Minor reshuffle in civil administration.
Adhoc, Contractual, Consolidated Employees in health deptt. Regularized.

Zaffar Ahmad Posted as New Director Information

Srinagar, 10 May (VOS):State Cabinet in a minor reshuffle on Thursday transferred ten senior offices, while as Cabinet approved the regularization of adhoc, contractual and consolidated employees working in Health and Medical Education Department. According to VOS, Cabinet which met for the first time after Darbar Move at Srinagar under Chief Minster Omar Abdullah, ordered these transfers and postings. Director Information and Public Relations Department Khawja Farooq Renzu Shah has been asked to report to the General Administration Department, whereas Zaffar Ahmad, Special Secretary in Chief Minister's secretariat, has been posted as Director Information in place of Farooq Renzu shah. K B Agarwal has been posted as Financial Commissioner in Revenue Department and has been asked to hold additional charge as Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Special Tribunal.  According to VOS, Umang Narula was transferred and posted as Commissioner-Secretary in Forest Department, while Shant Manu took his place as Commissioner-Secretary in Industries and Commerce Department. Bipul athak was posted as Commissioner-Secretary in Animal Husbandry Department, relieving Shaleen Kabra of the additional charge.  The cabinet also transferred Commissioner Secretary Higher Education Tanveer Jahan . She has been posted as Commissioner-Secretary in Public Works Department, while as Syed Mohammad Fazlullah was posted as Commissioner-Secretary in Cooperative Department. M K Dwivedi was posted Secretary in Health and Medical Education Department. Gazanfar Hussain was posted as Secretary in Higher Education Department, relieving Tanveer Jahan of additional charge of both the departments. Mohammad Ashraf Bukhari, Secretary of Public Service Commission, was transferred and posted as Secretary in Information and Science Technology Department. Directorate of Information Cabinet approves regularization of Adhoc, contractual, consolidated employees in H&ME department Draft 5 year plan also approved The State Cabinet approved the regularization of adhoc, contractual and consolidated employees working in Health and Medical Education Department.

           The Cabinet also gave its nod for transfer of State Land measuring 202 Kanals and 12 Marlas in favour of Industries and Commerce Department for setting up industrial estate at Trajoor in Majaltaa Tehsil of District Udhampur. It also approved transfer of state land measuring 123 kanals and 13 marlas in favour of Industries and Commerce Department for setting up of silk cluster at Thanda Pani in Tehsil Sunderbani of District Rajouri. The Cabinet approved use of 0.50 hectare of strip plantation area at Awantipora and Galander Pampore units of social forestry department coming in the 4 laning of NH-1A by NHAI. It also approved use of 0.90 hectare of forest land for construction of Mini Secretariat at Mendhar, besides use of 1.51 hectare of forest land coming in 4 laning of Jammu Udhampur section.
Moreover, the Cabinet approved change of nomenclature of Allopathic dispensaries into “New Type Primary Health Centres” and Medical Aid Centers into “Sub Centers”. The Draft 12th Five year plan 2012-17 and Annual plan 2012-13 was also approved in today’s cabinet meeting.

Mirwaiz takes a dig on CM, says Separatists doesn't need any
certificate for proving the representative Character.
Bilal Apologizes, Bhat says, UN resolution provides legal cover to K Dispute.


Srinagar, 10 May (VOS):                  Apologizing for the events that took place at Hurriyat headquarters on Tuesday, Senior Huuriyat leader Bilal Gani Lone on Thursday said that there was no role for mainstream politicians in the resolution of Kashmir issue." I want to tell those who have lost their dear ones in pursuit of freedom, that the ongoing movement is the asset of the people of Jammu and Kashmir." Bilal Lone said during his address to party delegates at Town Hall Kulgam on Thursday. While referring to the Tuesday’s incident at Hurriyat headquarters said, " You must have saddened with the events that took place at Rajbagh for which i seek an apology to my nation." Lone pleaded.

According to VOS, Lone while ruling out any possibility of contesting the 2014 elections said, " I will take forward the mission of my late Father and there is no way of entering into mainstream polity."Meanwhile retracting from his earlier stand, another separatist leader Prof. Abdul Gani Bhat said that United Nations resolutions were providing the legal cover to the Kashmir dispute, he however said that if any solution during the negotiations between India, Pakistan and pro-freedom leadership of Kashmir, emerges, Hurriyat (M) was willing to take that." Kashmirs have the right to decide about their fate themselves." Bhat said in his address.

According to VOS, Hurriyat( M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said that Hurriyat was the custodian of the sacrifices and freedom movement of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and said that though different constituents of the platform  might have different opinions but every individual and constituent party was united as for as destination was concerned.
Without naming Chief Minster Omar Abdullah, Mirwaiz said, “In presence of seven lakh troops and under the cover of black laws, people asking Hurriyat to prove the representative character should realize their position first." He added, “How Could those who can not even move an inch without the orders of Unified Command and can't sentence the persons convicted by their own courts claim of being the representative of the Kashmir nation."

Later talking to VOS, Hurriyat (M) Chairman said, " We are not averse to dialogue process  but the process that is not serious viz a viz Kashmir dispute will be nothing but a futile exercise."Mirwaiz condemned the use of force on Employees but added that employees also should realize their responsibilities towards society.Others who addressed the public meet organized by People's Conference (B)  were Mukhtar Ahmad Waza, Syed Ab. Manan Bukhari, Hakeem Ab.Rashid and Syed Bashir Andrabi.

Shah cautions against ‘elements’ trying to divide society on Sectarian Lines.



Srinagar, 10 May (VOS): Democratic Freedom Party has castigated the state govt. for keeping its President and Senior Hurriyat Leader Shabir Ahamd Shah under continuous 'house arrest'. " It is ironic  that those who claim to be the custodians of democracy are restricting the movement of their political opponents."  Party spokesman said in a statement to VOS on Thursday. He added that Shah's life was like an open book and an epitome of freedom struggle. Meanwhile shah asked people to be aware of the elements which he said were involved in creating trouble on sectarian and communal basis. “Pro-freedom people ought to unveil such elements." added Shah. (VOS)

Governor, Singh discuss Disaster Management preparedness

Srinagar, 10 May (VOS):        K. M. Singh, Member, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), met  N. N. Vohra, Governor, at Raj Bhavan here today. During their over hour long meeting, the Governor had wide-ranging discussions with  Singh on a wide spectrum of issues relating to Disaster Management, particularly focusing on the vital importance of implementing schemes for securing capacity building and preparedness of all concerned stakeholders within and outside the State Government agencies, effectively training identified manpower and taking all required measures which would enable the State Disaster Management Authority to timely and effectively deal with emergent situations like earthquakes, floods, snow avalanches, landslides and other calamities. The Governor and Singh also deliberated the modalities for putting in place an effective Disaster Management Plan for  Amarnathji Yatra 2012 with a view to evolving an optimum level of preparedness and response during a worst case scenario, evacuation arrangements and medical preparedness at the various en-route Camps etc. They also reviewed the Disaster management preparedness and anti-stampede measures in respect of the  Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage.

Soz ,Jora condoles death of Vijay Malla

Passing away of Late. Vijay Malla  is a great loss to  Kashmir music industry

Srinagar, 10 May (VOS):        Prof.Saifuddin Soz MP (Former Union Minister) & President J&K  Pradesh Congress Committee expressed his deepest anguish over the passing away of  Ghazal Maestro Vijay Malla who passed away Wednesday after suffering from massive heart attack  at his residence. Prof. Soz said that the death of Vijay Malla has come as shock for the Kashmiri Music Industry.. Vijay Malla was renowned singer of the valley and his death has created a deep void in the Music Industry and it is difficult to fill the gap. He was a symbol of simplicity, Prof. Soz said. Prof. Soz prayed for the peace to departed soul and offered his condolences to family members of Late. Vijay Malla

Meanwhile, Minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora and Prof.Saifuddin Soz MP (Former Union Minister) & President J&K Pradesh Congress Committee has expressed grief over the sad demise of Known Kashmiri Singer Vijay Malla describing his death great loss to the artists fraternity and the society. In his condolence message, Jora conveyed his sympathies with the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.

Sagar for early completion of development projects

            

Srinagar, 10 May (VOS):        While asking the officers to speed up the process of implementation of various development projects initiated by the government, the Minister for Rural Development, Law, Justice, Panchayat & Parliamentary Affairs has said that the same is necessary for the timely completion and ensuring that the people get the requisite facilities. The Minister was speaking a high level meting conveyed to discuss the status of implementation of various developmental programs initiated by the government. Minister of State for R&B, Javiad Ahmead Dar, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, MD-JKPCC, Chief Engineers, R&B, Irrigation and other senior officers of various departments and executing agencies were present. The Minister while directing the officers to ensure that the bottle necks if any in the beatification project of old Zaina kadal are removed within the shortest possible time so that the work on the prestigious project being implemented on the heritage pattern is speeded up. “It has been the endeavor of government to ensure sustained development of the one of oldest living cities of the world keeping in view the existing architecture besides in cooperating various new other technologies prevalent”, he stressed.

             Sagar also directed MD-JKPCC to speed up the pace of work on the prestigious projects of Dastageer and Naqshaband Sahib as the people of the state have an emotional and religious affiliation with them and utmost care should be taken to it that they are completed within shortest possible time. Referring to the prestigious Syed Mirakshah road, the minister asked the officers to carry out the acquisition of the structures left if any so that work on this project aimed to stream line the traffic in the old city  is carried out without any impediment. He also asked them to settle all the leftover compensation cases by providing the requisite reimbursement. The Minister also asked all the executing agencies to work in close coordination with each other so that the execution is carried out in synergized manner and completed in the shortest possible time. The Minister later met a deputation of Panches and Sarpanches representing different areas of the valley while expressing satisfaction on the initiatives under taken by the present government, they thanked the government for providing requisite powers under the act and said that they would continue to work for accelerating the development in rural and far-flung areas. The Minister while interacting with deputation assured them that the necessary orders have already been passed for ensuring their proper empowerment and in this regard in a high level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister the necessary instructions were passed to the administrative secretaries of various departments to ensure that the orders of empowerment are implemented in letter and spirit at ground level.

3 Died, 3 injured in road mishaps

Srinagar, 10 May (VOS):        Three persons died and three others were injured in different road accidents across the Kashmir Valley. A Bus bearing registration number JK01/0611 hit a pedestrian Abdul Gani Rah son of Jamal resident of Chanapora Srinagar at Main Bazar, Awantipora, falling under the jurisdiction of police station Awantipora, resulting in his on the spot death. A case has been registered in this regard. In another road accident, a Truck without number hit and injured a girl Dilshada daughter of Mohammad Iqbal resident of Kalakote Rajouri, at present Nowgam near Railway Crossing Nowgam, Srinagar. The injured was shifted to SMHS Srinagar for treatment, where she succumbed to her injuries. A case has been registered in this regard. In another road accident a Maruti Car bearing registration number JK09/2016 coming from Shrant towards Khurhama driven by Manzoor Ahmed Mir son of Abdul Samad resident of Khurhama got skidded off from the road and rolled down, resulting in injuries to the driver and other person Mushtaq Ahmad Khatana son of Shams-ud-din resident of Shrant. Both the injured were shifted to hospital. While on way to the hospital driver Manzoor Ahmed succumbed to his injuries. A case has been registered in this regard.

               In another road accident, a Quails vehicle bearing registration number JK01F/1607 driven by Irfan Ahmed Pandoo son of Abdul Hamid resident of Soura on way to Awantipora from Srinagar, hit and injured a labour Muzamil Ahmed Rather age 22 years son of Ghulam Hassan resident of Chandhora, working with National Highway Authority of India at Galander Chowk, Awantipora, falling under the jurisdiction of police station Awantipora. The injured was shifted to SKIMS, Soura, and Srinagar for treatment. A case has been registered in this regard.

               In another road accident a Tipper, bearing registration number JK09/4962 hit and injured a pedestrian Javid Ahmed Gani son of Nazir Ahmed resident of Zehanpora. The injured was shifted District Hospital Baramulla for treatment. A case has been registered in this regard.

MVD launches drive to implement HC orders.

Srinagar, 10 May (VOS):Days after High court asked state govt. to remove the black tinted films from the vehicles, Motor vehicles department swung into action in Pulwama district of South Kashmir on Thursday, removing the tinted films from at least 53 vehicles including some government cars. ARTO Malik Tahir told VOS that MVD held a special drive against the offenders of Motor Vehicles Act and slapped fine of 63,000 Rs. on various offenders. Meanwhile MVD department ceased 3 Tippers, I taveera, 1 Tata Sumo and some motorcycles for not having the requisite documents.

J&K Postal Circle Bags All India Speed Post Award

Srinagar, 10 May (VOS):J&K postal circle has been awarded Speed Post Award for its excellent performance in Speed Post Services.  The Speed Post award was given to  John Samuel, Chief Post Master General, J&K Circle by  Kapil Sibal, Hon’ble Minister of Communications and Information Technology and HRD, Govt. of India, at Speed Post  25th Anniversary function held at New Delhi. Speaking on the occasion,  Kapil Sibal, Hon’ble Minister of Communications and IT, appreciated Karnataka Postal Circle and J&K Postal Circle for the initiatives taken by the Chief Post Master Generals. He said that Department of Posts will go for a major transformation across India by providing better postal services and better logistic services.At All India Level, J&K Circle has stood first in Post  Office Saving Bank performance and it has secured second position in Speed Post. During the last year, one of the Post women from Rajouri received the Best Postman Award at the All India Level and during this year J&K Postal Circle has received the Speed Post awards at the national level for its best performance. 

Nawang , Aslam inaugurates TRC Cheshmashashi, 

 Conference hall, dormitory at Lala Rukh Hotel

 JKTDC creating new assets of Rs. 19 cr for tourists in Kashmir

Srinagar, 10 May (VOS):Minister for Tourism and Culture,  Nawang Rigzin Jora today inaugurated 10 upgraded rooms, conference hall and dormitory in Lala Rukh Hotel Srinagar. He also inaugurated Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) at Cheshmashashi. Minister of State for Tourism & Culture and Home  Nasir Aslam wani was also present on the occasion. The up gradation work of 10 rooms, conference hall and dormitory have been completed at an expenditure of Rs. 50 lakh by Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC). These up gradations have been done for facility of tourists, who are being provided all sorts of comforts in the hotel. The Conference hall would provide conference facility to over 300 people at a time and dormitory accommodate 50 packs.

Commissioner Secretary, Tourism and Culture,  Atul Duloo, Director Tourism, Kashmir,  Farooq Ahmed Shah, Managing Director, JKTDC,  Satish Nehru, other senior officers of JKTDC besides a large number of tourists were present at the inaugural function. 

Earlier, the Lala Rukh Restaurant was also open for public after a gap of 20 years by the corporation.  Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that to provide quality facilities to the visiting tourists the tourist related infrastructure is being upgraded at potential spots, adding that JKTDC only is expending Rs. 4 crore for up gradation of its infrastructure throughout the state during current fiscal. He said Rs. 19 crore is also being spent on creating new assets in the shape of budgetary accommodation at Yusmarg, Sonamarg, Gulmarg and Cheshmashashi tourist spots through the corporation. Jora said in order to provide quality hospitality and cuisine facilities to the tourists at Tangmarg on way to Gulmarg, the gutted restaurant is being reconstructed at a cost of Rs. 60 lakh, would be completed this fiscal, adding that reconstruction of Patnitop club which was earlier under the occupation of security forces is also being taken up at a cost of Rs. 65 lakh. The Minister said that the construction work of Budshah Hotel Srinagar is near completion at a cost of Rs. 4 crore and it has given a new look to Lal Chowk area. He said 40 rooms of Hotel Heemal have also been upgraded by expending Rs. 45 lakh, besides the dilapidated 7 huts at Cheshmashahi have been reconstructed with an expenditure of Rs. 60 lakh by the corporation for facilitation of tourists. The Minister while appreciating the efforts of the corporation, called upon the management to work with more zeal and dedication for making it more vibrant and commercial. He also stressed upon the corporation workers for providing better hospitality facilities to the visiting tourists and also instructed for keeping cleanliness in and around the corporation assets. 

PDP concerned over the damage of property due to fire incident in Gamroo Bandipora

Srinagar, 10 May (VOS):Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) has expressed  deep concern over the damage to the property by fire incident occurred  last night in which about three houses , an Anaganwari Centre and a cow shed was gutted  at Gamroo village of Bandipora. MLA Bandipora and Senioe leader PDP Nizamudin Bhat  while visiting the effected families Expressed his  deep sympathies with the effected families and  demanded immediate relief and rehabilitation  of the fire victims. He  also expressed anguish over the slow and blind approach of  the administration for not reaching the families and not  providing them any immediate relief. Bhat urged the govt to provide free blankets, ration and Tin sheets including timber to them so that these families would get their houses repaired

J&K Bank opens B/U at Dayala Chak, Kathua

Srinagar, 10 May (VOS):Committed to provide state-of-the-art banking facilities to the people of state, J&K Bank today inaugurated a fully computerized Business Unit (B/U) at Dayala Chak, Kathua. Minister of State, Finance & Planning, Dr Manohar Lal Sharma snapped the ceremonial ribbon in presence of Deputy Commissioner, Kathua Zahida Khan, MLC Subhash Gupta, J&K Bank President & Zonal Head O. P. Sharma, officers from District Administration, Senior Officers of the Bank and a large gathering of people from the township and adjoining areas. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said, “We are very thankful to the leadership of J&K Bank for opening branch in the area and we hope its establishment would usher in an era of economic growth and social well-being for the people of the area.”Present on the occasion, J&K Bank President said, “Today we dedicate this fully computerized B/U at Dayala Chak to the people of this town.”The people should avail the benefits of the products and services of the bank that have been designed to meet all their financial and banking requirements, he added.  The Bank, he said, plans to open five more branches at Kalibari, Sukrala Mata, Gurha Kalyal, Keeriyan Gandyal and Marta Nagrota besides five more ATMs in Kathua district. Dayala Chak is the 26^th B/U in Kathua district and 101^st in Jammu Central Zone.In the end, Cluster Head Kathua, Suresh Kotwal presented the Vote of thanks

Free bus ferry available at Srinagar airport drop gate

Srinagar, 10 May (VOS):On the request of Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon, the Airport Director, Srinagar International Airport O.P. Buwaniwala has provided free bus ferry service from drop gate up to terminal building and back, for passengers with effect from 5^th May. The service will be available after every half-hour interval. They passengers can avail the service free of cost and also save precious time consumed in checking of their vehicles at the drop gate. The passengers have hailed the decision of the Airports Authority of India, as a passenger friendly decision.

Patwari Halqa Zewan caught red handed

Srinagar, 10 May (VOS):State Vigilance Organization caught red  handed Mohammad Altaf Khan S/o Gh Mohammad Khan R/o Gagribal Srinagar, Patwari Halqa Zewan Srinagar  while demanding and accepting bribe of Rs5000/-  Gulzar Ahmad Bhat S/o Ghulam Hassan Bhat R/o Zewan Bala  Srinagar lodged a written complaint with Police Station Vigilance Organization Kashmir stating therein  that his ancestral land is situated at Zafran Colony Zewan and he intends to sell it out. In this context he and his father approached  Patwari concerned namely Mohammad Altaf  Khan several times for issuance of revenue extracts of the said land, but the patwari concerned  avoided and finally   demanded  illegal gratification for issuance of revenue extracts.

            On the basis of said complaint, a Case FIR No. 11/2012 u/s Section 5(2) P.C. Act r/w Section 161 RPC P/S Vigilance Organization Kashmir was registered and investigation taken up. During investigation, the officials of State Vigilance Organization organized a trap and accused Patwari, Mohammad Altaf Khan was caught red handed while demanding and accepting phenolphthalein dusted amount of  Rs 5000/- from the complainant in the presence of independent witness. The tainted bribe money was recovered from the possession of the accused and the accused was taken into custody for further investigations.

200 Hectares of Land Covered Under Organic Farming in Bandipora

Srinagar, 10 May (VOS):100 Hectares of land was brought under organic farming “for adaptation, certification & market facility of organic produce in Kashmir in Bandipora”. In this connection farmers awareness cum input distribution camp was organized by department of Agriculture in collaboration with International Traceability System New Delhi. On this occasion Chief Agriculture Officer M.A. Wani said that main objective of organic farming is establishment of sustainable, certifiable, profitable Agriculture Production and to boost the organic production system in Kashmir Valley, which will be definitely eco-friendly, less hazardous and shall uplift the socio-economic condition of the farming community. Dr. Parvaiz Sr. Scientist from ITS Ltd. Highlighted the component of organic farming project and said that basic objective is to maintain the fertility cum health status of the soil and save the environment. On the conclusion of function Chief Agriculture Officer distributed Bio-nutrients and Bio-pesticides instead of chemical fertilizers/pesticides worth Rs. 6 lakhs among 200 farmers who have adopted organic farming. Crops brought under organic farming are Maize, Pulses & Vegetables.

Football Academy launched at Baramullah

Srinagar, 10 May (VOS):Jammu and Kashmir Football Association has launched an academy for under 16 children at Baramullah in order to train the students in the world famous sport. Academy was inaugurated by Joint Director Planning Baramullah Ab. Gani Malik in presence of some members of Jammu and Kashmir Football Association and  Sports Council on Thursday. Meanwhile association has organized a football tournament in the district for the first time, which will have just 7 players in each side. " This is a new experiment and we will see how the things unfold with just 7 players in each side playing each other." Sheikh Mushtaq, a senior functionary with State Sports Council told VOS, adding that the 20 teams from different areas of the district are participating in the one week event.

Chib reviews progress of works in associated hospitals of GMC, Srinagar

   SRINAGAR, MAY 10- Minister for Medical Education and Youth Services and Sports Mr. R S Chib today visited Lal Ded (LD) hospital and took stock of the pace of construction work on the prestigious project.

            The 200-bedded six stories building of hospital is coming up at an estimated cost of Rs. 40. 25 crore and will be fully equipped with every modern facility including centrally heating system. The Ground and first floor of the building is already commissioned and the 2nd floor of the building is ready and the whole building will be completed by September, 2012.

            Later, the Minister chaired a high level meeting of officers and discussed the points regarding removal of unauthorized shops in front of the LD Hospital and the rehabilitation of the occupants dislocated due to widening of Road. He also discussed the construction of Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) in the hospital, widening of road from Tagore hall to Lal Mandi, construction of Sarai and parking facilities.

 The Minister asked the executing agency to work with coordination so that the project could be completed in time bound manner for the benefit of the people. He directed the concerned for assessing the cost of structures, demolition of structures, auction of timber, and removal of debris from the premises by the end of May to pave the way for speedy completion of project.

The Minister also reviewed the pace of work on establishment of Theatre Block of Bone & Joint hospital, Srinagar, construction of Sarai at SMHS and LD hospitals.

Among others, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Dr. Asgar Samoon, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar Mr. Baseer Khan, Principal, Government Medical College, Srinagar Dr. Qazi Masood, Managing Director, JKPCC Mr. M. M. Gupta, Additional Secretary, Health & Medical Education Mr. Jatinder Gupta, Medical Superintendents of LD, GB Pant, Bone & Joint and SMHS hospital and Senior engineers of JKPCC, UEED, R&B departments were attended the meeting.

Altaf holds public Darbar at Lar Ganderbal

SRINAGAR, MAY 10: The coalition government led by Mr. Omar Abdullah has launched various welfare schemes for the balanced development of the all the regions of the state.

This was stated by the Minister for Forests and Environment Mian Altaf during public Darbar at Lar Ganderbal today.

He said that each pocket of the state has been accorded due attention by the government so that progress and prosperity of the state is ensured.

Referring to Ganderbal Mian Altaf said that Chief Minister is personally monitoring the development/achievements of the district and said that establishing of Central University and 400-bedded hospital in the district and other welfare schemes are aimed at making the people of the district self-reliant and progressive. He assured the people that genuine demands of the people would be taken up with the Chief Minister and would be taken due care.

On the occasion, the panches and sarpanches hailed the government for launching welfare and development schemes in the district. The Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal Mr. Showkat Ahmad Mir, district officers and engineers accompanied the Minister. The Minister was further informed that under rural development scheme an amount of Rs 6.59 crore has been incurred, out of which RS 5.18 crore were spent on MGNREGA and Rs 37.19 lakh on IAY in Lar block.

Later, the Minister paid obeisance at the shrine of Shah Sadiq Qalander(RA). A large number of people and panches, sarpanches attended the public darbar.

Gul distributes 21 looms, 40 sets of accessories among weavers

Govt keen to restore old glory of local industries

            SRINAGAR, MAY 10: In order to boost the production of handicrafts, handlooms and other crafts in the state, a grand function was today held at UNDP complex Nowshera-Alimardan Khan Srinagar where the Advisor to Chief minister Mr. Mubarak Gul was the chief guest.

The function was organized by the Directorate of Handloom Development Department and was attended by a number of weavers and other concerned persons.

            On the occasion, the Advisor distributed certificates of 21 new looms and 40 sets of accessories among the Saidapora handloom clusters under second cluster at a cost of Rs 2.65 lakh, while under fist installment 60 beneficiaries were allotted looms at a cost of Rs 60 lakh.

            It was said that under the scheme sanctioned in 2008-09 by Development Commissioner, Handloom Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, 310 weavers comprising on one cluster is to formation of consortium, corpus fund for setting up of Yarn Depot, Trainings to Weavers under skill development programme in designing, dyeing, weaving engagement of local designer and providing services of National and International designer. It was also said that under this scheme there is a provision for providing of new looms, Jacard, Dobby and accessories up to Rs 15,000 per weaver. Besides, raising looms from different institutions, providing margin money at Rs 5000 per beneficiary.

            Later, the Advisor addressing the gathering said that the government is alive with the problems of weaving community and it very much keen to restore of the old glory of this industry. He said that the products of our local industries are world famous particularly in Britain, Amrica and different Europe countries. He further said that despite turmoil this sector provided employment thousands of people in the valley. However, he expressed concerned selling of Amritsari shawls on the name of Kashmiri shawls and said this trend would damage to our industry. He also asked the weavers not to compromise on the quality control.

            On the occasion, the MLA Zadibal Peer Afaaq, Director Handloom Mrs. Chandra Gupta, Joint Director Handloom Mr. Mukhtar Aziz, Deputy Director Handloom and a number of senior officers and senior citizens were present.

Seerat Conference held at Degree College, Bandipora

            BANDIPORA, MAY 10: An impressive Seerat Conference was organized at Government Degree College, Bandipora. About 30 students spoke on the holy life and teachings of Prophet Mohammad (SAW). Mahpara Gul, Dilshada Bano and Nusrat Abdullah bagged Ist, 2^nd, 3^rdpositions respectively. MLA Bandipora, Nizam-u-Din Bhat, Administrator Darul Aloom Rahimia, Principal of the College besides religious and social personalities participated in the conference.

            The speakers on this occasion stressed for adopting the way of honesty, truthfulness and conveying the same to others so that a healthy and peaceful atmosphere is created in the region. They said that such conference should be conducted on the routine basis.

Cabinet orders Transfers and Postings in civil administration

            SRINAGAR, MAY 10- The State Cabinet which met here today under the Chairmanship of the Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah ordered the following transfers and postings in the civil administration.

            Mr. K. B. Agarwal, Principal Secretary to Government, Public Works Department has been transferred and posted as Financial Commissioner (Revenue) relieving Mr. B. A. Runiyal, Commissioner Secretary to Government, Revenue Department of the additional charge of the post. He shall also hold the charge of the post of Chairman, J&K Special Tribunal in addition to his own duties.

Mr. Umang Narulla, Commissioner Secretary to Government, Industries and Commerce Department has been transferred and posted as Commissioner Secretary to Government, Forest Department.

Mr. Shant Manu, Commissioner Secretary to Government, Forest Department has been transferred and posted as Commissioner Secretary to Government, Industries and Commerce Department.

Mr. Bipul Pathak, awaiting orders of posting in the General Administration Department has been posted as Commissioner Secretary to Government, Animal Sheep Husbandry Department relieving Mr. Shaleen Kabra of the additional charge of the post.

Mrs. Tanveer Jehan, Commissioner Secretary to Government Higher Education Department has been transferred and posted as Commissioner Secretary to Government, Public Works (R&B) Department.

Dr. Syed Mohammad Fazalullah, Registrar, Cooperative Societies, J&K has been transferred and posted as Commissioner Secretary to Government, Cooperative Department relieving Mr Shaleen Kabra of the additional charge of the post.

            Mr. Manoj Kumar Dwivedi, Secretary to Government, Information Technology and Science & Technology Departments has been transferred and posted as Secretary to Government, Health and Medical Education Department relieving Mrs. Tanveer Jehan of the additional charge of the post .

Mr. Gazzanfer Hussain, Commissioner Commercial Taxes, J&K has been transferred and posted as Secretary to Government, Higher Education Department.

            Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Bukhari, Secretary, J&K Public Service Commission has been transferred and posted as Secretary to Government, Information Technology and Science &Technology Departments.

            Mr. Zaffar Ahmad, Special Secretary, to Chief Minister's Secretariat has been transferred and posted as Director Information, J&K vice Mr. Farooq Ahmad Renzu, who will report to General Administration Department.

Government Orders /unbundling of Power Development Department (PDD)

SRINAGAR, MAY 10:- With a view to improving quality of services to consumers and increasing accountability at all levels within the PDD, J&K Government, after creation of JKSPDC, has taken first step, though much awaited, to unbundle the PDD.

The State Government has ordered establishment of State Transmission Utility (STU) comprising the two Systems and Operation Wings functioning in Jammu & Kashmir provinces. The State Transmission Utility shall have additional 429 positions and will also avail apportioned services and facilities commonly held earlier by Distribution and Transmission Wings.

The ‘State Transmission Utility’ will get corporatized in due course of time soon and would be able to expand itself in terms of organization and resources as per the requirement of the state. The new ‘Transmission Utility’ will have the flexibility of filing its own APR’s on self sustained basis and would be accountable for its quality services to Distribution Utility and other stakeholders.

In effect, this new organizational structure would enable the utility to avail funding from various institutions without being overly dependent on State Budget. As first step ‘State Utility’ has been mandated  to connect 50 grid stations of the J&K State with optic fiber connectivity which job has been estimated to cost around `63 crore. It would connect all high voltage sub stations of the state as also spare same capacity which can be hired out or leased by State Transmission Utility for income generation. State Transmission Utility has also been directed to work out perspective plan for transmission requirements of the State availing services of any experienced consultant. It has also been directed to establish Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADAS) to monitor and control all the stations even remotely.

The new organization will be headed by the Engineer-in Chief, which rank shall be equivalent to that of Development Commissioner Power.

Department of Post Organises Free Medical Camp for Postal Employees &
Pensioners.
Srinagar, May 10, 2012

       For the first time, Department of Post, J&K is organizing a free
Multi-Specialty Medical Camp of Cardiology, Diabetes and
Gastroenterology for Postal employees, pensioners and their families
at  Srinagar General Post Office Complex near the Bund Srinagar on May
12 (Saturday).  Super Specialists of SKIMS, Soura,  Srinagar will
examine the patients. Medicines will be provided by Postal Dispensary
Jammu. Blood Sugar and Blood Grouping of all the patients will also be
undertaken free of cost. The camp will start at 11:00 A.M. [PIB}

Setting up of State Level Cells by NPPA

New Delhi, MaY 10, 2012.


With a view to strengthen the enforcement & monitoring system with the
help of State Drug control administration, National Pharmaceutical
Pricing Authority (NPPA) has inter-alia proposed a scheme for the 12th
Five Year Plan titled Creation of NPPA State Government Coordination
Cells in the States. The NPPA-State coordination cell in the States
will act as a nodal agency to oversee the compliance of Drugs (Prices
& Control) Order, 1995 (DPCO, 1995) provisions in their respective
states and will work under the direction of the NPPA. It will also
serve as a local point for the consumer to lodge their complaint
regarding overcharging, non-availability of drugs and other
grievances. The proposed cell will look after all matters assigned to
NPPA including monitoring, compliance of price notified by NPPA,
availability, all violations of DPCO, enforcement and overcharging of
prices, legal matters, co-ordination, providing logistic support and
any other work assigned to the cell by the NPPA.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Chemicals and
Fertilisers, Shri Srikant Kumar Jena in a written reply in the Lok
Sabha today. [PIB}

Additional Foodgrain Storage is Priority of the Government

New Delhi, MaY 10, 2012.

Creation of additional foodgrain storage is priority of the
government. It is taking all necessary steps to expand storage
facilities. A storage capacity of about 64 million tons is currently
available with Food Corporation of India. Additional capacity of 15.2
million tons is being created under the Private Entrepreneurs
Guarantee scheme through private entrepreneurs, and Central and State
Warehousing Corporations, out of which 2.8 million tons capacity has
already been constructed up to March, 2012 and another about 5.2
million tons is likely to be completed by 2012-13, and the balance by
2013-14.. This was stated by Prof K.V. Thomas, Minister of Food,
Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution while addressing a national
workshop: on Best Practices in TPDS and Food Fortification orgainsed
by Department of Food and World Food Programme here today. Prof Thomas
said that the Government has also approved creation of a capacity of
2.0 million tons in silos. In North Eastern States, Govt. has
finalized a scheme for creation of total storage capacity of 5.40 lakh
tons.

Minister’s full address at the seminar is as follows:

“It gives me great pleasure to participate in this National Workshop
focused on aggregating and disseminating the best of the practices in
food distribution and food fortification, that has been organized by
the Ministry along with the World Food Programme. The Workshop is both
essential and timely given that the country is preparing to extend its
own food program and tackle this longstanding problem we face. I hope
this workshop will help us all learn from each other and help us
develop innovative solutions to that end.

Over the years, thanks to the Green Revolution, investments in
infrastructure on power and water and the hard work and co-operation
of our farmers, we have reached today a strong position in terms of
food grains availability. In the current 2011-12 crop season we hope
to see foodgrains production touch 252.6 million tons up from 245
million tons last year. With more and more advancement in seed
technology, farm technology and their adoption in our country, we
could see this rise in production to continue. Introduction of an
exclusive agriculture development program in the Eastern Region of the
country ‘Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India’ under Rashtriya
Krishi Vikas Yojana will ensure reaping benefits of ample natural
resources and the potential of Eastern States in contributing to
growth in foodgrains production. On the front of procurement of
foodgrains as well there has been steady increase. While the average
annual procurement of rice and wheat during 2000-01 to 2006-07 was
38.22 lakh tons i.e. 24.3% of the average production, it increased to
about 57 million tons during 2007-08 to 2010-11 i.e 32.2% of the
production.

For food security of the people, especially poorer and vulnerable
sections, the Government is successfully implementing the Public
Distribution System. The existing Targeted Public Distribution System
caters to 6.52 crore BPL households, which also includes 2.43 AAY
households, who are entitled to received foodgrains at highly
subsidised prices. In addition, 11.52 crore APL households are also
covered and entitled to receive subsidised foodgrains. Steadily
increasing foodgrains production and its procurement by the Government
under the price support operation has ensured sufficient availability
of foodgrains to run the Public Distribution System. Farmers have also
been ensured remunerative prices for their produce in terms of Minimum
Support Price.

With the expanding foodgrains production and its procurement by the
Government, it becomes incumbent of the Government to ensure its safe
storage. Our Government is taking all necessary steps to expand
storage facilities. A storage capacity of about 64 million tons is
currently available with Food Corporation of India and State agencies,
which includes about 46.5 million tons of covered capacity. A capacity
of 15.2 million tons is to be created under the Private Entrepreneurs
Guarantee scheme through private entrepreneurs, and Central and State
Warehousing Corporations, out of which 2.8 million tons capacity has
already been constructed upto March, 2012 and another about 5.2
million tons is likely to be completed by 2012-13, and the balance by
2013-14. The Government has also approved creation of a capacity of
2.0 million tons in silos. In North Eastern States, Govt. has
finalized a scheme for creation of total storage capacity of 5.40 lakh
tons.

This is however not to suggest that all is well with the existing PDS.
The distribution system has its own deficiencies and it is our
constant endeavour to overcome them. Corrective measures are being
taken from time to time through improved monitoring and with the
application of technology to plug leakages and diversions. The
Government is promoting computerisation of Public Distribution System
in a big way, and this will broadly cover Computerization of Supply
Chain from Food Corporation of India till the fair price shop and
electronic authentication of beneficiaries and recording of delivery
and payments at fair price shop level.

Efforts of the Govt. in improving the delivery system have shown
positive outcomes. An independent survey conducted in June 2011 by
Jean Dreze and his associate has inter alia observed that days when
upto half of PDS grain was diverted to the open market are gone and
that 100% respondents of BPL households received full quota in Andhra
PradeshP, Chhatisgarh and Tamilnadu and percentages in Orissa,
Rajasthan and UP were 99%, 96-98% and 78% respectively.

With the introduction of the National Food Security Bill in
Parliament, the Govt. has taken its first important step in the
direction of fulfillment of its commitment to the people, for ensuring
food security in a rights based approach. It is a historic initiative
that seeks to address the issue of food security in a comprehensive
manner, by adopting a life cycle approach. It also marks a historic
transition in the resilience of our agriculture and the big strides
its has taken from the days of foodgrains scarcity to a situation when
we will be able to deliver food security in a rights based manner by
committing close to 60 million tons of foodgrains.

I understand this workshop is going to discuss various aspects of food
security in detail. I look forward to a constructive debate and
discussion on the subject. Ours is a diverse country posing diverse
challenges and opportunities. We have some great examples of how to
execute efficient distribution, without leakages and diversions. We
need to study all successful initiatives and try to replicate them.
Such workshops provide a platform for learning and I wish it all the
success. “ [PIB]

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