Zabarwan Times E-Paper English 05 July 2014

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SATURDAY 05 July | 2014 | 06 Ramadhan, 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |

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Srinagar, July 4 : Srinagar police recovered two bodies including the body of a girl who had jumped in river Jehlum last week. The body of 22 years old Masarat Jan daughter of Ali Mohammad Bhat resident of Palpora Sonwar was fished out from river Jhelum near Noorbagh. She had jumped in the river from Sonawar Foot Bridge on 28-06-2014. The body of the deceased has been handed over to her relatives for last rites. Meanwhile, an unidentified male body aged about 55 years was found lying at Samurbugh brick Kiln, Srinagar in the jurisdiction of police station Nowgam. The body of deceased has See Srinagar On PG 11..

Police party attacked in Shopian Srinagar, July 04: Suspected militants on Thursday evening attacked a police party guarding Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) School at Shopian in south Kashmir. A police official told GNS that some local militants at around 10:30 pm last evening opened fire upon police men who were guarding the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya School at Aglar area of Zainpora in the district. The police men retaliated, however, the militants taking advantage of darkness managed to escape from the spot, the official said. The official further added that the fire created the panic among the locals and the students boarding in the school. Soon after the incident, army, CRPF and Special See Police On PG 11..

Two bikes stolen from twin hospitals Srinagar, July 04: Unknown persons in the premises of twin Kashmir hospitals have stolen bikes of two persons, police said on Friday. A police official told GNS that the bike bearing number JK01S 7158 was stolen from the compound of SMHS Hospital here. The bike belonged to Mansoor Ahmad son of Abdul Majid resident of Balgardan. In LD Hospital, a bike bearing registration number JK02AD 3288 was stolen by unknown persons last evening. The bike belonged to Vinod Kumar son of Late Pyaray Lal resident of Sheikh pora Pandit Colony Budgam. Meanwhile, police have registered cases in both the cases under section 379 RPC in separate police stations. (GNS)

Edit Page Don’t plunder natural wealth

Use it for the welfare of the state The state of J&K has abundance of natural wealth in the shape of rivers, springs, lakes, forests and of course minerals. But unfortunately, the people of the state have not been able to harness the natural wealth in a systematic way. Despite having dozens of rivers, streams and snowfed nallas, the most of the water goes waste without being properly tapped for the purpose of electricity generation. Having capacity of generating over 25000mega watt of electricity, the state is still starving for want of sufficient electricity

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

Yatra suspended due to inclement weather

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Inaugurates Katra rail link Winning hearts of J&K people my priority: Modi Srinagar, July 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday inaugurated 240 MW Uri-II Hydro Electric Project here. Addressing a gathering on the occasion, the Prime Minister said the government has laid stress on environment-friendly energy of which hydro power is an important constituent. He said J&K has a potential of production of 13-14 thousand MW clean and environment-friendly energy for which he said all the efforts would be channelized. Narendra Modi said J&K is on the path of development and progress and visualized many big mile stones in coming days. Prime Minister also announced up-gradation of Local Kendraya Vidalya from High School to Higher Secondary School for which admission would be started from the coming session. Governor, N. N. Vohra, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, Union Minister of State for Power, Piyush Goyal, MLC, G.N. Monga, Chief Secretary, Iqbal Khanday, DGP, K Rajendra, Principal Sec-

retary Power, A. K. Mehta, Divisional Commissioner, Shalendra Kumar, IGP, A. G. Mir, Chief Engineer Power, Deputy Commissioner, Barmaulla, officers of NHPC, HCC and district administration were present on the occasion. Meanwhile, dedicating the Udhampur –Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway line to the people of the nation by flagging off the train from Katra, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that chugging of train to Katra will accelerate and give a new momentum to the development of the state. Modi also flagged off first train–a DMU– from newly constructed Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Katra Railway Station, “Today Jammu and Kashmir will get both speed and energy. I am inaugurating this and a power project later on Friday," the Prime Minister said adding that "On one side Amarnath Yatra is on, on the other there is Ramdhan being observed and at the same time this See PM On PG 11..

Omar highlights importance of railway in J&K Appreciates role of Vajpayee, Singh in development of J&K Katra, July 4 Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Friday underlined the importance of railway in a State like Jammu and Kashmir and highlighted the need of early completion of unconnected

stretches of Jammu-Baramulla Railway track adding that economic linkage of Jammu and Kashmir will get comprehensive boost by this initiative. According to a statement issued to KNS, while addressing the gathering on the occasion of inauguration of Katra Railway Station here by Prime Minister,

Narendra Modi, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister also underscored the need for linking Poonch-Rajouri, Doda-Kishtwar in Jammu Division with the railways and extension of railway tracks in Kashmir Valley to various places particularly Tangmarg, Pahalgam and other tourist resorts. The Chief Minister said that rail in Kashmir was a dream and referred the significant contribution made by Attal Bihari Vajpayee and Dr. Manmohan Singh in realizing this cherished desire of the people. He said that economic linkage in Jammu and Kashmir and with the rest of Country is largely dependent on railway. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inaugurating the railway track from Udhampur to Katra and expressed the hope that the demand of the State for the extension of railway link to various areas would be accommodated for the larger economic and developmental interests of the State. Omar Abdullah also sought Prime Minister’s intervention in the upgradation and improvement of Jammu Railway Station besides the implementation See Omar On PG 11..

Taj drops bombshell Says power project inaugurated by Modi has no license to operate

Srinagar, July 4 (KNS): In a shocking revelation, Minister for Health and Medical education and senior Congress leader Taj Mohiuddin on Friday said that the 240 MW Uri-II Hydro Electric

Project inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has no license to operate. Talking to KNS, Taj accused National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) of having a ‘long history of deceits’ in Jammu and Kashmir. “The NHPC had applied for license for See Taj On PG 11..

Kashmir shuts on PM’s visit

Curfew like restrictions in old city

Srinagar, July 4 : Curfew like restrictions were in place in Srinagar on Friday with the huge deployment of police and paramilitary

Indian nurses in Iraq freed, to reach Kochi today New Delhi, July 04: A group of 46 Indian nurses held captive by Sunni militants ISIS in strife-torn Iraq have been set free and were being brought back home in a special Air India plane which left this evening for Erbil, a non-conflict zone. The nurses are expected to reach Kochi on Saturday morning, officials said on a day of dramatic developments in efforts to end their ordeal. “I can confirm that the Indian nurses moved out against their will are free. They are in touch with the Indian Embassy officials at Erbil,” the Spokesperson of the External Affairs Ministry told reporters in New Delhi. Erbil in north Iraq is the capital of Kurdistan region of the Arab Gulf country. The ordeal of the nurses, who were working at a hospital in Saddam Hussein’s hometown of Tikrit, began when a swift ISIS (Islamic State for

Hoarding to be non-bailable offence

Iraq and Syria) offensive was launched on June 9. The nurses were moved out on Thursday against their will and were held in the militant-held city of Mosul, 250 km from Tikrit. The Erbil International airport is 70 km

from Mosul. “The nurses are safe, unharmed,” the spokesperson said, adding the special Air India flight has taken off from Delhi. “We won’t be satisfied till we reach culmination of our efforts and bring all

nationals back.” he added. A joint-secretary level IFS officer and an IAS woman officer from Kerala are among the Indian officials travelling on the chartered flight. At a separate press conference in Delhi, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the nurses have reached the border near the international airport at Erbil for their evacuation to India. “The nurses will reach Kochi tomorrow morning,” Chandy said. “The government of India, the embassy in Baghdad and the state government, all have worked together and finally we are achieving the objective to bring back the nurses to India,” he said. In Kochi, airport sources said Air India’s special flight Boeing 777 carrying the nurses and other passengers from Erbil is expected to reach the city around 6.40 am on See Indian On PG 11..

PM Narendra Modi visits Army Cantt Badami Bagh

Centre to set up fund to stabilise prices

FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS: Light Rain would occur at a few places over the state.

FORECAST OF SRINAGAR: Possibility of thunderstorm inthe afternoon. Maximum & Minimum temperatures will be around 31°C & 18°C respectively.

27.20C 16.7 0C 07:47 PM 05:26 AM

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PM dedicates 240 MW Uri-II Hydro Electric Project to nation

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Significant synergy between Singapore, Tamil Nadu: Jayalalithaa

Rather for safeguarding spl. Constitutional position of J&K while implementing GST

02 bodies recovered in Srinagar

VOL NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 185 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 Paisa) C

New Delhi, July 04: Seeking to check rising prices, the gov-

ernment on Friday decided to amend the law to make hoard-

ing a non-bailable offence and set up a price stabilisation fund to enable states to undertake market intervention. Asserting that there was no cause for panic as there were sufficient food stocks, the government blamed hoarding and speculative trading on the basis of reports of weak monsoon for the rise in prices of commodities like onion and potato and asked states to crack down on hoarders. At a meeting of state food and consumer affairs ministers, it was decided to strengthen the Essential Commodities Act to make hoarding a non-bailable offence. The ministers decided that the Centre will set up a price stabilisation See Offence On PG 11..

Paid tributes to Martyrs at War Memorial

Friday, July 04: Prime Minister, Narendra Modi visited the Army Cantonment at Badami Bagh, Srinagar Friday. He paid rich tributes to the Martyrs at the War Memorial of 15 Corps and addressed

the soldiers. On arrival, the Prime Minister was received by Lt Gen Dalbir Singh, the Vice Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen DS Hooda, the Army Commander Northern Command and Lt Gen Subrata Saha, Chinar Corps Commander. See Paid On PG 11..

forces made to thwart any protest demonstrations after Friday prayers. According to the KNS correspondent, curfew like restrictions was imposed in several See Visit On PG 11..

Separatists continue to remain under siege Srinagar, July 4 : Prime Minister Narendera Modi’s visit to Kashmir, authorities on Friday placed some senior separatist leaders under house arrest while the JKLF chairman Yasin Malik was detained in early morning raids at his residence. Those who have been confined to their residences include Hurriyat Conference Jammu and Kashmir (HCJK) leader Shabir Ahmad Shah, Hurriyat (M) leader Zaffar Akbar Bhat, Hurriyat Conference (G) leader Mohammad Ashraf Sehraie, Hurriyat (G) leader Ayaz Akbar and Hurriyat (G) leader Altaf Shah. Pertinently, Syed Ali Geelani, chairman Hurriyat Conference (G) is already under house detention for the last over two months. The DGP K Rajindera Kumar told KNS on Thursday that the See Siege On PG 11..

39 persons injured in Sumbal road mishaps

Srinagar, July 04: Thirty nine persons were injured in two separate road accidents at Sumbal in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Friday. A police official told GNS that thirty four persons were injured when a bus bearing registration number Jk02C-5491, they were travelling in, turned turtle at Dangerpora, Sumbal. All the injured have been shifted to hospital for treatment. Similarly, an Accent car bearing registration number See Mishaps On PG 11..

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Srinagar, Friday 04 July 2014

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FROM THE FRONT PAGE

PM new facility comes up for devotees to connect to Mata Vaishnoo Devi ," Modi said, suggesting that the train be called 'Shri Shakti Express'. He congratulated the people of the nation and said the vital rail link will fulfill the aspirations of the people across the nation. N. N. Vohra, Governor of J&K and Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of J&K, D.V. Sadananda Gowda Union Minister of Railways, Shri Manoj Sinha, Minister of State for Railways, Government of India and Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science and Technology, Earth Science & Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances, & Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Government of India. Chairman Railway Board Arunendra Kumar, Member Engineering Railway Board Shri V. K. Gupta, General Manager, Northern Railway & North Central Railway Pradeep Kumar, Senior officials of Railways and J&K State Government were among those present on the occasion. “Katra will see massive growth and emerge as the centre stage of major economic and developmental activities in the coming 10 years and its impact will percolate to all the facets and dimensions of development of the state” Prime Minister said adding that better infrastructure and developmental projects have their positive spill-over effects in terms of employment generation and overall growth. Prime Minister assured that the start made by former Prime Minister Atal ji for connecting Jammu and Kashmir through Railways will be taken ahead. Assuring holistic development of Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister said that J&K has faced lot of hardships and it is collective responsibility of all to work for the growth of the state. ”Carrying forward the ideology of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and winning the hearts of the people of J&K is my priority and it will be strengthened by development and growth for progress and prosperity of people of state”, Prime Minister added. Modi said that development should aim at bringing about a qualitative change in the life of all stakeholders and all developmental activities should be conceptualized by setting benchmarks for sustainable growth. He said that the Himalayan states have their unique set of problems and developmental aspirations and government is ensuring all efforts to meet these needs and aspirations. He maintained that development should keep focus on promotion and protection of ecology of these regions. He maintained that unique environment friendly infrastructural development will be promoted in the Himalayan states. The 25.6 km long track came up at an estimated cost of Rs.1132.75 cr and has 10.9 km of tunnelling, one important, seven major and 29 minor bridges. The station on this section is Chakrakhwal in addition to Udhampur & Katra. The construction of the rail line necessitated building of 11 Road-Over-Bridges & 1Road-Under-Bridge besides one pipe-line crossing in addition to 3 Foot-over-Bridges and 38.86 lakh cum earthwork. The bridge on River Jhajjar is the longest Steel Girder Bridge in India with a height of 85 m and with two spans of 154m each. Prime Minister said that State of Art facilities at Katra Railway Station will attract a huge influx of tourists and expressed hope that the impact will reinforce the developmental activities in Jammu too. He said that in a unique initiative and centre-state partnership to improve the facilities for the tourists. Tourism infrastructure will be developed in state and also a single ticket facility will be provided to travel to Katra and further to Banihal by bus and to proceed to Kashmir via train. He said that it is also the time to introspect as how much the benefits of developmental initiatives have actually reached the grass root. He maintained that growth is achieved only when the person living in the farthest and remotest parts of the nation enjoys the benefits of development. Modi said that development initiatives should have a spillover effect to bring vital changes in the socio-economic status of the people. Speaking on the improvement of railways, Prime Minister said that new guidelines have been forwarded for developing ultra modern railway stations to facilitate the travellers adding that such developmental initiatives will turn into economically viable projects and will attract private participation in the field. He stressed that it is important that the railway stations should be revamped to provide services and ambience at par with airports .We should also make better use of SOLAR ENERGY and all railway stations should draw Solar Power” said Mr Modi. Mr Modi said that in order to give impetus to rail connectivity in the state, Northern Railway plans to extend the 3 pairs of DEMU train services currently servicing from Jammu Tawi to Udhampur to Katra. The Railway also proposes to run 3 pairs of Express trains from New Delhi, Kalka and Ahmedabad to Katra besides the proposal to run 3 pairs of Premium trains from Bandra (T), Howrah and Yeshwantpur to Katra in the year ahead Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra station is provided with modern passenger conveniences. It is a four line crossing station. Platform No. 1, 2 & 3 the main passenger train dealing platforms are 550m long high level Platform each with 400 m long platform shelter. One escalator connecting station building and PF-1 is also provided here. Sufficient water booths are provided on all platforms. Public conveniences, water taps, benches, etc. are also provided on all the platforms. One through FOB has been provided for the local people of the town. Earlier the Union Railway Minster, D.V. Sadananda gave a resume of the project and other important aspects and said that Permanent job in Railways has been provided to one of the family members, whose more than 75% of land has been acquired and job to 700 persons has been given so far in this project. The completion of this project will provide an all weather and reliable connectivity to the J&K State with rest of the country by the railway network and also provide connectivity by rail to far flung areas of J&K which will result in overall development of the state. Construction of Access Roads – More than 235 Km approach road to work sites is being constructed; these roads will provide connectivity to far-flung villages and will connect them to the main stream. Later, the Prime Minister flew back to Delhi. (KNS)

Taj this projects which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi today but the license has not been issued because NHPC has not completed any formalities sofar,” the minister for health and medical education informed. Taj said that NHPC has started the project without any

Zabarwan Times

license. “NHPC was supposed to obtain the license under Jammu and Kashmir Water Resources Act but they have not completed the modalities required for the same. NHPC authorities have no respect for the local laws.” Taj alleged that NHPC has always deceived the state of Jammu and Kashmir. “There is an agreement between the state government and the central government wherein NHPC was supposed to construct a bridge, set up a stadium, construct a bus stand besides providing employment to the local youth. But the NHPC authorities have failed to implement this agreement. They have not done anything,” Taj who as minister for PHE and irrigation had taken a tough stand against NHPC last year. Taj said that he as the minister for PHE and Irrigation had written to Prime Minister’s during Dr Manmohan Singh’s period informing the PMO that the NHPC has not obtained any license for the project so Dr Singh should not give his consent to inaugurate the same. “I had conveyed the PMO that inauguration of this project will create a new controversy,” the minister for health and medical revealed. When asked that what action the state government will take if the NHPC has violated the state laws, Taj said: “The government can close the project.” He added that people of Uri will now approach the High Court through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the NHPC very soon. (KNS)

Visit areas of Srinagar including the old city wherein barricades and concertina were placed to put curbs on pedestrian movement. Kashmir’s separatist leadership earlier had called for a strike on July 4 against the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Reports have maintained that a complete shutdown was observed in various parts of valley on Friday - the first Friday in the ongoing month of Ramadhan. People preferred to stay indoors with the roads of the summer capital giving the deserted look. Shops and other business establishments remained closed and the educational institutions were shut due to the non- availability of the transport services. Government and private offices also marked the negligible attendance. In old city of Srinagar, huge deployment of forces was made and the barricades and concertina wires were placed on the middle of the various roads to keep a check on the pedestrian movement. In Hawal, Safa Kadal, Khaniyar, Nowhatta and adjoining areas the barbed wires were placed at the connecting routes and the people were denied the permission to travel towards Nowhatta. The Maisuma area of Srinagar remained under siege with no one being allowed to enter into the area. Troops were seen deployed at the check points to foil any protest demonstration. Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Muhammad Yasin Malik was Friday morning arrested from his Maisuma residence. Reports said police raided Malik’s residence and detained him at Kothi Bagh Police Station. In various other area of upper town, people complained of strict curfew like restrictions- maintaining that no one was allowed to leave their places with the deployment of forces in the area were much large in number. Also several employees of the Radio Kashmir Srinagar Friday stated that the forces didn’t allow them to proceed towards the station while as various people accused that they were not allowed to visit GB Pant hospital to get their children treated. Meanwhile, a complete shutdown is being observed in the whole valley on the call of separatists. IGP Kashmir A G Mir, told KNS: “The situation remained normal and no untoward incident was reported from anywhere today.” A senior spokesman in the civil administration told KNS, that the restrictions in the city have been lifted and no untoward incident was reported from anywhere. “There will be no restriction tomorrow,” said the senior officer in the civil administration. (KNS)

Omar of various tourist attraction and beautification projects formulated and conceived by the Jammu and Kashmir State to make Jammu and Srinagar cities model cities in the Country. Present on the occasion among others were Jammu and Kashmir Governor, N. N. Vohra, Union Railway Minister, D. V. Sadananda Gowda and Union Minister of State in PMO, Dr. Jatendra Singh. (KNS)

Indian Saturday. The nurses were moved in a vehicle by rebels from their hospital in Tikrit on Thursday and were lodged in an old building near a hospital in Mosul, according to family members of a nurse from Kottayam. “My daughter called me around 10.45 last night and said the group had been accommodated in a hall in Mosul. It appears to be part of a hospital...She told me not to get panicky if she did not call home frequently as she was not sure if there would be a facility to get the phone charged,” said Sobha, whose daughter is one of the nurses.

Siege

Srinagar, July 04: Four persons including two teenagers of a family were injured in a fire incident after a gas cylinder leaked inside a house in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, a police official said Friday. The official told GNS that the fire was triggered in a house kitchen of Muhammad Ashraf Mughal son of Draya Muhammad Mughal resident of Tad Karnah in the district

Paid At the Headquarters of Chinar Corps, he visited the War Memorial and paid tributes to the martyrs. The Prime Minister addressed over 1000 soldiers serving in the high altitude areas along the Line of Control and engaged in counter terrorism operations in the Kashmir Valley. He commended the Army for their selfless service to the cause of National Security.

which left four persons injured. They said the injured were immediately were rushed to Sub District Hospital Tanghdar. The persons who sustained burn injuries were identified as 45 year old Muhammad Shafi Draya, 40 year old Naseema Begam wife of Mohammad Ashraf and her children 19 year old Amraz Ahmad, 13 year old Rashida Bano, the official added. (GNS)

Yatra suspended due to inclement weather

Mishaps

Ganderbal, July 4: The Amarnath Yatra was suspended on Friday due to inclement weather in Baltal areas in Central Kashmir, police said. "The Yatra to the Amarnath shrine was suspended on Friday. No batch was sent from Baltal to the cave shrine," Assistant Commissioner Revenue Ganderbal told CNS. Reports said that heavy rains lashed Bal-

PB-BM-4441 on way from Srinagar to Baltal met with an accident at Wangipora, Sumbal, resulting in injuries to five persons. All the injured have been shifted to JVC Hospital, Srinagar for treatment, the official said. Meanwhile police have registered cases in both the incidents, the official added. (GNS)

Srinagar been kept in mortuary at Panthachowk Srinagar for identification. Srinagar police has initiated inquest proceedings under section 174 CrPC to ascertain the cause of the death. Anybody having any information regarding the deceased may please contact Police Station Nowgam on 9419000555 or Police Control Room, Srinagar on Dial 100. (KNS)

tal sections of Amarnath route and tracks became slippery. An official said that chopper service was restored late afternoon only after some improvement in weather. Over 1,000 pilgrims visited the Cave on Thursday from Baltal route. From the date of commencement of the Yatra on June 28, so far 10 Yatris have died, mostly due to cardiac arrest.

Hostel building damaged in fire

Srinagar, July 4 : Fire broke out in the Hostel building of Bilalia Jadeed in the jurisdiction of police station Lalbazar, Srinagar, resulting in partial damage to the building. Fire was brought under control with the help of locals and fire tenders. (KNS)

Police Operation Group of Police rushed to the site and cordoned off the whole area, he said, adding that the joint team of forces launched the hunt in the adjoining village to nab the suspected attackers. (GNS)

Youth hurt in north Kashmir clashes Srinagar, July 04: A youth in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district sustained injuries on Friday during clashes between government forces and protesters, police sources said. They told GNS that a youth identified as Shariq Ahmad Bhat son of Muhammad Ashraf

Bhat sustained critical injuries in his one eye after he was apparently hit by a stone during clashes at Papchan in the district. The injured was immediately shifted to Srinagar’s SMHS hospital where he is being treated upon, sources added. (GNS)

Correction in DOB

Woman consumes poison in Bandipora

It is hereby stated that my daughter's Date of Birth in school records is wrongly entered as 2/3/1999, but her correct Date of Birth 2/3/2003. Now I want it to be corrected. If any person has any objection/objections in this regard may please submit the same with Headmaster Govt. Middle School, Chadoora within seven days of publication of this notice. No objection will be entertained after the due date. Farooq Ahmad Ganie F/O Nasreena Farooq BNA R/O Chadoora

Srinagar, July 4 (KNS): A 40 years old lady (name withheld) resident of Gadakhud Gamdoo, Bandipora consumed some poisonous substance at her home. She expired while on way to JVC hospital. Bandipora police has started investigation under section 174 CrPC in this regard. After completion of all medico-legal formalities police handed over the body of deceased to her relatives for last rites. (KNS)

Government of Jammu & Kashmir

OFFICE OF THE EXECUIVE ENGINEER ANANTNAG PWD(R &B) DIVISION KHANABAL NOTICE INVITING TENDERS

FRESH NIT No. 23 of R&B Khanabal/2013-14/e-tenderinq/2194-2204 DATED: 30-06-2014 For and on behalf of the Governor, J&K State e-tenders are invited on item rate basis from approved and eligible Contractors registered with J&K State Govt., CPWD, Railways and other State/Central Governments for each of the following works: S. No

Name of Work

Est. Cost (RS in lacs)

Cost of T/ Doc. (in Rs)

Earnest Money (in RS)

Time of Completion

Time & Date of Opening of Bid

Class of Contractor

Head of account

1

Construction of road from Bangnoo to Vail by way of surface correction to Km 1st and Km 2nd including laying of RCC pipes at spots and WBM Grade II to Km 1st

9.30 lacs

600/-

18600/-

15 Days

16-07-14 (11:00AM)

CEE and DEE Class only

3054-M&R

2

Construction of road at Dangerpora Kuller and Kralpora by way of filling of CSB and laying of RCC pipes

6.00 lacs

150/-

6000/-

10 Days

16-07-14 (11:00AM)

Regd. Self Help Group can only

3054-MAR

decision has been taken by the local administration after assessment of the situation. “These decisions are taken by the local administration after thorough assessment of the situation on ground,” he added. (KNS)

Position of AA/TS: Submitted Position of funds: Demanded 1. The NIT consisting of qualifying information, eligibility criteria, specifications, Bill of quantities (B.O.Q), Set of terms- and conditions of contract and other details can be seen/downloaded from the departmental website www..jktenders.gov.in as per schedule of dates given below:

Offence fund to enable market intervention by states to tackle spike in prices of fruits and vegetables. The NDA government had recently imposed minimum export price and put stock holding limits on onions and potatoes. “There was a consensus that the Essential Commodities Act should be strengthened and more teeth should be provided to the law. The offences under the law should be made non-bailable,” Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said after the meeting called to improve availability and cool pricing. While Paswan blamed hoarders for the recent spike in prices, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley stressed that “there is no panic situation.” Jaitley, who along with Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh also attended the meeting, said there was no scarcity of any commodity and the normal supply was disrupted by hoarders anticipating high-

4 members of a family injured in gas leakage

er prices. “We have sufficient food grains stock with the government of India to face to any kind of situation. Depending on where the shortfall or deficient areas are.... if such a situation arise, we are equipped to deal,” he said. Paswan said a proposal to make necessary amendments in the Essential Commodities Act would be moved for consideration of Cabinet in a week. He also did not indicate the size of the price stabilisation fund being created or the time-frame within which it will be set up. Stating that rise in food prices is seasonal during monsoon months of July-September, he said it was decided that at least one storage space would be created in all the 635 districts

S. No.

Particulars

Dated

1

Date of Issue of Tender Notice

30-06-2014

2

Period of Downloading of bidder documents

From:

3

Bid submission Start Date

From: 01-07-2014 (10:00AM)

4

Bid Submission End Date

To :

5

Deadline for receiving the Hardcopy (original DD and EMD)

15-07-2014 (04:00PM) in the office of Executive Engineer PWD(R&B) Division Khanabal

6

Date and time of opening of bid (online)

16-07-2014 (11:00AM) in the office of Executive Engineer PWD(RAB) Division Khanabal

01-06-2014 (10:00AM) To:

14-07-2014 (04:00PM)

14-07-2014 (04:00PM)

2. Bids must be accompanied with cost of tender document in shape of demand draft in favour Executive Engineer R&B Division Khanabal and earnest money/ bid security in shape of CDR/FDR pledged to Executive Engineer PWD(RAB) Division Khanabal 3. The date and time of opening of Bid shall be notified on Web Site www.jktenders.gov.in and conveyed to the bidders automatically through e-mail message on their e-mail address. The bids of Responsive bidders shall be opened online on same Web Site in the office of Executive Engineer PWD(RAB) Division Khanabal 4. The bids for the work shall remain valid for a period of 120 days from the date of opening of bids 5. The earnest money shall be forfeited, If:Owner , Printer & Publisher: Suhail Malik Editor -in-Chief: Shahana Malik Legal Advisor: Syed Riyaz Hussain RNI NO. JKBII/2011/39764, a) Any bidder/ tenderer withdraws his bid/ tender during the period of bid validity Email: or makes anyzabarwantimes@gmail.com Modifications in the terms and conditions of the bid. b) Failure of successful bidder to furnish the required performance security within the specified time No. limit. 09999964750, 9796 787844 Publised at Govt. Quarters , M-13 Magarmal Bagh Srinagar-190001 J&K, Printed at:- Sangarmal Offset Press Humhama Sheikhpora Tele/Fax: 2478370 Cell c) In case contractor fails to execute the agreement within 28 days after fixation of contract. DIPK: 3088 Sd/ Executive Engineer


NEWS

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES

SRINAGAR | SATURDAY, JULY | 05 | 2014

Rather for safeguarding spl. Constitutional position of J&K while implementing GST Chairs meeting of Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers

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Rs. 3600 imposed to defaulters at Doda

Planning and Marketing, Legal Metrology, Food Safety, Police and Others was constituted on the directions of District Development Commissioner (DDC) Doda, Mr. Mubarak Singh. A fine of Rs. 3600/= has been imposed upon the defaulters during the inspection. The public of the town has lauded the efforts of district administration & has requested for regular market checking round the year and the Tehsildar Doda has ensured the public that district administration . The public of the town has lauded the efforts of district administration & has requested for regular market checking round the year and the Tehsildar Doda has ensured the public that district administration will take all necessary steps to prevent any black Marketing, hoarding and supply of substandard commodities to the people of the area.

Aries

March 21-April 19

Allow your eager and restless nature to express itself in ways other than through the spoken word, Aries. Show someone that you care through your gentle touch or a big bear hug. Hold on a little bit more tightly than you might normally. There’s an unspoken understanding that comes when you communicate through nothing but pure silence. Work on developing this kind of connection with those closest to you.

Taurus

NEW DELHI, JULY 4- The state Finance Minister, Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather, who is also the chairman Empowered Committee of state Finance Ministers of India has expressed confidence that Goods and Service Tax (GST) could be implemented in India once the concerns of the states were examined and resolved. issues around GST. Enumerat- petroleum products in the GST. “Every state wants GST to be im- ing these issues, Mr. Rather said The states were predominantly plemented, only, they want their that fixing the compensation is- of the view that the petroleum concerns to be addressed”, he sue is critical to roll out GST. The products should be kept outside told news persons after a meet- consensus that emerged in the the purview of GST. The states ing of the Empowered Commit- meeting was that there should be were also of the view that Entry tee which was held in New Delhi an independent mechanism for Tax should also not be subsumed yesterday under theLone chairmanNews Agency Kangan of revenue loss,Khan News Ganderbal compensation if in GSTAgency as this would dry the loship of Mr. Rather. Gulzar News Agency Soura Zahidcal Book DepotofChadoora any, that may be suffered by the bodies a very important During the meeting, Mr.Agency statesHawal as a result of implementaEmpowered Tariq News Bashirresource.The News Agency Nowhatta ComRather made it abundantly clear tion of GST and it should be guar- mittee also recommended that Muzaffar Ali News Agency Alamgari Bazar Budshah News Agency Lal Chowk that before rolling out this new anteed constitutionally. the News share of Govt. of in GST Abdullah News Agency Lal Chowk Sikendar Agency LalIndia Chowk Tax reform, the Govt. of India The other issue relates to on supplies in the course of interGupkari News Agency Lal Chowk Rainastate Newstrade Agency Gund Kangan shall have to sort out all thorny the inclusion or otherwise of the or commerce, as de-

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 DODA, JULY 04:-To ensure theAgency proper supply of essenAltaf News Pulwama tial commodities and for providing safe and congenial/hyJeelani News Agency Baramulla gienic food including vegetables, fruits, chicken, Mutton Shah News Kupwara etc. to the public particularly in Agency the month of holy RamYounis Newswas Agency zan, a surprise market checking todayLangate conducted in Reshi News Agency Islamabad the market of the Doda town. A committee headed by News Tehsildar Doda, Mr. Tanveer Turray Agency Tral Ahmed Tanveer comprising officers and Kulgam officials of RevRahi News Agency enue Department, CA& PD, Municipality, Horticulture, Rah News Agency Byepass

HOROSCOPE

Rashid News Agency Dalgate Hilal News Agency Budgam Bhat News Agency Chadoora Zargar News Agency Kunzar Bashir News Agency Sumbal Saleem News Agency Pattan Reyaz News Agency Pampore Javaid News Agency Qazigund G.M News Agency Sopore Sultan Agency Handwara The oil News ministry is likely to move theSheikh CabinetNews Committee Political Agencyon Islamabad Affairs (CCPA) soon with an expert Three Way News Agency Tral panel recommendations of raising Badru News Agency Bijbehara kerosene price by Rs. 4 a litre and Malikgas News Agency cooking (LPG) ratesArwani by Rs. 250 perShaheen cylinder.News Agency Kargil

April 20-May 20

This is a terrific day for you, Taurus. You should find that your relationships, especially with men, go exceptionally well. Your tender and extremely sensitive nature is finally being recognized as the treasure chest it is. There are many times in which this type of personality is seen as weak, yet today is one of those times in which you’re given the full credit you deserve.

termined by the law should also be subject to devolution to the states as per the Finance Commission formula. Later in the day the Empowered Committee of state Finance Ministers had elaborate discussions with the Union Finance Minister, Mr. Arun Jately, in Vighyan Bhavan, New Delhi. Mr. Rather comprehensively briefed the Minister about the concerns of the states regarding the introduction of GST and strongly

pleaded their resolution so that decks were cleared for the rolling out of the new Tax regime. He thanked Govt. of India for having accepted many of the recommendations of the Empowered Committee made in its Shillong meeting held in the month of Nov, 2013. He expressed gratitude that the re- revised draft of the Constitutional Amendment Bill has accommodated most of the points raised earlier by the Empowered Committee.

Oil ministry to move House panel for raising LPG prices

The ministry is preparing a draft note for consideration of the CCPA on pricing of diesel, kerosene and LPG, official sources said here. Endorsing the previous UPA government’s monthly 40-50 paisa per litre increase in diesel prices, the ministry is likely to propose that the monthly revisions may continue till the present Rs. 3.40 a litre loss on the fuel is fully bridged. After the diesel subsidy is eliminated during the course of the year, the ministry wants CCPA to authorise it to decontrol or free

price of diesel as was done in case of petrol in June 2010. Since its decontrol, petrol rates are revised on 1st and 16th of very month based on average cost in the previous fortnight. Barring a few exceptions, petrol prices have

moved in tandem with cost since then. Sources said the ministry wants the CCPA to consider recommendations of an expert panel headed by former Planning Commission member Kirit S Parikh. The committee had in October last year recommended to the government that diesel prices should be hiked by Rs. 5 per litre, kerosene by Rs. 4 a litre and domestic LPG rates by Rs. 250 per cylinder immediately to cut fuel subsidy bill by Rs. 72,000 crore. But as the monthly increases have led under-recoveries, or the difference between cost and retail price, falling below Rs. 5, the ministry is unlikely to press for implementation of the panel’s recommendation on diesel.

Significant synergy between Singapore, Tamil Nadu: Jayalalithaa Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa Friday told Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Law K. Shanmugam that there could be synergy between his country and the Indian state on key projects. In a statement issued here, the Tamil Nadu government said Shanmugam had called on Jayalalithaa at the state secretariat. During the meeting, Jayalalithaa, citing Singapore’s experience and expertise and the needs of Tamil Nadu, said there could be significant synergies between Tamil Nadu and Singapore in some key projects. She said Singapore can contribute with its experience and expertise in projects like development of Finance City here, development of industrial parks, nodes and clusters, including the Madurai-Thoothukudi Industrial Corridor project, and develop-

Farmers sensitized about management of fruit disease SRINAGAR, JULY 04: In order to sensitize farmer’s about the management of various diseases of fruit crop, an awareness camp was organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Bandipora at Shadipora Sumbal of Sonawari tehsil. The camp was attended by the Chief Horticulture Officer along with his field officers, scientists of KVK besides progressive orchardists.During the camp various issues of recent scenario of scab, alternaria, leaf blotch root rot, collar rot, mite, aphid infestation problems were discussed. Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) of KVK Dr. Farooq Ahmed highlighted the importance of adoption of spray schedule as recommended by SKUAST, Kashmir. He also conveyed the university message which has recently been published with regard to scab control.Later, a joint diagnostic visit was conducted to a number of orchards with moderate to heavy scab infestation (20-25%), and slight incidence of alternaria and mite. Accordingly the farmers were advised to spray their orchards with proper pesticides/fungicide.

EVs teacher’s delegation calls on Deputy Chairman MENDHAR, JULY 04: A delegation of Education Volunteers (EVs) teachers of Mendhar and Balakote zone today called on Deputy Chairman Legislative Council, Javed Ahmad Rana at Mendhar.Expressing gratitude to Omar Abdullah for revoking the new recruitment policy, considering long pending demands of the ReT teachers for their regularization and granting them five years service weightage, implementation of new transfer policy as well as notional benefits, the delegation appreciated the efforts made by the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, in redressing the grievances of the teaching community.

ment of ports along the Tamil Nadu coastline.She also told Shanmugam that there could be greater collaboration in urban infrastructure and services, including intelligent transport solutions, waste water management, desalination and solid waste management; tourism related projects - both relating to heritage and development of resorts and skill development initiatives. Jayalalithaa also looked forward to an enhanced engagement with Singapore and hoped to make Singapore a valued partner in implementing the Tamil Nadu Vision 2023. On his part, Shanmugam said that while Tamil Nadu is one of the top three destinations of Singapore’s investment in India, he agreed with Jayalalithaa that the economic ties between Tamil Nadu and Singapore need to be deepened further.

Prime Minister dedicates 240 MW Uri-II Hydro Electric Project to the nation URI (BARAMULLA), JULY 04Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated 240 MW Uri-II Hydro Electric Project here. Addressing a gathering on the occasion, the Prime Minister said the government has laid stress on environment-friendly energy of which hydro power is an important constituent. He said J&K has a potential of production of 13-14 thousand MW clean and environment-friendly energy for which he said all the efforts would be channelized. Narendra Modi said J&K is on the path of development and progress and visualized many big mile stones in coming days. Prime Minister also an-

nounced upgradation of Local Kendraya Vidalya from High School to Higher Secondary School for which admission would be started from the coming session. Governor, N. N. Vohra, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, Union Minister of State for Power, Piyush Goyal, MLC, G.N. Monga, Chief Secretary, Iqbal Khanday, DGP, K Rajendra, Principal Secretary Power, A. K. Mehta, Divisional Commissioner, Shalendra Kumar, IGP, A. G. Mir, Chief Engineer Power, Deputy Commissioner, Barmaulla, officers of NHPC, HCC and district administration were present on the occasion. Later, the Prime Minister flew back to Delhi.

Gemini May 21-June 21

A selfish attitude on your part won’t be tolerated today, regardless of the circumstances, Gemini. Don’t make it worse for yourself by pretending that you don’t notice others’ hurt feelings. People are likely to be extra sensitive today, so be careful about trying to impose your will on someone who really wants nothing more than an ear to talk to and a shoulder to cry on.

Cancer June 22-July 22

You could find the hardest person to face is you, Cancer. You tend toward introspection, and you may find yourself shrinking into self-recrimination. You could analyze the important people in your life and yet fail to address the one you really need to look at – you. As you continually strive for perfection, give yourself proper credit. Do something nice for yourself today.

Leo

July 23-August 22 Take advantage of the creative energy in the air today, Leo. Keep your hands moving and your imagination flowing toward something fun and artistic. If you begin to doubt your work, you may fall down a spiral of creative blockage. Don’t get into the habit of constantly judging the quality or outcome of your work. Give yourself free rein to open up and explore whatever comes to mind.

Virgo August 23-September 22

Your sixth sense is right on target, Virgo, so trust your instincts today. You’re likely to connect with someone in a wonderful partnership that will help you foster the very plan you want to develop now. Stay close to those things that resonate strongly with your morals. The answer is in front of you; you don’t have to search too far afield in order to find it.

Libra

September 23-October 23 Take a break from your routine, Libra. You might feel like you’re leading an army into battle as you strive for new adventures and conquer new realms. Make sure you take a bit of time out today to stop and let your troops rest. You deserve a little rest yourself. Use this moment of stillness to form your plan of attack so you’re sure about how to proceed.

Scorpio

October 24-November 21 The key for you is to minimize your daily drama as much as possible, Scorpio. You may not realize how much you cripple yourself by the way you exaggerate every aspect of your life. Try not to give so much of your attention to things that really don’t matter much. Petty jealousy and gossip about other people’s lives are especially irrelevant in your world.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21

Be careful of advertising yourself as someone who is so strong and mentally competent that you’re capable of handling everything, Sagittarius. Take note that the strongest mule on the trail usually ends up carrying the most weight. Your emotions are more sensitive than you may think, and certainly more than you demonstrate to others. Be honest about the way you feel and not just the way you think.

Capricorn December 22-January 19

Things should flow well for you today with very little effort on your part, Capricorn. Take note that if any quarrel arises, it’s an indication that the person you’re arguing with isn’t necessarily the right person to deal with or confide in. Emotional issues are likely to be the hardest ones to overcome, but this shouldn’t be a problem for you. You have the ability to work through these like a pro.

Aquarius January 20-February 18

This is meant to be a nice, relaxing day, so treat it as such, Aquarius. There’s no need for you to plan any great strategy at this time. Try to take it easy and not indulge in any unnecessary stress. This is your time to enjoy the moment. Don’t tax your mind by overanalyzing everything that comes your way. Go with the flow and have a great time regardless of what you end up doing.

Pisces

February 19-March 20 Your sensual nature is heightened, Pisces, and you’ll find yourself engaged in tender moments and languid peacefulness in the company of others. Soothe your soul by letting yourself slip into situations that give you the emotional freedom to do or say whatever comes to mind. Life should be like a love poem written by a great master. Accept the good energy that comes your way.


EDITORIAL// OPINION

Daily

Zabarwan Times Zabarwan Zabarwan Times Times

Srinagar, Friday July 2014 Srinagar, March Srinagar, Saturday Friday 04 0401 July 2014 2014

Qoute Qoute of of the the day day

Make science people oriented

All life is an experiment. The more Don’t think ofyou cost. Think ofbetter. value. experiments make the

SDon’t plunder Ralph Waldo Emerson

cience day was observed all over the world yesterday. The day is celebrated to commemorate the inventions and the historic changes which have totally revolutionized the life style of the SciUsehumanity it for the towards welfare ofbetter. the state ence has given everything to huThe and state J&K abunmans has thehas lifevisit easier, heofmade maiden of dance of natural wealth in the comfortable, cherishable and what Prime Minister Mr. shape of rivers, springs, lakes, not. It has made the whole world Narendra Modi to of course minerals. J&K is brought appreciable aforests global and village and the But unfortunately, the secpeolotthat of importance universe soand closer within ple of the state have not been is attached to it in dueone to corner the reonds a man living cent change of guard at Centre. able to harness the natural of the world can be connected to During elections, acorner hue and cry in in a other systematic awealth man living ofway. the was made BJP govt. the Despite dozens ofatnarivworld. It having hasthat conquered the centre woulditand be detrimental to ers, streams snow-fed nalture in reality, is ruling the earth the interests of Kashmiri peolas, the theskies, mostitofhas the water goes and given its best ple because of several reasons. waste without and being properto the humanity has created It was said that as soon as BJP tapped in forevery the phase purpose aly revolution of life.of will form govt., ArticleHaving 370 of electricity generation. Be it Constitution education, communication, the of India will capacity of technology, generating space over information be first target and BJP will ab25000mega wattcare, of electricity, research, health road conrogate it in first instance. the state is the still starving for nectivity, science is visible everyHowever, the change of govt. want and of sufficient electricity where anywhere. No doubt itto perhaps is better suited supply. Even at this time ,the the has created many dangers for the aspirations of the people load shedding andofunschedlife also. The invention most leof this state who want peace, uled cuts are on which have thal weaponry , atom bomb, hyprosperity and development. made the life of the people The hollow slogans of UPA drogen bombDue and what not has miserable. to the shortonly proved verbose and in put the human life to the severest age of electricity, industrial reality nothing was done on risks. However, overall the science sector has become lame and themade ground level thevery peohas the life a for human irrespective of of small or big,all ple of this state particularly easy and comfortable. are livindustrial unitsare areWe suffering the youth who confronted ing inthe 21st century and and production is claiming decreaswith unemployment and sevourselves to be the most well read ing day by day. Similarly, the eralknowledgeable other issues.people. It is But really and it shortage of electricity badly surprising that despite repeatisaffects unfortunate that the benefits of the working hospied assurances, no of concrete science and technology have secretals, computer stepshandicraft, were taken to address mained confinedestablishments, mostlyoftoprovidsome tor, business the daunting task advanced and developed countries offices, educational institutes ing employment to the highly who are never ready to share these etc. It is because of shortage qualified and skilled youths benefits with state poor and underdeof electricity that unemployfrom the particularly veloped This monopoly from valley. Similarily, the dement innations. youths is increasing of developed countries has convelopmental field remained alas the whole dependence of fined benefits the advancemostthe same and of no remarkable providing jobs shifts on to ment of modern scienceinto implesomeof progress was made govt. due to mal-functioning people and to some areas menting the sanctioned Cenprivate sector. State hasmostly failed tral projects. Mr. Modi’s visit though the poor and underdein its endeavors to augment will certainly boost overall veloped have generation also beenthe benefited electricity so far. development as he seems to be but no to the extent they should Similarly, the mineral wealth a wellmeaning and have been. If they areperson getting of this state is not being some prop-a good task master. He has albenefits, they have pay through erly utilized andtoexploited in ready indicated that J&K and their nose interests and all their the best ofresources the peoNorth Eastern states will are get these benefits tobe ple.drained The to small efforts ,here a priority and made inand thereIn, fact, have so farhisbeen their areas. the economy of tentions clear as he preferred negligible asis tilted no large scale the world itself towards the to visit J&K ahead of all othefforts have been in taken toway undeveloped countries such a er states. The Prime Minister earth thepoor, mineral wealth of the that underdeveloped will the certainly review law and state. The forest wealth has and developing countries are beorder and developmental scebeen plundered and forest deing continuously deprived of their niario and will open his cards struction is wide even due share.connection. Not only spread thisThe whatevin this only at this time which has made er is left with these countries in thing which Mr. Modi should thousands of canals of forest the ofhe economy is also seename is that should that strengthen land barren, thus, threatening being exploited bysystem the developed the monitoring so that the human life as well the countries for their people. Inasfact, red-tapeism,bureaucratic hurforest life. This resulted dles and political interference the world has not sohas far been able in disturbing the ecological will not eat the economy of the to deliver justice to under privibalance which if not tackled, stateones. as itScience has been it in leged has eating performed will turn the paradise on earth the past. miracles butThe thesePrime-Minister miracles should into a cold desert within some should ensure that providing be extended to every human living years. It isirrespective strange those employment to overthat eight lac in this world of his soat the helm of affairs unemployed youths hishave first cial, political, regional orisreligious preference which make turned enemies ofwill the peostatus or affinity and only then we him a real architect of shaping ple by plundering the natural can say that science day is relevant county’s wealth ofinterests the state.in a right dito everybody. rection.

PM’s maiden visit—Hopes and natural wealth aspirations

T

Walking Through the Heart of India: An Exercise in National Integration

I

magine walking from Rameswaram on the Bay of Bengal coast to Kashi (Benares) in the heart of the Indian plateau – a distance of about 2500 kms! A group of people have been repeating this every seven years starting from 1983. During the Bharat Nirman Public Information Campaign at Devakottai (which falls in the neighbouring Sivagangai district) we were able to meet with the leader of the group that went on the walking pilgrimage during the latest trip – in 2011. He described his experiences as an enthralling lesson in national integration and communal harmony. Shri Dakshinamoorthy, who belongs to Devakottai, had retired after active service in a nationalized bank. He was overwhelmed by a desire to do something different to emphasize the fact that India is primarily a multi hued, multi fragrant garland united by the thread of the feeling of being a single, united nation. In Shri Dakshinamoorthy’s word, he was reminded of the old saying “ordinary people read books; hard working people live in books!” It was at this point that Shri Dakshinamoorthy had a meeting with one of the most prominent poets – he has been described as “golden tongued” because of the sweetness of his poetry – of Tamilnadu,

Shri Somasundaran. Shri Somasundaram gave the responsibility of leading the 2011 walkathon from Rameswaram to Kashi to Shri Dakshinamoorthy. Shri Dakshinamoorthy remembers the journey as a refreshing experience. He says that he cannot forget the kindness and affection that common people gave the team in distant places. There were many instances where ordinary shop keepers refused to accept money from the walkers for tea or coffee! The journey from Rameswaram to Benares passed through six states – Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. They were able to bath in as many as 40 rivers including the Ganges, Narmada, Kaveri and Godavari. The crossing of the Vindhya Satpura ranges was also a memorable experience according to Shri Dakshinamoorthy. There were 19 members in the group. They started their trip on 14.2.2011 and reached their destination on the 118th day of their journey – June 13, 2011.They took sand from the Bay of Bengal coast and water from the various holy wells around the Rameswaram temple to pour into the mighty Gan-

ges at Benares as a part of a symbolic gesture signifying the basic oneness and unity of our variegated and multi coloured country. The walkers on this historic journey were accompanied by helpers who used to cook for them and arrange for their stay in schools, institutions or other public buildings. Every day they used to get up early by 4.00 am. Then they used to cover as much distance as possible before the sun gets really hot. The hot day times were usually spent in some villages where the members of the team used to interact with locals, describe their experiences to them and collect feedback from them on various issues. Evenings were also spent in walking till they reach a place for staying by around 10.00 pm. Group singing, cultural programmes etc were also staged by the group members at the various villages they visited. When asked what the biggest lesson that he had learned from the journey was, Shri Dakshinamoorthy was very emotional when he replied “I learned that all humanity is one. I experienced that the only way for a meaningful existence was dependent upon co–existence: people understanding and helping each other!”

Fostering Scientific Temper is Fundamental to Innovation and Progress

N

ational Science Day is celebrated in India on 28 February each year to mark the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ by Indian physicist Sir C.V. Raman on 28 February 1928. Sir C. V. Raman worked at Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata during 1907 to 1933 on various topics of Physics while making the famous discovery of the effect on scattering of light in 1928, which bears his name and got him the Nobel Prize in 1930. In 1986, the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) had advised Government of India to designate 28 February as National Science Day. The event is now celebrated all over the country in schools, colleges, universities and other academic, scientific, technical, medical and research institutions. The theme of the year 2014 would be “Fostering Scientific Temper”. "Energy conservation" is also the theme of celebrating science Day in year 2014 Scientific temper is a way of thinking and acting which uses a method. It may include observing physical reality, questioning, testing, hypothesizing, analysing, and communicating. Jawaharlal Nehru was one of the first persons to use the term scientific temper and advocate the promotion of scientific temper: "What is needed is the scientific approach, the adventurous and yet critical temper of science, the search for truth and new knowledge, the refusal to accept anything without testing and trial, the capacity to change previous conclusions in the face of new evidence, the reliance on observed fact and not on pre-conceived theory, the hard discipline of the mind—all this is necessary, not merely for the application of science but for life itself and the solution of its many problems", stated Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in his book, The Discovery of India. The genesis and development of the idea of scientific temper is connected to ideas expressed earlier by Darwin when he said, "freedom of thought will best be promoted by that gradual enlightenment of human understanding which follows the progress of science. Scientific temper describes an attitude which

involves the application of logic. Discussion, argument and analysis are vital parts of scientific temper. Elements of fairness, equality and democracy are built into it. India is one of the top-ranking countries in the field of basic research. Indian Science has come to be regarded as one of the most powerful instruments of growth and development, especially in the emerging scenario and competitive economy. In the wake of the recent developments and the new demands that are being placed on the S&T system, it is necessary for us to embark on some major science projects which have relevance to national needs and which will also be relevant for tomorrow's technology. The Department of Science & Technology plays a pivotal role in promotion of science & technology in the country. The department has wide ranging activities ranging from promoting high end basic research and development of cutting edge technologies on one hand to service the technological requirements of the common man through development of appropriate skills and technologies on the other. Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) have emerged as the major drivers of development. As India aspires for faster, sustainable and inclusive growth, the Indian STI system, with the advantages of a large talent pool, can play a defining role in achieving these national goals. "To develop scientific temper" is one of the fundamental duties of Indian citizens, according to the Constitution of India. India’s Scientific Policy Resolution (SPR) of 1958 had resolved to foster, promote and sustain the cultivation of science and scientific research in all its aspects. The Science and Technology Policy (STP) of 2003 called for integrating programmes of socio-economic sectors with the national R&D system to address national problems as well as creating a national innovation system. Scientific research utilizes money to generate knowledge and, by providing solutions, innovation converts knowledge into wealth and / or value. Innovation thus im-

plies S&T based solutions that are successfully deployed in the economy or the society. It has assumed centre stage in the developmental goals of nations. India has declared 2010-20 as the “Decade of Innovation”. The Government has stressed the need to enunciate a policy to synergize science, technology and innovation and has also established the National Innovation Council. The STI Policy 2013 in furtherance of these pronouncements, aims to bring fresh perspectives to bear on innovation in the Indian context. India’s global competitiveness will be determined by the extent to which the STI enterprise contributes social good and /or economic wealth. New structural mechanisms and models are needed to address the pressing challenges of energy and environment, food and nutrition, water and sanitation, habitat, affordable health care and skill building and unemployment. Innovation for inclusive growth implies ensuring access, availability and affordability of solutions to as large a population as possible. The STI policy will drive both investment in science and investment of science-led technology and innovation in select areas of socio-economic importance. Emphasis will be to bridge the gaps between the STI system and the socio-economic sectors by developing a symbiotic relationship with economic and other policies.

The key elements of the STI policy are: · Promoting the spread of scientific temper amongst all sections of society. · Enhancing skill for applications of science among the young from all social strata. · Making careers in science, research and

innovation attractive enough for talented and bright minds. · Establishing world class infrastructure for R&D for gaining global leadership in some select frontier areas of science. · Creating an environment for enhanced private Section Participation in R&D. · Creating a robust national innovation system, etc.

With the promotion of the scientific temper amongst all sections of society comes the need to create the right ambiance, structures to encourage research and innovation. India’s R&D investment is under 1% of the GDP. Increasing Gross Expenditure in Research and Development (GERD) to 2% of the GDP has been a national goal for some time. Achieving this in the next five years is realizable if the private sector raises its R&D investment. The gross budgetary support for the science and technology sector has significantly increased during the last decade. Public understanding of science is an important dimension of introducing and reaching the benefits of modern science and technology to the people. Scientific temper needs to be promoted across all sections of the society systematically. Effective science communication methods, by using tools such as the National Knowledge Network, needs to be initiated. Public and political understanding of science should be based on evidence and debate with open mind. People and decision makers must be made aware of the implications of emerging technologies, including their ethical, social and economic dimensions.

Disclaimer The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer Disclaimer:::The Thecontents contentsand andcomments commentsappearing appearingin inany anyarticle articlepublished publishedin inthis thispaper paperare arepurely purelythe thepersonal personalopinion opinionof ofthe thewriter writer Disclaimer


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