KAS (Mains) exams as per schedule notified by JKPSC

Jammu

It is for the information of the Candidates appearing in forthcoming KAS (Mains) Exam from 15th February 2018, that the exams will be held as per the schedule notified by Public Service Commission.

The official spokesman of the Commission said that there is no truth in the rumours about the postponement of the exams, and all the candidates appearing in the exam are informed not to pay any heed to this rumour mongering.

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Shopian Killing: Now protests erupt across LoC

Umar Khurshid

Srinagar: The civilian killings in Ganawpora village of district Shopian, South Kashmir sparked a protest in Muzaffarabad, the capital city of Pakistan administered Kashmir on Wednesday.

Reports said that hundreds of students of Kashmir University Muzaffarabad hit the streets and registered a protest demonstration against the civilian killings in this part of Kashmir.

Reports also said that hundreds of the students of Kashmir University Muzaffarabad marched from University campus and assembled at CMH Chowk, Muzaffarabad, Pakistan administered Kashmir.

The protesting students including females holding placards and banners seeking an end to innocent killings in this part of Kashmir, the protest rally was later joined by some pro-freedom and human rights organizations including International Forum for Justice.

The protesting students urged upon the international community to take note of the human rights violations committed by India in Kashmir.

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Hearts bleed over everyday killings: Mirwaiz

Srinagar

Valley’s chief priest and chairman of his Hurriyat (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Wednesday said that ‘our hearts bleed as every day we carry the coffins of our youth and added that there is hardly any village in Kashmir which hasn’t been turned red with innocent blood.

File image of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

 

Condemning the killing spree, Mirwaiz, took on to Twitter where he wrote “Third youth injured in Army firing in Shopian, Rayees Ahmed succumbed to injuries this morning! Our hearts bleed! Every day we carry the coffins of our youth on our shoulders & there is hardly any village or lane in #Kashmir which hasn’t been turned red with the blood of innocents!”

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Geelani addresses slain civilian’s funeral over telephone, justifies resentment of people

Srinagar

Chairman of Hurriyat (G), Syed Ali Geelani while justifying the people’s resentment against forces, said that repression and oppression have not made any difference. People’s sentiments boil over when there are killings and they come out on the streets, saying India can never kill the sentiment that has always prevailed among the people.

Rayees’s funeral (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

In his telephonic address, paying tributes to slain youth ,Rayees Ahmad Mir in Shopian, Geelani said that those who lay their lives for a sacred cause, are alive with their Lord and receive sustenance from Him.’’

Spokesman said Geelani while addressing to mourners, said that “Indian forces have left their brutal footprints. We continue to bleed for the last 7 decades, saying that hollow and tall claims of restraint by Indian forces were aimed at befooling the common people and repeated horrific incidents testified our claim that they are trigger happy and want to kill every soul in the state.”

“Indian forces are on the routine basis are repeating the Jallianwala Bagh like massacres here,” he said Geelani and urged International community to set up an International Independent Tribunal to probe theses massacre so that the conspirators and perpetrators of this heinous crime should be unmasked and punished under International Law.

File image of Syed Ali Geelani

Lashing at pro-Indian political parties, Geelani said that PDP, NC, Congress and BJP, all are hand in glove with these killers and stressed people to boycott all these organizations and asked to stay away from these and safeguard sacrifices presented by our youth. “Now it is people’s turn, particularly youth, to unite and foil conspiracies of India and its henchmen against freedom movement,” he said.

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Shopian killing: Army files its version

Srinagar

The Indian army on Wednesday formally approached Jammu and Kashmir police with their version of the Shopian firing incident that left three civilians dead and reignited a debate over alleged excesses by government forces in the Kashmir valley, reports claimed.

people carrying funeral of Rayees for last rites, KL image by Bilal Bahadur

While two civilians were killed on Saturday in the firing by army personnel on a group of protesters, one of the nine injured died at SKIMS Soura hospital on Wednesday morning.

The army’s written statement came after police decided to investigate the role of several army personnel of the 10th Garhwal battalion, including a major in the incident. The FIR has several sections including “murder and attempts to murder.

“We have received (the) army’s version of the complaint and it has been made part of the file,” Hindustan Times quoted Shopian senior superintendent of police Ambarkar Shriram Dinkar saying.

locals assembling for the funeral procession of Rayees Ahmed, KL image by Bilal Bahadur

“There has been no separate FIR but their version is taken on record,” said Dinkar. He, however, did not divulge the details of the army document.

But an army source said the complaint is along the lines of the statement issued last week.

On January 27, the army released a statement, saying soldiers fired on protesters in “self-defence” to prevent the lynching of an officer, snatching of weapons by villagers and burning of their vehicles, Hindustan Times reported.

Several media outlets have quoted Lt Gen D Anbu, commander, Northern Command, saying “Army had conducted its own probe into the incident and arrived at the conclusion that the soldiers had to resort to firing after they were “provoked to the ultimate”.

sister and a relative of Rayees wailing at his funeral, KL image by Bilal Bahadur

The youth identified as Rayees Ahmad Ganie son of Mohd Yousuf Ganie (19) of Narpora, Shopian was injured in army firing on Saturday in Ganawpora area of district Shopian, succumbed to his injuries at SKIMS Soura on Wednesday morning after battling for life from last five days at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of SKIMS Soura.

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J&K tourism participates in three-day SATTE held in New Delhi

Srinagar

Department of Tourism J&K participated in 3-day South Asian Travel and Tourism Exhibition (SATTE) Travel Show which began on Wednesday.

The spokesman said SATTE is one of the biggest travel shows in Asia which has become the launch platform for tourism stakeholders from across the globe to do business in and with India.

J&K tourism participates in SATTE, New Delhi

Besides, J&K Tourism department, over hundred travel agents, hoteliers, other service providers and heads of the various travel and hotel associations from the Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions are participating in the travel show to promote J&K.

Secretary Tourism J&K Sarmead Hafeez and Director Tourism Kashmir Mahmood A Shah along with other senior officers from the department participated in the travel show.

Secretary Tourism said SATTE attracts professionals in travel and tourism from across the globe who generate business for the industry.

“SATTE is one of the largest tourism shows in Asia where we can project and promote our tourism destinations. The department will provide all the information about the J&K’ s destinations, products, services to the visitors to attract them to the state,” Shah said.

Over 20000 visitors including domestic and international sellers and buyers, State tourism officials, heads of international tourism boards, hoteliers, and aviation experts are showcasing their products and services to the global trade community.

The travel show also provides an opportunity for the state tourism department to conduct business sessions with the visitors during the three days.

The department at its pavilion showcased short movies on different destinations to the visitors who were mesmerized to see the stunning beauty, splendid art and craft beside unique food of the state.

On the first day, a large number of visitors turned up at J&K Pavilion to enquire about J&K’s tourism products, new destinations and infrastructure development.

The department informed them about the pilgrim, MICE, heritage, art & craft, food, known and lesser known destinations of all the three regions of the state.

The department also distributed comprehensive publicity material in the form of brochures, pamphlets etc containing videos to the visitors showcasing state’s tourism potential.

The department is also holding a press conference and ambassadors’ meet at New Delhi in association Travel Agents Association of Kashmir.

The meet has been organized in order to make efforts to dilute travel advisories from different European countries on Kashmir.

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FY 2017-18: JK Bank records net profit of Rs 174.30 Cr for 09 months

Srinagar

J&K Bank on Wednesday reported a net profit of Rs 174 crore for the nine months ended December 2017 as the Bank declared the reviewed results for the Quarter and nine months ended December 2017 subsequent to the adoption of the numbers by the Board of the Bank in a meeting held in Jammu on Wednesday.

The spokesman quoted the chairman saying “I think over the past nine months we have been fairly successful in fine-tuning and stabilizing our business model and today we are confident about the growth part of our balance sheet as during the first nine months we have achieved steady growth across all zones of the Bank. On the NPA side, the accretions have tapered off though provisioning pressure will remain for a few more quarters.”

He said that the bank has achieved an incremental credit growth of 16% in the first 09 months of the FY 17-18 which is predominantly retail within the state and highly rated corporate/PSUs in rest of India.  On YOY basis the credit portfolio has grown 28% from Rs 45086 Cr as on 31 12 2016 to Rs 57929 Cr as on 31 12 2017.

The bank is improving lending to productive sectors within the state and bank is seeing a large base of credit demand which remains untapped. To make the credit dispensation hassle free the bank is simultaneously driving the push to sourcing of new retail loans to digital channels and during the quarter being reported 30% of the retail loans have been processed through digital channels.

Delineating the business numbers for the 09 months period he said,” Deposits and advances stood at Rs73155 Cr and Rs 57929 Cr as on Dec 2017 against Rs 72463 Cr and Rs 49816 Cr as on March 2017. Aided by a better liability mix with CASA ratio of close to 50% the NIIM(index of profitability) has improved by 58 basis points to 3.83% during the first nine months. The NIIM for the 3rd quarter crossed the 4% mark and the cost of deposits moderated to below 5% level as on 31st December 2017.The NPA coverage ratio of the bank has improved to 69.51% from 61.73 % a year ago.“

Lauding the support of the state government who is also the promoter of the bank Parvez Ahmed said, “We are being supported very well by the state government who has infused additional equity of Rs 532 crores to help the bank to meet the regulatory capital requirements. Also by Roll out of Chief Minister’s Business Interest Relief Scheme for all the RBI approved re-structured accounts the state government is incentivizing the restructured account holders to repay the Bank’s dues timely which shall have a salubrious effect on the repayment in restructured accounts by the affected borrowers who will have to repay their 2/3rd part of interest to avail of the 1/3rd part as incentive from the government.

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AFSPA stops armed forces from committing human rights violations, claims Chinar Corps GOC

Srinagar

Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Kashmir is not only “required” but, in spirit, also stops the armed forces from committing any human rights violations, this was stated by outgoing General Officer Commanding of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps Lt Gen JS Sandhu in an interview with The Tribune.

“Yes, AFSPA is required,” said Lt Gen Sandhu, army’s top man in valley.

As reported by the newspaper, Lt Gen Sandhu said a lot of people were portraying AFSPA as a “draconian law, which it is not.” “It (AFSPA) does not allow the Army to do human rights violations. AFSPA does not allow us to do murder or rape or unnecessarily exceed our brief even when we are engaged in law and order situations. AFSPA does not permit us to fire indiscriminately. The Indian Parliament, which has tremendous wisdom, passed the law with a lot of thought and insight and they did not give large powers to the Army in this Act,” Lt Gen Sandhu said.

Lt General J S Sandhu

On the high number of locals joining militant ranks despite ‘Operation All Out’, the Corps Commander said various factors were responsible. “There is an existing support base, it provides the cadres to the ‘tanzeems’ (outfits) to fill their losses. But Operation All Out must be judged based on the overall effect. 2016 was a violent year, a large number of civilians died in the unrest after July 8, many were blinded, people faced the brunt of the violence. In 2017, the terrorists faced the heat, they were the target, people largely remained safe. In 2018, I hope the local terrorists surrender, and we continue to eliminate the Pakistani terrorists. And if the youth desist from violence, I am sure the awaam will remain safe,” he said and added that “Amnesty to first-time stone throwers has given a positive signal. It does help in shaping perceptions,” he said.

Lt Gen Sandhu will be replaced by Lt Gen Anil Kumar Bhatt, who has already arrived in Srinagar and will assume office in the next few days.

He took over as 15 Corps GOC in 2016, months after the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani.

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JRL stages protest against civilian killings, calls for Shopian march

Srinagar

The Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) on Wednesday staged a sit-in protest in Downtown Srinagar outside the Kashmir’s grand mosque against the recent civilian killings in Shopian area of South Kashmir in forces action.  The JRL on the occasion called for Shopian march and appealed people to protest against the ‘gruesome’ killings.

Several leaders and activists of JRL including Muhammad Yasin Malik, Engineer Hilal Ahmad War, Sufi Mushtaq Ahmad, Yasmeena Raja, Advocate Yasir Dalal, Er Hafiz War, Sheikh Abdul Rashid, Noor Muhammad Kalwal, Muhammad Yousuf Naqash, Umar Adil Dar, Jaffer Kashmir, Abdul Majid Wani, Muhammad Shafi Dar, and others on Wednesday held a sit-in protest against the killing of three civilians of Ganowpora Shopian in forces action.

Holding placards which read “Revoke AFSPA DAA” “Magistrate probe a farce” “Arrest the culprits,” the participants protested against indiscriminate and brutal killings of three youth. They said killing human beings in every form is cowardly and against humanity and such inhuman acts are being carried out as a norm in Kashmir.

The JRL on the occasion called for Shopian Chalo on Friday and appealed people to reach the venue in large numbers.

Pertinently, two youth were killed in Ganowpora Shopian last week, whereas one youth identified a Rayees Ahmad succumbed to his injures this morning mounting the toll of deceased to three.

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Police raids Aasiya Andrabi’s residence in Srinagar

Srinagar

A team of Jammu and Kashmir police led by Station House Officer of Police station Soura on Wednesday evening raided the house of Dukhtaran e Millat chairperson Syedah Aasiya Andrabi at 90 feet road, Soura and attempted to arrest her.

The spokesman said the bid to arrest Aasiya Andrabi was foiled by her personal secretary Sofi Fehmeeda.

Fahmeeda said that the police carried the arrest warrant from the first class magistrate of Srinagar. “Baji Sahiba is ill for the last several days and is bedridden. The goons in uniform still wanted to arrest her,” she said.

However, “she resisted the move and did not allow the police to arrest Syeda Aasiya,” she added.

Fehmeeda also requested the people of Kashmir to pray for the speedy recovery of Baji Sahiba and her well-being.

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Police recovers stolen property in Srinagar, two held

Srinagar

Police station Nowhatta on Wednesday arrested two buglers and recovered stolen property worth lakhs of rupees in Srinagar.

The spokesman said a special team was formulated by Sub Division Khanyar Police to nab the culprits involved in the theft of jewellery, fabrics and vehicles.

Two thieves arrested by police with stolen property, photo: police

During the sustained efforts of the special team, two thieves were apprehended and jewellery, fabrics and one Alto car were recovered were recovered from their possession.

To this effect FIR No 01/2018 under section 379 RPC, FIR No 55/2017 under section 457,380 RPC and FIR No 27/2017 under section 457, 380 RPC stand has been registered.

Police said that further investigation is going on and there are more recoveries expected.

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Bahrar, Kashmir’s last colony for Lepers

by Irtiza Rafiq

Srinagar

A woman, probably in mid-fifties, was busy washing the clothes under what seems to be a common tap of her colony. Engrossed in her work, the movements of footsteps compelled her to look at this reporter. Without seeking many details, she could sense purpose of the visit. She breaks into a kind smile, “Achatorumfikriwalew be nimavzithannish.”(Oh got it, let me take you to the elders) she says while pointing to a group of elderly men chatting under the Chinar. Before leaving, she introduces herself as Hameeda, a 55-year-old inmate of Bahrar, Kashmir’s last colony for lepers from last three decades.

File image of Leper victims (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

Built on an expanse of 312 kanals of land, the leper colony of Srinagar is distinct from any other settlement in Srinagar: single-storeyed white apartments bounded by old remnant huts, with a hospital building at the extreme.

Located on the banks of Nigeen Lake at BhagwanporaLalbazar, the colony was established during later half of 19^th century under Kashmir Medical Mission by Britishers. The motive was to isolate and treat patients of the contagious disease which at that point of time had the region in its grip and was considered lethal.

Initially 30 patients were registered and as the years went by this place set out to become a community of couple of hundred residents who after being socially out casted and exiled here from across the valley.In 2000 the new admissions to the colony were stoppedafter the leprosy was declared completely treatable. Officially the number of people registered for living here is 100 but the actual figure rises to approximately 250 persons as it includes the families of lepers as well as those of deceased lepers. Many of the lepers live here with their children and their children therefore the colony is home to 3 generations of leprosy patients living side by side.

An inside view of leper colony in Srinagar (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

The colony houses 62 single storied cemented white houses called residential quarters, 4 barrack like mud structure designated as male and female wards, a double storied hospital, a graveyard and a mosque.

Inmates first used to live in wards, each ward had 4 compartments and one family lived in per compartment. In 2014 under JLNRRM, SMC built 62 new dwellings as new residential quarters and most of the old wards were demolished. However a few wards are still present and they house the families of deceased lepers.

The staff here consists of a medical officer, two medical assistants,twonursing orderly, a sweeper, a barber and a washer man. The colony is run by Director Health Services Kashmirand its under their wing the patient are provided with food clothing and medicines for their disease and besides this they also get a monthly allowance of Rs 1000 from department of social welfare. However the dwellers here say what the government provides them does not suffice. “They provide us things necessary to survive, 11 kgs of rice per head per month,750 grams of vegetables per day,2 chochiwour(bread)  a day, a pheran after 4 years,a pair of slippers after a year and 2 set of clothing a year, this is what they give us. You tell me is that enough? This year it was so cold we asked for some blankets they didn’t provide us any. All that government does is to save us from hunger rest we depend on help from people.” says Ghulam Nabi,a 75-year-old man originally hailing from Kokernag living here since last 58 years.

To this Khadija, a 65-year-old woman showing a plastic box full of medicines adds “I am diabetic, hypertensive.I am on medication since last 10 years and have to manage them on my own. I had to undergo a heart surgery a year back and didn’t receive any help from them (authorities). There used to be a school here some 7 to 8 years back but they closed it. Now some of our children go to government school and some to private but all depend upon charity of people.The media has helped a lot they aware people about our needs who in turn give us funds, this is how we live.”

The inmates have formed a committee of 4 members for the distribution of charity they receive. Pointing to the rice being distributed there Ghulam Nabi says, “See these 10-20 kgs of rice we got from charity the committee will equally distribute so that it reaches even to the ones who are bedridden and are not here to collect it.University kids helped us very much. In last winters they gave a gas cylinder to each person and blankets as well those too were distributed by the committee.”

As most of them suffer from physical deformities they are unable to earn and those who do earn a few bucks by labouring, do not find it enough to meet the need of providing education to their children and other medical expenses as such the funds provide great relief to them.

File image of hospital inside Leper colony

Though free from the disease, the inhabitants of this colony are unwilling to go back to their native places. “Who would we go back to? Many of us had to sell our property in our native villages to come here so there is nothing left to go back to.”. They share the painful memories of days when they were diagnosed of this disease. “When I was diagnosed with the symptoms of this disease my family decided to sent me here so that they don’t have to live with an untouchable. I was 11 then. They called this (Lepers Colony) a dumping ground for people unworthy to live and left me here to die” says Shukur Khan from Kargil and adds that “I cannot name but there was this village where two kids of one of our fellow inmates went to visit their uncle and aunt. After providing them with the meals the dishes were put aside by their uncle using his left hand. The children saw that and it broke their heart .This is the treatment they received from their own blood and even when they are completely healthy and its their parents who suffered from leprosy and they too now have cured even in this era they are skeptic of us of our children so how can we think of going back for forever.Relatives may visit us and we too visit them but after spending 60 to 70 years here this is where we belong now.”

This sense of belongingness is probably the reason that the residents here are so opposed to the recent proposal of the relocation of the colony by the government and they say that they would die but not allow that to happen. The medical officer of the colony, Dr Yasmeen is also of the opinion that the move to relocate the colony should not be made.“The place is best for them. No residential congestions,a lot of greenery, less pollution all conditions here are suitable for them medically.Moreover they have been living here for decades together even their dead are buried here. They won’t find it easy to go”.

The inmates here though do wish that the Multi Drug Therapy that treats leprosy in the bud and prevents deformities was available in their time but they still have accepted their lost extremitiesand deformed face as their fate,so much so that they are used to referring themselves as patients when they are just inmates and not patients now. Such is their level of acceptance even to their social stigma that one of the residents Abdul Aziz with a blank face goes onto say ,“Waen ye chutichuyeichu. Tuehmanevhaezaesiche yeti kudakarkatbacheimet.” (This is what it is now.You see we are garbage of the society  left here now.) This is quite ironical as the name of the colony Bahrar has a Persian origin derived from the word BahaarAraaa meaning pride of the lake.

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Proud of a harmonious society for which people deserve accolades: Mehbooba

Jammu

Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said that Jammu & Kashmir takes pride in having a harmonious society for which the people of the State deserve all accolades.

The spokesman said addressing the birth anniversary function of Guru Ravi Dass, the Chief Minister said people of the State have been exemplifying harmony, tolerance and brotherhood. This, she said, is something which ought to be celebrated given the acrimony that has crept in the social fabric all across the globe. She specifically hailed the people living in Jammu for upholding these egalitarian traditions with grace and despite provocations.

Paying rich tributes to Guru Ravi Dass, Mehbooba Mufti said the late saint lived for upholding the values of brotherhood and equality in the society and urged the people to rise above the narrow barriers of caste, colour, region and religion to work for human and humanitarian values.

Asking the people to follow the teachings of Guru Ravi Dass, the Chief Minister said the lessons from the life of the saint are more relevant today than earlier times given the strain in the social fabric of our times. She said the best tribute to the late saint is that we work dedicatedly for creating a castless society based on the principles of equity, equality and justice.

Minister for Public Works, Naeem Akhtar; legislators, Choudhary Sukhnandan Kumar, Rajesh Gupta; Vice Chairman, SC Board, Bhushan Dogra; former Minister, B R Kundal and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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Director JKEDI calls on Governor

Jammu

Dr M I Parray, Director, J&K Entrepreneurship Development Institute, called on Governor N N Vohra at the Raj Bhavan on Wednesday.

The spokesman said Dr Parray apprised Governor about steps being taken by the JKEDI to encourage and help the upcoming entrepreneurs and the challenges of entrepreneurship development in the State.

Governor stressed the high importance of all required steps being taken to facilitate the maximum number of youth being enabled to establish their own enterprises not only for self-employment but also for providing employment to others and for the economic development of the State. Complimenting EDI for the good work already done Governor urged Dr Parray to further speed up the processes and aim at removing all delays in the potential entrepreneur receiving the various sanctions/ clearances as well as the required loan.

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SASE issues avalanche warning in Kashmir districts

Jammu

Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) on Wednesday has informed that medium danger avalanche warning of level-3, exists in higher reaches of Baramulla district and low danger warning of level-2 in Kupwara, Bandipore, Shopian and Kargil Districts, while as low danger warning of level-1 in districts of Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur,Islamabad  Kulgam, Budgam, Ganderbal and Leh for the next 24 hours.

The spokesman said people living in higher reaches of these districts should avoid movement in the avalanche-prone areas/slopes for the next 24 hours.

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Subramanian Swamy warns JK Chief Minister

Srinagar

BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Tuesday tore into the Mehbooba Mufti led government in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) for filing an FIR against Army men over the killing of two civilians in Shopian district.

Media outlets have quoted the Swamy saying “What’s this nonsense? Dismiss that government. Tell Mehbooba (Mufti) to withdraw the FIR else her government would be toppled.”

Swamy’s fiery remarks come days after two youths were killed when Army personnel fired at a stone-pelting mob in J&K’s Shopian district on Saturday, prompting chief minister Mehbooba Mufti to order an inquiry into the incident, reported TOI.

On Sunday, police filed an FIR under sections 302 (murder) and 307 (attempt to murder) of the Ranbir Penal Code against the personnel of 10, Garhwal unit, of the Army. A Major, who led the Army personnel at the time of the incident, was also named in the FIR.

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If LAHDC doesn’t own stae flag, why to fly at half-mast, asks Er Rasheed

Srinagar

MLA Langate and independent lawmaker Er Rasheed on Wednesday asked the government to explain the logic behind the decision to declare a three-day state mourning over the demise of Dr Sonam Lonpo.

The spokesman while paying the homage to renowned Islamic Scholar and Social Leader Aga Syed Mohammed Fazlullah in Badgam, said that Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) has insulted state flag by taking an extra-constitutional step with the full blessings of New Delhi and replaced the state flag with its own flag, adding that what is the fun to declare three day state mourning and announcing state flag will fly half-mast for three days as a mark of respect to Mr Lonpo.

We all express our sympathies with the family of deceased Leader but it is unacceptable that while LAHDC has never owned the state flag and always insulted it, the state government has announced three-day state mourning.

Rasheed said that declaring a holiday in the entire state carries no sense and it should have been restricted to Ladakh region only. There had been no precedence to observe three-day state mourning when any cabinet Minister dies even in office; as such breaking the tradition smells something fishy.

It seems that New Delhi is simply trying to dictate everything to Mehbooba Mufti government only for the reason it wants to even influence the psyche and the mindset of people of J & K to the extent that the unique identity of the state becomes irrelevant and loses significance.

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KCCI expresses resentment over transferring land retrieved for factory to police housing colony

Srinagar

The President, KCC&I Mr Javid Ahmad Tenga on Wednesday has expressed resentment over the state for transferring industrial land retrieved from HMT Watch Factory, Zainakot to the Police Department for housing colony.

The spokesman said It may not be out of place to mention that the KCC&I had recommended that the chunk of land along with infrastructure created by erstwhile HMT for conversion into gem & Jewellery park. This proposal is pending since 2007, wherein besides Gem & Jewellery park we had advocated for a Gem & Jewellery Institute for which the Ministry of Commerce, GOI had agreed that once the land is transferred to J&K Government the proposal will be considered by the government of India.

It was also in the year 2009 for the same land an alternate proposal for a Textile Park was advocated wherein thousands of workers would have been employed in hundreds of small-scale units. The said proposal is still pending with Government of J&K.

We are at a loss with above-said textile park/ Gem & Jewellery in view the state government has chosen the land for Police Housing Colony instead of above parks.

We support the Industrial Estate, Zainakot unitholders as well as FCIK in their demand of reversal of the state Government order and our organisation will support any institution demanding of the recovery said land for the purpose of industrialisation.

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Four rounds of funeral prayers held for civilian killed in army firing in Shopian

Srinagar

Thousands of people on Wednesday took part in the last rites of a civilian who passed away on Wednesday at SKIMS Soura.

locals assembling for last rites of civilian killed in Shopian

The youth identified as Rayees Ahmad Ganie son of Mohd Yousuf Ganie (19) of Narpora, Shopian succumbed to injuries after battling for life from last five days at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of SKIMS Soura.

sister and a relative of Rayees wailing at his funeral

On Saturday, two youth Javed Ahmad Bhat (20) of Balpora and Suhail Javed Lone (24) of Rawalpora Shopian were killed while several others were injured in army firing at Ganapora area of Shopian.

Rayees’s funeral

Reports said that four rounds of funeral prayers were held for Ganie at his ancestral graveyard in Narpora village and pro-freedom and pro-Islam slogans were raised by the mourners during his funeral.

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Jama’at condemns Shopian civilian killings

 

Srinagar

The Jama’at Islami Jammu and Kashmir party on Wednesday has condemned the civilian killing, killed in Ganawpora area of district Shopian on Saturday.

A 19-year-old youth Rayees Ahmad Ganaie of Narpora, Shopian, was injured on Saturday after government forces fired on civilians. However, Rayees succumbed to his injuries in SKIMS on Wednesday morning.

The spokesman said how long this injustice will be done with people of Kashmir, the time will decide? The international community is not playing its expected role and has become a mute spectator.

Jama’at expresses its sorrow upon this attitude and vehemently condemns the killings by government forces.

Jama’at also condemns the role played by the policies of Delhi Darbar which has turned the life of civilians into a hell, adding that the life and dignity of Kashmiri’s are always at stake. Hundreds of innocent people are languishing in the jails in and outside Jammu and Kashmir under false charges and the judiciary has never bothered about it.

Jama’at-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir have appealed the people living on this globe to raise their voice against the civilian killings in Kashmir and support the genuine cause of their right to self-determination.

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Earthquake hits Afghanistan, tremors felt in Kashmir, Pakistan

Srinagar

A flyover in Rambagh area of Srinagar fell down into the crane on Wednesday afternoon after an earthquake struck Afghanistan. USGS reported that the magnitude of the earthquake was 6.1 and the epicenter was in the Hindukush region, reports claimed.

However in Srinagar, there were no reports of any loss or injuries.

The tremors in the national capital region lasted for well over a minute. Reports from Srinagar said the tremors were intensive and people were seen coming out of their offices and homes soon after. Similar scenes were witnessed in Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon and New Delhi, The Indian Express reported.

Initial reports said Pakistan has also felt severe to moderate tremors during the said period.

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Opposition demands ban on Liquor, stages walkout from Assembly

Jammu

Opposition National Conference and Congress on Tuesday staged walkout as a mark of protest over government’s silence on the ban on liquor in the Jammu and Kashmir.

Congress legislator and MLA GM Saroori stood up from his chair and demanded a complete ban on liquor in the state. Legislators from NC including Ali Mohammad Sagar, Abdul Majeed Larmi, Altaf Kaloo, Mubarak Gul and Congress’s Usman Majeed and others supported Saroori.

As government remained unmoved over the demand from the opposition, Saroori urged speaker Kavinder Gupta’s attention and asked those supporting him to stand up from their chair. Immediately all the legislators of NC, Congress and some independent MLAs stood up in support of the ban on liquor.

Interestingly, a lawmaker from PDP and a cabinet Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation Javid Mustafa Mir also stood up in support of the demand.

The lawmakers, meanwhile, questioned the government and asked finance minister Haseeb Drabu whether he wants to ban the liquor in the state or not. As the government maintained silence, the lawmaker GM Saroori staged a protest and walkout from the assembly while the other members followed him.

Earlier BJP Mla Ravinder Raina demands ban on liquor in his constituency.

 

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Dy Speaker seeks proper cleanliness of Assembly Secretariat sanitary units

Jammu

The Deputy Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Nazir Ahmad Gurezi on Tuesday asked Estates Department to ensure proper maintenance and cleanliness of the sanitary units of the Assembly Secretariat.

The direction was given by the Deputy Speaker after the issue of the un-hygienic condition of washrooms in the Assembly Secretariat was raised in the House by the Minister for Education, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and supported by the members.

 

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As Kids, I Showed Her Around School. This Week, My Sister Died

by Sheikh Zafar Iqbal

Zafar Iqbal with Pinky, his sister, who valiantly fought cancer for two years but lost the battle last week

SRINAGAR: Keep smiling Pinky, wherever you are! Even in your last moments, when the pain was killing you, you smiled. We were tense, you were not; we were down, you upbeat. Just when the doctors said, “Any time now, you will die” due to your falling blood pressure, erratic pulse and low oxygen saturation, you kept pulling on with tremendous courage. You stunned with your indomitable spirit. You refused to die before dying. You gave a tough fight to cancer and emerged stronger with every new setback after you were handed the last (4th) stage sentence and given slim chances for survival. Maximum two months, some said. But, you proved them all wrong. Cancer finally killed you yesterday, but not without you battling it with all you had for over two years.

Pinky, three years younger than me, was the most lively, affectionate and compassionate person I know. I don’t remember my first school friend. But my sister was definitely my first friend in life. On her first day at school, I felt a great sense of responsibility in holding her hand and guiding her to the school bus and then to her classroom. We played pranks together. I remember everybody at home went frantic after the two of us ran away with the glasses of a sleeping grandfather and hid under a bed.

As we grew up, so did our bond. When in 2002, I was shot in the head in my office during my initial days as a reporter and struggling for life, Pinky became a pillar of support. She discontinued her studies and all other engagements during that time just to be with me, to encourage me to live on. She ensured that I looked ‘good’ by often washing my partially paralysed face; she was by my side as I recuperated and earned the lovely sobriquet of being my ‘SPO’ (Special Police Officer) in the family.

Then, her wedding four years ago. What a great day it was. And when her son Taha was born days before the floods ravaged Kashmir in September 2014, we managed to boat the baby and her to safety. Later, she told me that when the waters were rising around the first floor of her house and the chances of survival were dipping, “I was sure you will do something to help rescue little Taha.” During the last one year, as the media industry surged into upheaval with reports of layoffs and redundancies, in my chats with her, she always bucked me up: “You cannot become a stopgap, you can do far better”.

She showed the same enthusiasm in tackling her cancer. I always saw her discussing the minutest details about the disease with her doctors and trying to find a way to better her chances. Her faith increased. A couple of months ago, she asked me, “Why don’t you pray?” I said, “God doesn’t listen”. She just smiled. And then the heavens fell when we were told to be prepared for the inevitable – Pinky’s death.

Doctors said this was the most aggressive, non-responsive strain of cancer (triple negative). It had spread to her breast, bones, and lymph. A surgery, two years ago, followed by cycles of chemotherapy probably halted the march of the disease – PET scan after PET scan showed marked improvement giving new hope. She started daily walks for hours to boost her stamina and her immunity. And suddenly, all of us started gathering knowledge about cancer, looking for anti-cancer organic stuff like broccoli, beetroot, and wheatgrass.

What followed: second opinions of doctors and rounds of many cancer centres, hoping against hope that somebody will come up with some magic formula. There was a relief when she improved briefly in 2017. But then cancer struck back most virulently, this time in her brain. Tumours against which radiotherapy couldn’t do much. “Now the countdown has started”, she said, but also made an epic resolve: “my last cell will fight the disease.”

During her final stint in a hospital ICU, she suddenly slipped into a coma followed by a cardiac arrest. As we helplessly watched her sink, praying for a miracle, reading scriptures by her side and jostling for those life-saving non-adrenaline shots to boost her blood pressure one last time, she was there lying still, completely peaceful, like in some higher state of meditation exuding pure consciousness. When the doctors gave up on her completely and the whole effort just reduced to helping her go peacefully, she showed flashes of comebacks, defying heavy-dose sedation. Our eyes firmly set on the hospital monitor, watching the heartbeat and blood pressure fluctuations and hoping for a recovery: those were the most stressful times; the nights seemed too long; each minute looked like it was her last moment, when, in fact, she wanted to live.

I am proud of you, Pinky. For never abandoning your courage, your strength, your will. We are all proud of you. You rest now, if you want. You have earned it.

(Sheikh Zaffar Iqbal is Jammu and Kashmir Bureau Chief, NDTV. This piece appeared on NDTV website first)

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Last date for remittance of Advance Haj Amount extended

Srinagar

According to the Executive Officer, Haj Committee, it is for the information of all the Provisionally Selected Pilgrims of Haj 2018 that the last date for remittance of Advance Haj Amount (First Installment) of Rs.81,000/-(Rupees Eighty One Thousand only) per pilgrim, has been extended up to 12th February 2018.

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Reassuring political consensus emerging for JK’s viable economic roadmap: Dr Drabu

Jammu

Minister for Finance Dr Haseeb A Drabu on Tuesday said he is seeing a silver-lining of conformity emerging on J&K’s fragmented political canvass for delineating a viable economic roadmap for the State.

Dr Drabu while replying to the discussion on Demand for Grants of the Finance, Labour & Employment Departments said that “as had happened at the national level in 1991, prior to economic liberalization, a broader political consensus is emerging in Jammu and Kashmir to put in place a viable economic framework, a robust fiscal management structure and a doable budgetary policy.”

He said the fiscal policies introduced during the past three years are aimed at bringing stabilization in JK’s economy and reduce volatility for economic revival through enhanced investments, public expenditure and widening the net of socio-economic security.

Dr Drabu said the key structural reforms like the Goods and Services Tax (GST) are establishing mechanisms for efficient fiscal management besides enhancing transparency.

“48% cumulative growth, including reimbursements by the centre, has been recorded in tax collection post implementation of GST in the state, with registered revenue growth of 25.33%”, he informed the House.

Elaborating, he said that after the implementation of GST and to the month of December 2017, the Commercial Taxes Department registered a cumulative growth of 25.33% by collecting revenue of Rs 5466.41 crore for the period April to December 2017 against Rs 4361.57 crore for the period April to December 2016.

Responding to the concerns regarding GST, the Finance Minister said that GST regime is continuously evolving with inputs from all states to make the country ‘One Unified Common Market’.

He said that GST Council with the active participation of J&K has made a large number of changes by way of reduction of rates, simplification of procedures and relaxation/extension in the filing of returns to mitigate the difficulties of business fraternity.

Besides this, the state government has also made various concessions under new tax regime aimed to boost the industrial sector and also to provide the level playing field for setting up of industries in Jammu and Kashmir which happens to be at the tail end of the country and have to bear additional costs for running this unit, he added.

Dr Drabu announced that the Pay and Accounts Office Systems will be rolled out in a few weeks and asserted that PAO system will be the biggest reform instrumental in rooting out corruption from the system. Further, it will reduce/eliminate public interface with the treasury staff and would bring transparency, he added.

“We are moving steadily towards digitization and will be 100% Direct Benefit Transfer compliant in the near future,” the Finance Minister informed.

FM announced that a new expenditure management system is on anvil under which separate allocations will be made for capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar and remaining districts to ensure equitable development in the state.

With regards to the employee welfare initiatives, the Finance Minister said that the government was committed for the welfare of its employees and has announced the implementation of 7th Pay Commission recommendations from April 1, 2018, which will be effective from 1st January 2016. Besides, this release of 1% Dearness Allowance due to the employees from 1st July 2017 was also announced in the Budget Proposals 2018-19.

He said that various other measures have also been taken by the government including reducing the eligibility for full pension from 28 years of qualifying service to 20 years of qualifying service, unmarried daughters of the employee now been made eligible to receive pension once the employee and his/her spouse is dead, proposal to enhance the Deposit Linked Insurance of GP Fund subscribers from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh, improved and enhanced Group Medi-claim Insurance Policy for all employees and others.

Addressing the concerns regarding increasing ratio of unemployed in the State, the Finance Minister informed: “There is a need to formulate an employment policy that is sustainable; we are trying to work an investment based employment policy”.

Regarding regularization of the daily-rated workers, the Minister said that the government has got varied figures in each department regarding the number of such workers. “However, the final figure for regularization will be arrived at only through Aadhaar-based biometric verification of the workers provided by various Departments,” he said.

Finance Minister informed that the government has taken a major welfare initiative for workers in the state’s unorganized sectors by providing them institutionalized socio-economic security.

“Under the scheme named “Muhafiz”, around 3 lakh workers registered with Jammu and Kashmir Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board (JKBOCWWB) will be covered under accidental, life and disability insurance besides providing educational scholarships to their children”, Dr Drabu said.

He said that the scheme also envisages extending micro-credit facility to such workers and facilitating their registration through online and other modes.

Later the House passed the Grants to the tune of Rs 3607198.53 lakh and Rs 19855.90 lakh for Finance and Labour & Employment Departments with a voice-vote.

Earlier, several members including Nawan Rigzin Jora, Sukhnandan Kumar, Mubarak Gul, Raja Manzoor Ahmad,Usman Abdul Majeed, Ravinder Raina, Mohammad Akbar Lone, Shah Mohammad Tantray, Pawan Kumar Gupta, Bashir Ahmad Dar, G M Saroori, Jeevan Lal, Ali Mohammad Sagar, Devinder Singh Rana, Chowdary Qamar Hussain and Abdul Majid Larmi participated in the discussion on Demand for Grants of the Finance, Labour & Employment Departments.

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Shaheen Sports Syndicate distributes relief among leprosy patients in Jammu

Srinagar

On world leprosy day, Srinagar downtown-based Shaheen Sports Syndicate on Tuesday distributed kettles and woollen clothing among Lepper patients and organised leprosy awareness program at Khust Asharam Bhagwati Nagar Jammu.

Shaheen Sports Syndicate team distributing relief among leprosy patients in Jammu

While addressing a gathering at Bhagwati Nagar Jammu, Chairman Shaheen Sports Syndicat Showkat Ahmad Khanyari said that from downtown Srinagar Kashmir they went Jammu to serve leper patients on this day, and the organisation will continue to serve people for their betterment and prosperity.

The chairman SSS said that the distribution and awareness program has an important role to educate people about leprosy disease and leper patients.

“It’s our moral duty to help the downtrodden people of Jammu and Kashmir and that’s the reason we always come from Kashmir to help needy people in Jammu” he added.

Khanyari also highlighted the role of JK bank in their assistance to social service and appealed people to strengthen their bonding with JK bank.

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Drinking water for all, resource conservation tagged as core goals: Sham Choudhary

Jammu

Rolling out the counters for improvement of public services and meeting infrastructural gaps in the sectors under his control, the Minister for Public Health Engineering (PHE), Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC), Sham Lal Choudhary Tuesday informed Legislative Assembly that the government has set three major goals of providing safe drinking water to every soul, harness and conserve water resources for agriculture, hydropower and other uses and to protect life, land and property from floods.

To achieve drinking water for all, the Minister said that the government has set a target of completing 183 Water Supply Schemes involving Rs 306.26 crore during the year 2017-18.

He said Rs 174.90 crore has been incurred so far, adding that these WSSs will cover 355 habitations, benefiting around 2.29 lakh souls of the State.

Winding up the discussion on Demand for Grants of PHE, I&FC departments in the Legislative Assembly, the Minister said that the Government is making all-out efforts for creating dependable infrastructures to improve and augment the PHE and I&FC services.

Regarding augmentation of water supply in urban areas, the Minister said that to meet shortfall and future demand of drinking water supply to Srinagar City, 2 schemes were taken up under Jawahar Lal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM) costing Rs. 269.37 crore. “One scheme named “WSS Sukhnag” has since been commissioned and 10 MGD water added to the Srinagar City while as WSS Tangnar has been presently supplying drinking water to 2.90 lakh souls of the parts of Chadoora, Sonawar, Pampore, Amirakadal & Batamaloo Constituencies” he maintained.

The Minister said that 86 schemes at an estimated cost of Rs 335.30 crore are being executed from LIC loan assistance under PHE sector to meet the water requirement in urban areas of the State.

The Minister said that an amount of Rs 26.09 crore against the cost of  Rs 53.15 crore have been expended so far on the execution of Naigarh WSS, Kishtwar under Special Task Force, adding that the scheme is targeted to be completed by ending December 2018.

The Minister said that  Union Ministry of Urban Development has launched ‘Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)’ for providing basic services including water supply, sewerage, urban transport to households and build amenities in cities which will improve the quality of life for all, especially the poor and the disadvantaged section of the society. He said that Srinagar City, Anantnag Town, Leh Town and Kargil have been included in the programme.

Elaborating the achievements registered under financing of Urban projects under ADB funding through ERA, the Minister said that 21 new projects costing Rs. 1566.47 crore have been identified under Externally Aided Projects, to be funded through ERA in a phased manner to improve and enhance water supply in urban areas.

“WSS Sopore, costing Rs. 33.53 crore, taken up under UIDSSMT has been commissioned during the current fiscal and the scheme with source as Ningli Nallah has benefited 80, 000 souls in 21 wards of Sopore town,’ the Minister added.

The Minister said that 13 projects costing Rs. 22.16 crore is targeted to be completed under NABARD loan assistance during the year 2017-18, while 13 new schemes costing Rs. 36.12 crore has been submitted for NABARD funding. He further informed that Rs 14.22 crore Water Supply Scheme Tengam Tengbal executed under NABARD loan assistance has also been commissioned during this fiscal.

The Minister said to ensure the quality of water to the rural population, 22 District level laboratories at the district headquarters and 80 Divisional and Sub-Divisional labs have been established, adding that the work on the 2 State level labs one each at Jammu and Srinagar is nearing completion.

He said against Capex Budget allocation of Rs 425.22 crore for the year 2017-18, Rs 262.44 crore was made available and Rs 237.28 crore stands utilized so far.

Giving break up of allocation of funds under Capex Budget, the Minister said that Rs 50 crore were allocated under Regular Schemes, Rs 29.89 crore as LIC loan, Rs. 43.11 crore as NABARD loan, Rs 260 crore under CSS and Rs 42.22 crore as State Share for the CSS.

The Minister said that taking in consideration the fund constraints in PHE sector, the government in its Budget proposals for the next fiscal has enhanced the ceiling under NABARD to Rs 200 crore and provided additionality of Rs 50 crore for compensating the drastic cut in NRDWP allocations for completion of 53 schemes.

The Minister said that to take forward the drinking water augmentation programme, the Department has submitted a proposal for Central Share of Rs 211.16 crore during the current financial year against which the Union Ministry for Water Resources has released an amount of Rs.13.59 crore.

He further informed that the Union Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation has recently sanctioned an amount of Rs 79.20 crore to cover 77 habitations. He said 816 hand pumps have been installed to meet the drinking water requirement in water-stressed areas.

Giving details of major achievements in Irrigation and Flood Control sector, the Minister said that the dispute with Government of Punjab with regard to Construction of Shahpur Kandi Barrage including subsequent draw of water, power and employment has been resolved and a fresh agreement signed under the aegis of Union Ministry of Water Resources has been ratified by both the Governments.

The Minister said that flood protection works on Bonar & Madhumati Nallah has been taken up at an estimated cost of Rs. 134.87  to accommodate 58 cusecs of additional water from Kishenganga Hydro Electric Project and the funds for the project would be provided by the NHPC. He said that 71 works worth Rs. 101 crore have been taken up, of which  56 works have been completed and remaining are in advanced stage of completion. The funds amounting to Rs. 90 crore has been released by NHPC against which Rs. 54.03 crore stands utilized up to ending December 2017, he added.

The Minister said that the Union Government has declared 4 rivers namely Chenab, Indus, Jhelum and Ravi as National Waterways which would be developed in a phased manner. He said that the State Government is examining the feasibility cum Detailed Project Report of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) prepared for inland navigation and construction of horizontal/vertical terminals across these Waterways. The development of these national waterways will boost the Inland Water Transport, besides, exploit the tourism potential on the National Waterways of the State and improve the socio-economic profile of people of these areas.

The Minister said that under Rs 399.29 crore Comprehensive Flood Management Plan of river Jehlum, Phase-I, an amount of Rs. 177.20 crore has been utilized so far against the released amount of Rs 196.12 crore. He said that an amount of Rs 80.34 crore has been disbursed under land acquisition component adding 78.10 hectares land has been acquired against the target of 87.96 hectares. He said that against the target of 16.36 lac cumec, 10.478 lacs cumec material has been dredged out from river Jhelum so far. Similarly, the construction work on bridges at Shariefabad and Naidkhai is going on, he added.

“To take the project forward formulation of DPRs of Comprehensive Flood Management Plan of river Jehlum Phase-II worth Rs 1684.60 crore under PMDP has been entrusted to WAPCOS, an empanelled agency of Union Ministry of Water Resources and it has been directed to complete it within three months,” he maintained.

The Minister said that detailed Project Report amounting to Rs 195.71 crore for execution of protection works on vulnerable spots downstream Steel Bridge Akhnoor on the left & right banks of River Chenab stand submitted to Union Government for approval of funds, adding that State Government has released an amount of Rs 15 crore as State Share in the financial year 2016-17.

‘As many as 64 works amounting to Rs 30.84 crore have been taken up at the most vulnerable spots on the left and right banks of river Chenab in villages Sangrampur, Chak Sikander, Maira, Sitriwala, Indri, Gair, Bakore, Pangali, Garkhal, Sajwal and Gujral,” he added.

Giving further details of projects taken up under I&FC sectors, the Minister said that the Union Ministry of Water Resources has prioritized 4 projects namely Tral LIS, Rajpora LIS, Construction of Parkachik Khows canal and Mod of main Ravi Canal to be completed during 2018-19. During the current financial year, Rs 33.36 crore has been earmarked as Central Share for these projects against which Rs 9.56 crore has recently been received. Besides, an amount of Rs 16.91 crore has also been released as State Share against which Rs 12.09 crore stands utilized so far, he added.

The Minister said that as many as 419 schemes at an estimated cost of Rs 1319.52 crore were taken up Under Minor Irrigation Sector on which Rs 433.10 crore has been incurred so far, adding that a number of Rs 13.59 crore has recently been released by the concerned Ministry against the budget proposal of Central Share of Rs 211.16 crore submitted to Union Government.

The Minister said that the State Government has formulated a plan namely District Irrigation Plans (Minor Irrigation) of  Rs 14681.18 crore to give a boost to irrigation sector in the State for the period 2016-2021 and forwarded to Union Government for funding under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY).

The Minister said that 28 protection and anti-erosion works of Rs. 511.75 crore were taken up for execution under Flood Management Programme during current fiscal against which an amount of Rs. 195.59 crore stands utilized on these projects, adding that an amount of Rs. 107.44 crore has been earmarked under the sector during the current financial year.

To meet future flood challenges in Jammu region, a project namely “Flood Protection to River Chenab” costing Rs. 2314 crore has been conceptualized and the DPR submitted to the Union Government for sanction under Flood Management Programme (FMP), the Minister added.

The Minister said that against the allocation of Rs 345.84 crore for the year 2017-18 under Capex Budget which includes Rs 38.49 crore under Regular Schemes, Rs 10.50 crore under NABARD loan, Rs 238.40 crore under AIBP/FMP and Rs 58.46 crore as State Share an amount of Rs 90.61 crore has been incurred so far against the availability of Rs. 180.83 crore.

Meanwhile, the Minister said that the department conducted tournaments, exhibition-cum-Mela, District Advocacy Workshops, Constituency-wise advocacy workshops and activities in educational institutions to sensitize people about the importance of preservation of water and its judicious use.

Later, the House passed the Grants of Rs 187708.95 lakh and Rs 207395.16 lakh for PHE and Irrigation & Flood Control Departments respectively for the year 2018-19.

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J&K Bank chairman condoles demise of CEC, LAHDC

Srinagar

The Jammu and Kashmir Bank Chairman and CEO, Parvez Ahmed, on Tuesday, has expressed heartfelt condolence on the sad demise of Dr Sonam Dawa Lonpo, Chief Executive Councilor, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council.

In his condolence message, Parvez said, “a distinguished leader and an outstanding public figure, Dr Sonam was a rare combination of intellect, zeal and humbleness. A stalwart and visionary, his contribution and passion for the development of Ladakh are exemplary contributions. While I am writing this I am reminded of his unparalleled and deep commitment for the wellbeing of the people of Ladakh during our discussions on the role of banking for socio-economic development of the Ladakh region in November last.”

“Words though are inadequate at a time like this on the loss of Dr Sonam, I on behalf of J&K Bank family convey our deepest sympathies to the bereaved family. His legacy will continue to inspire the people of Ladakh,” the chairman said.

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Govt announces state holiday on Jan 31st as mark of respect to Dr Sonam Dawa Lonpo

Jammu

The Government on Tuesday declared State Holiday on January 31st, 2018 as a mark of respect to Dr Sonam Dawa Lonpo, Chairman / Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Leh, who passed away yesterday due to cardiac arrest.

As per a notification issued in this regard by General Administration Department, the State Mourning shall be observed for 3 days from January 30 to Feb 01, 2018.

During the State Mourning, the National and the State Flags shall fly at half-mast on all buildings and places where these are flown regularly and there shall be no official entertainment/function.

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Teachers, non-teaching staff working tirelessly to transform JK’s education sector: Altaf Bukhari

Jammu

Minister for Education, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari today said the credit for the accomplishments in education sector goes to the teachers and other staff of the department who are working tirelessly for streamlining the system.

“Taking note of the fact that the Education Department has started witnessing visible transformation on the ground, the government increased the CAPEX Budget of the School Education Department for the year 2018-19 to keep the momentum of the infrastructure upgradation, “the Minister said while replying to the discussion in Upper House on the working of Education Department.

He said the investment in education sector means investment in the future of the children. “We cannot afford to make our students suffer from the shortage of staff. Teachers have to be discharged from all non-teaching assignments, including election-related duties and other duties,” he said.

He said the Department is working with Legislators, cutting across the political divide to identify schools, in order of their preference, in their respective constituencies which qualify for upgradation. “Our students have great potential and it is our responsibility to provide adequate facilities and another related atmosphere to hone their talent and make them responsible citizens of the society and also link their education with skill and employability,” he said.

He said in this regard vocational education is being imparted in 10 trades including IT/ITES, Retail, Healthcare, Travel & Tourism, Agriculture, Telecommunications, Physical Education, Beauty and wellness, Media & Entertainment and Security. “It shall be my endeavour to broaden the scope of trades after proper mapping,” he added.

He said the government will soon come up with a policy to elevate the educational infrastructure in the state. “Majority of the government schools are in a pathetic condition and lack of basic facilities like electricity, drinking water, lavatories, ramps, playgrounds, computer-aided labs and tools of modern learning like Smart Classrooms,” he said and added that the sector needs huge investment to provide such facilities.

He said the government is committed to decreasing the infrastructural gaps in the education sector and the quality of education being imparted to the students in schools will be the paramount importance of the government.

Earlier, several members including Saif-Ud-Din Bhat, Naresh Kumar Gupta, Vinod Gupta, Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, Ghulam Nabi Monga, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Ajatshatru Singh, Showkat Hussain Ganaie, Sham Lal Bhagat, Ramesh Arora and Mohammad Khursheed Aalam participated in the discussion on the functioning of theEducation Department.

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Govt orders transfers in civil and police departments

Jammu

Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday ordered transfers and postings in Civil and Police Department.

According to the order Naresh Kumar, KAS, Additional Secretary to the government Power Development Department is transferred and posted as Joint Director, Information Jammu vice Manisha Sarin.

Also, Mr Zahoor Ahmad Mir, KAS, Joint Director Information, Kashmir is transferred and posted as Executive Director Rehabilitation council, Social Welfare Department in place of Rifat Arif.

Mr Sajid Yehya Naqash, KAS, awaiting orders is posted as Joint Director Information in the Director Information.

Similarly according to the order, Aftab Ahmad, SSP CID is transferred and posted as AIG (Personal) PHQ vice Shri Mubassir Latifi Ameer.

Sheikh Junaid Mehmood, SSP, AIG (Provision/Transport) PHQ is transferred and posted as SSP CID vide  Aftab Ahmad.  (KNB)

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Police recovers body of murdered Kupwara goldsmith from river in Sopore

Srinagar

Police on Tuesday has recovered the body of a murdered Kupwara goldsmith from the river in Sopore town of district Baramulla.

The body of a goldsmith from Kalaroose village of Kupwara district, who was murdered last month was recovered on Tuesday from a river near the bye-pass bridge in Sopore town.

The police were informed by a local fisherman who spotted the body of Tariq Ahmad Malik floating over the water near the river bank in Sopore.

The relatives of the slain have been informed by the police to collect the body of Tariq Ahmed.

Malik was the lone bread earner of the family, running a jewellery shop in Sopore town for past few years.

Earlier, police said that four persons including two brothers identified as Mohammad Ail Lara, Mohammad Sajad Lara, sons of Mohammad Afzal Lara, residents of Muslim peer-Sopore, Nayeem Ahmad Lara son of Ghulam Mohammad Lara and Ghulam Mohammad Lara son of Ghulam Qadir Lara, both residents of Ashpeer-Sopore have been arrested in connection with the murder of Malik.

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Do You Believe This?: J&K Spends Rs 10871 Cr on Eggs, Milk, Mutton and Poultry and 90% Consumption Is Locally Managed.

by Masood Hussain

JAMMU: Despite making it a mass campaign in the last few years, the Jammu & Kashmir state has failed to emerge a self-sufficient market for the basic requirements of poultry, mutton, eggs and the milk. This is a major question mark over the Wazwaan Country’s capacity of consuming what it is unable to produce, at least to the level of its own requirements.

The four items which are basic to the routine food for most of the state population is an approximate economy of more than Rs 10,000 crore of which milk makes the most of it. Here is the detailed account of what J&k requires and how much it produces. The government on Tuesday placed on record the entire statistics about the four items. Here are the astonishing details.

J&K booked an expenditure of Rs 10871.93 crore on the four items in 2016-17, according to the official data tabled in the House. Of this, the government said, J&K imported items worth Rs 956 crore only.

Milk

One of the basic requirements of every household across the state, including vegetarians, Jammu & Kashmir, according to official documents consumed 24.68 lakh metric tons of milk in fiscal 2016-17. The consumption has improved from 22.83 lakh metric tons in 2014-15 but has gone slightly down in comparison to 25.06 lakh metric tons of mil consumption in 2015-16.

Though the mill statistics should have been in kilo-liters and not metric tones, let us assume a kilogram is equivalent to a kilogram. That means J&K consumed 246.80 crore liters of milk. Converted into value, this means an amount of Rs 7404 crore economy at the rate of Rs 30 per kilogram of milk.

The government data suggest that J&K has been managing most of its milk requirements locally. The production details suggest that the state produced 23.56 lakh metric tones in 2016-17, 24.01 lakh metro tones in 2015-16 and 21.74 lakh metric tones of milk.

Though the production details would be contested by the market, the official data said part of the consumption was managed through imports. In 2016-17 ending March 2017, the government said only 112.16 thousand metric tones was imported which is slightly higher than 109.25 thousand metric tones imported in 2015-16 and 109.04 thousand tonnes in 2014-15.

This means only 11.216 crore liters were imported in 2016-17 which would cost Rs 336.48 crore at the rate of Rs 30, a kilogram. This means the deficit in the milk requirements within the state resources are quite thin.

Eggs

J&K has more than 12.5 million population as per the census 2011. The official data suggest that the state consumed 1209 million eggs in 2016-17, which is slightly lower than 1269 million in 2015-16 and 1186 million in 2014-15. This means 120.9 crore eggs in 2016-17, ending March 2017.

Eggs are basic to the food of every family, even in vegetarian families as well. Calculations suggest that it is worth a fortune. If an egg is taken at the face value Rs 5, it means J&K spent Rs 603 crore on its breakfast in 2016-17.

Of this fortune, how much is the Jammu & Kashmir state managing locally? The data suggest that the production of eggs in the state were to the tune of 429.04 million in 2016-17, 484.60 million in 2015-16 and 481.34 million in 2014-15.

To manage the surging demand, J&K has to rely heavily on the imports. The imports are quite huge: 780 million eggs in 2016-17, 784.3 million in 2015-16 and 705 million in 2014-15.

A layman’s calculation suggests that J&K produces barely one-third of its eggs requirements. Two-third of the consumption is managed through imports which means a capital flight of nearly Rs 400 crore to non-local suppliers, mostly in Punjab and Haryana.

Poultry

Chicken is a huge item in the daily food, mostly in the non-vegetarian homes. Kashmir as tourist destination surges the requirements every season.

So how much is the consumption of the chicken in the state? Official date submitted by animal and sheep husbandry department suggests that J&K consume 740 lakh kilograms of poultry meat in 2016-17 which is slightly lower in comparison to the actual consumption of 765 lakh kilograms in 2015-16 and 511.94 lakh kilograms in 2014-15.

How much is that? This means 76.50 crore kilograms in 2016-17.

Assuming that a kilogram of poultry costs Rs 125 in the market, it means a yearly turnover of Rs 956.25 crore.

But how much of it is local. Most of it, if one goes by the data that was placed before the House. The government said that the state produced 602.84 lakh kilograms locally within the state in 2016-17, which, however, is slightly less if compared to 640.95 lakh kilograms in 2015-16 and 594.79 lakh kingdoms in 2014-15.

The data reveals that the state has greatly managed its poultry requirements locally: to the tune of 81.84 percent, leaving just a bit less than one-fifth to the outside producers.

On imports, the state government gave an interesting response. In 2016-17, the government said, J&K imported 93.1 lakh boiler birds in addition to 22.9 crore culled poultry birds. The boilers imports have gone slightly higher in comparison while the culled poultry has fallen down slightly. In 2014-15, J&K imported 55.1 lakh broiler birds and 29.7 crore culled poultry. A year later, in 2015-16, the imports in poultry were at 64 lakh poultry birds and 30 crore culled poultry birds. How much that means requires a lot of calculation.

Mutton

Mutton is so huge in requirement and so massive in consumption, that Kashmir, off late, seemingly has part of its identity linked to its Wazwaan. But how much is too much?

The official data suggest that J&K consumed 477.17 lakh kilograms of mutton in 2016-17, which was slightly lower than 509.46 lakh kilograms and 511.94 lakh kilograms in 2014-15. It means 47.17 crore kilograms in 2016-17.

Considering the cost of a kilogram at Rs 400, it means J&K consumed Rs 1908.68 crore on mutton alone in last financial year.

But how much of it is local? The state government says most of it is locally produced. Official data suggest that Jammu & Kashmir produced 323.57 lakh kilograms of mutton within the state – which means 67.81 percent of the consumption was managed locally in 2016-17. The production is steadily rising: 318.89 lakh kilograms in 2014-15 and 321.965 lakh kilograms in 2015-16.

So what was the exact number of sheep and goat that were imported into the state to manage the local consumption. The official data said that in 2016-17, J&K imported a total of 10.24 lakh sheep and goat which was slightly lower I comparison to 12.10 lakh animals in 2015-16 and 12.87 lakh cattle heads in 2014.15.

Analysis

While the data may require a relook especially on the part that is locally managed, the larger thing is how much of this market has grown over the years. How much of opportunities lie in this sector? Anybody’s guess.

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44414 artisans provided interest subsidy under ACC; Rs 375 cr given as loan: Govt

Jammu

The Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chander Parkash Ganga on Tuesday informed the House that the department has covered 44414 artisans under Artisan Credit Card (ACC) scheme involving interest subsidy of Rs 62.36 crore whereas artisans have received a loan to the tune of Rs 375 crore till ending November 2017.

Replying to a question of legislator Ali Mohammad Sagar, he said that ACC Scheme provides for easy and soft credit facilities to the artisans, weavers, members of cooperative societies and craftsmen associated with different activities to start their independent ventures. He said the Scheme envisages financial assistance in the form of a loan with a ceiling of Rs 1 lakh from various banks and financial institutions. The Government provides interest subsidy @10% on the loan over a period of 5 years, he added.

He further informed that the Ministry of Textiles, GoI has approved the distribution of 8000 Modern Carpet Looms (2000 in Phase-I and 6000 in Phase-II) at a cost-sharing pattern of 80:20 between Gol and State Government. Over 8000 Looms have been distributed among the beneficiaries free of cost, while the State Government provides about Rs14000 per loom as State Share against Central Share of Rs 40000 per loom.

He said the Ministry of Textiles, Gol has also accorded in principle approval for procurement and distribution of an additional lot of 6000 Modern Carpet Looms with Central Share of Rs 24 crore.

While replying to another question, the Minister said that around 7500 persons are trained in different crafts annually in various training centres being run by Handicraft department. He further informed that the stipend of Rs 500 per month under elementary training courses and Rs 700 per month under advanced training courses is being paid to the trainee artisans.

With regard to Skill Development Schemes, the Minister informed that Certificate Course in Carpet Manufacturing (CCCM) is being conducted under Integrated Skill Development Scheme (ISDS) of Ministry of Textiles, GoI under which as many as 2740 persons have been trained so far.

He said that Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT) is also conducting Certificate Course for Training of Trainers (CCTOT) with the objective to create a pool of professional trained human resource for the carpet industry.

“To create self-employment opportunities for the target groups, 6 months Certificate Course in Carpet Weaving is also being conducted in concerned areas of Kashmir Division and as many as 300 persons from different districts have been trained till date” he added.

Meanwhile, the Minister said around 80 persons, 20 each from Anantnag, Budgam, Bandipora and Srinagar districts have been imparted 4 months trained under Handicrafts Technical Training on Silk Carpet Weaving Programme, he added.

Responding to another part of the question, the Minister said that market support is being provided to the artisans, craftsmen and Micro & Small manufacturers through exhibitions at different places within and outside the State.

Giving details, the Minister said during 2017-18 till date, 6 Exhibitions at IITF New Delhi, PITEX Amritsar, Chandigarh, Katra, Leh and Jammu have been organized and 4 more Exhibitions at Jaipur, Gwalior, Dehradun and Lucknow are being organized in the remaining months of the current financial year.  He added that Handicrafts (S&E) Corporation will also be participating in Spring Fair, Birmingham, the UK to be held in February 2018.

The Handicrafts (Sales & Export) Corporation is also providing market support through the direct purchase of Handicraft items exquisite quality and design products as per market trend, he added.

The Minister further informed that the Government is also introducing an e-Commerce platform to link artisans and weavers of the State. The target is to increase the exports of Handicrafts and Handloom Products and serving the prime objective of minimizing the exploitation of the multiple steps of middleman ship, he said.

He further informed that the unemployed youth are being provided financial assistance for setting up own ventures under PMEGP. The maximum cost of the project/unit admissible under manufacturing sector is Rs 25.00 lakh, he added.

“It is a bank tie-up scheme where the beneficiary is required to contribute 5 to 10% of the project cost, the GoI provides 25 to 35% Margin Money Subsidy and the rest is provided by the Banks as loan”, he added.

The Minister said that during 2017-18 allocation and targets have been enhanced from the previous year’s allocation and target of Rs 42.52 crore and 2127 units to Rs 81.82 crore and 4125 Units which is 192% enhancement.

He said that to facilitate the buyers to get the genuine products and remunerative prices for the Artisan, “Labelling” has been introduced in the State for Kashmir Pashmina through Craft Dev. Institute (CD), Srinagar.

Giving details of the World Bank Projects, he informed that the Papier Machie Cluster at Zadibal, Crewel Chain Stitch Cluster at Noor Bagh and Willow Wicker Cluster at Ganderbal have been sanctioned for funding under the World bank funded Jhelum & Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP).

Similarly, under KVIB Clusters the Ministry of MSME, Gol has sanctioned various clusters under SFURTI Scheme including Martand Chain Stitch & Crewel Embroidery Cluster at Islamabad at a cost of Rs.4.50 crore and Sukhnag Sozni Embroidery Handicrafts Cluster, Budgam sanctioned at a cost of Rs 4.45 crore, he informed.

About the number of Artisans in the State, the Minister informed that approximately there are 4 lakh Artisans engaged in the manufacturing of Handicraft goods in the State, of which 167476 are registered and 232524 unregistered.

He said that few new initiatives have been announced in Budget Proposals 2018-19 to further incentivize the Artisans by providing better market support and ensure sustenance of quality in the Handicrafts products.

“The Budget Proposals include consideration of Handicraft units registered with Handicrafts Department at par with Industrial units for the purpose of availing incentives under the extended industrial policy. Rs 5 crore each being provided to the Handicraft Department and Handloom Development Corporation for raw material and inventory up-gradation will actually reach to the Artisans and Weavers as the inventory is bought from local artisans”, he said.

Likewise, provision of Rs 5 crore has been set aside to support heritage craft of Carpet in manufacturing and marketing activities, he informed.

He said to coordinate the carpet design activities and to preserve this heritage; a design bank shall be created at a cost of Rs 1 crore which will commensurate with the market trends.

Mr Mubarak Gul, Mr M Y Tarigami and Mr Abid Hussain Ansari raised supplementary questions to the main question.

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Govt to upgrade 400 schools in JK: Altaf Bukhari

Jammu

Minister for Education Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Tuesday informed the House that the government has approved up-gradation of 200 Middle Schools (100 in each division) to the level of High School and 200 High Schools (100 in each division) to the level of Higher Secondary School in the state.

Replying to a question of Vibod Gupta, the Minister said that the up-gradation of these schools would be done as per the existing norms/feasibility and compatibility of GIS Mapping. The up-gradation of these schools shall be subject to availability of funds for the creation of requisite staff and infrastructure, he added.

The Minister further informed that 2,154 vacancies of teachers have been referred to JKSSB under Direct Recruitment Quota including 14 vacancies of district Rajouri. He further informed that 86 Masters have been appointed in the district recently adding that the department has also initiated the process of rationalization of staff and consolidation of resources. He further informed that the process of finalization of RET selection panels is pending in the department.

Legislator Surinder Kumar Choudhary also raised supplementary question

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LA pays tributes to Mahatma Gandhi

Jammu

The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Tuesday paid tributes to father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his martyrdom anniversary.

The members observed two minutes silence to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi after   MLA Jammu West Satpal Sharma drew the attention of the chair towards the importance of the day.

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Regularization policy notified for casual, other workers: Dr Drabu

Jammu

Minister for Finance, Dr Haseeb A Drabu on Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that the Jammu and Kashmir Casual and Other Workers-Regular Engagement Rules, 2017 has been notified recently for regularization of these workers. However, he said no work has been considered so far as per the provisions of SRO 520 dated 21-12-2017.

While replying to a Question by Altaf Ahmed Wani, the Minister further elaborated that the Government has already notified a policy and an empowerment committee has been constituted to recommend the creation of commensurate positions of Government Service Assistants (GSA) after proper scrutiny of proposals from the concerned departments. He further said that the cases of individual workers shall be screened by the committee for necessary recommendations in each case and it shall meet at regular intervals.

Ali Mohammad Sagar, Mian Altaf and Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen raised supplementary questions to the main Question.

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Labourer dies after falling from under construction hospital building in Kangan

Srinagar

A 42 years old labourer was killed on Tuesday after he fell from the roof of Under construction hospital building in Kangan area of district Ganderbal.

An official from the police department said that labourer identified as Mohd Abdullah Mir Son Of Ghulam Mohd Mir a resident of Drugteng Preng Kangan fell down from the roof of the Under construction hospital building in Kangan area of Ganderbal district on Tuesday and received serious injuries they said.

He was rushed to the Trauma hospital Kangan for treatment where from he was referred to SKIMS Soura where doctors declared him as brought dead, a police official said.

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