CMYK

CMYK

CMYK

WEDNESDAY 27 August | 2014 | 30 Shawal, 1435 AH | PAGES 12 | VOL NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 236| RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 Paisa)Pen For Justice Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&Khttp://www.zabarwantimes.com

CMYK

Srinagar, Aug 26: After ruck-us and adjournment of House, Speaker Mubarak Gul Tuesday finally allowed discussion on Adjournment Motion brought in by People’s Democratic Party about the amenesty and with-drawal of FIR’s against youth arrested allegedly on charges of stone-pelting. Speaking in favour of the Mo-tion, PDP legislator Abdul Reh-man Veeri alleged that govern-ment is pushing youth to wall and time will come when these youth will take the government head on and will teach them a lesson. Veeri said that hundreds of youth are languishing in jails and they are unable to secure government jobs and passports. He said that he fails to under-stand the intention of the gov-ernment. “I don’t know what government wants by arresting youth. From past six years, this government has tried to divide the state on communal lines while Kashmir Valley is turning out to be an active volcano due to the anti-people policies adopt-ed by the present government,” he said. Veeri according to CNS claimed that PDP will secure more than 50 seats in coming Assembly elections and Mufti Muhammad Sayeed will be the next Chief Minister of the State. “This government has failed to deliver goods. Youth have been pushed to wall. Thousands of families are without ration cards. Treasuries are empty. Only Mufti Muhammad Sayeed can take this state out of trou-ble,” he said.

Peoples Democratic Front Hakim Muhammad Yasin said that it is pity that government of India after spending crores on Interlocutors team threw their report in dustbin. “Un-employment is taking toll on youth. People want resolution of Kashmir issue. We must ponder over the causes of stone-pelting. Government had earlier prom-ised that it will withdraw FIR’s against the arrested youth but that was not done. We must feel the pain of youth and show them right direction,” he said. National Conference leader Aga Roohullah alleged that PDP brought in the Motion in a bid to take credit as according to him government has already decided to announce amnesty to the ar-rested youth. CPI(M) State Secretary Mu-hammad Yousuf Tarigami said that youth are facing hardships while state government has failed to heal their wounds. Congress legislator Muham-mad Sharief Niaz said that gov-ernment should not withdraw case against youth who have se-rious charges while it can with-draw cases against youth who have been arrested on minor charges. Engineer Rashid according to CNS said that it is not in the hands of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to withdraw cases against the youth. He said that all issues related to Kashmir are being decided by New Delhi. He appealed BJP to have a posi-tive approach towards Kashmir issue and play a role in getting this issue resolved so that peo-

ple of Kashmir don’t suffer any-more. PDP legislator Nizam-u-Din Bhat alleged that the present government adopted the re-pressive means to suppress the people especially youth. He said governance means to punish the killers but in Kashmir it is re-verse. NC legislator accused PDP of playing a drama on the issue. “PDP legislators knew that am-nesty for the youth is in offing and to take credit, they brought in adjournment motion on the issue which is ambiguous. He said that Kashmir witnesses de-velopment and complete peace during the dispensation of the present government. Panthers Party legislator Bal-want Singh Mankotia according to CNS said that cases should not be withdrawn against the youth who indulge in anti-coun-try activities. PDP leader Pirzada Mansoor alleged that National Confer-ence followed the policy of re-pression to suppress the youth of Kashmir. He said that thou-sands of youth have been arrest-ed and the process is in progress. In its reply to the motion brought in by PDP, the state gov-ernment said that government has already decided to grant am-nesty to the youth and withdraw FIR’s against them. Speaking on behalf of the government Rural and Development Minister Ali Muhammad Sagar alleged that most of the youth arrested for in-dulging in stone-pelting proved to be the

See Govt On PG 11..

Opposition demands withdrawal of cases

against youth“Chief Minister himself will announce amnesty”: Govt

Srinagar, Aug 26: In less than three years, 2708 persons lost their lives in 16572 road accidents while 23,245 people received injuries in Jammu and Kashmir, the government said on Monday.Though the state authorities claim that the number of traffic accidents in Jammu and Kashmir has de-creased since the year 2012, the de-tails maintained that 6709 road acci-dents have taken place in the year 2012 that has killed 1165 persons and has injured 9755 across the state.According to the KNS correspondent,

the state government’s minister for transport replied to the query of S. Dharambir Singh Oberoi, member of legislative council wherein the MLC had asked the state government that is it a fact that the number of road accidents has increased over the last few years because of the negligent driving.The state government through its written reply stated that no separate data on the number of road accidents due to the negligent driving is being maintained. The government said that however, the figures of the last

three years 2012, 2013 and 2014 (upto July due to negligent driving) show that number of road accidents has shown a considerable decrease.The state government has said that in 2012, 6709 accidents took place while as 1165 persons were killed and 9755 injured during that year.The state government informed fur-ther that in the year 2013, 6469 road accidents have taken place and 990 persons were killed while as 8681 per-sons were injured. Upto July, 2014, the figures informed

See Lives On PG 11..

16572 accidents claim 2708 lives in three years

Srinagar, Aug 26 : J&K Bank opened new state-of-the-art premises of its Business Unit at Kangan. The bank’s Zonal Head Kash-mir (Central) A R Sheigan inaugurated the spacious building in presence of Head B.U Kangan Nissar Ahmad Bhat amid a large gathering of valuable customers and other residents of the area.Speaking on the occasion, Zonal Head apprised the participants about vari-ous initiatives taken by the bank for the financial empowerment of the peo-ple. He thanked the peo-ple for their unwavering loyalty with the bank.Soon after the inaugu-ration a customer-meet was organized in the new premises, which was at-tended among others by representatives of vari-ous trade unions. A num-ber of suggestions put forth by some of the participants were dis-cussed threadbare during the meeting and resolved on spot.The customers hailed the bank for proving spacious premises with a magnificent ambi-ance, which they feel would make their stay at the B.U convenient and comfortable.Earlier, in the past few days, the zonal head

had inaugurated Offsite ATM Hafiz Bagh and business unit Gund Hassi Bhat.DLRC meet in BaramullaJ&K Bank organised a District Level Review Committee meeting of Baramulla at Meeting Hall of Dak Bungalow Baramulla to review achievements under Annual District Credit Plan 2014-15. District Development Commis-

sioner Baramulla Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone chaired the meeting.Lead District Manager, Bara-mulla informed the house that under District Credit Plan 2014-15, 8418 beneficia-ries were benefited and an amount of Rs.179.44 Crore was disbursed among them under various schemes.Under District Credit Plan 2014-15, District has recorded an achievement of 12.00% as on 30th June, 2014, he said.Speaking on the occasion, Chairman DLRC Farooq

Ahmad Lone advised all the banks and the sponsoring agencies to cooperate and work with coordination to achieve the goals and targets of development besides generation of employment for unemployed youth of the district.The house was informed that under Priority Sector Advances the

See JK Bank On PG 11..

Srinagar, Aug 26 : The op-eration that was continu-ing for past few days led to an encounter with the militant in the morn-ing today. The fire fight ensued resulting into the elimination of one more militant in Gurdaji near Kalaroos of Kupwara district. Contact was estab-lished today morning and fire ensued be-tween militant and Army. The body of the slain terrorist along with an AK-47 rifle and other warlike stores has been recovered. The identity of the terrorist is being ascertained.The existing robust anti infiltration grid of Chinar Corps has re-sulted in elimination of thirteen terrorist over a period of twenty days, since first week of August, both near LOC and hinterland area with assistance of JKP. The search opera-tions are still in progress. (KNS)

Srinagar, Aug 26 : Speaking to media persons after the foundation stone lay-ing ceremony of Common Sewage Treat-ment Plant (STP) in Raj Bagh Srinagar, NC Working Pres-ident Omar Abdullah said the State Government would not give a single Hydroelec-tric Power Project to NHPC without an agreement of a Joint Venture that would mandate the return of the project to the State after an agreed upon period of time. Omar Abdullah said that the State Government will only cooperate with NHPC if NHPC cooperated with the State Gov-ernment in return.“There are various projects under the consideration of the State Government

and there are various projects that NHPC has been expressing an inter-est in. Let me make it very clear – if

NHPC does not agree to sign Joint Venture agreements for these projects with the State Government, we would choose that these projects wait till the State can invest in them independently rath-er than handing them over to the NHPC", Omar Abdul-lah said.Omar Abdullah said that the State Government’s and National Conference’s pri-ority was that J&K becomes

self-reliant in the Power Sector and that huge strides were taken towards this goal in the last five

See OmarOn PG 11..

Srinagar, Aug 26: Chief Minister, Omar AbdullahTuesday said that beautifi-cation of Srinagar and Jammu cities remained under high focus during the last about six years of his government adding that numerous basic amenities upgrading and improving projects were launched and completed in the twin capitals of the State during this period. He said a number of schemes were also started to enhance basic services and de-congest traffic system. The Chief Minister said that various sewerage and drainage schemes have been launched and completed in Sri-nagar and Jammu cities which include construction of STPs and sewerage sys-tem. He said two flyovers at a cost of over Rs. 350 crores are under execution at present while more than a dozen of bridges have been constructed in the two cities to smoothen plying of vehicles and benefit the people in general. Omar Abdullah said that more and more tourism and economic activities are being generated to give fillip to the

economy and help holistic development. The Chief Minister today inaugu-rated Office Complex of Public Service Commission (PSC) at Solina and also laid the foundation of Pilot Sewerage Scheme for Rajbagh area where he also interacted with the people. The Chief Minister said that the STP near Zero Bridge will help way to address the sewerage disposal of the area in a scientific manner and help maintain cleanliness in the area. He said Heritage Zero Bridge will be com-pleted within one year. He said 4-lan-ing of Boulevard and upgrading of road communication system within the city besides providing additional bye-passes are in offing in the Srinagar city. The Chief Minister inaugurated the new office complex of PSC constructed at a cost of 26.60 crore and consists of a main building comprising ground floor and three stories. There are ten rooms for Hon’ble Members, two examination halls, office rooms, meeting hall,

See Focus On PG 11..

Srinagar, August 26: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Tuesday gave nod to the construction of state-of-art Stadia one each at Srinagar and Jammu by convert-ing the Bakshi Stadium Srinagar and MAM Stadium Jammu into the modern international standard sports facility.While receiving presentation on a proposal to this effect at a high level meeting here today, the Chief Min-ister said that Rs. 200 crores spe-cial package for the development of sports infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir approved by the Centre Government should be taken best advantage of developing sports facil-ities of the international standard.Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Sports, Raman Bhalla, Chief Secretary, Mohammad Iqbal Khand-ey, Principal Secretaries, B. R. Shar-ma and B. B. Vyas, Commissioner Secretary Youth Welfare and Sports, Khursheed Ahmad, Director Youth Welfare, Dalip Thusoo and various other officers were present in the meeting.The Chief Minister said that there is urgent need of upgrading the ex-isting sports facilities in the cities and at the towns of the State so that youth are provided ample opportuni-

ties to excel and bring laurels to the State in different sports activities. He said the special package to devel-op the two existing sports stadia at Srinagar and Jammu into modern sports facility will go in a big way to boost sports activities and nurture the talent.Minister for Sports, Raman Bhal-la said that the State Government has given full attention to upgrade sports facilities in the State during the last about six years. He said doz-ens of sports fields and stadia have been constructed and many more are in various stages of execution.Bhalla said that necessary attention is also being paid to develop sports at village and block levels. He said nurturing young talent in different sports is a focused area and various measures have been initiated in this direction.In a PowerPoint presentation the Director Youth Welfare and Sports, Dalip Thusoo said that under the re-construction of Bakshi Stadium on in-ternational specifications an amount of Rs. 80 crores is being expended. He said reconstruction of entire stadia with RCC framed structure, tensile structure roofing over stands and pa-

vilion and 3-tier seating pattern with chairs has been proposed. He said the state-of-the-art sports facility at Bak-shi Stadium will consist of ten lane synthetic Athletic track, seating ca-pacity for 40,000 chairs, sports hostel for 50 inmates, upgradation of indoor stadium with maple wood flooring, HVAC changing rooms and sanitation facility besides renovation of base-ment, halls and exterior development.The Chief Minister directed for devel-oping water sports centre at Mansbal for which Rs. 2 crores are proposed. He said two multi-purpose indoor sports halls in North and two in South Kashmir should also be con-structed at a cost of Rs. 4 crores each.The Chief Minister was apprised that the reconstruction of MAM Stadium involving Rs. 75 crores envisages re-construction of the stadium with RCC framed structure, tensile struc-ture roofing and seating arrange-ment for 40,000 people in 3-tiers with chairs, sports hostel for 500 inmates and facility for other games.The Chief Minister approved multi-purpose indoor sports halls at Kathua, Doda, Reasi, Bhour Camp and upgradation of sports facilities at Poonch and Rajouri. (GNS)

Sonawari, Aug 26: Police Tuesday arrested a Sar-panch and have launched a hunt to nab his two sons for allegedly assaulting an elderly woman who is battling for life in Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Med-ical Sciences Soura. Police sources told CNS

that Sarpanch Asham Sonawari in District Ban-dipora district Ghulam Nabi Anbar and his two sons Fayaz Anbar and Mushtaq Anbar attacked an elderly woman during a scuffle between two families. The

See Police On PG 11..

Srinagar, Aug 26: Out of 11 aspirants, expert search committee com-prising of three former vice chancellors, Prof Goverdhan Mehta, Prof A M Pathan and Prof Solan-ki has reportedly short-listed three aspirants for the post of Vice Chancel-lor for Kashmir Univer-sity. The Search Committee had invited the eleven aspirants including six professors from outside states for an interaction. All the short listed ap-plicants had given pow-er point presentation at New Delhi before search committee while the Committee held closed door meeting at New Del-hi and shortlisted three candidates.

Sources told CNS that the names of these three short-listed candidates has been send to Chancel-lor N.N. Vohra. Sources added that these three short-listed candidates include Prof S.W.A. Naqvi, Prof.Javed Naim and Prof A.M.Shah. Sources said that due to his strong credentials there is every possibility that Prof S.W.A. Naqvi will be the new VC of Kashmir University. However, sources added that one of the aspirant is resorting to all means to occupy the position and he has reportedly sought political help in this re-gard as reports said that he is a close relative of a political leader.

See VC On PG 11..

Srinagar, Aug 26: A National Con-ference legislator Tuesday suggest-ed his party president to learn pol-itics from opposition members of People’s Democratic Party. While taking part in discussion on adjournment motion seeking the withdrawal of cases against youth in Legislative Assembly, Nation-al Conference MLA from Budgam Constituency Aga Syed Roohullah said that he feels sorry

See NC On PG 11..

J&K Bank inaugurates new premises in Kangan, conducts

DLRC meet in Baramulla

One militant killed in Kupwara

Won’t give any projects to NHPC without Joint Venture: Omar

‘Amit Shah should first look at BJP States''J&K doesn't need sermons from anyone'

Beautification of Srinagar, Jammu under high focus: Omar

Varsity to get new VC soon

Handwara, Aug 26: Non Gazetted Forest Associ-ation (NGFA) Langete Division in North Kash-mir’s Handwara town staged a protest in Lan-gate outside DFO’s office to press the authorities to accept their genuine demands. Large number of employees protested

against the higher au-thorities of forest depart-ment and shouted slogans against them for their cal-lous attitude towards the genuine demands of the employees. They locked the DFO office and threatened to launch an agitation

See NGFA On PG 11..

Police arrests Sarpanch for assaulting

elderly woman

NGFA locked DFO officeStages protest in favour

of their demands

Omar gives nod to Rs. 200 crore International StadiaBakshi, MAM Stadia to be converted into State-of-Art sports facilitySports activities receiving considerable fillip: Bhalla

NC legislator advises Omar to learn art of

politics from PDP

Srinagar, Aug 26: A Bangla-Kashur musical flute concert “Awaz-e-Dost” was organized by J&K Civil Defence at University of Kashmir, Monday. Flutist from Bangladesh along with local artists performed to propagate cultural relations, brotherhood, communal harmony. On this occasion, Director General of Police, K. Rajendra, Vice Chan-cellor, Kashmir University, Prof. A. M. Shah, Additional Director Gen-eral of Police Civil Defence, S M Sa-hai, Regional Director ICCR,

See Bangladesh On PG 11..

Bangladesh Flutists enthrall audience

11 Srinagar, Wednesday 27 August 2014 Zabarwan Times

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

Govt...Police...

NGFA...

NC...

Bangladesh...

Lives...

JK Bank...

Omar...

VC...

Focus...

Owner , Printer & Publisher: Suhail Malik Editor -in-Chief: Bashir Malik Editor: Shahana Malik Legal Advisor: Syed Riyaz Hussain RNI NO. JKBII/2011/39764, Email: zabarwantimes@gmail.com Publised at Govt. Quarters , M-13 Magarmal Bagh Srinagar-190001 J&K, Printed at:- Sangarmal Offset Press Humhama Sheikhpora Tele/Fax: 2478370 Cell No. 9419001492, 9797082675

Government of Jammu & Kashmir

Office of the Project Officer Wage Employment (ACD) Pulwama

Subject:- Engagement of Accountant-Cum Data Entry Operators on contractual basis under Rajiv Ganhi Panchayat Shashaktikaran Abhiyan (RPGSA) Scheme. Reference: - Government order No. 230-RD & PR Of 20014 Dated 24-7-2014 read with corrigendum issued under No.RD/Panch/74/2014 Dated 5-8-2014.

ADVERTISEMENT NOTICE NO:03-ACDP OF 2014 DATE D:22-08-2014

Application on prescribed format (Annexure "A") are invited from the permanent residents of the following Panchayat Halqas for engage-ment as Accountant-Cum-Data Entry Operators (One in each Panchayat Halqa) on contractual basis under Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Shashak-tikaran Abhiyan (RPGSA) Scheme initially for a period of one year and extendable upto a maximum a period of four years on the basis of performance on monthly honorarium of Rs.8000/-per month.

S.No Block Name of the Halqa S.No Block Name of the Halqa

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.12.13

Pulwama 1. Tiken Batpora2. Murran3. Mitrigam4. Kangan5. Putrigam6. Litter7. Wasoora8. Chandgam9. Achan10. Naina11. Boonura12. Tahab13. Tamluhal

28.29.30.31.32.33.34.35.36.37.38.39.40. 41. 42.

Tral 1. Jawahirpora2.Khangund3. Satoora4. Panzoo5.Seer6. Lurgam7. Gulistan8. Noopora-A.9. Noorpora-BlO.Lariballl.Midoora12.Sherabad13.Syedabad 14.Pinglish 15.Buchoo

14.15.16.17.18.19.20.

Keller 1. Achgoze2. Chandpora3. Drabgam4. Kalampora5. Rahmoo6. Abhama7. Hawal

43.44.-45.46.47.48

Pamproe 1. Woyan Bala2.Chandhara3.Hatiwara4. Lethpora5. Barsoo6.Samboora

21.22.23.24.25.26.27.

Kakapora 1. Banderpora2. Kakapora-A3. Kakapora-B4. Marwal5. Pahoo6. Pinglina7. Newa

Eligibility & Qualification1. The candidates should be a permanent resident of the Halqa. Where post is advertised.2. The candidate should be within the age group of 18 to 40 years as on 01-01-2014.3. The candidate should have qualification of" O" level degree in computer or 10+2 with 6 months computer course. Mode of Selection1. The unit of selection shall be the Panchayat Halqa, in case the eligible candidates are not available from the concerned Panchayat then the unit if selection for the said Panchayat be the block level.2. Selection shall be made by the committee constituted by the Government for the purpose. The committee shall select the candidate giving the following weight age to academics and interview etc.a. "O" level degree / 10+2 with 6 months computer course 50 marks (on pro-rata basis)b. Computer knowledge and test 30 marksc. Interview 20 marks3. The applications forms should reach to the office of undersigned within 10 days from the issuance of this advertisement notice, the candi-dates shall attach attested copies of DOB certificate, marks sheet "O" level degree. 10+2 certificate, 6 months computer course certificate and a certificate of from the concerned BDO that the candidate is permanent resident of the concerned Panchayat Halqa.DIPK;5724 Sd/-Chairman District Level Section Committee/ACD Pulwama

supporters of the People’s Democratic Party. He said that most of the arrested stone-pelters are from Anantnag district. He said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will himself announce amnesty to youth in coming days. (CNS)

that 3394 road accidents have been reported and 553 persons were killed while as 4809 persons were in-jured. Meanwhile when contacted Inspector General of Police (IG) Traffic Muneer Khan said that negligent driving is one of the reason of the road accidents in the state and that as per analysis, 70 percent of the road accidents happen due to human errors like neg-ligent driving, usage of mobile phones that distract the driver. He maintained further that another rea-son for the accidents is bad condition of the roads and third reason is the holistic weather conditions and slippery roads in far flung areas. “Also fatigue is an-other reason. the driver leaves from Srinagar at 4 in the morning, reaches Jammu at 2 in the day and again moves for Srinagar so that he could earn. Fatigue is natural in these cases and that is the reason that we have asked the state authorities to establish rest and recoup centers on various highways so that accidents could be avoided.” (KNS)

District has achieved (YoY) growth of 21%, while as the agriculture sector advances have witnessed (YoY) growth of 44%. Meanwhile, under Financial Inclusion Plan -II the Banks have covered 315 villages thereby covering 74953 households. (KNS)

and a half years with the addition of more than 1,500 Megawatts of Power to the State’s Power Portfolio. “In addition to the 1,500 Megawatts already added, ed-ifice has been laid for an additional 9,000 Megawatts of hydro-power to be added in the coming years. We have focused on development of Hydro-Power in the State through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) and Joint Venture formats so that the State can get these projects back after stipulated time periods. This policy will continue. It is our compulsion for lack of indigenous funding to invite external firms to devel-op our vast hydro-electric power potential but we are also ensuring that these projects are returned to the State at the completion of the agreed upon contracts and agreements”, Omar Abdullah said.Responding to another question about BJP President Amit Shah’s remarks in Jammu, NC Working Presi-dent Omar Abdullah said that Mr. Shah should first look at States ruled by BJP Chief Ministers before pontificating and giving unsolicited sermons else-where. “The State and people of J&K don’t need les-sons from Mr. Shah. He should first look at politics of succession and entitlement within BJP before giving sermons to anyone else”, the NC Working President said.Omar Abdullah also questioned Shah’s statement on the State Government’s response to the migration crisis of citizens from the Line of Control and Inter-national Border. “The State Government has always been there to take care of our people who suffer from ceasefire violations and senior ministers from the State Government, including the Minister of State for Home, have repeatedly visited these camps to inquire about the welfare of the people there. The State Gov-ernment has spoken up for the right to safety and nor-mality for these people and will continue to do what-ever is necessary for their welfare. We are not in need of lessons from anyone else”, Omar Abdullah said.The NC Working President also said that he won-dered what five Union Ministers from New Delhi did about the humanitarian issue of displaced border inhabitants on their official visits to the State. “How many of these Union Ministers actually visited the ar-eas along the border and Line of Control where people have been displaced because of ceasefire violations? There is a mismatch between what Amit Shah is say-ing and the approach of the Central Government and its Union Ministers towards those displaced by these ceasefire violations. As far as the State Government is concerned, we will continue to extend all possible help and support to the displaced citizens”, the NC Working President added. (KNS)

Reports said that this aspirant also used his lobby to show door to another Kashmiri aspirant who was ear-lier short-listed by the Search Committee.It according to sources is expected that University will get New VC with four days. (CNS)

guest house of eight rooms and 20 No. staff quarters. The complex is situated on an area of 23.8 kanals of land. The project was started in October 2008 and its executing agency is JKP-CC. Earlier, Omar Abdullah laid the founda-tion of Sewerage Treatment Plant for Rajbagh area of Zone-1 of Greater Srinagar. The proj-ect involves an estimated cost of about Rs. 250 lakhs and it will benefit a projected population of 8500 souls as also as many as hundred hotels in the area.The areas to be benefited by the scheme are Old Gadhanjipora, Kursoo, Aramwari, Zero Bridge, New Gadhanjipora, Pukhtoon Lane, etc. The plant will be completed with a period of three months. Minister for Finance, Abdul Rahim Rath-er, Minister for Urban Development, Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister of State for Home, Sajjad Ahmad Kitchloo, Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Nazir Ahmad Gurezi, Legislator, Nasir Aslam Wani, Chairman Public Service Commission, S. L. Bhat were present on the oc-casion among others. (CNS)

incident occurred after a poplar tree during the pro-cess of hacking damaged some furit-laden trees of one Abdul Qayoom Bhat. The Sarpanch and his sons re-portedly lost their cool and attacked Qayoom and his mother after they raised objection about the wanton cutting of poplar trees. Sources added that the elderly woman was serious-ly injured after she was ‘brutally’ beaten by the two sons of Sarpanch. She according to police has been shifted to SKIMS. “We have arrested the Sarpanch while hunt is on to nab his two sons who are still at large,” a police official told CNS adding that a formal case vide FIR number 91/2014 has been registered against the Sar-panch and his two sons. (CNS)

in case government fails to meet their demands. Protest led by Muhammad Hayat accused the forest authorities of playing with the emotions and senti-ments of the employees and termed their attitude as 'anti employee'. He said the authorities have failed to grant risk allowance, two and a half day pay to its employees and removal of pay anomaly. Others participated in the protest included Abdul Qayoom, Nazir Ahmed, Shams-u-Din Naseer Ahmed and many others. (CNS)

that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah doesn’t know manipulation because his heart according to legis-lator is crystal clear. “I advise and suggest my Chief Minister who doesn’t believe in manipulation while working for the welfare of the State of Jammu and Kashmir that he should learn art of politics from PDP members,” he said adding that PDP raised the issue of withdrawing cases against the youth after it came to know that government is going to announce am-nesty for these youth in coming days. (CNS)

Ayaz Rasool Nazki, DG Fire and Emergency, Dr G.A.Bhat, Senior Police and Civil Officers, Joint Di-rector, Information, Kashmir, Shafkat Iqbal, Profes-sors of University, NGOs and a large number of Civil Defence Wardens, Volunteers and students partic-ipated. RK Bhat, SSP, Commandant Civil Defence and Home Guards was the Coordinator and Shireen Trambu moderated the programme. The flutist from Bangladesh included Moniruz Zaman, ttunjoy Ku-mar, Pass Nasihir, Shorabuddin, Ifteharul. The local artists included Mayank Raina, Syed Muzamil Shah, Mohammed Shafi Shah, Bashir Ahmed Shah, Nadim. Raja Bilal and his group also gave a scintillating per-formance. J&K Police band also presented a welcome tune. The groups together performed a Juggal Bandi, which was appreciated by the audience. (KNS)

‘NC workers behind the incident’

Srinagar, August 26: (GNS) A group of youth on Tuesday stoned the vehicle of Lok Janshak-ti Party (LJP) youth leader Sanjay Saraf in the outskirts of down-town Srinagar.According to GNS, San-jay Saraf, who is also National Youth presi-dent of LJP, was on his way to party office when a group of youth pelted stones at his bullet proof vehicle on Syed Man-soor Bridge in Zaldagar area. “As a result, the glasses of vehicle were smashed,” sources told

GNS.While confirming the incident to GNS, Sanjay Saraf blamed National Conference (NC) work-ers for the stone-pelting and said: “These are the workers of NC’s Shamee-ma Firdous, who is MLA Habba Kadal,” adding he has lodged a complaint with police at Karan Nagar police station.The LJP leader claimed that he recognized three alleged NC workers be-hind the stone-pelting in-cident. “They are Firdous Ahmad, Bitta Waz and Muhammad Sadiq,” he said.Meanwhile, a police official told GNS that they are investigating the matter. (GNS)

Sanjay Saraf’s vehicle stoned by youth in city

Srinagar, Aug 26 : One person died while two others were injured in separate road accidents across the valley.An unknown Wagon-R hit and injured a pe-destrian Rafeeqa Be-gum wife of Manzoor Ahmad Dar resident of Zurgund Budgam at Zu-rgund, in the jurisdic-tion of Police Station Budgam. She was shift-ed to SKIMS Soura, Srinagar for treatment where she succumbed to her injuries. Police has registered a case in this regard.Meanwhile, an un-known Alto car hit and injured a pedestrian Ayan Manzoor son of Manzoor Ahmad Bhat

resident of Wakura at Wakura crossing, in the jurisdiction of Po-lice Station Ganderbal. The injured was shifted to SKIMS Soura, Sri-nagar for treatment. Police has registered a case in this regard.In another accident, a Sumo bearing registra-tion number JK09/1754 hit and injured a pedes-trian Shazia Jan daugh-ter of Ghulam Nabi Lone resident of Kral-gund at Supernagha-ma, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Kral-gund, Handwara. She was shifted to SKIMS Srinagar for treatment. Police has registered a case in this regard. (KNS)

01 dies, 02 injured in road accidents

Deal Reached for Long-Term Gaza Cease-Fire,

Hamas Spokesman SaysIsrael Agrees to Long-Term Cease-Fire Deal With Hamas, Israeli Me-dia SaysHamas Spokesman Says Islamist Movement Has Agreed to DealHamas has agreed to a long-term cease-fire deal in its seven-week war with Israel, a spokesman for the Islamist movement said Tues-day.Sami Abu Zuhri said an accord had been reached and an official announcement would be made in Cairo, where Egyptian mediators have been mediating indirect talks between the two sides. He gave no details on the agreement.Neither Israel nor Egypt, which has been mediating truce talks in Cairo between Israeli and Pales-tinian negotiators, officially con-firmed that deal had been worked out.Citing unnamed Israeli officials, however, the Israeli media report-ed the government of Prime Min-ister Benjamin Netanyahu had ac-cepted an Egyptian truce proposal.The latest war between Israel and Hamas has been replete with bro-ken cease-fires and failed negoti-ations, so it was far from certain whether Mr. Zuhri's statement to Hamas-run Al Aqsa TV signaled the end of fighting, or even wheth-er a deal had been brokered at all.Mr. Zuhri spoke hours after Israel destroyed one high-rise building in Gaza City and severely dam-

aged another, further escalating its pressure on Hamas.Residents of the 15-story Al Ba-sha Tower and the 17-story Italian Complex were evacuated after re-ceiving telephone warnings of the imminent airstrikes. The callers, some speaking only rudimentary Arabic, were assumed by residents to be Israeli military personnel.The attacks leveled the Al Basha Tower, an office building, and razed all but a quarter of the Ital-ian Complex, a mixed-used devel-opment. Israel said the buildings were used by Palestinian militants as command centers.Twenty-five people were wounded in bombing of the shops, offices and apartments that made up the Italian Complex, said Ashraf al-Kidra, a spokesman for the Gaza Health Ministry.Israel Evacuates Residents Along Gaza Border (8/25/14)Egypt Calls for Indefinite Gaza Cease-Fire (8/23/14)In Israel, a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip struck a house in the southern city of Ashkelon, causing the home's roof to collapse. There were no casualties.A Palestinian man walks in front of the remains of a high-rise office building in Gaza City that witness-es said was destroyed by an Israeli airstrike Tuesday. ReutersSince midnight, 50 rockets and mortars have been fired from

Gaza, and the Israeli air force has carried out 23 sorties, the Israeli military said.Since the breakdown of a cease-fire a week ago, Israel has stepped up air attacks, targeting Hamas commanders and bases in resi-dential areas.At the same time, Hamas has in-tensified rocket and mortar fire at Israeli towns near the border, leading to a government-assist-ed evacuation of thousands of Israeli residents along the fron-tier.Hani Redwan, a lawyer who bor-rowed money to help his son open a supermarket on the ground floor of the Italian Complex, was among a group of men salvaging what they could from the rubble hours after the attack. Despite the risk of collapse, he said peo-ple would still come back and work in the neighborhood."You can stay home doing nothing and die out of hunger, or you will come here and take this risk," Mr. Redwan said. "If the building collapses I'm dead, but I'm dying anyway."The Palestinian death toll from the war stood Tuesday at 2,143, according to the Health Ministry. Sixty-seven Israelis have been killed, all but three of them soldiers. Also, a Thai farmworker die from injures suffered by a mor-tar attack from Gaza.

Putin Warns on Ukraine Pursuing Closer Ties With West

Russian President Vlad-imir Putin focused on trade issues in his first comments at peace talks on Ukraine on Tuesday, threatening to scrap trade preferences with its neighbor if Kiev fol-lows through on its plans to pursue closer relations with Europe.Mr. Putin and Ukrainian President Petro Poros-henko met for the first time in two months at the hotly awaited talks in Minsk, Belarus. They were joined by officials from the European Union, Belarus and Ka-zakhstan, all of whom stressed the need to end

the bloodshed in eastern Ukraine, where an esti-mated 2,000 people have been killed since the on-set of fighting in April."Today in Minsk, with-out any question, the fate of the world and the fate of Europe are being decid-ed," Mr. Poroshenko said.Mr. Putin, however, stressed trade issues, highlighting the dangers he said Russia faces if Ukraine pursues closer ties to the West. Since the onset of the crisis, Mr. Pu-tin has accused the West of meddling in Ukraine's internal affairs, and try-ing to spoil its relations with Russia by luring it

into an association agree-ment.Speaking at a round table, Mr. Putin said that a trade agreement between Kiev and Europe will flood the Ukrainian market with Europe-made goods. Those same goods may then find their way into the Russian market, he said."In this situation Russia can not stand idle. And we will be prompted, I want to highlight this, will be prompted to take retalia-tory measures, to protect our market," Mr. Putin said.Ukraine's political crisis was caused by an abrupt

move of Ukraine's last president, Viktor Yanu-kovych, to sign a trade agreement with Russia, which is seeking to entice former Soviet states into a customs union. Mr. Yanu-kovych was subsequently toppled by street protests, and Mr. Poroshenko has pursued the agreement with Europe.Ukraine is battling to oust a pro-Russian insurgency in its east, with the fight-ing intensifying in the last few days. Kiev accuses Russia of funneling men and arms across the bor-der to fight the Ukraine government, a charge Russia denies.

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES NEWS SRINAGAR | WEDNESDAY 27. 08 .2014

BJP veterans LK Advani and MM Joshi were dropped from the party’s parliamentary board on Tuesday, but rehabilitated in a new body called ‘mar-gdarshak mandal (guiding panel)’.

Speculations were rife over their fate after Bharati-ya Janata Party (BJP) presi-dent Amit Shah had an-nounced his new team on August 16, but held back a decision on the parliamen-tary board.

The panel consists of the BJP president and 10 other members, one of whom shall be the leader of the party in Par-liament.Including the new BJP president, Shah, who was not a member of the parliamentary

board earlier, the present panel has 12 members. Ram Lal, the general secretary (organisation), is an ex-officio member of the

board.Former prime minister Atal

Bihari Vajpayee, Prime Minis-ter Narendra Modi, LK Advani,

Murli Manohar Joshi, Venkaiah Naidu, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj, Ananth Kumar, Tha-

warchand Gehlot and Ram Lal were members of the board before Tuesday’s re-jig.

While Vajpayee was also dropped from the panel, Mad-hya Pradesh minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan found his place in the group. Another new inclusion was JP Nadda, a Rajya Sabha member from Himachal Pradesh.The BJP parliamentary board will be headed by Shah. The guiding

panel will have five members: Ad-vani, Joshi, Modi, Rajnath Singh and AB Vajpayee, according to reports.

Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Mr. Sham Lal Sharma informed the House that creation of Sub Division of PHE in Chitragam in Shopian is under process of sanction.The Minister was replying to a question by Mr. Showkat Hussain Ganie.

2500 play fields developed: BhallaMinister for Youth Services and Sports, Mr. Raman

Bhalla informed the House that the Department of Youth Services and Sports developed about 2500 play fields under District Plan, State Plan and Centrally Sponsored PYKKA during the last five years.

The Minister said that the J&K State Sports Council is also engaged in developing of 61 stadia/play fields at Dis-trict level, Tehsil level and Village level which are at dif-ferent stages of completion.Replying to a question by Mr. Vijay Bakaya, the Minister said that about 10,000 youth from the State of J&K have participated in sports events at the national level in various sports disciplines during the last five years.As many as 90 sports persons in Kayaking & Caneoing, Sports Climbing, Gymnastic, Judo, Taekwondo, Power lifting, Roller Skating, Fencing, Kabaddi, Badmin-ton, Handball, Skiing, Softball, Wushu, Thang-ta, Korfball and Chess have represented the country in various compe-titions held at the International level during the last five years, he added.

Advani, MM Joshi not in BJP’s top decision-making body

Creation of sub division PHE in Chattergam under process: Sham

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 26- Minister of State for Revenue, Mr. Ajaz Ahmad Khan today informed the House that instructions have been issued to all the revenue field agencies to ensure implementation of all the land laws in letter and spirit, so that il-legal conversion of agricultural land does not take place. He was replying to a Call-ing Attention Notice by Dr. Bashir Ahmed Veeri in the Legislative Council today.

The Minister said that in view of the developmental activities like construction of roads, bridges, acquisition of land for Railways and other public purposes, lot of unavoidable conversion has taken place during the last few years. He said there is a provision under the J&K Agrarian Reforms Act for conversion of land for construction of residential houses upto 2 Kanals without seeking prior permission from the compe-tent authority.

Although, good quantum of agricultural

land has been converted for non-agricultur-al purposes, however, all such conversions are not illegal because in a good number of cases, the permissions have been obtained from the competent authority for such con-versions, he added.

He further informed the House that de-spite the presence of stringent legislation, there are instances where illegal conver-sion of agricultural land has taken place adding, that these conversion have mainly occurred due to non-existence of a com-prehensive housing policy in the State. He said as and when such a policy comes into force such instances will automatically get checked.The Minister said that in order to save the agriculture land against illegal conversion, the Government has already introduced a comprehensive legislation be-fore the legislature, which stands referred to the Joint Select Committee for further deliberations.

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 26: The Min-ister for Rural Development & Pan-chayats, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar has asked the officers to speed up the pace of implementation of various schemes undertaken in different sectors like PHE, R&B, Housing, PDD so that the holistic development of Srinagar city is ensured and people get benefits from these.

The Minister was interacting with the officers during his extensive tour of old city Srinagar to personally over-see the status of various developmental programmes undertaken.

He was accompanied by senior of-ficers of various departments and dis-trict administration.

Mr. Sagar directed the officers to come up with the comprehensive plan for restoration of the Malkha area so that the necessary action can be initi-ated on it. He said we have to ensure that un-necessary encroachments do not take place there and the necessary

mechanism is also put in place which acts as a deterrent to the same.

The Minister also asked the UEED officers to come up with the detailed plan so that the drainage system of the city is properly augmented and people get benefitted.

The Minister also directed the of-ficers to remove the various bottle necks which have come up in the implementation of various road wid-ening programmes and pay the neces-sary compensation to the people whose properties have been acquired as the result of these projects. He said that high level committee meetings should be held within the shortest possible time for the convenience of the general public.

He asked the officers of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation to ensure over-all cleanliness of the city and also take the necessary measures to curb the dog menace as people are facing inconve-nience in different areas.

COUNCIL-2014Calling Attention Notice

All agricultural land conversions not illegal: Ajaz

Sagar for speedy implementation of Development schemes

NEW DELHI: Sheila Dik-shit has resigned as Kerala governor becoming the eighth governor appointed by the UPA regime to quit since the NDA government came to power in May this year.

76-year-old Dikshit on Tuesday said she submitted her resignation to President Pranab Mukherjee soon after she met him and also Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Monday.

The President’s secretariat has sent her resignation to the Union home ministry for nec-essary action, official sources said.

“I have resigned, I did it yesterday and I don’t want to comment further,” Dikshit, a former Delhi chief minister, said.

Dikshit said she will speak on the issue only after she gets an official word on the accep-tance of the resignation.

With this, Dikshit becomes

the eighth Governor to have resigned since the Narendra Modi government came to power on May 26.

Six UPA-appointed gover-nors — K Sankaranarayanan (Maharashtra), MK Naray-anan (West Bengal), Ashwani

Kumar (Nagaland), BL Joshi (UP), BV Wanchoo (Goa) and Shekhar Dutt (Chhattisgarh), have already resigned after

being nudged by the NDA gov-ernment.

V Purushothaman, the governor of Mizoram, had resigned after he was trans-ferred to Nagaland in July this year.

Dikshit, who served as Delhi chief minister from 1998 to 2013, was appointed Kerala governor in March just before the model code of conduct came into force for the Lok Sabha polls.

There were indications that Dikshit may be next in line to be transferred to Mizoram, a state where Sankarnarayan-an and Kamla Beniwal were shunted out to

87-year-old Beniwal, who had a running battle with a running battle with then Gu-jarat chief minister Narendra Modi when she was governor of the state, took charge as Mizoram Governor but was sacked after a month by the NDA government.

Sheila Dikhsit becomes the 8th governor to resign afer Modi became PM

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 26- Min-ister for Horticulture, Me. Raman Bhalla informed the House that 40 to 70% losses were caused to the fruit crops of Kashmir division due to hail-storm and natural calamities, adding that no losses has occurred to the fruit crops in Jammu division due to hailstorm during the current fiscal.

Replying to a question by Mr. M. Y. Tarigami, the Minister said that 60 to 70% damages were caused in Kulgam and Qaimoh areas, 50% in Baramulla, more than 50% in Wat-tergam, Lasser, Achabal and Chi-jhama due to hailstorm. He said 50% damages were caused in Shopian, Imam Sahib and Kulgam Yaripora, 50 to 60 % in Harman, Malikgund, Zainavoat and Baderhama. While as 55% losses to the fruit crops in Chrar-i-Sharief, besides 40 to 50% damages were caused to the fruit crops in An-antnag, Shangus and Chagun.

The Minister said that damage

report of Kulgam district for provid-ing relief to the fruit growers have been submitted to the District De-velopment Commissioner by Chief Horticulture Officers and compensa-tion would be paid as per provisions of Natural Calamity Relief Fund by Revenue Department.

The Minister said that Enforce-ment Wing of Agriculture Depart-ment is authorized for sampling of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and these samples are sent to des-ignated laboratories for testing. He said in case of negative reports the defaulters are booked under the rel-evant Acts.

Mr. Bhalla said that fruit and vegetable markets are being estab-lished in different areas to facilitate growers for better prices besides minimized the role of middle men. He informed that at present 3 termi-nal markets, 10 satellite markets and 1 Apni mandi are functioning in the

State, adding that development of 10 satellite markets, 1 terminal and 8 Apni Mandis is in progress in the State.

The Minister informed that land has been allocated through SIDCO to different entrepreneurs for running old chain storage in Kashmir valley. He said at present 3 plants running in SIDCO complex Lassipora have cold chain facilities catering to a capacity of 15000 MTs.

Mr. Bhalla said that quality con-trol of the fruits is being maintained by Enforcement Directorate of Agri-culture Department. He said, howev-er, in the field agencies, Subject Mat-ter Specialists are invested with the powers of pesticides inspectors, who operate in adequate numbers in both the division of the State.

Legislators, Hakim Mohammad Yasin and Javed Ahmed Dar raised the supplementary to the main ques-tion.

40 to 70% loses to fruit crops of Kmr : Bhalla

Council-2014Question hour

Work on golf course Sidhra in Progress: Jora

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 26- The Minister for Urban Local Bodies and Urban Development, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora today informed the House that the 123 kanal reclaimed land adjoining golf course Sidhra Jammu has been got surveyed by the Tourism department along with preparing its contour plan.

The said land has not been handed over to the Tour-ism department, however, an ident for the transfer has been taken up with the Deputy Commissioner Jammu.

The Minister was replying to a question by Mr. Ajatshtru Singh on behalf of the Tourism Minister.

He further informed that 9-holes have been completed and are playable. The work on the back 9-holes is under progress and is expected to be completed during this financial year. The work on the club building is under progress, he said adding that structure of the club has been completed and the ancillary and finishing work is underway.

Work on Udhampur-Chennani-Ramban to Bhanihal road project to be awarded by

Dec 2014: VikarThe bidding process of Udhampur to Chennai and

Ramban to Banihal is in progress and works are likely to be awarded by December 2014 and expected to be com-pleted after three and a half years of commencement of works.

Assembly -2014 Question hour in LA

Consider making some plans for a vacation or short getaway, Libra. Looking forward to something fun can make even the tough-est of days far easier to handle. You’ll be amazed how much you can manage when there’s an end in plain sight. Your entire attitude can lighten. So take the bull by the horns and create an incentive for yourself. Do something special to reward the hard work you do day after day.

Don’t judge someone if he or she has a different lifestyle than what you consider to be OK, Scorpio. You probably lean toward the traditional, yet not everyone feels this way about re-lationships, working, or lifestyle. While it may seem impossible to understand and even frighten you, try not to be too harsh on those you deem odd. You’d be better off using that energy to keep your own life on track.

Friends seeking advice or a shoulder to cry on could be plentiful today, Sagittarius. You’re one of best people to give them the support and care they need. Just be sure that you don’t give so much to others that you don’t have anything left for yourself. True friendship is about sharing and the exchange of problems and help. Running yourself down will leave you in a place where you aren’t going to be much help to anyone.

Getting through today shouldn’t pose too big a problem for you, Capricorn. You may feel a huge second wind that can give you the drive and determination to see your chores and projects through. Make some plans for this evening, such as getting to-gether with friends or taking in an event that really intrigues you. Until then, go about your tasks bit by bit. You’ll get things finished before you know it.

Working within boundaries and restrictions could really get to you today, Aquarius. Yours is an independent spirit and your best achievements are often born of doing things your own way. Yet like it or not, we all have to follow guidelines and rules. Do your best to follow suit and finish what needs to be done. Afterward, you may find more freedom to act independently without consequences. Exercise patience and diligence as needed today.

Chances are that you’ll feel upbeat and positive today, Pisces. Consider sharing this energy with those around you who are feel-ing less than content. Your attitude can have a profound effect on friends, partners, spouses, and children. Even neighbors and ex-tended family can pick up on your spirit without you even real-izing it. Share your optimism with everyone you can today. If you see someone hurt or angry.

Feeling the effects of today’s energies, Virgo? Take heart if this is the case, because the end of the tunnel isn’t as far away as it seems. Do your best to take things one step at a time and see about making some plans for a little fun this evening. Get together with friends or take in a movie. Help yourself feel better by staying busy and focused and follow up with some recreation. Before you know it, the aspect will pass and you’ll be back to normal.

Don’t discount your ability to be extremely resourceful if you need to be, Aries. If you don’t have everything you need or all of the required information, take time to think. Who can you ask? What places can you access? Who might know where you can find what you need? Rather than panic because the pieces aren’t all there, instead make a list of contacts and go for it. Trust in yourself.

Try not to let today’s blues get you down, Taurus. While it’s true that some days can seem to drag on, the busier you are the faster time will pass. Get down to finishing any work still before you and then make plans for tonight. If there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, not only will things seem to speed up but you’ll feel better knowing it’s coming.

Dare to be different, Gemini. It can be so easy to fall into a drill. Sleeping at the same time, eating at the same time, wearing the same style, and going about work the same way day after day. Be-fore you know it, you feel like you’re in a rut. The only way to get away from this is to make a decision to break free by doing some-thing unique. Try a new haircut. Wear colors that are unusual for you. If the need is there, consider a new career. Pursue expansion.

If your lifestyle is considerably different than that of others, re-sist feeling self-conscience about it today, Cancer. Try to remember that you chose the life you have for specific reasons. Even if you’ve come to a point where you’re considering a change, there’s no need to feel badly, ashamed, or embarrassed about where you are now. Everyone has to make his or her own way. If this conforms to the norm, that’s fine. If it doesn’t, that’s fine, too.

An enhanced feeling of determination could motivate you today, Leo. Finish the things that aren’t complete and make some plans for this evening. Don’t hesitate to take on something that feels compli-cated or big. Chances are you’ll be able to handle most anything and it will feel great when it’s finished. Enjoy your day by making the most of opportunity.

Daily Zabarwan TimesEDITORIAL/ OPINIONEDITORIAL/ OPINIONDaily Zabarwan TimesSrinagar, Wednesday 27 August 2014

Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer

Time to come true Mr. Modi

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is

as though everything is a miracle.”

Quote of the day

― Albert Einstein

It is only three months back that Modi wave swept everything and uprooted a giant par-ty like Congress which

was reduced to just to just around forty seats in Lok Sabha, the lowest and hu-miliating standing it could never have imagined. The Modi tsunami also finished several regional parties and recorded a historic win in the lok Sabha Elections. The Indian voters mostly voted for a better change and the communalization and polar-ization contributed its share in the B.J.P win. However, it was expected that the cor-rupt Congress rule will be substituted by a honest reign and Mr. Modi, considered to be an able administrator, will change the course of de-velopment and prosperity of the country. However, with in three months only, people started feeling disappointed and disgruntled as nothing new is emerging and whatev-er was being done in old re-gime has also slowed down. As expected Mr. Modi has done nothing spectacular so far which will prove his ad-ministrative capabilities and would place him ahead of his predecessor who was most-ly subjected to criticism be-cause of his indecisiveness. As Mr. Man Mohan Singh was heading a govt. which was consisting of several po-litical parties and his bridle was reportedly in the hands of Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, hence, he proved weak Prime Minis-ter. But Mr. Modi has a clear majority and he even does not need the support of his N.D.A. therefore, he should prove to be strongest Prime Minister and should trans-late and implement whatever he was assuring during his intensive election campaign. If one goes by the results of Bihar bye-polls, Mr. Modi and his B.J.P has started loos-ing grounds and should take these results as an indicator of future which will not be as smooth as anybody thinks.

Daily Zabarwan TimesEDITORIAL/ OPINIONEDITORIAL/ OPINIONDaily Zabarwan TimesSrinagar, Sunday 09 March 2014

Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer

Election preparedness at

full swing

As the elections to the Lok Sabha have been announced, the Return-

ing Officers in different parts of the country have gone all out for the election preparedness so that free and fair elections are made possible, the code of conduct is implemented in real perspective and more and more voters are enrolled in the voter lists. The training programmes for Booth Level Officers have already started so have started the meetings of the concerned officers with the political parties to create awareness about the whole electoral process. Today special camps are being held all over the country so that young voters are given a final chance to enroll themselves and caste their valuable vote for elect-ing their representatives. This election is called the mother of all elections because the elec-tion situation is totally different from the previous elections. As there is no political group or alliance which seems to be in total command throughout the country, hence the Election Commission has more respon-sibilities to hold free and fair elections as India has the rep-utation of being not only the largest democracy of the world but also because of the institu-tion of Election Commission which has always stood the test of the time and remained un-biased in whatever the condi-tions. The elections to the Lok Sabha will be held in 9 phases and elaborate security arrange-ments are being made to make the situation conducive for the voters who are expected to cast their vote without any coercion or threat perception. There are some areas which are over sen-sitive like North East and Jam-mu & Kashmir and as usual the Election Commission is mak-ing proper security arrange-ments in these areas. If we take example of Panchayat elections in J&K, the large scale partici-pation may be surely an indica-tor that this time also the voters will turn in bulk to cast their vote. It is imperative that the people particularly the young generation votes so that only those representatives are elect-ed who have good image and spotless carrier and will serve the people in a better way and mitigate their problems.

Building not just Roads but Nation

Transport system is consid-ered as the life line of any nation. Road Infrastruc-ture, because of its easy accessibility, flexibility in

operation, door to door service and re-liability occupies a dominant position in the transportation system. It is vital for unleashing economic growth and is a critical component of all inclusive growth. In the last few decades, Road transport in India has registered tre-mendous growth and has become the most preferred mode of transport. The share of road transport in carrying the passengers and goods is more than 80% and 60% of the total passenger and freight movement respectively.

Road Network India has huge network of roads to-talling about 46.90 lakh km. The road density in India at present is nearly 1.43 km per sq. km of area which com-pares favourably with many coun-tries. Responsibility of development of this network rests with the Central Government, State Governments and local Government. National High-ways (NH), having total length of 82,803 km, constitutes less than 2% of the total road network. However, these are the main arteries carrying more than 40% of the total road traf-fic. Development of NHs is the respon-sibility of the Central Government.Good and efficient transport infra-structure is an essential pre-requisite for the economic growth of a nation. It has been the endeavor of the Gov-ernment to provide speedy, safe and efficient road transport network. It is recognized that modernisation of infrastructure is the key to attain higher GDP. India’s Transport sec-tor as a whole contributes about 5.5% to the GDP, with road transport con-tributing the lion’s share. India has emerged as one of the fastest growing economy in the world. According to experts, India could unleash its full potential, provided, it improves the infrastructure facilities, which are at present not sufficient to meet the growing demand of the economy. To address emerging demand by catch-ing up with the economic and social growth of the country, a massive Road development programme has been

taken up in the country.

NHDP The National Highways Develop-ment Project (NHDP) is the flagship programme, for development of less developed areas, dedicated regional programmes like the Special Acceler-ated Road Development Programme for the North-East (SARDP-NE) and the Special Programme for the Left Wing Extremism affected areas have also been taken up. Now, there are plans for building up Expressways in the Country. Three projects i.e. East-ern Peripheral Expressway in National Capital Region, Delhi - Meerut Express-way and Mumbai – Vadodra Express-way covering about 650 km are target-ed during the current financial year. Planning for Bengaluru – Chennai and Delhi – Jaipur Expressways are also in advance stages. All these Expressways will be fully access controlled roads on green field alignment. To meet with the massive require-ment of funds, innovative means of fi-nancing and financing strategies which inter alia include cess on fuel, private sector participation including foreign investment, borrowing from the mar-ket as well as budgetary support have been adopted. A major step was to at-tract foreign as well as domestic invest-ments through Public Private Partner-ship (PPP). Involving the private sector would lead to increasing efficiency with the help of using modern technol-ogy. The private sector has more flex-ible procurement and decision-making procedures and therefore, it can speed up implementation efforts. Allowing private sector to raise capital/funds has paved the way for the Government to use its scarce resources efficiently and effectively. Several new materials of road construction are also emerging that would need to be encouraged de-pending upon their cost effectiveness. For development of National High-ways in the Country in the 12 five year plan targets to invest Rs 1,44,769 crores from budgetary support, Rs 64,834 crores from IEBR and Rs 1,87,995 crores from private sector participation.Launched in 1998, the NHDP program represents the largest road construc-tion project ever undertaken to boost

the development of the National High-ways in the country. The program is aimed at the development of about 50,000 km of National Highways. Golden Quadrilateral which provides four-lane connectivity between four metros, is complete, while the North-South-East-West (NSEW) corridor is about to be completed. Four laning and six laning is underway at many places and progressing at brisk pace, despite the hurdles in land acquisi-tion, obtaining environment and for-est clearances, high cost debt etc,. So far work on more than 21,000 km have been completed and in about 12,350 km works are in progress. Other flag-ship regional programmes which in-cludes SARDP-NE and roads in LWE affected areas covers development of about 12,000 km of roads out of which work has already been completed in about 3800 kms.

Mode of Projects The emphasis has been to take up progressively more and more in-frastructure projects through private sector participation on BOT (Toll) basis so that more public funds are available for social sectors such as Health, Education, etc. However, it would not be practically possible to take up development of the majority of the highway stretches on BOT (Toll) mode. This has reflected in the recent trends of bidding when in majority of roads projects we could not get the favourable response. Accordingly, re-cently, Ministry has decided to take up road projects as turnkey Engineer-ing Procurement Construction (EPC) contracts basis which would help to reduce construction time and is ex-pected to improve quality of work as well. Also, in this system the objec-tive to garner private sector efficiency is retained and the private entrepre-neurs are free to use new technology to speed up their works

New InitiativesE-Tolling The experience on present tolling system is associated with con-gestion and delays at toll plazas. To overcome this, Government has de-cided adoption of Electronic Toll Col-lection (ETC) system across National

Highways in India, which would en-able toll to be collected electronically from vehicles at toll plazas while the vehicle is in motion. Pilot projects have already been taken up in this re-gard which will pave way for nation-wide interoperable ETC at all the toll plazas on National Highways by 2014.New Materials Besides financing, such a mammoth development pro-gramme requires huge amount of natural resources. As such conserva-tion of the material is area of concern for all. There is a need to save scarce physical resource like aggregates, sand, earth, cement, bitumen, etc. looking to huge programme of con-struction of highways in the country. On the other hand, the Nation is facing problem of the disposal & storage of in-dustrial waste like fly-ash, copper slag, marble slurry, etc. Efforts are on in utilizing these waste materials in con-struction of roads through complete/partial replacement of conventional materials. Cashless Treatment of accident Victims (A Road Safety initiative) India has the dubious distinction of having maxi-mum number of fatalities on roads. During the year 2011, there were around 5 lakh road accidents result-ing in the deaths of over 1.42 lakh people. Each day, nearly 390 people die on our roads. In India more than half of road accident victims are in the age group 20-65 years. The loss of the main bread earner and head of household due to death or dis-ability can be catastrophic, leading to lower living standards and poverty, in addition to the human cost of bereave-ment. This is an unacceptable price to pay for mobility. The Ministry has already taken up multi-pronged strategy in his regard. The latest mile-stone in this area is a Pilot Project for “implementation of cashless medical treatment to the accident victims” for the first 48 hours. Under this scheme accident victims will be provided free treatment during this period as a result immediate relief can be pro-vided to the accident victim, which will go a long way in reducing fatali-ties on our road.Completion of programmes already taken up is expected to go a long way in contributing towards building the Nation.

Empowering Mentally Ill to Live with Dignity

Mental health represents a critical indicator of hu-man development, serves as a key determinant of well-being, quality of life

and is the basis for social stability. So-cial and economic impact of poor men-tal health is pervasive and far reaching, leading to poverty, high unemployment rates, poor educational and health out-comes, among others. There is a need for a wider recognition of mental and emotional well-being as a core indicator of human development, and it is neces-sary to integrate a mental health and psychosocial perspective into all devel-opment and humanitarian policies, pro-grammes.Persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities represent a significant pro-portion of the world’s population. One in four people globally experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. Al-most one million people die due to sui-cide every year and depression is ranked third in the global burden of disease, and is projected to rank first in 2030. In India prevalence of mental disorders is 6-7% for common mental disorders and 1-2% for severe mental disorders. Treatment gap for severe mental disorders is ap-proximately 50% and in case of Common mental Disorders it is over 90%.With such a magnitude of mental disorders it becomes necessary to promote mental health services for the well being of gen-eral population, in addition to provide treatment for mental illnesses.Persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities often face stigma and dis-crimination due to widely held miscon-ceptions about the causes and nature of mental health conditions. Persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities also experience high levels of physical abuse. They encounter restrictions in their ex-ercise of socio-politico-economic rights

in the majority of countries, largely due to the false assumption that they are not able to carry out their responsibilities, manage their own affairs and make deci-sions about their lives.Though mental health conditions are one of the leading causes of disability, persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities often lack resources to main-tain basic living standards. Further-more, they are one of the most neglected and discriminated groups in develop-ment policies and programmes. Integra-tion of mental health into development efforts is a cost effective pro-poor strat-egy. There are cost effective treatments available for most mental illnesses, and effective treatment is associated with reductions in overall health-care costs. Child development, education, health, social welfare policies and pro-grammes must integrate mental and psychosocial aspects.In India, National Mental Health Pro-gramme (NMHP) was started in 1982 with the objectives to ensure avail-ability and accessibility of minimum mental health care for all, to encourage mental health knowledge and skills and to promote community participation in mental health service development and to stimulate self-help in the communi-ty. Gradually, the approach of mental health care services has shifted from hospital based care (institutional) to community based mental health care, as majority of mental disorders do not require hospitalization and can be managed at community level. During IX five year plan, Dis-trict Mental Health Programme was initiated (1996) and at present DMHP is covering 123 districts in 30 States and UTs. In addition to early identifi-cation and treatment of mentally ill, District Mental Health Programme has now incorporated promotive and pre-

ventive activities for positive mental health which includes; School Mental Health services; College Counselling services; work place stress manage-ment and suicide prevention services. Efforts are being made to improve hu-man resource availability in mental health sector so that mentally ill gets required attention and persons hav-ing a predilection for mentally illness can get good advice, counselling at the initial stages itself. Components of NHMP are being brought under the overall umbrella of National Rural Health Mission so that the States are able to plan requirements concern-ing Mental Health services as part of the respective project plans. Rs.623.45 crore has been approved as XI plan out-lay (upto 2012) for the National Mental Health Programme.However, recognizing the difficulties/stigma faced by mentally ill persons the Government is in the process of providing a humane, patient centric le-gal framework for mentally ill patients. The proposed Mental Health Care bill can be a ‘Game changer’ in the life of millions of mentally ill persons who were often victims of inhuman and degrading treatment, abuse and ridi-cule, both at the community level and at health care delivery establishments.The proposed Mental Health Care bill is significant in terms of Rights’ Approach that is being adopted to give pre-emi-nence to the preferences and opinion of the mentally ill person to a major extent. Provisions like ‘Advance Directive’ em-powers every person to make directive on how he wishes to be cared and treated for mental illness or not. Other salient provisions are;· A mentally ill person admitted to a mental health establish-ment shall have a right to receive or re-fuse visitors, phone calls, mail,etc· A mentally ill person has a right

to have treatment in his locality / resi-dence and can prefer only minimum treatment/care at mental health estab-lishments. This is to ensure that the pa-tient is allowed to live in, be part of and not be segregated from society to the ex-tent possible· Every patient has a right to protec-tion from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and the mental health estab-lishment shall be safe, clean with facili-ties for education, recreation, religious practices.· No patient shall be forced to un-dertake work and subject to compulsory shaving of head and wearing of uni-forms.· Mental illness may be made eligible for medical insurance coverage.· Government is duty-bound to plan, implement mental health programmes and create awareness about mental health and illness to reduce the associ-ated with mental illness· Every person will have access to mental health care and treatment at af-fordable cost, of good quality and of req-uisite quantity, accusable to the report, their families and care givers· Government should interpret men-tal health services into general health care services at all levels in all health programmes.· Government shall arrange good quality care and treatment in hospitals funded by government and in case of non availability in nearby place; refund the costs of treatment to the patient.To conclude, a mentally well person means a healthy society and developed nation. It is not enough if we have best health care services, protective legisla-tion unless the stigma, discrimination and widely held misconceptions at-tached to mental illness are weeded out and community becomes more empa-thetic towards such persons.