Srinagar June 5: Amid surge in COVID-19 cases, one of Kashmir’s leading pulmonologists Dr Naveed Shah on Friday asked where are they going to keep COVID-19 patients, their families and contacts.

“So many positives detected each day. Where are we going to keep them… and their families/contacts … do we have to alter our strategy … testing and quarantine,” he wrote on twitter.
It’s in place to mention here that Dr Naveed has also tested positive for COVID-19.

New Delhi, June 5: Union Public Service Commission on Friday announced the revised dates for Civil Services Examinations (CSE) 2020.

The exams were earlier postponed owing to outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent nationwide lockdown.

As per the revised date sheet, the preliminary examination or the screening test will now be conducted on October 4, Sunday while the mains examination will commence from January 8, 2021.

Also, the preliminary examination of Indian Forests Services will also be conducted on October 4, but its mains examination will be held from February 28, 2021.

The interviews or personality for the candidates who appeared in CSE 2019, which were suspended due to COVID-19 situation, will resume from July 20, 2020 onwards, the Commission said.

As per the annual calendar, CSE preliminary examination 2020, was slated for May 31 while the main examinations from mid September onwards.

The Commission deferred the recruitment test for the posts of EO/AO in the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation, which was earlier scheduled to be held on the October 4, 2020. The new date will be published on the website of the Commission at the time of issue of calendar of Examinations/ Recruitment Tests for 2021, it said.

The UPSC is designated body to conduct the CSE examinations for the selection of prestigious Indian Administration Services, Indian Foreign Services, Indian Police Services, Indian Forests Services and various Group ‘A’ Services.

The examination consists of three stages–preliminary test, mains examination and interview and all the three are completed within a span of one year.

Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, June 5: Jammu and Kashmir Government today referred 7052 Class-IV vacancies to J&K Services Selection Board (JKSSB) under provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Appointment to Class-IV (Special Recruitment) Rules, 2020.

As per a communiqué of GAD, Accelerated Recruitment Committee, which was constituted vide Government Order No.559-JK(GAD) of 2020 dated 14.05.2020, has identified and forwarded 7052 vacancies of Class-IV posts of nineteen (19) departments to General Administration Department for their further referral to J&K Services Selection Board under rule 4 of the Jammu and Kashmir Appointment to Class-IV (Special Recruitment) Rules, 2020.

The vacancies with department-wise/cadre-wise/category-wise breakup are to be filled under provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Appointment to Class-IV (Special Recruitment) 2020.

It has been informed that the Jammu and Kashmir Appointment to

Class-IV (Special Recruitment) Rules, 2020 have been notified vide  S.O. 184 of 4th June, 2020  and published in the Special Edition of the Official Gazette.

The communiqué also indicates Break-up of the vacancies as per Reservation Rules (Vertical/Horizontal reservation) and Cadre of the post indicating the particular Division and District in respect of Divisional/District Cadre posts.

As for the referred vacancies, 3475 belong to district cadre, 3142belong to divisional cadre (Jammu 1619, Kashmir 1523) and UT cadre

comprises 435 posts. Among the district cadre include Anantnag, 324; Bandipora, 113; Baramulla, 472; Budgam, 320; Doda, 221; Ganderbal, 61; Jammu, 224; Kathua, 290; Kishtwar, 85; Kulgam, 115; Kupwara, 211; Poonch,50; Pulwama, 44; Rajouri, 213; Ramban, 106; Reasi, 80; Samba, 61; Shopian, 81; Srinagar, 236 and Udhampur, 168 vacancies.

Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, June 5: The government offices in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir shall function with all the officers and staff, at all levels, attending office on a regular basis on all working days with effect from 6th of June 2020.

A government order issued in this regard reads that employees who are at higher risk i.e. older employees, pregnant employees and employees who have underlying medical conditions should take extra precautions and should preferably not be exposed to any front-line work requiring direct contact with the public and the office management would facilitate work from home wherever feasible.

The order further reads that routine issue of visitors/temporary passes should be suspended and only those visitors with proper permission of the officer who they want to meet, should be allowed after being properly screened and all the measures prescribed in the SOPs on preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19 in offices by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, shall be followed at all times besides the bio-metric attendance shall continue to be suspended until further orders.

The order said that the Heads of the Departments/Offices shall ensure strict compliance of the above instructions.

Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, June 5: Jammu and Kashmir Government today clarified that provision of reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs) for the residents of Jammu and Kashmir is available in jobs and admission to Educational Institutions at Union territory level on the pattern of Centre under Constitution (One Hundred and Third Amendment) Act, 2019.
A  GAD communiqué, while referring to provision of reservation for EWS at central level under Constitution (One Hundred and Third Amendment) Act, 2019, stated that “Similarly, in terms of SRO 518 of 2019 dated 02.09.2019, 10% reservation is available to the residents of the Jammu and Kashmir belonging to ‘the Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs) category for applying to the government jobs and admission in Educational Institutions in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.”

For availing the benefit, the candidates belonging to the Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs) category need to possess Income and Asset Certificate issued by the Competent Authority.

“The Income and Asset Certificate for applying to jobs and admission at the Central Level is issued as per Annexure ‘A’ to Circular No. 19-GAD of 2019 dated 30.03.2019, while as Economically Weaker Sections, (EWSs) certificate for the purpose of applying for jobs and admission at the level of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir is issued as per Form XIV-A in terms of J&K Reservation Rules, 2005, read with amendments carried out vide SRO 518 of 2019 dated 02.09.2019,” the GAD informed.

It further stated that persons who are covered under the existing scheme of reservation at the Central Level namely Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes (Central List as applicable to Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir) are not entitled for claiming the benefit under Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs) category. At the level of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir reserved categories falling under category of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Socially and Educationally Backward Classes are not entitled for claiming the benefit under Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs) category.

It has been brought to the notice of the General Administration Department that the notified authorities are not issuing the Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs) Certificates in favour of the candidates belonging to such reserved categories which are specific to the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir for availing the benefit under the Central Government. These categories are not covered under the reservation rules as are applicable at the Central level and, therefore, such candidates are eligible for claiming the benefit of reservation under Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs) category for availing the benefits under and at the Central Government level subject to fulfilment of other requisite conditions.

In order to clarify the matter, it is impressed upon all the notified authorities to issue the Income and Asset Certificates as per the procedure mentioned below:-

The Income and Asset Certificate in favour of the candidates belonging to Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs) category (excluding Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes under Central List as applicable to Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir) shall be issued in the prescribed format as per Annexure ‘A’ to Circular No. 19-GAD of 2019 dated 30.03.2019 for applying to the jobs in the Central Government and admission to Educational Institutions in the Government of India.

The Income and Asset Certificate in favour of the candidates belonging to Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs) category (excluding Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Socially and Educationally Backward Classes viz; RBA/ALC/IB/OSC/PSP) shall be issued in the prescribed format as per Form XIV-A in terms of Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Rules, 2005, read with amendments carried out vide SRO 518 of 2019 dated 02.09.2019, for applying to the jobs in Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and admission to Educational Institutions of the Government of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, June 5: A Division bench of Jammu and Kashmir High Court comprising Chief Justice, Justice Geeta Mital and Justice Rajnesh Oswal has issued string of directions while hearing Public Interest Litigations (PILs) seeking provision of care to dependants (families) of healthcare personnel/government personnel/officials engaged in COVID-19 management.

The Division Bench took on record the status report dated 1st June 2020 filed by Amit Gupta, AAG on behalf of Social Welfare Department.  The Court appreciated the sensitive response of the Department of Social Welfare to the important matter of ensuring care to the dependents/families of healthcare personnel/government personnel/officials who are devoted to COVID-19 management issues.

The report, inter alia, informed “As is already apprised on 26.04.2020 about 5773 dependents/family members of COVID 19 warriors were contacted, out of which 127 reported grievances and redressals were carried out at the district level. Subsequently additional 8217 calls were made in different districts to dependents/family members, out of which 204 reported grievances of various categories such as need of medicine, ration, movement passes, personal protection kits (PPK), and transportation. The nodal officers at the district level in coordination with the line departments have been providing all kind of necessary help to redress the grievances made by the dependents/family member of COVID 19 warriors.”

The DB ordered that the status report on this issue be brought on record by both the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir as well as Ladakh before the next date of hearing.

Hearing the petition seeking addressing the issues of Safety, Care, Health and Violence against Healthcare Professionals and Clinical Establishments-Need for a legislative framework, the DB noted that a Status report dated 27th May 2020 has been filed by the Financial Commissioner, Health and Medical Education Department, and the views of the Doctors Association of Kashmir filed through its counsel were taken on record.

The Court also noted that ‘Given the fact that the Government of India is vitally concerned with the issue under consideration, let all reports on this issue also be made available to Vishal Sharma, Additional Solicitor General of India.

With some other directions, the HC asked to list the petition for hearing on 10th June 2020 at 11.30 A.M.

In a PIL filed by Sumit Nayyar, Advocate regarding lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to doctors in Government Hospitals, the DB noted that ‘A status report has been filed by Mr. Atal Dulloo, Financial Commissioner, Health and Medical Education Department placing before this Court the steps taken by the Department for ensuring supply of sufficient quantities of personal protective equipment (PPEs) including  goggles, face-shield, masks, gloves, coverall/gowns (with or without aprons), head cover and shoe cover. The report details the stock position even as on 26th May 2020.’

Observing that this application is premised on some newspaper reports regarding difficulties in distribution of the PPEs, the DB ordered that the Department shall ensure availability of the kits to all the healthcare personnel and disposed of the petition.

While hearing another PIL regarding condition of quarantine centers, the Court directed to file the reply before the next date of hearing on the submission of Amit Gupta, AAG seeking further time.

The DB also issued directions with regard to the PILs filed (regarding the plight of cattle and stray animals) during the Covid-19 lockdown in both Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The Court   noted that cognizance of this issue was taken by it on 12th May 2020 and the Jammu and Srinagar Municipal Corporations were directed to file their action taken reports with regard to measures taken to mitigate the difficulties being faced by stray cattle and animals.

“We had also made an observation with regard to ensuring maintenance of veterinary services for animals.  The respondents were directed to examine the need for ensuring availability of these services during the lockdown and notifying the period of their availability in the Union Territories. The respondents were also directed to examine the need for permitting private veterinary clinics from continuing to operate during the lockdown and the schedule thereof” the Court stated.

Taking on record the reports filed with regard to care of stray cattle and to deal with the problem of stray dogs in all districts filed by Municipal bodies of J&K and Ladakh territories, the Division Bench noted that all authorities are sensitive and cognizant of their responsibilities and extensive measures are being undertaken to ensure the welfare of stray cattle and animals.

The DB maintained that “In case the applicant or any other parties in these proceedings deem additional steps being required to be taken, liberty is given to them to inform the authorities concerned or to move this court for appropriate directions.”

It further observed that “One direction, however, is necessary. The concerned authorities do not appear to have addressed the issue of scheduling availability of veterinary facilities (including those in the private field) in the Union Territories. This aspect may also be examined and the steps taken in this regard be placed on record within one week from today”.

In a petition regarding wastage of food grains in District Doda, the Court directed the two officials to remit the recovery amount into the Government Treasury within two days as per Food Manual of 2016 failing which the amount shall be recovered from their salary/pensionary benefits.

The HC directed that the respondents shall ensure that action is taken in accordance with law and ‘An action taken report shall be filed within two days from today and the respondents shall place their compliance report before us before the next date of hearing.’

Hearing a PIL regarding Labourers without food, the DB, on the submission for seeking time for filing a report,  by Mr. Amit Gupta, AAG ordered that the same be filed before the next date of hearing.

Hearing a PIL filed by Naveed Bukhtiyar from his residence Garkote, Uri, the Court noted that “The applicant has complained that basic needs of people who are living in far flung areas as Gurez, Tangdhar, Machail, Uri and are not only economically weak but are going through miserable time are not being met. It is stated that these people are in desperate need of basis requirements of survival.

This is very critical issue and the official respondents are bound to ensure that the essentials are made available to every person living in the Union Territory.”

With these observations, the DB directed that “Let a copy of this application be served upon B. A. Dar, Sr. AAG by e-mail who shall file response thereto before the next date of hearing.’

The Court further ordered that the “The matters be examined by the Department of Social Welfare and appropriate action be taken to assist the residents of the Union Territory in Kashmir living in far flung areas and action taken report be filed before us before the next date.”

Srinagar, June 5: The Hajj Committee of India (HCOI) on Friday said that the 100 per cent amount paid so far will be refunded to the pilgrims who desire to cancel their pilgrimage this year amid uncertainty over Haj 2020.

An order issued by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Maqsood Ahmad Khan states: “With reference to the communication received from Saudi authorities vide Note Verbale No 209/41/1063 dated 13th March, 2020 regarding forthcoming Haj 1441(2020) conveying to temporarily halt the preparations for Haj 2020. As only few weeks are left for the preparatory work in India, for Haj 2020, yet Saudi authorities have not communicated any further development regarding Haj 2020.”

The orders further reads that in view of the several enquiries received and concerns were expressed over uncertainty over Haj 2020, it has been decided by the Haj Committee of India that, those pilgrims who desire to cancel their Haj joumey this year, their 100% amount paid so far will be refunded without any deductions,

“Pilgrims who desire to cancel their Haj journey this year are requested to fill up the cancellation form available on the Haj committee website (copy enclosed) and email to ceo [email protected] along with copy of Bank passbook/Cancelled Cheque,” The order reads. (KNO)