Chennai, Oct 15: Apollo Hospitals Thursday announced that it was prepared to administer one million COVID-19 vaccines per day once it becomes available to support the Government’s battle against the dreaded virus.
The group will leverage its robust pan India web of 19 medicine supply hubs with cold chain facilities and use it’s 70 hospitals, 400-plus clinics, 500 corporate health centers, 4,000 pharmacies along with its omni-channel digital platform Apollo 24×7 to ensure massive administration capacity of COVID-19 vaccines.
About 30 per cent of India was roughly 30 minutes away from an Apollo pharmacy, which could then guarantee safe and widespread reach of the vaccine, if required, Apollo Hospital Group Executive Vice-Chairperson Shobana Kamineni told a virtual press meet.
More than 10,000 Apollo employees were undergoing training and would be stationed at Apollo centers to administer the vaccine.
As India awaits a vaccine for the deadly infectious disease, one of the major challenges will be around safe and orderly delivery of doses, for the population of 1.3 billion Indians, especially the vulnerable, she said.
”We are happy to share that, Apollo has been strengthening its vaccine cold chain for supply and gearing up all its facilities for efficient and fast administration with the highest safety standards, for up to one million doses per day”, she added.
Kamineni said till date the hospital has tested over 2,50,000 and have treated over 75,000 patients.
”Going forward it will be our privilege to work with all governments, governmental agencies and healthcare networks to ensure that a large number of people get the vaccine, quickly and safely as it becomes available”, she said.

Name alliance as ‘People’s Alliance’ for Gupkar Declaration
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Oct 15: The key political parties of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday demanded Government of India (GoI) to return to “people of Jammu and Kashmir the rights they held before August 5” and a dialogue with all stakeholders involved in problem of J&K for its “quick resolution.”
The political parties also named their alliance as “People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration,” for taking forward the “constitutional battle”.
“Our battle is constitutional battle. We want Government of India to return to people of Jammu and Kashmir all the rights they held before August 5, 2019,” said Dr Farooq Abdullah who was accompanied by Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah, Sajad Gani Lone, M Y Tarigami and others, after the meeting hosted by him at his residence here.

“We have named our alliance as People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration,” he said, adding, “Also at the same time political issue has to be resolved as quickly as possible with all stakeholders to the problem of Jammu and Kashmir through peaceful means.”
The participants also greeted former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti who was released Tuesday after 14 month’s captivity.
“I want to tell you that the meeting took place as Mehbooba Mufti was released after 14 months. We greeted her. We will meet again and at the same time we will meet the people of other regions.”
Farooq Abdullah also demanded release of all those political leaders and activists in prison.
The Gupkar declaration is a resolution that was passed on August 4, 2019 —by the National Conference, People’s Democratic Party, Congress, People’s Conference, and smaller parties including Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) of Engineer Rashid, Jammu and Kashmir People’s Movement of Shah Faesal, and some smaller parties—to defend J&K’s special status.
A day later, on August 5, 2019, the BJP government revoked Article 370 amid arrests of thousands of people including three former chief ministers and enforcing a security and communication lockdown.
The Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President G.A. Mir was not in attendance at the meeting of political parties.
“In view of the visit of newly AICC I/C for J&K Smt. Rajni Patil, I remained engrossed with party meetings, followed by huge public gatherings during last 8 days in Jammu as well as In Kashmir,” Mir said in a statement, “In this context, I was advised by the doctors to undergo a through medical check besides Covid- examination, as a result, I was not able to attend all party meeting at the residence of Former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah.”
He said it was advisable to get self screened in order to clear the apprehensions. “I have also conveyed this medial urgency to Farooq Saheb on Phone,” he added. (GNS)

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Oct 15: Observing that practice of effecting transfers throughout the year “adversely effects” the implementation of schemes and its policies, the government on Thursday ordered transfers shall “ordinarily be ordered” in April every year excluding the transfer of the teaching staff.

A government order states that the transfers of teaching staff shall be considered at the close of the academic session and must be avoided during it. “The transfer policy for government employees notified vide government order No. 861-GAD of 2010 dated 28.07.2010, provides amongst other things, the calendar for transfers to be effected in the financial year,” the order states.
“Para-B of the Transfer Policy provides as under:- ” B. Calendar for Transfers: 1. Transfers shall ordinarily be ordered in the first month of the financial year i,e. in April every year excluding the transfer of the teaching staff and transfers to Ladakh region. 2, Transfers of teaching staff shall be considered at the close of the academic session and must be avoided during the academic session.”
The calendar is mandatorily to be followed while effecting the transfers of Government employees, the order said. “The notification of the calendar has been made with the intent of ensuring that the transfers are limited to a particular period of the financial year so that minimum dislocations occur during the financial year which would ensure better outcomes in the implementation of various Government schemes and policies,” the order said, adding, “It has been observed that the practice of effecting transfers throughout the year is adversely effecting the implementation of schemes and policies of the Government.”
Accordingly, the government ordered that the transfers from now onwards shall strictly be made only within the period notified in the calendar appearing in Para-B of the Transfer Policy.

“Any transfer which is required to be effected on administrative grounds beyond the notified calendar, shall be effected only with the approval of the Lieutenant Governor in coordination,” it added. (GNS)

It’s turning point for J&K, Ladakh: LG
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Oct 15: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha termed the ceremonial blasting of Zoji-la Tunnel as a ‘Turning point’ for the Union Territories of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh, which will not only make the emotional connections of regions to a new level but will also provide physical connectivity throughout the year.
The Lt Governor was speaking on the occasion of the first ceremonial blast at Zoji-la Tunnel- the longest tunnel road in Asia. The ceremonial blast was initiated by Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and MSMEs Shri Nitin Gadkari through virtual mode.
The Lt Governor expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, and Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and MSMEs Shri Nitin Gadkari for the beginning of work on the ambitious project.
The Lt Governor hoped that after completion of the project in December 2023, Sonamarg in Ganderbal district would receive and attract more winter tourism. It was informed that the project has been planned on the European Model.
The Lt Governor said that work on the approach road to the tunnel is expected to be completed within 30 months while the tunnel itself will take around 72 months to complete. With a length of 14.83 km, the tunnel would be the longest bi-directional tunnel in Asia. ‘The tunnel will add to the socio-economic and cultural growth of the region and will address our strategic needs’, observed the Lt Governor.
‘The tunnel will not only provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Leh but will also reduce travel time from three and a half hours to only 15 minutes’, claimed the Lt Governor.
In connection with the project, 5 brides, 6 catch dams, 13 deflector dams, 8 cut and covers, 2 snow galleries, and 8 blast walls will also be constructed to provide avalanche protection between Sonamarg and Baltal. Exhaustive research and planning have been done while designing the project which includes manual fire alarm, portable fire extinguisher, automatic fire detection system, etc.
Works are also underway by NHILDCL on Z-Morh and Zojila Tunnel along with the work on the approach road and Avalanche Protection Works. While the Z-Morh tunnel is 6.5 km long, the Nilgrar Twin Tunnel is 2.4 km and the Zojila Tunnel is 14.15 km.
The tunnel will ensure year-round logistic support to the region and supply of essential commodities, Lt Governor added.
‘I always believe transport infrastructure is the most important element for holistic development and overall growth of a region and it brings territorial integrity. I am confident, Zoji-la Tunnel, will ensure enhanced business activities and will transform the areas where so far we have seen less development activities’, said the Lt Governor. ‘It will facilitate the trade and movement of the workforce throughout the year between the two Union territories’, the Lt Governor concluded.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region; MoS PMO; Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Department of Atomic Energy; and Department of Spac, Dr Jitendra Singh; MoS, Road Transport, and Highways, Gen (Retd) Dr. V K Singh; Lt Governor, Ladakh, RK Mathur; Sh. BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary, J&K; Secretary, Road Transport and Highways, Giridhar Aramane; and other senior officers participated in the ceremony through virtual mode.

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Oct 15: Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon (IAS) was among nine officers transferred by the government in Jammu and Kashmir in the interest of administration.
As per separate orders, the 1993-batch IAS officer Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon, Principal Secretary to the Government, School Education Department, holding additional charge of Principal Secretary to the Government, Skill Development Department, has been transferred and posted as Principal Secretary to the Government, Skill Development Department.
Abdul Majid Bhat, Chairman, J&K Special Tribunal, has been transferred and posted as Administrative Secretary, ARI and Trainings Department, relieving Ms. Rukhsana Gani, KAS, Administrative Secretary, Hospitality and Protocol Department of the additional charge of the post.
Sarita Chauhan (IAS), Commissioner/ Secretary to the Government, Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, shall hold the charge of Chairman, J&K Special Tribunal, in addition to her own duties, till further orders, the order said.
B.K. Singh (IFS), awaiting orders of adjustment in the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, is posted as Administrative Secretary, School Education Department.
Ms. Rukhsana Gani (KAS), Administrative Secretary, Hospitality and Protocol Department, shall hold the additional charge of Administrative Secretary, Civil Aviation Department, relieving M. Raju (IAS), Secretary to the Government, Jal ShaMi Department of the additional charge of the post.
Sheikh Arshad Ayub (KAS), Director, Libraries, J&K, has been transferred and posted as Special Secretary to the Government, Housing and Urban Development Department.
Mohammad Rafi (KAS), Director, Panchayati Raj, J&K, holding additional charge of Chief Executive Officer, Integrated Water-shed Management Programme, has been transferred and posted as Director, Libraries, J&K. “He shall continue to hold the charge of Chief Executive Officer, Integrated Water-shed Management Programme, in addition to his own duties, till further orders”.
Rakesh Kumar Srangal (KAS), Additional Commissioner in the office of Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, is transferred and posted as Director, Panchayati Raj, J&K.
Ravinder Sharma (KAS), Custodian, Evacuee Property, Jammu, has been transferred and shall await further orders of adjustment in the General Administration Department.
Suraj Parkash Rukwal (KAS), Additional Secretary to the Government, Department of Disaster Management, Relief Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, shall hold the charge of Custodian, Evacuee Property, Jammu, in addition to his own duties, till further orders. He shall continue to be the ex-officio Provincial Rehabilitation Officer, Jammu. 2. Ms. Kashyp Neeha Pandita, Jr. KAS, Tehsildar in the Relief Organization (Migrants), Jammu, has been transferred and posted as Deputy PRO, Jammu, vice Ms. Akshi Gupta, Jr. KAS, who shall report to the Revenue Department for further posting.

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Oct 15: In an important step towards the promotion of rural economy and to boost the sale of genuine exotic products of Handicrafts & Handloom sector and find new destinations for niche handmade products from Jammu & Kashmir which hold sway in the international market, the Government today signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with one of the county’s prominent online retailer Flipkart to provide an online platform for showcasing and facilitating the local artisans/craftsmen/weavers to reach customers across the globe.
The special webportal “Samarth” of e-commerce giant Flipkart will now cater to hitherto uncovered products of Handicrafts and Handloom of J&K. The endeavour is seen as a game changer for on-boarding, sale and cataloguing of Handicrafts and Handloom products of J&K. The step by the Government at the time when the entire Country is reeling under the pressures of COVID-19 Pandemic shall provide much-needed succour to the artisans, craftsperson and weavers in J&K. The move by the Government shall expose artisans, craftspersons and weavers to millions of customers shopping online thereby ensuring efficient marketing that too when virtual marketing has overtaken the physical marketing of goods and services across the globe.
The MoU was signed in presence of Shri. Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor, UT of J&K between Sh. Hashmat Ali, Managing Director, J&K Handloom and Handicrafts Corporation and Sh. Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Flipkart Group.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor appreciated the art of artisans and weavers of J&K. He emphasized that the initiative by the Government is more beneficial to the Flipkart than to the artists of J&K given the kind of unmatched, unique, world-class and nowhere-else to be seen artistry and dexterity of the artisans of J&K. “Partnership with the e-commerce marketplace like Flipkart will enable the local artisans, craftsmen and weavers to reach the global market. It will also provide an appropriate opportunity for the momentous growth and development of the respective sectors”, he added.
The Lt Governor also underscored the various steps that the Government of J&K has taken in the recent past for improving the financial conditions of artisans and weavers associated with Handicrafts and Handloom sector like enhancement in loan to Rs 2 lacs under Artisans Credit card scheme.
During the virtual signing of the MoU, few artisans also showcased their products and thanked the Government for facilitating e-commerce facility for sale and marketing of their products and appreciated the timing of this move when their unsold inventories have piled up due to Pandemic.
This meaningful initiative will eliminate the role of the middleman to a larger extent and will benefit the artisans in a way that the proceeds of the sale of their products shall go directly into their accounts. Initially this tie-up is supposed to cover dozens of products of lower and middle range segments like Paper-mache, Walnut craft gift items, Shawls and Stoles, Embroidery made-ups and Namda Rugs, Chain Stitch wall hangings, Willow wicker, Gabba, etc. Many more craft items shall be added subsequently.
This e-marketing channel shall involve and benefit artisans and weavers both in organized and unorganized sector and for the first six months, Flipkart will not charge any fee from the artisans and weavers. Subsequently, very nominal charges shall be levied as per the mutual agreement. The product profiles will be created with the help of resource persons made available by Flipkart.
Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Flipkart Group further added, “We are excited to join hands with the J&K Handloom and Handicrafts Corporation to bring the local heritage of Jammu & Kashmir on our platform. This MoU will enable thousands of artisans to reap the benefits of e-commerce and scale up their business.”
Kewal Kumar Sharma, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor; B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Manoj Kumar Dwivedi, Commissioner/Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department; Masarat-Ul-Islam, Director, Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir, besides other senior officers attended the brief ceremony.

Sikander Gulzar
Srinagar, Oct 15: Gunmen on Thursday evening fired upon a former militant at Kakapora area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
Official sources told GNS that the unknown gunmen fired upon former militant namely Tanveer Sofi at Kakapora near J&K Bank, resulting in serious injury to him. He was immediately removed to Srinagar hospital for treatment. Soon after the attack whole area has been cordoned off, they said.

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Oct 15: Chief Secretary, B V R Subrahmanyam today chaired a meeting to review preparations for the upcoming ‘My Town, My Pride’ programme to be organized across the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) on 19th- 20th October, 2020.
Administrative Secretaries of departments of Home, and Housing & Urban Development, besides Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir along with Commissioners SMC/JMC, all the Deputy Commissioners, and concerned HoDs participated in the meeting.

Aimed at further empowering and strengthening the framework of the Urban Local Bodies, the 2-day programme will include closer review of their functioning, besides taking up mobilisation of funds toward developmental activities in addition to the public outreach.
On the lines of recently concluded ‘Back to Village’ programme, the ‘My Town, My Pride’ programme also envisages time-bound delivery of documents like domicile, SC/ST/RBA/ALC/OBC certificates; revenue services besides ensuring benefits under various welfare schemes including pensions, scholarships, PMAY, KCC, Health Golden Cards, Ladli Beti, among others.

It has been decided that for the purpose of providing a mega push to the developmental activities Rs 50 lakh, Rs 1 crore and Rs 5 crore will be released to each Municipality, Municipal Council, and Municipal Corporation, respectively.