C M Y K
C M Y K
THURSDAY
November 28 | 2013 | 23 Muharram 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |
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For
http://www.zabarwantimes.com
VOL NO: 3 | ISSUE NO: 301 | 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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Reviews recommendations on road safety
of s rch uter a se mp t in co s ge t n o i s i t t e ely on ns ien lik ositi Sc n se t o o p Ro wn mm co Joe e do on
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15 absentees suspended in Kulgam Kulgam, November 27: To improve the work culture in government offices in Kulgam District, a monitoring squad headed by Additional District Magistrate today during a surprise visit to different offices of district found 15 employees unauthorizedly absent from their duties. The officials including five teachers of Govt. Higher Secondary School Quimoh as well were put under suspension with immediate effect. The general public of the area have appealed for intensifying the drive against the erring employees of the district.
Fukki recovered Srinagar, November 27: Sopore police recovered fukki from a truck at Fruit Mandi, Sopore. On a tip off Sopore, Sopore police searched a Truck bearing registration number JK05A/8573 at fruit Mandi, Sopore, in the jurisdiction of police station Sopore. During the search, police recovered Fukki from five boxes in the truck. However, the driver of the truck fled from the spot. A case FIR No: 273/2013 under section 8/17 NDPS Act was registered in Police station Sopore in this regard and investigation has been started.
14 injured in road mishaps Srinagar, November 27: Fourteen persons were injured in different road accidents across the Kashmir Valley. A Tavera bearing registration number JK18/4957 hit a Motorcycle bearing registration number JK03C/6144 at Kerikadal, Anantnag, in the jurisdiction of police station Bijbehara, resulting in injuries to motorcyclist Rayees Ahmad Thoker son of Manzoor Ahmad resident of Kanialwan. The injured was shifted to hospital for treatment. A case has been registered in this regard. See Injured on Pg. 11
Pakistan situation and drone attacks The defiant posture adopted by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf Party led by Imran Khan against drone attacks in Pakistan has created a new situation of confrontation
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Asks officers to realize set development targets
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Blunder bus again under cloud Aspirant Patwars smell foul in BOPEE selection Srinagar, November 27: Financial Commissioner Revenue Arun Kumar Wednesday said that those aspirants who smell foul in the selection list of Revenue official Examinations should know that Patwar Test was conducted by Board of Professional Entrance Examination (BOPEE). “We are ready for re-evaluation of examination papers but one thing I want to make it clear that it is the baby of BOPEE,” Kumar told Srinagar based news gathering agency CNS adding that aspirants have right to re-evaluate their examination papers. Meanwhile, scores of aspirants who had appeared in Revenue Official Examination staged a protest in Press Enclave Srinagar. The aspirants while smelling foul alleged that most of the Urdu
knowing aspirants from Kashmir province have been shown in ‘failed category’ which is not possible. “In Kulgam town alone out of 93 aspirants, 61 candidates have been shown failed. The failed students are qualified ones possess-
ing the Ph D, M Phil degrees in Urdu,” one of the aspirant said. Another aspirant said that they
fail to understand how most of the Kashmiri students have been shown failed in Urdu subject. “There is a Urdu paper called ‘Bandobast’ which is of Matric standard level. Kashmiri students who are Urdu knowing have been shown failed in this paper while aspirants from Udhampur and Jammu have passed this paper. It is surprising and we demand through probe into the matter,” Shakeel Ahmed told reporters in Press Enclave Srinagar. The aspirants said that Service Selection Recruitment Board (SSRB) always conducted Patwar test but the Cabinet Decision in this regard permitted BOPEE to conduct this test. “The Patwar test of 1500 aspirants (700 Jammu and 800 from See Blunder Bus on Pg. 11
‘NC unnerved by emergence of structured opposition’ Srinagar, November 27: Stating that the frustration of the National Conference was understood, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president, Mehbooba Mufti Wednesday said this party is first time facing a structured opposition within the system and is not able to handle the situation. She was today addressing a series of meetings at Aloosa, Bandipore
town and Sumlar in the North Kashmiri’s Bandipur constituency. In Bandipore town she ad-
dressed a youth convention. Senior party leader
& MLA Nizamudin Bhat, MLC Naeem Akhtar and district president Yasir Reshi , Zone President Abdul Majid besides others were also present and spoke the gathering on this occasion, a statement issued to KNS said. The PDP president said the NC had taken power for granted and perceived itself as the successor to the Maharaja and believed in the See NC Unnerved on Pg. 11
Winter vacation likely from Dec 2 Srinagar, November 27: Finalizing the time frame for the winter vacations in valley, the education department has recommended that the middle schools in valley should close on December 2 and the vacations be granted to the higher classes from December 10. The sources close to the Directorate of school Education Kashmir informed KNS that the department See Winter Vacation on Pg. 11
From a Physics Lecturer Third Front to seek to BOPEE Chairman details through RTI Politicians at back, Peer Selection of Patwars
Srinagar, November 27: Casting doubt over the selection of Revenue Officials, newly formed Third Front Wednesday said that it will seek details through Right to Information Act about the said selection. Talking to reporters, Third Front leader, Sanjay Saraf said that Government is not interested in changing the destiny of people of Kashmir. “After 22 years of turmoil, youth shifted from one system to another but even after that justice is denied to them,” Saraf said. He said that the Kashmiri aspirants who appeared in Patwar Examination are See Third Front on Pg. 11
did things at will Srinagar, November 27: While the fraudulent selection of candidates in the multi-crore questionpaper-leakage scam has raised a political storm in Jammu and Kashmir, a glimpse into the past of Mushtaq Peer, the main culprit in the scam shows how a ‘minnow’ assistant professor rouse to this position over the years with the active political backing. Global News Service has learned that See BOPEE Chairman on Pg. 11
Kamal takes on Mufti Says Mufti worried over his wrong doings Srinagar, November 27: Hitting hard at the people’s Democratic Party patron Mufti Mohammad Syed’s recent statement in which he had accused the Omar regime for “systematically demolishing all state institutions” in the past five years to fulfill its evil designs, Additional general secretary
of National conference Dr Mustafa Kamal Wednesday said that Mufti’s statement is the outcome of his apprehension of being exposed for his past wrong doings. “Mufti is worried because he knows that those officers who have always been shielded by him are going to be exposed all, one
by one,” Kamal told KNS. Senior National conference leader further said that Mufti Syed is ‘frustrated’ to witness the ‘historical decisions’ taken by Omar Abdullah led coalition government in the state. Syed wants to grab power by all means for which he is trying best to weaken the National conference.,” In Mufti’s regime, the state got only misrule of the See Kamal on Pg. 11
NC asks Modi not After SHRC, Taj pitches for Mansoor Ahmed Mir sworn to spread communal CCTVs in Police stations in as CJ Himachal Pradesh tension Shimla, November 27:
Srinagar, November 27:
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Srinagar, Nov 27: As BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi is all set to address a rally in Jammu on December 1, National Conference has asked Modi not to disrupt the communal harmony of Jammu and Kashmir. Senior NC leader Ali Mohammad Sagar, while talking to Kashmir News Service (KNS) said that every-
one is free to express his point of view in democracy and that the state government is not against any party in this regard. However Sagar further stated that the communal hatred has become BJP’s trademark and that the BJP believes in politics of ‘hatred’. “BJP believes in the politics of strange nature but we must say with certainty that the See NC on Pg. 11
Days after State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) issued notice to Principal Secretary Home and Director General Police to consider installation of Close Circuit TV (CCTVs) cameras in all police stations, senior Congress leader and Minister for Medical Education, Taj Mohiuddin Wednesday said all the police stations must have CCTV Cameras so that the police functioning could become more
transparent. “Installation of CCTV cameras in all police stations is important so that there will be transparency in the whole system Taj told Kashmir News service. Emphasizing the importance of CCTV’s Taj said: “Let the government install CCTV
cameras in police stations as this can be the only evidence in the hands of Police to prove their transparency and dedication, moreover there are many misconceptions regarding the police functioning among the people, here again CCTVs will be helpful to clear all the doubts,”. He further said, “Surveillance cameras would help in See Taj on Pg. 11
Justice Mansoor Ahmed Mir Wednesday was swornin as Chief Justice of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh. Governor, Himachal Pradesh Urmila Singh administered the oath of Office to Chief Justice Mansoor Ahmed Mir in an impressive ceremony held in Raj Bhavan. Before administering oath, P Mitra, Officiating Chief Secretary conducted the
proceedings and read out the Warrant of appointment order vide number K11019/1/2013-US-1 dated Nov 25, 2013 issued by the President of India. Justice Mir was posted as Additional District and Sessions Judge, Srinagar in 2004 and Principal District and Session Judge, Srinagar from 2004 till elevated as additional Judge of the High Court of J&K. He was sworn in as additional See CJ on Pg. 11
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11 From Front Page........
Daily
Thursday, 28 27 November 2013
Blunder Bus.........
Kashmir and Ladakh) was conducted by BOPEE. The aspirants were trained in Revenue College Jammu and Bemina in Srinagar. After 9 months training their examination was conducted in which more than 400 aspirants especially from Kashmir allegedly failed,” one of the aspirants told CNS. The aspirants alleged that academic records of most of the successful candidates are below par which needs to be checked. When contacted, Financial Commissioner Revenue Arun Kumar said that it was BOPEE that conducted these Patwar test. “We are ready for re-evaluation of examination papers as it is the right of the aspirants,” he said. Pertinently, Crime Branch has seized question papers for Patwar test held last year from the residence of former BOPEE Chairman Mushtaq Peer during raids last week. The selection of the Patwaris conducted by the BOPEE is already under cloud and is likely to be brought within the ambit of the Crime Branch investigation.
Third Front.........
dead sure that selection has not been fair and fraud has been committed. “How come it is possible that highly qualified aspirants from Kulgam, Baramulla, Shopian and Pulwama will cut a sorry figure in Urdu Paper when all are Urdu knowing,” he said adding that Third will seek details about it through RTI Act.
BOPEE Chairman........
with the active support of few Congress and National Conference ministers, Mushtaq Peer the former chairman of the Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (BOPEE) rouse step after step due to the political backing. In the late 90’s, Peer is said to have joined the Kashmir University as the Assistant Professor in Physics and within no time, this young academician from downtown Srinagar, became active in the Kashmir University administration. He served the University as head of department of computer sciences for at least five years and very soon he was to become the brainchild of launching the full-fledged Information Technology (IT) department in the Kashmir University in the ensuing years. “He was the main head behind the idea of having an IT department in the varsity for which the administration provided him a huge chunk of funds. He was a computer literate,” a source in the KU told GNS. As being the HOD of the Computer Sciences Department, Peer allegedly landed up in a scam as he had purchased substandard computers and other electronic equipments for his department. However, a congress minister came to his rescue and saved him from any action. “VC Prof Jalees Tareen Khan had directed then Registrar Professor Abdul Majid Matoo to probe the fraud but he could not act due to political intervention,” a source said. “His father was a staunch supporter of congress. Peer spent his childhood in the Safakadal area of downtown and had links with congress initially and he extended later them to the National Conference as well,” the source added. His colleagues in the Kashmir University allege that because of his ‘mastery in flattery’, Peer would not earn many enemies despite his wrongdoings. “It’s a simple query that there were dozens of senior academicians in the Kashmir university who were eligible for the post of chairman in BOPEE, but because Peer was an influential person, he was gifted this chair by the government in lieu of doing certain tasks for them,” one of his former colleague in the KU said on the condition on anonymity. In the University, as being the brainchild of laying the foundation of the IT department in varsity, Peer made a special ‘clout’ with few technical guys in the same department who were later on used by Peer in assisting him in manipulating the answer keys of many national and state level exams, CET being one of them. “Uploading the answer keys on the internet and also making them is one of the technicalities that Peer and his clout was well versed with and later on the same team helped Peer in manipulating certain answer keys,” the source revealed. It was very soon after Peer left the Kashmir University, as the NC led coalition government as promised to him, made him the chairman of BOPEE on February 28, 2009. Since then Peer was used as a ‘tool’ by both National Conference and the congress in lieu of getting through their close relatives in the common entrance tests (CET), one of his close aide admitted. During his tenure as the chairman BOPEE, almost 4 Common Entrance Test (CET) have been conducted, all of which are under scanner now. Not only the common entrance tests, Peer was also handy in conducting the Masters in Medicine and Surgery (MD, MS) entrance tests and it’s believed that, all of these entrance tests have come under the scanner of the crime branch officials now. “MD, MS and other exams like admissions in the different government colleges of Jammu and Kashmir were also held under the supervision of Mushtaq Peer. The B.ED exams in Kashmir were never transparent,” the source revealed further. During his tenure and because of his political influence Peer managed to make his wife Tabbasum Ara a member of the service selection recruitment board (SSRB). “She was never eligible for that post. It either an IAS officer or KAS officer or any senior academician that can be made a member of the board, but Tabbasum a simple lecturer of electronics at the SP college managed it to make to that position despite being under qualified for the post,” the source disclosed to GNS. “His wife pursued her M.Sc in Electronics from Kashmir University. Then she was appointed as a college lecturer with political pressure and few years back was posted as a member of SSRB by the ruling coalition,” the source said. “SSRB is a big responsibility because under its supervision the fate of lakhs of students is decided but even that board has become so corrupt that if they have to publish a list of the students who have been selected to any job, phone calls from Unknown numbers were made to the selected students and they were asked to pay Rs 2-5 lakhs for the job for which they have been already selected,” the source said adding “If the candidates failed to pay the amount then the lists would be changed overnight.” Besides doing so many wrongs during his tenure, and before the government gave him the ‘contentious’ out of turn ‘extension’ as ‘Consultant to the State government’ [on fast-track class-4 recruitment], Peer had applied for the post of Vice-Chancellor for Islamic University for Science and Technology. “He was in VC Panel among the 5 probable candidates his serial number was 3,” the source said. Peer has acquired a bungalow at Professor Colony Hazratbal, Including the land on which the bungalow is constructed, in total it’s about 2 Kanals of land worth Rs 3crore. Besides a bungalow, Peer has been found to have purchased over 10 kanals of land in Ganderbal, a built-up house in the posh Tawi Vihar area of Sidhra in Jammu, few kanals of land at Pahalgam, besides three flats in Jammu and New Delhi — all in the last three years. In the 2012 CET merit list, 20 out of the top 40 selected candidates were found to have paid a bribe in the range of Rs. 10-20 lakh each, before the question papers of the Combined Entrance Test were revealed to them a day before the examination. In the year 2012 alone, The J&K Board of Professional Entrance Examination (BOPEE) was accused of cheating in counseling for Masters in Dental Science (MDS reserved category) course-2012 allotment. According to the aspirants, the counseling committee instead of
asking meritorious candidates for their choice of stream did other way around. In these controversial exams, the candidates with 170 marks were asked first to pick the stream of his choice, over the person who had 203 marks. Thus, puncturing the merit. Adding to the worse, following his retirement as BOPEE chairman, Peer’s service was extended on 2 Dec 2012 by making him ‘consultant’ in order to provide consultancy to the government on the proposed fast-track recruitment of class-4 employees, 80,000 in number. His neighbours in professor colony say that the moment Peer was announced as ‘consultant’, hundreds of people used to visit him in his home and also his house was decorated with colorful lights for more than a month. In the first phase as the consultant, the SSRB under supervision of Peer advertised 16,000 job posts for the unemployed youth, mainly as junior assistants, teachers, stock assistants, supervisors and other related jobs. Over 4 lakh youths applied for the jobs and it’s believed that in the recently announced results for the junior assistants, out of 40 posts 16 have been awarded to the candidates belonging to the Chadoora constituency all on the behest of a senior national conference leader. “Just imagine the amount of money being swindled in lieu of providing the jobs to the youth. In this case, candidates who have passed easily the exams conducted under SSRB are being made to pay Rs 2 Lakhs even if they have qualified the posts,” a source said.
Kamal.......
worst kind whether it is corruption, forest scam, Amaranth land row, weakening of democratic institution and even the Gulmarg land scam which exposed the level of PDP corruption. Accountability Commission was not allowed to work during PDP regime, and the Chairman of the commission was hurdled so much to deliver his duties that he got compelled to resign. “Mufti should know that it was Omar Abdullah who appointed chairman for Accountability commission and also brought RTI in its existence which opened ways for common masses to know about everything they wish to,”. People of Jammu and Kashmir have also not forgotten the dubious role PDP played in destabilizing the government in 2008 and then the effort to subvert the elections of 2008. The only politics PDP knows is a politics of dubious machinations of destabilizing the state’s political framework,” he said.
Winter Vacation........
has sent the recommendations to the commissioner secretary education and to the education minister, advocating that due to the persistent cold conditions prevailing in valley at present, the winter vacations be granted to the schools here on December 2 and 10 respectively. The sources further inform that the recommendations sent by the Directorate of school Education Kashmir are expected to be accepted and that the government in the near future will announce the final dates of vacations officially. Meanwhile, Several parents have expressed their concern that due to the severe cold conditions in valley, the schools have no heating arrangements for children and that the government must announce the vacations at the earliest.
NC Unnerved........
emotional exploitation and personal friendships in Delhi as licence to the power. It always preferred to push dissent beyond the constitutional space, so that it could seek an unchallenged mandate for its political and personal ends. According to PDP statement received by KNS, Mehbooba said: “That is why the state was disempowered; its economy shattered; its resources sold-out but the personal properties and fortunes of NC leadership kept swelling.” Mehbooba said for the first time in its history NC is facing the prospect of rout in elections because of its inefficiency, lack of sincerity and political bankruptcy, which has virtually landed the state into anarchy. The state government lacks central authority and all its ministers run their kingdoms in various departments. Previously, it would not have mattered because the NC would continue to win elections in absence of a viable and structured opposition, which is gaining ground in all the regions of the state, said Mehbooba and added that the PDP is giving nightmare to the ruling coalition, which is not able to build a narrative about its own performance which actually is nonexistent. Mehbooba said in a democratic setup it is the assigned job of opposition to oppose the government and point out its deficiencies and fallacies. That is what the PDP has been doing and will continue to do as long as it stays in the opposition. The PDP chief said: We can never compromise on the interests of the people and the state. However, she said it is very unusual that a government should only be worried about the opposition and be critical of it as the Omar Abdullah’s government is behaving in relation with the PDP. “Why don’t they count their achievements rather than go after the opposition weaving cock and bull stories to keep their cadres together.”
escape punishment,”. “The CCTV cameras should also be connected with the office of the higher police officials including Inspector general of police that way an eye could be kept on the working of the police stations, “he said. Stating that The CCTV cameras should be installed in government offices as well to monitor the activities of employees. “Installation of CCTVs in government offices will ensure a smooth and a disciplined performance being delivered by the employees.”
CJ.........
Judge of the High Court on January 31, 2005 and appointed as permanent Judge of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir on July 7, 2007. He has the distinction of being the first Judicial Officer to be Posted as Presiding Officer, Designated Court of TADA/ Special Judge, POTA for Kashmir Division in 2002 and remained posted as such for two years till 2004. Several Judicial officers and lawyers from Jammu and
Taj........
protection of human rights and will also stand as a witness for any Human Rights Violation within the police stations as at present in the absence of any proof the erring police officials
Office of the Regional Transport Office Kashmir NOTICE
Whereas a joint application has been received from Shri Abdul Salam Bhat S/o Abdul Samad Bhat R/o Manzgam Brane Sgr. (as Transferor) and Shri Mohammad Yaseen Dar S/o Mohammad Shafi Dar R/o Nowpora Sgr. (as Transferee) for transfer of Taxi Cab Carriage route permit No. 5028-MC Covering vehicle No. JK01L-9974. Now, Therefore, it is notified for general information that objections, if any to the proposed transfer of the said route permit/vehicle shall be filed in writing in the office of the Regional Transport Officer, Kashmir within a period of seven days from the date of publication of this notice. Seller and Purchaser identified by the authorised representative of M/s S.T.W Co. namely Mr. Bagh Hussain No: JK RTOK 7069 Sd/- Regional Transport Officer Dated: 27-11-2013 Kashmir
Kashmir High Court including Justice Muhammad Yaqoob Mir were present during Oath Ceremony.
Injured.........
A Bus bearing registration number JK03/1622 and Tata 407 bearing registration number JK03/4157 collided near Siligam, B. Ed college, Anantnag, resulting in injuries to seven passengers. All the injured were shifted to hospital for treatment. A case has been registered in this regard. A Sumo bearing registration number JK03D/0475 turned turtle at Chowgam Waizkadal, Anantnag, resulting in injuries to five passengers. All the injured were shifted to hospital for treatment. A case has been registered in this regard. A Motorcycle bearing registration number JK09/785 hit and injured a person Wali Rehman age 65 years son of Sheer Mohammad Khan resident of Challagund, Highhama at Sulkote, Kupwara, in the jurisdiction of police station Kupwara. The injured was shifted to hospital for treatment. A case has been registered in this regard.
Office of the Chairman District Rural Health Society/ District Development Commissioner Baramulla
Sub: Conducting of Screening Test of the petitioners for the post of ANM (FMPHW) under the Court directions of Hon’ble High Court of J&K Srinagar on contractual basis under RASHTRIYA BAL SWASTHAYA KARYAKRAM (RBSK) - District Baramulla. In compliance to the Court directions of Hon’ble High Court of J&K Srinagar dated: 14-11-2013, the screening test of the candidates (Petitioners) whose particulars are given below for the post of ANM (FMPHW) on contractual basis under RASHTRIYA BAL SWASTHAYA KARYAKRAM (RBSK) is scheduled to be held on 29-11-2013 12:00 Noon at Meeting Hall of Dak Bunglow Baramulla. S. No
Particulars of the Petitioner Shameema Akhter W/o Khurshid Ahmad Malik R/o Waripora Rafiabad Mahmooda Bano D/o Gh Rasool Sheikh R/o Pattan Shagufta Ramzan D/o Mohmad Ramzan Dar R/o Pattan Gulshan Ara D/o Mohd Sultan Sheikh R/o Palhallan Pattan Rafeeqa Bagum W/o Mohd. Maqbool Gojri R/o Shakwara Kreeri Awleen Jaan D/o Ab Hamid Fani R/o Hayatpora Tangmarg Mehbooba Bano W/o Mohd Ayoub Dar R/o Nowpora Kalan Sopore Zubida Bano D/o Mohd Abdullah Wani R/o Pattan Malpora Qunser Jabeen W/o Altaf Hussain Najar R/o Saidpora Sopore Masrat Bano D/o Mohd Yousf Joo R/o Gund Khawaja Qasim Baramulla
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Receipt No. of the Application Form
Date of Screening Test
Venue
19 20 32 48 97 117 130 171 172
29-11-2013
Meeting Hall of Dak Bunglow Baramulla
190
Accordingly all the above named petitioners are informed to present themselves for screening test at Meeting Hall of Dak Bunglow Baramulla on the scheduled date and time. The petitioners are advised to keep the receipt of the application form with them on the said date for allowing them to appear in screening test. The petitioner who will not keep the receipt with them on the date shall not be allowed to appear in the screening test. No: DDCB/NRHM/Appt/2013/10081-93 Sd/- Chairman District Rural Health Society/ Dated: 27-11-2013 District Dev. Commissioner, Baramulla
Office of the Chairman District Rural Health Society/ District Development Commissioner Baramulla
Sub: Reschedule of dates for Conducting of interview for the post of MEDICAL OFFICER (AYUSH) on contractual basis under RASHTRIYA BAL SWASTHAYA KARYAKRAM (RBSK) - District Baramulla. Ref: This Office Advertisement Notice No:- 03/DDCB of 2013 dated:-19/10/2013 issued under endorsement No. DDCB/NRHM/2013/7442-53 dated:-19/10/2013.
INTERVIEW NOTICE
In continuation to this office interview notice issued under endorsement No. DDCB/NRHM/Appt/2013/9963-74 dated:-23/11/2013, the interview dates of the candidates bearing following Form Nos who have applied for the Post of Medical Officer (AYUSH) on contractual basis under RASHTRIYA BAL SWASTHAYA KARYAKRAM (RBSK)-District Baramulla which was scheduled for 30/11/2013 & 02/12/2013 have been postponed and shall now be held on 06/12/2013 & 07/12/2013 at 10:30 A.M respectively in the office of District Dev. Commissioner Baramulla. S. No
Name of the Post
Day & Date
06-12-2013 (Friday)
1.
NC........
people of the state have rejected the politics of hatred long ago.” Appealing Modi not to spread the communal tension in the state, Sagar claimed that Modi is free to lead the political campaign for his party but he must not indulge in the politics of hatred. “Communal harmony has always remained a historic identity of the state and that the people here have never allowed any person to divide the state on the bases of religious beliefs.” Sagar further stated: “I salute the people of Jammu and Kashmir that they never have given any space to the elements who want to spread communal hatred. Even during the most turbulent times of the history of the state, people here live with this character.” When asked about the demand coming from certain sections in the state that Modi must be stopped as was done earlier in the case of Shayam Prasad Mukherjee, Sagar observed that Mukherjee’s case was different and that the decision taken by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah at that time was based on the ground situation.
ZABARWAN TIMES
Medical Officer (AYUSH) 2.
07-12-2013 (Saturday)
Form No’s BUMS 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 66, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 97 98, 100, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147,148,149
The candidates shall bring along with them all original testimonials on the date of interview falling which they can't appear for the interview. No: DDCB/NRHM/Appt/2013/10101-10112 Sd/- Chairman District Rural Health Society/ Dated: 27-11-2013 District Dev. Commissioner, Baramulla
Office of the Executive Engineer R&B Division Pulwama Kmr.
NIT Sl. No: 118/R&B/Pul/2013-14/5463-78 Dated: 23-11-2013
For and on behalf of the Governor of J&K State, the Executive Engineer R&B Division Pulwama invites tenders for the following works from the Regd. Contractors in sealed envelope affixed with Rs. 5/- revenue stamps with the name and full address of the tenderer, Ref. NIT No. & Date and Ref. to CDR No. & date with amount only prescribed on the envelope. The tenders be addressed to Executive Engineer PWD R&B Division Pulwama and should reach his office on or before 30-112013 upto 2 P.M. The tender documents can be had on cash payment (Non-refundable) on production of valid registration card upto 28-11-2013 2 P.M. S. No
1.
Name of Work Restoration of road surface of Padgampora Naina road Km 611 th by way of providing/laying of stone soling in worst stretches
DIPJK: 10558
Approx Cost
Earnest Money
Class of Contractor
Time for Completion
Rs. 3.50 Lacs
Rs. 7000/-
DEE
15 Days
Cost of T.D
M.H of Account
Rs. 200/-
3054 M&R
Position of AAA/ TS -
Position of Funds Funds Demanded
Sd/- Executive Engineer R&B Division Pulwama
Owner, Printer & Publisher : Suhail Malik, Editor-n-Chief : Shahana Malik, RNI No: JKBIL/2011/39764, Email: zabarwantimes@gmail.com Published from: Govt. Quarters (M-13) Magarmal Bagh Srinagar -190001, J&K, Printed at: Sangarmal Offset Press Humhama Sheikhpora Tele/Fax: 2478370 Cell No: 09999964750, 9796787844
NEWS
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SRINAGAR | THURSDAY
Realize set development targets: Mir to Officers Holds Public Darbars at Hallan, Rainchougund, Hiward
including Dooru. getting the first hand appraisal of the unrest in the Valley. He said the field ment scenario of each village through Addressing public meetings in public needs. visits of the officers are imperative for field visits and interactions with peothese villages, the Minister said the The Minister asked Officers to put monitoring the progress and ensurple. coalition government was commit- in vigorous effort for realizing the deing judicious expenditure. The Tourism Minister was accomted to provide all possible facilities velopment targets and offsetting the The Minister said that he would panied by a team of officers during including better road connectivity, losses suffered during the prolonged continuously monitor the developthe tour. safe drinking water, electricity, good healthcare and education to the children particularly in the backward and hilly areas. “The government is trying its best ANANTNAG, NOVEMBER 27 to fulfill the promises it had made to Minister for Tourism, Mr. Ghulam the people prior to elections,” Mir Ahmad Mir during his extensive tour said and added that in Dooru Conof Dooru Constituency, today held stituency projects worth crores of KANGAN, NOVEMBER 27: Minister for Forest, public Darbars at hilly villages of Hal- rupees are nearing completion and Environment and Ecology today distributed Rs lan, Rainchougund, Thamankot and the work on these projects is in full 38.36 lakh as relief among 1258 families of Kanswing. “To attract more and more Hiward. gan Tehsil of Ganderbal District whose property During public darbars, the Min- tourists to Dooru, verinag and other was damaged in windstorm last year. ister gave patient hearing to the potential spots a new flip has been On the occasion, addressing a large gathering grievances and developmental needs given to develop the basic infrastrucof the people at a function organized by District highlighted by the people. He direct- ture on modern lines here,” he added. Mir also impressed upon panches Administration Ganderbal for disbursement of ed concerned officers to mitigate the and sarpanchs to work as agents of relief cheques in favour of windstorm victims at genuine needs and individual probpositive socio-economic change in Haaripora Kangan, the Minister said that governlems of the people. the state. “Keeping constant liaison ment is giving focused attention to the people livThe Tourism Minister assured the with people at the grassroots, you ing in remote and far flung areas of the State. He locals that he was fully committed said number of developmental projects have been towards bringing Dooru constituency should help redress their grievances completed in this regard and various such projects out of developmental backwardness and make them aware of the initiatives taken by the government on deare underway which will be commissioned soon and usher it towards progress and so that maximum populace is covered and benprosperity. He said government has velopment front”, he said. He asked efitted by these projects. earmarked adequate funds under party workers to organize public meeting and invite Officers of difvarious key sectors for Lone the developDeputy Commissioner News Agency Kangan Khan News Agency Ganderbal Ganderbal, Mr. Sarmad Hafiz, officers of district administration, public representament of rural and backward pockets ferent Departments to help them in tives and large number of people were present on the occasion.
Mian Altaf distributes Rs. 38.36 lakh as relief among 1258 windstorm victim families of Kangan Tehsil
Zabarwan Times is available at
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 Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Chadoora veloped by utilizing which has Agency achievedKunzar Bhat News Agency MagamRs. 55 lakh. industry Zargar News Similarly, the park at Jai Bua a tremendous growth during Dar NewsDatti Agency Beerwah Bashir News Agency Sumbal Temple near BSF Camp, the past some time and has Reshi News Agency Safapora Saleem News Agency spread over 6 kanals was de- extended its ambit worldwide. Pattan veloped by expending Rs. 48 He said that commercial flori-Pampore Basharat News Agency Bandipora Reyaz News Agency JAMMU, NOVEMBER 27 lakh with Pulwama the provision of culture has emerged as a high-Qazigund Altaf News Agency Javaid News Agency Chowkidar-cum-Mali hut. tech activity taking place even Jeelani News Agency Baramulla G.M News Agency Sopore The Minister of State for Interacting with the locals, under unfavorable climatic Shah News SultanbyNews Agency Cooperatives, Finance and theAgency MinisterKupwara said that devel- conditions utilizing con-Handwara Planning, Dr. Manohar Lal opment of such more recre- trolledSheikh conditions green Islamabad Younis News Agency Langate News in Agency ational and Islamabad leisure parks are houses. He Way said News floriculture JAMMU, NOVEMBERReshi 27: News Agency Three AgencySharma Tral has paid rich tributes under active consideration sector is florishing enterprise to late Girdhari Lal Dogra and Turray News Agency Tral Badru News Agency Bijbehara of Government, adding that with low cost and high profit all along his life, he worked Minister for Floriculture, News Agency Kulgam Malik News Agency for economic dethese would provide recre- and also providing employ-Arwani Haj, Auqaf and PublicRahi Entervelopment and andByepass leisure facilities to ment Shaheen opportunities toAgency unem- Kargil Rah Newsational Agency News prises, Peerzada Mohammad
Peerzada dedicates 2-leisure parks at Jammu
Says floriculture a flourishing enterprise
Sayeed threw open two leisure parks at Lohan Ploura and Jai Bua Datti Temple near BSF Camp Ploura, Jammu here today.The parks spread over 13 kanals of land were developed by the Department of Floriculture at a Cumulative cost of over Rs. 1 crore. Minister of State for Floriculture Mr. Nazir Ahmad Gurezi was also present on the occasion. At Lohan, the park spread over 7 kanals of land was de-
the people.Peerzada said that Jammu and Kashmir State is bestowed with natural beauty and efforts are also being made to supplement that beauty through increasing number of parks and gardens for locals and domestic and international tourists. Highlighting the importance of Floriculture industry, the Minister said that the State has ample potential in floriculture sector. He said that this industry is a fast growing
ployed youth of the state. Mr Gurezi, who also spoke on the occasion, said that earlier the floriculture activities were restricted only to maintenance and development of parks and gardens, adding that now this sector has assumed greater significance due to its greater employment and income generation potential especially in the tourism sector. He said flowers are in great demand in the country and world over as well.
Girdhari Lal Dogra remembered
Carry forward mission of peace, harmony, equal development: Dr. Manohar
upliftment of poor sections of the society. The Minister was speaking at a function, organized by Girdhar Lal Trust here, in connection with observing 26th death anniversary of late Girdhari Lal Dogra, former Deputy Chief Minister and senior congress leader of the State.Dr Manohar said
With focus on J&K, 2-day Hindi Conference begins at Jammu JAMMU, NOVEMBER 27: As part of series of language conferences started by J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, a 2-day Hinidi Samelanbegan here today where writers and scholars presented their points of view on the status of Hindi language and literature with focus on Jammu & Kashmir. The conference was inaugurated by prominent scholar, Dr. Ved Kumari Ghai, amidst a galaxy of writers and scholars.The conference is the sixth in the series initiated in October-November 2012. So far, Kashmiri, Dogri, Pahari, Gojri and Punjabi language conferences have been held where writers and intellectuals debated challenges to and opportunities available for these languages. In the coming months, conferences on Urdu and Bodhi will be held.The topic of today’s conference was ‘Hindi Ke Samaksh Chinotiyan Aiwam Samadhan: Jammu Wa Kashmir Ke Sandarbh Main. The conference, which began with melodious rendering of Hindi verses
by noted artist Sham Sajan and budding Apurva Jamwal, will have four sessions including the inaugural during which the keynote paper by R. L Shant was presented. In the first paper reading session today, three papers were presented including Uttar Do Hazaar Ki Jammu Kashmir Ki Hindi Kavita by Prof. Ashok Gupta, Jammu Kash-
mir ke Sandarbh Mai Hindi Patrikarita by Dr. Om Goswami and Jammu Kashmir Ka Hindi Rangmanch by Dr. Sudhir Mahajan. On the second and concluding day tomorrow, four papers would be presented including Hindi ya Matri Bhasha, Lekhan
Focus of Govt to create improved basic amenities at rural pockets: Bhalla JAMMU, NOVEMBER 27 Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture Mr. Raman Bhalla Wednesday said that focus of the Government was to create all basic amenities in rural pockets at par with urban centres, adding that in this regard several schemes have been launched to improve the living standard and necessary infrastructure there. This was stated by the Minister while interacting with the people at Panchyat Ghar in Bhour Camp after reviewing progress of ongoing development works in the area, here today. Mr. Bhalla informed that Government has earmarked Rs. 75 lakh for upgradation of link road from Bhour Camp to Shamshan Ghat, upgradation of left out lanes and drains at Chatha Pind besides
construction of parking slot at Bhour Kothey near Government Primary School. He asked the Rural Development Department (RDD) to complete all the on-going projects within stipulated time frame for the convenience of general masses.The Minister asked the RDD to use quality material on development works, adding that Government was committed to create durable assets for the people. Taking serious notice of the delay of modernisation of circular road, Primary Health Centre and Julla bridge, Mr. Bhalla asked the R&B officers to gear up their men and machinery in completing the projects within the prescribed time period. He said people of the area have faced difficulties due to dilapidated condition of the circular road besides delay in completion of Julla Bridge.
Ke Sambandh Main by Chhatar Pal, Nari Vimarsh Aur Jammu Kashmir Ka Hindi Lekhan by Dr. Aruna Sharma, Kashmiri Bhasha Se Hindi Main Anuvad by M. K. Santoshi and Dogri Bhasha se Hindi Main Anuvad by Dr. Satya Pal Sreevats.The conference will conclude with a Hindi Kavi Sammelan in which poets from within and outside the state will take part.A large number of writers, academicians, poets and scholars of different languages were present including Prof. Lalit Magotra, Prof. Champa Sharma, Prof. Veena Gupta, Pritpal Singh Betab, Dr. Liaqat Jafri, Dr. Agnishekhar, M. K. Santoshi, Chhatarpal, Nirmal Vinod, Pyare Hatash, Sultan Ahmad, Baljit Raina, Icchupal Singh, Dr. Sushil Sharma, Anila Singh Charak and Dr. Raj Kumar.In her presidential address, Dr. Ved Kumari Ghai complimented the Academy for organizing language conferences and said its publications in Hindi including the periodical Sheeraza as also other literary activities have helped a great deal in the promotion of Hindi language and literature in the State.
that the life of Girdhari Lal Ji is an open message to the political workers, particularly the youth of the state. He said Girdhari Lal Ji was not only the leader of one particular party but a leader of masses, who worked for equal devel-
opment of all the section of the society, strengthening the secular fabric and brotherhood in the State. The Minister said peace,
development and communal harmony was the mission of the late leader, adding the sacrifices rendered by him for acquiring this goal would be remembered for a long time to come in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. “It is our duty to take forward the mission “said Dr Sharma and appealed the participants to dedicate their services for the welfare and the development of the people, particularly the downtrodden sections of the society.Dr Sharma said that the love of people of Hiranagar constituency, some parts of which now fall in his Billawar constituency.
Development, welfare of border, hilly areas, in focus: Shabir Addresses people at border village Mongalnar RAJOURI, NOVEMBER 27:-Minister of State for Health, Mr. Shabir Ahmad Khan Wednesday said that providing improved basic facilities beside all-round development under core sectors in border and hilly areas was the priority of the government adding that in this regard innovative initiatives taken by the government during last 5 years have yielded tangible results in these areas. Addressing a public meeting today at border village Mongalnar in Rajouri, the Minister reiterated the commitment of the government towards ensuring holistic development of all the regions of the State with special focus on far off and border areas. He said that government’s pro-people policies and exemplary initiatives have marched the State on the track of peace and prosperity. He affirmed that this mission would be carried forward with greater zeal.Shabir said that people pin their hopes with public representatives and asked Panches and Sarpanches to work sincerely for welfare and development of the people.He assured the people that all their genuine developmental needs would be considered and carried out in a phased manner.Responding to the demands of the locals, the Minister said that due consideration is being given for promotion of agriculture, horticulture and other production sectors in the area. He said focused attention was being also paid to upgrade education, health, power, drinking water and road connectivity facilities especially in far off areas of the Constituency.
Speaker reviews recommendations on road safety JAMMU, NOVEMBER 27: Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Mr. Mubarak Gul directed the Police and Transport authorities to gear up their respective enforcement wings and conduct regular check of vehicles ensuring that there is no violation of Motor Vehicle Act, overloading, seat belt and helmet during driving. Chairing a high level meeting of police and civil administration convened to review the status and progress made in respect of implementation of the recommendations of House Committee “constituted to look into the causes of frequent road accidents on Batote-Kishtwar road and suggest measures to prevent such accidents”, Mr. Gul asked the executing agencies to implement the recommendations of the Committee on ground. The Speaker called for scientific study of already plying 407 mata-
dors and mini buses in hilly areas of the State especially in Chenab Valley and come up with a comprehensive replacement model so that this can be pursued with Government of India for funding so that such vehicles are totally phased out in a time bound manner. Discussing the steps taken by the Health Department, it was informed in the meeting that Trauma Centres have been established in Thatri and Ramban whereas another Trauma Centre is under consideration at Khelani. Hospitals at Banihal and Batote are already functional in addition to the other health institutions in these districts. Adequate number of ambulances is available in all the health institutions of Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban.Recently Mobile Medical Units have also been procured for Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban, the meeting was told. The process for fabrication of Critical Care Ambulances has been initiated, to be sanctioned
for taking care of accident victims on the National Highway. The meeting was attended by Director General of Police, Mr. Ashok Prasad, Principal Secretary Planning and Development Department Mr. B. R. Sharma, Principal Secretary Home Mr. Suresh Kumar, Commissioner Secretary PWD Ms Tanveer Jehan, Secretary Health and Medical Education Mr. Gazanffar Hussain, Secretary General Administration Department Mr. M. A. Bukhari, Secretary Assembly Mr. M. Ramzan, Secretary Transport Mr. Shahid Inayatullah, Inspector General of Police Traffic Mr. Muneer Khan, Deputy Commissioner Doda Mr. Mubarak Singh, Deputy Commissioner Ramban Mr. M. H. Malik, Transport Commissioner, Mr. Sourab Bhagat, Deputy Inspector of Police Traffic Jammu Mr. S. A. Watali, Managing Director JKSRTC Mr. J. S. Tandon, Director Health Services Jammu Dr. B. S. Pathania and other senior officers.
28. 11 .2013
HOROSCOPE Aries
March 21-April 19
You might feel like doing something different today, Aries. Everyone needs a break from the regular grind and this is a good time to try something new. Perhaps you feel like varying your routine. If this is your day off, you might spend the day doing whatever strikes your fancy. Try a new wardrobe style. Go to a movie. Do something to spice up your life today.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Start your day writing in a journal, Taurus. This provides an avenue to communicate and connect with your inner being. Things you need to do, ambitions, and even challenges can appear while you’re writing, providing a map that you can follow. Even if starting is difficult, stick with it. The words will come if you give it a chance. It can make your day much easier.
Gemini May 21-June 21
You might find it hard to get going, Gemini. Taking direction could rub you the wrong way, especially if you’re set on doing something different. Communicate your ideas and how you want to approach things rather than let irritation get to you. Your approach will be better received if you leave emotions out of it. You may even get kudos for staying calm and collected.
Cancer June 22-July 22
You might feel cheerful and generous today, Cancer. Helping others will probably suit you, and matters will move along smoothly. If there are outstanding projects from earlier, tackle them first. It’s an opportune time to get caught up on challenges. Don’t hesitate to lend a hand if you’re approached or notice someone in need. This will benefit them as well as you.
Leo
July 23-August 22 Make an effort to connect with someone you miss today, Leo. Even if it feels painful at first, you’ll feel a lot better once you do. Pick up the phone, write a note, or send an email. Let the person know you miss and care about him or her. Expressing yourself is often far better than stuffing your feelings. The person may be missing you just as much.
Virgo
August 23-September 22
Today may be a time of heightened reasoning and judgment for you, Virgo. What a great way to get things done! Pull out unfinished projects and get going. Tackle issues or problems that have surfaced recently by facing them directly. Make the most of this day’s energy by thinking about ways to do things more efficiently. Be confident that you can handle anything.
Libra
September 23-October 23 Feed your mind today, Libra. The day’s energy supports growth and expansion, so why not see about learning about something you’re interested in? Challenge yourself by reading or taking a class. There are plenty of online subjects to engage you. Find something that interests you that you can do in your own time.
Scorpio
October 24-November 21 You’re more into socializing today than anything else, Scorpio. This could be great providing you don’t have a heavy workload. See who’s available and go for it. If you need to get something done, you’ll have to resist the temptation to chat too long. Use breaks for this and keep your focus on getting done what you’ve taken on. There’s always the evening to get together with friends.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
You may find it hard to admit that you can’t do everything, Sagittarius. There are some jobs that you aren’t cut out to do. Why pretend when a better option would be to delegate the task to someone else? If you don’t feel a strong connection with something or someone, don’t force it. Pretending that you’re capable of something will only cause frustration for you and everyone else.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Don’t be surprised if you’re pensive, Capricorn. It’s one of those days when daydreaming can happen more readily. Your imagination may also be at a peak. Rather than fighting this so you can be more productive, jot your ideas down. It may be to your advantage, as better and innovative ways of doing things can pop into your mind. Take time to ponder. It can bring great results.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Chatting with your loved ones may be more appealing to you today than any other day, Aquarius. It may be important to curb this desire if there are many things that need your attention. If you’re at home, don’t spend all your time on the phone or loafing. Consider tending first to things that need to get done. Socializing will be far more enjoyable without guilty feelings about what you should be doing.
Pisces
February 19-March 20 Pisces, you can expect to feel a little more energetic today. In fact, you may run circles around everyone. What a great way to start the day. Head out with the confidence that you can easily handle anything that comes your way. Take time to enjoy the company of others as much as possible. If there are meetings on the agenda, handle them right away.
Editorial/Opinion The Daily
Zabarwan Times Thursday, 28 November 2013
Pakistan situation and drone attacks
T
he defiant posture adopted by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf Party led by Imran Khan against drone attacks in Pakistan has created a new situation of confrontation between Pakistan and USA. Though USA seems to be unmoved on its policy of attacking Taliban through drone technology, so the two countries are at lodger heads on this issue. USA has made it clear that it will not stop attacking its enemies who pose a threat to its security and also to the security of the world at large. However Pakistan says that it has the right to stop these attacks as these attacks violate its sovereignty and integrity. It’s because of this that Tehreek-i-Insaaf Party has threatened to block the supplies to NATO forces through Pakistan so that US stops the strikes once for all. It is pertinent that even in the past also Pakistan did every thing to get drone attacks stopped but US did not budge even an inch. This is because Pakistan Taliban and Afghan Taliban are working together against the NATO forces and have inflicted huge losses to them in tribal belts in particular. Instead of going for a confrontation the Pakistani political parties should go all out against the violence and should persuade Taliban for negotiations so that a stable peace is established in Pakistan as well as in Afghanistan which will automatically pave a way for stoppage of drone attacks. These attacks of course have resulted in the killing of civilians also which is not tolerable in a civilized society. However it is the situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan which has provided an opportunity for US forces to indulge in drone attacks. If the situation improves in Pakistan that will not only help in stopping the intervention of other countries but will also help in the overall development of Pakistan which is undergoing the most crucial stage of its existence. The violence has claimed thousands of lives, the tourism has come to a standstill, the investment by foreign countries has reached to the minimum and the reputation of Pakistan on international level has suffered a severe dent.
“Life Let Me Live” O life don’t talk to me! For you behave so rudely. You ain’t my friend, And death ain’t my enemy. You smile while I strive, Push me back while I thrive. Let me die if you don’t wanna see me alive. O life you are so weak; For your span is a century or week. Poor life you are time’s slave. As limited is your breath streak. I try to cross the sky, O life you don’t let me fly high. Quit playing games you Life! And don’t try to kill me before I die.
Suroor Ahmad Shah M.A. Linguistics
T
Daily
ZABARWAN TIMES 9
Thursday, 28 November 2013
Saving The Tiger
he country level tiger population, estimated once in every four years using the refined methodology, has shown an increasing trend with a population estimate of 1706, lower and upper limits being 1520 and 1909 respectively in the recent all India estimation (2010), as compared to the last country level estimation of 2006, with an estimate of 1411, lower and upper limits being 1165 and 1657 respectively. Initiatives Taken by the Government Legal Steps · Amendment of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 for providing enabling provisions towards constituting the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Tiger and Other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau. · Enhancement of punishment in cases of offence relating to a tiger reserve or its core area. Administrative Steps · Strengthening of antipoaching activities, including special strategy for monsoon patrolling, by providing funding support to Tiger Reserve States, as proposed by them, for deployment of antipoaching squads involving ex-army personnel/home guards, apart from workforce comprising of local people, in addition to strengthening of communication / wireless facilities. • Constitution of the National Tiger Conservation Authority with effect from 4.09.2006, for strengthening tiger conservation by, interalia, ensuring normative standards in tiger reserve management, preparation of reserve specific tiger conservation plan, laying down annual audit report before Parliament, constituting State level Steering Committees under the Chairmanship of Chief Ministers and establishment of Tiger Conservation Foundation. · Constitution of a multi disciplinary Tiger and Other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau (Wildlife Crime Control Bureau) with effect from 6.6.2007 to effectively control illegal trade in wildlife. • The in-principle approval has been accorded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority for creation of five new tiger reserves, and the sites are:, Pilibhit (Uttar Pradesh), Ratapani (Madhya Pradesh), Sunabeda (Orissa) and Mukundara Hills (including Darrah, Jawahar Sagar and Chambal Wildlife Sanctuaries) (Rajasthan) and Satyamangalam (Tamil Nadu). Final approval has been accorded to Kudremukh (Karnataka) for declaring as a Tiger Reserve. Besides, the States have been advised to send proposals for declaring the following areas as Tiger Reserves: (i) Bor (Maharashtra), (ii) Suhelwa (Uttar Pradesh), (iii) Nagzira-Navegaon (Maharashtra), (iv) Guru Ghasidas National Park (Chhattisgarh), (v) Mhadei Sanctuary (Goa) and (vi) Srivilliputhur Grizzled Giant Squirrel / Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuaries / Varushanadu Valley (Tamil Nadu).
• The revised Project Tiger guidelines have been issued to States for strengthening tiger conservation, which apart from ongoing activities, interalia, include funding support to States for enhanced village relocation/rehabilitation package for people living in core or critical tiger habitats (from Rs. 1 lakh/family to Rs. 10 lakhs/family), rehabilitation/resettlement of communities involved in traditional hunting, mainstreaming livelihood and wildlife concerns in forests outside tiger reserves and fostering corridor conservation through restorative strategy to arrest habitat fragmentation. • A scientific methodology for estimating tiger (including co-predators, prey animals and assessment of habitat status) has been evolved and mainstreamed. The findings of this estimation/assessment are bench
conservation. · During the 14th meeting of the Conference of Parties to CITES, which was held from 3rd to 15th June, 2007 at The Hague, India introduced a resolution along with China, Nepal and the Russian Federation, with directions to Parties with operations breeding tigers on a commercial scale, for restricting such captive populations to a level supportive only to conserving wild tigers. The resolution was adopted as a decision with minor amendments. Further, India made an intervention appealing to China to phase out tiger farming, and eliminate stockpiles of Asian big cats body parts and derivatives. The importance of continuing the ban on trade of body parts of tigers was emphasized. · Based on India’s strong intervention during the 58th meeting of the Standing
said force has been approved by the competent authority for 13 tiger reserves. Rs. 93 lakhs each has been released to Corbett, Ranthambhore & Dudhwa Tiger Reserve for creation of STPF during 200809. Since then, the guidelines of the STPF have been revised for deploying forest personnel in place of Police as an option-II, with scope for involving local people like the Van Gujjars. During the year 2010-11 and 2011-12, an amount of Rs. 270 lakhs has been provided to the Similipal Tiger Reserve for raising, arming and deploying the STPF. The States of Karnataka and Maharashtra have already deployed the STPF. • In collaboration with TRAFFIC-INDIA, an online tiger crime data base has been launched, and Generic Guidelines for preparation of reserve specific Security Plan has been evolved. Recent Initiatives · Implementing a tripartite MOU with tiger States, linked to fund flows for effective implementation of tiger conservation initiatives. · Rapid assessment of tiger reserves done. · Special crack teams sent to tiger reserves affected by left wing extremism and low population status of tiger and its prey. · Chief Ministers of States having tiger reserves affected by left wing extremism and low population status of tiger and its prey addressed for taking special initiatives. · Steps taken for modernizing the infrastructure and field protection, besides launching ‘M-STrIPES’ for effective field patrolling and monitoring. · Steps taken for involvement of NonGovernmental Experts in the ongoing all India tiger estimation. · Initiatives taken for improving the field marks for future tiger conservation Committee of the CITES at Geneva from delivery through capacity building of field strategy. 6th to 10th July, 2009, the CITES officials, apart from providing incentives. • An area of 34070.46 sq. km. has been Secretariat has issued a notification to · Action initiated for using Information notified by 17 Tiger States as core or Parties to submit reports relating to Technology to strengthen surveillance in critical tiger habitat under section 38V of compliance of Decisions 14.69 and 14.65 tiger reserves. the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as within 90 days with effect from 20.10.2009 · The second round of country level tiger amended in 2006. (Progress made on restricting captive status assessment completed in 2010, with Financial Steps breeding operations of tigers etc.). the findings indicating an increase with a • Financial and technical help is provided Reintroduction of Tigers tiger population estimate of 1706, lower to the States under various Centrally · As a part of active management to rebuild and upper limits being 1520 and 1909 Sponsored Schemes, viz. Project Tiger and Sariska and Panna Tiger Reserves where respectively, as compared to the last Integrated Development of Wildlife tigers have become locally extinct, country level estimation of 2006, with an Habitats for enhancing the capacity and reintroduction of tigers / tigresses have estimate of 1411, lower and upper limits infrastructure of the States for providing been done. being 1165 and 1657 respectively. effective protection to wild animals. · Special advisories issued for in-situ build · The second round of independent International Cooperation up of prey base and tiger population assessment of Management Effectiveness • India has a bilateral understanding with through active management in tiger Evaluation of Tiger Reserves done in 2010Nepal on controlling trans-boundary reserves having low population status of 11 for 39 tiger reserves based on globally illegal trade in wildlife and conservation, tiger and its prey. used framework. apart from a protocol on tiger conservation Creation of Special Tiger Protection • Increase in the allocation for Project Tiger with China. · A protocol has been signed in Force (STPF) with additional components. September, 2011 with Bangladesh for • The policy initiatives announced by the · Providing special assistance for mitigation of conservation of the Royal Bengal Tiger of Finance Minister in the Budget Speech of human-tiger conflicts in problematic areas. the Sunderban. 29 February, 2008, interalia, contains · As an outcome of the fourth Trans-border · A sub-group on tiger/leopard conserva- action points relating to tiger protection. Consultative Group Meeting held in New tion has been constituted for cooperation Based on the one time grant of Rs. 50.00 Delhi, a joint resolution has been signed with with the Russian Federation. crore provided to the National Tiger Nepal for biodiversity / tiger conservation. · A Global Tiger Forum of Tiger Range Conservation Authority (NTCA) for · Regional Offices of the National Tiger Countries has been created for addressing raising, arming and deploying a Special Conservation Authority sanctioned at international issues related to tiger Tiger Protection Force, the proposal for the Nagpur, Bengaluru and Guwahati.
Biotechnology Information Network
B
ioinformatics is attaining greater significance in the life sciences research and industry and hitherto unexplored areas of biology. Research in biotechnology, which is highly knowledge and capital intensive, has generated a deluge of information in this decade. To make use of this information effectively, there is a need for high speed and large bandwidth network. Towards this end, the Department of Biotechnology has successfully established a high-speed and high-bandwidth network in the form of Virtual Public Network (VPN) named as BIOGRID INDIA. Eleven nodes have been established in the first phase, which are actively pursuing bioinformatics activities such as human resource development and R&D in bioinformatics besides, dissemination of biotechnology information to researchers in the country. This resource sharing helps in enhancing the value and usefulness of the BTIS, the only true resource sharing network in India. BTISnet in a Nutshell BTISnet a potential scientific network in the country comprises of more than 165 institutions having capable human resources and state of art infrastructure to carry out intensive research in bioinformatics and computational biology. More than 100 subject specific databases are currently available on the
BTISnet. Centres of BTISnet are networked and now some of them are being networked through National Knowledge Commission network. Eight new centres have been added to the BTISnet. NEBInet which comprises of 27 bioinformatics centres in North East states has opened up great opportunities in biotechnology for the North East Region of the country. Through this network it is now much
Six Centres of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology have been established as part of BTISnet. These Centres are well equipped with state of art infrastructure to support research. Each centre is responsible for developing a database in the identified thrust areas. Some of these efforts have received international recognition. The CoE at the Bose Institute, Kolkata is specialising in the areas like genome
BTISnet a potential scientific network in the country comprises of more than 165
institutions having capable human resources and state of art infrastructure to carry out intensive research in bioinformatics and computational biology.
simpler to generate and implement programs like biotech hubs, overseas associateship etc. Three major consortium projects on bioinformatics in TB, rice and mango have shown excellent progress during the last year. Centres of Excellence
analysis, regulatory RNA stem cells, genomics and structural bioinformatics. The CoE at JNU, New Delhi is a part of the School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, with a major objective of development of human resource through teaching and research in the frontier area
of computational biology, bioinformatics and systems biology. The CoE at Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai is specialising in the areas like structural bioinformatics, proteomics, data mining and computer aided drug design. The Centre at the University of Pune, conducts M.Sc. course in bioinformatics. R&D The bioinformatics centres are being extensively used for intensive research by the hosts and neighbouring institutions. In addition scientists at bioinformatics centres have carried out research in gene analysis, protein structure prediction and engineering, modelling, macromolecular assembly, evolutionary biology, developing tools for peptide vaccine, new tools for data mining etc. The Department of Biotechnology is also supporting long-term teaching programs on bioinformatics and BIOGRID will be useful in sharing teaching materials, to deliver lectures through video conferencing-virtual classrooms besides synergizing research in biotechnology and bioinformatics. The mirror sites of internationally recognized genomic databases such as Protein Data Bank (PDB), Plant Genome Data Banks, Databases of European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI) and public domain bioinformatics software packages are also available on the BIOGRID.
Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer.