Zabarwan Times E-Paper English 04 February

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TUESDAY

04 February | 2014 | 03 Rabi-Al-Thani 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |

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http://www.zabarwantimes.com

VOL NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 35 | 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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Depression in women can lead to Cardiac arrest

Never termed Juhi as my competitor

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Capable of defending Asia Cup Title

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Syria: Forces kill 90 in barrel bomb attacks

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PM inaugurates 101st Indian Science Congress J&K Bank stops re-issue of Pre 2005 banknotes Srinagar, Feb 3: In the context of Reserve Bank of India’s directions to the banks to phase out the banknotes issued prior to 2005, J&K Bank has directed all its business units to stop reissuing the pre-2005 currency notes. However, the bank shall be accepting the notes from the public.

According to a statement issued to KNS, while commenting upon this, J&K Bank President R K Chhibber said, “Last week, we See Bank on pg 11

Printing press, house damage in fire

Srinagar, Feb 3: A residential house and a printing press were damaged in two separate fire incidents here on Sunday evening.

According to a statement issued to KNS, fire broke out in the residential house of Bashir Ahmad Rather son of Ali Mohammad resident of Kani-Manzer, Srinagar, resulting in partial damage to the house. Fire was brought under control with the help of fire tenders and Police.

See Fire on pg 11

Inside story Kalam inaugurates Children’s Science Congress Asking the students to inculcate scientific temper for perusing higher knowledge, the former President of India, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam has said that doing so they would be contributing their bit in nation building and making India one of the most developed countries in the world.

Dr. Kalam was interacting with students at police auditorium, Jammu during a one-day interaction in connection with the 101st All India Science Congress being held at University of Jammu.

He reached here today and he

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On Edit Page Drug Abuse and Kashmiri Society

Kashmir valley, known as Peer Waer has been an abode of moral values since times immemorial.

Almost all the religions flourished here with sincere tolerance and respect for every religion. Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani (RA), Lal Ded and many other Reshis, Sufis and Saints taught human values and religious tolerance. But all these values are now witnessing erosion particularly since when political uncertainty engulfed this

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FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:

Light to moderate Rain/Snow would occur at most places over the state.

FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:

04.02.2014:-Rain/Snow. Maximum & Minimumtemperatures will be around 03°C & 01°C respectively.

TEMPERATURE SUNSET ON(TUESDAY) SUNRISE ON (WEDNESDAY)

Jammu, Feb 03: Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today announced another National Mission on High Performance Computing with an outlay of 4500 crore rupees.

Inaugurating the 101st Indian Science Congress at Jammu University in Jammu today, Dr Singh said our ability to contribute to the world of science depends crucially on the quality and the strength of the country’s educational system and science education requires much more attention.

PM said that,“I am delighted to be part of the very first Indian Science Congress session to be held in the State of Jammu & Kashmir.

I thank the General President of the Indian Science Congress Association, Professor Sobti, for his initiative to bring this premier congregation of scientists for the first time to the state of Jammu & Kashmir. Their presence here is a vindication of our commitment to achieving inclusive and balanced development of our nation.

Friends, although not a scientist myself, I

Omar for synthesizing science for mankind benefits

have always been deeply aware of the importance of science and its role in the development of our nation. I belong to a generation which drew its inspiration from the life and

7.2 0C 1.8 0C 06:05PM 07:26 AM

work of Jawaharlal Nehru, our first Prime Minister, who asked at the dawn of independence: "Who indeed could afford to See PM on pg 11

Azad Lays foundation stone of Mother & Child, Surgical Blocks New Delhi, Feb 03: The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Ghulam Nabi Azad laid the foundation stone of Mother and Child Block, and Surgical Block at AIIMS, here today. The Surgical Block and the Mother and Child Block will function as apex centres for advanced education and research in the field of surgery and for providing best diagnostic and health care services to children and mothers, respectively.

Speaking at the occasion Azad highlighted that the Government has started, developed and completed a large number of projects in health sector in such a short duration. The Mother

and Child, and Surgical Blocks are the steps in this direction.

The state-of-the-art Mother See Azad on pg 11

73rd amendment in Panchayat Raj Act

Will constitute election, finance commissions very soon: Sagar Srinagar, Feb 3: National Conference leader and minister for Panchayat Raj, Ali Mohammad Sagar on Monday said the state Panchyat Raj Act already has been a guiding light for the Central legislation on the subject. However, he said that all the good provisions, some of them already considered, will be incorporated in the state Act to empower the state’s Panchayat system more transparent and accountable.

Talking to KNS, Sagar said the Central Act on Panchayat Raj adopted three tier system in light of Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Raj Act—1989. He said the state government has already passed

the bills on elections and finance commissions keeping in view the provisions of central Act. “We are going to constitute these commissions very soon.

We have already agreed with our coalition partner Congress in our coordination committee meetings that we will incorporate good provisions like reducing the age group from 25 to 21, reservations at three tiers of the Panchayat system, making election, finance commissions functional,” the NC minister informed KNS. See Sagar on pg 11

Seer Hamdan, Pulwama, Kupwara protests; Demand tehsil, CD block

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Announces another RS 4500 Cr National Mission on high performance computing

Srinagar, Feb 3: People in Seer Hamdan on Monday observed a complete shutdown against what they called state government’s discriminatory attitude with the area in its decision on creation of new administrative units in the state.

Reports reaching KNS said, shops and other business establishments were shut while there was no traffic on roads. “It is sheer discrimination with our area which has a huge population in Anantnag district.

People staged peaceful demonstrations and observed a complete shutdown against the government neglect,” Khwaja Shams-u-Din, Chairman Auqaf Islamia, seer Hamdan told KNS. People of Rahmoo Pulwama staged a protest demonstration blocking Pakharpora-Pulwama road demanding a CD block. “People protested for not granting CD Block status to to Rahmoo See Demand on pg 11

Jammu, Feb 3: Underscoring the need for synthesizing science, technology and innovation for maximum benefit to mankind, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah said that implications of science should be universal without any monopoly.

“All should have universal implications and consequences with regard to innovations that would lead to the upliftment and amelioration of human condition,” he said and added that the global public goods like cure for AIDS or Cancer and diffusion of technologies to better and improve See Omar on pg 11

Bus service resumes; 64 passengers cross LoC

Families of stranded drivers protest

Have lost Rs 16 Cr in 18 days: Traders

Srinagar, Feb 3: After 18-days of deadlock on LoC over seizure of narcotics, the Srinagar-Muzaffarbad bus service resumed with 64 passengers crossing the divide.

Giving details about the passengers, Firdous Iqbal, Regional Passport Officer Srinagar informed KNS that 28 passengers went to Muzaffarabad on Monday.

Out of 28 passengers that went to Pakistan Administered Kashmir (PAK),

18 were new and 10 were from PAK who had been stranded due to suspension of bus service.

Iqbal said that 36 passen-

gers came in from PAK out of which only 2 are new. 34 were stranded in Pak due to suspension See LOC on pg 11

Prez launches People disillusioned with Mission NC, ruling alliance: Mehbooba National on Libraries Srinagar, Feb 3: Noted politi- with the NC and the ruling cocal activist, social worker from Bandipur constituency, Mr Ghulam Hassan Rather along with his hundreds of supporters Monday joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Rather was the National Conference’s (NC) block president in Ajas area. The party president Mehbooba Mufti welcomed him into the party fold at her Gupkar residence. The senior PDP leader and former finance minister, Tariq Hameed Karra was also present on the occasion.

According to a statement issued to KNS, speaking on the occasion Mehbooba said the people have got disillusioned

alition and the PDP is becoming a natural choice of well meaning and sincere political workers, intellectuals, professionals, youth and the educated people. She said PDP will provide them space, rights and respect so that they can contribute to the resolution of the Kashmir issue and good governance in the state.

She said the present dispensation has failed miserably on all fronts over the last more than five years, and the people are suffering on multiple fronts because of its insensitivity and inefficiency. She said it is the absence of the See Mehbooba on pg 11

JK gives first DG to AIR New Delhi, Feb 3: Noted broadcaster, Fayyaz Sheheryar has taken over the charge of Director General, All India Radio (AIR).

According to a statement issued to KNS, the orders of Sheheryar’s elevation to the coveted post have been issued by Prasar Bharati Secretariat after his name was okayed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Sheheryar has the distinction of being the youngest and the only officer from Jammu and Kashmir having reached to such a height to head the world’s largest broadcasting network.

See JK on pg 11

New Delhi, Feb 03: The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee launched the National Mission on Libraries Monday at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that Libraries are social institutions which are repositories of knowledge and information. Their goal is the improvement of society by helping the individual to understand himself and the world of which he is a part. Libraries provide easy access of knowledge to all. A public library is often called “the people’s university” because it is available to all sections of society – regardless of age, See Prez on pg 11

Javed Rana rubbishes reports of joining PDP; Calls it political conspiracy Jammu, Feb 3: Rubbishing the speculations about his joining Peoples Democratic Party, senior National Conference leader and Deputy Chairman Legislative Council Javed Rana on Monday described a report appearing in a section of press as a deliberate attempt to create confusion and to further the interests of a particular political out-

fit, which finds itself in the political wilderness due to fast dwindling support in Poonch-Rajouri belt.

According to a statement issued to KNS, while addressing a Press Conference here today, Rana said: “Planting of the report in a Jammu based local daily which has donned upon himself the role of See Javed on pg 11

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From the front page

CM

Zabarwan Times

Srinagar,Tuesday 04 February 2014

ignore science today? At every turn, we have to seek its aid ... The future belongs to science.

This is the tenth time that I have had the privilege to address the inaugural address at the Indian Science Congress. I do believe that, over these ten years, science has grown in strength in our country. Together with the scientific community represented here today, our government has worked hard to promote the use of science and technology as a key driver of development. As Panditji might have put it, “we have redeemed our pledge, not in full, but very substantially”.

The 2013 Science, Technology and Innovation Policy reflects our ambitions and outlines our broad approach.

We have strengthened the research and academic base of the country as a critical foundation to achieve these goals. We have also taken a number of measures to make a career in science more attractive. We have worked to create a synergy of academia with research, research with industry, industry with economy and economy with the well-being of our people. All this has made our progress in science in the last ten years very substantial.

Our ability to contribute to the world of science depends crucially on the quality and the strength of our educational system. Science education in our country requires much more attention. In the next few years, we will have the largest young population entering higher education. We must find, therefore, ways and means of encouraging them to take up the right path that will provide them not only productive employment but also excitement in their profession. We need to ensure that the best among our young people take up science as a career and to do this we must ensure that it is attractive enough for them to do so.

This would require greater support for education both at school and university level. We are succeeding in expanding quantitatively at both the school level and in the higher education. The Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education has more than doubled in ten years and now stands at 19 percent. However, we must recognise that the quality of education being imparted needs much more attention.

The five Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research we have created have added a new dimension to excellence in the cause of science education. We have also established eight new Indian Institutes of Technology and converted an existing institution into an IIT. Access to education in these high-calibre institutions has more than tripled in ten short years. This is a significant development.

I am also happy to say that there is evidence of rejuvenation of research in Indian universities. Global surveys this year have put Punjab University at the top of Indian institutions of higher learning. Government departments like Space, Atomic Energy and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research have taken important steps forward to establish academies and build backward linkages with our universities in the last ten years, thus enabling cross-fertilization of ideas.

To do science, someone must pay for it. We must increase our annual expenditure on science and technology to at least 2% of our GDP. This has to come from both government and industry. In countries such as South Korea, where a high percentage of the GDP goes to science, the contribution of Korean industry is indeed very significant. I am happy to say that our Department of Biotechnology has activated private public partnerships in R&D in biotechnology. I appeal to the corporate sector to join hands with the government in realizing the goals that we have set for more our nation.

A few years ago, at the Science Congress in Visakhapatnam, I announced a new scheme to attract talent into science studies and research. This scheme, known as INSPIRE, has today emerged as one of our Government’s most highly acclaimed and recognized programmes. It has rewarded more than one million children and generated over 400 patent-grade innovations from our young Indians.

A major research funding organization, the National Science and Engineering Research Board, has just started functioning. This Board is managed by scientists and it has simplified funding procedures. We expect much more from it in supporting individual scientists as well as groups of scientists in creating small units devoted to crucial sectors at the very frontiers of science.

Some of our mission-oriented agencies have truly done us proud. This was evident most recently when our Geo-Stationary Launch Vehicle, powered by an indigenous cryogenic engine, soared majestically into space a month ago. I congratulate our scientists in ISRO for having mastered the technology of liquid hydrogen rocket engines. The launches of our Moon and Mars Missions are testimony to the giant strides we are now making in Space for which our Space Scientists deserve genuine credit.

India currently occupies an enviable position in the field of atomic energy and high-energy physics. Indian nuclear scientists are attracting global interest in their effort to develop a Fast Breeder Reactor. I expect the prototype under construction in Kalpakkam to be completed this year. It will be a great day for Indian science and technology because we will be one of the few countries in the world with leadership in a completely new area of nuclear technology that can contribute non-polluting electrical power.

Our advances in meteorology were evident during the recent cyclone in Odisha, when we received accurate forecasts of the landfall point that were more accurate than the forecasts of well known international bodies.

Our decision to set up a new Ministry of Earth Sciences following the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004 and to invest in world-class tsunami forewarning systems in 2007 has been amply rewarded. We now have the ability to issue alerts within 13 minutes of a tsunami-genic event. This has established India’s scientific leadership in the Indian Ocean region.

I would also like to see continuous improvement in our monsoon prediction capability through the recently launched Monsoon Mission so that we avert the kind of calamities that we saw in Uttarakhand last year.

Recognizing the role of scientific inputs for accessible and affordable healthcare programmes, our Government has established a new department for Health Education and Research. Efforts to discover drugs for neglected diseases are beginning to bear fruit. A Rota Virus vaccine, a new drug for malaria and many other leads emanating from collaborative research are all reassuring developments.

In the last ten years, several national missions have been launched in the emerging priority areas of electronics, electric mobility and solar energy. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research has leveraged Open Source Innovation for discovery of drugs and found a lead for TB. CSIR has also ventured into the new world of data-intensive discovery and large data systems.

The Sixth Pay Commission has improved substantially the conditions of our academic and scientific personnel.

International surveys have shown that India now scores well in terms of salary structures for scientific personnel. Our gross expenditure per full time R&D personnel is increasingly comparable in purchasing power parity terms to some of the most developed R&D systems of the world.

We have also devised several ways of supporting young scientists as well as senior scientists in the last ten years.

The J.C. Bose and Ramanujan Fellowships, and other similar initiatives, are intended to ensure that science is attractive as a profession, and capable individuals get adequate support for their research work.

A new initiative is the institution of 25 Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowships, under which eminent scientists anywhere abroad are invited to work in India for 12 months over a three year-period. The Government has already selected the first five Fellows. They are Prof. M. Vidyasagar, a distinguished computational biologist at the University of Texas, Prof Srinivas Kulkarni, a distinguished astronomer at Caltech, Prof. Trevor Charles Platt, a distinguished geo-scientist at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Canada, Prof. Srinivasa Varadhan, a distinguished mathematical scientist at New York University and Prof. Azim Surani, a distinguished life scientist at the University of Cambridge. All of them are Fellows of the Royal Society and one is an Abel medallist.

I recognise and we all recognise that the Government must also focus on creating new opportunities for our bright and socially conscious scientists. To ensure food security and to improve land and water productivity, we have to launch a national drive for an ever-green revolution. This will test the ingenuity of our agricultural scientists. Climate-resilient agriculture and modern bio-technological tools hold great promise. Use of bio-technology has great potential to improve yields.

While safety must be ensured, we should not succumb to unscientific prejudices against Bt. crops. Our government remains committed to promoting the use of these new technologies for agricultural development. I urge our scientific community to increase communication and engagement with society at large in explaining socially productive applications of technology alternatives and for improving the productivity of small and medium enterprises.

I also expect our quest for affordable healthcare to be bolstered by indigenous research on biomedical engineering and other medical devices.

Our Government has invested in many areas to ensure that India remains at the cutting edge of science. I am happy to announce another National Mission on High Performance Computing with an outlay of Rs. 4500 crores. We are also considering establishment of a National Geographical Information System with an outlay of about Rs. 3000 crores. A National Mission on Teaching to enhance the esteem of our teachers is also being launched.

I am also happy to announce that India will partner the international scientific community in the establishment of some of the world’s major R&D projects. In the Gravitational Wave experiment, India intends to host the third detector. A Neutrino-based Observatory is proposed to be established in Tamil Nadu at a cost of about Rs 1450 crores. India is also joining the famous CERN institute as an associate member.

India needs to leverage the ability of modern science to deliver value to society. We must also seek global leadership in at least some research and development areas.

Affordable innovations for human healthcare, sustainable agriculture, clean energy and total solutions for water-related challenges are some areas where Indian science can seek global leadership.

Indians are endowed with the creative impulse and the imagination required for making advances and innovations in science and technology. “Our country and countrymen also have great absorptive and synthesizing capacities. This is a special and a unique gift of great value in an age where time and space have compressed”, he said maintaining that India is blessed with open mind, tolerant attitude, curiosity and the creative impulse, and India can be a pioneer in innovation, science and technology.

The Chief Minister emphasized the need for a vigorous and robust framework, and the right environment for harnessing talent and directing it to the scientific quest in the country. “The underlining motto and promises of this has to be inclusive, sustainable, equitable and dynamic growth of the country. This calls for an electric multi-pronged policy mix which nurtures the young scientific talent in the country and provides support to science, technology and innovation”, he said and called for creating laboratories and institutions with the motto of braking and penetrating the frontiers of knowledge, science and technology.

The Chief Minister said that the benefits of scientific knowledge should percolate to the masses and harnessed for inclusive growth in the country. He described it as an imperative and the time as of essence. Omar Abdullah expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for inaugurating the Indian Science Congress. He thanked him for gracing the occasion.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor, N. N. Vohra, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Union Minister for Science and Technology, S. Jaipal Reddy, various Members of Jammu and Kashmir Council of Ministers, Parliament Members, Legislators, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary, Mohammad Iqbal Khandey, Union Secretary Department of Science and Technology, T. Ramaswami, Director General Police, Ashok Prasad, General President Indian Science Congress, R. C. Sobti, Vice Chancellor, Jammu University, Prof. M. P. S. Isher, Vice Chancellors of various Universities, Administrative Secretaries, senior officers, scientists from various scientific fields, educationists and students were present on the occasion besides others.

The Union Minister for Science and Technology and the General President Indian Science Congress also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the efficacy and importance of Indian Science Congress for the growth and development of science and technology in the country.

Azad

& Child Block will cover a built up area of about 45,000 square meters and will have three basements and nine floors. The Block will have adequate facilities for Department of Paediatrics as well as Obstetrics and Gynaecology and will house 400 beds, 12 operations theatres, intensive care units, day- care facilities and seminar halls. The estimated cost of this project is Rs. 200 crores and it will be completed in about 2 years time.

The Surgical Block has been conceived as an integrated facility which will be housed in a building with three basements and nine floors, with a total built-up area of about 17,000 square meters. Among other things, it will have 200 beds, 12 operation theatres, a National Endoscopy Centre, a High Dependency Unit and transplant facilities. It is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 55 crores, this facility is expected to be ready by April 2015. It will provide opportunities for networking among stake-holders associated with surgical disciplines at the national and global levels.

The Minister emphasized the developments in the health sector in the country and said that within four years 97 new Medical Colleges have been established.

There has been 75% increase in MD seats and 55% increase in MBBS seats. The Government has changed MCI rules to improve the health scenario of the country.

Under Phase III of PMSSY, Government is taking up up-gradation of 39 more Medical Colleges across the country at an estimated outlay of Rs. 5,900 crores which will add more than 8,000 tertiary care beds. Also, the 6 new AIIMS and 19 institutions taken up in 1st and 2nd Phase of PMSSY would provide speciality and suservices and systems for the mankind cannot be patent- per-speciality care in all disciplines with a net addition ed. of more than 11,000 beds covering 27 locations spread Addressing the 101st Indian Science Congress inaugu- across the country, he added. rated by Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh here, the Chief Minister said that the human quests since millennia can be said to involve a pursuit to improve the human conditions and existence and push the frontiers of of bus service and they returned home on Monday. the minds and imagination towards the innovations and The operations on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and scientific growth as a natural concomitant and conse- Poonch-Rawlakote bus service was suspended after quence of the quest. He said that science and technolo- PAK authorities demanded release of a Pakistani driver gy merge in the pursuit of knowledge and solutions to for resumption of the bus service. problems that require the application of scientific un- The cross bus service was stopped on January 17 when derstanding. security agencies and the Jammu and Kashmir Police “Solving technological problems demands scientif- seized around 114 packets of brown sugar worth Rs 100 ic knowledge. While technology makes it possible to crore from a Srinagar bound truck at Salamabad, near discover new scientific knowledge both enjoy a sym- Uri.48 drivers wee stranded at Salamabad-Uri and 27 biotic relation with each other. Trying into science and drivers in PAK after PAK officials refused to accept 48 technology is innovation defined as something new and drivers and demanded immediate release of their arrestoriginal that makes a mark in the society”, he said add- ed driver.Meanwhile, families of stranded drivers staged ing that science, technology and innovations are having a massive protest demonstration at Chakoti demanding expanding effect in the daily lives of people and are om- release of stranded drivers. On the other side, the Cross nipresent.

LoC traders union has demanded an end to the prevailThe Chief Minister said that he is in favour of open sci- ing stalemate and demanded immediate resumption of ence which calls for liberal dissemination of knowledge. trade Cross LoC trade activities. The traders have said “Open science is more conducive to the rate of growth that they suffered a loss of Rs 16 Crores during the last of society’s stock of knowledge. I, therefore, call for 18 days. an approach that aligns befitting returns from science and knowledge. He said while the scientific quest is an elitist endeavour and enterprise, its diffusion and beneficiaries should be non-elitist. He said discoveries of He said that the state Act on the subject being a visionary science should be in public domain for the use of gener- legislation, the chief minister Omar Abdullah dispelled al people. “There should be no monopoly on the use of the notions that that the state government won’t go for application of science, technology and implications”, he application of 73rd amendment directly but would insaid adding that while patents on innovations may give a corporate the left out provisions in the state’s own Act. sense of ownership to the innovation and science entre- Asked about reports of regional discrimination in crepreneur, the benefits of science should not be exclusive. ation of new administrative units, Sagar said dismissed Omar Abdullah said that governments have a role to the allegations saying that all the revenue parameters play to make innovative quests profitable. This, he said were taken into consideration while creating new adcould be done by encouraging research and develop- ministrative units. “These units were created keeping in ment by subsidizing aspects involved in the process and view the distance and population which is mostly scatby making innovation in science and technology as the tered in Jammu region. Mushtaq Ganaie’s report was centre piece of public policy. “There is a role for markets implemented in letter and spirit. There is no discriminaas well. New knowledge and developments in science tion as is alleged,” he ruled out. and technology can at times be best developed and diffused through markets”, he said highlighting the need for an optimal policy-mix in the domain of innovations where both markets and governments have a role. government from the ground which has created a vacuThe Chief Minister said that India has been the cradle um in the system and the people are feeling angry with of science, technology and innovations and its contribu- its style of working as it has never bothered to reach out tions in these fields are well known. He said India and to the people sincerely to address their genuine griev-

Omar

LOC

Sagar

Mehbooba

ances. She said it was a healthy trend that well-meaning and dedicated people like Mr Rather are joining the PDP in large numbers as it is the acceptance of the party’s vision and policy among the masses.

She said mis-governance and incompetence has been the hallmark of the present coalition which has virtually institutionalised the corruption in the state and reversed the gains made in the previous PDP-led government, with the result people have lost confidence in the system.

She said PDP with the help of people will reform the governance system and will make it honest, transparent and accountable. She said the prevailing chaos in the system is all because of the mishandling of the situation by the ruling parties which have been resorting to rhetorics instead of relating with the people in real sense.

Prez

gender or skill levels. Thus, through democratization of access to knowledge, libraries contribute in promoting inclusive and sustained development of the people.

The President expressed his belief that the project of National Mission on Libraries would contribute substantially to quickening the pace of social and economic development of the people. He extended his best wishes for the effective implementation of the project as also of the new scheme of “Up-gradation of Libraries providing services to the public.”

He said he is sure the National Mission of Libraries would promote enlightenment and understanding and go a long way in making the masses active participants in the affairs of the nation.

National Mission on Libraries is an initiative of Ministry of Culture to ensure sustained and long term focus on the development of Libraries.

Demand Pulwama. Hundreds of Vehicles are stranded on both sides of Rahmoo,” the reports reaching KNS said.

Meanwhile, people in Kupwara staged a day long sit in, amid complete shutdown demanding functional headquarters of Tahsil and Sub-Division announced for Lolab be carried out from centrally located Wavoora village for larger interests of the residents.

Braving harsh weather the protesters after covering miles from Warnow, Khurhama, Cheepora, Kuligam, Maidanpora, Gaghal, Shatmuqam, Saiwan, Krusan, Bedibaira, Gangabough, Potshai, Dooniwari, Cherakoot, Khumriyal, and Kalaroos areas of Lolab reached Wavoora and blocked Kupwara – Lolab main road by bursting tires, reports rewcahing KNS said.

The protesters, cutting across their party lines including Panchayat members, senior citizens, social activists and representatives of various political parties, in their address, vowed to continue their fight till their demands were not fulfilled.

The protesters said that they were not against Tehsil status to Lalpora but clarified that should not happen at the cost of majority of residents residing in Lolab.

The residents threatened to intensify protests if the authorities failed to meet their demand. They cautioned people to remain vigilant from the politicians who for their vote bank are trying to divide people.

JK An officer of Indian Broadcasting (Programme) Service, Sheheryar has served people of India in diverse ethno-linguistic zones through Akashvani and Doordarshan since 1981 in various capacities.

During his splendid career, Sheheryar has worked as Station Director at Radio Kashmir Jammu, Radio Kashmir Srinagar and AIR Jallandhar , besides headed Doordarshan Kendras of Jammu and Jallandhar at a time when militancy was at its peak in the bordering States and enemy agents were spreading venom and fanning insurgency against India through their over and underground radio stations . With a team of dedicated officials, he was instrumental in countering enemy mechanism by using Radio and TV as a tool to strengthen Indian ethos and cultural diversity.

Sheheryar has also earned a distinction of having single-handedly launched Doordarshan’s Urdu channel in New Delhi in 2006.

The officer was cleared by UPSC for Senior Administrative Grade in May 2010 and ever since he had been functioning as the Additional Director General and was posted at the AIR Headquarters.

Javed being the mouthpiece of PDP speaks volumes about its political bankruptcy that has forced the party to take recourse to such treacherous machinations,” Mr Rana said while questioning the timing of spreading such canards to hoodwink public opinion. Ostensibly, perturbed over the unprecedented enthusiasm among the people over creation of new administrative units by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the PDP wants to divert the attention by utilizing services of a few odd paid scribes to create doubts and generate confusion about political loyalties, he added.

Bank have instructed all our Business Units and Currency Chests to provide exchange facilities to members of public and to stop re-issue of the older series banknotes issued prior to 2005.”

All the business units and currency chests have been advised to carry out this process in a smooth manner and without any inconvenience to the public, he added.

Notably, as per the RBI formulated plan all older series of banknotes issued prior to 2005 would be acceptable for all kinds of monetary transactions till March 31, 2014. Continue to be as legal tender, thereafter, the public will be required to approach bank branches which would provide them exchange facilities on an ongoing basis.

Fire Meanwhile, fire broke out in the Kohimaran printing press at Gousia Market, Khanyar in the jurisdiction of Police station Khanyar, Srinagar. The Printing press was partially damaged in this incident. Fire was brought under control with the help of fire tenders.

Owner , Printer & Publisher: Suhail Malik Editor -in-Chief: Shahana Malik RNI NO. JKBII/2011/39764, Email: zabarwantimes@gmail.com Publised at Govt.

Quarters , M-13 Magarmal Bagh Srinagar-190001 J&K, Printed at:- Sangarmal Offset Press Humhama Sheikhpora Tele/Fax: 2478370 Cell No. 09999964750, 9796 787844

NEWS

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES

Kalam in Jammu to inaugurate Children’s Science Congress JAMMU, JANUARY 03Asking the students to inculcate scientific temper for perusing higher knowledge, the former President of India, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam has said that doing so they would be contributing their bit in nation building and making India one of the most developed countries in the world.

Dr. Kalam was interacting with students at police auditorium, Jammu during a one-day interaction in connection with the 101st All India Science Congress being held at University of Jammu.

He reached here today and he is expected to inaugurate Children’s Science Congress tomorrow at Jammu University. He was received at the children. He drew examples airport by Ministers Mr. Ra- from the lives of eminent sciman Bhalla and Mr. Ajay Sad- entists like S. Ramanuja, Albert Einstein and others. hotra besides some officers.

Terming knowledge as a During the interaction, Dr. tool to empower, the former Kalam shared his experiences Lone News Agency Kangan of his earlier interactions with President said knowledge em-

ture, health, industry, infrastructure, rural connectivity in which growth can lead India to the state of a developed nation. He stressed on improving electronic and knowledge connectivity between rural and urban areas.

During the interaction, Dr. Kalam replied to some questions posed to him by the students.

These included importance of teaching, digital divide, space medicine, India’s 2020 mission etc.Earlier on his arrival, the former President was given a colourful reception by the tiny tots. He received a bouquet from a group of kids representing the dress and cultural ethos of the three regions of the State.

The Vice Chancellor, Jammu powers people to undertake University, Prof. S. Mohan Pal big missions. He asked youth Singh Isher in his introductory to focus on issues like energy, remarks thanked the missile water, agriculture, rural life, man for visiting Jammu. He value system etc. to build a detailed the achievements and strongKhan country.

HeAgency identified contributions made by him to News Ganderbal five areas including agricul- the country.

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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 JAMMU, FEBRUARY 03-News derAgency 12th Five Year Plan,” said be replicated in other parts Lone Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Chadoora KATHUA, FEBRUIn order to meet additional DrAgency Harsh Kumar countryNews such Agency as Maha-Kunzar ARY 03- To listen and redress Bhat News MagamBhanwala, of theZargar storage requirements on ac- Chairman, NABARD. and Rajasthan. The the grievances of the people News Agency NABARD Beerwahwarehous- rashtra Bashir News Agency count of the NationalDar Food warehouses funded underSumbal District Development ComReshiasNews Safaporain 2013- the scheme Saleemrelates News Agency Security Act, 2013 as well ingAgency was introduced to stor- Pattan missioner, Kathua Jitendra K to augment the storage re- News 14 as aAgency sequel to Union Budage ofReyaz food grains publicPampore Basharat Bandipora News for Agency Singh today visited Tehsil Baquirements of agricultural getary announcement system,Agency storageQazigund sohli and convened a Public Altaf News Agency Pulwama with a distribution Javaid News commodities for better mar- corpus of Rs 5,000 crore and of both food grains and com- Grievance Camp in PWD Rest Jeelani News Agency Baramulla G.M News Agency Sopore ket access, liquidity support, the scheme envisages finanmercial crops as well as stor- House. Inhabitants of DharShah Sultan News Agency NABARD has been giving fillipNews cialAgency supportKupwara for warehouses, age infrastructure in KisanHandwara Mahanpur, Ghagrod, Preta, to creation of warehousing godowns, silos, cold storages bazaars and APMCs. Younis News Agency Langate Sheikh News Agency Islamabad Plassi, Runda, Rehan, Piakh infrastructure in rural areas. andAgency cold chain infrastructure In order to leverage Reshi News Islamabad Three Way News Agencyand TralBasohli town projected “The recent Project to store agricultural produce private sector efficiency and various demands and grievTurray News Agency Tral Badru News Agency Bijbehara Sanctioning Committee of NA- both in the public and private funding of PPP projects, in a ances which included, shortRahi News Agency Kulgam Malik News Agency BARD has sanctioned Rs 1,112 sectors. stakeholder meeting of ma-Arwani age of teaching staff, scarcity crores for creation ofRah 1336 The warehouses jor private sector operators News Agency Byepass Shaheen News Agency Kargil of water supply, encroachfunded by NABARD are mandated to conform to the accreditation standards of Warehouse Development Authority which will facilitate better liquidity to farmers through Negotiable Ware house Receipts. NABARD has already successfully piloted a hub and spoke model for better price discovery mechanism involving primary agricultural societies and collateral managers in six districts of Andhra Pradesh which will

in warehousing space such as NCMSL, NBHC, SSL, Star Agri, Adani Wilmar, etc. were consulted in designing loan products. Further, efforts are made to get cold chain infrastructure proposals from Dairy Federations and Producers’ Collectives. NABARD intends to give a special focus on food deficit States such as Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, North Eastern States in augmenting warehousing infrastructure.

ment of government land, repair of Basohli Kathua road, vacant posts of ten doctors in Basohli sub district hospital, repair of Dhar Mahanpur road, repair of high mast lights, additional ration depot for Basohli town, early commissioning of water supply schemes and restoration of bus service for Basohli –Kullu- Haridwar route besides a number of other demands.

A deputation of Retired Employee Union also

Wani reviews functioning of R&B sector of Rajouri District More roads of Rajouri to be taken into hand JAMMU, FEBRUARY 03: Minister for Roads & Buildings and Mechanical Engineering Mr. Abdul Majid Wani today chaired a high level meeting of officers convened to review the pace of construction work on various developmental projects being executed under R&B, PMGSY and JK PCC sector in Rajouri district here.

Minister of State for Health Mr. Shabir Ahmad Khan was also present in the meeting.

Addressing the meeting, the Minister stressed the need for expediting the pace of construction work on the developmental projects ensuring their timely completion. He asked the concerned for re-floating of tenders for the projects that received poor response. He said that timely commencement of work

on the projects for which works have already been allotted would go a long way in avoiding cost escalation. He also asked to prioritize the projects so that benefits percolate to the needy.

Mr. Wani directed the concerned for consulting MLA of respective areas in sorting-out problems if any, with regards to land compensation and land acquisition. “The construction work on some new roads would be taken into hand under different sectors for providing road connectivity to the people of unconnected areas of District Rajouri”, he maintained.

The meeting was informed that the work on 162 schemes and 8 bridges costing Rs. 554 crore to connect 169 habitations is going-on in district Rajouri under PMGSY, of which 82 schemes by expending Rs. 280 crore connecting 132 habitations have been completed so far. Out of 168 schemes under NABARD, work on 46 schemes has been completed by utilizing Rs. 96 crore and constructing 175 kilometres of road, the meeting was informed.

India Vision 2020 Mega Expo 2014 inaugurated at Jammu

The meeting was further informed that the work on Rs. 36 crore, five storey new hospital building Rajouri is near completion and would be completed by next month. The construction work on double storey building of Degree College Nowshehra would be completed

by June, this year. Both the projects are being executed by JK PCC, the meeting was told.

The issues of construction of UJaan Bridge over Darhal nallah, Shahdara bridge, kitchen at Shahdara Sharief, Kot Behrote bridge, besides construction of Afstabad, Kapakha- Hayatpora- Mangalnad road came up for discussion during the meeting.

Among others, Commissioner Secretary, Roads & Buildings Mrs Tanveer Jehan , Development Commissioner, Works, Mr Hamal, Managing Director, JK PCC MR. T R Bhagat, Chief Engineer, R&B Mr. Abdul Hamid Sheikh, Chief Engineer, PMGSY, MR. M M Gupta, besides Superintending Engineer and other senior engineers of concerned departments attended the meeting.

Magray hails establishing Littar as tehsil HQ JAMMU, FEBRURY 3: Member Legislative Council, Bashir Ahmad Magray, today, called on Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir, who was also a Member of Cabinet Sub Committee, and discussed the issue of granting Tehsil status to Shahoora and establishing its Headquarter at Littar in Pulwama district.

Ghulam Hassan Mir clarified that establishing headquarter of Tehsil Shahoora at Litter was already recommended by the Mushtaq Ganai Committee.

Lauding the recommendations of the Mushtaq Ganai Committee, Magray said that establishing tehsil head quarter at Littar will benefit every one of the tehsil Shahoora.

Gurezi hails creation of new administrative units

Expresses gratitude to CM for granting Tehsil to Tulail JAMMU, FEBRUARY 03: Minister of State for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Mr. Nazir Ahmad Gurezi today hailed the Cabinet decision on creation of new administrative units in the State. He said that to set up 659 new units, including 137 tehsils is a historical decision of the present Government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

The Minister expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for granting Tehsil status to Tulail and CD Block for Bagtore, besides creating Panchayats and Niabats including Wanpora, Burnai, Purani Tulal, Churvan and Buduab in the far-flung and remote tehsil Gurez.

He said it was a long pending demand of the people which has now been fulfilled adding that by creation of new units would go a long way in accelerating the socio-economic development of the people of these areas.

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 03: The Minister for Planning, Labour and Employment, Mr Ajay Sadhotra has hailed the recommendations of Cabinet Sub Committee (CSC) and the decision of Chief Minister Mr Omar Abdullah to create new administrative units in the State. He said granting Sub Division status to Marh and creating Tehsil, Niabats and block at Jiree, Mandal and Sujatpur is a historical

HOROSCOPE Aries

Some fascinating new information, possibly about spiritual or metaphysical matters, could come your way today via books, magazines, TV, or the Internet, Aries. This could set you off on a new course of study. Your own insights and revelations could prove invaluable in increasing your understanding of what you read. In the evening, expect a surprising letter or phone call from someone you haven’t heard from in a long time.

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 03: The 1st edition of the India Vision 2020 Mega Expo 2014 was inaugurated by Union Minister for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Mr. S. Jaipal Reddy in presence of J&K Governor, Mr. N. N Vohra and Vice Chancellor, Jammu University, Prof M.P.S Ishar.Large number of National and International delegates including eminent scientists, industry leaders, technocrats, policy makers, entrepreneurs, innovators and academicians were also present on the occasion. Various exhibitors will showcase their technologies, innovations their achievements in implementation of science and technology during the coming days of the Mega Expo exhibition. Many organizations are displaying their State of the art technologies and products developed by them in the mega expo including Defense Research and Development organization (DRDO), Department of Sericulture, Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Department of Horticulture, Agriculture, Fisheries, Floriculture, J&K State Agri Industries Development Corporation, Horticulture (Planning & Marketing), Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology, Horticulture Produce and Marketing Corporation, CCDU, JKEDA, , Centre for Wind Energy.

apprised the DDC about the problems faced by the local people.

Local representative also demanded provision for the issuances of gun licenses at Tehsil headquarter Basohli, besides sterilization of monkeys as monkey menace in Basohli has adversely affected the farmers.People apprised DDC about the pathetic conditions of buses plying on Basohli Kathua route inviting accidents to happen. The demand of niabat status for Hatt and District status for Basohli was also submitted to the DDC by the local deputation.

The DDC gave a patient hearing and assured the people that their genuine demands would be looked into and taken up with the higher authorities.He also gave on spot directions to the concerned officers to note the demands and grievances of the people and take immediate necessary steps for early redressal of the same.

Responding

to the demands, DDC said that under second phase of Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyutkiran Yojna (RGGKVY) electrification of left out families will be meet out. He said under National Rural Drinking Water Programme several water supply schemes were initiated and assured that more water schemes will be taken up to cater the drinking water need of the people. He disclosed that the matter of new fire stations for Bani, Billawar and Basohli Tehsil is taken up with higher authorities. DDC Singh also directed SDM and Tehsildar Basohli to enquire about use of kerosene oil in local buses. He assured that the matter of vacant posts of school teacher will be taken up with school education authorities. He assured that medical board for handicapped persons will camp in Basohli instead of Kathua district to avoid any hardship to the handicapped persons to get medical certificates.

People hail Vikar for creation of new administrative units in Banihal

Receives warm reception at Ukhral

BANIHAL, JANUARY 3: People of Pogal, Paristan and Ukhral today accorded warm reception to Minister of State for Technical Education, Power, CAPD and Information, Mr Vikar Rasool after the Government approved the creation of new Administrative units in Banihal constituency which include two Sub Division, Two Tehsils and Four Naibats.

Thousands of people from Pogal, Parsistan and Ukhral and adjoining villages in a welcome rally raised slogans in favour of the Minister.

Addressing the public at Ukhral, Vikar said that government is committed to provide basic amenities and good governance to the people at their door step. He said that government has initiated various social and developmental programmes for the upliftment of the poor and weaker section of society especially for the people of far flung areas.

Minister said that for the last 5 years, the people of the area have witnessed a golden era of development projects which includes Degree College, ITI, two Sub Divisions at Khari and UKhral, schools, Sub District Hospital at Banihal and large number of road projects. He also informed that various other projects are in pipeline and shall be taken up in the due course of time.

Various social organisations which include Youth Federation Ukhral, President Beopar Mandal Ukhral and others hailed the efforts of the Minister, in creation of New Administrative units in Banihal constituency.

Among others members from Sanatan Dharam Sabha Ukhral Sarpanchs, Panches and prominent citizens of the adjoining village attended the function.

Creation of new adm units a step towards inclusive growth: Sadhotra Asks people to extend cooperation in taking forward dev plans

04. 02 .2014

March 21-April 19

DDC convenes public grievance redressal camp at Basohli

naBard gives fillip to warehouse infrastructure

warehouses in State Governments and State Government Corporations in Haryana, Kerala, Punjab, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and West Bengal, which will create 7.5 lakh MT of additional storage space. Cumulatively, NABARD has sanctioned 5,830 crores under Rural Infrastructure / Warehousing Infrastructure Fund creating and additional capacity of 16.3 million MT as against 35 million MT intended to be established un-

Srinagar | TueSday

decision of the coalition government.The Minister was addressing a large group of people of Marh constituency, led by Sarpanch Sub. Ghasita Ram, who had come to extend their gratitude to the Government for addressing their long pending demands, here at Gandhi Nagar today.

They also appreciated the decision of the Chief Minister and the efforts of Mr Ajay Sadhotra for fulfilling long pending demands of the people of Marh constituency and its adjacent villages.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that creation of new administrative units in the State is a landmark decision, adding that the move will benefit every individual of Marh constituency and the people

living in adjacent villages.

He said the decision will go a long way in ensuring proper implementation of the developmental plans framed for the villages coming under the jurisdiction of new administrative units.

Sadhotra said that the Government is resolved to improve living condition of the people by making available all basic facilities to in every area of the state. He appealed them to extend their cooperation to the government in taking forward the developmental projects started in their areas.

The Minister said that demand of Degree College for Marh will be taken up with the Chief Minister and concerned Ministry for an early action.

Taurus April 20-May 20

Dreams and meditation could lead to insights regarding how best to handle your finances and make your money grow, Taurus. You could receive some surprising ideas from newspapers, TV, or the Internet. Your level of intuition is very high. No matter how outrageous an idea may seem, consider it carefully before making a decision. A written plan of action for anything you do would be helpful.

Gemini May 21-June 21

A social event or group rally could put you in touch with some new and exciting people in interesting fields, Gemini. You might even run into an old friend you haven’t seen for a long time. If you aren’t currently romantically involved, an attractive new person could come on the scene. This promises to be an exciting and stimulating day for you. Don’t be surprised if new doors to a great future open for you. Enjoy!

Cancer June 22-July 22

Today you could be hit with some exciting news, Cancer. It could involve new people and new equipment coming onto the scene. It could involve an entirely new project or course of action that you never would have imagined. This is likely to shape up to be a lucky break for you, as the new situation probably suits your skills and talents nearly perfectly. Make the most of this opportunity. It could make a big difference to you.

Leo

July 23-August 22 Information that you receive from others and from within your own heart could compel you to participate in some ambitious projects, Leo. They may be work related, connected with a group, or your own.

Whatever they are, you’re likely to find them interesting, challenging, and personally gratifying. New opportunities for advancement and self-expression could be opening up for you. It’s best to move ahead now; otherwise, they might pass you by.

Virgo

August 23-September 22

Some exciting visitors could come to your door today, Virgo, perhaps bringing Earthshaking information that could impact your life in a great way. You might start considering new lifestyle options. A group or organization, possibly associated with spirituality or metaphysics, could suddenly seem attractive and you might consider joining it. Expect some fascinating discussions with a close person in your life.

Libra

September 23-October 23 Group activities or social events in your neighborhood could put you in touch with new and exciting people who eventually become friends, Libra. Shared goals and interests could give rise to plans for ambitious projects. Whatever enterprises you start today are likely to prove successful if everyone involved pitches in. In the evening, arrange for a quiet tête-à-tête with your romantic partner.

Enjoy your day!

Scorpio

October 24-November 21 Have you been looking to branch out in a new direction, Scorpio? If so, this could be the day you get the lead of a lifetime. Or you might receive some unexpected information indicating possible new sources of income that you could pursue on your own. Whatever they are, new doors of opportunity are going to open for you that could make a big difference in your lifestyle and catapult you into a higher socioeconomic bracket.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21

Unusual circumstances could arise that change the course of your creative orientation, Sagittarius. This could involve modern technology in some way, and it’s highly likely that it concerns the gathering, sharing, and use of information. You could find yourself considering some unusual options, which could involve changing jobs, your residence, or other factors important to your lifestyle. Think carefully before plunging in.

Capricorn December 22-January 19

Today you could decide to attend a class, workshop, or social event involving people in a spiritual, metaphysical, or intellectual field. Fascinating discussions could lead to insights and revelations of your own, Capricorn. You could explore ways to harness your natural healing ability, perhaps through Reiki, massage, or other hands-on disciplines. Expect to spend the next few days being preoccupied with ideas you learn today.

Aquarius January 20-February 18

New information could be coming at you from all sides today, Aquarius. Books, magazines, TV, the Internet, and conversations with friends are likely to bring exciting knowledge your way that reinforces some of your own convictions. Your intuitive abilities aren’t lying fallow either. Insights and revelations could come to you that blend well with what you’re learning from outside sources. Write down your thoughts. You’ll want to put them to work for you later.

Pisces

February 19-March 20 Surprising news about your own finances and the world economy in general could cause you to feel confident and secure about your financial future, Pisces. An unexpected raise in salary could come your way soon, possibly because of sudden changes at your workplace. Some of the information that you receive could seem vague and uncertain at first, but whatever news follows should clear it up. It seems a celebration is in order!

EDITORIAL/ OPINION Drug Abuse and Kashmiri Society Kashmir valley, known as Peer Waer has been an abode of moral values since times immemorial. Almost all the religions flourished here with sincere tolerance and respect for every religion. Sheikh Noor-uddin Noorani (RA), Lal Ded and many other Reshis, Sufis and Saints taught human values and religious tolerance. But all these values are now witnessing erosion particularly since when political uncertainty engulfed this valley. The youths being impatient, eager to earn fast buck& make a certain future started adopting shortcut methods & fell prey to materialism as they could not resist temptations. Those who adopted this path landed into a web of drug abuse as they never got satisfied with their achievements. With the time a large section of young generation are in the trap of drugs and other social evils. They are depending on illegal drug or medication which causes a situation where in the body of the addict is always intensely craving for more and more drugs. Initially most of the youngsters take drug for fun sake which later on leads to drug addiction and results into many health problems and other social evils like theft and other crimes for accumulating money for their drug dose. Such drug addicts lose their conscience, self control, willpower, memory and energy.

They indulge in anti social activities and in turn are hated and shunned by society. Their lives become miserable. They cannot live gracefully which has a negative impact on the fabric of the society. Families are split and ultimately they are of no use to family, society or the nation. Drug addiction kills youths morally, socially, psychologically, physically and emotionally. They live alone and die in isolation.United Nations International Drug Control Programme survey in 2008 revealed that there are nearly seventy thousand drug addicts in the Kashmir valley, four thousand of them women. The survey also indicated that 65 to 70 percent of the students in Kashmir valley were into drugs and 26 percent female students were drug addicts. Reports further revealed that 70 percent of the addicts fall in the age group of 18 to 35 years, a productive age group. Now in 2012 the number must have increased at an alarming rate which is a very precarious situation. Now the time has come when religious leaders, intellectuals, parents and social activists put their efforts to wage a war against this impending social evil which is putting our society at the brink of extinction.

T

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Daily

Zabarwan Times

Srinagar, Tuesday 04 February 2014

World Cancer Day he history of World Cancer Day dates back to 1933 when Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) first observed the significance of this day at Geneva, Switzerland. It was an initiative of UICC to unite the entire world in order to reduce the global cancer burden, to promote greater equity, and to integrate cancer control into the world health and development agenda. World Cancer Day is celebrated annually on 4th of February all over the globe and aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and educating about cancer, and pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action against the disease. In 2014 it has been focused on Target 5 of the World Cancer Declaration: Reduce stigma and dispel myths about cancer, under the tagline “Debunk the myths”. According to UICC its importance lies in preventing the inevitable global cancer epidemic by raising awareness against the deadly disease.

Currently, 7.6 million people die from cancer worldwide every year, out of which, 4 million people die prematurely (aged 30 to 69 years).

Therefore the need of the hour is to raise awareness about the disease and to develop practical strategies to address cancer. By the year 2025, premature cancer deaths are projected to increase to 6 million per year.

The estimate of 1.5 million lives which are at threat due to cancer could be saved per year if strategies are adapted to achieve the World Health Organization’s (WHO) ‘25 by 25’ target to reduce premature deaths due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by 25% by 2025.

Cancer Control in India World Cancer Day is an important date where organizations and individuals are encouraged to project the day for a concerted ‘advocacy push’, calling on governments to live up to the new and ambitious commitments in the emerging NCD framework, and ensure that cancer interventions, prevention, early detection, treatment and palliation, are adequately addressed in the global health platform. There is now a need for a worldwide commitment which would aid advancements in policy and encourage implementation of comprehensive National Cancer Control Plans.

India is one of the few developing countries that have a National Cancer Control Program organized by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Its primary objectives include prevention of tobacco related cancers and other prevalent forms like cancer of uterine cervix, mouth and breast as well as extension and strengthening of therapeutic services including pain relief on a national scale through regional cancer centers and medical colleges (including dental colleges). The current program envisages- Recognition of new Regional Cancer Centers (RCCs); Strengthening of existing RCCs; Development of oncology wings in medical colleges; District Cancer Control Program; Decentralized

NGO Scheme which together would aid the concerted network of cancer control.

Cancer Research in India Cancer control program is perfectly complemented with current trends in cancer research in India which aims to unravel the diverse molecular and biological changes underlying cancer development and progression.

The research on cancer is more oriented towards understanding the tumour micro environment, mechanisms that restrain tumorigenesis and translating novel findings towards cancer diagnosis, prognosis and therapies. The new era science is more concerned with personalized treatment strategies with targeted agents that are directed specifically to the molecular abnormalities that are driving specific tumours.

Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI), Kolkata Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, was formed by amalgamation of Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital and Chittaranjan National Cancer Research Centre on 1st April 1987 and was recognized as the Regional Cancer Center (RCC). Government of India also recognized CNCI as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) in the year 1997. The main objectives of CNCI are: To spread cancer awareness aiming prevention and control.

To promote cancer prevention, cutting edge diagnosis: modern treatment, research, training and education in oncology.

To impart post graduation and paramedical education in all branches of oncology.

To have collaboration with National and International organizations in prevention, control and cure of cancer.

The main focus of CNCI is in patient care and management. CNCI has undergone major changes with extensive reorganization and renovation of all the departments, wards, operation theatre complex and laboratories. The Surgical Oncology Department today handles complex procedures backed by a fresh team of well-trained competent surgeons, state-of-art equipments like Laparoscope, CUSA (Cutting Ultra Sonographic Aspiration), Operating Microscope, Argon Laser and many more. The entire patient care system is well supported by the Intensive Treatment Unit (ITU), equipped with all modern gadgets and roundthe-clock laboratory back up under the supervision of Department of Anaesthesiology. Special Clinics like Mastectomy, Laryngectomy, Speech therapy clinics and Pain & Palliative Care clinics are now available for rehabilitation as well as improved supportive care. A fully functioning Endoscopy OT handles the routine diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with fibre-optics Endoscopy. The Pathology and Blood Bank departments now have modern and automated equipments. The Di-

agnostic Radiology Department is now equipped with Mammography, modern X–ray, Ultrasonography with color Doppler set. Procurement of a state-of-the-art CT Scan – 1.5 Tesla MRI machine has been planned. At present CNCI hospital is one of the best centers for radiotherapy with two Cobalt Machines, Computerized Treatment Planning System, integrated Low and High Dose Brachytherapy units, a fully Computerized Simulator and one State of the Art Dual Energy Linear Accelerator with IMRT & IGRT facilities.

CNCI is dedicated to all classes of the society and therefore imparts free treatment for economically challenged patients. Each year more than 500 patients belonging to BPL category get financial assistance from the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) Scheme of Government of India. A special endeavour was initiated with the inauguration of the colourful paediatric oncology ward with all modern treatment facilities.

A new Day care unit, opened on 6th March, 2009 by Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chairman, CNCI Governing Body. This is beneficial for the cancer patients requiring chemotherapy, blood transfusion and small procedures. For the benefit of patients and their companions who hail from remote and faraway places, a Night Shelter with 24 accommodations including toilet and drinking water facilities are available.

CNCI has endeavored in prevention of cancer, early detection and diagnosis through various programs. To meet the increasing need of health care services and to combat cancer efficiently many NGOs have come forward. A pilot survey was conducted at Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, based on 900 respondents of the population of West Bengal to assess their levels of awareness regarding cancer with the aim of estimating associations between response variables (knowledge about cancer) and predictor variables (age, sex, level of education). The results have revealed a huge lack of cancer awareness in this part of India. Most of the respondents (68%) expressed desires for participating in cancer awareness programs. To overcome this situation, CNCI has taken initiatives to educate common people about all the facts of cancer prevention, early detection and treatment.

The research wing of CNCI has qualified and highly skilled scientists who earned their fame in their respective fields of cancer research.

Scientists are focusing towards understanding the molecular mechanisms in the development of cancer, identification and modulation of molecular markers, targeted therapy, prevention of cancer, epidemiology, anticancer drug development and immuno regulation. There has been an impetus among the doctors of CNCI to do research work utilising the expertise of the scientists. Collaborative work has been initiated

among the researchers and clinicians to establish potential biomolecules as tumor markers and also judging their therapeutic potentials in drug development. The Department of Translational Research undertakes “bench to bedside” research, blending the research and hospital units.

Clinical and translational research in cancer relevant to the socio-economic needs of our country is going on.

This department is equipped with modern, highly sophisticated equipment to perform highest quality research work. Clinical trials under various National and International collaborations have been undertaken at CNCI. Different multinational companies are approaching through their Indian counter parts to initiate clinical trials with potential anti cancer drugs. Clinical Trial Secretariat and subsequently Clinical Research Department was established in CNCI and presently this department is handling Phase II, III & IV trails. This Institute has got good infrastructure and trained personnel for Phase IB, II & III clinical trials.

Some of the research activities have been patented by IPR. Every year a good number of summer students from various Universities and colleges are getting trained at CNCI. Good quality PhD work is carried out at CNCI. DNB course has been successfully launched at CNCI (hospital) and well qualified doctors have been enrolled for the course. It is a great honour that the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh has selected CNCI to conduct the MRCS Part III examination for three consecutive terms.

Future Plans of Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute CNCI is the only National Institute in the eastern region providing services to over 6500 new cancer patients every year along with 35,000-40,000 OPD patients for continued treatment and follow up. Due to lack of space and the overload of ever increasing cancer patients a new 500 bedded multi-disciplinary sophisticated cancer hospital has been planned at New Town, Rajarhat, Kolkata. Government of West Bengal has provided 10 acres (40,470 m2) of land at the Action Area 1D of New Town, Rajarhat, Kolkata.The broad objectives of CNCI which have been envisaged with the advent of the new campus at Rajarhat, Kolkata are - Development of a state of the art cancer therapy institute; setting up of preventive oncology service, cancer palliation, and training & human resource development in cancer diagnostics, cancer therapeutics and cancer control.

Therefore with the observation of World Cancer Day on the 4th of February, 2014, CNCI along with the world wide cancer combating community continue to strengthen the fight against cancer as well as distributing the real message about dispelling the misconceptions regarding this dreadful disease and creating awareness for its prevention and control.

New Paradigms in Agricultural Research

he Indian Council of Agricultural Research is an apex organization in the country spearheading agricultural research, education and extension activities for productivity enhancement and diversification of Indian agriculture. The comprehensive initiatives taken by the Council have led to notable accomplishments in natural resource management, input use efficiency, climate resilience, secondary agriculture and economic transformation of farmers though technological interventions. The science-led and technology- driven agriculture is duly supported by appropriate institutional mechanisms, enabling environment and policies. ICAR with 99 institutes, 69 Agricultural Universities and 636 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) spread across the country constitutes one of the largest national agricultural research systems in the world. ICAR provided the critical technological inputs for various processes of agriculture that culminated the highest ever food production of all com-

ponents of cereals, pulses, fruits and vegetables, meat, milk, fish and eggs during 2012-13.

The monsoon-driven Indian agriculture witnessed 106% of long-term average rainfall during the cropping season 2013 that enabled 105 million hectare of total area sown during kharif 2013 as compared to about 100 million hectare during 2012. Eventually, the first advanced estimates target food-grain production of 259 million tonnes and a growth rate of over 5% for agriculture and allied sectors in 2013-14. Meanwhile, Uttarakhand, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh were struck by natural calamities of differential, but severe intensities. The ICAR prepared doable and location-specific action plans of agriculture and allied sectors for rehabilitation and restoration of the affected areas through technological backstopping. The Council demonstrated climate resilient technologies in 100 most-vulnerable districts under NICRA. For different agro-climatic regions,

104 new improved varieties/hybrids have been released during the year. The Council has also prepared the climatic vulnerability atlas of the country and district level contingency plans to enable farmers to choose appropriate means and methods for mitigating the climatic variability in different agro-climatic regions. Further, the Council is committed to needbased, location specific research for agricultural development in the country through innovation and integration. For productivity enhancement, the Council released an early-maturing basmati rice variety, Pusa Punjab Basmati 1509 with moderate resistance to leaf blast and brown spot diseases; a late sowing wheat variety HD 3059; and the large seeded (>30g/100 seeds) kabuli chickpea variety, CSJK 6, moderately resistant to root rot and tolerant to wilt.

During the year, 11,835 tonnes of breeder seeds, 14,984 tonnes of foundation seeds, 22,281 tonnes of certified seeds, 14,939 tonnes of truthfully labeled seeds and

5,237 tonnes of quality planting material have also been produced for distribution among stakeholders. In horticultural crops, bacterial wilt, TLC V and Alternaria-resistant tomato Arka Rakshak yielding over 90 tonnes/hectare; a new red skinned advance potato hybrid 2001P-55 with a potential yield of 300-350 quintals/hectare and moderately resistant to late blight for Eastern plains of Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Odisha and Jharkhand; and a new variety Swarna Vaidehi of makhana (Euryale ferox Salisb.), with a production potential of 2.8-3.0 tonnes/hectare were released.

The livestock sector plays an important role in providing livelihood to small farmers with over 87% of the livestock owned by small and marginal farmers. At Hisar based Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes 63,857 frozen semen doses of Murrah bulls were produced as farmers from all over India are evincing keen interest in Murrah breed improvement.

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