By: Bhat Imran

Srinagar: The government on Tuesday said that the virtual classes for Pre-Primary and Primary classes shall not exceed the time limit of 30 minutes and 90 minutes a day.

The guidelines were issued a day after Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha directed the School Education Department to frame new virtual classes guidelines for minor students.

According to the new guidelines for the Pre-Primary students, the School Education Department has set the cap of 30 minutes a day to conduct the virtual classes.

Similarly for the students upto 8th standard, the government has said, “Online synchronous learning may be undertaken for not more than two sessions of 30-45 minutes each on the working days.”

The department also recommended that for the classes 9-12th, online synchronous learning may be undertaken for not more than four sessions of 30-45 minutes each on the working days.

Stating the specific guidelines related to Preschool students of Grades-1 and II, the government asked the School Education Department to plan joyful learning experiences for digital and online learning as they do for face-to-face.

“Daily life experiences must be shared for enhancing their competency and interesting assignments shall be given to the children such as listening, and reading, stories followed by activities like drawing inferences, adding or changing the climax at the end, picture reading, art and craft, puzzles, simple observation projects and learning new words,” the government said.

The School Education Department has also directed to organize brief and casual meetings with the parents and children through video conferencing occasionally and give them a chance to narrate their feelings and experiences.

Srinagar: Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCC&I) and Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SMCCI) in a virtual meeting developed a consensus to create a joint road map and collaborate to boost business, promote tourism, work on human resources and upgrade health sectors.

According to spokesperson, KCC&I Farooq Amin, in the initial phase, perishable products like apple, edible tin food will be exported. “We are also planning for a weeklong food festival that will cater Kashmiri cuisine in Singapore targeting audiences specifically Singaporean Malays and Indians residing in Singapore,” he added as per a statement issued here.

As the tourism has received severe setback due to successive lockdowns, KCCI is expecting to boost the tourism sector once the life gets back to pre-pandemic normal. “We shall focus on bringing tourist from Singapore to Kashmir. Our plan will be to tie-up local travel agencies both in Singapore and Kashmir with the respective Chambers and come up with travel packages,” said the spokesperson.

As the Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on economies, President KCCI Sheikh Aashiq Ahmad, in an interaction with his SMCCI counterpart Farid Khan, expressed his vision to bring Kashmir to the limelight of opportunities and bring more employment and income to the people of Kashmir.

According to its spokesperson, the President expressed the need to start with trading and exporting small goods to Singapore that are already popular in India. “The President expressed willingness to internationalize the Kashmir goods and invite world tourist to the valley,” said spokesperson.

President, SMCCI, Farid Khan, shared his vision to create a unified Muslim force that trade with each other and create a strong market. The millionaire businessman, Farid has been trading in Azerbaijan and other central Asian countries and envisions connecting with India and Kashmir as one his mission too.

Further, the duo discussed on augmenting health care infrastructure to save human live. President, KCCI stressed on the need of building a multi-speciality hospital in Srinagar City (Kashmir) that will cater to most advanced healthcare services. “We look forward to this project and are ready to bring in expertise from Singapore to Kashmir,” said President.

Further, in a bid to promote local talent pool and impart trainings in different areas especially human resources and Information Technology, KCCI and SMCCI agreed to utilize skills of industry experts to impart skills.

Wasim Roungah, Chief Digital & Technology Officer ( Co-Founder) – UCS Global who is an industry expert in Information Technology sector with over 20 years’ experience in multiple countries and regions, aims to grow his business in South East Asia and Middle East, attracting talent from Kashmir, Singapore and Malaysia. As he has started a new journey with his own IT Company with headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, his goal is to train and mentor the new generation to grow in the right direction and create a talent pool based in Kashmir and Malaysia, the spokesperson added.

Some of the other members who also participated in the virtual meeting include, Mushtaq Ahmad and Sakib Bazaz.

Mushtaq is Chairman of STIE PTE Ltd over more than two decades of experience years of experience in the engineering solutions industry. Under his leadership, STIE PTE Ltd has achieved sustained growth, and cemented itself as a business that transforms essential services through constant innovation.

Similarly, Sakib, President for Strategic Alliances at STIE has over 12 years’ experience in the field of strategic alliance, research and consulting. He has worked in India and Singapore for MNCs and local companies in the business development division and brought business worth millions with new alliances and sales.

“His role will be to connect Kashmir, Malay, and Muslim communities across board to build synergies,” said KCCI spokesperson adding that we look forward to get this project work pace up and work together as a team to reach the goals.

By: Asif Iqbal

Srinagar: Renowned Jammu-based Islamic scholar Mufti Faiz-ul-Waheed passed away on Tuesday. He was laid to rest at Medina Hills Bhatindi – adjacent to his founded Islamic seminary Madrassa Markaz Maarif Ul Quran – in Jammu district.

The 55-year-acclaimed scholar passed away this morning, nearly two weeks after he was admitted to Acharaya Shri Chander College of Medical Science (ASCOMS) Jammu.

In due diligence to Covid-19 protocols, nearly thirty rounds of funeral prayers were intermittently held, which saw bifurcation of a particular number of people for each instance. Among those leading the prayers’ of the deceased scholar included Chief Patron Dar-ul-Uloom Raheemiya Maulana Rehmatulla Qasmi and acclaimed Fiqh scholar Mufti Nazir Ahmad Qasmi.

Mufti Faiz-ul-Waheed  had, as per a colleague, developed health related complications and was subsequently taken to ASCOMS Hospital on May 23 and remained on ‘life supportive system’ – ventilator – up to his demise around 7:30 AM this morning.

Earlier, Medical Superintendent ASCOMS Rabbinder Ratan Pal said that the patient was on ‘life-supporting system with multiple organ failure’ since his admission to the health facility.

The mortal remains of Mufti Faiz-ul-Waheed reached Medina Hills Bhatindi this afternoon. The authorities pre-empting convergence on the demise of celebrated scholar had made elaborate arrangements at the venue.

With regard to funeral prayers, a particular number of people were allowed to participate for each instance, and as learnt some thirty rounds of prayers were held intermittently – to make sure that due regard was given to the Covid-related protocols.

Besides Maulana Rehmatulla Qasmi and Mufti Nazir Ahmad Qasmi, many other Valley-based scholars including Mufti Aijaz Ahmad Banday and Mufti Mohammad Sultan from Srinagar, Mufti Shafiq-ur-Rehman from Shopian and Mufti Sajad-ur-Rehman from Kupwara reached the venue.

Meanwhile condolences have been pouring in from different quarters on the sad demise of the acclaimed scholar, credited for being the first Islamic scholar to translate the Holy Quran in Gojri language.

Extending condolence in audio message Deputy Patron Dar-ul-Uloom Deoband Maulana Khaliq Madrasi hailed Mufti Faiz-ul-Waheed as one of the top-scholars’ of current times. “I was shocked at learning the demise of Mufti Faiz-ul-Waheed”, Madrasi said, adding, “He was one of the best scholar in current times whose efforts in enlightening the people were being highly applauded by everyone.”

Mufti Mohammad Ishaq Nazki, a renowned tutor of Hadith and Fiqh at Dar-ul-Uloom Raheemiya remembering the deceased scholar as a close friend. “The untimely demise of ‘Mufti Sahab’ has created a void that will be too difficult to be fulfilled. I have been with him since my days of yore and have found him a highly compassionate soul always,” he said adding, “His unparalleled services will be remembered always.”

Meanwhile Jammu Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) President, Member of Parliament Dr Farooq Abdullah, and Vice President Omar Abdullah expressed profound grief over the demise of Mufti Faiz ul Waheed.

Paying rich tributes to the scholar, they said Mufti sahib will be remembered for his ease of illuminating exposition of Islamic tenants and various facets of the holy Quran and the Hadith. Late Mufti sahib, the duo said, was a highly erudite personality with illustrious works in the field of jurisprudence and translation of various Arabic texts to his credit.

In his passing away, they said, Jammu and Kashmir has lost a scholar, who had made teaching and peace building his sole purpose in life. They prayed for peace to the departed in the highest stations of Jannat. They also expressed unison with his admirers, family and friends in their hour of grief and loss.

Apni Party Chairperson Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari in his condolence message hailed the deceased scholar as a spiritual leader, who according to him was always inspiring the people towards the path of peace and serenity. “The deceased was a prominent Islamic scholar and a noted orator who during his lifetime always stressed on the necessity of cultivating values of philanthropy, simplicity and modest living among the people,” he said, adding, “His contribution to the society will always be remembered as he is the first Islamic scholar who translated the Holy Quran into Gojri Language besides authoring several other books.”

Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Ghulam Ahmad Mir termed the passing away of Mufti Faiz-ul-Waheed ‘as an irreparable loss to people of J&K.’

“I was deeply shocked to learn about the passing away of Mufti Faiz-ul-Waheed and have no words to express my grief,” Mir said in a statement.

“Mufti was credited of first translating Holy Quran into Gojri language, which was indeed a big contribution on the part of Mufti Saheb to people of J&K”, Mir remarked.

Meanwhile condolences have poured in from other organizations who unequivocally have hailed Mufti Faiz-ul-Waheed as one of the erudite scholar of his times.

Mufti Faiz-ul-Waheed was born in 1966 in Dodhasan Bala in Rajouri district. Besides translating the Islamic Quran into Gojri language, he has also authored several booklets including ‘Siraj-um-Muneera’, ‘Ahkam-e-Mayyat’ and ‘Namaz Kae Masayil Quran-o-Hadees Ki Roshni Mei’. Before developing the health complications, Mufti Faiz-ul-Waheed is said have even completed Urdu translation of nearly seven Quranic chapters.

The acclaimed scholar was an authority in Fiqh – Islamic Jurisprudence (Sharia Law) – in the city of Jammu besides being the patron of an Islamic seminary Madrassa Markaz Maarif Ul Quran in Medina Hill, Bhatindi in Jammu. (GNS)

Srinagar: The Managing Director of Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), Dr Basharat Qayoom Tuesday chaired a review meeting in the Conference Hall of KPDCL & took a detailed review of Projects under various Central Sponsored Schemes viz R-APDRP, IPDS, PMDP, DDUGJY in Kashmir Valley.

The meeting was attended by Chief Engineer Distribution Er. Ajaz Ahmad Dar, Chief Engineer Projects Er. Javaid Yousuf Dar, All Superintending Engineers of Distribution & Project wings of KPDCL. The CEO IT&C, Executive Engineer STD Bijbehara and representatives of RECPDCL and M/s WEBCOS (PMA for IPDS) were also present in the meeting.

The MD was briefed by respective PIAs about Scheme Wise progress made till date and informed likely completion of various Works/projects under different schemes. The meeting was informed that twenty (21) out of seventy (70) receiving stations (RS) have been completed till date and ten (10) R/Stns are likely to be completed in the month of July 2021.

The Managing Director, KPDCL, gave strict directions to the executing agency for adherence to the timelines for completions of various projects under different schemes.

The issues regarding hampering of work at new 10MVA R/Stn at Ranger, Chadoora & augmentation of Safa Kadal R/Stn from 6.3MVA to 10MVA under PMDP-Urban were also discussed in the meeting and MD KPDCL stressed on making efforts to resolve the same on fast track basis. The MD KPDCL also directed the concern to complete the work of Hachaipora 6.3MVA R/Stn under DDUGJY on priority.

Also, the issue of additional funds for 33KV Bandipora –Gurez line was decided to be put forth before the next BoD meeting. The chair further laid stress on works under DDUGJY and GIS Substations under IPDS and informed all the executing agencies that no further extension will be granted from the Ministry of Power, Govt of India, and as such physical and financial component of works be completed by or before the deadline fixed by Ministry of Power, GoI.

In the meeting, sluggish performance of M/s Shalaka Infra was noted seriously and it was decided that a one on one meeting with the TKC be called soon to fixing responsibility for the delay in execution.
Further the Chair was informed about the persistent ROW issues at various works of RAPDRP –B and IPDS schemes. MD KPDCL directed the concerned Officers to take up the issue with the respective District Magistrates and submit the progress on a regular basis.

The MD KPDCL also directed to expedite the process of appointing PMA for Barbed wire Scheme for early settlement of financial liabilities of completed works.

The MD KPDCL also issued directions for handover / takeover of various Receiving Stations already completed, to be carried out on priority basis after settlement of punch issues, if any. MD KPDCL was also appraised that more than 90% of street lighting work pertaining to KPDCL stands completed.

Srinagar: The Crime Branch Kashmir (CBK) Tuesday produced a challan against 20 accused persons regarding fake appointments in Municipal Committee Kokernag.

As per a statement, CBK produced a challan before the Court of Special Judge Anti Corruption Anantnag in a case under FIR number 22/2011 under section 420, 467, 468, 471, 201, 120-B RPC r/w 5(1) d, 5(2) PC Act of P/S Crime Branch Kashmir.

The accused persons as per the statement include Dost Mohammad Khan, son of Noor Khaliq Khan of Chatti Singh Pora Anantnag, Ex- Administrator NAC Kokernag (Main Accused), Nazir Ahmad Das, I/C Establishment, Deceased (Main accused), Mohammad Hussain Nanda, son of Mohammad Shaban of Khanabal Anantnag (Beneficiary), Mohammad Shafi Khan, son of Dost Mohammad Khan of Chatti Singh Pora Anantnag (Beneficiary), Mohammad Ayoub Magray, son of Abdul Gani Magray of Kamad Anantnag (Beneficiary), Aijaz Hussain Malik, son of Ghulam Ahmad Malik of Sheer Hamdan Anantnag (Beneficiary), Shabir Ahmad Ganie, son of Ghulam Hassan Ganie of Rohu Papibal Anantnag (Beneficiary), Mohammad Yusuf Mir, son of Ab. Rehman Mir of Kanjikulla Kulgam (Beneficiary), Mohammad Farooq Bhat, son of Mohammad Subhan of Sagam Hergam Booch Kokernag Anantnag (Beneficiary), Bashir Ahmad Agoo, son of Assadullah Agoo of Kutpora Nagam Soafshali Kokernag Anantnag (Beneficiary), Tawqeer Ahmad Dar, son of Abdul Majeed Dar of Buchoo Kokernag Anantnag (Beneficiary), Mohammad Ashraf Lone, son of Abdul Gani Lone of Lessu Brannar Larnoo Anantnag (Beneficiary), Abdul Gani Mir, son of Sona Ullah Mir of Mirpora Wandevalgam Anantnag (Beneficiary), Adil Hussain Shah, son of Ghulam Mohammad Shah of Bidder Kokernag Anantnag (Beneficiary), Ghulam Mohammad Mir, son of Abdul Kabir Mir of Zangalpora Kulgam (Beneficiary), Mohammad Ayoub Bhat, son of Abdul Rehman Bhat of Batagund Dooru Anantnag (Beneficiary), Ghulam Mohidin Dar, son of Abdul Rehman Dar of Zangalpora Kulgam, Deceased (Beneficiary), Dawood Ahmad Mir, son of Abdul Razak Mir of Bogam Kulgam (Beneficiary), Saleem Ahmad Ganie, son of Abdul Gani Ganie of Tral (Beneficiary) and Ghulam Ahmad Bhat, son of Ghulam Qadir Bhat of Sagam Khalhar Kokernag Anantnag (Beneficiary).

“The CBK had received a court order to enquire as to whether the appointments have been made in accordance with the rules and regulations governing the recruitment as incorporated under J&K Civil Services (classifications, control & appeal) Rules 1956,” it said.

During the course of investigation, the statement said that records having bearing on the subject were seized and the statements of the persons acquainted with the facts were recorded. “The perusal of the seized records and recorded statements , established that the accused No. 1 Dost Mohammad Khan was holding the charge of Administrator Notified Area Committee (NAC) Kokernag from June 1996 to March 2000. As per the records the beneficiaries were appointed on different posts whose appointment orders are purported to have been signed by Accused No. 1.”

“During the course of investigation, it surfaced that as per section 52 of SRO 528 of 1974 , the accused Dost Mohammad Khan was empowered to appoint employees with a monthly salary less than Rs. 170/=. But the accused Dost Mohammad Khan had not followed the norms and directives according to SRO 528 Dated 21.10.1974 while making these appointments. Pertinent to mention here, that the grade which exceeds Rs. 170/= per month and does not exceed Rs. 250/= per month did not fall in competence of accused Dost Mohammad Khan. It also surfaced during the investigation that the accused persons S.No 09 to 20 were found to have illegally and dishonestly appointed by Accused No.2 by making fake entries in the service books of the said accused beneficiaries.”

By: Murtaza Mushtaq

Handwara/Srinagar: A hailstorm wrecked havoc in parts of Kashmir Valley including northern Kupwara district’s Handwara, damaging orchards and standing crops on Tuesday.

Reports said that the hailstorm started at around 2:43 p.m. in Mawer Qalamabad Handwara’s Lawoosa, Yahama, Mawer Bala, Sanzipora, Qalamabad, Audoora, Chontipora and Drangsoo shahnagri Villages. It lasted for about 10 minutes, causing an extensive damage to orchards including apple, almond, walnut and cherry besides standing crops, vegetables and paddy saplings.

The hailstorm also devastated orchards and other standing crops in Ramhal area hamlets including in Harduna, Lillam, Kuneal, Dharael and Tarathpora.

A senior Horticulture official said that as per preliminary assessment, the hailstorm resulted in damage to nearly substantial percent of the expected production across over a dozen hamlets in Handwara and its adjacent areas.

Meanwhile, people especially orchardists were seen consoling each other on the loss to expected production. “We have lost our major source of income”, an orchardist said.

“The hailstorm has dashed our hopes amid this pandemic, what we will do now”, the grieving orchardist said. Similar scenes were witnessed at many other affected places in the area.

A group of affected orchardists urged the government to carry assessment of the damage caused and accordingly devise some relief plan to compensate them.

It is pertinent to mention here that a hailstorm of similar magnitude on May 6, as reported, dealt a severe blow to the orchards and standing crops in several areas in Handwara.

Meanwhile, hailstorm and loss caused by it was also reported from parts of Srinagar, especially on its eastern side, and other various districts. (GNS)

Srinagar: A man was arrested after thirty five years after filing of a case among others on charges of criminal breach of trust in Reasi district on Monday, officials said.

In a statement, police said that team of Police Station Arnas arrested absconder Mohd Shafi son of Lala Bakerwal resident Matlote, an wanted criminal accused under section 406, 34 & 224 RPC, after a hunt of long 35 years.

The statement further stated that on 6th of November 1986 Police Station Mahore received a written application from Shivsaran son of Ganga Ram in which complainant claimed that his sheep which were entrusted to Mohd Shafi for grazing and taking care had been sold by him and others, thus causing criminal breach of trust. Once the matter came to police & investigation started after lodging Case FIR number 128/1986  Dated 06/11/1986 U/S 406, 34 RPC of Police Station Mahore, the accused went underground & was evading arrest after commission of offence.

After hectic efforts he was arrested but on 08/01/1987 accused Mohd Shafi escaped from police custody, they said.

Therefore, another FIR no. 6/1987 U/S 224 RPC was lodged against him but the accused couldn’t be apprehended as he kept on changing his locations in grazing pastures in dhoks in militancy infested areas of Kashmir, they said.

Meanwhile, investigating officer of the case proved offence against the accused challaned both cases the court of law, Mahore on 30/06/1987. Later Mahore court issued two warrants against accused on 17/07/1987 and 29/09/1987 in case FIR no 06/1987 U/S 224 and FIR no. 128/1987 U/S 406, 34 RPC respectively under section 512 CrPC, they said.

Accused kept on evading arrest for the last 35 years by frequently changing his locations in remote areas, they said.

The spokesman while elaborating said that team of  Police Station Arnas by putting strenuous efforts with a meticulous planning and effective coordination developed a specific input, which led to his arrest from dhoks in Banihal falling under district Ramban and produced in the court of law. The court released accused on interm bail for four days on production of personal surety bond of Rs 50,000.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Reasi Shailender Singh has geared up his police team to put the criminals & absconders behind the bars so that peace loving citizens  can sleep peacefully. This is the arrest of Eleventh absconder by Reasi police with in last Six weeks, reads the statement.

Exams can’t be reason to put youth of country at risk: PM

New Delhi: In view of the uncertain conditions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic and the feedback obtained from the various stakeholders, the CBSE Class XII board exams for 2021 were cancelled on Tuesday.

The decision was taken after a key meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Cabinet ministers and the concerned officials.

It was decided that the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will take steps to compile the results of Class XII students as per a well-defined objective criteria in a time-bound manner, the PMO said.

It was also decided that like last year, in case some students desire to take the exams, such an option would be provided to them by CBSE, as and when the situation becomes conducive.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the officials submitted a detailed presentation for the Prime Minister on the wide and extensive consultations held so far on the matter and the views received from all the stakeholders, including the state governments.

Modi said that the decision on Class XII CBSE exams has been taken in the interest of the students, adding that Covid-19 has affected the academic calendar and the issue of board exams was causing immense anxiety among the students, parents and teachers, which had to come to an end.

The Prime Minister said that the Covid situation is a dynamic situation across the country. While the numbers are coming down and some states are managing the situation through effective micro-containment measures, some states have opted for lockdowns.

The students, parents and teachers are naturally worried about the health of the students in such a situation, Modi said, adding that the students should not be forced to appear for exams in such a stressful situation.

The Prime Minister stressed that the health and safety of the students are of utmost importance and there would be no compromise on this aspect.

He said that in today’s time, such exams cannot be the reason to put the youth of the country at risk.

The Prime Minister said that all the stakeholders need to show sensitivity for the students, as he directed the officials to ensure that the results are prepared in accordance with well-defined criteria, in a fair and time-bound manner.

Referring to the wide consultative process, Modi expressed appreciation that a student-friendly decision has been reached after consulting all the stakeholders from across the length and breadth of the country. He also thanked the states for providing valuable feedback on this issue.

The Prime Minister had earlier held a high-level meeting on the matter on May 21, which was attended by the ministers and concerned officials.

Thereafter, a meeting under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was held on May 23. Various options for conducting the CBSE exams were discussed in the meeting and feedback was taken from the states and UTs.

Tuesday’s meeting was attended by Union Ministers of Home, Defence, Finance, Commerce, Information & Broadcasting, Petroleum and Women & Child Development ministries, the Principal Secretary to the PM, Cabinet Secretary and Secretaries of School Education & Higher Education Departments, among other officials.