THE
DAILY
VOICE OF
SRINAGAR
SRINAGAR, THURSDAY, 16 RAJAB
1433 AH ; 07JUNE 2012
Email:-editorvosgr@gmail.com
NEWS
Peace catapults
development, generates employment: Omar
‘Work speaks for
itself, people judge us by our actions’
Mir, Bhalla
highlight government’s achievements
TANGMARG,
JUNE 06 – Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Wednesday underscored the
importance of peace in generation of economic activities and carrying forward
development on fast tract. He said peaceful and conducive atmosphere catapults
development and enables every household to receive its share in the overall
economic growth and employment creation.
Addressing
a large public gathering after laying foundation of Mini Secretariat here, the
Chief Minister said that the benefits of peaceful 2011 in the shape of faster
development, successful tourist season, historic panchayat elections, enactment
of public empowerment legislations and anti-corruption measures are visible
before everyone.
Giving
credit to general people for extending wholehearted support to the government
in restoration of peace and putting the development on faster track, Omar
Abdullah said that he is determined to empower people and involve them in the
process of development.
“My
government has successfully conducted panchayat elections and powers from 14
departments to these grass root level institutions have already been
transferred through speaking government orders. I am regularly monitoring the
status of panchayat empowerment and in a high level meeting yesterday I received
complete details of the powers transferred to panchayats by these departments
through government orders”, he said and told Sarpanches and Panches to utilize
these powers for the benefit of the people. “Government has given you powers to
exercise. It is now your duty to utilize these for public good. People will not
accept any excuse from you for not delivering as you are already empowered to
deliver effectively”, he added.
The
Chief Minister said that he has directed the Rural Development Department to
provide the booklets of orders issued by the government for transfer of powers
to the panchayats in Urdu, Hindi and English languages so that panchayat
members are fully aware of their powers and responsibilities to utilize these
for public benefit. He said that he has also asked for involving NGOs and
experts for imparting training to Sarpanches and Panches so that they exercise
the powers in the best way.
On
curbing corruption and bringing in transparency in the government functioning,
the Chief Minister referred to the strengthening of institutions by his
government through legislations. He said that historic Public Service Guarantee
Act (PSGA) enacted by his government to make public service delivery time bound
and imposing fine on the officials found showing laxity or failing in
performing their duty to provide 50 public services identified in 6 departments
of Revenue, Power, PHE, CAPD, Housing and Transport in a time bound
manner prescribed for each service is also an important tool to check the
corruption at lower level which has direct bearing on common people.
The
Chief Minister said the erring officials under PSGA are liable for a fine that
shall be deducted from their salaries and paid to the affected consumers. He asked
the people to take full advantage of this Act and get service delivery within
the time frame fixed for each service. “This Act has empowered you to demand
service within the fixed time frame and curb all chances of corruption”, he
said and asked the political activists, social workers and NGOs to make public
aware of the provisions of this Act so that transparency and time bound service
delivery rules the roast in the functioning of administration.
The
Chief Minister also referred to the strengthening of the State Accountability
Commission and State Right to Information Commission and said that
strengthening of the institutions has played a big role to check both higher
and lower level corruption and malpractices. He said that government and
administration top to down below is now answerable before the general public
for its every action or omission. “This has laid strong edifice for public
empowerment and development of strong institutions to keep eye on government
functioning”, he said adding that State Vigilance Commission will be another
institution to monitor the functioning of government officials and
booking the culprits involved in malpractices. He said that work speaks for
itself and people judge us by the actions we take for the benefit of the
society.
On
tourism development, the Chief Minister said that the tourist boon witnessing
the State at present should not be utilized wrongly exhibiting opportunist
approach by the people associated with this industry. He said there are
complaints against transport operators and hoteliers. “You should not try to
indulge in profiteering and unreasonable practices while dealing with tourists
who are our guests. They should not take bad taste with them but return as
happy as would encourage them to come again and again”, he advised the traders
in tourism trade.
Omar
Abdullah said that the construction of Mini Secretariat in Tangmarg would be
highly useful for the people as it would house all the departments under one
roof and relieve the people from going one place to another to get their works
done in different departments.
Speaking
on the occasion, Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir thanked the Chief
Minister for granting Mini Secretariat to the people of Tangmarg and said that
it would prove highly beneficial for the area and its residents.
Ghulam
Hassan Mir also talked about various development issues of local importance and
sought Chief Minister’s help in addressing these. He said that the holistic
programme launched by the government is showing positive results on ground and
government will continue to work for the comprehensive development of the
State.
Minister
for Revenue, Raman Bhalla said that the Tehsil level Mini Secretariat coming up
on an area of 25 kanals of land is likely to cost about Rs. 40.47 crores. He
said the complex would house 18 departments of Revenue, Education, Health, PHE,
R&B, Rural Development, Fisheries, PDD, Horticulture, Agriculture, Animal
Husbandry, Forest, Social Forestry, Treasury, CAPD, Social Welfare, Municipal
Council and CPO. There will be a meeting hall and other facilities of common
nature. The main complex will consist of a three-storey building with the built
up area of 76875 sq. ft.
Raman
Bhalla presented resume of the measures taken by the coalition government under
the leadership of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah during the last three years to
reach out people in all areas and ensure equitable and holistic development.
Minister
of State for Revenue, Nasir Aslam Wani also spoke on the occasion.
Enhance public
awareness about panchayat empowerment: CS
Disseminate
information in Urdu, Hindi
SRINAGAR, JUNE 06 – Chief Secretary Madhav Lal Wednesday directed the concerned
officers to involve NGO’s of national level for capacity building of panchayat
members as decided in a high level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister
yesterday. “In addition to IMPA and other government agencies that are mandated
for the purpose, inclusion of reputed national level NGO’s will further boost
up and fine tune the entire training module” he said.
Chairing the periodic
committee of secretaries meeting here, Chief Secretary also directed for Urdu
and Hindi translation of departmental instruction manual prepared for
panchayats adding that a simple readable version for public should also be
drafted and preparations should also be started forthwith for transmitting the
relevant information in traditional communicable mode for easy understanding by
masses using local mass media and web as desired by the Chief Minister.
Chief Secretary also
advocated involving panchayats to monitor skill development initiatives in
agriculture, animal husbandry, industries and other departments by establishing
clear benchmarks that could be continuously monitored.
In addition to the
detailed review on the status of decisions taken in previous meetings, the
committee also held detailed deliberation on rationalization of staff, regular
promotions, and other service related matters. For timely redressal of cases
and be available to public at district level, Chief Secretary directed for
declaring one or more days in a week as ‘non touring days’ for all district
level functionaries.
Young Champions U-17,
Cricket Tournament Begins
SRINAGAR, JUNE 06:- Director Youth Services & Sports, Mr. Jaipal Singh
today inaugurated the Young Champions under 17 cricket tournament organized by
The Inner Call, Forum for Evolution, Development and Awareness.
The tournament being played at Govt. Boys Higher secondary school,
Soura shall continue
for a fortnight and each match would involve the two sides bowling twelve
over’s each .This is for a first time that a cosco cricket tournament has been
organized for both boys and girls drawn from various schools of Srinagar.
Speaking on the occasion the Director YS&S congratulated all the youngsters
and conveyed best wishes of the Minister for Youth Services and Sports Mr. R.S.
Chib. He appreciated the efforts of The Inner Call in creating awareness about
global sports among the youngsters.
Ms. Roma Wani ,Chairperson ,The Inner Call thanked the director for blessing
the children with his presence through the first innings and assured him that
The Inner Call will continue to find innovative ways of engaging the youth in a
non formal education.
The tournament has been powered by J&K Bharat Scouts & Guides and Axis
Bank who were represented by Mr.Muzaffer Tramboo and Mr.Shabir Ahmad, Mr. Azad,
Imran Khan, Ali Mohammed, Affan Yesvi, Hanan Khan, Obaid, Sameer, Basheer Ahmed
and Mukhtar Ahmad And are facilitating the tournament.
Lt. Gen. Hasnain
briefs Governor
SRINAGAR, JUNE 6 –
Lt. Gen. S. A. Hasnain, GOC XV Corps, called on Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor,
at Raj Bhavan here today.
In the discussions,
lasting over an hour, the Governor and the Corps Commander discussed various
issues relating to internal and external security management. They also
discussed certain matters relating to the forthcoming Shri Amarnathji Yatra.
Lt. Gen. Hasnain also briefed the Governor about the overall
security situation in the Valley.
Sakina for
channelizing talent of the students
Inaugurates 2-day
festival HOPE 2012
SRINAGAR, JUNE 06:
Minister for Social Welfare Ms Sakina Itoo on Wednesday said that there is
ample talent among the students of the State but need is to channelize it in
such a way so that they can compete at National and International level.
The Minister was
addressing at an inaugural session of 2-day festival ‘HOPE’ 2012 organized by
Islamic University, Awantipora in collaboration with J&K Bank Limited and
Khaber Cement along with media organizations including Greater Kashmir and FM
channel here today. This was first such programme organized by the University.
She asked the
organizers for organizing more such festival in future as they help the
students to expose their hidden talent and develop in them the profitable
capabilities for practical life. She said such functions offer an environment
for students to showcase their creativity and adjust in changing circumstances.
Appreciating the role
played by different NGOs for their contribution to help the disabled persons by
way of providing financial assistance and other facilities, she appealed the
general masses to come forward and follow the pursuit. The Minister said that we
all know that the challenges faced by the parents of disabled persons, adding
that we should come forward and help them on humanitarian grounds so that they
could not feel any difficulty. She said several welfare schemes have been
launched by the central and State governments for the upliftment of the weaker
sections of the society with the aim to improve the living standard of these
people adding that liberal funding is being provided for the purpose. Ms Sakina
assured the students that government will provide them every support which also
include pre-matric scholarship.
Sakina Itoo said that
the project for construction of auditorium of the Islamic University,
Awantipora has been framed and funds would be released for the purpose, adding
funds have already been released for construction of hostel and work will be
started soon.
Vice Chancellor,
Islamic University, Awantipora, Prof. A.R. Trag also spoke on the occasion and
highlighted the achievements registered by the University in curricular and
other co-curricular activities.
Students presented
different cultural programme on the occasion which were applauded by the
audiences.
Director Social
Welfare, Kashmir, Mr. Bashir Ahmad Bhat, Dean Student Welfare, Prof. K.K.
Jamwal, Dr. Afroz Afridi, media persons and a good number of students from
various Universities were present on the occasion.
Earlier, the Minister
went around the different sections of the University like B.Tech Micro Biology
Lab, Master of Business Administration, MBA Computer Lab, MCA Computer Lab and
infrastructure facilities.
Later, Ms Sakina
distributed cheques worth Rs.29 lakh among 113 students as
pre-matric-cum-scholarship.
She also inspected
the pace of under construction work of two buildings for school of technology
which are being constructing at a cost of Rs. 10 crore. The Minister directed
the executing agencies to speed up the pace of the work and complete them in a
stipulated time frame.
Nasir unveils clock
at Ghanta Ghar
SRINAGAR, JUNE 06:
Minister of state for Home, Tourism, Housing & urban development, PHE and
Revenue, Mr Nasir Aslam Wani this morning unveiled the clock on Historic Ganta
Garh tower.
Stating that the
Ghanta Ghar is the symbol of our history, the Minister said that beautifying
the surroundings of Historical tower is a step towards for the preservation of
the cultural identity of valley. He said that the present coalition government
has taken number of steps to give face lift to the historical Lal Chowk and the
project is near completion and added that it is the endeavour of the government
to preserve the cultural heritage of our state. “In this direction we
have undertaken various projects for safeguarding the heritage of the state”,
he said.
“The new face lift to
Lal Chowk and Ghanta Garh has infused momentum to the business activity of the
area as the incoming tourists has liked the present ambiance of the area”, the
minister added. He said that steps are being taken to upgrade the drainage of
the area and its proper sanitation.
Rs. 2200 realized
fine from Handicrafts dealers in Pahalgam
SRINAGAR, JUNE 06:
A team of Quality Control Wing of the Handicrafts Department conducted
inspection of Handicrafts dealers running their business in Pahalgam area. The
dealers and traders were penalized for the violation of Tourist Trade
Act/Quality Control Act and a penalty of Rs. 2200/- was realized on spot from
nine erring dealers.
All
the erring dealers were warned not to indulge in such malpractices in future as
it brings a bad name to Kashmir Handicrafts within and outside State.
Environment day
celebrated by Change group
SRINAGAR, JUNE 06:
Change Group, an informal group of youth working for social, economic and
environmental issues of Kashmir observed the World Environment Day on Tuesday
at SKICC.
The
Chief Guest on the occasion was Minister for Forests and Environment Mian Altaf
Ahmed. Unlike other seminars, the event focussed on a solution, wherein
thinkers, scientists and entrepreneurs from different fields shared their ideas
and solution for addressing economic and environmental issues of Kashmir.
Amongst
those who were present included OSD with Div Com Aamir Ali, Kumail Hussain
Ansari, Dr. Seemin Rubab, Scientist-NIT, Dr. Mushtaq Chalkoo Laparoscopic
Surgeon, Dr. Shafat Reshi, Town Planner, Dr. Parvaiz Ahmad, Professor IUST, Dr.
Shah, Sr. Scientist-NIT, Ms. Satria Pandith, International School of Kashmir,
Dr. Nighat Ara, Coordinator NSS, Women College M A Road, Dr. Irfan Illahi
Scientist-Green Pesticides, Ms. Mutahira Deva Project Manager, Environment
Policy-J&K.
The
event included a skit, environmental song, fancy dress competition, a number of
documentaries, Paintings; Photographs from different participants hailing from
Kashmir portrayed their work and highlighted the shrinking and dying Dal Lake.
This
was the first summit wherein scientists, Entrepreneurs and Industrialists,
Government Machinery and students shared the platform. The inputs from the
summit will be published in the form of a small booklet and a CD and will be
circulated to the masses. Women’s College MA Road, Kashmir International School
and Saint Paul’s School participated in the event. Valley based Sufi Band
7-Strings performed some amazing composition on Mehjoor’s lyrics.
nter faculty sports
week concluded at Baramulla
BARAMULLA,
JUNE 06: Inter faculty sports week organized by Sher-e-Kashmir University of
Agriculture Sciences and Technology of Kashmir commenced from May 23, 2012
concluded today at Faculty of Agriculture Wadura. Football, Volleyball and
Badminton tournaments were conducted during the week. Five football and six
volleyball teams including 26 girl students from different faculties
participated in the events.
The
sports week was inaugurated by Director, Resident Instruction, Prof. Badural
Hassan, Dean FOA Wadura, Prof. Mushtaq Ahmad and Students Welfare Officer of
SKUAST-K was also present.
Director
Research Deans from faculty of Fisheries, Veterinary Sciences, Forestry and
Agriculture also attended the grand finale where all the final matches were
played.
Vice
Chancellor, Dr. Tej Pratap, Registrar, Prof. F.A. Zaki and Director Sports, Mr.
Jaspal Singh tossed the games. Sub District Magistrate, Sopore, Dr. Syed Hanif
Balhki was Guest of Honour.
Ms.
Joram Rupa from Faculty of Fisheries won the finals of Badminton whereas
volleyball final was won by Faculty of Agriculture Wadura. Football finals were
played between Faculties of Agriculture and Post Graduate studies. Faculty of
PG Faculty won the finals by 3:2 goals. Mr. Faizan, students, faculty of PG
study was the best football player of the tournament.
Vice
Chancellor, SKUAST-K distributed the prizes amongst the winners and expressed
desire that such events be organized in future also.
Speaking
on the occasion, the Vice Chancellor emphasized the importance of sports in
personality development.
The
sports week was organized by Student Welfare Office in collaboration with
Faculty of Agriculture.
Azad announces
additional Rs. 2 cr for G B Pant hospital
SRINAGAR, JUNE 06:
Union Minister for Health and family Welfare Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad today
announced an additionality of Rs. 2 crore for the purchase of latest diagnostic
equipments for G B Pant hospital, Srinagar.
This announcement was made by the Union Minister during his visit to the
hospital this afternoon.
Minister for Medical Education Mr. R S Chib also accompanied the Union
Minister.
Briefing media, Mr. Azad said that Rs. 60 crore was provided to the state under
Jnani Shishu Sureksha yojna during previous fiscal which was commenced across
the country during last year. He said that Rs. 22 crore have been allocated for
the state for this year under the scheme and added the expectant mothers
would be provided free diagnostic facilities, medicines and meals for one
month during hospitalization. He further maintained that ailing new born
babies would also be provided these facilities if required under the scheme,
for which funds are being are provided in advance.
The Union Minister
said that the State Government would implement the Scheme in letter and spirit
in all the health institutions at grass root level including Community Health
Centre, Primary Health Centres and sub-centres for the benefit of pregnant
women of the state.
Mr. Azad informed that the hospital management has utilized Rs. 60,000 on
the medicines and diagnostic tests of the patients so far out of the funds kept
at its disposal during last visit. He said that additional beds have been
positioned in the hospital for the convenience of the patients, adding that
orders have also been placed for the purchase of others required equipments and
added that adequate quantity of medicines is available in the hospital.
Earlier, the Union
Minister went round various wards and took stock of the cleanliness and
renovation works being undertook in the hospital. He expressed
satisfaction over the hygienic atmosphere maintained in and around the hospital
and hoped that it would help in containing infection in the hospital.
Among others, Secretary, Health and Medical Education Mr. M K Dwevidi,
Principal, Government Medical College, Srinagar Dr Qazi Masood, Medical
Superintendent, G B Pant Hospital Dr. Muneer Masoodi, besides other senior
officers of the department accompanied.
IGP Traffic holds
meeting for the improvement of traffic
SRINAGAR, JUNE 06:
In order to improve the traffic situation in city Srinagar, a meeting was
conducted under the chairmanship of IGP Traffic J&K in which various
agencies affiliated with traffic management especially transport agencies viz
KMD Association, Star Transport Cop, Western Motor Transport Co, Haji Peer
Transport Co, New Kashmir Transport Co, Harmukh Transport Co, Shahanshah
Transport Co, Mirak ShahSumo Stand etc and owners of shopping malls
participated.
During the meeting,
IGP Traffic J&K impressed upon all the participants to provide their
cooperation to traffic police for sacred cause of road safety. Besides the
chair desires that sensitiveness and effectiveness of traffic lights shall be
put forward for better results in regulation of traffic. IGP Traffic J&K
advised the owners of multistoried shopping malls and complexes to implement
the directives mentioned in the building permission and to ensure that
sufficient parking is made available for the customers so that nuisance of
traffic near these shopping malls and complexes is avoided in the larger public
interest.
Inter-alia IGP Traffic
J&K requested general masses and commuters to desist from violating traffic
rules in order to ensure hassle free and smooth movement of traffic in city
Srinagar. Thrust was laid on maintaining of road discipline for smooth
regulation of traffic and overcoming the problem of congestion on city roads.
While deliberating on the issue of traffic violations the participants were
asked that they should play their role in checking the visible offences viz
overloading, over speeding, rash and negligent driving, over speeding, rash and
negligent driving, drunken driving, non-use of seat belt, triple riding on two
wheelers, non-use of crash helmet etc, which are the main causes of road
accidents. The participants assured of their full cooperation in bringing a visible
change in traffic management.
Workshop on Bachat
Lamp Yujana held at SKICC
Speakers urged for
use of Energy Efficiency Equipments.
SRINAGAR, JUNE 06:-
Principal Secretary, Power Development Department Mr. Sudanshu Panday, today
inaugurated a workshop on “Bachat Lamp Yojana” organized by Power Development
Department in collaboration with Ministry of Power Govt. of India Bureau of
Energy Efficiency (BEE) here at SKICC.
Development Commissioner Power, Mr. Manzoor Ahmad Salroo, Head of BEE team, Ms.
Vandana Thakur, members of Civil Society and officers of PDD participated in
the workshop.
While speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sudanshu Panday said time has come to focus
on the conservation of electric energy. He said electricity is versatile and
precious energy source that we need to use wisely and conserve where ever
possible. He stressed for conservation of electricity as it is backbone of the
present economic scenario where all the necessities are being controlled and
run with the help of electricity. The use of CFL lamps in place of incandescent
bulbs is need of hour because it would save huge amount of electric energy.
He stressed for
lanching publicity campaign through NGO’s for the awareness of “Bachat Lamp
Yojana” among the general masses so that electricity is judicially and
economically used by consumers including educational sector, industries sector,
government departments, and at corporate level, so that shortage of electricity
can overcome some extent. He urged the stakeholders and civil society have to
play important role in this regard.
Mr. Salroo, said that
with the launch of awareness campaign for this purpose it is hoped that there
will be improvement in power by which and people will get benefit and State
will lead towards prosperity.
On the occasion Mr. Salroo, informed the participants about the performance of
the PDD through a PowerPoint presentation and highlighted the various
achievements and challenges faced by the department. He asked the organizers
that in future many more workshop be organized in which people from various
sectors like education, Industry, corporate sector , NGO’s and other
spheres of life be involved, so that awareness of “Bachat Lamp Yojana”
can be made more effective. He informed that the J&K Legislature has
enacted an act called J&K energy Conservation Act in April, 2011 which is
for efficient use of electricity
He said JKPDD through
an “Expression of Interest” has already shown its desire to implement “Bachat
Lamp Yojana” scheme launched by BEE, Union Ministry of Power.
Ms. Vandana Thakur, also gave practical demonstration through a PowerPoint
presentation in which she eloborated the use of CDM based CFL lamps. She said
by taking a small initiative a drastic decrease in load and betterment in
electricity would be assured.
She urged for
extensive awareness for energy efficiency and involvement of stakeholders.
In this regard,
she said seminars and debates would be organized at school level which will
help in promoting the use of energy efficient equipments
She informed that 400
million incandescent bulbs if replaced by CFL’s can save 6000MW of energy. She
said 14 CFL electric companies have agreed to manufacture as many CFL lamps and
accordingly 19 States have taken initiative in this regard and approximately 28
million CFL’s are being distributed among consumers.
She said government
should adopt Energy Efficiency policy while designing and building new
projects. She informed that in Kerela this scheme has already been opted and in
Gujrat it is in initial stage.
Shabir reviews
arrangements
Says Conference
useful to exploit JKs’ vast hydro power potential
SRINAGAR, JUNE 06:
The State Government is hosting two days 7th International Hydro Power Conference here at Summer Capital which
will commence from June 11, 2012. The leading hydro power developers and
technocrats from around the world as well as policy and decision makers are
expected to participate in the Conference.
The Conference is
being organized by India TECH Foundation on “Harnessing Hydro Power in Northern
Himalaya-Challenges and Opportunities”, with special focus on Jammu and
Kashmir.
The Conference would
be inaugurated by Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah and it is expected that the
Chief Ministers and Power Ministers of other States, besides senior officers of
Power and Water Resources of Union Government would participate in the
conference.
The participant
delegates would deliberate on the topic and give their valuable suggestions and
latest know how for harnessing hydro power potential.
In this regard, the
Minister of State for Power, Mr Shabir Ahmed Khan today chaired a high level
officers meeting of civil and police departments, convened to discuss
arrangements for smooth conduct of the Conference here today.
Principal Secretary
to Chief Minister, Mr. B.B. Vyas, Principal Secretary Power Development
Department, Mr. Sudhanshu Pandey, ADGP,Security, Dr. Ram Lubhaya,
Inspector General of Police Kashmir Range, Mr. S.M. Sahai, Managing
Director, JKSPDC, Mr. Basharat Dhar, Secretary Cultural Academy, Mr. Khalid
Bashir, Secretary PDD, Syed Altaf Hussain, Director State Motor Garages, Mr.
G.A. Sofi, besides senior officers of GAD, Home, Tourism, Hospitality &
Protocol, PDD, PDC, Police Departments were among others attended the
meeting.
The meeting discussed
threadbare various matters for making foolproof security and civil arrangements
for visiting delegates.
It was decided that
Managing Director JKSPDC would be nodal officer who will keep close liaison
with other departments for making all arrangements to the delegates.
Director State Motor
Garages would arrange transport facilities to the visiting guests who have been
declared State Guests.
Security arrangements
for the visiting delegates have been also discussed in the meeting.
The other points
which came under discussion was boarding and lodging facilities,
nomination of liaison officers, presentation of cultural programmes, besides
other arrangements at airport and SKICC for the State guests
who participating in the Conference.
Speaking on the
occasion, the Minister said that main objective for holding such a mega event
here is to explore possibilities for harnessing rich hydro power potential of
the State.
The Minister directed
concerned authorities to make all necessary arrangements before the
commencement of the event so that the visiting delegates would not face any
inconvenience.
The officers of Civil
and Police Departments assured the Minister that necessary arrangements would
be made well in time for smooth conduct of the Conference.
Several Acts introduced to ensure transparency, accountability:
Sagar
BUDGAM, JUNE 06: Minister for Rural Development, Law, Justice and
Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar said that coalition government
has ensured that the menace of corruption is curbed by
enforcing laws like, RTI, PSGA, reconstituting State Accountability Commission
(SAC) and constituting State Vigilance Commission in order to bring
transparency and accountability
The Minister was addressing a huge gathering at Pethmakhamma Beerwa, District
Development Commissioner, Budgam, Mr. Khurshid Ahmed Shah, Prof. Abdul Majid
Matoo and other senior officers of district administration were present.
Mr. Sagar said under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah the
socio-economic condition of the State has emerged stronger.
Lashing on the opposition on their ambiguous baseless charges,Mr. Sagar said
that opposition party has no issue to raise due to this they are frustrated and
desperate to create hurdles and chaos to derail the ongoing development and
prosperity. The opposition leaders are very much engaged in spreading the
canards, falsehood and propaganda but our sincere commitment and public support
would not allow them to succeed in their evil designs, he added.
Referring to the development scenario Mr. Sagar said since the introduction of
MGNREGA it has emerged as one of the most successful government welfare
programme. Its demand driven and self selecting nature has eliminated the
errors of inclusions and exclusions thus ensuring proper targeting, indeed this
has been key to its success, it has helped to build assets relating to water
conservation, land development and rural connectivity, he added
Replying to the demands put forth by the Public of Pethmakhamma and its
adjacent areas particularly making Pethmakhamma as modal village, upgradation
of High school to Higher Secondary Development of sports stadium, creation of
J&K bank branch and other basic facilities related needs. The Minister
assured them that they would be fully completed in a phased manner.
Earlier, the Minister visited the famous shrine at Pethmakhamma and paid
obesiencance there. The Minister on spot ordered the construction of 10
bathrooms to facilitate the pilgrims. He said a special team of wakaf board
will visit the shrine very soon and assess the requirements
Decentralization of
PRIs ensured: Sagar
SRINAGAR, JUNE 06: Stating that adequate empowerment to Panchayati Raj
Institutions (PRIs) has been ensured, Minister for Rural Development, Law,
Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar said that the
government has fulfilled its promise of decentralization of powers to the grass
root level.
Terming the participation of people in large numbers in the Panchayati Raj
elections as a watershed in the history of the country, the Minister said that
the orders have already been issued for empowering the PRIs with powers of 14
vital departments and we have by the same ensured the democratic decentralization
of powers to the grass root level.
The Minister said
that the government has directed for making Additional District Development
Commissioner’s as the Nodal Officers to monitor the operationalization of the
orders empowering the PRIs on day-to-day basis. He said that the necessary
orders have already been issued and it is a duty of the officers to ensure that
the same are implemented in letter and spirit maintaining that the local
representatives should be involved in effective implementation of the 14
departments with whose powers the PRIs have been empowered.
“An amount of Rs. 115
crore has been already released for repair, renovation and construction of
Panchayat Ghars across the state besides creating a Panchayati fund for taking
up certain works by the PRIs and an amount of Rs. 42 crore has been sanctioned
for the same”, the Minister said maintaining that besides this an amount of Rs.
25, 000 has also been released to every Panchayat for purchase of furniture and
rent. The Rural Development Department has already prepared and submitted a
detailed proposal with regard to the honorarium of the panches and sarpanches
which is under consideration of the government, the Minister added.
Referring to the
demand of certain quarters for incorporation of the 73rd amendment, the Minister informed that the Panchayati Raj Act
enacted by the state legislature is very comprehensive and it substantially
incorporates the spirit of the constitution amendment adding that constitution
of fianance and election commissions have also been envisaged in the State Act.
Mr. Sagar said that
the elections to the Block Development Councils (BDCs) would be held very soon
so to put in order the 3rd tier of the
Panchayati Raj system. “We are held by our promise to put in place the
three tiers of the Panchayati Raj System for ensuring the effective
decentralization of the powers and involving the people at grass root level in
policy formulation and implementation of various welfare schemes”, the Minister
said maintaining that the requisite formalities are already being
completed for holding elections to BDCs .
The Minister was
interacting with the media persons here today. Commissioner Secretary, Rural
Development, Mr. Farooq Ahmed Peer, Director Information and Public Relations,
Mr. Zaffer Ahmed and Director Rural Development, Kashmir, Mir Altaf Ahmed were
also present
2 illegal brick kilns
dismantled at Budgam
BUDGAM, JUNE 07:
Continuing the drive for closing illegal brick kilns in the district, the
District Magistrate Budgam, Mr. Khursheed Ahmad Shah who had constituted
Special Squad for the purpose dismantled two illegally running brick kilns here
today.
The Special Squad
comprised of six officials of Revenue and Police Departments. The two illegal
brick kilns dismantled at village Hewuder and Razven belonged to Syed Muhammad
Hussain and Ghulam Rasool Dar respectively. Prior to this the offenders were
served notices to refrain from running illegal brick-kilns.
The people of the
area hailed the action of District Administration and hoped that such exercise
will continue in future.
Transfers and
postings
SRINAGAR, JUNE 06: The government today issued the orders of transfers and
postings in the administration.
Mr. Rafiq Ahmad Hakim, Joint Director, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical
Sciences and ex-officio Special Secretary to Government has been transferred
and posted as Additional District Development Commissioner, Anantnag against
the available vacancy.
Mr. Itrat Hussain Rafiqi, Joint Director of Information, Kashmir has been
transferred and posted as Additional District Development Commissioner,
Ganderbal against available vacancy.
In another order, Mr. Muhammad Afzal Bhat, Member J&K Services Selection
Board has been assigned the charge of the post of Chairman of the said Board in
additional to his own duties till further orders.
Drugs & Food
Control org inspects chemist shops in Srinagar
SRINAGAR, JUNE 06-In
its endeavor to ensure availability of safe, quality and efficacious drugs, the
Enforcement Staff of the Drugs & Food Control Organization, J&K,
Srinagar conducted surprise check of various chemist shops in Srinagar City.
During the
inspection, 8 samples of medicines were lifted for testing and analysis.
Besides, 20 outlets were inspected and operation of 3 retail outlets namely
Delhi Medicate and Angel Pharmacy both situated at Hazuribagh and Cure &
Care Pharmacy situated at Gousia Hospital, Khaniyar were suspended for 3 days
for contravening various provisions of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Meanwhile, the Drug
Analyst Drug Testing Laboratory, Srinagar issued test reports of 17 statutory
drug samples as of standard quality.
The Health Officer,
Municipal Corporation, Srinagar along with a team of Food Safety Officers
inspected various establishments to check the quality of infant milk
food/infant formula/weaning foods. During the drive, 6 samples were lifted in
and around G.B. Pant Hospital and sent to Food Analyst, Public Health
Laboratory, Srinagar for testing.
The vendors of the
above mentioned food items have been instructed not to dispose off the
un-utilized stocks of these items till a report about their quality parameters
is received from the competent
authority.
CM, Azad review
health schemes
Omar for transparent,
effective drug procurement mechanism
Azad assures full
Central support for development of health sector
Sham Lal presents
status of progress
SRINAGAR, JUNE 06 – Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah
Wednesday underlined the need for an effective and transparent drug and medical
equipment procurement mechanism in place to make health institutions fully
equipped with the standard medicines and required machinery.
“We have already introduced drug policy in the State but are in search of a
viable and befitting apparatus to ensure hassle-free procurement of medicines
and medical equipment”, he said adding that there are certain modules in place
in the Country in this regard giving example of Tamil Nadu Drug Procurement
Corporation.
The Chief Minister and Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Ghulam
Nabi Azad this evening reviewed the progress achieved in the State under
various centrally sponsored schemes under implementation in the State for the
development of health sector.
The high level meeting was attended by Minister for Health, Sham Lal Sharma,
Minister for Medical Education, R. S. Chib, Minister of State for Health and
Medical Education, Javid Ahmad Dar, Chief Secretary, Madhav Lal, Union
Secretary for Health and Family Welfare, R. K. Pradhan, Principal Secretary
Planning, B. B. Vyas, various Union Joint Secretaries, Commissioner Secretary
Health and Medical Education, M. K. Dwevidi, Director SKIMS, Dr. Showkat
Zargar, Directors of Health Services from Kashmir and Jammu, Principals of
Medical College, Srinagar and Jammu, Director NHRM and other senior officers of
Health and Medical Education Departments.
Omar Abdullah sought the opinion of Union Health Ministry regarding the
placement of dedicated department for drug procurement in the State.
Appreciating the Chief Minister’s view regarding this aspect, the Union
Secretary and his team suggested the module of Tamil Nadu Drug Corporation and
said that the Centre Government is adopting this type of system at the Central
level. They said that many States have also adopted this module.
The Union Health and Family Welfare Minister while assuring full support to the
State in the development of health sector said that the Union Government has
extended NRHM for further period of five years in the Country and Jammu and
Kashmir will be getting assistance in the ratio of 90:10 as a special case.
Mr. Azad also talked about the new initiatives introduced in the Country to
focus on health care of woman and child. He said that Union Government has
introduced many schemes to benefit patients in the category of diabetes,
malignancy, cardio-vascular disorders and hypertension. “We are funding the
programmes at district level to scan the patients with these diseases all over
the Country including Jammu and Kashmir”, he said adding that Centre Government
would be more than willing to augment the help to the State in this regard.
The Chief Minister and the Union Minister emphasized the need for universal
access of people to the fleet of ambulances procured under NRHM asking for
making 102 Phone Number operational so that people can utilize the ambulance
service extensively.
Minister for Health, Sham Lal Sharma giving details of the progress registered
under various health schemes in the State also presented resume of the status
of NRHM. He also talked about the improvement achieved in various health
indicators and said that targets have been fixed for all health units to
achieve the results and move ahead for realizing the goal of providing adequate
health cover to all.
The meeting discussed matters pertaining to establishment of trauma centres,
supper speciality hospitals, maternity hospitals, mental hospital, performance
under NRHM, trainings to ASHA & para-medical staff, infrastructure
development, availability of doctors particularly in remote areas and other
issues relating to the holistic development of health sector in the State.
The Chief Minister and Union Minister said that reaching out to all in health
and medical care sector and upgrading infrastructure alongwith placing of
qualified faculty and trained para-medical staff in health institutions is the
priority concern and missionary, zeal and commitment by all concerned is
required to achieve this stupendous goal. They stressed on dovetailing the
resources and programmes for making necessary dent in this field.
Kaneez Fatima inaugurates Legal Aid
Centre at Central Jail
SRINAGAR, JUNE 06:
After inaugurating the Free Legal Aid Centre sponsored by District Legal
Services Authority Centre in the premises of Central Jail, Srinagar, the
Principal District and Session Judge, Srinagar and the Chairperson, District
Legal Services Authority Srinagar, Justice Kaneez Fatima highlighted the main
objective of establishing the Free Legal Aid Center in the Premises of Central
Jail Srinagar.
She said the basic
purpose of opening of this branch in the Jail premises is to provide justice to
the jail inmates particularly those belonging to the backward classes, poor,
needy and who do not afford to knock the doors of the courts due to poverty and
financial crunch. She said the free aid clinics are being established under a
National Action Plan, a welfare scheme of the Supreme Court to provide justice
on the doorsteps of the common people without any hindrance.
Additional District
and Session Judge, TADA and POTA, Mr. Muzaffar Ahmad Iqbal Qureshi, Additional
District and Session Judge, Mr. R. K. Watal, Additional District and Session
Judge, Mr. Sham Lal Lalher, Special Judge Anti-corruption, Mr. Ajaz Ahmad Mir,
Additional District and Session Judge, Mr. Madan Lal, Additional District and
Session Judge, Mr. Kotwal, DIG, Prisons, J&K Mr. Mohammad Sultan Lone, SP
Central Jail Srinagar Mr. S. P. Sharma and staff officer Mr. Javed Ahmad Masood
Fazli and number of other dignitaries and jail inmates were present on the
occasion.
Justice Fatima asked
the people to avail the services being provided by Legal Services Authorities
with regard to settlement of various disputes, jail related matters,
medical facilities and other vital issues. She said that three such free aid
legal centres have already been established in Faqir Gujri, Dhara and New Theed
and under the National Action Plan , more such centres will be
established in the coming future in colleges and universities and
villages so that those people who are living from hand to mouth with the
meager amount and are not financially sound would be benefitted by free legal
services.
Justice Fatima said
that the inmates can utilize the services of the para-legal voluntaries to
approach the retain lawyers for redressing their grievances within no time free
of cost.
She said the benefits
of establishing these free legal clinics have already started to reach to the
common people in terms of restoration of transport, health, and road
connectivity facilities in the far-flung areas of the city by taking up these
matters with the district administration.
She said the main
purpose of establishing these centres is to educate the weaker sections of the
society about their rights as well as to encourage the settlement by providing
legal aid. She said that free legal assistance can also be rendered in
complying with various legal requirements to secure the benefits under various
schemes MGNREGA, RTI, SGA, sponsored by the State government or by other public
authority. She said that the illiterate classes of society weak, backward and
downtrodden are not expected to know their constitution which has guaranteed
them some valuable rights which are fundamental in nature. Such of the rights
which pertain to right to livelihood and right to live with dignity and honour
are very important for this lower class of the society, as we may call it.
High Court disqualifies PRIST university candidates
Teachers Selection Lists to be released within week: SSB
Srinagar, June 06 (VOS) : In a significant judgment, Jammu and Kashmir High Court
Wednesday dismissed the petitions filed by candidates having obtained degrees
from PRIST and other universities outside Jammu and Kashmir through distance
mode and ordered an inquiry as to how these degrees were issued by the
universities.
"Court
has upheld the government’s point of view that degrees obtained from those
Universities which are not recognized by the govt. of Jammu and Kashmir can not
be considered for employment", Advocate General Ishtiyaq Qadri told VOS
after the pronouncement of the decission by Justice Mansoor Ahmad Mir
on Wednesday. Justice Mir had reserved the decision after hearing the
arguments from various stakeholders last month. Advocate general said
that Jammu and Kashmir has its own education policy which allows the state to
decide as to which university be recognized and which not. “Central
laws in education sector are not extendible to Jammu and Kashmir. We have our
own policy by virtue of which some universities are not recognized by the
government and one has to abide by that", he said adding that the High
Court has also taken strong objection to obtaining distance mode degrees in
Engineering from a Tamil Nadu based Universities. “They have been granting
diplomas without practical tests and had claimed to treat them equivalent to
NIT’s degrees", said Qadri. He also questioned why NIT degrees were not
preferred and what was the need to have such
prestigious institutes in first place if they are not preferred over
distance mode degrees.
Advocate
general further told VOS that most of the stay orders have been vacated in wake
of the dismissal of the petitions; therefore the release of selection lists was
expected within days. “This will now pave way for the release of Teacher lists
for various districts in Valley, which was withheld for almost an year now
following the stay order“, asserted the Advocate General.
Meanwhile
hours after the pronouncement of the decision by the High Court, Services
Selection Board has decided to convene a meeting of board members on
Monday before releasing the Teachers’ Selection List. "I have convened a
meeting of the members on Monday to discuss the ways and means for dropping out
the PRIST candidates from the short list.” Acting Chairman of
SSRB Mohammad Afzal Bhat told VOS Wednesday evening.
He added that all the pending lists would be released within next 20 days. “We
are releasing lists in the current month itself and the process would probably
start by the next week." asserted Bhat.
Pertinently
the selection list for teachers Posts had been withheld after applicants having
obtained B, Ed and other distance mode degress from PRIST University had
approached high court last year seeking their inclusion in the final selection
list.
They
had prayed that their degrees were genuine and stood equivalent to the degrees
obtained form other recognized Universities. However state government while
filing objections had maintained that PRIST and other such universities were
not recognized by Kashmir University and State Government, hence degrees issued
form these universities could not considered for employment. The proceedings
were on for nearly one year, before High Court on Wednesday upheld the
government decision of not considering PRIST degrees for employment.(VOS)
No need to implement amendments 73, 74 in JK: Sagar
Srinagar, June 6 (VOS): Reiterating the government’s resolve to devolve powers to the
Panchayati Raj Institutions, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj
Ali Mohammad Sagar has said implementation of amendments 73 and 74 of
Constitution of India was not necessary in the state as the state’s Panchayati
Raj Act was much stronger than the central act. “Our existing Panchayati Raj
Act is much stronger than the central Act with 73rd and 74th amendments. This was also accepted by the Union
Rural Development secretary after he had gone through the act”, Sagar said.
“The Union Rural Development Secretary accepted that our Act was much better
despite non incorporation of amendments 73 and 74”, he added.
However
Sagar said that some political parties had put forth some suggestions during
the Budget session in State Assembly at Jammu and the government is actively
considering these suggestions. “We have set up a search committee to analyse
the state act and give its recommendations regarding amendments to the act”,
Sagar informed.
Sagar
also admitted during the press conference Wednesday held at the Banquet Hall
here that some officers of the 14 departments which had been directed to ensure
devolution of powers to PRIs are creating hurdles in the implementation of
relevant governemnt orders. “Some officers were trying to scuttle our efforts
to devolve powers to PRIs, however the Chief Minister has taken strong notice
of that and directed these officer to implement the orders in letter and
spirit”, the minister said.
The
minister also informed that the elections for Block and district level
Panchayati Raj functionaries will be held soon. “Our government is committed to
empower Panchayats and the elections for Block and District level will be held
soon”, he said.
Meanwhile,
the minister condemned the attacks on Panchayati Raj members and stressed upon
the security agencies to identify the culprits behind these attacks. He also
directed the security agencies to provide security to the members of PRIs.
Div Com calls for establishing Journalism School, Press Club
Need for ethical journalism stressed
Srinagar, June 6 (VOS): Emphasizing the need for establishing a specialized Journalism
School and Press Club in Srinagar, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Dr Asghar
Samoon has said that he is not in favour of banning of local television news
channels.
“I
feel a school of journalism should be established in Kashmir, where aspiring
and budding journalists could hone their skills”, said Samoon. “Like other
places we also need a press club”, he added.
While
addressing a gathering at a function organised at SKICC by Daily Global Kashmir
on its first anniversary, Samoon said that the local TV channels must get the
requisite permission from the Union Ministry of Information and broadcasting.
However, he also accepted on the occasion that some channels are working in
Jammu division although none of them is allowed to function here. “I am
personally not in favour of closure or banning of local news media, but these
channels are required to get permission from the Union Information and
Broadcasting ministry, which they should get”, Dr Samoon said.
Vice
Chairman Srinagar Development Authority and former Director Information Khwaja
Farooq Renzu Shah, addressing on the occasion said, that journalist fraternity
in Kashmir has to face huge challenges and congratulated them for rendering
exemplary services while discharging their duties. He also said that young
Kashmiri journalists have got great talent and potential and have proved their
mettle at international level.
Speaking
on the occasion noted journalists Shujaat Bukhari said the journalist community
in Kashmir had gone through the same ordeal as common people. He also said that
increasing number of newspapers was a positive sign. “If the number of
newspapers is growing, it is a good indication as a healthy society needs
healthy journalism”. However Bukhari stressed the need for positive and healthy
journalism calling upon officers to value ethical journalism. “Officers in
establishment should not be afraid of journalists for they may harm their
reputation but they should respect those journalists who stand for enthics and
professionalism in journalism”, Bukhari added. Bukhari lamented that fact some
journalists in the fraternity resort to blackmailing officers in order to meet
their personal ends. “Even government is backing such journalists, who work
against principles an ethics of journalism. I hope global Kashmir will keep in
mind these journalists in the future as well”, Shujaat Bukhari said.
Ex
Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda on the occasion praised the local
journalist fraternity and said the local journalists discharged professional
services during adverse times and odd situations.
Prasied
the journalisms
Poet
and Writer Zarif Ahmad Zarif, echoing Shujaat Bukhari’s views said that
journalism has become such a profession which every Tom Dick and Harry are
getting into. “Time calls for credible and senior journalist to check entry of
black sheep into the profession“, Zareef said. “Pen is a powerful weapon and
journalists are accountable for its use in this world and hereafter”, Zareef
added.
Chief
Editor Kashmir News Service, while speaking on the occasion praised the efforts
of Global Kashmir and wished the management of the daily good luck for their
future. He also thanked the newspaper management for awarding the Kashmir News
Agency on the occasion.
Many
noted personalities were awarded on the occasion for their exemplary services
in their field of services. Awardees include IG Traffic Muneer Ahmad Khan, Vice
Chairman SDA Khwaja Farooq Renzu Shah, Editor in Chief Mohammad Aslam Bhat,
Poet Zareef Ahmad Zareef, Ex director Tourism and DC Anantnag Farooq Ahmad
Shah, , noted Surgical Oncologist Dr Altaf Gowhar, noted Cardiologist Dr G M
Ahangar, Dr Raja Muzafar Shah Convener RTI forum and noted journalist Qayoom
Zulfi.
Others
present on the occasion include Post Master General John Sameul, IGP Kashmir SM
Sahai, DIG Traffic Shafkat Watali and Deputy Inspector General of Police N.D
Wani. (VOS)
Azam Inqilabi severs ties with Hurriyat Conference
Srinagar June 6, (VOS): Chief Patron Jammu Kashmir Mahaz-e-Azadi Azam Inqilabi Wednesday announced his decision to severe ties with the Hurriyat Conference and said reluctance of Hurriyat Conference to punish its member for “anti-movement outpourings” forced him to distance himself from the forum.
In a statement issued to press here Inqilabi detailing differences with APHC said Hurriyat conference said that the forum has fallen prey to internal bickering. “Instead of converting Hurriyat conference into a full-fledged workshop for this great academic exercise it is unfortunate that the whole forum fell prey to the bickering of the psychologically belligerent groups within the forum”, Inquilabi said.
He blamed clipping of powers of the members of general council as the reason why the forum couldn’t sort out internal differences.
“Result was obvious. Forum spitted into two factions. It is a fact that members of general council had no right to dissent in the forum,” he said alleging general council members were ignored by the executive while taking important decisions.
“Prof. Abdul Gani Bhat converted Hurriyat Conference into a controversial platform due to his controversial role during the past few weeks”, Inqilabi said adding it had forced him to distance himself from this forum which, according to him, couldn’t punish its member, Prof. Bhat, for his anti-movement outpourings. Inquilabi also warned Hurriyat to set its house in order lest more people might leave the forum. “More developments will follow if APHC f fails to rectify the wrong”, Inquilabi said.
Srinagar June 6, (VOS): Chief Patron Jammu Kashmir Mahaz-e-Azadi Azam Inqilabi Wednesday announced his decision to severe ties with the Hurriyat Conference and said reluctance of Hurriyat Conference to punish its member for “anti-movement outpourings” forced him to distance himself from the forum.
In a statement issued to press here Inqilabi detailing differences with APHC said Hurriyat conference said that the forum has fallen prey to internal bickering. “Instead of converting Hurriyat conference into a full-fledged workshop for this great academic exercise it is unfortunate that the whole forum fell prey to the bickering of the psychologically belligerent groups within the forum”, Inquilabi said.
He blamed clipping of powers of the members of general council as the reason why the forum couldn’t sort out internal differences.
“Result was obvious. Forum spitted into two factions. It is a fact that members of general council had no right to dissent in the forum,” he said alleging general council members were ignored by the executive while taking important decisions.
“Prof. Abdul Gani Bhat converted Hurriyat Conference into a controversial platform due to his controversial role during the past few weeks”, Inqilabi said adding it had forced him to distance himself from this forum which, according to him, couldn’t punish its member, Prof. Bhat, for his anti-movement outpourings. Inquilabi also warned Hurriyat to set its house in order lest more people might leave the forum. “More developments will follow if APHC f fails to rectify the wrong”, Inquilabi said.
NC favours sustained Indo- Pak dialogue: Dr. Kamal
Kupwara, June 6 (VOS): Favoring sustained dialogue between India and Pakistan to resolve
all outstanding issues, National Conference stressed that continuous dialogue
process between the two neighbors will help to address the problems and find
out its solution
Continuing
its contact program with the people the party’s additional General Secretary Dr
Sheikh Mustafa on Wednesday while addressing a party convention at Lolab
Kupwara, said that leadership of India and Pakistan should join hands and
understand that dialogue is the only way to resolve all outstanding issues
including the Kashmir.
Appealing
all shades of leaders to facilitate the dialogue process, Dr Mustafa Kamal said
that those who have not taken part in the dialogue process so far should also
join. “To resolve conflicts all of us should accept that dialogue is the only
way," he said.
Dr.
Kamal said that a huge percentage of people in both the countries are still
living below poverty line. He added that Siachen is also a huge burden on the
exchequer of both the countries adding that poor countries like India and
Pakistan cannot effort to spent thousands of crores annually on defence
procurement.
Addressing
the gathering the Senior Party leader and Member Parliament, Sharief-ul Din
Shariq said that party has always favored reopening of all the traditional
routes with Pakistan for trade. He said that “Once the traditional routes are
open it will create a favourable atmosphere for talks. It will also help business
community of both the countries to export and important commodities,” he said.
Shariq
said that it was because of NC that injustice was eliminated from the state. He
said that NC always stood for the welfare of the state. “Sheikh Mohammad
Abdullah always preached brotherhood and harmony between the different regions
of the state,” he said.
He
said that PDP has become power hungry and their entire leadership is trying to
weaken the coalition government for their petty political gains. “Mufti
Mohammad Sayeed is involved in making baseless statements against the NC to
become chief minister of the state. However, people of the state are educated
enough to differentiate between the pro people agenda of NC and negative
politics of PDP,” he said.
Senior
party leader and MLA Kupwara Mir Saifullah while addressing the gathering said
that both India and Pakistan should intensify dialogue process so that the
entire area becomes a non military zone. He said that our neighbors have fought
three wars and death and destruction was the only outcome of these wars. He
said that NC always supported non violent methods to resolve conflicts. He said
Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah always believed dialogue is the only way to resolve
outstanding issues.
Provincial
president Ali Mohammad Dar on the occasion said that purpose of conducting
series of public meetings in Jammu and Kashmir is to highlight the
policies and programmes laid down by the NC patron and the achievements of the
Omar Abdullah government.
Ex-MLA
Kaisar Jamshed Lone and other senior leaders of the party were also present.
Narrow escape for school boy hit by a speedy car in old city
Srinagar, June 6 (VOS): A speedy car hit a class first student of Delhi Public School
Srinagar near Babademb Srinagar who was on his way with his grandfather on
motorcycle to catch the School Bus on Tuesday morning.
Reports
said Musa Shanib Khan son of Dr Tanveer Ahmad Khan of Umer Colony- A- Lal Bazar
and his grandfather received minor injuries and were rushed to hospital by a
passing auto driver, who informed the police and parents of the boy after
the accident.
A
family member of the boy told VOS that officials
from Police Station Kralkhud rushed to the spot and to the hospital to
register the case against negligent car driver who fled from the spot leaving
the injured in the pool of blood.
The
injured were admitted in SMHS hospital under MRD No 527311 and 527310
respectively where they were discharged later in the evening.
Parents
and locals of the area have demanded stern action against the negligent driver.
IHA nominates Kashmiri youth for Ph D
Srinagar, June 6 (VOS): Indian Holistic Academy has nominated Javid Ahmad Dar son of
Ghulam Mohammad for the Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management.
According
to a letter of the Academy, Dar has been recommended and approved by the Senate
and the Board of Directors of “The Open International University Medicines
Colombo” which is the parent body of the IHA.
He
has been invited to attend the “World Congress on Integrated Medicines” to be
held on June 17, 2012 in Kuala Lumpur.
Pertinently
Dar belongs to Panzan Village of Budgam district’s
Chadoora Tehsil and has already completed his Masters in Business
Administration.
Ghazal event leaves audience mesmerized
Srinagar, June 6 (VOS): At the S.P college auditorium, a mesmerizing ghazal event was held in which noted singers Rehmatullah Khan, Shaista Bashir, Qazi Rafi, Kifayat Faheem and Assadullah Yatoo enthralled ghazal connoisseurs to an array of mesmerizing numbers, one after the other at the musical event jointly organised by J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and National Book Trust of India.
The audience in the 200-seater auditorium, filled to capacity, greeted
the singers with a thundering round of applause.
With dimmed lighting, a well lit entrance, authentic traditional décor
and the essence of Kashmir, the atmosphere was tranquil and serene.
Before the curtains went up, Rehmatullah Khan said: “I am very happy
to be here.”
A candid Shaista said: “Every time we perform in ghazal programmes, we
get a boost.”
The audience appreciated all the songs with perfectly timed applause.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, noted writer and governments
media consultant, Farooq Nazki said: “It’s great that the culture of
musical concerts is gaining tempo in the city. I hope such events are
organised on a regular basis and we get a chance to enjoy live
concerts.”
Noted journalist, Ghulam Nabi Khayal echoed him, “By organising such a
beautiful ghazal mehfil Academy has done well. It should keep up the
good work”.
Earlier Academy spokesperson said that in view of the ongoing tourist
season the Academy had decided to hold more and more cultural events
so as to satiate the appetite of music lovers.
Srinagar, June 6 (VOS): At the S.P college auditorium, a mesmerizing ghazal event was held in which noted singers Rehmatullah Khan, Shaista Bashir, Qazi Rafi, Kifayat Faheem and Assadullah Yatoo enthralled ghazal connoisseurs to an array of mesmerizing numbers, one after the other at the musical event jointly organised by J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and National Book Trust of India.
The audience in the 200-seater auditorium, filled to capacity, greeted
the singers with a thundering round of applause.
With dimmed lighting, a well lit entrance, authentic traditional décor
and the essence of Kashmir, the atmosphere was tranquil and serene.
Before the curtains went up, Rehmatullah Khan said: “I am very happy
to be here.”
A candid Shaista said: “Every time we perform in ghazal programmes, we
get a boost.”
The audience appreciated all the songs with perfectly timed applause.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, noted writer and governments
media consultant, Farooq Nazki said: “It’s great that the culture of
musical concerts is gaining tempo in the city. I hope such events are
organised on a regular basis and we get a chance to enjoy live
concerts.”
Noted journalist, Ghulam Nabi Khayal echoed him, “By organising such a
beautiful ghazal mehfil Academy has done well. It should keep up the
good work”.
Earlier Academy spokesperson said that in view of the ongoing tourist
season the Academy had decided to hold more and more cultural events
so as to satiate the appetite of music lovers.
JKWDC calls upon women to benefit from schemes
Srinagar, June 06 (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.
Hurriyat pays tributes to Moulvi Mushtaq
Srinagar, June 6 (VOS): Hurriyat Conference (M) has paid tributes to
Shaheed e Masjid Moulvi Mushtaq on his eighth anniversary.
“We pay glowing tributes to the Shaheed on his anniversary who
wasa respected, fearless, and a kind person. We pray to Allah, that
he along with Shaheed-e-Millat Moulvi Mohammad Farooq (RA) and thousands of
martyrs, to bless them with a place in paradise” read a press release from the
Hurriyat Conference.
According to the press release, in connection with the
anniversary, the party would hold a special prayers and Quran reciting session
at Mirwaiz Manzil on Friday June 8 at 10:30 am.
After the Friday prayers, a special session would be conducted
by the APHC chairman Dr Mirwaiz Umar farooq at Mirwaiz manzil to offer prayers
and tributes to the Shaheed Masjid and other martyrs, the statement said.
Dilawar Mir starts membership drive of PDP
Srinagar, June 6 (VOS): General Secretary Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP) Mohammad Dilawar Mir today kicked start membership drive at Srinagar.
Senior leaders of the party including legislators were present when Mir started
membership drive.
Speaking on the occasion, Dilawar Mir exhorted the workers to
enroll more and more persons as member of the party. He said that membership
drive was an opportunity to establish contact with maximum number of people and
to educate them about the policies and programmes of the party. He said that it
was duty of the party workers to properly educate the people about the
visionary policies and programmes of the PDP which were formulated by
accommodating wishes and aspirations of all sections of the society.
Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Mohammad Sartaj
Madni, Peer Mohammad Hussain, Peerzada Mansoor and others senior leaders were
present on the occasion.
India and
US Hold Defence Talks Asia-Pacific Countries Should Settle
Bilateral Disputes as Per International Law: Antony
New Delhi, June 06, 2012
The US Secretary of Defence Mr. Leon Panetta met the Defence Minister
Mr. AK Antony here today. Mr. Panetta was accompanied by a ten member
delegation, including the US Ambassador to India and other senior
officers from the US Department of Defence. The Indian delegation
included the Defence Secretary Mr. Shashikant Sharma, Secretary
(Defence Production) Mr. Shekhar Agarwal and the Scientific Advisor to
the Defence Minister, Dr. VK Saraswat. During the delegation level
talks which lasted about an hour, both sides took note of the ongoing
bilateral cooperation between India and the US in the area of defence.
They agreed that there were opportunities for enhancing bilateral ties
in area of mutual interest and concern.
During the discussion of the defence trade, Mr. Antony emphasized that
the priority for India is to move beyond the buyer-seller transactions
and to focus on transfer of technologies and partnerships to build
indigenous capabilities. The US Secretary of Defence assured the
Indian side that the US Government will initiate measures to
facilitate technology access and sharing. Both sides also exchanged
views on the security situation in South Asia, West Asia and the
Asia-Pacific and on various global security challenges, including in
the area of cyber security.
With regard to the security concerns the Asia-Pacific, Mr. Antony
conveyed that India supports unhindered freedom of navigation in
international waters for all. At the same time, with regard to
bilateral issues between countries, he stressed that it is desirable
that the parties concerned themselves should settle contentious
matters in accordance with the international law. Mr. Antony
emphasized the need to strengthen the multilateral security
architecture in the Asia-Pacific and to move at a pace comfortable to
all countries concerned. Earlier on his arrival at South Block, Mr.
Panetta was accorded a traditional tri-Service Guard of Honour and
laid wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate.
Mr.Antony will be hosting a dinner for Mr. Panetta later this evening. [VOS]
Bilateral Disputes as Per International Law: Antony
New Delhi, June 06, 2012
The US Secretary of Defence Mr. Leon Panetta met the Defence Minister
Mr. AK Antony here today. Mr. Panetta was accompanied by a ten member
delegation, including the US Ambassador to India and other senior
officers from the US Department of Defence. The Indian delegation
included the Defence Secretary Mr. Shashikant Sharma, Secretary
(Defence Production) Mr. Shekhar Agarwal and the Scientific Advisor to
the Defence Minister, Dr. VK Saraswat. During the delegation level
talks which lasted about an hour, both sides took note of the ongoing
bilateral cooperation between India and the US in the area of defence.
They agreed that there were opportunities for enhancing bilateral ties
in area of mutual interest and concern.
During the discussion of the defence trade, Mr. Antony emphasized that
the priority for India is to move beyond the buyer-seller transactions
and to focus on transfer of technologies and partnerships to build
indigenous capabilities. The US Secretary of Defence assured the
Indian side that the US Government will initiate measures to
facilitate technology access and sharing. Both sides also exchanged
views on the security situation in South Asia, West Asia and the
Asia-Pacific and on various global security challenges, including in
the area of cyber security.
With regard to the security concerns the Asia-Pacific, Mr. Antony
conveyed that India supports unhindered freedom of navigation in
international waters for all. At the same time, with regard to
bilateral issues between countries, he stressed that it is desirable
that the parties concerned themselves should settle contentious
matters in accordance with the international law. Mr. Antony
emphasized the need to strengthen the multilateral security
architecture in the Asia-Pacific and to move at a pace comfortable to
all countries concerned. Earlier on his arrival at South Block, Mr.
Panetta was accorded a traditional tri-Service Guard of Honour and
laid wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate.
Mr.Antony will be hosting a dinner for Mr. Panetta later this evening. [VOS]
Conference of State
Secretaries Decides to Proritise Water Conservation
New Delhi, June 06, 2012
Activities and Increase Water use Efficiency During 12th Plan Period
A one-day Conference of the Principal Secretaries and Secretaries of
the Departments of Irrigation, Water Resources and Command Area
Development of the States/Union Territories was held in New Delhi
today which deliberated on issues concerning development and
management of water resources. In this one-day Conference, the States
Secretaries were apprised of the various Central Government Schemes on
development of water resources including the newly launched National
Water Mission (NWM) and the capacity building scheme. Under the NWM
the States were requested to prepare State Specific Action Plans and
set up State Water Mission Cells. The State Secretaries also
appreciated the Central Scheme on Human Resource Development and
capacity building in water sector.
The Conference discussed in detail the various schemes like
Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP), Command Area
Development and Water Management (CADWM), Flood Management Programme
(FMP), Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies
Scheme, Ground Water Development and Management Scheme, etc. It was
informed that the AIBP is being restructured to implement pari passu
with the CADWM scheme with enhanced outlays and increased
participation of Government of India in order to close the gap between
Irrigation Potential Created (IPC) and Irrigation Potential Utilized
(IPU). The CADWM scheme also includes proposals for strengthening the
WALMIs/IMTIs/NERIWALM by way of providing one time financial
assistance for taking up reform measures. The new scheme proposed
strengthening of Water Users’ Associations (WUAs) for better water
management. The continuance of FMP with enhanced outlay was also
discussed and it was proposed that assistance to States may also be
provided for taking up non-structural measures including Basin wise
Digital Elevation Models based on Aerial Survey, Inundation Mapping
and Development of Inundation Models, Bathymetric Surveys and
Catchment Area Treatment at basin level. States were requested to
prepare action plans for mapping flood prone areas and flood plain
zoning as an important tool for flood mitigation. The scheme for
Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of the Water Bodies was also
highlighted with enhanced outlay and with viability gap funding during
the 12th Plan period. The new scheme proposes to merge both the
existing schemes of RRR of Water Bodies with domestic support and
external assistance.
Ministry of Water Resources is launching the nationwide ‘Aquifer
Mapping’ as a flagship programme under National Project on Aquifer
Management during the 12th Plan. This will help in achieving drinking
water security, irrigation and sustainability in large parts of rural
India and many parts of urban India as well. During the Conference the
States were asked to help in prioritizing areas for aquifer mapping
and management and provide necessary data input for long term
scientific planning of groundwater resources management. As per an
assessment done in 2009, 1565 blocks in the country are either in
overexploited, critical, semi-critical or salinity affected, which
necessitates judicial management of aquifers.
The Conference was also addressed by Ms. Vilasini Ramachandran,
Secretary (Drinking Water) who called for generating field level
synergy among the drinking water, agriculture and other sectors in use
of the available water in an area to ensure water security. She also
requested for usage of Water Quality Labs being created at State,
District and Sub-divisional levels in order to synergise for maximum
benefits.
While concluding Secretary, Water Resources, Shri Dhruv Vijai Singh
Government of India called for concentrated efforts by the States to
achieve the goals of National Water Mission and other programmes so as
to take care of needs of common man. [VOS]
New Delhi, June 06, 2012
Activities and Increase Water use Efficiency During 12th Plan Period
A one-day Conference of the Principal Secretaries and Secretaries of
the Departments of Irrigation, Water Resources and Command Area
Development of the States/Union Territories was held in New Delhi
today which deliberated on issues concerning development and
management of water resources. In this one-day Conference, the States
Secretaries were apprised of the various Central Government Schemes on
development of water resources including the newly launched National
Water Mission (NWM) and the capacity building scheme. Under the NWM
the States were requested to prepare State Specific Action Plans and
set up State Water Mission Cells. The State Secretaries also
appreciated the Central Scheme on Human Resource Development and
capacity building in water sector.
The Conference discussed in detail the various schemes like
Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP), Command Area
Development and Water Management (CADWM), Flood Management Programme
(FMP), Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies
Scheme, Ground Water Development and Management Scheme, etc. It was
informed that the AIBP is being restructured to implement pari passu
with the CADWM scheme with enhanced outlays and increased
participation of Government of India in order to close the gap between
Irrigation Potential Created (IPC) and Irrigation Potential Utilized
(IPU). The CADWM scheme also includes proposals for strengthening the
WALMIs/IMTIs/NERIWALM by way of providing one time financial
assistance for taking up reform measures. The new scheme proposed
strengthening of Water Users’ Associations (WUAs) for better water
management. The continuance of FMP with enhanced outlay was also
discussed and it was proposed that assistance to States may also be
provided for taking up non-structural measures including Basin wise
Digital Elevation Models based on Aerial Survey, Inundation Mapping
and Development of Inundation Models, Bathymetric Surveys and
Catchment Area Treatment at basin level. States were requested to
prepare action plans for mapping flood prone areas and flood plain
zoning as an important tool for flood mitigation. The scheme for
Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of the Water Bodies was also
highlighted with enhanced outlay and with viability gap funding during
the 12th Plan period. The new scheme proposes to merge both the
existing schemes of RRR of Water Bodies with domestic support and
external assistance.
Ministry of Water Resources is launching the nationwide ‘Aquifer
Mapping’ as a flagship programme under National Project on Aquifer
Management during the 12th Plan. This will help in achieving drinking
water security, irrigation and sustainability in large parts of rural
India and many parts of urban India as well. During the Conference the
States were asked to help in prioritizing areas for aquifer mapping
and management and provide necessary data input for long term
scientific planning of groundwater resources management. As per an
assessment done in 2009, 1565 blocks in the country are either in
overexploited, critical, semi-critical or salinity affected, which
necessitates judicial management of aquifers.
The Conference was also addressed by Ms. Vilasini Ramachandran,
Secretary (Drinking Water) who called for generating field level
synergy among the drinking water, agriculture and other sectors in use
of the available water in an area to ensure water security. She also
requested for usage of Water Quality Labs being created at State,
District and Sub-divisional levels in order to synergise for maximum
benefits.
While concluding Secretary, Water Resources, Shri Dhruv Vijai Singh
Government of India called for concentrated efforts by the States to
achieve the goals of National Water Mission and other programmes so as
to take care of needs of common man. [VOS]
Israel to
build 300 new houses in West Bank
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to
expand Beit El settlement in the occupied West Bank by 300 families.
Russia, China
against use of force, threats, sanctions on Iran
Russia and China say they oppose any use of military force,
its threat as well as unilateral sanctions against Iran over Tehran's nuclear
energy program.
P5+1 refuses
to discuss agenda for Iran talks in Moscow
The five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus
Germany (P5+1) have refused to discuss an agenda for the upcoming talks with
Iran, which are set to be held in Moscow on June 18 and 19.
In two separate letters to Helga Schmid, deputy to EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton who heads the P5+1 in its negotiations with Tehran, Ali Baqeri, deputy to Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) and Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili, expressed Tehran's readiness to hold preparatory meetings before the upcoming negotiations between the P5+1 - Britain, China, France, Russia and the US plus Germany - and Iran.
In a brief response delivered by Shmid to Baqeri, however, Ashton has refused to set a time for the preliminary meetings between her deputy and Baqeri to prepare an agenda for the Moscow talks, asking Tehran instead to adopt practical measures (to limit its nuclear energy program).
In the letter, Schmid has failed to make any mention of holding a deputy-level meeting before the major talks in Moscow, which contradicts the agreement made between the two sides during the Baghdad negotiations.
Iran and the P5+1 held three sessions of plenary talks in Baghdad on May 23 and 24 after an earlier round of negotiations in Istanbul in mid-April.
It is feared that the P5+1 failure to hold preparatory meetings at the level of deputies will result in the lack of a clear agenda for the Moscow negotiations and will thus undermine the prospects of reaching any viable agreement. The absence of such an agenda is also likely to cause talks to end in stalemate.
The group’s refusal to attend a preliminary expert-level meeting further indicates that it has no interest in the success of the Moscow talks.
Tehran has warned the group against foot-dragging in dealings with the Islamic Republic, particularly with regards to the expert-level talks.
SNSC Secretary Jalili has pointed out that upcoming talks between Iran and six major world powers for the sake of talks would bear no results.
The United States and some of its allies accuse Iran of pursuing military objectives in its nuclear energy program and have used this pretext to impose international and unilateral sanctions on the Islamic Republic and to call for a military strike against the country.
They have resorted to these illegitimate measures in order to put pressure on Iran in the negotiations and force it to give up on its nuclear fuel cycle used for civilian purposes.
Iran refutes such allegations, arguing that as a committed signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), it has every right to use the nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
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