IGP Railway holds Darbar

(VOS)

Sopore, July 12: Inspector General of Police, Railways, Abdul Qayoom Manhas held a Darbar of officers and jawans of GRP Kashmir today at GRP Railway Station Nowgam.

IGP while addressing the Jawans said that GRP Kashmir is passing through the stage of infancy as such emphasis was laid  for making available the infrastructural facilities like duty hutments at railway tracks, accommodation, drinking water, electricity and communication facilities on ground. The officers/officials were assured that all these facilities are on top agenda and are being vigorously pursued with concerned authorities at Railway Hqrs, said a police statement.

The IGP insisted upon the officers that they should remain extra vigilant round the clock and ensure safety and security of railway track and property.

All jawans present on the occasion were given opportunity to put forth collective or individual genuine problems if any, being faced by them in the discharge of duties. Necessary orders were issued on spot in some genuine cases and rest of the problems is being sorted out at RPHQ level.

PDP Patron and President pay tributes to July 13 martyrs

(VOS)

Srinagar, July 12: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that the best tribute to the martyrs of 13th July 1931 would be to create circumstances for resolution of Kashmir so that no more lives are lost.

In a statement PDP patron Mufti Mohammed Sayeed and President Ms Mehbooba Mufti said the party has a clear vision of how to achieve the goals of democratic self rule, economic self reliance and social growth in Jammu and Kashmir. They said the martyrs has risen up against a system that sustained it self on exploitation and denial of democratic rights. The PDP recognizes their great sacrifice and pays glorious tributes to them not only through speeks but by actually working on the ground for a permanent and dignified resolution of Kashmir problem.

Among others who paid their rich tributes to martyrs of 13th July include Senior party leader Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Molvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari, General secretary Mohd Dilawar Mir, Naeem Akhtar, Mohd Sartaj Madni,  Ab Gaffar Sofi ,Mohd Khalil Bandh, Ab Razaq Zawoora, Syed Bashir Ah, Syed BAsharat Bukhari , Mohd Ashraf Mir and others.

Tarigami calls for self introspection, pays tributes to Martyrs

(VOS)

Srinagar, July 12: Paying rich tributes to the martyrs of July 13, 1931, State Secretary CPI (M), Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami said that this historic day calls for introspection from all shades of political opinion in order to safeguard the democratic and secular values for which the martyrs laid their lives.

In a statement issued here today, Tarigami said that the martyrs sacrificed themselves for the cause of dignity of life and upholding the democratic spirit thus paved the way for transformation of society and empowerment of our people.

The sacrifices of the martyrs put an end to autocratic political system which was trampling life, honour and dignity of the people and thereby opened up new chapter in the long march of our people for shaping their better future. We have to ensure that oppressions, tyrannies in every form must be put an end to and ensure that rights guaranteed to the people are not abrogated.

The memorial functions on this day at official and unofficial level should not be shallow and hollow exercises of self-glorification but the occasion of self-introspection. A resolve to fight injustices of all kinds and upholding the democratic values is the only way to pay homage to the martyrs.

Handicrafts have direct bearing on State’s economy: Omar

(VOS)

Srinagar, July 12: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Thursday said that revival of Kashmir handicrafts to pristine glory and ameliorating the lot of artisans has been underlined as focused area by his government.

 “Unless substantial remunerations are ensured to the manufacturers of different handicrafts, the holistic growth and development of this sector is not possible”, he said adding that efforts are being made to develop direct liaison between the producers and buyers.

Addressing the awards giving and modern carpet looms distributing function at SKICC here, the Chief Minister said that Almighty has bestowed his blessings to the State in the shape of skilful artisans with magical hands.

 “The works of artisans of the State mesmerise everyone. The lovers of art and craft crave for handicraft items from this place. But we observe that the craftsmen who produce items of world class standard do not receive returns worth their hard work and skill. This aspect needs to be addressed”, he said detailing the initiative taken by his government for developing artisan clusters under the comprehensive Handicraft Cluster Development Scheme.

The Chief Minister said that the various areas in Sher-i-Khas (Old City) have been identified under the scheme to develop various handicrafts and ensure welfare of the artisans and manufacturers by developing their direct contact with the buyers.

Omar Abdullah said that to start with 2 kilometre stretch from Safakadal to Veer is being developed as heritage-street with focused attention on cluster development of artisans under the scheme. The scheme also envisages handicraft market along the street and at the mall to be developed at Chattabal, Veer on Jhelum Bank.

Omar Abdullah said that while unfavourable law and order situation during the 20 years of disturbance has greatly contributed to the decline of Kashmir handicrafts industry, the reduction in tourist flow has also contributed in shattering this important economic activity. He said certain unscrupulous elements indulging in manufacturing of spurious handicrafts have badly affected the reputation of the State.

The Chief Minister made artisans aware of the damage these unscrupulous elements are inflicting upon the handicrafts sector and asked the artisans to beware of these elements. He said majority of artisans and manufacturers are honest and their products are true artefacts of par excellence but the damage being done by handful of dishonest people bring disrespect to entire community. He told the artisans to make honesty benchmark of their activity and isolate those who indulge in malpractices.

Omar said that government would provide all support to the artisans to strengthen and flourish their trade. He said Handicrafts Department has taken various measures to provide necessary succour to the handicraft and handloom sectors in the State.

Speaking on the occasion Minister for Industries, S. S. Salathia spelt out the new initiatives initiated by the Omar-led government to strengthen handicrafts and handloom sectors in the State. He said that 8000 modern carpet looms are being distributed to the deserving carpet weavers. He said 2000 looms will be given to them by December this year.

The Chief Minister handed over sanction letters for modern carpet looms to 50 artisans from 10 districts of the Valley. He also gave awards to the outstanding artisans and craftsmen.

The first awards carrying Rs. 50,000 and a shawl each were received by Khawja Nazir Ali in sozni-embroidery, Mohammad Haneef in paper machie and Mohammad Rafeeq in wood-carving while second awards of Rs. 30,000 each were received by Sajad Hussain Bhat in Sozni, Nazir Ahmad Bhat in paper machie and Rigzin Dorjey in innovative craft and third awards of Rs. 20,000 each were given to Mukhtar Ahmad Baht in sozni, Smt. Masarat in paper machie and Smt. Sona Rupi in Basholi painting.

 Director Handicrafts, Muzaffar Hussain in his welcome address presented the resume of measures taken by the Directorate for the welfare of artisans and the growth of handicrafts sector in the Valley.

CM receives Dalai Lama

(VOS)

Srinagar, July 12: Revered Buddhist Monk Dalai Lama who arrived here today was received by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah at the Srinagar airport.

The Chief Minister welcomed the religious leader and conveyed his good wishes to him. He also enquired about the health of Dalai Lama.

Dalai Lama reciprocated the good wishes and prayed for peace, prosperity and development of the State.

DC Anantnag seals nursing home

(VOS)

Anantnag, July 12: Stressing upon the authorities to provide best possible health care facilities to public, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Farooq A Shah today sealed the City Nursing Home near Janglat Mandi here which allegedly lacked the proper registration documents and infrastructure for basic health care and surgeries.

Shah said the health and education sectors will remain his prime focus and the district administration will start a drive to clean the menace of commission based nexus which results in fleecing the suffering poor man.

The DDC said “it will be my endeavor to ensure the delivery of best educational and health care services to the common man of the district in this direction. “We have already set a target to complete the 300 bed hospital in the stipulated time period and a part of which will be made operational till the end of this year”, he sadded.

The Deputy Commissioner later announced Rupees two crore funding from the ministry of tourism GOI to construct the additional blocks at ITI Anantnag “which will be purposely used for imparting the technical and vocational training courses for the unemployed youth of the district”.

Lawyers boycott courts

HCBA to challenge J&K Residential and Commercial Tenancy Act 2012

(VOS)

Srinagar, July 12: Responding to J&K High Court Bar Association call, lawyers today abstained from appearing before courts to protest against enactment of J&K Residential and Commercial Tenancy Act 2012.

Lawyers at J&K High court and the courts subordinate to it suspended their work in protest against the enactment of J&K Residential and Commercial Tenancy Act of 2012 and its proposed applications in the state of J&K, said a statement issued by the Bar Association.

The member lawyers of the J&K High Court Bar Association assembled at Sadder court Complex Srinagar and a general body meeting was convened in which legal, Constitutional and political implications of the Act were discussed, the statement added.

“In the meeting it was unanimously observed that the J&K Residential and Commercial Tenancy Act of 2012 is a harsh law passed by the state legislature which is unjust, unfair and irrational as the Act repeals the Jammu and Kashmir Houses and Shops Rent Control Act 1966 and has taken away the judicial powers of the civil courts with regard to tenancy matters”, read the statement.

“The Act doesn’t provide dispute resolution mechanism and a judicial forum for adjudication of the disputes relating to tenancy. The Act has constitutional, political and legal implications as on one hand the jurisdiction of the civil courts with regard to tenancy disputes is taken away and on the other hand there is no appropriate judicial forum provided in the Act”.

According to legal experts, the Act has public and professional implications as under the Act instead of Judicial officers the powers of adjudication are vested in the hands of Revenue Authorities of the State and civil court jurisdiction is barred. “It is likely to effect the public interest at large and the professional interests of the lawyers in particular, besides denial of fair, impartial and independent justice delivery mechanism”, said the HCBA.

“These legislations are undemocratic, unconstitutional and against the public interest and colonial in nature and spirit to strengthen the bureaucracy and subvert the judicial authority of the courts”, said a HCBA spokesperson. “Therefore, it was unanimously resolved in the meeting that the impugned Act, J&K Residential and Commercial Tenancy Act of 2012 be challenged for being quashed before the Hon’ble High court through the medium of a writ petition and in this behalf a team of Senior Lawyers is constituted by the Executive Committee.”

Sajad Lone expresses grief over Tangmarg accident
(VOS)

Srinagar, July 12: Peoples’ Conference Chairman, Sajad Lone has expressed grief and sorrow over the tragic accident of school bus carrying children from Khumriyal, Lolab at Tangmarg on Wednesday in which 3 people were killed and 50 others injured.

Sajad Lone who is on a 4-day extensive tour of Kupwara District has stated that the accident is inconsolable and his heart goes out to the parents and families of the deceased and injured. Sajad Lone added that the families of the injured and deceased were not alone in this moment of tremendous grief and the party workers have been instructed to assist the affected in all possible ways.

Stating that the cancellation of the school’s registration on the day when its students were in such a heart rending situation was immature and impulsive and has added to the trauma of the parents and the school teachers.

 Sajad lone added that the entire valley in general and Kupwara District in particular was grieved by this tragedy and stood by the families of those affected.

Omar reviews development of Ganderbal

Inspects projects, interacts with people

(VOS)

Ganderbal, July 12: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today reviewed various ongoing development works in PHE, Flood and Irrigation sector in Ganderbal Constituency at a meeting of concerned officers he chaired here. The District Development Commissioner, Showkat Ahmad was also present in the meeting.

It was stated in the meeting that as many as 18 water supply schemes have been completed in Ganderbal Constituency while 5 are under progress. It was further stated that under the District Sector three water supply schemes have been completed at a cost of over Rs. 2 crores. The water supply scheme Wakura Lift-I and Lift-II, water supply scheme Khurhama, Khan Mohalla at Khanpora are in progress.

The Chief Minister was informed that Hadura water supply scheme has been completed at a cost of over Rs. 8.50 crore to provide drinking water to 18 habitations with population of over 54,000. The Wakura Phase-I and Phase-II being constructed at a cost of about Rs.15 crores is likely to be completed by the end of December 2012. Water supply schemes Naqashband Colony, Korang, Dangarpora, Dangarpora-Tulmulla, Gogigund, Bunpora, Chunt Waliwar and Gratpora-Benihama are likely to be completed in 2012-13 at a cost of about Rs. 25 crores.

It was said that four schemes benefitting 39 habitations with about 70,000 souls have been completed during the last year while seven schemes to benefit 78 habitations with 1.33 lakh souls are likely to be completed in 2012-13 under NRDWSP Coverage Programme.

 Meeting was told that impounding reservoir at Alastang to augment the source for six schemes namely Hadura, Shuhama, Wakura, Tulbagh, Shanpora and Ganderbal covering 45 habitations with over 88000 souls is being constructed at a cost of about Rs. 4.90 crores. An amount of over Rs. 3.36 crores has so far been spent on this 200 lakh gallon impounding reservoir. Another impounding reservoir at Lariprang augmenting the source of 11 schemes covering 84 habitations with 1.25 lakhs souls is also under construction at a cost of Rs. 21.55 crores in the Constituency.

The Chief Minister was told that water supply Ziarat Sherief Meeshah Sahib involving Rs. 11.78 lakhs, filtration plant at Takiya Khalmulla at a cost of Rs. 10 lakh, stabilization of Lar water supply scheme and water supply scheme for new developed areas have also been completed during the last year.

Taking brief on the works under progress in Irrigation and Flood Control sector, the Chief Minister was told that two schemes namely Nangdara Canal and Dabchi Canal have been completed at a cost of over Rs. 11 crores to benefit Ganderbal, Bobsipora, Mardabad, Serch, Doderhama, Choudhary Bagh, Fetahpora, Kujjar and Gadura.

It was informed that seven irrigation schemes involving about Rs. 15 crores are under progress in the Constituency. Under NABARD two schemes at Rs. 4 crore are also in progress in the Constituency. As many as six tube wells at Guzhama, Waskura, Kundbal, Goripora, Waliwar and Sherpathri are in pipeline. Flood protection works on Sindh Nallah and Tulmulla Nallah have also been started.

The Chief Minister inspected various works in the Constituency and interacted with people. He asked the officers to make completion of schemes time bound ensuring benefits of projects to the people. 

PDP condemns assault on Peerzada Ashiq

(VOS)

Srinagar, July 12: Peoples Democratic Party has condemned the “senseless assault” on noted journalist Peerzada Ashiq of Hindustan Times.

In a statement the party chief Spokesman Naeem Akhtar said “the attack on the senior scribe is unacceptable”.

He, according to a PDP press release, said there was no occasion for such a crime when the people around the accident site were apparently worked up over the loss of life and poor rescue efforts. He said the occasion calls for introspection both for the society and the government which basically has failed to provide security on the roads.

 “The unaddressed problems of Bijli, Sadak Pani are causing misdirected outrage which points to an anarchical situation in which even journalists are targeted for reporting or not reporting in a particular way”, he added.

Akhtar said the reports that there was no police around any where on the road are also a cause for concern.

Expressing solidarity with Peerzada on behalf of the party and its leadership he said the police should investigate the matter and bring the culprits to book.

Sagar asks RD officers to ensure transparency in MGNREGA

(VOS)

Ganderbal, July 12: Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Ali Mohammad Sagard today directed officers to ensure that the funds earmarked for the MGNREGA scheme, which has registered a phenomenal growth in implementation are utilized to the maximum, the Minister maintained that it should be implemented according to the guidelines set and bonafide expenditure should be done.

An amount of Rs. 2100 crore has been earmarked as labour budget for the State under MGNREGA. The Information was given in a review meeting convened by the Minister for Rural Development Panchayati Raj, Law Justice and Parliamentary affairs Ali Mohammad Sagar.

Sagar also directed the officers to see to it that convergence with other schemes of different departments is done so that the ambit of this flagship scheme gets broadened and more people get benefited besides ensuring that more development of rural areas is ensured and more man day’s are created.

The Minister while directing the officers to work in a synergized manner with the Panchayati Raj Representatives said that the same is necessary for ensuring the need based a development of these areas. He said that they should also be consulted during plan formulation so that concerned needs of their respective areas are incorporated in it.

Sagar also maintained that the government is committed to put in place a three tier system of local governance and in this regard elections to the Block Development Councils would be held very soon so that effective decentralization of powers is ensured at grass root levels as well.

Minister of State Aijaz Ahmed Khan while speaking on the occasion said that it has been the endeavor to ensure transparency and accountability in implementation of various flagship programmes and maintained it was due to the sustained efforts of the government and officers of the Rural Development Department that the scheme has registered a phenomenal growth.

Commissioner Secretary Rural Development Farooq Ahmed Peer, Directors of Rural Development Jammu and Kashmir Shafiq Raina, Mir Altaf Ahmed, SE’s Rural Development, ACD’s of both the divisions, Xen’s and other senior officers of the department were present.

Adhere to rates of brick or face action: Div Com to Kiln owners

“Establishment of Cement hollow-blocks to be encouraged”

(VOS)

Srinagar, July 12: Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon today , asked brick kiln owners to adhere to the rates already fixed by the Government or face action, as per law.

He was speaking during a high level meeting with senior officers to discuss the issue related to enforcement of rates of bricks.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner, Budgam Khurshid Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, Farooq Ahmed Shah, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Baseer Ahmed Khan, Chief Engineer R&B Kashmir, Mushtaq Ahmed Lone, Director CAPD Kashmir, Mir Mushtaq Ahmed, ADDC Pulwama, Mir Tariq Ahmed, Joint Director Industries, Bilal Ahmed, Joint Director, Geology & Mining, Nisar Ahmed and President, Brick Manufacturers Association, Malik Zahoor Lasjan and their office bearers.

Various issues were deliberated in view of the public resentment against illegal hike of rates of bricks. It was decided to test the various samples of bricks being manufactured in the Valley, to check for its size, strength and various specifications.

It was decided that a committee headed by Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, comprising of Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag and Deputy Commissioner, Budgam would analyse the existing rates of bricks which had been fixed in November last year and consider enhancement on the basis of the escalation in coal prices since November, within a period of one week. The additional charges for transportation would be applicable, which would be notified separately by Transport Commissioner.

Div Com asked all Deputy Commissioners to encourage setting-up of manufacturing units for Hollow-cement blocks in their districts, so as to provide alternate to kiln bricks, since hollow-blocks are non-pollutant, earthquake resistant and its overall cost is cheaper. Any person having at least two kanals of non-agricultural land can apply for establishment of such units to the concerned Deputy Commissioner, for which bank finance will be made available and all necessary assistance and help will be given by the Industries department as well as Deputy Commissioners for establishing cement hollow-block units. Preference would be given to unemployed youth.

DC Baramulla organizes Drug De-Addiction Programme

(VOS)

Srinagar, July 12: In an effort to bring drug de-addiction Services to the people, the Jammu and Kashmir Police in collaboration with Drug De-addiction Centre Baramulla, SDFC and Civil defense Baramulla organised an awareness and treatment camp at Government Higher Secondary School Rohama, Baramulla

The inaugural speech was given by vice principle of Hr. Secondary School Rohama which was followed by detailed lecture and treatment facilities provided by District Police Baramulla at DPL Baramulla by Dr. Inayat Mir (in charge DDC Baramulla)

More than 500 students/teachers and some locals were given awareness and health hazards of drug abuse. A detailed lecture on the growing menace of drug abuse amongst youth was given by Baramulla Police.

This initiative of Baramulla Police was appreciated by the locals and the respectable of area.

ANC pays tributes to 1931 Martyrs

(VOS)

Srinagar, July 12: Jammu and Kashmir Awami National Conference has paid glowing tributes to the martyrs of 13 July, 1931 on their 81st martyrdom anniversary which is being observed all over the state tomorrow.

In a statement issued on the eve of the Martyrs Day, party president, Begum Khalidah Shah, said the massacre had taken place at a time when, giving vent to his pent-up anger against the autocratic rule, a brave youth, Abdul Qadeer Khan, had delivered a fiery speech in the premises of historic Khanqah-e-Mu’alla, Srinagar.

 “Pointing towards Maharaja’s palace, Khan raised a slogan to destroy the despotic and imperialist government brick by brick. Charged with sedition, his trial was conducted at the Central Jail, Srinagar. Even the trial court was shifted to the jail. At this, there were massive protest demonstrations outside the jail,” she said.  

Begum Khalidah said the event marked the first revolt against the centuries old autocratic rule. “By offering the supreme sacrifice, several Kashmiri youth laid the foundation of the freedom struggle and paved the way for taking it to its logical end,” she said.

The ANC president said it was on the very next day (14 July, 1931) that Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah was arrested along with several other leaders, including Sardar Gawhar Rahman, Mistry Muhammad Yaqub, Choudhary Ghulam Abbas, Maulvi Abdul Raheem and Ghulam Nabi Gilkar. 

Talks on K-resolution to include all regions: Geelani

Will always welcome return of pandits

(VOS)

Srinagar, July 12: Launching a scathing attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Hurriyat Conference Chairman Syed Ali Geelani today said the Chief Minister, his ancestors and the National Conference were responsible for the state’s “occupation” by India.

Geelani, in a statement, reacted point by point to the issues raised by the Chief Minister in a public meeting yesterday in Srinagar.

Criticizing the Chief Minister for his pledge to safeguard Article 370, the Hurriyat Conference Chairman called Article 370 a golden chain around the neck of Kashmiris.

He said whenever the final resolution of Kashmir dispute is discussed, the talks should include all regions of the state as it existed prior to 1947. “China also supports our right to self determination”, he said.

The octogenarian leader called establishing of a separate zone for Kashmiri Pandits in valley an attempt to divide Kashmiris on racial and religious lines.

Syed Ali Geelani said the amalgam was never against return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley but opposed settling them in separate colonies. "We have never opposed return of Kashmiri Pandits, but are against creating separate zones for them. It is an attempt to divide Kashmiris along religious lines, which is harmful to our cause", Geelani said in a statement. Responding to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's statement, Geelani said he was making such statements to earn "brownie points" from the Centre.

"People like Omar raise Kashmir issue only for vote bank politics. Otherwise, they consider Indian occupation of the state as final. They are only interested in power," he added.

Omar, addressing a public rally yesterday, had said that Geelani was misleading people about the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits.

He had challenged the Hurriyat leader to raise the settling of Pakistanis in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir or bringing back part of the state from China. (VOS)

Mirwaiz grieved over Tangmarg accident deaths

Condemns house arrest of separatist leaders

(VOS)

Srinagar, July 12: APHC Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and injured whose excursion bus met an accident at Babareshi on Wednesday.

He prayed for the three deceased including students and other dozens of injured. He also prayed for the immediate recovery of the wounded children.

A hurriyat delegation led by Abdul Rashid Untoo, Abdul Majid Wani, Ghulam Qadir Rah,  and Hakim Abdul Rashid on Thursday visited the SMHS hospital and Soura Medical Institute to meet the injured. They also delivered message of APHC Chairman for their immediate recovery and return to good health.

Meanwhile paying rich tributes to the martyrs of July 13, 1931, the hurriyat chairman along with other party leadership would lead peaceful processions towards the martyrs grave yard towards Naqshbandh sahib as has been planned earlier. Later the leaders along with the gatherings would also visit Martyrs grave yard Idd Gah to pay glowing tributes to the martyrs  

The spokesman has sternly condemned the house detention of chairman Mirwaiz umar farooq,Bilal Gani lone, Shabir Ahmad Shah, Nayeem Ahmad Khan, and Zaffar Akbar Bhat.

 The spokesman has also condemns the arbitrary detentions of youth at Maisuma.

Baramulla Congress aghast over statements against Taj Mohiuddin

(VOS)

Srinagar, July 12: Taking a strong note of the statements issued by senior NC leader and former Minister, Dr. Mustafa Kamal against PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control Minister, Taj Mohiuddin condemned the statements terming them uncalled for, irresponsible and unfortunate.

A meeting of the senior workers of District Congress committee was held today at Baramulla under the chairmanship of District President, Mushtaq Nowshehri. The meeting was attended by Block Presidents, tehsil Presidents, Sarpanches and senior workers of the district.

A statement issued after the meeting said not only the state but the whole country, including chief minister omar Abdullah, is appreciative of the work done, competence and hard work done by Taj Mohi ud din. It is due to his sustained efforts that J&K has been able to consolidate its water resources and soon we would be getting back our power projects after the pressure mounted by our leader on central govt. Already the state has been getting Rs. 1000 crore income as water usage charges from NHPC due to the efforts of Taj Mohiuddin.

The statement said at a time when Mr. Kamal should have been counting the achievements of coalition govt., he chose to issue statements which are irresponsible, detrimental to coalition dharma and factually incorrect.

Mir calls for closer coordination between KVK’s, Dev. Departments

Reviews working of KVK’s of Kashmir Division

(VOS)

Srinagar, July 12: The Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam. Hassan Mir has stressed for closer coordination between SKUAST, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKS), Agriculture & Allied Departments and farmers, so that the dream of Agriculture Revolution 2nd could be translated into reality. This was stated by the Minister while presiding over a meeting to review the physical and financial progress of Krishi Vigyan Kendras of Kashmir Division. He urged upon scientists, field extension agencies of agriculture & allied sectors to improve their efficiency for boosting the agriculture production & productivity. Mir said that establishment of Krishi Vigyan Kendras is basically aimed to develop area specific technologies which can be fruitfully adopted in the farmers field through extension workers of various development departments. He pointed out that there is coordination deficit between the KVK’s & field departments which is required to be filled up urgently, so that the farmers of the state get benefitted. He called upon Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K & Commissioner Secretary Agriculture Production Department to jointly evolve a mechanism for regular monitoring of the working of KVK’s and transfer of technology by development departments.

He said that another review meeting shall be held within 6 months and hoped by that time with closer coordination between KVK’s and departments concerned perceptible change at the ground level will be observed. Minister stressed on the need to develop technology being economically remunerative, ecologically sustainable and productive as well.

He impressed upon the field extension agency of agriculture & allied departments to act as a bridge between lab to land, so that the communication gap from scientists to farming community is bridged for achieving goal. He also urged upon the scientists of SKUAST to work intensively to develop new methods and technologies in the field of agriculture & allied sectors, which will bring economic upliftment of the farming community.

On this occasion Minister of State for Agriculture & Horticulture Javaid Ahmad Dar called upon the agriculture and allied departmental field functionaries for updating the agriculture extension system to disseminate the latest technologies and research to the farmer’s field for boosting production. He said that progress in agriculture and allied sectors is crucial to the overall economic development of state.

Speaking on the occasion Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K Dr. Tej Partap said it is the time when field extension agency of agriculture and allied departments & coordinators of “Krishi Vigyan Kendra” work in synergy for boosting the Agriculture which will help to bring reforms in this sector. He said 12 KVK’s are functioning in the Valley and will work in better coordination with development departments to overcome the deficiency which effects the agriculture sector.

Commissioner Secretary Agriculture Production Department Shaleen Kabra said that real transformation in the agriculture economy will come with the increase in investment in the sector. He said that Kisan Credit Card will definitely prove the be a useful instrument in this regard and stressed upon the officers of agriculture department to ensure that Kisan Credit Cards are issued to all the farm operating families within the stipulated time frame. He said that SKUAST is doing lot of research work, but should reach out the farmers with modern technology, so that they are being benefited with latest research in agriculture and allied sectors. Among others who were present on the occasion Directors of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Sericulture, Floriculture, Extension SKUAST-K, Coordinators of KVK’s, Chief Officers of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, Sericulture, Fisheries & Floriculture Departments.

Nasir visits Khumriyal, sympathizes with families of Baba Reshi Accident

(VOS)

Srinagar, July 12: The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani today visited the families of the students, driver and the teacher who died yesterday in a tragic bus road accident at Baba Reshi Tangmarg.

While sympathizing with the bereaved families, Mr. Wani assured that the government would extend all possible help to the families and announced Rs. 1 lakh to the next to the kin of the died persons and Rs. 25,000 each for those who received grievous  injuries in the accident.

The Minister also directed the Health Department to provide every possible medicare facilities to the injured at an earliest. He was accompanied by senior officers of district administration.