Zabarwan Times E-Paper English 24 January

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FRIDAY

24 January | 2014 | 22 Rabi-Al-Awwal 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |

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http://www.zabarwantimes.com

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VOL NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 24 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 Paisa)

Jus

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

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Interaction on ‘State Education Policy’ held See More On Page 10

Injured during shooting,hospitalized

Highway remains shut, Air traffic restored

Governor summons J&K Legislature session on February 10

‘Ration cards forms will be re-printed in Urdu’ Srinagar, Jan 23: Director Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CA&PD) department Thursday said that for Kashmir Valley, department has not printed any ration card form in Hindi. He however said that ration card forms were printed in English and now the department had decided to re-print these forms in English and Urdu simultaneously.

“All the Assistant Directors have been directed to print the ration card forms in Urdu and English and from onwards the ration card holder will get forms in Urdu and English as per their choice,” Director CA&PD Mushtaq Ahmed Mir told CNS adding that the department See Ration Cards On Page 11..

Inside story Administration must wake up from deep slumber: CPI (M) Srinagar, Jan 23(KNS): Expressing serious concern over the erratic power supply and scarcity of essential commodities including ration, hospital supplies and LPG in the Valley, CPI (M) senior leader, Ghulam Nabi Malik said the government must ensure that people in Kashmir are not neglected and sufficient arrangements are made so that they can cope up

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Srinagar, Jan 23: The crucial Jammu-Srinagar highway remained closed for second day today, while the airlines resumed operations, even as fresh snowfall was reported from many area of the Valley on Thursday.

Official sources told Global News Service that 300km long Srinagar-Jammu highway remained closed for vehicular traffic for the second day today due to landslides at many places and fresh snowfall around Jawahar Tunnel. Over 300 vehicles stranded at the highway were cleared by the officials after the Beacon authorities pushed men and machinery into service to make the road motor able.

“No vehicle was allowed to ply on the highway because of the fresh snowfall. However, 300 vehicles stranded on the highway were cleared. The highway will be thrown open for vehicular traffic depending on the weather conditions,” a senior official of Traffic Police told GNS. If weather stays clear and road conditions remain favorable, traffic will be allowed to move from Jammu to Srinagar, he added.

The air traffic, however, restored today after the visibility improved and the snow was cleared from the runway.

Officials said that twelve families were evacuated from avalanche prone areas of Kulgam District. 8 families comprising of 42 persons were shifted from

Snow clearance: ‘First priority of Municipality VIP Colonies’

neither visited any area nor bothered to clear snow from Main General Bus Stand, Heaven Colony, Bakshi See Snow On Page 11..

avalanche prone areas of Kralaw in the jurisdiction of Police Post Kund Qazigund to safer place at Mirasi Nalah of Qazigund. Four more families were also

Omar reviews restoration of essential services

Asks administration to face challenges courageously, be quick at public call Srinagar, Jan 23: Asking government officials to brave the weather vagaries courageously and face the challenges of nature with a missionary zeal to relieve the people from the difficulties imposed on them by the heavy snowfall, the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Thursday said that the high spirit of responsiveness by the administration to public call at the hour of need is of paramount importance and denotes the dutifulness of government functionaries.

According to GNS, Chief Minister this afternoon arrived here from Jammu to personally monitor and ascertain the progress on restoration of essential services like road communication, power and water supply, availability of ed-

ibles and fuel, healthcare facilities and other services of emergency nature at a high level divisional officers meeting he chaired.

The Chief Minister impressed upon the officers to put in all efforts in mitigating difficulties caused by the heavy snowfall reportedly highest ever in the month of January during last ten years. “You should monitor the restoration process thoroughly and have personal appraisal of the ground situation by visiting various areas, interacting with people and ascertaining their needs”, he told divisional level officers directing for quick snow clearance on roads so that accessibility is restored and service delivery on various other sectors See Omar On Page 11..

A threatening or a loose talk

Justice Koul adjourns hearing till February 13

WEATHER FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:

Light rain/snow would occur at isolated places over the state

FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:

Partly cloudy sky. Maximum & Minimum temperatures will be around 08°C & -2°C respectively.

TEMPERATURE MAXIMUM MINIMUM SUNSET ON(FRIDAY) SUNRISE ON (SATURDAY)

4.20 0.1 0C 05:54 PM 07:34 AM

Srinagar, Jan 23: Justice (Retd) M.L. Koul commission of inquiry on Thursday adjourned hearing in Gargan- Shopian killing till February 13, 2014.

Talking to KNS, Mr. Koul said, “I visited Shopian today despite several difficulties due to snow but there was no petitioner present and the public prosecutor also didn’t turn up. The public prosecutor is yet to receive the formal appointment orders, so there was no hearing of the matter today. I adjourned the same till February 2014.”

Justice (Retd) Koul also informed KNS that police sought time to file is report on the incident because the FSL (Chandigarh) report is still awaited.”The Police sought time on the plea that it has not received the FSL from Chandigarh.”

Three youth were killed in CRPF firing on September 7, 2013 when noted musician Zubin Mehta was to perform in Shalimar Gardens here. The CRPF had sought more time for the submission of its counter report.

“My sole aim is to know the truth and deliver justice. This is the purpose for which I have been

Traffic to ply from Jammu to Srinagar on Friday Snow clearance: ‘First priority of Municipality is VIP Colonies’ Srinagar, Jan 23, CNS: The residents of South Kashmir’s Anantnag town Thursday alleged that town Municipality displayed no keenness in clearing snow from the lanes roadsThe of the town. They Srinagar, Jan and 23, CNS: residents alleged that only the Anantnag lanes and roads of South Kashmir’s town of VIP colonies were cleared while most of Thursday alleged that town Municipality the roads innothe town are withsnow snow. displayed keenness infilled clearing Locals CNS town Municipality from the told lanes andthat roads of the town. They neither any area norand bothered to allegedvisited that only the lanes roads of clear snow from Main General Bus Stand, VIP colonies were cleared while most of Heaven Colony, Abad, the roads in theBakshi town are filledDantar, with snow.

Anchidora, Muslim Abad andMunicipality Nai Basti Locals told CNS that town

Gargan Killing

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6 more houses damaged by snowfall

On Edit Page

The recent statement of Pakistan premier regarding the settlement of Jammu and Kashmir issue has once again created a wide between the two countries. On one side the commerce ministers of the two countries gave a new hope of better cordial and friendly relations and on the other hand Nawaz sharif threatened that if the core issue of Kashmir is nor solved, it may lead to another war between India and Pakistan. One cannot understand the logic behind such a harsh statement which has not confused the people of

Not decided about Shuhdhi yet

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Potatoes protect from heart ailments

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Jammu, Jan 23: N. N. Vohra, Governor, in exercise of the powers conferred upon him under sub-section (1) of section 53 of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, has summoned the State Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council to meet at Jammu on Monday, the 10th February, 2014, at 10.30 a.m.

The Governor has called upon the Members of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council to assemble together in the Central Hall of the Legislature Building in the New Secretariat premises, Jammu, on Monday, the 10th day of February, 2014 at 10.30 a.m. to hear his Address to both the Houses of the Legislature under the provisions of sub-section (1) of section 55 of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir.

After the said Address, each House of the Legislature will meet as a separate body at the time specified by the respective Presiding Officers.

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mandated to probe this matter and unless the affected families do not cooperate nothing can be done,” Justice (Retd) Koul had told KNS, on last heraing.

The CRPF personnel of the 14th Battalion at Gagran camp in Shopian town fired upon and shot dead four persons on September 7, 2013. While three of them were identified as civilians, police had claimed that the fourth unidentified person as a militant— something that locals didn’t buy arguing that he was a non-local labourer. Four days after, on September 11, 2013, the CRPF personnel of the same camp had shot dead another civilian.

On September 9, 2013 a police statement had said three of the four youth killed in the September 7, 2013 shootout were civilians. However, it said the “evidences and verification suggested” that fourth “non-local looking person” was a Lashkar-e-Toiba militant.

The Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had, on October 1, 2013 ordered a judicial probe into the Gagran killings, while contesting the CRPF See Gargan On Page 11..

evacuated from Waltengonar to Wasenag Kulgam, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Qazigund Kulgam.

New administrative units likely to surface in Cabinet meeting today NC adamant to go for new units; Congress ‘reluctant’

Srinagar, Jan 23: Although not on its formal agenda, the state cabinet scheduled to meet on Friday afternoon, is likely to witness an exhaustive discussion on creation of new administrative units in the state.

A Congress minister told KNS there are enough of chances that the issue of creation of new administrative units will surface in tomorrow’s cabinet meeting. “The issue has become a Pandora’s box.

Now every area is demanding a new administrative unit. But it is not a matter of few rupees we need massive funds for the creation of a new unit. That is why the issue is likely to be raised in the cabinet meeting tomorrow,” the minister told KNS pleading anonymity.

Few senior leaders in National

Conference revealed that the party wants creation of new administrative units without any delay and if the issue is raised in the cabinet meeting tomorrow, the NC ministers will vehemently advocate for the same.

“We are for good governance and it is possible only when we take governance to the doorsteps of people.

So if the issue is raised in the cabinet tomorrow our ministers will surely advocate for creation of new units without any delay,” said a senior NC leader on the condition of anonymity.

A senior Congress leader said that the creation of the proposed 955 administrative units would cost the State around Rs 800 crore including recurring and non-recurring expenditure. They said that the government would have to create more than 4600 posts under various categories for these units.

The government had constituted a committee headed by former chief secretary S S Bloeria in 2007 but later its report was See NC On Page 11..

Mehbooba constitutes campaign committees to interact with KP migrants Jammu, Jan 23 : Keeping in view the upcoming Parliamentary and Assembly elections in Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh, president of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti, has constituted Campaign Committees to specifically interact with the Kashmiri Pandit migrants and redress their grievances.

The committees will function under the overall convenership of Ramesh Kaul Karihaloo and coordination of Ashok Bhat. It is ex-

pected that ground work executed by chosen members shall be disciplined and not always rigidly within their designated geographical boundaries.

A K Sidha has been appointed as president Anantnag, Nanaji Wattal, Anantnag, Sushil Ji Wali, Anantnag, Maharaj Krishan Anantnag, P K Sharma, Kulgam, R K Pardesi, Kulgam, S K Raina, Kulgam, Sunil Ji Bhat, Kulgam, K B Kaw, Shopian, Chand Ji Khar, Shopian, Pran Nath Zutshi, See Mehbooba On Page 11..

A police spokesman said that six residential houses were damaged due to See Highway On Page 11..

Khurshid, Kerry meet

Commit to take ties forward

New Delhi, Jan 23: External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid today met his US counterpart John Kerry in Montreux for the first time after a row over the arrest of an Indian diplomat as they committed to move forward bilateral ties and return to close partnerships on strategic issues.

Kerry met Khurshid, in Montreux, Switzerland, on sidelines of international Geneva-II conference on Syria.

This was the highest level meeting between the two countries after the recent Devyani Khobragade issue that created tensions between the two countries.

"Kerry met briefly with Khurshid on the margins of the Geneva II conference," a senior State Department official said.

"They discussed their shared commitment to moving the relationship forward and returning to close partnerships on strategic, security and economic issues," the official said.

"They agreed to work with See Khurshid On Page 11..

Pak court adjourns hearing in Mumbai attack case New Delhi, Jan 23: A Pakistani anti-terrorism court hearing the case of seven men, including LeT commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, charged with involvement in the Mumbai attacks has adjourned the hearing till January 29. A banker of Muslim Commercial Bank, Gujranwala district, testified in the Islamabad anti-terrorism court yesterday that one of the accused had made transactions.

The Defence lawyers questioned how could it be established that the money transacted by the alleged accused

was used for terror activities.

The court adjourned the hearing till January 29 and issued summons for more private witnesses.

The seven accused in the Mumbai attacks case have been charged with planning, financing and executing the attacks. The trial is taking place at a slow pace and is one of the main bones of contention in resumption of fullfledged dialogue process between India and Pakistan.

New Delhi has demanded that Islamabad See Pak On Page 11..

Kakapora residents Police collects Rs 1.50 lakh demand Tehsil status as fine from smokers

Srinagar, Jan 23: The issue of granting Tehsil status to different blocks all across Kashmir has ignited ever since the Cabinet Sub Committee has been formed to seek suggestions from the people about the creation of different administrative units in Jammu and Kashmir.

Scores of residents from South Kashmir’s Kakapora block staged a protest

in Press Enclave Srinagar demanding that Kakapora Block should be granted Tehsil status. The protestors threatened to start a massive agitation against the government in case their demand is not met.

The residents of Kakapora said that despite located in Centre of the District, the government is no mood to grant Tehsil See Kakapora On Page 11..

Srinagar Jan 23: In a significant development for the effective implementation of tobacco control laws, the J&K Police has collected Rs. 1,41,400 as fine from people of 23 districts for violating Anti Tobacco Act (COTPA) during the period May to November 2013. J&K Police has incorporated COTPA violations in their monthly crime review for strengthening public health measure at district and sub-district level. The Anti Tobacco Act was enacted in 2003 and is applicable throughout the country, main-

ly to discourage consumption of cigarettes and other tobacco products by imposing progressive restrictions and to protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke. Many States have taken effective steps for implementing COTPA. Prohibition on smoking in public spaces, prohibition on all forms of direct/indirect advertisement, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products, prohibition on sale of tobacco products to minors and within a See Police On Page 11..

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Srinagar, Friday 24 January 2014

From the front page

Highway heavy snowfall in Anantnag and Ganderbal districts.

The houses that suffered damages in Anantnag district belonged to Ghulam Rasool Wani. son of Mohammad Rafiq Wani resident of Adigam, Mushtaq Ahmad Lone son of Ghulam Nabi resident of Nowbug, Ghulam Nabi Bhat of Chandanwadan, Uttersoo, Rafiqa, wife of Ghulam Rasool Lone and Mushtaq Ahmad Sheikh son of Abdul Gani resident of Khurshroi Kalan, A house belonging to Abdur Rahim Bhat, son of Ghulam Ahmad Bhat of Madpora, Gund in central Kashmir’s Budgam district was also damaged due to snowfall.

On January 22, three people, including siblings were injured as five residential houses collapsed in several area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag due to heavy snowfall.

Meanwhile, an official of the MeT department told GNS that Srinagar recorded fresh snowfall of 26.2mm (depth 10 cm), Qazigund 50.4mm (depth 20 cm), Pahalgam 66.6mm (depth 30 cm), Kokernag 44.6mm (depth 14cm) Gulmarg 11.7mm (depth 14cm).

Kupwara district received rains. The minimum temperature in Srinagar was recorded at Srinagar minus 1.3, while Gulmarg, recorded the minimum temperature of minus 8.0 degree Celsius.

“Snow/rain will occur at isolated places across Jammu and Kashmir,” the official added. (GNS)

Snow Abad, Dantar, Anchidora, Muslim Abad and Nai Basti areas of Anantnag. “No road is motorable and it has become very difficult for people especially for old men and women to walk on slippery roads,” one of the residents of Anchidora said Locals said that Municipality officials prefer to clear snow from those areas only which housed affluent and influential people. They said that Municipality officials directed employees to clear snow from VIP Khanabal Colony but did not bother to clear the parts situated adjacent to the said Colony.

Terming the allegations baseless, a Municipality official told CNS that there men are on job and within one or two days all the roads of the town will be cleared.

Omar smoothen. He also directed for timely installation and operationalisation of dewatering pumps in low lying areas so that people do not face problems due to the melting of snow.

Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Shalinder Kumar, various Chief Engineers, Directors, Divisional Heads and senior civil and police officers presented detailed account of snow clearance and restoration of essential services centric functions undertaken by various units of their departments throughout the Valley. They said all out efforts have been made to restore the services within the shortest possible time.

The Chief Minister while taking brief on the availability of essential commodities and fuel asked the concerned departments to keep constant vigil over black-marketers, hoarders and unscrupulous traders who utilize such situations to create false scarcity of commodities and indulge in price hiking and profiteering. He asked the officers to ensure smooth service delivery in Government Hospitals as also availability of life saving medicines in health institutions and in the market. “Work on war-footing is needed to restore the basic services and accessibility of all areas”, he underlined and directed the officers of power department to focus on full restoration of power supply in the affected areas as soon as possible.

The Chief Minister was told that men and machinery are working unabated to mitigate the difficulties of people and restore various essential services. He was assured that all measures are afoot to address the challenges and restore the services in full in all field of life which have severely been hit by the heavy snowfall in the Valley. (GNS)

NC termed inconclusive in 2009. In 2010, the government revived the committee with Mushtaq Ahmad Ganai as its head. The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) demands that both the reports be made public. PDP has also questioned the timing chosen by the government to go for implementation of these reports saying that the same is being done taking vote banks into consideration. (KNS)

Khurshid their teams back at home to schedule the energy dialogue soon and to stay in close touch in the coming months," the official said.

The Energy Dialogue -- initially scheduled for earlier this month -- was cancelled amidst tension between the two nations in the aftermath of the arrest of senior Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade in New York last month on the charges of visa fraud and misrepresentation of facts.

Khobragade, 39, has refuted the charges. Her arrest and alleged mistreatment resulted in a major diplomatic row.

India initiated a slew of initiatives in retaliation to the arrest and strip-search of Khobragade.

India took several retaliatory measures like reducing the diplomatic privileges of American diplomats in India and bringing it at par with what Indian diplomats get in the US. India has been demanding withdrawal of charges against Khobragade, who was indicted by a jury in New York hours before she left that country after getting full diplomatic immunity.

Gargan claim that all the deceased were militants. Omar had informed the Assembly that the non-local person who was among the youth killed in the firing was a militant, a stand taken by the JK Police as well. The other three killed persons were not connected with militancy, Omar had said.

On November 25, 2013 some witnesses and relatives of those killed in the shootout had alleged that they were not informed about the visit of Justice (Retd) Koul to the town. Later succumbing to the massive public outrage, the government shifted the CRPF camp.

After a strong protest in the town and a continuous shutdown for more than two weeks, government had appointed a judicial commission to probe the killings. (KNS)

Mehbooba Pulwama, Shadi Lal Koul, Srinagar, Yog Raj, Srinagar, R K Tickoo, Srinagar, Babloo Sinbgh, Srinagar, Naresh Koul, Srinagar, Gangaji Badgam, Dwarka Nath, Kupwara, Vijayji, Kupwara, A K Raina, Baramulla, Bansi Lal, Baramulla, Vijay Kaul Nagrotra, Handwara, Ashok Sumbli, Bandipora, Anju Bhan, women coordinator Jammu.

Committee for Jagti Township included, Veerji Raina, president, Satish Thaploo, Balbloo Singh, Ashokji Koul, Yog Rajji, Jawahir Lal Raina, Ramesh Koul, Bansi Lal Koul, Raj Kumar Tickoo, Prademan Krishen Koul, Chandji Bhat, Rajinder Tickoo, Chand Kumar Nehru, Vijay Kumar Mahajan, Omkar Nath Dhar, Pintooji, Vinod Fotedar, Ashok Sumbli, Balbir Singh, Sohan Lal Mattu, Santosh Kumar Santosh, Satishji Saproo, Chand Kr Bhat, Rajinder Kr Bhat, Rakesh Bhan, Pyare Lal Koul, Pawan Tickoo, Satish Koul, Babu, Vinod Koul, Hari Krishan and Chuni Lal Kulgam. (KNS)

Pak should expedite the trial to show that it is serious about countering terrorism.

Zabarwan Times

Kakapora status to it. A protestor Dr Imran Farhat told CNS that Kakapora is comprised of 62 villages and all the administrative offices are present there. He said that Kakapora deserves Tehsil status as it is not only centrally located but houses different government offices.

The protestors said that Kakapora meets all the pre-requisites and it is an ideal location with a fully established infrastructure and functional government offices from past 35 years. They appealed to the Government to look into the matter and accord sanction for granting Tehsil status to Kakapora. (CNS)

Police radius of 100 yards of educational institutions, and mandatory depiction of specified health warnings on all tobacco products are the major provisions of COTPA. As per the section 12 of COTPA, any police officer, not below the rank of the Sub Inspector, can take action against these violations. In another development, the Inspector General of Police, Traffic Police, recently ordered all traffic police across the State for ensuring strict implementation of Section 4 of the Act and to challan any offenders for smoking in public transport, public places, bus stands, police stations etc.

IGP, Traffic Police, has directed the traffic police to monitor all public places and to book the violators under the relevant provisions of the law. A.M.Mir. (IAS Retd), Executive Director, J&K Voluntary Health Association (JKVHA) has lauded the Police for the action taken and said that J&K Police has demonstrated tremendous commitment towards safe guarding the health of people of state by challaning people for violating COTPA violations. This praise worthy step will go a long way in saving lakhs of lives. The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) India released by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, GoI indicates that 26.6% population of J&K are using tobacco product in one or the other of its form.

The State has 12% cigarette smokers, 3.8% bidi smokers and 8.0% smokeless tobacco users. Cigarette use prevalence is 12% which is almost double the nationwide prevalence of 5.7%.(KNS).

Gov The Governor approved the State Government’s proposal in regard to this matter today. (GNS)

Ration Cards will bear the expenditure incurred on reprinting of ration card forms.

Mir did not say how much extra cost the department has to pay for the ‘inadvertent’ error. “I don’t know about the extra cost but all the AD’s of the department will reprint the ration card forms as per their requirement,” he said.

Pertinently, last time, Jammu and Kashmir Bank had printed 22 lakh ration cards for the department. The Bank had born 40 per cent expenditure on those cards while the price of each ration card was around Rs 12.8 paia that amounted to Rs 2,81,60000.

(CNS)

Administration must wake up from deep slumber: CPI (M)

‘People suffering from winter vagaries; scarcity of essentials’

Srinagar, Jan 23(KNS): Expressing serious concern over the erratic power supply and scarcity of essential commodities including ration, hospital supplies and LPG in the Valley, CPI (M) senior leader, Ghulam Nabi Malik said the government must ensure that people in Kashmir are not neglected and sufficient arrangements are made so that they can cope up with the winter vagaries.

In a statement, Malik said the prevailing poor power supply has virtually left the life in Valley out of gear and the people face tremendous hardships due non availability of ration, sugar, kerosene oil and LPG. “Many parts of the valley are still inaccessible because of snow. And there are many areas where poor snow clearance has created difficulties for the commuters. Not only the freezing temperature but the unscheduled power cuts and inadequate supply of LPG cylinders has aggravated the situation further. The authorities seem hardly bothered about the problems faced by

the common people in Valley,” the CPI (M) leader remarked.

He said that unfortunately the same situation is being repeated every winter soon after the Darbar moves to Jammu and the people of the Valley are left helpless. “People here are being devoid of basic amenities.

No power schedule is being followed on ground and even metered areas are facing long and unscheduled power cuts much to the annoyance of public,” he added.

The CPI (M) leader said to meet the challenges of winter vagaries, the higher ups in the administration need to ensure a better coordination between different departments especially those providing essential services. “Though an early weather warning system is in place but in absence of the required resources mobilization, weather alerts do not serve any purpose,” he said.

He also urged the state government to meet the hospital requirements and services for all specialty departments before the snowfall in valley. “With chilly winters, there is a surge in different diseases in Kashmir so that government should also review its arrangements and take stock of supplies in hospitals especially in rural areas of Kashmir,” the CPI (M) leader observed. (KNS)

Peoples’ League pays tributes to Handwara, Kupwara Martyrs Srinagar, Jan 23 (KNS):Peoples league as paid rich tribute today martyrs of 1990 of handwara and kupwara under the present ship of its leader Gh Nabi Waseem .An important meeting was held today in handwara where in rich tribute was paid to the martyrs of handwara and kupwara who scarified there lives for the freedom struggle of kashmir in a statement issued to the media party leader Gh nabi waseem said that in 25 jan 1990 26 innocent where killad and in 1994 forces killed 27 innocent people in kupwara

waseem said people will continue there struggle to the end to achieve the right of self determination . waseem said that nobody will be permitted make sale of the blood of martyrs who laid down their lives for the cause the meeting was attended by the locals. Others who took part in the meeting include advacate Zahoor ahmad Avvacate Gh Nabi Bukhary, SAb Aziz Ahnger Mohammad Iqbal Mir , Bilal Ahmad Sofi, Master Mohammad Abdullah Master Bilal Ahmad Ab Majeed and Shabir Ahmad Mir. (KNS)

Foundation course for KAS probationers concludes at IMPA Srinagar, Jan 23: (GNS) A valedictory function of 4 months foundation course for the Junior Scale KAS Probationers was held at IMPA main campus here today.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Shailendra Kumar, the chief guest on the occasion, presented the valedictory address.

The assignments completed by the Probationers were presented to Divisional Commissioner in various compiled forms.

The course was sponsored by GAD and coordinated by Dr. Farzana Shaheen assisted by Dr. Samia Jabeen. (GNS)

Nobra, Turtuk, Samba deputations call on Chief Minister

Jammu, Jan 23 (KNS): Various deputations including those from Nobra, Turtuk and Samba called on Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah here on Thursday and presented him memoranda pertaining to various development demands and issues of public importance.

The deputations in their separate meetings expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for being responsive to public demands and reaching out all areas of the State in the process of development equitably and taking historic decisions for public empowerment and transparency in government functioning.

A deputation of Nobra and Turtuk led by MLA Nobra, Tsetan Namgyal raised the demand for boring of tunnel at Khardung La and requested the Chief Minister to take up the issue with the Centre Government and BRO Chief. It also requested Chief Minister’s intervention at the Centre Government level for lifting of innerline permit for labourers and tourists, opening up of Yarma- Gonbo ‘Panamic

area’ for tourists, permitting tourists to visit up to Tyakshi-Pachathng and Thang area beyond Turtuk village and restoration of consumer petrol pump at Diskit.

The deputation demanded opening up of cross LOC route between Turtuk to Khapulu (POK) and requested the Chief Minister for taking up the issue with the Union Government. It also requested for block status to Turtuk and allotment of special border area development fund to upgrade development activities in Turtuk area. The deputation demanded upgradation of PHC Turtuk to the status of Community Health Centre. It demanded special recruitment drive for unemployed youth particularly in Army, Para-military and Police forces. The deputation also sought Actual Line of Control Certificates for various villages falling within the five kilometers area from Actual Line of Control.

A deputation of Samba led by Master Noor Hussain congratulated the Chief Minister for completion of five years

in Office and successfully dealing with issues of development and peace. The deputation thanked the Chief Minister for various works and projects launched in Samba district for the development of the area and welfare of people. The deputation invited the Chief Minister to Samba for addressing a public gathering and interacting with people which the Chief Minister accepted with open heart.

The Chief Minister gave patient hearing to the deputations and said that during the last five years focused attention of the Government has been on equitable and inclusive development. He said thousands of works launched, completed and commissioned during the last five years speak louder for the performance of the Coalition Government. He said the pace of work on various projects under implementation would receive further imputes in the current year. He assured the deputations that he would take all possible steps to get their genuine demands properly addressed. (KNS)

‘Resource Teacher Posts’

DEO discusses voters awareness campaign

Candidates aghast for not publishing final list:

Srinagar, Jan 23, CNS: Scores of candidates who have appeared in the written test and interview for the post of Resources Teacher Thursday alleged that Director Sarva Shiksha Abihan (SSA) is causing un-necessary delay in publishing the result of selected candidates.

A delegation of Kashmiri candidates told CNS that in 2013 SSA published posts for Resource Teachers. The candidates said that in 2013 after completing all the formalities about 33 candidates appeared in written test as well as in interview and at that time SSA officials assured candidates that result will be published within 15 days but even after the five months the Director SSA shows

reluctance in publishing their result.

The candidates alleged that Director SSA for the reasons better known to him is playing with the carrier of the candidates. “We even visited SSA office in Jammu and they assured us that it will take only two days but still results were not declared,” one of the candidate told CNS. When contacted, Director SSA, Mr Sahweny told said that result will be published after completing all the formalities.

“We have received the papers that we had sent to New Delhi for checking. I can’t give you the time frame but hopefully, we will declare results very soon,” he said.

(CNS)

JAMMU, JANUARY 23:- District Development Commissioner Jammu Ajeet Kumar Sahu, who is also the District Election Officer, Jammu today convened a meeting to discuss various issues regarding voters awareness during continues updation Officers from civil administration and representatives of FM 92.7, J&K and HDFC Banks Jammu were present in the meeting Interacting with the participants, the DEO emphasized on educating the voters particularly the non-enrolled eligible voters about the importance of their vote. He discussed in details the voters awareness campaign being launched in coordination with FM 92.7, J&K Bank and HDFC Bank.

Sakina distributes motorized tricycles among disabled

Lauds SRC for yeomen service towards needy

JAMMU, JANUARY 24- Minister for Social Welfare, M Sakina Itoo on Thursday distributed motorized tricycles among physically disabled persons at a specially held camp, organized by State Rehabilitation Council in conjunction with Social Welfare Department here this afternoon.

The motorized tricycles worth Rs.7.50 lakh were provided to the beneficiaries belonging to all the districts of the Jammu region. Similar camps already been sponsored by the Rehabilitation Council at Rajouri Poonch, Srinagar and Jammu benefiting a large chunk of disabled persons.

Lauding the efforts of Rehabilitation Council, Ms Sakina noted with satisfaction that earnest measures are being taken for providing assistance to militancy victims for which Rs. 8.22 crore have been spent. This covers pensions, scholarships and and assistance for solemnizing marriages of the targeted segment of the population.

The Minister said that the functioning of the the Rehabilitation Council has been further galvanized under the stewardship of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, as a result of which the identified section of people have benefited immensely. Besides, various other sections of the society have also been brought under social sector schemes in order to enhance the quality of their life.

As regards the schemes undertaken by the Rehabilitation Council, Ms Itoo made a special reference of ‘Watan ko Jano’, a tour programme for the youth to provide them exposure on a wider canvas. Such visits, she said, provide opportunity to the designated segment of society to interact

with people of other parts of the country and to have a feel of development taking place in various sectors. She said these visits also promote cultural interaction between the youngsters.

The Minister said that it is prime concern of the present government to make the differently abled people feel themselves an equal part of the society by infusing in them confidence through various programmes.

Reaffirming her determination to further intensify such initiatives for differently abled persons, the Minister emphasized the need of a strong coordination among SWD, Rehablitation Council and Composite Rehabilitation Centre. She exhorted upon the officers to generate adequate awareness about the programmes for achieving the objective of covering larger segment of the society..

The Minister asked Director SWD, M.H.Bhatti, and Director Rehablitation Council, Hafiza Muzaffar to ensure that only deserving persons, who cannot

afford such services, are covered under such programmes in a transparent manner. “Ensuring responsive dispensation to people of the state is foremost agenda of Omar led government”, she said, adding that development undertaken in various sectors stands testimony to the commitment of the government to mitigate the sufferings of the people.

The Minister also asked the Director Rehabilitation Council to personally visit all the districts so that the deserving people get optimum benefit of their programmes. She also asked her to tell the people simple way of completing the paper formalities so that they are facilitated in a hassle free manner.

Later, the Minister interacted with the beneficiaries and asked them to make proper use of the facility for their better living.

Among others present were Director Tribal Affairs, Ali Raza, HoDs of various wings of the department, Boards Secretaries besides beneficiaries.

Bhalla Inaugurates State Credit Seminar’ Govt. encourages conducive environment for Agriculture growth.

JAMMU, JANUARY 23-National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) J&K Regional Office organized a State Credit Seminar here today.

The seminar was inaugurated by Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture Mr. Raman BhallaCommissioner/Secretary Agriculture Production Mr. A. H Samoon, Chief General, NABARD, Dr. B .G Makhopadhyay, Director Industries and Commerce, Mr. Gulzar Ahmed Qureshi, Registrar Cooperative Society, Mr. Sudershan Sharma besides senior officers from Handloom, Sheep Husbandry, Industry, NABARD, SKUAST and representatives from various banks were present on the occasion. In his inaugural address, Mr. Bhalla said that credit flow to agriculture and allied sector is one of the critical factors which affect growth of the State economy. He said the Government is determined to provide conducive policy environment (CPE) which will fully support and encourage new farm sector invest-

ments in the agriculture sector. He said four per cent target for growth in agriculture which is critical for inclusive growth and food security must be achieved in the 12th Five Year Plan by increasing production of major crops by applying modern agronomic practices and better price discovery using post-harvest management systems duly supported by institutional credit.The Minister appreciated the efforts of NABARD for launching of Women SHG Programme (WSHG) in three districts of Doda, Kishtwar and Poonch aimed at improving the livelihood opportunities by bringing them under the fold of financial inclusion.Acknowledging the long and fruitful partnership between State Government and NABARD for creation of various infrastructure facilities, Mr. Bhalla reiterated that the RIDF support has enabled creation of 14,000 KMs rural roads, bringing additional one lakh hacters of land under irrigation besides creation of other infrastructure. He further added that State

Government has taken a note of the fact that under various sectors NABARD has identified some of the critical infrastructure requirements which may be taken up for development during 2014-15. He applauded the efforts of all stakeholders for speedier development of rural pockets across the State.

The Minister expressed his concern over low CD ratio which hovers around 37% and called upon all the bankers to fully meet the credit requirements of the farmers as well as other entrepreneurs to address this concern and support capital investment in the State. He applauded the good work done

by Agriculture Department and banks for issuing 6.5 lakh Kissan Credit Cards (KCC) to farmers up to December 2013; however, he underscored the need for providing KCC to all farmers of the State well in time to achieve the benefits for boosting their production.On the occasion, Mr. Bhalla released the State Focus Paper 2014-15 prepared by NABARD and Model Schemes for Apple Orchards.

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

Mian Altaf asks Gujjar community to struggle for basic amenities, rights One Day Aadbi Conference held at Kalakote

in Kalakote including up-gradation that the pain and agony of the peoof existing roads and extending con- ple of Kalakote, particularly Gujjar nectivity to unconnected areas by community, are visible in the writconstructing new links. ings of this great poet of Kalakote.

He assured that the road net- He appealed participants to take KALAKOTE JANUARY 23: The Min- work up-gradation, PHE and Power forward the mission started by this great writer. ister for Forests, Ecology and Environ- issues would be taken up with Chief The Minister said that ment, Mian Altaf Ahmad has called Minister in consultation with the conlanguage is the identity of a comupon the Gujjar community to fight cerned MLA. The Minister said that Forest De- munity and urged upon the literary for their rights by effectively projecting their demands before the govern- partment would spend Rs 1 crore organization to work for promotion on conservation of forests and cre- of this ancient language assuring his ment.

Speaking at one day Adbi Confer- ation of forest related infrastructure full support besides possible help at ence, organized by Nazir Ahmad Nazir in Kalakote constituency. He also Government level also.

Mian Altaf said that NaFilm Productions and Aadbi Trust here announced that the Government today, Mian Altafsaid that the com- has earmarked Rs. 65 lakh for up- zir Ahmad Nazir was not famous munity has many problems and they gradation of migratory routes being in India but has made won name in entire subcontinent through his should fight for getting basic ameni- used by nomads.

The renowned scholar of writings. He said besides providing ties at their habitations by approaching the right forums and convincingly Gojjri language, Dr. Mirza Khan an insight into the social issues of putting forth their cause. “To get the Viqar, besides other prominent Kalakote, the literary works of Nazir benefits due to community is your writers, literary personalities, man- also reflect his deep love for Prophet right and for that you should struggle agement of the Trust and senior offi- Mohammad (PBUH) and Greatness jointly to achieve your goals” the Min- cers of district administration were of God. “There is no dearth of lopresent on the occasion. cal talent and providing this talent a ister asserted.

Lauding the contribution platform will be the biggest contriMore attention would be paid Lone News Agency Kangan Khan News Agency Ganderbal to accelerate development process of Nazir Ahmad Nazir, in promotion bution towards the promotion of litof GojjriSoura language, the Minister said in Kalakote” he said.

Gulzar News Agency Zahiderary Bookactivities Depot Chadoora

Zabarwan Times is available at

Appreciating the organizers for holding the programme, he said the participating poets and artists reflected the abundant local talent.

Maintaining that the government has laid special focus on the effective implementation of tribal development plans, the Minister said that it would take care that Poonch and Rajouri districts keep pace with the rest of the state on the development front. He also stressed the need for development and conservation of the forests in the twin districts.

The Minister asked the people to ensure conservation of forests and forest land from encroachment.

He said forests are giving fuel to the people and fodder to their livestock and enjoined upon locals to play their role in forest conservation which will ensure protection of the environment.

Mian Altaf said sheep and goat rearing is a traditional economic activity in the state and appealed participants, particularly educated

Tariq News Agency Hawal Bashir News Agency Nowhatta Muzaffar Ali News Agency Alamgari Bazar Budshah News Agency Lal Chowk Abdullah News Agency Lal Chowk Sikendar News Agency Lal Chowk Gupkari News Agency Lal Chowk Raina News Agency Gund Kangan Khan News Agency Regal Chowk Rashid News Agency Dalgate Sheikh News Agency Hyderpora Hilal News Agency Budgam REASI, JANUARY 23: Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Chadoora Minister of State for AgriBhat News Agency Magam Zargar News Agency Kunzar culture, Sheep and Animal Dar News Agency Beerwah Bashir News Agency Sumbal Husbandry, PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Mr. NaRAJOURI, JANUARY 23:News people policies and exem- consideration and redressed Reshi Agency Safapora Saleem News Agency Pattan zir Ahmad Gurezi ThursMinister of State for Health, plary initiatives have placed in a time bound manner.

Basharat News Agency Bandipora Reyaz News Agency Pampore Mr. Shabir Ahmad Khan today the State on the track of peace Enumerating the devel- day impressed upon the Altaf News Agency Pulwama Javaid News Agency Qazigund kick started the construction and prosperity. He said that opmental initiatives taken in sheep and goat breeders to see Government breeding Agencywould Baramulla Agency Sopore work on Kanyal Gali- Jeelani Nadali News the process be carried borderG.M blockNews Kakora, the MinFarms as models for rearKass and Kote- KokoraShah roadsNews forward with a mission to en- ister said thatNews construction Agency Kupwara Sultan AgencyofHandwara ing livestock on modern and here in border area of Kakora. sure all-round development of Kakora-Kanyal Gali 4km road Younis News Agency Langate Sheikh News Agency Islamabad The construction Work of rural as well as hilly areas. has been completed at a cost scientific lines to get maxiReshi Way He News Tral returns.The Minister Kanyal Gali-Nadali Kass roadNews Agency ReferringIslamabad to the develop- of Rs.Three 2.17 crore. saidAgency the mum was addressing a gathering TralConstituency, projectBadru have been taken up atTurray an es- News mentAgency of Rajouri reportNews of Rs Agency 1.70 croreBijbehara at Reasi after inaugurating timated cost of Rs 1.70 crore theAgency MinisterKulgam enumerated sev- have been by theArwani Rahi News Maliksanctioned News Agency and Kote- Kakora road at an eral measures taken for holistic government for pre-micking four buildings of Veterinary Rah News Agency Byepass Shaheen News Agency Kargil estimated cost of Rs 1.25 crore development of the area. He and black topping of this road. hospital, Panthal, Veteri-

Shabir kick starts work on Kanyal gali-nadali, Kote- Kokora roads

Gurezi inaugurates Veterinary hospitals, dispensaries at Panthal, Talwara,Pouni and Bharakh

Says comprehensive development in border, hilly areas received focused attention of Govt.

under District sector. These roads after completion would provide better road connectivity to over 6000 population of the area.Addressing public meetings after kick starting the work on these roads at Kakora, the Minister reiterated the commitment of the government towards holistic development of all the regions of the State with special focus on border and hilly areas. He said the government’s pro-

said besides up gradation of infrastructure under core sectors, the Upgradation of road connectivity in the area received focused attention adding that work on several road projects have been already completed, while some projects would be completed this fiscal , while many more projects are in pipeline including in border villages. Shabir assured the people that their genuine demands will be given due

He said work on Water Supply Scheme Kakora is also a pace at a cost of Rs 4.57 crore. He said to upgrade the power supply in the area 12 transformers have also installed in the area.

He appealed the panchs and sarpanchs to act in close coordination with the local administration in the implementation of various welfare and flagship development programmes in their respective panchayats.

nary hospital, Pouni, Veterinary Dispensary, Talwara and Veterinary Dispensary, Bharakh constructed at an estimated cost of Rs48 lakh.

The Minister said that animal and sheep sectors have been tagged as the priority sectors by the Government and in this regard focused attention is being laid on providing infrastructure at the door steps of people living in remote and far-flung areas and make it a profit-

deputation of retired SrTC employees call on Speaker JAMMU, JANUARY 23- A deputation of Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) Non Pensionable Retired Employees Union called on

Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Mr Mubarak Gul here today and apprised him about their demands, including release of pending arrears.

The deputation led by Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat and Mr. Fayaz Ahmad Misger submitted a charter of demands to the Speaker seeking release of arrears

from January, 1999, including 229 slabs of COLA and benefits of 6th pay commission.

The deputationists informed the

Speaker that 1053 employees of SRTC have retired from the service of the corporation after rendering decades of service but were not provided pension benefits.

They said that many employees have also not been paid the due COLA instalments and arrears on account of 6th pay commission, that amount to Rs 26.72 crore.

Mr. Mubarak Gul, today said that the government was committed to sympathetically consider all genuine issues of Public Sector Undertaking employees. He listed the schemes introduced to revive the PSUs and benefit the employees, including Voluntary retirement Scheme in JKSRTC. The Speaker assured the deputation that their genuine demands would be taken up with the concerned authorities sympathetically.

academy’s drama festival draws people in numbers; event to conclude on Jan 24 Jammu, January 23, 2014The Annual Drama Festival, Jammu organized by J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages is going on well and drawing enthusiastic audiences in large numbers.

So far, ten plays have been staged and appreciated by the viewers.The Festival began on January 10. In all, 12 plays in different languages including Dogri, Hindi, Punjabi and Kashmiri will be staged.

The Festival is being held in the auditorium of Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar.

On the first day Samooh Theatre Group presented Dogri play ‘Malika Da Khaas Salahkar’ written by Dr. Om Goswami and directed by Ravinder Sharma. The second play ‘Lahore Di Chhithi Amnar Sar De Na’ was presented by

Yamini Cultural Society. The play was written and directed

by Rajneesh Gupta. NatyaKarmi presented Kashmiri play ‘GaadBateh’ written by Rajesh RoshanBhat and directed

by RohitBhat. The Natshalla Group presented Hindi play ‘Bichoo’ written by MolierHiwli and translated by Basi Khan. Mnoranjan Kala Kendra presented Punjabi play ‘Parinde Hun Jaan Ge Kithe’ written by Dr. Sahib Singh and directed by T. S. Premi.

Unison Cultural Troupe presented Dogri play ‘Khede Khede Che’ written by Parveen Kesar and directed by Vijay Malla. The Performer Group presented Hindi play ‘Julius Caesar’ originally written by Shakespeare and directed by Vijay Goswami. The Hindi adaptation was done by Ashok Grover. Naqaib Rangmanch

presented Kashmiri play ‘Farz’ written by Som Nath Koul and directed by Daisy Naqaib and Vinod Chopra. The Pancham Theatre Group presented ‘Kasturi’ written by Mark and Desh Pandey and directed by Gurmeet Jamwaal. Kashmiri play ‘Graed’ written and directed by Makhan Lal Saraf was staged on January 22..

On January 23, ‘An Accidental Death’ (Hindi) written

by Amitabh Das Gupt was staged while the concluding Dogri adaptation of ‘XReflection’ originally written

by Chander Shekhar Kambar and translated into Hindi by Kumar A Bharti will be staged on January 24. With this, the Festival will draw to a close.

In all, 18 play scripts were received for the Festival including three each in Dogri and Kashmiri.

youth, to take up this profession rather wasting time in hankering for Govt jobs. He said Government has launched several schemes in sheep and animal husbandry sector and appealed people to come forward and take the benefits from these. He said apart from extending loan facilities on low interest rates, the department is providing expert guidance to the beneficiaries.

Forest Minister said that Rs. 65 lakh are being spent on up-gradation of migratory routes from Thanamandi and Naranag to facilitate safe and hassle free movement of the nomads.

He said the villages without electricity would be provided solar lights till these are electrified.

Earlier, the Minister inaugurated a residential quarter of forest department at Kalakote completed at a cost of Rs. 12.96 lakh.

Chief Conservator Forests, Jammu, Roshan Jaggi, Conservator, Forests, Rajouri, R.C.Bharati besides DFOs of various ranges of the department were present on the occasion.

able activity.

He said various intervention schemes have been launched , while new technologies are being introduced to increase the livestock to attain self-sufficiency in dairy, mutton and milk products in the state which are presently imported from outside. He asked the farmers to take advantage of the centrally sponsored and state sector schemes launchedfor increasing their productivity and better results. He said that the main focus is on making livestock rearing a profitable activity as a large number of people of the state are traditionally associated with it.

Referring to the achievement registered by Omar led government during last five years, he said tremendous progress has been registered in all sectors, including Animal and Sheep Husbandry by introducing modern ways to promote and develop this traditional activity.

Former Minister and MLA Mr. Abdul Gani Malik also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the activities of the government. He said that several welfare schemes have been launched by the government with the aim to improve the living standardof the people especially living in hilly and remote areas. He appealed the people especially youth to come forward and take benefits of these schemes.

District Development Commissioner, ReasiDr.ShahidIqbalChoudhry, Director, Sheep Husbandry Jammu Dr. Sant Ram, Deputy Director Central Sheep Husbandry Department, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, various officers of district administration, a good number of farmers and prominent citizens of the district were present on the occasion.Earlier, the Minister inspected Sheep Breeding Farm Panthal and took stock of working of the Farm.

Sham inaugurates WSS, school building at akhnoor Madan asks people to strengthen hands of Central/State Governments

AKHNOOR, JANUARY 23 – Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Sham Lal Sharma today inaugurated Water Supply Scheme (WSS) at village Dwasa Danga and additional accommodation of Government Girls Middle School, Kotli Tanda in Akhnoor .The construction of the WSS has been completed at a cost of Rs 66 lakh and provide potable water supply to 1000 souls of three villages of the area. The works on the second phase of this scheme have been also taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 89 lakh and after its completion would upgrade the drinking water supply facility in the area. While as the construction work of additional accommodation for Middle School Kotali Tanda has been completed with an expenditure of Rs 7.45 lakh under SSA. Member Parliament, Madan Lal Sharma, Chief Engineer, PHE, K.K.Gupta, Chief Engineer, Irrigation & Flood Control, Sushil Aima, Superintending Engineer (Hydraulic), Jammu, Rajiv Malhotra, Congress Block President, Akhnoor, Baldev Raj Sharma, Sarpanchs, Panchs, sectoral officers of various department and a large number of local people were present on both the occasions.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that it is endeavour of the Coalition Government to ensure improved basic facilities to the people of the State, especially those living in rural and far-flung areas. He said government, during the past over five years has given focused attention to strengthen the existing infrastructure of essential services, like drinking water, road connectivity, education, electricity, health and social sectors.

interaction on ‘State Education Policy’ held

Govt to seek suggestions from public, stakeholders

JAMMU, JANUARY 23: The State Government has decided to start a consultative process with a view to take on board ideas, experiences, inputs and suggestions to frame the proposed “Vision Document-2025”envisaging a comprehensive School Education Policy.The suggestions would be sought from the public at large and stake-holders like educationists, teachers, students, parents, NGOs, research-fellows and educational institutions in particular.The vision document (Education Policy), to be framed by a nine member panel of experts, will spell-

out main objectives, goals and implementation strategies to be pursued during this period with specific timeline for each. The Panel has been assigned to address the issues of medium of instructions and usage of regional languages in the School Curriculum.

Member, National Minority Commission Prof.

Farida Khan is heading the panel, while as Mr. Masood Choudhary, Prof. Rama Kant Agnihotri, Prof.RekhaChoudhary, Prof. A G Madhosh, Dr.Nandani Manjrekar, Mr. G N Masoodi, Mr. Jamal Kidwai and Mr. SonamWangchuk are its members.

In this regard an Interactive session of the Expert Panel chaired by Secretary Education Mr. H K Singh was held to deliberate on State Education Policy here today.

Referring to constitution

of State School Education Advisory Board in terms of Section 22 of the Jammu & Kashmir State School Education Act-2002, the Secretary said that in the very first meeting of the Advisory Board, under the Chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Tara Chand, who is Minister Incharge of School Education, it was decided for formation of Education Policy for the State and a Panel of experts was constituted for the purpose.

Mr. Singh said that as a next step a consultative process would be set in motion with a view to take on board ideas, experiences, inputs and suggestions from the public at large and stakeholders like educationists, teachers, students, parents, NGOs, research-fellows and educational institutions in particular.

24. 01 .2014

HOROSCOPE Aries

March 21-April 19

Usually you prefer to approach events with a practical and scientific attitude, Aries, but today you’re feeling especially intuitive and more aware of the other worlds, so it might be difficult to hang on to your usual mindset. Some uncomfortable feelings you’ve had about events in the news could prove to be accurate, which might be a bit disconcerting. Remember that there is so much in the Universe that can’t be explained through logic or science!

Taurus April 20-May 20

If you’ve been thinking about taking up the study of astrology, numerology, alchemy, or any other occult science, this is the day to get started, Taurus. Scientific adherence to facts and rules combines with enhanced telepathic abilities to bring about a burgeoning skill in such fields. Look up some friends who share your interest and arrange to attend a class or workshop on whatever subject appeals to you the most.

Gemini May 21-June 21

Some rather intense and vivid dreams could inspire you to embark on some in-depth study of a subject that specifically interests you, Gemini. This could involve the arts, philosophy, or metaphysics. Travel plans to one of the world’s great spiritual centers, such as Jerusalem, Glastonbury or Vrindavana, might be on your mind as a result. Your level of intuition is very high today, so whatever you dream of doing.

Cancer June 22-July 22

Romantic relationships take on a fairytale aura, Cancer, bringing up the kind of desire, passion, and sense of unity associated with Lancelot and Guinevere. Therefore, this should be a wonderful day to schedule an intimate evening with a romantic partner. You could feel so much in tune with your friend that you may come with the same words at the same time.

Leo

July 23-August 22 Today you might attend more than one group activity or social event involving spiritual or metaphysical matters. Your sense of intuition is very high, Leo, and your level of understanding is especially acute. Therefore, concepts that could be confusing at other times could seem as clear as a bell today. You might form strong bonds with others who are also present, and you might make plans to meet with them again in the future. Enjoy!

Virgo

August 23-September 22

Intellectual or artistic work could take up a lot of your time today, Virgo. Your level of inspiration is high, and you’re apt to be full of ideas that others would find beneficial. You’re also likely to sense the thoughts and feelings of those around you before they themselves are consciously aware of them.

This not only increases your career standing, it can help you in the love department. Enjoy your day!

Libra

September 23-October 23 Study of religion and spiritual matters could well be of particular interest for you today, Libra. You’re likely to discuss your knowledge and beliefs regarding such matters with a close friend, which could prove rather enlightening for both of you. Whatever you learn will prove to be artistically inspiring, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself spending some time writing down your thoughts or turning them into pictures.

Scorpio

October 24-November 21 Today communication with others is more likely to be on a subtle rather than verbal level, Scorpio. When the phone rings, you might already know who’s on the other end of the line before you pick it up. You could also pick up telepathically on the thoughts of others. Books and articles about people who have had similar experiences could increase your understanding of them. Don’t fight it! Go with the flow.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21

Inspiration drawn from recent religious or spiritual occurrences could have you writing down accounts of your experiences, Sagittarius, perhaps with the idea of someday publishing them. Your concentration could well be intense, as writing for you today may not be only creative but therapeutic as well. It will also help to attend classes or workshops or simply to discuss the subject with a friend. Knowledge is essential.

Capricorn December 22-January 19

You should be feeling especially strong and healthy today, Capricorn. The drive to exercise, particularly if you do it alone and outdoors, is likely to get the endorphins going and thus give you a natural high, which could lead to an increased level of inspiration and intuition. After you finish, it might be a good idea to sit in a park, preferably near water, to allow yourself to come down.

Aquarius January 20-February 18

Today, Aquarius, you might find yourself picking up uncanny telepathic messages from a friend who lives some distance from you. A telephone call might reveal that this person has just received some good news, and that they were just thinking of calling you! This probably won’t be the only ESP experience you have today. Your level of intuition is very high, so be prepared for some unusually strong psychic messages.

Pisces

February 19-March 20 Creative inspiration flows freely today, Pisces, enabling you to channel it in more than one way. An opportunity to earn a sizable fee doing something artistic could come your way. Spiritual or metaphysical studies may be involved. This might represent the attainment of a long-term goal you’ve been striving to reach, and therefore you’re apt to be rather excited about it.

EDITORIAL/ OPINION A threatening or a loose talk

T

he recent statement of Pakistan premier regarding the settlement of Jammu and Kashmir issue has once again created a wide between the two countries. On one side the commerce ministers of the two countries gave a new hope of better cordial and friendly relations and on the other hand Nawaz sharif threatened that if the core issue of Kashmir is nor solved, it may lead to another war between India and Pakistan. One cannot understand the logic behind such a harsh statement which has not confused the people of India and Pakistan only but the whole world community. This statement was quite contrary to the earlier statements of Mr. Nawaz Sharif saying that the two countries should go ahead on the path of negotiations and should avoid all kinds of confrontations. Mr. Nawaz Sharif of late has been changing his statements which in no way are in the best interest of the two countries who have suffered a lot on the count of their animosities in the past.

When Mr. Nawaz Sharif came to power he gave indications that he wants to forget the past and start a fresh relationship between two countries that can be beneficial for both of them. But the recent statements are harsh in nature and can take the two countries again to the conflict zone which the people of the subcontinent can hardly afford. The Indian leadership as compared to Pakistani leadership has been quite docile and their statements are encouraging and positive. The cross LOC trade was going on very smoothly till recently a truck was ceased which was carrying brown sugar worth crores of rupees. The Pakistani authorities should not allow these things to happen because the relations will be further strained and a wide created which will be very difficult to overcome. Instead the Pakistani authorities should take such steps which will encourage clean relations, clean trade and commerce and clean people to people contacts. The best relations mean that there should be a total sincerity and honesty on both the sides. If Mr. Nawaz sharif continues to speak the same language and on other hand does not stop unpleasant activities, it will mean that their will be no improvement in the mutual ties and both the countries particularly the common people will have to suffer. It will be in the fitness of the things that Mr. Nawaz sharif stops threatening statement which some political pundits describe as loose talks, and concentrates on taking steps for better ties. It will definitely help to address all outstanding issues amicably through negotiations including Kashmir issue.

Daily

Zabarwan Times

Srinagar, Friday 24 January 2014

Crafting Bharat Ratna, Padma Medals at Kolkata Mint

O

n the occasion of Republic Day every year, the Government honours people for their work of any distinction and exceptional achievements/service in all fields of activities/disciplines, such as Art, Literature and Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service, Trade and Industry etc. These awards can be the highest Civilian Awards like Bharat Ratna, Padma Awards, military awards like Param Veer Chakra, police medals for gallantry, bravery awards to list a few. But hundreds of craftsman who spend days and night in cutting, carving, burning, polishing metal to give final shape to these medals remain in the background at the India Government Mint in Kolkata.

SPMCIL

Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited (SPMCIL) was formed after corporatisation of nine units including four mints, four presses and one paper mill which were earlier functioning under the Ministry of Finance. SPMCIL, a Miniratna Company of the Government, is engaged in the manufacture of security paper, minting of coins, printing of currency and bank notes, non-judicial stamp papers, postage stamps, travel documents, etc. The Company meets the requirements of RBI for Currency Notes and Coins and State Governments for Non-Judicial Stamp Papers and Postal Departments for postal stationery, stamps etc. and Ministry of External Affairs for passports, visa stickers and other travel documents.

Other products are civilian, military, police, sports, film festival medals/decorations, commemorative coins, MICR and Non-MICR cheques etc. All the 9 units are categorised as Currency Printing

Presses, Security Printing Presses, Security Paper Mill and India Government Mints. The Mints situated at Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Noida have rich minting heritage and legacy of producing quality products. These mints are carrying out minting of all coins circulated in the country.

The India Government Mint, Kolkata

The India Government Mint, Kolkata was first established in 1757, and was located in a building in the old fort - where the GPO (General Post Office) stands today. It was called the Calcutta Mint and used to produce coins with the mint name Murshidabad.The second Calcutta Mint was established at the site of Gillet Ship building Establishment and the coins issued from this mint continued to bear mint name Murshidabad. The third Calcutta Mint on Strand Road opened for production from 1 August 1829 (Silver Mint). Until 1835 the coins issued at this mint continued to be in the name of the Murshidabad Mint. In 1860 an annexe known as the “Copper Mint” was built to the north of the Silver Mint for the exclusive production of copper coins.

The silver and copper mints both used to function and produce coins of bronze, silver and gold. Apart from minting of coins another important function of the Kolkata Mint was the manufacturing of medals and decorations during the British regime. The production of medals continues to this day.

After the closure of this mint in 1952, the present Alipore Mint was opened by the then Finance Minister of Government of India Shri. C. D. Deshmukh on 19 March 1952. The full operation for the coinage and preparation of medals, decorations

Mobile SEVA – Reaching Out to the Citizens

M

obile Seva is an initiative of DeitY that aims to provide government services to the people through mobile phones and tablets. Mobile Seva has been developed by DeitY as the core infrastructure for enabling the availability of public services through mobile devices.

Mobile Seva enables the integration of the mobile platform with the common e-Governance infrastructure consisting of State Data Centres (SDCs), State Wide Area Networks (SWANs), State and National Service Delivery Gateways (SSDGs/ NSDG).

As a part of this initiative, the Framework for Mobile Governance was notified in February 2012. The SMS Gateway was operationalized in July 2011. As on date, over 850 Central and State Govt. Departments are using Mobile Seva for providing SMSbased services, and over 58 Crore SMS notifications have been sent to citizens for various mobile based services. The most prolific users of the “PUSH SMS” are Department of Agriculture in the Central Government, MeeSeva project in Andhra Pradesh and Department of IT in Madhya Pradesh, etc.

Citizens can now directly interact with Government departments through SMS. As on date, over 260 public services have been made available to the citizens and stakeholders through Pull SMS over the short-code 166 with the long-term vision of enabling all government departments across the nation to provide their respective

“A Government Mobile Applications Store (m-AppStore) has also been developed by DeitY as part of Mobile Seva and can be accessed from www.apps. mgov.gov.in. The m-AppStore currently hosts over 240 live mobile applications, such as the Polling Station Location app for the Election Commission of India that has been used to map polling stations in the country.

Another useful m-app is the onscreen keyboard driver & editor for Android devices for GIST Hindi language and 11 other Indian languages.” non emergency public services through a single nationally-available number. These services are also available on the long code 9223166166. Details of telecom service providers offering access through the shortcode are available on the Mobile Seva portal (www.mgov.gov.in >> Citizen Services >> 166/51969/9223166166 Pull Service).

A Government Mobile Applications Store (m-AppStore) has also been developed by DeitY as part of Mobile Seva and can be accessed from www.apps.mgov.gov.in. The m-AppStore currently hosts over 240 live mobile applications, such as the Polling Station Location app for the Election Commission of India that has been used to map polling stations in the country. Another useful m-app is the on-screen keyboard driver & editor for Android devices for GIST Hindi language and 11 other Indian languages.

A Mobile Payment Gateway has also been integrated with Mobile Seva which would allow a person to make payment for government services through his or her mobile phone. USSD and IVRS based services have also been developed and are currently being piloted.

Mobile Seva is being developed around open standards and cloudbased solutions by DeitY through its organization C-DAC. Mobile Seva has been scaled up for implementation at the national level for meeting the ever-increasing demands from government departments interested in reaching out to the citizens through mobile devices.

Citizens can visit the portal www.mgov.gov.in for more information and also interact with the project team through social media (www.facebook.com/DIT.MGOV)

and badges started in Alipore Mint from this date. As on date this mint produces coins of Rs.1,2,5,10 denominations in addition to their contribution in the production of a variety of civilian,military,sports,police etc,. medals.

Prominent among these medals are the highest Civilian Awards like Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, military awards like Param Veer Chakra,etc,.

Bharat Ratna

‘Bharat Ratna’, the highest civilian award of the country, was instituted in the year 1954. It is awarded in recognition of exceptional service/performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavour. The number of annual awards is restricted to a maximum of three in a particular year. On conferment of the award, the recipient receives a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion. The decoration is in the form of a Peepal leaf, about 5.8 cm long, 4.7 cm wide and 3.1 mm thick. It is of toned bronze. On its obverse is embossed a replica of the sun, 1.6 cm in diameter, below which the words Bharat Ratna are embossed in Devanagari script. On the reverse are State emblem and the motto, also in Devanagari. The emblem, the sun and the rim are of platinum. The inscriptions are in burnished bronze.

Padma Awards

Padma Awards were instituted in the year 1954 and these awards are announced every year on Republic Day. The award is given in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. Padma Shri is awarded for ‘distinguished service’; Padma Bhushan for ‘distinguished service of a high order’; and Padma Vibhushan for

‘exceptional and distinguished service.

The decoration comprises a Sanad (Certificate) issued under the hand and seal of the President and a Medallion. A commemorative brochure giving out brief details in respect of each award winner is also released on the day of the investiture ceremony. · Padma Vibhushan: Medal is circular in design with a geometrical pattern superimposed on the circle.

The diameter of the circular portion is 4.4 cm and the thickness is about 0.6 mm. On the obverse there is a lotus flower embossed in the circular shape.

The word ‘Padma’ is embossed in Hindi above and the word ‘Vibhushan’ below the lotus are in burnished bronze.

All embossing on either side of decoration is in ‘White Gold’. · Padma Bhushan: Design same as Padma Vibhushan medal but the embossing on either side is in standard gold. · Padma Shri: Same design as other Padma medals but all embossing on either side of the decoration is in stainless steel.

Not to be left out are various military decorations, police /bravery medals, Commonwealth Games medals, international film festival awards like Golden Peacock etc,. from the glorious collection of medals produced at this illustrious plant in Kolkata.

The India Government Mints have made a niche in the minting world - with excellence in design, expertise in minting precious metals, and above all, a long tradition of craftsmanship. Reliability is combined in a natural manner in design and production of individualistic solution that truly reflect the customers’ values.

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. Besides, 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