THE DAILY  

VOICE OF SRINAGAR

SRINAGAR, WENESDAY, 15 RAJAB 1433 AH ; 06JUNE 2012

Email:-editorvosgr@gmail.com

NEWS

Addl. DCs to monitor transfer of powers to PRs

CM gives direction, reviews status of implementation

             SRINAGAR, JUNE 05 – Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Tuesday reviewed the headway made on the implementation of Government Orders regarding the transfer of powers from various departments to Panchayat Raj institutions. He had given 15-day time for making these orders fully operational on ground and in today’s meeting he got appraisal of the action taken in this regard.

            The Chief Minister was apprised that all the departments have issued direction manuals to ensure that the powers transferred are utilized and exercised by the panchayat institutions at their level.

            Omar Abdullah directed for making Additional District Development Commissioners In-charge Officers to daily monitor the operationalization of these orders at ground level and report the compliance of orders by various departments regularly to the higher level in the government.

            The Chief Minister emphasized the need for expanding the capacity building programme launched by Rural Development Department to train Panchayat Members for excellent service delivery and utilization of powers. He said NGOs and experts in the field should be involved in the comprehensive training programme for Sarpanches and Panches.

            Omar Abdullah also received the status of constitution of State Election Commission for Panchayat elections and separate Finance Commission for these institutions. He also received details of the roadmap for constitution of Block Panchayat Council and holding of election for Legislative Council seats reserved for Panchayat Members.

            The Chief Minister directed all the concerned departments to put in place a mechanism where under every department would at its own level monitor the implementation of transfer of powers to the panchayats pertaining to that department. He said while the Rural Development Department will be doing monitoring for all departments, every department concerned should also monitor the implementation of the orders issued and ensure these are adhere to strictly at the ground level.

            Minister for Rural Development, Ali Mohammad Sagar said that though Panchayat Raj system exits in various States in the Country, yet the quantum of power transferred to these institutions by the Omar Abdullah-led government has put Jammu and Kashmir as the frontline State in this regard. He said the keen interest of the Chief Minister to see Panchayat Raj flourishing and becoming strong and strong to deliver effectively on ground is being translated into reality by the joint efforts of Rural Development Department and all other concerned departments.

            Minister of State for Rural Development, Ajaz Ahmad Khan, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, Devender Singh Rana, Chief Secretary, Madhav Lal, various Principal Secretaries and Administrative Secretaries were present in the meeting.

            The Chief Secretary at the outset told about the series of meetings he had taken to concretize the implementation roadmap of the orders issued for transfer of powers to the panchayat institutions regarding functions, functionaries and finances.

Omar approves revitalization of Shahr-e-Khas

Gives nod to Rs. 24 cr heritage-street from Nawakadal to Chattabal

Ten localities to be developed as Craft Clusters

             SRINAGAR, JUNE 05 – Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Tuesday approved the holistic project of revitalization of Shahr-e-Khas (Old Srinagar City) focusing on its natural, cultural, craft and built heritage. He also gave nod to the starter of the project involving Rs. 24 crore for constructing a 2 kilometre pedestrian Tourist Trail from Nawakadal to Cement Kadal (Chattabal) to develop craft bazaars, retail outlets, refreshment kiosks, production centres and other facilities. The main street will be pedestrian and if found feasible battery operated vehicles can be allowed along the street.

            Taking presentation of the roadmap prepared under his directions for the holistic development of Shahr--e-Khas including promotion of craft clusters in 10 identified locations, at a high level meeting here, the Chief Minister also directed for working out a strategy for developing housing colonies for people living in congested areas of old Srinagar city.

            Minister for Rural Development, Ali Mohammad Sagar, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, Devender Singh Rana, Chief Secretary, Madhav Lal, Principal Secretary Planning, B. B. Vyas, various Commissioner Secretaries and senior officers were present in the meeting.

            Omar Abdullah said that the main objective of the new development concept translated into a holistic project for revitalization of Shahr-e-Khas is aimed at providing necessary succour to a large population of artisans by developing craft clusters, generating economic activities, encouraging tourist flow, developing palatable lung places and upgrading basic amenities alongwith beautification of the historic Srinagar city.

            The Chief Minister said that involvement of Tourism and Housing and Urban Development Departments should be factored in the overall roadmap aimed at comprehensive development of Shahr-e-Khas and the artisans here. He stressed on dovetailing the efforts to obtain effective and meaningful results within the fixed time frame.

            The new concept for construction of Heritage Craft Tourist Trail from Nawakadal to Cement Kadal (Chattabal) and construction of River Front Craft Plaza has been derived from the existing similar heritage sites established in Muscat (Oman), New York, China (Chengdu) and Sabermati (India). The project also involves upgradation of the street pavement, covring of drains, laying of sewer lines, underground electric cabling, development of litterbins at every 200 meters, solar street lights at every 200 meters, street furniture and signages, refreshment kiosks, public conveniences, diagnostic clinics and about half dozen ghats and access points to river Jhelum.

            The Chief Minister also received presentation pertaining to development of craft clusters in Jamia Masjid, Safakadal-Qamarwari, Idgah, Noorbagh, Chattabal, Soura, Zadibal, Boatpora,-Suhama and Kanchan Peerpora and directed for working out area and craft specific projects in these wards factoring in beautification, economic activities generation, heritage preservation and tourist attraction aspects adding that more areas of the old Srinagar city need to be incorporated in the overall development programme.

            Speaking in the meeting, Minister for Rural Development, Ali Mohammad Sagar while lauding the Chief Minister’s keenness for revitalization and beautification of old Srinagar city alongwith generating economic activities and tourist flow in this part, said that there is need to bring Habba Kadal, Chinkral Mohalla, Fateh Kadal, Khankhahi Mohalla, Bohri Kadal, Zaina Kadal, Maharaj Gunj, Hawal, Zadibal and other core areas of Shahr-e-Khas in the overall roadmap being prepared for the development of Shahr-e-Khas.

            The Chief Minister directed for incorporating all these areas in the main project adding that details for operationalizing various components of the project should be discussed with Housing and Tourism Departments to dovetail efforts. He also directed for factoring in Jammu and Kashmir Bank’s schemes for artisan development.

            The Minister for Rural Development also talked about the economic support to the large number of artisan families living in Srinagar city. He underlined the need for early finalization of the report by the Committee constituted by the Chief Minister under Chief Secretary on this subject.  

            Earlier, Chief Secretary, Madhav Lal said that under the Chief Minister’s directives 4 initiatives of Installing Traffic Signals, Operationalizing Radio Taxies, Water Transport and Development of Artisan Clusters were given green signal for launching and considerable headway has been achieved on all these initiatives.

            He said while traffic signals have been introduced in Srinagar, radio taxi operation will start during this month and regular water transport from Panthachowk to Chattabal within some weeks. He said that 10 crafts of Papier-mache, Khatamband, Wood-carving, Pashmina, Crewel-embroidery, Copperware, Leather products, Kani-shawl, Sozni embroidery and Willow works alongwith areas mainly representing these crafts have been identified to be developed under the Development of Craft Clusters Programme in the city.

Omar reviews Skill Development Mission

9.10 lakh youth to get skill upgradation training in 5 years

             SRINAGAR, JUNE 05 – Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah who is also Chairman of J&K Skills Development Mission Tuesday reviewed the progress on various initiatives introduced under the Mission to upgrade skills of J&K youth and enhance their employability to get absorbed in job market.

            “There is need to ensure placement of trained youth in the corporate sector and that can be realized when the private sector is actively involved in the process of skill upgradation and employability enhancement programme focusing at the requirement in the industry and trade”, he added.

            The Chief Minister said that the concerned State Government Departments should take up the matter of roping in NHPC, Railways, National Highway Authority, State Power Development Corporation, JKPCC, J&K Bank and other similar companies to set up ITIs under their corporate social responsibilities towards the society. He said they can traine youth of Jammu and Kashmir in these ITIs in the trades in which they need work force. “This would ensure placement of educated boys and girls in these companies”, he said.

            The meeting was attended by Minister for Finance, Abdul Rahim Rather, Minister for Rural Development, Ali Mohammad Sagar, Minister for Technical Education, R. S. Chib, Minister for Industries, S. S. Slathia, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, Devender Singh Rana, Chief Secretary, Madhav Lal, Principal Secretaries, B. B. Vyas, Sudhanshu Pandey, Administrative Secretaries of various departments and senior officers.

            In a PowerPoint presentation, the Planning Commissioner gave overview of the roadmap put in place for achieving the target of upgrading skills of 9.10 lakh youth during the next five years. He gave sector-wise targets fixed for this purpose and the strategy worked out by various departments to realize this target.

            The meeting was informed that under the Technical Education sector 2.77 lakh youth are being trained in various skills while in Tourism Department this target is fixed at 14667. The Industries and Commerce Department will train 1.34 lakh persons, Rural Development Department 9500, Horticulture Department 1.50 lakh, Information Technology Department 98000, Health and Medical Education Department 75000, Animal and Sheep Husbandry Department 30000 and under the Udan Programme 37000 youth are being trained.

            The Principal Secretary Power told the meeting that the department has identified various trades in which the department requires a good number of work force. He said he has already shared this information with the concerned departments. He said that Grid Corporation of India has been approached to establish 2 ITIs one each at Kashmir and Jammu to provide training to the youth of the State in various skills in which they require the work force.

Secretary Internal Security calls on Governor

            SRINAGAR, JUNE 5 –  Mr. Ajay Chadha, Special Secretary, Internal Security, Union Ministry of Home Affairs, called on Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor Jammu and Kashmir, at Raj Bhavan here today. He was accompanied by Mr. K. Skandan, Joint Secretary (Kashmir), Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

          During their meeting, Mr. Chadha briefed the Governor about his aerial reconnaissance of the Amarnathji Yatra route and the deployments being made for providing effective security arrangements for this year’s Yatra, which is scheduled to commence on 25^th June, along both the Chandanwari and Baltal routes. The Governor also discussed with Mr. Chadha about the importance of traffic being effectively regulated during the Yatra period, which would also be the peak tourist arrival season. The latter informed the Governor that he had duly reviewed this matter and additional Security Forces were being provided to the State for effective arrangements.

          Mr. Navin K. Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor and Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, was present in the meeting.

Successful Cancer Surgery in Police Hospital, Rajendra congratulates Dr. Irshad

            SRINAGAR, JUNE 05: In a major achievement doctors of Police Hospital Srinagar headed by Dr. Irshad Ahmed Kuchay performed a successful cancer surgery yesterday, which is first of its kind performed outside teaching institutions of the State. The total Gastectomy with Rou-en-Y Oesophagojejunostomy procedure lasted for six hours and the patient Mr. Mohammad Qasim is recovering well.

            Giving details, Medical Superintendent, Police Hospital Srinagar, Dr. Mohammad Shafi Koka said that the surgery was performed on a patient suffering from stomach cancer and was a milestone achievement in the history of Police Hospital. He said that during the procedure Dr Irshad was assisted by his operation theatre staff and anaesthetist Dr. Baljeet Kour.

Dr. Kuchay has performed Hepaticojejunostomy, open prostatectomy, hepatic hydatid cystectomy in the past and now he has achieved a new success by performing successful cancer surgery, said Dr. Koka. He has praised the dedication and professional abilities of Dr. Kuchay.

            Dr. Irshad after performing the successful operation thanked his staff who assisted him during the procedure for their technical and moral support. He said that due to support and encouragement from Medical Superintendent, the procedure has been made possible in Police Hospital.

            Meanwhile, the Director General of Police, Mr. K. Rajendra Kumar has congratulated Dr. Irshad and Medical Superintendent of Police Hospital for this historical achievement. He said that the Hospitals in twin capital cities have been providing Laparoscopic, ENT Endoscopy and Arthroscopy facilities to the police personnel and their families, besides general surgical, ENT and Orthopaedic surgeries. He said that Police Organization is considering to extend super speciality facilities like PCNL for Renal Stones, URS for Uretric Stones, Laser Prostatectomy and TURP for benign hyperplasia of prostate to the patients in future and the Organization has been focusing to upgrade the Police Hospitals to provide better facilities to the police personnel and their families. 

World Environment day observed at SKICC

Altaf stresses for green economy, conservation of delicate environment of the State

SRINAGAR, JUNE 05:- Underscoring the need for taking concrete measures for conservation of rich environs of the State, the Minster for Forest and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmed stressed on the concerned authorities to initiate all possible measures for safeguarding the green economy of the State.             Speaking at a function organized by Department of Environment and Remote Sensing at SKICC to celebrate world Environment Day here today, the Minister said that government is committed to safeguard rich environment and ecology of the State, adding that in this regard several initiatives are under way.

The Minister while highlighting the environmental concerns of the State appreciated the efforts of Environment and Remote Sensing Department for creating awareness among the general public, besides initiating scientific studies on natural resources and facilitating Management based on Remote Sensing and GIS  Technology.

Mr. Altaf said that concerted efforts are required safeguard environment which is backbone for preserving our nature and culture in general and tourism in particular and will lead to better economy of the State

Stressing the needs for launching the strong awareness campaign to save the environment, he said on this day every one must take pledge and help in promoting green economy. He asked the stakeholders and students to become the ambassador for this social cause and spread this message in their homes, areas to keep our state green and clean.

 He appreciated the role of NGO’s in the state for rendering good services in this field.  He stressed the need for stepping up of the efforts in creating awareness and educating the people about the environment.  He said Govt. would extend all help to such organization who will work for the betterment of the society. He said eco friendly manner must be opted while formulating any developmental project.

This year United Nations Environment theme was “Green Economy- Does it include you”, on which a seminar was also held at SKICC.

In all 250 students drawn from 20 schools participated in the seminar and deliberated on the theme “Green Economy- Does it includes you”.

The officers of Forest and Environment Department also threw light on the topic and gave detailed resume taken for conservation of environment and ecology the State.

On the occasion, the Minister released two scientific reports “Mapping of potential areas for sericulture development and study on pollution on River Tawi “He also distributed prizes among the Students who participated in the debate, skit presentation and other events.  

Commissioner Secretary Forests Mr. Umang Narulla, Principal Chief Conservator Forests, Mr. Vinod Ranjan, Chairman Pollution Control Board, Mr. Lal Chand, Chief Wildlife Warden, Mr. A.K. Singh, Director State Forest Research Institute, Mr. Suresh Gupta, Director Environment, Ecology and Remote Sensing, Mr. Suresh Chugh and Social worker, Nazir be Nazir(NGO) also spoke on the occasion.

6 lakh children, pregnant women, adolescent girls get Rs. 60 crore nutrition yearly

Dir SW to ensure more dedication, transparency in Anganwari Centres

            SRINAGAR, JUNE 05: Director, Social Welfare, Kashmir, Mr. Bashir Ahmad Bhat convened a meeting of all Programme Officers of Kashmir Valley to review the functioning of Anganwari Centres here.

            The meeting was informed that 15085 Anganwari Centres are functioning in Kashmir Valley where nutrition is being provided to over six lakh children (under the age group of 6 months to 6 years), pregnant women and adolescent girls. “An amount of Rs. 60 crore is being sent yearly on supply of nutrition to these centres”, the meeting informed.

            Addressing the meeting, Mr. Bhat informed that 5046 more Anganwari Centres will be established as soon as the proposal sent for approval is received from the Central Government.

            The Director stressed upon the officers to be honest and dedicated to their work and ensure more fairness and transparency in the day to day functioning. He also directed them to intensify the checking of Anganwari Centres especially in remote and far flung areas so that poor and needy could get equitable benefits of the schemes launched by the Government from time to time. He said that Integrated Child Development Schemes plays a vital role in developing the physical and mental health of children, adding healthy child is the symbol of healthy nation.

DC Kupwara reviews Urs arrangements & facilities at Drugmulla Shrine place

            KUPWARA, JUNE 05: The Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, Mr. Sarmad Hafeez today visited the Shrine place of Zatishah Wali (RA) at Drugmulla and reviewed the arrangements for devotees who throng at the Shrine from nook and corner of the district in connection with Urs celebration commenced from today.

            The Deputy Commissioner Kupwara alongwith officers of different departments attended the religious function and interacted with the local Ziyarat Committee and enquired about the facilities are being provided to the devotees during the Urs days.

            The devotees are attending the Urs proceedings while religious preachers threw light on the religious contribution of the Zatishah Wali (RA) during his life time.

Introduce protected cultivation in a big way in valley: Mir

14 CAD projects completed at a cost of Rs 56.82 cr

SRINAGAR, JUNE 05: Minister for Agriculture, Mr Ghulam Hassan Mir Tuesday stressed for introduction of protected cultivation in a big way which could supplement our demand for fresh vegetables during lean winter season.

 The Minister said this while reviewing the progress and achievements of Agriculture Department and its allied sectors at a high level meeting.  He said that by launching a campaign for introduction of latest Agri- techniques and hybrid seed in farming practices, the demand for protected cultivation has increased manifold.  He said during last one year about 4609 Poly houses have been distributed on panchayat level across the valley to boost vegetable production.

 Minister of state for agriculture Mr Javid Ahmad Dar was also present in the meeting.

Saying protected cultivation is necessary for our economy, Mr Mir urged for judicious implementation of the scheme on ground level and asked for its proper monitoring. He said that concerned officers of the respective area shall be personally responsible for its implementation.

Appreciating the efforts of  Agriculture department for motivating the farmers to shift towards farm Mechanization, Mr. Mir asked the director Agriculture to increase the targets of machinery equipments for this fiscal so that more and more farmers would be benefited with the scheme. He said introduction of farm mechanization and new agri- techniques is the way out to motivate the educated agriculture youth for opting agriculture as a profiting activity. He further asked for making available agriculture implements and tools in large quality to the farmers on low cost at district headquarters.

Under saffron mission, The Minister was informed that 600 hectares would be covered under regeneration programme for which Rs 50 crore would be spent.

To boost the sericulture activity in the state, the Minister has stressed for lunching a plantation drive on state and private land to provide maximum leafage to the cocoon growers. He said the quality leafage is the lifeline for increasing the quality cocoon production in the state.

Stressing for to give look to sericulture nurseries, The Minster asked the Director for according top priority in setting up of nurseries and other infrastructure under RKVY scheme.  He asked to cover maximum number of growers under construction of rearing houses for which government is providing Rs 75000 besides to provide women Health insurance to women rears of the state.

While reviving the progress of Command Area Development Kashmir, The Minister was informed so far 14 projects have been completed after covering an area of 43063 hectares incurring an expenditure of Rs 56.82 cr. He was further informed 14 Centrally Sponsored Projects  and one state sector project with total catchment area of 120193 hectares have been taken in hand  with an estimated  cost of Rs 375.37 crore. Out of which the department has covered an area of 27901 hectares by the ending march, 2012 at an expenditure of Rs 55.12cr.

The Minister was  informed that three new Centrally Sponsored Projects namely Aarpath, Romshi-Rambiara and Lar Sukhnag have been approved by IMSC at an estimated cost of Rs294.04 cr. having catchment area 81386 hectares for 2012-13.

The Minister asked the concerned to complete the ongoing projects at the earliest and stressed for judicious use of funds. He also called for monitoring of these projects regularly.

 Commissioner Secretary Agriculture Production, Mr Shaleen Kabra, Director Agriculture, Kashmir, Dr  Farooq Ahmad Lone, Director  Command Area Development, Mr. Tariq Ahmad, Director Sericulture and other senior officers of the Agriculture and its allied departments.

Ruhullah describes youth as torch bearers, attends environment day celebrations

                BUDGAM, JUNE 5:-Minister for Information Technology & Sheep and Animal Husbandry, Aga Ruhulla Mehdi described youth as the torch bearers for a green economy and cautioned against carbon footsteps and different types of hazards existing in our environment.

            The Minister was addressing a gathering here to mark the World Environment Day, being observed by KVK Budgam in collaboration with The Inner Call, Forum for Evolution, Development And Awareness. 

Ruhullah further said that there is no other planet where human beings can find suitable environment and therefore we must take all steps possible to save and serve the environment that surrounds us here on planet earth.

The Minister stressed that awareness is the tool that helps to increase our knowledge and sensitivity towards our surroundings. Whenever   human beings were harsh to environment, it was not only the human species but every other species then existing which got extinct, he added.

Earlier speaking at the occasion, Deputy Commissioner, Mr. K. A. Shah said each one of us should feel responsible for the maintenance of ecology and environment.

            Welcoming the guests, Incharge, KVK Budgam, Dr.Raihana Kant gave an introduction of the various activities performed by their department. 

Mrs. Roma Wani, Chairperson, The Inner Call also addressed the gathering.

            On the occasion, the Minister launched a poster on the World Environment day. He also planted a sapling in the courtyard of the town hall as a symbol of the beginning of a drive for Green Jammu & Kashmir. 

Environment Day celebrations at Leper Colony

       SRINAGAR, JUNE 5:- On the eve of World Environment Day, the P.G. and U.G. Departments of Environment, S. P. College, under the banner of Green Club celebrated the World Environment Day among the residents of Leprosy Colony at Bahrar in Srinagar. The programme was conducted with an intention to move from campus to community and educate the residents of the colony about the environmental values and personal health and hygiene.

            On this occasion, a number of skits were presented by the students which were highly appreciated by the colony residents. Lectures regarding personal hygiene and conservation of natural resources were delivered by the students. Items related to the personal hygiene and general environmental cleanliness were distributed among the residents of the colony.

The students were accompanied by Head, Department of Environmental Sciences Dr. Zubaida, Head, Department of Environment and Water Management, Prof. Humaira Qadri, Prof. Sameena Ismail Department of Biotechnology and Mr. Kaiser Lecturer Environmental Science.

Governor for conservation of forests; devising strategies to address man-animal conflict issues

         SRINAGAR, JUNE 5 - A group of 34 Indian Forest Service Probationers from the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, Dehradun, currently on a 6-day Hill Tour to Jammu and Kashmir, called on Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, at Raj Bhavan here this evening.

          The Governor, while interacting with the group of IFS Probationers of 2011 batch, observed that we must protect our forest wealth as it is very important for the survival of life on planet earth. He stressed that the preservation of forests is deeply connected with environment and ecology and the issues of climate change as well as sustainable development.

          Replying to the queries of the Probationers on a wide range of subjects, the Governor observed that the unfortunate situation that prevailed in Jammu and Kashmir in the past years resulted not only in huge human and economic losses but also caused a severe damage to forest wealth. He said that with the return of normalcy, greater attention is now being devoted to the conservation and regeneration of forests in the State. The Governor, who is Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, referred to the initiatives being taken by the Board for the conservation and promotion of green cover in the entire Shrine area in the Trikuta Hills.

          Urging the future Forest Administrators to work with dedication for the conservation of forests, the Governor said that there is urgent need for devising appropriate strategies to effectively deal with the issue of man-animal conflicts.

          The Governor enquired from the IFS Probationers the places they have had visited so far in J&K and other States during their Tour and shared with them his own experiences of working in the high altitude areas in the years past.  

 The Governor wished the Probationers successful careers in the Indian Forest Service.

A memento was presented to the Governor on behalf of the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, Dehradun, on this occasion.

Mrs. Anu Nagar, Associate Professor, Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, Dehradun, briefing the Governor said that the main objective of the Officers’ Hill Tour is to familiarize the IFS Probationers with the latest forest management practices and expose them to varied eco-systems. 

Mr. Vinod Ranjan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Mr. Navin K. Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor, were present on the occasion.

Disabled students’ sports meet, Sakina presides

SRINAGAR, JUNE 05: A sports competition among disabled children was held at Degree College Khannabal today in which around 70 disabled children participated.

 Children from Al-Habib School Nishat, Chotay Taray, Government Schools of Bijbehara Zone, Shafaqat School Bemina, Srinagar. Life Help School, Barzulla and Zeba School, Bijbehara participated in cricket, Tug of war and other games.

Minister for Social Welfare, Ms. Sakina Itoo was the chief guest.

In her address, the Minister said that NGOs and civil society should come forward for the upliftment and welfare of the disabled children so that they may not be deprived from the society. She said that government has launched various schemes for the betterment of such people adding that government will provide every possible facilities to the disabled students to groom their talent.

Divisional commissioner, Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Samoon also addressed the gathering.

The Minister distributed trophies and prizes among the winner students.

The sports competition was organized by the NGO Humanity Welfare Organization, Bijbehara.

GGF celebrates Environment Day

SRINAGAR, JUNE 05:- In connection with World Environment Day Gandhi Global Family(GGF) and in collaboration with Youth Hostels Association of India, Jammu and Kashmir jointly organized an impressive function at Amar Singh Club here today.

The aim and objective of the function was to create environmental awareness and to sanitize the people of the State about the importance of World Environment Day.

On the occasion Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. Vinod Ranjan highlighted various environmental issues and challenges being faced to the State.

Addressing the gathering, the President, GGF, Padam Shri S. P. Verma said that preservation of environment is vital for the sustenance of mankind and we must show our responsibility for safe and clean environment. He said that aim of this day is generate awareness about environment concern and involving students, citizens and NGOs for the purpose.   

On the occasion the GGF honored 15 persons by Mahatma Gandhi Paryavaran Award-2012 for their excellence in environment promotion.

Those who spoke on the occasion includes, President, Youth Hostel of India, J&K Mr. M.S. Pandit, Director Doordarshan, Mr. B.A. Malik, Ex. Member Parliament, Mr. Ab. Rashid Shaeen, Chairman, J&K Hotelier Club, Srinagar, Mr. Mushtaq Ahmed Chaya, Chairman Environment Protection Committee, YHAI, J&K, Mr. R.L. Bharti and Advisor GGF, Kashmir, Mr. Ghulam nabi Mir Lasjan  

Besides a number of environmentalists a large number of prominent citizens attended the function.

Students and Teachers from Kupwara Disrtict in Jammu and Kashmir meet
the President of India

New Delhi, June 05, 2012

A group of 30 students from Kandi Bowl in Kupwara District of Jammu
and Kashmir met the President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil
at Rashtrapati Bhavan today. The children are currently in New Delhi
as part of the Indian Army’s Operation Sadbhavana. They are being
conducted by the 47 Battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles. The students
are from isolated rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir, and many of them
have come out of the valley for first time.

The tour aims to enlighten students and teachers about the people and
cultures of the country. The students shall be visiting Delhi,
Dehradun and Mussoorie over a period of 10 days. The group’s itinerary
in the capital includes visits to India Gate, the Red Fort, Jama
Masjid, the Akshardham Temple and Raj Ghat. After visiting various
parts of Delhi, most of the students expressed their desire to get a
chance to study at higher education institutions in the capital.

Speaking to the students and teachers, the President said that India
is a large country with varied topography and also has places which
are washed by the oceans and seas and also areas that are mountainous.
She told the students that all Indians have regard and respect for
people from the State of Jammu and Kashmir. She wished the students
well and hoped that the visit would spread goodwill and urged them to
place the nation first in all the activities that they undertake, and
to spread understanding amongst citizens. [VOS]

WCD Ministry Organises Conference on Gender Budgeting

New Delhi, June 05, 2012

A two day conference on Gender Budgeting is being organized by the
Ministry of Women and Child Development in collaboration with National
Gender Centre, Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration,
Mussoorie on 6th and 7th June 2012. Around 30 senior and middle level
officials from the Gender Budget Cells in the Central
Ministries/Departments are expected to attend the conference.

With the aim to review the process of Gender Budget Statement
Development by the Central Ministries, the theme of the conference is
“Gender Budget Statement: Issues and Challenges”. Eminent experts in
the field of Gender Budgeting along with officials from the Ministry
of Women and Child Development and Ministry of Finance will facilitate
the workshop.

The workshop is expected to further the understanding of the concept
and tools of Gender Budget Statement and to suggest methodologies to
improve budgeting processes and reporting in the Gender Budget
Statement. This will be a further step towards building Government
Capacities towards achieving women’s empowerment, especially those
which aim to reduce the burden of poverty and promote the status of
women.

Gender Budgeting is noted to be a powerful tool for achieving gender
mainstreaming so as to ensure that benefits of Government programmes
and schemes reach women as much as men. Through Gender Budgeting the
Government aims to ensure the translation of Government’s policy
commitments on gender equity into budgetary allocations. It is not an
accounting exercise but an ongoing process of keeping a gender
perspective in policy/ programme formulation, its implementation and
review.

The Ministry of Women and Child Development as the nodal agency for
Gender Budgeting, has been focusing on building the capacities of the
Gender Budget Cells in various Departments and Ministries. A very
important tool for Gender Budgeting is the Gender Budget Statement,
introduced in the Union Budget 2005-06, which comprises two parts-
Part A and Part B. The first part reflects programmes and schemes
which have 100% allocation for women and the second part reflects
those schemes where at least 30% of the allocation is for women. The
Statement is an important tool for bringing together all information
on the allocations for women and provides an indication of the funds
flowing to women. Over the last three years, the allocation reflected
in the Gender Budget Statement has increased from Rs. 67,749 crore in
2010-11, to Rs.78,251 crore in 2011-12 and Rs. 88,142.80 crore in
2012-13.

Officers from the following Ministries/Departments are expected to
attend the conference- Animal Husbandry and Fisheries,
Telecommunications, Textiles, Water Resources, Rural Development,
Social Justice and Empowerment, Power, Steel, Chemical and
Petrochemicals, Commerce, Electronics and Information Technology, Food
and Public Distribution, Home Affairs, Petroleum and Natural Gas,
Sports, Panchayati Raj, Justice, Legislative, External Affairs,
Information and Broadcasting, Overseas Indian Affairs, Defence, and
Statistics and Programme Implementation. [VOS]

Govt not regularizing ReZ employees: Mir

‘Substandard fertilizers worth crores seized’

In a strong setback to the hopes of hundreds of Rehber-e-ziraat employees, Minister for Agriculture Gulam Hassan Mir has said the government has no plans of regularizing their services.

According to VOS sources, while replying questions from callers during Radio Conference programme of the Radio Kashmir, the minister said that the Rehber-e-ziraat employees will not be regularized on the pattern of Rehber-e-Taleem scheme as the two schemes are fundamentally different. “ReZ employees have been appointed on temporary basis and there is no question of their being regularized”, VOS sources quoted Mir of having told in reply to a question. “The Rehber-e-Ziraat employees should look for alternate employment avenues and not wait for regularization which is not going to happen”, the Minister added.

Pertinently at least 1100 graduates and post-graduates in agriculture and allied fields have been appointed by the Agriculture department as ReZ over the years, however none of them has been regularized till date.

The programme ‘Radio Conference’, which is being revived after a long gap, is scheduled to be broadcast at 10 pm on June 6 from Radio Kashmir Srinagar.

The minister, according to VOS, has also revealed during the programme that the department of Agriculture has sealed a go down in Nowgam area of the city where according to him substandard fertilizers worth crores were being distributed across the valley.

“We have deputed teams across the valley to check and track down the stores selling the spurious fertilizers to make sure these fertilizers don’t reach farmers”, the minister has been quoted of having said. “There is apprehension of damage to crops and orchards if these spurious fertilizers are used and we will take every step to ensure that these fertilizers don’t reach farmers and horticulturists”, the minister is reported to have said.

Meanwhile, reliable sources told VOS that Enforcement Wing of the agriculture department has sealed the go down of a Fertilizers dealer at Nowgam and banned the sale and purchase of the spurious fertilizers recovered from it. Pertinently, according to sources, a squad from the enforcement wing had recently seized a huge consignment of fertilizers at Budgam, but the department has not issued any directions to farmers regarding non-use of these fertilizers till date. (VOS)

JKWDC calls upon women to benefit from schemes

Srinagar, June 05 (VOS):  The Jammu and Kashmir Women’s Development Corporation has called upon prospective women entrepreneurs to come forward and benefit from the schemes of the corporation which are aimed at social and economic upliftment to women.

“Govt has setup scheme for self employment of women for their social and economic self reliance. We want more and more women entrepreneurs to come forward and benefit from these schemes”, said Naheed Soz, Managing Director of the Womens development corporation.

Soz also stressed upon qualified women to come forward and assume leadership role in women entrepreneurship. “Qualified women should come forward and earn a respectable livelihood instead of wasting their time looking for government jobs”, she added.

The MD, in response to a question told VOS that the corporation has conducted more than 300 training camps in different areas of the state to create awareness among women. “We have conducted 330 training sessions and 145 awareness camps in the previous financial year and plan to conduct many more camps during the current year”, Soz said.

Stressing upon women to avail their hassle free schemes, the Managing Director said that the corporation approves loans within no time to aspiring women and women groups. “Ours is a single window system. We allot loans within a maximum of 6 weeks and if women complete formalities sanction within a week is possible”, she claimed.

Appreciating women entrepreneurs for their success Soz told VOS that there are hardly any defaulters in liquidation of loans allotted by the corporation.

“We have a recovery record of around 97 percent. There are some old defaulters which are being covered by different legal means”, she informed.

The Managing Director also informed that the corporation has advanced an amount of 12.18 crores to women entrepreneurs during financial year 2011-12 and held 330 training camps and 145 awareness camps for women across the state.

Separtist parties across LoC planning Million March

‘Will meet each other at Keran’

Srinagar, June 05 (VOS):  Separatist leadership on either side of the Line of control are organizing a million march on June 10 to raise Kashmir issue throughout the world and press for its resolution.

Separatist leader Hashim Qureshi will lead the march from the Indian side of LoC which will meet the representatives from Northern areas and Pakistan administered Kashmir at Keran in Kupwara district.

According to sources, apart from Hashim Qureshi, Zahoor Ahmad Bhat will lead the march from the Indian Administered Kashmir, whileas all the separatist leaders from PaK will take part in the March. Incidentally, Col Wajahat Mirza and Advocate Hamid Khan will lead the march from the Gilgit and Baltistan areas. Meanwhile, according to sources, leaders and workers from different parts of PaK have already started assembling at Muzafarabad and preparing for the march.

Meanwhile, many organistaions which include NLC, JKLF, PNP have held a press conference at press club Muzafarabad and exhorted upon all Kashmiris to make the march a success. They also threatened to resist in case there was any attempt to put hurdles in the way of the march.

While speaking to VOS, Democratic Liberation Party Chief Hashim Qureshi has confirmed that he is taking part in the March. “The main aim of the Million March is to defeat the idea and efforts of dividing the state”, said Qureshi adding that many forces are planning to divide the state on religious, linguistic and sectarian basis. Qureshi has told VOS that he will address a press conference in the regard on June 7 at his party headquarters.

Exclusion of JK in telecom policy myopic, discriminatory: Mufti

Urges PM to scrap the diktat

Srinagar, June 05(VOS): Terming the decision to keep Jammu and Kashmir out of the newly framed telecom policy as discriminatory and divisive, Peoples Democratic Party Patron Mufti Mohammad Syeed Tuesday urged the Prime Minister to intervene and scrap this diktat.

Addressing a meeting of the members of Kupwara district committee of the party here, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said such treatment of the J&K state has only fuelled alienation, trust deficit and cultivated the feeling of ‘otherness’ among the people of the state.

Mufti said it was ironic that J&K was kept out of a scheme whose slogan is ‘one nation, one number’ and when the central government is talking of winning the hearts and minds of people here. “What message are you sending to the people of the state by such small minded policies” Mufti asked. He said such actions brought to a naught all efforts at bridging the gulf between the state and rest of the country and need to be dumped once and for all. “By treating the people of the state as suspects in implementation of policies like the telecom policy the government was actually creating a mistrust about them which reflects often in unwarranted police action against them in various states” he remarked.

Mufti said the myopic stance adopted by various elements of state had seriously impeded peace prospects in the past as well. Recalling the resistance faced in extending mobile telephony to the state he said it was after a great deal of persuasion that J&K had got the facility more than a decade after rest of the country but now fresh restrictions were leading to reversal of the policy of openness introduced after 2003. He said mobile facility, contrary to the apprehensions nurtured by security establishment, had helped restoration of normalcy in the state. 

Not only had the discriminatory policy in telecom a negative impact on political and peace initiatives, Mufti said it had a considerable economic fallout as well. He said while rest of the country will have to pay no roaming charges the people of J&K will have to pay the extra cost for their domicile. Similarly, he said being a tourist hub it can put avoidable burden on those who visit the state for leisure or business.

Addressing the meeting the former deputy chief minister Muzaffar Hussein Baig said PDP was a political force distinctly poised to change rules of the political game in J&K. He said PDP is a party with difference for its political objective, developmental vision and the quality of its leadership. He told the workers that people of the state were open to new ideas and initiatives and there was no reason why the PDP with its brief but distinct record could not impress the electorate. “The party is creating an impact everywhere in the state but its message and track record was more relevant to places like Kupwara which had borne the brunt of trouble in last two decades” he said.

Those who attended the meeting included party general secretary Mohammad Dilawar Mir, former ministers Tariq Hameed Karra and G M Sofi, chief spokesperson Naeem Akhtar and district president advocate Abdul Haq Khan MLA.

Blood donation: Medicos lead the way

Srinagar, June 05(VOS): A blood donation camp was organised at Sub District Hospital Pampore where doctors and paramedical staff of the hospital donated blood in a good will gesture towards patients of the hospital.

The camp was organised on Tuesday for donation exclusively by doctors, paramedics and other staff of the hospital. 6 doctors including the Block Medical Officer Pampore and 10 paramedics among others donated blood on the occasion. “This is a good-will gesture towards our patients as we also want to send a message across to encourage people towards blood donation”, Block Medical Officer Dr Bashir Ahmad told VOS. “Many people hesitate from blood donation as they feel that it has side effects and causes weakness, which is not true at all”, he added.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Showkat Ali, who was present on the occasion, appreciated the staff for donating blood and appealed people to come forward and donate blood as it saves many precious lives.

Meanwhile, many attendants of patients at the hospital were encouraged and volunteered to donate blood on the occasion. (VOS)

Motorcycle kills man in Shopian 

Srinagar, June 05(VOS): Although police has launched a massive drive against road rage by motorcyclists, a motorcycle in south Kashmir’s Shopian district hit and critically injured a pedestrian. The motorcycle bearing registration number JK01P/8164 hit and injured Mushtaq Ahmad Thoker of Sindoo Shirmal at Shirmal, in Shopian district.

The injured was being shifted to hospital but died on the way. The motorcyclist succeeded in fleeing from the spot.

Zafar pays tributes to unrest victims, demands international probe

Srinagar, June 05(VOS):  APHC leader and Jammu and Kashmir Salvation Movement Chairman, Zafar Akbar Bhat has paid rich tributes to Tufail Ahmad Mattoo, Zahid Farooq, Wamiq Farooq and other youth killed during 2008, 2009 and 2010 mass uprisings.

Zaffar, while addressing a function in connection with ‘martyrs month’ held at APHC office in Srinagar, said unresolved Kashmir issue is the major stumbling block in establishing cordial relationship between the two neighbours. He also said the lingering dispute should be settled according to the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. 

The JKSM chairman in memory of Tufail Mattoo and 122 innocent young boys killed in 2010 unrest demanded an impartial international probe into these killings.

He expressed solidarity with the bereaved family of 2008, 2009 and 2010 ‘martyrs’ who laid their lives for the freedom movement. “Our children are being killed and put behind bars by the occupation authorities because we are demanding our inalienable right to self-determination” Bhat said. He appealed to the people of Kashmir to offer special prayers for martyrs and their mission.

He also said that the resolution of Kashmir dispute is vital to peace and stability in the South Asian region. He said that the people of Kashmir had been struggling to secure their birthright to self-determination for the last several decades and they would continue their struggle till complete success.

The speakers on the occasion appealed to the international community to play its role in bringing the culprits to justice and protect the honour, dignity, life and property of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Eroding constitution can’t erode sentiments of autonomy: Kamal

Wachi, June 05 (VOS): National Conference Additional General Secretary Mustafa Kamal Tuesday said erosion of the constitution of J&K will not erode sentiments to restore Autonomy.

“Our stand on Jammu and Kashmir’s accession is clear and we will strive to ensure that all the promises done should be re-implemented so that the doubts in the minds of the people are cleared”, said Kamal. 

Revisiting history, Dr Mustafa Kamal said that the instrument of accession was signed by Maharaja Hari Singh with New Delhi on three things: Foreign policy, Defence and communication. However, after the unfortunate incident of 1953, when Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was jailed under false charges, the erosion started including changing the nomenclature of Prime Minister of J&K with Chief Minister and President with Governor. The Additional General Secretary said that Pakistan is equally to be blamed because they complicated the issue by pushing Tribals into Jammu and Kashmir in October 1947. After they raided the state, Maharaja Hari Singh under the instrument of accession exceeded with New Delhi. He said that it was only after the Maharaja sought Delhi’s help that the Indian troops landed in Kashmir. 

Reiterating the demand of the NC the additional General Secretary said that all the promises should be fulfilled which were made with Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah “We strongly demand that once autonomy is implemented the identity and autonomous character of the state would get restored,” he said.

Lashing at PDP leadership, Dr Mustafa Kamal said that Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, along with the then J&K Governor Jagmohan smoothened the way for bloodbath in early 1990s in Jammu and Kashmir by implementing AFSPA and the party is committed to revoke the controversial law from the state.

“Today, Mufti is trying to project himself as the leader of Kashmiris but when he was the chief minister he didn’t raise the issue of revoking ASFPA once,” he said.

 “The enemies of National Conference are aware about the fact that National Conference is the only party that represents the rightful voice of the people,” he said.

Others who spoke on the occasion were Shabir Ahmed Kullay District President, Showkat Hussain Ganie Ex-MLC, Gh. Nabi Bhat, Nisar Ahmed Nisar.

MFA raises ‘Sham’s remarks’ with CM, calls for minister’s apology

Srinagar, June 05(VOS):  The Medical Faculty Association of the Government Medical College and the Government Dental College Srinagar has condemned the alleged racial remarks of the Minister for Health and Family Welfare Sham Lal Sharma against a doctor on May 22 in his office chambers.

“The minister has hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims by calling Dr Muhammad Ashraf Bhat, a bearded Muslim in Islamic dress, a criminal in addition to calling him a fanatic Muslim”, read the letter written by the association to the Chief Minister..

The Association in the letter to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has regretted the remarks of the minister. While condemning the remarks of the minister, the association has appealed the Chief Minister to ask the minister to apologize for his remarks and refrain from such remarks in the future. “MFA requests your good self to kindly take note of this unacceptable, outrageous behaviour of the minister and demands that he apologizes and refrains from such behaviour”, the letter further read.

Pertinently, while speaking to VOS earlier, the minister had out rightly rejected the allegations and called it a conspiracy against aimed at defaming him.

KU observes World Environment Day

Seminars, Poster exhibitions, rallies and plantation drives organised Srinagar, June 05 (VOS):  As a part of world environment day celebrations the University of Kashmir organised several events including seminars, poster presentations, oral presentations, plantation programs, cultural events and rallies at KU campus here on Tuesday.

A one day seminar on ‘Green Economy: Does it include you?’ was organised by the department of environmental science and centre of research for development (CORD) University of Kashmir  in collaboration with department of students welfare (DSW) and national service scheme (NSS).

Delivering his keynote address during the inaugural session of the seminar Vice Chancellor SKAUST Srinagar Dr Tej Pratap who was chief guest on the occasion stressed on the need to rethink and re-visit the various schemes and developmental plans which have become detrimental for the bio-diversity and ecology of the land.

While mentioning about the various indices and parameters which together constitute a green-economy Dr Tej Pratap who is a scientist said “If we go by the definition of green economy that is available in books it simply implies that the path of progress which improves the quality of life of humans along with taking care of the environmental resources is green economy. However there is more to this simple definition  and there are certain parameters like agriculture, renewable energy, eco-tourism, mode of public- transportation and forests which are low carbon economies and any such development strategy which encompasses utilization and optimal use of these components in an environmental –friendly manner constitutes green economy.”

In his presidential address Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir Prof Talat while stressing on the need to change our attitude towards the environment and environment-related issues said “We need to change our approach and attitude towards our ecology and environment if we are to protect our water bodies and lakes. And one of the strategies to protect our lakes is by ensuring less erosion of soil in the mountains and forests because it is this soil which gets eroded from the mountains and forests which ultimately finds its way into the lakes and other water bodies and disturbs the water hydraulic cycle and to ensure there is less soil erosion we first need to stop the cutting down of trees because it is vegetation and trees which check soil erosion during rains in forests.”

Prof Talat said that to ensure quality study and research at the University establishment of schools in various departments is the need of the hour as that will allow the students of science from departments like geophysics, geology and environmental science to come together and interact in a multidimensional way which will enhance their knowledge and make the research more result-oriented.

The inaugural session besides students and scholars was attended by various deans, scientists and head of the departments of the University during which officers and scientist from SKAUST Srinagar were also present.

The inaugural session was followed by two technical sessions. The first technical session comprised of poster presentation by some 26 participants from various departments and centres of the university and colleges whereas the second technical session included oral presentation by 34 participants from different departments of the university and colleges.

A poster exhibition on environment by Technical Officer, Public Relations Centre (PRC) Niyaz Ahmad Mir was also on display which was highly appreciated by the guests

Soz for holding party conventions across districts of state

Srinagar, June 05 (VOS):  President J&K Pradesh Congress Committee Prof. Saifuddin Soz held  a meeting with senior Party functionaries including Vice Presidents and General Secretaries of Pradesh Congress Committee at Congress Party Headquarters here today.

Among other matters, certain decisions were taken for holding conventions in all the Districts of Kashmir Province. Similar meetings will be organized in Jammu Province also.

The meeting was attended by Mohd Muzaffar Parray Senior Vice President, Gulam Nabi Monga, Bashir Ahmad Magrey, Abdul Majid Padder Vice Presidents, Mohd Anwar Bhat Gen Secy, Abdul Gani Khan and others.

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