Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Oct 11: After 28-day long Jan Abhiyan and Back to Village -3 programme aimed to bring governance at the people’s doorstep, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha reviewed the achievements with all the Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police through video conferencing.
The Lt Governor said that the spirit of Jan Abhiyan will go on and all the 20 districts will continue to hold Jan Abhiyan in at least 4 identified block for effective public service delivery and redressal of public grievances.

“We have achieved several milestones during the last 28-day long drive and now we must concentrate, what can be done in the coming days. I would like to reiterate that the key elements of Jan Abhiyan and Back to Village will continue to be implemented in a cohesive manner across the districts of Jammu Kashmir. It is just the beginning and with Jan Bhageedari, I am sure we will transform our villages and provide basic amenities at the people’s doorstep, the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor while reviewing the performance also touched upon the future roadmap for Jan Abhiyan and suggested several measures.

“The administration must work towards achieving 100 % saturation in all social security schemes and DCs should also take initiatives to implement some innovative ideas on the ground for welfare of Rural and far flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir. Senior government functionaries will also travel to review and ensure proper and effective continuation of ongoing Block Diwas. Our effort is to empower each and every village in Jammu and Kashmir. If more youths from villages want to become entrepreneurs, we will support them too, the Lt Governor said.

While taking a detailed performance appraisal of the overall conduct of Back to Village-3 program across the UT, Lt Governor congratulated all DCs and SPs for making Back to Village a huge success and motivated them to continue their work for the welfare and service of the public in the same manner as set during the Back to Village. Back to Village is an ongoing process and we should all remain committed towards the development of our Villages, he maintained.

The Lt Governor directed all DCs to compile a report of all the works completed after the Back to Village 1 & 2 and the works initiated during Back to Village-3, and submit it at the earliest. He stressed that the works undertaken should be as per the decisions of the people of the Panchayats and administration should be there at every step to act as a facilitator in the process of development.

Back to Village is not for announcement for big promises but a regular feature, acting as a bridge between people and the Administration so that the planning can transpire from Bottom to the Top for undertaking an effective developmental process, Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor directed to ensure the establishment of two dustbins, availability of sports kit and identification of two youth for entrepreneurship assistance of Rs 5 lakhs in every panchayat of the UT at the earliest. It was informed that 3300 youth have already been identified for a total of Rs 70 crores financial assistance for starting entrepreneurship at the panchayat level. The Lt Governor expressed his satisfaction over the distribution of 2,83,443 Domicile Certificates; 68,070 Health cards; and 2389 Sports kits, during Back to Village-3.

During the meeting, Lt Governor announced the “My Town My Pride” initiative for the Municipalities. Giving out the details of the initiative for Urban Local Bodies, it was informed that My Town My Pride will be like Back to Village for providing doorstep delivery of different government services and to identify structural issues firsthand. The aim of the initiative is to empower the public and ensure on spot redressal of their issues/grievances.

The two-day long flagship program for ULBs will be held in all Municipalities of the UT except Srinagar and Jammu from 19th – 20th October, during which camps of public service delivery would be set up.

The officers shall assess the ground situation of the allotted ULB vis-à-vis perception of the local public, data provided by the different departments, inputs shared by the ULB / prominent citizens and share his own observations.

Kewal Kumar Sharma and Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisors to the Lt Governor; BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Dilbag Singh, DGP, Arun Kumar Mehta, Financial Commissioner, Finance Department; Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary to the Government, Housing and Urban Development Department; Navin Kumar Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Government, Animal and Sheep Husbandry Department; Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary, Power Development Department, and Information Department; Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor; Sh. Sanjeev Verma, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Sh. Pandurang K. Pole Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Ms. Sheetal Nanda, Secretary to the Government, Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj; Sh. Simrandeep Singh, Secretary, Public Grievances, All Deputy Commissioners, SPs, and other senior officers attended the meeting, in person and through virtual mode.

‘3 high- end multi-purpose snow machines to be deployed for fast snow clearance this winter’
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Oct 11: The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Pandurang K Pole today chaired a meeting of officers to review the winter preparedness and supply and stocking of essentials across Kashmir.
The meeting among others was attended by Directors of FCS&CA, Health Services, MeT, Disaster Management, RDD, Chief Engineers of PWD, JKPTCL, Distribution, PHE, MED, PMGSY, Beacon Kashmir, GM FCI, JD SFC, JD F&ES and other concerned. While as all Deputy Commissioners attended the meeting through video conferencing.
At the outset the Div Com said that 4 high end multi- purpose snow machines being imported from Italy out of which 3 shall be deployed in Kashmir to ensure fast and smooth snow clearance work during the winter season.
Stressing on advanced preparations for prompt snow clearance from roads, the Div Com directed PWD, MED, ULB, BRO to remain well prepared and work in coordination for proper road clearance during the snowfall.
He emphasized on carrying out snow clearance as per the priority list and ensure all hospitals, emergency centres and other essential services installations are cleared under first priority.

The meeting was informed that the MED department has kept 211 machines in ready gear to be installed in all districts for snow clearance.
DCs were directed to ensure all preparation are in place from ending- October month only, besides preparation for district snow management plan in each district.
The Div Com stresses on advanced branch and tree cutting at all required places to ensure smooth supply of electricity or traffic movement is not hampered during the snowfall.
PDD authorities were directed to ensure less curtailment in its scheduled power supply in areas to remain affected besides dumping of huge bank of transformers, poles, conductors and wire to remain available in each district for immediate restoration of affected electricity supply.

He laid emphasizes on sufficient stocking of food grains, LPG, diesel , petrol, medicines, vaccine and all other essential commodities in 4 cut- off zones in Kupwara and Bandipora districts, while similar direction were given to other l DCs to ensure sufficient stocking in all snow bound areas for winter months.

SMC authorities were directed to ensure installation of dewatering pumps in all waterlogged areas while as Health authorities were told to ensure smooth and hassle-free patient care at all hospital with availability of vaccine and medicines to the patients.

The Div Com directed FCS&CA department shall ensure dumping of food grains, fuel and all essential commodities to remain available to the people throughout the winter season.

Srinagar, Oct 11: Reiterating his appeal to local militants to shun violence and be on the path of ‘peace and development’, Director General of Police (DGP), Dilbag Singh on Sunday said that no one wants violence.
The DGP said that Kashmiri youth are very intelligent and energetic people and they want to utilize their energy in a positive way. “We are just trying to extend a helping hand by organizing sports events. These events will give a platform to our youth to channelize their energy and showcase their talent,” Singh told reporters on the sideline of ‘Pedal for Peace’ cycle championship organized by J&K Police here.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended the function as the chief guest while Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor RR Bhatnagar, KK Sharma and Baseer Ahmed Khan were also present on the occasion.
Answering a question whether such events will deter the youth from joining militants, the DGP said, “Kashmiri youth are very intelligent. They are passionate and positive. They want to use their energy for good. We hope that young people will be happy to participate in such activities. No one wants violence. I hope that our youth will leave the path of violence and take the path of peace and work for the restoration of peace.”
About security forces intensifying operations in south Kashmir, the J&K Police Chief said, “South Kashmir is a place where activity and silence go hand in hand. We want longer spells of peace rather than exchange of fire. But, unfortunately we have good number of active number of militants there. When they attack security forces or refuse to surrender after being trapped, there is an exchange of fire.”
It is also good for the good of the society, he added.

Srinagar, Oct 11: As many as 14 residential houses were gutted in a massive fire in the border town of Gurez in north Kashmir district of Bandipora.
A police official said that the fire broke out in a residential house at a village in Tulail valley in Gurez, which is surrounded by Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) from three sides.
He said fire tenders were rushed to douse off the leaping flames, clearly visible from a distance. “Before the fire was brought under control, the fire spread to nearby structures,” he said, adding 14 residential houses were damaged in the incident.
He said 28 livestock were also killed in the incident. “No one was injured in the incident, ” he said, adding the cause of the fire was not immediately known.
“Police has registered a case and initiated investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire,” he added.

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Oct 11: President Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) Ajaz Shahdhar on Sunday demanded for extension of amnesty scheme for pending sales tax arrears upto ending March 2021.
In a statement, Shahdar said the process has been restricted unfortunately upto ending October 2020.
He said the scope of amnesty already announced under Govt Order No 39-FD of 2018 be extended upto ending March 2021, besides strong recommendations be made to GST council for extension of date of filing of GSTR 3B upto ending March, 2021 in respect of all pending Returns with waiver of late fee and also late fee paid by traders for late filing of returns be refunded or credited to the cash ledger of dealers.
He further said those dealers/Industrial unit holders who could not place claim for tax reimbursement in time, must be allowed to file claims for all pending quarters upto ending March 2020.
KTA appeals Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to provide relief to small traders and shopkeepers so that they can revive their businesses in these hard times. (KNS)

Agencies
New Delhi, Oct 11: While the Central Government has given a go ahead for graded reopening of schools from October 15, many states including Delhi, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh have deciding against it while others such as Haryana and Meghalaya are still unsure and are assessing the situation in view of the rising number of Covid-19 cases.
Universities and schools across the country were ordered shut on March 16 to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. On March 25, the Centre announced a nationwide lockdown. While several restrictions have been eased gradually in different phases of the ‘unlock’ since June 8, educational institutions continue to remain closed.
However, according to the latest unlock guidelines, schools, colleges and other educational institutions outside COVID-19 containment zones can reopen after October 15. The final decision on reopening the institutions has been left with the states and Union territories.
Delhi government has decided to maintain the status quo on schools’ closure till October 31 following which a review of the situation will be done.
The Uttar Pradesh government has announced that schools outside containment zones will reopen from October 19 for students of classes 9 to 12.
According to Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma, classes will be held in shifts and all necessary protocols including social distancing and proper sanitisation of premises will have to be followed by schools. Students will only be allowed to attend classes after furnishing written permission from their parents or guardians.
The Karnataka government has said it is in no hurry to reopen schools and will take a call on the issue after evaluating all aspects.
“Neither our government nor the Department of Education is rushing to open schools under any circumstances. The health and safety of our children is very important to us,” said Karnataka Primary and Secondary Education Minister S Suresh Kumar.
The Chhattisgarh government has said schools in the state will continue to remain closed till further orders in view of the pandemic.
The Maharashtra government has said it will assess the COVID-19 situation post-Diwali and till then schools will continue to remain closed.
“Schools will not reopen in Maharashtra till Diwali is over. After Diwali, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will assess the situation before taking any decision,” Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said.
The Gujarat government has also said it is likely to consider reopening schools only after Diwali
The Meghalaya government has sought feedback from parents before taking a final decision on reopening of schools in the state.
According to Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, the state government has decided that upper primary schools will be reopened only for clearing studies-related doubts of students of classes 6, 7, and 8, as is being done for the secondary and higher secondary school students from October 15.
The Puducherry government has announced that students from grade 9 to 12 will have classes from October 8.
According to Puducherry’s Director of Education Rudra Goud, classes would be held only for half a day on all six days in a week until further orders.

‘Playground in each Panchayat will help introduce 15 lakh youngsters to sports’
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Oct 11: Giving a massive impetus to the overall sports ecosystem across the Union Territory, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha Sunday inaugurated sports infrastructure worth Rs. 49.78 Cr and laid foundation of projects costing Rs 10.5 Cr across Jammu and Kashmir.
The LG inaugurated a Multipurpose Indoor Sports Hall worth Rs 5Cr in the presence of Kewal Kumar Sharma, Farooq Khan, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, and Baseer Ahmad Khan – Advisors to the Lt Governor; Pandurang K. Pole, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; etc.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor laid the foundation stones for Artificial Rugby Turf costing Rs 5 Cr and a Synthetic Hockey Turf worth Rs 5.5 Cr. Both projects will be completed in next financial year. He also e-inaugurated various PMDP projects and JKIDFC Projects worth Rs 17.03 Cr and Rs 27.75 Cr respectively.
While addressing the gathering on the sidelines of inauguration of various sports related projects at Polo Ground, the Lt Governor observed that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir has immense sports potential with many players from the UT representing the country in different sports. J&K is witnessing new revolution in Sports Sector. The UT is equally equipped like other states of India and is ready to produce world-class sportspersons, he added.
Acknowledging this sports potential of J&K, Prime Minister has sanctioned Rs 200 Cr under the Prime Minister’s Development Package for upgradation of sports infrastructure and encouragement of budding talent in the field. The package, which was aimed at boosting sports infrastructure, training facilities and providing professional coaches, has brought a revolution in the sports sector of J&K, the Lt Governor maintained.
With the combination of world class facilities, coaches and continuous monitoring and mentoring, we can certainly create the environment for empowerment, leadership and self-esteem among our children. ‘Consistent mentoring and monitoring is needed so that neither sportspersons nor coaches face any shortage of resources’, he said.
The Lt Governor termed the recently established sports infrastructure and facilities in J&K as historic. J&K is equally equipped like other states of India and is ready to produce world-class sportspersons, he said.
Laying stress on execution of works in a time-bound manner, the Lt Governor observed that apart from the projects inaugurated today, 81 other projects are already completed with a cost of Rs 108 crores. Another Rs 30 crores have been released by the Government for construction of a playground in every panchayat of the UT. ‘It is aimed that around 15 lakh youth be trained in various indoor and outdoor games to overhaul the sports ecosystem of J&K’, he asserted.
The rapid promotion of sports in J&K, especially at the rural sector has developed a sense of hope that the J&K will definitely feature among the top 10 medal winners in the next Khelo India Youth Games, he added.

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Oct 11: Under the patronage of Justice Gita Mittal, Chief Justice High Court of J&K and Patron-in-Chief Jammu and Kashmir State Legal Services Authority and directions of Justice Rajesh Bindal, Executive Chairman J&K SLSA, “International Day of the Girl Child” was observed today by J&K State Legal Services Authority through District Legal Services Authorities in all districts of the UTs of J&K and Ladakh.
The objective behind observance of this Day being celebrated across the globe is to celebrate the capabilities, strength and importance of girl child nationally and globally, mobilizing efforts to highlight the challenges faced by them and recognize their rights and fulfill their requirements.
DLSA Udhampur celebrated the day by organizing online “Mushaira”with participation of renowned poetesses Rekha Thakur and Kusum Sharma along with girl students and housewives from remote areas of the district.
The programme was attended by Judicial Officers of the district, NCC and NSS units of Government College for Women, Udhampur, Government Boys School, Nagrota and J&K Pride Institute.
DLSA Kathua celebrated the day by holding a drawing competition in ten schools of the district where the children made the drawings amid observance of all government SOPs regarding Covid.
DLSA Samba commemorated the day by organizing a series of activities including a Virtual Intergenerational Conversation highlighting the potential and capabilities of girl child as a prospective change-maker for the society. Physical Training session was also organized for imparting skill of self defence and practicing it on a daily basis for enhanced physical and mental strength. Besides, door to door outreach was also undertaken by the Para Legal Volunteers for imparting awareness on education of Girl Child in furtherance of “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao”at Rajpura, Bari Brahmana and Ghagwal areas of district Samba.
DLSA Anantnag and DLSA Poonch organized awareness programmes in celebration of the day at various places in their respective districts.
DLSA Budgam held an awareness programme at Gopal Pora, Chadoora with participation of orphan girl students of Gulshan-e-Bannate Institute of Education on the theme “My Voice-Our Equal Future”.
DLSA Bandipora organized a webinar to celebrate the day which was attended by panel lawyers and PLVs. Iqbaal Ahmed Akhoon was the resource person on the occasion.
DLSA Kupwara also organized an online programme in observance and celebration of the day.
The day was similarly observed by DLSAs of other districts across UTs of J&K and Ladakh with great fervor and enthusiasm amid observance of all prescribed norms and SOP’s regarding COVID-19.

Srinagar, Oct 10 : Jammu and Kashmir reported seven covid-19 related deaths in last 24 hours, taking the fatality count to 1315.

Among those who succumbed to the virus, official sources told GNS that three belong to Srinagar district, two to Jammu and one each to Baramulla and Rajouri.

Among others who died include a 70-year-old from Vinag Nagar Jammu, a 65-yerar-old from Kani Kadal, an elderly from Zakura Srinagar, an 87-year-old man from Gojwara Srinagar and a 65-year-old woman from Boniyar Baramulla.