C M Y K
C M Y K
WEDNESDAY
December 11 | 2013 | 06 Saffar 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |
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VOL NO: 3 | ISSUE NO: 313 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 PAISA)
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Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K
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l to u f se e u ight n b e o PCB an e we s i c / l y rom r Gu ne uc p a Ho red m Co f Um o N so es fitn See More On Page 06
Ensure empowerment of Panchayats See More On Page 06
Taj declares athletic C’ship closed Jammu, Dec 10 : Minister for Medical Education, Youth Services & Sports, Mr. Taj Mohi ud Din today declared the J&K State Athletic Championship closed. The two day athletic championship was inaugurated yesterday. On the occasion, the Minister gave away prizes and commendations to participant athletes besides sports journalist who have been covering the championship. He appreciated
Cold wave further grips Kashmir Valley Srinagar 10 December: There was no respite from dry weather conditions as cold wave further tightened its grip in Kashmir with the night temperatures in the Valley remaining several degrees below the freezing point. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded a drop of over one degree in the night temperature with the mercury settling at a low of minus
Inside story
Jora for a vibrant theatre culture to preserve past The Minister for Urban Development and Urban Local Bodies, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora has underscored the need for promoting of theatre activities in a big way to preserve traditional art, culture and language in the State. Speaking at the concluding
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FOCUS ON QUALITY EDUCATION: GOVERNOR It is very important to spread facilities for higher education but equally important to ensuring that the education imparted is of an acceptable quality. This was stated by N.N.Vohra, Governor during the foundation laying ceremony of the Ramnagar University Campus at
Mulling to seek High Court intervention. From Our Special Correspondent Srinagar, Dec. 06 : At a time when certain political big wigs in Jammu and Kashmir Government are facing severe criticism for their alleged role in promoting ‘corruption’ in the govt. machinery in the wake of recently exposed BOPEE Scandal which is considered as the biggest scandal of interference in the merit having brought disrepute to the entire recruiting system of the state, a similar kind of scandal involving some top politicians and bureaucrats has come to fore in the Jammu and Kashmir Housing board, where not only the merit has taken a backseat but all the norms and even the cabinet orders have been violated and ignored simply to accommodate a blue eyed babu allegedly for financial gains. Sources in the establishment revealed that Ram Pal Sharma the incumbent Managing Director of the Jammu and Kashmir Housing board has been occupying the prestigious post against all the norms prescribed by the Govt. in this regard, thereby hampering not only the developmental projects in the department but has also been the main detriment for some of the senior and talented officers in the board to perform in a better way . According to the official documents lying with this newspaper, Ram Pal Sharma has began his carrier in the department as Typist/ Junior assistant in 1981 with mere 11th class qualification however due to his influence in the political circles especially his proximity with the Jammu based Politicians, this blue eyed Babu has managed to reach all along to the highest office of MD in the board where he used to serve as PA a couple of years back. His elevation to MD has
not been the violation of rules only but also the violation of the directives passed by the Board of Directors of the JK Housing board vide its order number UO/03 dtd 24-05-210 which in its 40th Annual meeting raised objection to the promotion of Sharma as Secretary of the board, thereby ordering for its consequent withdrawal. “ It came to the notice of Board of Directors that one Sh. R.P.Sharma, Deputy Secretary , J&K Housing Board has been promoted to the level of secretary and orders to this effect have been issued by the outgoing Managing Director. It was decided that the said order be withdrawn forthwith and entire case be put to the establishment committee for its placement in the next meeting of the Board of Directors.” reads the order duly signed by the then chairman of the board and the Deputy Chief Minster Tara Chand, a copy of which lies with this newspaper. However to the surprise of many, the said officer was not
demoted but ‘elevated’ further to the post of the MD, superior to the post (Secretary) he had been found ineligible for. According to the insiders of the department, Sharma who still hasn’t improved his qualification from the 11th class, has been managing his ‘out of turn’ and ‘undue’ promotions by ‘bribing’ the influential politicians and bureaucrats from time to time. “How can you allow a matriculate hold the post of MD which is as per the government orders at par to that of the Chief Engineer of R&B department? This is not only a sheer injustice to the deserving officers but also a grave insult to the system in itself.” a senior bureaucrat pleading anonymity told this newspaper. He lashed out at certain Jammu based politicians for ‘diluting’ the institutional integrity and promoting ‘corruption’ in the system. “This man has nearly 15 plots on his relatives
Addresses YAIKS
Restoration of sense of security key to KPs return: Omar ‘Government pro-actively focusing this area’
JAMMU, DECEMBER 10: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Tuesday said that Kashmiri Pandits are integral part of Kashmirayat and their return is essentially significant to the restoration of the composite culture of the valley. “The loss of sense of security forced them leave their
would continue to make efforts to create secure and peaceful atmosphere in the valley for the safe return of Kashmiri Pandits. He said a great number of KPs want to return to valley and become the similar part of the society which they used to be before the militancy. Omar said that the return of 1500 youth to the valley in connection with employment and their mingling with the majority community is a healthy sign and good omen for the mass return of KPs. He said Kashmiri Pandits were spread all across the state and lived in amity with the majority community before the militancy. “My endeavour is to restore the same situation. I do not want to take Kashmiri Pandits from Jammu
FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:
Weather will be mainly dry over the state.
FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:
Mainly Clear Sky with Haze. Maximum & Minimum temperatures will be around 13°C & -2°C respectively.
TEMPERATURE MAXIMUM 12.8 0C MINIMUM -2.1 0C 05:23 pm SUNSET ON(WED) SUNRISE ON (THURSDAY) 07:28 am
and his own name in various parts of Jammu. Wherefrom a typist turned PA turned MD has acquired such a huge property.” asked the bureaucrat. A senior officer of the board requesting not to be named while expressing similar apprehensions told this newspaper that Sharma is not only the ‘under qualified’ but was also junior to Romesh Chandra who had been appointed a year before Sharma on 09-06-1980 and that too with BA as his then qualification much higher than what Sharma possess even now when he is holding the MD post. The officer added that Chandra is still working in the grade of head assistant and has been ignored by the authorities’ altogether. Meanwhile officers in the department have raised a serious objection to the elevation of Sharma and have threatened to approach the High Court in case the order was not See Housing Board on pg 11
Polices foils Hurriyat (M) sit-in on human rights day Mirwaiz placed under house arrest Srinagar, Dec 10: Resorting to traditional dictatorial tactics, authorities placed APHC Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest to prevent him from participating in the proposed peaceful sit-in in connection with International Day for Human Rights. Apart from Mirwaiz, a number of hurriyat leaders were either placed under house arrest or
locked up in police stations to foil the hurriyat sit in programme thereby violating all the human and democratic rights of Kashmiris. The authorities left no stone unturned to stop hurriyat leaders and people from participating in the sit in to peacefully protest the human rights violation in Kashmir by means of share force and state sponsored terrorism. Senior hurriyat leader, Agha Syed Hassan Al Moosvi Al Safvi, Moulana Abbas Ansari, Bilal gani lone, Advocate Shahid-ul-Islam, and Syed Salim geelani were See Hurriyat on pg 11
National Saffron Mission:
Bunglings at Allowpora Farm
Minister refutes allegations
Rampant human rights violations – A worry for humanity
WEATHER
England will bounce back in Ashes
Officers blame Politicians for promoting ‘corruption’ in the system
On Edit Page
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Matriculate functioning as MD in JK Housing Board
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The observance of human rights day on international level is basically aimed at creating awareness about the importance of human rights and their respect. However despite the observance of such day every year, the human rights violations around the world are increasing day by
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Shopian, Dec 10:
homeland”, he said maintaining that their return to valley will not be by force but by creating conducive and favourable conditions and restoring back the sense of security in them. Addressing the Members of Youth All India Kashmiri Samaj (YAIKS) led by its President, R. K. Bhat who called on him here, the Chief Minister said that he
and other parts of the country to the valley and make them live in camps. They are integral part of Kashmir and Kashmir’s composite culture. Their co-existence with majority community is essentially important for restoration of the composite culture of the valley”, he said and added that though, packages See Omar on pg 11
Cops halt ambulance ferrying heart attack patient for half-an-hour
Delay in reaching hospital responsible for his death Srinagar, Dec 10:
A patient suffering from serious cardiac ailment passed away at SKIMS due to inordinate delay created by ‘traffic’ cops keeping the ambulance halted for almost half-an-hour at Seelu Sopore on pretext of
using a wrong siren, attendants said. “I was ferrying the patient from Handwara to SKIMS. As I reached Seelu Sopore, the authorities stopped me and opened all the lights and siren of ambulance. They kept the siren near ambulance tyre and asked me to break the same,” Manzoor Ahmad, the ambulance driver working in Handwara district hospital told KNS on phone. He further stated that See Cops on pg 11
The much hyped implementation of ‘National Mission on Saffron’ (NSM) project funded by central government with an aim to improve the productivity of saffron cultivation is proved a damp squib. According to the farmers, the Mission started by the Agriculture Department with great fanfare, is marred by scandals and frauds. Scores of farmers told CNS that the project is a damp squib to achieve the desired results and returns.
Reliable sources said that the Vigilance Organization Kashmir is currently verifying and probing various allegations with regard to NSM in respect of district Pulwama vide FIR number 26/2013 and a thorough enquiry is expected to be conducted by the concerned investigating agency to reach the bottom to unearth the bungling and to save the public exchequer from loot and plunder. According to reports saffron community have incurred huge losses while the present status of 49.00 hectors of Seed Multiplication Farm, located at Allowpora of district Shopian presents grim situation which smacks of malfunctioning. According to farmers, the Farm Manager under whose supervision See Saffron on pg 11
Only PDP can protect aspirations of the people of J&K Bhaderwah, Dec 10 : With the support and mandate of the people Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been emerged as biggest political force in Jammu and Kashmir and people have been looking towards this party as only option to get them rid from the yoke of present corrupt regime. This was stated by PDP leaders while addressing series of public meetings in Bhaderwah assembly
segment in connection with the on-going campaign for the Lok Sabha elections Mehboob Iqbal, Arshad Malik, PDP candidate for Udhampur-Doda Lok Sabha seat, Choudhary Zulfikar MLA Darhal, Daman Bhasin and others addressed the meetings and sought support of the people for party candidates for Lok Sabha elections. They said that there was political vacuum after formation of NCCongress alliance and PDP has
fulfilled this vacuum and this party has become voice of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “Neither Congress nor BJP can represent aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir so PDP is the one and only party which is emerging as alternative to the National Conference”, they said and informed the people that NC has already wiped from the political scenario of the State and in the coming days NC would See PDP on pg 11
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11
Daily
Wednesday 11 December 2013
Housing Board ...... revoked immediately and an action taken against the politicians and officers who helped him to hold such a prestigious post.
Omar...... and other facilities for return of Kashmiri Pandits are of crucial significance yet the restoration of sense of security in them is of primary importance. The Chief Minister thanked the Members of YAIKS for reposing full faith in him and extending their support in his efforts for safe return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits. He said he views this issue as a human issue and its addressing completely apolitical. Earlier, expressing gratitude to Omar Abdullah for making a history by implementing the employment package and helping return of 1500 KP youth to the valley, the President, YAIKS, R. K. Bhat said that Omar Abdullah never made false promises to them but took historic steps towards rehabilitation and return of Kashmiri Pandits to the valley. “We have seen your sincerity towards Kashmiri Pandits and the keen interest in our welfare and betterment”, he said and mentioned the practical work done at ground by Omar Abdullah to facilitate and encourage return of Kashmiri Pandits in a conducive and favourable atmosphere.
Hurriyat...... put under house arrest while Mukhtar Ahmad Waza was arrested in Police station Sher Bagh, islambad, Hilal Ahmad War in Police station Kothi Bagh, and Ghulam Mohammad Nagoo at Police station Rainawari. The hurriyat headquarters at Rajbagh was surrounded by heavy contingent of police to restrict the movement of hurriyat leaders to reach the office. Meanwhile, hurriyat convened several peaceful protest programmes in length and breadth of Kashmir including Srinagar to divert the attention of international community and human rights organizations towards rights violation in the state. The participants drew the attention of word community towards continuous bloodshed, torture, state sponsored terrorism, and restricting the political social religious activities of Kashmiri leaders. A hurriyat delegation led by senior hurriyat leader Musadiq Adil including Zaffar Akbar Bhat, Hakim Abdul Rashid, Abdul Rashid untoo and others protested against the rights violations in Kashmir in Press colony Srinagar. Later, the police used forces against the peaceful protesters and arrested Zaffar Akbar Bhat and and Ghulam Mohammad Mir. Similarly, senior leaders including Javaid Ahmad Mira, GN Zaki and others were arrested police when they took out a protest march on the international day for human rights at Mirwaiz manzil at Rajouri kadal. Prof Habibbulah jeelani addressed a gathering at Khanqe-Moula during which he condemned the house arrest of APHC Chairman Mirwaiz Umar farooq and other leaders. Meanwhile, in a statement, Mirwaiz stressed upon the defenders of human rights around the world and international community to pressurize India to stop rights violations in Kashmir. He said India by virtue of militarization and imposing black laws was subjecting Kashmiris to worst rights violations which include death, torture, and restricting the political and religious activities of genuine leadership of Kashmir. He said that one lakh people have been killed, thousands have been orphaned and widowed, 8500 unmarked graves are dotting the Kashmir landscape, 9500 people have been subjected to enforced disappearance, hundreds of Kashmiris are lodged in jails and entire population of Kashmir has been bruised by both mental and physical torture. “India is has violated all basic norms of humanity in Kashmir. Rights violation commited by her would remain an ugly blot on humanity” Mirwaiz said Mirwaiz said due to Kashmir issue, south asia remains instable and the time has come that world community uses its influence to solve the issue for once and all to bring lasting peace in the region.
Zabarwan Tmes
plan of Rs 371.18 crore under National Saffron Mission Programme for four years which includes Rs 286.06 crore as government of India’s share and Rs 85.12 crore as farmers share. The main objective of the scheme was to extend support for creation of irrigation facilities through tube wells and sprinklers which would help better crop in the area. Agriculture Minister, Ghulam Hassan Mir told CNS that last year due to lack of proper planning, saffron production decreased considerably. He however said that this year the production was good as the department adopted all the measures to boost up the production. The Minister further said that all the allegations leveled with respect to Allowpora Farm are baseless and there is no truth in these allegations.
Cops...... the authorities made the ambulance wait for more than 30 minutes and that he repeatedly requested the officials about the critical condition of the patient but to no avail. “I requested them several times that the patient is in a critical condition with a major cardiac attack but they made me to wait on the road side and smashed the siren.” The reports received by Kashmir News Service said that a 60-year-old Abdul Rahman Dar, resident of Yansoo Handwara was admitted at District hospital Handwara under MRD number 11408, dated December 9, 2013. The doctors at the district hospital after diagnosing the patient of having suffered due to major cardiac arrest had referred him to SKIMS. The driver of ambulance bearing number JK05A 3402 was directed to ferry the patient to SKIMS on Monday afternoon. The ambulance was stopped by the authorities at Seelu Sopore. A senior officer in traffic department said the reason for stopping the ambulance was that the driver was using a wrong siren. However, the eye witnesses told KNS that the authorities were busy in monitoring the traffic violations at Sopore and that the ambulance driver was stopped near Seelu by the officials on the ground of violating the traffic norms. The attendants of deceased told KNS that the authorities without any reason made them to wait on the road side for half an hour due to which the condition of the patient deteriorated further. “The doctors here in Srinagar told us that there has been inordinate delay in bringing the patient to the hospital but the main reason for this delay was the inappropriate attitude of the officials at Sopore and we begged them to let us go but they didn’t pay any heed,” said Abdul Hamid (name changed), a close relative of the deceased attendant. When contacted, the Inspector General of Police (Traffic) Munir Ahmad Khan told KNS that he will verify the facts.
PDP...... be a history. “PDP is the voice of the people and party workers and leaders will fight for the cause of common masses”, they said and pointed out that it was all due to the pro-people policies of the party that PDP has already emerged as strong secular alternative in the state within a short span of time. In these meetings elected Panchayat members from Hadel and Mannu joined PDP and expressed faith in the leadership of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Mehbooba Mufti. Others who spoke on the occasion included Pritam Kotwal, Sajjad Malik, Nazir Ahmed Kitchloo, Iqbal Bhat and others.
Parent of alleged beneficiary arrested Srinagar, Dec 10: The Crime Branch of Police on Tuesday arrested a parent of one of the beneficiaries’ of Board of Professional Entrance Examination (BOPEE) scam involving selling of CET-2012 papers against hefty sums. Official sources told GNS that the crime branch arrested Farooq Ahmad Shah, parent of one of the alleged beneficiary for his involvement in buying the papers. A resident of Manghal in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, Shah has been lodged in Crime Branch lockup here.
Introduced new laws to trample poeple Srinagar, Dec 10: Peoples Democratic Party Spokesperson Nayeem Akhtar came down heavily on National Conference on World Human Rights Day Tuesday, accusing it of acting as mute spectators to unabated rights abuses in Kashmir. “This Government has promoted rights abuses in Kashmir and it has adopted new tactics and strategies to trample and muzzle the voice of the people of Kashmir,” Akhtar told CNS adding that there is no zero tolerance on human rights violations. “Since from the day one when NC assumed Office, hundreds of youth have been killed and it is a shame that government has adopted a criminal silence over brazen violation of human rights,” said Akhtar. He said that PDP does not blame New Delhi for unabated rights violations in
Srinagar, Dec 10, CNS: State Congress President Professor Saif-u-Din Soz Tuesday said that Government of India will settle down all the cases of landowners of South Kashmir to whom Army owes rent charges for using their land and concreted structures from past more than tow decades. In a statement issued to CNS, Soz said that during a meeting with De-
BANIHAL, DECEMBER 10: Minister of State for Technical Education Power, CAPD, RDD and Information, Vikar Rasool Wani today said that Govt; is committed to provide all basic facilities to the rural people at their doorsteps. He announced 1 water tanker for Roori village and gave assurances to the people that soon 100-150 students from the Banihal area will be sent to outside states for undergoing ITI training.The Minister was today addressing Public meeting at Harwari, Banihal. The Public meeting was attended by district officers of the concerned works departments, Sarpanches, Panches and other dignitaries. While speaking on the occasion, Vikar said that the Coalition Govt has ensured the all-round development of all the regions of the state on equitable basis, without giving preferential treatment to any particular area. He highlighted the achievements and developments
Annexure “A”
This Office NIT Not” of 2013-14 issued under endorsement No:5528-38 dated: 6-11-2013
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Providign & Fixing of Wooden (Poplar) Truss to ANM Building at Binner Construction of Breast wall on Vizer Thindum Kriri Fresthar Road at Allapora
DIPK : 11125
Srinagar, Dec 10:
A missing couple was found dead Tuesday in Aru Pahalgam reportedly due to the road accident. The couple had gone for outing after they recently got engaged. Reports reaching KNS said that a recently engaged couple Sabhiya Jan daughter of Ali Mohammad Mir of Kadi pora Anantnag and Irshad Ahmed Darzee son of Kaka Darzee resident of Nathi Pora Dooru Anantng on Sunday went for outing. The couple went missing after they visited Pahalgam. When they didn’t return home, their parents reported the matter to Police. After the investigations and search operations, the Police found dead bodies of the missing couple in gorge of Aru road. A senior Police official told KNS that both have died due to accident and their car has been rolled down nearly 700 feet down in river Lidder near Gurkhum-Aru in Pahalgam.
of his tenure which were taken for the welfare of the people of these far flung areas of Banihal, adding that several projects have been started for the overall and equitable development while others are in pipeline. He stressed that the Govt’s main focus remained on the upgradation of existing infrastructure to improve basic services for the people , which includes improvement in road connectivity, drinking water, education, health and social welfare. Minister appealed the people to positively contribute in the efforts of the Govt to carry forward its development agenda for speedy socioeconomic transformation of the backward and remote areas. He further added that peace and tranquility is imperative for development . He exhorted upon the people to utilize maximum benefits from the various centrally sponsored schemes of the Central Government such as MGNREGA, PMGSY, NRHM, Food security bill etc
Earnest money
Class of contract
Time of completion
Mr. Vikar directed PDD,PHE, CAPD,PWD and other concerned authorities to ensure hassle free services to the people during winter and stressed upon them that people should not face any inconvenience with regard to getting ration, LPG, power, drinking water or health care facilities. Earlier, a medical camp was organized at Batoo , which was inaugurated by Vikar. In the camp, Doctors did free checkup of women, children, men and old people of Batoo. Minister also distributed free medicines of 1 lakh among the peopleof the area. Earlier, Sarpanches and panches of the Harwari area apprised him the local demands of the area which includes more roads under PMGSY, Electric transformers, upgradation of schools, electricity to un-electrified villages, Health sub centre at Harwari, more anganwari centres in the area, and deployment of adequate staff to Schools.
Government of Jammu and Kashmir
For & on behalf of Governor of J&K State, the Executive Engineer R&B Division Baramulla invites sealed tenders affixed with two Revenue stamps from the approved PWD contractors of the classes shown on Annexure “A”. The tenders should be addressed to the Executive Engineer R&B Division Baramulla by registered post or by hand and should reach in his Office on or before 26.12.13, - A &I3 up to 2:00 P.M. In case the opening date being declared as Holiday/ Hartal, the tenders shall be received on next working day. The tenders should be sealed in proper cover with name of work, name of the contractor, reference to CDR No. and date without which tender shall be rejected without assigning any reason thereof. The tender document can be had from the Office of the Executive Engineer R&B Division Baramulla against casji payment on any working day during office hours uptoj 24-2-2013 only after receipt of the Valid TIN No. & PAN No. along with latest Sales Tax Clearance Certificate/ Acknowledgement receipt of sales Tax return file That the Service Tax on prescribed rates shall be deducted from the work done claims on total value of work which includes departmental stores. The rates quoted/ allotted shall include all taxes. The departmental material shall be supplied “to the contractors on following rates from Divisional Store (i) Cement @ Rs. 395 /bag (ii). TMT (Bars) @ Rs 60.50/Kg (iii). Anglelron/ Flat Iron @ Rs 65/Kg. iv) CGI/PGI Sheets @Rs. 55/Kg. v) Bitumen @ Rs 56000/MT (In case of non availability of stocks in Divisional Stores the contractor my purchase the required material of quality & specifications prescribed to be certified by Engineer incharge after getting non-availability certificate from Executive Engineer & shall not be entitled for any type of excessive rates on this account. All other terms and conditions will be the same as laid down in the detailed NIT NO: 01/2013-14 issued under endst. No: 203-13 dated: 15.04.2013.
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fence Minister A.K.Antony in New Delhi, the Minister assured him that all such cases will be settled down in due course of time.“I received an assurance from the Defence Minister A. K. Antony on Tuesday that all pending cases in respect of rent payable to the land owners of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district for the land under use of the Army will be settled.
Couple dies before marriage ceremony
Inaugurates medical camp at Batoo Banihal
OFFiCE OF THE EXECUTIVE ENGINEER R&B SUB-DIVISION MAGAM . GULMARG DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, TANGMARG FRESH NO FRESH NOTICE INVITING TENDERS
Tender Notice No: 71 of 2013-14
Approx. Cost
Kashmir but holds present State Government responsible. “Law and Order is a State Subject and it is the present State Government which is arresting innocent youth and even minors on the one or the other pretext. Hundreds of youth are languishing in different jails. Public Safety Act has been slapped on those people who follow a different ideology. Rights abuses have increased in a great way and people are deprived from justice,” Nayeem Akhtar said. “As head of the State, the CM is responsible for every killing and rights violation that takes place here. He had promised that no human rights violation will take place. Ironically, the promise is yet to be fulfilled. If he is sincere, he should intervene and put a bridle on these violations to restore sense of security among people,” Aktar said adding that this Government has break all the records of rights abuses.
Army to settle all rent cases’: Soz
Office of the Executive Engineer R&B Division Baramulla
Name of the work
Crime Branch at Rajbagh here. He has been booked under sections 420 (cheating) 120B (criminal conspiracy) and section 5(1) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, in an FIR (24/2013) registered by the Crime Branch. The scam surfaced in June this year when an anonymous complainant had accused Peer and his accomplices of selling papers to at least a dozen aspirants against hefty sums. Acting swiftly, Special Secretary to Government General Administration Department on July 26 last ordered an enquiry by the Crime Branch.
NC promoted rights abuses in Kashmir:
Government of Jammu and Kashmir,
S.No
Shah is believed to have purchased the papers against whooping 15 lakh from one of the accused in the multimillion scam. Shah’s name surfaced during the questioning of the accused in the scam including BOPEE Chairman former Mushtaq Ahmad Peer, Farooq Ahmad Ittoo, Haroon Rashid and Sajad Ahmad. Mushtaq Peer was arrested on November 23 last month and is presently lodged in central Jail Srinagar after a court sent him to 10-days judicial remand in connection with the sale of CET papers 2012, afterwhen he visited the headquarters of the
Govt committed to provide basic facilities to the rural masses: Vikar
Saffron...... saffron corms meant for distribution to the farming community were sown in Allowpora Shopian has attributed the shortfall in seed production and multiplication to insufficient inputs, non commissioning of sprinkle irrigation system, inhospitable weather conditions and texture of soil. The argument and claims have been negated by an official in his SOS vide MAF/2013-14/388-92 dated 26/07/2013 addressed to the Joint Director (inputs) mentioning that 19 hectares farm covered in 2010 and 2011 for development and multiplication of Saffron Corm production were comprised of barren land and everything was done without proper planning raising eyebrows. The farmers have alleged that officials that were entrusted with this work and who supervised the task swindled huge chunk of money and thus looted the public wealth without getting trapped. Pertinently, for the revival of saffron production in Jammu and Kashmir, the Central government had approved a
BOPEE scam
Cost of tender Doc.
Rs3.54 lacs
Rs7080/-
DEE
20days
Rs 200/-
Rs3.19 lacs
Rs3190/-
SHG
20days
Rs 200/-
Sd/Executive Engineer R&B Division Baramulla
Head of account NRHM Funds Demanded
Fresh NIT No:49/R&B /GDA OF 2013-14` DATED: 07/12/2013 For and on behalf of the Governor, J&K State, e-tenders (In Single Cover System) are invited on item rate basis from approved and eligible contractors registered with J&K State Govt; CPWD, Railways and other State/ Central Governments for each of the following works:
S.No
Name of Work
1
Up-gradation of additional accommodation double storied building for existing Middle School Katipora.
Est. Cost (inlacs of Rs.)
Cost of T/Doc (in Rs.)
Earnest Money (in Rs)
Time of Completion inDays)
Time & Date of Bid Opening
Class of Maior Contractor
Major Head of Account
35.00
1100/=
70000/=
90 days
19/12/2013
A/B
RMSA
Position of AAA/ TS
Submitted
Position of Funds
Demanded
The bidding documents containing qualifying information, eligibility criteria, specifications, Bill of quantities (BOQ), terms and condi-
tions of contract and other relevant details can be seen/ downloaded from the departmental website www.iktenders.Qov.in as per schedule of dates given below:-
S.No 1 2 3 4 5
Date of Issue of Tender Notice Date of Issue of Tender Notice Period of downloading of bidding documents Bid Submission Start Date Bid Submission end Date Dead line for receiving the Hard Copy (orginal DD & FMD)
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Date and time of opening of bids (online)
07-12-2013 From 09/12/2013 10 A.M to 15/12/2013 4.00 09/12/2013 from 10.00 AM 16/12/2013 upto 4.00 P.M 18/12/2013 at 4.00 P.M in the office of the Executive Engineer R&B SubDivision Magam / GDATangmarg. 19/12/2013 at 11.00 AM in the office of the Executive Engineer R&B Sub-Division Magam / GDATangmarg
Note:-TheTenderer are invited at the risk, cost and responsibility of the previous agency namely M/S BEE LIN DYNAMIC Prop. Mend. Afaq Baba S/O Mohd. Sy. d Baba R/O Iqbal Cciony Zanikote Srinagar as per the instructions of Superintending Engineer PW (R&B) Circle Baramuiia- Kupwara vide letter No. 104S3 Dated: 22-11-2013. For further terms and conditions log on www.jkte-nders.gov.in
DIPK: 11120
Sd/ Executive Engineer R&B Sub-Division Magam
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NEWS
Daily ZABARWAN TIMES
Ensure empowerment of Panchayats: Sagar tells officers
Jammu, December 10:
Minister for Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar has asked the officers to ensure that the orders of empowerment of the Panchayati Raj representatives is implemented in toto maintaining that these representatives form a part of day to day governance. The Minister was addressing a meeting convened to discuss the status of empowerment of the Panchayti Raj institutions here today. Mr. Sagar said the government has already issued orders of empowering the Panchayati Raj institutions in respect of 14 vital departments, so that they can effectively discharge their functions for undertaking sustained development of their respective areas Mr. Sagar also asked the ADDCs and the need of the hour is to en- smooth running of the Panchayati sure its full implementation. “The Raj System in the State “, he added. to submit monthly reports about The Minister directed the offi- the meetings taken and the isgovernment has already nominatLone News Agency Khan sues NewssoAgency Ganderbal cers toKangan hold regular meetings with that they can be redressed ed the Additional District DevelopNews Agency Soura Zahidwithin Book Depot Chadoora the officers of 14 departments and the shortest possible time. ment Commissioners Gulzar as the nodal also with the Panch and Sarpanchs said Agency that due care should be Tariq Hawal BashirHe News Nowhatta officers for every district forNews over-Agency so that bottlenecks, if any are retaken to ensure thatLal theChowk Panchayaseeing that these orders are impleMuzaffar Ali News Agency Alamgari Bazar Budshah News Agency moved and the sustained develop- ti Raj representatives and officers mented fully. Now, theAbdullah onus lies on News Agency Lal Chowk Sikendar News Agency Lal Chowk the officers to ensure that these are ment of rural and far flung areas is of various departments work in LalaChowk Rainaclose Newscoordination Agency Gund ensured on fast pace basis. withKangan each other followed in letter and Gupkari spirit for News the Agency
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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 Dar News Agency Beerwah Bashir News Agency Sumbal Reshi News Agency Safapora Saleem News Agency Pattan Basharat News Agency Bandipora Reyaz News Agency Pampore Altaf News Agency Pulwama Javaid News Agency Qazigund Jeelani News Agency Baramulla G.Mand News Agency Sopore JAMMU, DECEMBER 10: The session was jointly critic, Prof Lalit Magotra and Shah News Agency Kupwara Sultan News Agency Handwara famous Urdu poet, Arsh Sehbayee. The function Jammu & Kashmir Younis AcademyNews of Agency Secretary Khalid Bashir Langatewas divided Sheikh NewsAcademy, Agency Islamabad Art, Culture & Languages today or- Agency Islamabad Ahmad, alsoAgency presentTral and welReshi News Waywas News into two sessions of four Three ganized a day-long short story readcomed the participants. News Agency News Agency Bijbehara short Tral stories each. In the Badru The ing session in differentTurray languages second session saw Dr. KonRahi News Kulgam Malik News Agency Arwani spoken in the State.Prominent and Agency chok Rigzin reading his Ladakhi first session, Dogri writer upcoming short storyRah writers ofAgency Byepass short story, Nying pu, Iqbal NaNews Shaheen NewsMa Agency Kargil
Contemporary short story of J&K: Academy holds day-long session
eight languages including Dogri, Gojri, Hindi, Kashmiri, Ladakhi, Pahari, Panjabi and Urdu presented their creative work before an invited audience comprising writers, poets and lovers of literature.The unique event was held to afford a platform to writers of different languages to listen to and appraise each other’s creative work and also give an idea to the participants of the contemporary short story written in Jammu & Kashmir.
Chhatarpal read his short story Sapkunj, M. K. Waqar presented his Gojri short story titled Áadmi’, Mrs. Kiran Bakhshi her Hindi short story, Loat Aaao Aroo and Mohi ud Din Reshi his Kashmiri short story, Wachh. presided over by noted Dogri writer
zish his Pahari short story,Jeni Jeine ji Mari Gayi, Mrs. Surinder Neer her Punjabi short story, Lavasay and Ghulam Nabi Shahid his Urdu short story, Madawa.In their speeches, both Dr. Lalit Magotra and Arsh Sehbayee described the short stories read out by the participant writers as representative creative works of the respective languages and appreciated them for beautifully touching upon contemporary issues with deft craftsmanship and treatment.
Minister of State for Fisheries, Cooperatives, Finance and Planning, Dr Manohar Lal Sharma has called upon the rural youth to avail the benefits of ample opportunities of self employment available under various state and centrally sponsored schemes. Inaugurating the Khidmat Centre in Mangloor village of Kathua district, Dr. Sharma said that the objective of the opening of such khidamt centres is to felicitate the rural masses with internet facilities through which access to various government facilities and other utilities like bill payment, railway reservation, loan documentation, examination forms and results, birth/ death certificates, photography, etc can be availed by one click under one roof. Worthwhile to mention here that this was 57th Khidmat Centre in Kathua district. Earlier, Dr Manohar Lal Sharma laid foundation stone of Three room building of Government Middle School Ladoli and Sanitory Complex
to be completed with an estimated cost of Rs. 8.55 lac under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. Dr. Sharma also held a public grievance camp in Ladoli and listened to the problems of the people. Various deputations from Ladoli, Mangloor, Dhoud, Ghanyari etc appraised the Minister about their problem and demands. The demands were mainly related to the provision of safe drinking water, electrical poles, road connectivity, ration for ST basti, recharging of pond, shortage of school staff, provision for hand pump and solar lights. Responding to the demands of the people Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma said that over 40 tubewells were installed in kandi areas during the recent years which has catered the problem of drinking water to great extent. He assured that more resources will be utilised to improve the water availability in kandi areas. The Minister said that government has sufficient stock of seed and fertilizer and the focus was given
LAYS FOUNDATION STONE OF UNIVERSITY CAMPUS AT DALSAR; RAMNAGAR JAMMU, DECEMBER 10: It is very important to spread facilities for higher education but equally important to ensuring that the education imparted is of an acceptable quality. This was stated by N.N.Vohra, Governor during the foundation laying ceremony of the Ramnagar University Campus at Dalsar in tehsil Ramnagar of district Udhampur.Governor also stressed the need for ensuring that
the subjects to be taught at the off-site of the universities are relevant to the area and have the potential of opening up new opportunities for the all round development of the area and also help in the preservation of its culture. Observing that these off-site campuses were conceived to extend facilities of higher education to remote and far off areas, the Governor said that all efforts should be made for receiving a much larger enrolment of the locals in these campuses.Emphasizing the importance of frequent interactions and discussions among the students and teachers, Governor said that all necessary efforts should be made towards strengthening tolerance and understanding contrary points of view, as this would lead to the balanced development of the students.
He called upon the teachers to imbue their students with cultural and moral values and ethical codes of conduct and teach the importance of brotherhood and communal harmony. He said that all conflicting positions should be resolved only through dialogue and discussion. Governor observed that the teaching faculty of these campuses of the universities should be also concerned in dealing with the deficiencies among the faculties of the nearby colleges and higher secondary schools. M.P.S Isher ,Vice chancellor Jammu university emphasized the need of strengthening the infrastructure at the campus by creating more facilities for sports activities, provision of internet, and strengthening of staff position.
HOROSCOPE Aries
March 21-April 19
You might feel like doing something different today, Aries. Everyone needs a break from the regular grind and this is a good time to try something new. Perhaps you feel like varying your routine. If this is your day off, you might spend the day doing whatever strikes your fancy. Try a new wardrobe style. Go to a movie. Do something to spice up your life today.
April 20-May 20
Start your day writing in a journal, Taurus. This provides an avenue to communicate and connect with your inner being. Things you need to do, ambitions, and even challenges can appear while you’re writing, providing a map that you can follow. Even if starting is difficult, stick with it. The words will come if you give it a chance. It can make your day much easier.
Gemini May 21-June 21
to formulate the plans of various developmental schemes besides also in the implementation as well. Commissioner-Secretary, RDD, Mr. Farooq Ahmad Peer also spoke on the occasion and gave a brief of various initiatives under taken for capacity building of the panches and Sarpanches. Director Panchayati Raj Mr. Fa-
rooq Ahmad Khan, Directors Rural Development, Jammu and Kashmir, Mr. Shafiq Ahmad Raina and Mir Altaf Ahmad and all the ADDCs of the districts who have been designated as nodal officer to oversee the implementation of empowering the Panchayati Raj institutions were also present.
Jora for a vibrant theatre culture to preserve past JAMMU, DECEMBER 10: The Minister for Urban Development and Urban Local Bodies, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora has underscored the need for promoting of theatre activities in a big way to preserve traditional art, culture and language in the State. Speaking at the concluding function of the five show series of Natrang’s famous play ‘mind games’ at Police Auditorium last evening Mr. Jora said that theatre plays a pivotal role in making the past live for the posterity, besides acquainting the people about the contemporary changes and developments taking place in the society. He said Jammu has a vibrant theatre culture, its promotion in other parts of the State needs
to practice the seed replacement ratio for the farmers so that farmer will get more economical benefits from high yielding varieties of seeds. He added that efforts were made to timely procure the crops of the farmers at reasonable rates. He directed ACD to take up more MGNREGA works in kandi areas for the faster development of these isolated areas. He directed PDD department to install 20 poles in the area. He directed XEN PWD to take up black topping of Ladoli road work at an earliest and further directed to finish the patch work of the link road immediately. He directed ACD to clear the pendency of payments of local Labours. He also directed PHE department to make provision for water supply to SC mohalla of Ladoli. Later Dr. Sharma also gave away cheques among 40 beneficiaries under Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan. He also gave away cheques to the tune of 2.6 lacs among 2 beneficiaries of horticulture schemes.
FOCUS ON QUALITY EDUCATION: GOVERNOR
11. 12 .2013
Taurus
Manohar asks youth to avail self-employment opportunities KATHUA, DECEMBER 10:
SRINAGAR | WEDNESDAY
focused attention of the stake holders. He appreciated the performances of the actors and commended the writer and director of the play for coming up with an interesting experimental play aimed at inculcating positivity among the masses. He also complimented J&K Police for facilitating Natrang in the presentation of this play. The play has been conceived, written & directed by Sumeet Sharma, a Post Graduate in Dramatics and recipient of SNA’s Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for Theatre Direction. Natrang Director, Balwant Thakur honored the Chief Guest Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora and thanked Mr. Hilal Rather MD Simula Infra for supporting Natrang’s mission of spreading art and culture to the larger audience.
Govt working for upliftment of far flung, weaker section of the society: Gurezi Takes stock of fire suffers at Dawar Jammu December 10: Minister of State for Animal & Sheep Husbandry, Mr. Nazir Ahmed Gurezi has said that the present government is working for the betterment and upliftment of the people of the far flung and weaker section of the society of the State. Addressing a series of public meetings at different places during his visit to Tehsil Gurez, Mr. Gurezi said that government during last five years has implemented the welfare schemes meant for the people of hilly areas and weaker sections on ground so as to ensure the development of these areas. He appealed the people to come forward and take benefits of welfare schemes launched by the State and Central governments. During his visit several deputations met the Minister and apprised him about their individual and collective problems. He directed on the spot to the Tehsil officers to ensure basic amenities to the people of Gurez so that the people of the areas would not face any difficulties during winter months. The Minister visited Budwon, Dawar and Wanpora villages. He also took stock of fire incidents which took place in Dawar village and directed the concerned for immediate measures for rehabilitation of fire sufferers.
Sham asks women to avail benefits of welfare schemes Distributes sewing machines among 110 beneficiaries at Akhnoor
Akhnoor block. The initiative will help the beneficiaries to promote their skill and make them self-reliant. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that Government was commit-
AKHNOOR, DEC 10: Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Mr. Sham Lal Sharma today distributed sewing machines amongst 110 SC/ST women and girls at a function organized by the Social Welfare Department at Akhnoor. These beneficiaries have also undergone training in cutting and tailoring in the Centres sponsored by the Social Welfare Department at different places in
ted to empower the women folk, especially in the rural and far-flung areas and numerous programmes have been launched in this direction. He asked the beneficiaries to take full advantage to these initiatives and become self-dependent and lead a
dignified life. He asked the Sarpanchs/Panchs to motivate the poor and downtrodden women beneficiaries to avail benefits of such schemes and improve their living conditions. He directed the officers of Social Welfare Department to set up adequate number of Centres of different trades for the rural women so that more and more women/ girls/destitute are trained in skill development. He also called for organizing frequent awareness camps to educate the rural beneficiaries about the Government schemes so that the benefits of such programmes percolate down to the needy.
You might find it hard to get going, Gemini. Taking direction could rub you the wrong way, especially if you’re set on doing something different. Communicate your ideas and how you want to approach things rather than let irritation get to you. Your approach will be better received if you leave emotions out of it. You may even get kudos for staying calm and collected.
Cancer June 22-July 22
You might feel cheerful and generous today, Cancer. Helping others will probably suit you, and matters will move along smoothly. If there are outstanding projects from earlier, tackle them first. It’s an opportune time to get caught up on challenges. Don’t hesitate to lend a hand if you’re approached or notice someone in need. This will benefit them as well as you.
Leo
July 23-August 22 Make an effort to connect with someone you miss today, Leo. Even if it feels painful at first, you’ll feel a lot better once you do. Pick up the phone, write a note, or send an email. Let the person know you miss and care about him or her. Expressing yourself is often far better than stuffing your feelings. The person may be missing you just as much.
Virgo
August 23-September 22
Today may be a time of heightened reasoning and judgment for you, Virgo. What a great way to get things done! Pull out unfinished projects and get going. Tackle issues or problems that have surfaced recently by facing them directly. Make the most of this day’s energy by thinking about ways to do things more efficiently. Be confident that you can handle anything.
Libra
September 23-October 23 Feed your mind today, Libra. The day’s energy supports growth and expansion, so why not see about learning about something you’re interested in? Challenge yourself by reading or taking a class. There are plenty of online subjects to engage you. Find something that interests you that you can do in your own time.
Scorpio
October 24-November 21 You’re more into socializing today than anything else, Scorpio. This could be great providing you don’t have a heavy workload. See who’s available and go for it. If you need to get something done, you’ll have to resist the temptation to chat too long. Use breaks for this and keep your focus on getting done what you’ve taken on. There’s always the evening to get together with friends.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
You may find it hard to admit that you can’t do everything, Sagittarius. There are some jobs that you aren’t cut out to do. Why pretend when a better option would be to delegate the task to someone else? If you don’t feel a strong connection with something or someone, don’t force it. Pretending that you’re capable of something will only cause frustration for you and everyone else.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Don’t be surprised if you’re pensive, Capricorn. It’s one of those days when daydreaming can happen more readily. Your imagination may also be at a peak. Rather than fighting this so you can be more productive, jot your ideas down. It may be to your advantage, as better and innovative ways of doing things can pop into your mind. Take time to ponder. It can bring great results.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Chatting with your loved ones may be more appealing to you today than any other day, Aquarius. It may be important to curb this desire if there are many things that need your attention. If you’re at home, don’t spend all your time on the phone or loafing. Consider tending first to things that need to get done. Socializing will be far more enjoyable without guilty feelings about what you should be doing.
Pisces
February 19-March 20 Pisces, you can expect to feel a little more energetic today. In fact, you may run circles around everyone. What a great way to start the day. Head out with the confidence that you can easily handle anything that comes your way. Take time to enjoy the company of others as much as possible. If there are meetings on the agenda, handle them right away.
EDItOrIAL/OpInIOn
Zabarwan Times Friday, 2911 November Wednesday December2013 2013
A worry for humanity
The observance of human rights day on international level is basically aimed at creating awareness about the importance of human rights and their respect. However despite the observance of such day every year, the human rights violations around the world are increasing day by day. The conflict areas like Somalia, Nigeria, Libya, Palestine, Syria, Afghanistan and other places are experiencing large scale human rights violations mostly on women and children. These two sections of the society become the first victims of all kinds of violations and are subjected to worst kind of torture, pain and agony. It is not only in the conflict areas but even in the peaceful areas the violations continue unabated as the rights of the people are suppressed with might and force. The victimization of women on every level of society from their home to their place of work is rampant in every country. Even in Europe which considers itself the most advanced and progressed area, the women are discriminated and even paid less wages in comparison to their male counter parts. Not only this the physical violence, the rapes and molestation incidents which increase with every passing year show that the mentality and approach of the men dominated society towards women has not changed. The dowry deaths and the ill treatment of the married women in the house of their in-laws is a bad spot on the face of so called developed society. The discrimination in education and employment also is a big way of the human rights violations which is going on since centuries together. It is not only the women and children even the poor classes of the society, in some cases religious minorities and poor countries face the worst kind of human rights violations. The resources of the world dominated by developed countries are not being allowed to be used for poor people and countries and in this way their right to live is being bulldozed. The mere observance of the day for human rights will not help unless the world in totality changes its mind set and dispenses with exploitation and the tendency of crushing others by force.
ZABARWAN TIMES 9
Wednesday 11 04 December 2013 Wednesday, December 2013
Food preservation by
The Daily
Rampant human rights violations –
Daily
F
radiation processing
ood is vital for human existence. Conservation and preservation of food is essential for food security and it provides economic stability and self-reliance to a nation. The need to preserve food has been felt by mankind since time immemorial. The seasonal nature of production, long distances between production and consumption centres and rising gap between demand and supply have made this need even more relevant today. The hot and humid climate of a country like India is quite favourable for growth
of numerous insects and microorganisms that destroy stored crops and cause spoilage of food every year. Spoilage can also occur due to chemical and physiological changes in stored foods. Sea-foods, meat and poultry may carry harmful microbes and parasitic organisms that cause illnesses associated with their consumption. As in other parts of the world, India has also practiced various methods of food preservation such as sun drying, pickling and fermentation which were supplemented with more energy consuming techniques such as re-
frigeration, freezing and canning. Each of these methods has its merits and limitations. Man has always been in the search for newer methods to preserve foods with least change in sensory qualities. Radiation processing of food is one of the latest methods developed for this purpose. Food Technology Division (FTD) of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is involved in the research on food preservation through radiation. Radiation processing of food involves exposure of food to short wave radiation energy
to achieve a specific purpose such as extension of shelf-life, insect disinfestations and elimination of food borne pathogens and parasites. In comparison with heat or chemical treatment, irradiation is considered a more effective and appropriate technology to destroy food borne pathogens. It offers a number of advantages to producers, processors, retailers and consumers. Though irradiation alone cannot solve all the problems of food preservation, it can play an important role in reducing post-harvest losses and use of chemical fumigants.
Know-How and Technology Transfer Expertise and know-how for designing, fabrication and commissioning of irradiators is available in the country with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and BARC. In India commercial food irradiation could be carried out in a facility licensed by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). The DAE has set up
two technology demonstration units in India. The Radiation Processing Plant at Vashi, Navi Mumbai, mainly meant for treatment of spices, dry vegetable seasonings like onion flakes, and pet foods, is being operated by the Board of Radiation & Isotope Technology (BRIT). KRUSHAK (Krushi Utpadan
Sanrakshan Kendra), Lasalgaon, was set up in 2002 by BARC, to demonstrate low dose applications of radiation such as control of sprouting, insect disinfestations, and quarantine treatment. KRUSHAK became the first Cobalt-60 gamma irradiation facility in the world, outside US, to be certified by USDA-
APHIS for phytosanitary treatment enabling export of mango from India to the US in 2007 after a gap of 18 years. The microbiological, nutritional and chemical aspects of radiationprocessed foods have been studied in detail around the world. None of these studies have indicated any adverse effects of radiation on food quality.
Commercial Prospects in India In India radiation processing of food can be undertaken both for export and domestic markets. Food could be processed for shelf-life extension, hygienization and
for overcoming quarantine barriers. Huge quantities of cereals, pulses, their products, fruits and vegetables, seafood and spices are procured, stored, and distrib-
Voting Right:
uted throughout the length and breadth of the country. During storage and distribution grains worth of thousand of crores of rupees are wasted due to insect infestation
Power of the Powerless U
and related problems. Radiation processing can be used for storage of bulk and consumer packed commodities for retail distribution and stocking.
YEGN
–
Mainstreaming the Youth
P
ower of the Powerless’ presupposes the division of the society into two classes – Powerful and Powerless. The world ‘Power’ can be dissected into further classification such as political power, economic power and social power. The general belief or feeling is that the power – political, economic and social – is centered in the hands of a few who can be termed as powerful. But the moot question is whether the so-called powerless are really powerless. I do not think so – in so far as the sharing or enjoyment of political power in India is concerned, which, in my opinion, is the mother of all other powers and a really potent means to achieve those powers. In this Article, I propose to dilate on this aspect, namely, political power of the Power of the Powerless. The Constitution of India proclaims that India is a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic. Giving expression to the solemn resolve of the Constitution makers, the Preamble to the Constitution secures to all the citizens of India, among other things, Justice, Social, Economic and Political; and also Equality of status and of opportunity. The ‘Objective Resolution’ moved by Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru on 13th December, 1946 in the Constituent Assembly, which set out the agenda and goal of the Constituent Assembly, that Assembly declared its firm and solemn resolve, to inter alia, guarantee and secure to ‘all the people of India justice, social, economic and political; equality of status, of opportunity, and before the law; freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, worship, vocation, association and action, subject to law and public morality’ and to provide adequate safeguards ‘for minorities, backward and tribal areas, and depressed and other backward classes’. The foundation for such resolve of the Constituent Assembly was laid down, much earlier in 1928, by a committee under the Chairmanship of Shri Moti Lal Nehru, appointed at an all-party conference held in Bombay in May, 1928. Pandit Nehru in his inaugural address as the President of India National Congress at Lucknow session in 1936 further elaborated the point as under:“I am convinced that the only key to the solution of world’s problems and of India’s problems lies in socialism. Socialism is, however, something even more than an economic doctrine; it is a philosophy of life. I see no way of ending the poverty, the vast unemployment, the degradation and the subjection of the Indian people except through socialism.”
In the Indian scenario, it was Mahatma Gandhi who set the goal to wipe every tear from every eye. Gandhiji held that freedom is a mockery so long as men starved, were naked and pined away in voiceless anguish. Gandhiji’s fight for emancipation of Harijans will always be reckoned as the most glorious aspect of his fight for human rights and dignity.Apart from socialism as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, the founding fathers of the Constitution enshrined Democracy as one of the inalienable basic features of the Constitution of India. Democracy has been best defined by Abraham Lincoln as ‘Government of the people, for the people and by the people’. Democracy is thus the real empowerment of the people – both powerful as well as powerless. In order that even the so-called powerless, who have been suffering for ages due to economic backwardness or social exploitation, untouchability and other evils which have plagued the Indian society on the grounds of caste, creed, race, religion, etc., are ensured justice and equality as enshrined in the preamble to the Constitution, the Constitution makers took the most historic step by providing in the Constitution, in Article 326, for ‘universal adult suffrage’ for choosing their representatives to the House of the People and State Legislative Assemblies. It was truly an historic decision and real empowerment of the powerless. By this decision, the Constitution also gave equal rights to women in the matter of their democratic rights, whereas, even in the West, the women were still struggling for such equality in the matter of their right to franchise. The most notable feature in this truly historic decision was the fact that an overwhelming majority, nearly 84%, of the people in India at the time of the adoption of the Constitution in 1950 were still illiterate, and mostly living in villages, and had not yet tasted the fruits of scientific and technological advancement. Quite paradoxically, in the present day political scenario, the socially backward and economically weak are looked upon as powerless and seen as ‘vote banks’. But the mere fact that they are rewarded by the political parties as vote banks shows their real strength to turn the fortunes of many a stalwarts. All political parties try to woo them in their favour by various sorts of inducements in the form of new employment guarantee schemes, housing projects, financial subsidy and other grants and concessions. The too frequent elections in recent times at various levels – parliamentary, state, local – have in fact proved to be a boon for them, as that has brought the power seekers to their doorsteps.
nemployed youth are the most vulnerable lot to be misguided, exploited or lured into unlawful activities. It was to involve the youth in constructive activities, enable them to get employment that a major initiative Youth Employment and Guidance Node (YEGN) programme was launched a few years back in border and remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir . The YEGN guidance and training to young men and women in various skills to equip them to either get a job or start their own enterprise , prepare them for recruitment in the army and other security agencies including paramilitary forces and help them acquire some expertise for self employment . Thanks to the YEGN under the Sadbhawna programme today many a youth have been recruited in army, paramilitary forces, railways, banks and many trained to earn a livelihood on their own. The YEGN centres have computer training facilities, facilities for training in different skills and competent personnel and expertees to guide the youth in getting gainful employment or seeking higher education or sitting for exams for recruitment in bank, railways and other fields.The youth that include a large number of students have also access to magazines and journals on general knowledge and competitive exams in various sectors besides Employment News magazine. Naresh Kumar from Deeng village took training as a plumber for a month at YEGN at the border village of Sainth. He was given a certificate of Diploma in Plumbing by MSME after successful completion of the training. Today he is able to earn about 10,000 rupees a month He says that sometime he is engaged on a daily basis or he gets payment for the particular job done. Twenty years old Rohit Kumar who had taken training from a polytechnic college in Jammu in plumbing, is today an instructor and is paid 500 rupees on daily basis. Inderjit Mahi from Jhanghar village says that he took training in repairing electrical gadgets like irons, fans , motor wiring and has been given certificate for the same. By repairing the electronic gadgets, he is able to earn some money. Inderjit wants to open his own repairing shop with the help of a loan at concessional rates.Tenth pass Sanjeev Kumar also from Jhangar village underwent similar training but wants further training in mechanics.Balwinder Kumar from a border village in Jammu division is a small farmer and is not able to earn enough to make both ends meet. In his 30’s Balwinder said at his age it is difficult for him to acquire some skill and get a job. He at the same time wants to supplement his income. The army under Sadbhawana Programme is giving him training as a mason. He says that masons are getting 250 to 300 rupees a
day and he is hopeful that once his training is over; he too would be able to earn around 15,000 rupees a month. Many young men of Sainth Gram Panchayat and nearby villages have got training as a hair dresser and are now able to earn 200 to 250 rupees a day. Training is being provided in mechanics, welding, poultry farming, hairdressing, tailoring. In order to expand the scope of self employment, training in nursing and fisheries is also being included. Vivek from Sainth village has passed the physical fitness as well as medical test. When we met him he was to appear for the written test for which he was well prepared. He says that youth were told about what all is required for recruitment in the army and other services and professions. They were also taken to the recruitment center to give them an idea of the process involved. Today he is hopeful of joining the army and serving the nation like his father who too was in the army.Vishal who has also cleared all the tests is waiting for an appointment letter from the BSF. He says the young men in border village are passionate about joining the forces.Another youth expressed similar sentiments. He says the youth from villages have the required physique and toughness to clear physical fitness tests. He said he has learnt discipline from the army and they are great source of inspiration for serving the nation . He too has cleared all other tests and would be appearing for a written test to join the Border Roads Organisation, BRO. Rakesh Kumar took admission in BA this year. He has benefitted a lot, he says from magazines and books on general knowledge and the employments news provided at the YEGN centre. He also takes computer classes provided by YEGN in the evening after college hours. Rakesh Kumar like many youth in the area wants to join army. Besides over sixty youth recruited in army, navy and other para military forces, many young men and women have acquired skills to enable them to start their own work. Many more have cleared the tests and are hopeful of being recruited soon. Teachers and students too are benefitting from the YEGN initiative. Vishal Sharma from Government High school Khairi village is a teacher. Although an MSc, he had absolutely no knowledge of computers. He underwent training by YEGN in Basics. He says the army provided the school with computers and then trained the teachers in using computers for about a month. They were guided about how they can make use of the computers to educate students and about related software.This is not all. In order to instill confidence in the youth, matches in different games including football, basketball etc, are also organized besides competitions in debates, essay writing and other academics.