THEDAILY

VOICE OF SRINAGAR

SRINAGAR, SATURDAY, 08 RAMDHAN 1433 AH ; 28 JULY 2012

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NEWS

National Commission for Women Chairperson calls on Governor

            SRINAGAR, JULY 27 – Mrs. Mamta Sharma, Chairperson, National Commission for Women, called on Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, at Raj Bhavan here last evening.

          During their meeting, Mrs. Sharma briefed the Governor about the various initiatives being taken by the Commission to enlarge awareness among women about their rights and the programmes and policies of the Government aimed at securing their socio-economic empowerment. She said that focus has also been devoted, interalia, on issues relating to domestic violence against women, female foeticide and, besides, on promoting women education.

The Governor observed that for maximizing benefits of the initiatives taken by the Commission, for creating awareness among women about their socio-economic empowerment, sustained campaigns would need to be organized, with particular focus on women belonging to the less-privileged sections of society and those living in the remote and far-flung areas. He requested Mrs. Sharma to pay regular visits to J&K to support and advise the departments and agencies which are engaged in promoting issues relating to women development.

Sharma Chairs DRSC meeting

Discusses power scenario in the state

SRINAGAR, JULY 27:- A meeting of the Departmental Related Standing Committee-I (DRSC) of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council was held here under the Chairmanship of Mr. Ravinder Kumar Sharma.  

The Committee discussed various issues regarding the functioning of the Committee and it decided that the panel will examine the working of the Power and Forest Departments in its next meeting.

Legislators, Ch. Nizam-ud-Khatna, Mr. Jehangir Hussain Mir, S. Dharm Bir Singh Oberia, Syeed Mohammad Rafiq Shah and Mr. Bashir Ahmad Magray gave their suggestions to improve the functioning of the Committee.

The Committee also deliberated upon various aspects of the departments under discussion especially the issues of public at large with regard to power scenario in the various parts of the State.

Further the Committee decided to evaluate  the work of the departments by sight spot inspection in, order to ascertain their performance and to recommend the government to make future improvement and take other required steps when ever required for improve, effective, transparent and effective functioning of the departments.

The Chairman of the Committee sought the comments of the Members for effectively conducting meetings of the different departments and also including the information when ever required. The panel sought detailed reports about various aspects of their functioning.

Senior officers of Council Secretariat including Deputy Secretary Mr. Mohammad Maqbool Bhat attended the meeting.

Governor, Dr. Ahmad discuss Disaster Management Plan

          SRINAGAR, JULY 27 – Dr. Muzaffar Ahmad, Member, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), called on Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, at Raj Bhavan here today.

          During their meeting, the Governor and Dr. Ahmad reviewed matters pertaining to the disaster management preparedness in Jammu and Kashmir and the guidance being provided by NDMA in formulating the State and District Disaster Management Plans.

          The Governor was briefed by Dr. Ahmad about the outcome of the 2-day Table Top Mock Drill exercises conducted by the NDMA in collaboration with the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board at the Baltal and Nunwan Base Camps earlier this month for enlarging the level of preparedness for disaster management among the functionaries of the Shrine Board and officials of various Government Departments and agencies involved in the management of the ongoing Yatra.

          The Governor, who is Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, discussed with the NDMA Member the modalities for putting in place an effective disaster management plan for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage and organizing awareness and training programmes for the staff of the Board to secure this objective. It is to be recalled that, under the Governor’s direction several hundred Shrine Board employees have already been trained in Disaster Management, in batches, in the past two years.

            Dr. Ahmad informed the Governor that NDMA is organizing a 3-day Workshop, in collaboration with the Kashmir University, at Srinagar in October this year to enlarge preparedness to meet the challenges of earthquakes. The Governor has accepted NDMA’s request to inaugurate this Workshop.

Sagar directs officers to expedite Sgr developmental projects on fast track basis

                SRINAGAR, JULY 27: Minister for Rural Development, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar has today said that the pace of work on the prestigious projects of the Srinagar city should be expedited on a fast-track basis besides providing adequate compensation to the families whose properties are being acquired for road widening and other related activities.

            The Minister was speaking at a high level review meeting convened to discuss the status of implementation of various developmental projects of the Srinagar city. Minister of State for R&B, Mr. Javid Ahmed Dar, Commissioner Secretary, R&B, Ms. Tanvir Jehan, Chief Engineer R&B, Mr. Mushtaq Ahmed Lone, Managing Director JKPCC and other senior officers were present.

            Asking the officers to ensure that the work on the prestigious Zainakadal, Naqasbandh Sahib is expedited, the Minister said that these projects are very vital due to the heritage as well as traditional importance of the state and care should be taken so that these are completed within stipulated time.

            The Minister while directing the officers to remove bottle necks in some projects and said that the executing agencies should work in a coordinated manner to ensure that these are cleared so that they don’t hinder the pace of the execution of these projects.

            Mr. Sagar while asking the officers to ensure that the adequate compensation is provided to the persons whose property is acquired maintained that care should be taken for proper evaluation of the cost of properties so that the requisite reimbursement is extended to them in a time bound manner.

Akhoon announces distribution of ration to Welfare Institutions at BPL rates

Lauds JKYT for serving the orphans

SRINAGAR, JULY 27: Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CA&PD) Mr. Qamar Ali Akhoon today said that the government has launched a new Welfare Scheme for the first time in the State under which food grains shall be provided to all welfare institutions of the state on Below Poverty Line (BPL) rates.

This was stated by the Minister while speaking at a function organized by Jammu and Kashmir Yateem Trust at Gulshan-e-Banat, Gopalpora Chadoora.

The Minister said that due to strenuous efforts of the state government, the centre has allocated additional quota of ration for distribution among welfare institutions for the current financial year under the scheme. He said the food grains shall be distributed to Orphanages, Bal Ashrams, Nari Nikitans where the orphans are putting up and are being looked after by private individuals or civil society members. He said the ration shall be provided to Gujar Bakarwal, SC/ST Hostels and other welfare institutions run by the Social Welfare Department also.

Mr. Akhoon said that the orphans are a part of a civil society being our kiths and kins and it is our social obligation to look after them.

Appreciating the services being rendered by JK Yateem Trust, the Minister said that these people are working for a noble cause  and are doing yeoman’s services for the betterment of young adolescent girls putting up at Gulshan-e-Banat, Goplapora Chadoora. He said that the government will encourage such Yateem Khanna’s, Bal Ashrams, and Nari Nikitans by providing them  basic facilities under norms.

Responding to the demands of the Chief Patron JK Yateem Trust, Mr. Zahoor Ahmad Tak and other representatives of various welfare institutions, the Minister asked them to submit a list of total inmates putting up and being looked after in these institutions along with the requirement of monthly food grains to be submitted to the Director, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CA&PD) for appropriate action. 

The Minster instructed the Director CA&PD, Kashmir, to fix quota of supply of LPG and K. Oil and ensure its delivery in the premises of these institutions so that the inmates may not face inconvenience.

Earlier, Chief Patron, JK Yateem Trust, Mr. Zahoor Ahmad Tak while giving the details of activities carried out by the Yateem Trust said that the Trust has completed 40 years of its existence and are serving the deserving people with sincerity. He said the Trust is looking after 10 orphanages all over the state where both boys and girls are being provided boarding and lodging facilities besides providing them quality education. Better health care facilities are also being provided to the inmates in these Institutions run by the Yateem Trust.

Referring Gulshan-e-Banat, Gopalpora, Mr.Tak said that 125 girls from Kashmir Valley and Doda, Kishtwar and Baderwah areas of Jammu region, who all are orphan, are presently putting up in the Institution.

On the occasions Chairman, JK Yateem Foundation Mr. Mohammad Ehsan, Secretary, Yateem Khanna, Bemina Crossing, Chatabal Mr. G. M. Shah, representatives of Darul-uloom Dawoodia, Koolipora, Khanyar, Mr. Faizullah,  and Prof. Jahangir Ahmad of Jamiat-ul-Banat, Lal Bazar, gave details of the activities being carried out by their institutions and highlighted the problems being faced to them.

Director CA&PD, Kashmir Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad Mir, Deputy Director Mr. Zahoor Ali Khan and Mr. Muntazir Mohi-ud-din accompanied the Minister.

Training cum workshop for the drivers associated with tourism soon:  Jora

Aimed to improve learning etiquettes, safe driving

SRINAGAR, JULY 27:- In order to provide necessary training for smooth and safe driving to the drivers related with tourism industry a meeting was today convened by the Minister of Tourism, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora here today.

The meeting was attended by the Minister of State for Home, Tourism and Culture Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani, Commissioner Secretary, Trourism, Atal Dulloo, Director Tourism, Mr. Talat Parvez, S.P Tourism and representatives of various Driver Associations.

The meeting deliberated upon the organizing training cum workshop for the drivers especially associated with tourism industry in all the three regions of the state which will be provided in collaboration with Global Travel and Hospitality Education Network, Mumbai.

On this occasion an animated video presentation was demonstrated through which various beneficial tips were imparted to representatives of various driver associations.

While appreciating the presentation, Mr. Jora said that such type of training cum workshops will be conducted very soon in all the three regions of the State. 

He said besides learning etiquettes this training will enable drivers for smooth and safe driving and can prove better hospitality with the tourists coming from every corner of the world. 

 Mr. Jora asked officers of Tourism Department and representatives of drivers associations to formulate the program for conducting these workshops in all three regions of the State.

Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani also spoke on the occasion and urged upon representatives of driver associations to make all efforts for participation of drivers in such constructive trainings.

Interview for CIC Operators on August 09

            ANANTNAG, JULY 27: According to Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, the interview of candidates who have applied for the post of CIC operator for CIC Achabal Breng and Shangus will be held on August 09, 2012 at 10 a.m. at Dak Bungalow Khanabal.

            The candidates have been asked to produce all relevant documents in original before the selection committee on the date of interview.

Monitoring Committee asked to provide academic pedagogical support to School: DIET Srg

                 SRINAGAR, JULY 27: According to the Principal, District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Srinagar, it has  been noticed that the faculty monitoring the scholastic and non-scholastic activities in the schools of district Srinagar i.e ZRPs and CRPs are not providing academic and pedagogical support to the schools.

             The Communiqué says before action under relevant rules is initiated against the erring officials all the ZRPs and CRPs are once again informed through this circular to provide academic support to the schools in their respective zones.

            Besides, they are directed to submit the list of schools where they have provided the academic support till date and also the list of those schools which are to be provided the academic support, failing to which the matter will be referred to higher authorities for necessary action, the Principal added.

Bumper potato crop production in Budgam district

            BUDGAM, JULY 27: To boost Potato Production in Budgam District the department of Agriculture has distributed 900 quintals of high yielding varieties of Potato Seed Tubers in district Budgam by which and people have experienced bumper crop yield fetching them good return from the cash crop.

            In Soibugh, the Potato Seed was distributed in Wahabpora area where also wheat crop was successfully grown this year. This area has lot of brick kilns around and people where motivated to grow the Potato crop for which seed was given by the Agriculture Department. Now the people are harvesting their hard work and more than ten quintals yield was realized in the area.

            The people were happy by harvesting their crop and have reposed their full confidence in growing crops in future and shall always cooperate with Agriculture functionaries as they have placed their lot of efforts for raising the crops in the area.

            Pertinent to mention is that district Budgam exports vegetables worth rupees 67 Crores alone during the season every year to the parts of the country.

Speakers stresses for measures of women empowerment

SRINAGAR, JULY 27:- A one day workshop on “Rights of women and their empowerment” was held at Government’, College, M.A. Road, which was organized by social welfare department Kashmir in collaboration with women’, study centre of the college.

Chairperson, National commission for women’, Mrs. Mamta Sharma was the chief guest on the occasion.

The Speakers threw light on the role of women in the society, her rights and duties and above all about the steps which need to be taken for their empowerment.

Principal and session Judge, Mrs. Kaneez Fatima, Prof. Tanveer Ara, Mrs. Mamta Sharma, Dr. Nahid Soz, Rubina Kounser, Hafiza Muzaffer and students of various colleges participated in the workshop.

The Speakers urged for measures so that women is given due share and opportunities in every field besides dignity and respect she deserves which will encourage her for taking domestic and social responsibilities in a dignified manner.

EC seeks society’s support for environment conservation

                SRINAGAR, JULY 27: The Committee on Environment (EC), Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today appealed the civil society to come forward and contribute for conservation of water bodies and other natural resources to maintain the ecological balance.

The Environment Committee, which met here this afternoon under the chairmanship of Mr.  M.Y. Tarigami, expressed serious concern about the constant degradation of environment and its impact on the fauna and flora of the State.The Committee opined that it’s a matter of concern for everyone and serious efforts are required to be made at different level to conserve the natural resources and environment.

While voicing his personal concern on the subject, Mr. Tarigami said that State Government should launch a vigorous awareness campaign to educate the general masses about the importance of environment in our day to day life. He sought active involvement of educational institutions, NGOs, social organizations and experts to help in a big way to maintain the environment and water bodies in the state.

            Legislators, Mr. Ashok Kumar Khajuria, Mr. Abdul Razaq Zawoora, Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Ganai, Advocate Abdual Haq, Mr. Charanjit Singh, Mr. Mohammad Yaseen Shah, Mr. Sukhnandan and Ch. Sham Lal also spoke on the occasion and gave their suggestions for conservation and management of water bodies in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh region.

            The matter regarding shifting of Sheep Form from Dachigam National Park was also discussed threadbare and it was decided that the issue will be taken up with the Chief Minister.

            The Committee directed the concerned authorities to furnish comprehensive status report about the existing water bodies of the State. The panel also asked all the District Development Commissioners to provide the report of all water bodies of their respective districts along with suggestions for their preference.

            Commissioner Secretary Forests, Sheikh Aijaz Iqbal, Additional Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr. Abdul Razak, and Chief Wild Life Warden Mr. A. K. Singh briefed the Committee about the measures taken to preserve the water bodies of the State.

Director Environment and Remote Sensing, Mr. Suresh Chugh and other officers of forests and its allied wings, besides senior officers of Assembly Secretariat attended the meeting.

JKHPMC suspends employees for slackness

                SRINAGAR, JULY 27: Taking serious note of lapse on the part of some officials for un-authorized closure of Sale Outlet at Baltal, the authorities of Jammu and Kashmir Horticulture Produce & Marketing Corporation (JKHPMC) have placed under suspension four of its employees with immediate effect.

            The officials who have been suspended included, Mrs. Shahida Parveen, Deputy Manager, Ganderbal, Mr. Abdul Rehman Dar, Procurement Assistant, Mr. Abdul Rehman Teli, Field Assistant. Mr. Abid Hussain Ashia, Junior Assistant has also been suspended for un-authorized absence from duties from July 18.

            Mr. Showket Ahmad Ashwari, Manager, District Office, Pulwama has been appointed as enquiry officer to find out the details leading to the closure of Sale Outlet of the Corporation. He will submit his report within 15 days to the authorities.

            Meanwhile, Mr. Abdul Rashid Lone, Deputy Manager, Zonal Office, Bandipora shall look after the functioning of Ganderbal zone in addition to his own duties till further orders.