Zabarwan Times E- Paper English 22 august 2014

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FRIDAY 22 August | 2014 | 25 Shawal, 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |

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Election Commission devises phase-wise polls in JK Strategy meant to thwart any militant sabotage Jammu, August 21(KIP): With their chin up following their meeting with Pakistan High Commissioner in New Delhi Kashmiri separatists plan to work unitedly for the purpose of forcing India to opt fortripartite talks for settling the Kashmir issue. Along-with this plan separatists may seek help from militants inenforcing the call to people to boycott of the ensuing Assemblyelection. Latest inputs from intelligence agencies indicate thatmilitants were trying to regroup and carve out hideouts in differentareas of the state, especially in the Kashmir valley, for raising the level of violence soon after the schedule for the Assembly electionwas announced by the Election Commission.Reports said that the union Home Ministry officials areengaged in preparing a contingency plan for meeting new challengesthat may be posed by militants

operating in the state of Jammu andKashmir. As part of the contingency plan more than 50 additionalcompanies of paramilitary forces were being sent to Jammu and Kashmir for providing security cover to political leaders, contesting theelection, and to polling booths.

According to these reports, the polling may be completed inseven phases as had been the case in 2008 election. Official sourcessaid that the seven-phase programme was to be introduced forfacilitating security forces to move from the areas, where polling was completed, to the areas where polling was to be held.

This would notover strain security forces and may not force the Union Home Ministry to increase the number of companies that were to be deployed in thestate.

Sources said that after the Indo-Pak relations had touched anew low in the recent days agencies, including the Army across the LOCand the IB may provide added help to militants in sneaking into Jammu and Kashmir for the purpose of raising the level of violence whichcould create added scare among people motivating them to stay indoors on the days of polling.

Poor Publicity marred coalition Govt.’s success Srinagar, Aug 21: Senior Congress leader and Minister for Health and Medical Education Taj Mohi-ud-Din on Thursday blamed the dismal Public Relations (PR) of the coalition government for the lack of popularity of the coalition government on the ground.

Talking to KNS Taj claimed that the Coalition government in last over five and half years have accomplished certain major infra structural projects but poor publicity could not ensure their public acknowledgement.

He said that several multi-crore projects were taken by the coalition government and were taken to logical conclusion within a short span of time but people are still unaware about such projects.

Taj said that Congress and National Conference are the two equal partners of the coalition government and they share the success and the burden of failure equally.

The Minister for health and medical education when asked to comment on his party colleague and minister Sham Lal Sharma’s statement wishing a Hindu to be the next chief minister, Taj said that he doesn’t want to comment on this issue.

Ridiculing his arch rival and National Conference member parliament Mohammad Shafi’s Uri’s recent meeting in Uri constituency, Taj said that Shafi doesn’t enjoy the public support and that is why he was compelled to address a readily available audience in the market.

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

Northern Army Commander visits forward posts on LoC in Kashmir SRINAGAR : Northern Army Commander, Lt Gen D S Hooda today visited the forward posts on the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir Valley and expressed satisfaction over the robust counter-infiltration grid which led to the killing of ten militants this month.

The Army Commander, who arrived here on a two-day tour yesterday, visited a number of posts on the LoC and in the hinterland along with Srinagar-based Chinar Corps

Srinagar, Aug 21:The wedge between the two coalition partners NC and Congress is going to get widened further with National Conference all set to take control over Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council-Kargil.Reports informed KNS that keeping in view the upcoming state elections in Jammu and Kashmir; the ruling National Conference is strongly advocating that Asgar Karbalai must be dislodged from his post as the chief executive of LAHDC-Kargil.

The NC leadership has informed the party high command that serious efforts are needed if the Kargil region is intended to be regained during the assembly

Srinagar, Aug 21 : Despite the court orders and government ban, the stone crushers continue to operate on the banks of nallah mawar with the state authorities in slumber.

According to the KNS correspondent, stone crushers and other plants operating on the banks is perturbing the locals of the area who said that the government is taking no action on ground to stop the environment pollution that continues unabated in the area.

The locals said that the operation of stone crushers is affecting the nearby paddy fields and orchards and that despite the government has ordered that the crushers be sealed, it seems that there is a nexus between the plant owners and the local administration.

Nallah Mawar Save Forum president Mohammad Maqbool Lone (Tulwari) told KNS that they earlier moved to the

at the time no official under feeding category is eligible for promotion as BDO” “However the department contemplates to make these new units functional as early as possible through getting some officers /staff on deputation basis from other department like Agriculture production department, R&B, and Planning and development departments” reads the letter.

The move however has evoked sharp criticism from the officials within RDD who have threatened to go for strike if the proposal is implemented and bottlenecks are created to stop the employees of the department from promotions. Besides this RDD officials alleged that high power committee has made several discrepancies in the creation of staff for additional 177 CD blocks.

“Higher ups of rural development department are creating problems in promotions of RDD employees see RDD on pg 11...

Wrong poll decisions may backfire for PDP

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Srinagar, Aug 21 : With general assembly election around the corner, each political party has a different approach and planning to woo the electorate.

Though ruling NC is seemingly on a sticky wicket with its morale not so high, the overconfident PDP has committed many blunders so for in selection of candidates which is likely to prove counterproductive for the party. And many political commentators believe that PDP has committed the same mistakes in ticket distribution which an arrogant and overconfident NC leadership resorted to in 2002. They said that in 2002 elections NC lost 12 seats only

because of the selection of wrong candidates.

Observers believe that though the principal opposition PDP has still an edge over ruling NC in the state particularly in Kashmir valley, however, wrong distribution of mandate in some constituencies is going to backfire for the party.

PDP insiders insist that people in Jammu and Kashmir have full faith in the leadership of Mufti Muhammad Sayed, so there is hardly any scope for failure on account of wrong candidature. “This election is fought on leadership basis not on candidature.

It does not matter who is the candidate and who is not, peo-

elections of 2014.The NC leadership based in Kargil has maintained that Karbalai has no majority as the Chief executive of the council and he couldn’t even pass the budget for the hill council. NC leadership has maintained that session of the hill council must be convened so that majority could be proven at an earliest.

NC has also reportedly taken strong note of the recent comments of Karbalai wherein he has accused NC leaders of not allowing the unfurling of the tricolor at various tehsil offices in Kargil on August 15.

Meanwhile, when contacted Asgar See Nc on pg 11...

court of law that after hearing the case declared the operation of stone crushers dangerous for the environment.

He said that JK assembly environment committee headed by M.Y. Tarigami also visited the place and complied a report wherein it was mentioned that it is dangerous for the environment if the stone crushers continue to operate.

Locals maintained that despite all the orders and strict ban, the stone crushers continue to work with the local administration in slumber.

DC Kupwara when contacted by KNS confirmed that ban has been imposed over the operation of stone crushers and macadam plants on the banks of nallah mawar and that owners were informed to wind up their activities till December 31 2013. He assured that action will be taken if the crushers continue to operate.

Government mulling to hire staff from Agri planning departments

Srinagar, Aug 18 : In a bizarre development authorities in Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayat Raj have approached Agriculture Department for utilizing the services of Agricultural Extension Officers as Block Development Officers for functioning of new 177 CD blocks in the state ignoring the highly experienced and qualified employees of their own employees.

This move has evoked criticism from the officials within RDD who allege that higher ups in the new secretariat are trying to adjust their blue eyed Agri officers as BDOs. Dismayed employees of the RDD have threatened to go for indefinite

ple will vote for Mufti Sahib,” said a senior PDP leader.

However, observers have a different take on this. They say that much water has flown in Jehlum since the times when late Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah would ask the people to vote for the NC candidate even if it was an electric pole.

“Visionary leadership is fine, but for translating vision into action, you need a better human resource and here PDP is ignorant,” a senior journalist said.

Highly educated and distinguished persons have joined PDP during last the few months, among see PDP ON PG 11...

nition, the spokesman said.

Lt Gen Hooda also visited the Field Firing Range in Tosamaidan in central Kashmir and lauded the exemplary work being done by the soldiers in clearing the meadow of dangerous material and bringing succour to the nearby population through ‘Mission Falah’.

Lt Gen Saha apprised the Army Commander about the numerous humanitarian see Loc on pg 11

NC likely to take control of LAHDC-Kargil Coalition Govt on brink of another bickering

Creation of additional 177 CD-blocks:

RDD employees threaten to go on strike

Commander Lt Gen Subrata Saha, a Defence spokesman said.

He said Lt Gen Hooda expressed satisfaction over the robust counter-infiltration grid along the LoC which led to the “neutralisation of ten terrorists this month”.

He also appreciated the relentless efforts of the troops on the counter-terrorist grid in the hinterland which had resulted in the killing of one more militant and recovery of a large quantity of arms and ammu-

Despite ban, crushers continue to operate on Nallah Mawar banks

strike and protests if it was implemented on ground. A letter written by special secretary, Department of Rural development and Panchayat Raj to commissioner secretary Agriculture Production department vide No PS/SS/RDD/CDB/276-78/14 has requested to keep the services of at least 10 Agriculture Extension Officers at the disposal of RDD ‘so that deficiency of BDOs could be made good to some extent’.

Special secretary in his letter mentions that “As per decisions of the cabinet dated 07-02-2014 it has been decided to create 177 additional community development blocks in the state. The proposal of creation of staff for making these units fully functional is being finalized by the high power committee under the chairmanship of chief secretary.

“It is apparent that creation of staff for these CD blocks and their consequent recruitment may take substantial time.

As there are several posts of BDO’s under promotion quota are also vacant, but

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Mother, Son electrocuted, Case against PDD filed in Kupwara Srinagar, Aug 21 : Pall of gloom was seen in north Kashmir’s Kupwara area when a mother and her son lost their lives due to electrocution with another person suffered cardiac arrest after the PDD line was resting on the road side.

Reports informed KNS that Reshma Begum Age 50 of Kralpora was in the market to buy essentials; the electric line was on the road side due which she got electrocuted. After witnessing the scene, her son namely Bilal Ahmad rushed towards the spot to save her mother’s life but he too got electrocuted and killed.

Reports maintained that the elder son while witnessing the scene suffered the cardiac arrest after which he was shifted to the hospital wherein his condition continues to See Mother on pg 11...

PM’s Special Scholarship Scheme mess haunts Kashmiri students; “Touts, dubious colleges duping students”

Srinagar, Aug 21 : Coaching Centres Association (CCA) of Kashmir has warned of another scam emerging out of the ill-flawed Prime Ministers Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS) as union Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD) has failed to streamline the admission process and some self styled consultants have started duping the gullible students.

According to a statement issued to KNS, the association criticized both Union and State government for failing to address the grave issue.

“This year’s admission process in almost closed for all the good institutions and still

All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has not started the counseling process,” said G N Var chairman CCA. “Now only some third rate colleges are left and it is where Kashmiri students are being forced to go.”

The association came down heavily on the state government for its failure to curb the activities of some self-styled consultants and certain Non Government organizations (NGO) who are in the process of duping students. “This year again these consultants and NGO heads, in the name of students, applied for the scholarship and retained their username and password,” said Var. “Now these touts are approaching the students and forcing them to take admission See Students on pg11...

Police foils daily rated workers march 19 protestors injured Srinagar, Aug 21, CNS: At least left out daily rated workers sustained injuries when police foiled their march and stop them proceeding towards Civil Secretariat Srinagar.

Eyewitnesses told CNS that police charged the agitated workers with canes and used water-canons to disperse them when they gathered at Jehangir Chowk and were on way towards Civil Secretariat.

The protestors belonging to different departments were demanding regularization as they alleged they have been left out by the government and no measures are being taken to regularize them.

Jammu and Kashmir Left Out Daily Rated Workers see March on pg 11...

Reservations for Paharis, OBCs a landmark move: NC NC has always heralded empowerment of backward classes: Mattu Srinagar Aug 21 : National Conference has termed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s announcement of granting 5% reservation for Pahari Speaking people and granting an increase of further 2% reservation for OBCs as a landmark Affirmative Action move that is in line with principles and goals of Social Justice and empowerment enshrined in the history of National Conference.

With this decision, while the reservation for Paharis see Move on pg 11...

Northern Army commander lauds Army’s efforts at Tosamaidan Srinagar, Aug 21 : Lt Gen DS Hooda, Northern Army Commander, during a visit to the Tosha Maidan Field Firing Ranges, lauded the exemplary work being done by the Soldiers of Chinar Corps in clearing Tosha Maidan of dangerous material and bringing succor to the nearby local population through ‘Mission Falah’. The Chinar Corps Commander, Lt Gen Subrata Saha apprised the Army Commander about the numerous humanitarian initiatives being undertaken under ‘Mission Falah’.

Since its see Lauds on pg 11...

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Srinagar, Friday 22 August 2014

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

LOC..... initiatives being undertaken under ‘Mission Falah’.

The spokesman said since the launch of the mission, the Army has conducted three mega medical and three veterinary camps in the area benefiting over 1,100 people, besides following up the treatment of Master Fayaz Parrey, a victim of an accidental blast.

Lt Gen Hooda asked the officers of the Chinar Corps to continue to work with the highest dedication and commitment towards national security.

NC.....

Karbalai told KNS over phone that National Conference exists nowhere in Kargil and feeling that the ground is lost, NC raises hue and cry. He said that Congress has the majority and that is the reason that he is heading the council. “On what basis are they demanding that I should be dislodged? They have 11 members and we have 15. NC exists nowhere in Kargil and as the election are nearing, the party is trying to create issues out of nothing,” Karbalai maintained.

He added that on August 27, he will pass the budget plan for the council. “All the NC leaders of the Kargil region are nowadays frustrated as they stand nowhere relevant.”

Mother..... remain critical.

The locals while accusing the PPD of being responsible for the killing of two persons held protest demonstrations on the road. Later Police registered the case and initiated investigations in to the matter.

SHO Kralpora told KNS that police has registered FIR against PDD and has started investigations into the case.

RDD..... citing different excuses just to hire their blue eyed officers from other departments like agriculture and planning to open the doors of corruption “said Bashir Ahmad Mir, President All JK VLW’s/RDD employees association. “it is unfortunate and sheer discrimination with the departmental employees that high power committee has not even made any creation for Panchayat Inspector and junior assistants to close all the doors of promotion for the employees of the rural dev. Department, on the contrary to this committee according to their own will and wishes have created posts like AAO, SO (Planning) to adjust their blue eyed officers from other departments”.

“Besides this officers on the helm of affairs are not ready to consider the expertise and qualification of the departmental personnel just to bring the officers from agriculture departments from back door” Bashir Mir castigated the move saying that authorities in department should utilize their own manpower for the posts of BDOs. “There are highly qualified, highly experienced and dedicated employees in the department. They can be taken Panchayat Inspectors and BDOs. They are well aware about the functioning of the department,” he said. He said that there is no qualification bar for post of Under Secretary in Civil Secretariat Gazette Recruitment rules while service experience of the employees is considered for the post.

“It is open anomaly with rural development department. Our department should also give some consideration to service experience of its employees; besides this our graduate and post graduate employees should be considered for promotions.

He however threatened to go for valley wide strike against the move initiated by the government. “Employees of RDD never resort to strikes and halt the functioning of the department but such attempts by authorities provoke us to put to streets,” said Mir, adding manpower in RDD has served since decades.

“They are their own assets and can be used in any relevant field of RDD.”

Students.... in low grade colleges taking advantage of the fact that AICTE has not started counseling process.”

The association said that if some steps are not taken urgently, thousands of careers would be jeopardized again this year. “We have around 1000 students from previous years whose scholarship is yet to be released as these touts admitted them in some third grade colleges. They had to sell their lands to cover the fee and same thing is being repeated this year,” said Var. “The state crime branch had registered a case against these consultants and even CM had promised action against them but till date nobody has been brought to book.”

The association asked the state government to lobby with MHRD to streamline the process. “First make them transfer scholarship money to students account and not in the account of college who have no accountability,” said Var. “Secondly state government should open a full-fledged PMSSS office in Srinagar to facilitate the students as today students don’t know whom to approach and thus easily befooled by the touts.”

The association also warned students not to undertake admission through consultants for PMSSS as there is no role of consultants in this scheme.

Move.... will be 5%, the reservation for OBCs will go up to 4% indicating NC’s unfaltering commitment to backward classes and economically challenged sections of our State.

National Conference spokesperson Junaid Azim Mattu has said that this was yet another instance of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s personal struggle for the rights of Pahari Speaking people and those belonging to Other Backward Classes. “The NC Working President and Chief Minister of J&K has been striving for the rights of our brothers and sister from the Pahari community and Other Backward Classes and the Chief Minister has pledged that he would continue to pursue the declaration of Schedule Tribe status for Pahari speaking people at the Central level – a struggle that he has put his weight behind ever since this government took over the reins of power in the State.

These are historic developments that open new opportunities of advancement and prosperity for people belonging to these communities”, the NC Spokesperson said.

Zabarwan Times “While there are those who seek to pit one community against the other, National Conference has time and again demonstrated statesmanship and an egalitarian vision by delivering on its promises to be custodian of the interests of these communities. This decision is being hailed by leaders and activists of the Pahari and OBC communities in every nook and corner of J&K as historic and just. National Conference congratulates the Chief Minister for this bold initiative and lauds his personal support to the ideals of social justice”, the NC Spokesperson said.

The NC Spokesman said that National Conference would continue to bat for the rights and interests of the people of this State above and beyond the realm of politics – in line with its glorious history of striving for the progress, prosperity and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

PDP.... whom many have secured mandate also. However, political pundits point out that many well meaning, learned people of integrity too had joined NC and Congress in the past. “Take, for example, Vijay Bakaya, Sheikh Ghulam Rasool, B R Kundal, so on and so forth. They could not make any difference because they were and are not connected to their people”, said a leading political analyst of the state.

Big names alone, say political observers, don’t sell.

It is the product and its ingredients, that people buy. Yet another political commentator known for his acquaintances with PDP leadership said he was shocked to note that PDP went with the sitting MLA in a South Kashmir constituency where change was essential. On the other hand, the party replaced the sitting MLA in another constituency where it should not have been done, because people of that constituency had confidence in him.

Likewise, he said, In Kishtewar, Doda, Mendhar and Poonch, PDP preferred less known faces over the potential ones which is going to backfire. He said that the most bizarre nomination of all was in Watchi were party preferred the son child of a former NC MLA over other choices available for the constituency.

“A large number of responses have indicated that preferences would change based on candidate selection” said the political commentator. “No doubt “governance deficit” and “miss-governance” or anti-incumbency is haunting the ruling NC, but it stands to benefit from the errors of PDP, just as PDP will benefit from the errors of NC.

March....

Association president Tariq Ahmed Pampori told CNS that they will continue to register their protest till their demands are not fulfilled. He said that at least 19 workers were injured during police action while one of them namely Reyaz Ahmed Reshi from Awantipora received 15 stitches on his forehead.

Pampori further said around 1500 daily rated workers were left-out in 2000 when the state government regularized the services of those daily wagers who had worked in different departments for seven years. (CNS)

Lauds.... launch, the Army has conducted three Mega Medical & three veterinary camps at Drang, Sutharan and Sunglipura benefitting over 1100 people, besides following up the treatment of Master Fayaz Parrey, a victim of an accidental blast, through the specialists of Base Hospital, Srinagar. On a two day visit to the Chinar Corps which terminated today, the Army Commander visited a number of posts on the line of Control and in the hinterland alongwith the Chinar Corps Commander.

The Army Commander expressed his deep satisfaction on the robust counter infiltration grid along the LC which had led to the nuteralisation of ten terrorists in this month. He also appreciated the relentless efforts of the troops on the counter-terrorist grid in the hinterland which had resulted in the nuteralisation of one terrorist and the recovery of a large quantity of arms and ammunition during the same period.

The Army Commander took the opportunity of this visit to speak to all Officers of Chinar Corps and exhorted them to continue to work with the highest dedication and commitment towards national security & the good of the people.

Corruption:

Enforcement Officer in police net Srinagar, Aug 21, CNS: Srinagar Municipal Corpora-

tion (SMC) which along with other agencies is already being accused of allowing wanton illegal constructions in Srinagar city, received a jolt when police arrested one of its Enforcement Officer while accepting bribe from a person for allowing him to continue his construction work at Bagiyas Chattabal area of Srinagar city. Commissioner SMC says that the wrongdoings of the said official had already come into his notice and he had directed him to appear before Joint Commissioner Planning.

SSP Srinagar Amit Kumar told CNS that the official was arrested in presence of Tehsildar Khanyar Imran Ahmad. He identified the tainted official as Ghulam Rasool Dar son of Ghulam Muhammad Dar resident of Hariwaten hamlet of North Kashmir’s Tangmarg town.

“SP city North along with Tehsildar Khanyar laid a trap after Chattabal resident complained that Enforcement Officer SMC has been continuously calling him and is threatening him to stop the construction work in case he did not pay more bribe,” SSP Srinagar said adding that tainted official was arrested red handed and the money that he had accepted as bribe was also recovered from him.

SP city North Tahir Saleem told CNC that the accused has been put behind the bars and a case vide FIR number 146/2014 under section 5(2) Prevention of Corruption Act and 161 RPC has been registered against him in police station Safa Kadal.

CA&PD scam: Employees accuse department of shielding the accused Srinagar, Aug 21, CNS: The official secret documents of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CA&PD) reveals that officials of the department involved in

various scandals are not being taken to task and instead are awarded prize postings while Commissioner Secretary CA&PD Baseer Ahmed Khan made it clear that every penny will be extracted from them .

In a letter vide number CA&PDD/Pul/2014/4087 to the Director CA&PD Kashmir, Assistant Director Pulwama reveals that 7228 quintals of rice was issued to Khrew circle by the then Tehsil Supply Officer (TSO) namely, Riyaz Ahmed Malik while the same quantity of food grains has been misappropriated by the said TSO. Assistant Director CA&PD Pulwama in his letter to the Director further reveals that Vigilance Organization Kashmir has asked for the grain bag statement of Kakapora and Pulwama circles in which the said TSO is also involved in issuing over and above quantity of food grains in BPL and AAY category and the records pertaining to this is missing in district Pulwama, which according to the AD Pulwama needs to be verified at grass root level.

AD Pulwama further writes that the said TSO has been indulged in this practice for a long time and the same has been un-noticed by the concerned officers of the department.

The official letter according to CNS, further reveals that in the month of February 2014, the said TSO Riyaz Ahmed Malik again issued excess quantity of rice and flour to Newa and Kakapora circles respectively for which the undersigned has been called for explanation vide number CA&PDD/STS/3504 dated March 5, 2014 and the reply is still awaited. “Again the said official did not stop here but in the next month, he again issued over and above quantity of rice, sugar and flour to Kakapora, Pulwama and Awantipora circles,” the official letter reads.

Surprisingly, instead of taking action against the said TSO, he has been given prize posting.

The official documents further reveal that another TSO namely Abdul Gani Malik allegedly involved in multi-crore Madwa Wadwan rice scam have also got prize posting. The said TSO as per official records is also involved in Mid-day meal scam in Anantnag where he allegedly misappropriated all but 30,000 quintals of rice that was meant for school children.

“It is a known fact that the accused soon after the surfacing of this scam, visited Accounts Sections office in Srinagar and allegedly tempered with the official records. All involved in scams get prize postings and it is done by the higher authorities,” a CA&PD official told CNS on condition of anonymity.

In order to ascertain the factual position regarding these allegations Directorate of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department Kashmir constituted a three member committee vide order number 82-DCA&PDK of 2014. The three member committee comprised of Deputy Director Supplies Sajid Yeha Naqash, Assistant Director Pulwama Mushtaq Ahmed Wani and Assistant Accounts Officer Muneer Ahmed. Sources told CNS that in a bid to save the tainted official, these three members were removed from investigating committee while the job was entrusted to Assistant Director Administration Dr Gulzar Ahmed.

Hindu CM remarks of Sharma draws flak: NC accuses Congress of stoop low for vote bank

Srinagar, Aug 21, CNS: In a scathing attack on incumbent Cabinet Minister from Congress Party Sham Lal Sharma for his advocacy to have a Hindu Chief Minister in Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference Thursday said that Congress party has stooped so low that it has now started to play divisive, negative and destructive politics.

National Conference senior leader and former Member Parliament Dr Mehboob Beigh termed the remarks of Sham Lal Sharma ‘utter nonsense’ and said that the sitting Cabinet Minister doesn’t know the basic concept of democracy. “What you can expect from an ordinary citizen when your sitting Cabinet Minister is trying to damage the secular fabric of the State. It is unfortunate that Sharma and his company have started playing religious card for vote bank,” Beigh told CNS adding that Congress party is desperate to consolidate vote bank in Jammu after it was decimated in recently concluded Parliament elections.

Dr Mehboob Beigh further said that if Sharma is thinking that by playing religious card his party will make inroads then he is living in a fool’s paradise.

“This is simply a cheap gimmick on party of Congress party which shows how desperate this party is to gain some votes in Jammu division.

Another National Conference leader and Higher Education Minister Muhammad Akbar Lone told CNS that Sham Lal Sharma is trying to revive Congress by playing religious card in Jammu which is very dangerous. He said that Sham Lal Sharma is day-dreaming like an owl but he should know that it is the single largest party in the legislator that elects a candidate for Chief Ministership.

“His remarks has exposed Congress party’s socalled secular character. Sharma forgot that he is the Minister of a party which claims to be secular and accuses BJP of playing Hindu card,” Lone said.

Meanwhile, CPI(M) State Secretary Muhammad Yousf Tarigami said that the remarks of Sham Lal Sharma are irrelevant and biased. “A Chief Minister is elected by single largest party and he should be one who should work for the welfare of the people irrespective of caste, color, creed, sex and religion,” Tarigami said. (CNS)

SOG party thrashes family during raid People staged protest, Police assures action

Pulwama, Aug 21, CNS: Family members of a Power Development Department employee Thursday alleged that a counter-insurgency party after raiding their house thrashed them mercilessly during the dead of the night. The incident sparked a massive protest in Batapora, Wanpora area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

An elderly woman Raja Begum wife of PDD employee Muhammad Ramzan Teli told CNS that a Special Operation Group party from Budgam headed by DySp Operations barged into their house during day time and started enquiring about her husband (Muhammad Ramzan) and son Parvez Ahmed. “They left the place without harassing us after I informed them Ramzan and Parvez are not present in the house,” she said adding that neither her husband nor her son has any connection with militants as his husband is a government employee and son Parvez is undergoing training in Nursing course at Noorani Paramedical College in Pulwama.

Raja Begum added that as the day passed, the same SOG party raided their house during the dead of the

night. “As I told them that her husband has night duty, they pounced upon my son Javid Ahmed. When I tried to save my son from their ‘wrath’ they started beating us all with gun-buts. Blood oozed out from my 27 year old daughter Fehmada Banoo and they also beat my another daughter Arbee Jan to pulp who is expecting a baby next month,” Raja Begum told CNS. She said that it was a nightmare for her family as she fail to understand why SOG men let loose a reign of terror during late hours. “We are feeling insecure and will never forget what these SOG men did to us,” she said.

Raja Begum elaborated that one of their relative Bilal Molvi, a resident of Lelhar Pulwama was a militant who lost his life during an encounter few months back. “When Bilal was alive, security men used to raid our house to seek his whereabouts but they never harassed us. This is the first time when we were treated like cattle and even my daughters were interrogated,” Raja Begum said.

The protestors amid anti-SOG slogans demanded stern action against the men who were part of the raid.

“We approached to SSP Pulwama Tajinder Singh who assured us action into the matter,” one of the protestor said.

When contacted, a top police official from the district told CNS that he doesn’t know how and why this happened.

SSP Pulwama Tajinder Singh while confirming the incident told CNS that he has taken up the issue with higher authorities and investigation is going on. “I assure the victims that nobody is above law and anybody found guilty will face the music,” Singh said. (CNS)

Authorities in slumber

Oil extraction factory threat to fragile environs of Badharwah Badharwah, Aug 21, CNS: Pollution in air and water

has been acknowledged as most disastrous and harmful for human life because human beings directly consume air and water. The Government from time to time has passed several laws to protect the environment. But when it comes to the implementation of these laws, these rules and regulations are openly flaunted.

A wood Oil extraction factory on the banks of perennial Neeru stream here has become a threat to the fragile environs of this picturesque Valley with the local Environmental organizations blaming the government of being totally insensitive towards the grave issue.

In Bhaderwah, known as 'Chota Kashmir', a tourist destination an industry Cedar Oil on the fringes of Jai road and Guptganga River is such one example - 50 meters from the main market. The factory has made the life of people residing in and around this area is miserable.

The factory releases both water and air pollutants. Besides, the chemical and solid wastes outflow directly into nearby river.

The factory violates The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974, The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981, Enviornment Protection Act 1986, The Environment (Protection) Rules 1986 and many more Acts and Laws.

The factory is located within municipal limits and around residentialarea. The residents in near future are definitely going to suffer with fatal consequences.

They have submitted a plea to concerned officials but no action has been yet taken. The Board thus shall take immediate action in this regard.

The locals demand immediate closure of the factory and action against the officials who issued the NCO for opening the unit in brazen violation of the rules. (CNS)

Poor 3G service:

Subscribers accuse Reliance people of insolent behaviour

Srinagar, Aug 21, CNS: Reliance customers mostly journalists and traders in city centre Lal Chowk and adjoining areas are having a harrowing experience in their bid to remain connected with the world. These users have alleged that the connectivity has turned for the worse over the past three months and this has been a recurring problem since May. “The signal strength in my phone has been very low and this seems to be the case with Reliance only,” a trader Muhammad Yousuf told CNS. They said the facility was hardly helping them to access internet as it remains out-of-order most of the times.

Another trader alleged that Reliance people misbehaved with him and advised him to switch to other service. (CNS) Water scarcity hits South Kashmir ‘Problem to persist till new filtration plant is made operational’ Anantnag, Aug 21, CNS: Thousands of people living in south Kashmir’s Anantnag areas like Kadipora, S.K. Colony and Sarnal are facing acute water scarcity for the past one month as the taps are running dry.

Locals told CNS that Bumzoo Mattan filtration plant, which feeds millions of Gallons per Day (MGD) to the town hasn’t been able to maintain the supplies.

“We are facing a tough time and gasping for water supply. There is no water and our women folk have to cover long distance to fetch water from other areas,” Jameela Bano told CNS adding that the scene is same in every neighborhood home.

People said it was “highly irresponsible on the part of the concerned to have slept over water scarcity.”

“How can the water supply be kept off for two days?” asked a Kadipora resident.

They threatened to launch an agitation against the PHE department if the water supply was not immediately restored.

AEE PHE, Anantnag when contacted told CNS that the town will continue to face water shortage till the new water supply plant at Bumzo, Mattan is made operational. (CNS)

National Book Trust to organize Book Fair at Srinagar Srinagar, Aug 21, CNS: The National Book Trust (NBT)

is going to organize the NBT Srinagar Book Fair at Exhibition Ground, Kashmir Haat, Srinagar from August 23 to 31, 2014. The Fair will be organized in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Federation of Publishers and Booksellers Associations in India, National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language and District Administration, Srinagar. Apart from exhibition-cum-sale of books by publishers/booksellers from various parts of the country, the Book Fair will showcase a range of literary events for promotion of reading habit which includes panel discussions,

Owner , Printer & Publisher: Suhail Malik Editor -in-Chief: Bashir Malik Editor: Shahana Malik Legal Advisor: Syed Riyaz Hussain 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

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES

NEWS

Foundation stone of Modal Village Wadwan laid

Holistic, need based development of Rural Areas done: Sagar SRINAGAR, AUGUST 21: Maintaining that holistic and need based development of Rural and far flung areas has been ensured by implementing various welfare programmes and schemes, the minister for Rural Development & Panchayats, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar today said that certain forces are trying to negate the achievements registered by the present government by spreading false Narbal in Budgam district. The Ruhullah, Deputy CommisLone News Agency Kangan Khan News Agency Ganderbal propaganda. villageSoura would be having all the Budgam, Mr. Manzoor Gulzar News Agency Zahidsioner Book Depot Chadoora The Minister was address- modern facilities including Ahmad Lone , Director Rural Tariq News BashirDevelopment News Agency Nowhatta ing a mammoth gathering afterAgency CFCs,Hawal Mini Stadium, Shopping Kashmir, Mir laying foundation stone of ModMuzaffar Ali News Agencyetc.

Alamgari Bazar Budshah News Agency Chowk Complexes Altaf Ahmad andLal other senior al Village at Wadwan, Block Abdullah News Agency Chowk Aga Syed Sikendar Newsof Agency Chowk MLA, Lal Budgam officers RDD Lal and district

Zabarwan Times is available at

administration were present on the occasion.

Referring to the various initiatives undertaken by the government for development of the state, the minister said that 177 CD Blocks have been created which would further accelerate the pace of development.

He said that the new administrative units would start functioning from the 1st week of September and in this regard the necessary exercises have already been completed. “This would be a befitting reply to those forces that were criticizing the government’s move of creating

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 Reshi News Agency Safapora Saleem News Agency Pattan Basharat News Agency Reyaz News SRINAGAR, AUGUST21: Minister of Bandipora erated Governments resolve to Agency improvePampore state for Industries and Commerce, Home, the socio economicJavaid statusNews of the peopleQazigund Altaf News Agency Pulwama Agency R&B and Tourism,Jeelani Mr. Sajjad Ahmad Baramulla living in Kishtwar G.M like hilly of the News Agency Newsarea Agency Sopore Kichloo, during his 3-day tour to constitu- state, adding that corers of rupees have Shah News Agency Kupwara Sultan News Agency Handwara ency visited various villages including been incurred on the development of inYounis News Agency Sheikh News Pochal, Huller, Pohi, Danderna, Mandal Langate frastructure building in the areaAgency duringIslamabad News Agency Way News Agency Tral and Town Kishtwar Reshi and took stock of var-Islamabad last over five years.Three “Various new plans ious ongoing development wel-Tralhave been formulated to further beautifyBijbehara Turrayworks News and Agency Badru News Agency fare schemes, besides, peoples’ problems. the Kishtwar town”,Malik maintained Kichloo Rahi News Agency Kulgam News Agency Arwani The Minister was accompanied by District adding that augmentation of various water Rah News Agency Byepass Shaheen News Agency Development Commissioner and other se- supply schemes and improvement in power Kargil

Kichloo visits Kishtwar to take stock of dev. works, peoples’ problems

nior officers of district administration.Mr. Kichloo urged upon the officers to ensure timely completion of all developmental projects being executed in the district without any compromise in the quality of work.

He also directed them to disseminate proper information about newly introduced and ongoing schemes and welfare programs initiated by the government from time to time in the hilly and far-off villages of Kishtwar district so that people living in these areas can get timely benefit from these Government Initiatives. Addressing public gatherings at these places, the Minister reit-

supply has shown better results in the area.

Enumerating hall mark achievements of the present Government, the Minister said that all most all sectors have been covered under the ambit of development and significant results are percolating at the gross root levelThe Minister also referred to the decentralization of powers and said the Kishtwar constituency has been adequately benefitted in terms of administrative units, adding that the creation of new administrative units was imperative for giving a fillip to various projects and mitigating the problems of the people.

Handicrafts awareness camp held at Anzuwallah, Anantnag ANANTNAG, August 21: The Handicrafts department Anantnag a daylong awareness camp for the Artisans of district Anantnag was held at Anzwallah. The camp was attended by a large number of Artisans connected with different trades like handicrafts, Tilla work, Chain Stitch, Embroidery, Paper Mashie, Gabba and Narnda work etc.The Artisans were made aware about various welfare and job oriented schemes of the department during the camp.

The department of Handicrafts is providing training to the trainees besides provides them loan facilities at the low rate of interest for establishment of their own income generating units so that they can earn their livelihood at their doorsteps and can also provide employment to the other needy people. The department also provides marketing facilities for the products also by organising programmes expose in state and outside the state for which the producers are provided stall facilities for selling their goods.

The Handicrafts department Anantnag has registered 675 artisans during current fiscal and 199 cases were sanctioned and disbursements were made among 173 artisans. A loan of Rs. 17263000 was also provided to the beneficiaries till date out of the 2072 sponsored cases 1224 cases were sanctioned and a loan of Rs.77422000 was also provided during the previous fiscal among 972 beneficiaries. Also a subsidy of Rs. 37.91 lakh was provided during the year 2013-14 while a subsidy component of 36 lakh was also provided among the beneficiaries during the current financial year upto to ending July 2014.

Seminar on Medical Pluralism held doctors in primary healthcare delivRestore faith ery here today, the Minister asked the Unani and Ayurvedic doctors to work dedication among masses and get of system, build with the system of medicine regain its faith credibility. confidence among and He said continued quackery of past decades have led to a situation where don’t have that much of trust people: Taj tells ISM patients with their system of medicine. He said with the availability of latest diagnostic tools coupled with renewed dedicafaculty tion among the doctors, the system can

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 21: Terming Unani and Indian System of Medicine (ISM) as age old systems of medicine which have worked through ages, Minister for Health & Medical Education, Mr. Taj Mohi ud Din today asked the members of the system to regain its faith among people which has severed due to quackery over the years and asked them to build confidence of people by working with dedication and effective patient care.

Inaugurating a daylong seminar on Medical Pluralism & Role of AYUSH

have a turnaround given its strong historical base.

Mr. Taj suggested devising a foolproof system of testing Unani drugs for which he advised setting up of proper laboratories. He said once the Unani drugs are tested and verified properly like the Allopathic system it would automatically restore the faith among patients.

The Minister said people all around globe are now turning to traditional systems of medicine for their safe and side effect free treatments.

Speaker reviews pace of developmental projects under execution in Eidgah Constituency SRINAGAR, AUGUST 21: The Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Mr. Mubarak Gul has asked the officers of different departments to work with dedication and unison and speed up the pace of work on various developmental projects under execution in Eidgah Constituency.

Besides Secretary Housing, officers of Revenue, Srinagar Development Authority and other concerned were present in the meeting.

Mr. Gul asked the concerned agencies to expedite the Rs. 5.26 crore project of development of EWS (Economically weaker section) Housing Colony at Noorbagh. He also stressed for speeding up the pace of works on the construction of community hall, Ration

Ghat, Health Centre besides macadamization of main approaching roads for which Rs. 1.97 crore has been earmarked.

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

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

The Speaker also took stock of pace of work being executed on Rs 1.20 crore Shoping project in Noorbagh and was informed that the project would be completed within one month.

Mr. Gul also asked the concerned

Sakina asks for implementing Board decisions in letter and sprit parent manner and completion of works in stipulated time frame should be hallmark of the developing policy.

Ms Sakina called upon the officers that the Board decision should be implemented in letter and spirit.

She directed the concerned officers for developing the Pulwama town as a model town and necessary steps should be taken for beautification of Pulwama town.

Under R&B sector, Rs 11.80 crore have been proposed for expansion and construction of new roads, the schemes would be completed during the current financial year and 18 kms proposed for black-topping.

Under MGNREGA schemes 3599 works proposed to be taken to generate 7.51 lakh man-days while under IAY scheme 1278 new houses would be constructed during current fiscal.

Under Pardhan Mantri Gram

officers to take care of maintenance of various housing colonies in the area and directed for face-lifting and repairing of drains, lanes and street-

22. 08 .2014

October 24-November 21

DDB approves Rs 80.30 cr annual plan for Pulwama

PULWAMA, AUGUST 21: The District Development Board (DDB) meeting today approved Annual Plan outlay of over Rs. 80.30 crore for District Pulwama for the current financial year. This includes Rs 29.35 crore as revenue and Rs 50.95 crore as capital component.

The meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Minister for Social Welfare, ARI Trainings and Public Grievances Ms. Sakina Itoo.

The meeting reviewed the action taken on the decisions of the board meeting held last year and discussed in detail the fiscal and financial targets proposed for current financial year.

Addressing the meeting, the Minister asked the district administration to put in every effort in realizing the expenditure envisaged in annual plans to ensure maximum benefits to the people, saying that expenditure in proper and trans-

the administrative units”, he maintained.

“The pace of various schemes of Rural Development like MGNREGA, IAY, NBA has been accelerated and these have been instrumental in changing the socio economic profile of rural areas besides providing the job opportunities and asset creation”, said the minister adding that the people at the grass root level have also been involved in day to day governance by putting in place a vibrant and empowered Panchayati raj system wherein the masses have been made the major stake holders in policy formulation and implementation as well.

MLA, Budgam also spoke on the occasion and enumerated the various initiatives undertaken by the government for the sustained development of the area. He said that schemes in the sectors of PHE, PDD, R&B, RDD have contributed immensely in ensuring the development of the Budgam area.

SRINAGAR | FRIDAY

Sadak Yojna (PMGSY), 9 road projects have been targeted at an estimated cost of Rs. 94.78 lakh and under PHE sector, 5 water supply schemes at an estimated cost of Rs 8.30 crore are proposed to be completed during current fiscal. Under NRDWP sector 27 schemes at an estimated cost of Rs 60.61 crore are proposed in which 120 villages would be provided with clean drinking water facility. Under irrigation sector, Rs 14.80 crore were earmarked for providing irrigation facility to 1400 hectors of agriculture land.

It was given out that Rs 5.97 crore has been incurred on completion of 6 health buildings including 2 sub-centres. The meeting was told that an Rs 5.00 crore would be released for land acquisition of circular road Pulwama phase-II for providing better road facilities to the masses of district Pulwama during current financial year.

lights of these colonies.

The speaker asked the officers of revenue department to expedite the process of construction of orphanage and drug de-addiction counselling centers coming in Saidpora areas.

Vaccination programme for Hajj pilgrims of district Shopian notified SHOPIAN, August 21: The Hajj pilgrims of Tehsil Shopian, Imam Sahib and Keegam shall be vaccinated at District Hospital Shopian on August 23 and 24, 2014 while as the vaccination of Hajj pilgrims of Tehsil Keller shall be conducted on August 23 & 24, 2014 at Sub-District Hospital, Keller. Similarly, the vaccination of the Hajj pilgrims of Tehsil Zainapora, Chitragam and Herman shall be conducted on August 23 & 24, 2014 at CHC Zainapora.The concerned selected Hajj pilgrims are accordingly informed to get immunized at the respective venues on the scheduled dates which shall commence at 10 a.m on all the notified dates.

19 cases settled in Bandipora lok adalat

BANDIPORA, August 21: A lok Adalat was held under the chairmanship of Chairman Tehsil Legal Services Committee Bandipora at court complex Bandipora today.

As many as 32 cases of various natures were taken up out of which 19 cases were settled amicably during the lok Adalat.An amount of Rs. 2100 was also realised as fine during the lok Adalat.

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 EDITORIAL OPINION Election Love is like the wind, you can’t see preparedness it but you can feel it.”at ― Nicholas Sparks, full swing Quote of the day

A

s the elections to the Lok Sabha have shut been Congress should announced, the Returnstinking mouths ing Officers in different parts of the country have gone all out erhaps congress for the election party preparedness which has so that free and fairaelections suffered humiliare made possible, the code of ating defeat in the conduct isrecently implemented in real held Lok perspective and more andappremore Sabha Elections and voters are worse enrolledthan in thethat voterin hending lists. The training programmes J&K assembly elections is for Booth Level Officers haveis not learning a lesson and already started so have startedof continuing with its policy the meetings of theonconcerned divide and rule which it officers with the political parties thrived since independence to create awareness about and continuously ruled the the whole electoral process.

Today country baring some interspecialThis camps are being held all vals.

Party always exover the country so that young ploited the sentiments of voters are given final chance Muslims and agained their to enroll themselves and caste support but in fact did noththeirfor valuable vote forand electing their welfare deing their representatives.

This velopment. Not only this, it election is called the mother of is during congress regime all elections becausewitnessed the electhat the country tion situation is totally different worst kind of communal rifrom the previous elections. ots and the sufferings of miAs therecommunity. is no politicalHowevgroup nority or alliance which seems to be er, it always shed crocodile in totaloncommand throughout tears the pathetic condithe country, hence the Election tion of Muslims who are still Commission hasbelow more poverty responliving mostly sibilities to hold free and fair line.

This community has elections as India has the repdeliberately been deprived utation beingbasic not only the of evenof the educalargest democracy ofin thecentral world tion and its share but alsoservices because is of the institugovt. negligible. tion ofasElection Commission Now the party has lost which has always stood the test power at centre and various of the time and remained unstates, its frustration has inbiased in whatever the condicreased and now it is trying tions. electionstricks to thetoLok to useThe different reSabha will be held in 9 phases gain pride. The statement of and elaborate arrangestate P.H.E. security minister Sham ments are being made to make Lal Sharma is indicative of the situation conducive forConthe this frustration.

Has voters who areever expected to cast gress Party advocated their vote without any coercion that the country which has or threat perception.

There are about 20 crore Muslim popsome areas which are over sen-a ulation should also have sitive like North EastMinister? and JamMuslim Prime muthat & Kashmir usualthen the If is not and theascase Election Commission mak-of deranged ideas likeisthat ing proper security arrangeP.H.E. minister saying that ments in these areas.

If we take the next Chief Minister example of Panchayat elections should be a Hindu, is nothin J&K, the large scale particiing but a dirty trick to gain pation may be surely an indicapolitical mileage in Jammu tor that this time also the voters province and save the parwill turn in bulk to cast their ty from being totally wiped vote. It is imperative that the out in the coming assembly people particularly the young elections.

Congress party generation votes so that onlyof should shut the mouth those representatives are electleaders like him should ed who have goodand image and not try to communalize spotless carrier and will serve this state which hasway always the people in a better and stood for communal harmomitigate their problems.

P

ny and brotherhood.

Daily Daily

Times Zabarwan Zabarwan Times

Srinagar, Sunday 2014 Srinagar, Friday0922March August 2014

Building not just of Microbiology Mother allRoads Biological sciences but Nation

T

ransport system is considered as the life line of any nation. Road Infrastructure, because of its easy accessibility, flexibility in operation, door to door service and reliability occupies a dominant position in the transportation system. It is vital for unleashing economic growth and is a critical component of all inclusive growth. In the last few decades, Road transport in India has registered treDR AEJAZ IQBAL mendous growth and has become the most preferred mode of transport. The share of road transport in carrying the passengers and goods is more than icrobiology the 80% and 60% of the total is passenger vast and interesting and freight movement respectively. field in the biological sciences. It’s known as Mother of all biologicalsciences as network it possesses hightoIndia has huge of roads capacity revolutionize all sectors tallingto about 46.90 lakh km.

The road of density in India at present is nearly 1.43 km per sq. km of area whichMicombiology throughout the world. pares favourably with many councrobiologyis the study of living tries. Responsibility of development organisms that are invisible to the of this network rests with the Central naked eye, Government, State Governments and such as bacteria, fungi, viruses etc.

Government.

National HighIts local factthat without a single instruways (NH),ashaving total length ment called - Microscope, the of 82,803 km, constitutes less than 2% whole of the total road network. However, world of microbes would have been these are the main arteries carrying unknownto us. People have long more than 40% of the total road trafwondered about the microscopic fic. Development of NHs is the responworld ofbacteria and viruses.

While sibility of the Central Government. some societiesmade connection Good and efficient atransport infralong ago between microbes and disstructure is an essential pre-requisite eases.

Microbiologyis notofaa mere for the economic growth nation. study of the structural It has been the endeavor of the Govdiversity classification ernmentand to provide speedy, of safemiand crobes but encompasses whole It efficient road transportthe network. is recognized that life. modernisation gamut of microbial There are of infrastructure is the key to attain somany types of microbes living on Transport secthehigher planet,GDP. so thisIndia’s field of tor as a whole contributes about 5.5% microbiology offers many possible to the GDP, with road transport conareas of study. tributingare the lion’s India has Microbes foundshare. everywhere as onesoil, of theplants, fastest growing likeemerged air, water, rocks economy in theofworld. andin the bodies otherAccording living or-to experts, India could unleash its full ganisms. potential, provided, it improves the That’s the reason microbiologists infrastructure facilities, which are study not only microorganisms at present not sufficient to meet the themselves but also interac-To growing demand of their the economy. tionaddress with thesesurroundings. emerging demand by catchThere different branches of social miing are up with the economic and crobiology few are mentioned growth ofas the country, a massive Road here, medical microbiology, envidevelopment programme has been

M

Road Network

ronmentmicrobiology, food and dairy microbiology, pharmaceuticalmicrobiology, agricultural mitaken up in the country. crobiology, veterinary microbiology etc. All branches of microbiology deals with the The National that Highways Developmicroorganisms affect the animent Project (NHDP) is health the flagship mals,environment, food, and programme, for development of less other areas.How microbiology is developed dedicated related withareas, different fieldsregional of sciprogrammes like the Special Accelerence:Medical microbiology - This ated Road Developmentdeals Programme branch of microbiology with for the North-East (SARDP-NE) pathogenic microbes.

Their life and cythe Special Programme the Left cle,physiology, genetics, for reproducWing Extremism affected areas have tion etc. Many of these microbes also been taken up. Now, there are provideremedies for microbial displans for building up Expressways in eases.Food and dairy microbiolothe Country. Three projects i.e. Eastgyern – ItPeripheral deals in Expressway various aspects like in National foodprocessing, food preservation, Capital Region, Delhi - Meerut Expresscanning,pasteurization of Expressmilk, way and Mumbai – Vadodra way covering about 650 km are targeted during the current financial year.

Planning for Bengaluru – Chennai and Delhi – Jaipur Expressways are also in advance stages. All these Expressways will be fully access controlled roads on green field alignment.

To meet with the massive requirement of funds, innovative means of financing and financing strategies which inter alia include cess on fuel, private sector participation including foreign investment, borrowing from the market as well as budgetary support have been adopted. A major step was to attract foreign as well as domestic investments through Public Private Partnership (PPP). Involving the private sector would lead to increasing efficiency with the help of using modern technology. The private sector has more flexible procurement and decision-making procedures and therefore, it can speed study of food born microbial diseasup implementation efforts. Allowing sector to raise esprivate andtheir control.

The capital/funds water used has paved for the foodthe way for the Government to use its scarce resources efficiently processing is being studied for its and effectively. microbial limits.Several new materials of road construction are also emerging Environmental microbiology – In thatbranch would need be encouraged dethis we tostudy about the pending upon their cost effectiveness. role ofmicrobes in maintaining the For development of National Highquality in the Country in thethis, 12 five ofways environment.

Other than inyear plan targets to invest Rs 1,44,769 fluence of microbes in degradation crores from budgetary support, and decay of natural wastes. Waste Rs 64,834 crores from IEBR and Rs water 1,87,995 crores from private sector treatment and microbiological participation. analysis of Launched inwater 1998, thefrom NHDPdifferent program resources.Pharmaceutical microrepresents the largest road construcbiology – Theever maximum benefit of tion project undertaken to boost

NHDP

microbiology and microbes has been utilized by pharmaceutical sciences.

Microbes the development of the National Highare being used for the production ways in the country.

The program isof large of antibiotics, vacaimed number at the development of about 50,000 kmother of National Highways. cinesand drugs from decades.

Golden Quadrilateral which provides Microbiology is used in drug testfour-lane connectivity between four ing andenvironmental monitoring. metros, is complete, while the NorthAgricultural microbiology - The South-East-West (NSEW) corridor is role of microbiology in agriculture about to beimportance completed. and Fourislaning isof great makand six ground laning isinunderway at many ingnew agriculture.

Here places andabout progressing pace, we study useful at asbrisk well as despite the hurdles in land acquisiharmful ness of microbes in agtion, obtaining environment and forriculture. Themicrobes used in est clearances, high cost debt etc,. So agriculture act as bio-fertilizers, far work on more than 21,000 km have bio-pesticides,as well as nitrogen been completed and in about 12,350 fixers andare in several otherareas. km works in progress.

Other flagIndustrial microbiology To study ship regional programmes–which inthe roleSARDP-NE of microorganisms in LWE cludes and roads in affected areas covers development of about 12,000 km of roads out of which work has already been completed in about 3800 kms.

Food and dairy microbiology – It deals in various aspects like food Mode of Projects processing, food preservation, canning,pasteurization ofThe milk, study emphasis has been toof take up progressively more and more infood born microbialfrastructure diseases andtheir projects through private sector participation on foodBOT (Toll) control. The water basis used for the so that more public funds are for social processing is being available studied forsectors its such mi-as Health, Education, etc. However, it crobial limits.Environmental microbiwould not be practically possible to take up development of the majority ology – In this branch we study about of the highway stretches on BOT (Toll) mode. This has reflected in the recent the role ofmicrobes in maintaining the trends of bidding when in majority of roads projects we could not get the qualityof environment. favourable response. Accordingly, re-

cently, Ministry has decided to take up road projects as turnkey Engineerindustries, like Construction fermentation and ing Procurement (EPC) contracts basis which would helpproto fermentedproducts, enzyme reduce construction time and is exduction and rest metabolites, single pected to improve quality of work as cell proteins well.other Also,processes in this system theproducobjecand for the tive to garner private sector efficiency tion ofdifferent microbial products. is retained privateofentrepreOther than and thisthe isolation most neurs are free to use new technology potential microbial isolate for the to speed up their works product to production ofspecific reduce energy utilization and economic cost.

Microorganisms are being used in E-Tolling The experience on present industries for the production tolling system is associated withofcondifferent microbial Until gestion and delays atproducts. toll plazas.

To microbiology and its scope is not overcome this, Government has deunderstood by of the studentsToll it’s Colnot cided adoption Electronic possible to look for across a bright future lection (ETC) system National

New Initiatives

inbiological science. Industries like detergent, food and dairy,pharmaceutical, inbeverage, leather, and Highways India, which would enjuice able toll to be collected electronically industries microbiology as a from vehiclesuse at toll plazas while the vehicle in motion.good Pilot quality projects of key toismaintain have already been taken up in this retheir products. gard which will pave for nationMicrobiology and way its methods are wide ETC at the toll usedinteroperable in diverse areas of all research. plazas on National Highways on by 2014.

The role of microbiology the adNew Materials Besides financing, vances such a mammoth development in the health care industry, proespegramme huge amount of cially inrequires pharmaceutical and mednatural ical resources. As such conservation of the material is area of concern industry has led to great discoverfor all. There is a need to save scarce ies, from physical resource like aggregates, vaccines to cement, devices.bitumen, The microbes sand, earth, etc. are known as base in different looking to huge programme of conarears of molecular biology and struction of highways in the country. biotechnology On the other hand, the Nation is facing and areofbeing used as&astorage valuable tool problem the disposal of inby scientists in research.

Whole dustrial waste like fly-ash, copper slag, together microbiology applicable marble slurry, etc. Effortsisare on in in verythese corner of biological utilizing waste materials in construction roads through complete/ sciencesofand owns much more popartial conventional tentialreplacement and scope. of Microorganisms materials. foundin different Cashless Treatment of accident environments possess highVictims applica(A Road Safety initiative) India tion right from domestic uphas to the dubious distinction of having maxicommercial level.

Microbiology mum keepsnumber main of fatalities on roads.

During the 2011, like therefood, were share in allyear the fields waaround 5 lakh road accidents ter, environment, beverage,resulting in the deaths of over 1.42 lakh health, pharma, agriculture, lather people. Each day, nearly 390 people etc. die on our roads. In India more than In all otheraccident states ofvictims India microbihalf of road are in ology is compulsory subject the age group 20-65 years. Theatloss as well as atearner UG and level ofinter the main bread andPG head but here in of household due to death or disJ&K this has not beentoinability can subjects be catastrophic, leading troduced at Inter level.

Evenin lower livingyet standards and poverty, thoughtostudents J&K possess addition the humanof cost of bereaveworldThis classbrain, it’s very price much ment. is an unacceptable tomeaningful pay for mobility.

Ministry if these The minds are utihas already lized for thetaken up multi-pronged strategy in his regard.

The latest miledevelopment of biological sciences stone this areaofismicrobiology. a Pilot Project for withinthebase The “implementation of cashless medical soil of J&K owns such class of mitreatment crobial to the accident victims” for the first 48 hours.

Under this scheme population (fungi, bacteria, yeasts accident will for be the provided etc.)thatvictims can be used producfree during this period as tiontreatment of important and valuable a result immediate relief can be promicrobial products (antibiotics, envided to the accident victim, which zymes etc.). Soit’s important for the will go a long way in reducing fatalinew to take a chance ties on generations our road. and learn more Completion of programmes already aboutupmicrobiology asaitlong leads taken is expected to go wayus newworld with immune applicaintocontributing towards building the tions.

Nation.

Empowering Mentally Ill to Live with Dignity

M

ental health represents a critical indicator of human development, serves as a key determinant of well-being, quality of life and is the basis for social stability. Social and economic impact of poor mental health is pervasive and far reaching, leading to poverty, high unemployment rates, poor educational and health outcomes, among others. There is a need for a wider recognition of mental and emotional well-being as a core indicator of human development, and it is necessary to integrate a mental health and psychosocial perspective into all development and humanitarian policies, programmes.

Persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities represent a significant proportion of the world’s population. One in four people globally experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. Almost one million people die due to suicide every year and depression is ranked third in the global burden of disease, and is projected to rank first in 2030. In India prevalence of mental disorders is 6-7% for common mental disorders and 1-2% for severe mental disorders. Treatment gap for severe mental disorders is approximately 50% and in case of Common mental Disorders it is over 90%.With such a magnitude of mental disorders it becomes necessary to promote mental health services for the well being of general population, in addition to provide treatment for mental illnesses.

Persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities often face stigma and discrimination due to widely held misconceptions about the causes and nature of mental health conditions. Persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities also experience high levels of physical abuse.

They encounter restrictions in their exercise of socio-politico-economic rights

in the majority of countries, largely due to the false assumption that they are not able to carry out their responsibilities, manage their own affairs and make decisions about their lives.

Though mental health conditions are one of the leading causes of disability, persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities often lack resources to maintain basic living standards. Furthermore, they are one of the most neglected and discriminated groups in development policies and programmes. Integration of mental health into development efforts is a cost effective pro-poor strategy. There are cost effective treatments available for most mental illnesses, and effective treatment is associated with reductions in overall health-care costs. Child development, education, health, social welfare policies and programmes must integrate mental and psychosocial aspects.

In India, National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) was started in 1982 with the objectives to ensure availability and accessibility of minimum mental health care for all, to encourage mental health knowledge and skills and to promote community participation in mental health service development and to stimulate self-help in the community. Gradually, the approach of mental health care services has shifted from hospital based care (institutional) to community based mental health care, as majority of mental disorders do not require hospitalization and can be managed at community level.

During IX five year plan, District Mental Health Programme was initiated (1996) and at present DMHP is covering 123 districts in 30 States and UTs. In addition to early identification and treatment of mentally ill, District Mental Health Programme has now incorporated promotive and pre-

ventive activities for positive mental health which includes; School Mental Health services; College Counselling services; work place stress management and suicide prevention services.

Efforts are being made to improve human resource availability in mental health sector so that mentally ill gets required attention and persons having a predilection for mentally illness can get good advice, counselling at the initial stages itself.

Components of NHMP are being brought under the overall umbrella of National Rural Health Mission so that the States are able to plan requirements concerning Mental Health services as part of the respective project plans. Rs.623.45 crore has been approved as XI plan outlay (upto 2012) for the National Mental Health Programme.

However, recognizing the difficulties/ stigma faced by mentally ill persons the Government is in the process of providing a humane, patient centric legal framework for mentally ill patients.

The proposed Mental Health Care bill can be a ‘Game changer’ in the life of millions of mentally ill persons who were often victims of inhuman and degrading treatment, abuse and ridicule, both at the community level and at health care delivery establishments.

The proposed Mental Health Care bill is significant in terms of Rights’ Approach that is being adopted to give pre-eminence to the preferences and opinion of the mentally ill person to a major extent.

Provisions like ‘Advance Directive’ empowers every person to make directive on how he wishes to be cared and treated for mental illness or not. Other salient provisions are;· A mentally ill person admitted to a mental health establishment shall have a right to receive or refuse visitors, phone calls, mail,etc · A mentally ill person has a right

to have treatment in his locality / residence and can prefer only minimum treatment/care at mental health establishments. This is to ensure that the patient is allowed to live in, be part of and not be segregated from society to the extent possible · Every patient has a right to protection from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and the mental health establishment shall be safe, clean with facilities for education, recreation, religious practices. · No patient shall be forced to undertake work and subject to compulsory shaving of head and wearing of uniforms. · Mental illness may be made eligible for medical insurance coverage. · Government is duty-bound to plan, implement mental health programmes and create awareness about mental health and illness to reduce the associated with mental illness · Every person will have access to mental health care and treatment at affordable cost, of good quality and of requisite quantity, accusable to the report, their families and care givers · Government should interpret mental health services into general health care services at all levels in all health programmes. · Government shall arrange good quality care and treatment in hospitals funded by government and in case of non availability in nearby place; refund the costs of treatment to the patient.

To conclude, a mentally well person means a healthy society and developed nation. It is not enough if we have best health care services, protective legislation unless the stigma, discrimination and widely held misconceptions attached to mental illness are weeded out and community becomes more empathetic towards such persons.

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