Serological Survey of Jammu region assesses infection rate at 8%

Precious Kashmir News

Srinagar, Oct 13: Chief Secretary, B V R Subrahmanyam today chaired a meeting to take stock of efforts toward mitigating COVID-19 pandemic in view of the upcoming festivities and winter season.

Administrative Secretaries of departments of Health & Medical Education, Power Development, Rural Development, Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, and Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of all the districts participated in the meeting.

The Chief Secretary complimented the district administration of Jammu district for effectively controlling the recent surge in COVID cases by strictly ensuring parameter control, increasing testing in the concentrated clusters and earnestly adhering to the COVID related SOPs.

The Chief Secretary impressed upon the Deputy Commissioners to increase the per-day testing rate for early detection of cases followed by their isolation and respective medical intervention, especially in the upcoming season of festivities, and winter. “In the winter season when influenza like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARIs) are widespread, it will be paramount to test all the vulnerable sections for COVID-19 and prevent its outbreak”, he added.

Regarding testing during the forthcoming season of festivities, the civil administration and the Health Department were asked to extensively collect samples from the high impact areas with high vulnerability including markets, offices, banks, universities, colleges, health institutions, and residential colonies with incidences of infection.

Health and Medical Education Department informed that the recently concluded serological survey of Jammu province has established the spread of COVID infection in the region at 8% with an almost uniform rate among rural-urban, old-young, and male-female categories. The Department was asked to conduct a serological survey of Srinagar city to assess its infection rate.

Further, it was informed that the frequency of trains coming to Katra and Jammu is being gradually increased, for which DCs of Reasi, Udhampur and Jammu districts were directed to intensify the testing of all incoming passengers at the respective railway stations.

New Delhi, Oct 12: Vice President, M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday tested negative for COVID-19, the office of the Vice President said.
He has been under home-quarantine after he was diagnosed with COVID-19 on September 29.
As per Monday’s RT-PCR test conducted by a medical team from AIIMS, both the Vice President and his wife, Usha Naidu have tested negative for COVID-19.
Naidu is in good health and is expected to resume normal activities soon as per doctor’s advice.
He thanked all those who prayed for his well-being.

DCs to ensure sufficient stockpiling of food and fuel, availability of essential services
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Oct 13: Chief Secretary, B V R Subrahmanyam today chaired a meeting to review the winter preparedness, supply, and stocking of essential commodities across the Kashmir Division and snowbound districts of Jammu province including Kishtwar, Doda, Poonch, and Rajouri.
Administrative Secretaries of departments of Health & Medical Education, Power Development, Rural Development, Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, and Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of all the districts participated in the meeting.
The Chief Secretary directed the Power Development Department to undertake an extensive assessment of the functionality of existing transformers, transmission lines, buffer transformers, poles, electrical equipment, and repair workshops. The department was asked to actively monitor the reported failures of power distribution & transmission channels, timely repairs, and replacement of the damaged equipment to ensure uninterrupted power supply during the harsh winter months, besides securing the existing electrical infrastructure against the extreme weather vagaries.
Reviewing the heating arrangements to be made available at various health institutions and examination centres, the Deputy Commissioners were directed to assess and maintain sufficient stock of winter fuel. Additionally, the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir was asked to ensure stockpiling of at least two months’ supply of firewood, fuel, food grains, and medicines for the snow-bound remote areas.
The Chief Secretary directed the Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir to establish winter control rooms to monitor and resolve grievances regarding power, water, essential supplies, health services, road connectivity, and emergency evacuation/rescue.
Reviewing the preparedness to mitigate natural disasters, the Chief Secretary impressed upon the concerned to put in place a mechanism to issue timely weather advisories to alert the public of the extreme weather conditions. In this regard, the Divisional Commissioners were directed to assess the operability of Pawan Hans helicopters for rescue operations.
Regarding snow clearance and maintenance of road connectivity during the harsh winter months, the Chief Secretary directed the Divisional Commissioners to rationalize the deployment of snow clearing machinery and equipment with special focus on tourist circuits, hospitals, emergency centres, and other essential services installations.

The Chief Secretary directed the Deputy Commissioners of Jammu, Ramban, Anantnag, and Kulgam districts to review the emergency arrangements to be provided to the stranded passengers on the national highway with regard to essential services, and temporary accommodation in accordance with the COVID-19 SOPs and protocols.

Directs for coverage of all families not covered under Ayushman Bharat

 Precious Kashmir News

Srinagar, Oct 13: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today chaired a meeting to review the core features of the JK Health Insurance scheme and the process of approvals of Golden Cards.

Stressing on extending the benefits of the JK Health Insurance scheme to all the citizens of J&K, the Lt Governor directed the concerned officers to take comprehensive measures to ensure the coverage of each and every family of JKUT under the scheme, not covered by for Ayushman Bharat.

We are aiming to improve the health care system of J&K to make it best in the country and to provide universal health Insurance coverage to all the residents of the Union Territory.

It was informed during the meeting that the entitlement based health scheme is an operational extension of Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna(AB PM-JAY) under which an insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh will be provided per family per year to all residents of J&K, covering 15 Lakh additional families. The benefits of the JK Health Scheme will be portable across the country in more than 23,000 hospitals under 1,589 packages.

Through this scheme, the J&K Government is facilitating affordable healthcare facilities for the overall welfare of its residents and all the stakeholders must work in a coordinated manner to ensure that its benefits percolate to each and every resident hassle-free, the Lt Governor maintained.

It was informed that a robust mechanism has been laid for the inclusion of families, as may be missing from Socio-Economic Caste Census-2011 (SECC-2011) data.

While reviewing the status of registrations under JKHS, Lt Governor directed for conducting massive awareness regarding the New Health Scheme for JKUT, through print and electronic media.

Taking stock of the coverage of beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat, the Lt Governor directed for increasing the magnitude of registrations and called for 100% saturation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme so that the maximum population can avail of its benefits.

Reaching out to the people with sincere efforts like the JK Health Insurance scheme will play a significant role in achieving the Government’s objective of providing quality and accessible healthcare services to the people of J&K, he added.

Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lt Governor; Sh. BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Atal Dulloo, Financial Commissioner, Health and Medical Education Department; Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor; Simrandeep Singh, Administrative Secretary Department of FCS&CA and Secretary Public Grievances (Additional Charge); Sh. Bhupinder Kumar, Mission Director National Health Mission/CEO AB-PMJAY, and Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar, Udhampur, Reasi, and Baramulla, attended the meeting, in person and through virtual mode.

Leh, Oct 13: Lt Gen PGK Menon on Tuesday took over command of ‘Fire & Fury Corps’ from Lt Gen Harinder Singh in the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Lt Gen Menon assumed command of Fire and Fury Corps amid continued tension at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh between Indian and China.

Defence Ministry spokesperson Colonel Rajesh Kalia said that the General Officer has had a distinguished career in the Indian Army, tenating a number of important command and staff appointments. He is also The Colonel of the SIKH Regiment.

The officer commanded a Rashtriya Rifles unit in Kashmir valley, an Infantry Brigade along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir and an Infantry Division in the Eastern Sector. Prior to assuming Command of Fire and Fury Corps, he was tenating the appointment of Director General Recruiting at New Delhi.

In his farewell message, Lt Gen Harinder Singh conveyed his gratitude and deep appreciation to all ranks of the ‘Fire & Fury Corps’ for their professionalism and steadfast dedication in the service of the nation, even in the most hostile terrain, weather and altitude challenges faced by any Army in the world.

On taking over, Lt Gen PGK Menon exhorted all ranks of ‘Fire & Fury Corps’ to continue to discharge their duties with the same commitment and zeal and always be prepared to deal with any threat to national security. He urged them to continue to keep ‘Nation First’ in all their endeavours.

Srinagar, Oct 13: Five district Officers (DO) were among the 21 employees, who were put on notice for unauthorised absence from duty on Tuesday in north Kashmir district of Bandipora, an official spokesperson said here.
According to Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Bandipora Zahoor Ahmad Mir, he made a surprise visit to different government offices, located in different blocks of the Mini-Secretariat of Bandipora.
At least 16 employees and five DOs were found absent and accordingly served showcause notices, asking them to explain reasons of absence from their legitimate duties, failing which action shall be taken against them, said the ADC.
The ADC directed all other employees to remain punctual and warned of tough actions against absenteeism, to ensure smooth functioning of government departments and prompt deliverance of services to people.

Precious Kashmir News
Pahalgam, Oct 13: The sleuths of Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) raided the hotel of former MLA and incumbent Apni Party leader in picturesque Pahalgam tourist resort of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
Sources said a team of ACB accompanied by police raided the personal hotel of Rafi Mir, former MLA in Pahalgam. The team searched the hotel and seized some documents.
The reason behind the raid was not immediately known.

However, if sources are to be believed the raid was conducted in connection with the land procured by Mir under Roshni Scheme.
When contacted Rafi Mir said the court has directed a premier investigating agency to probe the allotment of land under Roshni Scam and he welcomes the probe. “I don’t know why the hotel was raided but I welcome the probe,” he added. (KNT)

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Oct 13: Director General of Police, J&K Dilbag Singh today visited Kulgam and Pulwama districts in south Kashmir and reviewed the security of the twin districts, the DGP was also accompanied by IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar, a police spokesman said in a statement.
He said the DGP chaired security review meetings and also addressed joint darbars of police and security forces at both the district headquarters.
The DGP while chairing the security review meetings appreciated the efforts of Police and other security forces against militancy and said that 180 militants, including their top commanders were killed in the recent past.
He said that forces need to continue their efforts to ensure the peaceful atmosphere is maintained in J&K. Stressing on continued coordination among all security agencies to maintain continuous vigil on the activities of anti-national elements, the DGP J&K said that greater synergy among the security agencies has helped in achieving better results.
Reiterating that safety of human lives and public property has remained among top priorities of the force, he said that Jammu and Kashmir Police despite facing tough challenges have succeeded in creating an environment of security among the public. “With the active cooperation of the people, police along with security forces have succeeded in bringing peace and it is our endeavour to keep the peace maintained at all levels,” he added.
He stressed for continuous pressure on terrorists and their associates to ensure peace in J&K. The DGP said that despite challenges, forces have ensured that no loss of lives and property of the common masses takes place while dealing different situations. He stressed upon the officers to maintain close coordination with their ranks and strengthen relations with the people to achieve better results. He said that due to the cooperation of local people no law and order situation was caused at any encounter site during the last two years or so as people want peace and are fed up with terrorism.
The DGP said that Panchayat elections are taking place in near future and forces have to remain alert and vigilant as elements inimical to peace do not want any democratic process to take place here. DGP Singh directed the officers to strengthen the nakas and augment the security grids to enhance the security for the citizens.
While addressing the joint darbars, the DGP highlighted the sacrifices laid down by JK police and security forces in the line of duty and the professionalism which is exhibited by forces in controlling the situation. He appreciated the efforts of forces for breaking the OGW network and added that sympathizers of terrorists were instigating the youth and were also helping terror groups in organizing the terror crimes. The DGP complimented the forces for handling different challenges successfully and stressed upon them to continue work with the same dedication in the future also.
The security review meetings were attended by DIG SKR Atul Kumar Goel, DIG CRPF Awantipora B.S. Negi, DIG CRPF Anantnag, Gurinderpal Singh SP Kulgam, Ashish Kumar Mishra SP Pulwama, D.S Ambesh, CO 9 RR Nawaz Patel, CO 18th Bn. Gourav Singh, CO 182 Bn. Nadeem Samdani and jurisdictional police officers of Kulgam and Pulwama districts.
The officers apprised the DGP J&K about the overall security scenario and steps taken to maintain peace and order, in these two districts of South Kashmir.

New Delhi , Oct 13: Reserve Bank of India has reallocated portfolios of deputy governors, with the department of regulation entrusted to the newly-appointed M Rajeshwar Rao.
Rao was executive director of the Reserve Bank before being elevated to the post of deputy governor.
He took the new charge last week.Besides the department of regulation, Mr Rao will look after the departments of communication, enforcement legalities among others.
According to news agency KINS, Rao was appointed to the post vacated by NS Vishwanathan, who stepped down three months ahead of his extended tenure on health grounds.
RBI also announced portfolios of the four deputy governors effective from October 12, consequent upon the appointment of Rao as deputy governor.
Deputy Governor MD Patra will continue to look after the monetary policy department.
His other portfolios include department of economic and policy research, deposit insurance and credit guarantee corporation, financial markets operations department, and financial markets regulation department.
Deputy Governor MK Jain will look after the central security cell, corporate strategy and budget department, consumer education and protection department, department of supervision, and human resource management department, among others.
Deputy Governor BP Kanungo will oversee coordination, currency management, external investments and operations, department of government and banks accounts, IT, payment and settlement systems, foreign exchange department, internal debt management department, Right of Information (RIA) Division, and secretary’s department.

Sajid Raina
Bandipora, Oct 13: A Sarpanch was found hanging on Tuesday morning at his home in Zurimanz village of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
Officials said the family members of Sarpanch, who saw him hanging inside the house, immediately rushed him to a nearby hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
A police official while confirming the incident said that the body was later taken to District Hospital Bandipora for post-mortem and other medico-legal formalities.
He identified the deceased as Javid Ahamad Dar of Zurimanz, Bangladesh area of the district.
According to locals, Dar has a poor family background and could possibly be the reason for him taking the extreme step.
Dar was living in a tin-shed and was survived by his wife and two children.
He said that it was not immediately known as to why he took this extreme step.
The official said that the proceedings under relevant sections of law have been initiated and further investigation has been taken up in this regard. (KNO)