil Verma, Amit Kumar, Nitin Kumar, Gourav Sanotra, Puneet Gupta, Vimal Kumar, Ajay Verma, Sourav, Ajay Khanna, Anil and Rockey.

According to VOS, Speaking on the occasion, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti welcomed these activists in the party and hoped that with their joining party would be strengthened in Jammu city.

She said that politicies and programmes of the PDP were guided by the aspirations and wishes of all regions and sub-regions of the State. She said that people were fed up with the present dispensation and were looking towards PDP to get them rid from the yoke of present corrupt system.

Calling upon the youth, who joined PDP, to spread message of the party among all sections of the society, she said that youth have to play a pioneering role in changing the present corrupt system. She said that corruption has crossed all limits and it was high time for the youth to take a lead to launch a war against corruption.

Trilok Singh Bajwa, Ved Mahajan, Harmeet Singh, Sohit Sharma, Balbir Singh, Varinder Singh, Rajiv, Ajay Sharma and other PDP leaders also addressed the meeting. (VOS)

Peace pre-requisite for development: Omar

Emphasizes strengthening of communal amity

Jammu, April 9 (VOS): Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Monday underscored peace imperative for development and socio-economic prosperity of the State. He said peace is pre-requisite to create stability and address issues amicably.

Addressing a big public gathering at Purmandal in Samba district, the Chief Minister said that the dividends of peace in the shape of generation of economic activities, revival of tourism and carrying development to all corners of the State are visible on the ground across the State.

“We have seen the desperation and destruction caused by disturbance and violence. We have also seen the benefits of prevailing peace in the State since last year”, he said asking the people to contribute in maintaining tranquility so that the State moves on the road to progress and prosperity firmly.

The Chief Minister said that his government has also percolated peace benefits to the people in the shape of softening of the provisions of Acts like PSA. “We are also working for removing other laws imposed owing to the disturbance and violence”, he said.

The Chief Minister also asked the people to maintain communal amity and brotherhood under all circumstances. He said many elements are bent upon creating wedge between various sections of the society. He told the people to be cautious against these elements and strengthen the bonds of harmony and love.

The Chief Minister said that the government has flagged comprehensive development of farmers and ruralites as an important aspect in the State’s development policy. “We have initiated various measures to give necessary fillip to the development of agriculture”, he said adding that this sector has been made free from all taxes in the current year’s Budget. “Similarly, government is keen to alleviate the rural poverty and bring villages at par with towns and cities so far as availability of basic amenities and other development matters are concerned.

On Kandi development, the Chief Minister said that government is working on a project to irrigate parched areas in Samba district by constructing an irrigation canal. “My government has decided to spend 10 percent of the water charges collected from power companies for enhancing irrigation facilities in the Kandi areas”, he said adding that the state has collected some Rs. 500 crores water charges so far and Rs. 50 crores would be incurred on the construction of Kandi Canal out of this amount.

The Chief Minister said that the development of agro-based MSME sector is being encouraged along with the economic activities relating to the rearing of cattle. He said State is the highest consumer of mutton and chicken in the country. “We have greater opportunities of harnessing this sector”, he said elaborating that the State Government’s measures in this regard have started yielding results and the graph of mutton and chicken import from outside the State is showing gradual decline.

Omar Abdullah said that the transfer of power from Secretariat to the public representatives has been the important concerns of his government. “Establishment of Panchayat Raj, Public Service Guarantee Act (PSGA); Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir State Right to Information Commission and strengthening of Accountability Commission are initiatives in this direction”, he said maintaining that the process of Constitution of Block Panchayat and District Panchayat Councils has been set in motion and this would be finalized soon after the Legislative Council seats reserved for panchayats are filled up from amongst the panchayat members. “We are committed to a full-fledged three-tier panchayat system in the State”, he said reiterating keenness in this direction.

Omar Abdullah said that enactment of PSGA is an innovative legislation aimed at time bound public service delivery and reduction of corruption at lower level. He said some 50 public services in 6 departments of power, transport, water supply, consumer affairs, housing and revenue have been identified for time bond delivery under the Act. “Any official found showing laxity or failure in the delivery of services like issuance of state subject, ration card, ST/SC certificate, power or water connection, driving license, etc will be liable to a fine to the tune of Rs. 5000. The affected consumer would be entitled to a compensation out of this amount”, he explained.

Speaking on the occasion Minister for Finance, Abdul Rahim Rather highlighted the efficacy of Pubic Service Guarantee Act in making the service delivery prompt and reducing the chances of corruption. He said that Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has directed for bringing more public services under the ambit of the Act adding that clearance of passport cases and issuance of character certificate by the police department for employment are also being brought under the Act.

Rather also referred to the benefits of SKEWPY and said that this programme provides greater opportunities to youth to venture into self livelihood earning ventures for which government is providing free seed money equal to 1/3 and Jammu and Kashmir Bank ¾ of the total cost.

Finance Minister said that in order to give fillip to the development of agriculture and the welfare of farmers, the government has made agriculture sector free of all taxes. He also listed various other measures taken by the government for the holistic and equitable development of the State.

Rather cautioned the people about the nefarious designs of those who are bent upon to divide the society for vested interests. He said people are well versed about their stigmatised past adding that their only aim is to mislead the people as they did in the past.

The public meeting was also addressed by Minister for Industries, S. S. Slathia, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, Devender Singh Rana, legislators Ajay Sadhotra, Master Noor Hussain, Javid Rana and Provincial President, NC, Rattan Lal Gupta.

  

Hurriyat committed to ensure KP’S return to valley: Mirwaiz

Remembers Shoukat Shah on his first anniversary.

Srinagar, April 9 (VOS):  Calling Kashmir Pundits as an important part of kashmiri culture and society, Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has said that Hurriyat was in favor of their return to homeland. “We have been advocating their return from the day one.” Mirwaiz told a delegation of Civil Society and Kashmiri pundits who met him on Monday at his Nigeen residence. According to VOS, Mirwaiz told the delegation that Hurriyat conference was committed to ensure KP’s return to valley and maintained that kashmiri society was incomplete without them.

Earlier delegation while apprising the Hurriyat chairman of the condition KP’s been in, and discussed the ways and means of their return to homeland.

Meanwhile Hurriyat Conference(M) today remembered the former Ahle hadith chief Moulana Shoukat Ahmad Shah on his first anniversary. Moulana was killed in a min blast last year on 8^th April at Maisuma Srinagar. (VOS)

 Pak National apprehended at LOC; Army

Claims to have foiled infiltration bid.

Srinagar, April 9 (VOS):        Rashtriya Rifles troops today claimed to have apprehended a Pakistani national, Md Sherif resident of Taroti (Ibaspur) while trying to cross the fence along line of control.

“In the morning today troops of Rashtriya Rifles under the aegis of Romeo Force deployed along the Line of Control noticed suspicious movement of an individual who was trying to infiltrate through the Poonch River.”RR PRO Jammu S.N Acharya  said in a statement to Kashmir news Sevice, adding that the troops were alerted and the individual cordoned who then surrendered to the Army.  “The individual was in possession of Identity Card issued by Hukumat- E- Pakistan.  This infiltration attempt has brought to light the intention of Pakistan to infiltrate terrorists & other supporters into Indian side for nefarious reasons.  With the onset of summer, the infiltrators attempts have increased and this shall be a challenge to Army.’’ PRO further claimed. (VOS)

 24 lacs Incentive Cheques distributed among Kup Farmers

Srinagar, April 9 (VOS): District Development Commissioner Kupwara Mohammad Shafi Rather laid Stress on the implementation of various programmes with the objective to boost agriculture production and upliftment of socio economic conditions of the farming community. This was stated by The Distt: Dev. Commissioner while distributing the incentive cheques among the farmers of District at Town Hall Kupwara. He advised the farmers to take advantage of all the schemes launched by the Department and cooperate with the field extension agency in implementing all the programmes for making the state self-sufficient in various food crops, pulses & oil seeds.

Chief Agriculture Officer Kupwara M.A. Parray on this occasion impressed upon farmers to utilize the vast potential of agro based activities available in valley for economic upliftment of farming community. He said that in order to ensure that Hybrid Seed Technology reaches every villages of the District; the department has distributed Hybrid Seed Kit with Poly Films among all Panchayat Halqas where progressive farmers will raise vegetable seedlings for sale and distribution among the farmers. He further said that by boosting vegetable cultivation the income would be generating among the unemployed youth.

District Agriculture Officer Ext. Farooq Ahmad said that the protected vegetable cultivation got an overwhelming response among the farming community.

On the conclusion of function, District Dev. Commissioner and Chief Agriculture Officer Kupwara distributed Incentive Cheques worth Rs.24.00 lacs among the beneficiary farmers who have purchased Poly Green House and Irrigation Pump Sets under the various centrally sponsored schemes.

Participant farmers expressed much satisfaction over the cooperation of the departmental field functionaries in the district.

             

Education Zone Fathegah organize Naat and Qiraat Competition  

Best students adjudged students awarded

Baramulla, April 9 (VOS): To hone the talent of the students and enrich their Islamic knowledge Education Zone Fathegarh’s Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) organized a Zonal Level Naat and Qiraat completion at Block Resource Fathegrah Baramulla in which a large number of students from different schools of participated.

Zonal Education Officer Fathegarh Abdul Aziz Khan was chief guest and Naib Mohitimim Dar-ul-ulom Sheeri Molvi Mohmemd Yousf was guest of honour on this occasion.

“The aim of these competitions is to hone the hidden talent of the students studying in the government and private schools of education zone Fathegarh and provide them a platform to at district and state level  competitions,” said Assistant Co-coordinator SSA Fathegarh Mohammed Asdulha Sheikh.

In Naat competition Tabsum Majeed of Government High School Adoora got fist position and Zahid Hassan of Islamia Model High School Fathegarh and Tabsaum Rasool of Public School Dar-uloom Sheeri got second and third positions respectively.

In Qiraat competition Amir Hassain Beigh of Boys Higher Secondary School Laridoora, Abid Ali Hakeem High School Fathergarh and Basharat Ahmed of Public School Dar-uloom Sheeri were were adjudged for first, second and third position respectively.

All the best adjudged student were awarded, however, Kashmir Images for the encouragement of a blind student Sherish Arshad of Middle School Budmulla and  Tabsum Majeed of Government High School Adoora who recited  Naat beautifully presented special prized to the duo students.

Secretary I. B. visits PMEGP units in the Valley

Srinagar, April 9 (VOS): Uday Kumar Verma, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, during his official visit to Srinagar, visited some units established under Prime Minister’s Employment generation Programme (PMEGP).

Verma, who has been  the Secretary of Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India in the recent past, showed keen interest in the micro units established by Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC) under PMEGP scheme.

Paying a visit to “ Wani Pashmina” unit at Narainbagh, Ganderbal Shri M. Sadique, Asstt. Director, KVIC, Incharge, Kashmir Province explained that the unit is producing excellent quality of Kani shawls - a traditional heritage product of the valley and provided full time employment to nearly 35 ladies who are working at the unit itself and around 50 part time workers at their residence.

Verma appreciated the quality of the products and assured all possible help from the Government for exposure of micro unit’s products at the International level.  

Sadique further informed that a similar unit “Sheemz Bags Gallery” at Malashahi Bagh, Ganderbal, has been established by Shri Zahid Iqbal Shah, an entrepreneur. This is a unique industry established under PMEGP scheme in the valley  and employing nearly 20 girls of the nearby areas of Ganderbal and producing excellent quality of carry bags made of non-woven fabric. He further informed that this product has proved a milestone in controlling pollution in the valley as this is the only feasible substitute of polythene bags which is totally banned in the valley.

Revoke AFSPA, grant greater autonomy to JK: CPI-M

Srinagar, April 9 (VOS): Demanding the revocation of Armed forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) ands troop cut in the Jammu and Kashmir CPI-M for the long lasting solution to the Kashmir problem and also demanded the autonomy for the state.

A resolution was passed on the conclusion day of the 20^th Party Congress in Kerala that started on April. The resolution said that the Jammu and Kashmir state should be given Autonomy. They also questioned the achievements of Interlocutors over the Kashmir issue.

“We call upon the immediate steps to have been taken which includes cutting down the forces deployment in the sate, withdrawal of AFSPA and dismantling the oppressive structures,” the resolution said.

The resolution also demanded the brought the human rights violators to justice and the erring persons should be punished.

The resolution also stated that the summer uprising of 2010 was against the security oppression.

The resolution also stressed on the need of the bilateral ties between India and Pakistan so that people to people contact must be initiated.

On the occasion Prakash Karat was once again selected as National Secretary and Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami was announced as Central member of the party.

Pakistan civil society in favour of more CBMs between the two countries:  Prof Soz

Srinagar, April 9 (VOS): Prof. Saifuddin Soz, Member of Parliament (former Union Minister) & President J&K Pradesh Congress Committee has said that the relations between India and Pakistan would get further normalized and cemented as Pakistan has realized that the terror activities in that Country are posing great threat to its own existence and it has suffered badly because of its policies.

Addressing a rally of Congress workers at Shaktinagar area of Jammu city today, Prof. Soz said that the civil society in Pakistan wanted friendly relations with India and strengthening of CBMs to further normalize relations and peace in the region. That is possible if Pakistan acts against terror and prevents and strongly denounced the terror activities against India. He was referring to the recent visit of Pakistan President and talks with the Prime Minister. 

During his recent visit to Pakistan as leader of a good will delegation, Prof. Soz said that the civil society in Pakistan was overwhelmingly in favour of more CBMs between two countries. They strongly advocated for better relations and cooperation between two neighbours.

The largely attended rally was organised in wake of forth coming civic elections and attended by workers of Jammu city especially from Jammu west area. The rally was organised by local units of blocks and wards and attended by senior functionaries of PCC, DCC, Ministers, Legislators, and frontal organization, block and ward presidents besides ex-corporators.

Prof. Soz said that the Congress party believed in fully strengthening the basic democratic institutions of Panchayats and urban bodies on the spirit of 73^rd and 74^th amendment of the constitution in order to make them fully vibrant institutions of democracy for the service of people. He said party favours granting a reasonable honorarium to the Panches and Sarpanches to meet their genuine travel expenses etc. in connection with their public duty.

He said that Congress party is strong in all three regions of the state as it is known for its politics based on secularism, socialism and balanced development of three regions. The party always believed and advocated the policy of dialogue to settle all issues and in the process he suggested that the leaders of all shades of opinion in Kashmir should enter into dialogue, as the doors of government of India are always open.

The sentiments and spirit of the mood of the people in Kashmir is to live in peace march towards progress and to secure the future of their children. This yearning for peace and development is reflected in their participation in the democratic activities and do today affairs of governance, which needs to be further strengthened and progress.

He said that honest and asked partymen to unitedly work for the party at grass root level and dedicated party leaders would be selected as party candidates in the ensuing elections.

He also referred to the demands of the daily wagers and casual workers raised by the INTUC in the rally and assured to take up the issue with the government to remove disparity in wages and settle their other issues.

Member Parliament Madan Lal Sharma cautioned the people against the divisive designs of some forces In Jammu as well in Kashmir and asked the people to expose the opportunist politics of such forces who exploit the people in the name of religion or region for vote politics. He said Congress alone can ensure justice to all three regions of the state.

Minister for Revenue Raman Bhalla also denounced the politics of opportunism of BJP, who stand exposed before the public of Jammu now and asked the party workers to organize rallies in each ward, assuring his support to the organization.

Minister for Health Shri Sham Lal Sharma asked party workers to gear up for the forthcoming elections and asked them to check the voter lists so that voters do not face difficulties of at the time of exercise ballot. He suggested that the system of reservation of wards should not be disturbed at this juncture.

The Senior leaders appreciated the efforts of PCC leadership for strengthening the party in all three regions in the past three years by organizing series of rallies in all parties of state especially in Kashmir valley.

They said that PCC leadership has always raised the issues of the people and Congress party in the coalition and said that some elements in other parties are frustrated due to the growing strength of the Congress party and its leadership. 

No unregistered Yatri will be allowed: Police

Srinagar, April 9 (VOS):  “No unregistered Yatri will be allowed to move onwards on from both the Yatra routes this year, this was decided at Amarnath Yatra review meeting held in Police Control Room, Srinagar.The meeting which was chaired by Inspector General of Police Kashmir Mr. SM Sahai was attended by all the DIG’s of Kashmir through which the annual yatra passes. It was decided that if any of unregistered yatries was found he will not be entertained for Yatra. During the meeting various security related issues regarding the Yatra were discussed thread bare. Contingency plans in the event of any weather calamity enroute the Holy Cave was also discussed.

VC KU visits south campus, Degree college Anantnag

KU to soon have residential coaching centres : Prof Talat Ahmad

Srinagar, April 9 (VOS): As a part of its program of providing all round development to the satellite campuses of the Valley  Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir ProfTalat Ahmad laid the foundation stone of Central Library cum auditorium at South Campus (Fateh garh) Anantnag here on Monday.The foundation stone laying ceremony of the double storied central library cum auditorium which is being executed by construction division of University of Kashmir was held in the presence of several senior officers of the University and district administration of Anantnag and would come at a costof Rs 316.0 lacs. Terming library and an auditorium as primary organs of any educational institution, Vice Chancellor Prof Talat Ahmad who was chief guest on the occasion said “These are the two important things in todays world in any educational institution. On one side a central library serves to the intellectual pursuits of both the students and the faculty members of the institution and on other side a modern auditorium provides an opportunity to the students, scholars and teachers to give vent to their ideas, experiences and research investigations by holding and conducting discourse on science and other cultural activities through various seminars, symposiums and debates.”

While interacting with the faculty members and class representatives of the south campus Prof Talat assured full support from the University administration and said that issues like internal examination and campus placement at satellite campus would be resolved very soon.Prof  Talat said  “The students of south campus must come forward and participate in all programs and recruitment drives being conducted at the main campus of the Kashmir University. And on my personal level I have also asked some recruiting and corporate agencies to visit the South Campus and conduct recruitment drives exclusively for students of the south campus.”

Explaining that the University of Kashmir has planned to open up the facility of residential coaching centre at KU main campus ProfTalat said “We have sent a proposal to ministry of HRD for approval of a residential coaching centre at KU main Campus which besides having hostel facility will not only provide coaching to the students of main, south and north campus but to all those aspiring students of the valley who want to make it to the civil services and other competitive exams conducted by UPSC.”

While informing the research scholars and faculty membersabout the steps taken by the University to make research hassle –free and more  effective Prof Talat said “We have moved a proposal to slash the experience required in case of in service candidates while applying for study leave for doctorate and M phil studies from 15 years to 3 years only  and we will put up this proposal in the upcoming council meeting on April 20 and I am hopeful that we will get it approved.”

Prof Talat urged upon the students to become more active and avail the benefits of several centrally sponsored schemes like Udaan which provides skill education to unemployed youth so that they could meet the requirements of the job market and find viable placement for themselves in the corporate world.In his welcome address Director South Campus Prof Khursheed AhmadBhat said that despite facing many difficulties in terms of human resource the campus has registered a phenomenal growth which is reflected in the number of student enrolments and the number of streams/course introduced at the campus in the last two years. Others who spoke on the occasion include DistrictDevelopment Commissioner Mr Kifayat Hussain Rizvi, Registrar Kashmir UniversityProf S Fayaz, Dean Academic Affairs Prof AM Shah and Dean College DevelopmentCouncil Prof Mushtaq Ahmad Kaw.

Earlier Prof talat  laid that foundation stone of examination blockat Boys Degree College Anantnag which would come at a cost of 44.6 lacs out ofwhich University would bear an expenditure of 22.3 lacs. During an interaction with the faculty members and studentsof Boys Degree College Anantnag on increasing the intake capacity at Universityat PG level Prof Talat said “Every year University receives an application of44 thousand students for various PG courses out of which only 3 thousand get selected and it is not possible for University alone to provide admission to all these candidates. Therefore it is a high time that the higher education    department starts thinking over the introduction of more colleges under public—private partnership for the benefit of students. However from our side to increase higher education opportunities for more and more students the University is soon going to start evening classes and to begin with we will initiate evening classes  in library science and law at PG level.”

The INC-NC Coordination Committee met Jammu.

Srinagar, April 9 (VOS): Chairman Coordination Committee Prof. Saifuddin Soz-MP presided over the meeting. The Deputy Chief Minister Shri Tara Chand, Minister Finance Shri Abdul Rahim Rathar, former Deputy Chief Minister and Senior Congress leader Shri Mangat Ram Sharma, Minister for Rural Development, Law, Justice  & Parliamentary Affairs Shri Ali Mohammad Sagar and Shri Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan-MLA and Senior NC leader participated in the meeting.The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere and many issues came out for discussion before the committee.

The members expressed their views on the constitution of the State Vigilance Commission,  the filling up of vacancies in the Back Ward Classes Commission and the Public Service Commission. The Committee desired that the State Vigilance Commission be constituted at the earliest.The Committee also desired that the updated electoral rolls be immediately published for General Information and comments of the people for holding fair elections to the Local Bodies in the state at the earliest. The Congress party members stressed that the coalition government adopt the 73^rd and 74^th Constitutional Amendments for strengthening Panchayat Raj Institutions and Local Bodies in the state.

MPL Board organizes Ulemas, Scholars, intellectuals, gathering at Jammu

All Ulemas , scholars emphasized for mutual love and peace

Jammu Chapter of Muslim Personal Law Board org ized interaction programme of Ulemas, Khateebs, Degree Holder Muftis, and intellectuals at Bhatindi today.

This function was organized by Mufti Moulana Nazir Ahmad and Moulana Nisar Ahmad Sultani.

The Advisor to Chief Minister Mr.  Mubarik Gul and Director Information Kh. Farooq Renzushah also addressed the august gathering and underscored the importance of mutual love and brotherhood.

Mr. Gul said that J&K state is traditionally known for their strong belief in sufi saints and Awlia Kiramas who are the role model for present generation. He said that these Awlia Kiramas have always during their lifetime strengthened the pillars of love and brotherhood and we have to learn by adopting their way of life by acting upon their moral teaching.

Mr. Renzushah in his address said that arrival of Hazrat Bulbul Shah in the state of J&K in 13^th century was an indication of new revolution of love, whether it was Kashghar, Kashmir or Kishtwar or any other place of the state. People still remember his message of love and brotherhood which was further strengthened by the arrival of Hazrat Shah-i-Hamdhan (RA). He therefore said that if world has to get rid of hate, contradiction and conflicts, the only method of bringing people together and tying them with the knots of love is possible when we minutely read the literature of these sufi saints.

While welcoming the scholars, Ulemas, intellectuals, writers, Muftis and Khateebs on this occasion, Moulana Mufti Nazir Ahmad and Moulana Nisar Sultani  while praising the role of mufti Azam Bashir ud Din who has taken keen interest in spreading the literature of sufi saints has also strengthened the Ahli -Aitqad, Ulemas in Jammu and Chinab belt.

It was through this movement that a sustained campaign against use of drugs was launched by MPL Board.

People have praised the selection of a new body of MPL Board of Jammu and Chinab valley.

The renowned and high callibred scholars and Ulms including Hazrat Sheeraz Ahmad Azhari, Hazrat  Moulana Alhaj Ghulam Hussain Rizvi, Hazrat Moulana Liyaqat Ali Naemi, Hazrat Moulan Qari Zaffar Iqbal, Hazrat Moulana Mohammad Afzal Sahib, Hazrat Qari Liyaqat Hussain, Hazrat Moulana Abdul Qayoom Rizvi, Hazrat Moulana Farooq Ahmad Qadri, Hazrat Moulana Ali Akbar, Hazrat Moulana Muzaffar Hussain, Hazrat Mubarak Gul, Hazrat Alhaj Abdul Gani Kohli, Hazrat Ch. Gulzar Ahmad SSP, Ch. Zain-ud-Din , Alhaj Noor Ahmad Naqashbandi, Ch. Mushtaq Ahmad Khattana, Ch. Abdul Rasheed Chouhan and Kh. Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Wani addressed the gathering.

Khoda reviews crime scenario in Jammu Division, stresses for better synergy at all levels

                Jammu, April 09: The Director General of Police (DGP), Mr. Kuldeep Khoda has stressed upon the cops to chalk out an effective mechanism to deal with the challenge of crime firmly. He said that the investigation process should be stepped up to bring the culprits to justice.

            Mr. Khoda was addressing the police officers meeting at Police Control Room (PCR) here today. The meeting was convened to review the crime scenario in Jammu Division and was attended by Inspector General of Police Jammu Zone, besides range Deputy Inspectors General of Police and District Superintendents of Police of the Zone. He lauded the role of Jammu police for its achievements on various fronts during 2011 and said that efforts should continue to make improvements, keeping in mind the experiences of the bygone year. Executive police plays a vital role in maintaining law and order and control crime  , and the important pillar of the organisation should be further strengthened at all levels, said the DGP. Coordination among different agencies and public cooperation could lead to more successes, he added.

            The DGP said that every evil should be nabbed before it raises its head and poses challenge to the law enforcing agencies. Counselling for the youth involved in drug addiction and crimes, in collaboration with other departments like health, can prove fruitful in eradicating the menace, he asserted.

Alarming situation in suicidal deaths due to mental depression and domestic violence also needs to be addressed, he said adding that public cooperation achieved through community policing can help in controlling the situation. He stressed upon the officers present in the meeting to focus on various situations which attract the youth towards the evils and for this purpose community policing should be improved further. He directed that crime data and records at the police station level should be updated and the supervisory officers should conduct random inspections to ensure that the grievances of the public are addressed promptly.

            The meeting also discussed traffic management, functioning of CCTV cameras and measures for smooth conduct of forthcoming Shri Amarnath Yatra. The DGP asked the officers to take effective steps and ensure a better management especially on National Highways. He said that violators should be booked under law to check road accidents, traffic james and overloading. “CCTVs installed at various locations should be utilized to identify the culprits which could help to book them under criminal law” he said.

            Mr. Khoda said that by the painstakingly efforts of jawans and officers of the force in coordination with other security agencies, last year yatra concluded peacefully. Again keeping in view the experience, deployment of man power should be made all along the yatra route and places of stay for the security of pilgrims. Intelligence gathering should be sensitized to check the activities of anti-national elements.                   

             Earlier, the Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, Mr. Dilbag Singh gave a detailed resume of the achievements of Jammu Police on different fronts during the year 2011. He said that the jawans and officers of the force have performed their professional duties in a befitting manner and achieved great success on anti-militancy front during the year. He said that strenuous efforts have been put in place to bring the crime graph to its lowest ebb adding that all ranks working in the field have been made accountable to redress the grievances of the people so that they feel secure in a congenial atmosphere.

 NSM trials visited by scientists of SKUAST-K

UDHAMPUR, APRIL, 09:- To give Phillip to horizontal expansion of saffron cultivation in non- traditional areas of Jammu province, four   saffron trials cum demonstration plots of 06 marlas each were laid out by SKUAST-K in collaboration with department of Agriculture Udhampur under National Saffron Mission (NSM) in Meer area of Panchari Block during 2011-12.

 Chief Scientist from SKUAST-K, Dr. F.A. Nehvi along with Chief Agriculture Officer, Udhampur Sh. K.S. Sambyal and his team visited the area and inspected the on farm trials (O.F.T’s).

Chief Agriculture Officer briefed that the trials yielded good number of flowers in their first year i.e. during November –December-2011 and now in their multiplication phase. He disclosed that an awareness camp for farmers on Saffron cultivation was also organized by the department of Agriculture at Meer in which more than 50 progressive farmers and sarpanches and panches of the adjoining area were educated about the techniques and knowhow of saffron cultivation as their income generating source.  

Dr. Nehvi satisfied with the layout, performance and multiplication of corms in the trials. He added that the performance shown by the trials in non-traditional areas is excellent and if it goes in the same way for next two years then this area shall be certified for Saffron cultivation under National Saffron Mission. While interacting with the beneficiaries he emphasized that they should go for intercultural and other agricultural operations from time to time in the trials so as to make them more productive.

Among the others those who were present on the occasion,Mr. Parveen Magotra, J.A.E.O Meer, Mr. Parbhat Singh, Sarpanch Upper Meer, and Mr. Lakshman Dass, Sarpanch Lower Meer.

CS interacts with KAS officers, exhorts for maximising administrative efficiency

            JAMMU, APRIL 09-With a view to improve administrative efficiency and to assess the problems being faced by the field officers, Chief Secretary, Mr Madhav Lal held an interactive session with the J&KAS officers here today.

            Secretary, GAD, Mr Mushtaq Ahmed, Special Secretary GAD, Mr G S Chib and other officers from GAD were present.

            Nearly 30 KAS officers drawn from various departments from district Jammu, Udhampur, Kathua, Ramban, Kishtwar, Doda, Rajouri, Reasi, Poonch participated.

            Speaking on the occasion, Mr Madhav Lal emphasized the need for concentrating on the developmental issues and bring out innovative ideas to improve the delivery system with optimum utilization of available human as material resources. He emphasized for maximising the administrative efficiency for realising the desired goals.

            He further suggested the officers to feel free to deliberate upon important issues with superiors to change the perception of the administration among the common masses.

            The Chief Secretary encouraged the officers for their achievements in their respective fields. He also exhorted them to keep themselves well abreast of latest administrative innovations outside the state and the country through information technology.

            The Chief Secretary wished good luck and successful administrative career to all the participating officers.

  

Parl Committee decides to call Chiefs of Armed Forces

 New Delhi: In an extraordinary step, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence today decided to call the three service chiefs to give an account of the state of preparedness of the forces against the backof Army Chief Gen V K Singh speaking of shortages and deficiencies.