Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, July 24: B R Sharma, Chairman, Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission, today met Lieutenant Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu here at the Raj Bhavan.

The Chairman discussed with the Lt Governor about various important issues pertaining to the functioning of the J&K PSC.

He briefed the Lt Governor about the road map being prepared for conduct of various examinations and interviews including J&K Administrative Services, besides expediting recruitment process for the vacant posts.

The Lt Governor emphasized on the high importance for making continuing improvements in the functioning of the Commission to maintain unimpeachable standards.

He asked the Chairman to ensure timely conduct of examinations and interviews and selection of candidates with greater transparency and efficiency.

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, July 24 : The J&K administration has transferred 9654 Kanal of land to Industries and Commerce Department for establishment of 37 Industrial Estates in the Union Territory.

An official spokesperson said that the Administrative Council (AC), which met here under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor G C Murmu, approved transfer of State land measuring 9654 Kanal 01 Marla in favour of Industries and Commerce Department. “The land will be used to establish Industrial Estates at 37 identified locations in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

He said the identified areas where the new Industrial Estates are being proposed to be established, will witness a boost in the local economy, generation of employment opportunities and overall development of the area.

AC reviews progress of Ujh, Shahpur Kandi multipurpose projects
Precious Kashmir News

Srinagar, July 24: The Administrative Council (AC) on Friday approved Labour and Employment Department’s Mission Mode Project (MMP) for registration of Building and Other Construction (BOC) Workers.

The decision was made by the Administrative Council (AC), which met here under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor G C Murmu, an official spokesperson said.

He said the registration process will be completed by October 31, 2020.

“The Mission Mode Project eases out the registration process by doing away with the physical presence of workers for registration and renewals by using latest technology for online registration through web portal / mobile app, call centre , toll free helpline numbers and help desks,” he said.

He said consequent upon registration/renewal, the benefits under the Building & Other Construction Workers, Act, 1996 will be extended to the workers in terms of universal social security and welfare schemes by optimally utilizing cess fund.

“MMP will also include profiling of all workers who returned to Jammu & Kashmir during the lockdown, for skill mapping to ensure their gainful employment through local jobs,” he said.

“The registration under MMP will be carried out by Assistant Labour Commissioners under the supervision of District Development Commissioners of concerned districts who have been appointed as District Nodal Officers for the purpose,” he added.

AC reviews progress of Ujh, Shahpur Kandi multipurpose projects

The Administrative Council (AC) also reviewed the progress of two prestigious multipurpose projects-Ujh and Shahpur Kandi Dam.

While reviewing the progress on Rs 9167.00 crore Ujh Multipurpose Project, it was mentioned that several mandatory clearances from various agencies have been obtained including Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, Public Works Department, Power Development Department, Irrigation & Flood Control Department, Geology & Mining Department, Jal Shakti Department, Tourism Department and Fisheries Department. Besides, the Central Wildlife Board has also accorded clearance to the project.

The Administrative Council directed the Jal Shakti Department to pursue obtaining of pending clearances viz, Forest Clearance, Environment Impact Assessment, Defence Clearance and Clearance from Ministry of Tribal Affairs by 31st August, 2020.

Regarding the progress on Shahpur Kandi Dam Project, it was directed that the department will ensure completion of land acquisition process in addition to obtaining forest clearance by 31st August, 2020. It was also decided that the coordination issues between all the stakeholders viz, Governments of India-Punjab-J&K, be timely resolved through regular meetings of the Tripartite Monitoring Team.

Says there is limit to every punishment, 4G must be restored

Jammu, July 24: Asserting that delimitation process in Jammu and Kashmir should not be delayed due to COVID, Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party on Friday demanded that the exercise should be completed by year end and if not, assembly elections must be conducted on 83 seats while seven others can be nominated.

“We appeal to the Prime Minister to complete delimitation process immediately in Jammu and Kashmir and if it is not possible at the moment due to COVID, go for Assembly polls,” Syed Altaf Bukhari, President J&K Apni Party here told reporters at a press conference.

He was flanked by senior leadership of the party.

Bukhari further said the seven seats which are to be increased after delimitation, can be nominated as of now if the process gets delayed, but elections should be held to restore the democracy.

“Notification for election should be issued at the earliest and the process must be set into motion because we can’t wait in case Corona takes years to settle,” he said adding that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is conducive to hold polls.

He asked for transparency in delimitation process alleging that ‘Apni Party’ is aware that some officers of the Election Commission are visiting to the office of a particular political party and giving the feedbacks.

He, however, termed the prevailing situation in J&K Administration as “insensitive” and “unresponsive”.

“In absence of popular government, the concerns of people are not being addressed. Bureaucrats are not listening to the common man and not even responsive to the public representatives,” he added and demanded immediate elections to restore democracy so that concerns of the people can be addressed.

Bukhari also demanded restoration of the statehood status to the Jammu and Kashmir asserting, “We want statehood should be restored immediately in a democratic manner and we will become voice of people of Jammu and Kashmir.”

He, however, also expressed serious concern over worst condition of quarantine centres as covid is witnessing spike in cases.

He further demanded economic package for poor people, shopkeepers and small businessmen as people are dependent upon tourism sector, which has been badly affected due to COVID.

Bukhari appealed to the Government to waive off payment of electricity bills of shopkeepers and hoteliers.

On suspended 4G internet service, Apni Party leader said, “How would our children will study without 4G as they are deprived of online classes.”

“Saza ki ek inteha hai (there is a limit to every punishment). 4G must be restored in Jammu and Kashmir because studies are suffering,” Bukhari said.

He also said that Jammu people want land and job rights to remain with them like people of Kashmir want. “Divisive forces will never succeed in their policies to divide two regions. Youth have priority of development and education,” he said adding that JKAP has only one slogan of “restoration of statehood” and everyone has to be united in getting the status back.

“We have rights in the Constitution of India. Do we have only to see toll Plazas for development of Jammu?,” He rued and sought transparency over roadmap to revive economy in Jammu and Kashmir, which in still missing.

Bukhari though thanked the administration for their decision of revoking SRO 202 but demanded amendment in the transfer policy.

He also said that ‘Apni Party’ is focussing to get back Statehood not on ‘power’.

Srinagar, July 24:  Alert private guards of a bank in south Kashmir foiled a robbery attempt and overpowered a man with toy pistol on Friday, a police spokesman said this evening.

He said Kulgam police received a distress call during the intervening night of July 23/24 from J&K Bank Yaripora branch that a person with a pistol was threatening guards and asking them to open the door of the bank.

Acting swiftly, police party from Police Station (PS) Yaripora headed by Station House Officer (SHO) Yaripora rushed to the spot. However, the alert security guards of the bank branch caught hold of the person and snatched the toy pistol from his possession.

He has been arrested and shifted to Police Station where he remains in custody.

Case FIR No. 103/2020 under relevant sections of law has been registered in Police Station Yaripora and investigation has been initiated.

The bravery and commitment by the security guards of J&K bank Yaripora and prompt action by Kulgam police foiled the bank robbery attempt. Kulgam police lauds the bravery and commitment of the private security guards deployed at the bank.

Asks officials to extend special invitations to COVID-19 warriors

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, July 24: The Chief Secretary, B V R Subrahmanyam today chaired a review meeting to take stock of preparations for celebration of Independence Day-2020, with this year’s theme of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

Administrative Secretaries of Departments of Health, School Education, Power Development, General Administration, Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir,   Additional Director General of Police, Secretary, Planning Development & Monitoring Department, Youth Services & Sports, and Culture along-with HODs of concerned departments participated in the meeting.

During the meeting it was informed that as per the guidance of Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India and keeping in view the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s celebration will intrinsically include preventive measures such as maintaining social distance, wearing masks, proper sanitization and allowing only limited congregations. As such, it was decided that participation from students and vulnerable persons will be restricted, besides introducing technological interventions toward e-celebrations.

The Chief Secretary while emphasizing the importance of maintaining social distance impressed upon the concerned departments to screen recorded cultural performances through specially installed LED screens / projectors, at all historic places of Jammu & Kashmir, simultaneously.

He directed School Education and Higher Education departments to organise online quiz, poetry, essay, and similar competitions and encourage students for participation through webinars.

To pay homage to the COVID warriors who have risen to the occasion and performed beyond call of duty, the Chief Secretary emphasized on extending special invitations to doctors, nurses, police personnel, sanitation workers and recovered COVID patients.

As full dress rehearsal for the Independence Day is scheduled on 13th August, 2020, Chief Secretary asked the health department to conduct Rapid Antigen Tests for all the participants of Independence Day celebrations to minimize the risk of spread of infection.

Health department was also directed to ensure thermal screening at all entry points of the celebration venues. Additionally it was informed that the seating arrangement at the venues will be reduced to 50% capacity as per the social distancing norms.

Further, Chief Secretary directed the concerned to ensure arrangements regarding various facilities including transport, parking, seating, availability of water, electricity, deployment of health, fire and emergency staff and equipment and illumination of buildings.

Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar, July 23: Jammu and Kashmir Thursday recorded 11 more COVID-19 deaths taking the number of people who died due to the pandemic in the union territory to 288.

Officials told KNO that eleven patients who died include a 57-year-old male from Firdous Abad Batamallo Srinagar, a 55-year-old male from Nawakadal Srinagar, a 52-year-old woman from Zonimar Srinagar, a 46-year old woman from Gazriyal Kupwara, a 60-year old non local resident a 70-year old lady from Uri Baramulla, a 40-year-old from Chinkral Mohalla, Habba Kadal, Srinagar, an 86-year-old male from Firdous Abad Batamallo, a 62-year-old man from  Soimoh Tral, a 63-year-old lady from Shopian and a 65-year-old woman from Moomin abad Batamallo.

An official from SKIMS said that a man from Firdousabad was admitted on July 10 and a man from Nawakadal was admitted on 13 July with underlying ailments died at SKIMS on Thursday.

He said that woman from Zonimer was admitted on 22 July while as woman from Gazriyal was admitted on 20 July and was tested positive on Thursday after her death.

He further added that a 60 year old man who is said to be from Kerala also died at SKIMS who was tested positive for COVID-19

An official from Baramulla said that a 70-year old dialysis patient from Uri with CRF, varian mass and Metastatic mitotic disease and was critically ill

Her dialysis was done at a private hospital in Srinagar and after dialysis she was advised to go home and come after one week for dialysis, he said, adding that she was sampled because of co morbidity by CMO Srinagar and in late hours result was positive and next day she expired and was buried as per COVID-19 protocol.

He further added that all primary contacts of the patient have been traced and put under quarantine.

A resident of Chinkral Mohalla, Habba Kadal, aged 40, became the seventh victim of COVID-19. “He was admitted in SKIMS, Soura on July 18 and had underlying medical conditions. He was tested positive for the virus,” a doctor at SKIMS, said.

He further added that an 86-year-old man from Firdous abad Batamallo waa admitted on 13 July while a 62-year-old male from Saimoh Tral died at SKIMS on Thursday.

An official from SMHS said that a 63-year-old woman from Shopian who was admitted on 14 July with bilateral pneumonia died on Thursday afternoon while a 65-year-old woman from Moomin Abad Batamallo who was admitted on 20 July died on Thursday evening.

With 11 more deaths, the death toll related to COVID-19 in J&K has reached to 288 including 268 from Kashmir division and 20 from Jammu division.

Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, July 23: As many as 718 more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, taking the total number of cases in the union territory to 16429, officials said.

They said, 601 cases were reported in Kashmir division while 117 more people tested positive in Jammu division.

Moreover, 102 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and were discharged from various hospitals, 18 from Jammu Division and 84 from Kashmir Division.

According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), out of 16429 positive cases, 7438 are Active Positive, 8709 have recovered and 282 have died; 20 in Jammu division and 262 in Kashmir division.

The Bulletin further said that out of 548877 test results available, 532448 samples have been tested as negative till July 23, 2020.

Additionally, till date 343799 travelers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been enlisted for observation which included 40195 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 12 in Hospital Quarantine, 7438 in hospital isolation and 41651 under home surveillance. Besides, 254221 persons have completed their surveillance period.

Providing district-wise breakup, the Bulletin said that Bandipora has 525 positive cases (including 42 cases reported today) with 145 Active Positive, 373 recovered (including 03 cases recovered today) and 07 deaths; Srinagar has 3608 positive cases (including 158 cases reported today) with 2268 Active Positive, 1265 recovered (including 12 cases reported today), 75 deaths; Anantnag district has 1131 positive cases (including 33 cases reported today), with 394 Active Positive, 718 recovered (including 02 cases reported today),  19 deaths; Baramulla has 1738 positive cases (including 29 cases reported today) with 730 Active Positive, 948 recovered, 60 deaths; Shopian has 1293 positive cases (including 109 cases reported today) with 445 Active Positive, 829 recovered (including 25 cases recovered today) and 19 deaths; Kupwara has 1008 positive cases (including 32 cases reported today) with 390 Active Positive, 602 recovered  (including 04 cases recovered today) and 16 deaths; Budgam has 984 positive cases (including 34 cases reported today) with 450 Active Positive and 514 recovered cases (including 14 cases recovered today) and 20 deaths; Ganderbal has 309 positive cases (including 02 cases reported today) with 163 active positive cases and 141 recoveries (including 02 cases recovered today) and 05 deaths; Kulgam has 1354 positive cases (including 106 cases reported today) with 454 Active Positive and 874 recoveries (including 06 cases recovered today) and 26 deaths and Pulwama reported 1128 positive cases (including 56 cases reported today) with 559 active positive cases and 554 recovered (including 16 cases recovered today) and 15 deaths.

Similarly, Jammu has 712 positive cases (including 47 cases reported today) with 233 active positive cases and 467 recoveries (including 08 cases recovered today) and 12 deaths; Udhampur has 382 positive cases (including 07 cases reported today)   with 82 active positive cases, 299 recovered and 01 death; Samba has 349 positive cases (including 05 cases reported today) with 172 Active Positive and 176 recoveries and 01 death; Rajouri has 501 positive cases (including 15 cases reported today) with 379 active positive cases and 120 recovered (including 01 case recovered today) and 02 deaths; Kathua has 404 positive cases (including 08 cases reported today) with 124 Active positive and 279 recovered (including 03 cases recovered today) and 01 death; Kishtwar has 92 positive cases (including 02 cases reported today) with 63 active positive cases and 29 recovered; Ramban has 439 positive cases (including 20 cases reported today) with 194 active positive and 245 recoveries (including 03 cases recovered today); Reasi has 98 positive cases (including 04 cases reported today) with 53 active positive and 45 recovered; Poonch has 164 positive cases (including 05 cases reported today) with 32 active positive and 131 recoveries and 01 death while Doda has 210 positive cases (including 04 cases reported today)  with 108 active positive cases and 100 recoveries (including 03 cases recovered today)  and 02 deaths.

According to the bulletin, of the total 16429 positive cases in J&K 3703 have been reported as travelers while 12726 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 Coronavirus 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.