Congress leaders, who were airing concerns over the forthcoming party elections, have formally written to Central Election Authority Chairman Madhusudan Mistry seeking transparency in the polls and making public the electoral rolls, sources said.
Anandpur Sahib MP Manish Tewari, Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor, and three others, including two MPs from Assam, have written the letter, the source said.
In the letter, they said that the list of PCC delegates should be made public in a transparent manner.
Tewari and Karti Chidambaram had urged the Central Election Authority to make the electoral rolls public and available on the Congress website.
However, the CEA said that these rolls will be made available to candidates contesting elections, saying that it was confidential data and can’t be made public.
Another leader Anand Sharma too had raised the issue in the CWC meeting.
Tewari and Karti Chidambaram had raised concerns over the manner in which the presidential poll in the party is being held.
Underlining the need of a well-defined electoral college, Karti Chidambaram said any ad hoc electoral college is meaningless.
Tewari too had raised doubts over the electoral rolls ahead of the party’s presidential poll, saying these should be made public to ensure a free and fair election process.
He had questioned Mistry’s remark that party members wishing to contest can get access to the list in PCC offices as the list of electors has not been made public.
SRINAGAR, Sept 10: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday busted an over ground worker (OGW) module of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and arrested two persons from Sopore. According to Police, a joint naka (checkpoint) was established in coordination with Army and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at Gousiabad Chowk Chinkipora in the jurisdiction of the Sopore police station. During checking, a suspicious movement of two persons coming from Dangerpora towards Chinkipora was noted and was subsequently asked to stop, but they tried to flee from the spot. The duo were then apprehended by security forces. Police recovered two grenades from their possession. The arrested persons were identified as Shakir Akber Gojree, a resident of Bandipora and Mohsin Wani, a resident of Baramulla. Police said preliminary investigation revealed that the arrested persons are over ground workers (OGWs) of proscribed organization LeT and were in constant search of an opportunity to carry out attacks on security forces and civilians. Accordingly, a case has been registered at Sopore police station under relevant sections of law. During the course of the investigation, the arrested duo further revealed names of other OGW associates which led to the arrest and recovery of further arms and ammunition which includes one Chinese pistol, one pistol magazine, seven live pistol rounds, 25 AK 47 rounds and explosive material. (Agencies)
New Delhi, Sep 10: India logged 5,554 new coronavirus infections, raising the tally to 4,44,90,283, while the active cases further declined to 48,850, the Union Health Ministry said on Saturday. The death toll climbed to 5,28,139 with 18 fresh fatalities, which included two deaths reconciled by Kerala, data updated by the ministry at 8 am stated. The active cases comprises 0.11 per cent of the total infections. The national COVID-19 recovery rate has increased to 98.70 per cent, the health ministry said. A decline of 786 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 case count in a span of 24 hours, it said. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.47 per cent and the weekly positivity rate at 1.80 per cent, the ministry said. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,39,13,294, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent, it said. According to the ministry, 214.77 crore vaccine doses have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 inoculation drive. (Agencies)
Srinagar, Sep 9: The High Court of J&K and Ladakh Friday asked the government to inform if rules under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, had been notified in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Specify reasons in case the rules have not been notified,” a division bench of Chief Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Puneet Gupta ordered while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL).
The court also sought to know the timeframe within which the government intends to notify the rules.
“One of the issues raised in this PIL is regarding framing and notifying of the rules under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009,” the division bench said. “Office of the Advocate General appearing is directed to seek instructions from Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary School Education Department and to file a response if any rules under the act have been framed and notified and if not, the reasons thereof and the time frame within which the respondents propose to take necessary action.”
The PIL seeks to implement the provisions of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009 in general and Sections 12 (1) (b), 12 (1) (c), and Section 13 in particular.
These sections provide free and compulsory elementary education for children.
The PIL also seeks directions from the government to expeditiously notify the rules under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.
In the PIL, the petitioner has also sought direction from the government to file a status report disclosing a list of aided and unaided private schools in J&K, the form and amount of aid provided to the aided private schools, year-wise details of the proportion of children provided free education in the schools since the enforcement of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act.
Srinagar, Sep 9: Inaugurating a farmers’ awareness conference on the use of ‘nano urea’ at SKICC, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Friday said sustainable farming was the only way forward to ensure food security and growth.
An official spokesman in a statement issued here said that the conference was organised by Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO) to generate awareness about the benefits of ‘Nano Urea’.
The LG highlighted the efforts of the farmers in fulfilling the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and transition to sustainable alternatives to protect soil health, plants, and the environment.
He congratulated the entire team of IFFCO for developing the world’s first liquid nano urea.
“Sustainable farming is the only way forward to ensure food security and growth. Farmers are ultimate entrepreneurs and our effort is to provide them with better infrastructure, easy access to credit, access to modern machinery, and benefits of agriculture extension services,” the LG said. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has become the fifth largest economy in the world overtaking England. It has also sent a strong message that a sustainable and innovative agricultural system is significant for the holistic growth of any region or nation.”
Highlighting the reforms introduced in the agriculture sector in J&K, he said that being an agriculture-based economy and having more than 70 percent of the population dependent on agriculture, a special impetus had been given to make J&K’s agriculture system sustainable and profitable.
“Introduction of progressive land reforms and efforts towards diversification, allied activities, and high-density plantation have enabled farmers with small land holdings to earn more,” the LG said. “Integrated approach of farming has already been initiated and the government is promoting agro-based employment generating activities. Revival of traditional crops with market linkage support, GI tagging of local produce, high-density plantation, and allied activities had successfully brought prosperity for the farmers.”
He said that various strategies were being adopted for the promotion of allied enterprises such as dairy farming, apiculture, sericulture, and food processing in augmenting farmers’ income to reduce losses and open greater opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.
Underlining the need to make necessary interventions to ensure food security for the growing population, the LG called on stakeholders to work on a mission mode for effective implementation of the Millet Mission, Exotic Vegetables Farming, promoting micro-irrigation, and reducing crop waste.
Chairman IFFCO Dileep Sanghani said that IFFCO was continuously engaged in finding solutions to the problems confronting the agriculture and allied sectors.
He said that trials of the world’s first nano urea were conducted at more than 11,000 places in every nook and corner of the country on around 94 crops.
Chief Secretary Arun Kumar Mehta said that J&K’s agriculture sector would emerge as a role model not only for the country but the entire world.
“A new J&K is recording unprecedented growth and development in every sector and figuring as a top performer in several categories,” he said.
Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department Atal Dulloo informed about the Apex Committee constituted under Mangala Rai to find ways to double the growth rate of the agriculture sector.
He said that various technical working groups had been formulated to suggest a policy framework to the government.
Managing Director and CEO of IFFCO U S Awasthi highlighted the features and benefits of the nano urea.
“It will immensely benefit the production in horticulture and agriculture sector,” he said.
To mark the occasion, the LG also handed over sanction letters for Sprayers to Farmers, FPOs, Cooperative Societies, and SHGs as part of the intervention of the Agriculture Department for changing the public perception in the field of agriculture.
Vice Chairman IFFCO Balvir Singh, Director Marketing and Board of Directors IFFCO Yogindra Kumar, and Director Department of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare, Kashmir, Chowdhary Muhammad Iqbal were present on the occasion.
Kishtwar, Sep 9: Former Chief Minister Jammu and Kashmir Ghulam Nabi Azad on Friday visited the residence of Madan Lal Bhandari Poet and social worker to offer condolence to the bereaved families. Ex.MLA Inderwal Ghulam Mohd Saroori and Salman Nizami and others accompanied Azad.
Ghulam Nabi Azad offered deep condolences to the family over the demises of Madan Lal Bhandari who passed away few days back.
He described Madan Bhandari as a dedicated and pillar for the soceity who served the people of the area throughout his life.
He also recalled the noble, pious and philanthropic nature of the Madan Bhandari.“I stand in solidarity with the bereaved families in this hour of grief”, said Azad. He prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls and grant of strength and fortitude to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss.
Kishtwar Sep 09 : Taking a dig on present Dispensation while addressing public gathering in Drabshalla area of Kishtwar during his political tour of Chenab Valley post Congress exit, Ghula Nabi Azad said that we will fight to restore statehood, Land rights and Job Guarantee of our youths.
Azad was accompanied by former Ministers G M Saroori, Abdul Majeed Wani, two time MLC Naresh Gupta, former Spokesperson Salman Nizami, Mohd Aslam Goni, BDC Chairpersons Kahara and others.
Azad said that he will fight to restore the statehood and all other rights of Jammu and Kashmir.
While advocating for land rights and stressing for it continuously during tour of Jammu and Kashmir, today Azad again said that no one can deprive us from our fundamental and constitutional rights. He said that the first right on the land of Jammu and Kashmir and jobs is that of our people and it’s my foremost priority to fight to give my people their right to their.
He added that party will be formed soon with consultation of my people and it’s focus will be on restoration of full statehood, right to land and employment to native domicile.
He seek support from people to become able to form government in J&K to initiate new era of development and progress.
He said that we have not to fight with weapons to get our demands fulfilled. Mahatama Ghandi was my idol and I will applying his ideology in J&K also to get our concerns redressed.
Azad is scheduled to address a public rally at Chatroo areas of Kishtwar District tomorrow.
‘I couldn’t see Congress Party dying while sitting mute inside’
KISHTWAR: Former J&K Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today alleged that thousands of local educated, skilled and semi-skilled youth are being ignored for various jobs in local hydel power projects and he will strongly take up this issue with Government including Prime Minister of India shortly.
Addressing a large public rally at Drabshalla in district Kishtwar today, Azad said he was pained to know that thousands of local youth are being ignored for jobs in the new hydel projects and many outsiders are being given preference. Even the small and big contracts are being accorded to the outsiders and hundreds of labourers in these power projects have been brought from outside UT of J&K.
Azad said for any big power project in a particular area, there are standing guidelines that people of that area will get handsome land compensation, free power supply, first preference to the locals for jobs. But it is unfortunate that after abrogation of Article 370 and conversion of this historic State into two Union Territories, the things have worsened for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The unemployment has touched new heights, development works have been stalled. Locals are being ignored in every aspect, he added.
“Many projects have been shelved and there is nobody to listen to the grievances of the public. Bureaucracy has turned out of control. The DDCs, BDCs and Sarpanches have not been accorded powers like other States,” he said. He added that if needed, he would meet Prime Minister soon and take up the issue of local youth from Chenab belt with regard to jobs in power projects.
Former AICC leader said Mughals, Britishers, J&K rulers or even previous Governments after independence, never broke this important State. Unfortunately, this Government degraded historic J&K State into two UTs in 2019 and with this bad days for the people of this erstwhile State started. He said an elected popular Government is no match and it should be restored after providing Statehood to J&K. Azad said Statehood, elected Government, protection to jobs and lands of the locals will be on top of his agenda.
The former Chief Minister said he wished to work for the welfare of the people of J&K with same zeal and dedication as performed during his previous stint and sought support, love and cooperation of all the residents, irrespective of religion or region.
While justifying his decision to quit the Congress Party, Azad said he tried his best to save the party which he like many other old guards, had raised with the dint of hard work, blood and sweat but his suggestions were not taken on board by the people at the helm of affairs at the top. “Under such circumstances, I had two options, either to see Congress Party dying while sitting mute inside, or come out of it, wage struggle for justice to the people. So, I opted for second option and came back to serve my people in my home state,” Azad maintained.
Referring to the recent targeted killings by militants in the valley, Azad said such killings should stop forthwith and anyone willing to return should be provided security and accommodation. He said nobody should be forced to return to Kashmir.
Azad said his party would work to ensure honour, dignity, respect and integrity of the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir and start Confidence-Building Measures.
Azad said Industry is facing closure after Covid-19 crisis. Over 60 % Industries have closed down. Thousands of workers have turned jobless. There is great need to revive the ailing J&K industry for providing much needed support, create more and more skill development institutes and trained our work force /youth, Daily wagers are protesting since long for wages and regularisation. There are no sincere efforts for their settlement, he added.
Unfortunately, after snatching of Statehood, outsiders have taken full control on miner minerals like- sand and gravel, With this the rates of sand, stones, gravel (Bajri) etc has gone sky high. Constructing a house has gone beyond the control of poor and lower middle class family. There is loot of local resources which is needed to be plugged. The price hike has also made the life of poor people miserable. The people are unable to project their issues in the absence of a popular Government, he added.
Recalling massive development in J&K during his two and half years tenure as Chief Minister, Azad said with his triple shift work concept he has delivered in the erstwhile State. He would like to ensure development with same zeal and dedication if his new party comes to power with the support and love of people, Azad maintained.
Among others who addressed mammoth gathering including G. M Saroori, Dewan Chand Thakur, Suraj Parihar, Mohd Iqbal Keen, Shariq Ahmad Saroori, Ch. Mohd Ishaq, Mohd Iqbal Khurwaey, Ameena Banoo and other’s.
Prominent among those Abdul Majid Wani, Naresh Kumar Gupta, Riyaz Ahmed, Advocate Aslam Goni, Salman Nizami, Ghulam Rasool Bhat, Khalid Hussain Sheikh, Mohd Sultan, Bashir Ahmed, Zahid Hussain, Zubair Ahmed Najar, Arif Hussain Hussain, Gian Chand, Rajesh Sharma, Ghulam Mohd Kohli, Kaloo, Bittu Kumar, Mohd Yusuf, Vinod Kumar, Mohd Ashraf, Mahinder, Rohit Kumar, Mohd Ayoob, Zafferullah Magray, Fatima Begum, Asif Iqbal, Haji Ghulam Mohd, Altaf Hussain, Asghar Hussain, Mansoor Ahmed, Mudassir Ahmed, Musarat Ahmed, Muneer Magray and people in large attended the program.
SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 9: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today inaugurated a Farmers awareness conference on the use of ‘Nano Urea’, here at SKICC. The conference was organized by Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO) to generate awareness about benefits of ‘Nano Urea’. The Lt Governor highlighted the farmer’s efforts in fulfilling the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and transition to sustainable alternatives to protect soil health, plants and environment. The Lt Governor Congratulated the entire team of IFFCO for developing the world’s first Liquid Nano Urea. Sustainable farming is the only way forward to ensure food security and growth. Farmers are ultimate entrepreneurs and our effort is to provide them with better infrastructure, easy access to credit, access to modern machinery and benefits of agriculture extension services, observed the Lt Governor. Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has become the fifth largest economy in the world overtaking England. It has also sent a strong message that a sustainable and innovative agricultural system is significant for the holistic growth of any region or nation, observed the Lt Governor. Highlighting the reforms introduced in the agriculture sector in J&K, the Lt Governor observed that being an agriculture based economy and having more than 70% of the population dependent on agriculture, special impetus has been given to make J&K’s agriculture system sustainable and profitable. Introduction of progressive land reforms and efforts towards diversification, allied activities and high density plantation have enabled farmers with small land holdings to earn more, the Lt Governor said. Integrated approach of farming has already been initiated and the government is promoting agro-based employment generating activities. Revival of traditional crops with market linkage support, GI tagging of local produce, high density plantation and allied activities have successfully brought prosperity for the farmers, the Lt Governor said. The Lt Governor further highlighted that various strategies are being adopted for promotion of allied enterprises such as dairy farming, apiculture, sericulture and food processing in augmenting farmers income to reduce losses and open greater opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. Underlining the need to make necessary interventions to ensure food security for the growing population, the Lt Governor called on stakeholders to work on mission mode for effective implementation of the Millet mission, Exotic Vegetables Farming, promoting micro-irrigation and reducing crop waste. Dileep Sanghani, Chairman, IFFCO, speaking on the occasion said that IFFCO is continuously engaged in finding solutions to problems confronting the agriculture and allied sector. He informed that trials of the World’s first Nano Urea were conducted at more than 11000 places in every nook and corner of the country on around 94 crops. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary, in his address said that J&K’s Agriculture Sector will emerge as a role model not only for the country but the whole world. A new J&K is recording unprecedented growth and development in every sector and is figuring as a top performer in several categories, he added. Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, informed about the Apex Committee constituted under Dr Mangala Rai to find ways to double the growth rate of the agriculture sector. He said that various technical working groups have been formulated to suggest a policy framework to the Government. Dr. U.S. Awasthi, Managing Director & CEO, IFFCO, highlighted the features and benefits of Nano Urea. It will immensely benefit the production in horticulture and agriculture sector, he said. To mark the occasion, the Lt Governor also handed over sanction letters for Sprayers to Farmers, FPOs, Cooperative Societies and SHGs as part of the intervention of the Agriculture department for changing the public perception in the field of agriculture. Balvir Singh, Vice Chairman, IFFCO; Yogindra Kumar, Director Marketing, IFFCO; Board of Directors, IFFCO, Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal, Director, Department of Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare Kashmir, members of FPO, Cooperatives & SHGs and large number of farmers were present on the occasion.
NEW DELHI, Sept 9: President Draupadi Murmu on Friday launched an anti-TB campaign and exhorted the people to unitedly strive towards eradicating Tuberculosis (TB) from the country by 2025. “When a welfare scheme is made in the interest of people, chances of its success increase manifold”, said the President while launching the ‘Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’ campaign. The President also launched the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative to ensure additional diagnostic, nutritional, and vocational support to those on TB treatment, and encouraged elected representatives, corporates, NGOs, and individuals to come forward as donors to help the patients complete their journey towards recovery. The Ni-kshay 2.0 portal will facilitate in providing additional patient support to improve treatment outcome of TB patients, augmenting community involvement in meeting India’s commitment to end TB by 2025 and leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) opportunities. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Health Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar were present at the launch event along with Union Ministers, Governors and Lt. Governors, State Health Ministers and other dignitaries. The virtual event, also attended by state and district health administrations, representatives from corporates, industries, civil society, NGOs, and TB Champions, reiterated India’s commitment to eliminate the high-burden infectious disease by 2025, five years ahead of the global goal of 2030. The virtual launch event showcased India’s accelerated progress through the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) owing to commitment at the highest levels. At the ceremony, the President appreciated the tireless efforts of the healthcare workers, community leaders, and citizens for managing the COVID-19 pandemic and underlined the need to adopt a similar whole-of-society approach to eliminate TB from the country. President Murmu reiterated the goal of universal health coverage ensuring no one is left behind in accessing affordable quality healthcare through all levels of the health system. Highlighting the progress made through the Ayushman Bharat scheme in this endeavour, she expressed confidence in the pivotal role of the strengthened healthcare system in achieving TB elimination goals. She stressed on enhanced awareness regarding the treatment for TB, a curable disease. The treatment is available free of cost at government health facilities. Speaking on the occasion, Mansukh Mandaviya stated that “the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan is an extension of Prime Minister’s citizen-centric policies”. He attributed success of the TB programme on key indicators such as TB case notifications and consistent efforts that led to monthly notification reporting to reach pre-pandemic levels by end of 2021. The Union Health Minister emphasised that a 360-degree approach is the cornerstone of TB elimination in India and observed that a societal approach that brings together people from all backgrounds into a Jan Andolan is needed to achieve the ambitious target of eliminating TB by 2025. Mandaviya informed that there are roughly 13.5 lakh TB patients registered in the Nikshay portal, out of which 8.9 lakh active TB patients have given their consent for adoption. The Ni-kshay digital portal will provide a platform for community support for persons with TB. He urged all citizens, NGOs, corporate houses, elected representatives etc, to support the movement by becoming Ni-kshay Mitras and convene gatherings to discuss the initiative, so no one with TB is left behind. (Agencies)
