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)
JAMMU, Sept 9: The government on Friday ordered transfer of five IAS and a JKAS officers in the interest of administration with immediate effect. According to the order, Mohd Yasin (IAS) Mission Director, National Health Mission, J&K, has been transferred as posted as Managing Director, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited , against an available vacancy. Ms. Ayushi Sudan (IAS), Chief Executive Officer, Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna, has been transferred and posted as Mission Director, National Health Mission, J&K. “She shall continue to hold the additional charge of the post of Chief Executive Officer, Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojno, till further orders.” Minga Sherpa (IAS), Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jammu has been transferred and posted as Managing Director, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (IKTDC), against an available vacancy. Faz Lul Haseeb (IAS), Additional Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar holding additional charge of the post of Chief Executive Officer, Urban Development Agency, Kashmir has been transferred and posted as Director, Tourism Kashmir. Harvinder Singh (IAS), Sub Divisional Magistrate, Uri, holding additional charge of Sub Registrar, Uri, has been transferred and posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jammu. Dr. Ghulam Nabi ltoo (JKAS), Director Tourism, Kashmir has been transferred and posted as Special Secretary to the Government, Jal Shakti Department.
The Administrative Council has provided this last opportunity to the consumers because of not being able to avail the benefits of the last scheme due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic during the scheme period. The new scheme envisages that the outstanding amount arrears accumulated up to March 31, 2022, after waving off 100 percent interest and surcharge should be paid in a maximum of 12 monthly installments.
The scheme further entails that the failure of payment of any installments within the prescribed 12 months period should invite penalty and legal action under the Electricity Act, 2010, in addition to the accrual of compound interest on the outstanding dues.
Consumers who fail to pay the current bill simultaneously with the payment of monthly outstanding installments should forfeit the benefits of the amnesty scheme besides the disconnection of the power supply.
An independent Project Management Agency would be hired for overseeing the efficient implementation of the scheme.
Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Chief SecretaryDr Arun Kumar Mehta, and Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Nitishwar Kumar attended the meeting.
New Delhi, September 9: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Friday informed that Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) deputation rules have been relaxed to encourage IAS and other All India Service Officers as well as the ones of Central Services to get posted in Jammu and Kashmir. Due to this relaxation, Singh said, 22 officers belonging to various services and different cadres have been posted in Jammu and Kashmir at various levels at a crucial time. Singh was briefing the media about several steps taken to address the shortage of officers in the newly created Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The Minister said DoPT has played a major role in facilitating the induction of Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services Officers into IAS by coordinating with UT of J-K, Ministry of Home Affairs and Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). “As a result, recently 16 officers from Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) have been inducted into IAS and another eight such vacancies will be filled up shortly giving opportunities to the JKAS officers to become part of the prestigious IAS service after a long gap of 12 years,” Singh said. The Minister also added that mid-career training of JKAS officers of various seniority was carried out in collaboration with Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) and this has provided a new level of exposure to the JKAS Officers and more than 200 offices. Singh also listed some initiatives by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension, Government of India like special concessions and incentives to the Central Government employees working in Kashmir Valley in attached and subordinate offices or PSUs falling under the control of the Central Government. He said that they were extended special concessions for a period of three years with effect from August 1, 2021, and the incentives included an additional house rent allowance, composite transfer grant, per diem allowance, an incentive for a period of temporary duty, messing allowance, facility to draw pension at the place of settlement in relaxation of relevant provisions. The Minister also informed that the facility for retention of general pool accommodation available to officers who have served in central government has also been extended to officers posted in Jammu and Kashmir on the pattern of northeast States. Singh said, in view of home LTC, it can be availed to visit J-K and Ladakh for which guidelines have been notified by DoP&T and this will enhance tourism to Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and also provide an opportunity to all central government employees to visit J-K and Ladakh. Apart from the above measures, Singh said, three National Conferences on Good Governance were held in J-K covering hundreds of its employees. He said, best practices from Jammu and Kashmir and all over the country were showcased and about 800 J-K government officers were trained on effective handling of public grievances. The Minister also informed that the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) in the Ministry of Personnel had helped the J-K government to switch over to online functioning, as a result of which the UT exchequer would save over Rs 200 cr incurred in the transport of records etc during Durbar move. He informed that the District Good Governance Index was launched from J-K for bringing about healthy competition between districts to achieve the goal of saturation of citizen services and improving developmental activities in districts. Moreover, four policy papers related to good governance were sponsored by J-K encouraging new models for development in the challenging scenario of Jammu and Kashmir. The Minister further said that the government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi gives high priority to J-K and there is no dearth of support forthcoming, as far as the Centre is concerned. (AGENCIES)
Kanyakumari (TN), Sep 9: The Congress on Friday said its ‘Bharat Yatris’ were staying in containers which have very “basic and minimal” facilities, and claimed that the BJP was trying to “defame” its ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ as it was rattled by it. The Opposition party alleged that the BJP IT cell was spreading falsehoods about the facilities at its Yatra campsites and in containers. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh also took a dig at the BJP, saying this is not like the 1990 “Rath Yatra” – a Toyota Yatra or an Innova Yatra – ours is a Padyatra. The attack by the Opposition party came after it gave access to the media to its campsite in Nagercoil where the 60 containers were parked. About 230 people, including 119 Bharat Yatris who will walk the full 3,570 km from Kanyakumari to Kashmir will spend their nights in 60 containers mounted on trucks that will be moved daily from one place to another.
Rahul Gandhi is staying in a one-bed container that has a small sofa, an air conditioner, a small refrigerator and an attached toilet. A pictorial representation of one of Mahatma Gandhi’s marches with his quote, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world”, is also put up in the former Congress chief’s container. Leaders such as Congress general secretaries K C Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh and Digvijaya Singh are staying in two-bed containers. There are also four-bed, six-bed, eight-bed and 12-bed containers. While some have attached toilets, others do not. Mobile toilets and showers, mounted on trucks, are also parked at the campsites. The site visited by the media was Scott Christian College, Nagercoil, where the Yatris spent Thursday night. “We have 60 containers here. These containers move from one site to another. There is a one-bed container which Mr. Rahul Gandhi uses. There is a two-bed container which Mr. Digvijaya Singh, Mr K C Venugopal and I use, there is a four-bed, six bed, eight-bed and 12 bed containers,” Ramesh told reporters. He said his container has two bunks and is like a second AC train compartment. There is an area for having meals at the campsite and a conference room container which can accommodate 10 people, Ramesh said. Hitting out at the BJP, Ramesh said they only have “propaganda” to peddle. “The allegations that have been made by the BJP IT cell with the encouragement of the prime minister (Narendra Modi) to defame the Bharat Jodo Yatra show that the BJP is rattled,” Ramesh said. The BJP is making these allegations in its nervousness, he claimed. “They should come and see what the reality is. We are not hiding anything, there is complete transparency. Look at the way we are staying, it would take about 160 days (to complete the Yatra),” he said. “Day 2 of the padayatra started with flag hoisting at 7 am in Nagercoil. Bharat Yatris were joined by 89-year-old freedom fighter Kodikal Sheikh Abdullah. He inspired everyone by highlighting the need to stand up, unite and fight for the soul of our nation,” Ramesh said in a tweet. Rahul Gandhi, along with several of his party colleagues, embarked on the 3,570-km “Bharat Jodo Yatra” from here on Thursday. Amid sounds of drum beats, a sea of tricolour and slogans of “Bharat Jodo”, the march began from Vivekananda College Road, Agasteeswaram here on Thursday. Walking briskly, Gandhi, along with several top Congress leaders, covered 13 km in the morning session of the yatra on Thursday. He walked about seven km in the evening when there was mass mobilisation and thousands walked along with the former Congress chief. The march would cover 12 states and two Union Territories in about five months. The march is moving in two batches from 7 am to 10:30 am and from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm. While the morning session includes fewer participants, the evening session sees mass mobilisation. The participants plan to walk around 22-23 km daily. About 30 per cent of ‘Bharat Yatris’ are women. The average age of Bharat Yatris is 38. About 50,000 citizens have also registered to participate in the Yatra. After reaching Kerala on September 11, the Yatra will traverse through the state for the next 19 days, reaching Karnataka on October 1. It will be in Karnataka for 21 days before moving north. It will pass through Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Nilambur, Mysuru, Bellary, Raichur, Vikarabad, Nanded, Jalgaon, Indore, Kota, Dausa, Alwar, Bulandshahr, Delhi, Ambala, Pathankot, Jammu, and end in Srinagar. (Agencies)
The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a plea seeking directions to the authorities to act and arrest former BJP Spokesperson Nupur Sharma for her alleged hate statement against Prophet Mohammad and hurting sentiments of the Muslim community.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India UU Lalit told petitioner Advocate Abu Sohel said that his plea looked innocuous but had far-reaching consequences. Sohel then withdrew his plea. The advocate sought an urgent hearing of the case alleging that no action has been taken against Sharma by the police despite the complaint.
The plea has said that Sharma made vulgar remarks against Prophet Mohammad and the Muslim community, and hence it sought directions for an “independent, credible and impartial investigation” into the incident which may ensure her immediate arrest.
The plea sought immediate action against Sharma saying that her statements were violative of Articles 14, 15, 21, 26 and 29 of the Constitution and other fundamental rights.
“Sharma’s undesirable words have caused huge unrest and uproar in the country and across the globe and tarnished the image of our great nation,” the lawyer said.
Sharma’s remarks created unjustifiable and illegal deviation from the intent of our Constitutional makers to create harmony among the religions and directly hit the core ethos of our nation which is founded on the basis of secular’ ideas, added the plea.
