Precious Kashmir

CAG picks holes in implementation of Himayat scheme

Jammu & Kashmir

19/01/2022

CAG picks holes in implementation of Himayat scheme

Only 4,494 youth trained against target of 53,547

By: Faizan Wani

Srinagar: An audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed gaps and loopholes in implementation of Himayat scheme in Jammu & Kashmir.

In its report on implementation of the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP), the CAG has said the Jammu & Kashmir State Rural Livelihood Himayat Management Mission (JKSRLM), prepared the three years plan for 2016-19 and 2019-22 without any baseline survey and analysis to map the skill gap.

“Audit noticed (May 2019) that the State Perspective Implementation Plan (SPIP) covering a period of seven years was not prepared and instead the Mission submitted (July 2016) a three -year plan for the first phase for the period from 2016 to 2019, followed by another three year plan in February 2019, for the period from 2019 to 2022. The plans were also submitted without identification of trades to be covered under the programme,” reads the report.

The report also states that against 340 sanctioned posts in the implementing unit, there was a shortfall of 63 per cent of posts at the apex level and 100 per cent shortfall at district and block levels.

“There were significant delays in start of projects by 20 Programme Implementing agencies, with respect to deemed date and actual date of commencement,” the report states

According to the report, against a target of 53,547 youth to be trained, only 4,494 youth (8 per cent) were trained, during the period from 2016-17 to 2018-19.

“Further, out of 4,494 trained youth, only 732 youth (16 per cent) were placed in jobs. The teams were not in place to monitor the process,” it adds.

Himayat is a placement linked skill training programme for unemployed youth of Jammu & Kashmir and is being implemented by the Himayat Mission Management Unit, J&K State Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKSRLM). The programme is an outcome of the recommendations of Dr. C. Rangarajan committee report submitted to the Prime Minister on 24th February, 2011 which suggested a scheme of skill development for school/college dropouts. (KNO)

6 persons booked under PSA, NDPS Act in Bandipora: Police

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

19/01/2022

Bandipora: Jammu and Kashmir Police Tuesday said to have booked six persons under Public Safety and Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Acts’ in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.

“In order to keep the anti-social elements away from peaceful society, Bandipora police booked six persons under various preventive laws”, reads a police official statement issued here.

“While four persons whose activities were prejudicial in maintenance of peace and order in the area, were booked under provisions of Public Safety Act and two persons were booked under provisions of Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act as they were actively involved in this illicit trade and responsible for this menace”, reads the statement.

The said persons, the statement reads, were booked after obtaining orders from appropriate designated authority.

“These persons were instrumental in disrupting public order, besides some were involved in drug trafficking and were supplying drugs to youth in district Bandipora”, the statement reads adding , “Many cases were already registered against these persons in different police stations and were repeat offenders.” (GNS)

30 civilians stuck in 2 avalanches near NC pass rescued: Army

City

Precious Kashmir

19/01/2022

30 civilians stuck in 2 avalanches near NC pass rescued: Army

Srinagar: Army on Tuesday said it alongside GREF rescued thirty civilians stuck in two avalanches amid fresh snowfall on Chowkibal-Tangdhar road (NH-701) on the intervening night of January 17 and 18.

“As soon as the information of civilians getting stuck closer to Khooni Nala and SM Hill on NH 701 reached the troops at NC pass, two rescue teams comprising ‘avalanche rescue teams’ from Indian Army and a team of GREF were mobilised for rescuing the civilians who were stuck in their vehicles”, PRO Defence in a statement.

“Despite adverse weather conditions compounded by twin avalanches, 14 civilians were rescued and brought to Neelam and 16 civilians to NC pass, which is also commonly known as Sadhna pass. All the rescued civilians were provided food, medical care and shelter for the night”, it said adding twelve vehicles were later retrieved during the day on 18 January post avalanche and snow slides clearance from the road.

“GREF played a difficult but stellar role in snow clearance amidst dangerous conditions. The entire effort took about five to six hours.”

“It may be highlighted that last year also civilians were rescued by the troops near Khooni Nala, closer to NC pass, as the area is prone to avalanches and snow slides it said, remarking further that Indian Army stands by its tradition of helping out the citizens during their hour of need.”

30-yr-old lady dies at her in-laws house, family alleges murder

City

Jahangeer Ganaie

19/01/2022

By: Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar: A family from Shelipora Achabal in Anantnag along with their relatives on Tuesday staged protest and alleged that their daughter was murdered by her in-laws.

The family accompanied by locals and relatives raised slogans in favour of justice and demanded that the matter must be investigated and strict action must be taken against her in-laws.

Her family members including her father and brother alleged that she was killed by her in-laws over dowry and if her daughter was so ill, they should have informed them.

“We talked with our daughter on Monday evening and she was fine. However, when we later called her, her phone was off,” they said, adding that if her condition would have deteriorated by any means, her in-laws should have informed us.

“Time and again, her in-laws were demanding dowry which we fulfilled, however, they continued to demand more. She has been killed by poison or something else,” the family members allege.

They alleged that even when they reached the hospital, instead of taking her body to their (in-laws) house, they left the hospital and we took the body home.

They along with protestors demanded time bound investigation into the matter and action against the in-laws.

An official said that a 30-year-old lady from Shelipora Achabal who was married at Harnag area of Anantnag was brought dead to hospital.

He said that as per preliminary medical reports, the lady died due to cardiac arrest, however, further investigation is going on and if anyone will be found involved in any way, he will be taken to task as per law. (KNO)

To attract tourists, locals in Gurez arrange cricket tourneys on frozen track

Sports

Precious Kashmir

19/01/2022

To attract tourists, locals in Gurez arrange cricket tourneys on frozen track

Sajid Raina

Bandipora: To attract the attention of higher authorities and the outside world for promoting winter sports, youngsters from remote Gurez valley in north Kashmir have once again organized multiple snow cricket tournaments on a frozen field.

The youngsters have organised several snow cricket tournaments on a frozen snowfield surrounded by the mountains in the different villages including Markoot, Achoora and Bagtore of the border Gurez valley.

Over the past few years snow cricket on the frozen fields has become popular among the residents in Gurez as the place has the potential to become a hub for winter games.

Locals said that when different winter sports events can be organized in other parts of the valley, why can’t similar games be held in Gurez during winter months.

They said that their only intention is to start these tournaments so that the government pays much attention to the area as it has a great potential for winter sports activities but unfortunately to date the youngsters have never been encouraged by the government.

“Our brave young men can play in the snow as well and we have to keep our identity alive here no matter how much snow falls,” a local Sarpach of the area said, adding that the youth need encouragement, and the area needs the attention of the government.

Mustafa Lone, another local, said that the people of the area are leaving no stone unturned to promote it as a tourism destination.

“We want more tourists to come to our valley that’s why we, along with the government, work hard to promote this valley,” he said, adding that there is no doubt that we live very close to the border but the situation is very peaceful.

With heavy snowfall across Kashmir during Chillai Kalan, the Gurez valley in Bandipora had received heavy snowfall. (KNO)

Youth arrested for militancy links in Poonch: Police

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

19/01/2022

Poonch: Jammu and Kashmir Police arrested a local youth for militancy links and attempts to lure other youth to join militancy ranks in Poonch district of Jammu, officials said.

Police in an official statement said that in a significant move against growing militant activities in Peer Panjal area, one youth was arrested by security forces last night.

“On a specific input, police along with other security forces launched a search operation and apprehend one Anjum Mehmood son of Ghulam Mohudin resident Baila, Tehsil Mandi and arrested him on the spot,” the police said.

The statement said that as per sources, the arrested youth was connected with militants through social media networking and was quite instrumental in providing information to militants about security forces establishments and “sharing seditious material.”

He was trying to engage and motivate other youth of area to join militant ranks, police further said.

In this regard Police lodge FIR number 10/2022 under section 120B/121/122IPC 3/13 UAP Act and taken up further investigations.

Ahead of R-Day function, Police issues public advisory

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

19/01/2022

Jammu: The security wing of Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday issued public advisory ahead of the Republic Day function to be celebrated here at Maulana Azad Stadium on January 26.

Official spokesman said that Senior Superintendent of Police, Security Jammu has issued a public advisory for attending the Republic Day Function.

A public notice issued by the security department stated that a large number of people are expected to attend the Republic Day function on January 26, 2022 and to facilitate their entry into the MA Stadium, Jammu, and to ensure security of the general public, Security Jammu sought the cooperation of the people.

It has urged the public not to carry Cell Phone Cameras, arms and ammunition, sharp-edged weapons, hand bags, polythene bags, transistor, Toys, Tools, stop watch, any kind of powder, inflammable material like cigarettes, match boxes, lighter, cameras and the like objectionable items.

The department has further appealed to the people to extend full cooperation to the frisking/checking teams deployed at different gates, which is in fact meant for the safety of the people and peaceful culmination of the Republic Day function.

It has further urged to maintain queue while entering the gates through Door Frame Metal Detector Installed at the gates and avoid unnecessary altercation with security personnel; Ensure your presence well in time so that you could enter inside and be seated comfortably without Inconvenience: Do not hesitate to disclose your identity in case you are requested for the same by security personnel or the uniformed police personnel; Proper parking slots have been earmarked for all categories/types of vehicles and seek help from traffic police personnel and park your vehicles at the appropriate Places; Immediately inform police personnel on duty in case any suspicious person/item is noticed and don’t try to touch any suspicious object.

“Security Jammu is committed to your safety, security and look forward for your full cooperation and participation in ensuring the peaceful culmination of Republic Day-2022,” it added.

SC not convinced as Centre says no starvation death even during pandemic, seeks data

National

Indo Asian News Service

19/01/2022

SC not convinced as Centre says no starvation death even during pandemic, seeks data

New Delhi: The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that due to “comprehensive policies and steps” taken by both Central and state governments, there have been no starvation deaths in recent times, even during the Covid pandemic, but the court remained unconvinced.

The apex court pressed Attorney General K.K. Venugopal to be crystal clear, if he is making a statement that there are no starvation deaths in the country now, and also sought data to establish this claim.

In an affidavit, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution said: “Indeed, thanks to the progress made by the nation since independence and the comprehensive policies and steps taken by both state and Central governments, there have been no starvation deaths in the country in recent times, even during adverse situations like the pandemic.”

During the hearing, a bench headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana, after the AG submitted that that no state has reported starvation deaths, queried: “Are you making a statement that there are no starvation deaths in the country now?”

The bench, also comprising Justices A.S. Bopanna and Hima Kohli, further pressed: “Can we afford to say that there are no starvation deaths?”

At this, Venugopal reiterated states have not reported starvation deaths, and the states have to respond on this and added the fact about malnutrition cannot be denied.

The bench then said: “Government of India should give us data on starvation deaths, latest information. Ask your officer to give us information.”

Asking the Centre to develop a model to implement the community kitchen scheme across the country, the court also emphasised that Centre should provide additional food grains to states to run it, and said the issue of “hunger has to be taken care of”.

“Hunger has to be taken care of to be satisfied and the poor people who are on the street and who are suffering because of that.”

The top court was hearing a PIL, filed by social activists Anun Dhawan, Ishann Dhawan, and Kunjana Singh, seeking direction to the Centre for creating a national food grid, for people who do not fall under the public distribution scheme. The petitioners had argued that it is high time states takes steps to set up community kitchens.

During the hearing, the bench said logistics will not be an issue for state governments, as community kitchens is a popular scheme. It added that “popularity-wise”, every government will want to run this.

The Chief Justice said: “I don’t want to comment because this is election time… the governments are giving so many other welfare schemes.” He added that the governments can give something to the deprived to survive.

The bench, citing state governments’ response, said some of them have already established community kitchens and now they seek funds, and some are ready to start but they need funds.

Citing the Centre’s affidavit, the bench said it does not indicate anywhere that government is considering framing a scheme. “It does not say what fund you have collected and what you are doing etc. We wanted a uniform model from the Centre,” it said.

Concluding the hearing, the top court asked the Centre to file its response on providing additional food grains to states and scheduled the matter for further hearing after three weeks.

The top court also gave liberty to states to file affidavits on issues of malnutrition and starvation deaths.

India fighting another Covid wave with caution: PM

Front

Agencies

18/01/2022

India fighting another Covid wave with caution: PM

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday delivered a ‘State of the World’ special address at the World Economic Forum’s Davos Agenda via video conference and said India has showcased its strength by fighting another wave of Covid-19 pandemic with full alertness and caution while also maintaining economic growth. He also invited foreign industry leaders to invest in India and asserted that the youth of the country are ready to take businesses and ideas to new heights.

Addressing the event, Modi said, “The upcoming G20 Summit will be very important because now we are looking at how the economy and supply chain will function post-Corona. In this period of coronavirus, India showcased its strength by providing free food to more than 80 crores of our citizens. I am sure in the times to come, India will fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the world.”

Hailing the efforts by the scientists and healthcare professionals to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, he said, “India is moving forward with great strength and vigor. We have recently completed the enormous task of administering 160 crore vaccine doses. I am sure in the times to come India will fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the world.”

The Prime Minister said that India is celebrating its 75th year of Independence and the country has gifted the world a “bouquet of hope”. “Our multi-lingual, cultural environment is not only our strength but the strength of the world. India offers a bouquet of hope to the world. It includes our trust in democracy; it includes our technology, our temperament and talent,” he asserted.

“In this time, we have seen how India has followed the vision of ‘One Earth, One Health’ is saving crores of lives by giving essential medicines, vaccines to many countries,” he said, adding that India is the world’s third largest pharma producer at the present time.

“Today, India is promoting ‘Ease of Doing Business’. By reducing our corporate tax rate, we are making it most competitive. IT sector of India has created a record breaking number of software engineers. We have reduced more than 25,000 compliances. We are working towards becoming the hub of global supply chains. We are also encouraging free trade agreements with many countries,” he said.

Inviting all foreign investors, PM Modi said that this is the best time to invest in India as the youth of the country are ready to take up businesses and ideas to new heights. “With our global skills, India has registered more than 60,000 startups in 2021,” he shared.

“More than six lakh villages have been connected with optical fiber. To bring every stakeholder of development on one platform, India has started the Gatishakti national masterplan. We have launched PM Gati Shakti Master plan that will integrate infrastructure, development and implementation. It will seamlessly connect goods, people and services,” PM Modi said at the event.

The Prime Minister also spoke on cryptocurrency and called it an “emerging challenge”. “We need uniform approach to crypto around the world. We must find an alternative to crypto monopoly,” he said.

The virtual event, which started from today, will continue till January 21. It will be addressed by several Heads of State including Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, European Commission President Ursua von der Leyen, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Chinese President Xi Jinping, among others.

The event will also witness the participation of top industry leaders, international organizations, and civil society, who will deliberate on critical challenges being faced by the world today and discuss how to address them. (Agencies)

Modi to conduct online ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha-2022’

Front

United News Of India

18/01/2022

Chandigarh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will conduct an online ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha-2022’ programme with the students akin to previous years.

A competition is being organised by the Union Education Ministry to participate in the programme.

Stating this here on Monday, an official spokesperson said an online competition is being organised for the students, their parents and teachers to participate in the discussion during ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha-2022’ programme with the Prime Minister.

In this programme, students of government and private schools studying from class IX to class XII, their parents and teachers can participate. Interested candidates can apply online at www.mygov.in by January 20, 2022, he informed. (UNI)

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