Category: Union Territory

Complaints against over 50 Pvt schools registered at DSEK: Officials

Srinagar: In a brazen violation of government norm, some private schools in Kashmir Valley are ‘compelling’ the parents to pay the pending tuition, transport and other miscellaneous charges.

The parents of those wards studying in various private schools alleged that the school management has threatened them of blocking their access to appear for the online examinations if they did not pay the pending tuition and other charges.

One of the parents told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that despite government orders, the private schools are charging tuition, transport as well as other miscellaneous fees.

“My three kids are studying at one of the leading private schools of Srinagar and in the name of tuition fee, the school is minting a hefty amount by charging tuition as well as miscellaneous fee,” he said, adding that the school is also demanding the transport fee of past one year.

“The school management is now demanding us to pay the transport fee from August-2019 when all schools were closed following the abrogation of Article-370,” he told KNO.

The parents also said that despite government directives not to charge any fee for the closed months of August and September last year, “the school management have refused to hand over the results of our wards till we pay the whole amount.”

Meanwhile, the official at Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) said, “Complaints against the management of more than fifty schools of charging transport and other miscellaneous charges have been registered. We will take strict action against the violators.

Another parent said that the school management has charged the fifty percent of transport fee besides the tuition charges.

“Since March-2020, the school is charging fifty percent of transport fee besides the tuition fee, however, there are clear directions from the government not to charge any fee apart from the tuition fee,” he said.

In May, the government directed recognized unaided private schools to charge only tuition fee on monthly basis instead quarterly basis for the COVID-19 lockdown period.

The government also ordered the private schools not to hike fee during the academic year 2020-21.

Principal Secretary to government for School Education Department, Asgar Samoon in a circular said, “Only tuition fees shall be charged from students on monthly basis instead quarterly basis for the lockdown period.”

Earlier in June, the government said that the private schools in Kashmir valley were violating the orders of Government Fee Fixation Committee (GFFC) by charging tuition fee as well as miscellaneous fee in the name of tuition fee.

The government had also warned the private schools of strict action in terms of relevant provisions of law in case of any violation found against the school management.

The order issued by the government in this regard stated that the administrative department has issued instructions to private schools in view of COVID-19 pandemic in Jammu and Kashmir with the directions that the last date of deposit school fees is extended up to April-30 without any late fees and no school shall either charge any fee for the online Lecturers or assignments or shall link the result of the child on the basis of home assignment.

DSEK Joint Director, Aabid Hussain said, “We have appointed the deputy Chief Education Officers (CEOs) and nodal officers and the complainants can register their grievances online or offline before them.”

He said that the parents can also register their complaints at DSEK headquarters. “Whosoever comes with a complaint here, we take cognizance and act accordingly,” Hussain said—(KNO)

Srinagar: The Union Government Friadaysaid that the recovery rate of COVID-19 patients has reached 62.42 per cent.

During the last 24 hours, a total of over 19 thousand COVID-19 patients cured, taking the cumulative figure of recovered cases to more than four lakh 95 thousand. There are over two lakh 76 thousand active cases and all are under medical supervision.

Union Health Ministry said the improvement in recovery rate is the result of aggressive testing that ensures early detection of patients. During the last 24 hours, over two lakh 83 thousand samples were tested. The cumulative number of samples tested is over one crore ten lakh. The testing lab network in the country is further strengthened with 835 labs in the government sector and 334 private labs.

The Ministry said, India has adequate hospital infrastructure which helps in timely triaging and clinical management of cases. Due to ramping up of hospital infrastructure in the country, there are one thousand 216 dedicated COVID Hospitals, two thousand 703 dedicated COVID Health Care Centres and around ten thousand COVID Care Centres with isolation beds, oxygen support and ICU facilities.

There are 18 States and Union Territories with a recovery rate of more than the national average. At India level, the fatality rate has been recorded at 2.72 per cent, which is lower than the fatality rates observed in many other countries in the world.

The focus of COVID-19 management has been to keep the fatalities low. The Ministry said, States and UTs have taken many steps in this regard like mapping of the communities to focus on the high risk group like aged and co-morbid people.(KINS)

Srinagar: Amid surge in coronavirus cases, government is mulling to designate more hospitals for COVID-19 patients in Kashmir.

At least three hospitals, JVC Bemina, CD Hospital, JLNM Hospital have been converted into COVID hospitals. Besides, several wards at SKIMS Soura and SMHS Hospital have also been designated for COVID-19 patients.

An official told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) that the administration has put concerned authorities on alert that there may be need for more hospitals for COVID-19 patients.
“Various hospitals in districts including Super Specialty Hospital in Srinagar are under consideration to be designated for COVID-19 patients. But no final decision has been taken yet,” the official said.

Principal Government Medical College Srinagar Dr Samia Rashid said many hospitals were short to accommodate COVID-patients.

“No more beds for COVID patients are available at CD Hospital. Government is yet to take any decision to designate any other hospital for COVID patients,” she added.

There has been a sudden rise in the coronavirus cases for the last few weeks and hospitals are not able to accommodate all these patients.
Taking note, Principal GMC Srinagar has also designated several wards at SMHS Hospital for COVID-19 patients.

The Valley including Srinagar has witnessed a surge in cases and deaths after business and trade activities were allowed.

The Government on Thursday informed out of 9501 positive cases, 3652 are active positive, 5695 have recovered and 154 have died; 14 in Jammu division and 140 in Kashmir division.

The government in its advisory says 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.

It says 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 the 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.”(KINS)

PTI

Srinagar: Security forces arrested a Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant from Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir and recovered ammunition from his possession, police said on Friday.

Based on a specific input regarding movement of militants towards Hajin town, a joint naka was established in Hakbara area of Hajin town by security forces on Thursday evening, a police official said.

He said during checking, a militant identified as Rafiq Ahmad Rather alias Haji, a resident of Chandergeir, was apprehended while trying to hurl a grenade on the naka party.

The official said incriminating material along with two live grenades and 19 live rounds of AK-47 rifle were recovered from his possession.

Rather had joined the LeT recently and was tasked to carry out grenade attacks on security forces in and around Hajin locality, the official said.

A case has been registered and further investigation has been initiated, the official added.

Handwara: Police on Friday morning apprehended two women for stealing an infant from district hospital Handwara.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that a baby soon after birth went missing from Handwara district hospital.

He said that the incident surfaced late last evening after a lady from Nutnusa Kupwara delivered a baby who went missing after being moved to a ward in district hospital Handwara.

“Soon after the incident both police and hospital administration swung into action to trace the new born baby safely,” he said.

Deputy medical superintendent, Dr Aijaz told KNO that police have apprehended two ladies in this regard and recovered the infant from their possession.

“More details about the incident is available with them,” Dr Aijaz said—(KNO)

PTI

New Delhi: India has once again rejected China’s claim over Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh even as both sides are expected to hold another round of diplomatic talks on the border row on Friday to thrash out modalities for further de-escalation of tension along the Line of Actual Control.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said India remained convinced of the need for maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas and resolution of differences through dialogue, but at the same time asserted that the country is committed to ensuring its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

At an online media briefing, he said the Line of Actual Control (LAC) must be strictly respected and observed as it is the basis for peace and tranquillity in border areas.

Srivastava said National Security Advisor Ajit Doval categorically conveyed to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday India’s position on the recent developments along the LAC including in the Galwan valley area.

Doval and Wang, the special representatives for border talks, held a telephonic conversation following which armies of the two countries began disengagement of troops from friction points in eastern Ladakh.

“The NSA emphasised in this context that the Indian troops had always taken a very responsible approach towards border management and at the same time, our forces were deeply committed to ensuring India’s sovereignty and security,” Srivastava said.

In the meantime, people familiar with the development said the two sides will hold another online meeting on Friday on the border row under the framework of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China border affairs.

In the briefing, the MEA spokesperson reiterated that the recent Chinese claims to the Galwan Valley area are “exaggerated and untenable” and that the LAC must be strictly respected and observed as it the basis for peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

“We remain convinced of the need for maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas and the resolution of differences through dialogue, at the same time, we are also strongly committed to ensuring India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said.

Galwan Valley was the site of a violent clash between Indian and Chinese armies on June 15 in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed. The Chinese side also suffered casualties but it is yet to give out the details. According to an American intelligence report, the number of casualties on the Chinese side was 35.

India has already rejected China’s claim of sovereignty over Galwan Valley.

Srivastava also said the diplomatic and military officials of both sides will continue their meetings to take forward the process of disengagement and de-escalation as agreed to by the special representatives.

“The next meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China border affairs (WMCC) is expected to take place soon,” he said.

China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on Thursday completed moving back its troops from the face-off sites in Gogra and Hot Springs in eastern Ladakh in line with the understanding reached with the Indian Army. They have already pulled back troops from the friction points in Galwan Valley.

Referring to telephonic talks between Doval and Wang, Srivastava said they agreed that peace and tranquillity in border areas was essential for the overall development of bilateral relations.

He said the two special representative have also agreed that the two sides should work together to avoid any incident in the future that could disturb peace and tranquillity in border areas.

In this regard they also shared the view that it was necessary to ensure at the earliest complete disengagement of the troops along the LAC and de-escalation in the India-China border areas for full restoration of peace and tranquillity.

“One of the key provisions of these bilateral agreements is the commitment by two sides shall strictly respect and observe the LAC,” he said.

Hopeful of positive results of therapy in coming days: Prof Farooq Jan

Srinagar: A tertiary care hospital—Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura, conducted first successful plasma therapy for virus affected patients—a treatment considered to be an effective one across the globe as far treatment to the pandemic hit patients is considered.

The hospital started Convalescent Plasma Therapy (CPT) for critically sick patients as one of the modalities of supportive treatment of the deadly infection that has been approved by Government of India as well as Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR)

Dr. Sajad Bhat, a 3rd year Post Graduate resident from General Medicine department—who recovered from the illness after he was tested positive, was the first one to donate the Plasma for the noble cause at SKIMS. The procedure was conducted in collaboration with Blood Transfusion & Immuno-Hematology Department.

Professor Farooq Jan, Medical Superintendent at SKIMS told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that they have started Plasma Therapy on a trial basis. “We have given it to three patients,” he said. Dr Jan said that mode of treatment is being enhanced and more and more manpower is being adjusted for this service, based on the clinical judgment and the status of the patients in need of such treatment.

He further added that they are procuring more equipment required for the therapy, which is expected to arrive next week. Asked whether the Plasma therapy will be useful or not, he said that it is premature to say anything as of now as once the patients who were given the therapy will tell the impact themselves.

“Hopefully, this will prove useful as we have seen in different countries including that this therapy has shown promising results,” he said. “This treatment in itself has some advantages, though very little disadvantages. But it has to be carried out meticulously. The staff is being trained for this service.”

The Director SKIMS Dr A G Ahanger has lauded the therapy team for their efforts while saying that SKIMS will touch new heights in medical research and interventional medicine.

Pertinently, a high level committee headed by Dr Muhammad Sultan Khuroo, an 80-year-old medical expert in epidemiology, which was constituted on June 15, has also advocated to the higher ups to start plasma therapy in J&K.

“Plasma method has a simple premise. The blood of people who have recovered from an infection contains antibodies. The antibodies are molecules that have learned to recognize and fight the pathogens, such as viruses, that have caused disease,” said a doctor at SKIMS, adding that doctors can separate plasma, one of the blood components that contain such antibodies and administer it to people whose bodies are currently fighting an infectious disease. “This can help their immune systems reject the pathogen more efficiently”—(KNO)

Srinagar: Panic has gripped at Jammu and Kashmir Bank’s corporate headquarters in Srinagar after 27 staff members tested positive for coronavirus.

An official confirmed to news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) that 27 employees have been tested positive at J&K Bank’s corporate headquarters in Srinagar.

The J&K Bank management has also decided that all offices at corporate headquarters will remain closed on Friday except the offices of the vice presidents.

While on Thursday, the J&K Bank management has closed ground floor-general department CHQ, ground floor-enquiry department CHQ, 1st floor-vigilance department, Ist floor-S&C Department, Ist floor-IS Audit, 2nd floor-Estate and Engineering, 3rd floor-all departments, annexy building-payment and settlement, annexy building-risk management, air India buiding-ATM help desk section.

The J&K management however said I/C service operations, I/C Payment and settlement, I/C Govt business, I/C Treasury Operations, should ensure that staff in their departments should work from home for continuity of business operations.(KINS)

PTI

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday inaugurated six bridges in border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, and asserted that development of remote areas in the region will continue to be a key priority for the NDA government.

The defence minister dedicated the bridges through video conferencing in presence of Chief of the Army Staff Gen MM Naravane, Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar, Director General of Border Roads Organisation Lt Gen Harpal Singh among others.

Four bridges were constructed on the Akhnoor-Pallanwala road in Akhnoor, while two bridges were built on the Tarnah Nallah in Kathua district, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

The total cost of construction of the bridges was Rs 43 crore.

The inauguration of the bridges, built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) comes at a time when India and China are engaged in a border row in eastern Ladakh.

Officials said the dedication of the bridges to the people of Jammu and Kashmir carries a bigger message that India will continue to develop key infrastructure in border areas notwithstanding hostilities by any adversary.

Our government is committed to promoting infrastructure on our borders and necessary resources will be provided for this. Our government has a keen interest in the development of Jammu and Kashmir,” Singh said in his brief address.

“Keeping in mind the needs of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Armed Forces, many other development works are also in the pipeline, which will be announced in due time. About 1,000 kilometre long roads are currently under construction in Jammu region, he said.

The defence minister said the government has ensured that sufficient resources are provided to the BRO for the construction of strategic roads.

Despite the COVID-19 epidemic, the government will not let the resources of the BRO fall short, he added.

According to the ministry, the annual budget of the BRO ranged from Rs 3,300 crores to Rs 4,600 crores during 2008 to 2016. However, the allocation was hiked to Rs 8,050 crore in 2019-2020.

The budget for the BRO for 2020-2021 is likely to be Rs 11,800 crore, the ministry said, adding the higher allocation will expedite the construction of strategic roads, bridges and tunnels along our northern borders.

In his remarks, Singh congratulated the BRO for construction of the bridges in “record time”.

He said that roads and bridges are the lifeline of any nation and play a vital role in the socio-economic development of far-flung regions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is regularly monitoring the progress of these projects and adequate funds are being provided for their timely execution, he added.

Two labourers were injured after Pakistan’s Army fired to stop civilian bunker construction

Further details awaited

With inputs from Times Now News