Launches smart schools, announces scholarships to 21k children of 4 communities

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Thursday dedicated the UT government’s ambitious project of transforming 200 Schools into Smart Schools in Tribal areas at a cost of Rs 40 crores.

The modernization of Smart Schools will be executed in two phases. In the first phase, works related to 100 schools will be completed by March 2022 and another 100 schools by December 2022.

On the occasion, the Lt Governor announced another major decision of the government to provide scholarships to 21,000 children of Gaddi, Sippi, Dard, Sheena communities who were deprived of the same for the last 3 decades.

“In 1991, the Gaddi, Sippi community was declared tribal but their children were denied scholarship. For three decades they kept approaching governments but no decision was taken. This issue was brought to my notice just a few days back and we immediately decided that scholarships will be provided to the 21,000 children of Gaddi, Sippi, Dard, Sheena communities”, he added.

In his address, the Lt Governor congratulated the Tribal communities and the concerned administrative departments for the historic beginning of the new era of educational empowerment of Tribals in J&K.

“Our priority is to secure the future of tribal children. Smart schools in tribal & remote areas equipped with modern facilities will develop scientific temper in children and make them future ready, besides arresting the drop-out rate”, said the Lt Governor

The UT government has formulated a visionary framework for the functioning of the Smart Schools. Members of the Tribal communities, PRI representatives, and the people associated with voluntary organizations will be involved in the management so that these schools could perform the role of ‘changemakers’ in our society, observed the Lt Governor.

“Lives are changed when people connect. Life is changed when everything is connected. Tribal Education Plan, Scholarships, Smart Schools will do justice to tribal communities in J&K who were neglected for decades”, the Lt Governor noted.

These groundbreaking initiatives will also ensure that the members of the tribal communities can keep pace with the revolutionary and rapid changes happening around them and connect themselves to the world, he added.

The Lt Governor expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for awakening the self-confidence of the tribal community.

The Lt Governor highlighted that J&K administration is collectively spending around Rs 104 crore to strengthen school infrastructure in tribal areas and establish a strong educational eco-system for the tribal community.

Besides Smart schools, we are also spending Rs 8.50 crore on the modernization of hostels of the Tribal Department and Rs 04 crore will be given for the new hostels being built. In July, the UT administration had decided that two Eklavya Model Schools would be opened in Rajouri, one each in Anantnag, Poonch, Kulgam and Bandipora and Rs 21.25 crore is being given for this. Apart from this, Rs 30 crore is being given for scholarship, he added.

The Lt Governor observed that educational reforms catering to the needs of the future have the power to change the socio-economic situation.

By developing a better infrastructure, and through training and capacity building programs for teachers and students especially in tribal areas, I am certain that we will address the issues of Gross Enrollment Ratio and Drop-out rate, the Lt Governor said.

On the occasion, the Lt Governor also appealed to the parents to make it a priority to send their children to school. It is our moral responsibility to provide the best opportunities and means to make our children educated and skilled, he added.

Farooq Khan, Advisor to the Lt Governor while addressing the gathering, congratulated the School Education Department and the members of Tribal Communities on the launch of smart schools.

He also highlighted several activities being undertaken in various sectors including education, health and others for the socio-economic development of tribal population.

Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary, while speaking on the occasion termed the launch of transformation of smart schools for tribal children as a great step and impressed upon the teachers for adopting innovative methods to kindle the spark of curiosity among children. He also stressed on making a complete database of tribal children, besides sustained capacity building of teachers.

Earlier, B K Singh, Administrative Secretary, School Education, said that the Smart Schools will mark the beginning of the digital revolution for the tribal population. He also gave a brief overview about the overall education scenario in J&K to the gathering.

Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Administrative Secretary, Tribal Affairs Department expressed gratitude to the Lt Governor for announcing the scholarship for children of tribal communities. He also informed about the workshop being organized on the occasion for awareness on various schemes of the government.

Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor; Dr Raghav Langer, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Deputy Commissioners; HoDs, Chief Education Officers, besides a large number of students, parents, teachers and members from tribal communities were present on the occasion at Convention Centre.

Sitapur: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday, without taking the name of Pakistan, warned that India would not tolerate any kind of nuisance.

Reminding them of the Pulwama incident, he said that not only can we teach lesson to the enemies on the border, but if needed, India also dares to give a befitting reply by entering into the enemy’s house.

“India’s recognition has increased internationally. Now India has become a strong country, “he said.

Singh was speaking at a conference of BJP booth presidents of 15 districts of Awadh region here on Thursday.

He gave a mantra to the booth presidents who came from different districts to win booths in the 2022 assembly elections.

The Defence Minister said that seeing the enthusiasm among the workers present here, it seems that now no one can stop the victory of the BJP.

He claimed that BJP does not form the government to enjoy the pleasure of power, but wants to form the government to build the country. “BJP does not do politics by throwing dust in the eyes of the public but does politics by looking into the eyes of the people”.

Slamming the SP, he said that the Samajwadi Party does the work of doing politics by throwing dust but our party does what it says.

Targeting the SP, Singh said that they opened fire on the devotees of Ram. “We cannot fire bullets at farmers and Ram Bhakts. This can only be done by SP not us,” he said.

Attacking the Congress, the Defence Minister said that their leaders had made many promises, but if work had been done on it, then India would have developed 25 to 30 years ago.

Singh said that in 1951, when Jana Sangh was formed, it was decided that if ever our government is formed, then we will end Article 370 implemented in Jammu and Kashmir and we have done this. The perception about India in 6-7 years have changed across the world. There has been a change in the country. The world listens to Prime Minister Modi at the international forums, he said.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said that change is visible in UP as well. “CM Yogi Adityanath has done wonders. Big investments are happening and people coming from outside are investing here. With the help of Russia, the modern rifle will be made in UP itself. Brahmos missile will also now be made on the soil of UP,” he said.

During the speech, former UP chief minister said that a lot of effort was made to convince the farmers, but when they could not be pacified, it was decided to withdraw the farm laws.

“The Prime Minister said that we cannot leave the farmers in such a condition and will not do any such work, which will upset the farmers,” he said. (UNI)

Jewar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the Noida International Airport will be a gateway to northern India, adding that it will improve the lives of people in the area and around.

Speaking after laying down the foundation stone of the airport that is coming up around 100 kms away from the national capital, he said previous governments had kept Uttar Pradesh in deprivation and darkness.

“Better roads, better rail network, better airports are not just infrastructure projects but they transform the entire region, transforming people’s lives completely”, PM Modi said.

He said the previous governments had stalled the Jewar airport project, and said that the “double engine” government of the BJP made it possible.

“Infrastructure is not part of politics for us but part of national policy (Rashtra Niti). We are making sure that the projects do not get stuck, do not hang in limbo or do not go astray. We try to ensure that the infrastructure work is completed within the stipulated time,” he said.

The Prime Minister said some political parties in our country have always kept their self-interest paramount.

“The thinking of these people is self-interest, only their own and the development of their family. Whereas we follow the spirit of nation first. Sabka Saath – Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas – Sabka Prayas is our mantra,” the Prime Minister said.

He also said that farmers have been paid compensation, which used to take years earlier. “Earlier, farmers would have to wait for years to get compensation for the lands acquired for government projects. We have ensured they get proper rates on time,” PM Modi said.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi had on Wednesday shared a report of farmers living in tents, and some not being paid compensation for the land acquisition for the airport.

The Prime Minister also listed the recent initiatives undertaken by the government and talked about the milestone of 100 crore vaccine doses, determination of net zero goal by 2070, Kushinagar Airport, 9 medical colleges in Uttar Pradesh, new dam and irrigation projects in Mahoba, Defence corridor and related projects in Jhansi, Purvanchal expressway, celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, modern railway station in Bhopal, National highway in Pandharpur, Maharashtra and, today, Noida International Airport.

“Selfish policies of certain political parties could not stand in front of our patriotism and national service”, he said. (UNI)

Says investigation on, have strong evidences against them

By: Yogesh Sagotra

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir police chief, Dilbag Singh on Thursday said that those killed in Hyderpora gunfight were not innocents and that there is strong evidence available against them. He also said that Jammu and Kashmir police is a professional force and they don’t need lessons from anyone.

Director General of Police (DGP) while addressing a presser said that a special investigation team has been constituted by Kashmir Zone Police to investigate the Hyderpora gunfight. “We must give them some time to make specific comments. However, I would like to say with full authority that the police is doing its work professionally and our officers know how to conduct operations. We don’t want lessons on conducting operations from the people who are unaware of how the operations are being carried out,” DGP said while replying to a query.

Claiming that the civilians, who were killed in Hyderpora gunfight were ‘not innocents’, DGP said, “There are very strong evidences available in this case and will be shared with all the concerned very soon. The ‘so called innocent civilians’ are taking the foreign militant out for a recce on motorbike, picking up targets and you call them innocent.”

He further said that their innocence would be proven once the investigation makes further progress.

“The foreign militant (Pakistani national) who was moving around in the City with a weapon was responsible for shooting a policeman and that policeman recognized him, as he fired at him from very close range. Our investigation is in progress, which is suggesting very much that the militant (Pakistani) has a militant network around him, which was supporting him. We will see who is involved to what extent and will be shared at the right time,” DGP said.

Addressing a press conference after seizure of large consignment of drugs from Jammu’s Jajjar Kotli along Jammu-Srinagar highway, Singh reacted to the comments regarding apprehensions on operations carried out for the last two weeks.

He said that “this is politics and Mehbooba should stop it.”

Mehbooba Mufti had earlier questioned the intentions behind these ‘encounters.’

Singh also added that some people from Civil Society and social media often make claims which remain far from the reality.

“This is high time people accept reality without mixing it with their imagination,” he said. “Yesterday three militants were killed in the Rambagh encounter. Srinagar resident Meehran was chief among them and all three are responsible for so many innocent civilian killings including School teachers Supinder Kaur and Deepak Chan Mehra, police SI Arshad and many grenade firing incidents,” he said, adding that “those who try to show them as innocents are enemies of humanity.”

These comments come in relation to the Rambagh encounters which have created a storm in the political circles of the Valley.

On recent civilian killings, the DGP said that police are pursuing each and every case.

“More than 20 militants involved in civilian killings have been killed so far. Only Basit of Kulgam is absconding right now and security forces are after him, he will be soon taken to task,” the DGP said.

On the term ‘Hybrid militant’, the DGP said that these militants look like normal school going boys or officer goers but can pick up a gun anytime to kill anyone.

DGP also congratulated Jammu police for acting swiftly on drug menace.

Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Mukesh Singh informed that the drugs worth 100 crore have been seized for Jammu.

“A truck bearing registration number of Haryana was seized with consignment of 52 kilograms of Heroines, which is worth Rs 100 crores in the international market,” said ADGP Mukesh Singh. (KNO)

‘Speed up project execution for holistic development of Jammu, Srinagar’

Jammu: Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta Thursday chaired a meeting to review the progress of the Smart City Mission in Jammu and Kashmir.

Administrative Secretary Housing &UD, Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu divisions and Chief Executive Officers of Jammu Smart City Limited and Srinagar Smart City Limited participated in the meeting.

CEO, SSCL informed that out of 137 projects to be executed under the project, 42 projects have been completed while 35 projects are ongoing. Out of the remaining projects, 23 projects have been tendered out while in respect of 47 projects, detailed project reports are being prepared.

Giving details of the heritage sites being developed under Smart City Mission, CEO, SSCL informed that Khanka-i-mosque, Naqshband Sahib, Raghunath temple, Saint Luke’s church and Jamia masjid are being developed to leverage the heritage tourist potential of the area.

Further, beautification drive underneath Jehangir chowk-Rambagh flyover is also underway at a cost of Rs. 0.68 cr.

It was further informed that integrated command and control centre is being set up under the Smart City Mission at a cost of Rs. 48.11 cr.

This will help in the development of property development approval system. PS, U&DD informed that under the project, software applications have been installed and installation of hardware will be completed and the project made functional by 31st December, 2021.

It was informed that 2 lakh properties have been mapped so far and mapping of all the properties will be completed by April 2022.

CEO, SSCL further informed that an intelligent traffic management system will also be taken up for execution at a cost of Rs. 35 cr in Srinagar city. This will enable smooth traffic management in the city and help reduce travel time for the residents of the city.

The CEO informed that testing and calibration of various junction points is being done andthe project execution will be expedited.

The Chief Secretary expressed concern at the delay in the execution of the projects saying that even after 4 years of commencement, many projects are far from completion.

Dr Mehta asked the department to develop the entire ensemble of the surroundings along with the heritage sites in the downtown Srinagar to create real aesthetic impact for the visitors.

“If one or two heritage sites are developed in isolation and its ambience remains underdeveloped, this will not lead to any positive gains from the perspective of development of heritage tourism potential of the area,” he added.

He also emphasised on  alternate routes in Srinagar otherwise the real heritage potential of the heritage sites in the downtown Srinagar will remain untapped.

The Chief Secretary asked the development to look at all the different projects under the canopy of Smart Project Mission in totality and think of ways in which they can be dovetailed for maximum sensual/visual impact.

He advised the department to fix timelines for each of the ongoing as well the project that are yet to be taken up and work earnestly to achieve those timelines.

The Chief Secretary also directed Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir to coordinate with R&B department and SMC in ensuring that the shrubs/plantation on the road sides and in the partition of the roads are regularly pruned.

Dr Mehta directed the department to ensure that riverfront beyond Hatrick point on River Jehlum is developed and beautified by planting flowers on the slopes on the either sides of the river front.

Giving details of the progress under Smart city Project, CEO, JSCL informed that out of 133 projects to be completed under the Scheme, 40 projects have been completed while 49 projects are in varying stages of completion.

It was further informed that 22 projects have been tendered while remaining 22 projects will be tendered by 31st December, 2021.

CEO, JSCL, informed that road improvement project from Dogra Chowk to KC Chowk at a cost is going on and is expected to be completed by 15th July, 2022.

4 water curtains under this project will be installed under the different fly over columns in the city. It was informed that one water curtain has been set up while the remaining 3 will be set up within a month.

An integrated command and control centre at a cost of Rs 30 cr on the analogy of the one being set up in Srinagar city is also being set up in Jammu city.

A contract agreement with Bharat Electronics Centre has been signed and the project will be completed by September, 2022.

It was further informed that IT based smart parking system for the city on PPP basis is being set up at a cost of Rs 9 cr.

This will integrate all the roadside parking sites as well as existing parking sites and provide all information in one app to the users. It was informed that 33 roads have been identified where these smart parking sites will come up.

Jammu Smart public Bicycle Sharing System is being set up at a project cost of Rs 3.51 cr. This project will provide facility of dedicated cycle tracks to nearly 800 bicycles with around 120 docking stations covering 8-12 bicycle stands in the city.

It was further informed that facade lighting/illumination of Bahu Fort Complex and Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex is being done under the Mission at a cost of Rs 2.25 cr and 3.18 cr respectively.

The Chief Secretary directed the department to expedite the execution of projects under the Smart City Mission by endeavouring to finish the works within the set timelines.

He directed the department to ensure that the inputs of the Bazaar associations are duly considered in the execution of all the projects in the old city.

Dr Mehta directed that facade illumination of Mubarak Mandi complex should be completed by 31st December, 2021.

Stating that Batmalloo bus stand is in bad condition, the Chief Secretary asked the department to ensure urgent submission of the proposals to Government of India.