Precious Kashmir

Weather to remain hot &dry in J&K

Jammu & Kashmir

22/03/2022

Srinagar:Pleasant weather prevailed on Monday in Jammu and Kashmir even as the Meteorological Centre forecast “hot and dry” weather this week except on March 23 and 24 of a brief spell of light to moderate rain with thunderstorm at scattered places in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Except for March 23-24, weather will remain hot & dry this week. On March 23-24, a brief spell of light to moderate rain with thunderstorm is likely at scattered places. There’s no forecast of any major rain/snow till ending March” MeT office said.

Fairly weather conditions prevailed in Srinagar and its adjoining areas with bright sunshine after an overcast sky and cold breeze yesterday much to the delight of the tourists.

Night temperature saw a drop all across Jammu and Kashmir with Srinagar, the summer capital of the Union Territory, recorded a low of 6.8 degree Celsius against 8.2 degree Celsius recorded the previous night which was 2.1 degree above normal during this time of the year.

Tourist resort of Pahalgam in south Kashmir recorded a low of 1.5 degree Celsius against 2.9 degree Celsius recorded last night, while Qazigund recorded a low of 4.0 degree Celsius against 5.8 degree Celsius on the previous night.

Gulmarg recorded a low of 0.6 degree Celsius against 1.8 degree Celsius recorded on Sunday. The normal temperature in the ski resort is minus 2.3 degrees during this time of the season.

Kokernag, recorded a low of 4.8 degree Celsius against 5.2 degree Celsius on the previous night. It was 1.3, while Kupwara recorded a low of 5.5 degree Celsius against 8.2 degree Celsius recorded the previous night. (UNI)

Student enrolment in Govt colleges 6 times higher than Pvt institutes in J&K

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

22/03/2022

By: Bhat Imran

Srinagar: In Jammu and Kashmir, the student enrolment in government-run-colleges was six times higher than the private colleges.

Out of the total students enrolled in both private and government colleges of Jammu and Kashmir, only 14 percent students were enrolled in private colleges.

According to the official figures, out of the total students enrolled in private and government colleges of Jammu and Kashmir, only 14.19 percent students were enrolled in the private colleges.

The figures revealed in the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) states that a total of 2,25,771 were enrolled in the private and government colleges of Jammu and Kashmir.

It further states that the total student enrolment in the private un-aided colleges was 28,975 while in the private aided colleges was only 3083.

The AISHE figures further reveal that in the private colleges of Jammu and Kashmir, a total of 32,058 students were enrolled while in the government colleges the student enrolment was six times higher than the private colleges.

Till the last survey conducted by AISHE, a total of 193,713 students were enrolled in the government colleges of Jammu and Kashmir.(KNO)

J&K logs 12 fresh Covid-19 cases

Front

Precious Kashmir

22/03/2022

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 Monday.

They said seven of the fresh cases were reported from Jammu Division and five from Kashmir Valley, taking the overall tally to 453562.

Giving district wise details, the officials said that Srinagar reported 5 cases, Baramulla 0, Budgam 0, Pulwama 0, Kupwara 0, Anantnag 0, Bandipora 0, Ganderbal 0, Shopian 0, Jammu 6, Doda 1 and remaining eight districts in the Jammu division had no fresh case.

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, 16 Covid-19 patients—five from Jammu and 11 from Valley— recovered during the time. So far 448701 people have recovered, leaving the active case tally at 111— 40 in Jammu and 71 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 13789 doses of covid-19 vaccine were administered during the time in J&K. (GNS)

3 Kashmir districts in ‘gold’ list of highest TB reduction

City

Jahangeer Ganaie

22/03/2022

By: JahangeerGanaie

Srinagar: Three districts from Kashmir have shown 60-80 percent reduction in Tuberculosis cases in the last five years.

A report issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare under the Government of India’s National TB Elimination Programme for the year 2021says that three districts from Kashmir division – Anantnag, Kupwara and Pulwama – have shown 60-80 percent reduction in TB cases in the last five years and have secured gold medals under the programme.

Five other districts in India which have secured gold medals are Malappuram and Wayanad in Kerala, Khargone in Madhya Pradesh, Ahmednagar in Maharashtra, and PurbaMednipur in West Bengal.

As per norms, districts or States/UTs which reported a decline of 20 per cent could have filed the claim under the ‘Bronze’ category which comes with a monetary award of Rs 2 lakh, those with a decline of 40 per cent could have filed the claim under ‘Silver’, and those with 60 per cent could have filed their claim for ‘Gold’. Those with 80 per cent reduction were to be conferred with ‘TB Free’ status with a monetary award of Rs 10 lakh as part of sub-national certification for TB Free districts and States.

In Jammu and Kashmir, Anantnag, Kupwara and Pulwama have shown progress of 60-80 percent reduction in TB cases and have claimed Gold category while Baramulla district has shown progress of about 20 percent and is under Bronze category along with 55 other districts in the entire country.

Earlier, the Ministry had sought claims from States/UTs, districts of the country for sub national certification in 2021 and 10 States/UTs filed claims. However, no state/UT managed to secure gold but Kerala, Dadra Nagar Haveli and Pondicherry secured silver while Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Tripura and Ladakh secured Bronze. J&K and Karnataka failed to get any success as a whole State/UT.

Similarly, 201 districts of 33 states/UTs had filed claims under different categories in which 8 including three from Kashmir secured gold, 27 districts (none from J&K) secured silver, and 56 districts including Baramulla from Kashmir secured Bronze. The rest failed to get any success.(KNO)

J&K admin announces austerity measures for PSUs

Anchor stories

Ibni Maqbool

22/03/2022

J&K admin announces austerity measures for PSUs

Ban on creation of new posts; Slots that have vacant for period of 2 years not to be revived

By: Ibni Maqbool

Srinagar: In a significant move, the Jammu and Kashmir government has unveiled a slew of austerity measures in public sector undertakings (PSUs) to rationalize expenditure.

In a move aimed at curtailing expenditure, the Finance department has imposed a ban on creation of new posts in PSUs in Jammu & Kashmir. “There will be a ban on creation of posts,” reads an order, a copy of which is lying with The Precious Kashmir.

The department has also ordered that posts which have remained vacant in PSUs for more than two years shall not be revived except under very rare and unavoidable circumstances and after seeking clearance of the Finance department.

The Finance department has also directed the departments that release of grant-in-aid to PSUs shall be strictly as per provisions contained in General Financial Rules (GFRs)and Government instructions. “Departments shall not transfer funds under any scheme in relaxation of conditions attached to such transfers,” the order states.

The PSUs have also been directed that “rush of expenditure should be avoided during the last quarter of the fiscal year and in particular the last month of the year so as to ensure that all procedures and complied with and there is no infructuous or wasteful expenditure”.

“No fresh financial commitments should be made on items which are not provided in the budget approved by the Parliament,” the order states.

The PSUs have also been asked that utmost economy shall be observed in organizing seminars/ workshops/ conferences.

“Only such conferences, workshops, seminars etc. which are absolutely essential, shall be held,” it further states.

It has also imposed a ban on holding of meetings and conferences at five-star hotels.

The government has asked the administrative departments to advise and direct PSUs working under their administrative control to follow these guidelines in letter and spirit.

22,500 Indians returned from Ukraine: Govt

National

Indo Asian News Service

22/03/2022

22,500 Indians returned from Ukraine: Govt

New Delhi: Around 22,500 Indian nationals have returned from Ukraine to India from February 1 to March 11, the Parliament was informed on Monday.

“(A total of) 90 evacuation flights were operated under ‘Operation Ganga’ including 14 Indian Air Force flights,” Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Gen V.K. Singh (retd) told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.

He said that the government had coordinated with the Indian carriers for the operation of evacuation flights.

“The government has coordinated with six private airlines… for evacuation of Indian nationals from countries adjoining Ukraine viz. Romania, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia under Operation Ganga.

“Air India and Air India Express together have operated 23 evacuation flights under Operation Ganga,” he said, adding that the air fare for all the flights operated under ‘Operation Ganga’ has been borne by the Centre.

WTA Tour: Halep makes it to Top 20 after Indian Wells success

Sports

Indo Asian News Service

22/03/2022

WTA Tour: Halep makes it to Top 20 after Indian Wells success

New York: A semi-finalist at Indian Wells, former World No.1 Simona Halep of Romania has returned to the Top 20, jumping seven spots from No.26 to No.19 in the latest WTA Rankings released on Monday.

Halep, who won the French Open in 2018 and Wimbledon in 2019 and was World No 1 in the week starting from October 9, 2017, also successfully defended her position as the top-ranked Romanian with a win over countrywoman Sorana Cirstea in the fourth round at Indian Wells. Halep has held the spot as top-ranked Romanian since August 26, 2013, for a total of 449 consecutive weeks (including the upcoming weeks of Miami).

Meanwhile, Indian Wells champion Iga Swiatek and finallist Maria Sakkari blasted to new career-highs in the WTA Tour singles rankings.

By winning the fifth title of her career at Indian Wells, Swiatek climbed to World No.2 in this week’s WTA Rankings, moving up two spots to reach a career-high. She equalled Agnieszka Radwanska’s mark of the highest-ranking held by a Polish woman.

The 20-year-old Swiatek, who replaces Barbora Krejcikova at No.2, becomes the youngest woman to make her Top 2 debut since Caroline Wozniacki on March 22, 2010.

Meanwhile, Indian Wells finallist Maria Sakkari collected 650 ranking points as runner-up and rises to a career-high ranking of World No.3 (from No.6). Sakkari defeated defending champion Paula Badosa in the semi-finals to earn a spot in the championship match, before falling to Swiatek.

Better transport

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Oped

Precious Kashmir

22/03/2022

The administration is duty-bound to provide quality transport facilities to the public. In December last year, the Lieutenant governor said that “unprecedented augmentation” of the public transport system will boost revenue generation as more and more viable and lucrative routes will be included in the operational network of transportation.

He also took a ride in Olectra Greentech’s electric bus having seating capacity of 24 plus driver, and single charge range of 160 KM with 80% status of charge.

The bus has many other modern features like GPS, Public Announcement System, Air Conditioner, Smart Ticketing, 2 USB ports per seat, Emergency Stop etc.

Depending upon the trial outcome, the government had said that it will decide future course of action for inter-city and intra-city transport facilities and 150-200 e-Buses would be introduced in the transport sector “soon” in a phased manner.

Electric buses in India have mixed feedback on the technology. While some consider the e-bus rollout fruitful, others have faced challenges in smoothly operating them due to their limited driving range. Some experts say that the actual on-road performance of electric buses is substantially lower than the assured ranges indicated by electric buses. However, some governments have found that electric buses deployment was more successful on low-frequency and less congested routes.

There are mainly four reasons to switch to electric buses –reduced pollutant emissions; lowered fiscal deficits due to oil; limited operating costs, and; decreased greenhouse effect. These are typical in Jammu and Kashmir but the switch to e-buses must be well calibrated. The government needs to carefully weigh up all options. There is no doubt that there is a need for augmenting the public transport but it must be more reliable. e-buses seems future but all technical aspects need to be practically put to test before they are introduced on a large scale.

The introduction of electric buses in the fleet is a step toward ensuring a clean environment and securing a sustainable energy future. Efforts to reduce the pollution are welcome and must be encouraged. However, dependability factors must be factored in as it will define the long run of the transport system in weather and road dependent J&K. The administration must continue with the endeavor and continue to work to realize the same with reasonable dispatch.

‘Awaam Ki Awaaz’ aimed to establish accountable, transparent governance: LG

Front

Precious Kashmir

21/03/2022

‘Awaam Ki Awaaz’ aimed to establish accountable, transparent governance: LG

Radio programme completes one year
‘Online appointment in all hospitals, digitisation of health services to be taken up in Mission Mode’

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his gratitude to all the citizens for their valuable contributions in participatory development process to fulfill the aspirations of every section of society.

“Awaam Ki Awaaz” completes one year. This radio programme for public participation is committed to strengthen Jan Bhagidari at grass root level and establish accountable, transparent, responsive, effective, efficient, equitable and inclusive governance, said the Lt Governor.

Through Awaam Ki Awaaz, which is being aired on all local & primary channels of All India Radio (AIR) in the UT, and broadcast on DD Kashir, we have received numerous suggestions for reforms in Health, Education, Rural-Urban development, Cultural Rejuvenation and Balanced Regional Development etc.

The administration has taken concrete steps on suggestions received from the listeners to meet the needs of community and making the system accountable to public. I also thank Jammu and Kashmir All India Radio and Doordarshan for their continuous support, added the Lt Governor.

During this month’s episode, the Lt Governor made special mention of Sandhya Dhar from Jammu, Nasira Akhtar of Kulgam and Dr Nasheeman Ashraf of Srinagar who have emerged as the new age icons for the women in Jammu and Kashmir. Their achievements give a vision to the women who aspire to inspire, the Lt Governor said.

Referring to the suggestions of Shradha Sharma from RS Pura Jammu and Anantnag’s Zakir Hussain Bhat on empowering women entrepreneurs in agriculture sector, and ensuring participation of women in all sectors, the Lt Governor underlined the need to implement dedicated measures for women empowerment.

When women are financially prosperous, their direct and indirect benefits will reach the family, society, nation and the entire humanity. In the last two years, Jammu and Kashmir administration has launched several campaigns to provide more livelihood opportunities to women folks. In order to increase the participation of women entrepreneurs in agriculture and village industries, about 5 lakh women have been added under the Umeed program. Various programs like KrishiSakhi and PashuSakhi have been initiated so that more and more women come forward in agriculture, horticulture, and dairy sector, the Lt Governor added.

Welcoming the suggestions received from Sajjad Noorabadi from Kulgam highlighting the need for awareness campaign about welfare schemes of the government, the Lt Governor said that the main objective of the Block Diwas program organized every Wednesday is to take the administration to the doorsteps of people. It is our best effort that in addition to the immediate redressal of the problems of the common citizens, the people shall be informed about the various government schemes, he added.

While mentioning about the insight received from Dr. Shilpi Sharma and Dr. Ankur Bhat from Jammu regarding detailed roadmap for the Digitization of Healthcare, the Lt Governor underscored various reforms introduced by the government to provide advanced healthcare to the people. He also mentioned about a pilot project in SKIMS for online appointment, which will be soon extended to other hospitals as well.

In the last month, keeping in mind the expansion of digital services in Jammu and Kashmir, we have taken several important decisions. Under the Prime Minister’s Digital Health Mission, we are aiming to create an online appointment facility, besides digitizing medical records of the patients. Online appointment in all Hospitals &Digitisation of Health Services to be taken up in mission mode, added the Lt Governor.

On suggestions of Gazi Ahmad Pandit from Pulwama and Rahul Kumar from Samba pertaining to the welfare of senior citizens, the Lt Governor said that a National Action Plan was approved in April 2020 under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to provide opportunity to Senior Citizens to live life with dignity.

After August 5, 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also implemented the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act in Jammu and Kashmir which, despite having been passed by the Parliament, was not been implemented in Jammu and Kashmir for almost 12 years. Last year, we have provided pension to a total of nine lakh people including the poor and senior citizens under various schemes. I also assure every support by the government to voluntary organizations working for the welfare of senior citizens, added the Lt Governor.

Er. Abdul Rashid Bhat from Ganderbal wrote a letter regarding creation of an Environment, Cultural and Archaeological Research Centre (ECARC) in J&K that will engage with youth.

The Lt Governor also highlighted the transformation taking place on the ground as a result of good administrative practices.

The ambitious plan to develop Budgam’s Kanihama village, famous for its Kani shawls, into a Craft Tourism Village is now in its final stages. Also, the scheme to provide affordable accommodation at Doodhpathri that was pending for many years have been completed.

The Lt Governor also praised district administration Bandipora for innovative digital intervention to track developments in Panchayats. The district has taken the lead in starting Panchayat Development Index, which ranks each panchayat on the basis of their performance.

The farmers of Qamarwari, Srinagar have witnessed manifold increase in their income after creation of market linkages. The district administration is also setting up a Farmer Produce Organization in Tengpora Block to promote vegetable farming, said the Lt Governor.

Every district must replicate the good practices of other districts and make concerted efforts to bring about a positive change in the lives of people, added the Lt Governor.

J&K heading towards peace, unprecedented development: LG

Front

Precious Kashmir

21/03/2022

Attends passing out parade of 636 new BSF recruits

Udhampur: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today attended the passing out parade of 636 new recruits of Border Security Force at STC BSF, Udhampur.

Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor said the country’s first line of defence has made significant contributions in fighting terrorism and instability with valour and determination.

Underlining that closest cooperation and coordination is necessary to eliminate militancy and narco-militancy threats that emanate from outside our borders, the Lt Governor sated that BSF with efficient mechanisms and response systems is fully prepared to meet the challenges.

The Lt Governor also lauded the immense contribution and sacrifices of BSF for ensuring peace and order in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir. “I salute all the brave soldiers and officers who have laid down their lives in ensuring border security and protecting sovereignty, integrity of our country”, he said.

The Lt Governor observed that BSF’s contributions transcend beyond the security of the borders and its role in the conduct of peaceful DDC elections in Kashmir Valley, besides its public service programs during COVID pandemic, strict check on cross border infiltration and smuggling of drugs, is a testimony to its indispensable contribution in the progress and development in the region.

“BSF has always served with greater commitment to provide safe and secure environment for the ordinary citizens. It served the citizens of the border villages in times of crisis with selfless spirit and always facilitated participatory development and progress”, he added.

Terming J&K as a Union Territory full of diversities and opportunities, the Lt Governor observed that as a one unit, we are moving forward in the direction of renewed peace, unprecedented development and prosperity.

Earlier, the Lt Governor took the salute at an impressive march past by the passing out trainees and conducted the inspection of the parade followed by the oath ceremony.

The Lt Governor also presented medals to the achievers who excelled in their training.

Pardeep Katyal, Inspector General of BSF STC, Udhampur presented the welcome address and gave details of various components of training imparted to the passing out recruits.

A colourful presentation on the theme of musical yoga was also organized, followed by one minute weapon drill by recruits.

On the occasion, students of Government Higher Secondary School, Jaganoo, performed impressive cultural items depicting Dogra culture which was highly appreciated and enjoyed by the audiences.

Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lt Governor; Lal Chand, DDC Chairman; Mrs. Juhi Manhas Pathania, DDC Vice Chairperson; Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, GOC-in-C Northern Command; Dr Raghav Langer, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Indu Kanwal Chib, Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur; Mohammad Suleman Choudhary, DIG Udhampur- Reasi Range; Vinod Kumar SSP, Udhampur; Senior officers of JKP, Army and Para-military forces, besides parents of the recruits and Jawans of BSF were present on the occasion.

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