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SATURDAY
18 January | 2014 | 16 Rabi-Al-Awwal 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |
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VOL NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 18 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 Paisa)
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Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K
Sadhotra lays foundation ofdev works worth Rs. 10 lakh in Marh block
Srinagar, Jan 17 : A 33 years old lady name with held resident of Dooniwari set herself ablaze by sprinkling K-oil upon her at her home in the jurisdiction of police station Chadoora. She was shifted to SMHS Hospital Srinagar with burn injuries. Chadoora police has registered a case and investigation has been taken up in this regard.
Rahul criticizes BJP
Says 10 years of stability by UPA positive for youth Sonia for discipline, PM hopeful of win Azad describes UPA hero in work, zero in publicity
Fire incidents
Srinagar, Jan 17 : Fire broke out in the shop of Rayees Ahmad Dar son of Abdul Rehman Dar resident of Sagam Kokernag at Naibasti KP Road in the jurisdiction of police station Anantnag, resulting in damage to some computer accessories. Fire brought under control with the help of fire tenders. Fire broke out in the residential house of Nissar Ahmad Sheikh son in law of Haji Mohammad Subhan Shiekh resident of Janglat Mandi, Anantnag. The house was completely damaged in the incident. Fire brought under control with the help of fire tenders.
Inside story Jora Visits Rajiv Gandhi Sports Museum Jammu Lauds Ashutosh’s contribution in promotion of Sports Jammu, Jan 17: The Minister for Urban Development and Urban Local Bodies, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora has asked the sports fraternity to imbibe spirit of hardwork, dedication and selfless service from the former leading players which they have rendered for the cause of sports promotion adding that their pioneering role should be a guiding factor and source of inspiration for youngster. While visiting Rajiv Gandhi Mini sports Museum at Karan Nagar Jammu today, Mr. Jora lauded the hardwork, dedication and organizational skills of Prof. Ashutosh Sharma adding that his contribution to promotion of sports in J&K is very significant. The Sports Museum has been setup by Professor Ashutosh who has dedicated it to former prime minister Late Rajiv Gandhi who has been the spirit behind the successful conduct of IX ASIAN Games in 1982 at Delhi. Mr. Jora said that the Govt will explore all possibilities to arrange a piece of land for housing the collection of Olympic and other sports memorabilia. Mr. Jora said that the way Prof Ashutosh has collected and displayed Olympic and other sports memorabilia and Photographs in the Museum is very impressive, “I am highly impressed with collection of Olympic and other sports memorabilia and photographs.
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On Edit Page Shun the hostilities – join hands for peace and welfare The ministerial level talks to assess and enhance the business and commerce activities between India and Pakistan can pave way for overall acceleration of trade and also in the improvement of the ties which definitely need a fillip keeping in view the hostilities during the recent past. In the secretary level talks Pakistan has stressed the need to remove imbalances in the mutual trade and also to extend the ambit of commerce activities.
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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 8°C & 2°C respectively.
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TEMPERATURE MAXIMUM MINIMUM SUNSET ON(FRIDAY) SUNRISE ON (SATURDAY)
5.4 0C -2.4 0C 05:48 PM 07:36 AM
Enters 3rd round of Australian Open
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Less intake of water leads to kidney stone formation
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Lady attempts suicide in Budgam
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Inspects NBA implementation in Dansal, Satwari
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New Delhi, Jan 17: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi today criticized BJP saying it believed in fanning communal passions and turning people against one another. Addressing All India Congress Committee (AICC) meeting in New Delhi this evening, without naming BJP Prime Ministerial candidate, Gandhi said the structures of democracy will not be handed over to one person. Mr Gandhi said
Congress strongly favours passage of six anti-corruption bills pending before Parliament in the next three months to put in place a broad-based anti- corruption framework. He said ten years of stability by UPA have given vast opportunities to youth in the country. Gandhi also said Congress will distribute tickets in 15 parliamentary seats with the consent of party workers, block and district office bearers and if this system succeeds then party will apply it to all assembly and Lok Sabha ticket distribution process. He also pitched for increasing the quota of subsidized LPG cylinders from nine to twelve and urged the Prime Minister to consider it in public interest. Referring to announcement of Prime Ministerial candidate before elections, Mr Gandhi said that in a Parliamentary system, Prime Minister is chosen by the MPs and Congress has been following the same tradition. He said Congress should transform itself by catering to the aspirations of the common man as the coming elections are a turning point in the country's
Omar meets Shinde Discuses security, preparedness for Parliament elections New Delhi, Jan 17: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah this evening met Union Minister for Home Affairs, Sushil Kumar Shinde here and discussed various matters relating to the security and development of Jammu and Kashmir. Matters pertaining to prevailing law and order scenario, general situation in the State and the coordination between various security agencies in their functioning were also discussed in detail in the meeting. The two leaders also reviewed the preparatory arrangements by the Jammu and Kashmir Government and the logistics it requires from the Central Government for the smooth and peaceful conduct of ensuing Parliament Elections in the State.
Congress trying trick to keep us away from power: BJP
New Delhi, Jan 17: BJP has charged the Congress with trying every trick, including invoking the threat to secularism and tying up with any force, to keep party from coming to power. Speaking at the BJP National Executive in New Delhi, party president Rajnath Singh said there is growing disappointment against the Congress mainly due to mal-governance, indecisiveness and corruption in the UPA government. Rajnath Singh also referred to the issue of secularism, a matter on which See BJP On Page 11...
Brown sugar worth Rs 114 Crores seized at Kaman Post Truck carrying almonds from PAK, confiscated by police
Srinagar, Jan 17: Brown sugar worth Rs 114 Crores was seized by police from a truck coming from Pakistan Administered Kashmir (PAK) to Uri during cross LoC trade on Friday. According to KNS North Kashmir correspondent, the police found 114 packets of ‘brown sugar’ weighing almost a kilogram each, from one of the trucks that came from PAK bearing number RIS-2137 of Al- Fajar Company. The reports stated that when the truck reached Salamabad Uri check-point, it was routinely checked and the police found large
Kolkata, Jan 17: Legendary actress Suchitra Sen is no more. She breathed her last at a private nursing home in Kolkata this morning. She suffered a massive heart attack last night. The 83 year old Suchitra Sen was admitted to the nursing home on 23rd of last month following complaints of respiratory tract infection. Suchitra began her career with the Bengali film "Shesh Kothai" in 1952. Her acting in several Bengali films opposite Uttam Kumar took Bengali movies to a new high. She was the first Indian actress
number of mysterious packets in one of the almond bags. The truck stand was cordoned and no one was allowed to move outside the premises. Senior officials of police, crime branch and Intelligence Agencies reached the spot. The station house officer Uri police station Mohammad Abdullah told KNS that the police seized 114 packets of ‘brown sugar’ and that an expert team has been called to ascertain the composition of the seized material. The custodian of Salamabad trade centre also confirmed the reports. Quoting the police officials, the
who was awarded at an international film festival. She bagged the best actress award for Saat Paake Bandha at the 1963 Moscow film festival. She was awarded the Padma Shri in 1972 by the Government of India. In 2012, She was conferred West Bengal government's highest award Banga Bibhushan. Suchitra Sen also acted in a number of Hindi movies which include Devdas opposite Dilip Kumar, Gulzar's famous film Aandhi where she starred opposite Sanjeev Kumar. See Suchitra On Page 11..
Strong groups within NC-Cong want pre-poll alliance: Kamal
Srinagar, Jan 17: National Conference additional general secretary Mustafa Kamal on Friday opined that in case his party high command makes its mind for a pre-poll alliance with Congress then NC should handover only two seats of Jammu province to its alliance partner. Kamal told KNS that presently NC is looking for suitable candidates for the three parliamentary constituencies including tow of Jammu province and
Srinagar, Jan 17: Rejecting the reports about official negligence being responsible for the infant deaths in two major paediatric hospitals of the valley, Minster for medical education Taj Mohi-ud-Din Friday stated that winter vagaries pose main threat to the newborn babies. “The winter is the main reason for the infant deaths in valley and the babies being brought from far flung areas are already involved in several diseas- es till they reach the hospitals,” Taj told KNS. He stated further that the valley hospitals are fully equipped with the latest technologies and that the doctors there never show any neglect during t h e
journey.Earlier in the day, addressing the meeting, Congress See Rahul On Page 11..
Veteran actor Suchitra Sen passes away in Kolkata
‘In case of alliance, NC should give only 2 seats of Jammu to Congress’
Infant deaths due to chilling winter: Taj
the Ladakh parliamentary constituency and any final call on announcement of candidates will be taken by the party’s top leadership. “It is a very difficult process as we may have to contest from two seats of Jammu after a long time. But nevertheless, we are in search of suitable candidates because we want to give people very clean faces.”The National Conference additional general secretary observed that the top NC leadership has withheld its decision on nomination of candidates for rest of the three seats including Ladakh for a reason that Congress is yet to take a final call as to how to go for forthcoming polls in the state. “Our leadership is giving a last thought to its decision on contesting of elections on rest of the three seats including Ladakh.”Pertinently, the NC has already announced its candidates for three parliamentary constituencies See Kamal On Page 11..
KNS North Kashmir correspondent said that if proven ‘brown sugar’, the cost of seized material is estimated over Rs 114 Crores in the international market. Hilal Turkie, General Secretary Salamabad-Uri trade union told KNS that the incident must be condemned at every level and the same has brought bad name to the cross LOC trade at large. “Stern punishment should be given to the people involved in such heinous crime and we demand that a scanner be installed at the Kaman Post so that no such action could be repeated in future.”
Flag meeting held at Chakan-daBagh Poonch
Jammu, 17Jan: A Flag Meeting at Brigade Commanders' level was held between India and Pakistan from 1130 to 1250 hrs on 17 January 2014 at the Chakan-Da-Bagh crossing point near Poonch. Both delegations were led by Brigadier level officers and discussed various issues related to the cease fire agreement as well as the need to improve responsiveness of existing communication channels. The Indian Army's concerns about the infiltration attempt in the Krishna Ghati Sector on 13 January 14 were conveyed in strong terms to the Pakistan delegation. The talks were held in a cordial environment and both sides have agreed to give due consideration to the issues raised by the other side. This meeting is another step forward in the confidence building measures agreed to by both sides during the DGMOs' level talk held at WAGAH on 24 December 13.
Pandits take exception to beef trade in Srinagar, Kashmir Srinagar, Jan 17: Kashmir Pandit Sanghrash Samiti (KPSS) has censured the government for what it called ‘non-action and silent approach’ against the beef shops which are openly functioning particularly in Srinagar and generally in Kashmir Valley. In a statement issued to KNS, the KPSS has said that these activities are being deliberately done by the State Government with the help of un-scrupulous elements in the Kashmiri society who want to make Kashmiri
PC concerned over shifting of transformer at Pampore
Srinagar, Jan 17 : Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference has expressed regret over the conspiracy by certain PDD officials to shift the old transformer of receiving station Pampore to some other location. According to a statement issued to KNS, Adv Abdul Rashid Lone, senior general secretary, has said that the said transformer was sent to repair one year back but due to official apathy and hollow claims of the PDD, it remains unreturned till date.This has created inconvenience for the people of the region who are disappointed with the state of affairs. Adv. Abdul Rashid Lone expressed his anguish over the matter after meeting several deputations from Pampore who raised the issue with him. He appealed to the Government to sort out the matter immediately or else the people of Pampore will be left with no option other than to come out on the streets to protest against the tyranny of the administration and PDD. Any unpleasant consequence thereafter will be the sole responsibility of the Government and the PDD. People’s Conference will not allow anybody to undertake injustice against the people of the area and will go to any See PC On Page 11..
treatment. “I am proud of the hospitals we have in valley and I am sure that there is no negligence on part of the hospital staff.” “The reality is that presently the babies being brought to the hospitals are already involved in several diseases including pneumonia and other chest diseases,” he said, adding that the absence of proper heating system in the far off villages is becoming the main reason for the infant deaths.The Congress minister stated that the babies admitted in the hospitals are generally two or three days old and that the chilling winter already affects them at large. “We have done the proper research that reveals that the chili-a-kalan is the main reason for babies getting involved in the chest disease and the deaths become natural.” “The doctors take extra care during these situations but they need prayers more than medicines,” Taj said. Denying the reports that the hospitals do not have the proper heating facilities, he stated that the special teams have been deputed to make sure that the hospitals do not show any negligence in providing basic facilities to the patients at large.
Pandits feel un-secure on the socio-religious grounds. “As the situation in Kashmir is improving on security basis, the unscrupulous elements are now using worst tactics to harm this solidarity by opening beef shops in the areas where Kashmiri Pandits are still residing to hurt our religious feeling and to promote enmity between classes and communities to provoke the breach of peace, that is developing, between the two communities, as this See Pandits On Page 11..
JKPSUF terms class 12 result a major disaster Srinagar, Jan 17 : Jammu and Kashmir Private Schools United Front (JKPSUF) has termed the class 12 results as the worst ever, as the pass percentage has taken a steep dive in comparison with previous years. According to a statement issued to KNS, the front said that after recent years of comparative good results, this year has been a disaster. “For both batches of 2011 and 2012, See JKPSUF On Page 11..
Road safety week concludes Div Com for strict adherence of traffic rules Srinagar, Jan 17 : In connection with the 25th road safety week celebrations a concluding function was held at Banquet hall Srinagar here today organized by the SP Traffic Srinagar Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Shalinder Kumar, DIG Traffic, Jagjit Sharma, SP Traffic Srinagar, Haseeb-ul-Rehman, faculty members and students of Law Department, Kashmir University, besides members of civil society and media persons attended the function. Speaking on the occasion, Divisional Commissioner emphasized on the importance of road safety and need to disseminate the information about safety among the public and motor vehicle users especially the youth. He said that road widening is need of hour to curb the traffic mess. He said despite of shortage of manpower the traffic department is play-
One die; 3 injured in road accident
Srinagar, Jan 17 : One dies while three other were injured in different accidents across the valley. A Tata Sumo bearing registration number JK05D/4865 hit and injured a pedestrian Mehra Begum wife of Abdul Ahad Gooru resident of Naninari Sumbal at Naninari, Bandipora in the jurisdiction of police station Sumbal. The injured was shifted to SKIMS Soura See Accident On Page 11..for ing has pivotal role in regulating and management of traffic, adding that people’s cooperation is must for minimizing the See Road On Page 11..
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Zabarwan Times
Saturday 18 January 2014
From the front page
Rahul President Sonia Gandhi said, her party would fight for the upkeep of its secular tradition saying that it is not a political compulsion but a matter of faith for the party. She said the party is ready and prepared to take on the battle ahead. Amid chorus for declaring Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi as its Prime Ministerial candidate, Mrs Gandhi categorically said, the Congress Working Committee decision on Rahul Gandhi is final. She also appealed to all parties to rise above political considerations to help pass anti-graft Bills pending in Parliament. In his address, Congress leader and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh asked the party workers not to lose heart and learn lessons from the debacle in recently held Assembly polls. Dr Singh said, if the party prepares itself well and presents UPA government's achievements in proper perspective, it would be able to win the upcoming elections. He also asked the people to compare facts related to development claimed by the opposition ruled states with that of Congress ruled states before arriving at any conclusion.Giving details of the Congress-led UPA rule, the Prime Minister said, the country witnessed a record GDP growth of 8.6 per cent in the first seven years. On corruption, Dr. Singh said, the government has taken several important legislative measures like RTI and Lokpal to deal with it. At the end of the session, Congress also passed a resolution on secularism, corruption, security, price rise economy, employment and women.Addressing the session Union Health Minister narrated the successes achieved by UPA in MGNREGA, Health and other sectors. He said UPA has done historical work for the benefit of every citizen and from Sanjay Gandhi to Rahul Gandhi every body has contributed to India’s Strength. He however said that UPA is hero in performance and the opposition is zero, but as far as publicity is concerned opposition is hero and UPA is zero.
JKPSUF
Kamal
the results had a good pass percentage ridden 2010 batch had a respectable 56 percent pass percentage,” said G N Var, General Secretary JKPSUF. “But this yes it is a major disappointment as the pass percentage stands at a low of 52 percent.” The front said that the state needs to take immediate steps to overhaul its education system. “Majority of the failures come from government schools, so there is a huge problem with its system,” said Var. “Time and again we are suggesting them to update their education system but to no avail.” The front also termed the twisted Maths paper as one of the factors of dismal performance. “The Maths and some others papers were compiled in one of the most unprofessional ways leading to the drop in performance of students,” said Var. “Regarding so called grace marks, we demand to know the terms and conditions followed to award such marks as we fear in some cases the marks were not awarded.” The front expressed its concern about the huge failure rate of students in arts stream. “65 percent of students translating into staggering 19759 students appearing in arts stream have failed in one or more subjects,” said Var. “Most of them are from poor background who wanted to have decent education in government schools and government simply denied them the right of good education.” The Front asked the government not to close its eye to this hard reality as has been its norm. “We want some hard action to be taken against the guilty schools and teachers and more accountability be brought in government education sector,” said Var. “We appeal to the government to kindly rise to the occasion and save the future of our next generation.”
of Valley. Kamal substantiated his arguments saying that the delay in announcement of three more candidates is because there are ‘strong groups’ within NC and Congress who want a pre poll alliance between the two parties and their opinion also carry a weight before the high commands of the two respective parties. “No doubt that there is a general feeling within ranks and files of both the parties NC and Congress that the elections be fought separately. We have also conveyed our feedback to our party high command and we also believe that the coalition didn’t work for both the parties and it has been a loss for us (NC) as far as our party interests are concerned. It is not about winning or losing the elections only.” Kamal said that even if there is an understanding between the top leaderships of the two parties NC and congress to forge an alliance for forthcoming parliamentary elections, NC should give only two seats of Jammu province to Congress and keep Ladakh parliamentary constituency. “It is a matter of principles. There is a tacit understanding between Ladakh and Leh as far as the parliamentary elections are concerned. And Dr Farooq Abdullah Saheb is well aware about it and the sensitivities involved therein. It is why he has taken both Muslim and Bodhs on board. So we should keep that seat. It is my personal opinion,” he added. (KNS)
OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE ENGINEER R&B DIVISION BARAMULLA
BJP
Congress has targeted it often. He alleged many forces want India to be a weak state.Briefing reporters about the meet earlier in the day, party spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said the party president claimed that BJP-led NDA will form a government which will not only be strong on economics and ethics but will also never compromise on the issue of nationalism.Echoing same tune another BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said Congress is passing through a phase of leadership crisis and it appears to have accepted defeat well before elections. He criticized the Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi for urging Prime Minister to give three additional LPG cylinders just before Lok Sabha elections. Hussain said, Rahul Gandhi counted acievements of the party but failed to give account of corruption cases during UPA regime. He told reporters that BJP national Executive today gave final touch to its resolutions on the political and economic situation in the country which will be passed at the two-day national council beginning tomorrow. State units will also present reports on their state of preparedness for the Lok Sabha elections and formation of booth level committees.
TENDER NOTICE NO 81 OF 2013-14 FRESH TO NIT NO: 80 OF 2013-14 For and on behalf of the Govern of Jammu & Kashmir state sealed tenders affixed with one rupee revenue stamp are invited from Government approved PWD contractors for the snow clearance to the stages for the year 2013-14 as listed below Stage No
Name Of the Road Khanpora Inner Links Khanpora Sheeri Sangri Top Kanliagh Link Road Connecting Noorbagh Parray Mohalla Sangri Upper Cherdari Link Kanlibagh Inner Links near Msjid Umar Bilal Colony Kanlibagh PWD Complex Link Fish Markt Road Dewanbagh Inner Link Main Link from Binner Bus Adda to Ziyarat Sharief Noorbagh Bowli Road including Diary farm link Nanda Link at Kanlibagh including upto H/O Justice Qureshi Kanlibagh Bowli Road (Bagh-Rehmat) Noorbagh Link Road via mosque connecting Dr. Zrgar Link Public School Link
Length in Kilometers 2.00 0.30 0.50 0.30 0.75 0.50 0.20 0.30 0.20 1.00 1.50 0.50 0.20 0.10 0.50 0.30
3
Janbazpora Inner Links N. H. Way to Punchatr at Janbazpora Stadium Colony Link Binner Gujjarpati Road Binner Kawdoora Road Binner Venkuri Road Janbazpora Stadium
3.50 0.50 0.75 1.00 1.50 3.00 0.25
6
Bandipayeen Inner Links Hudpora Veernar Road Faqirbagh Inner Links Sultanpora Inner Link Beighpati Link Thokurpati Link Patchar Link road
1.00 0.75 0.75 0.50 1.25 1.25 1.00
7
Inner Lanes at Choora. Choora Kriri Road (Km 8 Tapper Kriri road Km 8-15. Kawcheck Dardpora Road
1.00 3.66 8.00 3.00
8
Doompora Dangdara road Shrakwara link road Inner links at Nowpora. Inner Links at Authoora Chanapora Link Watergam Bonpora road
2.50 2.50 3.00 1.00 1.00 1.50
Suchitra Several film personalities have expressed their condolences over her death. Our correspondent reports that the death of Suchitra Sen is the end of an era in the Bengali film industry. President and Prime Minister condoled the passing away of legendary actress Suchitra Sen today. The President Pranab Mukherjee in his message to Suchitra Sen's daughter Moon Moon Sen, said the Film industry has lost a highly talented and acclaimed actress. Mukherjee also said the actress will always be remembered for her versatile acting which brought life into the characters she played.Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in his condolence message hailed Sen as a graceful actor who carved a special niche in the hearts of milions of Indians through her cinematic presence. He said, Suchitra Sen was a versatile actor who marked a unique contribution to Indian cinema and to Bengali films in particular. Sen was one of the first Indian artistes to win an international award at Moscow in 1963.
Pandits kind of act maliciously insults the religious belief of the Kashmiri Pandits.” That KPSS has said that it wants to know how the Srinagar municipal corporation is allowing these people, who are slaughtering/processing/selling beef in Srinagar despite the fact when in a reply to the RTI filed by KPSS dated 19.02.2013, they have clearly stated that SMC has not given any permission/license to run a shop/place for slaughtering/ selling of beef in Srinagar City within the Municipal Limits, and also how the Concerned SHO’s of State Police allow this kind of act in their respective jurisdictions as same is forbidden in the State and is punishable under section 298-A, 298-B and 298-C (Ranbir Penal Code) read with u/s 153-A(1), 295-A and 504 of Ranbir Penal Code for slaughtering and sale of beef which is also threat to the tranquility between the society. “It clearly depicts that these concerned officers are hand in glove with these un-scrupulous elements to damage the social fabric so that they can force the left out Kashmiri Pandits out of Kashmir without executing any visible offensive tactics.” The KPSS statement added that KPSS have already approached separatist camp in the year 2011 to deal with the matter to maintain and promote the peace and tranquility between the communities.
PC extent to uphold their rights.He also expressed his shock and concern over the conversion of the large piece of land near the residential areas of Barsoo and Lethpora into a garbage dump. Thousands of people living in these areas are exposed to grave risks especially the outbreak of epidemics and other health complications.
9
Takiya Wani Watergam Link Bangdara Link Road -»Saloosa Vizer Link ChandoosaInner Links Allied links at Takiya Tapper Kanispora Singhpora Road Mirangund Singhpora Road
0.50 0.50 2.00 2.25 3.00 2.50 2.00
10
Mirgund Chenbal Baliharan Road Singhpora Chanmohalla Road Hartrath Rembail Road Inner Links at Singhpora Kalan Singhpora Inner Links (Pattan) Hanjiwera Batakcheck Road
4.50 1.75 2.00 3.00 1.00 2.00
11
Nihalpora Dervaishbaghincluding side link Chanderseer Bohirwani Road Chanderseer Link Road Ganai Mohalla Link at Tilgam Inner Links at Palhalan
2.50 1.50 1.00 0.50 4.50
1. The tenders should be addressed to the Superintending Engineer PWD (R&B) Circle Baram ulla/ Kupwara (Baramulla) through registered post on the tender form properly issued by the Executive Engineer of any wing should reach in his office on or before 20-01-2014 upto 2.00. pm. In case the receiving date being declared a Holiday / Hartal, the tenders shall be received on next working day. 2. The tenders shall be opened on the same day or any other day convenient to opening author ity, in presence of the contractors who any like to be present there. 3. The tenders should be sealed in proper cover with name of work, name of the contractor, reference to CDR No and Date with out which tenders shall be rejected without assigning any reasons, thereof. Conditional tenders shall not be entertained. 4. Contractor of the class from AAY, BEE, CEE, DEE & SHG can tender for the snow clearance. 5. The intending tenderers should deposit as earnest money of Rs 3000/- for each stage in the shape of CDR pledged to the Superintending Engineer, PWD (R&B) Circle Baramulla.. 6. The intending tenderers are requested to quote their rate in percentage above or below the SSR of 2012. The rates should be written both in words & in figures. The subsequent slip or verbal representation raising or lowering the rates shall not be entertained in any case. 7. Not more than one stage will ordinary be allotted to contractor but he may however tender for more then one stage on separate forms. 8. The successful tenders shall have to draw formal agreement with the department after allotment order is communicated to him. As soon as the acceptance of the tender, is commu nicated to successful tenderer, the contractor shall be bound to make the snow clearance immediately. 9. The stages falling under priority 1st category. clearnce is to be done within one day irrespective of snow depth. The stages falling under priority 2nd category, clearance is to be done within two days irrespective of snow depth. In case the clearance is not made within stipulated time. The department will be constrained to do snow clearance through any other agency at the risk and extra cost and responsibility of the contractor, without issuance of any formal notice for the same. The decision of the department-in each case will be final and binding upon the contractor. 10. Incase the snow clearance machine are desired to be engaged by the department for clearance of snow. The snow clearance stage contractor has no right in saying that stage is allotted to him and will clear the snow in his stage. 11. The contractor will make timely-& reasonable payments to all labours engaged by him. If the Executive Engineer receives any complaint to this effect that timely payments are not being made by the contractor, the Executive Engineer may satisfy himself after verification and if he is satisfied that the payment are held delayed, he may make payment direct to the labour & debit the dues payable to defaulting contractor. Incase of death of any labour during snow clearance operation, the contractors will have to pay the legal hair of the de ceased any amount as per the labour rules. 12. The payments on this account shall be made only as and when funds for the purpose are made available by the competent authority & the contractor has no right for litigation on behalf of release of early payments. All other terms and conditions will be the same as per detailed NIT of 2013-14 and formNo 25/double/be binding upon the contractor. NO:6472-82 DT:13/01/2014
Sd/-Executive Engineer R&B Division Baramulla
He said, “I wonder over the silence of the various political parties on the issue. Playing with the lives of the people of the adjacent areas is unwarranted and will not be tolerated. Government should come up with alternative arrangements for disposal of the garbage of the cantonment area or make arrangement for garbage within their camps.”
Accidents treatment, where she succumbed to her injuries. A case has een registered in this regard.In another accident a Truck 407 bearing registration number JK01/5190 hit a motorcycle bearing registration number JK04A/3273 at Manasbal, Ganderbal in the jurisdiction of police station of police station Safapora resulting in injuries to the motorcyclist Aqib Ahmad Sofi son of Ghulam Ahmad and pillon Gowher Ahmad Reshi son of Sonaullah resident of Gratbal, Ganderbal. Both the injured were shifted to SKIMS Soura for treatment. A case has been registered in this regard. Meanwhile, a Tata Sumo bearing registration JK09/4170 driven by Tariq Ahmad Lone son of Ghulam Ahmad Lone resident of Diver, Kupwara on his way from Kupwara to Sogam hit a pedestrian Habibullah Hajam son of Abdul Karim resident of Surigam at Putshie in the jurisdiction of police station Sogam. The injured was shifted to Sub District Hospital, Sogam for treatment. A case has been registered in this regard.
Road traffic mess and accidents. He stressed upon the authorities of the traffic department to continue the activities on sustained basis throughout the year so that the message becomes truly effective. Drivers have the share responsibility role to safeguard the passengers besides reducing the number of accidents on daily basis, he added. DIG Traffic, Jagjit Sharma in his address highlighted the importance of road safety week and the activities being organized by the department. He said that the department is engaged in creating road safety awareness by way of organizing such programs throughout the year. He said it is not always because of the drivers fault that accidents occur but in Kashmir particularly in hilly areas it is road making and pedestrian blockade which leads to most of ill fated incidents, he added. As many as Rs. 4 crore have been realized as fine and tax from the traffic violators during this current besides Rs 1.50 lakh have been realized as challan, he added. The important factors like overloading, rash and negligent driving, over speeding were also discussed on the occasion.
Police constable arrested for supplying drugs to Sarpanch
Congratulations I deeply congratulate Mr. Ab. Rashid Zargar for him to be appointed as PRO to Hon’ble Finance Minister Mr. Ab. Rahim Rather. May Almighty bless him in future also. From: Sahil Mudasir, Manager, Bhat News Agency
GOVT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR CHAIRMAN STATE LEVEL PURCHASE COMMITEE, ANIMAL /SHEEP HUSBANDRY DEPARTMENT, JAMMMU & KASHMIR (DIRECTOR ANIMAL HUSBANDRY DEPARTMENT JAMMU)
EXTENTION NOTICE Due to poor response to e-Tender Notice No: DAHJ/Supp/ NIT/2013-14/13370-82 dt:19-12-2013 for supply of rabi Fodder Seeds for the year 2013-14 is hereby further exrtended upto the dates as per the details given hereunder Last date of download of e-Tender
Date of submission of e_tender
Date of Opening of E-Tender
18-01-2014 upto 11.00 AM
18-01-2014 upto 11.00 AM
20-01-2014 upto 11.00 AM
DIPK:12699
Sd/-Chairman, State Level Purchase Commitee
Pulwama, Jan 16, : In a shocking incident, a police officer caught a civilian when he was coming out from Police Station Kakapora in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district with banned codeine syrups wrapped in a newspaper. The arrested person confessed that a police constable handed over these syrups to him for the Sarpanch of the area Fayaz Ahmed Dar. Ironically, the initial investigation has revealed that police constable of Kakapora police station Syeed Ahmed used to supply the same drugs in lieu of cash to Sarpanch, which police had seized in 2012 from drug peddlers. It may be recalled that Kakapora police had seized at least 1250 Codeine syrups in 2012 from drug peddlers and had registered a case vide FIR number 140/2012 in this regard. This seized drug was placed in a store room of the police station and the accused police constable used to supply the same codeine bottles to National Conference Sarpanch of Ward 19 A Kakapora Fayaz Dar. Police sources told CNS, that an aide of National Conference Sarpanch, Feroz Ahmed Dar son of Bashir Ahmed entered into police station Kakapora empty handed. As he was coming out, Guard Commander, Kakapora police station stopped him at the gate and asked him to show what he had hidden in the newspaper. To his surprise, the man revealed that he was sent by the Sarpanch of the area to collect the banned drugs from a policeman. Police sources said, the man was immediately put behind the bars and the policeman involved in the act was too locked up. Sources told CNS, the Sarpanch of the Ward 19 A Kakapora, Fayaz Ahmed Dar aka Painter aka Faizan was called to police station for questioning. As he admitted that the man was sent by him to collect the banned drugs, he was arrested and put behind the bars. Sources told CNS that police was shocked after checking cell-phone of the said Sarpanch. The cell-phone contained porn video clips which according to locals police deleted later on to stop them spreading like virus. Sources said that police has arrested so far four persons including the police constable. The accused have been identified as National Conference Sarpanch Fayaz Ahmed Dar son of Abdul Khaliq, his aide Sajad Ahmed Dar son of Ghulam Hassan, Feroz Ahmed Dar son of Bashir Ahmed and police constable Syeed Ahmed. Sources said that police is investigating the matter as there are apprehensions that said Sarpanch might be involved in black mailing the local females of the area.
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Daily ZABARWAN TIMES
Sagar inspects NBA implementation in Dansal, Satwari Conducts house-tohouse inspection of beneficiaries
populace ensuring that the villages and far-flung areas of the state get the much needed facilities besides, contributing to the clean and defecation free environs of these areas. He said that the scheme is being implemented throughout the
mental in changing the socio-economic profile of rural and far-flung areas of the state besides, creating the much needed job opportunities and asset creation in these areas. He said that a full proof mechanism has been put in place to en-
JAMMU, JANUARY 17In order to get the first hand information about the implementation of Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA) the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar today visited Dansal and Satwari blocks of the Jammu district and conducted house to house inspection and interacted with the beneficiaries of the scheme. The Minister was accompanied by senior officers of the Rural Development Department state and 1.5 lakh Individual sure the proper implementation of these and other officers of Lone the district NewsadminAgency Kangan KhanHouse NewsHold Agency Ganderbal istration. Gulzar News Agency Latrines Soura (IHHL) are to be constructed Zahid BookdurDepotschemes. Chadoora ing the current year. It is pertinent to mention that 450 While interacting with beneficiaTariqthe News Agency Hawal Newsthe Agency Nowhattaof Satwari block have been The Minister furtherBashir appealed beneficiaries ries of NBA, the Minister said that strict Muzaffar Alithe News News Lal IHHL Chowk peopleAlamgari to take fullBazar benefitBudshah of various flag- Agency provided points and in Dansal block instructions have been passed to of- Agency ships Development 350 have been extended benefits of the Abdullah News Agency Lalschemes Chowk of the Rural Sikendar News Agency Lal Chowk ficers to ensure its full implementation, been instruscheme. so that the benefit reaches theNews targeted Gupkari AgencyDepartment, Lal Chowk which have Raina News Agency Gund Kangan
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India delighted at the transformation in India - Korea ties, says President H.E. Park Geun-Hye, the President of the Republic of Korea called on the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee yesterday (January 16, 2014) at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President also hosted a banquet in her honour following the meeting. Welcoming the President of the Republic of Korea, the President said India is happy that she is visiting India in her first year of presidency. The Government of India is delighted at the transformation in India-Korea ties. There is increasing commonality of views between India and Republic of Korea on many regional and international issues based on converging national interests of both countries. Economic exchanges are the bedrock of the strategic partnership between India and the Republic of Korea. India looks forward to working with the Republic of Korea to enhance trade and investment between two countries. India would like to see more Korean investment in India’s physical infrastructure. In his banquet speech, the President said it is a matter of satisfaction that the President’s State Visit is taking place at a time when the two countries are celebrating the fortieth year of diplomatic relations. India sees the Republic of Korea as one of the most progressive nations in modern times. The industrious people of the Republic of Korea have been able to overcome all odds and rise from the devastation of war to realize their impressive economic potential. Today the Republic of Korea is the 4th largest economy in Asia. As a friend and partner, India wishes the people of Korea every success in their endeavors to achieve a second economic ‘Miracle on the River Han’.The President said leading Korean companies have become household names in India. Similarly, Indian companies and banks are investing and establishing themselves with good results in the Republic of Korea.
Khan News Agency Regal Chowk Rashid News Agency Dalgate Sheikh News Agency Hyderpora Hilal News Agency Budgam Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Chadoora Bhat News Agency Magam Zargar News Agency Kunzar Dar News Agency Beerwah Bashir News Agency Sumbal Reshi News Agency Saleem News Agency Pattan over Safapora 40 hectares with 20,000 Basharat News newly Agency Bandipora News Agency Pampore planted different speciesReyaz of trees.Pulwama He was told that fencing and Altaf News Agency Javaid News Agency Qazigund minor civil works carried out there Jeelani News Agency Baramulla G.M News Agency Sopore have protected the closures and Shah News Agency Kupwara Sultan News Agency Handwara the new plants are growing fast Younis News Agency Langate Sheikh News Agency Islamabad while, under CAMPA programme, over Rs 2 crore are being spent Reshi News Islamabad Three Way News Agency Tral NOWSHERA, (RAJOURI), JANU- Agency since 2010-2011. He was informed ARY 17: Minister for Forests, Ecol- Agency Turray News Tral Badru News Agency Bijbehara that pruning of trees and new ogy and Environment, Mian AltafAgency Rahi News Kulgam Malik News Agency Arwani Ahmad, along with senior officers growing plants is being carried out Rah News Agency Byepass Shaheen News Agency Kargil seasonally to ensure fast growth of of forest department, visited Now-
Mian Altaf takes stock of CAMPA works Announces nursery for Nowshera
shera and took stock of the works taken up under CAMPA scheme. He announced that a nursery would be established at Nowshera to cater the needs of the locals of the areas. The Minister inspected forest closures at Bhanpuri and Gahi falling within the jurisdiction of Sunderbani and Lamberi forest ranges. The Minister was informed that both forest closures are spread
new plants and old trees. Besides developing forest closures close to the roads, the Minister asked authorities to carry out plantation in degraded areas particularly alongside of the roads. He said the fencing of closures on one hand will give protection to existing plants and on other hand allow the natural forests to grow fully. The Minister also interacting with the locals and discussed the
measures need to be taken for conservation of forests and environment protection. Responding to the demands of the locals, the Minister announced that a nursery would be established in Nowshera to cater the demands of the locals. Regarding construction of pond, he assured them that
steps would be taken to explore possibility for this. Seeking public support in forest conservation, the Minister asked the representatives to play their role in protection of green gold of the State. He said it is our collective responsibility to conserve forests for out posterity. Stressing for making third
Jora Visits Rajiv Gandhi Sports Museum Jammu Lauds Ashutosh’s contribution in promotion of Sports JAMMU JANUARY 17- The Minister for Urban Development and Urban Local Bodies, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora has asked the sports fraternity to imbibe spirit of hardwork, dedication and selfless service from the former leading players which they have rendered for the cause of sports promotion adding that their pioneering role should be a guiding factor and source of inspiration for youngster. While visiting Rajiv Gandhi Mini sports Museum at Karan Nagar Jammu today, Mr. Jora lauded the hardwork, dedication and organizational skills of Prof. Ashutosh Sharma adding that his contribution to promotion of sports in J&K is very significant. The Sports Museum has been setup by Professor Ashutosh who has dedicated it to former prime minister Late Rajiv Gandhi
who has been the spirit behind the successful conduct of IX ASIAN Games in 1982 at Delhi. Mr. Jora said that the Govt will explore all possibilities to arrange a piece of land for housing the collection of Olympic and other sports memorabilia. Mr. Jora said that the way Prof Ashutosh has collected and displayed Olympic and other sports memorabilia and Photographs in the Museum is very impressive, “I am highly impressed with collection of Olympic and other sports memorabilia and photographs. This must have involved huge effort on the part of Shri Ashutosh. This collection requires a proper place for housing them in the form of a museum so that sports lovers and general masses can also have an opportunity to appreciate the collection. We will see how this can be carried forward”, Mr. Jora said while writing his comments in the Visitors’ Book kept in the Museum. Earlier Professor Ashutosh, while briefing the Minister about his 60 years long voyage in the field of Sports at State, National & Interna-
Implementation of National Food Security Act
States asked to open more purchasing centers foodgrains for
The Central Government has urged upon the state Governments to open more purchasing centers and assess all necessary infrastructure requirements for increased procurement of foodgrains for implementation of Food Security Act. “It should include storage space, credit and staff requirement”. A meeting of Food Secretaries of various States has been convened in the second week of February by the Government of India to review the arrangements for procurement of wheat for coming marketing season and other infrastructure requirements. In order to implement the National Food Security Act, requirement of foodgrains is estimated to be 614.3 lakh tons against the average procurement of 514 Lakh tons in last five years. Under the National Food Security Act, the Government of India will now provide assistance to States in meeting the expenditure incurred by them on transportation of foodgrains within the State, its handling and FPS dealers’ margin as per norms to be devised for this purpose. In the meeting, estimated marketable surplus ratio of wheat for each State and estimated procurement of wheat for Rabi Marketing Season will also be discussed. Under the Act, Grievance Redressal Mechanism at the District and State levels have to be set up and provisions have to be made for disclosure of records relating to PDS. The Act also provides for social audits and setting up of Vigilance Committees in order to ensure transparency and accountability. Provision for penalty on public servant or authority, to be imposed by the State Food Commission, in case of failure to comply with the relief recommended by the District Grievance Redressal Officer, has also been made in the Act.
SMVD Shrine Board provides sports material to budding players KATRA, JANUARY 17 - With a view to encourage larger participation of youth from the rural and remote areas in various sports activities, Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, distributed sports material among different government schools of Panjar, Sirla Bagha, Damnote, Tote and Moungri, as part of social responsibility of the Board, at a function held at Katra.Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Bhandari dwelt on the initiatives being taken by the Shrine Board for encouraging budding sportspersons, particularly from the remote areas. He said that the distribution of sports material was in terms of the decision taken by SMVDSB Sports Council which is chaired by Dr. Ashok Bhan, Member Shrine Board.
party monitoring system more efficient and effective, the Minister said that those performing good would be encouraged but warned punishment for non performers. Regarding timber distribution, it was told that 30980 cft stand distributed among the beneficiaries of the district so far during current financial year against the target of 45000 cft apart from distributing 743 trees under Jammu Forest Notice. Regarding progress of CAPMA projects taken up by social forestry division in Rajouri, the Minister was informed that Rs 79 lakh are being spent on different works in the district during current fiscal while 220 hectares have been brought under social forestry besides planting of 32000 trees, against the target of 88000 fixed for the year.
Sadhotra lays foundation of dev works worth Rs. 10 lakh in Marh block
JAMMU, JANUARY 17- Minister for Labour, Planning and Development Mr Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today said that Government has been paying focused attention to upgrade the existing infrastructure of vital sectors to ensure better facilities to the people across the State. During the past over five years the Government made strenuous efforts to improve basic amenities for the people in every nook and corner of the State and people have acknowledged the change on ground, said Mr. Sadhotra.The Minister was addressing a large public meeting after laying foundation stone of development works worth Rs. 10 lakh at Guru Gyagi ji Maharaj Asthan at village Dhatreyal in Marh block near here. Urging people to remain vigilant against the disruptive forces, Mr Sadhotra said these forces were employing all deceptive tactics to create wedge between various segments of the society. He asked the people to maintain unity and alienate these elements in the larger interest of peace and harmony. He said peace is imperative for implementing various welfare and centrally sponsored schemes. He solicited support of the society for sustaining peace by promoting amity between various communities.Describing development of rural and far-flung areas as main plank of the Omar led government; the Minister referred to the historic Panchayat elections and empowering panchayats to take independent decisions at their level to ensure development of rural areas. This has ensured active involvement of the people at grass-root level in the decision making after fixing the local priorities. He said empowering people has been a cherished agenda of the Coalition Government and it has succeeded in its mission during the past half-decade.
25th Road Safety Week concludes Ramzan emphasizes greater traffic awareness campaign to curb accidents JAMMU, JANUARY 17: The 25th Road Safety Week which begun on 11thJanuary was concluded here today with the distribution of prizes amongst the volunteers,traffic cops, students and other stakeholders. In this connection a function was organized by the Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) and Traffic Police Department at Police Auditorium Hall Gulshan Ground Jammu.Minister for Transport, CA&PD, Ch. Muhammad Ramzan was the chief guest on the occasion.Transport Commissioner, Mr. SourabhBhagat, Director State Motor Garages Mr. G. A. Sofi, SSP Traffic Jammu, Mr. PawanParihar, Chairman All Auto Mobile Dealers Association Mr. ChanderGhulati, prominent citizens, members of civil society, members of various Transport Associations, besides
officers of State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC), Traffic Police, Transport, (MVD) Departments were also present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, the Ministerhighlighted the importance of road safety and measures needed to implement the regulations in order to avoid the accidents and traffic hazards across the State. He stressed the need for stepping up the vigil on the roads by strengthening the affective mechanism with the help of traffic police and other sister agencies to curb the fatal road accidents. He emphasized the need for creating greater mass awareness throughout the year to educate the people about the traffic rules and their strict adherence.Maintaining that only observance of Road Safety Week once in a year will not work,
but efforts should be made to change the mind-set of the people, who can voluntarily obey the traffic regulations. This is possible with the pro-active approach and efforts of traffic police and MVD. He said Government’s effort is limited to provide infrastructure and facilities, but major role of the ground level agencies to regulate the Motor Vehicle Act and to ensure safety of people.He informed the gathering that Government is considering necessary amendment in the existing Motor Vehicle Act of State to further streamline the traffic management.On the occasion, Ch. Ramzan distributed prizes and mementos among students who participated in different events conducted by various agencies to educate the people about the traffic regulations during the week.
18. 01 .2014
HOROSCOPE Aries
March 21-April 19
Something may be troubling a family member, Aries, and this person doesn’t seem inclined to talk about it. Your intuition seems to be temporarily blocked, so you can’t figure it out for yourself. Don’t try; it’s probably buried too deeply within the other person. Make it clear that you’re there if needed and then allow this person to go his or her own way. Don’t let this situation cause you to doubt their need and respect for you.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Today you might feel as if you’re living in a fog, Taurus. Some interesting but puzzling news may come your way today. It might be information of such a bizarre nature that you find it difficult to accept, yet your source could be more than reliable. Conversations with others might seem vague and uncertain, as those around you aren’t really feeling all that communicative. You might have to rely on intuition to
Gemini May 21-June 21
Unexpected premonitions and gut feelings might prove too strong for comfort, Gemini, especially if they sense upcoming events that aren’t all that pleasant. These feelings are sent to you not to worry you or cause upset but to give clues as to how to deal with the possibilities. You may also have to deal with your own self-doubt. Dig in, do what you can, and assure a positive outcome. Remember, it’s possible to spin straw into gold!
Cancer June 22-July 22
A goal that you’ve been working toward for a long time and in which you’ve placed a lot of hope and confidence, may suddenly seem in doubt today, Cancer. This doesn’t mean it’s dead in the water by any means. It only means that for now you just need to work a little harder and rebuild your faith in it. Tomorrow your doubts could well be a thing of the past. Work hard and hang in there.
Leo
July 23-August 22 A partner or colleague might be going through some changes right now, causing you to wonder if you have a future with this person. It might appear that you’re moving ahead while this person is lagging behind. This could be just a temporary condition, Leo, so take care not to jump to any conclusions at this time. Offer your assistance and do what you can, then let the person work things out. This may pass in a few days.
Virgo
August 23-September 22
At this time you might be in the space where you tend to doubt concepts and attitudes that you’ve accepted all your life. You generally tend to be a service-oriented person, Virgo, and today you might want to help out someone close to you. Yet this person may have deeply buried issues that only he or she can deal with, and therefore might give the appearance of being unappreciative. Rest assured that this is not the case.
Libra
September 23-October 23 Dreams and visions might give rise to the desire to be especially artistic and creative today, Libra. Ideas for new artistic projects could be popping in and out of your head all day, and you might go into a panic doubting that you’ll ever have the time to make any of your ideas a reality. At this time, you can only write down whatever pops into your head in order of your own preference. Then work with each in turn.
Scorpio
October 24-November 21 Successes over the past several weeks, along with an increase in money, might give rise to the desire to improve your living situation, Scorpio. You might have doubts, however, as to how best to go about doing it. Should you move or should you simply remodel? Should you move close by or to a different area? It’s best to simply list the pros and cons of each option and then consider them all carefully.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Stress from whatever work pressures you’ve been experiencing might cause you to feel a bit under the weather. Yet you’re probably unwilling to take some time off because you’re too concerned about finishing what you’re doing in a timely manner, Sagittarius. It’s important to remember that you won’t finish it at all if you exhaust yourself. Move slowly and steadily, take time out to relax a little, and all will go more smoothly.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Blocks and obstacles that you may have reached with regard to your projects might cause you to wonder if you have what it takes to get them done at all, Capricorn. This is OK, but don’t get caught up in doubting your abilities. Step back, be objective, and work out the most practical and efficient ways to get past the obstacles and attain the results you want. Don’t let your insecurities get the best of you.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Although almost everything in your life seems to be going well, Aquarius, today you just might find yourself in a bit of a panic. You might have a temporary fit of fear that your luck won’t last. However, this is most likely due to your deepest insecurities flaring up. Don’t read too much into it, and don’t pay any attention to the doubts expressed by others. Believe in yourself, continue to work hard, and keep moving ahead.
Pisces
February 19-March 20 Today you might find yourself at a loss as to how to proceed with a particular task or project in which you’re involved, Pisces. There might be a number of options open to you, all workable, and this could prove confusing. If all options are efficient and practical, don’t agonize over your decision. Flip a coin if you have to! Success is strongly indicated if you don’t stress yourself out in the process.
EDITORIAL/ OPINION Shun the hostilities – join hands for peace and welfare
T
he ministerial level talks to assess and enhance the business and commerce activities between India and Pakistan can pave way for overall acceleration of trade and also in the improvement of the ties which definitely need a fillip keeping in view the hostilities during the recent past. In the secretary level talks Pakistan has stressed the need to remove imbalances in the mutual trade and also to extend the ambit of commerce activities. in fact whether it is trade and commerce or any other field the two neighbours need to come closer and cement their ties in a way that both will be benefitted in a large way. The hostilities for the last over one year on the international boarders and the line of control have cost very heavily on the mutual ties and the advancement made through various confidence building measures has been almost negated. It is in the best interest of India and Pakistan that they shun the path of animosities, leave behind the past bitterness and surge forward to show it to the world that they together can perform miracles as far as peace, development and progress of the subcontinent and the world at large is concerned. India is a fast growing economy and it will have its say and weightage on international matters particularly the strategic and economic affairs. Pakistan can very well get benefitted from India’s strength and influence if it helps in creating good relations very India and takes an extra mile forward to improve the mutual ties. The hostilities will be more dangerous and consequential far Pakistan than India which is a strong democracy and strong economy. Pakistan has suffered a lot due to its internal disturbances whether it be violence through Taliban or ethnic clashes which are going on since several years without any halt. India can be helpful in normalizing the internal situation of Pakistan and can help that country in strengthening its democratic basis which have never taken roots in that country. The frequent Marshal Law regimes and the over activeness of its armed forces have always come in the way of overall peace and development of Pakistan. Now the time has come when the Pakistani leadership should rise to the occasion, establish peace in that country and extend its hand of friendship with India so that both the countries can utilize their resources for the development and progress of the two countries and fight poverty and unemployment in a very effective manner. Every citizen of the two countries wants it and the politicians should help in realizing this dream.
Daily
Zabarwan Times
Saturday 18 January 2014
Lifestyle Disease Education and Awareness Programme (LEAP)
A
survey conducted recently by School Health Programme (an initiative of NRHM) among students in Kerala found that about 2.7 per cent of the 10 lakh children in Government schools are overweight and 0.8 per cent obese. The survey pointed its fingers to the life style diseases among youth, a threat our country needs to tackle in the coming decades. Lifestyle diseases like diabetes and cardio vascular diseases have now spread from urban regions to even rural and tribal areas of the country. Kerala which is known for its advances in health indicators, take no time to roll out a comprehensive programme to prevent life style diseases among school children in the State. Thus born the Lifestyle Disease Education and Awareness Programme (LEAP). A Giant ‘LEAP’ for Mankind Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad inaugurated LEAP in the State which aims to control and prevent occurrence and prevalence of lifestyle diseases in school children through health education, life
style modification and regular screening. The Programme is a joint initiative of the National Rural Health Mission and the State Departments of Health and Education. The new initiative will complement a peer programme titled ‘Amrutham, Arogyam’ for adults in the State. About 70 lakh adults were screened as a part of ‘Amrutham, Arogyam’ programme. Changing Lifestyle and its Multiple Effects The World Health Assembly organized by World Health Organisation(WHO) in 2010 at Geneva cautioned in its report that non communicable diseases -mainly cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes, kill nearly 35 million people per year. The report also says that almost 90% of fatalities before the age of 60 occur in developing countries and are largely preventable. (Courtesy: WHO website) Unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, stress and excess use of junk food are the main causes that lead to lifestyle diseases at an early age. The cut-throat competi-
tion in academics forces students to distance themselves from sporting activities in and outside the school premises. India with its majority young population is more vulnerable to such non-communicable diseases. LEAP- An Introduction The LEAP initiative will help educate teachers and students on lifestyle diseases. Continuous awareness campaigns will be conducted across the schools as a part of this programme. Medical Officers, dietitians and other health workers will lead the classes which lay emphasis on healthy diet, exercise and good eating habits. Main Objectives of LEAP: · Awareness classes for students and teachers on regular exercise and healthy diet. · Facilities for exercise at schools. · Encourage students to reach schools either by walking or by cycling. · Training for students in vegetable farm making and making healthy diet. · Encourage Yoga and Sports in
Schools. · Regular screening of school students to identify lifestyle diseases. · Awareness among students regarding lifestyle disease control. LEAP Action Plan Students will be screened by health workers and their details will be recorded. For every 2,500 students, a school health nurse is being appointed for this purpose. A list of students prone to lifestyle diseases will be made and special care will be availed to them. The Class teacher will keep the records of students and access the lifestyle diseases preventive measures. Each school will have a LEAP ambassador from the health club to help accelerate the activities. Model teachers have been identified from every school and they will be given training in yoga. Depending on number of students, there will be one or two in every school. Nutritional counselling will be given to the PTA by professional dieticians to create awareness.
Voting Right: Power of the Powerless
‘
Power of the Powerless’ presupposes the division of the society into two classes – Powerful and Powerless. The world ‘Power’ can be dissected into further classification such as political power, economic power and social power. The general belief or feeling is that the power – political, economic and social – is centered in the hands of a few who can be termed as powerful. But the moot question is whether the so-called powerless are really powerless. I do not think so – in so far as the sharing or enjoyment of political power in India is concerned, which, in my opinion, is the mother of all other powers and a really potent means to achieve those powers. In this Article, I propose to dilate on this aspect, namely, political power of the Power of the Powerless. The Constitution of India proclaims that India is a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic. Giving expression to the solemn resolve of the Constitution makers, the Preamble to the Constitution secures to all the citizens of India, among other things, Justice, Social, Economic and Political; and also Equality of status and of opportunity. The ‘Objective Resolution’ moved by Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru on 13th December, 1946 in the Constituent Assembly, which set out the agenda and goal of the Constituent Assembly, that Assembly declared its firm and solemn resolve, to inter alia, guarantee and secure to ‘all the people of India justice, social, economic and political; equality of status, of opportunity, and before the law; freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith, worship, vocation, association and action, subject to law and public morality’ and to provide adequate safeguards ‘for minorities, backward and tribal areas, and depressed and other backward classes’. The foundation for such resolve of the Constituent Assembly was laid down, much earlier in 1928, by a committee under the Chairmanship of Shri Moti Lal Nehru, appointed at an all-party conference held in Bombay in May, 1928. Pandit Nehru in his inaugural address as the President of India National Congress at Lucknow session in 1936 further elaborated the point as under:“I am convinced that the only key to the solution of world’s problems and of India’s problems lies in socialism. Socialism is, however, something even more than an economic doctrine; it is a philosophy of life. I see no way of ending the poverty, the vast unemployment, the degradation and the subjection of the Indian people except through socialism.”In the Indian scenario, it was Mahatma Gandhi who set the goal to wipe every tear from every eye. Gandhiji held that freedom is a mockery so long as men starved, were naked and pined away in voiceless anguish. Gandhiji’s fight for emancipation of Harijans will always be reckoned as the most glorious aspect of his fight for human rights and dignity.Apart from socialism as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, the founding fathers of the Constitution enshrined Democracy as one of the inalienable basic features of the Constitution of India. Democracy has been best defined by Abraham Lincoln as ‘Government of the people, for the people and by the people’. Democracy is thus the real empowerment of the people – both powerful as well as powerless. In order that even the so-called powerless, who have been suffering for ages due to economic backwardness or social exploitation, untouchability and other evils which have plagued the Indian society on the grounds of caste, creed, race, religion, etc., are ensured justice and equality as enshrined in the preamble to the Constitution, the Constitution makers took the most historic step by providing in the Constitution, in Article 326, for
‘universal adult suffrage’ for choosing their representatives to the House of the People and State Legislative Assemblies. It was truly an historic decision and real empowerment of the powerless. By this decision, the Constitution also gave equal rights to women in the matter of their democratic rights, whereas, even in the West, the women were still struggling for such equality in the matter of their right to franchise. The most notable feature in this truly historic decision was the fact that an overwhelming majority, nearly 84%, of the people in India at the time of the adoption of the Constitution in 1950 were still illiterate, and mostly living in villages, and had not yet tasted the fruits of scientific and technological advancement. Quite paradoxically, in the present day political scenario, the socially backward and economically weak are looked upon as powerless and seen as ‘vote banks’. But the mere fact that they are rewarded by the political parties as vote banks shows their real strength to turn the fortunes of many a stalwarts. All political parties try to woo them in their favour by various sorts of inducements in the form of new employment guarantee schemes, housing projects, financial subsidy and other grants and concessions. The too frequent elections in recent times at various levels – parliamentary, state, local – have in fact proved to be a boon for them, as that has brought the power seekers to their doorsteps. Another significant step taken by the Constitution makers in ensuring equality of opportunity, was the provision in the Constitution, in Article 325, that there shall be one general electoral roll for all electors of a constituency and no person shall be ineligible for inclusion in any such roll or claim to be included in any special electoral roll for any constituency on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex or any of them. But, at the same, the founding fathers of the Constitution were also not oblivious of the facts that some down trodden sections of the Indian society, that is to say, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, needed special protection and impetus for the amelioration of their social status and dignity. This was the motivating force for reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in proportion to their population, in the House of the People and State Legislative Assemblies. By the 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Constitution in 1992, even women have been given exclusive seats to the extent of 1/3rd of the seats in Municipal Corporations, Municipalities and Panchayats. A similar reservation for women in Parliament and State Legislatures is also being considered, and being agitated for, but an amicable formula for such reservation has so far eluded a consensus among the political parties and parliamentarians. In order to ensure that the potent weapon or power given to the powerless under the Constitution in the form of their voting right at elections to Parliament and State Legislatures does not remain a mere paper provision, the Constitution has entrusted the duty of ensuring free and fair elections to the Election Commission of India. It is a permanent constitutional authority, insulated from the executive interference, so that it discharges its sacred constitutional responsibility of conducting free and fair elections, which is so vital for the democracy to flourish and deepen its roots. And the Election Commission, on its part, can take due credit and pride in the fact that it has faithfully discharged its sacred constitutional responsibility and fulfilled the aspirations of the teeming mil-
lions of the country. The results of the fourteen general elections to the House of the People and more than 300 general elections held to the State Legislative Assemblies have evidently demonstrated, not only the successful accomplishment of the task assigned to the Commission by the Constitution, but also the judicious way the so-called powerless people of the country have exercised their power of vote, showing their political maturity. Even the sitting Prime Minister of the country, and many a sitting Chief Ministers of the States, have suffered defeats and seen the fall of the mighty at the hands of these ‘Powerless’ people of the country when they used their real power of ballot in the not too distant past. On the other hand, the rise of the poor – humble sons of the soil, local school teachers and others lowly placed in the social order – to the highest elective offices in the country bears ample testimony to the power of ballot in the hands of the so-called powerless. The Election Commission does everything within its powers and in its allotted domain to ensure that the power of vote to the powerless is exercised by them according to their own free will and judgement. · By a constant and close watch on the preparation and revision of electoral
stations on the day of poll. In one case in Kerala, the Commission has provided a polling station in a remote area for just one elector, and in a few other far-flung places in the North-East, polling stations have been provided for just one family of four or five electors. · In order that the electors of weaker sections are not prevented by use of muscle power by intimidation, coercion or physical violence from exercising their vote according to their free will and choice, the Commission deploys adequate police forces – particularly the Central Para Military Forces – in the areas inhabited by them – not only on static duty at polling stations but also for area domination and patrolling duties to instil a feeling of confidence and assurance in their minds.· Observers are appointed by the Commission in each constituency to keep a close watch on the use of money power in poll expenses, so that the candidates even with moderate means can contest elections on a reasonably level playing field. · The introduction of Electronic Voting Machines is another significant step taken by the Commission to make the voting right of the poor and illiterate more effective. These machines have made the recording of votes by them not only simpler but also error free, whereby each vote cast by them is duly recorded for the candidate
rolls, every precaution is taken by the Commission to ensure that all eligible adult Indian citizens are brought on the electoral rolls and no eligible elector, particularly those belonging to weaker sections of the society, are excluded from the electoral rolls by any manipulations by the so-called powerful or political bigwigs.· As a safeguard against any attempt to deprive the weaker sections of the society of their right to vote, the Election Commission has launched the scheme of Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPICs), at the State cost, in all States and Union Territories and each elector is now allowed to vote only after his identity is properly checked and established by means of these EPICs or any other alternative documents specified by the Commission. · The preparation of Photo Electoral Rolls containing the photos of the electors alongwith their other particulars is the next step in this direction. · Polling stations are provided as near as possible, normally within a walking distance of not more than 2 Kms, to the hamlets, locality or villages of the weaker sections, so that they may not have to traverse long distances to go to their polling
of their choice and no vote goes waste, unlike in the past, by indistinct voting mark. · Facilities are being provided in the voting machines to enable the visually impaired electors to vote by use of Braille; ramps are being provided at polling stations and, as far as practicable, all polling stations are being brought down to the ground level of the buildings housing the polling stations, to enable the physically handicapped electors to enter their polling stations.· Awareness campaigns are being arranged and undertaken by the Commission to educate the electors, particularly those belonging to weaker sections of the society, about their rights, particularly the right to vote, under the Constitution.· As part of electors’ right to information, all candidates are now required to disclose their criminal antecedents, if any, assets and liabilities and their educational qualifications, so that the electors can make an informed choice in the matter of exercise of their potent power of vote in their hands. In nutshell, the Election Commission is not sparing any effort to see and ensure that the ‘Power of the Powerless’, that is to say, the right to vote, is made more powerful, effective and meaningful.
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