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December 28 | 2013 | 24 Safar 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |
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VOL NO: 3 | ISSUE NO: 331 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 PAISA)
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Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K
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Kashmir witnessed coldest night of season Srinagar, Dec 27: Most parts of Valley’s Friday witnessed the coldest night of the season with Kargil shivering at minus 16 degrees Celsius. The reports received by Kashmir News Service district correspondent maintained that Leh area of Ladakh region recorded minus 14.8 degrees Celsius on Friday. The details provided by state Met office stated that the night temperature of Srinagar was 0.6 degree Celsius as compared and that further decrease is expected in the coming days. The temperature at Gulmarag was recorded at a low of minus 8.6 degrees Celsius while as Pahalgam recorded 9.6 degrees Celsius. According to the official reports, Qazigund recorded 0.2 degrees Celsius, while as Kupwara recorded minus 3 degrees Celsius. The state meteorological department further informed that there would not be any change in it for the next few days.
Missing Srinagar boy traced Srinagar, December 27: Srinagar police traced the missing boy Ibrahim Tramboo from Pathankote, Punjab. With the swift and vigorous efforts of Srinagar police, the missing boy Ibrahim Tramboo son of Mohammad Yousuf Tramboo resident of Zainakote, HMT Srinagar was traced and recovered from Pathankote, Punjab. The boy has been brought back home. The family has hailed the efforts of Srinagar police.
Inside story NCC Republic Day Contingent meets the Governor A Republic Day Contingent comprising of 99 NCC cadets representing all the three regions of Jammu and Kashmir met Mr.N.N. Vohra, the Governor and Mrs. Usha Vohra, the First Lady, at Rajbhavan today.
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On Edit Page Deepening power crisis in the valley The people of the valley are confronted with so many problems in their day to day life but the most crucial among these problems is erratic power supply in the
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WEATHER
FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:
Weather will be mainly dry & cold over the state.
FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:
Mainly clear sky. Maximum & Minimum temperatures will be around 10°C & -1°C respectively.
TEMPERATURE MAXIMUM 10.3 0C MINIMUM -0.6 0C SUNSET ON(SATURDAY) 05:30 pm SUNRISE ON (SUNDAY) 07:37 am
r t de ea rres l p a op se of h’s r hou el t s v e e e l lad und igh es ng uc d we d Ba a Zia re an d ple terol ali p h A s K ole ch
21-yr-old slain laid to rest A day after controversy erupted over the identity of the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant, who was killed in an encounter in Chadura area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district, the doctors at the Government Medical College Friday collected DNA samples of the slain militant for investigations on the directions of police. Reports reaching Global News Service said that the body of LeT militant Omar Bilal of Pakistan was brought to the Pantha Chowk mortuary by a police team today for postmortem and collection of DNA samples. A team of doctors led by HoD, Forensic Science Laboratory,
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Dwelling units for urban poor soon
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Chadura encounter: DNA samples collected from LeT militant Srinagar, Dec 27:
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GMC, Fareeda Noor also reached the mortuary and conducted the post mortem. The team also collected samples for DNA testing in presence of a magistrate. The proceedings, reports said, were captured on video cameras as well. “We collected the blood and hair samples from the body today. The samples will be sent to Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), New Delhi for investigations. Besides me, two more doctors were involved in the procedure,” Fareeda Noor told GNS. She said that samples were also collected from a family member of a south Kashmir family, who had initially claimed through media reports that the slain militant
was their family member. Meanwhile, police today said that the south Kashmir family has denied that the slain militant was their son after they were shown his body. A police spokesman in a statement issued to GNS said that the family of Showkat Ahmad Lone of Lalhar, Pulwama were shown the body of the militant, who was slain in an encounter at Hushroo, Budgam yesterday for identification. “However, the family members didn’t authenticate the identity of the deceased as that of Showkat Ahmad Lone, as was claimed by some people as reported by a section of media,” the spokesman said.
Meanwhile, scores of people participated in the funeral prayers of the LeT militant Umar (21) of Lahore, Pakistan in Ganai Mohalla of Budgam after police handed over the body to Auqaf Committee for burial. The slain militant was buried at Martyrs graveyard Ganai Mohalla. Pertinently, protests had erupted in twin districts of Budgam and Pulwama district after news spread in the areas that the LeT militant killed in Chadura was a militant hailing from of Lelhar area of Kakpora, Pulwama. Police, who had identified the militant as Omar Bilal of Pakistan, had announced to hold DNA testing to validate their claims.
Azad announces launch of NUHM in Bangalore from next month Bangalore, Dec 27: Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Ghulam Nabi Azad has announced launch of National Urban Health Mission, NUHM, in Bangalore from next month. Speaking to media persons in Bangalore today, the Minister said that the urban poor too will get all the facilities extended to rural poor under National Rural
Health Mission, after the launch of Urban Health Mission next month. The Central Government has spent one lakh, 10 thousand crore rupees under the NRHM to improve health care infrastructure in rural areas. Over 24,000 new health care infrastructures were created and over 25,000 See Azad on Pg. 11
12 CAPD employees suspended over misappropriation of 10,000 quintals of rice Srinagar, Dec 27: At least 12 employees of the consumer affairs and public distribution (CAPD) department have been suspended after an enquiry ordered by the department found them involved in the misappropriation of food grains from a go down in Lethpora area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
Official sources told Global News Service that the enquiry ordered by the Director, CAPD, Mir Mushtaq to look into the embezzlement of about 10,000 quintals of rice from Lethpora go down last month, has indicted at least 12 employees of the department. The Director has ordered the suspension of the accused See CAPD on Pg. 11
‘People acknowledging PDP’s vision, performance’ Srinagar, Dec 27: December 27, (KIP)Noted political activist and political science scholar, Prof Abdul Jabbar from Kunzer, TangmargFriday joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The party president, Mehbooba Mufti welcomed Mr Jabbar, along with his prominent supporters, into the party folds. Speaking on the occasion Mehbooba said it was a healthy trend that intellectuals, scholars, professionals and academics are joining the party in good numbers as it is equally an open and loud acknowledgment of the party’s vision and performance both within the government and in opposition. She said the PDP is the people’s party and it provided a structured space to dissent and opposition, which is the
essence of democracy and it is the party’s vision to get the state out of present uncertainty, anarchy by involving people- having divergent political beliefs and ideologies.
“PDP believes democracy is battle of ideas and we ensured a respectable space to the opposing voices during our brief stint in the government to get the state back on tracks, but the present National Conference-led government, by its inefficiency, has reversed all those gains,” said Mehbooba adding the change in the system is inevitable and
people will decide now what kind of government they will have. Mehbooba said with the support of people PDP realised an accountable, honest and transparent system, which ensured a fair deal for every stakeholder. “We will carry forward our unfinished agenda of political resolution and economic empowerment of the people if given a decisive mandate,” adding her party can never compromise on the interests of the people and the state. She said the state has to have a responsible and responsive govt that can cater to the needs of the people and also address the political issues that have impeded its progress Local leader, Mohammad Abbas Wani and zone president Gulmarg, Abdul Aziz Dar were also present on the occasion.
KPS-2011 batch Omar lashes likely to be adjusted out at UP within 2 weeks bureaucrat Srinagar, Dec 27: The posting of 2011 batch Kashmir Police Service (KPS) officers, who successfully completed period of probation, is on cards. Reliable sources told KNS, that within few weeks the home department is scheduled to adjust the 2011 batch of KPS officers. “I think within 10 to 15 days, the 2011 batch that recently passed the mandatory confirmation test will get adjusted suitably,” a well placed officer in the home department told KNS. Sources in the department said that almost the entire of batch of KPS—2011 are still serving as probationary officers even
though they have already completed the probation period and the requisite confirmation test. Few officers in the batch when contacted said that their counterparts in civil administration and even their juniors in the civil administration have already been posted suitably while as the police officers of 2011-batch KPS are still awaiting adjustment. “Even after serving for over 19 months as probationers and passing confirmation test some three months back, we are still regarded as probationer DySPs,” said one of the officers of 2011 batch of KPS, pleading anonymity. Pertinently, 76 See KPS on Pg. 11
Srinagar, Dec 27: Castigating Utter Pradesh (UP) principal secretary (home) AK Gupta for his remark that “no one died of cold” in Muzaffarnagar relief camps, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday said that the bureaucrat should be sent to the relief camp with lesser clothes. Without naming the UP secretary home, Omar wrote of twitter, “Can't die of the cold!!!! Send him out See Omar on Pg. 11
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11 From Front Page........
Daily
Saturday, 28 December 2013
Azad.........
existing infrastructures were upgraded. The scheme has helped reduce infant mortality rate from 80 deaths per 1000 births to 42 deaths per 1000 births in 2012. Maternal mortality rate too has come down from 254 per one lakh deliveries to 178 per one lakh deliveries in 2012. He announced that India will be declared polio free by the World Health Organisation, if no cases are detected by the beginning of the coming year.
CAPD.......
Centre Provided Rs. 1.10 lakh Crore to the states under NRHM : Smt Santosh Chowdhary 9 Ambulances cum Mobile Medical Lab dedicated to the people New Delhi, December 27: The UPA Government is fully committed to provide improved health facilities to the people at their doorstep and does not discriminate with any state in health matter says Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Smt. Santosh Chowdhary . She was speaking at a health awarness camp held in Hoshiarpur of Punjab today. Mrs Santosh Chowdhary said that National Rural Health Mission has proved to be a boon in strengthening the health infrastructure in the country. She said that the centre has provided an amount of Rs. 1.10 lakh crore to the states to improve the
employees. Besides suspension, the accused have also been slapped with fine. “The team submitted the report to the commissioner secretary and the directorate for further action. Acting on the findings, the directorate ordered the suspension of the tainted employees. They have also been fined,” sources said. The report, sources said, has also recommended demotion of the accused employees. Despite repeated attempts, Director, CAPD, Mir Mushtaq did not respond to the phone calls by GNS. Pertinently, on Nov 21, the Crime Branch of Jammu and Kashmir police had raided stores of the CAPD and Food Corporation of India (FCI) Letpora, Pulwama in south Kashmir and found about 10,000 quintals of rice missing. The CB sealed the stores and filed a case FIR NO 29/2013 under sections 409, 420 RPC into the matter. Besides CB, the directorate also ordered a probe into the embezzlement. After a month, the team probing the scam submitted its report to the higher ups, who acted on the KATHUA, DECEMBER report and ordered suspension of the tainted officials 27- District Development Commissioner, Kathua, candidates had qualified for KPS in 2011 who completed Jitendra Kumar Singh their probation on June 14 this year and the batch appeared today convened a high level meeting of officers for its confirmation test on September 6. to discuss arrangements for the celebration of in a few less clothes and let's see if he isn't singing a Republic Day, 2014 at Kathua. different tune pretty damn quick.” A dditional Deputy It is pertinent to mention that the UP principal secretary on December 26 had defended the death toll in the relief Commissioner Kathua, camps of riot victims of Muzaffarnagar, UP and had stated Assistant Commissioner that no one could die due to the cold conditions in the relief ( R e v e n u e ) Te h s i l d a r Kathua, Executive camps. Gupta earlier had stated that the children have died of Engineers of different pneumonia, not of cold and that nobody can die of cold. “If w o r k s d e p a r t m e n t s ; people died of cold, nobody would have been alive in District Officers includi n g p o l i c e o ff i c e r s , Siberia.” Officers from CRPF, P r i n c i p a l s o f Government/Private educational institutions were present in the meeting. Batote, Dec 27: Peoples establish a new system in Democratic Party (PDP) on Jammu and Kashmir. He It was decided that the Friday criticized the ruling said that present govern- main function will be held coalition alliance for ment headed by Omar at Sports Stadium Kathua betraying people of Chenab Abdullah has lost its where the VIP will host Valley. credibility and people were the National Flag and will Addressing party workers fed up with the wrong take salute at the mega here on Friday Party's look policies being propagated Parade. The contingents Sabha candidate for Doda- by this regime. “After will be drawn from CRPF, U d h a m p u r - K a t h u a formation of National District Police, Forest constituency Arshad Malik Conference led government P r o t e c t i o n F o r c e , said the for decades in the year 2009, the State NSS,NCC boys and girls N a t i o n a l C o n f e r e n c e has been plunged into and tiny platoons from treated people of this unprecedented crisis and G o v e r n m e n t / p r i v a t e mountainous region just as this regime has become schools. it's vote bank plunging the synonymous of chaos and The day will start with the playing of shahnai vadan erstwhile Doda district into uncertainty”, he said. poverty, backwardness and “We, with the support of the and patriotic songs by economic instability. people, want to change the Information Department He said that NC never present ineffective system”, in the wee hours at Deputy wanted development of this he said and added that it is Commissioner Office and region as is evident from the aim of the PDP to establish SSP office, Kathua. It was
health infrastructure and facilities. She said that the centre has sanctioned Rs. 2200 crore in the last sixseven years to the state of Punjab. She added that Rs. 65 crore has been sanctioned for the Punjab under the National Free Medicine Programme for the current fiscal. She emphasis on to create awareness among the general public so that they can take full benefit of the health scheme. Expressing her satisfaction over the improved sexratio in Punjab, She said that the credit for this achievement goes to the ASHA and Anganwari workers. On the occasion Smt. Santosh Chowdhary dedicated 9 Ambulance
cum Mobile Medical Lab to the people which has been fabricated with financial support from Member Parliament Local Area Development Fund . She flagged off these ambulances for the nineassembly segment of Hoshiarpur Parliamentary Constituency, which is being represented by Smt. Santosh Chowdhary. Hundreds of people throng to the Roshan Ground the venue of the health awareness camp to avail the health facilities of free test, free medicine and health check up . Senior Doctors from Hoshiarpur, Amritsar, Delhi and PGI Chandigarh participated in the camp.
ZABARWAN TIMES
BSF soldier succumbs to injuries, another still missing Srinagar, Dec 27: A BSF soldier, who was seriously injured after slipping down from a mountainous track along with his colleague at Machil sector in Kupwara district, succumbed to his injuries at a hospital here. Meanwhile, searches for another soldier, who is missing after the incident, were still going on, reports said. Officials told Global News Service on Friday that Hawaldar Rotaz Singh, who was critically injured when he and his colleague Sumesh Kumar slipped from a mountain top into a 300 feet gorge in Bohriwala Naad in Macchil sector on Thursday morning, succumbed to
injuries at the BSF MI room in Kupwara. The officials said that Sumesh Kumar is also feared dead. The slain troopers belonged to 69 Battalion BSF. When contacted BSF Spokesperson, he told GNS that Hawaldar Rotaz Singh succumbed to his injuries at BSF MI room in Kupwara today morning. Regarding another soldier, he said that rescue operations are on in the area to locate the missing trooper and their service rifles. The soldiers had slipped from the mountain track into a deep gorge. Singh was found in a critical condition and was immediately rushed to the hospital.
Jammu Fest witnesses massive participation DDC discusses arrangements for RD Art, culture know no boundaries, barriers: Sadhotra celebration
KPS........
Omar........
NC, Cong betray people of Chenab Valley: PDP
scarcity of even the basic amenities like health, education institutions. He said even in this age the people here still dream of roads, electricity and Medicare facilities. The people here, he said, after NC extended their support to Congress with the hope that the party may bring the out of distress and suffering. However the Congress also betrayed the people for its pity political interests, he regretted. Malik asked people to strengthen hands of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Mehbooba Mufti to
a system where every sections of the society would get equal opportunities of development and upliftment. Malik said that it was a high time when the people must raise themselves above the party affiliation and support PDP which has emerged as a strong political alternative with a vision and policies of development, peace and economic stability. Shakeel Bhat, Zonal Secy Amin Shiekh, Block President Jagdish Chand, Zahid Parihar, Sachin Paroch and others also addressed the workers.
decided in the meeting that the National Flag will be unfurled by the VIP at 10 am. . Regarding other arrangements like security, sanitation, sitting, barricading, water and power supply, prize distribution issuance of invitation cards, transportation and illumination, the DDC framed committees comprising of district officers to ensure adequate and proper arrangements well in time. Regarding presentation of cultural programme on the occasion, the DDC directed the cultural programme committee to organize variety programme with new look and shape with the consultation of educational institutions. Besides cultural activities physical /sports event will be also organize in the Republic Day function... It was also decided that the prominent government buildings will be illuminated in the night of January 26, 2014. The DDC impressed upon the officers that the day be celebrated with fervor and gaiety. He further emphasized for maintaining close liaison between civil and police for smooth conduct of the function.
MoS Industries and Commerce calls on Governor JAMMU, DECEMBER developmental issues 27: Mr. Sajjad Ahmad relating to his area and the Kichloo, Minister of State broad lines on which these f o r I n d u s t r i e s a n d were planned to be tackled. Commerce (Independent The Governor stressed the Charge) called on Mr. N.N. vital importance of internal Vohra, the Governor here security and communal at Rajbhavan today. This harmony being maintained was his first meeting with at all costs and also urged the Governor after his re- the Minister to take urgent induction and being sworn steps to deal with the in as a Minister of State on alarming frequency at 21st December 2013. which fatal road accidents Mr. Kichloo discussed the were taking place in the varied prob lems and Kishtwar area.
NABARD organizes financial literacy camp in Ramban RAMBAN, DECEMBER 27-A Financial literacy workshop was conducted by NABARD in Industrial Training Institute Ramban. The programme was attended by Nirmal Singh (Lead District Manager), S K Khosla (Director RSETI, Ramban), Branch Manager JK Bank Virendra Gupta, BM EDB Shadi Lal, FM DIC Ashok Kumar Sharma, ME( Employment) Javaid Rashid and BM JCC Abdul Wahid Shah. OIC ITI Ramban Manmohan Raj was also present during the workshop which was attended by around 80 trainees of ITI Ramban and other staff members. Nikhil Sharma, DDM NABARD informed the participants about the
role of NABARD in creating financial awareness. He also talked about the various self employment schemes and various activities that they can take up after completion of the course. The audience was informed about the need and the benefits of being associated with the banks, by having saving accounts, deposit accounts by LBO Nirmal Singh and the various aspects of financial Literacy. Director RSETI informed the audience of Role of RSETI in Training individuals for taking up self employment avenues. Representatives from DIC informed the students about the various schemes like PMEGP etc. BM of different bank informed the audience about the procedures and formalities
involved in opening of saving account and taking bank loans. The audience was informed about various facilities being offered by banks like ATM, Remittances/ Transfers, insurance etc. Various employment schemes like Udaan, Himayat, JKSES etc were explained to them by representative of the Employment department for the better future of the candidates. The aim of the programme was to disseminate the requisite knowledge to the students to make them financially aware and of various schemes and avenues that they can take up after completion of course and how banks and different Govt agencies can help them in setting up their own ventures.
Jammu, Dec 27: Terming revival of Jammu Festival as a step in right direction, Minister for Planning and Development Mr Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today said that such events will help in promoting the rich culture and heritage of the Jammu region. “The state of Jammu and Kashmir is known for its glorious ethos and every effort is needed to be made to preserve and bequeath it to the posterity”, Mr Sadhotra said while addressing a distinguished gathering assembled to witness musical bonanza on the third day of the festival at Mubarak Mandi Jammu. Minister said that music and art know no boundaries or barriers and hoped that through this medium the younger generation in particular can be made aware about their glorious past. He exhorted the organizers to ensure that different facets of Dogra culture and art are highlighted in a big way. Mr Sadhotra exuded confidence that promotional measures like the
Tourism Festival will go a long way in attracting tourists from different parts of the country. “Jammu has emerged as a premier location for the pilgrim tourism and being gateway to picturesque Kashmir Valley, the influx of tourists is growing with each passing year”, he said and asked the organizers to plan similar programmes in other tourist resorts of the region. The main attraction of the two hour long musical programme was the folk songs of the state that depicted various facets of its diverse culture. The artists left the audience spell bound by their performance. The Minister complimented the partici-
pating artists for their scintillating performance and said that these are the occasions when the abundant talent of the state gets showcased on a larger canvas. Speaking on the occasion, Director Tourism Mr Saujanya Kumar Sharma dwelt upon special features of the festival and expressed his gratitude to different departments and participating agencies for their cooperation. Present on the occasion, among others, include Divisional commissioner Jammu, Director tourism and Information and senior officers of both department, senior and prominent citizens of Jammu Division.
60 youth selected for loan assistance under JKSSES in Doda DODA, DECEMBER 27- Commissioner Doda, the district is endowed To provide loan assistance Mubarak Singh chaired the with abundant natural to the aspiring unem- interview Dy. Director resources and there is huge ployed educated youth of Employment Doda, Lead potential of development the District under Jammu Bank Officer Doda, of agriculture and other and Kashmir State self Branch Manager J&K allied activities in the Employment Scheme Bank Doda, General region. He asked the youth ( J K S S E S ) , D i s t r i c t Manager DIC Doda and to adopt agriculture and E m p l o y m e n t a n d District Social Welfare allied activities as a career Counseling Centre Doda officer Doda were also prospective and contribute yesterday conducted p r e s e n t d u r i n g t h e in the socio-economic interview/ counseling of interview. development of the the candidates who have 87 candidates applied for district. applied for loan assistance loan assistance, of which The selected candidates to establish their own 60 candidates have been were asked to submit the income generating units in selected by the Task Force required documents with the District. Committee. the concerned bank District Development The DDC Doda said that branches.
Advisor to CM will meet people at Srinagar JAMMU, DECEMBER 27: Advisor to the Chief Minister, Qamar Ali Akhoon will be available to people at Chief Minister’s Private Office, Church Lane here from 10.30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on 30th December 2013 to 3rd January 2014 to hear their grievances and development demands.
Govt. of Jammu and Kashmir
Office of the Executive Engineer REW, Kulgam Short Term Tender Notice No. 11 of 2013 Dated: 24-12-2013
For and on behalf of Governor of J&K State, Executive Engineer. REW Kulgam invites tenders affixed with Rs.5/- Revenue stamp for the works mentioned below from the approved PWD contractors which shall reach to the office of Executive Engineer REW Kulgam by or before18th of January 2014 up to 2:00PM. The tenders will be opened on the same day in the afternoon or some other day convenient to the opening authority in presence of the tenders, who may wish to be present at the time of opening. The tender documents can be purchased from the office of Executive Engineer REW Kulgam from 11-01-2014 to 13-01-2014 during office hours, only on production of valid enlistment card against bank draft from J&K bank Ltd. only, favoring Executive Engineer REW Kulgam payable at J&K bank main branch Kulgam for the amount as shown below(non refundable). In case, the last date for receipt of tenders or issuance of documents happens to be closure of office, the same shall be received/issued on next working day as per the same schedule. However, in order to ensure a good response in participation of competition, the tender, documents can be issued only to those intending tenders, who will produce necessary CDR's of the earnest money as shown here under for which a Photostat copy shall be retained in the office of undersigned. S. No
Name of Work
Adv. Cost
1.
Constt. of Hutments at Zeadnag (Waltengoo Nard) Ph. 3rd Hut Nos 25, 26, 27
14.85 Lacs
Account/ Major Head 2245Relief on A/C of National Claimates
E/ Money
Class of Contractor
Time of Completion
Rs. 29700/-
DEE & CEE
Three Months
Cost of Tender Document
Rs. 1500/-
Position of A.A
Position of T/Sanction
Position of Funds
Under Process
Under Process
Partly Available
Terms and Conditions 1. The work should be executed strictly in accordance with PWD specifications. 2. The tender should-be delivered duly sealed with proper cover/envelop with the name of the contractor, name of the work reference to the CDR No. & date etc. without which the tender can be rejected by the opening authority without assigning any reasons. Also the CDR enclosed with the tender should be pledged to Executive Engineer REW Kulgam. 3. Photostat copy of the registration card duly renewed for the year 2013-14 and income tax certificate for the quarter should be attached with the application requesting for tender documents as well as with tender. 4. The contractor should inspect the site of work before submitting the tender for his own interest. 5. The intending tenders should not be defaulter of income tax/sales tax and in case of any recovery reported, the same will be recovered for the due payment. 6. Other conditions shall be as per form 25 of PWD which shall be binding on the contractor. 7. The Bricks will be supplied by the ACD Kulgam as per rates approved by the DDC Kulgam. 8. Valid Tin No. Sd/- Executive Engineer DIPJK: 11820 Rural Engineering Wing Kulgam
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NEWS
Daily ZABARWAN TIMES
SATURDAY, DECEMBER | 28 | 2013
Dwelling units for urban poor soon: Sagar-Bhalla SRINAGAR, DECEMBER 27:
G.N. Qasba, Managing Director J&K Housing Board, Mr. Ram Paul and Minister for Rural Development other senior officers were present in and Panchayati Raj, Mr. Ali Mohamthe meeting. mad Sagar has said the urban poor Mr. Sagar directed the Deputy and slum dwellers of Srinagar city Commissioner Srinagar to identify a would soon be provided with indi- piece of land so that the construction vidual as well as cluster dwelling of the dwelling units for the benunits under the centrally sponsored eficiaries under the schemes can be schemes of Rajiv Gandhi Awas Yostarted at an earliest. He said that the jana (RGAY) and Basic Services for officers should work in a coordinated Urban Poor (BSUP) and in this regard manner so that the benefit of these the necessary process has been initischemes reaches to the poor and ated by the concerned departments. needy sections of the society. The Minister was speaking in a Mr. Sagar said that the Governreview meeting convened to discuss ment is committed to provide the the status of various schemes underquality amenities of life to the every which would be having all the adequate facilities so that these people taken by the State and the Centre for section of the society and in this recan be adequately compensated. providing the dwelling units to the gard several welfare schemes have The meeting was told that about urban poor and slum dwellers of the been launched besides clear instruc18,000 poor and under privileged urban areas of the State. tions have been given to the implefamilies living in various areas of The Minister for Housing and menting agencies to ensure that the Srinagar city have been identified Cultural, Mr. Raman Bhalla, Deputy benefit of these reaches the targeted and would get benefited from these Commissioner Srinagar, Er. Farooq populace. Mr. Bhalla assured the The Commissioner SriAhmad Shah, Commissioner Srimeeting that a colony would be set Lone News Agency Kangan Khan schemes. News Agency Ganderbal nagar Municipal Corporation, Dr. up in Srinagar for the urban poor nagar Municipal Corporation was
Zabarwan Times is available at
The cadets presented a colourful cultural programme which comprised a group song on the theme of environment protection, a group dance depicting the dance forms of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh and a ballad dedicated to the invaluable devotion and sacrifices of the Armed Forces. These cultural items are part of the presentations which this contingent shall make at the National
their various competitions at the Republic Day Camp, the Governor said that this group of cadets from all the three regions of Jammu and Kashmir should be proud to be the part of NCC Junior and Senior Divisions and make the best use of this period to imbibe discipline and develop the capacity of living and working together and strengthening the bonds of unity and enriching their personalities
Govt keenly monitoring distribution of insecticides: GH Mir SRINAGAR, DECEMBER 27: The Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir Friday said that Government is monitoring keenly the distribution system of insecticides and pesticides among farmers besides the quality of all such ingredients are also being checked before distribution to farmers. The Minister was addressing a workshop here, organized the Department of Agriculture for streamlining the agriculture and horticulture sectors in the State. The Minister further said that Government has banned sub standard insecticides, pesticides and fertilizers adding that the training cum awareness camps are being organized by the Government to acquaint the concerned people about the use of these vital ingredients for buffer crop. Various orchardists interacted with the Minister on the occasion and put forth their problems before him. The Minister listened patiently to their demands and assured that their genuine problems would be solved on priority. The Minister asked them to have close liaison with the department of Agriculture, Horticulture and SKUAST-K authorities for boosting these sectors and assuring upliftment of the farmers. The workshop was attended by Commissioner/Secretary Agriculture Production Department, Director Agriculture Kashmir, Director Horticulture Kashmir and other senior officers of the departments.
Additional Director General, National Cadet Corps, Jammu and Kashmir Directorate, presented a Welcome Address. A Vote of Thanks was presented by Brigadier Sandeep Kala, Deputy Director General, National Cadet Corps, Jammu and Kashmir Directorate. Mr. Navin K. Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor was present on the occasion.
You may feel like you can no longer explore your inner feelings, but you must persevere. You have a tremendous capacity to bury problems deeply, and you can go through life obliviously surfing on top of them. It’s true that this strategy allows you to remain in a good mood. But you may never be in such a good mood that you’re profoundly happy. Wouldn’t you agree? directed to speed up the process of the identification of the genuine persons who can avail the benefit under these schemes. Mr. Sagar later chaired a high level meeting about the status of the work being done on prestigious Syed Meerak Shah Road, which was attended by the Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Chief Town Planner, Kashmir,
National Development Foundation, NDF with support from Communication and Capacity Development Unit (CCDU)/ Water and Sanitation Support Organization, Deptt. of PHE, I&FC, J&K government organized a one day advocacy workshop for media and allied departments at Conference Hall, PWD Guest House Gandhinagar. District Development Commissioner, Jammu, Ajeet Kumar Sahu was the chief guest and around 120 district/ sectoral officers and media persons participated in the workshop. Sh. Rajeev Malhotra, SE Hydraulic presented welcome address and gave a brief intro on NRDWP. Rajiv Khajuria Chief Functionary National Development Foundation gave a brief intro of the workshop and sensitized the house on the convergence required under NRDWP and informed that NDF will shortly hold district, block and panchayat level awareness through various mediums to realize the objectives of the NRDWP. He also stressed on the need for ensuring water qual-
Superintending Engineer R&B and other officers. The Minister directed the officers to speed up the pace of the work on this prestigious road project which would go a long way in ensuring better traffic mobility in the old city Srinagar. He said that all the acquisition cases should be settled on priority basis so that the persons whose property has been acquired.
also extended invitation to the Minister to attend the festival of ‘Padder Losar Night’ as the Chief Guest which is being celebrated on 31st December 2013 at Vikas Nagar Jammu. The Minister while accepting the invitation announced a cash assistance of Rs. 25000 out of his salary for organizing the mega event. Responding to their demands, the Minister assured that all possibilities will be explored to construct a hostel/sariaat Jammu for the Buddhist students of Padder area studying in various institutions of Jammu city. The Deputation of the Association of Buddhist Students of Padder was led by their Jammu representative Mr. Tenzin Wamkha. Mr. Kichloo said that Government has rolled out a comprehensive industrial policy to facilitate investments in the state. He said
Government will prefer to encourage local entrepreneurs than outside business houses to come and invest in the State adding that the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has unambiguously asked the Banking Institutions functioning in the State to provide hassle free lending facilities to the entrepreneurs for setting up of their own Income Generating Units. Mr. Kichloo also sought cooperation of the people of the State to supplement Government initiatives for all round socio-economic transformation and equitable development of all three regions of the State. He cautioned the people about machinations of some short sighted political parties which are hell bent to disintegrate the State by exploiting religious and regional sentiments of people for satiating their petty interests.
Lone inaugurates Hall at Govt College for Women Kathua
Integrated approach must for securing safe drinking water, sanitation: Sahu JAMMU, DECEMBER 27:
educational institutions of Jammu in his office chambers at Civil Secretariat, Jammu today, Mr. Kichloo advised them to equip themselves with modern education to become successful first generation entrepreneurs, adding that industrialization holds key for state’s economic self-reliance. The Buddhist students of Padder besides seeking redressal of their grievances
Minister for Higher Education, Mohammad Akbar Lone today inaugurated a Multi-Purpose Hall at Government College for Women Kathua constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 62 lakh. Minister of State for Higher Education, Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma, Member Parliament, Ch. Lal Singh and MLA Kathua, Mr. Charanjit Singh were also present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Lone said that the Government under the leadership of Mr. Omar Abdullah has taken several steps for up-gradation of basic infrastructure of all educational institutions across the State during the past over five years. Recalling the contribution of Sher-iKashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah towards the betterment of education in the State, the Minister said that it was the mission of Sheikh Sahib to remove illiteracy which was must for the progress of State. Sheikh Abdullah paid special attention to improve the educational infrastructure and strengthened the network of education in every nook and corner of the State to provide education to the students at their doorsteps which
ity by way of providing safe drinking water to the rural population. He further added that Village Water and Sanitation Committees have a great role in ensuring water security and providing safe drinking water to the rural populace. DDC in his address stressed for a proper management of human excreta and stressed on the need of functional toilets constructed under SSA and NBA schemes of Education and Rural Development Deptt. He advocated on fully implementation of WASH component in Govt. schools and said that children can undertake outreach activities by educating their parents and families on good hygiene and sanitation habits which be taught to must teach them in schools. He said that District Administration will extend full cooperation to NDF and all departments will converge to make this programme a great success so that results are visible in coming times. He stressed upon the need of creating separate toilets for girls in schools keeping in mind their menstrual need also.
You can be a little stubborn, and it seems that you’re in the process of giving a wonderful demonstration of this. You can be a little slow when you need to move, but once you get started, it’s very hard to get you to stop! Still, there’s nothing terribly difficult about making the necessary adjustments. You need to give yourself time.
April 20-May 20
Buddhist students of Padder calls on Kichloo
KATHUA, DECEMBER 27:
Aries
March 21-April 19
Taurus
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 Hyderpora Hilal News Agency Budgam JAMMU, DECEMBER 27: Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Chadoora Republic Day Camp which is with a larger vision of their JAMMU, DECEMBER 27: Bhat News Agency Zargar News role in carrying theAgency countryKunzar being heldMagam at New Delhi in The Minister of State for InDar NewsJanuary, Agency2014. Beerwah Bashir News Agency Sumbal forward. A Republic Day Contingent dustries &Commerce, Home The Governor in- Pattan The Governor concomprising of 99 NCCReshi cadetsNews Agency Safapora Saleem News Agency and Tourism, Mr.Sajjad Ahthe contingent and allPampore gratulated the Bandipora NCC cadets vited Reyaz representing all the three re- News Basharat Agency News Agency mad Kichloo has asked the their Instructors to under- youth to come forward in a gions of Jammu and Kashmir for presenting a high qualAltaf News Agency Pulwama Javaid News Agency Qazigund ity cultural programme, and take a visit to the Shri Mata big way to avail the incenmet Mr.N.N. Vohra, the GovAgency Baramulla G.M News Agency Sopore Devi Shrine and precomplimented Brigadier Vaishno ernor and Mrs. Usha Jeelani Vohra, News tives available under central Shah News Agency Kupwara Sultan News Agency a cultural show atHandwara N.K.Khajuria, Commander, senting the First Lady, at Rajbhavan and State Industrial PackagMataNews Vaishno Devi Islamabad NCC Agency Group, Langate Srinagar, for the Shri today. The NCC group was News Younis Sheikh Agency es which are better as comUniversity, after their composing a meaningful led by Major General Reshi NeerajNews Agency Islamabad ThreeKatra, Way News Agencypared Tral to some other States return from the Republic Day of the country. song to stress the message of Verma, Additional DirecTurray News Agency Tral Badru News Agency Bijbehara celebrations in New Delhi. environmental preservation. tor General, National Cadet Interacting with a group of Rahi News Agency Kulgam Malik On News the Agency occasion,Arwani Wishing the NCC Corps, Jammu and Kashmir Buddhist students of Padder, Rah Newscontingent Agency Byepass News Agency General Neeraj Verma, Kargil high success in MajorShaheen Directorate. Kishtwar studying in various
NCC Republic Day Contingent meets the Governor
HOROSCOPE
changed the overall education scenario in the State, said Mr. Lone. With a view of add more accommodation to the college, the Minister directed the Monitoring Cell of Higher Education, JKPCC and Principal of the College to prepare a comprehensive project and submit the same to the concerned quarters within a fortnight so that the funds are sanctioned for the purpose. Earlier, Mr. Lone inspected various departments of the college and directed the concerned to face lift the entire building, improving the drainage system and creating other facilities for the students. Responding to the demands regarding creation of sports infrastructure and lab equipment in the College, Mr. Lone directed the College authorities to come up with the proposal which will be examined on priority for appropriate action. In his address, Member Parliament, Ch. Lal Singh highlighted the importance of Higher Education and asked the students to work hard to realize the targets. He said with the expanded role of contemporary global education trends, the students have to give their hundred percent to compete in the job oriented market. He also stressed upon
the faculty members to put in their hard efforts to nurture the students to meet the global challenges. The Member Parliament urged the Minister to earmark adequate funds for the upgradation of existing infrastructure of the college to improve its overall functioning. He said the College caters vast area and in view of large enrollment the Government should create the infrastructure as per the needs. MLA Kathua, Mr. Charanjit Singh also spoke on the occasion and stressed the need for imparting moral education to the students which is must for the overall development of the youth. He announced Rs. 5 lakh out of his CDF for construction of drainage system of the college. He expressed his thanks to the Minister for paying special attention to upgrade the infrastructure of the College. On the occasion, students presented cultural items which were lauded by one and all in the audience. Among others, Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Mr. Jatinder Kumar Singh, Director Colleges, Dr. Traiq Ahmed Kawoosa, Managing Director, JKPCC, Mr. J.R. Bhagat, Principal of the college, staff, students and prominent citizens were present on the occasion.
Achievements under Forest sector reviewed at Ang ANANTNAG, DECEMBER 27: District Development Commissioner Anantnag Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone today reviewed the achievements made under Forest sector in Anantnag district at a meeting of various wings of Forest department. While giving the details of the achievements made by Forest Division Anantnag, the DFO stated that against an allocation of Rs.6 lakhs under district sector and Rs. 7 lakhs under state sector an expenditure of Rs.4.50 lakhs and Rs.3 lakhs has been made up to ending December 15, 2013 on different works including fencing also. Under CAMPA scheme against a proposed allocation of Rs. 1.26 crore an expenditure of Rs.60 lakhs has been made on the development of six forest closers, two closers each in Qazigund and Kokernag ranges, one in Daksum and one in Kothar. It was also informed in the meeting that against a timber distribution target of 1.61 lakh cfts, 1.65 lakhs cfts of timber was distributed in Anantnag by the department.
Also 22,89,855 cfts of timber received from outside the state was also distributed among the consumers. Moreover 50,000 quintals of firewood was also provided to 140 Mosques in the district. Adequate quantity of timber has also been dumped at various Disaster Management Centres on National Highway. While informing the meeting, the DFO Soil Conservation stated that an expenditure of Rs. 5.6 lakhs against an allocation of Rs. 10.88 lakhs under district sector has been made by the wing under landslide control at the places of Hallan Nowbugh, Guridraman Pathribal, Rakhnad, Ghulab Bagh Munda and Upper Munda. A fencing of 6500 RFT against a target of 9500 RFT has been also completed by the wing. Under state sector Rs. 5.50 lakhs have also been released and work at Yeshnad Chittergul is under progress. Among others the meeting was also attended by Additional District Development Commissioner Anantnag, Joint Director Planning and officers of Forest department.
Gemini May 21-June 21
You’re in the process of changing directions in your professional life. This can’t be done in a day. It’s sometimes painful. Things will be going slowly and require you to think and confront yourself honestly. Don’t run away even if you’re tempted to do so. Trust that you aren’t far from your goal.
Cancer June 22-July 22
You’ll have to demonstrate your endurance today. Much is required of you, and you have no choice but to make the contribution expected of you. There’s no way around it. You’re a key player in the events swirling around you. Surely you’ve noticed. Much as you’d like to take off for a vacation, you can’t do it now.
Leo
July 23-August 22 You may have some very good ideas relating to your professional field, but do you have complete mastery of them? If not, accept the fact that you can still learn from courses or experts in your field. It won’t kill you to be guided a bit. Stop doubting or criticizing what others propose to you.
Virgo
August 23-September 22
There may be some worries nagging at you. Perhaps you have a financial concern or minor health complaint. Don’t let it get you down. You have the inner resources to overcome it. Although the current state of affairs has you feeling gloomy, your optimism will return soon. Until then, put your trust in other values, such as love, friendship, and faith.
Libra
September 23-October 23 You may feel somewhat grumpy and sluggish, like you have an energy deficit. But the oppressive mood of today will also lend objectivity and reality to any examination you make of what’s happening in your life. For example, any matter that fails to elicit your enthusiasm is probably due for some changes.
Scorpio
October 24-November 21 The mood is somewhat oppressive today. If you could, you’d send away anyone who tries to put obstacles in your path. Or maybe you’d prefer to go away yourself! The day ahead is good for a realistic test of the waters. How far do you think you can go with your individual potential, emotionally and professionally?
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
You’ve decided to blow the whistle on yourself! All of a sudden it’s obvious that you’re not performing as well as you should be. It’s time to put your self-discipline to work. You may change your work methods, budget your money more carefully, or diversify your activities. Perhaps you’ll reorganize your work team. All sorts of solutions are available to you.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Career or family? Social recognition or personal gratification? You may feel torn between two poles and spend the better part of the day searching for answers to such questions. Now you’re trying to keep all the bases covered, but the weariness you feel on days like this is a hint that you need to make some wise, realistic changes for the future.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
You’ll have to deal with some internal and external conflict. Often you’re so happy to be lost in your dreams that you don’t really focus on what’s going on in the real world. But today alarm bells relating either to work or finances rudely awaken you. It’s useless to panic. You’ve learned that running away only worsens the situation.
Pisces
February 19-March 20 Your legendary impatience is playing tricks on you. You’re in too much of a hurry. You may have changed things on the outside but you haven’t changed who you really are. Resist the temptation to sweep everything away to start all over again. If you did, in a few months you’d just be back where you started. Think about a better approach.
Editorial/Opinion Zabarwan Times Saturday, 28 December 2013
T
he people of the valley are confronted with so many problems in their day to day life but the most crucial among these problems is erratic power supply in the urban areas and no supply at all in most of the rural areas. One can very easily face the chilly winter and can make it very productive if there is proper electric supply available. Kashmir valley being famous for handicrafts can double its production in the winter months provided the craftsmen are not faced with unscheduled power cuts and irrational power shedding. It has been a routine in the state that the politicians and the bureaucrats make announcement after announcement and take meeting after meeting to improve the power scenario but unfortunately on the ground level the condition becomes worst with every passing year. The main reason for this is that there is no and there has been no proper planning to tap the electricity potential of the state and the previous governments have not been able to plane the tapping of our abundant water resources in such a way that could generate enough electricity to meet the requirements of the state. Every year the population increases but the power generation does not get a boost to suffice the needs of the consumers. Though the people were hopeful that with the commissioning of Dool Hasti, Baglihar and Uri II the power situation in the state will improve but unfortunately that state has a very meager share in these projects except Baglihar which is in the state sector. The rest of the electricity generated by other power houses including Salal goes to northern grid and only a meager portion remains with the state as its share. It would be impossible to meet the power requirements of the state unless all these projects are handed over back to the state so that the state becomes self sufficient in the power sector and provides sufficient electricity to its consumers. Though the state governments of late have been advocating the handover of these projects to the state as they have already earned and recovered the construction cost but the response from the central government has not been so positive so far making the power situation more difficult in the state. The central government should understand the conditions of the state keeping in view the chilly winter and take a liberal view to handover all power projects back to the state.
ZABARWAN TIMES 9
Saturday, 28 December 2013
Empowering mentally ill to live with dignity
The Daily
Deepening power crisis in the valley
Daily
M
ental health represents a critical indicator of human development, serves as a key determinant of wellbeing, quality of life and is the basis for social stability. Social and economic impact of poor mental health is pervasive and far reaching, leading to poverty, high unemployment rates, poor educational and health outcomes, among others. There is a need for a wider recognition of mental and emotional well-being as a core indicator of human development, and it is necessary to integrate a mental health and psychosocial perspective into all development and humanitarian policies, programmes. Persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities represent a significant proportion of the world’s population. One in four people globally experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. Almost one million people die due to suicide every year and depression is ranked third in the global burden of disease, and is projected to rank first in 2030. In India prevalence of mental disorders is 6-7% for common mental disorders and 1-2% for severe mental disorders. Treatment gap for severe mental disorders is approximately 50% and in case of Common mental Disorders it is over 90%.With such a magnitude of mental disorders it becomes necessary to promote mental health services for the well being of general population, in addition to provide treatment for mental illnesses. Persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities often face stigma and discrimination due to widely held misconceptions about the causes and nature of mental health conditions. Persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities also experience high levels of physical abuse. They encounter restrictions in their exercise of socio-politico-economic rights in the majority of countries, largely due to the false assumption that they are not able to carry out their responsibilities, manage their own affairs and make decisions about their lives. Though mental health conditions are one of the leading causes of disability, persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities often lack resources to maintain basic living standards. Furthermore, they are one of the most neglected and discriminated groups in development policies and programmes. Integration of mental health into development efforts is a cost effective pro-poor
strategy. There are cost effective treat- includes; School Mental Health services; The proposed Mental Health Care bill is ments available for most mental illnesses, College Counselling services; work place significant in terms of Rights’ Approach and effective treatment is associated with stress management and suicide prevention that is being adopted to give pre-eminence reductions in overall health-care costs. services. Efforts are being made to to the preferences and opinion of the Child development, education, health, improve human resource availability in mentally ill person to a major extent. social welfare policies and programmes mental health sector so that mentally ill Provisions like ‘Advance Directive’ must integrate mental and psychosocial gets required attention and persons having empowers every person to make directive aspects. In India, National Mental Health a predilection for mentally illness can get on how he wishes to be cared and treated Programme (NMHP) was started in 1982 good advice, counselling at the initial stages for mental illness or not. Other salient provisions are; with the objectives to ensure availability itself. and accessibility of minimum mental Components of NHMP are being brought · A mentally ill person admitted to a mental health care for all, to encourage mental under the overall umbrella of National health establishment shall have a right to health knowledge and skills and to Rural Health Mission so that the States are receive or refuse visitors, phone calls, promote community participation in able to plan requirements concerning mail, etc · A mentally ill person has a right to have treatment in his locality / residence and can In India prevalence of mental disorders is prefer only minimum treatment/care at mental health establishments. This is to ensure that the patient is allowed to live in, 6-7% for common mental disorders and be part of and not be segregated from society to the extent possible 1-2% for severe mental disorders. · Every patient has a right to protection from cruel, inhuman and degrading Treatment gap for severe mental disorders treatment and the mental health establishment shall be safe, clean with facilities for education, recreation, religious practices. · is approximately 50% and in case of No patient shall be forced to undertake work and subject to compulsory shaving of Common mental Disorders it is over head and wearing of uniforms. · Mental illness may be made eligible for medical insurance coverage. 90%.With such a magnitude of mental · Government is duty-bound to plan, implement mental health programmes and disorders it becomes necessary to promote create awareness about mental health and illness to reduce the associated with mental health services for the well being of mental illness · Every person will have access to mental health care and treatment at affordable general population, in addition to provide cost, of good quality and of requisite quantity, accusable to the report, their treatment for mental illnesses. families and care givers · Government should interpret mental mental health service development and to Mental Health services as part of the health services into general health care stimulate self-help in the community. respective project plans. Rs.623.45 crore services at all levels in all health Gradually, the approach of mental health has been approved as XI plan outlay (upto programmes. care services has shifted from hospital based 2012) for the National Mental Health · Government shall arrange good quality care (institutional) to community based Programme. However, recognizing the care and treatment in hospitals funded by mental health care, as majority of mental difficulties/stigma faced by mentally ill government and in case of non availability disorders do not require hospitalization and persons the Government is in the process in nearby place; refund the costs of can be managed at community level. of providing a humane, patient centric treatment to the patient. During IX five year plan, District Mental legal framework for mentally ill patients. To conclude, a mentally well person means Health Programme was initiated (1996) and The proposed Mental Health Care bill can a healthy society and developed nation. It at present DMHP is covering 123 districts in be a ‘Game changer’ in the life of millions is not enough if we have best health care 30 States and UTs. In addition to early of mentally ill persons who were often services, protective legislation unless the identification and treatment of mentally ill, victims of inhuman and degrading stigma, discrimination and widely held District Mental Health Programme has now treatment, abuse and ridicule, both at the misconceptions attached to mental illness incorporated promotive and preventive community level and at health care are weeded out and community becomes more empathetic towards such persons. activities for positive mental health which delivery establishments.
Enforcement and Awareness Help Beed Improve Child Sex Ratio
T
wo years ago, Beed in Maharashtra’s Marathwada region made news nationwide on account of heinous crime of female foeticide, leading to a serious crackdown on several medical practitioners. According to 2011 census, Beed recorded a Child Sex Ratio of 796 girls per 1000 boys, much worse than the Child Sex Ratio of 894 for Maharashtra and the all India figure of 914. Child Sex Ratio is defined as the number of females per 1000 males in the 0 - 6 age group. This ratio, on its own may not be able to present a correct picture of sex ratio as there are instances of under reporting of girls. Therefore, the Sex Ratio at Birth, defined as the number of girls born for every 1000 boys, is considered a more accurate and a refined indicator. While unplanned pregnancy is generally the reason behind abortions, female foeticide is a far more heinous crime than the age old practice of killing the unwanted child after it was born. Selective elimination of the girl child in the womb itself is done after the determination of child’s gender through the medical means. This is usually done under family pressure from the husband or in-laws or even women’s parents. Sadly a majority of female foeticide cases involve an enthusiastic participation of women - both old and young. Like many societies around the world, India too is patriarchal in nature. Right from the ancient scriptures, one finds instances were men are glowingly praised as the key to continue family lineage.
This results in a fanatic obsession for a male progeny. A Wake Up Call Alarm bells began to ring when the rampant practice of pre natal sex selection came to light with the connivance of several reputed medical practitioners in Beed. The Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prevention of Sex Determination) Act, enacted by Parliament of India in 1994, bans use of sex selection techniques before or after conception and prevents the misuse of prenatal diagnostic technique for sex selective abortion. However, due to laxity in enforcement, the there was no let up in discrimination against the girl child. The state government woke up to the challenge and announced a slew of measures to stop female foeticide and catch its perpetrators. Teams were formed to crack down on illegal ultrasound centres indulging in sex determination tests. Food & Drug Administration kept a watch on the sale of drugs and medicines required for medical termination of pregnancy. Action was taken against 12 chemists in Beed district who failed to provide satisfactory replies to the show cause notices served upon them. Awareness is the Key To supplement the enforcement programme, a massive awareness drive was initiated to drive home the importance of girl child. Besides the public service advertisements broadcast over television and radio, Amir Khan’s TV show ‘Satyamev Jayate’ also helped raise the level of awareness about female foeticide. Voluntary Organizations (NGOs) came
forward to supplement government’s efforts in this girl child mission. In Beed, organizations like ‘Tee Foundation’ and ‘Marathwada Lok Vikas Manch’ came forward to adopt talukas, in a bid to improve child sex ratio. These Voluntary Organizations adopted Shirur-Kasar taluka for a comprehensive survey and provision of necessary support services. “It was a grim scenario when we began our survey in 2011; Beed had a low sex ratio of 733 and it was even worse in Shirur- Kasar taluka, where child sex ratio was only 669” says Dr. Bharati Lavekar of the Tee foundation . The Voluntary Organizations conducted house to house surveys and listed out the reasons for adverse sex ratio. “After studying the mind-set and the behavioural pattern of villagers, we became convinced that the situation can not be improved merely by enacting laws or conducting television sting operations. We needed to get to the root of the problem and change people’s mindset” adds Dr.Lavekar. While the government supervised strict enforcement of the PCPNDT Act, holistic health services were made available to pregnant women through regular health check up, vitamin administration and nutrition supplement under the National Rural Health Mission, NRHM. Special training programmes were held for ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) volunteers and Anganwadi Sevikas for skill upgradation. Voluntary Organizations played a key role in interpersonal communication, by reaching out to women during their free time.
To motivate people to raise girl child a fixed deposit scheme under the Balika Suraksha Yojana was introduced. Under this scheme Rs 5000 would be deposited in the name of every girl child born after August 15, 2011 to be held as Fixed Deposit with State Bank of Hyderabad for a term of 18 years. The lump sum money would be payable to the girl on becoming a major, subject to attaining certain minimum educational qualifications. Surprise Results Sincere efforts of government, voluntary organizations and citizen activists began to show results. A report prepared by the State Health System Resource Centre based on District Health Information System – an online portal for calculating sex ration at birth, had a surprise for everyone associated with the project. Beed district recorded an impressive 159 points jump in sex ratio during 2012 as compared to 2011. According to the NRHM Mission Director for Maharashtra, Vikas Kharge, “awareness drives, stringent enforcement of law, initiation of technology like mother and child tracking system, routine inspection and crackdown on ultra-sound / sonography centres have all resulted in improving the state’s sex ratio at birth. Along with Beed, Parabhani and Aurangabad have also shown improvement.” At 906 girls per 1000 boys, Beeds sex ratio at birth is now on par, or rather a shade better than the state average. However, activists say there is still a long way to go to catch up with the ideal sex ratio of 951.
Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer.