Precious Kashmir

H&FW employees protest against delay in salaries

Jammu & Kashmir

25/03/2022

Srinagar: Dozens of Jammu and Kashmir Employees of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday held protest demonstrations in Srinagar demanding release of their pending salaries.

The employees have appealed to the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to look into the matter and issue orders for the release of pending salaries to the employees of Health and Family Welfare.

All women employees holding banners assembled at Press Enclave on Residency road were shouting slogans to press for demands including the release of salaries which are pending for the past four to six months with no reason.

“We have worked dedicatedly during the Covid pandemic period and went door to door of every household including the far flung areas in Jammu and Kashmir for vaccination programme”, said President of the employees Neelofer and added “hard to understand why our salaries are not being paid for the past six months”.

She said the employees approached the Director General of Health and Family Welfare department Saleem-ur-Rehman a number of times for the release of our pending salaries, but only assurances are being given and nothing practically being done.

“We could not pay the tuition fee of our children and are facing tremendous problems in running the family due to non-availability of the salaries”, Neelofer said.

All employees of Health and Family Welfare Department will hit the streets of Jammu and Kashmir on April 5 if the pending salaries were not paid, she added. (UNI)

Pilgrim-centric infra of Vaishno Devi Shrine Board gets facelift

Jammu & Kashmir

United News Of India

25/03/2022

Jammu: The Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Ramesh Kumar on Thursday inaugurated pilgrim-centric infrastructural facilities at prestigious transit accommodation of Niharika complex of the Shrine Board located at heart of Katra town in Reasi District of Jammu and Kashmir, the base camp of the pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine before ensuing Chaitra Navratras, amidst Vedic hymns and rituals.

Out of total 90 rooms at Niharika Complex, 44 Deluxe rooms were re-dedicated to pilgrims after complete renovation and refurbishments in a short spell of six months whereas the remaining rooms in the Niharika Complex were earlier renovated.

Besides, facility of fine dining is also dedicated to the pilgrims named after the Goddess “Siddhidatri” the incarnation of Mother Durga, worshipped on the 9th day of Navratri, the Goddess of accomplishment.

“This dining facility of Shrine Board in Niharika Complex for the pilgrims lives upto its name and is an added service for the visiting pilgrims stays in the periphery and those who visits the complex for availing various facilities rendered by the Shrine Board” said the Chief Executive Officer.

In the restaurant, the buffet has a variety of North-Indian, South-Indian, Continental, specialties, snacks and desserts to address the taste of all kinds of pilgrims visiting the holy Shrine.

The taste of each dish is well-balanced with authentic flavors and the serving portions are huge and reasonably priced, available from 07:30AM to 11:00PM on all days.

Noteworthy, that the Niharika Complex is an important halting place and a common facility centre which includes Enquiry and Reservation Section, Current Helicopter booking Counter, accommodation in shape of dormitory beds, double & four bedded rooms, food and beverage facilities at Annapoorna Bhojanalya besides now an added facility of Buffet outlet for the in-house guest of Niharika.

The pilgrims appreciated the initiative of the Shrine Board for establishing this facility at Niharika. Besides, added that the quality of the rooms and food items is best with very reasonable rates under one roof. (UNI)

NHRC seeks report from Bengal govt on Birbhum shocker

National

Indo Asian News Service

25/03/2022

NHRC seeks report from Bengal govt on Birbhum shocker

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken the suo motu cognizance of incidents of violence in West Bengal’s Birbhum where 8 persons including women and children were allegedly burnt to death after a Trinamool Congress leader was killed in a bomb attack on Tuesday.
The commission has sought detailed reports within four weeks, including the status of FIRs in the matter.
The commission on Thursday issued notice to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, West Bengal calling for a detailed report in the matter within four weeks including the status for the FIRs registered in the matter, steps taken to ensure safety of the people in the village and any relief or rehabilitation provided by the state government.

“Issuing the notice, the Commission has also observed that going by the contents of the media reports, the incident of hate violence indicates that the law and order is not appropriate in the area,” said NHRC.

The commission said that as per the media reports, the doctors at Rampurhat Government Hospital, where the bodies were taken for post-mortem, stated that the condition of the bodies made their work very difficult.

It added further that the presence of blood suggests that the victims were first physically attacked and then the houses were put on fire.

Former England footballer Jermain Defoe retires at 39

Sports

Indo Asian News Service

25/03/2022

Former England footballer Jermain Defoe retires at 39

London: Former England striker Jermain Defoe on Thursday announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 39. The 39-year old scored 304 goals in 762 career club games and added 20 goals in 57 England appearances.

“After 22 years in the game, I have decided to retire from professional football. It’s been a really tough decision, and one I have discussed with my family and those closest to me,” Defoe said in a statement on Twitter.

“I made my professional debut at 17 in 1999, and I feel now is the right time to bow out. I have had an incredible journey and have met some amazing people in the game. I now look forward to spending some quality time with my friends and family before moving forward on this next chapter in my career,” he added.

At club level, he played for English teams West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth and Sunderland as well as Rangers in Scotland. Defoe is the ninth-highest scorer in Premier League history with 162 goals in 496 appearances.

His last and final appearance of his career saw him come on as a substitute for Sunderland in a 0-0 draw at Lincoln in a third-division match on Saturday.

The footballer also paid tribute to supporters, teammates, coaches and staff at the teams he’s played for before reserving a special thank you to his mother.

“I want to say thank you to my mum. You gave me a ball at two years old, and you made me believe my dream could happen. All that I am is because of you, and I owe everything to you and God,” he said.

Minors On Wheels

Edit
Oped

Precious Kashmir

25/03/2022

Sometimes scenes become scary on roads. One gets goosebumps when some persons, mostly teenagers, drive their bikes at break-neck speed and overtake through the left side of a vehicle. At times they move in a zigzag manner, veering alternately to right and left at very high speed. These raw hands endanger not only their own precious lives but also the lives of others. Strangely, no action is taken against them by authorities in the technological driven times. Some of them can be easily identified and action taken against them to be a deterrence to others. Rash-driving most often results in accidents. Sometimes the accidents prove fatal. Sometimes the minors seat two or three other children on their bikes and scooties. This is dangerous also. Underage driving is one of the major causes of traffic snarls and causes danger to other motorists and pedestrians on the roads.

According to the Section 199A Motor Vehicle Act 1988, when the offence under the Act is committed by a juvenile, the guardian of such juvenile or the owner of the motor vehicle shall be deemed to be guilty and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly. The father of the juvenile pleaded guilty.

According to psychiatrists, adolescent children, and boys more often, indulge in bike racing and rash driving to impress peers. They feel a sense of freedom by violating the law and it is that feeling that prompts an underage driver to not wear helmets and seat belts. Most of them don’t follow traffic rules, a self destructive factor which also poses danger to other road users.

Teenage driving remains a risk because minors cannot make judgements and are bad at decision-making.

As observed rightly by a court last year, it is the first and foremost duty of parents not to provide their minor children any vehicle unless they attain majority and have license to drive the vehicle. It is also the duty of teachers not to allow the minor students to drive the vehicles and impart education regarding these issues. Also importantly, the government must step-in and create awareness about rash driving. People need to be educated not to overtake on the left side of the vehicle. There is need to take action against the minor motorists and at least safety guard must be ensured. Parents need to keep a watch on their child and ensure necessary instructions to keep them safe as well as pedestrians and other motorists on the road.

J&K Govt defines role of DG, W&CD

Anchor stories

Ibni Maqbool

24/03/2022

To supervise working of Mission Directorates of ICDS, ICPS

By: Ibni Maqbool

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir government has redefined the role of Director General, Women & Child Development (W&CD), saying that the officer shall supervise the overall working of Mission Directorate of Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) and Integrated Child Protection Scheme.

In an order, a copy of which is with The Precious Kashmir, the department of Social Welfare has defined the role and powers of DG, W&CD.

According to the order, the DG, WCD shall set monthly, quarterly, half-yearly and yearly targets for ICDS, ICPS and State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW) in terms of deliverables and ensure that they are met.

“The officer shall take monthly review meetings of both the Mission Directorates for monitoring the progress of Women & Child Development schemes,” the order states.

The DG, W&CD will also have a key role in policy & plan formulation of these schemes.

“The officer shall hold meetings for plan conceptualization and formulation thereof well in time,” reads the order.

The officer has also been directed to liaise with the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India on behalf of the Social Welfare department and ensure all correspondences are timely and adequately replied to.

“The officer shall also coordinate with other Departments of UT of Jammu & Kashmir for effective implementation of schemes pertaining to development of women and children,” the order states.

The DG, W& CD shall also coordinate and liaise with National Commission for Women and J&K Commission for Women.

According to the order, the officer shall also study various laws applicable to women and children and suggest measures/ actions to be taken for their implementation.

J&K will be power surplus in next 4 years: LG

Front

Precious Kashmir

24/03/2022

J&K will be power surplus in next 4 years: LG

Inaugurates 42 Transmission, Distribution Projects woth Rs 357 cr executed by JKPDD

Anantnag: Stating that Government was committed to make the J&K power surplus in the next four years, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Wednesday and inaugurated 42 Transmission and Distribution projects executed by Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department (JKPDD), worth Rs 357 crores, here at Anantnag.

The Lt Governor said that the newly executed power projects will substantially improve the power supply in all 10 districts of the Kashmir Division. ‘I believe the operationalization of these augmented facilities will ensure all-round development in the region’, he added.

Recalling that in August 2019, Prime Minister had laid the foundation of a developed and progressive Jammu & Kashmir, the Lt Governor noted that the J&K administration had ensured to the common citizens the access to basic necessities of quality roads, electricity and water on priority basis.

While speaking on the reforms introduced by the government, the Lt Governor highlighted the initiatives taken to strengthen and improve J&K’s power infrastructure which had remained dilapidated for the last several decades.

“Our AT&C losses are high and it is our social obligation to make power a self-sustaining, fast-growing sector of J&K”, the Lt Governor said.

“To address the current power deficit, we have initiated a large-scale capacity augmentation programme. In 70 years, J&K was able to harness only 3500 MW, and now generation capacity is set to be doubled in three years and trebled in seven years,” added the Lt Governor.

Currently, Transmission & Distribution projects worth Rs 2000 crore are being completed, and an additional amount of Rs 6000 crore has been allocated by the central government to strengthen the Sub-Transmission & Distribution network across the UT. This will help the administration to bridge the basic infrastructural gap between cities and villages, observed the Lt Governor.

Complimenting the workforce of JKPDD for setting new standards in the timely completion of power projects, the Lt Governor said that the aim of the administration is to provide quality electricity to all citizens and businesses. These augmented facilities will address the important need of the growing economy, the Lt Governor said.

Since August 2019, 3806 MVA has been added to the total capacity as compared to the 8394 MVA capacity achieved in seven decades. Once the prestigious Ladakh- Jammu Kashmir- Punjab transmission line project gets the final nod by the central government, there will be no dearth of power availability in J&K, he added.

The Lt Governor reiterated Government’s commitment to make the power surplus in the next four years, and urged people to be equal partners in this transformative journey.

Every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir is a participant in the process of nation-building and their contribution to socio-economic development and progress in every sector is invaluable, the Lt Governor observed.

“I appeal to the people to support the efforts of the administration by installing smart meters to reduce power theft and enabling government to provide 24×7 quality power supply to all the consumers across the region, the Lt Governor further added.

Basharat Qayoom, MD JKPDCL, in his welcome address, briefed about the efforts being made to provide quality power supply to the people.

The projects inaugurated today include augmentation of GSS Mirbazar from 320 MVA to 475 MVA, GSS Mattan from 70 MVA to 100 MVA, GSS Lissar from 50 MVA to 100 MVA, GSS Amargarh from 97.5 to 135 MVA; new 100 MVA, 132/33 kV GIS Khanyar, D/C 132 kV grade underground cable from GSS Wanganpora to GIS Khanyar; 15 new 33/kV receiving stations across Kashmir, augmentation of eleven 33/11 kV receiving stations, sub-transmission & distribution works.

Pertinently, the long-pending Capacity Augmentation of Grid Sub Station of Mir Bazar costing Rs 30 crores and Mattan Grid Sub-Station costing Rs 7.7 crores will directly benefit more than a million population of Anantnag, Kulgam and Pulwama districts.

Pandurang K Pole, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Vijay Kumar, IGP Kashmir; Dr Piyush Singla, Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag; Dr Bilal Mohi-ud-din, Deputy Commissioner Kulgam; Abdul Jabbar, DIG SKR; Ashish Mishra, SSP Anantnag; Dr G. V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Kulgam; Chief Engineers, public representatives; political leaders and people from all walks of life were present on the occasion.

Govt firm to achieve goal of drug-free society: Sinha

Front

Precious Kashmir

24/03/2022

Flags off ‘Spring Run for Drug-Free Srinagar’ at Dal Lake

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off ‘Spring Run for Drug- Free Srinagar’ this morning at Dal Lake.

The Lt Governor appreciated Srinagar District Administration for an excellent initiative like “Mission Wapsi” campaign to wean away youth from drug abuse.

We reaffirm our strong commitment to eliminate the drug menace and achieve the goal of a drug-free society, the Lt Governor said.

“Mission Wapsi” is an endeavour of the District Administration Srinagar to rehabilitate the victims of drug addiction by providing them dignified livelihood through proper handholding and guidance under Government Self-Employment schemes. The initiative also involves community participation on a large scale.

Around 1500 youth participated in the Spring Run and pledged to eradicate drug menace from the society. The event was a part of IEC activities of the District Administration to spread mass awareness against drug abuse.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole; IGP Kashmir, Vijay Kumar; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz, besides senior officers of Youth Services & Sports and District Administration Srinagar were present on the occasion.

Youth have immense potential in building new J&K: LG

Front

Precious Kashmir

24/03/2022

Addresses national symposium at SKICC

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha Wednesday addressed a national symposium on counter-radicalisation, a very significant initiative by youth, women and Islamic scholars of Kashmir Valley, at SKICC.

Speaking on the occasion the Lt Governor urged the community elders, religious heads and women to spread the message of Peace and Harmony among the new generation.

The Lt Governor said that J&K has always been a land of syncretic culture, all faiths & beliefs and this inclusive society, spirit of Kashmiriyat is the most effective tool to counter radicalistion.

“Families, Islamic scholars play important role in challenging the ideology and countering the narrative that legitimises and supports militancy. A strong force of women, youth and Islamic scholars will certainly make the communities more resilient to militant ideology and propagandists”, he added.

The Lt Governor appreciated the efforts being made to discuss the role of religious leaders and women in counter-radicalization, preventing the youth from choosing wrong path, and creating a violence-free society

The Lt Governor reiterated that the responsibility of stopping the people to deviate from the right path lies on the shoulders of the community elders, religious heads and the enlightened people of the society.

“I believe that by following the path of peace, we can live the ideals inherent in our society and make the dreams of a better future a reality. The aim of every human being should be to live peacefully, do good to all and work in the interest of the nation”, he said.

The Lt Governor said that the energies of the youth should be channeled into constructive & creative works and in building a new J&K, sustained peace, prosperity having ample avenues of growth and development.

The Lt Governor called upon the present generation, especially the community elders, religious heads and women folks to work together so that the message of peaceful co-existence should be passed on to the new generation.

Noting that most of the youth have chosen the right path, despite continuous efforts of many anti-national elements and foreign militant groups, the Lt Governor said efforts are still being made to incite our youth by the handlers in neighboring country which is biggest exporter of militant and radicalization.

The Lt Governor said that the family members of the youth who is seen as vulnerable to radicalization should take timely steps to prevent the worst from happening. They must keep a watch if there is any change in the behaviour of a child and take the help of community elders to save their child from entangling in wrong influences and environment.

On the occasion, the Lt Governor also highlighted the strides made the Power, Education, road connectivity and other sectors.

Regarding expansion of road network, the Lt Governor said that now road are being built at twice the length at which it was built earlier and road macadamisation is being done at three times the previous pace.

Saying that Government is aware of increasing developmental aspirations and needs of the people, the Lt Governor said that 947 villages remained without road connectivity until last year. UT Government is working to connect 186 villages and though the central scheme under which these roads were to be built, is ending this March, PM has assured that all the remaining villages of the UT would be connected with proper roads at any cost, he added.

The Lt Governor also mentioned about the 5900 houses of Srinagar where 100% smart metering has been done, will receive 24 x7 reliable and quality power from three feeders. The number of houses would increase in future, he added.

Comparing the recent budget of J&K UT with the per capita spending for people of POJK, the Lt Governor said that $950 will be spent in terms of per capita share in J&K Budget 2022 which is much higher than $78.55 being spent per capita in PaJK.

The Lt Governor said that youth of J&K is immensely talented which is evident from the laurels brought by J&K youth in national and international platforms in the academic, sports and other fields.

Recalling his visit to convocation of Islamic University, the Lt Governor said that most of the gold medalists were girl students. J&K Youth have become role models, he added

The Lt Governor also spoke on the NEP. He said that NEP will contribute to the holistic growth and development of youth, and will lead to creation of a self reliant J&K and the nation. NEP will be implemented in its letter and spirit by the next session.

The Lt Governor said that the appointment of Vice-Chancellors of J&K Universities has been done purely on the basis of academic and research achievements, result of which would be visible in the coming days.

It is high time the Youth of J&K came to the fore to take the UT to new heights of development and prosperity. The Lt Governor also mentioned about the recent visit of CEOs of UAE and GCC countries who visited J&K to explore investment opportunities and increase the export potential of J&K.

Speaking on menace of Drug Abuse the Lt Governor said it is the second biggest threat which is affecting the youth. Drugs abuse deprive the youth of making the best of their lives, destroying their present and future capabilities. He stressed the need of systematic community efforts against drugs abuse to destroy this social evil completely.

He further said that Youth of J&K have immense potential and talent so they have to play pivotal role in development and progress of J&K.

Earlier, speakers highlighted the teachings of the different religions and unanimously said that all religions teach peace, love, amity and communal harmony implying violence has no place in any religion and civilized society, and peaceful co-existence is what takes us forward as a society creating a safe and bright future for our next generations.

The day-long National symposium witnessed huge participation of Islamic Scholars, women, civil society members and was attended by religious leaders, public representatives, a large number of youth and senior citizens from different parts of the valley.

Tulip garden opens for public

Front

Precious Kashmir

24/03/2022

Kashmir records higher-ever tourist footfall in 2021 ending: CS

Srinagar: Tulip garden, situated on the foothills of Zabarwan Range with an overview of Dal Lake, was thrown open for tourists and locals on Wednesday.

The Asia’s largest Tulip garden was declared open by Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, in presence of senior officers from Floriculture department, Tourism department, J&K Bank and a large number of tourists, who had come from different parts of the India besides locals.

Chief Secretary, while speaking on the occasion, stated that the government is expecting arrival of heavy tourist influx this year as compared to last year. “The later part of 2021 had broken past records of tourist arrival to the region and we are optimistic of an incredible tourism boom this year also.

He said that the improved road and air connectivity in the UT will greatly enhance the influx of domestic and foreign tourists thus generating income for the local populace. He said that condition of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has improved a lot and it takes very less time to travel than earlier, besides air traffic has also improved significantly.

Chief Secretary said that tourism is reviving fast post COVID and the necessary steps are being taken up by the administration to make the stay of tourists more comfortable. He said that government under a comprehensive policy has explored and developed hidden and virgin tourist destinations and tourists will have more places to visit beyond Gulmarg, Pahalgam and other places. He said that the government has added 75 new virgin destinations, 75 new adventure treks, 75 heritage sites, and 75 religious sites.

Later, Chief Secretary also inaugurated J&K Bank enabled e-ticketing facility for the visitors becoming the first visitor to generate E-ticket. He said that queuing up for long time was cumbersome for the visitors, so E-ticketing was introduced to make the visit of tourists hassle free.

Commending J&K Bank for its people friendly initiatives, Dr A K Mehta said the Bank is doing yeoman services and I compliment the management for coming up with online portal well within timeline as expected.

The E-booking provision has been made available on the website of Floriculture Department from the day one to enable the tourists and visitors to plan their visit comfortably online.

Chief Secretary also directed the Floriculture department to take feedback from the tourists for making their stay more comfortable.

Dr Mehta appealed the people to visit Jammu and Kashmir and experience the serene splendor of tourist destinations like Tulip Garden.

Regarding tulip garden, it was informed that more than 1.5 million tulips in 60 varieties and colors will bloom this year. Besides, extra plants like daffodils, hyacinths, narcissus and other ornamental plants are being planted here to ornate the area making the tulip garden one of the main attractions for tourists from different parts of the country and world.

J&K Bank MD and CEO, Baldev Prakash, said the launch of this e-ticketing platform is very much in line with the government’s focus on public convenience and comfort of tourists. He added that for public convenience, we will integrate more such utility services into our digitalization drive to widen the ecosystem of online payments thereby increasing overall efficiency of the region’s financial system.

Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Dheeraj Gupta; Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Ranjan Prakash Thakur; Commissioner Secretary, Forests, Ecology and Environment, Sanjeev Verma; Commissioner Secretary, Floriculture, Parks and Gardens, Sheikh Fayaz; Secretary Tourism, Sarmad Hafeez; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Commissioner SMC, Director Handicrafts and Handloom, Director Floriculture and other officers were also present on the occasion.

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