SRINAGAR,
WEDNESDAY, 23 ZUL QAADAH 1433 AH ; 10 OCTOBER 2012
Email:-editorvosgr@gmail.com
Saveline
Trust delegation meets Governor
SRINAGAR,
OCTOBER 9 – A delegation of the Saveline Trust, Batakote, Pahalgam, met Mr. N.
N. Vohra, Governor, at Raj Bhavan here today.
The delegation discussed with the Governor and Mr. Navin K. Choudhary, Chief
Executive Officer of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, the efforts made by the
Trust for the past some years to provide medicare services to the Shri
Amarnathji Yatris at various places on Pahalgam-Holy Cave route. The delegation
comprising Mr. Malik Afzal, Chairman of the Saveline Trust, and Dr. Gulzar
Ahmad, its Organizer, said that the Trust is planning to further enlarge these
efforts to improve the facilities for the visiting pilgrims.
The Governor thanked the Trust for their services, over the years, and looked
forward to its continuing support to the pilgrimage in the future.
Mohammad
Jabbar Malik meets Governor
SRINAGAR,
OCTOBER 9 – Mr. Mohammad Jabbar Malik, of the Malik family of Batakote,
Pahalgam, which is associated with the Shri Amarnathji Yatra, called on Mr. N.
N. Vohra, Governor, at Raj Bhavan here today.
Mr. Malik discussed with the Governor and Mr. Navin K. Choudhary, Chief
Executive Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, various issues relating to the
management of annual Shri Amarnathji Yatra, particularly the facilities which
are required to be timely put in place to facilitate the pilgrims.
Holiday
on account of Urs of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din
Noorani (RA) to be observed on Oct 14
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 9 – Government today ordered that the Provincial
Holiday (Kashmir Province) on account of Urs of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (RA)
shall now be observed on October 14, 2012(Sunday) instead of October 12, 2012(Friday).
Govt will
fast track selection of 70,000 vacancies once court stay is vacated: Rather
SRINAGAR,
OCTOBER 09: Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather
informed the Legislative Assembly today that the Government will fast track
selection process to fill up about 70,000 posts lying vacant in different
departments as soon as the court stay on the new employment policy gets
vacated.
Replying
to Supplementaries on the question of Mr. T. Namgyal in Legislative Assembly,
Mr. Rather said that the Government had formulated New Employment Policy which
was challenged in High Court Wings of both Kashmir and Jammu. He said the stay
order has been vacated from Srinagar High Court Wing, adding that the
recruitment process would be get accelerated as soon as the stay order is got
vacated from the Jammu wing.
The
Minister said that there are 168 posts lying vacant in different departments in
Sub-Division, Nobra, adding that recruitment process is underway to fill-up
these posts. Assuring that the employees attached outside Nobra Sub-Division
would be detached, the Minister said that there are thirteen employees from
different departments attached outside the Sub-Division, Nobra.
Peerzada
Mansoor Hussain, Mr. Nazir Ahmad Gurezi, Mr. Abdul Rehman Veeri, Mr. Abdul
Majid Wani and Ch. Zulfikar Ali also raised the supplementaries.
Pump
station installed for improving water supply of Latroo, Sanjay colony: Taj
The
Minister for PHE, I &FC Department, Mr. Taj Mohi-ud-Din in reply to a
question raised by Mr. Rafi Ahmad Mir in Legislative Assembly today said that
as an interim relief, the PHE Department has installed pum station for Latroo
and Sanjay colony due to which the drinking water supply has improved in the
area.
The
Minister assured the Member that the Zain-ul-Din Wali(RA) Water Supply Scheme
at Aishmuqam will be completed in the next calendar year.
Instructions
have been issued for providing atta rather wheat: Akhoon
The
Minister for CA&PD, Mr. Qamar Ali Akhoon today informed the House that the
rationed families of Kishtwar will be issued Atta instead of Wheat. The
department of CA&PD is not aware of shortage of water resources and
consequential closure of water mills in district Kishtwar.
Replying
to a question raised by Mr. G.M Saroori, the Minister said that instructions
have already been communicated to the Director, CA&PD, Department, Jammu
for further necessary steps in this regard.
The
Minister said that in this connection the MLA has requested last month and
instructions were issued instantly to the Director, CA&PD, Department,
Jammu. Since the Director has to arrange milling of the Wheat from Jammu only
in absence of any flour mill in the district Kishtwar, therefore, it would
required some time to sort out issue of convert of wheat into atta.
He said
that 100% Atta is supplied under PDS, the schedule for supply/distribution will
get delayed due to the fact that wheat is being lifted from Kishtwar and distributed
to the rationees while as Atta is being supplied from Jammu. Further, the
ration for six months for winter is being dumped in Marwah, Warwan, Dacchan,and
Padder but the Atta cannot be dumped, due to short shelf life as the same is
susceptible for rotting if stored for long. However, the department is working
to arrange Atta for the area as per demand.
Mrs.
Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo and Mr. Abdul Majid Wani raised their supplementaries and
demanded early dumping and improvement of the supply of essential commodities
in their constituencies especially remote and far flung areas before the onset
of winter season.
The
Minister assured the members that necessary steps will be taken in this regard.
Mobility
plans for two capital cities in offing: Akhoon
In reply
to a question raised by Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta, the Minster for Transport, Mr
Qamar Ali Akhoon said that there are a number of departments which are
responsible for traffic management including Traffic Police, Transport
Department, Public Works Department(R&B),Municipal Corporations of Jammu
etc.
The
Minister said that the State Government has engaged M/S RITES Ltd for
preparation of a comprehensive Mobility Plan for the capital cities of Jammu
and Srinagar taking into account all aspects of mobility including pedestrians,
covering long term and short term measures to overcome traffic congestion
and introduction of Metro Rail in the two capital cities.
He said
that Electronic Traffic Signal Lights have recently been installed and made
functional in many parts of the city including Canal Road and Janipur Road. He
said that introduction of Electronic Traffic Signal Lights have eased jamming
on many spots which were facing congestion.
The
Minister said that land measuring 110 kanals at Khanpur, Nagrota has been
notified to serve as a Bus Stand for Stage Carriages to mitigate traffic
congestion at B.C road, Jammu. He further said that under Notification No
05-MVD/P of 2012 dated 27-01-2012, the land measuring 72 kanals located at
Transport Nagar, Narwal Jammu has been notified and developed by JDA as a stand
for stage Carriages to be known as Inter State Bus Terminal ,Transport Nagar,
Narwal Jammu. He said that Traffic Police has purchased and installed
delineators, traffic cones and road dividers on various roads in two cities to
enforce lane driving and discipline among the motorists.
The
Minister said that Motor Vehicles Department and Traffic Police have been
launching awareness campaigns periodically to educate the public to inculcate
the traffic sense, road discipline and avoiding un-authorized parking on the
roads.
To
decrease the pressure on the city roads, the Minister said that Traffic Police
is now allowing the movement of load carriers/Trucks in the cities during day
time in compliance of the directions of High Court of J&K, Supreme Court of
India. He said that special anti-encroachment drives are being launched by
Jammu Municipal Corporation and District Police to remove the illegal
encroachments on road/footpaths. He said that Traffic Department provides full
support to such drives. However, these drives have to be much more vigorous and
more often because the desired results are still far away.
The
Minister said that Traffic Police has resorted both permanent and temporary
regulatory measures which include diversions and restrictions, depending upon
the nature and volume of traffic, in order to manage traffic on the city roads.
He said that passenger vehicles are already covered by comprehensive insurance
policies which also cover the passengers boarding by the bus in terms of
section 146 & 147 o Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Mr. Harsh
Dev Singh, Mr. Nizam-ud-Din Bhat, Mr. Basharat Bukhari , Mr Mansoor Hussain,
Mr. Ajaz Ahmed Jan ,Mr. Ashwani Kumar ,Mr. Ab. Rehman Veeri, Mr. Sajad Ahmed
Kichloo, Mr. M. Y. Tarigami, Mr. Vikar Rasool, Mr. Ashok Kumar Sharma, Ch.
Zulfikar also in their supplementaries expressed their concern about the
frequent traffic accidents and demanded that a comprehensive policy
should be adopted for saving the precious lives.
Nobody
will be allowed to derail PR process: Sagar
‘PRIs
have nothing to do with politics’
SRINAGAR,
OCTOBER 09:- Asserting that holding of Panchayat elections in the state after
about two decades to establish Panchayat Raj Institution (PRI) is a land mark
achievement of the preset government, the Minister for Rural Development, Law,
Justice, Parliamentary Affairs and Panchayati Raj, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar today
sought cooperation of the members of J&K Legislative Assembly to take this
process to its logical conclusion.
Replying
to a short discussion regarding empowerment and strengthening the Panchayats in
Legislative Assembly today, Mr. Sagar said holding of panchayat elections was a
collective decision of all parties to make people partners of development in
rural areas and nobody will be allowed to derail the process. He said
establishment Panchayat Raj Institution in the state has the sole objective of
development of villages and it should not be linked with politics or Kashmir
issue. He said nobody should try to take political benefit on the issue of PR
System adding that it will only vitiate the situation. “Kashmir problem is on
an admitted fact which needs political solution and Panchayats has nothing to
do with it”, Mr. Sagar added.
Mr. Sagar
said government was open to consider all the good suggestions with regard to
strengthening of Panchayat Institutions and was ready to incorporate all such
good provisions of the 73rd Amendments
in the J&K Panchayati Raj Act which will help to further strengthen these
basic units of democracy. He cautioned against the elements who do not want to
see democracy to flourish in the state.
Regarding
security concerns of the Panchayat members, Mr. Sagar said that measures have
already been taken to create a congenial atmosphere so that members feel sense
of security. He said Unified Command meeting chaired by Chief Minister, Mr.
Omar Abdullah has decided to sensitize all the vulnerable areas in the state.
Regarding
release of funds to the Panchayats, Mr. Sagar said Centre has approved Rs. 600
crore in 13th Finance
Commission for the state for this purpose. He said Rs. 166 crore has been
released to Panchayats and Rs. 2.30 crore has been earmarked as Budget
Supplement for Panchayats in the current year’s annual plan. He said an
effective mechanism has been put in place to monitor functioning of panchayats
through village secretaries adding that an intensive awareness campaign has
been launched at block levels to educate Panches and Sarpanches about the
functioning of PRIs and their powers. He said amendments in J&K Panchayat
Raj Act submitted by various members of the House are under examination of the
government adding that the option of Incorporating good amendments in the Act
has not been closed at all.
He said
14 vital departments have been identified functioning of which will be
supervised by the Panchayat members. He said provision of honorarium to
Panchayat members is also under active consideration of the government. He
informed the House that about 34000 Panches and Sarpanches have been elected in
the state by the rural populace as their public representatives with the
expectation that their grievances will be redressed adequately.
Rs. 73.24
cr worth three projects for Mubarak Mandi restoration: Nasir
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 09:- Minister of State for Tourism, Mr. Nasir
Aslam Wani in reply to a question by Mr. Ajatshatru Singh informed the House
that Union Ministries of Tourism and Culture have so far sanctioned 3 projects
for restoration of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex at Jammu with sanctioned cost
of Rs 73.24 crore and have released Rs 16.26 crore till date.
The Minister said that out of these sanctioned projects, one
project “Restoration of High Court Complex under Destination Development
Scheme” sanctioned at a cost of Rs 4.37 crore has been completed through
Archeological Survey of India (ASI) while the other two projects have been
sanctioned during the current financial year itself.
He said the conservation works of such a heritage being highly
technical and sophisticated has to be carried out by expert hands in field and
so it has been decided to get these projects implemented through ASI. The ASI
authorities have already been requested for initiating the execution. The
Centre has allowed five years period for execution of the projects, he said.
The Minster said that there has been no delay in the
implementation of the projects related to restoration of work of the Mubarak
Mandi complex as one project stands already completed and the other two
projects were sanctioned by Centre during this year itself.
Rs. 5.46
lakh earnings from Cheshmashahi huts from Nov, 11 to Jan, 12: Nasir
Replying to a question raised by Dr. Bashir Ahemd Veeri, the
Minister of State for Tourism, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani informed the House that
JKTDC has earned revenue of Rs. 5.46 lakh from 40 huts at Cheshmashahi from
November 2011 to ending January 2012.
He said with the improvement in the security situation, leading to
increased number of tourist arrivals, it is expected that if these huts are
kept available for tourists, considerable revenue would accrue to the
Corporation.
Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Mir,
Mr. Murtaza Khan and Syed Rafiq Shah raised supplementaries on the
question.
Replying to another question raised by Syed Asgar Ali, the
Minister informed the House that based on the threat perception some retired
police/civil officers continue to be provided security as the threat to their
personal safety continues. This he said is a temporary measure and is subject
to revision, depending upon the obtaining security situation and the degree of
threat perception, faced by each individual.
Syed Rafiq Ahmed Shah, Mr. Naresh Gupta, Mr. Khalid Najeeb
Suharwardhy and Mr. Murtaza Ahmed Khan raised supplementaries to the question.
Replying to another question by Khalid Najeeb Suharwardhy, the
Minister said that due to installation of traffic signals in the cities of
Srinagar and Jammu, traffic system has been regulated to a large extent.
The Minister said the Building Permission Controlling Authority
takes care of Car parking lots while granting permission for the construction
of shopping malls, banquette hall, multiplexes etc by imposing a special condition
to reserve the basement or other spaces for car parking.
Mr. Jugal Kishore raised
supplementary to the question.
6 police
recruitment drives in Poonch, Rajouri: Nasir
Replying to another question raised by Mr. Murtaza Ahmed Khan, the
Minister said 6 special recruitment drives were conducted by J&K Police in
the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch. He said special recruitment drives
are conducted for recruitment at the level of constables in such areas which
are relatively underrepresented in the department.
The Minister said 812 Special Police Officers, having read upto
middle standard, have been absorbed as constables/followers in the police
department, pursuant to the Rehabilitation cum regularization policy for the
SPO’s announced in September, 2009.
Rs.
196.78 crore worth 718 R&B schemes taken up in Rajouri: Javed
Minister of State for R&B Mr. Javed Ahmed Dar while replying
to a question by Mr. Ravinder Kumar Sharma informed the House that 718 schemes
of roads, bridges and buildings have been taken up by the R&B department
under different sectors/programs in district Rajouri during past four years.
Rs. 196.78 crore have been spent on these schemes during the period under
report, he said.
He said 46 schemes for a length of 266.98 kms have been taken up
in District Rajouri under PMGSY during last four years, out of which 22 schemes
have been completed with a length of 200.56 kms Rs. 91.79 crore have been spent
against allotted cost of Rs. 127.08 crore during these years.
Replying to another question raised by Mr. Nurboo Gialchan, the
Minister informed the House that in district Leh the upgradation/improvement of
roads is covered under NABARD and construction of new connectivity under PMGSY programmes.
He said the roads in
district Leh are under Border Roads Organization (BRO).
Creation
of new CD Block under examination: Ajaz
Minister of State for Rural Development, Mr. Ajaz Ahmed Khan while
replying to a question raised by Mr. B.R. Kundal informed the House that the
creation of New CD Blocks in Jammu Division including a New CD Block at
Chakroie-Hansa proposed to be carved out from the existing R. S. Pura Block was
referred to the Committee for Examination of Demands of New Administrative
units. He said the Committee has submitted its report in July, 2011, which is
being examined by the Revenue Department.
14 Kargil
dispensaries renamed as new type PHCs: Sham
Replying to a question of Aga Syed Ahmed Rizvi, Minister for Health
Mr. Sham Lal Sharma informed the House that 14 existing allopathic dispensaries
have been renamed as new type PHC’s in District Kargil.
The Minister said the step has been taken for bringing these
institutions under the umbrella of NRHM for deriving interventional benefits
like strengthening of infrastructure etc entitled as per norms.
Zero Hour
in LC
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 09:- During the Zero Hour as many as 13 members
raised issues of public importance in the Legislative Council today.
Mr. Vijay Bakaya asked the
Government to enhance the relief package for Kashmiri migrants and demanded
that the issue of revised relief package be pursued vigorously with the Union
government in view of the price hike in day-to-day commodities.
Dr. B. A. Veeri sought intervention of the government regarding
upgradation of the approach road to the maternity and child hospital Anantnag
and demanded that approach road be provided at an earliest.
Mr. Naresh Kumar demanded
early construction and completion of the building for under trials at
Bhaderwah.
Mr. Jahangir Mir raised the issue regarding National Youth Corps
and asked the government to raise the issue with the Union government for their
continuation.
Mr. Rafiq Shah demanded upgradation and macadamization of
Batapora-Dandipora-Banjpathri road in block Kralpora of district Kupwara.
Mr. Najeeb Suharawardhy
demanded introduction of new subjects including Commerce and Economic courses
in Doda University campus.
Mr. Jugal Kishore demanded that Latti Nayabat in district Udhampur
be made part of Chenani tehsil instead of tehsil Ramnagar. This will provide
relief to the general public, he said.
Mr. Subash Chander Gupta asked the government to provide new
ration cards and connections of LPG to the families who have bifurcated, as per
2011 census.
Mr. Narboo Gialchan asked the government to upgrade and provide
essential and adequate staff to the J&K Cooperative Bank, Leh for its
smooth functioning.
Syed Aga Rizvi demanded upgradation of infrastructure at Common
Health Center CHC, Chiktan of district Kargil.
Master Noor Hussain demanded provision of suitable habitations for
nomads including Doodi Gujjars and mobile schools for Bakerwals.
Mr. Nizam-ud-Din Khatana raised the issue regarding the incident
at Gadole Kokernag in which a woman was killed. He demanded that the culprits
be booked and brought to justice immediately.
S. Dharam Bir Singh Oberio raised the issue of damage of crops by
monkeys in certain areas of Anantnag and demanded intervention to get rid from
this menace.
Rs. 1.12
cr earmarked for up-gradation of Doda town roads: Javed
SRINAGAR,
OCTOBER 09: The Minister of State for R&B Mr. Javed Ahmed Dar has said that
Rs. 1.12 crore is being spent on widening and upgradation of roads of Dak
Banglow-Old Bus Stand, Doda Desa, Doda Bharth and Ghat via Nagri against which
Rs. 32 lakh stands released for the purpose.
The Minister was replying
to a Calling Attention Notice by Mr. Khalid Najeeb Suharwardy today.
The Minister said that District Administration Doda has launched a
drive for removing of encroachments on various roads of Doda town. He said on
Doda Desa road the encroachments have partly being removed while upgradation
and construction of drain is in progress. He said utilities stands shifted on
these roads to carry out upgradation work smoothly for which Rs 15 lakhs have
been advanced to PHE and electric departments.
Inclusion
of Ganispora, Dehwatoo into PDA under examination: Nasir
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 09: Minister of State for Tourism, Housing and
Urban Development Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani while replying to a Calling Attention
Notice by Dr. Basheer Ahmed Veeri, said that under the provisions of J&K
Control of Building Operations Act 1988, construction activities can be
regulated in the notified “local area” viz the areas within the jurisdiction of
a Development Authority. He said the area from Yanner bridge to
Batkote-Pahalgam does not fall within the jurisdiction of Pahalgam Development
Authority (PDA) which has, as such, no role and authority regarding regulation
of construction activity in this area, Besides, no permissions for construction
in this area have been given by the Pahalgam Development Authority.
Mr. Nasir said that a proposal to include revenue Halqas Ganispora
and Dehwatoo in the jurisdiction of Pahalgam Development Authority is under
examination. He said a final decision will be taken soon on the receipt of
recommendations of the committee, constituted under the chairmanship of CEO PDA
for the purpose.
Quantum
of loss being worked out: Nasir
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 09: Replying to a Calling Attention Notice by
Syed Mohammad Rafiq Shah, Minister of State for Revenue Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani
has said that the exact quantum of loss will be worked out only after
completion of Girdawari Khariff 2012 which has commenced from 1st September
2012 and is scheduled to be completed by October, 15, 2012. He said the matter
will be placed before State Executive Committee for consideration of release of
funds as per State Disaster Response Fund Norms immediately after final damage
reports is received.
Mr. Nasir said that a committee headed by Additional Deputy
Commissioner Kupwara with Chief Agricultural Officer and Chief Horticultural
Officer of the district its members has already been constituted for the
purpose.
Steps
afoot to improve water supply position in Kupwara: Nasir
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 09: Admitting that some areas in Kupwara
district are facing shortage of drinking water facilities due to depletion of
sources and emerging of new outgrowths/increase in population the Minister of
State for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani has said that
several steps have been taken by the department to improve water supply
position in the district
The Minister was replying to a Calling Attention Notice by Syed
Mohammad Rafiq Shah here today.
He said village Manzapather-Manchater is getting water supply from
water supply scheme Manzapather-Manchater but not to the extent of norms due to
depletion of sources i.e. local spring changing the status of fully covered to
partially covered. He said the
department is conducting survey to identify the sustainable sources so that the
new scheme would be taken up to improve the water supply in these villages.
He said the water supply in village Khanabal would improve after
reconstruction of the collection chamber including improvement extension of
distribution system. He said Thandipora is getting inadequate drinking water
supply from a local spring namely Nagradnar and Dardpora village is facing
water supply problem as no piped water is available at present.
The Minister said 5 projects which include WSS Rangrutta, Wss Bani
Behak, WSS Jan Sahab Satboyan, WSS Palnard and WSS Saajanadi with local springs
as source stands formulated and are being considered for funding to ensure
piped water supply to Gujran area.
He said though there is no surface source available nearer to the
Dolipora village, the department is going to explore ground water and after
successful exploration the execution of the scheme shall be initiated.
The Minister said that Trehgam village is getting normal water
supply from ongoing WSS Trehgam with spring as source. The Sump Tank and Pump
House have recently been constructed adding water supply to adjacent areas
shall further improve after full pipe distribution network system is laid which
is presently in progress.
The Minister said that village Hundi was getting drinking water
from WSS Hundi completed under Swajaldhara with community participation
programme. The Scheme turned defunct due to poor maintenance by the community.
For revival of the scheme a fresh DPR is under process and shall be considered
for funding after fulfillment of norms over the years, he maintained.
Governor
flags-off students for pursuing professional courses outside the State
Calls
for enlarging awareness about Centre’s scholarship scheme for J&K youth
SRINAGAR,
OCTOBER 9 – Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, today stressed the high importance of
enlarging awareness among the students of Jammu and Kashmir about the Special
Scholarship Scheme launched by the Central Government to enable them to pursue
higher studies and various professional courses outside the State so that a
maximum number of them could benefit from this valuable scheme.
The
Governor, as Chief Guest, was addressing before flagging-off a group of 700
students from Jammu and Kashmir who have been selected for pursuing various
professional courses in different institutions in the country under the Special
Scholarship Scheme of the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development, at a
function organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Peace Foundation, at SKICC here
today.
Referring
to the unfortunate phase through which the State had passed in the past years,
the Governor observed that this had caused a serious set back to the education
sector. He said that consequent to the visit of Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime
Minister, to J&K in 2010, an expert group had been set up to formulate a
scheme to help the students of the State in pursuing education in various
educational institutions in the country. He said that this scholarship scheme
was launched after acceptance of the expert group’s recommendations to the
Prime Minister. Giving details of the scholarship scheme, he expressed
satisfaction that with the enlargement of the awareness of this scheme among
the students a good number of them are availing the scholarship this year.
The
Governor observed that it would be useful to set up an Overview Committee, to
meet twice a year for reviewing and monitoring the implementation of the
Scheme. He stressed that it is the responsibility of all the stakeholders to
draw the maximum possible advantage of this scheme. He advised the students to
work hard so that they are able to find good placements in the job market once
they complete their courses of education. Complimenting Mr. Fayaz Ahmad Bhat,
Chairman, J&K Peace Foundation, and his colleagues for taking the laudable
initiative to enlarge awareness among the youth of the State about this
extremely important programme concerning the future of our youth, the Governor
advised Mr. Bhat to visit every district where the District Education Officers
must meet the Principals of all the Higher Secondary Schools so that every
child is made fully aware of all aspects of this Scholarship Scheme.
Mufti
Azam Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Bashir-ud-Din, who presided over the function,
speaking on the occasion, threw light on the importance of education and
expressed happiness that this function has been organized by the J&K Peace
Foundation with a view to spread this message. He said that youth of the State
are highly talented and are excelling in the various spheres of human endeavour
at the State and the national level. He thanked the Governor for his efforts in
strengthening the secular ethos, communal harmony and brotherhood in the State
and for the promotion of education for securing a bright future for the youth
of J&K.
Khawaja
Farooq Renzushah, Vice Chairman, Srinagar Development Authority, said that the
State had remained a seat of knowledge and learning since centuries past and
stressed the importance of equipping the youth with education. He also spoke
about the high potential J&K possesses in the promotion of health and
education tourism.
Prof.
Sultan Sheikh, Chairman, Apex Group of Institutes, Pune, gave details of the
scholarship scheme and the facilities made available by them for the students.
Mr.
Shailender Singh, Chairman, Cambridge Engineering College, Chandigarh, said
that the students from J&K would be provided an enabling environment to
pursue their education.
Mr.
Vaseem Khan, Chairman, Rabindranath Tagore Post-Graduate College, Rajasthan,
observed that the youth of J&K should take full advantage of the
scholarship scheme launched by the Central Government.
Mr.
Shekhar Choudhary, Chief Executive Officer, Hazari Bagh College of Dental
Sciences and Hospital, Jharkhand, lauded Mr. Fayaz Ahmad Bhat for enlarging
awareness among the youth of the State about this scheme.
Syed
Nazim-ul-Islam, a student selected for admission in B.Tech course, thanked the
Union Ministry of Human Resource Development for launching this scholarship
scheme for the youth of J&K.
Mr.
Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, Chairman, J&K Peace Foundation, in his welcome address,
spoke about the activities of the Foundation and its future roadmap. He said
that the Foundation would further speed up awareness campaign so that the
students in every nook and corner of the State are made aware about the details
of the Union Government’s scholarship scheme and draw full benefit from
it. He thanked the Governor for taking keen interest in the activities of
the Foundation aimed at the restoration of lasting peace, harmony, amity and
brotherhood in the State.
A brief
cultural programme was also presented on this occasion.
A number of prominent persons, religious scholars, functionaries of the J&K
Peace Foundation, students and their parents were present on the occasion.
88
damaged electric transformers repaired in Handwara: Shabir
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 09:- Minister of State for Power, Mr. Shabir Ahmed Khan today
informed the Legislative Assembly that 369 electric transformers with installed
capacity of 39.045 MVA cater to the power distribution of 12354 No. consumers
with an agreemented load of 15.774 MW in Handwara Constituency. Out of these 98
transformers have got damaged during the current financial year upto October 5,
2012 and 88 have been repaired and replaced to their locations. The remaining
will be repaired at the earliest.
Commenting on the cause of damage to the bulk no. of transformers in the area,
the Minister said that the consumers resort to excessive/unauthorised use of
load which results in damage of these transformers, although transformation
capacity equivalent to 4.5 times the agreemented load has been kept available
for these consumers in these areas.
He said in view of the high damage rate (26.55%) every effort is being made to
minimize the period of outage of damaged transformers by repairing the
transformers in divisional workshops, Central workshops and through SSI units.
The Minister was replying to a calling attention notice of Ch. Mohammad Ramzan
in the House.
Shopian
roads being black topped soon: Javed
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 09:-
Minister of State for R&B, Mr. Javed Ahmed Dar today in reply to a Calling
Attention Notice of Ms. Mehbooba Mufti informed the Legislative Assembly that
in Shopian district there is total 540 kms of road length. Out of which, 330
kms are black topped, 173 kms are WBM metalled and 37 kms are fair weather
roads.
The Minister said that government has taken steps to black top all the
remaining roads under different schemes in Shopian district.
He said that
Shopian–Bijbehara road has been black topped. However, some patches which have
been damaged will be restored appropriately.
Operation
Theatre in GDC Srinagar commissioned: Chib
SRINAGAR,
OCTOBER 09:- The Minister for Medical Education, Mr. R. S. Chib today informed
the Legislative Assembly that the operation theatre in Government Dental
College (GDC) Srinagar was commissioned during August last year and is fully
functional. However, the ventilator could not be purchased due to non
availability of rate contract. Now, the purchase committee has fixed the rate
contract and on the basis of which the supply order for procurement of
ventilator has been placed with approved firm viz M/S Liquid Medical Systems,
France on 26-09-2012.
The
Minister was replying to a calling attention notice of Mr. Abdul Haq Khan.
Uncovered
families to get PDS ration on the basis of 2011 census: Akhoon
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 09:- The Minister for CAPD, Mr. Qamar Ali Akhoon today
informed the Legislative Assembly that 19.71 lakh rationed families were
enumerated in the census 2001, which has increased to 22.73 lakh as per the
census 2011. The Government of India has been allocating food-grains to 18.02
lakh rationed families @35 kg per family per month on the basis of projected
population of the year 2000. The State Government is covering the entire
rationed household (19.71 lakh) families under PDS for which financial
resources are being provided from the State Government for covering the
additional 1.69 lakh rationed families as per the census 2001.
He said over 3 lakh families are still uncovered under TDPS as per census 2011
and the same are likely to be covered once the Government of India adopts the
figures of census 2011 and allocates the foodgrains on that basis to the State
Government.
The Minister was replying to a calling attention notice of Mr. Abdul Rehman
Veeri in the House.
40,000
ltrs of petrol, 16,000 ltrs of diesel issued to Nobra: Akhoon
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 09:- Minister for CAPD, Mr. Qamar Ali Akhoon today informed
the Legislative Assembly that 40,000 litres of petrol and 16000 litres of
diesel has been issued to consumer pump at Disket, Nobra from April 2012 to
September, 2012 by the department of CAPD. Besides, 8000 litres of petrol also
stand issued to the said pump during the current months.
The Minister was replying to the calling attention notice of Mr. T. Namgyal in
the House.
Special
Girdawari to assess losses in Doda underway: Bhalla
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 09: Minister for Revenue and Rehabilitation, Mr. Raman Bhalla
today informed the Legislative Assembly that due to floods during the month of
September, 2012 some loss to the life and property was reported from Doda
district by the administration that include one house fully damaged, 2 houses
partially damaged, 3 cattle sheds damaged and death of 52 goat/sheep.
He further informed that the actual damages caused to the crops and other
properties due to floods will be ascertained only after the finalization of
Girdawari Kharief-2012, which is under process.
The cases for grant of relief to the sufferers are under process with Deputy
Commissioner, Doda and as soon as the final reports are received the same will
be placed before the committee constituted for the purpose for consideration of
payment in respect of the cases which are covered under the SDF norms, said the
Minister.
The Minister was replying to a calling attention notice to Mr. Abdul Majid Wani
in the House.
Adequate
quantity of essentials available in Doda-Kishtwar districts: Akhoon
SRINAGAR,
OCTOBER 09:- Minister for CAPD, Mr. Qamar Ali Akhoon today informed the House
that there is no shortage of Atta in the districts of Doda and Kishtwar and
inderwal constituency. As per the norms the 50 % wheat is lifted from Kishtwar
and distributed locally and the remaining 50% quantity of wheat is provided to
the ration holders in the form of Atta which is lifted from Jammu and converted
into Atta in the roller flour mills and thereafter dispatched to Kishtwar/Doda
districts. At present more than 50% of Atta has been provided to district
Kishtwar and Inderwal constituency.
Similarly, the Kerosene oil as per the allocation from Government of India is
regularly distributed to the ration card holder in both the districts including
Inderwal Constituency, the Minister said.
As regards the supply of LPG cylinders, the Minister said that as many as
92,809 cylinders have been provided to the consumers as against the total
connections of 55,910 in Kishtwar, Doda and Inderwal Constituency from April
2012 to ending August 2012.
However, from October onwards the LPG cylinders are being provided to the
customers in both the districts as per the new distribution policy of
Government of India, (six cylinders per family per year on subsidized rates),
he added.
The Minister further revealed that there are 161 ration depots/fair price shops
functioning in district Kishtwar which distribute ration to 32160 families. The
average number of families attached with each depot comes to 199 against the
existing norms of minimum 250 rationees per fair price shop in the
area.
Malik,
Gul inspect Women’s College Nawakadal
SRINAGAR
OCTOBER 09: Minister for Higher Education, Mr. Abdul Gani Malik today visited
Government College
for Women , Nawakadal to inspect the functioning of the college.
The
Advisor to Chief Minister, Mr. Mubarak Gul accompanied the Minister. The
dignitaries took stock of the
arrangements made for the examinations
and interacted with the students, besides also inspected Skill Development
Cell, Moral Education Cell, various blocks of the college, Library, Science Laboratory, College canteen and sports facilities being
provided to the student .
Earlier
the Principal of the College, while
welcoming the Minister and the Advisor put forth a charter of demands which
include up gradation of the complex and some other facilities for the students.
The
Minister assured that the government will take up the matter with concerned authorities
and a project will be formulated for construction of multi story building for
the college.
Interacting
with the students, the Minister impressed upon them to take their studies
seriously and excel in their streamsin order to face the challenges at National
and International level.
Both, the
Minister and Advisor later also inspected the siteat Saidpora for future plans
of construction of new Degree College in Shehr-i-Khas and discussed the matter
threadbare so that the work would be taken in hand shortly for construction of
the complex, The Minister assured that the construction work of College Complex
will be started very soon and after the completion of the college complex new
and latest streams would also be introduced in the college, so that the student
community of old city get benefitted
The
Advisor later inspected the leveling of the Id Gah ground and its development
work which is being undertaken on war footing basis.
SDKKF
organizes Free Eye Camp at Ziart Batmaloo
People
hail the voluntary effort of organizers
SRINAGAR,
OCTOBER 09: A Free Eye Camp was organized by Sheikh Dawood Khidmat Khalaq
Foundation (SDKKF) Firdousabad at Ziarat Sharief Batmaloo today, in which
several ophthalmologists of Government Medical College, Srinagar provided eye
testing and other treatment facilities to the people suffering from different
eye ailments.
Chairman,
SDKKF, Peer Jalal-ud-Din Sahib inaugurated the Camp.
The
volunteers which include Pervez Ahmad, Mohammad Shahid and Hamid Hussain served
the ailing humanity with great care ad enthusiasm. Old aged men and women
particularly were seen in long queues waiting for specialized treatment from
the doctors on voluntary basis.
Several
patients were provided free eye drops and necessary medicines by the
organizers.
Director,
Aids Control Society, Dr. Waseem and senior ophthalmologists personally
supervised the functioning of the camp.
People
hailed the voluntary effort of organizers and hoped that more such camps will
be held in future to provide free medical aid is to suffering masses especially
belonging to poor, and downtrodden families.
23rd batch
of Hajj pilgrims leave for Madina
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 09: The 23rd batch of 540 Hajj pilgrims comprising of 319 male and 221 female pilgrims left for Madina
Munawara this morning.
Including the Hajj pilgrims of the 23rd batch, 8099 Hajj pilgrims comprising of 4763 male and
3336 female besides three infant pilgrims have left for Madina from Srinagar
International Airport till date through 30 flights.
On the occasion, officers from State Hajj Committee, Airport Authority and
District Administration Budgam were present to see off the Hajj pilgrims.
Divisional
Commissioner for time bound Special Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls
SRINAGAR,
OCTOBER 09: To monitor the progress of special Summary Revision of electoral
rolls 2013, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir who has been appointed as the
Electoral Roll Observer for Districts Srinagar, Ganderbal, Budgam, Bandipora,
Kupwara and Baramulla convened a meeting of Officers of District Budgam and
Srinagar here today.
Among others District Electoral Officers of the Srinagar and Budgam Districts
besides, Electoral Registration Officer and Assistant Electoral Registration
Officers and Booth Level Officers participated in the meeting.
Pertinent to mention that Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir has been appointed
as Electoral Roll Observer for conducting special Summary Revisions of
Electoral Rolls 2013 by Election Commission of India.
Threadbare, discussions were held regarding the progress of addition, deletion
and correction of electorate besides monitoring the claims and objections for
summary revision of electoral rolls.
District Election Officers, Budgam informed the meeting that as many as 303920
Electoral Photo Identity Cards have been distributed against 410352 electorates
of the district.
Divisional Commissioner urged for the concerned District Electoral Officers to
achieve the targets within the stipulated time for the Special Summary Revision
of Electoral Rolls. He also emphasized for the appointment of Both Level
Officers in their Districts to ensure proper monitoring of the revision
process.
Better
market facilities to artisans shall give fillip to Handicrafts: DDC Sgr
SRINAGAR,
OCTOBER 09: To make available the better market facilities and to encourage the
artisans for producing quality handicraft products, District Development
Commissioner, Srinagar, Mr. Baseer Ahmad Khan convened a joint meeting of
officers and representatives of Associations of artisans of the district here
today.
Among others the meeting was attended by Officers of Tourism, Irrigation, PWD,
Handicrafts departments and Joint Director Planning, Srinagar.
It was given out that efforts are being made for developing market facilities
which shall provide better options and facilities to tourists especially the
availability of Pashmina shawl and other handmade carpets to boost handicraft
activities.
DDC urged the officers to install the street lights besides the repairs of
lanes and drains, maintenance of cleanliness in the areas besides take up the
macadamization of 2 km road length between Nawakadal to cement bridge.
The meeting was informed that as many as 7000 artisans have been registered in
the district.
The DDC impressed upon the representatives of artisans to coordinate with the
concerned departments to avail the benefits of the incentives being made
available to the artisans for improving their skill and crafting the items with
better market demand.
Existing consumers would be provided one refill irrespective of
whether the KYC has been submitted or not: Akhoon
SRINAGAR OCTOBER 09: A high level officers
meeting was held this evening under the chairmanship of Minister for CA&PD
Qamar Ali Akhoon convened to discuss the distribution and supply of LPG in the
state.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Mr.
Madhav Lal, Principal Secretary Finance, Mr. M. I. Khanday, Principal Secretary
to Chief Minister, Mr. B. B. Vyas, Secretary CA&PD, Mr. Mohammad Abas Dar,
Director CA&PD, Kashmir Mr. Mir Mushtaq Ahmad, Special Secretary to Chief
Secretary, State Level Coordinator Oil Industry for J&K Mr. R. K. Shahab
and Representatives of HPCL, IOCL, BPCL and HPCL.
After threadbare discussion, the meeting
announced roster and the delivery points with effect from October 10 to October
17,2012 circulated in the local media. The Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs)
were asked to make available LPG in sufficient quantity for issuance to the
genuine consumers. One refill
shall be supplied to existing consumers irrespective of whether the KYC has
been completed/submitted or not, the meeting decided.
The OMCs in consultation with the CA&PD
Department has issued a roster for distribution of LPG within the city at least
for a week in the first instance. The distribution of LPG at each delivery
point shall start from 8 a.m. onwards.
The Secretary to Government, CA&PD
Department will take up the issue with respect to providing adequate security
at the delivery points with the Inspectors General of Police, Kashmir/Jammu.
An official of the CA&PD will be deployed to
supervise the distribution process at each delivery point.
The daily target set before the OMCs for supply
of LPG in Srinagar city shall be 18 truck loads for HPCL, 5 truck loads for
IOCL and 4 truck loads for BPCL.
The OMCs shall establish their offices at
Srinagar for the officers who could be contacted by the consumers for
redressing their grievances with regard to LPG.
For obtaining a new LPG connection, the desirous
persons can submit their applications in the offices of Tehsil Supply Officers
(TSOs) of CA&PD or the Oil Companies, as per their convenience on
prescribed forms which shall be published in the newspapers and also shall be
available at following websites:-
Parvez
posted as ACR Shopian
SRINAGAR,
OCTOBER 09: Government has ordered transfer of Deputy Director, Administration,
Handicrafts, Mr. Parvez Sajad Ganai as Assistant Commissioner Revenue Shopian
against an available vacancy.
Chib
inaugurates CRPF Synergy Cup T-20 Cricket Tournament at Budgam
SRINAGAR,
OCTOBER, 09:- Minister for Medical Education and Youth Services & Sports,
Mr. R. S. Chib today said that Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah is very much
interested and enthusiastic for the upliftment of sports activities in J&K
State and government is committed to boost up the sports activities in all
parts of the State.
The
Minister was addressing a function after inaugurating 5 days CRPF Synergy Cup
T-20 Cricket Tournament at Sports Stadium Budagm here today.
While
appreciating the efforts of organizers for arranging such tournament Mr. Chib,
said that such events are providing a sound platform for local youth to exhibit
their talent and can make their way for higher sports opportunities at national
and at International level.
The
tournament which is organized by 35 Battalion, CRPF, Humhama in which 8 teams
from different parts of valley including SSP Budgam-XI, Budgam Blues, CRPF-XI,
Humhama Cricket Club, Star Club Ompora, Burn Hall School, Airlines-XI and
Media-XI are participating on knockout basis.
IGP,
CRPF, Mr. S S
Sandhu, IG(Ops), Kashmir, Mr. L. M. Yadav, Commandant 35 BN, CRPF, Mr. T H Khan, senior officers of CRPF, Air Force, Airlines, BSF,
participants and local people were present on the occasion.
The
Inaugural match was played between SSP Budgam-XI and Star Club Ompora.
Royal
Samadhi Rambagh being promoted as Heritage Park; Singh
SRINAGAR,
OCTOBER 09:- MLC, Mr. Ajatshatru Singh, today visited Royal Samadhi and took
stock of the pace of ongoing developmental works there.
Mr. Singh
was accompanied by MLC, Mr. Vijay Bakya.
On the
occasion, the MLC said that a project to develop the surrounding areas of Royal
Samadhies as a rich Heritage Park has been taken up with State Government. He
said there is a proposal to construct a Rest House and Sarai also to
accommodate the tourists and other visitors also. He said that project cost
would be more than six crore rupees.
The MLC
said that the project has been sent to State Government for taking the matter
with Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. He said that the efforts are on
to get renovated and repaired other Temples of the Valley who are presently in a dilapidated condition and in this connection, in
first phase,Rs.10 crore have been spent on the renovation of Mata Keer Bhawani
temple, Srinagar. He said in second phase, the renovation and repair work of
the Gupt Ganga, Ishbar Temple Nishat would be taken up.
Earlier,
Mr. Singh along with Mr. Bakaya paid obeisance at Shiv Temple and offered
prayers.
Mr. Singh
also paid visit to Shri Shiv Ji Temple Rainwari and took stock of the
construction and renovation work of the Temple. He was informed that so far
Rs.20 lakh has been spent on the construction of two barracks and repairs of
the temple.
He said
that we have proud on our centuries old cultural heritage and harmony and
brotherhood.
Mr Singh
was accompanied with President J&K Dharamarth Trust Mr. R. S. Jamwal and
other Trust Officials also.
Assembly breach:
Govt would’ve slapped PSA if the youth were Kashmiris:
Mehbooba
Srinagar, Oct 09 (VOS): Terming
the entry of three Jammu youth in State Legislative Assembly as a security
lapse People’s Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti said that Public
Safety Act (PSA) would have been slapped on the youth had they been Kashmiris.
“What happened on Monday is a security lapse and the fortunate
thing is that the boys belong to Jammu. Had they been from Kashmir, government
would have quickly slapped PSA on them by terming them as anti-nationals” said
Mehbooba while talking to VOS on Tuesday.
She said corruption and dissatisfaction is prevailing all over the
State. “Where there is a cricket scam in which Farooq Abdullah is allegedly
involved, where corruption cases are pending against ministers and where
corruption is allowed from top to bottom, in such situation people are denied
justice. Ministers are sidelining corruption issue fearing they might get
exposed”, she added.
She said that the backdoor appointments and re-appointment of
retired employees are a cause for injustice to unemployed youth of the state.
“Ruling political executive has lost moral authority before the civil
administration and that is why the officers are feeling free to indulge into
corrupt practices”, Mehbooba added. (VOS)
Shinde to arrive on Friday
Srinagar, Oct 09 (VOS): Union Home Minsiter, Shushil Kumar Shinde after concluding his two
day visit to Ladakh region on Sunday will be arriving in Jammu on Friday,
October 12, to take stock of prevailing situation and development scenario in
the state.
According to reliable official sources, on his arrival, the
minister will be received by senior ministers of the state government apart
from top brass of the civil and police administration.
Shinde, will be visiting the valley on Saturday after a night halt
at Jammu, the sources said.
“He is scheduled to discuss the security scenario in the state in
the backdrop of the killings of panchayat members apart from discussing the
security preparations for the upcoming local body elections”, the sources
added.
Meanwhile, he is also expected to chair a high level meeting of
the top brass of the state government and security agencies during his two day
visit to the valley.
Shinde will also meet various leaders from the Congress party
apart from having separate meetings with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and
Governor N N Vohra (VOS)
KTMF calls for strike against LPG crisis on Friday
KEA supports
Srinagar, Oct 09 (VOS): The Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) has called
for a general strike on October 12 as a token protest against the LPG cap and
non-availability of cooking gas in the state.
“This will be a token strike, however if government fails to
respond to the protest, people will come on the roads to demand their rights”,
said KTMP president Mohammad Yasin Khan.
He demanded that the government should ensure easy availability of
cooking gas and ensure stopping of malpractice and black marketing.
“It is the responsibility of the government to ensure easy
availability of LPG to people. They should also ensure hassle free registration
of new connections or renewal of old connections so that people don’t suffer”,
he said.
KTMF has also criticized the government for not providing licenses
to commercial LPG filling stations for vehicles, as registration for vehicles
running of LPG are being provided.
Meanwhile, the Kashmir Economic Alliance has extended full support
to the strike call and asked traders, transporters and shop keepers to suspend
business on Friday.
A group of BJP workers today held a protest dharna at the press
colony here demanding raising the LPG cap from 6 to 12 and easing out of
formalities for registration on new connections. (VOS)
Make Kashmiri compulsory subject in 9th and 10th classes: Tarigami
Srinagar, Oct 09: Soon after the Question Hour in J&K Legislative Assembly
today, State Secretary CPI (M) and MLA Kulgam, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami raised
the issue of introducing Kashmiri as a compulsory subject in 9th and 10th
classes.
He had raised this issue in the previous Session of the
Legislative Assembly and the then Hon’ble Minister for education had assured
that this will be taken up on priority and necessary steps will be taken in
this regard. “Unfortunately this categorical assurance has not been implemented
so far resulting in uncertainty among the scholars, students and other sections
of the society who feel deeply concerned about the future of the Kashmiri
language”, Tarigami said.
He urged upon the government to act and take immediate measures to
make Kashmiri as compulsory subject in 9th and 10th classes
keeping in view the aspirations of the Kashmiri speaking community.
Agitated protestors stop MLA’s cavalcade
Javed files complaint against Sarpanch
Srinagar, Oct 09 (VOS): A group of
agitated protestors Monday blocked the road at Padshahibagh near Lasjan
here and
allegedly stopped the cavalcade of MLA Chadoora, Javed Mustafa Mir who was
heading towards the state Assembly to attend the ongoing session.
According to eye witnesses some miscreants in the group tried to
provoke protestors who ware protesting against bad condition of roads in the
area and used filthy language against the legislator.
However, some local panchayat members have alleged that the MLA
beat up the local Sarpanch Bilal Ahmad while they were protesting over the bad
condition of the road. “He also registered an FIR against the sarpanch”, they
said.
Meanwhile, MLA Chadoora Javed Mustafa Mir told VOS that his
cavalcade was stopped in presence of officers from the Sadder police station
and that he had assured the protestors that he would take up the issue with the
concerned authorities. “Their allegations are baseless. However, one youth who
later turned out to be the Sarpanch tried to provoke people for violence and
used filthy language against me after which I complained to the local police
who have taken action against him”, he said. (VOS)
APDP castigates Govt over
contradictory figures
Asks Govt to disclose full
details of disappeared persons
Srinagar, Oct 09 (VOS): In the backdrop of the statement by the state government in the
assembly on Monday where it had said 2305 persons have disappeared in the state
since 1989, the Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) while
criticizing the government for producing contradictory figures has asked the
government to make the details of all the disappeared persons public.
“These contradictory
statements and unabated denial also amount to obfuscation of truth and cover
up. The government by these cover up statements is siding with the perpetrators
and thus politically culpable for these crimes”, the APDP said in a statement issued
here on Tuesday.
In response the latest
statement of the government that only in 182 out of 2305 cases of disappearance
FIRs have been registered, the APDP said “it means that government shamelessly
is admitting that they have denied the right of investigation and justice to
the remaining cases of disappearances”.
“APDP is mindful of the
fact that in most of the cases police have always refused to register FIRs or
even missing reports. It is only after the prolonged judicial interventions
that families have forced the police to file FIRs.”
“On 18th July 2002,
the then Home Minister of National Conference government, Mr. Khalid Najeeb
Suharwardy acknowledged that 3184 persons had gone missing since 1989. On
11th June 2003, the Peoples’ Democratic Party led government admitted 3744
persons are ‘missing’ in Jammu and Kashmir since 1989 and later on
21st June 2003 the government stated that 3931 persons were ‘missing.’ In
March 2006, contradicting the earlier figures again, the then Chief Minster, Ghulam
Nabi Azad stated that a total of 693 cases of disappearances have been
registered. Two years later on 2nd May 2008, Omar Abdullah stated during a
press conference that 4000 persons had disappeared. This statement came when
Mr. Abdullah was in the opposition. After assuming the office of the Chief
Minister, Omar Abdullah on 17th August 2009, informed the state
legislature that 3429 persons had gone missing between 1990 to July 2009. On
23rd March 2010, the Omar Abdullah government informed the state legislative
assembly that 1105 persons have disappeared during the turmoil in the state
since 1989. The statement was not supported by any substantive information
regarding any missing persons having been found”, a statement from the APDP
reads.
The APDP said, “based on
the contradictory statements furnished by government in the state legislative
assembly for last 10 years, it appears that government has consistently
contradicted itself. The incumbent government clearly appears irresponsible as
it has contradicted itself at least thrice in the last 4 years without
providing any explanation for the contradictions”
These contradictory
statements are also a reflection of how insensitive government is towards the
plight of the family members of the disappeared, the statement added.
Govt fill 70,000 vacancies on fast track once court stay is
vacated: Rather
Srinagar, Oct 09 (VOS): Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs Abdul Rahim Rather
informed the Legislative Assembly today that the Government will fast track
selection process to fill up about 70,000 posts lying vacant in different
departments as soon as the court stay on the new employment policy gets
vacated.
Replying to Supplementaries on the question of T. Namgyal in
Legislative Assembly, Rather said that the Government had formulated New
Employment Policy which was challenged in High Court Wings of both Kashmir and
Jammu. He said the stay order has been vacated from Srinagar High Court Wing,
adding that the recruitment process would be get accelerated as soon as the
stay order is got vacated from the Jammu wing.
The Minister said that there are 168 posts lying vacant in
different departments in Sub-Division, Nobra, adding that recruitment process
is underway to fill-up these posts. Assuring that the employees attached
outside Nobra Sub-Division would be detached, the Minister said that there are
thirteen employees from different departments attached outside the
Sub-Division, Nobra.
Peerzada Mansoor Hussain, Nazir Ahmad Gurezi, Abdul Rehman Veeri,
Abdul Majid Wani and Ch. Zulfikar Ali also raised the supplementary questions.
Nobody will be allowed to derail PR process: Sagar
‘PRIs have nothing to do with politics’
Srinagar, Oct 09: Asserting
that holding of Panchayat elections in the state after about two decades to
establish Panchayat Raj Institution (PRI) is a land mark achievement of the
preset government, the Minister for Rural Development, Law, Justice,
Parliamentary Affairs and Panchayati Raj, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar today sought
cooperation of the members of J&K Legislative Assembly to take this process
to its logical conclusion.
Replying to a short discussion regarding empowerment and
strengthening the Panchayats in Legislative Assembly today, Mr. Sagar said
holding of panchayat elections was a collective decision of all parties to make
people partners of development in rural areas and nobody will be allowed to
derail the process. He said establishment Panchayat Raj Institution in the
state has the sole objective of development of villages and it should not be
linked with politics or Kashmir issue. He said nobody should try to take
political benefit on the issue of PR System adding that it will only vitiate
the situation. “Kashmir problem is on an admitted fact which needs political
solution and Panchayats has nothing to do with it”, Sagar added.
Mr. Sagar said government was open to consider all the good
suggestions with regard to strengthening of Panchayat Institutions and was ready
to incorporate all such good provisions of the 73rd Amendments
in the J&K Panchayati Raj Act which will help to further strengthen these
basic units of democracy. He cautioned against the elements who do not want to
see democracy to flourish in the state.
Regarding security concerns of the Panchayat members, Sagar said
that measures have already been taken to create a congenial atmosphere so that
members feel sense of security. He said Unified Command meeting chaired by
Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has decided to sensitize all the vulnerable areas
in the state.
Regarding release of funds to the Panchayats, Sagar said Centre
has approved Rs. 600 crore in 13thFinance Commission for the state for this
purpose. He said Rs. 166 crore has been released to Panchayats and Rs. 2.30
crore has been earmarked as Budget Supplement for Panchayats in the current
year’s annual plan. He said an effective mechanism has been put in place to
monitor functioning of panchayats through village secretaries adding that an
intensive awareness campaign has been launched at block levels to educate
Panches and Sarpanches about the functioning of PRIs and their powers. He said
amendments in J&K Panchayat Raj Act submitted by various members of the
House are under examination of the government adding that the option of
Incorporating good amendments in the Act has not been closed at all.
He said 14 vital departments have been identified functioning of
which will be supervised by the Panchayat members. He said provision of
honorarium to Panchayat members is also under active consideration of the
government. He informed the House that about 34000 Panches and Sarpanches have
been elected in the state by the rural populace as their public representatives
with the expectation that their grievances will be redressed adequately.
Reopen Turtuk-Khaploo Road,
provide meeting points: Mufti
Srinagar, October 09: Reiterating
the demand of Peoples Democratic Party to carry forward the process of greater
contact across LOC the party patron Mufti Mohammed Sayeed today said Turtuk and
other areas of Nubra in Ladakh deserve a priority treatment in view of Special
circumstances.
Interacting with a civil
society group from Nubra valley in Ladakh region here today he said
the humanitarian auspect of Turtuk was more acute than other divided families
in the state.
Mufti said in view of the
fact that Turtuk was liberated as late as in1972 the feeling of separation
among the families was very fresh and needed an immediate healing touch. Some
pathetic cases of families torn apart post 1972 were brought to his notice in
which some people in their middle ages have never seen their parents or
siblings who were left across the LOC. He said apart from reopening of Turtuk-
Khaploo road it was necessary that a meeting point may be established for the
members of divided families to meet once in a while.
Mufti said Nubra Valley
faced a huge development deficit and a special package for the area was needed
to uplift the socio- economic status of people there. He said the educational
facilities which were upgraded during his tenure as chief Minister needed
further fillip and consolidation so that the students of the area are able to
compete in the job market.
Referring to the
considerable potential for development in horticulture , Mufti said there
should be an intervention in this sector so that the horticulture base is
widened and marketing prospects are improved. He said this could be done by
modern initiatives in processing and preservation which could help the growing
numbers of unemployed youth to find gainful job opportunities. He said tourism
in the area could also be further expanded in view of the unparalleled natural
assets the area has. He regretted that the present government had been unable
to carry forward the development of tourism infrastructure in the area which
had been taken up by previous coalition.
Quantum of loss being worked out: Nasir
Srinagar, Oct 09: Replying
to a Calling Attention Notice by Syed Mohammad Rafiq Shah, Minister of State
for Revenue Nasir Aslam Wani has said that the exact quantum of loss will be
worked out only after completion of Girdawari Khariff 2012 which has commenced
from 1st September 2012 and is scheduled to be completed by October, 15,
2012. He said the matter will be placed before State Executive Committee for
consideration of release of funds as per State Disaster Response Fund Norms immediately
after final damage reports is received.
Nasir said that a committee headed by Additional Deputy
Commissioner Kupwara with Chief Agricultural Officer and Chief Horticultural
Officer of the district its members has already been constituted for the
purpose.
Tral residents aghast over delay in reconstruction of Khankah
Srinagar, Oct 09 (VOS): Residents in Tral area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district are
aghast over the dilly-dallying of funding meant for the reconstruction of
Khankah-e-Faizpanah, which perished in a mysterious inferno in December 1997.
According to a delegation
from the area, the government had initiated reconstruction work in 1999 over an
estimated cost of Rs 8.57 crore but the work awaits completion despite elapsing
of 13 years.
The Khankah is one of the
three shrines in Kashmir valley founded by Shah-e-Hamdan Mir Syed Ali Hamdani.
The local caretakers of the shrine said that the government is not taking
serious measures to complete the reconstruction work even as the annual Urs of
Shah-e-Hamdan falls on October 22 when thousands of devotees are expected to
pay obeisance.
On Tuesday, a delegation
led by Abdul Ahad Mujahid met with the Tourism Minister Nawang Rigzin Jora
pleading immediate release of outstanding amount for the completion of
reconstruction work. The Government has so far released Rs 5.27 crore utilized
for the construction of basic structure, development of lawns and interior
decoration. The construction work has been undertaken by the Tourism department
and executed through J&K Projects Construction Corporation.
“The work is going on at a
snail’s pace much to the anguish of devotees. We demand immediate release of
outstanding Rs 3.30 crore so that the project is completed”, the delegation
told the Minister.
On March 8, the delegation
had met with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Jammu who had issued instructions
for immediate completion of the project but there was no impact of the CM’s
instructions on the ground level. “The Tourism Minister told us that he has not
received any file or instruction from the CM’s office. It is really worrisome”,
Mujahid said.
A senior Tourism official
admitted that the reconstruction work of Tral shrine has hit a roadblock. “We
are awaiting release of the residual funds for the completion of work”, he
said.
Mujahid castigated the
government for adopting double standards. “On one hand millions of rupees are
spent on newest projects but the reconstruction of gutted shrine is not on the
priority list”, he said.
Steps afoot to improve water supply position in Kupwara: Nasir
Srinagar, Oct 09: Admitting
that some areas in Kupwara district are facing shortage of drinking water
facilities due to depletion of sources and emerging of new outgrowths/increase
in population the Minister of State for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Nasir
Aslam Wani has said that several steps have been taken by the department to
improve water supply position in the district
The Minister was replying to a Calling Attention Notice by Syed
Mohammad Rafiq Shah here today.
He said village Manzapather-Manchater is getting water supply from
water supply scheme Manzapather-Manchater but not to the extent of norms due to
depletion of sources i.e. local spring changing the status of fully covered to
partially covered. He said the department is conducting survey
to identify the sustainable sources so that the new scheme would be taken up to
improve the water supply in these villages.
He said the water supply in village Khanabal would improve after
reconstruction of the collection chamber including improvement extension of
distribution system. He said Thandipora is getting inadequate drinking water
supply from a local spring namely Nagradnar and Dardpora village is facing
water supply problem as no piped water is available at present.
The Minister said 5 projects which include WSS Rangrutta, Wss Bani
Behak, WSS Jan Sahab Satboyan, WSS Palnard and WSS Saajanadi with local springs
as source stands formulated and are being considered for funding to ensure
piped water supply to Gujran area.
He said though there is no surface source available nearer to the
Dolipora village, the department is going to explore ground water and after
successful exploration the execution of the scheme shall be initiated.
The Minister said that Trehgam village is getting normal water
supply from ongoing WSS Trehgam with spring as source. The Sump Tank and Pump
House have recently been constructed adding water supply to adjacent areas
shall further improve after full pipe distribution network system is laid which
is presently in progress.
The Minister said that village Hundi was getting drinking water
from WSS Hundi completed under Swajaldhara with community participation
programme. The Scheme turned defunct due to poor maintenance by the community.
For revival of the scheme a fresh DPR is under process and shall be considered
for funding after fulfillment of norms over the years, he maintained.
J&K Bank share hits new high
Srinagar, Oct 9: J&K Bank share
was bullish today as it hit all time high of Rs 1095 at BSE and Rs 1097 at NSE.
With an unprecedented surge of more than Rs 41 in a day, the
Bank’s share price stood at Rs 1073.85 at BSE and Rs 1076.05 at NSE when the
markets closed.
The shares had previously opened at over Rs 1034 at both the stock
exchanges.
The share saw a brisk trading of more than 1.46 lac shares traded
during the day.
Recently Anand Rathi Securities had predicted rise of over 10% in
the Bank’s share price from its current value.
"J&K Bank has been trading within a rising channel on the
weekly charts which is highly positive," analysts at the firm said in a
note to clients.
Moreover, Prabhudas Lilladher, a reputed stock broking firm
believed, “J&K Bank is best positioned to benefit from the J&K story.
Also, outside J&K, the bank is concentrating on expanding lending expertise
to mid corporates (predominantly AAA till now) and that will aid in improving
lending yields.”
Khan concerned over arrest of youth
‘Youth determined on path of resistance’
Srinagar, Oct 09 (VOS): Expressing
serious concern over the continuous arresting of youth allegedly from all parts
of the valley, senior resistance leader and National Front Chairman Nayeem
Ahmad Khan has said that in near future India and it’s collaborators will have
to surrender before the will and resistance of Kashmiri youth.
According to a statement, while winding up his detailed visit of
Kupwara district Nayeem Ahmad Khan said while addressing his party activists
that India is working on a one point agenda in Kashmir and that is to crush the
resistance movement of Kashmiri people. Khan said for this purpose, India has
given a free hand to its uniformed men, collaborators and paid activists who
are trespassing every principle so as to prove themselves more loyal than the
king.
“Despite every sort of oppression and suppression at the hands of
Indian paid agents, our youth are determined on the path of resistance which
has been once again proved by the Kashmir University students some days
before,” Khan said.
Nayeem Khan paid tributes to all the people who are languishing in
jails and called them the real resistance symbols who are sacrificing for the
freedom of their land and people. Khan appealed people to honor the resistance
youth and the sacrifices rendered by those who are in Jails, by not indulging
in any such activity which harms the ongoing movement or strengthens the Indian
occupation by anyway.
____________________________________________________
Advertisement
Manager:-Ishfaq Dar(9797761777)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete