Srinagar, August 8 (GNS): Governor N.N. Vohra visited the Institute of Kashmir Studies (IKS) University of Kashmir, and had extensive interactions with the Faculty and Post–graduate scholars at the Institute.
Governor, who is the Chancellor of the University and the Chairman of Governing Body of IKS, in his interactions with the research scholars and the Faculty, emphasized the need for making the Institute a vibrant centre of excellence for undertaking quality research on social, cultural, historical and other issues of contemporary relevance. He urged the IKS scholars to pursue research on identified issues relating to the core areas of the Institute’s Charter and, side by side, also undertake analytical studies of major contemporary problems and challenges which face India and her neighbours.
Governor observed that there is need to strengthen the Institute’s infrastructure and research facilities and added that IKS must have wide ranging research programmes which, besides encompassing pure research, also pursue inter-disciplinary studies of the major problems in the South Asia region. Such comparative studies would be of great relevance to policy makers. He also suggested inter institutional linkages being developed with selected national and international institutions some of which are also doing eminent researches on issues relating to South Asia region.
Governor urged the scholars and Faculty to give wide publicity to their research findings and also advised the Vice Chancellor, who is Director IKS, forfollow up on the career paths of the pass outs of the first three batches of the Masters Programme to assess the usefulness of the teaching being carried out at IKS.
Prof. Khurshid Iqbal Andrabi, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir and Director IKS, participated in the interaction session.
Later, Governor laid the foundation stone of New Administrative Block and a Laboratory Block at the Main Campus and visited the Health Club of the University. He also inaugurated two blocks of the Sheikh-ul-Alam Boys Hostel at University’s Zakura Campus. Governor took a round of the new Hostel Blocks and viewed the facilities being provided to the hostel students. (GNS)
Peace imperative for dev, JK enjoys spl status, needs to be protected, preserved: Mehbooba
Lays foundation of Aripanthan-Khag, Jawalapora roads, inaugurates Magam Degree College
JAWALAPORA(BUDGAM), AUGUST 08: Terming peace imperative for development, Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti today said the special status enjoyed by the State under the Constitution needs to be protected and preserved.
Addressing a largely attended public meeting after inaugurating Randakdaji-Jawalapora-Gaffarabad road here, the Chief Minister said the legislature of the State enjoys huge powers unlike any other State Assembly. She stressed on preserving and protecting this status for which she appealed every section of the society.
Reminding people of recent passage of GST Act by the State Assembly, Mehbooba Mufti said Jammu & Kashmir has enacted its own law in this regard which no other State in the country has. She said the gurantees carried in the said Presidential Order reflect the special status Jammu & Kashmir enjoys within the constitution of India.
The Chief Minister said opening of historic routes along LoC in the State, frequent exchange of students, artists and other groups are the ideas which once worked would bring a lasting peace in the State by promoting more people to people exchanges.
Terming peace imperative for development, Mehbooba Mufti said only a conducive peaceful atmosphere can lead the State to prosperity and resolution of the issues. She said Government has taken up several developmental programmes this year which could not be taken up last year due to unrest. She said her Government has taken up developmental activities in areas which so far have remained neglected.
Minister for Public Works, Naeem Akhtar in his address said the projects being taken up for execution are made time bound with proper fund flow so that the works do not suffer due to paucity or get carried beyond deadline period. He said the Chief Minister has issued specific directions that till work is not started foundation stones should not be laid.
MLC, Saiffudin Bhat also addressed the public meeting.
The Randakdaji-Jawalapora-Gaffarabad road is to be built at a cost of Rs. 15.05 crore and it would be completed in two years. With the completion of the road project, the connectivity to Doodhpathri and Tosa Maidan tourist destinations would be improved.
The Chief Minister also visited Khag where she laid the foundation of 10 Kilometre Khag-Aripanthan road to be upgraded from the present single lane to double lane at a cost of Rs. 13.08 crore. It would be completed by next year end. The villages to benefit from the road upgradation include Hazerpora, Kandahama, Gamboora, Bonigund, Suresh, Nasarpora and Khag.
Later, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation of a modern health centre at Khag to be set up by the Government Medical College, Srinagar at a cost of Rs. 5.28 crore. It would have diagnostic facilities, ophthalmology, dentistry, ENT besides medical and gynae units.
Addressing a largely attended public meeting after the foundation, the Chief Minister announced setting up of a Fire station, a tourist facility in view of the scenic beauty of the area and development of a sports field there. These demands were raised by the locals with the Chief Minister.
Minister for Health & Medical Education, Bali Bhagat; Minister of State for Health, Asiea Naqash; Principal, GMC, Srinagar and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
Earlier, the Chief Minister visited Magam where she inaugurated the newly constructed Degree College. She was received at the college by Minister for Education, Syed Altaf Bukhari; Minister of State for Education, Priya Sethi and Principal Secretary, Higher Education, Dr. Asgar Samoon.
Built at a cost of Rs. 9.83 crore, the college for 1500 students comprises academic, administrative and Library blocks.
Mehbooba Mufti directed fencing of the college and landscaping of the open spaces. She also interacted with the students of the college who projected certain demands.
Responding to their demands, the Chief Minister directed exploring possibilities for opening additional streams like Music, Science and Commerce, construction of auditorium and developing sports facilities and also strengthening the computer lab with manpower and equipment.
Minister for Public Works, Naeem Akhtar; MLA, Gulmarg, Muhammad Abbas Wani; former legislator, Dr. Shafi Ahmad Wani and local activist, Nazir Ahmad khan besides officers of divisional and district administration and large number of people were present on the occasion. (GNS)
Hizb module busted, three held in Baramulla: police
Srinagar, August 8 (GNS): Police on Tuesday claimed to have busted a module of Hizbul Mujahideen in Kreeri area of Baramulla district by arresting three of its members.
A police official said that in its continuous efforts to foil the designs of “terror elements to build a terror infrastructure to lure young boys to militancy”, police assisted by army’s 29 RR and CRPF on a specific information laid a joint checkpoint at Behrampora Tilgam crossing in district and apprehended 3 suspected individuals.
The arrested persons have been identified as Waseem Ahmed Mir, Umer Hassan Rather and Hussain Rather. Police said that it recovered 2 Chinese pistols along with ammunition from their possession. “On sustained questioning, the trio admitted that they are working for Hizbul Mujahideen terror outfit and are motivating young boys into militancy.
“These individuals have been long time conduits of terrorists in North Kashmir playing a major role in enticing young boys to join militancy. This network was being spearheaded by Hizbul Mujahideen commander Parvez Wani alias Mubashir,” said the official. The police claimed that this network of these militants have been not only luring young boys to join militancy but also providing all logistic support to militants in the Andergam Pattan and Sopore areas.
“In this regard Case FIR No 57/2017 under sections of 13 Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, [ULA (P) Act] has been registered in Police station Kreeri and further investigation is going on,” he said, adding: “Though there are unabated attempts by such elements to disturb peace and order in the area by way of recruiting young boys to militancy, all such efforts have been thwarted by Police and security forces so far.”
The police meanwhile said “it's a humble appeal to parents and conscientious citizens to come forward and help police and security forces to prevent such vulnerable youngsters falling prey to militant designs being lured to killing fields”. (GNS)
On Governor’s visit, KUSU holds pro-freedom protest
Srinagar, August 8 (GNS): A group of students affiliated with banned Kashmir University Students Union (KUSU) on Tuesday staged a pro-freedom protest on Governor NN Vohra’s visit to the varsity’s Hazratbal campus.
A KUSU statement said that on Governor’s visit, who is also Chancellor of the KU, they held a protest on the campus. “We were few in number. Even we weren't discouraged by that. For we know, successful revolutions have a minority of dedicated people behind them,” said the KUSU.
It claimed that several departments were sent to picnic considering the arrival of Governor. “On the eve of Asiya-Neelofer event in 2015, a similar trend was applied. Nonetheless, a small group of students held placards denouncing the State and shouting anti-India slogans,” the KUSU statement said. (GNS)
Army trooper killed along LoC in Poonch
Poonch, Aug 8 (GNS): A trooper was killed after Pakistani forces allegedly attacked several posts in border district of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.
A police official told news agency GNS that Pakistani forces targeted some posts along Line Of Control (LoC) in Balnoie area of Krishna Ghati sector today afternoon. A team army’s 20 Kamaon Regiment housing the posts namely ‘Halmat’ post in the area and are guarding the fence when they were fired upon heavily with motor shells and rockets from the other side.
The fire was retaliated effectively and the exchange of shelling was intermittently going on, he said
As the cross border shelling turned intense, an army soldier received a sniper shot in his head and has been shifted to nearby military hospital in critical conditions. However, the doctors declared him brought dead on arrival.
The official identified the deceased soldier as Pawan Kumar. (GNS)
Press Club Jammu organizes 'Meet the Press' programme
JK to soon have maiden Media Advisory Committee: Zulfkar
JAMMU, AUGUST 08 (GNS): Asserting that the Government is taking various measures to facilitate hassle-free discharge of professional duties by the journalists, Minister for Information, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali today said a State Media Advisory Committee (SMAC) will be constituted soon to hash-out the issues confronting the media in J&K.
The Minister said this during an interaction with the media fraternity, organized by the Press Club of Jammu here today. He reiterated that the State Government strongly believes in the freedom of expression guaranteed by the constitution. "It will be the Govt's greatest contribution if the media highlights the issues concerning the people in a responsive and responsible manner," he said.
However, the Minister said that the government expects unbiased and fair reporting from media as it has a key role in dispelling the fears about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, which is imperative for its socio-economic development. He regretted that the repetitive negative media coverage by some TV channels about J&K results in unconstructive impact on the tourist influx and other activities.
He informed that the government has reconstituted Accreditation Committee and simplified the accreditation rules for the convenience of the journalists. An advisory has also been issued by the Govt to the concerned to treat Accreditation and official press cards as curfew passes when the situation so demands, he added.
Listing other measures taken by the government to support working journalists, he informed that the government has decided to institute three annual media awards – Lifetime Achievement Award, Best Journalist of the Year Award and Best Female Journalist award. He said various other steps are also being taken for the welfare of the working journalists which will be rolled out in a phased manner.
He further said the government has recently empanelled 99 newspapers and started online distribution of advertisements for ensuring transparency in the release of government advertisements. He informed that a Committee has been constituted for categorizing the newspapers on the basis of their circulation and taking other parameters into consideration. He also informed that the government also mulls to hike advertisement rates by 50 percent.
The Minister said, “Jammu Press Club would be developed as a Research Centre and guidelines for formulation of Welfare Scheme for journalists will also come out soon.”
“The government has already decided to have separate advertisement budget for print, electronic and digital media for strengthening these means of journalism as well,” he informed further adding that the Government is also planning to de-link advertisement distribution from PR work.
Responding to the demands projected by the media fraternity, the Minister assured that all possible support shall be provided to the journalists. He also sought a comprehensive proposal from the Press Club highlighting the issues of media fraternity.
President Jammu Press Club Ashwani Kumar apprised the Minister about the challenges and difficulties being faced by the working journalists and requested for taking requisite measures for the welfare of the working journalists.
Secretary General Press Club of Jammu Zorawar Singh Jamwal, while hailing the government for taking steps for setting up a Press Club in Srinagar sought help in further development of the Jammu Press Club.
Director Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs R A Inquilabi, Joint Director Information Jammu, Manisha Sarin, Joint Director Information (HQ) Abdul Majid Zargar, officers of Information Department and members of media fraternity were present on the occasion. (GNS)
Chief Secretary chairs JK State Rehabilitation Council meeting
Stresses on 100% DBT coverage of beneficiaries, procurement of scooty’s for differently-abled
Annual Plan of Rs 9.66 cr approved
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 8 (GNS): Chief Secretary, B B Vyas Tuesday asked the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) to ensure that all victims of militancy including widows, orphans, handicapped and old age persons registered with the Council, receive monthly financial assistance directly into their bank accounts via DBT mode.
As 90% beneficiaries have already been brought under DBT mode, a deadline of 15th of August, 2017 was set for 100% coverage under DBT and submitting of beneficiary data and Utilization Certificates (UCs) to the Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
Chairing the Executive Council meeting of SRC here, Chief Secretary said that linking the beneficiary bank account with Aadhaar and State and Central Government schemes will help beneficiaries avail benefits in addition to the normal pension/scholarship assistance.
Chief Secretary observed that DBT/Aadhaar simplifies the government delivery processes, brings in transparency, efficiency and enables beneficiaries to get their entitlements directly in a convenient and seamless manner.
Joint Secretary, Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Smt Ghazala Meenai, Principal Secretary, Home, R K Goyal, Secretary, Social Welfare, Sajad Ahmad Khan representative of Union Home Ministry and other senior officers were present in the meeting.
Upon detailed deliberations, the Executive Council approved the Action Plan 2017-18 to the tune of Rs 8.01 crore, for covering over 7704 militancy victims including widows, daughters, old aged and handicapped persons and Action Plan 2017-18 of Rs 1.65 Crore for covering 1842 orphans.
To address the growing demand of motorized tricycles, the Executive Council approved procurement of 290 more motorized tricycles.
In order to procure more motorized tricycles/ wheelchairs/ Scooty’s and aids/appliances etc, for differently-abled persons, the Council was asked to submit the proposal for release of requisite funds to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the State Planning Department and also to the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, GoI.
Chief Secretary asked the SRC to approach Entrepreneurship Development Institute/ reputed NGOs in order to prepare a suitable scheme for providing vocational training to the widows (victims of militancy) or their dependents, so that they can gain/upgrade skills in their field of preference. (GNS)
Satpaul chairs PUC meeting
Directs for strict implementation, compliance of labor laws
Srinagar, August 08 (GNS): A meeting of the Committee on Public Undertakings (PUC) of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly was held here today under the Chairmanship of MLA, Sat Paul Sharma to examine the CAGs Audit report pertaining to the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation (JKPDC).
Threadbare discussions were held on the Action Taken Report (ATR) submitted by the JKPDC on the observations of CAGs Audit para reports pertaining to the Corporation.
Legislators Ajatshatru Singh, Abdul Majeed Larmi, Raja Manzoor Ahmed, Mohammad Khalil Bandh, Engineer Abdul Rashid and Vikram Randhawa attended the meeting and gave their valuable suggestions to make the Corporation more functional and viable.
The Committee discussed and examined the CAGs Audit paras pertaining to the JKPDC regarding unplanned execution of RMU Projects of Ganderbal Power Project, delay in execution of works of Power Projects, delay in execution of Projects of evacuation of Power and non-payment of labour cess.
The Committee appreciated the efforts made by the Corporation in order to recover the cess amount from the contractors and directed the management to issue the directions for strict implementation/compliance of the labour laws.
The Committee desired to have the revised rates of drinking water available at present and expected final disposal of things up to October this year.
The Committee recommended the contractors who fail to return penalty amount should be blacklisted. RGGVY and DDUDJY also discussed in the meeting and observed the need for proper implementation of these schemes in the State at ground level.
Commissioner Secretary, PDD Dheeraj Gupta and Managing Director, JKPDC, Shah Faesal briefed the Committee about the action taken by the Corporation on CAGs audit paras reports and assured the Committee that the Corporation will take all necessary steps to sort out the queries raised by the CAGs in its report.
Accountant General, CAG,J&K, H Abbas also deliberated the Committee about the observation pointed out by the CAG office.
Among other, Development Commissioner, Power, Secretary, (Tech) PDC, Chief Engineers, S&O, Kashmir and Jammu, Chief Engineers, M&RE, Kashmir and Jammu, Chief Engineer, P&D, Chief Engineer PDC besides senior officers of JKPDC and Assembly Secretariat were also present in the meeting. (GNS)
DGP visits Anantnag , felicitates Jawans, officers for their contribution in policing
Srinagar, August 08:(GNS) In its series of visiting the Range Police headquarters of Kashmir valley, the Director General of Police (DGP), Dr. S.P Vaid today visited Range Police Headquarter Anantnag to honour and felicitate the officers and Jawans, who have contributed in fighting the militancy and also tackled the law and order situation amicably.
Speaking at the darbar, DGP complemented the officers and Jawans for working fearlessly under compelling circumstances and getting hold of the situation in the districts of the range.DGP said that it was because of the hard work of the personnel that police has gained confidence and trust of the people which helped in betterment of the situation.
With regard to various welfare measures, the DGP said that Chief Minister has been kind enough to agree to our proposals with regard to enhancement in selection grade constable quota and in-situ promotion to followers. He said that he has submitted a proposal for increasing the promotion quota SIs, ASIs and HCs to the govt. and hope that it will be favourably considered .He said that under the transparent recruitment policy 5300 constables and 700 Sub Inspectors are being recruited in the force. Major portion of the process has been completed and rest will take some more time to induct about 6000 Officers and jawans. He said that he knows the problems of the personnel very well and PHQ is trying its best to provide better facilities of living in police establishments particularly at police guards.
DGP said that taking care of the health of force personnel is a top priority and a scheme is almost ready and circulated for feedback among different units. Once the feedbacks are received, a final call on its implementation will be taken up with the government. He said that he has taken up the issue of increasing Hardship allowance with the government and is also pursuing for it with the Home department.
Mata Vishnu Devi Narayana Super Speciality Hospital has agreed to provide a discount of fifteen percent on treatment to police personnel and PHQ is in discussion with some other hospitals at Srinagar and Jammu for similar arrangements.
For eradication of social evils, the DGP said that police has taken pledge to end the menace of drug abuse. He impressed upon the force to work hard and make the goal possible. He asked the police to deal firmly with those who break law but should give due respect to the complainant and other people who come to police for some work and assistance.
On this occasion, a piping ceremony was also held in which 43 SPOs were converted as Constables and Followers. 63 out of turn promotion orders were also handed over to officers and other ranks of the range which include 1 Inspector, six ASIs, 14 HCs and 42 selection grade constables.
While talking to press men on the sidelines of the darbar, DGP sought continuation of help of the people for further betterment in situation and restoration of peace in South Kashmir. Expressing his satisfaction over anti-militancy operations, he said that police and security forces are trying their best to minimise collateral damages during encounters. He also said that more than sixty youth have been weaned away from path of militancy and thus sixty families have been saved.
Earlier, Range DIG S.P Pani, in his welcome address said that officers and men under his command have been performing with dedication to their best. He said that because of their efforts they have been able to bring the situation under control in the range. He thanked the DGP for providing bullet proof vehicles to police establishments. He said that because of welfare measures taken by present dispensation, the morale of the force personnel is high and they would continue to work with same zeal and zest.
SSP Anantnag Altaf Ahmad Khan presented a vote of thanks. The darbar was attended by IGP Kashmir, Sh. Munir Ahmad Khan, AIsG of PHQ, all Cos of Armed/IRP battalions of the range, Principal CTC Lethpora, GOs and SHOs of Anantnag.
The police personnel put forth their grievance, which the DGP heard patiently and directed the officers to solve the problems being faced by the policemen.(GNS)