voice of srinagar

SRINAGAR, FRIDAY, 23 ZUL HIJJAH 1433 AH ; 09 NOVEMBER 2012

Email:-editorvosgr@gmail.com

CM meets Governor

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 8 - Mr. Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, met Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, at Raj Bhavan here today.

During their hour long meeting, the Governor and the Chief Minister discussed issues relating to internal security, modification of existing Panchayati Raj Act before the Block level structures are established, Municipal elections, and the implementation of various development schemes.

Matters relating to the functioning of the State Universities and measures for eradicating corruption were also discussed.

Opening of Jammu-Sialkote route for trade, travel

Omar to take up issue with Centre

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 08 – Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Thursday said that he would recommend opening of Jammu-Sialkote route for travel and trade to the Central Government so that it takes up this issue with Pakistan to initiate yet another important Confidence Building Measure (CBM).

Responding to a demand to this effect made by Federation of Industries, Jammu at its meeting with the Chief Minister here, Omar Abdullah said that opening of this route for travel and trade would not only enhance people to people contact but give considerable fillip to the trade activities.

Omar Abdullah said that while issues of opening of other routes and trade points across LoC figure in the priority list of his government, he would advocate opening of Jammu-Sailkote travel and trade point on the International Border adding that it would prove highly beneficial for the people of Jammu and Kashmir to travel and undertake various economic activities.

The Chief Minister said that the banking facilities for LoC trade and enhancing the list of tradable items have already been taken up with the Union Government. He said that these are the issues to be mutually agreed by the two countries. He expressed the hope that the relations between the two neighbours will improve further and trade and travel activities enhance.

Omar Abdullah said that his government is taking all steps to encourage industrialization in the State adding that various packages of concessions are available to the investors to invest in the State. He said his government would render all possible help to the industrialists to open their concerns across the State particularly in the Valley where industrialization has not taken up due to militancy and remoteness. He said young and budding entrepreneurs in the State are encouraged and assisted to open ventures in feasible areas especially in the sectors of agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, animal and Sheep husbandry, software engineering, information technology, etc.

The Federation of Industries, Jammu led by its Chairman, Anil Suri also raised the matters pertaining to Government of India package of incentives to J&K industry, transport subsidy on raw materials and finished products, income tax exemption, establishment of mother industry, Cross-LoC trade, infrastructure development, VAT refund from SICOP, upgradation of Satwari-Kunjwani road, construction of new Balole bridge, installation of traffic lights at SIDCO Bari Brahamana Chowk, creation of new industrial estates, etc.

Minister for Industries, S. S. Slathia, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, Devender Singh Rana and Principal Secretary Planning, B. B. Vyas were present in the meeting.

Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian discuss Muhurram requirements with CM

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 08 - A delegation of Jammu and Kashmir Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian led by its General Secretary, Nissar Hussain Aalamgir Thursday afternoon met Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah here and discussed various issues pertaining to Muharram arrangements and processions on 8^th and 10^th of Muharram from Shaheed Gunj and Abi Guzar, Srinagar.

The delegation while recognizing the Chief Minister’s initiatives for upgrading Muharram arrangements and allotting substantial funds to the concerned Deputy Commissioners for ensuring facilities and improving basic amenities in the areas where from processions are taken and Muharram Majalis organized, they highlighted the need for proper monitoring of fund at the highest level and ensuring its physical impact on the ground.

The delegation said that the Chief Minister has during last three years enhanced Muharram funds and there is need for further enhancement of these funds to cater to the needs of people. It suggested launch of works relating to Muharram arrangements at least two months ahead of the commencement of the Holy Month so that arrangements are placed well in time.

The delegation also requested for adequate supply of electricity, water supply, LPG, kerosene and other essential commodities to the people during the month of Muharram. It also emphasized on cleanliness of lanes, drains and roads to facilitate processions and Majalis.

The Chief Minister gave patient hearing to the deputation and said that the issues brought to his notice by the Anjuman through the memorandum presented to him in the meeting would be given due consideration.

The other members of the delegation included Zonal Secretary of Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian, Mohammad Yaseen, Chief Organizer, Ghulam Mustafa Rather and Member, Dr. Ghulam Ahmad.

Stresses use of scientific methods to tap available potential

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 08: The Chairman, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council, Mr. Amrit Malhotra has directed the Horticulture department to use scientific methods to tap the huge horticulture potential in the state .

Chairing a meeting of the concerned functionaries convened to review the achievements recorded under the sector, the LC Chairman asked the department to utilize all available technical and material resources to produce high yield fruit tree species at its nurseries to promote this lucrative farming in the state

He also asked the Horticulture authorities to extend every help to the farmers to develop nurseries on scientific lines.

Mr. Malhotra directed the department to lay more emphasis on potential areas of Jammu to develop orchards as per local agro-climate conditions. “Jammu region has huge untapped horticulture potential that can transform the local economy, if tapped on scientific lines”, he said

The meeting held a threadbare discussion on various issues with special emphasis on creating awareness and effective implementation of the promotional and intervention schemes.

Director, Horticulture Jammu gave a detailed resume of the incentives being provided to farmers under different central and State sector schemes. He also highlighted the need for meeting the manpower requirement in the department.

The director said that better road connectivity and irrigation facilities are key to ensure better implementation of schemes aimed at to promote the horticulture in hilly areas.

Mr. Malhotra asked the concerned to submit a detailed note on the measures required to be taken for promotion of this sector in the potential areas to enable the planners to frame polices on similar lines.

Among others, Deputy Secretary, Council Secretariat, Mr. Mohammad Maqbool Bhat, Deputy Director Horticulture Jammu, Mr. P.K. Sharma, District Level Subject Matter Specialists, Horticulture Information and Publication officers and other officers of Council Secretariat attended the meeting.

Bhalla, Nasir reviews progress under settlement operation

Ask for speedy disposal of PRC cases

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 08- The Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Mr. Raman Bhalla and Minister of State for Revenue Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani, today reviewed progress on the ongoing settlement operation, including scanning, digitization and computerisation of revenue records , here at a meeting of revenue officers.

Financial Commissioner Revenue, Mr. K B Aggarwal, Commissioner/Secretary Revenue Mr. B A Runiyal, Divisional Commissioner Mr. Pardeep Gupta, District Development Commissioner Mr. Sanjeev Verma, Deputy Commissioner (Central) Mr. J S Manhas, State Informatics Officer NIC Mr. Abhay Kumar Sharma, Settlement Officer Mr. Rajinder Singh, besides other senior officers of Revenue department were present in the meeting.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Bhalla asked the officers to put their sincere efforts in completing the settlement and computerisation work of revenue record so that the hardships of the people in tracing their revenue related records were minimised. He asked officers to evolve a responsive system to solve the problems of the people in shortest possible time.

The Minister said that the construction of new revenue offices with modern record rooms was in full swing across the State to provide better and efficient services to the people at their doorsteps. He said offices were being equipped with all modern line facilities to accelerate the digitization and computerization of the local revenue records.

The meeting was informed that in Jammu division, out of 3730 villages taken up for the settlement operation , the Record of Rights (R0R) of 854 villages has been computerized, while against 3324 villages in Kashmir division, computerisation of records of 914 villages has been completed.

Mr Bhalla said that most of the vacant posts of Tehsildars, Naib Tehsildars, Girdawars, and Patwaris have already been filled, adding that the shortfall, especially in case of Patwaris would be met shortly. He said out of 1500 posts advertised for appointment of Patwaris, the selection of 1300 has been completed, adding that after department related training, they were deputed for field work, including that of settlement operation.

Mr. Bhalla directed the senior authorities to hold regular review of settlement work to maintain a sustained pace. He also asked for fast track disposal of Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) cases so that the applicants do not face any kind of inconvenience. He said that action will be taken against those officers and officials who were found creating any kind of hurdle in solving the revenue related problems of the people.

The Minister of State for Revenue Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani asked the department to provide revenue passbooks to all the farmers containing all records pertaining to their land to ensure transparency at grass root level. He further said that Government was keen to construct Revenue Complexes including Patwarkhanas, Naibiats and Tehsil buildings and revenue record rooms with all modern facilities in every district of the State for the benefit of general masses.

Mr. Wani also stressed on expediting settlement operation so that records were updated and the land management was streamlined. He said, settlement was fundamental to land management and measures need to be put in place to complete the process at the earliest.

VC Kashmir University calls on Governor

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 8 – Prof. Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, called on Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, at Raj Bhavan here today.

The Governor, who is Chancellor of the Kashmir University, held wide ranging discussions with Prof. Talat Ahmad regarding issues relating to furthering the University’s capacities for enlarging the objectives of teaching and research to make the varsity a centre of excellence.

The Governor also discussed with the Vice Chancellor several important issues relating to the off-site Campuses.

Sakina distributes Rs 3.79 lakh cheques among 51 beneficiaries

Asks women to avail welfare schemes

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 08: The Minister for social Welfare, Ms Sakina Itoo distributed cheques amounting to Rs 3.79 lakh among 51 beneficiaries under various Social Welfare Schemes, here today at an awareness camp in Bhalwal block.

The beneficiaries include 35 students getting Rs 3, 02, 485 lakh as scholarship under various categories, 6 getting Rs 60,000 under National Family Benefit Scheme and 10 getting Rs 16,000 under physically handicapped pension scheme.

The camp was attended by a large number of Anganwari Workers, Helpers, Panches, Sarpanches and Social Workers.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the coalition government was determined to make all the Anganwari centres of the state functional and meet the purpose for which these centres have been set up by the government.

She said that during last 3 and half years rule, the coalition government, under the leadership of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah was making every efforts to ensure effective implementation of all the welfare schemes. “The Government is paying special attention that the Social Welfare schemes reach to the targeted sections, including STs , SCs, Old Age people, Widows, Destitute, adolescent girls, school dropout girls and BPL to bring a discernible change in their living conditions” she added.

Ms Sakina said that presently there are 28,000 Anganwari centres functional in the state, including 13514 in Jammu division covering 486842 beneficiaries.

She said that SABLA scheme is under implementation in five districts including Jammu and Kathua districts covering about 40560 adolescent girls. She further said that 10569 persons are directly benefitted by IGMSY scheme being implemented in district Kathua.

The Minister said that at present more than 5 lakh people are benefitted under old age pension scheme, under which financial assistance was being provided to the widows and destitute women, while a large chunk of disabled population was being benefitted under handicapped scheme.

The Minister said that Anganwari workers were playing a great role not only in under ICDS programme but also extending full cooperation to ASHA workers.

She said that the Women Development Corporation working for the upliftment of women folk and make them self reliant. She said the corporation was providing soft loans to enable women to setup their own income generating units to lead the life of dignity and honour. She said that the ultimate goal and main purpose of the social welfare department was to empower the women community and prepare them mentally for taking decisions at highest forms. She said that efforts are on to extend SABLA scheme to all uncovered districts.

The meeting was among others attended by MLA Raipur Domana Mr. Bharat Bhushan, Director Social Welfare Department Jammu Mr. M. L. Bhatti, Principal Government Higher Secondary School Bhalwal, BDO, CDPO, Panches and Sarpanches and etc.

The Minister said that she has already directed the Director SW, Jammu for organizing more and more awareness camps in far-flung and remote areas to educate the common people about various welfare schemes launched by the department.

Referring to the local demands of construction of CDPO office and others, the Minister assured that the matter would be taken up at appropriate forum for meeting these demands.

The Minister also stressed upon the people to educate their girl child as they are precious assets of the Nation. She also pleaded for 33 percent reservation of women in political field.

7^th batch of 270 Hajis received at Srinagar Airport

SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 08: As many as 270 Haj pilgrims comprising of 129 male and 141 female after performing Haj Bait-ul-Ullah returned from Saudi Arabia this afternoon.

The Haj pilgrims were received at Srinagar International Airport by Director, Airport Authority of India, Executive Officer, State Haj Committee, Srinagar and district administration Budgam, besides officers of civil and police departments.

Farm Machinery Mela at Shopian

Incentive of Rs. 35.75 Lakh will be provided among Farmers

SHOPIAN, NOVEMBER 08: District Development Commissioner Shopian, Mr. Mohammad Javaid Khan called upon the farmers to utilize hi-tech Agriculture to increase production & productivity. This was stated by District Development Commissioner Shopian while inaugurating the “Farm Machinery Mela” at Shopian. He advised the Farmers to take benefits of various schemes launched by the department and cooperate with the field functionaries in successful implementation of all schemes for making the state self-sufficient in Agriculture production. He impressed upon the farmers to achieve the maximum returns from the available land resources with a paradigm shift from traditional cropping patterns.

On this occasion Chief Agriculture Officer Shopian, Mr. Gh. Nabi Adfar said that objective of organizing such melas is to aware the farmers about the modern agriculture machinery equipment & other tools & farmers can purchase agriculture implements of their own choice from registered authorized dealers at their door-steps.

In the mela several authorized dealers displayed different kinds of
agriculture machinery. Farmers of Sub Division Shopian purchased
various farm machinery including 10 Tractors, 200 Irrigation Pump
Sets, & 25 numbers of Tillers, for which Department of Agriculture
will provide Rs. 35.75 Lakhs as subsidy component.

A large number of farmers of Sub Division Shopian participated in the mela and they appreciated the Department of Agriculture to reach out to the farmers.

Meanwhile, the same Machinery Mela was also organized at Tral, Pulwama.

District Police Anantnag to organize Police public tournament

ANANTNAG, NOVEMBER 08: Under its Civic Action Programme, District Police Anantnag is organizing Police Public tournament from November 10, 2012 at different venues in district Anantnag in various sports category including T20 Cricket, Football, Kabaddi, Chess and Carom.

2-day National seminar on Kashmiri Drama begin

Speakers urged for upliftment of Kashmiri Theater

SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 08: A 2-day National seminar on “Kashmiri Drama” organized by Sahitiya Academy New Delhi in collaboration with Kashmir Theater Federation started at Sri Pratap College here today.

A galaxy of eminent Theater, Radio and Television artists of the State attended the seminar and deliberate upon the revival and reformation of the theater and Kashmiri Drama in State. Speakers stressed for restoration of past glory and fame of Kashmiri drama which used to highlight the basic issues of the common people of the valley.

On the inaugural day, eminent artist Mr. M K Raina was the chief guest while as Mr. Makhan Lal Saraf, Mr. M L Kamu, Mtr. Rukhsana Jabeen and Dr. Aziz Hajini attended the function as guests of honour.

On the occasion, speakers deliberated upon the golden era of Kashmiri Theater. They highlighted the role of Radio and Television for the promotion of Kashmiri dramas. They said that theater plays a key role for the promotion of the languages and hoped such seminars shall prove fruitful for flourishing of Kashmiri Theater.

Speakers also urged for undertaking necessary steps for the upliftment of theater and Drama divisions of the Valley, adding that drama is an integral part of literary art.

It was said that Baand-e-Pather is basic theater of Kashmir and represents history, culture and heritage of Kashmir and it needs to be revived on modern ideas and new directions.

Mobile Lok Adalat settled 54 cases

Rs. 16800 received as fine: CJM Budgam

BUDGAM, NOVEMBER 08: The week long Mobile Lok Adalat cum Awareness Programme launched by District Legal Services Authority, Budgam from November 05, 2012 in many areas and Tehsil Headquarters of district Budgam have so far amicably settled 54 different nature of cases, besides collecting a fine of Rs. 16800 from transport related cases.

This was told by Sub Judge Chief Judicial Magistrate, Budgam, Mr. Gowhar Majeed Dalal while supervising the Lok Adalat today at Khag Beerwah held under the Chairmanship of Munsiff Judge, Mr. Mansoor Ahmad.

The Chief Judicial Magistrate said that the ongoing programme will culminate on 10^th of this month at Pahroo Chadoora. Lok Adalat cum awareness programme will be held at already specified venues and interesting parties are informed to approach the concerned authorities with their corresponding cases well before commencement of Lok Adalat.

DDC flagged of Exhibition Van under CSC Rural Programme

BUDGAM, NOVEMBER 08: The District Development Commissioner, Budgam today flagged off Common Service Centre (CSC) (Khidmat Centre) van from DC Office Budgam at 10 a.m.

Among others district officers and large number of people participated.

On the occasion, the District Development Commissioner said that this exhibition van will be utilized to provide the information about various public services available through these centre’s while other interesting elements of the exhibition like Nukad Natak, Audio Visual experiences and VLE assistance in educating people about convince and transparency of services available through CSC’s shall also be organized.

The District Development Commissioner said CSC is part of national e-Governance plan which is a major initiative of the Government of India for adhering e-Governance on a massive scale in areas of concern to the common masses like issuance of certificates regarding Birth, Death, Domicile, Caste and Income besides MG NREGA payments and other non-Government services.

Kabra inspects Tulip Garden

Directs for accelerating pace of work

SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 08: Commissioner/Secretary, Agriculture Production and Floriculture, Mr. Shaleen Kabra accompanied by Director Floriculture, Kashmir and other officers of the department inspected Tulip Garden, Cheshmashahi, Srinagar today and expressed his satisfaction over ongoing sowing process of Germplasm (Tulips) in Asia’s largest Tulip Garden.

Mr. Kabra directed to accelerate the pace of work to ensure that the said garden is thrown open for general public on due date. He enquired from the management about position of bulbs to be sown in the Tulip Garden during current year.

He was informed that the department is doing its best to boost floriculture sector by sowing superior quality bulbs in the Tulip Garden.

70553 metric ton fruit production recorded in Bandipora

Fruit growers earn 40 crore

BANDIPORA, NOVEMBER 08: A record 70553 metric tons of fruit production has been registered in district Bandipora this year, with the result the fruit growers have earned about Rs. 40 crore.

This was stated during a seminar cum Horticulture Expo organized by Horticulture Department at Bandipora today. This district level seminar was attended by MLA Bandipora, Mr. Nizam-ud-Din Bhat, Additional District Development Commissioner, S.P. Bandipora, Chief Horticulture Officer, experts from Horticulture and allied departments besides progressive farmers and orchardists from Gurez, Bandipora and Sonawari tehsils.

The experts on this occasion made the participants aware about the causes and treatment of various diseases of fruit and other crops. They also stressed for adopting latest technology.

Speaking on this occasion, MLA appealed the people to avail benefits of government schemes, he asked the officers that these schemes should be implemented on ground level. The MLA demanded for establishment of a fruit Mandi, Canning Centre, or laboratory and a horticulture nursery in the district.

In order to inspire farmers, several stalls comprising of motor power sprayers, seed, fruit, tillers and brush cutters were exhibited and established on this occasion.

DDC reviews preparedness of snow clearance operation, setting up of control room at Kup

KUPWARA, NOVEMBER 08: District Development Commissioner, Kupwara, Mr. Sarmad Hafeez today convened a meeting of officers of different departments functioning in the district and with a view to review the preparedness of district and tehsil administration for snow clearance operation during ensuing winter months.

The meeting was attended by the Additional District Development Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner and officers from Disaster Management, CA&PD, PDD, RJJY, PHE, BEACON, Municipality, R&B and PHE.

It was given out that R&B has to clear the 238 kms of roads through Mechanical Engineering Division and will clear 150 kms of BT roads during the snow fall. For this purpose 6 snow clearance machines have been made available with MED Kupwara with manpower while one snow cutter has been reserved to meet out any eventuality. While PDD has been directed to ensure buffer transformers during the winter and Rs. 57 lakh has been provided under district plan for repair of the damaged transformers and another Rs. 25 lakh were spent during last financial year for the purpose.

The DDC passed instruction to the concerned departments for setting up of snow clearance control rooms in their respective offices with manpower to monitor the operation.

The Beacon authorities informed the meeting that dozers and snow cutters have been made available for snow clearance of 70 kms.

The DDC impressed upon the officers to work with coordinated efforts to meet out any eventuality and seek action plan for the snow clearance operation.

The Municipal Committee Kupwara was directed to ensure snow clearance and fix responsibility of officials while snow clearance operation of lanes and drains, Hospitals, Mosques and essential services.

Market checking squads slaps fine on six shopkeepers

ANANTNAG, NOVEMBER 08: To keep the prices under control, checking squad of Anantnag comprising of officials of CA&PD and Weights and Measures headed by Tehsildar Anantnag conducted market checking in the Anantnag town.

Six shopkeepers were fined on spot and an amount of Rs. 2300 was collected from them as fine.

Sagar distributes cheques worth Rs. 2.24 lakh among 24 widows

Govt committed to uplift the downtrodden communities

SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 08: Minister for Rural Development, Panchayat Raj and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar today said that government is committed to uplift the downtrodden communities by providing relief and financial assistance through various centrally and state sponsored welfare schemes.

The Minster was addressing a cheques distribution function organised by Social Welfare Department, Kashmir. Director Social Welfare Kashmir, Khawaja Bashir Ahmad Bhat and other senior officers of the department and large number of beneficiaries were present on the occasion.

Mr. Sagar said that several initiatives have been taken by the state government to ameliorate the lot of deprived people by providing them various facilities including income generating facilities and scholarships to the children of poor families living below poverty line.

On this occasion, the Minister distributed Rs. 2.24 lakh in the form of cheques among 24 widows of Srinagar district under National Benefit Scheme besides Rs. 4.26 lakh were distributed among 324 students of various schools of Srinagar on the occasion.

The Director Social Welfare informed the Minister that during current financial year, Rs. 10.70 crore were provided to 33400 old aged persons, physically challenged and women in distress by the department besides Rs. 15.40 crore were spent on various scholarship schemes during the same period. Mr. Bhat said that 286000 deserving persons were provided financial assistance of Rs. 106 crore under various pension schemes.

India and Malaysia Agree to Promote Cooperation in Renewable Energy

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 08:- India and Malaysia have agreed to promote cooperation in renewable energy, especially in the areas of biomass and biogas, micro hydropower, solar energy and wind power. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to this effect was signed in the capital yesterday. The MoU was signed by Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Minister of New and Renewable Energy and Data’ Sri Peter Chin Fah Kui, Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water, Malaysia.

Both the countries also agreed to form a Joint Working Group for better coordination through joint research on subjects of mutual interest, exchange and training of scientific and technical personnel, exchange of available scientific and technologies information and data, organization of workshops, seminars and working groups, transfer of know-how, technology and equipment, on non-commercial basis etc.

Dr. Farooq Abdullah briefed his Malaysian counterpart on the progress made by India in renewable energy with special reference to the National Solar Mission launched in 2010 under the National Action Plan on Climate Change. He also briefed the visiting Minister on the recently concluded International Seminar on Energy Access and India’s efforts in promoting energy for remote and un-electrified areas.

Contribute in skill upgrading and employability of J&K Youth: CS to Corporates

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 8: Chief Secretary Madhav Lal Thursday asked various public sector enterprises working in the state to organize specialized programmes and training courses for skill upgradation and employability of youth. “As part of your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) you can contribute in a significant way in training our youth and ensure their placement” he maintained.

Chairing a meeting on Skill Development of youth with representatives of various Public Sector Enterprises including NHPC, IRCON, PGCIL and NHAI here, today, Chief Secretary said that public enterprises must play greater role in training and recruiting youth from the state in their projects. He said that Funds under CSR should be earmark and also fully utilised for such purpose. He urged for developing a separate and structured programme as per requirements of the industry thereby ensuring that training and skill imparted to the youth results in their proper placement in the job market.

“A well thought out course content should be planned for imparting technical skills to the youth to overcome the existing skill deficit and shortage within the enterprises itself working in the state.” he said adding that there should be close coordination between the government departments, training institutes and the public enterprises in this regard.

Detailed discussions were held on various aspects of the project and its successful implementation.

Earlier a detailed power point presentation was made by nodal officer State Skill development initiative Syed Jehangir Hashmi on the project and various skill development initiatives and targets fixed during the 12^th plan period by the state.

The meeting was also attended by Principal Secretary to Chief Minister B.B VYAS, Principal Secretary PDD Sudhanshu Pandey and other senior officers.

Sham felicitated for achieving best award in health sector

Dedicates award to people, reforms to continue

AKHNOOR, NOVEMBER 08 – Minister for Health, Horticulture & Floriculture, Mr. Sham Lal Sharma was felicitated by the people of Akhnoor for achieving best award in the health sector.

In this regard an impressive function was held today at Akhnoor, where the Minister was given rousing reception amidst drum beating and cheers by the people of all walks of life of the area.

Mr. Sham Lal was garlanded for this substantial accomplishment and was honoured with traditional Dogra turban, a sword besides memento.

Vice Chairman, OBC Advisory Board Master Kuldeep Verma, Vice Chairman, Gujjar & Bakerwal Advisory Board Ch. Bashir Naz, Congress Block President, Bhagat Ram Saran, Working President, Mr. Baldev Sharma, Sarpanchs, Panchs, heads of various departments, sectoral officers and large number of people drawn from different parts of Akhnoor were present on the occasion.

Expressing gratitude to the people for imposing unprecedented confidence in his leadership, the Minister said that achieving success is not possible without the support of civil society, adding that every employee of the health department and all citizens of the State are the actual winner of this prestigious award. He said the State has won the No. one award in the primary and secondary healthcare for the second consecutive year, which is really a matter of pride for the entire State. This was the outcome of hard work of each employee of health department and positive support of people under the proficient guidance of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who is so keen to take the State to new heights in every front. He said the Government would continue to strive hard for upgrading this vital sector to ensure that every citizen gets necessary health facilities.

The Minister exhorted upon the employees of health department to work with same dedication and devotion for bringing more laurels in the sector, besides to maintain this prestigious status in future also. He reiterated that the reforms would continue in the health sector and every effort would be made to plug the gaps. He admitted that still there are deficiencies in some areas, but expressed commitment to overcome these in a phased manner. He urged upon the Panchs to spread the programmes and policies of the Government at the grass-root level so that people reap the benefits of all such schemes.

The Minister directed the district administration to take continue review of all on-going development projects in Akhnoor block to ensure their time-bound completion and implementation of various flagship programmes of Central Government. He stressed the need for ensuring the active involvement of Panchs in the development process. He said PRIs’ role is very important in the overall development of the State and their mandate should not be undermined.

He said Government has already initiated for strengthening the PRIs under the provisions of 73^rd amendment and elections for the BDCs will be held shortly with necessary amendments. He said local bodies elections are round the corner and people must gear up for the same.

On the occasion, the Minister also distributed over 1000 Kissan Credit Cards amongst the beneficiaries of Akhnoor block. He asked the farmers to take full benefits of the cards. He directed the authorities to educate the farmers about the benefits of the cards and cover hundred percent farmers under this prestigious scheme, which is aimed at to transform the socio-economic profile of the farmers.

J&K strong votary to GST provided its special status is protected: Rather

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 08- Maintaining that the proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime is the most progressive tax reform, the J&K Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather today said that the state government is a strong votary to the implementation of this tax reform provided the special status guaranteed to J&K by the Constitution of India not tempered with.

Speaking at a meeting of the Empowered Committee (EC) held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi under the chairmanship of Union Finance Minister, Mr. P. Chidambaram today, Mr. Rather said that before implementation of the proposed GST in the country, appropriate provisions should be incorporated in the proposed Amendment Bill to provide protection under Article 246-A, 279-A and 286-A to the existing special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir.

Dwelling on the constitutional and legal implications of the proposed GST regime, Mr. Rather said that on a bare perusal of the proposed amendment Bill, at least two most significant features emerge, which are of most serious concern so far as the State of Jammu and Kashmir is concerned.

Firstly, to accommodate the proposed dual integrated model of GST, the amendment Bill envisages both Parliament and State Legislating to have concurrent powers to enact laws to Tax Goods and services. This is being done without taking cognizance of the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir and the necessity to incorporate appropriate amendments in Article-246 of the Constitution of India.

Secondly, the Minister said, the proposed amendment Bill envisages insertion of Article 279-A and Article 279-B for creation of two constitutional bodies viz. the “Goods and Services Tax Council” and the “Goods and Services Tax Dispute Settlement Authority”. The former would be a forum to take decisions with regard to the frame-work of GST so as to ensure uniformity and avoid deviations, whereas the latter would mainly adjudicate disputes and complaints pertaining to the implementation of GST vis-à-vis recommendations of the “Goods and Services Tax Council.”

He said as a matter of fact the division of powers between the Union of India and the State of Jammu and Kashmir is not on the same footing as it is in respect of other States of the Union. The State of Jammu and Kashmir enjoys special status under the Constitution of India and its Constitutional relationship with the Union of India is governed by Article 370 of the Constitution of India.

Mr. Rather said, the union list and the concurrent list of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India as applicable to the State of Jammu and Kashmir are not the same as the Union List and the Concurrent List applicable to rest of the States of the Union. While making Seventh Schedule applicable to the State of Jammu and Kashmir, the State List has been completely omitted and certain entries of the Union and the Concurrent lists have been omitted whereas the State List has been completely omitted. As a corollary, Article 246 and Article 248 of the Constitution of India which govern the division of legislative powers between the Centre and the States apply in a modified form to the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

Whereas the tax laws of all other States draw their sanction from entry 54 of the State List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, the tax laws of Jammu and Kashmir State are legislated by virtue of powers derived from Section 5 of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir which provides that the executive and legislative power of the State extends to all matters except those with respect to which Parliament alone has power to make laws for the State under the provisions of the Constitution of India. As such the Legislature of Jammu and Kashmir is competent to enact laws for taxing sales which are not only sales simpliciter but also the sales which are indivisible in character.

He said it is in this context that the Legislature of Jammu and Kashmir could bring within its purview of the Tax Law, the Works Contracts and Services and amenities provided by the hoteliers. Subsequently its ambit of tax on services has been enlarged from time to time.

He said presently as many as 20 services are in the tax net. This is in contradistinction to the existing scenario so far as the power to levy tax on the ‘sale’ and ‘purchase’ of goods and services is concerned vis-a-vis other States of the country.

He said under the existing provisions of the Constitution of India the Centre alone can levy tax on the ‘services’ and ‘manufacture of goods’ whereas power to levy tax on ‘sale’ and ‘purchase’ of goods is exercised by the States alone. The Centre derives its power to tax services from Entry 92C of the Union List but this Entry has not been made applicable to the State of Jammu and Kashmir. Accordingly, the State of Jammu and Kashmir alone exercises the special power to tax the services under its residuary legislative powers which no other State of the Union presently enjoys.

Mr. Rather said with the proposed insertion of Article 246-A in the Constitution of India through Constitution (One hundred and fifteenth amendment) Bill, 2011 which envisages empowering both the Centre and the States to tax Goods as well as Services, the position of the State of Jammu and Kashmir would be entirely different. “Whereas all other States would be surrendering their exclusive authority to tax the sale of goods by allowing the Centre also to tax the sale of goods in their States and in lieu thereof get the additional authority to tax the hitherto out of bounds Service Sector, the State of Jammu and Kashmir which already has the residuary power to tax the sale of goods as well as the services unlike other States would not get any additional authority after allowing the Centre also to tax the sale of goods as well as the services in the State”, Mr. Rather said adding that in other words, in respect of all other States there would be a give and take between the Union and the States but in the case of Jammu and Kashmir it would be only give and no take. It is not advisable to tamper with the special powers enjoyed by a politically sensitive State like Jammu and Kashmir. Therefore adequate safeguards need to be incorporated in the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill in respect of Jammu and Kasmir.

The other potential threat to the special constitutional position of the State of Jammu and Kashmir is from the proposed insertion of Article 279-A and 279-B by virtue of which “Goods and Services Tax Council” and “Goods and Services Tax Dispute Settlement Authority” would come into being. One third of the total number of members of the GST Council shall constitute the quorum at its meetings and every decision of the Council taken at a meeting shall be with the consensus of all the members present at the meeting. In order to ensure that no decision with regard to the State of Jammu and Kashmir is taken by the Council notwithstanding the presence of full quorum in the Council meeting and also that no order is passed by the Dispute Settlement Authority which in any way erodes the special constitutional position of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, suitable provisions need to be incorporated in Article 279-A and Article 279-B for the purpose so that no decision of the council is made applicable to J&K without express consent of the State.

“In the above backdrop, it necessarily follows that whereas the State of Jammu and Kashmir is a strong votary to the implementation of the most progressive tax reform viz. Goods and Services Tax, the protection of its special status has to be guaranteed by suitable amendments in the proposed Constitution (115^th amendment) Bill, Mr. Rather asserted.

The J&K Finance Minister was accompanied by the Commissioner, Commercial Taxes Department, Mr. Kifayat Rizvi and a team of senior officers of the Finance Department.

JCC announces fresh protest programme

Pen-down strike on Dec 14, 15; March to Guv House on Dec 15; Protests at Distt Hqrs

Deception, delaying tactics forcing us into agitation: JCC leaders

Jammu, Nov 8 (VOS): In yet another round of protests, to press for their demands, Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) of the state employees’ organizations has called for a two day pen-down strike on December 14 and 15.

"The state Government has failed to fulfill our demands as promised to us by them. As a mark of protest for deception, we announce a two-day pen-down strike on December 14 and 15 in whole of the state", JCC senior leader Gafoor Dar told reporters in a press conference at the Press Club here this morning.

JCC leaders Mohammad Khurshid Aalam, Abdul Qayoom Wani and Nusrat Beigh also addressed the press conference.

They accused the government of failing to live up to its promises and fulfill the commitments made to employees, ‘which has forced the JCC to announce fresh protest programme’.

Ahead of the strike, the employees will launch protests, dharnas, demonstrations and rallies in all districts, tehsil and block headquarters to gear up for a major show of strength in the state.

“Employees will hold peaceful protest demonstrations at district headquarters from 8th December to 13 December”, said JCC leaders. They said that that the employees through these demonstrations would press government for their demands.

“Two days strike will be observed on 14 and 15th December and on 15th December the employees will gather in Jammu for peaceful march towards to Governor House and the memorandum will be presented to the Governor about the demands and the promises and commitments made by the government with JCC”; said JCC leaders.

"We had been promised by the government in its two meetings in July and September last year to fulfil our demands following strikes held by the employees -- But none of them has been fulfilled", said the leaders.

The employes are demanding enhancement in retirement age from 58 to 60, policy on regularisation of daily wagers and removal of pay anomalies in various clerical grades apart from payment of 6th pay commission arrears in full.

JCC leader Khurshid Aalam said that the governemt had entered twice into agreement with the employees and whenever government asked for time JCC always provided it. “It is unfortunate that the government has deceived us so for”.

Meanwhile, hundreds of employees today protested against the government’s alleged backtracking from its promises and agreements with the employee’s trade unions. (VOS)

High court verdict on Talaaq: Justice Kirmani files petition for rehearing

Says, verdict requires thorough second look

Srinagar, Nov 8 (VOS): Former High Court judge, Justice (Retd) Bashir Ahmad Kirmani Wednesday filed at writ petition in the Jammu and Kashmir High Court for rehearing of the Bilquees case, in which the court had given its verdict on October 29 holding that the practice of ‘arbitrary’ divorce or “power of husband to pronounce Talaaq (divorce) is not absolute or unqualified.”

In the 23-page judgment by Justice Hasnain Massodi, the court had held the view that “husband cannot have unrestricted or unqualified power to pronounce the Talaaq.”

Justice Kirmani confirmed to VOS that he had filed the petition in the state High court. “The case involves the question of interpretation. There can be two opinions when it comes to interpretation but there is limitation in interpretation of the Qur’an. Quran is the principal source of the Muslim Law and the interpretation of any Muslim Law should not contradict with its primary source (Qur’an)”, said Kirmani while talking toVOS.

He said objective of the re-hearing is to put another opinion before the court. “Let it decide which one is more appropriate among the two. Methods of interpretation in Muslim Law is itself prescribed by the Qur’an”, said Kirmani.

Justice Kirmani said that he will himself be pleading the case before the court.

In the petition Justice Kirmani has mentioned para 26 and 27 of the judgment praying for the allowance of his writ petition for re-hearing. Sources told VOS, that the writ petition was filed on Wednesday and was entertained by the High Court Registrar. Case has been listed and the date of hearing will be enlisted soon, the sources added.

“The judgment touches upon some very crucial questions of the Family Law applicable to the vast of majority of the population of the State and is likely to operate in a wide area, as such, in its given texture requires a thorough second look”, reads the petition.

“…while determining the certain basic facets of ‘Talaaq’ under Muslim Law, the judgment limits consideration of the subject in fullness, leaving certain elements integral thereto out of its purview, rendering the findings inapt and hence to pen to misapplication.”, it adds.

The petition has mentioned that the provisions as contained in the judgment do not fully tally with the ‘intent and import thereof, leaving it open to misinterpretation and the sequence, subtext and the background of the material quoted in the judgment is not fully reflected in the narrative forming its core’.

Pertinently, the judgment had been delivered in a case in which the wife had initially come up with an application in the trial court seeking maintenance. However, the husband had resisted the application on the grounds that he had divorced her and was not under any obligation to pay maintenance allowance. (VOS)

“Govt not addressing real issue of empowering Panchayats”

Decision to hold elections to 4 LC seats reflects myopic vision of NC led coalition: Mufti

Jammu, November 8: Expressing surprise over the decision of the State Government to conduct elections to the four seats of Legislative Council from the quota of Panchayats, patron of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mufti Mohammad today said that this decision reflects myopic and narrow vision of the coalition regime headed by the National Conference.

Addressing a function to welcome large number of political activists from Basholi area who joined PDP under the leadership of Rangil Singh, Sarpanch from Mahanpur, Mufti said, “Electing Legislative Council members from the quota of Panchayat is not a real issue but the main issue is delegating powers to the Panchayats to set up a vibrant Panchayati Raj system in the State to decentralize power at the grass root level”. He regretted that the government has brazenly eroded sanctity of all democratic institutions in State.

Taking a dig at the government, Sayeed surprised that elections to constitute Block Development Councils (BDCs), which was the constitutional obligation to set up a three tier Panchayat Raj system, were deferred without any reason but the government was in a hurry to elect Legislative Council members from the quota of Panchayats. “It seems that entire process of holding elections of the Panchayats was planned only to get four seats of Legislative Council and the government has no intension to decentralize power at grass root level as par the spirit of Panchayati Raj system”, he said, adding, “the government has sacrificed whole system and betrayed the people just for some seats of Legislative Council”

“Government can go to any extend to sabotage democratic institutions just for petty political gains”, he said and recalled how the ruling coalition had used money to win Legislative Council elections in 2011.

PDP patron said that it was a historic fact that ruling National Conference has always thrived by repression and by creating fear among the masses. “Presently there is fear psychosis among the Panchayat members and the National Conference wants to take benefit of the prevailing fear among Panchayat members”, he said.

PDP patron further said that during the last four years this regime has gradually undermined democratic institutions. He mentioned that elections of the urban local bodies were due in the month of February 2010 but this government has been postponing these elections without any reason. He said that faith of the people has badly shattered due to such deceit tactics of the National Conference –Congress regime.

General secretary of PDP Thakur Balbir Singh, Joginder Singh, zone president Basholi also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier Rangil Singh along with large number of his supporters joined PDP. Prominent among others who joined PDP included Balram Sharma, Kamal Kishore Rahul Kumar, Tajinder Singh, Rajni Bala, Bhushan Kumar, Mohammad Mirza, Mohammad Rafiq, Tarseem Kumar and others. These political activists belong to National Conference and Congress.

Rangil Singh, Sarpanch from Mahanpur said that he has decided to join PDP due to programme and policies of the party. He expressed his faith in the leadership of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Mehbooba Mufti.

Opening of Jammu-Sialkote route for trade, travel: Omar to take up issue with Centre

Jammu, Nov 8: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Thursday said that he would recommend opening of Jammu-Sialkote route for travel and trade to the Central Government so that it takes up this issue with Pakistan to initiate yet another important Confidence Building Measure (CBM).

Omar Abdullah said that his government is taking all steps to encourage industrialization in the State adding that various packages of concessions are available to the investors to invest in the State. He said his government would render all possible help to the industrialists to open their concerns across the state particularly in the Valley where industrialization has not taken up due to militancy and remoteness. He said young and budding entrepreneurs in the State are encouraged and assisted to open ventures in feasible areas especially in the sectors of agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, animal and Sheep husbandry, software engineering, information technology, etc.

Minister for Industries, S. S. Slathia, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, Devender Singh Rana and Principal Secretary Planning, B. B. Vyas were present in the meeting.

Hurriyat (G) to conduct seminar on Amarnath issue

Invites civil society for inputs to decide future course of action

Srinagar, Nov 08 (VOS): The Hurriyat Conference faction led by Syed Ali Geelani has decided to convene a seminar on the Amarnath issue, in which various civil society members have been invited to provide inputs for the conglomerate to decide future course of action.

“A seminar is scheduled for 10th of November. Intellectuals and experts from the civil society will participate and express their ideas with regards to functions of Amarnath Shrine board and modus operandi, and discuss its negative impact. It has been decided that Hurriyat after taking into consideration the suggestions, will decide its future course of action”, said the Hurriyat Spokesperson Ayaz Akbar in a statement issued here Thursday.

The Hurriyat (G) spokesman said the party has invited lawyers, intellectuals, journalists, businessmen to provide suggestions and inputs on the issue. He said the Huriyat Conference is serious enough with regards to function and the plans of Shrine Board.

“We wish that everybody be informed that how India is trying to complete its agenda in a in a well planed-manner,” the spokesman said.

He accused New Delhi of attempting to use the purely religious Amarnath pilgrimage as a means to accomplish its aggressive political agenda and to consolidate the “military occupation” of Jammu and Kashmir.

“We are very much worried about the increasing number of Yatries, and believe that keeping the pilgrimage on for months together followed by 50 percent increase in the pilgrims would lead to a “murder of environment, forests and water resources. We are trying to mobilize the people on this serious issues .We are also consulting various sections of society and forest and environment experts. The issue is not a simple one but it pertains to the life of Kashmiris,” the spokesman added.

In the mean while Hurriyat conference has rejected the statement of Anu Tandon, calling it ridiculous.

“They should know that Jammu and Kashmir has never been a part of India. It is by dint of power that India has occupied the state”, said the spokesman, adding that Pakistan is an important party to dispute and no institution can ignore the role of Pakistan.

SMC demolition drive: 20 structures demolished in 3 days

Srinagar, Nov 08 (VOS): Continuing with its drive against illegal structures in the city, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has demolished 20 such structures in various city areas over past three days.

The Media Relations Officer of SMC said, “During a surprise visit in the various areas of the cilty, Commissioner SMC Dr G.N Qasba took a serious note regarding some chronic violations / unauthorised constructions in the various areas of city which include Babademb, Khanyar, Parraypora and Baaghaat-e-Barzulla localities”

Accordingly the Enforcement wing of the corporation along with the men and machinery headed by Chief Enforcement Offcer, Hakeem Aijaz swung into an action demolished around 20 illegal structures in three days, she added.

“The demolition drive will continue as per the orders of Commissioner SMC and all the citizens are requested to refrain from any such construction which is without permission otherwise such illegal structures would be demolished promptly”, the officer said. (VOS)

Tandon’s statement at UN beyond reality: JKLF

Condemns Pak interior ministry, says rulers in Pakistan negligent towards Kashmir

Srinagar, Nov 08 (VOS): Reacting to the statement of Anu Tandon, Member of Parliament, at the United Nations where she had called elections in Jammu and Kashmir as a substitute to the right to self determination, Jammu and Kashmir Liberations Front Vice Chairman, Bashir Ahmad Bhat has said the statement is beyond reality and based on mischief.

“Jammu Kashmir is a World recognized disputed territory and Kashmiri’s have been struggling for its resolution from last 6 decades. UN forum, where Indian leader Anu Tandan is claiming that election in Kashmir are substitute to the self determination, has in 1952 rejected India’s claim and passed a resolution that these elections were in no way an substitute to the right of self determination”, said Bhat in a statement to VOS.

The Member of Parliament, Anu Tandon, while speaking in UN seminar had termed Kashmir as an integral part of India and said that election were a substitute of right to self determination.

Terming the statement of Miss Tandan beyond reality and based on Mischief, Bhat said that she needs to revisit history again as he seems to lack knowledge on the subject.

“These people must know that in 1952 when elections were first time held in Kashmir the then representative of India at UN had said that people of Jammu Kashmir have decided their future and that this election was an alternative of self determination. However, UN general council and Security Council at that time rejected India’s claim and discussed the matter. A resolution was passed at UN in which it was said that any elections held in Indian held Kashmir or Azad Kashmir should have nothing to do with self determination of Kashmiri’s and that these elections were merely for the local purpose”, Bhat said.

Commenting upon the recent statement of Pakistan interior secretary which was placed before the supreme court of Pakistan, in which it was suggested that Pakistan should take steps to end violence in Baluchistan as India had done in Kashmir, Bhat said, “In the said statement the interior secretary had also referred to Kashmir as an Indian state which is condemnable”.

While condemning the statement in strong words he said that these kinds of statements by Pakistani officials clearly show that the rulers of Pakistan are extremely unconscious and negligent towards the sensitiveness of Kashmir issue.

1 dies, 5 injured in road mishaps

Srinagar, Nov 08: One person died and five others were injured in different road accidents across the Kashmir Valley on Thursday.

A police spokesperson said, Ashiq Hussain Chechi son of Noor-ud-Din resident of Gund Kamal, Kralgund, Handwara who was injured in road traffic accident at Narbal on November 5 succumbed to his injuries at SKIMS, Soura, Srinagar.

He said, “A Tata Sumo bearing registration number JK01H/9963 hit a Motorcycle bearing registration number JK22/1376 at Monchwara, Shopian, in the jurisdiction of police station Keller, resulting in injuries to the Motorcyclist Bilal Ahmed Wani son of Mohammad Yousuf resident of Tangwani. The injured was shifted to hospital for treatment”.

Motorcycle bearing registration number JK04B/5236 collided with a Tipper bearing registration number JK04B/2356 at Chadoora, Budgam, in the jurisdiction of police station Chadoora, resulting in injuries to Motorcyclist Gowhar Ahmad son of Mohammad Amin and pillion Shahid Ahmad son of Ghulam Qadir residents of Badipora, Chadoora. Both the injured were shifted to hospital for treatment.

A Mini bus bearing registration number JK05A/0631 hit and injured a lady Azi Begum , age 70 years, wife of Habibullah Teli resident of Arampora, Sopore, near Khawaja Bagh, Baramulla, in the jurisdiction of police station Baramulla. The injured was shifted to hospital for treatment. An unidentified CRPF vehicle hit an unidentified Auto at Tolinowpora, Kulgam, in the jurisdiction of police station Kulgam, resulting in injuries to Shahid Mushtaq Bhat, age 25 years, son of Mushtaq Ahmad resident of Tarigam, Kulgam traveling in the Auto. The injured has been shifted to District Hospital Anantnag for treatment.

Investigation begins into suspicious death in Batamaloo: Police

Srinagar, Nov 08: The J&K Police has registered a case and started investigation into the suspicious death of a person at Batamaloo, said the police spokesperson in a statement.

“Abdul Rashid Pandith resident of Rawalpora, Srinagar lodged a report with Batamaloo police alleging that his nephew Nasir Ali Sheikh son of Ali Mohammad resident of Rawalpora was poisoned by his in laws at Batamaloo. He stated that his nephew was hospitalized from his in-laws home from Batamaloo on 06/11/2012 and died on 07.11.2012 at SMHS Hospital, Srinagar”, the statement added.

Batamaloo police registered a case and has started the investigation into the suspicious death, the statement said

According to the spokesperson, body of the deceased was taken into custody by the police and after conducting postmortem and completion of all legal formalities, it was handed over to his relatives for last rites.

Kamal visits Mians’ family

Srinagar, Nov 8: Additional General Secretary of the National Conference Dr. Mustafa Kamal today visited residence of Mian Bashir Ahmad to offer condolences on the sad demise of his wife and mother of Mian Altaf Ahmed, Minister for forests and environment in the state government.

While conveying condolences, Kamal expressed his sympathies with the bereaved family. He prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.

Dr. Kamal who performed Haj just arrived in Srinagar recently and went to Baba Nagri Wangat in Kangan He also prayed for courage and endurance for the family to bear this irremediable loss.

Dar demands employment package for ex-millitants

Srinagar, Nov 8: The provincial president Kashmir of National Conference, Ali Mohd Dar today appealed to the Chief Minister to consider a financial as well as an employment package for people who have shun the path of violence and come under the state government's amnesty policy.

Dar while addressing a workers meeting at the party headquarters appealed to the government to consider such a proposal on the same analogy as the one for Kashmir Pandits.

Panchs, Sarpanchs unintentional agents of New Delhi: Nayeem Khan

‘May be armed at the pattern of VDCs’

Srinagar, Nov 8: Calling panchs and sarpanchs as ‘unintentional agents of New Delhi’, senior resistance leader and National Front Chairman Nayeem Ahmad Khan has expressed apprehensions that the panchayat members may be provided arms on the pattern of infamous Village Defense Committees.

This may be done so that Kashmiri society will get divided and Kashmiri people will forget the illegal occupation of India over the state, he said.

Addressing party workers at Baramullah Khan said “The issue of panches and sarpanches is being taken in such a manner from Srinagar to New Delhi that it has become clear now that India is working on a plan to provide arms to some panches and sarpnaches on the infamous VDC’s pattern so that Kashmiries can be divided more and more”.

“India is working through its local collaborators to divide Kashmiri people since long. Presently Panches and sarpanches are being used to divide Kashmiri society,” he added.

Khan elaborated and said, “These panches and sarpanches have become unintentional agents of India and so called state Government that is why they are being used by police, agencies pro-India political parties and everybody, they are being asked to participate in Government and pro-Indian political events so as to prove these events a success”.

“India wants to divide Kashmiris to the extent that they will have no time to think about Indian occupation and will remain busy in fighting each other,” Khan said.

Nayeem Khan warned that if New Delhi by the help of it’s local Collaborators succeeded in its plan that will be a repetition of the black Ikhwani age that was used by India to divide the Kashmiri society.

“Earlier infamous Ikhwani’s were used by India and pro-Indian politicians and now the preparations are on to use panches and sarpanches,” Khan warned.

Extension lecture on “Role of business houses towards consumers” at KU

Srinagar, Nov 08: In order to create awareness amongst consumers about their rights and the role and responsibilities of corporate sector and business establishments towards consumers, an extension lecture“Role of business houses towards consumers” was held at University of Kashmir on Thursday which was organized by Varsity`s Department of Business and Financial Studies (DBFS).

While delivering the extensive lecture, Justice (Retd.) Bashir A. Kirmani, President, Jammu and Kashmir State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission underscored the importance of consumer for a business establishment.

He said “Ultimate user of any manufactured product or a service is the consumer and his/her satisfaction is the decisive factor for the success of that particular product or service in the market”.

Stressing upon the business houses that they should cater the same product and service which they have promised to their consumers he said, “Commodities or service which a consumer has paid or asked for, should be at par and justify the deal between the consumer and the manufacturer in terms of quality and quantity”.

In order to tackle the malfunctioning and deficient services Justice Kirmani assured that there are certain laws which are in place to secure consumer’s right.

He said “Keeping in view various inconveniences that a consumer faces, the Government of India passed a Consumer Protection Act in 1986 which was latter on introduced in J&K State in 1987”.Since this law is applicable to the state of J&K the consumer should play an active and sensible role and should approach the concerned body for appropriate action against any manufacturer and service provider who violates the rights of the consumer.”

Suggesting the Industrialists, corporate houses and service providers to adopt various strategies to float up to the expectations of a common consumer he said “Fair pricing, eradication of malpractice and strict adhesion to the consumer friendly policies are the golden principle for proficient and healthy relationship between the manufacturer and consumer.”

In his address Head, Department of Business and Financial Studies (DBFS) Prof GM Sangmi while maintaining that the extension lecture is a part of an initiative of the department to bridge the gap between the industry and the consumers and create awareness about the rights of consumers in the society said “Consumer protection consists of laws and organizations designed to ensure the rights of consumers as well as fair trade competition and the free flow of truthful information in the market place.”

He added “The laws are designed to prevent businesses that engage in fraud or specified unfair practices from gaining an advantage over competitors and may provide additional protection for the weak and those unable to take care of themselves. Consumer protection laws are a form of government regulation which aims to protect the rights of consumers.”

DDC reviews preparedness of snow clearance operation, setting up of control room at Kupwara

Kupwara, Nov 08: District Development Commissioner, Kupwara, Sarmad Hafeez today convened a meeting of officers of different departments functioning in the district and with a view to review the preparedness of district and tehsil administration for snow clearance operation during ensuing winter months.

The DDC passed instruction to the concerned departments for setting up of snow clearance control rooms in their respective offices with manpower to monitor the operation.

The Beacon authorities informed the meeting that dozers and snow cutters have been made available for snow clearance of 70 kms.

The DDC impressed upon the officers to work with coordinated efforts to meet out any eventuality and seek action plan for the snow clearance operation.

J&K strong votary to GST provided its special status is protected: Rather

The J&K Finance Minister was accompanied by the Commissioner, Commercial Taxes Department, Mr. Kifayat Rizvi and a team of senior officers of the Finance Department.

Police not to allow usage of its stations as LPG distribution points

Asks Govt to identify new distribution points, helpline number

Srinagar, Nov 8 (VOS): Expressing reservations over the Divisional Commissioner Srinagar’s notification for using police stations as LPG distribution points, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have asked the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir to ask the DC Srinagar to identify new distribution points of LPG cylinders.

“DC Srinagar has issued an order under the endorsement no. DCS/PS/12/5007-80 dated 03-11-2012, where under he has made the offices of the zonal Dy SP and the police stations as the distribution points. I am sure you’ll appreciate that the Police Stations have to discharge the sensitive task of maintenance of law and order and also attend to other sensitive issues. Therefore their premises cannot constantly be crowded with people and LPG cylinders as they have to use the available space for the police station and work staff as well. You may consider directing the Dy. Commissioner Srinagar to modify his order and identify new points of distribution for the purpose”, reads a communication from the IGP Kashmir to the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir video No. K2/CS/LPG/12/19944-66 dated 08.11.2012.

The police has said that it is not in a position to take the extra workload in view of its existing responsibilities of law and order in the valley.

Regarding usage of police helpline number ‘100’ for registration of complaints of LPG consumers, police in its communication has said that it will over load the existing system at the PCR as the PCR has to perform its own day to day work. “It would be better to place another landline number in PCR exclusively for LPG complaints”. The reply from police has asked for the presence of the CAPD and oil companies representatives in PCR to reply to the public queries on LPG issues.

Sources told VOS, Divisional Commissioner had issued written orders for constitution of a task force to oversee the supply and distribution of the LPG to the consumers in various districts.

According to order, copy of which lies with VOS, Deputy Commissioner was made the chairman of the team and the District superintendents of Police, CAPD assistant director and concerned representative of oil marketing company as its members. While as on the block level the teams consist of Block Development Officer, SHO concerned and CAPD Tehsil Supply officer.

A complaint redressal committee was also ordered constituted at district level compromising Additional DC/Magistrate, Dy. SP I/c PCR, representative of CAPD and representatives of OMCs.

It was mentioned in the order that the consumers could lodge a complaint with the committee as well as on telephone number 100 (PCR) which would be monitored by SSP PCR Kashmir.

Further, according to order, OMCs were asked to depute their representative to PCR Kashmir, so that the complaints of the LPG consumers are registered and redressed. The SSP PCR Kashmir was to furnish details on daily basis, of complaints received by PCR from 120:30am to 4:30pm to Divisional commissioner. (VOS)

JKYT organizes seminar at Kupwara
Kupwara, Nov 8 (VOS): The Jammu and Kashmir Yateem Turst Kupwara unit Thursday organised a seminar entitled ‘Orphan related issues and solution’ at Town Hall Kupwara. The seminar was held a part of 40th year celebrations of the trust.
Speaking on the occasion the organizers highlighted the role of the trust in helping the orphans and downtrodden in the state. They said that during past four decades the Trust has been able to educate thousands of orphans, some of whom are now holding good positions in different fields.

They said hundreds of families who had lost their bread winner have become self reliant due to livelihood cum income generation units. Apart form that hundreds of grown up girls have been married and thus saved from exploitation and number of disappointed patients have been saved from desperate situations.
Chairman of the trust Zahoor Ahmad Tak who was guest of honor, lauded the role of Kupwara people in guiding and assisting them to identify and help the beneficiaries in their best possible manner.
Convener Civil society Kupwara, Showkat Massodi and Qazi Mahmood of Save Kupwara Front also spoke on the occasion.

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Thursday 8 November 2012

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