THEDAILY

VOICE OF SRINAGAR

SRINAGAR, WEDNESDAY, 19 RAMDHAN 1433 AH ; 08 AUGUST 2012

Email:-editorvosgr@gmail.com

NEWS

Omar for extending welfare schemes to all deserving

            SRINAGAR, AUGUST 07 – Endorsing the need for supporting the widows of those killed in militancy related incidents to get the benefit of pension, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Tuesday said that the recommendation made by State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) in this regard should be concretized positively. He asked for chipping in all concerned in formulating the operational module to help the coverage of uncovered widows under the SRC pension scheme.

            Chairing the 6^th meeting of Governing Council of State Rehabilitation Council here this morning, the Chief Minister emphasized on extending benefits of social welfare schemes to all deserving categories to help their rehabilitation.

            The Chief Minister said that State Rehabilitation Council should also chalk out a strategy of providing skill upgradation training to the militancy affected destitute, orphans and widows to open vistas of job opportunities for them. He said that SRC and Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) should jointly look into this area and come up with a befitting programme to target these categories.

            In a PowerPoint presentation Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare Jeet Lal presented overview of the achievements registered by the J&K State Rehabilitation Council of Social Welfare Department in implementing various schemes aimed welfare and rehabilitation of widows, orphans and needy. He said that Rs. 3.35 crores pension has been provided to 3840 widows at the rate of Rs. 750 per month in 2010-11. He said that old age pension of Rs. 2 crores was given to 2292 elderly persons in the same year.

            The meeting discussed the action taken report on the decisions of previous Governing Council meeting. It discussed extension of benefits of schemes of Rehabilitation Council to the widows of killed militants and wives and children of missing persons. The meeting also discussed audit report and by-laws of the Council.

            Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, B. B. Vyas, Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare, Jeet Lal, Secretary National Foundation for Communal Harmony, Lalit Kumar, Executive Director J&K State Rehabilitation Council, Hafiza Muzaffar, Honorary Secretary Red Cross Society, Feroz Ahmad, , Director Centre for Human Studies, University of Jammu, Poonam Dawan, Head of Department of Social Work University of Kashmir, Peerzada Mohammad Amin, Dr. G. Q. Allaqband, Zahoor Ahmad Tak, Nusarat Begum, President Federation Chamber and various senior officers were present in the meeting.

JKPCC has stupendous role in infrastructure development: Omar

Asks Corporation to expand its orbit of functioning

Corporation completes 30 major projects in 15 months: MD JKPCC

            SRINAGAR, AUGUST 07 – Highlighting the importance of timeline completion of public service infrastructure in the sustained and comprehensive development process, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today said that Jammu and Kashmir Project Construction Corporation (JKPCC) is entrusted with stupendous responsibility in this regard.

            Chairing the 87^th meeting of JKPCC Board of Directors here this afternoon, the Chief Minister expressed satisfaction over the completion of 30 major bridges and building projects completed by the Corporation since April 2011.

            Pinpointing the significance of bridges to bridge the economic gaps and open up far-flung and remote areas for holistic development, Omar Abdullah said that his government has flagged construction of roads and bridges as one of the most important sectors in State’s development policy.

            The Chief Minister said that JKPCC is executing major works of infrastructure development in health, education and R&B sectors as such its role in public service delivery is significant. He asked the Corporation to accomplish the entrusted work with a missionary zeal and commitment.

            Omar also asked the JKPCC to expand its orbit of activities outside the State and strengthen its unit at Delhi. He said that the Corporation can bid for various projects outside the State and help its financial growth. He stressed on quality management and growth of the Corporation by introducing innovative engineering solutions.

            The meeting was attended by Minister of State for R&B, Javid Ahmad Dar, Principal Secretary Finance, M. I. Khandey, Principal Secretary Planning, B. B. Vyas, Commissioner Secretary R&B, Tanveer Jahan, Commissioner Secretary Agriculture, Shaleen Kabra, Secretary Health, M. K. Dwevidi, Managing Director JKPCC, M. M. Gupta, CEO, ERA, Chief Engineers R&B, Kashmir and Jammu and other officers.

            In a PowerPoint presentation the Managing Director, JKPCC, M. M. Gupta explained achievements and progress registered by the Corporation since April 2011. He said 30 major projects including one of the longest balanced cantilever bridge at Meera Mandrain over River Chenab in Akhnoor have been completed in last 15 months in the State.

            Managing Director JKPCC said that the Corporation has completed 250 Mtr. Dalgate bridge Phase-II, ahead of schedule.  The bridge has been completed at an estimated cost of over Rs. 13.38 crores. He said that Rs. 6.73 crore bridge at Khan Sahib, 132 Mtr. long Mujgund Tengpora bridge at Srinagar involving Rs. 12.20 crore, 62 Mtr. Bridge at Baramulla costing Rs. 4.60 crore, Rs. 6.77 crore, 150 Mtr long Narian bridge in Rajouri, 152 Mtr bridge at Muradpur in Rajouri costing Rs. 9.30 crore and 313 Mtr bridge at Hanjana, Nowshera involving Rs. 14.13 crore have also been completed during the same period.

            Madan Gupta also gave details of the Mini-Secretariat buildings constructed by the Corporation at Kulgam, Kishtwar and Reasi since April 2011 spending an amount of over Rs. 110 crore over these works. He also referred to the works completed by the Corporation in health sector. These include JLNM hospital, Rainawari at a cost of Rs. 33.95 crores, SMHS Sarai at Rs. 4.98 crores, Sub-District Hospital Kokernag involving Rs. 7 crore, Primary Health Centre Mattan at Rs. 1.96 crore, Primary Health Centres at Salar, Budroo in Kashmir and Sohal, Mishriwala and Chenani in Jammu. The JKPCC has also completed 562 seat - capacity Auditorium at Sainik School, Nagrota at a cost of Rs. 3.79 crore. It also completed Rs. 1.48 crore Panchayat Bhawan at Jammu.

            Managing Director JKPCC informed the Board of Directors that as many as 18 mega projects which include bridges and hospitals are nearing completion. He said that these projects are likely to be commissioned within few months. These projects include Rs. 5.98 crore Rambiara bridge at Shopian, Rs. 4 crore Goigam bridge at Budgam, Rs. 1.17 crore Wahabpora bridge in Budgam, Rs. 4.2 crore Banyari bridge at Hajan, Rs. 93.12 crore major 4-lane bridge on River Tawi at Jammu, Rs. 10.68 crore Thathri bridge over River Chenab and Jajjar bridge.

            The meeting discussed action taken report on the decisions taken in 86^th meeting of the Board of Directors. The issue regarding payment of arrears of 6^th Pay Commission to JKPCC pleaded by the Managing Director was also discussed in the meeting. The MD JKPCC was asked to move ahead in this case as per the directions of Finance Department.

            The impact of e-tendering, strengthening of health and medical education unit, allotment of works to JKPCC, availability of cement and bricks and other issues pertaining to the functioning of JKPCC also came up for discussion in the meeting.

Gul inspects dev projects of Shehr-i-Khas

Releases Rs.50 lakh for community Hall Noorbagh

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 07- Advisor to Chief Minister Mr. Mubark Gul today toured Safakadal, Nawakadal, Noorbagh areas of Idgah constituency and reviewed the development scenario of Sher-i- Khas. He was accompanied by Executives Engineers of Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Road & Buildings, Power Development Department.

While addressing the huge gathering at Community Hall Noorbagh Mr. Gul said that government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is very keen to provide face lifting and beautification of  Sher-i-Khas and for the purpose government has announced development schemes for boosting basic infrastructure and tourism industry in Sher-i-Khas. He said that artisans can avail opportunity to establish their business units and take benefits from schemes launched for them. He also asked the women folk to come forward and start their venture in Sher-i-Khas and take benefit from the schemes especially sanctioned for the women. 

Inspecting various projects, Mr. Gul instructed the Engineers to repair roads from Safakadal to Baripora, Nalamar, Waniyar roads and construction of Kucha at Zadi Masid Safakadal. He said that Rs. 50 lakh stand sanctioned for Idgah drainage system, Rs. 70 lakh for replacement of tiles of footpath and Rs. 1 crore for improvement of lighting system from Idgah to Soura.    

He asked the engineers to expedite the face-lifting work and ensure use of quality material, besides completion in a stipulated time frame. He said that provision of better connectivity and other basic facilities and beautification of Sher-i- Khas will receive special attention of the present government.

Later in the way Mr Gul inspected Government Ration Depot at Noor Bagh. 

Assurance Committee asks for stocking of essential commodities in far-flung areas

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 07-Government Assurances Committee of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council met here today under the Chairmanship of MLC Syed Asgar Ali.

The Committee discussed threadbare dispatches and stocking of essential commodities for the consumers of hilly and far-off areas of Jammu Division.

The Committee stressed upon the concerned authorities to ensure stocking of adequate food grains, k.oil, and LPG in remote areas of Jammu division. The Committee directed the concerned authorities to keep close vigil on black marketing, profiteering of essential commodities and ensure that each rationee gets ration in due time.

The Committee also directed the concerned authorities to furnish list of k.oil and ration dealers for further action of the committee.

The Committee also underscored the need for construction of food godowns in far off areas for the convenience of the consumers.

They also directed the concerned authorities to check and monitor the despatch of K. oil, LPG and food grains supplied through different routes to far off areas through private transport and ensure that essentials meant for consumers is not illegally sold in the open market.

Among others, legislators Mr. Ravinder Kumar Sharma, Mr. Subash Chander Gupta attended the meeting as Committee members.    The meeting was also attended by Secretary CA&PD Mr. Mohammad Abbas Dar, Director CA&PD Jammu Mr. Parvez Ahmad Malik and Statistical Officer Mr. Thakur Dass and senior officers of the Council Secretariat attended the meeting.

Ajaz reviews functioning of Fisheries Deptt.

SRINAGAR, AUG 07: Minister of State for Fisheries, Mr. Ajaz Ahmad Khan today asked the officers of his department to involve Panchayats in the delivery of services at field levels.

Addressing a review meeting of the Department here today, the Minister asked the officers to transfer functions to the Panchayats as have been delineated by the government from time to time.

Mr. Ajaz asked the field officers to dovetail all departmental expansion activities with NREGA so that more and more works are taken up for completion.

The Minister also asked the Fisheries Department to undertake a survey of all natural water bodies at high altitudes. He also asked the Department to identify places for wholesale markets at the earliest.

The meeting was told that DPRs in respect of setting up ten retail fish markets have been submitted to centre for funding.

Mr. Ajaz asked the officers to take cue from recent deaths of fish in Nigeen lake and take all precautionary measures to protect aqua like in all its locations.

The Minister also directed the Department to streamline all human resource issues like seniority, promotions etc so that the morale of staff is kept high.

House Committee for submitting report of encroachments

SRINAGAR, AUGUST07: - Meeting of House Committee was held under the Chairmanship of Mir Saifullah, MLA here today. The meeting which has been constituted to ascertain the factual position regarding the illegal encroachment of wet lands for its conversion into residential purposes in Srinagar, Baramulla and Bandipora Districts, besides conversion of Agricultural and Kahcharai land into residential and commercial purposes with particular reference to Shalteng and its adjoining areas within 10 KM radius.

In the meeting, a threadbare discussion was held regarding the conservation of wet lands and other related issues.

Committee urged the Srinagar Municipal Corporation and Deputy Commissioner Baramulla to utilize their machinery for identifying the areas which are being and have been encroached by examining the revenue records.

Besides, to  submit the list of illegal constructions, Committee directed the Srinagar Municipal Corporation to furnish the list of officers/officials who are responsible for granting illegal permission in the area. The Committee also directed the concerned authorities to honour and obey High Court directions in all cases. No discrimination should be made while dealing such cases, the Committee maintained.

Legislators who are the members of the Committee include Syed Basharat Ahmad Bukhari, Mr. Nizam-u-Din Bhat, and Sheikh Mansoor Hussain attended the meeting and gave their valuable suggestions to improve the functioning of the Committee.

Others who attend the meeting include, Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla, Commissioner Srinagar Municipality, SSP Srinagar and other concerned officers of the various departments.

Sanitation drive launched in Health Institutions of Budgam district

            BUDGAM, AUGUST 07: A 10-day long sanitation drive was launched in district Budgam at all Health Institutions from August 05, 2012 to August 15, 2012 to gear up the cleanliness.

            Chief Medical Officer, Budgam launched this drive at District Hospital yesterday. During this drive cleanliness of all the Institutions will be cleared step by step, wards, beds, bathrooms and surroundings etc. will get cleaned in these 10 days.

GDC Ganderbal condole sad demise of student

            SRINAGAR, AUGUST 07:  The staff and students of the Government Degree College, Ganderbal express deep sorrow on the sad demise of Mr. Shabir Ahmad Bhat S/o Ghulam Nabi Bhat R/o Sindhbal Ganderbal, student of the Degree College Ganderbal who passed heavenly abode on Monday August 06, 2012.

            The staff and students have prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul in heaven and given forbearance to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable.

58^th School National Football championship

U/17 boys held in September

            SRINAGAR, AUGUST 07:  The Youth Services & Sports department conduct today a meeting of technical officials and other committees of U/17 Foot Ball Boys which is scheduled from August 08, 2012, 340 players within the state are so for confirmed their entry for participation in matches which would be played in 3 venues of Srinagar district.

            Deputy Director Kashmir, Nelofar Amin preside the meeting at Youth Hostel Srinagar. J&K is hosting 58^th School National Football U/17 Boys in the first week of September 2012. The selected players of the state championship will represent state in upcoming national championship.

            Deputy Director Kashmir said that she has informed selector's to select a good and talented state team which will give their best in this championship.   

Market checking intensifies at Kupwara,

realizes Rs. 21,800 as fine

            KUPWARA, AUGUST 07: The special market checking team headed by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara today inspected different markets and realizes Rs. 21,800 as fine from erring traders besides destroyed 1.50 quintal milk, fruit and vegetable and 50 Kgs of sub standard.

            The Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, Mr. Sarmad Hafeez along with team of officers and experts also monitor the checking process.

            The locals hailed the action of the market checking squads.

Commitment, aptitude, self confidence basic ingredients for cracking CSE: Pandit

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 07- Department of Career Planning and Counseling, University of Kashmir in collaboration with Ascent Group organized a seminar on “How to crack the Civil Service Examination (CSE), a practical Road Map” at Gandhi Bhawan today. 

Vice Chancellor, Kashmir University, Prof. Talat Ahmed was the chief guest on the occasion while as chairman, Ascent Group, Mr. Mohammad Shafi Pandit was guest of honour.

Large number of aspirants of IAS, KAS attended the seminar. Besides, Director, Department of Career Planning and Counseling, Prof. Musadiq Amin Sahaf, representatives of Career Launcher, New Delhi, Mr. Vijay Jha and Mr. Rahul Krishna gave power point presentations on the subject.

Addressing the seminar, Mr. M. S. Pandit said that main components for cracking CSE are commitment, aptitude, right selection of subjects, self confidence, consistency and freedom of choice supported by guidance.

After having made the choice, one should work out a strategy for conquering the peak, he added.

He said that this seminar is follow up to the one held at SKICC on July 9, with focused attention on ‘How to crack the CSE’.

Impressing upon aspirants to read newspapers and magazines regularly, Mr. Pandit said that news bulletins broadcasted and telecasted on Radio and TV can make them aware about the latest round ups on global level.

He also urged for developing language and communication skills and also make a piece of at least one editorial every day.

Advising for developing habit of reading books for at least 8-10 hours a day, Mr. Pandit said that with gaps of relax by offering prayers five times a day refreshes a person for undergoing more studies.  

He also appealed for developing patience and perseverance in every aspirant. “Don’t give up in one attempt, go on making more attempts till you achieve the goal”, he asserted. 

Vice Chancellor, Kashmir University, Prof. Talat Ahmed in his presidential address stressed for punctuality and said that time is very precious, don’t waste it in useless activities.

He said that a candidate who is determined to crack any competitive exam never fails. Excel in any subject, Prof. Talat assured that all possible facilities will be extended by Kashmir University authorities to the candidates for appearing in any competitive examination.

The seminar continued with great enthusiasm among participants for hours together and students were seen very ambitious to learn more and more about the practical roadmap to crack CSE.

Sakina announces release of honorarium for AW workers, before Id-ul-fitr

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 07- Minister for Social welfare, Ms Sakina Itoo on Tuesday announced release of honorarium in favour of Anganwari workers and Helpers and directed the officers for its early disbursement before Id-ul-fitr so that these workers may be able to celebrate this auspicious occasion in a graceful manner.

The Minister was presiding over a high level officers meeting held here today convened to review the performance of various units of the department.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Mr. Jeet Lal Gupta, Director Social Welfare Department Kashmir Mr. Bashir Ahmed Bhat and other senior officers of the department.

The Minister while stressing upon the officers to work with more zeal, dedication, honestly and with a mission, asked them to make every effort for providing justice at the doors of poor, destitutes, widows and especially those living below the poverty line and in far-flung areas. She said the government under the dynamic leadership of Omar Abdullah is very keen to uplift the downtrodden sections and added, in this regard a number of welfare schemes have already been launched by the State government.

Ms Sakina said that the common people have great expectations from the government and it is the responsibility of the officers to met the expectations of these peoples.

The Minister said that the government is very much committed for the welfare of the people of the State particularly empowering the women folk and in this connection several schemes have been launched for the purpose.

Development of rural areas priority of Govt: Dy CM

JAMMU, AUGUST 7– Reiterating resolve of the government to address infrastructure requirements of far flung areas, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Tara Chand said addressing development aspirations of those living in rural areas is up on the priority list of the government andwork on the road map to equip these with all required infrastructure is apace.

He said coalition government is committed to develop the State on modern lines and with active support from the central government mega infrastructural projects have been launched all across the State.

Mr. Tara Chand was addressing a large public meeting at Khour, today.

Assistant Commissioner, Development Mr. K.K. Sidha, SDM, Akhnoor Mr. Nagendra Singh, BDO, engineers and officers of different departments attended the meeting.

Giving detail of measures undertaken to upgrade power sector infrastructure, the Deputy Chief Minister said in the current year the government had sanctioned over ten percent extra funds for purchase of power but due to long summer and late monsoon the pressure on the grid stations increased many fold, thus creating difficulty for the public . He said six new receiving stations at Chak Malal, Pargwal, Jogwan, Pallanwala, Atardi and Kaleeth have been completed and are under testing phase, adding that once commissioned these would go a long way in addressing the power requirements of the people of the area.

Taking note of the irrigation requirements of the area, Mr. Tara Chand directed the concerned officers to ensure that de-silting of canal be increased and done in a professional manner, so that tail end areas receive required water and also called for undertaking the work under MNREGA for the benefit of farmers and to generate employment for locals.

He passed instructions to the engineers for commissioning of lift irrigation schemes at Jakhar, Jogwan, Rangri Maked, Datyal, Danpur, Troti and Narsingh Pura within 15 days.

Underscoring on the need to ensure proper arrangements for floods, the Deputy Chief Minister said scheme for channeling river Chenab waters has been sanctioned and work would be taken up in a phased manner. He called upon different departments to work in close coordination and ensure that flood works of immediate nature are taken up on priority.

Stressing on up gradation of education infrastructure, Mr. Tara Chand said land for Degree College has been identified at Khour and work on it would soon be undertaken, adding that provision for a block level stadium would be explored for promoting sports in the area.

He said under prestigious RMSA, new high schools would be opened and to address the requirements of teachers, proposal for recruitment on the pattern of RET’s would be explored for the local educated youth of the area. To fulfill the vacant posts of teachers in the rural areas, special instructions have been given to SSRB to speed up the process of recruitment so that students of far-off areas get teachers in the schools, he added.

The Deputy Chief Minister said primary health centre at Khour has been completed and would soon be dedicated to public. He said possibility would also be explored to open health centers at Pargwal and Balli Nathal.

Directions were issued to the BDO to identify IAY cases and distribute cheques to the beneficiaries. He said development works in Panchayat areas should only be started on the recommendation of the concerned Panchayat committee and Panchayats should make their own plan for various works to be undertaken. 

DSE suspends teachers of GHS, GPS in Poonch

JAMMU, AUGUST 07-Director School Education, Jammu, today suspended several masters and teachers for un-authorized absence and dereliction of duties during his surprise visit to Govt. High School Chandi Marh & Govt. Primary School, Chandi Marh in Bufliaz Zone, Poonch.

The suspended staff included Maqbool Ahmad Khwaja, Master, Devinder Singh, Physical Education Master, Mohd. Rafiq, Teacher, Mohd. Shafi, Lab. Bearer, Tariq Mehmood, Teacher, Ms. Farmida Kouser, Teacher. These employees will remain attached in their respective schools during the suspension period.

The Director asked the Chief Education Officer, Poonch, to call an explanation from Zonal Education Officer, Bufliaz (Poonch) with respect to his poor administrative control in the zone resulting into absenteeism and dereliction of duties among the teaching staff under his control.

He stressed on the need to ensure punctuality among the teaching Staff in schools so that the students do not suffer for want of staff. He further reiterated that indiscipline and casual approach by Teachers towards their duties shall not be tolerated and dealt with sternly.

Omar congratulates Hamid Ansari on his re-election as Vice President of India

          SRINAGAR, AUGUST 7- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has congratulated Mr. Mohammad Hamid Ansari, on his re-election as the Vice President of India.

          In his greetings message to Hamid Ansari, Omar Abdullah highlighted the stupendous role of Mr. Ansari in his various capacities as also the Vice President of India and as Chairman of Rajya Sabha. Omar Abdullah also conveyed his best wishes to Mr. Ansari.

Governor greets Ansari on his re-election as Vice President of India

                        SRINAGAR, AUGUST 7 – Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor Jammu and Kashmir, has congratulated Mr. Mohammad Hamid Ansari, on his re-election as the Vice President of India.

          The Governor conveyed to Mr. Ansari his greetings and good wishes for a most fruitful second tenure.

Certain elements unwilling to absorb Omar’s Success: Sagar

Says, Govt bound to empower panchayats

Srinagar, Aug. 07 (VOS) : Stating that certain elements were unwilling to accept the ‘achievements’ of Chief Minser Omar Adullah which he made by ‘empowering’ Panchayats,  Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minster Ali Mohammad Sagar said , “our government is bound to empower panchayats and Chief Minster is committed to strengthen the Panchayti Raj Institutions.”

Sagar was critical of those who according to him accuse the government of not allowing the panchayts to flourish.

“This is ridiculous on their (Critics) part to say that. It is our government that has taken the government at the door step of the people”, Sagar told VOS.

He said various departments have been asked to deliver powers to the panchayats, although he admitted that some officers were playing hanky panky. However, the minister assured stern action against the ‘erring’ officers. “We have made concerned ADC’s as the coordinators for the same and are seeking suggestions to make the system more transparent and smooth”, he said. (VOS)

Ganderbal incident handiwork of NC: Jamaat

“Not about religion, sects, only politics”

Srinagar, July 7 (VOS): Jammat e Islami Jammu and Kashmir today blamed the workers of National Conference for the incident at Ganderbal where a man was killed in a mosque on Monday in group clashes.

“This is not a religious or sectarian issue, but purely a political one”, said Sheikh Mohammad Hassan Amir Jamaat during a press conference at the Jammat’s Batamaloo office.

In response to a question Hassan said, “It is the National Conference that carried out this heinous attack on people offering prayers through its goons headed by the sarpanch as they are worried about the Jamaat’s growing influence in the area”.

He said the Jamaat was not in favour of conflicts neither does it believe in carrying out attacks on others.

“Jamaat believes in conveying its ideas peacefully. This is all about political conflicts and not a religious or sectarian issue”, he said.

He asked the Police not come under political influence and carry out an impartial investigation into the incident. (VOS)

CM leaves for Delhi ahead of MHA’s visit

Srinagar, July 7 (VOS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today left for Delhi to meet the newly appointed Union Minister for Home Affairs Sushil Kumar Shinde, ahead of the minister’s visit to the state later this month. This will be the Chief Minister’s first meeting with Shinde after he assumed charge of the key Union ministry, reliable sources told VOS.

Shinde, who is due to visit the state on August 11, replaced P Chidambram as Home Minister after he was handed over the charge of Union Finance Ministry.

The prevailing situation in the state apart from recent developments on the security and political front are expected to come under discussion, the sources added. (VOS)

Tarigami flays Govt. for ‘betraying’ PDD workers

Seeks CM’s intervention

Srinagar, Aug. 07 (VOS): Accusing the state government. of ‘back tracking’ from its publicly made promises to regularize the contractual and daily wage PDD workers, CPI (M) secretary M Yousf Tarigami on Tuesday said, the govt. has ‘befooled’  the innocent workers who have been running pillar to post to get heard.

“How irresponsible is this govt.? You call a press conference and make a commitment with people and then shut your doors at them”, Tarigami told VOS, adding that the press conference was not held by an ordinary person but  the MOS power in presence of MOS home, CM’s Political advisor, Chief Secretary and other secretaries on Feb. 08th . “Who else do you want to make commitments? They announced that all the contractual workers will be regularized by feb. 28th and this is the month of Aug. not a single has been regularized”, claimed Tarigami.

He said the government was forcing the employees to come on roads as it has failed to meet their genuine demands as well as its own commitments.

Expressing solidarity with the PDD workers, Tarigami urged Chief Minster Omar Abduallh to intervene into the matter.

Pertinently JCC had staged a 4- day strike in may blast demanding the regularization of adhoc, contractual and daily wage workers, forcing govt. to take a call on it. (VOS)

Kupwara Civil Society stages protest against hospital mess

Demand action, change of guard before Eid.

Srinagar, Aug. 07 (VOS): Staging protest against the ‘official apathy’ at the Sub District hospital Kupwara, the Civil Society Group Kupwara has warned the government of agitation if it fails to set the hospital in order before EID.

“This is a sheer joke with the people of this frontier township that the Sub District hospital is basically a community health centre on papers”, Shoukat Ahamd Masoodi who spare headed the protest told VOS, adding that district headquarter has been denied a modern equipped hospital owing to political interferences. “Let the govt. come clear on the present mess in hospital till Eid. We are humans and they don’t treat us like that”, he added.

The protestors including representatives of Traders, Transporters, Sumo drivers , Small Scale industries and other unions of the town were demanding of rolling the heads in the hospital and said that the 200 bedded hospital has been reduced to an outdated shed with no modern equipments and trained man power available. “They refer every patient who enters into the hospital to Srinagar”, claimed the protestors.

They said that owing to political influence , some employees and the doctors are there for more than 10 years and have posed a serious threat to the revival of the work culture there. “There was a BMO who tried to put the things in order but they threw him out.  And the current BMO is the worst administrator we have ever seen”, said the protestors.

They urged government to take an immediate action in this regard. The protestors included Fayaz Ahmad Mir, Gh. Mohamad, Hafizullah Bakhshi, Mohamamd Shafi, Ab. Gani, Dr. Nazir Ahmad and representatives of save kupwara front. (VOS)

Work collectively for economic empowerment of people: Mir

Srinagar, Aug. 07 (VOS): Asking people of the state to reject the emotive, impracticable and sensational slogans of different mainstream parties, President Democratic Party of Nationalist (DPN) and Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir today called upon the workers to work collectively for the empowerment of common masses economically.

Mir said this while addressing a one-day Convention of the party of Pattan Constituency here this afternoon. He said that people of the state want peace, prosperity and development.

Vice President G.M Bhawan, General secretary, Farooq Jan, senior leaders, Shazadi Simon,  Nazir Ahmad Wani, Farooq Ganderbali, Muzffar Ahmad, Bashrat Hussian Najar and number of workers also spoke on the occasion.

Mir said that there is no substance in these emotive slogans to ameliorate socio- economic conditions of the people of the state and added that the motive of our party is to provide a platform to the people particularly the youth so that they can live a dignified and prosperous life.  He said these mainstream politicians have misused the voters emotionally which could result in under development of the state.

DPN president cautioned the people to beware of political parties and politicians who always skirted the real issues affecting the people and use emotional slogans to hoodwink them. He said these politicians never respect the interests of the common masses and that is why after 60 years independence from autocratic rule we still gain votes from the people on basic issues. He said “our election manifesto should have higher status than stressing on basic issues”.

Emphasizing the need for Self- reliance, DPN president said that “everyone has to contribute a bit for the national cause”, adding that our target should be economic independence which must take precedence over political independence. “When we are economically dependent someone else, we can’t achieve any thing. We have to become self reliant”, Mir said. He said the youth of the state have to play important role in all areas may it be political or development to achieve the desired goal for welfare of the people.

Referring for special status of J&K, DPN president said that our special status lies in cent percent literacy, healthy road connectivity, better medicare facilities, safe drinking water across the state, adequate power supply to our consumers adding that the J&K should be model state of the country.

Saying that political awareness is pivotal for bringing the governance at the door step of the people, Mir asked the workers to reach out the people and make them aware about their basic rights adding that their involvement is must for good governance. He said that this is the basic concept of our party to make the government answerable before the people.

Ganderbal incident blot nation’s face: Yasin Malik

Grieved over Malhotra’s death

Srinagar, July 7 (VOS): Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front Chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik Tuesday strongly condemned the Ganderbal incident where a youth was killed in group clashes on Monday.

Expressing serious concern over the killing of Shabir Ahmad Dar, he said, “This is a serious incident and a shame for the whole nation. Nation should mourn this killing as it is killing of humanity and against the teachings of Islam.”

Malik who went to Sendbal along with other JKLF leaders Adv  Bashir Ahmad Butt, Showkat Ahmad Bakhshi,Sheikh Ab. Rashid, Bashir Ahmad  Rather , Bashir Ahmad Kashmiri, Mohammad Sideeq Shah, Prof. Javed Ahmad  and Gayas ud din to mourn the killing expressed his deep sympathy with the bereaved family.

“This killing is a blot on the face of nation. Those who committed the crime are enemies of Islam,” said Malik.“As a nation it is a matter of concern for us and a litmus test for Ulema and religious organizations. We have to rise above our petty interests and find a solution how to curb sectarian clashes,” JKLF chairman added.

Malik said that for this very purpose JKLF had called a seminar only few days before but unfortunately only some hour’s had passed when this inhuman and tragic incident happened.

Yasin said that the gravity of the situation deserves a fresh and keen look by all of us especially the ulemas and religious leaders and parties which have a much bigger role to play.

Stressing the need for unity among the Muslims, Malik called upon the Ulema, scholars, Imams and Khateebs of all Masalaks to raise above their Maslaki considerations and interests and fight together all the conspiracies aimed at dividing Umah in the name of Maslaks

Demanding stern action against the killers of Dar, Malik said, “The family of the deceased has lodged an FIR against the killers. We strongly demand that they should be booked under section 302 and stern punishment should be awarded to the killers so that no one will dare to repeat such acts in future.”

Meanwhile Yasin Malik while expressing condolences on the death of famous trader Shree Vinod Kumar Malhotra S/O Lal Chand Teerath Ram Malhotra (Maharaj Gung).Malik along with several others went to Maharaj Gunj expressed his sympathies with the bereaved family. Shree Vinod Kumar was a lovely human being who was famous for his philanthropic works. Yasin Malik also participated in his cremation at Dood Ganga (Aawren).  JKLF is also expressing its condolences on the sad demise of Jenab Ghulam Nabi Dar father of famous lawyer Ahmad Dar of Mugal Mohala Hawl. A JKLF delegation led by Noor Mohammad kalwal went to hawl and expressed condolences to the bereaved family.

Shah convenes Hurriyat meet

‘Decisions in Hurriyat should be taken in view of principles, not majority’

Srinagar, July 7 (VOS): Senior Hurriyat Conference leader Shabir Ahmad Shah today presided over a meeting at the Hurriyat headquarters to give a final shape to the program on the anniversary of  Shaheed-e-Azmat Sheikh Abdul Aziz.

“It was decided that the anniversary of Shaheed-e-Azmat Sheikh Abdul Aziz will be observed with honor because Shaheed-e-Azeemat has given his life to the cause of freedom and has exhibited steadfastness till his Shahadat”, read a statement issued by Hurriyat leader Nayeem Ahmad Khan.

The meeting was attended by Nayeem Ahmad Khan, Zafar Akbar Bhat, M Yousuf Naqash, Yasmeen Raja, Sheikh Zahoor and others. While paying tributes to the Shaheed-e-Azeemat Sheikh Abdul Aziz the leaders were unanimous that whenever the movement was in some crises Shaheed-e-Azmat came forward and played a role of frontline fighter.

The leaders observed that Hurriyat Conference is the custodian of people’s sacrifices and every decision in the Hurriyat conference should be taken keeping in view the principles of the movement and not on the basis majority or anything else, said the statement.

In the meeting presided over by Shabir Ahmad Shah, it was said that unless India creates a favorable atmosphere, no CBM can prove fruitful nor can the dialogue bear any results, said the statement.

“The killings by the hands of occupational forces in Bandipora and Shopian have once again proved that New Delhi and it’s local Collaborators are busy in playing a bloody game in Kashmir so that people are frightened and they will give away their democratic demand of self determination. It was unanimously said that unless the goal of freedom is achieved the resistance movement will go on”, read the statement.

After the meeting the leaders went to Hawal to condole Advocate Eijaz Ahmad on the death of his father.

Bar condemns SWC chariperson’s misbehaviour with lawyer

To lodge complaint against her,

The Jammu and Kashmir High court Bar Association has condemned the behavior of Shameema Firdous, Chairperson J&K State Women’s Commission who allegedly misbehaved with Advocate Salman Mattoo on Monday when the Counsel had gone to appear before the commission in a case wherein he was counsel for respondent who happens to be his cousin brother.

“When the Ld. Counsel submitted the Vakalat Nama the said Shameema Firdous threw away the Vakalat Nama and the books carried by the ld. Counsel. She in the open court used derogatory language against the lawyers and said “get lost, bloody lawyers are not allowed” and on her directions her office bearers and security guards pushed the Counsel from the office and used abusive language against the lawyers”, said the HCBA spokesperson in a statement.

The HCBA executive committee has strongly condemned the act of Shameema Firdous and her abusive and derogatory language against the lawyers. “It was decided in the meeting that the Bar Association will lodge complaint against Shameema Firdous for her derogatory remarks against the lawyers and in the meeting it was also decided to take up the matter with the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Hon’ble High Court of J&K”, adds the statement.

It was observed that Shameema Firdous is politically motivated being a member of National Conference and cannot be placed as Chairman of Judicious body, since it is her own admission that I am enjoying judicious power but a person holding political portfolio and office of profits cannot be a Chairperson J&K State Women’s Commission as she does not deserve to hold the post of Chairperson of J&K State Women’s Commission, the statement added.  

Prominent businessman Malhotra is no more

Srinagar, July 7 (VOS): Prominent businessman of the Kashmir valley and owner of Tirath Ram and Company, Vinod Malotra, 65, who passed away last evening after brief illness, was cremated today.

Malhotra was a leading textile businessman of Kashmir valley who was having his business in the militancy infested old city area of Maharaj Gunj. Despite being the worst militancy hit area, Malhotra’s were operating their business from the downtown throughout turbulent 22 years of militancy.

The family has textile business in Maraj Gunj for past over 150 years and have an ancestral house there as well. Malhotra’s stayed here during the turbulent times and operated their business from Mahraj Gunj and were well supported by the Muslim community of the area.

Few years back their business house at Mahraj Gunj was gutted and was re-constructed early this year and was inaugurated by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. Mirwaiz at the time of inauguration appreciated their stay in Kashmir valley and said that it has set a very good example of Hindu-Muslim unity.

Malhorta is survived by two sons, Vishal Malhotra and Vikram Malhotra, and a wife. His Chautha and Uthala will be held on Thursday at 114-Gogji Bagh, Srinagar between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Malhotra was Executive Member of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry for over one decade and member of Beopar Mandal Mahraj Gunj, Srinagar. A social worker and a philanthropist, Malhotra was widely respected in the business community and social circles.

The former president of KCCI, Rauf Panjabi, expressed grief over his demise. He said that his death is a great loss to the business community of Kashmir.

J&K Bank Q1 net up 35%, beats market expectations

Srinagar, July 7 (VOS): Marching steadily towards its target of 1000 crore profit by the end of this fiscal, J&K Bank today posted net profit of Rs 246 crore for the quarter ended June 2012 which rose by 35% year-on-year from Rs.182 crore in corresponding quarter of FY11-12.

The Bank’s operating profit increased 31.22% YOY to Rs 415.17 crore during the quarter from Rs 316.38 crore in the corresponding quarter of last financial year.

Commenting on the results Mushtaq Ahmad, Chairman and CEO said, “The Bank’s profit and income growth amply proves our consistent performance. Amid conditions where lending strategies have become a crucial aspect of banking business, we have increased our advances and improved yields on the same. All key ratios are showing an upward trend too.”

With expansion of branch network, we are hoping to keep the growth momentum up.We are conducting a recruitment drive to keep pace with the policy in terms of human resource as well”, he added.

On exploring opportunities in local economies to garner business and at the same time playing a crucial role as the only developmental bank of the state, the chairman stated that the bank continues to provide every needed financial support to all sectors of the state economy with right kind of product-mix.

He said, “To empower J&K farming community our Bank is pro-actively reaching out to the agricultural belts of the state to popularize ‘Kissan Credit Card Scheme’. The bank has issued 43472 Kisan Credit Card to the farmers involving an amount of Rs.225.46 crores in the last couple of months. Bank has already adopted interest subvention scheme of Govt. of India and is providing crop loans to farmers for production limit upto maximum of Rs.3.00 lacs per borrower @7% p.a. Bank is adopting villages for providing total credit solution to the credit requirements under agricultural & allied activities and other non-agri activities.”

He said that J&K Bank is driving the state’s horticultural economy in the form of financial assistance and other support structures to the growers. In this direction, J&K Bank’s Apple Project endeavours to provide comprehensive financial assistance to enhance apple production.

“We envisage to cover the whole of Kashmir under the project within project implementation period of five years. The project has been initially launched in Shopian and Baramulla districts of Kashmir. During the current crop season the bank envisages to tap 12150 apple growers in the targeted districts with loan outflow of Rs.324.00 crores. Due to its success the bank has extended its implementation in district Kulgam and Pulwama besides working for complete coverage of the targeted districts of Baramulla and Shopian. The bank has envisaged to tap further 50,000 apple growers in the next crop season covering four districts with further loan outflow of Rs.700 crores,” said the chairman.

Regarding Tourism, the chairman said the Bank extends credit facilities to the hospitality industry and other allied sectors of the state. It recently financed two 5-star hotels, one each at Srinagar and Gulmarg, and considerably increased credit exposure in this sector.

“J&K Bank has created multiple products to boost credit flow into the tourism sector like scheme for guest houses, scheme for travel and tourist taxi operators, to provide hassle-free credit for the conversion of residential properties into tourist guest houses, upgrade tourist transport services and generate more employment,” he said.

Meanwhile, first quarter results reveal that the Advances of the bank increased by 25.84% and stood at Rs 33,225.27 crore; as compared to Rs 26,403.47 for the corresponding quarter FY12. Total Deposits grew by 23.30% to stand at Rs 53,117.10 as against Rs 43,077.93 crore for Q1 of last FY 2011.

Gross NPA Ratio was declined to 1.60% from 1.97% for Q1 of FY 2011-12, while as the net NPAs stood at Rs 48.16 crore as against Rs 58.35 crore in the corresponding quarter.

The Bank continued to increase its branch network across India and had a network of 611 branches by the end of first quarter of FY 2012-13. Within the quarter, the Bank added 8 Business Units and plans to add about 100 more Business Units by the end of this financial year.

During the quarter, the Bank added 20 ATMs taking the total ATM number to 528 as on June 30, 2012.  Recently, the Bank opened first ATM in Dras, the world’s 2nd coldest place. The Bank is also opening 10 more ATMs in areas like Drass in the state.

The revieed financial results were approved by the board of directors of the bank in a meeting held here today.

Indo-pak trust to come from cultural Exchange: Bazaz

Srinagar, July 7 (VOS): Trust between India and Pakistan could only come from a cultural exchange and not from the political establishment, Chief of the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Forums Bhushan Bazaz said today while addressing 8^th Joint convention of Pakistan-India people’s forum for peace and Democracy.

“There needs to be a serious dialogue between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. But trust between them is not going to come from the political level. It’s going to come from the cultural level. People-to-People contact is very important,” he said. “Both countries are not going to trust each other until and unless there is cultural interaction between them, he added.

Bhushan Bazaz said his later father Veteran Freedom Fighter Pandit Prem Nath Bazaz has always been fascinated by the thought of a peaceful Kashmir and Hindu-Muslim unity. “I hope that Hindu-Muslim unity becomes a reality one day”.