GAD to prepare roster

Srinagar, June 10: The administrative secretaries will function from both Srinagar and Jammu Civil Secretariats after opening of Darbar move here on 6^th of next month.

The competent authority has directed the General Administration Department to prepare a roster of administrative secretaries who will function periodically from both the locations.

The department has also been directed to finalize the list of departments whose records will be fully shifted to Srinagar.

The directions were issued days after government ordered that Darbar Move offices will open in Srinagar on July 6.

Ordinarily, the offices open in the month of May in Srinagar, however this year due to the Covid-19 crisis, the bi-annual Darbar move was delayed.

As per arrangement worked out by the government,  the civil secretariat will continue to function at both Jammu and Srinagar and the move employees shall work on “as is where is” basis, which means Kashmir-based staff shall work from the Srinagar Secretariat and Jammu-based staff shall work from the Jammu Secretariat.

The move offices outside the Civil Secretariat shall also continue to remain functional both at Jammu as well as Srinagar. (KNO)

Srinagar, June 10: Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court, Justice Gita Mittal will administer oath to Javed Iqbal Wani as judge of Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Friday.

The oath ceremony will take place on the June 12, 2020 at 11:00 AM in the chief Justice’s court Room at Srinagar wing of the High Court.

Wani is the lone Kashmiri to be appointed as judge of the High Court from Bar quota in the past seven years.

‘Reopening of markets order likely today’

Srinagar, June 10: The Srinagar district administration on Wednesday convened a meeting with all trade and business bodies for discussing a workable mechanism for gradual economic revival even as its focus remains intact on COVID-19 containment and spreading awareness about SOPs required to be followed at public places.

The official told KNO that the order regarding the opening of markets across the district would likely be issued  on Thursday.

The meeting was convened under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary. Senior Superintendent of Police Dr Haseeb Mughal, ADCs Haneef Balkhi and Sajjad Qadri, RTO Ikramullah Tak and other senior officers were all present in the meeting.

Extensive discussions were held during the meeting in which all relevant aspects were covered and the critical importance of containment efforts and adherence to all guidelines and SOPs was emphasized. Discussions about it revolved around the J&K State Executive Committee notification dated 7 June 2020 and how guidelines as contained therein can be complied with in total.

During the meeting the guidelines and activities as permissible in red zone districts were read out and explained to participants. It is notable that the SEC notification calls for regulated and gradual opening of 50% shops under strict measures and SOPs to be followed to avoid public gatherings and congestion in view of the continued threat from the novel coronavirus.

The trade associations were briefed about the overall scenario of ongoing COVID-19 containment efforts in the district. The associations was also briefed about feedback and technical reports obtained from SKIMS, GMC and DHS about different protocols.

Speaking on the occasion the DC talked about different options and workable solutions for a balanced and gradual opening of markets that the administration is working on and wants to explore adding that it revolves around the focus on measures to prevent spread of the COVID-19 disease. He said the latter includes public awareness and stakeholdership as important components thereof.

Dr Shahid emphasised the importance of building capacities of local market associations before opening and offering services and called upon all trade associations and business bodies to put in place a mechanism of operation which will ensure that guidelines – for mandatory wearing of face masks, physical distancing and sanitisation – are adhered to in letter and spirit and that no kind of violation is tolerated.

SSP Srinagar Dr Haseeb Mughal while speaking on the occasion talked about various issues related to law and order and solicited active cooperation of trade organisations. He stressed the crucial importance of local measures and active and sustained efforts of all trade associations to curb congestion in markets which he said will indicate the adherence to distancing guidelines.

While discussing different options and plans the administration also obtained feedback and suggestions from trade and business associations and bodies. The traders were asked to give suggestions how sector-wise or trade-wise or market-wise opening of markets can be made workable and something that will ensure adherence to SOPs. Discussions in this regard were also held on other aspects and options like timings and time-slots that markets can open and ensure gatherings are avoided.

The trade associations and business bodies of the district who were all present on the occasion unanimously agreed that COVID-19 containment efforts should be at top of the list of priorities and everything else must revolve around it being in the interest of public safety. The bodies assured of putting in place a mechanism which will ensure that all guidelines and SOPs are adhered to in all markets thereunder and no violation is accepted or tolerated.

Some of the trade bodies which were present on the occasion include Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Kashmir Economic Alliance, Kashmir Traders & Manufacturing Federation, J&K Economic Confederation, Sher-e-Khas Traders Association, Coordination Committee among others. Presidents of all these bodies attended the meeting and took part in detailed deliberations and discussion about various proposals put on the table on the occasion.

It is notable that June 7 notification of the government allows opening of 50 percent shops in red zone districts — the permission being subject to mandatory adherence to SOPs and no parking on roads in markets. The government has asked the district administrations to formulate plans in this regard and it is in view of these instructions the trade organisations are being involved in efforts to work out workable plans and put in place measures required therefore.

The Srinagar administration has said that pursuant to today’s meeting with trade and business bodies a notification will be issued indicating the manner in which trade and business operations and activities will resume in gradual fashion starting this week. It said the said manner will have taken into account the required measures for COVID-19 containment that need taking in view of over 50 localities in the district notified as containment zones. It said it will consider the recommendations and suggestions of trade bodies as noted in the meeting.

Dr Shahid while making concluding remarks appreciated the trade and business bodies for their understanding of the situation in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and encouraging response therefrom to the critical need to ensure hundred percent adherence to SOPs and guidelines that the government has issued or will issue.

He said it is heartening to know that the trade bodies of the district appreciate the risks and efforts required to curb the spread of this disease and their agreement to the proposed opening of markets in a gradual manner in compliance with norms notified as notified by the SEC.

He assured the trade bodies of immediate and best possible solutions aimed at revival of trade and business even as the administration’s focus will remain on COVID-19 containment efforts as long as it is required. He sought assistance in spreading awareness about risks of gatherings and importance of avoiding them.

Representatives of trade associations and business bodies who were present on the occasion include Yaseen Khan (KTMF), Yaseen Khan (KEA), Sheikh Ashiq (KCC&I), Wasim Khan (Shehr-e-Khas), Farooq Dar (KEA), Sadiq Baqal (KTMF), Nazir Shah (Shehr-e-Khas Coordination Committee) among others.

Advisor Sharma for expediting digitization of land records, completion of settlement works

Precious Kashmir News

Srinagar, June 10: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, KK Sharma, today directed the authorities for expediting the process of digitization of land records so that the settlement works can be completed in time and people are facilitated with easy digital access to the documentation.

The Advisor was interacting with the officers during his visit to Revenue Training Institute, Bemina to review the scanning and digitization process being taken up under Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) here today.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang Pole, Regional Director, Survey and Land Records Srinagar, Mohammad Qasim Wani, Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Syed Sajad Qadri and other senior officers were present.

The Advisor was given a detailed brief about various aspects of the digitization programme including the process of scanning, preservation of revenue documents, data entry, digitization of maps, Jamabandis and updation with latest mutation records. He was informed that the work is being done on fast pace basis to complete the digitization of documents in stipulated time frame.

The functionaries of RAMTECH Software India- the firm assigned the job of scanning, computerization of various old revenue records apprised the Advisor regarding the digitization process.

It was informed that against a target of 2.46 crore, one crore documents have been scanned and quality checked. Besides, against around 27000 old revenue maps (Mussavis), 16700 have been scanned and approved while out of 486 digitized Mussavis of district Srinagar 426 have been quality checked and approved.

It was also informed that out of 137 Jamabandies (RORs) of district Srinagar, 91 have been completed and the remaining would be completed soon.

Speaking on the occasion, the Advisor stressed for expeditious completion of the process so that digitized documents would be made available to people to meet the ultimate objective of this innovative initiative of the government. He directed the RAM TECH firm to sort out the issues, if any, during the digitization process like quality check, scanning, blurring, cropping, etc so as to ensure successful and timely completion of this prestigious project.

While appreciating department’s progress made so far, Advisor said the digitization is crucial for streamlining the revenue records so that these could be made easily accessible to public.

Earlier, the Advisor inspected the Central Record Room and met the staff working on the project of digitization.

New Delhi, June 10: Suspended  Jammu and Kashmir Police officer Davinder Singh, who was nabbed while ferrying two Hizb-ul-Mujahideen militants on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, withdrew his interim bail application on Wednesday, a day after filing it in a Delhi court.
The Special Cell of the Delhi Police is probing their role in alleged planning of a militant attack.  His lawyer MS Khan said: “Davinder’s bail has been withdrawn as certain changes had to be made. We would be filing another plea in few days.”
On June 9, Davinder Singh and two other accused — Syed Naveed Mushtaq and Imran Shafi Mir — had knocked on the doors to the court to seek bail, asserting that “there is no evidence to show that there was any conspiracy to commit an act that would threaten the sovereignty of the country.” The matter was listed for Wednesday for hearing.
“The accused are wrongly and falsely implicated in the case. There is also no material to substantiate that the accused had the intention or conspired to carry out a terror strike,” the plea had stated.
The Special Cell of the Delhi Police is probing their role in alleged planning of an attack.
Singh is currently under judicial custody in Hira Nagar Jail in Jammu and Kashmir till June 16. Besides Davinder, Mushtaq and Mir, accused Javed Iqbal is also under custody.

 Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, June 10: Three people including a minor died in different mishaps across Kashmir on Wednesday.

A three-year-old boy drowned into a canal near his house at Chewdara in Beerwah area of Central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Wednesday evening.
Officials identified deceased as Muzamil Amin, son of Muhammad Amin of Chewdara Beerwah. “Some locals saw the baby drowning in a canal and they jumped into it and pulled the baby out, but only to found him dead,” they said.
A senior police officer told KNO the body was handed over to her family for last rites after legal formalities.

Man dies of heart attack while riding scooty

A 32-year-old man died after suffering a heart attack while riding a scooty in north Kashmir’s Sopore town on Wednesday.

Reports reaching KINS, said a young man identified as Irshad Ahamd from Chankhan Sopore died this evening due to heart attack when he was riding a scooty.

Reports said he fell down on ground and was rushed to hospital where doctors declared him brought dead on arrival.

Teenage girl slips to death

A teenage girl died after she fell into Power Canal in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Wednesday.

The deceased was identified as Muneeza daughter of Bashir Ahmad Kasana a resident of Kaniwas village of Sumbal Gund.

Station House Officer Gund Sajjad Ahmad told KINS her body was retrieved from the canal and was taken to Sub District Hospital Kangan for medico-legal formalities. The officer said after completing the formalities body was handed over to her family members for last rites. He said a case in this regard has been registered and further investigation has been taken up.

Sumaya Jan

Srinagar, June 10: Seven months have passed since 3rd semester students of under graduate courses of Cluster University Kashmir appeared in examinations, the authorities have failed to declare their results.

“We are 3rd semester students of UG courses who appeared in examinations in November last year. Even after passing seven months, our results are yet to be declared,” a group of students told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS).

The students said the varsity authorities were making excuses in delaying their results. “We fail to understand why results are not declared,” they asked.

Similarly, 5th semester UG students of batch 2017 who appeared in examinations in February this year also await for results.

The aggrieved students have appealed the varsity authorities to declare results at the earliest.

Controller Examinations Cluster University Kashmir Dr Khurshid Ahmad Mir claimed the declaration of results got delayed because of a pandemic. “We don’t want to make students suffer. We are working on results. Within 10 days, results will be declared to students,” he told KINS.

80,338 via Lakhanpur, 38,553 through special trains

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar June 10: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has evacuated about 1,18,891 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 administrations of Jammu and Kashmir districts have received 49 special trains at Jammu and Udhampur railway stations from different states and UTs, so far, with about 38,553 stranded passengers while about 80,338 persons have been evacuated by the government through Lakhanpur till date.

Therefore, a total of about 1,18,891 J&K residents stranded outside UT have been brought back to the UT by the Jammu and Kashmir government by 49 special trains and a fleet of buses through Lakhanpur after strictly observing all necessary preventive measures regarding the Virus.

As per the detailed break up about the figures, about 878 stranded passengers have entered through Lakhanpur from June 9 to June 10 mornings while 864 passengers have reached today in the 28th Delhi COVID special train at Jammu. So far, 28 trains have reached Jammu with a total of 22,857 stranded passengers belonging to different districts while 15,696 passengers have reached Udhampur in 21 special trains, so far.

As per the official communiqué, of 80,338 returnees evacuated through Lakhanpur till June 10, 2020 (morning) included 21982 from Punjab; 22718 from Himachal Pradesh, 25 from Andhra Pradesh, 7426 from Delhi, 1457 from Gujarat, 3728 from Rajasthan, 4676 from Haryana, 162 from Chattisgarh, 3817 from Uttarakhand, 1134 from Maharashtra, 5079 from Uttar Pradesh, 70 from Odisha, 272 from Assam and 1300 from Madhya Pradesh, 92 from Dehradun, 1551 from Chandigarh, 698 from Telengana, 122 from Karnataka, 23 from Tamilnadu, 52 from Chennai, 344 from Bihar, 193 from West Bengal, 140 from Jharkhand, 3 from Nepal, 3 from Goa and 3271 from other states and UTs.(KNS)

Nasir Azam

Srinagar, June 10 (KNO): The Jammu & Kashmir government has sought details from different departments about appointments made under job policy unveiled by the PDP- BJP government in 2015.

Officials told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that the General Administration Department today wrote to departments to submit year-wise information about appointments made under SRO-202.The move comes amid demand from different quarters to withdraw the controversial job policy.

In February this year , the government of  Jammu and Kashmir government constituted a committee to examine job policy unveiled by the previous PDP-BJP government, commonly known as SRO-202.

Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam is chairman of the committee while  its members are Financial Commissioner, Finance Department, Secretary to the Government, GAD and Secretary, Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.

The panel has been mandated to examine SRO-202 and its implications on the job structure in government as well as financial implications.

Under the SRO 202, during the period of first five years, the government appointee shall be entitled to the minimum scale of pay along with the grade pay applicable to the post against which he is appointed.

The policy, which was introduced by the PDP-BJP government, had also made it clear that every appointee shall after completion of five years period on probation be entitled to fixation of pay in the time-scale of pay applicable to the post against which he is appointed.

Peerzada Waseem

Sopore. June 10: A patient was carried on a stretcher from a village to a private clinic for an X-ray test after doctors refused his admission at the hospital citing lack of basic facilities at Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

Many locals were taken by a surprise when they saw a patient being carried on a stretcher though main market Sopore to a private clinic. The patient belonged to Hardshiva village of Sopore and was in dire need of an X-ray test.

A family member of the patient told news agency—Kashmir news Observer (KNO), that they went to Sub District Hospital Sopore for treatment, where doctors told them that the patient should undergo an X-ray test and when they asked the doctors to fill the form for the same, they were told there is no facility at present due to Covid pandemic.

“We took the patient on a stretcher to a private clinic for the X-ray test,” he said. The picture of the patient being carried on a stretcher by his family members went viral on social media and evoked strong criticism from the netizens.

Block Medical Officer Sopore Dr Asif told KNO that  X-ray machine is not available at the  Mothers and Child Hospital where the patient was brought. “Further, you can talk to Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Baramulla,” he told KNO. He said that issue of only one X-ray machine has already been taken up with the higher ups. “I am doing whatever is possible at my level, rest is up to the higher ups,” he said—(KNO)