40 companies of CRPF, 20 each of the CISF, BSF and SSB to be withdrawn by end of this week

New Delhi, Aug 19: The Centre on Wednesday ordered “immediate” withdrawal of about 10,000 paramilitary personnel from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

This is the biggest de-induction of these forces after additional troops were rushed to the UT post the abrogation of the Article 370 of the Constitution that gave the erstwhile state a unique status.

They said the decision was taken after the Ministry of Home Affairs reviewed the deployment of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in the union territory (UT).

The Home Ministry had last withdrawn 10 CAPF companies from the UT in May, while 72 such units were taken out in December last year.

A senior official said that a total of 100 CAPF companies have been ordered to be withdrawn “immediately” on Wednesday and they have been asked to revert to their base locations in the country.

As per the directions, a total of 40 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and 20 each of the Central Industrial Security Force, the Border Security Force and the Sashastra Seema Bal will be taken out from Jammu and Kashmir by this week.

The CRPF has been asked to make arrangements for air lifting of these units to Delhi and other locations, they said.   A CAPF company has an operational strength of about 100 personnel.

“The units that are being withdrawn are deployed both in Jammu and Srinagar. It was felt that the counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist grid is intact in the UT and these additional units that were sent in last year can be de-inducted giving them the much required rest, recuperation and training,” a senior CAPF officer said.

Also, he said, with the winter soon setting in, it would have been an onerous task to keep these units in make-shift and temporary dwelling units especially in Kashmir.

With the latest de-induction, the lead counter-terrorist force CRPF will have a strength of about 60 battalions (about 1,000 personnel in each battalion) in the Kashmir valley apart from very few units of the other CAPFs.  (Agencies)

Srinagar records 229 cases in a day
Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, Aug 19: As many as 708 more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, thus taking the total number of infected persons in the Union Territory to 30034, officials said.
They said of the fresh cases 606 were reported in Kashmir and 102 in Jammu.
Moreover, 611 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals, 175 from Jammu Division and 436 from Kashmir Division.
According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), out of 30034 positive cases, 6965 are Active Positive, 22497 have recovered and 572 have died; 41 in Jammu division and 531 in Kashmir division.
The Bulletin further said that out of 822574 test results available, 792540 samples have been tested as negative till August 19, 2020.
Additionally, till date 421057 travelers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been enlisted for observation which included 42323 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 6965 in isolation and 44417 under home surveillance. Besides, 326780 persons have completed their surveillance period.
Providing district-wise breakup, the Bulletin said that Srinagar has 7253 positive cases (including 229 cases reported today) with 1412 Active Positive, 5659 recovered (including 206 cases recovered today), 182 deaths; Baramulla has 2510 positive cases (including 35 cases reported today) with 629 Active Positive, 1792 recovered (including 47 cases reported today), 89 deaths; Pulwama reported 2146 positive cases (including 24 cases reported today) with 383 active positive cases, 1723 recovered (including 72 cases recovered today), 40 deaths; Kulgam has 1747 positive cases (including 19 cases reported today) with 216 Active Positive, 1500 recoveries (including 13 cases recovered today), 31 deaths; Shopian has 1589 positive cases (including 10 cases reported today) with 105 Active Positive, 1458 recovered, 26 deaths; Anantnag district has 1905 positive cases (including 48 cases reported today) with 385 Active Positive, 1477 recovered (including 21 cases recovered today), 43 deaths; Budgam has 1922 positive cases (including 88 cases reported today) with 528 Active Positive and 1349 recovered (including 49 cases recovered today), 45 deaths; Kupwara has 1680 positive cases (including 43 cases reported today) with 495 Active Positive, 1146 recovered (including 12 cases recovered today), 39 deaths; Bandipora has 1583 positive cases (including 48 cases reported today) with 794 Active Positive, 767 recovered (including 16 cases reported today), 22 deaths and Ganderbal has 1051 positive cases (including 62 cases reported today) with 527 active positive cases, 510 recoveries and 14 deaths.
Similarly, Jammu has 2074 positive cases (including 41 cases reported today) with 686 active positive cases, 1359 recoveries (including 94 cases recovered today), 29 deaths; Rajouri has 794 positive cases (including 04 cases reported today) with 88 active positive cases, 703 recovered (including 13 cases recovered today), 03 deaths; Ramban has 631 positive cases (including 02 cases reported today) with 29 active positive, 601 recoveries, 01 death; Kathua has 681 positive cases (including 04 cases reported today) with 107 Active positive, 573 recovered (including 02 cases recovered today), 01 death; Udhampur has 664 positive cases (including 02 cases reported today) with 60 active positive cases, 602 recovered (including 45 cases recovered today), 02 deaths; Samba has 599 positive cases (including 10 cases reported today) with 174 Active Positive, 424 recoveries (including 11 cases reported today), 01 death; Doda has 350 positive cases (including 03 cases reported today) with 48 active positive cases, 300 recoveries (including 01 case reported today), 02 deaths; Poonch has 333 positive cases (including 01 case reported today) with 76 active positive, 255 recoveries, 02 death; Reasi has 336 positive cases (including 34 cases reported today) with 205 active positive, 131 recoveries (including 04 cases recovered today) and Kishtwar has 186 positive cases (including 01 cases reported today) with 18 active positive cases and 168 recoveries (including 05 cases recovered today).
According to the bulletin, of the total 30034 positive cases in J&K 5647 have been reported as travelers while 24387 as others.
The Bulletin said that the breakup represents districts from which the patients have been traced or are ordinarily residing.
The bulletin has informed the people that, the best way to protect themselves from COVID-19 is by maintaining physical distance of at least 2 meter from others, frequently cleaning hands with an alcohol based hand sanitizer or washing them with soap and water and following good respiratory etiquette and hygiene.
As a measure for social distancing in public places and workplaces wearing a face cover is compulsory.
The bulletin again explained that early detection of COVID-19 can prevent the spread of disease so we need to be responsible for the well-being of ourselves and everyone around us. “Not disclosing symptoms could put life of individuals and their families at risk. In case of symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing report early. Do not fear, call COVID-19 helpline numbers and seek medical advice”.
Advisory has further exhorted upon the people not to step out of home, unless absolutely necessary. “If you have to move out for unavoidable reasons, ensure that you wear a mask and practice social distancing, personal hygiene and frequent hand washing with soap and water.”
In case of any emergency people can avail free ambulance services 24×7 at their doorsteps by calling on toll-free number 108 while as pregnant women and sick infants can avail free ambulance services by dialing toll-free number 102.
People can also call on toll-free national helpline number 1075; J&K COVID-19 Helpline Numbers 0191- 2549676 (UT level Cell), 0191-2520982, 0191-2674444, 0191-2674115 (For Jammu Division), 0194-2440283 & 0194-2430581 (For Kashmir Division) for support, guidance, and response to health-related queries on Novel Corona virus Disease (COVID-19).
The bulletin has informed that the Directorate of Indian Systems of Medicine, J&K is distributing AYUSH Medicines having immunity boosting, immuno-modulator, anti-oxidant, rejuvenator, anti-stress, metabolism regulator, anti-allergic, anti-pyretic, anti-tussive, bronchodilator, etc properties during the COVID-19 pandemic. The department so far has provided medicine to 8.07 lakh people that include various frontline workers, senior citizens, PRIs, police/paramilitary personals and general masses. Moreover, preventive measures and Yoga therapies are also being advised to the people to take care of lifestyle/mental disorders so that physical and mental health is ensued during this pandemic.

Public is advised to strictly follow the advisories issued by the government from time to time and rely only on the information released by the government through the daily media bulletin to print and electronic media.

People are also advised to refrain from spreading rumours and pay no heed to them at the same time.

New Delhi, Aug 19 India recorded 64,531 fresh COVID-19 cases and 1,092 more deaths in past 24 hours, taking the case tally to 27,67,273 and death toll to 52,889, while the recovery rate improved to 73.64 per cent.
As per the Union Ministry update, highest 60,091 patients overcame the disease in single-day, taking the recoveries to 20,37,871.
The active cases increased by 3,348 to 6,76,514. The actual caseload currently comprises less than 1/4th (24.45 per cent) of the total positive cases.
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), as many as 8,01,518 samples were tested on Tuesday, surging the total tests conducted to 3,17,42,782.
State-wise, Maharashtra remains the worst-affected with 6,15,477 cases, followed by Tamil Nadu 3,45,694 and Andhra Pradesh 3,06,261.
In terms of deaths, maximum 20,999 were recorded in Maharashtra, 6,007 in Tamil Nadu and 2,820 in Andhra Pradesh.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren went into home quarantine after his cabinet colleague Banna Gupta tested positive for Coronavirus.
Due to the increase in the number of cases, the administration in Andaman and Nicobar Islands extended the ongoing lockdown till August 25 midnight.
Uttar Pradesh touched a new milestone by conducting four million tests while Odisha Chief Minster Naveen Patnaik claimed that his state was leading by testing 1,096 tests per million per day.
The Karnataka government has provided an online service that would enable citizens to know their test result by entering the specimen referral form (SRF) ID.
In Kerala, a 103-year-old centenarian patient recovered and was discharged from Kalamassery Medical College Kochi.

A unique study for COVID-19 surveillance using sewage samples to estimate the spread of the infection in a given locality or area was carried out by Telangana-based CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) and CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) as individuals who were infected shed virus through faeces too.
The novel coronavirus first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December last year. The World Health Organisation declared it as pandemic on March 11. The deadly virus has since spread to 213 countries and territories.
Globally, United States remains the worst-infected with more than 56 lakh cases, followed by Brazil, recording over 34 lakh infections. In deaths, the US registered highest 1.75 lakh fatalities and 1.10 lakh were recorded in Brazil.
In India, the first case and death was recorded on January 31 and March 13 respectively.

>Approves 21 crore funding under JKIDFC for completing Jetty Bridge awaiting completion for 22 years
>Announces Rs 50 lakhs as first installment of Untied Grant to all Deputy Commissioners across J&K
> Lays foundation stone of Govt Degree College, Boniyar
> Inspects progress on construction work of GMC, Baramulla
> Includes 500 eligible Families under AAY Category
> e-inaugurates various developmental projects
> Distributes Aids and Appliances among children with special needs under Samagra Shiksha
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Aug 19:: Setting the tone and tenor of Government’s relentless pursuit towards ensuring extensive development across J&K, the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today while reviewing the developmental scenario in Baramulla District, approved 21 crore funding under JKIDFC for completing Jetty Bridge awaiting completion for 22 Years and directed for completion of the project within 2 years.

While interacting with scores of deputations at the District Headquarters, the Lt Governor took immediate cognizance of the demands related to various works of immediate public utility and announced Rs 50 lakhs as first installment of Untied Grant to all Deputy Commissioners across J&K for taking up the same on priority and to accentuate the overall developmental ecosystem in the UT.
The Lt Governor during the visit took a comprehensive assessment of the development scenario and other important local issues. He was accompanied by his Advisor Baseer Ahmad Khan, BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Arun Kumar Mehta, Financial Commissioner, Finance Department; Atal Dulloo, Financial Commissioner, Health and Medical Education Department; Navin Kumar Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Government, Animal & Sheep Husbandry Department and Agriculture/Horticulture, & Cooperatives Department; Pandurang K. Pole, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Vijay Kumar, IGP Kashmir; Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, Dr. G.N. Itoo; Abdul Qayoom, SSP Baramulla; Chief Engineers; HoDs and other senior officers.
At the outset, the Lt Governor inspected Government Medical College Baramulla and took the first hand appraisal of the pace of the construction work. He was informed that the College is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 139 crore and shall be completed by July 2021. He directed the concerned agencies to expedite the pace of work so that it is completed within the stipulated time frame.
The Lt Governor also visited Dak Bungalow where he distributed Special Aids and Appliances among 10 children with special needs under Samagra Shiksha. He evinced keen interest about the well-being of these children and directed the officers to provide the best possible facilities to them.
During the Development Review meeting, Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, Dr. G.N. Itoo gave a detailed PowerPoint presentation of the various ongoing developmental works being executed by different departments in the district. He also informed the Lt Governor about the achievements that have been recorded in different sectors.
On achievements made under PMGSY, he informed the chair that all the unconnected habitations in Baramulla will be covered under PMGSY by March, 2021.
During the review, the Lt Governor directed the officers to formulate District Capex Plans after a holistic assessment of the developmental needs of the District so that the allocation is utilized in the most efficient way thereby addressing the needs of the common people. He also called for utilizing the CSR allocation by NHPC in the most effective manner.
Taking serious note of the inadvertent delays in the issuance of Domicile Certificates, the Lt Governor directed the officers to ensure seamless issuance of Domicile Certificates for PRC holders without requiring additional documents and simplifying the issuance process for people applying under other categories.
The Lt Governor directed the officers to lay special focus on improving the prompt service delivery mechanism for timely disposal of public grievances. Every possibility should be explored in meeting the developmental expectations of the people adding that a common man should not suffer for getting even simpler services and developmental needs, he remarked.
He further directed for 100% saturation and coverage of all Centrally Sponsored and Social Security Schemes so that the larger population can avail of the maximum benefits out of these schemes and programmes. He also directed to ensure that 100 % payment with Aadhaar linkage is done to benefit the beneficiaries under Social Security Schemes.
Specific directions were given by the Lt Governor to the concerned officers for tapping the full potential of all the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of Government of India in Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal& Sheep Husbandry and other allied sectors so that the benefits percolate to maximum population in the region.
He exhorted upon the officers to take all necessary measures to streamline the developmental process and remove bottlenecks, if any, to ensure that the execution of any project does not remain delayed unnecessarily.
The Lieutenant Governor also e-inaugurated and laid e-foundation stones of several developmental projects which include- foundation of Academic Block at GDC Pattan, Commissioning of 1×6.3 MVA Receiving Station at Achabal Rafiabad, Inauguration of 1×20 M Span Steel Girder Bridge over Nallah Ningli at Bangdara, Inauguration of 1x20M span steel Grider bridge over Ningli Nallah at Chan Mohalla, Inauguration of road from Khaitangan to Takiya Wagoors, Inauguration of Hatchipora-Chatoosa Road, inclusion of 500 eligible families in AAY category and inclusion of 691 eligible persons in several pension schemes.
In continuation of his public outreach programme, the Lt Governor met 18 delegations at Baramulla and Chahal Boniyar, who appraised him about their issues and demands of vital public significance. The deputations included- BDC Chairpersons, MC Presidents, Sarpanches & Panches; Political leaders; Student Organization; Youth Forum, Pattan; deputation of Migrant Employees/ Veerwan Colony; Sports Development Forum; Transporters; District Gurudawara Prabhandak Committee; JK Hoteliers Association Gulmarg; Coordination Committee Sopore; Traders Federation Baramulla; Fruit Growers Association Sopore/ Baramulla; Working Journalists of Baramulla; Civil Society – Baramulla, Kandi, Kreeri, Wagoora and deputation from Singhpora.
Various Political Leaders including Mir Mushtaq, Javid Hassan Beigh, Shoaib Mir, and a host of political activists from the District also interacted with the Lt Governor and apprised him of their concerning issues.
The members of the deputations projected various demands pertaining to the empowerment of PRIs, proper security and accommodation of PRI representatives, augmentation of healthcare infrastructure, waiving off KCC loans, augmentation of irrigation and drinking water facilities, strengthening road connectivity, establishment of proper dumping sites at Baramulla and Sopore, special economic package for various stakeholders viz traders, transporters, farmers etc who suffered badly due to present circumstances, completion of 4-lanning from Narbal-Baramulla stretch of NH44, construction of additional bunkers in border areas for safeguarding lives during cross LoC shelling, beautification of Jhelum embankment and other demands of vital public importance.

The Lt Governor gave a patient hearing to each deputation and assured that all the genuine issues and demands put forth by them would be looked into meticulously for their early redressal. He reiterated that the administration has mobilized all the available resources to complete all the undertaken projects within the specific timelines. He termed peoples’ feedback as a vital component of people-centric governance.
The Lt Governor underscored that the UT Government is making earnest efforts to ensure that all the basic amenities reach to each and every individual on the ground. Besides, redressal of grievances of the common man – the last man standing in the queue is the topmost priority of the Government.
While interacting with the elected members of PRIs and Urban Local Bodies, the Lt Governor observed that the Government is making committed efforts to strengthen the grassroots democracy through active participation of all stakeholders in accelerating the development process. He also assured that in formulating the upcoming District Planning and Development Boards, the involvement of the elected representatives will be ensured so that they can play a vital role in overall planning and development process across the UT.
Reiterating the Government’s commitment for effectively implementing the 73rd and 74th Amendments for empowering PRIs and ULBs, the Lt Governor observed that the pending provisions under these Constitutional Amendments will be implemented to further strengthen and empower the democratic set up at the grass-root level.

Later, the Lt Governor paid a visit to the frontier area of Boniyar, Baramulla where he laid the foundation stone for the establishment of Government Degree College, costing Rs 13.92 crore. The establishment of the college was the long pending demand of the people of the area and the College shall be completed within a period of 15 months.
The Lt Governor termed it as an important milestone in meeting the educational needs of the people, especially those living in remote and frontier areas. He said that imparting qualitative education is the topmost priority of the present dispensation adding that without qualitative education, the mission of development cannot be achieved.
Terming peace imperative for development, the Lt Governor sought active participation of people in maintaining peace and stability and said that various efforts are being made to meet the developmental aspirations of the people.
The Lt Governor also urged the public representatives and people at large to adhere to the SOP’s and guidelines issued by the Government from time to time to play their active role in the containment of COVID-19 pandemic in the UT and it is our collective will and responsibility that would help us to defeat this pandemic.