Srinagar: In view of surge in Covid-19 cases, the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mohammed Aijaz Asad today chaired a meeting of concerned officers to review the progress of Covid vaccination process in the district.

The meeting discussed the status of Covid-19 vaccination besides impact of the precautions that need to be taken in the district to control spread of the Covid-19.

At the outset, the concerned officer apprised the DC that about 10409 health workers and 56343 frontline workers have been so far administered Covid vaccine in the district besides 18 thousand people above age of 45 years were also covered under vaccination drive in Srinagar.

The DC directed the officers to work with added zeal and continue to maintain the highest level of alertness to ensure implementation of SOPs to counter the spread of virus.

The DC reiterated that apart from executing proactive measures, mobilization of all resources and manpower shall be put on ready gear to enable the Administration to tackle any emergencies arising from Covid-19 pandemic.

He also directed officers to intensify vaccination process in order to achieve cent percent immunization in the district with special focus on hotels, Coaching Centers, Banks, Business establishments and areas where public footfall is high.

The DC called for raising awareness among the masses to persuade the people especially above 45 Years to go for vaccination. He called for roping in NGOs, Religious Heads, PRIs, Asha Workers and other influencers to motivate the eligible persons for vaccination.

Additional Deputy Commissioners Srinagar, Dr Syed Hanief Balkhi and Khurshid Ahmad, SDM East, SDM West,  Deputy CMO, BMOs, ZMOs, Nodal Officer, GMC, Tehsildars and other concerned of the department were present in the meeting.

By: Jahangir Sofi

Srinagar: In view of the holy month of Ramadan Commencing April 13 (subject to appearance of crescent) amid prevailing Covid-19 pandemic for the second consecutive year, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Pandurang K Pole Friday said that the level of alertness that was in place last Ramadan will be repeated this year too. He, however, said rising number of positive cases was a matter of concern.

Talking to KNO he said, “I greet the people of Kashmir on the arrival of holy month of Ramdan, the holy month which is of divine worship and people keep fast for the day and ask for forgiveness from the Almighty Allah. The Covid-19 pandemic has not subsided yet and we have to be extra careful while going out in public places and follow the Covid-19 Sops by using the face mask which is mandatory and maintain a physical distance. We will repeat the same mechanism including preventive measures that were in place last Ramadan.”
He said, “Every individual has to take responsibility and show appropriate behavior towards Covid-19 SoPs, and if one is taking due care of self, the person is indirectly taking care of entire society.”
On the skyrocketing prices of essentials in the Valley he said, teams have been constituted to check black marketing and illegal profiteering rates, and if anywhere the violation is found, not only the fine, the FIR will be also lodged.

While talking about the continuous opening of coaching centres in the Valley, he said: “We are monitoring the situation, online options likewise schools are doing for coaching centres is also available and appropriate call will be taken according to the situation.”

About the increasing Covid-19 positive cases in the valley, he said the situation is evolving and is being monitored keenly by the administration and as per the situation, the response will follow accordingly.

He also appealed the people of the valley of age above 45 years of age to get their Covid-19 vaccination jab at their nearest authorised health centre, sooner the better.

New Delhi: At least 20 doctors and six MBBS students on Friday tested positive for coronavirus at the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) here, sources told IANS.

“Of the total 26 healthcare staff, 20 are doctors and six MBBS students of AIIMS, who were found to be Covid-19 positive in the last 10 days.”

Of these 26, only two had taken both the doses of Covid vaccine, sources said.

 This comes a day after it was reported that 37 doctors tested positive for coronavirus infection at Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

The 20 doctors testing positive at AIIMS include two faculty members, while the rest are resident doctors. Majority of them have mild Covid symptoms.

The contacts of most of them have been traced and the process is still on for some, the source said. There are more than 3,000 doctors, including resident doctors and faculty members working at AIIMS.

The news of Covid-19 positive from Delhi’s these two big hospitals have come in the backdrop of surging cases in the city for the past few weeks.

New Delhi: Top Indian and Chinese military officials met at Chushul on Friday to discuss the next phase of disengagement on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, and the dialogue that started at 10:30 am is still on.

The 11th round of Corps Commander talks at Chushul is happening after a nearly two month gap. The Indian military delegation was led by Leh-based 14 Corps Commander, Lt Gen P.G.K. Menon.

The focus of the talks is disengagement on other friction points. After the Pangong disengagement, both countries planned to carry out disengagement on other friction points like Gogra, Hot Springs and Depsang.

“The military dialogue is still on and it is important that before the onset of summer, de-escalation takes place at the Line of Actual Control. Both sides need to retreat to original positions for things to ease,” said a senior Indian Army officer.

On February 20, Indian and Chinese military held the 10th round of military dialogue to de-escalate tension at the LAC and for disengagement at friction areas like Hot Springs, Gogra and 900 square km Depsang plains.

The build-up in Depsang was not being considered part the current standoff that started in May last year as escalations here took place in 2013. However, India has insisted during the recent military commander meetings to resolve all issues across the LAC.

“The initial attempt will be to resolve Gogra and Hot Springs. Finding a solution to Depsang might be tricky and take longer,” said the officer.

So far, disengagement process at both banks of the Pangong Lake has taken place. It was on February 10 that China made an announcement that New Delhi and Beijing had agreed to disengage at Pangong Lake.

An Indian Army team, along with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) team, physically verified and re-verified disengagement at Pangong Lake.

As per the agreement, Chinese troops moved back to Finger 8 and Indian troops pulled back to the Dhan Singh Thapa post between Finger 2 and 3 of the lake’s north bank.

The mountain spur jutting into the lake is referred to as ‘Finger’ in military parlance. The north bank of the lake is divided into 8 fingers, and India has claimed its territory till Finger 8 but China disputes it, claiming it stretches only till Finger 4.

A temporary moratorium on military activities, including patrolling in traditional areas, has come into place.

India and China are engaged in a year-long standoff at the LAC. The confrontations began on the north bank of Pangong Lake, both in the waters and the bank as Chinese incursions increased in early May last year.      

Union Textiles Minister presides over first convocation of NIFT Srinagar

Jammu, Apr 9: Weavers, artisans, and craftsmen working in the handloom and handicraft sector of J&K are unique examples of creation and development of designs. They are an inspiration for budding fashion designers in designing and fashion communication.

Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha made these remarks while addressing the first convocation of the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Srinagar through virtual mode.

Smriti Zubin Irani, Union Minister for Textiles and Women & Child Development was the Chief Guest and Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs and Sports was Guest of Honour during the convocation ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Irani said that the first batch of NIFT Srinagar has added a golden page in the history of the institution. She inspired the students to be prepared for whatever life has to offer and expressed faith that with the training imparted to them at NIFT, they would be equipped to deal with any tests and hardships that may come their way. The Minister said that the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has recently announced a package of Rs. 28,400 crore as part of the J&K Industrial Development Scheme and urged upon the students to put in their best efforts to reap benefit from it.

Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, during his address, observed that with the revival of art and craft centres, the J&K UT is emerging as a global fashion hub.

J&K contributes to 80% of the country’s total exports of woolen shawls. Special attention has been paid to the handicraft and handloom sector in the new Industrial Development Scheme approved by the central government recently. Handholding to local weavers and artisans is being provided for their livelihood generation as well as promotion of old crafts, said the Lt Governor.

Observing that J&K is witnessing the revival of its traditional handicrafts, the Lt Governor said that the artisans are again giving expression to their creativity through their talented eyes and hardworking hands. He called upon the students and faculty of NIFT to connect themselves with maximum craftsmen and artisans, be their voice and enrich their art with the research and expertise of the institute.

Underscoring the UT Government’s measures to promote the local products, the Lt Governor observed that UT Government is working on GI tagging of Kashmiri carpet, wood carving, Namda craft, Phool Kari, Basohli painting,  Tweed fabric, Chikri craft, etc so that these products can be made available in the International Markets.

Speaking on the latest e-commerce initiatives, the Lt Governor said that the Handloom and Handicraft products of J&K have been provided global platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. With sustained efforts, the Handloom and Handicraft Industry of J&K would again reach its pinnacle.

E-commerce marketplaces will provide an appropriate opportunity for the momentous growth and development of the respective sectors. In the coming year, transportation issues would also be addressed as the railway network will connect Kashmir to Kanyakumari, he added.

Addressing the young designers of NIFT, Srinagar, the Lt Governor said that Designing and Fashion communication course of NIFT has huge potential in creating and developing new designs. It also has the power to revive the old crafts of the handloom sector, and can bring about a revolution in the handloom industry of the region.

He mentioned that for the first time in history NIFT Delhi has been included among the 10 reputed Fashion Institutes of the world.

The Lt Governor highlighted the significant role of NIFT, Srinagar in creation of Human Capital for the Fashion and Design Industry, besides incorporating the local crafts into the dynamics of fashion market.

The profession of fashion designing is a profession of expression. A fashion designer expresses his creativity through designing a piece of cloth and turning it into a masterpiece, he added.

Calling J&K a repository of talents, the Lt Governor said that the students who have graduated today are fortunate that they got to learn about the wonderful traditional techniques of weaving along with local art and craft.

Expressing satisfaction over the development of 100 new products, designed and developed as per the market needs by the students of the NIFT, the Lt Governor asserted that this would lead to revival of old crafts and take the products of local artisans to the global markets. He also noted that NIFT is playing a vital role in setting up Design Resource Centres in the Weaver’s Service Centres.

The Lt Governor congratulated all the students who received their graduating degrees from National Institute of Fashion Technology and wished for their happy and successful future.

While congratulating the graduates and their parents, Kiren Rijiju, Union MoS urged the students to make best use of the opportunities available to them as the apparel and fashion industry has a lot of potential. He said that the youth of India has an important role to play in defining and portraying soft image and soft power of the country and that the alumni of NIFT Srinagar will play a pioneering role in this direction.

J&K has become the Educational Hub of North India: Dr Jitendra Singh

Jammu: Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu today addressed the 3rd & 4th Convocation of Indian Institute of Management, Jammu here at Convention Centre.

Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha and Union MoS PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh were the Guests of Honour on the occasion.

Speaking at the Convocation ceremony, the Vice President called upon national institutes like IIMs to offer innovative courses and diplomas based on new market realities and demands of the fourth industrial revolution.

The Vice-President stressed on the need for re-orienting higher education in tune with the realities of the world. He also underlined the importance of developing a mindset that encourages innovation and institutional reform that fosters creativity and promotes excellence.

“Your ability to take decisions in an uncertain world and your agility to adapt to new contexts will become very crucial”, the Vice-President told students.

He advised the institutions of higher education to “Adapt, Evolve and Respond” to situations that have never before been faced by mankind.

The Vice-President stressed the need for strengthening industry-institute linkages. He urged the graduating management students to work with farmers in improving the marketing of farm produce.

The Vice-President also recalled the great contribution of Jammu and Kashmir as an important centre of education since ancient times. Highlighting the works of Patanjali, Anandavardhana, Lalleswari and Habba Khatoon from the region, he called for continuity in enriching the rich culture of learning and innovation.

Speaking on the occasion, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha congratulated the graduating students for embarking on the new journey in Business Management and wished them a bright future.

With an objective to provide sustained handholding to the students, the Lt Governor announced annual “LG Scholarship” for 10 students each from IIM Jammu, IIT Jammu and NIT Srinagar.

Addressing the students, the Lt Governor called upon them to understand the true virtues of life and make valuable contributions towards Nation Building and AtmaNirbhar Bharat. Learning is a lifelong experience. Tackle any challenges with adaptability and keep the thirst of knowledge with you throughout your life, added the Lt Governor.

Speaking on the fast changing market trends and increased business management challenges, the Lt Governor emphasized on the need to put more focus on up-scaling of emerging skill sets so that Human Capital can be prepared and developed to fill the Skill Gap as per the demand.

“We need to produce Future Business Managers as per the Market demand. Overhauling the entire business management ecosystem and orientation of youth is the need of the hour to complement the dynamics of market trends”, said the Lt Governor.

 The Lt Governor noted that many experts from the management field have identified Management Strategy and innovation; Management tools & Technology, and Interpersonal Skills as the crucial growth drivers in the post-Covid scenario.

Prime Minister has laid a solid foundation for tackling unpredictability in market trends. J&K Government is also giving focused attention on identifying and exploiting all major growth potential sectors to provide every child with an opportunity for imbibing the pre-requisite qualities to overcome the market challenges, said the Lt Governor.

Referring to Chanakya, the Lt Governor remarked that we inherit the wisdom of management from our ancient Management Guru, which somehow we have lost mid way. Our Arthaśāstra has described the theory, business relation, knowledge and research as the core strengths of Business education, he added.

Indian economy is coming back on track and is growing gradually. In this world of Digital and Artificial Intelligence, by evolving students, teachers and all the stakeholders of Business Management, we can move towards prosperity and progress together, the Lt Governor maintained.

Citing a recent report, the Lt Governor said J&K has less unemployment rate than States / UTs like Delhi, Goa, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand and Rajasthan, which itself speaks about the strong resolve of the UT Government towards addressing the serious issue of unemployment.

The Lt Governor congratulated IIM Jammu for making a distinguished place for itself in management studies. He also expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Vice President for attending the convocation and boosting the morale of the students. He congratulated the parents and family members of the students as well.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, MoS, PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, in his address, said that the Union Territory of J&K has become the Educational Hub of North India.

Today, the young generation is much more aspirational and the Government, keeping their aspirations in consideration, is facilitating the youth with a level playing field so that they can become the architects of New India, he added.

The Union MoS also counted the reformative measures taken by the Government for the growth and development of J&K.

The Vice President awarded medals to the students of 2018-20 and 2019-21 batches who achieved academic excellence. During the convocation, a total of 148 students were conferred with a Master in Business Administration degree.

Dr. Milind Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu delivered the welcome address. Meanwhile, Prof. BS Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, presented a report, highlighting past achievements and future action plans of the University.

Sh. Kewal Kumar Sharma, State Election Commissioner; Sh. Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lt Governor; Sh. BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Vice Chancellors of various Universities; Administrative Secretaries; members of BoG IIM; distinguished senior officers, besides faculty and family members of the students attended the convocation ceremony.

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has constituted a committee to review powers of Divisional commissioners and District Development Commissioners in the Union Territory for better governance.

The Commissioner Secretary General Administration Department has been appointed as chairman of the committee. while as  Commissioner Secretary, Transport Department, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir,  Commissioner Secretary Food , Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs,  Secretary Information Technology Department,  Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Secretary of Department of Law , Justice & Parliamentary Affairs,  representative of Principal Secretary of Revenue Department will be its members.

An order a copy reads: “Sanction is hereby accorded to constitution of a Committee to review the powers of Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners viz – a – viz district staffing of various departments for effective governance in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

“To review the existing administrative powers of Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners in respect of staff of various departments posted in districts , including Revenue , Rural Development , PW ( R & B ) Jal Shakti , Health , Social Welfare Departments , To recommend modifications in the powers for further strengthening the role of Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners for providing better governance. “The Committee shall serviced by the General Administration Department and shall submit its report by April 16,  2021”, the order added.

Visits Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine in Srinagar

Srinagar: Union Minster of State, Youth Affairs and Sports (IC) and MoS Ministry of Minority Affairs and AYUSH, Kiren Rijiju today visited Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine here and took overall review of its functioning as well as physical infrastructure and Testing Labs.

During the visit, Rijiju oversaw the different types of Unani System of treatment including Cupping without Scarification, Cupping with Scarification, Inkibab (Application of Steam), Natool (Irrigation) and Dalk(Massage) provided to patients.

On the occasion, MoS said that he is impressed with the ISM treatment and stressed for its further promotion so that maximum people get benefit out of this.

Rijiju took round of all Testing and Research labs including Biochemistry, Radiology, Photochemistry, Histology and other Labs and took onspot review of their functioning.

While speaking on the occasion, Rijiju said that he is pleased to visit the Institute and oversee the treatment given to ailing patients. He said Kashmir is blessed with the natural vegetation which houses varieties of medicinal herbs, helpful in curing different ailments and diseases.

He appreciated Research work being carried at the Institution and emphasised on the improvision in the treatment and other activities of the institute.

Rijiju also interacted with the patients admitted in the Institute and enquired about their well being and recovery. Patients on the occasion apprised him regarding the facilities available to them and the quality of treatment provided.

“Every disease has specific treatment and can be cured by Unani, Ayurveda or Psychological treatment”, Rijiju said.

While referring to history of application of Unani Medicine here, he said Kashmir has adopted Unani medicine much earlier.

In relation to prevailing pandemic, the MoS said that traditional System of Medicine has become a vital method to fight the pandemic in recent times.

Kiren Rijiju during the visit assured  the administration of the  Institute that the government will provide all  necessary support for further development and promotion of infrastructure and Medicine of these institutions.

Earlier, Kiren Rijiju planted a sapling of Prunus armeniaca L (Apricot) locally called “Tchear” in the premises of the Institute and watered it. He was briefed regarding the benefits of the tree by the officers of the Institute.

Among others present were, Director General, Central Council for Research In Unani Medicine, Asim Ali Khan, Registrar Kashmir University, Prof Nisar Ahmad, Dean Academic Affairs, Kashmir University, Shabir Ahmad, Deputy Director, Seema Akhbar, other officers, Doctors and Students.

Srinagar: Reaching out to athletes of J&K, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju today interacted with various athletes, players and coaches of different sports and felicitated them on their recent achievements in national and international events.

 While felicitating the achievers, Kiren Rijiju appreciated the athletes for bringing laurels to both J&K and the Country.

 Kiren Rijiju highlighted role of sports in character building which corresponds with the nation building. He added that sports helps athletes achieve unique feats and help them explore the world besides leads them to live a disciplined life.

 On the occasion, the MoS promised to set up more training centres in J&K in near future to tap and train the talent of region.

 Kiren Rijiju who is on two days visit to J&K shall inaugurate Khelo India Centre of Excellence, Water Sports Academy at Srinagar tomorrow.

 Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Farooq Khan while addressing on the occasion said that the athletes are icons and praised them for inspiring the generations to follow. He said that the footprints of all the achievers gathered here shall act as beacon lights for future champions.

 Advisor Khan also requested the MoS to provided requisite facilities for athletes of J&K so that they can make their mark in the Olympic and World Championship events.

 Advisor Khan also informed that inputs for J&K’s Sports Policy which is being framed shall also be sought from the sportspersons who are the real stakeholders.

 Principal Secretary Youth Services and Sports, Alok Kumar while addressing the gathering assured that Sports Policy is in pipeline and shall be announced very soon. He also apprised that outstanding sportspersons shall benefit immensely from the policy.

 On the occasion several athletes highlighted their struggles and talked about their success in the field of sports.

  Insha Bashir Para-Olympic gave an emotional gist of her journey into the sports and the support she has received all through from various stakeholders including J&K Sports Council and a special care taken by Kiran Rijiju after her on field mishap, surgery and recovery a year ago.

 Cyclist Adil Teli who is in reckoning for Guinness Book of Record for his feat of cycling from Kashmir to Kanyakumari this year, beating the previous record was especially invited to share his sojourn between two extremes of the country.

 Judo player Kabra Altaf, speaking on the occasion was all praises for the support meted out to the athletes by J&K Sports Council. She also demanded setting up of Sports Hostels for accommodation of players during the sports events and Training camps.

 Another Athlete, Jabeena Akhtar, who has bagged 25 medals at different levels in Wushu requested for full-fledged Sports Policy for J&K.

Visits LoC forward areas in Kupwara
Srinagar, Apr 9: Northern Army Commander Lt Gen YK Joshi on Friday reviewed security situation along the Line of Control (LoC) and in the hinterland in Kashmir valley.

Defence Ministry spokesperson Lt Col Emron Musavi said that the Army Commander, who was accompanied by GOC 15 Corps Lt Gen DP Pandey, visited formations along the LoC in forward areas of Kupwara and Rashtriya Rifles conducting Counter Militancy operations in the hinterland.

“The Army commander was briefed about the current situation on the LoC, including the counter infiltration grid and operational preparedness,” he said.

The Army Commander laid special emphasis on maintaining the sanctity of the ceasefire as per the understanding reached by DGMOs in February 2021. He, however, reiterated the necessity of not letting the guard down.

During his interaction with the troops, he applauded their selfless service, motivation and high spirits.

In the hinterland, the Army Commander reviewed the preparations for the Amarnath Yatra. He exhorted the troops to continue with people friendly approach in conduct of intelligence-based Counter Militancy operations. He complimented the soldiers for the efforts in pursuit of peace and stability in Kashmir.