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TUESDAY 24 June | 2014 | 25 Shaban, 1435 AH | PAGES 08 |
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Rajendra takes stock, calls for joint efforts by all concerned
VOL NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 174 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 Paisa)
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Lt Gen Gurmeet Singh visits special National integration camp of NCC cadets
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Duo detained by Army in Kupwara Kupwara, June 23: Two youth were picked up by Army in Sogam area of Frontier district Kupwara on Monday. Eyewitnesses told CNS that two youth working as labourers in Degree College Sogam probably from HMT Srinagar were boarding in a Sumo (JK09-4258) when Army personnel from 28 RR stationed at Gujarpati, Lasipora Sogam dragged them from the vehicle and take them along to their camp. It was not immediately clear why these youth were detained. Eyewitnesses said that these two youth worked for quite some time in Degree College Sogam. (CNS)
Student dies in road accident Baramulla, June 23, CNS: A 12 class student died on spot in North Kashmir’s Pattan area of Baramulla district when a speedy truck hit his bike on Monday. The deceased was on way to his College. Police sources told CNS a speedy truck (JK03C-1895) driven by Ashiq Gafar Bhat of Pampore Pulwama hit a biker Azhar Bashir Waza resident of Palhalan near Babateng Pattan. “Azhar died on spot while police seized the truck and arrested the driver. A case under section 304A has been registered against the truck driver,” police said. (CNS)
Edit Page Pathetic roads—insensitive authorities The depleted roads in the valley particularly connecting roads leading to most of the tourist places tell the tale of state govt’ s apathy towards the development of basic infra-structure. Take the example of South Kashmir which is blessed with most beautiful places on paradise on earth namely Pahalgam, Verinag, Acchbal, Daksum and most attractive amongst them Kokernag. However, the road leading to this health resort from Anantnag via Hakura-Badasgam which is mostly used by one and all because of less distance
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3 Neonate deaths spark protests ‘Only two deaths in 48 hours admits Superintendent Srinagar, June 23: The ‘surge in mortality’ sparked protest outside GB Pant Hospital on Monday while protestors blocked the road as a result hundreds of vehicles got stranded on the Srinagar-Islamabad road. Eyewitnesses told CNS that three babies died within 24 hours in the hospital due to sheer ‘negligence’ of the doctors while the Medical Superintendent (MS) Dr Muneer Masoodi said that only two neonates died out of one was brought dead in the hospital. Eyewitnesses said that as soon as a family from Kokernag Islamabad lost their baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the hospital, the mother of the baby started wailing, an act abhorred and resented by MS of the hospital who according to attendants lost his cool and ransacked their belongings and dragged them out from the hospital. The inhuman behaviour of Dr Munir Masoodi who recently got an extension from the State Government sparked massive protest while the protestors claimed that the anti-attendant behaviour of the MS and other doctors is the main cause of the mess in the hospital. They
claimed that at least three neonates died within 48 hours in the hospital. The protestors placed the body of the baby on the road and demanded stern action against the MS of the GB Pant hospital. “He is not a doctor but a ‘butcher’. Dr Munir Masoodi is acting like a ‘goon’ who harasses and misbehaves with depressed attendants. He lacks courtesy and displays arrogance all the time,” one of the protestor told CNS adding that the hospital is filled with filth and there is no sanitation at all. Reports said that protestors
dispersed only after they were pacified by the police who reached on time and restored the traffic near Sonawar Srinagar. Medical Superintendent of the hospital told CNS that only two children died within the 48 hours. He however, admitted that the hospital lacks manpower and sanitation facilities. CNS reporter found that a warmer bed meant for a single patient was occupied by two to four children while some attendants complained in front of MS about the lack See GB Panth On PG 11..
Enhancement in SPOs honorarium on cards Hike in ration money, pay anomaly to be sorted out: Govt Srinagar, June 23 : Minister of
state for home affairs Sajad Ahmad Kithcloo on Tuesday said that government is vigorously pursuing its proposal of enhancement in honorarium of Special Police Officials (SPOs) put before the union he ministry. Talking to KNS, Kitchloo said that the state government has already submitted its recommendations for the increase in honorarium of SPOs and the chief minister Omar Abdullah has already taken up the issues with government of India besides other important issues pertaining to the police force. Kithcloo said that in his recent meeting with union home minister Rajnath Singh, the chief
minister vehemently argued in favour of hike in honorarium of SPOs. “The government is on it. I hope the proposal will get through very soon,” the minister of state for home affairs told KNS. Kitchloo said Government’s proposal for enhancement of the honorarium of SPOs from the existing Rs.3000 to Rs. 5000 per month has been submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs, GOI, for concurrence and the same is awaited. Kitchloo said that the state government has already formulated a comprehensive policy in the years 2009 for absorption/conversion of SPOs as constables/ followers. The policy provides for conversion/absorption of SPOs (with minimum 3 years of engagement) upto 15% of the available vacancies as constables/followers son the basis of their (i) excellence in counter See Govt On PG 11..
Budget Session of Parliament starts on 7th July
Session to continue upto 14th August New Delhi, June 23: The
Budget session of Parliament will be held from 7th July to 14th August and the first General Budget of the Narendra Modi government will be presented on 10th July. The Rail Budget will be presented on 8th July, while the Economic Survey will be released on 9th July, the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA) decided on Monday at a meeting held in Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu's chamber in Parliament House. The CCPA, headed by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, decided that bills to replace ordinances, including the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities (Amendment) Ordinance, the one on Polavaram project, the TRAI Act (Amendment) Ordinance and the one on SEBI,
Bhalla dedicates Rs. 1.75 cr PHC to Bhour Camp people >>>>> PG 10
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GB Panth Hospital again in news for alleged negligence
will be brought on a priority basis for consideration in the session, official sources said. The ordinances have to be converted into bills before third week of July. The over month-long session will have a total of 28 sittings. The vote-on-account budget approved by the previous Parliament ends on 31st July and a new budget has to be in place before that date. The opposition is likely to rake up the issue of hike in rail passenger fares and freight rates ahead of the presentation of the Rail Budget. Naidu had recently said that the election of Deputy Speaker will take place during the Budget session. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan has already said that she would take a decision on the issue of the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha before the Budget session.
One killed, four injured in Sopore firing Circumstances leading to death being probed: IGP Kashmir Srinagar, June 23 (KNS): A youth was killed and four others were injured on Monday when security forces allegedly opened fire to disperse a protest rally following an encounter in Sopore town of Baramulla district. A senior police officer told KNS that group of youth had started pelting stones at security forces, who returning from Krankishivan Colony of Sopore after accomplishing an counter insurgency operation in which a top Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant outfit was killed. Security forces had later allegedly opened fire to disperse the protesting youth, resulting in injuries to five of them, the sources said. They said one of the injured, Arshad Ahmad Shah son of Abdul Aziz Shah resident of Naseem Bagh succumbed to injuries while being taken to a hospital. Rest of the four who sustained injuries in the firing have been identified as Naseer Ahmad beigh son of Ghulam Mohiuddin a resident of Jamia Kadeem, See Firiing On PG 11..
LeT commander killed in Sopore: Police Srinagar, June 23: A Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant commander Mehmood Bhai was killed in an encounter with police and security forces that started last evening in Baba Raza, Krankshawan area of Sopore, police said. According to a police statement issued to KNS, acting on a specific information about the presence of militants in Krankshawan, Baba Raza Sopore Police, 52 RR, 22 RR and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation, last evening. The hiding militants opened fire on the search party triggering an encounter. The encounter ended today when a Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant commander operating with code name Mehmood Bhai resident of Pakistan was killed. One AK series rifle and other See Police On PG 11..
Spurt in militant recruitment Mujhadeen and Lash- from North Kashmir’s Qualified youth kar-e-Toiba in North Baramulla district last Kashmir’s Baramulla month have joined milreportedly district. Three of them itant ranks. belong to Pattan town Police said that on May joining ranks while rest of them 14 last month, they re-
Baramulla, June 23: From past one month, at least six qualified students including two scholars according to police have joined militant outfit Hizbul
are from Apple Town Sopore. Police sources told CNS that at least six youth including two postgraduate students who had gone missing
Mufti stresses Vajpayee like approach to address J&K problem Terms it a big challenge for Modi Govt
Poonch, June 23 : Reiterating resolve of his party to act as a facilitator to restore lasting peace in this sub-continent, patron of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that biggest challenge before the new government at New Delhi is to deal with the sensitive issue of Jammu and Kashmir. He hoped new government headed by Mr Narendra Modi would follow the holistic path shown by former Prime Minister Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee while dealing with problems of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to a statement issued to KNS, while addressing an impressive public meeting at Poonch today, Mufti said that peace is the only option to move ahead on development path and resolve all sensitive issues. He argued that Jammu and Kashmir needed a holistic approach to help it come out of its immense problems. While empha-
Sagar terms youth future of society Addresses NC Youth and Women's Wings
Srinagar, June 23 : National Conference General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar addressed the party's Youth Wing and Women's Wing at the Party Headquarters at Nawa-e-Subah Complex in Srinagar and said that youth of J&K were its future and formed pillars of strength upon which a saga of progress and growth was being scripted under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Party's Provincial President for Kashmir, Nasir Aslam Wani, Women's Wing President Shameema Firdous, Youth President Salman Ali Sagar and various Senior Leaders of the party as well as leaders from the Youth and Women's Wings were also present in the meetings. According to a statement issued to KNS, while addressing the Provincial Committee, District Presidents and activists
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of Youth National Conference, Sagar said the Omar Abdullah Government was a youth-centric government that had firm conviction in the capability of our youth to usher J&K into an era of nation-building and prosperity. The NC General Secretary said that the role of youth and an elaborate vision See Sagar On PG 11..
sizing on the adopting human approach to restoring lasting peace in this region, Mufti regretted that residents of Jammu and Kashmir are facing hardship due to mis-governance of the present regime headed by National Conference. “Governance deficit is not only increased in the last nearly six years but See Mufti On PG 11..
ceived information that at least six youth in the age group of 20 to 23 have gone missing from Pattan and Sopore. “We accordingly See Spurt On PG 11..
Erratic cable service irks people Tral, June 23: Accusing the district administration Pulwama of ‘inaction’ against the proprietors of cable networking, subscribers of digital cable TV services have been complaining of poor connectivity. People from different parts of Tral town including the residents of Amlar, Poshvan, Brental, Nowpora and Chandrigam claimed that ever since the installation of the digital set-top equipment, cable TV services have been erratic. They demanded stern action against the Star Cable and A.R.Cable Network, the main service providers in the town. The people alleged that they get hefty amounts See People On PG 11..
US support to Iraq will be intense and sustained: Kerry Baghdad, June 23: US secretary of state John Kerry vowed on Monday that the United States would provide "intense" support to Iraq to help it battle a militant offensive. "The support will be intense, sustained, and if Iraq's leaders take the steps needed to bring the country together it will be effective," Kerry told reporters after a day of meetings in Baghdad. Kerry made the remarks at the US embassy in Baghdad, in the heavily-fortified Green Zone, after talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and other leaders from across the political and communal spectrum. A major militant offensive, led by the jihadist Islamic State of Iraq and
the Levant (ISIS) but involving a raft of other Sunni groups as well, began in Iraq's main northern city Mosul on June 9. The militants took the city the following day, swept through the surrounding province of Nineveh and took major parts of four more provinces as well. Baghdad has appealed for US air strikes against militants, but Washington has not acceded to that request, instead offering up to 300 military advisers. Kerry earlier arrived in Baghdad on a mission to push for Iraqi unity and stability to confront a militant offensive threatening to tear the country apart.Kerry flew in from Jordan on a visit See Kerry On PG 11..
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07
Srinagar, Tuesday 24 June 2014
FROM THE FRONT PAGE
G B Panth of sanitation in the hospital. The irony was that the MS of the hospital admonished and threw away the blanket of an attendant in front of the reporters. “The hospital remains over crowded due to the large rush of attendants. You can yourself check the hospital records and you will find that only two babies died in the hospital. We are trying to overcome the problems that we are faced with in the hospital,” Dr Munir Masoodi said. However, a doctor who wished not to be named told CNS that three deaths occurred in the hospital within 48 hours. Pertinently, at least 358 children, most of them newborns died in 2012 in the hospital sparking massive protests. (CNS)
Firing Shahid Ahmad son of Kasim Ahangar a resident of Naseem Bagh, Ilyas Shalla son of Attaullah Shalla resident of Shalpora and Abid Gojri resident of Sopore. The situation in the area is tense as more people have taken to streets in protest against the killing. According to a police statement issued to KNS, a spokesman said that after the completion of an operation in Baba Raza Krankshvan Sopore in which one Pakistani militant got killed; Operation parties while withdrawing from the area were pelted with stones by some miscreants. “The mob swelled and attempted to set at fire one security armoured vehicle. Security forces used non-lethal weapons but the situation could not be controlled. Resultantly few shots were fired in which 4 people got injured. One of the injured Arshad Ahmad Shah son of Abdul Aziz Shah resident of Seer Jagir Sopore succumbed to his injuries unfortunately. Other injured people have been hospitalized and are stated to be out of danger. The incident is being enquired into and a Case has been registered in this regard, the police statement reads. DIG North Kashmir Range Ghulam Hassan Bhat, said that he was monitoring the situation along with the deputy commissioner Baramulla. “This is an unfortunate incident but we are in touch with the people and want their cooperation to know the truth,” the DIG North Kashmir told KNS on phone. When contacted IGP Kashmir A G Mir said: “This was a regrettable death. The incident took place despite security forces exercising maximum restraint. All other injured are stable. Nevertheless we are looking into circumstances which led to the death of the youth.” Meanwhile, Syed Ali Geelani chairman Hurriyat Conference (G) has strongly condemned the firing incident terming the same as ‘state terrorism’. Geelani while talking to KNS on phone extended one day complete strike call for Kashmir valley. He also expressed deep shock and grief over the killing of Irshad Shah. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq chairman Hurriyat Conference (M) also condemned the Sopore firing incident saying that it seems that the security forces have been emboldened by the recent statements made by political leadership and the top army commanders in the state. “It is unfortunate that rather than showing restrain, the police, army and para military forces have gone for a killing spree of people. World human rights organization must take cognizance of these incidents and use their good offices to stop the rights abuse in Kashmir,” Mirwaiz told KNS on phone. Shabir Ahmad Shah, Hurriyat Conference Jammu and Kashmir (HCJK) senior leader also condemned the Sopore firing incident. Shah while talking to KNS said that the human rights abuses have crossed the limits in Kashmir and the security forces have been ‘let loose to torment, kill, loot and do any sort of rights abuse in Kashmir’. Shah urged international human rights observes to take serious cognizance of the human rights violations taking place in Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today condemned the firing incident at Sopore in which one youth Arshad Ahmad Shah was killed and four others injured. Mehbooba Mufti, president PDP said it is unfortunate that another innocent boy has lost his life in firing by security forces at Sopore. According to a statement issued to KNS, the PDP president demanded that the culprits be identified and brought to justice without wasting time in ordering probes, inquires and commissions that have lost their meaning under the present dispensation. “The culprits must be identified without any delay and tried for their unwarranted action,” Mehbooba demanded, adding that if the protests were imminent following the encounter in the town, the security forces should have exercised maximum restraint in order to prevent causalities. Mehbooba termed the firing as an unwarranted action against the protesters who had assembled to give vent to their feelings. She expressed solidarity with the bereaved family of Shah and demanded special medical treatment for the four injured youths, one of them said to be critical. National Conference has expressed grief and sorrow at the Sopore firing incident in which a youth Irshad Ahmad Shah has lost his life and others have sustained injuries. According to a statement issued to KNS, NC Spokesman Junaid Azim Mattu has said that National Conference condemns this unfortunate incident in unequivocal terms and demands that the Government initiates an immediate inquiry and ascertains the circumstances leading to this unfortunate tragedy and fixes responsibility effectively and transparently. The NC Spokesman has also said that the party demands all possible medical and financial assistance be provided to the injured victims and ex-gratia relief be extended to the family of the deceased without any delay. “This like all such tragedies is inconsolable and we express complete solidarity and sympathy with the deceased's family,” Mattu said. (KNS)
Police arms and ammunition was recovered from the possession of slain militant who was wanted in many militancy related incidents. He had escaped on several occasions from Security force cordons including from one fierce gun battle at Ahmad Nagar Srinagar last year. (KNS)
Spurt called their family members for clarification and they admitted that they are missing,” a top police official told CNS on condition of anonymity. Sources said that two youth hail from village Brathkalan and one is from Duroo village of Sopore town. An-
Zabarwan Times other youth is from Lolipora Pattan while two more youth are from the same village Andargam Pattan. Reliable sources in Counter Intelligence Unit identified these youth as Sameer Ahmad Wani (Duroo),Reyaz Ahmad Mir and Adil Ahmad Mir both residents of Brath Kalan Sopore, Ashiq Ramzan Wani resident of Lolipora Pattan and Mehraj-u-Din Bhat and Ishfaq Farooq Lone from Andargam Pattan. Mehraj-u-Din Bhat is MSc B.Ed. A police official told CNS that Adil Ahmad Mir and Ishfaq Farooq Lone were the students of Barkatullah University Bhopal. “Ishfaq was doing M.Phil while Adil was pursuing Masters Degree in Economics and as per reports, both have joined militant ranks,” he said adding that there are reports that two of them are roaming in Kupwara forests with Lashkar-e-Toiba cadres who are mostly non-locals. The father of Ishfaq told CNS that his son was a meritorious student who secured distinction right from class 10th. “I fail to understand why he went missing and where he is. During my last meeting with him, he informed me that he along with his friends is going for a picnic. That was May 13 and after that he never returned,” Farooq Ahmed said. Police said that another youth Ashiq Hussain Wani who went missing is a law graduate from Central University Kashmir. “Not a single FIR stands registered in any police station against these missing youth,” the official said adding that there are apprehensions that these youth could persuade more youth to join militant ranks. (CNS)
Govt insurgency operations; (ii) excellence in sports and should have won 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions in individual or team events at the state or national level and (iii) possession of ITI diploma in different trades or AICTE recognized diploma in computers subject to their qualifying in trade test. Besides, SPOs who have crossed the age limit of 28 years but are within 37 years of age and have completed 3 years continuous engagement are eligible to apply for appointment/regularization to the post of constables/followers to the extent of 15% or the available vacancies. Proving further details, Kitchloo said the since 2009 till date over 2116 SPOs have been converted as constables/followers under the above policy. Regarding the status of implementation of SRO 43 in respect of the NOKs of the SPOs killed in harness along-with the details of the pending cases up-to date the government stated that In terms of SRO 302 of 2009, Kithcloo said the Director General of Police (DGP), is authorized to appoint an eligible ward of a SPO killed in the militancy related action in the Police Department under SRO43/1994 provided he/she fulfills the other prescribed formalities. He said that enhancement of Ration Money for police personnel is in active consideration of the state government and a memo in this regard will be presented before the state cabinet very soon. Kitchloo said that the issue of pay anomaly in police force has been already forwarded to the finance department for financial concurrence. He said he has already discussed the issue of pay anomaly within different ranks of J&K Police with the finance minister and the government was actively considering the case and would soon take a call on the issue. Kitchloo assured police force that the matter would be sorted out without any further delay and said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had assured Police that the discrepancies in the pay anomaly would be sorted out very soon. (KNS)
Mufti what is a cause of a greater worry is the erosion of credibility of our democratic institutions”, he observed. He said that governance deficit and trust deficit are the main causes of ever increasing alienation of the people so there is a need to restore peoples’ faith in governance and democracy. “PDP is committed to bridge the gap between different regions and also between people of Jammu and Kashmir and rest of the country”, he said, adding “During our tenure we had proved how to treat all regions and sub-regions equally and party would further facilitate the process of bridging the gap to ensure justice and equality to all regions and sub-regions”, Reiterating resolve of his party to give voice to the masses of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti said that his party has successfully challenged hegemony of National Conference and emerged as credible voice of the people. He said that it was result of the conviction and commitment of the party leadership that PDP, in short span of time, has credibility of the people of all the three regions of the State. He especially mentioned towards results of recently held Lok Sabha polls in which National Conference was completely washed out in whole State. “Our aim is not to attain the power by deceiving the people”, he said and reiterated that one and only agenda of PDP is to establish lasting peace and to restore dignity and honour of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “I remained as Home Minister of the country as well as Chief Minister of the State so power is not my priority”, he said and added that his dream was to solve Kashmir problem to establish peace and tranquility in this region and to strengthen regional and sub-regional integration. He sought support of the people to further pursue the propeace agenda of the PDP. Reiterating his commitment to make Poonch as “Gateway to Kashmir”, Mufti said that opening of Mugal road and LoC for crossing and trade is going to change destiny of the people of Poonch. Terming opening of points on LoC as most significant CBM since 1947, Mufti that opening of Uri-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawlakote roads has liberated people of Jammu and Kashmir from seize which they had been facing after partition of the country. While reminding the people about steps taken by the PDP regime to complete work on Mugal road, he told the people that Poonch would be soon emerged as “Gateway of Kashmir” and this belt would be a biggest business centre of this sub-continent. He reminded that during the regime of PDP led regime various steps were taken for the development of this land locked border districts of Poonch and Rajouri. In the function Mufti reiterated his commitment to establish a Medical College at Poonch. He further said that PDP would work for connecting twin mountainous districts of Poonch and Rajouri with rail network. “I am aware of the problems being faced by the people of Poonch”, he said and recalled that he along with Mian Bashir and late Choudhary Mohammad Aslam had travelled most parts of Poonch district. Yash Pal Sharma, MLC, Basharat Bukhari, MLA, Hamid Manhas, district president, Shah Mohammad Tantray, PDP candidate for Poonch-Haveli assembly segment, Prem Sudan, Iqbal Qazmi, Shamim Dar, Haji Taj Khan, Javed Choudhary, H S Qureshi, ex-MLC, Shahzad Khan, Amar Singh, Navesh Sharma, Qazi Lateef, Taj Hussain, Bashir Ahmed Khaki,Capt So-
han Singh, Advocate Choudhary Javed, Haji Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Malik, Maroof Khan, Raghubir Singh (retd Principal), Khawaz Mumtaz Ahmed and others spoke on the occasion. (KNS)
People from the subscribers but their services are always poor. “I am fond of watching Football but on Sunday cable network went out of order as usual and the screen was blank for hours,” Muhammad Altaf form told CNS. The subscribers appealed the district administration to look into the matter. When contacted DC Pulwama, Manzoor Ahmed Lone told CNS that he will look into the matter and would seek explanation from cable operators. (CNS)
Sagar for their growth was penned down in the National Conference vision document 'Naya Kashmir' and it was none other than Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah who gave youth a space and opportunity to serve their people through constructive, youth-centric politics. Sagar said that Omar was a dynamic youth icon who understood the youth and related to the vision of youth for the future. “Omar’s initiatives to create employment avenues and entrepreneurship opportunities for the youth of J&K are historic and will be remembered as glorious youth-centric initiatives for a long time to come.” Addressing the party's Women's Wing, NC General Secretary Sagar said that women play a vital role in the social, academic, cultural and economic progress of a nation and National Conference was proud to have a robust, vital Women's Wing that has strengthened the party at the grassroots level at every crucial juncture. The NC General Secretary said that Madar-e-Meharbaan Begum Akbar Jehan was a role-model for the women of our State as her vision for their emancipation and education had guided thousands of young girls and women towards prosperity and progress. Sagar lauded the role played by Madar-e-Meharbaan in heralding the cause of women's education and said the 'Naya Kashmir' vision document clearly outlined the vision of the party for the upliftment of womenfolk. All District Presidents and office bearers of the NC Women's Wing were present on the occasion and reiterated their resolve and commitment to ensure a resounding victory for National Conference in the forthcoming Assembly Elections. (KNS)
Kerry which the state department had sought to keep secret amid security concerns.
Lt Gen Gurmeet Singh visits special National integration camp of NCC cadets Srinagar, June 23 : Lt Gen Gurmit Singh, General Officer Commanding Chinar Corps, paid visit to the Special National Integration Camp being held at JAK LI Regimental Centre, Rangreth, Srinagar Monday. According to a statement issued to KNS, the Corps Commander was received by Additional DG NCC J&K, Maj Gen Neeraj Verma and other officers of NCC Group HQ, Srinagar. 300 NCC Cadets and 21 Associate NCC Officers representing all states and union territories are participating in this unique national integration camp. Lt Gen Gurmit Singh was presented a Guard of Honour by smartly turned out NCC contingent comprising of boy and girl cadets. Later the general officer and a large number of civil and army dignitaries witnessed a cultural programme based on the rich cultural heri-
tage of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions, presented by the NCC Cadets. Mr Naveen Agarwal, DG Youth and Sports, J & K and Brig Pankaj Sinha, Commandant JAK LI Regimental Centre were also present on this occasion. The general officer while addressing the cadets emphasized the need to conduct such camps for maintaining communal harmony and brotherhood and strengthening national integration, describing these as pre-requisites for the country’s growth and stability. He further lauded the significant contribution being made by the NCC in grooming the youth of our country. He observed that the strength of NCC has grown over the years, but considering the strength of the youth particularly in J&K, more boys and girls needed to be brought under the ambit of the organization.
Public Notice
I have purchased the house of Hakeem Mohammad Maqbool S/o Hakeem Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din R/o Miya Shah Sahib, Rainawari. The electricity connection bearing ID No. 0204020000664 still stands in the name of Hakeem Mohammad Maqboo. Now I have applied for its transfer in my favour. Anybody having objection in this regard may file the same in the Office of PDD Electric Maintenance & RE wing, Div IV Khanyar sub-station Rainawari within 7 days after that no objection will be entertained. Mohammad Amin Bhat S/o Ghulam Mohammad Bhat R/o Miya Shah Sahib, Rainawari
Clashes as Pakistan cleric returns to lead ‘revolution’
LAHORE, Pakistan: A populist Canada-based cleric returned to Pakistan on Monday to try to start what he has called a “peaceful revolution” against the government, as his supporters engaged in violent clashes with police. Tahir-ul-Qadri touched down in the eastern city of Lahore after his flight was diverted from Islamabad following violence at the capital’s airport that police said left 70 of their officers injured. Qadri in January last year drew tens of thousands of people to a sitin protest in Islamabad. His return comes at a sensitive time for the government, potentially adding to pressure on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The military is in the midst of a major offensive against Taleban militants in the northwest, and nine people were killed when Qadri’s followers clashed with police in Lahore a week ago. Qadri’s supporters, armed with sticks and bricks, clashed with baton-wielding police at Islamabad’s airport, where he had been due to arrive on an Emirates flight on Monday morning. A spokesman for Islamabad police said more than 70 officers were wounded, with several suffering broken bones and head injuries. The plane was diverted to Lahore “to ensure the safety of the passengers and aircraft,” according to a civil aviation official. But for sev-
eral hours Qadri refused to get off. The 63-year-old demanded protection from the military before agreeing to disembark. When he left the aircraft he was accompanied by Punjab provincial governor Mohammad Sarwar and opposition politician Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi. Emirates said in a statement that all passengers and crew had left the plane and the airline was making arrangements to get travelers to their destination. Officials with Qadri’s Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) movement said he would visit those injured in last week’s clashes in hospital before going to his Lahore home to work out a strategy. Qadri, a religiously moderate cleric who served as a lawmaker under military ruler General Pervez Musharraf, has a substantial following in Pakistan. But some analysts believe he is also supported by the powerful military establishment to try to keep civilian authorities in check. He has long urged a “revolution” to overthrow what he calls Pakistan’s undemocratic political system, and repeated the call before leaving Britain for Pakistan on Sunday. Security was tight in Islamabad before his expected arrival there, with the government deploying armed personnel at all entry and exit points of the capital and blocking roads to the airport with shipping containers.
But Qadri’s supporters, including a large number of women, managed to breach police cordons to arrive at Islamabad airport overnight, chanting “Long live Tahir-ul-Qadri” and “Revolution, revolution, Islamic revolution.” Surveillance helicopters flew overhead as police fired tear gas at the crowd occupying the area outside the airport, an AFP reporter said. Qadri had led a sit-in protest lasting over four days while the previous Pakistan People’s Party government was in power, four months before it lost the May 2013 general election to Sharif’s party. Qadri had demanded the early dissolution of the PPP government and implementation of a caretaker setup backed by the military and judiciary. But despite intense media interest, the protest had little long-term impact — Qadri ended his sit-in after talks with ministers and the election went ahead as planned. Qadri is the founding leader of Minhaj-ul-Qur’an International (MQI), an organization with branches in more than 90 countries which works to promote peace and harmony between communities. His sudden and apparently well-financed emergence last year after years living in Canada was seen by some analysts as a plot by sections of the establishment — particularly the armed forces — to delay the elections and regain power.
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SRINAGAR | TUESDAY
Amarnath Yatra-2014
Rajendra takes stock, calls for joint efforts by all concerned
Srinagar, June 23: Underscor- stay from both sides via Pahalgam After receiving the briefing ing the need for joint efforts of all and Baltal. Smooth regulation of about the arrangements put in concerned agencies for smooth traffic on both routes was dis- place, Mr. Rajendra stressed upon conduct of this year’s Amarnath Yatra, the Director General of Police, (DGP), Mr. K. Rajendra Kumar has stressed upon the security agencies and civil administration to maintain close coordination with each other. The DGP was chairing a high level meeting of senior officers from police, para-military, intelligence and civil administration here today. The meeting was convened to take stock of security and other arrangements made for the ensuing yatra. During the meeting senior officers representing different cussed in detail. Detailed delib- the officers to maintain close coagencies gave detailed briefing erations were held with regard to ordination with each other and about the deployment of man- the security, police bandubast and discuss inputs on daily basis. He power along the routes leading other arrangements for making stressed on seeking people’s coLone News Kangan News Agency to the Holy Cave and the places ofAgency the yatra peaceful and smooth. Khan operation at allGanderbal levels and ensure
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while making security and traffic arrangements that common masses do not face any inconve-
nience or disruption in their daily activities. It was disclosed that police control rooms have already been established at various locations which will function round
Gulzar News Agency Soura Zahid Book Depot Chadoora 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 Budgam SAMBA JUNE 23:A News ther,Agency DistrictHyderpora has achieved 29313Hilal Kissan Credit Card meeting of bankers and Dis-News 74.92% of Tangmarg target’s under to eligible farmers. He inLone Agency Bhat News Agency Chadoora JAMMU, JUNE 23-Mintrict/Sectoral OfficersBhat was total Annual credit Plan structed agriculture News Agency Magam Zargarthe News Agency Kunzar held to review the progress for the year 2013-14.The department and banks to ister for Housing, HortiDar News Agency Beerwah Bashir News Agency Sumbal and performance of banks Lead Bank Manager, B.M. clear the backlog and en- culture, Culture, Youth Reshi News Agency Safapora Saleem Agency Services and Sports Mr. in key areas relating to de- Sharma while giving a de- sure that all News eligible farm- Pattan Raman Bhalla today dediBasharat News Reyaz Newsunder Agency posits/advances and priority tailed Agency accountBandipora of the per- ers are covered thePampore cated newly constructed Agency of Pulwama JavaidHeNews sector lending for theAltaf quar-News formance Banks during scheme. alsoAgency urgedQazigund Primary Health Centre ter ending March 2014. the quarter informed that upon the bankers to disJeelani News Agency Baramulla G.M News Agency Sopore (PHC) building to the peoDistrict Development theAgency progress under Priority burseSultan creditNews underAgency the KCCHandwara Shah News Kupwara Commissioner, Samba RK sectors, Weaker sections scheme.The DDC while ple of Bhour Camp and its Younis News Agency Langate Sheikh News Agency Islamabad areas.Director Varma while chairing the and Credit Flow to wom- speaking on the occasion adjoining Reshi News Agency Islamabad Three Wayhis News AgencyHealth Tral Services Dr. Baljeet meeting had a detailed and en beneficiaries has been also expressed satisfacSingh Pathania, Managing Agency Tral Badruthe News threadbare review ofTurray prog- News above the RBI stipulations. tion over CD Agency Ratio ofBijbehara Director Jammu and KashRahi News Agency Malik News Agency Arwani ress achieved in sponsorThe houseKulgam was informed the District and impressed mir Housing Board Mr Ram ing the cases by various against the bench that Shaheen endeavours RahdeNewsthat Agency Byepass News should Agency Kargil
Bhalla dedicates Rs. 1.75 cr PHC to Bhour Camp people
DLRC meeting held at Samba
partments like DRDA, KVIB, KVIC, DIC, Employment, SC/ST/OBC Corporation, Agriculture, Animal/Sheep Husbandry etc. under various schemes like SGSY, SGSRY, JKSSES, PMEGP. It was informed that the deposit and advances of banks as on ending March 2014 stood at 2223.96 Crore and 1210.10 Crore respectively, thus achieving a CD ratio of 54.41 %. Fur-
mark of 40% under priority sector advances, the banks have comfortably achieved 52.58% during the quarter. The achievement under advances to weaker sections of the society was 18% against the national goal of 10% and 5.27% to Women beneficiaries against national goal of 5%.The DDC appreciated the efforts of banks and Agriculture department for issuance of
Kashmir Summer Festival 2014
Innovative measures underway to boost tourism: G. A. Mir
SRINAGAR, JUNE 23: Minister for Tourism, Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Mir has said that various innovative measures have been taken to boost Tourism Industry in Jammu and Kashmir, adding that organising Kashmir Summer Festival is part of that strategy. Mr. Mir was addressing a culture show(Mehfil-e-Sufiyana) organised by Tourism Department here last evening, as a part of Nine day Kashmir Summer Festival 2014, which commenced from 21st of this month. Famous Sufiyana singer, Hans Raj Hans, Abdul Rashid Hafiz, Raashid Jehangir and Dhananjay Koul accompanied him on the stage which mesmerised the jam packed audience.The Minister said that three more festivals namely autumn, winter and spring shall be held in the corresponding seasons to attract more and more tourists to visit the Paradise on Earth during all seasons of the year. Director Tourism, Kashmir, Mr. Talat Parvaiz, in his welcome address said that the aim of holding such festivals is to attract tourists from world over in all seasons of the year. He thanked all stakeholders who participated in making the event a success.Later, on the culmination of the show, the Minister presented gifts to the participant singers as token of love.Among others who attend the function included ADGP, Mr. S M Sahai, IGP Mr. Muneer Khan, Director Information, Mr. Tasaduq Jeelani and other officers and media personalities.
continue to surpass the ratio and achieve the national target of 60%. He further advised the sponsoring agencies to conduct the awareness camps in the villages especially in far flung and border areas to expand their orbit so that more and more people are educated, motivated and facilitated to initiate self employment enterprises.
Paul Sharma besides Chief Medical Officers, Block Medical Officers and paramedical staff members and locals in large numbers were present on the occasion.After dedicating the PHC, Mr. Bhalla addressed a largely attended gathering and said the PHC building has been completed at an estimated cost of Rs. 1.75 crore with the facilities like X-ray, dental, laboratory, Gynae and operation
theatre.The Minister said that providing upgraded healthcare facilities to the people of the State is priority of the Government, adding that various initiatives have been taken to strengthen health delivery infrastructure equipped with modern diagnostic facilities in urban as well as rural areas. The Minister said that providing upgraded healthcare facilities to the people of the State is priority of the Government, adding that various initiatives have been taken to strengthen health delivery infrastructure equipped with modern diagnostic facilities in urban as well as rural areas. Mr. Bhalla said that in order to upgrade the health infrastructure, the construction work on 7-storey 200-beded maternity hospital is under
progress at an estimated cost of Rs. 50 crore near Government Gandhi Nagar hospital. He said after inauguration of the hospital, the rush of Gynae patients in Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar and Shri Maharaja Gulab Singh hospital would be reduced to a large extent. The Minister further said that work on 100 bedded Rajiv Gandhi Hospital at Gangyal is also under progress on warfooting which would be completed under NRHM with an estimated cost of Rs 72.45 crore. He said instructions have been issued to the J&K Housing Board to complete the hospital within stipulated time frame with the facilities included O.P.D Block, I.P.D Block, Operation theatres, I.C.U, N.IC.U and other treatment and diagnostic facilities.
Sahu reviews Ramzan arrangements JAMMU, JUNE 23: District Development Commissioner Jammu Ajit Kumar Sahu on Monday directed the concerned departments to put in coordinated efforts for ensuring adequate arrangements for ensuing holy month of Ramzan. He was speaking at a meeting convened to review the arrangements for uninterrupted power and water supply, availability of essential commodities, medicare and other basic facilities. The meeting was attended by ADC Jammu, K.S. Parihar, SSP Atul Goel, Joint Commissioner JMC, Kapil Sharma, Administrator Aquaf, representatives of Muslim organizations besides senior officers of PHE, PDD, CAPD, Legal Metrology, Fire Services, Police, Traffic and Health department. The DDC asked the concerned officers of PHE and PDD to prepare
water and power supply schedule to ensure uninterrupted supply of these vital services. The DDC also directed the concerned to ensure cleanliness at all mosques of Jammu city and also arrange water tankers, flood lights for the convenience of the devotees during the month of ramzan. He said that special flying squads have been constituted by CAPD and Legal Metrology departments for market checking to maintain quality of essentials and ensure that the consumers are not overcharged. He asked CAPD to ensure adequate ration supply and the concerned authorities were directed to keep check on quality and rates of mutton, chicken and make sure that the shopkeepers display rate lists at their establishments. Police and Traffic authorities were
Governor reviews Shri Amarnathji Yatra arrangements SRINAGAR, JUNE 23: Governor, J&K, Shri N.N. Vohra, who is also the Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, held a meeting at Raj Bhavan today to review the arrangements for the Shri Amarnathji Yatra which is scheduled to commence on 28th June, 2014. Shri R.K. Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board, who had returned to Srinagar late last night after undertaking an on-ground assessment tour of the entire Yatra route, covering Baltal-Holy CavePanjtarni-Sheshnag-Chandanwari, on 21st and 22nd June 2014, briefed the Governor about the to-date position regarding snow-melt on the tracks enroute Holy Cave, at the sites of the Yatra Camps, status of restoration of the Yatra tracks along both the routes and about the other logistical arrangements which are being made by the various concerned State Government Departments.
the clock to facilitate the yatries. The DGP said that security has been strengthened at all sensitive places including the railway stations, bus stands and the yatri bhawan. Civil administration is also being coordinated with to make required arrangements for the convenience of pilgrims. He asked to strengthen the communication network and maintain liaison about the arrival and departure of yatries. Mr. Rajendra emphasized upon the officers to ensure that only the registered pilgrims go ahead towards the Cave and all unregistered persons are stopped at the checking points established on both routes. He also asked to share the inputs received among different agencies and adopt a common strategy to avert any subversive attempt.
The Governor was informed that while the Baltal-Holy Cave track is largely clear, the final stretch of about a kilometer up to the Shrine is still fully covered with snow and, as in the past years, on this stretch the pilgrims would have to walk on the frozen snow path. The CEO informed that it would be possible to commence the Yatra along the Baltal-Holy Cave route from 28th June, 2014. As regards the Chandanwari route, the Governor was informed that the track between SheshnagWavbal- Mahagunus Top –Poshpatri - Panjtarni is still heavily covered with snow. The snow level, particularly at Poshpatri-Mahagunus Top and Wavbal, is between 6 to 8 feet. The staff of the Pahalgam Development Authority is working on this stretch on double shift basis to clear the snow and restore the track for the Yatra. In this stretch the Yatris would have to walk on a snow track. It is not
expected that the track would be free of snow before 28th of June. Shri Gupta informed that the CEO of the Pahalgam Development Authority, along with several officials of Anantnag district, is scheduled to visit the Yatra area today, the 23rd June, to see that all the Yatra related arrangements, including track restoration works, are got fully completed in the next 5 days. In view of the detailed reports on various aspects provided by the CEO, the Governor, Shri N.N. Vohra, decided that he shall, alongwith the CEO, visit Holy Cave, Panjtarni and Sheshnag Camps on 25th June, 2014 to take a call whether the Yatra could, without any risk, commence on 28th June 2014 from the Chandanwari- Sheshnag route. The Governor shall also visit the Base Camps at Baltal and Nunwan to review all preparatory arrangements during his day long tour to the Yatra area on 25th June.
asked to ensure proper security and traffic arrangements in the city and Fire Services Department was asked to arrange sufficient number of fire tenders at prominent places to meet any eventuality. Representatives of Muslim organizations present in the meeting put forth various demands during the meeting to which DDC after giving a patient hearing assured that administration will leave no stone unturned in providing all necessary amenities to people during the holy month of Ramzan and for auspicious Shab-e-Qadar and Jumat-ul-Vida occasions. The DDC sought cooperation of civil society, NGOs, social and religious organizations to make the Jammu district polythene free besides discouraging use of domestic LPG cylinders in commercial establishments.
Haq chairs PAC meeting Pace up RGGVY works, House Panel asks PPD authorities SRINAGAR, JUNE 23: The Committee on Public Accounts of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Monday directed the Power Development Department (PDD) to gear up their field functionaries and speed up the pace of work on all ongoing projects taken under Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) in seven districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Doda and Rajouri and complete them in a time bound manner.The Committee, which met today under the Chairmanship of MLA, Advocate Abdul Haq Khan here asked the department to ensure completion of RGGVY phase 1st by the end of June this year.Legislators, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, Rafi Ahmed Mir, Mr. Rashpaul Singh, Mr. Ashok Kumar, Mr. Javed Ahmed Dar, Peerzada Mansoor Hussain, Mr. Jagdish Raj Spolia, Mr. Jehangir Hussain Mir and Dr. Shahnaz Ganai attended the meeting.The Committee stressed for the further improvement in HT/LT system in all heavy snow bound areas. Earlier, Principal Secretary PDD, Mr. A. K .Mehta briefed the Committee about the working of the PDD through a power point presentation.Principal Accountant General, J&K Dr. S. C Pandey, Managing Director JKSPDC, Mr. Mehraj Ahmed Kakroo, Development Commissioner Power Mr. Asgar Ali, Director General Accounts and Treasury, Mr. Altaf Hussain Mirza, Secretary Assembly Mr. M. Ramzan, Special Secretary Assembly Mr. Mulk Raj Singh, Director Planning PDD, Mr. A. K. Gandhotra Chief Engineers of different wings of PDD and other officers of PDD and Assembly Secretariat attended the meeting.
24. 06 .2014
HOROSCOPE Aries
March 21-April 19
Don’t discount your ability to be extremely resourceful if you need to be, Aries. If you don’t have everything you need or all of the required information, take time to think. Who can you ask? What places can you access? Who might know where you can find what you need? Rather than panic because the pieces aren’t all there, instead make a list of contacts and go for it. Trust in yourself.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Try not to let today’s blues get you down, Taurus. While it’s true that some days can seem to drag on, the busier you are the faster time will pass. Get down to finishing any work still before you and then make plans for tonight. If there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, not only will things seem to speed up but you’ll feel better knowing it’s coming.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Dare to be different, Gemini. It can be so easy to fall into a drill. Sleeping at the same time, eating at the same time, wearing the same style, and going about work the same way day after day. Before you know it, you feel like you’re in a rut. The only way to get away from this is to make a decision to break free by doing something unique. Try a new haircut. Wear colors that are unusual for you. If the need is there, consider a new career. Pursue expansion.
Cancer June 22-July 22
If your lifestyle is considerably different than that of others, resist feeling self-conscience about it today, Cancer. Try to remember that you chose the life you have for specific reasons. Even if you’ve come to a point where you’re considering a change, there’s no need to feel badly, ashamed, or embarrassed about where you are now. Everyone has to make his or her own way. If this conforms to the norm, that’s fine. If it doesn’t, that’s fine, too.
Leo
July 23-August 22 An enhanced feeling of determination could motivate you today, Leo. Finish the things that aren’t complete and make some plans for this evening. Don’t hesitate to take on something that feels complicated or big. Chances are you’ll be able to handle most anything and it will feel great when it’s finished. Enjoy your day by making the most of opportunity.
Virgo
August 23-September 22
Feeling the effects of today’s energies, Virgo? Take heart if this is the case, because the end of the tunnel isn’t as far away as it seems. Do your best to take things one step at a time and see about making some plans for a little fun this evening. Get together with friends or take in a movie. Help yourself feel better by staying busy and focused and follow up with some recreation. Before you know it, the aspect will pass and you’ll be back to normal.
Libra
September 23-October 23 Consider making some plans for a vacation or short getaway, Libra. Looking forward to something fun can make even the toughest of days far easier to handle. You’ll be amazed how much you can manage when there’s an end in plain sight. Your entire attitude can lighten. So take the bull by the horns and create an incentive for yourself. Do something special to reward the hard work you do day after day.
Scorpio
October 24-November 21 Don’t judge someone if he or she has a different lifestyle than what you consider to be OK, Scorpio. You probably lean toward the traditional, yet not everyone feels this way about relationships, working, or lifestyle. While it may seem impossible to understand and even frighten you, try not to be too harsh on those you deem odd. You’d be better off using that energy to keep your own life on track.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Friends seeking advice or a shoulder to cry on could be plentiful today, Sagittarius. You’re one of best people to give them the support and care they need. Just be sure that you don’t give so much to others that you don’t have anything left for yourself. True friendship is about sharing and the exchange of problems and help. Running yourself down will leave you in a place where you aren’t going to be much help to anyone.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Getting through today shouldn’t pose too big a problem for you, Capricorn. You may feel a huge second wind that can give you the drive and determination to see your chores and projects through. Make some plans for this evening, such as getting together with friends or taking in an event that really intrigues you. Until then, go about your tasks bit by bit. You’ll get things finished before you know it.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Working within boundaries and restrictions could really get to you today, Aquarius. Yours is an independent spirit and your best achievements are often born of doing things your own way. Yet like it or not, we all have to follow guidelines and rules. Do your best to follow suit and finish what needs to be done. Afterward, you may find more freedom to act independently without consequences. Exercise patience and diligence as needed today.
Pisces
February 19-March 20 Chances are that you’ll feel upbeat and positive today, Pisces. Consider sharing this energy with those around you who are feeling less than content. Your attitude can have a profound effect on friends, partners, spouses, and children. Even neighbors and extended family can pick up on your spirit without you even realizing it. Share your optimism with everyone you can today. If you see someone hurt or angry.
EDITORIAL// OPINION OPINION Qoute of the day
Unparliamentary happenings in Maya Angelou Legislaturesunfortunate Pathetic
“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”
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he unparliamentary scenes witnessed for past some roads—insensitive time in Lok Sabha,Rajya authorities Sabha and state Assemblies is in no way helping the causeroads of these he depleted in high institutions which are exthe valley particularpected tolybe connecting most respected in roads the society.leading It has become routine to most of now that even pity matters the the ontourist places tell the tale of state govt’ s apmembers of legislatures barge in athy towards the development the well of the House, break chairs of andbasic audioinfra-structure. system and even Take scufthe example of South Kashmir fle with each other. These instituwhich is blessed with tions which are considered tomost be a beautiful places on paradise guiding force for the whole society on earth namely Pahalgam, are now becoming wrestling rings Verinag, Acchbal, Daksum and all sorts of unparliamentary and attractive thingsmost including abusive amongst language them Kokernag. However, against each other is the orderthe of road leading to this health rethe day. One fails to understand sort as to from what Anantnag message wevia are Hakugiving ra-Badasgam which is mostly to ourby young and what used one generation and all because of examples we are leaving behind less distance is in such a pafor them to follow. thetic condition thatWhat couldhapnot pened in the parliament be imagined keeping yesterday in view is really unfortunate and unbeits importance and utility. The coming of the parliamentarians road from Dayalgam to Hillar who are representing lacsa ofdeath peoArhama has become ple. Their actions shaming the trap as there is are everything on whole nation and they are wasting this so called road except any precioussurface time , money and energy visible as everywhere of the country. of rupees ditches, gorgesBillions and potholes. are spent onof elections afterisevery The height the thing that despite huge population five yearsthe and millions on the exupto Dessu utilizing penditure incurred by this theseroad law and heavy tourists, makers whichrush is all of hard earned nobody is bothered even money of the general masses to of undertake some repairs even this country. How unfortunate is patch work. There are several the story of their activities which VIPs houses are situin no whose way help to mitigate the ated around this road includproblems of the people who elect ing themtwo withcabinet a lots ofministers hopes andbut asnobody is bothered to do anypirations. These members should thing. Thethey district realize that have notadministo show tration has forgotten this road their muscle power in the Legisand the corruption infested latures and have not to brow beat R&B dept does not treat this others creating unruly scenes as its by priority, perhaps beand pandemonium. Inshare fact, they cause it may have to the shouldwith attend the problems of booty soto many crocodiles the people and spent their energy living in this area. The dust in solving them. is better ifvehithey emanating by Itrunning showhas patience andmany exhibithealth their cles caused maturity for and people use theliving precious hazards on time they spent in Legislatures for the road. There are many the betterment the whole schools both ofgovt and socipriety which expects them to behave vate situated from Dayalgam in Hillar that way. The pandemonium to Arhama and the dust and made unrulythe scenes not school help in has life do of the going children a hell. Similarany kind of contribution towards ly orchards both thethe society. It is notononly theside opof the main roadthe have almost position but also ruling class become unproductive due the to which should try to defuse heavy gathers on situationdust and which show that they are them and if at all there is some parliamentarians in real sense and fruit that is not conthey understand theirworth responsibilsumption. TheFor people the ities and duties. the lastofabout area representathree sent years several most of the time and tions to R&B high ups the state legislatures has beenand wasted local ministers besides disin unparliamentary things which trict but everybody seems to result in adjournments most of be in slumber and the road conthe time. It will be in the fitness of tinues to continue to cause all the things if public representatives kinds of problems to the locals perform their duties in a responsiand the tourists. ble, serious and mature way.
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Daily Daily
Zabarwan Zabarwan Times Times
Srinagar, Tuesday 24 June 2014 Srinagar, Thursday 20 February 2014
Virtual Clusters T he Virtual Clusters concept consists of a dedicated Web portal to be hosted by the Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). It provides an opportunity for the following stakeholders to register and join. · MSME’s and their business units. · Academic institutions (engineering colleges, polytechnics, ITI’s as well as MBA colleges and design institutes). · Various experts, consultants and trainers who can provide sector specific help to MSME’s. · Banks and other financial institutions who are interested in providing financing to MSME’s. · Various governmental organizations, NGO’s, and volunteering executives who have a special interest in the MSME sector.
The main stakeholders in this initiative are the small business units. The role of the other stakeholders is to help the business units grow rapidly in the areas of increasing the sales and the profitability. The Virtual Cluster concept is being conceived such that small businesses belonging to different sectors can coexist with their fellow enterprises on a web portal and realize the benefits of focused and targeted networking. Web based Virtual Clusters for different sectors can be created rapidly thereby responding to the needs of the stakeholders quickly. What is the difference between current physical clusters and virtual clusters? The current “physical clusters” scheme requires the MSME units to be physically located in one geographic area. It also requires time and significant resources to build and maintain the physical infrastructure. Virtual Clusters on the other hand remove the need to maintain a physical presence in these regions. Small Businesses/ Enterprises can be located anywhere in India and yet be able to realize all the benefits that units in the physical clusters now realize. What are the Benefits to various stakeholders? Business enterprises · Awareness of various opportunities such as government tenders and export opportunities. · Training in new technologies that will improve their operations and reduce costs. · New product development opportunities.
· Help from students and faculty from nearby academic institutions without having to pay for such help. Such help can be in areas such as quality improvement, cost reduction, new product designs, etc. · Targeted help from consultants and experts specific to particular business sectors. Students Studies have shown that a large number of students are not able to get meaningful jobs after completing their studies since they lack the exposure to solving real life problems. Through the Virtual Clusters web site and other associated activities we are aiming to address this problem by linking various academic institutions to businesses. As a part of their industry internship program students can help implement a number of systems at the business units without these businesses having to employ outside experts to provide such services. Consultants and other practicing professionals Professionals who have expertise in specific business sectors will be able to quickly reach businesses in that sector who are registered through the Virtual Clusters web portal. This will make the process far more efficient for both the parties. Banks and other financial institutions Many banks and other financial institutions offer special funding packages to small businesses. Through the Virtual Clusters initiative they will be able to offer sector specific funding packages rather than a standard offering in which the small businesses have to fit in. This will enable banks to specialize in sectoral funding and simultaneously spread their risks across a larger number of companies in a given sector. Businesses will benefit by saving time and having ready access to better suited funding options. Central and State Government organizations A number of central and state level organizations offer many programs targeted at the small business community. The Virtual Clusters portal will make it easier for policy makers and other implementing agencies to reach these businesses quickly and more efficiently. NGO’s and Volunteer advisors As in case of governmental organizations many regional NGO’s and volunteer advisors can reach MSMEs that are registered in the Virtual Clusters web site more effectively. Pilot Project Virtual Clusters model is being tested through a pilot that will first focus on businesses involved
in the Food Processing Industry. This includes companies that make food products and those that make equipment used in food processing. The concept will then be readily and rapidly extended to a number of other sectors. Examples of food products Packaged honey and various honey based products Dry fruits Saffron Spices Various types of nuts: cashews, peanuts, walnuts, etc. Juices Herbs Biscuits and other baked products Etc. Examples of food processing machinery · Pasteurizing machinery · Baking ovens · Spice grinders · Packaging machinery · Juice making machinery etc. After getting some experience with the pilot project for a few months the Virtual Clusters web site will be opened up to a number of other sectors. How will the Virtual Clusters website and the initiative be administered? NIESBUD, a training arm of MSME Ministry will administer the Virtual Clusters web site and will pro actively perform the following activities: · Work with bankers and various stakeholders within the government in the best interest of the MSME’s. · Survey the needs of the Food processing sector and organizing the availability of required technologies and · facilitating specialized training in the application of such technologies. · Work with the purchasing arms of the various government departments and PSU’s to assess their purchase requirements that have been reserved for purchasing from the MSME’s. · Work with the academic institutions to review their experiences and help fine tune the process as needed. · Monitor web site usage and suggest any changes that might be necessary to enhance overall user experience. · Anything else that needs to be done to make the initiative a strong success at an early date. · Organize a package of software applications that will be of benefit to MSME’s. · Train academic institutions and MSME’s in the use of such software applications.
Regulator for the Housing Sector
T
he Cabinet recently approved the real estate regulation and development bill which provides for putting in place a regulator for the housing sector in the country with a view to bringing transparency to the sector. The regulator will oversee the functioning of the sector which unfortunately has been most opaque in its dealings. The bill, aimed at regulating the sector which is beset with multiple problems, is therefore a welcome step which has been long overdue. The bill provides that the builder whose project is coming up on an area of 1000 Sq. metres or more will have to register with the regulator. The Agents, commonly known as property dealers, too will have to register themselves with the regulator and make public all the relevant information. The prospective house owners in the country have been facing lots of problems in the process of acquiring a dwelling unit. They are never told the status of the project advertised with regard to the mandatory clearances from different agencies. Projects are launched without obtaining such clearances leading to litigations and harassment for the consumer. There are also cost overruns and often inordinate delays in handing over the dwelling units to the consumers. Be-
sides, there are hidden costs which the consumer comes to know only at the time of taking over the possession. Not the least important is the confusion sought to be created by the builders with regard to the unit area. Instead of mentioning the carpet area--the actual area of a dwelling unit which one uses- the builders sell the vague super area which includes all the common areas. To deal with such problems the bill provides for a number of measures. For instance no project can be launched, in fact even publicized, before all the necessary clearances for the project are obtained. Any violation of this provision through a misleading advertisement will lead to imposition of a penalty on the builder and if the offence is repeated for the second time, a jail term up to 3 years. The builder will have to put on his website all the relevant details about this. Similarly, in case of inordinate delay in handing over the possession as per the agreement, the builder will have to make full refund of the money to the consumer along with interest. The bill makes it mandatory for the builder to sell the unit according to the carpet area and not the super area as is being done now. To prevent builders from diverting funds collected for one project to other projects the bill provides
that 70 percent of the funds raised for a particular project have to be put in a different account and used for the construction of that project only. All this, indeed is going to bring transparency, accountability and professionalism to the sector which will enhance its credibility and bring some relief to the house buyers. But the question is whether this will be enough to deal with the massive housing problem the country is facing? Two things need to be given immediate attention if the bill has to serve the desired purpose. First, since the clearances have to be given by various government agencies, it is important that they too are brought under its purview. Second, the regulator is proposed to be only for the housing sector. The commercial sector has been left out for the time being. One hopes that this sector too will be brought under the purview of the bill sooner than later. Alongside, steps need to be taken to reform the sector to meet the massive housing demand in the county. The land use provisions and Floor Space Index (FSI), need to be given a fresh look. Better land use is the need of the hour in view of the huge shortfall in the housing field. Single window system needs to be given a push to avoid delays.
Growing urbanization, a growing middle class and migratory population is putting additional burden on the demand for housing in the country. It is therefore imperative that in addition to regulating the sector the supply side is also strengthened. Housing is one sector which gives a push to many other sectors like steel and iron, cement etc. It also generates employment at various levels. It thus plays a major role in the economic development, particularly at a time when the economy is facing a slowdown. The bill envisages a well structured grievance disposal system. There will be an Appellate Tribunal to adjudicate disputes which will be headed by a sitting or a retired judge. There will also be a National Advisory Council headed by the Housing minister to advise the regulator on crucial matters. That should take care of adopting a fair approach with regard to all stakeholders involved in the sector. Since land and property is a state subject, cooperation from the state governments is of utmost importance to make the bill a success. One hopes this cooperation will be forthcoming in the desired measure, as it is as much in the interests of the states to regulate the housing sector as it is for the Central government.
Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer