Removal of impediments in cross LoC trade on anvil: Home Secy

Will discuss all issues with Pakistani Authorities

Srinagar, May 17 (VOS): Union Home Secretary R.K Singh Thursday said the government is committed to take steps for improving the scope and potential of cross LoC trade between the Indian and Pakistani administered parts of Jammu & Kashmir. He said that all the impediments hampering the cross LoC trade will be removed after consultation with Pakistan.

Addressing traders in separate meetings held at Poonch and Srinagar, Singh assured that the list of commodities for trade will be expanded. He also announced during the meetings that there will be no restrictions on trading fresh fruits from either side.

The Home Secretary further assured the traders that all of their concerns and difficulties will be removed and hoped that Pakistan will also play a positive part in getting the genuine issues of traders resolved.

Earlier in the day the Home Secretary visited Chakanda Bagh area of Poonch and held detailed discussions with traders. The home secretary flew to Salamabad in Uri but could not land due to bad weather, after which he had to call a meetings of traders at Nehru Guest house here in the afternoon, where a delegation of traders headed by Asif Lone President traders union met him.

Regarding specific issues, Singh is reported to have informed the traders that India was ready for providing banking facility to traders but the same was pending for a nod from the Pakistani side. He also assured the traders that he would discuss providing of direct telephone link to the traders on both sides of LoC apart from the banking issue with the Pakistani authorities, sources privy to the meeting maintained.

According to the traders, the Home Secretary issued on spot orders for allowing trade of fresh fruits and clarified that the origin of the commodity does not matter as long as it is there in the list of items.

However, the Home Secretary told the traders that all necessary steps will be taken to facilitate trade between the two sides but not at the cost security concerns of the Indian side.

Commissioner Secretary Home, Mr. B. R. Sharma, DGP, Mr. Kuldeep Khoda, Brigadier 93 Inf. Mr. M. K Mago, District Development Commissioner Poonch, Mr. Ajeet Kumar Sahu, SPs of Poonch and Rajouri, other senior officers of District Administration and representatives Cross Border trader’s fraternity accompanied the Union Home secretary during his visit.

PDP has looted state exchequer: NC

Development under Omar giving sleepless nights to PDP

Srinagar, May 17 (VOS): Lauding the Chief Minister and National Conference working President Omar Abdullah for his visionary initiatives to make the state self reliant, National Conference Spokesman Tanvir Sadiq on Thursday said that Omar Abdullah’s revolutionary steps towards making the state to produce surplus power are commendable.

“The number of project coming up under the present government are giving sleepless nights to the PDP and its leaders, as such they gather a handful of people and start spreading lies” said Tanvir in a statement.

Hitting back at the PDP and its leaders the spokesman said that while they talk about the 50000 crores, which accoring to them the state will earn from natural resources, Tanvir asked PDP as where those sources were during their tenure and why they did not exploit them.

“Their lies have no barriers, they talk about natural resources why didn’t they create even 1% of it when they were in the government” asked Tanvir,  adding that, “ the irony is that not even one power project was sanctioned or commissioned during their rule”.

 “Farooq Sahib did so much for the state that even his adversaries are indebted to him, I fail to understand why PDP makes a mockery of itself every now and then by spreading false propaganda, eventually stand exposed” said Tanvir

Tanvir firmly stated that “New Hydel Policy has already notified last year in July and its is for the first time projects upto 10 MW have been reserved for J&K residents” adding that “under this policy 10 Projects with an aggregate capacity of 172 MW have been advertised and bidding process is in advanced stage. More Projects are in the process of being notified for allotment to only State subjects”.

 “Many projects that were not commissioned earlier have been taken up with the personal intervention of Omar Sahib, whileas Sanjak of 1.26 MW has already been commissioned in 2011.

 “Let them come out with even one project that they have commissioned or have ever started”,saidTanvir adding that “ they will be held responsible for their anti-people policy and will have to answer what they did with all the money and resources that was sanctioned by the GOI for the development of the state” said Tanvir “ they have looted the state exchequer and sold Kashmir for their personal gain”

Tanvir while lashing out at the double standards of PDP asked what did the PDP and their leaders do except, taking the state to anarchy by burning Kashmir in 2008 and 2010, as if the previous massacres and installation of Jagmohan was not enough” said Tanvir adding that “PDP in their regime didn’t even sanction one power project and they are talking about water resources”

 If the PDP is so sincere and concerned about the people and the resources then they should stop playing petty politics and help NC and strengthen the hands of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who is tirelessly trying to usher in change, said  Tanvir adding “ why only Rs 50,000 crores annually, we can earn the double of it if they stop using people as fodder and stop playing with the sentiments of the people”

Adventure tourism potential of JK to be explored fully: Jora

Srinagar, May 17 (VOS): Minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora has said that J&K government has taken several initiatives for exploring and showcasing adventure tourism in the state, adding that focused attention is being given to upgrade and develop infrastructure facilities at adventure sports facilities for convenience of adventure lovers.

Speaking at the launch of ‘explore’, India’s first adventure magazine at New Delhi this evening, the Minister highlighted the scope of adventure tourism particularly in Ladakh region and said that the potential of the region is being explored fully to attract high end tourists.

Jora called upon the world tourist industry to highlight state’s tremendous adventure tourism potential for attracting maximum tourists towards the state. He said that atmosphere is very conducive and peaceful to facilitate visitors in Jammu and Kashmir. “We have received huge tourist arrival during last year and it is expected that this year the state would surpass all previous records”.   

The Minister lauded the efforts of the publisher of ‘explore’ for bringing out such a materialistic specifically for promotion of adventure and other tourist related information. He also appreciated the project officials for highlighting the potential tourism in J&K state.

Wining hearts must to negotiate militancy: GOC

Troops being taught Islamic literature and Kashmiryat

Land mines to be removed around army camps

Srinagar, May 17 (VOS):  Underscoring the need for friendly relations with people, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 15thcorps Thursday said that the two decade long militancy in the Valley can’t be overcome by killing militants, instead Army needed to win the hearts of the people in Kashmir.

“Killing militants alone will never win us the battle; we have to win the hearts and confidence of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.” GOC, Lt. Gen. Syed Atta Hasnain told people during a public meet Awami Sunwai at Vilgam, Kupwara in North Kashmir.

General added, “I, on the basis of my own experience, while being posted in Kashmir for a long time, can firmly say that we can’t uproot militancy by killing militants alone, instead  we have to win the hearts of people.” GOC however maintained that people also need to come forward to build healthy relations with the army.

According to VOS , GOC said that  Bungus Valley  was still ‘unsafe’ for tourism activities, as more than 100 militants were on standby mode to sneak in from across the LOC, in the vicinity of the beautiful meadow. “We have information that at least 100 militants are ready to infiltrate from the other side of LOC adjacent to the Bungus valley”, claimed the GOC

He added that the fencing along the line of control was severely damaged due to heavy snowfall, but maintained that 60 percent repair work had already been done, and  said that army was keeping a close vigil along the control line.

GOC further added that Army was in the process to remove the landmines around the army posts and camps, so that no innocent people get killed, even accidentally. “We have removed 350 land mines in the vicinity of Vilgam army camp whereas the process has already been finished at  Rakhe Shehlal Waripora and Panzo army camps”, Informed  the GOC.

Replying to a query raised by a local youth Amir Geelani, the General assured that the Army officials and Tourists would Convey the massage to rest of the country that Kashmiris were basically peace loving. “I assure you that army men and the tourists would convey the message to the country that Kashmiris are peace loving”. Earlier Amir had asked the General if the government was claiming of peace prevailing in the valley, why were Kashmiri students and businessmen being harassed outside the state.

Interestingly the General Hasnain revealed that the army men were being taught Islamic literature and Kashmiriyat in order to build a stronger relationship with common Kashmiri. GOC also expressed his happiness over the presence of women in the meet.

CBMs no alternative to resolution of Kashmir issue: Mirwaiz

Mainstream politicians are the killers of Kashmiris

Srinagar, May 17 (VOS): Urging India, Pakistan and the international community to solve the Kashmir issue, Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umer Farooq has said that the confidence building measures including the cross LoC trade is no solution to the Kashmir issue.

While speaking at the party convention of the People’s Conference (B) called in connection with the Hafta-e-Shohda, Mirwaiz castigated the mainstream leaders calling them the killers of innocent Kashmiris.

Mirwaiz categorically rejected the CBMs as a solution to the Kashmir issue.“We are not against the CBMs or the cross LoC trade but these steps cannot be an alternative to the solution of the vexed Kashmir issue”, Mirwaiz said. He welcomed any steps that can remove the hurdles in the corss LoC trade between the two Kashmirs but cautioned that this should not be mistaken as an alternative to the resolution of Kashmir issue. According to Mirwaiz the government of India is trying to portray CBMs as an alternative to Kashmir resolution which in his view is a futile exercise.

Castigating the mainstreams politicians, Mirwaiz said that they (mainstream politicians) who according to Mirwaiz claim to be the representatives of people are the killers of common Kashmiris. “Those who want us to contest elections to prove our representative character are responsible for killings and atrocities on common Kashmiris. They don’t have the courage to bring a resolution to lift the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the state have no right to talk about the resolution of Kashmir issue”, Mirwaiz said.

“When those people who sit in the corridors of power could not punish a murderer, could not remove or amend AFSPA, could not remove black laws, how come  they claim to be representatives of people,” Mirwaiz added. Taking a dig at government he said, “Those people who are asking the Hurriyat to show its representative character should lift the cordon of troops from Kashmir, then they would realize who are the real representatives of  people,” Mirwaiz said.

Clarifying the recent issues with regard to the Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz said that the Hurriyat is not a party but a forum which is an umbrella for dozens of organizations. He further added that there may be differences among the different individual units of the Hurriyat but their goal is the same. He maintained that Hurriyat will push for a solution which will be according to the wishes and aspirations of the people of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Mehbooba calls for PM’s intervention in infant deaths tragedy

Expresses grief, anguish

Srinagar, May 17 (VOS): Expressing deep grief and anguish at the alarmingly high mortality rate of infants at the G B Panth government pediatric hospital here Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti today urged the Prime Minister to take note of the serious developments that have affected hundreds of families in Kashmir.

Mehbooba said the Central government and the Congress leadership as coalition partners owed it to the state to ensure at least bare minimum healthcare facilities and find out how huge funds in this sector are actually spent. “I am sure such tragedies elsewhere would have evoked an entirely different response”

Mehbooba further said that hospitals are meant to prevent such tragedies. “If we lose as many as 359 children in 4 months at the hospital that runs as the only tertiary care paediatric facility in the valley, where else can they be treated safely and what is the purpose of having such institutions?” she asked. She expressed solidarity with the parents of all the children who have fallen victim to government apathy.

Demanding compensation for the victims, she said unless responsibility was fixed and action taken against what she calls the merchants of death, such catastrophes would always take place. “No probes would serve any purpose unless the government developed respect for human life and ensured that the health programs were implemented with sincerity”, she said.

Mehbooba said it was painful that rest of the country failed to empathize with the miseries of Kashmir. “A much smaller number of deaths of similar unfortunate nature in West Bengal recently had set off alarm bells all across the country  but no such outrage  about the 359 children of Kashmir have been witnessed”, she added. 

According to Mehbooba, even as the government is blowing its trumpet of achievements the ground realities suggest a widening gap between the requirement and availability of services. “G B Panth hospital is the only facility in the valley catering to a population of seven million people with a meager 130 bed capacity. The government has had no will or time to think of expanding the overburdened facility or strengthening pediatric facilities at the district and primary levels” she said.

 “At most hospitals pediatrician are reportedly not available as the government feels contented with inaugurating new buildings without facilities”. Though these fulfill the desire for photo opportunities, hospitals continue to lack amenities for patients, she added.

G B Pant deaths, mass murder of our children: Er. Rashid

Lodges FIR against hospital administration

Srinagar, May 17 (VOS): Independent legislator Engineer Abdul Rashid Thursday called the deaths at valley’s lone G B Pant paediatric hospital a mass murder and lodged an FIR against the hospital authorities. Lodging a protest outside the G.P. Pant Hospital in Srinagar, he blamed the doctors of the hospital for the deaths of children.

"It is nothing short of a mass murder of our children," Engineer Rashid, MLA, representing Kupwara district’s Langate constituency, told media persons outside the hospital.

Expressing strong anger over the lack of equipment and alleged apathy on part of the doctors, the legislator threatened to lodge an FIR against the hospital authorities. "For 1,700 patients, the hospital has just three ventilators. The hospital management and doctors are caught in an internal tussle. They have no time for procuring essential equipment for the hospital. I will lodge an FIR against the doctors in connection with the deaths," the firebrand legislator said.

“Over the last six months around 400 children have died in the hospital, the administration and doctors are responsible for this mess and they need to taken to task”, added Rashid.

According to a press statement issued by the legislator here Thursday evening, the legislator has registered and FIR against the hospital authorities in the Ram Munshi Bagh police station.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has ordered a probe into the issue by renowned gastroenterologist and Director Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Soura Dr Showkat Ali Zargar. He has been advised to submit a report within a week’s time, sources in the government said.

However, Engineer Rashid has called for a high level independent probe into the killings of innocent children. “If this (deaths) had happened in any other part of the country, the issue would have gone to the parliament and the private media housed would have made a huge issue out of it”, Engineer said.

Teacher’s selection lists may be out soon

Govt will try to expedite the matter: Sagar

Srinagar, May 17 (VOS): Days after High Court reserved its decision on vacating the stay order on the release of much awaited Teacher’s list which has been hanging for release for last seven months owing to a legal battle on the validity of degree’s from some universities outside state, State government on Thursday decided to make a fresh plea to the court aiming to bring relief to the candidates. “I will call the advocate general, SSRB chairman and other concerned to discuss how the matter can be perused with the court so that the candidates get relief”, Law and Parliamentary affairs Minster Ali Mohamad Sagar told VOS on Thursday. He said that government will do everything possible to bring relief to the candidates who have been suffering due to the ensuing legal battle.

Meanwhile Chairman of the Services Selection Board B.D Bhagat told VOS that the case was still sub judice, since the court has reserved the judgement indefinitely, however he added that SSRB was ready with the list. “As soon as the honb’le court pronounces the judgment, we will release the lists”, Bhagat told VOS, adding that the court had not set any date for the pronouncement of the judgment.

 Meanwhile, the candidates have appealed to the court that the verdict be pronounced without any further delay. “We have been suffering for last two years. First the SSRB took a long time to conduct the interviews and in releasing the list, then the hurdle being the stay order by the court”, a group of candidates told VOS.

Pertinently the legal battle has been going on for last seven months in the court where candidates from Prist University had filed a petition against the SSRB decision to render them ineligible on account of earning degrees from universities outside the state.

 “It was for the government and the SSRB to see what the facts are, why we have been made to suffer for so long.” Mohammad Junaid, a candidate told VOS.

 Interestingly the SSRB had earlier released the selection lists for four districts of the valley which include Ganderbal, Budgam, Anantnag and Shopian, but the process was later stopped after the High court passed a stay order on the release of the selection lists.

 Candidates having earned degrees from Prist University were considered ineligible by the Service Selection Board (SSRB), triggering a long legal battle between the Prist pass outs and the authorities. However, the court has finished hearing the arguments and the judgment has been reserved indefinitely.

Buyer-Seller meets promote business contacts, understanding: Governor

Srinagar, May 17 (VOS): Jammu & Kashmir Governor, N N Vohra has said that the handicrafts Buyer-Seller meets not only provide an excellent opportunity for buyers and sellers from various parts of the world to forge long term trade and business contacts but also promote mutually beneficial understanding which contributes towards securing a stable and bright future for the future generations.    

The Governor was interacting with participants of the 3-day 4th International Buyer-Seller Meet-2012 here last evening. The meet was organized by the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, sponsored by the Union Ministry of Commerce.

Referring to prevalent security scenario around the world, the Governor observed that there is urgent need for promoting closer understanding among people of different countries and continents so that everyone could progress and prosper in an environment of sustained peace, normalcy and tranquility.

He further observed that due to the unfortunate situation that had obtained in the past years the state has suffered severe human and economic losses, and the tourism and handicrafts sectors, which are important segments of the state’s economy were adversely affected.

The Governor said that Kashmir is known the world over for its exquisite handicrafts, adding that our artisans and craftsmen and women produce handicrafts products which are excellent. “You have met our people in Kashmir and seen our various products. I am certain that you will come again and again and establish sustained business relations with our producers in the coming times”, the Governor told the buyers from within the country and abroad. He hoped that this Meet would go a long way in opening new markets for the world famous handicrafts of Kashmir.

Functionaries of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Executive Committee Members, buyers and sellers, and artisans were present on the occasion.

Centre sanctions additional ration quota for under-privileged

Srinagar, May 17 (VOS): Government of India has approved additional quota of food grains to the Jammu & Kashmir state meant for the underprivileged sections of society. The state government is also contemplating to provide food grains to all the welfare institutions of the state looked after by social welfare department and the hostels run by various colleges for for the schedule caste and schedule tribe students.

While speaking to the officers of CA&PD, Social Welfare and the representation of various welfare institutions and the senior authorities of petroleum agencies on the occasion, Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Qamar Ali Akhoon said that due to strenuous efforts of the present government, the centre has agreed to provide additional ration quota for the welfare institutions, migrant pandits and nomads, from this year which will be provided to them on below poverty line rates.

Akhoon also stressed upon the authorities of social welfare department to submit a complete list of the registered welfare institutions in the State with updated list of inmates in these institutions being looked after by various NGOs to the concerned Directors of CA&PD of both the divisions at the earliest. He also instructed the Director Colleges to submit the requisite detailed list with regard to students of SC, ST, OBC and other categories being accommodated in Gujar Bakerwal Hostels in the state so that adequate ration is supplied to them accordingly.

Besides Secretary CA&PD Muhammad Abbas Dar, Special Secretary Social Welfare Muhammad Yasin, Director Colleges Dr. Muqbil Chisti, Director CA&PD Jammu Parvaiz Ahmad Malik, Joint Director Planning Muhammad Ismail Sheikh, Deputy Director (P&S) Zahoor Ali Khan, Deputy Director Social Welfare Rubina Kouser, Chairman, J&K Yateen Trust Zahoor Ahmad Tak, Chairman J&K Yateem Khanna Advocate Ahadullah, Regional Manager JAKFED Tanveer Ashai and representatives of various Oil Companies attended the meeting.

2 Die, 5 injured in road mishaps

Srinagar, May 17 (VOS): Two people died and five others were injured in different road accidents across the Kashmir Valley Thursday.

A Tata Sumo bearing registration number JK05A-6315 on its way to Srinagar from Baramulla hit and injured a seven year old boy Jagdish Baghdia of Gangapora, Rajasthan. The injured boy was shifted to District Hospital, Baramulla, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Tameel Maqbool Parray of Dobhiwan Kunzar succumbed to his injuries at SKIMS Soura, Srinagar today. He had received injuries in a road accident at Dobhiwan, Baramulla on May 13.

In another road accident a Tata Sumo Vehicle hit and injured a pedestrian Ghulam Mohiuddin Mir son of Mohammad Maqbool of Sheikhzoo, Ganderbal SKIMS hospital, Srinagar.The injured was shifted to hospital for treatment.

In another road accident a scooter bearing registration number JK01Q-8429 met an accident on Fore Shore road, near Nishat, resulting in injuries to Tahir Ahmad Nakashbandi Azad Colony, Soura, Srinagar. The injured has been shifted to SKIMS, Soura, Srinagar for treatment.

In another road accident a Tata Sumo bearing registration number JK01D-0422 and a Tata load carrier bearing registration number JK01K-5661 collided near Waliwar, Ganderbal, resulting in injuries to three persons Nayeem Ahmad Kuchay, 19, resident of Manasbal, Masrat age 16 resident of Waliwar and driver of the Load carrier resident of Manasbal. All the injured were shifted to SKIMS, Soura for treatment.

Sarai Bala faces acute shortage of water

Srinagar, May 17 (VOS): Despite being in the heart of the city and with the busiest markets, the Sarai Bala locality is facing acute shortage of water, which has compelled the residents to come ou on roads.

A delegation of people from Sarai Bala told VOS that they have been facing acute shortage of water for more than last one month. “Despite appealing the authorities to redress our grievance, nothing has been done on ground”, Javed Ahmad a resident told VOS.

The locals have appealed the Minister for PHE Taj Mohiuddin for his intervention.

IG traffic bereaved.

Srinagar, May 17 (VOS): Prof Nazir Ahmad Khan father of the Inspector General of Police (Traffic) Munner Ahmad Khan passed away here Wednesday at his Bulbul Bagh residence. Different political, social and administrative functionaries have expressed their condolences at the demise of Muneer Khan’s father.

The Rasme Chaharum of the departed soul will be held at his ancestral graveyard at Bulbul Bagh Barzulla at 10 am on Saturday.

VOS management expresses gried and shock over Prof Khan’s death and prays for peace and blessings for the departed soul.

Meanwhile, Asif Lone, LoC trade president has expressed his condolences on the sad demise of Muneer Khan’s father.

State of Art Technology Park at Ompora on anvil: Ruhullah

SRINAGAR, MAY 17:- Government is contemplating to set up an IT park at Ompora, Budgam Kashmir on the lines of State of the Art technology parks in Hyderabad, Mumbai and Bangalore in the first instance, aimed at increasing employment opportunities by way of entrepreneurship for the youth and also as a source of revenue for the State.

This was stated by Minister for Science and Technology, Aga Syed Ruhullah while addressing a high level officers meeting of IT department here today.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Science and Technology, Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Bukhari, Chief Executive Officer, JAKEGA, Mr. Asim Khan and other officers of IT department. The Minister said that 150 kanals of land have been identified and demarcated for the purpose.

Stressing for conceptualizing the dream of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah the Minister said that J&K State should be at par with the top ranking states of the country by way of in introducing and popularizing IT policy in every sphere of life.

 The Minister said presently an arrangement is being sorted out to formulate an MOU so that a joint venture with public participation can be oriented for establishment of IT Park.

On this occasion, Secretary IT, Mohammad Ashraf Bukhari apprised the Minister that there is a need for creation of two directorates of IT at Srinagar and Jammu for implementing the projects of the department and the matter may be examined in detail. He assured the Minister that the functioning of the department would be monitored on day to day basis to ensure speedy implementation of the projects undertaken in hand by the department.

Chief Executive Officer, JAKEGA, Mr. Asim Khan said that the concept of IT parks has various classifications as done in different states. Being himself as Director, Software Technology Park of India (STPI), he deliberated upon various models of IT parks under Government of India schemes like ASIDE (All States Infrastructure for Development of Exports) and CIBS (Critical Infrastructure Balancing scheme).

He suggested that these schemes in consultation with third party would make IT park a success story.

Essay competition on Environment pollution to

be held on June 02 at SIE Srinagar

            SRINAGAR, MAY 17: State Institute of Education (SIE), Srinagar is organizing an Essay competition of the students of 9^th and 10^th class of all Government and private schools can participate.

            The essay must be 500 words. The best ten essays would be selected by the experts, which would be read in a seminar which is being organized on June 02, 2012 in the auditorium of SIE, Srinagar.

            The Essays would be received in the SIE, Srinagar. The interested students can contact on Cell No. 9697467441 and 9419818781 for further details.

Women’s College Anantnag organizes Seerat Conference

            ANANTNAG, MAY 17: An inter-college Seerat Conference was organized in Government Degree College for Women, Anantnag.

            As many as 18 colleges of South Kashmir participated in the Conference.

            Jammia College of Education, Ishfaq Ahmad Sheikh bagged Ist prize, Government Women’s College, Anantnag Roohi Rehman (BG-I) got 2^nd prize and Al-Ahad College of Education, Muzaffar Ahmad Mir got 3^rd prize besides consolation prizes were also to Mushtaq Ahmad Ganie, Saima Gul of (Shah-i-Hamdan College of Education) and Showkat Ahmad Wagay of Government Degree College, Bijbehara.

            The Principal, Prof. Nusrat Javidani welcomed the guests, Prof. G.R. Bhat (Staff Secretary) presented the vote of thanks and Dr. Iqbal Hussain Qadri (Convener of the Debates and Seminar Committee) managed the dice. 

Sham inaugurates first ever Medical Mobile Unit for Dal dwellers

SRINAGAR, MAY 17: For the first time in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, the State Health Department has launched medical mobile unit for the Dal dwellers.

The medical mobile service, which would be known as Rashtriya Medical Mobile Unit (RMMU), was launched by the Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Mr. Sham Lal Sharma at the historic Nehru Park here. The RMMU will cater to the medical requirements of 28 hamlets with an estimated population of 30 to 40 thousands, besides thousands of tourists staying in the Dal Lake.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that basic health requirement is the fundamental right of every citizen and Dal dwellers will also be provided this facility at their doorsteps. He said initially two Shikaras equipped with medicines and other diagnostic equipments will be pressed into service with three doctors and para-medics, which will cover the entire Dal area and provide medical services to the needy. The services, which will be provided to the patients included general OPD, lab tests, immunization, dental care , antenatal, post-natal, neonatal checkups, RNTCP, AYUSH service, besides awareness about various communicable diseases and their preventive measures.

The Minister said that the Dal dwellers will get free medical services and all those requiring specialized treatment will be referred to the tertiary health institutions, including JLNM hospital, Gousia Hospital, Kashmir Nursing Homes etc. The Mobile Unit will initially operate twice in a week, viz; on Wednesdays and Saturdays and later the duration will be extended according to the requirements, he added.

Among those present on the occasion included, Mission Director, NRHM Dr. Yashpal Sharma, Director Indian System of Medicines (ISM), Dr. Abdul Kabir Dar, Controller Drugs & Food Control Organization, Mr. Satish Gupta, Project Director, J&K State AIDS Control Society, Dr. Rakesh Khajuria, Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr. Saleem-ur-Rehman, Director Family Welfare, Dr. T.K.Moza, Members of the Shikara Union, political leaders of different parties and prominent citizens of the area.

Manohar reviews functioning of Cooperative Deptt

Calls for financial assistance support to self employment ventures

            SRINAGAR, MAY 17:- Minister of State for Cooperative and Elections, Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma has said that Government was determined to strengthen the Cooperative sector in length and breadth by providing all basic infrastructural facilities to it so that the people are benefitted by availing employment opportunities.

            The Minister was reviewing the functioning of Cooperative department and its allied banks here today.

            Among others, the meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary Dr. Fazal-ullah, Additional Registrar Kashmir, Mohammad Saleem, Managing Director State Cooperative Bank Srinagar, Mr. Mohammad Ashraf, CEO Jammu Central Cooperative Bank, Jammu, Mr. Roshan Lal, Managing Director SCARDB, Mohammad Aslam, Managing Director Anantnag Cooperative Bank  and Deputy Registrar Cooperative were also present in the meeting.

            Dr. Manohar asked the banking functionaries to extend firm support to the farmers, entrepreneurs and other persons enthusiastic to take up self employment ventures in the State. He stressed for achieving the targets under all sectors.

            He stressed upon the Commissioner Secretary Cooperative to take up matter related to monitoring of funds with Reserve bank of India at the earliest.

SDH Tangmarg being upgraded with centrally heated facilities: Mir

SRINAGAR, MAY 17:- To provide round the clock medicare facilities to the people of Tangmarg area and visiting tourists to world famous tourist resort Gulmarg, Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir today said that sub-district Hospital, Tangmarg is being upgraded with centrally heated facilities to the patients during  the harsh winter.

 This decision was taken in a meeting, convened to review the working of health sector of Tangmarg Constituency this evening here under his chairmanship. He said during the winter and even the spring and autumn, the patients feel inconvenience adding that there is dire need to provide central heating system to the hospital for overall benefit for patients of the area. He said the location of the hospital is very much nearer to world famous tourist resort and in such capacity the hospital should be fully upgraded with medicare facilities.

 The Meeting also decided to set up additional gynae ward in the hospital and installation new x-ray plant at Gulmarg hospital. It was also decided that that SDH Tangmarg would also be provided necessary machinery equipments to make all the units fully functional so that the patients of the area could not face any inconvenience.

Regarding the status of construction work of ongoing hospital projects in the constituency, the Minister stressed to complete all these projects within the stipulated time and asked to director Health services, Kashmir to release the required funds already earmarked under various schemes for their early completion. He was informed that funds earmarked under, district, state; NABARD and NRHM have been already released for the same.

The Minster asked to take construction of sub centre Gogaldara and Pinjoora under NRHM. He also stressed to provide adequate staff to the PHC’s, sub centres for providing better medicare to people of these far-flung areas.

 Director Health services, Kashmir, Mr. Saleem-Ur-Rehman, CMO, BMO and other senior officers of health department were present in the meeting.

Supdt GB Pant hospital attached

Govt takes action on interim report regarding death of children

SRINAGAR, MAY 17- The Government today took action on the basis of interim report submitted by Director SKIMS, Dr. Showkat Zargar, who was tasked to conduct inquiry into deaths which have occurred recently in G. B. Pant hospital at Sonawar Srinagar.

This was stated by Secretary Health and Medical Education, Mr. Manoj Kumar Dewidi at a press conference held in the Civil Secretariat this evening. He said that Medical Superintendent of G. B. Pant hospital has been attached and the charge of the hospital has been given to Medical Superintendent, Lal Ded Hospital, Dr. Mushtaq in addition to his own duties.

He said, as an interim measure about 40 nurses and para medical staff are being inducted for better management of the hospital and that more equipment including ventilators, ambulances and life saving drugs are being procured in a time bound manner.

Health Secretary said that two consultants have been tasked to oversee the management and treatment in Neonatology. He said that an advisory committee is also being constituted in which the experts of the relevant field and members from civil society will be co-opted to suggest measures for improvement of this hospital on a regular basis.

He also stated that a KAS officer of the rank of Additional Secretary in the Health and Medical Education Department has been tasked to monitor the improvement in the hospital on a daily basis. The officer will submit report to Health and Medical Education Department as also Chief Minister’s office.

Meanwhile, Director SKIMS, Dr. Zargar has been asked to submit a detailed report in shortest possible time, he said and added that the government would certainly take action against those who are either found guilty or negligent in discharging their duties.

Availability of Cheap and Affordable Drugs
The Indian Patent Act have provisions for making available cheap and
affordable medicines.

New Delhi, May 17, 2012.

Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion has informed that so far
one Compulsory license has been granted by the Controller General of
Patents, Designs and Trade Marks to a drug manufacturing company since
the amendment of the Patents Act in 2005 for an application filed
under Section 84 of the Patents Act (as amended in 2005). As per the
orders of the Controller of Patents, Mumbai compulsory license has
been granted to M/s Natco for manufacture of “NEXAVAR”, M/s Natco
Pharma Ltd. are required to sell this drug at a price not exceeding
Rs. 8880/- for a pact of 120 tablets, required for a month’s treatment
which was earlier being sold by M/s Bayer Corporation at Rs.
2,80,428/- for one month treatment.

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]

Incentives to Doctors

New Delhi, May 17, 2012.

There were some reports in the newspapers in the recent past regarding
promotional expenses being made by the Pharma Companies.  The reports
suggested that some unethical marketing practices are being followed
by certain pharma companies.  Keeping in view the seriousness of the
allegations made in the media reports, the Department of
Pharmaceuticals felt the need to take up the matter in the interest of
the consumers/patients as such promotional expenses being extended to
doctors had direct implications on the pricing of drugs and its
affordability.  After discussing the issues with the Pharma
Associations / Industry, a draft ‘Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical
Marketing Practices’ (UCPMP) was prepared which is to be adopted
voluntarily in the first instance.  The UCPMP was put up on the
Department’s website www.pharmaceuticals.gov.in for inviting the
comments from all the stakeholders.  The comments received were
examined and draft UCPMP has been prepared and circulated to the
pharma association for their comments.

           Ministry of Health & Family Welfare have informed that the
Department related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health & Family
Welfare in its 45th Report on the “Issues Relating to Availability of
Generic, Generic-branded and Branded Medicines, their Formulation and
Therapeutic Efficacy and Effectiveness” has observed that despite
there being a code of ethics in the Indian Medical Council Rules
forbidding doctors from accepting any gift, hospitality, trips to
foreign and domestic destinations etc., from healthcare industry,
there is no let-up in this practice and the pharma companies continue
to sponsor foreign trips of many doctors and shower with high value
gifts to obliging prescribers who then prescribe costlier drugs as
quid pro quo.  Ultimately all these expenses get added up to the cost
of drugs.

           The issue has been a cause of serious concern for the
Government since the practice is not limited to private practitioners
but has also crept deeply into the public health care delivery system
being operated by the Government, which has increased the expenditure
of the Government.  The practice is also responsible for promotion of
irrational use of medicines in the country which has very dangerous
consequences in the long run.  Aggrieved with the situation, the
Indian Medical Council (Professional conduct, Etiquette and Ethics)
Regulations, 2002 were amended by Medical Council of India (MCI) by
notification dated 10.12.2009 by inserting a new clause 6.8 which
states that a medical practitioner shall not endorse any drug or
product of the industry publically.  The amendment provided for a
number of do’s and don’ts for medical practitioners in relation to
their interaction with the Pharma companies and forbidding them from
receiving gifts, hospitality etc., from them.  In addition, the
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has from time to time issued
circulars/ instructions to all Government hospitals, CGHS dispensaries
as well as the State Governments to promote prescription of generic
medicines by their doctors to the maximum extent possible.

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]

Iran warns of litigation against Google over nameless ‘Gulf’

Iran warns Internet giant Google of legal action, should the US-based corporation continue to use ‘alternative words’ for the Persian Gulf.

“Toying with modern technologies in political issues is among the new measures by the enemies against Iran, [and] in this regard, Google has been treated as a plaything,” Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast told reporters on Thursday. 

He cautioned the company against sustaining serious damage if it avoids ‘the proper’ use of the name ‘Persian Gulf.’ 

“Omitting the name Persian Gulf is [like] playing with the feelings and realities of the Iranian nation,” the spokesperson pointed out. 

The Google website has recently dropped the name of the Persian Gulf from the body of water separating Iran from the Arabian Peninsula, and left it nameless on its online map service. 

While historical documents show that the waterway has always been referred to as the “Persian Gulf”, certain Arab states have recently made additional attempts to remove the word 'Persian' from the waterway’s ancient appellation. 

US plan for Iran strike ready: US envoy to Israel

Ahead of the upcoming Iran-P5+1 talks, US Ambassador to Tel Aviv Dan Shapiro says Washington has already drawn up plans for a possible military attack against Tehran.

"It would be preferable to resolve this (Iran's nuclear issue) diplomatically and through the use of pressure than to use military force," Shapiro said in remarks aired by Israel's Army Radio on Thursday. 

He said, however, that necessary planning has been done to ensure that the option of a possible military attack on Iran is ready. 

"But that doesn't mean that option is not fully available - not just available, but it's ready. The necessary planning has been done to ensure that it's ready.” 

The envoy’s comments come ahead of the upcoming negotiations between Iran and the P5+1- the five permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany- in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad. 

The representatives of Iran and the P5+1 held the latest round of talks in the Turkish city of Istanbul on April 14. 

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the general atmosphere of the negotiations and agreed to continue talks in Baghdad in May. 

Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili said Thursday that the upcoming talks must revolve around cooperation based on the inalienable rights of the Iranian nation.

Iran says that as a committed signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency, it has the right to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, dismissing allegations of pursuing military objectives in its nuclear energy program.