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TUESDAY 08 July | 2014 | 09 Ramadan, 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |
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Srinagar, July 7 : Expressing his surprise and sorrow over the new revelations about the death of a youth who was killed in Mumbai a year ago, chairman Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Geelani demanded immediate arrest of his killers. According to a statement issued to KNS, he said that at that time we expressed our reservation that Pervaiz Ahmed’s death is a murder not an accident but the state administration showed their carelessness and irresponsibility regarding to this murder and in this regard no help was provided to the bereaved family. In a statement issued to press, the pro-freedom leader said that the whole of India is proving to be a ‘city of death’ for the Kashmiris and Kashmiris are unsafe in every corner of this country. They are everywhere looked with doubtful eyes and they are abused and insulted there. Geelani sahib said that in the year 2013 many dead bodies of youth were sent to Kashmir who were either studding or doing business there and Pervaiz Ahmed was among those unlucky people who were killed for the crime of being a Kashmiri. He said that still there are dozens of Kashmiries in different jails of India under false and See Geelani On PG 11..
02 die, 03 injured in road accidents Srinagar, July 7 : Two persons died while three others were injured in separate road accidents across the valley. A Maruti car bearing registration number JK02M/3577 hit and injured a lady Sameera Rafiq daughter of Mohammad Rafiq Malik resident of Peernia, Boniyar at Trikajan in the jurisdiction of Police Station Boniyar. She was shifted to SHMS Hospital, Srinagar where she succumbed to her injuries. Police has registered a case in this regard. Meanwhile, a motor cycle bearing registration number JK03C/5173 hit and injured a pedestrian Saida Begum wife of Abdul Aziz Thoker resident of Paljan at Paljan, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Kulgam. The injured was shifted to SKIMS Soura, Srinagar for treatment where she succumbed to her injuries. Police has registered a case in this regard. In another road accident, a TATA Sumo bearing registration number JK03B/2242 hit and injured a child Mehraj Ahmad resident of Sonehbrari at Dandipora, in the jurisdiction of See Accidents On PG 11..
Edit Page Land grabbing on Rise The way politicians in J&K are using unlawful means to grab official and custodian land, has exposed nexus between revenue officials, land mafia and politicians. A senior Congress leader has allegedly grabbed over 300 canals of land in District Budgam, a Cabinet Minister in Jammu and a Member of Parliament in Srinagar . This is an iota of what is being done as in most of the cases, the details remain hidden because of Benami formula which is being used by these politicians to grab land. It is not a surprising thing because the politicians are well aware that due to their non-performance, they will never come to power again and hence, they start the loot from
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WEATHER 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 27°C & 17°C respectively.
C TEMPERATURE M MAXIMUM Y MINIMUM K
SUNSET ON(SATRDAY) SUNRISE ON (SUNDAY)
30.10C 15.7 0C 07:47 PM 05:28 AM
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Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K
Super typhoon takes aim at Japan, emergency warnings issued
Afghanistan’s Ghani wins presidential election: preliminary results
Geelani demands arrest of killers of Kashmiri youth
VOL NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 188 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 Paisa)
Earthquake rocks Mexico, Guatemala; at least 3 dead
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Stormy start to Budget session of Parliament Up roar over rising prices, rail fare
New Delhi, July 07: The Budget session of Parliament on Monday got off to a stormy start with the first day in Lok Sabha being virtually washed out on the issue of price rise and rail fare hike as a strident Opposition insisted on a discussion under an adjournment motion. The House managed to take up just two questions amid uproar created by members of Congress, Trinamool Congress, RJD, SP, Aam Aadmi Party and the Left as they trooped into the Well raising the issues of price rise and rail fare hike. The Opposition wanted discussion under adjournment motion but Speaker Sumitra Mahajan rejected it, saying a debate could be taken up under Rule 193 that does not entail voting. While Congress wanted discussion on price rise, Trinamool Congress pressed for debate on rail fare hike under adjournment motion which requires voting and amounts to censure of the government if it is passed. The House was adjourned twice till 1400 hours before being adjourned for the day as the deadlock persisted over the Rule under which a discussion could be taken up.
Sharing concern over the price rise, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu said the government was ready to discuss the matter immediately and left it to the Speaker to decide under which Rule it should be done. Mahajan said she had rejected notices for adjournment motion but accepted six notices for discussion under Rule 193. She even called P Karunakaran (CPI-M) to initiate the discussion.
However, Congress and some other Opposition parties insisted that the discussion should be held under the adjournment motion. When the House met at 1400 hours, Deputy Leader of Congress Amarinder Singh said people were starving and "food prices are rising at terrible levels...how can common man survive? We don't want only a discussion but an answer from the government. See Stormy On PG 11..
Srinagar, July 7: In the midst of the scorching heat and ongoing month of Ramadan, the state authorities here miserably failed t tackle the traffic mess, giving tough time to the vehicular movement in Srinagar’s commercial hub. According to the reports received by KNS, massive traffic jams were Monday witnessed in the commercial hub here with authorities miserably failing to regulate vehicular flow. Also the people accused that the cops remained mute spectators as the vehicles in the broad day light violated the traffic norms and even broke signals at several places of Lal Chowk area. People also stated that while the vehicles in large numbers were breaking the traffic signals at Jahangir chowk, the police personnel didn’t even move out of their vehicle parked in the corner of the road wherein huge traffic jam was witnessed.
PDP activists protest against mandate to Haseeb Drabu Srinagar, July 07: Hundreds PDP activists and supporters of Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) Syed Bashir Ahmad Monday stage protest demonstration against the party high command for giving mandate to Dr Haseeb Drabu, the former JK Bank Chairman, from Rajpora assembly constituency. Reports reaching GNS said that the workers of PDP sitting MLA, Syed Bashir Ahmad today held a protest demonstration near the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Pulwama. The activists also block the Shopian –Pulwama road for hours, demanding high command to revisit its decision and give ticket to syed Bashir from Rajpora. The activists said that if the party high command will not review the decision then they will start anti-PDP See PDP On PG 11..
Traffic jam was also reported from, Khayam, Barzulla, Rambagh, Batamaloo and several other areas of the city wherein the people expressed serious concern over the inaction of the concerned department to cope up with the mess. The problem of traffic jams and overcrowding on roads in different part of Kashmir is making commuting difficult for people. The poor management of traffic apart from bare bone infrastructure in Valley is reckoned to be the main reason behind this mess. Residents of different parts of valley as well as locals in Srinagar are equally affected by this mess on the roads which is increasing by the day. With each new day this problem is increasing causing lot of problems, says a local. Residents of Srinagar say that all through the day streets remain choked with cars and mini buses leading to heavy vehicular jamming. (KNS)
New Delhi, July 07: Having done a pre-budget hike of 14.2 per cent in passenger fares and raised freight rates, Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda's maiden budget is likely to adopt a realistic approach in announcing new trains, lines and survey in view of the cash crunch of Rs 26,000 crore. With the growth in passenger earnings declining, railways is likley to spell out its strategy to earn additional revenue to reach the target in the current fiscal. While many unviable projects may be scrapped, Gowda will also announce some new projects on priority basis in the rail budget 2014-2015 on Tuesday. Since the government is grappling with ever-increasing fuel cost, harnessing alternative energy like solar power and bio-diesel in a big way is likely to feature in the NDA government's first Rail Budget as it is believed to be the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who wants use of non-renewable energy in rail sector so that the dependence on fuel is less. Gowda is likely to announce pilot project for introduction of automatic closing of doors in Shatabdi coaches and EMU coaches in Mumbai suburban train as safety measures for passengers to prevent accidental fall from running train. There will be provision for a few new trains including premium and services connecting various pilgrim centres in the Rail Budget 2014-15. Managing passenger service through cross-subsidy from freight earnings, railways may spell out its policy on FDI to attract foreign capital in expansion of
rail infrastructure including modernisation of station and high speed train. The Rail Budget will spell out details of future course of action plan for having a 'Diamond Quadrilateral' to run high speed trains. The budget will also reflect the views of NDA government on Rail Tariff Authority and High Speed Rail Authority. Though involvement of private players in big ticket projects is becoming a necessity now, the state-run transporter has to come out with win-win formula for investors in a hassle-free environment. Hinting at the possibility of private investment in rail sector, the Prime Minister had recently said that private parties would be ready to invest in rail sector like development of stations. "This would be a win-win situation project and we want to move See Rail On PG 11..
PIC: Faizan Altaf / ZT
Workers protest in favour of their demand, Govt a mute spectator
Srinagar, July 7 : Jammu and Kashmir Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union (AWHU), today held a protest demonstra-
tion at Sher-i-Kashmir Park in Srinagar. The protesting workers and helpers were demanding gratuity, the formulation of a pension scheme, immediate enhancement of their remuneration and withdrawal of the plan to privatize ICDS. According to a statement issued to KNS, the protestors carrying banners and placards shouted slogans and See Helpers On PG 11..
Kashmir youth Suhag’s appointment awarded life term by confirmed
SC refuses to stay it New Delhi, July 07: The Su-
preme Court on Monday refused to stay the appointment of Lieutenant General Dalbir Singh Suhag as the next Army Chief who is to take over the charge from August 1. “There is no reason why should we stay,” a bench headed by Justice T S Thakur said. The apex court said there is no urgency to stay the appointment of Lt Gen Suhag as pleaded by Lt Gen Ravi Dastane. The Centre also justified the appointment, saying there is nothing in the allegations levelled by Lt Gen Dastane and Lt Gen Suhag fulfills all the criteria for the post. He was the seniormost in the seniority list, it said. Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi said that the ban imposed on Lt Gen Suhag in 2012 was lifted and he was discharged from all charges. The court was hearing a plea
filed by Lt Gen Dastane alleging favouritism in the selection of Lt Gen Suhag as the next Army Chief. Earlier, the Centre had submitted that the alleged lapses which were made as grounds to impose disciplinary ban on Lt Gen Suhag by then Army Chief Gen V K Singh between April and May 2012 were “premeditated”, “vague” and “illegal”. Gen Singh, who is a now Minister of State in the NDA government, had placed Lt Gen Suhag under a disciplinary and vigilance (DV) ban. The ban was imposed for alleged “failure of command and control” in an operation carried out by an intelligence unit working directly under him when he was Dimapur-based 3 Corps commander. In its last days in office, the UPA-II government had named Lt Gen Suhag as the Army Chief to succeed See Suhag’s On PG 11..
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Rail Budget to spell out strategy to shore up revenue Several new projects on anvil
Pathetic condition of Srinagar again caught in traffic mess Anganwari workers, helpers
People aghast over Govt’s inability to tackle with the crises
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a Mumbai court
Parents allege he was ‘targeted’ for being Kashmiri Srinagar, July 7: A Mum-
bai court Monday awarded life sentence to a Kashmiri watchman earlier convicted of murdering and molesting a woman lawyer, Pallavi Purkayastha, reports said. Sajjad Aziz Pathan alias Moghal, 23, who hails from Uri in north Kashmir’S Baramulla district, worked at the Himalayan Heights apartments when he ‘stabbed to death’ the 25-year-old woman Aug 9, 2012. The victim was the daughter of a senior bureaucrat couple. According to reports, last
week, Sessions Judge Vrushali Joshi pronounced Moghal guilty and said “a case of murder, molestation and criminal trespass has been proved” against him. Meanwhile, the parents of the youth alleged that their son was fabricated in a false case and has been punished because he is a Kashmiri. “He is a Kashmiri and that is why he has been awarded lifer,” his parents told GNS. “Last year in Chillai Kalan we went there last time. We asked everything him and also scolded him. But he told us that ‘they are accusing me only because I am a Kashmiri’. We trusted him,” his father, Abdul Aziz Mughal told GNS. See Kashmir On PG 11..
Police officer, 2 Amarnath pilgrims die in central Kashmir Srinagar, July 07: Three persons including an officer of Jammu and Kashmir Police and two Amarnath piligrims on Monday died due to cardiac arrest in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, official sources said. Official sources told GNS that an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of police identified as Jogindar Singh hailing from Jammu was on Amarnath Yatra duty at Pandach in the district when he fell unconscious this morning. “He was immediately rushed to Ganderbal Hospital where doctors declared him brought dead,” they said. Meanwhile, the two Amarnath pilgrims identified as Buhroo Lal Ji, 55, son of Dolu Ji hailing from Rajasthan and Akeel Chand, 54, son of Ashitosh hailing from See Police On PG 11..
Throat-slit body of bride recovered in Rajouri Rajouri, July 07: Police on Tuesday recovered body of a bride under mysterious circumstances from a village in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. Some locals informed the police about the body lying near the open field at Fethpur in the district and a police team was immediately rushed to the spot where a female body has been recovered having visible torture marks on her body, official sources said. A police official told GNS while See Rajouri On PG 11..
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Srinagar, Tuesday 08 July 2014
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FROM THE FRONT PAGE
Stormy We want voting in the House because it is an important issue". Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia mentioned that Rajya Sabha has allowed discussion on the issue of price rise, but Mahajan said matters of the other House cannot be discussed in the Lok Sabha. Amid uproar, the Speaker was heard saying that members were not interested in discussing issues of the poor. "I am sorry, if you don't want to discuss (price rise) I am adjourning the House," Mahajan said and adjourned the House for the day at around 1410 hours. Earlier, Mahajan's repeated pleas to allow the questions to be taken up went unheeded as Opposition members continued slogan shouting against hike in prices of food as well as petrol, diesel and LPG besides rail fare hike. When the protests began soon after the House assembled for the day, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was seen standing in the aisle as his colleagues were in the Well. Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) members were also in the Well opposing the ordinance on the Polavaram project. Earlier, when the House met for the day trouble arose with opposition members trooping into the Well. Mahajan's repeated pleas to allow the questions to be taken up went unheeded, leading to adjournment of the House for nearly 40 minutes till noon. When the House re-assembled, similar scenes were witnessed and it was again adjourned till 1400 hours.
Rail ahead in this direction in the coming days," Modi had said. Former Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge had set a revenue target of Rs 1.65 lakh crore in the interim budget which includes Rs 1.06 lakh crore from goods and Rs 45,255 crore from passenger and balance from coaching and other sources. Railways, which have sought about Rs 40,000 cr as Gross Budgetary Support is likely to keep the annual plan at about Rs 64,000 crore. In its bid to increase carrying capacity of wagons, Gowda will propose development of higher capacity milk van for National Dairy Development Board, parcel van and light weight wagon for carrying salt. With the focus on alternative fuel, the budget will have proposals for bio-diesel plant and LNG locomotives in view of increased fuel prices. The budget will emphasis on switching over to solar power for rail workshops, colonies, hospitals and stations. Besides the proposal of setting up of power plants at vacant land and installing solar panels on rooftop of trains, the commissioning of solar power plant at Raebareli coach factory are likely to be announced. Gowda is likely to encourage use of innovative measures to perk up revenue and for use of latest technology to prevent mishaps while proposing installation of track side equipment to find fault such as overheating bearings, wheels and brake system and other damaged parts of rolling stock. Introduction of on board integrated coach monitoring and communication system in trains to display GISbased information on real-time to the passenger about the next upcoming station, arrival and departure timings, platform and coach position among others is also likely to find mention in the Rail Budget on July 8. Gowda has made it clear after assuming charge that his focus will be on safety, security and speed. So, the budget is likely to focus on providing better amenities to passengers including improved catering service in rail premises. Expansion of coach house keeping scheme on 90 additional trains, clean station scheme in five more stations and a comprehensive pest and rodent control treatment for all coaches are slated to be part of Gowda's budget speech. Strengthening of fire safety mechanism and accident prevention measures will be specifically mentioned by the new Railway Minister to highlight government's concern for passenger safety. The budget is likely to consider the demand of Delhi Division for additional funds for building separate parcel terminal to ease out load on busy platforms.
Helpers demanded regularization of their services as Class III and Class IV employees and the fixation of their salary accordingly. Pending this decision, the government should increase their honorarium to Rs. 5000 and 4000 respectively, the protesters urged. They also demanded, linking of their remuneration with consumer price index and 10% annual increment. Release of training grants in favour of the workers and helpers without any delay and providing of T.A, D.A for attending different meetings in connection with Pulse Polio, Aids Awareness and other related programmes was also highlighted. The protestors also demanded considerable enhancement in the rent and fuel charges for the Anganwari Centres. Speaking on the occasion, Ab Gani Bhat, Vice-President CITU expressed his concern over the plight of the working classes, who, he emphasized, have been adversely hit by the sky rocketing prices of essential commodities and the neo-liberal economic policies pursued by the government. The CITU leader said that the failure of the Government in extending social security benefits to the workers in the ICDS sector, violation of labour laws, non-implementation of minimum wages act; extensive contractualization of workforce, attack on trade union rights have proved detrimental to the interests of the Anganwadi Worker and helpers. Demanding enhancement of state share in the honorarium of Anganwadi workers and helpers on the pattern of Haryana Government, Bhat said, social security benefits including gratuity, pension, provident fund, medical facilities etc should be provided to all Anganwadi workers and helpers in J&K also. He further demanded constitution of national level welfare fund for the Anganwadi employees with contribution from the central and the state governments. Secretary CITU Abdul Rashid Najar called upon all the workforce of the state to come on a common plateform and intensify the struggle against the anti-workers policies of the government. He said that privatization in the form of restructuring of Integrated Child Development Services be stopped forthwith and instead all Anganwadi workers be regularized as Class III and helpers as Grade IV government employees. Speaking on the occasion Mymoona Rashid, acting State President and Jameela Sabiri General Sec-
Zabarwan Times retary AWHU, also addressed the gathering. They said that the grass root workers of the ICDS should be entitled to decent living. They demanded framing of a standing mechanism in the Ministry of Women and Child Development for the revision in the rates of honorarium of Anganwadi workers and helpers. They urged upon the government to make Anganwadis as noodle centers for imparting pre-school education to the children between the age group of 3-6. Quality freshly prepared food, educational toys and play way equipment should be provided to the centres so that they become attractive and acceptable for the parents. Hassena Sofi, Supinder Kour and Fahmeeda Banoo also spoke on the occasion. They demanded that minimum wages of skilled workers should be paid to Anganwadi workers and that of semi skilled workers to helpers. Remuneration of Anganwadi employees should be linked up with consumer price index and 10% annual increment should be given to both Anganwadi workers and helpers, they added. (KNS)
Police Chandigarh died en route to Holy Cave, official sources said. “Buhroo died at Brari Marg while Akeel Chand died at Sheshnag locations. Both complained of pain and subsequently fell unconscious. However, minutes later when they were rushed to nearby medical unit, they were declared brought dead,” official sources added. (GNS)
PDP campaign throughout the district. “We warn the party President get the decision back immediately otherwise face the consequences”, the activists said. When contacted MLA Syed Bashir Ahmad told GNS that he cannot stop his workers from protesting and it was their right. The MLA also said that he was not aware about the new development that party high command will give mandate to Drabu. “The party high command has not taken me under confidence regarding the decision”, the MLA said, adding that it was party's decision and it is their right whom they choose. Pertinently, Drabu had joined PDP few days ago. (GNS)
Suhag’s incumbent Gen Bikram Singh when he retires on July 31. The Ministry of Defence, in an affidavit filed earlier in the apex court registry, had said, “The alleged lapses observed by the then COAS, as reflected in show cause notice, were premeditated and issued in utter disregard to the legal provisions governing the court of inquiry, principles of natural justice....the lapses were vague, based on presumptions and legally and factually not maintainable.”
Kashmir Aziz said he went there twice to meet his son in prison. “He told us that his (lawyer’s friend) used to fight with him. He also told us that on the night when she was murdered he was at his home and the police arrested him at Haji Peer Shrine’,” he said. On being asked whether they would appeal in High Court, the parents of the youth said: “We are very poor. We don’t have money. Sometimes, we don’t have money even for food.” “I have literally begged before lawyer to fight case of my son. I told him I can’t pay anything and somehow he agreed,” his father said. “Only Allah would do justice with us,” visibly broken, Sara Begum, his mother, said. (GNS)
Rajouri confirming the recovering of a throat-slit body. “The body was later identified as Kounsar Parveen (24-years-old) wife of Wazaret Iqbal resident of Fethpur, Rajouri”. “She was Wazaret Iqbal’s second wife and was married with him some 12 days back”, the official said, adding that Wazret Iqbal’s first marriage was held 3 years back. Last night Wazret was staying with her first wife and her two year old girl was sleeping with Kounsar, he said. During the dawn time, the family members found the girl alone while the bride was missing inside the bedroom, the official said. He said that later during morning prayers, the family members and their neighbours found the bride some 70 meters away from the home in a pool of blood. He said a team of FSL experts has been deputed to the spot for investigation. The body has been sent for postmortem. “A case FIR no. 350 under section 174 CrPc has been registered in this regard and further investigations taken up”, he said. Meanwhile, the family and the relatives of the Kounsar Parveen Jan staged protest and demanded stern action against the culprits. (GNS)
Afghanistan's Ghani wins presidential election: preliminary results Afghanistan declared former World Bank official Ashraf Ghani the winner of last month's presidential election run-off on Monday on preliminary results that threaten to split the country along ethnic lines. The Independent Election Commission said Ghani won the June 14 second round with 56.44 percent of the vote, according to preliminary results. The tally might still change, however, when the final official numbers come out on July 22. There was no immediate reaction from Ghani's rival Abdullah Abdullah, a former anti-Taliban resistance fighter who has claimed widespread fraud in the messy vote and insisted results should be delayed until all fraudulent votes were thrown out. A bloody standoff between ethnic groups or even secession of parts of the country could ensue if he rejects the results. "The announcement of preliminary results does not mean that the leading candidate is the winner and there is possibly the outcome might change after we inspect complaints," IEC chief Ahmad Yousuf Nuristani told reporters. The deadlock over the vote has quashed hopes for a smooth transition of power in Afghanistan, a concern for the West as most U.S.led forces withdraw from the country this year. Earlier on Monday, rival camps tried to find a last-minute compromise to keep Afghanistan from sliding into a protracted period of uncertainty. Nuristani said the commission had received a request from Abdullah's camp to review ballot papers from more than 7,000 polling stations on
Accidents Police Station Kokernag, Anantnag. The injured was shifted to hospital for treatment. Police has registered a case in this regard. In another accident a Maxi-Plus vehicle (Chota Hathi) bearing registration number JK05D/5057 collided with a Tractor bearing registration number JK05A/8949 near Putkhah, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Tarzoo, Sopore. Abdul Rashid Bhat son of Ghulam Mohi-ud- Din Bhat resident of Trumgund who was boarding the Maxi Plus was injured in this mishap.
Abdullah, son of a Pashtun father and a Tajik mother, draws much of his support from the Tajik minority in northern Afghanistan. Ghani has strong support from Pashtun tribes in the country's south and east. Without a unifying leader accepted by all sides, Afghanistan could split into two or more fiefdoms along tribal fault lines, or even return to the bloody civil war of the 1990s. Abdullah has accused Karzai, also a Pashtun, of playing a role in the alleged rigging in Ghani's favor and says he would accept the vote only if he saw firm evidence that fraudulent votes had been thrown out and the final result was clean. Taliban insurgents remain a formidable security risk after vowing to disrupt the election process. On Monday, they killed a district police chief in the western city of Herat and attacked a check point in northern Afghanistan.
Earthquake rocks Super typhoon takes aim at Japan, emergency Mexico, Guatemala; warnings issued
at least 3 dead
At least three deaths were reported after a magnitude-6.9 earthquake rocked much of southern Mexico and Central America on Monday. The U.S. Geological Survey said the temblor, which hit at about 7:23 a.m ET, was centered about 5 miles northeast of the town of Puerto Madero near the Guatemala border. "We have reports of damaged homes and apparently three people dead. For now, this is all supposition, we're going by air to make checks," Sergio Cabanas, a spokesman for Guatemalan emergency services, told Reuters. Twelve people were taken to hospitals and 50 houses were evacuated in the region, which suffered major disruptions to communication, Sergio Vasquez, another spokesman for fire services, told the news service. Firefighters spokesman Raul Hernandez said at least two people were killed when their homes
collapsed in the Guatemalan town of San Marcos. Cracks opened up in buildings, and there were landslides in the area, authorities said. "This quake was pretty strong. There are houses destroyed," Luis Rivera, governor of the San Marcos region, told Reuters. The region was victimized by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake in 2012 that killed 48 people. In Mexico, local news media reported the quake was felt strongly in the Mexican states of Chiapas and Tabasco. The civil defense office in the Mexican state of Chiapas reported that one man had been killed in Huixtla by a collapsed wall."I thought the house was going to collapse," said Claudia Gonzales, 32, who fled into the street with her 1-year-old daughter in Comitan, a town in Chiapas. The quake was centered 57 miles below the surface. It was initially reported as magnitude-7.1, but the Geological Survey lowered the figure hours later.
Japan's weather agency on Monday issued emergency warnings to urge people in the country's southern islands to take maximum precautions as a super typhoon described as a "once in decades storm" is set to rake the Okinawa island chain with heavy rain and powerful winds. Typhoon Neoguri was already gusting at more than 250 km an hour (150 mph) and may pick up still more power as it moves northwest, growing into an "extremely intense" storm by Tuesday, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said. But it was not expected to be as strong as Typhoon Haiyan, which killed thousands in the Philippines last year. The JMA issued emergency storm and high sea warnings for Japan's small southern island of Miyakojima, some 300 km (188 miles) southwest of Okinawa island, and for a smaller nearby islet. The agency said on Monday evening it also planned to issue an emergency high sea warning for Okinawa island, host
to three-quarters of U.S. military facilities in Japan. "In these regions, there is a chance of the kinds of storms, high seas, storm surges and heavy rains that you've never experienced before," a JMA official told a news conference. "This is an extraordinary situation, where a grave danger is approaching." The storm was south of Okinawa but moving northwest at 25 kph (16 mph) with sustained winds of 180 kph (110 mph) by 7:00 p.m. (1000 GMT), the JMA said on its web site. The JMA official urged people in the target areas to evacuate early and take precautions. Television showed fishermen winching their boats out of the water. There are no nuclear plants on Okinawa, but there are two on Kyushu, Japan's westernmost main island that lies in the area through which the typhoon is likely to pass, and one on Shikoku island, which borders Kyushu and could also be affected.
OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE ENGINEER SWERAGE & DRAINAGE DIVISION NO. II (SMC) SRINAGAR
Geelani fabricated cases and they don’t get justice from the courts also. The Hurriyat chairman strongly criticized the attitude of the state administration and said that the rulers of the state are only concerned to their chairs and till now they have never taken any serious notice of the arrests and deaths of the Kashmiri youth who are residing in India. Though Omer Abdullah many a times assured that now Kashmiris will not be harassed anywhere in India but this announcement was just an announcement as usual and it proved a hoax and the harassment of Kashmiris continued in India. While demanding fair investigation and stern punishment to the culprits into the murder case of Lal Bazar youth Parvaiz Ahmed, Geelani sahib said that this case has become the litmus test for the state administration and let us see what measures they do in this regard. (KNS)
suspicion of fraud - a big enough number which, if recounted, could significantly alter the result. "We announced preliminary results today and it is now the complaints commission's duty to inspect this case," he said. "We are ready to provide any assistance until the end of the process.” DANGEROUS STANDOFF The election was intended to mark the first democratic transfer of power in Afghan history, a crucial step towards stability as NATO prepares to withdraw the bulk of its troops by the end of the year. Western powers, particularly the United States, had hoped for a trouble-free process that would show that 12 years of their military involvement in Afghanistan were not in vain and contributed to the country's nation-building. But the process has been fraught with accusations of cheating from the start.
GIST OF TENDER NOTICE NO. 07/SDII OF 06/2014 (2014-15) Position of Funds: DEMNADED For and on behalf of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, sealed tenders affixed with rupees two revenue stamps are invited from the Registered SELF HELP GROUPS (UN-EMPLOYED ENGINEERS) whose enlistment cards are valid in terms of standing rules, for the below mentioned work(s) strictly as per the terms and conditions given hereunder: Sl. No.
Name of work
Estt.Cost (Rs. in lacs)
Earnest Money (Rs.)
Class of Contract
Time of completion
Cost of Tender document (Rs.)
Head of Account
01
Laying of NP3 RCC 300mm dia pipe including manholes from H/o Master Bashir Ahmad upto H/o Dr. M. Najeeb at Gali No. 09 Sector G at Firdousabad Batmaloo length 90 meters
3.66
3660/-
SELF HELP GROUPS (UN-EMPLOYED ENGINEERS)
30 days
150/-
4217UD State Sector
02
Laying of NP3 RCC 450 mm dia pipe with introduction of Polycrate manhole covers near Old Irrigation Channel at Qamarwari
0.53
530/-
-do-
35 days
50/-
2217Non Plan
Note: 01. In case tender of the lowest tenderer is found unbalanced i.e. 15% below than advertised cost, the bidder shall have to deposit / produce additional performance security of 3% of advertised amount in shape of FDR before issuance of contract allotment so as to protect the department against any financial loss in the event of default of the successful tenderer which the successful tenderer should submit / deposit within 07 days from the date of formal intimation is issued in his favour from the department and failing which his Earnest Money in shape of CDR shall be fortified and his tender shall not be considered and shall be considered as invalid tender and shall be rejected. This additional performance security shall be released immediately when the concerned Asstt. Executive Engineer shall report that the contractor has completed the instant work. 02. During execution of work the contractor shall maintain video graphic / photographic evidence of work at his own expenditure, both shall be submitted to divisional office alongwith the work done claim.
TENDER RECEIVING AUTHORITY: Executive Engineer Swerage & Drainage Division No. II (SMC) Sgr. DATE OF ISSUE OF TENDER DOCUDMENTS UPTO: 08/07/2014 TILL 2:00 PM. DATE OF RECEIPT OF TENDERS ON OR BEFORE: 10/07/2014 UPTO 2:00 PM
Further details can be had from the office of the undersigned during office hours.
DIPK:3005
Sd/- Executive Engineer, Sewerage & Drainage Division No. II, Sgr.
Owner , Printer & Publisher: Suhail Malik Editor -in-Chief: Shahana Malik Legal Advisor: Syed Riyaz Hussain RNI NO. JKBII/2011/39764, Email: zabarwantimes@gmail.com Publised at Govt. Quarters , M-13 Magarmal Bagh Srinagar-190001 J&K, Printed at:- Sangarmal Offset Press Humhama Sheikhpora Tele/Fax: 2478370 Cell No. 09999964750, 9796 787844
NEWS
Daily ZABARWAN TIMES
SRINAGAR | TUESDAY, JULY | 08 | 2014
Periodic Committee of Secretaries (COS) meeting
CS reviews departmental functioning, availability of essential commodities SRINAGAR, JULY 07: Chief Secretary, Muhammad Iqbal Khandey, Monday chaired the periodic meeting of the Committee of Secretaries and reviewed the progress of various departmental initiatives. Chief Secretary received status report from the CA&PD Secretary regarding availability and distribution of essential commodities across the State with the directions to ensure adequate stock of food grains including sugar in view of the extra demand during month of Ramadhan and ensuing Eid Day. Mr Khandey also received brief from the administrative secretaries regarding initial review, evaluation and progress of targets achieved by each departreiterated that SMS Based moni- for completing the metering proment under the Results Frame Lone News Agency Kangan Khan News Agency Ganderbal toring mechanism should receive cess of all the Government eswork Document RFD till date. Gulzar News Agency Soura Zahid Book Depot Chadoora greater attention and Secretaries tablishments at the earliest with While reviewing theAgency Hawal Tariq News Bashir News Agencyto Nowhatta should ensure that periodic inthe directions all departments progress of SMS based monitorMuzaffar Ali News Agency Alamgari Bazar Budshah News Agency Lal Chowk spection of works is carried out to furnish the progress report in ing mechanism put in place for and status thisNews regard. Abdullah News Agency Lalupdated Chowkregularly. Sikendar Agency Lal Chowk ongoing projects in the PWD, Chief Secretary directed The Chief News Agency Lal Chowk Raina News Agency GundSecretary Kangan also PHE, I&FC and PDD,Gupkari Mr Khandey
Zabarwan Times is available at
Khan News Agency Regal Chowk Sheikh News Agency Hyderpora Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Magam Dar News Agency Beerwah Reshi News Agency Safapora Basharat News Agency Bandipora Altaf News Agency Pulwama Jeelani News Agency Baramulla Shah News Agency Kupwara SRINGAR, JULY 07: A meeting of the Committee Younis News Agency Langate on Government Assurances of Jammu and Kashmir LegislaReshi News Agency Islamabad tive Assembly was held under the Chairmanship of MLA Turray News Agency Tral Peer Aafaq Ahmad here today. Rahi News Kulgam Detailed discussion was heldAgency on various Action Taken Rah News Agency Byepass Reports (ARTs) of Government Assurances pertaining to
Committee on Government Assurance discusses ATRs of PDD
Power Development Department (PDD) besides its reviews functioning.Legislator Mr. Rachpal Singh attended the meeting and gave his valuable suggestions in fulfilling the pending Government Assurances given by the government from time to time on the floor of the House. Principal Secretary PDD, Mr. A. K. Mehta briefed the Committee about the ATRs and latest status with regard to the pending Assurances pertaining to the department through power point presentation. Among others, Managing Director JK SPDC, Power Development Commissioner, Chief Engineers of various wings of PDD of the Valley and other senior officers of PDD and Assembly Secretariat were present in the meeting.
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 KULGAM, JULY 07: District DeSultan News Agency Handwara velopment Commissioner, Kulgam, Sheikh News Agency Islamabad Mr.Three Jahangir took a review WayMir News Agency Tral of important sectors at Mini SecreBadru Newshere Agency Bijbehara tariat, Kulgam today. Malik News Arwani It wasAgency disclosed that unNews Agency derShaheen R&B Sector during theKargil current
lence meeting, Justice Virender Singh said that the sad demise of Chief Justice Mufti Baha-udDin Farooqui Chief Justice of J&K High Court who breathed his last on July 05, 2014 at the age of 87 years at Jawahar Nagar Srinagar
has once again reminded us that the life is transitory and death is the ultimate truth. However, good deeds and actions of a good person are cherished and remembered for all times to come. He was by all reckoning an outstanding and illustrious person-
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.
Gemini May 21-June 21
reviewed the progress of various other administrative matters pertaining to filling of vacant posts, departmental enquires, recruitment rules, citizen charter etc. The meeting was at-
over, Rs. 18.67 lakhs and Rs. 9.03 lakhs have been distributed under Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) & Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) respectively during current financial year.Under MGNREGA a Labour Budget of Rs. 47 crores have been proposed for current fiscal. As many as 2999 works have been taken up and 46 have been completed generating 43057 mandays providing employment to 56706 job card holders involving an expenditure of Rs. 97.93 lakhs. Similarly, under IAY 284 spill over units have been taken up and 40 have been physically completed involving an expenditure of Rs. 2.25 lakhs. The credit Action Plan for the year 2014-15 approved at Rs. 419 crores for the district is under implementation expecting coverage
ality, Justice Singh added. This all is reflected from the life sketch of this great soul, born on April 04, 1924 who did his Masters Degree in Arts and then Law at Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh and was the topper
in Mathematics. After accomplishing his studies, he started practice at District Court Anantnag. He was enrolled as Pleader on November 15, 1946, joined Judicial Service as Munsiff on October 12, 1950. Subsequently was elevated as High Court Ad-
ditional Judge on August 27, 1971 and thereafter permanent Judge on March 06, 1972. He was appointed as Acting Chief Justice on February 23, 1980 to August 23, 1983 and relinquished the Office of the Chief Justice on
Peerzada visits flood affected areas of Kokernag Constituency Assess damage to crops, property SRINAGAR, JULY 07- Minister for Haj, Auqaf, Floriculture and Public Enterprises Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed today visited Gadool village in Kokernag Constituency of Anantnag District to take stock of the damage caused to property, crops and utilities due to incessant rains and flash flood. The incessant rains and flash flood had caused damages to the crops, trees, roads, water and power supply in the village. Some nallahs of the area were damaged causing inundation in some houses. Later, the Minister chaired a joint meeting of officers of Revenue, PHE, Irrigation, Flood Control, Horticulture and CAPD departments and had a detailed review of the situation arisen due to
recent rains and floods in the area. He directed the concerned officers for ensuring correct and accurate assessment of the damage caused to crops and property and submit the report within five days so that the affected could be compensated accordingly at the earliest. He also asked the concerned for restoration of utilities at the earlist. Meanwhile, Peerzada said that steps will be taken to extend immediate succour to the affected and in this regard asked the affected people to extend cooperation to the officers entrusted with the job of loss assessment. Regarding the damaged houses in the village, the Minister asked the officers to prepare the estimates for repair and renovation of these houses. En-route at Yailoo, various individuals and deputations also called on the Minister and apprised him of their problems and demanded immediate redressal of the same.
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.
April 20-May 20
tended by Principal Secretary Planning and Development Mr. B R Sharma, Principal Secretary Home Mr. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary PDD Mr. Arun Kumar Mehta and other administrative Secretaries.
of 800 cases for unemployed youth. Meanwhile, marketing checking was got conducted and 27 Kgs of polythene seized, 03 quintals of rotten fruit and 25 Kgs of junk food were destroyed and an amount of Rs. 3900/- was recovered as fine. District Development Commissioner asked all the district officers to accelerate the process for completing the ongoing works for which 50 percent authorization for utilization under District Plan has already been conveyed. At the end of the meeting, District Development Commissioner directed all the officers to ensure that targets for the current financial year are achieved in full besides maintaining quality parameters while executing the works for the interest of the general public.
Full Court Reference held at High Court Srinagar to condole the demise of Mufti Baha-ud-Din Farooqui SRINAGAR, JULY 07: To condole the sad demise of Justice Mufti Baha-ud-Din Farooqui, former Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir, a full court reference was held at Srinagar Wing of the High Court here today. Speaking at the condo-
Aries
March 21-April 19
Taurus
DC Kulgam for expediting the development pace in the district
financial year Rs. 11.65 crore have been proposed for the sector under District Plan and 50 percent of the funds under district have been authorized for execution of the ongoing works which are in full swing. Under Health Sector during the current financial year Rs. 167.28 lakhs have been proposed for the sector under District Plan. 2.63 lakhs OPD, 17627 IPD 731 Major Surgeries; 1978 Minor Surgeries; 88585 Lab tests 19556 X-Rays, 6405 USGs and 1417 institutional deliveries have been conducted. More-
HOROSCOPE
August 29, 1983. An eminent jurist and Judge with sharp intellect and profound knowledge of law, the judgements of late Chief Justice are known for preciseness, clarity and incisiveness. He has delivered a large number of landmark judgement which find
place of prominence in Law Journals, besides has left an indelible imprint on the legal landscape of the country. He is well known for his administrative skills also and has carved out a place for himself in the history of State in line with
able Administrators and eminent Judges and was a great human being too.The sad demise has created a great vacuum in legal field, which is difficult to be filled up. It is an irreparable loss to the legal fraternity in particular and society as a whole in general. His memories will linger on in our minds for all times to come. For the said demise of Chief Justice Mufti Baha-ud-Din Farooqui, on behalf of the Chief Justice and other Judges, Justice Virender Singh expressed heartfelt sympathies and condolence with the members of bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and endurance the bereaved family to bear the loss.Among others, the Judges on the Bench of High Court, former Judges, Advocate General, Law Officers, Assistant Solicitor General, Judicial Officers of Subordinate Courts Srinagar, besides Court Officers attended the condolence meeting.
Kichloo visits lolab, reviews developmental scenario
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.
SRINAGAR, JULY 07- Minister of state for Industries and Commerce, Mr. Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, today visited Lolab area of Kupwara district and reviewed the pace of ongoing developmental works there. The Minister was accompanied by senior officers of Police and District Administration. At Sogam, various deputations headed by former MLA and NC leader, Qaisar Jamsheed Lone met the Minister and presented the charter of demands related to community development, augmentation of water and power supply in the area, etc. Mr. Kichloo gave them patient hearing and assured that genuine demands would be looked into and resolved at the earliest. He also issued several on spot direction to address some of the immediate needs of the local people.Later, the Minister visited Zurhama village in Kupwara to condole Peer Farooq Baji over the demise of his son. He expressed his sympathy with the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul.
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.
Applications for inclusion and omission to be submitted upto August 16 at Budgam BUDGAM, JULY 07: According to the District Election officer, Budgam all those
February 19-March 20
people of the district who have attained the age of 18 years on October 01, 2014 are eligible to apply for inclusion in the electoral roll at the office of Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Sub Divisional Magistrate, Khansahib, Special Collector Defence, Tehsildar concerned Booth Level Officer of the relevant polling station from July 1, 2014 to August 16, 2014, besides, the applications for deletion of expired voters or those who have shifted their residence shall also be received during the said period.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Pisces
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 Qoute of the day
Be passionate, they are young Beverly and Sills deserve leniency
you may be disappoinhted if you fail, but you are doomed if you donot try
CLandongrabbing Rise
ricket has become a very popular game across the world and this game offers name, fame and a lot of money not only to the players but to various boards, adhe way vertising agencies andpoliticians hundreds ofin J&K are using unlawstake holders connected directly or ful means to grab indirectly with this game. Once con-official and custodian sidered a gentleman’s game, cricket land,with haslot exposed nexis now engulfed of controus between revenue officials, versies including betting, fixing and landnegative mafia things. and politicians. other It is not a sin toA senior Congress like or dislike a player leader or a teamhas but italover 300hiscanals islegedly the way grabbed that one expresses senof land in District Budgam, timents connected with his likings. a Cabinet Jammu and Once chiefMinister election in commissioner of Parliament in Sriofa Member India M.S.Gill who later became is an what anagar cabinet. This minister andiota heldofsports is being done as in most of the portfolio was interviewed on a TV cases, were the he details remain channel openly said that hehidis because of Benami formuaden big fan of Pakistani cricket team. It la which is being these does not attracted anyused ill willby against politicians to grab land. It is the country and cannot be treated not as a surprising thing because the treason or a hate act against the counpoliticians well aware that try, but if youare celebrate the victory to their non-performance, ofdue Pakistani cricket team over India they will never come tocan power and raise slogans it definitely be again and hence, they start the treated as a hate act and will amount from the very bealoot punishment. The J&Kday chiefthey Minisgin their tenure.hasKashmir valter Omer Abdullah said that the ley has very limited land paract of Kashmiri students is not a kind there ofticularly treason butinhascities,towns justified their punby making almostauthorities. non-availishment by theit university able for lower class The question arises as middle to why should and poor people due exuberant these students instead of putting their and sky-rocketing prices.new The abilities to study and achieve politicians at prime heights indulgegrab in suchland acts. Definiteusingthefraudlylocations they are in either Meerut where uniulent ways by changing reveversity has provided them an oppornue rules in different their favor or and they tunity to study courses purchase onbelong cheaper where most ofthe the land students to ratesparts again their other of using India who willpolitical necesmight and coercion. The revsarily get hurt when somebody raises enue against officials with slogans theirco-operate team or country. them as theystudents also share thehave booThe Kashmiri should ty besides being known that they are bestowed availing all with the prize postings and undue profacilities provided by Govt. of India motions. If a smalloftime teacher and the government the country can become director where they live managing and make their carof aItcorporation, 4th are emrier. is unfortunatea class that they ployee again a managing direcswayed by emotions without caring tortheofemotions a prestigious organizafor of others and are intion and so acts on. which Whatcould canfurone dulging in such conclude from such favoritism. ther complicate their future and creThis is all the return of services ate many more problems. By doing so which these class 4th and class they have also put their parents in lot employees have rendered ofthree inconvenience as everybody is not to politicians hook crook. affluent and doesbynot haveorenough It is not the case of one politimoney to spend on the education of cal party or one office. There their wards. There are people who are hundreds such barrow the money of or sell the officials properrise to highest ranks with tywho for the education of their children. the help of corrupt politicians It is the duty of the children to respect without even passing the hard work and toil of their graduaparents tiondonot the question qualiwho everything for theirofeducafying any competitive protion. They should refrain fromor doing fessional examination. Coming such acts. As they are young hence the back toauthorities land grabbing, university should takethe a menace view is onand rise andnow presentpassionate should give ly about half achance dozenand ministers them one more should and over a dozen of politicians not spoil their career. The UP govt. are allegedly involved should also keep their young in agethis in unlawful activity. But against in this view and withdraw the cases stateparticularly where criminals the them, the case of rule treason. roost and most corrupt are welAs they are young, the govt. of Utter come in political party, Pradesh andevery the University instead of no body can on expect anyproving halt on coming heavily them and such should activities. harsh, instead be polite and lenient on them.
T
Daily Daily
Zabarwan Times Times Zabarwan
Srinagar,Friday Tuesday July 2014 Srinagar, 0708 March 2014
Drinking Water Facility for Villages
F
ive crore people living in over one lakh habitations in villages in our country do not have access to safe drinking water even today. According to official figures twenty two per cent rural families have to walk for at least half a kilometer or more to fetch water (mostly it is the women who have to bear the burden). The percentage of such families is the maximum in Manipur, Tripura, Odisha, Meghalaya, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh. Fifteen per cent of households in villages depend on uncovered wells and other unimproved sources like rivers, springs, ponds for drinking water. Also eighty five per cent of all drinking water resources in villages are based on underground sources of water and in many of these areas water is contaminated. Only 30.80 percent of the rural population has access to tap water. In fact there are only four states which have been able to bring fifty per cent or more of the rural areas under piped water supply. Many of the states are yet to fully comply with the Supreme Court order on supply of potable water in government schools. The latest available data shows that less than the 44 per cent government schools in villages have drinking water facility. During the national consultation in Delhi held recently on the progress of national rural drinking water programmers and related issues , it was revealed that in spite of this unsatisfactory scenario with regard potable water availability in villages many of the states have failed to fully utilize the funds allocated by the centre under the various heads of NRDWP. To achieve the objective of providing drinking water facilities to all the villages, the Government is bringing about a major paradigm shift in the National Rural Drinking Water Programme in the XIIth
Five Year plan period. In the backdrop of over extraction of ground water in most parts of the country, the emphasis is to shift away from ground water to surface water. The focus would be on piped water supply and minimizing the use of hand pumps. The target is to ensure individual household connections to at least 35 per cent of the population in villages by 2017 against only 13 per cent today. In order to encourage the villagers to take water connections, the Government is roping in Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA). A recent order said the ASHAs will get an incentive of 75 rupees for motivating each of the families in villages to take individual household tap connection. The states can use the money from the support funds allocated to states under the NRDWP. The norm of 40 litres of water per capita per day( LPCD) in villages was set way back in 1972 but now under the 12th five year plan , it is being increased from 40 to 55 litres .In the 12th plan the target is to cover at least half of the population to get 55 LPCD water within in their house hold premises or within 100 meter radius. Once the states are able to increase the per capita availability of drinking water, it will help in bridging the gap to some extent between urban areas and rural areas. Under NRDWP, States have the flexibility to fix their own supply norms. The Drinking Water and Sanitation Minister Bharatsinh Solanki has urged the states to aim at 55 LPCD , this he says will enable higher level of household connections and reduce the burden on women and girls in fetching water from hand pumps and public taps as well as reducing risk of contamination. Quality of drinking water availability is a major concern in villages many parts of the country are affected by contamination of arsenic and fluoride, which are considered
the most hazardous in terms of their effect on health. In the budget proposals for 2013-14 Rs 1,400 crore will be provided for the setting-up water purification plants as there are still 2,000 arsenic and 12,000 fluoride affected rural habitations in the country. Then there are contaminants like iron, salinity uranium and pesticides. The centre is assisting States affected with Chemical contamination of drinking water, and those States which have cases of Japanese and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome through a provision under the NRDWP by allocating 5% of the NRDWP funds for Improving the quality of drinking water Given the growing importance of water quality issues, under the 12th plan dedicated funding will be provided to States with quality affected habitations, over and above the normal NRDWP allocation to the State. Highest priority will be given to arsenic and fluoride affected habitations. Part of the funding would also be made available to tackle bacteriological contamination in the priority districts with high incidence of Japanese and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome as identified by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Unfortunately many of the states like Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Kerala, and Uttarakhand & Tripura are yet to submit proposals to get the benefit from 5% Water Quality earmarked fund. World over lack of drinking water and sanitation facilities account for over nine per cent of the diseases and more than six per cent of deaths. In our country where more than half the population resorts to open defecation, the situation is worse. It is in this scenario that major emphasis in the 12th plan is strengthening convergence between rural drinking water supply and rural sanitation by taking up
villages covered with piped water supply to get Open Defecation Free status priority and vice versa. The 12th plan draft document says that all government schools and anganwadis in government or community buildings will be provided with water supply for drinking and for toilets as per relevant quality norms by convergence of NRDWP for existing schools and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and for new schools set up under SSA. For private schools this will be enforced the right to education provisions. All community toilets built with public funds and maintained for public use will be provided with running water supply under NRDWP. Care will be taken to ensure that minimum distance is maintained between the toilet systems and water sources, to alleviate the problem of nitrate contamination. A part of NRDWP outlay will be set aside for integrated Habitat Improvement Projects to provide housing, water and sanitation facilities in rural areas at par with urban areas. Participation of the beneficiaries especially women in drink water supply schemes is also proposed. In another initiative Solar powered pumps will be provided for implementation in remote, small habitations and those with irregular power supply by converging subsidy available under Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Waste water treatment and recycling will also be an integral part of every water supply plan or project. India is fast becoming a water stressed country and over and above everything else there is need to generate awareness about protecting drinking water sources from contamination, regular testing of drinking water sources, conserving rainwater in tanks and ponds, water recharge and water saving devices so that everyone in the country is able to get the basic facility of drinking water.
Measures to Check Cheating of investors by Unscrupulous Companies
C
heating of investors by unscrupulous companies takes many forms, such as: ‘vanishing’ after raising money through public offers; illegal collection of deposits in violation of Section 58A of the Companies Act, 1956; floating sham ‘Collective Investment Schemes (CIS)’ in violation of SEBI Act; collecting money from public by posing as ‘Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in violation of RBI Act; and resorting to ‘Ponzy’ or money circulation schemes under the Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act, 1978. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has taken action against ‘vanishing companies’ which have raised funds through initial public offer but thereafter are not traceable. The Ministry has also taken action against certain companies which have failed to repay deposits to public violating Section 58A of the Companies Act, 1956. Complaints of cheating by companies which promised high rates of interests to investors, have been received against 87 companies. In these cases Inspection under Section 209A/ Investigation under Section 234 of the Companies Act, 1956 has been ordered. Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) also looked into the affairs of 669 companies whose operations were in violation of SEBI (Collective Investment Schemes) Regulations, 1999. The amount collected by these companies was about Rs 7,435 crore. Out of these companies, 75 have been wound up and the money refunded to the investors. A total of 552 companies were prosecuted; convictions have been secured in 124 cases. RBI also regulates deposits / investments of the public with Non- banking Finance Companies (NBFC) that are registered with RBI. Complaints received against companies posing as NBFC’s and Unincorporated bodies indulging in cheating
/ fraud are forwarded by RBI to the Economic Offenses Wing of the State Police for investigation and further action. There are certain companies which have floated fraudulent investment deposits mobilizing schemes (also called ponzi schemes) under various guises and are liable for action under the Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act, 1978. This Act is administered by Ministry of Finance (Department of Financial Services) through the State Governments. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has constituted a Steering Committee to develop a “Fraud Prediction Model” aimed at generating alerts for prevention of fraud and malfeasance. It is also proposed to revamp the existing Market Research & Analysis Unit (MRAU) in the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) to enable it to function as an intelligence unit. Giving a fillip to the early establishment of a state-of-art Forensic Lab within the premises of SFIO in the national capital; and the development of a Comprehensive Early Warning System (EWS) for detection of corporate fraud and malfeasance at the earliest, three important MoUs have been signed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. These MoUs are: Between Director, SFIO ( which functions under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs) and Director, National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), a scientific organization under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology; Between Joint Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Director, Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND), an agency under the Ministry of Finance; and Director, SFIO and Director, FIU-IND. As per the Memorandum, NIELIT will set up a state-of-art Forensic Lab within
the premises of SFIO - with a total outlay of Rs. 3.80 Crore on a turnkey basis, to be completed in two phases. The MoUs signed with FIU-IND will lead to better and faster exchange of information between the three Government entities. FIU has been playing a pivotal role in the collection and dissemination of information on suspicious banking transactions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. FIU-IND has been helping both the Ministry and SFIO from time to time by supplying information on suspicious banking transactions. Having access to banking information as well as expertise of FIU, the MoU will help SFIO in conducting its investigation in a more effective manner. These initiatives will facilitate development of a comprehensive EWS for detection of fraud and malfeasance at the earliest. The concerned regulatory agencies of the Central Government have adopted different measures aimed at sensitizing the public of the need to be cautious while making investments into schemes, etc. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs conducts Investor Awareness Programs (IAP’s) for making the public aware of the various instruments of investments available to them. Similarly, RBI issues notice in newspapers regularly to caution the public against the design of entities in collection of deposits illegally. Editors of Newspapers are also sensitized to exercise caution for accepting advertisements pertaining to acceptance of deposits by un-incorporated bodies. Presently, RBI is in the process of undertaking a comprehensive campaign aimed at alerting the public against falling prey to the Ponzy schemes and other monetary mal-practices. SEBI also conducts Investor Awareness Programs in cities / towns across the country and has recently launched publicity campaigns through electronic and print media.
Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer