Jakarta/New Delhi: India and Indonesia on Thursday held a security dialogue and discussed cooperation in the spheres of counter terrorism, maritime, defence and cyber security.

India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval co-chaired the Security Dialogue with Mohammad Mahfud, Coordinating Minister of Political, Legal and Security Affairs of Indonesia. Mahfud and Doval discussed several shared priorities, including review of the current global and security issues, countering terrorism and violent extremism, and enhancing maritime, defence and cyber security cooperation.

A joint statement said Mahfud and Doval discussed several shared priorities, including review of the current global and security issues, countering terrorism and violent extremism, and enhancing maritime, defence, and cyber security cooperation.

The two sides signed the Memorandum of Understanding for Security Dialogue between the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia and the National Security Council Secretariat of the Republic of India. Doval conveyed his gratitude to Minister Mahfud for hosting the meeting in Indonesia and extended an invitation to host Indonesia in India to co-chair the third IISD.

The two sides also recognised the importance of traditional friendly relationship and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries and expressed confidence that the Dialogue would strengthen cooperation between them “to overcome common challenges and identified opportunities for further close collaboration in the field of political and security issues.”

Earlier, the Indian Embassy in Jakarta said in a tweet that the security dialogue comes four years after the two sides held their first Security Dialogue in January, 2018 in New Delhi.

In 2018, the Dialogue was co-chaired by NSA Ajit Doval and Indonesia’s then Coordinating Minister for Security Affairs General H Wiranto. Both sides had agreed on operational cooperation in security and counter-terrorism fields.

During the State visit of Indonesian President Joko Widodo to India in December 2016, the two sides had agreed to establish a Security Dialogue between the two countries. It also comes days after NSA Doval attended the Colombo Security Conclave in the Maldivian capital of Male last week.

The Colombo Security Conclave, a grouping of India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Mauritius, on March 10 adopted a road map for cooperation and collaboration in areas such as maritime security, counter-terrorism and drug trafficking.

IISD is a forum that brings the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia and the Indian National Security Advisor together to discuss and enhance cooperation between the two countries on political and security issues. Doval also met the Coordinating Minister for Maritime & Investment Affairs and Minister for Foreign Affairs. (UNI)

Asks them to submit property details by Mar 28

Srinagar: With many employees failing to submit property return details, the government on Thursday decided to give “last and final opportunity” to the defaulting workforce.

The defaulting employees can now submit details through online mode on the Property Returns System (PRS Portal) from March 22 to 28, according to a government notification issued here.

Vide Circular (No. 56-JK(GAD) of 2021) on 22 December last year, government issued detailed instructions to all the employees to register themselves on the PRS Portal and subsequently file their Annual Property Returns for the year 2021 necessarily, on the portal from 1^st January upto 31^st.

“The submission of the returns was thus supposed to be closed on 31.01.2022, however, the last date for submission of Property Returns through online mode by the employees was extended upto 15.02.2022,” the notification reads, adding, “However, despite extension in the date of submission of Property Returns, it has been observed that various employees have failed to submit their property returns and have thus made a default in this mandatory process”.

It has also been observed that various employees have registered themselves on the portal but have not submitted their Property Returns, “thus they too have caused a default in submission of their details,” it said

“The failure/non-submission of the Property Returns by the Government employees invites a punitive action under the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Men and Public Servants Declaration of Assets Act and Rules made thereunder,” it reads as per Global News Service, adding, “Further, the defaulting employees shall be guilty of committing criminal misconduct under the Prevention of Corruption Act and shall be punishable under the said Act. Moreover, non-submission of the Property Returns will result in denial of the vigilance clearance of such employees.”

The matter, the government said, was again considered in the General Administration Department and it has been decided that a last and final opportunity may be granted to these defaulting employees who have failed to submit their Property Returns within the stipulated timeline.

“Thereafter, no more opportunity shall be granted and action as mentioned above shall be initiated against the defaulters,” the notification reads, adding, “Accordingly, the submission of Property Returns by the defaulting employees shall be allowed through online mode on the Property Returns System (PRS Portal) w.e.f 22.03.2022 to 28.03.2022.”

All those employees who had registered themselves on the portal but not submitted their Property Returns shall submit the same, besides, the unregistered employees shall get themselves registered on the Portal and subsequently submit their Property Returns within the stipulated period.

The DDOs of Corporations/PSUs have been also directed to register the employees working

under their establishment using ‘DDO Registration’ option on Property Returns Portal, using their existing DDO credentials, so that the employees get registered and are able to file their Annual Property Returns through PRS portal.

“However, it has been observed that various Corporations/PSUs have not been able to get their employees registered on the Portal due to non-availability of either CPIS number or DDO code etc,” it said, adding, “The matter has been considered and it has been decided that all such Corporations/PSUs, who have not been able to register on the Portal, shall be facilitated by the General Administration Department in getting their DDOs/Employees registered on the PRS Portal and subsequent filing of their Property Returns.” (GNS)

Bengaluru: Noting economic, political, and strategic equations are changing all over the world and major world powers are in a tussle, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that India’s defence needs have also increased and constant modernisation of the armed forces is the need of the hour.

In his address after inauguration of a seven-storeyed Flight Control System (FCS) integration facility at the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratory here, he said: “Keeping ourselves ready is our top priority and we are constantly working to enhance our strategic capabilities.

Be it technology or products, services or facilities, their advanced and fasterdevelopment is the need for the hour.”

Lauding the DRDO for playing a crucial role in strengthening national security, he said that the FCS is a unique project not just in the country but in the entire world and is an embodiment of the new energy of new India.

“This energy is of technology, commitment, institutional collaboration among public sector, private sector and academia and above all, of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said.

The complex will also provide simulator training to the pilots of combat aircraft, and Rajnath Singh described this as one of the most important components of the complex.

The simulators provide an opportunity to learn by making mistakes without the possibility of any kinds of losses, he said.

Commending DRDO and L&T for developing hybrid technology, he expressed confidence that it will increase the productivity of construction process, promote optimum utilisation of resources, reduce losses due to wastage, and will be helpful in speedy completion of projects.

In hybrid construction technology, the column and beam elements of the structural frame are built with steel plates, and the columns are concrete filled steel hollow cross sections.

The slabs are partially precast and all these structural members are assembled at site. Concreting is done simultaneously to make the structure monolithically cast, thus eliminating any dry joints as in case of precast construction.

In this case of concrete-filled hollow sections, the steel provides a permanent framework to the concrete core which reduces the time and effort drastically as compared to conventional construction.

Rajnath Singh described the hybrid technology as an important milestone for the construction sector and hoped that in the coming times, India will become one of the leading countries in the field of construction technology.

He expressed hope that although the mandate of DRDO is to develop futuristic technologies, its spin-off benefits will be available to the civilian sector as well.

“Our traditional construction industry is generally considered to be labour intensive, high risk and low on productivity. But, the way DRDO has constructed the FCS complex through hybrid technology, our infrastructure projects will be completed in a low cost and time-bound manner in the times to come,” he said.

He called upon the DRDO to continue exploring new possibilities in construction technology and contribute to nation building through new innovations.

The FCS facility is a building with the plinth area of 1.3 lakh square feet. The construction has been completed in 45 days, setting a unique record of completing a permanent building of seven stories with hybrid construction technology for the first time in the history of construction industry in the country.

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Defence R&D Secretary and DRDO Chairman, Dr G. Satheesh Reddy and other senior officers of DRDO and state government were also present during the inauguration. (IANS)

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday said that many youth were arrested in connection with stone pelting and arson in Nowgam area of Srinagar.

“On 16-03-2022 at Shankarpora Nowgam Srinagar, three (03) (militants) of LeT/TRF were neutralized. As per the SOP, the site was being cleared to ensure the safety of citizens,” a police spokesperson said, adding, “Accordingly; signboards were also placed around the site of encounter, while it was being sanitized, to dissuade citizens from approaching the site prior to sanitization with regard to any left-over explosives from (militants) that could cause damage to locals.”

However, he said, a large “unruly mob from adjacent areas consisting of young boys carrying lathies and stones in their hands assembled near the encounter site tried to pelt stones on the deployed nafri which was asking them not to approach the site of encounter before being cleared of explosive debris.”

“In order to disperse the mob smoke shells were used as per the SOPs,” police said, adding, “Accordingly a case vide FIR No. 46/2022 under relevant sections of law stands registered in PS Nowgam and some youths were identified from videos and from initial investigation, many of them were picked up and are being examined in the said case.” Some of them have been arrested as well, he said.

“Police requests all citizens to stay away from encounter sites so to ensure their own safety, keeping in view the likelihood of left over explosives from the (militants).”

‘Winds of change increasingly becoming evident in J&K’

Jammu: The unprecedented increase in developmental activity in J&K, riding on an ongoing cross cutting reform push, has placed J&K in the enviable company of best performing states/UTs in the country.

There is not only a buzz within, but also outside the J&K, and this image makeover is resulting in positive spinoffs.

Investors’ confidence and willingness to invest in J&K is a telltale sign of the confidence that the ongoing reforms are inspiring amongst those who have capital and are looking for a place to invest.

Investors come calling only when they trust that systems in a state/ UT to respond to their concerns and needs on a real time basis.

Public institutions are now responsive, and J&K has suddenly become a beacon of hope.

It would not be possible without a rule based order, which places premium on transparency, equity and accountability.

Unprecedented development that has taken place all around in J&K is giving a lie to the long propagated notion in J&K  that for accelerating development, systems need to be junked and that adherence to the laws can choke and throttle growth. It is becoming increasingly evident that such notion was largely propagated for self interest.

Nothing can be farther from the truth.

J&K is witnessing unprecedented development in all spheres.

Many development works, even those languishing for want of funds or for some other reasons, are being executed or have rather found a new lease of life and are being completed in record time.

And this is being done without cutting corners; infact all regulatory requirements are being met in each case.

Tendering has always been a bugbear; there has been an unwillingness to touch it even with a bargepole, so to speak.

Today, e-tendering is the new buzzword; it resonates in every district, block and panchayat.

It has brought transparency, what’s more equity, in the work execution; all works are being e- tendered. The days of doling out contracts to select few cronies on nomination are becoming a matter of past. Equity, transparency and fairness is the new mantra.

Today, no work is undertaken without administrative and technical approvals.

Despite strict fiscal discipline, greater number of works are being completed in record time.

According to the government’s statistics, the number of works completed during 2021-22 has shown a monumental jump as compared to the past years.

In the year 2018-19, 3293 works were completed under district capex in J&K. In the following year, this figure was 1165 while in 2020-21, 1676 works were completed.

Contrast this with 18651 works already completed as on end of February, 2022 and 36572 works likely to be completed by the end of the fiscal year.

If 36572 works are completed in 2021-22, this would represent nearly 22-fold increase over the works completed in the preceding year.

Compare the number of works completed in 2020-21 with those in 2019-20 and the increase is minuscule 1.43 times.

The uptick in work execution achieved in or likely to be achieved in 2021-22 is nothing less than spectacular, if one considers that all these works have been executed after following a process of competitive bidding.

Even the representatives of the people have seen the efficacy of the new fiscal order.

Just sample this: Block Development Council Chairman, Marheen, District Jammu, Karan Attri has this to say, “the development works are going on at a good pace and around 80 percent works have already been completed in my area.”

He goes on to say, “people have high expectations from us and we are trying our best to complete all the ongoing works on time”.

DDC, Chairperson, Reasi, Saraf Singh, puts it down to the transformation in financial system carried out during the last two years.

“This is a fallacy that allotment on nomination basis quickens the pace of works. If anything, it only brings arbitrariness and discretion in the system. More works will be completed in Reasi District this year compared to the previous year. E-tendering has not been a drag on the process of development,” he said.

Saraf, a retired JKAS officer, who has worked in the Accounts and Treasuries Organisation, understands the virtues of transparency and financial discipline, said, “ there are some teething problems, but they will get resolved going forward as the new system deepens.”

He said the increase in the completion of the development works was also due to the increased monitoring by the PRIs.

He also hailed the “Janbhagidari Empowerment” portal, saying that, “it has provided easy and ready access to the general public and they can see the works being done in their areas by simply pressing a button on their smart phones.”

He said that ‘stricter financial regime and mobile enabled oversight are the two most important reforms in J&K in the recent history.

And they have put the real power in the hands of the people and their representatives.’

Kulgam: The district administration Kulgam on Thursday organized a daylong Revenue conference for Lamberdars and Chowkidars of the district.

The training session was inaugurated by the Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir Pandurang K Pole through virtual mode in presence of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat.

Detailed deliberations were held on Chowkidari Act, 1956 and Lumberdari Act, 1972 and rules framed under these acts.

The Div Com also highlighted the role and responsibilities of these members and duties framed as per the notified acts.

He added that Lumberdars and Chowkidars are the basic pillars at grassroots level and remain abreast with the happenings of their surroundings and have an important place in the system.

While speaking on the occasion, the DC called the Lamberdars and Chowkidars as the first interface between people and the Revenue Department at grassroots level. He termed them the eyes and ears of the Revenue administration.

He added that this grassroots institution is deep rooted to society and is an important pillar of the Revenue Department.

The DC also highlighted the services rendered by these members through centuries. He asked them to keep a close vigil on encroachers and intimate the department in due time in case of any encroachment.

He also said that the government is focused to revive the glory of this institution and slew of measures have been initiated in this regard to strengthen this institution.

During the day long training session all the participants were apprised about the latest technological intervention which has been introduced in the field of Revenue to bring easy access to Revenue records and to make the system transparent and accountable.

At the outset of the conference, ACR Kulgam, Mir Imtiyaz-ul-Aziz welcomed all these members to the training and highlighted the role and responsibilities of these members in the current scenario.

He also informed them about various new initiatives of the Government and urged them to get mingle with the new and modern system.

All these members were sensitized about the functioning of Aapki Zameen Aapki Nigrani portal, digitization of land records and the proper procedures to file proper reports of various documents/ applications etc.

The meeting was also attended by concerned Tehsildars and other Revenue officials.

By: Nasir Azam

Srinagar: A parliamentary panel has recommended to the Government of India to declare the official language of the Union Territory of Ladakh within a stipulated time frame.

In its report, the department-related parliamentary standing committee on Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has recommended to the Centre to declare the official language of UT of Ladakh, which was part of the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir before BJP-led central government read down Article 370 and reorganized the State into two UTs.

“The committee notes that the official language of the UT has not been declared even after the passage of two years since the creation of two UTs. It recommends that the Government of India may declare the official language of the UT of Ladakh within a time frame. The committee also recommends the government to notify the third language under new education policy for the UT of Ladakh,” reads the report.

Before the reorganisation of J&K, Urdu was the sole official language of the state. In 1889, Dogra ruler Pratap Singh adopted Urdu as the official language of the princely kingdom of J&K.

In 2020, the parliament cleared a bill for the adoption of Hindi, Kashmiri, Dogri, Urdu and English as official languages of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. (KNO)

By: Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir reported 12 fresh Covid-19 cases while there was no death due to the virus in the last 24 hours, officials said on Thursday.

They said six of the fresh cases were reported from Jammu Division and as many from Kashmir Valley, taking the overall tally to 453493.

Giving district wise details, the officials said that Srinagar reported 4 cases, Baramulla 0, Budgam 1, Pulwama 0, Kupwara 0, Anantnag 1, Bandipora 0, Ganderbal 0, Kulgam 0, Shopian 0, Jammu 3, Udhampur 0, Rajouri 0, Doda 2, Kathua 0, Samba 0, Kishtwar 1, Poonch 0, Ramban 1 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, 19 Covid-19 patients—13 from Jammu and 06 from Valley— recovered during the time. So far 448599 people have recovered, leaving the active case tally at 156— 50 in Jammu and 106 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 40179 doses of covid-19 vaccine were administered during the time in J&K. (GNS)