Precious Kashmir

Govt working with agenda of equitable development: LG

Front

16/12/2021

Chairperson WDC, former Minister, others call on Sinha

Jammu: Several delegations including Waqf Development Committee Chairperson; DDC member and former Minister called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan and apprised him of their concerning issues.

Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson, Waqf Development Committee (Union Ministry of Minority Affairs) met the Lt Governor and discussed about several measures to be taken for the revival of J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and Cultural Units of various departments.

She also discussed the functioning of Mission Youth in J&K and suggested the measures to make it more vibrant and transparent in future.

The Lt Governor assured her that her concerns regarding the cultural sector would be considered and action will be taken accordingly.

Similarly, Sham Lal Choudhary, former Minister also called on Lt Governor and discussed the issues being faced by farmers of Village Gharana due to the development of Gharana Wetland and other issues related to public importance.

Er. Aijaz Hussain, DDC member submitted a memorandum to the Lt Governor apprising him of the issues pertaining to regularization of paramedical staff working in GMCs & associated hospitals in Srinagar/Jammu; regularization of Rehbar-e-Khel teachers besides concerning issues of Stone quarries of Zewan Bala & Zewan Payeen.

Meanwhile, M.S Katoch, President of Association of Recognized Colleges of Health Sciences (J&K) handed over a representation of unaided private Nursing and Paramedical Colleges regarding filling up of vacant posts.

Anil Sharma President All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference (AJKPC) also handed over a memorandum to Lt Governor regarding their demands to make Panchayats financially empowered. He demanded Panchayat Development Fund and a separate Financial Commission for the development of Panchayats.

Later, Atul Sharma President J&K Brahmin Sabha demanded suitable land for the construction of Bhagwan Parshuram temple besides holiday on Maharaja Hari Singh’s birthday and renaming of Jammu University after Paramveer Chakra Pt. Somnath Pandit.

The Lt Governor, while interacting with the members of delegations observed that the Government is working with an agenda of equitable and balanced development. He assured the delegations that all their suggestions would be considered on merit and forwarded to concerned departments for the redressal of the same.

ITIs have pivotal role helping youth to earn livelihood: CS

Front

Precious Kashmir

16/12/2021

Reviews functioning of Skill Development Department

Jammu: Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta Wednesday chaired a meeting to review the functioning of Skill development Department.

Principal Secretary, Skill Development, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon; MD, NHM and other senior officers of the department attended the meeting.

Principal Secretary informed that around 21000 candidates have been skilled by the various ITIs/polytechnics during the year and that efforts are going on to integrate with industry to impart industry specific skills to enhance the employability of the trainees.

Stating that various vocational institutes in J&K are imparting quality training, Dr Samoon stated that students even from IIT, Jammu and NIIT, Srinagar have been/ are being skilled/trained by these technical institutes.

Dr Samoon informed that 2 centres of excellence at Kathua and Budgam have been established, which will help make the youth of the UT future ready for a range of jobs in the UT and beyond.

Giving details of the polytechnics operating in the UT, it was informed that out of 22 polytechnics in J&K, 18 polytechnics are operating out of their own buildings while the remaining polytechnics are housed in the rented buildings.

It was further informed that 32 ITIs have been upgraded through PPP and that they have performed well by all accounts in comparison to the other government run ITIs.

Dr Samoon asked for funds for completion of the ongoing construction of 4 polytechnics, besides seeking fast track recruitment of faculty members in these polytechnics.

It was informed that 720 posts of different categories are vacant in the newly established polytechnics

It was informed that under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 3.0, against a target of 2500 allocated by MSDE, GoI, 1568 candidates have been given class room training and their on job training is presently underway.

It was further informed that National Health Mission has been empanelled as a training partner and its affiliated hospitals/AMT schools/Nursing colleges are the training centres for imparting training.

While stating that polytechnics in J&K have to work through convergent actions for better utilization of available resources, the Chief Secretary asked the department to initiate time table and course content convergence of various polytechnics to impart training through virtual means.

Dr Mehta asked the department to examine whether credits earned by the candidates in various polytechnics/ITIs in J&K are acknowledged by the institutes where these candidates may enrol for higher courses.

He asked the department to examine the UGC/AICTE guidelines in this regard and advised them that in case there is no provision for credit acknowledgement/consideration by the institutes teaching higher courses, the same should be examined for suitable action on the part of the government.

While stating that there are around 60000 SHGs in the UT, Dr Mehta asked the department to explore the possibility of skilling/upskilling the members of these SHGs in these institutes through customized courses/apprenticeship trainings for enhancing their entrepreneurial skills for improved incomes.

On the issue of shortage of faculty in the polytechnics in J&K, the Chief Secretary advised the department to do networking of all the polytechnics so that services of the faculty in all the institutes are available to the trainees in these institutes in a mutually convenient way.

He advised the department to look for synergy with the school education and higher education departments to ensure that the services of the teachers in schools, colleges and universities on need basis are suitably utilized in the polytechnics as well.

Dr Mehta advised the department to explore the possibility of synergising with the school education department so that the option of vocational/technical training is available to all the students from 6th class to intermediate level.

He announced that ITIs have a pivotal role to play in skilling the able and willing youth for earning their livelihood in future.

The Chief Secretary asked the department to periodically revise the course content of various training courses/trades in line with the rapidly evolving needs of the industry to ensure that the ITIs/polytechnics churn out the trainees which have takers in the industry/private sector.

Laying stress on ensuring employability, he asked the department to involve industry and businesses in the process of updation of course content and, if necessary, in revision/upgradation of the whole training paradigm so that the institutes do not lose their relevance going forward.

Dr Mehta said that one of the ways in which employability can be ensured is by making sure that the certificates are handed out only after the candidates pass a certain accredited final test, which establishes minimum acceptable proficiency in that course/trade.

The Chief Secretary directed the department to do an assessment of the job placements from these institutes in the industry/businesses over the last two years to consider whether the institutes are delivering on their mandate.

Dr Mehta considered the performance of the department under PMKVY and asked the department to strive towards becoming a top ranker in the country.

3 more die of Covid in J&K, 147 test positive

Front

Nadeem Nadu

16/12/2021

By: Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir reported three fresh fatalities due to covid-19 while 147 persons tested positive for the virus in the last 24 hours, officials said on Wednesday.

40 of the fresh cases were reported from Jammu Division and 107 from Kashmir, taking the overall tally to 339271.

There were three deaths reported in J&K—two from the Valley and one from Jammu—due to the virus during the last 24 hours, they said. So far 4503 persons—2191 in Jammu and 2312 in Kashmir—have died due to the virus, they said.

Giving district wise details of the fresh cases, the officials said that Srinagar reported 47 cases, Baramulla 15, Budgam 14, Pulwama 4, Kupwara 13, Anantnag 2, Bandipora 2, Ganderbal 6, Kulgam 5, Shopian 1, Jammu 20, Udhampur 1, Rajouri 2, Doda 7, Kathua 2, Samba 0, Kishtwar 0, Poonch 4, Ramban 0 and Reasi 0.

Moreover, 125 Covid-19 patients recovered during the time, 17 from Jammu Division and 108 from Kashmir, they said.

So far 333322 patients have recovered, leaving active case tally at 1446—347 in Jammu and 1099 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 48006 doses of covid-19 vaccine were administered during the time in J&K. (GNS)

Advisor Farooq congratulates RKFC

Front

Precious Kashmir

16/12/2021

Srinagar: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Farooq Khan has congratulated the Real Kashmir Football Club (RKFC) for winning the 124th IFA Shield for the second time in trot.

In his congratulatory message, Advisor Farooq Khan said that it is a glorious and proud moment for whole of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the players, football lovers and budding players. He remarked that the victory of RKFC is result of hard work of the players, coaches, management, associated staff and the owners of the club.

The Advisor further said that this victory will act as a catalyst to the flourishing of football across the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Pertinent to mention, RKFC showed tremendous resilience in the final to pull off a stunning 2-1 win over a spirited Sreenidi Deccan FC to win successive IFA Shield title on Wednesday at Kolkata.

It was in the later half of the second half that RKFC with their perfect, spirited and clinical performance snatched the match from the opposite team.

Lone MCH in South Kashmir shuts crucial investigation sections by evening

Anchor stories

Ahmed Shabir

16/12/2021

Lone MCH in South Kashmir shuts crucial investigation sections by evening

Poor patients face hardships, forced to visit GMC hospital for USG, X-ray during night

By: Ahmad Shabir

Anantnag: The absence of USG and X-ray facilities during night hours at lone Maternity and Child Hospital of South Kashmir has come under severe criticism with the patients, alleging it to be a reason of immense hardships.

MCH in 2019 was associated with Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag, raising the hopes of people about improvement in healthcare at the facility.

However, two years later, the healthcare at the hospital continues to be as messy as before.

The poor healthcare at the hospital can be guessed from the fact that both the USG and X -ray sections are shut at 5 pm only, leaving the patients to lurch. The non-availability of two important investigation sections during evening and night hours leave the emergency patients in a state of helplessness.

Sources at the healthcare facility told Precious Kashmir that doctors at the hospital during night hours simply ask the patients needing immediate USG or X-ray to go to the medical college hospital in Janglat Mandi area about one km away.

“Since all the private diagnostic centers close their labs by evening, the patients visiting the facility with the hope to get the good healthcare are forced to get the investigations done at GMC Anantnag,” sources said.

MCH caters not only to the entire south Kashmir but parts of Jammu as well including Banihal and Kishtwar.

A local resident, Arif Ahmad who recently had to face the agony of taking his wife from MCH to GMC for USG said that sending the pregnant women needing immediate treatment to GMC for such an important investigation during the dead of night is not only shameful but inhumane too.

“Many patients come from far-off areas and are not having their own vehicles. You can imagine the agony they face while going on foot to GMC amid darkness. This also delays their treatment by more than an hour as on reaching GMC it consumes lot of times to locate the doctor on night duty,” Ahmad said.

Principal, GMC Anantnag , Dr Tariq Qureshi said that he will ensure USG is done at the hospital for emergency patients during night hours.

“If the USG is not being done at the hospital, I will make it sure from tomorrow only,” he said.

Winter Tragedies

Edit
Oped

Precious Kashmir

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)

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