Aatif Qayoom
Srinagar, Sept 30: As authorities have started the process of macadamization of roads across valley, civil society and other concerned groups on Wednesday expressed concerns over the process ahead of approaching winters.
Several senior citizens expressed glad over macadamization of roads across valley however put forth their dismay over the process starting ahead of winters.
They questioned why the roads left unattended during peak summer season and now taken into account when winters are approaching. “No accountability and questioning have left state exchequer empty by vested interested elements.”
“Isn’t it a wastage of money and loot to state exchequer by macadamizing roads during Autumn as the atmosphere is not favourable for the process”, civil society questioned.
They said this year in wake of Covid-19 pandemic, roads witnessed less traffic and a favourable temperature but despite of this great opportunity, officials concerned choose to macadamize roads in autumn which speaks volumes about departmental planning and the material used in.
It is worth to mention that most of the areas where macadamization process was done are without drainage facilities resulting the rainy water accumulating on roads.
The government is spending millions of rupees on account of development of roads but most of the roads including vital areas are without proper road connectivity and required drainage facility.
Chief Engineer PMGSY Kashmir Mohammad Rafi said the department this year has macadamized 650 plus kilometres in Kashmir valley and further work are underway.
When apprised about the concerns of people regarding low temperatures, he said the process can be continued till October 15.
“There is no problem in macadamization till October 15. Atmosphere till date is favourable for the process”, official said.
Chief Engineer (R&B) Showkat Jeelani said the completion of process in valley will take time as there are only 32 plants who provide macadamization material.
He said several agencies including PMGSY, Beacon, R&B and National Highway are getting materials from the same plants so it will take time for an agency to wait for his turn. (KNS)
‘Why roads being macadamized only ahead of winters’
KAS 2018: Dawar says hard work key to success
Tassaduk Rashid
Srinagar, Sept 30: Mir Dawar Habib of central Kashmir’s Srinagar district who on Tuesday cracked Kashmir Administrative Service (KAS) termed the hard work key to success.
Dawar who secured second rank in KAS 2018 said that it has been a long wait to hear this good news.
“I am presently working in J&K Bank while my father is also serving the same institution in a senior executive capacity. After came to know about the result, I left the job and I appeal to younger generation that hard work is must for success”, Dawar said.
He said besides giving time to studies, engagement with sports is also important for grooming.
“I had completed my schooling from Srinagar and subsequently graduated from NIT Hazratbal Srinagar. I, since my childhood, was dreaming of KAS and in 2018 I applied for the same. I concentrated over my studies for a year and finally I cracked it”, he said.
Malik Kamila Mushtaq topped KAS 2018 results which were declared on September 29 while Mir Dawar Habib and Diksha Raina bagged second and third rank.
Out of 194, 70 candidates cracked the exam who were called for interviews.
Earlier 70 vacant positions have been referred to PSC on May 2018 as many as 25188 candidates had appeared in preliminary examination which was held on September 16, 2018. Out of 1750 candidates who qualified preliminary exam, 1703 appeared in mains. Subsequently 229 candidates were declared successful out of whom 194 appeared in the interview.
Among the 70 successful candidates, 38 are Muslims, 31 Hindus while one belong to Buddhist religion. (KNS)
Vertical housing in Srinagar at affordable prices
Gupta inspects sites for development of affordable housing
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Sept 30: Principal Secretary Housing & Urban Development Department, Deeraj Gupta Wednesday visited various areas of Srinagar to inspect the sites identified for developing vertical housing projects the government has approved to make affordable houses available to residents.
He visited the sites located at Rakh-e-Gund Aksha, Khushipora, Shaltang, Palpora, Zoonimar, Harwan and Eidgah – which are spread across three Tehsils of Srinagar – and held a thorough assessment of their suitability for developing the housing projects.
Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary; Vice Chairman Srinagar Development Authority, Bashir Ahmad Lone and Chief Town Planner Kashmir Fayaz Ahmad were accompanied him during his inspection of these sites.
The Principal Secretary visited some half a dozen sites holding a thorough assessment of their suitability for developing vertical housing projects in Srinagar which are aimed at addressing the housing concerns of residents of the district.
Speaking on the occasion Deeraj Gupta said the government understands the concerns and issues surrounding housing in the capital district of Srinagar and is keen on resolving these at the earliest. He said the vertical housing projects approved for development at these different places is a step in that direction.
Giving details about it DC Srinagar Dr Shahid Iqbal said the project envisions housing for all and is aimed at enabling all residents of Srinagar to have their own homes and acquire them at affordable prices.
Giving further details he said each vertical housing building will have and offer different kinds of housing options ranging from one to two to three BHK flats and apartments.
It is notable that the housing project is being expedited on the instructions of the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha who issued specific directions in this regard during his review of developmental scenario of Srinagar district held last month.
The Principal Secretary’s visit today was aimed at finalising the sites identified jointly by the Srinagar district administration and the Srinagar Development Authority.
On the occasion of the visit Gupta directed the district administration to identify more locations for development of more housing projects so that the housing concerns and demands of locals can be redressed and answered as much as possible.
Jan Abhiyan, B2V3 aims to give prompt, hassle free public service delivery: Advisor Bhatnagar
Precious Kashmir News
Bandipora, Sept 30: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar Wednesday participated in Block Diwas (Youm-e-Block) at Aloosa and Bankoot blocks of the district and interacted with the people and representatives of Panchayat Raj Institutions there.
Director General of Police Dilbag Singh, Inspector General of Police Kashmir Vijay Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Dr Owais Ahmad, Deputy Inspector General of Police (North) Mohammad Suleiman Choudhary, Senior Superintendent of Police Rahul Malik and other senior officers of the district were present on the occasion.
Terming the ongoing Jan Abhiyan and the upcoming B2V3 programme vital for achieving efficient and welfare governance, Advisor Bhatnagar asked the general public to come forward with their developmental aspirations and needs to the administration as such programmes have been launched to ensure prompt and hassle free public service delivery besides involving them in decision making and mission of equitable development.
He said conducting of public outreach programmes provides an important feedback for the government to tailor its interventions for the public good and reach to the doorstep of the people.
Asserting that cooperation of general public is bedrock for effective development from grass root level, the Advisor maintained that such initiatives are being taken to facilitate the public at grass root level with regard to public service delivery.
Bhatnagar also participated in the Jan Sunwai Abhiyan and interacted with locals. During this programme, several delegations called on the advisor and apprised him about the problems faced by them in day to day life including that of roads, water, electricity, Healthcare services, Education, Agriculture, Irrigation, Sports and other individual issues.
He listened to each of them patiently and assured them that all of their genuine demands will be redressed on priority while several grievances were sent on spot to respective quarters for redressal.
Advisor Bhatnagar assured them that the LG’s Administration is making persistent efforts to redress all the genuine issues and demands of the public to mitigate their sufferings and to ensure that they do not feel any inconvenience in getting the basic necessities of life.
On the occasion, Advisor Bhatnagar distributed domicile certificates, 25 Soil Health cards, four Wheelchairs, five Hearing aids, 150 Education kits among eligible beneficiaries. The Advisor also distributed agriculture and horticulture equipments like tillers, weeders, autos, tractor and other equipments among farmers and orchardists besides cheques to the beneficiaries under various schemes of Sericulture and Labour departments.
Shrines, religious places to reopen in phased manner in Baramulla: DC
Baramulla, Sept 30: Urging people to follow Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and other COVID-19 protocol, Deputy Commissioner (DC), Baramulla Dr G N Ittoo on Wednesday said shrines and other religious places would reopen in this north Kashmir district in a phased manner.
All religious places were closed in March this year due to COVID-19 pandemic in the Kashmir valley, including Baramulla.
Addressing a press conference here, Ittoo said all religious places will be reopened in the district in a phased manner. However, people are requested to follow the guidelines and SOPs while paying obeisance at shrines, he said adding this was necessary to prevent further spread of deadly coronavirus.
In reply to a question DC said shrines will remain closed during the night.
“Nobody will be allowed to stay in any shrine during the night,” he said adding night prayers would be allowed when there is more improvement in the COVID situation.
Further, he said no cooking or selling of eatables will be allowed in religious places.
Ittoo said heads of all religious organisations have already been approached and requested to spread awareness about adopting SOPs and other guidelines to further prevent spread of coronavirus.
Replying to a question that people are not following SOPs, DM said this was very unfortunate people are not serious about this deadly virus which has claimed thousands of live in the country.
However, he warned that strict action would be taken against the violators.
3rd Block Diwas programme observed across Kashmir
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Sept 30: The 3rd Block Diwas/ Youm e Block, a part of ambitious Jan Abhiyan programme was Wednesday observed across all the districts of Kashmir division, during which concerned District Development Commissioners (DDC’s) and other officers listened to public issues, grievances and demands.
The Block Diwas was observed to take appraisal of local issues from the general public for accurate and on ground assessment and redressal of the same thereby providing governance to the public at their door steps.
The DC’s on the occasion highlighted the objectives of the Jan Abhiyan, Jan Sunwayi, Dehi Taraqiyaati and Poshan Abhiyan programmes informing the public that these grand public campaigns are aimed at reaching out to the people for redressal of their grievances and addressing developmental issues.
In Shopian, the DC Chaudhary Mohammad Yasin visited several areas of tehsil Keegam and took stock of demands and issues of the public here.
The DDC distributed Domicile certificates, Sports material, KCC, Horticulture passbooks, health cards and category certificates among the beneficiaries of various villages.
In Kulgam, the DC visited block Pombay, Manzgam and other blocks where he presided over mega functions, organized in connection with the Block Divas.
He also distributed various certificates, sanctions letters and also distributed blankets among PMAY beneficiaries.
In Kupwara, Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC), Kupwara, Mohammad Ashraf Bhat chaired Mega Block Divas of 4 blocks including Kupwara, Drugmulla, Hyhama and Qadirabad here.
On the occasion, an interactive session was held in which the BDC Chairpersons and PRIs put forth their grievances and demands before the officers.
After giving a patient hearing to their issues, the ADDC issued on spot directions to the concerned officers to resolve their genuine problems and demands on priority basis.
In Baramulla, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Dr G N Itoo held a day long Jan Sunwai (public darbar) in Narvaw block of the district that witnessed the overwhelming participation of different stakeholders including BDC chairperson, PRIs besides other citizens from the adjoining areas.
He also distributed cheques worth Rs 45 lakh as financial assistance among the registered labourers of Narvaw block. He also distributed several income certificates, farming equipment, LPG chullas and other vital equipment among the identified beneficiaries.
Talat chairs 63rd meet of KU’s academic council
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Sept 30: Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir Prof Talat Ahmad on Wednesday chaired the 63rd meeting of the University’s Academic Council during which several academic issues were discussed.
Addressing the meeting comprising top university officers, deans and heads of various departments/satellite campuses, and several college principals, Prof Talat stressed on the need to ensure that academic standards and benchmarks are not allowed to be lowered at any cost and that introduction of new courses proposed is done strictly in accordance with the set norms and guidelines as envisaged under the New Education Policy-2020.
He stressed on the need to expand and provide quality education.
“University is getting importance nationally and internationally and we have to take a collective approach; we have to build and consolidate our position and at the same time provide quality education,” Talat said.
He impressed upon the members to expedite their efforts for the establishment and introduction of new courses/ departments at UG and PG level in colleges and various campuses of the Varsity in tune with the NEP-2020 for the benefit of the student community.
He also said that it was important to periodically review feasibility and relevance of academic courses to improve upon them in tune with the present day requirements and/or take a call on their continuation.
The meeting had a threadbare discussion on the agenda which, among other issues approved Recognition of Clinical Bio- chemistry, Bio- resources and Geo-informatics as independent departments, introduction of M.Tech Program in Electrical ( power system and control) and in Mechanical ( Design Engineering) and Electronics and Communication Engineering at Zakura Campus, Ph.d program in Microbiology in collaboration with Govt Medical College Srinagar, B.Sc. Degree program in paramedical science in 10 disciplines at various Medical Colleges of the Valley.
Forests Encroachments
The extent of encroachments in forests is to be blamed for the state of affairs prevalent in Jammu and Kashmir for a long time. As per the details provided by the forest department in J&K high court, thousands of kanals of the forest land stand encroached across Jammu and Kashmir.
Observing the gravity of the issue, the common top court of the J&K and Ladakh has directed that no other forum other than the court shall take any cognizance of any issue with regard to any claim or any matter associated with the encroachment of the forest land. The order aims to prevent any deferring of the process of retrieval of the public land through any temporary relief, reprieve, stay, or any type of deferring of the process of retrieval of the public land.
The concerned Departments have been resorting to delays, avoidance, deferment, and all sorts of protraction in providing details of the encroachers. However amid the court’s consistent directions pertaining to Jammu, a report comprising 3000 pages containing the list of encroachers have been filed and it would prevent any chance of tampering with of the list of identified persons by the Forest Department.
Recently, the court while hearing a Public Interest Litigation in Kashmir directed the authorities to provide details of the state and forest land in Gulmarg as well the details of the land encroached and particulars of those who have eaten up the precious land. Apart from locals, a major junk of the land is stated, through official or unofficial data, to be under encroachment of the politicians and other influential persons or VIPs.
One can confidently say that the encroachment of large the scale of land could have not been possible without the active connivance of the authorities in the Revenue and Forest departments as well the patronage of political influence. The encroachment of the forests has already led to a severe impact on the fragile ecology of the J&K and its wildlife.
The administration needs to act fast and started the process to retrieve the land without even waiting for the explicit direction by the court. The government is custodial of the land and it ought to take all measures to retrieve it. There is also a need for conservation and preservation of the forests for the immediate present and future generations.
EMIs return after 6 month moratorium, interest accumulates
Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, Sep 29: As the moratorium on bank loans ended on August 31 and financial institutions started deducting Easy Monthly Installments (EMIs), the borrowers have started to feel the pinch.
It may be recalled that as the country went into the lockdown mode to trim the spread of COVID-19 earlier this year, the Reserve Bank of India on March 27 this year had allowed a moratorium for all banks for three months on payment of all installments due between March 1 and May 31. The RBI had further allowed the banks to extend the moratorium till August 31, but had cautioned against the health of the bank sector.
The RBI had made clear that moratorium will be applicable only on EMIs and the borrowers will have to pay the interest and it won’t be waived off.
A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court to seek waiver of interest during the lockdown period as everyone’s income has been hit in the country. The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to draft a plan on loan moratorium quickly and fixed October 5 as the next date of hearing.
A businessman from Kashmir while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “Business activities in the Valley have been hit for the past one year after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019. Kashmir’s economy is in dire straits. We have no idea about what the future holds for us.”
He said, “We have been requesting the financial institutions to give us some relief as interest on the loans which we had taken has accumulated manifolds. We haven’t earned anything during the past one year. We have no idea about how to clear our debts.”
The businessman said, “During the past one year many shops and agencies dealing with various products have downed their shutters. Thousands of people working in the private sector have lost their jobs and livelihood. Economy cannot get revived till the government intervenes.”
He said, “If the government really wants to infuse new life into J&K’s economy besides announcing a special package for the business houses, it needs to bear the interest component which has accumulated. The foundation of naya J&K cannot be laid on the basis of the weak economy.”
An economist said, “The Supreme Court’s intervention is a welcome move but it appears that the Centre has no plan to intervene as if the government decides to waive of the interest component it can lead to closure of many banks. Let’s see what reply Centre files on October 5, i.e. the next date of hearing.”
