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01 March | 2014 | 28 Rabi-Al-Thani 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |
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Azad announces Super Speciality Upgradation of Jhansi Medical College Shutdown, protests in Valley 3 More Medical Colleges to be ugraded to Super Speciality Hospitals over Lolab killings two years about 147 hospitals with 900 beds have been approved. The Minister said that 34,800 specialists, nurses, AYUSH doctors and 1,36,094 ASHAs have been provided by the Central Government to the state of Uttar Pradesh. Along with that, 988 Ambulances ‘108’ in the year 201011 and 1,972 Ambulances ‘102’ have been approved for UP during 201213. Of the 1,972 Ambulances ‘102’, the state Government has already bought 972 ambulances, the Health Minister noted. Azad said that Government has launched a number of schemes for pregnant women, mother and child. Under Janani Suraksha Yojna the objective is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by promoting institutional delivery among poor pregnant women. Under this scheme financial assistance of Rs 1,400 is provided to pregnant women in rural areas and Rs 1000 in urban areas. Central government has provided Rs 2000 crores See Azad On Page 11..
Srinagar, Feb 28: Kashmir valley Friday observed a complete shutdown in wake of the call given my Syed Ali Shah led Hurriyat Conference against the killings of seven “foreign militants”, in Lolab valley on Monday this week. Reports reaching GNS said that shops and other business establishments in the summer capital Srinagar were closed, while the traffic was mostly off the roads. The commercial hub Lal Chowk presented a desert look while additional deployment of police and paramilitary troops was made to prevent pro-freedom protests. However, soon after Friday prayers, a protest rally was carried out by Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) from its headquarters in Maisuma. The protesters were chanting pro-freedom and anti-India protests and were demanding stern
Trooper among 5 arrested on stone pelting charges Srinagar, Feb 28: Trooper among five stone pelters arrested by police at Lolab in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Friday. Official sources told GNS that after prayers, a group of youth was protesting near Radnag village against killing of seven alleged militants in Lalpora on Tuesday evening in Dardpora. The protesters also hurled stones at forces deployed in the area. See Trooper On Page 11.. punishment against the killers of civilians in 2000 Pathribal fake encounter. The marchers
BOPEE paper leak and selling scam
Kejriwal is not upto the knees of Dr Farooq: Kamal
CB launches hunt to nab the ‘tainted’ students
‘Nominating candidate from Kashmir is AAP’s cheap publicity stunt’
Srinagar, Feb 28: Crime Branch Kashmir has set up 8 teams to nab the students and their parents and other accused allegedly involved in the Common Entrance Test paper leak and selling scam. Reliable sources told CNS that the fugitives may likely be declared proclaimed offenders in case they did not surrender before the Crime Branch. After presenting challan against 12 students, the Crime Branch in its second challan has indicted at least 9 students and their parents and the challan was presented before the
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Nehru Medical College, Allahabad and LLR Medical College, Meerut. Each of the Medical Colleges has been allocated Rs. 150 crores by the Central Government for Super Specialty upgradation. Speaking at the occasion, Ghulam Nabi Azad said that the Government has set up and upgraded 51,000 hospitals in the country during the last 10 years. Of these 18,000 have been upgraded during UPA-I and 33,000 during UPA-II. These are at the district, sub-district, community and primary health centre level. He noted that in Uttar Pradesh, Rs 15,299 crores have been allocated under NRHM in last nine years. 6,251 new hospitals have been approved of which 4,562 are ready. He said that special hospitals for mother and child have also been approved for the state; during the last
court of anti-corruption judge M.L.Manhas wherein the CB informed the court that the notices has already been sent to accused to present themselves before the CB. However, ‘not satisfied with the arguments of CB, the Court directed the officials of the Crime Branch to conduct raids and take all measures to get the accused involved in Board of Professional Entrance Examination (BOPEE) scam arrested at an earliest,’ sources said. See BOPEE On Page 11..
Srinagar, Feb 28: Not impressed by the Aam Admi Party (AAP) political expedition in Kashmir, Dr Mustafa Kamal, additional general secretary of National Conference on Friday termed Arwind Kejriwal an ‘anarchist who is hungry of cheap publicity for his electoral gains in the country’. Talking to KNS, Dr Kamal said that by way of nominating Raja Muzaffar Bhat from Srinagar-Budgam parliamentary con-
stituency, the AAP wants to gain publicity at the national level. “This is a cheap publicity stunt from AAP. Kejriwal could not handle Delhi, who can he handle the country.” Dr Kamal said that Kejriwal has proven utter failure as the chief minister of Delhi. “He could not run the capital but he is dreaming of leading the country. Kejriwal is an anarchist.” On making nominations against Dr Farooq Abdullah in Srinagar-Budgam Parliamentary constituency, the NC additional general secretary said
that may be AAP will fetch few votes as according to Kamal everybody is not a supporter of National Conference. “Otherwise, Kejriwal has a zero stand in Jammu and Kashmir. By fielding a candidate against Dr Farooq Abdullah, he wants to make a news in the country and gain few votes. Kejriwal should understand that he is not even upto the knees of Dr Farooq Saheb,” Kamal stressed. He said that he does not know the AAP candidate nominated from Srinagar. See Kamal On Page 11..
led by its chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik who tried to march towards Lal Chowk. However, a large contingent of police stopped the protesters at Budshah Chowk and detained Yasin Malik and his associates. The police action triggered clashes between protesters and government forces in Maisuma which continued for some time. However, no one was injured in the clashes. The effect of the shutdown was more in the downtown areas of the city where the roads wore deserted look. The authorities had deployed huge contingents of forces at sensitive areas. In Rajouri Kadal and Gojwara areas of downtown Srinagar, dozens of youth staged pro-freedom and anti-India protests, witnesses said. The youth pelted stones on the police and See Lolab On Page 11..
JCO commits suicide
Srinagar, Feb 28: A Junior Commissioned officer (JCO) committed suicide by shooting himself with his service rifle at Budgam village in central Kashmir late Friday evening.Official sources told GNS that JCO, Subidar Surinder Singh of 2 Rashtriya Rifles posted at Soibugh army camp, shot himself with his service rifle. "After hearing gunshot his colleague rushed to him where he was found lying in pool of blood," they said.The JCO, a resident of Punjab was immediately shifted to nearby hospital where doctors declared him brought dead, sources added. (GNS)
davp 17102/13/0045/1314
New Delhi, Feb 28: The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Ghulam Nabi Azad announced the Super Specialty upgradation of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, Jhansi under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) Phase III, here today. Rs. 150 crore has been allocated by the Central Government for this upgradation. The Health Minister also stated that the Cabinet has during the past few months, approved upgradation of three more Medical Colleges in Uttar Pradesh namely Government Medical College, Gorakhpur; Motilal
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Srinagar, Saturday 01 March 2014
FROM THE FRONT PAGE
Azad to State of Uttar Pradesh for this scheme from 2005-06 till today, and 1.32 lakh women have benefitted under this scheme in the state, Azad said. The Health Minister highlighted that under Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), the Central Government provides completely free and cashless services to pregnant women including normal deliveries and caesarean operations and sick new born (up to 30 days after birth), free transport between facilities in case of referral as also drop back from Institutions to home after 48hrs stay in Government health institutions in both rural and urban areas. The Central government has provided Rs. 1000 crores to Uttar Pradesh under this scheme during 2011-12 benefitting 34 lakh women. Similarly under Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) 27 crore children have been befitted and the Central government has provided Rs 160 crores during this year to the State Government of Uttar Pradesh. Present at the occasion were Pradeep Jain “Aditya”, MoS for Rural Development Ministry; Lov Verma, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Dr.(Prof.) Jagdish Prasad, DGHS and other higher officials of the Health Ministry.
Lolab paramilitary troopers deployed in the area. Pro-freedom protests also broke out in Barzulla area of uptown Srinagar after Friday prayers. However, the protesters dispersed peacefully, witnesses said. In Lalpora and main town of Kupwara district, the authorities had imposed strict restrictions to foil the protests. At Redinag area of Lalpora Lolab, the paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) resorted to aerial firing to disperse the protesters. At Iqbal Market Kupwara, the pro-freedom protests broke out after Friday prayers. However, the protesters dispersed peacefully. There was complete shutdown in other areas and towns of the north Kashmir including Baramulla, Bandipora and Sopore town. In volatile Palhallan hamlet of Baramulla district, violent clashes broke out between youth and government forces after Friday prayers. The forces, in order to disperse the protesters, resorted to teargas shelling which brought the situation under control. The clashes also broke out between in Hajin area of Bandipora district. In South Kashmir’s Lazbal Anantnag, the youth pelted stones on forces in the morning and after Friday prayers, while minor stone-throwing clashes were also reported from Gagran area of Shopian district. There were reports of complete shutdown from all the four districts of South Kashmir. Meanwhile, a police spokesperson in a statement issued here said that the situation remained normal throughout Kashmir valley today. “However, stray incidents of stone pelting were reported from Rajouri Kadal in Srinagar, Naid Khai and Hajan in Bandipora. There are no reports of injury to anyone, so far,” the spokesperson added. (GNS)
Trooper A joint team of police and CRPF chased the stone pelters and caught hold of five persons. A police official wishing anonymity told GNS that among the five arrested, one is a Territorial Army soldier who was on leave. He identified the protesters as Mohammad Ishaq Lone son of Ghulam Ahmad Lone of Hayatpora, Lolab, an army jawan who was on leave, Muneer Ahmad Khan son of Mohd Younis Khan of Lalpora, Firdous Ahmad Sheikh son of Bashiur Ahmad Sheikh of Dardpora, Bilal Ahmad Bhat son of Abdul Jabbar Bhat of Dardpora and Mohd Abass Rather son of Manzoor Ah Rather of Dardpora. The official said that investigation in this regard has been taken up. Eleven persons were injured in clashes that erupted after protestors stormed police station in Lal Pora Lolab demanding bodies of alleged militants killed by forces in an encounter on Tureday. Meanwhile, the locals alleged that soon after the protests, CRPF personnel deployed in the area went berserk and smashed windowpanes of residential houses. The houses whose windowpanes damaged in the incident belong to Ghulam Ahmed Ganie son of Ghulam Mohammad, Mohammad Maqbool Shah son of Abdul Ahad Shah, Abdul Aziz Mir son of Abdul Ahad Mir and Ghulam Rasool Mir son of Abdul Gaffar Mir, all hailing from Radnag,” Ghulam Ahmad Ganie, a contractor told GNS, adding that two four persons including Saleema Begium and Haleema sustained injuries after forces attacked their houses with stones”, Ganie added. (GNS
BOPEE Reliable sources told CNS that out of nine absconding students the Crime Branch has arrested the father of the one student while the hunt for other accused has been launched in a massive way. “We had sent notices to the accused 9 students and their parents directing them to present themselves before the CB, however, due to reasons better known to them nobody showed up. Now we have started a hunt to nab them,” a CB official on condition of anonymity told CNS. Sources said that after a high-level meeting, the CB has set up 8 different teams which have been conducting raids at different places of South Kashmir. Sources said that the CB teams raided several palces at Wandevalgam Kokernag, KP Road, Chee and Mattan Chowk Anantnag however did not get any success. Meanwhile, with reference to investigation of case vide FIR number 24/2013 under section 420, 120 B of RPC 5 (2) PC Act of Crime Branch, Board of Professional Entrance Examination (BOPEE) has issued a show cause notice asking these students, ‘why action including cancellation of their admission for undertaking MBBS course in Government Medical College Srinagar may not be taken.’ The nine student against whom BOPEE has issued the show cause notice are the CET topper Mir Wajid Majeed, Meen-Hai-Mehran Dar, Obaid Yousuf Lone, Ruhail Ahmed Mir, Imtiyaz Hussain Shah, Arh Musadiq, Aieena Hial, Danish Majeed, Mir Danish Majeed and Yasmeen Jan. BOPEE while citing the cognizance taken by CB and Court in its show cause notice has asked all these students to explain their position in writing otherwise it shall be presumed that they have nothing to say in this matter. (CNS)
Kamal “Yes, I have heard that he is a former PDP man. But these people always want to remain in greener pastures and actually they don’t have any standing.” (KNS)
Minor girl electrocuted in Kupwara
Srinagar, Feb 28 (KNS): Gudy Jan daughter of Abdul Rashid resident of Hagibal Kalaroos received an electric shock at her home. According to a police statement issued to KNS, she received injuries in the incident and was shifted to Sub District Hospital, Kupwara for treatment. (KNS)
Zabarwan Times
Genetically Engineered Illegal distribution of solar cookers in Kishtwar: PDP Terminator seeds dangerous for agriculture: JKKT demands inquiry Jammu, Feb 28 (KNS): Charging ruling National Conference with mis-using official machinery for petty political gains, senior leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Sayeed Asgar Ali, MLC today solar cookers meant for weaker sections were distributed among National Conference workers without adopting any criteria. According to a statement issued to KNS, while addressing a press conference here this afternoon, Sayeed Asgar Ali has expressed his deep concern over the unauthorized and illegal distribution of six thousand solar cookers by the workers and some office bearers of National Conference at Kishtwar. He said that these solar cookers were allotted by Ministry of New and Renewal Energy, Government of India for distribution amongst the deserving beneficiaries of Kishtwar district. But the NC leaders, who are habitual of breaking rules and norms, have brazenly manipulated in connivance with the official of JAKEDA (Science and Technology)officers/officials to handover these solar cookers to the party workers and office bearers of the party. "The matter was brought to the notice of then Deputy Commissioner Bashir Khan,
who immediately took effective steps for avoiding any mis-use of these solar cookers. Even applications were invited from the interested persons and more than six thousand applications were received the department", he said and disclosed that these informations were given by the government in reply to my C Q in which government replied that the department has received more than six thousand applications and the Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar with finalize the list and after that distribution will take place. "But throwing all norms and rules to the winds the habitual law breakers managed to distribute these solar cookers among the party workers of National Conference the very other day when the government had assured the Upper House that a definite procedure will be adopted for the distribution. He said that people of Kishtwar have been used to such type of “Nadir Shahi" orders and "Farmans", whether it was in the form of thrashing of district officer or in the irresponsible manner of supervising the communal clashes of August 9, 2013 and now the day light robber of legal rights of the thousands of deserving people of the district who have applied for solar cookers.KNS
PDP observes first death anniversary of Nazir Kawa Srinagar, Feb 28: The first death anniversary of Nazir Ahmad Kawa alias Gasha—a prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) worker, of Chrar-e-Sharif, who passed away along with his two friends-Ehtisham and Tasaduq- in a tragic road accident on Srinagar-Jammu national highway last year on February, 28—was commemorated at his native place on Friday. The deceased has served as Chairman of Municipal Committee Chrar-eSharif.According to a statement issued to KNS, to pay homage to late Nazir Ahmad Kawa, the senior PDP leader and former finance minister, Tariq Hameed Karra today visited his home and prayed for his everlasting peace. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Karra recalled the services of late Kawa, whose sole mission was the welfare of ordinary man and development of his area. Karra, who is PDP’s candidate for Srinagar parliamentary constituency, said the deceased was a principled, honest and pious human being who always stood against injustice system. Later a resolution was adopted in which it was said the party will carry forward the mission of late Kawa to its logical conclusion and
every effort will be put in to bring about a change in the overall situation in Jammu & Kashmir, with the support of people. “The party will ensure an accountable, transparent and honest system in the state, where people will feel empowered and secure. The unfinished agenda of political resolution and good governance will be completed and the development will be taken to next level. The youth will be the main focus of the party and they will be involved in the governance system to see end of this uncertainty and corruption”, the resolution reads further. It was also decided that the lost identity, glory of Chrar-e-Sharif will restored and new dimension will given to its development and growth. Mr Karra was accompanied by senior party leader and former chairman legislative council, Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjoora; youth leader,Er Nazir Ahmad Yatoo; party leader, Dr Nazir Ahmad Lone; Shakeel Khateeb, Shahdab Balla, Mohammad Abdullah, Abdul Majid Mir, Ghulam Nabi Daga, Badur-u-Din Muqeem, Abdul Majeed Kawa and other. A delegation of prominent party worker from Srinagar led by party leader, Nisar Ahmad Mandoo also visited the home of the deceased. (KNS)
Demands moratorium on field trials by private agro-business companies Srinagar Feb 28: Jammu & Kashmir Kisan Tehreek (JKKT) had expressed serious concern for granting permission to big agro-business companies for conducting field trials of genetically engineered terminator seeds in India and has asked the central government to stop all field trials of GM crops. By introducing such a policy the government has ignored the interests of the 70 per cent small and marginal farmers, the Tehreek lamented. Referring to the introduction BT cotton the Tehreek said that it had offered no socio-economic benefits to the farmers. On the contrary, it being a capital intensive practice, the investment of farmers increased manifold thus exposing them to greater risks due to massive indebtedness. Besides, introducing genetically modified versions of rice, bringal, mustered and other crops could be a major threat to the vast number of domestic and wild varieties of these crops, it added. The Tehreek observed that the ordinary farmers today are being denied access to
their heritage, the common exchanging, saving, evolving and breeding of seeds. By using various legal and political instruments, through seed monopolies and seed patenting, big agribusiness has taken over the seed market compelling farmers to regularly buy expensive seeds and use excessive amounts of chemicals on their crops. The farmers thus incur massive debt due to spiraling input costs and weak returns, it added. "The genetically engineered crops pose several ecological risks by threatening beneficial species such as birds, bees, butterflies, beetles which are necessary for pollination and for pest control." The Tehreek has demanded moratorium on field trials conducted by big agro-corporations and has asked for complete makeover of the current regulatory mechanism. It has urged upon the government to bring a strong legislation on bio-safety, which is focused on ensuring the biodiversity, human and livestock health and environmental protection. (KNS)
Kishtwar Riots CoI fails to submit report, missed 6th deadline: Saroori Jammu, Feb 28: Government has admitted that the one-man Commission of Inquiry (CoI) appointed by it to probe Kishtwar riots has failed to submit the report in stipulated time frame. According to a statement issued to KNS, in reply to a question of Congress MLA from Inderwal constituency, G M Saroori, who was seeking the statue of Commission of Inquiry and payment of compensation to the victims, Chief Minster through written reply in Legislative Assembly has admitted that after the laps of more than six months the Commission of Justice (retd) RC Gandhi has failed to submitted finial report and missed another deadline of February 22. “The Commission of Inquiry constituted on August 23, 2013 to enquire into the incidents of violence and arson that took place on August 9, 2013 in Kishtwar has submitted only an interim report in December, 2013 and the date of submission of the final report has been extended upto February 22,” the written reply reads. In another part, Chief Minister confirmed that government has not received the final report and was considering the interim finding received by the commission. “As the final report is yet to submitted by the commission, certain interim findings made in the interim report which are under considerations and do not pertain to the victims,” the reply reads. However in the answer it was also mentioned that an amount of Rs 1, 84,11,563/has already been sanctioned and disbursed among 75 affected families 45 relief cases are under process for payments. Pertinently, state government constituted one man Commission of Inquiry to probe
into the circumstances that led to large scale rioting in Kishtwar and asked it to submit report within one month. Later the government appointed Qazi Sarwar, Additional Secretary to Government, Housing and Urban Development Department, as Secretary of the Commission, retired SSP, Reasi, Raghubir Singh and senior prostituting officer, Udhampur, P P Singh to assist CoI. After taking four months and recording the statements of officials including then Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar and Superintendent of Police besides statements of more than 350 locals of Kishtwar and Padder the Commission had submitted its interim report on December 20, 2013 and give clean chit to Minister of State for Home Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, who had resigned from the ministry in wake of his allegations of his involvement in riots by the opposition. A day after receiving the interim report by CoI, Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo was re-inducted as a minister in state government on same portfolios. As per sources, “The Gandhi commission in its interim report gave a clean chit to Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, slams different wings of the police, including the CID and administration, for non-cooperation. It has held the former DC, DIG, SP, police personnel on ground duty and magistrates of violence-hit areas responsible for negligence of duty. It has recommended grilling of senior police officers for not registering an FIR into the case pertaining to attack on MoS Home Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo. The report also stated that Kichloo be treated as a victim and not accused.” (KNS)
Protests against ‘corrupt’ paramedics, security staff of LD Hospital
Srinagar, Feb 28: Protests broke out in Kashmir’s largest maternity hospital Lal Ded on Friday against the paramedical and security staff for demanding ‘bribe’ from the attendants. Many attendants assembled in the compound of the hospital and staged protests against the paramedics and security staff, eyewitnesses told GNS Friday. The protesters alleged that the staffers have made it a norm to demand bribe from the attendants visiting the healthcare institute to enquire about the well being of their patients. “While the security staff demands money at the entrance of the hospital, the paramedics hold every new born to ransom till their palms are greased. Demanding hefty bribe has become a norm for them,” an attendant told GNS. Demanding strict action against the staff, the protesters asked the authorities to put an end to the rampant practice of corruption. Medical Superintendent, Dr. Mushtaq, admitted that some persons from the paramedical and security staff demand money from the visitors. “I have received such reports in the past as well and we will investigate the matter.
Gul reviews dev works in Eidgah Constituency
Police organizes Anti-Drug rally
Directs officers for early completion of ongoing works
DIG distributes trophies among winners of debate contest
SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 28: Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Mubarak Gul, convened an officers meeting to assess the progress of ongoing developmental works here today. The meeting was attended by District Development Commissioner, Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Shah, Joint Commissioner, Works of Srinagar Municipal Corporation and officers and engineers of various departments. The Speaker stressed upon agencies to speed up the pace of devel-
opmental works being executed in Eidgah Constituency so that the people of the area are benefitted with these projects. While reviewing the developmental works in Eidgah Constituency, the Speaker was told that under the development programme, 30 works have been taken in hand coming up at a cost of Rs. 9.50 crore. Of which, 7 works have been completed, so far, which include construction of community halls, renovation of Shrines and construction of lanes and drains in the Eidgah Constituency.
Lady doctors being sent to Lehjura for house to house screening Srinagar, Feb 28: A team of lady doctors is being dispatched to Lehjura area of Pulwama district where a woman has died of breast cancer and four more fresh cases of the deadly disease have surfaced triggering panic among the locals. Officials told GNS Friday that the five member team led by Medical Officer, Dr Shahbaz Ahmad, has submitted a detailed report to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Pulwama, Dr Muhammad Hussain, recommending that a team of female doctors be sent to the area for house to house screening. The other doctors, who were part of the team deputed to the area on the instructions of CMO include Dr Idrees Ahmad of Public Health Centre Leh-
jora and Dr Imran, Medical officer at Community Health Officer Rajpora. Showkat Andrabi, a pharmacist and Mushtaq Ahmad, a health educator, were also part of the five-member team. "We have prepared a report in which regarding breast cancer and accordingly we have submitted the same to the concerned BMO and CMO for further necessary action," Dr Shahbaz told GNS He said presently four fresh active cases of cancer were found in the village among them three were breast cancer patients and one ovarian cancer. "There is nothing to worry about. The active patients are advised to follow proper medical examination for early recovery," he said.
The Speaker was also informed that under the Constituency Development Fund, 90 works have been taken in hand at a cost of Rs. 2.12 crore, of which, Rs. 1.11 crore have been utilized on these works so far. Gul stressed upon the District Development Commissioner for installation of lights in Eidgah Park. He also instructed the concerned agencies for conducting work on Syed Sahib Dana Mazar, identification of land for Noor Bagh Bus Stand and Industrial Training Institute and for Tehsil Office in Eidgah Constituency.
SATWARI, FEBRUARY 28: The Range Police Jammu today organized Anti Drug rally and awareness camp on drug addiction in Satwari and Chatha areas under Civic Action Programme.DIG Jammu Samba Kathua Range, Shakeel Ahmed Beig, flagged off the rally in which large number of students from various schools, Sarpanchs, Panchs and prominent citizens participated. Students carrying banners and placards chanted anti-drug slogans in the rally. The programme was followed by a debate contest in which various students participated. Beig, while speaking on the occasion, said that the objective of such programmes is to save precious human lives by keeping the people away from drug abuse especially young generation. He said that children are the appropriate source to help in eradicating the menace of drug as they have to face the brunt of the these evils in the society. He added that drug abuse plunges a happy family into saddest family if the only source of family is lost due to this abuse. He urged upon the students to be firm to say no to drug and help the drug addicts to remain away from such abuses.
Thousands throng Khooneshwar Aapshambhu temple
DAHWA organizes 9th Annual Shivratri-cum Gramin Mela JAMMU, FEBRUARY 28: The 9th Annual Maha Shivratri-cum-Gramin Mela at the historic ancient Khoonewhar Aapshambhu Shiv temple witnessed thousands of devotees thronging from various parts of the State to pay obeisance and to participate in the mega event. The Mela is a regular feature coinciding with the auspicious Maha Shivratri. The Mela was organized by Destitute And Handicapped Welfare Association (DAHWA) in conjunction with Mela Committee and District Administration, Udhampur. CR, Udhampur, N.S.Jamwal, was the chief guest on the occasion. To mark the occasion a mega cultural event was organized by the State Information Department and Academy of Art, Culture and Languages. Prominent artists Vijay Kumar and party and Shiv Lal and party mesmerized the audience with their folk dance and scintillating music. The main attraction of the Mela remained the stalls set up by the Health, Rural Development, Horticulture,
Social Welfare, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and other departments. Besides generating awareness about health and various rural oriented schemes, the visitors were given literature on various welfare programmes launched by the government for economic empowerment of women and the farming community. Besides, representatives from CARE College informed the gathering about the vocational education and the benefits students can reap. Speaking on the occasion, the ACR lauded the efforts of DAHWA for holding such an informative programme, saying this will go a long way in improving the economic conditions of the rural population. “This Mela would not only provide an opportunity to people of such far off areas to know and take benefit of government schemes but also help preservation of Dogra cultural and traditional ethos for the posterity”, he added. He also stressed the need for bringing this revered place on state’s tourism map in view of its religious and historic significance. Chairperson, DAHWA and Mela
Committee, S.S.Sumbria, expressed gratitude to district administration, Information department, Cultural Academy and the people for supporting them in the smooth and successful conduct of the mela. Sumbria highlighted the historic significance of the Aap Shambhu temple, an ancient worship place of Mahabharata times and world famous water bodies like Mansar and Surinsar lakes. The blooded stones in the water bodies surrounding the temple speak the story of importance of this historic religious destination which occupies 17th place in most revered religious spots of North India. He informed that the Tourism department has also initiated various developmental works around the temple periphery. On behalf of committee members and Sarpanchs and Panchs, the Chairman demanded construction of fencing around the venue of the Mela for convenience of the people as the place can also be utilized for other community purposes. Later, a bhandara was organised on the occasion.
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Daily ZABARWAN TIMES
3 Mega tourism projects of Rs. 150 cr under active consideration of Centre: Mir Out of 152, 75 projects completed in State Minister for Tourism, Mr. Ghulam Ahmed Mir today informed the House that approval for three mega tourist circuits of Rs. 150 crore including Sufi Circuit Kashmir, Pilgrimage Circuit Jammu and Buddhist Circuit in Ladakh of Rs. 50 crore each are under active consideration of the Centre, adding that the queries raised by the Centre in this regard have been already been cleared by the State Government. Replying to the supplementaries raised by some members to the main question of Mr. Ashok Kumar today in the House, the Minister said that construction of ropeway at Patnitop has been already allotted under PPP mode. He said Government has vigorously followed forest clearance of the project from Supreme Court which is expected to be received within one month to take up the construction work of the project.
The Minister said that Government is encouraging intending youth to take part in water sports at Buglihar and Ranjit Sagar Dams and for the purpose incentive is being provided to the intending youth for purchase of water sports equipment. In reply to the main question, the Minister said that 152 tourism projects of Rs. 628.86 crore have been sanctioned by the Centre for the State under Central Funding and against which 75 projects were completed while as works on remaining 77 projects are at various stages of completion in the State. The Minister said that seven tourism projects of Rs. 18.22 crore under central funding were sanctioned for destinations coming under Patnitop Development Authority. He said moreover Rs. 3.50 crore is also being expended for upgradation of tourist related infrastructure through PDA under State Plan which also includes some areas of Ramban Constituency. The Minister informed that out
of the indentified 53 tourism villages 43 projects of Rs. 27.46 crore have been sanctioned by the Centre, Rs. 23.26 crore have been released and against which 27 projects have been completed while as the sanction of remaining 10 projects is in pipeline. He said the tourism villages of Ramban district would be got surveyed for development. The Minister said that during last three years, Union Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned 55 projects worth Rs. 308.67 crore and released Rs. 134.55 crore for development and upgradation of tourist related infrastructure in the State which also includes development of Sanasar Lake, construction of tourist cafeteria, toilet block and view points at Nathatop at a cost of Rs.3.23 crore. He said the areas of Sanasar and Batote have already been brought under the preview of provision of incentive rules, adding that the tourism potential of Bhatri-Ghandhri, Ladda Dhar, Sarva Dhai, Sarva Dhar, Galadhar and Dessa would be surveyed for development in a phased manner.
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Srinagar | Saturday
31st board meeting of JKSCCC
Corporation earns rs 35.83 cr from gandola ride JAMMU, FEBRUARY 28:- The Jammu and Kashmir State Cable Car Corporation (JKSCCC) has earned a Revenue of Rs 35.83 crore till January 2014 from Gandola ride against Rs 31.97 crore earnings during the corresponding period of last financial year. While the Corporation had set a target of Rs 33.44 crore this fiscal year, it is now expecting to touch the figure of Rs.36.50 crore revenue generation at its cable car installations. The information was given in 31st meeting of Board of Directors of Jammu and Kashmir State Cable Car Corporation Limited held under the Chairmanship of Minister for Tourism, Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Mir here today. Minister of State for Tourism and Home, Mr. Sajad Ahmed Kichloo was also present in the meeting. Principal Secretary Planning and Development department, Mr. B. R Sharma, Principal Secretary Finance, Mr. B.B. Vyas, Secretary Tourism Mr. Zaffar Ahmed Bhat, MD, JKSCCC, Mr. Tufail Matoo were among other senior officers who attended the meeting. The meeting reviewed physical and financial targets of the Corporation set for current financial year. It was revealed that 5.57 lakh tourists enjoyed Gandola ride till January this year and the figure is expected to go up to 7 lakh by the end of the financial year. The meeting was informed that Makhdoom Sahib Ropeway was completed and commissioned last December, and has attracted good response from the visitors earning a revenue of Rs. 2 lakh in two months.
Centre sanctions 676 new Sub Health Centers: taj
Lone News Agency Kangan Khan News Agency Ganderbal 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 Bhat News Agency Magam Zargar News Agency Kunzar uency of the State. He said in Mend‘12 new subDar health News Agency Beerwah Bashir News Agency Sumbal har Constituency, the upgradation centers sanctioned for Agency Reshi News Safapora Saleem News Agency Pattan of sub health center Soyian to the level of Primary Health CenterReyaz is Basharat News Agency Bandipora News Agency Pampore Mendhar constituency’ included in the proposal. Altaf News Agency Pulwama Javaid News Agency Qazigund The Minister informed that JAMMU, FEBRUARY Min- Agency Jeelani28:News G.M News Agency Sopore out of Baramulla sanctioned posts of 12 speister for Health and Medical Edu- cialists and doctors six are working Shah News Agency Kupwara Sultan News Agency Handwara cation, Mr. Taj Mohi-ud-Din today in SDH Mendhar besides out of 36 Younis News Agency Langate Sheikh News Agency Islamabad informed the House that Centre para-medical and other staff 35 are has sanctioned 676 New SubNews HealthAgency Reshi Islamabad Three Way News Agency Tral in position in the hospital. He said Centers in the StateTurray under NRHM News Agency Tral two MBBS doctors and Badru News Agency Bijbehara moreover, adding that out of which 12 new seven para-medics have been enRahi News Agency Kulgam Malik News Agency Arwani sub health centers have been sanc- gaged under NRHM to supplement News Agency Byepass Shaheen News Agency Kargil tioned in Mendhar Rah Constituency. the manpower
5 road projects of Homeshali Bugh submitted to central funding under PMgSy: Wani
He said that the matter for providing the requisite staff and other logistic support for opening of these new health centers has been taken up with the Centre. Replying to a question by Sardar Rafiq Hussain Khan, the Minister said that owing to financial constraints, the Department has submitted a proposal to the Government for upgradation of one health institution in every constit-
of the hospital. The Minister also informed that the construction work of Emergency Block of SDH Mendhar has been taken up at an estimated cost of Rs. 4.06 crore against which Rs. 48.10 lakh have been utilized till date, adding that Rs. 35 lakh are earmarked for the purpose under State plan and NRHM during current financial year.
Construction of Ladoora fish farm apace: dr. Manohar Minister of State for Fisheries, Dr. Manohar Lal today informed the House that construction work of fish farm Ladoora in Rafibad Constituency has been taken up at an estimated cost of Rs. 62.27 lakh and against which Rs. 50.50 lakh have been spent on the development of fish farm upto January 2014. Replying to a question by Mr. Javed Ahmed Dar, the Minister said that the upgradation works including construction of Brooder Ponds, inspection hut, feed store and completion of fencing work of the said farm would be taken up in future.
‘rs. 66.78 cr expended on circular road project Sgr’
Minister for R&B, Mr. Abdul Majid Wani today informed the House that the construction and upgradation work of 5 road projects in Homeshalli Bugh constituency is proposed under PMGSY phase-X, adding that in this regard detailed project reports of 24.85 crore have been mooted to the Centre for funds. Replying to a question by Sofi Abdul Gaffar, the Minister informed that 15 works have been taken up for execution in Homeshali Bugh constituency under NABARD and State sector projectization. The Minister said that construction work on Rs. 40 lakh Beam Bridge on Ziarat Sharief Road at Qaimoh has been completed and opened for traffic while as construction of Rs. 39.08 lakh steel bridge at Mishipora-Adapora road is apace and against which Rs. 36
Saifullah lays report of SHrC JAMMU, FEBRUARY 28: Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Mir Saifullah today laid on the Table of the House a copy of the Annual Report of the State Human Rights Commission for the year 2012-13 alongwith a copy of Action Taken Report, as required under sub-section (2) of section 12 of Jammu and Kashmir Protection of Human Rights Act, 1997.
Members raise issues Several steps of public importance taken to check female during Zero Hour JAMMU, FEBRUARY 28: Several Members raised issues of public importance in the Legislative Assembly during the Zero Hour. Mr. Ashwani Kumar Sharma demanded Degree College for Arnia town. Mr. Jagdish Sapolia demanded strengthening of road infrastructure in Basohli Constituency. Mr. M.Y.Tarigami demanded re-opening of Pathribal encounter case to establish facts and to provide justice to the kin of victims. Mr. Balwant Singh Mankotia demanded more steps to promote tourism in Udhampur area with particular reference to the development of Devika River which has religious significance.Mr. Mohammad Sharief Niaz impressed upon the Government to consider pensionary benefits for the employees of State Forest Corporation. Mr. Aijaz Ahmed Jan demanded enhancement of remuneration of SPOs at least at par with Daily Wage rate. Mr. T. Namgyal demanded early posting of BMO at Nubra. Mrs. Bimla Luthra demanded enhancement of incentives of ASHA workers. Mr. Rafi Mir demanded adequate funds for the upgradation of Pahalgam hospital and other peripheral health institutions in his Constituency. Dr. Shafi Ahmed Wani called for early construction of office building for Munsiff in Beerwah.Mr. Abdul Rehman Veeri demanded review of cases of students in Kashmir Valley registered under different sections to save their career. He
said Government should give amnesty to such youth against whom the cases are not of serious nature. Mr. Nizam-ud-Din Bhat called for strengthening health infrastructure in the far-flung areas of Bandipora. Mr. Harshdev Singh wanted to know the policy of the Government to deal with the issues of clandestine return of militants alongwith their spouses and children through Nepal border.Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta demanded convening meeting of Re-classification of newspapers by Information Department. Mr. G.M. Saroori demanded rational distribution of Solar Lights in Doda district. Er. Abdul Rashid supported the Rehabilitation Policy and asked the Government to take all steps for their proper rehabilitation. Mr. Yashpaul Kundal demanded early filling up of posts of doctors and para-medics in District Hospital, Samba. He also demanded separate Maternity hospital for Samba. Mr. Mohammad Khalil Band demanded steps for improving traffic management in Pulwama city. He also demanded construction of circular road to regulate traffic. Mr. Zahoor Ahmed Mir demanded installation of Pollution Control devices in all Cement factories in Khrew to keep a check on pollution. Mr. Mushtaq Ahmed Shah demanded strengthening of road infrastructure in Tral constituency.Mr. Krishen Chander Bhagat demanded upgradation of medical services in Chenani Constituency.
lakh have been spent under special bridge plan. The Minister said the construction work on RCC Bridge over Vishow Nallah at village Wanpora Shamsipora has been taken up under NABARD through JKPCC. He said the work on the bridge remained suspended for some time due to non-payment of land compensation. He said the issue was settled and work resumed on Shamsipora site, adding that the sub structure works on both sides are almost completed and work on super structure would be started immediately after weather conditions become favourable. In reply to another question by Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal and Mohammad Yasin Shah, the Minister informed that the execution of circular road project in Srinagar city was taken up in 1981 at an estimated cost of Rs. 18.52 crore. The Minister said that the project envisaged construction of nine new roads and improvement, upgradation and widening of some existing roads besides construction of major bridges. He said the cumulative expenditure on these works is of the order of Rs. 66.78 crore upto ending December 2013 against earlier revised cost of Rs. 72.52 crore which needs further revision.
foeticide: Taj
JAMMU, FEBRUARY 28: The House today adopted the Private Members’ Resolution regarding measures to check the menace of female foeticide in the State. The Resolution was moved by Ch. Zulfkar Ali and Mr. Nizam-udDin Bhat moved his amendment thereto. Several Members spoke in support of the Resolution and said that spirit of the Resolution is concerning the entire society, irrespective of caste, creed and color. The Members in one voice supported the Resolution and urged for its passing.Winding up the discussion on the Resolution, Minister for Health & Medical Education, Mr. Taj Mohi-ud-Din said that though the Government has already taken several steps to curb the menace of female foeticide in the State, yet the Government welcomes suggestions of the Members to deal with this sensitive issue. He said Government has put in place effective mechanism to deal with people who indulge in illegal practices of sex determination and foeticide. The Minister said several sops have been announced for the whistle blowers and many people are coming to give information on such activities. The trends of previous years have shown improvement in the sex ratio in the State with the measures initiated in this direction. Mr. Nizam-ud-Din Bhat, Dr. Shafi Ahmed Wani, Mrs. Bimla Luthra, Aga Syed Ruhulla and Mr. Ashwani Kumar Sharma participated in the discussion and supported the Resolution. Later, the House adopted the Resolution unanimously.
Sham reviews functioning of PHE, FC&i deptts Asks for better maintenance of Water Installations, restoration of all water resources JAMMU, FEBRUARY 28: The Minister for Public health Engineering and Irrigation and Flood Control, Sham Lal Sharma today asked the PHE department to ensure better maintenance of the water stations and start restoration of defunct Hand pumps across Jammu region before the onset of the summer season. Chairing at a meeting of the senior functionaries of Public health Engineering and Irrigation and Flood Control convened to review the functioning and progress on under-implementation projects, the Minister said that the restoration of defunct sources of drinking water would help to meet the increased drinking water requirements in the summer season. The meeting was informed that about 10 thousand hand pumps have been installed across Jammu region which act as perennial source of drinking water in many water stressed areas. The Minister also asked the concerned to fix the problems, if any, at all major water stations across the region, including the Tube Well schemes. He stressed on regular repair and maintenance of machinery and other infrastructure at the water stations to avoid sudden breakdowns. On meeting the manpower short-
age, the Minister asked to clear the backlogs in promotions in all divisions and directed the Executive Engineers to complete the process for conducting Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meetings to fill the promotional quota of technical posts till March 25, positively. Mr. Sharma exhorted upon the engineers to achieve the set targets within the time frame adding that no laxity in this regard would be tolerated. He enjoined upon them to work hard and come to the expectations of the people. The Minister directed to mention the number of households and total population of a particular habitation while preparing the DPRs of the schemes for a particular area. The meeting discussed, threadbare, cases including land acquisition of various Water Supply Schemes, Water metering targets, revenue realization in respect of water fee and Abiana and suransa Mansar and Channi Water Supply schemes. Besides, the meeting also reviewed pace of progress on the ongoing irrigation projects and their maintenance, de-silting and other works Commissioner/ Secretary PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Chief Engineer PHE Jammu, Mr. K. K. Gupta, Chief Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control Jammu Mr. Sushil Aima, Chief Engineer Ravi Tawi Mr H.C.Zeerath, Director Planning Mr. Shabir Ahmad, Director Capacity Communication Development Unit (CCDU) Mr. Raju Ranjan, Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers of Jammu Division attended the meeting.
01. 03 .2014
HOROSCOPE Aries
March 21-April 19
Don’t discount your ability to be extremely resourceful if you need to be, Aries. If you don’t have everything you need or all of the required information, take time to think. Who can you ask? What places can you access? Who might know where you can find what you need? Rather than panic because the pieces aren’t all there, instead make a list of contacts and go for it. Trust in yourself.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Try not to let today’s blues get you down, Taurus. While it’s true that some days can seem to drag on, the busier you are the faster time will pass. Get down to finishing any work still before you and then make plans for tonight. If there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, not only will things seem to speed up but you’ll feel better knowing it’s coming.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Dare to be different, Gemini. It can be so easy to fall into a drill. Sleeping at the same time, eating at the same time, wearing the same style, and going about work the same way day after day. Before you know it, you feel like you’re in a rut. The only way to get away from this is to make a decision to break free by doing something unique. Try a new haircut. Wear colors that are unusual for you. If the need is there, consider a new career. Pursue expansion.
Cancer June 22-July 22
If your lifestyle is considerably different than that of others, resist feeling self-conscience about it today, Cancer. Try to remember that you chose the life you have for specific reasons. Even if you’ve come to a point where you’re considering a change, there’s no need to feel badly, ashamed, or embarrassed about where you are now. Everyone has to make his or her own way. If this conforms to the norm, that’s fine. If it doesn’t, that’s fine, too.
Leo
July 23-August 22 An enhanced feeling of determination could motivate you today, Leo. Finish the things that aren’t complete and make some plans for this evening. Don’t hesitate to take on something that feels complicated or big. Chances are you’ll be able to handle most anything and it will feel great when it’s finished. Enjoy your day by making the most of opportunity.
Virgo
August 23-September 22
Feeling the effects of today’s energies, Virgo? Take heart if this is the case, because the end of the tunnel isn’t as far away as it seems. Do your best to take things one step at a time and see about making some plans for a little fun this evening. Get together with friends or take in a movie. Help yourself feel better by staying busy and focused and follow up with some recreation. Before you know it, the aspect will pass and you’ll be back to normal.
Libra
September 23-October 23 Consider making some plans for a vacation or short getaway, Libra. Looking forward to something fun can make even the toughest of days far easier to handle. You’ll be amazed how much you can manage when there’s an end in plain sight. Your entire attitude can lighten. So take the bull by the horns and create an incentive for yourself. Do something special to reward the hard work you do day after day.
Scorpio
October 24-November 21 Don’t judge someone if he or she has a different lifestyle than what you consider to be OK, Scorpio. You probably lean toward the traditional, yet not everyone feels this way about relationships, working, or lifestyle. While it may seem impossible to understand and even frighten you, try not to be too harsh on those you deem odd. You’d be better off using that energy to keep your own life on track.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Friends seeking advice or a shoulder to cry on could be plentiful today, Sagittarius. You’re one of best people to give them the support and care they need. Just be sure that you don’t give so much to others that you don’t have anything left for yourself. True friendship is about sharing and the exchange of problems and help. Running yourself down will leave you in a place where you aren’t going to be much help to anyone.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Getting through today shouldn’t pose too big a problem for you, Capricorn. You may feel a huge second wind that can give you the drive and determination to see your chores and projects through. Make some plans for this evening, such as getting together with friends or taking in an event that really intrigues you. Until then, go about your tasks bit by bit. You’ll get things finished before you know it.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Working within boundaries and restrictions could really get to you today, Aquarius. Yours is an independent spirit and your best achievements are often born of doing things your own way. Yet like it or not, we all have to follow guidelines and rules. Do your best to follow suit and finish what needs to be done. Afterward, you may find more freedom to act independently without consequences. Exercise patience and diligence as needed today.
Pisces
February 19-March 20 Chances are that you’ll feel upbeat and positive today, Pisces. Consider sharing this energy with those around you who are feeling less than content. Your attitude can have a profound effect on friends, partners, spouses, and children. Even neighbors and extended family can pick up on your spirit without you even realizing it. Share your optimism with everyone you can today. If you see someone hurt or angry.
EDITORIAL/ OPINION Make science people oriented
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cience day was observed all over the world yesterday. The day is celebrated to commemorate the inventions and the historic changes which have totally revolutionized the life style of the humanity towards better. Science has given everything to humans and has made the life easier, comfortable, cherishable and what not. It has made the whole world a global village and brought the universe so closer that within seconds a man living in one corner of the world can be connected to a man living in other corner of the world. It has conquered the nature in reality, it is ruling the earth and the skies, it has given its best to the humanity and has created a revolution in every phase of life. Be it education, communication, information technology, space research, health care, road connectivity, science is visible everywhere and anywhere. No doubt it has created many dangers for the life also. The invention of most lethal weaponry , atom bomb, hydrogen bomb and what not has put the human life to the severest risks. However, overall the science has made the life of a human very easy and comfortable. We are living in 21st century and claiming ourselves to be the most well read and knowledgeable people. But it is unfortunate that the benefits of science and technology have remained confined mostly to some advanced and developed countries who are never ready to share these benefits with poor and underdeveloped nations. This monopoly of developed countries has confined the benefits of the advancement of modern science to some people and to some areas mostly though the poor and underdeveloped have also been benefited but no to the extent they should have been. If they are getting some benefits, they have to pay through their nose and all their resources are drained to get these benefits to their areas. In fact, the economy of the world itself is tilted towards the developed countries in such a way that the poor, underdeveloped and developing countries are being continuously deprived of their due share. Not only this whatever is left with these countries in the name of economy that is also being exploited by the developed countries for their people. In fact, the world has not so far been able to deliver justice to under privileged ones. Science has performed miracles but these miracles should be extended to every human living in this world irrespective of his social, political, regional or religious status or affinity and only then we can say that science day is relevant to everybody.
Daily
Zabarwan Times
Srinagar, Saturday 01 March 2014
Walking Through the Heart of India: An Exercise in National Integration
I
magine walking from Rameswaram on the Bay of Bengal coast to Kashi (Benares) in the heart of the Indian plateau – a distance of about 2500 kms! A group of people have been repeating this every seven years starting from 1983. During the Bharat Nirman Public Information Campaign at Devakottai (which falls in the neighbouring Sivagangai district) we were able to meet with the leader of the group that went on the walking pilgrimage during the latest trip – in 2011. He described his experiences as an enthralling lesson in national integration and communal harmony. Shri Dakshinamoorthy, who belongs to Devakottai, had retired after active service in a nationalized bank. He was overwhelmed by a desire to do something different to emphasize the fact that India is primarily a multi hued, multi fragrant garland united by the thread of the feeling of being a single, united nation. In Shri Dakshinamoorthy’s word, he was reminded of the old saying “ordinary people read books; hard working people live in books!” It was at this point that Shri Dakshinamoorthy had a meeting with one of the most prominent poets – he has been described as “golden tongued” because of the sweetness of his poetry – of Tamilnadu,
Shri Somasundaran. Shri Somasundaram gave the responsibility of leading the 2011 walkathon from Rameswaram to Kashi to Shri Dakshinamoorthy. Shri Dakshinamoorthy remembers the journey as a refreshing experience. He says that he cannot forget the kindness and affection that common people gave the team in distant places. There were many instances where ordinary shop keepers refused to accept money from the walkers for tea or coffee! The journey from Rameswaram to Benares passed through six states – Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. They were able to bath in as many as 40 rivers including the Ganges, Narmada, Kaveri and Godavari. The crossing of the Vindhya Satpura ranges was also a memorable experience according to Shri Dakshinamoorthy. There were 19 members in the group. They started their trip on 14.2.2011 and reached their destination on the 118th day of their journey – June 13, 2011.They took sand from the Bay of Bengal coast and water from the various holy wells around the Rameswaram temple to pour into the mighty Gan-
ges at Benares as a part of a symbolic gesture signifying the basic oneness and unity of our variegated and multi coloured country. The walkers on this historic journey were accompanied by helpers who used to cook for them and arrange for their stay in schools, institutions or other public buildings. Every day they used to get up early by 4.00 am. Then they used to cover as much distance as possible before the sun gets really hot. The hot day times were usually spent in some villages where the members of the team used to interact with locals, describe their experiences to them and collect feedback from them on various issues. Evenings were also spent in walking till they reach a place for staying by around 10.00 pm. Group singing, cultural programmes etc were also staged by the group members at the various villages they visited. When asked what the biggest lesson that he had learned from the journey was, Shri Dakshinamoorthy was very emotional when he replied “I learned that all humanity is one. I experienced that the only way for a meaningful existence was dependent upon co–existence: people understanding and helping each other!”
Fostering Scientific Temper is Fundamental to Innovation and Progress
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ational Science Day is celebrated in India on 28 February each year to mark the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ by Indian physicist Sir C.V. Raman on 28 February 1928. Sir C. V. Raman worked at Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata during 1907 to 1933 on various topics of Physics while making the famous discovery of the effect on scattering of light in 1928, which bears his name and got him the Nobel Prize in 1930. In 1986, the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) had advised Government of India to designate 28 February as National Science Day. The event is now celebrated all over the country in schools, colleges, universities and other academic, scientific, technical, medical and research institutions. The theme of the year 2014 would be “Fostering Scientific Temper”. "Energy conservation" is also the theme of celebrating science Day in year 2014 Scientific temper is a way of thinking and acting which uses a method. It may include observing physical reality, questioning, testing, hypothesizing, analysing, and communicating. Jawaharlal Nehru was one of the first persons to use the term scientific temper and advocate the promotion of scientific temper: "What is needed is the scientific approach, the adventurous and yet critical temper of science, the search for truth and new knowledge, the refusal to accept anything without testing and trial, the capacity to change previous conclusions in the face of new evidence, the reliance on observed fact and not on pre-conceived theory, the hard discipline of the mind—all this is necessary, not merely for the application of science but for life itself and the solution of its many problems", stated Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in his book, The Discovery of India. The genesis and development of the idea of scientific temper is connected to ideas expressed earlier by Darwin when he said, "freedom of thought will best be promoted by that gradual enlightenment of human understanding which follows the progress of science. Scientific temper describes an attitude which
involves the application of logic. Discussion, argument and analysis are vital parts of scientific temper. Elements of fairness, equality and democracy are built into it. India is one of the top-ranking countries in the field of basic research. Indian Science has come to be regarded as one of the most powerful instruments of growth and development, especially in the emerging scenario and competitive economy. In the wake of the recent developments and the new demands that are being placed on the S&T system, it is necessary for us to embark on some major science projects which have relevance to national needs and which will also be relevant for tomorrow's technology. The Department of Science & Technology plays a pivotal role in promotion of science & technology in the country. The department has wide ranging activities ranging from promoting high end basic research and development of cutting edge technologies on one hand to service the technological requirements of the common man through development of appropriate skills and technologies on the other. Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) have emerged as the major drivers of development. As India aspires for faster, sustainable and inclusive growth, the Indian STI system, with the advantages of a large talent pool, can play a defining role in achieving these national goals. "To develop scientific temper" is one of the fundamental duties of Indian citizens, according to the Constitution of India. India’s Scientific Policy Resolution (SPR) of 1958 had resolved to foster, promote and sustain the cultivation of science and scientific research in all its aspects. The Science and Technology Policy (STP) of 2003 called for integrating programmes of socio-economic sectors with the national R&D system to address national problems as well as creating a national innovation system. Scientific research utilizes money to generate knowledge and, by providing solutions, innovation converts knowledge into wealth and / or value. Innovation thus im-
plies S&T based solutions that are successfully deployed in the economy or the society. It has assumed centre stage in the developmental goals of nations. India has declared 2010-20 as the “Decade of Innovation”. The Government has stressed the need to enunciate a policy to synergize science, technology and innovation and has also established the National Innovation Council. The STI Policy 2013 in furtherance of these pronouncements, aims to bring fresh perspectives to bear on innovation in the Indian context. India’s global competitiveness will be determined by the extent to which the STI enterprise contributes social good and /or economic wealth. New structural mechanisms and models are needed to address the pressing challenges of energy and environment, food and nutrition, water and sanitation, habitat, affordable health care and skill building and unemployment. Innovation for inclusive growth implies ensuring access, availability and affordability of solutions to as large a population as possible. The STI policy will drive both investment in science and investment of science-led technology and innovation in select areas of socio-economic importance. Emphasis will be to bridge the gaps between the STI system and the socio-economic sectors by developing a symbiotic relationship with economic and other policies.
The key elements of the STI policy are: · Promoting the spread of scientific temper amongst all sections of society. · Enhancing skill for applications of science among the young from all social strata. · Making careers in science, research and
innovation attractive enough for talented and bright minds. · Establishing world class infrastructure for R&D for gaining global leadership in some select frontier areas of science. · Creating an environment for enhanced private Section Participation in R&D. · Creating a robust national innovation system, etc.
With the promotion of the scientific temper amongst all sections of society comes the need to create the right ambiance, structures to encourage research and innovation. India’s R&D investment is under 1% of the GDP. Increasing Gross Expenditure in Research and Development (GERD) to 2% of the GDP has been a national goal for some time. Achieving this in the next five years is realizable if the private sector raises its R&D investment. The gross budgetary support for the science and technology sector has significantly increased during the last decade. Public understanding of science is an important dimension of introducing and reaching the benefits of modern science and technology to the people. Scientific temper needs to be promoted across all sections of the society systematically. Effective science communication methods, by using tools such as the National Knowledge Network, needs to be initiated. Public and political understanding of science should be based on evidence and debate with open mind. People and decision makers must be made aware of the implications of emerging technologies, including their ethical, social and economic dimensions.
Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer