Precious Kashmir

Constituting STF to dismiss Govt employees without inquiry draconian: Tarigami

City

23/04/2021

Srinagar: Senior CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami on Thursday said that the Jammu and Kashmir administration’s latest order to constitute a Special Task Force (STF) to dismiss or take other punitive action against the government employees allegedly found involved in ‘anti-national activities without holding any inquiry is ‘arbitrary and draconian’.

In a statement, Tarigami said there are already enough provisions in the law to take action against those employees, who are found violating service rules and there was no need to issue new orders on the account.

“The latest order can serve as a tool to the government and bureaucrats to suppress their subordinates. A sword of uncertainty has been kept on the heads of employees which can also be exploited by their superiors,” he said.

He said dismissing an employee or taking punitive action against him without holding any inquiry is against the principles of justice and basic rights. “An employee is first a citizen and has all the constitutional rights. The need of the hour is to safeguard these constitutional rights,” he said.

“Such measures deepen the anger and discontentment among the ranks of employees. It seems this order has not been given a thought before passing and needs to be reviewed,” he added.

Army to conduct 12-day recruitment rallies in B’pora

Jammu & Kashmir

United News Of India

23/04/2021

Srinagar: Army will conduct 12-day recruitment rallies from May 17 in north Kashmir district of Bandipora for residents of valley, a defence ministry spokesman said Thursday.

Lt Col Emron Musavi said recruitment Rallies will be conducted from May 17, 2021 to May 28, 2021 at Sonarwani, Bandipora in north Kashmir, for eligible candidates of districts Srinagar, Anantnag, Baramulla, Pulwama, Badgam,

Kupwara, Sopian, Ganderbal, Bandipora and Kulgam for all categories.

The categories included Soldier General Duty (GD), Soldier Tradesmen (8th class and 10th class), Soldier Clerk/Store Keeper Technical, Inventory Management (Clk/SKT/IM), Soldier Technical and Soldier Nursing Assistant, Nursing Assistant Veterinary.

He said screening of the eligible candidates volunteering to join Indian Army will be carried out at rally site and as per the schedule intimated through respective e-mail IDs. All prospective candidates should register and apply online between April 2, 2021 to May Ist, 2021 through website www.joinindianarmy.nic.in.

He said candidates who have already registered themselves in recruiting year 2020-21 are required to register again as the previous notification has been cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Admit Cards for the rally will be sent through registered e-mail from May 2, 2021 to May 15 2021. Candidates will be permitted entry into the rally site only on production of Admit Card in duplicate generated online through the official website www.joinindianarmy.nic.in.

Recruitment is a free service and is conducted in a fair and impartial manner, Musavi said.

“Selection will be made purely on merit basis. Aspirants are advised not to fall prey to any tout or anti-social element,” he added.

Prof Nazir assumes charge as Dean of KU’s faculty of Commerce and Management Studies

City

Precious Kashmir

23/04/2021

Srinagar: Professor Nazir Ahmad on Thursday assumed the charge as Dean Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kashmir.

Prof Nazir has 30 years of teaching, research and administrative experience and has held various important academic and administrative positions in the university, including Head Department Of Commerce, Director Centre for Career Planning and Counselling.

Specialising in Human Resource Management, Organisational Behaviour, Strategic Management, Nazir has several research papers, articles and publications to his credit. He has guided several PhD and M.Phil scholars while presenting his research across universities and research institutions.

He has also been a Professor at Saudi Arabia’s Jazan University and also headed, Department of Business & Economics, Mazoon College, Sultanate of Oman, Muscat.

Nazir has been on the editorial board of various reputed journals and the editor of the faculty journal ‘The Business Review’.

Khan reviews progress on PMDP sports projects

Sports

Precious Kashmir

23/04/2021

Jammu: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Farooq Khan Thursday reviewed the progress made on the sports projects executed by the J&K Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC) here. The Advisor assessed the status of each of the project executed by the Corporation and fixed timeline for their completion.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul; Executive Director, JKPCC, ND Khawaja; engineers and other officers of the council.

Advisor Khan asked about the possible date of completion of each of the project and facilities to be provided in each of them. He also asked about the kind of infrastructure raised at each location. The Advisor directed for bringing weekly progress reports along with the latest photographs depicting the updated progress made on each of the project site.

Giving further directions the Advisor asked the indenting department to ensure that each of the facility raised by them have all the amenities available so that they could be useful under every circumstances. He asked them to make available the safe drinking water, washrooms, change rooms, parking facilities, approach roads and illumination of surroundings of each of the facility to make them fully functional and safe for players of both genders.

He asked them to make available the coaches of different games at these facilities so that players get benefitted from them. He asked them to create player-friendly facilities everywhere and draw a schedule of games to be played in the ensuing sports season.

The Secretary Sports Council informed the Advisor that there were some 10 multipurpose indoor sports halls under execution by the JKPCC out of them two at Rajouri and Reasi have already been completed and dedicated to public. She gave out that these are completed at an estimatd cost of Rs 4.00 crores each. She said that the ones at Poonch, Pulwama, Kishtwar, Shopian, Doda, Pattan and Ramban would be completed by September this year with many to be dedicated to public in the months to come.

New Variants Behind Covid-19 Surge?

Edit
Oped

Precious Kashmir

22/04/2021

Jammu and Kashmir it seems is now firmly in the ferocious grip of the second Covid-19 wave. 2204 fresh cases were reported in the biggest ever spike in a single day on April 21 while 13 people succumbed to the virus, the highest fatality count thus far this year. Also the government admitted that 28 cases of UK and other new virus strains were reported in Jammu. No new strain or double mutant has been found in Kashmir, the government functionaries said.

So far, the government has blamed inbound travelers and complacency or callousness on part of the people for the rapid spread of the virus. However, with little or negligible samples sent to verify the new strain or mutants, it is unrealistic to rule out the possibility that they are not behind the rapid increase in the cases.

It is an established fact that all viruses mutate. Many mutations are insignificant and disappear. But sometimes a small change in the genetic code can give the virus an advantage in the pressure-cooker environment of natural selection. While there are many unknowns, scientists looking at genetic sequences of the new strain see an unexpectedly large number of changes and some of them concern the spike protein, the device by which the virus attaches to the human cell.

Globally it has been found that the B.1.1.7 variant, which was first found in the United Kingdom, triggers an entirely new wave of infections when it takes hold. This happened with England followed by parts of Europe and the United States (US). The US saw an unbridled two-lakh-plus new cases daily for one and a half months—December-mid-January— and almost six lakh deaths to date.

Another variant—B.1.617—has been found in India. The Western scientists spotted a tell-tale drift in genome sequences submitted from India to the global GISAID repository, the variant was popping up more frequently in samples. There are fears that it is either B.1.617 or B.1.1.7 or both or new variants which are fuelling the present wave in India. In Jammu and Kashmir context, there is a need to find if the variants are spreading and leading to the rapid increase in the cases. As has been called for by a doctors’ body recently, there is need for genetic testing of COVID-19 positive samples which will pick up mutants and consequently help formulate appropriate and effective health policy that would help prevent and control their spread in the community.

COVID-19 resurgence hits tourism industry, closes schools, other businesses

Anchor stories

Afaq Bhat

22/04/2021

COVID-19 resurgence hits tourism industry, closes schools, other businesses

Srinagar: Surge in COVID-19 cases has led to all the sectors getting hit once again. Educational institutions have been closed, markets have been directed to open in staggered manner and the arrival of tourists in Kashmir has declined.
An analyst while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “The virus has once again raised its ugly head and it appears that the economy is all set to take a hit again this year. The cases are increasing at a rapid pace and the second wave is moving faster than the first one.”
He said, “During the past few months the economy was on its way to revival but now it seems that we may witness another debacle.”
“The outbreak of COVID-19 last year had wreaked havoc and it seems this year also we may end up witnessing a similar situation. All of us are caught in a quagmire of uncertainty and things may deteriorate if the curve doesn’t flatten.”
An observer said, “The business community in Kashmir has been facing losses since August 2019 and it seems agonies of business class won’t end so soon.”
He said, “If the COVID curve doesn’t flatten within a fortnight everything can come to a standstill once again. At present the priority is to save human lives. The government may have to once again intervene and direct the financial institutions to announce a moratorium on the repayment of loans.”
A businessman said, “We are still counting the losses that we suffered in 2019 and 2020 and if 2021 remains the same many of us will have to close down our ventures as the means of survival will get dried up. The government will have to come up with an outbox solution for our survival.”
A travel agent said, “This year we were expecting a huge rush of tourists as most of the hotels and resorts were booked but during the past few days many bookings have got cancelled.”
An owner of a private school said, “Most private schools are at the verge of closure and if the situation remains grim we may not be able to survive.”
An official said, “The situation is beyond our control and we cannot do much. But the government is monitoring the situation closely. No one will be left in the lurch. Our first priority at present is to fight the pestilence. If the situation worsens the government can give the concessions that were provided last year.”

J&K seeks extension in deadline for completion of WB-funded project

Anchor stories

Ibni Maqbool

22/04/2021

J&K seeks extension in deadline for completion of WB-funded project

Wants to push timeline for its completion to June 30, 2022

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has sought one more extension in deadline for completion of the Rs 1500 crore World Bank funded project in the Union Territory.

Apprehensive about meeting June 30, 2021 deadline for closing the project, the project monitoring unit of the project has written to the Union Finance Ministry to accord sanction for completion of the project till June 30, 2022.

“Secretary Department of Economic Affairs requested for extension of Jehlum Tawi Flood Recovery Project till 30 June 2022 without any cancellation of sub-projects,” read the documents in possession of The Precious Kashmir.

It is pertinent to mention that original closing date for the project was June 30, 2021. But the World Bank and Union Finance Ministry extended timeline for its completion to June 30, 2021 after J&K administration sought more time, citing “peculiar circumstances” and “adverse weather conditions” in the UT.

According to progress report of the project, so far 185 packages of the project have been awarded for Rs 1563 crore .

It states that 83 sub-projects costing Rs.212.14 crore are under evaluation while one sub-project costing Rs 39 crore is under tendering.

As many as 39 works amounting to Rs.73.92 crore have been completed while 146 are in progress, the report states.

“10 sub-projects costing about $19.688 USD million liable for cancellation. These at different stages of allotment,” the report card of the project states.

The project was sanctioned by the World Bank in 2015 for reconstruction of the infrastructure hit by the devastating deluge of 2014 and strengthening the state’s disaster management mechanism.

After the deluge, the World Bank deputed a team for assessing the losses and to explore the possibilities for its intervention in rebuilding the damaged infrastructure.

J&K Govt adopts 5 pronged strategy to contain COVID-19 spread

Front

Precious Kashmir

22/04/2021

J&K Govt adopts 5 pronged strategy to contain COVID-19 spread

JAMMU: Intensifying its efforts against the spread of Covid-19 virus government today stated that it is working on a 5 pronged strategy to contain the spread of corona virus in J&K.

These remarks were made in a press conference called today at the auditorium of department of Information and Public Relations. Financial Commissioner, Health and Medical Education, Atal Dulloo; Principal Secretary Information & PDD, Rohit Kansal; Secretary DMRR&R, Simrandeep Singh and Mission Director NHM, ChoudharyYasin briefed the media during this press conference.

Financial Commissioner, H&ME, Atal Dulloo expressed that the situation is challenging but not out of control. He said that J&K has made ample preparations to meet the challenge. He gave out that the department is working on a 5 pronged strategy to restrict the spread of virus.

Elaborating, Atal Dulloo said that Intense testing including that of travellers and others suspects is being done at a rapid pace followed by containment process that includes contact tracing and several restrictions are in force. He said that Isolation & Treatment of infected persons is part of this strategy besides following Covid appropriate behaviour strictly. He expressed satisfaction that unlike previous year, this year there is one more weapon in their arsenal that is the covid vaccine.

Providing details Dulloo said that we have 13,400 active cases with a good recovery rate of 89.6% and mortality rate of just 1.38%. He said that there are around 120 containment zones and effective mechanism of contact tracing in place. He made out that some 1,64,000 contacts were traced this year with all the required restrictions applied to contain the spread of this disease.

Dulloo said that facilities available with the department are satisfactory with 3 state of the art Cobas-6800 testing machines to be installed in our premier health institutes shortly. He gave out that there are some 600 covid dedicated ventilators around J&K with only 48 occupied currently. He said that 6000 category-I covid beds are available with the hospitals including 10000 bulk oxygen cylinders and 3500 medium sized cylinders. He gave out that government is in a process of installing 36 oxygen generation plants with 23 to be made functional at the end of the week that will help in adding 2000 more oxygen beds to our kitty.

Regarding the position of other logistics it was given that sufficient numbers of PPE kits, N-95 Masks, Viral Transport Mediums (VTMs) are available with the department and there is no dearth of the same. He asked the media to play a vital role of assisting them in spreading the awareness to the people thereby helping in saving the lives. He asked them to inform people about the advantages of observing the covid appropriate behavior and going for vaccination whenever they are asked to do so.

When asked about the availability of the vaccine he said that department is continuously receiving the tranches of vaccine as per their requirements. He said that currently more than two lakh doses are available and the supply is going on satisfactorily.

Dulloo said that all the necessary steps would be taken to ensure safety of each individual besides better treatment of the persons affected. He said that more than 17 lakh doses have been inoculated till date with 91,142 (74.56%) health care workers, 2,61,589 (77.51%) front line workers and 11,27,511 (36.76%) 45 years plus citizens already administered their vaccine doses. He said that as per the instructions of the Prime Minister J&K has made preparations to launch universal adult vaccination drive from May 1.

Explaining further the measures taken by government it was said that during the previous day some 63,675 tests were performed at more than 1400 sites created for the purpose. He said that it includes 560 Health workers, 2760 front line workers and 60355 (45 years plus) senior citizens.

Principal Secretary Information & PDD, Rohit Kansal gave out that the misconceptions among the people are going away and people are coming forth for receiving the dose of vaccine. He said that additional check posts have been created at Lakhanpur, Samba, Lower Munda enroute National Highway to double check the testing done on incoming travellers besides at Railway Stations and airports. He said that the rate of testing is one of the best in the country and other facilities created are also up to mark as per international requirements and standards.

The Secretary Disaster Management said that from today onwards orders have been issued to ensure occupancy of 50% capacity in all public transport vehicles. He said that police has been instructed to keep a check on violators and impose fine wherever required. He said that other guidelines have also been issued in respect to holding of gatherings both indoor and outdoor besides for the opening of markets and other public places. He stressed that SOPs should be followed in all places & in all situations without any excuse or laxity.

The media persons asked about the several details about the future strategy and preparations to which replies by the concerned officer was given instantly.

COVID-19: J&K reports 2204 new cases, 13 deaths

Front

Precious Kashmir

22/04/2021

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Government on Wednesday informed that 2204 new positive cases of novel Corona virus (905 from Jammu division and 1299 from Kashmir division), have been reported thus taking the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir to 152442.

Also 13 deaths have been reported, 10 from Jammu Division and 03 from Kashmir Division.

Moreover, 733 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals including 254 from Jammu Division and 479 from Kashmir Division.

According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), out of 152442 positive cases, 14928 are Active Positive, 135430 have recovered and 2084 have died; 781 in Jammu division and 1303 in Kashmir division.

The Bulletin further said that out of 6877526 test results available, 6725084 samples have been tested as negative till April 21.

Till date 1700503 persons have been enlisted for observation which included 71347 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 14928 in isolation and 127043 in home surveillance.

Besides, 1485101 persons have completed their surveillance period.

19-year-old Budgam girl becomes youngest victim this year

Front

Jahangeer Ganaie

22/04/2021

By: Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar: The second wave of Covid-19 has started to prove more lethal and infectious than the first wave as a 19-year-old girl from Budgam with no Comorbidities died just within a week after contracting the virus, at a Srinagar hospital on Wednesday.

Dr Nisar ul Hassan, a flu expert and the President Doctors Association Kashmir while talking to KNO said that the second wave of the Covid-19 is proving to be more lethal as it is more infectious than the first wave and there is need to ramp up genome sequencing.

He said that the teenage girl from Budgam had a five day history of breathlessness and was admitted at SMHS on April 15 with severe bilateral pneumonia.

“On the very next day she developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and was put on a ventilator,” the doctor said. “Despite giving the best, her condition deteriorated and she died today.” The virus had damaged her lungs, kidney and other organs. “She is the youngest Covid victim of current year,” he said.

Dr Nisar said that the second wave is behaving differently and is attacking multiple organs other than lungs. “More and more young people are being admitted in hospital with no underlying problems but their condition is severe,” he said.

In the first wave of Covid-19, it was effecting only elderly people and patients with comorbidities but this wave has started to affect young people and there is a need to check the presence of mutant variants by ramping up genome sequencing.

He said that in many cases, RTPCR is coming negative for Covid-19 but CT is showing virus, so there need to samples of positive patients as well as suspected patients for genome sequencing.

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