Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, June 10: The State Government was expecting at least 25 per cent jump in the award of 14th Finance Commission of India, which was likely to submit its report to the Government of India in October this year.
The 14th Finance Commission award would be applicable from April 1, 2015 for the next five years i.e. till March 31, 2020.
Official sources told the Excelsior that the 14th Finance Commission headed by Dr Y V Reddy, Chairman has dropped enough hints during its meetings with Governor NN Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather and other State delegations that Jammu and Kashmir could get at least 25 per cent jump in the 14th FC award as compared to 13th FC.
The 13th Finance Commission had given the State Rs 38,200 crores worth award, whose term would be expiring on March 31, 2015. The State Government had then expressed satisfaction over the award, which had liquidated the State’s entire Overdraft with Jammu and Kashmir Bank.
Sources said though the State Government has projected demands worth Rs 53,775 crores before the 14th Finance Commission for next five years beginning April 1, 2015, the Finance Commission has reportedly dropped hints that Jammu and Kashmir being a sensitive border and hilly backward State could get 25 per cent jump as compared to 13th Finance Commission.
The increase in Jammu and Kashmir’s award would be more than other States, which could get 15 to 20 per cent increase over 13th Finance Commission.
A jump of 25 per cent over 13th Finance Commission award for Jammu and Kashmir means that the State could get at least Rs 47,500 crores from the 14th Finance Commission for five years from April 1, 2015. Though the State Government would like entire amount worth Rs 53,775 crores projected before the 14th Finance Commission, which visited Jammu and Kashmir from June 5 to 7, to be granted to the State, it would be satisfied with 25 per cent increase over 13th Finance Commission award.
Sources said the State Government has projected its priorities sectors like health, urban and rural development, construction of roads, power projects and starting new water supply schemes, taking up new hospitals especially in rural areas, special grants for Urban Local Bodies, Panchayats and various other new projects, which it proposed to launch over the next five years when the award of the 14th Finance Commission would start.
Sources said the Government has also sought certain debt relief from the 14th Finance Commission of India. It may be mentioned here that debts of the Jammu and Kashmir Government has constantly been rising and had crossed Rs 50,000 crores.
“The Finance Commission has assured the Government that it would take into account its demand for debt relief to some extent as Jammu and Kashmir has been infested by the militancy for over two and half decades,’’ sources said.
Meanwhile, the 14th Finance Commission was likely to submit its report to the Government of India in October this year. The Commission has covered almost all States with Jammu and Kashmir being third last State visited by it. It would take suggestions of all the State Government before finalizing its recommendations and submitting them to the Union Government in October.
The Government would study the report before implementing award of the 14th Finance Commission in respect of the States from April 1, 2015.
The Finance Commission headed by Dr YV Reddy as Chairman comprised Prof Abhijit Sen, Sushma Nath, Dr M Govinda Rao and Dr Sudhipto Mundle as Members.
The Government of India had mandated the 14th Finance Commission to review the State of the finances, deficit and debt levels of the Union and the States, keeping in view, in particular, the fiscal consolidation roadmap recommended by the 13th Finance Commission, and suggest measures for maintaining a stable and sustainable fiscal environment consistent with equitable growth including suggestions to amend the Fiscal Responsibility Budget Management Acts currently in force and while doing so, the Commission may consider the effect of the receipts and expenditure in the form of grants for creation of capital assets on the deficits; and the Commission shall also consider and recommend incentives and disincentives for States for observing the obligations laid down in the Fiscal Responsibility Budget Management Acts.
14th FC may recommend 25 pc jump in J&K’s award
Jammu records season’s highest temp of 44.5 deg C
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, June 10: The winter capital of the State today recorded season’s highest temperature of 44.5 degree Celsius while the harmful ultra violet radiations have crossed the critical limit with the blazing Sun in last one week.
A Met office spokesman disclosed that Jammu recorded season’s highest temperature of 44.5 degree Celsius. It is over five degree above normal temperature. Minimum temperature of Jammu remained 27.3 degree C which is again, nearly 4 degree above normal.
Jammu city’s north observatory had recorded 44 degree C temperature on June 9 (Monday) while it remained 43.7 degree C on June 8. Today’s temperature was five degree Celsius above normal, which is around 39.6 degree C. Hardly few days back, on June 3, the maximum temperature in Jammu was 40.2 degree Celsius. In next 2-3 days, there will be no respite from the blazing Sun and the temperature may further rise, the spokesman added.
The heat waves swept across many areas of Jammu region including kandi belt of Akhnoor, Jammu, Samba and Kathua, while the winter capital city experienced the hottest day of this season so far. The movement of the people has been contained with the rising of mercury every day while farmers have also limited their working hours on the fields.
The spokesman further disclosed that the maximum temperature in the city shot at least five notches above average, making it the season’s hottest day so far. In 2012, June 21 was the hottest day with 45.2 degree C temperature. On June 8, 2003 the highest temperature of 45.1 degree C was recorded in Jammu city.
It is pertinent to mention here that on May 23, last year, Jammu recorded 45.8 degree C temperature, which was highest in last 25 years during the month of May. Winter capital city recorded a minimum temperature of 27.3 degree C today while Srinagar city a maximum of 30.2 degree C and minimum 13.9 degree Celsius.
Udhampur recorded a maximum of 41 degree C and minimum of 20.4 degree C temperature today while holy township of Katra a maximum of 40.7 degree C and minimum of 26.4 degree Celsius temperature.
Weatherman predicts that there would be further increase in temperature in next 3-4 days and the whole region would experience a completely dry spell.
As mercury has started soaring high gradually, the scorching heat wave have brought the normal life in Jammu to almost grinding halt during the mid day as most of people preferred to remain indoor, in the comfort of coolers and air- conditioners at homes and offices during the day. Most of the roads and lanes in the city and other major towns like Samba, Kathua, Akhnoor, Vijaypur etc wore deserted look at noon and afternoon. Even the movement of vehicles has also gone thin in the afternoon. During evening and morning hours rush at city canals has also started picking up.
Chief Scientist SKUAST-Jammu associated with the Met Department, Dr B C Sharma when contacted disclosed that Jammu’s temperature has gone about 5 degree C above normal while the intensity of ultra-violet radiations has now crossed critical limit. It has gone higher than the normal limit, causing direct impact on the human beings as well as animals and birds. They have reached nearly three times higher than the normal limit.
Replying to a question, Dr Sharma said these waves are exposing people to the risk of skin cancer, brain stroke and other ailments. The people must avoid direct radiations especially between 11 am to 2.30 pm because during this period the intensity waves are much higher. Even under such scorching heat conditions, there are maximum chances of heat stroke to the people, animals and even the birds. He said the school going children or the labourers working in the open Sun are more prone to this kind of risk. Dr Sharma suggested that public should take more precautions under such hot conditions and the farmers should keep their cattle indoor, protecting them from direct radiations.
BJP Core Group devises strategy for coming Assembly poll
Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, June 10: The BJP Core Group today devised the strategy for the coming Assembly elections in the State and reiterated its resolve to concentrate on winning 44+ seats.
The Core Group of the Party, which met in the Union Capital under the leadership of Party National president and Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh discussed all the modalities of coming Assembly poll in the State.
The Party, which is eyeing to win 44+ seats in the State said that it will concentrate to win all 25 Assembly seats in Jammu region on which the Party had maintained a lead in recently held Lok Sabha elections. Besides, it will try to win four seats in Ladakh region, Party sources said.
Sources said the BJP will also try to reach out various groups in Kashmir Valley and field prospective candidates to win as many seats from the region as possible to cross the magic mark of 44+ needed for formation of next Government in the State.
R P Singh said senior Party general secretaries Ram Lal and J P Nadda will also visit the State in the last week of this month to hold further deliberations with Partymen here. The Party will take all steps for formation of next Government in the State, he added.
“We will take all steps to win the elections in the State, said R P Singh, adding besides Prime Minister the Union Ministers will visit the State Constituency wise to strengthen the Party.
Sources said Rajnath Singh asked the Party men to prepare an action plan regarding the elections and work on it more vigorously. He informed the meeting that since the Party was in power at Centre the Partymen from the State should prepare a charter of requirements for development of the State to be presented before the concerned ministries.
Showing concern over the refugees’ issues, plight of SPOs, VDCs and terrorism affected people of Jammu region, the meeting was informed that Party is committed to settle these long standing issues. It will also strengthen the VDCs and increase their as well as SPO salaries.
The meeting was informed that the Government has already prepared a roadmap for rehabilitation of Kashmiri migrants and it has made mention of the same during President’s address to joint Parliament Session yesterday.
The meeting also discussed organizational matters and prevailing political situation in the State.
The meeting among others was attended by BJP National general secretary (Org) Ram Lal, Party National general secretary, J P Nadda, MoS in PMO and MP from Kathua –Udhampur and Doda Constituency, Dr Jitendra Singh, two BJP MPs from the State, Jugal Kishore Sharma and Thupstan Chhewang, Party Prabhari for J&K Avinash Rai Khanna, Seh Prabhari, R P Singh, three former presidents of the State BJP, Dr Nirmal Singh, Ashok Khajuria and Shamsher Singh Manhas, BJP organizational general secretary, Ashok Kaul and other Party general secretaries, Bali Bhagat, Rajiv Jasrotia and Kavinder Gupta.
Efforts underway to make J&K agri, food processing hub: Bhalla
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 10: Saying that horticulture and its allied sectors are vital for state economy, the Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Youth Services & Sports, Raman Bhalla said that Government is giving focused attention to boost and rejuvenate horticulture and several landmark initiatives have been taken for its revitalization and development besides enhancing productivity by using modern technology.
The Minister said this while addressing day-long seminar on “Schemes of Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries” held at SKICC here today.
The seminar was organized jointly by J&K State Industrial Development Corporation (SIDCO) and National Mission on Food Processing, (NMFP) J&K.
Union Secretary Ministry of Food Processing Siraj Hassan, Financial Commissioner I&C Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, Union Joint Secretary Food Processing, Venketashvara, Secretary Horticulture, Sanjeev Verma, officers of State and Central Governments besides, large gathering of representative of Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Industries and entrepreneurs were present on the occasion.
Mr. Bhalla said that in-spite of being the largest apple producing state in the country; there are many challenges in existing supply chain which restricts farmers in realising the due value for their products. Government has taken several measures and launched various schemes to benefit farmers. He said to improve the functioning and work culture in horticulture and its allied sectors the Government is upgrading food processing industries so that people associated with this sector are benefitted besides ample employment opportunities are generated as well.
The Minister said development of horticulture sector is a prime priority of the Government and efforts to make J&K a leading agricultural and food processing hub of the country are underway and this can be achieved only through creating infrastructure for food processing and developing an efficient food supply chain in the state.
Mr. Bhalla said that Small Farmers Agri-Consortium (SFAC) concept is being implemented in the state to strengthen apple value chain besides developing food processing sector with an objective of facilitating value addition to the agriculture and allied productions and in this regard Government has decided to develop a holistic vision for the development of food processing sector. He said launch of HORTNET Portal is also a milestone for boosting horticulture industry.
Union Secretary Ministry of Food Processing Siraj Hassan in his address said that Jammu and Kashmir State has great potential for horticulture and allied sectors and Centre Government is ready to provide funds to implement different schemes. He emphasized upon the State Government authorities to involve more and more people in the horticulture sector so that they are able to get maximum benefit and good returns from the various schemes launched by the Union Ministry of Food Processing.
Financial Commissioner, I&C Khurshid Ahmad Ganai also spoke on the occasion and said that State has lot of scope for investment in horticulture sector and good avenues of employment and value addition besides, economic advantages for the farmers.
Commissioner Secretary Horticulture also threw light upon the development of horticulture industry.
After police’s partisan role, victim approaches Court
Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, June 10: After Police’s partisan role in an attempt to rape complaint against Director Health Services Kashmir, Saleem-ur-Rehman and three other officials of the department, the victim today approached the Court and prayed for directions to the police for lodging an FIR against the accused officials as per the contents of the complaint.
A Nurse last week lodged an attempt to rape complaint against Director Health and three other officials of the department but police didn’t lodge FIR as per the contents of the complaint.
The victim who alleged attempt to rape by Director Health Services Kashmir, Saleem-ur-Rehman and 3 other officials of the department, today approached Chief Judicial Magistrate Srinagar and prayed for lodging of the FIR against the accused as per the contents of the compliant.
The CJM Srinagar, Virender Singh Bahu, directed the Investigating Officer of the case to file status report of the investigation and present case dairies before the court on Saturday.
The victim also prayed before the court that the IO should be directed to apprise the court about the latest status of investigations conducted. She also prayed that the victim should be directed to cooperate with the investigation.
The victim also prayed before the court that she should be provided appropriate and necessary protection as she alleged intimidation and harassment at the hands of the Director Health and other four officials of the department.
The victim prayed before the court that the police deferred taking cognizance of the complaint in violation of the latest Supreme Court judgment and also in violation of relevant provisions of the law. “…Secondly the FIR which was registered later on at the persuasion of the complainant did not disclose the sections warranted from the contents of the complaint”, the petition reads.
The victim in her petition has alleged that the SHO is not conducting the investigations in fair and transparent manner and didn’t lodge FIR as per relevant Sections of RPC. “The contents of the compliant discloses Section 376 (read with Section 511, 509 RPC and 506, 354 RPC) and also 501 of RPC but the SHO concerned in order to dilute the complaint of the complainant booked the accused persons in much lighter offences i.e. Section 354-A RPC”, reads the petition.
The victim has alleged that police is in nexus with the accused and they are highly influential and are supported by the bureaucrats at the helm of affairs.
NC will emerge victorious once again: Omar
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 10: Stating that National Conference has witnessed many vicissitudes and faced different challenges during its long political span and struggle, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, who is also Working President, National Conference today said that NC has always emerged victorious defeating all troubles and difficulties.
“History is the witness of the conspiracies hatched against National Conference through false propaganda and machinations time and again. You have witnessed flocking of all anti-National Conference forces in the past to dislodge its strong political base and popularity in the State but you have also witnessed the determination and bravery of the workers of this party to steer the ship out of all troubles defeating the disgruntled and vested interests”, he told the office bearers of National Conference in separate meetings at Khag, Beerwah and Magam today during his drive to strengthen party rank and file and infuse new energy in the party cadre to counter the propaganda against National Conference.
Reciting the famous couplet “Girtay hain shah-sawar hi maidan-e-jung main —— Woh tifal kya girain jo guthnu key bal chalain”, Omar Abdullah said that the loss of coalition partners candidates in the recently concluded Parliament Elections has served food for thought to the National Conference workers, office bearers and leaders at the top to ponder upon the reason and make necessary corrective measures to rebound back with force and tell the detectors and enemies of National Conference that NC symbolizing Kashmiriyat and people’s aspirations and lives in the hearts of the people, will re-emerge victorious once again.
“Ascertain their anger and address it to their best expectations so that their enthusiasm and love for National Conference which lives in their blood re-surfaces with full spirit”, Omar Abdullah told party office bearers urging them to travel all across and interact with the basic workers and general masses giving them message of not getting mislead by the propagandist elements whose only aim is to defame National Conference and seek power.
Omar Abdullah said that National Conference has never compromised on its principles and held its high credentials of unity, brotherhood and amity above every political consideration. He said the agenda of National Conference to seek permanent peace in the State is a public document and whether in power or outside, “we have batted and vigorously advocated peaceful resolution of political issues of the State in a political atmosphere through the process of dialogue and our pursuit in this regard will continue”.
Omar Abdullah said that his Government empowered people to the maximum by enacting legislations like Right to Information Act, Public Service Guarantee Act, Re-constitution of Accountability Commission, constitution of Vigilance Commission, introduction of third party monitoring and election and empowerment of Panchayats. He said the list of development initiatives taken by his Government and thousands of works launched, implemented and commissioned during the last five and a half years across the State itself speak of the Government’s performance towards public good.
“Blunt the false propaganda of your detectors and agents of vested interests by presenting them the huge list of development works achieved in the State by this Government as also the initiatives taken for public empowerment and transparency”, he said.
The workers meetings were also addressed by the Provincial President, National Conference, Kashmir, Nasir Aslam Wani who also highlighted the need for strengthening and upgrading the rapport between office bearers and the grass root workers.
NC will address all public grievances: Farooq
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar June 10: National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah today said that National Conference was committed to addressing public grievances across the length and breadth of the State in an effective manner.
He said that the motto of National Conference was to put the interests of the common man above power and politics and this mission of public-service would continue with sincerity of purpose.
Scores of public delegations from Pattan, Sangrama, Kulgam, Anantnag, Ganderbal and Srinagar called on the NC President at NC Headquarters at Nawa-e-Subah Complex and presented their grievances and sought redressal of local issues. Dr. Farooq Abdullah, while speaking to the public delegations, assured them that National Conference would leave no stone un-turned to alleviate their problems for the ultimate goal of public welfare and prosperity.
The delegations sought an increase in ration quota, reduction in electricity tariff and greater avenues of employment for the youth in the State. Abdullah conveyed it to the delegations that various new proposals were under the consideration of the State Government and National Conference would strongly advocate a pro-people take on various issues that have been raised.
In addition to numerous public delegations, various delegations of National Conference workers and activists also called on Dr. Farooq Abdullah and apprised him of the status of mass outreach initiatives in their respective areas. Dr. Abdullah asked NC workers to stand united and resolute in defense of the interests of Jammu and Kashmir and beware of those vested interests that are out to barter the interests of J&K for a go at power.
He said that the Omar Abdullah led Government had initiated various schemes for employment generation and entrepreneurship development and at the same time avenues were created in the public sector as well. Now, he said, National Conference has advocated a greater emphasis on job-creation in both the public and private sectors to give continuity to the efforts of the Government to curb unemployment.
Mufti calls for opening of proposed Medical Colleges
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 10: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) patron, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, has said the operationalization of proposed Medical Colleges in the State should be expedited to ensure that the people in concerned areas receive their benefit without delay.
During his tour of Anantnag constituency today, he said Anantnag and Baramulla Medical Colleges could be fast-tracked as considerable infrastructure is available for setting up full-fledged institutions there. Mufti said both in Anantnag and Baramulla, the construction of 300 bedded hospitals is in advanced stage and South and North campuses of Kashmir University could offer makeshift academic spaces for them.
Mufti said it seems the State Government has yet to take a look at these aspects and these positive features could help expedite the setting up of these important institutions. Mufti was accompanied by Romesh Koul, Chairman Migrant Cell; Zone president Sheikh Javed; Javaid Sathoo, Imran Amin; G A Thakur Ex Chairman Muncipal Council Anantnag, Ab Aziz Najar, B A Pahalwan.
Expressing dismay over the inability of the Government to implement the projects for decongestion of Anantnag town and completion of shopping complex and the bus stand, Mufti said the district headquarters presents a picture of complete neglect and apathy. He said the Government must realize the importance of Anantnag town as a major stop in the tourist circuit of South Kashmir and its historic importance as a trading hub and administrative headquarters of the area. Mufti said it was regrettable that all initiatives taken to modernize the infrastructure in the area have been shelved.
Calling for stepping up work on the up gradation of National Highway, Mufti said it was strange that while a more difficult project between Jammu-Udhampur had been executed with speed and quality the Srinagar-Qazigund stretch over a flat and easy terrain had taken years without much headway. He said the inability of the State Government to pursue the execution of this vital road link has put thousands of commuters to daily inconvenience and creates traffic pressures even on Srinagar and all major towns up to Qazigund.
Mufti said the projects launched by the previous government need to be carried forward to improve the level of amenities to the people of Anantnag town and rest of the South Kashmir of which it is the main commercial and administrative center. He said the town needs to be decongested to ensure free flow of traffic and cater to increased rush of general public and tourists.
He said the road passing through the town from Khanabal to Janglath Mandi and onwards should be widened on the pattern of Khanabal Pahalgam road and the areas around it beatified.
Similarly, he said the bazaar leading up to Ziyarat Reshmoul Saheb, Herbagh, Cheeni Chowk and onwards would also need expansion and beautification. This, he said, will open up the town to tourist traffic resulting in increased economic activity besides providing relief to the residents.
Submit entire record to SVO: DB to 4 DCs
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 10: Expressing displeasure over the non-compliance of the repeated directions, Division Bench of State High Court comprising Justice Virender Singh and Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur today directed the Deputy Commissioners of four districts to submit entire record of the Roshni Scheme to the State Vigilance Organization within two weeks or appear before the court to explain their conduct.
When a Civil Miscellaneous Application (CMA) seeking CBI probe into the multi-crore Roshni Scam came up for hearing, Advocate Sheikh Shakeel Ahmad appearing for the petitioner drew the attention of Division Bench towards the order dated April 24, 2014 whereby Deputy Commissioners of Jammu, Samba, Udhampur, Srinagar, Pulwama and Budgam were directed to submit entire record of Roshni Scheme to the State Vigilance Organization within two weeks.
“Only Deputy Commissioners of Jammu and Samba have ensured compliance of this order while as Deputy Commissioners of other four districts have yet not furnished the record to the Vigilance Organization”, he said, adding “it is only due to the reluctance of the officers to submit the record that we are seeking CBI probe into the scam. Earlier, these officers refused to provide record to the Principal Accountant General and now they are denying the same to Vigilance Organization despite explicit orders from the High Court”.
Taking serious note of non-compliance of the orders, Division Bench, in the open court, directed Deputy Commissioners of Udhampur, Srinagar, Pulwama and Budgam to submit entire record to State Vigilance Organization within two weeks failing which they will have to appear before the court in person on next date of hearing to explain their conduct.
These Deputy Commissioners were further directed to file compliance report in the court within two weeks.
However, due to paucity of time, the Division Bench decided to take up the main Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on land grabbing and connected CMAs after the summer vacations. The DB directed the Registry to list the PIL and rest of the CMAs in the third week of July.
The CMA seeking CBI probe into multi-crore Roshni Scam has been filed by Ankur Sharma, Law Student of Delhi University.
Grenade attack on ADGP office
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 10: Militants tonight fired a rifle grenade at the Zonal Police Headquarters in Srinagar’s Karan Nagar area that landed on office of Additional Director General of Armed Police.
Sources said that a rifle grenade most probably fired from adjacent Batmaloo area landed on the roof of the office of ADGP Armed Police. However, no one was hurt.
Police rushed to the spot and searches were conducted in adjacent Batmaloo area but no one was arrested.