Precious Kashmir

Benchmark Testing

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Oped

19/07/2021

The decline in the number of covid-19 infections in Jammu and Kashmir continues. In most areas the cases recorded on Sunday were in single-digit. In fact only five districts–Srinagar, Pulwama, Ganderbal , Jammu and Poonch– recorded the infections in two digits and none over 27.

While there have been right calls from the government for remaining vigilant and cautious, more activities are being allowed to open instantaneously while the number of tests, especially Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) are not being matched to the requisite number. This perhaps stands reason that the Lieutenant Governor, during district-wise assessment of Covid situation with Covid Task Force, DCs and SPs last week, called for increasing RT-PCR Testing in areas with a high positivity rate.

Also Chief Secretary and Chairperson, State Executive Committee, in an order regarding further easing of the covid-19 restrictions on Sunday called for increasing the RT-PCR tests in the total mix, underlining that it should be scaled up on the best effort to 70% or more excluding the travelers.

The RT-PCR test actually detects RNA (or genetic material) that is specific to the virus and can detect the virus within days of infection, even those who have no symptoms.

The assertion by the Lieutenant Governor and SEC comes on close heel to the Director Health Services Kashmir’s statement in the last week of June this year that all the Districts are performing “less number” of RT-PCR tests than what has been stipulated by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India in the guidelines issued from time to time.

While it is true that the Indian Council of Medical Research, in its testing guideline issued on May 4, talked about reducing RT-PCR tests to take the load off the existing laboratories then but it never asked the governments to stop the gold standard tests altogether.

According to ICMR, individuals with symptoms identified negative by rapid antigen testing should be linked with the RT-PCR test facility.

Those who test negative for COVID-19 by rapid antigen test are to be definitely tested sequentially by RT-PCR to rule out infection, whereas a positive test should be considered as a true positive and does not need reconfirmation by RT-PCR test.

As has been rightly pointed out by the Lieutenant Governor and the SEC, there is a need to increase the test for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 and to achieve it all the concerned need to put act together.

How DDC chairperson can be removed?

Anchor stories

Ibni Maqbool

19/07/2021

No-confidence motion should be supported by 10 elected members

By: Ibni Maqbool

Srinagar: The chairperson of a District Development Council (DDC) in Jammu and Kashmir can be removed if a resolution expressing no-confidence in him/her is passed by at least 10 directly elected members of the council, legal experts told The Precious Kashmir.

According to the experts, the procedure for removal of DDC chairperson is almost similar to the method for ousting Block Development Council Chairperson, Sarpanch or Naib-Sarpanch.

“The amendments made by the Centre in “The Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Raj Act-1989” clearly state that a chairperson or a vice- chairperson shall be deemed to have vacated his office forthwith if a resolution expressing want of confidence in his favour is passed by a majority of not less than two third of the directly elected members of the district development council at a meeting specifically convened for the purpose in the prescribed manner,” they said.

According to the legal experts, the notice of no- confidence motion against the chairperson can be submitted on the charges of gross misconduct, neglect of duty, failure to attend three meetings of the council etc.

It is pertinent to mention that two separate no-confidence motions have been submitted against DDC chairpersons of Srinagar and Budgam.

Both the resolutions submitted respectively to DC Srinagar and DC Budgam have been signed by 10 members each.

The elections for district development councils were held in November- December last year after Centre amended the Panchayat Raj law for holding direct elections for third- tier of Panchayat Raj in J&K.

In the election, People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) won 110 seats while BJP won 75 seats. But later on, PC left the PAGD, which brought down its seat tally from 110 to 102, as JKPC had won 8 seats.

Later, the election for the post of chairperson and vice-chairperson of the Council were held between February 6 to February 20.

CS’s directive to identify non-performing employees creates ripples in official circles

Anchor stories

Afaq Bhat

19/07/2021

CS’s directive to identify non-performing employees creates ripples in official circles

By: Afaq Bhat

Srinagar: Recent direction of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary, Arun Mehta, to initiate a process to identify the non-performing government employees has created ripples among the official circles across the Union Territory.

A government employee while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “Most of us are aware of the fact that service rules have been amended and anyone can be shown the door either after attaining age of 48-years or completing 22-years of service. Non-performance can become a major reason for anyone of us being sacked.”

It’s in place to mention here in October last year the J&K Government had introduced certain substitutes in 226(2) Article of Jammu and Kashmir Civil Service Regulations.

A notification issued by Finance Department had stated: “226 (2): (a) Notwithstanding anything contained in these Regulations, Government may, if it is of the opinion that in the public interest to do so, require any Government servant other than one working on a post which is included in Schedule II of these Rules, to retire at any time after he has completed 22 years of qualifying service or on attaining 48 years of age, provided that the Appropriate Authority shall give a notice to Government servant at least 3 months before the date on which he is required to retire or 3 months of pay and allowance in lieu of such notice.”

“After the notification was issued no exercise was started to review the performance of the employees. But after the recent direction of the Chief Secretary things have started moving,” said a source.

He said, “Directions are clear that only deadwood has to be identified and the employees, whose performance is up to the mark won’t be disturbed. Different parameters have been fixed to check the performance of the employees. The ones whose performance is upto the mark need not worry as they will not be touched. But non-performers can face the axe.”

An observer said, “Since the day government has amended the service rules, the employees have realized that they cannot take things for granted and if they don’t perform then they can end up in a soup.”

He said, “Another change that has occurred is that the culture of keeping files pending in the offices too has vanished. Now, employees try to finish their work quickly as they know that they are being watched.

The observer said that anti-graft agencies like Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) getting more teeth and these becoming active too have put pressure on the employees. “Employees need to perform to save their jobs,” he added.

CAB most infallible weapon to fight pandemic: LG

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Precious Kashmir

19/07/2021

CAB most infallible weapon to fight pandemic: LG

Says J&K youth inherently capable, Admin committed to provide right platforms to them

Srinagar, July 18: Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said that Covid Appropriate Behavior (CAB) is the most infallible weapon to fight the ongoing pandemic.

In the 4th episode of “Awaam ki Awaaz” radio programme, aired today on all local & primary channels of All India Radio (AIR) stations in the UT, Sinha, while observing the upcoming Kargil Vijay Diwas, paid rich tributes to the brave soldiers and martyrs of the security forces.

“I bow to all the heroes, their valor and supreme sacrifice in the defense of the motherland and also salute the undaunted courage of their families. Today, the tricolor is waving with pride and J&K is entering a new era of progress all due to the gallantry of our soldiers”, he observed.

In today’s episode of Awaam ki Awaaz, the main focus was the enterprising Youth of J&K and the overall developmental agenda of the government, revolving around creating a host of opportunities for them, devising policies, and undertaking reforms that facilitate the fulfillment of their dreams & aspirations.

Noting that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir is inherently capable and talented; the Lt Governor said that the UT administration is committed to providing them the right platforms and have taken many historic decisions in this regard, including the establishment of Youth Clubs in all the Panchayats across the UT, in the coming weeks.

The Lt Governor informed that in the first phase, 25,000 young boys and girls will be connected with different cultural, sports, skill development, and community programs. J&K Sports Council is organizing at least 4-5 sporting events every day in different disciplines and the immense youth engagement clearly narrates their success stories. These steps have been highly appreciated on social media and will bring a new revolution in the field of youth engagement and employment.

He also spoke on the ‘Parvaaz’ scheme started by the UT government for providing coaching of Civil Services and other examinations to the youth of J&K and reiterated that our endeavor is to provide the best coaching facilities to our children as the field of education is progressing continuously”, he added.

He mentioned that under “Mission Youth”, the administration has decided to provide financial assistance to 400 Dental Surgeons to start their own clinics and 800 paramedics are also being added to this programme. Further, a 360-degree training in financial services for youth in association with Bombay Stock Exchange aims to train 5000 youth with this collaboration.

On receiving over 6,000 suggestions in last one month, the Lt Governor said that people have expressed their views on various topics and strengthened the government’s commitment to work with public participation, thereby strengthening Jan Bhagidari which is the cornerstone of developmental agenda.

Welcoming the suggestions on reforms in education sector, the Lt Governor said that all the suggestions are very interesting and will have far-reaching impacts. He assured that the administration is fully committed to making progressive changes in the field of education with a comprehensive approach, to make it more skill-oriented, facilitating employability and entrepreneurship. The concerned departments will take necessary action on all these suggestions, he added.

He also mentioned some good inputs including one from Irfan Ahmad Bhat of Budgam suggesting the addition of Rural Development as a subject in Higher Secondary institutes and Degree Colleges. Mohammad Mohsin from Budgam, Sabiya Mehraj from Srinagar, Syed Ahmed, Javed Mir of Budgam, Narinder Swamy of Doda, Amit, and Abida Hassan of Kulgam, all suggested various innovative measures in the education sector and vocational training, besides making computer education compulsory in the schools. Shaista Amin of Srinagar also suggested for starting Ph.D. program in History at Cluster University Kashmir and Central University Kashmir.

The Lt Governor observed that along with the Government of India, the J&K administration is also working on the New Education Policy and all such employment-oriented and personality-building subjects will be included in the syllabi. We are also bringing reforms in higher education and skill development sectors, he added.

Lauding Sheikh Adnan Fayaz, a well-known athlete from Bandipora for winning gold medal for the country in Taekwondo, the Lt Governor said that the entire country is proud of his achievements. On his suggestions to encourage sports among the youth, the Lt Governor informed that the Government has already decided to take various sports to the Panchayat level and the Sports Council is doing this work with full dedication. J&K is going to hold 17 national competitions in various sports in which about 12,000 players from all States and UTs will participate, he added.

On the issue of seasonal teachers highlighted by Javed Iqbal from Poonch, the Lt Governor said that the administration is concerned about their well-being and has also hiked their emoluments. “Our education department is preparing a comprehensive plan to increase the learning outcome of the children for the remaining six months and I assure you that a decision will be taken on it soon”, the Lt Governor added.

On receiving an overwhelming number of suggestions from the younger generation, the Lt Governor said that after reading them he is hopeful that the fresh whiff of energy and resolve of our youth will transform the socio-economic structure of the UT. “With the courage and foresight of younger generation, we will take J&K on a new trajectory of progress”, he added.

Expressing joy over the achievement of School Education Department, the Lt Governor informed that J&K ranks first with 80,600 primary teachers of J&K having been enriched under “Nishtha”, a training program for primary teachers through online mode.

He further informed that it had been decided to constitute Educational Reform Committee of Teachers at various levels to inculcate a sense of empowerment among the teachers, besides improving the enrollment and performance of the students, making them more responsible towards their duty. “Social and economic development will reach the grassroots level at a faster pace only when all the experienced people and experts of their respective fields work together with the administration for the betterment of the citizens”, he added.

On the disruptions caused by recent rains in the UT, the Lt Governor said the concerned departments are keeping an eye on the situation in the cities and villages and every effort is afoot to redress the grievances of the common people immediately.

The Lt Governor said that many important decisions have been taken in the last 11 months to double the income of farmers in J&K and to make them socially and financially empowered as per the vision and guidance of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. Keeping in mind the agricultural and horticultural products of respective divisions, various decisions have taken a tangible form and a new definition of farmer-centric development has been established.

The government is also providing state-of-the-art agricultural equipment worth Rs 65 crore to 30,000 farmers, besides an innovative irrigation facility to 25,000 farmers at a cost of Rs 91 crore, maintained the Lt Governor.

Mentioning Rashpal Singh of Jammu, the Lt Governor said that he decided to grow strawberries this year instead of the traditional crops, which has increased his income 40 times. Similarly, for the first time, cherries from Srinagar have been exported to Dubai, which has now provided an international market for the crop to the farmers.

On the suggestions of farmers for establishing horticulture centre in every block, new Mandis and increasing the capacity of cold storage, the Lt Governor said that the administration is providing subsidy for establishing cold storage. He further informed that the present cold storage capacity of 1.6 lakh metric tonnes will be increased to 5 lakh metric tonnes in the next two years. The Lt Governor said that the UT administration is working on end-to-end solutions for the farmers, so that our agriculture sector can make a valuable contribution in the campaign of self-reliant India as envisioned by the Prime Minister.

Elucidating the measures taken in the partial unlock process, the Lt Governor said that keeping in mind the pandemic, the administration has decided that the tourists coming to each entry point will be strictly screened and will be allowed to go to the destination only after the report comes negative. Similarly, the annual Shri Amarnathji Yatra for this year is cancelled and arrangements have been made for the devotees to worship the Holy Ice Lingam and get prasad through virtual medium.

On suggestions received for the promotion and development of adventure and heritage tourism in hitherto unattended areas of Jammu Division, the Lt Governor said that efforts are being made vigorously to increase tourism in almost all the districts of Jammu division. The Lt Governor informed through ‘Awaam Ki Awaaz’ that instructions have been given to develop the tourism sector in a better way in all the 10 districts of Jammu Division. Tourist circuits have been made to promote Adventure, Cultural and Religious Tourism. Now the devotees coming to visit Shri Mata Vaishno Devi would reach other religious and tourist places as well. A plan has also been prepared to develop Mantalai as a tourist destination and encourage tourism in remote areas of Kishtwar.

The Lt Governor said that officers of the department have also been asked to take necessary action to promote Jammu tourism circuit and organize a 3-month long Jammu Mahotsav at various tourist places in the division. Sinthan Pass and Mughal Road have been opened to the general public and the number of tourists is expected to rise in the coming days, he added.

Highlighting the role of ‘Nari Shakti’ in our culture and society, the Lt Governor said that women are considered as the embodiment of power. “Without the presence of women, without their social and economic independence, no progress is possible”, he added. The Lt Governor remarked that the administration is constantly taking initiatives to create an eco-system of women entrepreneurs in J&K. He mentioned the “Tejaswini” program and the “Hausla” scheme started by the J&K administration for the women, under which training and market linkages will be provided to them.

On receiving suggestions from women entrepreneurs, Gowhera of Srinagar, Priya Varma of Jammu, and Reva Raina of Mathola, Bhaderwah in handicrafts, IT, and horticulture sectors respectively, the Lt Governor expressed his gratitude and directed the concerned departments to take appropriate action on their suggestions.

The Lt Governor further said that along with ensuring economic rights, UT administration is fully committed to protecting educational and social rights of women and provide them maximum opportunities.

Observing the negligence and callous behavior being shown by some people in following the corona protocol, the Lt Governor urged everyone to take precautions against Corona.

“I request you all to please be careful. Covid Appropriate Behavior is the most infallible weapon to fight this epidemic. By following the Corona protocol, you are not only saving your life but also protecting the lives of people around”, he added.

Concluding his address, the Lt Governor extended Eid-ul-Azha greetings to the people and appealed them to celebrate the festival by following the Covid protocol.

Ahead of flash floods prediction, heat wave continues across Kashmir

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United News Of India

19/07/2021

Sgr, Kupwara simmer at 35 degree, record hottest July day in 8 years

Srinagar: The summer capital, Srinagar and Kupwara in north Kashmir on Sunday recorded the hottest July day in eight years ahead of prediction of moderate to heavy rain in Jammu and Kashmir for three days from Monday.

Meanwhile, the maximum temperature in other parts of Kashmir valley also remained several degrees above normal.

A Met department spokesperson said the maximum temperature in Srinagar city surged and settled at 35 degree, which is over 5 degree above normal. “Srinagar city on Sunday recorded the hottest day of the season so far,” he said.

He said the temperature recorded in the city also broke the record of the hottest day in the month of July in eight years. “The maximum temperature recorded in Srinagar on July 29, 2013 was 35.8 degree,” he said.

He said an all time high of 39.5 degree maximum temperature in this month was recorded in Srinagar on July 15, 1973.

Kupwara in north Kashmir was the hottest place in the valley with a maximum temperature of 35.3 degree, which is also the hottest July day in eight years. The border district had recorded maximum temperature of 35.8 degree on July 29, 2013.

The maximum temperature at world famous ski resort of Gulmarg settled at 24 degree. The day temperature at tourist resort of Pahalgam, health resort of Kokernag and Qazigund, gateway to the valley settled at 30.2 degree, 31.8 degree and 32 degree, respectively.

The spokesperson said that that a lower and middle level tropospheric winds from north Arabian Sea is most likely to interact with Easterly Winds (from Bay of Bengal) from Sunday to July 21. “The system is most likely to cause moderate to heavy rain and thundershowers in many places in Kashmir between Monday and July 21,” he said.

He said there is moderate to high risk of flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir during this time. “The system could result in temporary disruption of surface traffic mainly on Srinagar-Jammu, Srinagar-Leh national highways and Mughal road from Monday to July 21,” he said.

He said landslides and shooting stones could occur during this time at vulnerable places due to moderate to heavy rainfall, adding low lying areas could experience water-logging and minor floods. “It is advised to suspend agriculture and horticulture operations during this time,” he added. (UNI)

IMD forecasts intense rainfall across north India

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Indo Asian News Service

19/07/2021

New Delhi: Northern India is likely to witness intense rainfall activity between Sunday to Wednesday (July 21), and the west coast till July 23, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast on Sunday.

It has also predicted moderate to severe thunderstorms with lightning at isolated places over Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and east Rajasthan during the next 24 hours, and warned of casualties to people and animals staying outdoors.

“Rainfall activity is very likely to increase with widespread rainfall to isolated heavy to very heavy rains very likely over the western Himalayan region (Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit, Baltistan and Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand) and adjoining northwest India — Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, UP and north Madhya Pradesh — from July 18 to 21,” the IMD said in a statement.

However, there will be a decrease in rainfall activity over the same regions thereafter, it said.

According to the Met department, isolated extreme heavy rainfall is also very likely over Uttarakhand between July 18 and July 19.

Delhi is likely to witness moderate to heavy rainfall, it said.

Isolated heavy rainfall is likely over east and adjoining central India from July 22 onwards. (IANS)

President Kovind to visit J&K, Ladakh on July 25

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Precious Kashmir

19/07/2021

Jammu: President Ram Nath Kovind is scheduled to visit Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh for three days from July 25-27.

Official sources said that the President, who is also supreme commander of Armed Forces, is likely to participate in Kargil Vijay Diwas programme being scheduled to be held on July 26 at Drass War Memorial Kargil.

Earlier, in the year 2019 the President was scheduled to lay a wreath at the War Memorial but his visit was cancelled as his flight was not able to take off from Srinagar due to bad weather.

The President is also likely to address a couple of functions in the Valley, which includes the convocation function of an educational institution.

However, a detailed schedule of the President’s visit is yet to be announced but security arrangements are being beefed up in view of the VVIP visit.

Additional Director General of Police’s Security Wing S D Singh Jamwal has issued an order and barred all subordinate staff from taking leave in the wake of Kovind’s JK visit.

“In the view of the expected visit of the President of India to UT of J&K all kinds of leave stopped till further orders,” an order issued by ADGP Security J&K SD Singh Jamwal reads. (KNO)

Tuberculosis cases not increasing due to COVID-19: Sgr admin

Front

United News Of India

19/07/2021

Srinagar: Urging people not to pay heed to fake news, the administration on Sunday said that there is no truth in the claims that increase in the number of tuberculosis cases was due to COVID-19.

“Accurate information is your right, don’t let fake news generators dupe you with false information,” Srinagar District Administration said in a tweet today.

It said the reports that there was sudden rise in cases of tuberculosis among the patients, who were infected with COVID, are totally fake.

The administration said the fact is that health ministry has recommended TB screening for all COVID 19 positive patients and COVID 19 screening for all diagnosed TB patients.

Besides, the ministry has also issued multiple advisories and guidelines to reiterate the need for bi directional screening of TB-COVID and TB-ILI/SARI.

The administration said that there is no enough evidence to link the increase in TB cases to COVID-19. (UNI)

31 bills to be taken up during Monsoon session beginning today

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Indo Asian News Service

19/07/2021

New Delhi: As many as 31 Bills, including two related to finance, are likely to be taken up by the Centre during the Monsoon Session of Parliament that will commence from Monday.

Of these, the government has proposed to bring 29 Bills, including six on Ordinances which were passed after the Budget Session, and two legislations related to finance during this session, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi informed during an all-party meeting held on Sunday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chaired the all-party meeting in Parliament premises, sought cooperation of all parties in the smooth conduct of Business and passage of these legislations, said Joshi.

Quoting the Prime Minister as saying, Joshi informed that he stressed for healthy and meaningful discussion in the 19-day Business of the Monsoon Session beginning.

Emphasising that the Parliamentarians should try to make it a peaceful session, the Prime Minister said that all issues should be discussed democratically and that all parties cooperate in running the House.

“The Prime Minister also assured that the government is ready to discuss on each issue under process,” Joshi added.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal, Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien, DMK’s Tiruchi Siva among others attended the all-party meeting.

The Monsoon Session is set to be stormy with the opposition ready with strategy to corner the government over several issues that include rising petrol and diesel prices and the infrastructure lapses during the second wave of Covid.

The Opposition is likely to raise objections to the formation of the ministry of cooperation on the grounds that cooperatives is a state subject, and this move is an infringement of the rights of states. The Congress and NCP have raised this issue and the matter is likely to be raised in the House.

The Opposition has demanded discussions on a host of issues including the Covid situation and threat of a third wave, farmers’ protest, alleged threat to cooperative federalism, relations with Afghanistan and China.

This session will see the newly inducted ministers in action. Prime Minister Modi has directed them to spend more time in the House to learn.

Both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha will function from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday and there are 19 sittings scheduled for this session. The session will end on August 13.

With the coronavirus pandemic still raging, the session will be held in both the Houses of Parliament with all the necessary protocols and arrangements being made to accommodate the MPs on a social distancing basis.

Parliament Sessions have been affected ever since the pandemic hit the country last year forcing early closure of last year’s Budget and Monsoon Sessions and this year’s Budget Session. The 2020 Winter Session was skipped completely due to the public health crisis.

Encounter breaks out in Shopian

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Indo Asian News Service

19/07/2021

Srinagar: A gunfight between militants and security forces broke out in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district on Sunday evening, officials said.

“Encounter has started at Check Sadiq Khan area of Shopian. Police and security forces are on the job,” police said.

The firefight broke out after a joint team of the police and the army cordoned off the area and launched a search operation on the basis of specific information about presence of militants.

As the security forces zeroed in on the spot where militants were hiding, they came under a heavy volume of fire and retaliated, triggering the encounter.

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