Precious Kashmir

Winter Tragedies

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Oped

16/12/2021

The mercury is under free-fall. Compared to last year, the month of November and thus far December has been dry. It has meant that the cold conditions have intensified. The severe cold conditions prompt people to look for measures to ward off against it. This in turn invariably brings tragedies. Already several persons have died due to asphyxiation in Shopian and Ganderbal districts. Last year on the intervening night of November 28 and 29, a mother and her two minor daughters died purportedly due to suffocation in Uri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla while a Bukahri (wood burning heater) was lit in their room to protect against the chill. The pictures of a five-member family belonging to Kupwara district found dead in their rented accommodation in Mansoor Colony in Srinagar’s Bemina area in January two year ago still continue to haunt the memories of people. It is also not the case that these deaths occur once in a while but such incidents happen recurrently. It is also a fact that Home heating has improved over the past years. However, despite advancements, the tragedies like the one in Uri or Bemina continue to befall. The threat of asphyxia is very high in the use of gas heaters. Many people have died while in sleep due to gas leakage or heaters burning off all oxygen in the room. The use of other heaters using wood, charcoal, or kerosene can bring more dangers if not used judiciously.

Apart from death, skin dryness may compound by using heaters and blowers. It could also lead to eye and skin irritations. In the case of eyes it may then lead to conjunctivitis while the skin can become itchy and then develop an allergy, the experts have said.

Health experts also believe that the number of deaths and complications can be avoided by making the public aware of the preventive measures. It needs no special emphasis that the safety of instruments requires continuous watch, with no scope for waivers. There is a need to strengthen the approach to the public as well as occupational safety. The government needs to create awareness about the hazards as also the safety measures about the use of the various heating gadgets. Also, people need to be careful about using all types of heaters including the gas heater.

The devices should never be left unattended. Combustible materials should be kept away from heaters.

KCCI president holds series of meetings to uplift Trade in J&K

City

Precious Kashmir

16/12/2021

KCCI president holds series of meetings to uplift Trade in J&K

Srinagar: Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCC&I) led by President, Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad Wednesday held a series of meetings with various Government officials to uplift Trade, Commerce & Industry in Jammu and Kashmir.

As a part of initiative, a seminar was organized in Srinagar. KCC&I also memorandum highlighting the issues and suggestions related to Trade, Commerce and Industry was also presented for upcoming Union Budget.

A seminar organized by Directorate of General Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce, and The Federation of Indian Export organization (FIEO) in association with KCC&I.

President, Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad speaking at a seminar titled as “District As Export Hub-Promotion Training Programme” highlighted the last five years decline in exports due to various reasons and the future roadmap for increasing the exports.

He also stressed on the role of young entrepreneurs in the export sector and various benefits for earnings in foreign exchange. Further, he also appreciated the role of DGFT& FIEO. He underscored the need for conduct of future seminars in all districts of Kashmir.

The seminar was attended by JKTPO officials, Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAI) representatives, officials of Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India in Export (ECGC), Exporters, Entrepreneurs, students.

At TRC hall, Srinagar, another programme titled as MULAQAAT was organized which aimed at increasing Taxpayers Awareness. The awareness campaign was organized by the Principal Commissioner of Income Tax (PCIT), Srinagar. The officers of Income Tax Department and GST Department interacted with the taxpayers, business community, small traders and businessmen and members of organized trade body representative’s.

“There should be increased focus on exports from Kashmir, establishment of a Carpet Village to promote the Carpet manufacturing industries of Kashmir, Tax Relief for the loss incurring tourism sector, relief for those whose GST registrations were canceled and reduction in corporate tax slab rates,” said Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad, President KCC&I.

Apart from Awareness, Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad highlighted the issues and their suggestions related to Trade, Commerce and Industry and presented memorandum for upcoming Union Budget.

KCC&I also held a Pre-Budget Meeting with Shri Atal Dulloo, Financial Commissioner, and Jammu & Kashmir at Srinagar highlighted the issues and presented suggestions relating to rescheduling loans, tourism, handicrafts, general trade, industries, debt rehabilitation, power sector, agriculture and horticulture.

KCC&I also held meeting with Principal Secretary Industries and Commerce, J&K Government and Carpet Village and Export Incentives to Handicrafts of Jammu & Kashmir was discussed in detail. The president appreciated the much required step taken by the Principal Secretary and Director Industries and Commerce giving 10 percent incentive to the exporters and will help facing the losses due to decline in the industry.

To create avenues, schemes and policies that will help young entrepreneurs, KCC&I also held a meeting with Director Industries and Commerce, Kashmir at Srinagar. The Director Industries assured full support at their end, said the president. “KCC&I will support all measures and schemes which will encourage GI patent,” the president said.

EJAC holds convention in Srinagar

City

Precious Kashmir

16/12/2021

Srinagar: Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC) held a convention at Hotel New Park, Boulevard Srinagar. The event was chaired by Chairman EJAC Fayaz Ahmad Shabnum.

According to a statement, the meeting was particularly called to discuss and deliver upon the pathetic and ambivalent miseries suffered silently by the lower rung employees working as good as bonded labours without speaking a word as they have been asked to remain lip-locked and put in manacles, their hands cuffed, their feet fettered and their necks yoked. They have been meted with the worst kind of treatment ever noticed in any government service.

“Actually the problem is graver as could be reported in any human language and no jargoned vocabulary; no verbiage can make it explicit to comprehend. The department of Health and Medical Education is run by gimmickry rather than reason and justice.”

“People are hired, contracted and engaged rather appointing on substantive posts. Health and family welfare is the worst hit as the lot has to work as sweepers, helpers and other associated jobs; they are usually looked down upon as the social stigma goes without reason and logic here in this part of the world. They are paid “peanuts”, that is to say some are paid Rs-30/-, some 100/- while some others 500/- per month. This is sheer exploitation and inhuman practice,” the statement said.

“There has been much ruckus regarding the matter but that has only proven to be a faux pas in the long run as only paper work has been done and nothing concrete on ground zero has been registered in resolving the issue.”

“A good number of instances are there when some politicians, bureaucrats, social workers have made some communication here and there but to no avail. Even once it was projected that there is a clear-cut recruitment policy regarding these mute sufferers that 50% of people shall be appointed through direct recruitment and 50% from department shall be absorbed neatly on seniority basis but till date it is just a dream.”

“There has been no Time-Bound Promotions since times immemorial now and no Departmental Promotion Committee has been constituted for the same age.”

Addl DGP Security inaugurates renovated conference hall

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

16/12/2021

Addl DGP Security inaugurates renovated conference hall

Jammu: In a bid to suffice the requirements of the officers/jawans of Central Pool Jammu, a renovated Conference Hall and the Barber Shop were inaugurated in the premises of Security Central Pool Jammu on Wednesday.

Dr S.D Singh Jamwal, Additional DGP Security, J&K, was the Chief Guest in this event.

The programme was graced by many senior officers/Jawans of Security Jammu including the officers of Security headquarters R.S.Sambyal SSP (Tech), R.P.Singh JKPS SSP Staff Officer and Farooq Ahmad Pvt. Secretary to ADGP Security, J&K.

The site was beautifully embellished with balloons and ribbons.

The event commenced when Chief Guest joined in and cut the ribbons.

Soon after the inauguration, the Additional DGP inspected the areas around the Complex.

He interacted with the officers and lay-vans and also took stock of the functioning of Security Pool Jammu.

Committed to provide comfortable infra to troops: IG BSF

Jammu & Kashmir

United News Of India

16/12/2021

Jammu: Inspector General BSF Jammu Frontier D K Boora on Wednesday said that the force is committed to provide comfortable infrastructure to its troops on the Border Outposts.

“Jammu is committed to providing comfortable infrastructure to its BSF troops on BOPs and these buildings and structures are constructed within the time frame,” said Boora inaugurating BSF Mahila Jawan Barrack and other residential Infrastructure on Jammu International Border.

He was flanked by Surjit Singh, DIG Jammu Sector.

The officers inaugurated the Mahila Jawan Barrack, SO’s Barrack and Cook house cum Dining hall at BOPs in R S Pura sector.

The IG said that this infrastructures have been constructed as per scheme of MHA for bringing all Border out Posts as per the guidelines of composite BOPs.

“This will enhance the satisfaction and proper comfort of the BSF troops who are performing arduous and tough duty on the border,” said the IG.

Surjit Singh, DIG Sector Jammu was instrumental in timely completion of these infrastructure with required quality standards as per government guidelines. (UNI)

Swarnim Vijay Varsh: GOC Jaipur flags off motorcycle expedition

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

16/12/2021

Srinagar: As part of Swarnim Vijay Varsh celebrations, PARBAT ALI Regiment commemorated the valiant and supreme glory bestowed by its veterans in 1971 Operations, crowning the Regiment with the Battle Honour of PARBAT ALI.

The Regiment ex Dhanurdhari Brigade under Fire and Fury Corps undertook a 680 Kms Motorcycle Expedition on 12-13 Dec 21 form Jaipur to Munabao, the last point on Indian territory on the axis to PARBAT ALI.

General Officer Commanding, Jaipur Sub Area flagged off the Motorcycle Expedition from Jaipur Shahid Sthal.

Remembering the slain, the riders jubilantly hoisted the Indian Army and Artillery Flag at Munabao Railway Station.

Kohli admits Sharma and Jadeja will be missed in Tests against South Africa

Sports

Indo Asian News Service

16/12/2021

Kohli admits Sharma and Jadeja will be missed in Tests against South Africa

Mumbai: India Test skipper Virat Kohli admitted that India will miss the services of experienced duo Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja in the upcoming Test series against South Africa. The duo’s absence means that India will be tested on the opening front as well as in their lower-order batting and five bowlers’ combination.

Sharma had been rested from Tests against New Zealand and was promoted as vice-captain ahead of trip to South Africa. But in a practice session in Mumbai, Sharma injured his left hamstring, thereby ruling him out of the series with Gujarat opener Priyank Panchal drafted as his replacement.

Sharma had scored 906 runs in 21 innings at an average of 47.68 and was India’s highest run-getter in Test cricket in 2021. In India’s last Test against England at The Oval in September, Sharma was the ‘Player of the Match’ for his wonderful knock of 127 off 256 balls in India’s 157-run win.

“We will miss his (Sharma) abilities a lot. He has proven in England already that he has really worked his Test game out and the opening partnership was very important for us to play the way we did in the series. With his experience and skill, we will miss his qualities,” said Kohli in the pre-departure virtual press conference.

“But having said that, I think it’s an opportunity for someone like Mayank (Agarwal) and KL (Rahul) to step up and solidify that start that we got in the last series and make sure that the good work is carried on in this series as well,” added Kohli.

Coming to Jadeja, he was out of second Test against New Zealand in Mumbai due to swollen right forearm. He was not selected for South Africa tour due to injury. Kohli believes that the all-rounder’s unavailability will not be a ‘deciding factor’ in the series, especially with his like-for-like back-up Axar Patel being absent due to injury as well.

“Jadeja has obviously been a very, very important play for us. He contributes in all three departments of the game, which is invaluable especially in overseas conditions. He will be missed,” kohli said.

“But having said that, we do have quality in the side to be able to create the best combination possible on the field for us and still be in positions to win Test matches because we have created that kind of bench strength and environment where people coming in are seizing their opportunity and making sure the team is helped by their performances.

“As much as we will miss him, I don’t think that will be a deciding factor in the series or moving forward. He is injured and I wish him a speedy recovery and that he comes back soon,” he added.

India will leave for South Africa on December 16 to take part in the series comprising three Tests and as many ODIs from December 26 to January 23.

Higher education very vital for NE’s future, says IGNOU VC

National

Indo Asian News Service

16/12/2021

Higher education very vital for NE’s future, says IGNOU VC

Shillong: The importance of higher education for the future of the northeast region and the rest of India can hardly be overstated, IGNOU Vice Chancellor Prof Nageshwar Rao said on Wednesday.

In his address at the 7th Convocation of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), he said that the more educated and skilled a person, the more productive and innovative they tend to be, and hence, the greater their contribution to economic growth.

Appreciating the USTM for providing free education to deserving students from economically disadvantaged families, he urged the graduating students to shoulder a special responsibility – to prove the extent of knowledge gathered in their university not just for easy scoring but to use it for the betterment of the society.

Addressing the Convocation, IIT-Guwahati Director Dr T.G. Sitharam congratulated the USTM for becoming the first private university from the northeast India to be ranked Grade ‘A’ recently by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council.

“Innovation, entrepreneurship and research are the three focus of a centre of excellence. USTM is having different schools and is giving emphasis on innovation and research,” he added.

USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque said the institution is aspire to become a world class university and appeal to all the stakeholders to join their endeavor to transform this university into a world class institution and participate in the nation-building process.

Altogether 1,332 graduates were awarded degrees, out of which 11 scholars were awarded PhD degrees, 823 students were awarded Post Graduate degrees and 498 students were awarded Undergraduate degrees.

Honorary Doctorate of Science (D.Sc.) was conferred upon Dr Ravi Kannan, Director, Cachar Cancer Hospital and Dr Abdul Wase, Professor of Medicine, Wright State University, US while Hon Doctorate of Letters (D.Litt) was conferred upon Prasanta Rajguru, Editor-in-Chief, Prag News for their contribution in their respective fields.

J&K’s security situation improving: Govt informs LS

Front

Indo Asian News Service

15/12/2021

J&K’s security situation improving: Govt informs LS

‘Militancy related incidents drop by 15%’

New Delhi: The government on Tuesday said that the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir has improved significantly post revocation of Article 370 in August 2019.

“The security situation in Jammu and Kashmir has improved significantly since August 2019 and there has been a significant decline in militant incidents,” said Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

He said that the security grid has been further strengthened in J&K, and infiltration of militants from across the border has also come down significantly.

According to the data presented by the government, there has been a drop of 15 per cent in the militant incidents this year, compared to the previous year. As many as 244 militant related incidents were reported during the year 2020 which came down to 206 in the current year till December 5. The data did not include Monday’s dastardly militant attack on a bus belonging to the 9th battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir armed police, claiming lives of two policemen and wounding 12 others.

According to the government, the estimated net infiltration of the militants have also dropped significantly by 45 per cent. In 2020, 51 militants infiltrated into the India, the number dropped to 28 this year.

The Minister said that the government has taken several steps to boost development of Jammu & Kashmir.

Sharing the details of the developmental initiatives by the Centre, Rai said the progress of projects being implemented in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir under the Prime Minister’s Development Package-2015 has been accelerated. A total of 53 projects pertaining to 15 ministries are being implemented at a cost of Rs 58,477 crore in various sectors such as Roads, Power, Health, Education, Tourism, Agriculture, Skill Development etc, out of which 21 projects have been completed or substantially completed and the remaining 32 projects are at advanced stage of progress.

“Work is under progress on All India Institute of Medical Sciences each in Jammu and Kashmir Divisions at the cost of Rs 2000 crore each besides 7 other medical colleges in the UT of J&K. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu and Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu have been made functional,” the Minister noted.

He said during the current financial year, 1,37,870 people have been covered under various self-employment schemes of different government departments. (IANS)

UT witnessed enthusiastic participation in BDC, DDC polls: Centre

Front

Indo Asian News Service

15/12/2021

New Delhi: The government on Tuesday said the people of Jammu and Kashmir participated with enthusiasm in the Block Development Councils (BDC) and District Development Councils (DDCs) elections in the Union Territory.

“The elections to the Block Development Councils (BDC) and District Development Councils (DDCs) in Kashmir were conducted peacefully and successfully in 2019 and 2020 respectively. There was an enthusiastic participation of the people,” said Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. The minister said that there was a turnout of 98.29 per cent in BDC elections and 51.42 per cent in the DDC elections.

Notably, the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) swept the first-ever District Development Council (DDC) polls held in December 2020 in Jammu and Kashmir after the revocation of Article 370. A year before, in 2019, a high turnout of 98.29 per cent was witnessed despite the National Conference, Congress and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) boycotting the electoral exercise.

The government said that it has taken several steps to boost the development of Jammu & Kashmir. “During the year 2020-21, 1289 road construction works were completed at a cost of Rs 1638 crore. The construction work of 14500 km of roads has been completed so far under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna, which has connected about 2000 places,” the Minister said.

Listing several developmental activities, Rai stated that an international flight from Srinagar to Sharjah was started on October 23. In addition, night flights from Jammu and Srinagar have also been started. He informed that under the fast-track recruitment, 20,323 posts are being filled by the Jammu & Kashmir Services Selection Board. The 2119 selections for gazetted posts have been made by the Jammu & Kashmir Public Service Commission in various departments.

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