NEWS UPDATES AND DEVELOPMENT SCANARIO

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Rs. 10.67 Cr being incurred under NABARD in Gurez

*Three bridges would be ready by 2010

All inaccessible areas of , Dawar Gurez, and Tangdhar would get better road connectivity besides improving the basic amenities available to the people living in these border areas.

This was stated by the Minister for R&B, Mr. G.M.Saroori while addressing public meetings at various places in Gurez and Tangdhar today.

Minister of State for R&B, Mr. Javaid Ahmad Dar and MLC, Mr. Abdul Gani Vakil, MLA, Gurez Nazir Ahmad Gurazi, MLA Karnah Mr. Kafelul Rehman, senior congress leader Mr. Faqir Mohammad Khan also accompanied the Minister.

Mr. Saroori said that the development programmes launched by the Government are being implemented in the remote areas including Tulail, Dawar, Gurez, Tangdhar and Teetwal aimed to benefit every section of the society.

The Minister said that the policy of the Government is to see physical achievement on ground rather believing on paper work. He directed the officers and engineers to ensure that the benefit of the Government schemes would go to deserving people, adding a massive development plans are underway for the economically backward people living in border areas. He said Government is aware about the problems of the local people and assured them that all resources of the Government have been put in place service to mitigate their problems.

Reaffirming the resolve of the Government to connect every part of the inaccessible area of the state with each through road network, Mr. Saroori said that a hefty sum has been earmarked for construction of new roads besides up-gradation and renovation of damaged infrastructure in these border areas.

Mr. Saroori was informed that the work on 3 bridges would be completed during 2010. He was informed that Rs. 10.68 crore are been incurred under NABARD for completion of different schemes at Gurez. Rs. 7.76 crore are being expended under BADP in Gurez, the minister was intimated.

The Minister said that Central Government is keen to see all round development in the State, adding that personal efforts of Union Health Minister, Mr. Ghulan Nabi Azad are yielding better results. Mr Saroori said that Mr. Azad by personal efforts succeeded in getting approved several prestigious projects for the state during his tenure as Chief Minister of the State.

Mr. Saroori said that the congress high command has always worked for restoration of peace and normalcy in the state, adding the resumption of dialogue between India and Pakistan was one of its achievements. He said Congress Party believes in reconciliation to find out an amicable solution of Kashmir problem.

He said the people of the State, particularly those living along LOC have seen turbulent past and now want peaceful atmosphere.

Mr. Saroori also visited the families whose houses were gutted in the recent fire incident and took also stock of the damage caused to public property in the incident. He directed district administration to provide immediate relief to fire sufferers on war footing basis in view of fast approaching of winter in the area.

Mr. Javeed Ahmad Dar, Mr.Abdul Gani Vakil and Mr. Nazir Gurazi also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the programmes and polices of coalition Government.

Complete Batote-Kishtwar NH widening by Dec 09: Akhoon

*Alternate road at Assar to open for one-way traffic in a week

To assess the progress on widening of Batote-Kistwar National Highway, the Minister for Transport and CA&PD Mr. Qamar Ali Akhoon along with a high level team of officers today inspected the entire accident prone stretch from Batote to Doda and gave on-the-spot directions to complete the widening work by December 2009. The blacktopping work would however, get delayed due to the onset of winters, he was informed.

The Minister directed BEACON authorities to start blacktopping of the stretch where widening has been completed simultaneously. He expressed satisfaction over the work on widening of road on the alternate alignment at Assar. He was assured by the BEACON authorities on-way traffic will be allowed on this newly constructed stretch after one week, even though work like construction of parapets, installation of crash barriers, storm water drain etc would continue to be executed simultaneously without imposing traffic restrictions.

Regarding installation of crash barriers at vulnerable points, the Minister gave on the spot directions to the BEACON authorities to install the crash barriers, barrels, sign boards on Batote-Kishtwar NH by the end of November 2009.

Reiterating the government’s commitment of taking measures to minimize road accidents, Mr. Akhoon said that rules to issue permits have been relaxed for private passenger buses and matadors for the erstwhile Doda district for grant of permit to 100 buses and matadors and for this J&K Bank has been asked to be more liberal while financing such loans. He said that the endeavour of the government is that more people come forward and take benefit of the scheme which will certainly result in increase in number of passenger vehicles in the district thereby help in curbing the menace of overloading and accidents in the area. The Minister urged upon the people to come forward and avail benefits from the scheme and for this DC/ST Corporation will be approached to formulate a scheme for desirous transport operators of the region so that rate of interest on loan for procurement of passenger vehicles will be further reduced.

Enroute, the Minister interacted with bus operators an passengers and assured them that government is fully committed to improve the transport system in the erstwhile district Doda.

Commissioner/Secretary CA&PD and Transport, Transport Commissioner, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, DIG-Traffic, Chief Engineer BEACON, Deputy Commissioners of Doda and Ramban, RTO Jammu, SSP Doda and Ramban and SSP Traffic Batote-Kishtwar National Highway also accompanid the Minister.

Rs. 5.32 cr earmarked for Khankah at Chrar-i-Sharief

* Directs for adequate arrangements for Urs of Sheikh-ul-Alam

Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Tara Chand, who is also Minister Incharge Housing and Urban Development, has directed the divisional and district administration to make all necessary arrangements for Annual Urs of revered Sufi Saint, Sheikh-ul-Alam Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali falling on Friday, 16th October. He said adequate and fool proof transport arrangements for ferrying devotees and pilgrims from various parts of the state to Chrar-i-Sharief and back should be made from 14th October. Besides, un-interrupted power supply and drinking water availability during the auspicious days of the Urs-e Mubarak should be ensured for conveyance of the devotees.

Mr. Tara Chand has also directed the concerned authorities of Housing and Urban Development department to activate men and machinery for keeping the shrine complex and its surroundings neat and clean. He directed for installing street lights in all lanes and bye lanes of the town.

Deputy Chief Minister said that an amount of Rs. 5.32 crore has been proposed to be spent this fiscal on construction of historic Khankha-i-Mohalla at Chrar-i-Sharief adding that about Rs. 10.75 crore stand already incurred on phase-I of the project, out of the total project cost of Rs. 16.07 crore.

Sagar condoles Darzi’s demise

Minister for Rural Development, Panchayats, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar has condoled the demise of Mr. Abdul Rehman Darzi, of Riyazat Taing,Khanyar who passed away today.

It is pertinent to mention that Mr. Darzi was a close associate of the Shere-i-Kashmir Shiekh Mohammad Abdullah and was also an active member of the plebiscite front. He had created a mark for himself in the political circles of Kashmir due to his relentless hard work, political maturity and acumen

Describing him as a dedicated social worker who always worked for the upliftment of weaker and downtrodden sections of the society, Mr. Sagar said that his contribution would be remembered for a long time to come.

The Minister prayed for the eternal peace to the departed soul and hoped that the family would overcome the irreparable loss.

Concerted efforts needed to give fresh impetus to IMS: Dr Manohar

Concerted efforts are needed to give fresh impetus for the advancement of Indian System of medicine in the country said the Minister of State for Finance, Planning, Industries and Commerce, Higher Education, Stationery and Elections, Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma on the occasion of Dr. Dhanvantri Award Ceremony organized by the All India Indian Medicine Graduates Association in Hindi Bhawan here today.

The Minister said the old system of Medicine are very relevant in India in the present context as a major chunk of population still has faith in this system. He said that the academicians working in this field should encourage the present generation to know about the treatment. Homeopathy, Unanipathy and Ayurvedic methods of treatment should be made more popular in public so that they compete with Allopathy, he added.

Dr. Sharma said this system of Medicine is still in vogue in the remote areas of J&K State. The Minister urged the Association to encourage scientists to work in this field so that this system of treatment gains more popularity in the present times.

The function was attended by Dr. Chauhan, Chairman of the All India Indian Medicines Graduates Association and by Dr. A. K. Wali.

Dr. Manoher Lal expressed gratitude to the Union Minister for Health and Medical Education, Mr. Gulam Nabi Azad, for implementing AYUSH programme under National Rural Health Mission in the country.

Later, Dr. Sharma extended an invitation to the Association to hold the function next year in J&K, which was very graciously accepted by the Chairman.

Mir visits ITH Rangreth stresses for research on temperate crops

Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir emphasized for conducting research work on temperate horticulture crops for enhancing the yield and productivity of such crops in the state. He said, horticulture being one of the important sectors of state economy needs to be given impetus and efforts in this regard have already been initiated.

Minister for Agriculture said this during his visit to central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Rangreth while interacting with the officers of the said institute.

The Minister directed the staff to work with zeal and dedication. He also inspected various laboratories in the institute during the visit.

Soni meets Adbee Markaz Kamraz

*Asuures due place to Kashmiri

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ms. Ambika Soni on Monday assured a delegation of Adbee Markaz Kamraz that institutions under her ministry will take all steps to ensure due representation to Kashmiri language in their programmes.

This, she told a delegation of AMK comprising its president Aziz Hajini, general secretary Syed Shujaat Bukhari and prominent writer Prof Bashar Bashir. Ms Soni said that in DD Kashir the Kashmiri language will get its due share. However, she stressed upon reflection of composite culture of the state through the channel and other medium.

She assured that the quality of programmes will be improved and directed the authorities of both Doordarshan and Radio Kashmir to ensure participation of genuine people in all the programme. She also directed them to keep on updating their list of guests with preference to youth of the state. The Minister was also apprised about no share in programmes in Doordarshan and Radio Jammu even as 45 percent of population in Jammu region speaks Kashmiri. She said that she would look into and agreed with the view that Kashmiri programmes should be aired from this station keeping in view the population there. AMK delegation pointed out that there was no platform for Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu region in absence of this policy.

The Minister took note of the issue that unregistered organizations were given undue coverage thus promoting mediocrity. She assured the delegation that the concerned authorities will be asked to look into the matter.

Regarding the revival of Pragash journal by Press Information Bureau Srinagar, the minister asked the concerned authorities to take immediate steps for making it possible to restart it on modern technological levels.

Ms Soni said that if Kashmiri was a 1500 year old language then people should strive for getting the status of a classical language and she would support that cause.

Chib declares T-20 Cricket tournament open at Ganderbal

To popularize newly introduced sports events and to cater the sports requirements of rural areas in particular, the department of Youth Services and Sports today organized T-20 Tournament , in which 30 teams mostly representing the rural areas drawn from 10 districts of Kashmir province are participating

The match was inaugurated by Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Mr. R.S.Chib at Gadoora Stadium, Ganderbal

Director, Youth Service and Sports, Mr. G. M. Dar on this occasion informed the Minister that the Tournament shall be played on league cum knock out basis at various venues of Kashmir. He was further informed that the tournament shall conclude on October 21, 2009

Addressing the function, Mr. Chib said that these competitions are aimed at spotting the talent available in rural areas and the department within its financial resources is managing the financial implication of the tournament, besides shall take advantage of funds available under “Panchayat Yova Krida Aur Khel Abiyan”. He said these activities apart from providing a sense of competition in rural youth shall aim at promoting state interaction and emotional integration. The introduction of such events is also a step forward to bring under the blank cover a wide spectrum of new activities, so that the department is tuned to the frequency of activities being promoted by different agencies at National and International level.

Earlier, the participating teams took part in a march past. Oath ceremony of participants was also organized. Various school students presented colourful cultural bonanza on the occasion.

Later, a district officers meeting was held in Deputy Commissioner’s office under the chairmanship of Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Mr. R.S.Chib.

The meeting took stock of the pace of development of various schemes under execution.

Minister stressed upon officers to take concrete steps in ensuring timely and judicious expenditure of funds available.

The Minister was accompanied by MLC, Mr. Ali Mohmmad Bhat, Director, Youth Services and Sports, Mr. G. M. Dar, Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal, Mr. Iftikhar Hussain Bari Addl. Deputy Commissioner, Mr. A. R. Lone, SSP Ganderbal, Deputy Director Sports, Mrs. Gulshan, State Chief Commissioner, Scouts and Guides Mr. N. A. Khan and Principal, College for Physical Education, S. Hardesh Singh.

Rafi chairs Ethics Committee meeting

A meeting of Ethics Committee was held under the chairmanship of Member Legislative Assembly, Mr. Rafi Ahmad Mir at meeting hall of Assembly complex today.

The meeting was attended by legislators Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Ganai, Mr. Mohammad Khalil Bandh, Mr. Krishan Chander, Mr. Abdul Razak Waga y and Mr. Lal Chand and senior officers of the Assembly Secretariat including Additional Secretary.

The Committee threadbare discussed code of conduct of Raja Sabha circular and it was decided that the circular be distributed among the members of the committee and sought their necessary valuable suggestions in this regard.

Northern Army Commander calls on Governor

The Army Commander, Northern Command, Lt. Gen. B. S. Jaswal, called on the Governor, Mr. N. N. Vohra, at Raj Bhavan, here this evening.

The Army Commander, accompanied by the Corps Commander, 15 Corps, Lt. Gen. Bikram Singh, briefed the Governor about the security situation in the State.

This was Lt. Gen. Jaswal’s first meeting with the Governor after taking over as the Army Commander, Northern Command.

International Conference on Hangul concludes

Governor for pooling expertise to conserve wildlife, ecology

The three-day International Conference on “Conservation of Hangul and Endangered Deer Species” concluded here today with the Governor, Mr. N. N. Vohra, Chief Guest at the valedictory session.

The Conference was organized by the Sher-e- Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir (SKUAST-K) in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, and the State Wildlife Protection Department.

The Governor, who is also the Chancellor of the University, addressing the valedictory session, said that Jammu and Kashmir has a fragile environment and gave a clarion call to the environmentalists, conservationists and experts to come together for preserving, conserving and sustaining the environment, ecology, fauna and flora and water bodies in the State. He expressed serious concern over the growing shrinkage of glaciers, forest cover and water bodies and near extinction of many wildlife species and stressed that if this trend is not reversed the very survival of mankind could be in danger.

Referring to Hangul, the Governor observed that heavy human biotic interference led to decrease in its numbers and now Hangul is among the critically endangered species, like Markhor, Himalayan Bear, and Musk Deer. He called for taking all possible measures for its protection, conservation and propagation. He said that along with the statutory and punitive provisions, greater awareness needs to be created among the people at large in regard to Hangul conservation.

The Governor said that Jammu and Kashmir has been gifted by nature with enchanting natural beauty and hoped that at least some of the participants in the Conference would visit some of the tourist spots in and around Srinagar.

The Governor, on the occasion, released a publication brought out by the SKUAST titled “Endangered Wetlands of Kashmir Valley”.

The Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof. Anwar Alam, said that 150 scientists from within and outside the country had deliberated upon the subject during the past three days. He called for people’s participation to conserve Hangul and put forth several suggestions for the purpose and said that carrying capacity of Hangul habitats should be improved by taking various scientific measures.

The Vice Chancellor said that the recommendations presented by the Chairmen of various technical sessions will be brought out in the form of a compendium.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Director, Resident Instruction/Dean Post-Graduate Studies, SKUAST-K, Prof. Syed Sajjad Hussain, gave a resume of the deliberations of the Conference.

The Organizing Secretary of the Conference, Dr. Khursheed Ahmad presented vote of thanks.

The Chairmen of the five technical sessions of the Conference presented the recommendations of the respective sessions on the occasion.

Prominent among those present at the valedictory function were the Commissioner/Secretary Forests, Mr. Shantmanu, participants of the Conference from within and outside the country, faculty members of the SKUAST, scholars, students and senior officers.

Govt determined to tap Animal, Sheep husbandry potential in Ladakh: Ruhullah

The Minister for Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Science and Technology & Information Technology, Mr. Aga Syeed Ruhulla said that in view of immense potential in animal and sheep husbandry sectors for boosting State economy, the Government is much determined to give added attention to strengthen these sectors.

Aga Syeed was speaking at a meeting with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council here today.

The Minister expressed high hopes on installing a Milk Processing Plant in Leh in future with its qualities that would economically encourage the local milk producers. He said that Pashmina and wool has been playing a vital role not only in boosting the local economy but it has also supported so many Kashmiri artisans. Mr. Aga Syeed was much optimistic to pay maximum focus for promotion of Animal and Sheep husbandry sectors in Ladakh by providing liberal funding from the State plan.

On the demand of sanctioning Micro Geo-thermal Projects for Leh district to cater the power requirement in some specific areas like Chumathang and Panamic, the Minister sought project proposals for Geo-thermal projects of the capacity upto 3MW to the State Govt. and said that funding is no problem if the projects are viable.

On behalf of the Leh Hill Council, the Executive Councilor Education, Mr. Dorje Stanzin presented a charter of demands related to Sheep and Animal husbandry sectors before the Minister. The demands included providing a handsome revolving fund for pashmina processing and its promotion, provision of funds for increasing the Single Jersy cow unit from 40 to 300 for Leh district, sufficient stocking of feed and fodder for the animals to meet unforeseen crisis etc.

The Deputy Commissioner, Leh Mr. Ajeet Kumar Sahu apprised the Minister about the present developmental scenario of Leh district . Mr. Sahu also explained the Minister about the vast potential of renewable energy and geo-thermal power in Ladakh. He requested the Minister for moderate flow of funding for proper development of all the important sectors in Leh and said that Leh district is scattered and very difficult region requirind more funds.

On this occasion, the Director, Renewable Energy Ladakh, Mr. Jigmet Takpa gave a digital presentation highlighting the prospective of renewable energy and geo-thermal power in Ladakh. Mr. Takpa said that as per the preliminary survey report, Puga Hot Spring has a power potential of 20 to 100 MW , that can change the developmental scenario of whole Ladakh if it is harnessed.

The Councilor Chuchot Mr. Abbas Abidi, Councilor Phiyang, Mr. Jigmet Namgyal and Councilor Korzok, Mr. Chotar Tsering also raised some important issues concerning Leh district for redressal from the State Govt.

The Councilors and district officers were also present in the meeting.

Qureshi chairs DRC meeting on Forest

A Departmental Related Committee (DRC) meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Member Legislative Council Mr. Mohammad Rashid Qureshi at meeting hall in Assembly complex here today.

The Committee discussed threadbare various issues with regard to forest and its allied departments. These included sanction and issuance of timber to earthquake victims and criteria adopted on this score, measures taken to protect the forest land from encroachment, number of forest officers deputed outside the State and criteria being adopted for allotment of timber and extraction work.

The committee decided that the next meeting with the senior functionaries of Forest and its allied departments would be held on November 17, 2009 for further discussion. It was also decided that meeting with Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department would be convened on October 20, 2009.

The meeting was attended by the legislators, Mr. Altaf Ahmed Wani, Aga Sayeed Ahmed Rizivi, Mr. Narboo Gilchain and other senior officers of Council Secretariat.

Peerzada stresses for acquainting the students with quality education

Minister for Education, Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed has said that children are the future of our nation so the parents should impart their wards with the quality, job oriented besides moral education for making better citizens and competent human resource who can turn out to be the assets for a developing nation.

This was stated by the Minister at a Parents Day function organized by the Government Higher Secondary School, Larnoo today. Chief Education Officer, Anantnag, Zonal officers, students teachers, parents were present on the occasion.

Peerzada said that the education is the top priority of present government and in this regard every possible step have been taken to improve the basic infrastructure of the all educational institutions. He said to provide quality education in every village of the State, several education institutions have been upgraded.

On the occasion, the Minister announced Rs.10 lakh as Ist installment out of constituency development fund for the construction of building of Higher Secondary School, Larnoo. He directed the concerned to start construction work of sanitary units, laboratory, computer section and playing ground at an earliest.

The Minister said that several steps have been taken to improve the deteriorated conditions of roads in Brang constituency. With regard to power scenario of the constituency, Peerzada said that 84 transformers would be installed in the area soon.

Students of the institution presented colorful cultural programmes on the occasion.

High Court to close on Oct 31st

According to Registrar General, High Court of J&K, the main wing of the High Court and the office of the Registrar Vigilance shall close at Srinagar on Saturday, October 31st and will re-open at Jammu on Monday November 09,2009.

Govt constitutes pay anomaly committee

Government has accorded sanction to the constitution of Pay Anomaly Committee comprising of Administrative Secretary, Finance as Convener, Administrative Secretary, General Administrative Department, Administrative Secretary, Law Department, Administrative Secretary, ARI/ Trainings Department and Representatives of HCM’s Secretariat not below the rank of Special Secretary as members and Director Codes as member/secretary.

The terms of reference of the Committee shall be to examine various anomalies in the existing pay structure as may come to the notice of the Committee and suggest measures to remove such anomalies, to examine issues of legitimate pay anomalies resulting from implementation of Sixth Pay Revision and to examine any other matter connected therewith or incidental thereto. The Committee shall be serviced by the Finance Department.