C M Y K
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SaTuRDaY
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June 29 | 2013 | 19 Shaban 1434 aH | PaGES 12 |
For
VOL NO: 3 | ISSuE NO: 156 | RS: 2/- (aIR SuRCHaRGE FOR JaMMu /DELHI/LEH 50 PaISa)
Jus
tice
Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K
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http://www.zabarwantimes.com
External forces keep away!
BOPEE cancels Physics, Math papers Srinagar, June 28: Board of Professional Entrance Examinations has cancelled the entrance examination of Physics and Mathematics papers held on 22nd and 23rd June. According to a notification issue here on Friday, BOPEE has also postponed entrance test of Biology and Chemistry papers scheduled to be held on 5th of July. The fresh dates for the conduct of entrance tests shall be notified separately, the notification said. The candidates have been asked to keep their admit cards preserved.
Live grenade recovered Kulgam, June 28: A militant on Friday managed to gave a slip to security personnel leaving behind a live grenade inside the District Hospital Kulgam. Reports said that Army personnel stopped a youth near the main gate of Kulgam District Hospital, however, before the Army could do anything, the youth fled from the spot and made an entry into the hospital. Sensing trouble, Army personnel from 9 RR, SOG and 18 Battalion CRPF laid a siege around the hospital. Army personnel took positions outside the hospital while a large contingent of Army and SOG personnel entered into the hospital and started search operations. The attendants, patients and Para-medical staff was frisked and their identity cards were thoroughly checked. However, no one was arrested. Eyewitnesses said that the Army personnel recovered a live grenade on the stairs of the Hospital. Police sources said that the militant who was present in the Hospital might have left the live grenade. A police official said that as soon as the Army and security men cordoned off the Hospital, there was panic and people started leaving the hospital in a hurry and it is quite possible that present militant might have managed to escape that time.
SMC seizes 280 Kgs of Polythene Srinagar: The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) in its ongoing anti polythene drive today seized at least 280 kg of polythene from a shopkeeper at Parimpora .The offender dealing with the packaging material was prosecuted and proceedings initiated to lodge an FIR against the same. The drive was monitored by Anti Polythene Officer Akbar Sofi .The Polythene wing of the Corporation under the command and control of Commissioner SMC Dr Qasba has recovered 370 quintals of polythene with the total number of 500 raids conducted Since January 2013 up to June 2013. Furthermore 196 prosecutions have been launched against the violators and the total amount of Rupees One Lakh and Seventy three thousand recovered as fine against these violators. Mean while continuing with its anti encroachment drive, The Enforcement wing headed by Hakeem Aijaz removed various chronic encroachments occupied by the street vendors from various areas of the city including Lal Chowk, Karan Nagar, Batamaloo, Dalgate, . Also some of the vehicles found wrongly parked were caught and pasted with stickers and the necessary details were sent to the SSP traffic for further course of action taken under law. The encroachment drive was supervised by Enforcement Officers including Nisar Shah, Gh Rasool and Farooq Shah.
Power shutdown on July 01 & 03 Srinagar, June 28: According to Power Controller, Power Development Department, Kashmir, See Power on Pg. 11
Yatra commences on both routes
Kashmir an internal issue: Salman
Srinagar, June 28:
Asserting that the Kashmir problem is an internal issue of India, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid on Friday said there is a mechanism within the country to address all issues and outside forces need not meddle in them. “There is no need for any outsider to point fingers at us on what we have to do or if we have done something wrong. It is an issue within the family. We may have discussions and altercations within the family in our home and say that justice has not been done with us. But this is an internal issue and we have mechanism of discussions and talks through which we can comfortably solve every issue, and we will do that,” Khurshid said addressing party workers at the PCC headquarters in Srinagar. Salman said the composite dialogue with Pakistan will be resumed after the new government under Prime Minister Nawaz Sharief in the neighbouring country settles down. “It is not good that we say everything right at the outset. The atmo-
sphere is good at the moment. Let it improve further to be conducive for talks,” Salman said. “Let the new government in Pakistan settle down and understand its job, then we can resume it. However, there are some issues on which both the governments and people expect some progress, and we will get some satisfaction from it. Then things can move on smoothly from there,” he said. The External Affairs minister
Omar questions Advani's silence Srinagar, June 28: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today hit back at BJP leader L K Advani saying he should explain his silence on abrogation of Article 370 between 1998 and 2004 when NDA was ruling at the Centre. 'Instead of advising me to show restraint, Advaniji should devote some blog space to explain his silence over Article 370 between 1998-2004,' Omar wrote
on micro-blogging site twitter. 'Perhaps he can also blog about what constitutional mechanism he plans to follow to repeal Article 370. I might learn something from his wisdom,' Omar added. In his latest blog post, Advani slammed Omar over his criticism on BJP's demand for abrogation of Article 370 and advised him not to use words like 'cheating and deceiving' and clarified that his party See Omar on Pg. 11
Srinagar, June 28: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Coordinator in India, Ms Lise Grade Friday called on Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah here and discussed matters relating to Jammu and Kashmir development. The Resident Coordinator apprised the Chief Minister of the UNDP interest in the capacity building programmes under implementation in the State. While lauding the initiatives of Omar Abdullah led Government in the State for capacity building of youth, women and grass roots level public representatives,
Inspector General of police Kashmir, Abdul Ghani Mir today ordered the promotion of 121 Head Constables to the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspectors. IGP Kashmir today ordered the promotion of 121 Head Constables to the next rank of Assistant SubInspectors. The promoted officials had been brought on the promotion list- C in the year 2010, 2011 and 2012. The IGP congratulated the promoted officers and See Promotions on Pg. 11
Lise Grade said that UNDP can be partner in the successful implementation of these programmes. She said UNDP would like to be partners in the programmes like UMEED, strengthening of Panchayati Raj System and development of handicrafts in the State. Welcoming the UNDP intension, the Chief Minister said that he would direct the concerned departments to actively take a view in this regard and move forward accordingly. The Chief Minister apprised the UNDP Resident Coordinator about the determination of the State and the Central Governments to See uNDP on Pg. 11
R/o Jageer Parigam, Pulwama on 28.09.2012 wherein it was alleged that Government has recently launched “Saffron Mission” for providing cultivation of Saffron where-under farmers were given an amount of Rs.25000/per Kanal of Land, under the scheme. The complainant also cultivated saffron on two Kanals of land, under the scheme. The complainant had alleged that in order to process his case the accused official was demanding Rs.15,000/- as bribe. On the basis of said complaint case FIR See SVO on Pg. 11
Police turned back 12 thousand unregistered Yatries with later date registration from Pahalgam and Manigam. According to District police authorities of Anantnag, 8000 unregistered Yatries and Yatries with later date registration were returned back from Pahalgam. As per the District authorities of Ganderbal 4000 unregistered Yatries and Yatries with later date registration were returned back from Manigam. Police has once again requested the pilgrims to register themselves as per the guideline of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and visit on the specified date of registration schedule, besides, they are also requested to adhere to the specified Yatra routes only, wherein “P” stands for Pahalgam route vehicles and “B” stands for Baltal route vehicles.
Meanwhile the annual Yatra to the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnathji in the Kashmir Himalayas commenced today on both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes, simultaneously. N. N. Vohra, Governor Jammu and Kashmir, who is Chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, was scheduled to participate in the “pratham darshan and pooja” early today morning and also visit both the Base Camps, at Baltal and Nunwan, to review arrangements. He could not do so as the Helicopter carrying him and Navin K. Choudhary, CEO of the Shrine Board, was not able to go beyond Sonamarg due to bad weather and poor visibility in the morning. On the occasion of the commencement of the annual Shri Amarnathji Yatra, the Governor has prayed for peace, harmony, progress and prosperity in the State. The Governor, who has See Yatries on Pg. 11
CM to review progress on monthly basis Srinagar, June 28: The government will set up the much needed Medical Supplies Corporation rolling within a month to curb the spurious drug issue as the organization will primarily deal with the purchase of drugs. Sources said the cabinet has already sanctioned the formation of Medical Corporation and it has been agreed that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will be the head of the corporation while the minister for Medical Education Taj Mohiudin and Minister for Health Shabir
Police on Friday resorted to lathi charge and used coloured water to foil the protest march towards civil secretariat by Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) teachers. Hundreds of the protesting employees including women who were taken into custody alleged that they were beaten to pulp in the police stations. However Police rejected the allegations, saying no one was beaten up in the lock up. According to eye witnesses, hundreds of Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers gathered near Khalsa School wherefrom they began a march towards civil secretariat however they were intercepted by Police See ReT’s on Pg. 11
SVO produces challan against ReZ
Srinagar, June 28:
Medical Supplies Corporation on anvil
Srinagar, June 28:
Srinagar, June 28:
State Vigilance Organization (SVO) today produced challan against Mohammad Ashraf Mir S/o Ghulam Mohammad Mir R/o Gundipora, Pulwama, the then Agriculture Extension Worker, (R-e-Z), Sub Division Kakapora, Pulwama in the Court of Special Judge Anti Corruption Srinagar in case FIR No. 26/2012 P/S-VOK. The Case was registered on receipt of a written complaint lodged by Shri Ghulam Qadir Bhat S/o Wali Mohammad Bhat
UNDP head calls on CM
Police foil ReT’s Secretariat March
IGP orders promotions
Srinagar, June 28:
said the Centre is aware of its responsibilities when it comes to people’s aspirations. “We fully know and understand our responsibilities. The aspirations and expectations of our own people, our brothers and sisters, their dreams, we know how to respect them,” he said. “Jammu and Kashmir is not the only place where there are problems. There are issues in every nook and corner of the country – there are issues of reservation,
of opportunities to be given to those who are downtrodden, of unemployment, of women issues and their security, of expectations that our IT sector will rule the world and issues of health. There are issues, but there are solutions as well,” he said. Kashmir will have to show way to the country and Kashmiris should reach out to the people, the Union minister said. “Kashmir should reach out to other parts of the country. That way we can build bridges, so that we can say that we have one future, one dream and one goal and can move forward on that. “I am of the view that if we take care of our situation, then Kashmir, which is the crown of India physically, will remain so intellectually, financially and socially and it’s our responsibility to protect that crown and we will do that,” Khurshid said. Terming Kashmir as an important part of the country, Khurshid told party workers, “Every part of a body is important, but there are some organs without which we cannot do anything. See Salman on Pg. 11
12,000 unregistered Yatries turned back
Ahmed Khan will be its vice-chairmen respectively. The corporation, sources said will have a governing body comprising of Secretaries and Member Secretaries. Chief Secretary Muhammad Iqbal Khanday will be the part of governing body, sources said. Sources in the Civil Secretariat said that Health Minister Shabir Khan has taken a lead in formation of the Corporation and has send the proposal to the General Administration Department to fill up the vacancies for law officer, stenographer etc. Con-
firming the development to KNS, Health Minister said that the Corporation will be made functional within a month. “We are on job as all man power would be available in less than a month’s time,” he said. Khan said that to avoid any confusion, Minister for Health and Minister for Medical Education would be vice-chairmen of the Corporation so that the organization will work in a close cooperation. Sources said since Chief Minister Omar Abdullah would be its chairman, he See CM on Pg. 11
Grenade attack in Sopore
Sopore, June 28:
Panic gripped North Kashmir’s Sopore Town when militants lobbed a grenade on CRPF picket located at Hotel Plaza near General Bus stand. The grenade exploded with a bang leaving one CRPA jawan injured. Police sources said that unidentified persons hurled a grenade on CRPF 179 Battalion that is located in a Hotel near General Bus
Stand Sopore. The explosion left one CRPF jawan injured who has been iden-
tified as Kabir Chand. A police official said that the grenade missed the See Grenade on Pg. 11
Rules are for fools
Senior bureaucrat raising illegal construction along Sindh Nallah Mukhtar Shah Srinagar, June 28: Throwing all rules and regulations and even the court directions to winds, a senior bureaucrat of the state government is vandalizing the fragile eco-system in Kangan area of Ganderbal district by raising a building on the banks of Sindh Nallah. The building is coming up in total contravention of the court directions and orders issued by the District administration banning any kind of construction along the banks of Sindh. A former divisional commission-
er and a senior bureaucrat by misusing his official position is raising a building on Sindh Nal-
lah. Interestingly the said officer has deployed his personal security officer to look after the place.
The construction is coming up despite a complete ban imposed See Construction on Pg. 11
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11 Saturday, 29 June 2013 From Front Page........
Salman..........
“If there are no limbs, artificial limbs can be used, but if there is no heart or brain, then nothing remains.” The Union minister said, every region of the country is with the Kashmiris. “Every part of the body that India is, its arms and legs, are with you. Every region of the country is with you, this I can tell you. Perhaps there are some people who do not know the importance of Jammu and Kashmir, but we are with you,” he said. The bond between Kashmir and New Delhi is very strong, Khurshid stressed. Salman Khurshid who is here on State visit, Friday afternoon held an interactive session with Civil Society which include Journalists, Doctors, Lawyers and Party and Social Workers at Broadway Hotel. President, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee and Member Parliament, Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz and several Cabinet Ministers were present on the occasion. They include Minister for Medical Education, Mr. TajMohi-ud-Din, Minister for Public Enterprises, Peerzada Mohammad Sayed, Minister for Urban Development and Urban Local Bodies, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Mr. Sham Lal, Minister for Tourism, Mr. G.A. Mir, Minister for Housing and Horticulture, Mr. Raman Bhalla, Minister of State for Health, Mr. Shabir Ahmed Khan, Legislators, senior congress workers and Mehla congress workers. Issues relating to development in the State in various sector also came under discussion during the session. On Kunan-Poshpora “I am ashamed of Kunnanposhpora,” External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said on Friday, during an interaction with civil society members in Srinagar. “I am ashamed it happened in my country,” Salman said adding “Making people accountable for what happened is necessary”. The Minister said that imposing laws like AFSPA is a compulsion for the government. “AFSPA is a human issue. If you talk about life, then it is on both sides, so it is a compulsion. Army which protects us on our borders also needs to be protected”, he said and added that the issue is not of Kashmir exclusively as the law also stands invoked in North Eastern States. However, he said he could not comment on the issue further as only Prime Minister and the Defence Minister were competent to talk about the issue.
Yatries...........
been daily monitoring arrangements for the Yatra has conveyed the Shrine Board’s thanks to the State Government, Army, Central Para Military Forces, State Police and all the concerned agencies for their support and cooperation. He has reiterated the need for effective supervision and close day to day monitoring by the Camp Directors and all the functionaries involved in the management of the Yatra, for ensuring smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. Meanwhile, Mian Altaf Ahmad, Minister for Forests, flagged-off from Baltal two Baltal-Panjtarni helicopter services which are being operated by M/s Himalayan Heli Services Pvt. Ltd. and M/s Global Vectra Helicorp Ltd, while Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Minister for Tourism, inaugurated the Pahalgam-Panjtarni helicopter service at Pahalgam being operated by M/s Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd. Rafi Ahmad Mir, MLA, was among those present on this occasion. This year’s Shri Amarnathji Yatra, which commenced from Baltal and Pahalgam this morning, will conclude on Raksha Bandhan on 21st August, 2013. The registration of the Yatris for this year’s Yatra had commenced on 18thMarch, 2013. Meanwhile, Navin K. Choudhary, CEO, has once again appealed to the intending Shri Amarnathji Yatris to embark on the pilgrimage only after obtaining, in their own interest, a valid Yatra Permit. This would ensure against any avoidable inconvenience to them. The CEO reiterated that Yatris not possessing valid Yatra Permits will not be allowed to proceed beyond the Nunwan and Baltal Base Camps. Referring to some incorrect registration done by Jammu and Kashmir Bank, the CEO informed that instructions have been issued to Base Camp Directors to allow such Yatris to undertake the Yatra who have been registered on a wrong colour code but are otherwise validly registered. However, such Yatris who have come ahead of their scheduled date of embarking on the Yatra, as per their Registration Permit, will be allowed to undertake the pilgrimage on the date for which they have been registered. The CEO further said that unregistered Yatris have no option but to go back to Srinagar and first obtain registration before they can be allowed to undertake the Yatra. The CEO said that the Board has also issued a detailed Advisory of Do’s and Don’ts for the Yatris visiting the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnathji. The Yatris need to strictly adhere to these Do’s and Don’ts as they have to undertake an arduous trek through high mountain ranges under adverse weather conditions, he added.
Omar........
was always opposed to Article 370. Advani had recently said Article 370 should be revoked. Omar had earlier responded to this without naming Advani and slammed him for raising 'false boggy of revocation' of the provision.
UNDP..........
upgrade the skills of youth under various programmes and enhance their employability status. He also informed her about various initiatives the State Government has taken for the development of handicrafts and economic welfare of artisans associated with this sector. The Chief Minister talked about SKEWPY and other initiatives launched in the State for entrepreneurship development and capacity building in youth. He mentioned the centrally assisted programme UMEED launched in the State recently for holistic development of women.
CM...........
would chair a review meeting of the corporation every month. They said that the corporation would deal with the purchase of drugs meant for the hospital supply and
Daily equipment needed for various hospitals. Sources said that job of purchase committees would automatically end when Corporation would start functioning. They said with the help of corporation, government would be able to curb the spurious drug issue as no drugs would enter any hospital without proper testing. “The Corporation would not only be responsible for the purchase of drugs only but the quality of medicines supplied to hospitals as well,” they said. “Similarly, the Corporation will also be responsible for the purchase of important equipment to be made available in the hospitals across hospitals in J&K.” Pertinently, the spurious drug issue had rocked Kashmir after Doctor’s Association Kashmir found that at least 11 drugs that were supplied to various hospitals across the Kashmir were found spurious in nature. The government after facing mounting pressure had ordered an inquiry which is being conducted by the Crime Branch of J&K while the issue is being following in the High Court following the fact DAK had filed a petition over the issue.
Promotions...........
their families and urged them to work with more dedication and devotion. Since March this year, Zonal police headquarters issued orders for promotion of 140 Assistant Sub-Inspectors to the rank of Sub-Inspectors in April and 487 Head Constables to the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspectors in May. Today 121 Head Constables were promoted to the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspectors.
ReT's...........
resulting in the ding dong battle between the Police and the protesting employees. The police reportedly used the water canon to disperse them but later resorted to lathi charge which created panic among the employees. Chairman of the Rehbar e Taleem forum Gazi Ab. Aziz said that nearly 200 hundred ReT teachers managed to reach the front gate of the Civil Secretariat where according to him Police resorted to heavy baton charge resulting in the injuries to number of teachers. “They bundled us in the police vehicles and then bashed us ruthlessly in the police stations. Many of the arrested teachers are badly injured and nobody is caring to provide them medical help.” Gazi said. Police however rejected the allegations saying, no one was beaten up in the lock ups. “They created ruckus on the roads and blocked them for traffic which prompted us to take preventive measures”, SHO Shaheed Gunj Syed Shoukat told KNS. Gazi in the meantime said that the forum has called for a one day strike in Primary and Middle schools on Saturday against what he said the highhandedness of the authorities to foil today’s protest. “We have given a dead line up to 15th of August to Government to solve our problems and if they failed we will be left with no other option other than to intensify our protest” said Gazi. Meanwhile the teachers who evaded arrest re assembled near Press enclave where they again staged the protest in the afternoon which was joined by the Awami Ithad Party president and MLA Langeth Engineer Rashid also. The Rehbar e Taleem teachers Forum has been demanding inclusion of five years service for promotionary and seniority benefits, Release of pending salary of SSA teachers, Transfer policy for the regularized ReT’s, Implementation of order No. 115 to solve NPS problem and reducing the qualifying service to 20 from 28.
Grenade...........
intended target and exploded on the road. Police soon after the explosion cordoned off the area and a hunt was launched to nab the militants, however no one was arrested during the search operation. Meanwhile militant outfit Hizbul Mujhadeen while claiming the responsibility of the attack said that the Mujhadeen soon after carrying the attack successfully managed to flee from the spot. Hizb Operational Spokesperson, Baleeg-u-Din told CNS on phone that its ‘Mujhadeen’ carried out the attack.
Construction..........
by the Honorable Jammu and Kashmir High Court on June 10, 2011 on any construction in the area. The HC issued the orders on a Public Interest Litigation seeking a ban on such constructions. Sindh Nallah, one of the pristine rivers known for its beauty is an important source of drinking water to Srinagar city and many areas in the Ganderbal district. However the illegal constructions coming up on its banks is classical example of callosity and apathy of the government towards persevering water bodies. Following the court directions, the District Development Commissioner, Ganderbal in his order dated 24 June 2011 directed various departments including revenue, fisheries, irrigation and flood control, police and pollution control to keep a check on constructions along the river banks. However the influential people threw the orders to winds and continued with their activities forcing the administration to issue another order on 3.7.2012 to ensure that the court directions are enforced in letter and spirit. However the directive had little effect on one of the senior bureaucrats of the state who is continuing with his project on Zoorpora, Kulan in Kangan. Instead of acting against the bureaucrat, the rural development department has raised an embankment along the nallah near the said construction to facilitate the bureaucrat’s project. The local population is up in arms against the construction but the district administration seems to be awed by the influence of the bureaucrat. It is worth mention here that the fragile Sindh nallah is fast being converted into a gutter as the effluents from many private and government establishments is directed pumped into the fresh water stream that for centuries has had the distinction of being anglers’ passion from across the globe for its famous trout.
SVO.........
No.26/2012 was registered in P/S VOK and investigation was set into motion.
As per a SVO handout, during the course of investigation the accused Agriculture Extension Worker was caught red handed while demanding and accepting an amount of Rs.6000/- from the complainant in presence of independent witnesses, The investigation of the case was concluded as proved and Govt. accorded sanction for launching prosecution against the suspect. The challan was produced in the court of special Judge Anti-corruption, Kashmir, Srinagar on 28.06.2013.
Power..........
in order to carry out realignment of 33 KV lines outside the Amargarh Grid Station necessitated due to creation of loop in-loop out with newly constructed Grid Station Delina, Receiving Stations of Sopore-I, Sopore-II, Nowpora, Dooru, Watlab, Aloosa, Panzigam, Ajar, Panzipora, Arampora and Seelo shall be affected on July 01, 2013 from 09 a.m. to 06 p.m, while Receiving Stations of Panzipora, Arampora & Seelo, Watergam, Chakloo, Hadipora and Ganapora shall be affected on July 03, 2013 from 09 a.m. to 06 p.m. The power supply to the areas fed from these lines shall remain affected on the said dates and time.
Legislators’ panel inspects several projects in Kargil Srinagar, June 28: A joint panel of State Legislature on Public Undertakings (PUC), headed by Mr. Mohammad Sharief Niaz, which is currently on 3day visit to Kargil, today inspected various ongoing power and other developmental projects in the area. Expressing satisfaction on the pace of progress, the Members stressed the need for the time bound completion of these projects so that the benefits of these projects reach to the locals. The Committee laid stress on maintaining quality of works strictly as per the laid down para-meters and making judicious use of Government money. The panel maintained that in the Ladakh region there is very limited working season and urged the concerned agencies to
make their best efforts to make optimum use of time on the developmental activities. They also called for strengthening the monitoring mechanism for timely completion of projects. The Panel called for close coordination between various executing agencies and administration to clear bottlenecks on ground, if any, so that the targets are achieved well within the time schedule. The Members who are part of the panel included, Mr. Basharat Bukhari, Peer Afaq, Mr. Ali Mohammad Dar, Mr. G.N.Monga, Dr. Nazir Ahmed and Ms. Indu P a w a r. C o n c e r n e d officers of district administration and Assembly Secretariat also accompanied the Committee.
ZABARWAN TIMES
Vohra takes oath as J&K Governor for a fresh term Srinagar, June 28: Mr. N. N. Vohra was sworn-in as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir for a fresh term at the Oath Ceremony held in the Raj Bhavan lawns here this evening. Mr. Vohra was administered the Oath of Office by Mr. Justice M. M. Kumar, Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court. The Governor was presented a guard of honour by a contingent of Jammu and Kashmir Police. Mr. Mohammad Iqbal Khandey, Chief Secretary, read out in Urdu and English the Warrant of Appointment of the Governor, which had been issued by the President of
India on May 1, 2013. Mrs. Usha Vohra, First Lady; Mr. Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister; Mr. Tara Chand, Deputy Chief Minister; Mr. Mubarak Gul, Speaker, State Legislative Assembly; Mr. Amrit Malhotra, Chairman, Legislative Council; Ministers; Prof. Saif-udDin Soz, MP and President, J&K Pradesh Congress Committee; Members of Parliament, Legislators, Judges of the State High Court, Vice Chancellors, senior Civil, Police and Security Forces officers, political and social activists and prominent citizens were among those present on the occasion.
Be prompt in extending enhanced services to Amarnath pilgrims: Lone
J a m m u , J u n e 2 8 : ARTO, Kuldeep Singh, Emphasizing close liaison Superintending Engineer, b e t w e e n P o w e r JDA, SE, PDD and other Development (PDD), Public senior officers of concerned Health Engineering (PHE) departments. and other allied departments The Minister asked the Chief to meet the requirements of Engineer PDD and PHE to pilgrims during annual ensure uninterrupted power Amarnathji Yatra 2013, and water supply during the M i n i s t e r f o r H i g h e r Yatra. He asked the PDD Education, Mohammad authorities to make available Akbar Lone today asked the substitute feeders to cater to functionaries of all vital the need of people keeping in departments to adopt pro- view the prevailing hot active approach in extending weather condition. adequate services through- The Minister was informed out the yatra period. that, to cater to the need of The Minister said this while potable water scarce areas, chairing a high level adequate number of water meeting of senior officers of tankers have been pressed v a r i o u s d e p a r t m e n t s into service so that the convened to review their pilgrims visiting the city of preparedness for Shri temples do not have to face Amarnathji Yatra. any inconvenience in this The meeting was attended by regard. Divisional Commissioner, The Minister asked the Pardeep Gupta, District Irrigation and Flood Control D e v e l o p m e n t authorities to take preventive Commissioner Jammu, measures well in advance by Ajeet Kumar Sahu, DIG, constructing crates and other Giogam, June 28: Minister welcome step, said Mr. Jammu-Kathua Range, alternate measures to meet f o r A g r i c u l t u r e M r. Mir. Shakeel Ahmed Beig, SSP any eventuality. Ghulam Hassan Mir today Hailing the gesture of PM Traffic, S. Manmohan Chief Engineers PDD termed the recent visit of for providing whooping Singh, Chief Engineers PDD apprised the Minister that P r i m e M i n i s t e r D r. amount of Rs. 710 crore and PHE, Chief Engineer, the department has made Manmohan Singh and for land acquisition, Mir Irrigation and Flood Control, available special feeders for UPA Chairperson Smt. said that the initiative Joint Director Information, providing electricity in case Sonia Gandhi to Jammu would help the state Smita Sethi, RTO Jammu, of emergency. and Kashmir a precursor government for completfor the holistic develop- ing major road projects ment of the State. The under PMGSY which Minister was addressing a were pending for want of p u b l i c g a t h e r i n g a t funds for land acquisition. Goigam today. The Minister described The Minister said Prime Horticulture sector as M i n i s ter d u r i n g h is backbone of State’s Tele/Fax: 0194-2433760, 2433590, 2437647 previous visits to the State, economy and said that (Srinagar): 0191-2479371, 2470102 (Jammu) often talked about the Central government would Website: http://www.jakbopee.org, politics but during the b e a p p r o a c h e d f o r Email: administrator@jakbopee.org recent visit he talked about enhancing funds under the development, welfare Horticulture Mission to and prosperity of the State. give boost to this impor- It is notified for the information of all the concerned He said the visit will have tant sector. He said that eligible candidates of Common Entrance Test-2013 that long run impact on the state is largest fruit the entrance examination of Physics and Mathematics State’s economy and producer in the country papers, which were held on 22nd and 23rd of June, 2013, prosperity. and presently getting Rs. stands cancelled herewith. The conduct of Entrance Test Referring to PM’s Speech, 30 crore incentive under for Biology and Chemistry papers scheduled to be held on the Minister said “he has Horticulture Mission. 5th of July, 2013 also stands postponed. The fresh dates maintained that the youth Responding to demands of for the conduct of entrance test for all the four papers will of Kashmir want employ- local populace for up- be notified separately. ment, development, and gradation of link roads, The candidates are required to keep their ADMIT prosperity in every field as H e a l t h , E d u c a t i o n CARDS preserved. they have fed up from long infrastructure, the Minister The inconvenience caused is deeply regretted. turmoil in the state’’. He said that the concerned No: BoPEE/Adm-02(II)/1067-1093 Sd/- Secretary has also assured all kind of departments have been Dated:28-06-2013 J&K BoPEE support to the State with asked for redressal of their open mind which is a demands on priority. Office of the Assistant Regional Transport Officer Kulgam
Mir terms PM’s visit as developmental precursor
THE J&K BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS PUBLIC NOTICE
DDC chairs DLRC meet at Samba
Samba, June 28: A meeting of bankers and district officers was held to review the progress and performance of bankers in key areas relating to deposits and advances and priority sector lending for the quarter ending 31 Mar 2013. District Development Commissioner, Samba, R.K Varma, while chairing the meeting had a detailed and threadbare review of progress achieved in sponsoring the cases by various departments like DRDA, KVIB, KVIC,
DIC, Employment, SC/ST/OBC Corporation, Agriculture, Animal/ Sheep Husbandry etc. under various schemes like SGSY, SGSRY, JKSSES, PMEGP. It was informed that the deposit and advances of banks as on ending March 2013 stood at Rs. 1834.22 crore and Rs.987.19 crore r e s p e c t i v e l y, t h u s achieving a CD ratio of 53.82 %. Further, the district has achieved 98.91% of the total annual credit Plan for the year 2012-13.
NOTICE Whereas a joint application has been received by this office from Mr. Mohd. Ashraf Bhat S/o Mohd. Yousuf Bhat R/o Mutalhama Kulgam (Party No. Ist) as Transferor, (Seller) owner of the vehicle Santro bearing Regd. No. JK18-0081 (Commercial/Non-Commercial) covering under R/P No. .... and Mr. Manzoor Ahmad Mir S/o Gh. Hassan Mir R/o Naibasti Khanabal Ang. (Party No. 2nd) as Transferee (Purchaser) requesting for transfer of R/C and R/P of the above noted vehicle from Party No. Ist to 2nd and cancellation of hire purchase agreement with M/s State Bank of India Qaimoh. Before the case is disposed off on its merits anybody having objection regarding the proposed transfer may file his objection within 7 days from the publication of this notice to the office of the undersigned. No, representation/Objection shall be entertained after stipulated period. No: ARTI/Kul/Pub/06/13 Sd/- Assistant Regional Transport Officer Dated: 26-06-2013 Kulgam RNS Office of the Assistant Regional Transport Officer, Anantnag
NOTICE Where as an application has been received from one Shri Ab. Majid Thoker S/o Ab. Gani Thoker R/o Watrad Dalabal Budgam owner of vehicle number JK03A-1419 for cancellation of hire purchase agreement with M/s ........ and HPA agreement with M/s Shriram Transporat Finance Col. Ltd. B/o Sgr. Now, it is therefore, notified for general information that objections, if any to the proposed cancellation/endorsement of hire purchase agreement shall be filed in writing in the office of the Assistant Regional Transport Officer, Anantnag within a period of 7 days from the date of publication of this notice. No: ARTO/Ang/2013-2688 Sd/- Asstt. Regional Transport Officer Dated: 27-06-2013 Anantnag RNS
Owner, Printer, Publisher & Editor-n-Chief: Suhail Malik, RNI No: JKBIL/2011/39764, Email: zabarwantimes@gmail.com Published from: Govt. Quarters (M-13) Magarmal Bagh Srinagar -190001, J&K, Printed at: Sangarmal Offset Press Humhama Sheikhpora Tele/Fax: 2478370 Cell No: 09999964750, 9796787844
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Daily ZABARWAN TIMES
Sagar conducts Awami Rabita tour of Pattan
PATTAN, JUNE 28:
As a part of Awami Rabita Programme campaign the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Ali Mohammad Sagar today conducted an extensive tour of Pattan and its adjoining areas today.
He was accompanied by Director Rural Development, Kashmir, Mir Altaf Ahmad and other senior officers of different departments.Interacting with the people, the Minister said that the government is committed to ensure need based and sustained development of all parts of the state with special focus on rural and far-flung areas. In this regard, several flagship schemes have been launched, which are aimed at to
change the socio-economic conditions of people of rural areas. He urged the people to actively participate in the developmental activities and implementation of various programmes so that benefits of such schemes percolate down to the needy. “Ever since coalition Government head-
ed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took over the reins of the State, the Government endeavoured on further strengthening the democratic set up and decentralization of powers to the PRIs. The Government initiated various programmes for the benefits of people at large. It ensured vibrant Panchayti Raj System and empowered people at grass root level so that they can contribute directly in the development pro-
cess and help in framing the policies and programmes of the State keeping in view the merit. He said and maintained that the infrastructural development undertaken by the government during the past over four years has been acknowledged by the people on ground, which is a matter of satisfaction fort the Government”. Sagar said that it was due to the tireless efforts of the government that the peaceful environs have been maintained in the state and now the people are reaping the dividends. “The people must understand that the parties which are now trying to project themselves as the well-wishers have always played the politics of deceit and deception and misled the innocent masses with hollow slogans and did nothing on ground. They have always given preference to their personal and political interests rather than mitigating the problems of common man”, he maintained. The Minister also inspected the pace of work on different Panchayat Ghars which are under execution in the areas and directed to the officers to ensure their time bound completion. He also inspected various works undertaken under MGNREGA and other programmes and directed the concerned officers to speed up the pace of progress for their expeditious completion.
Zabarwan Times is available at
Lone News Agency Kangan Khan News Agency Ganderbal Gulzar News Agency Soura Zahid Book Depot Chadoora Tariq News Agency Hawal Bashir News Agency Nowhatta Muzaffar Ali News Agency Alamgari Bazar Budshah News Agency Lal Chowk Abdullah News Agency Lal Chowk Sikendar News Agency Lal Chowk Gupkari News Agency Lal Chowk Raina News Agency Gund Kangan Khan News Agency Regal Chowk Rashid News Agency Dalgate Sheikh News Agency Hyderpora Hilal News Agency Budgam Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Chadoora SRINAGAR, JUNE 28: Bhat News Agency Magam Zargar News SRINAGAR, JUNE 28: Threadbare discussions the government to Agency imple- Kunzar The Minister of State for Dar Newswere Agency Beerwah Bashir NewsinAgency held in the meeting on ment the schemes letter Sumbal Tourism, Home, Industries The Minister for Reshi Social News the Agency various Safapora issues includand spirit on News the ground Saleem Agency Pattan and Commerce, Sajjad AhWelfare, ARI Trainings and ing ICDS, SABLA, IGMSY, ISS, level. mad Kichloo this morning Basharat News Agency Bandipora Reyaz News Agency Pampore Public Grievances Ms Sakina Take Home Ration (THR) The Minister informed flagged off 4th Mughal Car Altaf News Agency Pulwama Javaid News Agency Qazigund Itoo has strongly pleaded and NFBS being implement- the team that under the InRally from world famous Jeelani News Agency Baramulla G.M News Agency Sopore Royal Springs Golf Course tegrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), there are Shah News Agency Kupwara Sultan News Agency Handwara Srinagar.As many as 25 Ve28,000 Anganwari Centres hicles and 9 motor cycles are Younis News Agency Langate Sheikh News Agency Islamabad (AWCs) are functioning in participating in the extreme Reshi News Agency Islamabad Three Way News Agency Tral the State, of which only 325 category and 30 vehicles in centre Badru have been housed in Bijbehara Turray News Agency Tral News Agency Enduro category. The Exgovernment accommodaRahi News Agency Kulgam Malik News Agency Arwani treme Rally is the fast paced tion. event with professional drivRah News Agency Byepass Shaheen News Agency Kargil Ms. Sakina apprized the
Member PCI calls on SW Minister
Sakina strongly pleads for release of central share to State
for timely provision of Central Share required by the State government for smooth implementation of various Centrally Sponsored Schemes implementing by the Social Welfare Department.The Minister expressed her views in a meeting with the central team of high level officers headed by the Member, Planning Commission, Dr. Sayeeda Hamid here today.
ed in the State. The Minister briefed Dr. Sayeeda about the achievements and results of various schemes and programmes under implementation in the State with the central assistance. Ms. Sakina apprised Dr. Sayeeda that the State government is facing tremendous problems in receiving the funds under central share on time due to which it becomes very difficult for
team that the issues for releasing of funds under various schemes have several times been taken up with the Central Government but the response is very poor due to which the Anganwari Workers and Helpers are not getting their honorarium regularly.On the occasion, Secretary Social Welfare Gazanfar Ali, Director Social Welfare, Kashmir Farooq Ahmad, besides senior officers of Central and State governments were present in the meeting.
ers, whereas the Enduro is a slow paced event. Under Extreme category (Leg-1) the rally will pass today from Srinagar-Pulwama-ShopianSrinagar where as under Enduro (Leg-1) the rally will pass through Srinagar-Pampore-Pulwama-Dubjain-PirKi-Gali, Bafliaz-Thanamandi-Rajori-Akhnoor-Jammu. Similarly, tomorrow on 29th June under Extreme Category (Leg-2) the rally will pass through Srinagar-KhanabalQazigund-Veerinag-Kokernag-Daksum-Simthan-PassSrinagar Whereas under
Govt committed to protect the rights of labour class: Sadhotra
Minister for Labour, Employment and Planning, Ajay SadhotraFriday reiterated Government’s resolve to protect the rights of labour class and also to extend all possible facilities for their welfare and growth.
The Minister was addressing Jammu and Kashmir Building and other Construction Workers Welfare Board meeting here today. The meeting was among others attend-
ed by Commissioner Secretary, Labour and Employment, B. A. Runiyal, Secretary Law, Mtr Farhat Tasneem Labour Commissioner, Shahid Inayatullah, Chief Executive officer/Secretary, JKBOCWWB, Syed Muried Hussain, MD, JKPCC, T. R. Bhagat and Chief Architect, V. K. Pant, Accounts Officer, JK-
BOCWWB, Farooq Ahmed Shah and several members of the Board. Sadhotra asked the officers to ensure documentation of the achievements of the Board and highlight the labour related best
practices through power point presentation. He said that the labour class is the backbone of the society who put in their energy in building the infrastructure like hospitals, schools, government buildings as well as private residential colonies, He said that it is the duty of every individual to be affectionate and sympathetic towards this community. The meeting discussed various issues related to JKBOCWWB and the registered construction workers. The issues include creation of staff for the Board, delegation of powers for sanctioning of the cases, computerization of the details of construction worker across the State and binding of the record. Threadbare discussions were held for according approval to the issues related to Board. The Secretary of the Board Syed Murried Hussain informed the meeting that till date 184294 workers have been registered while as Rs. 37.64 crore were spent on the welfare schemes of the Labourers till ending March this year, covering 49749 beneficiaries.
Prasad highlights role of JKAP SRINAGAR, JUNE 28: Underscoring the importance of Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police (JKAP) in maintaining peace and order in the State, the Director General of Police (DGP), Ashok Prasad has complimented the force for their valour and discipline in performing their duties in a most professional manner. The DGP said that the role played by jawans and officers of JKAP has been well acknowledged at various forums at state and national level. Prasad was addressing the Commandants of Armed and IRP Battalions at their annual conference held here today. He said that JKP is a major striking force which has performed with great valour and discipline while maintaining peace and order in the State. He said many valiant jawans and officers laid down their precious lives while ensuring safety and security of the people during the past over
two decades while fighting the proxy war. Using their professional skills they always avoided collateral damages while dealing with the criminals and other elements in several incidents in the State, he added.The DGP stressed for prioritizing better police public relations and said that the primary role of the force is to deliver and provide fearless environment to the people. He emphasized upon the participants to promote maximum involvement of public and maintain people friendly atmosphere. He said force is for the service of people and all out efforts should be made to ensure close coordination between police and civil society for achieving better result and making the society crime free.Highlighting the importance of interactions between all ranks and files, the DGP asked the officers for organising frequent durbars at different levels to address the problems of the personnel. He
said that the interactions with the lower formations provide a very useful feedback to bring improvements in the overall functioning of the organization, besides proper command and control upon the subordinates. He also urged the supervisory officers to visit the work places and take stock of their functioning together with their welfare of the force to boost their moral, said the DGP. Prasad said that in the present scenario, spectrum of duties has increased manifold and need of the hour is to bring new reforms and initiatives to meet the new challenges. He said some initiatives have been evolved to hone the skills of police officers and jawans. This includes modern techniques to deal with the situations effectively. The innovations have been yielding positive results and providing opportunities to improve the professionalism and delivery system on ground, he hoped.
HOROSCOPE
SRINAGAR, JUNE 28: Union Member Planning Commission, Syeda Hameed today had a meeting with Minister of State for Health, Shabir Ahmad Khan here at Civil Secretariat and discussed the overall health scenario besides physical and financial status of several schemes being implemented for upgradation of health care infrastructure in the State under State and Centre Plans.During the meeting several matters like onetime special package for completion of ongoing health infrastructure, upgradation of Drug and Food Testing Laboratories, bone and joint hospital, extending of treatment facilities of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) in all district hospitals, setting up of more trauma hospitals besides upgradation of Mental Health Care facilities in the State came under discussion.Besides, senior officers of Union Planning Commission, Mission Director NRHM, Dr. Yashpual Sharma and other officers of health services Kashmir attended the meeting.The Union Member Planning Commission received detailed appraisal from State Health Minister about the steps taken by the State Government for strengthening health care facilities, besides physical and financial status of various components being implemented under NRHM in the State. The Health Minister urged for increase in allocations under health sector to the State like other hilly States of the Country. He requested for sanction of special financial package from the Centre under NRHM and annual plan for completion of ongoing different health projects in the State. The Health Minister apprised the Union Member Planning Commission that though treatment facilities of NCD have been introduced in some district hospitals but yet there is needed to cover all the district hospitals under free treatment of NCD of the State.
You may need to make some slight adjustments in order to get through to people today, Aries. The pace may be a bit faster than you’d like. Remember that people aren’t mind readers. They won’t be sensitive enough to pick up on your subtle messages. If you want to get something across, state it clearly and succinctly. Feel free to explore the unconventional and bizarre.
Erduro (Leg-2) the rally will pass through Jammu-ReasiMahore-Gool-Ramban and return via National Highway to Srinagar. The participants of the rally also include some
a view to promote adventure Tourism and to bring into focus the pristine and breath taking scenic splendor and beauty of the hitherto un exploited areas en-route Mughal Road.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Today is an excellent day for you, Taurus. You will receive some bursts of unexpected energy that help you accomplish whatever it is you wish to do. You should enjoy a favorable mood and good relations with others all day. Enjoy yourself and feel free to indulge in things that make you happy. Spend time with your family and let them share in your positive energy flow.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Things may be moving a bit too quickly today for you to grab hold of anything, Gemini. There’s an element of the unexpected entering into the equation. Be prepared. The mood of the day is especially light and perhaps a bit superficial. People may not be entirely reliable. If there’s something you absolutely need to do, consider doing it by yourself.
Cancer June 22-July 22
Enjoy the day today, Cancer. Take control of the situation and make the most of whatever comes your way. Do it with a smile. There’s a great deal of fun-loving, excited energy ready for you to draw upon. Get your ideas out to others. Communicate your thoughts. Attend a party or two. You’re the epitome of the social butterfly. Make sure to wear your best attire.
Leo
Your flexible nature may get you in trouble today, Leo. Personalities may clash when no one is willing to lead. Be aggressive without being manipulative. Keep it light. Don’t try to pin anyone down. Your nature is open and expansive. Give other people the freedom they want. Unexpected events may dramatically change the course of the day. foreigners from Germany, U.S.A and Austria. The Car Rally will pass through 84 Kms long Shopian-Bafliaz stretch of the Mughal Road and Anantnag-SimthanKishtwar road stretch. The rally has been sponsored by J&K Tourism Department, J&K Bank and Himachal Pradesh based Himalayan Motor Sports with
The state Government has made elaborate arrangements for smooth conduct of the Car rally including security road clearance, convoy movement, emergency and rescue measures and the concerned Departments in respective districts, touching the rally, have been put on high alert to check any untoward incident.
Speaker assures every possible help to fire victims SRINAGAR, JUNE 28: The Speaker Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Mubarak Gul today visited Bhagwanpora, Noorbagh where five houses were fully damaged in a fire incident
assess the losses and submit the report to the concerned quarter for special relief. He announced Rs. 25000 out of Constituency Development Fund for affected families. Gul also distributed Rs. 7000 to each family and free
Virgo
August 23-September 22
Things will flow smoothly for you, Virgo. There’s barely a reason for you to lift a finger. You have the good fortune of enjoying this day with very little effort on your part. Keep in mind that if you decide to get something done, you will be extremely successful and able to accomplish quite a bit. You’re in sync with today’s energy.
Libra
September 23-October 23 People aren’t going to want to be quite as intense as you require today, Libra. Things are light and airy. You may find that no one is in the mood to delve as deeply as you want to go. Use the day to relax and release control for a while. Take deep breaths and long walks. Go for a bike ride or short road trip. Crazy, unexpected events may crop up throughout the day.
Scorpio
October 24-November 21 It may be hard for you to make a decision about anything today, Scorpio. Things may seem wishy-washy and unclear. Don’t worry about it. There is plenty of air to fuel your fire. Be aware that people may pop up from the past and unexpected events may disrupt the flow throughout the day. Best-laid plans are apt to be broken. Don’t sweat it. Just go with the flow.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
yesterday. Eight families has been affected in the incident. The Speaker who was accompanied with the team of senior officers of the district administration directed to
utensils on the behalf of Red Cross society.The speaker assured the affected families that every possible help will be provided from the Government to them.
Union Govt. to conduct ‘Olympiad Contest’ in valley, Successful students to get scholarship, free study reputed institutions. Srinagar, June 28 : National board for higher Mathematics(TIFR) is conducting a “Mathematical Olympiad test” in December to select the candidates for grant of scholarship to peruse different degree courses with mathematics as their prime subject. The initiativehas been taken by the Union government through National Board for Higher Mathematics, and conducting of test and other evaluations has been entrusted to Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education.
Aries
March 21-April 19
July 23-August 22
Talent Hunt In Mathematics,
Kausar Salaam
29 .6.2013
Syeda Hameed reviews overall health scenario of JK
Kichloo flags off 4th Mughal Car Rally amid fun fare, enthusiasm
JKBOCWW Board meeting held
SRINAGAR, JUNE 28:–
Srinagar |Saturday
“The contest is being conducted with an intention to find out the best talent in Mathematics who could be financially supported for perusing Mathematics at graduation, Post graduation and Doctorate level.” Regional Coordinator for J&K region Dr. Bashir Ahmad Zarger told Zaberwantimes on Thursday. He said that students studying in 9th to 12th standard can apply for the Nationwide Test which would be held in the coming December. “Union government will provide scholarship to the successful
candidates during the graduation and afterwards.” Added Zarger. He further said that the successful candidates can even get a chance to study free in any reputed institute of the country. “Desirous candidates can get the forms from the regional office of the Olympiad in the department of mathematics at Kashmir University up to 15th August. 2013 Pertinently at least 23 regional centers have been established across the country for the training and selection of the student for the said contest.
Things probably aren’t going to go exactly as you planned today, Sagittarius. Realize that people may act in erratic, powerful bursts, especially when it comes to emotional issues. Your feelings may be a bit distant, and you may find it hard to get in touch with what’s really going on inside you. Do your best to maintain a positive attitude. That’s all anyone can ask.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Today is an excellent day for you, Capricorn. Events will flow quite smoothly. The only thing to be aware of is that your emotions may seem rather erratic and unwieldy. There’s a great deal of power behind your words and people are sure to listen. They would be smart to do so. What you have to say will be right on target with today’s energy.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
You may be indecisive today, Aquarius. You may not be able to find solutions you can live with. You don’t need to finalize anything now. Use this day to lay low and gather data. People may seem rather insensitive and erratic. Go with the flow. You have a great deal of warmth and passion to share. You may find that a strong, unpredictable force is affecting your emotions.
Pisces
February 19-March 20 There is plenty of air to fuel your fire today, Pisces. You’re able to get quite a bit done. Multitasking is key to accomplishing what you want to do. An element of the unexpected is likely to add a surprising dimension to the day. You’re able to communicate freely, and you will likely be on the same page with the people you meet.
Editorial/Opinion The Daily
Zabarwan Times Saturday, 29 June 2013
Justice Delayed!
F
amous Kunan Poshpora Mass Rape case has returned to haunt the state as well as central government. Various pressure groups are pushing for the reopening of the case. Hours before Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh started his Kashmir trip, he was presented with a letter by Centre for Policy Analysis demanding reopening of the case. A copy of the same letter has been also sent to J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. A court in Kupwara recently too ordered further investigation into the Kunan Poshpora Mass Rape Case. Judicial Magistrate Kupwara asked for further investigation to unravel the identity of those who happen to be perpetrators. The judge dismissed the conclusions made by the police in the recently filed closure report in the case. The mass rape was allegedly committed by army personnel belonging to Rajputna Rifles. Police in its closure report had claimed that it did not know as to who committed the mass rape during the intervening night of February 23 and 24 in 1991. The survivors of Kunan Poshpora incident and the support group for justice for Kunan Poshpora have been demanding a reinvestigation into the case by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by an officer of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) rank. The court while mentioning the lack of authority in ordering SIT, asked for further investigation to be conducted by an officer not below the rank of SSP and within a time bound period of three months. This of course is a big victory for the victims and their supporters. A protest petition was filed by Advocate Parvez Imroz on behalf of the survivors of Kunan Poshpora mass rape against the closure report of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, before the Judicial Magistrate, Kupwara. The protest petition argued that the police investigations were incomplete and clearly mala fide as despite having the information on file regarding the involvement of 125 personnel of 4th Rajputana Rifles, the police had not questioned them and neither was an identification parade conducted. The Judicial Magistrate Kupwara while acknowledging the submissions has mentioned in the judgment that, “Until date the investigating agency has not unveiled the identity of the culprits despite having a clear cut nominal role of 125 suspects.” The fresh court order is an achievement of the struggle of the Kunan Poshpora people along with those who supported their demand for justice. This will surely inspire many more victims of the recent past to wake up and fight for justice in their cases. Centre for Policy Analysis (CPA) too has been demanding setting up of a Special investigation team (SIT), headed by a high court judge, to probe the Kunan Poshpora mass gang rape case in time bound manner. The CPA team had visited Kunan Poshpora recently. CPA also demanded that not only the army personnel involved in the incident should be identified and punished but those from the government who covered up this inhuman act must be also identified and punished. The delegation of CPA said that there is still ample proof to establish that men from Rajputana Rifles were involved in the incident. Police and state government must initiate a process to provide justice to the victims and their families. In 2011, the State Human Rights Commission had directed the state government to pay compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the victims. However, so far, no compensation has been paid. The Kunan Poshpora incident occurred on February 23, 1991, when units of the Army launched a search and interrogation operation in the village of Kunan Poshpora, located in remote Kupwara District. At least 53 women were allegedly gang raped by soldiers that night. However, Human Rights organizations including Human Rights Watch have reported that the number of raped women could be as high as 100. Although the government's investigations into the incident rejected the allegations as "baseless," international human rights organizations have expressed serious doubts about the integrity of these investigations and the manner in which they were conducted.
I
Daily
ZABARWAN TIMES 9
Saturday, 29 June 2013
POCSO Act- Providing Child Friendly Judicial Process
ndia is home to the largest child being of paramount importance at every aware that one of her students has been population in the world, with almost stage, to ensure the healthy physical, sexually abused by a colleague is legally 42 per cent of the total population emotional, intellectual and social obliged to bring the matter to the attention under eighteen years of age. Needless to development of the child. It defines of the authorities. The Act, on the other say, the health and security of the different forms of sexual abuse, including hand, also prescribes punishment for a country’s children is integral to any vision penetrative and non-penetrative assault, person, if he provides false information for its progress and development. One of as well as sexual harassment and with the intention to defame any person, the issues marring this vision for the pornography, and deems a sexual assault including the child. The Act also casts the country’s future generations is the evil of to be “aggravated” under certain police in the role of child protectors child sexual abuse. Statistics released by circumstances, such as when the abused during the investigative process. Thus, the National Crime Records Bureau child is mentally ill or when the abuse is the police personnel receiving a report of reveal that there has been a steady committed by a person in a position of sexual abuse of a child are given the increase in sexual crimes against children. According to a study conducted The Act defines a child as any person below by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2007, over half of the children surveyed reported having faced eighteen years of age, and regards the best some form of sexual abuse, with their suffering exacerbated by the lack of interests and well being of the child as specific legislation to provide remedies for these crimes. While rape is considered being of paramount importance at every a serious offence under the Indian Penal Code, the law was deficient in recognisstage, to ensure the healthy physical, ing and punishing other sexual offences, such as sexual harassment, stalking, and child pornography, for which prosecutors emotional, intellectual and social had to rely on imprecise provisions such as “outraging the modesty of a woman”. development of the child. The Ministry of Women and Child Development, recognising that the problem of child sexual abuse needs to be trust or authority vis-a-vis the child, like a responsibility of making urgent arrangeaddressed through less ambiguous and family member, police officer, teacher, or ments for the care and protection of the more stringent legal provisions, champi- doctor. People who traffick children for child, such as obtaining emergency oned the introduction of a specific law to sexual purposes are also punishable medical treatment for the child and address this offence. The POCSO Act was under the provisions relating to abetment placing the child in a shelter home, should therefore formulated in order to effec- in the Act. The Act prescribes stringent the need arise. The police are also tively address the heinous crimes of punishment graded as per the gravity of required to bring the matter to the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of the offence, with a maximum term of attention of the Child Welfare Committee children. The Protection of Children from rigorous imprisonment for life, and fine. (CWC) within 24 hours of receiving the Sexual Offences Act, 2012 received the In keeping with the best international report, so the CWC may then proceed President’s assent on 19th June 2012 and child protection standards, the Act also where required to make further arrangewas notified in the Gazette of India on provides for mandatory reporting of ments for the safety and security of the 20th June, 2012. The Act is due to come sexual offences. This casts a legal duty child. The Act also makes provisions for into force shortly, along with the rules upon a person who has knowledge that a the medical examination of the child being framed under the Act. The Act child has been sexually abused to report designed to cause as little distress as defines a child as any person below the offence; if he fails to do so, he may be possible. The examination is to be carried eighteen years of age, and regards the best punished with six months’ imprisonment out in the presence of the parent or other interests and well being of the child as and/ or a fine. Thus, a teacher who is person whom the child trusts, and in the
case of a female child, by a female doctor. The Act further makes provisions for avoiding the re-victimisation of the child at the hands of the judicial system. It provides for special courts that conduct the trial in-camera and without revealing the identity of the child, in a manner that is as child-friendly as possible. Hence, the child may have a parent or other trusted person present at the time of testifying and can call for assistance from an interpreter, special educator, or other professional while giving evidence; further, the child is not to be called repeatedly to testify in court and may testify through video-link rather than in the intimidating environs of a courtroom. Above all, the Act stipulates that a case of child sexual abuse must be disposed of within one year from the date the offence is reported. Another important provision in the Act is that it provides for the Special Court to determine the amount of compensation to be paid to a child who has been sexually abused, so that this money can then be used for the child’s medical treatment and rehabilitation. The Act is a welcome piece of legislation, in that it recognises almost every known form of sexual abuse against children as punishable offences, leaving little room for ambiguity in its interpretation. Further, by providing for a childfriendly judicial process, the Act encourages children who have been victims of sexual abuse to bring their offender to book and seek redress for their suffering, as well as to obtain assistance in overcoming their trauma. It makes the different agencies of the State, such as the police, judiciary and child protection machinery, collaborators in securing justice for a sexually abused child; working together, they can ensure that the child is given an opportunity to obtain justice for the harm suffered, and begin the process of rebuilding the child’s life and future.
Indira Awaas Yojana- Fulfilling the Need for Rural Housing
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helter is a basic need of a citizen which is critical for determining the quality of human life. A roof over the head endows a shelterless person, with an essential asset and improves his physical and mental well being. Hence, fulfilling the need for rural housing and tackling housing shortage particularly for the poorest is an important task to be undertaken as part of the poverty alleviation efforts of the Government. The Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) is a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Rural Development. Under the scheme, financial assistance is provided to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) households in the rural areas for construction of dwelling units. It has been in operation since 1985-86. The funding of IAY is shared between the Centre and States in the ratio of 75:25. In the case of Union Territories, entire funds of IAY are provided by the Centre. In case of North East States, the funding ratio between the Centre and States is 90:10. The ceiling on construction assistance under IAY is Rs. 45,000 per unit in the plain areas and Rs. 48,500 in hilly/difficult areas/IAP districts. For upgradation of kutcha house, the financial assistance is Rs. 15,000 per unit. In addition to the unit assistance availed, a beneficiary can also borrow a top-up loan upto Rs. 20,000/- from any nationalized Bank at 4% interest per annum under Differential Rate of Interest (DRI) Scheme. The criteria for allocation of IAY funds to the States and UTs involve assigning 75% weightage to housing shortage and 25% to poverty ratio. The allocation amongst districts is based on 75% weightage to housing shortage and 25% weightage to SC/ST component. Further, 60% of the IAY allocation is meant for benefiting SC/ST families, 3% for physically handicapped and 15% for minorities. Also the IAY houses are expected to be invariably allotted in the name of women. In addition, 5% of the central allocation can be utilized for meeting exigencies arising out of natural calamities and other emergent situations like riot, arson, fire, rehabilitation etc. In
order to introduce transparency in selection of beneficiaries, permanent IAY waitlists have to be prepared gram panchayat wise by the States/UTs. These lists contain the name of deserving BPL families who need IAY houses in order of their poverty status based on the BPL list 2002. Gram Sabha select the beneficiaries from the list of eligible BPL households/Permanent IAY waitlist wherever it has been prepared. Construction of an IAY house is the sole responsibility of the beneficiary. Engagement of contractors is prohibited and no specific type, design has been stipulated for an IAY house. However, sanitary latrine and smokless chullah are required to be constructed
Convergence of Various Centrally Sponsored Schemes with IAY Under RGGVY each IAY beneficiary can get a free electricity connection to his house, under Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) an IAY beneficiary who will construct a sanitary latrine can get TSC funds in addition to the unit assistance he has got under IAY, all willing IAY beneficiaries can get the benefits available under Janshree Bima and Aam Aadmi Bima policies, under DRI, an IAY beneficiary can borrow up to Rs. 20,000/from any Nationalized Bank at 4% interest per annum to top up the unit assistance he has got under IAY. Allotment of Homestead Plot
The funding of IAY is shared between the
Centre and States in the ratio of 75:25. In the case of Union Territories, entire funds
of IAY are provided by the Centre. In case of North East States, the funding ratio
between the Centre and States is 90:10. alongwith each IAY house. For construc- A scheme was launched on 24th August, tion of a sanitary latrine, the beneficiary 2009 as part of IAY, for providing homecan avail of financial assistance as stead sites to those rural BPL households admissible under the TSC. whose names are included in the permanent Bharat Nirman Programme IAY waitlists but who have neither agriculRural Housing is one of the six compo- tural land nor a house site. Since inception of nents of Bharat Nirman Programme. the scheme, funds amounting to Rs. 347.46 Under Bharat Nirman Programme Phase-I, crore have been released to States namely 60 lakh houses were envisaged to be Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, constructed through Indira Awaas Yojana Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh and all over the country during the four years Maharashtra for purchase of land and Rs. i.e. from 2005-06 to 2008-2009. Against 1367.31 crore have been released to this target, 71.76 lakh houses were Karnataka, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tripura, constructed with an expenditure of Rs. Madhya Pradesh, Chhatisgarh, West 21720.39 crore. The target for the next five Bengal, Rajastan, Maharashtra and years period starting from the year 2009- Jharkand as incentive for additional houses for providing homestead sites. 10, has been doubled to 120 lakh houses.
Monitoring Mechanism The Indira Awaas Yojana is being continuously reviewed through Monthly and Annual Reports received from the States/UTs. Senior officers at the level of Deputy Secretaries and above in the Ministry are appointed as Area Officers for different States/UTs. These Area Officers visit the allotted States/UTs from time to time and inspect the actual implementation of the programme in the field. They also participate in the State Level Coordination Committee Meetings providing thereby, a source of effective link between the policy makers, i.e., the Government and the implementing agencies (States /UT Governments). The programme is also reviewed at the meeting with the State Secretaries of Rural Development and with the Project Directors of DRDAs in the workshops held every year. From April 2007 onwards, an online monitoring mechanism has been put in place to enable DRDAs to upload their monthly progress reports into the website of the Ministry. The web-based local language MIS Programme ‘AWAASsoft’ was launched, this software captures beneficiary-wise data and is accessible to all the stake holders, beneficiaries and citizens at large. During the last year 2011-12, Rs. 9991.20 crore (including Rs. 500.00 crore for Homestead Component) were allocated for Rural Housing for construction of 27.27 lakh houses under Indira Awaas Yojana, against the physical target of construction of 27.27 lakh houses, 24.66 lakh houses were constructed after utilization of Rs. 12814.88 crore and 26.95 lakh houses were under construction. In the current financial year 2012-13, the total budgetary outlay for Rural Housing is Rs. 11075.00 crore. Out of which Rs. 10513.20 crore has been earmarked under Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) for construction of 30.09 lakh houses and Rs. 553.00 crore for Homestead Component. Rs. 4783.70 crore has already been released as first installment of funds.
Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer.
HE A L+H 58
ZABARWANTIMES ZABARWAN TIMES SATURDAY | 29 JUNE 2013
Babies better at learning complex languages
Infants as young as three months of age are able to automatically detect and learn complex dependencies between syllables in spoken language, a new study has revealed. In contrast, adults only recognised the same dependencies when asked to actively search for them.
The study by scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Leipzig also highlights the important role of basic pitch discrimination abilities for early language development. The speed and apparent ease with which young infants learn the
basics of a language regularly astound parents and scientists alike. Of course, adults are usually assumed to have the edge in sophisticated language learning. However, scientists Jutta Mueller, Angela D. Friederici and Claudia Maennel have now found that when it comes to extracting complex rules from spoken language, a threemonth-old outperforms adult learners. For 20 minutes, the scientists played a stream of syllables to babies while measuring their brain responses using electroencephalography (EEG). Pairs of syllables appeared together, but were separated by a third syllable. Jutta Mueller, first author of the study, stresses that "such dependencies between non-neighbouring elements are typical for
natural languages and can be found in many grammatical constructions." For instance, in the sentence "The boy always smiles", the third-personsuffix "s" of the verb is dependent on the noun "boy". In the study, this was reflected in the use of combinations like "le" and "bu" in sequences like "le-wibu". From time to time, however, combinations like "le-wi-to" would appear, in which one of the syllables was out of place. "EEG measurements showed us that the babies recognized this rule violation", Mueller said. Additionally, the scientists would occasionally change the tone of one syllable to a higher pitch - with an interesting outcome: Only those infants whose brains reacted to pitch changes in
a more mature way could detect the syllable dependencies. When facing the same task as the babies, adults only showed a reaction to the rule violations when asked to explicitly look for dependencies between the syllables. Mueller and her colleagues conclude that, evidently, the automatic recognition ability is lost later on. "What we found particularly interesting is that the small group of adults who did show evidence of rule learning also showed a stronger brain response to the pitch changes," she said. These findings not only help understand how children manage to learn language so quickly during early development, but also point to a strong link between very basic auditory skills and sophisticated rule learning abilities.
As experts deem fake tans 'dangerous', we look at other toiletries that might well be damaging your health, too. Fake tan products are far from alone in containing chemicals that research suggests can have nasty side effects. Many cosmetics are formulated with a mixture of controversial synthetic ingredients that have been linked to health problems including breast cancer, hormone disruption, fertility issues, asthma, allergies, diabetes and
birth defects. And it's this socalled 'chemical cocktail' that has some experts worried especially when you consider the huge number of different lotions and potions most of us use each day. "No one can say that if you use X, Y and Z you're going to develop cancer or diabetes," says Elizabeth SalterGreen, of a UK charity. "But an increasing amount of research suggests that high levels of certain ingredients can affect our health."
"When you take into account the sheer number of products we now use, and the fact that we're also exposed to some of these chemicals through household cleaners, food pesticides, packaging and general industrial output," continues Elizabeth, "there's a concern that this collective onslaught could take us over the safety threshold." "Our skin is not an impenetrable barrier," says author Dawn Mellowship.
Migraines do not hurt your brain
Migraines are not associated with cognitive decline, suggests new research even though previous studies have linked the disorder to increased stroke risk and structural brain lesions. Migraines affect about 20 percent of the female population, and while these headaches are common, not much is known about this complex disease. "Previous studies on migraines and cognitive decline were small and unable to identify a link between the two," said Pamela Rist, research fellow in preventive medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH), who led the study. "Our study was large enough to draw the conclusion that migraines, while painful, are not strongly linked to cognitive decline," said Rist,
the British Medical Journal (BMJ) reports. The research team analysed data from the Women's Health Study, a cohort of nearly 40,000 women, 45 years and older. In this study, researchers analysed data from 6,349 women who provided information about migraine status at baseline and then participated in cognitive testing during follow-up, according to a BWH statement. Participants were classified into four groups: no history of migraine, migraine with aura (unpleasant smell, seeing flashing lights), migraine without aura, and past history of migraine. Cognitive testing was carried out in two-year intervals
up to three times. "Compared with women with no history of migraine, those who experienced migraine with or without aura did not have significantly different rates of cognitive decline," said Rist. "This is an important finding for both physicians and patients. Patients with migraine and their treating doctors should be reassured that migraine may not have long-term consequences on cognitive function.
London: Sleeping pills seldom worked for 40 percent of the poppers who suffer from insomnia, says a survey of 20,000 people, according to a British study. Some 42 percent of the patients currently on medication have been sleeping badly for over 11 years or more. A further 22 percent had insomnia lasting two to five years, while one in six had suffered between six and 10 years, the survey revealed.Experts said the study suggested that sleeping pills were not combating long-term sleep problems and that cognitive behavioural therapy has been proven to be more effective.Around 10 million National Heath Service (MHS) prescriptions for sleeping pills are issued each year. But NHS guidelines say they should be for short-term use only - usually for two weeks
and up to a maximum of four weeks at a time. Findings from The Great British Sleep Survey of more than 20,000 adults in Britain found we are a nation of poor sleepers. The average score of sleep quality was only five out of 10. Long-term poor sleepers were twice as likely to have relationship problems, suffer from daytime fatigue and lack of concentration. The survey also showed almost one in 10 with insomnia were on sleeping pills
prescribed by their doctor, with one in five using over the counter remedies. American research this year found sleeping pills may significantly increase the risk of premature death.The latest survey was sponsored by Sleepio, an online sleep improvement programme which uses cognitive behavioural techniques. Andrew McCulloch, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation, has campaigned for the NHS to highlight the importance of sleep.
Grapes good for men's heart health
Toiletries that might damage your health
"It absorbs a significant amount of what we apply to it into the bloodstream and it can then be stored in the body, where it accumulates and has the potential to do harm." How to reduce your levels of chemical exposure 1.Use fewer products to reduce your overall exposure. 2. Check the label and watch out for synthetic chemicals such as parabens, formaldehyde and triclosan. 3.Don't assume organic or natural is always best. While many such products contain fewer toxic synthetic chemicals, it's still worth checking out the ingredients on a product to find out what is actually in there. 4.If there is a big long list of unpronounceable chemical names then it might be worth looking for something with fewer ingredients that you recognise. 5.Pay particular attention to the products that stay on your skin the longest, such as creams and lotions. 6. Swap dark hair dye for vegetable-based colours or those stating they're PPDfree.
Sleeping pills don`t work for 40 percent poppers
Consuming grapes may help protect heart health in people with metabolic syndrome, a new study has revealed. Researchers observed a reduction in key risk factors for heart disease in men with metabolic syndrome: reduced blood pressure, improved blood flow and reduced inflammation. Natural components found in grapes, known as polyphenols, are thought to be responsible for these beneficial effects. The randomized, placebocontrolled, crossover study, led by principal investigator Dr. Maria Luz Fernandez and Jacqueline Barona, a PhD student in Dr. Fernandez' lab at the Department of Nutritional Sciences of the University of Connecticut, recruited men between 30 and 70 years of age with metabolic syndrome. The study is believed to be the first to look at the impact of grapes on metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together - increased blood pressure, a high blood sugar level, excess body fat around the waist or low HDL (the good cholesterol) and in-
The postpartum diet need not be complicated — just a mix of ageold remedies and home science The stork came and went, and left you multitudes of relatives who are telling you what to eat. They are peddling age-old remedies, while you are clutching on to your doctor's advice of no green vegetables or fruits. Iron deficiency, constipation and soreness are some of the things you may suffer, while expending more energy and needing more calcium. The best path is to try out both sets of advice and see what works for you. Ketaki Karpe-Kolgaonkar, new mother and clinical pharmacist found that 'the diet should be all about the mother's needs'. "The baby takes the nutrition it needs and doesn't need any help doing that," she says. "Watch out for bacteria from unwashed vegetables, unpasteurised milk, unfiltered water or uncooked meats." Raise calorie intake Nutritionist Dr Shilpa Joshi emphasises on the importance of wholesome meals with no restrictions apart from oil and spice, unless the doctor says so specifically. "The mother needs extra energy,
creased blood triglycerides - significantly increasing the risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Metabolic syndrome is a major public health concern, and is on the rise in the U.S. In this study, participants were randomly assigned to consume grapes, in the form of a freeze-dried whole grape powder, or a placebo powder, for four weeks. Then, following a 3-week "washout" period where neither grapes nor placebo were
at least in the first six months, because she will be nursing the baby more often," she says. "So she needs to eat more calories, which will come from small meals, which are rich in proteins — nuts, daals and legumes." If you are a non-vegetarian, don't switch to a leafy vegetarian meal instantly. This will cause you more harm than good. Eat shredded meat in soups and broths without too much spice or oil. Pump iron Since a new mother suffers from loss of blood, her iron levels could be precariously balanced. A little spinach can go a long way. Ketaki developed low iron levels in her second trimester, and panicked. "So I started to incorporate spinach in everything such as daal, chappati dough and even in chicken curry." She continued this after the baby came, which steadied her iron levels. Milk the calcium It goes without saying that you'll need lots of calcium so that the baby can use the cafeteria uninterrupted. "If you are lactose intolerant, and can't drink milk or eat milk products, go for curd," says Joshi. "Garden cress seeds (aleev
consumed, individuals were allocated to the alternate treatment. This powerful study design allowed investigators to compare the response of each individual to consumption of both the placebo and grapes. The study results showed that for each of the study's subjects, grape consumption resulted in significant decreases in blood pressure, improved blood flow (greater vasodilation), and
or haleem), are a rich source for calcium. Traditionally, these are made into sugar-rich ladoos. If you are being careful about sugar, make a haleem kheer." Water yourself There's not much you can do to artificially stimulate breast milk, other than drink lots of fluids. Also, new mothers tend to be a little scared of the pain and resist passing urine or stools, which can result in constipation. Ordinarily, this can be resolved by medication, but because medicines will pass on the baby, it's better to take preventive action. "I used to keep a huge bottle of water and use a straw to sip it so as to not put pressure on a the C section incision," says Ketaki. Joshi also suggests ingesting fluids by drinking lots of soup, coconut water, broths, whole fruits, fresh fruit juices and milkshakes that are also easier to eat for the harried mother. "I would drink strawberry milkshake so that it didn't feel like you are adding ten things to the plate. Even eating seems overwhelming to a new mom and
decreases in a compound associated with inflammation. "These results suggest that consuming grapes can improve important risk factors associated with heart disease, in a population that is already at higher risk," Fernandez said. This further supports the accumulating evidence that grapes can positively influence heart health, and extends it to men with metabolic syndrome," Fernandez added.
if she has to chew one thing less, it's a huge convenience," says Ketaki. "Fluids help flush out toxins and medication, and help stay oriented even with the lack of sleep that comes with parenting." Yoghurt is not only a stool softener but also has the probiotics essential for keeping Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) away. Edible gum balls (dink ladoos) are a good laxative because of their combination of ghee, edible gum and nuts. "After the baby came, I would resist therapeutic Indian food without thinking about whether it was scientific," says Ketaki. "I eventually did eat one dinkache laadoo a day and that did me good. Sometimes, it pays to listen to your mother she may know best."
NATION
7 SRINAGAR Saturday, June 29, 2013
DAILY ZABARWAN TIMES
Time to take stock: If Himachal Chidambaram hints at subsidised gas rates for the power and fertilizer sectors claims Rs.2575 crore in damages how
While defending the hike in natural gas prices from $4.2 mbtu to $8.4 mbtu, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on Friday hinted at subsidized gas rates for the power and fertilizer sectors to protect consumers from a huge financial burden from April next year. Briefing journalists here about the decision of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) to hike gas prices based on the Rangarajan Committee formula from April 1, 2014, Mr. Chidambaram said the move to almost double the gas prices was taken in view of the dramatic decline in investments in the oil and gas sector. This had to be made up by importing expensive Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). “The only way to correct this is to give a reasonable price which will attract this investment. For every unit of gas that we do not produce, it does not mean we are not consuming that gas. We are importing that one unit,” he said. It was after an unusually long meeting which also saw some Ministers raising objections on the gas price hike, that the CCEA approved the pricing of all domestically produced natural gas at an average of the cost of imported LNG.
much should Uttarakhand get?
According to the Rangarajan formula, valid for five years, gas rates will change every quarter based on average imported cost and international hub rates. The Power and Fertilizer Ministers had vehemently opposed the hike stating that it would lead to the cost of generating electricity at Rs. 6.40 per unit from Rs. 2.93. “At the moment we are fixing only output prices, the price payable to gas producers,” Mr.
Chidambaram argued. “This will indeed have an impact on the consumer, but those prices are not being fixed today. The price that power and fertiliser companies will pay for is not being fixed now.” The Finance Minister said the government was conscious of the need to keep power and fertilizer prices low. “It could be tweaking prices or it could be bearing an additional subsidy. There are various
Congress hits back at Rajnath Singh, says BJP spreading ‘communalitis’
Hitting back at BJP chief Rajnath Singh over his comments that Congress is spreading “secularitis” in the country, Union Minister Manish Tewari on Friday said BJP spreads “communalitis, sectarianitis, fundamentalistitis and obscurantistites.” “BJP - Cong spreading secularitis! BJP spreads communalitis, sectarianitis, fundamentalistitis and obscurantistites. What ites helps idea of India?(sic)” The Information and Broadcasting
minister wrote on Twitter. The BJP chief, in a press conference in Lucknow on Thursday, referring to the 2002
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit mocks Arvind Kejriwal on inflated electricity bills
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Friday took a jibe at Aam Admi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal over the issue raised by Mr Kejriwal on inflated electricity bills. “In the last few years, the sale of generators has declined in Delhi and the sale of ACs (airconditioners) has risen sharply. If you use an AC, you will have to pay its electricity bill. But Kejriwal does not talk about that,” Ms Diskhit said. “His (Kejriwal) power was cut as he did not pay his bill,” said Ms Diskhit while speaking at a seminar ‘Delhi: Kal, Aaj Aur Kal’ (yesterday, today and tomorrow) organised by the Associate Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham). Mr Kejriwal on Thursday had accused the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd. (UPPCL) of disconnecting the electricity connection of his house in Kaushambi in Ghaziabad district, for non-payment of his electricity bill. The power utility denied the allegation, saying that it neither cut Mr Kejriwal’s power connection nor restored it. In March, Mr Kejriwal had launched a massive agitation against Ms Dikshit’s government in Delhi, alleging that it helped private power companies by increasing the power tariff. He raked up a controversy recently by putting up posters calling the chief minister corrupt and warning people that rapes in Delhi would continue if she was voted to power again.
post Godhra riots had said that while in this instance guilt had been punished, it had not happened in other cases. He had then gone on to attack Congress saying it was spreading “secularitis” in the country. “Gujarat riots were not provoked by the CM, but who provoked 1984 anti-Sikh riots is know to all. Who said that when a big tree falls then earth shakes. Congress like encephalitis, is spreading the disease of secularitis in the country,” Singh had said.
methods but at the moment we are not addressing those issues.” The Finance Minister said that imported gas price was three times the domestic gas rate and importing gas was unsustainable for the Indian economy. The new price will apply uniformly to all producers, be it state-owned companies like Oil and Natural Gas Corporation or a private sector company Reliance Industries Limited, he added.
have been damaged. He said that loss to private property has been estimated at around Rs.100 crores and 2120 roads have been washed away resulting in a loss of over Rs.1000 crore. He said that total 525 water supply schemes, 280 Irrigation schemes, 5 sewerage schemes and 30 flood protection works have been damaged resulting a loss of over Rs.200 crore. “More than 50,000 hectare of agriculture land has also been damaged resulting in loss of over Rs.200 crore. Over 50,000 hectare horticulture land has been affected resulting in loss of over Rs.400 crore to crops. Power infrastructure
has also been severely damaged which will require a budget of Rs.500 crore to rebuilt the infrastructure. Chief Minister said that essential commodities had been made available in most areas of the state. The CM has also requested the PM to deploy senior engineers of the Border Roads Organisation in Kinnaur to expedite the restoration works of National Highway 22. He also requested the Ministry of Defence to formulate a long term plan for the stretch from Wangtu to Kaurik as this road has been ravaged by repeated floods since the year 2000 . Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of state government for launching massive relief operations in the state and rescuing all the stranded tourists and locals immediately. He assured all possible help and assistance from central government for reconstruction and relief works in affected areas of the State.
Congress, NCP demand investigation into Gopinath Munde’s poll expenses
MUMBAI: BJP MP & Deputy leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Gopinath Munde’s revelation that he spent Rs 8 crore on election campaign in the last Lok Sabha polls has caused a flutter in the political sphere with both the ruling parties Congress and NCP demanding investigation into campaign expenses and action by the Election Commission against Munde. Gopinath Munde surprised everybody at a book release function in presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday by publicly stating that he spent Rs 8 crores on his election campaign in the 2009 Lok Sabha polls. Munde said “When I contested my first assembly elections in 1980 I spent just Rs.29,000. But now elections have become so expen-
sive that I had to spend Rs.8 crore on my campaign in the last Lok Sabha polls”. Reacting to Munde’s remarks, Maharashtra Home Minister RR Patil demanded that the Election Commission should take note and decide whether such candidates should be allowed to contest in future. “”The Election Commission should take the state-
Bravehearts who died in Uttarakhand chopper crash given Guard of Honour
Dehradun: Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde today led the nation in paying tributes to the 20 bravehearts, who died in Tuesday’s chopper crash while rescuing stranded people in floodravaged Uttarakhand. Mr Shinde, Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna, Army Chief General Bikram Singh, senior officials of Army, Air Force, ITBP and NDMA paid their respect to the personnel at a special function organised by the Uttarakhand government and NDMA. The ‘guard of honour’-- a ceremonial mark of respect-- to the five Air Force, six ITBP and nine NDRF personnel, was led by Mr Shinde. Six ITBP personnel who lost their lives were Commandant Nand Ram, Sub Inspector Jayender Prasad, Constables Jomon P G, Bibhuti Roy, Sarvesh Kumar and Ajay Lal. The sophisticated Mi-17V5 helicopter of
Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Friday called on Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh at New Delhi and demanded Rs.1000 crore package for immediate relief and restoration works in flood affected areas. Virbhadra Singh told the Prime Minister that the loss caused to the private and public property has been estimated around Rs.2575 crore . “As many as 1239 persons had been evacuated to safer places so far and 24 people have lost their lives in the flash floods. Kinnaur district is worst affected which received unprecedented 1229 per cent more rainfall between 15th to 17th June 2013. Funds amounting to Rs.28 crore have been released as an immediate relief by the state government,” said Virbhadra Singh. Virbhadra Singh told the Prime Minister that that more than 10,000 cattle heads perished in the flash floods and more than 1000 houses
IAF had crashed in bad weather during a rescue mission in the flood-ravaged hill state. Mr Shinde said the nation would not forget the supreme sacrifice of these 20 brave men who gave their lives while rescuing thousands of people in the Uttarakhand flood. “The guard of honour to the 20 bravehearts is a little step from our side to remember their supreme sacrifice for the service of the nation. We offer our prayer to all those who lost their lives,” he said.
ment seriously. The poll panel should also decide on whether to allow such candidates to contest elections again, I am sure party activists will file some appeal with EC to investigate this issue”” R.R.Patil said. The Congress party too was quick to take the opportunity to target the BJP leader over his comments. Congress state spokesperson Sachin Sawant said “The expenditure of all BJP candidates in the earlier elections need to be examined as there is a big chance that they may be following in their leaders footsteps. It needs to be examined with respect to their demeanour when they disrespected the parliament by bringing in cash in the house”. The BJP state unit of Maharashtra was cautious and on the defen-
sive. BJP state spokesperson refused to comment on the issue, however Gopinath Munde himself issued a statement. Munde said “If the election commission asks me any questions or sends me a notice, I will send them my reply. I made a statement in Thursday’s function only to explain how election expenses are increasing and election reforms are necessary”. Munde’s statement shocked many because the figure of campaign expenses that he quoted was 20 times higher than the expenditure officially permissible in campaigns. The Union Law Ministry had raised in 2011 the maximum limit on expenses that can be incurred by a candidate contesting Lok Sabha poll from Rs. 25 lakh to Rs. 40 lakh.
US immigration Bill to badly hit Indian companies: USIBC
WASHINGTON, JUN 28: The landmark immigration reforms bill, which has been passed by the US Senate, would have an adverse impact on the global competitiveness of US companies and badly hit Indian IT companies, a top American business advocacy organization has said. These concerns arise mainly because the bill retains several killer provisions, particularly those related to the H-1B visas, which allows US employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. “The Bill unfairly targets American companies trying to remain globally competitive by reducing their ability to contract with global IT service providers and restricting their access to the international expertise they need,” USIBC President Ron Somers told PTI. “Such restrictions could stifle US innovation, slow local job creation and force companies to move jobs overseas,” Somers warned after the Senate passed the bill, which was hailed by President Barack Obama
as bringing one closer to fixing the broken immigration system. Early this month, USIBC had announced the establishment of the Coalition for Jobs & Growth to help ensure that American businesses of all types have access to the international expertise they need to continue to drive forward economic growth and job creation. It hired the services of major law firm Patton Boggs for lobbying at the scale of the US-India civil nuclear advocacy effort, augmented by a public relations campaign spearheaded by APCO Worldwide. “The USIBC Coalition prefers H R 2131, the SKILLS Visa Act, that was passed out of committee in the House today, which does not follow the problematic approach of the Senate Bill, which will hamper American companies’ competitiveness,” said Somers. Early this month, USIBC announced the establishment of the Coalition for Jobs & Growth to help ensure that American businesses of all types have access to the international expertise they need to continue
to drive forward economic growth and job creation. Specifically, the the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act (S 744) imposes new and onerous restrictions and higher fees on H-1B and L1 visa programs on the international IT services sector and would create an uneven playing field that will harm US clients, including the majority of Fortune 500 companies. Members of the Coalition for Jobs and Growth (CJG) are now working with the Obama Administration and Congress to eliminate narrow protectionist provisions in the current legislation that will hamper economic growth and impede American competitiveness by creating unnecessary bureaucracy.
3000 missing in Uttarakhand, 1000 stranded in Badrinath
With weather improving, rescue operations picked up pace in Uttarakhand today as 17 choppers have been flown to evacuate people still stranded at various locations in the hill state. Rescue teams launched a decisive push to evacuate the remaining 1,000 stranded pilgrims from Badrinath in flood-ravaged Uttarakhand on Friday.Indian Air Force helicopters began sorties from Dehradun early morning as the rescue operations entered Day 11, which officials indicated could see completion of the “job”. Even as 20 choppers including the IAF’s Mi-17s and private ones were pressed into service, fog around the Joshimath airbase put operations on hold.Officials said an estimated 3,000 people were missing, and efforts have been intensified to trace their whereabouts.The focus now is on Badrinath Dham area, where majority of the pilgrims are now stranded, they said.Details and photographs of those missing can be uploaded on the state government website to help authorities in tracking them.An official estimate said approximately 1,237 persons are now stranded at different places across the state. Till now 1,04,687 persons have been evacuated from different places by road and air.Army and paramilitary personnel on the ground also redoubled efforts.Army chief Gen Bikram Singh arrived this morning at Gauchar to review ongoing relief operations and pay tribute to the 20 soldiers killed in a
chopper crash near Gaurikund on Tuesday. Army chief General Bikram Singh reached Dehradun and said, “Weather permitting, we will rescue all today.”The Uttarakhand government also estimates it will take at least three years and more than Rs. 2,000 crore to restore the highways and bridges destroyed in flash floods and landslides. Union home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde is also scheduled to arrive in Dehradun to honour the bravehearts who laid down their lives during the rescue operations. Thousands dead The Uttarakhand government has finally admitted that thousands of people could have been killed in the June 16 disaster that struck the state, where it will take at least three years and more than Rs. 2,000 crore to permanently restore the highways and bridges destroyed in the calamity.“Although the official death toll is 550, the natural calamity was so massive that thousands of people may have lost their lives,” chief secretary Subhash Kumar said in Dehradun on Thursday.The admission came amid confusion over the mass cremation of dead pilgrims that began in Kedarnath on
Wednesday.Guard of honour for chopper crash victims The 20 rescuers who died in the Mi-17V5 chopper crash in Kedarnath valley on Tuesday have been given a guard of honour on Friday.The bodies of the rescuers were brought to Dehradun on Thursday. A day after the crash, Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne had visited Gauchar and met officers and men to boost their morale.The crash in difficult weather conditions had killed five IAF officials, six Indo-Tibetan Border Police personnel and nine members of the National Disaster Response Force.Relief and rescue:Helicopters took off to rescue an estimated 1,237 people now stuck at different places in the hill state, with the Harshil sector totally cleared of pilgrims.All major roads except the Joshimath-Badrinath, Rudraprayag-Gaurikund and Uttarkashi-Gangotri routes have been reopened, raising hopes of speedy evacuation, they said.Free transport is being arranged for all people till they reach their respective destinations, they said. Special counters have been established in Dehradun, Haridwar, Ri-
shikesh, Haldwani and Kathgodam.Special coaches are also being attached in different trains to help the pilgrims reach their destinations. Free access is being arranged for stranded pilgrims at various places where mobile and landline connectivity is available to enable them to contact their relatives.Efforts have been geared up to ensure that the near and dear ones of those missing or affected, get updated information regarding the situation on the ground, which is being made available on the state government website (www. uk.gov.in).All District Magistrates have started distributing ‘gratuitous relief’ to the affected people, besides trying to ensure adequate availability of kerosene and LPG cylinders, official sources said.Assessment of the damage caused to the public infrastructure is underway, and restoration work is also being taken up on a priority basis. Cremation continues:Mass cremation of bodies in Kedarnath, the worst-affected in flood fury, was on, as authorities were racing against time to minimise risks of epidemic outbreak.Authorities in Rudraprayag district geared up for a fresh bout of cremations at Kedarnath, where 33 bodies have been consigned to flames in the last two days. Officials fear nearly 200 bodies could be under debris in Kedarnath alone.
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