Precious Kashmir

ACB arrests Inspector, Sales Tax deptt for accepting bribe of Rs 3 lakh

City

12/03/2022

ACB arrests Inspector, Sales Tax deptt for accepting bribe of Rs 3 lakh

Srinagar: Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) trapped and arrested Inspector, Sales Tax Department, Srinagar for demanding and accepting bribe of Rs three lakh for settling case of penalty of Sales tax.

An official communiqué reads that ACB received a written complaint wherein the complainant alleged that Khalid Bashir Tantray, Sales Tax Inspector is demanding Rs three lakh as bribe for setting right records pertaining to Internal Audit Report of the Sales Tax Department Srinagar.

The complainant, who is running a business unit, was facing penalty of Rs. 14 lakh from Sales Tax Department, the statement said, adding that on receipt of the complaint, a case under FIR number 09/2022 under section 7 PC Act 1988 was registered in this Bureau and investigation taken up.

During the course of investigation a trap team constituted. The team laid a successful trap and caught red-handed Khalid Bashir Tantray, Inspector, Sales Tax Department, Srinagar while demanding and accepting bribe amount of Rs 3 lakh from the complainant. He was arrested on the spot by the ACB team.

“The bribe money was also recovered from his possession in presence of independent witnesses. Immediately after the trap, search was conducted in residential house of the accused,” the statement said, adding that further investigation into the case is on.

Night temp increases at most places in Kashmir

City

Precious Kashmir

12/03/2022

Srinagar: Pleasant weather conditions continue to prevail in Jammu and Kashmir as night temperature recorded a drop at a few places and increase at most other locations including Gulmarg on Thursday.

A meteorological department said that Srinagar, the summer capital of J&K, recorded a low of 3.8°C against last night’s 5.1°C.

Qazigund, the gateway town of Kashmir, recorded a low of 3.2°C against 3.0°C on the previous night, he said.

Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, had a low of 1.9°C against 3.3°C on the previous night, the official said.

Pahalgam, the famous resort in south Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 1.1°C against minus 1.3°C last night, he said.

Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 0.2°C against minus 2.5°C on the previous night, he said.

The temperature was 3.5°C above normal for this time of the year in the famous resort, he said.

Kupwara town in north Kashmir recorded a low of 3.5°C against 3.7°C on the previous night, the official said.

Jammu recorded a low of 13.5°C against 12.5°C on the previous night, the official said. The temperature was 0.5°C below normal for the J&K’s winter capital during this time of the year, he said.

Banihal recorded a low of 5.6°C, Batote had a minimum of 9.5°C while Bhaderwah recorded a low of 6.2°C, the official said.

Ladakh’s Leh recorded a minimum of minus 3.8°C against last night’s minus 3.4°C on the previous night while automatic Kargil station recorded a low of minus 8.0°C. For at least March 17, the weatherman said mainly dry weather was expected over Jammu and Kashmir. (GNS)

SED employees staying in Govt accommodations to pay rent

Front

Precious Kashmir

12/03/2022

SED employees staying in Govt accommodations to pay rent

By: Bhat Imran

Srinagar: The government on Friday said that the employees of School Education Department (SED) of Kashmir division, who have been provided government accommodation by estates or other departments have to pay rent of that accommodation to the estates department.

In an official communiqué issued by the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK), reads, “It is enjoined upon all government employees who have been provided government accommodation by estates or other departments have to pay rent of that accommodation to the estates department.”

It states that the attention of all Chief Education Officers (CEOs) and principal DIETs of DSEK is being sought in light of the circular issued by the finance department on March-11-2021 regarding payment of House Rent Allowance (HRA) and recovery of rent thereof.

“In this regard, it is hereby reiterated that no HRA is admissible to any such government employee who is allotted government accommodation,” it reads.

The School Education Department also clarified that in case, any amount of HRA has been paid to such government employee who is residing in any government accommodation, such amount shall be recovered from the concerned employee forthwith.

The communiqué further reads, “As such, all Principal DIETs and Chief Education Officers are accordingly requested to direct the DDOs under their administrative control to ensure the recovery of HRA which has been wrongly paid to Government employees while in possession of Government accommodation in violation of rules.”

“The rent of the accommodation is deducted from the salary of the employees in monthly pay bills,” the department said. (KNO)

J&K receives 3rd best Tableau in R-Day Parade in popular choice category

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

12/03/2022

New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir was on Friday awarded the Third best Tableau in the Republic Day Parade amongst the States and UTs in popular choice category.

The award trophy was received by Deputy Labour Commissioner and Deputy Director Information, Veedushi Kapoor on behalf of the J&K Government.

This ranking was decided on the basis of an on-line poll which was conducted through My GOV App in coordination with Ministry of Defence for the Citizens to vote for their favourite Tableau from various States and UTs which participated in Republic Day 2022 parade celebrations.

The Tableau – 2022 of UT of J&K depicted “Changing face of Jammu and Kashmir in the backdrop of developmental scenario”. It showcased the world famous Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan Katra, Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). The Tableau also highlighted The World’s Highest Railway Bridge on Chenab River and Banihal Qazigund in the backdrop of snow clad mountains of Kashmir.

The Tableau- 2022 was designed and fabricated by an Eminent Artist Veer Munshi.

Govt employee held with brown sugar in Kupwara: Police

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

12/03/2022

By: Jahangir Lolabi

Kupwara: Police arrested a narcotic smuggler and recovered 21 grams of Brown Sugar from his possession last night in Kupwara district of the north Kashmir, police said on Friday.

Identified as Gulzar Ahmad Baba of Kawari Laderwan Awoora from Rigipora area, police said he is a Village Level Worker (VLW). He was arrested at a naka led by SHO Kupwara Mohammad Rafiq under the supervision of DySP Headquarters Rashid Younis at Rigipora area, police said. “Gulzar was arrested while peddling the narcotics to sell it among youth of Kupwara,” SSP Kupwara Yougal Manhas said.

He said Gulzar tried to evade his interception but was caught tactfully and his personal search led to recovery of 21 grams of Brown Sugar, which was seized and sealed on spot.

“During preliminary investigations, Gulzar revealed that he was on way to sell the narcotics in small quantities among the youth of Kupwara. Further investigations in the case to unearth this drugs syndicate is in progress,” he said, adding, “Gulzar is a known peddler who in the garb of government employment is stealthily involved in drugs peddling in the area. Strong legal action has been initiated against him.” (GNS)

Notorious thief held in Budgam: Police

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

12/03/2022

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir police on Friday claimed to have arrested a notorious thief and recovered stolen items and cash amount of Rs 20,000 from his possession in Budgam district.

A police spokesman said that on 09/03/2022, Police Station Chadoora received a written complaint from Abdul Gani Dar son of Abdul Rahman Dar resident of Daulatpora Chadoora stating therein that one person namely Zahid Muzaffar @Raja Don son of Mohammad Muzaffar Sheikh resident of Gopalpora Chadoora obstructed his way at Wathora Sheikhpora Chadoora and snatched his Mobile phone and Wallet containing some cash, driving licence, ATM card and other important receipts and fled from the spot.

The accused further withdrew an amount of Rs 37000 using ATM PIN of complainant, who had kept his ATM PIN in his wallet.

Accordingly, a case under FIR number 32/2022 under relevant sections of law was registered in Police Station Chadoora and investigation was initiated.

During the course of investigation, a police team headed by SHO PS Chadoora Insp Mir Sajad Bashir taking advantage of modern technology, conducted series of raids at multiple locations & subsequently arrested the accused person near Mochwa Railway Bridge.

On his disclosure, cash amount of Rs 20,000, snatched Mobile Phone, one Feature Mobile phone etc were recovered. Further investigation into the case is going on and more recoveries are also expected.

Meanwhile, people applauded the efforts made by the police in solving the case. “Our consistent action against the anti-social elements shall re-assure community members that Police has resolved to act tough against individuals involved in criminal activities,” police said.

Govt sets up 3-tier mechanism to monitor, implement 2nd DGGI

Anchor stories

Ibni Maqbool

12/03/2022

Govt sets up 3-tier mechanism to monitor, implement 2nd DGGI

By: Ibni Maqbool

Srinagar: In a significant move, the administration of Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory has set-up a three-tier mechanism for monitoring implementation and reviewing overall progress of the 2^nd district good governance index.

The General Administration Department (GAD) today constituted the Union Territory level apex committee, divisional level review committee(s) and steering committee(s) at district Level for monitoring implementation and reviewing overall progress of the district good governance index 2.0 at the Union territory, divisional and district levels.

According to an order, a copy of which is in possession of The Precious Kashmir, the UT level apex committee headed by chief shall monitor implementation of the DGGI 2.0 and take policy decisions with regard to ambit of the initiative.

It shall also review all qualitative changes and use of the tools for its effective implementation.

The divisional level review committee(s) headed by respective divisional commissioners shall be responsible for overall coordination of steering committee(s) and timely uploading of DGGI data on dashboard at district levels within the respective divisions.

The steering committees headed by respective district development commissioner shall be responsible for timely collection and uploading of data on DGGI dashboard on monthly basis at the district level.

In the first-ever district good governance index released in January, Jammu district topped the composite ranking, followed by Doda and Samba districts of the Jammu division.

South Kashmir’s Pulwama district bagged fourth position while Srinagar district finished at fifth spot.

Jal Shakti to come up with mega Water Supply Scheme at Khrew soon

Anchor stories

Precious Kashmir

12/03/2022

Jal Shakti to come up with mega Water Supply Scheme at Khrew soon

3 upper habitations to get regular water supply, tendering process begins

By: Aabid Hameed

Srinagar: At least three upper habitations of Khrew area are set to get water supply soon as the government is coming up with a mega Water Supply Scheme (WSS) at Khrew area of Pampore in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

An official of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) now Jal Shakti said that a three stage lifting scheme is coming up in the area to provide drinking water facilities to Bathan, Baddalav and Bijnari villages of Khrew area.

He added that there is no perennial source of water in these areas so only option there is of ground water; however, the bore wells aren’t ensuring adequate water to cater all households.

He said that Bajnari area comprises of 20-25 households, settled at an altitude of 2000 meters and no perennial source of water exists at present in the area.

The Department of Jal Shakti drilled a deep bore well for the said area in the year 2019-20, however, no viable aquifers (water stores) were encountered, he said.

Subsequently, another deep bore well was drilled and a submersible pump motor along with diesel driven generator was installed at the said spot. This bore well is presently the source of water for Bajnari and have been provided with 2000 Liters Syntax tanks and a network of pipes through which water is supplied to households and besides that water tankers are also regularly deployed for the said area.

He said that the tanker service only gets affected during the time of slippery road conditions (during rains or snow).

Same is case of other two habitations which don’t have perennial source of water and bore wells are unable to cater the whole area, he added.

As a long term measure, the Department of Jal Shakti have already framed a proposal of providing adequate quantum of water to the said area as well as two other habitations viz, Batdalav and Bathan from an already explored (drilled) production well at Khrew, he said.

He added that this proposal stands already approved and accorded by the Chief Engineer Jal Shakti Kashmir at an estimated cost of Rs 907 lakhs vide order number CE/PHE/DB/226 of 06/2021 dated 14-06-2021 with three stage lifting.

In this scheme, water shall be lifted from production well of Khrew and shall be stored in a service reservoir meant for Bajnari through a three stage lifting mechanism, he said.

The said scheme is presently under tendering phase and once it will be completed it will provide water for all three habitations in adequate quantity and they won’t face water crisis for around next two to three decades.

G-23 seeks speedy election of new Congress President, summoning of AICC session

National

Indo Asian News Service

12/03/2022

G-23 seeks speedy election of new Congress President, summoning of AICC session

New Delhi: The Congress’ ‘G-23’ leaders, at their meeting held on Friday after the party’s debacle in the latest round of Assembly polls, are understood to have sought that there be no more delay in electing the new party President while an AICC session should be called to discuss the poll results, sources said.

The meeting was held at senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad’s residence here, and was attended by Kapil Sibal, Manish Tewari, Anand Sharma and Akhilesh Prasad Singh while some other leaders joined virtually.

As per sources, the leaders sought accountability for the poll debacle be fixed and changes be made in the composition of the Congress Working Committee, the party’s highest decision-making body.

The issue of organisational polls was also discussed.

The meeting was held a day after results came out for Assembly elections held in five states, with the party losing its stronghold Punjab, failing to mount a serious challenge in Goa, Manipur and Uttarakhand, besides getting virtually demolished in Uttar Pradesh.

There is simmering tension within the Congress after the poll debacle, and the G-23 leaders are reportedly miffed with the style of functioning of the party leadership.

One prominent leader said that “it is time that the first family of Congress steps aside and paves the way for a new leadership or act in tandem with the party leaders and be available 24×7 for party work, or else there won’t be a revival of the Congress in the country”.

The leaders pointed out that the present set-up is non-performing and it has to be changed as the party is not “someone’s fiefdom” and everyone has a stake in it.

Pink-ball Test: India eye clean sweep against Sri Lanka, improvement in WTC table

Sports

Indo Asian News Service

12/03/2022

Pink-ball Test: India eye clean sweep against Sri Lanka, improvement in WTC table

Bengaluru: After winning the first match convincingly, India will look for a 2-0 sweep against Sri Lanka, when the two sides meet in the second and final Test, which will be played under the lights, here from Saturday.

A dominating win by an innings and 222 runs in the first Test in Mohali consolidated India’s fifth position in the World Test Championship standings but they will be looking to move further up with a win in Bengaluru.

It will be India’s third day-night pink-ball Test at home, following matches in Kolkata against Bangladesh (November 2019) and Ahmedabad against England (February 2021). India won both those Tests inside three days.

Though India won the last match easily, the pink-ball Test presents a whole different set of challenges and will also keep hosts on their toes. The Rohit-Sharma-led side can’t afford a home slip-up at this juncture of the Test Championship cycle and it should motivate them to maintain their intensity.

The likes of Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer — who all got starts in the previous game but failed to convert them into big innings — will try to make a big impact with their bats. On the other hand, the lower-order trio of Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, who all had brilliant out with the bat, will look to continue their rich vein of form.

India played three spinners and two pacers in the first Test in Mohali. But it will be interesting to see whether there could be a change in the team’s strategy for the pink-ball game considering the different playing conditions.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, India vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah mentioned that the team management will take the call about the playing eleven after today’s practice session.

“We had a look at the surface yesterday but it’s too early to say much because today is the day we access the wicket when we go for the practice session. After that we’ll have a clear idea if we want to go into the match with three seamers or three spinners,” said Bumrah.

In the first pink-ball Test in Kolkata, Indian spinners came away empty-handed while in the next one (Ahmedabad), the trio of Axar, Ashwin and Washington Sundar took 19 of the 20 wickets to fall.

India have made one change to the squad with Axar Patel replacing Kuldeep Yadav. Patel, who last played against New Zealand in November, has recovered from his shin injury as well as Covid-19 and could slot right into the playing XI in place of Jayant Yadav.

On the other hand, the struggling Sri Lanka team suffered a massive blow going into the match. Pathum Nissanka, who top-scored for the visitors with an unbeaten 61 in the first innings, has been ruled out of the second Test, due to a back injury.

Meanwhile, Dushmantha Chameera, who sat out the first Test in Mohali, is also not available for selection as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury. As per Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne, Chameera’s workload was being managed till the T20 World Cup, which is scheduled for October this year, and the pacer would be available only for limited-over games in the interim period after his recovery.

Given the relative success that Embuldeniya had in the first match, Sri Lanka are set to throw in another left-arm spinner in Praveen Jayawickrama, who has two fifers and 18 wickets from three Tests so far. The Test will be Suranga Lakmal’s final game for Sri Lanka and the Islanders will be hoping to give the veteran bowler a farewell to remember.

Squad:

India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Priyank Panchal, Mayank Agarwal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Hanuma Vihari, Shubhman Gill, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), KS Bharat, Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav, R. Ashwin, Saurabh Kumar, Mohd. Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Mohd. Shami, Jasprit Bumrah (vice-captain), Axar Patel

Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne (captain), Lahiru Thirimanne, Dhananjaya de Silva (vice-captain), Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Charith Asalanka, Niroshan Dickwella (wicketkeeper), Chamika Karunaratne, Lahiru Kumara, Suranga Lakmal, Vishwa Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay, Praveen Jayawickrema and Lasith Embuldeniya.

1...3,5073,5083,509...5,054 Page 3,508 of 5,054