The 13th Finance Commission headed by Dr. Vijay Kelkar arrived here today on a 3-day visit. Soon after their arrival, the Commission held discussions with the State Government authorities and heard the execution and implementation of several schemes from them and took an over view of the functioning of various departments.
The Commission comprises besides Chairman, Mr. B.K. Chaturvedi, Dr. Indra Rajaraman, Prof. Atul Sarma, Dr. Sanjeev Misra, all members and Mr. Sumit Bose, Secretary, Mr. B.S. Bhullar, Joint Secretary and Mr. Rohtik Roy, Economic Advisor to the Commission.
The Commission reviewed the functioning of Rural Development and Housing and Urban Development departments at a joint meeting of the Commission and State officials. Commissioner-Secretary, Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Naseema Lankar and Secretary, Rural Development, Mr. M.S. Khan gave an over view of their respective departments to the Commission. Also present in the meeting were Mayor, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Mr. Salman Ali Sagar and Mayor, Jammu Municipal Corporation, Mr. Kavinder Gupta.
In his projection, Mr. Salman Ali Sagar demanded enhancement of state share to urban local bodies from 10 to 25 percent. He demanded approval of Rs. 69 crore city beautification plan and Rs. 50 crore sanitation proposal for the city. He also demanded transfer of services and departments to SMC and JMC as already decided. Rs. 45 crore plan for two slaughter houses in the city was also projected.
Mr. Kavinder Gupta also made similar demands regarding funds for roads, sanitation, play grounds, crematoriums, solid waste management project etc. He also projected a demand of Rs. 450 crore project for the development of lanes and bye-lanes of Jammu city.
Representatives of other Urban Local Bodies from Kashmir and Jammu and Panchayats from all across the State also put their thoughts before the Commission.
Later, the Commission along with the officers of the State Government went to see the 4.5 MLD Sewerage Treatment Plant at Laam, Nishat and Eco-Park at Tailbal developed by the LAWDA.
Internationally reputed panellists discuss various aspects of the Geoinformation Technology
Vijay Bakaya, Ex-Chief Secretary and Member of the J&K Legislative Council Dr. Bhoop singh today chaired a technical Session of the Workshop titled “ SDI, societal, on day 2 of the Workshop on Spatial Planning for G- Governance being organized by the Dept. of Geology and Geophysics, University of Kashmir.Director Science and Technology was the Co-Chair of the session. Six invited presentations were made in Technical Session of the Workshop. Dr. Mark Sorensen, of the Global Planning Collaborative (GPC), USA delivered the first Keynote Speech titled “From Mapping Tool to Societal Infra-structure-the growth and evolution of GIS and SDI”. He highlighted the various methods useful for assessing the basic natural resources, their potential and strategies useful for their proper utilization and management and emphasized on the need for co-operative and collaborative attitude to assess data needs and requirements of the users.Dr. Shakil A. Romshoo, from the Dept. of Geology and Geophysics, University of Kashmir delivered a talk on ‘Spatial data integration: A necessity for enabling informed spatial planning” . He demonstrated how the geospatial technology is being used in the state for generating data and knowledge infrastructure for societal applications. He showed case studies on application of GIS for carrying capacity of Lidder valley, Wetland information system, Climate change and degradation vulnerability. Dr. Ummer from INFORMA, Dubai delivered a talk on “Location: Vital Components in G-governance challenges in collection, storage and update”. Dr Ummer highlighted the various aspects of knowledge and its application, societal problems, data maps and action plans that are either operative or are in need to be made operative in future.Dr. Bhoop singh, Director S&T, GOI, demonstrated the use of 3D realistic GIS mapping of the National Capital region of Delhi. Mr. Lokesh Chopra from SAPPHIRE delivered a talk on “Spatial Technology in Health Sector: A PPP initiative”. He talked about the importance of Private public partnership (PPP) for using GIS in the health sector. Each of the invited talks was followed by question-answer session. Particularly the participants were interested to know how the Geoinformation Technology could be used to improve the planning process in the state. Sector specific issues were raised by the participants from various state government agencies, NGOs and the academia. A number of Technical sessions and a plenary session are programmed for the concluding 4th and 5th sessions. The Inaugural function of the National Workshop on “Spatial Planning for G-Governance”, was yesterday chaired by the Member Parliament and former Union Minister, Government of India, and was attended by the large number of participants from state government, academia, civil society and the industry. The Workshop has brought all the key people involved in GIS promotion, planners, NGOs and the academia on one arena and shall facilitate exchange of ideas among all these stakeholders to develop a strategy for the use of GIS for good governance in the state.
(In Photo) Dr. Mark Sorensen, of the Global Planning Collaborative (GPC) , USA delivering the first Keynote Speech titled “From Mapping Tool to Societal Infra-structure-the growth and evolution of GIS and SDI” at the 2 day national workshop on g governence at KU
Network of mini-hydel power projects yielding immediate results would be established with support from Ministry of N&RE
Rousing reception was accorded at Tangdhar to Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah when he reached this far-flung area today morning. There were thousands of people on the sides and on rooftops who were waiting from wee hours to receive their leader.
Unprecedented number of people attended the largest-ever gathering at Tangdhar where the Chief Minister announced that a new developmental chapter will be opened for far-flung regions, particularly backward areas.
Addressing the well-attended gathering in this north Kashmir border village today, the Chief Minister said that the government is contemplating to carve out a special category of backward pockets comprising most difficult and hitherto left underdeveloped areas to focus on their speedier and integrated development. “Without disturbing the position, status and benefits of declared backward areas, the special category would receive additional attention in the process of development,” he said.
The Chief Minister was addressing a well-attended public gathering in the border village of Tangdhar in north Kashmir today.
Mr. Abdullah said comprehensive economic reconstruction and up-gradation of basic amenities in remote and far off areas has been recognized as the most important concern in the development policy of the State. “Steps are afoot to implement multi-faceted and multi-lateral development programmes in these areas for the good of people,” he said and added, “It is my keen desire to serve people in far-flung backward areas by taking government to their doorsteps and delivering on ground.”
Referring to the difficult accessibility of areas like Machhil, Keran, Gurez, Tulel, Dachhan, Marwah, Wardan and Tangdhar, which remain cut off during winter months, the Chief Minister assured special attention of his government for development of these areas. “The next five-and-a-half years of his government would be dedicated to total development of the State with special attention on progress of backward areas,” he said.
Mr. Abdullah said the government is also proposing to launch schemes for harnessing power potential in hilly backward areas by installing mini-hydel projects up to 25 MWs. “This would not only help to energize and electrify far off villages through indigenous and locally-generated electricity, but also open vistas of development and employment generation in these areas,” he said and added that he has taken up this issue with the Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah who, he said is himself keen to reach out to the potential areas in the State for power generation.
The Chief Minister said he has asked Director General Police to launch a special police recruitment drive in areas like Tangdhar, adding that similarly engagement of Class IV employees in such areas would be put on fast-track. He said he has issued instructions for fresh BPL survey so that complaints received in this regard are addressed and no deserving is left out of the ambit of BPL benefits.
Mr. Abdullah said special incentives would be paid to doctors for serving in far-flung and difficult areas, adding a scheme for the purpose is in pipeline with the assistance of Union Health Ministry. The incentives under the scheme would be both for doctors and paramedical staff working in most difficult areas.
The Chief Minister announced a team, headed by SDM, Karnah, to look into complaints about payments of compensation to earthquake-affected people in the area. He directed Deputy Commissioner to visit Tangdhar at least once every month to monitor development works and hear public grievances for on-spot redressal.
Mr. Abdullah, while responding to demand for creation of special Sub-Division of PDD in Tangdhar to look after generation, transmission and maintenance, said the demand would be looked into favourably in its right perspective.
MLA, Karnah, Mr. Kafil-ur-Rehman, in his speech, welcomed the Chief Minister for visiting the remote area, hearing people’s development demands and issuing on-spot instructions for redressal of grievances. He also listed various development requirements of the area and requested for special package for the development of Karnah constituency.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated the new building of KhawerporaBoysHigh School in Tangdhar for which Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, had provided Rs. 20 lakh out of his Member Parliament Constituency Development Fund.
Mr. Abdullah also presided over an officers’ meeting and reviewed pace of work on various schemes. He reviewed Border Areas Development Programme (BADP), Prime Minister’s Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP), National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), Indira Awas Yojana (IAY) and other schemes under implementation in the area and asked officers to be responsive and prompt to people’s calls. “You should visit every area to get firsthand appraisal of people’s requirements, besides monitoring pace of progress on works”, he said and stressed on completion of schemes within the prescribed timeframe.
Inaugurates Psychiatric, Maternity wards at SKIMS,Bemin
Re-iterating the government’s resolve to work for betterment and providing world class facility in the field of Health, Medicare and other basic necessities of life the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar has said that the time is not for away when the state of Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of young and dynamic Chief Minister would be made a model State of the country.
The Minister was addressing a gathering of topnotch doctors and medical students after inaugurating the psychiatric and maternity wards of the SKIMS, Medical College Bemina here today. The 30 bedded maternity ward would provide round the clock facilities to the patients and the psychiatric ward having state of art facilities would go a long way in treating the patients suffering from various mental ailments.
Recalling the dynamic vision of the late Sher-i-Kashmir, Mr. Sagar said that it was due to his visionary approach that the Institute was set up in the State which has all the state of art facility viz.a viz health and medicare “we hope that the institute along with its allied hospital and college would gradually become a medical university and government would extend all the requisite help to the same he added. He also hoped that the students would imbibe in themselves the qualities of knowledge and dedication, so that they can compete globally and bring good names to their institution and State.
Calling upon the doctors to contribute their part in building a society based on the ideal values, the minister said that the role of doctors is manifold as they occupy respectable position in the society and are sometimes considered as demigods who can rid the people of their diseases and sufferings. “The role of doctors and people associated with the medical field is of a pivotal nature as they can easily take over the mantle of nation builders owing to their acceptability in cross section of society” he asserted.
Praising the management for opening up of these facilities in the hospital, Mr. Sagar said that the State has undergone a difficult phase of history and a large chunk of the population is suffering from psychiatric diseases, so it deserves all the credit for opening of the wards, which would cater to large number of people living in the catchment area of the hospital and its peripheries.
Legislators, Mr. Irfan Ahmed Shah and Nasir Aslam Wani also spoke on the occasion and praised the management for opening up of these wards within a record time, which would cater to a large chunk of population of the city and its adjoining areas.
The Director SKIMS, Dr. Ab. Hamid Zargar and Principal, SKIMS Medical college, Dr. Mushtaq Ahmed also spoke on the occasion and said that the college would start post-graduate training courses very soon and in this regard a detailed proposal has been submitted to the higher authorities. They also brought forth various measures undertaken by the college in association with the institute for extending the quality health care to the people.
Kongdoori-Marrishoulder chairlift in Apharwat coming up at Rs. 9 cr
Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora, has said that Gulmarg Asia’s premier tourist resort, is the treasure-trove for a traveler. He said upgradation of the tourist related infrastructure at par with international standards to tap fully its tourism potential for achieving the target of attracting more overseas visitors at this destination, are afoot.
Mr. Jora said this during a day-long extensive tour of Gulmarg today while taking stock of various ongoing developmental projects and to assess on spot further development requirements of the tourist destination.The Minister said that Gulmarg has become worlds’ highest lift served ski resort providing a downhill ski run of over 5 kms from a hight of 14000ft in Apharwat range. He said to explore fully the potential of this premier hill resort a chair lift from Kongdoori-Marrishoulder of Apharwat would be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 9 crore adding that construction would be started in July this year.Director Tourism Kashmir, Mr. Farooq Ahmed Shah, Chief Executive Officer, Gulmarg Tourism Development Authority, Mr. Farooq Ahmed Lone, Managing Director Cable Car Corporation (CCC), Mr. Farooq Ahmed Khan, General Manager, JKTDC and other senior officers and engineers accompanied the Minister.
The Minister during a Gondola ride to Kangdoori and Apharwat assessed the required development of infrastructure. He said state’s highest altitude cafeteria, a Iglo type hut would be constructed at Apharwat. He said in order to protect the environment of Gulmarg- Kungdoori corridor aforestation work would be also taken up at a cost of Rs. 1 crore and old chairlift would be made functional for visiting tourists to the area.
Giving details about infrastructure expansion programme in the area, the Minister said creation of more infrastructure is needed at Gulmarg and its surrounding tourist resorts. He said 20 rooms budgeted accommodation at a cost of Rs. 4 crore would be constructed besides, the conversion of old Maharaj’s palace into a Convention Centre would be also taken up at a cost of Rs. 2 crore adding that underground cabling of electric net work and improvement of water supply is also on anvil in the area.
Mr. Jora visited old dilapidated ITC 100 room hotel building and took stock of its renovation and repairs. He said that the matter would be taken up with Union Tourism Ministry for its early renovation and repairs.
While taking stock of the functioning of Gondola Cable Car project, the Minister was apprised that the Corporation has earned a revenue of Rs. 5.10 crore from April to June this year. He was informed that about 2 lakh domestic and foreign tourists visited Gulmarg so far this year.
The Minister inspected various under execution and newly completed projects and was briefed that the works amounting over Rs. 7 crore including construction and renovation of huts, cafeterias, way side amenities, development of Parks, lakes and upgradation of Ice skating, ice hockey rink have been completed.
Mr. Jora also inspected the pace of upgradation work of golf course Gulmarg, which is being upgraded to 18 holes involving a cost of Rs. 4.50 crore. He was informed that this worlds’ highest golf course would be ready for Tee of by September this year. He also inspected ski hire shop and was informed that good quality equipments worth Rs. 5 crore are available on hire besides services of trained instructors are at hand for guiding amateur skiers.
During the inspection, the Minister issued instructions for landscaping and face lifting of various spots. He also instructed for taking measures for construction of commercial hotels especially at Dhobhi Ghat tourist resort besides replacing of old furnishing in Apharwat cafeteria.
Seeking the appraisal about the development of Botapathri tourist resort, the Minister was apprised that 5 camping sites at a cost of Rs. 5 crore are being developed in the area.
He emphasized involvement of local people in tourism related activities so that they become equal partners in the venture besides will benefit the states’ economy. He also impressed upon the concerned authorities to ensure timely completion of upgraded works so that top-notch facilities are extended to the tourists.
The two-day Endoscopic Sinonasal and Anterior Skull Base Surgery Workshop, organized by J&KPoliceHospital, Srinagar, concluded here today.
A number of experts in the field of endoscopic surgery participated in the workshop. Prominent professionals presented papers, performed live endoscopic surgeries, followed by interactive sessions during the workshop.
During the first session, several live surgeries were performed by renowned doctors which included Dr. Sanjay Sachdeva, Director, ENT, Head & Neck Surgery, Fortis Health Caré Ltd, New Delhi, Dr. K. K. Handa, Associate Professor, Senior Consultant and Unit Head, AIIMS, New Delhi, Dr. Harindra, Chief of ENT Faculty, Mysore and other senior faculty surgeons.
On the second day, two scientific sessions were also held. The first session was chaired by Valley’s prominent E.N.T. specialist, Prof. M. Maqbool, in which many distinguished experts delivered lectures on different topics.
While Dr. Sachdeva presented his paper on “Fluorescence technique in CSF Rhinorea”, Dr. Handa spoke in detail on the subject of “Craniofacial Resection for Anterior Skull Base Lesions”. Director, Neuro Sciences, Forits Health Care Ltd, New Delhi, Dr. A. K. Singh threw light on the subject “Pituitary Tumor Surgery”.
Prof. Dr. Rafiq Ahmed Pampori, E.N.T. Faculty, GMC, Srinagar, shared his experience on the subject “Skull Base Surgery, Whose Domain”.
During the second scientific session, which was chaired by eminent ENT specialist, Associate Professor, Dr. Rauf Ahmed, Dr. Harindra spoke on the subject “Approach to Frontal Sinus - Intact Bulla Technique”. Likewise, Dr. Anandabrata Bose from Siligudi chose the subject “Nasal Endoscopy on Epistaxis (Techniques)” for the topic of discussion. Dr. Mohan Appaji, from Manglore, threw light on the subject “Unique case Report: Penetrating Nail Injury”.
Later, Director General of Police, Mr. Kuldeep Khoda, thanked the distinguished guest faculty members from different States of the country for attending the workshop and sparing their valuable time. He also thanked them for enlightening the audience about different aspects of ENT surgeries and added that the interactive sessions with experts in J&K will benefit patients suffering from such diseases. He also said that the conference has been of immense help to young ENT medicos, which have been among the keenest followers of the different scientific sessions during the workshop.
Expressing the need for holding such type of conferences in future as well, Mr. Khoda said exchange of ideas synergize intellectual capabilities of various medical experts, leading to better patient care in the long run.
Mr. Khoda also appreciated efforts of the Organizing Committee for convening the conference. He especially praised Medical Superintendent, PoliceHospital, Srinagar, Dr. Nadeem Nazir and Organizing Secretary, Dr. Bilal Ahmed Raja for making excellent arrangements during the entire stretch of the programme.
Among others, the concluding session was attended by top ranking police officers, Heads of medical institutions and prominent doctors of the State.
Hostels for boys & girls in DentalCollege inaugurated
The Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah has called upon the medical fraternity to work with utmost dedication and missionary zeal to serve the masses and be ready to serve in the far-flung areas of the state.
Chief Minister said this, while inaugurating two hostel buildings for boys and girls constructed at a cost of Rs. 5.80 crore, in IndiraGandhiDentalCollege, Jammu this evening.
The hostel buildings has two separate hostels for boys and girls and will house 60 inmates with kitchen, dining hall and bathroom facilities that will benefit the students especially of far-flung areas of the state.
The Chief Minister said that the government is contemplating to enhance the honorarium of those doctors who would serve in the far-flung areas, adding that more posts of dental surgeons, medical officers in ISM and allopathy are being created to absorb the unemployed trained doctors in the state.
Mr. Omar Abdullah said that government is actively pursuing the case of recognition of the degrees of the students of Indira Gandhi Dental College, Jammu and Union Health Minister, Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad has been requested to intervene and take up the matter with Dental Council of India for according early recognition to the College so that the students may not suffer.
Referring to the development scenario in the state, the Chief Minister said that government is committed to speed up the pace of development in all the three regions of the state, adding that Jammu city is on the top of the agenda with Rs.30 crore earmarked for the improvement of roads in Jammu city. All the executing agencies should carry out development activities in proper coordination so that the roads, once constructed by one agency may not be damaged by the other, he stressed.
Among others, Member Parliament, Mr. Madan Lal Sharma, Political Advisor to Chief Minister, Mr. Davender Singh Rana, Mayor, Jammu Municipal Corporation, Mr. Kavinder Gupta, Legislators Mr. Raman Bhalla, Mr. Ashok Khajuria, Mrs. Bimla Luthra and Mr. Gulchain Singh Charak, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr. Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, Commissioner/Secretary, Health, Mr. Atal Dulloo, Principal, Indira Gandhi Dental College, Jammu, Mr. M. R. Sharma, President, Chamber of Industries and Commerce, Mr. Ram Sahai, prominent citizens, college staff and students were present on the occasion.
Several deputations met Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah at his residence and apprised him of their problems, here today.
Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, Mr. Devender Singh Rana, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Khurshid Ahmad Ganai and Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Dr. Pawan Kotwal were present on the occasion.
A deputation of Chamber of Commerce and Industries, headed by its President Mr. Ram Sahai, met the Chief Minister and put forth their problems which included increase in frequency of power cuts, sanctioning of new power connections for industries, augmentation of 132 KV grid station, installation of new 33 KV transformers at the industrial estates in Samba and Jammu to cater to their power requirement and extension of provident fund scheme to units with 10 employees, instead of five.
Another Deputation of Retailers’ Association, Jammu, met Mr. Abdullah and projected problem of shortage of drinking water, unscheduled power cuts, proper sanitation in bazaars and maintenance of roads, lanes and drains in prominent markets of the city.
Regarding their demand for setting up a complaint cell in the office of Divisional Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner for highlighting day-to-day power and water problems, the Chief Minister said that he has already issued instructions to set up centralized call centres coordinated by Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, to reply to the queries and problems of common man. He said additional Rs. 2 crore will be sanctioned for plying water tankers in areas reeling with water scarcity, adding with the commissioning of Sitlee Filtration Plant’s Intake III within next fortnight, most of the water woes of Jammu city will be solved.
The deputation of Hotelier Association informed the Chief Minister that shifting of bus stand to Khanpur in Nagrota will adversely affect their business. They demanded construction of muti-tier parking lot near bus stand and starting of the work on Bahu Fort to Mubarak Mandi cable car project. To reduce vehicular congestion on Jewel to Canal Road, the deputationists demanded construction of an alternate by-pass parallel to the road.
Mr. Abdullah said present dispensation is committed to develop Jammu as an important tourism destination and an artificial lake is being developed near Tawi river at a cost of Rs. 14 crore. Rs. 2 crore has already been released for starting the work immediately on the project, he added.
A deputation of Bar Association, headed by its President Mr. Sunil Sethi, demanded completion of under-construction chambers for lawyers at High Court Complex, Janipur for which work has stopped for want of funds. The Chief Minister assured the deputation that he would look into their problem.
Members of Parliament, Mr. Madan Lal Sharma and Ch. Lal Singh, MLA, Mr. Ashok Khajuria, MLC, Mr. Ajay Sadhotra, besides Mr. Rattan Lal Sharma, Provincial President NC, also led various delegations and met the Chief Minister.
Announces to hold next 2 awami mulakats in Jammu division
Coming down heavily on delay in execution of projects, Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah has asked all departments to stick to deadlines set for completion of projects.
“I want executing agencies to factor in all possibilities of unforeseen situations while fixing deadlines,” Mr. Abdullah said and added that delays lend a bad name to functioning of the government, which shall not be tolerated at any cost.
The Chief Minister was reviewing functioning of different departments in Jammu division at a high-level meeting, here today.
Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, Mr. Davender Singh Rana, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr. Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, IGP, Jammu, Mr. K. Rajendra, heads of various departments and Chief Engineers of Jammu division participated in the meeting.
The Chief Minister asked departmental heads to develop a close rapport with people by coming out of the confines of their offices and reaching out to the people as much as possible. He asked Divisional Commissioner to regularly inform him about the tours conducted by the different departmental heads and the problems taken up by them on the ground. Stating that expectations of the people from the government are very high, he asked officers to visit far-flung areas of the division for redressing grievances of the people on-the-spot and also to explain them of constrains, if any.
Mr. Abdullah said his firm belief on the fact that government cannot be confined to government offices has motivated him to start sessions of awami mulakat with the people for addressing their grievances besides reassuring them that government earnestly cares about resolving their problems. He announced to hold the next two awami mulakat sessions in Jammu division besides visiting Jammu twice in a month to keep himself abreast with pace of development works in the division.
Stressing on augmentation of power and water supply in Jammu division especially at a time when it is reeling under scorching heat spell, the Chief Minister directed Divisional Commissioner to maintain close liaison with PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Power, CA&PD, Forest and Agriculture departments, which would be worst-hit due to delay in monsoons or scanty rainfall. He asked these departments to prepare a contingency action plan to meet any eventuality. He asked the Police department to prepare themselves for playing a proactive role so that law and order problems arising out of drought can be handled effectively.
The Chief Minister announced that Rs. 2 crore additional funds for PHE department to increase tanker service in areas facing acute water scarcity would be sanctioned immediately. He also assured to take all necessary steps to alleviate power crisis in the region.
Taking serious notice of the delay in completion of Intake III of Sitlee Filtration Plant, the Chief Minister asked Managing Director, JKPCC to inform him of the reasons for delaying the project from its deadline which was set for April, 2009. He said during his visit to the site in winters, he had foreseen the critical water situation that could arise if the project was not completed on time and had directed to complete it within the targeted timeframe. He was informed that the plant has been handed over to PHE department yesterday and would be commissioned in another 15 days. Regarding digging of 25 tube-wells by ERA, he asked the executing agency to adhere to the deadline of September, 2009 for their completion.
Reviewing functioning of the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department (CA&PD), the Chief Minister directed Director, CAPD, Jammu, to widen the monitoring mechanism of the department and check the gap in the quantity of supplies leaving Food Corporation of India’s go-downs and that reaching the department. He asked him to be vigilant and ensure transparency in the functioning of the department.
Mr. Abdullah directed PHE, CA&PD and Power departments to set up a control room with a helpline to reply the queries of the people in summer months. He asked the Divisional Commissioner to coordinate functioning of the control room as was instituted in Kashmir division during winters.
Regarding utilization of Rs. 30 crore on improvement of 64 identified roads in Jammu city, Mr. Abdullah directed Chief Engineer, R&B to start the work immediately so that the funds allocated for the purpose do not lapse. He directed him to follow specified quality parameters for all the road works and blacklist the contractors not adhering to them.
In the Tourism sector, the Chief Minister was apprised that the department is working overtime to give all facilities to Amarnath and Vaishno Devi yatris arriving everyday in the State. Steps being taken by the department to divert pilgrims to other tourist locales, work on Heritage Complex at Mubarak Mandi and Golf Course at Sidhra were also discussed. Works taken up by NBCC and ERA were also discussed in the meeting.
Discussing measures adopted to check frequency of forest fires in the region, it was decided that fixing the responsibility on the officers in-charge of the forest area and instilling greater accountability is important to check the graph of forest fire incidents.
Later, the Chief Minister inspected ongoing work of construction of additional block at the third floor of main building of Civil Secretariat. The block will house one office of Commissioner/Secretary, 15 of Special Secretaries, one clerical hall, lavatory and space for ministerial staff. He was informed that a similar block will be constructed at the other end of the same floor. Mr. Abdullah asked the executing agency to complete the work by Darbar Move to winter capital.
Member Parliament and former union Minister, Prof. Saif ud Din Soz today stressed upon scientists to make technology relevant to the needs of current society.
Inaugurating a two day national workshop on Spatial Planning for G-Governance organized by University of Kashmir this morning, Prof. Soz said the very concept of technology is not important but what really matters is its application to solve the problems society faces from time to time. The inaugural session was presided by Prof . RiyazPunjabiViceChancellorKashmirUniversity.
Present on the occasion were MLC, Mr. Vijay Bakaya, Dr. Mark Sorensen of Geographical Planning Collaborative International, USA, Mr. Ishfaq Mir, Director, WARMERR and SAPPHIRE, scientists and experts from the state and outside.
Prof. Soz was highly appreciative the way Kashmir university is coming closer to the society and understanding its needs “ over the years your research is becoming quite relevant and fruitful to the society “ Soz told to the audience comprising mainly of the students scholars and the teachers from the university .
Prof. Soz said the conventional concept of planning needs to be changed to include scientific inputs about geographical entities and a balance between resources and needs. He asked the experts attending the workshop to use technology for mapping natural resources like forests and water resources and tackle problems like climate change and global warming. Appealing to save forests and water resources, he said no other state in the country can compete with J&K in terms of these resources and asked to use technological inputs for the preservation of the same.
Prof. Soz also stressed the need for a comprehensive master plan for Kashmir based on the data collected through these scientific methods.
In his presidential remarks, Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof. Riyaz Punjabi said based on the recommendations of the workshop, the university along with some civil society groups intends to prepare a vision document which would subsequently be presented to the Government for implementation. He hoped the workshop would address the geographical indices and local needs of the region.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Registrar of the university, Prof. S. Fayyaz Ahmad said the university intends to launch a master’s programme in Geo-informatics soon. He said with ever increasing population and decreasing natural resources good governance is a challenge but with remote sensing and Geo-informatics it has been made easy.
Dr Shakil A Romshoo organizing secretary of the workshop is to discuss the challenges in the exploitation and development of energy resources in the state including the hydropower and is being attended by a score of foreign experts from USA, UK, Italy, Australia and a number of other national experts. Dr. Mark Sorensen of Geographical Planning Collaborative International, USA, presented the paper
Ms Ambreen conducted the proceedings of the event and Dr. Rakesh Chandra , senior Assistant Professor presented vote of thanks.
It is pertinent to mention here that the University is partnering with reputed international institutes for promoting research on the environmental friendly development of the energy resources in the state.
Dr. Mark Sorensen of Geographical Planning Collaborative International, USA, presented the paper on Knowledge infrastructure and Governance issues : my personal experience in Asia .
The Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora today inaugurated Peerzoo restaurant and island, constructed by Tourism department at a cost of Rs 72 lakh near General Post Office (GPO) Road on the bank of river Jehlum.
The restaurant provides facilities like Kashmiri Wazwan, walk way and boating to the tourists. The second phase of the project would be completed by September this year.
MLA Amirakadal, Mr. Nasir Sogami, Secretary Tourism & Culture, Mrs Tanveer Jahan, Director Tourism, Kashmir, Mr. Farooq Ahmad Shah, prominent citizens, tourists and other senior officers of tourism department were also present at the inaugural function.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Jora said that government would develop many tourist spots in Srinagar city for locals as well as outside tourists for enjoying their holidays. He said that this island would serve as launching point for Jehlum river transport towards Khankha Mohalla and Chattabal. He said government is committed to promote tourism infrastructure in and outside the city vicinity for attracting more tourists.
Mr. Jora said that focused attention is being given on promoting heritage and pilgrimage tourism in the city. He directed the concerned authorities to take necessary steps for landscaping of the area and also asked for planting of ornamental plants and flowers on the banks of island and park.
Mr. Jora said that once the river Jehlum-front is beautified in the old city area, the tourists would be able to cherish a once in life time experience of witnessing the unique charm in the city in a shikara or a motor boat.
MLA Amirakadal appreciated this step taken by Tourism department for developing a park and restaurant on the bank of the river Jehlum. He urged for developing other spots of the constituency for the attraction of the tourists. He said that construction of welcome chowks at various sites of the constituency is beneficial for attracting the tourists towards the markets.
Director Tourism, in his welcome address said that many development projects in the Srinagar city are near completion. He said that Rustam Gari Restaurant is near completion and this would become attraction for tourists as well as locals. He said the development of ZabarwanPark with the facilities of museum, food court and children play area are near completion.
The minister for Rural Development, Ali Muhammad Sagar, on Monday said the Economics and Statistics service of the state shall also be brought at par with the national pattern. “The government is committed to provide sufficient space to the students of economics and statistics for entry in the Economics and Statistics organisation for rendering service to the people,” he said.Speaking at inaugural function of the commemoration of “Statistics Day” at KashmirUniversity, Sagar said, “Our government will take all the necessary steps for strengthening the statistical system in the state. The proposal submitted by the director general, Economics and Statistics Organisation, in this behalf is under examination in the Planning and Development Department. My whole hearted support will always be forth coming for all such initiatives aiming at systemic improvement and effective delivery.”Underlining the importance of statistical data in the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir, he said the government would take all the necessary steps to strengthen the statistical system in the state in tune with the latest developments in the national statistical system. ”The function was organized jointly by the KU’s Statistics and Economics departments and Directorate of Economics, J&K. Sagar said the government was envisioning the importance of statistical data in promoting and professing statistics for maximum welfare of the state through policy making, which is basked on sound statistical input. “The initiatives taken by the director general, Economics and Statistics, are highly appreciable and I must assure him that our government will support all the initiatives for strengthening planning and statistical machinery in the state,” he said.Addressing students and academics, Sagar said the Economics and Statistics service of the state shall also be brought at par with the national pattern. “And sufficient space shall be provided to the students of ecnonomics and statistics for entry in the E& S organisation for rendering service to the people,” he promised.The KU vice-chancellor, Prof Riyaz Punjabi, asserted that statistics was a technology that needed be used for the welfare of the society. “In the past three to four years, there has been a tremendous change in the statistical system at the national level,” he said.Prof Punjabi dwelt at length over the importance of statistics in development, planning and policy making. “The accurate statistical input can help the policy makers a lot in addressing the challenges they confront vis-à-vis development etc,” he said.The DG, E&S, G A Qureshi, dwelt at length over the achievements and contribution of the department over the years. “The department is soon bringing out a detailed data base plans of the level of Panchayats and blocks,” he said. Qureshi spoke about the activities undertaken by the department which include publication of village amenities directories, block statistical hand books, preparation of performance review of Jammu and Kashmir economy 2008-09 and pre-budget economic survey 2008-09.The head of the KU’s department of Economics, Dr A S Bhat, said that statistical data was extremely important for planning and policy making. “The main aim of this function is to raise awareness of governments, national agencies and community about the importance of statistics in any nation’s progress,” he said.The head of the KU’s department of Statistics, Prof Anwar Hassan, underlined the need to improve the statistics systems.The function was attended by scores of students, academics and officials, including the KU registrar, Prof S Fayaz Ahmad.
