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TUESDAY
11 March | 2014 | 08 Jamadi-Ul-Awal 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |
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VOL NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 70 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 Paisa)
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Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K
Academy holds all-women composite mushaira at Saigal Hal
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Fed up being a single
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Regrets loosing in Asia cup finals
See More On Page 10
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2702 new eligible voters registered on March 9: DEO Kulgam
Valley witnesses snowfall, incessant rains
Handwara encounter One died, Seven injured in Road mishap Srinagar, Mar 10: One person died while seven others were injured in two different road accidents across the valley. According to a statement issued to KNS, a TATA 407 bearing registration number JK05/5930 turned turtle at Model Town Sopore, in the jurisdiction of police station Sopore. In this accident Rayees Ahmad Mir son of Manzoor Ahmad resident of Behrampora, Sopore died on spot and other four persons were injured. The injured were shifted to hospital for treatment. Police has registered a case in this regard. Meanwhile, a Sumo bearing registration See Mishap On page 11..
12 Structures damaged in fire Srinagar, Mar 10: A residential house and eleven other structures were damaged in fire, last evening. According to a statement issued to KNS, fire broke out in the residential house of Abdul Gani Dragay, in the jurisdiction of police station Sirigufwara, Anantnag. Fire also engulfed the adjacent three cow sheds. In this incident all the four structures were gutted completely. Fire broke out in Advocate Chamber in District Court premises in the jurisdiction of police post Sher Bagh, Anantnag. Four advocate chambers See Fire On page 11..
Inside story ZEO’s mislead CEO Baramulla Premature transfers put on hold Srinagar, March 10, CNS: Premature transfers made in District Baramulla in Education Department have been kept in abeyance by Chief Education Officer who admitted that the premature transfers of Teachers and Masters were made after the Zonal Education Officers of Sopore and Pattan provided him misleading and wrong information.
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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(TUESDAY) SUNRISE ON (WEDNESDAY)
4.30C 0
0.0 C 06:47PM 06:36 AM
Lashkar commander among 2 killed Srinagar March 10: A top Lashkar-eToiba commander was among two militants killed in a fierce gunfight with army and police in north Kashmir's Handwara area of remote Kupwara district. Reports reaching GNS said that army's 6 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Special Operation Group (SOG) of police on a tip-off about the presence of two foreign militants laid a siege around Sheikh Mohalla locality of Malikpora village in Vilgam area of Handwara this morning. As the joint team started search operation, the militants hiding in the house of Habibullah Sheikh, son of Abdullah Sheikh opened heavy fire and tried to break the cordon. However, the forces engaged the militants in a gunfight that lasted for about two hours. During the exchange of fire, an army Major Sandeep Kotwal sustained bullet injuries in his abdomen. He was
immediately rushed to Military Hospital Drugmalla for treatment where his condition is said to be stable. Reports said that the militants offered stiff resistance to the forces and in retaliation, army blasted the house by firing heavy mortars and razed the residential house, in which militants had taken refuge, to the ground. A police official in a statement issued to GNS identified the two slain militants as Abu Huriara and Abu Talha of LeT. "Huriara was group Commander of LeT and both of them had infiltrated last year," the spokesman said, adding: they were involved in many cases of militancy-related incidents. A defense official told GNS that huge cache of arms and ammunitions were recovered from the encounter site that included two AK-47 rifles with 25 rounds, three magazines, one mobile phone, two Chinese grenades, one com-
Geelani condemns killing of old man in Pulwama Srinagar, Mar 10: While strongly condemning the murder of 85 year old Mohammad Abdullah Dar of Doogripora Pulwama by unidentified gunmen, chairman Hurriyat Conference (G), Syed Ali Geelani said that, it is an un-Islamic and inhuman act to kill any unarmed person without any proper reason and this is an unacceptable act. According to a statement issued to KNS, he said that unfortunately from last 25 years, so many incidents have occurred in which people have been killed without presenting any charge sheet and these acts have not only severely damaged the freedom movement, but these incidents have also provided the reasons for the government agencies to kill the common people and it has created the environment of anarchy in the state. The ailing pro-freedom leader said that the Kashmiri people are fighting a sacred and holy battle against the forced occupation, state terrorism, injustice and tyranny and militants are on the forefront of this struggle, but they (militants) should ensure that willingly or mistakenly, they
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are not doing any such act which falls into the category of injustice and which can harm over sacred cause. “If these precautions are not followed then the difference between the oppressor and oppressed eliminates and both will stand on the same line. He further said that if a single such act happens by our side, taken its advantage, the government agencies get the opportunity for doing dozens of such activities and all these incidents are then credited to the unidentified gunmen. So many incidents have occurred in the state when agencies killed any person but the availability of unidentified word have made them unnoticed.” Geelani said that if militants have any information regarding any person of being directly or indirectly involved in anti-movement activities and he is to be punished but until and unless these allegations are not proved in front of people with concrete evidence, there is no justification in any act against that person and which is totally unacceptable. See Geelani On page 11..
pass, one pouch, two diaries, and currency worth Rs 2180. Besides this, three bottles of poison and two knives were also recovered from them. “Abu Hurraira was overseeing Laskhar activities in Lolab Valley. Last year he shifted to state’s summer capital Srinagar where he gave slip to forces twice in Ahmad Nagar area,” the official said “During one of the gunfights in Srinagar, he had injured at least eight policemen,” he added. He said that Hurraira shifted to South Kashmir’s Tral after the fire fights in Srinagar and fifteen days ago had moved to Handwara. “He was hiding in the forest area and due to bad weather had moved into the village where he was killed,” the official said. Meanwhile, the bodies of the two slain militants have been taken by police for post-mortem, an official said. (GNS)
Srinagar, Mar 10: The incessant rainfall and snowfall on Monday punctured the claims of authorities of various government departments about the development of Srinagar as the main roads and inner streets including Lal Chowk were inundated with water-giving tough time to the pedestrians and vehicles at large. The roads around Jahangir Chowk and Hari Singh high street were all filled with water and even the situation made shopkeepers to close their shops. According to Meteorological Department, the weather conditions will remain same till evening of March 12 and that the same is likely to improve from March 13. The Incharge Director Met office Farooq Ahmad Khan
Mufti has no experience of running elected government: Kamaal Srinagar, Mar 10: Reacting to a statement of PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, National Conference Additional General Secretary Dr. Shiekh Mustafa Kamaal has said that Mufti has no experience of formation and running of elected governments, thus talks on flimsy issues just to hoodwink people. According to a statement issued to KNS, Dr. Kamaal said that 2nd world war epistolary, will not work in these enlightened times and people at the same time, cannot forget Mufti’s ‘anti Kashmiryat and anti democracy roles’ which has been his hall mark. He said that Mufti Sayeed had no expectations
Uri celebrates creation of new admn units
Development of Uri my mission: Taj Uri, Mar 10: The residents of Uri town today accorded a rousing reception to Minister for Health and Medical Education, Taj Mohi ud Din who represents the area in the State Assembly. According to a statement issued to KNS, despite heavy downpour in the entire area, people from far and near had assembled to thank Taj for granting more administrative units including CD blocks, Nayabats etc. to Uri. Many elders in the area said the rally was one of the biggest in last three decades. The people, on the occasion, thanked the Minister for launching development offensive in the constituency including development of roads, upgradation of social infrastructure including schools, hospitals and anganwari centres. The people thanked Taj for achieving cent per cent coverage of water supply schemes and
Had intimated administration about bad weather: Met office
electricity. They said now almost 99 % of Uri residents have drinking water facility and electricity connections. Responding to the reception, Taj said development of Uri has been more of a mission to him. He said the development of Uri is an open chapter for everyone to watch. He asked the people to make a comparison of what the town was 12 years ago and draw conclusions then only. He said he entered into Uri’s active politics in 2002 so that an era of development dawns upon the people of the area who suffered immensely during the last 60 years. “Uri has moved since then and I want to take this town to the level of cities like Srinagar and Jammu,” Taj vowed. Taj thanked the people for the continued support to him during the last 12 years saying he has been overwhelmed by the response. He assured the people See Taj On page 11..
even to become Chief Minister in 2002 and as such spent his entire term of three years in impregnable state. “He invented new order terming J&K as second in the list of corrupt States of the country. It was during Mufti’s rule that the State Subject law was modified to the disadvantage of the State. As Chief Minister of the State Mufti Sayeed sought economical aid as base for Kashmir issue resolution,” Kamaal has said. The NC additional general secretary said that PDP even as B team in the then coalition during 2008 processed surreptitiously, transfer case of Pahalgam land to Shrine Board which took deleterious turn and 120 innocent citizens got killed during the agitation. “Mufti Sayeed had no experience of ruling the State, thus shielding himself of the atrocities See Kamal On page11..
Suspension orders not revoked: SVSU
'Decision after completion of probe' Srinagar March 10: The authorities at the Swami Vivekanand Subharti University (SVSU) on Monday refuted the media reports that suggested the revocation of suspension orders against the 67 Kashmiri students accused of cheering Pakistan’s win over India in the recently held Asia cup match. "We have not contacted nor invited any student so far. We are waiting for the enquiry report from the committee. The media reports are totally false," PK Garg, Registrar of Meerut’s Swami Vivekanand Subharti University (SVSU) told GNS. He said that the decision over the suspension of the students will be taken only after the probe ordered into the incident is completed. "Once the enquiry is over, then we will take decision about the suspended students” he said. He also refuted the reports that suggested that the Vice Chancellor of the Varsity has been invited to Jammu See SVSU On page 11..
told KNS over phone that the upper reaches of valley will receive moderate snowfall while as plains will witness rainfalls till March 12. When asked why the administration and general public were not informed about weather predictions before few days, Khan stated that their department already had issued handout to the administration and media- stating that the weather will witness a change from March 9. “The weather earlier was sunny and it is expected that everyone would not have taken that information seriously.” Meanwhile the reports reaching KNS informed that the snowfall has closed the Srinagar-Jammu Highway See Valley On page 11..
Lone pledges to work for empowerment of people Srinagar, Mar 10: Sajad Gani Lone, Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference pledged to work for the empowerment of the people and accountability in the system. According to a statement issued to KNS, he expressed these views while addressing a party convention at Sumbal Sonawari. Lone said, “People’s Conference is committed to work to empower people and give them greater control over their own development and work to build accountable and responsive government institutions that can meet the needs of poor people. “We support the development of inclusive political institutions through which poor people’s interests can be meaningfully represented. Empowerment and accountability are interrelated, with considerable overlap between them. The empowerment and accountability agenda takes an integrated view of how people can gain the necessary resources, assets, and capabilities to demand accountability from those who hold power. See Lone On page 11..
J&K need a clean, accountable political set up: ANC Jammu, Mar 10: “Jammu and Kashmir requires a clean, transparent, accountable and a corruption free political setup to safeguard itself from a virtual collapse and disintegration on lines of regions and religions,” this was stated by ANC Sr. Vice President Muzaffar Shah while addressing an impressive function held by JD (U) unit of J&K state, a constituent of the National Third Front at Jammu today where he was the Chief Guest . According to a statement issued to KNS, Shah dealt at length on the changing political scenario in the country & the need for a change for which the need for a credible non BJP non Cong alternative is must. The first step is to create a massive public awareness among voters to force their representatives to
declare their income & assets & put them to public scrutiny, he said. Further stating that a bankrupt state had no business to announce creation of administration units costing the exchequer 5000 crores , when it could not provide for the basic infrastructure required for establishing new District Head quarters announced by earlier coalition Govt. headed by Congress. You don’t have money to pay daily wagers, thousands of unemployed youth nor can you manage hospitals & basic infrastructure required for sustaining life. The ANC Sr. VP castigated the coalition & these legislators at large for the pathetic condition & behavior in which the just concluded See ANC On page 11..
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Srinagar, Tuesday 11 March 2014
11
FROM THE FRONT PAGE
Valley and that Beacon and state authorities have started the clearance of snow from Banihal and Patnitop. The reports informed further that besides moderate rain and snowfall across valley, massive snowfall was witnessed in Ladakh region on Monday. Office of the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Monday closed the schools for two days due to the prevailing weather conditions. Meanwhile, the rains not only affected the electricity supplies but the internet including broadband services were down. (KNS)
Geelani The senior pro-freedom leader said that few days back in Sopore a student was killed in a suspicious condition and now an old man in Pulwama, but till now neither any charge sheet has been presented or have anybody taken the responsibility of these acts. “These are very sad and painful incidents for me. He said that until these activities are not proved to be reasonable or any proper reason doesn’t support them, we will treat both these persons as innocent and we express our condolence and sympathy with their families and this is our religious as well as moral responsibility to present our stand without any confusion. Pro-freedom leader said that these types of incidents should now be checked and these killings should stop now. By doing this we can expose the agencies behind such activities.” Meanwhile, the spokesman of the Hurriyat (G) has said that the health condition of Geelani is satisfactory and he is feeling better now. “A famous doctor of Kashmir Professor Dr. Mohammad Sultan Khuroo Sahab conducted his detailed checkup on Monday morning and suggested some important medical tests and X-ray to Geelani Sahab,” the Hurriyat (G) spokesman Ayaz Akbar said in a health bulletin issued today. (KNS)
Kamal committed on the State and its people.” Kamaal advised Mufti Sayeed to go round the State and see himself the progress and development all around made during the past five and a half years of Omar Abdullah’s tenure. He said that his was a big hand in making of a government on horse trading in 1984, which in turn cultivated belligerence thinking in the youth, who were very much absorbed in the democratic norms till then and had worked zealously in the election process in 1983 also. “Since Mufti has no courage to defend himself of such charges, he only beat about the bush while projecting his self.” (KNS)
Lone We will ensure political empowerment by amplifying the voices of the masses, as well as an important vertical accountability mechanism for holding state institutions and service providers to account.” Lone further added, “Many today complain about politicians not listening to the public. Of course, if people do not bother to vote on merits, their voice will not be heard by elected representatives. Though Election is not solution to every problem but it is the Politicians who decide our future – how much government will do to build infrastructure, how many jobs will be available, what type of healthcare is available for treatments, what the standard of education is and who will pay more taxes? There is an urge for change in the society for better governance and if you want change, your first duty is to vote your conscience. The value of your vote is that it is your voice, your opportunity to advance truth in this long battle over the moral, developmental and cultural issues of our day. You need to learn from your experiences keeping in view the human rights violations, massacres, corruption, and fake promises and try to be realistic before going out to vote for someone. It is only you the people who can bring in change and make your future secure and bright.” Others who spoke on the occasion included Vice-Chairman Mohammad Kamal Malik, Senior leader Sheikh Qawam-u-Din Shilwati and many other party leaders. (KNS)
Zabarwan Times to play a vital role in bringing about the desired changes required on the political spectrum of the state & will field person of repute & good standing in the forth coming election giving full chance to the youth to represent itself all over . G.Q. Wani who hosted the programme expressed hope that with credible forces like ANC taking initiatives for change in political scenario, there is likelihood that the possible third front in state will soon be a reality to uproot current highly corrupt and misgoverned political setup. Those who attended the function from ANC include former Minister, GD Shah, Provincial President, Gian Singh, Provincial Vice President, Thakur Randhir Singh, Provincial Secretary, Kewal Sharma, Youth President, Raj Sharma, Distt President, Vijay Mangotra besides others. (KNS)
Mishap number Jk06/1067 collided with a truck bearing registration number JK13C/8380 at Toll Post Qazigund, in the jurisdiction of police station Qazigund. Three persons Abdul Majeed Ganaie, Mohammad Yousuf Ganaie and Saja Bano wife of Mohammad Yousuf Ganaie, all residents of Bagwanpora Verinag were injured in this accident. All the injured were shifted to hospital for treatment. Police has registered a case in this regard. (KNS)
Fire got partially damaged in the fire. Fire was brought under control by Fire tenders and police. The cause of the fire is believed to be due to electric short circuit. Fire broke out in the cosmetic shop of Rayees Ahmad Dar at Shah Faisal Market, in the jurisdiction of police station Sopore. Fire also engulfed the two adjacent shops resulting in partial damage to them. Fire was brought under control by Fire tenders and police. The cause of fire is due to electric short circuit. (KNS)
Ten countries scour sea for Malaysia Airlines plane lost in 'unprecedented mystery' KUALA LUMPUR/PHU QUOC ISLAND, VIETNAM: The disappearance of a Malaysian jetliner is an "unprecedented mystery", the country's civil aviation chief said on Monday, as a massive air and sea search now in its third day failed to find any trace of the plane or 239 people on board. Dozens of ships and aircraft from 10 countries scoured the seas around Malaysia and south of Vietnam, and questions mounted over possible security lapses and whether a bomb or hijacking attempt could have brought down the Boeing 777200ER airliner flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. A senior police official told Reuters that people armed with explosives and carrying false identity papers had tried to fly out of Kuala Lumpur in the past, and that current investigations were focused on two passengers who were on the missing plane with stolen passports. "We have stopped men with false or stolen passports and carrying explosives, who have tried to get past KLIA (airport) security and get on to a plane," he said. "There have been two or three incidents,
War of narratives in prisoner exchange of Syrian nuns Months of tough negotiations led to the release of a group of Greek Orthodox nuns, held for three months by Syrian rebels, the man behind the deal tells the BBC's Rami Ruhayem in Damascus. Just before two in the morning on Monday, a group of nuns who had been abducted by Syrian rebels arrived at Jdeidet Yaboos on the Syrian side of the main border crossing between Syria and Lebanon. Almost simultaneously, a group of Syrian men and women who had been imprisoned by the Syrian government also made an appearance before a crowd of journalists. The first prisoner exchange between the al-Nusra Front, the al-Qaida affiliate in Syria, and the Syrian government had finally been completed. Verge of collapse Overseeing it was General Abbas Ibrahim, the director of Lebanon's General Security Branch who played a key role in mediating the deal. "For four months we've been working
General Ibrahim said the kidnappers tried to secure a better deal at the last minute, which led to the delay. He said he ordered the officers in charge of receiving the nuns to walk away when the captors demanded more prisoners than the agreed 150 be set free. "I knew they'd call back," he told journalists gathered in Jdeidet Yaboos. As the nuns walked into the reception room at the border point, large jeeps painted with the colours of the Syrian flag and pictures of the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad roamed the streets, playing loud music about ChristianMuslim coexistence and brotherhood. It was meant to show the contrast between the Syrian government, which portrays itself as secular, liberal, and tolerant, and the rebels, which it portrays as religious fanatics. Different narratives But inside, the nuns were telling the press a different story. "As God is my witness, I tell you the alNusra Front treated us well," said one of
Taj that he would leave no stone unturned in getting people of the area their due share in governance and development. The massive rally was organized by people of the area to celebrate creation of new administrative units in Uri area. It was a huge gathering of people in which thousands of young and old, men and women had gathered to celebrate the event. (KNS)
SVSU and Kashmir. "I don't know about such invitation neither has VC told me anything related to it," he said. On Monday last, , the authorities of SVSU had suspended nearly 67 Kashmiri students for cheering Pakistan cricket team’s victory over India in a recently held Asia cup match held in Mirpur Bangladesh. The students were 'thrown out' from the Varsity and they arrived here in valley after three days. The students were also charged with Sedition by Meerut Police under section 124A as well as 153 and 427. However, after hue and cry, the sedition charges were dropped while other two sections continue to stand. (GNS)
ANC budget session was conducted. It is nothing but a big joke on people of all three region of the state. These legislators threw chairs at each other’s pass on filthy abuses at each others , came to blow almost every day , but held hands & stood in unison for increase in their personal emoluments what a shame for our democracy and for these so called our legislators , Muzzafar said . Reacting to loop holes in Roshni Act and facts and figures quoted by CAG, Shah said that Land grabbing has turned into menace with the active collision of the people in the power, Bureaucrats & land Mafia with startling revelations of which have been put forth in to the public domain by the CAG report .This requires a public interest litigation to be filed with the proper Authority at once, Mr. Shah said. Speaking on the possibility of third Front he said that credible formation of the Third force is actively on cards & should be a reality very soon. ANC is preparing
quietly and with determination to complete this deal," he said. "The situation on the ground in Yabroud changed, and there was a push to complete the deal. We intervened at the right time. The negotiations were tough but it's all about seizing the opportunity." Maaloula village, northeast of the capital Damascus, Syria The women were seized when rebels attacked the Christian town of Maaloula in December The nuns had been taken from Maaloula to Yabroud, a stronghold of the al-Nusra Front in the mountainous Qalamoun area along the Syrian-Lebanese border. The city has been under attack by Syrian government forces and Lebanese Hezbollah militants for weeks. There was no safe route between Yabroud and Damascus, and the nuns had to take another route into Lebanon, and back to Syria through another crossing.General Ibrahim said that Qatari intelligence also played a significant role in the mediation.Blajaa Sayyaf (L), head of the nun monastery Maaloula talks after meeting the press upon her arrival at Jdeidet Yabus on 10 March 2014. The nuns were greeted with large portraits of the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad The release of the nuns took several hours more than expected and at one point, the deal appeared on the verge of collapse.
them. One journalist asked how she could say that when the militants forced the nuns to take off their crosses. "They never forced us," she replied. Members of jihadist group al-Nusra Front in Aleppo, Syria, 25 October 2013 Opposition forces have been plagued by infighting between the al-Nusra Front (pictured) and members of the more hardline Islamic State of Iraq in recent months Meanwhile, another war of narratives was taking place. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), another group formerly associated with al-Qaida, has been fighting the al-Nusra Front in many areas of Syria. They say al-Nusra sided against them and allied itself to secular rebels who fought ISIS fighters and attacked their wives."The al-Nusra Front is merciful when it comes to Christians, ruthless when it comes to the wives of foreign fighters imprisoned by its allies," tweeted one ISIS supporter. Unfazed, al-Nusra supporters shot back. "This is the true religion of Islam," tweeted one of them. "You've given the world a lesson in morality, God bless the Mujahidin."As General Ibrahim prepared to leave, I asked him whether the negotiation channels established through the talks could pave the way for mediation that goes beyond prisoner exchanges.
but I will not divulge the details." Interpol confirmed on Sunday at least two passengers used stolen passports and said it was checking whether others aboard had used false identity documents. The head of Malaysia's Civil Aviation Authority, Azharuddin Abdul Rahman, said a hijacking attempt could not be ruled out as investigators explore all theories for the loss of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. "Unfortunately we have not found anything that appears to be objects from the aircraft, let alone the aircraft," he told a news conference. "As far as we are concerned, we have to find the aircraft. We have to find a piece of the aircraft if possible." A senior source involved in preliminary investigations in Malaysia said the failure to find any debris indicated the plane may have broken up mid-flight, which could disperse wreckage over a very wide area. "The fact that we are unable to find any debris so far appears to indicate that the aircraft is likely to have disintegrated at around 35,000
feet," said the source. Asked about the possibility of an explosion, such as a bomb, the source said there was no evidence yet of foul play and that the aircraft could have broken up due to mechanical causes. Still, the source said the closest parallels were the bomb explosions on board an Air India jetliner in 1985 when it was over the Atlantic Ocean and a Pan Am aircraft over the Scottish town of Lockerbie in 1988. Both planes were cruising at around 31,000 feet at the time. The United States extensively reviewed imagery taken by American spy satellites for evidence of a mid-air explosion, but saw none, a US government source said. The source described US satellite coverage of the region as thorough. MOSS-COVERED CABLE REEL Hopes for a breakthrough rose briefly when Vietnam scrambled helicopters to investigate a floating yellow object it was thought could have been a life raft. But the country's Civil Aviation Authority said on its website that the object turned out to be a "moss-covered cap of a cable reel".
Taiwan Alerted Chinese Authorities to Warning of Beijing Attack Taiwan told Chinese authorities last week about a warning of a planned attack on Beijing’s main airport, the island’s Aviation Police Bureau said. Taiwan’s China Airlines Ltd. received a phone call March 4 warning that an attack was planned on Beijing Capital International Airport, Ko Chang-liang, the Aviation Police Bureau’s deputy chief, said by phone yesterday. The bureau alerted China’s aviation regulator and Beijing airport authorities the next day, Ko said. The Taiwan government said yesterday it asked its military to help in the search for the missing Malaysian Airline System Bhd. (MAS) aircraft that disappeared en route to Beijing on March 8. Investigators from nine countries are struggling to solve the mystery of the Boeing Co. 777-200, as Vietnamese forces yesterday failed to find the airplane debris they had spotted on March 9 off the country’s southern coast.
STORY: China and Taiwan Meet for Their First Talks in 65 Years “We cannot say the attack warning is related to the missing Malaysian jet at this moment,” Ko said. Taiwan’s aviation police are investigating credibility of the warning and have increased security at the island’s airports after the call, he said. The caller identified himself as belonging to a French anti-terrorism organization and said he called the airline after failing to reach Beijing airport authorities, China Airlines spokesman Jeffrey Kuo said by phone yesterday. China Airlines operates daily flights between Taipei and Beijing. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said at a briefing yesterday he wasn’t aware of the specifics of any warning from Taiwan and referred reporters to other government authorities. China “attaches great importance to the safety of airlines,” Qin said.
Twelve killed in attacks in Philippines Manila: At least 12 people, including seven members of the military, died in a landmine blast as leftist rebels launched a series of attacks in four areas of the southern Philippines on Monday, sources said. Two policemen died and three others were wounded when 50 militants of the New Peoples’ Army (NPA), led by a commander Felix Armodia of the NPA’s Front 7, fired on a police detachment in Matanao town, Davao del Sur at 4.30am on Monday, Captain William Rodriguez, spokesperson of the Army’s 1002nd Brigade, said in a report. Repelled by the police unit, the NPAs, wearing military fatigues and using three vehicles, attacked a military detachment in nearby Doganpekong at 5am, Captain Rodriguez said, adding that no one died in the attack. However, seven soldiers were killed and seven others wounded in a landmine blast at Asbang Village where the contending parties continued clashing at nine in the morning. The NPA was blamed for setting the landmine, Rodriguez said, adding that a combined force of military and police officials arrested nine NPA members.
Three NPA members were eventually killed as clashes progressed to nearby Saboy Village, Rodriguez said. Last week, 17 soldiers and civilians were injured when a landmine set by communist rebels exploded in Davao del Sur. A bomb hit a convoy of ambulances that responded to the incident. The NPA is the armed wing of the 46-year old Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the oldest leftist group in Southeast Asia. The National Democratic Front (NDF), the political arm of the CPP-NPA, has been engaged in on and off peace talks with the Philippine government since 1992. Talks were stalled as the government refused to respond to the NDF’s demanded for the release of arrested rebel leaders who served as peace negotiators. The NDF has also refused the government’s demand for the forging of a ceasefire agreement before they continue holding peace talks. The CPP-NPA has control over 70 per cent of far-flung villages that hardly receive government services nationwide, sources said.
New Zealand PM announces September 20 general election New Zealanders will go to the polls on September 20 – two months earlier than usual. Prime minister John Key has announced the date for general elections at which the National Partyled government will be seeking a third consecutive term. Mr Key said the earlier date would allow the prime minister to represent New Zealand's position at the G20 meeting in Brisbane in November. "A number of G20 leaders have expressed an interest in visiting New Zealand and that would not be possible if we were in the midst of an election campaign," he said. Mr Key says that under New Zealand's electoral system it could take weeks to form a coalition, therefore he felt it was not appropriate to hold an election during October. "I'm announcing the election date well in advance as I believe this gives New Zealanders some certainty and is in the country's best interests." The latest Roy Morgan opinion poll shows that a National Party-led coalition would most likely be returned to government. Mr Key enjoys a personal popularity rating about four times that of Labour opposition leader David Cunliffe.
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Daily ZABARWAN TIMES
TUESDAY, MARCH | 11 | 2014
92nd SLBC meeting at Jammu
100% Coverage under KCC- top priority: CS JAMMU, MARCH 10:
focus given the importance of ernment sponsored schemes the sector, besides Banks should viz. NRLM,PMEGP,SJSRY,JKSES Chief Secretary, Mohammad improve the credit disburse- and SC/ST/OBC in the State. Iqbal Khandey, Monday reiter- ment performance under these The 92nd SLBC also reviewed ated State Governments priority schemes. the progress in setting up of to achieve 100 percent coverOn mediocre performance Rural Self- Employment Trainage of Farmers under the Kissan of the Banks in achieving the ing Institutes (RSETIs) in all 22 Credit Card (KCC) scheme and Annual Credit Plan 2013-14 tar- Districts, removal of hurdles to directed that the State Agricul- gets under the Priortural Production Department in ity sector advances, cooperation with banks should the Chief Secretary ensure that the set target is said that over all perachieved at the earliest. formances indicates Speaking at the 92nd meet- that Banks in J&K are ing of the State Level Banker’s falling short in their Committee (SLBC), here, the responsibilities to Chief Secretary noted that al- achieve set targets though substantial progress has besides it also indibeen achieved and 7.22 Lakh cates a sluggish inKCC’s have already been handed terest in lending advances. He enforce SARFAESI Act, Corpoover to the farmers ending De- called for better working rela- rate Social Responsibility Plan/ cember 2013, there is need to tionship between government initiatives of Banks, Financial show greater urgency in achiev- departments and financial insti- Inclusion Plan, implementation ing the set target of covering tutions to address short falls. of Electronic Benefit Transfer 10.09 lakh farmer families withThe Committee also felt Scheme, Branch Expansion in the next few months, given the need to generate greater Plans of Banks etc. the benefits attached with it for awareness among the student Earlier, Chairman J&K Bank Lone News Agency Kangan regarding educaKhan Mr. NewsMushtaq Agency Ganderbal the farming community. community Ahmad while Gulzar Soura Zahidcommenting Book Depot Chadoora The Chief Secretary laid News em- Agency tional/vocational Training loan on the perforphasis on improvingTariq the perforSchemes besides it called for of the banks in the State News Agency Hawal Bashirmance News Agency Nowhatta mance under Handicraft/Hanimproving performance by emphasized that both the CenMuzaffar Ali News Agencythe Alamgari Bazar Budshah News Agency Lal Chowk dloom/Artisan/Weaver Credit banksLal in clearing tral News and the State Lal Governments Abdullah Newsthe Agency Chowk sanctioned Sikendar Agency Chowk Card Scheme sayingGupkari that these pendingLal cases and advancing measures News Agency Chowk Rainahave Newsinitiated Agency several Gund Kangan sectors should receive special credit under the 5 major Gov- to achieve financial inclusion Khan News Agency Regal Chowk Rashid News Agency Dalgate
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Sheikh News Agency Hyderpora Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Magam Dar News Agency Beerwah Reshi News Agency Safapora Basharat News Agency Bandipora KUPWARA, MARCH 10: On the directions of ElecAgency Pulwama tion Commission ofAltaf India,News a special election campaign Jeelani News Agency Baramulla was organized throughout the district Kupwara on 9th ShahOfficers News Agency Kupwara March. The Booth Level displayed the voter lists Younis News Agency Langate at 543 polling booths for registration of left out voters ReshiDistrict News Agency on requisite formats.The ElectionIslamabad authority had made elaborate arrangements to Agency organizeTral the camps in Turray News every nook and corner the Agency district. Kulgam The monitoring RahiofNews and inspection teams were formulated for taking stock Rah News Agency Byepass of the registration process.The teams were headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioners Kupwara, Handwara, Electoral Registration Officer, Assistant Electoral Registration Officers and Nodal Officers.
Special election campaign held, New voters registered at Kupwara
Forms available in BGSB University
SRINAGAR, MARCH 10: According to Regional Officer, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSB) Srinagar, it is hereby notified for general awareness that the forms for the courses viz. B. Tech, BCA, BBA, MCA, MscIT, MBA, M.Ed., Msc Zoology, Botany, Mathematics, Economics, Biotechnology, Arabic etc. are available in BGSB University Regional Office, Sanat Nagar By-Pass Chowk Srinagar. For further information the candidates can contact Phone No. 9419011449 and 2441231.
Hilal News Agency Budgam Bhat News Agency Chadoora Zargar News Agency Kunzar Bashir News Agency Sumbal Saleem News Agency Pattan Reyaz News Agency Pampore Javaid News Agency Qazigund UDHAMPUR, MARCH 10:- One G.M News Agency Sopore day workshop on Capacity BuildNews Handwara ingSultan on uses ofAgency Consultancy SerSheikh News Agency Islamabad vices for Ministries, Departments Way Tral of Three Central & News State Agency Governments News Agency Bijbehara andBadru client organization was orMalik by News Arwani ganized J&KAgency Industrial andShaheen Technical Consultancy News Agency Kargil Organization (ITCO) in collaboration with Consultancy Development Centre (CDC) DSIR, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, New Delhi here today. More than 35 senior officers from allied departments of the district participated in the training programme.Chief Executive Officer, J&K ITCO gave a detailed presentation on the selection of Consultants and Client - Consul-
and Banks have also strived to make their role more visible to promote the economy of the state, although there is scope for further improvement particularly in advancing flow of credit to the priority sector. While reviewing sector-wise performance of banks under Priority Sector the Chairman said that under Agriculture Sector the banks have provided credit aggregating to Rs.1,570 Crore to 1,31,366 beneficiaries against a target of Rs.3,212.98 Crore favouring 3,91,773 beneficiaries, registering an achievement of 49% in financial terms and 34% in physical terms upto 31st December 2013. Under Micro & Small Enterprises Sector, banks have disbursed total amount of Rs 1,572.26 Crore in favour of 55,263 beneficiaries against the annual target of Rs 3,572.86 Crore favouring 1,34,362 beneficiaries registering an achieve-
ment of 44% and 41% in Financial and Physical terms respectively Under Education Sector banks have disbursed total amount of Rs.65.77 Crore in favour of 3,763 beneficiaries by the end of December 2013. Under Housing Sector, banks have disbursed total amount of Rs.800.38 Crore in favour of 28,243 beneficiaries by the end of December 2013. In Non-Priority Sector, banks have disbursed Rs.3,264.22 Crore against a target of Rs 6180.22 Crore thereby achieving 52.82% of target in financial terms. Financial Commissioner, Industries and Commerce, Mr. Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, Principal Secretary Planning and Development Mr B R Sharma, Principal Secretary Finance Mr B B Vyas, Regional Director RBI K K Saraf, Director DFS, Union Ministry of Finance, Dr. Alok Pandey, Chief General Manager NABARD B G Mukhopadhyay, representatives of various National Banking Institutions, Administrative Secretaries and heads of various departments were present in the meeting.
J&K ITCO Organizes workshop on capacity building tant agreement.During the programme, discussion was held in detail on the methods procedures of hiring consultancy services like identifying needs and goals for the proposed project, selection
of consultancy, creating selection criteria, evaluation of proposals etc. Also terms like expression of interest (EoI), Request for proposals (RFP) were discussed in detail. Consultant, J&K ITCO Mr Binoy Kumar held a technical session
with the participants CEO, J&K ITCO appreciated the efforts of District Administration and extended thanks for organizing this capacity building programme in the district. Workshop was attended by Chief Agriculture officer, Chief Horticulture Officer, Project Manager DIC, Chief Education Officer, District Information Officer, Udhampur, Assistant Director, Horticulture, District Officer, KVIB, Assistant Director Fisheries, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Warder GB Hostel, Assistant Executive Engineer, PHE, District Sheep Husbandry Officer, Executive Engineer REW, AD Planning, Sr Manager, PNB, Forest Range Officer, AD Planning Health, District Statistical and Evaluation Officer etc.
Academy holds all-women composite mushaira at Saigal Hall JAMMU, MARCH 10:
As part of the International Women’s’ Day celebrations, J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages organized an allwomen composite mushiara at the K L Saigal Hall here today. On Saturday, the Academy had organized an all-women musical programme at Jammu and mushaira at Srinagar. Those who participated in today’s mushiara included Prof. Rita Jintendra, Shakunt Deepmala, Kanchan Kiran, Sharda Sahni, Darshan Kour, Avneet Kour, Gul Aksar Gul, Vijaya Thakur, Dolly Arwal and Anila Singh Chadak. The poetic compositions were in different languages including Urdu, Dogri, Kashmiri, Pahari and Hindi. The mushiara was organized in collaboration with State Resource Cente for Women. The verses recited by
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
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
poetesses received great appreciation from the audience that mostly comprised women from different walks of life. Prof. Rita Jitendra conducted the proceedings of the mushaira.
2702 new eligible voters registered on March 9: DEO Kulgam KULGAM, MARCH 10: As many as 2702 newly eligible voters were registered on March 9 in a special registration drive organized at all the polling stations as a part of ‘greater participation for stronger democracy’ campaign.This was disclosed by District Election Officer Jahangir Mir while interacting with media here. The District Election Officer said that efficient arrangement are being put in place to facilitate 3.20 lakh electors for exercising right to vote during the ensuing polls. He said this number is likely to witness further increase in view of ongoing revision of electoral rolls. He said 389 polling stations have been set up in four Assembly Segments across the district and the verification of these polling stations
HOROSCOPE
stands completed and required facilities installed to provide enabling environment to the voters on the day of poll.Mr. Jahangir informed that the district has 93 percent photo electoral roll coverage with 2.97 lakh electors holding EPICs. He said efforts are on to prepare EPICs for leftover voters.He said elections in the district will be held on April 24 in 6th phase with Anantnag parliamentary constituency of which it forms a part. He said the requisite staff has been sensitized about their respective assignments. The 1st phase of elaborate training for Assistant Election Observers, Flying Squads, Video Surveillance teams and Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) will begin on March 12.
Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Mohammad Shafi Rather was chief guest. Present among others were Nahid Soz, Managing Director Women De-
velopment Corporation, Hafiza Muzaffar, State Mission Director National Mission for Empowerment of Women and Anjali Sharma, In-charge Director Doordarshan Kendra Jammu.
Obey Model Code of Conduct: DEO Budgam
Violations will entail fine, imprisonment 24x7 Complaint Monitoring Cell set up BUDGAM, MARCH 10: District Election Officer, Budgam has informed the general public of district Budgam that the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into force after the issuance of notification for the conduct of General Election by the Election Commission of India. As per section 171-B of Indian Penal Code, any person giving or accepting any gratification in cash or kind during election process, with a view to inducing the person to exercise his electoral right is punishable with imprisonment up to one year or with fine or with both. Further, as per section 171-C of Indian Penal Code, any person who threatens any candidate or elector, or any other person, with injury of any kind, is punishable with imprisonment up to one year or with fine or both. Flying squads have been constituted to register cases against both the giver and taker of bribe and for taking action against those who are engaged in threat and intimidation of electors. All the electors of district Budgam are hereby requested to refrain from taking any bribe and in case, anybody offers any bribe or is having knowledge about the bribe or cases of threat/intimidation of electors, then he/she should inform on the toll free number (01951255087) of the 24x7 Complaint Monitoring Cell of the district, set up for receiving complaints.
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.
OPINION EDITORIAL// OPINION High number of No cake walk for heart cancer anyand party in patients coming polls
T
ZabarwanTimes Times Zabarwan
Srinagar, Saturday February Srinagar, Tuesday 1115 March 2014 2014
Nursing Sick Units Back to Health
An alarming signal for society
he situation as reThe number of heart and cancer gards pre-poll allipatients in the Kashmir valley isconinance between creasing at gress an alarming rate day by and national day. So far, these fatal diseases to conference is used now be treated as and fallout of two urbanization, very clear the parties food habits and sedentary lifestyle. have decided to go together if But unfortunately, this is spreading they want to register their win in rural areas too. During the last few in some parliamentary conyears, the number of patients sufferstituencies thetaking state. The ing from theseinlife diseases chief minister Omer Abdulvisiting Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of lah hadScience very categorically said Medical has increased many that Athere no alternative but fold. majorispopulation of the valley to go for alliance withofthe conhas to spend a large chunk their ingressonparty. He said that his come medication for grave diseasparty willtogether. never go any poll es for years Thefor more miserpactcondition with BJP lead NDA.class He able is those of middle families who have to meet the exsaid that it is necessary to join penditures by their agriculture land, hands with congress because property jewelry by taking both theselling parties are or already in loan. As per reports the main cause coalition both at Centre and attributed for the spread of evident these fain the state. Now it is tal diseases is stressthey alongwill with have other that in Jammu factors .the cases of breast cancer too to face formidable BJP which are on higher side asbecause comparedoftothe the is strengthened other parts of the in the recandidature of country Narinder Modi cent past. The stress protein rich food as PM in Kashmir the causPDP salty tea and etc. could be prominent has packets of of support es forstrong this increase but lack awareand may cause upsets ness amongst thebig women especially if the congress and national conin villages is taking its toll. Early ference do not go together. detection means early cure. ButStill due PDP hassocial the hesitant chancethe of women going to many neck neck do notto speak outwith very the easilycongress and take NC alliance. the anit lightly whichMeanwhile aggravates the situanouncement of Congress partion. As per expert reports, the breast cancer goingits to double in ty thatinitIndia willisstart election next four years. Now typehealth of cancampaign with thethis union cer has overtaken cancer. The minister G N. cervical Azad alongwith cost of curing this deadly disease may the PCCI president Saif ud Din vary from 10-15 toIt 3-4indilacs Soz from 13th thousand of March. per month oncongress the stage cates that depending on one side and gravity of the disease. Almost all is trying to bridge the differthe regions of the its world are affected ences between leaders and by these diseases. on the other side it is not taking The time has come when the society thewell electoral battlecaring in J&K very as as the health agencies lightly. state has for this time has to riseThe to the occasion fighting about 70 lakh voters which will against these grave diseases by awakuse their franchise to elect ening the masses to change their six life members from the state. The style and avoid self medication .The valley itself hasshould 36 lakh awareness camps be voters organand these voters in the entire ised in the remotest area where medstate will decide thenil. fate the ical facilities are almost Theofmore candidates phases. Elabstunning partin of five the serious situation is there security are thousands of medical orate arrangements shops which sell without are needed as medicines the separatists the prescription of the doctors, rathhave already issued poll boyer suggest the cott calls medicines and thereand may begullible some patients consume medicines it kind of unpleasant things till here turns otherwise and patients have to or there which can create fear be rushed to theofhospitals where it is in the minds the voters. Howtoo late. As it is the consumption of ever, keeping in view the panmedicines in the valley is much highchayat elections the voters may er as compared to other parts of the again turn in good numbers to country in a way making it safe haven elect representatives. for thetheir sub standard medicines. The This time the elections health care agencies should put are ban quite different than the previon the pharmaceutical companies ous elections such as the voters are manufacturing kind of medmore aware their rights icines. A strictabout drug policy should and politically the situation is be initiated and licenses for medical somehow throughshops shouldconfused be given after proper out the and country. remains to scrutiny underItthe guidelines be seen who will win battle prescribed by rules and the regulations set by ministry of health. Defaulters royal but it is clear that this should be served severe penalty time most of thewith candidates will so thattough peopletime are able live a healthy have to to convince the life as is the case in other developed voters in their favour. and under developing countries.
Daily Daily
O
nce blue chip Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) like BSNL, Air India, Hindustan Cables Ltd and Fertiliser Corporation of India today stand testimony as to how not changing with the changing times and technology could change their fate and turn them into sick units. However, there has been always a silver lining in this regard as the government has been relentlessly making efforts to revive maximum number of sick public sector units (PSUs) to take the country’s growth engine forward. This was possible with the help of revival packages provided by the government to these units. With this aim, the Government set up the Board for Reconstruction of Public Sector Enterprises (BRPSE) in December 2004 to advise the government, inter-alia, on the measures to restructure/ revive, both industrial and non-industrial CPSEs. Since then cases of around 67 sick CPSEs have been referred to BRPSE up to October 2012, out of which the Board has made recommendations in respect of 62 cases, while returning five cases to the concerned ministries for further examination. No wonder, there has been significant improvement in the overall condition of these enterprises since 2004. In comparison to 90 sick CPSEs in March 2005, there were 66 sick PSUs in March 2012. As per the BRPSE recommendations, of these cases, 45 were accepted for revival by the Government. Most of the remaining cases are awaiting nod for
revival while in case of 45 cases accepted for revival, 14 have already turned around including Bharat Pumps and Compressors, Cement Corporation of India, HEC, Andrew Yule and MECON and making profits while others have been infused with revival packages. The companies for which revival packages have been approved include Hindustan Shipyard, HMT and Scooters India. As the CPSEs operate under dynamic market conditions, it is quite natural to see ups and downs in their performance. As far as the reasons for losses and sickness in CPSEs are concerned it varies from enterprise-to-enterprise. While in some cases, the cause is historical. In case of textile companies which were taken over from private sector on socio-economic considerations could not be modernised quickly. Likewise other enterprises in the engineering and refractories sector too failed to modernise. Still others like some consumer goods companies and the new ones, turned sick over the years on account of inadequate job orders, high man-power cost, lack of finance, technological obsolescence, high input costs and competition from cheap imports. In addition, other problems common to most sick and loss-making PSUs have been poor debt-equity structure, weak marketing strategies and slow decision-making process. As one such policy initiative, the Sick In-
dustrial Companies (Special Provision) Act, 1985 (SICA) brought the CPSEs under its purview in 1991 (made effective from 1992). Under the provisions of the SICA, CPSEs with at least five years of registration whose accumulated losses are equal to or have exceeded their net worth may be referred to the BIFR. During the last twenty years -- between 1992 and 2011, 63 CPSEs have been referred to BIFR. The government has made several attempts to overcome “sickness” in these CPSEs through various policy initiatives. The strategies for revival/restructuring of sick CPSEs include financial restructuring involving investment by the government in the form of equity participation, loans, waiver of debt etc and business restructuring which includes change of management, hiving off viable units from CPSEs for formation of separate company and closure of unviable units, besides formation of joint ventures. The other strategies include manpower rationalisation by shedding excess manpower and introduction of voluntary retirement schemes. The contribution of each and every company is significant as CPSEs are considered as the backbone of the economy and are equal partners in the nation building. As on March 31, 2012, there were 260 CPSEs in the country. These companies contributed Rs 1.6 lakh crore to the central exchequer by way of taxes, duties, interest on loans and dividend, amounting to 21.4 per cent of government’s revenue receipts.
Creating Employment Opportunities for Youth
I
ndia is a vast country with a population of about 1.21 billion and a labour force of around 475 million. There is an open unemployment of 9.5 million as per estimates available for the year 2009-10. Employment is the main source of livelihood and self-fulfillment for most women and men. About 6% of the total work force in India is employed in organised sector while remaining 94% are in the unorganised sector. Scope of additional employment generation in the organized sector for additional wage employment is less. India has a younger population not only in comparison to advanced economies but also in relation to large developing countries. As a result, the labour force in India is expected to increase by 32 per cent over the next 20 years, while it will decline by 4.0 per cent in industrialised countries and by nearly 5.0 per cent in China. We are, therefore, endeavoring to reap this ‘demographic dividend’ by providing for higher levels of health, education and skill development. This will create an environment where in the economy not only grows rapidly, but also enhances good quality employment and livelihood opportunities to meet the needs and aspirations of the youth. The Government has been making constant efforts for reducing unemployment through normal growth process and implementing various employment generation programmes, such as, Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY); Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and National Rural Livelihood Mission besides entrepreneurial development programmes run by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA) also assures every rural household at least 100 days of manual work at minimum wages. Jawaharlal Nehru National Ur-
ban Renewal Mission (JNNURM): The Mission’s aim is to encourage reforms and fast track planned development of identified cities. Focus is on efficiency in urban infrastructure and service delivery mechanisms, community participation etc. Bharat Nirman In Bharat Nirman, critical areas of rural infrastructure – Irrigation, Roads, Water Supply, Housing, Electricity and Telecom connectivity have been covered. This has improved living standards of the rural population and also created infrastructure which will ultimately enhance the economic activities in the rural areas and generate significant employment opportunities for the rural people. Infrastructural Development The investment on infrastructure is proposed to be increased to Rs.45 lakh crore during XII Plan period. About half of this is expected to come from private sector. Skill Development · Skills and knowledge are the driving forces of economic growth and social development of any country. Countries with higher and better levels of skills adjust more effectively to the challenges and opportunities of the world. · Government is serious in creating training infrastructure and providing quality employment to youth. According to a study carried out by Quality Council of India, placement rate has increased to about 80% to 99% because of improved infrastructure in the modernized ITIs. Skill Development Initiative (SDI) Scheme based on Modular Employable Skills (MES) was started during the Eleventh Five Year Plan for early school leavers and existing workers, especially in the unorganised sector to improve their employability. About 16 lakh persons have been trained under the scheme so far. · Sincere efforts are being made
for skill development of a large number of people under various skill development programmes. The Prime Minister has set a target of skilling 500 million persons by 2022 and the Ministry of Labour & Employment is required to train 100 million. Government is systematically working to achieve the target and the training capacity has been increased from 9 lakh in 2006 - 07 to 26 lakh in 201112. All the Government ITIs are being modernized. New courses have been introduced and most of the ITIs are running in two to three shifts. During last five years, the number of Government and private ITIs has increased from 5114 in 2006-07 to 10,344 which is more than double. Government has also planned to set up 1500 more ITIs in PPP and 5000 Skill Development Centres in PPP to enhance the capacity further. 27 Advanced Training Institutes are also planned in PPP to produce adequate number of trainers in the country. Focus Area in the 12th Five Year Plan In the 12th Five Year Plan the thrust of the Government is in bringing about an inclusive growth strategy that will provide job opportunities as well as make the young of the country employable. The main focus areas are: a) Thrust on Manufacturing Sector-to make it the engine of employment growth-that would create 100 million additional jobs by 2025. b) To bring in supportive policies to incentivise labour intensive manufacturing sectors such as textile & garments, leather & footwear, food processing, gems & Jewellery to generate more employment opportunities. c) Expanding employment in services like IT, finance & banking, tourism, trade & transport. d) Prioritizing skill training for the informal sector; creation of appropriate skill sets among rural migrants and urban poor to make growth inclusive.
e) Ensuring the employability of skilled persons by involving Sector Skill Councils in preparation of Skill Modules matching market demand. f) Building on the potential of Modular Employable Skill programme by ensuring combination of modules to ensure employability. g) Extending Social Security benefits to Unorganized sector Workers. h) Enable skill loans for poor students (Credit Guarantee Fund) i) Streamlining the skill development programs for disadvantaged sections to ensure much larger funding for skill development. j) Setting up of National Skill Registry to link data bases across Ministries / States to provide a platform linking people who seek/provide employment. Expenditure on social services which include education, sports, art and culture, medical and public health, family welfare, water supply and sanitation, housing, urban development; welfare of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and other Backward Classes (OBCs), labour and labour welfare, social security and welfare, nutrition, relief for natural calamities, etc. by the Government (Centre and State combined) has also shown increase in recent years reflecting higher priority to social services. National-e-Governance National-e-Governance Plan has identified Upgradation and modernization Employment Exchanges as one of the Mission Mode Projects (MMP). The MMP aims to progressively support all Employment Exchanges in the country to make effective use of IT in various activities of employment services. A national web portal will be developed to make all employment related services available on a single window and will work like a virtual job market. This will help Employment Exchanges to provide efficient and quality services at wider scale and speed.
Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer