Srinagar:  Dr Sharmeen Mushtaq, who was recently mentioned by Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha in his monthly Radio Talk ‘Awaam Ki Awaaz’, has thanked Lt Governor for his encouragement of the work being done by the healthcare workers during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The second episode of Lt Governor’s monthly radio talk on May 16 (Sunday) featured corona warriors and their brave tales of the battle against the pandemic in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

In his monthly radio talk While sharing several inputs received from doctors, citizens, nurses, and frontline health workers for tackling the spread of the deadly virus more effectively, the Lt Governor had made a special mention of Dr. Sharmeen Mushtaq from Srinagar who had urged for strict compliance of corona protocol and stringent action against unscrupulous elements indulging in black-marketing and hoarding of medicines.

“My entire team of this health center feels motivated after appreciation from Lt Governor . We as a family feel that our sincere efforts are being watched and at the same time appreciated. We are happy to see that our efforts are being recognized at the highest level which would eventually boost the morale of the whole medical fraternity and paramedics staff to do much better during the present health crisis,” Dr Sharmeen said.

Dr Sharmeen is currently posted at New Type Primary Health Center (NTPHC) Rainawari as a medical officer where they facilitate teleconsultation and provide covid-kits to people with mild covid symptoms.

She said besides providing covid-kits to the coronavirus positive patients at their homes they also provide information and awareness to the people about the covid appropriate behaviors like following of SOPs during the current pandemic.

She said that they also help the people who are at a home isolation to connect them for teleconsultation with senior doctors.

While saying the center also administers covid vaccine jabs to people, She has urged the people to go for covid vaccination as it is safe and boost the immune system of the people to help them in fighting the covid disease.

By: Owais Gul

Srinagar: Amid prevalent situation due to COVID-19 pandemic, the chaos and confusion amidst reports about shortage of oxygen and medicines across Jammu and Kashmir has taken a heavy toll on the patients and their families in the last over one month.

However, the youth in large numbers from almost all the districts of Jammu and Kashmir are out to help the patients in need, especially to those who are tested positive for COVID-19.

The youth have been collecting details about the patients in need through WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms.

‘SOS’, is the most common name preferred by these youth on social media platforms where families, relatives and friends of patients have been posting details to seek help for emergency supplies like Oxygen cylinders, Oxygen concentrators and medicines.

Adnan Fayaz Dar, who hails from Sopore area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, is one among the hundreds of youth who is serving the general public amid the current crisis.

Dar, a journalism student is nowadays busy helping the patients from across Jammu and Kashmir, mostly from the Valley.

He had created a WhatsApp group almost 20 days back with an aim to help the people in need. “Me along with my four to five friends who were in touch with NGOs decided to create a group titled SOS, where patients can contact for assistance,” he said.

“We began with just five members and now, the group comprises 200 members in just 20 days period. I never imagined that it would prove successful. In just 20 days, we have provided assistance to over 50 patients from across the Valley,” he said, adding that there are some doctors in the group too, who despite having busy work schedules, are assisting the people in terms of medical advice.

“We are just collecting the details of needy and genuine people from across the Valley. The details are being forwarded to NGOs who are providing them help within a shortest possible time,” he said.

Besides, the group mates also provide food kits and other related help to the people belonging to the downtrodden section of the society, he added.

Lateef Gabroo, who operates from Srinagar as a volunteer said that he along with his team have helped approximately 500 people in the last one month. “Our team comprises over 50 members and arranges plasma donors, blood donors, ambulances and ration kits to the people in need,” he said.

He said he has started serving people from last year. “I was in Delhi last year wherefrom I provided assistance to many people affected due to the lockdown and COVID-19. I got various contacts in last year’s lockdown. As the lockdown was imposed yet again in Jammu and Kashmir, I started working for people from Srinagar this time and have been assisting the people in need,” he added.

Gabroo said that he and his team have provided help to over 500 people in the last one month. “Our efforts are on to ensure that the people will not suffer. We are trying our level best to provide assistance to the people amid the current crisis,” he said.

Moreover, Twitter and other social media platforms also remain abuzz with the messages related to the patients who are in need of medicines, Oxygen concentrators or other related things. (KNO)

By: Sajidah Yousuf

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday sanctioned 1366 posts for 500 COVID-19 bed Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) hospitals to be made functional here.

In this regard, an order has been issued by the Financial Commissioner Health and Medical Education Department (H&ME), Atal Dullo.

The order reads that 683 posts have been kept for DRDO hospitals in Jammu and Srinagar respectively, expenditure on account of salary and maintenance of these hospitals which shall be borne out of the UT budget.

“The Administrative Control of these Hospitals shall lie respectively with the Principals of Government Medical Colleges, Jammu and Srinagar”, reads the order.

The government also said that the selection of the contractual posts for the COVID-19 hospitals shall be conducted by the five member committee set up each in Jammu and Srinagar.

In Jammu the committee includes Principal, Government Medical College Jammu as chairperson. Administrator Associated Hospital, Jammu will be the secretary and member of the committee. Director Health Services Department Jammu, Mission Director, National Health Mission and Representative of Health and Medical Education Department will be the members of the Committee.

Similarly in Srinagar, Principal, Government Medical College Srinagar has been Hospital, Srinagar will be the secretary and member of the committee set up for the COVID-19 hospital. Director Health Services Department Srinagar, Representative of MD, NHM and Representative of Health and Medical Education Department will be the members of the Committee.

“The contractual appointees shall have to furnish an affidavit to the extent that they will not claim regular appointment at any future date on the strength of this contractual appointment”, it reads.

It also reads that the posts were created for a period of three years and initially, posts shall be filled for a period of one year and will be extended to another year, one year at the time if the requirement persists. (KNO)

By: Mubashir Aalam Wani

Srinagar: Amid spike in COVID-19 cases, the health department of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday received over 100 oxygen concentrators from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The oxygen concentrators were received by Director General, Family Welfare Dr Saleem-ur-Rehman and Director Health Services Kashmir Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather.

Both the officials after receiving the consignment thanked WHO for providing the oxygen concentrators at the right time. “We are thankful to Dr Haashai and his team,” the duo officers said.

“100 oxygen concentrations is a huge bulk supply we have received for Jammu and Kashmir. We are technically giving it to the controller store, so that we can make it accountable through a transparent process,” Dr Saleem-ur-Rehman said.

Director Health, Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Rather said that Kashmir’s every district has its own oxygen generation plant. “We have oxygen cylinders in bulk and we have our own concentrators too. However, we have to be prepared for a possible third and fourth wave of COVID.”

“We are thankful to WHO for these concentrators. We will distribute it properly after a workout. Although we don’t have any deficit of oxygen as of now, the distribution will be made only after a demand,” he said.

“We have to realize Government of India is so much generous as WHO has taken decision after discussion with government and this is very good help and support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. (KNO)

By: Mubashir Aalam Wani

Srinagar: Over 230 people have been arrested in the Valley after they were found violating the lockdown norms amid the ongoing Corona Curfew, which remained in place for the 20th straight day in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.

The lockdown remained in place from April 29 in order to prevent the Coronavirus from spreading. The government extended the Corona Curfew across 20 districts of J&K till May 24, 2021.

Eye-witnesses informed that police and paramilitary troops were deployed although in large numbers to enforce the lockdown restrictions. The barricades and concertina wires were erected at many places and bridges to thwart the public movement, they said.

Meanwhile, all the shops and business establishments barring emergency services remained closed throughout the day in Srinagar and other districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

However, some places witnessed public movement throughout the day.

Meanwhile, police in a statement said that during the last 24 hours, it has arrested 232 persons, lodged 98 FIRs and also realized fine to the tune of Rs 1,49,280 from 1041 people for violating the guidelines and rules throughout Kashmir valley.

“Besides, 111 vehicles were also seized in Shopian, Kulgam, Budgam and Bandipora for violating guidelines and restrictions,” police said, adding that the special drive against the violators of Covid-19 guidelines and rules continued throughout all the districts of Kashmir Valley to ensure that people adhere to SOPs and guidelines envisaged by government to curb COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, police urged people to cooperate in containing the spread of Coronavirus by following the SOPs, guidelines and protocols for the safety of the people. “The special drive shall continue throughout the districts of Kashmir Valley to strengthen the safety measures,” police said. (KNO)

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir High Court Wednesday granted government month’s more time to file response to a Public Interest Litigation, challenging certain provisions of the J&K Public Safety Act.

A division bench of Chief Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul granted the time after D. C. Raina, Advocate General, prayed for the same.

Thereafter, the court said the petitioner, a senior counsel, shall file a rejoinder to the same within two weeks.

In a Public Interest Litigation petition filed in 2019, the senior counsel, Syed Tassaduq Hussain, has challenged the “legality” of the PSA and seeks its scraping. “PSA is illegal because it contravenes 44th (1979) amendment to the constitution of India. Union of India was bound to bring this amendment into force,” the PIL highlights.

While the PIL points out that for last 48 years amendment to Article 22 has not been brought into force, it seeks direction from the court to the Union of India for bringing into force the same.

“Section 8 of the PSA should be declared illegal because the government has to approve the detention but it cannot approve without hearing the (detainee),” the petitioner pleads.

Underscoring that “power to detain is power of the state” the petition says that a “divisional commissioner or district magistrate cannot detain a person”.

Moreover the senior lawyer submits that the detainee cannot be moved from one place of detention without show cause. The petitioner is relying on a judgment of the House of Lords in England which, he submits, still holds good.

The petitioner has also raised the issue of legal aid and according to him the state is bound to provide it to a detainee booked under PSA.

“Where the state detains a person under PSA, it has a duty under article 22 of the constitution read with articles 20 and 21 to provide legal aid to the (detainee),” the senior advocate says. (GNS)

Releases Annual Report- “Promoting Good Governance”

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha on Wednesday released “Annual Report- Promoting Good Governance” compiled by the Finance Department showcasing major initiatives undertaken by the said Department during 2020-21 to bring transparency and accountability in the execution of the public works.

Arun Kumar Mehta, Financial Commissioner, Finance Department; and Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor were present on the occasion.

The report in the form of e-Book provides insight into reforms, steps implemented by the Finance Department to institutionalize prudence in financial management in J&K which has truly transformed the Union Territory.

The document captures the essence of reforms such as online processing of bills through PaySys, streamlining of GST, e-stamping, e-GRAS, e-auction of Liquor licences for retail outlets, digital payments, implementation of GeM, path-breaking reforms in J&K Bank, publication of important manuals relating to Budget and Audit, Back to Village and My Town My Pride initiatives and 100% physical verification which is most vital initiative to ensure implementation of projects without cost and time over-runs.

“Promoting good governance in the financial management has been one of the core objectives of the Government. Financial system in the Union Territory of J&K is one of the most transparent systems anywhere and is amongst the key changes that have taken roots in the Union Territory”, observed the Lt Governor.

Highlighting major reforms taken by the Government to bring transparency in the financial system and making it more robust, the Lt Governor said that implementation of transformative reforms such as BEAMS (Budget Estimation and Allocation Monitoring System), which enables online budgetary process and timely release of funds against approved works, online submission of bills through J&K PaySys, Mandatory Administrative Approvals, Technical Sanctions and e-Tendering, digital payments, GFR, GeM etc have brought financial systems in J&K at par with any other progressive system in the country.

Unprecedented levels of transparency have been achieved through EMPOWERMENT (Enabling Monitoring and Public Overview of Works Being Executed & Resources for Meaningful Transparency) which is a web portal hosting all the works being executed in the UT of J&K and allows public oversight of all works under execution, observed the Lt Governor.

Publication of pictorial e-compendiums related to projects completed under Back to Village, District Capex, UT Capex and JKIDFC is a symbol of desire of the Government to engage with the Citizens. This is the first time in the Union Territory of J&K that people are able to oversee works being executed in their areas and progress monitored on real-time basis. During 2020-21, more than 18,000 works were available on the EMPOWERMENT portal for the first time in J&K for public viewing to bring real grass root empowerment, he added.

“Our Government believes in the mantra of four P’s – Peace, Progress, Prosperity, and People-first, for the holistic development and to make Jammu and Kashmir AatmaNirbhar ”, said the Lt Governor.

It was informed that the Goods and Service Tax (GST) revenue collections in the Financial Year 2020-21 has shown positive growth despite constraints witnessed during the initial months of the fiscal year due to Covid-led restrictions. GST collections in the Union Territory had plummeted by more than 70 percent Year-on-Year (YoY) during the lockdown months of April, May, and June last year. Gross GST revenue collections including settlement for the Financial Year 2020-21 in J&K stood at Rs 4890.35 crores against a total gross GST collection of Rs 4750.60 crores in the Financial Year 2019-20, thus registering a positive growth of 2.94 percent.

Despite Covid related periods of restrictions, the Excise Revenue collection in 2020-21 grew at 5.36%. Total excise revenue generated during 2020-21 stood at Rs 1353.43 crores.

One of the major transformations witnessed was the timely payments from Treasuries. This was one of the hallmarks of treasury management in 2020-21. The unhealthy practice of clearing of contractor bills, GPF, Gratuity etc after months were completely stopped and payments were made within a day invariably. Delay reports at the level of DDOs and Treasuries are being institutionalized to avoid delays in due payments. Revised Audit Manual, Budget Manual and Treasury Code have been notified by the Government to streamline expenditure and payment systems.

Government of J&K has made electronic mode of payments mandatory without involving any cash transactions from 2020-21. Promotion of digital payment ensured transparency, timeliness, and accountability in transaction of Government business and complete streamlining of payment systems across the Union Territory. The payment in DBT mode has also been made mandatory which has led to a great impact on timely payments to more than 80 lakh beneficiaries. With the introduction of the just-in-time payment system through DBT, nearly 2 lakh duplicate cases of beneficiaries under PDS have been weeded out and 4.5 lakh silent beneficiaries have been deactivated.

During 2020-21, a holistic package of Rs. 1353 crores for Inclusive Growth was announced as Economic Package. About 3.44 lakhs borrowers involving Rs 750 crore benefitted by interest subvention of 5% under this Business Revival Package. 5% Interest subvention was also disbursed for 4,542 borrowers affected by 2014 floods involving an amount of Rs 37.32 crores. Rs 102.31 crores for 20,228 borrowers were released under Business Interest Relief Scheme. 766 beneficiaries benefitted under WCDL (working capital Demand Loan) for business establishments involving Rs 96.68 crores. 61,477 beneficiaries benefitted under GECl-1 involving Rs 1862.19 crores. About 289 beneficiaries benefitted under Business Support Loan General involving Rs 74.37 crores. More than 14,000 beneficiaries were provided Rs 1000 per month for 9 months during 2020-21.

To empower youth, a livelihood generation scheme “Mumkin” was launched. This scheme provides sustainable livelihood to the youth of Jammu & Kashmir. The idea behind this initiative is to provide small commercial vehicles to youth without the need for any initial investment at reasonable subsidies from both the manufacturer and the government, enabling them to earn.

Under Back to Village programme, more than 4000 officers spending two days including night halt in panchayats was an attempt to bring governance at people’s doorsteps. During B2V1 & B2V2, 4000 projects have been completed notwithstanding the constraints like Covid-19 pandemic. Rs 10 lakhs were provided to each panchayat under the B2V3 programme for providing basic and other amenities in villages. Sports kits costing Rs. 20,000 each were distributed in each Gram Panchayat under Back to Village-3 programme and around 20,000 youths were identified for bank finance to start their own venture. Similarly, the Finance department provided financial assistance of Rs 57 crores for “My Town My Pride” Programme to provide governance at the doorsteps in urban areas on the pattern of the “Back to Village” Programme.

J&K Bank has seen complete transformation in its outlook and functioning. The bank has moved into profit zone during the first two quarters of last financial year despite pandemic, and has been successfully able to overcome the past legacy. It is a matter of satisfaction that both deposits and advances of the bank have grown up by 12.57% and 15.41% respectively on Year-on-Year basis in the UT of J&K. First time in history, J&K Bank implemented RTI and CVC guidelines and ensured complete accountability. The bank has now provided loans to over 19,538 young and unemployed youth at their doorsteps as part of Back to Village Programme with sanctioned amount of Rs. 340 crores. Recruitment of 1850 persons was completed during 2020-21.

To bring more people under financial inclusion, an amount of Rs. 6021 crores was disbursed to 7,18,258 KCC Crop account holders, Rs 514 crores to 87,615 AH&F account holders and 25.09 lakhs accounts were opened under PMJDY out of which, 3.04 lakhs accounts were opened during FY 2020-21.

Under ANBA, free rice was provided to 98,566 individual beneficiaries and pulses to 31,069 families. Under Covid-19 Regulatory Package, Term Loans & working capital disbursed to 361 borrowers amounting to Rs. 39.17 crores. Special credit facility for street vendors with an initial working capital of Rs 1000 disbursed to 11,276 cases under PM-SVANidhi Scheme.

The J&K Government has now shifted to real-time ledger posting of General Provident fund and has successfully implemented it from August 2020 onwards. This has benefitted almost 3.5 lakh GP Fund subscribers who are now able to have their subscriptions posted on real-time basis without any delay. This initiative would resolve the issue of delay in settlement of final GPF refund cases, issuance of annual accounts statements, and Transfer Entries. SMS service regarding GPF balances of the subscribers has been provided. This is a major employee-oriented initiative. Another employee related app “MeraVetan” was launched which provides information of pay level, GPF/NPS Subscription, all the allowances, Deductions, Income Tax statements, SLT statements etc. This has been fully implemented and employees are using this app to track their salary and other details, it was informed.

Srinagar:  Department of Information and Public Relations, Kashmir Division on Wednesday held a condolence meeting under the chairmanship of Joint Director, Information, Kashmir, Harris Handoo in his office chamber wherein deep sorrow and grief was expressed over the demise of Senior Journalist Gulzar Ahmad.

Gulzar Ahmad Bhat, Resident Editor with Srinagar News, a local Urdu daily, breathed his last at his home in Shoolipora, Budgam on Tuesday.

The Joint Director, officers and officials offered their deepest condolences to the bereaved family, prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and courage for the bereaved family to bear the huge loss.

Joint Director and other officers & officials referred to him as the voice of people for highlighting social and public matters.

The meeting was also attended by Incharge Deputy Director, Information, Kashmir, Mohammad Aslam Khan, officials of different sections including PR, Establishment, Field Publicity and Culture.