Zabarwan Times E-Paper English 19 February

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WEDNESDAY

19 February | 2014 | 18 Rabi-Al-Thani 1435 AH | PAGES 12 | Pen Fo

VOL NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 50 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 Paisa)

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http://www.zabarwantimes.com

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

Investigation into the death of youth going on: Police

Experience adds shine to talent

Srinagar, Feb 18: Over a month after a huge drugs haul and arrest of a Pakistani truck driver, the cross LoC trade that had got suspended is scheduled to resume on Thursday.

According to Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Farooq Ahmad Lone: “Yes the trade between the two sides of LoC will resume on Thursday.”

Reports reaching KNS said that a meeting between the officials of the two sides was held at Kaman Post in Uri on Tuesday evening and the two sides agreed in principle to resume the trade that got See LoC On Page 11..

Court grants bail to Shabir Khan Srinagar, Feb 18 (KNS): former minister of state for health Shabir Ahmad Khan was granted bail by the high court here in a molestation case lodged against him by a female doctor.

Khan who was attended the budget session had appeared before the police ststaion Shaheed Gunj on February 13 after court directed him to get his statement recorded before the investigating officer probing the molestation allegations against him.

Khan had submitted his resignation to chief minister Omar Abdullah on February 8. A case See Khan On Page 11..

Inside story Industry key to employment, economic autonomy: Kichloo

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 18: Saying that industrialization is key to employment generation and economic autonomy, Minister of State for Industries and Commerce, Mr. Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo today said that the Government has flagged the industry and commerce as thrust areas.

Replying to the debate on demand of grants for the departments under his charge in the Legislative Assembly to-

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On Edit Page Untimely death of water-bodies in Kashmir Nature bestowed vale of Kashmir with distinctive beauty. Lofty mountain ranges, dense forest cover, royal majestic rows of chinar trees, snow covered peaks, bubbling springs, fresh water lakes, wild rivers, roaring streams, green meadows and a rare flora and fauna are the main characteristics of the Kashmir valley. The all season beauty has given this valley a unique status, a well known, famous tourist destination all over the world. All the travelers visiting this attractive valley mentioned in their travelogues the charming beauty of Kashmir especially description of mesmerizing

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WEATHER FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:

Light Rain/Snow would occur at a few places over the state.

FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:

Partly cloudy sky. Maximum &Minimum temperatures will be around 09°C & -04°C respectively.

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TEMPERATURE MAXIMUM MINIMUM

SUNSET ON(WEDNESDAY) SUNRISE ON (THURSDAY)

13.90C -2.5 0C 06:19PM 07:12 AM

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Became first Kiwi batsman to score triple century

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Sadiq visits Ramban accident victims

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Cross-LoC trade to resume Thursday

Tourism department conferred with National Tourism Award again

Dedication of whole department made it possible: Mir Srinagar, Feb 18: For the second year running, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has valued and appreciated the working of Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department by conferring it with the National Tourism Award for the year 2012-13 in the Category “Best State–Comprehensive Development of Tourism”.

Talking to KNS, G.A Mir, minister for tourism Jammu and Kashmir observed: “I congratulate the whole department of tourism that has worked hard and contributed its best which has resulted into this award.” Mir said that the department will put in efforts to connect with the outside world to attract the tourist flow to Kashmir. “In this regard we may visit different potential countries to make the people aware about our world famous tourist destinations,” he added.

According to a statement issued to KNS, the award was presented by ministry of tourism, government of India in New Delhi on 18th February, 2014.

This has been possible as the department completed CFA schemes within the stipulated time and also had mechanisms in place to monitor the progress of projects.

The Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir implemented major projects like the Nagar Nagar Mega Heritage Tourist Circuit, Tourist City Centre at Srinagar and also introduced niche activities like Paragliding and Yachting to add new dimension to the adventure segment. Promotional activities were undertaken in new potential markets like

South East Asia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, Russia and Central Asian Countries of Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and others.

The Jammu Directorate earned laurels for developing Border Tourism and for revitalization of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex. Ladakh continues to attract tourists for its unparalleled landscape and unique culture. The Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation commissioned a new lift at Makhdoom Sahib Shrine, Srinagar besides installing Ski Chairlift at Kongdori–Gulmarg for promoting skiing in International Market.

“Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation made functional its new property at Yousmarg and also

Pro-freedom camp, civil society censure Khan’s attendance in budget session Srinagar, Feb 18: Castigating the government for allowing molestation accused former minster Shabir Khan to attend the ongoing budget session of legislative assembly, Kashmir’s pro-freedom camp and civil society Tuesday unanimously criticized the decision.

Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq told KNS that the move is shameful and it must be condemned by one and all. “It proves that the state government is acting as a shield of the tainted people and once again it has been proved by the present dispensation that government here is hell- bent to spread immorality in every corner of the state,” Mirwaiz told KNS. Syed Ali Geelani, Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman while reacting to the reports of Khan attending the assembly session- stated that his amalgam of the separatists groups was from the day one in knowledge of this development as the people of the state have lost their faith in the institutions of Justice. “When state is with Khan, who else is going to put him behind the bars,” said chief spokesman Hurriyat (G) Ayaz Akbar, adding

that his amalgam has decided to held him in peoples’ court so that no one in future would dare to outrage chastity of our women.

Senior resistance leader Mohammad Azam Inqilabi told KNS that when the government expelled Shabir Khan from the council of ministers, his attending of legislative assembly has become questionable. “He represents people of certain area in legislative assembly- if he is tainted then how can he represent the masses. Can he be termed as the law maker when he is accused of outraging Kashmir’s chastity,” Inqilabi told KNS. Inqilabi stated further that there is growing anger among the masses against the establishment and the only safe place for Khan to escape the public wrath is jail and that Kashmir’s leadership must in unison strive against Khan. “His presence in the assembly has vindicated the stand of Kashmir’s pro-freedom camp that how much credible this house is.”

Civil society activist, Shakeel Qalandar told KNS that in the See Session On Page 11..

augmented facilities at its hutments elsewhere. SKICC, Srinagar hosted several International and National Conferences and earned praise from all quarters regarding immaculate conduct of these events,” the statement reads.

It added that a Golf Development and Management Authority was constituted and Royal Springs Golf Course easily held-on to its status as the most cherished course in the country. The Leh Golf Course, when ready, will be the most inimitable course in the world. The role of Tourism Development Authorities deserves special mention as they had a challenging task of creation of assets in regions See Mir On Page 11..

Guru, Pathribal classic cases of discrimination: Mehbooba Jammu, Feb 18: While welcoming the Supreme Court’s decision to commute death sentence of Rajiv Gandhi murder convicts to life imprisonment, opposition People Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday said reprieve given Late Gandhi’s assassins is a display of double standards in case of Jammu and Kashmir and rest of the country.

“They have sent a wrong signal to the people of Jammu and Kashmir that you continue to be treated differently. This process was on at the time of hanging of Afzal Guru,” said Mehbooba while addressing a press conference in Jammu.

According to a KNS correspondent, the PDP president said: “The same reprieve should have been given in Afzal Guru’s case. Reprieve to Mohammad Afzal Guru would have made the situation different in Kashmir. But Guru was hanged in most atrocious manner by the government of India to which the National Conference is a partner.”

She said Guru was denied all judicial reliefs and it was ironic that death sentence was commuted in case of the killer of Rajiv Gandhi who also symbolized nationalism like the Parliament does. Mehbooba said that even the experts have termed whole investigations faulty the judicial process leading Guru to gallows partisan.

She said the evidence marshaled and the quality of investigations process had raised many a questions among the think tank, legal luminaries and the intellectuals of the country. Referring to Delhi rape and murder case in which one guilty was sent to juvenile home,

Jitendra Singh visits Siachen Glacier

Srinagar, Feb 18: Jitendra Singh, union minister of state for defense visited troops located at Siachen Glacier today. The visit is being hailed as a great morale-booster for the troops deployed in the Siachen Glacier since the sector is experiencing harsh winters and the temperatures are dipping upto fifty degrees below freezing point. The minister

was accompanied by the General Officer Commanding Fire and Fury Corps.

According to a statement issued to KNS, the Siachen Glacier has been actively defended by own troops since 1984 in a special operation named ‘Operation Meghdoot’ which was launched to thwart Pakistan’s See Glacier On Page 11..

CCA smells foul in Minister’s reply SC to hear petition Gool-Kishtwar riots

Srinagar, Feb 18: Coaching Centres Association (CCA) of Kashmir has called for a Valley wide shutdown of February 21 against the ‘irresponsible’ statement made by Education Minister on the floor of the house that there are only two legal coaching centres in Kashmir Valley.

Addressing a news conference in Srinagar on Tuesday, Chairman, CCA, G.N.Var said that vested interests in Education Department are hell-bent to destroy the private tuition industry in Valley. He said that on Feb 21, all 550 coaching centres providing education to more than 50,000 students would voluntarily shut down to draw government attention towards the critical challenge facing this vital sector.

“By terming all the coaching centres illegal made us believe that it is a deep-rooted conspiracy by some vested interests to destroy the private tuition industry as

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well as career of lakhs of students.

The statement made by Education Minister is misleading. Either the education department has deliberately mislead the minister or the government is unaware of the real situation,” he said.

Chairman CCA said that despite on short notice, on the directions of DC Srinagar, 140 coaching centres submitted their complete documents. “But the registration never came neither did any answer from the education department,” he said adding that CCA wants to ask them ‘if they don’t give us registration then atleast give us an explanation for the denial.’

He said public has right to know which tow coaching centres are registered but the irony is that education department wants to keep it secret for the reasons better known to the higher ups of the department.

“We fear it being See CCA On Page 11..

on on Feb 25

Srinagar, Feb 18: The Chief Justice of India Justice P. Sathasivam accepted the request of Prof Bhim Singh, Senior Advocate to hear the writ petition filed by the Panthers Party Political Secretary in connection with killing and riots in Gool Ramban and Kishtwar last year.The Supreme Court Division Bench comprising of Chief Justice J. Mr.Ranjan Gogoi Tuesday ordered that it shall hear the writ petition of the Panthers Party on February 25, 2014.

The writ petition has demanded a judicial probe into the killing of four civilians in Ramban District on July 18 and killing of three persons in Kishtwar on August 9 last year during the riots that spread on ‘Eid Day’ in Kishtwar where more than 100

persons lost their houses, shops, vehicles.

The petitioner has charged the State Administration for abetting the rioters to vandalize and property of the local shopkeepers and house owners. The State Government held an inquiry under a retired judge. Prof Bhim Singh said that inquiry was meant only to give a clean chit to the administration and the government.

The Inquiry Commission has not recommended damages to the owners of the lost property till date.

Prof. Bhim Singh told the court presided over by the Chief Justice of India that nearly 100 persons affected during the State sponsored riots have not been given any relief in spite See SC On Page 11..

Mehbooba said that these cases are classic examples of the discrimination Guru met at the hands of establishment.

Mehbooba said that besides Guru’s hanging, double standards were also adopted in case of Pathribal fake encounter where, she said the CBI proved the involvement of army personnel. She said that CBI had went upto the supreme court that unfortunately did not adjudicate the matter itself and instead handed over it to the army court which closed the matter in open.

“When I visited the spot in Pathribal people told me that one body was cut in pieces and thrown to dogs. Even we could see the bits of flesh scattered and people told that bodies were mutilated in order to conceal their identities. Is this our justice system of which we are proud,” Mehbooba questioned.

While appreciating the investigations into Gujrat fake encounter cases, the PDP president said that why the government of India remains incapacitated in case of similar encounters in Kashmir.

(KNS)

Stifling right to protest will lower credibility of House: Tarigami

Jammu, Feb 18: Expressing serious concern over the state government’s demonstration of growing intolerance of peaceful public protests, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami CPI (M) State Secretary and MLA Kulgam on Tuesday said the sadistic trend has already eroded the reputation of the government and the same will have its impact on the credibility of State Legislative Assembly if the government remains unmoved.

According to a statement issued to KNS, in his post question hour address, Tarigami said the recent police crackdown on peacefully protesting PDD casual labours and aspirants for the posts of jail warders is an ample proof for the level of incapacitation of an administration that has found a good refuge in a harsh police action.

Tarigami observed that instead of paying wages to the PDD daily wagers and fulfilling their See Tarigami On Page 11..

DGP finalizes Police Public Mela arrangements

Jammu, Feb 18: Arrangements for 24th Police Public Mela being organized in Jammu on February 23, 2014, were finalized at a high level meeting held at Police Headquarters here today. The meeting was chaired by the Director General of Police (DGP), Mr. Ashok Prasad, which was attended by senior police officers including the members of arrangements committees of the Mela.

While discussing the arrangements made for the mega event, Mr. Prasad sought reports from different committees, constituted for making the arrangements. It was informed that the required arrangements have been completed for the day long Mela. Sale of raffle draw tickets is in progress at various places across the State and the people are showing keen interest in getting tickets.

It was also informed that the stallholders from various police establishment centres have

reached here and are establishing their stalls at the identified space. They would ensure to display their items in a befitting manner.

Prasad, while addressing the meeting said that Police Public Mela has gained faith and fame at large scale as the event provides an opportunity to police and the public to assemble together and interact freely. The occasion has helped to strengthen police public relations and people from all shades of life are enjoying the Melas. He stressed to introduce more items in the Mela representing different regions of the State to make the event more attractive for the public. He also asked the officers to ensure sale of tickets on the Mela day also at the venue by establishing special sale counters.

The DGP disclosed that this time 727 fabulous prizes including a bumper See DGP On Page 11..

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Srinagar, Wednesday 19 February 2014

From the front page

Mir

that were new and ecologically fragile and thus required focused development strategy.

“State has successfully implemented Rural Tourism Projects in 33 villages to showcase the Rural Landscape and Tourism potential of the remote villages of the State and to ensure disposal of economic earnings to the hinterland as well. State has undertaken the challenging task of capacity building and service delivery improvements. About 5000 un-employed youths have been trained in Hospitality & Tourism services in various Tourism Institutes to serve the Tourism industry in more professional manner,” the statement reads further.

It added that the State has earned fame for developing Niche Tourism activities in Golf, Aero Sports, Water Sports and skiing/ snowboarding. State has hosted national championships for white Water Kayaking, Rock climbing, Skiing, Snowboarding, cycling, mountaineering, car rallies and many rural sports like Archery, Polo, Boat Racing and others.

“Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Minister for Tourism and Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, MoS, Tourism have provided visionary leadership to the officers of the Department who in turn have worked tirelessly for development and promotion of Tourism. Zaffar Ahmad, Secretary Tourism and Culture, Talat Parvez, Director Tourism, Kashmir and Soujanya Sharma, Director Tourism, Jammu, other officers of the Department and every single official deserve credit for the accolades that have been bestowed on this Department.”

(KNS)

Session

name of nationalism and national security, all the armed forces , politicians and bureaucrats imposed by GOI on ‘helpless’ people of Kashmir have been given impunity against all the crimes.”Allowing Shabir Khan t attend the legislative assembly is nothing but gross abuse of such violations.” (KNS)

Glacier

efforts to establish an illegal foothold on the Saltoro ranges where the glacier is located. The sector has seen a large number of sacrifices and acts of gallantry since then.

The minister carried out an aerial survey of the entire area and also landed at two forward posts on the glacier and interacted with the troops deployed there. Upon his arrival at the Siachen Base Camp, Shri Jitendra Singh paid homage to the brave soldiers who laid down their life in the sector, by laying a floral wreath at the Siachen War Memorial. Later the Raksha Rajya Mantri was briefed about the military situation in Siachen Glacier and all along the Actual Ground Position Line. In his address to the troops at the Siachen Base Camp, he applauded the efforts put in by the valiant soldiers for the defense of the country’s frozen frontier and said that the best of equipment, clothing and rations will continue to be provided to ensure their high degree of operational preparedness. He explicitly conveyed his happiness over the efforts put in by the army in rising up to the challenges presented by the peculiar terrain and harsh weather conditions in the area. (KNS)

Tarigami

legitimate demands and releasing their wages the police is yet to return their belongings that have been taken away from them. Three years have passed but the selection process of Jail Warders is yet to be complete.

“Instead of pacifying the peacefully agitating aspirants with some reasonable and logical arguments, the administration used brute force to quell them. Through the use of targeted brute force has antagonized almost every section and category of the society,” he added.

The CPI (M) leader observed that the right to organize peaceful protests is an inalienable right of the people in a democratic polity and denial of this basic democratic right is condemnable. He said the way right to peaceful protests is being stifled; it will only encourage the emergence of autocratic and violent forces in the society.

Tarigami observed that democratic process should not be deemed synonymous to an electioneering process only but the same means protection of constitutional guarantees of democratic rights which include civil liberties and right to peaceful protest as well. (KNS)

CCA

a ploy from some quarters to destroy the genuine private tuition industry of Kashmir and then hand over the same to their blue-eyed persons.

We have every apprehension to believe that they may hijack our industry in the same way they did it with B.Ed. sector. The B.Ed. colleges are fully controlled by Ministers, MLA’s, bureaucrats and their relatives.”

Var alleged that every attempt was made to stop them from organizing the press conference. “On the directions of some vested influential persons, police approached us and directed us to seek permission from DC Srinagar. Please tell me, do we need anybody’s permission to hold a press conference which is our fundamental right,” he said demanding a thorough probe into the matter.

Pertinently, the Education Minister on the floor of the House had stated that out of the total 140 coaching centres functioning in twin cities of Srinagar and Jammu, only two operating in Srinagar are registered and all others are illegal. (CNS)

SC of the notice issued to the Govt. of J&K by the Supreme Court.

The petitioner has also demanded CBI inquiry or independent inquiry into the bloody incident at Gool and Kishtwar.

(CNS)

DGP prize costing Rs. 6 lacs have been included in the raffle draw which has increased the people’s interest in the Mela. The transparency in raffle draw has strengthened the trust of the people upon the Organizers. Mela will be inaugurated at Police Sports Stadium, Gulshan Ground at 10.30 am and raffle draw will be held at 4 pm in presence of public, he added. Prizes would be handed over to the winners on-the-spot on production of original tickets.

Ashok Prasad said that the revenue generated through the Melas are utilized for the welfare of police martyr’s families and their wards. Free education is provided to these wards with hostel facilities in police public schools in twin capital cities of the State, besides scholarships and coaching at different levels to nurture their talent in the field of education. Financial assistance for the marriage of their daughters is also a part of the welfare measures, said Prasad.

The DGP asked the designated officers to check the quality of the goods to be displayed for sale on reasonable rates. Police bandubast and security for the event is being focussed on priority. It was also told that parking slots have been identified outside the venue for the convenience of the participants. Traffic arrangements and sanitation in around the venue should be looked into, stressed the DGP.

Zabarwan Times Among others, the meeting was attended by ADsGP, PL Gupta, SP Vaid, DR Doley, Navin Aggarwal and SM Sahai, IGP’s, Dr. B Srinivas, AK Choudhary HK Lohia, Deepak Kumar, M.S Salalria, P.R Manhas, M.A KhanRajesh Kumar and T. Punchok and other police officers. (CNS)

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suspended after 114 kilograms of brown sugar was seized from a Pakistani truck on January 17. (KNS)

Khan was registered by the police under Sec 354 RPC (assault or criminal force on a woman with the intention to outrage her modesty) and Section 509 RPC (word, gesture or act intended to outrage the modesty of a woman). (KNS)

Government irresponsive to people’s woes: JKKT

Stages protest in Srinagar and Jammu Srinagar, Feb 18 Jammu and Kashmir Kisan Tehreek (JKKT) today held a strong protest demonstration at Partap Park in Srinagar against price rice, faulty PDS, non-implementation of crop insurance scheme, dismal performance of Kisan Credit Card Scheme, erratic power supply and spurious fertilizers and pesticides. The activists of JKKT were carrying placards, banners and were shouting slogans against the government.

According to a statement issued to KNS, while addressing the protesters G.N.Malik, General Secretary of JKKT expressed serious concern over the government ineptitude towards the concerns of the people. Given the present inflation rate and sky touching price rise, he said that it was a disgrace for a welfare state if it cannot review its budget allocation for poor and downtrodden and instead spend huge sums on bleak areas.

On the dismal functioning of Public Distribution System in Jammu and Kashmir, Malik said that a substantial number of families have been left unregistered with Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) and they are forced to procure the ration from open market at un-affordable prices. He remarked that ration is being provided to the households on 2001 census and the government does not bother about the families that have split since 2001 and need ration.

Seeking adequate relief to the peasant community whose crops suffered heavy damage due to extreme weather conditions Malik demanded early implementation of crop insurance scheme stating that it could be the only way out to help the growers in the event of natural calamities. Referring to the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme he said that it has failed to deliver all that it promised and

added that the agriculture department's role vis-à-vis banks performance in this regard has been dismal. He said that out of 14 lac Families identified so far only 1.65 lac families have been covered under the scheme.

The traditional system of procedures, documentation adopted by the banking system has rendered credit facilities for farmers cumbersome, he observed.

All problem areas need to be addressed by the government so as to make the scheme successful among all the farmers he demanded. He also demanded that farmers be provided agriculture loans at 4% interest rate.

Mohammad Afzal Parray and Ghulam Mohi-ud-din lone senior kisan leaders also addressed the protesters. Terming the fresh hike in electricity tariff as highly unjustified they demanded that the decision be rescinded immediately as it is bound to hit lakhs of consumers in the state who have witnessed an unprecedented and an arbitrary hike in power tariff in past few years.

While expressing serious concern over unchecked import of spurious fertilizers and pesticides in the state, due to which farming community is suffering huge losses not only in terms of money spend on purchase of fertilizers and chemicals but also due to adverse damage caused to crops, the kisan leaders sought prompt action from the Govt to check the menace.

The regional Committee of Kisan Tehreek Jammu also held a demonstration highlighting issues confronting the common people of the state especially the peasant community. The demonstration was led by Kishore Kumar state president of the Tehreek. Among others Sham Prasad Kesar, Banarsi Das, Sohan Lal senior leaders of the Tehreek addressed the protesters. (KNS)

Sadiq visits Ramban accident victims Condoles death of Kachan, Ganderbal and Shalabug accident victims Srinagar, Feb 18 Chief Minister’s Political Secretary, Mr. Tanvir Sadiq visited SKIMS, Soura today to enquire about the well being of Ramban road accident victims who are being treated in the Institute.

According to a statement issued to KNS, he was accompanied by District Development Commissioner, Ganderbal and Medical Superintendent SKIMS, Soura. Mr. Tanvir also made round of various wards of the Hospital and enquired about the medical facilities being provided to them.

While interacting with the injured, he assured them that they will be provided all medicare facilities. He also distributed Rs. 15,000 each to the accident victims admitted in the Institution for treatment.

Wishing them speedy recovery, Mr. Sadiq directed

the authorities to provide every possible facility to the injured.

Mr. Sadiq also visited the Kachan and Shallabug area of the Ganderbal district and visited the houses of Ghulam Hassan Wani Panch and Maulvi Farooq Ahmad Mir, who succumbed in the Ramban bus incident and expressed his sympathies with the bereaved families. He presented cheques worth Rs. one lakh each from Chief Minister’s fund to the next of kin of the deceased. He assured them of every possible help to the next of kin including Government job to a member of the victims family.Mr. Tanvir Sadiq was accompanied by senior Political leader of Ganderbal area Sheikh Ashfaq Ganderbali, Tehsildar Ganderbal and other senior officers of the district administration. (KNS)

House passes grants of I&C Deptt Industry key to employment, economic autonomy: Kichloo JAMMU, FEBRUARY 18: Saying that industrialization is key to employment generation and economic autonomy, Minister of State for Industries and Commerce, Mr. Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo today said that the Government has flagged the industry and commerce as thrust areas.

Replying to the debate on demand of grants for the departments under his charge in the Legislative Assembly today, Mr. Kichloo said that the State and Central Governments have extended the Central Package of Incentives for another five years. This, he said, will boost the trade and industry so that more avenues of employment are generated in the State and the economic activities get a fresh impetus.

Mr. Kichloo said that two textile parks in Kathua and Ghatti Industrial Estates are being developed besides a

Food Park in IGC Lassipora, Pulwama to give boost to textile and Agro based industries in the State. He further said that industries have been able to provide employment to 1, 65000 people so far, out of which 132000 person are from the State.

Mr. Kichloo said that Mega Tool Room at Ghatti Industrial Estate in district Kathua and its extension centre at Sanatnagar-Srinagar has been sanctioned for the State, which would invite investment of more than Rs. 100 crores.

This Mega Tool Room, he said will help to provide training to the local labours and will be beneficial for existing unit holders as they will be able to procure the required spares from within the State itself.

21 members took part in discussion on demand of grants including Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani, Peerzada Mansoor,

15 days Skiing training course organized by J&K Police inaugurated today Srinagar, Feb 18: J.P.Singh DIG North Kashmir Range Baramulla today inaugurated basic Sking training course at Indian Institute of Skiing & Mountaineering Gulmarag for the youth of valley.

The first course has commenced today while as the second course will start on 03.03.2014.

According to a police statement issued to KNS, the 15 days training camp is organized with the aim to promote winter sports activities among the youth and provide a platform to the youth of Kashmir to explore their hidden skills. In the instant skiing training camp, 40 youths from all over the valley in two batches of 20 each would be imparted basic training in skiing in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering Gulmarg (IISM).

Speaking on the occasion, DIG NKR Baramulla said

that J&K Police is organizing the event every year under Civic Action Programme with the aim to provide a platform to the youth of valley to sharpen their skills.

Speaking at the occasion Principal IISM Col. J S Dhillon informed the participants that IISM is possessing best equipments, best instructors and very good facilities. He said that the IISM has excelled as the best skiing institute in the valley.

The inaugural function was presided over by DIG NKR Baramulla, Sh. J.P Singh and was attended by Principal IISM Col. J.S. Dillon, SP Baramulla, Sh. Zubair Ahmad Khan, SSP Kupwara Sh. Abdul Jabbar, SP Sopore Sh. Abdul Qayoom, SP Bandipora Sh. Mohammad Shafi Mir, Addl. SP Baramulla Mohammad Yousuf and officers from tourism department, GDA, IISM, Hoteliers, members of civil society and sports lovers. (KNS)

Mrs Bimla Luthra, Prof. Gharu Ram, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen, Mrs. Indu Pawar, Mr. Balwant Singh Mankotia, Mr. Irfan Shah, Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta, Mr. Rafi Ahmad Mir, Mr. Harshdev Singh, Er. Abdul Rashid, Mr. Mohammad Sharief Niaz, Mr. Ashwani Sharma, Dr. Shafi Ahmad Wani, Mr. Bharat Bushan, Mr. Krishen Chander, Mr. Sukhnandan, Mr. Ashok Kumar and Advocate Abdul Haq. Earlier, the Minister moved a demand for a sum of Rs.432.64 crore be granted to the Government to defray the charges which will come in the course of payment during the year ending March 31, 2015 for departments and PSUs under his charge.

Later, the concerned members withdrew their cut motions after getting satisfactory reply from the Minister.

The House, later, passed the grants by a voice vote.

Investigation into the death of youth going on: Police

Srinagar, Feb 18 (KNS): On 13 Feb 2014 at about 1330 hrs Police Station Bomia received an information regarding a human dead body in village Panipora Sagipora in the jurisdiction of police station Bomie. Accordingly police party rushed to the spot and took the dead body into its custody and photographed the scene of occurrence.

The deceased was identified as Irshad Ahmad Bhat son of Abdul Rashid Bhat resident of Ashtingoo Bandipora. The autopsy of dead body was conducted at Sub District Hospital Sopore and after completion of other procedural formalities, dead body was handed over to legal heirs for last rites. Proceedings under section 174 CrPC initiated into the matter.

During the investigation, it has been found that the deceased had allegedly consumed some poisonous substance and died.

Further investigation is going on. (KNS)

Degree holders for absorption as Junior Engineers Srinagar, Feb 18, CNS: The degree and diploma holders in Engineering working in Power Development Department has appealed to Chief Minister to absorb them formally as Junior Engineers as they meet all the prerequisite needed for the said post. A delegation of these degree holders told CNS that they were trained as engineers and they did everything at their command to serve the people but were denied their lawful right from last ten years.

“As per SRO 381 there has to be 15 per cent of recruitment from amoungst the eligible person working in the department but to extend the benefit to the genuine employed persons, a small exercise needed to be carried out which always remained incomplete,” they said.

House passes grants of R&B, MED Deptts

329 new habitations provided road connectivity under PMGSY: Wani

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 18- Highlighting the importance of PMGSY in the State, Minister for Roads & Buildings and Mechanical Engineering Mr. Abdul Majid Wani has said that with the implementation of this flagship programme the road connectivity has substantially improved in the rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Minister was replying to the discussion on the Demand of Grants for the Department of Roads & Buildings and Mechanical Engineering Department in Legislative Assembly today.

Listing the achievements registered during the last fiscal, the Minister informed that an amount of Rs. 250. 30 crore has been spent under R&B sector under state sector. He said 1857 Kms of new road length would be constructed during current fiscal. Similarly, 1183.90 Kms road length has been blacktopped and WBM laid on 1592.89 Kms so far.

The Minister said widening of Satwari-Kunjwani road project with an involvement of Rs. 19.49 crore is expected to be completed during the current fiscal. He said as many as 13 vital bridges have also been completed under Special Bridges Programme in the State. The

new road projects and bridges have also been submitted for funding to the Union Government under CRF to enhance the road connectivity in different identified areas.

Mr. Wani said that work on Mughal Road Project having total road length of 84.10 Kms with 7 vital bridges has been completed under PMRP Plan, adding that construction work on Rs. 73.33 crore Bhaderwah-Chamba road is going on in full swing under inter-state connectivity and is expected to be completed by next fiscal.

The Minister informed that 134 schemes, constructing 695 Kms road length, covering 329 habitations have been completed under PMGSY till date.

He said that first installment of Rs.223 crore stands released for disbursement of land and forest compensation under PMGSY for which the Union Government has recently sanctioned Rs. 710 crore.

Divulging the Action Plan of the department, the Minister said that the proposal of Rs. 25.01 crore for improvement and up-gradation of Palli Morh - Narote Jaimal Singh road connecting Pathankot- Amritsar Highway under inter State

Connectivity and construction of tunnel on Mughal Road for making it all season road communication have been submitted to Union Government for approval.

Earlier, the Minister moved a Demand for Grant of a sum of Rs.1816.57 crore to defray the charges which will come in the course of payment during the year ending March 31, 2015 for the departments under his charge.

21 members took part in discussion on demand of grants including Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani, Peerzada Mansoor, Mrs Bimla Luthra, Prof. Gharu Ram, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen, Mrs. Indu Pawar, Mr. Balwant Singh Mankotia, Mr. Irfan Shah, Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta, Mr. Rafi Ahmad Mir, Mr. Harshdev Singh, Er. Abdul Rashid, Mr. Mohammad Sharief Niaz, Mr. Ashwani Sharma, Dr. Shafi Ahmad Wani, Mr. Bharat Bushan, Mr. Krishen Chander, Mr. Sukhnandan, Mr. Ashok Kumar and Advocate Abdul Haq. Later, the members, who moved the Cut Motions on the Grants, withdrew after the satisfactory reply from the Minister.

The House passed the Grants by a voice vote.

Jora for vertical housing expansion, says J&K soon to have comprehensive housing policy JAMMU, FEBRUARY 18: Jammu and Kashmir State will soon announce a comprehensive housing policy with main focus on construction of high rise group housing colonies and due share for the people belonging to Lower Income Group (LIC) and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) of society.

This was stated by the Minister for Urban development and Urban Local Bodies, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora while replying to the debate on demand of grants for the departments under his charge in the Legislative Assembly this afternoon.

Mr. Jora said that to provide affordable housing facilities to the people in two capital cities of Jammu and Kashmir and major towns, the Government has started construction of a

chain of housing flats adding that one such colony named Gulposh is being developed in Bemina Srinagar whereas three flat type housing colonies are being constructed in Muthi and Ghandhi Nagar, Jammu.

He said in view of the scarcity of land in cities, government has switched over to construction of high rise housing colonies for the needy people on affordable prices adding that the demand for such accommodation is increasing every passing day.

He said in order to provide improved civic amenities to the people, government has established on-line Grievance Redressal Cell in the Municipal Corporations of Jammu and Srinagar.

The Minister said that the proposal for construction of multi-level parking at General Bus Stand Jammu involv-

ing estimated cost of Rs. 130 crore under EPC mode has been finalized and tenders invited adding that construction of bus stands at Shalteng and Katra has been taken up for execution at the total cost of Rs. 38.17 crore besides development of bus addas in the state taken up at an estimated cost of Rs. 31 crore. He said that construction work of 1015 lanes / surface drains is under execution worth Rs. 18 crore.

The Minister said that 6 projects related to Multi Tier Parking and construction of Express Way Corridors and Flyovers for Jammu and Srinagar cities worth Rs. 564 crore stand submitted to the Centre for funding under JnNURM. He said RRY scheme for providing subsidized housing loan to the houseless families has also been launched in the state.

Mr. Jora said a comprehensive mobility plan for Srinagar city at an estimated cost of Rs.20,000 crores has been finalized and comprehensive mobility plan for Jammu city at an estimated cost of 12000 crore is nearing finalization.

He said timeline for development of Satellite Township at Rakh-i-Gund Aksha has been finalized adding that colonies for economically weaker sections at Paloura, Udhaywalla, Sumarbagh-Bemina and Noorbagh are under development.

He said the revised master plans for Jammu and Srinagar cities are at final stage of completion whileas master plans of Kupwara, Budgam, Acchabal, Kokernag, Baramulla, Kulgam, Ganderbal, Sopore and Katra have been finalized.

Owner , Printer & Publisher: Suhail Malik Editor -in-Chief: Shahana Malik RNI NO. JKBII/2011/39764, Email: zabarwantimes@gmail.com Publised at Govt.

Quarters , M-13 Magarmal Bagh Srinagar-190001 J&K, Printed at:- Sangarmal Offset Press Humhama Sheikhpora Tele/Fax: 2478370 Cell No. 09999964750, 9796 787844

NEWS

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES

Construction, upgradation of 5 road projects in Nagrota constituency proposed under PMGSY Phase-X: Wani Rs. 2.09 cr compensation disbursed to ]affected structure owners of Khanyar-Zadibal road widening

Minister informed that no road Mr. Harsh Dev Singh, Prof project under NABARD and CRF Gharu Ram Bhagat, Mr. A. R. Veeri has been proposed for funding in and Mr. Ashwani Kumar raised Nagrota constituency during cur- supplementaries and demanded rent financial year. He, however, timely completion of road projects informed that under PMGSY the besides taking up of new road projconstruction and upgradation of ects in their constituencies.

Gorda to Jakhar, Padami to Galali, Replying to another quesSarikhurad to Suhwad, Tara to Do- tion by Mr. Mohammad Sharief hai and Baleeni to Katal-batal in Niaz, the Minister informed that Nagrota constituency have been habitations of Saranga Konthle, Hoproposed under phase -X. jabhola, Punej Kothi, Dhoki Dhalla, Replying to the supplemen- Kangota Gathi, Manogita, Nalitaries raised by some members, the Mikiyas, Shirdi Kanduloji Kirlo and JAMMU, FEBRUARY 18: Minis- Minister said that due care should Toti Mahjandhanji in Doda district ter for R&B Mr. Abdul Majid Wani be given to complete all ongoing have been covered in the core nettoday informed the House that road projects besides taking up of work of PMGSY. temporary restoration of the dam- new road projects under PMGSY in The Minister said that aged roads due to natural calam- the State. He said different disputes habitations of Siri Tipri, Panigrass ity during last and current fiscal in and impediments confronting the Darbani, Bhara Mandir Goda and Nagrota constituency stands done execution of some road projects Hamoot Tangarma have been recby expending Rs. 89.40 lakh, add- are being solved vigorously in co- ommended in the revised core neting that traffic is plying on the said ordination with concerned depart- work and submitted to MORD for roads. ments. He said for upgradation of approval.

News Khan News Replying to aLone question

by Agency The Agency Minister Ganderbal also gave details roads Kangan the concerned MLAs would Gulzar Sourato give their priorities.

Zahidabout Bookthe Depot Chadoora Mr. Jugal Kishore in the House,News the Agency ongoing road projects be consulted

Zabarwan Times is available at

with physical and financial status of each road projects being executed in Bhaderwah constituency.

Replying to another question by Peer Afaq, the Minister informed that eight structures have been removed so far and demolition of one structure is in progress from Nallabal Bridge at Nowshera to Police Station at Soura during the widening process of KhanyarZadibal road. He said an amount of Rs. 2.09 crore have been disbursed as compensation to the House/ structure owners. He said the said portion of the road is likely to be completed in 2015-16.

Mrs. Shamima Firdos raised supplementary and demanded compensation to those owners whose structures came under road widening in her constituency.

The Minister assured that matter would be looked into on priority for providing compensation to the structure owners, if any.

Tariq News Agency Hawal Bashir News Agency Nowhatta Muzaffar Ali News Agency Alamgari Bazar Budshah News Agency Lal Chowk Abdullah News Agency Lal Chowk Sikendar News Agency Lal Chowk Gupkari News Agency Lal Chowk Raina News Agency Gund Kangan Khan News Agency Regal Chowk Rashid News Agency Dalgate Sheikh News Agency Hyderpora Hilal News Agency Budgam Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Chadoora Bhat News Agency Magam Zargar News Agency Kunzar Upgradation of MS Payar under consideration Deputy Chief Dar News Agency Bashir News Agency Sumbal Minister, Mr. Tara Chand today informed theBeerwah House that GovAgency Safapora Saleem News Agency Pattan ernment has requestedReshi UnionNews Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) Basharat for grant News of newAgency educational instituBandipora Reyaz News Agency Pampore tions and upgradation of existing one in the State under differAltaf News Agency Pulwama Javaid Agency JAMMU,News FEBRUARY 18:Qazigund Arrange- their items in a befitting manner. ent central schemes. He said that after receiving the nod from Jeelani Agency Baramulla News Agency mentsG.M for 24th Police PublicSopore Mela being Mr. Prasad, while addressing the the Centre these schools wouldNews be established and upgraded organized in Jammu February 23, 2014, meeting said that Police Public Mela has as per the norms prescribed the purpose.The Deputy Chief Shah for News Agency Kupwara Sultan News on Agency Handwara were Sheikh finalizedNews at a Agency high levelIslamabad meeting gained faith and fame at large scale as the Minister was replying to the supplementaries by some Younis News Agencyraised Langate held at Police Headquarters here today. event provides an opportunity to police members to the main question by Syed Bashir Ahmed here in Reshi News Agency Islamabad Three Way News Agency Tral The meeting was chaired by the Director and the public to assemble together and the House. He assured that there would be no discrimination Turray News Agency Tralin any area.

Badru News Agency Bijbehara General of Police (DGP), Mr. Ashok Prasad, interact freely. The occasion has helped while opening and upgrade educational institutions whichMalik was attended by senior police of- to strengthen police public relations and Replying to the main question, the Minister informed that presRahi News Agency Kulgam News Agency Arwani ficers including the members of arrange- people from all shades of life are enjoying ently there is no provision upgradation high schools of Rah for News Agency of Byepass Shaheen News Agency Kargil ments committees of the Mela. the Melas. He stressed to introduce more

Govt. approaches MHRD for grant of establishment, upgradation of schools: Tara Chand

Karimabad, Achan, Tahab, Sangarwani, Bandzoo, wahibugh and Rajpora to the next higher level in current financial year. He said middle school Payar qualifies for upgradation to the next level and the proposal of upgradation of Middle Schools including Middle School Payar has been submitted to MHRD for consideration.Replying to the main question, the Minister informed that presently there is no provision for upgradation of high schools of Karimabad, Achan, Tahab, Sangarwani, Bandzoo, wahibugh and Rajpora to the next higher level in current financial year.

He said middle school Payar qualifies for upgradation to the next level and the proposal of upgradation of Middle Schools including Middle School Payar has been submitted to MHRD for consideration. Mr. Sartaj Madni, Mr. Zahoor Ahmed Mir and Mr. Javed Ahmed Dar raised supplementaries and demanded upgradation of educational institutions sin their constituency besides opening up of new ones.

While discussing the arrangements made for the mega event, Mr. Prasad sought reports from different committees, constituted for making the arrangements.

It was informed that the required arrangements have been completed for the day long Mela. Sale of raffle draw tickets is in progress at various places across the State and the people are showing keen interest in getting tickets. It was also informed that the stall holders from various police establishment centres have reached here and are establishing their stalls at the identified space. They would ensure to display

looked after by the Rural Development Department, Mr. Pir stressed on the participants to work in unison and zest so that better results are achieved in the field. “Strong DPR is imperative for a strong development of any project” said Mr. Pir. Mr Pir hoped that the new professionals would utilize their knowhow to get optimum results from the proposed projects, adding that the water management is top most priority of the government.

Speaking on the occasion Chief Executive Officer, State Level Nodal Agency, Dr. Ghulam Hassan Shah, said that IWMP has been launched in the State during the year 2011-12. He said a State Perspective and Strategic Plan (SP&SP) for covering about 15.33 lakh hectares of land was got approved from Department of Land Resources of Union Ministry of Rural Development Department, for covering all the districts of the State.

Dr Shah said that Preliminary Project Report for the year 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 for a total amount of Rs 804.00 crore has been approved by the Union Government while as the State Perspective and Strategic Plan was approved for an amount of Rs 230.00 crore

items in the Mela representing different regions of the State to make the event more attractive for the public. He also asked the officers to ensure sale of tickets on the Mela day also at the venue by establishing special sale counters.

The DGP disclosed that this time 727 fabulous prizes including a bumper prize costing Rs. 6 lacs have been included in the raffle draw which has increased the people’s interest in the Mela. The transparency in raffle draw has strengthened the trust of the people upon the Organizers. Mela will be inaugurated at Police

which is to be executed in a phased manner.

The CEO said that Preparatory Phase for the 41 projects which involves Baseline Survey, Net Planning, Patch Planning, Livelihood Schemes, Production and Micro Enterprises are near completion Giving details of the achievements registered in various areas of the State, the State Level Technical Expert (Rural Management) Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad Mir, said that the State Level Nodal Agency has engaged 250 professionals for executing various projects in the State. He further said that 27600 persons were imparted training in various awareness camps so far.

He said that under the Entry Point Activities programme, 41 projects have also been taken up.

A young energetic Technical Expert Mr. Nasir Ahmad, through a power point presentation, gave an overview of various far-flung and remote villages of Bandipore which have been covered under IWMP. He said the process will continue in future also.

Dr. G. S Naqash, Technical Expert (Agriculture) also threw light on various aspects of the programme.

People’s participation imperative for effective development: Bhalla JAMMU, FEBRUARY 18-Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture, Mr. Raman Bhalla today said that Government is committed to provide all basic amenities in periphery pockets of urban centres for which several schemes have already been launched by it.

While kick starting the construction work of lanes and drains at Channi Himmat today, Bhalla said that Government is committed to improve the living standard of the people by creating necessary infrastructure. He asked the executing agency to complete the works within prescribed time frame and use quality material , adding that Government was committed to create durable assets for the people.

Mr. Bhalla asserted that Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed massive development in all spheres during last five year period adding that several concrete measures have been taken to create durable assets and improve living standard of the people.

Mr. Bhalla said that a large number of people that have gathered at Channi today are witness to the fact that people have started reposing the confidence in the developmental approach of the coalition government.

Mr. Bhalla said that a large number of people that have gathered at Channi today are witness to the fact that people have started reposing the confidence in the developmental approach of the coali-

Maternity hospital complex Noorbagh nearing completion: Sham Minister for PHE, Mr. Sham Lal Sharma today informed the House that construction work of Rs. 11.54 Crore Maternity Hospital Noorbagh in Eidgah constituency is nearing completion adding that Rs. 7.58 crore has been incurred on its execution up to last financial year while as Rs. 1.10 crore has been approved for the project during current financial year.

Replying to a question by Mr. Mohammad Yasin Shah in the House, the Minister informed that the Hospital building is almost complete and ready for inauguration.

The Minister said that eight posts for Mini Maternity Hospital Noorbagh have already been sanctioned by the Government, adding that the upgradation to the level of mother and child care hospital along with creation of additional 38 posts of various categories has been taken up with Planning and Development Department.

The Minister said that to make the hospital functional Rs. 2 crore has been approved under NRHM for procurement of machinery and equipments.

dgP finalizes Police Public Mela arrangements Says 727 fabulous prizes in raffle draw

Pir inaugurates 3-day Training Programme on sustainability of Watershed Projects in JK JAMMU, FEBRUARY 18: Commissioner Secretary Rural Development Department, Mr. Farooq Ahmad Pir, today inaugurated 3-day Training Programme to train the associated professionals in developing sustainable Watershed Projects under Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP).

Organised jointly by National Institute of Agriculture Extension Management, Hyderabad (NIAEM) and Jammu and Kashmir State Level Nodal Agency for Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), the training programme is aimed at to train the professionals, who have been associated with IWMP, in preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the projects to be taken up under the programme.

The head of National Institute of Agriculture Extension Management, Hyderabad (NIAEM) Professor Maheshvari, briefed the aims and objectives of the training programme. She said that Department of Land Resources of Union Ministry of Rural Development Department has organised this training programme especially for the professionals of Jammu and Kashmir State.

Welcoming the new entrants in the IWMP of the State government, being

Srinagar | wedneSday

tion government.

The Minister issued instructions to Managing Director J&K Housing Board to immediately complete upgradation work of lanes and drains, approach road, and lighting in the Colony for which Rs. 55 lakh has been sanctioned.

Mr. Bhalla desired that the pace of progress on maintenance of the colony be expedited. He said that Government was aware of their problems and efforts are being made to address them in a phased manner. He said proposal of other development works is under active consideration of the Government and every possible measure will be taken to further improve things on ground, he maintained.

Sports Stadium, Gulshan Ground at 10.30 am and raffle draw will be held at 4 pm in presence of public, he added. Prizes would be handed over to the winners onthe-spot on production of original tickets.

Mr. Prasad said that the revenue generated through the Melas are utilized for the welfare of police martyr’s families and their wards. Free education is provided to these wards with hostel facilities in police public schools in twin capital cities of the State, besides scholarships and coaching at different levels to nurture their talent in the field of education. Financial assistance for the marriage of their daughters is also a part of the welfare measures, said Mr. Prasad. The DGP asked the designated officers to check the quality of the goods to be displayed for sale on reasonable rates. Police bandubast and security for the event is being focused on priority. It was also told that parking slots have been identified outside the venue for the convenience of the participants.

ZERO HOUR IN LA

Members raise issues of public importance in House JAMMU, FEBRUARY 18- Minister for Roads& Buildings, Mr. Abdul Majid Wani, while intervening during Zero Hour in the Legislative Assembly, on the point raised by Mr. Javed Mustafa Mir said that Government will restore the original status of the mosque which suffered partial damage due to construction of new Assembly Complex in Jammu.

Mr. Javed Mustafa Mir drew the attention of the Government on the issue and demanded restoration of the mosque in its original status.

Mr. Yashpaul Kundal and Mr. M.Y.Tarigami raised the issue of constant Dharnas by the daily rated workers of various departments and safai karmcharies in Jammu for pressing their demands. They urged the Government to intervene and resolve their genuine issues enabling lifting of Dharnas.

Mr. Balwant Singh Mankotia drew the attention of the Government towards the lukewarm attitude of Police in dealing with the alleged rape case of two minor girls of Panchari block. He sought justice for the victims and severe punishment for the culprits.

Mr. Mushtaq Ahmed Shah demanded compensation for the fire victims of Tral area.

Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta urged the Government for supply of ration to the consumers as per the approved scale. He alleged that ration dealers are distributing ration to the consumers as per their sweet will in violation of standing guidelines.

He also called for frequent inspection of PDS ration to ensure its quality.Hakim Mohammad Yasin called for earmarking adequate funds for repair of electric transformers in Budgam district. He alleged that damaged transformers are not repaired by the authorities for many days which results in great hardship for the consumers.

Wakhloo asks civil society to maintain status of woman

JAMMU, FEBRUARY 18Chairperson, J&K Social Welfare Board (JKSWB) Khem Lata Wakhloo today called upon civil society to maintain the status of women at all costs and create a secure and safe atmosphere for her to contribute in transformation and progress of the society The chairperson was speaking as chief guest after inaugurating 2-day workshop on ‘Kalam Se Camera Tak’ organized today by Montage Films ‘Nari’ Samvad in collaboration with Government College for Women, Parade to make the students aware about film production and its scope.Renowned personality in the field of literature and Film Production Mrs. Rama Pandey and Mrs. Lavlin Thadani were the resource persons for the workshop.Member Legisla-

tive Council (MLC), Mr. Vijay Bakaya, Principal GCW Parade Prof (Dr.) Hamla Aggarwal, Social Activists Prof.

Rita Jatendra and Mr. Nazam Saqib, besides faculty members, students, teaching and non-teaching staff members were also present in large numbers at the inaugural function.

Mrs. Wakhloo highlighted the issues of womenfolk and educated them about their rights and duties as well. She said that sex determination test and female feoticides are the worst crimes of modern society and a blanket ban should be imposed on such practices.

“Such types of workshops provide us an opportunity to introspect about our shortfalls and look for the means to correct these” Wakhloo said. She further

said that the theme of the workshop conveys a lesson to women asking them to strive for transformation and use intelligence to achieve excellence. Appreciating the college authorities for organizing such a mega event in the interest of students, she called upon the young girls to draw inspiration from the women personalities present who have contributed a lot in art and culture. In his address, Mr. Vijay Bakaya appreciated the initiatives taken by Mrs. Rama Pandey in educating the students about their rights in their life. He stressed upon the students to try their hand in creative and art works. He asked the students not to remain confined to books but try to develop good communication skill, creativity and intellectual thinking.

19. 02 .2014

HOROSCOPE Aries

March 21-April 19

Don’t discount your ability to be extremely resourceful if you need to be, Aries. If you don’t have everything you need or all of the required information, take time to think. Who can you ask? What places can you access? Who might know where you can find what you need? Rather than panic because the pieces aren’t all there, instead make a list of contacts and go for it. Trust in yourself.

Taurus April 20-May 20

Try not to let today’s blues get you down, Taurus. While it’s true that some days can seem to drag on, the busier you are the faster time will pass. Get down to finishing any work still before you and then make plans for tonight. If there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, not only will things seem to speed up but you’ll feel better knowing it’s coming.

Gemini May 21-June 21

Dare to be different, Gemini. It can be so easy to fall into a drill.

Sleeping at the same time, eating at the same time, wearing the same style, and going about work the same way day after day. Before you know it, you feel like you’re in a rut. The only way to get away from this is to make a decision to break free by doing something unique. Try a new haircut. Wear colors that are unusual for you. If the need is there, consider a new career. Pursue expansion.

Cancer June 22-July 22

If your lifestyle is considerably different than that of others, resist feeling self-conscience about it today, Cancer. Try to remember that you chose the life you have for specific reasons. Even if you’ve come to a point where you’re considering a change, there’s no need to feel badly, ashamed, or embarrassed about where you are now. Everyone has to make his or her own way. If this conforms to the norm, that’s fine. If it doesn’t, that’s fine, too.

Leo

July 23-August 22 An enhanced feeling of determination could motivate you today, Leo. Finish the things that aren’t complete and make some plans for this evening. Don’t hesitate to take on something that feels complicated or big. Chances are you’ll be able to handle most anything and it will feel great when it’s finished. Enjoy your day by making the most of opportunity.

Virgo

August 23-September 22

Feeling the effects of today’s energies, Virgo? Take heart if this is the case, because the end of the tunnel isn’t as far away as it seems. Do your best to take things one step at a time and see about making some plans for a little fun this evening. Get together with friends or take in a movie. Help yourself feel better by staying busy and focused and follow up with some recreation. Before you know it, the aspect will pass and you’ll be back to normal.

Libra

September 23-October 23 Consider making some plans for a vacation or short getaway, Libra. Looking forward to something fun can make even the toughest of days far easier to handle. You’ll be amazed how much you can manage when there’s an end in plain sight. Your entire attitude can lighten. So take the bull by the horns and create an incentive for yourself. Do something special to reward the hard work you do day after day.

Scorpio

October 24-November 21 Don’t judge someone if he or she has a different lifestyle than what you consider to be OK, Scorpio. You probably lean toward the traditional, yet not everyone feels this way about relationships, working, or lifestyle. While it may seem impossible to understand and even frighten you, try not to be too harsh on those you deem odd. You’d be better off using that energy to keep your own life on track.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21

Friends seeking advice or a shoulder to cry on could be plentiful today, Sagittarius. You’re one of best people to give them the support and care they need. Just be sure that you don’t give so much to others that you don’t have anything left for yourself. True friendship is about sharing and the exchange of problems and help. Running yourself down will leave you in a place where you aren’t going to be much help to anyone.

Capricorn December 22-January 19

Getting through today shouldn’t pose too big a problem for you, Capricorn. You may feel a huge second wind that can give you the drive and determination to see your chores and projects through. Make some plans for this evening, such as getting together with friends or taking in an event that really intrigues you.

Until then, go about your tasks bit by bit. You’ll get things finished before you know it.

Aquarius January 20-February 18

Working within boundaries and restrictions could really get to you today, Aquarius. Yours is an independent spirit and your best achievements are often born of doing things your own way. Yet like it or not, we all have to follow guidelines and rules. Do your best to follow suit and finish what needs to be done. Afterward, you may find more freedom to act independently without consequences. Exercise patience and diligence as needed today.

Pisces

February 19-March 20 Chances are that you’ll feel upbeat and positive today, Pisces.

Consider sharing this energy with those around you who are feeling less than content. Your attitude can have a profound effect on friends, partners, spouses, and children. Even neighbors and extended family can pick up on your spirit without you even realizing it. Share your optimism with everyone you can today. If you see someone hurt or angry.

EDITORIAL/ OPINION Untimely death of water-bodies in Kashmir

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ature bestowed vale of Kashmir with distinctive beauty. Lofty mountain ranges, dense forest cover, royal majestic rows of chinar trees, snow covered peaks, bubbling springs, fresh water lakes, wild rivers, roaring streams, green meadows and a rare flora and fauna are the main characteristics of the Kashmir valley. The all season beauty has given this valley a unique status, a well known, famous tourist destination all over the world. All the travelers visiting this attractive valley mentioned in their travelogues the charming beauty of Kashmir especially description of mesmerizing images of water bodies. The tourists enjoy the flowing water in the rivers the most.

But with the passage of time the charm, attraction and beauty of this valley is fading away. The increasing population, continuing violence, diminishing values, lack of responsibility and various other reasons have taken toll of the water bodies. The world famous Dal Lake, Wular lake, Manasbal, Hokersar, Jehlum river known as Vitasta, revered by Kashmiri pundits and other wetlands have virtually become soakage pits. The filth of city and towns is dumped into water bodies and no official machinery is ready to check it as the work culture has suffered a severe jolt under the garb of law and order situation. Almost all the water bodies whether in urban and rural areas are choked with enormous dirt and filth. The floating plastic bags in the water-bodies are very common. The human greed, materialistic and selfish nature has given rise to encroachments. The nature lovers are shocked to see the huge concrete jungle of hotels around the Dal Lake. More painful is lack of waste management policy before commissioning hotels and other buildings around water-bodies.

Unfortunately these innocent silent water-bodies are bearing the brunt of human intervention which is tampering with ecosystem and pushing these bodies towards gradual extinction.

The general masses and the concerned departments seem to be unconcerned or clueless about the future disastrous they are bringing for the next generation. Everybody is watching the unusual high temperature for the last few years resulting into less snowfall, less rainfall, decrease in the forest cover, drying up lakes and rivers. Central government is pumping in huge funds for the preservation of water-bodies but unfortunately with no monitoring system, accountability towards funds goes unnoticed and the dream of good governance is a far off cry. The civil society here is a mix of contradictions and whimsical emotions. We watch agriculture land turning into fields for narcotic cultivation or into concrete buildings with awe but with no reaction. Time has come when the society as a whole has to be proactive to save its culture, heritage and natural wealth. Perhaps no “Kashap Reshi” will come to our rescue at this time.

Daily

Zabarwan Times

Srinagar, Wednesday 19 February 2014

Sugar Decontrol -- Taking Care of Interests of Sugarcane Grower, Consumer and Sugar Sector

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n a landmark decision the union Government has abolished the levy sugar mechanism and regulated release mechanism to de-control Indian sugar industry while at the same time ensured that poor segments of the society continue to get sugar at existing subsidised prices by taking upon itself the entire financial burden of distributing sugar through ration shops. A notification in this regard has been issued on May 7, 2013.

By this landmark decision the Government has ensured that the interests of all segments of the sugar economy be it industries, farmers, consumers and poor section of society are safeguarded.

For industries, the measure will give them freedom to sell their produce without any restriction and improve their liquidity position, a improved liquidity will ensure that millions of sugarcane farmers in India will now not have to wait for their due price from sugar millers, while for consumers it means sugar availability will increase in the market by as much as 10 per cent per year.

The Government has decided to reimburse the state governments for purchasing and selling sugar through PDS below the market rate for which it will bear upon itself an additional burden of around Rs 3,100 crore.

The issue of de-controlling of sugar industry was engaging the attention of the Government for a very long time. There were representations from sugarcane farmers’ associations as well as sugar mills, the major stakeholders of the sugar industry, that a price sharing formula for sugarcane was long overdue.

The Government, too, thought about bringing a level playing field where the interests of the consumers on the one hand and the development of sugar industry on the other hand can be ensured.

The demand for decontrol of sugar has stemmed from cyclic nature of sugar production in the country, which puts the sugar industry at a disadvantage in that they are not able to find it a viable business option finally affecting sugarcane farmers. Starting from a normal year when there are no major cane price arrears, the farmers tend to plant larger area under sugarcane. This leads to increase in sugarcane production with the consequent increase in sugar production which in turn leads to excess stocks resulting in depressed sugar prices and build-

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t the time of Independence in 1947, India had only three steel plants – the Tata Iron & Steel Company (Jamshedpur), the Indian Iron and Steel Company (Burnpur) and Visveswaraya Iron & Steel Ltd (Bhadravathi), besides a few electric arc furnace-based plants. The period till 1947 thus witnessed a small but viable steel industry in the country, which operated with a capacity of about one million tonne and was completely in the private sector.

From the fledgling one million tonne capacity status at the time of Independence, India has now risen to be the 4th largest crude steel producer in the world and the largest producer of sponge iron. The Indian steel industry is now globally acknowledged for its product quality. During the first three FiveYear Plans (1952-1970), in line with the economic order of the day, iron and steel industry was earmarked for state control. From the mid-50s to the early 1970s, the Government set up large integrated steel plants in the public sector at Bhilai, Durgapur, Rourkela and Bokaro. The policy regime governing the industry during these years involved licensing of capacity, dual-pricing system and control of imports and exports.

Globalisation Benefits Industry

The large-scale capacity creation in the public sector during these years contributed to making India the 10th largest steel producer in the world. Crude steel production grew markedly to nearly 15 million tonnes in the span of a decade. Economic slowdown adversely affected the pace of growth of the steel industry. However, this phase was reversed in 199192 with the advent of globalization and opening up of our economy. Control regime was replaced by liberalisation and deregulation. The provisions

ing up of cane price arrears. As a result of lower returns, the farmers tend to take lesser care of the cane and area under sugarcane gets reduced in the subsequent years. The years of reduced production of sugarcane also witness higher diversion of cane for gur making, a significant part of which also finds its way into the liquor industry in the unorganised sector as a substitute for molasses which itself would be in short supply. The lower production of sugarcane and higher diversion combine to produce still lower availability of cane for crushing in sugar mills which results in disproportionately low sugar production.

As a result, the sugar prices rise, the mills get higher returns, the arrears position is taken care of and the farmers get a good price and are encouraged to plant more and the area under sugarcane starts rising again. In two to three years time, this leads to another year of peak production and the cycle starts all over again.

The Central Government was confident of taking the burden arising out decontrol of sugar as the country could achieve sugar production of 263.50 lac metric tonnes during the 2011-12 (October-September) sugar season which was 20 lac tonnes more than the sugar production of 243.50 lac tonnes during the 2010-11 sugar season. While the seasonal variation in sugar production had also started to smoothen in the last 3-4 years, the market price of sugar had remained within reasonable levels all throughout 2012-13 sugar season.

The Rangarajan Committee appointed by the Government to look into the whole gamut of sugar decontrol had observed that levy amounts to a cross subsidy between open market and PDS sugar and, it is not in the interest of general consumer or development of sugar sector and recommended that levy sugar be dispensed with.

So, two crucial issues emanating from the Rangarajan Committee’s report came up before the Government for a decision. These were, one, whether sugar is to be continued as an item under the PDS; and, two, if sugar is to be continued as an item under the PDS, does the current levy obligation on sugar mills need to be continued with or the PDS supplies are to be met through open market procurement.

The options that were available before the Government were quite complex in that it had not only to take the State Governments along, but

to look into other critical issues such as increase in procurement cost, problems relating to market distortions including delayed payments for cane price, the subsidy burden, etc.

It was felt that removal of sugar in the PDS could not be acceptable. The major decision to take was that if sugar was to be continued as an item under the PDS, who would bear the extra burden for keeping the delivery at Rs. 13.50 per kg? The extra burden in terms of increase in subsidy owing to decontrol of sugar will be around Rs. 3100 crore excluding distribution cost involved.

At present open market price of sugar hovers around Rs. 32 per per kg., while in respect of retail price through PDS, it is Rs. 13.5 per kg, which has not been revised since 2002. The Government is able to provide sugar at Rs.13.5 per kg by absorbing the subsidy involved in each kg at Rs.6 per kg after buying it from sugar mills at levy price fixed by the Government at Rs. 19.05 per kg.

At present, the total expenditure being incurred by the Government in terms of subsidy for supply of 27 lakh tonnes of sugar under PDS comes to Rs. 2556 crore. With decontrol of sugar, the additional burden would mean absorbing the increase in subsidy component to the tune of Rs. 13 per kg, currently being borne by the individual sugar mills, i.e. the difference between the ex-mill price of Rs. 32 and the levy price fixed on them for the current year, which is Rs. 19.5. The total additional subsidy burden works out to Rs. 3100 crores excluding distribution cost.

The Central Government had decided to take the responsibility of the additional burden in terms of subsidy increase upon itself.

The decision of the Government to partially decontrol sugar has not affected the sugar price in open market also, as there is enough sugar in the country with this year’s production expected to be around 24.5 million tonnes as against a requirement of 22.2 million tonnes.

Now the States will also be free to purchase sugar through a transparent system at the current ex-factory price of Rs. 32 per kg which has been capped for two years.

The Government had ensured that this important decision on partial decontrol of sugar takes care of the interests of sugarcane farmers while also ensuring that the interests of the common man and development of sugar sector.

‘Steel’ Vision

of the New Economic Policy initiated in the early 1990’s impacted the Indian steel industry in many ways.

Large-scale capacities were removed from the list of industries reserved for the public sector. The licensing requirement for additional capacities was also withdrawn subject to locational restrictions. Private sector came to play a prominent role in the overall set-up. Pricing and distribution control mechanisms were discontinued.

Iron and steel industry was included in the high priority list for foreign investment, implying automatic approval for foreign equity participation up to 50%. Freight equalisation scheme was replaced by a system of freight ceiling. While export restrictions were withdrawn, quantitative import restrictions were largely removed.

The system, thereafter, underwent rapid changes. For steel makers, opening up of the economy opened up new channels of procuring their inputs at competitive rates from overseas markets and also new markets for their products. It also led to greater access to information on global operations/ techniques in manufacturing. This, along with the pressures of a competitive global market, increased the need to enhance efficiency levels so as to become internationally competitive.

The consumer, on the other hand, was now able to choose items from an array of goods, be it indigenously manufactured or imported. This freedom to choose established the sovereignty of the consumer and galvanised steel producers to provide products/service levels in tune with the needs of the consumers.

Slow-down & Turnaround Large integrated steel plants were set up in the Private Sector while the already existing plants expanded their capacity. This has resulted in the emergence of private sector with the creation of around 9 million tonnes of

steel capacity based on state-of-the-art technology. Tariff barriers were either reduced or dismantled while partial float of the rupee on trade account, access to best-practice of global technologies and consequent reduction in costs – all these enhanced the international competitiveness of Indian steel in the world export market.

After 1996-97, the Indian steel industry’s pace of growth slowed down with the steady decline in the domestic economy’s growth rate. Production, consumption and, exports fell below average. Indian steel was also subjected to anti-dumping/ safeguard duties as most developed economies invoked non-tariff barriers. Economic devastation caused by the slowdown of the global economy, Asian financial crisis and the impact of glut created by additional supplies from the newly steel-surplus countries pulled down growth levels.

However, from the year 2002, the global industry turned around. The situation was no different for the Indian steel industry, which by now had acquired a degree of maturity, with emphasis on intensive R&D activities, adoption of measures to increase domestic per capita steel consumption and other market development projects, import substitution measures and thrust on export promotion.

National Steel Policy

The rapid pace of growth of the industry and market trends called for certain guidelines and framework. Thus was born the concept of the National Steel Policy, with the aim to provide a roadmap of growth and development for the Indian steel industry.

The National Steel Policy (NSP) was announced in November 2005 as a basic blueprint for the growth of a self-reliant and globally competitive steel sector. The long-term objective of this policy is to ensure that India has a

modern and efficient steel industry of world standards, catering to diversified steel demand. The focus of the policy was to attain levels of global competitiveness in terms of global benchmarks of efficiency and productivity.

The policy sought to facilitate removal of procedural and policy, increased investment in research and development, and creation of road, railway and port infrastructure. It also focused on the domestic sector, but also envisaged a steel industry growing faster than domestic consumption, to enable export opportunities to be realised.

Sponge & Pig Iron

India is also a leading producer of sponge iron with a host of coal based units, located in the mineral-rich states of the country. Over the years, the coal based route has emerged as a key contributor and accounted for 75 per cent of total sponge iron production in the country. India is also an important producer of pig iron. Post-liberalisation, with setting up several units in the private sector, not only imports have drastically reduced but also India has turned out to be a net exporter of pig iron. The private sector accounted for 91 per cent of total production for sale of pig iron in the country in 2011-12.

Besides achieving the rank of the 4th largest global crude steel producer in 2012, India has also made a mark globally in the production of sponge iron/direct reduced iron (DRI).

Thanks to mushrooming growth of coal-based sponge iron units, domestic production of sponge iron increased rapidly, enabling the country to achieve and maintain the number one position in the global market. With a series of mega projects and the domestic economy carrying forward the reform process further, the future of Indian steel industry is definitely optimistic. A new ‘Steel Vision’ for the next 20 years is also under finalization.

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