Zabarwan Times E-Paper English 19 January

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SUNDAY

19 January | 2014 | 17 Rabi-Al-Awwal 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |

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VOL NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 19 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 Paisa)

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

Shamim Firdous announces Rs. 5 lakh for repairs, renovation of lanes, drains See More On Page 10

Calls on Governor N N Vohra

Apple reduces risk of heart ailments, high blood pressure problems

See More On Page 10

Srinagar, Jan 18: A girl student of 12th class resident of Neelipora Magam, Handwara consumed some consumed some poisonous substances at her home after failing to qualify the her 12th class exams. She was shifted to SMHS hospital Srinagar for treatment.

Meanwhile, in another incident 26 years old lady resident of Zachaldara, Handwara also consumed some poisonous substance at her home. She was also shifted to SMHS hospital for treatment. (KNS)

2 shops gutted in Sopore Srinagar, Jan 18: Fire broke out in two shops of Abdul Aziz Dar resident of Nowpora, Sopore and Ishtiyaq Ahmad Malik resident of Iqbal Nagar, Sopore at Main Chowk Sopore. Both the shops were completely damaged ,besides, two adjacent shops belonging to Nazir Ahmad Ganie resident of Noorbagh, Sopore, and Mohammad Rafiq Lone resident of Butpora were partially damaged in the incident. Fire was brought under control with the help of fire tenders and locals.

The cause of the fire is believed to be electric short circuit. (KNS)

Unidentified body recovered in Srinagar Srinagar, Jan 18 (KNS): Rainawari police has recovered un-identified male body of age about 35-40 years old from Kathi Darwaza Rainawari. The deceased is wearing green check sweater and having a long hair and beard. The dead body is lying in SMHS Hospital, Srinagar for identification.

Anybody having any information regarding the whereabouts of the deceased may please contact Phone numbers 019212507507, 9596770876 or Police Control Room on Dial 100. (KNS)

Inside story Wullar Lake being developed as world class tourist destination: Mian Altaf SRINAGAR, JANUARY 18: The Minister for Forests and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad said that work is apace for the restoration of past pristine glory of Wullar Lake and this world famous water body is being developed as a world class tourist attraction.This was stated by the Minister while reviewing restoration work apace on Wullar Lake, which is being executed by Wullar Conservation and

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On Edit Page Indo Pak trade relations – a threshold of new era India and Pakistan have reaffirmed their commitment to expeditiously establish normal trading relations and provide non-discriminatory market access to each other on reciprocal basis. As Pakistan was demanding that India should remove imbalances in the trade and commerce, hence this agreement will address the Pak grievances. The two countries have also in principle decided to give a flip to the process of trading activities

See More On Pg 09

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 10°C & -3°C respectively.

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TEMPERATURE MAXIMUM MINIMUM SUNSET ON(SUNDAY) SUNRISE ON (MONDAY)

11.3 -3.5 0C 05:49 PM 07:36 AM

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First time to work with Farhan Akthar

See More On Page 07

2 girls consume poison

Contra band seizure in Uri

Pakistan suspends Cross-LoC trade Meeting of Cross LoC officials remains inconclusive Srinagar, Jan 18: A day after police in Uri arrested a driver from Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PaK) on charges of carrying drugs in a Cross LoC trade truck, Pakistan on Saturday didn’t allow drivers from this side of Kashmir to return and also refused to allow PaK drivers. A meeting of officials from the two sides also failed to break the ice.

Officials associated with the trade told that authorities in PaK detained the 26 drivers from this side of Kashmir and also refused to allow back drivers to their side.

Following the development, Deputy Inspector of Police north Kashmir, JP Singh addressed a press conference in Baramulla in which he confirmed the developments related to Cross LoC trade.

“We are investigating that for whom the

drugs was,” Singh said, adding “the businessmen associated with the trade will be investigated about the seizure.”

Blast, firing triggers panic in Sopore, Srinagar Srinagar, Jan 18: Two incidents of firing and blasts triggered panic in Srinagar’s Hyderpora and Sopore town of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Saturday.

Sources said that the troopers belonging to 179 battalion CRPF were engaged in a mock drill at their post in SBI, Sopore when a grenade fell from the hand of a trooper around 9:15 am today and exploded in a drain. No one was injured in the blast.

The explosion led to chaos in the busy Main Chowk. Many people ran towards the safer places fearing it to be a militant attack.

Meanwhile, panic also gripped Hyderpora area of Srinagar after some gunshots were heard this morning.

Reports said that road open-

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ing parties of CRPF and army around 1:55 pm today heard some gunshots and immediately took positions along the volatile stretch. The forces, sources said, told the police that some unknown gunmen in a car fired two rounds at their patrol before fleeing. Later, senior police, CRPF and army officials reached the spot to ascertain the facts.

Locals, however, denied that any firing took place.

“A scooter which had a damaged silencer caused the gunfire like sound. The forces presumed it to be gunshots and took positions along the highway,” Mohammad Atif, a local told GNS. A senior police official, who visited the spot, told GNS that no clue was found in the area that suggested that firing incident had taken place. (GNS)

President launches Pulse Polio Immunisation Prog. 2014 3 years without a single case, a historic achievement: Azad ZT News

“We have already detained some traders in this connection,” he said, adding “the credentials of all the traders who are part of the Cross LoC trade will be investigated properly to avoid any untoward incident.”

“The drugs may have been sent by ISI or any other agency based in Pakistan to foment trouble in Kashmir,” the police official said.

“ISI and other agencies in Pakistan want to mislead Kashmiri youth. The consignment may have been part of the conspiracy, we are going to investigate in thoroughly,” he said.

He said that following PaK government’s refusal to allow the remaining trucks back into that side and withholding of trucks from this side a high level See Uri On Page 11..

New Delhi, September 18: The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee launched the Pulse Polio Immunization programme 2014 at the Rashtrapti Bhavan, today in the presence of the Union Health Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad and MoS (Health), Santosh Chowdhary. Six small children were administered polio vaccine by the President of India.

Azad pointed out that in this round more than 17 crore children will be vaccinated. Also, 23 lakh frontline workers and volunteers will fan out in every nook and corner of the country to reach every

India - Pak to boost trade activities Wagah-Attari border post to remain open round the clock

New Delhi, Jan 18: India and Pakistan have agreed to keep the Wagah - Attari border open round the clock on all days for trade. Both sides also agreed to provide Non-Discriminatory Market Access on a reciprocal basis to establish normal trading relations.

In a joint press conference, the Commerce Minister Anand Sharma and his Pakistani counterpart Khurram Dastgir Khan said in New Delhi today that they have decided to implement the agreed measures before the end of next month.

To intensify and accelerate the process of trade normalization, liberalization and facilitation, the two countries have decided to cooperate on business visa and Banking sec-

tors. Both countries directed their Ministries to work out modalities for containerization of cargo, allowing all tradable items See Trade On Page 11..

child up to five years of age so that we maintain high immunity of our children against See Azad On Page 11..

Trooper shoots self after officer allegedly misbehaves, abuses him Srinagar, Jan 18: A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) trooper Saturday shot himself dead during the rehearsal parade in the frontier district of Kupwara of north Kashmir.

Official sources told GNS that Constable Syed Abdul Majeed (Belt no. 943323655) of CRPF 162 battalion this morning shot himself dead with his carbine rifle after his officer allegedly abused and misbehaved with him during the rehearsal parade at the DPL, Kupwara ahead of January 26 celebrations in the frontier district. A resident of Bandra district in Utter Pradesh, Syed collapsed in a pool of blood.

His colleagues, who were also attending the parade, sources said, rushed him to the nearby hospital for treatment.

However, the doctors there referred the critically injured trooper to SKIMS, Srinagar.

He died at the hospital before the doctors could operate upon him.

“The slain trooper had some domestic problems at home.

He approached his officer Adjutant Mishra seeking leave.

However, the officer denied him the leave and misbehaved and abused him. Disheartened, he took the extreme step in front of his colleagues,” sources added. Meanwhile, an army soldier Saturday died of heart attack in Baramulla district of north Kashmir.

Constable Avtar Singh (47year old) of 53 RRC regiment suffered the cardiac arrest during duty See Trooper On Page 11..

Kichloo advocates revocation of AFSPA from peaceful areas ‘Will see why Geelani is being denied passport facility’

Srinagar, Jan 18: A day after chief minister Omar Abdullah met union home minister, Sushilkumar Shinde in Delhi discussing matters relating to the security, Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, minister of state for home, on Saturday advocated revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the peaceful areas in Jammu and Kashmir.

Talking to KNS, Kichloo observed that Omar has always been advocating revocation of laws like AFSPA and it is his (Omar’s) earnest desire to see these black laws go during his tenure. “Offcourse AFSPA cannot be lifted from the militancy infested areas in the state but I don’t think there should be any hesitation in its revocation from the areas that have got rid of militancy and are peaceful.”

Kichloo remarked that the chief min-

ister in his meeting with Shinde vehemently argued for revocation of AFSPA from the peaceful areas of the state particularly in Valley. “It has been his (Omar’s) endeavour to lift this law from the state initially from the areas where the militancy has come to an end. And he has always reflected this desire in meetings with country’s top leadership, unified high command or for that matter during internal security meetings.”

He said that revocation See Kichloo On Page 11..

Geelani, Yasin, Shah reject NOTA Mirwaiz finds this option interesting

Srinagar, Jan 18: Terming the introduction of None of the Above (NOTA) option in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the state during the forthcoming polls in the state, the separatist leadership Saturday unanimously termed it an ‘irrelevant’ option.

However, Chairman Huriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq while termed NOTA an interesting option as far as Kashmiri’s political situation is concerned.

Mirwaiz, said that the NOTA option presented an “interesting opportunity” to separatists. “I think the Right to Reject merits a serious consideration. We need to deliberate on it,” he says. “If people have the choice to reject contesting candidates, it gives the people of Kashmir a chance to tell the world where we stand.”

Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Mohammad

Yasin Malik while terming NOTA a ‘non-issue’ said that the relevance of the option could be questioned as there is no impartial agency supervising the elections here. “The arm is theirs, police, employees and what not. Why should we waste time in thinking about NOTA. It has nothing to do with this troubled land.”

Malik stated further that the option could be the strategy to take the people of Kashmir towards the polling booths so that the impression could be given to the world that people here participate in large numbers. “How could we believe that at the end they would reveal the true figures of the people that had pressed the NOTA option? The system here has no credibility on ground. ” Huriyat Conference (G) led by the senior separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani termed the option irrelevant and that NOTA could be vital for the other states but for Kashmir its unimportant as far as See Geelani On Page 11..

PULSE POLIO CAMPAIGN Dear Citizens, Please remember! Today is Polio Sunday for your children.

Hurry up! Take your below five years age children and provide them Polio Drops from your nearest Polio Booth.

(Shabir Ahmed Khan) Health Minister J&K Issued by; Directorate of Family Welfare, MCH & Immunization J&K.

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Zabarwan Times

Sunday 19 January 2014

Uri meeting of officials from both the sides had been called.

Later the officials from the two sides met but the meeting, as per sources, ended without reaching any conclusion.

The meeting started at 4:30 pm and ended at 6:30 pm.

The officials who particited in the meeting from this side include Deputy Commissioner Baramullah Ghulam Ahmed Khawaja, SSP Baramullah, Zubair Ahmad Khan and SDM Uri Abdul Aziz.

From Pak side the officials were led by DG Trade, Retired Brigadier Mohammad Ismael Khan.

A senior official who was part of the talks told GNS that the meeting remained inconclusive as PaK authorities demanded immediate release of the driver. (GNS)

Azad the polio virus. Besides setting up 102 polio vaccination posts along international borders, it has been decided that any case of wild polio shall be treated as public health emergency, the Health Minister added.

Azad, addressing the gathering, stated that India has not recorded even a single case of wild polio in the last three years, which is a historic achievement. Narrating the journey India took to arrive to this feat, he said that as poliovirus transmission in some parts of the country was intense, experts believed that India was the most difficult place in the world to stop polio. India however, accepted the challenge, he pointed out. In 2010, India launched bivalent oral polio vaccine with the President of India administering the first drops of the new vaccine to the children. Intense effort results in covering all children, no matter where they were. This also saw the lakhs of vaccinators braving difficult conditions to reach children in the remotest parts of the country, the Health Minister stated.

The Health Minister stated that the prgramme had the immense support of the religious and opinion leaders as well as social mobilizers who won over resistance through effective communication of benefits of polio vaccination. Community ownership of the program was fostered. The managers carefully mapped high risk habitations, particularly mobile and migrant populations, so that all under-served populations were reached, the Minister pointed out. He added, that this required close monitoring and door to door vaccination so that no household was missed. Children were immunized on trains, in buses, in melas, in religious congregations and along the international borders. This was done again and again with never-say- die spirit, Azad added. This resulted in coverage rates of unprecedented levels.

The Health Minister noted that the response to the last polio case in Howrah in West Bengal was razor sharp and is globally cited as the fastest response time. The Ministry stepped up surveillance so as not to miss even a single case of polio, he added.

Azad stated that from a position when India had more than 2 lakh children getting crippled by polio each year, we have come to a time in history where not a single child has suffered wild polio for the last three years. This is monumental victory- and has paved the way for India's formal certification by WHO as a polio free nation, he informed. He thanked various partners such as the State governments, lakhs of supervisor and vaccinators, volunteers, WHO, UNICEF, Rotary International, World Bank, USAID, DFID and many more who have made this achievement possible.

Also present at the occasion were senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, representatives from international partners such as WHO and DFID and media.

Trade by land route at Wagah. On opening of branches, Khan said Pakistan has been waiting for the Reserve Bank of India to nominate banks that could be allowed to open branches in Pakistan.

Our correspondent reports that FICCI and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan are also coordinating an “India Show” in Lahore in the middle of next month. Sharma accepted the invitation of his counterpart Khan to visit Pakistan next month.

Khurram Dastgir Khan was in Delhi on a three day visit to attend the 5th SAARC Business Leaders Conclave.

Trooper at Hyderbeigh camp in Pattan of the district, officials said.

He was taken to a hospital, where he was declared brought dead, they said.

Singh who belonged to Punjab and his body has been sent to his native village, the official said. (GNS)

Kichloo of AFSPA will act as a confidence building measure and a peaceful atmosphere in a prerequisite for the holistic development of the state. “A peaceful atmosphere is a must for the promotion of tourism potential of the state and for it everybody has to contribute. With tourist inflow, the state will is bound to see economic prosperity and the same would address the unemployment problem.”

Asked about denial of passport facility to senior separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani, the MoS Home stated that he has no knowledge whether Geelani has applied for the passport or not but he will surely look into the matter. “I will enquire whether has applied for the passport and if he has done so I will minutely see why he is being denied the facility when all other separatists like Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik avail the same.”

He said that he has clear direction from the chief minister Omar Abdullah that passports are issued to people in minimum possible time and without any hassles. “Yes we cannot help people involved in militancy but if the same is being denied to some innocent, we are there to take a stern action. The Chief Minister recently issued strict instruction to clear all pending cases of passports where the person himself or herself is not directly involved in militancy related activities.”

He said that anybody having facing problem in availing the facility should contact him. “I appeal all such applicants who are being denied the passports for some avoidable reason should contact me,” he added.

Regarding infiltration attempts, the MoS Home said that there has been a drastic reduction in incidents of infiltration and there are multiple reasons for the same. “The fencing on borders has contributed a lot. Similarly, the heightened vigil and alertness of our security forces has effected a significant change,” he told KNS. On ration money to police personnel, the MoS Home said that he will take up the issue with minister for finance requesting him to expedite the release of funds. He also informed that the police department is mulling to train the SPOs in different skilled courses for three months and later the trained SPOs will be adjusted against a quota of 1000 vacancies which have been created for the purpose. (KNS)

Geelani the political status of the state is concerned. “It is the army that rules the state, how could we expect that the option could be relevant here. With NOTA or without NOTA, elections have no relevance in Kashmir and that the people must boycott the process tooth and nail,” Huriyat (G) chief spokesman Ayaz Akbar told KNS. Chairman Huriyat Conference (JK) Shabir Ahmad Shah while stating that the NOTA must not be discussed as an option here stated that the boycott is necessary action that the people must take to show to the world what they think about this system. “For us, going near to the polling booth is restricted and the people of Kashmir must boycott the polls at large with or without NOTA.” (KNS)

NC terms PDP’s protest as farce

PDP enacting a drama- Tanvir

Srinagar, Jan 18: National Conference today hit at PDP calling their protest as farce to gain ‘cheap publicity’ and ‘hoodwink people’ “The PDP continues to embarrass itself shamelessly and the drama of protest is one classic example of this.” the Political Secretary to Omar Abdullah, Tanvir Sadiq said on Saturday The Kundal Committee report exposed many skeletons in the closet which involved PDP leaders” said Tanvir adding “Why didn’t they protest when they were involved in the forest scam?

“Didn’t they shut their eyes to the sex scandal when it first surfaced” he added "They should have resigned at that very time if they were the representative of the people but preferred to shut their eyes," said Tanvir While lashing out at the PDP for their protest the political secretary said that they

should first answer the questions raised by former IG Crime as to why he was shifted when in 2004 he unearthed the paper leakage scam.

“The former IGP crime was heading towards a great success and after the evidences against the culprits were collected and investigating team was going to tighten the noose, their ex-CM not only issued his transfer order from state crime department to stall the further arrest” said Tanvir “PDP should set their own house in order before raising finger on us. People have not forgotten 2002 -2005 which was an era of corruption, nepotism and favoritism and the misdeeds of their ministers are alive in the files of the government,” sadiq said “If the assets of their leaders are investigated and made pubic they will fall flat on their face,” he said.

Ridiculing the PDP about corruption Tanvir said, “It’s amusing to see PDP protesting with some handful of people and shouting slogans about corruption while as their own law makers were in-

Air Marshal SS Soman visits Air Force station Srinagar Srinagar, Jan 18: Air Marshal SS Soman, Air Officer Commanding in Chief (AOCin-C) Western Air Command, Indian Air Force along with Mrs Rashmi Soman, President, Air Force Wives Welfare Association (Regional) arrived on 16 Jan 14 for a two day officail visit to Air Force Station Srinagar.

According to a statement issued to KNS, they were received by Air Commodore B Balachandran, Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Srinagar, Mrs Preetha Balachandran President, Air Force Wives Welfare Association (Local) and other senior officers.

The AOC-in-C was given a presentation on the operational role of Air Force Station Srinagar. The AOC-in-C assessed the operational capabilities of each unit and section of Air

force Station Srinagar. He also assessed the infrastructure development being undertaken at this premiere base of the Indian Air Force. He interacted with the officers, air warriors, DSC personnel and the civilian staff of the station and appreciated the professionalism and operational preparedness of the personnel that they are maintaining even during inclement weather conditions.

Mrs Rashmi Soman was given a presentation on the welfare activities undertaken for the wives of Air Force Personnel under the aegis of President, Air Force Wives Welfare Association (Local). She also interacted with the ladies.

At his departure he lauded the high state of alertness and determination displayed by the personnel in securing the base. (KNS)

Recovery of arms from Papa Kishtwari gang Counsel seeks investigation by Special Team

Srinagar, Jan 18, CNS: In infamous Papa Kishtwari case the Court Saturday gave last opportunity to SSP Srinagar to produce the status report pertaining to the investigation with regard to the recovery of arms and ammunitions from former Ikhwani Papa Kishtwari gang.

According to CNS, in Papa Kishtwari case, the applicant Zahoor Ahmed Mir’s counsel Advocate Babar Jan Qadri pleaded before the Court that since the non-applicant that is Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar has failed to produce the status report pertaining to the investigation with regard to the recovery of arms from Papa Kishtwari gang and who are the persons responsible for providing arms to that illegal group, may be investigated by Special Team supervised by the Court itself.

The Court after hearing the arguments from the Counsel of the applicant gave last opportunity to SSP Srinagar through prosecution to produce the status report by or before Feb 3 this year which is the next date for hearing. (CNS)

One succumbs while another injured in road accidents

Srinagar, Jan 18 (KNS): An injured person succumbed while another was injured in different road traffic accidents across the valley.

Aqib Ahmad Sofi son of Ghulam Ahmed resident of resident of Gratbal, Ganderbal who was injured in a road traffic accident on 16th January when a Truck 407 bearing registration number JK01/5190 hit their motorcycle bearing registration number JK04A/3273 that he was driving at Manasbal, Ganderbal succumbed to his injuries. A case already stands rgistered in police station Safapora in this regard.

Meanwhile, an unknown load carrier hit a motorcycle without registration number driven by Mufeed Ahmad Ganie on foreshore road Srinagar near Hamdan Mohalla in the jurisdiction of police station Nigeen Srinagar. The injured was shifted to SKIMS Soura Srinagar for treatment. A case has been registered in this regard. (KNS)

volved in a major fraud while they were in service” “It’s an irony that a person they themselves file a case against in their regime becomes a saint overnight when he joins them. The height is that they reward him by making him a lawmaker,” he said adding “Today land grabbers and scamsters are hallmarks of this party”.

“They shamelessly talk about corruption but forget that their own ministers were involved in corruption” said Tanvir adding “The PDP should explain how their leaders made fortunes. Let people compare their leader’s assets in 1975-76 to now in 2013”.

Stating that Omar government not only constituted independent institutions to keep vigil on government functioning but gave teeth to the defunct ones the political secretary said that people are empowered to bring the corrupt to the book and help in bringing transparency in the functioning of the government besides making people legally empowered to demand public services delivery in a time bound manner. (KNS)

4 houses gutted near LoC as fire tenders failed to reach the spot

Srinagar, Jan 18: More than four residential houses were gutted near Line of Control (LOC) as fire and emergency squad failed to reach the area, the locals said.

The reports received by KNS stated that the fire began from the house of Haleema Begum at approximately 3 a.m in the area of PP Post Chowkibal, 15 Kms away from Kaman Post.

The locals told KNS that they repeatedly attempted to contact the fire services so that the flames could be doused without much damage caused to the nearby houses. “No one really came and when we could not stop the fire, it engulfed everything,” said area’s deputy Sarpanch Liyaqat Ali Khan.

The reports maintained that more than four residential houses gutted by the fire comprising more than 25 households with woman and children.

The locals allege further that after the massive fire incident that destroyed huge property in the area, no official from the government visited the affected people. “During these turbulent times even, no one from the authorities came with the helping hand.

Who would provide victims the shelter and other medical help?” asks the area sarpanch.

Houses of Ali Mohammad, Dilwar Ahmad, Ghulam Qadir and Farooq Ahmad Mir were destroyed due to the massive fire.

The repeated attempts of contact to the fire and emergency division in the area were not established. (KNS)

PDP hold state wide protests against power crisis, administrative failure Srinagar, Jan 18: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Saturday held state wide demonstrations against the government for its failure to address people’s problems. Apart from the two capital cities-Srinagar and Jammu- large demonstrations were also held at all district headquarters and all major towns to press for redressal of pressing problems faced by people.

In view of the complete collapse of power distribution system in this freezing winter months in Kashmir valley, the focus of demonstrations remained lack of electricity, while workers also highlighted scarcity of ration, kerosene oil, LPG and drinking water.In Jammu province, the government was on receiving end of the demonstrations for rampant corruption, unemployment among the youth and mis-governance, a statement issed to KNS said.The speakers castigated the government for pushing the entire Valley into complete darkness forcing the people to switch over to the ancient means of lightning. Even the authorities have even failed to stick to the atrocious power schedule, announced for the winters, but the tariff has been increased five folds, over the last five years. In many cases, they pointed out, bills have been inflated beyond reasonable limits with the result people have been unable to pay the tariff.

The power supply system has frequently broken down and transformers have been damaged at many places. The speakers pointed out that the government had with much fanfare announced the establishment of transformer banks, which, in fact, proved to be another hallow promise by it. Even now people are forced to collect

money to get the damaged transformers repaired. Due to the recent snowfall, at places, HT and LT wires, which have fallen down, have not been repaired posing serious threat to the human populace.

Highlighting the maximum government, which does not even have salaries to pay its employees and minimum governance; the people marched on the roads to make their point louder, a statement issued to KNS. Adding to the people’s woes, the speakers said, so many areas are still awaiting clearance of snow.

They said there is serious shortage of rice, flour at the Public Distribution System (PDS) outlets and there have been many instances where ration under the PDS going to black market. Even, nothing came out, so for, about the 10 thousand quintal rice which went missing from an Awantipur godown few months back. “Fact of the matter is that such frauds are done by the corrupt employees in league with ruling party ministers,” leaders said.

The speakers said while the water charges are regularly collected from consumers, but in many areas, especially in villages, women are forced to fetch water from the sources, miles away from their homes. Even, at places, people are forced to melt snow to get drinking water.

The PDP leaders accused the government of institutionalising the corruption in the state and making the institutions of probity systematically dysfunctional. They said there have been brazen cases of corruption like the Cricket Scam, PHE scam, Fake drug Scam, BOPEE scam etc., over the last five years, which have made the state poorer and the sitting ministers richer.

Army foils infiltration bid in KG sector

Poonch, Jan 18: Army Saturday claimed that it foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) in Krishnagati sector of Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir.

A defence spokesperson said, based on the inputs of likely attempt of infiltration by militants waiting at the launch pads along the LoC in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, the troops deployed were put on high alert in Krishnagati forward area.

“At around 8:30 am our alert troops in KG Sector foiled an infiltration attempt by 3 to 4 militants.They were spotted 150 meters away from our forward post and were challenged. However, the inflitrators tried to close in on own post following which they were fired upon,” the spokesman said adding that the militants dispersed in the jungle and Army has launched a search operation to track down the militants. (CNS)

DIG Jammu inaugurates Health Club at Ramkot

KATHUA, JANUARY 18: DIG Jammu- Kathua Range Mr. Shakeel Ahmed Beig, today inaugurated a Health Club at Ramkot followed by a Police Public meet.

Speaking on the occasion DIG said that the equipment has been provided for the health club by J&K Police under Civic Action Programme in order to channelize the youth energy in the right direction. He said involvement of the youth in physical exercise in such health clubs as well as sports activities is required.

The leaders said though there have been many serious charges of corruption against the sitting ministers and the mysterious death Haji Yousuf, in 2011, at the chief minister’s residence expose the murky money dealings in the Abdullah family.They said the governance system which is anti-people in its approach but it has been fully loaded against the youth, with the result the young population is feeling deprived and disillusioned. According to a statement issued to Kashmir News Service, the recruitment and selection processes have been subverted and there is no transparency and accountability in the system. The government, the speakers said, has put everything on sale which has also been responsible for the anger among the youth as they don’t get a fair play in the system. The government, instead of creating meaningful avenues for the welfare of the young population, has been on war with them as more than 10 thousand FIRs have been lodged against them, besides using every inhuman means to suppress their voices. The seriousness of the government, in tackling the menace of unemployment among the educated youth, can be gauged from the fact that it has recruited 400 retired people on hefty salaries.

In Srinagar, the protest march started at the PDP headquarters which passed through the Residency road and latter culminated at the historic Lal Chowck. The march was led by the senior PDP leader and the party’s candidate for Srinagar parliamentary constituency, Tariq Hameed Karra and Mohammad Ashraf Mir, MLC and district president and Molvi Imran Ansari.

Army organized Free English Speaking Course

Shahid Wani

From the front page

Anantnag, Jan 18:Army in its endeavor to boost young students organized a free English Speaking Course at HQ.1 Sec RR Khanabal Anantnag.

Army under the banner of SADBHAVANA organized a free English speaking course for needy & talented students, just to expose their gifted talent at HQ-Sector 1RR at Khana-

bal Anantnag.Near about 40 students enrolled themselves in the course. Besides getting free admission in the course, the students were also provided free audio-video and other necessary study material and after successful completion of English speaking course they were today awarded Certificate of participation..

GOVT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR

OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE ENGINEER PHE DIVISION HANDWARA NIT: 16/PHE/Hand/OF 01-2014

POSITION: DEMANDED POSITION OF AAA: SUBMITTED For and on behalf of governor of J&K State, the Executive Engineer PHE Division Handwara invites sealed tenders affixed witi RS. 2/ revenue stamps from approved class of connectors for the "work mentioned below which should reach to the Office of the Executive Engineer PHE Division Handwara on or before 27-01-2014 upto 2:PM. The tender documents can be had from the Office of the Executive Engiieer PHE Division Handwara on or before 25-01-2014 upto 2PM during office hours on production of their enlistment cards against cask payment (Non-refundable) The tenders shail be opened on the same day or any other day convenient to the tender issuing atxthoriry in pregnceof the ccrtractor who may wish to be present at the trruc of opening of tenders.

S.Ns

Name of work

Estt. Cost.

E.Money

01.

02.

03.

04.

OS 06.

I/F of Balance portion of supply main / sub main Distb. System for village Shilthra WSS Shiltkra.

I/F of balance portion of Distb. System of village Malikpora, Banday Mohalla and Nadipora WSS Shilthra.

I/F of Distb. System for Village Ananwan Sheikhpora for WSS Ananwan Langate.

I/F of pipes to village Kultoora Mohallah Putpcra WSS Pohrupeth.

I/F of Distb. System for Dudkul balance part Urrussa and Taluya WSS Dudkul.

I/F of rising / supply main and sub main for Village Ananwan Sheikhpora WSS Ananwan .

I/F of pipes (balance work for providing water supply facilities to village Sheikhpora Frasswari Wadder WSS Nichama Yangerhar.

Improvement to Distb. System of village Chuntipora WSS Kalamabad.

Providing PSP in Village Maratgam WSS Lower Mawer.

I/F of pipes for Improvements to Distb. System at Chalpora WSS Lower Rajwar.

1.80 0.62 0.51 0.14 0.67 2.70

3600/1240/1020/280/1340/5400/-

Class of contractor DEE DEE DEE DEE DEE DEE

0.22

440/-

DEE

0.06 0.04 0.52

120/80/1040/-

DEE DEE DEE

07.

08.

09.

10.

Cost of T.D

Time of completion

Major Head

100/50/50/50/50/200/-

lOdays.

10 days 10 days 10 days 10 days 15 days

NRDWP -do-doDistrict Sec. NRDWP -do-

50/-

10 days

District Sec

50/50/50/-

05 days 05 days 10 days

Under M&R NRDWP NRDWP

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: 1.

Tender must reach through registered post'or in person. In case the date of receipt of tenders happens to be holiday. The same may be received on the next working day up to 2PM. 2.

Tender must be sealed and the envelopes must be duly marked with the name of work and NIT No. 3.

The opening authority may reject any or ail the tenders without assigning any reason thereof.

4.

Payment shall be made to the contractor as and when the funds will be available with the department.

5.

Any item/items of work not provided in the rate list but found necessary during execution of work shall be paid at par.

6.

Any tender not affixed with revenue stamps shall be rejected.

7.

The tenderer shall have to quote their rates legibly both in figures and in words and without cutting and should be signed underneath of rates/amount with fixing of transparent tape cello over it.

8.

The tenderer which works out below the SSR-2008 shall be rejected out rightly.

9.

In case the progress of work is found unsatisfactory with the stipulated period, the department after serving a note tothe contractor will be free to make departmental arrangement of any other agency

to supplement the contractor's resources or get the work executed ' through any other agency. In all such cases extra cost if any involved in completing work shall be recovered from the defaulting

contractor in addition to penalty imposed under rules, which may lead to conciliation the Registration card, 10.

CDR once utilized con not be entertained again.

11.

No tenderer document shall be issued unless registration card is produced to check the validity and capacity their in.

12.

All other terms and conditions shall remain same printed in PWD form 25 and 33 and as laid down in the general NTT of the department.

DIPK:12653

Sd/ Executive Engineer PHE Division Handwara

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

Srinagar | Sunday

Wullar Lake being developed as world class tourist destination: Mian Altaf Directs WUCMA to speed up restoration work of lake

SRINAGAR, JANUARY 18: The Minister for Forests and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad said that work is apace for the restoration of past pristine glory of Wullar Lake and this world famous water body is being developed as a world class tourist attraction.

This was stated by the Minister while reviewing restoration work apace on Wullar Lake, which is being executed by Wullar Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA).

The Minister directed the WUCMA authorities to speed up the developmental work and ensure afforestation of hitherto deforestated Lake is being developed in such a would provide much needed emareas of the Lake to restore pristine way which would attract national ployment opportunities to the local glory of the Lake and to maintain as well as international tourists unemployed, besides, transforming the local environment.Lone News Agency Khan socio-economic News Agency Ganderbal aimedKangan at to give fillip to the ecolife of the locals.

Mian Altaf Gulzar said thatNews the Agency Zahid Book Depot Chadoora nomic Soura activities in the area and The Minister was informed

Zabarwan Times is available at

that Rs. 122 crores have been earmarked for the Lakes, restoration work, so far and most parts of the Lake have been de-weeded and dredged.

It is pertinent to

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 Dar News Agency Beerwah Bashir News Agency Sumbal KATHUA, JANUARY 18: Min- lems besides projected their problem of low voltage in the Reshi News Agency Safapora Saleem News Agency PattanJAMMU, JANUARY 18: ister of State for Fisheries, Coop- demands which were mainly area, construction of tractor Commissioner/Secretary Basharat News Agency Bandipora Reyaz News Agency eratives, Finance and Planning related to the provision of basic road and pending widow pen-Pampore PHE, Irrigation & Flood ConAltaf Javaid Dr Manohar Lal Sharma saidNews Agency Pulwama sion cases.

TheNews otherAgency problemsQazigund trol, Dr. Pawan Kotwal has that government has initiated highlighted by theAgency people Sopore of called upon the engineers to Jeelani News Agency Baramulla G.M News The other probseveral new projects to upgrade Machhedi , Balodhra and Na- intensify their efforts to realShah News Agency Kupwara Sultan News Agency Handwara & strengthen the infrastructure jote were mainly related to the ize the revenue targets on aclems highlighted Younis News Agency Langate Sheikh News Agency Islamabad in key sectors viz, education, provision of civic amenities. count of water usages under by the people health and road connectivity DrThree Sharma governReshiinNews Agency Islamabad Waysaid News AgencyPHE Tral& Irrigation sectors. He remote and far off areasTurray of the News Agency Tral ment Badru is working toAgency developBijbehara directed them to initiate doorNews of Machhedi , state to improve their socio ecobasic infrastructure including to-door campaign to collect Rahi News Agency Kulgam Malik News Agency Arwani nomic conditions. Dr Sharma bridges to give pace to the revenue so that the targets Balodhra and Na- road and News Agency Byepass Shaheen News was addressing a PublicRah Grievthe development in far Agency off and Kargil are achieved well before the

dr Manohar tours far off areas of Billawar

ance Redressal Camp at Lohai Malhar block in Tehsil Billawar today.The Minister during his two day tour of far off villages of Tehsil Billawar visited Nan Gala, Machhedi, Benewah, Balodhra, Najote and listened the demands and problems of the people. XEN PWD Basohli, BDO Lohai Malhar, BMO Billawar, AEE, PMGSY accompanied the Minister during his visit.

The inhabitants of the area apprised the minister about their difficulties and prob-

jote were mainly related to the provision of civic amenities.

amenities in their respective panchayat halqas.

The main problems highlighted by the panchayat representatives including up gradation of Government Primary School Salli, opening of new ration depot at Benewah,

hilly areas of the state. The Minister assured that the demands projected by the representatives will be redressed on priority basis. The minister directed BDO Lohai Malhar to expedite the rural development works to mitigate the sufferings of the people and also involve panchayat representatives in the planning and execution process. He also directed XEN PWD to speed up the pace of works and ensure timely completion of projects.

Kotwal directs engineers to intensify efforts to realize revenue targets

close of current financial year.

While chairing a meeting of engineers of Jammu division which was convened here to review the progress of various on-going schemes, the Commissioner directed the Chief Engineers and Superintending Engineers to step up their field visits to personally monitor the status of schemes under execution so that the projects are completed in a time bound manner. He stressed the need for ensuring quality of works

Textiles Ministry to upgrade skill of 4,260 persons: Kichloo welcomes decision JAMMU, JANUARY 18 – Minister of State for Industries & Commerce, Mr. Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, has welcomed Centre’s approval to upgrade skill of 4,260 persons under Integrated Skill Development Scheme (ISDS) of the Ministry of Textiles.

The State’s proposal, which was recently approved by a High-Powered Committee of the Union Textile Ministry, envisages skill up-gradation of 4,260 youth at a total cost of Rs. 9.24 crore during the 12th Five Year Plan under Component 1. The scheme will be implemented by the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT).

Emphasizing the need to improve skill to enhance employability of youth in the industrial sector, the Minister urged agencies like Entrepreneurship Development Institutes to introduce market-driven courses. “The bridge between Academia and Industry is essential. Our youth need to look for jobs in industrial sector for which they will have to learn specialized skills,” he said, while stressing the need to create better industry-academia interface.The Minister said the State Government is focusing on development of industries in organized sector and special incentives shall be given to entrepreneurs who invest in rural areas of the State.

Urging various implementing agencies to benefit from the Centrally sponsored schemes under MSME sector, the Minister called for attention to encourage upcoming entrepreneurs so that they get a “feel good factor’ about investing their wealth and experience in J&K State.“It

is not easy to woo top entrepreneurs to set up industry in a State like J&K which has locational disadvantages. But serious efforts have been made to bring in top names and brands to the State that directly create undisguised employment opportunities for our youth.

Javed Rana urges Govt to reconsider Poonch Rajouri rail link JAMMU, JANUARY 18: Deputy Chairman Legislative Council Mr Javed Ahmed Rana has urged the State Government to take up the issue of the railway project for Poonch Rajouri district with the Union Government on priority to reassess the viability of the ambitious project.

He said this while interacting with the media persons here today.

Mr Rana said that the railway line from Jammu to Poonch was being anticipated as a major project which could have boosted the economy of the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri and attracted tourists to various places of attraction there including the Mughal Road.

Mr Rana said that shelving out of this project has causes great distress among the people of the area and requested for reconsidering the project for the development of the area.

While responding to the issues pertaining to the new administrative units Mr Javed Rana said that the new administrative units would help play an important role in improving the public delivery mechanism by effective administrative set up and cater to the developmental needs of all the regions.

Shabir reviews health scenario in Kashmir

Directs for mass awareness about NRHM initiatives, close check on sex determination

SRINAGAR, JANUARY 18: Flagging appropriate health care for women and children as a key ingredient in health service expansion and upgradation scheme in the State, Minister of State for Health, Mr. Shabir Ahmad Khan on Saturday stressed on ensuring cent percent benefits to pregnant women and newborns under National Rural Health Mission.

“The pregnant women and newborn children are entitled under this programme to receive free medical treatment

including medicine, diagnoses and blood besides nutrition, transport and other related facilities”, he said adding people should be made well aware about these benefits.

Reviewing the physical and financial status of several health care schemes implemented in Kashmir Division under Centre and State plans at a high level meeting held here, the Minister said all components of the flagship programme need to be focused for the larger benefits to the people in rural and far-flung areas. He said that under a sustained awareness campaign in the state people should be extensively educated about the health welfare schemes so that they take best advantages of these.

“The information about JSSK, JSSY, RBSK, PND schemes aimed at providing health security to pregnant women,

newborns, children and also about the cancer and other chronic ailments should all the more be disseminated at the grass root level and its implementation undertaken with professional zeal and missionary spirit”, he told the health department officials.

He called upon the Health functionaries to consolidate the gains that accrued so far and make concerted effort to bring down IMR and MMR in the State.

Secretary Health and Medical Education, Mr. Gazanfar Hussain, Director Health Services, Kashmir, Mission Director, NRHM, Director, ISM, Director Family Welfare, Drug and Food Controller, Financial Advisor, Joint Director Planning, Deputy Directors of Health Department, Chief Medical Officers, Medical Superintendents were among others attended the meeting.

mention that Central Government has released Rs. 30 crores for Wullar Conservation and is committed to provide Rs. 120 crores for conservation and restoration of Wullar Lake.

This information was given to the Minister during his visit to Bandipora district and inspection of the work under execution on the Lake. The Minister was told that the process of demarcation of the boundaries of Wullar Lake has been completed and 1159 boundary pillars have been fixed on the ground.

He was also informed that the topographical survey of Naaz Nallah and Wullar Lake for an area of 6.97 square kilometers stands completed at a cost of Rs. 12.25 lakhs.

Besides, the work for construction of strengthening 2.5 kilometer, 3rd line embankment of Wullar Lake has been completed.

The Minister directed the concerned authorities to acquire land for the office building and for developing ‘view points’ at various places in the Lake.

on ground and judicious use of funds on each component.

He also called for further strengthening the monitoring mechanism to induce greater accountability and transparency in the system.

While reviewing the scenario of Village Sanitation Committees (VSCs), Dr. Kotwal urged the Chief Engineer, PHE, to personally monitor the progress of these Committees enabling them to achieve their objectives of ensuring safe drinking water in the rural areas. He said the funds for each VSC will be released within a couple of days so that they can carry out their activities as laid down under the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP). He also stressed the need for a close coordination between VSC and PHE Department for achieving better results.Expressing concern over the poor performance on the

installation of water meters on commercial as well as domestic establishments, the Commissioner issued specific instructions to the concerned Executive Engineers to speed up the process and achieve the targets. He laid stress on hundred percent coverage of Jammu city, adding that no excuse on the part of concerned will be considered after the set deadline. He said the meters have already been procured and money on their installation is available, hence the concerned must make serious efforts to complete the exercise in a time bound manner, said the Commissioner.While giving details about the achievements of PHE Department, Chief Engineer PHE, Jammu, Mr. K.K. Gupta, informed that under NRDWP, 29 schemes have been completed against a target of 110 schemes by ending December, 2013.

CrC organises trng prog on disability Management JAMMU, JANUARY 18- Composite Regional Centre, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment Government of India, Bemina Srinagar today organized one day short term Training Programme for Medical Practitioners on “Disability Evaluations and Certification” and Disability Management.

The Programme was attended by 50 Medical Practitioners who were selected as a target group, and these programmes were concluded in 8 sessions by the Recourse persons. Highlighting the programme coordinators Dr Zaffar Iqbal and Dr. Tahmeena Rafiq focused upon the importance and need of such programmes in the medical and rehabilitation field.

The Programme Coordinator thanked the participants for their active participation, on behalf of the Director CRC, Mr. Gazanfar Ali, and also thanked Director ISM, J&K and the staff for providing support for the programme. The participants who attended these programs were impressed with the contents and modules of the training. Participation certificates were also distributed among the participants by the programme coordinators.

Chief of army Staff meets governor JAMMU, JANUARY 18: General Bikram Singh, Chief of the Army Staff, accompanied by Lt. General Sanjiv Chachra, Northern Army Commander called on Mr. N.N. Vohra, Governor here at Raj Bhavan today.

General Singh briefed the Governor about the obtaining security scenario, incidence of ceasefire violations along the International Border and LoC and the Army’s prepardness to deal with any emerging situation.

Shamim Firdous announces rs. 5 lakh for repairs, renovation of lanes, drains SRINAGAR, JANUARY 18: MLA, Habba Kadal & Chairperson, Women’s Commission, Mrs. Shamim Firdous today announced allotment of Rs. 5 lakh for execution of repairs and renovation of lanes and drains of her constituency.

MLA was interacting with people during her extensive tour of various areas which include Kani Kadal, Habba Kadal, Kralkhud, Malik Angan, Gudood Bagh, Purishyar and Dalhassanyar.

She said that Omar led Government has left no stone unturned to provide solace to the people in respect of extending basic amenities to them. She said that two Ration depots have

been sanctioned for densely

the areas where this facility

19. 01 .2014

HOROSCOPE Aries

March 21-April 19

You might feel like doing something different today, Aries. Everyone needs a break from the regular grind and this is a good time to try something new. Perhaps you feel like varying your routine. If this is your day off, you might spend the day doing whatever strikes your fancy. Try a new wardrobe style. Go to a movie. Do something to spice up your life today.

Taurus April 20-May 20

Start your day writing in a journal, Taurus. This provides an avenue to communicate and connect with your inner being. Things you need to do, ambitions, and even challenges can appear while you’re writing, providing a map that you can follow. Even if starting is difficult, stick with it. The words will come if you give it a chance. It can make your day much easier.

Gemini May 21-June 21

You might find it hard to get going, Gemini. Taking direction could rub you the wrong way, especially if you’re set on doing something different. Communicate your ideas and how you want to approach things rather than let irritation get to you. Your approach will be better received if you leave emotions out of it. You may even get kudos for staying calm and collected.

Cancer June 22-July 22

You might feel cheerful and generous today, Cancer.

Helping others will probably suit you, and matters will move along smoothly. If there are outstanding projects from earlier, tackle them first. It’s an opportune time to get caught up on challenges. Don’t hesitate to lend a hand if you’re approached or notice someone in need. This will benefit them as well as you.

Leo

July 23-August 22 Make an effort to connect with someone you miss today, Leo. Even if it feels painful at first, you’ll feel a lot better once you do. Pick up the phone, write a note, or send an email.

Let the person know you miss and care about him or her.

Expressing yourself is often far better than stuffing your feelings. The person may be missing you just as much.

Virgo

August 23-September 22

Today may be a time of heightened reasoning and judgment for you, Virgo. What a great way to get things done!

Pull out unfinished projects and get going. Tackle issues or problems that have surfaced recently by facing them directly. Make the most of this day’s energy by thinking about ways to do things more efficiently. Be confident that you can handle anything.

Libra

September 23-October 23 Feed your mind today, Libra. The day’s energy supports growth and expansion, so why not see about learning about something you’re interested in? Challenge yourself by reading or taking a class. There are plenty of online subjects to engage you. Find something that interests you that you can do in your own time.

Scorpio

October 24-November 21 You’re more into socializing today than anything else, Scorpio. This could be great providing you don’t have a heavy workload. See who’s available and go for it. If you need to get something done, you’ll have to resist the temptation to chat too long. Use breaks for this and keep your focus on getting done what you’ve taken on. There’s always the evening to get together with friends.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21

You may find it hard to admit that you can’t do everything, Sagittarius. There are some jobs that you aren’t cut out to do.

Why pretend when a better option would be to delegate the task to someone else? If you don’t feel a strong connection with something or someone, don’t force it. Pretending that you’re capable of something will only cause frustration for you and everyone else.

Capricorn December 22-January 19

Don’t be surprised if you’re pensive, Capricorn. It’s one of those days when daydreaming can happen more readily.

Your imagination may also be at a peak. Rather than fighting this so you can be more productive, jot your ideas down. It may be to your advantage, as better and innovative ways of doing things can pop into your mind. Take time to ponder. It can bring great results.

Aquarius January 20-February 18

Chatting with your loved ones may be more appealing to you today than any other day, Aquarius. It may be important to curb this desire if there are many things that need your attention. If you’re at home, don’t spend all your time on the phone or loafing. Consider tending first to things that need to get done. Socializing will be far more enjoyable without guilty feelings about what you should be doing.

Pisces

populated areas of the constituency and funds are being released for construction of new Ration Depots. She directed the concerned authorities to set up street lights in

has not been extended till date.

She was accompanied by the officers of the CA&PD, PHE, SMC, PDD and other sectoral officers.

February 19-March 20 Pisces, you can expect to feel a little more energetic today. In fact, you may run circles around everyone. What a great way to start the day. Head out with the confidence that you can easily handle anything that comes your way. Take time to enjoy the company of others as much as possible. If there are meetings on the agenda, handle them right away.

EDITORIAL/ OPINION Indo Pak trade relations – a threshold of new era

I

ndia and Pakistan have reaffirmed their commitment to expeditiously establish normal trading relations and provide non-discriminatory market access to each other on reciprocal basis. As Pakistan was demanding that India should remove imbalances in the trade and commerce, hence this agreement will address the Pak grievances. The two countries have also in principle decided to give a flip to the process of trading activities, their liberalization and facilitation besides implementing the agreed majors before the end of coming February. This step no doubt will help both the countries to open new avenues for the market of their products and will strengthen the confidence building measures signed by the two countries during last some years. The Indian Commerce Minister Anand Sharma and his Pakistani counterpart Khurram Dastgir Khan who was on visit to New Delhi noted with satisfaction the implementation of arrangements of Keeping Wagah-Attari Land Customs Station operational for full week. The agreement on allowing all tradable items by land route and liberalization of business viza regime will go a long way for normalization of the relations particularly the trade relations of the two countries. Infact these relations will increase people to people contact and will also pave a way for other fields of co-operation and co-ordination to follow the suit. India and Pakistan have suffered a lot due to strained relations and the people of the two countries are really aspiring that the past animosities should fastly be forgotten and new era of friendly relations should be started. As the people are the real masters of the two countries, hence the politicians and leaders of the two countries should understand the call of the time and contribute their bit in the normalization of Indo-Pak relations. The hostilities are not going to lead them anywhere and the people will be the worst sufferers. It is also heartening that FIKKI and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan are coordinating an Indian show at Lahore next month. This spirit of co-operation will no doubt strengthen the other relations and help the two countries to come closure.

Daily

Zabarwan Times

Sunday 19 January 2014

LPG Cooking Fuel: A Quantum Leap in Service to the Customers

I

ndia’s tryst with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) began in 1955, when the then Burma Shell started marketing LPG in Mumbai.

LPG has over the last 6 decades become the most popular kitchen fuel. The expansion story can be written in 2 parts with 1980 as the watershed year. Prior to 1978, marketing of LPG was restricted to the extent of product availability from indigenous sources.

Large scale expansion of LPG marketing was undertaken from 1980 with the increase in product availability due to expansion of refineries and setting-up of extraction units.

As the popularity of LPG increased, its demand rapidly outstripped the indigenous availability necessitating large scale imports.

In the early years, LPG marketing was restricted to only urban areas. Subsequently, penetration of LPG was slowly expanded to semi-urban and rural areas as well.

Today, LPG in India has reached over 15 crore (15.43 crore as on 1-7-2013) households, which roughly translates to more than 60% of the population. Few would have ever imagined that with its humble beginnings in 1955, and considerable reservations regarding its acceptability, LPG would go on to acquire this popularity one day.

A Clean & Green Fuel

A comparison between the smoke-riddled, hot and blackened kitchens of the past and ultra-modern sleek kitchens today using LPG would be sufficient proof of the clean, friendly and convenient nature of LPG compared to other fuels like coal, wood, or cowdung cakes.

In view of its obvious benefits, the Government decided to provide subsidized LPG for cooking, so that more and more kitchens would be persuaded to adopt this fuel and turn safe and hygienic. Today, India is the fifth largest consumer of LPG in the world after USA, China, Saudi Arabia and Japan.

However, with almost 90% of its LPG consumption in the domestic Sector, India is the third largest consumer of domestic LPG after USA and China. A mind-boggling about 3 Million LP Gas Cylinders are home-delivered every day (i.e. 900 million/year) to cater to the 15 crore households in the country.

Expanding Network & Reach to

the Hinterland

The rapidly growing popularity of LPG threw up the concomitant logistic issues – the need for developing a nationwide supply chain, maintaining an un-interrupted supply chain, shouldering the mounting subsidy bill and endeavoring to minimize mal-practices It is to the credit of the Government and its Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), viz. Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, Bharat Petroleum Ltd & Hindustan Petroleum Ltd. that a huge network comprising 12,791 LPG distributorships and 186 LPG bottling plants have been set up across the length and breadth of the country, including most inhospitable terrain like Leh and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. These are serviced by the 22 Indian refineries providing an uninterrupted supply of LPG. The Government has plans to expand the infrastructure, particularly setting up more LPG bottling plants in the rural and semi-urban areas to ensure the reach of LPG in the hinterland.

Until recently, the PSUs marketed LPG only in towns and cities with a minimum population of 20,000. However, the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen LPG Vitran Yojna started in 2009, has ensured the reach of LPG to the smaller towns and villages. Out of the total 6619 LPG distributorships advertised under this scheme, around 2200 have already been commissioned, thereby ensuring the reach of this safe, reliable and convenient fuel in these rural markets. In addition to ensuring the reach of LPG to the rural areas, the Scheme has pro-poor features including release of LPG connection to BPL families with funding of security deposit from CSR funds of OMCs, allotment of distributorship to the local (Panchayat) domiciles, women empowerment through mandatory partnership of spouse, etc. The success of the Scheme can be appreciated from the fact that 38.8 Lakh LPG customers including 1.42 Lakh BPL families have been enrolled through these distributorships as on July 1, 2013.

Customer Convenience – First & Foremost The Government is constantly striving at reaching LPG to the customers’ doorstep as well as ensuring the highest service stan-

dards. With this twin objective in mind a number of novel initiatives have been introduced including the rating of distributors based on the time taken for delivery and making their performance available online on the LPG Transparency Portals of the PSUs. This would ensure that barring supply bottlenecks beyond human control, LPG cylinders should be made available to customers as quickly as possible.

The Government has also introduced connection portability on a pilot basis in Chandigarh which empowers customers to change distributors online, in the event she/ he is not satisfied with the service. Portability would be rolled out in a phased manner.

With the development of mobile applications for booking & tracking of cylinder refills, technology has been successfully harnessed to increase the customer convenience quotient. A single toll-free complaint number(18002333555) is now operational across PSUs to provide grievance redressal. Con-

sumers can now also rate their dealers on the company portal/transparency portal.

Direct Transfer of Subsidies - Delivery of subsidised LPG to the intended beneficiaries has always been a cherished goal of the Government but plugging leaks in the system has been a herculean task. The enormity of the issue can be assessed by the amount of subsidy given by the Government to keep kitchen fuel bills under control over the years.

The subsidy bill on account of domestic LPG in 2012-13 alone has been Rs. 41,547 crore. In order to ensure that subsidies reach the targeted segment, Government has introduced the Direct Benefit Transfer for LPG (DBTL), whereby the subsidy on LPG cylinders for domestic usage, currently around Rs. 465/- per cylinder, is being directly transferred to bank accounts of the beneficiaries. This scheme has been rolled out on a pilot basis on June 1, 2013, in 18 districts, on July 1, 2013 in Mysore and on August 1, 2013 in Mandi across 8 States and 2 UTs which have a high Aadhaar penetration.

Going by the results so far, DBTL Scheme has been a great success with over 4 million transactions carried out and over Rs.150 crore cash transferred directly to accounts of LPG customers in these 20 districts as on date.

The scheme will be extended to another 35 districts on September 1, 2013, after which it will be extended pan-India in a phased manner.

Transparency Portal

To educate customer online for various aspects of sales & distribution of LPG transparency portal was launched on June 22, 2012. The portal is a major step in the direction of bringing transparency in supply of subsidized LPG as it provides all related vital information. The customers and distributors are now more vigilant about receipt and delivery of LPG cylinders. This information sharing has proved to be a powerful social audit mechanism also.

With the new initiatives, LPG would reach to far-off corners of India to make cooking a more convenient experience. The expansion drive alongwith measures for providing transparent and better consumer services will go a long way in improving the quality of life including in rural and remote areas.

Electoral Laws of India

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ndia is a sovereign, socialist, secular democratic republic. Democracy is one of the inalienable basic features of the Constitution of India and forms part of its basic structure (Kesavanand Bharati v State of Kerala and Others AIR 1973 SC 1461). The concept of democracy, as visualized by the Constitution, pre-supposes the representation of the people in Parliament and State Legislatures by the method of election (N P Punnuswami v Returning Officer Namakkal AIR 1952 SC 64). For democracy to survive rule of law must prevail and it is necessary that the best available men should be chosen as people’s representatives for proper governance of the country (Gadakh Yashwantrao Kankararao v Balasaheb Vikhepatil AIR 1994 SC 678). And for the best available men to be chosen as people’s representatives, elections must be free and fair and conducted in an atmosphere where the electors are able to exercise their franchise according to their own free will. Thus, free and fair elections form the bedrock of democracy.

India has adopted the British Westminster system of parliamentary form of government. We have an elected President, elected Vice-President, elected Parliament and elected State Legislature for every State. Now, we also have elected municipalities, panchayats and other local bodies. For ensuring free and fair elections to these offices and bodies, there are three pre-requisites: (1) an authority to conduct these elections, which should be insulated from political and executive interference, (2) set of laws which should govern the conduct of elections and in accordance whereof the authority charged with the responsibility of conducting these elections should hold them, and (3) a mechanism whereby all doubts and disputes arising in connection with these elections should be resolved.

The Constitution of India has paid due attention to all these imperatives and duly provided for all the three matters.

The Constitution has created an independent Election Commission of India in which vests the superintendence, direction and control of preparation of electoral rolls for, and conduct of elections to, the offices of President and Vice-President of India and Parliament and State Legislatures (Article 324). A similar independent constitutional authority has been created for conduct of elections to municipalities, panchayats and other local bodies (Articles 243 K and 243 ZA).

The authority to enact laws for elections to the offices of President and Vice-President and to Parliament and State Legis-

latures has been reposed by the Constitution in Indian Parliament (Articles 71 and 327). Laws relating to conduct of elections to municipalities, panchayats and other local bodies are framed by the respective State Legislatures (Articles 243 K and 243 ZA). All doubts and disputes relating to the elections to the office of President and Vice-President are dealt with by the Supreme Court (Article 71), whereas the initial jurisdiction to deal with all doubts and disputes relating to the elections to Parliament and State Legislatures vests in the High Court of the State concerned, with a right of appeal to the Supreme Court (Article 329). The disputed matters relating to elections to mu-

been supplemented by detailed rules, Registration of Electors Rules 1960, made by the Central Government, in consultation with the Election Commission, under Section 28 of that Act and these rules deal with all the aspects of preparation of electoral rolls, their periodic revision and updating, inclusion of eligible names, exclusion of ineligible names, correction of particulars, etc.

These rules also provide for the issue of electoral identity cards to registered electors bearing their photographs at the State cost. These rules also empower the Election Commission to prepare the photo electoral rolls containing photographs of electors, in addition to their other par-

‘The superintendence, directions and control of elections vested by the Constitution in the Election Commission empowers the Commission even to make special orders and directions to deal with the situations for which the laws enacted by the Parliament make no provision or insufficient provision. The classic example of filling such vacuous area is the promulgation of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order 1968 which governs the matters relating to recognition of political parties at the National and State level, reservation of election symbols for them, resolution of disputes between splinter groups of such recognised parties, and allotment of symbols to all candidates at elections, etc.’ nicipalities, etc. are decided by the lower courts in accordance with the laws made by the respective State Governments.

The law relating to the elections to the offices of President and Vice-President of India has been enacted by Parliament in the form of Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act 1952. This Act has been supplemented by the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules 1974 and further supplemented by the Election Commission’s directions and instructions on all aspects.

Conduct of elections to Parliament and State Legislatures are governed by the provisions of two Acts, namely, Representation of the People Act 1950 and Representation of the People Act 1951.

Representation of the People Act 1950 deals mainly with the matters relating to the preparation and revision of electoral rolls. The provisions of this Act have

ticulars.

All matters relating to the actual conduct of elections are governed by the provisions of the Representation of the People Act 1951 which have been supplemented by the Conduct of Elections Rules 1961 framed by the Central Government, in consultation with the Election Commission, under Section 169 of that Act. This Act and the rules make detailed provisions for all stages of the conduct of elections like the issue of writ notification calling the election, filing of nominations, scrutiny of nominations, withdrawal of candidatures, taking of poll, counting of votes and constitution of the Houses on the basis of the results so declared.

The superintendence, directions and control of elections vested by the Constitution in the Election Commission empowers the Commission even to make special orders and directions to deal with the sit-

uations for which the laws enacted by the Parliament make no provision or insufficient provision. The classic example of filling such vacuous area is the promulgation of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order 1968 which governs the matters relating to recognition of political parties at the National and State level, reservation of election symbols for them, resolution of disputes between splinter groups of such recognised parties, and allotment of symbols to all candidates at elections, etc.

Another such vacuous area where the Election Commission exercises its inherent powers under Article 324 of the Constitution is the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct for guidance of political parties and candidates. The Model Code is a unique document evolved by the political parties themselves to govern their conduct during elections so as to ensure that a level playing field for all political parties is maintained during elections and, in particular, to curb the misuse of official power and official machinery by the ruling party(ies) to further the electoral prospects of their candidates.

All post election matters to resolve doubts and disputes arising out of or in connection with the elections are also dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Representation of the People Act 1951.

Under this Act, all such doubts and disputes can be raised before the High Court of the State concerned, but only after the election is over and not when the election process is still on.

The above mentioned Representation of the People Acts 1950 and 1951 and the Registration of Electors Rules 1960 and Conduct of Elections Rules 1961 form complete code on all matters relating to elections to both Houses of Parliament and State Legislatures. Any person aggrieved by any of the decisions of the Election Commission or the authorities functioning under it has to find a remedy in accordance with the provisions of these Acts and Rules.

These Acts and Rules enable the Election Commission to issue directions and instructions to deal with various aspects of the preparation/revision of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections and lead all such matters of detail to be dealt with by the Commission. Pursuant thereto, the Commission has issued a plethora of directions and instructions which have been consolidated by the Commission in various compendia and the handbooks for the Electoral Registration Officers, Returning Officers, Presiding Officers, candidates, polling agents and counting agents.

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