Zabarwan Times E-Paper English 13 July

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July 13 | 2013 | 03 ramzan 1434 aH | PaGES 12 |

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VOL NO: 3 | ISSuE NO: 168 | 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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No curfew today Srinagar, July 12: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Shalinder Kumar Friday said that there will be no curfew on Saturday.

“We have given instructions to police to keep vigil in sensitive areas. There might be slight restrictions in some areas, but overall there will be no curfew,” Kumar said.

“Some vested interested in selected areas try to destablise the normalcy which creates problems for the people. We appeal to people to play their role in maintaining peace,” he added.

Asked to comment on the restrictions imposed on Geelani and Mirwaiz, he declined to comment. “My job is to see the problems of people and try to solve them,” he said.

Pak violates ceasefire in Jammu Jammu, July 12: Pakistani troops on Friday fired on Indian forward posts along the International Border (IB) in this district of Jammu and Kashmir, a Border Security Force (BSF) officer said.

Pakistan Rangers fired on Border Out Posts along IB in Pindi forward area along IB of R.S. Pura belt of Jammu district around 0935 hours, the officer said.

The small arms firing went on for a brief period, the officer said, adding that BSF troops guarding the border fired back, resulting in exchanges.

However, there was no loss of life or injury to anyone in the firing, the officer said.

Pakistani troops had violated ceasefire along the Line of Control on June 26 by resorting to unprovoked firing for nearly 30 minutes in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.

There were five ceasefire violations by Pakistan in the last month.

July 13 martyrs heroes of struggle: Omar Srinagar, July 12: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has paid rich tributes to the Martyrs of 13th July describing them heroes of the struggle against suppression and autocracy.

In a message on the eve of Martyrs’ Day, the Chief Minister said that the sacrifice of the Martyrs to free the society from autocracy and lay edifice for democracy and human dignity is one of the richest chapters of the history of Jammu and Kashmir.

“The best way to pay homage to the Martyrs is to help create equitable and palatable environment for everyone to grow and nurture in a democratic atmosphere. Let all of us join hands to develop a society based on justice and principles of secular democratic temperament”, he said adding that tolerance and respect for each others’ viewpoints, whether we agree to these or not, is the soul of democracy. He said the Martyrs of 13th July laid their lives to uphold this principal of natural justice and democracy.

Omar prayed for peace and tranquility in the State.

3 killed in mishaps, minor dies under tree Srinagar, July 12: Three persons were killed in separate road mishaps while a boy died under tree in Kashmir Valley, police said Friday.

A police spokesman here said that a motorcycle (JK01M-3328) rammed into an electric poll at Bandipora, resulting in injuries to the motorcyclist, Ghulam Mohiudin Ganie son of Abdul Rashid of Ganistan in the north Kashmir district. The injured was shifted to SKIMS, Soura here where he succumbed to his injuries, he said.

In another accident, he said, a load carrier (JK04A-4273) hit See Killed on Pg. 11

Dal Conservation: Shrink the time frame

CM directs to fast track rehabilitation of lake dwellers Srinagar, July 12: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Friday directed for shrinking the time frame of the Rehabilitation and Resettlement Project for Dal dwellers from five years to three years asking Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) to fast track the activities of paying compensation to the affected families and providing them plots at the identified sites.

Chairing a high level meeting to review the pace of progress on rehabilitation project for Dal dwellers, the Chief Minister said that at least 500 structures should be targeted to be paid compensation each year during the next three years alongwith providing plots to the affected families to complete the project by 2015-16.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Urban Development, Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister of State for Home, Sajjad Ahmad Kitchloo, Chief Secretary, Mo-

hammad Iqbal Khandey, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, B. B. Vyas, Commissioner Secretary Housing and Urban Development, Jeet Lal, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Shalinder Kumar, District Development Commissioner, Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad

Shah, Vice Chairman LAWDA, Irfan Yasin and various other senior officers.

The Chief Minister asked the LAWDA to speed up the land filling and development of plots at Rakh-e-Arth where plots are being See Dal on Pg. 11

Cabinet approves promotion in Forest Department

Ranjan transferred, posted as PCB chairman Srinagar, July 12: The Cabinet which met here today under the Chairmanship of Chief Minster, Omar Abdullah approved the following promotions and postings in the Forest Department.

Vinod Ranjan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, J&K has been placed in the apex scale of Rs. 80,000(fixed) and designated as Head of Forest Force (HoFF). Upon his promotion Vinod Ranjan has been transferred and posted as Chairman Pollution Control Board. The post has been upgraded in status and responsibility to that of the post of Head of Forest Force till it is held by Vinod Ranjan.

A.K. Singh, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests has been promoted to the level of above super time scale II (Principal Chief Conservator of Forests) in the pay scale of

HAG + 75500 - 80,000 with effect from 01.03.2013 against the Cadre Strength of PCCFs. Abhai Kumar Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests has been promoted to the level of above super time scale II (Principal Chief Conservator of Forests) in the pay scale of HAG + 75500- 80,000 on ex cadre basis prospectively.

Abhai Kumar upon his promotion has been posted as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, J&K vice Vinod Ranjan.

Manoj Pant of the rank of Chief Conservator of Forests has been promoted to the level of above super time scale – I (Additional Chief Conservator of Forests) in PB-4 Rs. 37400- 67000; GP 12000 on proforma basis.

Pramod Kumar Singh of the rank of Chief Conservator of Forests has been promoted to the level of above super time scale – I (Additional Chief Conservator of

Forests) in PB-4 Rs. 3740067000; GP 12000 on ex-cadre basis prospectively.

Om Prakash, Roshan Jaggi, Mr Jigmat Takpa, S.K. Gupta, T.S. Ashok Kumar, Ashif Mehmood Sagar, N.A. Darzi and M.A. Tak have been promoted to the level of above super time scale – II (Chief Conservator of Forests) in PB-4 of Rs. 37400-67000, GP 10,000 on excadre basis prospectively.

Mohit Gera, Smt Neelu Gera, B.K. Singh and Sarvesh Rai have been promoted to the level of super time scale – II (Chief Conservator of Forests) in PB-4 of Rs. 37400-67000, GP 10,000 on proforma basis.

Senthil Kumar, A.R. Hazari, M.P. Dogra, M.M. Hussain, Mian Javaid, Sameer Bharti have been promoted to the level of super time scale – I (Conservator of Forests)in PB-4 of Rs. 3740067000, GP 8900.

The Cabinet also approved See Cabinet on Pg. 11

Azad urged to enhance NRHM plan for J&K New Delhi, July 12: The Jammu and Kashmir government has urged Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to enhance the NRHM plan for the Jammu and Kashmir Statte. Minister of State for Health, Shabir Ahmad Khan called on Azad here today and briefed him about the steps taken by the State Government for upgradation of health care facilities across the State. The Health Minister gave a detailed resume of the activities being carried out under

National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) for improvement in healthcare facilities particularly in remote, far-flung and hilly areas of the State.

Shabir informed Azad that spending capacity under NRHM have increased manifold in the State and construction work of a number of Hospital projects are at final stage in the State, which needs immediate release of more funds for their early completion. He furtherinformed him that the Schemes like JSSY and JSSK have shown better results at ground level.

The Minister demanded that funding cap under NRHM for Jammu and Kashmir be also enhanced like other States of the Country. He said that J&K is now in a good position to spend the funds especially for completion of several ongoing projects besides under JSSY and JSSK. Shabir also requested Azad for covering more districts under the benefits of free treatment facility of Non Communicable diseases adding that at present only 3 districts, Leh, Kargil and Kupwara are reaping its See NrHM Plan on Pg. 11

Nazki posted in GMC, 2 KAS officers transferred

Srinagar, July 12:

The Jammu and Kashmir has ordered transfer of two KAS officers while Assistant Director in the office of Joint Director, Employment, Kashmir, Najwan Nazki was transferred and posted as Administrative Officer, Government Medical College, Srinagar, on ex-cadre basis, against an available vacancy.

According to a government order, Nazki’s

'Chhari Mubarak', the holy mace of Lord Shiva, will be carried to the cave shrine of Amarnath on July 22 through the traditional Pahalgam route.

"Chhari Mubarak will leave for Pahalgam from Dashnami Akhara, Srinagar on July 22. 'Bhoomi Pujan' and 'Dhwajarohan' (flag hoisting) ceremonies will be performed at the resting place of Chhari Mubarak in Pahalgam. After performing the rituals, Chhari Mubarak will re-

Srinagar, July 12:

posting to Government Medical College Srinagar shall be governed under the standard terms and conditions of deputation.

“During the period of her deputation, she shall retain lien and promotion prospects in her parent organization (General Administration Department),” the order said.

Meanwhile, official sources said that Rahul Sharma (KAS), See Nazki on Pg. 11

Dirty Beauty: Heaps of garbage lying scattered in picturesque Gulmarg are a blot on its beauty.

Gulmarg Development authority wake up!

Pic./ Shahnawaz Dar

Chhari Mubarak to be carried on July 22 turn to Dashnami Akhara on the same day," Mahant Deependra Giri, custodian of the holy mace, said in a statement.

After performing ChhariPujan at Dashnami Akhara here on 'Nag-Panchami' on August 11, Giri will carry the mace to the Amarnath shrine on ShravanPurnima on August 21.

The 'holy mace' will begin its journey from Srinagar to the Amarnath cave shrine on August 16 with night halts at Pahalgam, Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarani.

It will proceed for the holy cave for Pujan from Panchtarani at 4 am on August 21 'Shravan-Purnima' to have the 'Darshan' and traditional rituals will be performed and prayers will be offered the whole day at the holy cave.

"On August 23, after the 'puja' and 'visarjan' (culminating) ceremonies at the bank of Lidder river in Pahalgam, 'Chhari Mubarak' will return to Srinagar", Giri said.

Mahadev Gir Dashnami Akhara Trust, Srinagar See Chhari Mubarak on Pg. 11

Trade, Industry wing of NC constituted Jammu, July 12: Provincial President National Conference (NC) Devender Singh Rana Friday stressed the crucial role of people engaged with trade, commerce and industry in overall growth of the Jammu city, which has achieved the distinction of being a premier tourism and pilgrim centre in the north India.

Addressing the office bearers of newly constituted Trade and Industry Wing of NC at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan here this afternoon, Rana said that apart from

carving out opportunities of employment and enhancing growth, the industry and trade has to ensure greater consumer satisfaction.

He said the NC was aware of the problems confronting trade and commerce and said every effort is being made to put in place necessary infrastructural facilities required in a city like Jammu that has been destination for millions of pilgrims, thousands of tourists and continuous inflow of floating population from peripheries in pursuit of greener pastures.

See trade on Pg. 11

Of 2014 Assembly Elections- where do political parties stand?

Shahana Srinagar, July 12: If one goes by the history, National Conference has taken historic decisions which really changed the course of history and left far reaching impact on the lives of the people in J&K. It was J&K which became first state in India to adopt agrarian reforms and perhaps one of the few in the whole of the world. Under this act, the tiller became the owner, the benefits started lighting his dark and dingy house, ultimately the land lord who was till then working as a dictator, vanished in the thick air. This landmark decision goes to the credit of NC led by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.

The spread of education clubbed with motivational campaign for girl education revolutionized the Kashmiri society. There are so many fields including the field of politics where the role of National Conference cannot be forgotten. However with the passage of the time, this party distanced itself from the common people and started losing its ground to other political opponents. Its failures, its mercurial stances viz-a-viz political issues besides its non-seriousness in tackling different issues of importance has cost on the party very heavily which will be visible in 2014 elections. The role of this party during the tenure of Dr. Farooq before 1990 and after 1996 has somehow not

been politically consistent while as administratively, it is full of failures and debacles.

Politically this party and its govt. failed to fulfill its promises of revocation of AFSPA, granting of autonomy besides effectively persuading the central govt. to address the Kashmir issue politically.

The autonomy resolution passed by J&K Assembly is eating dust in the Home Ministry, revocation of AFSPA has not generated an effective debate and there are seemingly no takers for it in the Central Govt. At one stage, Omar Abdullah announced that AFSPA will be revoked and within few days announcement will be made by the Central Govt. How-

ever after the passage of over a year, the announcement remains a distant dream.

The party has also been on the fore front to cause maximum damage to the Article 370 though it always claimed to be its sole protector. Even NC joined the hands with BJP and was a coalition partner despite the fact that BJP is number one enemy of Article 370. The party seemingly preferred its political interests than the interests of people of J&K. Now let us see how far this party has fulfilled its promises in the overall development and progress of people of this border state. It has not been successful in tackling the unemployment problem in edu-

Part-II

cated youth with the result over seven lac youths are left unemployed. These youths, boys and girls are either misled or poisoned with the germs of alienation or they themselves select immoral, unethical, anti-social ways because of their constant frustration and the resultant depression. The depleting condition of roads, the inconsistent power supply, lack of proper medical facilities despite Central assistance, the increasing corruption and failure in curbing it are issues which will create ample problems for National Conference in 2014 Assembly Elections.

These weaknesses provide enough material for the armory of opposition who will

want to regain the power in the state. However, despite these failures, people will also not forget the role of NC in helping to bring back normalcy in the state, resulting in the faster socio-economic development of the state.

People will also take into consideration the compulsions of coalition where a Chief Minster and his party cannot freely implement its own plans and programmes.

Also people will judge NC by its leadership and even the adversaries of Omar will acknowledge his honesty, unspotted political career and his sincere efforts to translate his vision of making J&K a welfare state in reality.

(To be continued)

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11 From Front Page........

Daily

Saturday, 13 July 2013

Kichloo for brand promotion of handicrafts

Dal........

Handicrafts Corp. achieves highest ever sales turnover of Rs. 1600 lakh

Cabinet.........

Srinagar, July 12: The Minister of State for Industries and Commerce, Mr. Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo today called for exploring new marketing channels to enhance sale and export of State’s world famous handicrafts in a big way. He urged for closing down of all loss making units (sales outlets) of the J&K Handicrafts (Sales and Export) Corporation and enhance its market presence by setting up showrooms in locationally advantageous places especially in metropolis and tourist spots.

Speaking at the 119th meeting of the Board of Directors of J&K Handicrafts (S&E) Corporation Limited held at Civil Secretariat, Srinagar this afternoon, Mr. Kichloo urged for devising strategies to ensure increase in customer traffic to showrooms. For this purpose, he called for roping in taxi drivers attached to stands of five star and deluxe hotels besides house boat owners registered with tourism department, tour operators and travel agents by paying them genuine facilitation charges.

The Minister also called for a comprehensive purchase/ procurement policy so that targeted sales turn over with projected financial

developed for rehabilitation of Dal dwellers. He also directed the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir to accelerate the pace on the process of finalizing compensation and allotment of plots to the affected families. He said necessary revenue staff should be placed on the job with clear directions to fast track the completion of revenue matters so that shifting of families from the Dal takes place smoothly.

In a PowerPoint presentation the Vice Chairman LAWDA, gave resume of the present status of land development at Rakh-e-Arth. He said the project involves development cost of over Rs. 416 crores while the acquisition of land and structures from inside Dal and drudging of the Lake involves Rs. 356 crores.

Giving details of the development plan of Rakh-e-Arth, he said that out of 7,526 kanals of land made available for housing colony for Dal dwellers, 4,000 kanals would be under plots, 1082 kanals under roads, 175 kanals under commercial offices, 50 kanals under institutions, 438 kanals under nodal facilities, 150 kanals under education and health facilities, 189 kanals under play fields, parks and incidental spaces, 50 kanals for religious purpose, 340 kanals for graveyards, 52 kanals for sewerage treatment and 1,000 as wetlands.

Irfan Yasin said that in total 2,532 structures are being procured in the Dal Lake, of which, 868 have been acquired so far. He said in addition to this 631 structures are also proposed to be acquired from Saida Kadal and Ashai Bagh side of the Lake.

The meeting was told that land mass of 4,453 kanals, 6,255 kanals of watery land under Nadroo and moving land under Radhs and Peechi from Dal and Nageen Lakes is being acquired under the project. release of non-functioning grade of Joint Secretary to Jigmet Takpa and S.K. Gupta with effect from 09.11.2012.

NRHM Plan.........

benefits. He demanded that Cancer Research Hospital be also setup in the State besides urged the Union Health Minister for Sanction of more GNMS and ANMS in the State so that more and more skilled manpower would be made available in the hospitals.

Shabir hailed the Union Health Minister for increasing 150 MBBS seats to Jammu and Kashmir State. He said this would further help to provide medicos facility in the remote areas.

The Union Health Minister gave patient hearing to the demands put forth by the State health Minister. He assured for all possible assistance to the State government for improvement and upgradation of healthcare facilities in the State.

Nazki..........

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kathua was transferred and posted as Additional Secretary in the Personal Section of Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand.

Rajesh Sharma (KAS), Deputy Commissioner, Commercial Taxes (Stamps) Jammu was transferred and posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner,Kathua vice Rahul Sharma.

Chhari Mubarak.........

has made arrangements for Sadhus coming from across the country for the annual pilgrimage, he added.

Trade........

Rana hoped that the trade and industry will maintain its tradition of being consumer friendly and hospitable towards incoming tourists and pilgrims. “Maintaining grandeur of the gateway of tourists to Kashmir and pilgrims to Mata Vaishno Devi and Shri Amarnathji is responsibility of one and all”, he maintained.

Earlier on February 27 this year, senior functionaries of Kanak Mandi Traders Association led by President Vijay Gupta had joined the party in presence of the Rana and senior leaders.

The formation of Trade and Industry Wing is sequel to the continuous joining of prominent members of trade, commerce and industry of the Jammu city in the party fold.

Killed.........

and injured Ghulam Mustafa Rather son of Baqir Rather at his native AgroKalan, Magam area in central Kashmir.

Rather was also shifted to SKIMS Soura, where he succumbed to his injuries, he said. Separately, a Tipper (JK04B-7040) hit a pedestrian Ghulam Hassan Lone of Lathishah Sopore at Railway Bridge Humhama in the Budgam district, resulting in his on spot death, the spokesman added. Meanwhile, a 5-year-old boy was killed and three other members of the family when a tree fell on a kothar in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.

The mishap occurred at Ring Payeen in Machil area, resulting into on spot death of boy Shahid Ahmad Tantary son of Irshad Ahmad. Three others, who were injured in the incident, have been hospitalized at Sub District Hospital, Kupwara, he added, according to KNS. Elsewhere, a 28-year-old man identified Reyaz Ahmad Dar son of Ghulam Nabi Dar of Trigam, Shadipora drowned in a power canal near Rayil Gund in central Kashmir district of Ganderbal, the spokesman added.

Bhaderwah rocked by tremor Bhaderwah: A lowintensity tremor shook Bhaderwah valley and adjoining areas in DodaKishtwar belt of Jammu and Kashmir in the wee hours of Friday, triggering panic among the people.

The moderate intensity tremor measuring 3.9 on the Richter scale shook the valley at around 1:09 am, Met officials said.

There was no immediate

report of any casualty or injury reported from anywhere, the officials said.

However, it triggered fear among the people, most of whom were sleeping at their homes when the tremors shook the valley, leading them to rush out of their houses.

In May, Bhaderwah and adjoining areas witnessed 37 tremors.

result in achieved. He urged for special sales promotion drives coupled with a sustained publicity campaign about State’s handicrafts.

He said brand promotion needs to be utilized as a marketing tool to boost sales turnover of the Corporation. He said effective and constant performance monitoring and target revision on monthly basis can be pivotal for improving the fiscal base of the Corporation.

The Commissioner/Secretary Industries and Commerce, Mr. Shantmanu, Director Codes, Dr. Mohammad Ishaq Wani, MD J&K Handicrafts (S&E) Corporation, Mr. Muzafar Hussain Munshi and Director Handicrafts and concerned officers were also present in the meeting.

The meeting accorded approval to the revival cum business plan for 2013-18 for the Corporation which engages to broad base marketing activities, branding of Kashmir Government Arts Emporium, increasing market share by reaching out to appropriate market segments.

The meeting also approved the proposal regarding implementation of 6th pay revision and one time relaxation in service rules.

The Managing Director, Mr.

Muzafar Hussain while briefing about the performance of the Corporation said that the Corporation has fixed a sales target of Rs. 18 crore for the 2013-14 against a sales target of Rs. 14 crore for the last fiscal against which the corporation actually achieved a turnover of Rs. 1595.89 lakh which is 114% performance in relation to the target. He said it is for the first time ever that the Corporation has not only achieved the target but exceed/surpassed it and generated resources to meet almost entire expenditure for the year. “The annual growth in sales has been approximately 4 % at an average during last decade as against targeted growth rate which the Corporation has achieved about 46% during last fiscal”, Mr. Muzafar added. He said the short term measures taken by the management of the Corporation during last fiscal mainly focused on increase in turn over, achieving sales target as fixed by Board of Directors, increase in resources generation, impacting expenditure and controlling cash deficit, reducing dependence upon budgetary support and clearance of accumulated liabilities.

Several deputations call on Sadhotra FSL officials

Asserts on time bound completion of dev projects Jammu, July 12: Minister for Planning & Development, Labour & Employment, Ajay Sadhotra met several deputations at summer Secretariat today to listen to the demands and problems of the people. A Deputation of members of Chamber of Commerce led by its President Y.V.Sharma met the Minister and apprised him with their problems and demands which mainly include providing uninterrupted power supply for ensuring smooth business activities, time bound completion of the ongoing projects in the city, improvement of traffic scenario and various other developmental issues for welfare of the people.

Giving a patient hearing to

their demands Mr. Ajay Sadhotra assured due consideration to their genuine demands and said that various important projects have been taken up to speed up the developmental scenario in the region and thrust is being laid on their time bound completion. He exhorted the need for active participation of people for strengthening the initiatives of the government to carry forward the development process in the state. He stressed that Omar Abdullah led Coalition Government is committed for even handed development across the three regions of the state and all efforts are afoot to ensure that people are provided all the basic amenities adding

that the flagship programmes have been launched under health, education, rural development sector to improve the living standard of the people, especially the weaker sections of the society.

Va r i o u s o t h e r Deputationists from different parts of the Jammu region apprised the Minister with their demands pertaining to improvement in power supply scenario, adequate water supply, up-gradation of transformers, repair of lanes and drains and better civic amenities. The Minister assured the deputations and individuals that all their demands would be met in a phased manner.

I-Day celebration Man drowns arrangements discussed in Ganderbal Srinagar July 12: A 28 at Kathua years old, Reyaz Ahmad

Kathua, July 12: A meeting of officers was chaired by District Development Commissioner Kathua Jatinder kumar Singh to discuss arrangements for the celebration of Independence Day, 2013 here at Kathua.

SSP Kathua, Mohan Lal, Additional District Dev. Commissioner Kathua, Rohit Khajuria, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, Rahul Sharma, DC Excise, Lakhanpur Mushtaq Ahmed, Executive Engineers of different works departments; District Officers including police officers, Officers from CRPF, Principals of government and private educational institutions were present in the meeting.

The meeting decided that the main function will be held at Sports Stadium, Kathua where the VIP will unfurl the National Flag and take salute from the

mega parade comprising of the contingents drawn from District Police, CRPF, Forest Protection Force, NSS, NCC boys and girls, platoons drawn from various Government and Private schools.

The celebrations on the day will begin with the playing of Shahnai Vadan and patriotic songs by Information Department in the wee hours at Deputy Commissioner Office and SSP Office, Kathua.

DDC, Kathua Jatinder Kumar Singh directed the officers to make proper arrangements well in time.

He also issued necessary directions to the concerned officers to ensure arrangements like security, sanitation, seating, barricading, water and power supply, prize distribution issuance of invitation cards, transportation and illumination of important buildings on Independence Day.

SDA enforcement wing goes hi-tech Srinagar, July 12: Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) has decided to doup its Enforcement Wing by augmenting it with manpower and machinery to ensure strict adherence of the Master Plan regulations in the Srinagar

Metropolitan Local Area.

Reviewing functioning of the Enforcement Wing at a meeting here today, VC SDA, Mohammad Shafi Rather called for making the wing more effectual in enforcing Master Plan regulations.

Dar resident of Trigam, Shadipora was drowned when he slipped and fell into Power Canal at Rayil Gund, Ganderbal.

placed under suspension

Srinagar, July 12: For dereliction of duties, two officials of Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) unit of PCR, Srinagar were placed under suspension today.

According to Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, J&K, two officials namely Lab. Assistant Riyaz Ahmad Shah and Lab. Attendant Showkat Ahmad Bhat were placed under suspension for dereliction of duties and have been attached with FSL, Headquarter Bemina, Srinagar.

ZABARWAN TIMES

Mufti, Mehbooba pay tributes to July 13 martyrs Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that the martyrs of 13 July 1931 with their blood wrote a new chapter in the history of the state which created an urge among the people for freedom and dignity and best tribute to these martyrs would be to create circumstances for resolution of Kashmir.

In a statement PDP patron Mufti Mohammed Sayeed and President Mehbooba Mufti said the party has a clear vision of how to achieve the goals of democratic self rule, economic self reliance and social growth in Jammu and Kashmir. They said the martyrs had risen up against a system that sustained itself on exploitation and denial of democratic rights. The PDP recognizes their great sacrifice and pays glorious tributes to them not only through speeches but by

actually working on the ground for a permanent and dignified resolution of Kashmir problem.

Among others who paid their rich tributes to martyrs of 13th July include senior party leader Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Molvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari, General Secretary Mohammad Dilawar Mir, Tariq Hamid Qarra, Naeem Akhtar, Sartaj Madni, AR Veeri, Abdul Gaffar Sofi, Mohammad Rafi Mir, Abdul Haq Khan, Mohammad Khalil Bandh, Abdul Razaq Zawoora, Syed Bashir Ahmad, Syed Basharat Bukhari, Peerzada Mansoor Hussein, Zahoor Ahmad Mir, Javaid Mustafa Mir, Dr Mohammad Shafi, Nizamudin Bhat, Mushtaq Ahmad Shah, Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Qazi Mohammad Afzal, Peer Mohammad Hussain, Yasir Reshi, Mohammad Shafi Bandey and others.

Capacity building programme concludes at Pouni Katra, July 12: Ten day aids to make teaching c a p a c i t y B u i l d i n g learning process more Programme for in service effective. teachers under SSA at zone The various participants and level concluded today at CRP’s spoke on the occasion HSS Pouni. and gave valuable suggesZonal Education Officer, Sh. tion for improvement in Harish Dubey was the chief academic standard besides guest and Anwar Hussain they shared their view about ZEPO was guest of honour. the training programme.

ZEO, while speaking on the Meanwhile a farewell occasion hailed the efforts of function was also organised ZRP and CRP’s for making a in favour of education training programme a officers who have proceeded success, which was also on Superannuation by appreciated by Chief School Education officer’s Education Officer Reasi Association District Reasi Tarsem Lal, Principal DIET including K.K Sharma Rtd. Reasi and other experts who Joint Secretary (JKBOSE), attended the programme Dr. Surinder Singh Rtd. which includes Dr. Chander ZEO, Krishan Lal Rtd. ZEO, Mohan Lecturer, Gopal and Janak Singh Rtd. ZEPO. Krishan Headmaster cum President SEOA Harish national award winner.

Dubey lauded services The training programme was rendered by them in different aimed to improve the skill of capacities and wished them t h e t e a c h e r s b e s i d e s happy and prosperous post introduction of new teaching retirement life.

State Commission for backward classes inspects Banihal villages Jammu, July 12: A team comprising of Chairman and Members of J&K State Commission for Backward Classes, Khaliq-ul-Zaman Butt during their tour to tehsil Banihal district Ramban conducted inspection of various villages of tehsil Banihal district for assessing

status of their educational and social backwardness which include Tethar, Gund Tether, Chreel Lamber and Darshipora, and Devgol. The team travelled the difficult and hilly terrain of these villages whose representations are pending disposal before the Commission for

inclusion in the list of backward areas. The team interacted with interested parties on spot during the said tour. The observations made by the team during their spot inspection of the aforesaid villages shall be placed before the Commission for consideration.

Government of Jammu & Kashmir

Office of the Executive Engineer R&B Division Pulwama Notice Inviting Tenders Fresh NIT No. 59/EEP/2013-14/2455-70 Dated: 09-07-2013

For and on behalf of the Governor, J&K State e-tenders are invited on item rate basis from approved and eligible Contractors registered with J&K State Government ,CPWD, Railways and other state/Central Governments for each of the following works'S. No

Name of Work

Strengthening/Upgradation of DusooMunpora Wuyan road (Part of Mu npora Dusoo Road) by way of providing and laying of WBM Grade-III. Construction of Right side Approach to Zahidbagh Bridge over Nallah Rambiara.

1.

2.

Est. Cost (Rs. in Lacs)

Cost of T/Doc. (In rupees)

Earnest Money (In rupees)

Time of Completion In days

Time & Date of Opening of Bid

Class of Contractor

Major Head of Account

14.20 Lacs

600/=

28400/=

45 days

22-07-2013

BEE CEE And DEE

MH-4059 Nabard

19.40 Lacs

800/=

38800/=

45 days

22-07-2013

BEE And CEE

MH-4059 Nabard

Position of AAA/TS AA: Submitted Position of funds: Demanded 1. The Bidding documents Consisting of qualifying information, eligibility criteria, specifications, Bill of quantities (B.O.Q), Set of terms and conditions of contract and other details can be seen/downloaded from the departmental website www.jktenders.gov.in as per Schedule of dates given below:-

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Date of Issue of tender Notice Period of downloaded of bidding documents Bid submission Start date Bid submission End date Deadline for receiving the Hard copy (Original DD and EMD) – [The date should be one day after bid submission end date] Date and time of opening of Bids (online) – [The date should be one day after deadline for receiving of hard copy]

10-07-2013 From 11-07-2013 10 A.M to 19-07-2013 4 P.M 11-07-2013 From 10.00 A.M 19-07-2013 upto 4.00 P.M 20-07-2013 at 4.00 P.M in the office of the Executive Engineer R&B Division Pulwama 22-07-2013 at 11.00 A.M in the office of the Executive Engineer R&B Division Pulwama

2. Bids must be accompanied with cost of Tender document in shape of demand draft in favour of Executive Engineer R&B Division Pulwama (tender inviting authority) and Earnest money /Bid security in shape of CDR/FDR pledged to Executive Engineer R&B Division Pulwama (tender receiving authority) 3. The date and time of opening of Bids shall be notified on website www.jktenders.gov.in and conveyed to the Bidders automatically through an e-mail message on their e-mail address. The bids of responsive bidders shall be opened online on same web site in the office of the Executive Engineer R&B Division Pulwama (tender receiving authority).

4. The bids for the work shall remain valid for a period of 120 days from the date of opening of bids 5. The earnest money shall be forfeited, If:a. Any bidder/ tenderer withdraws his bid/ tender during the period of bid validity or makes any Modifications in the terms and conditions of the bid. b. Failure of Successful bidder to furnish the required performance security within the specified time imit. c. Failure of Successful bidder to execute the agreement within 28 days after fixation of contract.

Sd/- Executive Engineer DIPJK: 4483 R&B Division Pulwama

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

NEWS

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES

Srinagar |Saturday

Sagar for speeding up MGNREGA implementation

13 .7.2013

HOROSCOPE Aries

SRINAGAR: Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Ali Mohammad Sagar has directed the officers of Rural Development Department to speed up the implementation of the flagship programme MGNREGA keeping in view the guidelines issued so that the more people get benefitted from the same.The Minister was addressing a high level meeting of officers convened to review the status of implementation of MGNREGA here Friday.

Secretary Rural Development, Farooq Ahmad Peer, Director Rural Development, Kashmir Mir Altaf Ahmad, Director Panchayati Raj, Baseer Ahmad Khan, Director Social Audit Dr. A. G Sofi, Member Secretary MGNREGA Pawan Rathore, ACDs, Xens and other senior officers of the Department were present in the meeting.

Sagar directed the officers to ensure that the works being undertaking under the programme are strictly in accordance to the developmental needs of the particular areas. He said that the local representatives of those particular areas should also be consulted while identifying the developmental programme.The Minister also

March 21-April 19 Romance may be very much on your mind today, Aries, though not necessarily in a positive way. Doubts and insecurities could take over your thoughts. Does a current or potential romantic partner share your feelings? Direct communication with the one in question could be premature, so it might be best to try to remain objective and judge the situation accordingly.

Taurus April 20-May 20

Brusque words or a lack of cordiality from a friend or colleague might have you wondering if this person is angry with you, Taurus. Don’t let your insecurity make you crazy. This person probably just has problems of their own on their mind. Do your best not to take any stinging comments seriously. Have a little faith and show a little compassion. called for ensuring that the payments to the persons identified under the programme should be made within the stipulated time period of fifteen days as envisaged under the Act. He said that the delay in disbursing the re-numeration to the beneficiaries of

the scheme should be avoided.

The Minister also directed for uploading the MIS information on a regular basis so that an effective monitoring can also be ensuring about the status of works done, beneficiaries identified and the payment made to

Zabarwan Times is available at

the human resource. He also called for holding regular social audits so that a feedback can also be got about the status of implementation and the norms being followed. “The Utilization Certificates should also be furnished well in time to the Union Min-

istry of Panchayati Raj, so that future instalments are released well in time”, he maintained.

Sagar also asked the officers to take due cognizance of the complaints if any and ensure speedy disposal of the same.

Lone News Agency Kangan Khan News Agency Ganderbal 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 SRINAGAR: The new elected body of Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) led by its President Muhammad Ashraf Mir Friday called on Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah here and Khan News Agency Regal Chowk Rashid News Agency Dalgate discussed various issues pertaining to development of industries and trade in the State.The Chief Minister said that his government has flagged development of industries and commerce as a thrust Sheikh News Agency Hyderpora Hilal News Agency Budgam area and various initiatives are in place to encourage MSME and local industrialists to invest in variLone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Chadoora ous feasible sectors and be partners in the growth and development of the State besides substantiatSRINAGAR, JULY 12 Bhat News made at HolyMagam Cave, Panjtarni, Navin K. Choudhary, Chief ExAgency Zargar News Agency Kunzar ing government’s efforts of expanding job opportunities for youth.The Minister of State for Industries Domel and Baltal Camps Friecutive Officer of the Shrine Dar News Agency Beerwah Bashir News Agency Sumbal and Commerce, Sajjad Ahmad Kitchloo was also present in the meeting.

N. N. Vohra, Governor, day.

Board, inspected the arrangeReshi News Agency Safapora Saleem News Agency Pattan who is Chairman of the Shri At the Holy Cave Shrine, ments at the Holy Cave, PanBasharatthe News Agency prayed Bandipora Reyaz News Pampore Amarnathji Shrine Board, Governor for jtarni and Domel andAgency held meetingsJavaid with the concerned Altaf News Agency Pulwama News Agency Qazigund officers at these threeAgency Camps. Sopore Jeelani News Agency Baramulla G.M News Later, he inspected the funcShah News Agency Kupwara Sultan NewsControl Agency Handwara tioning of the Access Younis News Agency Langate Sheikhfunctioning News Agency Islamabad Gate at Domel, of SRINAGAR: N. N. Vohra, Governor, has called upon one and all to rededicate themselves to make the Sewage Treatment PlantAgency Tral Reshi News Agency Islamabad Three Way News Jammu and Kashmir a peaceful, prosperous and frontline developed State in the country.

In (STP) and the arrangements Turray News Agency Tral Badru News Agency Bijbehara his message on the occasion of Martyrs’ Day, the Governor observed that Jammu and Kashmir has at the Baltal Base Camp.

Rahi News Agency Kulgam Malik News aAgency been known for its glorious pluralistic ethos, amity and brotherhood, and urged the people to work Thereafter he chaired high Arwani towards restoring the pristine glory of the State as an abode of peace and harmony.

Rah News Agency Byepass Shaheen News Agency Kargil level review meeting involv-

Governor reviews 15 days of Yatra

New elected FCIK Body calls on CM

Governor for making J&K a peaceful, frontline developed State

reviewed the conduct of the Yatra in the first 15 days and inspected the arrangements

peace, harmony, progress and prosperity in the State.The Governor, accompanied by

ing the Camp Director and the senior most officers of all concerned State Government Departments and the Security Forces.Among those present in the review meeting at the Baltal Base Camp included Navin K. Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor and CEO, SASB; P. S. Sandhu, IG BSF; Sarmad Hafiz, Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal; Shahid Mehraj, SP, Ganderbal; Col. Gojendra Singh, CO of 2 MAHAR; R. K. Pandita, GM (Works), SASB; senior officers of the Police .

Ashok Kumar Chairs Petition Committee members meeting SRINAGAR, JULY 12: A meeting of the Committee on Petitions was held Friday under the Chairmanship of MLA, Ashok Kumar in the meeting hall of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Secretariat.

The meeting was attended by the members of the Committee, Zahoor Ahmed Mir, Dr. Shafi Ahmed Wani, Durga Das, Mushtaq Ahmed Shah and Abdul Razaq Wagay.

The meeting discussed threadbare the representation of inhabitants of village Authoora, Reshipora, Baramulla for transition of Gascharai land to Government Higher Secondary School Authoora and its compensation to be paid to concerned Panchayat Ghar.

The Committee members examined the representation made by the inhabitants of Authoora, Baramulla through Sarpanch Halka Authoora, for transferring of the land identify the residents of the said area (Authoora) to the Education Department for benefit of the students.

On the occasion the members put forth some valuable suggestions for transferring the said land for the betterment of the students under legal norms.

The meeting was attended by the officers and officials of the Assembly Secretariat.

Chairman SCBC visit different villages of Banihal SRINAGAR, JULY 12: To assess the status of Educational and Social backwardness in Banihal, Tehsil of Ramban district, Chairman and Members along with Commissioner of J&K State for Backward Classes (SCBC) visited various villages including Tethar, Gund Tethar, Chreel Lambar and Darshipora, Nowgam besides Devgol.

The team after conducting extensive tour of the hilly terrains of these villages interacted with the people and gave them a patient hearing on the occasion.

Pertinent to mention, the representations of these villages were pending for disposal before the Commission for their inclusion in the list of backward areas.

The observations made by the visiting team during their spot inspection of these villages shall be placed before the Commission for consideration.

Gul prays for progress, prosperity of the State SRINAGAR, JULY 12: The Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Mubarak Gul Friday visited Chrar-i-Sharief and took stock of the arrangements made for the devotees coming from across the State for paying obeisance at Zirat Sharief of Hazrat Sheikh Noor Din WAli(RT).

The Speaker after offering Nimaz, paid obeisance at Zirat Sharief of Hazrat Sheikh Noor Din Wali (RT) and prayed for progress and prosperity of the State.

Interacting with the devotees, Mr Gul enquired about the arrangements made by the government for their convenience, including providing safe drinking water, health care and transport facilities.

The people appreciated the efforts of the Government for taking necessary steps in this regard. He also greeted the people on the eve of Holy month of Ramadan.

On the occasion, the people demanded release of funds from Auqaf for further development of the Zamia Masjid and cleanliness in and around the shrine. Gul assured them that their genuine demands would be taken with the concerned authorities on priority.

Earlier, several deputations across the state met the Speaker at his official residence and projected their individual and collective problems. These included construction of lanes and drains, replacement of damaged transformers, ensuring of adequate drinking water facilities, uninterrupted power supply and adequate availability of essential commodities during the holy month of Ramzan.

Pawan Hans CMD calls on Governor

SRINAGAR, JULY 12 – Anil Srivastava, CMD, Pawan Hans Ltd. called on N. N. Vohra, Governor, at Raj Bhavan, here last evening.During their meeting, the Governor and Srivastava reviewed the operation of the Pawan Hans Helicopter services on the Katra-Sanjichat sector for round the year Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji Yatris and on the Pahalgam-Panjtarni sector for the seasonal Shri Amarnathji Yatra.

Navin K. Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor, was present during the discussions.

Gemini May 21-June 21

Someone could call and want to share some troubles with you, Gemini. Your sensitivity and compassion may attract more than one unhappy person in need of sympathy and advice. While this is flattering, it could be a bit of a drag as well. You aren’t likely to turn these people away. Accept this as a natural consequence of being a good listener.

Cancer June 22-July 22

Uncertainty about money could plague you today, Cancer. You might have doubts about income now, particularly if you’re self-employed. Be careful not to make yourself crazy. Your insecurity might cause the situation to seem even more serious than it really is. Try to be objective. If there are genuine concerns - and there may not be - find a way to alleviate them.

Leo

July 23-August 22 A love partner may seem too quiet, Leo. Perhaps you haven’t heard from your friend for a day or so. If you let it, this could start your doubts and insecurities, causing you to wonder if this person still cares or if they’re gone forever. Try to remain objective. Does your friend have some worries right now? That may be why they’re out of touch. Worry will only make you feel worse.

Virgo

August 23-September 22

Possible ideas for artistic projects could come to you, Virgo, though some of them may be vague and not yet ready to manifest. You may seek to express your spiritual side through artistic activity, but might not quite have a handle on how to do it. Don’t force it. Find something else to do and let it sit for a while. You might be surprised by the final results.

Libra

September 23-October 23 A close friend or romantic partner may seem in a rather quiet mood, Libra, and disinclined to communicate with you. You might wonder if this person is angry with you or if you’ve said or done something that wasn’t OK. It’s likely that what’s bothering your friend has more to do with work, family, or money than with you. Just make it clear that you’re there if needed.

Scorpio

October 24-November 21 The possibility of your pursuing new career opportunities, perhaps with more pay, might cause doubts and insecurities among family members, Scorpio. They could be afraid that you will have less time for them.

It’s important that you reassure them, as their worries might escalate if you just let it slide. Make it clear that you’re still there for them.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21

Worries about a relative who lives far away might plague you today, Sagittarius. The situation isn’t helped by the fact that you may not be able to reach them by phone or email. You may have to contact mutual friends who can give you the information you need. Circumstances probably aren’t all that dire. There’s probably nothing to be overly concerned about.

Capricorn December 22-January 19

A check you may have been expecting in the mail may be delayed, Capricorn, and you might not be able to contact whoever is sending it. You could worry over whether or not you will get it at all. This could be a classic case of getting worked up over nothing. The delay won’t cause any lasting problems, just inconvenience and frustration. Hang in there. The money will come.

Aquarius January 20-February 18

You could suddenly experience an overwhelming wave of affection for someone you’ve just met, perhaps a potential romantic partner. Fantasies of the future could waft in and out of your mind. This should feel wonderful in one sense, yet it could also bring up all your doubts and insecurities. Does this person feel the same way.

Pisces

February 19-March 20 New ideas for increasing your income, particularly if they involve extra work, could suddenly seem vague and uncertain today, Pisces. Doubts and insecurities could sabotage the plans you were so ready for yesterday. Don’t let this happen. Talk to others and judge what is and isn’t workable, then concentrate on the former and move ahead.

Editorial/Opinion The Daily

Zabarwan Times Saturday, 13 July 2013

Waiting for a tragedy?

J

ammu and Kashmir Government has learnt no lessons from Dastgeer Sahib Shrine blaze which raised the centuries old revered shrine to ashes in no time.

Yesterday’s fire in Civil Secretariat is another incident which proves that the government is not interested or is lazy in implementing the Fire Safety Act. The law that makes it mandatory to install fire safety gadgets in the public and private establishments.The absence of fire safety law has made its watchdog department a toothless tiger whose occasional roar is at best a whimper in the face of blatant disregard to even a basic regimen to minimize damage in case of an exigency. In absence of the Act, the J&K Fire and Emergency Services department- supposed to be the enforcement bodyacts as a toothless tiger when it comes to enforce the fire safety guidelines for hotels, cinema halls, shopping complexes, multistorey commercial establishments etc. There are hundreds of hotels in Kashmir and very few have installed effective fire protection and preventive measures. Hardly any hotel owner has approached the department for inspection after seeking guidelines from the department.

There is no stringent enforcement law as on date, as such these recommendations were not taken seriously by the owners. Majority of hospitals, petrol stations, schools do not have fire extinguishers. The department only advises them about their usage but it cannot force them as the Act was not given preference in state. Pertinently there seemed negligible adherence to the preventive measures due to absence of Fire Force Act in the state and according to the preliminary report prepared

by Jammu and Kashmir Fire and Emergency Services last year, the safety measures were “almost found negligible” in 157 hospitals, nursing homes and health centers of the state.

The State Govt. is ignoring the safety of its citizens from fire accidents in the absence of ‘Fire Safety Act’. State is duty bound to protect and secure lives of its citizens across by ensuring the minimum safety standards, is liable to promulgate policies, which ensure the implementation of the safety laws and procedures laid down and to ensure that there should be strict supervision on those who issue these kinds of Fire Safety NOC certificates. It is also alleged that most of the buildings in state do not even follow the guidelines of ‘The National Building Code of India, 2005’. Role of Fire and Emergency Services Department in saving the lives and properties of the people in case of fire accidents needs appreciation. But in the absence of any ‘Fire Safety act’, the department remained not more than a recommendatory body and hence not able to take any action in case of non-compliance of the recommendations. The department has shown its helpless to take strict action against the defaulters and admits that since there is no stringent enforcement as on date in absence of Fire Act, as such the department only issues the recommendations for adopting fire safety measures but these recommendations are not taken seriously by the concerned and also since they are not vested with the power to inspect whether the recommendations has been complied or not , most of the times the recommendations remains only on papers . Many state governments have enacted ‘Fire Safety Acts’ after learning experiences from the tragic fire accidents that happened in Schools, Hospitals and theatres but it seems the state govt. is waiting for any tragic fire accident to happen in the state before enacting any stringent fire safety act in line with the other states of the country. It is pertinent to mention that after the infamous fire tragedy in hospital in Kolkata in the year 2011, in which more than 70 persons were killed, the state government ordered for the fire audit of all the hospitals and nursing homes in the state. Many serious lapses were found in the Fire Audit and it was revealed that almost all the hospitals and nursing homes lack serious fire preventive measures.

Daily

ZABARWAN TIMES 9

Saturday, 13 July 2013

Multi-Pronged Strategy to Achieve Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

T

he vision of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is to build a society wherein members of the target groups, Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), Senior Citizens, and Victims of Substance Abuse can lead productive, safe and dignified life, with all their basic needs being fulfilled, and adequate support and equal opportunities are ensured for their growth and development. In view of this strong commitment to the empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, the Department of Disability Affairs was created in May 2012 in the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. The Article 41 of the Constitution of India states that "the State shall, within the limits of its economic capacity and development, make effective provision for securing the right to work, to education and to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement, and in other cases of undeserved want.”

Under the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 (PwD Act), and the National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999, "Person with Disability" is defined as a person suffering from not less than 40% of any disability, as certified by a medical authority - the disabilities being blindness, low vision, leprosy-cured, hearing impairment, locomotor disability, mental retardation, mental illness, autism, or, a combination of any two or more of them.

Its enabling framework consists of four legislations, Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992, Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995; National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999 and Mental Health Act, 1987.

The National Policy for Persons with Disabilities recognises the fact that persons with disabilities are a valuable human resource for the country and seeks to create an environment that provides them equal opportunities, protection of their rights and full participation in society; which is in consonance with the basic principles enshrined in our Constitution, of equality, freedom, justice and dignity of all individuals. It implicitly mandates an inclusive society for all, including persons with disabilities. The

Policy also recognizes the fact that a majority of persons with disabilities can lead a better quality of life if they have equal opportunities and effective access to rehabilitation measures. The institutional framework of the Department consists of the office of Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Rehabilitation Council of India, National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities, and eight National Institutes dedicated to different disabilities, Regional and District-level Centres for Persons with Disabilities and 8 Composite Regional Centres and about 200 District Disability Rehabilitation Centres. These organizations are involved in providing rehabilitation services, education, manpower development and research, regulation and developmental activities. The Department's two Central Public Sector Enterprises viz. Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) and National Handicapped Finance Development Corporation (NHFDC) are involved in manufacture of aids and assistive devices and providing financial assistance for economic empowerment of the PwDs. About 2.11 per cent of the population as per 2001 census comprises of persons with disabilities having one or multiple disability. Though the number is small, the need of these members of our society deserves special attention. Disabilities present probabilistic outcomes which can affect anyone and it is appropriate that society does whatever it can to assist this segment to play a full part in society.

There was a paradigm shift in policy towards Persons with Disabilities since the Ninth Five Year Plan, from the earlier welfare based approach to a rights-based approach. The Tenth Plan focused on effective implementation of various provisions of legislation and National Policy for Persons with Disabilities. It advocated a multi-sectoral and multicollaborative approach. The Eleventh Plan had aimed at inclusive growth. It was expected to achieve inclusiveness through significant improvements in literacy/education, health, greater employment opportunities and sharper focus on disadvantaged groups. The Eleventh Plan emphasized upon the rights-based approach to empower the PwDs inter alia through delineating clear cut responsibility between the concerned Ministries/ Departments; formulating detailed rules and guidelines by con-

cerned Ministries/Departments; and monitoring mechanism at various levels.

Achievements During the XIth Plan, the Ministry has taken lead in a number of areas and worked towards empowerment of persons with disabilities. A National Centre namely, Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre was set up in 2011 to propagate and develop Indian Sign Language. The National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation promoted economic development activities and selfemployment ventures for the benefit of Persons with Disability. The Corporation extended credit facilities to beneficiaries through channelising agencies in States/UTs and provided loans at concessional rate for education, skill development and self-employment ventures to Persons with Disabilities. On the basis of budgetary provisions made on year to year basis, 34461 persons with disabilities benefited.

The Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India is manufacturing and supplying durable, sophisticated, scientifically manufactured modern and ISI standard quality assistive aids and appliances that can promote physical, psychological, social, economic and vocational rehabilitation by reducing the effect of disabilities and enhancing potential for self-dependence. The scheme of setting up of Composite Regional Centres is a part of overall strategy to reach out to the PwDs in the country and to facilitate the creation of the required infrastructure and capacity building at Central, State and District levels and below for awareness generation, training of rehabilitation professionals, service delivery. At present there are eight CRCs functioning at Sundernagar, Srinagar, Lucknow, Guwahati, Patna, Bhopal, Ahmedabad and Kozhikode.

199 District Disability Rehabilitation Centres have been sanctioned out of which 181 are functional and are providing rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities. 21 new DDRCs have been set up in 2010–11 In the financial year 2011–12, grant amounting to Rs.196.28 lakh was released for setting up of 12 new DDRCs at Warangal (Andhra Pradesh), Supaul (Bihar), Sitamarhi (Bihar), West Champaran (Bihar), Sabarkantha (Gujarat), Banaskantha (Gujarat), Bharatpur (Rajasthan), Bhilwara (Rajasthan) Aligarh (Uttar Pradesh), Bulandshahr (Uttar Pradesh), Bardhaman (West Bengal), Purulia (West Bengal).

Scheme of Assistance to persons with

disabilities for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/Appliances provided grant-in aid to the various implementing agencies (NGOs/District Disability Rehabilitation Centres/ALIMCO/State Handicapped Development Corporation/other local bodies) to assist the needy disabled persons in procuring durable, sophisticated and scientifically manufactured, modern, standard aids and appliances that can promote their physical, social and psychological rehabilitation, by reducing the effects of disabilities and enhance their economic potential.

The outlay under the Eleventh Five Year Plan for Deendayal Disabled Rehabiliation Scheme was Rs. 500.00 crore Under the Scheme, 530 NGOs were assisted during 2007–11 covering an average of 2.3 lakh beneficiaries every year. The Scheme of Incentives to Employers in the Private Sector for Providing Employment to Persons with Disabilities provided the employer’s contribution for Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees State Insurance (ESI) for the first 3 years, for employees with disabilities employed in the private sector on or after 1 April 2008, with a monthly salary upto Rs.25000.

Under the scheme, 392 (upto 31 March 2012) and 918 (upto 29 September 2012) persons have been registered by EPFO and ESIC respectively.

ARUNIM which is the marketing wing of National Trust has been successful in facilitating enterprises that offer products and services to ensure sustenance and equality for people with developmental disabilities. Its sales is to the tune of Rs. 107.87 lacs from 2008 to date.

Some of the important initiatives undertaken by the Department include fulfilling obligations due to ratification of United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by India by way of harmonising Indian Laws with the provisions of the Convention; replacing the existing PwD Act by a new legislation to bring it in tune with the demands of changing times; revision of ADIP scheme and introduction of national fellowship/scholarship for students with disabilities to pursue post-matric, professional, overseas and higher education etc.

The XII Plan has envisaged a multipronged strategy to achieve empowerment of persons with disabilities by incorporating various programme and initiatives during the plan period. The outlay for the XII Plan period has been increased from Rs.1,426.80 crores during XI Plan to Rs. 3,284 crores.

NEMMP 2020: A Wise Investment for our Future Generations

O

n 9th January 2013 the Prime Minister launched the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020 which is a roadmap for progressive induction and expansion of efficient and environmentally friendly electric and hybrid vehicles in the country.

The National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020 is a culmination of extensive and detailed exercise by the government and the industry covering a span of one and a half years; also involving an international knowledge, that carried out a primary data based survey among seven thousand respondents, to understand the needs and aspirations of the Indian consumer with respect to clean, energy-efficient and affordable transportation, and the state of preparedness of the Indian automobile industry in this regard. The study took into consideration the current international best practices, particularly in Europe, USA, Japan and China, and also recent developments within the country, particularly steps being taken by the government to encourage the use of electric and hybrid vehicles, for example the subsidy scheme for electric vehicles ran by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Resources.

The National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020 emanates from the National Mission on Electric Mobility (NMEM) which was approved by the Cabinet as the core vision document that has National energy security, mitigation of the adverse

impact of vehicles on the environment and growth of domestic manufacturing capabilities as its principal end objectives.

The NEMMP 2020 is a well researched, comprehensive action plan which indicates that high latent demand for environmentally friendly electric vehicle technologies exists in the country. As per

to alternate fuel is urgent. However, barriers exist in the way of achieving these targets. Issues like battery technology, battery cost, charging facility, etc. are some of the primary concerns in the minds of the consumers. Question about the vehicle pick up and affordability etc. requires to be addressed as well. National

to the tune of Rs 13000 – Rs 14000 Crore over the next 5-6 years. The industry will also need to match this with a much larger investment for developing the products and creating the manufacturing base. The Mission Plan lays special emphasis on progressive indigenization of technology, localization of manufacturing and eventually, job creation. This will also propel the country globally among the fore front of technology.

The NEMMP 2020 is a well researched, The NEMMP 2020 projections indicate that the savings from the decrease in liquid comprehensive action plan which fossil fuel consumption as a result of shift to electric mobility alone will far exceed indicates that high latent demand for the support provided thereby making this a highly economically viable proposition.

This will also contribute to our global environmentally friendly electric vehicle commitment to reduce CO2 emission.

From the larger perspective, this is technologies exists in the country. amongst the most significant interventions of the Government for the people at large, these projections, co-ordinated efforts are Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020 that promises to transform the automotive required by the government and industry presents a road map for addressing these paradigm of the future by lessening the which would eventually result, by the year issues taking into account the strength and dependence on fossil fuels, increasing 2020, 6-7 million units of new vehicle sales maturity level of India’s technology base. energy efficiency of vehicles and by of the full range of electric vehicles, along The Mission Plan envisages a series of providing smoke free air to breathe and with resultant liquid fuel savings of 2.2 – policy interventions in the form of noise free commuting in the congested city 2.5 million tones. This will also result in providing initial impetus through demand roads and choking urban sky lines. As a substantial lowering of vehicular emis- support measures that facilitate faster well researched set of objectives, guidesions and decrease in carbon di-oxide consumer acceptance of these expensive lines and action plan, this underlies the emissions by 1.3% to 1.5% in 2020. newer technologies. In addition, basic philosophy of governance, that is, to Considering that about 75% of world’s Government will also need to facilitate leave a sustainable environment for the demand of petroleum-based fuel in future automotive R&D and put in place charging coming generations. In other words, it is a is going to come from countries like infrastructure. It is estimated that the wise investment for our future generaIndia, China, Brazil etc., need for shifting Government will need to provide support tions.

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

HE A L+H 58

ZABARWANTIMES ZABARWAN TIMES SATURDAY | 13 JULY 2013

Sweat it out but in moderation

All it takes is to ensure that every bite you take delivers a powerful dose of phytonutrients to prevent heart disease. It's an important ingredient to prevent cell damage and repair it.

Here's a list of heart healthy foods, which should be included in our diet on a regular basis.

Flaxseeds (ground) Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids; fibre, phytoestrogens, flaxseed come in two forms — brown and yellow. Nutty in flavour, ground flaxseed can be sprinkled on your salad, morning cereal, muffins or had plain.

Oatmeal Most commonly had in porridge form, a bowl of oatmeal is armed with nutrients Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, potassium, folate, niacin, calcium, soluble fibre. If porridge is not your scene, you can still get your share of nutrients in cookie made of oatmeal-n-raisin.

Nuts If you are the kind that cannot resist in any form, then you are on the right track. Nuts like almonds and walnuts provide nutrients like plant omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, magnesium, fibre, mono and polyunsaturated fats, and phytosterols. Best had when mixed with a bowl

of fruit salad, yogurt, cookies or spiced milk.

Red wine Believe it or not, but a glass of red wine is no reason to whine when it comes to keeping you and your heart upbeat. Catechins and reservatrol (flavonoids) in it improves the cholesterol.

T-factor Don't write off canned goodies, some like tuna and tofu bring a novelty to your dining, but also provide nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, folate, niacin.

Grilled, stir-fried or mixed with salad, tuna and tofu make sure you don't go low on Omega-3 fatty acids, folate, niacin, calcium, magnesium and potassium.

Crunchy veggies Shredded carrots and broccoli perk up any dish, soup or salad, and give us alpha-carotene (a carotenoid), fibre, potassium, calcium, Vitamin C and E. Spinach Most of us swear by this bunch of green leaves.

Versatile, it is used in salads, soups, spicy dishes, sandwiches, and is rich in

What causes phantom ringing syndrome It's a common phenomenon experienced by millions of people every day - the feeling of your phone ringing or buzzing away in your pocket, only to find no calls or texts.

Now, scientists believe that they can explain the cause of so-called phantom ringing syndrome, and it might not just be in our heads after all.

Alex Blaszczynski, chairman of the School of Psychology at the University of Sydney, believes the sensation is actually triggered by electrical activity. " I expect it's related to some of the electrical signals coming through in a transmission, touching on the surrounding nerves, giving a feeling of a vibration," the Daily Mail quoted him as telling the Sydney Morning Herald.

He explains the vibrations as being similar to the buzzing noise produced when a phone is placed near a speaker.

Although Blaszczynski hasn't conducted

any formal studies on the vibrations yet, if he is right then the feeling isn't a figment of our imaginations, but a real sensation.

However Larry Rosen, a professor of psychology at California State University disagrees.

He believes that because people are often anticipating a call they often interpret unrelated stimuli, such as a chair leg dragging against the floor or trousers rubbing their leg as a phone call.

And Michael Rothberg, a clinician investigator at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, who conducted a survey on the vibrations, agrees that they may be caused by the misinterpretation of sensory signals in our brain.

Rothberg's study found the phantom phone vibrations were experienced by 68 per cent of people surveyed, with 87 per cent feeling them weekly, and 13 per cent daily.

It is a worry for women over 40, many of whom take large doses of calcium to keep their bones strong after the menopause.

We've always been told that calcium is the key to lifelong bone health, but last week a German study found that it could also double your risk of suffering a heart attack. It is a worry for women over 40, many of whom take large doses to keep their bones strong after the menopause.

So should you ditch your calcium pills?"There's no need to panic, this study just confirms what we already knew — if you want to ward off weak bones as you age, you're better off drinking a glass of milk a day and exercising more," says Professor Dawn Skelton, an ageing and health specialist at Glasgow Caledonian University who works with Age UK. She adds, "The problem is, big doses of calcium in tablet form flood the body in one hit, while calcium in food and drink is absorbed more slowly and is therefore a safer option.

"However, the heart attack risk identified in this study is actually

lutein (a carotenoid), Bcomplex vitamins, folate, magnesium, potassium, calcium, fibre.

Sweet potato Believe it or not, but sweet potato gets a thumbs-up by health experts for it richness in beta-carotene, vitamins A, C, E and fibre.

It can be eaten as it is, or in boiled form. nges This citrusy fruit needs not introduction. It's on every health conscious person's list. A pack of orange juice is a rich source of Vitamin C, folic acid and B6.

Tomatoes If nothing, you can never fail with tomatoes. It is a must in Indian kitchens, and rich in beta and alphacarotene, vitamin C, potas-

sium, folate, fibre.

Papaya Yet another fruit that's popular with health conscious people is papaya.

A plate of papaya bites is enough to give you your beta-carotene, Vitamins C and E, folate, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Dark indulgences Dark chocolate and tea are usually considered as indulgences that can be avoided. But the medical world surprisingly threw up these names as foods that keep the heart healthy as it's high on reservatrol and flavonoids (cocoa phenols). So next time someone chides you about your 'sinful' habits, show them this list for a happy heart!

Obsession to lose fat or gain muscles by putting in extra hours at the gym often spells trouble for your body.

The fascination for sweating it out at the gym and having a well-sculpted body has only increased over the years, but sometimes people fail to understand that it is 'moderation' that always works! Often gym-goers exercise more than the usual time and end up falling sick or suffering from many ailments. "A gym routine for 60 to 90 minutes is healthy for the human body. But if you exercise beyond that, a hormone named cortisol is released, due to excessive workout.

This catabolism fights with the body and damages the protein storage and body muscles resulting in loss of appetite and loss of body muscle," says Anand Jaiswal, a trainer at a city fitness centre.

When you exercise more than your required amount, it affects the physical and mental balance of a person.

The physical side-effects include muscular and skeletal injuries, like bone fractures, arthritis and it may even damage ligaments. Women develop a condition called amenorrhea, where they do not menstruate regularly. Mental disorders like insomnia and depression are common symptoms of a person who is obsessed with exercising. Dr Bhavna, a physio therapist says, "Muscle pull, ligament tear, fracture or dislocations are common injuries that can lead to disability. With a heavy gym workout, you may reduce weight drastically. But as you grow older, you may experience pain in your bones and your muscles won't be strong either. Despite knowing the ill-effects,

some people are so passionate about gymming that they do not listen to their instructors and workout extensively. Top stars like Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan are role models for many, but it takes over six to ten months or even more to build a fit body like them. One should follow a fitness routine that suits your body rather than following a fitness routine that's crafted for someone else's body type."Excessive gymming may also lead to Bigorexia - a condition, where bodybuilders are never satisfied with their body type or they suffer from OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) where one hour workouts shift to three hours and later to six hours, to look attractive and muscular. Over-exercise is also linked with eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia. Model Sahitya Jaganathan

How tattoos can cause hepatitis Body piercing or getting your body tattooed in David Beckham style may cost you a huge price — infection of Hepatitis B and C virus. The needle used in the act to (re) fashion your body may just be infected with the said virus causing liver disease, which in its ultimate stage often turns cancerous (liver cirrhosis).

That is deemed to happen if the needle is not properly sterilized. How tattoos are doneA tattoo is a permanent mark or design made on your skin with pigments inserted through pricks into the skin's top layer. Typically, the tattoo artist uses a hand-held machine that acts much like a sewing machine, with one or more needles piercing the skin repeatedly. With every puncture, the needles insert tiny ink droplets. The process — which is done without anesthetics — causes a small amount of bleeding and slight to potentially ignificant pain.How they cause hepatitis?Tattoos are a po-

pretty small and must be weighted against the fact that lots of us don't get enough calcium in our diet."

In the UK, half of all women and one in five men over the age of 50 will suffer a break because of bone weakness. And almost three million people are estimated to have the bone-thinning condition osteoporosis."Even our kids are at risk," says Prof Skelton. "Junk food diets combined with sitting inside playing computer games means they're not building strong bones at the crucial time and will be at risk in adulthood."Avoiding that big break Osteoporosis occurs when our bones lose density and become weaker and more prone to breakages as we age. Women are more prone to it after the menopause because they produce smaller amounts of the hormone oestrogen, which helps bones absorb the calcium they need to stay strong.

Although osteoporosis isn't a direct killer, the consequences of breaking a bone — particularly the hip — can contribute to premature death.Five

tential cause for spreading hepatitis B and C virus.

"The main risk is if the equipment, which is the needle, is infected and not enough precaution is taken to prevent transmission.

But it's not just the needle that can spread the virus.Needles are not the only things at can cause transmission of the hepatitis. The silent culprits are the expensive ink bottles in which the artist dips his needle time and again while doing the tattoo. So even if they use disposable syringes or fresh gloves, if an artist uses the same ink bottle for several clients, the chances of transmission of the virus increase.

Now since these ink bottles are mostly imported,

steps to strong bones 1. Eat properly Getting 1,000mg of calcium a day is the first step — and you're much better off doing this through diet if you can. The best food sources are low-fat dairy such as semi-skimmed milk and yoghurt, as well as bony fish, such as tinned salmon and sardines. Leafy green veg such as kale, broccoli and spinach are also rich in calcium. Dried fruits such as figs and currants and breakfast cereals fortified with calcium are also good sources.

2. Get more Vitamin D Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Although some is found in oily fish, our main source comes from the effect of sunlight on your skin. It's estimated that half of us have a deficiency because we don't get outside enough or because we always use sunblock. As part of its Sunlight Campaign, the National Osteoporosis Society is advising people to catch some rays between May and September to keep their vitamin D levels topped up. Just 10 minutes of sunlight a day on bare arms and your face can cut your risk of bone fractures by

they generally don't use fresh bottles for every client.Explaining the science behind it, "Tattoo making involves pricking the needle deep into the dermis - the layer under the skin surface - which results in bleeding and the same needle is dipped into the paint bottle which leads to transferring of Hepatitis B or C from infected to another.Preventive measures to rescue yourself from hepatitisTattoo as

a third.3. The right moves Another vital way to boost your bones is weight-bearing exercise —basically anything that has you upright and stretching your muscles. Good choices include aerobics, dancing or brisk walking. "Research shows that if you don't exercise you end up weeing out all the calcium you take in instead of storing it in your bones," warns Prof Skelton.

"Ideally we should aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.

"Put simply, the more hours we spend on our feet, the fewer bone breakages we should have in later life."

4. Quit the cigs and booze People who smoke have significantly lower bone density, while drinking more than seven alcoholic drinks a week can prevent your bones from absorbing the maximum nutrients from your food.

5. Watch your stress levels "High levels of stress make the body produce the hormone cortisol, which causes bone loss," says Prof Skelton. "Over a long period this can increase your risk of osteoporosis.

you would any other medical procedure. You want a tattoo parlor to be at least as clean as your doctor's office.

Ask to see the tools the artist will use. The needles should be new, sterilized, and wrapped — no exceptions.

The ink should be in small pots meant for single-use and anything that touches your skin should not be reused.

says, "With reed thin figures becoming the norm today, there is a lot of pressure to look thin. Sometimes I try to put in extra hours at the gym than my regular stipulated time for workout, if I am not going to the gym for a few days, or have a show coming up. But this is of no use and it simply tires out the body".

An individual must learn to reap the benefits of exercise more fruitfully.

Adequate rest is required for the body. Many fitness experts recommend sleeping before 11pm as the body begins its repair work between 11pm and 1am. Lethargy is not good, but an occasional break from your daily routine of exercise is sometimes good for the body. The perfect way to start being fit is to follow the routine of 30 minutes of moderate exercise thrice a week.

Tummy out helps keep tummy in Breathing with your stomach can help reduce weight among many other advantages Breathing with the stomach is the right way to breathe according to the great Sage Patanjali. But most of us have forgotten that. And have taken to breathing from chest.

"Our first experiences with breathing were the most natural. As infants, our breathing is natural, spontaneous, and unlabored.

Infants breathe naturally with the belly. If you observe a baby breathing, you'll notice his or her belly enlarges on an inhalation.

As children, when we become self-aware and selfconscious, we lose touch with this natural and spontaneous way of breathing.

Many of us, having forgotten how to belly breathe as we did when we were infants, become habitual chest breathers, holding the belly in and breathing from our chests." Says Dr Patricia A. Muehsam, writ-

er and physician from New York City.

Thousands of years ago, Sage Patanjali knew how to correct distorted chemistry of humans through short, simple, and yet powerful breathing exercises. These exercises require only 15 minutes every day. He also knew about correct breathing, which maintains the healthy chemistry of our mind and body, which is more necessary with each passing day.

Correct breathing - by inhaling through your belly helps increase metabolism as well. And increased metabolism means decrease in weight.Breathing through the stomach also increases immunity and keeps away basic diseases like common cold and sinus.Knowledge about correct breathing is, therefore, a must for one and all. With correct breathing, climbing uphill becomes effortless. However, this precious knowledge remained a well kept secret until recently

Working more than 8hrs a day ups heart risk

Working more than eight hours a day raises the risk of heart disease by up to 80 per cent, a new study has revealed.

Researchers said that long working hours could be condemning thousands of employees to heart attacks and strokes.

The warning follows analysis of 12 studies dating back as far as 1958, involving a total of 22,000 people from around the world.The analysis, by scientists at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, found that those whose working days that were longer than the traditional eight hours had a 40 to 80 per cent greater chance of heart disease.

The size of the increase varied depending on how each study was carried out.

The effects were more pronounced when participants were asked how long they worked for - but when researchers closely monitored working hours, the increased risk of heart disease was closer to 40 per cent.Lead researcher Dr Marianna Virtanen said the effects could be due to "prolonged exposure to

stress."

Other triggers could be poor eating habits and lack of exercise due to restricted leisure time.Middle-aged workers putting in 55 hours or more a week had poorer brain function than those clocking up no more than 40 hours, with lower scores on tests to measure intelligence, short-term memory and word recall.Britons work some of the longest hours in Europe, with full-time employees averaging 42.7 a week.Those in Germany typically work for 42 hours, while Danes do 39.1.It estimated that more than five million people a year in Britain work unpaid extra hours to hang on to their jobs.

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7 SRINAGAR Saturday, July 13 ,2013

Narendra Modi defends himself on the 2002 Gujarat riots Ahmedabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has defended his actions in the 2002 Gujarat riots and said that an Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up by the Supreme Court had given him a "clean chit".

In a rare interview to the Reuters news agency in his official residence in Gandhinagar, the first since he was appointed the chief of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) election campaign committee in June, Mr Modi was asked if it was frustrating when many people define him by 2002.

He responded by saying that he would feel guilty if he had done something wrong. "Frustration comes when you think 'I got caught. I was stealing and I got caught.' That's not my case."

Asked if he regretted what had happened, the Gujarat strong man was quoted by Reuters as saying that the Supreme Court had created a Special Investigating Team which in its report had given him a "thoroughly clean chit, a thoroughly clean chit".

"Another thing, any person if we are driving a car, we are a

driver, and someone else is driving a car and we're sitting behind, even then if a puppy comes under the wheel, will be painful or not?

Of course, it is. If I'm a chief minister or not, I'm a human being.

If something bad happens anywhere, it is natural to be sad."

Mr Modi was asked if he had done the right thing in 2002. "Absolutely. However much brainpower the Supreme Being has given us,

however much experience I've got, and whatever I had available in that situation and this is what the SIT had investigated," he replied.

Answering a question about being regarded as a polarising figure, Mr Modi cited the example of Democrats and Republicans in the US to emphasise that polarisation was "democracy's basic nature".

Congress will not declare Rahul Gandhi as PM candidate: Digvijay Singh

Singh was replying to questions why Congress was diffident about projecting Rahul Gandhi, why it should not project him and who is the PM candidate of Congress.

The Congress will not declare Rahul Gandhi as its Prime Ministerial candidate in the Lok Sabha elections, senior party leader Digvijay Singh hinted today while dismissing suggestions that BJP's projection of Narendra Modi is a challenge to it.

He also did not say whether Prime Minister Manmohan Singh could be a candidate for the top post once again if the party wins next year's elections.

"We do not have a presidential form of government. Congress party does not declare PM or CM candidates before elections...Even in the Karnataka Assembly elections, we had not declared any CM candidate," Singh said in an interview.

He was replying to questions why Congress was diffident about projecting Rahul Gandhi, why it should not project him and who is the PM candidate of Congress.

Singh also gave indications that

Telangana row: PM, Sonia, Rahul and other Congress leaders meet but decision unlikely, say sources New Delhi: The Congress' top decision making body, the core group, which includes Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and party president Sonia Gandhi, has begun its meeting to discuss demands for a separate Telangana state, but sources tell NDTV the party may not announce any decision today.

Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi is also attending the Congress core group meeting. Ahead of the meeting, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy separately met Sonia Gandhi, along with top state leaders.

Pro-Telangana parties say they want nothing less than a separate state - financial packages or other sops won't do.

To add to the Congress party's dilemma, its own

leaders from Telangana are firmly backing a separate state. Congress MP V Hanumantha Rao today said if the party did not take a decision soon, the people of Telangana would be shattered.

TRS leader KT Rama Rao, who broke away from the UPA in 2006 over the issue, says there is no reason to believe that the Congress will go ahead with a separate Telangana, going by past record.

The BJP has also challenged the Congress. "In the 2002 Lok Sabha polls, Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi promised Telangana within one year. The BJP believes when the NDA comes to

power, the dreams of the people from Telangana will come true," said BJP's Capt Abhimanyu.

On the other hand are pro-

testers from the coastal and Rayalaseema regions, who are opposing Telangana. AntiTelangana groups have called a bandh today.

Bodh Gaya blasts: BJP's Rajnath Singh goes soft on Nitish Kumar, attacks Centre Bodh Gaya: BJP president Rajnath Singh today disappointed those who had expected a sharp attack on former ally Nitish Kumar for failing to secure the Mahabodhi temple in Bihar's Bodh Gaya, the site of multiple blasts on Sunday.

Mr Singh, who led a team of senior leaders on a visit to the heritage site this morning, refused to get drawn into criticising the Bihar Chief Minister, training his gun instead on the Congress-led UPA government the Centre for failing to check terror attacks.

He demanded a "comprehensive action plan so that any kind of terror attack, biological, chemical or cyber, can be countered," Repeatedly asked if he blamed the state government for failing to act on intelligence inputs on a possible attack on the temple, Mr Singh merely said, "No state can act against terror

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by itself, the Centre must help."

Till last month, the BJP partnered Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) in governing Bihar. Nitish Kumar dumped his ally of 15 years in June, also dismissing all 11 BJP ministers and leaving the Bihar unit of the BJP enraged.

After the blasts at the temple, Bihar BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi had hit out at Mr Kumar for what he called the deteriorating law and order in the state. The BJP had called a bandh in the Magadh region, where the temple is located.

The Bihar Chief Minister countered that criticism by accusing his former ally of politicising the terror attack in collusion with his arch rival in Bihar, the RJD's Lalu Prasad, who too called a bandh in the region.

The Congress, which sees in the BJP-JD(U) divorce a chance to kindle

new alliances, has been circumspect.

Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh did not make much of the Bihar government's obvious slip in providing adequate security at the temple, but chose to criticise the BJP instead for its political attack on Mr Kumar.

Rajnath Singh refused to comment on that.

Very early on Sunday morning, there were ten synchronised blasts in different parts of the temple. Two monks were injured. Investigators later found three unexploded bombs, one even placed 20 feet high on a Buddha statue.

Investigatos have not found any concrete leads yet, and are analysing CCTV footage. A man has been detained and he is being questioned. The temple complex reopened last evening and special prayers were held.

Jharkhand parties announce plans to observe Hemant Soren’s swearing-in on Saturday The president rule, which was imposed in Jharkhand on January 18 this year, will come to an end Saturday after Soren's appointment as chief minister.

As Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Hemant Soren is set to take oath as the ninth chief minister of the state here Saturday, political parties have announced their plans to observe the occasion in separate ways.

The JMM ha announced to celebrate the occasion as "Adhikaar Divas" or entitlement day.

"The state will get a democratic government Saturday.

The JMM will lead the government and Hemant Soren will fulfil the dreams of the people of the state," JMM general secretary Supriyo Bhattachaya told reporters in Ranchi on Friday.

Supriyo added that his party would celebrate the occasion as "Adhikaar Divas" in all the blocks across the state.

However, the Jharkhand unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said that Soren's appointment as chief minister would be observed as "Dhikaar Divas" or condemnation day by the party.

"We have decided to observe Saturday as Dhikaar Divas. This government is formed in a wrong way and the move is to ditch faith of the people of the state," said Rabindra Rai, BJP's state unit president.

Another opposition party, the Jharkhand Vikas Morcha-Prajatantrik, has announced to observe the day as "Black Day".

"This government has been formed with money power. It is not for the people of the state but to benefit the people sitting in New Delhi. Saturday will be remembered as black day in history of Jharkhand.

"We will observe the swearing in ceremony as the black day and our party workers will stage demonstration is all the 24 districts," senior JVM-P leader Pradeep Yadav told reporters here.

Jharkhand Governor Syed Ahmad would administer the oath of office to Hemant Soren around 10 am on Saturday.

The president rule, which was imposed in Jharkhand on January 18 this year, will come to an end Saturday af-

the Congress was not averse to doing business with the Left after the next elections and apprehended that the advent of Modi could lead to communal polarisation in the polls.Asked about BJP's elevation of Modi as its election campaign chief, just a step short of announcing him the prime ministerial candidate, Singh said, "We are not concerned. It is not an issue with us.

BJP is free to take any decision. We are in the politics of ideology and not personality...Congress party does not believe in the politics of polarisation."

Asked whether Congress treats Modi as a political challenge and about Union Minister Jairam Ramesh's comments that Modi presented managerial and ideological challenge to the party, Singh said, "The very name of Modi and before that of L K Advani give an impression of polarisation.

"It is not Modi. It is the ideology of the Sangh and the BJP which believes in divisive politics. Politics of hatred and violence based on religious lines, which is the challenge," he said.

Singh sidestepped a query on whether Prime Minister Manmohan Singh could again be Congress' PM candidate. "First the country has to give us a mandate again and then the Parliamentary Party and the party chief have to take a decision in consultation with elected MPs," he said.

To a question on whether Left Front, which supported the UPA I government from outside is a natural ally of the Congress, Singh said, "We had very good experience for the first four years of working with the Left in UPA I but unfortunately Left made a big issue of the nuclear bill" and withdrew support to the government.

"My own perception is that with Left, we know the parameters in which we work together. It is easier to work with the Left because we know the parameters in which they work, " he said.

About the political fallout of the JD(U) walking out NDA in Bihar and whether it can be a part of UPA, Singh said this is an issue which has to be considered by the Congress high command.

Congress to join new Jharkhand government RANCHI: Congress today said it will join the new Jharkhand government to be formed under the leadership of JMM leader Hemant Soren.

"On the advice of our national leadership, PCC President Sukdhdeo Bhagat announced that Congress Legislature Party leader Rajendra Prasad Singh would take oath as a minister in the event of Governor Syed Ahmed inviting JMM leader Hemant Soren to take oath as the chief minister tomorrow," PCC spokesman Sailesh Kumar Sinha told reporters here.

Raj Bhavan is waiting for a formal communication from the Centre after the Union cabinet yesterday recommended revocation of President's rule in the state. Soren staked claim on July 9 to form government with the support of 43 MLAs in the 82-member house.

"The RJD has already announced its willingness to join the government.

Our legislature party leader Annapur-

na Devi has been cleared by the party leadership to take oath as and when the governor invites Soren for the swearing-in ceremony," RJD's state unit spokesman Manoj Kumar said.

As of now, JMM-LP leader Hemant Soren, who is set to head the ninth coalition government in Jharkhand, would expand the ministry apparently after the floor test, sources in the JMM said.

As per the constitutional provision, Jharkhand can have a maximum of 12 ministers.

Centre's bounties on Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi's seats

In the latest move, cabinet sanctions two universities for Rae Bareli.

Concerned over the dwindling political fortunes of the Congress in the Nehru-Gandhi family’s pocket boroughs of Rae Bareli and Amethi, the UPA government has been showering bounties on them to continue foothold in these VVIP constituencies. The union cabinet on Thursday cleared two central universities, for Rae Bareli , the Lok Sabha constituency of Congress president Sonia Gandhi. The first is a national university for women and the other a national aviation university.Over the past two years, the central government has been liberally sanctioning projects for these two Lok Sabha constituencies in UP ranging from a rail coach factory to technical institutes of highest learning such as the Central Institute of Management, Rajiv Gandhi Petroleum Institute, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, National Institute of Fashion Technology and lately an AIIMS-type super-specialty hospital. The alarm bells rang in 10 Janpath last year when the Congress managed to win just two assembly seats in Amethi and drew blank in Rae Bareli.

On Thursday, the union cabinet approved setting up of The Indira Gandhi National University for Women, which was earlier vetoed by the Planning

Commission. The Commission had questioned the need for an exclusive women’s university in a remote town that may not have enough girl students.

The other project approved by the cabinet was setting up of ‘Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University’. The government will table two separate Bills in the next session of Parliament for setting up these universities. While the university for women involves an expenditure of Rs 500 crore during the 12th Plan, Rs 202 crore was sanctioned for the aviation university in the first phase during the plan.

The aviation university will be set up on 26.35 acres of the land available with the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Udan Academy (IGRUA), a society set up as an autonomous body under the ministry of civil aviation.

Explaining the need to have such a university, an official press note said it would fulfill the aviation industry’s need for a skilled and competent workforce.

Earlier, the railway ministry had initiated projects like laying of the foundation of railway coach manufacturing complex and starting construction of Rae Bareli-Akbarganj-Faizabad new line (116km), Unchahar-Amethi-Sultanpur-Kadipur new line (134km), doubling of the Utaratia-Rae Bareli (66km) and Rae Bareli-Amethi (60km). Also setting up a ‘Rail Neer’ plant at nearby Amethi, the constituency of Rahul Gandhi was also announced.Unlike the previous BSP government under Mayawati which had stalled the implementation of various projects, the current Samajwadi Party (SP) government has been accommodating central government by facilitating land allotments for these projects. Mayawati had even cancelled the allotment of 189 hectares of gram sabha land for the setting up of a rail coach factory.The SP government recently provided land for the much-delayed hotel institute project. The central government is now negotiating to get the allotment of land for the paper mills project in Amethi and for the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) in Rae Bareli. Besides all these projects, minister of overseas Indian affairs Vayalar Ravi has also chipped in to set up a specialized Spices Park in Rae Bareli. Further, the union health is also negotiating to acquire land for the AIIMS like institute. Last year the cabinet had approved Rs 648-crore for widening the Rai Bareli -Jaunpur highway.