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WEDNESDAY
15 January | 2014 | 13 Rabi-Al-Awwal 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |
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Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K
South Sudan: 200 Die Fleeing Fighting as Boat Sinks
Govt committed for empowerment of youth
Srinagar, Jan 14: Police on Tuesday claimed to have recovered arms and ammunitions from Shangus forests in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district. A police official told GNS that acting on a specific information the joint team of army’s 19 RR and SOG Achabal raided at Chowgam forests in Shangus. During the search operation the joint teams have recovered 2 hand grenades, 01 Magzine and 30 rounds of AK-47. Meanwhile, police has registered a case and started further investigations in this regard. (GNS)
Damaged transformers spark protests Srinagar, Jan 14, CNS: A couple of protests were reported from different parts of Kashmir including Srinagar city against Power Development Department (PDD) for failing to repair the damaged transformers and restore electricity to the area. Residents of Iqbal Colony Mehjoor Nagar in Srinagar city staged a protest alleging that Power Development Department officials are showing no interest in getting their damaged transformer replaced or repaired. “Our colony comprising of scores of residential houses is reeling under darkness from past ten days. The irony is that, no PDD official is ready to listen and we are being forced to wander from place to place and official to official,” one of the residents of Iqbal Colony Muhammad See Damaged On Page 11..
Inside story
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On Edit Page Dwindling forest cover
The rice production in Jammu and Kashmir is decreasing day by day because the agricultural land is being used legally or illegally for other purposes such as residential and commercial. This has created lots of problems and the extra burden on the economy has also increased and is leaving adverse effects on the overall financial health of the state. Similarly the illegal felling of trees and the timber smuggling has caused enormous damages to the ecology of the state as it has turned a lot of forest land into a barren and unproductive one. Though a force called forest protection force was created many years back for safeguarding the forest wealth but this organization has
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WEATHER FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:
Light rain/snow would occur at isolated places over the state
FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:
Partly cloudy sky. Maximum & Minimum temperatures will be around 7°C & -2°C respectively.
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TEMPERATURE MAXIMUM MINIMUM SUNSET ON(WEDNESDAY) SUNRISE ON (THURSDAY)
8.4 0C 0.5 0C 05:46 PM 07:36 AM
Out of 2nd ODI against England
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use of almonds reduce cholesterol
Eid-e-Milad observed across theValley Thousands throng Hazratbal, pray for peace Srinagar, Jan 14: Amid rain and chill thousands of people all across Jammu and Kashmir joined congregational prayers to celebrate the birthday of the epitome and founder of Islam, Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Believers flocked to offer special prayers in Masjids and shrines while at multiple places Milad processions were taken out in which young, old and children waving banners and green Islamic flags participated. To commemorate the day, special prayers were held by devotees across the state. Continuous prayers were offered for the whole of yesterday night at various shrines and Masjids. Roads leading to the shrines and Masjids were illuminated with lights and people on roadside were seen distributing Tehri (traditionally made yellow rice), and tea. The largest congregation was held at Hazratbal Shrine on the banks of Dal Lake, which houses the Holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The devotees had a glimpse of the Holy relic after every prayer as its custodian put it on display. Before and after every “Namaz”, people joined in chorus to offer the Durud.
Thin vehicular movement was observed in City-Centre Srinagar as all roads led to Hazaratbal. For the entire Monday night, the believers recited praises of the Prophet (SAW) at the shrine, with preachers shedding light on the life and teachings of the Prophet (SAW). Similar congregational prayers were held in many other Masjids and shrines in the city and elsewhere. These include Jinab Sahib Soura, Aasar-i-Sharief Shahri Kailshpora, Khanqah-e-Mualla, Dastegeer Sahib Khanyar, Ziyarat Makdoom Sahib, Kohimaran, and Ziyarat Syed Saib Sonwar. The celebrations will continue till Friday (“Jumatul Vida”) and during all the intervening days, the “Deedar” (Glimpse of the Holy Relic) will continue after each Namaz. The administration had made elaborative arrangements for the convenience of devotees. Rallies, blood donation camps and Mahafil-e-Milads or special gatherings in praise of the Prophet (SAW) were held to mark the occasion. A car procession was taken out by Karwani Islami led by Maulana Ghulam Rasool Hami. See Eid-e-Milad On Page 11..
Personality oriented rule not in country’s interest: Rahul
New Delhi, Jan 14: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi has rejected personality oriented rule saying it is not in the interest of the country. Without naming BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate, Narendra Modi, he said, the country should not be governed
Sham inspects on-going works in Akhnoor
AKHNOOR, JANUARY 14 – Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Sham Lal Sharma today visited Akhnoor Constituency and inspected a number of on-going developmentworks there. The works which were inspected by the Minister included, SDH, Akhnoor, Indoor Sports Complex, Dussehra Ground and two ponds at village Sungal-Lahad. Chief Engineer, PHE, K.K. Gupta, Chief Engineer, Irrigation & Flood Control, Sushil Aima, Superintending Engineer (Hydraulic), Rajiv Malhotra and Sectoral Officers of various departments also accompanied the Minister. Expressing satisfaction over the pace of progress of projects, the Minister directed the engineers to ensure quality of works strictly as per the specifications laid down.
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2 grenades recovered from Shangus: police
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by the thinking of a particular person or his ways. In an interview to a Hindi daily, he said, the future of 120 crore people can be shaped up and improved only by taking everybody along. Rahul Gandhi said, Congress is a democratic organization and the people will decide through their elected representative who will be the Prime Minis-
ter of the country. Amid speculations that he would be declared as congress party's Prime Ministerial candidate in the 2014 General Elections, Rahul Gandhi said that he is ready to take any responsibility given by the party. He would do whatever the party decides him to do. He hoped that the Congress party will do well in the upcoming general elections and his party's return to power will hold good for the country. On Priyanka Gandhi's role in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Congress Vice President said Priyanka is an active member of Congress party. She is campaigning to strengthen the organisation but there will not be any election related role for her. Asked about learning from the Aam Aadmi Party, Rahul Gandhi said that he does not agree with some of their policies and added that his party's decisions are pro-people for the longer term. Gandhi said, for the first time party has placed its manifesto before the people to seek their views and suggestions. On asking the youth to join politics, Rahul Gandhi See Rahul On Page 11..
Cong-NC pre-poll alliance a mirage
Alliance with Congress was ‘Ghate ka Souda: Kamal
Will contest parliamentary elections independently
Srinagar, Jan 14: National Conference Tuesday declared that it will contest from all six parliamentary constituencies in the state, without forging an alliance with its coalition partner Congress. Talking to KNS, Mustafa Kamal, additional general secretary of National Conference and MLA Hazratbal observed that his party has suffered a lot being in alliance with the Congress. “The alliance with Congress has proven a ‘Ghate ka Souda’ (losing bargain) for us. We have conveyed our grass root level feedback to our party high command
Srinagar, Jan 14: National Conference Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani has expressed amusement at PDP’s belated damage-control theatrics that are aimed at concealing the party’s inherent and ideological opposition to Srinagar’s political, cultural, economic and historic centrality. This is the same party that came up with the outrageous idea of shifting the summer capital of the State from Srinagar to Pattan in 2005 – a ridiculous exercise that was expected to cost a whooping 3,500 crores, besides plunging Srinagar into economic misery, unemployment and infrastructural decay. PDP even approached New Delhi with this idea and once actually announced that the new capital would be functional within three years. Fortunately for the public outcry and strong opposition from Omar Abdullah and National Conference, PDP could not realize its devious dream of robbing Srinagar of its centrality. Now, PDP wants to feign sympathy for the people of Srinagar by demanding that Srinagar be split into two districts – conveniently forgetting its earlier demand to shift the summer capital out of Srinagar. The duality of PDP is surreal. Does Mufti Sayeed
which has given green signal to contest all the six parliamentary seats independently,” Kamal told KNS. He said that the party has already nominated candidates for the three out of six parliamentary seats of the state and it will very soon nominate its candidates for the rest of seats including Ladakh parliamentary constituency. “We have already nominated Dr Farooq Saheb, See Kamal On Page 11..
Palhalan, Jan 14,: A minor girl was allegedly abducted and later raped by a 30 year old man in Palhalan area of North Kashmir’s Pattan town. The accused along with his associates are absconding while police said that a manhunt has been launched to nab the culprits. Residents of Shalapora Palhalan told CNS that a ‘lunatic’ namely Abdul Rouf Bhat resident of Raipora Palhalan with the help of his associates who hail from South Kashmir allegedly abducted and raped a 13 years old girl. The girl was referred to Sub District Hospital Pattan for medical examination where doctors confirmed rape. A police official See PalhalanOn Page 11..
Corruption reaches new heights in the state: Mufti Jammu, Jan 14: Due to its misdeeds, mis-governance and deceit tactics the Omar Abdullah led coalition government is not only proved as a non-performing liability but this regime, during the last five years, has earned dubious distinction of being most corrupt state where rampant corruption has reached new heights with scams tumbling out one after the other, without any
PDP opposed to Srinagar’s centrality: Nasir
PDP wanted the Capital out of Srinagar
Minor raped in Palhalan
want to divide Srinagar into two parts in order to facilitate a capital shift in the future? How can PDP grudge Srinagar its centrality and then pretend to seek its empowerment? PDP’s planned disruption of the proceedings of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on the creation of new administrative units reveals the party’s palpable intention to derail this historic and landmark delimitation process. Some PDP leaders support the Mushtaq Ganai report, while others oppose it. Sometimes they complain about the timing and sometimes they call the neutrality of the exercise suspicious. These allegations are unfounded, politically motivated and ridiculous. Nasir, during the interaction with the Cabinet Sub-Committee in Srinagar yesterday asked for two additional sub-districts for north and south of Srinagar and also demanded the establishment of three additional Tehsils for the Srinagar besides demanding Nayabats and CD Blocks for rural areas that surround the urban city areas. Incidentally, it was PDP that opposed the creation of new administrative units when the party was in a coalition with the Congress. Azad Sahab went on with the creation of new administrative units despite PDP’s opposition and trickery. And then PDP had the nerve to take credit for an exercise it vehemently opposed. Now, PDP is back to the same old drama. While the party is opposed to this pro-people exercise, See Nasir On Page 11..
one being probed transparently. These observations were made in a meeting of the senior leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in which patron of the party Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was also present. Vice president of the party Trilok Singh Bajwa, chaired the meeting in which it was decided to hold protests against state govern-
ment at all district headquarters on January 18 to expose misdeeds of this regime. Meeting observed that the state of Jammu and Kashmir has been plunged into unprecedented crises due to failure of the government on all fronts. Speakers pointed out that while the corruption has crossed all limits, the state government has failed to provide basic amenities like power and ration See Mufti On Page 11..
Opposition will criticize us even if we do well: Taj reacts to Beigh ‘Mushtaq Ganaie report will become public, after it is approved by cabinet’
Srinagar, Jan 14: Senior Congress leader and minister for medical education, Taj Mohiu-Din on Tuesday rubbished Muzaffar Hussain Beigh’s accusation that creation of new administrative units was a politically motivated exercise. Talking to KNS, Taj said: “The opposition has this mandate to criticize every move of the government. So they will criticize us even if we do well! It
hardly matters for us.” On the PDP”s demand of making the report of the Mushtaq Ganai committee public, Taj said that there is no need to do so at this point of time. “The report is yet to be approved by the cabinet and once it is approved by the cabinet, it will automatically become a public document and it will come in public domain,” Taj told KNS. He said that PDP should wait till this report is approved by the state cabinet. “They will come to know what is in that report after it is approved.” Pertinently, Beigh had on
Monday said that Cabinet Sub Committee exercise is patently farcical as they are working to a deadline given by the chief minister for his obvious political interests. “The audience at these so called meetings is sponsored by the ruling party itself to elicit predetermined opinions. It is a fixed match. If the units had ultimately to be created through such charade what was the need for a committee and why did the ruling party wait for the election time to execute its plans,” Beigh had told reporters.
Goods worth Rs 25000 crores exchanged through Cross LoC trade
Traders losing interest: Turkie Srinagar: Though struggling against lack of banking facilities, goods worth Rs 25000 Crores have been exchanged from the both sides of the Line of Control through Kaman Post in Uri.
“Since, August 21, 2008 when the cross LoC trade started as a Confidence Building Measure between the two sides of the LoC, during 564 days of trade, more than 27,84, 885 quintals of goods were imported and exported which include handicrafts, spices, vegetables and dry fruits,” Hilal Turkie, general secretary of Salam-
abad-Chakooti trade union told KNS. He said that more than Rs. 2,26,66,035 was given to the labourers for 840 days of labour while as more than 37000 drivers exchanged the goods. The truck industry here earned Rs 24,32,76000 since the trade between the two sides of the border started. See Turkie On Page 11..
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11
Zabarwan Times
Wednesday 15 January 2014
From the front page
EID-e-Milad This car procession passed through Karan Nagar, Shaheedganj, Batamaloo, Maloora, HMT and culminated at Tregam Shadipora. Similar processions were reported from Ganderbal, Bandipora,Pulwama, Shopian, Tangmarag, Anantnag, Beerwah, Kangan, Sumbal, Hajin and other places. A Milad conference was organized at Jamia Masjid Meerani, Duderhama Ganderbal. The function was jointly organized by Karwan-i-Islami Kashmir and Jamia Masjid Meerani Committee Duderhama. A massive procession was taken out in Muran Pulwama that culminated in main market. The procession was organized by Idara Auqaf Islamia Muran. In the day long function, religious scholars threw light on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). They also emphasized on the need to follow the Islamic teaching as per the Quran and the Hadith. Milad processions were also taken at different locations in Jammu. Hundreds of people in Jammu at various locations including Janipur, Talab Khatikan took out religious processions to celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), followed by prayers, where religious scholars highlighted the teachings of the Prophet. The authorities had made elaborate security and other arrangements for the devotees. On this occasion different wings of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) deployed additional staff in several localities, especially at Hazratbal shrine, which witnessed one of the biggest congregations, for convenience of devotees. The statement issued to KNS stated that a special team of the SMC carried out checks of food items at the roadside shops, kiosks and vendors, including those selling knick knacks, in and around Hazratbal area. The move is part of the SMC drive to ensure hygienic and unadulterated food to people. The drive to ensure healthy food items is sold was spearheaded by health officer Dr Shafqat Khan, chief sanitation officer Hakim Ejaz and sanitation officer Muhammad Ashraf Warsi. The SMC also set up helpline tents for devotees heading towards Hazratbal shrine to pay obeisance. Besides deploying additional staff for snow clearance, sanitation and fumigation of the area, several machines were put into service, including hoppers, round the clock. These machines ensured that the area, where devotees would come for prayers, stays clean.
Rahul said it was this dream of his that he joined politics. He added the party wants to provide a platform for the youth to hone their skills. Rahul also categorically dismissed reports that Congress is fast losing its allies. The Congress Vice President criticised the BJP for its Congress free India pitch. He alleged that BJP does not understand that Congress is in the DNA of the country and it is the only political power which has kept people of this nation united. Gandhi called for opening up the education system for 120 crore Indians saying the present system is not sufficient to cater to the needs of the people.
Kamal Shariq Sahib and Beg Sahib to seek their re-election from three parliamentary seats of Valley and very soon you will hear announcement for other three seats. The party leadership is presently busy in looking for three candidates.” It may be recalled that while Dr Farooq had won the 2009 parliamentary polls from Srinagar-Budgam Lok Sabha seat, Sharifud-Din Shariq and Mehbooba Beig had emerged victorious from north and south Kashmir seats, respectively. Pertinently, the announcement made by the National Conference for the three parliamentary seats had shocked its coalition partner, Congress. Taking a strong exception to this announcement, the Congress had accused NC of ‘backstabbing and breaching coalition dharma’. Kamal told KNS that the NC high command after analyzing the feedback of its workers at the grass root level has come to the conclusion that a pre-poll alliance with Congress can damage the party further. Meanwhile, addressing a press conference at party headquarters here today, Kamal said over 20,000 leaders and workers of his party were “butchered” during militancy. “Our workers who are committee to the core do not want any kind of alliance with Congress party and we have no option but to respect their sentiments,” Kamal said. According to KNS correspondent, Kamal said: “Mr Soz hinted indirectly that Congress party wanted a pre-poll alliance with NC after suggesting a friendly match between the two. But we have decided that NC would contest the 2014 assembly elections on the pattern of previous polls.” He remarked that there is no question of pre-poll alliance with Congress and there is absolutely no possibility of doing it. “We have a strong base in the state and we will fight these elections on our own,” he added. (KNS)
Palhalan told CNS that doctors have confirmed the rape and they are looking for the accused, who are still at large. “The accused Rouf Bhat has went underground. We are trying to ascertain the identity of his associates who hail from South Kashmir,” police official said adding that they have already started a manhunt to nab the accused. Residents of Shalapora while demanding stern action against the accused told CNS that they don’t want to take law in their own hands. “We approached Station House Officer Pattan who assured us that accused will be arrested within a day. We hope, that this time the accused Rouf Bhat will be arrested,” they said adding that the accused in past molested a girl but that time he was let go under political pressure. (CNS)
Mufti to the people.“During the last five years corruption has crossed all limits as the government lacks will to take on corrupt people. Many ministers and ‘blue eyed’ bureaucrats of the state have stand indicted in various scams but the government has failed to even pursue the process of legal prosecution against them”, meeting pointed out, adding, “Corruption is too deep rooted, deeply entrenched and percolating right from the top has reached the grassroots only due to full political and official patronage of those at the highest seats of power”. Misdeeds of the present regime during the last five years substantiated the allegations that this government has become synonymous with crime and corruption. Institutions like State Accountability Commission (SAC) have been weaken by the government itself. Furthermore powers of the State Information Commission have been diluted. Senior leader Ved Mahajan, Ramesh Koul, Ashaq Hussain, Rtd.Maj Genl. R.S.Jamwal, Lok Sabha candidates Yashpal Sharma,MLC, Arshad Malik. State Secys S Jagjeet Singh Jagga, Ashok Jogi, Mohinder Kotwal, Chowdery Hamid, Hassan Ali Waffa, Abdul Rashid Malik, Surinder Chowdery, Fallail Singh, Capt. Anil Gour, Choudhary Zulfikar, MLA Darhal, Sayeed Asgar Ali, MLC, Distt Presidents R.K.Bali, Jammu Urban, Th.Soram Singh. Jammu Rural, Sukhdav Singh, Udhampur, Partap Sharma Reasi, Pawan Dev Singh Samba, Sardar Surinder Singh, Guru Prassad,Kathua, Ganga Ram Kathua, Abdul Ahad Wani, Ramban, Preetam Kotwal Doda, Divender Chalotra, Distt President SC/ST/OBC, Youth wing Vice President Rajender Manhas, Sandeep Singh, Suresh Sharma and Rafiq Malik were present in the meeting. Meeting further pointed out that youth of the State are the worst victim of the policies being propagated by this government and the policies of the government are fueling alienation among younger generation. Backdoor appointments have been going on in all the departments. Instead of providing employment opportunities to the people, this regime has been
snatching jobs from the youth. The new recruitment policy announced by the government is lopsided and against the youth. Daily wagers, contractual and casual employees are struggling to get wages. The Government has been giving excuse of financial crunch for not addressing problems of these poor employees but on the other more than 150 senior officers including some tainted bureaucrats have given extension during the last five years. Such policy of the government is denying recruitment to deserving youth as extension of senior officers has been putting huge financial burden on the state. Meeting regretted that Omar Abdullah government has been taking excuse of weak financial position of the State for not providing jobs to the youth. Who is responsible for the poor state of the state’s fiscal position other than those who have been at the helm of affairs? During most of the period since 1947 the National Conference has remained in power and cannot escape the responsibility for the poor fiscal position of the State, meeting observed and instead of utilizing government resources for the welfare of the people, the regime has spent huge amount on providing luxuries to the ministers and ruling elites. The regime during the last five years has been done to improve the fiscal position. Furthermore, common masses are confronting with day today problems due to non availability of ration, LPG etc. The woes of common masses have been further compounded due to non availability of power and drinking water. It seems that official machinery is totally collapsed in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. To agitate against rampant corruption, mis-governance and misdeeds of the present regime, the PDP has decided to hold protest demonstrations at all district headquarters in Jammu province on January 18. (KNS)
Nasir it wants to enact dramas to pretend it’s a sympathizer of the people. However, despite PDP’s tamashas and lying, National Conference will ensure that new administrative units are created without any political considerations and that Omar Abdullah’s vision of governance at the doorstep is realized at any cost. (KNS)
Turkie The reports stated further that traders paid more than Rs 20 Crores as value added taxes to the state government. Turkey told KNS that when the cross LoC started, more than 600 traders of the state got involved in it but due to the non- availability of communication facilities, banking and cold storage, the number of traders as on date have reduced to 80. “We want that the cross LOC traders be given the special permit and the facility of banking and cold storage. We also demand that a trade fair after three or six months be conducted here so that the trade could scan new heights.” (KNS)
Damaged Shafi told CNS. The resident appealed to MLA concerned and Chief Engineer PDD to look into the matter and relieve them from woes. Similar kind of protest was reported from Changoo hamlet of Dooru in South Kashmir. The protesters of Changoo alleged that the PDD has failed to repair the transformer which had developed a technical snag two weeks ago. Meanwhile, residents of Mirgund, Hajin in North Kashmir,Zainapora, Cheremarg, Reshipora, Sofipora, Hydergund, Mujmarg and Awneera in South Kashmir also staged protests against the PDD for their failure to supply sufficient power in metered areas. The residents including the students and traders alleged that the frequent, long and unscheduled power cuts subject them to immense inconvenience. Bashir Ahmed Khan, Chief Engineer PDD told CNS that the transformers damaged in any area are repaired swiftly. “I will send a team to Iqbal Colony Mehjoor Nagar to ascertain the facts and besides will take cognizance of all the complaints of people,” he said. (CNS)
Protests, shutdown in Sopore against the killing of Jaish militants Srinagar, Jan 14: (GNS) Amid a complete shutdown, protests erupted on Tuesday in Sopore town of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district against the killing of three JeM militants by a joint team of SOG of police and army. Reports reaching GNS said that all the shops, business establishments, petrol pumps remained closed in the town while transport was also off the roads to mourn the killing of three JeM militants. Shutdown was also observed in Dooru and its adjacent areas where the three Pakistani militants Abu Hassan, Muzamil alias Farooq and Rizwan were killed by joint team of army and police on Monday afternoon. Reports said, scores of youth appeared at Main Chowk, Iqbal Market and other places and clashed with the troopers and police. Chanting slogans, the youth hurled stones on the forces sparking off clashes. Angry protesters also hurled stones on the picket of CRPF 179 Battalion of CRPF near the State Bank of India. The troopers resorted to cane charge the protesters. The clashes between the protesters and the forces continued for several hours. Meanwhile, the three JeM militants were laid to rest at Panzla, Rafiabad by the members of the Auqaf Committee after police handed over them the bodies. Scores of people participated in their funeral prayers. (GNS)
Show improvement in results: Tara Chand to teachers ‘Education conference receives massive response’
Srinagar, Jan 14 (KNS): The education conference of south Kashmir Pulwama district, organized by the directorate of school education Kashmir on January 13 at SKICC witnessed the participation of large number of teachers, lecturers and the senior officers of the department. The deputy chief minster Tara Chand, and DC Srinagar Farooq Ahmad Shah attended the conference. DC Srinagar Farooq Ahmad Shah while addressing the conference asked parents to admit their wards in the government schools as the government schools have more trained teachers in comparison to the private institutions. “I appreciate the efforts of deputy chief minister and director education for the steps being taken for the improvement in the educational sector in Kashmir.” The president of Teacher’s Forum Abdul Qayoom Wani
during his address appreciated the steps taken by the department for the improvisation of the education sector. He also put forth the demands on behalf of the teachers and asked for the early remedial of the same. Lecturer’s Forum President Dr Manzoor while speaking in the Conference stated that the department needs some vitals so that the quality education could be provided to the students. He also emphasized that the department must initiate timely action so that the pending issues of employees with the department could be addressed at the earliest. Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand in his address asked the teachers to impart quality education to the students and that the same must be prioritized so that better results could be achieved with eager hope. “The promotions are there but I ask you to show improvement in the annual results of the students. The teachers are the builders of every nation and they should discharge their duties with most sincere and honest attitude.”
India conveys best wishes on Milad -un- Nabi to Pakistan army soldiers
Srinagar: A flag meeting between Indian and Pakistan soldiers was held in the Kargil Sector today. The meeting was organised by the Indian side on the occasion of Milad - un- abi to extend best wishes and greetings to the Pakistan Army soldiers. The meeting was conducted in a cordial manner with pleasantries and gifts being exchanged by the two sides. A similar meeting was held between Indian and Pakistan Army soldiers deployed at Kaman Aman Setu. In a brief ceremony, organised at Aman Setu in Uri, officers and jawans of both Indian and Pakistan Army deployed on Line of Control greeted each other on the auspicious occasion of Milad-un-Nabi and also exchanged sweets. These meeting have added importance in light of the measures being instituted by India and Pakistan to restore normalcy at the Line of Control. This initiative has been widely appreciated by the local population as it further reinforces the commitment of the Indian Army towards ensuring tranquility, peace and prosperity in the region.
Devyani greeted by RPI PM felicitates Prof CNR Rao Minister Dr. Manmo- scientist saying he relentlessly workers, father could fight Prime han Singh said that noted guided the growth of science scientist Prof CNR Rao has academies and all major sciLok Sabha elections demonstrated that world-class ence institutes in India. Mumbai: Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade who is facing a criminal case in the United State of America (USA) has returned to her hometown Mumbai on Tuesday. She was greeted by Republican Party of India's (RPI) workers at the airport. Her father and a retired bureaucrat Uttam Khobragade expressed hope that Devyani's children and husband will be back in India soon. Commenting on his political ambitions he said, "I have been in talks with the political parties for a while. I have good relations with all political parties including the Congress, MNS and RPI. I could fight 2014 elections." He also denied reports of
the possibility of his daughter joining politics. He said, "Devyani will remain in the foreign service. No immediate role for her." Devyani's welcome by the RPI is being criticised by the media and local people. many feel that since Devyani and her father's names have figured in the Adarsh housing society scam and even the allegations against her in the USA are also very serious, projecting her as a victim may not be the right thing to do. Her father had earlier refused to answer questions on Adarsh and their assets by saying that the Marathi media is casteist. He was attacked by the Shiv Sena for the remark.
research can be accomplished on Indian soil, despite constraints. Addressing a function of scientific community to honour Prof Rao in New Delhi today, Dr. Singh said he played a pivotal role in guiding the science and technology policies of the government. The Prime Minister lauded the
Dr. Singh said that Prof Rao built and nurtured a worldclass Chemistry department at IIT Kanpur that put India on the world map in modern chemistry.Government has also conferred on Professor Rao many awards and recognitions in the past, including Bharat Ratna.
Coal India declares Rs 18,317crore dividend for fiscal year 2013-14 State-owned, Coal India today declared an interim dividend of 29 rupees per share, amounting to 18,317 crore rupees, for fiscal year 2013-14. The government will get 16,486 crore rupees for its 90 per cent stake in the Maharatna company. Coal India will pay the dividend from January 25.The dividend announcement follows a meeting between Finance Minister P. Chidambaram and chairmen of top public sector undertakings, including Coal India, ONGC, and Indian Oil, last Friday.
Thai Leader Vows to Keep Job Amid Protests BANGKOK — As protesters opposing elections continued their occupation of key parts of Bangkok’s main commercial and business districts, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Tuesday said she was “protecting democracy” and would not resign. “Democracy belongs to the entire Thai people,” she said
ernment offices” if Ms. Yingluck did not step down in the coming days. “And if she remains stubborn, we will take custody of the prime minister and all ministers,” he said to a cheering crowd at a major Bangkok intersection blocked by protesters. Mr. Suthep advised govern-
in a Twitter message, a day after the leaders of the anti-government protests began what they called a shutdown of Bangkok. The leader of the protests, Suthep Thaugsuban, who has been charged by the authorities with rebellion, threatened on Tuesday to “close all gov-
ment ministers to “send their wives and children to somewhere so that they can escape when the emergency takes place.” Protesters are demanding the “eradication” from politics of Ms. Yingluck and her brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, a billionaire tycoon and former
prime minister. They oppose the election scheduled for Feb. 2 on the grounds that it would provide the Shinawatra clan greater domination of the political system. In a crisis that is bewildering to many people outside Thailand, political observers say there are no angels among the leading personalities involved in the standoff. Mr. Thaksin has been accused several times of using the powers of the state – and the weight of his political party – to further his personal interests. When
he was in power from 2001 to 2006 Mr. Thaksin intimidated the media and sought to control many government institutions that are meant to be independent. Mr. Suthep, a career politician and former deputy prime minister, says he is fighting to banish corruption and the Shinawatra clan. But he has been embroiled in a number of scandals himself. In addition, when he was in power in 2010 he led a crackdown against protesters that left more 90 people dead.
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Daily ZABARWAN TIMES
Srinagar | WedneSday
Govt committed for empowerment of youth: Sagar SRINAGAR, JANUARY 14: Maintaining that the Government is committed for the empowerment of the youth, the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar has said several schemes in this regard have been launched, which can provide much needed skill development and employment opportunities to them. The Minister was addressing a gathering at a function organized by new Women’s World Society at Khanyar in the old city here today. The function was attended by Chief Executive Officer, Urban Development Agency, Kashmir (UDAK) and senior officers of various departments.The Minister said that the Government has already launched various welfare schemes like UMEED, the skills to the youth and in this regard the present coalition in various spheres UDAAN, HIMAYAT & SKEWPY for the hundreds of students of various Indus- of life like health, education, R&B etc. He youth of the State and now the onus lies trial Training Institutes and Polytechnics said certain parties for their own ulterior on them to come forward and avail the have been sent to the different parts of political motives are trying to mislead the maximum benefit out of these and crethe country where they are being im- people. ‘’The people are aware that during ate employment opportunities for themparted trainings and afterwards absorbed their regime the various prestigious projselves. He said that besides these Entrein different reputed companies the corects of the Srinagar were put in the back preneur DevelopmentLone Institute also Kangan Newshas Agency Khan in News Agency Ganderbal porate sector. burner and development of the historic been set up so that theGulzar youth News of the State Agency Soura BookproDepotcity Chadoora Referring to Zahid the various was stalled’’, he added. can set up their own entrepreneurial Tariq News Agency Hawal Bashir News Agency Nowhatta grammes undertaken by the Government Later, the Minister distributed units and contribute their bit in creating for theAlamgari holistic development of the Sri-Agency certificates among the students who Muzaffar Ali News Agency Bazar Budshah News Lal Chowk jobs and economy as whole. nagar the Minister said that the peo- Agency were imparted training in various trades Mr. Sagar saidAbdullah that several initiaNews Agency Lalcity, Chowk Sikendar News Lal Chowk ple are well aware of the work done by by the society. tives have also been taken for imparting
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Awareness camps organized as part of road safety week JAMMU, JANUARY 14-As a part of the ongoing 25th Road Safety Week celebrations the Motor Vehicles Department today organized awareness camps for drivers and conductors at the Maheshpura Chowk and Jammu Railway Station. The awareness camps were held in collaboration with Mini Bus Worker’s Union and Railway Station Taxi Operators Union. Transport Commissioner, Saurabh Bhagat was the chief guest on the occasion. During the awareness camps officers and the officials of the Motor Vehicles Department and the traffic police informed the drivers and conductors the importance of observance of Road Safety Rules and adherence to traffic norms to ensure safety on the roads. The important factors like overloading, rash and negligent driving, over speeding were discussed. Other traffic violations like route permit violations, wrong parking etc. were also discussed and the drivers and conductors were asked to observe the rules. Pamphlets regarding do’s and don’ts while driving on roads were also distributed among the drivers and conductors. The Transport Commissioner in his address sought the cooperation of transporters in spreading the message of Road Safety and in making the Road Safety Week meaningful. He also stated that some of the problems that the Mini Bus and Taxi, Auto unions faced are being addressed by the department and the redressal of the same will shortly be made. The other spoke on the occasion RTO Jammu Arvind Kotwal, Deputy Transport Commissioner, M.L. Raina, ARTO Jammu Kuldeep Singh, Motor Vehicle Inspector Sunil Cannie also informed the drivers and conductors on the various measures expected of them to make road safe.
Peace, cooperation vital for development: Bhalla
Takes stock of development works in Channi Rama
Minister for Horticulture, Housing and Culture Mr. Raman Bhalla Tuesday said that peace is vital in making Jammu and Kashmir a progressive and prosperous State, adding that people’s cooperation is imperative for the purpose. This was stated by the Minister while addressing a public grievances redressal camp after assessing development related issues of the inhabitants of Pamposh Colony in Channi Rama, here today.
Mr. Bhalla said Government was fully aware of people’s problems and is making all out effort to mitigate these on priority.
Listing the measures taken by the Government in improving the living standard of the inhabitants of the locality, the Minister said
Government has dedicated Rs. 38 lakh multipurpose community hall to the residents of Pamposh Colony, Channi Rama, Chinar Colony, Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar, Bilal Colony, Shanker Colony, Rajput Mohalla and its adjoining areas for arranging their social as well as religious functions on minimum fee. Mr. Bhalla called upon the inhabitants to protect the public property in their respective localities for their own interest. The Minister stressed upon the officers to bring in more accountability and transparency in utilization of funds available under various centrally and State sponsored schemes for better infrastructural development of the State. Responding to the locals demand, the Minister informed
All-round development, basic facilities to remote, hilly areas on focus: Shabir RAJOURI, JANUARY 14: Minister of State for Health, Mr. Shabir Ahmad Khan Tuesday said that the present coalition Government has set into motion a golden era of development, adding that “an unprecedented era of development and peace has dawned in the State during the current dispensation. He said that every possible resource is being mobilized and pooled to provide basic facilities to the people with focus on equitable opportunities of development and uniform justice to poor and backward and hilly areas. Addressing a public meeting today at Maradabad in Rajouri, the Minister said Government is abreast with the problems of the people and no stone will be left unturned to redress their grievances. The Minister said that all-round development of hilly and border areas have received keen attention of the government during last over 5 years. He said remote and hilly areas have been receiving basic facilities of education, health care, drinking
water, road connectivity and power supply at their door steps. He said areas that lack facilities are being given attention for improvement and upgradation of basic facilities for bringing them at par with other areas. The Minister called upon the people to cooperate with the administration and the executing agencies to help government in speedy socioeconomic transformation of the State. “Peace and tranquility is imperative to achieve the goal. Every citizen of the State has a right to equal opportunities of development and prosperities,” Shabir said and reaffirmed government’s resolve for uniform development and equal social justice to the people in all the three regions of the State. The Minister called upon the people to cooperate with the administration and the executing agencies to help government in speedy socio-economic transformation of the State. “Peace and tranquility is imperative to achieve the goal. Every citizen of the State has a right to equal
opportunities of development and prosperities,” Shabir said and reaffirmed government’s resolve for uniform development and equal social justice to the people in all the three regions of the State. The Minister appealed to the people to positively contribute in the efforts of the government to carry forward its development agenda in all areas to address their grievances and accommodate their development needs. Meanwhile, the Minister who is also MLA Rajouri visited several areas in his Constituency, interacted with locals, enquired their problems and developmental needs and directed concerned field functionaries for immediate mitigation of these. He called upon the CA&PD, PHE, PDD and other concerned authorities to ensure hassle free essential services to the people during winter adding that it should be ensured that no villager faces any inconvenience while getting ration, LPG, power, drinking water or healthcare facilities.
the inhabitants that Government has formulated a project costing Rs. Rs. 68 crore for construction of Barsati nallah from Jodhamal School to Gangyal, adding that the project would be started by ERA after completing the tendering formalities. Regarding upgradation of lanes and drains in the locality, Mr. Bhalla asked the JMC officers to prepare estimates and submit the same for funding so that the works could be started for the convenience of general people. Earlier, the Minister also visited Eidgah in Pamposh Colony in Channi Rama and exchanged Eid-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) greetings with the Muslim brethren. Later, Mr. Bhalla paid obeisance at Shri Baba Ambo Devsathan at Bahu Fort and prayed for peace and prosperity of the State.
Sham inspects on-going works in Akhnoor AKHNOOR, JANUARY 14 – Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Sham Lal Sharma today visited Akhnoor Constituency and inspected a number of on-going development works there. The works which were inspected by the Minister included, SDH, Akhnoor, Indoor Sports Complex, Dussehra Ground and two ponds at village Sungal-Lahad. Chief Engineer, PHE, K.K. Gupta, Chief Engineer, Irrigation & Flood Control, Sushil Aima, Superintending Engineer (Hydraulic), Rajiv Malhotra and Sectoral Officers of various departments also accompanied the Minister. Expressing satisfaction over the pace of progress of projects, the Minister directed the engineers to ensure quality of works strictly as per the specifications laid down. He said compromise on quality will not be tolerated at any cost, and if any work is found substandard, the concerned executive engineer will be taken to task. He also directed for speeding up the monitoring mechanism to ensure time bound completion of all on-going projects.While inspecting the ponds, which are being upgraded under sustainability programme in the Kandi belt of Akhnoor, the Minister directed the engineers to maintain the original character of ponds so that they serve their purpose to the locals. He said the ponds in the Kandi belt are being developed to preserve the traditional water sources so that the water can be used by the rural people for various purposes. This effort will also help in recharging the water table, which is otherwise depleting due to increasing demand of water and environmental degradation. Under the first phase, 5 big ponds will be upgraded in the Akhnoor block at an estimated cost of Rs. 6 to 7 lakh on each pond under sustainability programme. The programme is aimed to conserve traditional water sources as also to re-charge the existing ground water level, said the Minister.
HOROSCOPE Aries
March 21-April 19
Plans for a party or group gathering of some kind could take up much of your time and energy, Aries. You might have a lot of letters to write, phone calls to make, or other communications to take care of, but this is likely to prove to be a great excuse for getting in touch with your friends. Today could prove to be a kind of party-before-the-party, which is right up your alley. Enjoy your day!
Taurus April 20-May 20
Though you might wake up today feeling a little feverish, Taurus, as the day progresses you’ll be your old self again. You should be putting a lot of effort into work, particularly mundane chores and tasks that you’d rather not do. Get them out of the way and then move on to projects that interest you and can fire your ambition and motivation. Work hard in the morning and enjoy the rest of the day.
Gemini May 21-June 21
This is a great day to start any project that concerns writing, acting, or speaking, Gemini. Your creative energies should be flowing freely and abundantly today, and you should enjoy the rush of new ideas that keep popping into your head. A number of stimulating conversations with close friends should keep your energies churning. Expect to spend a lot of time on the phone, or perhaps in the car dropping in on these friends.
Cancer June 22-July 22
If you aren’t already into real estate, gardening, or interior decorating, Cancer, today you might discover a talent for one or all of these fields and decide to pursue it. You might have it in mind as a possible future source of income, and therefore you could consider looking into getting some formal training in the field. Which one you choose, if any, is of course up to you. Consider them all carefully and then decide which is best.
Leo
July 23-August 22 Your energy and enthusiasm for life should be operating at a very high level today, Leo. You may therefore want to get together with some of your friends, and might even organize an impromptu social event of some kind. Exciting news and stimulating conversation should keep your mind busy for a long time. At some point you’ll want to work off some of that physical energy, perhaps by taking a brisk walk or another kind of workout. Enjoy your day.
Virgo
August 23-September 22
A chance to make some extra money could come today through someone you know slightly, Virgo, perhaps from a social event you both once attended. You might not be totally familiar with the type of work involved, but today your mind is sharp and so you’ll probably pick it up quickly. The only downside is that you could work harder than you need to, and therefore there’s a danger of tiring yourself out. Take care of yourself.
Libra
September 23-October 23 A social event or group meeting could ignite your enthusiasm about new goals, Libra. These goals may involve giving you a chance to use your creative talents as well as enjoy the companionship and camaraderie of your fellow group members. Therefore, whatever events are scheduled today might all prove to be both satisfying and enjoyable for you. Don’t hesitate! Move on ahead, do something worthwhile, and enjoy yourself.
Scorpio
October 24-November 21 Today, Scorpio, you might begin work on a project that you’ve wanted to do for a long time. This may be career related or personal, but either way it should advance you in whatever direction that you want to go. The only downside is that you might be a bit too hard on yourself and far too critical of your work. Try to be objective and view your own work as fairly as you would view the work of others.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Today, Sagittarius, you’re expanding your horizons. You and a friend could plan a vacation that you’re really excited about. It could involve a trip by air, perhaps across the ocean. The trip is mainly for pleasure, but it probably involves a place you’ve always been interested in and are anxious to see, so it’s an educational trip as well. You have a lot to look forward to. Make the most of it and have fun.
Capricorn
Government of Jammu and Kashmir
OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE ENGINEER HYDRAULIC DIVISION URI TENDER NOTICE N.I.T No: -14 of 2013-14 Bated: 06-01-2014.
For and on behalf of Governor of Jammu & Kashmir State, sealed tenders affixed with Rs. 6/ Revenue stamps are invited from the Registered PW D Contractors, whose registration cards are valid in terms of the standing, rules for the works mentioned hereunder to reach office of the Executive Engineer Hydraulic Division Uri on or before 27-01-2014 up to 2:00 pm by registered posts or personally subject to the condition that the envelopes containing Lenders are properly sealed with transparent tape which will be opened on the same date or any other date convenient to the tender opening authority presence of the intending tenderers who may wish to be present at that time. The tender documents can be had from the office of undersigned on production an application supported with earnest money in shape of CDR from any scheduled bank as shown against each work on cash payment as mentioned against each work as under (Non-Refundable) w. e. f. 06-01-2014 to 24-01-2014 up to 3:00 pm. 01. Position of funds: Demanded 02.No of Works: 13 (Thirteen) S. No. Name of work Estt. Cost in Lacs CDR Amount Class of contract Time of completion M.H. of Account Cost tend ( document) 1 Construction of 2 No's. R.C.C. Flume at RD 50m and RD 3300m of Limber Tethamulla Khul 2.40 4800 DEE 15-days 2702-M&R 300.00 2 Construction of 5 No. Foot Bridges at Various spots of Bijhama Khul 0.34 680 DEE 05-davs 4702-AIBP 100.00 3 Construction of Cement concrete Channel from RD 50m to RD 300m at spots on Gingle Khul 3.95 3950 SHG.of Engineers 20-days 4702-AIBP 400.00 4 Construction of Flead Works of Gingle Khul by way of Cement Concrete Channel, Escape & Crate work 2.93 5860 DEE 15-days 4702-AIBP 300.00 5 Construction of Supper passage at RD 250mtrs. At Gingle Khul. 1.71 3420 DEE 10-days 4702-AIBP 200.00 6 Construction of Cement Concrete Channel & Retaining Wall from RD 500m to RD 650m at spots on Gingle Khul. 2.60 5200 DEE 15-days 4702-AIBP 300.00 7 Construction of Cement Concrete Channel & Retaining Wall from RD 650m to RD 800m at spots on Gingle Khul. 2.76 5520 DEE 15-days 4702-AIBP 300.0 8 Extension of Gingle Khul for Mir Mohalla by way of construction of R/wall and Cement Conrete Channel . 2.56 5120 DEE 15-days 4702-AIBP 300.0 9 Construction of Head Works of Naloosa Noorkha Khul by way of Cement Concrete channel, Escape & Crate work. 2.86 5720 DEE 15-days 4702-AIBP 300.0 10 Construction of 2 No. R.C.C. Flumes at RD 400m and RD 650m on Khori Hari branch of Naloosa Noorkhah Khul 2.81 2810 SHG of Engineers 15-days 4702-AIBP 300.0 11 Construction of 2 No. Bifurcations at RD 1300mtrs. and RD 1800mtrs. at Naloosa Noorkhah Khul 2.16 4320 DEE 15-days 4702-AIBP 300.0 12 Construction of Cement Concrete Channel & Retaining Wall near land of Nazik Hussain, Manzoor Ahmad & others at Naloosa Noorkhah 2.65 5300 DEE 15-days 4702-AIBP 300.0 Khul. 13 Retaining Wall at damaged spot behind House of Syed Ahmad Shah at KhoriHari branch of Naloosa Noorkhah Khul. 2.01 4020 DEE 15-days 4702-AIBP 300.0 DIPK: 12532
15. 01 .2014
Executive Engineer Hydraulic Division Uri
December 22-January 19
Some good news may reach your ears via the grapevine regarding your career. This might involve a raise in salary, Capricorn, or it could be new benefits, new profit sharing plans, or anything that may involve investments or money that comes your way above and beyond a paycheck. Contracts or other legal papers that are executed today should definitely work in your favor, so if you’ve been putting off signing any, do it today!
Aquarius January 20-February 18
A new and exciting potential love relationship could pop into your life today, Aquarius. This is apt to be the kind of instant attraction that sets your nerves tingling and your blood boiling! Whether or not you decide to pursue this attraction, of course, depends on your situation, but whatever you decide, you’re likely to enjoy feeling the thrill of it today. Therefore, make sure you look your best when you go out! You’ll be glad you did.
Pisces
February 19-March 20 Today, Pisces, you should be feeling especially energetic and enthusiastic. Therefore, this is a great day to start a new enterprise, perhaps involving your home, or just about any kind of life enhancement. More than one opportunity could present itself to you. One could entail creative activities and the other might be more mundane. Undoubtedly, whether you decide to take both or only one, you’re going to be busy for a while. Work hard!
EDITORIAL/ OPINION Dwindling forest cover
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he rice production in Jammu and Kashmir is decreasing day by day because the agricultural land is being used legally or illegally for other purposes such as residential and commercial. This has created lots of problems and the extra burden on the economy has also increased and is leaving adverse effects on the overall financial health of the state. Similarly the illegal felling of trees and the timber smuggling has caused enormous damages to the ecology of the state as it has turned a lot of forest land into a barren and unproductive one. Though a force called forest protection force was created many years back for safeguarding the forest wealth but this organization has not been able to control the illegal felling of precious trees and the smuggling of timber within and outside the state. Not only this some forest land is being utilized by tribal community for residential and agricultural purposes as envisaged under Forest Dwellers Act. This has not been confined to this purpose only but some land is being taken over by expansionists and used for commercial purposes. Nobody cares as to what is happening to our forests which are being devastated with every passing year. Some unscrupulous and greedy people are setting portions of forest on fire so that the green trees which ultimately get burnt or half burnt are used in different ways without being caught for illegal usage of the precious wood. There are no checks or hurdles for these vested interests as some forest employees are in hand and glow with smugglers and those elements who for their petty interests damage this natural wealth. The forest department except issuing some statements is not doing enough to get these smugglers caught and take action as per the law of the land. Unless there are stringent laws and well meaning and sincere forest officials in abundance, the forest wealth will be disappearing with every passing day and the time will not be far away when Jammu and Kashmir state will become a cold desert. The ecological balance will get destroyed to such a level that nothing will grow in our lands and it will be impossible for human life to survive in such a hostile atmosphere and weather conditions.
Save Trees
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ave trees to save our environment (anh posh telih yaelih wanh posh) narrated by Sheikh Norudin wali RA. Have you ever thought world without oxygen, isn’t it we cannot live without oxygen, so why we are cutting trees; why people are destroying the atmosphere. Without trees there is not a single drop of rain. To have a sunny atmosphere and fresh air we need to Farhan Shabir Matt plant more trees and to provide fertile soil for planting trees we should ban the polythene manufacturing factories. Narrated by Prophet Mohammad (SAW) Plants are that type of wealth that people need sometime if a person will plant any tree and the fruit of the tree will eat any animal it is understood a donation. If we stop cutting trees and plant more trees those trees will hold the soil and help to reduce soil erosions and floods. Trees on mountains help to reduce avalanches. Trees serve as the environment lings by giving us oxygen. We get medicines cotton,herbs,fruits,vegetables and so on cutting trees is injurious to health in many ways. We cannot get clean air and oxygen and water.Tigers are dying why because they are loosing their homes when we cut their forests. Deforestation is the reason animals dot not get enough food. On day a man namely Utani from Europe came to India he everyday visited a place .He said that there were many beautiful things butterflies, animals, birds chirping here and there animals beautiful flowers and after that he went back to Europe and he again came back to India but there was nothing there was a just a factory. He was tensed how it can be just in a year after that he never came to India reason deforestation you think if a tourist got tensed how we should be tensed. I request you all please and please don’t destroy our environment. R/o: Qamarwari Srinagar School: Burn Hall , Class: 6th
Daily
Zabarwan Times
Wednesday 15 January 2014
Behavioural Change Towards Healthy Life Styles is the Key to Check Diabetes Under NPCDCS
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iabetes mellitus, or simply diabetes, is a metabolic disorder in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the pancreas gland does not produce enough insulin, or body cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced. Resulting high blood sugar produces the classical symptoms of polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (thirst) and polyphagia (increased hunger). There are three main types of diabetes mellitus (DM): · Type 1 DM results from the body's failure to produce insulin and was previously called to as "insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus" (IDDM) or "juvenile diabetes". · Type 2 DM results from insulin resistance, a condition in which cells fail to use insulin properly. This was previously referred to as non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or "adult-onset diabetes". · The third main form, gestational diabetes, occurs when pregnant women develops suddenly a high blood glucose level. However, noninsulin-dependent diabetes is much more common. This form of diabetes occurs principally in adults and results from the body's inability to respond properly to the action of insulin. Malnutrition-related diabetes has also been described from some developing countries, like India. As diabetes is a chronic disease and need lifelong treatment becomes an economic burden on patients and family. The most important aspect of diabetes is occurrence of complications that increases the cost of management. Heart disease in diabetes is 21.4%, neuropathy 17.5%, peripheral vascular disease leading to ulcers 6.3%-30%, Retinopathy (eye) 19.0%, and Micro albumina (kidney)26.3%. National Diabetes Month, observed each year in November, is a time for communities across the country – and the world – to renew and reinforce their fight against diabetes and encourage action to change the life style to reduce its impact. November 14th which marks the birthday of Frederick Ban-
ting, who, along with Charles Best, discovered insulin, is celebrated as World Diabetic Day. Diabetes is part of a larger global epidemic of non- communicable diseases. This disease affects 6.6% (285 million people) of the world's population in the 20-79 years age group. According to the International Diabetic Federation (IDF), this number is expected to grow to 380 million by 2025. The IDF findings reveal that in 2007, countries with the largest numbers of people with diabetes are India (40.9 million), followed by China (39.8 million), the United States (19.2 million), Russia (9.6 million) and Germany (7.4 million). India is home to 40.9 million people with diabetes – nearly 15% of the global diabetes burden and is projected to increase to 70 million by 2025. Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) is also a serious problem in India. It has been noticed that with every diagnosed case of diabetes there is at least one undiagnosed case of glucose intolerance. So the actual population at risk would be much greater than our current estimate. Type-2 diabetes is far more common than type-1 and results from a genetic predisposition and from lifestyle factors characterised by a high calorie intake and little exercise. The age of onset in India has been shifting towards younger people. Among Indians in their late teens, ‘adult-onset’ diabetes already manifests itself more often than ‘juvenile onset’ diabetes does. The reasons are the same as those behind the diabetes epidemic worldwide. One set of factors is urbanisation, a rise in living standards and the spread of calorie-rich, fatty, fast foods cheaply available in cities to rich and poor alike. Another is the increased sedentariness that has resulted from the replacement of manual labour by service jobs, and from the advent of video games, television and computers that keep people seated lethargically watching screens for hours every day. Although poor Indians are currently at lower risk than affluent Indians, the
rapid spread of fast food exposes even urban Indian slum dwellers to the risk of diabetes. In India, diabetes is no longer a disease of the affluent or a rich man's disease. It is becoming a problem even among the middle income and poorer sections of the society. Indians have biological susceptibilities to diabetes because of a lower body mass index (BMI); Higher percentage of body fat that is concentrated in the abdominal area; Programmed during pregnancy as Low-birth weight infants are more susceptible than those of normal birth weight to obesity and diabetes and Insulin resistance; Excessive insulin resistance has been observed in Asian Indians as a predominant mechanism leading to Type 2 diabetes. This alarming scenario led the Government to start the National Diabetes Control Programme on pilot basis during the seventh five year plan in 1987 in some districts of Tamil Nadu, Jammu & Kashmir and Karnataka, but due to paucity of funds in subsequent years this programme could not be expanded further in remaining states. However to contain the increasing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, launched the National Programme on Prevention and Control of Diabetes, Cardiovascular diseases and Stroke (NPDCS) on 8th January 2008 with the following objectives: Prevention and control of NCDs. Awareness generation on lifestyle changes. Early detection of NCDs. Capacity building of health systems to tackle NCDs. A pilot project was launched in ten districts in ten states focused on health promotion and health education advocacy at various settings. In July, 2010,the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) for implementation of its various components during the remaining period of 11th Five year plan (i.e. 2010-11 & 2011-
12) at an estimated outlay of Rs. 1230.90 crore (Rs.499.38 crore for interventions on diabetes and cardiovascular diseases & stroke and Rs.731.52 crore for cancer control) on a cost sharing basis between the Centre and the States at the rate of 80:20. The programme is for implementation in 20,000 Sub-Centres and 700 Community Health Centres (CHCs) in 100 Districts across 15 States/UTs by promoting healthy lifestyle through massive health education and mass media efforts at country level, opportunistic screening of persons above the age of 30 years, establishment of Non Communicable Disease (NCD) clinics at CHC and district level, development of trained manpower and strengthening of tertiary level health facilities. It is expected to screen 30 years and above for diabetes and hypertension, early diagnosis of NCDs and treatment at early stages. With the successful implementation of the programme, it is expected to achieve behaviour change in the community to adopt healthy life styles including dietary patterns, enhanced physical activity and reduced intake of tobacco and alcohol resulting in overall reduction in the risk factors of common NCDs in the community. It is envisaged to cover remaining districts during 11th plan period. Till end of 2012, 29000 Glucometers, 5.8 crore Glucostrips and 6.67 Lancets have been supplied to 21 States for Diabetes screening under NPCDCS, Urban Health Check-up (four cities) and Pilot Phase of School Health Programme (four Districts).1,32,59,143 persons have been screened for Diabetes and Hypertension. To conclude, considering the ever-increasing burden of diabetes, health system has to be strengthened with standard care at all levels. The Government has taken certain initiatives at national level which is appreciable but there is a need to implement them at grass route level in focussed manner before it takes the shape of pandemic in India. Awareness about the causes and easy way of preventions are the key to success.
Empowering the Visually Challenged
T
he Visually Challenged people have been using canes as mobility tools for centuries but it was not until after World War 1 that white cane was introduced. James Biggs, a photographer who became blind after an accident painted his walking stick white when he found it difficult to walk in the traffic around his home. That was in 1921. Ten years later Gully d’ Herbemont launched a national white stick movement for blind people in France. The White Cane Day is celebrated across the world every year on the 15th of October. The objective is to educate the world about blindness and how the visually challenged and visually impaired can live and work independently. Over the year there has been a revolution in research and production of various assistive tools for visually challenged to enable them to travel, work, study and live their life independently. Information transmission, mobility and computer access have been the three main thrust areas of research. The White cane too has under gone several changes, now there are folding canes, light weight canes and even electronic canes with sensors. A number of devices have been developed to make the visually challenged computer savvy. These include voice synthesizers, talking softwares and screen magnifiers, Braille note taker with Braille keys. In India Several initiatives have been taken by the Government for the visually challenged to develop and facilitate access to assistive devices and empower them in the field of education, employment and mobility to make them self dependent. The ADIP Scheme - Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase / Fitting of Aids and Appliances Scheme provides financial assistance to
meet the cost of aids and appliances. Under the scheme the Department of Disability Affairs gives Grant-inaid to the NGOs to provide durable, sophisticated and scientifically manufactured, ISI standard aids and appliances to people with disabilities including the visually challenged to empower them by reducing the the effects of disabilities. The quantum of assistance and income limit under the ADIP Scheme for persons with total income of upto 6500 rupees per month is the full cost of the appliance and for those with income between Rs 6501 and 10,000, it is 50 per cent of the full cost. The scheme is implemented through NGOs, National Institutes under the Ministry and ALIMCO (a PSU). Although the income limits of the cost of appliances permissible for assistance are quite low at present the Government is working on to increase the limits. The Department of Disability Affairs under the Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry was set up only last year. This was done to strengthening the existing schemes and formulating the new ones, and also for technological innovations as well as to make easier coordination with various stakeholders, NGOs, State Governments, other related central ministries and international organizations like United Nations, as India is a signatory to UNCRPD. The scheme - Science & Technology Project in Mission Mode is to provide suitable and cost effective aids and appliances through the application of technology and to increase their employment opportunities and integration in society. Under the scheme, suitable R&D projects are identified and funded for developing aids and appliances. The scheme is implemented through the IITs, Educational Institutes, Research Agencies and Voluntary Organisations
etc. Financial assistance is provided on 100% basis. The IIT Delhi has developed what is called a Smart Cane which has electronic sensors that can easily detect ground level obstacles. Under the national project ‘Information Technology for the Braille Literacy in Indian languages.’ A West Bengal Government Undertaking Webel Mediatronic has installed IT based Braille Systems at 190 special schools for the visually challenged all over India. It has also developed Internet Access and Rehabilitation tools for the visually challenged which include Electronic Braille Display which is 40 character Tactile reader, Automatic Brailler Embrosser and a number of software’s that include Braille writing and screen reading software among others. The National Institute for the Visually Handicapped a premier Institute in the field of visual disability working under the administrative control of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment also undertakes research and developmental activities. Its R&D activities have contributed a number of useful tools and enabling technologies for equal participation by the visually impaired persons in different walks of life. The Institute is largest producer and distributor of Braille literature and devices in the country including talking books. It also has an online library of books in Braille in several regional languages. In another initiative, a few months back the National Fair on Aids & Assistive Devices “SWAVALAMBAN” was organized in Delhi by Department of Disability Affairs. The fair was held to provide an opportunity to manufacturers, suppliers, researcher and PwDs to exchange their views and evolve a method by which these modern aids & appli-
ances could be made available to the needy ones at reasonable cost. Twenty per cent of the blind across the world are in India and unfortunately despite the facilities for development of various kinds of assistive and supportive tools available in our country, there is still shortage of supply of even text books in Braille for students. The supply by manufacturers of the basic mobility tool of white canes too falls much short of the demand. Also while number of tactile tool for use in education as well games and entertainment have been developed there is a need to make available gadgets like talking thermometer, Blood Pressure talker, colour probe or a CD for audio description of visuals in movies at reasonable cost. The President of the All India Confederation of the Blind Mr A.K Mittal says they expect the government to increase grant in aid and also speed up the payment process. Mr Mittal who is also member of the world Braille Council feels that as far facilities for the visually challenged in inclusive education are concerned, there is little progress and a lot more needs to be done. He says there is also a need to make the high tech and costly devices like Braille note taker or other assistive devices to be developed or assembled in India so that are available at reasonable prices. While Braille opened the world of reading and writing for the visually challenged and the White Cane made their mobility easier, today with the development of a number of assistive tools, the need is to ensure that these supportive devices are made available at affordable prices to empower the visually challenged to make them independent and not dependent on others.
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