Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Oct 27: The government Tuesday suspended three officials with immediate effect, pending inquiry into their conduct.
As per an order issued under number 1003-JK(GAD) of 2020, dated 27-10-2020, “Pending inquiry into their conduct, the following officers/oficial are hereby Placed under suspension, with immediate effect, in terms of Rule 31 of Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956.”
The suspended officers include Kamal Kumar Sharma, CPO, Reasi, Shama un Ahmad, Incharge CPO, Rajouri and Mohammad Irfan, Junior Engineer, Hyradulic Division, Ramban.
CPO Reasi, Rajouri among three suspended
Advisor Baseer meets delegations in Srinagar
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Oct 27: : Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Ahmad Khan, took stock of people’s issues and concerns during routine public grievances redressal camp convened here Tuesday.
During the camp, Advisor Baseer Khan met several public delegations and individuals who apprised him of their issues and demands and sought an early redressal to the same.
A delegation of BDC Chairpersons and members from Veerinag apprised the Advisor of various developmental issues and needs of their area submitting a memorandum regarding the same. Their issues inter alia included up gradation of transformer, completion of left out road at Kapran, up-gradation of health facilities, establishment of Bank branch and other issues of public importance.
The Advisor, while interacting with the members of the delegation, assured them that all their genuine issues will be addressed on priority.
A delegation of contractors from Uri demanded release of their pending payments. Similarly, a delegation from Pulwama demanded removal of encroachment of land in their area and establishment of fruit Mandi.
Another delegation of people from Lalpora Kupwara demanded provision for better drinking water facilities and other issues.
Likewise, a delegation of panchayat members from Budgam met the Advisor and raised the issues of public importance of their respective areas.
Soaring food prices
There has been a sharp jump in prices of all but commodities in Jammu and Kashmir. In particular, the prices of vegetables have skyrocketed and have reached a point of very hard reach for many people in J&K. The pandemic hit-economy preceded by crippling lockdown post 5 August 2019 decision by the centre has made the contemporary prices harder for the common man. Inflation has been rising steadily but vegetable prices were all but manageable until recently. A closer look at the Consumer Price Index of June would show that while prices in the food and beverages group rose an average 7.3% year-on-year, vegetables posted a marginal 1.9% gain. The rise in prices is primarily attributed to the demand and supply principle. However, it is not the only factor that decides the prices in contemporary markets across the globe. There are other variables that impact the prices and include malpractices which greatly affect the pricing. Hoarding, artificial dearth, and monopoly can cause prices hike to the disadvantage of the common people. The other contributing agents include cartels. The last person severely affected by these factors is the common consumer. While concept of liberal trade and free marketing needs encouragement, it never means that the buyers are exploited. Unfortunately, there is an unhindered accumulation of huge capital in the hands of a few manufacturers, pushing a common customer into jeopardy. The prices are fixed without any regard to the impact it has on the common consumer.
It is here that the government should come forward and streamline the markets especially in controlling factors that are associated with pure malpractices by some unscrupulous people. The government needs to face local challenges with lot more authority than it is showing or lacking presently. At all levels, the government is responsible for safeguarding the interest of common people. There is a full-fledged department, tasked with the duty of managing the prices of essentials. Hovered there are complaints the concerned officials are not taking action against the errant which only encourages the former at the peril of a consumer. The official machinery needs to step up efforts to give relief to the common consumer. The traders and businessmen doing business in a fair manner need to be encouraged but those contributing to inflation by resorting to unfair means should be taken to task. The government should also keep a check if companies or traders are raising selling prices to protect profitability at the peril of the common consumer.
Installing Smart Meters in Jammu, Srinagar could prove to be a game changer
Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, Oct 26: The decision of the Power Department to install Smart Meters in Jammu and Srinagar cities from November 15 onwards could prove to be a game changer in the Union Territory.
Principal Secretary Power Development Department (PDD), Rohit Kansal recently chaired a meeting to review the centrally sponsored schemes and installation of smart meters in Jammu and Srinagar cities and it was decided that the process will commence soon.
An expert while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “The installation of smart meters would mean that the consumers will have to pay the electricity charges in advance. So chances of electricity theft will decline.”
He said, “This step can go a long way in filling the gap between the revenue which is generated and the losses incurred by the Power Department. This will also help in maintaining the electricity supply 24×7. The ball will be in the court of consumers instead of the Power Department.”
An analyst said, “There is no harm in installing the smart meters in Jammu and Srinagar cities but the government needs to bear in mind that the people in J&K are not that rich and if the electricity becomes expensive they will find it very difficult to manage. The Power Department has to ensure that the electricity which is provided to domestic consumers is not that expensive.”
He said, “People who are under the impression that cost of electricity will increase after the smart meters are installed are mistaken. Installation of prepaid meters will help them rationalize their electricity usage and would help the masses to use the electricity judiciously.”
An official of the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) said, “All the aspects are being looked into but to streamline the power distribution system smart meters are a must. If people cooperate, they will themselves realize the change in the ground situation. The long awaited dream of Kashmir getting power supply like metropolitan cities will be fulfilled.”
He said, “People who are objecting to the smart metering project should realize that this is a bold step. Had this initiative been taken earlier by now power scenario in J&K would have been much better.”
An observer said, “The erstwhile political regimes in Jammu and Kashmir ignored the power sector. They kept on talking about getting the power projects back from the Centre and doing all sorts of things. But none of their proposals materialized. Despite J&K having huge hydro power potential nothing much was done to explore these resources.”
Awantipora gunfight: Militant killed, another surrenders
Jahangeer Ganaie
Pulwama, Oct 26: A militant was killed while another surrendered before the security forces in an encounter that broke out at Noorpora village of Awantipora belt in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Monday.
An official told KNO that one militant was killed in an initial exchange of fire while as the other surrendered before the forces.
He said his family was taken to the spot, who along with Police and Army repeatedly asked him to surrender and after hectic efforts, he accepted the offer and laid down the arms before the forces.
He added that the militant who surrendered hails from Awantipora area and was missing from last one month while as the militant who was killed also hails from the same belt and was active from almost one year after getting training in Pakistan.
Earlier, an official said that a joint team of Police, Army’s 42 RR and CRPF launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) on specific information about the presence of militants in Noorpora village of Awantipora area.
He said as the joint team of forces approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon them which was retaliated triggering an encounter.
This year so far, 190 militants have been killed including top commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Muhammad in various encounters
Infiltration down: GOC Raju
Srinagar, Oct 26: General Officer Commanding (GoC) 15 Corps Lt General (LG) B S Raju on Monday said the number of infiltration has come down this summer though Pakistani is trying to push trained militants into this side.
Reiterating his appeal to local militants to shun the path of violence and join the national mainstream and lead a normal and peaceful life with their families, Lt Gen Raju warned that those who are holding the gun will be dealt with sternly by the security forces.
This summer the infiltration has come down due to strict vigil maintained by the troops guarding the Line of Control (LoC), GOC told reporters on the sideline of Yusmarg festival in the central Kashmir’s Budgam district.
He said situation at the LoC is under control and this year the number of infiltration by militants was down as compared to previous year. This, he said, was possible because of strict vigil maintained by the troops guarding the LoC. However, next couple of months will be more important as Pakistan will try to send more militants into this side before the infiltration routes are closed due to heavy snowfall, he said. He said Pakistani troops are violating ceasefire to push militants, waiting at launch pads, to enter this side. But, he said, troops are on high alert to foil any such attempt.
About the situation in hinterland, Lt Gen Raju said security forces conducted several successful operation against the militants.
We again appeal to local youth, who have taken to militancy, to shun the path of gun and return to mainstream and live a peaceful life with their families, he said. However, he said, those who refused to laid down their arms will be dealt with sternly.
About situation in south Kashmir, where maximum operations were conducted by militants, he said things are returning back to normal. Traders , particularly dealing with fruit, are now doing their business normally, he said.
J&K youth inherently talented: LG Sinha
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, October 26: “Youth empowerment is imperative for a better tomorrow. When we empower youth, we empower the future of the Nation. Bringing socio-economic change through youth empowerment is the much-needed practice which requires concerted efforts on the part of all stakeholders to reap the intended benefits and achieve the desired results on ground.
The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha made these remarks during a meeting he chaired to discuss the modalities for the better implementation of the upcoming Youth Empowerment programme envisioned by the UT Government for Youth Engagement and Employment.
The Lt Governor observed that the youth of J&K are inherently talented. The intended programme will prove to be an institutional mechanism for providing the necessary handholding and support to the youth to facilitate and nurture their capabilities, he added.
He asked the concerned officers to adopt the best global practices of youth engagement, besides involving business schools for case studies.
Build an atmosphere of trust and positivity amongst the youth in the region. Identify gaps and be sensitive towards the problems and needs of the youth and resolve the same through various technological and knowledge-based interventions, he added.
The Lt Governor suggested incorporating the establishment of District Youth Centres in every District. He laid special emphasis on creating opportunities for youth through Skill-development, education, sports, employment, tourism, Agri and allied sectors.
Youth engagement is about empowering young people and it is important to pave a solid foundation for the development and growth of our younger generation. The UT of Jammu & Kashmir is predominantly young in terms of its population with almost 65 percent of the population under the age of 35 years. The government is aiming to operate youth engagement programmes in the field of Sports, Livelihood generation, Recreation, Education, Counselling to effectively support and encourage young individuals to shape their future as per their aspirations, observed the Lt Governor.
Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Additional Secretary to the Government, Finance Department and CEO, Mission Youth gave a detailed presentation on the programme and briefed the Lt Governor about various aspects of youth engagement that can be considered under the youth empowerment programme.
The meeting was informed that the intended programme is conceived as a common platform where all activities on youth development would be carried out for better results.
The main objectives of the programme are to synergize all the efforts for the skill development among the youth; to provide means of institutional social outreach to the young population; to provide an institutional mechanism for psycho-social support to youth on scientific lines and to provide the youth an opportunity of livelihood generation, economic growth, social recognition, and systemic support, as and when required.
BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Shaleen Kabra, Principal Secretary to the Government, Home Department; Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary, Power Development Department and Information Department; Bishwajit Kumar Singh, Secretary to Government, School Education Department; Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor; Pandurang K. Pole, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Sarmad Hafeez, Secretary to the Government, Youth Services and Sports, Tourism and Culture Departments; Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Additional Secretary to the Government, Finance Department and CEO, Mission Youth, and other senior officers attended the meeting at Raj Bhavan.
COVID-19: Doctor among 5 more die, 364 test positive in J&K
Causalities at 1445, total cases 92225
Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar, Oct 26: A doctor was among five more persons who died due to COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir, while 364 more people tested positive for the virus during the past 24 hours, officials said on Monday.
They said that fatality count in the Union Territory due to COVID-19 has mounted to 1445 while total number of cases has risen to 92225.
Officials said that among those who succumbed to the virus include three from Kashmir and two from Jammu division.
Regarding the deaths from the Valley, they said, two belonged to Baramulla and one to Srinagar district.
Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) headed by Dr Suhail Naik said that one doctor, Dr Rajat died of COVID-19.
“He was working as Post Graduate (PG) scholar in Department of Radiology at Govt Medical College (GMC) Jammu.”
Dr Naik said: “Dr Rajat was a frontline COVID warrior who contracted Covid 19 while on duty and was admitted in Intensive Care Unit(ICU) of GMC Jammu as he could not maintain oxygen saturation due to bilateral pneumonia but finally lost the battle of life early morning today”.
He said said that Dr Rajat was a true martyr as he without caring for consequences of contracting the Covid 19 maintained the hippocratic oath and served his patients.
With these deaths, the fatality count has reached 964 in Valley and 481 in Jammu region.
Srinagar district with 346 deaths tops the list followed by Jammu (249), Baramulla (143), Budgam (92), Pulwama (80), Kupwara (71), Anantnag (74), Kulgam (46), Bandipora(45), Rajouri (46), Doda (45), Shopian (35), Ganderbal (32), Kathua (30), Udhampur (29), Samba (25), Poonch (23), Kishtwar(14), Ramban (13), and Reasi (7). (GNS)
J&K reports 364 new cases, tally at 92225
Meanwhile, 29 travelers were among 364 new COVID-19 cases reported in last 24 hours in Jammu and Kashmir, taking the total count to 92225.
Among the fresh cases, officials told said that 147 were reported from Jammu Division and 217 from Kashmir Valley.
Giving district wise details, they said, Srinagar reported 76 cases, Budgam 13, Baramulla 56, Pulwama 15, Kupwara 25, Anantnag 7, Bandipora 5, Ganderbal 13, Kulgam 1, Shopian 6, Jammu 108,
Rajouri 0, Udhampur 4, Doda 6, Kathua 5, Poonch 10, Samba 2, Kishtwar 0, Ramban 7 and Reasi 5.
Among the cases, many were confirmed at CD hospital’s diagnostic laboratory and include male (58) (NA) from Habbakadal, male (70) (NA) from Sonwar, male (70) (NA) from Khaniyar, male (79) (NA) from Budgam, male (40) (NA) from Noorbagh, female (30) (NA) from Soura, female (34) (NA) from Sonwar, female (30) (NA) from Pulwama, male (62) (NA) from Nishat sgr, female (73) (NA) from Buchpora sgr, female (65) (NA) from Humhama Budgam, male (45) (NA) from Bemina Sgr, male (67) and, female (32) from Drangbal Pampore, male (80, 37, 37) and female (34, 65, 17) from Tahab, male (37) from Malikpora Tahab, male (38) from Payer, female (48) from Tral, female (80) from Khanjinag, female (18) from Khanjinag and female (50) from Khanjinag.
Moreover, they said, 627 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and were discharged from various hospitals— 229 from Jammu Division and 398 from Kashmir. (GNS)
India’s COVID-19 storm weakening
New Delhi, Oct 26: India’s COVID-19 graph seems to be declining as the country during the past 24 hours recorded 45,148 fresh cases, a figure though high yet less when compared to previous months.
In the same period, 480 more people lost their lives.
With the new additions, the case count reached 79,09,959 while the death toll soared to 1,19,014, the Union Health Ministry data showed.
The fatality rate stood at 1.50 per cent which is among the lowest in the world. Its death rate is also continuously declining. Maharashtra accounted for 112 of the day’s fatalities followed by 60 from West Bengal, 33 from Delhi, 32 from Karnataka, 31 from Tamil Nadu and 28 from Uttar Pradesh.
On a positive note, 59,105 more people recovered, taking the total recovery count to 71,37,228, which is 90.23 per cent of the caseload.
According to Health Ministry data, 78 per cent of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in 10 States/UTs. Karnataka has contributed the maximum to the single day recoveries with more than 10,000 cases followed by Kerala with more than 7,000 cases.
The government said as part of the COVID-19 management and response policy, there has been a sharp focus of the Centre on not only containing the virus, but also to reduce deaths and save lives by providing quality clinical care to the critical and severe patients. Collaborative efforts of the Union and State/UT governments have resulted in strengthening of the health facilities across the country. As many as 2,218 dedicated COVID hospitals are providing quality medical care.
The country continues to report a trend of steadily decreasing active cases. Presently, the active cases comprise merely 8.26 per cent of the total positive cases standing at 6,53,717. This is the lowest since August 13 when the active cases were 6,53,622.
As per the Indian Council of Medical Research, 9,39,309 samples were tested on Friday, taking the total to 10,34,62,778.
The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic on March 11. To date, more than 43.45 million people have been infected with the coronavirus worldwide, with over 1.16 million fatalities. Exactly 13 days later, India announced a stringent 21-day nationwide lockdown from March 25, however, as the cases kept rising, the lockdown was extended till May 30 after which the restrictions were gradually lifted in order to revive the battered economy.
