Zabarwan Times E-Paper English 07 January

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TUESDAY

January 07 | 2014 | 05 Rabi-Al-Awwal 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |

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For

http://www.zabarwantimes.com

VOL NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 07 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 PAISA)

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

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ll tba o o ef es dies u g bio rtu Po Euse

Greets people on Gurupurab

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a f te o ke s nta bone i e to v i ss us ce Ex njurio i

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Traffic to ply from Jammu to Srinagar Srinagar, Jan 6: As intimated

by Traffic Control Unit, Srinagar, subject to fair weather condition and good condition of road, the vehicle viz private LMVs, Commercial LMVs. LCVs Medium passenger as well as commercial vehicles including Buses (Except double Decker Sleeper Coaches) heavy commercial vehicles except trailers and multi-axis vehicles would be allowed to travel from Jammu side towards Kashmir in a regulated manner on 07.01.2014.

To get update on status, the traffic control rooms be contact on following contact numbers TCU Ramban 9419993745, TCU Jammu-01912459048, 9419147732 and TCU Srinagar-01942450022 and 01942485396.

SMC launches helpline on food safety Srinagar, Jan 6: The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Food Wing has created a helpline number 01942488469 and fax email: healthofficersmc@gmail.com for the citizens of the city to address queries regarding food and food items sold in the city.

According to a statement issued to KNS, all kinds of queries and complaints shall be addressed by a team of experts in Food Safety and Standards. “In case any manufacturer wants information about the rules and regulations of Food safety and allied information like distribution, storage and other such information can also contact the above address and email,” the SMC statement has said.

Dr Shafqat Khan, the health officer at SMC has said the corporation is ready to do hand holding of entrepreneurs to set See SMC on Pg. 11

Inside story SDA to promote flat-type housing in Srinagar Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) Monday made allotment of eight leftover residential flats in Gulposh Apartments Bemina as a part of its initiative to promote flatted housing in Srinagar city.

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On Edit Page Media and its responsibilities In every society the media plays a vital role not only in disseminating the information but also in building a healthy, positive and responsible society besides

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WEATHER

FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:

Weather Will be Mainly dry weather over the State.

FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:

Mainly clear sky. Maximum & Minimum temperatures will be around 6°C & -4°C respectively.

TEMPERATURE MAXIMUM 4.5 0C MINIMUM -2.3 0C SUNSET ON(TUESDAY) 05:38 pm 07:38 am SUNRISE ON (WED)

Lays foundation of sewerage Scheme of Bagh-e-Roopsingh

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Omar says referendum not needed Bhushan clarifies Kashmir an integral part of India

New Delhi, Jan 06: The statement of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Supreme Court Advocte, Prashant Bhushan has spread a wave of anger across the country.

In his statement Bushan had stated that referendum should be held in Kashmir to know if the people wanted the withdrawal of army. This statement like his earlier statement after which a youth entered his office and bet him in his chambers, has once again proved inexperience and political immaturity of AAP leader. The BJP and Congress besides other parties have come down heavily on AAP and criticized it for being irresponsible and insensitive towards the national security and integrity. The pressure has compelled Bhushan to clarify that his views had been twisted and his statement should not be construed as a statement supporting pelbesiting in Jammu and Kashmir "The AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) is of the view that Kashmir is an integral part of India. Needless to say I share this view," he said in a statement here.

"Any reference to referendum shouldn't be misconstrued to mean plebiscite on Kashmir's relationship with India," he added.

As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) mounted a scathe attack on Bhushan and

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the Congress and CPM too made critical comments, Kejriwal said the AAP did not agree with the referendum call.

The Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal however described Bushan’s statement as his personel view point and said that AAP believes that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India.

The Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi

Azad has dismissed the Aam Admi Party (AAP) leader Prasant Bhushan’s suggestion that there should be a referendum on the Army’s presents in Kashmir.

Talking to newspersons in Kolkata he suggested that, the AAP should go slow and not comment on a matter it is not well versed with. Azad said that, he has immense respect for AAP but when someone gets success all of a sudden then he thinks himself as an Alexander, who will conquer the whole world. The Union Health minis-

ter advised the AAP to go very slow and refrain from commenting on Kashmir without knowing about it as it creates more confusion than solutions.

Harsh Vardhan, who is the leader of the BJP in the Delhi Assembly, discribed Bhushan's views as "anti-national". "How can anyone have the guts to say all this on Kashmir?"

A senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley criticizing Bhushan said that it was the first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru who messed up Kashmir issue in UNO. "The suggestion that the issue of army presence in Kashmir be decided by a referendum of the people in the valley must be opposed," he said.

"Issues relating to Jammu and Kashmir were substantially decided by Nehru. The effects of his mismanagement of Jammu and Kashmir continue to leave their impact even today," he said in his blog.

Without naming Bhushan, Jaitley said: "The same leader had two years ago suggested a plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir where people must be free to decide whether they wish to stay with India or otherwise.

"The issues of national security cannot be See Omar on Pg. 11

India and Japan to strengthen defence cooperation New Delhi, Jan 06: Defence Minister of Japan, Itsunori Onodera, is on a visit to India from 5-8 January 2014 as a follow up to the India-Japan Defence Ministerial Meeting held in November 2011.

The two Ministers held a Defence Ministerial meeting on Monday. At the meeting, the two Ministers extensively and frankly exchanged ideas regarding regional and global security challenges, as well as bilateral defence cooperation and exchanges between India and Japan. They shared views on issues relating to the peace, stability and prosperity of the region. Minister Onodera briefed on Japan`s National Security Strategy and the National Defence Program Guidelines, which were adopted in December 2013. The Defence Minister of India A K Antony appreciated the detailed brief-

ing.

The two Ministers appreciated the progress on IndiaJapan bilateral defence cooperation and exchanges that had been achieved in a variety of fields and at various levels, including the holding of the third Defence Policy Dialogue which was decided during the 2011 Defence Ministerial meeting, the second "2 plus 2" dialogue and the second bilateral training between the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force and the Indian Navy which was held from 19-22 December, 2013.

The two Ministers also shared views on the necessity to conduct highlevel and working-level regular consultations and exchanges, deepening Services exchanges and education/academic research exchanges and making other efforts, in order to See India on Pg. 11

Difference again surface in Delhi HC upholds laws empowering CAG to conduct audit of pvt telcos separatists’ leadership Separatists ridicule Prof. Bhat’s remarks on UN Srinagar, Jan 6: Coming down heavily on the latest statement of Professor Abdul Gani Bhat, senior Hurriyat (M) leader wherein he termed UN resolutions on Kashmir ‘dead’, the separatist leadership besides intellectuals Monday termed the remarks ‘absurd and feigned’.

Claiming that the Kashmir’s leadership sans clarity over the solution of Kashmir, Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Geelani stated that if the UN resolutions are ‘irrelevant’, then the existence of UN as an institution is also under cloud. “It took 100 years for Taiwan that the UN resolutions were implemented there. Our case is just 65 year old, how come we claim that the resolutions are dead.”

Hurriyat (G) maintained

the settlement of Kashmir lies in resolutions passed by the United Nations and the amalgam has a full and firm faith in those resolutions.

“The fact is that there is no clarity in the leadership of Kashmir. Once Shiekh Mohammad Abdullah termed Kashmir as India’s integral part and after then called for a plebiscite. Through these double standards, the world has been left confused about the political aspirations of Kashmiris,” Ayaz Akbar, Huriyat (G) chief spokesman told KNS. Echoing the similar views about United Nations resolutions, Dukhtaran-e-Milat Chairperson Asia Andrabi stated the elements terming UN resolutions ‘irrelevant’ are themselves ‘a deadwood’ in

JKPSUF demands de-politicisation of BOSE Srinagar, Jan 6: Jammu and Kashmir Private Schools United Front (JKPSUF) has called upon the government to give credence to transparency and merit, while appointing the new Chairman and Secretary of Board of School Education (BOSE).

The front said that there are disturbing reports about the murky lobbying going on in various quarters to get the coveted posts.

“For some people the posts are too lucrative and profitable and they want to get it at any chance,” said G N Var, general secretary JKPSUF. “At stake are huge funds, authority and other incentives, which is too mouth watering for them.”

The front said that the condition of BOSE has been going from bad to

worse during the last few years. “There have been numerous scandals coming to fore and corruption is rampant everywhere,” said Var. "The credibility of this once prestigious institute is at its nadir."

The front said that the top posts of BOSE have been politicized. “It is an open secret that the top post in BOSE is decided on the amount of political clout a person has,” said Var. “It is our request to kindly de-politicise at-least education and allow transparency and accountability in its working.” The Front also called upon the government take some stringent steps in reviving the institute.

"The need of hour is to make a free and fair recruitment in BOSE top posts," said Var. See JKPSUF on Pg. 11

the pro-freedom camp and that the need of the hour is that they must be expelled so that the chaos comes to an end.

The DeM chairperson remarked that the UN resolutions provide a basis of the Kashmir resolution and solution of this dispute lies in implementation of the resolutions passed by the United Nations Security Council.

Asiya further told KNS, “How this could be justified that the UN resolutions have turned obsolete and cannot be implemented on ground.

In actual those who claim that we beat the dead horse must accept that they have become the deadwood for this nation.”

The DeM chairperson observed further that the Mirwaiz Umar must See Difference on Pg. 11

New Delhi, Jan 6: The Delhi High Court on Monday upheld the constitutional validity of laws empowering the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) to conduct revenue audits of private telecom firms.

The court said, as per the terms of license agreements, the private telecom companies had undertaken the accounting responsibility on behalf of Centre also and their accounts, in relation to revenue receipts, can be termed as the accounts of the Central Government also and hence, they would be the subject matter of CAG's audit.

"We conclude by holding that neither Rule 5 of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, Service Providers (Maintenance of Books of Accounts and other Documents) Rules is ultra -vires Section 16 of the Comptroller and Auditor General (Duties, Powers

and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971 nor is Section 16 ultra-vires Article 149 (power of CAG) of the Constitution of India," a bench of justices Pradeep Nandrajog and V Kameswar Rao said.

"We have already held ...under the terms of the license

16 of the Comptroller and Auditor General (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act," it said.

Dismissing the pleas of Association of Unified Telecom Service Providers and Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), which

agreement the licensee has undertaken the accounting responsibility for the Central Government as well as itself.

"Thus, the accounts of the licensees, in relation to the revenue receipts can be said to be the accounts of the Central Government and thus subject to a revenue audit as per Section

represent private telecom firms, the bench, however, reminded the CAG to confine its auditing to "receipts" of telecom firms only.

“A small caveat by way of reminder to CAG in relation to the accounts of the Telecom Service Providers, the audit has to be only an audit pertaining to the receipts and no more.” The

State Cabinet takes 1147 decisions in 137 meetings Jammu, Jan 6: The State Cabinet led by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah made as many as 1147 important decisions aimed at public welfare, goodgovernance and equitable development of all the regions and sub-regions of the State in its 137 meetings held during the last five years.

The major decisions taken by the State Cabinet to empower people, bring transparency and upgrade the delivery of public services include the approval to holding of Panchayat Elections, launch of prestigious Sher-i-Kashmir Employment and Welfare Programme for Youth (SKEWPY), appointment of the State Chief Information Commissioner

and State Information Commissioners, approval to 6th Pay Recommendations in favour of State Government employees, exploitation of Geo-Thermal Energy in Ladakh, construction of Tworoom Housing Complex for Kashmiri Pandits at Jagti, scheme for Empowerment of Women, J&K Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Bill 2010, J&K Heritage Conservation Bill 2010, Amendments to J&K Tourist Trade Act 1978.

The State Cabinet also approved creation of posts in newly created Districts, construction of 18 Polytechnic Institutions, establishment of Polytechnics in uncovered Districts. It approved establishment of new

Polytechnic Institute in the Campus of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri. It also approved establishment of ITIs at Khour-Batpora and Noorabad-Kulgam.

It approved development of Retli Power Project and enhancement of its generation capacity from 690 MWs to 850 MWs, 450 MW Baglihar Hydro Electric Project-II, unbundling of HT/LT system in Power Development Department, Policy for development of solar power, creation of two Sub-Transmission Divisions in Leh and Kargil alongwith five Transmission Sub-Divisions and 149 posts, construction of 48 MW of Lower Kalnai Hydro Electro Project and construction of

Parkachik-Panikhar HEP on River Suru and Kulan HEP on River Sindh. It also approved J&K ParaMedical Council Bill 2013 and implementation of 37.5 MW Parnai HEP. It also approved Jammu and Kashmir State Forest Policy, J&K Energy Conservation Bill 2011, J&K Prohibition of Ragging Bill 2011. It approved preparation of comprehensive Mobility Plan for the Capital Cities of Jammu and Srinagar.

The State Cabinet approved establishment of J&K Medical Supplies Corporation, construction of balance portion of Ravi Canal and setting up of National Institute of Fashion Technology at Jammu.

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CAG would not confuse himself with his wide all embracing power under Section 14(2) of the Comptroller and Auditor General (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act which includes inquiry.

The bench, in its 33-page judgement, said the synergy between the regulatory bodies and the telecom companies "would be not only for the benefit of the industry, the economy of the country, the society at large but would go a long way in establishing public confidence in good corporate governance."

It said, "Institutions typically subject to regulations - large corporations - have ample resources to devise mode of circumvention.

The result is that, in critical areas of regulation, a battle of wits is constantly fought between the regulators and the regulated, intent on evading compliance all See Delhi HC on Pg. 11

SC for overseeing forest policy implementation New Delhi, Jan 6: The Supreme Court Monday directed the Centre to appoint a national regulator to oversee the implementation of forest policy, rejecting its contention that there was no need for such a body.

A three-judge forest bench headed by Justice A K Patnaik also ordered the Centre to file an affidavit on compliance of its order by March 31, 2014.

The bench made it clear that the clearances under the Forest Act would be granted by the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) but the regulator will see the implementation of the Forest Policy of 1998.

Further, it said that the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) notification of 2006 would now be dealt directly by the National See SC on Pg. 11

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11 Tuesday, 07 January 2014 From Front Page........

Omar..........

decided by populism or referendum. They can only be decided on security considerations," he said. Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah added that governments don't "need to conduct a referendum (on) every tricky situation". The CPM said army deployment must be decided by the government and cannot be an issue of public debate. "These decisions are taken by those in power, these are not matters of public debate," CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury said. Under attack, Bhushan earlier today said that Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of India. But he said that the deployment of armed forces in large numbers in the state must be done with people's wishes. He said it was his view that the deployment of armed forces "in huge numbers within Kashmir not for external defence or to prevent infiltration but for the security of the people ... should not be done without the consent of the people of Kashmir. "Of course the union government is fully entitled to deploy the army for external defence in Kashmir as well as protecting the minorities there if there is a threat to minority rights. "It is the prerogative of the state to deploy security forces including armed forces for any stretch (of time) to internal and external security.

India..........

further strengthen mutual trust and mutual understanding. They also decided to strengthen India-Japan defence consultation and cooperation, including those related to maritime security to further consolidate and strengthen the Strategic and Global Partnership between Japan and India. At the meeting, the two Ministers shared views to promote defence cooperation and exchanges and to conduct major cooperation and exchanges which include Continue to carry out high-level mutual visits on annual basis. The Defence Minister of India will visit Japan in 2014; hold the third "2 plus 2" dialogue and the fourth Defence Policy Dialogue (Administrative Vice-Minister/Secretary of Defence level) in Delhi in 2014;promote exchanges on UN Peacekeeping Operations between Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Centre, Joint Staff College (JPC), Central Readiness Force of Japan Ground Self Defence Force (JGSDF) and Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK) of the Indian Army; Conduct bilateral exercises between Japan Maritime SelfDefence Force and Indian Navy on a regular basis. In 2014, the Indian Navy will visit Japan to conduct joint exercises; Conduct Expert exchanges in Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief and Counter Terrorism between both Indian Army and Japan Ground Self Defence Force (JGSDF); and Continue to conduct staff exchanges and discuss possibility of conducting staff talks between Japan Air Self-Defence Force and Indian Air Force and professional exchanges of test-pilots, professional exchanges in the field of flight safety and between their transport squadrons.

Minister Onodera expressed gratitude to Minister AK Antony for the heartfelt welcome and hospitality extended to him during his visit to India.

Delhi HC.........

together or in producing only creative compliance; the best documented of which are in the link areas of corporate tax regimes and the regulations of financial markets. "One only wishes that large corporate(s) realize that the battle of wits produces perversity: a whole variety of unintended consequences which, in turn, frustrate the object of the regulation.

Circumvention and perversity produce an intensification of the command and this means that one is back to square one."

In a word of caution to regulatory bodies like the CAG, the bench said, "at the same time, those who seek accountability (as regulators) must also understand that their best chance of success would be a courteous and a conciliatory demeanour towards those who are regulated; and by impressing on their minds that the object of the regulators visit is to assist them and not to fish out grounds for complaint.

"The prying eyes of those who seek accountability must adopt the vision of a friendly adviser, who treats those whom he visits as gentlemen desirous of doing right and not the vision of a suspicious opponent desirous of finding evil and ready to make the most of it."

The bench rejected the pleas of private firms that the CAG, under Article 149 of the Constitution, is empowered only to audit the accounts of the Union and of the States as also of such authorities or bodies as may be prescribed by or under any law made by Parliament and private companies are outside the purview of the constitutional scheme.

"A plain reading of Article 149 ... would reveal that it is the constitutional duty of the CAG to perform such duties and exercise such powers in relation to the accounts of the Union and the States and of any other authority or body as may be prescribed by or under any law made by Parliament," it said. The court said Parliament would be competent to frame a law on the "manner and scope of audit pertaining to the accounts of the Union and the State". It also said Parliament can also bring "such other bodies or authorities accounts" under CAG's purview and the scope will also include the "manner and scope of the audit".

The bench said that there was "no scope" for any argument that there is any conflict "between Section 16 of the Comptroller and Auditor General (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act and Article 149 of the Constitution".

"The petitioners (Telcos) do not dispute liability to maintain the books of accounts required to be maintained," it said. "They do not dispute that the revenue generated by the licensees are required to be shared with the Central Government on percentage basis as mentioned in the licences granted to them.

"They also do not dispute that for purpose of ascertaining the quantum of revenue share the Central Government would be entitled to carry out such exercise in respect whereof provisions have been made in the respective licences granted....," it said. The court said the state' income, even from a contract, is the part of its general revenue and could be the subject matter of CAG's audit.

The bench, in its judgement, also referred to the contents of the licence agreements entered into between the telecom service providers and the Central government.

"Commenting upon the licence agreement, we would not be wrong to state that as per the same, the parties (M/s Tata Teleservices Ltd. and Union of India) are allied in an enterprise for mutual gain; which enterprise is similar to a joint venture.

"The Central Government has reposed trust and confidence in the licensee to maintain accounts relating to the licence agreement and in particular the revenue received by it and thus there is a contractual obligation of the licensee to account for and pay to the Central Government its share of the revenue, calculated with reference to the gross revenue receipts. Needless to state, without an accounting there is no way by which the Central Government can determine its dues," it said.

Difference..........

expel the leaders from its amalgam who create confusion about Kashmir solution. “I want to appeal people not to get confused and stay united for the just cause. The leaders here instead of striving for freedom are creating confusion among the people at large.”

Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) chairman stated that the UN resolutions are absolutely relevant for the resolution of Kashmir and that the people here have rendered immense sacrifices for the same. “If the resolutions are not being implemented that does not qualify that you term them obsolete. We have strived for our birth

Daily right. There are other nations in the world who were freed after centuries. We have to make our role positive in the movement and must restrain from issuing the statements that are not sumptuous.”

Patron Mahaz-e-Azadi (MeA) Azam Inqulabi while castigating the leadership over the statements that according to him are ‘bizarre’ in nature, said that the same must be dismissed with the scorn it merited” Inqulabi further stated that our struggle is strewn with hazards and that stability at the critical juncture is the need of the hour. Once the UN resolutions are out from Kashmir, our struggle will remain as the personal rift with the Indian union and that our claims that Kashmir is the internationally acclaimed dispute will cease to exist.”

The formed UJC chief added further, “In the present situation of the array of resistance movement, I want to ask the leadership here that that what can be the supreme concept so that the people can sustain the resistance here.”

Professor Shiekh Showkat Hussain who teaches international law at Central University of Kashmir stated that it was India that took Kashmir issue to the UN and there it was decided that the people of the region must be given the choice so that they could decide about their fate. “Under the international law, it is the people who are considered the masters of their respective territories.”

Hussian stated further that the at the present world order, the territory is inherited by its people and hence the people are the arbiters of their land. “It does not qualify the merits when we term UN resolution on Kashmir absurd and irrelevant. The statements itself are absurd that claim the same.”

JKPSUF........

“Government should appoint the person who is honest, skillful and has a vision to take it forward." The front accused the government of turning a blind eye to the education sector.

“The government education department is in a huge mess, dropout rate is high, failure rate is zooming, there is lack of staff and infrastructure at thousands of places,” said Var. “The irony is that at places not only schools but entire districts are without the respective heads in education department.”

Decisions..........

The State Cabinet also approved historic J&K Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA) which got subsequently passed by the State Legislature and is currently under implementation in 13 departments. The Act which has made some 80 important public services time bound for the delivery also provides for punishment and fine to the government officials for any delay or deny in providing the said services to the consumers in a prescribed time frame. The Bill also provides for compensation to the affected consumers out of the fine imposed on the erring officer or official.

Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah in order to ensure proper implementation of PSGA has constituted a top level Monitoring Cell in the General Administration Department and is regularly monitoring the status of implementation and benefits of the Act which is unique of its kind in the State and Jammu and Kashmir is one of the top few States to have such an important Act to give legal authority to the people to demand the service delivery of important public services in a time bound manner.

The State Cabinet also approved creation of Special Court for trial and disposal of cases investigated by CBI in the State. It also approved J&K State Hydro Electro Project Development Policy 2011. It approved regularized of Rehber-e-Ziraat in Agriculture Department. It gave nod to J&K Litigation Policy and accorded approval to the construction of Sanat Ghar at Bemina. It also approved implementation of State Data Centre Project and formulation of policy for development of Micro and Mini Hydel Power Projects.

The State Cabinet gave approval for 13 Degree Colleges and creation of Employees and Pensioners Data Base Centralized Personal Information System (CPIS). It also approved creation of Courts of Mobile Magistrate and Additional Special Mobile Magistrates and implementation of National Population Registration Project.

The State Cabinet approved revision of incentives for tourism as industry, construction of Convention Complex at Jammu, constitution of State Planning Board and up-gradation of infrastructure facilities at Industrial Estate. It also accorded sanction to the establishment of J&K State Road Development Corporation, widening of road network in Srinagar city and compensation for rehabilitation of dislocated families. It also approved construction of residential flats for employees at Pampore, Kashmir.

The State Cabinet approved construction of Golf Course at Sidhra, creation of posts of Village Level Workers, setting up of Wullar Conservation and Management Authority, enhancement of in the income ceiling from Rs. 3 lakhs to Rs. 4.5 lakhs in respect of socially and educationally backward classes for availing reservation under J&K Reservation Act. The State Cabinet also approved J&K Hindu Marriage Rules 2012 and the J&K Marriage Laws Amendment Bill 2012. It approved improvement and augmentation of water supply in Kishtwar, double-lane Bridge at Rajouri, revision of Pahalgam Development Authority. It approved roll out of National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) in the name of UMEED in the State to cover 9 lakh rural families under its ambit and empower them socially and economically by raising their economic status and organizing them in 90000 Self Help Groups in all the 22 Districts of the State during the next five years.

The State Cabinet approved 322 posts of Dental Assistants in Health Service, 80 posts of different categories for five new ITIs one each at Gureze, Hajan, Nowshera, Bani and Banihal.

It also approved State Bio-diversity Board. Enhanced honorarium of Rehber-e-Taleem Teachers, approved J&K Juvenal Justice (Care and Protection of Children Bill 2013).

The State Cabinet approved creation of posts for LolabBungus Development Authority, establishment of a Housing Colony at Rakh-i-Arth and resettlement of Dal and Nageen Lake dwellers. It also gave nod to the establishment of Engineering College to the State and Master Plan for Yousmarg Development Authority besides establishment of Zila Sainik Welfare Office at Kargil.

These and other decisions taken by the State Cabinet has accrued greater relief to the people on various counts.

SC........

Regulator for every project. While directing the appointment of the national regulator, the bench said it has become necessary as the present system for EIA under the central government was deficient. While asking the MoEF to file its affidavit on the compliance of its order by March 31, the bench posted the matter for hearing on April 7. The apex court's order came on a plea of MoEF seeking modification of the 2011 decision in which it had directed the central government to appoint a national regulator for appraising projects, enforcing environmental conditions for approvals and to impose penalties on polluters.

SMC.......

up Food Business Establishments in order to promote food businesses in the city. “All the citizens are asked to contact us on the above given numbers or email us in case of any query, complaint.

Any query shall be answered within 24 hours,” Dr Khan has added.

ZABARWAN TIMES

Office of the Executive Engineer (Civil) Sher-i- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura Srinagar Notice Inviting E- Tenders NIT No: SIMS/HEC/C/ET/ 25 of 2013-14 Dated: 30-12-2013

For and on behalf of the Governor of J&K state, E-tenders are invited from “C&D “ class Civil Contractors registered with PWD/CPWD/MES S. No 1.

Name of work

Amount

CDR Amount

Face lifting of ‘D’ type Quarters (part 2nd) at SKIMS

Rs. 16.66 Lacs (Funds demanded)

Cost of tender document

Time of completion

Rs. 33.320

Rs. 1,000/-

45 days

The detailed tender documents can be downloaded from Web site jktenders.gov.in from 06.01.2014 to 21.01.2014 (up to 2.P.M) against tender document fee in the shape of Payment order / DD pledged to Director Finance SKIMS up to 21.01.2014 (2.P.M). Interested Contractors / firms may upload on - line E-tenders for the above work up to 2.PM on 21.01.2014 along with the scanned copies of following documents: Tender document fee receipt in the shape of Payment order / DD pledged to Director Finance  SKIMS up to 21-01-2014 upto 2.pm.  Earnest money in the shape of CDR as indicated above from any Nationalized / Scheduled Bank  pledged to Director Finance SKIMS, Soura.  Vat Registration for work contract from Commercial Taxes Department along with latest Tax  Clearance Certificate.  Valid “C&D” class contractor Registration Certificate issued by the competent authority i.e  PWD/CPWD/MES etc.

(Hard copies of above documents (original tender document fee receipt, CDR and attested copies of other documents should reach the office of the Chief Engineer SKIMS upto 2 PM on 25-01-2014 for its scruitiny and reference) The tenderers in their own interest are advised to visit the site and to go through terms of NIT before quoting rates for the items of work.

The tenders shall be opened in the office of Chief Engineer SKIMS on 28-01-2014 at 2.15 PM or on any other subsequent date convenient to the Chief Engineer/ Tender Opening Committee.

No: SIMS 139/Xen/C/ET-25 / 2013-8-15-5-D Sd/- Executive Engineer (Civil) Dated: 2-01-2014 Hospital Engineering Department SKIMS, Soura Government of Jammu and Kashmir

Office of the District Magistrate, Srinagar CIRCULAR

Whereas, large number of shopping malls and other business establishments have come up during the recent past in Srinagar City.

Whereas, these shopping malls and other business establishments are located at prime places having great interface with the general public in and around.

Whereas, the safety and precautionary measures shall be in the in the interest of general public, besides safeguarding these commercial establishments.

In these circumstances and in the interest of safeguarding the general public and to avoid any loss of the properties, it is hereby ordered that the owners of shopping malls and other important commercial establishments shall install CC TVs in their business establishments within a period of 15 days in order to have monitoring of the public inflow/outflow of these establishments. Any defaulter after the stipulated time shall be dealt under the relevant provisions of Law. Sd/- District Magistrate DIPJK: 12235 Srinagar Government of Jammu & Kashmir

Office of the Executive Engineer R&B Division Handwara Gist of Short Term NIT No: 94/2013-14 Dated: 03-01-2014

For and on behalf of Governor of Jammu & Kashmir state, the Executive Engineer R&B Division Handwara invites tenders affixed with Rs. 2/- revenue stamps from the approved PWD contractors/ firms & S.H.G of Engineers for the works mentioned below, which should reach in the office of the Executive Engineer PWD (R&B) Division Handwara on or before 11-01-2014 upto 2.00 PM and the tender documents can be purchased from the office of the Executive Engineer R&B Division Handwara on 10-01-2014 upto 4.00 PM on production of valid enlistment card against cash payment (Non-refundable).

S. No

Name of Work Adv. Cost E/Money Class of Contract Restoration of road by way of WBM G-II 1.

1.20 1200/S.H.G on Darzi Mohalla (Eidgah) near Sumo stand at Handwara Other details can be had from the office of the undersigned during working hours.

Sd/- Executive Engineer DIPJK: 12156 R&B Division Handwara

Government of Jammu & Kashmir

Office of the Executive Engineer (R&B) Right River Circular Road Division, Srinagar Notice Inviting Tenders NIT No:-(55):RRCR/9771-9811 Dated:- 02-01-2014

For and on behalf of the Governor, J&K State, e-tenders (In Single cover system) 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 the following works:S. No

Name of Work

Development / Construction of Public Park Shali Store Soura Srinagar by way of Construction of Edge wall, fencing and earth filling.

1.

Est. Cost (Rs. In Lacs)

Cost of T/Doc. (Rs. In Lacs)

Earnest Money (Rs. In Lacs)

Time of completion

Time & Date of Opening of Bid

5.90

0.003

0.059

20 days

22-01-2014

Class of Contractor

Self help group

Major Head of Account

D/Sector

Position of AAA/TS: Submitted Position of funds: Demanded 1. The Bidding documents Consisting of qualifying information, eligibility criteria, specifications, Drawings, 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:1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Date of Issue of Tender Notice Period of downloading of bidding documents Bid submission Start Date Bid Submission End Date Deadline for receiving the Hard Copy (Original DD & EMD)

6.

Date & time of opening of Bids (Online)

DIPJK: 12167

02-01-2014 From 03-01-2014 10.00, A.M to 17 -01-2014 4.00 P.M 04-01-2014 from 10.00 A.M 18-01-2014 upto 4.00 P.M 20-01-2014 at 4.00 P.M, in the Office of Executive Engineer Right Riv.Cir.Rd.Div.Sgr. as well as Superintending Engineer (R&B) Circular Road Project Sgr. 22/01/2014 at 11.00 A.M, in the office of Executive Engineer Right Riv.Cir.Rd.Div.Sgr.

Sd/- Executive Engineer R&B Division Right Riv.Cir.Rd. Sgr.

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

NEWS

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES

TUESDAY, JANUARY | 07 | 2013

G. A. Mir tours snow affected villages of Kapran area

Directs concerned for immediate restoration of public utilities

concerned authorities to be vigilant to intensify the services of market and pro-active to meet any eventualchecking squads to check black marity. He said people in the snowbound keting and hoarding.Meanwhile, the areas have high expectations with Minister also reviewed supply and the state government adding that no stone should be left unturned to restore road connectivity, electricity and drinking water supply in the affected areas on war-footing.

He asked the officers and engineers to ensure quick response in their respective jurisdiction in this hour SRINAGAR, JANUARY 06of need. He said there should be no ANANTNAG, JANUARY 06: laxity in this regard Minister for Rural Development The Minister ascertained mea- and Panchayati Raj, Mr. Ali MohamMinister for Tourism, Mr. Ghsures taken by the concerned district mad Sagar and Minister for Urban ulam Ahmad Mir today conducted administrations for restoring public Development and Urban Local Bodan extensive tour of Kapran area and services in snow affected areas and ies, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora today took stock of the damages caused mitigating their difficulties. laid the foundation stone of Sewerto the public utilities due to recent The Minister called upon the age Scheme Baghe-Roopsingh here heavy snow fall. concerned District officers to ensure at Miskeen Bagh.

The Tourism Minister, who is also punctuality of their subordinate The scheme to be completed at MLA of the area, accompanied by a staff in their respective areas for an estimated cost of Rs. 1.58 crore team of officers, assessed the losses convenience of the people adding would benefit a population of 1380 to the property and public utilities that functioning of essential ser- living in the area and its catchin several villages and hamlets. He vices especially healthcare, drinking ments. directed the concerned authorities water, and power supply facilities Addressing locals after laying to ensure early restoration of power should not be affected in remote and the foundation, the Minister for and drinking water supply besides hilly areas at any cost.The Minister, Rural Development and Panchayati immediate clearance of snow on during the tour, also took stock of Raj, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar said the link roads for convenience of the the supply of essential commodi- the government has framed a compeople of the area. ties and directed CA&PD to ensure prehensive programme for holistic During the tour, the Minister also supply and distribution of ration to development of historic city of Sritook stock of the preparedness of the consumers in time. He asked the nagar. the administration in case of further Lone News Agency Kangan Khan News Agency Ganderbal concerned Deputy Commissioner Commissioner Srinagar Musnowing in the area and asked the Gulzar News Agency Soura Zahid Book Depot Chadoora

stock position of essential commodities at an officers meeting at District head quarter Anantnag. He directed concerned to frequently visit re-

Sagar, Jora lay foundation of sewerage Scheme of Bagh-e-Roopsingh

Zabarwan Times is available at

nicipal Corporation, Dr. G. N. Qasba, Vice Chairman, LAWDA, Mr. Irfan Yasin, Chief Engineer UEED and other senior officers of the district administration and various other departments were present on the occasion. Mr. Sagar said that the government has undertaken several programmes for ensuring sustained development for the Srinagar City which was pushed to the backburner by a particular political party during its tenure.

“The present government has not only undertaken several programmes for ensuring the development of Srinagar city which includes, construction of community halls, widening of roads for better traffic mobility, construction of super speciality hospital and bringing the whole city Srinagar on the tourist circuit by developing it on heritage pattern”, he added.

The Minister said that the gov-

Tariq News Agency Hawal Bashir News Agency Nowhatta Muzaffar Ali News Agency Alamgari Bazar Budshah News Agency Lal Chowk Abdullah News Agency Lal Chowk Sikendar News Agency Lal Chowk Gupkari News Agency Lal Chowk Raina News Agency Gund Kangan Khan News Agency Regal Chowk Rashid News Agency Dalgate Sheikh News Agency Hyderpora Hilal News Agency Budgam Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Chadoora Bhat News Agency Magam Zargar News Agency Kunzar BashircomNews Agency industrialSumbal promotion was necessary for JAMMU, JANUARY 6:Dar News Agency Beerwah its sustenance in the open market adding that government would generation and production Reshi News Agencypetition Safapora Saleem Newsemployment Agency Pattan Reiterating Government’s remove every hiccup, comingReyaz in the way boon to ensure socio- economic emanciBasharatcommitNews Agency Bandipora News Agency Pampore pation of the state. ment about promotion of Industries in of Industries & Commerce Sector in its Altaf News Agency Pulwama Javaid News Agency Qazigund J&K, the Minister for Finance & Ladakh march towards modernization.

The meeting was attended by Jeelani News Agency Baramulla News Agency Affairs, Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather, today Interacting with aG.M delegation Mr. AnilSopore Mahajan, Chairman, CII J&K State NewsIndusAgencyofKupwara Sultan News Agency Handwara CII in Civil Secretariat Jammu today, Council, Mr. Sanjay Puri, past Chairman, assured Confederation Shah of Indian J&K State council & Managing DirecYounis News Agency Langate Sheikh News CII Agency Islamabad tor, PBI (India) ltd., Mr. S.K. Malhotra, Reshi News Agency Islamabad Three Way News Agency Tral prominent Chartered Accountant, Mr. Turray News Agency Tral Badru News Agency Bijbehara Vivek Bhardwaj, Head CII J&K State office Rahi News Agency Kulgam Malik News Agency Arwani Singh, Executive Officer & Mr. Gagandeep Rah News Agency Byepass Shaheen NewsCIIAgency J&K. TheKargil main issues raised by the CII

CII Delegation calls on Finance Minister

Rather assures full support for promotion, modernization of Industries

tries (CII) full support in its endeavours to modernize and upgrade Industries in the state to make them market oriented and competitive in tone with the day to day requirements. He said industries have to grow in consonance with the newer technologies and innovations to ensure

mote and hilly areas and assess the people’s problems and developmental needs for immediate redressal, especially during winter.

Mr. Rather said incentives and packages rolled out under central and state industrial policies for the Industries would be implemented in letter and spirit and there shall in no way be any let up in Government’s support and encouragement to the Trade and Industry. He said

Omar greets people on Guru Purab JAMMU, JANUARY 06 – Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has extended felicitation to the people on the birth anniversary of Guru Govind Singh Ji, whishing them well-being and prosperity.

In his message issued on Guru Purab here today, the Chief Minister wished Guru Purab to be harbinger for peace and development in the State and the Country.

Omar Abdullah said that celebration of holy occasions in an atmosphere of amity and brotherhood adds colour to the blissful events.

Governor greets people on Gurupurab JAMMU, JANUARY 6: Mr. N. N. Vohra, the Governor has greeted the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. In a message of felicitations, the Governor observed that Guru Gobind Singh Ji was a warrior, poet and a philosopher who strived for building a society based on equality, brotherhood and respect for women. He said that the values underlying the teachings of the great Guru should guide our endeavours to establish a just social order.

The Governor expressed the hope that this auspicious occasion would usher the State towards peace, progress and prosperity and further strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, brotherhood and the secular traditions which have been the hallmark of the glorious heritage and composite ethos of Jammu and Kashmir for centuries past.The Governor prayed for the well-being of the people of the State on this occasion.

included simplification of the VAT refund process through SICOP and procurement of spare parts and lab equipment which are required to be imported by the Industrialists and entrepreneurs for modernization and upgradation of industries in the state.

Mr. Rather informed the delegation that officers and the field agencies of Excise & Commercial Taxes Department have been time and again impressed upon to deal politely with the traders who represent respected segment of the society.

ANANTNAG, JANUARY 06: The District Employment and counselling centre Anantnag today organised Employment fair at Town Hall Anantnag which was attended by large number of unemployed educated youth, Panchs and Sarpanchs and general masses.The District Development Commissioner Anantnag who inaugurated the Employment Fair and also inspected the stalls established by line departments.

Speaking on the occasion the District Development Commissioner Anantnag said that aim of organizing such employment fairs is to aware the educated and unemployed youth about the various welfare and employment oriented schemes launched by the Government adding that

unemployed educated youth shall come forward and start their own income generating units as to provide Government jobs to every educated person is not possible. He stressed the youth to take advantage of the Government schemes so that they can provide employment to others also.While giving the detail of achievements, Deputy Director Employment stated that presently 20,000 unemployed educated youth are registered with District Employment and Counseling Centre, Anantnag and 4715 unemployed educated youth from metric to Post Graduate being are provided voluntary service allowance under SKWEPY scheme. The department has disbursed Rs. 3.17 crore as VSA upto ending May 2014.

Library committee calls for digitalization of collection JAMMU JANUARY 06: Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Mr. Mubarak Gul, along with the members of the Library Committee, todayinspected Library Block of the Assembly in the Old Assembly Complex here today.During the inspection, Members of the Committee, legislators, Mr. M. Y. Tarigami, Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta, Advocate Abdul Haq Khan, Mr. Muhammad Khalil Bhand, Mr. Lal Chand and Mr. Ashwani Kumar Sharma went round various halls and enquired about the collection of rare books preserved in the Library since last 40 years. Secretary Assembly Mr. M. Ramzan also accompanied the committee.

On the occasion, the Speaker said that the Assembly Library is being upgraded with modern and latest cataloguing adopted by national and international libraries adding that the process in this regard has already

Govt contemplates to open sale outlets in uncovered areas. Ch Ramzan Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CA&PD), Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan has said that the government contemplates to setup more CA&PD outlets in uncovered areas of the State adding that in this regard the CA&PD Ministry has submitted a proposal to the government for approval.

The Minister during was interacting with a deputation of R S Pura, who called on him here today at Civil Secretariat.

The deputationists urged for opening of PDS sale outlets in the villages lacking the same adding that without these the inhabitants were facing immense hardships in getting ration.

They also requested for issuance of ration cards to all households of border Tehsil and said that many families are yet to get these and they have to purchase the food

Employment Fair inaugurated at Town Hall Ang

Speaker inspects Assembly library

RS Pura deputation calls on CA&PD Minister

JAMMU. JANUARY 06:

ernment has also worked tirelessly for the restoration and sustainment of peace, which has ensured that the pace of developmental works is speeded up and the tourist inflow to the state increase in a geometric progression. He said that the people of the state are aware of the work done by the present government for ensuring their socio-economic development and they would give befitting reply to the forces trying to mislead them by their propaganda.

The Minister for Urban Development and Urban Local Bodies, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora, while speaking on the occasion said that the government has undertaken several initiatives for the development of Srinagar city on modern lines. He said that people should come forward and avail benefits of various schemes undertaken for their development.

grains from the open market. The deputation also urged for streamlining the home delivery of LPG cylinders in the area.

The Minister issued on the spot instructions to the concerned CA&PD authorities to look into the matter and take appropriate action to redress the genuine demands of the people of the area.

Ch. Ramzan directed the concerned to ensure proper home delivery of LPG in the area and ensure a close check on black marketing and hoarding of essential commodities. He also instructed for timely supply and distribution of ration to the consumers. He said any negligence in this regard from the concerned would be viewed seriously.

The CA&PD Minister directed the concerned authorities to issue ration cards to all deserving families on priority so that they would not face any inconvenience in getting ration.

been initiated. He said the library- with a huge collection of rare books that provides a precious treasure for the young and the future generation, shall be well preserved and made accessible to all.

Mr. Gul said that the books of revered saints and religious scholars are

available in the Assembly library. He said that copies of these prestigious text books have been kept in the library of the parliament at New Delhi also.

Earlier, Speaker chaired a meeting of the committee to review the measures taken for preservation and proper indexing of the collection in the

library.

The members of the Committee suggested for digitalization and computerization of the entire collection, particularly the rare collection available in the Library to make the material available online. They also suggested that the books based on latest techniques of Information Technology and Science Technology besides the Law and Legislation may also be kept available in the Library.

The Secretary Assembly Mr. M. Ramzan briefed the Committee about the functioning of the Library section. He informed that as many as 27000 valuable references in English, Urdu and other languages are available in the Library at Jammu followed by equal number of books at Srinagar.Mr. Ramzan said that Assembly Secretariat has a proposal to set up a full-fledged Library on the pattern of Parliament at the upcoming legislature complex.

SDA to promote flat-type housing in Srinagar: Jora SRINAGAR, JANUARY 06: Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) Monday made allotment of eight leftover residential flats in Gulposh Apartments Bemina as a part of its initiative to promote flatted housing in Srinagar city.

The allotment was made through draw of lots conducted in presence of Minister for Urban Development & Urban Local Bodies, Mr Nawang Rigzin Jora.

Vice-Chairman SDA, Mr Shafaat Noor Barlas, Director Urban Local Bodies Kashmir, Mr Hilal Ahmad Parray, Commissioner SMC, Dr G N Qasba, VC LAWDA, Mr Irfan Yasin, Chief Town Planner Kashmir, Hakeem Iftikhar, Chief Engineer UEED, Mr Mohammad Hanief, Director Land Management, SDA, Ms Rubina Kousar and other senior officers of the Housing & Urban Development Department were present on the occasion.SDA has constructed around 60 residential flats as Gulposh Apartments, near J&K Bank Bemina.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Jora

said 500 more residential flats are being constructed by SDA at Bemina under Shehjar Apartments project for which country’s premier financial institution HUDCO has been co-opted as architectural consultant.

He said SDA would also be availing financing for the ambitious project from HUDCO. The Minister said that HUDCO has already submitted to SDA preliminary drawings of Shehjar Apartments, and they have been asked to make some modifications in the same so that the vertical colony comes up as per the traditional Kashmiri architecture and in tune with the weather conditions of the Valley.Giving a resume of Shehjar Apartments project, the Minister said that besides constructing around 500, two bedroom and three bedroom residential flats, the Vertical Housing Colony, spread over around 100 kanals of land, shall also be provided with 40 ft wide main road and 30 ft wide internal roads transecting various apartment blocks. The Vertical Colony would be provided with adequate underground and surface parking facility.

HOROSCOPE Aries

March 21-April 19

Discussions about religion could come up during your day. A recent rush of intuitive revelations could cause you to want to expound on your beliefs, but this could backfire.

This isn’t the day to try to convince others of anything.

This also isn’t a good day to think in terms of getting away for a while. Kick around a few ideas, but make definite plans later.

Taurus April 20-May 20

Friends or a group with which you’re affiliated might run into financial difficulties and ask for your advice. It wouldn’t be a good idea to give it, at least not today. Your thoughts aren’t as focused as they should be. You might use a little intuition to guide you. Your ability to see under the surface is good now.

Gemini May 21-June 21

Communication with family members and the special person in your life could be frustrating today. Either you aren’t in accord or you keep missing each other. Don’t be frustrated. It’s the planetary energy running a little interference. By tomorrow this aspect will have passed and you’ll once again find yourselves on common ground.

Cancer June 22-July 22

Plans for travel or advancing your education could be on your mind. Your excitement might keep you from focusing on whatever tasks you have to do. Don’t worry about it.

Your steadfastness will enable you to get your tasks completed in spite of anything that may distract you. Either that, or the people around you will keep reminding you of your responsibilities!

Leo

July 23-August 22 Thoughts of romance and dreams of a wonderful evening with that special someone are foiled by work that needs to be done right away. This might concern finances. It could involve a lot of deep thought on subjects that don’t particularly interest you. Don’t let this get you down. Get through the chores and then plan your evening. It won’t be too late to have fun.

Virgo

August 23-September 22

You might be planning to attend a social event today.

You’re looking forward to it. Paperwork could take up so much of your time today that you wonder if you can make it.

The paperwork doesn’t seem to be that urgent. Do as much as you can and then take off and go to your party. You deserve it. The planetary energies are lining up to break up the mental fog that you’ve been experiencing.

Libra

September 23-October 23 Frantic communications involving a project or family affairs could have you feeling scattered and unfocused. Too many important concerns have hit you at once. It can be confusing, but take them one at a time and don’t be tempted to try to accomplish everything at once. Your mind is steady and analytical today. Go with the flow and all will get done.

Scorpio

October 24-November 21 Good news about money could fill you with ideas about how to spend it, particularly on your home. Maybe you need new furniture or have been thinking about painting or redecorating. This is a great time to do it as long as you’re careful and not to let your exuberance get the better of you. You don’t want to have to repaint or take unwanted furniture back to the store.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21

Your mind is sharp and ready to take on anything thrown your way. Family members or friends could pick up on this pretty quickly, so don’t be surprised if they come to you for help and advice. You’ll probably give a lot of it today, so be prepared. Paperwork might be a bit overwhelming. As long as you take it one step at a time, you’ll get it all done.

Capricorn December 22-January 19

Books and magazines on psychic, spiritual, or metaphysical matters could take up a lot of your attention today. Your inclination could be to let your routine tasks go in favor of continuing to read calling all your friends to tell them what you’ve learned. Save it for this evening. You’re too conscientious to let your work slide, and you’d feel derelict in your duty if you did.

Aquarius January 20-February 18

A fairly recent goal that you’ve set for yourself might seem a bit overwhelming. You might wonder if you’ll get it done. Though you could easily become distracted, you can focus when you try, and this is what you should do now. Finances may need attention, and possibly paperwork, but this is only routine work.

Pisces

February 19-March 20 Today you should feel especially optimistic and enthusiastic about life. You’ll have a lot of great ideas about what to do with your day, but unfortunately, your ability to put these plans into motion will probably be curtailed by other responsibilities. This could have you champing at the bit all day, but what the heck? Tonight you can do whatever you want!

Editorial/Opinion The Daily

Zabarwan Times Tuesday, 07 January 2014

I

Media and its responsibilities

n every society the media plays a vital role not only in disseminating the information but also in building a healthy, positive and responsible society besides creating awareness and playing its part in the reformation. In the whole of the world media has assumed the role of fourth pillar after legislature, judiciary and executive. Its responsibilities have grown many fold and its duties towards the society have assumed larger importance. There is no doubt that media has in real terms made world a global village and has minimized the distances. It is media which has brought people closer to each other and has opened new roots and mediums of communication. Its role in the social and political arena has become so vital that without media one cannot even imagine any success in the nation building. Its positive role cannot be denied and its contribution towards social awareness, expose of scandals and corruption, and its part in the strengthening of democratic institutions is of paramount importance. However with the passage of time the media has perhaps lost its track due to certain constraints or has been derailed deliberately by unscrupulous elements and those alien forces which have the grip over the media and have made it sub-servant to their interests and whims. The print media and the electronic media both have fallen prey to what we call mafia in the media. The exploitation of political system, the hunger for fast buck and the personal animosities have over taken the very purpose of the media across the world. Its pertinent to say that those persons who could not get the govt. job or who have not even distant relation with the field have become the masters in the field and are having dozens of news papers and channels because of their money power and crafty ways of exploitation. The objectivity and credibility of media has been eroded and everybody thinks that the arrogance and blackmailing has taken the place of the former. There was a time when a report or a news item appearing in a paper would result in the fall of a govt. and heads would roll. But that is the thing of past and today even the banners and the scopes do not have any impact and hardly anybody takes the cognizance of these. It is because the media whether print or electronic has lost its credibility and nobody believes a news item or report in the first instance. Still it is not too late if the professionals realize their responsibilities and duties and if they clean the profession from vested interests and only after that is done the media can again become a force to reckon with.

Daily

ZABARWAN TIMES 9

Tuesday, 07 January 2014

Organ Donation and Transplantation Provides Second Life to Thousands of People

O

rgan donation and transplantation provides a second chance at life for thousands of people each year. The growing disparity between the rich and poor, demand for human organs and availability of technology in the country makes the trading of organs a quick means to riches for some and a relief for others. Invariably Organ trade leads to exploitation of the poverty-stricken people by tempting them with financial gains to meet their immediate short-term financial needs. Making organs a commodity is fraught with erosion of social, moral, and ethical values and is not an alternative that can be acceptable to meet organ requirements in a civilized society. The World Health Organization (WHO) in its statement on the sale of organs clearly states that it violates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as its own constitution: “The human body and its parts cannot be the subject of commercial transactions. Accordingly, giving or receiving payment… for organs should be prohibited.”

Each year hundreds of Indians die while waiting for an organ transplant. The reason: there is acute imbalance between the number of organs donated and the number of people waiting for a transplant. While 2.1 lakh Indians require kidney transplantation annually, but only 3000 – 4000 kidney transplants are done. The situation is not very different in relation to heart transplants. While annually around 4,000–5,000 patients in India require a heart transplant, so far only 100 heart transplants have been conducted across the country. According to the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) 2012-13 report, only 4,417 corneas were available in 2012-13 against a whopping requirement of 80,000-1, 00,000 per year. There are currently over 120 transplant centres in India performing approximately 3,500 to 4,000 kidney transplants annually. Out of these four centres undertake approximately 150 to 200 liver transplants annually while some do an occasional heart transplant. Finding a donor is the main issue in the country. Lack of awareness and improper infrastructure facilities are the main reasons behind the existing scenario. Administrative hurdles and conservative mindset further affect organ transplantation scenario in India.

There are a lot of myths associated with organ donation which needs to be addressed to solve this problem. Most

I

Indians generally believe that it is against the nature and religion that body parts are mutilated. Some are suspicious that the hospital staff may not work hard to save their lives if they want organs. Others believe that there might be a temptation to declare them dead before they are actually dead. Lack of a centralised registry for organ donation, acts as another major hurdle for the people to donate organs or get data about donors. Also, there is a problem of certifying brain deaths; if people are not aware of brain deaths, it becomes difficult to convince the relatives of the patients for organ donation. Kidney transplants in India first started in the 1970s and since then India has been a leading country in this field on the Asian subcontinent. The evolutionary history of transplants in the last four decades has witnessed commerce in organ donation becoming an integral part of the program.

The Government passed the Transplantation of Human Organ Act (THO) in 1994 which made unrelated transplants illegal and deceased donation a legal option with the acceptance of brain death. Overcoming organ shortage by tapping into the pool of brain-dead patients was expected to curb the unrelated transplant activity. But, despite the THO Act, neither has the commerce stopped nor have the number of deceased donors increased to take care of organ shortage.

The concept of brain death has never been promoted or widely publicized. Most unrelated transplants currently are being done with the approval from an Authorization committee.

Government of India enacted the ‘Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Act in 2011 which made provisions for simplifying the procedure for human organ donation. The provisions included retrieval centres and their registration for retrieval of organs from deceased donors, swap donation and a mandatory inquiry by the registered medical practitioner of a hospital in consultation with transplant coordinator (if available) from the near relative(s) of potential donor admitted in Intensive Care Unit and informing them about the option to donate and if they consent to donate, inform the retrieval centre for retrieval of organs.

In India, the potential for deceased donation is huge due to the high number of fatal road traffic accidents and this pool is yet to be tapped. At any given time, every major city would have 8 – 10 brain deaths

in various ICUs. Some 4 – 6% of all hospital deaths are due to brain death. In India, road accidents account for around 1.4 lakh deaths annually. Out of these, almost 65% sustain severe head injuries as per an AIIMS, Delhi, study. This means there are almost 90,000 patients who may be brain dead.

It is not that people don’t want to donate, but that there are no mechanisms in hospitals to identify and certify brain deaths. Plus, no one empowers the relatives of a brain-dead person to save lives by donating his organs. Anyone from a child to an elderly person can be a donor. Organ donation from the brain dead – also referred to a cadaveric donation is still very low in India. While Spain has 35 organ donors per million people, Britain has 27 donors, US 26 and Australia 11, India’s count stands at a mere 0.16 per million people.

Signing a donor card is the first step in making your wishes about donation known. A donor card is not a legal document but an expression of one’s willingness to donate. While signing a donor card demonstrates one’s desire to donate organ after death, letting the family or friends know about the decision is very important.

That is because family members will be asked to give consent for the donation. The decision will be considered final when they give consent. Vital organs such as heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, pancreas and intestines, and tissues such as corneas, heart valves, skin, bones, ligaments, tendons, veins, etc. can be donated in case of brain death.

The proposed Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Rules, 2013 has many provisions to remove the impediments to organ donation while curbing misuse/misinterpretation of the rules. To mention a few; · When the donor is unrelated and if donor and/or recipient belong to a State/ Union Territory, other than the State/Union Territory where the transplantation is proposed to be undertaken, “No Objection Certificate” from the State/Union Territory of domicile of donor and/ or recipient is required. “No Objection Certificate” will not be required for near relatives and Swap donation cases. · The quorum of the Authorisation Committee should be minimum four and is not complete without the participation of the Chairman, Secretary (Health) or nominee and Director of Health Services or nominee.

· Every authorised transplantation centre must have its own website. The Authorisation Committee is required to take final decision within twenty four hours of holding the meeting for grant of permission or rejection for transplant and the decision of the Authorisation Committee should be displayed on the notice board of the hospital and the website within twenty four hours of taking the decision. The website of transplantation centre shall be linked to State/ Regional/ National Networks through online system for organ procurement, sharing and transplantation. · There would be an apex national networking organization at the centre. There would also be regional and State level networking organizations where large of number of transplantation of organ(s) or tissue (s) are performed. The State units would be linked to hospitals, Organ/Tissue matching Labs and Tissue Banks within their area and also to regional and national networking organisations. Such networks shall coordinate procurement, storage, transportation, matching, allocation and transplantation of organs/tissues and shall develop norms and standard operating procedures. · A National Registry on Donors and recipients of Human Organ and Tissue accessible on-line through dedicated website having National, Regional and State level specificities will come into force. National/Regional registry shall be compiled based on similar registries at State level. The identity of the people in the database shall not be in public domain.

Accordingly, the Government is going to set up an online network under the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO). The online service will be able to connect people directly to the donor.

OTTO, an autonomous body under the Health ministry, would be the nodal agency coordinating all organ transplants in the country. All hospitals in the country, whether private, public or district-level health centres, will be part of the network.

Apart from NOTTO, four regional centres would also be set up across the country.

To conclude, the emerging field of regenerative medicine may allow scientists and engineers to create organs to be regrown from the patient's own cells (stem cells, or cells extracted from the failing organs).This would not only improve the availability of compatible organs but also would address the socio-ethical issues attached with it.

Electoral Laws of India

ndia is a sovereign, socialist, secular democratic republic. Democracy is one of the inalienable basic features of the Constitution of India and f orms part of its basic structure (Kesavanand Bharati v State of Kerala and Others AIR 1973 SC 1461). The concept of democracy, as visualized by the Constitution, pre-supposes the representation of the people in Parliament and State Legislatures by the method of election (N P Punnuswami v Returning Officer Namakkal AIR 1952 SC 64). For democracy to survive rule of law must prevail and it is necessary that the best available men should be chosen as people’s representatives for proper governance of the country (Gadakh Yashwantrao Kankararao v Balasaheb Vikhepatil AIR 1994 SC 678).

And for the best available men to be chosen as people’s representatives, elections must be free and fair and conducted in an atmosphere where the electors are able to exercise their franchise according to their own free will. Thus, free and fair elections form the bedrock of democracy.

India has adopted the British Westminster system of parliamentary form of government. We have an elected President, elected Vice-President, elected Parliament and elected State Legislature for every State.

Now, we also have elected municipalities, panchayats and other local bodies. For ensuring free and fair elections to these offices and bodies, there are three prerequisites: (1) an authority to conduct these elections, which should be insulated from political and executive interference, (2) set of laws which should govern the conduct of elections and in accordance whereof the authority charged with the responsibility of conducting these elections should hold them, and (3) a mechanism whereby all doubts and disputes arising in connection with these elections should be resolved.

The Constitution of India has paid due attention to all these imperatives and duly provided for all the three matters. The Constitution has created an independent Election Commission of India in which vests the superintendence, direction and control of preparation of electoral rolls for, and conduct of elections to, the offices of President and Vice-President of India and Parliament and State Legislatures (Article 324). A similar independent constitutional authority has been created for conduct of elections to municipalities, panchayats and other local bodies (Articles 243 K and 243 ZA).

The authority to enact laws for elections to the offices of President and Vice-President and to Parliament and State Legislatures has been reposed by the Constitution in Indian Parliament (Articles 71 and 327).

Laws relating to conduct of elections to municipalities, panchayats and other local bodies are framed by the respective State Legislatures (Articles 243 K and 243 ZA).

All doubts and disputes relating to the elections to the office of President and Vice-President are dealt with by the Supreme Court (Article 71), whereas the initial jurisdiction to deal with all doubts and disputes relating to the elections to Parliament and State Legislatures vests in the High Court of the State concerned, with a right of appeal to the Supreme Court (Article 329). The disputed matters relating to elections to municipalities, etc. are decided by the lower courts in accordance with the laws made by the respective State Governments.

The law relating to the elections to the offices of President and Vice-President of India has been enacted by Parliament in the form of Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act 1952. This Act has been supplemented by the Presidential and VicePresidential Elections Rules 1974 and

further supplemented by the Election Commission’s directions and instructions on all aspects.

Conduct of elections to Parliament and State Legislatures are governed by the provisions of two Acts, namely, Representation of the People Act 1950 and Representation of the People Act 1951.

Representation of the People Act 1950 deals mainly with the matters relating to the preparation and revision of electoral rolls. The provisions of this Act have been supplemented by detailed rules, Registration of Electors Rules 1960, made by the Central Government, in consultation with the Election Commission, under Section 28 of that Act and these rules deal with all the aspects of preparation of electoral rolls, their periodic revision and updating, inclusion of eligible names, exclusion of ineligible names, correction of particulars, etc.

These rules also provide for the issue of electoral identity cards to registered electors bearing their photographs at the State cost. These rules also empower the Election Commission to prepare the photo electoral rolls containing photographs of electors, in addition to their other particulars.

All matters relating to the actual conduct of elections are governed by the provisions of the Representation of the People Act 1951 which have been supplemented by the Conduct of Elections Rules 1961 framed by the Central Government, in consultation with the Election Commission, under Section 169 of that Act. This Act and the rules make detailed provisions for all stages of the conduct of elections like the issue of writ notification calling the election, filing of nominations, scrutiny of nominations, withdrawal of candidatures, taking of poll, counting of votes and constitution of the Houses on the basis of

the results so declared.

The superintendence, directions and control of elections vested by the Constitution in the Election Commission empowers the Commission even to make special orders and directions to deal with the situations for which the laws enacted by the Parliament make no provision or insufficient provision.

The classic example of filling such vacuous area is the promulgation of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order 1968 which governs the matters relating to recognition of political parties at the National and State level, reservation of election symbols for them, resolution of disputes between splinter groups of such recognised parties, and allotment of symbols to all candidates at elections, etc.

Another such vacuous area where the Election Commission exercises its inherent powers under Article 324 of the Constitution is the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct for guidance of political parties and candidates. The Model Code is a unique document evolved by the political parties themselves to govern their conduct during elections so as to ensure that a level playing field for all political parties is maintained during elections and, in particular, to curb the misuse of official power and official machinery by the ruling party(ies) to further the electoral prospects of their candidates.

All post election matters to resolve doubts and disputes arising out of or in connection with the elections are also dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Representation of the People Act 1951.

Under this Act, all such doubts and disputes can be raised before the High Court of the State concerned, but only after the election is over and not when the election process is still on.

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