Rolls out SASCM social protection scheme for affected families

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha Wednesday rolled out ‘Special Assistance Scheme for COVID Mortalities – SASCM’ (सक्षम), by handing over the grant of Scholarship and Pension certificates to the children and the members of the families affected due to COVID-19.

J&K government is committed to support children who lost their parents in this pandemic. The administration as guardian will take all necessary steps for their well-being and education, so they can have a bright future, remarked the Lt Governor.

We stand in solidarity with the families who lost the earning member due to the pandemic. Besides pension, every effort will be made to ensure they live a dignified life and have no financial difficulties, said the Lt Governor

It is our duty and utmost responsibility to support families, restore livelihoods and ensure stability in their life, he added.

For extending handholding to the affected families, a special cell has been constituted in Social Welfare Department to track and facilitate benefits under existing government sponsored welfare schemes which the family may be eligible for, said the Lt Governor.

The Lt Governor remarked that the administration will reach out to every affected family with financial assistance if they are willing to start their own business or other venture for self-employment, besides imparting training and providing market linkages to them.

All Deputy Commissioners and officials of Social Welfare department were directed to identify the families who have lost their loved ones due to Covid, so that social protection and other necessary support can be extended to them.

In order to provide round the clock support, the Lt Governor directed the District Social Welfare Officers to pay regular visits to such families in their respective areas.

Work with high sensitivity and double your efforts in reaching out to every affected family ensuring that no one is left behind, the Lt Governor told the officials.

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has also initiated a separate scheme named “PM CARES for Children” for the help and empowerment of the children affected by Corona, which will benefit the families of our UT. All the concerned officials should make sure that PM CARES benefits are extended to all the affected families, he added.

The Lt Governor also appreciated the efforts of the Social Welfare Department to identify as many as 512 beneficiaries for scholarship and pensionary support and further called for 100% coverage under the scheme at the earliest.

Simultaneously, the beneficiaries under the scheme received the Scholarship and Pension grants in various locations across the UT.

Pertinently, under the ‘SASCM’ scheme, cash assistance of Rs 1000 per month shall be provided to spouse and the eldest member of the family. Apart from this, the scheme provides for scholarship of Rs 20,000 per annum for school going students and Rs 40,000 per annum for college going students. A family in distress shall be eligible for scholarship for two children, if they are not getting any other scholarship. Besides, the benefits of all the other social welfare schemes, including pensions, etc will be extended to the families.

Farooq Khan, Advisor to Lt Governor; Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor; Pandurang K Pole, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Sheetal Nanda, Secretary, Social Welfare Department; Deputy Commissioners from all districts were present on the occasion, in person and through virtual mode.

Srinagar:  Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, in his message on the eve of “National Doctors’ Day” has expressed his deepest gratitude to all the doctors for epitomizing sacrifice and dedication in the face of this unprecedented public health crisis by rendering selfless services to the humanity.

“Our country is grateful for the extraordinary courage and leadership exhibited by the medical fraternity, who along with other frontline workers, have collectively risen as a formidable response to the threat of the pandemic, going above and beyond the call of duty to alleviate human sufferings”, observed the Lt Governor.

Lauding the pivotal role played by the doctors in clinical management of patients, the Lt Governor remarked that doctors have introduced confidence and strength through their perseverance and unwavering commitment in the midst of this new, unprecedented reality, while continuing to aware the world to the dynamics of this novel virus by enriching research and advancing medical knowledge to facilitate the emergence of a worldwide response to the pandemic.

This day marks a great significance for recognizing and honouring the invaluable contributions of the doctors who have been fighting on the front lines of the COVID pandemic. “I call upon everyone to take this day as an opportunity to appreciate the services of the doctors who have been effectively caring for the sick and promoting good health, at a great personal cost and sacrifice”, said the Lt Governor.

New Delhi: A day ahead of National Doctors Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India is proud of the efforts of all doctors in fighting COVID-19.

The Prime Minister will address Doctors on National Doctors Day on Thursday at 1500 hrs.

The programme is being organised by the Indian Medical Association (IMA). July 1 is marked as National Doctors Day.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, “India is proud of the efforts of all doctors in fighting COVID-19. 1st July is marked as National Doctors Day. At 3 PM tomorrow will address the doctors the community at a programme organised by @IMAIndiaOrg.”

The Doctors’ Day is observed in the honour of noted doctor and former West Bengal chief minister Bidhan Chandra Roy, whose birth and death anniversaries fall on July 1. (UNI)

By: Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir reported 364 fresh covid-19 cases while seven more people succumbed to the virus in the last 24 hours, officials said on Wednesday.

They said 149 of the fresh cases were reported from Jammu Division and 215 from Kashmir Valley, taking the total count to 315662.

Regarding the deaths, they said four were reported from Kashmir Valley and three from Jammu Division, taking the fatality count to 4323.

Providing the district-wide details, the officials said that Srinagar reported 67 cases, Baramulla 32, Budgam 31, Pulwama 7, Kupwara 12, Anantnag 26, Bandipora 10, Ganderbal 9, Kulgam 19, Shopian 3, Jammu 19, Udhampur 8, Rajouri 13, Doda 31, Kathua 3, Samba 2, Kishtwar 14, Poonch 8, Ramban 6 and Reasi 45, all of them travelers.

Moreover, they said, 562 more COVID-19 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours—186 from Jammu Division and 376 from Kashmir.  So far 306739 patients have recovered, leaving active cases at 4600—1928 in Jammu and 2672 in Kashmir.

There was no new confirmed case of mucormycosis (black fungus) reported today and thus the cumulative number of confirmed cases remained 29 in J&K.

A number of fresh covid-19 cases were confirmed at diagnostic labouratories of CD hospital here and GMC Anantnag respectively.

The CD cases include male (33) from Natipora, female (40) from Hyderpora, female (25) from Gulshan Nagar, male (60) from Padshahi Bagh, female (25) from Mehjoor Nagar, male (60) from Awantipora Pul, male (25) from Sonasamil Pul, female (22) from Rajpora Pul, female (27) from Bellow Pul, female (20) from Babhara Pul, male (33) from Barsoo, female (39) from Malangpora, male (Na) from Moominabad Srg, male (60) from Habakadal, male (12) from Kupwara, female (9) from Tangmarg, male (40) from J&K, male (20) from Anantnag, male (30) from Kupwara, female (75) from Tengpora Srg, female (60) from Kangan Ganderbal, male (65) from Pulwama, female (51) from Chanapora, male (29) from Narwara, female (55) from Chanapora, female (1) from Eidgah, male (24) from Kralpora, male (62) from Alochibagh, female (20) from Bemina, male (34) from Batmaloo, male (32) from Nawakadal, female (35) from Naikbagh.

The GMC cases include male (40) from Sehpora, female (30) from Hawoora, male (51) from Katrasoo, female (35) from Jablipora Bij, male (29) from Paraninagar Malda West Bengal, male (45) from Balampur Malda West Bengal, female (20) from Sangam Bij, female (13) from Pazalpora Bij, female (26) from Awantipora Pul, two males (58, 20) from Sirhama Bij, female (48) from Khiram Bij, male (39) from Marhama Bij, male (24) from Sethar Sangam, female (48) from Nowshera Khiram, male (23) from Zirpara Bij, male (52) from Khiram Durpora, male (40) from Dandipora, male (65) from Gopalpora, male (42) from Brakpora, female (40) from Verinag Dooru, female (26) from Omoh Verinag, male (60) from Sadiwara Verinag, female (40) from Panzoo Verinag, male (25) from Fethpora Dooru, female (25) from Zamalgam, male (31) from Maharashtra, female (60) from Zarpora Ang, two males (52, 15) and female (35) from Nai Basti, male (15) from Checki Hassanabad, male (30) from Panzmulla Salia, female (16) from Nagbal Hapatnard, female (30) from Litter Pul and male (35) from Diwalgam Kokernag. (GNS)

New Delhi: India recorded 45,951 fresh cases of the novel coronavirus and 817 deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of infections to 3,03,62,848 and fatalities to 3,98,454, the Union Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

A total of 60,729 patients recuperated during the past 24 hours, pushing the number of recoveries to 2,94,27,330. With these new recoveries, recovery rate jumped from 96.87 to 96.92 per cent.

Meanwhile, the death toll stands at 1.31 per cent.

Now, active cases further declined to 5,37,064, which constitute 1.77 per cent of the total cases, shows the data.

Meanwhile, weekly positivity rate is currently pegged at 2.69 per cent.

Daily positivity rate was recorded at 2.34 per cent, less than five per cent for 23 consecutive days, the Ministry added.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a total of 41,01,00,044 samples were tested so far for coronavirus. Of this, 19,60,757 were tested on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, 33,28,54,527 doses have been administered since January 16 this year, of which 36,51,983 were administered in the past 24 hours.

On Tuesday, India saw 37,566 COVID cases and 970 deaths. (UNI)

By: PK Correspondent

Anantnag: In a bid to prevent possible COVID-19 resurgence and damage to ecosystem of Pahalgam due to heavy tourist influx off late, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag Dr Piyush Singla on Wednesday barred day picnickers from visiting the tourist resort on weekends.

He has also announced that anyone found violating the COVID-19 SOPs will be fined Rs 1000.

SDPOs Srigufwara and Aishmuqam have been asked to establish checkpoints at Aishmuqam, Langanbal, Nunwan and Srigufwara to ensure only bonafide tourists having advance hotel bookings are allowed an entry.

Further, SSP has been asked to work out ways to reduce influx of visitors to the site while as traffic authorities will ensure smooth movement of vehicles especially at congestion points.

The order also prohibited haphazard pitching of tents and cooking at random places and directed concerned officials to designate particular areas for the tents.

Tehsildar Pahalgam and Assistant Director Tourism, have been directed to ensure compliance to Covid Appropriate Behavior by all the hotels.

‘Rs 5 Cr being spent on safety equipment this year’

Srinagar: Principal Secretary, Power Development Department (PDD), Rohit Kansal Wednesday remarked that the motto of the department is to ensure a zero accident system. He was speaking in a function organised to observe the National Electrical Safety Week.

He also informed that the department is spending nearly Rs 5 crores for various safety devices this year. He also revealed that 12,000 employees at the field levels had been insured this year.

It may be mentioned that the week from 26th June to 2nd July is being observed as Electrical Safety Week throughout the country and a number of events, safety workshops and mock drills are being organised in this connection. In J&K too, the week is being observed across various divisions and offices of the PDD and safety pledges are being administered to staff and officers. In Jammu, the same was led by the Managing Directors of the Corporations, JPDCL and JKPTCL, Gurmeet Singh and Nasib Singh.

Speaking at the event organised at Electric Division Rajbagh in Srinagar, Kansal observed that safety cannot be a one time or part time affair and constant alertness and observance of SoPs is required. He emphasized on ensuring operationalization of every layer of protection, be it personal protection or system isolators and other protective equipment.

Kansal further exhorted upon the staff especially the field staff to operate system protection measures like use of isolators and temporary earthing before taking up any  tasks in the field. He advised them to work as per the SoPs and liaise with the feeder managers so that there is no miscommunication between them. He stated that if all  SoPs are faithfully implemented the chances of accidents would be eliminated.

He further emphasised that feeder managers and other staff are accountable for safety and that they should ensure that before taking up any of the repair work adequate communication at all levels to ensure shutdowns is made. They should also encourage and ensure use of personal protection gear like safety belt, hand gloves, helmet, shoes with rubber soles and reflective jackets. He warned that there would be zero tolerance for accidents and all cases of negligence would invite action.

The MD, KPDCL, Basharat Qayoom revealed on the occasion that the corporation has procured safety equipments for the protection of the field staff and much more is going to be done including installation of isolators on HT lines and other systemic measures. He enjoined upon the field staff that there should be no reluctance in use of safety gear and other measures as human lives are precious than anything else.

He said that our slogan should be ‘Safety First’. He said that the corporation has framed the necessary SoPs for the field staff to adhere to and is also creating a safety manual for all of them. He divulged that every electric division of valley is observing this week by organizing mock drills, seminars and awareness programmes.

Later on the Principal Secretary distributed the safety gear like hand gloves, Jackets etc among the field staff of Electric Sub Division, Raj Bagh. He encouraged all of them to take full advantage of the distributed material for their safety and protection.

Jammu: Four people, including a two-year-old boy, died after a vehicle carrying labourers plunged into a deep gorge after it met with an accident near Khooni Nallah along Jammu-Srinagar national highway in Ramban district on Wednesday morning, police said.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ramban P D Nitya said that at around 0530 hours, a vehicle on its way from Jammu to Srinagar carrying labourers, met with an accident and plunged into gorge near Khooni Nallah.

Immediately upon receiving the information, the SSP said that police along with QRT, UTDRF and Army teams launched the search and rescue operations.

Four people, including the two-year-old child, were rescued, but he later succumbed to his injuries at District Hospital Ramban.

She said that three more persons were found dead during the rescue operation.

The toddler was identified as Aryan, son of Deepak Sahu, resident of Chhattisgarh, while the other victims identity is being ascertained.

Other injured persons namely Narayan Manji,21, son of Ramesh Manji, Dinesh Kumar,19, son of Baghi Rath and Maghe Lal,17, son of Amar Singh, Dhoop Chand,21, all from Chhattisgarh, are hospitalised. (UNI)

By: Owais Gul

Srinagar: Over 500 suicide cases from different areas of the Valley have been reported at Srinagar’s Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) hospital in last one year, officials said Wednesday.

Officials while sharing details said that most of such cases reported at the hospital are those who have consumed poisonous substances.

From last one year, a total of 515 people, who were brought to this hospital, had consumed poisonous substances, officials said, adding that 172 among them are male while 343 are female.

They informed that from April this year, a total of 17 persons were brought to SMHS, who had committed suicide by hanging themselves at different places. They said most of them were brought dead to the hospital.

The officials further said that at least 15 cases of suicides by jumping into water bodies have been reported at the hospital since April, 2021.

Meanwhile, the experts said that the parents can play a pivotal role in curbing the number of cases.

Dr. Junaid Nabi, a psychiatrist said that intolerance power among the people has resulted in an increase in the suicidal cases, adding that job loss and drug abuse is also among the causes, which has recorded an increase in the suicide cases.

He said that killing oneself is not a solution, there is a need to put efforts to curb the number, adding that the parents can play a pivotal role in this matter. “We should talk to the people facing mental issues and help them to come out from such a situation,” he said. (KNO)