Himalayan Express

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  • Jammu stands out as top performer in DGGI 3.0

    Jammu stands out as top performer in DGGI 3.0

    Framework assesses districts on 58 indicators across 10 different sectors

    SRINAGAR, JUNE 16: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta released the 3rd edition of District Good Governance Index (DGGI 3.0) here along with performance of Districts in achieving a set of 385 Deliverables given to them during 22-23.

    At the outset, the Chief Secretary praised the whole team of Planning Development & Monitoring Department headed by Administrative Secretary, Raghav Langar for carrying out this massive exercise and compiling rankings right from Panchayats up to District level.

    Dr Mehta called this exercise path breaking for adopting an evidence based planning tool enabling  targeted interventions. He said  that it would assist the administration in evolving a more focused approach towards each sector. He observed that these rankings have helped  pinpoint the lacunae in each area of development thereby making the impact of  interventions measurable which would lead to better outcomes.

    The Chief Secretary termed it a tool towards ensuring good governance in the UT. He urged all the Deputy Commissioners to thoroughly go through these rankings and formulate plans accordingly to fill the developmental voids pointed out in this ranking system.

    The DGGI parameters to measure the performances of Districts consists of 58 indicators under 10 sectors. These includes Agriculture & Allied sector having 11 indicators, Commerce & Industry (5), Human Resource Development (9), Public Health Sectors (9), Public Infrastructure & Utilities (6), Social Welfare & Development (6), Financial Inclusion (3), Legal & Public Safety (4), Environment (2), Citizen-Centric Governance (3).

    This year the table is topped by Jammu District with an overall score of 6.3771 out of 10 followed by Samba at 2nd place with a score of 6.1799, Srinagar (6.0045) at 3rd, Rajouri (5.8696) at 4th, Bandipora (5.7651) at 5th, Anantnag (5.7110) at 6th, Budgam (5.4924) 7th, Pulwama (5.2814) 8th,  Doda (5.2622) 9th, Ganderbal (5.2588) 10th, Baramulla (5.0285) 11th followed by Shopian (4.9446), Udhampur (4.9332), Kupwara (4.8881), Kathua (4.8179), Kishtwar (4.7800), Kulgam (4.6391), Ramban (4.6354), Poonch (4.4623), and Reasi (4.4608) at the bottom among the 20 Districts of J&K.

     Similarly it gives insights about previous rankings and scores earned by each District during DGGI 2.0 as well. Anantnag District has made a quantum leap increasing its rank from previous 17th to 6th this year while as Kulgam has slipped 11 spots to reach 17th this year, Shopian has lost 8 spots to manage 12th rank this year from 4th last time. Pulwama which was at first rank previously has attained 8th rank this time.  Rajouri and Bandipora are the other Districts that have done better by increasing their ranks this year from 10th to 4th and 13th to 5th respectively.

    The data also shows sector wise performance of each district ranking them on each parameter belonging to a specific sector. Among different sectors Pulwama has made it to top in Agriculture and Financial Inclusion sectors, Srinagar in Industries & Allied sector, Samba in Human Resource Development and Social Welfare sectors, Rajouri in Public Health and Citizen-Centric Governance sectors, Jammu in Public Infrastructure & Utilities, Anantnag in Judiciary & Public Safety and Bandipora had ranked first in safeguarding the Environment.

    These rankings were released by the Chief Secretary in presence of all the Administrative Secretaries, District Development Commissioners, HoDs of Planning, Finance and other concerned departments.

    Pertinent to mention here that J&K was the first to successfully set up this governance model here two years back and is now being considered for replicatation  by other States/UTs in the country.

  • Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, Syed Asgar Ali demand swift compensation to aid Doda’s earthquake victims; express solidarity with the effected families

    Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, Syed Asgar Ali demand swift compensation to aid Doda’s earthquake victims; express solidarity with the effected families

    Apni Party President calls for an expert assessment to evaluate earthquake vulnerability in the Chenab Valley

    Says, Govt must formulate guidelines for resilient constructions in the region; demands swift compensation to aid Doda’s earthquake victims

    Srinagar, June 14: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and the party’s General Secretary Syed Asgar Ali have emphasised the urgent need for swift and adequate compensation for those whose buildings and houses were damaged due to the earthquake that struck in Doda on Tuesday afternoon. Both leaders have called upon the LG administration to speed up the assessment of losses and ensure a rapid disbursement of compensation to the affected people. 

    In his message, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, while expressing his profound sympathy with the affected people, said, “It is disheartening to know that numerous buildings, including residential houses, have developed cracks due to the earthquake tremors in Doda’s in Gandoh, Baderwah, and Thatri areas.  Thankfully, no casualties have occurred in the quake.  I urge the administration to prioritise the assessment of losses and swiftly provide adequate compensation to those who have suffered from this natural calamity. The administration must immediately assess the losses and ensure compensation is provided to the affected people without any delay.”

    Moreover, Apni Party President emphasised the requirement for an expert assessment to accurately gauge the earthquake vulnerability in the Chenab Valley so that people are provided proper guidance on constructing resilient buildings, including residential houses, in the region, ensuring their safety in the future.

    He said, “Considering the history of frequent earthquakes in the Chenab region, it is imperative that the government establish a dedicated committee comprising geological experts and other relevant professionals to conduct a thorough assessment of the region’s earthquake vulnerability and potential dangers in the future. On the basis of a scientific assessment, people should be provided with guidance on constructing resilient infrastructure in the region, ensuring the safety of future construction endeavors.

    Meanwhile, Syed Asgar Ali expressed his sympathy with those affected by the earthquake in Doda.

    In his statement, Syed Asgar Ali said, “My heart goes out to all those who have suffered losses to their residential houses and other buildings as a result of the devastating earthquake in Doda. I understand the immense pain and suffering that individuals and families must be enduring during this difficult time. Apni Party stands in solidarity with all these victims. I appeal to the LG administration to ensure the affected people get sufficient help in terms of compensation so that they can restore their houses and buildings.”He also demanded administration to extend all required help to the two girls who received injuries during this earthquake.

  • Div Com, ADGP review Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra arrangements

    Div Com, ADGP review Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra arrangements

    JAMMU, JUNE 14: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar alongwith Additional Director General of Police Jammu Zone, Mukesh Singh on Tuesday chaired a meeting to review the arrangements for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra- 2023.

    The meeting was attended by IG CRPF, Mahesh Laddha; Inspector General (IG) of Border Security Force (BSF), D K Boora; IG Traffic, Bhim Singh Tuti; DIG Traffic, Shridhar Patel; DIGs of Jammu Samba Kathua Range, Reasi Udhampur range, Ramban Kishtwar range, Commissioner JMC, Deputy Commissioners of Udhampur, Kathua, Samba and Ramban, Joint Director Information, ADC Jammu, besides senior officers of Army, JPDCL, Jal Shakti, PWD, Tourism, Health, NHAI, and other concerned departments while outstation officers participated through video conferencing.

    The Div Com emphasized upon the stakeholder departments to synergize efforts to make adequate arrangements well in advance for smooth conduct of the holy Yatra.

    Directions were issued for expediting sanitation work, face lifting and other works required at Yatri Niwas.

    The Div Com directed Deputy Commissioners to identify locations for accommodation, holding spaces in their respective districts.

    The DCs were further directed to identify suitable places for langers and accommodation of devotees, vehicles holding in their respective districts.

    Threadbare discussions were held on the important issues, while the Div Com reviewed registration arrangements including RFID, security arrangements, transportation facilities for sadhus and yatries, setting up of langars and their permissions, accommodation for sadhus and Yatris, sanitation, boarding and lodging facilities at yatri niwas, besides public address system.

    The Div Com also reviewed in detail parking arrangements at Bhagwati Nagar, security arrangements and installation of CCTVs, medical facilities, provisions of water, power supply etc.

    The Div Com instructed the Traffic Department to formulate a traffic plan for smooth flow of traffic on important routes.

    The Div Com also directed JMC for cleanliness and beautification of city and other related works, while PWD was directed to ensure blacktopping of the approach roads well in advance to ensure traffic worthiness of the same.

    While reviewing transportation facilities, the Div Com asked MD JKRTC to make provisions of additional buses at Yatri Niwas and en-route the districts.

    The Div Com instructed the DCs to ensure functioning of toilet complexes  and install an adequate number of mobile toilets and water coolers en-route the highway for the convenience of the pilgrims.

    He asked DCs of Ramban, Samba, Udhampur, Kathua and Jammu to conduct visits to identified lodgement centres and ensure the availability of water, power and toilets at each centre.

    The Div Com also reviewed in detail about the facilities at Yatri Niwas Bhagwati Nagar and issued directions for putting in all necessary arrangements in time.

    The Div Com directed NHAI to ensure cleanliness of National Highway in view of construction work executed. He directed to remove unwanted construction materials from the road.

    The Div Com instructed all the concerned departments to expedite the works to ensure that all necessary arrangements are put in place well before commencement of the Yatra.

    ADGP issued directions for proper security arrangements, Traffic arrangements, Proper handing taking over, CCTV installation on Langer and Lodgment centres. He also directed concerned officers to ensure Cut off time is follow properly.

    ADGP also stressed on setting up of joint control rooms at Jammu and Ramban comprising of officers from Army, CRPF and police. He emphasized on close coordination among all the security agencies to ensure smooth conduct of Yatra.

  • Heavy rainfall hits Jammu and Kashmir, Meteorological Department forecasts continued showers

    Heavy rainfall hits Jammu and Kashmir, Meteorological Department forecasts continued showers

    Srinagar, June 14: Jammu and Kashmir witnessed significant rainfall, and the meteorological department predicts further precipitation until June 17.

    According to a meteorological department official, Srinagar received 11.2mm, Qazigund 1.8mm, Pahalgam 23.4mm, Kupwara 1.4mm, Kokernag 1.3mm, Gulmarg 4.6mm, Jammu traces, Banihal 0.2mm, and Katra 41.6mm in the last 24 hours until 0830 hours today.

    The official stated that scattered places may experience brief spells of rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening today.

    From June 15-17, light to moderate rain and thunderstorms are expected at scattered places across Jammu and Kashmir. There is a 60% chance of moderate to heavy thundershowers in certain areas of the Jammu region, such as Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, and Samba, during the 15th and 16th.

    Farmers and orchard owners should note that the weather is not conducive for spraying orchards for the next 4-5 days.

    Temperature-wise, Srinagar recorded a low of 15.2°C, which is 0.9°C above normal for this time of year. Qazigund was 2.1°C above normal at 15.0°C, while Pahalgam was 1.6°C above normal at 9.8°C. Kupwara saw a temperature of 15.2°C, which was 2.6°C above normal. Kokernag remained at 13.8°C (1.7°C above normal), and Gulmarg experienced a low of 7.5°C (1.4°C below normal).

    In Jammu, the temperature dipped to 25.9°C (0.2°C above normal), while Banihal recorded 15.1°C (0.2°C above normal), Batote 17.2°C (1.3°C above normal), Katra 18.2°C (3.9°C below normal), Bhaderwah 11.9°C (1.6°C below normal). In Ladakh, Leh saw a low of 7.2°C, and Kargil recorded 12.5°C.

    The heavy rainfall and the expected continuation of showers are likely to impact various areas of Jammu and Kashmir, urging residents to take necessary precautions.

  • PM Modi Hands Out 70,000 Appointment Letters, Cites ‘Rozgar Mela’ as Government’s New Emblem

    PM Modi Hands Out 70,000 Appointment Letters, Cites ‘Rozgar Mela’ as Government’s New Emblem

    New Delhi, June 13 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, via video conferencing, addressed the National Rozgar Mela and handed out approximately 70,000 appointment letters to new recruits across various government departments. The PM emphasized India’s political stability, progressive decisions, and economic growth while encouraging the new appointees to contribute towards making India a developed country. He also highlighted government initiatives such as the Mudra Scheme and Startup India, which promote employment and self-employment opportunities. The PM cautioned against the pitfalls of dynasty politics and nepotism, urging the youth to choose a future safeguarded by the government over the rate card offered by other political parties. He underscored the government’s efforts in infrastructure development, ease of living, and water conservation through initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission. The PM emphasized the importance of learning and encouraged the new recruits to take advantage of online courses available through the iGOT Karmayogi portal.

  • MSP Demand | Delhi-Chandigarh National Highway Remains Blocked, Farmers To Hold Meeting To Decide Action Plan

    MSP Demand | Delhi-Chandigarh National Highway Remains Blocked, Farmers To Hold Meeting To Decide Action Plan

    CHANDIGARH, Jun 13: Farmers blocking the national highway in Pipli in Haryana’s Kurukshetra district over the demand for MSP for sunflower seeds will hold a meeting on Tuesday to mull their future course of action after two rounds of talks with the district administration failed to yield any outcome.
    Farmers have blocked the highway (NH-44) near Pipli, which connects Delhi with Chandigarh, and some other routes since Monday afternoon after holding a maha panchayat on the issue.
    Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait said they held a meeting with the district administration twice on Monday night but the talks did not yield any outcome.
    He said a local committee of farmers that was constituted on Monday and the leaders of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) would hold a meeting on Tuesday to chalk out their further course of action.
    Tikait said the issue of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for sunflower crop is not only affecting farmers in Haryana but the entire farmer community “as we are demanding a MSP law for all crops, as promised by the union government when we withdrew the ‘Kisan andolan’ (farmers agitation against the now repealed farm laws)”.
    Apart from the MSP for sunflower seeds, the protesting farmers are demanding the release of nine farmer union leaders who were arrested during a protest at Shahabad here recently.
    Kurukshetra’s Superintendent of Police S S Bhoria told PTI that the district administration is trying to persuade the farmers to lift the blockade and was hopeful that a solution would be found.
    He also said that a fresh case has been registered against the protesters by the police under relevant provisions of law for blocking the national highway. Prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144 imposed in an area of 2 km radius of grain market Pipli, where farmers held their mahapanchayat, have been violated, he said.
    The “MSP Dilao, Kisan Bachao Mahapanchayat”, called by the BKU (Charuni), was held at a grain market in Pipli close to national highway-44.Subsequently, they blocked the highway. The district administration and the police have been making efforts to persuade the protesting farmers to lift the blockade, which has caused inconvenience to commuters.
    Leaders of various khaps, Tikait and Olympic medal-winning wrestler Bajrang Punia, one of the grapplers who have been demanding action against outgoing Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for alleged sexual harassment of women grapplers, had attended the mahapanchayat in Pipli. Tikait also sat with the protesting farmers on the national highway.
    Farmers from Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan too attended the gathering. Kurukshetra Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sharma said on Monday night that the farmers were occupying both carriageways. “We have been requesting them to initiate a dialogue, but they want their demands to be met first,” the DC had said.
    On June 6, farmers led by BKU (Charuni) chief Gurnam Singh Charuni blocked the highway near Shahabad here demanding that the government procure sunflower seeds at MSP. Police used water cannons and batons to disperse the protesters. Later, nine BKU (Charuni) leaders, including its president, were arrested over various charges, including rioting and unlawful assembly.
    Tikait had said that the government should procure sunflower on MSP and the farmer leaders arrested in Shahabad should be released. Addressing the mahapanchayat, Tikait had announced that the SKM would start a pan-India agitation if a law for MSP, “as promised by the Union government”, is not brought.
    Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had on Saturday released Rs 29.13 crore as interim compensation to 8,528 farmers for sunflowers grown on 36,414 acres. The farmers are demanding that the state government procure sunflowers at an MSP of Rs 6,400 per quintal. Under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana — price difference payment scheme — the state government is giving Rs 1,000 per quintal as interim support for sunflower crop sold below MSP. (Agencies)

  • RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das: Rs 1.80 Lakh Crore Worth of Rs 2,000 Notes Returned to Banks

    RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das: Rs 1.80 Lakh Crore Worth of Rs 2,000 Notes Returned to Banks

    Mumbai, June 8: Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das announced that approximately 50 percent of the Rs 2,000 denomination notes in circulation have been returned to the banking system since the RBI’s withdrawal announcement last month. As of March 31, 2023, Rs 3.62 lakh crore worth of Rs 2,000 notes were in circulation, of which Rs 1.80 lakh crore have been returned thus far. Around 85 percent of the returned notes are deposited in bank accounts, aligning with expectations. Governor Das reassured the public that there is no need to panic and urged them to avoid last-minute rushes for exchange or deposit of Rs 2,000 notes. He further clarified that the RBI has no plans to withdraw Rs 500 notes or reintroduce Rs 1,000 denomination notes, urging the public not to speculate on the matter. In the previous month, Governor Das had stated that the majority of withdrawn Rs 2,000 notes are anticipated to be returned to the banking system by the September 30 deadline.

  • Amit Shah: Modi Government Revamps India’s Health Infrastructure

    Amit Shah: Modi Government Revamps India’s Health Infrastructure

    New Delhi, June 8: Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the efforts of the Modi government in revolutionizing India’s healthcare system over the past nine years. He emphasized that the government has extensively revamped the country’s health infrastructure, ranging from primary to tertiary levels, and has ensured free treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh for the underprivileged. Shah highlighted the government’s commitment to making healthcare accessible to all, leveraging technology for services such as Covid vaccination, telemedicine, hospital registration, and health record access. The Ayushman Bharat scheme, a significant healthcare initiative, provides a defined benefit cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year, encompassing secondary and most tertiary care procedures, with no limitations on family size or age. Pre- and post-hospitalization expenses and coverage of pre-existing conditions from the policy’s inception further enhance its comprehensive nature. Additionally, beneficiaries receive a designated transport allowance per hospitalization under the scheme.

  • Covid Active Cases Plummet to 2,687

    Covid Active Cases Plummet to 2,687

    New Delhi, June 8 : The Union Health Ministry’s latest update on Thursday revealed that India recorded 199 fresh cases of coronavirus, bringing the total tally to 4.49 crore (4,49,92,293). Meanwhile, active Covid cases witnessed a decline from 2,831 to 2,687. The death toll rose to 5,31,886, with two fatalities reported in the past 24 hours as per the 8 am data. The ministry emphasized that active cases now account for only 0.01 percent of the total infections, while the national Covid-19 recovery rate stands at an impressive 98.81 percent. The number of individuals who have successfully recovered from the disease surged to 4,44,57,720, and the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.18 percent. Notably, India has administered a remarkable 220.66 crore doses of the Covid vaccine, as per the ministry’s website, in an extensive nationwide vaccination campaign.

  • “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke” Takes the Box Office by Storm with a Stellar Opening at Rs 5.49 Cr

    “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke” Takes the Box Office by Storm with a Stellar Opening at Rs 5.49 Cr

    The much-anticipated film “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke,” starring Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan, has hit the ground running at the box office. According to trade analyst Taran Adarsh, the movie raked in an impressive ₹5.49 crore in India on its opening day.

    Box Office Report Taran Adarsh took to Twitter to share the exciting news, stating, “#ZaraHatkeZaraBachke takes off on Day 1… Silences naysayers and pessimists, who had predicted [below] ₹2 cr start… Got a boost due to Buy-1-Get-1 free ticket offer + affordable ticket pricing, which has given its biz the required push… Fri ₹5.49 cr. #India biz.”

    He further highlighted the significant role played by national chains in the film’s success, with contributions of ₹3.35 crore on the first day, including contributions from #PVR (₹1.54 cr), #INOX (₹1.11 cr), and #Cinepolis (₹70 lacs).

    Actors’ Reaction Taran Adarsh also expressed his expectations for the film to maintain its momentum throughout the weekend. He stated, “ZaraHatkeZaraBachke is expected to maintain the momentum on Sat and Sun… The Buy-1-Get-1 free ticket offer continues till Sun night, which should help the film post a strong total in its opening weekend. #ZHZB.” With the ongoing ticket offer and positive word of mouth, the film is anticipated to have a successful opening weekend.

    Plot and Cast Directed by Laxman Utekar, “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke” is set in Indore and revolves around a middle-class couple. Prior to the film’s release, Vicky expressed his excitement, saying, “Working with Laxman sir and Maddock has been a delightful experience. I had a great time shooting for the film, especially with Sara, and hope the audiences enjoy the film as much as we did making it.” Sara also shared her thoughts, stating, “I am grateful for the opportunity of getting to work with such a talented team. The film has a unique take on relationships and marriages, and I am excited for the audience to witness it.”

    Apart from Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan, “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke” also features Rakesh Bedi and Inaamulhaq in supporting roles. With its strong start and positive audience response, the film is expected to continue its successful run at the box office.

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