New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday accused the previous Congress-led government at the Centre of not paying attention to border infrastructure and trade through land routes with neighbouring countries.

“There was a time when there was no infrastructure, connectivity and trade with neighbouring countries through land routes in border areas. All these were halted. Might be the priorities were different,” Shah told the 10th Foundation Day Celebration of the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) here.

The Minister said through ‘PM GatiShakti ‘, the government was committed to take the transport system across the country. Emphasising the need to strengthen trade corridors, Shah asked LPAI to work in this direction, keeping in mind the security of the country.

“The LPAI not only plays a significant role in improving relation with our neighbouring countries but also plays a major role in uplifting the country’s economy. There is a need to strengthen the tradition of trade corridors. The LPAI should work in this direction, keeping in mind the security of the country,” he said.

“India’s boundary of 15,000 km with the neighbouring countries gives us challenges but at the same time it provides business opportunities. The LPAI must create enable environment to tap such opportunities. The LPAI should set a goal for the next 25 years through land routes.”

The Home Minister said to stop exodus from border areas, the Modi government was ensuring 100 per cent implementation of welfare schemes. “Our government is working on building infrastructure, improving connectivity, increasing trade through land routes, and focusing on people-to-people dialogue in border areas.”

Through people-to-people connects, any security threat in border areas can be averted, Shah observed. (UNI)

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday asked budding civil servants to hunt for challenging jobs and not to restrict themselves in comfort zones.

“Don’t restrict yourself to your comfort zone. Always go for a tough challenge, develop your risk taking ability. It will not only help in your personal development but also take the nation to newer heights of success,” he said.

The Prime Minister said that officers should pray that they should never get an easy assignment as a challenging job has a joy of its own. “The more you think of going to the comfort zone, the more you will stop your progress and the progress of the country.”

Modi was addressing the valedictory function of the 2021 batch of officer trainees at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy Of Administration (LBSNAA) via video conferencing.

“In the next 25 years, when the country completes 100 years of independence, you have to keep in mind the biggest goals for India…. a self reliant India and an India that is modern.” The Prime Minister said that the officers need to evaluate and introspect whether ‘seva bhaav’ (sense of service) continues to remain their primary feeling or not.

“When we work with a sense of duty and sense of purpose, we do not feel the burden of work. You must become a part of a positive change for the society, for the country.”

The Prime Minister asked the officers to connect with the field to realise all pros and cons of a situation. He emphasized the need to embrace the experience from the field as real feel of the issues of the file come from the field. Modi said that files do not contain just numbers and statistics but they contain life and aspirations of the people.

“You have to work by understanding the difference between files and fields. Figures contained in the files are not just numbers. Every figure, every number, is a life. You have to work for every single life, not for mere numbers.” He urged the officers to go to the root cause of problems to be able to find permanent solutions.

Modi said that Artificial Intelligence and Data Governance should be included in the training of officers. He said that a lab on Artificial Intelligence needed to be established at the Academy.

“Data governance has to be the part of the training curriculum at the Academy. Data will become a major power in times to come. We need to understand aspects of data governance. The Academy can also have certificate courses on Data Governance and Artificial Intelligence.” The Prime Minister inaugurated a new sports complex and a revamped Happy Valley Complex. (UNI)

New Delhi: Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Director General Kuldeep Singh on Thursday said as many as 175 militants have been killed while 183 have been apprehended in Jammu and Kashmir since March 2021 till date.

The CRPF has also killed 19 Maoists and arrested 699 in various operations in Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected states during the same period, he said, adding that two militants have surrendered in J&K while 598 Maoist cadre or supporters have surrendered in Chhattisgarh, and 287 in the Northeast region.

Singh also said that during this period, 253 arms were recovered in J&K, 164 in LWE region and 128 in northeast region whereas over 96 kg of explosives were recovered in Jammu and Kashmir, 1,493 kg in LWE areas and 26 kg in the NE region.

The CRPF has also recovered 23 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in J&K, 398 in LWE areas and four in northeastern states whereas 232 grenades were recovered in J&K, 12 in LWE areas and 27 in NE states, he added.

Referring to the recent killing of a CRPF personnel who was at home on leave in Kashmir Valley, Singh said that this was the first such incident this year and added that the security agencies acted promptly and arrested the culprit within the shortest possible time.

He also said that a total of 41 VIPs were provided with VVIP security cover during the recently-concluded Assembly elections in five states while the security of 27 protectees has been withdrawn after the election.

Singh also said that on Saturday, the force will conduct its 83rd Raising Day parade at the MA Stadium in Jammu – the first time when this is being celebrated outside the Delhi-NCR. (IANS)

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has greeted the people on the joyous occasion of Holi.

In a message, the Lieutenant Governor said that the Festival of Colours symbolises the spirit of unity in diversity, harmony, and inspires us to move ahead with new hope for a brighter future.

“May the colours and vibrant energy of this auspicious festival further strengthen peace, and bring about prosperity and happiness for all,” the Lieutenant Governor added.

Meanwhile, Advisors to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar and Farooq Khan have extended warm greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the auspicious occasion of ‘Holi-Festival of Colours’.

While extending their greetings, the Advisors remarked that this festival indicating the onset of spring in our country, is an occasion to rejoice in the glory of nature in all its vibrant colours. They added that this festival gives us an opportunity to strengthen the spirit of brotherhood and deepen the bonds of friendship amongst us.

The Advisors also highlighted that this festival symbolizes the spirit of unity, harmony and tolerance, for which our country is known across the globe.

The Advisors also prayed for the peace, prosperity and progress of entire Jammu and Kashmir.

New Delhi: At least 44,167 families are registered as migrants with the Jammu and Kashmir government, an RTO reply said.

In an RTI reply, the Home Ministry said that a separate Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme in J&K namely SRE Relief and Rehabilitation was introduced in 1989-90 which includes financial assistance in the form of administrative, socio-economic, health, security related assistance to Kashmiri migrants including Kashmiri Pandits.

The scheme includes relief to migrants from Kashmir and Jammu settled in J&K and Delhi in the form of cash or kind.

It also includes expenditure towards providing employment to Kashmiri migrants from time to time under special packages.

It also includes financing rehabilitation activities related to migrants like construction of transit accommodations, housing facilities, scholarship, providing employment, waiving of interest loans, assistance to farmers.

In addition, cash assistance of Rs 3,250 per month with a ceiling of Rs 13,000 per month per family, and 9 kg rice, 2 kg atta and 1 kg of sugar per family is also being given to Kashmiri migrants.

Also, construction of 6,000 transit accommodations for 6,000 Kashmiri migrant employees in Kashmir Valley was approved in 2015. (IANS)

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)