Zabarwan Times E-Paper English 10 January

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FRIDAY

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10 January | 2014 | 08 Rabi-Al-Awwal 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |

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VOL NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 10 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 Paisa)

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tice

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

Daily intake of chocolates reduces risk of heart ailments

Rural areas developed at par with urban areas

Srinagar, Jan 09: After a day’s closure, the crucial Jammu-Srinagar highway was reopened for vehicular traffic on Thursday clearing about 500 vehicles that was stranded on the highway since Wednesday.

Official sources told Global News Service that 300-km long SrinagarJammu highway was thrown open for vehicular traffic after the beacon pressed into service its men and machinery to clear the snow from various places in and around the Jawahar Tunnel. The highway was reopened for traffic around 2:00 pm and over 400 vehicles enroute to Jammu were cleared.

“Around 400 vehicles that were stranded at various places along the highway were cleared this afternoon.

If the weather conditions remain pleasant, traffic from Jammu to Srinagar will ply tomorrow,” a senior official of traffic department told GNS Meanwhile, a fresh western disturbance will cause snowfall and rains in across Jammu and Kashmir, an official statement on Thursday said “Under the influence of this weather system, Moderate to heavy snowfall will occur at many places in Kashmir and Jammu divisions and at few places in Ladakh region particularly in Zojila, Drass and Kargil hilly areas. Isolated placed may receive very heavy snowfall. This system is likely to move in East-North-East ward direction,” See Highway On Page 11..

See More On Page 07

LC summons V.K. Singh again Asks him to appear in person on Jan 22 Srinagar, Jan 9: The privilege committee of Legislative Council Thursday issued summon to Gen (Retd) V K Singh, through Director General of Police Haryana seeking his personal appearance on January 22, to clarify his remarks on army’s funding to Jammu and Kashmir politicians that had evoked hue and cry across the state.

A copy of summon issued to former army chief has been sent to the Speaker legislative assembly of Haryana.

Ghulam Nabi Monga, senior Congress leader and MLC told KNS: “After hectic deliberations which stretched over one and half hours

over his non appearance, the Privilege Committee of the Legislative Council decided to issue summon to the retired army chief. The summon has been issued through DGP Haryana and a copy of the same has been sent to the speaker of Haryana’s legislative assembly.”

Mr Monga said that the committee that met in Jammu today had invited law secretary besides the advocate general to give their legal opinions. Sources in the committee said that some members of the privilege committee were of the opinion that a non bail able warrant be issued against the former army chief for not appearing before the committee today.

‘Be part in economic upliftment of people’ Jammu, Jan 9: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has reiterated his directions to the National Companies executing various flagship programmes and mega projects in the State to ensure employment of locals both in skilled and non-skilled disciplines of work. He said State government has embarked upon an ambitious programme of upgrading skills of local youth to enable them fit in the technical staff of the executors of different projects particularly in the power and road communication sectors.

“You should absorb all the available human resource in the projects you are executing besides giving preference to the local traders, contractors, transport-

Govt to crack whip on traders selling fake handicrafts: Kichloo

See More On Pg 10

On Edit Page High time to gear up the administration

Just one snowfall and the whole administration crumbled like dry leaves putting the people of the valley to large inconveniences and difficulties. The tall claims of the administration that every thing is ready to cope up with any situation and the earlier meetings including the meetings of disaster management proved futile and useless. For two days the whole valley was plunged into darkness, the water supply was badly affected, the road and air connectivity was snapped and the black marketing hoarding and sky rocketing prices made the life of common man a hell. As soon as the news of blockade of national highway spread the tomatoes which were selling at a cost between Rs 20to30 were sold at Rs 80 per kilogram in the evening.

See More On Pg 09

WEATHER

FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:

Light rain/snow would occur at a few places over the state

FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:

Partly cloudy sky. Maximum & Minimum temperatures will be around 5°C & -2°C respectively.

TEMPERATURE MAXIMUM MINIMUM SUNSET ON(FRIDAY) SUNRISE ON (SATURDAY)

05 0C -2.0 0C 05:40 pm 07:38 am

It may be recalled that National Conference MLC Devinder Singh Rana, had moved the motion against the retired army general. As the motion came up for hearing today, the former Army Chief who was supposed to appear before the privilege committee did not appear The Committee’s meeting was attended by its Chairman Jugal Kishore Sharma, , Ghulam Nabi Monga, Ali Mohammad Dar and Devinder Rana. “There was no word from the former army chief as to why he could not appear before the committee,” Monga told KNS. (KNS)

Ensure local employment in projects: Omar to National Companies

Inside story

Saying that State’s world famous Crafts are its real identity, the Minister of State for Industries & Commerce, Mr Sajad Ahmad Kichloo today said that all the required measures will be taken for protection and promotion of handicrafts industry in the state.

He said strict action will be taken against those dealers, who are indulging in sale of fake handicrafts and handloom goods in the name of Kashmiri handicrafts.

Disappointed over failing to score century

See More On Page 08

Musharaf to appear in court on 16 Jan

See More On Page 10

Sgr-Jmu Highway reopens

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See More On Page 06

In a biting cold, Kupwara lady gives birth to a baby in open Srinagar, Jan 09: (GNS) In a shocking incident a 26-year-old woman in remote Kupwara village gave birth to a baby outside a local hospital in a biting cold on Thursday as the hospital was locked and its staff missing.

“My pregnant wife complained of severe pain early morning. I along with my brother and some neighbors took her on shoulders towards Public Health Centre (PHC) Kukroosa as the roads in the area are still covered with snow and traffic is not plying”, Shehzad Ahmed Mir, a resident of Zafar Khani Sarmarg in Handwara Tehsil told GNS. “However, at Harkerpora, army stopped us for about one hour as there was crackdown in the area. We pleaded with them to let us go but they refused for about one hour making us including the patient to suffer in a harsh cold,” Mir said, adding “but as we reached the PHC no one was present there and the hospital was locked,” he added.Finding the health center locked, the angry attendants vandalized See Cold On Page 11..

Srinagar, Jan 9: As the valley is braving a biting cold and the power crises looming large; water supplies to several villages across Kupwara have been snapped due to the nonpayment of bills.

Reports received by KNS informed the areas where the drinking water supplies have been snapped include Gushi, Waterkhani, Bumhama, Drugmulla and Gushi. The officials

Srinagar, Jan 9: The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) on Thursday asked the state and central government to deport inmates who have completed their term of conviction and are overstaying in different jails in Jammu.

According to KNS correspondent, a team of the Commission led by its member Rafiq Fida, inspected almost all jails including central jail in Jammu, where it found several inmates who have already served their term of detention are craving for justice.

After inspecting different jails, the Commission has observed that ‘in gross violation of basic and human rights’, there are some nationals of neighbor countries like Bangladesh, Burma, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia languishing under preventive laws, without trial or whose cases have ei-

Avalanche hits army post in Machil sector

1 killed, another buried alive

Water supplies snapped in Kupwara Inhabitants did not pay bills: Govt

ers and others to undertake works of different nature you are supposed to outsource in the process of execution of the projects”, he emphasised upon the executing agencies.

Inspecting the status of 4-lanning of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway from Jammu to Udhampur on Thursday, the Chief Minister said that economic welfare of locals to the maximum should be ensured while executing the works and completing the projects. “Local youth should have priority preference in getting jobs in the projects being executed by the private and Central companies in the State”, he said and directed the Revenue Department and See Omar On Page 11..

SHRC for deportation of inmates overstaying in different jails

File Photo

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of the areas when contacted maintained that the water supply to these areas has been snapped as inhabitants have failed to pay their bills in time.

The locals of the areas accused that the water supply department has harassed the inhabitants and the non-availability of water during the harsh winters has added to the agonies of people. “There can be no justifiable reason why our water supplies were cut before issuing us any prior notices,” Mudasir Qayoom, a local told KNS. People stated that the water is the basic need in See Kupwara On Page 11..

Srinagar, Jan 09: A soldier was killed and another feared dead after an army post came under an avalanche at Machil sector in north Kashmir’s frontier Kupwara district on Thursday.

Official sources told GNS that two army men of 5 ASSAM (D Company) were bur-

ied alive when a snow avalanche hit an army post near Muthal top in Machil sector of the district late today afternoon.

Later, a rescue operation was launched by the forces recovering one of the soldiers in critical conditions while See Machil On Page 11..

Vigilance resisters case against revenue officials Srinagar, Jan 9: The state vigilance organization Thursday registered case against the revenue officials involved in the massive land scam in Kishtiwar.

According to the KNS correspondent, Vigilance organization Thursday registered First Information Report (FIR) No.03/2014 u/s 5(1) (d) r/w sec. 5(2) P.C. Act Svt. 2006 & sections 420, 467, 468, 471 and 120-B RPC was registered in P/S Vigilance Organization,Jammu against Abdul Qayoom the then Girdawar, Halqa Pochhal, Om Dutt the then Patwari Halqa Pochhal, Mohd Iqbal Kichloo the then Patwari Halqa Pochhal and Abdul Aziz Tak the then Patwari Halqa Pochhal and the beneficiaries namely Shri Pardeep Singh and others on the basis of verification conducted into the allegations that the land measuring 60 kanals and 16 marlas of land falling under See Vigilance On Page 11..

ther culminated or they have been acquitted by the Courts of Law or have completed their term of conviction and are overstaying.

The commission has said: “…

Both the Governments of the State and Centre need to adopt humane approach, show some concern and, in order to ease out the tensions and strengthen the friendship ties between the neighboring countries, must take effective measures to deport all such nationals to their native countries as a goodwill gesture so that the right to life and liberty of these jail inmates are espoused and protected.”

The commission has said that although there are vocational centers in place in these jails but these centers are not in tune with the modern and sophisticated lines and lack modern computer See SHRC On Page 11..

Three houses gutted near LOC Srinagar, Jan 9: Three residential houses near the Line of Control (LOC) at Tetwal have reportedly gutted due to fire that erupted at Thursday morning.

The KNS correspondent informed further that in the far flung village Seemari block Tetwal wherein three houses have been completely gutted due to fire incident.

The reports maintained further that the fire was brought under control in the inaccessible areas by the help of army and the local people.

The reports remarked further that fire engulfed the houses due to short circuit. The Houses of Ali Mohammad Mughal, Mukhtar Ahmad and Younis Ahmad were gutted. (KNS)

People want to get rid of present ‘corrupt’ regime: PDP Jammu, Jan 9: Lambasting Omar Abdullah led coalition government for betraying common masses of Jammu and Kashmir during the last five years, Yash Pal Sharma, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha seat today said that people of Jammu and Kashmir are fed up with the present setup and they want a change.

According to a statement issued to KNS, while addressing impressive public meeting organized

by Senior Leader Ved Mahajan at Nagrota Mr Sharma said that problems of the common masses are mounting with every passing day, especially during the last five years, due to mis-governance and

rampant corruption.

He said that people, who have been bearing brunt of the mal-administration and mis-governance of coalition headed by National Conference, want a change to get rid of this worst ever corrupt dispensation in the State.

Sharma, MLC said that people of the State are looking towards PDP to get them rid from the yoke of the present National ConferenceCongress regime which during the last five years has done nothing except promises with the people.

“People all over the state face all sorts of problems but people living in far flung See PDP On Page 11..

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11

Zabarwan Times

Friday 10 January 2014

From the front page

Omar the National Highway Authority of India to work in close coordination for disbursement of compensation to the families whose land is being acquired for the construction of the road.

The Chief Minister who was accompanied by Minister for R&B, Abdul Majid Wani stopped at Sidhra, Nagrota Bypass, Ban-Toll Plaza, Tunnel-3 south portal at Nandani, Jhajjar Kotli Bridge and Udhampur Bye Pass to receive firsthand account of the status of work on the construction of 4-lane National Highway from Jammu to Udhampur. This is the part of the regular monitoring being conducted by the Chief Minister to receive the status of the work and help in accelerating the pace on 4-laning of National Highway Project being executed by National Highway Authority of India.

Omar Abdullah highlighting the economic importance of this project while talking to the engineers and other officials of the construction company said that 4-laning of National Highway would not only enhance and upgrade the accessibility to the Valley from other parts of the Country but help in a big way to generate economic activities and jobs for people in different fields of development.

It was informed that 5.12 kilometers Jammu Bye Pass, 11.70 kilometers Nagrota Bye Pass and 18-19 Kilometers Udhampur Bye Pass have been completed.

While presenting the silent features of the project, the officials of National Highway Authority of India said that construction of 4-laning of Jammu-Udhampur Highway involves construction of 64 major and 61 minor 2-lane bridges, 220 culverts and 4 twin tube tunnels. They spelt out working schedule and the time frame for completion of this stretch of the project. It was stated a state of art Toll Plaza at Kilometre 22 in Village Ban at the end of Nagrota Bye Pass with automatic vehicle classifier and count, weigh in motion bridge, medical aids, ambulances, cranes and highway traffic patrol is part of the project. The Chief Minister appreciated the work of National Highway Authority of India and also laid stress on time bound completion of the works.

The Chief Minister also interacted with people at various places and received their brief about the status of progress on the project. They also apprised the Chief Minister about various works executed in different development sectors in their areas.

Legislator and Provincial President, National Conference, Jammu Devender Singh Rana, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu and IG Jammu were also accompanied the Chief Minister. (KNS)

SHRC culture. “The authorities of both the jails need to update and upgrade these vocational centers to meet the modern needs and demands. Besides, there is an important role and imperative need to impart religious and spiritual teachings and preachings to the jail inmates, in addition to the sports activities so that they will get engaged and their psychological and mental equilibrium is maintained and any agony or pain or mental stress is let out and their psychological bondages are eased out. The authorities need to equip the jails with all such requirements and infrastructure.”

Mr Fida has also recommended that there is a compound land of 256 kanals in Kote Bilwal Jail which remains unused. “If properly used, the land will surely prove beneficial, advantageous and profitable.”

The Commission has said: “The authorities of the jail should put to use the entire land for plantation, vegetation, floriculture and the like and take the jail inmates to task so that more and more benefits and profits are achieved by the land and tension pockets of jail inmates are given outlet and their energies utilized in productive activities.” (KNS)

Cold the PHC and smashed the locks of some wards.

In the meantime, some locals had brought blankets for the patient and she gave birth to a baby outside the hospital.

However, soon after the news about the incident spread in the area, the locals of the area along with the attendants staged protest demonstration against the hospital administration.

“After the news about the incident spread in the area, few doctors reached to the hospital,” Majloon Ahmad, a Panch of Sarmarg Village, Ward No. 04 told GNS. “However, the doctors complained that they too were stopped by army from reaching the hospital as the area was under crackdown,” he added.

When contacted, Chief Medical Officer, Kupwara, Dr Aleem, told GNS that the medical staff reached late to the PHC as they were stopped by the army in the crackdown.

“Our paramedical team, doctors and other staff were not allowed by the army and police due to crackdown.

They were allowed only after I talked to the SHO concerned and army officials,” he said.

Yes the Joginbagh, Kalipora, Harkerpora localities of village Kukroosa were under cordon as we has some inputs about the presence of militants in the area,” Commanding Officer of 6 RR, Parveen Pahal told GNS. “But we didn’t stop the patient instead we helped them to reach the hospital,” he said adding “the medical staff is blaming the army to save their skin.”

When contacted, District Commissioner Kupwara, Itrat Hussain said that he will look into the matter and will take action against the persons found responsible.

(GNS)

Machil the searches were going on to find another soldier.

The injured soldier was immediately shifted to nearby hospital, where he succumbed to injuries, sources said.

A senior army official while confirming the incident said that one of the missing soldiers retrieved from the avalanche and later he succumbed in the hospital. Regarding another soldier Niak W Lampa Konyak (32 years old) (belt no. 4369289-W, he said that rescue operations are on in the area to locate the missing trooper.

He identified the dead soldier as Thoumdan Singh (29-years-old) (belt no. 4372029-W).

On December 25, 2013, a Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, Hawaldar Rotaz Singh died while another , Sumesh Kumar of 69 bn is still missing when the duo slipped from the mountain track about 300 ft deep at Machil Sector in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.

(GNS)

Kupwara every society and when the same is being snapped without any reason, the action cannot be justified on any ground. “There are the scenes of Karbala here. we have children who suffer due to the water crises and there are women who have to collect water for drinking from the nearby streams during this bone chilling cold,” Haneefa Begum told KNS. However, the authorities stated that there are huge dues pending against the inhabitants of several villages in Kupwara and that the department was forced to snap the water supplies.

The reports provided by the district authorities maintained that the amount pending with the people is more than 17 lakh rupees and the department has so far received the meager amount as collection fee. (KNS)

Vigilance Khasra No.2772/583 min which was shown in revenue records since 1971 as Govt. land not inhabited by anyone has been fraudulently mutated by the above named revenue officers/officials in the name of Pardeep Singh and others on monetary considerations.

The correspondent informed further that it was alleged that said land was coming within the alignment of the Kishtwar Chatroo Sinthan Road and involved huge amount of the compensation which prompted the above action by the revenue authorities who acted with malafide intentions to confer undue benefit upon Pardeep Singh and others in lieu of huge monetary benefits.

The verification conducted further revealed that the said land was “Shamlat Deh” and the proprietary land owners of the village had proportionate share in the same but the said revenue officials by abusing their official position made fraudulent entries in revenue record exclusively in their favour in respect of the portion of land falling under Kh. No.2772/583 of village Pochhal which was coming under alignment of Kishtwar-Sinthan Road.

This was done by initially changing the status of land from “Gair Mumkin Jarh” to “Gorah” in the year 2003 and subsequently attesting mutations of the said land in favour of the beneficiaries in the year 2010 by showing their possession over the same since the year 1971. Even the possession of Shri Kuljeet Kumar and Shri Pardeep Singh has been shown since 1971 whereas their dates of birth have been found as 02.02.1977 and 05.04.1964 respectively. (KNS)

PDP areas are the worst suffers of the wrong policies of this regime”, he said, adding, “resident of far-flung areas are deprived of basic amenities and facilities like roads, drinking water, power, health facilities”.

Pointing towards day today problems being faced by the people due to mis-governance and prevailing corruption, Sharma said that people are not getting enough ration to feed their families.

Speaking on the occasion, state senior leader of the party Ved Mahajan said that all sections of the society are bearing brunt of the wrong policies of this regime but farmers are the worst victims.

He regretted that this government lack vision to address grievances of the farmers and rural people. He mentioned that unscheduled power curtailment has added woes to the farming community.

Mahajan also highlighted problems of the educated unemployed youth. “The number of unemployed youth is going up and the state government is sitting on more than one lakh posts which are lying vacant in different departments”, he said and added that back door entries in different departments have already discredited the employment policy of present regime and shaken the faith of youth.

Taking a dig at coalition regime for patronizing corruption in the Ved Mahajan said, “To add to the woes of people the rampant corruption has made life hell for common man. This helpless situation has forced people all over to think about how to change the present corrupt inefficient system”. “Comparisons are being drawn between earlier PDP-Congress government and present regime”, he said.

Haji Taj Khan, Dr Hamid Choudhary, Rashid Malik, Sandeep Jamwal, Kishore Sharma, Rashpal Bitoo, Mukhtar, Neeraj, Tony, Sansar Chand, Kuldeep Sharma, Shak Mohd and others also addressed the meetings.

(KNS)

Office of the District Rural Health Society/

District Development Commissioner Baramulla Sub: Short list of candidates applied for the post of 1) DENTAL ASSISTANT 2) LAB. TECH. 3) OPTHALMIC ASSISTANT 4) STAFF NURSE on contractual basis under RASHTRIYA BAL SWASTHAYA KARYAKRAM (RBSK) NRHM, DISTRICT BARAMULLA Ref: This office advertisement Notice No: 03/DDCB of 2013 dated: 19/10/2013 issued under endorsement No. DDCB/NRHM/2013/7442-53 dated:19/10/2013

INTERVIEW NOTICE

The interview of the shortlisted candidates who have applied for the Post of 1) DENTAL ASSISTANT 2) LAB. TECH. 3) OPTHALMIC ASSISTANT 4) STAFF NURSE on contractual basis under under RASHTRIYA BAL SWASTHAYA KARYAKRAM (RBSK) NRHM District Baramulla annexued at Annzure “A” shall be held in the office of District Dev. Commissioner Baramulla on 11/01/2014 at 11:00 AM

The candidates shall bring alongwith them all original testimonials on the date of interview failing which they can’t appear for the interview.

ANNEXURE "A" Short List of Candidates applied for the below mentioned Posts under RBSK (NRHM)- District Baramulla ANNEXURE "A" Short List of Candidates applied for the below mentioned Posts under RBSK (NRHM)- District Baramulla

s.

NO.

FORM NO.

NAME OF THE APPLICANT S/O, D/O, W/O

RESIDENCE

TOTAL PTS. SECURED OUT OF 85

COURT ROAD BADAMBAGH SOPORE

45.52

WONDAKPORA MIRGUND

41.16

PIR MOHALLA HAIGAM SOPORE

36.03

DENTAL TECHNICIAN 1

12

MEHRAJ UD DIN WANI

2

11

NISSAR AHMAD KHAN

S/O MOHAMMAD YOUSF WANI S/O SHAMAS UD DIN KHAN

3

2

SAJAD AHMAD SHAH

S/O ABDUL MAJEED SHAH

4

16

PARVAIZ HUSSAIN MALIK S/O GHULAM ALI MALIK

AGAR DANGERPORA PATTAN

33.50

5

7

NILOFAR JAN

CHANDLORA TANGMARG

32.38

6

1

NUSHAT MOHD AKBAR

D/O MANZOOR AHMAD GANAIE W/O TANVEER AHMAD KHAN

SALAMABAD DACHINA BONIYAR

28.29

LAB. TECHNICIAN 1 28

MASROOR MUSTAFA

S/O NAZIR AHMAD DAR

KHANPORA BARAMULLA

57.18

2

27

PARVAIZ AFZAL WAR

HAIGAM SOPORE

51.68

3

19

WASEEM AKBAR

SEELO SOPORE

49.39

4

40

ANDERGAM PATTAN

46.66

5

14

INSHAQ UL HASSAN PARREY BILAL SHABAN WAZA

S/O MOHAMAMD AFZAL WAR S/O MOHAMMAD AKBAR HAJAM S/O GH HASSAN PARRAY S/O MOHD SHABAN WAZA

TUJJARSHARIEF

46.44

6

23

SHAZIA

D/O SHOWKAT HUSSAIN SHEIKH

SANGRI COLONY BARAMULLA

45.40

OPTHALMIC ASSISTANT 1

2

HAFIZA BANO

D/O GH MOHI-UD DIN NAJAR MUMKAK BATAPORA SOPORE

43.57

2

4

BASHIR AHMAD BHAT

SARIWARPORA KUNZER

42.73

3

9

DILSHADAKHTER

S/O FATHA MOHAMMAD BHAT D/O AB RAHIM WANI

WUSSAN BANGIL DEVA MOHALLA

33.18

4

1

AB MAJEED KHAN

5

12

6

13

31.95

IMTIYAZ AHMAD MALIK

S/O MUKHTAR AHMAD CHECK RAZAK KHAN RAMBAILGARH KHAN PATTAN S/O GH MOHAMMAD MALIK KHORE SHERABAD

HABIBULLAH DAR

S/O AB AHAD DAR

28.89

DAR MOHALLA SARIWARPORA

31.44

STAFF NURSE 1

9

SHABNUM MAHMOOD

D/O GH MOHAMMAD KHAJA SEELO SOPORE

48.48

2

5

SHAYISTA AHAD

D/O ABDUL AHAD YATOO

PALHALLAN YADIPORA PATTAN

44.46

3

6

TASLEEMA BANO

SEELO SOPORE

21.13

4

7

SHAHEENA BHAT

W/O ARSHEED AHAMD LONE D/O GH NABI BHAT

MARAZIGUND DANGIWACHA

19.30

Sd/- Chairman, District Rural Health Society/ District Development Commissioner Baramulla

Highway the statement added.

It said that all the Deputy Commissioners, all concerned Head of Departments and District Superintendents of Police must activate their manpower and machinery and remain in a state of preparedness, so as to minimize disruption of essential services, making road connectivity at the earliest, restoring electric supply, water supply and healthcare services.

“During the period general public has been asked to take precautionary measures and in the event of any emergency concerned Deputy Commissioners/Police Control Room be contacted for necessary assistance,” The official release added. (GNS)

IL&FS launches recruitment drive at Budgam Srinagar, Jan 09: A recruitment drive was launched at Government SAM Degree College, Budgam under UDAAN today by 11 Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (IL&FS) Clusters supported by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDE) in which 54 candidates attended the drive. Placement Co-ordinator J&K, Mr Rahil Hamid, District Co-ordinator Budgam, Mir Faheen Mustafa conducted the proceedings of the Programme. Principal of the College, Prof. Tasneem Khan in her welcome address explained the audience about the aims and objectives of the recruitment drive launched under the UDAAN scheme and advised the participants to make all efforts for the selection in the said recruitment drive launched by (IL&FS) clusters so that the unemployment problem is solved to some extent.The Placement Co-ordinator J&K Mr. Rahil and District Coordinator Mr. Faheem Mustafa in the first phase of drive made aware the participants.Career Counselling, briefing about job opportunities, work readiness module, short listing for next phase to prepare themselves for written test and interview.Amongst 54 candidates, 13 candidates remained absent for short listing, 28 candidates were selected for the next phase of the recruitment drive to be conducted on next convenient date to be fixed by the concerned authorities. (GNS)

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

NEWS

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES

FRIDAY, JANUARY | 10 | 2014

Rural areas developed at par with urban areas: Sagar RAJOURI, JANUARY 09:- Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Ali Mohammad Sagar today said that the development undertaken under the core sectors have been instrumental in changing the rural landscape, elevating the socio-economic profile of the rural people, besides creating the much needed employment opportunities in these areas. He said with the upgradation of basic infrastructure rural areas of the state have been developed at par with the urban areas.

The Minister was addressing a huge gathering after laying the foundation of model village at village Chak Methayani of the block Kalakote in the district Rajouri.

The Model Village project, being implemented by the Rural Development department would be completed at an estimated cost of Rs. 1.12 crore . convergence of various schemes of other senior officers of the district MLA Kalakote, Rashpal Singh, Dithe Rural Development department, administration and Rural Developrector Rural Development, Jammu, ment department were present. villages have been unLone News Agency Kangan Khanthese Newsmodel Agency Ganderbal Deputy Commissioner Rajouri and dertaken in every part of the state.

Mr. Sagar said that with the

Zabarwan Times is available at

He said the Model Village project envisages holistic development of the targeted villages by providing basic facilities. He said that these

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 Khan News Agency Regal Chowk Rashid News Agency Dalgate Sheikh News Agency Hyderpora Hilal News Agency Budgam Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Chadoora Bhat News Agency Magam Zargar News Agency Kunzar Says Pashmina Dar News Agency Beerwah Bashir News Agency Sumbal Testing Lab set Reshi News Agency Safapora Saleem News Agency Pattan JAMMU, JANUARY 09-Minduring the visit. cultural centers would be Basharat News Agency Bandipora Reyaz News Agency Pampore up for ister for Housing, Horticulture The Minister asked the modernized and equipped Altaf News Agency Pulwama Javaid News Agency Qazigund hallmarkand Culture Mr. Raman Bhalla JKHB to complete all the allied with high-tech audio-visual Agency G.M Agency Sopore today inspected pace ofJeelani prog- News works of bothBaramulla the projects by systems in News a phased manner ing Pashmina ress of under construction June this year.

He said that on acrossSultan the state.

Shah News Agency Kupwara News Agency Handwara teacher bhawan and auditorithe completion of 500-seater The Minister that Islamabad Younis News Agency Langate Sheikh Newssaid Agency goods um at Government Girls Highair conditioned auditorium newly coming up 101-beded Reshi News Agency Islamabad Three Way News Agency Tral er Secondary School, Gandhi the educational institutions Teacher Bhawan would proJAMMU, JANUARY 09: SayTurray News Agency Tral and its ad- vide free Badru News AgencytoBijbehara Nagar. of Gandhi Nagar accommodation ing that State’s world famous Rahiin-News Agency Kulgam Malik Agency Mr. Bhalla during the joining areas would be able to teachers whoNews visited JammuArwani Crafts are its real identity, the spection took stock of each districts forAgency official Kargil Rah Newsorganize Agencydifferent Byepassactivities in from other Shaheen News Minister of State for Indus-

Bhalla inspects under xecution teacher bhawan, auditorium at Gandhi Nagar

work of the projects and directed concerned executive agencies to redouble their efforts for time bound completion of these projects for percolating the benefits to the people.

Managing Director Jammu and Kashmir Housing Board (JKHB), Mr. Ram Pal Sharma, Chief Education Officer Mr. Tarseem Lal Bhagat besides other senior officers of Education Department and JKHB accompanied by the Minister

the new complex.

Mr. Bhalla said creating this facility for the schools are a part of a larger plan under which various community and associational Bahwans are being constructed such as Kissan Bhawan, Engineering Bhawan, Haj House and Yatri Bhawan.

The Minister said that revealed that promotion of culture and art has received focused attention of the Government, adding that all other

Janak Raj Gupta calls on Guv JAMMU, JANUARY 9: Mr. Janak Raj Gupta, former Member Parliament, called on Mr. N.N. Vohra, Governor, here at Raj Bhavan today.Mr. Gupta informed the Governor about various issues of public interest, particularly problems relating to serious shortages of water and power supplies.

CVC calls on Governor

JAMMU, JANUARY 9: Mr. Kuldeep Khoda, Chief Vigilance Commissioner, Jammu and Kashmir called on Mr. N.N. Vohra, Governor here at Raj Bhavan today.Mr. Khoda briefed the Governor about the to date status of the functioning of the Vigilance Commission, the steps taken for strengthening the institution of the Departmental Vigilance Officers and his assessment about the effectiveness of the Commission to reduce corruption and enhance good governance.Mr. Khoda apprised the Governor about the difficult staffing situation in the Commission and the efforts being made to fill posts on fast track basis, the rules which have been finalized and the regulatory framework which has already been put in place.

Guv condoles the passing away of Prof Lakhanpal JAMMU, JANUARY 9: Mr. N.N. Vohra, the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, has expressed his sincere sympathy on the sad passing away of Professor Lakhanpal, former Vice Chancellor of the Jammu University, whom he had known in the years past.

work.

Later, the Minister also inspected the ongoing construction of additional block at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Gandhi Nagar.

He asked the concerned executing agency for ensuring its time bound completion. He asked the Managing Director for formulation of estimate report for white wash of Government Girls Higher Secondary School building at Gandhi Nagar.

Govt to crack whip on traders selling fake handicrafts: Kichloo

tries & Commerce, Mr Sajad Ahmad Kichloo today said that all the required measures will be taken for protection and promotion of handicrafts industry in the state.

He said strict action will be taken against those dealers, who are indulging in sale of fake handicrafts and handloom goods in the name of Kashmiri handicrafts.

Interacting with a group of weavers, Artisans and crafts

persons here today, Mr Kichloo said no body will be allowed to defame states reputed crafts and artefacts by selling fake(Amritsari goods) on the name of Kashmiri handicrafts and handlooms.

The members of the Artisan delegation brought into the notice of the Minister the matter regarding sale of fake (Amritsar made) handicraft & handloom goods in the market thereby cheating not only customers and tourists visiting J&K but the people outside the state also.

Expressing their concern, the craftsmen said that this practice was bringing disrepute to the genuine crafts of the state and should be curbed with iron hand.

The Minister assured the delegation that law enforcement wings in Handicrafts, Handloom and Tourism departments will be further reactivated to crack whip on

all such unscrupulous traders and vendors found indulging in this illegal practice. He said vigil against such unscrupulous traders and vendors will be intensified and fake stocks wherever detected, shall be confiscated besides initiating action against them.

Briefing the delegation about the initiatives taken by the Government to protect handicraft and handloom Industry, Mr Kichloo said that Geographic Index has already been registered for Kashmiri Pashmina, Sozni Embroidery Kani Shawl, Paper Machie, Wood Carving & Khatamband adding that Pashmina Testing Lab has also been set up to provide hallmarking of genuine handmade Pashmina goods.

He said 8000 modern looms are being distributed among genuine weavers free of cost during current fiscal to replace traditional looms.

Cabinet Sub-Committee meets local representatives in Poonch, Rajouri Listens to demands for creation of new Admn units JAMMU, JANUARY 09: Continuing the mass contact meetings, the Cabinet Sub-Committee, (CSC) constituted for examining the Creation of New Administrative Units today visited Poonch and Rajouri districts and listened to the local demands and suggestions in this regard. The local representatives from the cross section of society presented their suggestions and demands before the Committee chairman deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Tara Chand, and members Minister for Urban Development, and Urban Local Bodies, Mr Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Mr. Sham Lal 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

LA panel recommends for compensation to land owners JAMMU, JANUARY 9: The Committee on Petitions of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Thursday recommended for providing compensation to the families whose land was acquired by the Police Department for establishment of Commando Training Centre at village Khanibugh Lethpora.

The Committee, which met under the Chairmanship of MLA Mr. Ashok Kumar here today, discussed and examined the petition filed by residents of Khanibugh Lethpora seeking compensation for their land.

The Committee asked the concerned to

model villages would be replete with various facilities like community and rural information centres, play fields parks, better lanes, drains and safe drinking water.

The Minister appealed the people to come forward and avail the benefits of various schemes undertaken by the government for elevating their socio-economic profile. He said that these schemes have been instrumental in ensuring the much needed employment opportunities to the people living in remote and far flung areas.

Mr. Sagar said that the government, besides ensuring the sustained development of all the three regions of the state, has also ensured decentralization of the powers to the grass root level by putting in place a vibrant and empowered Panchayati Raj System.

He said through these democratic institutions people at the ground level are involved in day to day governance.

assess the land compensation and settle the issue within two months under intimation to the Assembly Secretariat.

The Committee members Mir Zahoor Ahmad, Mrs. Bimla Luthra, Mr. Abdul Razak Wagay, Mr. Durga Dass, Dr. Shafi Ahmad Wani, Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad Shah, Mr. Baldev Raj and Mr. Sukhnandan Kumar attended the meeting and gave their valuable suggestions for disposal of the petition.

The Panel asked revenue and police authorities to settle the issue jointly so that the owners get the compensation in a time bound manner.

Market checking intensified in Sgr, Budgam SRINAGAR, JANUARY 09:- Market checking squad of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution department headed by Deputy Director conducted market checking of various areas of Srinagar city including Nowgam, Kanihama, Chanapora, Nawa K adal, Safa Kadal, Hawal and Soura.The squad inspected 67 business establishments and realized a sum of Rs. 8800 as fine from 17 erring shopkeepers for violations of various sections of Essential Commodities Act.Meanwhile, Enforcement squad of CAPD, on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Budgam conducted extensive market checking in Budgam town.

As many as 25 cylinders of household LPG connections were seized which were being used by commercial establishment. As many as 15 erring shopkeepers were also fined Rs. 2000 for using household gas connections in shops.

during the visit.

Local representatives of political parties including Congress, National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party, Bhartiya Janta Party, Bhujan Samaj Party, Panchayat members, civil society members, besides members of various social and non- governmental organizations briefed the committee regarding the local demands for creation of new Tehsils, Blocks, subdivisions, Niabats, Girdawar Halqas, and Patwar halqas in these districts.

At Poonch, MLA Havelli, Ajaz Jan and MLA Mendhar Rafiq Ahmed Khan were also present. Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Government has constituted Cabinet Sub-Committee to ensure that the new administrative units are formed as per the aspirations of the people. Responding to the local demands, deputy Chief Minister said that owing to geographic location, the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri have lagged behind on developmental front, which was needed to be addresses soon. He said with the creation of new administrative units the bad pockets would get an opportunity to get their share of development adding that the govern-

ment initiative of holding direct meetings by CSC has been taken to know the aspirations of people so that the deserving areas are not neglected in the process.The Deputy Chief Minister said that the proposals and suggestions received in this context will be sent to the revenue authorities for review and will be given due consideration before finalizing the constitution of new administrative units in the state.Later, the Cabinet Sub -Committee held interactions with local representatives in Rajouri, including members of different political parties, sarpanches, and civil society members.

Minister of State for Health, who is also local MLA, Shabir Ahmed Khan and MLA Dharal, Ch Zulafkar Ali were also present on the occasion.

The Committee members gave a patient hearing to the valuable suggestions of the public representatives and assured that these would be given due consideration by the government.

Deputy Chief Minister said that the agenda of government is to take development process to the door steps of the people and this will receive a new impetus with the creation of the new administrative units.

G A Mir unveils 2014 calendar of BDA JAMMU, JANUARY 09: Minister for Tourism, Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Mir today released 2014 –Calendar of Bhaderwah Development Authority.

The calendar was released in presence of Member Legislative Assembly, Bhaderwah Constituency, Mr. Mohammad Sharief Niaz and Tourism department senior functionaries.

The calendar provides a panoramic and bird’s-eye- view of various scenic spots of Bhaderwah Valley known for its splendid and virgin natural beauty, sprawling meadows, snowcapped mountains, Cider laden forests, springs and silver streams.

The Tourism Minister, on the occasion, revealed that Bhaderwah, like other potential tourists spots of the State, has gained much recognition among the tourists of the country and abroad. He said with development of scenic spots and their projection through appropriate forums and medium encouraged the tourists to visit the area, are proving fruitful and significant.

Mr. Mir said that government has taken

various initiatives for showcasing the unexplored tourist destinations of the State, rich heritage and diverse culture. “The main objective of projecting the tourism potential is to increase the employment avenues for unemployed youth in this lucrative industry”, he added The Minister hoped that year 2014 will bring with it better tourist season in all parts of the state. He asked people to play their role and put in efforts for the promotion of tourism industry of the State to boost their economic conditions.

The Tourism Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir is blessed with plentiful natural magnificence, which the government is tapping in the right perspective by developing new destinations, besides creating latest tourism infrastructural conveniences for the domestic and foreign visitors. “The adventure, pilgrim and sports tourism are also the focus area of the government as these sectors have tremendous scope in Jammu & Kashmir state”, he added.

HOROSCOPE Aries

March 21-April 19

Your emotions may feel restricted today, but this could be for the best. Try to take a lighthearted approach to the situation, and don’t get too serious about anything. The more flexible your attitude, the better off you’ll be. Keep your feelings under control by not reading too deeply into the subtleties of things.

Taurus April 20-May 20

This is a great day for you. You should find that your general mood is excellent. You’ll have the perfect thing to say in every situation. Your adaptable nature will come in handy, as people around you will be quite rigid and unyielding. The more disciplined you are when it comes to emotions, the better off you’ll be. Feel free to be the social butterfly.

Gemini May 21-June 21

It may be hard to come to grips with your emotions today. You may be flightier than usual. Realize that this is to your advantage. Come out of the quicksand and take a breath of fresh air. An upbeat attitude is critical to making progress in anything you undertake. Find the answers you seek in conversations with others.

Cancer June 22-July 22

Your words may get you into trouble today, so be careful of what you say. Try to keep a lid on hasty comments fueled by intense emotions. These comments may come out the wrong way and be used against you later. Bring your cheerful disposition to the group and leave your stubborn attitude at home. Goals and discipline may be major themes today.

Leo

July 23-August 22 You may be a bit confused today. Other people’s actions may send you into a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. You may be sensitive regarding your goals. Discipline is a key aspect of today. Stay true to the principles you hold most dear and you won’t go wrong. Friends are waiting in the wings to help you with whatever bothers you. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.

Virgo

August 23-September 22

Communication is key today. Make your intentions known right away to avoid unnecessary confusion. The more you can settle now, the better off you’ll be down the road.

You’re the missing piece of the puzzle, so step up to the podium in order to fill your very important role. The bridge you provide fills in a critical gap that will be of great aid to others.

Libra

September 23-October 23 Channel your energy into constructive tasks. Look to where you can make important connections. There’s a fine line between helpful suggestions and manipulation. Try to avoid the latter. There’s something holding you back. This restriction is probably for the best. You could get burned out by constantly going to extremes in every action. Trust your energy and follow your instincts.

Scorpio

October 24-November 21 Restrictive forces may come into conflict with you today.

The good news is that you should be able to find a space of peace within your emotions. Seek a mediator who can help you sort out stalemates that may exist between you and others. Opportunities for freedom and autonomy are out there waiting for you to grab. Seek the bizarre and unconventional ways of doing things.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21

A planned, disciplined approach works best today. One thing to keep in mind is that it’s important to connect with others now. Trying to do things alone may seem like the right thing to do, but you’re much more efficient when you enlist the help of others. Don’t be shy about approaching people you don’t know very well.

Capricorn December 22-January 19

This is a terrific day for you. Your emotional state of mind is wonderfully upbeat. Things should be flowing your way, and there’s an instinctual knowing that will help you navigate through whatever rough spots may come your way, if any. Take this opportunity to secure commitments from others and nail down plans that you intend to complete.

Aquarius January 20-February 18

Things may be mentally focused today, which could conflict with your emotional nature. Strong opinions may crop up, and you should take the time to listen. Don’t force things to come out if they aren’t ready. If the apple isn’t ready to fall from the tree, don’t wrench it off. Wait until the apple is ripe and the fruit will fall to you effortlessly.

Pisces

February 19-March 20 Communication is a big theme of the day for you. Every time you speak, a large audience is listening to every word.

The stronger you are at expressing your opinions, the better.

You’re flighty today, jumping from one thing to the next, but this is fine. You may get quite a bit done when you act in this fashion.

EDITORIAL/ OPINION Daily Zabarwan Times Friday 10 January 2014

High time to gear up the administration

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ust one snowfall and the whole administration crumbled like dry leaves putting the people of the valley to large inconveniences and difficulties. The tall claims of the administration that every thing is ready to cope up with any situation and the earlier meetings including the meetings of disaster management proved futile and useless. For two days the whole valley was plunged into darkness, the water supply was badly affected, the road and air connectivity was snapped and the black marketing hoarding and sky rocketing prices made the life of common man a hell. As soon as the news of blockade of national highway spread the tomatoes which were selling at a cost between Rs 20to30 were sold at Rs 80 per kilogram in the evening. Similarly all the essentials were either hoarded and sold on high prices or were taken out of the shops with the purpose of hoarding and black marketing. It was as if the highway was closed for several days that every thing was in shambles in the valley. Regarding the snow clearance every body had his complaints as the number of machines was so less that for two days these machines could only clear the main urban areas. The villages particularly the far off places are still reeling under the snow and the patients are facing lot of difficulties to reach to towns and get life saving drugs. The situation like this has once again indicated that the administration has no vision and no clues as to what should be done when there is such a weather problem during the months of winter. Though the stranded vehicles from national highway were cleared yesterday the highway still remains closed for general traffic. The Chief Minister who held a meeting at Srinagar was mislead about the restoration of essential services as he was told that eighty per cent of the same have been either restored or will be restored by the evening.

If such is the situation after one snowfall what will happen if God forbid some natural calamity hits the state. It is high time that the state administration rises to the occasion, understands its responsibilities and initiates steps to rectify its weaknesses.

Daily Zabarwan Times Friday 10 January 2014

National Urban Livelihoods Mission Empowering The Lives of Urban Poor

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ike countless others, forty-yearold Usha left her village in Uttar Pradesh and came to Delhi in search of a better life. Two decades later, she finds herself living in a jhuggi while she struggles to bring up her five children on the meagre salary she earns as a domestic help.

Dismayed that the bustling metropolis has failed to fulfill her dreams, Usha is now resigned to her fate as she is convinced she can do little to improve her living conditions or provide a better future for her children.

However, Usha and others like her residing in the slums and resettlement colonies of Delhi and other Indian cities need not despair any more. Help is round the corner for them. They will soon get an opportunity to learn new skills, get a bank loan and even set up their own small business.

It could well turn out to be a lifechanging experience for the country’s urban poor, especially the women, who will not only be personally empowered but will also be able to alter the lives of their children.

All this will be made possible by the UPA government’s newly-launched National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) which will be rolled out across the country in the coming months.

The NULM is actually an improved version of the earlier poverty alleviation programme for the urban poor titled Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY) which was found to be wanting for a variety of reasons.

Having identified the problem areas in the implementation of the SJSRY and recognising the need to address the needs of the growing population flocking to cities in search of a better livelihood, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA) restructured the old scheme and unveiled it in its new avatar as the NULM.

To begin with, the UPA government did not hold back on the funding. A budget of a whopping Rs. 6404 crore has been provided for the remaining period of the 12th five year plan for cities with a population of one lakh or more with Rs. 950 crore being allocated for 2013-2014.

It has also expanded the beneficiaries of urban poor to include the homeless and street vendors who are invariably ignored in government programmes. A special provision has been made for the funding of all-weather 24/7 shelters with all essential facilities for the urban homeless. In addition, up to five per cent of the NULM budget has been earmarked to provide support to urban street vendors which will include skill upgradation and development of vendor markets.

Explaining the salient features of NULM, Mr. B. K. Agarwal, joint secretary, ministry of HUPA, said under the improved programme urban poor, especially women, will be organized into self-help groups (SHGs), while infrastructure and trained manpower will be provided to upgrade their skills in keeping with the requirements of the market. In addition, beneficiaries will be helped to secure loans if anybody wants to set up his or her own enterprise.

“This will be first time that women in cities will be organised into thrift and credit-based SHGs to meet their financial and social needs. This is the main emphasis in NULM. We borrowed the concept from the rural areas where this experiment has proved to be extremely successful,” Mr. Aggarwal said, adding this approach has been found to be an effective catalyst for change.

SHGs are typically small groups of 10-20 women who are bound by a common agenda. Not only are these groups an effective mechanism to improve the livelihood of its members but they are also found to be an excellent support system for the

women and increases their levels of confidence and self-esteem.

There are innumerable studies from rural areas which also show how involvement of women in SHGs has empowered them to play an active role in community matters like provision of adequate drinking water facilities and children’s education.

With the UPA government keen to begin implementation of NULM at the earliest, the ministry of HUPA has organised several workshops in various state governments for all stake holders, including banks, to explain the features of the new programme and create awareness about it.

“Bank representatives were specially included to tell them that they should be more sensitive to the loan requirements the urban poor,” Mr. Agarwal pointed out.

Although municipal committees have been identified as nodal bodies for the implementation of NULM, they have been provided special funding to hire technical experts and also to draft civil society groups in the management of the programme since the local bodies do not have the expertise to do so.

These professionals will mobilise the women into SHGs and encourage them to develop a corpus through their savings which can be used by a member for a personal need or for setting up a small business. In addition, the women will be helped to open bank accounts so that they have access to credit. A provision of Rs. 10,000 has been made for the formation and activities of each SHG for the initial two years.

“Earlier they were getting money at exorbitant interest rates but no longer,” said Mr. Aggarwal, stating that so far a bank were reluctant to sanction loans and would do so on the basis of a project report submitted by an account holder.

Now, he said, individuals and groups can get financial assistance under the mission’s SelfEmployment Programme (SEP) at a subsidized interest rate to set up their own micro-enterprises.

In addition, beneficiaries can also avail credit for other activities like carrying out repairs to their house or funding a child’s education through their SHG’s.

Being uneducated and having no skills, the urban poor are particularly vulnerable as they are forced to work as maids, cooks, guards or in sweat shops where they toil in poor working conditions, often being denied minimum wages. The framers of the NULM have decided to give them an opportunity to learn new skills so that they can command a better salary or set up self-employed ventures.

Since it is a critical component of the mission, 50 per cent of the budget is to be spent on the training of 2.8 million urban poor in the current five year plan. While training institutions will be set up for this purpose, the skill training providers will also place them in remunerative jobs and keep tabs on them for the first six months to guard against any exploitation.

“The skills imparted can range from retail to nursing, depending on what the market requires and on completion of the programme, each person will be given a certificate,” Mr. Agarwal said, adding that these training centres will have a well-planned curriculum and will be equipped with the necessary tools and training materials.The NULM is indeed an ambitious programme as nobody has, so far, focused on improving the livelihood of the urban poor.

As Mr. Aggarwal said, if implemented well, it could have a farreaching and visible impact on the lives of those eking out a living in the slums of the country’s urban centres.

'Exploitable Potential ' To 'Credit Potential’: NABARD Shows The Way

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s an annual exercise, NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) takes up a detailed exercise in all districts across the country for mapping the credit potential that is expected to stimulate balanced growth. Here, the emphasis is mainly on the key stake holders in the development process - the district administration, implementing departments, banks, farmers etc.

NABARD has prepared a carefully designed potential mapping process. This entails constant updating of available infrastructure in the district. On this basis, the potential for Ground Level Credit (GLC) is projected.

This exercise, being one of its kind, is vetted by technical experts from different disciplines at the regional offices of NABARD. Finally, the outcome, the Annual Potential Linked Credit Plan document is made available for the development planning domain.

NABARD's Potential Linked Credit Plan (PLP) is a much sought after document by the banks, departments related to development and the academia since it offers them a fair idea as to emerging trends and aids them on focus areas. Quite often, NABARD’s PLP exercise helps all the stake holders to review, re-look and re-draw the road map for development in key sectors of the economy.

Bottom up Approach True to the spirit of the 'bottom-up' approach, NABARD initiates the painstaking development planning exercise with each district as a unit. This is easy for NABARD as it has officers stationed across almost all districts in the country. These officers, who are designated as the District Development Managers (DDMs) are engaged in constant

dialogue with the district administration and banks. They help them in setting the correct priorities for speedy growth.

It is also significant to note that NABARD completes the entire process of finalizing the PLP well in advance. The time bound approach adopted by NABARD ensures that the banks are able to prepare their Annual Credit Plans (ACP) based on the PLP estimates. For example, NABARD has completed the planning exercise for the next fiscal 2014-15 before the end of the December 2013 quarter.

PLP 2014-15 The PLP 2014-15 prepared

by NABARD has taken into account the potential available for development in all the sectors as also the infrastructure available for exploiting such potential.

The preparation of the PLP document was preceded by a detailed consultative process with the implementing departments in the district for identifying critical infrastructural requirements. The main objective of the entire exercise is to link the development planning process with the credit planning process.

In this context, it is essential to bear in mind the fact that NABARD had prepared a Base PLP document, co-terminus with the 12th Five Year Plan period (2012-13 to 2016-17). The present exercise is aimed at further fine tuning the projections for the year 2014-15 based on priorities laid down by the Government of India, expected improvement in power position, inflationary trends, interest subvention for crop loans, focus on farm mechanization etc. An attempt has been made to give a detailed picture of the exploitable potential which

could be translated into credit potential by various banks.

Aggregation at State Levels The exercise of preparation of PLPs attempted in all the districts of Tamil Nadu, for example, will be followed by the preparation of a State Focus Paper (SFP) document which is essentially an aggregation of credit estimates at the state level. It will be presented at the state level credit seminar which will be convened by NABARD. It is usually attended by senior officials of the state government, RBI, NABARD and the state level Bankers Committee (SLBC). The forum of the state level credit seminar is also utilized to present the critical interventions required for catalyzing growth in the district to the state government officials.

Critical Infrastructural Interventions NABARD, as part of the PLP preparation exercise, also identifies the infrastructural requirements for up scaling the Ground Level Credit (GLC) under various sub sectors. These will be presented to the state government for necessary follow up interventions. It is also noteworthy that NABARD even offers funding to state governments under its Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) window for some of the incomplete 'last mile projects' awaiting completion and commissioning for want of crucial funds.

Case Study: Madurai The Potential Linked Credit Plan for Madurai, for 2014-15, envisages a total outlay of Rs. 6293 crores for various sectors in the district under the Priority Sector category. This indicates a considerable increase over the Annual Credit Plan (ACP) target of Rs. 5520 crore for 2013-14.

The PLP envisages a higher

allocation for agriculture and allied activities in tune with the Twelfth Five Year Plan's objective of achieving inclusive growth. The credit plan has projected the share of crop loans at Rs. 1939 crore in tune with the thrust of Government of India to give fillip to agriculture, largely through Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme.

Since Term Lending for capital formation is key for sustaining growth in agriculture, special emphasis has been laid in the plan document for term credit for agriculture, with an allocation of Rs. 1 570 crore for lending to activities such as minor irrigation, land development, dairying, farm mechanization, plantation and horticulture and creation of storage space through rural godowns etc.

The importance of MSME sector as a key sector for job and income generation has been recognized with a sizable allocation of Rs. 1244 crores.

Since Madurai is a prominent as an upcoming urban destination, under "Other Priority Sector" banks can lend to the order of Rs. 1540 crores in sectors like housing loans, education loans, consumption loans, loans to traders and small road transport operators.

Shri. R. Shankar Narayan, AGM, NABARD, Madurai who formulated the credit plan for Madurai, has informed that the PLP 2014-15 has taken into account the potential available for development in all the sectors as also the infrastructure available for exploiting such potential. He added that the exercise was to arrive at the exploitable potential for credit off take through banking channels during the next fiscal 2014-15.

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