Precious Kashmir

Advisor Bhatnagar e-inaugurates survey on prevalence of drug addiction in Kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir

16/03/2022

Advisor Bhatnagar e-inaugurates survey on prevalence of drug addiction in Kashmir

Says substance abuse grave issue in our society

SRINAGAR: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar today e-inaugurated a survey about the prevalence of drug addiction in Kashmir to be undertaken by Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) to be held Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.

While speaking during the inauguration of the survey, Advisor Bhatnagar said that drug addiction is a grave issue in our society and this survey will help us in knowing the exact burden of the problem and help us in management of this serious issue.

Complimenting the department for taking up the initiative, the Advisor remarked that UT administration led by Manoj Sinha is working with a prime objective of establishing drug-free Kashmir.

“We have to see that the supply chain mechanism is broken and those affected are brought back to the social fabric as healthy and productive individuals,” Advisor Bhatnagar said.

While highlighting about the effects of drug abuse on society, Advisor Bhatnagar said that we should not discriminate with people who are drug addicts rather we should deal them with love and care to get them back.

“Drug addiction is a big criminal industry which is destroying our society in terms of social values and draining the economy as well,” Advisor Bhatnagar said.

Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, while speaking on the occasion gave details of the project and explained the methods of this survey to held under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.

The Director said that DHSK will conduct the survey in collaboration with GMC Srinagar, GMC Anantnag and GMC Baramulla and the project will be funded by the Social Welfare Department of Kashmir.

The Director added that DHSK has envisioned the scenario where there should be no treatment gap in the mental health and addiction treatment delivery.

“In this direction we established 5 ATF’s in record time. Till now, around 1,000 youth suffering from substance use problems were treated at these centres,” he said.

Dr Mushtaq said they are working in collaboration with IMHANS Srinagar to make patient registers for people suffering from substance use problem.

“DHSK in collaboration with IMHNAS is conducting this survey to estimate the prevalence of substance use in all 10 districts of Kashmir to assess the problem,” he said.

The Director also remarked that figures from this survey will help us in developing future course strategy to be adopted to manage this growing epidemic in the region.

Div Com Kashmir inaugurates Chinar plantation drive

City

Precious Kashmir

16/03/2022

Div Com Kashmir inaugurates Chinar plantation drive

Highlights historical, economic, environmental, importance of heritage Tree

SRINAGAR: The Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole today inaugurated the Chinar Plantation Drive by planting Chinar saplings at famous Mughal Garden Nishat Bagh, here.

Speaking on the occasion, the Div Com highlighted the importance of Chinar as a heritage tree and termed it as the indicator of rich plant biodiversity with tremendous environmental benefits.

He shared a legend about a gardener of the pristine Nishat Bagh Garden who had dedicated his volunteer service to sustain and maintain the garden.

Pole underlined the role of gardeners and staff of the Floriculture Department to sustain the picturesque beauty of the garden.

The Div Com instructed that as a part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrut Mohatsav’, initiative of the government which is being observed to celebrate 75 years of Independence, 75 Chinars shall be planted in Nishat Garden during this drive.

He said that the Floriculture Department has also transplanted Chinar trees at Char Chinar where only a single chinar was alive to make it Char Chinar in real sense.

Speaking on the occasion, Director Floriculture Kashmir, Farooq Ahmad Rather said that today on March 15 the department is celebrating Chinar Day during which chinar saplings are planted across the Division and the plantation drive will continue till the season of plantation.

He said Chinar is a majestic tree whose Golden colours add the beauty of Kashmir during autumn when most of the trees look withered.

Rather informed that Nishat Bagh was selected for today’s plantation drive as it has the second highest number of chinar trees after Naseem Bagh. He added that 10,000 chinar plants will be planted across the districts this season.

Among others, Tehsildar Khanyar, senior Officers and Officials of Floriculture department were present on the occasion.

Provisional admission of few ineligible PG aspirants cancelled 3 months ago: KU

City

Precious Kashmir

16/03/2022

Srinagar: The provisional admission of a few ineligible PG aspirants has been cancelled three months ago and the concerned students were informed about the decision well in time.

In a statement a KU spokesperson said that the notification for PG admission 2021 was floated in accordance with the UGC guidelines which mandated that the applicants must have requisite 24 credits at the UG level in Core and Generic Electives for their eligibility for the PG admissions.

The admission notice to make provisional admissions in line with the newly-introduced credit system was accordingly issued by the Directorate of Admissions which, among other eligibility provisions, appropriately mentioned that the aspirants must have 24 requisite credits in the specific subject at the UG level as eligibility for the PG admission.

Since all admissions made are purely provisional and subject to necessary verification of documents/information submitted by the aspirants, it came into the notice of the University administration during the course of this verification process that around 14 candidates, as reported to the University Administration, had less credits than mandatory 24 credits, as found deficient at time of verification of transcripts and had therefore misled the University with false information.

Such students were immediately thereafter formally intimated that their admission stands cancelled due to basic eligibility issues.

In view of some recent news reports suggesting that the number of such admissions was allegedly high, the Vice-Chancellor’s Secretariat convened a meeting of the Admission Advisory Committee on 14.03.2022 under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof Talat Ahmad. The meeting unanimously reiterated that admission of ineligible aspirants had already been cancelled three months ago, while the members desired that a notice must be sent to all HODs to cross-check the claims made in news reports about the number of such admissions being allegedly high. The said notice was on Monday issued in the same spirit wherein HODs were requested to furnish credit details of all PG aspirants.

It is reiterated that the University has a very transparent system of admissions which includes a highly-transparent entrance examination followed by multiple-level check of documents before any provisional admission is confimed as absolute.

It is in place to mention that the IT-enabled system for admissions in the University is foolproof, tamper-proof and evolves from time to time in accordance with the requirements of the University. Necessary amendments are incorporated in the online application accordingly.

Leopard enters residential area at Kunzer, man injured

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

16/03/2022

Tangmarg: Panic gripped among residents of Kunzar area in Baramulla district after a leopard enters into residential area on Tuesday afternoon, leaving an elderly man injured.

Locals said that the leopard entered into a residential house of Khursheed Ahmad Chopan in Check-i-Sulbaba village of Kunzer area, leaving an elderly man identified as Ghulam Mohammad Mir, a resident of Narpora—Chukar injured

Soon after the incident locals informed the Wildlife authorities who managed to tranquilise the animal before it could cause further damage—(KNO)

3-year-old kid drowns, condition critical

City

Precious Kashmir

16/03/2022

By: Sheikh Danish

Srinagar, Mar 15: A three-year-old kid drowned in river jehlum in Parimpora area of Srinagar on Tuesday afternoon.

Official sources said that a 3-year-old boy identified as Mohammed Hadi son of Mohammed Shafi Dar, resident of Khawajabagh Maloora drowned in river Jehlum.

They said the boy was fished out by locals and shifted to JVC Hospital Bemina for treatment.

Meanwhile, Medical Superintendent at JVC Dr Shifa told KNO that the condition of the boy is not well and he has been shifted to SKIMS soura in a critical condition—(KNO)

Injured accident victim succumbs; poor family shattered, in deep shock

City

Precious Kashmir

16/03/2022

By: Sheikh Danish

Srinagar: An 85-year-old man, who was injured in a road accident in Qamarwari area of Srinagar, succumbed at SMHS Hospital, officials said Tuesday.

They said that 85-year-old man identified as Ghulam Ahmad Naath, resident of Patlipora, Chattabal area of Srinagar was injured in a road accident in Qamarwari area of Srinagar few days ago.

He was subsequently rushed to SMHS Hospital Srinagar for treatment, however, he succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday morning.

Meanwhile, a Police official told KNO that a case has been registered in this regard and proceedings under IPC 304A will be initiated. A pall of gloom descended on the poor Chattabal family that was living under immense poverty. (KNO)

CUK’s holds lecture on ‘Unlearning and Learning Transgender Issues: Rights and Wrongs’

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

16/03/2022

Ganderbal: School of Education (SoE), Central University of Kashmir (CUK), conducted an online lecture, the first of its kind in valley, on “Unlearning and Learning Transgender Issues: Rights and Wrongs” at varsity’s Green Campus here.

Dr. Aqsa Shaikh, Associate Professor, Hamdard Institute of Medical Science, a transgender woman, was invited as the speaker. She is India’s First Transgender to Head a COVID Centre, a researcher on Sputnik-V and an activist working for the marginalised communities.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Aqsa elucidated the struggle she faced in schools, prayer places, hospitals, hostels and home. She insisted on treating every individual equally. Dr Aqsa said that transgender people are already going through anxiety and bullying and teasing make their lives more miserable, which sometimes results in suicides. Dr Aqsa shared her thoughts about making a friendly society for every individual. Scholars and students from different states participated in the event online.

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Farooq Ahmad Shah, Registrar Prof. M Afzal Zargar, highlighted the need to discuss the inclusion of Transgender individuals in the educational context.

The event was convened by Dean SoE, Prof. Syed Zahoor Ahmad Geelani and organised by Asst Prof. Ms. S. Arokia Mary.

LAW DEPTT HOLDS DAY LEGAL LITERACY PROGRAMME

City

Precious Kashmir

16/03/2022

Srinagar: Department of Law, School of Legal Studies (SLS) in collaboration with Degree College Ganderbal organised a one-day Legal Literacy Programme in the college.

Asst Prof. Dr. Yasir Latif Handoo highlighted the objective of Legal Literacy and informed the audience about their role to identify and enforce their rights through utility of law. Asst Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yousuf, discussed the benefits of such programmes and apprised the students that SLS has established a Legal Aid Centre for the assistance of the society.

College Principal, Prof. Bashir Ahmad Parray appreciated the academic activities at the SLS and focused on the importance of Legal Literacy activity by law students as prescribed by the Bar Council of India. Asst Prof. Prof Mushtaq, pointed out that delay in delivery of justice ultimately amounts to denial of justice and such programmes help in awareness among masses. Prof. Wahid Ahmad Shah, HoD, Zoology deptt, remarked on educating people about their rights and said that such a mechanism makes legal aid and assistance a non-expensive one and less time consuming. The students of B.A.LL.B. 8th Semester made their presentations on Cryptocurrency, Right to Information. Right to Education, Domestic Violence, Dowry Death, Prisoner’s rights, Legal Aid, Public Interest Lawyering, Legal effects of marriage, Maintenance, Custody of Child, Juvenile Justice System, etc. to the students

Parliamentary panel recommends creation of separate contingency funds for DDCs, BDCs

Anchor stories

Ibni Maqbool

16/03/2022

Parliamentary panel recommends creation of separate contingency funds for DDCs, BDCs

Asks UT administration to enhance honorarium of elected councilors

By: Ibni Maqbool

Srinagar: The parliamentary standing committee on Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has recommended to the administration of Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir to create a separate contingency fund for DDCs and BDCs and enhance the honorarium of elected councilors.

In its report tabled in the parliament on March 9, the parliamentary panel recommended to UT administration to create a separate contingency fund to the tune of 5-10% of capital expenditure budget to meet unexpected needs of the DDCs/BDCs pertaining to developmental works.

The committee recommended creation of the contingency fund after it enquired about the development funds that have been earmarked for district development councils and block development councils and whether contingency fund has been created for them to meet the unexpected needs.

The panel was informed that Rs 200 crore have been earmarked for DDCs, Rs 71.25 crore for BDCs and Rs 1000 crore for PRIs during 2021-22.

The panel was also informed that “no contingency funds have been created for DDCs/BDCs to meet the unexpected need”.

It also recommended to UT administration to review and increase the honorarium of elected councilors.

The committee also recommended that appropriate security and accommodation may be provided to all elected councilors considering the security situation in J&K.

“The Committee notes that 378 councilors have been provided security in the UT. However, providing vehicles to the elected representative of Municipal councils/committee is under consideration of the government. The committee recommends that appropriate security and accommodation may be provided to all elected councilors considering the security situation in J&K. The committee also recommends to provide vehicles along with fuel expenses to the elected representatives of municipal councils/committees at the earliest. The committee would like to be apprised about the progress made in this regard,” the report states.

Anxiety, Depression

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Oped

Precious Kashmir

16/03/2022

The “Global prevalence and burden of depressive and anxiety disorders in 204 countries and territories in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic” study, published in Lancet public health, estimated an increase of about 35 per cent in the prevalence of anxiety and depression in India during the COVID-19 pandemic. The covid-19 cases have waned down substantially but the issues related to anxiety and depression needs to be addressed.

The more things are supposed to change the more they remain the same. Public health experts have repeatedly said that there is a manifold increase in mental health cases amid the virulent disease with many attributing the rising stress and anxiety levels to isolation, loss of loved ones, economic uncertainty and the fear of contracting the disease.

As per an expert, nearly half of patients do not have any history of mental illness and despite the lifting of lockdowns; the number of cases remained largely the same.

Without a doubt, the lives have been disrupted, livelihoods of the people hurt, or even destroyed due to the pandemic. As a consequence, evidently, there is anxiety, fear, stress, and trauma.

The pandemic has surely aggravated the situation, leaving those having such issues to struggle with the symptoms and disabilities that result from what is basically and undeniable a disease which to a large extent is curable. What makes the challenge more difficult is stereotypes and prejudice such people face purely as a result from misconceptions about mental illness. As a result, people with mental illness are robbed of the opportunities that define a quality life—good jobs, satisfactory health care, and association with a diverse group of people.

The people having mental illness not only face the public stigma which is the reaction that the general population has towards them but also self-stigma which is defined as prejudice which they turn against themselves.

On Tuesday, the government informed parliament that the District Mental Health Programme component of the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) has been sanctioned for implementation in 704 districts for which support is provided to States/UTs through the National Health Mission. Facilities have been made available under DMHP at the Community Health Centre(CHC) and Primary Health Centre(PHC) levels, inter-alia, include outpatient services, assessment, counselling/ psycho-social interventions, continuing care and support to persons with severe mental disorders, drugs, outreach services, ambulance services etc, the government said. The government needs to create the infrastructure and create awareness about the availability of the services.

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