Murtaza Mushtaq
Kupwara, Mar 27: A blast-like sound was heard outside an army camp at Zachaldara area of Handwara in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Sunday.
A police officer said that the preliminary reports suggest that some old shell has exploded.
While there were no injuries reported in the blast, the police officer however said that detailed investigations have been launched. He said that area has been cordoned off pending the investigations. (GNS)
Mysterious blast outside Army camp in Kupwara
J&K reports 6 fresh Covid-19 cases
Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar, Mar 27: Jammu and Kashmir reported six fresh Covid-19 cases while there was no death due to the virus in the last 24 hours, officials said on Sunday.
They said two of the fresh cases were reported from Jammu Division and four from Kashmir Valley, taking the overall tally to 453643.
Giving district wise details, the officials said that Srinagar reported 2 cases, Baramulla 0, Budgam 0, Pulwama 0, Kupwara 1, Anantnag 0, Bandipora 0, Ganderbal 0, Kulgam 1, Shopian 0, Jammu 2, Udhampur 0, Rajouri 0, Doda 0, Kathua 0, Samba 0, Kishtwar 0,Poonch 0, Ramban 0 and Reasi 0.
There was no death reported in the last 24 hours, they said. So far 4750 persons have succumbed to the virus—2327 in Jammu and 2423 in Kashmir.
Besides, they said, ten Covid-19 patients—six from Jammu and four from Valley— recovered during the time. So far 448765 people have recovered, leaving the active case tally at 134— 24 in Jammu and 110 in Kashmir.
They said there was no new confirmed case of mucormycosis (black fungus) reported today. So far 51 black fungus cases have been confirmed in J&K, the officials said. They also informed that 6144 doses of covid-19 vaccine were administered during the time in J&K. (GNS)
Sharda temple construction begins near LoC
United News of India
Teetwal (Kupwara) Mar 27: The Sharda Yatra Temple Committee under the aegis of Save Sharda Committee Kashmir on Sunday started the construction work of Sharda temple near the Line of Control (LoC) in Teetwal.
A puja was held at the construction site in which Kashmiri Hindus from various parts of the country, a large number of Sikhs and locals were present.
According to the committee, after reclamation of the ancient heritage site, destroyed in 1947, the dharmshala and a small Sikh Gurudwara would form the base camp of Sharda Yatra. A Charri Mubarak will be also taken out from here to Sharda that will cross to Chilhana Village.
The committee had performed Bhumi Pujan on December 2 last year and the temple plan and model is already approved by Sringeri South Mutt. The artwork granite stones have been carved at Bidadi, Karnataka to be used in this temple.
“We demand that Sharda Peeth should be opened for pilgrimage, on the lines of Kartarpur in our greater Sharda Mission” said Ravinder Pandita, Head and founder of the Committee.
This base camp at Teetwal will be reclaiming one of our traditional routes to Sharda Peeth Yatra and would invite religious tourism throughout the globe, Pandita added.
Later the committee started Kar Seva by starting excavation work on site. The holy puja water was later immersed at LoC bridge at the dividing white line. Local committee members Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmed, Retd. Capt. Ilyas, Joginder Singh, Ajaz Khan , Surinder Mirza, S K Koul were also present on this occasion. (UNI)
PM congratulates Sindhu on Swiss Open win
United News of India
New Delhi, Mar 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated India’s ace shuttler and two-time Olympic medalist P V Sindhu for winning Swiss Open Super 300 title.
“Congratulations to P V Sindhu on winning the Swiss Open 2022. Her accomplishments inspire the youth of India. Best wishes to her for her future endeavours,” PM tweeted.
Sindhu, who finished as runner-up last year, defeated Busanan 21-16, 21-8 in the final to clinch the Super 300 title. This was Sindhu’s second title of the year, after winning the Syed Modi International in January.
Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari also congratulated Sindhu for the victory and tweeted: “Congratulations PV Sindhu for clinching the Women’s Singles Title in a straight game at the #SwissOpen2022 Finals.” (UNI)
Man arrested for issuing fake degrees in Jammu: Police
Jammu, Mar 27: Jammu Police have arrested a person for issuing fake degrees and documents of various Universities in Ranbir Singh Pura area here in the city outskirts, Police said on Sunday.
It said one Sunny Kumar, resident of Nai Basti, had filed a complaint at RS Pura police station regarding issuance and distribution of fake degrees by one Ravi Kumar, resident of Kotli Gala Bana, R S Pura.
The arrested accused revealed that he fraudulently prepared fake documents, degrees of various Universities and distributed them among the locals to earn money illegally.
Police said that about 100 fake degrees and documents have been recovered from him.
“The accused was issuing fake degrees, mark sheets of Universities like Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidhya Pith Varanasi; Chatrapti Shahuji Maharaj University Kanpur, UP; Himachal Pradesh University Board; Karnataka University; and CSJM University, Kanpur, UP.
The accused charged Rs 25000 for diploma mark sheet and Rs 45000 for degree.
“There is an apprehension of involvement of interstate gang in the fraud. We have registered a case and started investigation,” police added. (UNI)
Attaching property: Innocent civilians need not to worry: IGP Kashmir
Srinagar, Mar 27: Inspector General of Police Kashmir Vijay Kumar on Sunday said that honest and innocent civilians should not be worried a bit regarding implementation of law on attachment of properties of those sheltering militants.
“Honest and innocent citizens don’t have to worry a bit about the implementation of law regarding action against house owners in whose house militants come to hide at gun point”, he said, adding, “Law already provides protection to such persons and police will go by law.
He said that police is also aware that ” agents of militants and separatist leaders from time to time cleverly push militants in to innocent citizens house to damage them”.
“Jammu Kashmir Police has the skill and knowledge to segregate the chaff from grains. But law will not spare the rest”, the top police officer added. (GNS)
Government to pace up development process in J&K
Performance of contractors to be reviewed while renewing their licenses
Ibni Maqbool
Srinagar, Mar 27: In a move aimed at curbing delay in execution of development works in Jammu and Kashmir, the government has decided to assess performance of contractors while renewing their licenses under the law governing their issuance.
In an order, a copy of which is in possession of The Precious Kashmir, the Roads & Buildings department has directed the authorities empowered for issuance of licenses to take into consideration performance of the contractors while renewing their licenses under the Contractor Registration Act.
According to the order, the government has directed the competent authority to seek information from the concerned division about works completed by a particular contractor, works completed with delay and works not completed by him.
The move comes after J&K government during a review earlier this month found that macadimisation works have not been completed as per timelines.
“Whereas, during review of macadimisation works on 06.3.2022 and 14.3. 2022 sanctioned under different schemes during 2021-22, it has been noticed that macadimisation works allotted to contractors have not been allotted as per the timelines. Non-completion/ delay in implementation of the projects sanctioned by the government where funds have been released amounts to blockage of the public investment which can be put to use for other public purposes. Non-completion of projects causes’ huge inconvenience to the public,” reads the order.
Historic Rs 1.12 cr budget reflects people’s aspirations, J&K Govt’s commitment: LG
Target set for constructing 54,000 houses under PMAY during 2022-23
World’s highest 1315-meter long Railway Bridge over River Chenab targeted for completion by Sep 2022
Rs 7750 crore under JJM for achieving objective of 100% piped water supply to each household
Rs 11,000 cr RDSS aimed at providing quality power to J&K people
Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, said Friday that he on behalf of the people of Jammu & Kashmir expresses gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for the historic Rs. 1,12,950 crore budget for the year 2022-23.
While addressing the media persons during a Press Conference at Convention centre, the Lt Governor said that the futuristic budget reflects the needs and aspirations of the people of J&K and the commitment of the Administration for peace, progress and prosperity.
“The immediate goal is to accelerate the pace of economic development in the J&K and make it multi-dimensional”, said the Lt Governor.
The budget 2022-23 is primarily a “Growth-Oriented” budget and is in line with the endeavours of the UT Government to double its economy in the next few years, the Lt Governor said.
The budget envisages inclusive, all-round development in Jammu and Kashmir and has also provided resources to realize the vision of developed and prosperous Jammu & Kashmir, he further added.
The Lt Governor spoke on the sector-wise allocation and highlighted the key features of the budget 2022-23.
Good Governance, Agriculture & Horticulture , Power Sector, Rural Development, Strengthening Grass-Root Democracy, Facilitating Investment & Industrial Growth, Infrastructure Development, Improving Connectivity, Broadening Social Inclusion, Har Ghar Nal se Jal, Education , Youth, Tourism, and Health & Medical Education sectors have remained the focus areas of the budget 2022-23.
Allocation of Rs 1313 crore to Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies is aimed at strengthening the grassroot democratic setup in the UT. Rs 200 crore have been earmarked as Development Fund for 20 District Development Councils (Rs 10 crore for each DDC) and Rs 71.25 crore for Block Development Councils (Rs 25 lakh each). Besides, Rs 357 crore has been kept for Solid Waste Management with the two Municipal Corporations and other ULBs.
Huge allocation of Rs 9,289.15 crore has been allocated to the Jal Shakti Department this year. Rs 7750 crore kept under Jal Jeevan Mission for achieving the objective of 100% piped water supply to each household. Apart from this, 43 irrigation schemes are being targeted for completion this year under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana and 28,000 hectares of irrigation potential will be created/stabilized during 2022-23.
This year, Rs 2,835 crore have been allocated to the agriculture sector and Rs 646 crore to horticulture. The budget aims at doubling the farmers’ income in a planned manner. The strategy is to focus on cultivation of high yielding/high density crops, use of modern technology and a host of other measures. Nine lakh farmers are being benefitted by distribution of High Yield Varieties/Hybrid seeds. Provision for coverage of 400 hectares under high density apple plantation and 1000 hectares under sub-tropical fruit plants has also been made in the budget.
The allocation of Rs 391.90 crore for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries sector will help to meet our target of setting up 2,000 additional dairy units in the Union Territory providing direct employment to 5000 people.
This year’s allocation of Rs 5,443 crore for the rural sector will give a major fillip to our endeavors of Rural Development and Economy. Under MGNREGA, 426 lakh persondays to be generated and more than 14,000 youth will be trained under the Rural Skill Development Programme. Target has been set for constructing 54,000 houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana during 2022-23. We are also targeting to include 21,994 additional Self-Help Groups to our existing tally. Dedicated focus is being given to connect all Gram Panchayats with the Internet. Under Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, 1500 elected public representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions will be sent for exposure visits outside Jammu and Kashmir.
Connectivity is a priority sector and critical for all round development of the UT of J&K. Unprecedented progress has been made in the last two years in this regard. Allocation to the tune of Rs 6296 crore has been made to further strengthen the road and bridge network in Jammu and Kashmir. Four major National Highway projects viz; Jammu-Akhnoor Road, Chenani-Sudhmahadev road, Baramulla-Gulmarg road and Semi-ring Road Jammu are being completed during 2022. Execution of Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway project is also being taken-up, besides 10 new road/tunnel projects for the UT under Bharatmala project. Overall 6000 Kms of black topping of roads will be achieved during 2022-23 under various components.
For the power sector, Rs 8,768 crore has been allocated in the budget this year. In the last one and a half year, historic steps have been taken to strengthen power generation and infrastructure. We are working diligently towards the target of generating 3500 MW of electricity in three years and this will be further increased to three times in 7 years. The Central Government has also approved Rs 11,000 crore Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) project aimed at improving the power system in the UT and providing quality power to the people of J&K. In this financial year, 3 lakh smart meters each will be installed in Jammu and Srinagar to ensure reliable power supply.
As far as the Health sector is concerned, the Union Government has earmarked Rs 7,873 crore which will go a long way in extending best-in class medical facilities to the people of the UT. The pace of coverage of AB-PMJAY will be accelerated covering all the residents of J&K. Efforts will be made to start the First Batch of MBBS classes in New Medical colleges at Handwara Kupwara and Udhampur, increasing the overall intake capacity to 1300 MBBS seats in J&K. Completion of seven nursing colleges is also targeted for 2022-23.
The Union Government has given special attention to the School and Higher Education Department by allocating Rs 11,832 crore in this year’s budget. 500 Kindergartens will be established in government schools; 518 smart classrooms and 200 Vocational Laboratories are targeted to be established. We aim at completing 37 Girls Hostel Buildings and 12 KGBV buildings, constructing 7 college buildings, setting up Centers for Invention, Innovation, Incubation and Training (CIIIT) in Jammu and Srinagar, giving computer tablets to 8000 meritorious tribal students, besides providing skill training to around 20,000 undergraduate students. We have also set the target to accomplish 100% coverage of pre-matric and post-matric scholarship to Tribal students.
Rs.1,003 crore allocation to the Industries and Commerce Department will complement the ongoing efforts being made to take industrial development in the UT to new heights. Substantial amount will be spent on establishing new industrial estates in Jammu and Kashmir. The Industries Department will also assist 2000 Self Help Groups for promoting handicrafts.
In this year’s budget, an amount of Rs 200 crore has been allocated to provide financial assistance to young aspiring entrepreneurs of J&K.
The Social welfare department’s Rs. 3,203 crore budget allocation will ensure that the benefits of the welfare schemes reach every eligible beneficiary. Motorized Tricycles will be provided to all Divyangjan.
Tourism contributes significantly to J&K’s economy. Rs. 508 crore tourism budget will enable the sector to grow, thus benefiting the local population. 75 offbeat destinations are being identified and developed, and unexplored areas are also being developed under public-private partnership.
Keeping in mind the welfare of the tribal community, provision has been made to establish 14 new milk villages, besides constructing 7 transit accommodations for the community. Moreover, 29 Cluster Model Villages are being established which are at different stages of implementation.
Best policies are being worked out to encourage the sporting talents like Arif, Sadia, and Aarushi Kotwal, who made J&K proud with their distinct achievements. In this financial year, national level events will be organized in different disciplines of 17 sports. Around 7.50 lakh youth will be provided an opportunity to showcase their talent, and 221 playfields will be constructed in all 20 districts of the UT.
Development of Border Villages is another important sector that received a dedicated focus in the budget. With allocation of Rs 600 crore for border villages, and Rs. 50 crore under the Samridh Seema Yojana, special efforts will be made for the development of villages along the borders.
Under Smart City Mission, 80 projects will be completed and Rs. 200 crore has been earmarked for this. 100 electric buses each will ply on the roads of Jammu and Srinagar. 09 major sewerage schemes at an estimated cost of Rs. 1131 crore are to be executed and Rs. 373 crore will be spent for the revival of Dal and Nagin lake. Moreover, the balance portion of work on Tawi Barrage costing Rs. 73.34 crore is expected to be completed during 2022-23.
Replying to the question on the government’s efforts for the welfare of Kashmiri Pandits, the Lt Governor said that the relief and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits is one of the prime focus areas of both the Central and the UT governments. 1025 Transit Accommodations are ready at various places in Kashmir Valley and 1488 units are at various stages of completion. Out of 6000 posts, appointments have been made to 4678 posts and the process of recruitment on the remaining posts is also being completed in mission mode, he added.
On the issue of employment, the Lt Governor said that in the last one and half year, 11,000 appointments have been made in the most transparent manner. For the first time in history, meritorious candidates from disadvantaged sections have got government jobs on the basis of merit. Apart from this, 20,323 other posts have been identified and recommended for the recruitment process on a fast track basis. We are exploring all possibilities for generating a host of employment opportunities in every sector, he added.
Business delegates from Gulf Countries’ visited Kashmir to explore investment opportunities in the UT. We have cleared investment proposals to the tune of Rs 27,000 crore, within a year’s time and allotted them land for their projects. The investment proposals are expected to cross Rs 70,000 crores in the next six months, the Lt Governor further added.
The Government is encouraging cultivation by border dwellers on the abandoned land near the IB to increase acreage and production thus benefiting the farmers, said the Lt Governor in reply to a question by the media person.
GOC-in-C Northern Command, Sgr Mayor call on LG Sinha
Jammu: General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Northern Command, Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi Friday called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhavan.
During the meeting, the Lt Governor and Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi discussed matters regarding security scenario and the overall security management in Jammu and Kashmir.
Lt Gen Dwivedi briefed the Lt Governor about the security situation in the forward areas and hinterland of J&K.
The Lt Governor commended the important role of the Army in maintaining peace, harmony and ensuring a secure environment for the people in J&K, which is witnessing rapid development and growth. Lt General ADS Aujla also remained present.
Meanwhile, Junaid Azim Mattu, Mayor, Srinagar Municipal Corporation Friday called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhavan.
Mattu briefed the Lt Governor about various developmental initiatives and works being undertaken by the SMC at the grassroots community level, aimed at improving ease of living in Srinagar.
He further apprised the Lt Governor about the steps taken towards the goal of transforming Srinagar into a world class tourist city with improved public infrastructure and public service delivery, especially in areas of roads and bridges, public health engineering, sanitation and solid waste management.
Discussion was also held on the progress of collaborative work being undertaken by the SMC in association with Azim Premji Foundation and PRAJA — to improve primary education in Srinagar and also increase the capacity of public representatives by empowering them in areas of public grievances redressal and policy making.
While interacting with the Mayor, the Lt Governor appreciated the efforts of the SMC and asked the Mayor to continue his endeavours towards the development of Srinagar City and welfare of the people.
Protecting lives of people our utmost responsibility: DGP
Takes stock of ground situation in Srinagar
Srinagar: Director General of Police, J&K, Dilbag Singh on Friday took stock of ground situation in Srinagar and said that “we are moving fast on the path of establishing peace and progress” in Jammu and Kashmir.
He visited newly upgraded and established Police Stations in Srinagar, inspected the infrastructure and other facilities of these stations, a police spokesperson said in a statement.
He reviewed security and deployment arrangements besides interacted with the Police and CRPF personnel posted in these establishments and also took stock of ground situation of Srinagar city.
DGP J&K during the interaction complimented Police and CRPF deployments for highly professional handling of ground situations, the spokesperson said. “He appreciated the dedication and commitment of JK Police and other security forces for working day in and day out for the security of the people.” He said that every measure taken by JK Police and other security forces are aimed to safeguard the lives of the people. “We are moving fast on the path of establishing peace and progress and have seen its dividends,” he said, adding, “we have to move forward together to strengthen peaceful environment by identifying the enemies of peace and weeding out the mischievous elements strictly dealing with them under law.”
The DGP stressed for adopting comprehensive counter measures to tackle militant incidents. “Protecting the lives of people is our utmost responsibility.” He stressed for augmenting the security in vulnerable places to prevent any unfortunate incident. He directed the officers to further strengthen the communication within the ranks and augment the security grids in their respective areas for the safety and security of the people. The DGP said that all suspicious elements providing any kind of support to militant activities should be kept under radar to foil their attempts. “Stringent action should be taken against the elements found involved in anti peace activities,” DGP added.
The DGP reiterated the importance of maintaining close synergy between the J&K Police and other agencies to meet the security challenges.
“The DGP directed the officers to revisit the security plans of their respective jurisdictions and directed the officers to remain extra alert as (militant) outfits are continuously trying to foment trouble and disturb the peace.”
Singh stressed for community policing and said that it boosts public confidence which helps in fight against crime and social evils. He said that the cooperation of people is absolutely contributing in strengthening the growing peace in J&K. Referring to the criminal activities, the DGP stressed upon the officers to brace up with a missionary spirit to fight against drug abuse and other social evils from the society.
The senior officers briefed the DGP regarding the functioning and security plans of their respective areas.
The DGP was accompanied by Spl DGP CRPF Daljit Singh Chowdhary, IGP Kashmir Zone Vijay Kumar, DIG CKR Sujit Kumar, DIG CRPF North Srinagar Randeep Singh Rana, SSP Srinagar Rakesh Balwal and jurisdictional senior officers of Police and CRPF. The DGP visited Police Station Sangam Eidgah, Ahmed Nagar and Police Post Khimber in Srinagar.
