Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Dec 23:: Webinar on “Media for Disaster Risk Reduction” was jointly organised by National Institute of Disaster Management and Institution of Engineers (India) J&K State Centre, Srinagar, today, in collaboration with J&K Information and Public Relations Department, Kashmir Editors Guild, Kashmir Press Club and J&K State Emergency Operation Centre, Srinagar. The webinar was inaugurated by Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar, Director Information and Public Relations Department.

Speaking on the occasion Dr Sehrish said media is the most effective link between the Public and the Administration, and Information Department is the link between Government and Media. She said that coordination mechanism with media needs to be further strengthened, in order to ensure that media has timely access to disaster related data, otherwise it can lead to publishing of unverified and speculative reports. She implored the concerned officers that they should share relevant information about each incident promptly, otherwise reporters have to rely on information which may not be accurate.

She said that the Information Department has always been forthcoming to ensure that media is provided timely updates and mentioned about COVID-19 bulletin. She appreciated that the media has brought about a positive change in the mindset of the general public from post‐disaster relief, towards pre‐disaster and mitigation initiatives and provided access to informative and specialised training programmes to enhance coping capacities. She said that communication has to be ensured not only with the public broadcasters but also with the private media channels.

She said that a mechanism of self-regulation can be evolved by the media-houses to ensure a balance of reality and credibility particularly in issues of sensational, sensitive and strategic news items, in order to curb rumor mongering, which could otherwise have negative effects. She said that print, electronic and social media add value and credence when they carry the public awareness messages that too alongwith entertainment and public is more receptive towards the messages. She spoke about the tele-classes and covid awareness programme, Sukoon, started by the Information department. She urged the media to project stories of positivity and hope.

Speaking on the occasion, Er. Aamir Ali, Chairman IEI JKSC and Nodal Officer SEOC said that media plays a very important role in every stage of disaster i.e. Pre, During and Post-Disaster. He said that the media has created tremendous public awareness and disseminated early warnings, especially for floods, windstorms, avalanche and adverse weather warnings. Media has not only made the public aware of the hazards and risks that they are vulnerable to, but has also enhanced their capacities to deal with any disaster situation so that they act promptly on early warnings.

He appreciated that the media has brought about a positive change in the mindset of the general public from post‐disaster relief, towards pre‐disaster and mitigation initiatives and provided access to informative and specialised training programmes to enhance coping capacities. He said that there are numerous instances when early warning information provided by print and electronic media has helped save precious lives and there are a few examples where either the warnings were not carried by the media or were ignored by the public, which resulted in heavy losses.

He appreciated Radio Kashmir Srinagar for playing a vital role in connecting people, who had got separated from each other, during the floods of 2014, when there was no other means of communication. He said that the media has on many occasions helped increase the visibility of a disaster situation, which has helped trigger National and sometimes even International support in terms of aid and donations for response, as was the case during the Earthquake of 2005.

He appreciated that print and electronic media have the most pivotal role, but said that social media too has emerged as a new information sharing platform which has potential to create an impact on the society and suppress a panic situation and rumors. He urged that journalism ethics should be strictly followed, especially during disaster reporting, as sometimes, in the desire for TRPs and sensationalizing, basic ethics of journalism are overlooked and in the event of any disaster, the survivors and the grief stricken people deserve privacy and media is expected to give humanity precedence, over professional urgency.

He suggested that since media personnel are amongst the first responders in any disaster or emergency situation, therefore there is a dire need to train them in disaster response and basic life-saving skills, for which the training will start soon. He urged that coordination mechanisms of Disaster Management Authorities with the print, electronic and even social media should be strengthened, in order to ensure that media has timely access to disaster related data, otherwise it can lead to publishing of unverified and speculative reports. He hoped that the deliberations and experience sharing by the panelists, would open up a new chapter of ensuring effective coordination mechanism, and would also pave way to set-up a Disaster Risk Reduction Platform at State, Divisional and District Level, which would not only have experts and professions as Members, but should necessarily include representatives from the media fraternity.

Dr Amir Ali Khan, Faculty NIDM said that the media has always been proactive even in the most difficult and trying situations like disaster events or even extreme cold situations and has always helped in creating awareness about Disaster Risk Reduction. He said that Media has been propagating best practices and lessons learnt from across the Globe and helped in highlighting and identifying core needs of the community. He said that its equally essential for the media to highlight the positive stories like post disaster reconstruction work by the administration as well as by non-governmental organisations as well as the public, so that achievements are also given due credit.

Qazi Salman, Deputy Director (News) Doordarshan said that capacity to communicate has increased tremendously but effectiveness has decreased. He suggested that ineffectiveness of communication needs to be redressed and the impediment need to be addressed on an urgent basis. He stated credibility of news is essential to ensure legitimacy in communication. He highlighted the role of Doordarshan as a public broadcaster and how early warnings are being disseminated by them.

Satish Vimal from All India Radio Srinagar said that Radio has a very important role as its outreach is far greater than any other form of media and that they have always fulfilled their duties as the link between people and administration at time of disasters or for early warnings. He urged that coordination of agencies is essential in the pre-disaster stage so that they will be effective at the time of any disaster or emergency situation. He suggested that the Government should continue to word hand-in-hand with the Radio for proper dissemination of information to the masses and to ensure effective communication.

Er M. Aaquib Sultana Waheed Deva, Honorary Secretary IEI JKSC moderated the webinar. Masood Hussain, Secretary General, Kashmir Editors Guild said that the media helps in identifying the core needs of the community before, during and after any disaster, because its reporters are available at the grass root level for coverage of the events. He spoke about various disasters where the media played a positive role in ensuring that basic needs of the people are highlighted. He stressed on the need that community participation is essential and that media can help ensure last mile connectivity. He stressed on the need to ensure that media is strengthened and stressed on evolving media credibility. He said that positive criticism by the media helps the administration improve its services.

Shuja-ul-Haq, President Kashmir Press Club Srinagar stressed on strengthening the coordination mechanism between the media and Government, particularly the Disaster Management Authorities. He said that the key element is the right information at the right time. He suggested that it is important to partner with Media for ensuring effective dissemination of information. He appreciated the organisers for initiating a thought provoking process by organising this webinar which would be most effective in a post disaster situation if the coordination mechanism is established in advance.

Sardar Nasir Ali Khan, from FM Radio Channels said that since communication gets disrupted during disasters, emphasis should be given on ensuring ways and means for catering to the needs of people in the urban and rural areas, where there is least connectivity. He suggested that mobile van stations should be inducted, so that communication and information disseminations can be ensured even if disaster strikes. He suggested that there is a dire need of establishing Community Radio Stations.

Majid Hyderi, Freelance Journalist and Analyst, spoke about the benefits of utilizing social media as a medium of dissemination of immediate information to the public and gave examples of how it has been used across the Globe. He however suggested that there is need to ensure a regulation mechanism for social media to curb chaos and rumor mongering.

Miss Yogita Garbyal, Young Professional from NIDM, Bilquees Dar Consultant Disaster Management and Ishfaq Ahmed Dar from IEI JKSC facilitated the webinar. The participants included media fraternity, experts, professionals, Council and Corporate Members of IEI and general public. The webinar was launched on CISCO Webex Platform and was also live on YouTube and Facebook.

Reviews security, operational preparedness

Leh, Dec 23: Army chief General M M Naravane on Wednesday visited forward areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh and reviewed security situation, including operational preparedness, of the troops.

An Army official said that General Naravane arrived at Leh on a day-long visit to Fire and Fury Corps. “The Army chief was received by General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Fire and Fury Corps, Lieutenant General PGK Menon,” he said.

General Naravane undertook on the spot inspection of the state of habitat of troops on the forward line of defence at Rechin La, which witnessed a face-off between Indian troop and PLA in September. “The Army chief appreciated the efforts made by the formation to make troops comfortable along the LAC,” he said.

The General also undertook a first-hand assessment of the situation along the LAC. He was briefed by the GOC Fire and Fury Corps and other local commanders on the operational preparedness of the forces.

Srinagar, Dec 23: A Special Police Officer (SPO) of Jammu and Kashmir police is reported missing alongwith an Ak 47 rifle from a police post in south Kashmir district of Kulgam since Tuesday, official sources said.
They said SPO identified as Mohammad Sikander Malik, a resident of Ahgar Yaripora Kulgam has gone missing from a police post in Kulgam since last evening.
A massive hunt has been launched to trace him, they said adding naka checkings have also been set up. However, so far he has not been traced, they said adding police has registered a case and initiated action.
Over a dozen SPOs and Army soldiers have deserted their posts in the Kashmir valley alongwith weapons. However, many of them were arrested and several others killed in encounters by the security forces. (UNI)

Srinagar, Dec 23: There was still no relief from the night chill though day temperature was near normal in the Kashmir valley, where water bodies particularly near banks, and taps in most parts were frozen due to sub zero temperature.
The Met department has issued a warning for isolated heavy snowfall in the Kashmir valley and Jammu division on December 27, However, there is possibility of isolated rain or snow on December 26, he said.
People continued to face chilly weather condition during the night when the minimum temperature remain sub zero temperature in the valley,
Srinagar, the summer capital of Union Territory (UT) Jammu and Kashmir, continued to freeze at minus 5 degree, three notches below normal. Today day was also chilly in Srinagar as sun was playing hide and seek coupled with icy cold winds. The sky would be partly cloudy and the maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 9 degree and minus 6 degree, he said adding when sky remains open the minimum temperature drops and day temperature goes up. However, due to cloudy sky the minimum temperature improves but day temperature goes down, he said.
Gulmarg, the world famous ski resort in north Kashmir, about 55 km from here, the minimum temperatures dips slightly and settled at minus 6 degree against yesterdays minus 5.8 degree which was normal. Despite below freezing temperature, tourists, skiers and other adventure lovers are enjoying the snow on the world class slopes since early this morning till late in the night.
Famed health resort of Pahalgam also recorded about one degree drop in the minimum temperature. Against yesterdays minus 5.8 degree, it was minus 6.6 degree which was 1.5 notches below normal. Due to frozen snow on the upper reaches, water level in river Lidder, passing through Pahalgam, and other water bodies has dropped considerably.
Most water bodies in UT Ladakh remained frozen due to below freezing temperature.
Met spokesman said the minimum temperature at Kargil was minus 17 degree while it was minus13.2 at Leh. He said the sky would be partly cloudy and the maximum and minimum temperatures would be around minus 1 degree and minus 12 degree respectively in Leh during the next 24 hours.

Srinagar, Dec 23: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday raided the house of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nominated MLA Anjun Fazili in Srinagar, official sources said.
They said sleuths of ED raided the house of Fazili at Kursoo Rajbagh after police and security forces were deployed in strength in the area.
Sources said some documents were also taken away by the ED officials during the raid.
However, it was not immediately clear why the house of Fazili was raided, they said adding further details are awaited.
Fazili of PDP and Priya Sethi of BJP were nominated by Governor as MLAs from Srinagar and Jammu respectively during the coalition (PDP-BJP) government in 2016.

CS reviews arrangements for District and Block level functions

Jammu, Dec 23: Chief Secretary, B V R Subrahmanyam, today chaired a meeting to take stock of arrangements being put in place for the upcoming launch of J&K’s prestigious universal Health Care Scheme, ‘Sehat’.
Financial Commissioner, Health & Medical Education Department, Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, MD, National Health Mission and Deputy Commissioners of all the districts along with their CMOs participated in the meeting.
The Chief Secretary informed that ‘Sehat’ is being launched in convergence with Ayushman Bharat to extend free of cost and cashless health insurance to nearly one crore residents of Jammu & Kashmir – who are currently not eligible for similar benefits under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme.
DCs apprised the Chief Secretary of the respective arrangements being made for the launch of the scheme. The launch which is scheduled on 26.12.2020 will include inaugural functions at all district headquarters and across 109 Medical Blocks of Jammu and Kashmir.

Stresses for fool-proof arrangements in all districts

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Dec 23: The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole today visited SKICC to take stock of arrangements put in place for the launch of SEHAT – a social endeavour for health and tele-medicine scheme by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi through virtual mode on December- 26.
At the outset, the Div Com also chaired a meeting of officers to finalize the arrangements for successful launch of the health scheme.
The meeting, among others was attended by Commissioner Secretary Higher Education, Talat Parvez Rohella, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr Sameer Mattoo, Commissioner SMC, Gazanfar Ali, SSP Traffic, SP Headquarter, Mohammad Majid and Joint Director Information, Haris Handoo.
The Div Com said that as many as 100 hospitals including 10 District Hospitals, 48 SDHs, 24 PHCs, GMCs, SKIMS Soura and 2 private hospitals have been empanelled to provide health benefits to all beneficiaries under this scheme in Kashmir.
As per the scheme, all those who have not been covered under the Ayushman Bharat health scheme shall be covered under SEHAT scheme to facilitate major health benefits to all left out beneficiaries.
During the launch, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi shall hold live interaction with various beneficiaries of Ayushman Bharat besides Health cards shall be provided to the Seat Beneficiaries on the occasion.

The Div Com stressed on making fool-proof arrangements at SKICC the main venue and at all Medical Blocks in all districts for the successful launch of the scheme.
He also reviewed arrangements made regarding the printing material, invitation cards, hoardings, registration of beneficiaries and awareness generation about the scheme.
The Div Com was apprised that all arrangements shall be put in place including a trial run shall be conducted in advance to ensure smooth launch of scheme across all districts of Kashmir.

Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, Dec 23: With an aim to spread digital literacy in schools across the UT, the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today e-inaugurated 128 Computer Aided Learning Centres (CALCs) and 200 Information Communication Technology (ICT) Labs in Schools established under Samagra Shiksha in Jammu and Kashmir, here at Raj Bhavan.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor observed that digital learning is an instructional practice that effectively uses technology to strengthen a student’s learning experience. The initiative is aimed at making studies more interesting and result-oriented, he added.
While addressing the teachers and students from various schools through virtual mode, the Lt Governor urged the teachers to keep upgrading their teaching-learning skills, especially in digital literacy, enabling the younger generation to learn effectively. He further stressed on imparting computer training to the teachers, wherever required, to enhance their skills.
Giving a detailed briefing about the project being implemented by Jammu and Kashmir e-Governance Agency (JaKeGA), Sh. Simrandeep Singh, Administrative Secretary, IT Department informed that ICT Equipment Installation and Commissioning were completed in 123 Labs in Jammu Division and 205 Labs in Kashmir Division till date.
The remaining Schools will be fully handed over by or before 15th February, 2020. After the completion of the project, a total of 1733 Upper Primary Schools out of 7608 shall be covered under Computer Aided Learning Centres (CALCs) and 1640 Secondary/Sr. Secondary Schools out of 2522 shall be covered under ICT, he added.
The Lt Governor directed the concerned officers to take comprehensive measures and frame an institutional mechanism for effective implementation of the programme and achieve the set targets in a stipulated time-frame, besides ensuring that the Computer Labs in schools function properly for the benefit of students, he maintained.
Sh. Arun Kumar Manhas, Project Director, Samagra Shiksha informed that the initiative has been taken for providing a computer lab with smart class facilities in all schools in a time bound manner.
Schools falling in educationally backwards blocks and those falling in the habitations of tribal areas have been selected for digital initiatives on priority.
It was further informed that the Ministry of Education, GoI has sanctioned 408 ICT Labs for the year 2020-21 for J&K.

PAGD wins 13, BJP 6 districts; parties wooing others
Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Srinagar Dec 23: Uncertainty continuous over who will be the District Development Council chairman of the Srinagar district, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.
In the first ever District Development Council polls in Jammu and Kashmir, the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) which has been formed by seven political parties including National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party, emerged as the single largest grouping followed by the BJP.
The Gupkar Alliance won 110 seats followed by BJP 75 Congress 26 and rest by Independents and other smaller parties. The BJP won just three seats in Kashmir.
With the support of Congress, the constituents of the Gupkar Alliance will have their chairmen in 13 districts. The Congress was initially a part of Gupkar Alliance but distanced itself when the BJP targeted the opposition party for being in league with the “Gupkar Gang”.
While out of 10, BJP won six districts of Jammu region where it will have its own chairmen.
But in Srinagar, there is uncertainty where the independents won maximum seats and will be interesting whom will they support or they choose DDC chairman among themselves.
“All parties are making efforts to woo Independents and make their chairman in Srinagar district,” one of the independents told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS). “There are some candidates who have been supported by political parties. Everything will be clear in next few days who will be DDC chairman in Srinagar,” he added.
The Srinagar district which was considered a bastion of the National Conference, the Gupkar Alliance candidates won only three seats out of 14 seats. The Independents won seven seats, while Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party led by Altaf Bukhari emerged winner on three seats and BJP on one seat.
Similarly in Jammu region, the PAGD and Congress has got maximum seats and will form DDC in Ramban, Kishtwar, Rajouri and Poonch.
In Jammu region, where the BJP has won maximum seats and will make its chairmen are Reasi, Samba, Kuthua, Jammu, Doda and Udhampur.
If results of these polls are analysed, it seems the BJP has been losing ground even in Jammu. In the last two parliamentary elections, it won all the three Parliamentary constituencies of Jammu region.
A BJP leader from Jammu said there is anger among people in Jammu against non-restoration of 4G and introducing of new domicile law.
Soon after the lockdown to fight COVID-19 was declared on March 25, the Centre announced the new domicile law in the UT. There is fear among people in J&K they may lose jobs and land due to this law.
Around 2200 candidates were into the electoral fray for 280 seats, 140 each in Kashmir and Jammu.
The polling was held over eight phases beginning November 28 and ending on December 19 as 51 per cent of the 57 lakh eligible voters exercised their franchise in the elections, which remained peaceful.
The District Development Council (DDC) election assumed significance as it was the first electoral exercise after the erstwhile state was bifurcated into two union territories with the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019.
Unlike in the previous elections, people voted in large numbers. While BJP says that normalcy is returning to Kashmir so people voted in large numbers but parties part of Gupkar Alliance claim that people’s larger participation was to defeat the BJP candidates because there is “anger among people against abrogation of Article 370”. (KINS)