Zabarwan Times E-Paper English 04 September

C M Y K

C M Y K

WEDNESDAY

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September 04 | 2013 | 27 Shawal 1434 AH | PAGES 12 |

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Jammu, September 03: Pakistani troops Tuesday violated the ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, by firing at Indian positions, an army spokesman said. Indian troops retaliated in response, he said.

"Pakistani troops fired at our positions in Doda battalion area of the LoC in Poonch this morning (Tuesday)," Captain S.N. Acharya said. "Pakistani firing started at 9.30 a.m. They used automatics and light weapons.

Our troops effectively retaliated. Firing exchanges were continuing when last reports came in at 11.30 a.m.," he said.

Pakistan also violated the ceasefire Monday in Mendhar sector of the same district, opening unprovoked firing at Indian positions.

Cabinet scheduled to meet today Srinagar, September 03: The state cabinet which is scheduled to meet here on Wednesday under the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Sources told KNS that during the meeting the cabinet will recommend to Governor N N Vohra to hold the Autumn Session of Legislative Assembly from September 23. “Some promotions in few departments including Home Department are also in the agenda,” they said. The meeting would be start at Civil Secretariat here around 4:30 pm.

A spot report, commissioned by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on the India-China border issue, has confirmed the government’s worst fears.

The ground situation report, submitted by National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) chairperson Shyam Saran to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on August 10, 2013, underlines that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops are not allowing their Indian counterparts to

WEATHER

FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:

Light Rain/ Thundershowers may occur at isolated places over state.

FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:

Partly cloudy Sky. Maximum & Minimum temperatures will be around 27°C & 15°C respectively.

TEMPERATURE MAXIMUM 26.5 0C MINIMUM 14.3 0C 06:55 pm SUNSET ON(WED) SUNRISE ON (THURSDAY) 06:08 am

Ladakh.

Singh had told Saran to visit the eastern La-

German ambassador visits Shalimar garden

Hundreds of media men also throng valley

Amid growing resentment among the civil society members against music maestro Zubin Mehta’s concert in Kashmir, German ambassador Michael Steiner and wife Eliese Steiner took

Srinagar, September 03: Alam Din Bijran son of Gula Bijran and his sister-in-law (name with held) residents of Kathuhallan, Shopian consumed some poisonous substance at their home.

Both of them were shifted to Public Health Center, Keller for treatment, where from they were referred to SMHS hospital, Srinagar.

However, the lady died on the way to the hospital while Alam Din has been admitted in SMHS, hospital, Srinagar.

patrol the Indian perception of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern

Zubin show on

Srinagar, September 03:

2 consume poison in Shopian

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New Delhi, Sep. 03:

stock of the venue at Srinagar’s Mughal garden Shalimar Bagh on Tuesday morning.

At 11:30 am, the duo reached the 17th century terraced garden Shalimar Bagh, around 10 km away from the city centre Lal Chowk. The couple spent an hour to take stock of the arrangements with a German technical team.

The ambassador addressed the concerns brought up by the floriculture department.

The venue is designed to avoid any damage to

the garden or the monument.

A pre-fabricated 70 by 50 feet podium is being created on the second terrace with Mughal-era Diwan-i-Khas or Black Pavilion in the backdrop.

A girdle tied to two long poles will be used for lighting and sound under the shades of majestic rowed Chinar trees.

“The line of fountains (spread over 1.6 km) will not work on the day of performance because the flow and its noise may distract artists,” said a See Zubin Show on Pg. 11

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Frame MGNREGA plans in consultation with Gram Sabha

PLA not letting them to patrol

Srinagar, September 03: 80 years old Mehboob Ali son of Syed Ali resident of Deemari Karnah slipped at Seemari Bala Kupwara while cutting grass.

He died off the fall instantly.

Police station Karnah has initiated an inquest proceedings in this regard.

Kar Irshad Tral, September 03: People of Tral have appreciated the efforts of the MLA Tral Mushtaq Ahmad Shah who has released Rs.4.70 lacs for the construction of Bar Rooms for the advocates in the compound of Judicial Court Tral. Moreover, MLA has also released Rs.30 lacs for different development works from his Constituency Development Fund.

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

LAC a forbidden area for Indian troops

Man slips to death in Karnah

People hail MLA Tral’s efforts

tice

Chocolates help you lose weight

Govt has nothing to hide about coal files

Pakistan violates ceasefire again

VOL NO: 3 | ISSUE NO: 219 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 PAISA)

dakh and Siachen sectors from August 2 to 9 for reviewing the border infrastructure development and LAC situation.

Saran, who had conducted a similar exercise in May 2007, has reported a grim scenario of Chinese transgressions in the Daulet Beg Oldi (DBO) sector, Depsang Bulge and Chumar.

The report has been shared with the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

An inter-ministerial committee headed by home secretary Anil See LAC on Pg. 11

Omar supports bringing political parties under RTI purview ‘RTI brings Government under scrutiny’ ‘Public response to RTI Act in J&K encouraging’

New Delhi, September 03: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Tuesday strongly supported the view of bringing political parties under the purview of Right to Information Act adding that transparency should rule the roost in all spheres of life including politics, administration and governance. He said when organizations, institutions and other sectors related to public and the State are transparent and accountable before the masses, the rule of law and justice will flourish and prevail.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said that Right to Information (RTI) Act is the model initiative

to promote transparency, accountability and responsiveness in the functioning of a Government

adding that information and knowledge sharing ensures empowerment of people and democracy.

He said that he believes and supports the idea of bringing all political parties under RTI. “I also be-

lieve that political parties should have no objection in this regard”, he maintained.

Addressing the Annual National Convention on RTI Act organized by National Right to Information Commission here, the Chief Minister dwelt in detail with the enactment of National RTI Act and referred to the grass root movements taking place in the Country for this Act. The Chief Minister said that with the implementation of the Act the people have become empowered to see, check and inspect any information which does not come under the exemption list, as such, the Government and See Omar on Pg. 11

Food Security Bill a landmark step: Taj Says congress the only party with mission to serve the people

Srinagar, September 03: Describing the recently enacted Food Security Bill as a landmark step to alleviate poverty in the country, Minister for Medical Education, Youth Services & Sports, Mr. Taj Mohi-udDin today said the move would enable people living below poverty line to have decent two square meals and make hunger history in India.

Addressing a well-attended public meeting at Pologround here today, the Minister said the historic legislation, the enactment of which would invoke the Central Government an expenditure of Rs. 1.35 lac

crores, was made possible only because of a determined and dedicated leadership at the centre. He hailed the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi for the pro poor bill adding that this showed the keenness and resolve of the central leadership to take people of the country on the higher planes of progress, prosperity and development.

The Minister said the Governments at the Centre and State at present have been pro poor and recalled

many pro poor steps taken by the State and Central Governments. He said the Government has passed Land Acquisition Bill to ensure that farmers and land owners have a better say during acquisition processes of their lands and they are compensated adequately.

He said the aim is to empower people which is the goal of the present Government at centre and the State.

Mr.Taj said many revolutionary steps and big ticket projects are under execution in the State which would give J&K a turn-

around and pace up its economy and social standards. He said at present projects and programmes worth Rs. 38, 000 crore are under implementation in the State.

Criticizing some vested interest groups and political parties for their short sighted policies, the Minister said their policies are aimed at dividing people and societies. He regretted that these communal parties are dividing people and said the recent untoward incidents at Kishtwar are a proof of it. He said he was himself mediating between groups of people for three days and it was See Taj on Pg. 11

PC launches signature Additional Charge syndrome makes Absence of doctors in hospital irks parents campaign to shut Achan education sector ineffective garbage dump We are going to fill up these posts: Education Minister People stage massive protests in Ganderbal Srinagar, Sep. 03: On the directions of Peoples’ Conference Chairman (PC) Sajad Gani Lone, party spokesperson Junaid Azim Mattu and District President Syed Owais Qadri held a marathon of meetings with senior party activists and leaders from Srinagar and public delegations from Shaher-e-Khaas.

They announced the launch of an extensive, large-scale door-todoor signature cam-

paign to press for the immediate closure of the Achan garbage dumping site. In a statement Mattu said that PC will depute teams across Shahere-Khaas to collect signatures on a petition that will be then filed in the High Court, and if need be even in the Supreme Court.

Stating that both NC and PDP, during their successive tenures chose to offer little more than lip-service on the closure of See Campaign on Pg. 11

Srinagar, September 03: Additional charge syndrome is affecting Valley’s education sector badly.

Reliable sources told CNS that four Chief Education Officers (CEO) posts are lying vacant in the Education department. Additional charges have been given to mostly Principal DIETs in Srinagar, Kupwara, Ganderbal and Baramulla.

Chief Education Officer Srinagar, Nazir Ahmed Kanth was attached to Director Education Office and his charge was given to Principal DIET Munshi

Javid.

“It is irony that that instead of functioning from CEO office Srinagar, Munshi Javid is seen present at his Bemina office. Additional syndrome is badly affecting this sector,” one of the senior officers in Education department told CNS on condition of anonymity.

In Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, Deputy CEO, Khazar Muhammad Mir is functioning as CEO from past many months. One of the senior officers said that there are so many Principals in the

CM pitches strongly for Mushtaq’s extension J&K Bank is a great example of public-private partnership: Dy Guv RBI Srinagar, September 03: Citing that uncertainty was not good for growth of any institution, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah requested RBI to speed up their decision on term extension of Mushtaq Ahmad Chairman and CEO J&K Bank.

Pitching strongly for

Chairman’s continuation during his address at the inaugural function of Bank’s National Business Centre in Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai he said, “Uncertainty is not good for the growth of any institution.

Mushtaq Ahmad’s first term as chairman of J&K Bank is about to end, a long

due request has been put to RBI that we will like to continue with him as the Chairman of J&K Bank. I urge the deputy governor to intervene and help speed up the decision-making process.

It is without doubt a fact that for us in J&K, withstanding the turmoil of the last 25 years of mili-

tancy would have been much tougher without J&K Bank. At the time, when almost every other institution backed out and left, J&K Bank was the only institution not just servicing the banking needs but fulfilling other financial requirements of the state.”

It is a journey from an See CM on Pg. 11

district who are senior to deputy CEO and as a result the deputy CEO is not having any control over them. This has affected the functioning of the education department badly,” he said.

Reliable sources told CNS that post of CEO is also lying vacant in North Kashmir’s Baramula district. “The Principal DIET has given the additional charge of CEO Baramulla.

The fact is that his DIET office is located in Sopore while the CEO office is in Baramulla,” a senior See Education Sector on Pg. 11

Ganderbal, September 03:

Scores of people including parents staged a massive protest against District Hospital authorities in Ganderbal after their injured children were not treated in the hospital in wake of absence of doctors.

Reports said that a school bus (JK01L-7309) carrying the children of New Dream Land Educational Institute Ganderbal met with an accident at Barsoo Highway in which at least six children were injured.

Parents and people were aghast when they found that only one doctor was

present in the District Hospital Ganderbal. “The lone doctor who was present there was so exhausted that he did not bother to take care of injured children though even police officials too requested him to do so,” one of the parents told CNS. Block Medical Officer, Ganderbal, Dr Shabir Ahmed Awan told CNS that the government has posted only four doctors in the hospital. “What can I do? One doctor has been assigned night duty another doctor has gone for some important work. Dr Manzoor is handling Causality while See Hospital on Pg. 11

Shady building deal in Mumbai KEA asks JK Bank to come clean Reports of directors receiving kickbacks shocking

Srinagar, September 03: Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) Tuesday said the startling revelations through media regarding JK Bank building deal in Mumbai and ‘one of its Directors receiving kickbacks’ has come as another shocker after earlier expose.

“This looks like history repeating itself. A few decades back a prime property belonging to the

State was sold for peanuts by the then Government.

Now it is the opposite.

A purchase through a wheeler dealer friend, and a Director of the Bank, using his influence and clout,” Siraj Ahmad, Chief Spokesperson of KEA said in a statement.

“No other Bank in the country or elsewhere would have remained tight lipped after serious allegations of discrimination and wrong doings

were levelled against it in public. Even the government and /or other regulatory agencies have not directed the management to come out clean and dispel the allegations so as to regain public faith and confidence. It seems that the bank does not care and respect the public sentiments and apprehensions of its clients. And same can be said of the State Government,” See Building Deal on Pg. 11

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LAC..........

Goswami has reportedly been set up to monitor the LAC situation and the existing empowered committee on border infrastructure development, led by cabinet secretary Ajit Seth, has been asked to remove the bureaucratic bottlenecks in Ladakh.

Though the government is tight lipped about the report, Saran has indicated that the “limits of patrol” line has become the new LAC for India in certain areas of Ladakh sector. The Chinese define the LAC in eastern Ladakh as marked on a map in then premier Zhou En-Lai’s letter of November 7, 1959, to then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

The Indian perception of the LAC, as marked by the China Study Group (CSG) in 1976 on the basis of the 1962 war positions, vastly varies from the Chinese one on at least 12 pockets from DBO to Chumar. However, the CSG — which comprises the foreign, home and defence secretaries, the army vice-chief and two intelligence chiefs — defined the “limits of patrolling” for the Indian Army to maintain border peace. The patrol line is between New Delhi and Beijing’s LAC perceptions and 2-20 km short of the Indian line.

Saran has reported that the Chinese have built a motorable kutcha road to a sensitive Track Junction area in the DBO sector, thus changing the position on ground and in violation of the 2005 protocol. The former foreign secretary told the PMO that Indian troops were able to go only up to the patrol line in Depsang with the area defined as “bulge” with Chinese PLA. The April 15, 2013, Depsang incursion at Raki Nullah was designed to prevent the Indian patrols from reaching Points 10, 11, 11A and 13 with Point 12 outside the patrol line.

Saran and former northern army commander Lt Gen PC Bharadwaj also surveyed Pangong Tso, a saltwater lake through which runs the LAC. They found a beefed up PLA firmly entrenched in their position in the Srijap area. Saran is also concerned with the situation in Chumar where the PLA is making frequent transgressions, claiming 85 sq km of Indian territory despite the international border defining the two countries.

Omar........

governance have come under the scrutiny of most important stakeholder-public.

This, he said, is not the end of matter. “What is needed for the RTI Act to be more poignant and broad based is public awareness about the legislation. It will only be then the objectives to combat corruption and bring about transparency and accountability in Government functioning can be achieved”, he said.

Referring to the State Right to Information Act, the Chief Minister said that State Information Commission was fully functional by appointment of Chief Information Commissioner and the two Information Commissioners in 2011. He said adequate staff and logistic support has been provided to the Commission as per its requirements.

Omar Abdullah said that provisions of Section 4 of RTI Act, considered to be the soul of the transparency law, are being followed and almost all Administrative Departments in the State in the Civil Secretariat have launched their websites for easy dissemination of the information pertaining to these departments. The Chief Minister said that the response of the general public seeking information under the Act has been very encouraging which is reflected in the number of applications received under the Act. “The pace with which information has been made available to the information seekers is also a matter of satisfaction for us. This can be judged by the fact that in my State 15,000 applications were received during the last year as compared to 741 in 2009-10”.

Omar Abdullah said that the implementation of RTI Act, reconstitution of Accountability Commission, constitution of Vigilance Commission and enactment of historic legislation of Public Services Guarantee Act in the State by his Government has given ample powers to the people to question the Government for all its actions and omissions.

He said “we have given legal authority to people to demand listed public services within the fixed time frame besides empowering them to make queries to the Government about its functioning, delivery of services, financial transactions and other aspects of governance”. He said that under the RTI Act a common man is at par with a legislator to ask question to the Government and that too throughout the 365 days of the year.

The Chief Minister appreciated the functioning of State Information Commission and said that the Commission has strengthened the implementation of the Act and has created good public awareness about the use of RTI Act provision to seek information from the government departments. The Chief Minister added that the critical analysis of the applications reveal that people are by and large seeking information with respect to the employment related matters, promotions and seniority issues.

“Whereas, there is a need to bring transparency in the recruitments at every level, the information seekers should also focus on development activities, and issues of urgent public importance and interests. If it is done, I am sure real benefits of development will accrue to the common masses. There are hundreds of development schemes implemented by the Centre and State Governments in involving huge funds. The best way to ensure the benefits these schemes percolate to the grass root level and ensure transparency in spending, the RTI activists should work as Watch Dog”, he elaborated.

The Chief Minister said that the desired results under any Act or law cannot be achieved unless common people or aware about the legislation. “I feel people even at the National level are not fully aware of the benefits and public interest provisions of various legislations. The people living in villages, remote areas and far-flung places need to be educated properly about the RTI”, he added and underlined the need for imparting educate training to PIOs and First Appellate Authorities and others associated the implementation of the Act. Omar Abdullah emphasized on the role of nongovernmental organizations in implementing the provisions of Act and said that credible NGOs have a vital role in the implementation of the Act.

under the Act. He said these conventions give an opportunity to share the view points and learn from the experiences of one another.

Taj.........

so difficult to control passions and tempers on both sides. Appealing people to reject these communal and regional forces, Mr.Taj asked them to strengthen democratic forces and ensure that rule of law is ensured and not the anarchy as these groups propagate.

The public meeting was addressed by former legislator, Haji Abdul Rasheed and other leaders.

Zubin Show..........

senior official, who accompanied the ambassador to the garden.

The organisers have decided to have three separate seating arrangements at the centre of 12.4 hectares garden. The central platform will come up over the central water channel.

The government has already restored chaddar or falls from terraces. Even lamp spaces have been restored.

Shingle work of Diwan-e-Khas has been reworked and minor renovation of the Diwan-e-Aman also carried out for the event.

Around 1,500 people- 1000 local invitations and 500 outsiders, which include more than a dozen union ministers and politicians --- are scheduled to attend the concert, which will start around 5pm. Hundreds of media men from all over the world are also thronging the valley to cover the concert which has become an attraction for the media all over the world.

With the garden all decked up, flamboyant musician Mehta is set to play Bavarian State Orchestra. Around 100 artists will fly from Germany to India along with instruments in special planes to make first such musical concert a success in Kashmir.

Built by Mughal emperor Jehangir and expanded by Shah Jahan later, historians say the garden would always resonate with music during the Mughal period.

Till late 60s, musical nights, Shab-e-Shalimar (Night at Shalimar), would be organised by the government.

However, the Mehta’s event has run into rough weather with separatists and the civil society members up in arms against the concert.

While the civil society is organising a rival concert Haqeeqat-e-Kashmir 10 km away from the venue “to highlight real sufferings of people”, hardline Hurriyat chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani has called for a shutdown. In the wake of shutdown call, security has been beefed up further.

The Coalition of Civil Society has also asked local sponsor, J&K Bank, to withdraw from the event. “It is a matter of grave concern and hurt for people to know the bank is one of the sponsors. It is an institution vested essentially with public trust and not just money for which its leadership remains ever accountable towards the society and people of this state,” said the CCS statement. Kashmir University Students Union has also opposed the event.

Campaign.........

Achan, Mattu said that PDP had its own Urban Development Minister in the previous government.

“PDP’s Urban Development Minister had promised in 2007 the identification and operation of three more landfill sites that would take 25 percent of the city’s garbage load individually, amounting to an aggregate of 75 percent, thereby relieving Achan and paving way for its closure,” he said. “As with most of the political promises made by either party, this promise by PDP’s Urban Development Minister too proved to be hollow.

Why didn’t PDP pass official instructions to close Achan when they had their own Urban Development Minister and more importantly their own Chief Minister? Why the melodrama on the roads now?” he asked.

Mattu claimed that NC had been promising the closure of Achan for more than a decade now but continues to patronize its continuation for reasons best known to the party. “There are allegations that certain NC leaders had purchased huge tracts of land near the Achan dumping site and this could have something to do with the government’s reluctance to explore a scientific resolution of the Achan site. Such allegations should be thoroughly probed and NC should be held accountable for its callous and anti-people policies,” he said.

Syed Owais Qadri said that this will be the first of its kind public initiative taken in Srinagar and will pit the people of this historic city against an arrogant, callous and insensitive government. People in Saidapora, Zoonimar, Nowshehra, Eidgah, Wanganpur, Noorbagh, Soura, Palpura, Hawal and Badamwari are literally suffocating in the stench emanating from Achan while the government and all its concerned departments are either so incompetent or so sadistic, that they continue to be unmoved by this crisis. “The stench from Achen can be felt as far as Zakura, Buchpora, HMT and Karan Nagar. Now, the people of Srinagar – under this signature campaign, will come together and unite in a common mission to shut Achen. We appeal to volunteers and activists from Shaher-e-Khaas to come together and help PC to resolve this crisis despite their political differences or affiliations,” he added.

Mattu said that Qadri, and District Secretary Mohammad Ashraf Dar will supervise the signature campaign and will be assisted by the concerned Zonal Heads from Shaher-e-Khaas, backed by a wellorganized team at the PC Central Office that will constantly document the signatures and post the status of the campaign online. People will also have an option of submitting their signatures on the online address, which will be announced shortly. said that four teams will be organized, each for Eidgah, Zadibal, Hazratbal and Batamaloo and sent out door-to-door to apprise the people in their area of this initiative and collect their signatures. The Eidgah team will be headed by PC Zonal President Bilal Sofi, the Zadibal team by District Secretary Mohammad Ashraf Dar, the Batamaloo team

by Zonal President Muzaffar Matta and the Hazratbal

Daily team by Zonal President Zulfikar Ahmed. On this occasion Qadri also announced the launch of PC Block Office Zadibal and congratulated PC Zadibal Block activists and workers while imploring them to work day and night to highlight and address the grievances of the people.

Education Sector.........

officer said adding that the teachers of the district are facing enormous problems due to this present mess.

Same situation is prevailing in Kupwara district as well. This district has 14 education zones including Karnah and Tanghdar. Here the additional charge has been again given to Principal DIET Ashok Kumar.

Sources said that additional charges are being assigned to appease some particular political leaders and groups.

“A Chief Education Officer in one of the districts of South Kashmir was transferred only after 3 months because he had started a drive against the teachers associated with Kashmir Teachers Forum who used to remain always absent from their duties,” sources said.

When contacted, Education Minister Tara Chand told CNS that the Department is going take away these additional charges from the said officers and would fill up the vacant posts. He said that CEO Baramula was attached on the basis of a complaint and “we had no option but to assign the additional charge to Principal DIET. We are going to soon fill up these vacant posts,” he said. Meanwhile, the prize postings in the department are at the disposal of politicians, ministers and bureaucrats whose recommendations value more than the merit. A teacher told Zabarwan Times that the Directorate of Education has become a tool in the hands of politicians who indulge in frequent transfers of their friends and foes according to their whims. He said that despite repeated announcements that the attachment policy will be dispensed with and the relations of politicians and bureaucrats who on the pretext of security concern have been enjoying their postings of their choice are still there and nobody has dared to touch them. Another teacher said the postings in the department are at sale and whosoever has best of influence and monetary strength can get the best postings.

Hospital..........

another doctor takes care of OPD,” BMO said.

People alleged that the Health Department has posted some 11 doctors in the hospital who prefer to practice in private than to attend the hospital. “Despite knowing the fact, BMO takes no cognizance and never initiates any action against the absent doctors,” one of the residents, Abdul Rashid said.

Protestors said that most of the sections of the hospital including Dental Section were closed when injured children were brought for treatment in the hospital. The school Management shifted all the injured children to nearby private clinics.

Protestors raised slogans against hospital authorities and Directorate of Health Services and demanding immediate action against doctors.

CM...........

institution to a well known entity within and outside the J&K State. Under the leadership of Mushtaq Ahmad, no goal seemed to be unachievable, he added.

Speaking at the occasion H R Khan, Deputy Governor, RBI said, “J&K Bank is a great example of publicprivate partnership and has taken lots of steps in the field of corporate finance, SME finance, priority sector finance and especially in the field of financial inclusion. The Khidmat Centers are a unique initiative and are being leveraged by the bank in a great way for financial inclusion.

It is very critical to have a robust and regulate banking system, one major indicator of it is how to handle and manage your credit policy. J&K Bank has one of the lowest NPA in the country which talks of the very strong management and robust system that the bank follows in terms of asset quality.”

Acknowledging human resource as the USP of the bank, the deputy governor congratulated the bank for being one of the most solid financial institutions in the country on almost all parameters, especially; its strong

ZABARWAN TIMES

efficiency ratio, the low cost to income ratio and its return on equity showcase the resilience of the bank.

Earlier in his welcome address Mushtaq Ahmad, Chairman J&K Bank said, “Today, is a great occasion for J&K Bank, as it has found a place for itself and established itself in the financial capital of the country, this will enhance the brand equity of the bank further. “J&K Bank has been many times referred to or perceived as a bank confined within the state, but it has presence all across India with 111 branches out of the 703 outside the J&K state, and is going strong. It has moved to various parts of the country not just as a financial institution but as an ambassador of J&K state’s rich culture and heritage”, he added.

Building Deal.............

he said.

The KEA, the spokesperson said, would in all earnest requests the Bank management to come out clean on the issues raised by the two dailies. “Names, facts, figures and discriminations given in the columns of the two papers have caused enough doubt and suspicion among the share holders and clients. Both the Government, and the Bank management including its Board of Directors are duty bound to come out with the facts and clean hands, as otherwise the Bank will suffer due to the erosion in its credibility. KEA will definitely look for other avenues to get the facts if the Bank maintains its silence and resorts to dubious methods of silencing public apprehensions,” he said.

Siraj added that KEA firmly believes that the Bank management by organizing meetings with some trade delegations in no way can hoodwink the opinion of the people and by such approach cannot try to absolve itself from its responsibilities in the backdrop of the serious allegations surfaced against it. The KEA pledged to take all possible measures to safeguard the interests of the Bank by making the Bank Management including its Board of Directors accountable.

Dilapidated roads headache for Bemina residents Accuse concerned MLA of being callous

Srinagar, September 03: Threatened to come out on streets the residents of Bemina MIG, HIG colony are up in arms against the government in genera and R&B department in particular against the “bad road conditions.”

A delegation from the area told KNS that the colony, which also connects Bemina Qamerwari is lying in dilapidated conditions for the past several years. The annoyed residents have threatened to come out on streets and block Srinagar National Highway if the administration fail in its speedy blacktopping. “If the administration continues to ignore our problems, we’ll block National Highway,” Hammed Khan a resident told KNS.

The residents said the bad road conditions have made it accident prone. “Accidents have become a routine on this track. Almost every day someone gets injured when either his bike slips or a vehicle rams into the manholes and potholes,” they said.

“The residents have facing tremendous hardships due to the dilapidated road conditions. During rains water accumulates in the potholes and lanes remain inundated because of which we can’t move out our houses,” the locals said.

The locals accused MLA Batmaloo of being callous towards the area. Despite repeated attempts, the MLA couldn’t be contacted for comment.

S.W

11 Wednesday, 04 September 2013 Chief Minister said that annual conventions like the one arranged by Central Information Commission are From Front Page........ The big leap towards assessment of the success and failures

Office of the Executive Engineer, Construction Division No. Ist Srinagar Tender Notice Serial NIT No: 155/CD-Ist/7982-8004 Dated: 02-09-2013

For and on behalf of Governor Jammu & Kashmir state, sealed tenders affixed with Rs. 2.00 (Revenue stamps) are invited from the approved PWD Contractors for the below mentioned work/s. The tenders should be addressed to the Executive Engineer, Construction Division No. Ist, Srinagar which should reach to his office on or before 10-09-2013 till 2.00 P.M. The tenders can also be cast in the office of Superintending Engineer, PWD (R&B) Circle Sgr./ Budgam. The tenders will be opened on the same day or later in presence of the contractors who like to be present. In case the date of receipt of tenders is declared holiday, transport strike etc. the tenders will be received by the competent authority on the next working day.

S. No 1.

Name of work/s Development of lawn in between ward No. 1 and ward No. 3 by way of earth filling and turfing at SMHS Hospital Srinagar

Approx. cost incl. c/o depttl. Stores Rs. 1,95,000/-

Earnest Money

Class of Contractor

Time of Compl.

Rs. 1,950/-

S.H.G

07 days

Head of Account MH 4210Medical (HDF)

Cost of T.D Rs. 200/-

Terms and Conditions: 1. Tender document can be purchased from Divisional Office against Non refundable cash payment from 02-09-2013 during office hours upto 09-09-2013 till 2.00 P.M. Incase of tenderer is unable to purchase the tender documents for the work/works the tenderer can quote their rates as per the advertised quantity schedule in the tender form already issued to him in the form of tender booklets. In such instance the tenderer shall be required to enclose a crossed postal order in favour of the Executive Engineer, Construction Division No. Ist Srinagar for an amount to equal to the cost of tender document. This amount of postal order is non refundable. The tender forms issued by the competent authority during the year 2013-14 can only be utilized for submission of tenders. The tenders received on lapsed tender forms shall be totally rejected.

2. The bidder shall be at liberty to send their bids either in person or through registered post but shall subscribe the following in front of the envelops. i) Name of work ii) Cost of work iii) Full name of contractor iv) Ref. to CDR No. & Date v) Date of receipt of tenders vi) Ref. to NIT No. 3. The bidding documents shall be issued by this office against non-refundable cash payment as mentioned above to eligible contractors on production of valid Registration Card on any working day.

4. Bids from Joint Ventures are not being allowed.

5. In case of bid of the lowest bidder is found unbalanced, the successful bidder shall have to produce additional performance security in shape of CDR/FDR/Bank Guarantee before fixation of contract as per following break up failing which the tender shall be rejected, earnest money forfeited and other penalties initiated under rules. In case the lowest tenderer is found to be a defaulter under this condition for more than three instances, his registration shall be recommended for blacklisting from future participation in the tendering process.

S. No %age of unbalanced bid viz advertised cost on account of low rates Additional Performance Security 1.

Upto and including 15% below Nil 2. > 15% upto and including 20% below 3% 3. > 20% upto and including 25% below 3.5% 4. > 25% upto and including 30% below 4% 5. > 30% below 5% DIPJK: 6960 Sd/- Executive Engineer

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

NEWS

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES

Srinagar | wedneSday

Lone Visits Sonawari Constituency, holds Public Darbar at Safapora Government working hard for States all round prosperity and development: Lone

Lone enjoined upon the officers to rendepartments for their redressal on the spot and looked into for consideration and addressed der their duties with honesty, zeal and enthuassured the people that their other issues will be gradually. siasm besides redress the genuine issues of the public on priority. He urged them to expedite all ongoing works within stipulated time so that people do not suffer for want of basic amenities and stressed for close coordination in this regard.Meanwhile, The Minister also visited Govt Higher Secondary School Safapora and Girls High School Safapora and inspected the funcSAFAPORA (BANDIPORA), SEPTEMBER 03: tioning of these schools. Lone visited various Minister for Higher Education, Mohammad blocks of both the institutions and interacted with the staff and students and enquired about Akbar Lone Tuesday reiterated Government the facilities being provided. He directed the commitment towards States all round prosperSRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 03: The Committee on Assurance (AC) of JamCEO, Ganderbal to submit a proposal for conity and development, adding that people are mu and Kashmir Legislative Council Tuesday asked the officers of Education struction of additional accommodation in both best judges to see the performance of the presdepartment to gear up their field functionaries and fulfill all Government Asthe schools. He also directed MDA authorities ent dispensation in this regard. surances given from time to time on the floor of the house by the concerned to construct a lavatory block in the Girls High The Minister said this during his tour of Ministers. various areas of Sonawari Constituency includ- School Safapora. He also announced 15 ceiling The Committee headed by MLC, S. Dharambir Singh Oberoi held its meeting fans for the class room and new furniture for ing Safapora, Hajam Mohalla, Kolpora, Barkathi here Tuesday to discuss the Assurance pertaining to Education Department. the school.

He also directed the concerned exeMohalla and other adjoining areas.

Legislators, Muzaffar Parray besides Additional Secretary Legislative The Minister was accompanied by cuting agency for speedy completion of science Council Mohammad Maqbool Bhat attended the meeting.

Chief Executive Officer Manasbal Development laboratory in the School The Committee discussed and reviewed the action taken on Assurances While inspecting irrigation canal at Authority, Chief Education Officer, Ganderbal, given by the Government on various issues from time to time.

Kolpora, the Minister directed irrigation departofficers of R&B, RDD, PDD, Irrigation, PHE and The issues regarding upgradation of school in district Budgam, establishment to take up the necessary repair work of other concerned Departments besides large ment of schools in district Anantnag and vacancies in Education department the canal for the benefit of local people. number of people and public representatives of in district Rajouri were discussed thoroughly in the meeting. These assurances Later, a Public Darbar was held at Barthe area. were given by the concerned Ministers in the House in the earlier sessions. kathi Mohalla Safapora which was attended by Lone said number of welfare and deCommissioner Secretary, Education Hirdesh Kumar briefed the Committee a large number of people besides public reprevelopmental schemes have already been comabout the Assurances being implemented by the department and their present sentatives and officers of various departments. pleted and various schemes and projects in status.

On the occasion people put forth various dethis regard are being implemented to further The Chairman stressed upon the authorities to streamline the functioning of mands of the area before the Minister. improve the socio-economic profile of people Lone News Agency Kangan Khan News Lone, while responding to Agency these de-Ganderbal the department and directed the concerned for implementing the given assurof the area.

Gulzar News Agency Soura ZahidofBook Depot Chadoora ances in letter and spirit. mands directed the officers the concerned

Assurance Committee reviews actions taken by the Education deptt

Zabarwan Times is available at

Tariq News Agency Hawal Muzaffar Ali News Agency Alamgari Bazar Abdullah News Agency Lal Chowk Gupkari News Agency Lal Chowk Khan News Agency Regal Chowk Sheikh News Agency Hyderpora Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Magam Dar News Agency Beerwah Reshi News Agency Safapora Basharat News Agency Bandipora Altaf News Agency Pulwama Jeelani News Agency Baramulla Shah News Agency Kupwara Younis News Agency Langate Reshi News Agency Islamabad Turray News Agency Tral Rahi News Agency Kulgam Rah News Agency Byepass

Bashir News Agency Nowhatta Budshah News Agency Lal Chowk Sikendar News Agency Lal Chowk Raina News Agency Gund Kangan JAMMU, SEPT 03: Rashid News Agency Dalgate Hilal News Agency BudgamMinister of State, SciBhat News Agency Chadoora ence & Technology and Information Technology, Zargar News Agency Kunzar Feroz Ahmed Khan Tuesday Bashir News Agency Sumbal inaugurated 10 KV Solar Saleem News Agency Pattan Power Plant at PanjbakReyaz News Agency thar Temple established by increase thePampore Jammu and Kashmir Enproduction.

Javaid News Agency Qazigund ergy Development Agency G.M News AgencyGurSopore ezi also di- (JAKEDA) with a cost of Rs. Sultan News Agency 24 lakh.MLA, East, Ashok rected theHandwara Sheikh News Agency Islamabad Khajuria besides District concerned submit Three Wayto News AgencyOfficer, Tral Science and Technology, Deepak Sharma, Rea Agency proposalBijbehara Badru News for the con- gional Manager Sova Power Malik News AgencyofArwani Limited (North India), Ashstruction wani Raina, member of Shaheen News b o u Agency n d a r y Kargil

Gurezi pays surprise visit to Liquid Nitrogen Plant Shaltang Asks officers to employ modern techniques to increase production

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 03: The Minister of State for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Nazir Ahmad Gurezi Tuesday paid surprise visit to Livestock Development Board Kashmir and Liquid Nitrogen Plant Shaltang and took stock of the facilities available there.

Gurezi was informed that Nitrogen Plant has 1.25 lac

litres production capacity and there is further scope for improvement in the production capacity of the plant. He called for employing latest available techniques and equipments besides modern methods to

wall around thecomplex.

He also directed them to maintain cleanliness in and around the complex.

Appreciating the working standards in these units, the Minister asked the officers to work with utmost dedication and ensure punctuality at all levels.

Feroz inaugurates Solar Power Plant

Temple Managing Committee and prominent citizens were present on the occasion.While speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that solar energy is among one of the best and cheaper source of power to meet the global demand. He said that Government of India has launched various programmes to provide solar energy to the unelectrified areas besides minimizing the consumption of fossil

Frame MGNREGA plansin consultation with Gram Sabha: Mir TANGMARG, SEPTEMBER 03 – Highlighting the vital role of MGNREGA in creating job opportunities and building rural infrastructure in the State, Minister for Agriculture, Mr Ghulam Has-

san Mir Tuesday asked Sarpanches and Panches to frame annual Plans under the scheme in consultation with the local Gram Sabha’s.

The Minister said this during his ex-

tensive visit covering dozens of villages of his constituency Tuesday in which he also addressed series of public meetings.

The Villages include, Bungund, Larkipora, Allopra, Bunsharn, Gund Dhalwash, Maawaha, Gulabdaji, Hardioobra and

Patiposhkar.. The Minister asked the Panchayat representatives to workout comprehensive development plans of all the rural schemes in consultation with the local people of their respective wards

before the commencement of new fiscal year. He said this would minimize any duplicity of development works under various programmes adding that under various centrally sponsored schemes abundant funds are available, but the need of the hour is to utilize it judiciously.During the tour, the Minister gave on the spot directions for restoration of HT-transmission lines from Pallpora to Larkipora via Bungund. He also gave directions to the concerned for leveling the Play field at Bungund, up gradation of Bunpora link road, and improvement of Surash Bungund Khul.

Addressing public meetings, the Minister said that government is making all efforts to provide irrigation facilities to the Horticulture growers of Karewas by utilizing groundwater potential of these areas. In this direction, the Minister directed the officers of Horticulture and Agriculture to formulate a comprehensive proposal in this regard.

The Minister was accompanied by sectoral officers of the Tangmarg and Kunzar blocks.

Dr. Manohar lays foundation of Trout Rearing Unit at DobiwanTral

PULWAMA, SEPT 03:

employment and increasing fish production. He said fish sector has vast potential and asked locals, particularly educated youth to come forward and set up income generating units in fisheries sector for which Government is providing financial incentives and

erative Store at Luru and instructed concerned to frame Minister for Cooperative a detailed project report at the and Fisheries, Dr. ManoharLal earliest. Earlier Director gave Sharma Tuesday laid foundadetailed resume of the activition stone of Trout Rearing ties taken up in the district by Unit at DobiwanTral costing the department. He said efforts Rs. 88 lakh.Among others, are on to increase production of MLA Tral, Mushtaq Ahmed fish to meet the local demands Shah, Director Fisherwhile new projects have Dr Manohar said that Aripal trout farm been framed for promotion ies Mr R.K. Dogra, other senior officers of the defish sector.Giving details of will be upgraded and directed the concerned of partment, besides senior the projects, it was told that Congress Leader S. Chanofficers to speed up the construction of in first phase a pair of RCC ni Singh were present type race ways, one open Naristan inspection hut. on the occasion. Speaktype race way for broad ing on the occasion, the stock, a store shed collecMinister said that the facility necessary expert guidance. Dr tion and di-silting chamber, would boost trout promotion Manohar said that Aripal trout approach path, landscaping while the annual production farm will be upgraded and diand fencing would be part of would be increased to 6 tonnes rected the concerned officers the project while in the phase in the district. He said the creto speed up the construction 2nd construction of Indoor ation of Dobiwan infrastrucof Naristan inspection hut. rearing space with equipment ture would be a model unit He said a shopping complex construction by Farm Hut in private sector, which will would be constructed at the and chain like fencing will be go a long way in generating land available near the Cooptaken up.

fuels.

He informed that more than 200 solar plants have been installed in J&K State besides 50,000 solar domestic lights have been provided in un-electrified belts of the state.

The Minister said that state government has installed mega solar power plants in almost all the District and Sub-District Hospitals of the state and measures are afoot to install the same in educational institutions and religious places on priority to provide uninterrupted power. He said that the major thrust is being laid to expedite the projects sanctioned by Ministry for Renewable Energy (GOI) to overcome the power scarcity.He asked the Managing Committee of the temple to make optimum use of solar plant and keep check on its proper maintenance. He directed the concerned department to ensure maintenance of the power plant for its smooth functioning.

Regional Manager, Sova Power Limited apprised the Minster of functioning of the solar plant.

He informed that the solar plants not only provide energy but it acts as an additional source of energy by providing reverse energy to the feeders of the Grid.

On the occasion, MLA East announced Rs. 10 lakh from his Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for development of the Temple.The Committee Members putforth their demands which mainly included construction of Gobar Gas Plant in Temple besides Library and Shed for Gowshala.The Minster directed the concerned authorities to make a comprehensive plan so that work on Gobar Gas Plant would be executed in a shortest possible time. He assured full cooperation to the Temple Management for construction of Library and Gowshala Shed at ancient and historic Panjbakthar Temple.

Promotion of Urdu language CS reviews Sub-Committee report SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 03: The high-level committee for promotion of Urdu language headed by Chief Secretary Muhammad Iqbal Khanday Tuesday reviewed the findings and recommendations of the Sub-Committee mandated to find out ways and means of overcoming shortage of Urdu, Dogri and Kashmiri language teachers in Government schools at Primary, middle and high school level and to work out additional requirements of subject specific teachers.

Chief Secretary asked the Sub-Committee to further examine the figures regarding the District wise requirement of language specific teachers and finalize the report for submission to the Government.

The high level committee has already given its concurrence to the proposal of setting up the J&K Urdu Promotion Council for holistic, comprehensive development and promotion of the state’s official language besides giving concurrence to the proposal aimed at incorporating necessary provisions in the recruitment rules for direct entry posts in various departments where knowledge of Urdu language is required to ensure proper and effective service delivery.The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Atul Duloo, Secretary School Education, Hirdesh Kumar, Secretary, Higher Education, Sheikh Mushtaq, Directors School Education Kashmir, Jammu and other senior officers.

Mian Altaf inaugurates bridge, lays foundation of DMF SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 03: In view of the increasing flow of tourists and meeting their needs at Sonamarg, Government has created basic infrastructure and facilities at the destination which not only benefitted the tourists but also the people coming for annual Amarnathji Yatra.

This was stated by the Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad after laying foundation of Disaster Management Facility (DMF) being created

by J&K Police and inaugurating a footbridge constructed over Nallah Sindh near Yachimarg at Sonamarg at cost of Rs 16 lakh Tuesday.

I.G.P, Kashmir, Abdul Gani Mir, Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal Sarmad Hafiz, Chief Conservator Forests, Kashmir Nisar Ahmad Darzi, CEO, SDA, Mohammad Yosuf besides officers from several others department were present on the occasion.

Mian Altaf said that the bridge would benefit a large number of people mostly belonging to poor families and supporting their farming activities. He said Government

The Minister said that private sector has played an important role in creation of the basic tourism related infrastructure at Sonamarg, which not only created facilities for

04 .9.2013

HOROSCOPE Aries

March 21-April 19

Aries, your intuition is increased today to the point where you feel like a mind reader, like you could deduce the thoughts and motives of people you’ve never met before.

Reading about news events might bring sudden insights as to how they’re going to turn out. You could decide to put this ability to work advancing your financial condition. Do this if you can, within reason. Your insights are probably correct!

Taurus April 20-May 20

You should be feeling especially passionate at this time, Taurus, especially regarding partnerships. Romantic partnerships definitely call for an evening together! Professional and creative partnerships call for a new project that you believe in strongly. Look to events in other states or foreign countries for inspiration. Something begun in places far away could capture your imagination.

Gemini May 21-June 21

If you’ve been feeling less like yourself lately, Gemini, a surge of inner power could push you over the top and make you feel strong and healthy again. You could decide to finish the unfinished tasks around you today. You might get most of them done by day’s end. Don’t forget to enjoy yourself, however. You will want to make the most of your newfound energy.

Cancer June 22-July 22

A surge of passion could dominate your day unless you find an outlet for it, Cancer. An intimate evening with a lover would be a good idea. Creative passion is also strong, and you could be hit with sudden inspiration, perhaps influenced by distant places. Don’t be afraid to take time out from your mundane chores to pursue this inspiration. Creativity is as important as anything else.

Leo

July 23-August 22 A romantic evening at home with your partner could bring the two of you closer, Leo. Your emotions are intense right now, so you need to use your intuition to judge exactly how much of your feelings you should reveal. An intellectual passion could also come your way. You might discover a new field of interest and you’ll want to bury yourself at home studying it for hours.

Virgo August 23-September 22

Information received from far away could excite your passion to learn more about a subject, Virgo. You might be inspired to use your new knowledge in a project that includes a partner. Your mind is extremely insightful at this time, so if you face decisions, this is the day to follow your heart. Don’t be surprised if you find your telepathic abilities expanded as well!

Libra

September 23-October 23 Money matters are likely to be advanced today through your intuition and inner power, Libra. You may get a hunch that your idea for bringing in some extra money just might work. At least look into it. Don’t let anyone talk you out of it until you know the facts. You might also rediscover a neglected talent that you could find quite useful at this time.

Scorpio

October 24-November 21 A surge of inner power could have you feeling like you can move mountains, Scorpio. If you’ve been contemplating a course of action that others believe impossible, this is the time to get it going. Career matters, romance, and creative projects could all be advanced considerably by careful effort on your part. Give it some thought, write down your ideas, consider all contingencies, and move ahead!

Sagittarius November 22-December 21

Memories from your past could resurface, Sagittarius.

You might wonder why you’re suddenly thinking about them, but they probably represent a release of old emotional hang-ups that have been holding you back. By midafternoon you should feel more focused, determined, and ready to take on just about anything. This is definitely a great day to start new projects or complete old ones.

Capricorn December 22-January 19

Today represents a beginning in many ways. A friend from the past could reappear in your life, Capricorn, and bring up memories both pleasant and disconcerting. Don’t worry too much about it. This probably represents a muchneeded release. You might also become involved with a group that embodies goals about which you’re passionate.

New friends could also come your way.

Aquarius January 20-February 18

Emotions could be running high today, Aquarius. Someone in your entourage may have a problem with an authority figure, and political issues could come up. You may feel powerful right now and tempted to throw your hat into the ring.

However, it’s best to stay out of anything political and channel that power and passion into your own project. That’s far more likely to bring positive results.

Pisces

is committed to provide basic needs to the people. He said the plans framed by the Government for development of tourist destination Sonamarg and promotion of tourism sector would improve the economic status of the people living in and adjacent to this spot.

tourists but also generated employment opportunities for youth of the state. He said that tourism sector has vast potential in the State and asked locals to come forward and set up their units for which Government was providing incentives to them.

February 19-March 20 Heightened mental powers might have you spending a lot of time reading or doing research of some kind, Pisces.

Your curiosity is especially high right now. You might even consider advancing your education in some way, especially since new interests have been stimulating you for some time. New friends in fascinating fields might have started you thinking. This is a good time to look into this.

Editorial/Opinion Wednesday, 04 September 2013

In-genuine strikesIn-genuine approach

T

he frequent strikes and lockouts by state govt. employees are neither justified nor do they help to the cause of employees in general. Yes, they do for some ring leaders who take maximum advantages of those agitations with political overtures in mind so that they are properly rehabilitated after attaining the age of superannuation. These leaders of employees after retirement get accommodated in different political parties & with that their future becomes safe & protected & their past, whatever it was, cleaned & erased of all dubious spots. The general public is the worst sufferers in the standoff between the employees and the govt. Their day-today problems become vexed and due to the non-availability of staff, everything comes to a standstill. Everybody knows that the state has no sufficient resources and it pays thrice than its usual income to its employees. Most of their genuine demands have been met. The only major demand which remains to be settled is increase in their retirement age from 58 years to 60 years. If the state govt. does so in urgency as some employee leaders are near retirement and it is because of that they are making the people hostage of their designs, then what will be the fate of over seven lace unemployed youths who are getting over-aged and their future gets bleaked with every passing day. Should the state govt. prioritize their employment or should it enhance the retirement age of the present govt. employees, is the question of life and death for lacs of youths who also want to have a job and contribute for the state. It is a matter of surprise that some newspapers who seem to be on the pay role of a particular group of employee leaders, are vehemently extending their support to these strike calls. It is surprising that these employees do not understand the pathetic conditions of the general people for whom the ministers and bureaucracy has only three or four months to spare when Darbar comes to valley. Rest of the time is consumed in unlimited holidays, illogical strikes by govt. employees and useless hartals by separatists who even call for a strike against a musical concert at Srinagar.

One does not understand how a musical concert can change the political status of Kashmir problem which is a political issue and needs a political approach for its solution. If the govt. employees are really well wishers of the people of the state, they should desist from these dayto-day strikes and instead adopt a reconciliatory attitude for pursing their genuine demands. The govt. should also strictly enforce ‘no work, no pay’ rule and should not become a silent spectator to the hard postures adopted by govt. employees who despite being paid handsomely are contributing more to the economic instability than its stability.

ZABARWAN TIMES 9

Wednesday, 04 September 2013

NAUSHERA

The Daily

Zabarwan Times

Daily

A TOWN WITH DEEP HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

N

K.D Maini

aushera is situated between 3 3 degree 10 mnts latitude and 74 degree 18 mnts longitude.

The elevation of the town from the sea level is 758 mtr. The total population of Naushera town is 8435. The town is comprised of about 1500 houses, 225 shops and spreaded on 1144 acre land. It is situated on the North side of a fertile valley Seri about 300 ft. above the right bank of Tawi River. The town is 124 kms away from Jammu and 45 kms from Rajouri. It is a tehsil headquarter and a growth centre of the district located on the Line of Actual Control. Therefore, the extension of the town could not be taken place after partition. But in the recent past, the town has again started developing.

Naushera came into the lime-light when Sultan Zain-ul-Abadeen (Budshah) came in the power in 1520 AD in Kashmir. At that time, this area was governed by Sayeed dynasties. Mir Sayeed Mehmood Bahqi a decedent of the Chiefs of Sabzwar in Persia came to India due to rift between him and Taimoor. At that time, India was ruled by Gias-ul-Din Tuglak.

When Mehmood Bahqi introduced himself, he was given full respect and designated as a Darbari of Delhi Darbar.

Sayeed Mehmood Bahqi through his influence in the Court of Delhi appeared to have gained a jagir in the foot-hills of Peer Panchal Range in Naushera area and his nephew Sayeed Hussain Bahqi came to Naushera along with force around 1425 AD and established his principality after defeating the local Kukaltash tribe. He was a brave man and a fighter. He and Sayeed Mehmood Bahqi raised their own army and snatched number of other areas apart from Naushera from the chiefs of the neighboring hills through sword.

There was great resentment among the public of Naushera area against Sayeeds who hand came to govern, this principality.

At that time, Naushera was inhabited bythe Kukaltash tribe. They never

accepted the regime of Sayeeds on their land. Therefore, they remained fighting with the Sayeeds and so large scale disturbance started in Naushera area. The Kukaltash tribes who were notorious for their organized act of lawlessness created nuisance in the principality. They revolted against Sayeed Hussain when the later was at Srinagar. Sayeed Hussain Bahqi rushed from Srinagar along with Kashmiri forces and suppressed the rebellions. But, he was given poison by one of his servant who came into the influence of Kukaltash tribe! By this way, Hussain Bahqi died and his son Mirk Sayeed Hussain became the owner of the principality. In the meantime, Sultan Zainul-Abadeen married Makhdoom Khatoon who was the daughter of Sayeed Mehmood Bahqi. She gave birth to two daughters of whom one was married by Sayeed Hussain Bahqi. By this way, the relations between the Sayeeds of Naushera and Zain-ulAabdeen were established. Mirk Sayeed Hussain died while fighting with Hindu Chief Raja Jasrat Later on, Sayeed Hussain's younger son Sayeed Nisar avenged his father's death by inflicting a crushing defeat on Raja Jasrat.

These were the circumstances in Naushera area when Zain-ul-Aabdeen with the help of Raja of Rajour and Thakurs of Thana Mandi came into the power in Srinagar in 1520 AD. After becoming sultan of Kashmir he took apolitical decision to defend his state from the enemies arid prepared a blue print for establishment of a principality in the outer hills comprising of Poonch and Naushera.

For this purpose, it was obligatory to motivate Sayeed Nisar Bahqi of Naushera, therefore, he invited Sayeed Nisar Bahqi to Kashmir and later after being assured of personal safety, arrived in the valley. The Sayeeds were duly received by Sultan.

Sayeed Nisar was persuaded to step down from his principality of Naushera and to receive its viceroyalty. Sayeed Nisar Bahqi accepted the proposal and in 1426 AD, the outer state was established by Zain-ul-

Abdeen under the name of "BAHYA DESA VANIH". This province was comprised of the area of outer Kashmir including all hill states which were located in the South and South Westen part of Panchal Range excluding Rajouri and including Poonch, Kotli and Naushera.

Naushera was made the Capital of outer province Bahya Desa Vanih. The viceroylty of this province was successively held by Zain-ul-Abadeen 2nd son Haji Khan and grandson Hussain Khan.

But with the death of Zain-ul-Aabdeen in 1564 AD, the outer hill province established by him with headquarter at Naushera also disintegrated into number of principalities. During the regime of Checks in Kashmir, Yousaf Dar was posted as Governor of Naushera in 1579 AD. But before 1586 AD when Mughals captured Kashmir, check Governor also left the principality.

In 1586 AD, this area witnessed a great revolution when Mughals attacked on Kashmir through Mughal road and captured Srinagar. Emperor Akbar also came to Srinagar in 1586 AD via Mughal road. He passed some days at Naushera and ordered Raja Mastwali Khan of Rajour for construction of Naushera Fort and a Mandi near the Fort. Therefore, it appears that at that time, Naushera was a part of Rajouri principality. Raja Mastwali Khan with the help of Mughals, Constructed Naushera Fort and posted a strong force there for which the pay was given by the Mughals.

This arrangement was done because at that time, Naushera was considered as the Gate-way of Kashmir. With the construction of Fort and a Mandi, Naushera had a shape of a town. Before that there was a cluster of huts only. Since at that very location it is said that the boundaries of nine villages were touching and the people of surrounding villages were comming to this Mandi for selling and purchasing purposes? Therefore with the entrance of Mughals in Kashmir, these cluster of houses took the shape of a town with the name of Naushera (New city). After 1586

on ward, Naushera beacame the focal point on Mughal road and the town attains its glamour during the regime of Emperor Jahangir who visited this town 13 times in between 1605-1629 AD. Emperor Jahangir had passed orders to Raja Taj-ud-Din of Rajour for re-construction and extension of Naushera fort and got constructed a room in Naushera fort where he was staying with queen Noor Jahan. This room which was known as Noor Mehal is still intact in the fort but in dilapidated condition. During Mughal period Naushera remained governed by the Raja of Rajour who were having their forces posted in Naushera Fort. The main objective of the forces of Raj as of Rajour, which were stationed at Naushera Fort was to clear th6 Mughal road from Bhimber onward to Rajouri and to defend the area from the enemy and finally to safeguard the Mughal carvans which were travelling from Lahore to Srinagar in those days. This system remained invogue during the period of Jaral Rajas of Rajour and Naushera area remained a part of their principality.

In 1827 AD, Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Lahore had given a jagir under the name of "Poonch Chabal to Raja Dehan Singh who was Prime Minister of Lahore Darbar and brother of Maharaja Gulab Singh. This principality includes Naushera, Mangal Dei Kangri, Khamba, Palal etc. of Naushera area. Dewan Kishan Gopal became the First Governor of this principality who took over in 1827 AD. In 1828 AD, afterthe death of Dewan Kishan Gopal, Dewan Dilbagh Rai became the Incharge of the principality who remained Governor of this area on behalf of Raja Dehan Singh upto 1846 AD when Raja Gulab Singh became the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir and Poonch Chabal principality was also affiliated with the J&K State. In 1860 AD, Naushera Tehsil was constituted and Dewan Thakur Dass conducted the first bandobast of the area.

To be Continued...........

MCA21 - Pioneering e-Governance

T

o facilitate business in India a pioneering e-Governance initiative ‘MCA21’ was launched by the Ministry in January 2007. This project has adopted a service oriented approach in the design and delivery of Government services, whereby stakeholders have easy and secure access to MCA services, through the infrastructure setup for the purpose, at any time and from any place and in a manner that best suits them. MCA 21 has been progressing at a steady rate in its pursuit to provide better services to the citizens and corporate alike.

The current year has been exceptional in terms of rolling out newer initiatives, Selection of new Operator and Transitioning from incumbent to new operator.

Online Payments Using NEFT MCA 21 has been allowing three modes of payment by the companies, Credit cards, Netbanking (5 designated banks) and Paper challans; all these modes had limitations for the companies with bank accounts in banks other than the 5 designated banks and physical visits to the branches of the designated banks for filing challans.

By introduction of National Electronic Funds Transfer mode of payment, companies having bank account in any bank can make e-payments by using the NEFT method.

Key benefits of NEFT · Reduces the Payee’s effort (branch visit is not required) · Reduces the time for funds transfer (2-5 hours) · Reduces the dependency on the limited number of banks Integration of LLP with MCA21 System The e-Governance Project for Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) has been brought under the same platform of MCA. Now, the filing and approval of LLP forms is being done through MCA-21 website (www.mca.gov.in) and stakeholders are able to avail all existing facilities of MCA-21.

DIN-DPIN Integration It was felt that DIN(Director Identification Number) and DPIN (Director/Partner Identification Number) is identification attached to an individual and thus must be

independent of the type of firm one is associated with, (partnership or limited company). A smooth integration was done to eliminate the duplication of identities in the system. This has helped all the major regulators and also the companies to make an individual check through the MCA 21 system.

Online Issuance of DIN DIN is needed by director of a company who is authorised to file and issue documents. It is very important for the companies to get DIN to file online or place any online service request.

MCA through its MCA21 system issues

class to file all the documents in the XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) format. MCA has involved all the stakeholder, viz. Software companies, implementing agencies, professionals and companies, for smooth implementation of this project. MCA directly and through its agencies like IICA, ICAI, and ICSI has been conducting training and awareness programs for effective implementation of XBRL filing.

Key benefits of XBRL filing: · Relevant data has tags and selective information can be fetched for specific purposes by various government and

MCA 21 has been allowing three modes of payment by the companies, Credit cards,

Netbanking (5 designated banks) and Paper challans; all these modes had limitations for the companies with bank accounts in banks other than the 5 designated banks and physical visits to the branches of the designated banks for filing challans.

the DIN online with the verification and digital signature of practicing professionals (Company Secretary/ Charte red Accountant/ Cost & Works Accountant).

This has brought a great deal of dynamism in the corporate world, it has become very easy for the companies to appoint a new director, change the director as soon as the decision comes in to effect. Now, one can get a DIN online in a few minutes.

Integration with PAN database has been established for online verification of identity details in MCA21 system.

XBRL Filing To bring in the global standards for filing and database updation MCA has made it mandatory for companies of select, big

Regulatory agencies · It is in conformation with the Global reporting standards , which helps in the improved data mining and relevant information search · The system has been put in place for XBRL filing with effect from 6th October, 2011 and more than 28000 companies have already filed their Annual Report for the Financial Year 2010-11 and more than 8000 companies for the Financial Year 2011-2012 using XBRL documents.

Company Registration within 24-48 hours For registering a company in India following steps are mandatory:· Getting a DIN

· Getting a unique name · Getting the Registration certificate from ROC (Registrar of Companies) To reduce the waiting time and make the whole system of registration of new company, getting the unique name and the registration certificate online, MCA through its MCA21 system has made it possible for companies to register in India within 24-48 hours. This system not only helps reduce the waiting time but also the instances of human error while issuing new names.

E- Stamping for Pan India Now all the States and Union Territories of India are covered under the E-Stamping scheme of MCA services. With this addition, companies registered in all the States and Union Territories have the facility of availing online e-stamping for MCA services. This is a major initiative of central Government department where payment on behalf of various state governments is collected online and deposited with respective States without any manual intervention. This initiative is also a green initiative reducing the need for paper stamps.

Reversal and Refund Process A Reversal and Refund process has been introduced. The Refund pr ocess is designed to deal with the cases of multiple, incorrect, excess payments and incorrect payment via NFT made due to unexpected snag occurred in the electronic system.

Transition to New Operator and Continuation Cycle of MCA21 With the six year contract with the incumbent operator for MCA21 ending on 16th January 2013, the Ministry has successfully completed the selection of the new operator through fair and transparent bid process. The transition has reached the second stage of the Secondary support after completion of the first stage of Knowledge Transfer, which completed on 16th January 2013 with end of third stage i.e. Primary Support. In the continuation cycle, on 17th January 2013 there was enhancements to the systems in respect of Network bandwidth, SAP CRM & workflow, hardware with updated technology and enhanced monitoring tools.

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

HE A L+H 58

ZABARWANTIMES TIMES ZABARWAN WEDNESDAY |04 SEPTEMBER 2013

Want to be happy, slim? Wake up early

A new study has found that people who wake up early are slimmer, happier and healthier than those who get up later in the day.

Researchers at the Roehampton University concluded that those who fight the urge to ignore the alarm clock complete morning chores faster, pack their children off to school earlier and thrive in the workplace.

However, night owls have a higher chance of feeling depressed or

stressed and becoming overweight.

The researchers quizzed 1,068 adults about their health and sleeping habits and found that 'morning people' were out of bed by 6.58 am on average, while 'evening people' waited until 8.54 am to start their day.

At the weekend both groups enjoyed about an extra hour under the covers, with early risers waiting until 7.47 am to get

Some smart snacking ideas

If you are yet to taste green tea, it is high time that you got started. The reasons are many. Studies show that, drinking two or more cups of green tea a day could help protect you from cancer as it is loaded with antioxidants.

People who drank green tea showed a lower risk of cancer in the upper digestive tract and in the colon and in the rectum.

- Green tea has been proven to reduce the growth of streptococcus bacterium, a type of bacteria that grows in our mouths and causes cavities and gingivitis.

- Green tea can aid in weight loss. In a study us-

ing green tea caffeine and a placebo, only the green tea extract increased metabolism and energy.

- It is found that the powerful antioxidant 'polyphenol' in green tea has the ability to inhibit and stop the action of a particular enzyme that causes tumour.An acquired taste Green tea has a distinct flavour unlike the ordinary tea that we drink.

And many people get put off by its bitter taste. There are also others who feel that the harmful chemicals sprayed on the tea leaves could do more harm than good. An option is to switch to organic green tea.

up and night owls lying in until 10.09 am.

"There are morning people and evening people, and morning people tend to be healthier and happier as well as having lower body mass indices," the Telegraph quoted Dr Joerg Huber as telling a British Psychological Society conference.

The survey also found that people who watch a lot of television are more likely to skip breakfast

Chocolates help you lose weight

To say that chocolates will go straight to your hips is passe, the latest research says you will actually weigh less.

Wait, before you reach for the chocolate bar, you have to read between the fine lines of the research.

While researchers in San Diego have revealed that antioxidants in chocolate are not only good for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, but also your weight, there is merit in understanding first and bingeing later. Let's delve deeper.

Lead by Beatrice Golomb researchers from the University of California used data from a study of cholesterol-lowering drugs on healthy adults. The new research took into account how often the study's subjects ate chocolates and how this related to their weight management. The original study included 1000 individuals between the age groups of 20-85, with an average Body Mass Index of 28 (overweight, but not obese).

Golomb's research found that people who ate chocolates often, consumed higher calorie food - especially saturated fats, but still lost weight. On the flip side, the study revealed that individuals who consumed far less chocolates, weighed more than the chocolate lovers.

However, the study's findings may not be taken at face value, as the reasons behind this link between chocolate consumption and

weight loss remain unclear. This is partly due to the fact that the sample group wasn't large enough to derive any conclusive evidence about chocolate's weight controlling properties. But, within its scope, the research did find that individuals who ate up to five servings of chocolates a week weighed 2.3 to 3.2 kg less than individuals who rarely ate chocolates.

An interesting point to note is that the weight loss was linked to the number of times chocolate was consumed in a week. This is especially important when you analyse that the frequency of consumption had something to do with portion control and the lack of starvation mode.

Golomb concluded, "If you consume chocolate, consume it in

Not all obese people are unhealthy Some obese people are metabolically healthy and fit, with no greater risk of developing or dying from cardiovascular disease or cancer than normal weight people, new study reveals.

The findings show there is a subset of obese people who are metabolically healthy - they don't suffer from conditions such as insulin resistance, diabetes and high cholesterol or blood pressure - and who have a higher level of fitness, as measured by how well the heart and lungs perform, than other obese people.

Being obese does not seem to have a detrimental effect on their health, and doctors should bear this in mind when considering what, if any, interventions are required, the researchers said.

"It is well known that obesity is linked to a large number of chronic disease such as cardiovascular problems and cancer.

However, there appears

to be a sub-set of obese people who seem to be protected from obesity-re-

search associate affiliated to the Department of Physical Activity and Sport,

lated metabolic complications," said the first author of the study, Dr Francisco Ortega (PhD).

"They may have greater cardio-respiratory fitness than other obese individuals, but, until now, it was not known the extent to which these metabolically healthy but obese people are at lower risk of diseases or premature death," Ortega stated.

Dr Ortega is currently a re-

University of Granada (Spain), and at the Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet ( Stockholm, Sweden); but the project and investigation took place at the University of South Carolina (Columbia, USA) under the direction of Professor Steven Blair, who is responsible for the longrunning "Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study" (ACLS) which provided

the 43,265 participants for this current analysis.

Dr Ortega and his colleagues found that 46 per cent of the obese participants were metabolically healthy.

After adjusting for several confounding factors, including fitness, the metabolically healthy but obese people had a 38 per cent lower risk of death from any cause than their metabolically unhealthy obese peers, while no significant difference was seen between the metabolically healthy but obese and the metabolically healthy, normal weight participants.

The risk of developing or dying from cardiovascular disease or cancer was reduced by between 30-50 per cent for the metabolically healthy but obese people, and there were no significant differences observed between them and the metabolically healthy, normal weight participants.

place of something else, rather than adding to your net daily calories." Researchers were unanimous about the fact that chocolate should be eaten in moderation.

Word of caution: This research does not prove you can eat large amounts of chocolates everyday.

If you want to lose weight you still have to exercise and maintain a healthy diet.

Why women are obssessed with weight Women between 25-45 are obsessed with looking good and staying in shape...

Go to any gym today and speak to the young women who daily exercise there, or ask a yoga teacher or gym instructor what is the common complaint their clients have, and they will say that women are constantly thinking of how they can reduce weight and remain trim like the actresses/ models on screen. The well toned and well sculpted bodies of Kareena Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif and even the yummy mummies like Karisma Kapoor and Malaika Arora Khan become an ideal for young women who become mothers. They constantly obsess with the way they look soon after they get a baby and want to fit into dresses that they wore before their pregnancy, so that they can again look good and attractive.

Yoga expert and consultant Komal Shah says, "The minute I step into my morning class the women come to me with demands that are difficult on common standards. They want

to achieve a certain measurement for their thighs, waist, hands, hips and so on. They do not understand that fitness is about achieving a weight that is proportional to the height and maintaining a good BMI. Wonder where they get these measurements from? They obsess, they stress, eat very less and then fall sick because their immunity levels go down."

Across these age groups, women facing such issues with their weight is growing in number. They are known to go on all kinds of fad diets and do not eat at long intervals of time.

Whether it is young women or women who have just delivered a baby, they are in a race to look good. Blame it on the constant media images of these perfect women with great bodies everywhere. Says Meenakshi Thakkar, a homemaker, "There are stories of how these women go for rigorous weight loss - for example there was a recent story about Mandira Bedi losing weight immediately 9 months after her pregnancy.

How to shed that tummy flab

It takes more than a treadmill and a strict diet to shed off the most stubborn fat of all — tummy flab. But it's not impossible.

There's nothing like a sagging stomach to make any woman feel selfconscious about her body. Many are oblivious of the fact that different women have different tummy types — just like their hips, thighs, legs, breast size etc. Says fitness expert, Samir Purohit, "You might know the kind of tummy you have but may be unaware that all belly fat is not equal." Here are some of the common tummy types — know the one that you have and follow the diet and exercise to flatten it.

Post-Baby tummy "Due to pregnancy, the uterus tends to get heavier immediately after your delivery as compared to what it was before pregnancy. It takes about six to eight weeks before it comes back to its pre-pregnancy state," says Purohit.

Diet - Nutritionist, Namita Nanal says, "Since after the birth of a child, your body especially the area around your belly is vulnerable to put on weight,

it is ideal to follow a diet with a good amount of protein."

- Make sure you include the consumption of nuts once every day in your diet plan.

- To increase your metabolism, eat smaller and frequent meals to help burn fat.

- The best cure is fish oil as it helps in the fat burning process around the stomach.

Exercise - Purohit says, "Try and first train your pelvic muscles and lower abs to increase the blood flow and strengthen the muscles."

- Post natal sit-ups are known to be the best way to lose the extra flab around your tummy area. Lay flat on the back with your knees bent. Contract the abdominal muscles, squeezing them in towards the spine. Lift your head off the floor and exhale as you come up. Repeat around 20 times.

- Jivesh Shetty, fitness expert, says, "Bent-knee push up are the perfect way to lose the weight around your tummy. Kneel on all fours with your arms straight and hands slightly wider. Look downwards so that your

neck, back and upper legs form a straight line. As you inhale, bend your arms to move your body towards the floor. Hold for a second.

Exhale as you push yourself up to the starting position."

Bloated tummy A woman who has a bloated stomach could possibly attribute it to water retention, food allergy or gas.

The bloating of the tummy is said to happen due to the inflammation of the small intestine or colon or sluggish bowel due to improper and bad eating habits. Says Purohit, "Bloated

tummy is common amongst thin as well as overweight women."

Diet - Nutritionist Mansi Belani says, "Make sure that you eat small meals every two-three hours in a day. This will keep hunger pangs at bay and keep you full without making you binge on unhealthy snacks."

- Water intake should be optimal — about six-eight litres of water every day.

- Avoid having cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli. These lead to inflammation of the stomach which leads

to a bloated belly.

- Avoid wheat and gluten in your diet.

- Do not go overboard with the consumption of alcohol.

- Says Belani, "Chew your food properly and eat slowly."

- Increase your intake of soluble fibre.

Exercise Says Purohit, "A good walk with a good breathing technique early in the morning can help get rid of the bloated tummy."

- Lie flat on your back and slowly bring your left knee up to your chest.

Make sure you keep your right leg as close to the floor as possible.

- Hold your left knee as tight as possible to your chest and count to 20.

- Release your left knee and repeat with your right knee and count to 20.- Alternate the movement of your knees. Repeat five times or more as per your convenience.

- Yoga is the perfect way to cut down on stress. It helps tone the flab around your belly and also work wonders for the rest of the body.

- Do crunches to shed those extra kilos off your stomach. With your back

on the mat and knees bent, and your hands kept crossed on the chest or at the back of your head, inhale and lift your head and shoulders by tightening your abdominal muscles. Stay in this position for a few seconds, exhale and return to the starting position. Repeat five times.

30-Something tummy As you get older, your body goes through a lot of physical changes.

Shetty says, "After the age of 25, your metabolism slows down and a balanced diet along with the right kind of exercises will help you stay toned and slim."

Diet - Nanal says, "One of the core reasons to have a flabby tummy at this age is the intake of sugar. Make sure to restrict the intake of sugar to help tone your belly faster."

- Watch on the level of alcohol consumption.

- It is a must to have a low-fat balanced diet to increase your metabolism which helps in the process of burning fat.

- Follow a vegetable-based or a highprotein based diet consisting of lots of green leafy vegetables.

NATION

7 SRINAGAR Wednesday, 04 September,2013

Government has nothing to hide about coal files:PM

Facing all-round attack, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said all efforts are being made to locate the untraceable files related to coal block allocations and CBI will be asked to investigate if these efforts do not fructify.

In a statement in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in view of demands by almost all parties, Singh insisted that the government has nothing to hide and its intent to facilitate probe in the coal block allocations should not be questioned. He said the government will abide by the timeline set by the Supreme Court for handing over of all the files there should be no “hasty” conclusion that something is “fishy”.

“I would like to re-emphasise that government is making all efforts to locate the files requisitioned by CBI. At this stage, it would be premature to say that files are missing. A vast majority of files have been handed

over and that is the factual position.

However, disregarding this, some members have drawn conclusion that there is something fishy and that the government is hiding. The government has nothing to hide. The fact that more than 1,50,000 pages have been handed over to CBI clearly shows that our intention to facilitate the investigation cannot be called into questioning,” said Singh.

Uproar in both Houses over missing coal files, PM says efforts on to find them Singh said, “If the government is unable to locate some of those papers, a report will be filed with CBI for a thorough probe.” He said if the record in question is indeed found missing, government will carry out a thorough investigation and ensure that the guilty are booked.

In the Rajya Sabha, Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley asked the Prime Minister as to what steps the govern-

ment was taking to locate the missing coal files and who in the government was going to take the responsibility for the missing files. Members were seeking clarifications on Coal Minister’s statement made earlier in the House on missing coal files.

The Prime Minister said the matter pertaining to missing Coal files was sub-judice and the government shall follow the Supreme Court directions in letter and spirit and “do its very best to locate and hand over the requisite papers to the CBI within the time frame stipulated time by the Court”.

As Singh made the statement in both Houses, BJP and Left parties created uproar expressing dissatisfaction. In Lok Sabha, Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj and BJP leader L K Advani wanted to speak, but Speaker Meira Kumar rejected the demand leading to uproar and the House was adjourned till 3 pm.

Singh said right from the days the CAG carried out the exercise of per-

In Gujarat, a new battle between governor and Narendra Modi

Ahmedabad: Narendra Modi and Gujarat Governor Kamla Beniwal are on collision course again after the latter returned the controversial Gujarat Lokayukta Commission Bill 2013 yesterday, despite the state assem-

bly passing it with a clear majority earlier this year.

Ms Beniwal’s objection was expected since the bill proposes to give all powers to appoint the state Lokayukta or ombudsman to a committee headed by the Chief Minister, virtually eliminating the governor as well as the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court from the process. (Read letter)

SC admits CIC mistake of law, recalls verdict

New Delhi, Sept 3 (PTI) The Supreme Court today recalled an order and admitted that it committed a “mistake of law” by directing that only sitting or retired high court chief justices or an apex court judge could head the central and state information commissions.

A bench of justices A K Patnaik and A K Sikri withdrew its order of September 13, last year in which a slew of directions were passed pertaining to appointment of information commissioners.

Sources said the state government may resubmit the bill to the Governor in the assembly session that starts on September 30.

The Governor will have to give her assent if the bill is sent again.

The state assembly had passed the bill after the Modi government lost a two-year long legal battle in the Supreme Court over the appointment of retired judge Justice R A Mehta as Lokayukta by the Governor. She had made that appointment without consulting the state cabinet, much to Mr Modi’s chagrin.

Even after he lost his battle first in the Gujarat High Court and later in the Supreme Court, Mr Modi made no notification towards the appointment of the state Lokayukta.

Last month, Mr Mehta resigned, severely criticising the Gujarat Chief Minister.

Amid public spats, Mr Modi has repeatedly demanded that Governor Beniwal be recalled.

Gujarat has not had a functioning Lokayukta for years. The position was vacant for eight years till Justice Mehta’s appointment was announced in 2011.

A high-level committee headed by defence minister AK Antony is expected to meet Andhra Pradesh chief minister Kiran Kumar Reddy and Pradesh Congress committee chief Botsa Satyanarayana on Tuesday over contentious issues of Telangana on Tuesday.

The Antony panel is expected to hold parleys with other political parties also in coming days, sources said.

Highlighting the delay in giving the administrative go ahead to kick start the process of formation of Telangana, dna had earlier reported that Antony panel would restart consultations with the political parties and may also call an all-party meeting as the political decision taken by the Congress on Telangana has not gone well with several political parties.

In a bid to reassure Congress’ decision on Telangana formation, Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde said the government was preparing a

that brought the CM’s office under a cloud, had announced a judicial probe at the height of the Opposition campaign pressing for the resignation of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on the issue. Kerala govt writes to HC seeking services of sitting judge to probe solar scam Kerala govt writes to HC seeking services of sitting judge to probe solar scam As part of its agitation demanding Chandy’s resignation, LDF workers had laid a siege to the secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram last month, but it was called off after the probe was announced. The tug of war between UDF and LDF is over the

NEW DELHI — The head of India’s ruling party Sonia Gandhi left Monday for the United States for a medical check-up, according to a report, a week after she was hospitalised in New Delhi.

Gandhi was accompanied by her daughter Priyanka, the semiofficial Press Trust of India news agency reported, quoting official sources.

Gandhi’s spokesman Tom Vadakkan declined to comment on her trip.

Gandhi, India’s most powerful politician, travelled to the United States in 2011 for surgery for an undisclosed condition and remained out of the public eye for three months afterwards.

A senior Congress party leader told the news agency Sunday that Gandhi would be travelling to the United States for a medical check-up which was due.

Gandhi, 66, last had a check-up in the United States in February and also travelled there in September last year, the Press Trust of India reported.

note to pass a resolution on Telangna in the Cabinet. “We are preparing a note to pass a resolution in the Cabinet. After we finalise the note, it will be sent to the law ministry for legal vetting.

I hope the note will be presented before the Cabinet within 20 days,” Shinde told reporters outside parliament house.

Control over Hyderabad is a contentious issue despite the fact that the Congress Working Committee had said that it would remain the joint capital of Andhra Pradesh as also the proposed state of Telangana for 10 years.Sources said the home ministry note to be moved to the cabinet may suggest several options on the status of Hyderabad.

“We are still looking at various options and also need to factor in that Seemandhra should have a capital city with an airport. Two cities of Vishakhapatnam and Vijaywada are also being considered.”

issue of inclusion of CM’s office in the ambit of the probe.

The scam relates to cheating people of huge sums by the arrested accused Biju Radhakrishnan and Saritha Nair by offering solar energy solutions. A Special Investigation Team probing the case has completed its probe.The case assumed a serious political dimension with the arrest of Tenny Joppan, a Personal Assistant in the Chief Minister’s office, for his alleged links with the accused. Former Director of Public Relations Department A Firoz and tele-actress and danseuse Shalu Menon were also arrested in a related case. Shalu and Joppan are out on bail.

Prajapati case: Congress demands

Narendra Modi’s resignation after sting CD

NEW DELHI: Congress today demanded the resignation of Narendra Modi in the wake of a sting operation claiming to “expose” a plan by senior BJP leaders to save the Gujarat Chief Minister’s key aide Amit Shah in Tulsi Prajapati fake encounter case.

At a time when there is talk about Modi’s

projection also as a backward face of BJP in the next Lok Sabha polls, the Congress said that attempt is being made to cover up the killing of Tulsiram Prajapati, a backward community person, in an alleged fake encounter by those who do politics in the name of the OBC. “The facts, which have been shown in the CD are very serious and important. This is an attempt to influence the judicial process. The matter should be investigated by the CBI and

India’s Gandhi flies to US for check-up: report

Cabinet resolution on Telangana within 20 days: Sushilkumar Shinde

Kerala govt writes to HC seeking services of sitting judge to probe solar scam

Kerala government has once again sought the services of a sitting High Court judge to probe the solar scam which has been used by the CPI-M led LDF opposition to attack the ruling UDF for the past three months.The government, in a letter to the Court Registrar, sought the service of a sitting judge holding that the case was very important, official sources said in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday. The renewed request came in the wake of the court informing the government last week it cannot spare a sitting judge.Congress led UDF government which is under pressure from LDF over the scam

forming the audit, Government has always forwarded fullest cooperation to CAG and the CBI. “We will continue to do so,” he said.

Jaitley earlier said the Coal Minister has given two separate statements in Rajya Sabha in which the number of files missing are different and said, “It is an example of how the arithmetic of this government works”. He also sought to know how many of the missing files pertained to the period between 2006 and 2009 when Prime Minister held the charge of the Coal Ministry.

Attacking the government, Jaitley said there have been “arbitrary allocations” and “act of nepotism, favoritism” in coal block allocations and alleged there is an attempt to destroy the evidence so that there is no proof of crime.

“An attempt is being made to mislead the House that all files missing pertain to that prior to 2004,” he said, alleging that “every conceivable element of bad governance is present there.”

DAILY ZABARWAN TIMES

She was admitted to hospital last week after falling ill during a debate in parliament on key legislation.

Party colleagues said she had been suffering from fever and was exhausted after days of negotiating the successful passage of a landmark food welfare law.

Her health and private life are closely guarded by her advisers and she rarely speaks to the press.

In 2011 a news magazine report claimed she had undergone surgery for cancer, but her illness has never been officially disclosed.

till the probe is over, Modi should not remain in office. He should resign.

“How can he remain Chief Minister when such allegations have come out,” AICC Communication Department Chairman Ajay Maken told reporters here at a special briefing.

The Congress briefing came a day after a PIL was filed in the Supreme Court against BJP MPs Prakash Javdekar and Bhupendra Singh Yadav alleging that they tried to impede investigation in Prajapati fake encounter case in which former Gujarat Home Minister Shah is the main accused Sharing the dais with Maken at the briefing was party MP P L Puniya, also the Chairman of National Commission for Scheduled Castes. Puniya said that since it was his mandate to look into the issues concerning backward castes, he took up the matter when people from the most backward Prajapati community came to him with the CD complaining of an attempt by BJP leaders to influence investigation and judicial process in the case. “The people from the Prajapati community, who came to me were quite angry that on the one hand, a member belonging to their community was killed and now efforts are being made to influence the process of investigation and the proceedings in the court. Prajapatis are most most backward castes.

No decision on shutting petrol pumps at night: Moily

Amidst a storm over proposal to shut petrol pumps during night to taper fuel demand, Oil Minister M. Veerappa Moily on Monday said the government had not made any such proposal and the idea had come from public.“It is not our idea. It is an idea which is coming from public and others. No decision has been taken to keep petrol pumps dry during any part of the day,” he told reporters.His Ministry plans to launch a massive fuel conservation drive from September 16 to cut fuel demand by 3 per cent and save an estimated Rs. 16,000 crore or $2.5 billion in Forex outgo.“We are toying with the ideas (on conserving fuel) that have come to us. That doesn’t mean we have accepted them or are enforcing shutdowns,” he said.Mr. Moily said before the planned launch of September 16 campaign, several proposals to save cut fuel consumptions have come to the government and as per usual practice are being mulled over by his ministry.

Need to review the age limit for juveniles in heinous crimes: L-G

Lieutenant-Governor Najeeb Jung on Monday expressed his unhappiness over the three-year sentence given to the juvenile found guilty in the December 16 gangrape case, and said that there was a need to review laws for juveniles, including the age limit in cases of heinous crimes.

“I am not satisfied with the verdict.

I am personally not happy,” Jung said, adding that he did not believe that justice has been done in the case so far.

On the night of December 16 last year, a 23-year-old woman was gangraped and brutally assaulted by six persons in a moving bus while her friend was beaten up. The victim later succumbed to injuries in a Singapore hospital on December 29.

The L-G said there was a need to review the age limit for juveniles involved in such heinous crimes. “The age of a juvenile should be lowered. These days, young people grow up much faster.

People are saying the age limit should be brought down to 16. Even if the age of

a juvenile is lowered to 14, there would be nothing wrong with that.

There is a need to review it,” he added.

In the first conviction in the December 16 gangrape case, the juvenile, who was six months short of 18 years when the crime was committed, was found guilty of murder and rape of the 23-year-old but got away with a maximum of three years imprisonment mandated under the juvenile law.

The verdict came under severe attack from the victim’s family, who said it was not acceptable to them.

The four adult accused are being tried by a court in Delhi. Another accused, Ram Singh, was found dead on March

11 in his cell in Tihar Jail and the trial against him has been abated.

The Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) sentenced the minor to three years in a probation home, the maximum punishment that can be awarded under the Juvenile Justice Act. The eight months already spent by the juvenile in custody during the trial will be considered as period already served and would be deducted from the three-year sentence.

Solar panel scam: Oommen Chandy says he is ready to face probe

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, under attack from the Opposition over the solar panel scam, has expressed readiness to include himself and his office under the ambit of the judicial probe announced by the government into the issue.

Chandy conveyed this to leaders of the ruling United Democratic Front constituents, Front sources said on Tuesday.

The Chief Minister, however, made it clear to the Front partners that he was not going to resign holding that the campaign against him by Opposition CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front was politically motivated.

Solar panel scam: Oommen Chandy says he is ready to face probe

Solar panel scam: Oommen Chandy says he is ready to face probe Chandy told the leaders that he had nothing to hide on the issue and he did not want to be under the shadow of doubt.

Even if his office and himself were included in the terms of reference for

the probe, Chandy said he was confident that the LDF would not be able to gather any evidence against him.

The LDF had given a letter to the UDF leadership saying that any probe into the scam would be futile without including Chandy and his office in the terms of reference.

The state cabinet meeting tomorrow is likely to discuss the terms and reference for the judicial probe after arriving at a consensus among the UDF leaders.

The scam relates to cheating people of huge sums by accused Biju Radhakrishnan and Saritha Nair, both

under arrest, by offering solar energy solutions.

A Special Investigation Team probing the case has completed its probe.

The case assumed a serious political dimension with the arrest of Tenny Joppan, a Personal Assistant in the Chief Minister’s office, for his alleged links with the accused.

Former Director of Public Relations Department A Firoz and tele-actress and danseuse Shalu Menon were also arrested in a related case. Shalu and Joppan are out on bail.

LDF has been alleging that such a huge scam would not have taken place without the collusion of the Chief Minister.