Jitendra, Giriraj review preparations

Jammu: Union Ministers Jitendra Singh and Giriraj Singh on Monday reviewed preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s forthcoming visit to Jammu, scheduled for April 24, to commemorate the nationwide ‘Panchayati Raj Diwas’.

The Ministers convened a joint meeting of the Department of  Rural Development and the Department of Panchayati Raj with six science Departments, namely  Science and Technology, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Biotechnology, Space/ISRO, Atomic Energy and Earth Sciences  at Prithvi Bhawan in New  Delhi.

Various aspects and possibilities of integration of Science & Technology with the themes of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj were discussed.

During the meeting, Jitendra proposed that instead of having conventional stalls at the event, “We should showcase the latest technology, which can add value to the farmers’ income and enable science-based value addition to various Panchayati Raj features”.

Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Giriraj Singh said the event will be followed by many such science and technology innovations in areas related to Rural Development and Panchayati Raj.

Panchayat, by the name Palli in district Jammu, has been selected for the Panchayati Raj Diwas function this year and an exhibition showcasing latest innovations will be put up enabling farmers, Sarpanch, Panch and village heads to improve their income and produce.

It was decided that after two or more such meetings, a bigger meeting will be held to finalise the details of the event, to be held on April 24, 2022.

Even though the event will be physically held at Jammu, lakhs of Gram Panchayats from across the country will be able to connect and watch the event virtually. (UNI)

Hotels, houseboats booked for next 2 months

Expecting bumper tourism throughout the year: Sarmad Hafeez

By: Abid Bashir

Srinagar: After suffering immensely for the past two years due to the deadly pandemic, Kashmir’s tourism sector has got a big push as the ensuing month of March has recorded the highest ever tourist arrivals, breaking all records of the past ten years.

The Tourism department and the stakeholders associated with the sector have more to cheer as the majority of hotels and houseboats across Kashmir have advance bookings till May.

Director Tourism Kashmir, G N Itoo said that the ensuing month has registered a record number of tourist arrivals in Kashmir. “The figure is indeed the highest ever in the past ten years,” he said, not preferring to reveal the exact figure of tourists that visited Kashmir in March so far for obvious reasons.

He, however, claimed that the number of tourists that visited Kashmir in March is indeed the first time if compared to the past ten years.

Itoo said credit for the bumper tourism in March goes to the sustained tourism promotion campaign by the department and the serious efforts put in by all stakeholders including travel agents, tour operators, house boat owners, and even pony wallas.

“We hope to see record arrivals of tourists in the next two months given the advance bookings hotels and houseboat owners have received,” he beamed.

Secretary Tourism and Culture J&K, Sarmad Hafeez said that the Tourism department held a series of road shows and promotion campaigns in Bhubneshwar, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bangaluru and other places to ensure tourists arrive in Kashmir. “A series of steps were taken to woo tourists to Kashmir as tourism suffered a lot due to the past two years of pandemic,” he said.

Hafeez said that the Tourism department worked on many fronts including promoting Tulip garden and Mughal gardens as tourist destinations besides presenting Almond bloom to tourists as well.

“For the first time, Pahalgam was jam packed even in bone chilling winters. This indeed is an achievement. We are also showcasing Kashmir’s traditional food cuisine and various varieties of Kashmiri bread in gardens including Tulip garden,” he said, adding that tourists should enjoy different varieties of food and bread during their visit to Kashmir.

He also confirmed that the majority of hotels and houseboats of Kashmir have received advance booking which signifies that Valley is all set to host a large number of tourists this spring and for the rest of the year. (KNO)

Srinagar: Government on Monday constituted Divisional Level Steering Committee for formulation and implementation of Town Planning Schemes (TPS) for divisions of Jammu and Kashmir.

With Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, and Kashmir respectively as its chairman, the committee has been tasked to prepare Town Planning Scheme for identified areas in the Jammu and Kashmir Divisions and submit the same to the Government within prescribed time schedule.

It has been also tasked with implementation of the approved Town Planning Scheme on ground including formation of the Special Purpose Vehicle for its successful implementation, according to an order by government.

Its terms of reference include preparation of the Terms of Reference for hiring of the consultant; Drafting legislation for Local Area Planning and Town Planning Scheme implementation after evaluating the different legislation related to management, development and control of land in urban areas and Coordination with various agencies for data collection and validation/approval of concept designs/bye-laws, besides estimation of costing and convergence of project components.

The committee for Jammu is headed by Divisional Commissioner as chairman and its members include Deputy Commissioner (Concerned), Commissioner, JMC, Chief Executive Officer, Smart City Jammu,

Vice Chairman, Jammu Development Authority, Special Secretary (Law), Housing & Urban Development Department, Director Land Records Jammu, Chief Town Planner, Jammu (Member secretary), Prof. Dr. P.S.N. Rao (Director, School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi), Paresh Sharma, Chief Town Planner (Retd.) Gujarat, and K.K. Pandey (Center for Urban Studies, IIPA )

The committee for Kashmir Division includes Divisional Commissioner Kashmir as Chairman and members include Deputy Commissioner (concerned), Commissioner SMC, Chief Executive Officer, Smart City Srinagar, Vice Chairman, Lake Conservation and Management Authority, Vice Chairman, Srinagar Development Authority, Special Secretary (Law), Housing & Urban Development Department, Director Land Records, Srinagar, Chief Town Planner, Kashmir and Prof. Dr. P.S.N.Rao (Director, School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi), Paresh Sharma, Chief Town Planner (Retd.) Gujarat and K.K.Pandey (Center for Urban Studies, IIPA).

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday constituted Committee for implementation and enforcement of Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) and Eco-Niwas Samhitta (ENS) in Jammu and Kashmir.

The committee has been formed in terms of Energy Conservation Act, 2001 and Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) Rules 2018, reads a government order.

With Administrative Secretary, Power Development Department as Chairperson and Administrative Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department as its Co-Chairperson, the 25-member committee has been tasked with job to promote energy efficiency standards through optimization of parameters in the various components and systems of the building in line with the provisions of these rules to enhance the building performance and provide every support to make it an effective instrument of promoting energy conservation and energy efficiency in the commercial buildings or establishments.

As per its terms of reference,  the committee is also tasked to forward its recommendations to the Bureau to assist the National Energy Conservation Building Code Implementation Committee to develop and revise energy consumption standards for buildings, in terms of energy performance index, zone-wise – hot and dry, warm and humid, composite, temperate and cold climate zones, classification- wise.

It is also tasked   to create awareness about Energy Conservation Building Code and procedure for erection of Code compliant building.

The committee is also required to promote construction of energy efficient buildings ensuring quality and consistency in their constructions having regard to the climatic conditions and needs of the building projects. It has also been asked to promote capacity building of building professionals, developers and contractors to promote energy efficient designs of buildings inclose co¬ordination with jurisdictional authorities. Lastly, the panel has been asked to undertake performance review of annual work of all Empanelled Energy Auditors (Building) to check their credentials.

Jammu: Chief Justice of High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Justice Pankaj Mithal, Monday administered the oath of office to two newly appointed Judges- Justice Rahul Bharti and Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi as Additional Judges of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, in the Court Room of Chief Justice at Jammu.

The Oath taking ceremony was physically attended at Jammu by Justice Tashi Rabstan, Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Justice Sindhu Sharma, Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul, Justice Puneet Gupta, Justice Javed Iqbal Wani, Justice Mohammad Akram Chowdhary while as Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey, Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur, Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Justice Sanjay Dhar and Justice Mohan Lal attended the oath ceremony virtually from Srinagar.

The proceedings of the Oath taking ceremony were conducted by Sanjeev Gupta, Registrar General of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh who read the contents of the notification received from Government of India, Ministry of Law & Justice, Department of Justice, the Warrants of Appointment issued by the President of India and the Letter of Authorization issued by the Lieutenant Governor, Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, authorising the Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, to administer the oath of office to two newly appointed Judges.

The ceremony was also attended by the Former Judges of High Court, Advocate General, D C Raina; Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta; Secretary Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Achal Sethi; Assistant Solicitor General of India, Jammu, President Bar Association, Jammu, District Judges posted at Jammu Headquarter, Members of various Bars, Officers of Civil Administration and Officers and Staff of the Registry.

With the elevation of two Judges, the strength of Judges of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has risen to 15 Judges including the Chief Justice.

Srinagar: A day after attaching him with DPL, former Station House Officer of Nishat police station has been placed under suspension along with the Head Constable following a preliminary investigation into allegations of bribery against the duo, officials said on Monday.

The police Head Constable had allegedly approached a person and sought money as corruption from him.

A senior police officer said preliminary inquiry has now been changed into regular departmental inquiry. “Both of them have been placed under suspension,” the officer said.

Asked why the former SHO was placed under suspension when he was already attached with the DPL, the officer said: “While head constable was prima facie found to be involved, the ex-SHO’s role was found to be suspicious. That is why a regular departmental inquiry.”

He said that regular departmental inquiry would make things “crystal clear” and further course of action would be decided based on its findings.

“Tough action would be taken against whosoever was found involved,” the officer said, adding, “general public is requested to bring to notice any unethical practice seen or heard to the notice of the police and tough action as warranted under law would be take. (GNS)

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that there is no question to weaken the Defence Public Sector Undertakings and the government has taken a number of steps to strengthen them.

Replying to the question asked by the Congress MP KC Venugopal during Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, Rajnath Singh said that over 80 per cent of procurement has been done from the DPSU. “Every effort is made to strengthen the DPSUs by fully supporting them.

They have created liabilities, we are clearing the liabilities,” the minister said. Replying to queries, MoS Defence Ajay Bhatt told Rajya Sabha that the security of the country will strengthen only when the country becomes self reliant in defence technology.

“In the 14 years from 2001 to 2014, we got only 215 licences, while in the seven years since 2014, 353 licences have been awarded so far for manufacturing defence equipment,” he said.

He said that from 2001 to 2014, India received a total of Rs 1382 Crore worth FDI in the Defence sector which rose to Rs 3343 crore in last seven years during the present government.

Bhatt said that during financial year 2022-23, over 68 per cent of defence procurement has been given to the domestic sector. Congress MP KC Venugopal wanted to know if the government’s policies strengthened the indigenous production in the defence sector specially the public sector units of the defence sector. (UNI)

New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said “writing off” bad loans did not mean a complete waiver, after DMK MP TR Baalu raised questions over it.

Asking a supplementary question in the Lok Sabha, Baalu said, “This Government in 2021 has spent money on big industries, who had NPA. In 2021 in NPA, they have written off about Rs two lakh crore and between 2014 and 2021, they have written off Rs 10.7 lakh crore”.

“My most important question is: Will the Government come forward to bring out a statutory provision to safeguard the interest of the common man and salaried class for the small investments made from their savings for the future, so that they do not lose confidence?,” he said. Sitharaman explained writing off the loan did not mean a waiver.

“I would like to humbly submit that writing off is not completely waiving the amount. As part of the accounting process, banks make a provision for the amount, which is due from the NPA account and in that process, we call it as writing off, but the provisioning is made and the pursuing of that particular defaulter or the NPA, which owes money to the bank, is followed up,” Sitharaman said.

“Several public sector banks have, in the recent past gotten the money back, which rightly belongs to them by claiming the assets of those defaulters,” she added.

The Minister further said that it was for the first time that NPAs were being pursued, action was being taken on promoters, and money was being taken from the securities and assets that they have and given back to the bank. (UNI)

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday said that they had conducted search operations on premises of serving and retired officials and arms dealers across Jammu and Kashmir on March 24 in connection with a Prevention of Money Laundering case pertaining to the arms license case.

Initial estimation of proceeds of crime generated in this case, where arms licenses were given to various persons by flouting rules and bribes paid through various means, is to the tune of Rs 40 crore, an ED official said.

“Various incriminating documents in the form of property documents and loose papers revealing transactions between the arms dealers, brokers and government officials were recovered and seized. Also, cash amounting to Rs 1.58 crore, 1.76 kg of gold worth Rs 92.30 lakh and digital exhibits were seized during the course of search operation,” the official added.

The ED initiated money laundering investigation in the case on the basis of FIRs registered by the Special Crime Branch of the Central Bureau of Investigation, Chandigarh in 2018.

The ED official said that search operation were conducted at the premises of IAS officer Rajeev Ranjan, a former Deputy Commissioner of Kupwara, Kashmir Administrative Service officer Itrat Hussain, also a former Deputy Commissioner of Kupwara, and Ravinder Kumar Bhatt, a former Additional Deputy Commissioner of Kupwara, Tariq Ather and Gajan Singh (both former judicial clerks at Arms Section, DC Office Kupwara).

Residential premises of arms dealers Amarnath Bhargava (Varun Armoury), his brother Mukesh Bhargava (Bhargava Gun House), Surjeet Singh (Deshmesh Armoury), Mohinder Kotwal (Mohinder Kotwal Arms and Ammunition), Manohar Singh (Swaran Arms & Ammunition) and Devi Dayal Khajuria (Khajuria Arms) were also searched by the ED officers.

It was learnt that bulk issuance of arms licenses took place in Jammu and Kashmir between 2012 and 2016 with over 2.78 lakh arms licenses issued to various defense and paramilitary personnel by flouting the prescribed guidelines and due procedure in lieu of illicit monetary consideration which was paid to the government officials through arms brokers.

Proceeds of crime were generated by conspiracy between the officials and dealers/brokers, which was a criminal misconduct under Prevention of Corruption Act, the ED said, adding that further investigation is underway. (IANS)