Union Power Secy for perspective power plan for J&K

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64 power projects to be tendered next month

JAMMU, NOV 30: Union Power Secretary, Mr. H. S. Brahma has asked the State Government to formulate a perspective power generation and transmission plan for meeting the power needs of the next 20 years with stress on time bound execution. He also called for switching over to energy efficiency norms to conserve electricity. Speaking at a high-level meeting to review the progress of various power projects in the State here today, Mr. Brahma asked the State Power Development Department to complete all the formalities for allotment of 64 new hydel power projects to executing agencies by the end of next month. The State Government has identified about 310 hydro-electric projects across the State to tap its vast power potential, out of which 64 power projects will be taken up in the first phase. The power projects of above 200 MW capacity are being allotted to NHPC whereas mini hydel power projects of less than 200 MW capacity would be executed through Institutional Power Promoters (IPP) and local companies. Mr. Brahma stressed on introducing energy efficient devices in all the Government owned buildings in the first phase, adding that guidance of Bureau of Energy Efficiency could be sought for the purpose. He also directed to accelerate laying of transmission lines, adding that laying of Srinagar-Leh transmission line, vital for supply of power in remote areas of Leh and Kargil districts, should be completed on priority. Mr. Brahma urged for handing over two more Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) to NHPC for capacity building and said that this would help in running the power projects efficiently. Two ITIs, one each at Reasi and Leh, have already been adopted by NHPC. He also urged for tapping solar energy in a big way to meet the energy requirements of the State, adding that there should be a proper monitoring mechanism to oversee execution of various power projects in the State. He said the Central team would again visit J&K in January 2010 to review various ongoing power projects. Progress on power projects and allied works under Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana and APDP also came up for discussion. Chairman, Central Electricity Authority (CEA) Mr. Rakesh Nath, Member CEA, S. Gurdial Singh, Joint Advisor Planning Commission, Mr. R. K. Koul, Commissioner/Secretary Power, J&K, Mr. B. R. Sharma, Deputy Secretary Union Ministry of Finance, Mr. Neeher Ranjan Pandey and Power Development Commissioner, J&K were also present in the meeting.

EID MUBARAK

Today I pray that:-
Happiness be at Ur Door
May It Knock Early
Stay Late & Leave the Gift of Allah's
Peace, LoVe, Joy & Good Health Behind

EID MUBARAK

 

EID

 

E- Embrace with open heart.
I- Inspire with impressive attitude.
D- Distribute pleasure to all.

--
AJMER ALAM WANI

Journalist (Accredited)

Managing Editor, Kattu Satya, (English daily,
Jammu).  

(M) 09906103001, 09419181770

J&K has only 73,778 non-verified subscribers BUT 38 lakh on hold.....WHY

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“If they behave wrongly, there is no need to make yourself suffer. If you point out to them what is correct and they do not practice accordingly, leave it at that”

LACKING SUBSCRIBERS VERIFICATION

DoT slapped Rs 7.38 Cr penalty on telecom operators in J&K

By Ajmer Alam Wani

JAMMU, NOV 26: Bearing with the faults of telecom operators, about 38 lakh subscribers and many thousands connected with the business are suffering badly due to the ban on pre-paid mobile services in J&K. If sources are to be believed, Department of Telecom (DoT) has identified 73,778 non verified subscribers in Jammu and Kashmir State, but the Home Ministry forced about 38 lakh mobile subscribers to suffer by banning the pre-paid mobile services in J&K that too for the faults committed by the telecom operators.

However, the Department of Telecom (DoT) has taken strong note of the issue and slapped about Rs 7.38 Crore penalty on telecom operators for non-verification of 73,778 subscribers in Jammu and Kashmir circle. As per the licence norms, Rs 1,000 is the penalty for every unverified connection on the provider.

The leading telecom operators including Bharti Airtel, BSNL, Vodafone and the Tatas are understood to have been slapped penalty for non-verification of subscribers in the J&K circle. According to sources, the Department of Telecom has slapped a penalty of Rs 5.33 crore (Rs 53.3 million) on Airtel for J&K State-owned BSNL also faces a penalty of Rs 1.48 crore (Rs 14.8 million) in J&K. The government has taken this extreme step as tthe state has been severely hit by insurgency and non-verification of subscribers could lead to escalation of illegal activities. The DoT has been issuing notifications from time to time to mobile operators to ensure 100 per cent verification. Vodafone-Essar has also been penalised with Rs 24.90 lakh (Rs 2.49 million) in J&K. Dishnet (Aircell) was also found lacking subscriber verification and has been asked to pay a penalty of Rs 22 lakh for J&K. The Tatas face a penalty of Rs 9.05 lakh (Rs 905,000) for J&K for defaulting on the norms. The Anil Ambani-led RCom has been slapped a minimum penalty of just Rs 83,000 in J&K.

Army in Ladakh to have solar energy: Union Secy

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JAMMU, NOV 25: Union Secretary for New & Renewal Energy, Mr. Deepak Gupta has said army in Ladakh division would be provided solar energy to reduce their dependence on fuel, adding a comprehensive project for the purpose is under consideration of the central government.

Chairing a high level review meeting here today, Mr. Deepak asked the concerned officers to assess the potential and feasibility of micro hydro power and renewable energy projects for harnessing. He called for furnishing list of completed projects and handed over projects to the respective District Administration/Village Level Committees for proper upkeep and maintenance.

Mr. Deepak asked the concerned to prepare list of left out houses for distribution of Solar House Lights identified by the local representatives.

The meeting held threadbare discussions on construction of micro-hydel projects, establishment of water mills and solar lighting system in the state. Transmission & distribution system and subsidy related issues also came up for discussion in the meeting.

The meeting was informed that work on 800 KW three micro hydel power projects is going on in full swing in Ladakh, which are expected to be completed by September next year. The solar street lights and solar lantern in Sharju, Mahore are fully functional, the meeting was informed.

It was further given out that 816 un-electrified villages and hamlets in Jammu division and 587 in Kashmir division have been identified. Of which 106 of Jammu division and 176 in Kashmir division would be covered under Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojna. It was informed that 6872 Solar House Lights have been dispatched for 6 districts of Kashmir division, adding that 3726 systems have been procured for Gurez on the basis of lists furnished by the district administration. 12376 households of Kashmir division would be covered under REC.

Among others, Principal Secretary, Science & Technology, Dr. Arun Kumar, Secretary, Power Development Department, Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Chief Executive Officer, IREP, Additional Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. Additional Chief Executive Officer, JKEDA, and representatives of army attended the meeting.

Govt fixes quantity limit of food commodities for wholesaler, retailer

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JAMMU, NOV 25: Under a notification issued here the Government has fixed the maximum quantity of pulses, paddy, edible oils, edible seeds, rice and wheat that can be possessed by a wholesaler and a retailer at any point in time.

According to this notification issued by Consumers Affairs and Public Distribution Department, Civil Secretariat, a wholesaler can posses 200 quintals of pulses at any point in time and a retailer 20 quintals of it. Similarly wholesaler can hold 500 quintals of paddy while as retailer can posses 200 quintals of it. A wholesaler can posses 300 quintals of edible oils of all brands and a retailer 25 quintals. The edible oil seeds weighing 500 quintals can be held by a wholesaler and 15 quintals by a retailer while as 200 quintals each of rice and wheat can be possessed by a wholesaler while as a retailer can hold 30 quintals of rice and 15 quintals of wheat at any point in time.

Truthful politics my government’s benchmark: Omar

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‘Let people remember us for actions, let works speak for our governance’

GOOL, NOV 25: Spelling out the major aspects of his government’s policy plan, the Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah Wednesday said that five important sectors of power, roads, health, water supply and education have been underlined for considerable boost to ensure better basic amenities to the people especially in rural, far-flung and hilly backward areas. “Jammu and Kashmir is not only the land of cities and towns but major chunk of our population lives in villages, hilly and remote areas. We have to focus on their faster development alongwith the development of urban areas”, he added.

Addressing a well attended public gathering after inaugurating a Power Receiving Station at Sangaldan and laying foundation stone of another such station at Gool, Mr. Omar said that he has made the truthfulness and state forward politics the bench mark of the governance.

“We do not believe in the politics of slogan raising and making reckless promises. I want my government should be known by the actions it takes without making noise. We want to accomplish the works and realize the goals to the benefit of the people which would itself speak on ground”, he said asserting that whatever promises his government makes would be fulfilled fully.

The Chief Minister said that people in the backward areas like Sangaldan and Gool are mostly concerned with the basic needs of life, as such, my endeavour is to concentrate on this aspect and talk to the inhabitants here about these needs. “You require drinking water, power, roads etc. Let me assure you that your government is alive to these requirements and steps are a foot in this regard”, he added.

The Chief Minister said that the demand for degree college in the area has been underlined as most justified and genuine demand of the people, as such, government would take every step to provide this facility in the area whenever opportunity arises. “We are expecting some 15 to 16 more degree colleges from Government of India. When the same are allotted, this area would get its due at that point in time definitely”, he maintained.

Mr. Omar said that government was actively focusing on giving boost to the development activities in far-flung areas to generate jobs and promote economic activities. He said the Railway project and construction of power stations in these areas will provide greater opportunity of jobs to the people and give boost to economy. He said, he has directed the concerned to ascertain from railway people about the percentage of locals they have engaged on various works so that a clear picture emerges in this regard and, if required, the Railway Authorities would be sensitized about the need of providing maximum jobs to the locals wherever feasible.

About the local demands presented to the Chief Minister in the ‘Supasnama’, Mr. Omar said that the genuine demands would be sympathetically considered and appropriate orders issued accordingly.

The Minister of State for Rural Development and Social Welfare, Mr. Aijaz Ahmed Khan and Minister of State for Forest and Power, Mr. Shabir Ahmed Khan also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the achievements of the government headed by the Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah. They said that government was committed to allround development of the state especially speedy development of far-flung and rural areas.

The Power Receiving Station inaugurate at Sangaldan has been completed at a cost of over Rs. 1 crore. It is likely to benefit about 30,000 population of the area, while the Receiving Station at Gool is being completion at a cost of Rs. 2 crore to benefit over 20,000 souls.

Omar for equal attention on students’ personality development

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Inaugurates hostel, bio-science complex at BGSBU

RAJOURI, NOV 25: Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah Wednesday underscored the importance of personality development alongwith academic excellence of student in the educational institutions calling for a special attention towards this important aspect. “We have to focus on the development of personality of a student while concentrating on academics”, he added saying that it is most important to prepare them to shoulder future challenges of life.

The Chief Minister who is also Chancellor of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU) was addressing students and staff of the University here, after inaugurating a Hostel, Bio-Sciences complex and laying foundation for Centre for Industrial Technology.

Omar Said that the reputation of the educational institutions gets fillip by the laurels students bring for these institutions. “It is the student which bring fame and name to the institution by his outstanding performance outside the campus life”, he said and asked the student to prepare themselves to undertake the challenging tasks in the field of science, technology and social life after completing the studies.

The Chief Minister said that University has progressed to a greater extent in the short span of time and earned name in the country. He expressed hope that the team of management headed by the Vice Chancellor Mr. Masood A. Choudhary would endeavour to further strengthen the institute and give necessary boost to the academic activities and infrastructure development. “Government would render all possible help to the University in this regard” he said.

The Chief Minister said that with the coming up of two Central University in the state the competition will take new dimensions as such, the existing universities should take note of this aspect and prepare to take on any challenge.

Omar said that he would like to have one to one and group interactions with the students in near future to obtain their observations and get first hand appraisal of their feelings regarding the academics and other activities of the university. “I want to do this in such a way as would not disturb the normal academic activities of the university by my visits”.

The Minister of State for Rural Development and Social Welfare, Mr. Aijaz Ahmed Khan and Minister of State for Forest and Power, Mr. Shabir Ahmed Khan, Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, Mr. J. P. Singh were present on the occasion.

The Vice Chancellor Mr. Masood A. Choudhary gave a power point presentation about the academic and development activities of the University highlighting the major aspects of the master plan.

Later, Chief Minister paid obeisance at the Shahdara Sharief, offered fateh and prayed for the peace and prosperity of the state and well being of the people.

The management of the Dargah on the occasion apprised the Chief Minister about the plans of development for Shahdara Sharief in a power point presentation. Mr. Omar directed for upgrading the facilities for the zaireen and devotees at the Dargah.

An open letter to Honble Defence Minister

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(NO CHANGES MADE---PUBLISHED IN ORIGINAL FORM)

Honble Defence Minister,

Government of India ,

New Delhi .

Subject: Mismanagement in the office of the Public Relation Officer (PRO) 16 Corps/ Western Command.

Respected Sir,

With heavy heart we want to inform your good self that for the last one year office of the Public Relation Officer (PRO) is not functioning in professional manner. The officer, who has been holding charge of PRO Defence Jammu is acting as a dictator and since his tenure of about nine months in Jammu he always has adopted pick and choose policy while dealing with media..

Yesterday, i,e 24^th of November, 2009 Jammu an Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor and many other dignitaries were in Jammu to dedicate War Memorial BALIDHAAN STAMB to the people of state.

However, the policy adopted by PRO Defence to invite media is beyond our imagination. All the media including National Channels and Newspapers had to intervene themselves to get the passes to cover the event.

We had to personally call the PRO to ensure that our name is in the list of the people invited to cover the event. In the process, many of the National News Channels, National and local Dailies were unable to attend the function.

What adds to our surprise was the fact that PRO had personally mailed the Invitation to some media in Jammu .

The journalists who went to cover the function on their own were asked to get down from the vehicle that was carrying journalists to the spot.

Treatment given to media on the venue was also very disrespectful. No proper sitting arrangements were made for media. Not even press notes supposed to carry the information about the memorial were provided to us there.

We wanted to bring these points to your notice so that the relation between media in Jammu and Army here keep functioning smoothly.

10 days training of JK Scouts, Guides concludes

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Renowned personality of London Benedict Taylor appreciate JK Scouts

Ten days training of Jammu and Kashmir Scouts and Guides concluded here today. A large number of boys and girls scouts and guides participated.

Benedict Taylor, a world renowned scout of U.K. was the chief guest on the valedictory function. Divisional Organizing Commissioner, J&K Scouts and Guides Nazir Ahmad Nazir and other Commissioners were present on the occasion. Welcoming the chief guest, Nazir Ahmad Nazir highlighted the achievements of the J&K Scouts and guides and said the organization was established in April 2003. He said this association, which is affiliated with All India Boys Scouts, has gained recognition and support and its activities of involving people in the non-formal education, assisting young people to establish a system based on spiritual, social and ethical principles has received acclaim world over. Benedict Taylor was informed that when earlier a group of Scouts from London arrives New Delhi, J&K Scouts and All India Boys Scouts received them at New Delhi. Even Hon’ble Members from House of Lords and House of Commerce appreciated people to people contact and contribution of All India Boys Scouts in establishing global brotherhood. He said J&K Scouts and Guides has always remained active in providing training to inculcate philanthropic spirit among youth besides doing social service to downtrodden as was done when Kashmir valley witnessed earthquake particularly in Karnah and Uri and Scouts and Guides provided all possible helping hand to the needy and deserving. He said to preserve heritage and conserve environment, a historical walk was organized in which about 7000 Scouts and Guides of the valley took part in the event and each scout guide and their teachers were awarded. Benedict Taylor in his speech accoladed the J&K Scouts and Guides for performing well in the valley and carrying its activities for physical, social, mental and spiritual dimensions. He said he sees a bright future of J&K Scouts and Guides and said “he is highly inspired by J&K Scouts and Guides”.

An interactive session between, Mr. Taylor and Scouts and Guides students was also held on the occasion. Taylor on his arrival was given warm welcome by the Scout and Guide students, trainers, commissioners and teachers.

Peaceful J&K requiring no army on internal front our goal: CM

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Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister (CM), Omar Abdullah on Tuesday lauded the role of Indian Army in safe-guarding the borders of country and rending stupendous service to the people during natural calamities and in the hours of need. The Chief Minister was inaugurating Balidan Sthambh (The Pillar of Sacrifice) constructed by Indian Army here as a memorial for soldiers who made supreme sacrifice in wars and counter terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir. The Balidan Sthambh signifies national integration and the time tested lineage between the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian Armed Forces. The memorial was handed over to the Chief Minister by the Chief of Army Staff, General Deepak Kapoor at an impressive function attended by the Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Ministers of State, Shabir Ahmed Khan and Aijaz Ahmed Khan, Political Advisor to Chief Minister, Devendar Singh Rana, Chief Secretary, S.S Kapur, GOC Western Command, Lt. Gen T. K. Sapru, GOC Northern Command, Lt. Gen B.S Jaswal, Director General Police, Kuldeep Khoda, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr. Khurshid Ahmed Ganai, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, senior army, police and civil officers and families of the martyrs of armed forces. Omar said that the memorial will always remind the people of the great sacrifices made by the jawans and provide an opportunity to pay homage to the martyrs. “The memorial, I hope would emerge as a tourist place in the coming days and visitors would make it a point to stop here for a while”, he added. The Chief Minister referring to the role of army in helping civil administration to maintained peace and law and order in the challenging situation in Jammu and Kashmir, said that army never asks for any task regarding the maintenance of internal security, as its role is to protect the borders and fight the enemies for which they have been actually trained. “It is the situation which compels the civil government to call army for meeting the exigencies and protect the lives of citizens”, he said. Omar said that state and centre governments are working together to restore the permanent peace and stability in the state so that every citizen breaths in the atmosphere of peace and tranquility. “We want to create a situation where no army man will be required for the protection of the people on internal front”, he said. Omar thanked the army for constructed the befitting memorial in Jammu city signifying the martyrdom of Indian Army, making reference to the efforts of former Chief of Army Staff, General N.C Vij in this regard. He said General Vij projected and piloted the work on the project which has ultimately come up as a marvelous monument. He asked the authorities to maintain the grandeur, cleanliness and ambience of the memorial and the garden dedicated by the Indian Army to people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Chief of Army Staff, General Deepak Kapur thanked the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah for presiding over the function and inaugurating the memorial. He paid rich tributes to the army jawans who laid their lives while protecting the honour and safety of the country and its people. “The martyrs will always be remembered” he said adding that Balidan Sthambh would inspire the youth to inculcate the spirit of patriotism. The GOC Western Command Lt. General T. K. Sapru welcomed the guests and gave resume of the efforts put in by the army especially retired General Vij for the construction of the memorial at Jammu city. The Balidan Sthambh is a soaring 60 metre high tower symbolizing a bayoneted rifle. The tower pierces the sky and epitomises courage and valour. At the base of the tower is an eternal flame, a timeless commemoration of the supreme sacrifice made by the brave martyrs on the soil of Jammu and Kashmir, while upholding the unity and integrity of India. The memorial tower is surrounded by three layers of water bodies, each at a different level signifying the gradual alleviation of grief of the near and dear ones of the martyrs. The first water body is calm and still denoting dignity and pride, while the central water body flows into the lower level representing the energy of eternal life. Soft lilting melody from the musical fountains fills the air with nostalgia. As a befitting backdrop to the majestic tower, is an immaculate black granite wall on which, the history of each of the wars fought in Jammu and Kashmir since Independence is engraved, recounting the sage of blood and courage. A necklace of 52 memorial pillars adorns the front of the memorial tower. On these, the names of all martyrs are etched on stone in golden colour, bearing testimony of their selfless sacrifice. The memorial rises from lush green contoured lawns which accentuate the tranquil ambience as one walks up to the base of the tower to pay homage to the martyrs. The function began by the unveiling of the inaugural stone by Chief Minister. The three Cheetah helicopters at this point in time flew over showering petals over the audience. This followed by the lighting of eternal flame and wreath laying. The Chief Minister, Union Minister and others also signed the visitor’s book penning down their tributes of the martyrs.

Saudi Arabian Govt to help KU digitalize Arabic manuscripts

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Dr. Ebraheem M. Al-Batshan, Cultural Attaché of Saudi Arabian Embassy offered help from the Saudi Arabian Government to the library for procuring and digitizing Arabic manuscripts available in Kashmir. Dr. Ebraheem was speaking at two-day national seminar on “Contribution of Kashmir to Arabic Language and Literature” organized by the department of Arabic, University of Kashmir which concluded here today . Dr. Ebraheem said he was impressed with the arrangements and facilities of the library and showed keen interest in the manuscripts preserved in the Kashmir University Allama Iqbal Library. The chief guest said that he was impressed by the research papers of Kashmiri Arabic scholars and looked forward to their contribution in Arabic in future as well. In his presidential address Prof A.R Yousuf Dean Academic Affairs said that Kashmiri scholars have made tremendous contribution to the Arabic literature and the department of Arabic at Kashmir University is keeping this tradition alive by promoting scholarship in true sense. . He congratulated the department for organizing the seminar on such an important theme and assured all the help from administration in future endeavors. The seminar aimed at highlighting the development of Arabic language in Kashmir and focused on the contributions made by Kashmiri scholars to it was earlier inaugured by Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Riyaz Punjabi. The departmental annual journal “Journal of Arabic Studies” and other publications were released by the Vice-Chancellor and the chief guest at the inaugural session . The chief guest from Saudi Arabia very keenly attended the deliberations of the seminar and appreciated the presentations. The Head, Department of Arabic, Pz. Basheer Ahmad welcomed the guests , and lso presented a brief report of the activities of the department. He said that he is happy with the overwhelming response of the scholars in the conference. Dr. Shad Hussain faculty member of the department and organising secretary of the seminar who conducted the proceedings for all days described the seminar outcome as successful and said that the deliberations will be published in the form of a book . Dr Shad said that in all five technical sessions where held and 25 papers on different aspects of the theme related to Contribution of Kashmir to Arabic Language and Literature” were presented by scholars from within and outside the state. The presentations evoked lively discussions on the subject and all participants were unanimous that there was great contribution of Kashmir Arabic scholars to the Arabic language and literature .

The department of Arabic and the Saudi Arabian Embassy are likely to sign some Memoranda of understanding in near future which will help for better collaborations and student exchange programmes between the various universities in Saudi Arabia and Kashmir University.

PRESIDENT OF INDIA HONOURS KU INNOVATOR

Mushtaq Ahmad Dar, an innovator from Anantnag South Kashmir was awarded the first prize in State category by the President of India Smt. Pratiba Devisingh Patil for his innovations entitled 'Walnut Cracker Machine' and 'Tree/Pole climber which he had designed with the help of University of Kashmir. He received a memento, certificate and Rs. 25000 cash from the President of India. It is pertinent to mention that Mushtaq's innovations were developed and value added at University Instrumentation centre (USIC), University of Kashmir. The Tree Climber being manufactured by India Innovatix Ltd., Ahmadabad, will soon be launched in Power Development Departments of all the States including Jammu & Kashmir. Mr. Fayaz Ahmad, Collaborator GIAN Cell, University of Kashmir, was also awarded 3rd prize among media awards. He received a memento, certificate and Rs. 15000 cash from Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, Chairman NIF. The award was given to him at the Fifth 'Biennial Grassroots Technological Innovations and Traditional Knowledge Award Function' organized by National Innovation Foundation (NIF) at Dr. B. P. Paul Auditorium, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) Pusa, New Delhi. President of India Smt. Pratiba Devi Singh Patil gave away the awards to the winners. The award function was organized to honour and encourage grassroot innovators across the country. A total of 72 awards were given in 5 categories for Engineering, transport, energy, Agriculture and herbal practice related technologies. About 37000 practices/innovations and ideas from 31 States/Union trritories of India received for the award competition were screened by the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) of NIF. The RAC constitutes of Heads of the top R&D institutes of the country, Vice-Chancellors of various Universities and experts from Engg., Agriculture and Veterinary Colleges from all parts of India. Prof. G. Mohi-ud-din Bhat, Director USIC, University of Kashmir, and a member of the RAC, said that it was a challenge for the RAC to choose 72 winners out of 32000 participants. The winners were selected after a rigorous screening of the short listed innovations and the whole process took more than two years to finalize the list of awardees.

JKCRF approves Rs.71 Crore for drought hit areas

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The Jammu and Kashmir Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) Committee has approved the release of funds to the tune of Rs 71 crores and its placement with the two Divisional Commissioners for onward payment to the CAPD Department for providing free ration for the months of December, 2009, January and February 2010 at the rate of 35 Kg per family per month in the drought affected areas.

The decision will benefit the affected families in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch, Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar districts in Jammu province and Anantnag, Bandipora, Kulgam, Kargil, Kupwara, Pulwama, Baramula and Badgam districts in Kashmir province.

It has been decided that free rations shall not be in addition to the quota due to these families in the normal course, but shall only be provided free of cost. It was also decided that the Deputy Commissioners shall constitute Monitoring Committees in their respective districts in order to ensure and oversee proper distribution of the free rations to the drought affected families.

It has been further decided that the Memorandum for seeking assistance from the National Calamity Contingency Fund shall be prepared by the Revenue Department in consultation with the Agriculture Production Department and the Finance Department, which shall be submitted to Government of India by 21^st of November, 2009 positively. The said Memorandum will be based strictly on the field reports of Special Girdawari and seek assistance on all admissible items as per the guidelines.

The Committee also released Rs. 3.03 crores in favour of Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir for its further placement with the Deputy Commissioner Kupwara for disbursement among the cyclone victims of July 26, 2009.

The Committee also approved payment to the tune of Rs.57.66 lakh for the relief of Horticulturists and Agriculturists in the districts of Shopian, Anantnag and Kulgam, whose crops have been damaged due to hailstorm on May 10, 2009.

JK sanctions Overseas Employment Corporation

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The Jammu and Kashmir government has sanctioned the setting up of the Jammu and Kashmir State Overseas Employment Corporation with an authorized share capital of Rs. 100 lakhs with the purpose to facilitate educated and skilled youth to seek employment within and outside the country. The decision was taken on the instructions of Chief Minister (CM), Omar Abdullah.

Government has also sanctioned the Board of Directors of J&K State Overseas Employment Corporation comprising Chief Minister as Chairman and Minister for Labour and Employment as Vice Chairman.

The administrative Secretaries of Industries and Commerce, Planning and Development, Health and Medical Education, Finance, Labour and Employment, Technical Education departments and Director Employment (Ex-Officio MD) will be the Directors of the Board.

Four eminent professionals in the field of employment and other related areas of specialization will be nominated separately by the Government will also act as Directors in the Board.

The sanction has also been granted for the nomination of the Director Employment, Jammu and Kashmir, Joint Directors Employment, and Deputy Directors Employment as Ex-Officio Managing Director, General Managers and Managers of the Corporation respectively.

Government has also sanctioned creation of posts of one General Manager (Marketing) in Pay Band-III with pay grade of Rs. 7600, one Assistant Marketing Manager in Pay Band-II with grade of Rs.4800 on computer assistant in Pay Band-II with grade of Rs.4200 for the corporation.

Arnas to be brought on tourism map: Jora

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Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora has said that the Government is contemplating to bring the “Arnas” valley of district Reasi on tourism map for exploring its varied potential. He said Rs 7.22 crore would be spent on the development of scenic and adventure spots, besides creation of infrastructure for visiting tourists once the State Government would receive accord sanction from the Union Government.

This was stated by Mr.Jora while addressing a largely attended public gathering today at village Gari, about 140 kms from here.

Minister of State for Power, Forest and CA&PD and Minister for Haj, Aquaf, Higher Education and Fisheries, Mr. Aijaz Ahmad Khan also addressed the gathering.

Mr. Jora said that the Government is fully aware about the development needs of the people and is working vigorously to fulfill their aspirations. He said a multipronged strategy has been evolved for the fast development of the State. He said people have high hopes with the Government and assured that it will strive for assuaging their urges and aspirations.

Addressing on the occasion, Mr. Shabir Ahmad Khan said that extending electricity facilities to left-over hilly areas is the priority of the Government. He said a receiving station has been sanctioned for Arnas, which will help in streamlining the facilities in the area. He said all the dilapidated poles and old wire would also be replaced in a phased manner in the area.

The Minister said that every facility would be provided including availability of food-grains well in time through sale outlets and instructed CA&PD authorities to make it sure that every householder gets its ration quota every month.

Mr. Aijaz Ahmad Khan said that people of the State, especially those living in hilly and border areas, have suffered a lot during turmoil. He said the Government is working tirelessly to ensure all round development of the State. He said development of mountainous and remote areas like Arnas is the top priority of the Government, adding that a massive developmental programme has been initiated in these areas.

Mr. Aijaz, who is also MLA of Arnas constituency said it is a matter of satisfaction for the people of Gari and other surrounding villages that for the first time a vehicle plied on the newly constructed Gari-Jag Bogli road. The road had been taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 12 crore. He said execution of Arnas-Dhanoor and Gaundi-Panosa and salal-Sujandhar roads are also being taken up at a total cost of Rs 21 crore. He said 17 water shed development projects have been sanctioned for the constituency under Haryali programme to uplift the socio-economic condition of the people.

The Minister said extension of quality education, healthcare and potable drinking water are also priority of the Government. He said several new projects for the area are in pipeline. He assured the people that being their representatives in the Government, he will not leave any stone unturned for overall development of the area. He sought peoples cooperation in this regard.

On this occasion, the people of the area also celebrated birth anniversary of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and paid floral tributes on the portrait of the late leader.

Jammu to host winter sports soon: Nasir

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To ensure round-the-year tourism activities in J&K and promote water sports, Minister of State for Tourism, Housing and Urban Development, PHE and Revenue, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani(Sogami)has said that Jammu would soon host National River Rafting Championship on Chenab River at Akhnoor.

The Minister said this in an interview “Seedhi Baat”to a private electronic channel Take-I.

He said that all the three regions of J&K have great potential in adventure tourism and a comprehensive policy is being worked out to boost the discipline like rafting, rock climbing mountaineering etc across the State. He said that a lot of work has already been done on this front and more activities are in the pipeline to make adventure tourism a fulltime tourism activity.

Referring the participation of J&K in World Trade Mart at London last week, Mr. Nasir said that the delegation led by Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah gave excellent presentation about J&K tourism potential and invited global tourists to visit the State to witness its scenic and beautiful tourist spots.He said new locations being developed from tourism point of view. He said the Government has taken several major initiatives to tap the vast tourism potential of the State by strengthening Tourism Development Authorities and Tourist Circuit. Giving details of the tourism potential of Jammu province, Mr Nasir said that Jammu province has witnessed a major increase in the pilgrim tourism with a heavy rush of pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi and Shiv-Khori, adding that a policy is being formulated to divert them to other scenic spots of Jammu, erstwhile Doda, Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi for which tourism infrastructure was created under Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Programme. He said various villages have already been identified for developing them as tourist villages for which Rs.70 lakh would be spent on each village. On unplanned construction of colonies in urban areas of the State, the Minister said that from now on every construction would be taken up as per the Master Plan. To ease the frequent traffic jams in twin capitals of the State, the Minister said that a foolproof mechanism would be adopted to tackle this problem.