Zabarwan Times E-Paper English 09 January

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THURSDAY

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

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

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Choudhary held for AAP office attack New Delhi, Jan 08: Hours

after the attack on Aam Aadmi Party's Kaushambi office in Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad Police on Wednesday arrested the national convenor of Hindu Raksha Dal and 12 others in connection with the incident.

Hindu Raksha Dal national convenor Pinki Choudhary was arrested from Sahibabad area and an FIR was lodged against him, along with 30-40 unknown persons, in connection with the attack.

"We have registered an FIR against Pinky Choudhary and around 30-40 unknown persons for the attack on AAP's office," Deputy Superintendent of Police Ran Vijay Singh said.

"A case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code has been registered," he said, adding that police have so far arrested 13 persons in this regard and more arrests would be made soon. "Police are See Choudhary On Page 11..

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s to d in a le nts th a n e o n lati ailme o d radu t o s I rt ed eh hea arr ai-D s fire h 9 c umb res M Exp

Jk Switching over to e-stamping

No intention to retire from cricket yet

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Indian economy heading for good times: PM Asks Indian diaspora to remain engaged in country's future

New Delhi, Jan 08: Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has assured the Indian diaspora that the country's economy is heading for good times and there is no reason to despair about its present or future. Inaugurating the 12th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in

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New Delhi today, Dr. Singh said that India's economy has done well over the past decade and in the nine years since 2004 it averaged a healthy growth rate of 7.9 percent per annum.

He said that there has been a slow down in the recent past and the country will probably end this year with five

percent growth.

The Prime Minister said that government has taken a very wide range of decisions to accelerate the implementation of mega infrastructure projects, reform tax administration, improve fiscal management, liberalize foreign direct investments in recent months. He said, the country's communication See PM On Page 11..

Inter-District burglary gang busted Goods worth 25 lacs recovered: SSP SGR Srinagar, Jan 08: Srinagar police busted an inter-District burglary gang and solved about 15 theft cases in Srinagar District alone and recovered valuables including gold jewellery, Pashmina shawls and electronic goods worth about 25 lacs.

Giving details SSP Srinagar, Sh. Amit Kumar while addressing a press conference at Srinagar said that over the last two years a large number of burglaries were reported across Hazratbal Zone

Kashmir receives fresh Snowfall Will assess snowfall before closing NH: IGP Traffic Srinagar, Jan 8 (KNS): After the state metrological department predicted heavy snowfall in valley, Fresh snowfall Wednesday started in various districts including Srinagar.

Pertinently, metrology department has predicted heavy to moderate snowfall in the valley on January, 8 and 9.

The office of the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir informed KNS that the authorities here are fully prepared and the district offices across valley have been directed to remain alert.

During the early morning today, the reports of snowfall were received Kupwara, Baramulla, Islamabad, Kulgam, Shopian, Bandipora and Ganderbal.

The KNS correspondent informed that the heavy snowfall was reported from south Kashmir Shopian.

According to IGP Traffic Muneer Ahmad Khan, a major chunk of Jammu bound vehicles were facilitated to get through by the traffic department today. “We have cleared See IGP Traffic On Page 11..

of Srinagar City. In December 2013, a Special Investigation Tem (SIT) headed

by SDPO Hazratbal under the overall supervision of SP Hazratbal was constituted by SSP Srinagar to crack the theft cases.

The SIT worked hard and zeroed in on a suspect Mushtaq Ahmad Dar son of Ghulam Qadir Dar resident of Narain Bagh Ganderbal on his arrest he was put to sustained questioning See SSP SGR On Page 11..

Hizb militant’s funeral in Pulwama Searches for Lashkar militants continue in Sopore

Srinagar, Jan 08: People Wednesday attended the Nimaz-e-Jinaza (funeral prayers) of Wasim Ahmad Dar, a Hizbul Mujahideen militant, who was killed in an encounter Awantipora area

of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

Reports reaching GNS said that thousands of people today staged pro-freedom and anti-India demonstrations in Dogarpora, Wanipora area of Awantipora to protest the killing of Hizb militant Wasim Ahmad, son of Mohammad Yousuf Dar in See Pulwama On Page 11..

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Zabarwan Times

Thursday 09 January 2014

From the front page

PM networks have expanded exponentially during the past ten years and much of rural India will be connected by broadband in the near future.

Regarding education, Dr. Singh said that it has been radically reformed with Central Universities having gone from 17 to 44 and the IITs and IIMs doubling in number and at the primary level, nearly every child in India is going to school today. He said government has added over 17000 kilometers of highways and more than two lakh kilometers of new roads in rural areas and its power generation capacity is also expanding rapidly.

Describing country's accelerated economic development as socially more inclusive, he said inclusive development has always been the guiding principle of Government and it has pursued it with great vigour and purpose in recent years.

Dr. Singh said regardless of the outcome of the next elections, India will once again demonstrate to the world the strength of its democracy and institutions. He said that it is especially encouraging to see country's youth from all walks of life not only articulate their expectations and aspirations, but take actively to politics to shape their future. He said key priorities of his government are to provide open, transparent, accountable and clean government and it has taken many steps in this direction.

These include the Right to Information, the Lokpal legislation, the Government Procurement Bill, changes in the systems for the allocation of natural resources and empowering our law enforcement and audit agencies.

He said that after the UPA government came to power, it established the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and launched Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Suraksha Yojana for diaspora. He added the government will continue to support and assist them and promote their links with India in every possible way.

Dr. Singh also said that the Indian expatriate community’s contribution to the country has been invaluable in several spheres of economy and society and this year, New Delhi welcomes particularly the younger generation among them. The Prime Minister said that India is prepared to assume international role and responsibilities that the world expects from it.

He also expressed confidence that the association between India and its over twenty-two million roving ambassadors in the expatriate Indian community will continue to deepen and prosper in the years to come.

Minister of External Affairs Sh. Salman Khurshid, has exhorted the overseas Indians to become India’s best ambassadors to spread and popularize the country’s values, beliefs, culture and heritage overseas. Presiding over the session on ‘India Soft Power’ on Day-2 of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2014, Sh. Khurshid called upon the delegates to be active in social networking to enable India to build its brand name and image so that deeper economic engagements are concluded with overseas economies, irrespective of their size.

Addressing the session, Sh. Kapil Sibal, Minister of Communication & Information Technology and Law & Justice said, the present aspirational India will begin to inspire the remaining part of the globe by 2025, as it will have 90 crore people in the working age population, throwing a lone challenge for successive governments to provide infrastructure and growth opportunities for the people to realize their collective potential.

Sh. Sibal said that by 2020, 60 crore Indians would have migrated to large cities, embracing latest technologies with the best of education at their command. This would create windows for them to unleash their potential and make India a hub to interact and interconnect with the rest of the world.

The revenue generated in 2006 through IT &ITEs was estimated at $40 billion which has gone up to $100 billion now. Of this, $75 billion was contributed by export earnings. This was indicative of the strides made by the Indian economy, he added.

Sh. Sibal complimented the diaspora present at the convention, saying that it epitomized India’s soft power and has done India proud and hoped that it continued to serve India.

Minister of Culture, Smt Chandresh Kumari Katoch in her presentation, stated that the Indian diaspora should actively spread its civilization, heritage and cultural ethos in their host countries and organize promotional events.

SSP SGR in which he confessed in the commission of the burglaries and also lead to the arrest of other members of his gang Ghulam Ahmad Dar @ Amma Dar son of Mohammad Subhan Dar resident of Gund Roshan Ganderbal and Ghulam Hassan Bhat @ Hannas Bengali son of Mohammad Sultan Bhat resident of Saidpora Eidgah.

On questioning, the thieves confessed their involvement in burglaries in areas of Soura, Nigeen, Lalbazar etc and on their instances golden ornaments and valuables worth Rs 2500000/- approximately have been recovered so far.

The burglars revealed that they would carefully recce the target houses during day time and observe movement of inmates for two or three days before striking the house for committing thefts. In some of the cases, the kingpin of the gang revealed that they would hire a rented accommodation close to the target house a month prior to commission of offence. Bases on the inputs gathered, they used to decide the time of theft, whether to strike during day or night.

The gang worked in an organized fashion and were operating in Ganderbal, Pulwama besides District Srinagar.

The investigations are still going on and further recoveries and arrests of accomplish, abettors and receivers of stolen property are expected in coming days.

With these arrests and recoveries, at least fifteen cases of burglaries in Hazratbal Zone alone are expected to be cracked.

Last year in June Hazratbal Zone also cracked a burglary case with 24 hours of commission of offense and recovered stolen goods worth 15 lacs. This case was also solved by the team headed by SDPO Hazratbal.

Khan told KNS. Meanwhile, the air traffic continued to operate normally except for cancellation of few flights. “The air traffic continued to operate normally except for cancellation of two flights of Indigo and another was of Go Air. Rest some 15 flights landed normally,” Manzoor Ahmad Dalal, SP Airport told KNS. Meanwhile, MeT department on Wednesday predicted moderate to heavy snowfall between January 8 and January 10. "As already predicted, some isolated places may receive very heavy snowfall," Sonam Lotus, Director, Meteorological Department, told KNS. (KNS)

Palwama a brief, but fierce gun-battle with army on Tuesday night. While hundreds of young and old women mourners were beating their chests, angry youth shouted vociferous pro-freedom and anti-India slogans.

Later, Wasim’s body was taken in a procession to the Martyrs graveyard. Amid tears and sobs, he was laid to rest.

Meanwhile, a police official told GNS that a case FIR No 03/2014, under section 307 RPC, 7/27 IA Act has been registered into the Tuesday’s incident.

Meanwhile, search operations continued Wednesday in Sopore town of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district where a police officer was killed and three policemen injured in an encounter with militants on Tuesday.

Reports reaching GNS said that SOG, army and CRPF carried out searches in several localities of the town, including Chinkipora, where two Lashkar-e-Toiba militants, Muzaffar Molvi and Abu Huraira, a Pakistani national escaped after killing a police officer and injuring three cops during a brief encounter on Tuesday morning. Besides frisking the youth, the joint teams also asked them to produce identity cards. The passenger and private vehicles were also checked at many places in the town.

“Besides it, sniffer dogs were also used by the teams to search the militants. The searches continued throughout the day. However, no one was arrested,” reports said.

Choudhary

NC for full implementation of recommendations on new administrative units Jammu, Jan 8: National Conference on Wednesday sought immediate implementation of the recommendations of Dr Bloeria and Mushtaq Ahmed panels on creation of new administrative units at block, Naiabat and sub-divisional level in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that these reflect the aspirations of the people at grass roots level.

“The recommendations are required to be accepted in toto so that the administrative set-up envisioned by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah with regard to taking the administration at door steps of the people is optimally realized”, the provincial core group of National Conference resolved at a meeting held at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan here this afternoon. The meeting was presided over by Provincial

President Mr Devender Singh Rana.

The meeting was attended by Senior State Vice President and MLA, Mr Surjeet Singh Slathia, S Harbans Singh, Vice President Peer Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari, legislators, Kr Rachpal Singh and Mrs Bimla Luthra, ex MPs Mirza Abdul Rasheed and Ch Talib Hussain, Sr Vice President, Mr Rattan Lal Gupta, ex-legislators, Pandit Govind Ram Sharma, Babu Ram Paul, Mr Brij Mohan Sharma besides senior leaders Mr Jugal Mahajan, Vijay Laxmi Dutta, Gurdeep Singh Sasan, Sheikh Bashmir Ahmed.

The core group observed that the reports submitted by the two panels are based on exhaustive discussions and consultations with the stake holders, irrespective of their

party affiliations, and therefore their implementation will help in assuaging the urges of the people at large. It felt that the initiative of Mr Omar Abdullah will greatly help inhabitants of difficult and disadvantageous areas who are otherwise required to throng long distances to pursue their cases in various government offices.

The group members hoped that political parties will rise above party politics and show convergence in getting the recommendations implemented as soon as possible. The members stated that the keenness being shown by the Chief Minister in having these administrative units in place within minimum possible time frame reflects his desire to ensure that people are empowered in real sense of term. (KNS)

Most dangerous temps in decades push across US Washington, Jan 08: The coldest, most dangerous blast of polar air in decades has gripped the US Midwest and pushed toward the East and South and eastern Canada, closing schools and day care centres, grounding flights and forcing people to pull their hoods and scarves tight to protect exposed skin from nearly instant frostbite.

Many across the nation's midsection went into virtual hibernation, while others dared to venture out in temperatures that plunged well below zero Fahrenheit (minus 18 Celsius) yesterday.

"I'm going to try to make it two blocks without turning into crying man," said Brooks Grace, who was bundling up to do some banking and shopping in down-

town Minneapolis, where temperatures reached 23 below F (-31 C), with wind chills of minus 48 F (minus 45 Celsius). "It's not cold, it's painful." The mercury also dropped into negative territory in Milwaukee, St. Louis and Chicago, which set a record for the date at minus 16 F (minus 27 C). Wind chills across the region were 40 below F (40 below C) and colder. Records also fell in Oklahoma, Texas and Indiana.

Forecasters said some 187 million people in all could feel the effects of the "polar vortex" by the time it spread across the country last night and today. Record lows were possible in the East and South, with highs in the single digits F (minus 17 to minus 13 C) expected today in Georgia and Alabama.(Agencies)

Govt of Jammu and Kashmir

scanning footage of CCTV cameras installed in the party's office to identify other accused, who would also be arrested soon," the DSP said.

Earlier in the day, activists of Hindu Raksha Dal attacked Aam Aadmi Party's Kaushambi office to protest against AAP leader Prashant Bhushan's remarks on referendum in Kashmir.

Around 40 activists of Hindu Raksha Dal broke flower pots kept outside the AAP's office and tore party posters.

Sher-I-Kashmir institute of medical sciences Medical College/Hospital

9 charred to death in Mumbai-Dehradun Express fire Mumbai, Jan 08: Nine people were charred to death when a fire broke out in three coaches of Mumbai-Dehradun Express train near Dahanu road in neighbouring Thane district in the wee hours on Wednesday.

Among the nine dead, one is a woman and four are men while the rest were yet to be identified, said Western Railway PRO Sharat Chandra.

Four persons have sustained minor injuries, said police.

The fire erupted in one of the three coaches and soon spread to other two coaches when the passengers were sleeping at about 2.50 AM, Chandra said, adding the cause of the blaze is not yet known.

He said that a level crossing gate man spotted the fire and immediately alerted the guard inside the train.

The guard subsequently informed the motorman following which the train was stopped.

"Due to alertness of the gate man, a major disaster was averted," Chandra said.The train was halted at Gholvad railway station near Dahanu road where the fire was brought under control.Railway helpline has also been started for assistance. The numbers for MUMBAI are 022-23011853 and 022-23007388. The numbers for DELHI are 011-23342954 and 011-24355964.

DIPK:2575

Sd/-Asstt. Materials Management Oficer

Govt of Jammu and Kashmir

Office of The Executive Engineer PHE Division Chadoora NIT NO.28/PHEDC of 12/2013 (2013-14)

IGP Traffic 80 per cent of around 3000 light motor vehicles and hope that other 20 per cent will get through very soon.”

Khan said that he will assess the snowfall situation till 9 pm and if the snowfall continued then the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH) will closed for tomorrow.

“Presently, snowfall continues at Jawahir Tunnel and Patnitop. If there was heavy snowfall, we will have to close the highway for traffic movement. But people who want to come to Srinagar tomorrow should first contact Traffic Control Unit Jammu before leaving their places,”

DIPK:12293

Sd/-Executive Engineer

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

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Daily ZABARWAN TIMES

THURSDAY | JANUARY | 09 | 2014

Shabir inaugurates Trauma centre at Ghagwal ‘600 new sub-health centers in offing in state’

JAMMU, JANUARY 08: Minister of State for Health, Mr. Shabir Ahmad Khan today inaugurated newly constructed Trauma Centre building at Ghagwal in Samba.

The hospital building has been completed at a cost of Rs 99.83lacs .This 10 bedded unit , having facilities of plaster room, laboratory, X-Ray, UCG, doctors rooms and dispensary would help to cater to the emergency cases besides providing health care facilities to other patients . Member Parliament, Ch. Lal Singh, Legislators, Mr. Durga Das, Mr. Subash Sharma, District Development Commissioner, Samba, Mr. R.K.Verma , Diment in the development policy rector Health Services Jammu , Dr. gramme scores of health centers B S Phatania and Former MLA, Mr. in the villages, sub-districts and and during last five years it received full attention for improvement and districts have been completed and Girdari Lal Chalhotra were also upgradation.The Minister said that many are in the process of complepresent on the occasion.Addresscoming up of modern health faciliing a largely attended public gath- tion.Besides upgrading and modties at the district, sub district and ernizing the health institutions, ering after inauguration of Truama block levels would not only expand a mega expansion programme is Center, the Minister re-affirmed the orbit of health coverage for in offing to ensure health coverthe government’s determination people but reduce the pressure on to provide better health facilities age and better medicare facilities the hospitals in cities.Elaborating to the people across the State”, he to the people particularly in far-off said and added that health sector the benefits of NRHM, the Health and remote villages. He said under a said that under Janani has been focused as one of the most comprehensive and gigantic healthAgency Lone News Kangan Khan Minister News Agency Ganderbal Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and Janani consolidation and expansion pro- important sectors by the govern-

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Gulzar News Agency Soura Zahid Book Depot Chadoora 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 paying Regal non-judicial Registrar.Mr. RatherDalgate said it was a Khan News Agency Chowkstamp duty to Rashid News Agency the government.

He said the system, the state to adopt Sheikh News Agency Hyderpora Hilalhappy Newsmoment AgencyforBudgam which has already been adopted by system as it will check Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhate-stamping News Agency Chadoora 14 states of the county, is reliable pilferage in stamp duty transaction Bhat News Agency Magamthat the stamp paid Zargar Agency KunzarHe said it and ensures andNews ensure transparency.

DarJ&K News Beerwah Bashir Agency Sumbal reaches the government safely. He wasNews heartening that the agreement JAMMU, JANUARY 8: Gov-Agency said e-stamp certificate cannot be with SHCIL provides for engaging Reshi News Agency Safapora Saleem News Agency Pattan ernment is switching over to ewith and can be generwilling qualified stamp vendors Stamping. The agreement in this Basharat Newstempered Agency Bandipora Reyaz News Agency Pampore connection was signed Altaf this evening News Agency Pulwama Javaid News Agency Qazigund between the Commissioner Stamps Jeelani News Agency Baramulla G.M News Agency Sopore J&K, Mr. Kifayat Rizvi and Mr. Vivek Shah News Agency Kupwara Sultan News Agency Handwara Khurana (authorized signatory), News Agency Langate Sheikh News Agency Islamabad Regional Manager of Younis Stock Holding Corporation of India ReshiLimited News Agency Islamabad Three Way News Agency Tral (SHCIL) in presence ofTurray the MinisNews Agency Tral Badru News Agency Bijbehara ter for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Rahi News Agency Kulgam Malik News Agency Arwani Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather.Principal Shaheen News Agency Kargil Secretary Finance, Mr.Rah B. B.News Vyas,Agency Byepass

J&K Switching over to e-stamping: Rather MoU signed with SHCIL

Advisor to Chairman, Empowered Committee, Khawaja Bashir Ahmad, Director General Accounts & Treasuries, Mirza Altaf Hussain, Deputy Commissioner Stamps, Mr. Shamim Ahmad, Additional Secretary Finance, Mr. Showakat Aijaz and representatives/authorized signatory from Stock Holding Corporation of India Ltd were present on the occasion.Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rather said that the e-stamping is a computer based latest technology with advanced security features are

ated within minutes as compared to other options of paying stamp duty.

Mr. Rather said that e-stamping as many benefits which include no physical storage of stamp certificates, easy accessibility and faster processing, no artificial scarcity, on line verification facility to public, complete Audit Trail and locking of Registerable certificates by Sub-

Bhalla launches Rs. 20 lakh development works at Nanak Nagar JAMMU, JANUARY 08-Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture Mr. Raman Bhalla today informed that Government is working towards ensuring overall development of the State, adding that to meet this objective, various projects have been launched.

The Minister was speaking after inaugurating various developmental works in Nanak Nagar Sector-7.

Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation Mr. Kiran Wattal besides Officers of PHE, PDD, UEED, R&B and JMC accompanied the Minister.

The Minister asked the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) to complete all the launched projects within stipulated time frame by using quality material. He said that an effective monitoring mechanism has been put in place to enforce accountability and transparency in the implementation of the developmental schemes.

Mr. Bhalla asked the accompanying officers to formulate detailed projects report to meet the left out development needs of people in the area and submit the same for funding so that improved basic amenities to the residents be provided.

The Minister said Government is fully aware of people’s problems and is making all out efforts to fulfil their demand on priority.

He said for this purpose central Government has provided liberal funding under development sectors.

Responding to the demands put forth by the residents of Sector-7 , Mr. Bhalla said the Government has approved a project for laying of water supply pipes of 4 inch dia to augment drinking water supply in the area .

also. He asked the officers of Commercial Taxes Department to implement the system at the earliest and impart training to the officers and staff of Stamp Department and SubRegistrar office so that the new system is rolled out smoothly.Earlier, representatives of SHCIL through a power point presentation describing the benefits of e-stamping said.

Chief Post Master General calls on Governor JAMMU, JANUARY 8: Mr. Chander Prakash, Chief Post Master General, Jammu and Kashmir, called on Mr. N.N. Vohra, the Governor here at Raj Bhavan today. This was his first meeting with the Governor after assuming his charge in the State.

Mr. Chander Prakash briefed the Governor about the progress relating to the computerization of Post Offices in J&K under the information Technology Modernisation Project.

He also apprised the Governor about

the varied facilities being provided to the customers in the Post Offices in the State and, in particular, by the Tourist Post Offices.

The Governor emphasized the need to reorient the functioning of Post Offices to bring it in harmony with the changing times and work towards maximizing financial inclusion in the remote and rural areas of the State through banking facilities and other financial products being made available to the people living in rural areas.

DG, Youth Services and Sports calls on Governor JAMMU, JANUARY 8: Mr. Naveen Agarwal, Director General Youth Services and Sports, called on Mr. N.N. Vohra, the Governor at Raj Bhavan today.Mr. Agarwal apprised the Governor about the ongoing selection process for sending cultural troupes to 18th National Youth Festival being shortly held in Punjab and briefed him about the to date status of the preparations underway for the Republic Day Celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir. Mr. Agarwal also briefed the Governor about the steps being taken for the development of basic sports infrastructure at Panchayat level in the State under the Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan Scheme.

He also informed the Governor about the annual sports competitions, including various adventure sports, which are being organized by the Department to encourage sports activities in the State.

Cabinet Sub-Committee visits Udhampur, Reasi Interacts with local representatives, civil society members UDHAMPUR, JANUARY 8: The Cabinet Sub-Committee, (CSC) constituted for examining the Creation of New Administrative Units today visited Udhampur and Reasi districts and interacted with local representatives from the cross section of society to seek their suggestions and demands in connection with the creation of new administrative units.Headed by Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Tara Chand, the CSC members interacted with representatives of political parties, Panchayat members, civil society members, besides local representatives of various social and non- governmental organizations to seek their suggestions and proposals with regard to the local demands for creation of new Tehsils, Blocks, subdivisions, Niabats, Girdawar Halqas, and Patwar halqas in these districts.

The members of the Committee, Minister for Urban Development, and Urban Local Bodies, Mr Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Mr. Sham Lal

101st Indian Science Congress from Feb 03

Principal Secy reviews arrangements for Indian Science Congress JAMMU, JANUARY 08-Principal Secretary to Government, Planning and Development Department, B. R. Sharma reviewed the arrangements being put in place for the 101st Session of the Indian Science Congress being held at the University of Jammu from 3rd 7th February 2014, at a meeting held here today.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, B. B. Vyas, Commissioner Secretary PHE, I & FC Pawan Kotwal, Vice Chancellor, Jammu University Prof. M. P. S. Ishar, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Navin K. Choudhary, ADGP V. K. Singh, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Shantmanu, Secy Transport, IGP Traffic, IGP Police, Director Hospitality and Protocol, other senior officers of concerned departments.

The meeting was briefed about the status of the varied arrangements being made for the Science Congress.

Threadbare discussion were held on various vital issues pertaining to accommodation and transport facilities for State Guests & others, Transportation, Security, Augmentation of water supply, Electricity, blacktop-

Shishu Suraksha Karikram (JSSK), the Government has extended more incentives for the pregnant women to facilitate safe institutional deliveries. “Now onward for every pregnant woman right from the day first of her conceiving the baby till the delivery, the Government will bear all expenses on her treatment, including transportation facility from home to hospital and back besides medication. The Minister said that a new scheme RBSK

is being launched in all districts under which the ailing children in the age group of 0-18 years would get free treatment in health institutions. He said in order to further augment the rural health services 600 new health sub- centers would be opened in the uncovered areas of the State. He said to strengthen the health care system the Centre has given nod for purchase of 200 more ambulances to the State adding that these would be procured soon and issued to such hospitals which lack this facility .Member Parliament CH. Lal Singh in his address while highlighting the achievements registered by the government under health sector across the State urged for upgradation of healthcare facilities in remote and kandi areas of Kathua. He said Centre is providing liberal financial assistance to the State for upgradation of health infrastructure in rural area under NRHM adding that under this Scheme several incentives guarantees free health care facilities to the mothers and children and called upon the people to take full benefits of these schemes.

ping of various roads, Health, Sanitation and Cleanliness, Cultural activities, issue pertaining to coverage by Electronic and Print media and other relevant issues.

Mr Sharma emphasized the need for putting in place all the required arrangements well in time for this first ever mega scientific event in the State.

He said that the progress on various aspects and components of the arrangements being made for the Indian Science Congress is required to be regularly reviewed and monitored so that all logistics and other facilities are timely positioned.

He stressed that all the stakeholders need to join hands for organizing this Science Congress, adding that it will provide a historical opportunity for the students, teachers and scientists to demonstrate their talent and nurture their scientific temper. He further stressed for maintaining synergy and coordination between various executing agencies.

Mr B. B. Vyas also called for next meeting on January 15, 2014 to discuss the arrangements pertaining to Hospitality and Protocol and Press and Electronic media.

Sharma, Minister for Agriculture, Mr. G.H. Mir, Minister for Higher Education, Mr. Mohammad Akbar Lone, Minister for Planning & Development, Mr. Ajay Sadhotra and Minister for Law, Justice and Parliament , Mir Saifullah .

Secretary, Revenue, Mr. Vinod Koul also accompanied the Sub Committee during the visit.

Representatives of various political parties including Congress, National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party, Bhartiya Janta Party, Bhujan Samaj Party, besides the representatives of various NGOs, Civil Society and Bar Association Members of Udhampur and Ramnagar presented local demands and suggestions before the Sub-Committee . A large number of Panchs and Sarpanchs were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Government has created Cabinet Sub-Committee to examine the demands for implementation of the

Delimitation Commission report and said that the committee will examine and consider the demands and proposals of the people for the establishment of New Administrative Units in the State. He said that the suggestions of the political representatives, sarpanchs and civil society members are being sought to ensure creation of new administrative units as per the aspirations of the people.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that the proposals and suggestions received in this context will be sent to the revenue authorities for review which will be given due consideration before finalizing the constitution of new administrative units in the state.

MLA Chenani, Mr. Krishen Chand Bhagat, District Development Commissioner, Udhampur Mrs. Yasha Mudgal, DIG Police Udhampur-Reasi Range Mr. Gareeb Dass, SSP Udhampur and senior officers of the district administration were also present.

DAHWA holds mega awareness camp JAMMU, JANUARY 8: The Destitute and Handicapped Welfare Association (DAHWA), organised a mega awareness camp for rural women especially minority community at Khoon, Majalta in Udhampur district.

Ann Elizabeth Hawkins, representative from Pardisan, a UK based social organisation working for women empowerment, was special invitee on the occasion. She highlighted the programmes being implemented by their organisation for women emancipation and assured that they will soon launch their schemes in these rural areas. She appreciated the way DAHWA is working selflessly for the people of such rural and far off pockets since the last 40 years.The camp was attended by representatives of different departments, Sarpanchs, Panchs, Naib Sarpanchs, social activists besides prominent citizens.

The officers created awareness among the participants about the welfare and development programmes of their respective programmes. They also listened to the problems of the people.Chairperson DAHWA, Surat Singh Sumbria, expressed gratitude to the UK organisation and the district administration for their informative lectures about their schemes. He said that it is the endeavour of their organisation to act as a bridge between the people and the government by creating awareness about the government schemes meant for socio-economic empowerment of rural masses. He added that most of the rural areas remain deprived of vital development programmes of the government mere for lack of knowledge about the same. Later, the organisation held similar awareness camp at Majalta which was attended by a large number of people besides representatives from PRIs. Sumbria requested Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur, Yasha Mudgal, to issue necessary instructions to the concerned officers to hold awareness camp on Public Service Guarantee Act and other such pro-people programmes in these rural areas. He also demanded opening of new BDO office at Balpur.

HOROSCOPE Aries

March 21-April 19

Things may be happening too fast around you today, Aries, but that doesn’t mean you necessarily have to join the frenzied pace. You’re probably much better off sticking with your methodical approach. Take the time to collect the facts you need before you jump into a major decision or plan of attack. People may be a bit jumpy, so do your best to be the stable one in the group.

Taurus April 20-May 20

Make sure you aren’t projecting a picture of yourself that doesn’t represent the real you, Taurus. It’s important that you remain true to your soul or you’ll end up in situations that make you uncomfortable and frustrated. There’s a strong transformative force working against you today, but you’ll have the leadership and confidence to stand up for yourself in whatever way you need.

Gemini May 21-June 21

Remind yourself of all the positive things you have going on in your life now, Gemini. It’s possible that you’ll be met with tension and challenges today that are threatening your sense of self. Arguments may break out around you, and you may have questions regarding what it is you stand for. Don’t lose touch with your nurturing qualities and sixth sense.

Cancer June 22-July 22

The fire within you is burning extra hot, Cancer, so make the most of this incredible internal furnace. Treat yourself to some new attire and proudly show it off tonight. Take the lead on projects that might be floundering. You have power behind your words and actions today, so use it for the highest good.

Leo

July 23-August 22 You may feel the urge to get up and go today, Leo, but at the same time you may feel like you aren’t prepared. Perhaps you don’t feel you’re on solid enough ground to take the next step. Don’t let the pressure of the outside world move you to a place you aren’t ready to go. Take things at your own pace, and be tolerant of those who choose to go at theirs.

Virgo

August 23-September 22

Tension is building today that may wreak havoc with your harmonious nature, Virgo. The key for you now is to see the opportunity instead of conflict in each situation. This is a good time to gain a greater perspective on certain things. A bit of internal transformation may take place when you see things from the other side of the fence.

Libra

September 23-October 23 You may feel extra passionate today, Libra, so don’t be surprised if you take things to extremes even more than usual. There’s an aggression within you that’s working to help keep you in control of every situation. Remember that you must be prepared to receive whatever you dish out. There’s a warring instinct in everyone that’s likely to emerge on a day like this.

Scorpio

October 24-November 21 Find your strength from within, Scorpio. There’s a great deal of it in there, and it’s ready to erupt like a volcano. Let your passion drive your engine today and you’ll be amazed at the incredible places you can go. Don’t be afraid to take things to extremes. Your fantastic good luck will pull you out of any sticky predicament.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21

Your strong yet steady pace may get a lift today, Sagittarius. It might seem like there’s a fire under your feet, and you probably need to keep moving in order to keep yourself from getting burned. Use your independent streak to get things done the way you want them. This could be a powerhouse day for you!

Capricorn December 22-January 19

There’s excitement today that indicates that things are happening, things are changing. Stay alert and in tune with what’s going on around you, Capricorn. There’s a wonderful energy charge urging you to push the boundaries of everything going on around you. Do your part to help the world evolve to a happier, more peaceful place.

Aquarius January 20-February 18

You’re the sensitive one in a sea of anger today, Aquarius, so keep your guard up. Don’t be tempted or seduced by any rage around you. Be wary of people who seem motivated by fear. You’ll be much better off when you align yourself with those who act from a point of neutrality and self-confidence.

Model your behavior after the people you see as superheroes in your world.

Pisces

February 19-March 20 You should mesh quite well with the prevailing energy today, Pisces. There’s a powerful, transformative force helping to give greater strength to your ego and vitality. Note the fiery energy about the day that encourages your dynamic and forceful personality to shine through. Feel free to express your independence in every situation.

EDITORIAL/ OPINION Daily Zabarwan Times Thursday 09 January 2014

Dwindling forest cover

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he rice production in Jammu and Kashmir is decreasing day by day because the agricultural land is being used legally or illegally for other purposes such as residential and commercial. This has created lots of problems and the extra burden on the economy has also increased and is leaving adverse effects on the overall financial health of the state. Similarly the illegal felling of trees and the timber smuggling has caused enormous damages to the ecology of the state as it has turned a lot of forest land into a barren and unproductive one.

Though a force called forest protection force was created many years back for safeguarding the forest wealth but this organization has not been able to control the illegal felling of precious trees and the smuggling of timber within and outside the state. Not only this some forest land is being utilized by tribal community for residential and agricultural purposes as envisaged under Forest Dwellers Act. This has not been confined to this purpose only but some land is being taken over by expansionists and used for commercial purposes. Nobody cares as to what is happening to our forests which are being devastated with every passing year. Some unscrupulous and greedy people are setting portions of forest on fire so that the green trees which ultimately get burnt or half burnt are used in different ways without being caught for illegal usage of the precious wood. There are no checks or hurdles for these vested interests as some forest employees are in hand and glow with smugglers and those elements who for their petty interests damage this natural wealth. The forest department except issuing some statements is not doing enough to get these smugglers caught and take action as per the law of the land. Unless there are stringent laws and well meaning and sincere forest officials in abundance, the forest wealth will be disappearing with every passing day and the time will not be far away when Jammu and Kashmir state will become a cold desert. The ecological balance will get destroyed to such a level that nothing will grow in our lands and it will be impossible for human life to survive in such a hostile atmosphere and weather conditions.

Daily Zabarwan Times Thursday 09 January 2014

Forward Markets: the Future of Agricultural Marketing In a novel initiative, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) organized a One day Awareness programme on Commodity Futures Market and Derivatives for Farmers in Madurai district. Over 50 Farmers club members from Chellampatti and Usilampatti attended the programme.

One of the participants, V. R. Muthupeiyandi, President of the Vaigai Vivasaya Nala Sangam, whole heartedly agreed that the programme did dispel several of their misgivings about the commodities market and acknowledged the role of the commodities and futures markets.

Forward Markets The forward market is typically an informal financial market in which contracts for future delivery are

finalized. It is a market dealing in commodities, currencies and securities for future (forward) delivery at

prices agreed-upon on the date of finalizing the contract. In commodity and currency markets, such forward

trading is used as a way to hedge against sharp price fluctuations. ***********************

A Short History The commodity futures market in India dates back to more than a century. The first organized futures market was established in 1875, under the name of the Bombay Cotton Trade Association to trade in cotton derivative contracts. This was followed by institutions for futures trading in oilseeds, food grains etc.

The futures market in India underwent rapid growth between the period of First and Second World War. As a result, before the outbreak of the Second World War, a large number of commodity exchanges trading futures contracts in several commodities like cotton, groundnut, groundnut oil, raw jute, jute goods, castor seeds, wheat, rice, sugar, precious metals like gold and silver began flourishing throughout the country.

However, in view of the delicate supply situation of major commodities in the backdrop of war efforts mobilization, futures trading came to be prohibited during the Second World War under the Defence of India Act. After Independence, especially in the second half of the 1950s and first half of 1960s, the commodity futures trading again picked up and there were thriving commodity markets. However, in mid-1960s, commodity futures trading in most of the commodities were banned and futures trading continued in two minor commodities of pepper and turmeric.

Current Scenario Currently there are five national exchanges which regulate forward trading in 113 commodities. Besides, there are 16 Commodity specific exchanges recognized for regulating trading in various commodities approved by the Forward Markets Commission under the Forward Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1952.

Benefits to Farmers and other Stakeholders Farmers and growers benefit through the price signals emitted by the futures markets even though they may not directly participate in the futures market.

The futures markets lead to reduction in the amplitude of seasonal price variation and help the farmer realize a better price at the time of harvest. This also helps the farmer in planning his cultivation in advance as well as to determine the kind of crop which he would prefer to raise, by taking advantage of the advance information of the future price trends, and probable supply and demand of various commodities in advance.

Forward Markets Commission (FMC) The Forward markets Commission (FMC), headquartered at Mumbai, is a regulatory authority which is overseen by the Ministry of Finance. It is a statutory body set up in 1953 under the Forward Contracts Regulation act, 1952.

Madurai Camp

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naugurating the training programme for farmers in Madurai, R. Shankar Narayan, Assistant General Manager, NABARD explained that several dynamic factors come into play in the context of the price discovery of agricultural commodities and it is essential for the farmer producers to be in sync with the scenario. With globalization dissolving the geographical boundaries, futures and derivatives markets across the world have been playing a significant role in the world economy and India was no exception. He further added that if the farmers expect to get the best re-

turns for their toil, they need to organize themselves into producer organizations and equip themselves with cutting edge information. With this end in view, NABARD over the years has propagated the concept of ‘one village one farmers club’ through banks which comprised of progressive farmers from the respective villages. Mr Shankar Narayan also highlighted the need for aggregation of produce and direct marketing to the end consumers preferably as a value added commodity.

Thavasi Muthu, Secretary, Madurai Marketing Committee called upon the farmers to embrace latest tech-

nology and access the market as one unified group to benefit from the economies of scale. They also need to utilise the storage facilities being constructed by the government and stay away from distress sale by availing Produce Pledge loans on soft terms being made available for their produce stored in the Regulated Markets.

S. Senthil Velan, Regional Head, MCX, Chennai provided expert inputs on the workings of Commodity Futures market and guided them through the complex subject. He said that one need not have any inhibitions about the Futures

market which operates under the watchful eyes of the Forward Markets Commision (FMC). He said that the farmers who are already into aggregation with the guidance of NABARD should be ready for eventual expansion of the range of agricultural produces in the futures market.

As an interesting culmination of the training programme farmers were also given a first hand idea of the nuances of buying, selling, margin, arbitrage, delivery, call options, put options etc through a live demonstration of on-line trading in the commodities market.

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