Zabarwan Times E-Paper English 23 May 2014

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FRIDAY 23 May | 2014 | 23 Rajab, 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |

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Srinagar, May 22: Two persons including a one year old baby girl died in two different road mishaps across the valley.

According to a police statement issued to KNS, a Tipper bearing registration number JK03-7099 hit a one year old baby girl Muskan daughter of Umesh Rajput resident of Bhadurpur Delhi presently residing at S.K Bagh, in the jurisdiction of Police station Nowgam, Srinagar resulting in her on spot death. Nowgam police has registered a case in this regard.

45 years old Ghulam Nabi resident of Guripora died on the spot when he was hit by bus bearing registration number JK01H-4834 at Jawbehara, in the jurisdiction of Police station Awantipora. Awantipora police has registered a case in this regard. (KNS)

Army organizes run for peace Srinagar, May 22 : To foster the national spirit and brotherhood in the valley of Dras and adjoining villages, the Indian Army organized a “Run for Peace” on 17 May 2014. According to an army statement issued to KNS, a total of 465 School children of various age groups participated with great zeal and enthusiasm. Also, present at the event were a number of military dignitaries, Principals/ teachers of participating schools, Sarpanchs and the Zonal Education Officer. The event was flagged off by Deputy Commander, Top Gun Brigade. The run was organised for a distance of one kilometre and witnessed the footfall of the school going children of Dras See Army On PG 11..

Inside story NC hails decision to reform Recruitment Policy, SRO-43

Srinagar, May 22: National Conference has welcomed the decision of the Government to reform the existing Recruitment Policy and termed it as a significant corrective measure taken on the personal insistence of NC Working President and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to address the grievances of the youth.

According to a statement issued to KNS, National Conference Spokesman Junaid Azim Mattu met scores of delegations of degree college students,

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On Edit Page Increasing crime and drug abuse The recent spurt in the incidents of murders, rapes, violence against women, missing children, robberies, burglary, unethical activities, drug abuse particularly in youngsters and intriguing killing of some youths has put a question mark on the law enforcing agencies and the society as a whole which is passing through a crucial phase. The degradation of moral values and onslaught of western culture has eroded all the values which were cherished by the people of “Peer Voir”, the valley of saints. It is strange and shocking that a

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WEATHER FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS: Light Rain would occur at a few places over the state.

FORECAST OF SRINAGAR: Partly cloudy sky. Maximum & Minimum temperatures will be around 21°C & 10°C respectively.

C TEMPERATURE M MAXIMUM Y MINIMUM K

SUNSET ON(FRIDAY) SUNRISE ON (SATURDAY)

21.40C 10.7 0C 07:32PM 05:25 AM

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

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Becomes Bollywood’s richest actor

Thailand’s army declares coup, imposes nationwide curfew

Trying her production skills

Baby among two dead in road mishaps

NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 142 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 Paisa)

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6 SAARC countries confirm participation in swearing-in ceremony of Modi Islamabad yet to confirm participation of Sharif

May 22: Six SAARC countries have so far confirmed their participation in the swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister to be held on Monday. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin today said Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Maldives President Abdulla Yameen are attending the ceremony. Bangladesh Parliament Speaker Dr Shirin Chaudhury will represent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the function.

Akbaruddin said Prime Minister of Mauritius Navin Ramgoolam will also be present on the See Sharif On PG 11..

From Manmohan Singh to Nariendar Modi our Political Editor Srinagar, May 22: It was blue from the bolt.

No political commentator had ever thought of it. No the exit poll had projected such a scenario. Modi proved everybody wrong and created history by making BJP the first party since 1984 to win majority on its own.

The only chunk in the armour for the BJP was the defeat of Arun Jaitley from Amritsar. Jaitley was widely speculated to get a major portfolio in the next government (probably the finance ministry). However, he might find a Cabinet berth despite losing the election as Rajnath Singh has indicated the Congress' entire tally has been reduced to a meager 44, which is way below the BJP's tally of 71 from UP alone. The drubbing was so massive that the ruling party could not even manage to get 55 seats (10% of the total number of Lok Sabha seats) required to nominate the leader of opposition.

The decimated Congress failed to open its account in as many as nine states-Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttrakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Goa. On the other hand, the BJP, riding on the Modi wave, conquered all the seats in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttrakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Goa. With such a strong mandate in his favour, now Modi has to live up to the expectations of the people and usher in all round development and good governance. Modi spoke like a statesman after the victory. Addressing his supporters in Vadodara, he spoke about taking everyone along and gave the mantra of

>>>>>>>> Exam Shame takes new twist >>>>>>>

VPS blames owners of IIS for ‘fraud’

Srinagar, May 22: In a new twist to ‘Cheating Scam’ involving the foster son of state minister and senior Congress leader Peerzada Muhammad Syed, for using fraudulent means to pass his class 10th board exams in 2009 with the help of the staff members conducting the examination, Vision Public School (VPS) management Wednesday alleged that International Islamic School (IIS) authorities are directly involved in helping the Minister’s son to commit fraud.

The revelations came after Crime Branch conducted a raid

in VPS and arrested two clerks in connection with fraudulently admitting the name of Peerzada’s son Imam Soban in the school records.

Gazala Gulzar on behalf of Managing Committee V.P.S. told CNS that Imam Soban’s case is International Islamic School’s baby and the present management of VPS has nothing to do with it.

She said that a few days back Crime Branch top officials raided their schools and directed them to get every See VPS On PG 11..

The credible elections Srinagar, May 22: In Jammu & Kashmir the pattern of election results is on the national pattern. On the one hand it has dispelled the doubts being created by a section of people that poll results are being decided in Delhi. National Conference was routed in valley and the Congress in Jammu region and Ladakh. The defeat of two stalwart, National Conference President and Union minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah lost the Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency and tall congress leader Gh. Nabi Azad who headed the J&K Government for three years and was in the Union Cabinet also lost in the race.

See Elections On PG 11.. media on uncomfortable issues and was seen as a leader who refused to own up responsibility.

TSrinagar, May 22: he BJP had undergone a transition within the party before the polls as it required a new face after the debacle under LK Advani. The Congress, too, after successive debacles under Rahul Gandhi, needs to look for a new face with fresh ideas. But that may not happen. The Congress party is revolving round Gandhi family.

All said and done, BJP has to bear in mind that this victory is not end of the world. They have to face the electorate after five years. So performance is the key.

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31 killed, 94 injured in terrorist attack in China's Xinjiang Urumqi, May 22: At least 31 people have been killed and 94 others injured on Thursday in China's bloodiest terrorist attack at a busy market in Urumqi, provincial capital of the restive Xinjiang province, when militants rammed two explosive-laden vehicles into a crowd and set off over a dozen blasts.

The two vehicles, without license plates, broke through roadside fences and ploughed into people at an open air market at Park North Street near Renmin Park at 7:50 am (local time) and the occupants set off explosive devices, the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region's government said in a statement.

Witnesses said explosives were thrown before the vehicles exploded.

Many of the injured were elderly people who frequently visited the morning market, according to witnesses.

A business owner in the

Rivers flowing full but PDD with electricity Even in summer, unprecedented curtailment continues Srinagar, May 22: The power curtailment schedule issued by the Power Development Department (PDD) for the winter months in valley is surprisingly still in force with the people accusing the concerned authorities of being in slumber over the worsening power crises. According to the reports received by KNS, people from various areas of valley including the summer capital are aghast over what they termed the inordinate delay in the issuance of new power schedule for the summer months. “It is an irony that the PDD is still assuming the months of may as of the winter. The fact remains that the officials earlier had declared that the curtailment schedule will be implemented for the winter months only and the same shall be revoked after the March 15. We

"sabka sath, sabka vikaas."

The most positive outcome of the result has been the fact that the new government will not be constrained by or subjected to blackmailing by the coalition partners. The outgoing Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, had often referred to coalition compulsions and admitted that he had to make some compromises in the name of coalition dharma.

Any analysis of the election results would remain incomplete without a special mention of Uttar Pradesh, where people rejected caste-based politics, reducing Mayawati's BSP to naught. It shows that voters have become inspirational and can no longer be swayed by empty caste rhetoric and symbolism. However, it would be premature to write her off completely as her party, though could not win any seat, managed to get a vote share of 19.6%.

In Bihar too, the Modi wave shattered Lalu's dream of making a comeback and he could not increase his party's 2009 tally of just four seats. Nitish Kumar's JD (U) also faced a rout and could win just two seats. Following this, he has resigned and nominated an MLA from Mahadalit Community. JD (U) President Sharad Yadav has extended a lifeline to Lalu by signaling an alliance between the arch rivals.

The results also show Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi's growing disconnect with the masses. When scams after scams propped up during UPA II, he seemed oblivious to it. Neither he nor outgoing PM Manmohan Singh ever took any step to crack down on graft. Gandhi never talked to the

still have that old schedule,” said Nazir Ahmad, a resident of the old city here.

People from the upper towns also accuse that the official apathy is touching new heights every-day after with the authorities caring little about the woes of the masses on ground. People from various areas also accused that the PDD is charging them with the metered rates and the power crises is worsening unrepentantly. “This is what the state government is offering us at present. They cal, it a governance, if this is the one than God knows what would be called the mis-governance,” said Sameer Syed, a student at Kashmir university. He added that even when the summer arrived with the darbar offices See PDD On PG 11..

market told state-run Xinhua news agency he heard a dozen big blasts.

This was by far the biggest attack suspected to have been carried out by the banned East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) fighting for the independence of Xinjiang, the sprawling province bordering Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Afghanistan.

In response to today's attack, President Xi

Jinping pledged to severely punish terrorists and spare no efforts in maintaining stability and directed the local authorities to solve the case quickly, put the injured under proper care and offer condolences to families of the victims.

A work panel led by Public Security Minister Guo Shengkun has headed for Xinjiang to join the investigation.

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Modi proved his intentions for Indo-Pak ties by inviting Sharif: Bhat Srinagar, May 22 : “The impression and myth which was created in the J&K about Shri Narendra Modi and BJP that they are hindrance in Indo-Pak ties has been today completely demolished when entire world appreciated the designate Prime Minister of India for inviting PM of Pakistan Mr. Nawaz Sharief to attend the oath ceremony” said senior BJP leader Mr. Fayaz Ahmad Bhat in a statement today.

According to a statement issued to KNS, He said that people of Jammu and Kashmir have great expectations with BJP which has capacity and capability to solve all complex issues and problems. He said that it was during Vajpayee Govern-

ment when I was representing BJP from Kashmir province at the highest forms.

The centre government initiated all kinds of dialogue and worked for resolution of all issues. The bus service was approved during that time and now good times have really arrived and it is hoped that these borders will be utilized for commerce and trade so that people of JK and India will be able to take benefit of economic progress through these vital routes.

He further said that Nawaz should not miss this opportunity and obey invitation of Mr. Modi and turn hot borders full with firing zones into lines of love, peace and tranquility.

See Bhat On PG 11..

Licenses of 46 medical shops suspended, six sealed Srinagar, May 22: The Department of Drug & Food Control Organization in its two week long drive that will culminate on Saturday so far has suspended licenses of 46 Drug Sale establishments while at the same time sealed 6 medical stores for ‘violating’ various provisions of Drug and Control Act 1940.

Deputy Drug Controller, Dr Nazir Ahmed Wani told CNS that the department has started two-week long drive and during this period, the department inspected at least 300 medical shops across Kashmir. “Besides suspending licenses of 46 medical shops, 6 such establishments were sealed and issued show cause notices. The Chemists were asked to maintain sale and purchase records of various drugs properly including day book and to store the drugs as per their requirement and to supply drugs only on See Sealed On PG 11..

Detention of father in place of his son sparks protest in Pulwama ‘250 stone-pelters still at large’: Police Pulwama, May 22: Protests erupted in South Kashmir’s Pulwama town on Thursdayafter police arrested the father in place of his son who according to police is a wanted stone-pelter.

Sources told CNS that during the nocturnal raid in Prichoo area of Pulwama town, police took Muhammad Ayoub Nengroo into custody after they found his son Shahid Ahmed missing from the house.

Scores of people took staged a protest against the arrest of father in place of his son and blocked the traffic on Srinagar-Pulwama road for all but two hours. Protestors were demanding the release of Muhammad Ayoub. Top police officials assured protestors that Muhammad Ayoub would be released once his son surrenders before the police.

Reports said that some respectable citizens persuaded Shahid Ahmed to surrender before the police See Police On PG 11..

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Srinagar, Friday 23 May 2014

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FROM THE FRONT PAGE

Sharif occasion. The confirmation from the Pakistan side on whether Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif attends the ceremony is yet to come.

It is for the first time that Heads of foreign countries have been invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony of India's Prime Minister. About three thousand guests are expected to witness the function at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

Modi Modi has also to keep in mind that running a state and the country is a different ball game. He has to take everybody along. For now he had a master stroke on the foreign policy front and invited heads of all SAARC country including Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharief to his swearing in ceremony on 26th of this month.

Election Be that as it may the message of the election in the state as well as at the national level is loud and clear.

Governments have to perform and there is no scope for compliancy and corruption.

VPS piece of paper that carried the name of Imam Soban.

“We frankly told these officials that Imam Soban was never the student of this school. It will be a futile exercise to scrutinizing the records. However, we all were shocked after his name was traced in our Admission Register without any clue of where it came from, no supporting documents to establish his details of admission were available with us,” she said after a lull, the school clerk Mr Suraj revealed the name of one Showkat Ahmed of International Islamic School, (IIS) Peerbagh who used to maintain records of both the schools before we took over V.P.S in November 2012.

Gazala told CNS that Crime Branch officials immediately called Showkat Ahmed who first denied knowing about the records but later under pressure brought the records from IIS and handed over to Crime Branch, Kashmir. “Both Suraj and Showkat were taken along by Crime Branch, Kashmir team and later we were handed over a copy of seizure report,” she said.

She said that her school is being investigated by Crime Branch for no fault of their’s. “We acquired “Vision Public School” from “International Islamic School (IIS)” in November 2012 while this ‘cheating scam’ occurred in 2009. We acquired VPS from IIS through its five owners namely, G.N. Var son of Abdul Gaffar Var of Gulberg Colony, Hyderpora, Showkat Hussain Mirza son of Haji Hassan Mirza resident of Budgam, Altaf Hussain Bhat son of Khawja Gula Bhat of Naseem Bagh, Srinagar, Mansoor Ahmad Matoo son of Bashir Ahmad Matoo resident of Kenehama, Nowgam and Tariq Ahmad Bhat son of Ghulam Hassan Bhat of Tengpora, By-pass, Srinagar,” she said.

She said that after thorough investigation it dawned upon us that the admission of Minister’s foster son Imam Soban was done in such a hurry that all the norms of the Institute were floated only to facilitate a ‘fraud’ of a VIP candidate. “It came to fore through records that no Admission Fee, no Monthly Tuition fee or any kind of fee like Red Cross Fund, Games Fund or Annual Fee has been taken from this VIP candidate. Not only this, said candidate has never attended any class and his attendance was managed by the Administration of the IIS. The admission was done few months before the 10th final examinations of 2009 and was kept top secret, no one has any clue about his presence on the school roll not even other students of the then class 10th,” Gazalla Gulzar said.

Pertinently, Soban had passed the exam in second division by scoring 283 marks out of 500. The minister’s son had allegedly made the Jammu and Kashmir State Board officials to write his papers. (CNS)

Killed All the injured were rushed to hospitals.

The regional government has launched an emergency response system and organised medical efforts for treatment of the injured, said the statement.

Observers say that scale of today's attacks showed ETIM, stated to be an al-Qaeda-backed outfit is gaining ground in Xinjiang taking advantage of the anger of native Uighur Muslim militants over Han Chinese settlements.

Xinjiang has witnessed riots between Uighurs and Han settlers from outside the province.

The Uighurs, a Turkic-speaking community, resent the settlements as they believe the large scale migration is marginalising them in their own homeland.

India has strongly condemned the terrorist attack which took place at Urumqi in China today. In a statement issued in New Delhi this evening, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said, New Delhi is opposed to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The spokesman also conveyed condolences to the families of the victims.

At least 31 people were killed and 90 others injured this morning in a series of explosions in an open-air market in Urumqi. It is the capital of China's restive Xinjiang province which is home to mostly Muslim Uighurs.

Sealed production of prescription and to issue Cash Memo’s strictly,” Wani said adding that they were asked to retain photo copies of Schedule H1 & Psychotropic Drugs with them for inspection of enforcement staff.

He said that during the drive, two medical shops in Kokernag, 3 shops at Tral and one medical shop at Zainapora, Shopian in South Kashmir were found running without a valid drug sale licence and accordingly were sealed. He further told CNS that the department lifted scores of samples from Government, private establishments, wholesalers and retailers for analysis in order to ascertain their quality. (CNS)

PDD resuming work at Srinagar- it is not expected from the PDD to continue with its winter curtailment schedule. With the people wary over the dark nights they have to spend during most of the times at present, the state authorities have not issued any intimation about the restoration of any power schedule for summer. However, the reliable sources at PDD told

Zabarwan Times KNS that the department is ascertaining the power usage of the valley consumers and once the process completes, it will take the necessary measures for the revocation of the curtailment schedule that it has issued for the winter months. (KNS)

Bhat

‘PDP to seek review of flawed PMSS, Udaan schemes’

He added that cultural delegations, tourist delegations, pilgrimage tourists, trade and commerce delegations should be allowed to visit without any hustle by both the countries. (KNS)

Police after which his father was released from detention.

A police official told CNS that Shahid Ahmed was evading arrest from past many days. “He is involved in many stone-pelting incidents. There are at least 250 stone-pelters in the town who are still at large.

Some 30 stone-pelters were bailed out by the Court from past many days,” he said. (CNS)

Army Valley. The route was planted with a number of flags and hoardings on either side of the road giving the event a colourful and festive look. The run commenced from the Tropo Hill area and culminated at Polo Ground in old Dras. School children of age group 10-17 years participated in the event expressing their solidarity for the cause of National Integrity and Peace. The event culminated with prize distribution to the students followed by singing of the National Anthem. (KNS)

Anandiben Patel sworn-in as Gujarat first woman CM Anandiben Patel, a close Narendra Modi associate, was today sworn-in as first woman Chief Minister of Gujarat.

73-year-old Patel, who was Revenue, Urban Development and Disaster Management Minister in the Modi Cabinet, was administered oath of office and secrecy by Governor Kamla Beniwal.

Along with Patel, six ministers of Cabinet rank and 14 Ministers of State were also sworn-in at a ceremony attended by a galaxy of top BJP leaders including Prime Minister-elect Modi, BJP president Rajnath Singh, party patriarch L K Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Sushma Swaraj, Venkaiah Naidu, Nitin Gadkari and Subramanian Swamy.

Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal of Shiromani Akali Dal, an NDA ally, and BJP Chief Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Madhya Pradesh), Vasundhara Raje Scindia (Rajasthan) and Raman Singh (Chhattisgarh) were also

present.

Patel was elected leader of Gujarat BJP Legislature Party yesterday after Modi's resignation as Chief Minister following a 12-year stint.

The six Cabinet Ministers who were sworn-in are Nitin Patel, Raman Vora, Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, Saurabh Patel, Ganpat Vasava and Babu Bokharia.

Dilip Thakor, Vasuben Trivedi, Pradipsinh Jadeja, Chatrasinh Mori, Jaydrathsinh Parmar, Rajnikant Patel, Govind Patel, Nanu Vanani, Jayanti Kavadia, Jayesh Radadia were sworn in as Ministers of State.

Four new faces inducted as MoS are- Shankar Chaudhary, Tarachand Cheda, Bachubhai Khabad and Kanti Gamit.

Three MoS in the Modi government including Purshottam Solanki, who has charges of corruption against him, Parbat Patel and Vasan Ahir were dropped.

Portfolios of the ministers are likely to be announced later in the day.

Thailand's army declares coup, imposes nationwide curfew In a sudden move, Thailand's army on Thursday seized power in a bloodless coup, suspended the Constitution and declared night curfew after months of anti-government protests left the country in limbo.

The military junta also ordered all television and radio stations to suspend their usual programmes and replace with the army's statements.

Making the announcement of military takeover, army chief Gen Prayut Chan-O-Cha in a nationally televised address said the step was necessary to prevent the conflict from escalating.

The 60-year-old toughtalking general asked all Thais to remain calm and said all government officials must work as normal.

"In order for the country to return to normal quickly the National Peace Keeping Committee comprised of the army, the Thai armed forces, the Royal Air Force and the police need to seize power as of May 22 at 4.30 pm (local time)," he said.

Declaring the night-time curfew, the military said: "Under martial law, the National Peace Keeping Committee prohibits anyone across the kingdom from leaving their home from 10 pm to 5 am."

GoI should initiate tangible measures to address trust deficit, alienation: Karra

All programmes on television and radio were replaced with the committee's announcements and broadcasts of patriotic music.

The move was to ensure the release of "accurate news to the people," an army spokesman said in a televised announcement.

The military leaders said the national Constitution had been suspended and ordered rival protesters to disperse and go home.

"In order to run the country smoothly, (coup leaders have) suspended the constitution of 2007, except for the chapter on the monarchy," said a statement read out on national television.

"In order to keep peace and order all protesters from every group must leave for their homes immediately," an army spokesman said in a televised address, adding that buses had been arranged to take them away.

Gen Prayut, who had declared martial law on Tuesday but denied it was a coup, said power would be held by the committee, which he will lead. The military - which has attempted 18 coups, including 11 successful ones, since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932 - acted after political violence claimed 28 lives and left hundreds wounded.

Visits Haji A M Bhat’s residence

Ganderbal, May 22 : Senior PDP leader and former Finance Minister Tariq Hameed Karra Thursday said his party would use Parliament as a forum for debate and dialogue on Kashmir and strive towards seeking a way out for the political and economic issues confronting Jammu and Kashmir.

According to a statement issued to KNS, he said the Government of India shall have to take tangible measures to address the trust deficit and alienation in Kashmir as no initiative is going to have an impact on the ground without the involvement of the people.

“While the overwhelming mandate received by PDP in Lok Sabha polls is a matter of great satisfaction for the party and we express our gratitude to the people for the same, it has at the same time come

with huge responsibilities and enormous expectations,” Karra said while addressing a series of thanksgiving public meetings in Ganderbal Assembly segment of Srinagar-Budgam Parliamentary constituency, wherefrom he has been elected to the Lok Sabha after defeating National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah with a margin of more than 40000 votes.Karra said the renewed trust people of the State have reposed in the democratic institutions, offers a fresh opportunity to work through peaceful and reconciliatory means towards addressing all the dimensions of the Kashmir issue in a manner that balances and promotes enduring political and economic stability in the State and the region.

“PDP visualizes a space of dignity, opportunity and prosperity for the people of the State in the paradigm of friendship and cooperative rela-

NC hails decision to reform Recruitment Policy, SRO-43

Changes in SRO-43 congruent with humanitarian principles Compassionate Employment to Victims Major Step Srinagar, May 22 : National Conference has welcomed the decision of the Government to reform the existing Recruitment Policy and termed it as a significant corrective measure taken on the personal insistence of NC Working President and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to address the grievances of the youth.

According to a statement issued to KNS, National Conference Spokesman Junaid Azim Mattu met scores of delegations of degree college students, youth activists and youth workers from Shopian, Bijbihera, Baramulla, Chadoora, Pulwama, Pampore and Srinagar today at National Conference Head Office at Nawa-e-Subh Complex in Srinagar. The NC Spokesman also interacted with sixteen delegations from University of Kashmir, Islamic University and Central University of Kashmir and welcomed the decision of the Chief Minister to revoke the SMS ban, reform

the Recruitment Policy and make changes in SRO-43 on humanitarian grounds.

Terming these initiatives as reformatory measures taken based on extensive and direct feedback received from thousands of young men and women in the last few days, Junaid Mattu said National Conference was reaching out to the youth to engage with them and gain better insights on steps that are needed to solve their problems. "National Conference after coming to power in 2008 has taken significant steps to address the unemployment issue and continues to treat the unemployment issue as a multi-dimensional problem that needs a multi-pronged approach", Mattu said.

Junaid Mattu, while interacting with the youth delegations from across the Valley hailed the decision of the Government to revoke the stipendiary salary mode and restore the pre-existing salary mode of recruitment.

Office of the Dean, Faculty of Physical & Material Sciences RESULT NOTIFICATION No. 7 (P.G ENTRANCE TEST-2014) The candidates bearing the following Entrance Test Roll No.’s have been selected provisionally under Self Financed Seat Category for admission to P.G. Courses in the disciplines of Mathematics, Applied Geology and Geography subject to the terms and conditions as contained in Notification No.1 dated 4th April, 2014. Moreover in addition to the payment of normal admission fee, the candidates shall have to deposit 50% of the prescribed fee for Self Finance Seats in the form of Demand Draft favouring the Registrar, University of Kashmir, Srinagar drawn at any branch of the nationalized bank payable at Srinagar. The remaining 50% of the Self Financed fee is to be deposited at the time of joining the 3rd Semester: 1 . Mathematics: Main Campus : 410770, 411149, 410178, 410393 South Campus:410416, 410844, 410150,

410837, 410399, 410308 Govt. P. G. College, Baramulla: 410436, 410487 2. Geography: Main Campus: 460133 A. S. College: 460400, 460152 3. Applied Geology: 440015 Further, the candidates bearing the following Entrance Test Roll No.’s have been selected provisionally for admission to P.G. Courses in the disciplines of Mathematics and Geography subject to the terms and conditions as contained in Notification No.1 dated 4th April, 2014.

1.

Mathematics: (South

Campus):Open Merit: 410050,

410434, 410165 Categories: ( WUP) : 410572

Govt. P.G. College, Baramulla: Open Merit: 410016, 410178 2.

Geography: ( A. S. College): Open

Merit: 460053, 460037, 460147, 460202 Categories: (PHC): 460149 The candidates are directed to complete their admission formalities by or before 26th May, 2014 failing which their right to admission shall be forfeited and the final selection list against the resultant vacancy/ies (if any) shall be considered from the merit list of the candidates who have already attended the counselling.

No: F(DFPMS-Result-PG-SF) KU/14./ET168

Dated: 22-05- 2014 Sd- (Prof. Nisar Ahmad Rather) Dean, Faculty of Physical & Material Sciences

tionship between India and Pakistan,” he said.

Karra called upon the State’s young population to play a greater and more vibrant role in the political decision-making. “PDP believes that the State’s youth have the right to seek meaningful employment, freedom of expression, participation in decision-making and protection from socio-economic and political exploitation,” he said and added that the party would continue its struggle towards realizing this objective for the State’s emancipated young population who have been the worst victims of political instability and turmoil.

Karra said PDP would seek comprehensive review of the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS) for J&K and the Udaan project as both these schemes seem to have failed to realize the desired objective.

OFFICE OF THE

ZONAL EDUCATIONAL OFFICER KHAG (Budgam)

Tender Notice

Sealed tenders affixed with the revenue stamps worth Rs.6 are invited from different registered /general order suppliers to supply following item. The sealed tenders along with a deposit of Rs 5000/= five thousands only pledged to Zonal Education Officer Khag Budgam should reach to this office within 07 days from the date of publication of this notice in daily News papers. The tenders must quote their rates of following items.

S. No.

Name of the Item

Quality

Quantity

1

Hair rubber

50

2

Combs

50

3

Safety pins

100

4

Hair clips

100

5

Nail Cutters

50

7

Kameez and Shalwar (uniform)

50

8

Scarves

100

9

Sweaters (blue)

blue

50

10

B. Coat (blue)

Blue

19

11

Under Garments (Niker & Shameezs)

13*

Shoes (black) action

action

5~0

14

Socks (Red & Blue) Konica

Konica

100

15

Shash & Logo (flower)

16

Bogs (Nike)

17

Geometry boxes

20

18

World Maps

04

19

Bathing Soap

100+100

50+50 Nike

Lux

50

150

20

Washing Soap

Tide

150

21

Tooth Paste

Colgate

150

22

Tooth Brush

Colgate

50

23

Face Cream

Ponds

100

24

Telcum powder

Spnies

SO

25

Shampoo

Sunsilk

100

26

Hair oil

100

27

Boot polish

cherry

01 dozen

28

Medikar

And lie

50

Food items:S. No

Name of the Item

Quality

Rate

1

Rice

Wand

Per Quanta

2

Cooking Oil

Pir

Per 15 kg Tin

3

Spices

Kanwal

Per 1kg

4

Cooking gas

HP

Per cylinder

5

Salt

Tata

Per 1kg

7

Vegetables (tomato ,potato,cabbage ,brinjal,cucumber)

fresh

Per 1kg

8

Meat

Mat tun

Per 1kg

9

Cheese

Desi

Perl Kg

10

Eggs

11

Milk

Desi

12

Bread

Tandoori Per piece

13

Tea

Red label

Perlkg

14

Dals( Rajmash, Moong,peas, cholla)

fresh

Perl kg

05 Dozens Perlkg

Terms and conditions 1. The standard and branded material will be acceptable as per norms 2. Any sub-standard material or non hygienic material will not be accepted.

3. Preference will be given to local suppliers (in case o case of other items) and local registered dealers/suppliers (in case of other items).

4. The fresh vegetables, meat, cheese must be supply on same dates as per daily menu at KGBV Nagbal Khag.

Sd/- Zonal Educatoin Officer DIPK No. ......

Khag

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

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

NEWS

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES

SRINAGAR |FRIDAY, MAY | 23 | 2014

Sagar for speeding up developmental works in Srinagar city Reviews implementation of RDD schemes

Mr. Sagar asked the Managing Director,JKPCC to speed up the work on the heritage bridges at Habakadal as well as Zainakadal so that they are completed within the shortest possible time for the general convenience of the people living in these areas. He said that the funds have already been earmarked and released for purpose.

asked for speeding up the left over work at Naqashband and Dastgeer Shaib shrine.

Mr. Sagar also convened the review meeting of the Rural Development Department which was attended by Secretary Rural Development, Shiekh Mushtaq Ahmed, Director Rural Development, Jammu, Kashmir, Mr. Shafiq Ahmed Raina, Mir Altaf Ahmed, Additional Secretary,

SRINAGAR, MAY 22- Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar has directed the officers to speed up the pace of work on developmental works undertaken by the government for ensuring need based and sustained development of the city.

The Minister was addressing officers during a review meeting convened to discuss the status of various works undertaken by the government for holistic development of the Srinagar city.

The meeting was attended by Managing Director JKPCC, senior officers of various department like R&B, PHE, SMC etc.

The Minister said that the government is committed for ensuring holistic development of the Lone News Agency Kangan Khan News Agency Ganderbal Srinagar city and in this regard The Minister also Zahid directed for speeding Rural Development, Mr. N. A. Wani, MemGulzar News Agency Soura Depot Chadoora several schemes stands started in differ- of the work on the DegreeBook College being Nowhatta ber- Secretary MGNREGA, Mr. Pawan RaTariq Agency Bashir News Agency ent sector like R&B, PHE,News Housing andHawal constructed at Baghe-i-Dilavarkhan in the thore and other senior officers.

Ali News Bazar Budshah News Agency Lal The Chowk Urban DevelopmentMuzaffar which would go Agency a old Alamgari city Srinagar which would go a long Minister directed the officers to long way in developing the historic city Lal Abdullah News Agency Sikendar News Agency Lal Chowk wayChowk in augmentation in the educational speed up the pace of implementation on modern basis without altering heri- Lal Gupkari NewsitsAgency Chowkto the youthRaina News facilities of the area.Agency He alsoGund of Kangan various Rural Development schemes tage pattern.

Khan News Agency Regal Chowk Rashid News Agency Dalgate

Zabarwan Times is available at

Sheikh News Agency Hyderpora Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Magam Dar News Agency Beerwah Reshi News Agency Safapora Basharat News Agency Bandipora Altaf News Agency Pulwama Jeelani News Agency Baramulla SRINAGAR, MAY Shah 22: Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir News Agency Kupwara Legislative Assembly, Mr. Mubarak Gul chaired a meeting Younis News Agency Langate of senior officers of Social Welfare (SW) and Labour DeAgency Islamabad partments held here Reshi today News to review the working of these Turray News Agency Tralon various departments.Threadbare discussion was held Rahi News Agency Kulgam issues including utilization of funds under centrally sponsored schemes, launching of Agency awareness programmes Rah News Byepass

Speaker reviews working of SW, Labour Departments

and conduct of survey of un-registered labour section.

The Speaker directed the authorities to ensure early sanctioning of financial assistance to the widows. He also stressed upon the officers to give wide publicity of these Khidmat Centres so that maximum deserved and needy persons can avail benefits from the welfare schemes meant for the weaker sections of the society.

While discussing the issuance of Income Certificates under BPL category, Mr. Gul asked the concerned to ensure immediate issuance of these certificates.

The Speaker also directed the concerned to send a proposal to the Central Government for release of funds for completion of under construction of old age homes.

He also asked for conduct of the survey of children of weaker section living at Pamposh colony, SDA colony

which have been instrumental in changing the socio-economic land scape of various rural and far-flung areas. He said that due care should be taken to ensure that the benefit percolates to the genuine and targeted populace and the funds earmarked for the same are used judiciously.

Mr. Sagar directed the officers to speed up the construction of various Panchayat ghars being constructing in different areas of the State for augmenting the infrastructural capacities of the Panchayati Raj System.

He said that they should coordinate their efforts to ensure the timely completion of these Panchayati Ghars.

The Minister asked the officers to accelerate MGNERGA implementation as the scheme has been instrumental in providing the much needed employment opportunities to the people living in rural and farflung areas at their door steps, besides ensuring the creation of assets in these areas. He said that the State has registered a phenomenal increase in the implementation of the scheme since its inception and the need of the hour is to speed up the same.

Hilal News Agency Budgam One day seminar on International Biodiversity Day Bhat News Agency Chadoora Zargar News Agency Kunzar Bashir News Agency Sumbal Saleem News Agency Pattan Reyaz News Agency Pampore Javaid News Agency Qazigund G.M News Agency Sopore SRINAGAR, 22-Handwara Minister thing is to make people aware Pachanda, highlighted the imporSultan NewsMAY Agency forSheikh Forests, Ecology andIslamabad Environ- about the importance of forests tance of the biodiversity and the News Agency ment, Mian Ahmad has said and biodiversity in our life fol- steps taken by the State Diversity Three WayAltaf News Agency Tral that protection of forests will en- lowed by their practical participa- Board for conservation of forests Badru News Agency Bijbehara sure conservation of biodiversity tion in its conservation.“Every year and environment.

News Agency andMalik environment andArwani appealed thousands of trees are planted by Principal, College for Education, Shaheen News Agency participants to play theirKargil role for the forest department in the state, Dr Parveen Pandith presented wel-

Protection of forests will ensure conservation of Biodiversity: Mian Altaf

this noble cause.

The Minister was addressing at one day seminar on International Biodiversity Day held here at College of Education auditorium today. The seminar was organized

by J&K State Biodiversity Board (J&KSBB) in collaboration with College of Education. This years’ theme was Ïsland Biodiversity”.

The Minister said that God has gifted the state with natural beauty, adding that our responsibility is to work collectively for its preservation. He said the first

said the Minister, adding that it becomes social responsibility of the locals to protect these trees.

He said during past five years the forest department succeeded in protecting forests with the active support of the people living near the jungles.

Underlining need for expanding the ambit of the activities of Board, the Minister asked the Members of the Board to work wholeheartedly so that the purposes for which it was constituted are accrued.

Director, SFRI, Upender

come address while Coordinator, J&K SFRI, Dr. Syed Tariq presented vote of thanks.

The students of the college read out their papers and highlighted the role of biodiversity in the human life.A painting competition was also organized on the occasion.Later, the Minister gave away certificates among the students bagged first, second and third positions in the painting competition and seminar. In the painting Ms Mahak, Ms Inan Yousuf and Ishrat Shafi bagged first.

Centre sanctions 20,000 SPV HSLs, 69 SPPs for the State, 10,000 SHL for Kishtwar

method of identification of beneficiaries and distribution of Systems to be procured under Remote Village Electrification Programme (RVEP) strictly as per the norms set by the Department of Science and Technology and ensure that the deserving benefi-

ciaries get benefitted.

Mr. Feroz also directed the authorities of JAKEDA to provide the details of installed Solar Power Plants (SPPs) at various locations and new identified sites for construction of Mini and Micro Hydel Power Projects.

8 electric workshops to be set up in State: Vikar SRINAGAR, MAY 22- Eight electric workshop would be established at different places in the State so as to ensure the timely repair of damaged transformers and other related things so that people do not face any inconvenience with regard to the supply of electric power.

The information was given in a high level meeting of the Power Development Department convened under the Chairmanship of the Minister of State for Technical Education, Power and Information, Mr. Vikar Rasool.Principal Secretary, Power, Mr. A.K. Mehta, Development Commissioner, Power. Mr. Asgar Ali, Special Secretary PDD, Chief Engineers, Superintending Engineers of both division and other senior officers of the department were present in the meeting.Mr. Vikar said that the government is committed to augment the infrastructural capacities of the power department so that people get adequate supply of power. He said in this regard

several schemes have been launched which have instrumental in improving the power scenario by ensuring that the consumers get the requisite supply of electricity.The Minister impressed upon the officers to speed up the cases of regularisation of the pending daily rated workers. He also directed for taking up the regularization cases of various officers at the level of Assistant Engineers and Assistant Executive Engineers with the Public Service Commission.Mr. Vikar also asked the officers to speed up the implementation of the RGGVY scheme so that it is completed fully and the second phase would be started in order to provide electricity to left over unelectrified villages of the State. He also directed for speeding up REC Schemes of the department.The Minister also directed the officers to work out a mechanism by which the additional power load can be provided to the industrial units without depriving.

It was informed in the meeting that the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has sanctioned 34,483 Solar Home Lighting Systems & 2408 Solar Street Lights for 36 un-electrified villages and 263 hamlets of the State, besides ad-

Aries

March 21-April 19

Allow your eager and restless nature to express itself in ways other than through the spoken word, Aries. Show someone that you care through your gentle touch or a big bear hug. Hold on a little bit more tightly than you might normally. There’s an unspoken understanding that comes when you communicate through nothing but pure silence. Work on developing this kind of connection with those closest to you.

Taurus April 20-May 20

This is a terrific day for you, Taurus. You should find that your relationships, especially with men, go exceptionally well. Your tender and extremely sensitive nature is finally being recognized as the treasure chest it is. There are many times in which this type of personality is seen as weak, yet today is one of those times in which you’re given the full credit you deserve.

Gemini May 21-June 21

A selfish attitude on your part won’t be tolerated today, regardless of the circumstances, Gemini. Don’t make it worse for yourself by pretending that you don’t notice others’ hurt feelings.

People are likely to be extra sensitive today, so be careful about trying to impose your will on someone who really wants nothing more than an ear to talk to and a shoulder to cry on.

Cancer June 22-July 22

You could find the hardest person to face is you, Cancer. You tend toward introspection, and you may find yourself shrinking into self-recrimination. You could analyze the important people in your life and yet fail to address the one you really need to look at – you. As you continually strive for perfection, give yourself proper credit. Do something nice for yourself today.

Leo

July 23-August 22 Take advantage of the creative energy in the air today, Leo. Keep your hands moving and your imagination flowing toward something fun and artistic. If you begin to doubt your work, you may fall down a spiral of creative blockage. Don’t get into the habit of constantly judging the quality or outcome of your work. Give yourself free rein to open up and explore whatever comes to mind.

Virgo

August 23-September 22

Your sixth sense is right on target, Virgo, so trust your instincts today. You’re likely to connect with someone in a wonderful partnership that will help you foster the very plan you want to develop now. Stay close to those things that resonate strongly with your morals. The answer is in front of you; you don’t have to search too far afield in order to find it.

Libra

Feroz reviews functioning of JKEDA

SRINAGAR, MAY 22: Minister of State for Science Technology and Information Technology Mr. Feroz Ahmed Khan has asked the authorities of Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JKEDA) to gear up the field functionaries and ensure that the people of the State get optimum benefits of the schemes launched under New and Renewable Energy Programme by the government with the financial assistance of the central government These instructions were given by the Minister, here today, while chairing an officers meeting of JAKEDA convened to review the functioning of the Agency and the status of Mini and Micro Hydel Power Projects being developed in IPP mode in the State.

The Minister asked the concerned officers to follow the

HOROSCOPE

ditional quantity of 10,000 Solar Hole Lighting System for Kishtwar area. The MNRE has agreed in principal to sanction 20,000 nos. of SPV Home Lighting Systems (HLSs) under General Category for Jammu And Kashmir State during this year, the meeting was told. It was also given out in the meeting that the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has sanctioned 69 Solar Power Plants (SPPs) for District/Sub District Hospitals of the State, out of which 49 plants have been made functional and the installation & commissioning at remaining sites is under progress. Besides these SPPs, 122 solar plants have already been sanctioned for 122 Community Information Centres of the State, out of which more than 90 Systems have been installed.

Computerization of entire Public Distribution soon: Ch. Ramzan Reviews functioning of CA&PD

SRINAGAR, MAY 22: Minister for Transport and Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CA&PD), Ch. Mohammad Ramzan Monday chaired a meeting of CA&PD department convened to take stock of availability of essential commodities beside reviewing the functioning of the department.

Secretary CA&PD, Mr. Baseer Ahmad Khan, Directors of CA&PD, Jammu/Kashmir and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.

The Minister asked the CA&PD Directors to effectively monitor the distribution mechanism in the districts especially in hilly areas and ensure that due quota of ration reaches to the people in time. He asked them to coordinate and ensure availability of monthly quota at all the places particularly n Kupwara district.

Ch. Ramzan called for stern action against those dealers who violate the prescribed norms and also directed officers to conduct regular market checks to monitor rates and quality of essential commodities besides keeping a check on black marketing and profiteering.The Minister also reviewed the preparation and distribution of new ration cards among the consumers and directed concerned officers to increase the tenure of ration card from 2 to 5 years from current year.

Ch Ramzan said that computerization of Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) will be taken up soon with a view to ensure correct identification of beneficiaries, distribution of essential commodities to deserving beneficiaries, elimination of bogus ration cards etc. It would also enable timely availability of food grains at fair price shop (FPS), checking of leakages/diversions of food grains, transparency and accountability in implementation of CA&PD Schemes, he added.

September 23-October 23 Take a break from your routine, Libra. You might feel like you’re leading an army into battle as you strive for new adventures and conquer new realms. Make sure you take a bit of time out today to stop and let your troops rest. You deserve a little rest yourself. Use this moment of stillness to form your plan of attack so you’re sure about how to proceed.

Scorpio

October 24-November 21 The key for you is to minimize your daily drama as much as possible, Scorpio. You may not realize how much you cripple yourself by the way you exaggerate every aspect of your life. Try not to give so much of your attention to things that really don’t matter much. Petty jealousy and gossip about other people’s lives are especially irrelevant in your world.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21

Be careful of advertising yourself as someone who is so strong and mentally competent that you’re capable of handling everything, Sagittarius. Take note that the strongest mule on the trail usually ends up carrying the most weight. Your emotions are more sensitive than you may think, and certainly more than you demonstrate to others. Be honest about the way you feel and not just the way you think.

Capricorn December 22-January 19

Things should flow well for you today with very little effort on your part, Capricorn. Take note that if any quarrel arises, it’s an indication that the person you’re arguing with isn’t necessarily the right person to deal with or confide in. Emotional issues are likely to be the hardest ones to overcome, but this shouldn’t be a problem for you. You have the ability to work through these like a pro.

Aquarius January 20-February 18

This is meant to be a nice, relaxing day, so treat it as such, Aquarius. There’s no need for you to plan any great strategy at this time. Try to take it easy and not indulge in any unnecessary stress.

This is your time to enjoy the moment. Don’t tax your mind by overanalyzing everything that comes your way. Go with the flow and have a great time regardless of what you end up doing.

Pisces

February 19-March 20 Your sensual nature is heightened, Pisces, and you’ll find yourself engaged in tender moments and languid peacefulness in the company of others. Soothe your soul by letting yourself slip into situations that give you the emotional freedom to do or say whatever comes to mind.

Life should be like a love poem written by a great master.

Accept the good energy that comes your way.

EDITORIAL/ OPINION Increasing crime and drug abuse

T

he recent spurt in the incidents of murders, rapes, violence against women, missing children, robberies, burglary, unethical activities, drug abuse particularly in youngsters and intriguing killing of some youths has put a question mark on the law enforcing agencies and the society as a whole which is passing through a crucial phase. The degradation of moral values and onslaught of western culture has eroded all the values which were cherished by the people of “Peer Voir”, the valley of saints.

It is strange and shocking that a number of youths have become addicts and are confronted with worst kind of drug abuse which is making this society vulnerable to all social evils .The lust for earning fast buck and the desire of competing with affluent has made the lower middle class a very easy potential target of crime and immoral activities.

The influx of migrant labourers, beggars, drug pedlars have worsened the situation .These people roam in different areas and indulge in all kinds of criminal activities particularly theft, drug peddling and sometimes child lifting with the help of locals.

The law and order machinery is acting as a mute spectator to these activities which are going to take the shape of a big problem if they are not nipped in the bud. Some of the anti social elements are taking advantage of these activities and are using youngsters to fill up their coffers. These people offer youngsters drugs at meagre amount and use them for all sorts of anti social and anti state activities.

The present boom in technology has further complicated the situation as internet and mobile phone facilities which are easily available are being used for all kinds of cyber crimes, illegal and immoral activities and even those activities which are in no way conducive for the state as a whole. There is no doubt that this kind of situation is becoming a matter of concern for every parent particularly whose children are studying in different educational institutions of the valley. The street vendors selling ice creams, sweets, fruits and other snacks outside these educational institutions are working as couriers for drug mafia who target young children and make them addicted. The recent seizure of hundreds of codeine bottles from some unauthorised medical shops clearly prove that different sections of society are directly or indirectly connected with drug trafficking.

Daily

Zabarwan Times

Srinagar, Friday 23 May 2014

Prioritizing Road Safety in India

T

C

he UN General Assembly has adopted 2011-2020 as the Decade of Action for Road Safety and set a goal for reducing fatalities from road accidents by 50 percent during the period recognizing the severe impact of road accidents on global health.

Every year about 1.2 million people die and 50 million get affected in road accidents globally losing 1.2 trillion US Dollars in these accidents, says Mr. K K Kapila, Chairman, International Road Federation. According to the World Health Organization unless concerted action is taken, road traffic injuries are predicted to become the fifth leading cause of death in the world by 2030.

With the growing urbanization and vehicular traffic, the issue of safety on roads also keep growing in terms of concerns and solutions. The concern becomes all the more relevant in view of the fact that number of persons killed in road accidents in India is the highest in the world. More than 4.97 lakh road accidents in 2011 are reported to have claimed over 1.42 lakh lives. These numbers translate into roughly one road accident per minute and one road accident death every four minutes for India.

Though the data for the year 2012 shows a declining trend with over 4.90 lakh accidents claiming 1.38 lakh lives, still the number is too high to give reason to breathe easy. The analysis of road accidents in terms of causal factor’s reveals that drivers’ fault accounts for 78.7 per cent (3,85,934 accidents) of total road accidents. The reason behind fault may vary from alcohol/drugs to mobile addiction, overloading/overcrowding of vehicles, exceeding lawful speed and tiredness etc.

Since drivers’ fault has been found responsible for about 80% road accidents, it is important to make them aware and realize that they are the killers on roads when they violate the laws/measures.

Road Safety is being prioritized at Political Level. The focus is shifting from ad-hoc Road Safety Activities to Sustainable Programmes. A systematic state capacity review of the existing road safety management system has been recommended while formulating long term goals, interim targets, strategies and programmes. This includes a high-level multi-sectoral strategic examination of a range of activities and involves senior management from the key governmental agencies - Transport, Police, Health, Justice and Education, who may not all be actively engaged as yet– as well as all other stakeholders who are

able and should contribute to the delivery of road safety results.

The Ministry of RTH has taken steps to minimize road accidents in the country. The Government has approved a National Road Safety Policy. This Policy outlines various policy measures such as promoting awareness, establishing road safety information data base, encouraging safer road infrastructure including application of intelligent transport, enforcement of safety laws etc. The Government has constituted National Road Safety Council as the apex body to take policy decisions in matters of road safety. The Ministry has requested all States/UTs for setting up of State Road Safety Council and District Road Safety Committees.

The Ministry has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to address the issue of road safety based on four E’s of Road Safety that is Education, Enforcement, Engineering (roads as well as vehicles) and Emergency care. Road safety has been made an integral part of road design at the planning stage. Road Safety Audit of selected stretches of National Highways/Expressways adopted.

Driving training institutes being established, Tightening of safety standards of vehicles like helmets, seat belts, power-steering, rear view mirror and Publicity campaigns on road safety awareness.

Besides observing Road Safety Week, media campaigns through Doordarshan and Radio networks, Printing and distribution of Road Safety material, advertisements in newspapers and organizing conferences/seminars/ workshops on Road Safety, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways continues to undertake new initiatives to ensure road safety.

These include efforts for inclusion of a chapter on road safety in the · Text books of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) syllabus in Class VI to Class XII. State Governments have also been advised to include Road Safety education in the curriculum of the schools administered by the State Education Board. · Providing cashless treatment to road accident victims for 48 hours at expenditure up to a limit of Rs. 30,000/-a pilot project launched on Gurgaon-Jaipur section of NH 8. · Identification of top 25 black spots in 13 States which account for 90% of road accidents

in India. The short term remedial measures have been completed for most of the black spots identified. · Finalisation of National Ambulance Code based on the recommendations of the Working Group on Emergency care. This ’Code’ puts in place minimum standards and guidelines regarding the constructional and functional requirements of road ambulances in India. · Notifying Consignments protruding beyond the body of goods carrier as illegal.

The strategy for ensuring road safety being multi-pronged, many government departments share responsibility for road safety. Special arrangements are required to put in place to ensure close co-ordination and accountability. For ensuring better coordination among key Government agencies concerned with road safety including local government, all the State Governments have been advised to constitute High Level Committees headed by the Chief Secretary to take stock of the road safety scenario in their States and the measures required to be instituted at the State level to reduce road accident fatalities. The States have been advised to prepare action plan on road safety for their States.

The States’ annual action plan on road safety needs to set ambitious but realistic targets for at least five years. It should have measurable outcomes and sufficient funding to develop, implement, man­age, monitor and evaluate actions. All the States/UTs have been asked to identify a lead agency in the State and also set up Road Safety Fund at the State level by earmarking 50% of the funds generated from fines on account of violation of traffic rules.

Though UN decade of action plan to reduce road fatalities by 50% started in 2011, after three years much needs to be done. In India, budget for Road Safety needs to be enhanced and proper road safety plans/ mechanism to be in place in all the States. It needs to be ensured that orders relating to Road Safety that exist are followed strictly and violation punished.

Parliamentarians and corporate world may be engaged by way of diverting a part of funds from MPLAD and CSR and contributing for the cause of Road Safety. The collective efforts of all stakeholders are bound to make significant impact on making roads safer, arresting human suffering due to road related mishaps and achieving goals set by UN.

Solar Salt

ommon salt touches the lives of almost everyone. Indian salt industry has made rapid strides during last six decades. From an import dependent nation at the time of Independence, today it ranks third amongst 120 salt producing countries, with an average annual production of about 24 million tonnes. The Indian Salt Industry after meeting country's domestic requirements of 18 million tonnes, exports about five million tons of salt to 20 countries.

Out of the total of salt produced in the country annually, 70% salt is produced from sea brine and 28% salt comes from subsoil brines and the remaining 2% is produced from lake brines/salt rocks. Mandi in Himachal Pradesh is the only source of rock salt in India. In India, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan contribute to about 96% of the country's salt production. Gujarat contributes 75% to the total production, followed

by Tamil Nadu (11%) and Rajasthan (10%). Other states such as Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Karnataka, West Bengal, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Diu & Daman also contribute to a small extent. About 62% of the total production is from large salt producers, 28% is contributed by small scale producers and rest by medium scale producers. Most of the salt is produced by private sector only. The Indian salt industry uses labour intensive technology in contrast to high level of mechanization in salt industry of nations like Australia, Canada, France, USA etc. India exports surplus production of salt to the tune of about 35 lakh tonnes on an average. Major countries importing salt from India are Japan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, South Korea, North Korea, Malaysia, U.A.E., Vietnam, Qatar etc.

Nearly 30% of total salt produced goes for human and animal consumption and thus can be a potential carrier of essential micronutrients for combating various diseases normally occurring

from deficiency of such nutrients in human body.

Salt is also required as a basic feedstock in many of the chemical industries. Worldwide about 60% of the salt produced is used in chemical industry, mostly for producing chlorine, caustic soda and soda-ash which are further utilized in the processes like, organic synthesis, polymer and petrochemicals and petroleum refining etc. and is also required in applications such as de-icing, water treatment or coolants etc.

The salt content in the oceans is 'virtually inexhaustible.' Besides this there are substantial deposits of salt in major salt producing countries.

There are mainly three ways of producing salt (a) direct mining of rock salt, (b) forced evaporation of brine, and (c) solar evaporation of brine. The most common and energy efficient method is progressive evaporation and concentration of sea, subsoil or lake brines in various condensing and crystallizing pans utilizing solar energy.

In general, purer the salt the more valuable it is. Moisture in salt, mainly due to the presence of excess impurities of magnesium salts, is also detrimental as it can lead to the caking up of salt besides being an unwanted baggage during transportation of salt. For example, if 10 million tonnes of salt has to be transported from the fields by road, a 4% moisture level in salt would amount to ca. 40,000 unnecessary trips! A dry salt thus helps reduce the carbon footprint.

Over the years a series of inventions have taken place in the area of solar salt. CSIR-Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, a premier salt research institute has made a commendable contribution in the development of novel cost effective technologies of high purity solar salt production.

The Indian salt industry in general lacks adoption of novel methods of solar salt production leading to inferior quality of harvested salt than

countries such as Australia and Mexico. Improving the quality of such impure salt requires mechanical washing and other chemical treatments.

CSIR-Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, along with various State Governments and Salt Department, the Government is continuously pursuing the programmme of improving the quality of solar salt in a cluster development fashion as well as in the form of establishment of model salt farms which serve as demonstration units among the salt producers.

Mechanization/modernization of solar salt works and use of saline wastes of various industries during solar salt production will also lead to enhancement in salt productivity. The latter will help not only in improving yield but also in improving the quality of slat and mitigation of environmental hazards generally occurred from discharge of effluent in sea or other at other places. Heavy losses in salt production are incurred as a consequence of unfavourable climatic conditions like heavy rainfall etc. Such issues can be addressed partially by mechanization and automation of solar salts. The mechanization of salt works will not only help in overcoming the problems of shortage of desired manpower engaged in salt production activities but will also help in improving the quality and yield of solar salt.

Indian salt industry is targeting production of 40 million tons salt by 2020 to meet its domestic requirement of 25 million tons an export about 10 million salt. It can be achieved by effective utilization of the available 6.1 lakh acre land and increasing productivity using modern technology.

The slat industry is to be mechanized, merger of the salt works to increase the size of operation and use of solar plant in place of traditional electric / diesel power is to be encouraged.

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