SRINAGAR, July 8: Renowned anthropologist, poet, essayist and academician turned former IAS officer Dr Sitakant Mahapatra today delivered a special lecture on the poetry and contribution to Kashmiri literature by revered poet of Kashmir Prof Rehman Rahi.
The special lecture session was organized by PG Department of Kashmir in Kashmir University and attended by students, scholars and faculty members besides a galaxy of writers, poets, historians and academicians of repute.
While delivering the lecture, Dr Mahapatra termed Prof Rahi’s work as highly scholastic and said “Rehman Rahi is the most matured voice of Kashmiri poetry from the bleeding paradise of Kashmir and it is Rahi‘s magnificent work which brings Kashmir close to the whole world.”
Dr Mahapatra who is from Odisha and has 30 anthologies in English language to his credit is also a fellow of Oxford and Cambridge University and has noteworthy 14 anthologies in poetry as well.
In his presidential address, Vice Chancellor KU, Prof AM Shah while referring to the presence of Dr Mahapatra and Prof Rehman Rahi –both Jnanpith awardees said that the students, scholars and teachers of the University should seize this opportunity and try to learn from the experiences of these stalwarts.
Prof Rehman Rahi who was also present on the occasion as guest of honour said “It was a joyful surprise for me to see that one of the great poets of India like Dr Mahapatra deliberating upon the aesthetics of the poetry of Kashmiri language and going through my work.”
He said “It is not recognition of me as a poet but the recognition of Kashmiri language and Kashmiri poetry itself”.
Kishtwar students posing for a photograph before leaving to join Global Institute at Kurukshetra on Tuesday.
Jammu, July 8: A second batch of 43 students were sent to join Global Research Institute of Management & Technology, Kurukshetra University under the Prime Minister Special Scholarship Scheme by the Kishtwar Garrison from Kishtwar in the presence of their parents, relatives and teachers today.
The students are being sent in batches by Army from Kishtwar to Kurukshetra in Haryana. The first batch of 37 students had already joined the institute.
The Army made a conscious effort to be interface between young students of Kishtwar and Universities under the Prime Minister Special Scholarship scheme to enable the students of remote area of Kishtwar to pursue higher education.
The desire and zeal for higher education shown by the students of Kishtwar confirms yet again that they are aspiring for excellence. Last year 108 students from Kishtwar joined Pacific University, Udaipur to pursue higher education.
Continuing with this trend, Counter Insurgency Force (Delta) assisted 106 students of Kishtwar district in taking admission in B Tech Courses at Global Research Institute of Management & Technology, Kurukshetra University under the Prime Minister Special Scholarship scheme.
Commander Kishtwar Garrison addressed the students amidst civil administration and Education Department officials. The Commander impressed upon the students to work hard for pursuing their ambition and fulfilling dreams of their parents while bringing glory to Kishtwar.
New Delhi, July 8:
Absence of a comprehensive proposal from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) prevented the country from bidding for the 2019 Asian Games, Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said today.
India failed to submit the bid despite seeking extension from July 1 deadline set by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
“It was a question of time constraint. My ministry was waiting for a comprehensive proposal from the Indian Olympic Association but it was not carried out,” said Sonowal on the sidelines of an event organised by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Football Link.
Asked whether IOA was solely responsible for India’s failed attempt at hosting the Asiad for the second time after 1982, Sonowal said, “you can guess it (who is responsible). But the fact is that the matter is over. There is no point blaming each other. We should think for something better in the future.”
India joined the race for the 2019 Games in the wake of Vietnam’s pullout.
The minister said the government was still committed to hosting a big event.
“We are looking forward to host a big event. Probably we will host the biggest mega event in the world.”
The sports ministry is expected to get an additional Rs.100 crore in the July 10 budget over and above the Rs.165 crore allocated for the athletes ahead of the upcoming Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
Asked his expectations from the budget, Sonowal added, “Our Prime Minister is very much keen to promote sports in the country. We are interested to bring sports to a level where it has credibility. Sports must be above corruption.” (PTI)
Excelsior Correspondent
MENDHAR, July 8: Unemployed Physical Education trainers held protest at Shahidi Yadgar Mendhar here in support of their demand.
These unemployed PETs assembled in the town and held demonstration against Government. They demanded their adjustment in various schools under the ReT pattern as ‘Rehbar-e-Khel’. They pointed out that a proposal in this regard was under consideration of the Government but no development was witnessed further. They also submitted a memorandum for the Youth Services and Sports Minister through local administration, regarding implementation of ReK scheme.
JAMMU, July 8: The Women wing of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) today held a protest against scarcity of ration, rising corruption and rising prices of essential commodities.
The activists of ladies wing of PDP led by Geeta Thakur raised slogans against Government and Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) Department.
While speaking, Geeta Thakur alleged that ration dealers in-connivance with the authorities of CAPD are black marketing the ration meant for public distribution.
She added that sufficient ration is available in the ration depots, but the ration dealers are selling the same to those, who are not having ration cards on exorbitant rates.
Thakur also alleged that the Government has also failed to keep check on the rising corruption in J&K.
Ritu Gupta, Radha Kapahi, Madhu Gandotra and Yash Kour in their speeches flayed the Government for putting extra burden on the common masses by increasing the prices of the essential commodities
NEW DELHI, July 8:
Imagine voters having mobile phones using a secured and an authentic app to vote for the candidate of their choice in their constituency!
This is what former President A P J Abdul Kalam visualises for implementing a transparent system for elections in the country in his new book “A Manifesto for Change”.
In this book, which is a sequel to “India 2020”, Kalam, writing with co-author V Ponraj, examines the requirements of India to become a developed country by 2020.
“A Manifesto for Change”, published by HarperCollins India, is the result of five years of Kalam’s research on our parliamentary system.
He says a new, independent Lokpal bill (not in the present form) empowering an independent CVC, independent CBI, and independent special court with a checks and balance mechanism built-in to deal with corruption cases with constitutional authority status similar to that of the Election Commission are the need of the hour.
Advocating for E-elections, the country’s 11th President writes, “I visualise an election scenario in which a candidate files his nomination from a particular constituency.
Immediately, the election officer verifies his or her authenticity using the national citizen ID (UIDAI/National Population Register ID/any other citizen ID) database.
“His or her civic status is reflected by the crime record with the police. His property record comes from the land authority; income and wealth sources from the income tax department; education credentials from university records; employment record from various employers; credit history from various credit institutions like banks; and legal records from the judicial system.”
All these details will then automatically show up on the election officer’s computer screen within a few minutes, thanks to an e-governance software which scans state and central Government directories, Kalam says.
“The election officer immediately decides on the candidate’s eligibility, and the election process starts. During the election, voters having mobile phone with their national ID can use a secured and authentic election mobile app to vote for the candidate of their choice in their constituency, besides the option of going to a polling booth,” he suggests.
He then poses a series of questions. “Is such a system possible? If so, when will it turn to reality? Will the political parties believe in such an advanced system? Will the bureaucrats allow it to be implemented?”
He feels as far as the technology goes, this is feasible. “It is for the leadership to have the courage to implement such a transparent system for elections, which will attract 100 per cent voting and reduce the pitfalls in the election system. Also, this would only be a starting point. We would need to replicate such systems across the board,” he claims.
“Can we provide good governance to our one billion people? Can such governance speed up the delivery system? Can it differentiate between genuine and spurious transactions? Can it ensure immediate action in genuine cases such that all standards of quality on a checklist are met? Can the cost be affordable for our nation? If we implement such a system, I will call it a true e-governance system,” he writes.
He also asks politicians to leave behind politics of antagonism and disruption.
He says during the last six decades of our parliamentary democracy, it is the political leadership that has made this country great through its visionary politics.
In the chapter, “Manifesto for State Assemblies”, Kalam analyses the performance of the Government in all the big and small states and says it depends on the leadership provided by the Chief Minister.
“If he or she has a vision for the state, with able ministers and with the help of right bureaucrats to implement change, the state can get on to the fast track of growth. Whichever states are blessed with such leadership have shown enormous achievements in attracting investment, improving energy and road infrastructure, providing easy access to Government services, better healthcare, reducing crime and other indicators of development,” the book says.
Kalam, however, says people not only look at the extent of development to re-elect a Government but also give weightage to how easily accessible political leaders are in at least hearing their grievances.
“They expect minimum level of transparency in the administration, and expect a high level of integrity,” he says. (PTI)
NEW DELHI, July 8:
India has been told four days ago that there is no list of Indian tax residents holding assets in Swiss Banks in their own name or through structures, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.
However, the government said the Swiss National Bank on its website reported that the total deposit of Indians in their banks have increased about Rs 14,100 crore at the end of 2013 from about Rs 8,547 crore a year ago.
In a written reply to Shantaram Naik, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that the government wrote to the Swiss Authorities on June 23 this year after it was reported in the media that Indians were keeping large amounts in Swiss banks.
In the letter under the provisions of Art 26 of the Direct Tax Avoidance Convention (DTAC), the government had asked Switzerland information in this regard that has been compiled by it.
“The Swiss Authorities in their reply dated July 4, 2014 have stated that there is no list of Indians tax residents holding assets in Swiss financial institutions in their own names or through structures,” he said.
He said following amendments to the DTAC with Switzerland on October 7, 2011, India has made several requests seeking information about its nationals holding bank accounts in Swiss Banks.
“There has been a positive response to some requests, where information has been provided subject to the confidentiality clause in the said DTAC. In other cases, the Swiss government has not been providing the information requested citing restriction imposed by their domestic laws,” he said. (PTI)
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 8: While stressing for the early completion of various developmental projects undertaken by the Government in different sectors like R&B, PHE, Housing, UEED, PDD, the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Ali Mohammad Sagar today directed the concerned for ensuring their completion within the stipulated time frame, so that people get benefitted from these welfare measures.
The Minister was addressing officers during a review meeting convened to discuss the status of various developmental programs undertaken by the Government and also those being implemented out of his Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in Srinagar city.
The meeting was attended by MD, JK Housing Board, Ram Paul, Chief Planning Officer, Javed Matoo and senior officers of different departments like PDD, PHE, UEED, SMC, JKPCC etc.
Mr. Sagar impressed upon officers to work in a synergised manner, so that the bottle necks, if any are removed and the projects are fast paced and completed within the stipulated time frame. He also called for close monitoring of these, so that an effective feedback can be obtained about the status of their implementation.
“The Government has undertaken a comprehensive program for ensuring holistic development of the Srinagar City and in this regard various programs have been initiated in different sectors like PDD, PHE, UEED, Housing and other related sectors and now the onus lies on the officers to ensure their timely completion, so that the people get benefited from these measures”, the minister said and maintained that the requisite funds have already been placed at the disposal of the executing agencies.
Mr. Sagar directed the officers of JKPCC to fast pace the remaining work on the restoration of Dastageer Sahib (RA) and Naqash Band Sahib (RA) shrines. He said that the requisite funds have already been placed at the disposal and now the agency has to ensure the timely completion of these revered shrines.
The Minister also asked for the completion of various community halls undertaken in various areas of the city like Malik Pura (Zainakadal), Suklipura (Rajouri Kadal), Koolipora (Khanyar), Makhdoom Sahib etc so that the people get benefitted from these and celebrate their social and other functions there.
Mr Sagar also directed for the completion of Syed Mirakshah (SMS) and Khanyar- Zakura-Pandach (KZP) road projects as early as possible maintaining that they are vital for better traffic mobility in the city. He said that the compensation cases should also be settled within the shortest possible time.
The Minister also directed for speeding up the works undertaken out of his Constituency Development Fund (CDF), so that the people living in the areas of his constituency get better facilities.
Jammu, July 8: Minister for Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution and Transport, Ch. Mohammad Ramzan today exhorted upon the administration to intensify checking and monitoring drives for effective enforcement of various laws and acts of the department aimed at protection of consumers rights besides ensuring quality services to the consumers.
“Ensure stringent action against the hoarders who violate the existing laws thus causing hardships to the consumers”, the Minister asked the concerned officers.
The Minister directed the officers to jointly conduct regular market checking so that the people get quality essential commodities at the fixed prices.
The Minister was speaking at an officers meeting held to assess status of essential services in Jammu division besides reviewing stock of food grains and other items in the region.
Ramzan maintained that strict vigil is required to check black-marketing and hoarding of vital commodities. He asked the concerned department to also check the quality of various commodities being sold to the consumers.
The Minister asked the Director CAPD to make sure that adequate stocking of ration is made available in view of holy month of Ramzan and Amarnathji yatra.
The Minister also reviewed the power scenario in the division and asked the department to ensure timely replacement and repair of damaged transformers.
The Minister also took a detailed review of performance of the Agriculture Department and was apprised about the steps taken up by the department in view of kharief season. He asked the department to ensure that seeds, fertilizer and required knowhow are provided to the farmers in time to increase productivity.
Among others present were Deputy Commissioner Jammu Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Commissioner JMC, Kiran Wattal, VC JDA, Sushma Chouhan, Additional Commissioner Rehana Batool, IGP Jammu Rajesh Kumar, Director Tourism Soujanya Sharma, Director Health B. S. Pathania, Director School Education, Director Agriculture, Director CAPD, Chief Engineer PHE Sushil Aima, Chief Engineer R&B, RTO Jammu and other concerned officers.
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 8: A meeting of Committee on Privileges of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council was held under the chairmanship of MLC, Syed Rafiq Ahmed Shah here today and examined various breach of privileges received by Council Secretariat.
The Committee on Privileges of Legislative Council dropped three privileges motion against the officers of different departments including JAKFED, PDD and Forest.
Legislators, Syed Nayeem Akhtar Andrabi, Aga Syed Rizvi and Dr B. A. Shah Veeri both as (Special Invitees) also attended the meeting and gave their valuable suggestions to resolve the breach of privileges.
The Committee discussed and examined the breach of Privilege notice given by MLC, Dr B A Shah Veeri, Naresh Kumar Gupta, Dr Shehnaz Ganie, Aga Syed Rizvi and other legislators from time to time against the officers and officials of different departments.
The breach of privileges against 12 employees of JAKFED and officers of PDD was dropped after receiving satisfactory reply from the employees.
Another privilege motion against the DFO, Kralpora who was present in the meeting moved by the MLC, Dr Shehnaz Ganai was also discussed and the Committee after receiving satisfactory reply decided unanimously to drop the privilege motion against him.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary, Cooperative, Ramesh Koul, Managing Director, JAKFED, Javid A. Shah, other senior officers of concerned departments besides officers and officials of Council Secretariat.
