THE
DAILY
VOICE OF
SRINAGAR
SRINAGAR, FRIDAY, 10 RAJAB
1433 AH ; 01 JUNE 2012
Email:-editorvosgr@gmail.com
NEWS
Omar approves site
for 250-bed Children, 200-bed Maternity Hospitals
Both to come up
simultaneously at Bemina
CM also approves
80-bedded Children Block in LD Hospital
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SRINAGAR,
MAY 31 – Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today gave nod to the proposal of
Health and Medical Education Department for construction of 200-bedded
Maternity and 250-bedded Children Hospital over an area of about 70 kanals of
land at Bemina, Srinagar. He gave two weeks’ time to the concerned department
for finalizing building construction plan alongwith Detailed Project Report
(DPR).
Chairing
a high level meeting to finalize the site for the proposed Children and
Maternity Hospitals in Srinagar, the Chief Minister said that the establishment
of the two institutions in close proximity with common diagnostic facilities
would be a right step to ensure better and up to the mark health care system in
place for the women and children at one place.
Asking
for involving reputed and experienced architects in hospital construction in
the project formulation and design, Omar Abdullah said that the two hospitals
should be constructed on modern lines making completion time bound. He said the
establishment of the two important hospitals at one place will resolve the
distance problem hampering the immediate medicare to the infants requiring this
under special circumstances and help to dovetail the facilities for greater
benefits of the patients.
Omar
Abdullah also approved 80-bedded children wards in existing Lel Ded Hospital
and said that the construction of children block should be factored in the
overall expansion programme of Lel Ded Hospital which envisages adding more 100
beds this Maternity Hospital.
The
meeting was told that while Government of India has approved Rs. 50 crores for
the new 200-bedded Maternity Hospital for Srinagar, the State Government has to
fund establishment of new 250-bedded Children Hospital from its own resources.
The
Chief Minister said that in his upcoming meeting with the Union Health
Minister, he will discuss the issue of Central financial support for new
Children’s Hospital with him. He directed the Health and Medical Education
Department to fast track the process of launching these projects. “With the
decision of site selection, the ground work for construction should start
soon”, he added.
The
Chief Minister said that upgradation and improvement in the existing hospitals
and extension of health care facilities in rural and far-flung areas should be
flagged as a mission by all involved with this sector. He said his government
has underlined health care as one of the important concerns and priority
attention is being given to earmark required funds for this sector out of the
State’s own resources besides utilizing Central schemes available in this
regard.
Omar
Abdullah said that the pressure on secondary and tertiary care hospitals would
decrease when rural health care centres are upgraded and modernized as per the
requirements. He said government is concentrating on this issue positively. He
said placement of doctors, para-medical staff along with necessary equipment
for rural hospitals is receiving priority attention.
Omar gives nod to
Jablipora Fruit Market
Directs for early
project finalization
Asks Revenue
Department to work out compensation package
SRINAGAR, MAY
31 – Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today directed for early finalization
of Jablipora Fruit Market in Bejbehara. He asked the Revenue Department to work
out compensation package if required for the development of the most sought
terminal market by the fruit growers of South Kashmir.
This
Fruit Mandi has already been approved by the Chief Minister some time ago. A
delegation of fruit growers of Bejbehara and Anantnag, led by MLC Dr. Bashir
Ahmad Veeri today called on Chief Minister here and brought to his notice the
need for early launch of work on this project.
Conveying
their gratitude to the Chief Minister for sanctioning this fruit market to the
fruit growers of South Kashmir over an area of about 500 kanals at Jablipora
Bejbehara, the fruit growers sought the Chief Minister’s intervention in early
launch of work on the project. “We are highly thankful to you for granting
Fruit Mandi to us at the identified site at Jablipora”, they said adding that
this would give new dimension to the fruit trade from South Kashmir creating
wide-ranging economic activities and job opportunities for the youth. They said
that fruit industry is showing remarkable growth and the present dispensation
has initiated new initiatives to strengthen horticulture sector and boost up
both production and marketing activities.
Omar
Abdullah said that horticulture industry possesses an important place in
State’s economic development. He said that his government is focusing fullest
attention on the comprehensive development of this industry and the people
associated with it.
The
Chief Minister said that while attention has to be given to produce quality
fruit, equal focus should be on marketing of standard produce to the markets
outside the State. He said fruit markets within the State should be so designed
and operationalized as would help in creating sound market relations between
local and outside fruit traders. He said these markets should also ensure
despatches of quality fruit to outside markets to maintain the reputation of
Kashmir in this field and give boost to its marketing.
The
meeting was attended by Minister of State for Horticulture, Javid Ahmad Dar,
Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, B. B. Vyas, Commissioner Secretary
Agriculture, Shaleen Kabra, Director Horticulture, Kashmir and various other
senior officers.
Medanta-Medicity in
coordination with JK Press Association organizes free medical camp for cardiac
patients
SRINAGAR, MAY 31:-
The Medanta-Medicity, Gurgaon in Association with the J&K Press Association
today organized a free medical camp at District Hospital Budgam. The team of
consultants deputed by the Chairman, Medanta-Medicity, Gurgaon Dr. Naresh
Trehen was assisted by the CMO Budgam, Dr. Aleem-ud-Din, Doctors and
Para-Medicos of the District Hospital.
About 200 patients
mostly cardiac patients were treated and provided free diagnostic including
blood tests and EchoCardiography(ECG).
The information
department also provided all the required logistic support to the organizers to
make the event a success.
Another such camp is
being organized at Mattan in District Anantnag on June 2, 2012.
The initiative to
arrange free medical checkup camps in the Valley has been taken by the
President, JK Press Association G. H. Kaloo and his colleagues in view of the
increasing number of patients suffering from heart ailments since last 20
years.
Chib for blanket ban
on smoking, tobacco products
SRINAGAR, MAY 31:
Strongly advocating for total ban on the use of gutkha and other tobacco
products in the state, Minister for Medical Education Mr. R S Chib said that
effective and concrete measures in this regard are needed to eradicate the
menace of smoking, which is the biggest cause of the dreaded cancer disease
throughout the world.
The Minister was
speaking at function jointly organized by divisional administration, Health
& Medical Education, Education, Youth Services & Sports departments
and Drug & Food Safety Organization in collaboration with
Voluntarily Health Association of India, J&K Voluntarily Health &
Development Association and J&K Bharat Scouts & Guides to celebrate “No
Tobacco Day” here today.
Mr. Chib said that No
Tobacco Day is being celebrated since 1980 throughout the country to make
masses aware about the hazards of smoking, adding that now restrictions have
been imposed on smoking at all public places. Referring to indices, Mr.
Chib said that over six lakh people annually die due to smoking in the country.
He said that about four thousands chemicals are used in preparation of tobacco
products, of which 250 are more hazardous not only to the health of smokers but
on the health of second and passive smokers.
The Minister stressed
the need for organizing more and more awareness camps in the far- flung and
remote areas of the state to sensitize the people about the ill effects of
tobacco. He said that media too has to play a vital role in this regards.
Speaking on the
occasion, Chief Post Master General, J&K circle Mr. John Sameul highlighted
the ill effects of smoking and chewing of tobacco products. He declared the
vicinity of entire General Post Offices (GPO) as smoke free zone.
Earlier, the Minister
released special cover of post office on the topic “quit smoking” which will be
available in all post offices of the country for general public.
Later, the Minister
flagged-off the rally of students holding placards depicting messages and
pictures regarding ill effects of smoking.
Chairman, Voluntarily
Health Association of India, Prof. G Q Allqaband and Executive Director J&K
Voluntarily Health and Development Association, Srinagar Qazi Mohammad
Amin also spoke on the occasion and throw light on the menace of smoking and
tobacco products. Hailing the decision of government for raising the tax on the
tobacco products, they said that this endeavor would be a step ahead to curb
the menace of smoking . They said that with the efforts of these associations,
the Budgam district has been declared a smoking free district, adding that
efforts are also on to make Srinagar district also smoke free zone.
The artists presented
skits on the subject which was highly applauded by the audience.
Among others, Chief
Engineer, BEACON Brigadier TPS Rawat, Principal, Government Medical College,
Srinagar Dr. Qazi Masood, Executive Director, J&K Bank Mr. Tafazul Hussain,
President, The Innercall and Vice- President J&K Bharat Scouts and Guides
Mrs. Roma Wani, Chairman, National security for water, resources, wetland and
forests Mr. Nazir Benazir, Deputy Director, YSS Mrs. Nilofer Amin, consultant
The Innercall Mr. Affan yesvi, besides representatives from education, medical,
police departments and social activists were present on the occasion.
Chib inaugurates Drabu Memorial T-20 knock-out Cricket Tournament-2012
SRINAGAR, MAY 31:
Minister for Medical Education Mr. R S Chib inaugurated SDA Drabu Memorial T-20
knock-out Cricket Tournament-2012 here today.
The tournament was
organized by Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Players Association in collaboration
with J&K State Sports Council in the memory of late Drabu. It is also an
endeavour for popularizing cricket in the state.
Paying rich tribute
to Drabu, Mr. Chib highlighted the qualities of late cricketer. He said
that late Drabu worked hard for the promotion of cricket in the state.
Referring to Jammu
Premier League and Kashmir Premier League, the Minister said the leagues would
be merged together and it would be regular feature in the coming days of sports
activities . He said that three outstanding selected players from these leagues
would be deputed for advanced training in National Cricket academies for fine
tuning their talent.
As many as 64 teams
are participating in the tournament in which two matches would be played in a
day at knock out basis. The C D Cricket Club, Dalgate took on City Hunk Cricket
Club, Srinagar in the inaugural match of the tournament.
Among others,
Secretary, J&K State Sports Council Mr. Kiran Wattal, President, J&K
Cricket Players Association Mr. Ishfaq Mir, Joint Secretary, J&K
State Sports Council, Jammu Mr. Sidhharth Sharma, Joint Secretary,
J&K State Sports Council, Kashmir Prof. B A Shah, representatives from JKCA
and large number of sports lovers were present .
Labour Deptt to organize
registration camp for Ponywalas, labourers at Sonamarg from June 1st
SRINAGAR, MAY 31:-
The Department of Labour is going to establish the registration camp at
Sonamarg from June 1, 2012 for registration of labourers who intended to work
during Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra , 2012 from Baltal side.
The intending persons
like Ponywalas, Dandywalas and other labourers bring their identity cards, two
passport size photographs besides verification of concerned police station with
them for registration purpose. Without registration no such person would be
allowed to work during yatra period in the area.
JKP bids warm adieu
to Khoda
His role in public
service appreciated
SRINAGAR, MAY 31: In order to bid farewell to the Director General
of Police, Mr. Kuldeep Khoda, Jammu and Kashmir Police organized an impressive
farewell parade at Armed Police Complex Zewan today. Mr. Khoda superannuated as
Director General of Police today.
A large number of
Jawans and officers from all the wings of Police Organisation attended the
farewell function, besides lady members of PWWA and families of police
personnel. On the occasion deliberations were held on the leadership qualities
of Mr. Khoda and highlighted the achievements of the Organisation under his
leadership as State Police Chief.
Addressing the galaxy
of officers and jawans, Mr. Khoda deliberated on his experiences during his 38
years career in Jammu and Kashmir Police. He said that he has always been proud
to be a member of JKP and has tried his best to serve the people of the State
through the Organization. Also having proud to lead the force as DGP, he tried
his utmost to make JKP a leading force in the country. He disclosed that JKP by
the dint of their valour and courage has succeeded to tackle various situations
from time to time and the valour of our jawans and officers is being discussed
at various forums at national level also, which is a great achievement for the
Organization. Sacrifices of more than 1500 jawans and officers of the force and
the people’s whole hearted cooperation encouraged the force to meet the
challenges with fortitude, he said.
Crediting the
people of the State, Mr. Khoda said that the force succeeded in bringing peace
in the State only with their cooperation and congenial atmosphere has been
restored in which people feel themselves secure.
He said that rich
police public relations at the grass root level encouraged the force to tackle
the law and order situations effectively and restore developmental activities
including tourist flow and educational activities. He said during my tenure as
Police Chief I am proud for avoiding collateral damages to save the human lives
and public property while conducting successful operations. The abilities of
the force were further recognized when the State Police was asked to frame
Standing Operative Procedure (SOP) which has been adopted by all police forces
in the country for controlling violent mobs by using minimum force.
Mr. Khoda referred his efforts to strengthen the Organization during his tenure
as DGP. He said that all components of the force were focussed upon and basic
facilities up-graded, besides raising manpower and building infrastructure. He
said that all the training institutions have been upgraded and more than 45,000
personnel acquainted with latest techniques of policing and investigation.
Revision of welfare measures twice during last five years was a revolutionary
achievement for the welfare of personal and their families. Up-gradation of
police hospitals in twin capital cities and police public schools were the
areas, focussed during the years, said Mr. Khoda.
He said that all these successes were made with the dedication of all members
of the force and the generous support of State Government and the guidance of
Chief Minister, Jenab Omar Abdullah and Minister of State for Home, Mr. Nasir
Aslam Waniom for which he is highly thankful to all
of them. He asked jawans and officers to continue public service and
safety their sole motive and wished that the Organization would achieve new
heights of success in
future.
Earlier, the
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Armed/Law & Order, Mr. K.
Rajendra Kumar, while commenting on the contribution made by the dynamic
professional officer as State Police Chief, said that he has worked on
different assignments in the Organization in the State and has always come up
to the aspiration of the department. He proved himself a sincere and dedicated
officer in the service of the public and the Organization feels proud for
working under the leadership of Mr. Khoda, he added.
Mr. Khoda has
distinction of leading Jammu and Kashmir Police during the challenging times
and under his dynamic leadership Jammu and Kashmir Police successfully tackled
various challenges and succeeded in restoring sustained peace in the State. Due
to his tremendous qualities of head and heart and able leadership, which
provided a great motivation to entire organisation, all challenges were met
with courage and fortitude. His keen interest for the welfare of police
personnel and their families, particularly the martyr’s families, would be
remembered, said Mr. Rajendra.
Referring the
contribution made by Mr. Khoda during his 38 years service career, especially
his five years tenure as DGP, Mr. Rajendra said that he was one of the most
professional officers of the Organization, by the dint of whose dedication and
valour, the Police Organization has achieved heights of excellence. He made JKP
an exemplary force which has been recognized at the national level.
The farewell function
was also attended by ADsGP, Dr. Ram Lubhaya, Dr. S. P. Vaid and Smt. D. R.
Doley, Dr. Indul Khoda, IsGP, Mr. S. M. Sahai, Mr. Dilbag Singh, Mr. Owais
Ahmed, Mr. Z. H. Chisti, Dr. B. Srinivas, Mr. A. K. Chowdhary, Mr. H. K.
Lohia, Mr. G. S. Salathia, Mr. Rauf-ul-Hassan, Mr. M. Sulaiman Salaria, Mr.
Farooq Khan, Mr. P. R. Manhas, Mr. Yoginder Koul, Mr. Alok Puri, Mr. Muneer
Khan, Mr. A. Q. Manhas and other senior police and civil officers , besides
large number of police families.
Disaster Management
Training commences at
Scholar's
School
SRINAGAR,
MAY 31: On the instructions of Deputy Controller, Civil Defence, Dy. SP Rafiq
Ahmed, five day’s basic disaster preparedness training commenced at Scholar’s
School Natipora.
Around 75 students are participating in the training. The team from Civil
Defence headed by ASI (M) Shabir Ahmed Khan comprised of CD trainers Mohammed
Hussain, Ghulam Nabi, Naseer Ahmed and Syed Abid. The students evinced keen
interest in the training. During the training the students will be taught first
aid, fire fighting, search and rescue.
Sagar takes stock of
development works at Teetwal, Karnah
SRINAGAR, MAY 31:
Minister for Rural Development, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar accompanied by MLA,
Karnah, Kafeel-ur-Rehman visited Teetwal and Tangdar block and took stock of
the development works under execution in these far flung areas of the State.
He interacted with
several deputations of Sarpanches and Panches who apprised him about various
problems confronting them.
Responding to their
demands, the Minister said that Government is committed to extend all basic
facilities to the people especially those living in remote areas of the State.
He announced Rs. 17
crores for watershed scheme however, asked for identifying land for the purpose
water harvesting locations, dams and plantation purposes. He also assured to
extend funds for construction of roads, bunds, bridges amounted to Rs. 18 crore
under MGNREGA.
He said that that it
is demand driven programme and there is no dearth of funds as the payments will
be drawn against completion of works. He said that Government aims at bringing
administration at the door step of people so that their problems and grievances
would be redressed as soon as possible.
Several major
initiatives have been taken in health, education and other vital sectors to
provide all the basic amenities to people.
Referring to launch
of RTI, Public service Guarantee Act and other steps to strengthen
accountability Commission and Vigilance organization, Mr. Sagar said that all
these measures are aimed at bring transparency and smooth attitude in
functioning of administration.
He said people of
different walks of life have hailed the Government for providing comfort and
restoration of peace in length and breadth of the State.
Rs. 2.21 Cr
macadamization of uptown Hyderpora roads in full swing: Nasir
‘Work on aggregated
18-km road length will be completed shortly’
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER, 17
– Minister of State for Home & Housing, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani, today took
stock on the ongoing macadamization work in several colonies in uptown
Hyderpora. The work, estimated to cost Rs. 2.21 crore, will cover aggregated
18-km road length and is being executed by Economic Reconstruction Agency
(ERA).
Director ERA, Mr. O.
P. Dubey along with his Project Manager and several other senior officers from
ERA were present on the occasion.
While inspecting the
quality of work at Gulberg and Shah Anwar colonies, the Minister asked ERA to
complete the macadamization of roads in the area in the coming two months.
“However, the work on inner roads in Gulberg colony will be completed in the
next fortnight,” he added.
The Minister said
with the macadamization of roads in the cluster of localities, all major
demands of the colonies in Hyderpora area had been met. “A major drainage
network connecting colonies alongside Srinagar Airport Road and Hyderpora
Bypass has been completed by ERA and made operational,” he said.
Laying of a proper
drainage network was a major demand of the residents who had to suffer in rainy
season as the water used to inundate inner roads and even their houses. The residents
present on the occasion thanked the Minister for taking personal interest in
the macadamization of roads.
Governor reviews
Yatra arrangements
SRINAGAR, MAY 31 – Mr. N. N. Vohra, Chairman, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board,
Governor Jammu and Kashmir, held a meeting today afternoon with Mr. Navin K.
Choudhary, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. P. P. Singh, Additional CEO, Mr. K. G.
Bamba, General Manager (Works) and other concerned Board officers to review the
progress of cutting and clearing the Yatra tracks along both the Baltal and
Pahalgam routes.
The review meeting expressed serious concern over the pace of progress because
of the repeated interruptions due to frequent spells of bad weather, rains and
fresh snows in the upper reaches. Under the Governor’s directions, a system has
been set up for daily review of weather conditions in the next 3 days. As
of today, as the weather will lift on 2nd June along the Baltal axis, the Governor and CEO shall undertake
an aerial reconnaissance on this date and also attempt landings at Panjtarni
and the Holy Cave.
The Governor is chairing another meeting tomorrow to review the
progress of work at the Base Casmps.
Rajendra takes over
charge of DGP
SRINAGAR MAY 31: Mr.
K. Rajendra Kumar Additional Director General of Police, Armed/Law & Order
took the charge of Director General of Police, Jammu & Kashmir this evening
from Mr. Kuldeep Khoda who attained superannuation today.
Mr. Rajendra, who is 1984 batch IPS officer, will hold the charge
till successor of Mr. Khoda joins. Mr. Rejendra has served in various
capacities including SP Doda, SSP Srinagar, DIG Srinagar, IGP Kashmir, IGP
Headquarters, IGP CID, IGP Jammu, and ADGP CID and is presently holding the
charge of ADGP Armed/Law & Order.
Addressing a simple
but impressive function on the occasion organized by PHQ officials, Mr. Khoda
expressed his gratitude to the PHQ officers and jawans for extending full
support during last five years as his tenure DGP. He hoped that all the staff
would continue with the same dedication and zeal in performing their
duties.
Mr. K. Rajendra while
reciprocating the outgoing the senior officer, Mr. Khoda said that the
department did yeoman’s service to public under his able guidance. He hoped
that Mr. Khoda will have healthy, proactive and successful post retirement
life. He said that the path shown by the officer will prove as a torch bearer
for new incumbents in police force.
Earlier, ADGP, Dr. S.
P. Vaid gave a detailed resume of the services rendered by Mr. Kuldeep Khoda
during his five years tenure as Chief of the organization.
PM appoints committee to
look into the design of future Production
Sharing Contracts in hydrocarbon exploration
New Delhi, May 31, 2012
In view of the considerable experience gained in awarding concessions
for oil and gas exploration and production over the last 15 years
under the New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP), there is a need to
look into how the policy design has impacted oil and gas exploration
and production. At the request of the Minister of Petroleum and
Natural Gas, the Prime Minister has approved the constitution of a
Committee to review Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) in Hydrocarbon
exploration.
The composition of the Committee is:
(i) Dr. C. Rangarajan, Chairman, PM`s Economic Advisory Council – Chairman
(ii) Shri B.K. Chaturvedi - Member, Planning Commission
(iii) Justice Shri Jagannadha Rao, Former Judge of the Supreme Court
(iv) Prof. Ramprasad Sengupta
(v) Shri J.M. Mauskar, former IAS Officer
(vi) Shri Joeman Thomas, MD, ONGC Videsh Ltd.
The Committee is to look into all modifications necessary for future
Production Sharing Contracts so as to enhance production of oil and
gas and the Government`s share of this while minimizing procedures for
monitoring the expenditure of producers.
The Terms of Reference of the Committee are:
(i) Review of the existing PSCs, including in respect of the current
profit-sharing mechanism with the Pre-Tax Investment Multiple (PTIM)
as the base parameter;
(ii) Exploring various contract models with a view to minimize the
monitoring of expenditure of the contractor without compromising,
firstly, on the hydrocarbons output across time and, secondly, on the
Government`s take;
(iii) A suitable mechanism for managing the contract implementation of
PSCs which is being handled at present by the representation of
Regulator/Government nominee appointed to the Managing Committee;
(iv) Suitable governmental mechanisms to monitor and to audit GOI
share of profit petroleum;
(v) Structure and elements of the Guidelines for determining the basis
or formula for the price of domestically produced gas, and for
monitoring actual price fixation;
(vi) Any other issues relating to PSCs.
Sharing Contracts in hydrocarbon exploration
New Delhi, May 31, 2012
In view of the considerable experience gained in awarding concessions
for oil and gas exploration and production over the last 15 years
under the New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP), there is a need to
look into how the policy design has impacted oil and gas exploration
and production. At the request of the Minister of Petroleum and
Natural Gas, the Prime Minister has approved the constitution of a
Committee to review Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) in Hydrocarbon
exploration.
The composition of the Committee is:
(i) Dr. C. Rangarajan, Chairman, PM`s Economic Advisory Council – Chairman
(ii) Shri B.K. Chaturvedi - Member, Planning Commission
(iii) Justice Shri Jagannadha Rao, Former Judge of the Supreme Court
(iv) Prof. Ramprasad Sengupta
(v) Shri J.M. Mauskar, former IAS Officer
(vi) Shri Joeman Thomas, MD, ONGC Videsh Ltd.
The Committee is to look into all modifications necessary for future
Production Sharing Contracts so as to enhance production of oil and
gas and the Government`s share of this while minimizing procedures for
monitoring the expenditure of producers.
The Terms of Reference of the Committee are:
(i) Review of the existing PSCs, including in respect of the current
profit-sharing mechanism with the Pre-Tax Investment Multiple (PTIM)
as the base parameter;
(ii) Exploring various contract models with a view to minimize the
monitoring of expenditure of the contractor without compromising,
firstly, on the hydrocarbons output across time and, secondly, on the
Government`s take;
(iii) A suitable mechanism for managing the contract implementation of
PSCs which is being handled at present by the representation of
Regulator/Government nominee appointed to the Managing Committee;
(iv) Suitable governmental mechanisms to monitor and to audit GOI
share of profit petroleum;
(v) Structure and elements of the Guidelines for determining the basis
or formula for the price of domestically produced gas, and for
monitoring actual price fixation;
(vi) Any other issues relating to PSCs.
Antony to address Asia
Security Summit
New Delhi, May 31, 2012
The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony will articulate New Delhi’s views
on ‘Protecting Maritime Freedoms’ at the 11th Asia Security Summit,
also known as Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday, June 02,
2012. The event has been taking place annually since 2002 and
organized by the International Institute of Strategic Studies.
On the sidelines of the event, Shri Antony will hold bilateral
discussions with a number of leaders from several Countries including
Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Singapore, South Korea, France, Canada and Tonga.
The minister leaves New Delhi tomorrow for Singapore and will be
accompanied by a lean delegation including the Defence Secretary Shri
Shashikant Sharma and the Chairman of the Integrated Defence Staff to
the Chiefs of Staff Committee Vice Admiral ShekharSinha.
Shri Antony returns home on Sunday.
New Delhi, May 31, 2012
The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony will articulate New Delhi’s views
on ‘Protecting Maritime Freedoms’ at the 11th Asia Security Summit,
also known as Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday, June 02,
2012. The event has been taking place annually since 2002 and
organized by the International Institute of Strategic Studies.
On the sidelines of the event, Shri Antony will hold bilateral
discussions with a number of leaders from several Countries including
Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Singapore, South Korea, France, Canada and Tonga.
The minister leaves New Delhi tomorrow for Singapore and will be
accompanied by a lean delegation including the Defence Secretary Shri
Shashikant Sharma and the Chairman of the Integrated Defence Staff to
the Chiefs of Staff Committee Vice Admiral ShekharSinha.
Shri Antony returns home on Sunday.
Final Results of Combined
Defence Services Examination (11), 2011
New Delhi, May 31, 2012
356 candidates have qualified the Combined Defence Services
Examination (11), 2011 for admission to the 133rd Course of Indian
Military Academy, Dehradun; Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala and Air
Force Academy, Hyderabad (Pre-Flying) Training Course. The list of the
candidates is in order of merit, but there are some common candidates
in the three lists for various courses. The CDS Exam (11) was
conducted by the Union Public Service Commission in September, 2011
and later on SSB interviews were held by the Services Selection Board
of the Ministry of Defence. It is underlined that the results of
Medical Examination have not been taken into account in preparing
these lists. The results will also be available on the UPSC website at
http://www.upsc.gov.in. However marks of the candidates will be
available on the website after completion of the entire process i.e
after declaration of final result of Officers Training Academy (OTA)
for Combined Defence Services Examination (11), 2011. For any further
information, the candidates may contact Facilitation Counter near Gate
“C” of the Commission’s Office, either in person or on telephone
Nos-011-23385271/011-23381125/
17:00 hours on any working day. [VOS]
New Delhi, May 31, 2012
356 candidates have qualified the Combined Defence Services
Examination (11), 2011 for admission to the 133rd Course of Indian
Military Academy, Dehradun; Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala and Air
Force Academy, Hyderabad (Pre-Flying) Training Course. The list of the
candidates is in order of merit, but there are some common candidates
in the three lists for various courses. The CDS Exam (11) was
conducted by the Union Public Service Commission in September, 2011
and later on SSB interviews were held by the Services Selection Board
of the Ministry of Defence. It is underlined that the results of
Medical Examination have not been taken into account in preparing
these lists. The results will also be available on the UPSC website at
http://www.upsc.gov.in. However marks of the candidates will be
available on the website after completion of the entire process i.e
after declaration of final result of Officers Training Academy (OTA)
for Combined Defence Services Examination (11), 2011. For any further
information, the candidates may contact Facilitation Counter near Gate
“C” of the Commission’s Office, either in person or on telephone
Nos-011-23385271/011-23381125/
17:00 hours on any working day. [VOS]
Hurriyat issues show-cause to Bhat, Nayeem, Inquilabi
Shah strictured, says can’t measure all by one rod
SRINAGAR May
31(VOS): In the backdrop of
indiscipline, Hurriyat Conference (M) led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has issued
show-cause notices top senior leaders Abdul Gani Bhat, Nayeem Ahmad Khan and
Azam Inquilabi with regard to their statements and indiscipline. The Hurriyat
Conference in a letter expressed displeasure to senior Hurriyat leader Shabir
Ahmad Shah for going public with the internal matters of the Hurriyat
Conference.
According
to VOS, while Bhat has been issued the notice for his statement at Botengo
Sopore in which he had called the UN resolutions on Kashmir ‘obsolete’, Khan
and Inquilabi have been asked to explain their indiscipline during the meeting
at Hurriyat Headquarters in Rajbagh. All the three leaders have been asked to
explain their behavior within ten days’ time.
The
leaders have been asked to show-cause within ten days’ time as to why they
should not be suspended from the Hurriyat Executive council. “It was decided in
the meeting that the Chairman will not only take action against Bhat for his
statement on US resolutions but he will also issue show-cause notices to Nayeem
Ahmad Khan and Azam Inquilabi in respect of their indiscipline and public
statements made in the background of Bhat statements”, read a press release
issued by the Hurriyat Conference here adding that the leaders must show cause
as to why they should not be suspended from the Hurriyat Executive.
Sources
told VOS that notifications in this regard have been issued to the three
leaders. Additionally Hurriyat has issued a letter to Democratic Freedom Party
President Shabir Ahmad Shah for going to media with his opinions and matters,
which according to Hurriyat, should have been raised in an appropriate manner
within the Hurriyat Conference.
Earlier
during the Hurriyat executive meeting Thursday held at Mirwaiz Umer Farooq’s
Nigeen residence, senior leader Shabir Ahmad Shah had demanded an open apology
and retraction of his statement pertaining to the UN resolutions by Ab Gani
Bhat or his expulsion from the Hurriyat Executive. According to sources, heated
verbal exchanges were heard when Shah made his statement in the meeting.
According
to VOS, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq made it clear during the meeting that the Hurriyat
constitution is supreme and no one will be allowed to harm it. He also
expressed displeasure over the incidents of indiscipline by members and warned
the members to desist from such behaviour.
Meanwhile,
Hurriyat leader and Peoples Conference Chairman Bilal Gani Lone was conspicuous
by his absence during the meet. However, Bilal told VOS that he could not attend the meeting as had gone to Kupwara for
attending a function organised on the 10th anniversary of his father Ab Gani Lone.
Hurriyat
Conference, later in the day issued a statement where it cautioned its members
to be alert of the designs of anti people and anti freedom elements. Hurriyat
also pledged to take the ongoing freedom movement to its logical conclusion
according to the wishes and aspiration of people.
While
speaking to VOS, Shabir Ahmad Shah said that the decision of the Hurriyat
Conference was not fair as according to him the blunder of Bhat cannot be
equated with mistakes of other party leaders. Nayeem Ahmad Khan while speaking
to VOS said that he will not comment on the issue. “I will comment only after
going through the notice”, Khan said.
Police Foil Local Bodies’ Employees Protest March.
Cmr. SMC pleads ignorance, asks agitating employees to get back to
work
Srinagar, May 31 (VOS): Police on Thursday scuttled the protest march of Urban
Local Bodies employees here lodging many into police custody.
Eye
witnesses told VOS that hundreds of Local bodies’ employees on Thursday
gathered at Old secretariat Srinagar and began to march towards the civil
secretariat; however Police did not allow them to come out of the main gate.
The employees later staged a sit in at the main gate of Old secretariat
following which some leaders of the Municipal employees union including its president
Manzoor Ahmad, Chief Advisor Gh. Ahmad Magray, and Ab. Hameed Wagay were taken
into custoday and lodged at nearby shaheed gunj Police station.
Talking
to VOS over Phone, President of the Muncipal Employees Union Manzoor Ahmad
blamed government for not heeding ear to their demands." Local body
employees are without salry for last five months. They don't care for our
families and children", lamented Manzoor, adding that there were some
officers in the Housing and Urban development department who were creating fuss
and were against the valley Muncipal Committes. “Some officers are there in the
HuD department who don't want our demands be met", asserted Ahmad.
Calling
for an emergency meeting of the union on Saturday, Muncipal Employees Union
president said, that the Muncipal Reforms Commission headed by former
bureaucrat Lanker had suggested 69 recommendations in 2004-05, however he
claimed that just one, recommendation No. 33 (Population and area) had been
implemented which has broken the spine of the Municipal committee employees.
“This recommendation suggests a cut in the grant in aid for employee salary
which has badly effected our lives", Manzoor claimed.
Interestingly government had
passed an order for reorganization of the Local bodies in year 2008 under govt.
order no. 214/HUD, dt. 23- 05-2008, following which some 4000 posts were
created in the Municipal committees across the state. However employees blame
that despite according sanction to the creation of these posts, the employees
are now being asked to mobilize the local resources within the respective
Municipal Committees for generating their salary.Pertinenetly there are 46
municipal Committees in Kashmir and 33 in Jammu division.
Meanwhile
Commissioner Srinagar Muncipal Corporation Dr. G.N Qasba while pleading
ignorance about the protest told VOS that the employees should get back to
work. “I am not aware of any such protest march. If they had some problems,
they should have approached me", Qasba told VOS. “My massage to
these employees would be to get back to their job and work hard", Qasba
added. Regarding the withholding of salary, the officer asked the employees to
approach him. "Let them come to me, if their salary is due, I will release
it within 2 seconds", Qasba said.
Meanwhile
JCC leaders Ab. Qayoom Wani and Mohamamd Khursheed Alam have condemned the
Police action on Local Bodies Employees on Thursday (VOS)
Calls for a massive protest March On June 26 in support of R-eT
teachers
Srinagar, May 31 (VOS): Setting a deadline for the state government to solve the
problems of Rehbar e Taleem, Education Volunteers and Migrant employees, Jammu
and Kashmir Teacher's Forum has threatened of a massive agitation in the fag
end of June.
Addressing
a press conference at DIET Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir Teacher's Forum Chairman
and EJAK (Q) President Abdul Qayoom Wani on Thursday said that Chief Minister
Omar Abdullah had promised swift action to solve the problems of ReT teachers
and EV's on Teacher's day last year. ”CM had asked higher authorities in
education department including the then Education Minster Peerzada Mohammad
Syed to clear the pending files with regard to inclusion of five years in the
services of R,ETs, their transfer policy, regularization of EV's after
completion of seven years service and inclusion of 15 years in the services of
Migrant teachers, and if there was any issues that needed his (CM's) clearance,
the file may be put immediately for his approval", Wani said.
Wani,
however, claimed that eight months have passed by since and the files haven't
moved even an inch. “They are trying to discredit Chief Minster in Public and
to some extent they have succeeded in it, but I now warn government to not test
our patience anymore", cautioned Wani, adding that if government did not
act until June 25, teachers will be up in arms the next day in solidarity with
their fellow ReT, EV and Migrant teachers. “We are giving them a dead line of
June 25 and if they fail to meet our demands, thousands of teachers will
assemble the next day on 26th at Sher e Kashmir Park to stage a one day protest
gainst the government apathy towards teachers", Wani warned.
He
added that Teacher's forum has been pressing for inclusion of five years in
service for Rehbar e Taleem teachers and implementation of transfer policy for
them, Regularization of Education Volunteers (EV's) after completion of seven
years of their service and taking 15 years of service into account for teachers
and other employees having been adjusted against Migrant Posts. “Govt. has
become habitual of trashing its promises and the documental assurances. When
they sense any upheaval, they resort to promising and documenting the
assurances, but when things calm down, they forget everything." lamented
Wani.
Later
Talking to VOS, Wani lambasted government for not displaying any
seriousness in solving the issues that confront the employees particularly the
Rehbar e Taleem teachers. “We can't afford to ignore the problems of R-Ets and
Ev's. They have been the driving force for the education department and any
injustice to them won't be tolerated", Wani told VOS.
Meanwhile
Wani asked all zonal and district presidents of the Forum to start preparations
for the June 26 show down.
He
was flanked by other forum leaders including, Gh. Mohamad Hamdard, Syed Aftab
Andrabi, Gh. Mohammad Bhat, Mohammad Sulyman Bhat, Mohamad Iqbal Baig, Mohamad
Ishaq Ganie, Harpal Singh Bali, Pirzada Nisar Ahmad and others. (VOS)
CPI (M) demands rollback of petrol price hike
SRINAGAR May
31(VOS): As part of
country-wide protest by left parties, CPI (M) workers Thursday held a protest
rally at Srinagar against the recent petrol price hike.
Hundreds
of party activists converged at Pratap Park, here. As the activists moved
from the venue towards Divisional Commissioner’s office, the police contingent,
deployed prevented the protestors from holding the demonstration and stopped
them from moving forward.
While
addressing the rally CPI (M) State Secretary Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said that
the criminal policies of the UPA government at the centre worsened the economic
condition of the people. Terming the petrol price hike as yet another cruel
blow on the livelihood of the aam aadmi, he said that common
man was already reeling under high inflation and sky rocketing price hike.
Questioning
the functioning of the petroleum ministry at the centre, he said that oil
companies and big corporate houses were offered packages and incentives at the
cost of common man’s interests. “There is no way out except to launch to united
struggles to force the govt to reverse these anti people policies”, Tarigami
said.
“Sustained
and united movements have to be organized in order to protect the livelihood of
the aam aadmi. No illusions but protected struggles of the
down trodden can force the policy makers to desist from adopting such inhuman
policies”, he added
CPI
(M) leadrs Gh Nabi Mlaik, Abdul Hameed Wani, Mohammad Afzal Parry, Ghulam
Mohiudin Lone and youth leader Arshad Hussain Baba also addressed the rally and
stressed the necessity for initiating organized movements in the state in order
to get the demands met.
Similar
protest rally was organized at Jammu by CPI (M) activists, which was addressed
among others, by Sham Prasad Kesar, Secretary Jammu Regional Committee CPI (M).
This
unwarranted and undemocratic act of police angered the demonstrators who
shouted slogans like “Tana Shahi Nahin Chalegi, roll back petrol
prices “
Fulfill legitimate demands of NYC volunteers: Tarigami
SRINAGAR May
31(VOS): CPI (M) State
Secretary M.Y Tarigami has urged the government to concede to the legitimate
demands of National Youth Corps volunteers, who are on hunger strike for last 3
days.
Addressing
the NYC’s at Press Enclave today he said that their services in turbulent
time’s warrants justice in shape of regularization without any further delay. “Despite assurances by the government time and again the demands of
the NYC’s yet await fulfillment”, he said and added that assurances need to be
corroborated by the practical measures on the part of the government to address
their grievances.
Urging
upon the government to be sensitive towards the genuine issues of NYC
volunteers, Tarigami said the pending regularization is against the doctrine of
social security, which according to him, only breeds disgust and dejection.
Soz congratulates youth congress leaders
SRINAGAR May
31(VOS): Former Union
Minister and President J&K Pradesh Congress Committee Saifuddin Soz
has offered greetings to Shahnawaz Chowdhary and Pranab Shagotra for
respectively getting elected as President and Vice President of the J&K
Pradesh Youth Congress through elections organized by All India Youth
Congress.
Soz
also congratulated other Youth Congress leaders who got elected as General
Secretaries. He further congratulated Youth Congress Leaders who got elected in
Parliamentary and Assembly Segments.
Soz
has expressed hope that the State’s Youth Congress rededicate
itself for promoting mission of the service to the people set by
the President All India Congress Committee Sonia Gandhi and General Secretary
All India Congress Committee Rahul Gandhi.
Lokpal will render PDP leaderless: Kamal
SRINAGAR May
31(VOS): National Conference additional General Secretary Dr. Mustafa Kamal
Thursday said that PDP does not need to make noise over the issue of corruption
which, according to him, is already being taken care of by the present
dispensation. He also alleged the PDP led government of making the state
accountability Commission
redundant.
Dr. Kamal said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is committed to ensure the state is corruption free and as such have taken a number of initiatives to fight the corrupt with utmost sincerity. “The government led by Omar Abdullah has taken exemplary step by giving full powers to the accountability commission to get the state rid of corruption and corrupt elements and is extremely serious and sincere in its efforts”, said Kamal while addressing a one day convention at Shallbug, Ganderbal.
Dr. Kamal said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is committed to ensure the state is corruption free and as such have taken a number of initiatives to fight the corrupt with utmost sincerity. “The government led by Omar Abdullah has taken exemplary step by giving full powers to the accountability commission to get the state rid of corruption and corrupt elements and is extremely serious and sincere in its efforts”, said Kamal while addressing a one day convention at Shallbug, Ganderbal.
While
lashing out at the opposition the Additional General Secretary said that the
PDP talks about Lokpal and corruption while as they have forgotten that most of
their ministers were involved in corrupt practices. “If the lokpal starts
functioning then PDP will be leaderless, that was the reason they opposed the
revival of State Accountability Commission (SAC) and opposed the Chairman
because cases against a number of their leaders are pending and they were aware
that if the commission is revived, they would have to be behind the bars” said
Kamal. “It was the fear of being exposed that was preventing the opposition
from ensuring revival of SAC” he added.
“Mufti
Sayeed is habitual of making apathetic noises and has been doing so since he
lost his government”, alleged Kamal
Others who spoke on the occasion were Provincial President Ali Mohd Dar, Provincial Secretary G.A. Saloora, Dist President Abdul Rehman Mir and Gulzar Khan.
Others who spoke on the occasion were Provincial President Ali Mohd Dar, Provincial Secretary G.A. Saloora, Dist President Abdul Rehman Mir and Gulzar Khan.
Cabinet to meet at Gurez next month
SRINAGAR May
31(VOS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah after chairing a meeting of the state
cabinet at Tangdar near the Line of Control (LoC) Wednesday has said the next
month's cabinet meeting will be held at Gurez town in Bandipora district.
"Next month a similar cabinet meeting will be held in Gurez," Omar said on the micro blogging website Twitter.
The chief minister also announced that the cabinet meeting, held on the last Wednesdays of every month, will be held outside the two capital cities of the state.
"Last Wednesday of every month the cabinet will meet outside Srinagar (and) Jammu," he said.
"Next month a similar cabinet meeting will be held in Gurez," Omar said on the micro blogging website Twitter.
The chief minister also announced that the cabinet meeting, held on the last Wednesdays of every month, will be held outside the two capital cities of the state.
"Last Wednesday of every month the cabinet will meet outside Srinagar (and) Jammu," he said.
"Had
a very productive visit to Karnah (Tangdhar), Time will tell if we are able to
deliver the results of such cabinet meetings to the areas we visit," he
said about his new initiative.
Shahnawaz Choudhary new Youth Congress President
SRINAGAR May
31(VOS): Young Congress leaders, Mohammad Shahnawaz Choudhary has been
Thursday elected as the President of the J&K State Youth Congress.
Choudhary, hailing from Poonch district, has been earlier working in the Youth
Congress Wing of All India Congress Committee.
Out
of a total polled 4904 polled votes, Choudhary bagged 1555 votes. Pranab
Shagotra who bagged 1458 votes has been elected as the Vice President.
Establishment of new hospitals in city
Civil society welcomes government decision
SRINAGAR May
31(VOS): Members of the civil society Thursday welcomed the announcement of
the government for setting up of two new maternity and childcare hospitals in
Srinagar city.
“This
is a step in the right direction. It is a need of the hour that we need more
maternity and child hospitals in Srinagar. I welcome this effort”, said
renowned doctor G.Q Allaqaband. Allaqaband also expressed concern over the pace
of developmental works and desired that these hospitals be built on war footing
basis. “My only concern is as to how quickly these hospitals will be built”,
added the veteran medico.
As
per pace of works in the state, it will take 5 to 6 years. I suggest that these
hospitals should be built on turnkey basis so that the works could be completed
on war footing basis”, Allaqaband added.
Kashmir
Civil Society forum member Omar Tramboo has also welcomed the step and said
that the government deserves appreciation for these steps.
In
response to a question about the fixing of responsibility of the recent deaths
at the G.B Pant hospital Dr Allaqaband said that responsibilities should be
fixed. “There should be a proper inquiry. Responsibilities should be fixed and
action should be taken against negligent elements”, Dr Allaqaband said adding
that bereaved families should be compensated accordingly
Americans to
wage civil war against capitalist one-percenters: Analyst
The people in the United States will eventually launch a civil
war against the minority capitalist cartels who are making enormous profits at
the cost of the people’s sufferings, a political analyst tells Press TV.
“Ultimately, people in the US are turning these international wars of aggression around and they are turning them into a civil war against the one percent that profits it as human suffering goes on,” said Caleb Maupin, with the International Action Center from New York, in a Wednesday interview with Press TV.
Maupin pointed to Washington’s resolve to continue its military adventurism across the world amid the deepening economic crisis in the country and the aggravating life conditions for the American public.
“Fundamentally, this is because the bankers and the one percent
that run this country, the wealthy ruling class, have profits to be made from
international aggression and from committing crimes and that is an outrage,” he
added.
“People are realizing that here in the US and that is why we are seeing all these uprisings; that is why these demonstrations are happening,” the analyst pointed out.
Last week, the US Census Bureau’s annual report revealed that the poverty rate among American women and children reached a 17-year record high in 2010, standing at 14.5 percent.
This is while in the 2012 fiscal year, Washington has allocated USD 531 billion for its base military budget and USD 115 billion for overseas contingency operations.
Meanwhile, the Republicans who control the US House have embarked on cuts to food aid, health care and social services in an attempt to boost Pentagon spending.
The exacerbating economic conditions, corruption, poverty, as well as social and economic inequality in the US have sparked the anti-capitalism Occupy movement in major cities in the US since September 2011.
The protesters use the slogan, "We are the 99 percent" to distinguish themselves from the one percent of Americans who are in possession of the greatest portion of the nation's wealth.
Iran censures
efforts to hinder its collaboration with IAEA
Iran’s Permanent Representative to the International Atomic
Energy Agency (IAEA) Ali-Asghar Soltanieh has denounced efforts by some
countries to manipulate the cooperation between Tehran and the UN agency.
Speaking at a press briefing following an IAEA technical meeting in Vienna, Wednesday evening, Soltanieh explained the technical details in the latest report by the agency’s Director General Yukiya Amano on Iran’s nuclear energy program, emphasizing that all member countries must allow Iran and the agency to continue with their ongoing technical and professional cooperation.
Following his return to Vienna from a May 22 visit to the Islamic Republic, Amano announced plans to sign an agreement with Iran, intended to resolve Western issues with the country’s nuclear energy program.
The Wednesday meeting was held prior to next Monday’s gathering of IAEA’s Board of Governors to discuss Amano’s latest report on Iran’s nuclear energy program and how the agency’s monitoring efforts were being conducted.
During the meeting, IAEA’s Deputy Director General Herman Nackaerts offered explanations on Amano’s recent report, following which representatives of some member countries asked questions on certain technical aspects of the report.
Earlier on Saturday, Soltanieh criticized the Western media hype to politicize an ordinary technical issue mentioned in the latest IAEA report on Iran’s nuclear activities.
The report mentioned that traces of uranium enriched to purities of 27 percent were found at the Fordow site.
Soltanieh criticized the Western media’s publicity campaign on the matter, insisting that “as mentioned in the IAEA report, the issue is a normal technical subject that is being investigated by experts.”
He also charged that the Western press follow certain “political
objectives” by addressing “minor technical issues” that are common in nuclear
facilities of other nations as well.
“Highlighting and politicizing a technical issue indicates certain attempts to contaminate the atmosphere of constructive cooperation between Iran and the IAEA,” he added.
The envoy also pointed out that the IAEA report once again proved the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear activities and rejected Western allegations on the country’s nuclear activities.
The report further confirmed that Iran's nuclear activities, particularly the uranium enrichment, were being successfully carried out, without any interruption and under the IAEA supervision, Soltanieh added.
Iran enriches uranium to 20 percent to provide fuel for Tehran’s Research Reactor, which produces medical isotopes for cancer patients.
Iran has frequently maintained that it does not need or intend to enrich uranium at levels above the required 20 percent.
