SRINAGAR, MONDAY, 06 ZUL QAADAH 1433 AH ; 24 SEPTEMBER 2012

Email:-editorvosgr@gmail.com

CC meeting soon to decide PSC nominations

Holding of Municipal elections also on agenda

Srinagar, Sep 23 (VOS): The Coordination Committee (CC) of ruling National Conference and Congress is likely to meet soon here to discuss the nominations for filling up the vacancies in the state Public Service Commission (PSC), sources told VOS.

They said besides filling up PSC vacancies, holding of municipal elections in the state will also be discussed in the meeting.

The meeting which would be held under the chairmanship of State Congress President, Prof Saifuddin Soz will discuss the issue of filling up of vacancies in the PSC and the same will be forwarded to the cabinet for concurrence.

Sources said that the members of the CC which include Prof Soz, Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather, Rural Development Minister Ali Muhammad Sagar, senior Congress leader Pandit Mangat Ram Sharma and senior NC leader Choudahry Muhammad Ramzan have almost finalized the list of probable.

There are four vacancies in the PSC and as per the rules it has strength of eight members, besides a chairman. Presently S L Bhat is the chairman of the PSC, while Javaid Makhdoomi, Khazer Muhammad Wani, MH Samoon and KB Jandial are the members.

Four PSC members which included Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, H N Goswami, R L Bharti and Tara Singh retired a few months back due to which the working of the Commission has suffered.

Sources told VOS that out of four members two will go to the NC and two to Congress. “While the NC has finalized the names of its candidates, the Congress is yet to finalize names of its members for the PSC. Former IGP Raja Aijaz Ali and ex Managing Director JK Cements Mushtaq Ahmad Lone are emerging as favorites on NC quota,” they added.

Prof Soz confirmed to VOS that the CC meeting would be held soon. “Issue of filling up of PSC member vacancies and holding of municipal elections would be discussed in the meeting,” he said.

Mufti emphasizes on sustained Indo-Pak dialogue

“Dialogue process should not be related to events but should be process driven”

Srinagar, Sep 23 (VOS): Emphasizing on the need for a sustained Indo-Pak dialogue - which must focus on Kashmir apart from other issues between the two countries, patron of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today observed that the process of dialogue and peace between two the countries was going in snail’s pace.  He maintained that the dialogue process should not be related to the events but should be process driven and result oriented so that the elements inimical to peace be sidelined and the process of reconciliation should be taken to a logical conclusion.

He maintained that the dialogue process should not be related to the events but should be process driven and result oriented so that the elements inimical to peace be sidelined and the process of reconciliation should be taken to a logical conclusion.

Mufti was addressing civil society of Jammu in a day long interaction on the topic “J&K towards tranquility”.  “To bring stability in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Government must involve all the sections of the society, including all political parties of the country, in a constructive and meaningful dialogue process for the peaceful and amicable settlement of the Kashmir issue”, he said and asked people of the country not to mistrust the residents of Jammu and Kashmir especially of Kashmir.

“People of Jammu and Kashmir are not at the fault but it the political leadership of the state which has to be blamed for existing trust deficit between the residents of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country”, he observed and emphasized on the need of taking some concrete steps to remove apprehensions from both sides to establish lasting peace in this region.

While pointing towards trust deficit between different regions of the State, the PDP patron reiterated resolve of his party to bring people of different regions and sub-regions together. “During our tenure we proved how to treat all regions and sub-regions equally. We would further facilitate the process of bridging this gap to ensure justice and equality to all regions and sub-regions of the state,” he said and added that a mechanism would be evolved to eliminate any kind of discrimination with any region or sub-region of the State. “Our aim is to bring people of all regions and sub-regions together”, he said.

“Before the formation of PDP led government in 2002, there were complaints of discrimination with some regions of the state. The PDP led regime had not only removed such discriminations but also ensured empowerment of different regions and sub-regions,” he said, making a mention of the establishment of Leh and Kargil Autonomous Hill Development Councils. 

 Mufti said the PDP government had set an example of equitable and balanced development in Jammu and Kashmir.”  “Our party would remove the walls of hatred among different regions and sub-regions of the state and would establish regional harmony in the State”, he asserted.

Sayeed, while throwing light on the Self Rule document of the party, said that PDP’s vision has potential to address external and internal dimension of the Kashmir problem. “In our document we have suggested to make Jammu and Kashmir as a free economic zone”, he said and added  that there was a proposal in the South Asian Association of Regional Council (SAARC) to make South Asia as free economic zone on the pattern of European Union (EU).

“We demand that Jammu and Kashmir should be made a testing ground for SAARC countries by easing visa restrictions and custom free trade among both parts of Kashmir", he said, adding, "Jammu and Kashmir should become a model among the SAARC countries”.

While highlighting the historical role played by his party in restoring peace in this region, he said that since its formation PDP has been advocating that dialogue was the only solution of all problems. “PDP has pioneered and implemented the peace and reconciliation process which yielded encouraging results. Our party had convinced successive governments at Delhi to initiate some bold Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) to restore lasting peace in this region, he said and mentioned towards historical role played by the former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee in normalizing relations with Pakistan. He said that announced made by Atal Behari Vajpayee on April 18, 2003 at Srinagar was one of the bold steps because he had extended hands of friendship towards Pakistan at that time when tension was high on borders. He also pointed it was all due to the efforts of the Congress led UPA government that crossing points on the Line of Control (LoC) were opened.

PDP patron reiterated that aim of his party was not grab power but to restore dignity and honour of the people. “My only desire to make Jammu and Kashmir an Island of Peace”, he reiterated.

He reminded that since its formation PDP has been working to create an atmosphere of reconciliation and to restore a sense of security and fearlessness among the people”.

The interaction was organized by Kuljeet Singh Jamwal in which prominent citizens of Jammu were present. The interaction was followed by question answer session. Sardar Rangil Singh, former Minister and general secretary of PDP Mohammad Dilawar Mir also spoke on the occasion.

Prominent PDP leaders Ved Mahajan, Shanti Devi, Falai Singh, Hussain Ali Bafa, Rashid Malik and others were also present on the occasion.

 Rasheed reacts to Sinha’s statement on JK Police

“High time for JKP to decide what they want”

Srinagar, Sep 23 (VOS): Asking J&K police to decide whether they want to work as agents of New Delhi or rise to the occasion and perform its duties within the domain of morality, humanity and Kashmiri nationalism, MLA Langate Er Raheed Sunday said that it was high time for them to decide what they want.

Reacting to the recent remarks of former Jammu and Kashmir governor SK Sinha in which he had said that 50 percent of policemen were militant sympathizers, Rashid said that Sinha’s remarks reflect the colonial attitude of a pre occupied mind set of policy makers in New Delhi.

Addressing a public meeting at Hagnikote Ramhall Handwara. He said that Sinha’s statement was only continuation of “ill designs” of think tanks, politicians, policy makers and agencies of India.

He emphasized on JKP to have re-look on their hostile and anti Kashmiri attitude and asked them that they should read writing on the wall and Sinha’s statement should be an eye opener for them.

Rasheed said that it should be a cause of worry for those policemen and officers of JKP who have killed, tortured and humiliated Kashmiris in the name of fighting militancy by taking shelter under the “notorious umbrella of task force and are still working as collaborators.”

“These officers and official should realize that if a man like Sinha who has been the governor of the state and is witness to dozens of fake encounters, doubts integrity of JKP how much those people claiming to be the policy makers who don’t have any idea of situation and sensitiveness of Kashmir issue might be trusting JKP,” he said.

The MLA said that it was the 60 year old long policies of all political parties, institutions, agencies and intellectuals of India that they should use Kashmiris like anything and ultimately through them in the dustbin like a tissue paper. Rasheed claimed that same happened with late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and others whom New-Delhi first used as a bridge to reach out to the Kashmiri people and ultimately exposed them to their own people.

3-day National Conference concludes at KU

120 papers presented

Srinagar, Sep 23 (VOS): During the three day National Conference on “Contemporary Issues in Business, Management and Finance” organized by Department of Business and Financial Studies University Of Kashmir 120 research papers were read. Conference concluded here on Sunday.

Congratulating the Department for having organized the interaction through this event of the experts and academics on the contemporary issues in Business, Management and Finance, Vice Chancellor Kashmir University Prof Talat Ahmad  hoped that researchers pay due attention to the preservation of ecology and environment of this region.

Speaking on issues in Business, Management and Finance the VC said that conference theme has already gathered great momentum not only in India but across the Globe as well and hoped  the event must have  provided a much required insight through the research papers on the underlying theme contributed by a galaxy of scholars, industrialists, and administrators.

Dean Academic Affairs KU Prof A M. Shah said that over the years the Department of Business and Financial Studies has made a mark as a premier research centre in the state.

Its researches and studies, Prof Shah said are well-received in the corridors of power and are referred to while making policy decisions at the state governmental level. Quoting examples from great management writers Shah referred to leadership, flexibility and being alive to change as the hallmarks for good management.

Registrar Kashmir University Prof S Fayaz asked the scholars to take the regional and local issues into consideration. We have to be alive to our social responsibility, he told the participants.

CAPD squad intensifies market checking

Srinagar, Sep 23 (VOS): Continuing its drive against the law violators, enforcement squad of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) is reaching out in every locality in Srinagar to ensure essential commodities are available on government fixed rates.

Since September 15, the CAPD squad has conducted market checking in various areas of Srinagar including Gagribal, Boulvard, Nishat, Brane and Barzulla.

Talking to VOS, Assistant Director Enforcement Squad Ali Mohamad Hajam said that the market checking would continue in the interest of public at large. “During market checking the squad inspected 45 business establishments in last few days and a fine of 9100 rupees have been recovered from the law violators for violating law,” Hajam said.

“One butcher’s shop at Barzulla and one cylinder shop was seized during the checking also,” he added.

Asked whether the drive would continue, he said, “We believe in action not is utterance. If people have any complaint they should contact us.”

Erratic power supply in Rajbagh: residents

Srinagar, Sep 23 (VOS): The residents of Rajbagh and Jwahar Nagar who are being fed electricity by feeder No 1 have complained of irregular power supply in the area and urged the Power Development Department authorities to take cognizance of the problem.

A delegation of residents of the area told VOS that they witness erratic power supply frequently. “Though our area is metered still we don’t get uninterrupted power supply,” they complained.

Governor interacts with Kargil students

                                                  SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 23 – Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor,  today emphasized upon the students to work hard and achieve excellence in academics and other extra-curricular activities to build a promising future for themselves, for their families and for becoming capable of contributing towards the development and prosperity of J&K and the country. 

The Governor was interacting with a group of 23 students from Kargil district who have returned from their visit to various places of educational, historical and cultural importance in Rajasthan, at Raj Bhavan here this evening. The touring students shared with him their experiences during this tour.

The students were accompanied by three of their teachers, and Capt. Prateek Malhotra and two other Army personnel who had accompanied the students on the tour.

The 12-day educational tour which will conclude on 24^th September was organized by the Army’s 121 Indep. Infantry Brigade under the Sadbhavana Programme, which was flagged-off from Kargil on 14^th September.

Interacting with the students, the Governor enquired from them about the places they had visited during the tour and those which they had liked the most. All the students said that it was an excellent opportunity for them to visit various places of educational, historical and cultural interest in Jammu and Rajasthan. For most of the students, studying in classes 6^th, 7^th, 8^th and 9^th, it was their first ever visit outside the State, for which they thanked the Army.

The Governor presented gifts to the students and their teachers and wished the young boys and girls a bright future ahead.

A memento was presented to the Governor by Capt. Prateek Malhotra, on behalf of 121 (I) Infantry Brigade, on this occasion.     

During their visit to Rajasthan, the students visited Jaipur, Ajmer and Pushkar. At Jaipur, they visited Jantar Mantar, City Palace Museum, Birla Planetarium, Jal Mahal, Zoo and other places of historical and cultural interest. At Ajmer, they paid obeisance at Ajmer Sharief Dargah, while at Pushkar they had a camel ride and boating in Anasagar Lake. On way back, the touring children visited Bagh-i-Bahu and Bahu Fort at Jammu. In Srinagar, the children today visited Shalimar and Nishat Gardens and had a Shikara ride in Dal Lake.

Literate society must for progress: Mir

BARAMULLA, SEPTEMBER 23: Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir stressed upon the teacher community to work with zeal and dedication.

The Minister was addressing at a Teachers Conference held at Kunzer, Tangmarg here today. He said that the teacher community has a great respect in the society, therefore, they must perform their duties with whole heartedly, zeal and dedication.

Mr. Mir said that modern education has touched new heights and therefore teachers have to perform their role in society with honesty and mission. He said that teachers should not only adorn our young minds but they have to shaper their bright future, so that our youth can show their might at local, national and international levels. He said that teachers have to shoulder great responsibilities to make their pupils prosperous and responsible citizens.

Mr. Mir said that extracurricular activities have assumed great role in our contemporary world. Teachers should also provide their students qualitative and moral education, so that they can show their metal everywhere.

Commissioner Secretary, Government Education Department, Mr. Farooq Ahmed, Director Education, Mr. Mohammad Shafi Rather, Chief Education Officer, Baramulla, Abdul Rouf Zonal Educational Officers, of Kunzer & Pattan, Principals and members of Civil Society were present on the occasion.

Gul inaugurates 2 day medical camp at Dawar Gurez

Govt keen to develop remote, far flung areas

DAWAR GUREZ, SEPTEMBER 23: A 2-days free medical camp organized by Rural Development Society J&K (NGO) was inaugurated by Advisor to Chief Minister Mr. Mubarak Gul, here today in collaboration with health department.

The Services of Specialists Prof. (Dr) G.Q. Allaqaband, Prof. Ghulam Jeelani, Ex- Principals of GMC Srinagar and other eminent doctors of valley were kept available for the people in Medical Camp.

Mr. Gul, who is also the chairman of the said society said that the main aim of the society is to address the under privileged and weaker sections in their social, economic and health care needs. He appealed the people to come forward and avail the benefits of the camp.

Ex-MLA Bandipora Mr. Ghulam Rasoool Naaz , Chief Medical Officer, Bandipora, Dr. Malik Bashir, SDM Gurez Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Hakak and other officers were present.

On the occasion, an awareness programme was also conducted where in the people were provided information about the proper healthcare and dieting of ladies and children. The Advisor also interacted with the patients and attendants and listened them patiently.

Mr. Gul expressed his satisfaction over the ongoing development projects taken up in Gurez Sub division during a review meeting of officers. The advisor directed the executing agencies to accelerate the pace of work on these projects.

Various public deputations also met the Advisor and apprised him about the problems which include communication system, construction and upgradation or roads, early completion of Degree College and Asthan Nallah project. The Advisor assured them that their genuine grievances would be addressed on priority. He said the government is keen to develop the remote and far flung areas in the State so that the people are strengthened both socially and economically.

Mr. Gul also provided a relief cheque of Rs. 25,000 to a fire victim Mr. Mohammad Sultan Shnugroo of Markote Dawar who’s residential house was damaged during a fire incident.

Aman Satya Kachroo Trust organizes musical concert to enlarge awareness against ragging

Governor, First Lady attend the concert   

          SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 23 – As part of its ongoing campaign for enlarging awareness against ragging in the educational institutions, the Aman Satya Kachroo Trust organized a musical concert at SKICC, here this evening.

          Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor Jammu and Kashmir, was Chief Guest on this occasion.

          Mrs. Usha Vohra, First Lady; Mr. Vijay Bakaya, MLC; and Mr. Vijay Dhar, Member, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, attended the Concert.

          Mr. Dhananjay Kaul, a noted Kashmiri Sufi singer, performed the concert and sang Kashmiri and Hindustani Sufiana music, which was highly appreciated by a large audience.

          Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Raj Kachroo, Founder Trustee, Aman Satya Kachroo Trust, and father of Aman Kachroo, who had become a victim of ragging while pursuing MBBS course, thanked the Governor for his strong support to the Trust in enlarging awareness among all the stakeholders against ragging. He added that the Trust is working for eradication of ragging in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development and that this evening’s musical concert was part of this initiative.

          Writers, intellectuals, social activists and a large number of people from various walks of life attended the concert. 

Super specialty hospital to be operationalised by this year end: Azad

JAMMU SEPTEMBER 23- Expressing optimism about commissioning of the Super Specialty Hospital this calendar year, Union Health Minister, Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad today set a schedule of activities for undertaking time-bound operationalization of this special healthcare service in the Jammu region.

Getting latest update over various facets of the prestigious project at a high powered meeting of top officials from the Union Health Ministry and the State Government, Mr. Azad said that final touches are being given to the logistics and other infrastructural activities. While three Integrated Modular OTs have been put in place, remaining are in the pipeline. These, along with other diagnostic equipment like dialysis, are in the process of procurement and expected to arrive here by October 15. Accordingly, these will be installed by year end, he added.

Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand and Minister for Medical Education, Mr. R. S. Chib were present in the meeting.

Referring to recruitment of specialized human resource for manning various units of the hospital, he said necessary process has already been initiated and several specialists have already been deployed outside the State for getting expertise and specialized training. While 50 per cent specialists will be appointed locally, remaining 50 per cent shall be arranged from outside the State.

Emphasizing the need for ensuring high standards in diagnostic equipment and the infrastructural edifice, the Union Minister said that the focus should be laid on how we can extend optimum relief to the people within the state thus saving them from waiting for months in super specialties outside the State for specialized treatment.

Azad directed the HLL authorities for taking up installation the remaining OTs by October so as complete the process in all respects by December end. He asked the HLL to take care of maintenance of their equipments installed in the SSH besides directing CPWD to maintain the building infrastructure for a period of two years.

The Union Minister suggested out sourcing of such diagnostic equipments that were not readily available so that the patients are not made to venture out for getting the tests done. It will have to be made mandatory for outsourced units to strictly adhere to the rates fixed by the government for various tests.

He asked the officers to set a timeline for every work separately for their expeditious completion.

Mr Azad went round SSH and took stock of several equipments besides inspecting the quality of work. He gave on the spot instructions for redoing the works quality of which was not up to the standard. He also stressed on maintaining the aesthetic grandeur of the hospital and its periphery besides focusing on health and hygiene.

He hoped that the calendar of activities will be observed with urgency so that periodical reviews of the work done could be undertaken so as to meet the deadline.

Mr. Chib briefed the Union Minister about status of works completed and in the process of completion in SSH and thanked him for personally visiting this prestigious project which will help in streamlining its completion. He requested him for additional funds for construction of a separate emergency block and multi-storyed parking in the SSH.

Secretary Health and Medical Education Mr. M. K. Dwivedi gave a Power Point presentation over the status of different works undertaken so far.

While 819 posts of various categories of staff have been created, process for appointment of 214 para medics is underway. Besides,  process for floating tenders for security and sanitation services, outsourcing of laundry and diet services, establishment of drug store, ambulance services, segregation of departments on the pattern of AIIMS etc. has also been initiated.

Among others present were Principal GMC, Srinagar, Dr. Masood, Officiating Principal GMC, Jammu, Dr. Aniece Chowdhary, Chief Engineer CPWD, Dehli, CEO and MD, HLL, Mr. Ayappan, Chief Engineer R&B Jammu, Director Floriculture, SEs PDD and UEED, Officers from Union Health Ministry, HLL and CPWD.

____________________________________________________

 For Advertisement:- editorvoiceofsrinagar@gmail.com

Advertisement Manager:-Ishfaq Dar(9797761777)