Zabarwan Times E-Paper English 14 December by Zabarwan Times

C M Y K

SATURDAY

Pen

December 14 | 2013 | 10 Safar 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |

http://www.zabarwantimes.com

For

VOL NO: 3 | ISSUE NO: 317 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 PAISA)

Jus

tice

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

See More On Page 08

t en iol sh v y in lade sit e d b e ng ill eo e k in Ba us e a r c Th ests ay ren m t d o c r ti hil p bio in c i t An

Ties Knot

See More On Page 06

Omar calls on Sonia New Delhi, December 13: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Friday evening called on Congress President and UPA Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi here. Omar Abdullah reiterated National Conference’s (NC) continuous support to UPA and said that the bonds of relations between the two will get further strengthened in the coming days. All India Congress President and Working President National Conference also reviewed the status of functioning of the NC-Congress Coalition Government in Jammu and Kashmir and expressed satisfaction over the functioning of the Coalition Government.

2 die in road mishaps Srinagar, December 13: Two persons died in different road accident across the Kashmir Valley. A Truck bearing registration number JK02AP/7246 collided with a Brio vehicle at Sesmon, Damjan, Kulgam in the jurisdiction of police station Qazigund, resulting in on spot death of the Brio driver Raju Singh Chib son of Kartar Singh resident of Muthi, Jammu. A case has been registered in this regard. An Eco bearing registration number JK01U/0457 on way from Tangdhar to Kupwara rolled down into a deep gorge at Upper Zarla mode near Sadhna, Kupwara, in the jurisdiction of police station Karnah, resulting in on spot death of the driver Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Lassu son of Ghulam Mohammad resident of Garden Lane Chanapora, Srinagar. The body of the deceased was retrieved from the gorge and handed over to the relatives for last rites. A case has been registered in this regard.

Inside story LC Panel visits Super Speciality Hospital The Committee on Department Related Standing Committee (DRSC)-II of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council headed by its Chairman, MLC Mr Vijay Bakaya today visited Super Speciality Hospital, Jammu and took stock of the measures taken by the administration for

See More On Pg 10

On Edit Page Shun the path of confrontation - Encourage an era of peace The recent statements of Pakistani leaders including Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif regarding Indo-Pak ties, the meeting

See More On Pg 9

WEATHER

FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:

Weather will be mainly dry over the state.

FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:

Mainly clear Sky with morning Haze. Maximum & Minimum temperatures will be around 12°C & -4°C respectively.

TEMPERATURE MAXIMUM 11.2 0C MINIMUM -3.5 0C SUNSET ON(SATURDAY) 05:24 pm SUNRISE ON (SUNDAY) 07:30 am

A spokesperson of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has said that the Assembly Secretariat under the orders of Mubarak Gul, Speaker forwarded a copy of the reply received from the former Chief of Army Staff Retd. Gen. V.K. Singh to all the signatories of the breach of privilege notice today. The reply from the Retd. Gen. was received by his Secretariat in response to a letter sent by the Assembly Secretariat to him seeking therein his comments with regard to certain revelations made by him during the course of interviews on

Times Now and CNN IBN for which a Breach of Privilege Notice against him was given by 15 Hon’ble Ministers/ Members to the Hon’ble Speaker. While forwarding the reply of the Retd. Gen. to the Signatories of the Breach of Privilege Notice a request has been made to them to furnish their comments if any to the Hon’ble Speaker after the perusal of the same within a week’s time thereby paving way for further course of action in the matter. He has further said that the Hon’ble Speaker also ordered to make public the reply of the Retd. Gen. through Print and Electronic Media.

Blue-eyed officers elevated in forest department Srinagar, December 13: The state forest officers association Friday accused that the blue-eyed persons in the state forest department have acquired the prize posts, shelving the rules and regulations. “There are several non-technical persons who have occupied the key posts in the department and despite being reverted, they are being given the prized posts,” said a senior forest officer pleading anonymity. He further stated that the details of the apathy have already been brought in the notice of the concerned authorities but no action on ground has been taken so far. “They are all influential and blue-eyed, without any fear they occupy the posts that technically cannot be allotted to them.” The association fur-

ther told KNS that the former forest Commissioner, Sheikh Iqbal had assured the association that the persons, illegally occupying the key posts in the department would be reverted within 15 days. “But as

he got retired from the services and another officer was posted on his place, he instead of following the guidelines of the former elevated the persons and shelved the rules.” The reports received by KNS mentioned that the

Ambulance halt controversy

DC Bla records statements

Srinagar, Dec 13: A day after the government ordered an inquiry into the ambulance halt controversy, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla who heads the enquiry recorded the statement of the ambulance driver. “I will also record the statements of the persons who were present at the place where the ambulance was halted and will also question the police personnel present on the spot,” DC Baramulla told KNS. He further stated that the he has recorded the statements of the attendants of the patient and also of the driver Fayaz Ahmad. According to the KNS

See More On Page 10

Chairs House Committee Meeting

See More On Page 07

Gen (retd) V K Singh submits reply to breach of privilege notice Srinagar, December 13:

C M Y K

correspondent, DC Baramulla also sought the detailed records of the patient Abdul Rahman Dar and the doctor is also likely to be questioned who has referred him to SKMIS from the district hospital Handwara. The reports further mentioned that the details of the vehicle and that the medical superintendent will also be asked to furnish details. The divisional commissioner Kashmir Shalindera Kumar Thursday had ordered a time bound inquiry into the ambulance halt controversy which allegedly took away life of a Handwara patient on December 10. See DC Bla on pg. 11

persons, ineligible for the posts in the forest department had earlier been transferred from the agriculture department and state forest corporation. The association accuses that the persons have illegally occupied the key posts and that they have no disbursing powers in the department. It may be recalled that one of the senior most officer who is known for his honesty and dedication Dr. O.P Sharma is being continuously harassed by the authorities. He being in the rank of Chief Conservator of Forests has neither an office nor a vehicle. He is constantly being denied an important posting. Famous for his Tree Talk and creating awareness about the importance of forests Dr. Sharma is being targeted because he unearthed many scandals in the department.

‘Congress setback in 4 states has nothing to do with Modi factor’ I am on same page with Mr Azad: Soz Srinagar, December 13: While expressing satisfaction over his party’s position in all the three regions of Jammu and Kashmir, Prof Saif-u-Din Soz, president Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC), MP and former union minister on Friday said the party is scheduled to organize a series of public rallies in the state which will be attended by senior Congress leaders including Ambika Soni and Ghulam Nabi Azad. Prof Soz made it clear that he and Mr Azad are on the same page when it comes to party activities in the state. “I want to make it clear to the people that I and Azad sahib are on the same page and all the workers and party supporters shall work jointly to strengthen the party in nook and corner of the state,” Prof Soz told KNS. He said the party is sched-

uled to hold big public rallies in coming days in both Jammu and Srinagar. “Congress has emerged a vibrant force to reckon with in the state. Now in order to strengthen its further, I will invite Ms Ambika Soni, party incharge for Jammu and Kashmir affairs and Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad the union health minister to attend these public rallies in near future.” The PCC president told KNS that after a successful public mobilization drive by his party at Rajouri and Poonch in Jammu province, he wants to expedite the mass contact programmes in other regions of the state. “Although we were already on the job, but since Mr Rahul Gandhi AICC vice president while lauding the Aam Admi Party debut win laid impetus on public contact programmes, I thought we should get closer to people

in Jammu and Kashmir.” He said it is a matter of satisfaction that there is no Modi factor not to talk of Modi wave as was being propagated by BJP. “Had there been any Modi factor, the BJP could have formed the government in Delhi. However, this factor has played a little role in Rajasthan. We are discussing why our party suffered a setback in the recent elections in three out of five states where election results were declared recently. Nevertheless, it is a temporary retard, which can not affect a national level party like Congress.” Pertinently, the Congress has already geared up its public mobilization programmes in view of forthcoming parliamentary and assembly elections. As a part of this programmes, Prof Soz recently concluded his tour to different See Congress on Pg. 11

Coalition government making state bankrupt: PDP Srinagar, December 13: Accusing the National Conference-led government of having made the state bankrupt, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Friday said the entire planning and development process has derailed in J&K and it seems the state is on a virtual plan holiday. In a statement the party Chief Spokesman, Naeem Akhtar said the government has stopped releasing funds to vital infrastructural and social sector programmes, due to which there is complete chaos prevailing in the system. "It seems the rulers are using their friendships only to survive in power in the face of failures rather than being able to bring any relief to the state", he said. Most of the road network in the state presents a gloomy picture as the government has not been able to even bring about an improve-

ment in the sector, leave aside taking up new projects, because of the prevailing financial crisis, Akhtar said adding the contractors are not getting regular payments, which has resulted into a crisis like situation in the state. He said the news reports about major road projects getting stuck up for want of funds, read like typical commentary on NC rule which historically has brought misery to the state. Akhtar said the rulers may be solacing themselves by laying foundation stones to different projects, but fact of the matter is that the money crunch has left the entire planning process meaningless, and the departments have no funds to execute the projects.

"The stone laying spree is only a standard election time tactic of the NC as everybody knows that the government has no money to finance them," said Akhtar. Though, the Government of India has released money to compensate the people whose lands have been acquired for laying roads under the PMGSY, but the work on such projects is going on at snail’s pace, making the whole process useless, he said added presently, there is 25% cut in the plan allocation to every department and the government has never bothered to explain it to the people. Similarly, the financial indiscipline has made the all important social sector

‘KU promoting a specific agenda of a particular political party’ Srinagar, December 13: Expressing concern over the politicization of Kashmir University, Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has stressed upon the varsity authorities that instead of turning the highest seat of learning into a political battlefield of Pro India politics, the institution should concentrate on providing quality education to the youth. Despite unfavorable situation persisting in Kashmir over the past 25 years, Mirwaiz said Kashmiri parents worked hard to give education to their children. He said education guarantees a better future for any nation. He said that KU had a distinction of being the centre of learning since hundreds of students have graduated and occupied important position in different facets of life. He, however, said from past few years, unfortunately KU was more becoming centre of politics rather than a seat of high-

est learning. APHC Chairman said university was a place which inculcated innovative thinking among its students so that they contribute in a positive way. But KU, Mirwaiz said was contrary to such things. He said students should have taken study on educational, political and social issues of the society, but such research is not e n courged in KU. Mirwaiz said research and seminars should have been carried out on Kashmir which was an international dispute. He said students should have studied historical, traditional, political and economical facets of this issue in the KU. However, he said the truth was that such an exercise is being carried

out by American, British and even by few Indian universities who apart from conducting research hold seminars and symposiums on this issue, but unfortunately KU is discouraging such activity and not allowing any debate on the Kashmir issue. The Hurriyat (M) Chairman said many academic and non-academic delegations from KU have visited him in the past and apprised him about the sorry state of Affairs there. He said the delegation told him that KU was being fast turned into hub of pro-Indian politics. He said that KU authorities have banned formation of students union in an attempt to choke the voice of educated Kashmiris, adding, instead of organizing seminars or holding See KU Promoting on Pg. 11

schemes under the RAMSA and SSA useless, as they have not been able to get the desired results on the ground. Akhtar said, even if, there has been five folds increase in the power tariff and four times increase in the taxes, over the last five years, but still there is no improvement in the power scenario and development is still dream for the people. "One of the reasons for the near blackout enforced by the present government is the cash crunch that it has caused as a result of loot of resources, corruption and mis-governance" he said. Leave aside creating new employment opportunities for the youth, the height is that government has now, no salaries for daily wagers, casual labours , need base workers and even pensioners are not getting their dues regularly.

PDP day dreaming about formation of Govt: NC Srinagar, December 13: The Ruling National conference Friday asked the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to stop “day-dreaming about the formation of government in coming elections.” “If PDP thinks that they can still hoodwink the people by their hollow slogans then I suppose they are day dreaming about the formation of government “Additional general secretary of National conference Dr Mustafa Kamal told KNS. Former finance Minster of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Tariq Hameed Karra on Thursday had said that the NC has failed to full fill its promises and now the people want an honest, accountable and transparent governance system in the See NC on Pg. 11

C M Y K

Daily

11 Saturday, 14 December 2013 From Front Page........

Congress.........

areas of Jammu province where public participation was significant. “There will be no Modi factor in Jammu despite the gimmicks and cards played by him and his party during his recent visit to the city. People are politically mature and they realize that Modi will invite fascism in the country which is known for its democratic and secular ethos. On the other I am of the firm belief that Congress will emerge as a largest political party across the country in coming elections. And same hold true for Jammu and Kashmir.”

NC.........

Mian Altaf, Shabir Khan inaugurate Guest House, Forest Range office at Rajouri Rajouri, December 13: The Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad, accompanied by Minister of State for Health, Shabir Ahmad Khan visited Rajouri and inaugurated Guest House at Shadra sharief shrine and Range Office building of wildlife department. Both the works have been completed at accumulated cost of Rs.78 lakh. They Minister also paid obeisance on the Dargah. Speaking on the occasion, Mian Altaf said that “it is our duty to serve the people who have pinned their expectation with us. He said every effort is being made by the Government to ensure equitable development across the State. He said the plans framed for development of Rajouri and Poonch will transform the economic status of these two border districts. Forest Minister said that the Guest House will add accommodation for devotees coming to Shadra Sharief shrine while the range office building

state. Mustafa while castigating people’s Democratic Party (PDP) added “It will only remain an unfulfilled dream as people have understood their nefarious designs to divide the state on region and religious lines. Many of their leaders and even legislators are on the verge of leaving PDP but are scared to lose their membership.” Kamal further alleged that PDP and BJP are hand in glove for creating unrest in the state for their own political gains. “PDP can go to any extent to grab power in the state. The only aim of the PDP leadership is to grab power-be that by hook or crook. Being in opposition they were the representatives of people but instead of working for the betterment of people they issue baseless statements”. While emphasizing that people of the state have faith in Government Mustafa said People have a deep rotted faith in NC government for which government is also trying hard on its part. “PDP is responsible for the death of around 120 youth during unrest of 2010 across the state. It is the statement of the then Home Minster of India that the stone Samba, December 13: The pelting in valley was being aided and funded by PDP.” district administration in collaboration with District research topic sessions for students, the KU was calling E m p l o y m e n t a n d meeting of panches and sarpanches in the varsity thereby Counseling Centre today organized a Employment maligning the atmosphere. The Hurriyat (M) Chairman said students were forced to Fair at village Ramgarh in sing Indian national anthem despite KU has its own the premises of Vimal Muni anthem. He said situation in Jammu University was Collage of Education for contrary to KU. He said authorities there allow students to educating the general perform various activities. He said all political parties were public especially the allowed to do their activities in Jammu campus. Even unemployed youth about faulty members of Jammu university are associated openly the self employment with political parties But in Kashmir the situation is schemes being launched by absolutely the reverse, he said only a special segment of various departments like people were allowed to carry out their activities in KU Employment, DIC, Rural Development, KVIB, which was injustice to whole Kashmiri nation. Mirwaiz said Hurriyat Conference has specific informa- KVIC, Animal Husbandry, tion that instead of improving education, KU authorities Sheep Husbandry etc. were promoting a specific agenda of a particular Party. He Various departments of said the KU which was meant for producing scholars and Samba district put up their intellectuals is now promoting Hooliganism and miscre- stalls for highlighting their ants who are beating up people and maligning this respective departments activities and also displayed prestigeious institution.

will help department in carrying forward the projects started by wildlife department besides ensuring proper monitoring of on-going works and conservation of wildlife, forest and environment in the twin border districts. Mian Altaf said that forest sector in Rajouri and Poonch districts have not received the appropriate attention for development during previous regimes, adding that infrastructural development started in forest sector will ensure to boost forest related activities in twin border districts. He said the concerned officers have been instructed to identify the places where forest department can develop public utility. Referring the demands of the people, Mian Altaf said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah lead Government is trying its best to utilize properly the funds earmarked for development of border and far flung areas of Poonch

Slathia inaugurates Employment Fair at Ramgarh

KU Promoting..........

Meanwhile, Mirwaiz said due to their unflinching association with pro-freedom struggle, the residents of old city were kept devoid of basic amenities like water, power and roads. He said the people in old city were targeted following a plan so that people give up their pro-freedom sentiments. He however said the people of old city have proved time and again that no force can disassociate them from freedom struggle.

DC Bla..........

“I have ordered inquiry headed by deputy commissioner Baramulla. The DC Baramulla has been asked to submit his report within two days,” Mr Kumar had informed KNS on phone. Pertinently, a patient suffering from serious cardiac ailment passed away at SKIMS allegedly due to inordinate delay created by mobile magistrate North Kashmir on December 9.

the finished goods products in the Employment Fair. The fair was inaugurated by MLA, Vijaypur Surjeet Singh Slathia. While speaking on the occasion Mr. Slathia complemented the district administration in organiz i n g s u c h a wonderful Employment Fair and assured that departments will continue giving their focused attention towards unemployed youth by educating them of various sponsored schemes launched by the Central and State governments for the benefit of the youth. He called upon the unemployed youth to avail the benefits of such schemes by starting their own ventures.

Mandergund- Louseer road in shambles

Shahid Wani Anantnag, December 13: People of Sakras Mandergund Srigufwara Anantnag said that the road from Sakras Mandergund to Louseer is pending for macadamization from last 6 years the road has been totally damaged due to rain’s and snow in winters a local resident of the area Nisar Ahmad said.

Moreover people told us that they had requested Power Development Department (PDD) for sanctioning of electric poles for their village as trees are being used instead of electric poles in the area. People requested concerned authorities to look into the matter and resolve their genuine grievances as soon as possible.

Edi Ladakh conducted Loan Mela Cum Awareness Camp at Kargil Shotopa Kargil, December 13: The J&K EDI Regional Office Ladakh conducted a one day Loan Mela and awareness Camp at Tourist Facilitation Center Kargil in which the Panches, Sarpanches, Naib Sarpanches and Young entrepreneurs from all over Kargil Participated. During the Camp the Executive Manager J&K EDI Ladakh Dorjey Wangchuk briefed the gathering about the NMDFC Scheme in particular and other schemes of EDI in general. On this occasion the Executive Councilor for Social Welfare LAHDC Kargil Sheikh Hussain Raizi was the Chief Guest and the Executive

Councilor for Tourism and ZDA instead of job seeker, and appreciated LAHDC Kargil Skalzang Wangyail the role of EDI as the successful loan was the Guest of Honour. The Chief agency which is working in the real Guest Sheikh Raizi told that sense for which he congratulated and Government is not in a position to appreciated Dorjey Wangchuk. The provide government job to each and Guest of Honour Skalzang Wangyail every person and people in developing told that EDI should cater to the needs countries like India and Places like of the poorest people and the skillful Kargil, thinks that government will people of Kargil and encourage them to provide Job to everyone but we have establish their own units for earning take lessons from Developed countries their livelihood. Dorjey Wangchuk where people go for Business develop- while interacting with the masses told ment and became job providers instead that EDI has disbursed 9 Crore Rupees of job seekers. He thanked EDI for amongst 40 Entrepreneurs of Kargil taking such initiatives to reach to the last year under its Seed Capital Scheme last person for motivating, training and and a total of 26 Crore in Whole Ladakh preparing them to become job creators under the said Scheme.

SRINAGAR DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Short Term E-Tender Notice No: 35 of 2013-14

For and on behalf of the Srinagar Development Authority, the Executive Engineer, Srinagar Development Authority, invites tenders by e-tendering on item rate basis from Registered PWD contractors of J&K state upto for below mentioned works:S. No 1.

Name of Work Construction of Guest House near SDA Office complex at Bemina, Sgr.

Amount of Work Rs. 135.07 lacs

Earnest Money

Class of Contractor

Cost of Tender Document

Time of Completion

Rs.270200/-

"AAY"

Rs.6000/-

(12) Months

1. Date of Publishing 12/12/2013. 2. The Bidding document can be downloaded from the website http://jktenders.gov.in from 10.00 AM on 13/11/2013 to 18/12/2013 upto (4.00PM). 3. a. The bids shall be deposited in electronic format on the website http:/jktenders.gov.in from 13/12/2013 to 18/12/2013 upto 4.00PM. The bids received will be opened at 12:00 Noon on 21/12/2013 on line. b. The complete bidding process will be on line. C. Date of submission of hard copies 19/12/2013. Sd/- Executive Engineer DIPJK-NB: 2408 Srinagar Development Authority

ZABARWAN TIMES

Jora visits Katra, emphasizes for expansion of civic amenities

and Rajouri districts. He assured that no road projects will stagnate for want of forest land , adding that the officers concerned have already been instructed to clear the projects need forest clearance on priority. Regarding development of Dhera Gali, the Minister instructed forest officers, present on the occasion, to go and see what kind of infrastructural development could be started in the area for public purposes. Responding to the demand of establishment of timber depot at Rajouri, the Minister assured that possibility would be explored for the purpose. Shabir Khan, while speaking on the occasion, said that construction of historic Mughal road has opened new avenues for both the districts, adding that the tourism potential of the area could be exploited fully now. He said the Centre has approved road projects aimed to give road connectivity to the areas lacking these facilities.

Katra, December 13: The Minister for Urban Development and Urban Local Bodies, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora, today visited Katra, the base camp for Shri M a t a Va i s h n o D e v i j i pilgrimage, emphasized the need for creation and expansion of civic amenities to meet the emerging requirements. The Minister inspected the proposed site for new Bus Stand, and Railway Station, Banganga Road, Darshnideodi and Dhanoa, adjoining Katra. He asked the concerned authorities to undertake the construction of the new Bus Stand in a phased manner after settling all issues with regard to the land acquisition. He said that more

than one crore Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims visit Katra every year and besides this town is getting rail connectivity shortly, as such, there is urgent need for creating infrastructure and putting in place facilities to adequately meet future requirements. He observed that we have to plan development of Katra in sync with a well-conceived Master Plan taking into account basic services and amenities. Referring to the construction of proposed dumping site, the Minister issued instructions to the Deputy Commissioner, Reasi CEO/EO Katra to get clearance of site from the Pollution Control Board so that the funding for execution of this project is arranged.

Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir

Office of the Executive Engineer (R&B) Division Bandipora Short Term Tender Notice No.: 59 for the year 2013-2014

For & on behalf of the Governor of Jammu & Kashmir state, the Executive Engineer R&B Division Bandipora hereby invites sealed tenders affixed with Rupees Four revenue stamps from the registered PWD contractors of classes shown against each work mentioned below. The tenders should be addressed to the Executive Engineer R&B Division Bandipora and should reach to his office on or before 16-12-2013 upto 2 P.M whereas the tender documents for the work shall be available in Executive Engineer R&B Division Bandipora's office up to 15-12-2013 during office hours against cash payment and production of valid Registration Card. The tender will be opened on the same day or any other subsequent date in presence of the contractors who may like to be present. In case the last date of receipt of tenders is declared as a holiday/hartal the tenders will be received on next working day up to 2 P.M. S. No

Name of Work Supply and laying of water pump for Block "A" and"C" at Mini Secretariat complex Bandipora (Near BSF Head Quarter) Construction of Brick walling around Govt Middle School Ahangar Mohalla Kaloosa Restoration of surface by way of G.S.B filling and G-ll to Sonarawani Ahamashrief road

2. 3.

Adv. Cost (in lacs)

E/M In Rs.

Class of Contract or

Document Fee

Time for Completion

Position of Funds

1.90 Lacs

Rs. 3800

DEE

Rs. 200/-

10 Days

Demanded

4.30 Lacs

Rs. 8600

DEE

Rs. 200/-

15 Days

Demanded

2.70 Lacs

Rs. 5400

DEE

Rs. 200/-

10 Days

Demanded

DIPJK: 11211

M. Head Account

Sd/- Executive Engineer

Government of Jammu & Kashmir

Office of the Executive Engineer Flood Control Division Kakapora Tender Notice No. 18 - FCDK of 2013-14 Dated: 09-12-2013

For and on behalf of the Governor of J&K state sealed tenders affixed with Rs. 6/- Revenue stamps are invited from the Govt. registered PWD Civil Contractors of J&K state for execution of the following works which should reach to the office of the undersigned on or before 19/12/2013 up to 2:00 PM. The tender document containing detailed quantity schedule of rates shall be available for sale in the office of the undersigned during office hours against cash payment as shown below (Non-refundable). The tender document forms will be issued in the office of the undersigned upto 17/12/2013 up to 2:00 PM only on the production of requisite Registration Cards/ PAN/ TIN/ Clearance certificates issued by the Sales /Income Tax Departments. The tenders will be opened on the same day or any other subsequent day convenient to the opening authority. S. No 1.

10.

11.

12.

Name of work Re- construction of collapsed ATMZ sluice gate on left side of Roomshi Nallah at village Kakapora. (Fresh) Construction of F.P of left side of Zowistan Nallah from road culvert to house of Bashir Khan by way of laying of boulder bund with Toe Crates at village Gulistan. (Fresh) Construction of F.P work left side of Zowistan Nallah from house of Bashir Khan to house of Gaffar Khan by way of laying of boulder bund with Toe Crates at village Gulistan. (Fresh) Construction of F.P work left side of Zowistan Nallah from house of Gaffar Khan to land of Ab. Rashid by way of laying of boulder bund with Toe Crates at village Gulistan. (Fresh) Restoration of left side bund of River Jehlum from Kawni to Doogripora by way of laying of cuts and undulation from RD 17800mt to 1830mt at spots. ( Fresh) Installation of gauge plates at various sites on ( Fresh) 1. Roomshi Nallah at Pahoo (Tail) 3 stages. 2,Rambaara at Naina (Tail) 3 stages. 3.Watalara at Charsoo (Tail) 2 stages. 4. Aripal at Kadlabal (Tail) 2 stages. 5.Watalara at Hollmerg ( Head) 1stage. 6. Aripal at Batagund (Head) 1 stage. Construction of F.P work on left side of Aripal Nallah by way of laying of boulder bund with Toe Crates at village Gaung Batagund D/D poultry farm at RD 6100 mtr. (Fresh) Construction of Aripal Nallah by way of laying of boulder bund with Toe Crates at village Batagund near Army Camp U/S of Channa Mohallah at RD 6400 mtr. (Fresh) Construction of Aripal Nallah by way of laying of boulder bund with Toe Crates at at channelization of Nallah at village Gaung Batagund D/S Poultry Farm at RD 6200 mtr. (Fresh) Construction of F.P work on right side of Sasara Nallah by way of Toe Crates and construction of bund (S$B) with pitching at RD: 26235m near land of Mohd Sadiq Bhat and others near village Talangam. Construction of F.P work on either side of Trichal branch tributary of Sasara Nallah by way of toe crates at RD: 5500m near the land of Bashir Ahmad Wani. Renovation/ Repairs to Flood Gate on Munshi Nallah on left Protection Bund of river Jehlum at Lelhar at RD 42-100 kms.

Stock Issue Rates: 1. Cement= 375/Bag 3. B.A Wire= 70/KG DIPJK: 11233

Adv. Cost

Earnest Money

Class

4.15 Lacs

8300/-

DEE

2.59 Lacs

5180/-

2.59 Lacs

Position of funds

Cost of tender document

20 Days

Demanded

500/-

Flood Restoration

DEE

20 Days

-do-

300/-

Flood Restoration

5180/-

DEE

20 Days

-do-

300/-

Flood Restoration

2.37 Lacs

4740/-

DEE

20 Days

-do-

300/-

Flood Restoration

0.32 Lacs

640/-

DEE

20 Days

-do-

100/-

Flood Restoration

1.74 Lacs

3480/-

DEE

20 Days

-do-

100/-

Flood Restoration

4.62 Lacs

9240/-

S.H.G

20 Days

-do-

500/-

Flood Restoration

4.67 Lacs

9340/-

S.H.G

20 Days

-do-

500/-

Flood Restoration

4.96 Lacs

9920/-

S.H.G

20 Days

-do-

500/-

Flood Restoration

3.78 Lacs

7560/-

DEE

20 Days

-do-

500/-

Spot Treatment

3.84 Lacs

7680/-

DEE

20 Days

-do-

500/-

Spot Treatment

3.35 Lacs

6700/-

DEE

20 Days

-do-

500/-

Spot Treatment

2. Knitted Crates (4” x 4”) mesh= 18/Sft 4. E/C Bags= 4/Bag

Time of comp.

Head of A/C

Sd/- Executive Engineer

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

SATURDAY, DECEMBER | 14 | 2013

CS emphasizes on uniform funding pattern of 90:10 in all Centrally Sponsored Schemes

Zabarwan Times is available at

April 20-May 20

You may feel like a racehorse crammed in the starting gate. You’re stuck in a small spot, stomping your feet, and anxiously waiting for the starting bell. You may feel powerless since you have no control over when the gate will open. Be patient. Don’t waste all your energy fidgeting. The gate will open soon enough and you’ll be up and running. requested the Union Government to take cognizance of the fact and show flexibility. To address the concerns of the State Governments Planning Commission had constituted a subcommittee for suggesting restructuring of CSS to enhance flexibility and efficiency. Following the recommendations of B.K.Chaturvedi Committee, the Union Government has

asked the States to provide their specific recommendations to improve results on ground and overcome implementation problems. As the number of Centrally Sponsored Schemes has been reduced from 142 to 66 by merging several erstwhile schemes, the merged schemes will come into force from 2014-15.

JK IMS organizes symposium on ‘IT and Mathematics’

Shabir inaugurates Drug and Food Office Complex at Rajouri

would help in strengthening the infrastructure of the Institute. Secretary, Higher Education Sheikh Mushtaq Ahmad also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the activities of the JKIMS. Dr. Raj Shri Dhar in her welcome address highlighted the importance of the symposium. Earlier, the function was started with lightening of traditional lamp.

(DFCO) was an important Organization related with the health of the people and government endeavoring to bring more transparency and accountability in the functioning of the Organization. He directed field functionaries to keep close vigil on spurious drugs in the markets especially in rural drug shops where such practices are more common to play with the health of innocent patients. “Spurious drugs and proxy drug outlets should be seized and guilty holders booked under the Act”, he warned the officers. The Minister also stressed on lifting samples of variety edibles in the markets for testing to ensure that no adulteration is made in them which harms the health of the people. He directed that such manufacturers and shopkeepers should be fined and booked under the

LC Panel visits Super Speciality Hospital Jammu Jammu, December 13: The Committee on Department Related Standing Committee (DRSC)-II of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council headed by its Chairman, MLC Mr Vijay Bakaya today visited Super Speciality Hospital, Jammu and took stock of the measures taken by the administration for providing better medicare facilities to the patients. The Chairman was accompanied by the members of the Committee including, Mr Jehangir Hussain Mir, S. Dharambir Singh Oberoi, Mr. B. R. Kundal and Dr. Shehnaz Ganai. The Committee interacted with the patients in Nephrology unit and expressed their satisfaction over the working of the unit. Earlier, the Committee visited various blocks of the hospital including CT scan, Nephrology, Urology, ICU, Dialysis, Cardiology and other wings. The Principal GMC briefed the Committee members about the functioning of the hospital. Special Secretary, Health and Medical Education Sheikh Mukhtar, Additional Secretary, Legislative Council Mohammad Maqbool Bhat, Deputy Secretary, Legislative Council G M Nishati and other officers accompanied the panel during their visit. Later, the Committee convened a meeting with the hospital management and discussed and review over all functioning of the hospital. The Chairman directed the hospital management to ensure proper treatment to the patients. The panel also directed them to maintain cleanliness in an around the hospital.

completion. The Minister directed the Executing Agencies Jammu and Kashmir Project Construction Corporation, Sports Council and R&B department to gear up their field functionaries and speed up the pace of work on Girls Hostel, Swimming Pool and Auditorium Hall and complete them in a stipulated time frame. He also asked them to use standard material on these projects and judicious use of funds.

District Level Review Committee (DLRC) meeting for second quarter of current year was held today in district Budgam under the chairmanship of District Development Commissioner Budgam. It was given out that an amount of Rs. 215.29 crore have been disbursed by various Banks and financial institutions under Priority Sector in the district. While 30 cases upto September 2013 have been sanctioned with a financial outlay of Rs. 15 crore. Besides 23 cases have been sanctioned under District Plan involving Rs. 36 lakhs by NABARD. The meeting was informed that 550 poultry farms are operational in the district. The meeting was told that NABARD is introducing new technology for providing necessary heating for poultry birds to enhance productivity during winter under technology transfer programme.

law without giving any concession, even under the Act their units should be sealed and licenses canceled. The Minister instructed the concerned that after a detailed Drug policy, the law enforcement agencies should have to start the process to identify the pharma companies and illegal drug stores, which are violating the norms and are using the state as their dumping ground for its products adding that government would also set up an Intelligencecum-Legal Cell in Drug and Food Control Organization to facilitate contravention of fake drug rackets and their prompt prosecution. The Minister impressed upon the field functionaries to work boldly and without any pressure and ensure tangible results in implementation of requisite drug and food Acts for the welfare of the people.

E-transaction to be introduced in Transport Department soon: Ramzan Minister for Transport and Consumers Affairs and Public Distribution, Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan today said Government is mulling to introduce e- transaction service in the Transport Department and implementation of Short Message Services (SMS) for their reference for convenience of the general public. said that it would also enhance the efficacy and promptness in delivery system of the department. The Minister revealed this at joint annual review meeting of Department of Transport, JK SRTC and State Motor Garage convened to review the financial and physical achievements of these departments. Minister of State for Transport and Cooperative Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma was also present in the meeting. Addressing the meeting, the Minister stressed the need for organizing more and more awareness camps and workshops for sensitizing the general public about the traffic rules, ill effects of rash and careless driving. He said the enforcement of Motor Vehicle Department MVD Act and its adver-

DLRC meeting held at Budgam Budgam, December 13:

Hemant Kumar Sharma, Mission Director, NRHM, Dr. Yash Pal Sharma, Controller Drug and Food Organization, Mr. Satesh Gupta and Deputy Inspector General of Police Rajouri-Poonch Range, Mr. Danish Raina was among other Senior Officers present on the occasion. Addressing a public gathering on the occasion, the Minister said that Drug and Food Control Organization

Jammu, December 13:

As many as 6726 Kisan Credit Cards have been issued in the district, the meeting was informed. The Banks and financial institutions were

tisement through print and electronic media and installation of posters and banners in the premises of educational institutions and at public places depicting pictures of fatal accidents can also prove helpful in containing road accidents. The Minister said that separate facilitation centre would be opened both at Jammu and Srinagar at Regional Transport Offices for the convenience of the people. He asked the concerned to activate their field functionaries to check the overloading and overcharging, besides conducting on-the-spot checking to verify the documents of drivers and vehicles. He also asked to check and verify permits and other related the documents of vehicles plying to ferry the tourists from outside the State. He directed for constitution of Quick Rescue Teams (QRTs) in accident prone district with necessary infrastructure at the earliest, adding that Poonch, Rajouri and erstwhile Doda district would be covered in the first phase. Calling for orientation programme for drivers, Choudhary Ramzan asked the drivers associations and other organizations to depute their drivers for orientation

programmes to enhance their skill and know-how. The Minister directed the concerned for identifying hungry routes for deploying more vehicles for the area to avoid menace of overloading. He also asked for strict adherence for installation of meters at auto-rickshaws and private taxies plying in twin capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar for the convenience of commuters. He called for installation of more weigh bridges on Jammu-Kathua, Jammu- Srinagar, Jammu-Poonch national Highway. He directed for immediate installation of 4-mobile weigh bridges at Jakhani, Udhampur, Siot Morh, Rajouri, Sangrama, Baramull and Anantnag. The meeting was informed that the department realized an amount of Rs. 81.96 crore against the target of Rs. 151.50 crore, besides 67915 vehicles were registered, 4480 route permits, 42120 driving licenses and 25153 fitness certificates were issued so far during the current fiscal. The MVD created an amount of Rs. 80.85 lakh as corpus fund to meet the ex-gratia relief to the next of kins of the road accident victims during the current year, the meeting was told.

Gul chairs House Committee Meeting Jammu, December 13:

asked to gear up their men and machinery for issuance of Swarojgar Credit Cards which are specially designed for self-employed person. District Development Commissioner urged the heads of Banks and financial institutions operational in the district to organize financial awareness camps.

March 21-April 19

Taurus

Tariq News Agency Hawal Bashir News Agency Nowhatta Muzaffar Ali News Agency Alamgari Bazar Budshah News Agency Lal Chowk Abdullah News Agency Lal Chowk Sikendar News Agency Lal Chowk Gupkari News Agency Lal Chowk Raina News Agency Gund Kangan Khan News Agency Regal Chowk Rashid News Agency Dalgate Sheikh News Agency Hyderpora Hilal News Agency Budgam Rajouri, December 13: Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Chadoora at M A M College Jammu, Director Colleges Dr. Tariq Lone for Bhat Newsheld Agency Zargar News AgencyofKunzar Ahmad Kawoosa, Principal the MinisterMagam said that this inMinister of State for Health, Newsstitute Agency Beerwah News AgencyofSumbal will bring our State MAM Bashir College, Principals Mr. Shabir Ahmad Khan identify landDar to colleges, students Pattan on Agency the International Reshi News SafaporaMap of different Saleem News Agency today inaugurated newly Mathematical colleges of thePampore set up JKIMS Basharat News Agency Research Bandiporaand of different Reyaz News Agency constructed District office would be first of its kind. Jammu division participated complex of Drug and Food Altaf News Agency Pulwama Javaid News Agency Qazigund He hoped that the insti- in a day-long symposium. Organization at Rajouri. Jammu, December 13: Jeelani News Baramulla News Agencythe Sopore tute Agency caters the needs of the Later, G.M Mr. Lone inspected The office complex having Shah News Agency Kupwara Sultan News Agency Handwara pace of ongoing works of Girls students adding that we must also the facility of Drug seizer Minister for Higher EduHostel and Swimming Pool at work as a team spirit and make Sheikh News Agency Islamabad rooms besides provision of cation Mr. MohammadYounis Akbar News Agency Langate it sure that JKIMS becomes a MAM Three College Jammu Lone today directed the au-News Reshi Agency Islamabad Way Newsbeing AgencyDrug Traltesting Laboratory was constructed at an estimated completed at a cost of Rs 1.57 centre of research. He asked thorities of Jammu andTurray Kash- News Agency Tral Badru News Agency Bijbehara mir Institute of Mathematical the concerned that it is our cost of Rs 2.98 crore. He also crore. Rahi News Agency Kulgam to push inspected Malik News Agency prime responsibility Auditorium Hall ofArwani District Development ComScience (JKIMS), Department Rah News Agency Byepass Shaheen News Agency Kargil the College which is nearing forward it and government missioner, Rajouri, MR. of Higher Education to identify the land to set up separate infrastructure for the newly established Mathematical Institute at Jammu. He said it was the dream of the students of Jammu and Kashmir to create and establish such institution in the State . Addressing the participants during Mathematical Festival 2013 organized by JKIMS in connection with symposium on ‘Information Technology and Mathematics’

Aries

You may run up against a brick wall early today. Things should ease a bit by evening. Remember that the harder you push against that wall, the more your head will pound, the more bruised your shoulder will become, and the more energy you’ll expend. You’ll be surprised at how easy things get when you step back. You’ll see that you can go around the wall without charging through it.

Jammu, December 13: J&K Chief Secretary, Muhammad Iqbal Khanday, Friday emphasized the need for uniform funding in the Central-State ratio of 90:10 for all the Centrally Sponsored Schemes. He said J&K is a Special Category State, the pattern of assistance under CCS ought to vary from 100% to 90:10, however, in certain schemes like SSA the funding pattern is 65:35, in IAY and Mid-Day-Meal, it is 75:25 besides there are number of other schemes where the funding pattern is not as per Special Category State Status. Chairing a high level meeting here to review the departmental recommendations for change in Centrally Sponsored Schemes either CCS guidelines to the Union Govern- State finances. Chief Secretary said, flexibility is 100% or in 90:10 pattern. ment on restructuring of Centrally Chief Secretary said that we have Sponsored Schemes so as to make required in case of Jammu and Kashmir to take cognizance of it's geoalso recommended release of full them State friendly, Chief Secretary graphic conditions, limited working funding at the beginning of the year said that Jammu and Kashmir along season, level of economic developinstead of the current installmentwith other Special Category States have been raising concerns about ment and nature of gaps in physical wise pattern of funding. He said the the lack of flexibility in CCS Schemes infrastructure. He said we have all States' Geography and climate does Lone News Agency Khan not News Agency Ganderbal along Kangan been asking the Union Govpermit us to have a year-long and adverse implications of counterernmentSoura to provide funding in Zahid all working season, as such, we have Gulzar News Book Depot Chadoora part funding requirements of CSS on Agency

HOROSCOPE

A meeting of House Committee of Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly was held here today under the Chairmanship of Speaker, J&K Assembly, Mr. Mubarak Gul. Detailed discussion was held on various agenda points put forth by the committee which includes upgradation of the existing kitchen in MLA Hostel Srinagar, construction of second storey over the existing Barak within the premises of MLA Hostel, Jammu. The meeting was also discussed to arranging the budgetary provisions for providing of LEDs within the rooms of MLAs’ Hostel at Jammu and Srinagar and examine

the issue of pertaining accommodations to the Members provided to them by the Estates Department, JKTDC, Custodian and Assembly Secretariat. Legislators, Mr. G.M. Saroori and Mr. Balwant Singh Mankotia also present in the meeting and gave their valuable sugges-

Gemini May 21-June 21

Don’t box yourself into a corner and shut out everything around you except your immediate concerns. The more you isolate yourself and insist that you don’t need anyone else’s help, the more frustrated and sad you’ll become. If you’re lonely, scared, or angry, admit this to yourself and others. Extend yourself outward instead of drawing further in.

Cancer June 22-July 22

Be careful about opening your mouth in situations in which it isn’t appropriate. When the conversation lags, you feel it’s your duty to pipe up. By doing so, you may launch the conversation onto an inappropriate topic. You may want to say something just so you can shift the focus to you. The better choice is to allow the silence to sit peacefully.

Leo

July 23-August 22 Get organized in the morning because later you’re going to be more scattered. If you start with a solid plan for how to tackle the day’s tasks, you’re more likely to accomplish everything. If you don’t remain strong and on task, other people will take advantage of your generous nature. You could end up doing more favors than work.

Virgo

August 23-September 22

There may be a frenzy of activity around you, but you’ll be able to handle it. Your charm will get you through any door. You should be able to juggle many things at once, and others will look to you for support. You’ll have a level head and calm demeanor and handle things diplomatically and honestly. Don’t be surprised if things get more insane as the day wears on, but this shouldn’t faze you.

Libra

September 23-October 23 Be careful about blaming yourself for something that you aren’t responsible for. Maybe you influenced someone to act a certain way and now that action is backfiring negatively. Remember that everyone makes his or her own decisions. Ultimately, you aren’t responsible for decisions that someone else makes, regardless of any advice you may have given him or her.

Scorpio

October 24-November 21 You’re at an emotionally climactic time, and your feelings are erratic and perhaps unmanageable. Don’t feel pressured into making logic out of anything. Your job is to take a deep breath and relax. Remember that life is an exciting adventure full of twists and turns. Erratic, roller-coaster emotions are a reminder of that. Enjoy the ride.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21

Capricorn December 22-January 19

You’re likely to take things to heart a bit more than usual. Dramatic changes in your environment and attitude will keep you on your toes. The wonderful thing about this is that you’ll gain a great deal of insight and understanding of other people. You’ll be more aware of other people’s feelings and perspectives, helping you make more educated decisions in your affairs.

Aquarius January 20-February 18

Unexpected people, especially women, will surprise you with what they say. Your mother may bring up an issue that you hadn’t even considered. Perhaps your emotions get stirred when you recall something that a significant woman in your life said. Your feelings are bouncing from your heart to your head and back again. Take the feelings into account, but don’t let them dominate your decisions.

Pisces

February 19-March 20 tions. The meeting was attended by Director Information, Mr. Sojuaniya Sharma, Special Secretary Legislative Assembly, Mr. M.R. Singh and senior officers of the Assembly Secretariat.

Today you want things done your way and your way only. Your mood is quite stubborn and others would be foolish to think they could change your mind about anything. You’re the only person allowed to have that job. The truth is that you may change your mind several times today, and that’s fine. Just don’t expect anyone else to keep up with you!

Editorial/Opinion The Daily

Zabarwan Times Saturday, 14 December 2013

Shun the path of confrontation - Encourage an era of peace

he recent statements of Pakistani leaders including Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif regarding Indo-Pak ties, the meeting of Shahbaz Sharif with Indian Prime Minister DR. Manmohan Singh and the discussion on various matters is indicative of the fact that both the countries want better ties and a peaceful atmosphere to address all outstanding issues. There is no doubt that the statement issued some days back by Mr. Nawaz Sharif regarding Jammu and Kashmir had created an air of misunderstanding between the two countries though the statement was later denied by the Pakistani authorities. It is not only that the people of the two countries who want good neighborly and friendly ties but the whole world community is also in its favour because a stable subcontinent means a stable world. Both India and Pakistan have ample resources and if these resources are used in a positive way the two counties can become heavy weights of the world economy. Hence it is imperative that stability in terms of peace and relations is a established in the subcontinent and that can only be possible if the two powerful countries of subcontinent India and Pakistan shun the path of violence, forget the past animosities and address their problems amicably so that the relations grow stronger and stronger and misunderstandings are removed forever. The statement of Mr. Shahbaz Sharif the younger brother of Mr. Nawaz Sharif that Pakistan wants cordiality to prevail between the two neighboring countries is optimistic and if the two countries enter into a sustained dialogue, there is no issue or problem which cannot be addressed and resolved. The two countries have had very sweet and sour relations for the past six decades and have fought three wars including Kargil incursion. But everybody knows that these wars brought only destruction and consumed thousands of precious lives leaving behind pain and agony only. Let us pledge that there will be no further war and the two countries will enter into a new era of peace and tranquility. That is what the people of the two countries want and that is what the leadership of the two countries should aim for. One hopes that sanity prevails on the leadership of both the countries, and everybody witnesses dawn of a new day.

ZABARWAN TIMES 9

Saturday, 14 December 2013

Indian Women’s Odyssey into the Medical World

he story of Indian women’s struggle to enter the medical profession reflects their courage, determination and dedication to a noble cause. Unlike the women in western countries Indian women did not have to fight the laws or discrimination by the state to enter this profession. Opposition came mainly from the society of that time; a society steeped in ancient traditions with no scope for women to act or think independently. The environment was hostile to a woman to step out of the home, let alone take up a career. Missionaries pave the way When the British rulers opened their hospitals in India, the attendance of women was almost negligible because of the purdah (veil) observed by women in many parts of India. Since there was no woman on the hospital staff, women resented being treated by men and stayed from hospitals. The plight of women during confinement owing to lack of medical attendance and the large-scale infant mortality disturbed many ‘zenana’(women) missionaries, who decided to do something to mitigate the sufferings of these women. The task of women missionaries was not easy. They had to face the ignorance and prejudices of Indian women, work without proper instruments and insufficient supportive help and above all their own inadequate medical knowledge. The first qualified medical woman to arrive in India was Miss Clara Swain of U.S.A. who reached Rae Bareily on 2nd January 1870. Soon a stream of missionaries, started pouring into India. Their main concern was training of nurses and mid-wives and hospital administration. They introduced hospital nurses into Indian homes, persuaded Indian women to go to hospitals for delivery and took part in other social service activities. Two outstanding medical missionaries, Edith Mary Brown(1864-1956) and Ida Sophia Scudder(1870-1960) will ever remain in the collective consciousness of the nation for the legacy they have left behind to humanity. The Christian Medical College

Daily

and Brown Memorial hospital at Ludhiana and the Christian Medical College at Vellore stand testimony to their work. In the meantime two contemporary Indian women created history by breaking the social barriers to become doctors. Both were Maharashtrians and were victims of child marriage. Anandibai Joshi was married at the age of ten to a widower almost twenty years senior to her. She became a mother at the age of fourteen but unfortunately the child lived only for ten days. A grief stricken Anandi resolved to become a doctor and help other women.

partially as the Director of Public arranging for medical education of women Instruction considered this move as in India and opening hospitals to be staffed entirely premature and did not recommend by women. admission of women to medical college. March towards professionalism Three years later Balfour could get them The founding of the Association of admitted to the Certificate course. Six Medical Women in India in 1907 under the years later the first woman to be admitted Presidentship of Dr. A.M. Benson, the was Mary Scharlieb, wife of a Barrister. Medical Officer at Cama Hospital at She took up the mid-wife’s training at the Bombay was an initial step in the Government Maternity Hospital in Madras professionalisation of women medicos. It but found the training very inadequate. The was this association which agitated for the Kasturba hospital owes its inception to her. creation of Women’s Medical Service In the Calcutta Presidency, the Calcutta (WMS) in 1914 on the lines of Indian Medical College threw its doors open to Medical Service (IMS). Regrettably the WMS was abolished along with IMS soon after Independence. Hilda Mary Lazarus Unlike the women in western countries was the first Indian woman to be appointed to WMS. She became Chief Medical Indian women did not have to fight the Officer in 1943 and held the post till her retirement in 1947. laws or discrimination by the state to enter Undoubtedly the woman doctor of early 20th century was Muthulakshmi Reddy. She entered into the medical world like a this profession. Opposition came mainly storm and initiated many reforms through legislation like medical inspection of girls from the society of that time; a society in schools and colleges, suppression of immoral trafficking in women & children steeped in ancient traditions with no scope etc,. She made history when she sought to liberate devadasis from the tyranny of for women to act or think independently. tradition. The Avvai Rural Medical Service and Cancer Research Institute at Chennai are her gifts to humanity. She balanced her Rakhmabai’s tale is some what different. women in 1880 and one Kadambini role as a mother, wife and a doctor so She was not fortunate enough to have a Ganguly became its first graduate. In the perfectly that she is still held as a role supportive husband like Anandibai. Married Bombay Presidency, George T. Kittredge, model by many. Though late entrants by at the age of ten without her consent she an American business resident fought for world standards women are now entering rebelled against the tradition. She matured medical education for women. He was not the medical profession on equal footing into a highly esteemed doctor and rendered happy with the inferior training provided to with men. No longer are the super invaluable service during the plague in the women and observed “I am convinced that speciality areas,the preserve of men. Bombay Presidency. She was a pioneer of for success in India, woman must be Everyday a new male bastion is broken and red cross activity in India and it was recognized as the equals of men in medical women try to prove that they are in no way mainly through her that medical aid care.” inferior to men. However the contributions reached the interior parts of that Presidency. Medical Funds come to Aid of the women pioneers in medicine in India Men support women’s cause George T. Kittredge along with one cannot be evaluated in terms of the present Higher education and training for women Sorabjee Shapurji Bengalee organized a day parameters. As Joshua Jhirad the first came through as a result of the efforts of a fund called the Medical Women for India Woman Superintendent of Cama Hospital few enlightened men. In 1872, Edward Fund. Also, the Lady Dufferin fund created observed “It was the idea and urge to serve Balfour, the Surgeon General in Madras in 1885 gave tremendous impetus to entry needy women who could otherwise have started an agitation with the education of women into the profession. Both the gone without treatment and suffered department for admission of women to the funds were set up with the major objective silently that attracted most of us to take up medical course, but he was successful only of bringing medical women from England, medicine.”

Assessment of quality in higher education is the sign of times!

arely has the discussion on the nature and extent of quality and excellence been as intense as in our times. ‘Assessment for quality assurance’ is widely known across the world since late 20th century. The movement may be called as the promotion of the ‘Assessment Culture’. In India, it has taken a concrete shape only in the last decade of the last century, with the establishment of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) (in 1994) and a few other quality assessment organizations in the public domain, for the assessment of higher education institutions and programmes. The NAAC, with a vision ‘to make quality the defining element of higher education in India through a combination of self and external quality evaluation, promotion and sustenance initiatives’, has assessed and accredited Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and has also undertaken a number of quality promotion activities. There is a mixed response from the HEIs and the academia, to the external quality assessment. Many institutions have voluntarily opted for NAAC assessment and proudly exhibit their accreditation status. Few others have apprehensions about the NAAC assessment process. For a deeper understanding of the complex process of external quality assessment, it may be useful to critically examine the motivational factors for readily seeking NAAC assessment on one hand and the inhibiting factors for hesitations to go for assessment on the other. Positive Responses · Some of the reasons for institutions opting for NAAC assessment are: ·Self-improvement, by understanding their strengths and limitations. ·Building the institutional image and attract students from far and wide. ·International recognition of the institution and assurance of admission of their students in foreign universities. ·Incentives from the Government and other funding agencies. ·Insistence of some of the State

Governments. ·Pre-condition for getting the autonomous/deemed university status and such other recognitions by the University Grants Commission (UGC) or permanent affiliation by concerned universities. Some Apprehensions Some of the apprehensions and fears of institutions about the NAAC assessment are: · Fear of the unknown. · Fear of getting a lower grade and/or not getting the desired accreditation status. · Lack of enthusiasm on the part of management and staff to take up the preparation work (institutional data presentation in the Self-Study Report). ·Assumption that it is a costly activity. · Belief that it does not lead to any consequential benefits.

based on the following guidelines: · Recognition that institutional and/or programme quality assurance is primarily the responsibility of the higher education institutions themselves; · Application of standards or criteria that have been subject to reasonable consultation with stakeholders; and · Aiming to contribute to both, quality improvement of and accountability by the institution. Miles to go ……… During the last thirteen years, NAAC has covered a long way, from initial resistance through subsequent acceptance to appreciation. We at NAAC are aware that we still have a long way, to fully realize our mission. Towards this, we may have to address three major concerns: Firstly, we are yet to assess

Many institutions have voluntarily

opted for NAAC assessment and proudly exhibit their accreditation status. Few others have apprehensions about the NAAC assessment process.

· Reservations about the external assessment of Quality. · Reservations about the reliability and credibility of NAAC methodology and processes. NAAC relation with the HEIs Most of the apprehensions listed above are quite unfounded. Similar are the experiences of most of the external quality assurance agencies across the world. The International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE) guidelines of good practices for External Quality Assurance Agencies (EQAA) include the basic premise of a congenial relationship between EQAA and HEIs. NAAC relations with the HEIs are

a large number of institutions. Appropriate mechanisms have to be developed to complete the first cycle assessment of all HEIs. We may have to evolve multiple strategies for this purpose. Establishment of regional/state level assessment agencies, encouragement of NAAC-validated private professional agencies/sectoral assessment agencies for programme assessment are some of the measures that deserve careful consideration. Secondly, the instrument of assessment requires continuous fine-tuning. Some limitations of the instrument we use to assess the performance of a complex system arises from an inability to combine quantitatively-measurable and qualitatively-perceptible factors into a single

model. Appropriate measurement is necessary for improvement. It is rightly said: “if you can’t measure it, you can’t understand it; if you can’t understand it you can’t control it; if you can’t control it you can’t improve it”. In quality measurement, we must constantly ask two questions: Are we measuring the right things and are we accurately measuring them? NAAC is continuously engaged in improving its instrument. We hope that the fine-tuning of the criteria, key aspects and assessment indicators and adoption of the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) with effect from 1st April 2007, would result in a more rigorous and reliable measurement of the institutional performance. Thirdly, the Peer Team, consisting of assessors, plays a critical role in the assessment exercise. The Peer Team is the public face of NAAC. The judgement by the Peer Team members is the basis for assessment and accreditation. Selection of right Peers as assessors and equipping them with necessary professional skills to undertake the job are challenging tasks. NAAC is aware of the human limitations and is continuously trying to provide professional inputs to the assessors, to complete the task without any bias and arrive at reasonable and acceptable judgement. The Approach There are many other concerns and new concerns may arise in the context of newer situations. More than these concerns our approach is very significant to our activities. NAAC believes that quality has to be nurtured and not controlled. The agricultural model of seeding, nurturing and climate building is more suitable to the quality assurance model. Probably, in future, instead of completely focusing on timebound assessment activity, NAAC may have to focus on nurturing and continuously-assessing the internal quality assurance systems of the HEIs. It is equally important to recognize that the EQA is an indicative exercise not a prescriptive or deterministic one.

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