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  • PDP expresses concern over prevailing cash crunch in J&K

    Financial crisis result of govt’s inefficiency: Naeem Akhtar

    Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Friday expressed serious concern over the prevailing financial crisis in the state.

    In a statement issued to KNS, the party Chief Spokesperson, Naeem Akhtar, said it was saddening to see that the treasuries are running dry badly affecting the people particularly contractors and employees besides impacting work on some key social sector schemes. He said it is not the first time that such a situation has arose in the state but in the past as well the people had to face immense problems on account of the government’s utter failure on the fiscal front. “Shortage of funds at treasuries has become a hallmark of this inefficient government which is least bothered about the people,” he added. He said the bad fiscal scenario has not only affected the contractors and employees only but it has also hit a large number of claimants seeking GP fund, gratuity etc.

    Castigating the ruling government for its failure on every front Naeem said it has brought the state to a position where everything is in ruin.  Though, for their own pleasures the ruling politicians have no problem of money, but the pensioners, casual labours, seasonal and need based workers are not getting their dues for months together. “These are all signs of bankruptcy”, he said. He said  rot in the system is direct result of the government’s inefficiency as it has not been able to utilize hundreds of crores of rupees as plan allocation from the Central over the last more than five and a half years.  Naeem said work on the genuine projects of public utility has also been suspended citing lack of funds as a reason, but the government agents in the construction  business conceive and execute projects in league with government politicians for which funds are provided under table.

  • HCJK concerned over Modi led Govt’s intentions vis-à-vis Kashmir

    Will go to any extent to safeguard freedom movement: Shah

    Srinagar: Addressing a public gathering organized by Democratic Freedom Party at central Kashmir’s Nasrullahpora, Budgam, senior Hurriyat Conference Jammu Kashmir leader Shabir Ahmad Shah expressed serious concern over the intentions of Modi led government against the freedom movement of Kashmiris. He said the motive of Modi led government is to change the demography of the state by giving the state subjects to non residents refugees in Kashmir.

    “We will not let such designs to succeed at any cost and will fight it tooth and nail in a political way,” Shah said while addressing the gathering, according to a statement issued to KNS. Others who addressed during the occasion included Muhammad Yasin Ataai, Bilal Ahmad Shah of Muslim League, Fayaz Ahmad Kaloo, Abdul Waheed of Freedom Party. Those who accompanied Shabir Ahmad Shah included Ajaz Ahmad Mir of JKLF, Freedom Party’s Ghulam Muhammad Maqdam, Fida Hussain, Bashir Ahmad, Imtiyaz Ahmad, Ghulam Hassan, Feroz Ahmad and dozens of other Freedom Party activists.

    Shabir Ahmad Shah said that Kashmiri nation has its unique history, culture and civilization and their freedom struggle is for safeguarding the historical, cultural and geographical integrity. “We will continue to preserve our national identity and will never let any conspiracy succeed that is aimed at harming the national identity of Kashmir,” Shah said, adding that we are fighting the forcible occupation of India for last 67 years and in this fight more than 5 lac Kashmiris have sacrificed their precious lives, thousands disappeared, raped and subjected to torture in jails in and outside Kashmir.

    Shah said those who fight the occupational rulers do not join hands with the ruling party or take part in elections therein. “Those who fight elections under Indian Constitution are the worst enemies of the freedom struggle. These pro-India parties like National Conference, Congress, PDP and others who have started uproar over the safeguarding or revoking Article 370 are the real enemies of the people of Kashmir who want to crush the freedom movement,” he added.

    Shah appealed people to make these pro-India elements clear that they are running a freedom movement against Indian forcible occupation to get complete freedom from India and boycott the upcoming assembly elections. “I want to make it clear that our freedom movement is not against any particular community, religion or region but we fight for the right of self determination for all those who had been the inhabitants of this region since pre-1947 undivided Jammu and Kashmir,” Shah said.

    Expressing delight over the return of Kashmiri Pandits, Shabir Ahmad Shah said they should get settled back in their respective areas as they used to live so that the atmosphere of our mutual brotherhood resumes once again. Shah also expressed serious concern over the plans of separate settlement of Kashmiri Pandits. “We are totally against the partition and will fight against any such move aimed at dividing

    the people of Kashmir on the lines of religion, race, language or region,” Shah said.

    Talking about the need of ideological unity among the like-mind pro-freedom groups to take the freedom movement to its logical conclusion, Shabir Ahmad Shah said we have been endeavoring for such initiative in past also and continue to do so. “That is why we are ready to work together for the common freedom cause. By responding positively to Syed Ali Shah Geelani Sahib’s invitation to attend the seminar organized by Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, we once again made it clear that we will go to any extent for the better interest of freedom movement,” Shabir Ahmad Shah added.

    Meanwhile, according to the spokesperson of Hurriyat Conference-JK. A delegation consisting chairman Islamic Political Party Muhammad Yousuf Naqash and Muslim Conference chairman Shabir Ahmed Dar reached Lelhar successfully.  The party leaders addressed in Jammia Masjid Lelhaar and later they addressed in the main chowk of Lelhaar.

    The leaders also pay visit to Shaheed Bilal Ahmed Bhat’s (Lelhaari) home.  According to the spokesperson the leaders while addressing the gathering said, all the sacrifices laid down by the people of Kashmir for the cause of Right to Self Determination are precious and assets to us.  Those freedom fighters who have sacrificed their life have given life to this resistance struggle. HCJK leaders said, resistance moment will remain in-force till we will achieve the goal of freedom.  Apart from leaders several activists, Tariq Ahmed Sheikh, Muhammad Ayoub Dar and Sajad Ahmed Lone were also part the delegation. 

  • Congress has sensitized its ministers for ReTs demands: Soz 

    Srinagar: Prof. Saifuddin Soz MP (Former Union Minister) President J&K Pradesh Congress Committee has sensitized  Congress Party’s  Ministers in the Cabinet to the demands of Teachers in general and Rehabar-I-Taleem Teachers in Particular.

    According He has told  the Ministers that these demands are genuine and these must be considered sympathetically.  He has also told  them that since  these demands are going to be placed before the Cabinet, in future and these demands should receive support.

    Prof. Soz has particularly invited attention to the demands of RET teachers who want inclusion  of five years service in their service record. “The other important  demand for RET is the transfer of female teachers wherever their request is to be considered  on humanitarian grounds. Prof. Soz  hopes  that all the genuine demands will receive focused attention and  consideration,” said a statement issued by Congress.

  • Mirwaiz to participate in OIC 41st session of the foreign ministers

    OIC must play role in Kashmir resolution, peace in Muslim countries: Mirwaiz

    Srinagar: Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has been officially invited to attend the 41st  council of foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) which will be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from June 16 to 18.

    Confirming it to KNS, Mirwaiz said that he has received the invitation and he will participate in the meeting. Mirwaiz called on OIC to play a prominent role in solving the Kashmir issue. He said the of late concern shown by the OIC vis-à-vis the plight of Kashmiris has generated a hope among the people here.

    Mirwaiz said that OIC contact groups on Kashmir comprising of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan and Niger are also meeting on the sidelines of the foreign minister’s meeting at Jeddah. He expressed anguish over the innocent killings in the Muslim world and called on the OIC to play a greater role in enforcement of peace and tranquility in the world especially in the Islamic countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq and Egypt.

    The Mirwaiz hoped that the Jeddah meeting will cover the possible cooperation between the European Union and the OIC in raising the Kashmiri  issue on international platforms.

    He lauded the support extended by Saudi Arabia under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Kashmiri cause. Hurriyat Conference has an observer status in OIC and the organization has been at the fore front to support the Kashmir cause on political and diplomatic fronts.

    Mirwaiz stated that OIC has a role to play and that the organization must strive to bring the Muslim countries across the globe closer so that the issues pertaining to the community could end with the unanimous effort. Mirwaiz stated further that OIC has a role in the Kashmir resolution and that it as an institute  must use its good offices so that  the long pending dispute could end keeping in view the will and aspirations of the people of the region.

  • Arun Jaitely arriving in J&K on June 14

    To chair high level meeting in Srinagar

    Srinagar: Defense minister Arun Jaitley is scheduled to arrive for  a two day visit to Jammu and Kashmir to asses and review the security situation.  

    A senior police officer told KNS that preparation have been made for the smooth visit of Mr Jaitley and adequate security arrangements have been made in and around the places, where the defence minister is scheduled to visit.

    Mr Jaitley will be the first minister in Narendra Modi led union government to visit Kashmir. He will be chairing a high level meeting in the summer capital and after that he is scheduled to meet Governor N N Vohra and the chief minister Omar Abdullah.

    He is likely to be accompanied by the army chief Gen Bikram Singh. Mr Jaitley will be briefed   about the security situation by top army , police and intelligence officers in Srinagar.

  • Government benefits ReT teachers Omar announces perks

    Tara Chand says initiative to strength education system

    ReTs express gratitude to CM, Government

    Srinagar: Announcing the initiative of the Coalition Government to give service benefits of first five years of their stipendiary service to the Rehber-e-Taleem (ReT) teachers and make it transferable, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah amid thunderous applaud and pro-government slogans by hundreds of ReTs, Friday said that this move of the government would benefit over 55,000 ReTs and creating job opportunities for educated youth.

    The Chief Minister made this announcement at the ReT Educational Conference at SKICC here this morning in which Deputy Chief Minister, (Incharge School Education), Tara Chand, Minister for Hajj and Auqaf, Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir, Minister for Higher Education, Mohammad Akbar Lone, Minister for CAPD, Ch. Mohammad Ramzan, Minister for Tourism, G. A. Mir and Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Nazir Ahmed Gurezi were present besides various senior officers of Education Department.

    Omar Abdullah said that the Government observed that these two demands of ReTs were justified and should be accepted to accrue benefits to them and strengthen the system of education delivery in the rural areas. “This would not only help the ReTs to grow and develop but create a continuous process of creating vacancies of ReTs in the rural, remote and backward areas for the educated youth”, he said and received standing ovation from the hundreds of ReTs participating in the Conference, when he made this announcement.

    The Chief Minister made same announcement in Jammu today afternoon at another ReT Conference at Zorawar Singh Auditorium in Jammu University in which Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand, Ministers, Sham Lal Sharma, Raman Bhalla, G. A. Mir, Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma and Legislator, Devender Singh Rana were also present.

    Addressing the conferences, the Chief Minister highlighted the role of teachers and said that they are architect of future and in their hands is the destiny of Nation. “Teachers fraternity in general and those imparting education at elementary levels are builders and protectors of the future of a Nation. You lay the strong foundation for a healthy society and your responsibility and service are stupendous”, he told the teachers and expressed the hope that they would redouble their efforts in moulding the young children into the best mould making them capable and qualified human resource to lead the Nation towards new highs of prosperity and development.

    Omar Abdullah referred the launch of ReT in the tenure of Dr. Farooq Abdullah led government and said that since then it has served in a best way to ensure good education in the rural and far flung areas. He said ReT scheme was best designed to suit the local requirements. He said the scheme withstood the challenges and proved a success. He expressed the hope that it will get further fillip in the years to come.

    Referring to various initiatives taken by the Government for the welfare of government employees, the Chief Minister said that the Government is actively considering the enhancement of retirement age of the universities faculty and medical education faculty. He said there is also a proposal under active consideration of the Government pertaining to creation of contingency employees in the education sector.

    Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand presented the background of these two demands and said that for being justified, the Chief Minister and the State Cabinet are on the same page to accept these and help in ameliorating the lot of ReT teachers community and help enhance the reach of children in far flung, rural and remote areas to educational facilities being provided by the government.

    Tara Chand also mentioned the role of ReTs in making Government schools in rural and remote areas functional and said that the service and transfer benefit to them will not only upgrade their conditions but help in a big way to universalize the education in the State particularly at the elementary level.

    The Deputy Chief Minister while mentioning the benefits of the historic initiative of the Coalition Government led by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah to benefit more than 55,000 ReTs in the State and strengthen the edifice of elementary education said that various measures taken by the        Education Department to streamline its functioning and ensuring the quality education have yielded positive results. He said that outcome of these measures is visible in the results obtained by government schools in the matric, 10+2 and other standards showing quantum jump in 2013 as against previous years.

    The Deputy Chief Minister said that during the last year about 20,000 promotions at various levels have been effected in the School Education Department to remove stagnation and provide better opportunities of growth and development to both teaching and non-teaching staff. He said the process is continuous in this regard.

    Tara Chand said about 20,000 vacancies of teachers and ReTs have been identified and referred to recruiting agencies for selection. He said efforts are on to create about one lakh more vacancies in the education sector for the youth of the State.

    The Deputy Chief Minister also highlighted the role of teachers in building a healthy society and impressed upon the ReTs to render best service to the State by imparting quality education to the students.

    The Director of Education, Kashmir and the Director of Education, Jammu presented the welcome address at the two venues while the vote of thanks was resented by the Director RMSA. Thousand of ReTs at Srinagar and Jammu expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister and the Coalition Government for this historic initiative. They raised slogans in favour of the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and the Coalition Government. 

  • Modi govt begins ‘Mission Kashmir’

    MHA to review cross-LoC trade Communication link, exchange of visits by trade-delegations, expanding list of trading items, security issues on agenda

    Srinagar: Top Union Home Ministry officials are arriving here to review cross-LoC trade between divided parts of Kashmir which has hit a low owing to non-implementation of some key measures. On the agenda for the meeting, to be chaired by Joint Secretary MHA (Kashmir), would be setting up of telephone links (ISD facility), re-starting the meeting of the traders at “zero-point”, enhancing security measures and visit of trade delegations from Kashmir to other side of LoC.

    A senior official said setting up of communication (ISD) facilities at Chakan-da-Bagh in Poonch, Salamabad in Uri and Srinagar and providing communication lines (ISD facility) up to the Kaman post from here to allow traders from this part of Kashmir to interact with their counterparts on other side would be deliberated upon in the meeting.
    “The proposal would be later sent to the Union Ministry of Telecommunications (for further follow up action),” sources said.
    The cross LoC trade which was presently carried as barter system has suffered owning to lack of communication and banking facility and restrictions on number of trading items. 
    The meeting would be held in the backdrop of deliberations by India and Pakistan in New Delhi in March this year during which ways and mechanism for increasing people-to-people contact, trade volume and improving infrastructure at trading points were discussed.
    While the cross-LoC bus service between the two parts of Kashmir was started in 2005, the trade activity was started after 60 years in 2008. Both the services were started with much fanfare and termed as a major CBM between India and Pakistan. But lack of facilities and government’s indifference towards easing restrictions have let the people down.
    A source said the meeting was scheduled today at Salamabad in Uri but it was postponed at the last minute. The fresh dates would be communicated to the State Government soon, he said. From the State Government side, 
    the meeting would be attended by IGP (CID), senior officials from Home Department, and authorities from industries & Commerce and Customs departments.
    The J&K Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industries from two parts of Kashmir had proposed setting up of free communication facilities on both sides and facility for direct couriers and postal mails. “It will also come up for discussion,” sources said.
    The traders from this side have been demanding they should be allowed to travel across the LoC for interaction with their counterparts and sorting out of some pending issues.
    “It may come up for the discussion. The Government of India will examine the proposal apart from grant of multi-entry permits to traders,” the source said.
    The official said though the state had taken up with New Delhi a proposal for setting up of a Banking Model for facilitating banking service for cross LoC trade without involvement of the Central Banks apart from expanding the list of trading items, there was no progress on the proposal.
    The meeting would discuss expanding list of trading items and lifting ban on export of coconuts to Pakistan administered Kashmir, a proposal put forth by the traders.
    Though 21 items had been listed for trade from either side, the number has gone down over the years, owing to ban on some items, said General Secretary Traders Association, Salamabad, HilalTurki. From Kashmir side the traders export fresh fruits, spices, embroidery items and vegetables while as dry and fresh fruits, carpet and medicinal herbs are imported from across LoC.
    “Items like garlic, ginger, ajwan, coconut and groundnut have been banned for export while as we can’t import Moong Dal,”   he said.
    The meeting would discuss the proposal by the State Government for lifting ban on import of Moong Dal, Ajwan and Garlic from PaK.
    From 2008 till January this year, goods worth Rs 1350 crore have been exported from J&K to PaK while as goods worth Rs 2300 crore have been imported.  
    There has been demand from trading federations from the State for expanding the list and number of trading days which is limited to four days a week at present.
    The security related matters would also be part of the meeting. “To ensure that the route was not misused for anti-state activities the antecedents of traders, transporters and other people associated with the trade would be verified and they would be issued specific identity cards. The step is being taken to make it sure that the trade is not misused to smuggle arms, ammunitions, Hawala transactions and other illegal funding,” sources said.
    On January 17 this year a driver from PaK was arrested by police at Salamabad, Uri in North Kashmir for allegedly smuggling brown sugar worth Rs 100 crore.
    The meeting would also discuss maintaining biometric records of the traders and installations of the CCTVs at the Trade Facilitation Centers at Salamabad and Chakan-da-Bagh and use of additional metal/explosive detectors.
    During the meeting the State Government would pitch for development of software for maintaining data related to cross LoC trade.
    A system of valuation of items of trade would be finalized during the meeting. “The balance sheet of every trader will be checked quarterly and if it is found that a trader is running a surplus balance he will be asked to clarify,” the official said. “The trader will be investigated and dealt in accordance with the law in case the clarification is not given or it is found to be factually incorrect.”

  • SMC launches Special Sanitation drive at M.A Road Women’s College

    Srinagar: Srinagar Municipal Corporation launched a special Sanitation drive at women’s collages M.A Road. According to a statement issued to KNS, the drive which was supervised by Chief Sanitation Officer Manzoor Ahmad Tarray was conducted voluntarily by SMC. At least 40 sweepers modern state of art machinery were put to work for cleaning of various areas including washrooms  within college premises. Besides trimming of wild grass and washing of paths , SMC fumigated all the necessary patches and other identified bad spots within the college premises where fumigation was required. The students of college provided full support and joined hands with SMC workers to clear off all the garbage from the college.

  • Verbal dual: ZEO accuses NC leader of misusing authority

    He abused me, CM, I have the phone recordings: Javed Dar

    Srinagar: Zonal Education Officer, Ruhama Thursday accused the former NC minister and MLA Rafiabad Javed Dar of pressurizing him to disburse the payment of the ‘blue eyed’ contractor while undermining the government norms.

    ZEO, Dr Ghulam Mohammad stated that the contractor namely Khurshid Ahmad Mir had to construct two school buildings at Muzbug Sopore under SSA. “He approached me in the past asking me to disburse the payment of rupees five lakh. I was later also called up by Javed Dar who too asked me to pay the money to the contractor. I followed the norms and disbursed the amount. ”

    He maintained further after 15 days, the contractor again approached him with the demand of five lakh rupees more. “I directed my office to come up with the status of the work being done by the contractor. I was appraised that no work on the proposed school buildings have been done and I refused to pay anything to the contractor. I immediately got the call from Javed Dar who pressurized me to disburse the amount in contractor’s favor. When I refused, he abused me verbally and threatened me of the dire consequences.”

    He also stated that Director School Education also asked him to hush up the matter and not to make the revelations public.

    KNS repeatedly tried to contact Director School Education but his cell phone was continuously off and his officials didn’t transfer him the call.

    However, MLA Rafiabad and a former minister Javed Dar told KNS over phone that the a delegation of contractors approached and complained that the in-charge ZEO delays their payments and making them suffer at large. “I as the MLA contacted the ZEO and asked him the reason. He in return stated that who are you and who is CM. he also abused and stated that he is not going to listen to anyone. The phone recordings are in my possession that clearly reveals how much he has abused me.”

    Dar stated that the ZEO also contacted the contractors and abused them for approaching him. “I have never met that person but I continuously have been receiving the complains about him behavior in office. He is not a ZEO but has been given the additional charge for the same, he is a school principal. ”

  • Omar directs for bringing more service of Education under PSGA

    Discusses problems of Hoteliers, Transporters, ICTA with officers

    Srinagar: In order to streamline the process of issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) relating to the functioning of private educational institutions in the State, Chief Minister, Omar AbdullahThursday directed for bringing various such tasks under the Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA) so that their deliverance is time bound and smooth.

    According to a statement issued to KNS, the issue was raised by J&K Unaided Private Schools Coordination Committee during a meeting here this morning with the Chief Minister requesting his intervention in making the system of granting affiliation, recognition and other related issues by the Education Department hassle free and time bound. The Chief Minister while directing for taking fresh look on the guidelines and bringing various services in this regard under the ambit of Public Service Guarantee Act, said that no compromise whatsoever shall be made in ensuring safety, security and education of students besides basic facilities in the private educational institutions.

    “All of us should be concerned about the education to the students in a conducive and palatable atmosphere as also safeguarding the interests of the teachers and other staff working in private schools and colleges”, he said and impressed upon the private educational institution owners to rationalize their fee structure and upgrade facilities in the educational institutions.

    “We are more than ready to address all your genuine issues meticulously and sympathetically but you have to meet us at the halfway so far as the charging of fee to the students, providing salaries to the staff and making befitting infrastructure for ensuring quality education is concerned”, he told the Private Schools Coordination Committee.

    The Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand, Minister for Higher Education, Mohammad Akbar Lone, Vice Chancellors of Universities of Jammu and Kashmir, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and various administrative secretaries were present in the meeting.

    In another meeting with Kashmir Hoteliers Association, the Chief Minister took stock of various issues and problems confronting the hoteliers in Jammu and Kashmir and directed the Tourism, Transport and Urban Development Departments to look into the genuine problems of this industry in a holistic manner and come up with a feasible solution. The Minister for Tourism, G. A. Mir was also present in the meeting besides Chief Secretary, Mohammad Iqbal Khandey, Principal Secretaries, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir and various administrative secretaries.

    It was stated that in Srinagar city one Sewerage Scheme with 60 MLD STP is under execution at an estimated cost of Rs.132.92 crore which is likely to be completed by March 2015. It was stated that by the completion of this scheme the hotel industry in the State would get amply benefited on account of sewerage disposal and STP facility.

    The Chief Minister discussed the issues of Transporters in yet another meeting in which Minister for Finance, Abdul Rahim Rather, Minister for Transport, Ch. Mohammad Ramzan and Advocate General, Mohammad Ishaq Qadri were also present besides various administrative secretaries and heads of the departments. The Chief Minister directed the Vice Chairman, SDA to take required measures for upgrading facilities in the Transport Nagar in Bemina area and finalize the allotment of plots to the transporters through the set procedure and norms as early as possible.

    The Transporters brought various other issues including the checking of load carriers at various places into the notice of the Chief Minister in the meeting.

    The Chief Minister gave on spot directions to the Department of Commercial Taxes, IG Police and Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir to sort out these and other issues with the representatives of Transporters as soon as possible. The Chief Minister in a meeting with ICTA representatives discussed the issues pertaining to Information Technology Industry with the concerned officers and directed for taking early action in addressing the matters and points raised by ICTA in the meeting.

    Among other things, ICTA highlighted the issue of establishment of IT Park, provision of 1.5% funds for this sector in the plan allocations, extension of a cable termination station/internet exchange link from Chandigarh to Srinagar etc. The Minister of State for Home, Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo was present in the meeting. The Chairman, ICTA expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for making it mandatory to the big project launchers in the State to have a local partner for any National level company bidding SWAN project. He requested for same mandatory requirement to all IT projects building technical competency within the State.