Precious Kashmir

DGP sanctions scholarship for 14 wards of policemen

Jammu & Kashmir

11/08/2020

Precious Kashmir News

Srinagar, Aug 10: Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh on Monday sanctioned scholarship in favour of 14 school going wards to provide financial aid and boost the moral of police personnel, a police spokesman said here this evening.

He said Rs five thousand each has been sanctioned in favour of Ifra Ayoub, Adnan Farooq, Sumaira Farooq, Arsalan Ahmad, Nittan Kumar, Nitisah Kumar, Munaza Muzaffer, Shahid Muzaffar, Natasha Devi, Dilpreet Singh and Romani Gupta, all wards of deceased police personnel pursing eduction in different classes.

Meanwhile, meritorious scholarship out of Police Pariwar Fund has been sanctioned in favour of 3 wards of serving Special Police Officers (SPOs) who have secured above 80 per cent marks in annual examination of Class 10th and 12th during the academic session 2019-2020. Under this order Rs four thousand each has been sanction in favour of Sahhil Charak and Sohrab Ajaz for securing above 80 per cent marks in class 10th and Rs Six thousand each has been sanctioned in favour of Suhail Ahmad Khan for securing over 85 per cent marks in class 12th.

The amount has been sanctioned out of Central Police welfare fund. The scholarships are granted every year for the school going children of deceased police personnel to provide them assistance in pursuing education & to boost their morale.

Govt evacuates 2.99 lakh stranded JK residents

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

11/08/2020

Precious Kashmir News

Jammu, Aug 10: The government has evacuated about 2,99,540 JK residents, stranded in other parts of the country due to COVID lockdown, via Lakhanpur and through special trains and buses till date amid strict observance of all necessary guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures.

As per the official data received in this regard, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has received 110 special trains at Jammu and Udhampur railway stations from different states and UTs, so far, with about 92,299 passengers while about 2,07,241 persons from other states and UTs including 906 from abroad have been evacuated by the government through Lakhanpur till date.

As per the detailed breakup of the figures, about 1455 stranded passengers have entered through Lakhanpur from August 09 to August 10 mornings while 879 passengers have reached today in the 89th Delhi COVID special train at Jammu. So far, 89 trains have reached Jammu with a total of 76,603 stranded passengers belonging to different districts while 15,696 passengers have reached Udhampur in 21 special trains, so far.

23 KVs to be setup in remote areas of JK: Advisor Sharma

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

11/08/2020

Precious Kashmir News

Srinagar, Aug 10: To augment the school education infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, 23 Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) would be setup in remote areas of J&K besides several new such Vidalayas have been proposed to the Union Ministry for Human Resource Development.

Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, KK Sharma, informed this while chairing a review meeting convened here today to discuss setting up of the new sanctioned KVs besides assessing status of proposed Vidalayas.

Principal Secretary School Education, Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon, Chairperson JKBOSE, Veena Pandita, Director Education Kashmir, Younis Malik, Director Samagra Shiksha, Arun Manhas and other senior officers of Education Department participated in the meeting through video conferencing

Advisor asked the Principal Secretary to issue necessary instructions to the Deputy Commissioners to expedite the process of identification of land for the purpose besides finalizing temporary suitable accommodation for these KVs which is prerequisite for sanction by Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan GoI. He asked for putting in collective efforts by the Directors of School Education and concerned Deputy Commissioners for speedy completion of all modalities for establishment of KVs.

Advisor also asked the officers to consolidate the demand from other areas and come up with a comprehensive proposal to be sent to the Kendrya Vidalya Sangathan, so that the left out areas are provided with KVs for benefit of student community.

The meeting was told Jammu and Kashmir has 36 functional KVs, of which, 25 are in Jammu division and 11 are in Kashmir and setting up of 23 more KVs is being pursued with the Government of India for augmentation of educational infrastructure in the Union territory.

It was also informed that the proposed places for KVs included Verinag, Ranipora, Gandoh, Kastigarh, Ganderbal, Jagti, Bani, Ramkote, Kupwara ,Azote, Galander, Rinipora, Nowshera, Doongi, Ramban, Gool, Reasi, Katra, Kakryal, Vijaypur, Shopian, Shadat Karewa and Mantalai. It was also told that there is a demand for setting up of these KVs from other areas as Gurez, Macchail, Mahore, Reasi, Bhillawar, Gandoh, Budgam and Kulgam.

Reopening Schools

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Precious Kashmir

10/08/2020

Covid-19 pandemic hardly spared any sphere of life. It hit the economy hard and some sectors were even completely wiped out. But the education has been one of the biggest victims across the globe, more so in Kashmir where schools are shut for almost a year now. The educational institutions were closed on account of unprecedented lockdown in connection with the 5 August 2019 decisions. And when they reopened for a fortnight in March this year, covid-19 lockdown forced their closure again. Kashmir’s education sector has suffered for years and the covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the existing challenges.

Last week, United Nations secretary-general’s policy brief on the impact of Covid-19 on the world’s education system pointed to the fact that the closure of educational institutions impacted 94% of the world’s student population. In low and lower-middle income countries, the impact is said to be 99%. It also highlighted that despite the delivery of lessons by radio, TV and online, and efforts of teachers and parents, many students still do not have access to education. The report also highlighted how students with disabilities and those from marginalised communities and those from remote areas are at highest risk of being left behind.

In the Kashmir context, there are instances of many children left behind, without computer access, Internet connectivity, TV sets and even electricity. The non-restoration of the high-speed internet facility also does not augment well for the students of Kashmir.

In addition, the UN report highlights that the extended period of closure means students don’t have access to midday meals. Coupled with parental incomes under strain, there could be increase in drop-out rates.

While pandemic shows no signs of relenting, reopening schools anytime soon looks improbable for now.

In principle, the issue of reopening schools in a calibrated manner must be addressed mainly on epidemiological evidence. The government also needs to carry out an extensive assessment of the learning loss and well-thought-out plans to bridge the learning gap, and schemes to ensure there are no dropouts.

While the policymakers are already aware of severe impacts to the education process, and the losses to students, the alternative, of remote and online learning opportunities, should be ensured until the time direct classes are possible.

‘After sharing power for 12 years in J&K, Congress at verge of extinction’

Anchor stories

Afaq Bhat

10/08/2020

‘After sharing power for 12 years in J&K, Congress at verge of extinction’

Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, Aug 9: Congress Party seems to have gone into complete oblivion as its leaders have disappeared from the scene after losing power in the Centre and in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Congress Party shared power in J&K for 12 consecutive years i.e. from 2002 to 2014. First it shared power with Peoples Democratic Party and then with the National Conference. “Despite ruling J&K amidst turmoil today we hardly find any leaders except a few,” an analyst told Precious Kashmir.
He said, “Congress was more vibrant in Jammu than in Kashmir but it seems that during the past six years it has lost its footing completely.”
The analyst said that many Congress leaders in Jammu have changed their sides and the ones who are still loyal to the grand old party have gone into hibernation. “The JKPCC Chief Ghulam Ahmed Mir seems to be the only voice from the Congress Party in J&K, others, including the big guns, seem to have lost interest in the politics,” he added.
According to Kashmir watchers it’s not only the Congress, which has gone on back foot in Jammu and Kashmir, regional parties, including National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party are also sailing in the same boat. “There is every possibility about political process getting revived in Jammu and Kashmir in coming days. It seems that the new faces which have appeared on the political scene will emerge as the main players while the traditional politicians could end up acting as fence sitters,” said an observer.
He said, “The Congress Party will have to work very hard to make a comeback in Jammu region. Many smaller parties have emerged there and are trying their best to project themselves as an alternative for the grand old party of India.”
He said, “Congress is not only struggling in J&K it’s facing uncertainty across the country. The biggest problem which the party is facing is leadership crisis. It needs a leader who can pull the party out from the quagmire of uncertainty.”
“Apparently it seems that Congress top brass is facing so many problems that J&K has slipped out from its mind. Former J&K Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi last month. But Azad skipped abrogation of Article 370 and stuck to restoration of J&K’s statehood. On the other hand Congress leaders in Kashmir on August 5 issued statements seeking restoration of Article 370. It appears that Congress is confused,” the observer said.

COVID-19: Doctor among 8 more die, J&K toll 473

Front

Nadeem Nadu

10/08/2020

COVID-19: Doctor among 8 more die, J&K toll 473

Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar, Aug 9: A senior doctor who was at the forefront of the battle against COVID-19 before contracting the dreaded infection was among eight persons who succumbed to the virus in Jammu and Kashmir since overnight, officials said on Sunday.

Dr Mohammad Ashraf Mir, of Konibal Pampore of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, passed away at 6:15 a.m. today at the SKIMS Soura here, they said.

Mir had been treating COVID-19 patients for the past four months and in the process, contracted the pestilence.

Also, seven other persons died to the virus since overnight and included a 66-year-old man from Lal Bazar area of this central Kashmir’s district who was suffering from pneumonia and died at SKIMS Soura.

A 65-year-old man from Gujirpathi Kupwara who was suffering from pneumonia died at CD hospital, hours after he was referred from SMHS hospital today. “The sexagenarian intubated in SMHS in view of low saturation today and shifted to CD hospital for ventilator support on portable ventilator. However he had cardiopulmonary arrest and expired,” they told GNS.

A 65-year-old woman from Tangmarg area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district died at the tertiary care hospital. Official source said that she was having underlying ailments and had recently tested positive for the pestilence.

A 70-year-old man from Budgam who was battling cancer and had been operated recently died at SKIMS Bemina. “He had metastasis and was admitted to the hospital recently,” a doctor at the hospital, one of the exclusive facilities for the management of COVID-19 patients in Kashmir, told GNS.

Also, a 70-year-old woman from Pattan area of the Baramulla district who was suffering from “multiple problems” and had tested positive for covid-19 recently died at SMHS hospital here.

Admitted on August 8, the woman was suffering from “T2DM, hypertension and bilateral pneumonia,” they said.

Sources said that a 63-year-old man from Prade City Jammu died at CD Hospital Jammu at 10:15 a.m. today.

The two other fatalities were reported from Anantnag and Srinagar respectively, they said.

With these deaths, officials said, 473 people have died duo to the virus in Jammu and Kashmir so far. Among them, they said, 438 were from the Valley while 35 others from Jammu division.

Srinagar district with 153 deaths tops the list followed by Baramulla (82), Budgam (35), Anantnag (33), Kulgam (30), Pulwama (30), Kupwara (27), Shopian (24), Jammu (23), Bandipora (18), Ganderbal (7), two each in Rajouri, Doda and Udhampur besides one each in Ramban, Samba, Poonch, and Kathua. (GNS)

JK reports 507 fresh cases, tally nears 25000 mark; 17003 recover

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Precious Kashmir

10/08/2020

Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, Aug 9: As many as 507 more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, thus taking the total number of cases in the Union Territory to 24897, officials said.
They said of the fresh cases 378 tested positive in Kashmir and 129 in Jammu.
Moreover, 336 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals, 74 from Jammu Division and 262 from Kashmir Division.

According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), out of 24897 positive cases, 7422 are Active Positive, 17003 have recovered and 472 have died; 35 in Jammu division and 437 in Kashmir division.

The Bulletin further said that out of 717110 test results available, 692213 samples have been tested as negative till August 09, 2020.

Additionally, till date 391304 travelers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been enlisted for observation which included 41318 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 7422 in isolation and 48442 under home surveillance. Besides, 293650 persons have completed their surveillance period.

Providing district-wise breakup, the Bulletin said that Srinagar has 6155 positive cases (including 155 cases reported today) with 2400 Active Positive, 3603 recovered (including 144 cases recovered today), 152 deaths; Baramulla has 2137 positive cases (including 44 cases reported today) with 441 Active Positive, 1614 recovered, 82 deaths; Pulwama reported 1829 positive cases (including 22 cases reported today) with 691 active positive cases and 1108 recovered (including 64 cases recovered today) and 30 deaths; Kulgam has 1609 positive cases (including 15 case reported today) with 169 Active Positive and 1410 recoveries and 30 deaths; Shopian has 1520 positive cases (including 06 cases reported today) with 188 Active Positive, 1308 recovered and 24 deaths; Anantnag district has 1553 positive cases (including 32 cases reported today) with 334 Active Positive, 1186 recovered (including 10 cases recovered today), 33 deaths; Budgam has 1533 positive cases (including 10 cases reported today) with 444 Active Positive and 1054 recovered (including 13 cases recovered today) cases and 35 deaths; Kupwara has 1256 positive cases (including 26 cases reported today) with 254 Active Positive, 976 recovered (including 04 cases recovered today), 26 deaths; Bandipora has 1022 positive cases (including 50 cases reported today) with 393 Active Positive, 611 recovered and 18 deaths and Ganderbal has 672 positive cases (including 18 cases reported today) with 298 active positive cases and 367 recoveries (including 27 cases recovered today) and 07 deaths.

Similarly, Jammu has 1555 positive cases (including 42 cases reported today) with 717 active positive cases and 814 recoveries (including 24 cases recovered today), 24 deaths; Rajouri has 758 positive cases (including 02 cases reported today) with 230 active positive cases, 525 recovered (including 03 cases recovered today), 03 deaths; Ramban has 589 positive cases (including 13 cases reported today) with 53 active positive, 535 recoveries (including 01 case recovered today), 01 death; Kathua has 594 positive cases (including 05 cases reported today) with 89 Active positive, 504 recovered (including 20 cases recovered today), 01 death; Udhampur has 623 positive cases (including 04 cases reported today) with 206 active positive cases, 415 recovered (including 01 case recovered today), 02 deaths; Samba has 517 positive cases (including 32 cases reported today) with 184 Active Positive and 332 recoveries (including 17 cases recovered today), 01 death; Doda has 311 positive cases (including 09 cases reported today) with 48 active positive cases, 261 recoveries (including 08 cases reported today), 02 deaths; Poonch has 275 positive cases (including 10 cases reported today) with 101 active positive, 173 recoveries, 01 death; Reasi has 226 positive cases (including 12 cases reported today) with 146 active positive, 80 recoveries and Kishtwar has 163 positive cases with 36 active positive cases; 127 recoveries.

According to the bulletin, of the total 24897 positive cases in J&K 4940 have been reported as travelers while 19957 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 metre 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 handwashing 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 dialling 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).

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.

India’s COVID-19 tally climbs past 21.5 lakh

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United News Of India

10/08/2020

New Delhi, Aug 9: India’s COVID-19 tally crossed the 21 lakh-mark on Sunday as it recorded 21,53,010 cases and 43,379 deaths, Union Health Ministry said in its update.

According to the data, 64,399 infections and 861 deaths were reported in a day.

While the fatality rate has further come down to 2.01 per cent, the recoveries rose to 14,80,885 after 53,879 patients were cured in the past 24 hrs, the government data added.

There are currently 6,28,747 active cases in the country. The total number of recoveries have now exceeded the active cases by 8,52,138.

A total of 2,41,06,535 samples have been tested for COVID as per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) till Saturday.

LG Sinha, Advisors, Chief Secy condole Dr Ashraf Mir’s demise

Front

Precious Kashmir

10/08/2020

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Aug 9: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has extended his heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Medical Officer, Health Department.

The Lt Governor expressed deep shock on the sad demise of Dr. Mir, who lost his life at SKIMS Soura due to COVID-19, while battling with the disease.

In a condolence message, the Lt Governor prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul of this great Corona Warrior, who laid his life for welfare of the humanity and strength to the bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss.

He also conveyed his deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Mir, who will be deeply missed by all.

Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, while expressing heartfelt condolences with the bereaved family paid homage to Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Mir saying that his selfless sacrifice towards his duties would be remembered for ever and will serve as an inspiration for others. He added that Dr Ashraf laid his life as a front line warrior while working for the welfare of the society.

The Advisor said that despite facing several challenges COVID warriors like him are ensuring the safety and health of people of J&K considering it as their prime concern as a doctor.

Advisor Bhatnagar prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and expressed deepest solidarity with the bereaved family.

Advisor KK Sharma, while paying homage to the deceased, said that the doctor was a dedicated medical professional who set high standards of medical ethics by giving his best while discharging his duties during the prevailing global pandemic. “Dr. Mir was a determined and committed medico who gave away his life in the line of duty for the cause of humanity”, he asserted.
While expressing solidarity with the bereaved family members, the Advisor prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.

Advisor Baseer Ahmad Khan while expressing his condolences, Advisor Baseer Khan said that Dr. Ashraf was known for his dedication towards his duties and worked as a front line warrior during pandemic COVID-19.
The Advisor added that despite facing several challenges, COVID Warriors like him have ensured the safety and health of the people of J&K in spite of all odds during these tough times.
Advisor Baseer Khan prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and expressed deepest solidarity with the bereaved family.

Chief Secretary, B V R Subrahmanyam, expressed profound grief over the sad demise .
Describing the doctor as a dedicated and committed medical professional, the Chief Secretary said that Dr Ashraf gave away his life in the line of duty for the cause of humanity. “ Dr Ashraf was a front line COVID warrior, who contracted COVID-19, while on duty”, Chief Secretary said.

The Chief Secretary, expressed solidarity with the bereaved family members of the doctor and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to near and dear ones to bear this irreparable loss.

COVID-19: Restrictions extended for one week in Srinagar

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Precious Kashmir

10/08/2020

Srinagar, Aug 9: District Magistrate Srinagar has ordered extension in restrictions on public activities including operation of commercial establishments and movement in Srinagar.

The restrictions will continue to remain enforced for another week up to midnight on August 15.

The extension has been ordered keeping in mind the COVID-19 situation which continues to exist in the district.

Meanwhile the Srinagar district administration has initiated preparations ahead of the opening up of operations that the government has announced from August 16.

Over this next week the district administration will sensitise all the concerned about COVID-19 preventive guidelines and SOPs that need to be followed.

The idea is to ensure that the negligence reported during the last unlock – which resulted in rise in COVID-19 cases – is not repeated and that due care is taken to prevent further spread of the disease, the administration said. (KNO)

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