Srinagar: As it has already been advised by medical experts to wear masks, keep distance and maintain sanitation in order to prevent the spread of Covid19, the Office of Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India Thursday stressed the importance of ventilation in its recent advisory to curb the Covid19’s effect.

An official communiqué said that the office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India has issued a simple easy to follow guideline to “Stop the Transmission, Crush the Pandemic – Masks, distance, sanitation and ventilation to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus” as the pandemic rages in India, we need to once again remember that simple tools and practices can reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus.

It stated that the advisory highlights the important role well-ventilated spaces play in diluting the viral load of infected air in poorly ventilated houses, offices etc. Ventilation can decrease the risk of transmission from one infected person to the other.

“Just as smells can be diluted from the air through opening windows and doors and using exhaust systems, ventilating spaces with improved directional air flow decreases the accumulated viral land in the air, reducing the risk of transmission,” reads the statement.

It further said that ventilation is a community defense that protects all of us at home or at work. Introducing outdoor air in offices, homes and larger public spaces is advised. Measures to improve ventilation in these spaces must be taken up on urgent priority in urban and rural areas alike, recommendations for hutments, homes, offices and large centralised buildings are given. Simple strategic placement of fans, open windows and doors, even slightly open windows can introduce outdoor air and improve the air quality inside. Introduction of cross ventilation and exhaust fans will be beneficial in curtailing the spread of the disease.

In buildings with central air-management systems improving central air filtration /increased filtration efficiency is especially helpful when enhanced outdoor air delivery options are limited. In offices, auditoriums, shopping malls etc. use of gable fan systems and roof ventilators are recommended. Frequent cleaning and replacement of filters is highly recommended, it added.

“Saliva and nasal discharge in the form of droplets and aerosols, by an infected person while exhaling, talking, speaking, singing, laughing, coughing or sneezing etc. is the primary mode of virus transmissions,” read the statement, adding, “an infected person who shows no symptoms also transmit the virus. People without symptoms can spread the virus. People should continue wearing a mask, wear double masks or a N95 mask.”

The SARS-CoV-2 virus infects a human host where it can multiply, in the absence of the host it cannot survive, and stopping the transmission of the virus from a person to another person will decrease the infection rate of the disease to a level where it can eventually die. This can be achieved only with the support and cooperation of individuals, communities, local bodies and authorities. Use of masks, ventilation, distancing, and sanitation, the battle against the virus can be won, it added.

Srinagar:  Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Thursday fervently appealed to the government for the monetary compensation of vulnerable sections of the society impacted due to Corona Curfew.

As per a statement issued here, a delegation of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) led by President Sheikh Ashiq and Secretary-general Farooq Amin, met Advisor to Lt. Governor, Baseer Ahmad Khan and highlighted the crisis of the economically vulnerable sections of the society impacted due to pandemic triggered lockdown.

The delegation was accompanied by the presidents of other associations like trade, transport, tourism, and other allied sectors like Kashmir Traders and Manufactures Federation (KTMF), Federation chamber of industries kashmir (FCIK), Houseboat Associations, who also highlighted these issues and briefed about the problems they are facing due to the prevailing situation. The delegation appreciated the government!s Covid19 management and extended all support to the efforts to contain the contagion, said spokesperson, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).

“They fervently appealed for the monetary compensation of vulnerable sections of the society impacted due to Corona Curfew.”

The delegation, statement said, thanked J&K LG Manoj Sinha, for announcing relief measures for Covid-19 affected people. Pertinent to mention, it was after the request of President KCCI, that the government announced relief measures to all registered construction workers, “ponywalas” ,palkiwalas! and “pithuwalas for the next two months. However, they requested LG to extend the relief measures and compensation to other impacted sectors of the society who also live from hand to mouth and have been impacted due to pandemic lockdowns like artisans, waivers, transporters, small shopkeepers, street vendors and industrial labourers.

He suggested augmenting monthly monetary assistance to the families so that that they can afford the cost of two meals a day, said its spokesperson. A substantial amount of Rs 5000 per month be provided to the vulnerable sections of society whose livelihoods have taken a hit. As the lockdown continues due to the raging virus, he urged the government to continue to provide free ration for people living Below Poverty Line (BPL) for at least 2 months. “It is also necessary to ensure a safe corridor for the movement of goods which would save the goods from getting expired and also generate revenue for the Government by way of taxes.”

Besides that he suggested the smooth supplies of essential products and facilitating the smooth operations in delivering essential commodities like food products and FMCG. In this second mutant wave of the pandemic as oxygen has emerged as the priced commodity, he suggested hassle-free oxygen and medical supplies in the hospitals and other places of need. As the essential commodities workers are exposed to contagion, he urged the government to prioritize their vaccination. Further, in order to ensure that the contagion is contained and prevent its spread, he requested the government to ensure proper fumigation of public places and contaminating zones.

“As the valley has been reeling under successive lockdowns and has seen very little business activity in the last few years, the delegation urged the government to come up with a policy so that losses can be compensated even in the future. According to the spokesperson, KCCI will come up with a detailed report regarding suggestions to bring the economy on track again after consulting all the stakeholders in a fortnight’s time.” (GNS)

Srinagar: Office of Lieutenant Governor on Wednesday night notified, via Twitter, into recoveries of over two lac Covid-19 infected patients up to May 19, 2021 in Jammu and Kashmir.

Preceded by “#JammuAndKashmir will win the fight against #COVID19”, the tweet read “202039 Covid Positive patients defeat the virus and recovered till May 19th, 2021.” An illustrated image appended to tweet displayed that 2847780 Covid vaccine doses were administered up to the same period besides it showing that 4338 recoveries being recorded in last twenty-four hours (May 18 – May 19).

In a subsequent tweet, the office informed of a 120-year-old woman Dholi Devi from Udhumpur who ‘took her first dose of the Covid Vaccine’.

“120 years old, a lady Dholi Devi from remote area of Udhampur District took her 1st dose of #CovidVaccine”, reads the tweet. An appended representational picture flaunting the old lady with few health-care workers reads; “120 years old, Dholi Devi, who hails from a remote village Ghar Katiyas of Sub Division Drudu, Udhumpur District turn upto vaccination camp to get first shot of #CovidVaccination.”

“We are very happy to get ‘our eldest member of family vaccinated against the Covid disease”, quoting a family member, the tweet concluded.

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha has ordered the dismissal from government service of suspended Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP), Davinder Singh who has been charged by the NIA for supporting militants.

Together with the suspended DySP, the government also ordered dismissal of two teachers from government service for working against the security of the State.

An order issued by the UT government said today, “The Lt governor is satisfied under sub-clause (c) of the proviso to clause (2) of article 311 of the constitution of India that in the interest of the security of the state it is not expedient to hold an enquiry in the case of Davinder Singh.”

“Accordingly, the Lt Governor hereby dismisses Davinder Singh from service with immediate effect.”

A similar order was passed today by the Lt Governor against two teachers namely Bashir Ahmad Sheikh and Mohammad Yousuf Ganie, both residents of Kupwara district.

Earlier, an Assistant Professor, an executive magistrate (Naib Tehsildar) and a government teacher were dismissed from service by the Lt Governor exercising the same powers. (IANS)

Jammu: Meeting the demand of its employees working under National Pension System (NPS), the government on Thursday issued orders for enhancement of its monthly contribution to 14% from the month of April, 2020.

An S.O to this effect was issued by the Department of Finance today mentioning that “The Government shall make fourteen percent (14%) of matching contribution w.e.f. 01.04.2020”.

The move is going to benefit thousands of employees appointed by the government after 2010 who are being governed under this system.

Pertinent to mention here that the government was making a monthly contribution equivalent to 10% of Basic pay and Dearness allowance of each employee which has now been increased to 14% w.e.f April, 2020 taking its employees at par with those employed by central government.

The employees were demanding the same and the government has fulfilled it also retrospectively from April, 2020 which is going to benefit substantially thousands of employees working under the National Pension System here.

Srinagar: With most parts of the Valley receiving frequent rainfall from the last couple of weeks, the local Meteorological department here has informed that the previous month, April, was coldest after 2006.

It also stated that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has recorded deficit rainfall of 27 per cent in the ongoing season.

Divulging the details, Director Meteorological department (MeT), Sonum Lotus informed that it was cold April after 15 years.

The coldest April in the last two decades was in the year 2006, he informed.

Sharing the details further, Lotus said that the lowest temperature in April, 2021 was recorded on the 3rd of the month at 2.6 degree Celsius. He further informed that in 2006, April 13 had recorded the lowest temperature of 2.2 degree Celsius.

Lotus added that on April 02, 1995, the lowest temperature was recorded at 1.1 degree Celsius, which was coldest since 1980.

Director MeT also informed that 1.6 degree Celsius temperature was recorded on April 01, 1996 as well.

Furthermore, the MeT spokesman while sharing the details said that Jammu and Kashmir has so far recorded 27 per cent deficit rainfall in the ongoing season.

He said that Srinagar, the summer capital of the Union Territory has received excess rainfall of 46 per cent while north Kashmir’s Kupwara district recorded three per cent rainfall.

Meanwhile, MeT officials said that prevailing weather conditions would improve from evening while the weather would remain mostly dry on Friday and Saturday. (KNO)

Srinagar: After witnessing above normal day temperature due to sunshine, the weather yet again changed abruptly in the evening even as rain lashed the summer capital, Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir valley.

However, barring Srinagar, the night temperature remained below normal across the valley, where uncertain weather continued even as people enjoyed sunshine during the day followed by rain and hailstorm in the evening almost every day during the past about a week.

A Met department spokesperson said that light rain and thundershowers would occur at some places in the valley during the next 36 hours.

He said a fresh Western Disturbance (WD), which originated from the Arabian Sea and is approaching the region through Afghanistan and Pakistan, would hit the region on Saturday evening. ”This WD would result in another spell of wet weather for at least three days from Sunday,” he said.

He said there is a prediction of thundershowers, lightning and hail with gusty winds (30-40 km/hour) at isolated places in the valley throughout this week.

People woke up to a sunny Thursday morning in Srinagar, where streets and markers remained deserted for the 22th successive day due to COVID curfew that was extended for another week till May 24 to curtail the spread of the virus. However, as the day progressed, clouds covered the skies in the evening followed by winds and moderate to heavy rain, resulting in dip in the day temperature. The maximum temperature recorded in the city was slight above normal at 25.2 degree, which is considered normal around this time of the year.

Sun played hide and seek at world famous ski resort of Gulmarg, about 55 km from here in north Kashmir, followed by light rain the evening, resulting in dip in the day temperature. The maximum temperature at the ski resort, which remained deserted due to COVID curfew since April 29, settled at 16 degree, which is slightly below normal.

Light rain in the evening was also reported at the world famous tourist resort of Pahalgam, about 100 km from here in south Kashmir. The maximum temperature at the resort, which also remained deserted due to COVID lockdown, settled at 22 degree, which is marginally above normal.

Rain lashed other parts of the valley, including north, central and south Kashmir in the evening after a sunny day. The maximum temperatures at Qazigund, gateway to the valley, Kupwara and tourist resort of Kokernag settled above normal due to sunshine. (UNI)

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Thursday said that its directions regarding ban on all types of constructions in Gulmarg and Tangmarg shall continue.

“The earlier directions of the Court stopping of construction activities at Gulmarg/ Tangmarg, shall remain in operation and if any person is found violating the same and continues with the construction activities his/her property shall be sealed forthwith and that no building or construction material shall be allowed to be transported in the area,” said a division bench of Chief Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul.

“It would be obligatory upon the Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, SSP, Baramulla and the Gulmarg Development Authority to ensure that no construction activities are carried out without the leave of the Court,” the court said, adding, “The Court however do not intend to usurp or take over the functions of the Development Authority or the BOCA and, as such, leaves it open for the authorities to entertain applications for the repairs and constructions of the buildings in accordance with the Master Plan and the By-laws but the sanction, if any, shall not be implemented without taking prior approval of the Court.”

The court also discharged amicus curiae or of any commissioner or the committee regarding the subject matter of the PIL, concerning the illegal and unauthorized constructions being raised in Gulmarg and Tangmarg in violation of the Master Plan.

“Any amicus curiae appointed earlier stands relieved of his office and so are the commissioner(s), if any appointed from time to time. The Committee(s), if any, shall also stand dissolved. It is made clear that on filing of the affidavits as directed above, if necessary, the Court may consider for the appointment of amicus curiae, commissioner or a committee afresh subsequently,” the court said. (GNS)

New Delhi: In view of the hardship being faced by taxpayers on account of the severe Covid-19 pandemic and on consideration of representations received from various stakeholders, the government has decided to provide further relief to taxpayers by extending various time limits of compliances.

Accordingly, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has now extended the due date for furnishing of Return of Income for the Assessment Year 2021-22, which is 31 July, 2021 by a couple of months to 30 September, 2021.

Similarly, the board has also extended the due date of furnishing of Report of Audit under any provision of the Income Tax Act for the Previous Year 2020-21, to October 31, 2021 from the earlier deadline of 30 September, 2021.

Also, the income tax department has extended by a month the time limit for furnishing statement of financial transactions (SFT) by companies to June 30, 2021 from earlier deadline of May 31.

A month’s extension has also been given to taxpayer companies to submit the statement of reportable account for the calendar year 2020 . This can now be submitted upto to June 30, 2021 from earlier May 31, 2021.

Continuing with its exercise to ease compliance burden, the CBDT has also said that the Statement of Deduction of Tax for the last quarter of the Financial Year 2020-21, which is required to be furnished on or before 31 May, 2021 may now be furnished on or before 30th June, 2021.

The CBDT has also provided more time to employers to issue certificates of tax deducted at source in Form 16. It is now required to be furnished to the employee by on or before 15 July, 2021 against earlier 15 June, 2021.

The compliance related to TDS/TCS Book Adjustment Statement in Form No 24G for the month of May 2021, has also been eased. It was required to be furnished on or before 15 June, 2021 and can now be furnished on or before 30 June, 2021.

The CBDT has also extended the date for furnishing the Statement of Deduction of Tax from contributions paid by the trustees of an approved superannuation fund for the Financial Year 2020-21. It was required to be sent on or before 31 May, 2021 and can now be sent on or before 30 June, 2021.

Similarly, the statement of Income paid or credited by an investment fund to its unit holder in Form No 64D for the Previous Year 2020-21, which is required to be furnished on or before 15June, 2021 has been extended to on or before 30June, 2021.

Continuing with its exercise to ease compliance burden, the CBDT also said that the statement of Income paid or credited by an investment fund to its unit holder in Form No 64C for the Previous Year 2020-21, which is required to be furnished on or before 30June, 2021 can now be furnished on or before 15 July, 2021.

The tax department has also given more time to companies to file their income tax return. Accordingly, the due date of furnishing of Return of Income for the Assessment Year 2021-22, which is 31 October, 2021 for them has been extended by a month to 30 November, 2021.

For another category of taxpayers who had the due date of furnishing of Return of Income for the Assessment Year 2021-22, for 30 November, 2021 can now do so by 31December, 2021.

Also, the due date of furnishing a report from an Accountant by persons entering into international transaction or specified domestic transaction under section 92E of the Act for the Previous Year 2020-21, which is 31 October, 2021, is extended to 30 November, 2021.

The tax department has also given more time to taxpayers who are already late in filing their returns. So, the due date of furnishing of belated/revised Return of Income for the Assessment Year 2021-22, which is 31 December, 2021 has been extended to 31 January, 2022.

The relaxations are the latest among the recent initiatives taken by the Government to ease compliances to be made by the taxpayers with the aim to grant respite during these difficult times.

The government had also relaxed a few tax compliance related issues also on May 1. (IANS)