Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Dec 17: Alleging that there was an incident of booth capturing and subsequent bogus voting in a polling station in Bandipora in the recently held DDC elections, People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) President Farooq Abdullah on Thursday wrote a letter to State Election Commissioner K K Sharma and demanded re-polling.
In a letter addressed to SEC KK Sharma, Abdullah demanded repolling in Garoora Bandipora A which went to polls on December 13.
“A very sad state of affairs has been brought to my notice. At a number of places, real voters and supporters of PAGD candidates were disallowed to vote. Apart from wanton capturing of polling booths at Garoora, Bandipora A on 13 Dec, incidents of unwarranted interference were reported from a number of areas which went to polls on 16 Dec. In Chitragam Shopian, voters were forcefully stopped from casting their votes,” writes the NC president.
In the interest of justice and fair play, he requested repoll in these areas.
Farooq writes to SEC, demands re-poll in polling booth in Bandipora
Govt schools in B’la register over 18000 new admissions
Precious Kashmir News
Baramulla, Dec 17: Chief Education Officer (CEO) Baramulla, G M Lone Thursday informed that over 18000 new admissions have been registered during the current academic session 2020-21 in various government schools across the district.
He said out of these admissions, over 5000 are those who were previously enrolled in different private educational institutions.
The CEO made these remarks while presiding over a Community Mobilization Programme organized by the Education Department at Govt Middle School Khanpora, Baramulla.
It is worth to mention that School education department Baramulla has kick-started an ambitious community mobilization programme with an aim to educate different stakeholders about various facilities being provided in govt schools besides renewing efforts to enhance enrollment ratio in these institutions.
Highlighting various initiatives taken by the administration to enhance the quality of education, the CEO said that mass mobilization programmes are being launched at different levels through which awareness is being disseminated besides motivating the people to enroll their children in govt schools.
He informed that a survey has been launched wherein different parameters viz drop out ratio, out of school proportion among other vital aspects are being ascertained. He also reiterated that administration is committed to impart qualitative education to the students.
Canine Problem Only Grows
Dogs are sometimes nicknamed as ‘man’s best friend’. But the increasing incidents of stray dog menace do not go well with what transpires in Kashmir Valley. The canines have been storming streets, chasing cars, pulling down bicycle riders and often attacking pedestrians and children in the Valley. The dogs even claim lives and the horrific incidents continue to be repeated. Not long ago, a young lawyer from North Kashmir lost his battle for life in a hospital after having been mauled by the stray dogs. It’s perhaps a chilling reminder of the danger that always lurks around people of all ages.
Despite lockdown amid covid-19 and even tougher clampdown post abrogation of special status last year leading to the reduction of availability of energy rich food, the number of the canines seems to be only growing. It rather debunks calls by some experts who voiced concern against culling and called for reducing availability of the energy rich food to reduce the numbers.
Someone in the administration should be taken to task for endangering the lives of the people if the theory still holds good as heaps of rubbish, and waste on streets are available.
Every year, hundreds of people are bitten by dogs. Around 98% of rabies cases are due to dog bites globally, about 40 percent of the victims being children, according to the World Health Organization, which has announced a campaign to reduce human deaths from dog-transmitted rabies across the globe to zero by 2030.
For rabies, the link is direct. Wherever there are people, there are dogs. If dogs are suffering and dying from rabies, humans will also suffer and die. Dogs also contribute to deaths involving road accidents besides direct attacks.
The dog population has grown rather than reduced in the Kashmir in recent past, notwithstanding some surveys which restricted their domain to a few areas of Srinagar.
Sterilization has also proved ineffective. Based on the estimation of 300 working days, approximately 27000 sterilization were to be carried out in a year. However, the results never turned out to be at par with the desired objective. In contrast, stray dogs have only grown in number. There is no word about it recently and in all probability it seems the process has been halted. There is a need to get serious on the issue. While animal birth control measures have proven ineffective, there is a need to look for aletrnatives.
Govt mulling to axe deadwood creates ripples in offices
Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, Dec 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Government mulling to pre-maturely retire its employees has created a ripples in the offices.
It’s in place to mention here that the speculations about the government having decided to chop the deadwood started making rounds after newly elected Mayor of SMC, Junaid Azim Mattoo, last week tweeted that he is writing to the government to conduct a performance review of all SMC officers and employees who have attained 48 years of age or have completed 22 years of service. “Seeking enactment of provisions of Article 226(2) of Jammu and Kashmir Civil Service Regulations to weed out deadwood, am writing to the Government to conduct a performance review of all SMC officers and employees who have attained 48 years of age/22 years of service,” Mattoo had tweeted.
Sources told Precious Kashmir that the J&K Government is preparing a list of the officials whose performance has not been upto the mark. “The SMC Mayor writing a letter to the administration to review of the performances of the employees could just be the beginning of initiating the process to get rid of the deadwood. It could begin from the SMC and later reach on to the other government departments,” sources added.
Pertinently, in October this year, the Jammu and Kashmir government amended Article 226 (2) of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Service Regulations for a provision to retire at any time any government servant in the public interest after he has completed 22 years of service or attained 48 years of age.
“Since the day the circular has been issued many employees have become anxious. Speculations about the list being prepared has added to the worries of the people working in different departments,” the source said.
An official, who wished anonymity said, “The government is very serious about removing the deadwood from the system so that the younger generation is given a chance to come forward and take the charge. Only non-performers are being identified. The ones who are doing their jobs sincerely need not worry.”
He said, “The Civil Service Regulation rule was amended after lot of deliberations. All the pros and cons were looked into before amending this important rule.”
It may be recalled that the former political dispensations on many occasions had acted against the deadwood in the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir State. The ones who were sacked on the basis of non-performance, easily used to get their jobs back due to rules not being stringent. “Now the time and rules both have changed,” the official added.
DDC Elections: 7th phase records over 57 % polling
Jammu records 71.93%; Kashmir 39.52 percent
Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, Dec 16: The State Election Commissioner (SEC), K K Sharma on Wednesday said that 57.22 per cent voting was recorded in the seventh phase in the ongoing District Development Council (DDC) elections held today across Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a press conference here, the SEC said that polling was by and large peaceful in the poll going 31 constituencies of DDC including 13 in Kashmir division and 18 in Jammu division that witnessed 57.22 per cent of polling,
The SEC informed that polling was held in 1852 polling stations including 1068 from Kashmir division and 784 from Jammu division.
SEC further informed that Jammu division recorded an average voter turnout of 71.93% with Poonch district recording the highest percentage of 80.12% followed by Reasi district with 76.75% and 75.63% voting recorded in Udhampur district. The lowest turnout in Jammu division was in Doda district which recorded 58.82%.
The Kashmir Division recorded 39.52% average voter turnout with Bandipora district recording the highest polling at 70.47% followed by Baramulla with 59.53% and Kupwara district recorded 59.23% polling, he added.
Giving district wise details, the SEC informed that in Kashmir Division the polling percentage recorded in Budgam was 45.11%, Ganderbal 53.69%, Anantnag 22.46, Kulgam 17.98%, Pulwama 11.06% and 6.55% polling was registered in Shopian.
Similarly, in Jammu division poll percentage of 74.38% was recorded in Samba, 72.85 in Kathua, 67.75% in Ramban, 73.10 in Rajouri, 69.89 per cent in Kishtwar and 68.66% in Jammu district.
He further said that 393200 (210479 male and 182721 female votes) people exercised their right to franchise for the seventh phase across the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory.
Further, he said that counting of votes for Sarpanch and Panch constituencies which went to poll in the seventh phase is being conducted.
Kashmir Division
Bandipora: 70.47%
Baramulla: 59.53%
Kupwara: 59.23%
Budgam: 45.11%
Ganderbal: 53.69%
Anantnag: 22.46%
Kulgam: 17.98%
Pulwama: 11.06%
Shopian: 6.55%
Jammu Division
Poonch: 80.12%
Reasi : 76.75%
Udhampur: 75.63%
Doda: 58.82%.
Samba: 72.85
Kathua: 67.75%
Ramban: 73.10%
Rajouri: 69.89%
Kishtwar: 68.66%
ACB raids houses of Housing Board officials in Srinagar
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Dec 16: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday conducted raids at the residence of some officers and officials of Jammu and Kashmir Housing Board (JKHB), Srinagar in connection with corruption charges.
An ACB spokesman said this evening that the Bureau has registered case FIR 27/2020 against the officers and officials of JKHB on the outcome of inquiry conducted by this Bureau into the allegations of procurement of material on exorbitant rates and use of substandard material in projects of construction of the buildings undertaken and progressed ahead by the Board Unit 2nd, Srinagar without tendering process during the period 2015- 2017.
He said during the probe it has been found that these works were to be executed in two-fold mechanism; labour component and material component wherein the labour component was to be executed through piece meal workers and the material was to be produced through tendering from original manufactures. Apart from lot of procurements done without tendering in conspiracy with portrayed piece meal workers, made procurement of many items on exorbitant rates.
It has surfaced that at one project in Srinagar, the excavated earth to the tune of 11756 cubic metres has been shown transported to a dumping site but the dumping site has not been identified by providing any site plan, he said adding the dumping site is located at a far distance from the project site but same has been shown located at minimum distance. The auction or sale of excavated material could have generated revenue for government as such wrongful loss has been caused to the State Exchequer.
Further, he said, the purported carriage charges of the material from excavated site to dumping site have been billed to the tune huge amounts. The billed cost amounting on account of non-existent levelling of unknown dumping site has been done. This has resulted in loss to State exchequer with consequent undue benefit to the public servants.
He said the executing agency has failed to provide any contour map or cross section depicting natural surface prior to excavation to support their claim of excavating a quantity of 11756 cubic meters of earth. The approximate loss worked out at one of the sites on account of excavation of earth work is about Rs 15 Lakh. The loss is likely to go up when the investigation of the case will move further, he said.
The allegations of nepotism in allotting works have also been levelled with respect to the other projects at different places which will be probed during investigation. These commissions and omissions on part of officers and officials of JKHB, namely Aftab Rashid Pandit, the then Deputy General Manger the Board Unit 2nd, Srinagar, Shiekh Sajjad Bashir, the then Assistant Manager and others constitute offences under section 5(1) (C), 5(1) (d) r/w section 5(2) J&K PC Act Samvat 2006 and section 120-B RPC. Accordingly, a case FIR No. 27/2020 was registered in Police Station ACB Srinagar on 15.12.2020.
Subsequently search warrants were obtained from the competent court and searches were conducted at various places. During the searches, some incriminating materials and documents were seized on spot, he said adding further investigation in to the case is going on.
Political worker shot at in Rajouri
Jammu, Dec 16: A political worker was shot at by some unknown gunmen in Jammu’s Rajouri district, police said on Wednesday.
It said that a political worker was shot at by unknown gunmen in Rajouri district overnight.
They said that Ranjit Singh,36, was fired upon outside his residence at Draj village of Kotranka.
He was immediately removed to CHC Kandi from where he was referred to Government Medical College Rajouri.
SSP Rajouri Chandan Kohli confirmed the incident and said that a case has been registered and investigations have been started. “His condition is stable now,” the police officer said
Budgam has huge scope for iconic developmental projects: Div Com
‘Shikargah, other Pulwama areas to come up on tourist map’
Precious Kashmir News
Budgam/ Pulwama, Dec 16: Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole today said that Budgam as a nearest district to Srinagar and for its topography has huge scope for launch of various iconic developmental projects.
The Div Com said this during an extensive tour to Budgam and Pulwama districts to take stock of progress of various developmental projects in these districts.
He was accompanied by DC Budgam, DC Pulwama, MD J&K SIDCO, CE I&FC, CE Transmission, Ex. Er State Sports Council, Ex. Er. CPWD and other concerned officers.
During his visit to Budgam, the Div Com took stock of progress made in the construction work of Academic cum Administrative Block, Auditorium Incubation, Canteen, Boys and Girls hostels, Guest House, site development and other construction works of NIFT Srinagar presently under construction at SIDCO Ompora.
The Div Com was apprised that 55 percent of work has been already completed under first -3 packages so far. He instructed the concerned to expedite the work process and submit month wise progress to ensure the project is completed within the stipulated time frame.
The Div Com also visited the Multipurpose Indoor Sports Stadium Budgam and 50 MVA Grid Sub Station Chadoora.
He directed concerned to ensure both interior and exterior work on Indoor Stadium is completed by March- ending or action shall be taken against the work executing agency. Instructions for submitting DPR for the development of Sports Stadium Budgam were also issued on the occasion.
At Grid Station Nowbugh, Div Com issued instructions for shifting and vacating of CRPF from the station premises and identifying alternate land site for the CRPF camp on war footing besides construction work on Grid Station is carried out in full swing.
The Div Com said that the Union Government has launched 100 iconic projects in J&K UT out of which 5-6 are also coming up in Budgam. He said Budgam being near to Srinagar and safe from floods for its topography has huge scope for launching various centrally-sponsored developmental projects here.
He also took stock of Flood protection and anti erosion works on Doodhganganallahin Chadoora.
Later, the Div Com inspected the work process on AIIMS Awantipora, Tral Lift Irrigation Scheme, Multipurpose Indoor Stadium, twin under construction Sports grounds at Bajwani Tral. He took detailed review of the site development, availability of essential services, road development, public utilities and other allied works at AIIMS.
Stressing on work expeditions on the project, the Div Com directed concerned departments to ensure all essential services including electricity and water facility is made available to the concerned to ensure no hindrance in the execution of work process.
He emphasized on making both available bore wells functional at an earliest while work on others is also carried out on war footing. The concerned were directed to maintain the work calendar on the project.
He also said that various areas in Tral and rest of the Pulwama district have tourism potential and said that Shikargarh and other areas shall be developed to bring these places on the tourist map.
The Div Com further emphasized on the speedy development of twin sports stadiums including staircases and pavilions to make sports facilities available to the local youth. He also inspected the indoor stadium and laid emphasis on availability of equipment there.
While taking stock of work on Lift Irrigation Scheme, the Div Com directed concerned to ensure the project is completed by March- ending to facilitate irrigation supply to orchards and other crops in areas facing water shortages.
He said that the irrigation scheme is one of the largest schemes in Kashmir which will supply irrigation water to various villages in Tral area.
Kashmir, Ladakh record season’s lowest temperature
Mercury settles at minus 4.8 degree Celsius in Srinagar, weatherman predicts further dip, says no forecast of rains, snow till Dec 26
Owais Gul
Srinagar, Dec 16: Union Territories -Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh- recorded the season’s lowest night temperature on Tuesday night with the local weatherman predicting a further dip in the minimum temperature across Kashmir and Ladakh in coming days.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir recorded the season’s lowest night temperature on Tuesday night with officials stating that the mercury in Srinagar settled at minus 4.8 degree Celsius.
As per MeT spokesman, Kashmir Valley as well as Ladakh has recorded the season’s lowest night temperature. In Ladakh, the lowest temperature was recorded in Drass at minus 18.6 degree Celsius.
In Srinagar, the mercury settled at minus 4.8 degree Celsius while Gulmarg, a world famous ski-resort recorded night temperature of minus 11.0 degree Celsius, MeT spokesman said, adding that Pahalgam recorded minus 7.4 degree Celsius and night temperature in Kupwara was recorded at minus 4.8 degree Celsius.
MeT spokesman informed KNO that the minimum temperature in Kokernag was recorded minus 5.2 degree Celsius, adding that in Leh it was minus 10.8 degree Celsius while the lowest among all was recorded in Drass at minus 18.6 degree Celsius.
Talking to KNO, Deputy Director MeT, Mukhtar Ahmad said that the minimum temperature as per the forecast would further dip in the coming days till December 20.
“Weather will remain cloudy on December 20-21 and there is a possibility of improvement in the night temperature on the particular date,” Ahmad said. “There is no forecast of major rain or snowfall till December 25-26.”
Ahmad said that Srinagar recorded season’s lowest temperature, adding that the minimum temperature can either improve or go further down by one degree Celsius in the coming days till December 20.
LG Sinha reviews implementation of PMDP projects
Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, Dec 16: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reviewed the progress of Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) projects, here on Wednesday.
During a meeting, the Lt Governor sought a comprehensive report of the sector-wise implementation of 54 projects sanctioned under PMDP with an outlay of Rs 58,627 crores and reviewed the Financial and Physical progress achieved so far.
Secretary Disaster Management Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRRR) gave a PowerPoint presentation and informed the Chair about the present status of PMDP projects of various departments and iconic projects including Health, Education, Tourism, Horticulture, Sports, Jal Shakti, PWD, and Housing & Urban Development.
The Lt Governor was apprised about various major projects including upgrading of Uri-Poonch road, Srinagar-Leh road via Kargil, special repair of roads and bridges, projects proposed under Bharat Mala for the length of 105 KM for tourist connectivity, Jammu-Akhnoor-Poonch road, construction of semi-ring roads in Jammu and Srinagar, AIIMS at Jammu/Kashmir, construction of IIM Jammu and IIT Jammu, etc.
Secretary DMRRR informed that 11 projects have been completed and nine are substantially completed whereas 34 projects are at different stages of execution out of which 19 shall be completed by ending 2021.
The Lt Governor also reviewed the progress of Iconic projects which included Hydro-electric Projects (HEP) of Kiru, Kwar, Shahpur Kandi, and Ujh.
Laying special emphasis on the timely execution of the projects, the Lt Governor directed the Administrative Secretaries to closely monitor the execution of all PMDP projects and have a regular review of the progress made thereof in order to remove the bottlenecks if any.
The Lt Governor passed strict directions for speeding up on the ground implementation for early completion of the works.
The Lt Governor also called for regular monitoring and submission of progress report on a monthly basis.
“Sectoral progress should be monitored regularly to avoid unnecessary delay,” he maintained.
The Lt Governor asked the officers concerned to incorporate every detail of the projects, including date of sanction, date of start of work, present status and targeted date of completion for effective monitoring.
