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C M Y K
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December 01 | 2013 | 26 Muharram 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |
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Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K
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For tightening noose against Tax evaders
d ste e r ar rs e ia v ri Arab d y ad audi ol S w T in
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Senior surgeon suspended Srinagar, November 30: The Deputy Commissioner Kargil has placed Dr Mohammad Ashraf Bhat incharge senior consultant surgery under suspension after finding his unauthorized absence from duties in district hospital Kargil. Dr Bhat was posted as incharge senior consultant in surgery under government order number 459-HME of 2013 dated August 14, 2013 in compliance to the court directions passed and was posted at district hospital, Kargil. The district correspondent KNS Kargil said that after joining at his new place of posting on August 26, he applied for casual leave for a period of six days with effect from September 2, 2013. Dr Bhat after availing the casual leave applied for one month earned leave through post before the office of medical superintendent, district hospital Kargil on the grounds of ill health and to follow of case of service matter in a court of law as See Suspended on Pg. 11
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For tightening noose against Tax evaders
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CM inaugurates Salamabad Trade Facilitation Centre Stresses tranquility for smooth trade across LOC
Salamabad (Uri), November 30: Interacting with traders after opening the Trade Facilitation Centre at Salamabad in Uri area of North Kashmir near LOC on Saturday, the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah underlined the importance of tranquility on borders as key to the smooth operation of trade activities across LOC as also safeguarding the life and property of the people living in frontiers. “Peaceful and conducive conditions on the borders give fillip to the trade activities as also enable farmers to carry on agriculture operations smoothly and without any fear”, he said and expressed the hope that the present peaceful situation will get further strengthened. Underlining the cross LOC trade as an important Confidence Building Measures (CBM) between India and POKistan, the Chief Minister said that more initiatives are required to ensure further growth of the trade across LOC. He also See CM on Pg. 11
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Govt policy on return of youth from POK a ‘flop show’: Returnees Will look into their grievances: Govt Srinagar, November 30: The much hyped return and rehabilitation policy for youth who wanted to return home from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) has resulted into a ‘flop show’ for around 900 people including women and children. Safiya (name changed) daughter of a person who returned his home in Srinagar under the amnesty scheme was pursuing
bachelors in medicine in Fatimah Jinnah medical college in Karachi. “When I reached Kashmir with my father, I was astonished to know that from frying pan we will land into fire. There is no concrete plan for people like us under this scheme. I wanted to join some medical college here to complete my degree but there is nobody to support my dream,” quoting Safiya, a close relative of her father
Haji Yousuf custodial death
told KNS. According to official sources, 277 individuals along with 140 wives and 438 children have returned via Nepal, which is not an approved route under the policy of 2010. Sources in the government said that there are many people like Safiya’s father who are reportedly wondering from here and there in pursuit of some business but sofar have been See Govt. Policy on Pg. 11
Minor booked
Omar advocates 3rd country for ‘killing’ Court asks deceased’s son banking for cross LOC trade or relative to file petition police constable
Srinagar, November 30: Stressing the need for a 3rd country banking so that the traders of the cross LOC trade could avail maximum benefits, chief minister Omar Abdullah Saturday said the trade across LoC was started as a Confidence Building Measure and not as mere trade practice between the two countries. Omar said: “If there are any problem vis-à-vis the banking facilities between the two countries, we can have the 3rd country banking so that the traders could not face further hardships. We can have the third country like Dubai from which the banking facilities could be availed.” See Omar on Pg. 11
New Delhi, November 30: Almost rejecting the third party intervention into the alleged custodial death of National Conference worker Haji Yousuf, Supreme Court of India Saturday stated the Court is willing
to hear from the son or any other relative of the deceased if they file a petition in this regard. A Division Bench of Supreme Court of India comprising Justice B.S. Chauhan and S.A. Bobde See Court on Pg. 11
Pattan, November 30:
A ‘minor’ who was booked by Pattan police for his alleged involvement in stonepelting that had caused the death of a police constable was sent to Juvenile lock up by Session Court See Minor onPg. 11
Department of Rural Development, Jammu
FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY OF MODEL VILLAGE SATWARI TO BE CONSTRUCTED UNDER CONVERGENCE WITH MG NREGA, 13TH FC, CD& PYT AND CDF AND INTERRACTION WITH MEMBERS OF PRI'S & 14 LINE DEPARTMENTS
HIGHLIGHTS As a major boost towards infrastructure development of rural villages foundation stone of Model Village Satwari was laid by Jenab Ali Mohammad Sagar (Hon’ble Minister for Rural Development & Panchayati Raj) and Sh. Raman Bhalla (Hon’ble Minister for Housing, Horticulture & Culture). The Model Village of the estimated cost of Rs. 1.10 Crore shall be constructed under convergence with MGNREGA, 13th FC, Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA), CD & Pyt. and with CDF of Hon’ble MLA. Elected Sarpanchs/Panchs, Panchayati Adalat Members, SHG’s and Officers/Officials of 14 line Departments participated. The PRI’s appreciated the role of Rural Development Department and District Administration in Sensitizing and Empowering the Panchayats. The Sabha was presided by Jenab Ali Mohammad Sagar (Hon’ble Minister for Rural Development & Panchayati Raj) and Sh. Raman Bhalla (Hon’ble Minister for Housing, Horticulture & Culture) was the guest of Honour. Hon’ble Minister Jenab Ali Mohammad Sagar reiterated the commitment of the Government towards upliftment of rural areas and construction of Model Villages in every constittuency/Block of the State is a step towards that. Hon’ble Minister Jenab Ali Mohammad Sagar further enthused upon Panchayats to play a proactive role in strengthening the basic Institutions of Democracy with increasing their role in Planning and Execution of the plans towards which the Government has already committed. Hon’ble Minister Jenab Ali Mohammad Sagar complimented District Jammu for its initiatives in implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes & the recognition of same by Ministry of Rural Development Government of India. Hon’ble Minister Sh. Raman Bhalla appreciated the initiatives of the Department in improving rural infrastructure and thanked Hon’ble Minister Jenab Ali Mohammad Sagar for sanctioning and commencing the execution of construction of Model Village in his constituency that too first in Jammu Province. The elected Sarpanchs & Panchs demanded that more such types of Model Villages should be sanctioned in every Block. The Hon’ble Minister assured the Sabha that their demands will be looked into by the Government with commitment to fulfill the same in phased manner. The Hon’ble Minister emphasized upon the Sabha to take maximum benefits of Centrally Sponsored and State Sponsored Schmes and panchayats should act as the pivoting agencies.
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11 Sunday, 01 December 2013 From Front Page........
CM.........
reiterated the need of converting the present Barter System of trade into the normal trade practices so that traders of both sides get benefits and trade activities flourish. He mentioned the need for telephone and banking facilities for traders and said that his government has already taken up these issues with the Government of India and will pursue these at the highest level. The traders while presenting their memorandum to the Chief Minister demanded inclusion of milk and milk products, mineral water, canned trout fish, juices and jams, wheat and wheat products, sports items, Kashmiri willow, wazwan, marble and gypsum to be included in the export goods list and all type of pulses, oil seeds, feeds, leather and leather products, tea and coffee, all types of tyres and tubes, milk products, lubricants, hosiery and cosmetics goods, electric goods, textiles items, surgical items, fertilizers, food grains and spices, spare parts of automobile and poultry products in the import list of goods. They also highlighted the need for speedy clearance of visits of traders of J&K by the POK authorities. They also demanded hotline communication between the officers related to trade and travel, issuance of visit permits for visit of traders on the analogy of permits being issued in favour of passengers, establishment of warehouse and coldstorage facility in district Baramulla, ISD facilities to telephones of office bearers of the trade union, banking facilities, etc. The Chief Minister said that he will take up these issues with the concerned assuring the traders his and his government full support for strengthening of trade. The Chief Minister was told that since the inception of trade across LOC as Salamabad was of the order of POK Rupees 1620.35 crores in respect of import of goods from POKistan while as the export recorded during this period has been of the order of Indian Rs.994.33 crores. As many as 14580 truck loads arrived here from other side of LOC and 21857 trucks carried trade goods from this side across LOC. Under the Standing Operating Procedure put in place for smooth trade, 21 items have been permitted to be traded from Salamabad Uri to Chakoti and 21 from Chakoti to Salamabad Uri. The construction of Trade Facilitation Centre involved an estimated cost of Rs.895.72 lakh and it has been executed by J&K SIDCO. The state government has provided 30 kanals of land for the complex and the central government provided the funds. There are two cargo examination halls, parking yard, washroom block, weighing bridge, administrative block, water distribution system, trade facility post, drainage network, electric sub-station, x-ray scanner, etc in the Facilitation Centre besides other facilities.
Omar.........
According to the reports received by Kashmir News Service (KNS) Omar while interacting with traders after opening the Trade Facilitation Centre at Salamabad in Uri area of North Kashmir near LOC, said that the former Prime Minister Atal Biharee Vajpayee extended the hand of friendship to POKistan and tried his utmost to pacify the tensions that had erupted during that period. Omar further stated that the UPA led government pursued the path of friendship and the cross LOC trade was started so that the relations between the two divided parts could get better. “Peaceful and conducive conditions on the borders give fillip to the trade activities as also enable farmers to carry on agriculture operations smoothly and without any fear”, Omar said . According to the KNS Uri correspondent, Omar further stated that the need for telephone and banking facilities for traders is required at earliest and that his government has already taken up these issues with the Government of India and will pursue these at the highest level. The President of cross LOC Traders federation Nazir Ahmad Lone while talking to KNS expressed that the traders are facing the innumerous hardships at present and that the government has always remained reluctant in taking the appropriate measures to facilitate the trade. ”When the trade was started earlier, we used to more than 625 traders and due to te hardships faced by our community , the number has gone town to mere 13.” Nazir further said that the state authorities have always made the hallow promises with the traders and that they have never acted as the facilitators of the trade.
Govt. Policy..........
complaining about cold shoulder response from everybody. “This is not the case of Safiya’s family alone but we have similar kind of reports from many districts to which the returnees under the amnesty scheme belong,” said a top officer in the civil secretariat, pleading not to be named. Another family that returned home when contacted by KNS said that its children suffered for want of school admissions. Some families have also complained that their applications for state subject certificates are not entertained by the district revenue offices. During the recently concluded autumn session of the legislative assembly here, the state government said it has received 1171 applications sofar on behalf of the prospective returnees who are willing to return from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) under its return and rehabilitation policy. In a written response to a question posed by Mehbooba Mufti, the president of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and MLA, the government had said out of 1171 cases 12 have been recommended to the government of India, minister of home affairs for further necessary action. “386 cases are under examination in the home department. Applications of 24 individuals submitted by their relatives could not be considered further by the high level committee under the policy as these individuals have returned via Nepal which is not a recognized route under the policy,” the government reply read. The rest of the applications, the government has said are being scrutinized and verified by the intelligence agencies. The government had further said that besides five ladies who had exflitrated earlier have returned along with 10 children. “Their cases are being dealt with in accordance with law. However, due to some inexplicable reasons, no individual has returned from POK to the state through the
Daily routes identified under the policy so far, therefore, the benefit of the policy could not be extended to any of the individuals.” Pertinently, Mehbooba had asked about the number of youth who have returned from POK under the rehabilitation policy and the details of financial aid etc. provided for rehabilitation after their return to the state indicating also the number of youth having gone back to POK. Ali Mohammad Sagar, minister for rural development when contacted by KNS said: “The return and rehabilitation policy is clear and it addresses all the problems which will be faced by the families that return under this scheme. However, I will issue directions to divisional commissioner to look into the grievances of these families. And I assure you that all necessary steps would be taken to help these families out,” Sagar told KNS.
Court.........
while hearing the petition seeking an independent inquiry by the CBI into the custodial death of Haji Yousuf Saturday asked the Counsel of the petitioner if any of the relations of the deceased are available to be impleaded in the petition. The Supreme Court expressed its willingness to hear son or any close relative of the deceased. The court observed that, “we would prefer to hear the son in this matter. We can understand the need for a third party filing a petition if there is no son or any other family member.” Pertinently, the petition has been filed by National Panthers Party MLA Balwant Singh Monkotia while the counsel of the petitioner is senior advocate Professor Bhim Singh. Singh submitted in the court that Haji Yousuf’s son, Talib Hussain has already filed an affidavit in this regard urging the Apex Court that the Government of J&K should be directed to refer his father’s custodial death case to Central Bureau of Investigation. Prof Bhim Singh has been insisting before the Supreme Court that FIR should lodged on the custodial death of Yousuf Haji. He submitted before the court that the Government had tried to wash its hands in the case by appointing a District Magistrate on the cause of death. After that a retired Judge of Supreme Court was appointed only to cover up the case. He said that inquiry commission cannot investigate the cause of death. He has been advocating strongly for investigation into the cause of the custodial death and the criminal intention of the government to wash the evidence relating to his death. Prof Bhim Singh made a strong submission for the security of Talib Hussain, son of Late Yousuf Haji. The Supreme Court observed, “the State of J&K is here to take care.” On this J&K’s Advocate-General, Mr. M. Qadri assured that, “the Court that Hussain need not have any security-related apprehension.” The Supreme Court shall hear the matter after three weeks.
Minor..........
Tangmarg on Saturday. Pertinently, a Head Constable Kawlain Singh was killed after the vehicle he was driving met an accident following stone pelting by some youth near restive Palhalan in Pattan after Eid prayers in October this year. Police arrested some alleged culprits including a minor Bilal Ahmed Dar son of Abdul Jabbar resident of Bhat Mohalla Palhalan Pattan vide FIR number 263/2013 under section 148, 120A, 153B of RPC. Bilal was bailed out by Sessions Court Baramulla but according to his parents, Pattan police rearrested him soon after they showed bail application to police officials. According to parents, Police booked him again under section 302, 307, 335, 427, 511 of RPC and presented him before the Court of Judicial Magistrate 1st Class Tangmarag, Mr Wajahat who directed police authorities to sent the accused minor in juvenile lockup. Abdul Jabbar Dar the father of the accused told CNS that his son is a minor who never indulged in stone-pelting. “The School record shows his date of birth as September 1, 2001. He is below 14 and studying at Government School Sadrabal, Palhalan,” he said adding that the time when police constable lost his life after stone pelting incident, his son was present at his hosiery shop. “We were shocked when Bilal was arrested by police. He is innocent and police should thoroughly probe the matter,” he said. A top police official confirmed to CNS that Bilal is a
minor but said that he is involved in stone-pelting incident which claimed the precious life of a policeman. “The accused was not only present on the spot of crime but indulged in stone-pelting as well. After thorough investigation it was proved that the accused is not innocent and was the part of the group which attacked the police bus carrying school children,” the police official said.
Suspended..........
communicated by the said medical superintendent in terms of communication dated September 9, 2013. Sources in the health department told KNS that Dr Bhat proceeded on earned leave in anticipation of its sanction, though the concerned medical superintendent had informed the Doctor to submit his service book besides informed him that his leave application cannot be processed in absence of his service book, which has resulted in no response from the concerned Doctor. The concerned Doctor was accordingly informed by the then medical superintendent vide letter dated September 23, 2013 to report his place of posting, but he failed to respond again. Sources told KNS that subsequently the matter with regard to un-authorized absence of Dr Bhat as per the report submitted by the medical superintendent district hospital Kargil from time to time was forwarded by the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir to the Government (Administrative Department) for appropriate necessary action as required under rules. Following the continuous absence of the said Doctor from duty, the Deputy Commissioner, Kargil (Chief Executive Officer, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and Kargil) vides order No. Estt-I/Med-Absent/2005 dated October 29, 2013 placed Dr Bhat under suspension from the date he absconded himself besides necessary charge sheet has been served upon by the concerned medical superintendent to the Doctor on the instructions of Deputy Commissioner, Kargil (Chief Executive Officer, LAHDC, Kargil) , which stands also communicated to the Administrative Department vide letter dated November 13, 2013 by the Directorate of Health Services ,Kashmir with the remarks to take further necessary action against the Doctor as per the rules. The Deputy Commissioner, Kargil has initiated the action against Dr Bhat in terms of the provisions contained in the “Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, ACT, 1997) because the unauthorized absence of the Doctor concerned has put the common people of the said area, where he was posted by the Government purely in the interest of the patient care , to lot of suffering besides putting the department in trouble. “We have served charge sheet to him to which he has already replied. In his reply he said that he is not well and as soon he feels better he will resume duties. His six days casual leave is sanctioned but he is on an unauthorized absence. We wrote him many a times but to no avail. He is still on unauthorized absence from his duties, Dr Mohammad Afzal, the medical superintendent of district hospital Kargil told KNS on Saturday.
Day 3: GMC students continue protests Srinagar, November 30: The undergraduate students of Government Medical College (GMC) here on Saturday continued their protest demonstration, demanding expulsion of those students who have got admissions through dubious means in the CET2012. The protesting students, who abstained from class for the third consecutive day today, took out a peaceful rally from the college to Karan Nagar Chowk and demanded "concrete measures" against those who attained admissions by illegal means.
ZABARWAN TIMES
Modi’s speech won’t affect communal harmony: Omar Srinagar, November 30: organised by J&K Bank C h i e f M i n i s t e r O m a r function here in Srinagar. A b d u l l a h S a t u r d a y According to Kashmir News expressed apprehensions Service chief minister that the Bhartiya Janta further said, “Narendra Modi Party's Prime ministerial may have nothing new to add candidate Narendra Modi’s what people know about speech in Jammu won’t BJP’s attitude and policies a ff e c t t h e c o m m u n a l towards Kashmir. People in harmony in the state. the state have fought their “People are aware about the ideology and will continue to politics of BJP and their do so,”. approach towards the state. On questioning whether he How can we forget about the would allow Modi to visit BJP’s hand in flaring up the Kashmir, Omar said that he violence in Jammu after won’t restrict the BJP leader Kishtwar violence?” he told from carrying out his the reporters on the sidelines p o l i t i c a l a c t i v i t y i n o f a D a s t a k a r i M e l a Kashmir.
CRPF 20 friendship cricket tournament concludes
Shahid Wani welcomed the guests.More Anantnag, November 30: In than twenty teams particithe Finals of T 20 cricket pated in the tournament. tournament organized by Cash prizes of fifty thousand, c r p f 9 0 B n , Yo u n g sports items of sg grade Ashasjipora club defeated worth lakhs of rupees and Showkat memorial cricket trophies and momentos were team by seven wickets. distributed among players. DG CRPF D.K.PATHAK Civil administration, police, was the chief guest of the deptt of youth services and concluding ceremony in his sports and district cricket address he said more such forum extended full support t o u r n a m e n t s w i l l b e to the CRPF in conducting conducted in near future to this tournament. Winners boost the rural talent. On the were given a cash prize of ten demand of public he thousand and trophy and announced change room and runners team got trophy and toilet facility for the players five thousand rupees. CO 90 to be constructed in sports Bn Raj Kumar in his stadium mattan. Earlier DIG concluding remarks thanked CRPF O.S. Charak formally all guests.
Office of the Executive Engineer, Construction Division No. Ist Srinagar Fresh Snow Clearance Stage Tender Notice
Serial NIT No./99/CD-Ist/2013-2014/11418-37 Dated: 29-11-2013
01. For and on behalf of Governor Jammu & Kashmir state, sealed tenders affixed with Rs. 2.00 (Revenue stamps) are invited from the Registered PWD Contractors of any class for the snow clearance of various roads failing under the jurisdiction Construction Division No. Ist Srinagar on Annual Stage basis for the winter of 2013-14 as per the stage list herewith. 02. Tenders written on tender booklet forms issued by any Executive Engineer of any wing of the Public Works Department of Kashmir province will be received in the office of Superintending Engineer, PWD (R&B) Circle Sgr./ Budgam on or before 09-12-2013 upto 2.00 P.M and will be opened by him on the same day or any other subsequent day convenient to the Superintending Engineer, PWD (R&B) Circle Sgr./ Budgam 03. The Superintending Engineer reserves to himself right of accepting or rejecting any tender without assigning any reason or giving any explanation. 04. The tenders bearing conditions or mutilations or submitted telegraphically or on plain paper will not be entertained.
Office of the Executive Engineer R&B Division Pulwama
M/s Ghulam Mohammad Baba (Contractor) S/o Gh. Mohi-ud-din Baba No: T-1/EEP/5541-43 R/o Panthchowk Srinagar Dated: 29-11-2013 Subject:- Construction of Compound walling around International Trade Centre at Sempora Pampore Pulwama Kashmir. Reference:- Chief Engineer PWD (R&B) Kashmir's No: PS/19093-95 Dated: 06-10-2012. Whereas the above noted work stands allotted to you vide Allotment No mentioned above and as per the terms of contract you were bound to start the work within 03 days and complete the same within 120 days. Whereas after initial start and completing the plinth partly, you have abandoned the work and despite several reminders you did not resume the same till date. The intending department is pressing hard for early completion of the same. Whereas the AEE concerned has also served Notice to you but you have been turning a deaf ear. Your inaction on this part has put the undersigned to embarrassing situation before the intending department. Whereas notice was served to you vide this office No: T-l/EEP/5410-12 Dated: 20-11-2013 asking you to resume the work immediately, but you again failed to do so. Whereas despite serving final notice, you even did not resume the work till date. Whereas Director Handicrafts recently telephoned the undersigned conveying here acute displeasure for non-completion of the work. Now you are finally directed to start the work within 03 days from issuance of this notice, failing which higher authorities shall be approached for termination of contract, forfeiture of CDR/cancellation of your registration card and the work shall be put to fresh tenders at your risk and cost. "Treat this notice as final". Sd/- Executive Engineer DIPJK: 10767 R&B Division Pulwama
DIPJK: 10768
Sd/- Executive Engineer
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NEWS
Daily ZABARWAN TIMES
SUNDAY, DECEMBER | 01 | 2013
Amelioration of artisans focused government strategy: Omar their organization and sustained growth and development. “My government took various Mentioning the significance of handicrafts in the state’s economy, new initiatives to encourage youth Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah to find their careers in the high poSaturday said that natural beauty tential handicrafts sector’, he said and artisan’s magical skills have and added that his government obmesmerized the world since ages. tained Geographical Indicators (Pat“However, the damage caused to the ent) for six handicrafts of Pashmina, state’s natural wealth, water bodies Kani Shawl, Papier-machie, Walnut and environment as also downward Wood Carving, Crewel Chain Stitch dip in the manufacturing of world Embroidery and Khatamband. He class quality handicrafts have badly said this has given new dimension to impacted both these sectors during the production of these handicrafts the recent past”, he said adding that in the state and catapulted its marmuch focus is required to restore the ketability across the world. “This has glory of this heritage of Jammu and recognized the patent and originality of these handicrafts and gave filKashmir. Addressing a Dastkaar Mela or- lip to the status of artisans all across money lenders. “Now they are no ganized by J&K Bank in collabora- the world”, he said. The Chief Minister said that the more required to get finance from tion with Handicrafts department initiatives of his government to the middlemen and agents for manat Badamwari near here, the Chief Minister said that right from day provide Artisans Credit Cards to the ufacturing of their products, they first his government paid focused artisans of the state on the analogy can use the credit card facility for attention on reviving the world fa- of Kissan Credit Cards would give this purpose”, he said adding that Lone News Kangan Khan Jammu News Agency Ganderbal and Kashmir Bank has proimmunity to the artisans of getting mous handicrafts by addressing theAgency in this regard. exploited by the middlemen and difficulties of artisans Gulzar and helping News Agency Soura Zahidvided Bookspecial Depotwindow Chadoora Srinagar, November 30:
Zabarwan Times is available at
“We have also provided modern carpet looms to the carpet weavers to facilitate their working. Some 8000 looms have been distributed among the beneficiaries so far free of cost and many more are in the process of distribution”, he told the gathering of artisans present on the occasion.
Tariq News Agency Hawal Bashir News Agency Nowhatta Muzaffar Ali News Agency Alamgari Bazar Budshah News Agency Lal Chowk Abdullah News Agency Lal Chowk Sikendar News Agency Lal Chowk Gupkari News Agency Lal Chowk Raina News Agency Gund Kangan Khan News Agency Regal Chowk Rashid News Agency Dalgate Sheikh News Agency Hyderpora Hilal News Agency Budgam Udhampur, November, 30: Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Chadoora cial year. He said there has Rizvi, Addl. Commissioner Jammu, November 30: Bhat News Agency Magam Zargar News Agency Kunzar been a contribution of all the CTD Jammu Mr P. I. Khateeb, While reviewing the decenDar Newsthree Agency Beerwah BashirCommissioner News Agency Fi-Sumbal regions of the state viz Additional In a Landmark achievetralisation of powers to PRI’s Mr. Showkat and Pattan Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh nanceSaleem ment, the CommercialReshi TaxesNews Agency Safapora NewsAijaz Agency Dr Shehnaz Ganai today conin thisAgency stupendous revenue all Deputy department (CTD) is allBasharat set to News Bandipora ReyazCommissioners News AgencyofPampore vened a meeting in Uhmapur CTD Jammu Div. were present to sortout the hindrances register all-time high revenue growth. Altaf News Agency Pulwama Javaid News Agency Qazigund Maintaining that state’s in the meeting. of Rs 5100 Crore during the if any in implementation of Jeelani Agency Baramulla News Agency Sopore Mr.G.M Rather enjoined upon economic performance largely current financial year which is News transfer of powers at Grass Shah News Agencyupon Kupwara SultanofNews the officers CTD toAgency set highHandwara depends efficiency of almost three times increased root level. Addl District Dev of public relations Islamabad the Commercial Taxes Depart- standards against revenue of RsYounis 1823 News Agency Langate Sheikh News Agency Commissioner Udhampur dealing with the tradment (CTD), Islamabad the Minister has whileThree Crore in 2008-09, when theNews Reshi Agency Way News Agencyand Tralsectoral officers of fourpresent government took over. called for an effective moni- ers and tax payers adding teen Departments were presTurray News Agency Tral Badru News Agency Bijbehara This was stated by the toring mechanism to plug tax that in no case any genuine ent in the meeting. RahiLa-News Agency Kulgam Malik Newsfeel Agency should unnec-Arwani pilferages optimally adding tax payer Minister for Finance and She said that, the real moNewsthat Agency Byepass Shaheen NewsHeAgency harassed. said Kargil tax evaders should in no essarily dakh affairs Mr. AbdulRah Rahim tive of holding Panchayat
Rather for tightening noose against Tax evaders
Rather at a high level meeting convened here today to review the performance of the Commercial Taxes department, Jammu division. The Minister said that the revenue realised by the CTD during last fiscal was to the tune of Rs 4348 crore, adding that “I have been assured by the senior officers of the department that revenue of Rs. 5100 Crore will be achieved by the end of current finan-
way get scot free. He urged for a concerted effort for increasing tax revenue, adding that a sustained recovery drive should be taken against the wilful defaulters. He asked the concerned officers and field agencies to get hold of all tax evaders without any fear and favour, besides pursuing stay cases pending disposal in different courts. The Commissioner Commercial Taxes, Mr. Kifayat
Meeting people’s aspirations Govt’s prime duty: Bhalla Jammu, November 30: Reiterating Government’s determination to provide better basic amenities to the people in every nook and corner of the State, Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture Mr. Raman Bhalla today said that Government has taken several innovative measures to raise the living standard of the people including those residing in peripheral areas of the urban centers.The Minister was interacting with the people at public grievance redressal camps held at Jeevan Nagar, Udham Nagar and Nanak Nagar, here today. During the camps, the Minister assessed development related issues of the people and assured these would be mitigate on priority basis. Officers of PHE, PDD, JMC, R&B and UEED were present on the occasion. Mr. Bhalla said instructions have been issued to the allied department to launch door-to-door visit for solving developed related issues of the people on priority basis. He said Government was committed to provide every infrastructural facilities to the people at their door step. Mr. Bhalla asked the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) to complete all the works like up-gradation of lanes and drains with grating, modernisation of nallah within stipulated time frame. The Minister said people’s participation is imperative in the development of the state as they are the main stakeholders in this process. He called upon the people to extend their cooperation and keep a watch on the implementation of schemes for better results on the ground. Mr. Bhalla also directed the PHE functionaries to lay water supply pipes in the water deficit areas of the Nanak Nagar and Udham Nagar.
the performance of every employee in the CTD department is being closely monitored as the department has a crucial role in the state’s economic scenario. ‘’ Dead wood shall not be allowed to continue in this important department’’, Mr. Rather added. He said holding of review meetings of CTD has a primary objective to gauge the performance of every officer in his respective circle.
Stressing upon the wards of police personnel for getting modern education, the Director General of Police (DGP), Mr. Ashok Prasad has said that access to quality education to make career bright was all the more necessary in the present era of competitive world. He said that the parents to have responsibilities to guide their wards towards right path so that they could become responsible citizens of the society. Congratulating the wards of serving police personnel for qualifying the competitive examinations during the year 2012-13, Mr. Prasad today sanctioned special cash rewards out of Central Police Welfare Fund with Commendation Certificates in favour of these wards. The students who have qualified the competitive examination in (Medical and Engineering Schemes) are Mr. Rizwan Ahmed, who qualified for BDS, S/O Mohammad Azeem Quershi, Dy. SP (Poonch), Ms. Sumyra Jan for BE (E&C), D/O Fayaz Ahmed,
Panchayati Raj an agent of social change: Dr Shehnaz
elections in the state was the empowerment of the rural masses in policy implementation and formulation which since its successful holding is fast-treading the path of achievement of its goals as people have started aligning with the democratic process of the state polity through their active participation. Without naming anybody she said that for petty political gains some vested interests
are always trying to create a wedge between the Govt and the people any always try to create a divide within the elected body of the members just to settle their ulterior political motives. She said that people have reposed highest faith and trust in you. Your success is in your befitting performance, and not in propagating the political agenda of a political party. she said and added that the success of Panchayati Raj lies in the sincere, honest and efficient functioning of the elected panchayat members. Asserting that power necessarily brings responsibilities with it, Dr Shehnaz said panchayats are basic pillars of democracy and asked the panchayat members to make public service the standard of their functioning. The effectiveness of democracy greatly depends on the association of the people
at diverse administrative fields. The Panchayati Raj has been introduced with a view to associating people with administration at the grassroot level and people have been assigned an active role in the formulation and implementation of their plans, added Dr Shehnaz. Dr Ganai said that, Panchayats can play very vital role in the process of political legitimisation and develop a sense of public participation for the best implementation of the political as well as the social and economic integrity of the local environments. Dr Ganai said that responsiveness of PRI to the needs and aspirations of the people, are imperative to good governance. Democracy depends upon the equality of all human beings, their right to participate in social and political transformation and the right to development and to live in dignity.
Wani inaugurates motorable bridge at Muradpur Rajouri Rajouri, November 30: Minister for Roads & Buildings Mr. Abdul Majid Wani today inaugurated motorable bridge at Muradpur in Rajouir District. The 152 mtrs double span bridge was constructed by Jammu & Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation by utilizing Rs. 9.30 crore within record time. The bridge is a life line for the people of Rajouri and Kalakot Constituencies and a long pending demand of the people of the area was fulfilled. With the completion of this project over four lakh people of 40 panchayats of Muradpur and Dhangri area would get benefitted with this vital link. The Minister, who was on 2-day tour of twin border district of Rajouri and Poonch also addressed a series of public meeting highlighting the achievements registered by the present Government and action plans for further course of action. Highlighting the importance of road connectivity, the Minister said that it is directly linked with socio-economic profile of people and holistic development of the State. He said that the development and upgradation of road communication is in
Prasad congratulates police wards for qualifying competitive exams Jammu, November 30:
Omar Abdullah also referred to the help provided by the Craft Development Institute and Carpet Technology Institute to the artisans for the growth and development of handicrafts. While underlining the importance of preserving the heritage and age old handicrafts designs, he said that new designs with heritage bearing should be introduced and products of day to day use manufactured to attract the present day consumer towards these items. He said computer covers, telephone covers and other such marketable items could be manufactured giving them heritage handicrafts touch of world famous Kashmir handicrafts and art. The Chief Minister said that as per a survey report more than 3.75 lakh families are reported to be directly and indirectly involved in the handicrafts sector for earning their livelihood. “This is a big chunk of population and requires equal attention in the development policy of the state.
Head Constable of Telecommunication, Mr. Jevitesh Thakur for BE (Mechanical, S/O Dewari Chand, Head Constable of Armed Police), Mr. Nikhil Nariana for BE (Electrical), S/O Naroltam Singh, Assistant Sub-Inspector and Mr. Zahid Iqbal Lone for MBBS, S/O Ghulam Mohi-u-Din, Head Constable. Giving details, Mr. Prasad said that in the present times our youth have to face tough competition to find a place in any professional discipline. He informed that the Jammu and Kashmir Police Organization has been conducting free coaching and counselling classes for these wards to prepare them for participation in competitive examinations. He advised the students to take advantage of these schemes to make their career bright and prosperous. Further, the DGP said that during current year till date, more than Rs. 45 lacs have been disbursed among 1786 police wards as scholarships out of Central Police Welfare Fund. He said it is prime duty of Organization to take care of wards of personnel and lead them towards a prosperous future.
HOROSCOPE Aries
March 21-April 19
Your mind could be especially active today. Perhaps you’ll discover a new talent you didn’t know you had, such as writing, drawing or speaking. Ideas for stories, sketches, or lectures might come thick and fast. Write them down. Computers are particularly useful now. You might have to execute some paperwork concerning money, but this should get accomplished quickly and easily.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Your tendency is to rush headlong into a new project. Not everyone is caught up in your enthusiasm. Be careful not to steamroll over those you care about most. Your partner, especially, feels a bit miffed and left out at the moment. Do what you can to soothe any ruffled feathers. It might be time to set aside your project in favor of a romantic outing.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Out with the old and in with the new! That seems to be your mantra for the day, especially where your home is concerned. Your energy and motivation are high. If anyone can execute a complete one-day redecoration, you can. But even you can get hurt when trying to move a sofa by yourself. Enlist help, but be careful not to work them too hard. Not everyone has your energy!
Cancer June 22-July 22
You might have a few projects in mind that you’ll want to work on today. Your mind is especially quick and agile, and you have a lot of great ideas that can make your efforts turn out the way you want. Conversations with those close to you may provide even more possibilities. Whatever you choose to work on, you should be pleased with the results.
Leo
July 23-August 22 Are you one of those people who thinks that your bank account can’t be overdrawn as long as you still have checks in your checkbook? As bad as you think your financial situation is, your problems are easily reconciled. It’s not that you’re spending more money than you have, but that you’re not keeping track of what you spend. Better recordkeeping will help ease your anxiety.
Virgo
August 23-September 22
Today is good for relationships. Regardless of whether it’s personal or professional, you can expect good things to happen. You may be called upon to participate in an unusual group project and strike up some potentially beautiful friendships. At home your mate may be especially thoughtful and demonstrative. You radiate an aura of love and warmth, and people respond in kind.
Libra
September 23-October 23 You deserve a day off. Why not play hooky from your duties and surround yourself with beautiful works of art? Better yet, try to create some yourself. Admit it, you’ve been hankering to try a creative endeavor. Why not begin today? Your creativity and intuition are at an all-time high. The combination might produce something of real merit.
Scorpio
October 24-November 21
the focused attention of Government, adding that work on various mega vital links is underway and a number of projects are in pipeline. He said, besides R&B Department, various Central Government agencies have also been engaged for execution of these mega road projects in the state for ensuring cent per cent road connectivity in the State. Mr. Wani said that hundreds of new bridges and vital road links have been constructed and existing ones have been taken into hand for up-gradation to provide easy accessibility to
the people. The road communication is also being strengthened in hilly and remote areas under PMGSY for ensuring prosperity and development of the people living in these areas of the state, he maintained. Responding to the demands of the locals at Muradpur, for disbursement of land compensation against the land acquired for construction of approach road to connect Muradpur bridge, the Minister directed the concerned for early disbursement of compensation to the owners of the land.
Efforts on to preserve Eidgah for posterity: Gul Srinagar, November 30: The Speaker, J&K Legislative Assembly, Mr. Mubarak Gul today said that Eidgah is being developed on modern lines and more land is being acquired for its expansion so that the historic importance of Eidgah is being preserved for the future generation. Mr. Gul was addressing a public gathering after laying foundation stone of ‘’Rehman Dar Community Hall’’ near Eidgah Alnoor School Dana Mazar today. An amount of Rs. 99 lakh are being spent on the execution of work of Community Hall by JKPCC. He said the Community Hall will be equipped with all necessary facilities for the convenience of public. Mr. Gul said that Handicraft good and other attractions will be showcased in the Community Hall for the visiting tourists. The Speaker further said that 65 kanal land is being identified for construction of a new College in Eidgah area besides a Rehabilitation Home will be constructed for old aged persons. He said construction of a hos-
pital is under consideration in Noor Bagh area for providing quality medicare facilities especially to children and women folk. Referring to repairs and renovation work on Aali Masjid Eidgah, Mr. Gul said that the work is apace. Speaking about the steps being taken
You have an exciting, intense day in store. Your curiosity is at a peak, and today it combines with a vivid imagination. This makes you ideally suited for medical research projects, as it gives you the ability to make connections among seemingly disparate themes. Regardless of your profession, you can expect to see the world in an entirely new way today.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
It’s likely that you’ve been working too hard and too long. Don’t you think the time has come for a bit of a break? Even if you manage to drag yourself out of bed, you’re unlikely to accomplish much. When your heart isn’t in it, it’s difficult for your mind to work. A few days of rest and relaxation will rejuvenate you. Perhaps you should take a short jaunt out of town.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Flowers and fresh plants can perk up your mood as well as your home. You may feel your abode is looking a bit shabby. Simple tricks to improve its appearance will do wonders for your outlook. Go to a kitchen store and splurge on a few new items. Put a pot of herbs in a window. You’ll be amazed at the change in your mood and in the room!
Aquarius January 20-February 18
As much as you want to change your financial situation, don’t act rashly. If there are several options to choose from, you’re advised to refrain from making any decision until your thoughts have crystallized. If you feel in a hurry to make progress, you can record your options so you have them to review in the light of a clearer day.
Pisces
February 19-March 20 for improvement of drainage system in Eidgah area, Speaker said that Government is aware of the problems confronting people and all out efforts are being put in to facilitate to people on all fronts of development.
Try as you might, you may spend the better part of the day with your foot in your mouth. It’s one of those days when anything you say to clear up the confusion only confuses matters more. You want to spend a fun evening with friends but fear you’ll only make matters worse. Your friends love you even on days when your social skills aren’t at their peak!
Editorial/Opinion The Daily
Zabarwan Times Sunday, 01 December 2013
Child labour a challenge for the society
C
hild labour is not only a crime against humanity but also a penal offence and a religious sin. However despite the legal ban child labour menace continues unabated throughout the country. It is a real shame that all of us who advocate against the child labour encourage the fame in one way or the other. From factories to the homes from hotels to carpet weaving industry the child labour exists everywhere. The minors and under aged children are being exploited and recruited as petty laborers and paid very meager wages. Even if somebody or some organization pays them their due wages still it is against the law to exploit these minor children who otherwise should be in schools and educational institutions. In fact there is a total misconception about labour laws and the people need to be made aware of them. Unless and until people are aware about the labour laws they can never contribute to stop this menace. It is unethical and against human values to take the, most difficult jobs from these children whose bodies and physical strength is not capable of what is being taken from them. In the factories they are given the most hazardous jobs which are not fit for them and which results in deterioration of their health in the coming years. Some of them are even left handicapped for the whole of their age. In these factories no compensation is given to them or nobody takes care and ultimately they are on the roads to beg for their lively hood. Similarly in the transport sector many of the children are either killed or left handicapped but nobody cares about them and there is no policy of any kind of insurance either from the government or from the transporters. A child labour menace cannot be controlled through enactment of laws. It can be eradicated only when the whole society joins hands against this menace and creates awareness about the exploitation of the minor children. Government agencies especially the police department which has shed its eyes at present has to come alive and take stern action against those people who take jobs from minor children exploiting them because of their poverty. The legal agencies especially those non governmental organizations who provide free legal aid to the deserving people have to give more attention towards child labour and contribute for its stoppage. Unless all concern are together the child labour and the exploitation of minor children will continue and there will be no halt to it.
Daily
ZABARWAN TIMES 9
Sunday, 01 December 2013
Economic Prosperity and Healthy India I
n a competitive globalised economy comparative advantage often lies with those who can innovate and deliver cost effective solutions. If the Information Technology Industry was responsible for the present growth of India, then the future of India lies in the growth of the bio-medical industry. Globalization brings with it increasing threats to health including SARS, Avian Flu, HIV/ AIDS, Humanitarian Emergencies and Bio-terrorism. These and other threats to health know no boundaries as in an age of wide spread global trade and travel, new and existing diseases can cross national borders and threaten our collective security. The importance of dialogues and experience sharing among experts worldwide can therefore be lost on none. Only strong collaboration amongst both developing and developed nations, increased information sharing and robust public health systems and surveillance can enable us to contain the threats to international health security. At a more basic level the promotion of health is a fundamental value by itself, a vital public good and a basic human right. Instruments such as the Human Development Index have forced governments to redefine development.The importance of Universal access to health including water, sanitation and nutrition are essential to a balanced development. India has both substantial achievements as well as a daunting unfinished agenda in the health sector. Longevity in the country has more than doubled since Independence in 1947; Infant Mortality Rate has fallen by 70% points; Malaria has been contained; Small pox and Guinea worm have been completely eradicated and Leprosy and Polio are nearing elimination. In the preceding 5 years over 500, 000 deaths have been averted due to the up scaling of the Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS). The Indian doctors are comparable to the best in the world and the country provides world class facilities for performing sophisticated procedures at a fraction of the cost of similar procedures in much of the developed world. Working Against Odds However, these achievements do not mask India’s failures. Malnutrition and rates of infant and maternal deaths have stagnated during the last decade. Although India accounts for 16.5% of the global population, it contributes to a fifth of the world’s share of diseases; a third of the diarrhoeal diseases, TB, Respiratory and other infections and parasitic infestations as well as perinatal conditions; a quarter of maternal conditions, a fifth of nutritional deficiencies, diabetes and the second largest number of HIV/ AIDS cases after SouthAfrica. There have been insufficient investments in public health in the past and the absence of social insurance coupled with the unpredictability of illnesses requiring substantial amounts of money at short notice is reportedly impoverishing an estimated 3.3% of India’s population every year. The public health system is overwhelmed by the co-existence of communicable and infectious diseases along side an emerging upsurge of non-communicable diseases. It is estimated that by 2015 the number of
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HIV/AIDS cases would be 3 times more than the current level as would be the prevalence level of TB cases. Perinatal and child hood conditions are not expected to decline significantly. What is also of concern is the expected increase in India’s disease burden due to non-communicable diseases. Cardio vascular diseases and diabetes will more than double, cancers will rise by 25% and mental health incidences will affect about 6.5% of the populace. These and other noncommunicable diseases are expensive to treat and India’s focus will be on adopting preventive strategies. Access to clean water and sanitation services and better hygienic practices like hand-washing will reduce diarrhaoea. Likewise, increasing advocacy and awareness efforts against tobacco use will reduce CVD, lung and oral cancers drastically. Promotion of exercise and yoga is increasingly acknowledged to reduce stress and obesity, diabetes and other lifestyle diseases. National Rural Health Mission The National Rural Health Mission is an attempt at building a sustainable health system for the country. It attempts to address long standing ailments of the health system including poor management of resources, centralized decision making, inadequate financing, irregular supplies of drugs and equipments, unacceptable level of absenteeism, corruption, absence of performance based monitoring, inadequate accountability, wanting HRD policies, fragmented and overlapping policies and programmes and inadequate participation of the private sector. At its most simple and fundamental level the National Rural Health Mission is about decentralization and empowering local communities beginning at the village level to plan for their own health care needs. At a macro level the NRHM through enhanced political priority has energized the health sector across the country. It has through institutional reforms and flexible financing led to convergent action on the part of local communities as well as pubic institutions resulting in significantly enhanced number of functional health facilities, increase in out patient cases, higher number of institutional birth deliveries and improved immunization coverage. Close to 350,000 Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) have been positioned at the village level. The ASHAs are literally beacons of hope, they are all women, a part of the local community, trained in preventive health care, community mobilizers and activists all rolled into a single persona. They promote sanitation and hygiene amongst the local communities, disseminate information on basic preventive health care and facilitate access to public health facilities particularly for women and children. It is believed that this is one innovation under the NRHM which will have a transformational impact on health care in rural India. The village health outposts, i.e. the 1,41,000 sub-centers have been provided with untied funds to tackle contingencies; 2045 of the 3220 Community Health Centers have been identified for upgradation to Indian Public Health Standards and over 10,000 health facilities have established patient welfare
committees (Rogi Kalyan Samities). Over 200,000 doctors, 12000 midwives, 7500 staff nurses and 1200 paramedics have been appointed on contract basis to fill critical manpower gaps in the public health care facilities. To improve planning and monitoring as well as fund usage over 1300 professional Chartered Accountants and MBAs have been laterally inducted into the health sector in support of the NRHM. In terms of outcomes this has meant an intensification of India’s determination to eliminate polio, vaccination of over 9 million children against Japanese encephalitis, elimination of neonatal tetanus from 7 states, full immunization coverage at 54% at the national level and 2 million institutional deliveries – all in the course of last one year. Over 1.3 million monthly health and nutrition days have been organized in the rural areas, 1 million Village Health and Sanitation Committees have been constituted and school health programmes initiated across large part of the country. Intensive training schedules are being delivered in critical areas such as Anesthesia, Skilled Birth Attendance and Emergency Obstetrics. National and State level Health Systems Resource Centers are being established to provide technical assistance. Monitoring and evaluation of the programme has been initiated by Development Partners such as the UNFPA/ UNICEF/ GTZ as well as by the independent Institute of Public Auditors of India. The design of the ambitious community based monitoring system is nearing completion. Growing Bioscience Industry India’s bio diversity, human resources, infrastructure facilities and a supportive government hold the promise of making it a potential star in the biomedical field in the coming years which would include the pharma, bioinformatics, health care and the R&D sectors. India’s advantage in IT will enable the growth of its bioscience industry. India is also poised to take the global leadership in genome analysis, as it is in a unique position in terms of genetic resources having several ethnic populations that are valuable in providing information about disease predisposition and susceptibility, which in turn will help in drug discovery. The recent regulatory and much awaited patent law changes have led the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry towards exploring newer avenues of drug development, thus, promising higher capital investment in the pharmaceutical industry in the near future. The Indian Pharm aceutical Research is backed by strong Government support and availability of surplus skilled technical workers at lower costs. At a growth rate of 9 per cent per year, the pharmaceutical industry in India is well set for rapid expansion. As a result of the expansion, the Indian pharmaceutical and healthcare market is undergoing a spurt of growth in its coverage, services, and spending in the public and private sectors. The healthcare market has opened a window of opportunities in the medical device field and has boosted clinical trials in India. India’s impact on the global biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry is accelerating. From quality supply of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to
discovery of new chemical entities (NCEs), this sector is finally coming of age. The challenge, of course, lies in whether the Indian chrysalis will metamorphose profitably through innovation or will choose the less risky pathway to grow beyond generics through contract manufacturing and other services to make its presence felt worldwide. Drug discovery may be feasible but, just like U.S.-based small cap biotechnology companies, Indian companies will have to look for partners to help bring any successful innovation to market. This realization has already spurred acquisitions, alliances between the Indian and global pharmaceuticals in R&D, and outsourcing of services and clinical trials. The key to the success of Indian pharmaceutical companies is their ability to retain their cost advantage while matching the quality standards of the west. But lower costs alone cannot be enough. Availability of skilled manpower and a favorable regulatory environment that assures compliance with global norms are the other two legs underpinning success. The service sector in particular is witnessing robust growth. With a growing skill set and capacity in contract research (from combinatorial chemistry to high throughput screening to assay development and validation to clinical trials) and contract manufacture, Indian companies are increasingly becoming preferred partners for western biopharmaceutical companies seeking to bring their products to the market in a timely and cost-effective manner. Health Tourism Another area in which India has a competitive advantage is health tourism. In the last five years, the number of patients visiting India for medical treatment rose from 10,000 to about 150,000. With an annual growth rate of 30 percent, India is already inching closer to Singapore, an established medical care hub that attracts 150,000 medical tourists a year. Hospitals in India can conduct the latest medical procedures at very low costs. An estimated 100,000 “Medical Tourists” visited India last year, representing a 20 per cent jump over the previous year. More and more people have started traveling to India for Medical Treatment and Medical Tourism is finally coming of age. India boasts of several good private owned hospitals with facilities second to none. They have some of the best doctors, with most top end being educated in USA and UK. When it comes to becoming a doctor, India also has some of the stringest criteria. Language is another plus factor - English, which is widely spoken throughout the country and in all good hospitals. Furthermore, the costs are much lower than most countries and most importantly, there are no waiting lists. Medical Tourism companies in India have introduced several packages for patients traveling to India making it convenient for the patient to have peace of mind during travel without the tension of what to do next. With the introduction of the medical visa, it will now be easier than ever to travel to India. This aptly shows that whether you are an entrepreneur or a sick person in need of care, India is where you need to be.
Wetlands of India
etlands are lands transitional for inclusion in the Ramsar list of Wetlands eutrophication of natural wetlands due to between terrestrial and aquatic of International Importance. surface run-off and uncontrolled growth of weeds results in consequent decay. systems where the water table is Wetlands are: usually at or near the surface or the land is · Life support systems. Loss of Wetland Biodiversity covered by shallow water. They are areas of · Winter resorts for variety of birds for shelter On the basis of information received from ZSI, BSI, Wetland International-South Asia. marsh, fen, peat land or water, whether and feeding. natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, · Suitable habitats for fish and other flora and SACON, WWF-India, Wildlife Division in with water that is static or flowing, fresh, fauna. the Ministry, the biodiversity of wetlands brackish or salt, including areas of marine · Effective in flood control, waste water (freshwater species of both Iotic and lentic) water the depth of which at low tide does not treatment, reducing sediment loads and has declined marginally during the period, in nature and environment. This includes several exceed six meters. It is globally the most recharging of aquifers. widely accepted definition. However, in the · Valuable for their educational and scientific species of freshwater fishes and Prawn, e.g. Indian context, paddy fields are not to be interest (especially their high diversity or Mahaseer, Chital, Mullets and Hilsa. Giant viewed as covered by this definition. species richness). Fresh water prawn and aquatic avifauna like Government of India has taken various steps · Recreational benefits (swimming, Saras Crane, etc. The Report entitled “Inland Water Lands of India-Conservation for controlling of shrinkage of wetlands, diving/tourism). management, identification of wetlands for There are many threats to wetlands. The Priorities” by Salim Ali Centre for conservation under National Wetland faunal resources are mostly over-exploited. Ornithology & Natural History (SACON) Conservation Programme. Financial In rural areas, the wetlands are converted for presents information about wetlands of the assistance is also released time to time to agriculture and aquaculture. Because of size of 2 hectare and above in 72 districts various State Governments for conservation formation of wetlands, habitat shrinks. In located in 10 States, wetlands in 33 districts in and management of such wetlands. urban areas construction of buildings the studied category are reported to have Ecological Significance of Wetlands r e d u c e s w e t l a n d s . Tr e m e n d o u s undergone spatial reduction. 94 wetlands An inter-governmental treaty was signed anthropogenic pressure also results in rapid covering 23 States and one UT have been during a convention on Wetlands, in Ramsar, destruction of habitat. Uncontrolled siltation identified under National Wetland Iran in 1971 which provides the framework of rivers and wetlands reduces the water Conservation Programme for carrying out for National Action and International holding capacity which reduce the amount conservation activities. Wetlands in India are Cooperation for the Conservation and wide of available water during dry period. distributed in different geographical regions use of wetlands and their resources. There Discharge of freshwater and industrial ranging from Himalayas to Deccan plateau. are presently, 154 Contracting Parties to the effluents into reservoirs, altering the water The variability in climatic conditions and Convention, with 1669 wetland sites, quality as well as the natural population of changing topography is responsible for totalling 151.07 million hectares, designated several sensitive species, accelerated significant diversity. They are classified into
different types based on their origin, vegetation, nutrient status, thermal characteristics. India has twelve different types of wetlands. They are: · Glaciatic Wetlands (Tso Morari in J&K, Chandertal in H.P), · Tactonic Wetlands (Khajjiar in H.P and Nainital & Bhimtal in Uttaranchal), · Oxbow Wetlands (Dal, Wullar in J&K and Loktak lake in Manipur and some of the wetlands in the river plains of Brahmaputra and Indo-Gangetic region. Deepar Beel in Assam, Kabar in Bihar and Surahtal in U.P.) · Lagoons (Chilika in Orissa) · Crater wetlands (Lonar lake in Maharashtra) · Salt water Wetlands (Pangong Tso in J&K and Sambhar in Rajasthan) · Urban Wetlands (Dal lake in J&K, Nainital in Uttaranchal & Bhoj in Madhya Pradesh) · Ponds/Tanks: Man-made Wetlands (Harike in Punjab and Pong Dam, H.P). · Reservoirs (Idukkj, Hirakud Dam, BhakraNangal, Govind-Sagar) · Mangrove (Bhitarkanika, Orissa) · Creeks (Thane Creek, Maharashtra) sea grasses, estuaries, thermal springs are some of the other kinds of wetlands in the country. National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP) The country had only 94 wetland areas till 1987. 24 States have been covered under NWCP.
Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer.