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SUNDAY
December 29 | 2013 | 25 Safar 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |
Pen
For
http://www.zabarwantimes.com
VOL NO: 3 | ISSUE NO: 332 | 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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Got benefit of playing against No 1 team
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Huge cache of weapons recovered Kupwara, 29 December. Based on tip off from reliable intelligence sources, a search operation was launched by the vigilant troops deployed along the Line of Control in the Farkian Gali area of the frontier Kupwara Division, resulting into the recovery of major haul of weapons. A total of 40 brand new weapons including 20 AK 47 Rifles and 20 Pistols along with huge amount of ammunition, hidden one kilometre inside the Line of Control were recovered. Inputs were being received over last few days by the Army from the sources about the likely bid for infiltration or pushing the arms across the Line of Control. Accordingly, the troops were put on high alert and searches were being carried out in the suspected areas. Search operations being undertaken during the morning hours of 29 December, led to the recovery of such a large cache of arms and ammunition from a place which is between the Line of Control and the Anti Infiltration Obstacle System (AIOS). See Weapons onPg. 11
Boy commits suicide in Ganderbal Srinagar, Dec 28: 16 years old boy Shahnawaz Ahmad Lone son of Ghulam Mohiud-Din resident of Zazna, Ganderbal at present Naraian Bagh, Shadipora, Ganderbal consumed some poisonous substance at his home. He was rushed to District Hospital Ganderbal for treatment, where from he was referred to SKIMS, Soura. He breathed his last at SKIMS. A case has been registered in this regard.
Inside story Mir for increasing agri products in the State The Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir Saturday urged for increasing the production of various crops by extending all possible support to agriculture sector through centrally sponsored schemes
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On Edit Page
The slow pace of developmental projects in Jammu and Kashmir particularly the Kashmir valley has not only resulted in increased cost of these projects but also
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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 11°C & -3°C respectively.
TEMPERATURE MAXIMUM 11.1 0C MINIMUM -1.9 0C SUNSET ON(SUNDAY) 05:31 pm SUNRISE ON (MONDAY) 07:37 am
ing ak t by kin toes s ve ma Sa to
Inaugurates 2-day AROGYA Mela at Kathua
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Happy over popularity of Congress in J&K Srinagar, December 28:
had contributed enormously to the overall development of the State over a long period of time, be it the Development of infrastructure, Health Care, Generation of Power, construction of roads and the recent Railway line which now runs upto Baramulla.
“The recent development is the tunneling at Z-Morth and Zojila which can bring Ladakh Region closer to Kashmir and to the Union of India,” Azad said adding that thousands of crores have been spent by the Union Government for the overall development.
Govt believes in sustained action than rhetoric: Sagar Srinagar, December 28: Asserting that the Government has ushered an era of peace and development in the State by undertaking several developmental and welfare initiates which have been instrumental in changing the socio-economic profile of the State, the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar has said that certain parties by spreading rumours and lies are trying their best to negate the achievements registered by the coalition government and mislead the people. The Minister was addressing a huge gathering after laying the foundation of model village at Warpora Sopore in Baramulla district being taken up by the Rural Development Department with an estimated cost of Rs. 1.12
As the Srinagar city is face to face with frequent power cuts, the situation in rural areas is far worse and most of the villages and townships don’t get electricity for days together. According to reports received by KNS from several areas of north, south and central Kashmir, most of the towns and villages face frequent and extended power cuts. Moreover many areas remain without electricity for days together. People have hit the roads staging demonstrations against what they called faulty power supply policy of the present dispensation. The residents of several areas of Baramulla, including Rafiabad, Ladoora, Delina, San-
Azad told the gathering that he was happy that inspite of Congress party’s rivals having tried to damage the Congress Party’s image, the fact remains that the Congress Party has become popular in Kashmir also. “The people of all the three regions have accepted Congress Party as a tool of service to them.” While addressing the gathering Prof. Soz appealed the Congress workers to stand united and further strengthen the Congress party in all the three regions of the State as a powerful instrument of service to the people. Soz said he was satisfied that Congress had become a vibrant situation in all the three regions of the state. He said that some people got annoyed when he stressed that Congress Party would be the largest political force in the 2014 Election; but he was confident that Congress Party would prove its point to See Azad on Pg. 11
Separatist Camp divided over re-marriage of Half Widows Srinagar, Dec 28: With a word of caution the Hurriyat Conference (G) Saturday stated that it will go through a religious ruling passed by Muslim scholars on re-marriage of the half widows and will come up with its observation on the subject. “We will study the report keenly and only after that we can come up with our analysis over the issue. For now we cannot comment about the topic as the same is very subtle in nature,” said Ayaz Akbar, Chief Spokesman Huriyat (G). However, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq the chairman of the Huriyat Conference (M) welcomed the recent ruling issue by religious scholars saying the issue is very serious and that all the Jurists have passed the unanimous decision and it must be appreciated. “I as the Mirwaiz of Kashmir
welcome the judgment and it is indeed a good step taken by the Ulemas here.” Dukhtaran-e-Milat Chairperson Asiya Andrabi has aidfferent opinion. She appealed the half-widows here not to generalize the issue and the same must be limited to the destitute women. “I believe that the half widows here must strive for whereabouts of their husbands and must carry forward the movement in unison. The women who are destitute can re marry but the issue must not be generalized at any cost. ” Mass Movement Chairperson Fareeda Behehji told KNS that the recent judgment passed by the Islamic Jurists must be respected but the decision must be left to the half widows whether they want to go for the remarriage or not. “No one can thrust any See Separatist on Pg. 11
DGMOs level meeting a good beginning: Mufti Indo-Pak have realized ‘no alternative to peace’ Arnia-Bishnah, Dec 28:
crore. Member Parliament Mr. Sharief-ud-Din Shariq, MLA Rafiabad Mr. Javid Ahmad Dar, MLA Sopore, Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Ganai, Director Rural Development Kashmir, Mir Altaf Ahmad, Additional District Development Commissioner, Baramulla, Mr. Mukhtar-ul-Aziz, SDM Sopore, Mr. Hanief Balkhi and other senior officers of the district administration were present on the occasion. Maintaining that the development has been registered in every
Like city, rural areas reel under darkness Srinagar, Dec 28:
Worrying pace of developmental projects
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Azad-Soz share dais at Shangus Gulam Nabi Azad Union Minister of Health and Prof. Prof. Saifuddin Soz former union minister and president Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) on Saturday shared dais in a public rally at Shangas in Anantnag putting speculations about their differences to rest. Azad was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Addressing the rally, he said that it was a happy coincidence that this day happens to be the Foundation Day of the Indian National Congress which was 129 year old having led the freedom struggle for India to success and achieved marvelous milestones in respect of strengthening democracy and secularism in the Country. Pertinently, KNS was the first to report about Azad and Soz sharing dais at Shangus. The former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir stressed the fact that the Congress Party
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grama and several other areas besides the adjoining villages are up in arms against Power Development Department (PDD). They accuse PDD of resorting to unscheduled power cuts from last more than two weeks besides people also criticize the department for low voltage. Reports reaching from Sopore and Kupwara also said that for the past few months, power woes have worsened leaving consumers high and dry. The consumers of metered areas in Sopore and Kupwara towns said that the power is playing hide and seek with them. They said that even the metered areas are not spared of frequent power outages. Reports said that villages including See Darkness on Pg. 11
domain, the Minister said that special thrust has been laid on the vital sectors of health, education besides providing effective road connectivity to the villages, augmentation of water supply schemes and power has also been done. He said that the Government has undertaken these initiatives without giving the preferential treatment to any area but on equitable basis by undertaking several flagship programmes which have been instrumental in See Sagar on Pg. 11
Emphasizing on maintaining sanctity of the cease fire at any cost, patron of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that recently held meeting of Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan was an appreciable step to establish lasting peace on the borders. Addressing an impressive public meeting organised by Chatar Saini at border town of Arnia, Mufti said that DGMOs level meeting between two countries was a follow-up action of the meeting which was held between Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif in the month of September this year at
New York. “The DGMOs level between India and Pakistan with a commitment and focus on maintain truce along the Line of Control (LoC) is a praiseworthy move”, he said and stressed on evolving a mechanism to avoid ceasefire violations and hostilities at the borders in future. “Both the countries have realized that there is no alternative to peace”, he said while mentioning towards encouraging statements of Shahwaz Sharif , Chief Minister of Pakistani Punjab, who is also brother Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, on strengthening Indo-Pak ties. Terming cease-fire on borders as most significant step
taken by both the countries for sustainability of peace process, he said that truce should be maintained at any cost for the safety and normality of lives of people living at the borders. “People of Jammu and Kashmir have high stakes in peace because they are the worst suffer of hostility between two neighbouring countries”, he said. Observing that normalization of Indo-Pak relation is the interest of both the countries, Mufti is confident that new government in the country would bring the stalled dialogue process on the back on rails. “Prime of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif, who has been elected for five years, is ardent sup-
Health department orders probe into allegations of negligence Doctors at Sogam hospital had forgotten gauze in patient’s abdomen Srinagar, Dec 28: The health department has ordered a time bound enquiry to probe the allegations of negligence by the doctors of a subdistrict hospital, who had left gauze in the abdomen of a female patient during surgery last year causing life-threatening infection to her. “We have ordered a time bound enquiry to probe the allegations of negligence by the doctors at the SDH, Sogam. The team will be headed by Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Kupwara. He will submit the report in 15 days. Further action will be taken once the report comes,” Director Health
Services, Kashmir, Saleem-ur-Rehman, told GNS Saturday. As reported earlier by Global News Service, the doctors at SDH, Sogam had left gauze in the abdomen of 41-year-old Hajra Begum of Ganai Mohalla, Lolab when she was operated at the hospital on June 20 last year. Hajra, who gave birth to a baby boy, had developed complications shortly after the doctors performed major surgery upon her. Her husband Ghulam Mohammad Ganai had taken her to the same hospital where the same doctor prescribed her some medicines and assured her that she will recover
perfectly. However, her condition deteriorated. The couple again visited the hospital, where the doctors told them to conduct USG test. After the USG test showed the presence of 'floating body' in her abdomen, the doctor advised Hajra to go for some more tests including HB, KFT, LFT and CT Scan. "After examining the reports, the doctor at the SDH Sogam said that there was nothing abnormal in them. He prescribed some injections saying it will cure the patient very soon. However, instead of brining some relief, the injection caused more pain and irritation to my wife," Ga-
nai had told GNS. Hajra was taken to district hospital Kupwara by her husband. The doctors had referred her to Srinagar’s SMHS hospital, where she was operated upon. The doctors at the SMHS had recovered foreign body during the surgery. The samples were then sent to the department of pathology, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar for investigations. In its report, a copy of which lies with, the pathology department said that "the samples contained infection collection of around 3.700 kg besides a gauze measuring 10x2 cm."
porter of improvement of relations with India so I am confident that who so ever will form next government in the country will also take some effective steps to further strengthen relations with Pakistan”, he said and argued that to emerge as economic power India has to normalize relations with Pakistan. Reiterating that PDP, as credible regional power, would facilitate normalization of Indo-Pak relations, Mufti said that his party had already played this role successfully during its tenure in the government. He asserted that biggest achievements of PDP was that it has created conducive atmosphere for initiating peace process and taking the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) to See Mufti on Pg. 11
Duplicate Ghee seized by SMC Srinagar, Dec 28: Tightening its noose around those involved in food adulteration, Srinagar Municipal Corporation Saturday seized a duplicate brand of famous Ghee and also took samples of various items for public analysis. Senior officer of the State Municipal Corporation told KNS that officials of SMC Srinagar along with two magistrates and SHO Shaheed Gung visited various markets including Mahraja Bazar to check various items. During the checking, the officials found a duplicate brand of Ghee was found and seized from Noor Mohmad and sons of Mahraja Bazar. “We have seized the Ghee and have lunched the investigation to find out the manufacturer,” Official said. “The samples of around more than six food items including Delhi and See SMC on Pg. 11
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11 Sunday, 29 December 2013 From Front Page........
Azad.........
be correct. Soz stressed further that Congress Workers should not be complacent and they must work hard and continuously try to be friendly to the people and solve their problems. Soz told the gathering that all their demands in respect of Development were acceptable to both of them (Soz and Azad) and they would work hard to resolve these problems. After hearing a number of speeches on the occasion, Soz assured the people that their aspirations in respect of ensuing Parliamentary and Assembly Elections, would be properly appreciated and represented before the Party High Command. Those who spoke on the occasion included Peerzada Mohd. Sayeed Minister for Haj & Auqaf, G. A. Mir, Minister for Tourism, Bashir Ahmad Magrey MLC, Vice President J&K PCC, Gulzar Ahmad Wani District President Anantnag, Anayatullah Rather District President Kulgam, Hilal Shah District General Secretary Anantnag and others.
Separatist.......
decision on us and we are living with the only hope that our dear ones are alive so how could we go for the marriage.” She further stated that the half widows are carrying forward the struggle with the firm belief that their dear ones are alive. “What would be the status of that marriage once the disappeared husband returns home?”
Mufti........
normalize relations between India and Pakistan. He, however, regretted that during the last five years the present government headed by National Conference has derailed the process of peace and reconciliation in the State. Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha seat candidate Yashpal Sharma, Trilok Singh Bajwa Vice President, Jagjeet Singh Jagga state Secy, Ved Mahajan Ex MLC, Ch Hussain Ali Wafa, Deepender Kour, Maj Gen (Retd) R S Jamwal, Hamid Choudhary, Capt Hajara Singh, Yashpal Bhagat, Dr Harmesh, Ex Councillor Ramesh, Baldev Singh Pappa, Madan Chalotra Vice Chairman SC/OBC Cell, Ch Chuni, Tarsem Saini, Ram Dayal Kissan cell Bishnah, Bachan Lal, Sukhdev, Anil, Ajay Sharma, Babloo Sharma, Santokh Singh, Sukhdev Singh, Chander Mohan, Balbir Singh, Virender singh Sonu and others were also Present on the occasion. Taking a dig at coalition partners for indulged into “shadow boxing” on important issues, Mufti ridiculed demand of Congress leaders to extend 73rd of the Indian Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir. “Instead of publically raising such demands, Congress leaders should take such issues in the Cabinet”, he said and added that Congress was equally responsible for rampant corruption in the State. He further said that PDP led regime in the State had set up an example of good governance in the State as first time after 1947 equal treatment was given to all areas of the State. “Before formation of PDP led regime in 2002 there was complain of discrimination with one or other regions”, he recalled but hastened to add that his government had laid a foundation of mutual trust and confidence among inhabitants of different regions and sub-regions of the State. “Our government treated all regions equally but backward and ignored regions were given special attentions”, the PDP patron said and challenged his opponent to come with any evidence of discrimination with any regions or sub-regions during his regime. Terming people of Bishnah as visionary, he recalled that this Assembly segment was represented by political stalwarts namely Ram Pyara Saraf, Trilochan Dutt, Bhagat Chajju Ram and Babu Parmanand. He also assured to address problems raised by locals in the meeting.
Sagar.........
changing the socio-economic profile of the people living in these areas. Referring to the recent statements of a political party, the Minister said that they are myopic and instrumental in enactment of certain draconian laws, which have been responsible for the miseries inflected on the people of the State. He said that the present government does not believe in mere rhetoric but in sustained action. Appealing the people to come forward and avail the maximum benefits of the welfare schemes undertaken by the government for ensuring holistic development of the state, besides elevation of the economic profile of the people, the Minister said that by doing so they would be exhibiting a participatory role in the day to day governance. Member Parliament, Mr. Sharief-ud-Din Shariq while speaking on the occasion said that the Government has ensured need based development of people living in backward and remote areas and in this regard several schemes have been launched which have been responsible in changing the socio-economic profile of the people living in these areas, besides providing a much needed employment opportunities to the people at their doorsteps. MLA Rafiabad, Mr. Javid Ahmad Dar and MLA Sopore, Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Ganai also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the developmental initiates undertaken by the Government for ensuring holistic development of the State. Earlier, the Minister distributed cheques worth Rs. 2.5 lakh among the fire victims of Tujgari Mohalla, Nowhatta Srinagar out of his Constituency Development Fund.
Darkness..........
Selo, Unsou, Kulangam, Sogam, Darpora, are the worst hit. KNS also received reports of power shortage from several areas of Bandipora district. Similar reports were received from several areas of Ganderbal and Budgam districts of central Kashmir. Reports of sever power crisis were received from south Kashmir’s Pulwama, Kulgam, Anantnag and Shopian districts. They said that power is playing hide and seek in almost all villages of south Kashmir.
SMC.........
Punjab based Masala, Achar, Verka milk powder were taken for public analysis, “he added.
Daily Meanwhile, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation has filed a challan against the Pampore based ‘sweets and salty’ unit after its samples were found misbranded. “Acting on the complaints, a team of SMC seized items during a market checking in the area and the samples were sent to the Public Analyst Lab. The public analyst has found that the unit is selling misbranded items. We have filed a challan in the Court of Muncipal Magistrate against the unit,” health officer said.
Neglected by Govt, traditional Kashmiri art dying fast Will send proposal to Chief Minister: Officials
Weapons........
Chinar Corps Commander, Lt Gen Gurmit Singh commended the troops deployed on Line of control for their alertness and vigil, leading to preventing such a large quantity of weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists. The General Officer also attributed the success to the support extended by the Awaam and assured that Army will continue to provide a secure and peaceful environment in the Valley.
ANC felicitates Kejriwal for becoming CM Srinagar, DEC 28: The masses of J&K to wake up A w a m i N a t i o n a l to the call against corrupConference (ANC) senior tion, unemployment, vice-president Muzzafar inflation, etc, and give way Shah has conveyed his to people caring and prohearty felicitations to the development regimes. He patron of Aam Admi Party said that it would require ( A A P ) M r. A r v i n d an altogether new and Kejriwal on being elected overhauled system run by as the Chief Minister of only those whose past and Delhi. careers have not remained In a statement issued by tainted to run the regime. the party to KNS, Shah Shah further appealed the said that it was actually a masses to not get carried victory of the common a w a y b y m e r e man against corruption, sl oganeeri ng of the nepotism, bureaucratiza- parties but see the realities tion and bad-governance. of their activities and He said that the recent deeds towards the state polls in Delhi have shook and its people on the the stake holders and ground. Shah said it was leaders about the fact that peak time for people to now people are fed up with choose representatives and corruption, inflation, parties which have always unemployment and all preferred welfare of other vices of bad- people and done politics governance and wanted a on genuine principles change to rid themselves r a t h e r t h a n m e r e of those vices conse- sloganeering and as such quently choosing AAP as bid a good bye to corrupan alternative. tion, inflation, unemployShah further stated that it ment and scandalous was high time for the regimes.
PDP demands opening of Silk route, Kailash Mansarover Yatra route Ladakh, Dec 28: Calling for opening of the traditional routes- Silk route and Kailash Mansarover Yatra routePeoples Democratic Party (PDP) Saturday said the opening of the historical routes will restore the Ladakh region’s lost glory and will uplift the socioeconomic condition of the area. The party, in this regard, today held a massive procession, which started at Jama Masjid chowk in main market, Leh, and culminated at the historic Polo Ground. Speaking on the occasion, t h e p a r t y ’s D i s t r i c t President, Leh, Tashi Gyalson, said the historic Silk route had a significant impact on the socioeconomic condition of the entire Ladakh region and its reopening will not only give restore the region’s lost glory, but will also help in t he overa ll
development of the area. Similarly, the opening of the Kailash Mansarover yatra route from Changthan will considerably promote the religious tourism in the region. He said Leh is facing the development crisis and the National Conferenceled government has not been able to come up to the expectations of the people. He said it was ironical that the people have reach Srinagar for availing ration cards and demanded the facility should be made available in the Leh only. He said Ladakh Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, has miserably failed to deliver on the ground. Instead of helping to promote the region’s socio-economic condition, he said the LAHDC has been resorting to malpractices as is evident from the recent class IV recruitments.
Chrar-e-Shareef residents allege police inaction over growing burglary incidents Srinagar, Dec 28: The residents of Chrar-eShareef in central K a s h m i r ’s B u d g a m district on Saturday alleged that police was not acting against the burglars, who have let loose a ‘reign of terror’ in the villages. The residents of Gulshan Abad, Chrar-e-Shareef told Global News Service that they were having sleepless nights from several months due to the frequent incidents of late n i g h t b u rg l a r y. T h e burglars, they said, strike in the dark night and loot
houses, shops and offices before decamping with cash and goods. On Friday night, the residents said, two provisional stores belonging to Irshad H u s s a i n Wa n i a n d Mushtaq Ahmad Saudagar were looted by unknown burglars after breaking down the wall of their shops. The residents also alleged that the police was not taking necessary steps to curb the activities of the burglars, who have let loose a reign of terror in the area.
ZABARWAN TIMES
Srinagar, Dec 28: Despite government is not taking to the few learners. The t a l l c l a i m s o f s t a t e any steps to help in its potters claim that the government to promote r e v i v a l , ” A p o t t e r , younger generation has the traditional art of Mohmad Yaqoob of old been taking to other form Kashmir, “pottery” one of city told KNS. of profession due to the the traditional art in In rural Kashmir potters less market demand. Kashmir handicrafts has have been limited to “Earlier we would see lost its sheen and is dying making vessels and other toys, vessels and many fast. house hold items but in more household goods Pottery dates back to 5000 urban areas the potters made of clay. But now the years but has now only e a r n l i v e l i h o o d b y earthenware has a tough few takers while among producing small decora- competition in the market the younger generation it tive objects with innova- due to the arrival of steel has become a stigma due tive designs and colours. and plastic goods. Since a t o l e s s p r o f e s s i o n a l The artisans associated decade, the potters have application and market- with this art claim that been declining valley ability of the pottery g o v e r n m e n t w h i l e wide and even the new items. reviving other art forms generation seem not to be “We have been associated have neglected the pottery interested in this form,” w i t h p o t t e r y s i n c e which though is consid- s a i d M u r t a z a K h a n generation but now the ered one of the essential another potter to KNS. potters here in this area component of Kashmir The artisans blame that are gradually giving up Handicrafts. government doesn’t invite this art. We make etiquette T h e S r i n a g a r - b a s e d the potters to showcase designs which have been p o t t e r y c a l l e d t h e their products in exhibicenter of attraction of Khanyar pottery that tion outside state. “We are tourists valley wide but churned the glazed form hardly nominated to now we are not even able o f e a r t h e n w a r e i s p a r t i c i p a t e i n a n y to meet our both ends .The gradually diminishing due exhibition as the govern-
One way Traffic on National Highway Srinagar, December 28: Traffic to be allowed from Jammu side towards Srinagar in a regulated manner,tomorrow. Inspector General of Police Traffic in his communiqué stated that subject to fair weather and good conditions of road all kinds of vehicles viz LMV’s,
ment is bothered about other art forms including Pashmina, woodwork,” he added. Pertinently Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah recently during his inauguration of an art exhibition had said that the artifacts are declining i m m e n s e l y. W h e n contacted officials of Handicrafts, admitted that the pottery in valley is diminishing terribly. “The department has not any programme to revive it but she ensured that they would send a proposal to Chief Minister regarding the formulation of programmes to revive pottery. Right now we don’t have any programme for the pottery, but we have called a team and a proposal will be made which will be later send to Chief Minister,” they said.
Office of the Assistant Regional Transport Officer Anantnag NOTICE
commercial LMVS, LCV’s medium passengers as well as commercial vehicles including buses (except double Decker, sleeper coaches), heavy commercial vehicles would be allowed to travel from Jammu side towards Srinagar in a regulated manner.
Whereas joint application has been received by this office from Mrs. Parvaiz Ahmad Najar S/o Bashir Ahmad Najar R/o Laizbal Anantnag (party no 1st) as transferor (seller) owner of the vehicle Tata 207-DI bearing regd. No JKO3B 1973 (commercial) and Mr. Shabir Ahmad Khan S/o Ab Salam Khan R/o Singhoo Pulwama (party no.2nd) as transferee(purchaser) requesting for transfer of R/C & R/P of the above noted vehicle from party no 1st to 2nd. Before the case is disposed off on its merits anybody having objection regarding the proposed transfer may file his objection within seven days from the publication of this notice to the office of the undersigned. No any representation/objection shall be entertained after stipulated period.
Sd/- Assistant Regional Transport Officer Anantnag S.W
No: 2247/ARTO/ANG Dated: 28-12-2013
Government of Jammu & Kashmir
Office of The Executive Engineer R&B Division Baramulla Notice Inviting Tenders NIT No:- 70/5473-83/2013-14/R&B/Bla Dated:- 04.12.2013
For and on behalf of the Governor, J&K State e-tenders (In Single Cover System) are invited on item rate basis from approved and eligible Contractors Regd. With J&K State Govt. CPWD, Railways and other State/Central Governments for each of the following works:-
S. No
1.
Name of Work
P/L WBM Grade-II to Watergam Kalantra Road Km 4th, 5th & 6th (Fresh to NIT No: 06/714-24/2013-14 dt: 08.05.2013)
Est.Cost (Rs. In Lacs)
Cost of T/Doc. (In Rs)
Earnest Money/ Bid Security (In Rs.)
Time of completion
23.53
800/-
47060/-
30 days
Time & Date of Opening of tender (Technical Bid) 01.02.2014 (11:00AM)
Class of Contractor
B&C
Major Head of Account
MH-4059NABARD
Position of AAA/TS = AAA Submitted Position of funds = Demanded 1. The Bidding documents consisting of qualifying information, eligibility criteria, specifications, Drawings, bill of quantities (B.O.Q), Set of terms and conditions of contract and other details can be seen/downloaded from the departmental website www.jktenders.gov.in as per the scheduled date given below. 1. Date of issue of Tender Notice 04.12.2013 2. Period of downloading of bidding documents From 27.12.2013 to 29.01.2014 4:00PM 3. Bid submission Start date 27.12.2013 upto 10:00 AM 4. Bid Submission End Date 29.01.2014 upto 4:00PM 5. Deadline for receiving the hard copy (Original DD & 30.01.2014 upto 04:00PM in the office of the Executive EMD) Engineer R&B Division Baramulla 6. Date and time of Opening of Bids (Online) 01.02.2014 upto 11:00AM in the office of the Executive Engineer R&B Division Baramulla 2. Bids must be accompanied with cost of Tender document in shape of demand draft in favour of the Executive Engineer, R&B Division Baramulla (Tender inviting Authority) and Earnest money /Bid security in shape of CDR/FDR pledged to Executive Engineer R&B Division Baramulla (Tender receiving Authority). 3. The date and time of opening of Bids shall be notified on Web Site www.jktenders.gov.in and conveyed to the bidders automatically through an e-mail message on their e-mail address. The bids of Responsive bidders shall be opened online on same Web Site at the Executive Engineer R&B Division Baramulla. 4. The bids for the work shall remain valid for a period of 120 days from the date of opening of technical bids. 5. The earnest money shall be forfeited, If:a) Any bidder/ tenderer withdraws his bid/ tender during the period of bid validity or makes any modifications in the terms and conditions of the bid. b) Failure of Successful bidder to furnish the required performance security within the specified time limit. c) Failure of successful bidder to execute the agreement within 28 days after fixation of contract. DIPJK: 11863 Sd/- Executive Engineer
Government of Jammu & Kashmir
Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura Office of the Executive Engineer, Mechanical E-Tenders 03 NIT No: 42 of 2013-14 Dated: 27-12-2013
The e-tenders are invited on behalf of Governor of J&K State in two cover system for the following work: Name of Work: Replacement of steam lines feeding to Laundry & Linen, CSSD & TSSU at SKIMS, Soura. Estimated Cost: Rs. 2590578/Earnest Money: Rs. 51900/Period of Completion: 45 Days Last date and time of submission of bid: 06-01-2014 upto 4.00 P.M The bid forms and other details can be obtained from the website https://jktenders.gov.in from 28-12-2013. No: SIMS 139 EX.163-III-1890-1900-991-D Dated: 27-12-2013
Sd/- Executive Engineer Mechanical, SKIMS
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
Editorial/Opinion The Daily
Zabarwan Times Sunday, 29 December 2013
Worrying pace of developmental projects
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he slow pace of developmental projects in Jammu and Kashmir particularly the Kashmir valley has not only resulted in increased cost of these projects but also diluted their benefits which could have changed the economy of the state to a great extent. The valley has only a few months of work season due to the winter and it becomes almost impossible to continue the construction work in chilly days of December, January and February. The months of March and April are rainy so the work again suffers. By all calculations there are not more than five months when the construction work can be carried on to the best satisfaction of the concerned agencies. Hence it becomes imperative to lift the pace of the work during these months so that maximum is accomplished and taken to some point where from the threads can be picked up next season. In addition to the less working months the red-tapism and bureaucratic hurdles also come in the way of completion of developmental projects and the result is that despite the fact that people pay through their noose, these projects are not completed on time and their construction cost goes upwards manifold. During 2006-2008 the work culture improved in the state and the construction work of different projects was going on in double shift and at places in triple shift. It is because of that several projects which had not been completed for over two decades were completed within some months only as every officer involved was made answerable at every level. Not only this some new projects which were started during this period were completed on fast track basis and people of the state were not only satisfied with the ongoing work but were comparing the state with other states of the country. But unfortunately the work culture again deteriorated and reached the same level where it was during the last twenty-five years of turmoil. The present government should realize as to what is going wrong and why this inconsistency has developed and then they should take some corrective measures so that the pace of development gets a Philip.
Daily
ZABARWAN TIMES 9
Sunday, 29 December 2013
RGUMY - Providing Handholding Support to First Generation Entrepreneurs
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ntrepreneurship development and training is one of the key elements for development and promotion of micro and small enterprises, particularly, the first generation entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (EDPs) of various durations are being organized on regular basis by a number of organizations e.g. national and state level Entrepreneurship Development Institutes (EDIs), Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Institutes (MSMEDIs), national and state level Industrial Development Corporations, Banks and other training institutions and agencies in private and public sector etc., to create new entrepreneurs by cultivating their latent qualities of entrepreneurship and enlightening them on various aspects necessary for setting up micro and small enterprises. Besides, various Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), other private training institutions are also organizing vocational training (VT) programmes, skill development programmes (SDPs) and entrepreneurship cum-skill development programmes (ESDPs). However, there are still wide spread variations in the success rate, in terms of actual setting up and successful running of enterprises, by the EDP/ SDP/ ESDP trained entrepreneurs. It has been observed that entrepreneurs particularly new entrepreneurs, generally face difficulties in availing full benefits under available schemes of the Governments/ financial institutions, completing and complying with various formalities and legal requirements under various laws/ regulations, in selection of appropriate technology, tie-up with buyers and sellers etc. In order to bridge the gap between the aspirations of the potential entrepreneurs and the ground realties, there is a need to
support and nurture the potential first generation as well as existing entrepreneurs by giving them handholding support, particularly during the initial stages of setting up and managing their enterprises. To achieve this objective, Rajiv Gandhi Udyami Mitra Yojana (RGUMY) has been launched. Selected lead agencies i.e. 'Udyami Mitras' aim to help these entities in the establishment and management of the new enterprise, in dealing with various procedural and legal hurdles and in completion of various formalities required for setting up and running of the enterprise. The Yojana also helps in providing information, support, guidance and assistance to first generation entrepreneurs as well as other existing entrepreneurs through an ‘Udyami Helpline’ (a Call Centre for MSMEs), to guide them regarding various promotional schemes of the Government, procedural formalities required for setting up and running of the enterprise and help them in accessing Bank credit etc. Under RGUMY, financial assistance would be provided to the selected lead agencies i.e. Udyami Mitras for rendering assistance and handholding support to the potential first generation entrepreneurs. Following agencies/organizations can be appointed as the lead agency i.e. Udyami Mitra: · Existing national level Entrepreneurship Development Institutions (EDIs); · Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Institutes (MSMEDIs)/ Branch MSMEDIs; · Central/ State Government public sector enterprises (PSEs) involved in promotion and development of MSEs e.g. National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) and State Industrial Development
Corporations etc.; · Selected State level EDIs and Entrepreneurship Development Centers (EDCs) in public or private sectors; · Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC); · Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) set up for cluster development involved in entrepreneurship development; · Capable associations of MSEs/SSIs; · Other organizations/training institutions/NGOs etc. involved in entrepreneurship development/ skill development. The Scheme does not help existing entrepreneurs. It only helps beneficiaries who would like to become prospective entrepreneurs. Beneficiaries, who have not undergone such training, but are willing for getting handholding support, should be advised to undergo such training for at least two weeks. The selected lead agencies i.e. Udyami Mitras render assistance and handholding support for following services: Networking, coordinating and follow up with various Government departments/ agencies/ organizations and regulatory agencies on the one hand and with support agencies like Banks and financial institutions, District Industries Centers (DICs), technology providers, infrastructure providers on the other hand, to help the first generation entrepreneurs in setting up their enterprise. Udyami Mitras are expected to help the first generation entrepreneurs in: I d e n t i f i c a t i o n o f s u i t a b l e p r oject/product/enterprise and preparation of bankable project report · Creation of the proprietorship firm/ partnership firm/ Company/Society/ Self Help Group (SHG) etc.; • Filing of Memorandum (as prescribed under MSMED Act 2006); • Accessing bank loans, admissible capital
subsidy/ assistance under various schemes of the Central /State Government and other agencies/organizations/financial institutions/ Banks etc. by networking with respective agencies; • Assistance and support in establishment of work shed/office; • Sanction of Power load/connection; • Selection of appropriate technology and installation of plant and machinery/office equipment etc.; • obtaining various registrations/ licenses/ clearances / No Objection Certificates (NOCs) etc. from the concerned regulatory agencies/ Government departments/ local bodies/Municipal authorities etc.; • Allotment of Income Tax Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Service Tax/ Sales Tax/ VAT registration etc; • Sanction of working capital loan from the banks; • Arranging tie up with raw material suppliers; • Preparation and implementation of marketing strategy for the product/ service and market development; and •Establishing linkage with a mentor for providing guidance in future; •Creation of web page and email identity; Once the enterprise has been successfully set up, the Udyami Mitras would also monitor and follow up on the functioning of the enterprise for a further period of minimum 6 months and provide help in overcoming various managerial, financial and operational problems. The beneficiaries i.e., Udyamis are required to pay Rs. 1000/- to Udyami Mitras, as their initial contribution at the time of registration.However, the initial contribution is also waived off for the beneficiaries belonging to SC, ST, Physically Handicapped, Women and all beneficiaries belonging to North-Eastern Region.
Creating Skilled Manpower Scheme for Online Reporting Assistance to Training Institutions System of Mineral Transaction T
he Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector has emerged as a highly vibrant and dynamic sector of the Indian economy over the last five decades. MSMEs not only play crucial role in providing large employment opportunities at comparatively lower capital cost than large industries but also help in industrialization of rural & backward areas, thereby, reducing regional imbalances, assuring more equitable distribution of national income and wealth. MSMEs are complementary to large industries as ancillary units and contribute enormously to the socio-economic development of the country. The Ministry promotes the development of micro and small enterprises in the country with the objective of creating self-employment opportunities and upgrading the relevant skills of existing and potential entrepreneurs. In order to promote establishment of new enterprises and creation of new entrepreneurs the Ministry has been implementing various schemes and programmes. Entrepreneurship development is one of the key elements for promotion of micro and small enterprises, particularly, the first generation entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship, and resultant creation of employment and wealth, is a major means for inclusive development. Hence, entrepreneurship development has been one of the priorities in countries the world over. In order to ensure that young entrepreneurs are encouraged and suitably equipped to go into new ventures, the Ministry has been providing assistance for establishment of Training Institutions/ Entrepreneurship Development Institutes (EDIs) for imparting entrepreneurship and skill development training. These EDIs have been providing entrepreneurship and skill development training to the first generation entrepreneurs and helping and supporting them in the establishment of their enterprises. The Government makes consistent and concerted efforts to accelerate and promote entrepreneurship by providing support for strengthening of training infrastructure as well as programme support. The Ministry has set up three National level Entrepreneurship
Development Institutes namely National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (NIMSME), Hyderabad; National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), Noida and Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati to undertake the task of entrepreneurship and skill development on a regular basis. The Ministry has also been supporting the efforts of State Governments/ Union Territories, Industry Associations, Financial Institutions, Technical/ Management Institutions, other Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), etc. for establishment of new training institutions as well as strengthening of the infrastructure of existing training institutions. The Scheme for Assistance to Training Institutions envisages financial assistance for establishment of new institutions (EDIs), strengthening the infrastructure of the existing EDIs and for supporting entrepreneurship and skill development activities. The main objectives of the scheme are development of indigenous entrepreneurship from all walks of life for developing new micro and small enterprises, enlarging the entrepreneurial base and encouraging self-employment in rural as well as urban areas, by providing training to first generation entrepreneurs and assisting them in setting up of enterprises. The assistance is provided to these training institutions in the form of capital grant for creation/strengthening of infrastructure and programme support for conducting entrepreneurship development and skill development programmes. Assistance to National level EDIs is provided under the scheme for creation or strengthening/ expansion of infrastructure, including opening of new branches/ centres and meeting revenue deficit, if any, to national level EDIs [presently 3 namely - National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (NiMSME), Hyderabad; National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), Noida and Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati]. Assistance to Other EDIs (other than
National level EDIs) is provided under the scheme to proposed new EDIs or existing EDIs for creation or strengthening/expansion of their infrastructure. The central assistance under this scheme would be only catalytic and supplementary to the contributions and efforts of the other stakeholders e.g. the concerned Institute, States/UT Governments and other developmental agencies/NGOs/Institutions etc. Here, the applicant Institution should possess clear title on the land required for setting up of the proposed/existing institute. In case the land is obtained on lease hold, the tenure of the lease deed should be for at least 30 years. The financial assistance is for specific needs of each c ase for construction of building, purchase of training aids/equipments, office equipments, computers and for providing other support services e.g. libraries/data bases etc. Assistance for Training Programmes is provided under the scheme to Training Institutions, for conducting Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (EDPs) and Entrepreneurship cum Skill Development Programmes (ESDPs) and Training of Trainers (ToTs) programmes in the areas of Entrepreneurship and/or Skill Development. · National level EDIs (including branches), · Training Institutions established by Partner Institutions (PIs) of national level EDIs, · Training/Incubation centres of NSIC, · Training cum Incubation Centres (TICs) set up by Franchisees of NSIC and · Other Training institutions with proven professional competency, capacity and experience, approved under the scheme. Assistance is normally provided for short term courses/ training programmes (non residential) only, i.e. ESDPs for 1 to 3 months (100 to 300 hours of training inputs), EDPs for 2 weeks (72 hours of training inputs) and ToT programmes (300 hours of training inputs). The progress of the scheme is regularly monitored by the Screening Committee/Secretary (MSME) from time to time to ensure the highest quality.
In its continues effort to bring more transparency the Mines Ministry has developed an On-Line Registration and Reporting System under rule 45 of MCDR, 1988 of mineral transaction to facilitate the submission of monthly returns of iron ore. The Minister of State Independent Charge Shri Dinsha J. Patel launched the first phase of the Online Reporting System of mineral transaction. The focus will be on submission of monthly returns for iron and manganese ore mines throughout the country. Other minerals would be covered by September 2012. In the present system of mineral administration, the onus of the mineral is with the State Governments. The Ministry has a limited authority except the administration of Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 1988 (MCDR) through Indian Bureau of Mines. Now the reporting system has been developed to facilitate in submitting the returns on-line. Indian Bureau of Mines will allot and record registration numbers, which will be used for all reporting and correspondence connected to mining, trading, stocking, end use or export of mineral. All the State Government will be able to access the system to check the data reported in the returns and can initiate action in case of wrong reporting of data, evasion of royalty, etc. Over a period of time, it has come to the knowledge of the Ministry that malpractices in mining sector have increased due to poor governance at State level leading to number of illegal mining cases. The mineral thus produced, come into the mineral market through trading, stocking, procurement by endusers or export. This situation has necessitated the Government to take stringent measures for monitoring the mining and mineral transaction in order to control malpractices in this sector. In future the system will be linked to Railways and Ports Authorities to check the correctness of the reporting made under the Rule. The on-line reporting system is linked to on-line registration system. Broadly the reporting system is divided into two parts. Part-I covers the general information in addition to the employment details. Part-II of the monthly reporting system deals with the grade wise production, dispatches, stock and justification for increase/decrease of production and sale price of minerals. The Part-II of reporting system requires the registration number of the consignee and purpose of sale whether for domestic consumption or export and in case of domestic consumption whether it is made for captive consumption or sale or transfer. The on-line registration system has already commenced in Indian Bureau of Mines and so far 4898 lease holders (covering 9390 mines), 2345 traders, 476 exporters, 1033 stockist and 1653 end-users have registered their details. The amended Rule 45 of MCDR, 1988 specifies penal action against defaulting mine owners and empowers the Government to order for suspension of all mining operations and may revoke the order of suspension after ensuring proper compliance, take action to initiate prosecution and recommend for termination of mining lease. The reporting system is designed to generate violation letters automatically and issue the same to the defaulters who fail to submit the returns by the stipulated date of 10th of every month. In order to ensure tighter implementation, State Governments would be partnered for compliance of traders, stockiest, exporters and end-users.
Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer.
Editorial/Opinion The Daily
Zabarwan Times Friday, 27 September 2013
Shrinking Rice Bowl of Kashmir valley
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he most beautiful, bewitching period in Kashmir valley is Autumn. The colour of leaves on the trees, the leaves of mighty and grand chinar, start turning from green to golden. Almost all the tourists all over the world and the country long to see the changing colour of the Kashmir valley. The late Prime minster Smt. Indira Gandhi would always visit Kashmir valley during Autumn, as she would love to see the burning chinar turning red and would get a new strength and spirit in herself. This season is very important for the farmers of the valley. By now the main fruit, apple, is ready and the paddy fields too are ready to pay the reward for the toil of the farmers for the whole year. The scenes at the paddy fields these days are so eye catching that one feels like to spend the whole day with the families of the harvesters who since morning till evening are busy in harvesting paddy. The whole family is busy with the harvesting. Women, children, in colourful dresses, giggling with joy, singing, sipping ‘Kahwa’ or 'salty tea' in ‘samawar’, work very hard to assemble the yield. As per law in J&K, protection has been given to agricultural land. The Paddy land has been demarcated as 'Grade A' (Abi Awal) which is reserved for growing paddy only. This land cannot be utilised for any other purpose like construction of houses or for commercial purposes. But unfortunately, when one goes around South Kashmir, which till now was known as 'Rice Bowl of Kashmir valley' comes across a large number of constructions in the shape of shops, residential houses, car showrooms, mechanic shops etc. Day by day, the paddy land is shrinking. The land along the National Highway is sold at exorbitant prices. The landlords think of prosperity of today. Nobody is concerned for tomorrow when our children will have to beg for rice or wheat. As it is, the state is importing rice and wheat from outside the state. We are running into food deficit. The economy of the state is suffering as large chunk of money is paid to Food Corporation of India for buying rice and wheat. One just wonder, if the trend of converting grade A land into non A Grade land with the help of some unscrupulous revenue officers, there will be acute shortage of food grain. May be a day comes, when Food Corporation of India may not be able to help the people of Kashmir, as due to global warming most the Indian productive states like Punjab, U.P, M.P, Orissa are un-in dated under flood water. No wonder, the growing of paddy is not as lucrative business, in comparison to other business, but the farmers who feed the people, have to think about the present and future generation. Grain is the basic need of human life, rest of the comforts are secondary. The way the paddy land is being converted either into orchards or for commercial purposes, it will be difficult to meet the basic needs of food. With this instinct of amassing quick buck for small interest, we are keeping big interests at stake. In a way, we are giving a play field to black marketers, profiteers, hoarders to exploit us. Whenever there is scarcity of anything, this class gets the chance to make hay while the sun shines. Let us join hands, make all out efforts to save our bowl of rice, before the tide of lust to earn quick money takes away everything with it and we are left only with the pangs of hunger. Sprawling bunglows, luxurious cars, expensive jewellery, diamonds and rubies cannot substitute golden grains. Let us save our grain and make Kashmir the old rich granary which used to export rice to rest of the country.
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Daily
ZABARWAN TIMES 9
Friday, 27 September 2013
Reviving the Dying Kashmir Silk Industry
ilk has been one of the cherished heritages of Jammu and Kashmir with sericulture activity in the valley finding mention in ancient Sanskrit scriptures including Rajtarangni. The queen of the fabrics, Kashmir Silk has ever cherished the passion of consumers for its lustre, purity and fineness. During the medieval times silk production in Kashmir received a big boost with Sultan Zain-ul Abideen also known as ''Budshah'' (the Great King) giving special attention to this sector and introducing new improved techniques to make it a booming industry. However, during the Afghan rule in Kashmir, the fledging industry terribly suffered, but the Dogra rulers in early 19th century once more revived the sericulture sector to emerge it as the flagship of Kashmir's economy. By the first half of 20th century, Kashmir had a dynamic silk trade with its precious silk yarn exported not only to the entire British Empire but also to whole of Europe. Sericulture is a labour intensive cottage industry combining both agriculture and industry. It is the only one cash crop in agriculture sector that gives returns within 30 days. “Kashmir had its indigenous races of silkworm and produced best quality cocoons in the world”, said an official associated with the sericulture sector. Silk rearing, the main stays of the state's economy till over two decades ago, is unfortunately in shambles today. According to the available statistics the cocoon production in Kashmir dropped to 60,000 kgs in late 90s after having touched more than 15 lakh kilograms during 1980s. The reasons for Kashmir silk industry falling on bad days are varied. It is widely contended that de-monopolization of the industry and bifurcation of Kashmir Filatures from the Sericulture Department led to the decline in the use of cocoons locally. The outside traders took advantage of the situation due to the non-increase of cocoon prices. These traders lured cocoon rearers with quite high prices to sell their produce to them leaving very
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little raw material for the Kashmir filatures. “Per kilogram cost of cocoon was not increased for almost two decades. A kilogram of A-Grade cocoon was purchased from the farmers for Rs 180 till 2009. Now the rates are Rs 210 per kg, far below what can attract a grower towards the sector. In open market the rates even touch Rs 600 per kg,” sources said. Kashmir Filatures, which had its origin in 1897 with Italian reeling basins, was transferred to JK Industries Ltd in 1963. It had an installed capacity of 584 reeling
the only state which produces the best quality Bivoltine silk. But the irony is that less than 30 percent of cocoons produced indigenously are used for silk production locally and the remaining produce is picked up by the outside traders,`` officials said. Private rearers of the state consume 25 percent of locally produced cocoons and this has kept the silk industry going in the state. The local carpet weaving units prefer low quality Chinese silk yarn to indigenous silk being cost effective. This has also hit the indigenous
basins, employing over 2000 workers. These were the days of “dynamic silk trade” in Kashmir. Alas, the spinning wheels at Kashmir Filatures stand virtually silenced. The de-monopolization of Kashmir Filatures starved it of the raw material (cocoons), as a result, the Filatures shrank from hundreds of reeling basins to mere 31 in 2008-09. Consequently, the raw silk production fell alarmingly and even in the recent years the trend has not been enthusing with production of 8.2 metric tonnes (MT) in 2004-05 going upto 21.2 MT in 2007-08 but again falling to 17.1 MT in 2008-09. ``Jammu and Kashmir is
silk industry. Moreover, mulberry cultivation, which is the source of mulberry leaves on which the silk worms thrive, also suffered and got confined to 173 departmental mulberry nurseries spread over a meagre area of 963 acres. All these factors and low market prices of cocoons weaned away the farmers from this sector. According to reports, the number of cocoon rearers has declined from 60,000 in 1947 to 2,500 in 2011. These have adversely affected the forward and backward linkages in the industry. Nevertheless, ''not all is lost'' says Agriculture and Sericulture Minister
Ghulam Hassan Mir, who, sounding optimistic, adds that the sun may again shine on the silk industry of Kashmir. Basing his optimism on an upward trend for past few years He said that Kashmir produced 738 metric ton (MT) cocoons in 2008-09, 810 MT in 2009-10 and in the last fiscal 970 MT worth eleven crore rupees``. Sericulture Minister Mir is of the view that the sector holds great promise for employment generation and as such, the government has embarked on a number of measures for reviving the sector. These include large scale propagation of mulberry trees. In this connection the government has embarked on an innovating scheme of allotting idle pieces of land to various groups comprising unemployed youth in villages for planting mulberry trees. The Sericulture Department has already started this scheme on the 24 km road to Tangmarg, the base camp of the tourist resort Gulmarg. Riaz Ahmad, a science graduate, who is one of the 30- member group planting mulberry saplings, said, “I am happy to be a part of this scheme. Though we will be earning less in the beginning, it is better than sitting idle at home and becoming a burden on old parents." The Department is also distributing seeds and mulberry plants free of cost to farmers and supplements them with seven rupees per plant. “We also provide financial support of Rs 50,000 to each family associated with the sector for developing infrastructure for cocoon production besides insurance cover to the family,” the Minister said. He said that the farmers are being assisted with the latest drying techniques which help in maintaining the quality of the product. Additional director, Sericulture Department, Dr Malik Farooq said, “We have many strategies in our list which will revive the silk industry.” The Minister described the production as well as the cost of the cocoon having gone up this year as “a healthy trend.” It is hoped that this healthy trend will once again bloom the state`s silk industry to secure its past glory.
Rural Tourism
ast year when Vivek Sherode from Pune told his children that he was taking them for a holiday, they were more than excited “Will their father take them to Mumbai or Goa?”They started guessing among themselves? But Vivek had some other plans this time. He had heard about village tourism and this time he wanted to give his children the taste of village life. The children were disappointed when they first came to know about it. But the moment they landed in a village they fell in love with the place. For them it was a different world altogether. Vivek said he had never seen his children so happy as they ran about, sometimes climbing the tree to pluck chikoos or riding a bullock cart or a tractor or simply playing with water at the village well. Vivek said that he had never seen his family enjoy the holiday so much as in this village. He said at night the local dance and music with rustic flavor was organized, something they would never had the chance to see in a city. Living in high rise buildings amidst noise and coping with the fast paced life, people want to get away from the daily hustle and bustle for a quiet holiday and breathe fresh air. Rural tourism as a concept was envisaged in the National Tourism policy in 2002. It was defined as a form of tourism that showcases village life, art, culture and heritage at rural locations, thereby benefiting the local community economically and socially as well as enabling interaction between the tourists and the locals for a more enriching tourism experience. Rural Tourism Scheme The Rural Tourism Scheme was formulated with a focus on developing tourism related infrastructure that would help promote village tourism. This was later supplemented by a pilot project Endogenous Tourism Project (ETP) in collaboration with United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) by building and strengthening tourism livelihoods-linked capacities of local communities. The project also aimed at convergence of issues like sustainable livelihoods, gender equality, empowerment of women, youth and other disadvantaged sections of the community, and working towards cultural sensitivity and environmental sustainability. Since 2006 the funding of the capacity building activities has also been going on under the capacity building scheme of the Ministry of Tourism. Panduranga, who is into rural tourism says that in Maharshtra, village tourism took birth in Baramati district in 2004 as a pilot project spread over 110 acres of land. There is horticulture plantation in the 65 acre area. He says when they urban tourists come, they are also able to see silk processing units, milk dairies and fruit plantations. Another objective of encouraging rural tourism was to curb migration from rural to urban areas. Since 2004 more than 200 centres of rural and farm tourism have been developed in Maharashtra and more than a lakh of tourists have had the taste of village life. In addition extra income to the farmers, the unemployed youth in villages have also been roped into the activities connected with rural tourism. Rajasthan is another state where rural tourism has developed fast over the years. Rajasthan is not only famous for historical monuments and places of worship but also for its rich culture be its performing arts or crafts or dance and music. According to Vi j a y D e e p S i n g h o f M u r a r k a Foundations they have developed several packages not only for the Indian tourists but tourists from place like America, France, England and even Switzerland. He says that many tourists want to stay with villagers in their homes to get first hand flavour of local life, cuisine and
culture. Under one such packages the tourists are charged 1200 rupees per day for one day and night of which 850 rupees are paid to the farmers family. For the tourists it is not expensive and the farmer too is able to earn extra money. In Punjab it is farm tourism that has become the favourite. One can walk along the golden mustard fields, take a ride on the tractor, take the cattle for grazing or feed them, get to drink fresh buttermilk in the green fields with Makki ki Roti and Saag, enjoy the folk dance Bhangra and get to see the making of the local craft phulkari and also meet the village community and the Panchayat. The tourists also get to participate or simply watch local games like wrestling, Gilidanda , kite flying. Children too can experience the joy of jumping on the hay and taking bath in the tube wells. Many other states too are now giving encouragement to rural tourism. 12th Plan Strategy to Boost Rural Tourism The working group on tourism for the 12th plan observed that due to several reasons, the rural tourism projects have achieved only limited success. It has suggested a strategy that can exploit the full potential of rural tourism. The strategy for developing rural tourism is focussed on phased development of cluster of villages for tourism instead of individual villages. It says that the concentration of tourism facilities or opportunities in a cluster of villages in a geographically compact area, rather than in a number of individual villages spread across vast areas, is likely to provide better tourism attraction. Another advantage is that marketing of local products can be facilitated by holding Craft Bazars or Haats, a concept which has been in vogue throughout the country for a long time. Also it is more practical and cost effective for tour operators to take a busload or a
Rural tourism as a concept was envisaged in the National Tourism policy in 2002. It was defined as a form of tourism that showcases village life, art, culture and heritage at rural locations, thereby benefiting the local community economically and socially as well as enabling interaction between the tourists and the locals for a more enriching tourism experience. group of large number of tourists to a rural tourism cluster, which offers more variety and opportunities of shopping, and exposure to customs, lifestyles, local arts and artisans/ artists, including performing arts.
Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer.