Epilogue Press

Amarnath pilgrimage concludes; 6.35 lakh pay obesiance

Epilogue Press — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 15:21:46 +0000

EPILOGUE PRESS
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 13: The annual pilgrimage to the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnathji concluded today on Shravan Purnima amid chanting of religious hymns in the spiritual ambience of South Kashmir Himalayas.
Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, who is Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, joined the special Pooja at the Cave Shrine and prayed for lasting peace, harmony, progress and prosperity in the State.
The Shravan Purnima, which coincides with the Raksha Bandhan, witnessed serene religious fervour with the arrival of the Holy Mace of Lord Shiva at the Holy Cave situated at a height of 3,880 metres after a night halt at Panjtarni, the third and final halting station enroute the Shrine. Mahant Deependra Giri, accompanied by a large number of Sadhus, carried the Holy Mace, popularly known as “Charri Mubarak”, and offered Pooja at the Shrine.
The Governor, expressing satisfaction over the smooth conduct of this year’s Yatra, complimented all the concerned Departments of the State Government, Army, CRPF, BSF, State Police, BSNL, J&K Bank, and all other concerned organizations, and particularly the people of the State, for making the Yatra a satisfying experience for thousands of pilgrims who visited the Holy Shrine this year from various parts of the country, over the past 45 days. He had a word of appreciation for the close coordination which had been maintained between the Security Forces, the Civil and Police Administration, all the stakeholders, local population and the Shrine Board in ensuring a smooth and peaceful Yatra.
Mrs. Usha Vohra, First Lady and Mr. R. K. Goyal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, also paid obeisance at the Sanctum Sanctorum.
Before the commencement of the Yatra, on 29th June, the Governor had undertaken aerial reconnaissance of both the Yatra routes and visited all the Camps on several occasions. As Chairman of the Shrine Board the Governor has been monitoring all important aspects of the Yatra management on daily basis and personally reviewing the arrangements for the pilgrimage by visiting the Base Camps, Camps enroute and the Holy Cave. He had earlier issued strict instructions for launching a time-bound post-Yatra cleanliness drive at the Base Camps, Camps enroute and in the Holy Cave area for ensuring absolute cleanliness of the entire Yatra area. In this context, the Governor particularly visited Panjtarni and Sheshnag Camps today to personally review the results of the cleanliness drive launched in the Yatra area. Expressing satisfaction over the implementation of the sanitation measures, the Governor asked the CEO of the Shrine Board to ensure the disposal of all garbage by 20th August, so that the entire Yatra area is free from all solid wastes well before the onset of ensuing winter season.
Mr. R. K. Goyal, CEO, said that over 6.35 lakh Yatris paid their obeisance at the Holy Cave Shrine during this year’s pilgrimage, which had commenced on 29th June, simultaneously from the Baltal and Nunwan Base Camps, ensuring equitable economic benefits to the local stakeholders residing in the Sonamarg-Baltal and Pahalgam-Chandanwari areas. He added that the registration process for the Yatra had commenced on 10th May, 2011, through 149 designated Bank Branches, located all over the country, as against 121 last year and, besides, through internet based e-Registration facility provided by the J&K Bank.
Referring to the various new initiatives taken during the Yatra-2011, Mr. Goyal said that the Shrine Board has been according very high priority to the implementation of sanitation and related measures for the preservation of the environment at the Base Camps and at all the locations enroute the Cave Shrine, along both the Yatra routes. He recalled that the two Sewerage Treatment Plants (STPs), based on Eco-friendly technology/Biological treatment, at the Baltal and Nunwan Base Camps, yielded very encouraging outcomes. He added that the toilet/bath facilities were significantly augmented at Sheshnag, Panjtarni and Holy Cave Camps, with over 250 additional toilets. He further said that all the toilets were dosed with eco-friendly bacteria on daily basis, for decomposition of the faecal matter.
The CEO disclosed that like last year, all the registered pilgrims were provided free of cost Accident Insurance Cover of Rupees one lakh this year as well. He said that the accidental insurance cover was also provided, with the support from the State Government, to all the registered labourers deployed during the Yatra, as well as for the pony owners, in case their horse/pony was involved in an accidental death. This scheme was aimed to benefit about 20,000 labourers and 7,000 pony owners, almost all of whom belonged to the economically weaker sections of the society. He disclosed that insurance claims of pony owners are being processed expeditiously and hoped that beneficiary Pony Owners would receive the insurance claim in the coming weeks, after completion of all procedural formalities.
Dwelling on other activities this year, the CEO stated that the helicopter services were made available on both Baltal-Panjtarni and Pahalgam-Panjtarni routes, at reasonable fares. The CEO added that, at the instance of the Governor, several steps were taken for the promotion of tourism industry in the J&K State, through enhanced and equitable distribution of helicopter seats among the registered Tour and Travel Agents and their Associations (based at Srinagar and Jammu), Hotel Associations of Kashmir and Jammu Divisions, House Boat Owners Association and Pahalgam Hotel Association. These collaborative arrangements were widely appreciated by all the stakeholders.
Mr. Goyal added that mobile phone connectivity had been made operational by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) on both Pahalgam and Baltal routes of the entire Yatra area upto the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnathji this year 10 days ahead of the commencement of the Yatra, which not only enabled the Yatris to contact their families back home while undertaking the pilgrimage through mountainous tracks but helped a great deal in day to day management of the Yatra. The Board had also installed Digital Satellite Phones at the crucial Camps at Sheshnag, Panjtarni and the Holy Cave, which proved to be extremely useful for real time monitoring of the Yatra arrangements as also the movement of Yatris. He informed that a round the clock Control Room was established in the CEO’s office to monitor all movements and to particularly watch the weather reports.
Despite repeated Advisories and issue of Do’s and Dont’s to the Yatris, the CEO regretted that as many as 107 Yatris lost their lives due to medical reasons, the prime among them being cardiac arrests and pulmonary failures. Mr. Goyal stated that the Shrine Board had provided all required financial help and logistical support for the medical treatment of those injured, for the transportation of dead bodies to various parts of the country, and in arranging evacuation, wherever required.

Engineer caught red handed accepting Rs 45000 bribe money

Epilogue Press — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 15:16:25 +0000

EPILOGUE PRESS

JAMMU, JULY 26: (NewsFeed)- State Vigilance Organization caught red handed Raja Faisel, Junior Engineer, PWD (R&B) West Sub-Division Doda while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 45000 from the complainant Hoshiyar Singh of Doda.

Hoshiyar Singh lodged a written complaint with P/S Vigilance Organisation Jammu on 25-7-2011 alleging therein that the complainant is contractor by profession for the last 30 years and Prop of company M/S Shiv Shakti Constructions, Mungdhar Kashtigarh Doda. The complainant was allotted work of black topping of road from Doda to Ganeka, which was completed by the complainant on Km.9 RD (0-100) and Km. 10 RD (0-500) in the month of June 2010. He received 70% payment and 20% is pending amounting to Rs 2.00 lacs. It was also alleged by the complainant that he had executed the departmental works of walls and back cutting for which he had received 50% payment with an outstanding payment of about 2.50 lacs with the department. Similarly in the year 2008-09, the complainant had executed the works on Km. 17 Doda – Dessa road via Bhopa Pul HP Culvert, for which a bill amounting to about Rs 1.70,000/- is still pending with the department. In the year 2009, he had executed the works for Km 13 (Doda- Dessa Morh) at Shahpur for Rs 2,34,000/- and the same is pending with the department. Despite availability of budget in PWD (R&B) West Sub-Division Doda, the complainant was not paid the bills of the works executed by him. It was further alleged by the complainant that Syed Ikhlaq Hussain Peer, AEE and Raja Faisal, Junior Engineer are the incharge of these works in West Sub-Division Doda, who demanded illegal gratification of Rs 45000/- from the complainant for release of payment.

On the basis of said complaint, a Case FIR No. 14/2011 u/s Section 5(2) P.C.Act r/w Section 161, 120-B RPC P/S Vigilance Organization Jammu was registered and investigation taken up.

During investigation the officials of State Vigilance Organization aranged a trap and accused Raja Faisal, Junior Engineer, PWD(R&B) (R&B) West Sub-Division Doda was caught red handed while demanding and accepting phenolphthalein dusted amount of Rs 45000/- from the complainant in the presence of independent witness. The tainted bribe money was recovered and the accused was taken into custody for further investigations.

Get Things Done in 30 Days: Public Services Guarantee Act Made Operational

Epilogue Press — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 13:10:41 +0000

EPILOGUE PRESS

SRINAGAR, JULY 26: (NewsFeed): In sequel to the enactment of Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA) 2011, the State Government has issued notification under SRO 223 and 224 identifying the public services, designated officers, stipulated timeframe for providing the services, first appellate authority and second appellate authority besides notifying rules to make the Act operational with immediate effect.
            The Jammu and Kashmir Public Services Guarantee Act was passed by the State Legislature during the last budget session and it provides for the delivery of public services to the people of the State within the specified time limit and for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto.
            Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah explaining the objective of the Act said that it aims at empowering general public to enforce upon the administration their right of receiving prompt delivery of public services on various fronts of day-to-day life importance. “This would also reduce the chances of corruption to a greater extent and make administration more responsive”, he added saying that the Act will also nurture good governance in the State.
            “The Act provides for right to public service to every eligible person within the specified time limit in a transparent manner. An eligible person can demand performance of duties and functions in accordance with the Act. He is empowered under the Act to hold the concerned designated officer accountable for any service deficiency. He is also empowered to seek compensation with respect to non-providing of service or deficiency in-service”, the Chief Minister elaborated. He asked the people to take best advantage of the Act and make administration quick to their service.
            During his last Awami Mulaqat, the Chief Minister apprising the people of the importance of Public Services Guarantee Act said that Government would soon issue the notification to notify the services, designate officers and stipulated time frame for providing services; as such SROs were issued for the purpose.
            The Act provides for imposing a fine of Rs. 250 to Rs. 5000 on such designated officer who is found responsible for not providing the service to the eligible persons within the stipulated time frame or has caused delay in providing the services or has provided service which is deficient in any manner.
            The Act also provides for imposing a fine of Rs. 500 to Rs. 5000 on first appellate authority for failing to decide the appeal within the stipulated time frame. The Act also provides for paying the portion of fine as compensation to the affected eligible person.
            According to the SRO 224 the issuance of ration cards, surrender certificate/duplicate ration cards, inclusion of new born child in the ration card and transfer/shifting from one Fair Price shop to another have been identified as public services under the PSGA in CAPD Department. The designated officer will be Tehsil Supply Officer in rural areas and Assistant Director CAPD in urban areas. The time specified is 30 days subject to condition that new ration cards will be issued only after Government of India allocates food grains as per population of the State. The First Appellate Authority will be Deputy Director (Food), CAPD and Second Appellate Authority will be Director (Food), CAPD.
            In the Power Development Department, the electricity connections domestic with load of 10 KV, 20 KV and 30 KV have been identified as public services and the designate officer are Assistant Engineer (Electrical), the time frame fixed is 30 days, the first appellate authority will be Executive Engineer, and the second appellate authority will be Superintending Engineer.
            For 20 KV load Executive Engineer is the designated officer, 35 days is the time frame fixed and Superintending Engineer and Chief Engineer (Electrical) will be first and second appellate authorities. For 30 KV load Superintending Engineer is the designated officer, 40 days the time frame and the Chief Engineer (Electrical) and Development Commissioner Power are the first and second appellate authorities.
            For the electric connection domestic all loads above 30 KV, Chief Engineer (Electrical) will be the designated officer, the time frame is 45 days and the first and the second appellate authorities are Development Commissioner, Power and Divisional Commissioner concerned. Similarly, electric connections commercial, from 5 to 200 KVA/HP have been identified as public services under the Act.
            In Public Health Engineering Department, sanction for domestic water and actual domestic water connection supply have been identified as public services. Executive Engineer PHE concerned as designate officer, 15 days and 30 days respectively fixed for providing the service while Superintending Engineer PHE is the first appellate authority and Deputy Commissioner concerned the second appellate authority.
            Issuance of State Subject, reserved category certificates, dependent certificates, extract of fard intikhab, extract of Girdawari, extract of aks masavi/latha, extract of jamabandi, attestation of mutation, inheritance mutation, copy of mutation, demarcation of land, extract of tatima shajra, extract of Chulah and chowkidara and income certificate have been identified as public services under the Act. The fixed time frame for fard intikhab, girdawari, aks masavi and jamabandi has been fixed 10 days and the designated officer is Naib Tasildar while the time frame for reserved category certificates is 15 days and for other services 30 days.
            In the Transport sector issuance of learners driving license, driving license, registration of vehicles are the services identified and the time frame fixed for learners driving license is 15 days and for the rest 30 days. The designated officer is RTO/ARTO concerned and first and second appellate authorities are Deputy Commissioner concerned and Transport Commissioner J&K.
            In the Housing and Urban Development Department issuance of birth/death certificate, NOC for construction of house from Jammu/Srinagar Development Authorities, NOC from Town Planning Organization, Power Development Department, PHE, Nazool, building permission by Municipal Corporations Srinagar and Jammu and by concerned Municipal Councils and Committees are identified as public services under the Act. 30 days have been fixed as the time frame while Registrar/Health Officer, Secretary Srinagar/Jammu Development Authority, Chief Town Planner, Executive Engineer concerned, Tehsildar Nazool, concerned Joint Commissioners (Adm)/Planning of Municipal Corporations and Executive Officer concerned of Municipal Councils/Committees are designated officers respectively.
            The SRO 223 deals with the rules framed under the Act for making it functional and operational.

Northern Command Pays Tributes to Kargil Heroes

Epilogue Press — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 09:49:17 +0000

EPILOGUE PRESS
Udhampur, July 26: (Press Release) The nation is celebrating the 12th anniversary of India’s glorious victory in Kargil war on July 26, 2011. It was on this day when Indian Army with its indefatigable courage, indomitable spirit and irrepressible valour inflicted defeat on Pakistan. 527 soldiers of Indian army got martyred in Kargil war. The nation celebrates 26 July as Kargil Vijay Diwas to pay glowing tributes to its martyrs and brave soldiers who made Pakistan to bite dust on the battlefield. The memory of war and sacrifices of Indian soldiers combined with daring raids on enemy positions to flush out the infiltrators from our sacred motherland is still fresh in the mind of the people and continues to inspire the coming generations.

The Kargil War as it is known was fought in 1999 when Pakistan Army alongwith jihadi groups infiltrated into India and occupied Indian land during winter retreat of the Indian Army. The Indian Army along with Indian Air Force showing exemplary courage and bravery turned the tables on Pakistan and won the war in Kargil after 74 days of continuous fight against all odds at very high altitudes. It was on 26 July 1999 when the last of the Pakistan Army intruders beat a retreat leaving their fallen compatriots on the Indian soil. With the Pakistani forces conceding defeat and retreating entire India was plunged into celebrations and the day of victory came to be known as Kargil Vijay Divas.

HQ Northern Command paid homage to the martyrs and brave soldiers to celebrate the glorious victory of a hard-fought war. Those who fell for the cause of the country shall always be honoured because they gave their today for our tomorrow. The nation will always remember hundreds of martyrs for their unparalleled feats of conspicuous personal gallantry, exemplary leadership and selfless devotion to duty in the service of the motherland.

The occasion was commemorated in proverbial military sobre demeanour with a wreath laying ceremony at the war memorial lead by Lt Gen KT Parnaik, UYSM, YSM, GOC – in – C Northern Command attended by other senior Army officers. The notes of the bugle playing the Last-Post are testimony to the valour and the supreme sacrifice of martyrs and bring back sombre memories of those days.

In the evening, as dusk gave way to darkness, the Udhampur garrison congregated at Shraddhanjali Park, in a heartfelt and emotional tribute to the martyrs, in a candle light vigil.

Jammu CU VC being named soon, Sibal tells Omar

Epilogue Press — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:24:54 +0000

EPILOGUE PRESS

SRINAGAR, JULY 25: Kapil Sibal Union Minister for Human Resource Development informed Omar Abdullah Chief Minister Jammu & Kashmir that Jammu Central University will soon have a Vice Chancellor.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who called up the Union Minister for Human Resource Development Kapil Sibal this afternoon to impress upon him to take a decision on the issue of the appointment of the Vice Chancellor for the Central University Jammu at the earliest, was assured by Kapil Sibal that the Central University Vice Chancellor will be appointed soon.
The Chief Minister in a telephonic conversation today urged the Union Minister to take all possible steps to start the academic session in the Jammu Central University. The setting up of the Central University being a central subject the Chief Minister apprised the Union Minister that more than 4000 kanals of land has already been allotted for the University campus by the state Government and so the appointment of Vice Chancellor and other academic / administrative staff will kick start the process of setting up of the campus as well, besides the starting of the academic session which of course is of immediate importance.
The Union Minister assured the Chief Minister that the Union Government will take all possible steps to fast track the process of setting up of the Central University Jammu on the pattern of other Central Universities coming up across the country.

Bringing Kashmir Closer by Two Hours: Work Begins on New Tunnel

Epilogue Press — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:40:58 +0000

EPILOGUE PRESS: Srinagar/Jammu, July 25: In a major developmental initiative which is set to revolutionize the economic profile of Jammu and Kashmir through state-of-the-art highways, work was today launched in 8.45 Kilometer long tunnel between Qazigund and Banihal.
Foundation stone of the tunnel, which is a part of north-south corridor project, was laid today at Qazigund by Union Minister for Surface Transport Dr CP Joshi in presence of J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union Ministers Ghulam Nabi Azad and Farooq Abdullah.
The total length of National Highway from Lakhanpur to Srinagar is 400 kms. Of this, work is nearing completion for 114 km stretch from Lakhanpur to Jammu and 17 kms Srinagar bypass at a cost of Rs 952 crores. The 4-laining from Srinagar to Jammu is being taken in hand in six packages involving the cost of over Rs 9700 crores. The project is being execution by National Highway Authority of India.
The tunnel project at Qazigund envisages construction of 8.45 kms long tunnel (twin tubes of 2-lane each) and short tunnel of 690 meters length (twin tubes of 2-lane each). The project is expected to be completed by June 2016. The expenditure is estimated at over Rs 1987 crores. It will reduce the travelling time by about one hour and bypass the avalanches prone area.
The Chief Minister emphasising the importance of good road communication in Jammu and Kashmir for economic transformation and faster development said that the efficacy and necessity of tunnels at various places in the State can be visualized by the fact that many areas of the State remain totally cut-off for six months of winter season.
“The helicopter service for immediate healthcare attention in these areas is even sub-servant to the weather condition. If weather is not favourable we cannot even repatriate most critical patients from these areas nor arrange urgent healthcare facility and medicines to them”, he said underlining the need for boreing of tunnels to link up these areas.
The Chief Minister said that tunnels at Gurez, Karnah, Zojila, Chattroo, Mughal road and Kapran are of urgent need. He asked the Union Ministers Ghulam Nabi Azad, Dr Farooq Abdullah and C. P. Joshi to support the State’s proposal for constructing such tunnels at the Union Government level to help transform the economy and development of a vast chunk of far-flung and remote areas.
“Construction of few tunnels in the State is a little matter for our great country, India but it has greater meaning and value for a hilly State like Jammu and Kashmir”, he elaborated and explained the importance of these tunnels for inter-district connectivity in the State. He said that his Government is taking full advantage of PMGSY and CRF schemes to upgrade and construct roads. However, Central assistance for boreing of important tunnels is the need of the day.
On recent incident of alleged molestation of women, the Chief Minister said that his Government has never tried to hide the truth nor we will do it in future. “My Government would better leave the power than to hide any fact or protect the culprits”, he said adding that the track record of his Government itself speaks of the action taken by it on various incidents and bringing the facts to surface.
Omar appealed the people not to resort to violence, stone pelting and putting the vehicles on fire, but give chance to the law-enforcing agencies to unearth the facts. “Law agencies should be given some time to unearth the truth and book the culprits”, he said adding that taking law and order in hands endangers the precious human lives without yielding any result.
“During the last year we have witnessed this kind of situation and we should be wiser enough not to get lead astray by provocations”, he advised the people assuring justice and stern action against the culprits.
Without naming PDP, the Chief Minister said that certain politicians are frustrated to see the peace rooting fast in the valley, conduct of panchayat elections successfully, good tourist season and development going on high pace. “They are jealous of these developments and are in search of an occasion to disturb the law and order and peace in the State”, he added.
Lauding the process of dialogue between India and Pakistan for improving the relations and resolving the issues, the Chief Minister asked the Union Ministers present on the dais to carry the message from the people of the State to the Union Government for taking up the issue of allowing international flights from Srinagar to Dubai via Pakistan with the Pak Foreign Minister during her visit to New Delhi. “This is an important matter for our people as it directly relates to the promotion of tourism in the State”, he emphasised.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister C. P. Joshi said that the UPA Government under the leadership of Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh is committed to the faster development of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that the 4-lane National Highway project of which the tunnels at Qazigund and Chenani farm an important part would help the development and economic growth of the State in a big way.
The Union Minister assured the State Government that Centre would extend its full support to it for creating a dependable road-network in the State. “You have sacrificed for the cause of the country”, he said adding that it was the responsibility of the Union Government to extent every possible help to the State for its all round development.
Joshi listed the achievements registered by the country under various congress led Governments and said that the Country would achieve new highs under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi and Dr Manmohan Singh.
The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways said that the Congress- National Conference coalition Government in the State would achieve the goals of peace and prosperity adding that the dynamism of young Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is on world focus and his success is the success of youth.
Joshi said that UPA Government has introduced comprehensive plan for upgradation and construction of roads, universalization of education, guaranteed employment, supply of drinking water and electricity in the country involving an expenditure of Rs 2.47 lakh crores. He said that laws for right to food, right to health and right to education are in the pipeline.
In his speech, the Union Minister for New and Renewal Energy, Dr Farooq Abdullah stressed on close relations between the coalition partners from top to bottom to help faster growth and development of the State. He said certain elements do not like the coalition getting stronger day by day and delivering on every front.
“They want to create wedge between NC and Congress for personal gains”, he said adding that they have exposed themselves time and again by their deeds and actions as such there is no one to buy their divisive political tactics.
Highlighting the importance of 4-lane National Highway for the State, Dr Farooq Abdullah also emphasised on construction of tunnels at various places including one at Kapran.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Ghulam Nabi Azad listed the schemes launched by the Union Government for overall development and welfare of Jammu and Kashmir.
Ghulam Nabi Azad said that works involving Rs 30000 crores are under execution in the State under National Highway and Railway Projects. “These will necessarily give considerable fillip to the State’s economy and development”, he said underlining the importance of 4-lane National Highway project from Lakhanpur to Srinagar in the economy and growth of the State.
The Union Health Minister said that the Health Ministry has launched an ambitious programme of enhancing primary health service facilities in the country to cover all areas under this programme. He said an amount of Rs 17,000 crores have been earmarked under this programme and Jammu and Kashmir will receive due share and benefits of it.
Azad said that UPA Government under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi and Dr Manmohan Singh is keen to see Jammu and Kashmir developing fast and growing with the rest of the country on all fronts.
The 4-lane National Highway project also envisages construction of a 9 kms long second tunnel from Chenani to Nashri. It will be 2-lane two way tube of 9.35 meters carriage way along with escape tunnel of 5 meters width having clear height of 2.5 meters. The tunnel involving an expenditure of Rs 2519 crores is expected to be completed by May 2016. It will reduce the length of the National Highway by 30 km and the time by about one and the half hours

Omar visits Gurez by road; promises tunnel, helicopter service

Epilogue Press — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 12:50:42 +0000

EPILOGUE PRESS
GUREZ (BANDIPORA) JULY 24- Underlining the accessibility pre-requisite for development of hilly and remote areas, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Sunday said that he would take up the issue of boreing of various tunnels in the State with Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh.
Omar said that construction of tunnels and dependable road connectivity is essentially important in Jammu and Kashmir to help link up backward areas with main highways and ensure integrated development and generation of economic activities in these areas.
The Chief Minister said that regular helicopter service for such areas is also necessary to assure the connection of these areas with the rest of the country especially during winter months. “This issue stands taken up with the Central Government.”, he said adding that he will further push it forward.
The Chief Minister was addressing a large public gathering at Dawer here after inaugurating Gurez festival aimed at showcasing this beautiful area for tourism.
The theme of the festival is promotion of tourism. An exhibition participated by various departments, cultural programmes and folk dances are other attractions of the festival. As many as 24 stalls have been installed in the exhibition containing various handicrafts, agricultural, horticultural and other items produced in the area and other parts of the State
Omar Abdullah is the first Chief Minister, who drove from Srinagar to Dawer, Gurez by road. He inspected works en-route and interacted with people at different places.
The Chief Minister said that his Government has concentrated attention on the development of good roads focusing on construction of intra-district and intra-regional roads to make necessary dent in this regard. “We have already received liberal financial support from the Central Government for many road projects and our endeavour will be to seek further Central help for the purpose”, he said.
“I have witnessed the road condition from Bandipora to this place myself”, he said adding that the purpose behind his visiting Gurez by road was to assess the condition of the road and get first hand appraisal of development works by interacting with the people at various places.
The Chief Minister said that the natural beauty of Gurez needed to be showcased for global tourism. However, he stressed on protecting the environment and ecology of the area at any cost. He said that the promotion of tourism is also related to good roads.
Omar Abdullah asked the executing agency of Kishan-Ganga power project to ensure employment to non-skilled youth of the area adding that there is no dearth of availability of manpower of this nature in the area. “You should also engage local transporters, contractors and similar other agencies in your overall working system”, the Chief Minister told them adding that such projects should necessarily create job-opportunities for the locals.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated tourist complex at Dawer and granted Rs 15 lakh under Paying Guest Scheme for the intending locals for construction of tourist accommodation in ‘Kanzwan’ area.
The Minister for Tourism, Nawang Rigzin Jora, speaking on the occasion said that schemes worth Rs 3.50 crore are presently under execution in Gurez in the tourism sector. He highlighted various schemes launched in the State for the growth and development of tourism.
Minister for Rural Development, Ali Mohammad Sagar, Minister of State for Tourism, Nasir Aslam Wani, Parliamentary Member, Sharief-ud-Din Shariq and MLA, Gurez Nazir Ahmad Gurezi were accompanying the Chief Minister.
The Parliamentary Member, Sharief-ud-Din Shariq announced Rs 40 lakhs and MPs Constituency development Fund for Gurez.
Later, addressing panches and serpanches of Gurez constituency at a separate function after inaugurating 4-day orientation camp for them, the Chief Minister asked them to be prepared to shoulder the responsibility of rendering important public service.
“Your role will not only be restricted in the rural development sector”, he said elaborating that panchayats would also be involved in the sectors of social welfare, consumer affairs and public distribution, health, education, construction of rural roads, supply of drinking water and electricity, agriculture, animal husbandry, etc..
The Chief Minister said that transfer of power to panchayats is his Government’s commitment. “We are moving forward in this connection”, he said asserting that powerful and delivering panchayat system in the State is his Government’s endeavour.
Omar Abdullah impressed upon the panches and serpanches to be prompt, responsive, responsible and dedicated. “Honesty and sincerity should be your standard”, he told them highlighting their importance in the process of plan formation and implementation of works in the State.
The Chief Minister said that the 3-tier panchayat system comprising of halqa panchayats, block councils and district councils will be basic democratic institutions responsible for the area specific and holistic development of all areas in the State.
The meeting was also addressed by the Minister for Rural Development, Ali Mohammad Sagar and local MLA, Nazir Ahmad Gurezi.
On reaching Gurez, the Chief Minister was given rousing reception by the people. They chanted traditional songs, raised slogans in favour of Chief Minister and his Government and showered flowers over the Chief Minister’s caravan.

Govt orders cancellation of all attachments of teachers in school education deptt

Epilogue Press — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:12:43 +0000

SRINAGAR, JULY 19- Minister for Education and Public Enterprises Peerzada Mohammad Syed on Tuesday said that government has succeeded to a large extent in promoting literacy rate, implementing central schemes like SSA and RMSA in letter and spirit in the State.
Peerzada said massive infrastructure has been raised across the State under these flagship programmes. He said J&K is marching fast towards the goal of 100 % literacy.
Addressing education conference held here, Peerzada announced to issue soon confirmation orders for ZEOs and Headmasters, adding that the regularization of 10+2 Lecturers is under consideration of the government.
Commissioner Secretary Education, Mr. G.A.Peer, Director School Education, Kashmir Sheikh Mushtaq Ahmed, Director RMSA, all DIET & SIE principals, Zonal Education Officers (ZEO’s), Zonal Planning Education Officers (ZEPO), Headmasters of twin districts of Srinagar and Budgam and other officers of education department attended the conference.
Stressing on the strict implementation of SRO-123, the Minister said that no private institution will be allowed to come up in the vicinity of government institute.
Peerzada asked the teachers to work with outmost dedication and impart quality education to the students. He directed the concerned authorities to maintain inspection registers and submit reports thereof to the administrative department.
The Minister directed the executive agencies to complete the construction work of all school buildings within a time frame and use funds judiciously. He asked them to submit timber requisition to the forest authorities for getting timber. To speed up construction process of school buildings, he said the department has proposed posting of two Chief Engineers and Superintendent Engineers so that execution of works would be completed in time.
The Minister directed CEOs and ZEOs to cancel all attachments forthwith. He also asked them to relieve Cluster Resource Person (CRP) and Zonal Resource Person (ZRP) to their respective schools immediately.
Responding to the demands put forth by the employees, Peerzada assured them that their genuine demands would be looked into sympathetically.
The Minister directed the Chief Education Officers to complete selection process of Rehbar-i-Taleem Teachers within 45 days. He also instructed them to make these selections in a transparent manner.
Commissioner Secretary Education, Director School Education, Kashmir and Director RMSA also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the achievements of the department.
Chief Education Officer Budgam presented welcome address and Chief Education Officer, Srinagar presented vote of thanks on this occasion.

Omar welcomes Indo-Pak dialogue

Epilogue Press — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:10:56 +0000

Poonch (Jammu) July 19-Welcoming Indo-Pak dialogue, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday said that better relations between the two neighbours are sine-quo-non for peace and progress in the sub-continent.
“The thaw in ties between the two countries and peace in the area always accrue dividends to Jammu and Kashmir”, he said expressing best wishes for the successful progress of talks.
Omar said that from the day first his Government took over; it worked for better Indo-Pak relations and supported peaceful settlement of all issues between the two countries through a process of sustained dialogue. “We will continue to work in this direction”, he asserted.
Addressing the newly elected panchayat members of Surankote, Poonch and Mendhar Assembly constituencies at three separate functions after inaugurating 4-day orientation training camps at these places, the Chief Minister said that peace is must to address all issues of social, economic and political nature.
Omar said that creation of economic activities, generation of employment and holistic development depend on peace and tranquility, as such, all of us have to join hands to create peace and move forward on road to progress and resolve issues. He said the people living in border areas best know the benefits of calmness at borders which enables them carry on their normal life activities smoothly. “They are the first who have to bear the brunt of uncertainty at borders”, he added explaining the benefits of peace for everyone.
Equating development and social justice with empowerment of people at grass-roots, the Chief Minister said that faster and balanced progress in hilly, remote and backward areas is associated with the establishment of local self government.
“Panchayats and urban local bodies are right institutions to look after local needs and plan area specific development as per the aspirations of the residence of these areas”, he said terming strong democratic institutions imperative for equitable progress of all areas.
Omar Abdullah said that reaching out to people across the State on development front is the benchmark of his government and his current programme of interaction with panches and sarpanches constituency wise is aimed at giving patient hearing to public representatives and listen their suggestions about strengthening of panchayat system in the State.
Congratulating the people for large scale participation in panchayat polls, the Chief Minister also conveyed his greetings to the newly elected members reminding them of their responsibilities and duties towards the voters. “The people have elected you by participating in the elections overwhelmingly”, he told panchayat members emphasizing on their obligation to come up to the expectation of the people.
“We are giving you powers to the degree possible so that you are able to provide best services to the people not only in the rural development sector but in the sectors of communication, consumer affairs and public distribution, social welfare, health, education and other related sectors”, he told them asking for honest, dedicated and fair service to the people. He said effective, scrupulous and powerful panchayats can act as an important agent of socio-economic change and help in addressing the local problems to a greater extent.
Omar said that in a State like Jammu and Kashmir, the decisions on development fronts cannot be taken at the secretariat or provincial level. “We need basic units of power and decision making to accommodate public requirements and plan area specific development”, he said adding that panchayats will act as these units of power and delivery.
The Chief Minister said that a high level committee under Chief Secretary has identified the road map for transfer of functions, functionaries and funds to the panchayats and this would be announced soon after the Cabinet aproval. He said that power necessarily carry with it responsibilities as such panches and sarpanches have to be prepared to render their service to people with highest degree of responsibility and care.
Omar said that the administration at all levels has been sensitized about the role and authority of panchayats in the process of development adding that elected public representatives and the local administration has to work together to deliver and ensure benefits of funds reach to the people at all levels. “Every panch and sarpanch will be given photo identity card to enable him to discuss public issues with officers without any difficulty of identification”, he said adding that the oath taking of panchayat members will begin soon.
The Chief Minister said that after halqa panchayats, block and district panchayat councils would be established to involve these institutions in the development activities at block and district levels. He said a 3-tier strong and effective panchayat system in the State is in offing after a gap of over 33 years. “The success of this system will be the success of democracy and elected public representatives”, he added.
The meetings were also addressed by the Minister for Rural Development, Ali Mohammad Sagar, Minister of State for Rural Development, Aijaz Ahmad Khan and Parliament Member, Madan Lal. Vice Chairman Phari Board, Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari, Vice Chairman Gujjar Board, Bashir Ahmed Naaz, legislators, Javaid Ahmed Raina, Jehangir Mir and Aijaz Ahmed Jan were present.
In their speeches they highlight the duties and responsibilities of panches and sarpanches towards general public and said that panchayats would get enough powers to render their service smoothly and properly. They congratulated the people for large scale participation in the elections and lauded the decision of Chief Minister to hold panchayat elections and empower public representatives at grass-roots.
Various sarpanches and panches also spoke in these meetings and shared their views on creation of a strong panchayat system in the State. They also expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for holding free and fair panchayat elections in the State. They also raised development demands of their areas and sought the Government attention towards these.

Several College Principals Transferred, Lecturers Promoted

Epilogue Press — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:39:26 +0000

EPILOGUE PRESS
SRINAGAR, JUNE 30: The Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Department today ordered transfers and postings of several Principals of Government Degree Colleges (GDCs).
As per a government order, Mr Satinder Singh, GDC Thanamandi has been transferred and posted at GGM Science College Jammu against the post vacated by Mr M. S. Bloeria,
Ms Anita Sudan, Commerce College, Jammu has been transferred and posted at GDC R. S.Pura vice Mr J. L. Bhagat.
Mr J. L. Bhagat, GDC R. S.Pura has been transferred and posted at Commerce College, Jammu vice Ms Anita Sudan.
Mr Mohammad Ashraf Peer, GDC Sopore has been transferred and posted at GDC Bandipora against an available post.
Mr Banwari Lal, GDC Banihal has been transferred and posted at GDC Billawar against an available post.
Ms Anjali Razdan, GDC Pattan, has been transferred and posted at GDC Sumbal against an available post.
Mrs Roshan Ara, Women College (WC) Sopore has been transferred and posted at GDC Ganderbal against an available post,
Mrs Veena Pandita, GDC Bishnah has been transferred and posted at GDC Reasi against an available post and Ms Kalpana Keysar GDC Ramban has been transferred and posted at GDC Bishnah vice Mrs Veena Pandita.
Consequent upon the above, following Selection Grade Lecturers are transferred and posted as In-charge Principals in the Government Degree Colleges as indicated against each. The arrangement will be purely on stop gap basis in their own pay and grade with charge allowance as admissible under rules and will not confer any right upon them for regularization as such.
Mrs Nasreen Malik (Zology), WC M.A.Road, Srinagar has been transferred and posted at In-charge Principals GDC Sopore.
Mrs Tasleem Peer (Chemistry), WC M. A. Road, Srinagar has been transferred and posted at In-charge Principal WC Sopore.
Mrs Kusum Gupta (Chemistry), GDC Udhampur has been transferred and posted at In-charge Principal Ramban.
Mrs Reeta Bhagat (Zology), WC Parade Jammu has been transferred and posted at In-charge Principal GDC Basolhi.
Mrs Shaheen Altaf Mattoo (Education), WC Nawakadal, Srinagar has been transferred and posted at In-charge Principal GDC Pattan.
Mr Mohammad Zaman Choudhary (Geography), WC Gandhi Nagar, Jammu has been transferred and posted at In-charge Principal GDC Kilhotran against the post which is restored back to the College.
Mrs Nusrat Javedhani (Chemistry), WC Nawakadal, Srinagar has been transferred and posted at In-charge Principal WC Anantnag.
Mr Onkar Singh (Chemistry), GGM Science College, Jammu has been transferred and posted at In-charge GDC Banihal and Ms Yasmeen Kawoosa (Education), A. S. College, Srinagar has been transferred and posted at In-charge Principal GDC Handwara.
All the transferees shall move at once and join the new places of posting without availing any joining time.
Further, the vacant post of Principal GDC Mendhar is hereby transferred to the Higher Education Department for purpose of drawl of salary of Ms Muqbil Chisti who is posted as OSD in Higher Education Department