Stresses on more participation of women in JK’s workforce

JAMMU, MARCH 08: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha Monday called for creating a Gender Neutral Ecosystem in J&K where the women can choose any profession, job or business.

The Lt Governor was speaking during an event held at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium, Jammu University to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor assured equal opportunities and widening of women’s sphere of activities so that their special talents and experiences could enrich Jammu & Kashmir’s economy and public service.

The soul of a country and society is poor without the invaluable contribution of women. Our collective effort is to provide advanced education, modern facilities, and support in every sector so as to enable women to make the best contribution towards the common good, observed the Lt Governor.

We aim to develop an environment, in work places from government departments to the corporate world, to engage more women in the fields where they are less in numbers, observed the Lt Governor.

There are many examples of women achievers who fought all odds and overcame all barriers. Today, women are breaking many stereotypes by doing some exceptional work in the field which once was considered being only for men, said the Lt Governor.

Speaking on the importance of gender neutrality, the Lt Governor made a special mention of Ms. Pooja Devi, the first female bus driver of J&K and expressed his happiness that women of the UT are breaking barriers.

After seeing the determination of Pooja Devi, we have decided to make an addition in the notification for recruitment of Government Bus Drivers (which is gender neutral) and add a line that women can also apply for this post, said the Lt Governor.

There is a mindset that for the recruitment of drivers, only men can apply. This thinking has to be changed, he added.

Women are no less than men. The Government is committed to providing equal opportunities to women. Men and women both have to work collectively to take J&K to new heights of development, the Lt Governor maintained.

The Lt Governor further called for more participation of Women in J&K’s workforce with the help of Mission Youth, Himayat and Skill Development Centres.

The Government is working on the lines of Jan Andolan for the social and economic upliftment of women.  From entrepreneurship to education, we are giving financial assistance to the women so that they can become financially and socially independent and can contribute towards economic development of J&K, said the Lt Governor.

He said that women in J&K are being empowered through several government-run schemes as the changes are visible on ground and added that the efforts of different government departments and agencies to empower women are bearing fruits with noticeable changes.

Emphasizing on equal participation of women in every aspect of life, the Lt Governor stressed on making J&K women financially independent; increasing women participation in leadership roles, and putting more focus on security and health.

Underscoring various initiatives taken by the Government for economic empowerment of women, the Lt Governor said that during the Mumkin Programme, mini-commercial vehicles with zero margin money were made available to the beneficiaries and we have kept it gender neutral.

J&K has a long history of women empowerment. For decades, the women folks of J&K have made significant contributions to keep the culture and traditions alive, said the Lt Governor.

Appreciating the role of women in development of J&K, the Lt Governor cited various examples of women empowerment in J&K and mentioned Smt. Kanta Wazir, Kota Rani, Lal Ded, Habba Khatoon, Mata Roop Bhawani and Doctor Girija Dhar.

The Lt Governor also mentioned Padma Bhushan Neelam Kler, Dr. Shehnaz, Dr. Nazira, Dr. Aram Ali and President Awardee Mehwish Mustaq and lauded their contribution for the betterment of society.

The Lt Governor appreciated J&K Women’s Development Corporation for working dedicatedly for the welfare of women. He asked the nodal department to distribute informative publications about women achievers of J&K and showcase their life history through plays in school and colleges.

To fill the skill gap, the Lt Governor called upon the private stakeholders for imparting on-job training to women.

Noting this year’s theme of International Women’s Day – “Choose to Challenge”, the Lt Governor suggested that Women Development Corporation should develop a platform to connect academia with industry, NGOs and Private sector and start a “Champions for Innovation” program.

Speaking on the occasion,  Farooq Khan, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor said that celebrations of International Women’s Day is one among the many steps taken towards the ultimate empowerment of women.

DG Women & Child Development, Mir Tariq Ali gave an overview of the department and various schemes being run to empower the women of the Union Territory.

On the occasion, the Lt Governor also felicitated outstanding women achievers in their respective fields.

A PowerPoint presentation on the theme of  ‘Gender Justice’ was also presented by J&K Resource Center for Women and a short video on themes of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and 181 women helpline against domestic violence was also shown.

Prominent among others, present on the occasion were, Financial Commissioner, Finance Department, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta; Principal Secretary to Government, Social Welfare Department,  Bipul Pathak; Vice Chancellor Jammu University, Manoj Kumar Dhar; Mission Director Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS), Shabnam Shah Kamili and other concerned officers.

Srinagar: Girls outperformed boys by bagging most of the top positions in all four streams in the Class 12th regular examination, the result of which was declared by J&K Board of School Education (JKBOSE) on Monday for Kashmir division.

Meanwhile, the overall pass percentage recorded in the border examination, which was held last year amid COVID-19 pandemic, was 80 per cent in the valley. “Girls not only outperformed boys in top positions, but recorded 4 per cent more pass percentage than boys,” official sources said.

They said as many as 155 students have secured top ten positions in all fours streams –Science, Commerce, Arts and Home Science. Of these, 125 are girls while only 30 are boys.

“As many as 58,397 students, including 27437 girls, appeared in the examination,” he said.

Out of these, they said 46,987 students, including 22,696 girls and 24,291 boys, succeeded in the examination. “Girls recorded a pass percentage of 82.72 per cent while as 78.46 per cent boys succeeded in the examination,” they added.

Giving details, they said the first 10 positions in Science stream were shared by 124 students, including 94 girls. Similarly, in Commerce, the first 10 positions were shared by 23 students, including 17 girls.

They said 21 students shared the first 10 positions in Arts stream, adding all of them are girls. “In Home Science, 10 girls bagged the first 10 positions,” they added.

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir on Monday recorded 70 new Covid-19 cases and one death.

Of the 70 new Covid cases, 11 were reported from Jammu division and 59 from Kashmir division. It has taken the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir to 127114.

Also one death has been reported from Jammu Division.

Moreover, 90 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and been discharged from various hospitals including 14 from Jammu Division and 76 from Kashmir Division.

According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Coronavirus (Covid-19), out of 127114 positive cases, 871 are Active Positive, 124280 have recovered and 1963 have died; 728 in Jammu division and 1235 in Kashmir division.

The Bulletin further said that out of 5411801test results available, 5284687 samples have been tested as negative till March 8.

Till date 1355337 persons have been enlisted for observation which included 31944 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 871 in isolation and 111473 in home surveillance.

Besides, 1209086 persons have completed their surveillance period.

By: Jahangir Lolabi

Srinagar: A 52-year-old zonal level officer as well as a government teacher have tested positive for COVID-19 in north-Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Monday.

Reliable sources said sample of the Zonal level education officer, admitted at sub-district hospital Kupwara, returned positive for the infection.

The officer, according to them, has been taken into isolation and treatment being given to him.

Another education department employee, currently dispensing his duties at Government Higher Secondary School Potushahi, has also tested positive for the virus.

The teacher, as per a medical official, was tested through RT-PCR in the school premises during which the tests conducted showed him positive for COVID.

It is pertinent to mention here that several teachers across Kashmir valley have tested positive for COVID during the ongoing DSEK proposed RT-PCR test mechanism. (GNS)

Army rules out ceasefire violation

Srinagar: Army on Monday ruled out ceasefire violation as the cause of death of a soldier, whose body was found with a bullet wound at a forward post in Keran sector in north Kashmir district of Kupwara.

An Army spokesperson on Monday evening said that Gunner Trived Prakash, who was posted at Kachhal, Keran Sector, Kupwara, was found dead due to fire from (his) service weapon at sentry post on Sunday.

He further clarified that the fatal injury ‘did not occur due to any ceasefire violations, as is being reported in some sections of the media’.

Official sources said that preliminary investigation indicate that the soldier allegedly committed suicide by shooting self.

”A case has been registered and investigation taken up into the incident,” they added.

Srinagar: World famous ski resort of Gulmarg and other upper reaches received fresh snowfall while rain lashed plains in Kashmir valley on Monday, resulting in chilly weather conditions.

Meanwhile, the night temperature dipped though settled above normal across the valley, where there is prediction of wet weather during the next five days.

A Met department spokesperson said light to moderate rain and snow would occur at most places during the next 24 hours under the influence of a Western Disturbance (WD), which is active in the region.

“Another WD, which originated from the Arabian Sea and is approaching the region through Afghanistan and Pakistan, will hit the region on Wednesday,” he said.

He said under the influence of the WD, rain and snow would occur at most places in the valley for three days from Wednesday. “There is a weather warning for Thursday and Friday during which thundershowers, lightening and hailstorms with gusty winds would occur,” he said, adding this system could result in disruption of surface and air connectivity of the valley with rest of the country.

Much to the delight of tourists, Gulmarg, which is already covered under several feet of snow, received fresh snowfall since early this morning, resulting in dip in the day temperature. Kongdori and Apharwat, the highest point of the cable car project in Gulmarg, also received light to moderate snowfall. The ski resort was the only place in the valley where the night temperature settled below freezing point. Against minus 0.7 degree recorded on Sunday, the mercury dipped and settled at minus 1.7 degree, which is about 2 degree above normal. “Despite snow since early this morning, the tourists are out on ski slopes enjoying different activities,” a hotelier said over the phone.

He said the ski resort, which is about 55 km from here in north Kashmir, witnessed huge influx of tourists this winter season after zero business during the last two years. “Most of the hotels are booked to April end in Gulmarg,” he added.

The night temperature in Srinagar dipped about a degree from Sunday due to overnight rain though settled above normal. Against 7 degree recorded on Sunday, the night temperature in the city dipped and settled at 5.8 degree, which is about 3 degree above normal. The people woke up to a chilly and rainy Monday morning in the city, which witnessed huge traffic jams on most roads following heavy downpour. Pedestrians were also finding it difficult to walk on the roads, which were waterlogged in Srinagar. The city witnessed a considerable dip in the maximum temperature on Monday, forcing people to once again wear sweaters and jackets.

World famous health resort of Pahalgam, about 100 km from here in south Kashmir, received rain since late last night, resulting in dip of about 2 degree since Sunday in the night temperature, which settled 1.1 degree, about 2.5 degree above normal.

However, the upper reaches in Pahalgam, including Chandanwari, received very light snowfall. Amarnath cave shine and its periphery, besides Sheshnag, Mahagung, Pisso top and Panjterni, also received light to moderate snowfall.

Other parts of the valley, including tourist resort of Kokernag, Kupwara in north Kashmir and Qazigund, gateway to the valley, Pirpanjal also received snow and rain since late last night.

Govt committed to promote Punjabi language

Reasi:  Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha Monday paid obeisance at the Gurudwara Baba Banda Singh Bahadur at Reasi and prayed for peace, progress, prosperity of Jammu & Kashmir, and well-being of its people.

Addressing a gathering at the Gurudwara, Lt Governor urged the people, especially the youth to follow the principles of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur.

“The story of his courage and selfless service needs to be constantly told to the generations to come. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to serve the land of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur,” he said.

“I call upon every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir to work as a center of social consciousness with collective responsibility for social and national interests,” Sinha said.

The youth must take inspiration from the life of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and work for the development of all classes and all religions for building a better society said the Lt Governor.

The Lt Governor said that on the day one becomes eligible to be a disciple, on that day the Guru himself discovers the disciple. “The same happened with Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. The message of his transformed life is to be awake, to be seen and he lived life with the same value till his last moment”.

The Lt Governor asked the young generation to understand that there will be many paths in life and they have to decide which path to choose.

Recalling his visit to University of Jammu last year to establish the Guru Nanak Dev Chair, the Lt Governor said that during his visit, he urged the scholars and researchers to make the research and papers on the teachings of Great Guru available to the people so that the message, ideas, and instructions could be conveyed to the young generation through technology.

He further reiterated Government’s commitment for promoting Punjabi language.  “Initiative has been undertaken to ensure that Punjabi language books are made available in all public libraries across the UT and this process will be completed soon”.

“In the new education policy, we are also paying attention that our children learn moral values, as well as get trained for the fourth industrial revolution,” maintained Sinha.

Earlier, the Lt Governor also planted saplings at Dera Baba Banda Singh Bahadur.

Srinagar: The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole Monday convened a meeting of officers to review arrangements for celebrations of ensuing Shab-i-Meraj and Maha Shivratri festivals.

The meeting among others was attended by CEO Waqf Board, Chief Engineers from, R&B, PDD, PHE, Director FCS&CA Kashmir, Regional Transport Officer Kashmir, SP Rural Traffic and representatives of other concerned departments. The Deputy Commissioners also attended the meeting through videoconferencing.

At the outset, the Div Com stressed on ensuring all arrangements are put in place across all the places where gatherings are held during the celebrations of Shab-I-Mehraj.

The CEO Waqf Board apprised the chair that no night prayers shall be held in wake of the Covid-19 while only small gatherings shall be held during the display of holy relic at Dargah and other religious places.

The Div Com directed the concerned to establish a joint control room at Hazratbal and ensure people coming to all places follow covid SOPs strictly.

SMC authorities were instructed to deploy additional safai karamcharis at all required places to ensure proper cleaning of all religious places. Besides, mobile toilets facility is also made available to the devotees.

He also emphasized on uninterrupted power and water supply with additional water tankers and gensets are stationed at all required spots during the festivals.

The Div Com stressed on making fool-proof security arrangements including proper frisking and proper deployment at all venues.

FCS&CA authorities were asked to ensure availability of essential commodities across all markets, besides timely supply of rations in all areas.

The concerned were directed to ensure availability of mutton and the same is sold as per the government rates while as sale centre of   fish, walnut and Lotus stem are set up in all Pandit Community areas.

In order to curb black marketing, the Div Com called for rigorous market checking.

He also stressed on smooth arrangements of transport, separate parking and proper route plan is formulated for the hassle-free to and fro movement of vehicles.

Health authorities were asked to ensure deployment of doctors, paramedics along with ambulances and screening teams at all shrines and religious places during the gatherings.

Srinagar:  High Court Monday heard and listed on March 18 again a petition filed by National Conference president Farooq Abdullah’s against an Enforcement Directorate’s order attaching his properties in a case of alleged money laundering.

A bench of Justice Dhiraj Singh Thankur heard the plea and ordered its continuation next week after briefly hearing the parties.

Last week, Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey had recused from hearing the plea and had posted it for today before a separate bench.

The ED has alleged that Abdullah misused his position as president of the J&K Cricket Association (JKCA) from 2001-2011 and made appointments in the sports body so the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sponsored funds could be laundered.

The former three-time Chief minister said the list of properties, valued around almost Rs 12 crore, attached by the ED in Kashmir and in Jammu were unrelated to the alleged activity mentioned in the Final Report/FIR.

The 83-year-old parliamentarian has said his ancestral and family properties in Jammu and Kashmir have been illegally attached by ED despite the fact that it had “no jurisdiction to do the same.”

“The illegal, excessive and arbitrary attachment of properties has resulted in grave injustice to the Petitioner, and is a continuing violation of his fundamental rights under Article 14 and Article 21 of the Constitution,” he says in the plea.

In 2012,  he submits that certain allegations regarding the siphoning off of JKCA funds emerged.

“As per the Final Report, these discrepancies were noticed by the then Treasurer, Manzoor Ahmed Wazir who brought it to the notice of the President (Farooq) who convened an immediate meeting of the Office Bearers of JKCA and subsequently an FIR No. 27/2012 dated 10.03.2012 under Sections 409, 406, 120B RPC was registered in PS Ram Munshi Bagh naming the erstwhile General Secretary and Treasurer namely Saleem Khan and Ahsan Ahmad Mirza as accused persons.”

He said along with initiating a police investigation regarding these allegations, Farooq submits that he constituted an In-House Probe Committee comprising of independent members of the Working Committee. “This Probe Committee submitted its interim report on 13.05.2012 and confirmed the embezzlement of funds by certain office bearers of the JKCA.”

He said ED’s 18 December 2020 action, attaching his properties, was illegal and arbitrary.

“A bare perusal makes it amply clear that the ED has simply adopted the case of the CBI and the resulting Final Report filed against the Petitioner (Farooq). Barring the recording of a handful of statements under Section 50 PMLA, no independent inquiry has been conducted into the present case, rendering it inherently biased,” he said, adding, “Nowhere has the ED satisfactorily offered reasons to believe the (Farooq) is in possession of proceeds of crime, or that such proceeds are likely to be concealed, transferred or dealt with in any manner which may result in frustrating any proceedings under the PMLA, as is required under Section 5 PMLA. Admittedly, the properties attached have no relation to the present case.”

He said that all properties attached by the ED are either ancestral or acquired by him prior to the date of the alleged offences. “The allegations against (Farooq) pertain to the period 2004 to 2009.The attached properties were acquired prior to the alleged commission of the offences, and hence were not involved in any alleged money-laundering or related criminal activity,” he said and sought directions to stay the proceedings pending before the Adjudicating Authority in relation to the “Original Complaint No. 1387 of 2021 during the pendency of the present petition.” (GNS)

Jammu:  National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday criticised the BJP for allegedly dubbing him and other leaders as “Pakistani” during election time and urged the people to stay away from the “politics of religion and hatred”.

“They (BJP) are making noises that we are coming (to power). They will never come,” the former chief minister said addressing a function to mark the International Women’s Day at the NC headquarters here.

At a two-day working committee meeting at Katra in Reasi district, the BJP’s Jammu and Kashmir unit adopted a resolution on Sunday to form the next government in the union territory of its own whenever the Assembly elections are held.

“They say we will form the (next) government. I will see how it is going to happen. Will they come from the sky? We are standing in their way and how you will remove us. The National Conference has a history of sacrifice and lives in the hearts of the people,” Abdullah said.

Without identifying anyone but apparently referring to the BJP, he said “they are creating hatred” among the people to win the elections.

“When the elections come, we are dubbed as Pakistanis despite the fact that we have spent ourselves to keep the Indian flag high and thousands of our workers and leaders have sacrificed their lives. However, when the elections are over, we become Indians…I am surprised,” he said.

Abdullah asked District Development Council (DDC) members, especially women, to work with the administration for the benefit of all.

“You have been voted by people, both men and women. You have to work for all including those who have voted against you,” he said.