Precious Kashmir

Portal for e-filing of property return statement launched

City

18/12/2021

Manual filing of property returns to be dispensed

Jammu: As a major relief to 4.5 lakh employees serving in various departments across the UT of J&K, Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta launched an online portal for submission of yearly property returns mandated by the Employees Conduct Rules. It replaces the existing cumbersome system of manual filing and is aimed at ensuring timely compliance by all government employees.

The Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department, Principal Secretary, General Administration Department, Director, Anti Corruption Bureau, CEO, JAKEGA and Director, IT&SS, University of Kashmir were present on the occasion.

The portal has been developed as a collaborative venture between the General Administration Department, Information Technology Department, Anti-Corruption Bureau, and the University of Kashmir and is extremely convenient and user-friendly.

The new portal will facilitate access and monitoring of the property details of all employees especially while processing vigilance clearances in their favour, besides assisting the Anti Corruption Bureau in investigating the cases of disproportionate assets expeditiously.

The Government employees can conveniently log in using their CPIS No. and OTP verification, fill up/submit their property return statement, and download/take print of the same for record-keeping. Similarly, the DDOs can also monitor and assess compliance from all concerned employees.

The Government employees can now submit their property details on the portal https://prs.jk.gov.in, for the calendar year 2021 between 1st and 31st January, 2022.

MED ups preparations for winters

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

18/12/2021

By: Rehan Showkat

Srinagar: Mechanical Engineering Department, Kashmir Division, has upped its preparations for winters with the addition of 28 more snow-cutters taking the tally to 210. The department has also kept three heavy-duty snow cutters on standby to meet out any eventuality in case it snows heavily.

Chief Engineer Mechanical Engineering Department, Division Kashmir, Abdul Rasheed Dar said that three heavy duty cutters have been imported from Italy, which according to him, have a clearance speed of 5000 tonnes per hour.

“Previous year we had 182 machines available with us, however we have added 28 more machines to strengthen the fleet”, he said adding more machines are in offing.

“We still have a requirement of special purpose machinery to clear snowfall of four feet and above, for which we have sent a proposal to SDRF and other relevant agencies and we do expect the demand would be fulfilled in a year or two for effective clearance operations”, he said.

“We have distributed the machinery in three divisions which include Baramulla, Anantnag and Srinagar and each of the divisions’ have a sub-division and districts falling in these divisions’ each have a control room”, he informed adding there are around 80 snow-cutters on standby for three north Kashmir districts of Baramulla, Bandipora and Kupwara and the rest for other parts of Valley.

“We currently have the best of machinery available which I deem is at par with other countries, witnessing snowfall, but we only are aiming to strengthen the machinery to facilitate the people in a more better way”, he said.

In his message the Chief Engineer urged people not to take roads if there is any forecast or it snows. “It happens that if it snows during night time, we start the clearance early in the morning, but if snows during morning, it gets a bit difficult to clear the snow and as such I would suggest public to restrain from any unnecessary movement on the roads to facilitate the clearance operations”, he said.

“People should also avoid parking their cars on roads, because it becomes a hindrance for us while clearing the snow off the roads”, he said, urging further the owners of residential houses near roads to erect snow stoppers on roof tops to avoid inconvenience during clearance operations. (GNS)

Post-poll violence in Bengal: CBI files fresh case

National

Indo Asian News Service

18/12/2021

Post-poll violence in Bengal: CBI files fresh case

New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said on Friday that it has registered one more case against 25 persons in connection with the post-poll violence in West Bengal.

A CBI official said that the agency lodged the case following an order issued by the Calcutta High Court.

The accused persons, who were reportedly carrying deadly weapons, had attacked the house of a man in Jatra village in Birbhum district. They had reportedly vandalised the place and brutally thrashed the head of the house, and even attempted to sexually assault his wife. The woman had set herself on fire in order to save her honour. The local Police reportedly didn’t even lodge a case.

The victim along with his family reportedly left the area and took shelter at his relative’s place.

The CBI has so far registered 49 cases in connection with post-poll violence in West Bengal.

Asian Champions Trophy hockey: India beat arch-rivals Pakistan 3-1

Sports

Indo Asian News Service

18/12/2021

Asian Champions Trophy hockey: India beat arch-rivals Pakistan 3-1

Dhaka: Indian Men’s Hockey Team registered a thrilling 3-1 victory against nemesis Pakistan in the much-awaited encounter in the Hero Men’s Asian Champions Trophy, here on Friday.

It was goals by Harmanpreet Singh (9′, 53′) and the experienced striker Akashdeep Singh (42′) that ensured India remain in contention for their third consecutive title in the Asian Champions Trophy, having won the prestigious tournament in 2016 and joint winners in 2018. For Pakistan, Junaid Manzoor scored the lone goal in 45th minute.

Earlier in the match, both teams lived up to the billing as they kept up the tempo from hooter to hooter. While it was India who drew the first blood through a penalty corner perfectly converted by Vice Captain Harmanpreet Singh to gain 1-0 lead in the 9th minute of the match, Pakistan denied any big opportunity for India in the following minutes to keep the scoreline in check.

After a goalless second quarter, the match took a thrilling turn in the third and fourth quarter respectively with both teams upping the ante. Though India made some potential circle entries, they could not finish the task by converting the opportunities. However, young Shilanand Lakra broke the gridlock in the 42nd minute when he made a fine tackle to enter the attacking circle from the left flank. He teamed up with Sumit to assist Akashdeep Singh who was poised in front of the goal-mouth to deflect the ball into the post, thus fetching India’s second goal of the match.

Soon after, Pakistan scored in the 45th minute when they beat India’s defence which had done well so far to restrict them to just three shots on goal. It was Junaid who successfully put the ball past India’s goalie Krishan Pathak to narrow the deficit to 1-2.

The final quarter remained tense with both teams increasing the tempo in their attempt to score. It was Lalit Upadhyay who worked a good attack to earn India a PC in the 53rd minute.

To convert India’s second PC of the match, Akashdeep ensured a perfect injection which was stopped on point by Sumit as Harmanpreet took a fierce drag flick to score. While India took their lead to a strong 3-1, Pakistan created two PCs in the final minutes of the match but the opportunity was denied by young India goalie Suraj Karkera who came up with brilliant footwork to made fine saves on both occasions.

Won’t be deterred by militants: LG

Front

Precious Kashmir

17/12/2021

Lays floral wreath at Balidan Stambh War Memorial on 50th Vijay Diwas

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha Thursday, paid homage to the martyrs of 1971 war, on the occasion of 50th Vijay Diwas. The Lt Governor laid a floral wreath at the Balidan Stambh War Memorial in Jammu to mark the occasion and said that the unmatched gallantry of our brave hearts will continue to inspire generations to come.

“Today, I pay my tributes to the brave soldiers, officers of Army, Navy and Air force, who exhibited amazing valor and sacrifice in the 1971 war. I bow down with reverence to all the brave hearts, who attained martyrdom in that war. Our nation will always be indebted to their supreme sacrifice”, he added.

On the occasion, the Lt Governor also paid his respects to Army Veterans and Veer Naris. While addressing all ranks, veterans and their family members, he exhorted them to carry forward the rich legacy of our armed forces.

“On this day in 1971, our brave soldiers and officers had not only changed the geography, but took a giant leap in establishing our country as a global super power”, the Lt Governor observed.

The Lt Governor noted that India has been a supporter of peace since ancient times and has never adopted the policy of expansionism despite being a super power.

We have lived the values of peaceful coexistence, mutual harmony and believed in the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam’. But, we never lowered our guard and successfully conquered every challenge, he said.

Earlier, the Lt Governor also paid homage to the country’s first Chief of Defense Staff, General Bipin Rawat, his wife and all 11 officers and Jawans who were martyred in an air tragedy recently.

Taking note of the nefarious designs of the neighboring country to create instability in J&K, the Lt Governor said that the capability of our brave soldiers is proof that we are determined to protect our motherland. The neighboring country running the biggest militant factory in the world must remember the crushing defeats of 1947, 1965, 1971 and 1999.

“We will not be deterred by militants. We will continue with our mission to develop Atma-Nirbhar Jammu Kashmir. But, we will not forget and we will not forgive those behind breeding militants. We are determined to completely dismantle their militant ecosystem,” the Lt Governor asserted.

Later, the Lt Governor released a ‘Special Cover’ and unveiled the mural of Ashok Chakra Awardee, Late ASI Babu Ram of J&K Police in presence of his family members.

Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Lt Gen YK Joshi, GOC-in-C Northern Command; Dilbag Singh, DGP J&K; Lt Gen PN Ananthanarayanan, GOC Rising Star Corps; Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, GOC White Knight Corps; Divisional Commissioner, Dr Raghav Langer; Maj Gen Neeraj Gosain, GOC Tiger Division who were present on the occasion also laid wreath and paid homage to bravehearts.

Several Army veterans including Hon Capt Bana Singh PVC, Lt Col Rishma Sarin wife of Late Major Mohit Sharma and other military and civil dignitaries also paid homage to brave hearts.

Covid claims 5 lives as 133 test positive in J&K

Front

Nadeem Nadu

17/12/2021

By: Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir reported five fresh fatalities due to covid-19 while 133 persons tested positive for the virus in the last 24 hours, officials said on Thursday.

31 of the fresh cases were reported from Jammu Division and 102 from Kashmir, taking the overall tally to 339271.

There were three deaths reported in J&K—four from the Valley and one from Jammu—due to the virus during the last 24 hours, they said. So far 4508 persons—2192 in Jammu and 2316 in Kashmir—have died due to the virus, they said.

Giving district wise details of the fresh cases, the officials said that Srinagar reported 48 cases, Baramulla 24, Budgam 9, Pulwama 3, Kupwara 3, Anantnag 2, Bandipora 3, Ganderbal 6, Kulgam 4, Shopian 0, Jammu 19, Udhampur 3, Rajouri 0, Doda 2, Kathua 1, Samba 0, Kishtwar 1, Poonch 5, Ramban 0 and Reasi 0.

A number of these cases were confirmed at CD hospital’s diagnostic labouratory and include male (70) (NA) from Zaffar colony, male (10) (NA) from Baramulla, male (31) (NA) from Sgr, male (52) (NA) from Khayam, female (50) (NA) from Khayam, female (66) (NA) from Ganderpora eidgah, male (25) (NA) from Kupwara, male (65) (NA) from Kachmam, male (70) (NA) from Naseembagh, male (30) (NA) from Chatterhama, female (47) (NA) from Bilal colony Soura and male (40) (NA) from Ashai bagh.

Moreover, 139 Covid-19 patients recovered during the time, 19 from Jammu Division and 120 from Kashmir, they said.

So far 333461 patients have recovered, leaving active case tally at 1425—358 in Jammu and 1077 in Kashmir.

They said there was no new confirmed case of mucormycosis (black fungus) reported today. So far 50 black fungus cases have been confirmed in J&K, the officials said.

They also informed that 58662 doses of covid-19 vaccine were administered during the time in J&K. (GNS)

2 Lashkar militants killed in Kulgam gunfight

Front

Indo Asian News Service

17/12/2021

Srinagar: Two militants affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba were killed in an encounter in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district, officials said on Thursday.

Police said acting on specific input regarding the presence of militants in village Redwani area of Kulgam, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by the police, Army’s 1st Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and 18 Battalion of the CRPF.

“During the search operation, as the presence of militants got ascertained, they were given repeated opportunities to surrender; however they fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party which was retaliated leading to an encounter,” police said.

In the ensuing encounter, two militants of LeT were killed and their bodies were retrieved from the site of encounter. They have been identified as Amir Bashir Dar resident of Kujjar Frisal and Adil Yousuf Shan, a resident of Sursano Hatipora, Kulgam.

“As per police records, both the killed militants were categorised militants and linked with LeT (TRF). They were also part of groups involved in several cases, including attacks on security forces and civilian atrocities,” police said.

Incriminating materials, arms and ammunition, including two pistols, two magazines, seven pistol rounds and one grenade were recovered from their possession.

Meanwhile, police have registered a case and investigation has been initiated. (IANS)

Twin medi-cities to come in J&K

Front

Precious Kashmir

17/12/2021

AC gives nod to develop state-of-the-art medical facilities in J&K

Jammu: The Administrative Council (AC) which met here under the chairmanship of the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, approved the proposal of Industries and Commerce Department to establish two medi-cities, one each at Sempora, Pampore and Miransahib, Jammu.

Farooq Khan and Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisors to the Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary, J&K and Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor attended the meeting.

The decision aims at strengthening the health services in the Union territory and support recovery and disaster resilience in calamity prone areas by increasing Government’s capacity to promptly respond to emergency situations.

The Medicity in Kashmir Division will be established on an area of Sempora, Pampore Pulwama. The centrality of the place will act as a focal point for whole population of the valley for specialized health services.

Similarly, Medicity in Jammu division, will be established at Miransahib, Jammu. The land is ideally located close to the main city and can cater to the medical service requirements of the entire division.

Pertinently, setting up of new medical and higher education institutions in private sector is a part of the new Industrial Policy. The identified will be allotted transparently as per the J&K Industrial Land Allotment Policy.

Govt permits change of land use from agric to non-agricultural purposes

Front

Precious Kashmir

17/12/2021

DCs empowered to grant change of land use permissions

Jammu: In a significant decision, the Administrative Council (AC) which met here under the chairmanship of the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, approved the regulations framed by the board of revenue for conversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes. These regulations were necessitated after the legislative changes in the land revenue act post-reorganization of the erstwhile state.

These regulations have been issued to regulate the uncontrolled conversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes on the one hand and keeping the developmental aspirations of the UT and the people on the other hand.

Under the new regulations, the District Collector has been empowered to grant permission to the change in land use from agricultural to non-agricultural purposes in accordance with the procedure as to be notified by the board of Revenue. The permission is to be granted within 30 days of filing of the application with a provision of deemed approval if no decisions are taken.

The powers have been delegated to the District Collector to grant permission for land up to 12 ½ standard acres against a fee of 5 per cent of the market value of the land notified under the Stamps Act.

The regulations empower the applicant to commence the non agriculture use on the permitted land within one year from the date of the order issued by the District Collector in this behalf. However, the land can be diverted and used only for the purpose specified in the permission.

Moreover, the regulations provide exemption from seeking the permission in cases of conversion for construction of residential house or farm-related buildings and storages with a ceiling of 400 Sq. mtrs (17 Marla).

The Assistant Commissioner (Revenue), Sub-Divisional Magistrate and Tehsildar concerned have been entrusted with the responsibility of monitoring the implementation of these regulations within their respective areas of jurisdiction. Besides, it will be the duty of every Agriculture Extension Officer to report cases of violation to the revenue officers and any neglect on this account can attract disciplinary action for dereliction of duty.

The decision is aimed at ensuring production of sufficient quantity of food grains, besides promoting orderly growth of industrial and services sector in this Union territory and creation of employment.

By this, the UT will be at par with the leading States of the country in allowing the conversion and reducing compliance burden under Business Reforms Action Plan (Ease of Doing Business) in an investor friendly eco-system.

AC approves up-gradation of Indira Gandhi GDC Jammu

Front

Precious Kashmir

17/12/2021

Jammu: The Administrative Council (AC) which met here under the chairmanship of the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, accorded the administrative approval to the construction of additional block of Indira Gandhi Government Dental College, Jammu at an estimated cost of Rs. 44.46 crore.

The construction of the new block will cater to the increased patient load by creating infrastructure for several clinical departments including hospital administration, emergency section, operation theatre, wards, prosthodontics & dental material department, pedodontics department, oral pathology, dental histology department, and community dentistry department.

The enhanced infrastructure will also remove the deficiency pointed out by the team of Dental Council of India (DCI) during their visit to college in terms of in-sufficient building infrastructure for starting of PG Courses in the next session.

The decision is aimed at providing quality dental services to the public and introducing post graduate courses in dental care. It will also support the up-gradation of vital Dental care services on modern grounds.

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