Zabarwan Times E-Paper English 02 August

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August 02 | 2013 | 23 ramzan 1434 AH | PAGES 12 |

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VOL NO: 3 | iSSUE NO: 188 | rS: 2/- (Air SUrCHArGE FOr JAMMU /DELHi/LEH 50 PAiSA)

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Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K

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Man dies of asphyxiation Srinagar, August 01: Pall of gloom descended in the outskirts of Srinagar City when a labourer died due to asphyxiation while digging a well.

Police sources said that two labourers Mohammad Saleem Khan and Abdul Rashid Paloo were busy in digging well at Sikandarpora, Rainawari on Thursday morning.

“Abdul Rashid felt unconscious and sensing trouble Mohammad Saleem jumped into the well to drag him out.

Surprisingly, while dragging Rashid out, Saleem himself felt unconscious and died on spot,” a police official told CNS adding that Saleem might have inhaled poisonous gas which emanated while digging the well The deceased has been identified as Mohammad Saleem Khan son of Ghulam Mohammad Khan of Chaudary Bagh, Rainawari.

Girl ends her life in Anantnag Srinagar August 01: A 17 years old girl (name with held) resident of Batapora Larnoo, Anantnag, consumed some poisonous substance at her home in the jurisdiction of police station Kokernag. She was shifted to Public health Centre Larnoo, where from she was referred to District Hospital Anantnag, where she breathed her last. A case has been registered in this regard.

Laborer dies in Srinagar Srinagar August 01: A non-local laborer died in a fall while working at construction site in Srinagar.

A 25 years old Manesh son of Manu Lal resident of Hararya Bihar, fell from a roof top of a Quarters building at Naaz Colony where he was working.

He received critical injuries in the fall and was shifted to the hospital, however, he succumbed to his injuries on way to the hospital.

5 LeT militants killed in Handwara: Army

10 militants killed in last 72 hours in Kupwara Srinagar, August 01: Five Lashker-e-Toiba militants were killed during a three-day long encounter with army in forest area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 15 Corps said here on Thursday.

Addressing reporters, the GOC Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh said that army’s Kilo Force had launched the operation in Hafrada forests in the frontier district on July 29.

“Five Lashker-e-Toiba (militants) have been killed so far and five

AK-47 Rifles and other war-like stores have been recovered from the encounter site,” he said, according to KNS correspondent. A few army soldiers were also injured in the operation, he said, adding that all of them are stable.

The group of heavily armed militants, he said, was part of part of an infiltration group which has managed to reach the area. “The search operation in the area in still continuing,” he added. With this, he said, the number of militants killed in Kupwara district in the past 72 hours has risen to eleven and

five of them were neutralized during counterinfiltration operations along the LoC. “Four infiltrating militants were killed in Macchil Sector on Tuesday, while a militant was shot dead and two other injured in Keran sector of Kupwara district a day before yesterday (on Monday),” he added.

The GoC dedicated the success to “dedicated soldiers and commanders on the ground.

“I am pound of them, their dedication and resolve,” he added. He also said that two more operations were going on in the north Kashmir.

To a question, the army officer declined to give exact number of militants who are operational in Kashmir Valley. “It may not be proper for me to give exact number of militants.” Earlier in the day, while addressing a press conference in Baramulla along with DIG J P Singh, Commanding Officer of 5 sector RR, G P Mahtoo had said that 19 militants have been killed during last ten days in the north Kashmir’s Baramulla and Kupwara districts.

By then, there were reports that four militants were killed in Hafrada forests.

Azad flags off National Teeka Express from Alwar Rajasthan New Delhi, August 01: The National Teeka Express was launched by Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare in the presence of Shri Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (IC) for Youth Affairs & Sports at Alwar, Rajasthan today. It has been launched to protect children from life-threatening childhood diseases.

It may be mentioned that under Routine Immunization Programme, ANMs collect vaccines from storage point (cold chain point) and transport them to session sites, i.e. either Subcentre or Anganwari centre for carrying out vaccination. From 2005-06, Govt. of India is providing support for distribution of vaccine from last storage point to outreach immunization session sites at Sub-centres/ Anganwaris, known as Al-

ternate Vaccine Delivery (AVD) under NRHM. Rs. 79.3 crores was allocated to the states as support for Alternate Vaccine Delivery in 2012-13.

But Government of India noticed gaps in the imple-

mentation of Alternate Vaccine Delivery in difficult areas with low access to healthcare services. Many a times ANMs have to collect the vaccines on the day preceding the immunization day, which may compromise the cold chain maintenance and possible loss of potency of vaccine.

Improper storage could also

lead to Adverse Events Following Immunization.

For this reason, Government of India has launched this innovative and ambitious initiative of Teeka Express. Designated vehicles under the brand name of ‘National Teeka Express’ will help not only in distribution of the vaccines and complementary logistics from last cold chain point to immunization session sites but will also ensure holding of sessions at the mobile vaccination centre now.

In order to reduce vaccine wastage and ensure better utilization of vaccines, including costly vaccines like Pentavalent vaccine ‘Teeka Express’ will be used with reverse cold chain to bring back the open and un-used vaccines for use in subsequent sessions. The Teeka Express will also serve as a mobile healthcare delivery See Azad on Pg. 11

Soz is political Mufti seeks decisive mandate 4 militants arrested for turncoat who stabbed SPO’s killing, attacking to solve Kashmir issue our back: Kamal Sarpanch Udhampur, August 01:

Srinagar, August 01:

Calling State Congress Chief Professor Saif-u-Din Soz as a political turncoat, National Conference Additional General Secretary Dr Shiekh Mustafa Kamal Thursday said that from time to time Soz stabbed in the back

of National Conference.

“We gave him prominence, provided him platform and contrary he stabbed our back and is spewing venom against us behind the curtains,” Kamal told news gathering agency CNS adding that Soz possesses See Kamal on Pg. 11

Seeking decisive mandate of the people to solve all contentious issues, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said the PDP has created a new space within the democratic system for the resolution of Kashmir issue. “Having emerged as a strong regional force, PDP shall have a crucial role to play in the new democratic discourse to the resolution of vexed Kashmir problem”,

Mufti said while addressing an impressive public meeting organized here today in connection with the foundation day celebrations of the

party.

“Give us a decisive mandate and we will solve the Kashmir issue by involving all stake holders”, Mufti promised and added that his party has potential to engage main-stream parties as well as other groups, who are outside the mainstream, to evolve a wide-range consensus on the solution of this problem.

While quoting promises made by his party, Mufti said, “PDP being conscious See Mufti on Pg. 11

Srinagar, August 01: By arresting four cadres of Hizbul Mujahideen, Jammu and Kashmir police on Thursday claimed to have worked out a case involving the killing a Special Police Officer and attack on Sarpanch in Sopore town of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district last month. With their arrest, police also claimed to have preempted their plans of killing five

more Panchayat members in the Sangrama area of the northern Kashmir district.

Addressing a Press Conference, DIG North J P Singh said after the recent attack on Sarpanch Khizar Mohammad Paray of Krankshivan Colony and the killing of SPO Mudasir Ahmad Dar at Untoo Hamam, Police with the assistance of Army and paramilitary CRPF started the See Arrested on Pg. 11

4 Structures damaged in fire Srinagar August 01: During the intervening night of 30/31.07.2013, fire broke out at Kandi Drugmullah, two houses and one shop were gutted in the incident. However, no loss of life or injury was reported.

Police is investigating to ascertained the cause of the fire.

Fire broke out in an Ice-Cream factory of Barkat Ali Khanday son of Ali Mohammad at village Yaroo Handwara. The factory was completely damaged in the fire. However, no loss of life or injury was reported in this incident.

Man electrocuted in Kupwara Srinagar August 01: Nazir Ahmad Sheikh age about 32 years son of Sikander Sheikh resident of Dardpora, Kupwara died when he came in contact with a live wire at his home.

Kupwara Police has initiated inquest proceedings under section 174 CrPC in this regard.

4 injured in road mishaps Srinagar August 01: A Motorcycle bearing registration number JK03A/2631 driven by Yasir Ahmad Shah son of Mushtaq Ahmad resident of Nathipora skidded off the road, at Jaibal Ashmuqam, resulting in injuries to the pillion Abdul Rahim Wagay son of Mohammad Ismail resident of Mir Maidaan. The injured was shifted to hospital for treatment.

A Motorcycle bearing registration number JK05A/1016 collided with a Tonga at Janwara, Sopore, resulting in injuries to Motorcyclist Showkat Ahmad Malla son of Ghulam Ahmad See Mishaps on Pg. 11

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11 Friday, 02 August 2013 From Front Page........

Azad.........

unit for the areas where there is no healthcare facility or health worker. After the immunization outreach session, Teeka Express will collect immunization related biomedical waste for safe disposal at vaccine storage points.

Teeka Express will also collect the coverage and immunization performance reports of the session for compilation and preparation of report at PHC. Teeka express is planned to be piloted in 69 high priority districts with difficult areas and low immunization coverage. For these districts, 1,850 vehicles are planned to be procured with GoI assistance. In the first phase the 120 vehicles of ‘Teeka Express’’ are planned in 6 districts of 5 states namely Rajasthan – Alwar (64 vehicles); Uttar Pradesh – Sharaswati (11 vehicles); Haryana – Mewat (9); Jammu and Kashmir - Doda (8) and Poonch (10) and Madhya Pradesh – Tikamgarh (18). Operational costs of Teeka Express have been provided under NRHM. This includes cost of hiring the driver, cost of POL (Petrol Oil Lubricant) and maintenance costs of the vehicle. Uniform Art work for the stickers, painting and IEC material on Teeka Express has been provided to the states.

Kamal.........

dual character.

He said that National Conference don’t want to destabilize present Coalition government in the interest of people, “otherwise, our heart is never with Congress party,” he said adding that it is better to suffer for a year than to part ways with the Congrss.

“Congress is not a party but a department in Jammu and Kashmir which is run and maintained by New Delhi. The State Congress leaders are being paid on monthly basis by New Delhi and lions share goes into the pockets of Saif-uDin Soz for his Chanakiyan policies,” Kamal said.

He said in the past and even in present, Prof Soz leaves no stone unturned in tarnishing the image of National Conference. “What he speaks in open does contrary to it behind curtains. He should thank NC for providing him platform otherwise no one would have known him,” he told CNS. Kamal said that Congress party is power hungry and could compromise with any party to grab the Chair. “We don’t trust this party and this party could change colours like chameleon,” he said.

Mufti........

of its public responsibility seeks to re-dedicate itself to redeeming the situation. Restoration of the dignity, honour and safety of the lives of our men, women and children is our foremost concern”.

“Kashmir has emerged as a source of tension and immense political, social and economic problems for entire South Asia. It will be our endeavour to change the complexion of Kashmir by making it as bridge between India and Pakistan for solving all bilateral issues”, he said, adding, PDP with the support of the people will take fresh initiatives to set a new agenda of peace and prosperity in this region.

Terming the coming Assembly elections as historic opportunity to change destiny of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti said that with the over-whelming support of the masses, PDP would, with fresh resolve and renewed determination, carry forward its mission of resolving Kashmir problem and to provide good governance of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

“After 2002 elections, PDP had proved how to carry forward, simultaneously, the agenda of peace and reconciliation along with the good governance”, he said and reminded the gathering that PDP had set an example of governance by bringing transparency and accountability in the administration.

While stating that PDP is a force of integration to cement relations of all regions and sub-regions of the state, Mufti said that time has come for reconciling the State's divergent opinions in a democratic spirit to resolve its political and economic problems. “Inter and intra-State issues and issue of equal opportunities for all regions, communities and sub-regions can be resolved if the problem is approached with an open mind and with a will to move ahead,” he said and added that the PDP's road offers a comprehensive solution to all the three dimensions of the problem. “It not only outlines the contours of the State's political empowerment, but also lays a roadmap for its economic emancipation,” he said.

Asserting that PDP has roadmap to solve Kashmir problem, Mufti said that Kashmir issue cannot be put on the backburner and, in the changed scenario, the voice of people of J&K can provide the most valuable input to the efforts at bringing peace to the South Asian region. “We showed that in 2002, by facilitating the peace and reconciliation process in the region while heading the Government in the State,”, he said and added it was all due to the efforts of the PDP that points on LoC were opened for trade and movement. “It is my dream is remove the wall of hatred between India and Pakistan and to make Jammu and Kashmir as an Island of peace in this region”, he said and asserted that PDP was committed to fight for justice and rule of law in Jammu and Kashmir. “With the support of people, PDP would redouble its efforts towards achieving its objective of peace and tranquility in this region.

Arrested.........

investigation of these attacks.

During the investigation, he said, a suspect Asif Ahmad Dar alias Ashmate son of Ghulam Hassan Dar of Mumkak Sopore was identified. In order to arrest him, the DIG said, Police, 22 RR and CRPF laid a cordon around his house.

“He jumped from the second storey of his house and attempted to fire upon Police, party but his pistol got stuck and he was apprehended after being overpowered.”

On his disclosure and as well as eye witness account, the DIG said, one more suspect Aqib Ahmad Mir son of Mohammad Ramzan Mir of Khawaja Gilgit Sopore was also arrested. “One more pistol was recovered from his possession.”

The duo, he said, revealed involvement of two more individuals in commission of crime and conspiracy. “Both the accused Mehrajudin Rather alias Shabir son of Gulzar Ahmad and Fayaz Ahmad Lone son of Abdul Rashid of village Krankshivan Sopore were also arrested,” he said,

Daily adding, “Two more pistols were recovered from their possessions.” The DIG said that during the questioning, all the arrested persons revealed that on July 26 last, the three of them—Asif Ahmad Dar, Mehrajudin Rather and Fayaz Ahmad— offered prayers in Jamia Masjid Krankshivan where Sarpanch Khizar Mohammad was also present. “All the three came out of the mosque before the Sarpanch and Asif Ahmad Dar with backup support of other two fired upon him from point blank.

Assuming him to be dead they fled away from the spot,” he said, according to KNS. Moreover, on July 28, Asif Ahmad Dar and Aqib Ramzan Mir went to Untoo Hamam and attacked SPO Mudasir Ahmad Dar, killing him on spot, the DIG said. He said that during their questioning it also surfaced that they were affiliated with Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) outfit working under direct command of HM Commander Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo alias Fayaz and another Hizb militant Mehrajudin Halwai “who had plans to kill at least five more Sarpanchs before Eid-ul-Fitr in Sangrama area.”

They had received orders directly from HM supremo Mohammad Yousf Shah alias Syed Salahudin based in Pakistan to kill the Sarpanchs, said that DIG who was flanked at the Press Conference among others by Army Officer G P Mahtoo.

“Asif Ahmad Dar has a history of drug addiction and stone pelting. He was involved in case FIR No’s: 308/2010,324/2010 & 330/2010 U/S 147,148,149,336, 307 & 427 RPC of P/S Sopore,” he said. The other accused Aqib Ramzan is a school dropout while Mehrajudin Rather is an ex-militant who had gone to PaK in 2000 for training. After his return from PaK he was arrested in Baramulla in year 2003. “During year 2011 Mehrajudin again associated himself with the militants of JeM and was subsequently arrested along with a pistol and two hand grenades from Zakura Srinagar.” A case FIR No: 19/2011 U/S 7/25 stands registered in the matter with Police Station, he said.

“Fayaz Ahmad had earlier been an over ground worker of the militants Ishtiyaq Pir of Hygam and Zahoor Ganie lias Vicky of Krankshivan around year 2007.”

Mishaps.......

resident of Arin Bandipora and two pillions Arif Ahmad Wani son of Mohammad Ramzan resident of Hatlangoo, Sopore and Khalid Hussain Changa son of Ghulam Hassan resident of Arampora, Sopore. All the injured have been shifted to hospital for treatment. A case has been registered in this regard.

Omar prays for peace, well-being of mankind on Jumat-ul-Vida Srinagar, August 01: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah in his message on the eve of Jumat-ulVida has highlighted the significance of the day for Muslims observing fast and controlling human instincts to please Allah and seek his forgiveness and blessings.

Omar said that Jumat-ulVida is the occasion of expressing gratitude to Almighty for his unabated munificence, blessings and benevolence showered on the mankind.

“This is the day for the fast observing people to thank

Allah for giving them courage and determination to conquer thirst, hunger, anger, emotion and repulse influences of evils, and be kind to all showing special attention to the needy and poor”, he said adding that the day is for observing special prayers for peace and prosperity for entire humanity. The Chief Minister prayed for peace and prosperity of the State and the country and wellbeing of the people and wished Jumat-ul-Vida to be harbinger of peace in the world.

Vigilance Organisation attaches properties Srinagar, August 01: In a high profile revenue embezzlement case of Lethpora land scam, 4 more properties have been attached by Vigilance Organization. The properties include moveable as well as immovable properties raised out of misappropriated amount of Rs.22.00 Crores approximately (during land acquisition proceedings for widening of National Highway funded by NHA1 GOI in 2010) by officers/ officials of then DC Office Pulwama in connivance with J&K Bank officials and private persons connected with case FIR No.37/2010 P/S VOK. The properties are 03 Kanals 02 Marlas of land at Noorpora Tral, 02 Kanals 05 Marlas of land at Ratnipora Pulwama

and 02 Kanals 03 Marlas of land at Nowgam, the market value of the properties is worth Rs.1.25 Crores. It is pertinent to mention that the Vigilance Organization has already attached a number of properties both moveable and immovable including the palatial house of kingpin Farooq Jehanjeeb at Rawalpora Srinagar, frozen Bank accounts worth crores of rupees by res orting to special provision of attachment under Prevention of Corruption Act svt. 2006.

The present market value of these properties is more than Rs 8 Crore approx. which is public money and belonging to state exchequer. The investigation is at the final stage and is likely to be sent o Government for accord of sanction.

Lok Adalat settles 57 cases at Tangmarg Tangmarg, August 01: A Lok Adalat was organized at Tangmarg Court under the Chairmanship of Legal Aid Committee, Tangmarg alongwith Executive Magistrate Ist Class Tangmarg.

As many as 70 cases of

different nature were taken up during the Lok Adalat, out of which 57 cases were settled amicably including 31 suits, 11 criminal cases and 15 MACT cases. An amount of Rs. 17, 300/was sanctioned in five cases as compensation.

ZABARWAN TIMES

Traffic Plan for smooth plying of vehicles in Srinagar city Srinagar, August 01: To ensure smooth movement of traffic and to discourage gridlocks along Residency Road and M.A Road, Traffic Police, Srinagar issued traffic plan for the Shab-i-Qadr and Eid-ul-Fitr.

Accordingly, no passenger vehicle shall be allowed to ply on Residency Road from Radio Kashmir upto Hari Singh High Street on one side and along Moulana Azad Road from SRTC Crossing to Jehangir Chowk on the other side except Emergency and on duty vehicles from August 06, 2013 till Eid-ul-Fitr prayers.

Besides, no 407 vehicle will be allowed on Residency Road and Moulana Azad Road from August 06, 2013. However these vehicles shall be diverted as mentioned below:The passenger vehicles who are moving on Residency Road will now

be diverted via Abdullah bridge, Rajbagh, Lal Mandi, Shargari, Exhibition. The vehicles who have to move from Batmaloo towards MA Road shall be diverted at Jehangir Chowk, Old Secretariat, Tankipora, Habba Kadal, Barbar Shah, Baba Dharam Das route and at Maisuma interior. At Baba Dharam Das, the vehicles bound for Hazaratbal and Soura shall take left turn and vehicles bound for Nishat, Shalimar shall proceed towards Kohankhan DalgateBadyari Chowk and onwards. The general public is requested to pool in their vehicles so that the load on the city roads is reduced.

The shopkeepers will not be allowed to park their vehicles in front of their shops. However, they can use the parking space in the nearby parking slots. From August 06, 2013 all

World Breastfeeding Week: Symposium held at GMC

Srinagar, August 01: To encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of b a b i e s Wo r l d Breastfeeding Week is being observed across the globe from Ist to 7th of August. The theme of this year is Close to Mothers.

In this connection, a symposium was held here at Government Medical College, Srinagar in which experts threw light on the importance of breastfeeding adding that it is the best way to provide new-born babies with the nutrients they need. The experts suggested adoption of worldwide instructions in this regard which include mandatory breast feed upto six months starting within first hour of the birth. They also opined continuation of mother’s feed with supplementary diet after six months and its continuation upto two years. The experts viewed the role of the family, medical attendants

including ANMS, nurses, ASHA workers etc as critical in implementing the breast feed concept.

They stressed the need for creating awareness among masses on it. It was disclosed in the symposium that if the breast feed regime is implemented strictly it can save around three thousand babies which otherwise die annually in the State and save another 23000 babies from malnourishment which otherwise occurs to them in the first year of birth which, they said is very critical to them. The experts said colostrum, the first feed from mother provides the necessary immunization to the new born by providing a protective coat to the entire gastro intestinal tract.

Principal GMC, Dr. Rafiq Pampori, HOD Paediatrics, Dr. Kaisar Ahmad and other senior doctors were present in the symposium.

Shopkeepers and business establishments of Lal Chowk area shall park their vehicles before 0900 hours at authorized and designated parking places.

For Residency road market: - Polo view parking and Press colony SDA parking and Sangermal parking to be utilized. For Lal Chowk :- Municipal parking near Lala Rukh Hotel, Sheikh Bagh parking and Old KMD Adda parking near Fancy Fabrics to be utilized. For H.S.H.S and Jahangir Chowk:- Exhibition parking, parking near Estate Quarters HSHS, Iqbal park parking. However, the customers to Residency Road, Regal Chowk and Lal Chowk shall park their vehicles in the designated parking space at Polo view parking in sports Council ground, Sheikh Bagh parking near Forest Lane.

Office of the Regional Transport Office Kashmir NOTICE

Whereas a joint application has been received from Shri Sonaullah S/o Mohd. Sultan R/o Munawar Bagh Khayam (as Transferor) and Shri Fayaz Ahmad Gujree S/o Mohammad Sultan Gujree R/o Jamalatta Sgr A/p Kawdara Sgr. (as Transferee) for transfer of Auto (P) Carriage route permit No. 5510-STAR Covering vehicle No. JK01C-2460. Now, Therefore, it is notified for general information that objections, if any to the proposed transfer of the said route permit/vehicle shall be filed in writing in the office of the Regional Transport Officer, Kashmir within a period of seven days from the date of publication of this notice. Seller and Purchaser identified by the authorised representative of M/s S.T.W Co. namely Mr. Bagh Hussain.

No: JK RTOK 4000 Sd/- Regional Transport Officer Dated: 30-07-2013 Kashmir G.D

Office of the Regional Transport Officer, Kashmir NOTICE

Where as an application has been received from one Shri Mohd. Shafi Malik S/o Haji Abdul Ahad R/o Rawalpora Sanant Nagar Sgr. owner of vehicle number JK0lL-9988 for cancellation of hire purchase agreement with M/s HDFC Bank. Now, it is therefore, notified for general information that objections, if any to the proposed cancellation of hire purchase agreement shall be filed in writing in the office of the Regional Transport Officer, Kashmir within a period of 12 days from the date of publication of this notice.

No. JKRTOK 4040 Sd/- Regional Transport Officer Dated: 31-07-2013 Kashmir G.D

Office of the Regional Transport Officer, Kashmir NOTICE

Where as an application has been received from one Shri Abid Majeed Khan S/o Abdul Majeed Khan R/o Old Bota Kadal Sgr. owner of vehicle number JK0lP2454 for cancellation of hire purchase agreement with M/s J&K Bank Ltd. Now, it is therefore, notified for general information that objections, if any to the proposed cancellation of hire purchase agreement shall be filed in writing in the office of the Regional Transport Officer, Kashmir within a period of 12 days from the date of publication of this notice.

No. JKRTOK 4041 Sd/- Regional Transport Officer Dated: 31-07-2013 Kashmir G.D

Directorate of Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution Department Jammu CIRCULAR

Attention of all Assistant Directors/Fair Price Shop dealers is invited to the Circular No: DCAPDJ/528-F/13/98-113 dated: 30.04.2013 issued by this Directorate wherein instruction regarding adhering to the time fixed by the department for opening of ration depot were issued.

It has come to the notice that the instructions issued earlier are not being strictly adhered to.

It is therefore, enjoined upon all concerned to follow the instructions issued vide Circular mentioned above in Letter and spirit and ensure that the ration depots irrespective of whether ration is available or otherwise must remain open during the time fixed by this Directorate. Besides they are further directed to make sure that the dealers must comply with following by displaying on board about ration depots as under: 1. Name & Number of dealer 2. timing observed 3. Rate List of Foodgrains of all categories 4. Stocks of foodgrains 5. List of beneficiaries category-wise (APL/BPL/AAY) Violation, if any, noticed during surprise checking/ surveillances shall be liable to termination/cancellation of ration depots as well as disciplinary proceedings against TSOs/Area Inspectors/Assistant Directors under whose jurisdiction the same falls.

Sd/- Deputy Director (F/R) DIPJK: 5413 CA&PD Department, Jammu

Government of Jammu & Kashmir

Office of the Executive Engineer Flood Control Division Anantnag FRESH BID No. 06 of 2013-14

Reference: This office Previous BID No. 03 of 2013-14 issued vide this office No. 1338-56 dated 02.07.2013

For and on behalf of Governor of Jammu and Kashmir State, Sealed Bids affixed with Revenue stamps worth Rs 6/- (Rupees Six only) are invited from the interested parties for “Auction of extraction of Red Material at identified spots mentioned below:S. Particulars Qty Time of Amount of Minimum reserve Cost of No Approximately Completion CDR Bid Amount (in Tender Lacs) Document Removal of S&B Material from Should be 1. Vethvethroo Nallah at Qazi Mohallah 3987Cum 11960/5.98 2000/completed within to Chowgam Khoshipora.

Two Months Removal of S&B Material from Should be 2. Sandran Nallah from RD 220004000 Cum 12000/6.00 2000/completed within 22500 D/S Dooru Bridge.

Two Months The bids should reach the office of the Chief Engineer Kmr I&FC Department Srinagar on or before 17-08-2013 upto 2 P.M and shall be opened on the same or any subsequent date convenient to the opening authority in presence of the bidders who may choose to be present at the time of opening.

Terms and Conditions: 1. Earnest money in the shape of CDR at 2% of the work cost or from any scheduled bank pledged to the bid receiving authority should accompany the bid.

2. The quantity of Bed material (Sand, Boulder and Aggregates) as shown above through tentative is the maximum that can be allowed to be lifted within the quoted accepted bid amount.

3. The successful bidder shall have to deposit full bid amount in one installment immediately after issuance of authority letter within a period of Seven (7) days positively and no extraction shall be allowed without deposition of bid amount.

4. The successful bidder shall have to make adequate arrangement for removal of shoal to the extent of advertisement before rise in water level.

5. The successful bidder shall take measures to maintain pollution free environment to the possible extent in and around the area.

6. Any damages that might occur to river Embankment during the process of Extraction shall have to be restored by the agency on his own expenses.

7. The Chief Engineer Kmr I&F.C Department Srinagar reserves to right to accept or reject any bid in full or in part without assigning any reason thereof.

8. In case of any dispute between the bidder and the department the decision of Chief Engineer will be final and binding on the parties 9. Bid document shall also be accompanied with site familiarization certificate the format of the said certificate along with other mandatory documents can be purchased from the office of the Executive Engineer Flood Control Division Anantnag from 29-07-2013 to 14-08-2013 for the cash payment shown against the work 10. The royalty to be paid under rules to the Geology and mining department shall be paid by the bidder in addition to the bid amount.

Sd/- Executive Engineer DIPJK: 5354 Flood Control Division Anantnag

Owner, Printer, Publisher & Editor-n-Chief: Suhail Malik, RNI No: JKBIL/2011/39764, Email: zabarwantimes@gmail.com Published from: Govt. Quarters (M-13) Magarmal Bagh Srinagar -190001, J&K, Printed at: Sangarmal Offset Press Humhama Sheikhpora Tele/Fax: 2478370 Cell No: 09999964750, 9796787844

NEWS

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES

Srinagar |friday

Demand public services from Departments under PSG Act: Mir to People Asks Officers to be available at beck and call of the people SRINAGAR, AUGUST 1: Minister for Tourism, Ghulam Ahmad Mir has said that reaching out to every area is the basic principle of the development process launched by the government across the State aimed at equitable and all round development of all the regions and sub-regions of the State.

He said special focus is being laid on fast development of remote and backward pockets of the State besides weaker sections of the society.

Addressing public meetings today at Khanabal and Dooru, the Minister said that public empowerment to ensure area specific development and involvement of people’s representatives in the decision making process at grass roots level through Panchayat Raj system has already begun. “We have conducted Panchayat elections after a period of about 30

years and ground level institutions have been empowered so that these institutions are able to make decisions and implement public welfare schemes in their areas”, he said.

Mir apprised the people about the historic Public Service Guarantee Act enacted and implemented by the government to make public service delivery time bound. He asked the people that if they will not receive the prescribed service within the prescribed time limit, the erring officials will be fined up to Rs. 5000 and a part of that fine will be disbursed among the affected consumers.

The Tourism Minister asked the people to take best advantage of this path breaking initiative of the government and demand public service from the departments of Power, PHE, CAPD, Revenue, Housing, Transport, etc. in a prescribed time limit fixed for the delivery of each service.

Mir said that road communication in far-flung areas and linking these with main highways has been flagged as one of the most important sectors along with enhancing and upgrading drinking water supply and electricity, health care and educational facilities.

Taking appraisal of development works un-

der implementation in various areas of Anantnag district including remote areas of Dooru Constituency and other hilly parts of the district at a meeting of district officers here, the Tourism Minister asked the officers to ensure hassle-free public service to the people in remote areas and be at their beck and call at all times to remove their sufferings.

The Tourism Minister told the officers that the people in remote pockets require all the more attention as the government is the only means for their necessary succor particularly in the hour of need. He said availability and distribution of essential commodities and domestic fuel should receive priority. “District Administration should monitor the distribution regularly ensuring that the people are receiving supplies without any delay”, he said stressing on keeping buffer stocks of essential commodities for winter months also.

Mir also underlined the necessity of upgrading basic amenities and improving health care service especially in the remote and hilly areas. He underscored the need for dovetailing efforts and funds available under various schemes to help holistic and comprehensive development of these areas .

Zabarwan Times is available at

Lone News Agency Kangan Khan News Agency Ganderbal Gulzar News Agency Soura Zahid Book Depot Chadoora 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 Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Chadoora GANDERBAL, AUGUST 01: To give fillip to the development News Agency Magam Zargar News Agency Kunzar and tourism activities Bhat at Sonamarg, a meeting of officers was convened with DeputyDar Commissioner Ganderbal, Sarmad HaNews Agency Beerwah Bashir News Agency SRINAGAR AUGUST 01- Sumbal feez in which.Director Reshi Tourism, Talat AhmedSafapora also participated News Agency Saleem News Agency Pattan in the meeting.Various measures were threadbare discussed for The Departmental Related Standing Basharat News Agency Bandipora Reyaz News Agency Pampore the beautification and development of Sonamarg, a world famous Committee-II (DRSC) of the Legislative Altaf News Agency Pulwama Javaid News Agency Qazigund tourist resort.

Council has instructed the authorities It was given out that Department Tourism shall augment Jeelani News of Agency Baramulla News Agency Sopore of G.M the Tourism Department, JK Tourism the manpower to facilitate theNews implementation of various initiaShah Agency Kupwara Sultan News Agency(JKTDC), Handwara Development Corporation Cable tives being taken for the development of tourism sector in the CarSheikh Corporation (CCC) and Islamabad various DeYounis News Agency Langate News Agency district. velopment Authorities to redouble Reshi News Islamabad Three Way News Agency Traltheir A committee was constituted on Agency the occasion to ensure the efforts initiated by them for promotion implementation of Master Plan News in Sonamarg andTral shall report deTurray Agency Badru News Agency Bijbehara of tourism sector so that more and more viations and violations ifRahi any of the master planKulgam of construction of News Agency Malik Agency Arwani tourists areNews attracted towards the State.

Board of Construction Authority.

The Committee which met Kargil here today Rah News Agency Byepass Shaheen News Agency It was also decided that land shall be identified for Pony Stand,

Measures for boosting tourism activities at Sonamarg reviewed

besides proper tagging and registration of ponies shall be maintained at Sonamarg.

It was given out in the meeting that demolition drive against tented colony along with makeshift shops which had come up in Sonamarg was conducted and illegal construction of Shutkadi near Sonamarg has been stopped as well.

Matter regarding renovations which were executed by tourism department in Eidgah, Duderhama was also taken up in the meeting and it was decided further beautification of Eidgah shall also be carried out.

Among other issues, Construction of protection wall with ornamental grill and gates for Ziyarat Baba Hyder at Tulmula was discussed and a proposal for developing camping site at Tulmula for smooth conduction of Mela Kher Bhawani was also discussed threadbare. Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal urged for Construction and maintenance of public utilities at various places which shall cater to both Tulmula and Sonamarg areas in the district.

ANANTNAG, AUGUST 01: In view of the coming sacred days of Eid, Jumat-ul-Vida and Shabi-Qadr, the District Development Commissioner Anantnag Dr. Farooq Ahmed Lone today chaired a highlevel meeting with all concerned District Officers to finalise the arrangements and sought uninterrupted power supply during these sacred days.

The District Development Commissioner exhorted upon the officers to ensure availability of essentials besides intensifying market checking to curb black marketing, hoarding and profiteering in the markets of District.

The District Development Commissioner also stressed upon the munici-

LC panel stresses providing wayside amenities along Mughal Road

under the Chairmanship of MLC Vijay Bakaya reviewed overall functioning of the Department, Corporations and Development Authorities and got feedback about the activities being carried out by them in the State.

Legislators Jahangir Ahmad Mir, B. R. Kundal, S. Dharambir Singh Oberoi and Dr. Shahnaz Ganai attended the meeting and gave their suggestions for improving the functioning of the Department and its allied Corporations and Development Authorities.The Committee stressed on providing wayside amenities to the tourists and local commuters along the historical Mughal Road besides improving such facilities presently available on LakhanpurJammu-Srinagar National Highway. The

pal authorities for ensuring cleanliness and sanitation around the mosques especially around the Holy Shrines of Khrim Sirhama, Seer Hamdan and Kabamarg.

DDC impressed upon the officers of PDD to ensure uninterrupted power supply. Dr. Lone also stressed upon the officers of CAPD for ensuring supply of essential commodities like rice, sugar, kerosene oil, LPG besides displaying the list of quantity of these essentials for the information of the general public.

While taking stock of street lights all

Committee observed that the wayside amenities will not only facilitate a link between various historic sites scattered along Mughal Road but will also provide economic benefits including employment opportunities to the local populace.

It was informed in the meeting that the tourism sector especially the pilgrim tourism is gaining momentum day by day in the State for which the department besides the Corporations and Development Authorities are leaving no stone unturned to provide each and every facility to them as per their convenience.

It was informed in the meeting that pilgrim tourism has witnessed a record number of 134.24 lac pilgrims during the year 2012 out of which 104.95 lac visited Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji Shrine, 19.44 lac visited ancient Shiv Khori and 9.85 lac visited Shahdra Sharief Rajouri respectively.

The meeting was informed that the figures were all high as compared to last several years.The Committee was informed that the Tourism Department has taken up preservation and development works for heritage buildings and sites which include Samba Fort, Jandi Fort Hiranagar, Bhimgarh Fort Reasi, Chingus Fort and Jamia Masjid Corridor, Srinagar, besides the development of Mubarak Mandi, Jammu,

the concerned were directed to make necessary repairments in faulty street lights to make these functional.

The Health department officers were directed to arrange special medical teams during the coming sacred days. District Development Commissioner stressed upon the PHE officers to ensure the frequent drinking water facility besides pressing water tankers into service where ever necessary. It was also stressed in the meeting that the hassle free traffic system should be ensure especially during Eid.

I-Day celebrations reviewed at Pahalgam PAHALGAM, AUGUST 01: Tehsildar Pahalgam convened a meeting to review the arrangements for ensuing 66th Independence Day celebrations here today.

The Zonal Education Officer, Aishmuqam, Station House Officer, Pahalgam and Principal Government Higher Secondary School besides departments of Information, Municipal Council, Pahalgam also participated in the meeting.

It was decided in the meeting that the flag hosting will take place at Town Hall Pahalgam at 9 a.m. The march past will be presented by the contingents of JKP, CRPF, Fire and Emergency Services and school children

JKP playing vital role in promoting sports: DGP SRINAGAR, AUGUST 01 Jammu and Kashmir police has been contributing a lot in encouraging the youth to excel in national competitions.

Sports activities carried out by JKP are proving prudent in promoting sports culture, besides inculcating moral values among the youth of the State.

This was disclosed by the Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Prasad while receiving the 20th State Football Championship trophy. He said that JKP has been contributing in sports arena and has carried out various sports activities under its civic action programme.

Besides its excellence in professional policing, the force has also stood high in promoting sports activities in the state.

Sports activities in the far-flung areas of the state have been carried

out to inculcate sports talent among the youth of down trodden sections also. Such activi-

ties, besides inspiring the youth, have strengthened police public relations which are a positive sign to provide better policing to the people. 20th State Football Championship was organized

ANANTNAG, AUGUST 01: District Development Commissioner Anantnag has directed for the early completion of major road projects and bridges in the district keeping in view the feasible weather conditions besides ensuring use of quality material with cent percent transparency, so that the benefits of development are availed by the masses.

Taking review of the R&B sector in the district, District Development Commissioner stressed on prioritizing the Health and Education related infrastructure development under centrally sponsored schemes of RMSA and NRHM besides major road and bridge projects.

It was given out in the meeting that the total allocation for R&B Division Qazigund is Rs. 40.50 lakhs while for R&B Division Anantnag is Rs. 102 lakhs besides for Vailoo Division is Rs. 62 lakhs for the current financial year.

Bakaya chairs DRSC-II meet

Eid, Jumat-ul-Vida and Shabi-Qadr arrangements finalized at Anantnag DDC ensuring availability of essentials uninterrupted power-supply

Works under R&B Sector reviewed at Anantnag

by department of Youth Services and Sports in which 38 teams all across the state participated.

Jammu and Kashmir Police lifted the championship after beating the defending champions Jammu and Kashmir Bank with a solitary goal in the final match of the championship at Polo-Ground.

as tourist destination and socio-heritage centre.

The Chairman instructed the authorities of the Department to start conservation and preservation work of Poonch Fort immediately for which the Government of India (GOI) has already sanctioned Rs 3.79 crore for restoration work of this ancient fort.The Committee also took a review of present status of Makhdoom Sahib Ropeway Project, Ropeway Project Peerkho to Mahamaya and Mahamaya Park to Shahbad, Bahu Fort, Patnitop Ropeway Project.

The Committee was informed that Makhdoom Sahib Ropeway Project has almost been completed at an approximate cost of Rs 6.00 crore and is being commissioned on August 15, 2013. The work on other Ropeway Projects is in progress where the bottlenecks are being removed by the concerned authorities.Commissioner Secretary, Tourism and Culture Attal Dullo, Director Tourism, Jammu Soujanaya Kumar, Director Tourism Kashmir Talat Parvez, Managing Director Cable Car Corporation Tufail Mattoo, Additional Secretary Legislative Council Muhammad Maqbool Bhat, Chief Executive Officers of the Development Authorities and senior officers of Council Secretariat attended the meeting.

VK Singh visits Wanigund, condoles death of constable Parvaiz, assured departmental assistance SRINAGAR, AUGUST 01: To convey his deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of late Constable Parvaiz Ahmed Wani, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Security J&K, V. K. Singh, today visited his residence at Wanigund, Qaimoh in District Kulgam. He was accompanied by S.P Kulgam, Mohammad Shafi and Commandant JKAP 11thBattalion, Fayaz Ahmed. MLC, Abdul Majeed Bhat was also present at the condolence meeting.

V. K. Singh, while condoling the death of late constable, expressed his sympathies saying that Parvaiz Ahmed laid down his precious life while performing professional duties to save the life of others. He said that his martyrdom for noble cause would be remembered for ever in the history of Jammu and Kashmir Police.

The ADGP assured the bereaved family that the whole police organization is at their back at this time of grief and every assistance would be provided to them by the department.

He directed the officers to process and finalize the relief case of late constable soon after the required formalities are completed so that immediate succour is provided to the family. He also assured that compassionate appointment of the brother of late constable would be taken up with the government vigorously so that a bread winner is provided to them.

Pertinently the constable along with another policeman was martyred in a militant attack on Dr. S. Jalal at Pampore recently.

Delegation of Beerwah residents calls on PHE Minister SRINAGAR, AUGUST 01A delegation of Sarpanchs and Congress workers from Beerwah, led by Nazir Ahmed Khan called on the Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Sham Lal Sharma, here today and put forth various demands confronting the area.

The demands included creation of new administrative units as per the recommendations of the Beloria/Ganai Commission Report. They claimed that the Beerwah is the oldest tehsil in Kashmir Valley which was created in 1962 and since then tehsil headquarter has been over-burdened and needs to be given the status of Sub-District which has also been opined by the said Committee.

They also sought to grant tehsil status to Narbal and creation of new blocks at Magam and Utligam for ensuring

speedy development of the areas. The delegation also demanded to set up a full-fledged District & Sessions Court at Beerwah in view of the huge rush of cases and large catchment area.

The delegation requested the Minister to use his good offices in the capacity of Member of the Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to examine the recommendations of Beloria/ Ganai Commission for creation of new administrative units across the State and support the genuine demands of the people of Beerwah for which they have been fighting since long.

They also pleaded for paying special attention to address the basic problems of the area like, upgradation of PHE, Irrigation, electricity, road connectivity and other basic services in the area.

The Minister gave patient

hearing to the demands of the delegation and assured that Government will examine each issue on merit and take an appropriate action accordingly. Regarding the creation of new administrative units in the area, he advised them to make a separate representation to the Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee (Deputy Chief Minister) for appropriate action.

Sham issues instructions for adequate supply of water during ensuing holy occasions SRINAGAR, AUGUST 01Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Sham Lal Sharma convened a meeting of officers here today and discussed several issues related to the overall functioning of the PHE department. He also took stock of the arrangements made for the ensuing festivals.

02 .8.2013

HOROSCOPE Aries

March 21-April 19 Connect with the stable, grounding energy of the day, Aries, but beware that tension may come in the form of fast talk and misinformation. People could be fickle and frantic. Wait for the dust to settle before you pick a road to travel. Impulsive decisions may lead you down paths that aren’t the best choice for you now. Relax and try not to think about it too much!

Taurus April 20-May 20

Any expansive feeling you experience may be rained on today. You could get the feeling that you’ve lost touch with reality. Make sure you connect with real life, Taurus, and do a bit of planning to balance your whimsical side. Things that you haven’t accounted for might crop up to serve as a reminder that you need to deal with real life.

Gemini May 21-June 21

Walk to the beat of your own drum, Gemini. If you try to latch on to the smooth-talking, fast-paced information of the day, your voice could get lost in the crowd. But if you plant your feet firmly and try to plan, you might deprive yourself of spontaneous events that prove the most fulfilling. Chart your own course and don’t be afraid if no one else follows along.

Cancer June 22-July 22

Connect with the fellow sitting next to you or perhaps the woman behind you in line at the store. He or she could share a piece of wisdom that changes your life forever. Be aware that you also could be that person who changes someone else’s life with a single thought or slice of wisdom that you’ve picked up in your travels.

Leo

July 23-August 22 Your self-esteem may be challenged today by a fast talker or unpleasant situation, Leo. Don’t accept things at first glance. There’s a much deeper meaning brewing below the surface, and you’d be foolish not to recognize that. Stick to your guns and stay grounded. Newfangled devices and big promises may not be all they’re advertised to be.

Virgo

August 23-September 22

Jump on board the fast train and see how far it takes you, Virgo. You’ll be surprised at how far you can go with minimal effort. Your grace and polite social mannerisms will help you navigate quickly to where you need to be. You have the wind at your back today. Make the most of this energy by aiming for the top and not resting until you get there.

Libra

September 23-October 23 Flexibility is an important part of today, Libra. Take a relaxed, laid-back approach. Trying to ram your ideas through isn’t the best tactic. Having tunnel vision will restrict you in many ways. Keep an open mind and be receptive to others’ ideas and opinions. You have a lot of power readily available. It would be a shame to waste it by lacking the breadth of vision to see all your options.

Scorpio

October 24-November 21 Things coming at you from all sides are forcing you to make a move, Scorpio. Don’t be pressured into something you don’t want to do. A nervous restlessness may urge you to act. Don’t let other people boss you around.

Secure your position and be strong. Try not to be tempted into situations that you know are going to be bad for you.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21

Lock into the practical, grounding force of the day that is not only realistic but also flexible. Attend to details and organize yourself. Be aware that you may need to alter your course a bit in order to fit the group dynamic. Try to work with those around you to achieve a common goal. Initiating the help of others is easier than you think as long as you stay focused and motivated.

Capricorn December 22-January 19

Today is one of those days in which prosperity is much closer than you think, Capricorn. You may know what you seek, but it’s up to you to take the first step toward going after it. You’re probably looking for solid answers to your deep, probing questions. Don’t let your inquisitive mind rest until you find answers that ring true for you.

Aquarius January 20-February 18

Indecision may leave you helpless at a crossroads today, Aquarius. Others may be just as undecided regarding which way to go. At the same time, you may feel pressured to take immediate action, and you’re tired of waiting for others to make the first move. Find the answers in simple solutions. There’s more than one correct way.

Pisces

February 19-March 20 Latch on to the expansiveness that comes when you connect with others in a social arena, Pisces. Communication is a key aspect of the day. If you go with the flow you will land exactly where you need to be. Take the adventurous route and skip around from one thing to another. There’s no need to pin yourself down to one route or way of doing things.

Editorial/Opinion Zabarwan Times Friday, 02 August 2013

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he news of hike in petrol and diesel prices every time sends shock waves through the spines of middle class and poor families. Yet another price hike in petrol diesel and LPG prices, fifth within the last two months, will definitely have an adverse effect on the budget of the common man who has already been hit by the ever rising prices of essential commodities. Hike in Diesel prices gives a pretext to increase the prices of all commodities as the charges on transportation keeps on piling up. It is true that in developing economies, prices do go up but should be compatible to the growth in the income of the common man in the same proportion. But there exists an extreme difference between income and price hike. The poor and middle class families are worst affected and vulnerable to this hiking price trend.

It becomes difficult for them to make both ends meet. Trader’s fraternity takes advantage of such situations by creating artificial scarcity of essential commodities, by hoarding and later on selling them in black market on much higher prices which gives them the opportunity to loot the people with both hands especially during festival season. The prices of the essential commodities are suddenly raised arbitrarily by the shop keepers and the government machinery keeps on watching this rise with indifference because all is being done under its nose. Sometimes just for eye wash some actions are taken as the cosmetic exercise by fining some of the shopkeepers or traders here or there, but that is just for the sake of making the presence of concerned department felt by people through media coverages only. The people sitting at the helm of affairs hardly pay any heed to the sky rising prices of the essential commodities.

Considering the miserable conditions of the large chunk of the deprived community in our society, strict and stringent laws need to be enforced to check the rising prices of the essential commodities. The formation of consumers forums should be encouraged. Fair price shops like super bazar run by government or NGO’s should be re-strengthened in order to break the monopoly of the private business community who make consumers to dance at their tunes and charge them the rates they like without any government check. Production of essential commodities should be increased at the local level for avoiding import of items to fulfill the needs of the citizens. Perishable items like milk, fruits and vegetables produced locally should be processed scientifically packet and preserved for longer periods to cater to the local needs.

In this endeavors, the civil society and administration should rise above the occasion and jointly take stringent steps which will keep the prices of essential commodities under control so that common people may not have to suffer or starve.

ZABARWAN TIMES 9

Friday, 02 August 2013

POCSO Act- Providing Child Friendly Judicial Process

The Daily

Common Man in lurch with sky rocketing price hike

Daily

I

ndia is home to the largest child being of paramount importance at every aware that one of her students has been population in the world, with almost stage, to ensure the healthy physical, sexually abused by a colleague is legally 42 per cent of the total population emotional, intellectual and social obliged to bring the matter to the attention under eighteen years of age. Needless to development of the child. It defines of the authorities. The Act, on the other say, the health and security of the different forms of sexual abuse, including hand, also prescribes punishment for a country’s children is integral to any vision penetrative and non-penetrative assault, person, if he provides false information for its progress and development. One of as well as sexual harassment and with the intention to defame any person, the issues marring this vision for the pornography, and deems a sexual assault including the child. The Act also casts the country’s future generations is the evil of to be “aggravated” under certain police in the role of child protectors child sexual abuse. Statistics released by circumstances, such as when the abused during the investigative process. Thus, the National Crime Records Bureau child is mentally ill or when the abuse is the police personnel receiving a report of reveal that there has been a steady committed by a person in a position of sexual abuse of a child are given the increase in sexual crimes against children. According to a study conducted The Act defines a child as any person below by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2007, over half of the children surveyed reported having faced eighteen years of age, and regards the best some form of sexual abuse, with their suffering exacerbated by the lack of interests and well being of the child as specific legislation to provide remedies for these crimes. While rape is considered being of paramount importance at every a serious offence under the Indian Penal Code, the law was deficient in recognisstage, to ensure the healthy physical, ing and punishing other sexual offences, such as sexual harassment, stalking, and child pornography, for which prosecutors emotional, intellectual and social had to rely on imprecise provisions such as “outraging the modesty of a woman”. development of the child.

The Ministry of Women and Child Development, recognising that the problem of child sexual abuse needs to be trust or authority vis-a-vis the child, like a responsibility of making urgent arrangeaddressed through less ambiguous and family member, police officer, teacher, or ments for the care and protection of the more stringent legal provisions, champi- doctor. People who traffick children for child, such as obtaining emergency oned the introduction of a specific law to sexual purposes are also punishable medical treatment for the child and address this offence. The POCSO Act was under the provisions relating to abetment placing the child in a shelter home, should therefore formulated in order to effec- in the Act. The Act prescribes stringent the need arise. The police are also tively address the heinous crimes of punishment graded as per the gravity of required to bring the matter to the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of the offence, with a maximum term of attention of the Child Welfare Committee children. The Protection of Children from rigorous imprisonment for life, and fine.

(CWC) within 24 hours of receiving the Sexual Offences Act, 2012 received the In keeping with the best international report, so the CWC may then proceed President’s assent on 19th June 2012 and child protection standards, the Act also where required to make further arrangewas notified in the Gazette of India on provides for mandatory reporting of ments for the safety and security of the 20th June, 2012. The Act is due to come sexual offences. This casts a legal duty child. The Act also makes provisions for into force shortly, along with the rules upon a person who has knowledge that a the medical examination of the child being framed under the Act. The Act child has been sexually abused to report designed to cause as little distress as defines a child as any person below the offence; if he fails to do so, he may be possible. The examination is to be carried eighteen years of age, and regards the best punished with six months’ imprisonment out in the presence of the parent or other interests and well being of the child as and/ or a fine. Thus, a teacher who is person whom the child trusts, and in the

case of a female child, by a female doctor.

The Act further makes provisions for avoiding the re-victimisation of the child at the hands of the judicial system. It provides for special courts that conduct the trial in-camera and without revealing the identity of the child, in a manner that is as child-friendly as possible. Hence, the child may have a parent or other trusted person present at the time of testifying and can call for assistance from an interpreter, special educator, or other professional while giving evidence; further, the child is not to be called repeatedly to testify in court and may testify through video-link rather than in the intimidating environs of a courtroom.

Above all, the Act stipulates that a case of child sexual abuse must be disposed of within one year from the date the offence is reported. Another important provision in the Act is that it provides for the Special Court to determine the amount of compensation to be paid to a child who has been sexually abused, so that this money can then be used for the child’s medical treatment and rehabilitation. The Act is a welcome piece of legislation, in that it recognises almost every known form of sexual abuse against children as punishable offences, leaving little room for ambiguity in its interpretation.

Further, by providing for a childfriendly judicial process, the Act encourages children who have been victims of sexual abuse to bring their offender to book and seek redress for their suffering, as well as to obtain assistance in overcoming their trauma.

It makes the different agencies of the State, such as the police, judiciary and child protection machinery, collaborators in securing justice for a sexually abused child; working together, they can ensure that the child is given an opportunity to obtain justice for the harm suffered, and begin the process of rebuilding the child’s life and future.

Indira Awaas Yojana- Fulfilling the Need for Rural Housing

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helter is a basic need of a citizen which is critical for determining the quality of human life. A roof over the head endows a shelterless person, with an essential asset and improves his physical and mental well being. Hence, fulfilling the need for rural housing and tackling housing shortage particularly for the poorest is an important task to be undertaken as part of the poverty alleviation efforts of the Government. The Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) is a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Rural Development.

Under the scheme, financial assistance is provided to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) households in the rural areas for construction of dwelling units. It has been in operation since 1985-86.

The funding of IAY is shared between the Centre and States in the ratio of 75:25. In the case of Union Territories, entire funds of IAY are provided by the Centre. In case of North East States, the funding ratio between the Centre and States is 90:10.

The ceiling on construction assistance under IAY is Rs. 45,000 per unit in the plain areas and Rs. 48,500 in hilly/difficult areas/IAP districts. For upgradation of kutcha house, the financial assistance is Rs. 15,000 per unit. In addition to the unit assistance availed, a beneficiary can also borrow a top-up loan upto Rs. 20,000/from any nationalized Bank at 4% interest per annum under Differential Rate of Interest (DRI) Scheme.

The criteria for allocation of IAY funds to the States and UTs involve assigning 75% weightage to housing shortage and 25% to poverty ratio. The allocation amongst districts is based on 75% weightage to housing shortage and 25% weightage to SC/ST component. Further, 60% of the IAY allocation is meant for benefiting SC/ST families, 3% for physically handicapped and 15% for minorities. Also the IAY houses are expected to be invariably allotted in the name of women.

In addition, 5% of the central allocation can be utilized for meeting exigencies arising out of natural calamities and other

emergent situations like riot, arson, fire, years period starting from the year 2009rehabilitation etc. In order to introduce 10, has been doubled to 120 lakh houses. transparency in selection of beneficiaries, Convergence of Various Centrally permanent IAY waitlists have to be Sponsored Schemes with IAY prepared gram panchayat wise by the U n d e r R a j i v G a n d h i G r a m e e n States/UTs. These lists contain the name of Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) each IAY deserving BPL families who need IAY beneficiary can get a free electricity houses in order of their poverty status connection to his house, under Total based on the BPL list 2002. Gram Sabha Sanitation Campaign (TSC) an IAY select the beneficiaries from the list of beneficiary who will construct a sanitary eligible BPL households/Permanent IAY latrine can get TSC funds in addition to the waitlist wherever it has been prepared. unit assistance he has got under IAY, all Construction of an IAY house is the sole willing IAY beneficiaries can get the responsibility of the beneficiary. benefits available under Janshree Bima Engagement of contractors is prohibited and Aam Aadmi Bima policies, under DRI, and no specific type, design has been an IAY beneficiary can borrow up to Rs. stipulated for an IAY house. However, 20,000/- from any Nationalized Bank at

The funding of IAY is shared between the

Centre and States in the ratio of 75:25. In the case of Union Territories, entire funds

of IAY are provided by the Centre. In case of North East States, the funding ratio

between the Centre and States is 90:10. sanitary latrine and smokless chullah are required to be constructed alongwith each IAY house. For construction of a sanitary latrine, the beneficiary can avail of financial assistance as admissible under the Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC).

Bharat Nirman Programme Rural Housing is one of the six components of Bharat Nirman Programme.

Under Bharat Nirman Programme Phase-I, 60 lakh houses were envisaged to be constructed through Indira Awaas Yojana all over the country during the four years i.e. from 2005-06 to 2008-2009. Against this target, 71.76 lakh houses were constructed with an expenditure of Rs. 21720.39 crore. The target for the next five

4% interest per annum to top up the unit assistance he has got under IAY. Allotment of Homestead Plot A scheme was launched on 24th August, 2009 as part of IAY, for providing homestead sites to those rural BPL households whose names are included in the permanent IAY waitlists but who have neither agricultural land nor a house site. Since inception of the scheme, funds amounting to Rs. 347.46 crore have been released to States namely Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra for purchase of land and Rs. 1367.31 crore have been released to Karnataka, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tripura, Madhya Pradesh, Chhatisgarh, West

Bengal, Rajastan, Maharashtra and Jharkand as incentive for additional houses for providing homestead sites.

Monitoring Mechanism The Indira Awaas Yojana is being continuously reviewed through Monthly and Annual Reports received from the States/UTs. Senior officers at the level of Deputy Secretaries and above in the Ministry are appointed as Area Officers for different States/UTs. These Area Officers visit the allotted States/UTs from time to time and inspect the actual implementation of the programme in the field. They also participate in the State Level Coordination Committee Meetings providing thereby, a source of effective link between the policy makers, i.e., the Government and the implementing agencies (States /UT Governments). The programme is also reviewed at the meeting with the State Secretaries of Rural Development and with the Project Directors of DRDAs in the workshops held every year. From April 2007 onwards, an online monitoring mechanism has been put in place to enable DRDAs to upload their monthly progress reports into the website of the Ministry.

The web-based local language MIS Programme ‘AWAASsoft’ was launched, this software captures beneficiary-wise data and is accessible to all the stake holders, beneficiaries and citizens at large.

During the last year 2011-12, Rs. 9991.20 crore (including Rs. 500.00 crore for Homestead Component) were allocated for Rural Housing for construction of 27.27 lakh houses under Indira Awaas Yojana, against the physical target of construction of 27.27 lakh houses, 24.66 lakh houses were constructed after utilization of Rs. 12814.88 crore and 26.95 lakh houses were under construction.

In the current financial year 2012-13, the total budgetary outlay for Rural Housing is Rs. 11075.00 crore. Out of which Rs. 10513.20 crore has been earmarked under Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) for construction of 30.09 lakh houses and Rs. 553.00 crore for Homestead Component.

Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer.

HE A L+H 58

ZABARWANTIMES ZABARWAN TIMES FRIDAY | 02 AUG 2013

How women de-stress for mental health

Getting into a woman's mind is as complex as understanding the uncharted human brain.

Each emotion and mood swing is not just a sign of PMS - that great vortex to which is attributed nearly everything wrong with a woman's day; these are signs that she needs tender care, consideration and space. Since the world doesn't really get this, women have a system of fighting and de-stressing.

Today we're listing it out for the uninitiated amongst our readers.

Men might not understand these complex rituals, but you may try at your own risk. We open the Pandora's Box on how women deal with stress and depression in a positive way.

Shopping sprees are stress-free Confessions of a shopaholic is not just a book, it is 'the' book for women and how to deal with a boring work life. Shopping is a great way to hangout with the

girls, gossip about the men in their lives, but most importantly - a way to purge themselves from all worries and anxieties. Shopping forms a de-stress mantra that cannot easily be explained, but the health benefits are like the effects of an antioxidant fruit. The smile on a woman's face is priceless after a shopping spree.

Dolling up to brighten the dayIf men are trying to decode this destress mantra then you need to get in touch with your emotions.

Women believe that when they wear their best outfit, bright and sassy, with accessories to boot and their favourite shoes, their day will feel a whole lot better. Dressing up makes women feel pretty, confident and makes them smile.

They feel light and carefree like a butterfly; they experience a sense of excitement. It's true and sadly it cannot be scientifically proven.

Reading is a hobby

Recently China revealed that women are obsessed with fashion magazines. We beg to differ.

Women are not obsessed with fashion magazines, it's merely a way to chill out and read about the latest and the hottest fashion of the season. Fashion magazines are ways to escape reality, just as men are 'obsessed' with automobile and gadget magazines.

But no stereotyping here, we'll stick to the fact that reading (no matter what the content's sexual orientation) makes for a great destressing tool for all the ladies out there.Nothing's wrong with applying make up Make up can hide a woman's true feelings; you don't know what the woman feels behind that red lipstick. Cosmetics help women add a bit of glamour in their lives, it adds the oomph quotient to spruce up and spice life. It may be a mask, but it sure makes women cheer up

and admire themselves in the mirror.

Flaunting the best 'pics' Social networking sites are a way to flaunt your life and the travel plans. It completely conceals the true identity of the account holder.

But women love to upload 'pics' in their best dresses from exotic locations. It definitely puts you on the cool list among 'friends.' Women receive sympathy, love and praises thanks to that glamorous array of pictures. When dozens of people tell you that you look great, your day is bound to get better.

Rom-coms are women's favourite pastimeFeeling low and out?

Switch on your favourite romantic comedy with a tub of 'healthy snacks'. This is one formula that works with women; it feels great to watch SRK romancing Kajol or Cameron Dias making you laugh with a quirky persona. Women love reel life over the mundane, same old real life. Movies, too, are a way to escape life's taunting moments.Communication is therapeutic Any shrink will tell you, it's best to talk about your emotions and feelings. That is exactly what women love to do. Let's not get judgmental about it and the cell phone bill. Life is tough and women want to share their problems and love to offer solutions.

Men may be able to discuss their problems in one sentence, but women need to really talk about the issues. Stress and depression can make women 'irritable', hence it is importance for women to relieve this tension the way they are comfortable in. Conversation is not just a discussion it's therapy

Tried the happiness diet, yet?

Not only can your diet make you unhealthy but also unhappy, so try these foods today!

It's true - we all share a feel-good chemistry with food. If you smile while tucking into your favourite fare, it can also tackle your bulging waistline. A new weight-loss plan undertakes to get rid of the flab as it enhances the mood.

Say hello to the Happiness Diet, that's influenced by how you feel...

A big no-no Most people are aware that a diet high in fat, sugar and processed food is bad for the waistline. But it can also make us depressed, says a new book. Also, if you have just focused on getting thin by having a low-fat,

low-calorie diet, you have failed, it adds. The explanation is that a weight-loss plan that cuts fat is a recipe for failure, without natural mood-boosters vitamin B12, magnesium and conjugated linoleic acid. If the food does not have the above, we are less likely to feel happy and in turn, successful.

What works According to the theory, a diet that is rich in good fats, such as olive oil, as well as whole grains, vegetables and quality meat can benefit, by feeling more satisfied, one will lose weight effortlessly. Researchers say that the modern American diet (MAD) has an unhealthy focus on sugars, refined carbs and industrial vegetable fats, and leads people to

feeling fat and depressed. he 5 essentials of the happiness diet: 1. Iodine: This is essential for a healthy thyroid. An underactive thyroid is linked with low energy, poor memory, depression, ADHD, migraine, weight gain, infertility, breast disease (including cancer), infection, and heart disease.

Sources: Fish, shrimp, eggs, sardines and potato skin.

2. Calcium: This dairy pick is a primary mood decider.

The right calcium levels are said to give the 'go' command, preparing the body to release feel-good neurotransmitters. And disturbances in calcium levels cause anxiety, depression, irritability and impaired memory.

Don't eat anything when really hungry

There is an alarming rise in the prevalence of diabetes in India. Thanks to our eating habits and sedentary lifestyle, even gestational diabetes is not uncommon.

The sad fact is that it could affect the baby too. According to recent statistics, India has more people with Type 2 diabetes than any other nation. Who likes to take medicines everyday? Insulin and dialysis is even worse experience. And mind you, as opposed to the misconception, eating sweets is not the only cause for this disease. Stress and genes too play a major role in this. Although one cannot do much about it if it's genetic, it definitely doesn't harm to prevent it. No, you don't have to pop pills everyday. Just a few changes in your foot habits and you can cut the risks to a great extent. Here are some things that you can do at home to prevent diabetes or reduce it if you already are affected by it.

Nobody likes bitter things. But isn't it better to take a fruit or a vegetable instead of medicines? Having bitter gourd juice on an empty stomach has proved to prevent diabetes. If you are too stubborn or enjoy eating bitter gourd, then you could make stuffed karela (bitter bourd) or fry them like chips and have them as a snack. This will not just bring a change in your menu and give a respite to your taste buds, but also be beneficial to your health.

Soak a few seeds (1/4 tsps) of methi in water overnight. First thing after you brush your teeth in the morning, gulp down the methi along with the water.

Jambul fruit is considered as an effective medicine for diabetes considering its effect on pancreas. The seeds too can be dried, powdered and had with water twice a day.

The guava is among those fruits that are available in most times of the year. With its vitamin C property and high fibre content, this is perhaps one fruit that diabetics can fearlessly have. However, a recent study has shown that having guava with its skin can heighten the blood sugar levels, so make sure you peel off the skin before consumption. Gooseberry/amla juice too cuts the blood sugar levels. If you can't do without sugar in your coffee or tea, try and substitute honey. Studies have shown that black coffee without sugar cuts the risk of Type 2 diabetes Among other benefits, green tea is also helpful in reducing the blood sugar and insulin levels in the body Talk to the eldest member in your family and am sure they will come up with a number of home remedies to prevent diabetes. Besides, make regular walk and exercise part of your routine.

It's in our basic nature to reach for a large portion when hungry.

Therefore, workouts apart, it's a must to keep high-satiety food options available at hand, simply for the times when you feel those hunger pangs.

With all the energy you devote to shedding kilos, you might actually know very little about the why most diets fail — hunger pangs. It's never easy to resist that third serving of pizza even if you are bursting out of your seams. The guilt always strikes after the damage is done.

Know the signs of hunger, the cues for stress eating, and what triggers your cravings to tame yourself when hunger strikes.

The culprit You've been working since 10 in the morning and consistently thinking about the deadline. Too busy to eat, there is a chance you would suffer from starvation. "Hunger is your body's cue to eat. Due to habits such as erratic timings and long gaps between meals, hunger cues get out of sync, leading to severe hunger pangs," says clinical wellness expert Namita Jain.

A simple solution Firstly, understand your body clock. Know the difference between actual hunger and stomach contractions. Also, at times you may be misguided by people around you. "You may feel that eating less is better but it isn't true," says John Gloster, fitness expert. "Starvation is never a great

survival strategy. Eat less but eat more often," he adds.

Is it hunger or thirst?

Figure out whether you are hungry or thirsty? Sometimes your body can send off signals to the brain that you are hungry. This is because food has lots of fluid contained within it. However, you don't want to be confused with taking on-board unwanted calories when you simply haven't had enough to drink. The key is to ensure you keep your fluid intake up over the course of a day.

What to eat and when If you're following a particular diet, you will always prefer to carry a lunch box to work. A wheat bread sandwich, idlis (four to five), unpolished rice ( a bowl) and curd, a roti roll filled with vegetables or two to three fruits are apt options for the day. For mid-night hunger pangs, foods like salad sandwich are a big no-no. You would certainly not wish to sleep with a heavy stomach that leaves you restless all night. Instead, eat a fruit and drink a glass full of water over it.

The bottomline To make sure you don't experience hunger pangs when on a diet, use top quality meal replacement drinks like coconut water, green tea and butter milk and get your hands on whatever snacks are allowed in the diet programme like soy nuts or energy bars. Eat a healthy balanced meal that doesn't leave you feeling hungry, and this way you'll get

to snack on some treats when you want to!

To avoid severe hunger pangs - Skipping breakfast is a sin. Don't skip breakfast, or you'll be starving and cranky by mid-morning. A breakfast with complex carbs and low fat protein will help stave off snack attacks.

- Plan ahead. Make sure that you have low calorie snacks and drinks with you. Take note of what times of day you become hungry and plan your meals and snacks accordingly.

If you always cave in around 4 pm, schedule a snack for 3.30 and drink a big glass of water, too.

- Your body requires a certain amount of fat. Choose healthy fats, like olive oil. Mediterranean people include a lot of olive oil in

their cooking and they have famously low rates of obesity and heart disease.

- Do not take drastic steps. Cutting your calories too drastically will make your metabolism slow down and cause you to be plagued with hunger all of the time.

- Eat volumes of low-cal food.

Broccoli, cauliflower and veggie salads will fill you up and help stave off hunger.

- Stay away from sugary snacks and simple carbohydrates like sticky buns, cake and donuts. If you eat them your blood sugar will soar, and then crash and you'll find yourself irritable, jittery and famished.- Eat sufficient protein.

Scientific studies show that protein leaves people feeling full longer than carbohydrates.

Power yoga earning bad karma

It's fast, it's vigorous and it melts fat fast. So, why are yoga experts crying foul over the power yoga fad that has taken over city gyms?

Backed by the likes of Bollywood actresses Kareena Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut and Geeta Basra, power yoga is to today's urban Indian woman what aerobics was in the '80s. Practically every gym and fitness centre in the city offers weekly 60 to 90minute power yoga classes to its members.What is power yoga?

A poor commercial derivative of Ashtanga yoga, power yoga is essentially an up-tempo aerobic workout, where yoga poses are done faster and in continuation. Apart from temporary weight loss, it has virtually no health benefits. Since power yoga is a widely used term that was never trademarked, individual teachers

usually lend their personal interpretation to classes.

But the aggressive and physical take on the traditional discipline has upset the karma of the normally tranquil world of yoga. Purists dismiss it as a "commercial, supermarket" version of the practice with competitive elements that contradict yoga's most basic principles. There have even been claims that, in encouraging beginners to try and push their bodies into quick movements and advanced positions, this and other sport versions are temporarily successfully and actually dangerous because they could cause injury.It causes injury "Power yoga is like any cardiovascular activity, which means that if you stop practicing it you will regain the weight you've lost," says Samanta Duggal, yoga therapist and director

at Temperance.

In her 20 years of experience, she has seen many cases of people taking up power yoga for quick results and instead sustaining injuries — usually to the neck, shoulder, toes, knees, hips and lower back. "Doing repetitive asanas and 100 surya namaskars with no emphasis on alignment is a sureshot way to injury. So, instead of progressing to better health, they actually regress!"

Bypasses core componentsMany of these classes also bypass the core components of yoga — pranayama (with proper sequence and ratio) and yoga nidra (relaxation) at the end. The idea of relaxation is to allow the blood lactate levels to return to normal. If they remain high, they could set off the stress glands, making your power yoga session a stress-

ful one. Stressful yoga — how contradictory is that!

Where traditional forms of yoga, as practiced by Lara Dutta and Abhay Deol, encourage mindful, breathcontrolled movement from pose to pose, power yoga participants work up a serious sweat. "Power Yoga was simply a name I came up with in the late '80s to let people know that ashtanga yoga practice — unlike most of the yoga taught in '70s America — was a serious workout, designed to build significant strength and concentration as well as flexibility," says Beryl Bender Birch. He is one of the two American yoga teachers who nearly simultaneously coined the term. Los Angeles-based Bryan Kest is the other.

Not coincidentally, both these teachers had studied with Ashtanga master

Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Another name often associated with power yoga is Baron Baptiste who devised his own method in San Francisco, California.

Misnamed practice in India In power yoga proposed by them, poses are followed up with strength training while synchronising one's breathing patterns to each Vinyasa (movement), with attention given to Tristhana (posture, breath, and focal point for the gaze).

But the kind taught in gyms out here is a different story altogether.

"Power yoga here is a big sham and a scam," says yoga columnist and teacher Shameem Akhtar, who's a proponent of Sivananda yoga.

She explains, "Static poses are very difficult and fast-paced ones are for beginners. This may explain the peculiar culture of the misnamed pow-

er yoga in Mumbai, where people are made to do asanas faster, just to keep them happy.

The flipside of this is they never reach the stamina that real power yoga — as the term is used in America."Quickie courses, untrained instructorsPatanjali and Hatha yoga teacher Dharam Choudhry puts this scam down to lack of training.

He says, "No certification or specific training is required before a person is allowed to teach power yoga."

Quickie courses teach poses but not the nuances of proper alignment, intentional correct breathing or noncompetitive mind-set.

"So, most gyms recruit power yoga trainers from the vast group of the unemployed young, who are figuring out what they want to do with the rest of their lives."

7 SRINAGAR Friday, 02 August,2013 Kashmir Thunder Friday 02 . 08 . 2013

NATION

Andhra Pradesh minister resigns over state bifurcation

Akhilesh Yadav defends decision to suspend IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal LUCKNOW: A cornered chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, with his back to the wall, defended on Thursday the government’s decision to suspend Gautam Budh Nagar SDM Durga Sakthi Nagpal. Denying there was any connection between the sand mafia thriving in GB Nagar and the government’s decision to place the disputed officer under suspension, an unyielding Akhilesh said, “Action was already being initiated against the sand mafia. This incident has no connection with the sand mafia.

Instructions had been issued to crack down on illegal mining.”

Passing Nagpal’s suspension off as a preemptive measure, Akhilesh also said the government anticipated communal tensios as a result of the act of demolition. He did not, however, comment on the DM’s report that says the district administration did not use force to demolish the wall and that the villagers dismantled it themselves.

On Thursday, the combative chief minister also took on the IAS lobby and said the Samajwadi Party was responsible for the revival of the defunct UP IAS association. “Where were these IAS officers when their colleagues died a few years ago and it could not be established whether it was suicide or murder? We helped in the association’s revival. We have always maintained that we respect the democratic tradition. But the processes will be followed.

Decisions will be taken after the inquiries are competed.” Earlier, a delegation of the UP IAS association met the chief secretary seeking

a revocation of Nagpal’s suspension. On Thursday, however, Akhilesh said the decision against Nagapal was right.

A DM’s report to the government on the incidents of Kadalpur village in GB Nagar had said Nagpal was asked to visit Kadalpur village, where illegal construction activities were being carried out on government land, and settle the matter amicably. The report also suggested it was unclear what religious site it was, since the construction had only just begun. Nagpal and other officers were deputed to visit the village after the administration learnt of the encroachment. The residents of the village were then asked to either seek permission for the construction of a religious structure, as per the governing rules, or dismantle the illegally constructed parts. Kadalpur village residents chose to dismantle the illegal construction of their own volition. No JCB or other heavy machinery was ever pressed into service to demolish any wall, as the government has suggested.

The report, with inputs from the district police as well as other administrative officers, also says there was no communal tension or the

Delhi Police withdraws controversial ad on street children

The Delhi Police has apologised and withdrawn a newspaper advertisement on street children following a notice issued by a child rights panel.

“Considering the dignity of street children, we have withdrawn the advertisement. Our aim was not to hurt the emotions of anyone. If anyone thinks so, we apologise for that,” Delhi police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat told IANS. He added that the advertisement was withdrawn soon after the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) raised a question about it.

The advertisement in an English daily Tuesday read: “Help him learn to

chop an onion. Before someone teaches him how to chop a head.”

The commission sent a notice to Delhi Police for portraying street children in an insensitive, derogatory manner.

possibility of any clashes between religious communities.

Despite the overwhelming evidence against the government’s charges, the chief minister maintained there were other reports, Local intelligence unit reports, apart from the DM’s that suggested communal tension was likely to flare in the surrounding region. However, the GB Nagar police had earlier told TOI there was no instance of communal violence recorded in GB Nagar. As such, no entry was made to this effect in the police station’s general diary.

Opposition BJP on Thursday assailed the Nitish Kumar government in the Assembly over its alleged insensitive approach towards devotees from the state who faced ‘harrowing’ time in Uttarakhand during the floods there.

Senior BJP leader Ashwani Choubey, who escaped the tragedy at Kedarnath but lost seven members in his group, through a call attention notice sought to know from the state government the steps it took for pilgrims from the state trapped there.

Bihar government’s claim of steps taken for Uttarakhand victims existed only on papers,

An angry mob reportedly cornered him, and eight policemen who were with him allegedly abandoned him. Three bullets were fired - one killed Mr Haque; the other two killed headman Nanhe Yadav’s brother.

The CBI had registered four cases pertaining to the three murders and booked Raja Bhaiya in one of them.

Netas vs Shobhaa De: no regrets for threats, sexist remarks

Mumbai: Nitesh Rane, a Congressman from Mumbai whose father is a senior minister in the state, ardently defended his sexist and threatening remarks against writer Shobhaa De. "Shobhaa De should be made to just shut up," he told NDTV today. He also theorized, "How else do we show our anger if not in the language of intimidation?"

The 31-year-old is yet to be reprimanded by his party, but he is likely to draw strength from a comment by state Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, who said today: "It's a frivolous comment (by Ms De).

We believe in the concept of a unified Maharashtra and such comments are unacceptable.''

Nitesh Rane joined politicians like Raj Thackeray yesterday to excoriate Ms De for what she described as a "satirical tweet." Reacting to the government's decision to carve out Telangana from Andhra Pradesh as a separate state, she tweeted on Wednesday, ""Maharashtra and Mumbai??? Why not? Mumbai has always fancied itself as an independent entity anyway. This game has countless possibilities."

Mr Rane tweeted retributively, "Rather than twitter, Shoba De shud say the same thing on the streets of Mumbai openly after which she won't be left with any 'shoba' forever."

He told NDTV today that he is convinced he "did the right thing." He vowed, "If she continues, so will the personal attack."

Ms De told NDTV on Wednesday night that she has nothing to apologize for. "This lady will not back down," she said

HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh Minister for Infrastructure and Investment Ganta Srinivasa Rao resigned from his post in the backdrop of mounting protests across Andhra-Rayalaseema regions against the Congressled UPA Government's decision to bifurcate the state.

Some other ministers from AndhraRayalaseema will meet Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy late in the evening and tender their resignations while Congress MLCs and MLAs from the regions will put in their papers in the evening, minister T G Venkatesh said.

But the number of those ready to resign is not clear yet. Though there was no unanimity among the Congress ministers over the resignation issue yesterday, a decision to quit their post was taken at meeting held here this afternoon.

Ganta wrote a letter to Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy stating that his conscience was not permitting him to continue as a

Cabinet minister as the recent developments (over the state bifurcation issue) were against the "wishes, sentiments and aspirations" of the people.

"As an ardent supporter and as a representative of people wishing and praying for united Andhra Pradesh, it is very painful to note that the UPA government decided in favour of separating the state into two. I strongly believe that the development is not at all acceptable to the people whom I represent.

In view of the developments, I hereby tender my resignation from the Cabinet ministership," Ganta said in the letter.

Uttarakhand floods: BJP attacks state govt over rescue operations

Kunda cop murder: Raja Bhaiya clears lie detector test, CBI gives him a clean chit Lucknow: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has given former Uttar Pradesh minister Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiya a clean chit in the murder case of Kunda Deputy Superintendent of Police Ziaul-Haque. Along with the supplementary chargesheet, the CBI today filed a “technical” closure report in a Lucknow court.

Sources said Raja Bhaiya had cleared a lie detector test whose results were also submitted in the court today.

The CBI told the court it found during the probe that Raja Bhaiya used his influence to obtain a substantial number of arms licences for local villagers from the district administration of Pratapgarh, which were used at his behest for carrying out alleged illegal activities. However, CBI said this was not the area of its probe and a report in this regard is being sent to the state government for a thorough probe and necessary action.

Mr Haque’s wife Parveen Azad had accused Raja Bhaiya of being involved in the murder case. Raja Bhaiya, who has a lengthy criminal record, has denied the allegations against him, though he was forced to resign as Minister of Food and Civil Supplies from the Akhilesh Yadav government.

Mr Haque was killed on March 2 in Pratapgarh district where he had gone to probe a village headman’s murder.

DAILY ZABARWAN TIMES

Choubey said alleging there was no relief camp set up by in Uttarakhand.

Uttarakhand floods: BJP attacks state govt over rescue operations

Choubey, who was health minister in Nitish Kumar government and was sacked along with other BJP ministers while he was in Uttarakhand, said while other states had made elaborate arrangements for its citizens, Bihar did precious little.

He also hit out at the government for not including seven members of his group comprising three policemen, a health department employee, two relatives and a holy man in the list of dead.

Disaster Management minister Renu Kumari said the state

government has handed over a list of 58 missing people to Uttarakhand for verification. She also highlighted measures taken by the state government for devotees.

The dissatisfied BJP members were, however, trooped into the well of the House and raised slogans against the government and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for “insensitivity” towards Uttarakhand pilgrims.

The BJP members also demanded doubling of the salary of contractual teachers and payment of arrears to education institutions for the past five years.

Radia tapes: Apex Court pulls up IT dept, CBI for not acting on information NEW DELHI, AUG 1: The Supreme Court today pulled up the Income Tax department and CBI for not taking action in the last five years on information gathered from tapped phone conversations of Niira Radia with corporate honchos, politicians and others, saying it is “not a happy situation”.

A bench of justices G.S Singhvi and V Gopala Gowda said the conversations were tapped five years back but government authorities remained idle and questioned whether they were waiting for the court’s order to act.

“The tapping was done five years ago, what have they (government authorities) done so far? Were they waiting for court’s order?,” the bench asked.

“It is not a happy situation that action will be taken only after court’s order,” the bench said.

It asked the IT department to place before the bench all original records pertaining to authorisation of tapping of Radia’s phones.

The court directed the IT depart-

Hyderabad, Aug 1 : Former Andhra Pradesh minister and late Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao's eldest son P V Rangarao has passed away here today. He was 73.

Rangarao, a bachelor, died of a heart related ailment.

According to sources in his family, he went to a hospital

last evening and had come back after a check-up, but developed complications and passed away in the wee hours.

He had undergone a cardiac related surgery around 20 years back, sources said.

Rangarao had served as the state education minister when Kotleya Vijay Bhaskar was the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh in the 90s.He was presently a member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council. The funeral will take place later today.

ment, which had tapped Radia’s phones, to apprise it whether the officers entrusted with the task of tapping had informed their seniors about the contents of the recording and whether CBI was informed about criminality with regard to matters referred to in the conversations.

The bench directed the IT department to comply with its order by August 6 when the matter will be taken up for further hearing.

The conversations were recorded as part of surveillance of Radia’s phone on a complaint to the Finance Minister on November 16, 2007 alleg-

ing that within a span of nine years she had built up a business empire worth Rs 300 crore.The government had recorded 180 days of Radia’s conversations – first from August 20, 2008 onwards for 60 days and then from October 19 for another 60 days. Later, on May 11, 2009, her phone was again put on surveillance for another 60 days following a fresh order given on May 8.The apex court had said yesterday that it would direct a CBI probe into several aspects arising out of the tapped telephonic conversations of the former corporate lobbyist.

The apex court, which perused the report and transcripts prepared by its specially constituted team of investigators, had said “some of the items highlighted will become the subject matter of investigation”.The analysis of the conversations was done by a six-member special team constituted by the apex court and comprising five from CBI and one from Income Tax department.The special teamwas set up by the apex court on February 21 to examine the contents of tapped telephonic conversations of Radia.

After axe attack at JNU, police find four-page letter with details New Delhi: Roshni Gupta was operated upon this morning at Delhi's Safdurjang hospital. It was the second surgery performed on the JNU student, who was attacked by a classmate with a cleaver just outside their classroom at the prestigious university yesterday.

The 22-year-old student from Darbangha in Bihar is still in the intensive care unit, though doctors say her condition is now stable. They say there is movement in her eyes and hands.

Her parents are on their way to Delhi; her brother Sudhir is down from Bangalore, where he works. He describes Roshni, the youngest of four siblings, as a class topper and an introvert.

Akash, the young man who first hit Roshni on the head after an altercation yesterday and then repeatedly stabbed her in the neck, died of poisoning soon after the attack. The police said he had apparently consumed rat poison before he landed up in class armed with a cleaver, an axe and a gun, and began an argument with Roshni on Wednesday morning.

Classmates watched in horror as Akash stabbed Roshni and then brandished a country-made gun, threatening to shoot if anyone tried to help the grievously injured young woman. Some witnesses claimed that he even pulled the trigger but the gun did not shoot.

Akash then slit his own throat with the cleaver. He had died before he could be taken to Delhi's AIIMS hospital, where an autopsy is being performed on his body right now.

Roshni's brother said Akash, 23, had professed his love to Roshni several times, but the young woman had always turned him down. He said she had discussed this with her family but had not complained of any harrassment by Akash. The two students were classmates in a third year Korean course at JNU or Jawaharal Nehru University's School of Languages.

They both lived in hostels on the sprawling university campus. Studenst at JNU are stunned that Akash managed to bring weapons to class and have now sought adequate security