Zabarwan Times E-Paper English 04 January

C M Y K

C M Y K

SATURDAY

January 04 | 2013 | 02 Rabi-Al-Awwal 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |

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For

http://www.zabarwantimes.com

VOL NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 04 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 PAISA)

Jus

tice

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

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Inaugurates Panchayat Ghar at Basantpur

8 injured in road mishaps Srinagar, January 03: Eight persons were injured in different road accidents in Kashmir Valley.

A Tata Sumo bearing registration number JK01U-0266 driven

by Abdul Rashid Malik son of Ghulam Mohammad resident of Pariswani turned turtle on the road near exchange Gokhama, resulting in injuries to five passengers. All the injured were hospitalized. A case has been registered in this regard.

A Bus bearing registration number JK05B-3769 on way from Budgam to Srinagar skidded off the road near Petrol Pump Sheikhpora, Budgam, resulting in injuries to Mohammad Shafi Sofi and his wife Mst. Parveena residents of Palpora Budgam. Both the injured were hospitalized. A case has been registered in this regard.

A Van hit and injured a girl Hafeeza Bano daughter of Mohammad Ismail Lohar resident of Dardpora Lolab, Kupwara at Dilbagh Dever, Lalpora. The girl was hospitalized. A case has been registered in this regard.

Body found in Budgam

Srinagar, January 03: Budgam police has started an inquest to ascertain the cause of the death of a youth found dead in suspicion conditions at Kadipora Nasrullahpora.

Budgam police was informed by some locals that a male body is lying at Kadipora, Nasrullahpora in suspicious condition.

Police party rushed to the spot and recovered the body, who was later identified as 27 years old Tariq Ahmad Beigh son of Mohammad Ramzan resident of Kadipora, Nasrullah Pora.

See Body on Pg. 11

Inside story Speaker reviews working of Assembly Secretariat Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Mr. Mubarak Gul today chaired a meeting of the senior functionaries of the Assembly Secretariat convened to take stock of the working of various House

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On Edit Page DGMO’s meeting a good omen The recent meeting of Directors General operations of India and Pakistan and their subsequent decision to continue with the ceasefire agreement on LOC

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WEATHER

FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:

Light rain/snow may occur at isolated places over higher reaches of the state.

FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:

Partly cloudy sky. Maximum & Minimum temperatures will be around 5°C & -3°C respectively.

TEMPERATURE MAXIMUM 3.0 0C MINIMUM -1.6 0C SUNSET ON(SATURDAY) 05:35 pm SUNRISE ON (SUNDAY) 07:38 am

Reviews status of Katra- National Highway road connectivity

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PM to bow out of office after 2014 LS polls, backs Rahul for the job New Delhi, Jan 3: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today declared that he would bow out of office after the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and strongly backed Rahul Gandhi for the job. While answering a question during a media conference in Delhi, on a potential contest between Rahul and Modi, Dr. Singh said, he sincerely believe that it will be disastrous for the country to have Narendra Modi as prime minister. He ridiculed Modi’s campaign for a Congress-free India saying that was not going to materialise. Dr. Singh said, a strong leader also does not mean one could preside over the killing of innocent citizens in the streets of Ahmadabad. Dr. Singh said, he has full confidence that the next Prime minister will be from a UPA coalition.

Dr Singh said he is not going to

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st ain exit g a e led sibl fi s in n o o ful r ti f’s p i p t l Pe arra he de rry disor h s e Ch ep Mu sle

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be Prime minister if the UPA comes to power for a third term at the Center. The Congress will announce its Prime Ministerial candidate at an appropriate time. Dr. Singh also said, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi has outstanding credentials to be the Prime Minister.

CCEA approves Srinagar - Leh transmission line New Delhi, Jan 03: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the proposal for construction of a 220kV Transmission System from Alusteng (Srinagar) to Leh (via Drass, Kargil & Khalsti 220/66kV PGCIL substations) and 66kV Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) interconnection system for Drass, Kargil, Khalsti and Leh substations in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) at an estimated total cost of Rs. 1788.41 Crore.

The transmission project shall provide grid connectivity and reliable power supply to the strategically important Ladakh region.

The project will be implemented through PGCIL, a central transmission utility, within 42 months from the date of release of the first instalment of funds. The project cost will be borne by the Government of India and the Government of J&K in the ratio of 95:5 to ensure interest of the Government of J&K in the project.

Upon commissioning of the transmission system, the same shall be transferred to the State of J&K Government who will carry out Operation & Maintenance (O&M) and other related activities at their own cost as per the terms & conditions in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to be signed in this regard.

The electric supply system of Ladakh Region in the State of J&K is currently isolated from the Northern Grid and is fed through local small hydro generation and diesel generator sets. Being an area of defence establishments and strategic See CCEA on Pg. 11

He said, the Congress welcomes the people’s mandate in the just concluded Assembly elections and will learn lessons from it.

Dr. Singh said, India’s democratic constitution and institutions are the cornerstone of modern India. No one person or institution can substitute the countries democratic framework. He said, only time will tell on the success of Aam Aadmi party.

Terming, dealing with corruption as a complex issue he called for cooperation cutting across party line to combat the menace. Dr. Singh said, he has never used office for personal gains and history will be kind to him than the contemporary media and the opposition. He said, it is for the people to judge him and he is the same man with the clean image since the beginning of UPA tenure.

See PM on Pg. 11

Nuclear power a dependable, clean option National Cancer Institute the biggest project in health sector: PM New Delhi, Jan 3: On a day when he called signing of the Indo-US nuclear deal as the “best moment” of his nearly 10-year-long tenure, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday strongly batted for nuclear power as a “dependable and clean option”.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also said the country is aiming to generate more than 27,000 MW of nuclear power in the next 10 years.

He underlined the need to ensure that all ingredients by which nuclear fuel is made remain safe and do not fall in the hands of terrorists and anti-social elements.

“Nuclear energy is a dependable and clean option to produce power. India is among the very few nations which have developed technology to install nuclear power plants and

Protests in Sopore after boy found murdered

Srinagar, Jan 03: The murder of a teenager boy sparked off protests on Friday in Mahrajpora area of Sopore town in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

Reports reaching Global News Service said that Dawood Nabi Wagay son of Ghulam Nabi Wagay of Mahrajpora, who was missing since Thursday afternoon, was found dead in an orchard in Chinkipora locality on Friday morning. His mutilated body was recovered by a police team headed by Station House officer (SHO), Sopore Syed Ayaz Geelani in an orchard near the floor mill, Chinkipora. He had visible marks

of violence.

“It also seems that the boy was mauled by stray dogs after he was murdered by unknown persons. The body was recovered, hours after the parents of the boy filed a missing report at the police station Sopore this morning,” police sources said.

The body was later sent to the nearby hospital for post mortem report and was accordingly handed over to their relatives for last rites.

Superintendent of Police, Sopore, Abdul Qayoom told GNS that police has recovered a sharp edged weapon from See Protests on Pg. 11

J&K Bank’s valedictory function of Platinum Jubilee celebrations Omar emphasises on enhancing Bank lending in priority sectors Jammu, Jan 03: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has asked the Jammu and Kashmir Bank to rollout a vision of achieving new goals and touching new highs in the next 25 years of its journey towards centenary year in the service of people.

Congratulating J&K Bank for its success story of growth and development during the last 75 years, Omar Abdullah said that the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the Bank provide an opportunity to its Management to dream and outline a vision for the march of the Bank in next 25 years.“You have to think of laying national and international footprints and rollout a vision for the futuristic goals and objectives for the Bank right now so that the Bank would move ahead accordingly and achieve the targets to be fixed for the centenary year to celebrate”, the Chief Minister said and added that the growth story of

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achievements of the Bank has been appreciable and praise worthy but it is not enough that the Bank will rest on laurels it has achieved because in the story of growth and achievements there is no fixed high point. He asked the Bank to continue its march on roads to progress and development with commitment and added enthusiasm under a visionary document of development and public service to be put

in place now for the next 25 years.

Speaking at the valedictory function of Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Jammu and Kashmir Bank at Zorawar Singh Auditorium here this afternoon in which Governor, N. N. Vohra was the chief guest, Omar Abdullah said that celebrating centenary celebrations by an institution is often possible and many institutions have achieved this and See J&K Bank’s on Pg. 11

have achieved the capability to make nuclear fuel”.

“Our aim is that in the coming ten years, we should achieve the capability to generate more than 27,000 MW nuclear power,” Singh said in Haryana’s Jhajjar district. He was here to lay the foundation stone of two key projects -the National Cancer Institute and the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership. “...Certainly I think the best moment was when we were able to strike a nuclear deal with the US,” Singh had said earlier in the day when asked at a news conference in Delhi what were his best and lowest moments in life during his tenure.

The Indo-US Civilian Nuclear Agreement was signed in 2008. The Prime Minister said that “besides increasing our capability to generate nuclear power,

what is important for us is to ensure that all ingredients by which nuclear fuel are made remain safe and do not fall in the hands of terrorists and anti-social people.”

He said it is also important that the nuclear power plants maintain the highest standards of safety.

He said “post the Japan nuclear accident case in 2011, we have adapted highest safety standards in our power plants design and management”.

The Prime Minister said as the country’s population grows and more urbanisation happens, the demand for power will also go up.

Ensuring that there was enough power for our growing economy was the need of the hour, and while there were various sources like coal, hydro, wind, gas to generate power, nuclear See Nuclear Power on Pg. 11

Highway reopens for one way traffic

Light Vehicles only to move from Srinagar to Jammu today Srinagar, Jan 3 : While the Valley has received heavy snowfall and is gripped in freezing cold, weathermen on Friday said weather is likely to remain dry for at least next four days. However they said that the higher areas of Valley might receive snow fall. Meanwhile Srinagar-Jammu Highway was reopened on Friday after remaining closed for three days.

“Though weather will remain cold and cloudy, there would be no rainfall or snow in the Valley at least for the next four days,” Director Meteorological department, Sonam Lotus told KNS. The Metrological department has a mechanism to forecast weather for only 3-4 days. Pertinently, Kashmir Valley on Tuesday received this year’s major snowfall, ending nearly two months of dry spell. Since then Valley has been reeling under intense cold.

Meanwhile the SrinagarJammu Highway which was closed on Tuesday evening

Traffic mess on Sgr-Jmu highway Srinagar, Jan 3: The Srinagar-Jammu highway, which was thrown open for one-way traffic Friday, witnessed acute traffic mess, giving tough time to passengers. According to reports received by KNS said that the passengers had to face several hardships due to long traffic jams on See Traffic on Pg. 11 following heavy snowfall was reopened for one way traffic on Friday. Authorities regulated the vehicular movement on the highway allowing traffic from Jammu to Srinagar.

DSP traffic National Highway Muhktar Ahmad told KNS that highway was reopened this morning after proper assessment. “All vehicles were allowed to move See Highway on Pg. 11

Cracks in Hurriyat Conference (M)

Protests in Acchabal against wine shop

Hurriyat leaders lack consensus

Srinagar, Jan 03: Scores of people on Friday staged demonstrations in Acchabal area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district demanding the closure of the wine shop.

Reports reaching GNS said that scores of people after offering congregational Friday prayers assembled at Acchabal market and staged demonstration against the presence of a liquor shop in the area. Shouting slogans, the protesters, including the members of Auqaf committee alleged that the presence of the wine shop in the area has led to waywardness among the youth. The protesters were demanding immediate closure of the shop saying it was destroying the future of the youth.

Gauging the public anger, the staff of the liquor shop locked the gate and See Protests on Pg. 11

Better for Mirwaiz to keep mum: Azam Inqalabi Srinagar, Jan 3: Senior resistance leader and patron Mahaz-iAzadi, Muhammad Azam Inqalabi Friday said that no Hurriyat leader whosoever he may be is in a position to reprimand any other leader. He told Srinagar based news gathering agency CNS that in recent past Hurriyat committed series of blunders and if this continued then people in Kashmir will certainly get disillusioned from the ongoing freedom movement.

Azam Inqalabi said that the biggest blunder committed by Hurriyat Conference is that it has already rejected the consultative forum. “Instead of consulting each other, Hurriyat leaders take decisions in personal capacity. The stalemate between different freedom groups in Kashmir has caused considerable anxiety to common people,” he said.

Reacting over the development Mirwaiz Umar Farooq directing the amalgam Convener in Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK) not to entertain the leaders and representatives who decided to “tread a separate path and left the Hurriyat See Cracks on Pg. 11

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CCEA.......

more unlike human beings. He said though, the present Management at the helm of affairs in J&K Bank may not be in service of the Bank at its centenary celebrations but they can lay out a vision for the futuristic Chairmen and functionaries of the Bank to realize new goals.The Chief Minister also emphasized the need for identifying and fixing short term targets particularly for lending in the priority sectors including agriculture, entrepreneurship development, small farmers, traders, artisans, young persons, etc. He asked the Bank also to realize the goals and targets in corporate sector social responsibilities and maintain the CD ratio. Omar Abdullah extended best wishes to the Bank and hoped that it will achieve more and more strength in the coming years. The Chief Minister also appreciated the newly designed New Year Calendar of the Bank focusing on J&K Handicrafts Sector.The Minister for Finance, Abdul Rahim Rather while speaking on the occasion congratulated the Bank for its growth story.

He highlighted the progress of the J&K Bank in various fields of its activities and also identified some areas where the Bank needs to further upgrade its activities.

The Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Mushtaq Ahmed in his welcome address presented the historical journey of the Bank and its progress and development during the last 75 years. He also mentioned the Bank’s role in the upliftment and growth of the economy of Jammu and Kashmir.

Cracks.........

on their own, Azam Inqalabi said that it would have been better for Mirwaiz to keep mum. “Top leaders should always keep their tongue in control and should consult others before taking any step or decision,” he said adding that accusations and allegations leveled against each other always have negative impact on the ongoing freedom movement.

He said that a particular person should not consider himself lone leader of people. “We must not forget there are leaders who made every sacrifice to keep this freedom movement alive. A particular group or leader have no right to hijack this sacred movement. You can’t reject Syed Ali Geelani or any other leader if they are not a part Mirwaiz’s Hurriyat,” Inqalabi said.

Reacting over the Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s step directing PaK convener not to entertain the leaders who are not part of APHC (M), Inqalabi said that the step is aimed to divert the attention of the people from the main issue. “The development implies that there is no breakthrough in dialogue between and Pakistan on Kashmir issue and now Pakistan with the help of others want to divert the attention of the people,” he said.

He said that unity and objectivity will only lead us towards our common goal which is to free people of Kashmir from the bondage of India.

Protests........

confined themselves indoors. After staging protests, the importance, there is a need to improve the reliability of locals also filed a memorandum with the police seeking power supply through inter-connection with the Northern immediate closure of the wine shop.

Grid. Accordingly, a 220KV Transmission System has been “Liquor business is having a negative impact on children. planned. The difficult terrain has left the Ladakh region Our children are going astray. We won’t allow any isolated with no electrical connectivity with the rest of the activity in the area that is prohibited in Islam,” Ghulam grid. The region is experiencing an energy shortage of about Nabi, a local said. He said that if government fails to 95 percent. The cost of local diesel generation is very high take action, the locals will intensify their agitation and (about Rs 16-17/unit). Being an area of strategic importance, ensure that the shop doesn’t exist in the area. reliable power supply arrangement is very crucial.

Protests........

the spot and accordingly fingerprints of some suspected persons have also been taken.

“We have registered a case under FIR no. 02/2014 under section 302 RPC in this regard. The sharp knife has been sent to Forensic laboratory for examination,” he added.

Soon after the incident, locals staged protest demonstration and demanded the culprits be brought to book.

Highway........

Body........

Budgam police has initiated an inquest proceeding under section 174 CrPC to ascertain the cause of the death. After completing all medico-legal formalities the body of the deceased was handed over to his family members for last rites.

Taj compliments JK cricket team for its Ranji performance

from Jammu to Srinagar. “408 passengers, 666 light /heavy goods vehicles crossed towards Srinagar till 5 pm”, adding Jammu, Jan 3 : Minister for that on Saturday the traffic will move from Srinagar to Medical Education, Youth Jammu. He, however, said that the passengers must Services & Sports, Mr. Taj Mohi ud Din has congratuconfirm the status of highway before leaving their station.

The highway was closed due to heavy snowfall in Jawahar lated the J&K Cricket team tunnel, Ramban and Patnitop areas besides slippery road for reaching quarter finals of conditions on the stretch. “There was no fresh snowfall on Ranji Trophy this year. highway Tuesday,” he added Passengers traveling from This is the second time in its history that J&K cricket Srinagar to Jammu should reach Pantha Chowck by 1 pm.

Government official said that despite forecast for dry team has reached the quarter weather for next four days, the authorities will take finals of Ranji trophy. precautions while allowing traffic on the highway. “Traffic In a message to the team and on the highway will be allowed after assessing the its players, the Minister visibility and road condition. People are requested to hoped that the coming times confirm about the traffic movement first before leaving the would bring more and more

success for the team. He hoped that brighter and sharp players would come out of the State who would bring laurels to not only the State but the country as well. Mr. Taj said, like any other field, J&K possesses rich talent even in sports as well. He said legendary Cricket coach Mr. Polly Umrigar is on record as having said that if India needs pace bowlers, they would come from J&K.

departments to extend full cooperation to the PRIs to fine tune the functioning further.

The Minister exhorted the officers to educate the rural masses about various schemes like MGNREGA, IAY, and SGSY etc being implemented by the rural development department by organizing awareness camps in every panchayat.

He directed the officers to involve Panchayati Raj functionaries who are close to the mind and heart of the people and well aware of their difficulties.

He appealed the people to avail benefits of development oriented schemes to foster the pace of development especially in remote and far off areas. He appealed the unemployed

youth to grab the self employment opportunities available under Sher-eKashmir Employment and We l f a r e P r o g r a m m e (SKEWPY), UDAAN and HIMAYAT to establish their income generating ventures. He asked them to make self-help groups to en-cash the benefits of tailor made schemes to become self-reliant.

Office of the Dean, Faculty of Biological Sciences UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR RESULT NOTIFICATION No.01 M. PHIL./Ph.D. ENTRANCE TEST –2013

It is notified for the information of all concerned that the candidates bearing the roll numbers given below have qualified their M.Phil/Ph.D Entrance Test session 2013 in the disciplines of Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Botany & Zoology in the Faculty of Biological Sciences. All these candidates are eligible for consideration for admission to M.Phil/ Ph.D Programme in the concerned subjects. However, final selection will depend on interse merit vis-à-vis number of vacancies available in the concerned Department. The successful candidates are advised to contact Heads of the Departments of Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Botany, Zoology & Director, CORD or Head Department of Biochemistry GOVT, Medical Collage Srinagar for exploring the possibility of admission to M.Phil/ Ph.D Programme (as the case may be) within ten days from the date of publication of the notification in the Press.

1. Department of Biochemistry:M.Phil: a): 880503,880506 ,880507,880514,880519 ,880526, 880529,880532,880533, 880536,880538,880953,880954,880955,880957,880958,880964,880967,880969,,880972, 880980,880982,880983,880985,880986,880988,880989.

Ph.D:- b):880505,880528,880534,880951,880960,880963,880965,880971,880973,880975,880976, 880977.

2. Department of Biotechnology:a). M.Phil:- 880004,880008,880023,880025,880414,880415,880428. b). Ph.D:- Nil 3. Department of Botany:- M.Phil:- a): 880703,880704,880705,880706,880707, 880709,880711, 880714,880718,880719 ,880723, 880726, 880728, 880730,880731,880732, 880735, 880738, 880740,880741, 880744,880745, 880750,880751,880752,880759, 880760, 880764,880765, 880768, 880902, 880905, 880912,880913, 880921,880922,880924, 880936, 880945. b). Ph.D:- 880708, 880725, 880733, 880769.

4. Department of Zoology:a). M.Phil:- 880201,880203,880207,880208,880211,880214,880216,880217,880218, 880219, 880220, 880221, 880227, 880232, 880233, 880234, 880238, 880241, 880242, 880246, 880248, 880256, 880257, 880258, 880265, 880267, 880280, 880451, 880452, 880455, 880456, 880464, 880468, 880473, 880474, 880475, 880476, 880480, 880481, 880497, 880504, 880508, 880509, 880510, 880512, b) Ph.D:- Nil NOTES:- Besides, those candidates who are seeking admission to M.Phil/ Ph.D Programme 2013-14 on the basis of having passed M.Phil (through Kashmir University)/ NET/SET/JRF or as In-service candidates, are advised to contact the Heads/Director of the respective Departments/ Centre’s for further instructions.

No. F(M.Phil/Ph.D-Adm.-2013)DFBS/KU/ET-06 Sd/- (Prof.Akbar Masood) Dated:- 02-01-2014 Dean, Faculty of Biological Sciences

Government of Jammu and Kashmir

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ENGINEER PMGSY (JKRRDA) JAMMU Fresh NOTICE INVITING e-TENDERS e-NIT No:-CEJ/PMGSY/250 of 2013-14 Dated: 28/12/2013

Chief Engineer PMGSY (JKRRDA) Jammu on behalf of The Governor of J&K State, invites Fresh e-tenders on item rate basis from approved and eligible Contractors registered with J&K State Govt, CPWD, Railways or equivalent and other State Govts up to 02.00 PM on 11-01-2014 for each of the following works including Defect Liability & Maintenance Period of five years after construction.

PMGSY is fully funded by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India (Except for Maintenance Part, to be borne by the State Government).

S. N o

Name of Work/ Package No.

1.

Construction and Maintenance of two no.road from:i) Gharota to Pukhwari Gumpul, Package No. JK05-74, Block Bhalwal ii) Rabita to Parade, Package No. JK05-86 Block Bhalwal, Stage IInd, Phase VIII, District Jammu.

Nam e of Divisi on

Estimated Cost (Rs. In Lacs)

245.78

14.74

260.52

Cost of docum ents (Rs. in Lacs)

Earnest Money (Rs. in Lacs)

0.060

5.21

Time Allowed for Complet ion

09 Months

Call of tender

Time and date of openin g of tender

2nd

Class of contractor.

Any registered contractor/Hot Mix Plant Holder with State PWD/CPWD/ Railways or equivalent qualifying eligibility criteria as provided in the Standard Bidding Documents can tender for the works

J&K Bank's.........

Kathua, Jan 3: Minister for Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Ali Mohammed Sagar inaugurated Panchayat Ghar building at Basantpur in Kathua district today.

The Minister was accompanied by MP, Ch Lal Singh, MLA Basohli Jagdish Raj Spolia, Director Rural Development, Shafiq Ahmed Rana, Additional Deputy Commissioner Kathua and sectoral officers of various departments.

Speaking on the occasion, Sagar said that government has initiated several steps to make Pancahayti Raj Institutions as people driven entities so that they become solely responsible for the development of rural areas.

He said government is keen to improve the living conditions of people living in rural and far-flung areas.

He said government has empowered the panchayats to facilitate the direct implementation of various developmental and welfare schemes, besides allocated fourteen Government departments to oversee their performance and improving the services. He impressed upon the officers of line

02.00 PM on 14-01-2014

Highway. “There was a complete chaos on highway as thousands of vehicles remained struck in frequent and long traffic jams due to stranded vehicles. The traffic was moving with snail’s pace and it took hours to cover even a small distance,” Bashir Ahmad, a government employee told KNS from Banihal on phone while returning from Jammu.

Reports said that many vehicles remained stranded between the Udhampur-Ramban and other stretch of the highway due to acute traffic jam. The highway was thrown open for the one way traffic (Jmu to Sgr) Friday morning. Some stranded drivers, who spoke to KNS over phone, alleged that the traffic police cops failed to manage traffic. “Even as the traffic movement was from Jammu to Srinagar, scores of vehicles were allowed from Srinagar to Jammu,” said Murtaza Chowdary, a passenger vehicle driver. Drivers alleged that the food on the highway is sold at exorbitant rates. Official sources said only 408 light motor vehicles were able to cross the Banihal tunnel till 5 PM while thousands of vehicles were stilling moving slowly. When contacted, the officials of traffic police said that the slippery road hindered the smooth movement of traffic. “There was slow movement on the route till afternoon owing to slippery road but traffic movement was smooth.

ZABARWAN TIMES

Sagar inaugurates Panchayat Ghar at Basantpur in Kathua district

Total

Nuclear Power........

energy was a viable and clean alternative, he said. The cancer institute will come up at Bhadsa village in this district and the global nuclear centre will be set up at Jassaur Khedi village near Bahadurgarh. Singh said, “We can say this with satisfaction that our safety standards are comparable with the world best and we will work to further strengthen this,” he said, adding that in this direction the Nuclear Energy Partnership Centre would play an important role. After becoming fully-functional, the Centre will work towards research and design on energy system’s which are secure and do not fall in the wrong hands.

In nuclear energy area, the Centre will act as a common platform for Indian and international experts, and it will help bring Indian and international experts on one platform, which will help promote nuclear energy partnership, he said. To fulfil these aims, the Prime Minister pointed out that India was working closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency and countries including Russia, France and the USA. He expressed his happiness that the project will directly benefit the people of this area, which is over an hour’s drive from Delhi. “I am happy that the people of this area will be directly benefited.

For those whose land has been acquired for the project, besides getting compensation they will get annuity for 33 years so that they have a source of income for a long period,” Singh said, adding that another sum of Rs 10 crore will be used for setting up of a college for girls, a school, and a computer training centre. Speaking about the National Cancer Institute, the Prime Minister said that the 710-bed facility would come up in three-and-a-half years’ time and over Rs 2,000 crore would be spent on it. The cancer institute, which would be a Centre of Excellence, will function under the aegis of AIIMS, Delhi. “Both (nuclear energy partnership and cancer institute) these projects are very important for our country. I want to congratulate the Haryana government, Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Deepinder Singh Hooda (Rohtak MP) for making efforts and extending full cooperation to the Centre in this regard,” he said.

“The National Cancer Institute will be the biggest project of the government in health sector... It will have 710 beds, 550 doctors and 2,200 nurses,” he said. Singh said with ailments like cancer, heart diseases and diabetes on the rise in the country, the need for having institutes like the National Cancer Institute was more than ever before.

The Union Health Minister Gh. Nabi Azad who was also present.

Traffic........

Maintenance

On economic front, the Prime minister said, India’s growth momentum will revive soon and the country is set for better times. He said, the cycle of global economic growth is turning for the better and steps taken by the government to address domestic constrains are yielding results. He said, even if the years of slow down is included, the rate of growth achieved in the past nine years is the highest for any nine year period. Dr Singh said, the number of people below poverty line in the country has comedown by 13.8 crores.

Dr Singh said, the country will continue to provide a hospitable environment for foreign direct investment.

Admitting that the worry of rising inflation is legitimate, the Prime minister assured steps would be taken to rein in price rise. He also pointed out that the income of most people has also increased faster than inflation.

Prime minister said, his government has delivered the promise committed in 2004 on a new deal for rural India.

This he said was substantially fulfilled through farmer friendly policies including raising support prices for farmers, expanding credit to farmers and through increased investment in horticulture, in rural development and rural infrastructure especially roads and electricity.

Dr Singh also said any wrong doing in government decisions will be punished through a due process of law. He said, there is much public concern on high profile allegations of corruption notably in regard to 2G spectrum and coal blocks allocation and cases related to land. Dr Singh said the government has taken major steps to change the existing procedure for allocation of spectrum and coal by shifting auction so that these problems do not arise in the future.

station.”

Construction

PM.........

Daily

PMGSY Division Jammu

11 Saturday, 04 January 2014 From Front Page........

1. The Bidding documents can be downloaded from the website http://pmgsytendersjk.gov.in from 06.55 P.M on 30-12-2013 to 10-01-2014 (5.00PM).

2. a The Bids shall be deposited in electronic format on the website http://pmgsytendersjk.gov.in From 05.00 PM on 01-01-2014 to 02.00 PM on 11-01-2014.The bids received will be opened at 10.00 AM on 14-01-2014. If the office happens to be closed on the date of opening of the bids as specified, the bids will be opened on the next working day at the same time and venue.

2b The complete bidding process will be on line.

2c A Pre bid meeting will be held on 01-01-2014 at 12.00 Noon in the Office of Chief Engineer PMGSY (JKRRDA) Jammu to clarify the issues and to answer questions on any matter that may be raised at that stage as stated in Clause 9 of instruction to bidders of the Bidding documents.

3. Important note:-Any information provided on the format other than those prescribed in the section 3 of SBD shall not be accepted and the bid shall be treated non responsive out rightly.

4. It is for the information of all the prospective bidders that “All firms/Companies” engaged in Civil Construction works shall enter into the tendering process only through their Managing Directors or Directors or General Managers or Proprietor or Partner of their firm forming Part of their establishment(s). No, private party can be nominated as their authorized signatory for entering into any contract of “PMGSY works.”

5. For further complete details kindly visit our website http://pmgsytendersjk.gov.in Sd/- Chief Engineer PMGSY (JKRRDA) Jammu Signature and Designation of the Authority Inviting tenders DIPJK: 12096 For and on behalf of The Governor J&K State

Government of Jammu & Kashmir

Office of the Executive Engineer Construction Division Kashmir, J&K State Sports Council, Srinagar Tender Notice: - 41 of 2013-14 Dated: 30/12/2013

For and on behalf of Secretary, J&K State Sports council, Srinagar, e-tenders are invited on item rate basis from eligible contractor registered with PWD contract of the classes shown as under for the below noted work:-

S. No 1.

Name of work Construction of playing filed at Khimber (Shuhama), Srinagar.

Adv cost (Rs. in lacs)

Earnest Money (Rs. in lacs)

Class of contractor

Cost of Tender documents

Time of completion

7.00 lacs

14000/-

CEE/DEE

300/-

30 days

Position of AAA/TS: Demanded Position of funds: Demanded 1. The Bidding documents consisting of qualifying information, eligibility criteria, specification, Drawings, bill of quantities (B.O.Q) Set of terms and conditions of contract and other details can be seen/download Net from the departmental Website www.jktenders.gov.in as per schedule of dates given below:1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Date of issue of Tender Notice Period of downloading of bidding documents Bid Submission Start Date Bid submission End Date Deadline for receiving the Hard Copy (Original DD & EMD) with all relevant documents, to tender opening authority by registered post /courier/by hand before due date of submission of tender/as per time schedule specified.

Date & time of opening of Bids( online)

31/12/2013 31/12/2013 10:00 AM to 12/1/2014 4:00 PM 1/1/2014 10:00 AM 12/1/2014 4:00 PM 13/01/2014 up to 4:00 PM 16/1/2014 at 11.00 AM in the office of Executive Engineer Construction Division Kashmir Bakhshi Stadium Srinagar.

2. Bids must be accompanied with cost of Tender documents in shape of demand draft in favour of Executive Engineer Construction Div. Kashmir J&K state Sports Council (Tender inviting authority) and of earnest money/ Bid security in shape of CDR/FDR pledged Executive Engineer, J&K State Sports Council (Tender receiving authority).

3. All terms and conditions are as per PWD form 25 and of J&K State Sports Council as in vogue.

DIPJK: 12102 Sd/- Executive Engineer

Owner, Printer & Publisher : Suhail Malik, Editor-n-Chief : Shahana 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

SATURDAY, JANUARY | 04 | 2014

Governor reviews status of Katra- National Highway road connectivity and the upcoming Multi – Speciality Hospital, both at Kakriyal, with the In a meeting held at the Raj Bha- National Highway. van today Mr. N.N. Vohra, Governor, Reviewing the status of upgradareviewed the progress achieved in tion and widening of road from Railthe construction of approach roads way Station Katra to Shri Mata Vaishand the Bridge connecting Shri no Devi University, the Governor Mata Vaishno Devi University with was informed by Mr. Abdul Hamid National Highway -1A at Jhajjar Sheikh, Chief Engineer PWD, that Manthal; upgradation of approach earthwork on 5 km of road length, road from Railway Station Katra to out of total length of 7 km, had been Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University completed. Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudvia Nangal; and upgradation of ap- hary, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, proach road from National Highway informed the Governor that there is 1A to Panthal via Shri Mata Vaishno requirement of Rs. 8.70 crore to comDevi University. plete the land acquisition process After discussions Mrs. Yasha for the said road. It was decided that Mudgal, District Development Com- State Planning Department would be missioner, Udhampur, undertook to approached for release of funds in fully complete the Land Acquisition this regard. process by 10th February 2014 and Reviewing the status of funds for Mr.Tilak Raj Bhagat, Managing Direc- up-gradation of road between Nator JKPCC committed to complete the tional Highway at Jhajjar and SMVDU entire Project by 30th June 2014. The , the Governor desired that matter be Commissioners of Reasi and UdhamGovernor cautioned all concerned urgently taken up with NHAI with pur districts to monitor the progress against any further delay as the proj- the request to provide funds under of the said three projects to ensure ects under review provide connec- its Corporate Social Responsibility that they are completed without any Lone News Kangan Khan further News Agency tivity to important institutions likeAgency programme. delay. Ganderbal Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University The Soura Governor asked the Deputy Gulzar News Agency Zahid Book Chadoora Mr. Depot Navin K. Chowdhary, Princi-

Taurus April 20-May 20

The horizon is clouded with doubt. You’re feeling the frustrations brought about by recent decisions about your love life. In other words, you’re getting cold feet! Today you must draw on your willpower and self-control in order to face your problems realistically while vanquishing your anxieties.

Gemini pal Secretary to Governor, Mr. Sudhir K. Jain, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU; Dr. M. K. Bhandari, CEO, SMVDSB; Dr. Shahid Iqbal Chowdhary, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi; Ms. Yasha Mudgal, Deputy Commissioner, Ud-

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 JAMMU, JANUARY 03: JAMMU, JANUARY 03: Bhat News Agency Magam Zargar News Agency Kunzar Dar News Agency Beerwah Bashir News Agency Sumbal Underscoring the importance Speaker, Jammu and Kashof proposed Zojila Tunnel Reshi News Agency Safapora Saleem News Agency Pattan mir Legislative Assembly Mr. project, the Minister for ForBasharat Reyaz News Agency Pampore Mubarak Gul today chaired a News Agency Bandipora ests and Environment, Mian meeting of the seniorAltaf func-News Agency Pulwama Javaid News Agency Qazigund Altaf Ahmad today asked tionaries of the Assembly Jeelani News Agency Baramulla G.M News Agency Sopore the Forest and Environment Secretariat convened to take Shah News Agency Kupwara Sultan News Agency Handwara Departments to expedite the stock of the working of various process of forest, environYounis News Agency Langate Sheikh News Agency Islamabad House committees constituted Reshi Three Way News Agencyment Traland wild life clearances in the interest of general pub-News Agency Islamabad to facilitate early start of work lic.

Turray News Agency Tral Badru News Agency Bijbehara on this prestigious project.

While taking review all concerned to workArwani Environment Committee has directed RahiofNews Agency Kulgam Malik News Agency the working of various Com- conducted on spot visits to with utmost dedication to en- Reviewing the procedure reRah NewsMawar Agency Byepass Shaheen News Agency Kargil mittees, the Speaker was able this highest democratic lated to the clearance of the Handwara, Aharabal

Speaker reviews working of Assembly Secretariat

informed that Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has conducted 7 meetings so far during the current financial year, while Public Undertaking Committee (PUC) 20, Estimates Committee 10, Assurance Committee 12, Library Committee 8, Environment Committee 19, Ethics Committee 8, Committee on Petitions 5, Rules Committee 3 and Press Award Committee 2 meeting. Besides the

and Indirabi Colony Shaltang, the Speaker was informed.

Mr. Gul appreciated the working of the officers and their subordinate staff and hoped that they could continue to work with same vigour and zest in future also.

The Speaker asked the officials dealing with various house committees to complete the compiling of reports these house panels well before the start of the next session. He

Kissan Board mulls to send interested JK farmers on study tour: R S Sharma JAMMU, JANUARY 03: Vice Chairman, Jammu and Kashmir State Advisory Board for Development of Kissans (MoS), Radhay Sham Sharma, today said that the Board would soon be sending teams of Jammu and Kashmir farmers on study tour to get first-hand knowledge of the progress made in agriculture and allied sectors by the agriculture rich states of the country.

The vice chairman has also recently returned from the study tour to the States of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan to get first-hand appraisal about the latest Agriculture Technologies, innovations and package of practices recommended by various Agriculture Universities of these states in the field of Agriculture Research and Development.

During the tour vice-chairman also get acquainted with the impact on ground of package of practices being presently adopted by these varsities and their contributions made for boosting agriculture production and in its allied sectors including horticulture, sericulture, floriculture, fisheries, animal/sheep husbandry and development of forests.

Mr. Sharma was impressed to note the dedication, hard work and sincere efforts put in by the concerned scientists experts in these states in helping the farming community in increasing their produce in agriculture and allied sectors. He was highly impressed to know about the landmark innovations of Pingalwara Natural Agricultural Farming society, Jandiala, Amritsar in production of different crops and in particular sugar free wheat crops by using natural agricultural manure’s helping the state of Punjab in getting disease free crops.

institution to deliver as per the expectations of the people.

Mr. Mubarak Gul said that the people of the State have high hopes from this law making institution adding that its functioning should be a role model for other units of the government.

The speaker was informed that ten reports submitted by various committees would be tabled in the house during the forthcoming session.

Minister, Omar Abdullah is paying focused attention to provide all weather connectivity, especially those regions and sub-regions which remain cut off due to heavy snow fall for about 4 to 5 months from rest of the state. He said that the sanction for construction of Zojila tunnel was the outcome of concerted endeavours of the state government. He asked the concerned Officers to ensure settlement of all the forest related issues at the earliest to remove all hindrances in the way of early start of work.

The senior functionaries of the two departments briefed the Minister about latest status of various issues including forest, environment and wild life clearances and assured that all impediments in this regard would be removed well in time.

JAMMU, JANUARY 03:

Takes stock of restoration works of essentials healthcare facilities The Minster for Agriculture, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir today took extensive tour of Tangmarg and reviewed the pace on progress of restoration operation of important public services hit by recent heavy snowfall.

Mr. Mir directed the PDD authorities to ensure that the restoration of electricity is done on priority so that the people do not face any inconvenience. The Minister directed the CA&PD officers to ensure availability of essential commodities to the public on priority and conduct regular market checks to curb the menace of hoarding and profiteering.

The Minister also inspected the Power development workshop at Batpora where electricity transformers of the area are under repairing. He directed the concerned authorities to speed up the pace of the work and make them functional soon.

The Minister also visited the sub district hospital Tangmarg and enquired

Tunnel project at a high level meeting held here today, the Forest Minister said that it was the historic decision of Centre and State governments for providing round the year connectivity to the people of Ladakh region. He said that proposed tunnel has great economic importance as well as it would also boost inter-regional and local trade and commerce.

Secretary Forests, Principal Chief Conservator Forests, Chief Wild Life Warden and Secretary Pollution Control Board were among other senior officers attended the meeting.

The Forest Minister instructed the concerned authorities to identify the suitable sites for dumping the mud dug out of the tunnel to avoid damage to the local flora and fauna. He asked the concerned authorities to ensure formulation of necessary environment study reports besides forest clearances for approval of the concerned union Ministries in time. He directed the officers concerned to work in close coordination with other concerned Departments to resolve all issues to facilitate early start of work.

Mian Altaf said that the state government, under the dynamic leadership of Chief

Gurezi for early commissioning of Jallalabad, Dodhi Gujjar, Raika WSSs

G.H Mir visits Tangmarg TANGMARG, JANUARY 03:

hampur; Mr. Abdul Hamid Sheikh, Chief Engineer, PWD, Jammu; Mr. Tilak Raj Bhagat, Managing Director, JKPCC; Mr. Tariq Ahmed, Joint director, Planning, PWD were present on the occasion.

Altaf directs for early forest clearance to Zojila Tunnel project

Minister of State for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Mr. Nazir Ahmad Gurezi has asked the Public Health Engineering (PHE) department Jammu to work with utmost dedication and speed up the pace of work on all ongoing water supply schemes to ensure timeline completion.

The Minister was chairing a meeting of senior officers and engineers of PHE and Mechanical wings of Jammu division, convened here today to discuss the problems of water scarcity in Sunjwan, Narwal, Bathindi, Bagh-eBahu, Sainik Colony, Channi Himant, Rahim Nagar, Bantalab, Roopnagar and Bhalwal areas.

It was informed in the meeting that the work on 1001 Water Supply Schemes is in progress across Jammu region, while 149 habitations of the division have been provided water supply up to ending November 2013.

Detailed discussion was held on the status of construction work on Water Supply Schemes of Jallalabad and Dodhi Gujjar. He was informed that additionally Rs 10 lakh each are

about the medicare facilities being provided to the patients. He inspected the heating arrangement and other vital facilities being provided to the patients. He interacted with the doctors and attendants and directed the hospital authorities to provide best possible healthcare facilities to the people of the area.

Earlier, the Minister chaired a meeting with the hospital authorities including BMO, Doctors and para-medics staff and reviewed the hospital functioning. The meeting also discussed the issues regarding upgradation of hospital infrastructure.

The Minister said that hospital infrastructure will be upgraded on modern trends so that people of the area need not to move to City hospital for treatment.

During his visit various deputations called on the Minister and apprised him about the problems confronting to them.

The Minister gave patient hearing to all of them and assured that all their genuine problems would be redressed on priority.

Aries

March 21-April 19

A certain decision means that you’ve reached a turning point. The hardest part about making this decision is saying farewell to your old ways. The past can seem cozy and reassuring, especially when the unknown looms. It takes strength and determination to leave it behind. But whether it’s your career or your love life, you have personal goals that can’t be sacrificed or denied.

JAMMU, JANUARY 3:

Zabarwan Times is available at

HOROSCOPE

May 21-June 21

The mood is oppressive and heavy today. Some disappointments will crop up here and there if you have to prove yourself in any way, either privately or professionally. There is some likelihood you’ll feel angry with someone important to you. Don’t yield to your negative feelings too quickly. It would be bad for your morale.

Cancer June 22-July 22

In the past few days, you’ve made a resolution to work steadily, seek stability, and follow your plans to the letter.

So the day ahead will come as a rude surprise. You can expect to receive news that challenges the rigid program you’ve set for yourself, or meet people who are determined to discourage you. Overcome these obstacles or they’ll overcome you.

Leo

July 23-August 22 Today you may feel some anxiety about the future. You may feel your strength ebbing, especially if you have a deadline. You need challenges in order to assert yourself.

Now is the time to begin getting in shape. Doubt is extremely counterproductive. You’re completely equipped for success!

Virgo

August 23-September 22

The idea of expressing yourself will seem like a joke today. Have you ever stopped to question what expressing yourself really means? This is the ideal time to think about it, especially if you have artistic objectives. Do only what you want to do. Don’t force anything. In other words, express yourself for your own sake and not for the sake of others.

Libra

September 23-October 23 Once you stop dreaming about having superpowers, you’ll feel a lot better. You’re not a superhero and you never were. For that matter, no one is. On the other hand, you surely have capacities that you’ve exploited in the past but now you seem persuaded that they’re of no interest. It’s time to rethink this issue.

Scorpio

October 24-November 21

required for completion of these schemes.

The Minister directed the concerned to complete work on the water supply schemes of Jallalabad, Dodhi Gujjar and Raika costing Rs 1.09 core by ending February 2014.

Discussing the water scarcity problem in Bantalab, Roopnagar and Bhalwal areas, the Minister was informed that a project of Rs 100 crore has been prepared for purchase of DG sets and submitted to the government for equipping various Water Supply

installations to augment supply to the water deficit areas. Mr Gurezi directed the concerned to submit area wise proposal for infrastructure augmentation at the PHE installations by giving preference to the area where the scarcity of water is highest.

Addressing the meeting, Mr. Gurezi said that the government under the dynamic Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is committed to provide drinking water facility to every household of the State especially the people living in rural and hilly areas.

This isn’t the moment to adhere to a particular philosophy, whatever it may be. You may feel frustrated by your inability to figure out which path to take, but this is very good for you. Continue to search with your little flashlight, as weak as it may seem, because this is how you’re going to get solid faith back again. Best of all, it will be a faith tailored for you.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21

You can’t let everything fall apart now, not after you’ve come so far. This may be a difficult moment for you, as it seems the time has come to prove yourself once and for all.

But this isn’t a reason to give up. Sleep, play sports, and eat healthfully. You should be able to win this battle provided you give yourself the opportunity to do so.

Capricorn December 22-January 19

Deputation of Sarpanchs from Doda call on Vikar Rasool JAMMU JANUARY 03: Minister of State for Technical Education, Power and Information, Mr. Vikar Rasool Wani has reiterated the government’s commitment to provide improved facilities to the people living in far-flung, remote and hilly areas of the state. He said during the past five years the Government has taken several steps in this direction and change can be well acknowledged at the ground level. The Minister was interacting with a deputation of Sarpanchs and Panchs from Doda, Assar, Thathri, Gandoh, Bhaleesa and Ghathi panchayats. The deputation was led by MLC Mr. Sham Lal Bhagat. The deputation apprised the Ministers about their day to day problems pertaining to their areas. The problems which were highlighted included improvement in power supply, road connectivity, drinking water and health care facilities, in view of the heavy snowfall in the region. Responding to the demands of the deputationists, the Minister said that the un-electrified areas of the erstwhile Doda district will be covered un-

der RGGVY scheme during the next financial year under phase-II. He also assured that the power supply position will be reviewed to shed the frequent cuts in the area. Mr. Vikar said that empowering of panchayats is the priority of the government and several initiatives in this direction have been taken during the past five years. He said PRIs are the vital tools to ensure all round development of the rural areas as they are well versed with their areas. He asked the representatives of PRIs to fullfill their obligations and serve the people with best of their abilities. Regarding adequate ration supply in the area, the Minister said that he will call a meeting of the CA&PD officers soon and review the distribution scenario to ensure regular supply of essentials.

Others who were part of the deputation included, Farooq Ahmad Wani, Sarpanch Assar, Kuldeep Raj, Sarpanch Assar, Rakesh Charak Sarpanch Thatri, Reyaz Ahmad Sheikh Sarpanch, Ghati, Rajesh Kumar Sarpanch Jijote, Surinder Kumar, Sarpanch Rewada, Ghulam Hassan Panchayati Shair Gandoh and Bodh Raj Sarpanch Dhadda.

Do you have the blues? It happens to everyone. Call a friend or go to a movie. Get out and do things that you know can help you overcome this funk. This isn’t the moment to retreat. You have some inner work to do, even if it appears to lead nowhere. You may have the impression of being abandoned, but you know perfectly well that this isn’t true.

Aquarius January 20-February 18

You’ll be in your element today. The stars challenge you to try something different. When you look at things relatively, rather than turn into a vague generalist, why not try coming up with a philosophy that’s more constructive? What good is the ability to see all sides of an issue if you can’t channel your insight and observations into something specific?

Pisces

February 19-March 20 It appears that today and for the past several days you’ve been building up internal tension without an outlet. As a result, your fuse is somewhat short. In fact, if anyone is unfortunate enough to provoke your anger by criticizing you or your work, you’re liable to explode. There’s a storm brewing!

Try to weather it as best you can.

Editorial/Opinion The Daily

Zabarwan Times Saturday, 04 January 2014

DGMO’s meeting a good omen

T

he recent meeting of Directors General operations of India and Pakistan and their subsequent decision to continue with the ceasefire agreement on LOC besides discouraging the infiltration bids is a good omen for the betterment of Indo-Pak relations which were at the brink of collapse. The ceasefire violations on LOC and international borders not only negated the very spirit of confidence building measures but also increased the tension between the two countries bringing them to such a point where the fourth war between the two countries could not be ruled out. The people of the subcontinent were greatly concerned, so was the international community as the situation was brewing up and taking the two countries to a war like situation. The people living around the line of control and international borders on both the sides were undergoing a hell like situation and in several villages people had to migrate to safer places leaving behind their everything to save their lives. Even the leaders of both the sides had started issuing threatening statements which made the situation very grim and grave. Now as the two Directors General Military operations met after over a decade, the things seem to be cooling down and the tension is minimized to a large extent. It is imperative for both the countries to have a sustained dialogue on every level so that all outstanding issues are addressed and a solution is carved out amicably in a friendly and cordial atmosphere.

The two countries should realize the fact that if they have cordial and friendly relations, both of them will progress and prosper rapidly and if they continue with their animosity both will be losers in every field of life. The leaders of both the countries have once and again retreated that their existence, progress and strength depends on the strength of a good neighbourhood and they should in fact strive to contribute in each others strength. There is no problem in the world which cannot be addressed and solved through negotiations. The two countries have several issues outstanding between them but these issues are not so complicated that their solution is impossible. The only thing which the both countries have to keep in mind and follow is a sustained dialogue which will open the way of solution automatically for all the problems.

Daily

ZABARWAN TIMES 9

Saturday, 04 January 2014

Taking Care of Senior Citizens

W

e are living in an ageing world. Over the past few years, the world’s population has witnessed a growth in the number and proportion of older persons. According to a UN paper, such a rapid, large and ubiquitous growth has never been seen in the history of civilization. The World Health Orgnization (WHO) has projected that world-wide, there are around 600 million persons aged 60 years and over; this total will double by 2025 and will reach virtually two billion by 2050 - the vast majority of them in the developing world.

According to the Population Division, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations Secretariat, the current demographic revolution is predicted to continue well into the coming centuries. Its major features are: one out of every ten persons is now 60 years or above; by 2050, one out of five will be 60 years or older; and by 2150, one out of three persons will be 60 years or older. Similarly, the older population itself is ageing. The oldest old (80 years or older) is the fastest growing segment of the older population. They currently make up 13 percent of the 60+ age group and will grow to 20 percent by 2050. The number of centenarians (aged 100 years or older) is projected to increase 14-fold from approximately 265,000 in 2005 to 3.7 million by 2050.

This kind of demographic situation calls for fresh thinking at policy level to enable the societies to equip themselves for this changing scenario where not only taking care of senior citizens will be important but in addition emphasis should be on devising the ways in which the potential of senior citizens will be fully utilized.

Perhaps the time has come when it has become utmost necessary to change our mindset about the older persons and also change our notions about their perceived ‘limitations’. The societies must learn to take advantage of the experience and dormant abilities of older persons and also make necessary infrastructural and other changes required to meet this new challenge.

As the ‘Policy Considerations’ segment of the UN document ‘Implications of An Ageing Society’ notes, “Recognition of the uniqueness that unfolds throughout

one’s life is core to igniting society’s embrace of the contributions of its older citizens. The package of knowledge, wisdom and experience that so often comes with age is part of an inner awareness that cannot be traded, sold or stolen. It should, however, be activated, amplified and utilized in all the crossroads, fields and storefronts of society, and in the windows of our creative imaginations.”

Population of Senior Citizens in India The elderly population of our country is steadily on the rise and is projected to grow at a faster pace than the population in general. The population of senior citizens is projected to rise to nearly 12 crore by 2016, 14 crore by 2021 and over 17 crore by 2026. As per 2001 Census, total population of Senior Citizens (60+)

but lead a secure, dignified and productive life is a major challenge. Some main problems of senior citizens on which there is a constant need to take care include security, health care and need for care and maintenance.

National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) 1999 Under Revision The first National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP) was announced in January, 1999 by the Government of India to reaffirm the commitment to ensure the well-being of the older persons. The Policy envisages State support to ensure financial and food security, health care, shelter and other needs of older persons, equitable share in development, protection against abuse and exploitation, and availability of services to improve the quality of their

The elderly population of our country is steadily on the rise and is projected to

grow at a faster pace than the population

in general. The population of senior citizens is projected to rise to nearly 12 crore by 2016, 14 crore by 2021 and over 17 crore by 2026.

was 7.7 crore, of which population of lives. Ten years have passed since the males and females was 3.8 crore and 3.9 announcement of the Policy. Keeping in crore respectively. Senior Citizens view the changing demography of the constituted 7.5% of the total population. senior citizens in the country, the Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Ministry of Social Justice and Haryana, Orissa, Maharashtra, Andhra Empowerment constituted a Committee in Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil January 2010 to assess the present status of Nadu and Puducherry have more than the various issues concerning senior citizens, national average (7.5%) of Senior in general, and implementation of National Citizens population. In 1991, about 6.8% Policy on Older Persons (NPOP), 1999 in of the total population was aged 60 years particular. The Committee is working on a and above. The figure is projected to go draft for a new National Policy on Older up to 12.4% in 2026. General improve- Persons. The Review Committee has so ment in the health care facilities over the far held five meetings and five regional years is one of the main reasons for meetings at Chandigarh, Chennai, continuing increase in proportion of Mumbai, Guwahati and Bhubaneswar. population of senior citizens in India. The Review Committee is expected to Ensuring that they not merely live longer, submit its recommendation by the end of

December 2010.

Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 was enacted in December 2007 to ensure need based maintenance for parents and senior citizens and their welfare. The Act, amongst other things, provides for maintenance of parents/ senior citizens by children/ relatives made obligatory and justiciable through Tribunals, revocation of transfer of property by senior citizens in case of negligence by relatives, penal provision for abandonment of senior citizens and protection of Life and Property of senior citizens etc.

The Act comes into force in a State upon notification by the individual State/ UT Government. At present, the Act had been notified by 22 States and all UTs. The States which had notified the Act are also required to take further measures for effective implementation of the various provisions of the Act. These measures include framing of rules, appointing Maintenance Officer and constituting Maintenance and Appellate Tribunals etc. So far, nine States namely, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and West Bengal have taken all the necessary steps as mentioned above. Remaining States/ UTs are constantly being reminded by the Centre to take necessary action in this regard at the earliest.

Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP) The Ministry has been implementing a Central Sector Scheme “Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP)” since 1992. The Scheme aims at improving the quality of life of senior citizens by catering to their basic needs, particularly shelter, food and health care to the destitute elderly. Under the Scheme, financial assistance up to 90% of the project cost is provided to non-governmental organizations for running and maintenance of old age homes, day care centres, mobile medicare units, etc. During the year 200910, 360 NGOs were supported under the Scheme to run 345 Old Age Homes, 184 Day Care Centres and 27 Mobile Medical Units. On an average, about 35,000 beneficiaries are being covered every year under the Scheme.

Plastic bags- An environmental hazard Issues related to environmental hazards posed by plastic waste have been assessed by several committees. The problem created by the use of plastics bags is primarily due to shortcomings in the waste management system.

Indiscriminate chemical additives pose environmental problems including choking open drains, ground water contamination, etc. Plastic itself is a chemically insert substance, used world –wide for packaging and is not per-se hazardous to health and environment.

Recycling of plastic, if carried out as per approved procedures and guidelines, may not be an environmental or health hazard.

What are Plastics?

Plastics are polymers i.e. large molecules consisting of repeating units called monomers. In the case of plastic bags, the repeating units are ethylene. When ethylene molecules are polymerized to form polyethylene, they form long chains of carbon atoms in which each carbon is also bonded to two hydrogen atoms.

What are plastic bags made of?

Plastic bags are made from one of the three basic types of polymers polyethylene- High Density polyethylene (HDPE), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), or Linear LowDensity Polyethylene (LLDPE).

Grocery bags are generally of HDPE, and bags from the dry cleaner are LDPE. The major difference between these materials is the degree of branching of the polymer chain. HDPE and LLDPE are composed of linear, un-branched chains, while LDPE chains are branched.

Are plastics harmful to health?

Plastics are not intrinsically toxic or harmful. But plastic carry bags are manufactured using organic and inorganic additives like colourants and pigments, plasticizers, antioxidants, stabilizers and metals.

Colourants and pigments are industrial azodyes which are used to give bright colour to plastic carry bags. Some of these are carcinogenic and likely to

contaminate food stuffs, if packed in these carry bags. Heavy metals such as Cadmium contained in pigments can also reach out and prove to be a health hazard.

Plasticizers are organic esters of low volatile nature. They can migrate to food stuffs as a result of leaching. Plasticizers are also carcinogenic.

Antioxidants and Stabilizers are inorganic and organic chemicals to protect against thermal decomposition during manufacturing process. Toxic metals like cadmium and lead when used in manufacturing of plastic bags also leach out and contaminate the food

/coloured plastic bags may contain certain chemicals, which can leach to the ground and contaminate soil and sub-soil w ater. Units not equipped with environmentally sound techniques for recycling may create environmental problems due to toxic fumes generated during reprocessing.

Some of the plastic bags which contain leftover food or which get mixed up with other garbage are eaten by animals resulting in harmful effects. Because of the non-biodegradable and impervious nature of plastics, if disposed in the soil, they could arrest the recharging of ground

Plastic bags if not disposed properly may find their way into the drainage system resulting into choking of drains, creating unhygienic environment and causing water borne diseases.

Recycled/coloured plastic bags may contain certain chemicals, which can leach to the ground and contaminate soil and sub-soil water. stuffs. Cadmium when absorbed in the low doses can cause vomiting and heart enlargement. Lead exposure in long term may cause degeneration of brain tissues.

Problems posed by Plastic Carry Bags Plastic bags if not disposed properly may find their way into the drainage system resulting into choking of drains, creating unhygienic environment and causing water borne diseases. Recycled

water aquifers. Further, to improve the properties of plastic products and to inhibit degradation reactions, additives and plasticisers, fillers, flame retardants and pigments are generally used, these may have health impacts.

S t r a t e g i e s f o r P l a s t i c s Wa s t e Management Many states have prescribed thicker bags. The inflow of plastic bags into the

solid waste stream would be substantiality reduced, as rag pickers would be keen to segregate the same for recycling purposes.

Thin plastic bags have little value and their segregation is difficult. If the thickness of plastic bags is increased, it would make plastic bags expensive and check their usage. The plastic Manufacture Association could also be involved in the waste collection and disposal system using the principle of extended prouder responsibility.

Littering of Plastic carry bags, water bottles, plastic pouches have been a challenge for municipal solid waste management. Many hilly States (Jammu & Kashmir, Sikkim, West Bengal) have banned use of plastic carry bags/bottles in tourist places. In Himachal Pradesh the State Government of has taken a cabinet decision to ban plastics in all over the State since 15.08.2009 under the HP non- biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1995.

The Central Government too, has made assessment of the extent of damage caused to environment by plastic waste in the country by constituting Committees and a Task Force which studied the issue and made recommendations. The Ministry of Environment and Forests issued the Recycled Plastics Manufacture and Usage Rules 1999, and amended it in 2003 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for regulating and managing plastic carry bags and containers. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has notified 10 standards on biodegradable plastics.

Alternatives to Plastic The use of jute or cloth bag as alternatives to plastic paper bag should be popularized and prompted through fiscal incentives; however, it needs to be noted that paper bag involve cutting of trees and their use is limited.

Ideally bio-degradable plastic bags alone should be used and research work is on to develop biodegradable plastics.

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