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SUNDAY
09 March | 2014 | 06 Jamadi-Ul-Awal 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |
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http://www.zabarwantimes.com
VOL NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 68 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 Paisa)
Jus
tice
Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K
Social Welfare Board celebrates Women’s Day
Retains no. 1 position
Says 3 held, goods worth 25 lakhs recovered
Srinagar, March 08: Police on Saturday claimed to have cracked the inter-district burglary case by arresting three of its members in Srinagar city. Taking a serious note of incident of theft, Superintendent of Police Rayees Bhat said that a special investigation team of police was constituted to keep a vigil on the sensitive areas. The SIT worked very hard and busted a three member inter-district gang. During the course of action, a group of suspicious See Hazratbal On Page 11..
Police on alert after car lifters strike twice Srinagar, March 08: Police have sounded alert after car lifters struck twice at different locations in Kashmir. In one of the robbery attempts, the carjackers also managed to flee with a licensed gun in Central Kashmir's Ganderbal district. Official sources told GNS that security was beefed up and check posts were established at many entry and exit points in the town after unknown persons stole a car along with a licensed 12 bore rifle outside See Twice On Page 11..
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Congress finalizes names of candidates
Azad turns down the offer for Contesting from Udhampur
were reportedly antagonist towards the emergence of Singh as the candidate for Parliamentary polls in Udampur. It has been learnt that even NC
was not in favor of the Congress decision of nominating Lal Singh as candidate for the seat.Sources See Azad On Page 11..
Legislation alone cannot emancipate women: President
Inside story Don’t renew lease of Tosa Maidan to army, TMBF tells government Srinagar, March 08: Threatening to launch a stir, the residents from central Kashmir's Budgam district on Saturday staged demonstrations in Srinagar to protest the possible extension in leasing out the meadows of Tosa Maidan to army. Reports reaching GNS said that scores of residents of Khag under the banner of Tosa Maidan Bachao Front
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On Edit Page Election preparedness at full swing As the elections to the Lok Sabha have been announced, the Returning Officers in different parts of the country have gone all out for the election preparedness so that free and fair elections are made possible, the code of conduct is implemented in real perspective and more and more voters are enrolled in the voter lists. The training programmes for Booth Level Officers have already started so have started the meetings of the concerned officers with the political parties to create awareness about the whole electoral process. Today special camps are being held all over
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WEATHER FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:
Light Rain/Snow would occur at a few places over the state.
FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:
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Partly cloudy sky. Maximum &Minimum temperatures will be around 11°C & 2°C respectively.
TEMPERATURE MAXIMUM MINIMUM
SUNSET ON(SUNDAY) SUNRISE ON (MONDAY)
16.70C 0
1.2 C 06:33PM 06:51 AM
New Delhi, March 08: Legislation alone cannot emancipate women and has to be supported by efficient enforcement mechanisms, President Pranab Mukherjee said on Saturday. "New legislations, no matter how well conceived, must be supported by efficient enforcement mechanisms. Legislation, alone, cannot emancipate our women", said
Mukherjee in his address on International Women's Day. "There is a need for a fundamental re-setting of our mental and moral make-up, our civic sense and our social conduct. We must do all that we can to revive our tradition of according due honour and respect to our mothers and sisters; by doing so we will honour See Prez On Page 11..
Srinagar, Mar 8 : Calling upon the union government to intervene in the overcharging of airfare on flights to and from Leh the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti today asked the district Unit of Ladakh to suspend their dharna for a few days to give the government time to take action on their demands. According to the Chief Spokesperson Naeem Akhtar, the local PDP Unit on Thursday took out a procession in support of the demand of the people of the region to control airfare to the Leh which remains cutoff for nearly six months. They also presented a memorandum to the Chairman
Presents highlights of the report of CAG The PAG said the State’s own tax revenues have shown a steady increase, particularly the commercial taxes. Elaborating, Pandey said owing to increase in tourism and other economic activities and improving tax compliance, there has been a very satisfactory growth in the revenues from State’s own taxes, which are at a level of 7.7% of GSDP in 2012-13. He said there has been record mobilization of commercial taxes and stamp duties and the State’s
2010 unrest worst period of my life: Omar ‘Has learnt that no single problem is smaller in nature’ Srinagar, Mar 8: Recalling the summer unrest of 2010 in which more than 120 people were killed during the protest demonstrations, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Saturday termed that period the ‘worst one’ in his life. “I won’t say that period was the worst one in my entire political career but it was worst one in my life- it consumed me and changed me in more ways than one,” said Omar while speaking at the India Today conclave 2014 at New Delhi. According to the reports received by KNS, Omar stated that during his tenure as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir the biggest lesson he has learnt was that no single problem is smaller in nature and that the same could any time accumulate into one massive problem like the summer of 2010. “At beginning I was dismissive of the smaller problems but I soon learnt that those smaller problems can accumulate into one massive
PDP seeks intervention of union government in the overcharging on Leh Flights
PAG appreciates tax collections by the Government Jammu, Mar 8 (KNS): The Principal Accountant General Audit (PAG) J&K, Mr. Subhash Chander Pandey today appreciated the State Government for tax collections over the past few years. Addressing a press conference here today, Mr. Pandey said the VAT remissions in the State have shown an upward trend during the past four years. Further, he said that the Stamp duty collection has also increased during the period.
Dies in road Accident
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Forthcoming parliamentary polls
Srinagar, Mar 8: State Congress Saturday finalized the names of its candidates for the Jammu and Ladakh province for the forthcoming parliamentary polls while as former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad turned down the offer of contesting from Udhampur lok sabha constituency. According to the KNS sources, union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has turned down the party offer of contesting from Udhampur lok sabha constituency- hence paving way for the Congress leader Lal Singh to emerge as the expected candidate for the seat despite the strong resentment among the Congress leaders and workers against Singh. The Congress activists
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Kichloo condoles demise of Thakur Jugal Bhandari
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Inter-district burglary case cracked: SP Hazratbal
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own revenues have shown a very high growth. The PAG said the State has financed 26.3 % of its total expenditure in 2012-13 from its own resources, up from 23.6 % in 2011-12. Pandey said the intentions of the Government to diversify the State economy are a welcome step and suggested greater thrust on areas like tourism, agriculture and industries. He also suggested See PAG On Page 11..
Airport Authority of India through Aiport terminal Manager Leh. Akhtar said that the airfare of Leh have become unbearable and is atrociously high for a commoner who is facing harsh conditions in this area. Due to heavy snow fall the road connectivity of the Ladakh region remains totally cut off for about six months from the rest of the country and the people of the area particularly patients, students and prilgrims depend only on the air traffic which has become difficult for them due to the high fares. The spokesperson said that the fare from New Delhi to London See PDP On Page 11..
problem.” Recalling the 2010 summer unrest in the state, Omar while terming that time as ‘terrible’, stated that there was no easy way to get out of the situation. I don’t really remember that how I used to calm myself down during that period; said Omar adding that he wanted to put the state back on its rails and get things back to normal. Commenting over the suspension of the students from one of the University of Meerut in the recent past after the students cheered for Pakistan during the Indo-Pak match, Omar observed that on one hand you take scholarship from Prime Minister of India for the higher studies and on the other hand they cheer for Pakistan. “It was wrong. What they did was misguided.” However Omar maintained that the slapping of sedition charges against students was unnecessary and that the freedom of free speech is what makes India great. See Omar On Page 11..
JKPA condemns muzzling of Press in J&K State Srinagar, Mar 8: The Executive Body of Jammu Kashmir Press Association held an emergency meeting under the chairmanship of its President, G.H. Kaloo, at its Central Office on Saturday, March 08, 2014 to discuss the circular issued by the Secretary to government General Administration Department under No: GAD (Adm) 39/2014-I dated: 05-03-2014 wherein it has been ordered that no advertisements shall be issued in Electronic & Print Media highlighting the achievements of the government at the cost of Public Exchequer. Furthermore if any advertisement has already been referred for telecast/ broadcast or publication in the Print Media, it must be ensured that such ads are stopped forthwith
Police-Public interaction Protest against at Pulwama People should not give heed to hearsays ransacking and rumours: IGP Kashmir Srinagar, Mar 8: Law federation, civil society, of houses Hajin, March 8, : Clashes
breakers will be dealt strictly in accordance with the law and people should not rely on hearsays, this was stated by Inspector General of Police, Kashmir zone Sh. A G Mir during an interaction with the public in Pulwama today. Inspector General of Police, Kashmir zone A G Mir today held an interaction meeting with the public including trader’s
Auqaf Committee members and other respectable at Rest House, Pulwama. In his address to the public IGP said that cooperation of the public is necessary for maintenance of peace and order in the town. He said that police will provide help and assistance so that normal routine life of the people is not disturbed. IGP said that people See Police On Page 11..
NC calls for thwarting negative advances of communal, opportunistic forces Srinagar, Mar 8: Gearing up the party cadre for upcoming parliamentary elections, senior National Conference leaders, Minister for Planning and Development Mr Ajay Sadhotra and Provincial President Mr Devender Singh Rana on Saturday said the issue was not just to win the elections but it is essentially defeating a thought that is malignant for the harmonious growth of society and pluralistic ethos of Jammu and Kashmir. Interacting with senior party functionaries of Doda, Ramban, Kishtwar, Poonch and Rajouri districts during separate meetings held at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan here, the Provincial President cautioned against divisive and deceptive approach of the communal and opportunistic political entities, saying the bottom line is to vitiate the atmosphere. “Here comes the crucial and time tested role of
and that no such ads are published in newspapers, magazines etc from today itself and it should be immediately withdrawn. It is worth mentioning that the Election Commission of India has conducted several Lok Sabha and Assembly Elections in J&K hitherto but no such restrictions have ever been imposed on Print Media so far. Moreover, it has come to our notice that some newspapers have been earmarked for publication of advertisements both in Jammu & Kashmir whereas others have been debarred and deprived of such financial assistance, which in fact, runs counter to the requirement under Financial Code. There are nearly 650 newspapers in circulation See JKPA On Page 11..
National Conference to thwart negative advances of communal BJP and opportunistic PDP, which have joined hands to demolish the secular fabric of the State”, Mr Rana said while recalling behind the scene attempts of the duo in recent years to polarize situation to derive political capital. Mr Rana said the challenge is enormous, as several agencies have pooled their resources to weaken secular edifice by generating animosity and creating wedge between different segments of the populace. “With cooperation of the people, we will make negative forces to lick the dust for the larger interest of the State, which has come out of the dark tunnel due to sincere efforts of the government led by visionary Chief Minister Omar Abdullah”, he declared. The Provincial President exhorted workers to maintain unity and not to get swayed by the provo-
cations, as the political rivals could stoop low in a fit of desperation to vitiate peace. He referred to the efforts of the Chief Minister in heralding peace in the wake of most hostile situation created by the parties like BJP and PDP. Peace, he said, is to be consolidated for overall growth and inclusive development of the three regions, which has gone tremendous boost during the past over five years. Giving an overall view of the achievements of the government, Mr Sadhotra described landmark initiatives like combating corruption, enforcing accountability and invoking peoples’ participation in decision making as testimony to the vision of Mr Abdullah. He said this momentum will get further boost with people stamping their endorsement in the parliamentary See NC On Page 11..
erupted in North Kashmir’s Naidkhai area of District Bandipora on Saturday morning after scores of youth resorted to stone pelting and forced shopkeepers to down their shutters. The protestors were alleging that scores of Jammu and Kashmir Armed Policemen, Indian Reserve Police personnel and CRPF men ransacked the houses in Tengpora Naidkhai and thrashed men and women on Friday evening. Reports said that people assembled on roads and pelted stones on police and CRPF personnel, however, the timely intervention of police officials and assurances given by them to people normalize the situation. A resident of Tengpora Naidkhai, Ghulam Nabi Najar told CNS that he was beaten by Armed police personnel to pulp while some policemen snatched Rs 3000 from him outside See Protest On Page 11..
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Srinagar, Sunday 09 March 2014
11
FROM THE FRONT PAGE
Azad informed further that name of Madan Lal Sharma has been finalized by the party leadership for Jammu constituency while as Ringzin Sapalbar will fight for the Ladakh parliamentary seat. Senior Congress leader while pleading anonymity told KNS over phone that anger is being seen among the Congress workers of Kashmir for not being given the seat share in valley. It has been informed further that the workers are unhappy that the state Congress despite its high popularity graph in Kashmir province has not been provided opportunity to contest for at least one parliamentary seat out of three and that it would have been beneficial for both Congress and NC. (KNS)
Omar Omar while expressing his apprehensions stated that the Meerut episode will be used by BJP as the election tool as they already have written to the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the dropping of sedition charges against the students. Over the issue of alliance with NDA or BJP after the forthcoming parliamentary polls, Omar clarified that National Conference (NC) will never forge any alliance with BJP or NDA. “Our relation in the past was with Atal Bihari Vajpayee who took vital steps for Jammu and Kashmir and India’s relations with Pakistan.” Declaring that no government in India can even touch Article 370 with the consent of the state government, Omar reiterated that BJP is using the demand of abrogation of Article 370 as ‘election slogan’. Stating that the great step that he strives to take for the youth of Kashmir is to remove the ‘uncertainty’ from their minds about their future, Omar said that the development of the tourism industry in the state would help in generating new job avenues for the youth. Omar also dismissed the reports about the possible security consequences after the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan- stating that he doesn’t buy that argument that its impact will be on Jammu and Kashmir. Answering the question about the revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) Omar maintained that the fear of consequences has to be built up in Army operating in Jammu and Kashmir. “We have to make difference between legal cover and impunity. For sure there will be legal cover but there has to be the fear of consequences. ” When asked how he spends his free time, Omar said, “In winter I go up to Gulmarag for ski. I love that freedom. The good thing in it is that my security person doesn’t know the skiing- they are learning the same.” Omar added that he loves to watch lot of American TV shows including Goodwife, Suits and Homeland. (KNS)
Prez ourselve," he said. The President also conferred the Stree Shakti Puruskar on six illustrious women in recognition of their achievements. Mukherjee said that as housewives, mothers, teachers, businesswomen at the grassroots and executives in the top echelons of the corporate world, women have, through their individual efforts made contributions to build the India of today. "As respected professionals in all walks of life, women have, in no less measure, made their mark in the frontiers of science, space exploration and research alike," he said, making a special mention of the women in agricultural sector. He stated that women in this sector are the mainstay of India's food security --and also the scores of women workers who toil shoulder to shoulder with men in building, brick by brick, the mighty physical infrastructure of our country. The six women who got the award include Dr Vartika Nanda from Delhi who has been honoured with Rani Gaidinliu Zeliang Award for creating awareness on women's issues through media.
PDP is eqvivalent to the fare of Delhi to Leh and it is ironical that the central and state government has not taken any initiative in this regard to bring some kind relief for the people of this hilly and remote area. The parties representing the region in the state assembly and in parliament, Congress and National Conference, too have failed to project the problems faced by Ladakh region and are concerned only with the votes of people there, Akhtar said. The demonstration was led by district president Tashi Gyalson who along with his supporters later sat on dharna which was suspended today on the advice of the party president Mehbooba Mufti. The PDP was also seeking attention towards the lack of modern amenities
JKPA in J&K while 375 of them stand presently approved for advertisements by J&K Information Department. The JKPA had raised hue and cry against the anti-Media Policy of the Information Department and has agitated the matter under RTI Act in the Information Commission setup by the J&K Government for redressal of grievances. The Information Department had already reduced the flow of advertisements by 70 percent which speaks volumes about the Policy of the State Government towards Printers/Publishers/Editors of J&K State. As a matter of fact, the Press is supposed to highlight public issues in their proper perspective and act as a bridge between the government and the people of the State but there has been general policy of the State Government to weaken this link so that grievances of general masse, especially of downtrodden sections of the society remain unaddressed. Stopping advertisements to the Print Media is bound to affect the people quite adversely as all doors shall get closed to attend the burning issues in different departments of public life. The decision of the government is quite discriminatory and arbitrary and as such is blatant violation of fundamental rights guaranteed under the constitution of India. If the order as such is not withdrawn by the J&K Information Department, the Media Fraternity shall be forced to come on streets and also knock the doors of Judiciary.
Zabarwan Times
PAG
Hazratbal
creating an industry friendly environment in the State. He suggested the need of power sector reforms adding these should continue to be a priority area for the State Government. During the press conference, Mr. Pandey presented the highlights of the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India for 2012-13 for the Government of J&K. Pandey said the mandate of the CAG is not merely fault finding but to draw the attention of the Government to areas of concern and suggest remedial measures to improve Government functioning and accountability. He suggested strict adherence to FRBM Act by the State Government. He said 80% of State’s expenditure goes into the payment of salaries, pensions, interests and power. He expressed concern that the State’s own deficit is on a constant increase and the Revenue deficit has not been brought down as required by the said Act. He also expressed dismay over the diversion of plan grants for non plan purposes. Manish Kumar, Accountant General; Mrs. Pushpa Devi, Mr. A. K. Mehra and Mr. T. Kashim, Deputy Accountant Generals were also present during the press conference. (KNS)
youth were arrested who had been visiting the area suspiciously, he said. “During interrogation they revealed that they were part of a gang of thieves” Those arrested were identified as Mushtaq Ahmad Dar son of Ghulam Qadir Dar resident of Narain Bagh, Ganderbal, Ghulam Ahmad Dar @ Amma Dar son of Mohammad Subhan Dar resident of Gund Roshan, Ganderbal and Ghulam Hassan Bhat @ Hannas Bengali son of Mohammad Sultan Bhat resident of Saidpora Eidgah. According to GNS, SP Hazratbal while interacting with the respectables of Hazratbal area including the people whose house were burgled said that Srinagar police recovered stolen valuables including jewelry, Pashmina shawls and electronic goods worth about 25 lacs after busting an inter-District burglary gang. More than 15 theft cases in Srinagar District alone have been solved with the arrest of the three member gang. He said that besides these recoveries police has also recovered valuables worth 11 lacs that were stolen from by the gang from Nowgam area of the city suburbs. Handing over the recovered Jewelry, Pashmina shawls and electronic to their lawful owners, SP Hazratbal said that it gives him immense pleasure to return back the stolen valuables to their owners. While appreciating the members of the SIT especially ASI Abdul Majid for doing a commendable job, SP said these achievements imbue a sense of security among the people. He further stated that police needs cooperation of public to keep a check on criminal elements in our society and requested that they should inform the police if they find any suspicious movements in their areas. He said some recoveries from the gang like Pashmina Shawls, electronic items and gas cylinders etc are still lying with the police as no claims for them have been received by his office. He requested the public that if any person knows the lawful owner of these items may please contact Hazratbal police for authentication of the claims. Giving further details SP Hazratbal said that a Special Investigation Tem (SIT) headed by SDPO Hazratbal was constituted by SSP Srinagar after a series of theft cases were reported in Hazratbal area. The burglars revealed that they would carefully recced the target houses during day time and observe movement of inmates for two or three days before striking the house for committing thefts. In some of the cases, the kingpin of the gang revealed that they would hire a rented accommodation close to the target house a month prior to commission of offence. Bases on the inputs gathered, they used to decide the time of theft, whether to strike during day or night. SP Hazratbal impressed upon the public that they should inform the police if they find any suspicious movements in their areas. (GNS)
Police should not pay heed to hearsay as some rumour mongers are hell bent to spread frivolous rumors to disturb the peace. IGP said that law breakers will be dealt strictly in accordance to the law and no one will be allowed to jeopardize the normal routine life. IGP impressed upon the parents and elders that they should guide the children so that they could grow up to become good citizens and parenting in these times demands constant monitoring of the children’s activities as drug addiction is a new cause of concern to all parents besides indulgence in acts of violence . He said police will continue its de-addiction efforts and appealed the people to benefit from the facilities that have been established in this regard. He said the youth should be alert to the waywardness creeping into the society. IGP also said that new Woman Police Stations are being established in other districts of the valley and in this direction two police stations will come up in Anantnag in South Kashmir and Baramulla in North Kashmir. The representatives of the people on this occasion hailed the handling of the situation by the Police in the aftermath of the militant attack earlier this week in which two Police men got martyred. Among others who attended the meeting included DIG SKR Sh. Vijay Kumar, SP Pulwama Sh. Tejinder Singh and all SDPO’s of Pulwama district. (KNS)
NC and subsequent assembly elections. The Minister said the impressive developmental imprint across the state has unnerved the opponents who find it difficult to counter the government on positive lines and thus indulge in rhetoric besides inciting passions. “We have to guard against such machinations”, he said and urged workers to fan out in their areas and help people in foiling the attempts of vested interests for the sake of development and progress of the State. Deputy Chairman Legislative Council Mr Javed Rana highlighted the efforts of the Chief Minister in strengthening democratic institutions and empowering these to meet the urges and aspirations of the people while Provincial President Women Wing Mrs Vijaylaxmi Dutta dwelt upon the initiatives taken for women empowerment, especially the welfare programmes like Anmol Beti, Himmayat and Udaan. These, she said, will go a long way in empowering women in various fields. State Vice Presidents, Syed Mushtaq Bukhari, Th Kashmira Singh and Rattan Lal Gupta lauded the role of grass roots level workers in carrying forward the policies and programmes of National Conference to the general masses. Legislators Aijaz Jan, Khalid Najeeb Suharwardhy and Kr Rachpal Singh described the outreach of administration to doorsteps of people by creating new administrative units as a landmark achievement of Omar led government. “This has rekindled a new hope among the people of remote and far flung areas”, they maintained. The meeting took stock of the latest political situation and the district functionaries apprised the provincial leadership about the poll preparedness in their respective areas. Those, who gave their assessment of the situation, included the district presidents, secretaries besides senior leaders including MLC Dr. Shenaz Ganai, exMP, Mirza Abdul Rashid, Ch Talib Hussain besides Sheikh Bashir Ahmad, Brij Mohan Sharma, Mohammad Aslam Khan, Nisar Ahmad Khan, Ikhlaq Khan, Dr. Chaman Lal Bhagat, Qazi Jajal Ud Din, Mohd Iqbal Bhat, Ch. Rahim Dad, Bashir Ahmad Wani, Ch. Liaqat Ali, Sajjad Shaheen, Shafayat Khan, Mohinder Pyasa, Dr. Reyaz Bhaderwahi, Ch. Wali Dad, ZD Babar and others.
Protest Armed police camp of 14 Battalion at Hajin. “On Friday after prayers there were stray incidents of stone-pelting after which CRPF and Armed police personnel barged into my house and beat my daughters and wife without any provocation. These men in uniform smashed the windowpanes, broke our gate and locker, however did not decamp with the cash,” he said adding that when people protested against this harassment, he was called by top police officials to redress his grievance. “As i reached outside Armed camp, some Armed personnel thrashed me and snatched Rs 3000 without any provocation. I was saved by SDPO and concerned SHO from their wrath,” he said. When contacted SDPO Sumbal Bashir Ahmed refuted these allegations and said that some miscreants tried to disrupt the peace in the area while police exercised maximum restraint to avoid any confrontation. He told CNS that everything was normal in the area. (CNS) Wife succumbs while husband referred to SKIMS Srinagar, March 8, CNS: Rayees Ahmad Lone son of Muhammad Sultan and his wife Shameema fell unconscious due to the suffocation caused by the gas heater in their room at Paripora Sugipora, area of Bomia Sopore. They were shifted to District Hospital Handwara where doctors declared Shameema brought dead and her husband was shifted to SMHS Hospital Srinagar for further treatment. (CNS)
Twice Jamia Masjid near the government college. Station House Officer, Ganderbal, Liyaqet Ahmad told GNS that a Govt Degree College Lecturer, Tariq Ahmad Magray filed a complaint that his car bearing registration number JK04A- 5025 along with a 12 bore rifle was stolen from outside the mosque while he was offering prayers on Friday. "A case has been registered in this regard and further investigation has been taken up", he said. Magray who hails from Sumbal was scheduled to submit the rifle to the Deputy Commissioner office in the district. After the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct the government had asked licensed gun holders to submit their weapons. Car lifters also struck on Saturday evening and beat a man before fleeing with his car from Lawaypora area of Srinagar city, a police official told GNS. He said Khursheed Ahmad Dar of Sopore, late evening approached police stating he was manhandled by a group of men and they later ran away with his newly car. “A case under FIR no. 35 /2014 under section 392, 341 RPC has been registered and further investigation taken up”, he said. (GNS)
Don’t renew lease of Tosa Maidan to army, TMBF tells government Srinagar, March 08: (GNS) Threatening to launch a stir, the residents from central Kashmir's Budgam district on Saturday staged demonstrations in Srinagar to protest the possible extension in leasing out the meadows of Tosa Maidan to army. Reports reaching GNS said that scores of residents of Khag under the banner of Tosa Maidan Bachao Front (TMBF) this afternoon assembled at Press Colony, Srinagar and staged demonstrations against any possible extension of Tosa Maidan land to army. Shouting slogans, the protesters said that the leasing out of the land has led to the death of about 63 people besides rendering over 170 disabled for life. Scores of cattle, they said, also perished due to the ammunition left by army in the area. “Besides it, our economy has suffered a lot. The studies of our children had also been affected. Many people are suffering from multiple ailments. Now, we want to live in peace for some time. The government must ensure that the lease to army is not extended, come what may,” Dr Sheikh
Ghulam Rasool, chairman RTI movement told GNS. He said if the government fails to meet the demands of the people, a massive agitation will be launched. He also demanded adequate compensation for the families affected in the last six decades. “All the 52 Panchayat members, including Sarpanches will resign en masse if the government extends lease to the army. If that doesn't help, the people of Khan Sahib and Beerwah constituencies will boycott polls. And lastly, all the residents of Khag and other areas will shift along with their families to Tosa Maidan firing range and stay there,” he said. He said that the government must come clear about the issue before April 10, six days ahead of the expiry of the lease agreement. Mohammad Shafi, a local said that instead of firing range, Tosa Maidan should be developed as a tourist destination. He said that the picturesque valley will give a major fillip to the tourism sector and provide employment opportunities to the locals. (GNS)
Celebrations turned into mourning Three killed in road accident Doda, March 8,: At least three persons who were part of a marriage party were killed and eight others seriously injured when a Tata Sumo (JK063399) rolled down from the road and fell into a deep gorge at Galgandar on Doda-Bhaderwah road late Friday evening in district Doda. Police sources told CNS that the ill-fated Tate Sumo carrying marriage party was on its way from Thathri to Parnoo when it skidded off the road and rolled down deep into 200 feet gorge on the bank of the River Neeru. Soon after the accident locals arrived on spot and recovered three dead bodies. They were identified as Kuljit Kumar son of Girdhari Lal resident
of Indrala Thatri, Arjun Singh son of Daljit Singh resident of Shehrot and Rajesh Kumar son of Kanya Lal resident of Gutasa Badherwah. Police identified the injured as Sandeep Kumar, Pardeep Kumar, Swarn Singh, Minkal Kumar, Vinkal Kumar, Om Parkash, Paramjit Singh and Koushal Kumar. All the injured who are the residents of Shehrot Thathri were shifted to District Hospital Doda for treatment. Hospital sources told CNS three of the injured persons, Sandeep Kumar, Om Prakash and Pradeep Kumar were air lifted to Government Medical College Jammu in serious condition. (CNS)
Authorities turning blind eye towards youth problems: Kadfeen Srinagar, Mar 8: Castigating the authorities over turning ‘blind- eye’ towards the plight of Youth of the state at large, Congress leader Kadfeen Choudary Saturday stated that the ‘unnecessary’ hurdles are being created by the state administration to sabotage youth’s talent. In a statement issued to KNS, Kadfeen while hailing the efforts of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir said that he has has been ready for the instant help of the youth and continuously strives for the resolution of the problems pertaining to the youth of valley. The statement reads further that the state authorities seem to be ‘hell-bent’ upon pushing the youth of valley and that it must be the top priority of state’s leadership to provide free space to the young generation. Kadfeen stated that talent of youth must be channelized in a proper direction so that new horizons for the prosperous Kashmir could be scanned with eager hope. “What we see at present is the official apathy at large and that the youth instead of being taken into confidence are being neglected due to the favoritism that has shaken the very foundation of the state government at present.” Kadfeen added that his
top priority would be to represent the true aspiration of youth here and to play a vital role in eradication of the corruption menace from the state. he said that at present the youth fraternity is expecting Congress to deliver on ground. The statement quoted Kadfeen as issuing appeal to the DC Srinagar for the installation of proper fence around the Amira Kadal bridges so that any untoward incident in future could be thwarted. “We have seen in the past that several youth have lost their precious lives due to the non- fencing of the vital bridges- the same must be stopped at earliest.” Kadfeen also appealed AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi to take into consideration the interests of the youth of valley at large and that his efforts for the community must continue to same zeal and zest. “I am also thankful to state Congress chief Soz sahib for always being on the frontline for representation of youth at large. I am thankful to Taj sahib also for establishing drug de-addiction centers in valley and had promised to safeguard youth interests here.” Kadfeen stated further that the efforts of Salman Soz are undeniable for working over the establishment of entrepreneurship projects. (KNS)
On Women's Day, Aptech Celebrates Women's day in Amira Kadal School
Srinagar, March 08: Aptech’s regional Centre-Kashmir today conducted an event on women’s day at Amira Kadal Higher secondary School. It was the first day of the one week long Women’s day that Aptech is celebrating, wherein Aptech will conduct similar events in major higher secondary schools of Srinagar."The event was aimed at encouraging the girl students to explore career opportunities in the ever growing IT Industry and empower themselves. Girls have largely kept away from the I.T field in Kashmir," it said in a statement issued here, adding: However, in a rapidly globalizing world, whose backbone is rooted in Information Technology, it then becomes crucially important for students to acquire the necessary skills to compete."It is our endeavor, to acquaint Kashmiri women with the IT industry and help them in giving their careers a new direction in concurrence with the global trends," the statement reads.
Office of the Regional Transport Officer Kashmir NOTICE
Whereas a joint application has been received from Shri
Jasam Khan S/O Abdul Majeed Khan R/O Nigeen Hazratbal Srinagar (as
Transferor) and Ghulam Hassan Khawana S/o Lal Mohd R/o Gund Khalid Sumbal A/P opposite WBS Batamaloo SGR (as Transferee) for transfer of Big Bus carriage route permit No: 787/ KPS/WA covering Vehicle No. JK01L-6611. Now, therefore, it is notified for general information that objections, if any to the proposed transfer of the said route permit/vehicle shall be filled writing in the Office of the Regional Transport Officer, Kashmir within a period of 12 days from the date of publication of this notice. NO: JKRTOK-10368 Sd/Dated: 06/3/2014 Regional Transport Officer Kashmir
Owner , Printer & Publisher: Suhail Malik Editor -in-Chief: Shahana Malik RNI NO. JKBII/2011/39764, Email: zabarwantimes@gmail.com Publised at Govt. Quarters , M-13 Magarmal Bagh Srinagar-190001 J&K, Printed at:- Sangarmal Offset Press Humhama Sheikhpora Tele/Fax: 2478370 Cell No. 09999964750, 9796 787844
NEWS
Daily ZABARWAN TIMES
SUNDAY, MARCH | 09 | 2014
PAG appreciates tax collections by the Government JAMMU, MARCH 08: The es, which are at a level of 7.7% of Mr. Pandey said the inPrincipal Accountant General GSDP in 2012-13. He said there tentions of the Government to Audit (PAG) J&K, Mr. Subhash has been record mobilization diversify the State economy are Chander Pandey today appreci- of commercial taxes and stamp a welcome step and suggested ated the State Government for tax collections over the past few years. Addressing a press conference here today, Mr. Pandey said the VAT remissions in the State have shown an upward trend during the past four years. Further, he said that the Stamp duty collection has also increased during the period. The PAG said the State’s own tax revenues have shown a steady increase, particularly the commercial taxes. duties and the State’s own rev- greater thrust on areas like tourElaborating, Mr. Pan- enues have shown a very high ism, agriculture and industries. dey said owing to increase in growth. He also suggested creating an tourism and other economic The PAG said the State industry friendly environment activities and improving tax has financed 26.3 % of its total in the State. He suggested the compliance, there has been a expenditure in 2012-13 from its need of power sector reforms Lone in News News Agency very satisfactory growth theAgency own Kangan resources, up from 23.6Khan % adding these Ganderbal should continue Gulzar News Agency Soura Zahid Book Depot Chadoora revenues from State’s own tax- in 2011-12. to be a priority area for the State
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Government. During the press conference, Mr. Pandey presented the highlights of the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India for 2012-13 for the Government of J&K. Mr. Pandey said the mandate of the CAG is not merely fault finding but to draw the attention of the Government to areas of concern and suggest remedial measures to improve Government functioning and accountability. He suggested strict adherence to FRBM Act by the State Government. He said 80% of State’s expenditure goes into the payment of salaries, pensions, interests and power. He expressed concern that the State’s own deficit is on a constant increase and the Revenue deficit has not been brought down as required by the said Act.
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 JAMMU, MARCH 8: A cultural programme on the JAMMU, MARCH 08:Kunzar The State way for her to achieve due recogniBhat News Magam Zargar News Agency occasion of Women’s Day wasAgency organized here in the Social Welfare Board celebrated tion in the society. He cited examNews Agency Beerwah Bashir News Agency Sumbal lawns of Raj Bhavan,Dar today. This event, hosted by Mrs. the International Women day here ples of various successful women Reshi News Agency Saleem News Chief Agency Pattan Usha Vohra, First Lady, was attended bySafapora women Legistoday in which Information like Indira Gandhi, Meera Kumar, Basharat News Agency Bandipora Reyaz News Agency Pampore Commissioner Mr. G.R.Sofi was Prathiba Devi Singh Patil, P.T.Usha Altaf News Agency Pulwama Agency Qazigund theJavaid Chief News Guest.Chairperson, State and appealed the womenfolk to Jeelani News Agency Baramulla G.MWelfare News Agency Social Board,Sopore Khem Lata Wakhloo, PoShah News Agency Kupwara Sultan Newsbesides AgencyIG Handwara liceSheikh CD HGNews SDRF,Agency T. Phunsog, Younis News Agency Langate Islamabad Padam former Prof.Tral Reshi News Agency Islamabad ThreeShree, Way News Agency VedBadru Ghai,News Prof.Agency Rita Jatinder Turray News Agency Tral Bijbehara alsoMalik graced the Agency occasion.Arwani Rahi News Agency Kulgam News The objective of the proRah News Agency Byepass Shaheenwas NewstoAgency Kargil gramme celebrate
A musical event on Women’s Day organized at Raj Bhavan
lators, women officers and wives of officers from the civil and military establishments.In the programme, musical performances were presented by singers from different parts of the country. The event ended with a cultural programme directed by Mr. Balwant Thakur which comprised dance forms from different parts of the State.On the occasion, a prize of Rs. 11000 was given by the First Lady to Master Anmol Jaswal, the teen age singer, to recognize his talent.
DEO Bla convenes political meet BARAMULLA, MARCH 08: The District Election Officer, who is also the Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla today convened a meeting with representatives of various political parties including National Conference, Congress I, PDP, Panthers Party, Peoples Conference etc.District Election Officer informed them Model Code of Conduct has come into force with effect from 5th March 2014 and shall be strictly implemented in the district. For this purpose, District level, Sub Divisional level and Tehsil level Monitoring Committees have been constituted and BLOs have been directed to hold special camps at each polling station on 9th March, 2014 to create awareness among voters.The meeting was informed that they also have been directed to display the electoral rolls at each polling station, so that the left out electors are enrolled. He informed the political parties for Expenditure Monitoring Cell with Expenditure Observers, flying squads and static surveillance teams have been constituted.
Social Welfare Board celebrates Women’s Day
women’s achievements besides pondering over multipronged strategies envisaging women’s social, economical, cultural and political emancipation. Speaking on the occasion, Sofi congratulated the SWB for organizing the event. He said women play huge role in progress and prosperity of the society adding that women of today has made a mark in every field of growth and development but still there is long
Doo gharoun ki shaan hai” was presented by Women Welfare Association, Jammu which enthralled the audience.Prof Ved also spoke on rights and responsibility of women in the society while T.
Swift Dzire Car with family pack items to Mr. Joginder Raina of Burnai Jammu. First prize Nissan Micra Cars to Mr. Bilal Ahmed of Anantnag, Mr. Liaqat
Academy hosts all- women musical programme, mushaira on IWD JAMMU, MARCH 8: On the International Women’s Day, J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages today hosted an all-women composite musical programme ‘Tumhare Liye’ at the K L Saigal Hall of the Academy here. An all-women composite mushaira, Bazm e Shairaat, was also held at the Academy office in Srinagar. As the artists sang different numbers in Hindi, Dogri, Urdu, Kashmiri, Kishtwari, Gojri, Pahari and Punjabi the melodious voices kept the audience spell bound. The jam packed hall reverberated with applause on the fine rendition of ecstatic poetry and music. Artists who performed at the event included Asha Kesar (Dogri), Alam Ara (Kishtwari), Hasina Akhtar (Kashmiri), Aksa Chaman (Urdu), Sonali Dogra (Punjabi), Chanchal Sharma (Pahari), Rukhsana Kousar (Gojri) and Marina Jamwal (Hindi). The accompanists included Darbari Lal (Tabla), Rakesh Anand (Flute), Vicky Gill (synthesiser) and Vijay Anand (Dholak). Prof. Ved Ghai presided over the function while Dr. Rita Jitendra was the chief guest. Among others present on the occasion were Prof. Nilambar Dev Shrma, N. D. Jamwal and a large number of writers and artists. Meetali Gupta anchored the programme. At the Srinagar office of the Academy, an all-women composite mushiara was held to mark the occasion. About two dozen poetesses recited their poems and received admiration from an appreciative audience.
Aries
March 21-April 19
Allow your eager and restless nature to express itself in ways other than through the spoken word, Aries. Show someone that you care through your gentle touch or a big bear hug. Hold on a little bit more tightly than you might normally. There’s an unspoken understanding that comes when you communicate through nothing but pure silence. Work on developing this kind of connection with those closest to you.
Taurus April 20-May 20
This is a terrific day for you, Taurus. You should find that your relationships, especially with men, go exceptionally well. Your tender and extremely sensitive nature is finally being recognized as the treasure chest it is. There are many times in which this type of personality is seen as weak, yet today is one of those times in which you’re given the full credit you deserve.
Gemini May 21-June 21
A selfish attitude on your part won’t be tolerated today, regardless of the circumstances, Gemini. Don’t make it worse for yourself by pretending that you don’t notice others’ hurt feelings. People are likely to be extra sensitive today, so be careful about trying to impose your will on someone who really wants nothing more than an ear to talk to and a shoulder to cry on.
Cancer June 22-July 22
You could find the hardest person to face is you, Cancer. You tend toward introspection, and you may find yourself shrinking into self-recrimination. You could analyze the important people in your life and yet fail to address the one you really need to look at – you. As you continually strive for perfection, give yourself proper credit. Do something nice for yourself today.
Leo
July 23-August 22 Take advantage of the creative energy in the air today, Leo. Keep your hands moving and your imagination flowing toward something fun and artistic. If you begin to doubt your work, you may fall down a spiral of creative blockage. Don’t get into the habit of constantly judging the quality or outcome of your work. Give yourself free rein to open up and explore whatever comes to mind.
Virgo
follow the footsteps of such visionary personalities. Executive Director, Aamir Ali, presented a detailed description about the activities and achievements of the board. On the occasion, a skit on the topic of “Ladki tou wardhaan hai-
Phunsog stressed on the need for promoting women empowerment in all its forms. They also emphasized the need of raising massive awareness about the women emancipation programmes among the rural women as most of them still live in distress.
PWWA members handed over 29 Raffle Draw prizes to winners JAMMU, MARCH 08: Fabulous prizes of 24th Police Public Mela, which was held at Gulshan Ground on February 23, were distributed among the winners by the Director General of Police, Mr. Ashok Prasad, Chairperson, Police Parivar, Mrs. Kiran Prasad, senior police officers and lady members of Parivar here today. In all 29 prizes of the raffle draw were handed over to the winners against the original raffle draw tickets, at an impressive function held at Officers Mess Gulshan Gound this evening. On this occasion Mr. Prasad and Mrs. Kiran Prasad congratulated the prize winners and extended good wishes to them for their happy and prosperous life. Mr. Prasad thanked the people for their massive participation in the day long Mela. The prizes distributed among the winners include Bumper prize
HOROSCOPE
Ali of Jharkhand, Mr. Kartar Singh of Durga Nagar Jammu Mr. Fairoz Din of Luddu Doda and Mr. Mohamad Iqbal of Karem Udhampur.
Similarly, the second prize Alto 800 Cars were handed over to Mr. Muzaffar Ahmed Mir of Hanji Dantar Anantnag, Mr. Talab Hussain of Pranoo Doda, Mr. Fayaz Ahmed of Qazipura Bandipore. Mr. Ravinder Singh of Gallo Doda and Mr. Mohammad Amir of Hajnis Kargil. Likewise, third prize Nano Cars handed were over to Mr. Sanjay Kumar of Chowki Handan Rajouri, Mr. Naveel Sajortra of Bahu Fort Jammu and Mr. Shashi Paul Sharma of Samroli Udhampur. Fourth prize Motor Cycles were handed over to Mr. Tufail Hussain of Saaj Rajouri, Mr. Mohamad Aslam of Gurshai Poonch, Mr. Kewal Kumar of Dehari Udhampur and Mr. Krishan Chander of Chack Sadda Samba. The fifth prize scooties were handed over to Mr. Vinod Sharma of Kalidab Rajouri and Mr. Subash Chander of Shastri Nagar Jammu.
Kichloo condoles demise of Thakur Jugal Bhandari
JAMMU, MARCH 08 - Minister of State for Industries & Commerce and Home, Mr. Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, has condoled the sad demise of senior Congress leader from Kishtwar, Thakur Jugal Bhandari, who passed away at Jammu last night. The Minister expressed sympathies with the bereaved family and prayed for peace to the departed soul.
Model Code of Conduct Transfer orders in School Education to be kept in abeyance
JAMMU, MARCH 08: Government has directed that all the orders of transfers in School Education Department issued on or before 4th of March, 2014 and have not been implemented as on or before 5th March, 2014 fore-noon are kept in abeyance during the Model Code of Conduct which is already in force with immediate effect as announced by the Election Commission of India on 5 March, 2014.As per the circular issued here by School Education Department, all the concerned DDOs in School Education Department are directed to implement this order in letter and spirit and any violation in this regard shall be viewed seriously and stern action shall be taken.
August 23-September 22
Your sixth sense is right on target, Virgo, so trust your instincts today. You’re likely to connect with someone in a wonderful partnership that will help you foster the very plan you want to develop now. Stay close to those things that resonate strongly with your morals. The answer is in front of you; you don’t have to search too far afield in order to find it.
Libra
September 23-October 23 Take a break from your routine, Libra. You might feel like you’re leading an army into battle as you strive for new adventures and conquer new realms. Make sure you take a bit of time out today to stop and let your troops rest. You deserve a little rest yourself. Use this moment of stillness to form your plan of attack so you’re sure about how to proceed.
Scorpio
October 24-November 21 The key for you is to minimize your daily drama as much as possible, Scorpio. You may not realize how much you cripple yourself by the way you exaggerate every aspect of your life. Try not to give so much of your attention to things that really don’t matter much. Petty jealousy and gossip about other people’s lives are especially irrelevant in your world.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Be careful of advertising yourself as someone who is so strong and mentally competent that you’re capable of handling everything, Sagittarius. Take note that the strongest mule on the trail usually ends up carrying the most weight. Your emotions are more sensitive than you may think, and certainly more than you demonstrate to others. Be honest about the way you feel and not just the way you think.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Things should flow well for you today with very little effort on your part, Capricorn. Take note that if any quarrel arises, it’s an indication that the person you’re arguing with isn’t necessarily the right person to deal with or confide in. Emotional issues are likely to be the hardest ones to overcome, but this shouldn’t be a problem for you. You have the ability to work through these like a pro.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
This is meant to be a nice, relaxing day, so treat it as such, Aquarius. There’s no need for you to plan any great strategy at this time. Try to take it easy and not indulge in any unnecessary stress. This is your time to enjoy the moment. Don’t tax your mind by overanalyzing everything that comes your way. Go with the flow and have a great time regardless of what you end up doing.
Pisces
February 19-March 20 Your sensual nature is heightened, Pisces, and you’ll find yourself engaged in tender moments and languid peacefulness in the company of others. Soothe your soul by letting yourself slip into situations that give you the emotional freedom to do or say whatever comes to mind. Life should be like a love poem written by a great master. Accept the good energy that comes your way.
EDITORIAL/ OPINION Election preparedness at full swing
A
s the elections to the Lok Sabha have been announced, the Returning Officers in different parts of the country have gone all out for the election preparedness so that free and fair elections are made possible, the code of conduct is implemented in real perspective and more and more voters are enrolled in the voter lists. The training programmes for Booth Level Officers have already started so have started the meetings of the concerned officers with the political parties to create awareness about the whole electoral process. Today special camps are being held all over the country so that young voters are given a final chance to enroll themselves and caste their valuable vote for electing their representatives. This election is called the mother of all elections because the election situation is totally different from the previous elections. As there is no political group or alliance which seems to be in total command throughout the country, hence the Election Commission has more responsibilities to hold free and fair elections as India has the reputation of being not only the largest democracy of the world but also because of the institution of Election Commission which has always stood the test of the time and remained unbiased in whatever the conditions. The elections to the Lok Sabha will be held in 9 phases and elaborate security arrangements are being made to make the situation conducive for the voters who are expected to cast their vote without any coercion or threat perception. There are some areas which are over sensitive like North East and Jammu & Kashmir and as usual the Election Commission is making proper security arrangements in these areas. If we take example of Panchayat elections in J&K, the large scale participation may be surely an indicator that this time also the voters will turn in bulk to cast their vote. It is imperative that the people particularly the young generation votes so that only those representatives are elected who have good image and spotless carrier and will serve the people in a better way and mitigate their problems.
T
Daily
Zabarwan Times
Srinagar, Sunday 09 March 2014
Building not just Roads but Nation
ransport system is considered as the life line of any nation. Road Infrastructure, because of its easy accessibility, flexibility in operation, door to door service and reliability occupies a dominant position in the transportation system. It is vital for unleashing economic growth and is a critical component of all inclusive growth. In the last few decades, Road transport in India has registered tremendous growth and has become the most preferred mode of transport. The share of road transport in carrying the passengers and goods is more than 80% and 60% of the total passenger and freight movement respectively.
Road Network India has huge network of roads totalling about 46.90 lakh km. The road density in India at present is nearly 1.43 km per sq. km of area which compares favourably with many countries. Responsibility of development of this network rests with the Central Government, State Governments and local Government. National Highways (NH), having total length of 82,803 km, constitutes less than 2% of the total road network. However, these are the main arteries carrying more than 40% of the total road traffic. Development of NHs is the responsibility of the Central Government. Good and efficient transport infrastructure is an essential pre-requisite for the economic growth of a nation. It has been the endeavor of the Government to provide speedy, safe and efficient road transport network. It is recognized that modernisation of infrastructure is the key to attain higher GDP. India’s Transport sector as a whole contributes about 5.5% to the GDP, with road transport contributing the lion’s share. India has emerged as one of the fastest growing economy in the world. According to experts, India could unleash its full potential, provided, it improves the infrastructure facilities, which are at present not sufficient to meet the growing demand of the economy. To address emerging demand by catching up with the economic and social growth of the country, a massive Road development programme has been
taken up in the country.
NHDP The National Highways Development Project (NHDP) is the flagship programme, for development of less developed areas, dedicated regional programmes like the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for the North-East (SARDP-NE) and the Special Programme for the Left Wing Extremism affected areas have also been taken up. Now, there are plans for building up Expressways in the Country. Three projects i.e. Eastern Peripheral Expressway in National Capital Region, Delhi - Meerut Expressway and Mumbai – Vadodra Expressway covering about 650 km are targeted during the current financial year. Planning for Bengaluru – Chennai and Delhi – Jaipur Expressways are also in advance stages. All these Expressways will be fully access controlled roads on green field alignment. To meet with the massive requirement of funds, innovative means of financing and financing strategies which inter alia include cess on fuel, private sector participation including foreign investment, borrowing from the market as well as budgetary support have been adopted. A major step was to attract foreign as well as domestic investments through Public Private Partnership (PPP). Involving the private sector would lead to increasing efficiency with the help of using modern technology. The private sector has more flexible procurement and decision-making procedures and therefore, it can speed up implementation efforts. Allowing private sector to raise capital/funds has paved the way for the Government to use its scarce resources efficiently and effectively. Several new materials of road construction are also emerging that would need to be encouraged depending upon their cost effectiveness. For development of National Highways in the Country in the 12 five year plan targets to invest Rs 1,44,769 crores from budgetary support, Rs 64,834 crores from IEBR and Rs 1,87,995 crores from private sector participation. Launched in 1998, the NHDP program represents the largest road construction project ever undertaken to boost
the development of the National Highways in the country. The program is aimed at the development of about 50,000 km of National Highways. Golden Quadrilateral which provides four-lane connectivity between four metros, is complete, while the NorthSouth-East-West (NSEW) corridor is about to be completed. Four laning and six laning is underway at many places and progressing at brisk pace, despite the hurdles in land acquisition, obtaining environment and forest clearances, high cost debt etc,. So far work on more than 21,000 km have been completed and in about 12,350 km works are in progress. Other flagship regional programmes which includes SARDP-NE and roads in LWE affected areas covers development of about 12,000 km of roads out of which work has already been completed in about 3800 kms.
Mode of Projects The emphasis has been to take up progressively more and more infrastructure projects through private sector participation on BOT (Toll) basis so that more public funds are available for social sectors such as Health, Education, etc. However, it would not be practically possible to take up development of the majority of the highway stretches on BOT (Toll) mode. This has reflected in the recent trends of bidding when in majority of roads projects we could not get the favourable response. Accordingly, recently, Ministry has decided to take up road projects as turnkey Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) contracts basis which would help to reduce construction time and is expected to improve quality of work as well. Also, in this system the objective to garner private sector efficiency is retained and the private entrepreneurs are free to use new technology to speed up their works
New Initiatives E-Tolling The experience on present tolling system is associated with congestion and delays at toll plazas. To overcome this, Government has decided adoption of Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system across National
Highways in India, which would enable toll to be collected electronically from vehicles at toll plazas while the vehicle is in motion. Pilot projects have already been taken up in this regard which will pave way for nationwide interoperable ETC at all the toll plazas on National Highways by 2014. New Materials Besides financing, such a mammoth development programme requires huge amount of natural resources. As such conservation of the material is area of concern for all. There is a need to save scarce physical resource like aggregates, sand, earth, cement, bitumen, etc. looking to huge programme of construction of highways in the country. On the other hand, the Nation is facing problem of the disposal & storage of industrial waste like fly-ash, copper slag, marble slurry, etc. Efforts are on in utilizing these waste materials in construction of roads through complete/ partial replacement of conventional materials. Cashless Treatment of accident Victims (A Road Safety initiative) India has the dubious distinction of having maximum number of fatalities on roads. During the year 2011, there were around 5 lakh road accidents resulting in the deaths of over 1.42 lakh people. Each day, nearly 390 people die on our roads. In India more than half of road accident victims are in the age group 20-65 years. The loss of the main bread earner and head of household due to death or disability can be catastrophic, leading to lower living standards and poverty, in addition to the human cost of bereavement. This is an unacceptable price to pay for mobility. The Ministry has already taken up multi-pronged strategy in his regard. The latest milestone in this area is a Pilot Project for “implementation of cashless medical treatment to the accident victims” for the first 48 hours. Under this scheme accident victims will be provided free treatment during this period as a result immediate relief can be provided to the accident victim, which will go a long way in reducing fatalities on our road. Completion of programmes already taken up is expected to go a long way in contributing towards building the Nation.
Empowering Mentally Ill to Live with Dignity
M
ental health represents a critical indicator of human development, serves as a key determinant of well-being, quality of life and is the basis for social stability. Social and economic impact of poor mental health is pervasive and far reaching, leading to poverty, high unemployment rates, poor educational and health outcomes, among others. There is a need for a wider recognition of mental and emotional well-being as a core indicator of human development, and it is necessary to integrate a mental health and psychosocial perspective into all development and humanitarian policies, programmes. Persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities represent a significant proportion of the world’s population. One in four people globally experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. Almost one million people die due to suicide every year and depression is ranked third in the global burden of disease, and is projected to rank first in 2030. In India prevalence of mental disorders is 6-7% for common mental disorders and 1-2% for severe mental disorders. Treatment gap for severe mental disorders is approximately 50% and in case of Common mental Disorders it is over 90%.With such a magnitude of mental disorders it becomes necessary to promote mental health services for the well being of general population, in addition to provide treatment for mental illnesses. Persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities often face stigma and discrimination due to widely held misconceptions about the causes and nature of mental health conditions. Persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities also experience high levels of physical abuse. They encounter restrictions in their exercise of socio-politico-economic rights
in the majority of countries, largely due to the false assumption that they are not able to carry out their responsibilities, manage their own affairs and make decisions about their lives. Though mental health conditions are one of the leading causes of disability, persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities often lack resources to maintain basic living standards. Furthermore, they are one of the most neglected and discriminated groups in development policies and programmes. Integration of mental health into development efforts is a cost effective pro-poor strategy. There are cost effective treatments available for most mental illnesses, and effective treatment is associated with reductions in overall health-care costs. Child development, education, health, social welfare policies and programmes must integrate mental and psychosocial aspects. In India, National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) was started in 1982 with the objectives to ensure availability and accessibility of minimum mental health care for all, to encourage mental health knowledge and skills and to promote community participation in mental health service development and to stimulate self-help in the community. Gradually, the approach of mental health care services has shifted from hospital based care (institutional) to community based mental health care, as majority of mental disorders do not require hospitalization and can be managed at community level. During IX five year plan, District Mental Health Programme was initiated (1996) and at present DMHP is covering 123 districts in 30 States and UTs. In addition to early identification and treatment of mentally ill, District Mental Health Programme has now incorporated promotive and pre-
ventive activities for positive mental health which includes; School Mental Health services; College Counselling services; work place stress management and suicide prevention services. Efforts are being made to improve human resource availability in mental health sector so that mentally ill gets required attention and persons having a predilection for mentally illness can get good advice, counselling at the initial stages itself. Components of NHMP are being brought under the overall umbrella of National Rural Health Mission so that the States are able to plan requirements concerning Mental Health services as part of the respective project plans. Rs.623.45 crore has been approved as XI plan outlay (upto 2012) for the National Mental Health Programme. However, recognizing the difficulties/ stigma faced by mentally ill persons the Government is in the process of providing a humane, patient centric legal framework for mentally ill patients. The proposed Mental Health Care bill can be a ‘Game changer’ in the life of millions of mentally ill persons who were often victims of inhuman and degrading treatment, abuse and ridicule, both at the community level and at health care delivery establishments. The proposed Mental Health Care bill is significant in terms of Rights’ Approach that is being adopted to give pre-eminence to the preferences and opinion of the mentally ill person to a major extent. Provisions like ‘Advance Directive’ empowers every person to make directive on how he wishes to be cared and treated for mental illness or not. Other salient provisions are;· A mentally ill person admitted to a mental health establishment shall have a right to receive or refuse visitors, phone calls, mail,etc · A mentally ill person has a right
to have treatment in his locality / residence and can prefer only minimum treatment/care at mental health establishments. This is to ensure that the patient is allowed to live in, be part of and not be segregated from society to the extent possible · Every patient has a right to protection from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and the mental health establishment shall be safe, clean with facilities for education, recreation, religious practices. · No patient shall be forced to undertake work and subject to compulsory shaving of head and wearing of uniforms. · Mental illness may be made eligible for medical insurance coverage. · Government is duty-bound to plan, implement mental health programmes and create awareness about mental health and illness to reduce the associated with mental illness · Every person will have access to mental health care and treatment at affordable cost, of good quality and of requisite quantity, accusable to the report, their families and care givers · Government should interpret mental health services into general health care services at all levels in all health programmes. · Government shall arrange good quality care and treatment in hospitals funded by government and in case of non availability in nearby place; refund the costs of treatment to the patient. To conclude, a mentally well person means a healthy society and developed nation. It is not enough if we have best health care services, protective legislation unless the stigma, discrimination and widely held misconceptions attached to mental illness are weeded out and community becomes more empathetic towards such persons.
Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer