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C M Y K
SUNDAY
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December 22 | 2013 | 18 Safar 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |
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VOL NO: 3 | ISSUE NO: 325 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 PAISA)
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Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K
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ng pyi s s A NS form w re e in evi ible r ful ents p o oss l t a he llm am am, p rry ous i b e O i b gr aw var pro Str lling o ntr co
Scores highest number ODI fifties this year See More On Page 06
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Govt ushered era of peace, development
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Union Health Minister, CM inaugurate Arogya Mela-2013
Protest against PDD in Kulgam Kulgam, December 21: Police on Saturday used tear-smoke shells on protestors to clear road for the Social Welfare Minister in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. The protestors had blocked the road near Bogund Kulgam against nonavailability of electricity and were demanding installation of power transformer in the area. According to reports amid anti-government and Power Development Department (PDD) slogans, hundreds of people blocked Kulgam Islamabad road near Bogund Kulgam. The protestors alleged that from past one month scores of hamlets of Kulgam are reeling under darkness while PDD shows no seriousness to end their woes. “Our area is reeling under darkness from past one month. The transformer needed a minor repairing but even after the expiry of one month, PDD did not install transformer in Bogund area. The PDD officials play with us and are never interested in addressing our problems,” See Protest on Pg. 11
Masrat Alam sent to eight day judicial remand Srinagar, December 21: The chief Judicial Magistrate Kautua Saturday sent the Muslim League chairman and Huriyat Conference (G) leader Masrat Alam Bhat on eight days Judicial remand. According to KNS correspondent, Masrat was produced before the court of chief judicial magistrate in connection with the FIR no 83/2013 that sent him to eight days of judicial remand. Masrat was shifted to district jail kutua. See Masrat Alam on Pg. 11
Inside story Div Com reviews preparedness for snowfall Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Mr. Shailendra Kumar, Saturday directed the divisional level officers to ensure full preparedness for snowfall expected in the ensuing winter season besides gearing up men
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On Edit Page Isolation-The silent killer There is one Punjabi saying“God may not even leave a tree alone” It is a fact that lone trees in desert dry up soon than the one's in dense forest.
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WEATHER
FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:
Light to Moderate Rain/Snow would occur at many places over the state.
FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:
Light Rain/Snow. Maximum & Minimum temperatures will be around 08°C & -01°C respectively.
TEMPERATURE MAXIMUM 6.5 0C MINIMUM -3.9 0C SUNSET ON(SUNDAY) 05:27 pm SUNRISE ON (MONDAY) 07:34 am
Azad lists central assistance to state in Health Sector Says annual grants under NRHM raised to Rs.436 crores
Omar for declaring medicare as a Fundamental Right
Jammu, December 21: The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Ghulam Nabi Azad has said that a new scheme namely Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) launched in the country in July-2013 will be shortly started in Jammu and Kashmir. He said 27 crore children are targeted to be screened and treated under this scheme in the country. Azad said that AYUSH and Allopathic Centres are being co-located in 52000 newly constructed health buildings in the country to provide both facilities of Indian System of Medicine and Allopathic Medicines under one roof. He said in Jammu and Kashmir 398 Primary Health Centres have been co-located with Indian System of Medicine and Allopathic treatment. The Union Health Minister said that the Union Government has provided financial assistance to the State Government for construction and up-
gradation of 322 health centres and hospitals in the State. He asked the executing agencies of these centres to provide timely utilization certificates for the funds expanded on the works so the flow of money from the Centre remains unabated and with-
Kitchloo re-inducted in the council of ministers Says will work for peace and betterment of people Jammu, December 21: Sajad Ahmad Kitchloo, who was administered oath of office and secrecy by Governor N N Vohra, as Minister of State at Raj Bhavan here Saturday afternoon, said that he is thankful to his party for reposing trust and confidence in him. Kitchloo pledged to work for the betterment of the people of the state with utmost commitment and sincerity. Talking to KNS, Kitchloo observed that some vested interests had create a situation to malign his public image and with Justice (Retd) Gandhi report exonerating him from any alleged involvement in Kishtwar riots, his personal and the party’s stand has been vindicated. “The day I resigned, I had made it clear that time
will prove my innocence and I have been proved correct by the Commission of Inquiry. I had sacrificed my position
BJP protests, calls for 48 hour Bandh Jammu, December 21: Outraged by the manipulated interim report by the one man Commission of Inquiry headed by Justice (Retd.) R.C. Gandhi, giving clean chit to former Minister of State Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo, BJP activists held protest demonstrations across Jammu province to register their protest against the biased approach of the powers that be. In the morning party activists in their hundreds led See BJP on Pg. 11
Justice (Retd) Koul visits Shopian Except from holding a brief meet with the father of one of the four killed youth on Saturday, there seems to be no takers for Justice (Retd) M L Koul commission of inquiry mandated by the government to probe an incident of shootout at Gagren-Shopian that took place on September 7. Justice (Retd) Koul who visited Shopian today was amazed to see no witnesses or the families coming forward with a formal petition regarding the killing of the four youth. “I came by road from Jammu and straightway visited Shopian to meet the families of the de-
in the interest of communal harmony, peace and brotherhood which has been a hallmark of See Kitchloo on Pg. 11
ceased youth. But except from one person who is the father of one of the four killed youth, nobody came to see me. Surprisingly, no formal petition has been filed by any of the affected families’ sofar,” Justice (Retd) Kould told KNS on phone from Shopian. He said unfortunately two months down the line since he was appointed as the head of an one-man commission of inquiry to probe the circumstances which led to killing of the four youth, none of the families have filed a formal petition despite repeated notifications widely publicized in the press. “I want to remind these families again See Gagren on Pg. 11
SHRC asks MD Khyber for personal appearance The state human rights commission, while taking strong note of the recent reports that the Khyber toned milk is allegedly unsafe for consumption, Saturday directed the managing director of Khyber Agro Farms Private Limited to appear in person before the commission on the date of hearing scheduled to be held on December 30. The reports received by KNS mentioned that the SHRC while taking suo motto cognizance in the matter, issued notices to Commissioner Municipal Corporation, Srinagar, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and Deputy Commissioner Food Safety Kashmir Division, Srinagar for submitting their factual reports in the matter. The commission has also di-
Rental claims from Army
Difficult to fix a definite time-frame: Antony to Soz Srinagar, December 21: Indian Defence Ministry has said that it is difficult to fix a definite time-frame in which the cases related to rent payable by Army to landowners can be resolved as different agencies and procedural issues are involved. There are 125 pending cases of rentals for settlement. The maximum cases relate to frontier district Kupwara (32), followed by Baramulla (28), Anantnag (17), Budgam (17), Pulwama (10) Bandipora (7), Ganderbal (7), Srinagar (4), Shopian (2) and one case pertains to district Kulgam. State Congress President Prof Saif-u-Din Soz in a statement issued to CNS has said that Defence Minister A.K.Antony has assured him that all these
across the State as a large number of people from other district of the State remain in Jammu during the winter months. He said a similar Mela will be organized in Kathua district in the next week. Underlining the health as the first basic requirement of highest importance in human life, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Saturday said that the right to medicare should be recognized as a fundamental right of the people in the country so that they are legally empowered to seek the best available medical treatment free of cost in government health centres and hospitals all over in the country. “While the UPA-II Government has enacted path breaking and historic laws for declaring Right to Food and Right to Education as the basic rights for every citizen of the country, I hope the UPA-III which he prophesied to come to power after ensuing Parliament Election, will See Azad on Pg. 11
Toned Milk 'adulteration' row
Srinagar, December 21:
Gagren-Shopian shootout
Srinagar, Dec 21:
out any cut. He said in order to make the jobs lucrative for doctors in the rural and far-flung areas the monthly remuneration for them have been raised to the level of Rs.55000 with the central initiative. He said the Union Government has also assisted
the State Government to get 485 ambulances and make over 10600 Asha Workers functional. He said that the annual grants under National Rural Health Mission to the state have been increased from Rs.232 crores to Rs.436 crores. The Union Minister also gave resume of the JSSK scheme which provides for free treatment to the pregnant women and infants in the government hospitals throughout the period of pregnancy and after the delivery to the child till he or she attains the age of one year. He also highlighted the initiative of AYUSH and said that six systems of medicines namely, Ayurveda, Yoga-naturalpathy, Unani, Sidda, Sowa-rigga and Homeopathy under its ambit to popularize the treatment of different diseases under the Indian System of Medicine. Ghulam Nabi Azad said that the holding of Arogya Mela in Jammu in the month of December is aimed at reaching out to people from all
cases will be settled with Army in due course of time. According to Soz, the Defence Minister has assured him that the Army would settle all the remaining cases of rent, as early possible. “He (Defence Minister) has also said that whenever there is delay, it is due to procedural factors. Settlement of these 125 cases involves various agencies including the State government authorities. Continuous liaison is made with the State government authorities for expeditious settlement of these cases. As different agencies and procedural issues are involved, it is difficult to fix a definite time-frame in which the cases can be resolved, the statement reads.
rected that the MD of Khyber agro farms must appear in person before the commission with their personal responses in the matter so that their version of facts is also taken on board. The SHRC notice, a copy of
which is with KNS, mentioned that if the newspaper reports are to be believed and allegations proved, then the act amounts to “genocide” and warrants to be dealt with sternly and ironhanded as the product,
which has been declared unsafe for consumption, is consumed by one and all including children, women, patients, infants irrespective of their age and health conditions, whose life appears to be, now, at stake. The notice observed further, ”If the allegations are true then this milk, which might have, now, been consumed by a big size of population in Kashmir, will surely cause damage to many lives and deprive their basic rights to safe food and good health. “ it added that this act of turpitude and moral degradation is not allowed or seen even in wars where infants, children and women are being protected and given safe passage. The notice further reads that the alleged adulteration in basic food item like See Toned Milk on Pg. 11
Mufti, Bakshi sold water resources to New Delhi: Kamal Srinagar, December 21: Blaming Mufti Muhammad Sayeed and late Bakshi Ghulam Muhammad for power woes in Kashmir, National Conference Saturday said that these two leaders sold water resources to New Delhi as a result people suffer heavily during winters in Kashmir. National Conference legislator Dr Shiekh Mustafa Kamal said that it will take at least 7 more years to make Kashmir self-sufficient in power sector. “Our government is not responsible for power mess in Kashmir. We did not sell water resources to New Delhi but it was Late Bakshi Ghulam Muhammad in 1960 and later on Mufti Muhammad Sayeed who looted water resources of Kashmir,” Kamal told See Kamal on Pg. 11
Separatists slam DGP over mass graves remark Srinagar, December 21: Expressing serious resentment over the recent statement of Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Prasad wherein he stated that there are no ‘mass graves’ in Kashmir, separatists Saturday said that the denial of the ground situation has become the ‘hallmark ’ of the authorities here. Huriyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani while reacting to DGP’s statement told KNS that the issue of mass graves must be investigated on the international level and that the independent inquiry teams across the globe must investigate the matter thoroughly. “One must ask DGP that if
they are sure that there are no mass graves in Kashmir, then why the Indian government is reluctant in initiating the inquiry by international human rights organizations.” Geelani further stated that under a planned conspiracy, the mass graves in Kashmir are being ignored at every level, so that there would be no record left of the same. “If the police chief claims that there are no mass graves, let the Indian government issue a statement of same nature so that the world would come to know that how the truth here is being buried with the sadistic approach,” Geelani told KNS. Chairman Huriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz
Umar Farooq told KNS that the independent inquires on Kashmir’s mass graves must be initiated at the earliest so that the truth could come to fore and that world community would come to know the ground situation of the ‘troubled’ state. “The mass graves have already been identified by various rights organizations and the denial of the facts cannot be legitimized at any level.” Mirwaiz added that there is no logic behind the claims of the police chief and the petition pertaining to the issue of mass graves is already at the High court. “We need to understand that the claims made by the authorities over the issue can never be See Separatists on Pg. 11
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11 Sunday, 22 December 2013 From Front Page........
Azad........
Daily Later in the afternoon, hundreds of party activists led by State President Jugal Kishore Sharma took out a march to Raj Bhawan to protest the provocative decision of State Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to re-induct Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo in the State Cabinet, whose role and conduct in the August 9 communal assault on the minority community in Kishtwar is too well known. A dharna was held outside Raj Bhawan in protest against Kitchloo’s induction. Jugal Kishore Sharma, while announcing party’s call for 48 hours bandh, condemned the controversial decision of the NC-led coalition government to rehabilitate Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo on the basis of manipulated interim report, said that the BJP will not take lightly to this irresponsible and communally motivated act and reach out to the masses to mobilize the opinion against the NC-Congress government. He asked the one man inquiry commission on what basis he gave a clean chit to the said NC leader and also questioned the very recommendation that VDCs be reconstituted by including members of majority community. He said that it was in early 90s that VDCs were constituted the then Governor General K.V Krishna Rao to ensure security of minority community and their religious places and dissuade them from migrating. Leader of Legislative Party Ashok Khajuria, on this occasion, said that the decision of CM Omar Abdullah to re-induct Kitchloo as MoS (Home) will not only embolden the anti-minority forces in the state but would also give rise to sense of insecurity among members of minority community which may lead to mass migration. It will also send a very negative message to patriotic forces who are putting up in militancy affected areas of the state. National Executive Member Dr. Nirmal Singh, in his address, said that communalizing the environment in the state has been common practice of NC-Congress government for crass vote bank politics. The coalition government has completely ignored its duty to create a congenial and positive feeling between the various communities in the state by inducting in the cabinet a person whose acts of omission and commission during August 09 communal riots in Kishtwar town are too well known. Later, in a meeting held at party hqrs. the programme was charted out for making the bandh call a success and mobilize the public opinion. A fervent appeal was made by party president and other leaders to the transporters, business and social organizations and educational institutions to extend support for making the bandh successful.
Department but NC patron Dr Farooq Abdullah had objected over the inflated power bills that PDD had dispatched to him. Holding Kashmir weather as the basic reason for power woes Kamal said that it is not fair to blame Government for everything.
ZABARWAN TIMES
civilians. However, it said the “evidences and verification suggested” that fourth “non-local looking person” was a Lashkar-e-Toiba militant. The Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had, on October 1, ordered a judicial probe into the Gagran killings, while contesting the CRPF claim that all the deceased were militants. Omar had informed the Assembly that the nonlocal person who was among the youth killed in the firing was a militant, a stand taken by the JK Police as well. The other three killed persons were not connected with militancy, Omar had said. On November 25, some witnesses and relatives of those killed in the shootout had alleged that they were not informed about the visit of Justice (Retd) Koul to the town.
enact the necessary legislation in the Parliament making free medical treatment to all the citizens of the country as a Fundamental Right”, he said and substantiated this necessity by highlighting the significance of a healthy synonymous to facts and therefore let the Indian society in a developed and advanced country. authorities allow the probe by the international Jointly inaugurating the Arogya Mela-2013 with the Union organizations over the issue.” Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Ghulam Nabi Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front Azad at Parade Ground here, Omar Abdullah said that the (JKLF) Mohammad Yasin Malik while commenting health status of a society indicates its growth and developover the issue said that for the sake of argument, he is ment. He said without ensuring full health coverage to the ready to accept the statement of police chief that there is citizens ‘we cannot claim comprehensive and holistic no mass grave in Kashmir, provided the whereabouts of development’. He said all sorts of developments are more than 10 thousand disappeared people would be Irshad Ahmed a protestor told CNS. subservient to the development of health as such universalrevealed to their dear ones. “We want to ask them where Eyewitnesses told CNS that the police resorted to teargas ization of healthcare facilities in a society should essenare those 10 thousand people who were arrested in front shelling on peaceful protestors to clear the road for Social tially be of highest degree and medical institutions of their families and then never returned home. No Welfare Minister Sakina Itoo. “The cavalcade of the delivering in a best manner. bigger human tragedy on earth is greater than the Minister was stopped by the protestors. Police swung into Describing Jammu and Kashmir a State of medicinal action and tried to disperse the protestors by using tear tragedy with the families of the disappeared persons.” plants, the Chief Minister said that his government has Malik added that the physiological trauma has been smoke shelling. As people ran here and there, the cavalcade taken various steps to harness this potential of the state and inflicted on the people here through the torture of of the Minister moved ahead,” an eyewitness told CNS utilize it for both for Health and Economic purposes. He disappearances. “Their wives are being called half- adding that few youth were injured in police action. said awareness regarding the efficacy of Indian System of widows and their children don’t know whether their A youth identified as Hilal Ahmed Ganaie received 3 Medicine needs further push. He said people for not having stitches in his head. Reports said that even after the teargas father is alive or they have become orphans.” full details and practical effectiveness of Indian System of Dukhtaran-e-Milat (DEM) chairperson Asiya Andrabi shelling, protestors did not budge and continued to raise Medicines are not inclined to utilize these enthusiastically. said that the statement of the police chief is contrary to slogans against police, government and PDD. “The entire stake holders in this field need to focus this the ground situation and it vindicates that the authori- Superintendent of Police Kulgam Mumtaz Ahmed told aspect in a comprehensive manner”, he added ties here are in the mode of complete denial of the CNS some ‘unscrupulous elements’ resorted to stone “Melas like Arogya Mela-2013 provide opportunity to ground situation. “They are terming day as night and pelting when cavalcade of Social Welfare Minister reached people to know about the medicines their ancestors used to vice-versa. People here have full knowledge about the on spot. “We used some tear smoke shells to disperse the treat different diseases since centuries. They should take issue and the statements of police authorities have no protestors,” he said adding that no one was injured in police best advantage of AYUSH to get various diseases treated action. credibility on ground.” effectively”, Omar said and asked the Department of Indian System of Medicine to organize such Fairs at other places in the State. He said a similar Mela in Srinagar some that any probe could be started only after they file a Muslim League while condemning the continuous years earlier had a good impact on the popularization of formal petition which I have allowed them to file in detention of its chairman said that the suppressive measures Indian System of Medicine. Urdu language by or before December 23 in the office are being inflicted on Masrat so that his will and resolve for The Chief Minister congratulated the Union Health of deputy commissioner Shopian or in my office in the ongoing resistance movement could be broken. Ministry for organizing Arogya Mela-2013 in the State and room number 64 ground floor civil secretariat,” Justice The spokesman Muslim League Mohammad Rafiq Ganie said that its liberal support to the State Government to stated that the continous imprisonment of Masrat has made (Retd) Koul informed KNS. strengthen Health Sector would continue. He asked the He said the last date for submission of petitions expires him more strong to represent the masses of Kashmir and people to take best advantage of the 4-day Arogya Mela on December 23 and if the petitions are not received by that the false cases under which he is being jailed will not and get themselves checked up by the qualified doctors of this date, the commission will decide about its future last for long. Indian System of Medicine. course of action. Last month, the Commission had The function was addressed by the Union Minister of State issued a notification asking people to submit their facts for Health and Family Welfare, Santosh Chowdhary, State regarding the killings. Minister for Health and Medical Education, Shabir Ahmed “My sole aim is to know the truth and deliver justice. Khan, Union Secretary, AYUSH, N. Sanyal and Director, This is the purpose for which I have been mandated to Indian System of Medicine, Dr. Abdul Kabir. probe this matter and unless the affected families do not Srinagar, December 21: year, the holding of incident In his welcome address, Dr. Kabir gave the overview of the cooperate nothing can be done,” Justice (Retd) Koul Inspector General of Police, free general elections and the functioning of the Directorate of Indian System of Kashmir, Shri A. G. Mir paid a assembly elections, fighting added. Medicine in the State. He referred to the keenness of Chief daylong visit to Baramulla the terrorists as also mainteOwing to the non-submission of affidavits from the Minister, Omar Abdullah in the holistic improvement and milk will leave nobody safe and un-attacked and, victims and others, the commission had on November where he chaired a civil nance of law and order will be enhancement of accessibility to healthcare to the people of therefore, qualifies the term genocide in strict sense. 23 extended the date for submission of affidavits from society meet, police darbar at some of the challenges which Jammu and Kashmir. He also made reference to the Task This act of alleged adulteration also amounts to a direct the victims and interested persons till December 23. District Police Lines, the police has to overcome in Force on Health Sector headed by Chief Minister and said attack on life and liberty of every soul and their right to The CRPF personnel of the 14th Battalion at Gagran Baramulla and inspected 2014. that the highest forum under the chairmanship of Chief live. The Commission cannot maintain silence as a camp in Shopian town fired upon and shot dead four Police Station Baramulla. While assuring that the Minister reviews and monitor the functioning, reforms and mute spectator to this grave and serious act of human persons on September 7. While three of them were In his address to the police- grievances of policemen will rights violations which the Commission is meant to improvement in the healthcare sector in the State. identified as civilians, police had claimed that the men at the darbar, the IGP said be redressed, he impressed He also mentioned the role of Union Minister, Ghulam prevent and protect. fourth unidentified person was a militant—something that Jammu and Kashmir upon them that they should Nabi Azad for providing all assistance to the state to However, the Khyber Satuarday in a statement to KNS that locals didn’t buy arguing that he was a non-local Police has overcome many harness their professional upgrade its health institutions. He said the development of completely denied the allegations leveled against it and labourer. Four days after, on September 11, the CRPF challenges in the past and it competence so that, they can Indian System of Medicine receives due central attention mentioned that till date the company has no knowledge personnel of the same camp had shot dead another will continue to peruse to serve the purpose of instilling about any test of its milk having been conducted by any for strengthening and the growth. overcome these challenges in a sense of security among the civilian. Present on the occasion among others were Ministers, Taj competent authority. future as well. He reminded general masses for which they On September 9, a police statement had said three of Mohi-ud-Din, Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, Abdul Majid “Sale, Packaging and quality of milk are regulated by the four youth killed in the September 7 shootout were the police that in the coming are meant. Wani, Raman Bhalla, Minister of State, Vikar Rasool, MPs, Laws,” reads the statement, Madan Lal Sharma, Choudhary Lal Singh, Vice Chairman, adding that mandatory test, Gujjar Advisory Board, Bashir Ahmed Naaz, various procedures have to be Legislators, Commissioner Secretary, Health, Gazzanfar followed before declaring GIST OF SHORT TERM NIT SL. No 10 ISSUED UNDER No. PHEK/Camp/3413-30 Dated: 16-12-2013 Hussain, various senior officers from the State and the any food item to be For & on behalf of the Governor of Jammu & Kashmir State, sealed tenders affixed with Revenue Stamps worth Rs.5/- are invited from the substandard or unsafe for Central Government, doctors of Indian System of approved and eligible contractors whose registration cards are valid in terms of standing rules, for the works mentioned in the Annexure "A" to consumption. Medicine and senior citizens. Khyber has further stated this office above referred NIT. The tenders shall be received in the office of the Executive Engineer Special PHE Division Kulgam by registered that the company intends to post AD/ or by hand on or before 07-01-2014 upto 2:00 PM together with the earnest money equivalent to 2% of the advertised cost of work in take legal action against all the shape of CDR to contractors and 1% to Self Help Groups. The tender documents containing Rate list/Quantity Schedule can be had from the my state,” Kitchloo told KNS. The MoS home pledged to work with utmost commitment p e r s o n s , a u t h o r i t i e s , office of the undersigned (excluding holidays) from 20-12-2013 to 04-01-2014 against cash payment (Non-refundable) as shown against each and sincerity for the holistic development of the people officials of department and work. particularly Kishtwar which has suffered a lot at the hands the government who are All other terms and conditions shall remain same as laid down in the NIT/Form No.25-double/FC-33. bent upon tarnishing well of elements inimical to peace and communal amity. Pertinently, after being administered oath as a minister of earned reputation of the his council, the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, in company. It further says pursuance of Rule 5 of the Jammu and Kashmir that the company is in Government Business Rules, assigned to the charge of consultation with legal Sajjad Ahmad Kitchloo, Minister of State as the Minister of experts. While assuring consumers State(Independent Charge) of Industries and Commerce. According to an order issued today, Kitchloo would also that Khyber Milk is safe, of hold the charge of Minister of State for Home, R&B and standard quality and fit for Mechanical Engineering, Housing & Urban Development, human consumption, the company further stated that Tourism & Culture. Earlier the oath taking ceremony was attended by Omar it is seeking complete Abdullah, Chief Minister; Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union information from food Minister for Health and Family Welfare; Amrit Malhotra, safety department so as to Chairman, Legislative Council; Mubarak Gul, Speaker, ascertain the genesis of Legislative Assembly, A. R. Rather, Finance Minister; false propaganda against Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, Minister for Haj and the company and its Auquaf; Mian Altaf Ahmad, Minister for Forests, Taj products. Mohi-ud-Din, Minister for Medical Education; Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for Urban Development; Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan, Minister for CAPD; Ajay Sadhotra, Srinagar based news Minister for Planning, Raman Bhalla, Minister for gathering agency CNS Housing; Mir Saifullah, Minister for Law; Abdul Majid adding pesky power cuts is Wani, Minister for R&B; Qamar Ali Akhoon, Advisor to not new in Kashmir. Chief Minister; Javed Ahmad Rana, Deputy Chairman, He said that NC tightened Legislative Council; Shabir Ahmad Khan, Minister of noose around Security State for Health; Feroz Ahmad Khan, Minister of State for Forces who arrived here on Science and Technology; Viqar Rasool Wani, Minister of t h e b e h e s t o f M u f t i State for Technical Education; Jalil Ahmad Khan, Muhammad Sayeed and Economic Advisor to J&K Government; Legislators, they are now paying Mohammad Iqbal Khandey, Chief Secretary; Ashok electricity fee in lump Prasad, Director General of Police; senior Civil and Police sums. “People should also officers and political leaders were present on the occasion. use electricity judiciously. People forget that they misuse it and always blame by Janipur Mandal President Praduman Singh, held protest the government,” he said. outside the residence of the compromised Retd. Justice of Responding to a query, J&K High Court at Janipur and accused him of manipula- Kamal said that NC tion of facts to help the NC-Congress coalition govern- Headquarters Nawai Subha ment, which has crossed all limits to pander to communal never became the defaulter Sd/- Executive Engineer and separatist forces in the valley and elsewhere. There of Power Development DIPJK: 11503 Spl. Public Health Engg. Division Kulgam was scuffle between the police and the party activists.
Separatists........
Protest........
Gagren..........
Masrat Alam.........
Police will overcome all challenges: IGP Kashmir
Toned Milk........
Office of the Executive Engineer SPL PHE Division Kulgam
Kitchloo..........
Kamal........
BJP........
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NEWS
Daily ZABARWAN TIMES
Govt ushered era of peace, development: Sagar Need based development of rural areas ensured: Lone SUMBAL, DECEMBER 21: Maintaining that the government has ushered an era of peace and sustained development in the state on equitable basis, the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar has said efforts are being made by certain parties to negate the achievements registered by the present coalition in every sphere of life but the people will give a befitting reply to these in near future. The Minister was addressing a huge gathering after laying the foundation of model village at Gund Jehangir in Sumbal, Sonawari being taken up by the Rural Development Department with an estimated cost in every domain of life and special statements of a political party, the thrust has been on the vital sectors Minister said that they are myopic of Rs. 1.12 crore. and they should acknowledge the Minister for Higher Education, of health, education besides providing effective road connectivity to fact that the present government Mr. Mohammad Akbar Lone, Directhe villages, augmentation of water does not believe in mere rhetoric tor Rural Development, Kashmir, supply schemes and power has also but in sustained action, which has Mir Altaf Ahmad, Deputy Commisbeen done. He said that the governbeen responsible for the completion sioner, Bandipora, Mr. M.Y. Zargar ment has undertaken these initiaof various land mark developmenand other senior officers of the district administration were present on tives without giving the preferential tal works which were put in back treatment to any area but on equiduring their period. AppealNews Kangan Khan burner News Agency Ganderbal the occasion. Mr. SagarLone said that theAgency table basis. Referring to the recent the people to come forward and development has been registered Gulzar News Agency Soura Zahiding Book Depot Chadoora
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Mufti holds interactions with KP leaders of PDP Jammu, December 21: Patron of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today held interactions with the minority wing of the party and thoroughly discussed problems being faced by the displaced Kashmiri Pandits living in different parts of the State. National spokesman of the party Dr Sameer Koul, Basharat Bukhari, MLA, Ramesh Koul, Ashok Bhat, Dr R K Pardasi, S K Raina, Nanaji Wattal, Ashok Siddha, Anju Bhan, Shadhi Lal, Maharaj Krishan were the prominent Kashmiri Pandit leaders who attended the meeting. During the meeting threadbare discussions were held on various problems being faced by the displaced Kashmiri Pandits. Speakers in the meeting demanded that employment package announced by the Prime Minister for displaced persons should be properly implemented. Meeting also pointed out that authorities have Setup cumbersome process for incorporating names of Kashmiri migrants in the existing electoral rolls. It was demanded that the process should be simplify. Meeting also demanded that over-aged unemployed Kashmiri Pandit youth should be given preference in Prime Minister’s Employment Package. All the speakers in the meeting assured PDP leadership that Kashmiri Pandit community would support the party in coming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. They said that PDP is the only party which has incorporated wishes and aspirations of all sections of the society in its programmes and policies.
Minister also celebrated Christmas with the students and a play on the life of Christ was presented and Christmas carols were sung on the occasion Later, Bhalla also distributed mementos among the meritorious students who excelled in academics.
KATHUA, DECEMBER 21:
Friends or a group with which you’re affiliated might run into financial difficulties and ask for your advice. It wouldn’t be a good idea to give it, at least not today. Your thoughts aren’t as focused as they should be. You might use a little intuition to guide you. Your ability to see under the surface is good now. avail the maximum benefit of the welfare schemes undertaken by the government for ensuring holistic development of the state, besides elevation of the economic profile of the people, the Minister said that by doing so they would be exhibiting a participatory role in the day to day governance. The Minister for Higher Education, Mohammad Akbar Lone while speaking on the occasion said
that the government has ensured need based development of people living in backward and remote areas and in this regard several schemes have been launched which have been responsible in changing the socio-economic profile of the people living in these areas, besides providing a much needed employment opportunities to the people at their doorsteps.
Nehru Yuva Kendra Kathua organised District Youth Convention 2013 at Shakti Palace in Kathua today on the themes of “Skill Development, Self Employment and Youth Empowerment & Save the Girl Child and Stop Crime against women” . Member Parliament Ch Lal Singh and MLA Kathua Charanjit Singh Jasrotia were present on the occassion . Singh inspected the stalls of various departments viz Sericulture, Handicrafts, DRDA, Animal Husbandry, KVIB, DUDA, Handloom, Floriculture, Horticulture, Agriculture, fisheries, various banks displaying their self employment schemes/ programmes to aware the youth present in large number there. Member Parliament Ch Lal Singh while addressing the youth said that youth in this modern era must play a decisive role in the development of the country. He appealed them to refrain from drugs and narcotics and maintain good health to contribute in the progress of the nation . Speaking on the occasion, MLA said that unemployment is the biggest challenge be-
obligatory function of the administration. Addressing a mammoth public gathering at Adjan at Kulgam district here on Saturday, the Minister said that upliftment of people living
and weaker sections of the society very closely. Ms. Itoo said that empowering common people to ascertain from the government about its every action and performance is the Govern-
Gemini May 21-June 21
Communication with family members and the special person in your life could be frustrating today. Either you aren’t in accord or you keep missing each other. Don’t be frustrated. It’s the planetary energy running a little interference. By tomorrow this aspect will have passed and you’ll once again find yourselves on common ground.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Plans for travel or advancing your education could be on your mind. Your excitement might keep you from focusing on whatever tasks you have to do. Don’t worry about it. Your steadfastness will enable you to get your tasks completed in spite of anything that may distract you. Either that, or the people around you will keep reminding you of your responsibilities!
Leo
July 23-August 22 Thoughts of romance and dreams of a wonderful evening with that special someone are foiled by work that needs to be done right away. This might concern finances. It could involve a lot of deep thought on subjects that don’t particularly interest you. Don’t let this get you down. Get through the chores and then plan your evening. It won’t be too late to have fun.
Virgo
during last five years, adding that holistic and equitable development of all the regions of the State is benchmark of the present Government while reaching out to people in all areas has been made
Srinagar, December 21:
Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Mr. Shailendra Kumar, Saturday directed the divisional level officers to ensure full preparedness for snowfall expected in the ensuing winter season besides gearing up men and machinery for providing all basic necessities to the people of the valley. Mr. Kumar was addressing a high level officers meeting held here today to review the arrangements made by the divisional administration to meet any eventuality with regard to snowfall in the valley. The meeting was attended by District Development Commissioners of Srinagar and Anantnag, Chief Engineers of PHE, PWD, PDD, Director Health Services, Kashmir, DIG Traffic, Joint Director CA&PD, Joint Commissioner, SMC, Joint Direc-
fore the country. He appealed the unemployed youth to get free skill development training in various trades under UDAAN and HIMAYAT which also assures job placement in reputed organisations. He further appealed the youth to set up income generating units which provides earning besides generating employment for others . Zonal Director Nehru Yuva Kendra Jammu Naveen Naik also spoke on the occasion and appealed the youth to come forward and register Mahila Mandals and Youth Clubs with the Nehru Yuva Kendra for which government provides funds/ assistance to carry out activities related to youth welfare. Resource persons of various departments explained the schemes/ programmes to the participating youth. District Youth Coordinator NYK Kathua Som Dutt Zard welcomed the guests and participants and gave a brief account of achievements of district unit of Nehru Yuva Kendra. . On the occasion a cultural programme based on the theme ‘Save the Girl Child’ & ‘Stop the Crime Against Women’ was presented by the students of various institutions.
March 21-April 19
April 20-May 20
in backward and remote areas received priority in the planning and development process. She said the government is monitoring the development and upliftment of backward pockets
ments’ endeavour, adding that through this initiative the government succeeded to ensure good-governance and transparency besides curbing corruption to a large extent in the State.
Div Com reviews preparedness for snowfall
NYK Kathua organizes youth convention
Aries
Taurus
Teachers can pervade moral 5 years of Govt golden era of peace, dev: Sakina ethics in students: Bhalla
to provide them apt guidance and values for their bright future. Earlier, the students of the school presented a colourful cultural programme which was highly applauded the audience. The programme began with the thematic presentation by class IX that highlighted various important issues and social evils .They also pre-
HOROSCOPE Discussions about religion could come up during your day. A recent rush of intuitive revelations could cause you to want to expound on your beliefs, but this could backfire. This isn’t the day to try to convince others of anything. This also isn’t a good day to think in terms of getting away for a while. Kick around a few ideas, but make definite plans later.
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 KULGAM, DECEMBER 21: Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Chadoora spends more time in school sented programmes highlightJammu, December 21: Bhat News Agency Magam Zargar News Agency ing the importance of peaceKunzar than at home and teachers can Minister for Social Welfare Dar Newsmagnify Agencytheir Beerwah Bashir News Agency Sumbal duties by pro- and unity. Minister for Housing, and ARI Trainings, Ms. Sakina viding themSafapora the Horticulture and Culture Mr.News Reshi Agency Saleem News Agency Pattan Itoo has said State has witrequisite counselRaman Bhalla said thatBasharat teach- News Agency Bandipora Reyaz News Agency Pampore nessed golden era of peace, ling for excelling ers have an imperative role development and prosperity Altaf News Agency Pulwama Javaid News Agency Qazigund in nurturing and shaping the in various field to Jeelani News Agency Baramulla G.M News Agency Sopore create a niche for personalities of the students Shah Agency Kupwara Sultan News Agency Handwara themselves to make them valuable assetNews Minisfor the nation. The Minister Younis NewsThe Agency Langate Sheikh News Agency Islamabad ter Agency appealedIslamabad the was speaking at the Reshi annualNews Three Way News Agency Tral day function of St. Paul’s Con- parents to ensure Turray News Agency Tral Badru News Agency Bijbehara that their chilvent High School, Gangyal Rahi News Agency Kulgam Malik News Agency Arwani dren get educated here today Rah News Agency Shaheen News Agency Kargil askedByepass them He said that education is and vital for empowering the society and asked the students to put in hard toil to excel in the field of academics and other co-curricular activities. Mr. Bhalla asked the teaching fraternity to impart quality as well as moral education to the students. He said teachers are the architects who shape the personality of students by giving them quality education and imbue in them the right ethos .He said that child
SUNDAY, DECEMBER | 22 | 2013
tor Fire and Emergency Services, representatives of BEACON, Oil Companies and district officers of the valley. The Divisional Commissioner di-
not interrupted. The SMC authorities were directed to ensure snow clearances of all the lanes and by lanes of the city. Similarly, the representatives
August 23-September 22
You might be planning to attend a social event today. You’re looking forward to it. Paperwork could take up so much of your time today that you wonder if you can make it. The paperwork doesn’t seem to be that urgent. Do as much as you can and then take off and go to your party. You deserve it. The planetary energies are lining up to break up the mental fog that you’ve been experiencing.
Libra
September 23-October 23 Frantic communications involving a project or family affairs could have you feeling scattered and unfocused. Too many important concerns have hit you at once. It can be confusing, but take them one at a time and don’t be tempted to try to accomplish everything at once. Your mind is steady and analytical today. Go with the flow and all will get done.
Scorpio
October 24-November 21 Good news about money could fill you with ideas about how to spend it, particularly on your home. Maybe you need new furniture or have been thinking about painting or redecorating. This is a great time to do it as long as you’re careful and not to let your exuberance get the better of you. You don’t want to have to repaint or take unwanted furniture back to the store.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
rected the Beacon authorities to keep ready the snow clearance machines to clear the snow from National Highway and other major roads of the valley so that the traffic movement is
of Oil Companies were asked to stock LPG, Petrol and Diesel in the godowns of various districts of valley so that the consumers do not face any difficulty in obtaining these commodities.
Financial literacy workshop held at Degree College Shopian Shopian, December 21: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) conducted a Financial Literacy Workshop at Government Degree College Shopian. Additional District Development Commissioner Shopian Mr. Mohammad Muzaffar Hakim was chief guest on this occasion. Other dignitaries present were Principal Government Degree College, Shopian, DGM NABARD Srinagar, DDM NABARD Shopian, LDM Shopian, FLCC Co-ordinator, Director RSETI, besides large number of college students and faculty members of college. Additional District Development Commissioner, Shopian on this occasion laid stress on the importance of credit facilities in day to day life and responsibility of both banks and people for proper utilization of credit and timely repayment of loans. He laid stress on the importance and role of knowledge of credit in edu-
cation system. He appreciated role of financial institutions including NABARD in improving the modern education and agriculture sectors. The students were made aware about the active role which NABARD can play keeping in view of the Physio-geographical features and potentials of the district. Financial programmes of NABARD in terms of refinance, direct finance, and reimbursement were also discussed on the occasion. NABARD is also playing a pivotal role as a gross root level credit supporter and facilitator along with other institutions the camp was informed. The students were asked to take benefit of different schemes and scholarships aimed at achieving higher education, employment generation and skill development, DGM NABARD. FLCC Co-ordinator Shopian and LDM Shopian addressed the students regarding new banking initiatives like e-Banking, NEFT, RTGS, and interest free education loans.
Your mind is sharp and ready to take on anything thrown your way. Family members or friends could pick up on this pretty quickly, so don’t be surprised if they come to you for help and advice. You’ll probably give a lot of it today, so be prepared. Paperwork might be a bit overwhelming. As long as you take it one step at a time, you’ll get it all done.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Books and magazines on psychic, spiritual, or metaphysical matters could take up a lot of your attention today. Your inclination could be to let your routine tasks go in favor of continuing to read calling all your friends to tell them what you’ve learned. Save it for this evening. You’re too conscientious to let your work slide, and you’d feel derelict in your duty if you did.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
A fairly recent goal that you’ve set for yourself might seem a bit overwhelming. You might wonder if you’ll get it done. Though you could easily become distracted, you can focus when you try, and this is what you should do now. Finances may need attention, and possibly paperwork, but this is only routine work.
Pisces
February 19-March 20 Today you should feel especially optimistic and enthusiastic about life. You’ll have a lot of great ideas about what to do with your day, but unfortunately, your ability to put these plans into motion will probably be curtailed by other responsibilities. This could have you champing at the bit all day, but what the heck? Tonight you can do whatever you want!
Editorial/Opinion The Daily
Zabarwan Times Sunday, 22 December 2013
Isolation-The silent killer
T
here is one Punjabi saying“God may not even leave a tree alone” It is a fact that lone trees in desert dry up soon than the one's in dense forest. If it is the case of a tree then how can a man live all alone as by nature he is a social animal. During lifetime we experience problems at one stage or the other. Those are the critical moments, we need supporting system to share adversities and emotional crisis. The joint family system used to tackle such kind of problems very smoothly. Man was not left to face the gust of violent winds which would snatch away all his treasures of emotions with it. But in modern times, the nuclear family system has left everybody in lurch. The working couple has to go through a strenuous routine in order to run the family. They become machines to coup with the fast and lonely lives unable to give proper attention and care to their children which they need most. Consequently, the children too adjust themselves according to the present environment and remain aloof which makes them an Island in themselves. Being depressed, they do not move out, mix with friends or play outdoor games. Instead they shut themselves within the four walls of the house. With the advent of technology, they confine themselves to computers and play games using few buttons. They cannot attain the thrill and spirit of outdoor games. Face to face interaction is must for healthy growth of children. But today the children engrossed in their own fantasy world either sleep for hours together or love to live in confined area which they name comfort zone. This kind of life style is making them depressed and lazy. Social connectivity gives us strength to face any kind of adverse situation as friendship bonds are thicker than the relations. Studies have proved that the cancer patients having friends, peer group or relations, survive for a longer period than the one's who have not friends or relations, feel dim, dejected, unwanted, crib and curse suffer from delusion, hallucination and die soon. These days minor children or adolescents are suffering from adopted isolation which they have created themselves. The old generation too are also facing the same problem. During the last two decades, tremendous changes took place which forced young generation to move out of valley for earning their livelihood. The old parents were left alone in sprawling bungalows with pain beyond expression. But they survived with the support of neighbourhood or friends and relations. For social connectivity, there ought to be nearby public libraries, recreation clubs, parks or the old homes where these old people can sit together and feel the bonds of friendship. However lack of such facilities leave them to live in isolation and die in isolation.
Daily
ZABARWAN TIMES 9
Sunday, 22 December 2013
KVIC for Holistic Development of Khadi
C
reating self-reliance amongst the people and building up a strong rural community spirit, KVIC has been identified as one of the major organisations for generating sustainable non-farm employment opportunities in rural areas. It undertakes activities like skill improvement; transfer of technology; research & development; marketing etc. and helps in generating employment/self-employment opportunities in rural areas. Main Objectives of KVIC The social objective of providing employment in rural areas; · The economic objective of producing saleable articles; and · The wider objective of creating selfreliance amongst people and building up a strong rural community spirit. Functions The functions of KVIC as prescribed under the KVIC Act, 1956 (61 of 1956) and Rules made there under, include: · To plan and organise training of persons employed or desirous of seeking employment in khadi and village industries; · To build up directly or through specified agencies reserves of raw materials and implements and supply them or arrange supply of raw materials and implements to persons engaged or likely to be engaged in production of handspun yarn or khadi or village industries at such rates as the Commission may decide; · To encourage and assist in the creation of common service facilities for the processing of raw materials or semifinished goods and otherwise facilitate production and marketing of khadi or products of village industries; · To promote the sale and marketing of khadi or products of village industries or handicrafts and for this purpose forge links with established marketing agencies wherever necessary and feasible; · To encourage and promote research in the technology used in khadi and village industries, including the use of nonconventional energy and electric power with a view to increasing productivity, eliminating drudgery and otherwise enhancing their competitive capacity and to arrange for dissemination of salient results obtained from such research; · To undertake directly or through other
agencies, studies of the problems of khadi or village industries; · To provide financial assistance directly or through specified agencies to institutions or persons engaged in the development and operation of khadi or village industries and guide them through supply of designs, prototypes and other technical information, for the purpose of producing goods and services for which there is effective demand in the opinion of the Commission; · To undertake directly or through specified agencies, experiments or pilot projects which in the opinion of the Commission, are necessary for the
its activities are intended to usher the sector into an era of growth, increased income and employment and increased artisans welfare. · To strengthen the KVI Sector in the country, the following are some of the major steps taken by the the Ministry of MSME . · Introduction of Market Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme on production of khadi with effect from 1 April, 2010 to incentivize production and marketing of Khadi and Polyvastra besides earning 25% of the assistance to provide for financial incentives to artisans.
KVIC has been identified as one of the major organisations for generating sustainable non-farm employment
opportunities in rural areas. It undertakes
activities like skill improvement; transfer of technology; research & development;
marketing etc. and helps in generating employment/self-employment opportunities in rural areas.
development of khadi and village industries; · To establish and maintain separate organizations for the purpose of carrying out any or all of the above matters; · To promote and encourage cooperative efforts among the manufacturers of khadi or persons engaged in village industries; · To ensure genuineness and to set up standards of quality and ensure that products of khadi and village industries do conform to the said standards, including issue of certificates or letters of recognition to the concerned persons; and · To carry out any other activity incidental to the above. KVIC has not been mandated to be a profit making organization,
· Making available concessional credit (@ 4% interest) to khadi institutions under the Interest Subsidy Eligibility Certificate (ISEC) Scheme; · Providing financial support to institutions under the Scheme for Enhancing Productivity and Competitiveness of khadi industry and Artisans; · Providing better work environment to khadi spinners and weavers under the Workshed Scheme for Khadi Artisans; · Developing around 100 clusters of Khadi, Village Industries and Coir under Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) with improved equipment, business development services, training, capacity building
and exposure visits, design and marketing support and common facility centers · Apart from the above, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance has tied up funds from Asian Development Bank (ADB) amounting to US$150 million over a period of three years from 2009-10 for implementing a comprehensive Khadi Reform Programme worked out in consultation with ADB and KVIC. Under this reform package, it is proposed to revitalize the khadi sector with enhanced sustainability of khadi, increased incomes and employment to artisans and increased artisans welfare. Initially, the programme will be initiated in 300 khadi institutions in keeping with the needs of regional balance, geographical spread and inclusion of backward areas. The Ministry of MSME is also implementing Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), a credit-linked subsidy programme since 2008-09 through KVIC for generating self-employment opportunities through establishment of micro enterprises by organizing traditional artisans and unemployed youth, helping in preventing their migration besides increasing their earning capacity. At the State/Union Territories level, the scheme is implemented through field offices of KVIC, State/Union Territory Khadi and Village Industries Boards (KVIBs) and District Industries Centres(DICs) with involvement of Banks. Under this programme, beneficiaries can establish micro enterprises inter alia, under Mineral Based Industry; Forest Based Industry; Agro Based and Food Processing Industry, Polymer and Chemical Based Industry, Rural Engineering and BioTechnology Industry, Hand Made Paper & Fibre Industry and Service Industry, by availing of margin money subsidy of 25 percent of project cost for units in rural areas to be set up by beneficiaries belonging to general category, which will be 35 percent for beneficiaries belonging to special categories such as scheduled cast/scheduled trible /Women and others through the implementing agencies and loans from Banks, etc., for projects costing upto Rs.25 lakh each in the manufacturing sector and upto Rs.10 lakh each in the services sector.
Civil Service in Public Service Delivery
I
ndia’s Civil Services have a proud record of contribution to national integration and development for which our whole nation has to be grateful to them. Central Civil Services are the backbone of the governance structure of our nation. They have played a vital role in the task of nation building, right from the time we achieved independence, to the present day. It was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s vision that the Civil Service should strengthen cohesion and national unity. He wanted a strong and vibrant federal administrative system in which the All India Services would play an important role. True to his conviction, the Civil Services have provided the framework for the administration of the country. The values of integrity, impartiality and merit remain the guiding principles of Civil Services and that is as it should be. Sardar Patel advised young officers at the dawn of Independence in 1947: “Above all I would advise you to maintain to the utmost the impartiality and incorruptibility of administration. A Civil Servant cannot afford to, and must not, take part in politics. Nor must he involve himself in communal wrangles. To depart from the path of rectitude in either of these respects is to debase public service and to lower its dignity. Similarly no service worth the name can claim to exist if it does not have in view the achievement of the highest standard of integrity.” Ensuring National Cohesion and Unity At the time of our Independence, the nation was faced with many problems and definitely the issue of keeping it together as one was not the least important among them. Ensuring unity given its diversity was indeed a great concern and the Civil Services played their historic role in nurturing the processes of national cohesion and unity. The All-India Services played an important role in strengthening the bonds of unity and integrity, under the leadership of visionary leaders like Panditji and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Yet, one must ask the question today whether the services have fully lived up to the Sardar’s exhortations about integrity and commitment to secular values. Both corruption and communalism remain as important a challenge today as they appeared to Sardar Patel in 1947. Civil
Servants have played multiple roles in the initial years of our nation building process. A wide range of tasks spanning a variety of knowledge areas were undertaken for completion by civil servants as the country had a severe shortage of trained personnel in many areas. In addition to performing their main role of administrators, civil servants took upon many other roles which were of specialists in different fields. It was the requirement of the time and they rose to the occasion. Along with a maturing of the nation, the role of the Civil Service has also been changing. However, throughout this process of change that the country has been experiencing, the Civil Services has continued to be an important instrument for initiating and
the trade-offs between various objectives and goals and therefore the great importance of having a permanent Civil Service to pay attention to all these issues and view all these issues in the framework of strategic longterm thinking taking into account our national interest. Therefore, civil servants represent a national establishment with a national responsibility. They continue to constitute the “steel frame work” of our Republic. It gives them the opportunity to guide a political leadership that is subject to the law of electoral change. Governments may come and go, but the administration endures and must play its due role. New Challenges As the economy evolves and society and polity change over time as they must,
Central Civil Services are the backbone of the governance structure of our nation.
They have played a vital role in the task of nation building, right from the time we
achieved independence, to the present day. management of change. Understanding Nation’s Needs & Priorities However, there is a larger purpose and a larger role that a meritocracy must fulfill. Our national leaders like Panditji and Sardar Patel viewed the All India Services as a group of professionals who would take a long-term view of the nation’s needs and priorities. While the state and local administration would focus on day-to-day issues of governance, the All India Services were charged with the responsibility of thinking ahead and into the future. This role has only increased with the emergence of strong competitive political forces in various parts of our country. Democracy is built into the body politic and in our constitutional system. But we have also with it witnessed growing in short tenure of Government and politicians are not able to pay attention to longer term concerns or to weigh carefully
Government and the Civil Service must also prepare themselves to play a new and varied roles. Markets will increasingly become the arbitrators of resource allocation in many cases. At the same time, it is necessary to realise that markets can at times lead to marginalisation of the poor and the vulnerable sections of our society. It must not be forgotten that markets after all, serve those who are part of the market system. When millions of people are living on the edges of subsistence, with little in the form of assets or skills to be active participants in the evolving market economy, market signals cannot have significance for them. While markets can facilitate higher growth, a government must ensure that growth is equitable, inclusive and not unduly harsh on those not equipped to manage change. The modernization of both economy and society will require Governments to play
new roles and in an increasingly transparent manner. Civil servants must learn to grapple with the phenomenal explosion of knowledge. They will have to learn to seek the right information and utilize it for public good. Another aspect of government that is going to change is in the arena of accountability. Through greater access to information and effective mechanisms to seek redressal, the average citizen is likely to demand his or her due and is not going to be very patient about it. The Right to Information Act has empowered the citizens to seek more information from Governments about their functioning. Further, there has been an explosion of civil society activities. Governments need to constructively engage with various elements in the civil society, actively seek answers to problems in a transparent manner and manage the interface with public opinion effectively. Modern governments will have to therefore reorient themselves to this reality. Historically, governments have viewed themselves as administrators of public delivery services. They have viewed citizens as outside beneficiaries of governmental action. Citizens were expected to accept whatever was provided, with little choice on offer. This situation is changing all over the world. Citizens are now expecting good service from Governments as a matter of right. Governments are expected to deliver efficient public services or facilitate privatisation. Effectiveness and efficiency of public service delivery is increasingly being demanded as a basic right of our citizens. Government is expected to be a service-provider rather than a mere administrator of a public service delivery system. This change in orientation is the third key challenge facing the governments of this day. The Civil Service has to reorient itself and be trained to deliver better services to our people. To make Government more efficient, we need a new public service orientation in the thinking of civil servants. They cannot view themselves as mere administrators. They are also managers and catalytic agents of change.
Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer.