Srinagar, December 18:

Government Wednesday appealed general public to refrain from using Khyber Toned Milk as according to the Office of the Deputy Commissioner Food Safety Kashmir Division, the Analysis report of referral Laboratory Kolkatta has in-dicated it substandard and unsafe for consumption.Office of the Deputy Com-missioner Food Safety Kashmir Division has directed all designated of-ficers to keep a strict vigil over the movement of Khy-ber Toned Milk bearing lot number MD E S.P 17 in the market.Office of the Deputy Com-missioner Food Safety Kashmir Division in a press statement to CNS has said that this office is in of receipt letter number

See Khyber on Pg. 11

3 years on, Umar Qayoom’s family awaits

registration of FIR

Jammu, December 18:

Hailing decision of the Parliament to pass Lokpal Bill today, patron of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mufti Mohammed Sayeed today there was a need to launch a decisive war against corruption in the country. He said that passing of Lok-pal Bill was the landmark step towards eradicat-ing the menace of corruption but lot more needed to be done. Ad-dressing a func-tion to welcome large num-ber of people Kastigarh and adjoining areas of Doda who joined PDP here today, Mufti reminded that Jammu and Kashmir was the first state which had taken a historic and land-mark step in the direction of containing corruption in

the State. “While the coun-try has passed Lokpal Bill today only, PDP led gov-ernment in Jammu and Kashmir had constituted State Accountability Com-mission (SAC), similar to Jan Lokpal way back in the year 2003”, he said and added that powers of SAC

were similarly to the Jan Lok-pal because all important people including min-isters and bu-reaucrats were brought under the purview of SAC. “To ensure appointment of

only credible persons as members of the SAC Chief Minister, leader of the op-position and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly were authorized to appoint members of SAC”, he re-called.Reminding that PDP led

See Mufti on Pg. 11

SHRC takes cognizance of mushroom growth of

coaching centersSrinagar, December 18:

Taking cognizance of the news reports about a tu-tor arrested on the charges of raping his taught, and the mushroom growth of coaching centers and their poor facilities therein, the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) is-sued notices to Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Director School Education Kashmir for submitting their respective reports in the matter. “All the Dy. Commission-ers of Kashmir are also directed to come up with their respective reports in the matter together with the details of all the coach-ing centers, registered/un-registered operating in their respective jurisdic-tions positively by or be-

fore the next date,” reads the order passed by Rafiq Fida, member SHRC. “Despite the fact that the students are charged an exorbitant tuition fee ranging from Rs. 20,000/- to Rs. 30,000/- for a couple of months, the owners of these coaching centers, while minting money from the poor students, do not bother to even equip their centers with basic require-ments including heating arrangements and sepa-rate classrooms for the boy and girl students not to talk of adequate infra-structure. The mushroom growth of coaching centers has led to the evasion of ba-sic formalities as barring a few, all these coaching centers are not registered anywhere, their due

See SHRC on Pg. 11

Srinagar, December 18:

National Conference Wednesday said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will not contest from Ganderbal Con-stituency in forthcom-ing Assembly Elections. National Conference Additional General Sec-retary, Dr Shiekh Mustafa Kamal told CNS that Peoples Demo-cratic Party is trying to give an impression that Omar Abdullah is scared o f

facing people in Gander-bal which is totally base-less. He said that Omar Abdullah provided all sorts of facilities to the people of Ganderbal and the district witnessed tremendous develop-ment under the leader-

ship of Omar Abdul-lah. Kamal said that any NC candi-date has caliber

to defeat any stalwart of PDP from Gan-

derbal Constitu-ency. “National

Conference will again emerge

as single l a r g e s t party and w o u l d rule the S t a t e with the c o n -

sent and help of people of Jammu and Kashmir. Those who claim that they will get majority are living in a fool’s para-dise,” he said adding that the defeat of PDP is im-minent.National Conference Additional General Secretary and legisla-tor alleged that Mufti Muhammad Sayeed during his tenure as Chief Minister encour-aged corrupt officers as a result corruption and malpractices became rampant in Jammu and Kashmir. “Omar Abdullah has been trying hard to give corruption free environ-ment to the people and for this purpose several anti-graft agencies were created.” Kamal said adding that future of people is always secure during NC rule.

Poonch, December 18:

Reaffirming his mission to achieve energy sufficient Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Wednesday said that his vision to bring economic autonomy to the State is linked with the harnessing of maximum of the 20,000 MW hydro power potential available in the State.“My government has laid the edifice in this regard and is firmly working on a roadmap to realize genera-tion of 9000 MWs of power within next 7 to 8 years”, he said and maintained that while the total power gen-eration in the State stood at 750 MWs per annum indig-enously since the time of independence, his govern-ment has launched hydro electro projects of the capac-ity of 1750 MWs during the last about five years.Addressing a large public

gathering after laying foun-dation of Rs. 640.40 crore 37.50 MW Parnai Hydro Electric Project near here, the Chief Minister said that the important turnaround in the financial resources of Jammu and Kashmir is only possible when the State generates surplus power to export it to other States and earn substantial revenue for the develop-ment of the State.“The day is not far off, if we continue to focus on genera-tion of hydro power in the State when the Chief Min-ister of Jammu and Kash-

mir instead of demanding financial assistance from the Centre Government for development purpose would offer financial help to the Centre for the uplift-ment of people and launch of schemes elsewhere in the Country”, he said and added that this is only pos-sible when the State starts producing hydro energy more than required for its domestic use and industrial purposes.Omar Abdullah said that Allah has bestowed his blessings on Jammu and

See Omar on Pg. 11

New Delhi, December 18:

Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the lokpal bill, after eight unsuccessful attempts over the last five decades, a day after the anti-graft legislation underwent amendments dur-ing its course in Rajya Sabha.The ruling Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) joined forces in Lok Sabha in a rare display of unity to create a corruption ombudsman.The Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill, 2011, was passed by voice vote amid din created by mem-bers from Seemandhra region who were protesting against division of Andhra Pradesh to create the state of Telangana. After Lok Sabha's approval, it will now be sent to President Pranab Mukherjee whose as-sent is necessary for it to be-come a law.It became the first bill to be passed during the ongoing win-

ter session of ParliamentThe bill was already passed by Lok Sabha in December 2011 but it came to the House again as it underwent amendments before being approved by Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.The measure got support from all parties except Samajwadi Party and Shiv Sena, whose members staged a walkout.While batting for the measure, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi said, "RTI was UPA's most important assault on cor-ruption. Lokpal bill alone is not enough to fight corruption. What we need is a comprehen-sive anti-corruption code and the UPA government has pre-pared anti-corruption frame-work."He said this was a chance to make history by passing the lokpal bill."This is about the anti-corrup-tion framework and the frame-work of justice that we want to deliver to the country," he

added.He suggested extension of the winter session to pass six more bills which were "part of the comprehensive anti-corruption framework".Speaking to media persons out-side Parliament after the bill was passed, Gandhi said more bills were needed to curb cor-ruption."We need more bills and we have the framework. Congress party has bills in the pipeline that need to be passed," said Gandhi."We've had big success with the lokpal bill, we had the RTI (Right to Information) earlier," he added.Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj attacked Congress for clamouring to take credit for it and praised "the people of this country" for achieving the pas-sage of the bill."The people of this country and the old man (Anna Hazare) who has undertaken fast sev-

eral times deserve the credit," Swaraj said.Speaking on the bill, Swaraj said her party had opposed the earlier lokpal bill as it was a weak legislation but she was happy that Rajya Sabha - where the opposition is in majority - had amended it suitably.Law minister Kapil Sibal said discussion on the measure has taken place over past two years both inside and outside the House. SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav said it will bring government work to a halt as government officials will be afraid of carry-ing out their duties."It will create a fear psychosis among the bureaucracy and no official will take a decision or sign a document," Yadav said, adding that as per the law, a low level policeman will be empowered to question and in-vestigate senior politicians and public officials.

See Lokpal Bill on Pg. 11

Srinagar, Dec 18:

The family of Umar Qayoom Bhat, a youth who according to his father died after being tortured ruthlessly by the police in 2010, Wednesday said that the police is yet to reg-ister FIR in the matter.Abdul Qayoom, father of Umar Bhat, told KNS that the authori-ties are yet to initi-ate a concrete action against the culprits who are ‘roaming free;. “The court more than five times ordered Teh-sildar to appear in per-son, but continuously he has been neglecting the court order. The involved are being el-evated to the higher posts and even the po-lice shows reluctance in filing FIR into the

killing of my 17 year old son.”Qayoom mentioned further that on Friday, August 20, 2010, after prayers, the stone pelt-ing was going on in the area and that while Umar was returning home after prayers, forces caught hold on him and he was beaten up mercilessly. “I saw that around six force personnel were beat-ing him up and bounc-ing him to the walls. They later dragged him to the nearby po-lice post.”Qayoom said that the condition of his son worsened during de-tention and that the repeated plea for his release was out rightly rejected by the police officials. “I requested

See 3 Years on Pg. 11

CMYK

CMYK

CMYK

CMYK

THURSDAY December 19 | 2013 | 15 Safar 1435 AH | PAGES 12 | VOL NO: 3 | ISSUE NO: 322 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 PAISA)Pen For JusticeLargely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K

Lok Sabha passes lokpal bill

http://www.zabarwantimes.com

WEATHER

TEMPERATUREMAXIMUM MINIMUMSUNSET ON(THURSDAY)SUNRISE ON (FRIDAY)

05:25 pm07:33 am

-1.2 0C14.9 0C

FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:

FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:

Weather will be mainly dry and cold over the state.

Mainly clear sky with Haze. Maximum & Minimum temperatures will be around15°C & -2°C respectively.

Omar lays foundation stone of Parnai HEP

Omar will not contest from Ganderbal: Kamal

Replaces Kareena in Karan Johar’s new film

Comprehensive programme undertaken for holistic development

of SrinagarSee More On Page 06 See More On Page 07

See More On Page 10See More On Page 08

Kins of three ministers

arrested in corruption case

Less sleep can make

you obese

Inside story

On Edit Page

Machines need men to make India healthy

The central government is very serious about providing the latest health care facilities on the door-steps of the people even in the re-motest villages.

LC panel pitches for promotion of Small

Scale IndustryThe Department Related Stand-ing Committee (DRSC)-I of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council on Industries and Com-merce department Wednesday stressed the need for promotion of small scale industry

See More On Pg 10

See More On Pg 9

Mufti terms passing of Lokpal Bill a landmark

decisionRahul says more anti-graft bills in pipeline

PDP encouraged corrupt officials Says financial autonomy is linked with power generation

Khyber Toned Milk unsafe for

consumption

Search on to nabmilitant group in Lolab forestsSrinagar, December 18: Inter-mittent exchange of fire contin-ued for the second running day Wednesday between militants and joint team of army and police in Lolab forests of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, where a Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) militant was killed on Tuesday evening, official sources told Global News Service.They said army’s 18 and 28 Rashtriya Rifles and police exchanged fire for the second running day today with a group of heavily armed mili-tants, who’re hiding in Affan forest in Mehandiwali Behak area of Lalpora in Lolab. The joint team, sources said, have cornered the dense forests from all sides to prevent the mili-tants from fleeing. Additional reinforcements have

See Search on Pg. 11

S. K Singh meets SpalbarLeh, December 18: Vice Chief of Army Lt. General S.K Singh from today met CEC LAHDC Rigzin Spalbar and discussed the issues pertaining with Army and Civil relationship in the district at Army Core Head-quarter. Chief of Army staff 14 core Major General Sanjay Kulkarni, GOC Lt. General Rakesh Sharma were also pres-ent in the meeting. During the interaction, CEC thanked Vice Chief of Army for his interven-tion and support for providing 130 kanals of land from Army to civil administration for con-struction of open stadium, pro-curing maximum agricultural products including vegetables and fruits from local

See S.K Singh on Pg. 11

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES SRINAGAR | THURSDAY 19. 12 .2013

Feed your mind today, Libra. The day’s energy supports growth and expansion, so why not see about learning about something you’re interested in? Challenge yourself by read-ing or taking a class. There are plenty of online subjects to engage you. Find something that interests you that you can do in your own time.

You’re more into socializing today than anything else, Scorpio. This could be great providing you don’t have a heavy workload. See who’s available and go for it. If you need to get something done, you’ll have to resist the temptation to chat too long. Use breaks for this and keep your focus on getting done what you’ve taken on. There’s always the evening to get together with friends.

You may find it hard to admit that you can’t do everything, Sagittarius. There are some jobs that you aren’t cut out to do. Why pretend when a better option would be to delegate the task to someone else? If you don’t feel a strong connection with something or someone, don’t force it. Pretending that you’re capable of something will only cause frustration for you and everyone else.

Don’t be surprised if you’re pensive, Capricorn. It’s one of those days when daydreaming can happen more readily. Your imagination may also be at a peak. Rather than fighting this so you can be more productive, jot your ideas down. It may be to your advantage, as better and innovative ways of doing things can pop into your mind. Take time to ponder. It can bring great results.

Chatting with your loved ones may be more appealing to you today than any other day, Aquarius. It may be important to curb this desire if there are many things that need your attention. If you’re at home, don’t spend all your time on the phone or loafing. Consider tending first to things that need to get done. Socializing will be far more enjoyable without guilty feelings about what you should be doing.

Pisces, you can expect to feel a little more energetic to-day. In fact, you may run circles around everyone. What a great way to start the day. Head out with the confidence that you can easily handle anything that comes your way. Take time to enjoy the company of others as much as possible. If there are meetings on the agenda, handle them right away.

Today may be a time of heightened reasoning and judg-ment for you, Virgo. What a great way to get things done! Pull out unfinished projects and get going. Tackle issues or problems that have surfaced recently by facing them di-rectly. Make the most of this day’s energy by thinking about ways to do things more efficiently. Be confident that you can handle anything.

You might feel like doing something different today, Ar-ies. Everyone needs a break from the regular grind and this is a good time to try something new. Perhaps you feel like vary-ing your routine. If this is your day off, you might spend the day doing whatever strikes your fancy. Try a new wardrobe style. Go to a movie. Do something to spice up your life today.

Start your day writing in a journal, Taurus. This provides an avenue to communicate and connect with your inner be-ing. Things you need to do, ambitions, and even challenges can appear while you’re writing, providing a map that you can follow. Even if starting is difficult, stick with it. The words will come if you give it a chance. It can make your day much easier.

You might find it hard to get going, Gemini. Taking di-rection could rub you the wrong way, especially if you’re set on doing something different. Communicate your ideas and how you want to approach things rather than let irritation get to you. Your approach will be better received if you leave emotions out of it. You may even get kudos for staying calm and collected.

You might feel cheerful and generous today, Cancer. Helping others will probably suit you, and matters will move along smoothly. If there are outstanding projects from ear-lier, tackle them first. It’s an opportune time to get caught up on challenges. Don’t hesitate to lend a hand if you’re ap-proached or notice someone in need. This will benefit them as well as you.

Make an effort to connect with someone you miss today, Leo. Even if it feels painful at first, you’ll feel a lot better once you do. Pick up the phone, write a note, or send an email. Let the person know you miss and care about him or her. Expressing yourself is often far better than stuffing your feel-ings. The person may be missing you just as much.

Rs. 1.48 crore IPS inaugurated at Daulatabad

KhanyarSrinagar, December 18:

Maintaining that the Government has undertaken a comprehensive plan for ensuring holistic develop-ment of Srinagar city, the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar today said that the people are well aware of the developmental activities being undertaken by the present coalition, however, certain parties are trying very hard to negate the achievements registered by the present govern-ment in different sectors.

The Minister was addressing a huge gathering after inaugurating Intermediate Pump Station (IPS) at Daulatabad Khanyar constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 1.48 crore by UEED under the Sewerage Scheme for the periphery areas of the Dal. The Pump Station will cater to the areas of Miskeen Bagh, Daulatabad, Badoo

Bagh, Riyazat Teing thereby benefit-ting 90,634 souls of the area.

The Chief Engineer UEED and other concerned senior officers of the department and district administra-tion were present on the occasion.

Mr. Sagar said that the Govern-ment has accelerated the pace of various developmental works being

undertaken for ensuring beautifica-tion and sustained development of

the Srinagar city and in this regard clear directions have been passed to the concerned to ensure timely com-pletion of these prestigious projects.

The Minister said that for bet-ter traffic mobility in the old city Srinagar, the work on prestigious

Meerak Shah Road Project has been expedited besides in health sector

several measures have been initiated like the construction of Super Spe-ciality Hospitals at Shreen Bagh and JLNM Rainawari have been under-taken. He said that a comprehensive project for developing the old city Srinagar on heritage basis has been

initiated so that the whole of the area comes within the tourist circuit which would go a long way in accel-erating the economic activities of this part of the city.

Asking the people not to pay heed to the propaganda of certain politi-cal parties, the Minister said that it is recorded history that these people were responsible for stalling various prestigious projects of the Srinagar city and now they are trying to mis-lead the people for their ulterior po-litical motives. ‘’The work on various prestigious projects like Syed Meerak Shah Road, Khanyar-Zakoora Road Project and other similar projects meant for the holistic development of the old city Srinagar were put at back burner’’, he maintained.

Referring to the various initia-tives undertaken by the Government for providing the much needed em-ployment opportunities to the youth of the State, the Minister said sev-eral schemes like HIMYAT, UDAAN, UMEED and SKEWPY have been in-troduced besides Entrepreneur De-velopment Institute has been set up for involving the youth to set up their own income generating units thereby generating employment opportuni-ties and upliftment of the economy of the State.

Comprehensive programme undertaken for holistic development of Srinagar: Sagar

Anantnag, December 18

Minister for Tourism, Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Mir con-ducted an extensive tour of his home constituency and inspected the on-going developmental projects be-sides assessing the devel-opmental needs in various areas.

He underscored the need for time bound completion of on-going developmental projects and emphasized upon the concerned author-ities to activate men and machinery for the purpose so that the benefits of these would reach to the general public well in time.

Accompanied by Officers and Engineers, the Minister visited Cnigund, Nadoora, Maidanpora, Mirgund, Se-hgund, Arbal, Mirmaidan,

Bonipora, Kanilipora, Chon-tipora, Bagwanpor and Ma-likpora villages and took stock of people’s day to day problems and developmen-tal needs.

Mir inspected pace of progress on several under execution projects, taken up under core sectors for im-proving basic facilities in the area. He instructed the con-cerned Engineers and Offi-cers to ensure use of quality material and judicious utili-zation of funds for creating durable infrastructure.

The Minister directed the concerned officers of CA&PD and Power Depart-ments to ensure hassle free ration and power supply to the area especially during winter months adding that any negligence in this re-gard would be viewed seri-

ously for stern action.Listening to the problem

and developmental needs of the people, he assured them that their genuine individ-ual problems and develop-mental needs would be got redressed from concerned Departments on priority.

Mr. Mir directed the Offi-cers to formulate next year’s action plans well in time by incorporating the genuine developmental needs of each village for allotment of funds under State plan and Flagship programmes.

During the tour, the Min-ister also addressed series of public meetings in the area. He said during last 5 years focussed attention was paid towards the all-round development of rural and hilly areas adding that keen attention was given to

Mir tours Dooru, takes stock of people’s developmental needs,

inspected projects

Feroz finalises arrangements

Directs to include archery in this year’s sports

calendarJammu, December 18:

The State is all set to host the 59thNa-tional School Games Volleyball Tourna-ment starting from tomorrow at M. A. M Stadium Jammu.Minister of State for Youth Services and Sports, Mr. Feroz Ahmad Khan today finalized the ar-rangements for the mega sports event being organised by the Youth Services and Sports Department here at a high level meeting. Director General, Youth Services and Sports Mr. Naveen Ag-garwal, Secretary, Youth Services and Sports Department Mr. Parvez Ahmad Malik, besides senior officers of YSS and Sports Council attended the meeting.The meeting was informed that as many

as 42 teams 506 under 14 year boys and girls from various states of the country are expected to participate in the 5-day tournament. The final of the tournament will be played on December 23 at the same venue.The Minister was informed

that the players have reached Jammu and elaborate boarding and lodging ar-rangements including transport facilities have been made for the convenience of the participants.The Minister instructed the authorities to include Archery in this year’s sports calendar and organize a state level tourney for the sports. He said that holding of a archery competition in the state will not only promote the game but also encourage young enthusiastic players interested in this game. He said that the talented players of this game

will participate at the national level in future for which the government will provide them every assistance.The Min-ister further instructed the authorities to prepare Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Athletic Tracks in Kargil and Leh of

Ladakh region of the state, saying that the region have vast scope of promotion of different kinds of sports played at na-tional and international level.The Minis-ter instructed the authorities to ensure easy access of sportsmen to the sports stadium, playing ground or sports fields in the state no matter whether these are being maintained by J&K Sports Council or Youth Service and Sports Department. He directed for immediate removal of hurdles, if any, so that the sports lovers may not face inconvenience.

59th National School Games Volleyball Tournament from today

LC panel pitches for promotion of Small Scale

Industry in potential areas

Kulgam, December 18: The J&K Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB), Kulgam today organized a massive awareness camp at Industrial Training Institute, Kulgam for familiarizing the edu-cated unemployed youth about the various incentives available under Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) the financial assistance available for setting up of the employment generating units.The camp was inaugurated by Ad-ditional Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Mr. Gulzar Ahmad Shab-nam.Speaking on the occasion, the Additional Deputy Commis-sioner impressed upon the KVIB functionaries to reach out to the unemployed educated youth to provide them proper awareness about the benefits of PMEGP and also to assess their temperament and suitability for different trades which shall prove beneficial for creating sustainable units and employment. He also suggested for formulation of self help groups of youth for setting up of micro enterprises under Agriculture and allied sectors for which ample raw material is available locally.He appealed the participants to change their mindset of being behind government jobs and to venture for setting up of their own employment generating units in the present economic scenario, which guarantees much evolu-tion of creative and innovative human resource. ‘’A better synchro-nization of natural and human resources could be an alternative to overcome the unemployment problem and ensure sustainable economic growth’’, he added. During the camp, 655 educated unemployed youth of the district participated who were provided full knowhow about 113 schemes under seven sectors covered under PMEGP launched in the State since 2008.

Awareness camp held by KVIB Kulgam

241 unit holders provided Rs. 5.22 crore loan

Jammu, December 18:

Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad to-day called upon the officers of forest department to take due care of the needs of the people living near the forests while implementing forest conservation programmes in the State.

Addressing participants at one dayworkshop on “Livelihood Needs and Forest Conservation”, organized by forest department here today, he said that department has done commendable work for preserva-tion and expansion of the state’s green cover adding that it achieved notable success in curbing timber smuggling. He said that this has be-come possible only with the active support of the people living near

forest areas.Mian Altaf said that during past

five years the department, with bet-ter inter departmental coordination and public support, broughtdown the timber smuggling to zero even in the critical areas of the State. He said land encroachment was ram-pant in Jammu division but the joint efforts of different wings of the de-partment forced encroachers to stay away from this illegal practice.

Underlining need for self-audit-ing, the Minister asked officers to improve the working environment in their respective subordinate of-fices and dispose of the cases, re-ceived by the min a time bound manner. He said development proj-ects coming up in the state should not suffer for want of forest clear-ance and asked officers to suggest

alternative where it is not feasible for them to issue clearance rather keeping the cases pending un-nec-essarily. He asked them to clarify their view point in relevant forms and also suggest alternate so that project is taken forward.

Mian Altaf said that construc-tion of roads and other develop-mental projects is a perpetual pro-cess and enjoined upon the officers to ensure that massive afforestation was launched in the areas where forest land is acquired for develop-ment purposes.

Referring to the timber needs of the people, the Minister asked of-ficers concerned to streamline the distribution of timber, particularly under C-zone. He said making avail-able timber on depots will reduce pressure on jungles, adding that this

Jammu, December 18: Minister for CA&PD and Transport, Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan today directed Managing Director SRTC to ensure operationalization of maximum buses on the roads of the state particu-larly on countryside to provide better transport facilities to the commut-ers.

The direction to this effect was given at a high level meeting convened to review the working of the Jammu & Kashmir State Transport Corpora-tion (J&K SRTC) here this morning.

Secretary Transport, Shahid Anyuthullha, MD JK SRTC and General Managers of the corporation were present in the meeting.

The Minister said that the prime objective of the corporation is to fa-cilitate the commuters by way of timely and affordable transport facili-ties particularly in far off areas where private players hesitate for opera-tion. He said there is a dire demand from the people of different districts for SRTC transport facilities and asked the corporation to prioritize the transport plant as per the resources available.

Referring the retention of vehicles in SRTC workshops, the Minister directed MD JKSRTC to frame a comprehensive plan for making these workshops round the clock functional for which the every support would provide by the government.The meeting informed the Minister that 5% growth has registered the corporation up to October, 2013 against last year during the same period.

Ensure maximum operationalization of SRTC buses on countryside

roads: RamzanMian Altaf for taking due care of

people’s needs living near forests

Jammu, December 18:

The Department Related Standing Com-mittee (DRSC)-I of Jammu and Kashmir Leg-islative Council on Industries and Commerce department Wednesday stressed the need for promotion of small scale industry in the State, especially in the uncovered poten-tial areas.The Committee, which met under the Chairmanship of MLC, Mr Bashir Ahmed Magray here today discussed and examined the physical and financial progress report submitted by the department.Legislators, Mr. Ravinder Kumar Sharma, Mr Nurboo Gial-chan, Mr Ghulam Qadir Pardesi and Aga Syed Ahmed Rizvi were present in the meeting.The Committee suggested for launching of Silk Mission in the State on the pattern of Saffron and Basmati to promote this highly lucrative cottage industry. It observed that introduction of modern techniques through the mission will highly benefit the people associated with Silk rearing and improve their socio-economic condition.Threadbare discussion was held on

progress and achievements of various wings of Industries and Commerce department in-cluding Handicrafts, Handloom, SIDCO and SICOP. The Committee also reviewed the pace of progress on the development and creation of new Industrial Estates, rehabilita-tion of sick Industrial Units, land identified for setting industrial estates, incentives and sub-sidy offered to entrepreneurs.Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Mr. Fa-rooq Ahmed briefed the Committee about vari-ous activities of the department.Among oth-ers, Directors, I&C, Jammu, Mr Gulzar Ahmed Qureshi, Director, I&C, Kashmir, Mr Javed Khan, Director, Handloom, Mr Tsering Angchok, Di-rector, Handicraft, Mrs Salma Hamid, Director, Geology and Mining, Mr Farooq Ahmed Khan, Managing Director, JKI, Mr JavidIqbal, Managing Director, SIDCO, Mr M Muazzam, other heads of various wings of concerned department be-sides Additional secretary, Legislative Council , Mr Mohammad Maqbool Bhat and officers and officials of Council Secretariat were attended the meeting.