Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, Oct 1: Kashmir has witnessed massive slowdown in the economy during the past more than a year this has led to job cuts in the private sector and winding up of many “big ticket” showrooms in the Valley.
An analyst while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “Businessmen in the Valley are facing a tough time. They are running short of ideas as the outbreak of COVID-19 has broken their backs.”
He said, “Businesses in Kashmir were hit much before the pandemic broke out. In August last year the government had imposed strict restrictions soon after J&K’s special status was revoked. The restrictions were followed by a long shutdown and a chilly winter. The breaking out of COVID-19 in March this year proved to be the last nail in Kashmir’s ailing economy.”
A businessman said that during the past one year many “big ticket” showrooms and brands have winded up their operations in Kashmir. “The internet blockade, which remained in force from August 2019 to January 2020 led to online transactions coming to a grinding halt. It spelled doom for the businessmen in the Valley.”
He said, “Many factors led to the business houses getting crippled in Kashmir. Despite COVID-19 lockdown being lifted traders and industrialists are suffering. There is no possibility about businesses getting revived until the COVID-19 vaccine comes and the virus is taken care of. Till then we will have to wait.”
The businessman said, “During the past one year tourism sector has been worst hit. The tourism industry used to provide direct and indirect employment to thousands of youth. In absence of visitors this sector is in complete shambles.”
He said, “The people associated with the tourism have time and again tried to tell the government that they need help even to manage two square meals in a day. They are still waiting for the special package which government has announced for them.”
A businessman, who owns showroom of a top brand of readymade garments, said, “As the business declined the company stopped sending fresh stocks and on one fine day I was informed that the management has decided to wind up the operations in Kashmir. The staff that was working in my showroom had to quit as company stopped paying their salaries. There are many businessmen like me, who had brought big brands to Kashmir as on date they stand nowhere as the companies have backed out.”
He said, “The businessmen have no idea about what’s in store for them. We can just hope that things become better and we are able to revive our businesses. Winter is coming near and the COVID-19 vaccine is nowhere in sight. We have kept our fingers crossed and are hoping for things to become better when the next season commences in Kashmir.”
Economic slowdown leads to jobs cuts, winding up of ‘big ticket’ showrooms in Kashmir
LoC heats up: 3 soldiers die, 5 injured as Indo-Pak armies trade fire in Kupwara, Poonch
Srinagar, Oct 1: Three soldiers were killed and five others injured in firing by Pakistan along Line of Control in Kupwara and Poonch district, army said on Thursday.
Two soldiers were killed and four others injured in firing by Pakistan army along LoC in Naugam sector of Kupwara in north Kashmir, Army’s Srinagar based spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia said in a statement.
He said, “Pakistan initiated an unprovoked ceasefire violation along LoC in Naugam Sector, Kupwara this morning by firing mortars and other weapons. Two soldiers (were killed) and four soldiers were injured who are being evacuated,” he said adding, “Befitting response is being given.”
Last night a soldier was killed and another injured along LoC in Krishna Ghati Sector of Poonch district.
“Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation on the LoC in Krishna Ghati Sector, District Poonch (J&K). Own troops responded strongly to the enemy fire,” Jammu based Army spokesman Lt Col Devender Anand, said.
“In the incident, Lance Naik Karnail Singh was critically injured and later succumbed to his injuries.”
An army officer told GNS that the soldier Karnail Singh and Rifleman Virender Singh suffered injuries last night and were referred to 150 GH Rajouri by helicopter. However, he said, Karnail Singh died before being admitted and his body was brought back to battalion headquarters of 10 Jak Rifles.
Virender Singh, he said, has sustained injuries in right eye.
COVID-19 kills 15 more, infects 1093 in a day
J&K death toll mounts to 1199, cases at 76163
Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar, Oct 1: Jammu and Kashmir reported fifteen more COVID-19 deaths in the past 24-hours, while 1093 more people tested positive for the virus in the Union Territory, officials said on Thursday.
They said that the fatality count in J&K has risen to 1199 and 76163 people have got infected due to COVID-19 in the UT till date.
Official sources told GNS that among the fresh casualties, twelve were from Jammu and three from Kashmir.
They said that deceased include a 70-year-old from Batehra Jammu, an 82-year-old from Talab Tillo, a 78-year-old man from Nanak Nagar Jammu, a 53-year-old from Sainik Colony Jammu, a 78-year-old man from Doda town, a 61-year-old man from Shiva area of Doda and a 65-year-old woman from Surankote Poonch
In Kashmir, they said, the fatalities include two from Budgam and one from Anantnag.
With these deaths, officials said, 1199 people have succumbed to the virus in Jammu and Kashmir so far—844 from the Valley and 355 from Jammu division.
Srinagar district with 292 deaths tops the list followed by Jammu (192), Baramulla (124), Budgam (84), Pulwama (69), Kupwara (67), Anantnag (66), Kulgam (43), Bandipora(37), Shopian (32), Rajouri (32), Ganderbal (29), Doda (31), Kathua (22), Samba (21), Udhampur (18), Poonch (16), Ramban (10), Kishtwar(7) and Reasi (6).
1093 people test positive in J&K, tally at 76163
Meanwhile, 1093 more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir in past 24 hours, taking the overall tally to 76163.
Of these cases, official sources told GNS that 692 were from Jammu Division and 401 from Kashmir.
Giving district wise details, they said, Srinagar reported 164, Budgam 54, Baramulla 39, Pulwama 25, Anantnag 16, Bandipora 34, Kupwara 27, Ganderbal 27, Kulgam 13, Shopian 2, Jammu 490, Rajouri 39,
Udhampur 20, Kathua 16, Doda 22, Samba 20, Poonch 14, Ramban 22 and Kishtwar 49.
Among them, many cases were confirmed at CD and SKIMS Soura diagnostic laboratories including 15 from BB Cantt Srinagar, seven BSF, six CRPF, 03 minors and one doctor.
The cases from Anantnag include male (40) from Sherpora, male (59) from Narbal Anantnag.
The Srinagar cases include male (58) from Bemina, two females (24, 70) from Nawakadal, two males (29, 63) and two females (22, 23) from Rawalpora Sanatnagar, male (25) from Zakura, male (56) from Rabipora, three males (27, 32, 32) from Soura, male (65) from Hawal, male (45) from Gulab Bagh, male (45) from Rangpora, male (46) from Hawal, female (34) from Alamgiri Bazar, male (45) from Srinagar, male (16) from Alochibagh, male (70) from Alochibagh, female (34) from Soura, female (37) from Lal Bazar, male (62) and female (26) from Elahibagh, female (25) from Mandal, male (82) from Nishat, female (70) from Tangpora, male (98) from Safakadal Srinagar.
The Budgam cases include male (34) from Kralpora Chadoora, male (18) from Baghi Mehtab Chadoora, male (39) from Borwah, female (35) from Beerwah, male (38) from Charangam, female (40) from Ohangam, male (52) from Iskanderpora, female (60) from Sugan, female (70) from Khag, female (60) from Malpora, two females (50, 30) from Soibugh, female (37) from Daharmunna Soibugh, three females (50, 30, 25) and male (02) from Palpora Kargam, male (55) from Raithan, male (40) from Googi Bagh Kanihama, male (50) and two females 43, 40) from Baghi Mehtab, female (22) from Gousia Colony Kanipora Budgam.
The Pulwama cases include female (50) from Datsar, male (38) from Pampore, male (49) from Chakura, male (65) from Tral Pulwama.
The Bandipora cases include male (85) from SK Bala, two males (71, 71) from Bandipora.
The other cases include female (89) from Kishtwar, male (60) from Doda and male (40) from Poonch.
The BSF cases include seven males (48, 26, 46, 32, 56, 31, 33) from Ch BSF Humhama Srinagar.
The CRPF cases include male (27) from 28 Bn Crpf Bemina Srg, three males (34, 37, 35) from Ccc Rtc Iv Crpf Humhama Budgam, male (26) from 12 Bn Crpf Railway Station Budgam, male (25) from 28 Idsr Zangli Kupwara.
The CD cases include fifteen males (24, 28, 27, 30, 30, 29, 24, 26, 37, 22, 39, 40, 28, 39, 28) from BB Cantt Srg, female (27) from Kanispora Baramulla, male (35) from Kaint Bagh Baramulla, male (50) and NA (13) from Fatha Pora, female (38) from Noorbagh Baramulla, male (19) from Fatha Pora, male (30) from Kanispora, female (18) from Fatehpora Baramulla, male (32) from Boniyar Baramulla, male (40) from Sopore Baramulla, male (50) from Uri Baramulla, male (50) from Kralhar Baramulla, male (20) from Mirgund Baramulla, male (25) from Kanispora Baramulla, male (55) from Washbugh, male (62) from Midoora, male (27) from Prichoo, female (29) from Nowpora, male (35) from Chatapora, male (20) from Palpora, female (45) from Inder, male (37) from Kadalbal Pampore, male (40) from Khrew, female (46) and male (26) and NA (24) from Gadoora, female (43) from Indra Nagar, male (60) from Shivpora, female (30) from Poshwan, two males (28, 32) and two females (24, 20) from Kul Bagh Batagund, female (19) from Pinglish, male (60) from Rawalpora Srg, two males (09, 49) and female (70) from Bemina, female (52) from Buchpora, male (70) from Nowhatta, female (42) from Dalipora, two females (42, 20) from Beighpora, male (30) from Panzgam Pulwama, female (35) from Rambagh Srg, male (48) from Mukaam Bandipora, male (NA) and female (NA) from Natipora Srg, male (70) from Gurez Bandipora, female (13) from Humhama, male (50) from Lasjan Srg, female (30) from Natipora Srg, female (53) from Chanapora Srg, male (50) from Razaikadal Srg, female (NA) from Bemina Srg, female (31) from Chadoora, male (25) from Baghat, male (45) from Baghwanpora, two females (40, 44) from Nigeen Srg, two females (20, 54) and male (62) from Lal Bazar Srg, male (09) from Nigeen Srg, female (65) and male (70) from Lal Bazar Srg, female (39) from Zakura, female (15) from Hyderpora, male (32) from Khanyar, female (25) from Alamgiri Bazar, male (45) from Hyderpora, female (25) from Srinagar, male (65) from Baghi Mehtab, male (NA) from Illahibagh, male (35) from Rawalpora Srg, male (42) from Ompora Budgam, male (67) from Hafroo Budgam.
Moreover, they said, 1680 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and were discharged from various hospitals— 1071 from Jammu Division and 609 from Kashmir Valley.
India’s tally crosses 63-lakh mark, death toll at 98000
New Delhi, Oct 1: India has recorded a fresh spike of 86,821 nCoV cases during the past 24 hours, taking the country’s tally past 63 lakh mark, the Union Health Ministry data said on Thursday morning.
Presently the nation’s total case count till date since the beginning, stands at 63,12,585.
Also, the peninsular registered 85,376 cured and discharged cases in the same duration which has pushed the total recoveries so far to 52,73,201.
Meanwhile, there were 1,181 deaths due to the highly contagious virus since Wednesday pushing the death toll to 98,678 till date.
Active case-load on the country witnessed a slight increase by 264 cases since yesterday, and presently India is home to 9,40,705 active cases of Novel Coronavirus.
In terms of percentage, the active cases are 14.90 per cent, recovered at 83.53 per cent, and the deaths 1.56 per cent.
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), as many as 14,23,052 samples were tested in the past 24 hours, taking the total cumulative samples tested since the beginning of the pandemic till Monday to 7,56,19,781.
Maharashtra continues to remain the worst affected state with maximum case count as well as in terms of maximum active cases.
Globally, the United States continues to remain the most-infected, followed by India and Brazil.
Govt to allow local purchases in GeM
Local entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and suppliers to get preference
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Oct 1: In yet another step towards the relief & revival of the business sector in J&K and to encourage local procurement in line with the principle of “Vocal for Local”, the Government is going to allow local purchases in GeM thereby increasing the marketability of goods and services provided by local units. The step will go a long way in boosting the local economy as local entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and suppliers will get preference.
Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha had directed for constitution of a committee to analyze the problems and for recommending measures for the relief and revival of the business sector in J&K after taking cognizance of the issues raised by stakeholders of the local business sector in the region. The committee held consultations with the various business organizations and subsequently, a mega relief and revival package of Rs 1350 crore was announced to help the J&K business sector to tide over their problems.
One of the major demands that were put forth by the local industry was to allow purchases made from the local industry or waiver from Government e-Market Place (GEM).
Based on the recommendations of the Committee, the matter was taken up by the UT Government with the Union Government, for adding a provision of the local filter in GeM portal, so that the supplies locally available within the UT could be procured from the local Suppliers through GeM. The Union Government today approved the proposal for provision of local filter for purchases on Government e-Marketplace (GeM) Portal for enabling local purchases.
The communication from the Finance Ministry, Government of India mentions that the proposal of GeM has been agreed to for one year to be used by buyers in appropriate circumstances after due justification and reasonability of rates.
The local industry also enjoys an advantage regarding the ability to make timely supplies in areas where the terrain is tough and conditions become harsh at times due to weather or other logistic adversities.
Besides increasing the marketability of goods and services provided by local units, it will further boost the local economy, as local sellers will get the preference. Moreover, it is going to address the long pending demand of entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and suppliers hailing from UT of J&K.
Mahatma Gandhi apostle of peace, social service: LG Sinha
‘Commencing of B2V programme, perfect way to honour him’
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Oct 1: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that commencing of the third phase of Back to Village programme across J&K is the perfect way to honour Father of the Nation on his birthday.
LG Sinha in his message on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti said, “An apostle of peace and social service, Mahatma Gandhi’s contributions to the freedom struggle and promoting the rights and welfare of the oppressed sections of the society have unending imprints on the global history and would continue to inspire the generations to come.”
Everyone must follow the path of Non-violence, Social justice, Equality, Upliftment of under-privileged sections of the society, Secular traditions and Brotherhood shown by the Father of the Nation for bringing an era of peace and development in the world.
Mahatma Gandhi advocated Panchayati Raj, a decentralized form of Government. Following the Gandhian ideas of Gram Swaraj and Panchayati Raj system, the J&K Government is making untiring efforts to reach out to the people and including all the stakeholders in the process of decision-making and public policy formulation to bring a positive social and political change in J&K.
Back to Village is a unique and ambitious exercise by the UT Government to reach the doorsteps of the people with responsive, accountable and equitable governance is in its own way promoting values, ideology and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi.
The ambitious programme starting from 2nd October is also seen as a unique effort of the Government to strengthen the newly constituted Panchayats, the Lt Governor continued.
This practice is the first such attempt at a concentrated and determined developmental push. The endeavour was as challenging as ambitious – it involved the visit of over 4000 Gazetted officers of J&K to each and every Panchayat so that they can be well-versed with the local issues and developmental needs. It also aims at ensuring that beneficiary oriented schemes actually reach the last person in the queue, he added.
It is my advice to every single officer on the ground to work as a changemaker to ensure benefits of governance reach the last man in the queue, so that the desired results which we are aiming at i.e development of villages and strengthening of Panchayats must be achieved, the Lt Governor maintained.
This year in addition to other events, it has been decided that Swachhta Pledge ceremonies shall be organized in all offices across the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Accordingly, it is impressed upon all the Administrative Secretaries/Heads of the Department/Deputy Commissioners to organize pledge taking ceremonies in all the offices and institutions under their jurisdiction on the morning of 2nd October, 2020 and also ensure that the officers/officials participate in the Swachhta Pledge taking ceremony, he added.
Back to Village phase 3 begins today
‘Govt earmarks Rs 450 crore for festival of development’
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Oct 1: The third phase of the flagship ‘Back to Village’ programme -10 days festival of development is all set to begin from October 2 in J&K. The development oriented action packed programme will witness senior government officials taking review of development scenarios at grassroot level and addressing the grievances of public.
The unique initiative of its kind in 4,290 panchayats is expected to again witness tremendous response from the public like the earlier phases. The third phase of the B2V programme is a festival of development and democracy among the masses and to ensure redressal of grievances, the Government of J&K has earmarked Rs 450 crore for undertaking developmental works.
To improve the efficiency of the ambitions programme in Phase 3 of Back to Village, it has been made mandatory to carry out atleast two developmental works in every Panchayat.
A senior Government official said that B2V3 is preceded by a 21 day Jan Abhiyan to ensure that the voices of the people are heard and their grievances addressed on the spot.
CS reviews preparations for Back to Village-III
Public Outreach, Strengthening Panchayats main goal
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Oct 1: The Chief Secretary, B V R Subrahmanyam today chaired a meeting to review preparations for the upcoming ‘Back Village 3’ programme.
Administrative Secretaries of departments of Finance, Information, General Administration, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, besides Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir along with all the Deputy Commissioners participated in the meeting.
The Chief Secretary complimented the DCs for conducting successful Jan Abhiyan/ Awami Muhim through various programmes and activities for grievance redressal, issuance of various certificates and coverage of eligible beneficiaries under the respective welfare schemes.
It was informed that the Financial Commissioner, Finance Department and Principal Secretary, Revenue have been nominated as the nodal officers for B2V3 to monitor the implementation of the programme in the provinces of Kashmir and Jammu respectively. The Chief Secretary impressed upon the DCs to reach out to the nodal officers for guidance and advice regarding the B2V3 related programmes and activities.
Regarding field level trainings which have been conducted in all districts, the Chief Secretary directed the district administrations to compile the Panchayat wise documents pertaining to different schemes and activities for distribution to the visiting officers.
The Deputy Commissioners were directed to conduct cleanliness drives as per Panchayat Swachhta Plans during B2V3 wherein each Panchayat will identify suitable sites for disposal of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste in a sustainable manner, besides installing garbage bins at various locations. They were asked to ensure compliance to the COVID-19, SOPs while conducting various B2V3 activities.
It was also impressed upon the concerned to complete the surveys of people with disabilities, and educated unemployed during B2V3 period and communicate through the visiting officers to the respective district administrations; the assistance to be provided by the concerned departments/agencies.
Govt notifies new schemes for artisans, weavers
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar Oct 1: In a major relief to the artisans and weavers, the Government Thursday notified two new schemes to provide fillip to the famed handicrafts and handloom sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
The capital infusion shall provide much-needed financial support and credit facility to the traditional craft industry which has been adversely affected due to Covid-19 pandemic.
In a first, the Government announced a new financial support scheme for Cooperatives/ SHGs registered in the Handicrafts and Handloom Department under the J&K Self Reliant Cooperative Act, 1999 by replacement of the existing Managerial Subsidy Scheme. Under the scheme, each Cooperative/ SHG shall be provided a one-time financial support of Rs.1.00 lakh in two equal installments of Rs.50,000/- each. The funds shall be transferred to the beneficiary Cooperative/ SHG through DBT mode only.
An annual target of 2000 Cooperatives/ SHGs has been fixed for implementation in both rural and urban areas of the Union Territory.
Under the Managerial Subsidy Scheme, each Cooperative was earlier provided only Rs.19,104/- over a period of three years and there had been no revision or enhancement in the subsidy since 1975.
The Government also announced a new Credit Card Scheme for Artisans and Weavers of the Handicrafts and Handloom sector by subsuming the Credit Card Scheme for Artisans and Micro Credit Plan Scheme for Weavers in the erstwhile Handicrafts and Handloom Departments. Under the scheme, the loan slab has been enhanced from existing Rs.1.00 lakh to Rs.2.00 lakh with interest subsidy of 7% for a period of five years from the date of disbursement of the loan.
All artisans and weavers who are duly registered with the Handicrafts and Handloom Department and are involved in production and manufacturing processes shall be eligible for credit facility under the scheme.
The objective of the Scheme is to provide adequate and timely assistance to the artisan community from the financial institutions to meet their credit requirement of both investment needs as well as working capital in a flexible and cost-effective manner.
The annual target under the scheme has been fixed at 5000 in J&K, with break-up of 4000 artisans in handicrafts and 1000 weavers in the handloom sector.
Both the schemes have been notified on the recommendations made in the J&K Wool Processing, Handicrafts & Handloom Policy – 2020 which has been adopted vide Government Order No.54-IND of 2020, dated 10.03.2020. The operational guidelines have also been notified along with the schemes for hassle-free implementation. (KNS)
ACB register case against JKB officials, Mumbai company
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Oct 1: The Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a case against the officials of Jammu and Kashmir Bank (JKB) and proprietors of a Mumbai company for awarding contract not following the proper tendering norms thus causing a loss to the tune of more than Rs six crore.
A spokesman of the ACB said that an FIR was registered against accused Surjeet Singh Seghal, the then Executive President J&K Bank (now retired), Parvaiz Ahmad, the then Chairman of J&K Bank (now retired), Feroz Ahmad, the then Assistant Vice President; and Sahil Vora and Rishabh Vora, Directors of M/s SILA Solutions Pvt Ltd along with the residents of 508 Olympus Apartments 5C, Altamont Road Mumbai.
He said FIR was registered on the allegation that the officers and officials of J&K Bank Ltd awarded tenders of housekeeping to a Mumbai based Company by not following the proper tendering norms and that has led to the losses to the bank of the tune of Rs 6,29,56,575 from the date of award of contract.
He said the case pertains to allotment of tenders, for housekeeping of offsite ATMs, to a Mumbai based Company by not following proper tendering norms as provided the contract to the said firm despite not falling into the criteria of any such allotment.
Earlier, spokesman said, a verification was conducted by Anti Corruption Bureau Central into the matter wherein it was revealed that J&K Bank with HQ at Srinagar came out with a Pan India tender for housekeeping services in the year 2015.
However, J&K bank officials in contravention of tender conditions negotiated the rates with and awarded it to M/S SILA Solutions in gross violation of General Financial Rules (GFR).
He said the contract of M/S SILA Solutions amongst other conditions included ATM cleaning and deployement of janitors. The additional management fee awarded to M/S SILA Solutions by J&K Bank was not part of original tender. The loss on the account of the tender has worked out to be more than Rs 6 crore, he said adding the loss is likely to go up as investigation progresses.
He said in this connection, P/S ACB Srinagar Kashmir conducted search at the residential house of Feroz Ahmad Kaloo, Assistant Vice President J&K Bank Son of Mohammad Maqbool Kaloo situated at Mohalla Muma Khan (Kathidarwaza), opposite Psychiatric Hospital Rainwari Srinagar. Incriminating documents were seized during searches.
The investigation of the case is in progress, the spokesman said.
