Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) has been rendered paralyzed owing to either reduced funding for developmental projects or delayed release of funds with the result that even original investment may go down the drain. We have information through dependable sources that a large number of Centrally sponsored projects for the district of Leh are languishing for want of release of adequate funds. These have never been brought to completion though their inauguration has as usual been announced with great élan. Ladakh has not kept pace of development with other hilly areas in the country though there is provision of special assistance for the north eastern and north western hilly states.
Authorities of LAHDC have put the finger on the precise spot where the malaise lies. They say that the authorities do not take into account that for six months of the year, Ladakh remains cut off from the rest of the country. Owing to snow and bitter winter, the number of work days is drastically reduced. It is meaningless to apply the work days formula of plains of India to Ladakh. Additionally non availability of adequate labour force is another problem. Ladakh is sparsely populated. Youth both male and female are generally leaving Ladakh and seeking admission in different educational institutions of the country to pursue their education and make their career. This is because satisfactory facilities for further studies or professional studies are not available in Ladakh. So it has adverse impact on availability of labour. Therefore those who plan for the developmental projects or infrastructure for Ladakh must find a way out so that Ladakh is not driven with the same stick used for other States. During past several years more than 83 crore rupees have been invested by LAHDC on various projects all of which are lying incomplete because funds for bringing these to completion were not released or delayed. Obviously, when a project is left half way for a number of years, its utility diminishes and it becomes counter productive. One begins to think that the amount invested only half heartedly is a waste to the public exchequer. It is very unfortunate that an area which is backward in many respects and is handicapped by closure of road for six months and forced to remain isolated should not be given priority but left to negligence. Funding comes from the Centre and, of course, through the channel of the State Government. Assessment of progress is conducted by the Central team. Why are funds held up, one fails to understand? Is there communication gap between the State Government functionaries and the Central Government departments somewhere so as to create obstructions for completion of projects. Various Centrally sponsored projects under different schemes like PMRP, 13th Financial Commission, Special Task Force, NABARD, AIBP, Border Area Development Programme etc. have been successfully carried forward in various states of the country but the story of J&K is different. These are all lying incomplete. Way back in the year 2000, a sum of Rupees 1207 lakh was sanctioned by the Centre under PMRP scheme for Leh district for constructing Hill Council infrastructure. Till date it has not been completed and the reason given is that funds were not released. Twelve building under construction of R&B have not been completed despite seven long years of work on them. And for completing incomplete projects the Council needs 1656 lakh rupees said a knowledgeable source.
LAHDC has now approached the 14th Finance Commission for sanctioning one time grant to the tune of Rs 163 crore in order to complete these languishing works. We are not in a position to say whether this request of the Council will be granted or not. But of course the point is very relevant that if a huge amount of 83 crore rupees has been invested so far on various projects, should these be abandoned and left half to let the invested amount go down the drain? That is not the exact answer. The exact answer is that funds should be provided and released with a surety that the pending projects will be completed within stipulated time. But before we go on to support the request a few points need to be raised for future guidance. In the first place it should be determined why there is a break in the flow of funds for not one or two but all the centrally sponsored projects? It is important to identify the malaise where and why and then find a solution. Secondly, if there is a delaying system in place, it has to be removed at all costs. Any system that tends to delay release of funds has to be replaced by a quicker and less stereotyped management. At least in the case of Centrally sponsored schemes and funding, a new mechanism should be evolved in which there is no third party between the donor and the recipient. What does the word autonomous means? It means that it shall be entitled to receive direct funding from the Centre and the Centre will also exercise control as well as supervision on the progress of the project. This is a changed module and has to be experienced. This does not mean curtailing the authority of the State Government. More than the authority of the State Government, the development of economically weaker sections of society and region is more important and urgent to be addressed. The State Government shall have to develop resilience in dealing with the autonomous region.
Ladakh projects languishing
Onus on Revenue Deptt
Central Government’s Ministry of Rural Development sanctioned 17.38 crore rules for two projects in the State pertaining to State Revenue Department. One was National Land Records Modernization Programme (NLRMP) and the other was Strengthening of Revenue Administration and Updating of Land Records for which an amount of Rs 1509 lakh was released to J&K since the inception of this scheme. The purpose was to computerize the entire land record of the State and streamline the Revenue Department and bring it on modern levels. For several years the State Revenue Department has not been able to spent even 30 per cent of the sanctioned amount. It has been making lame excuses for default. The Union Ministry for Rural Development has taken the lapse seriously and asked the State Government to refund the unspent money immediately because under rules no fresh grants can be released unless unspent grants are refunded. It indicates incompetence of the Revenue Department and thus it stands answerable to the people. The State Government, having no qualms of conscience, has asked the Union Government to revitalize the sanctioned amount but the Centre seems not prepared to make any concession. The State Government has to learn that it has to deliver and things cannot be taken for granted. Ultimately the loss is of the people who would have liked digitalized revenue records. We can only say that there seems little justification for the State Government to impress upon the Centre that the unspent amount should be revitalized. The functionality of Revenue department is under question.
Lady Gaga sports new wild curly hairdo
LOS ANGELES, June 8: Pop star Lady Gaga has debuted a new wild curly hairdo.
The 28-year-old ‘Applause’ singer looked almost unrecognisable with her wild mane. Gaga introduced her new look to fans on Instagram, reported Ace Showbiz.
“I am my new hair,” she said.
Gaga also stepped out with her new hairdo wearing a leopard printed piece by Dolce & Gabbana.
She later uploaded a photo from the outing.
“Dolce and Gabbana archive as previously worn and owned by Daphne Guinness,” she captioned the snap.
She then added a similar photo with a caption which read, “Missed my New York babies, best babies there are.”
It is unknown whether Gaga’s new hairdo is a wig or real. (PTI)
Sia Furler engaged to director
LOS ANGELES, June 8: Singer Sia Furler is engaged to American documentary director Erik Anders Lang.
The 38-year-old ‘My Love’ singer showed off her diamond engagement ring and also wore a simple gold ring on the same finger. Her fiance was also spotted wearing the similar simple gold ring, reported Ace Showbiz.
The newly-engaged couple were attending Wayuu Taya gala at SoHo, New York. Wayuu Taya is a not-for-profit foundation, which helps a Latin community in the US.
Sia’s mother, Loene Furler, confirmed the engagement and said that the couple would get married soon. Just last month, Sia revealed that she contemplated suicide after suffering from depression and getting addicted to drugs and alcohol.
Back in 2010, she made an attempt to kill herself by consuming drugs and writing a suicide note.
In the same year, Sia wished to marry her musician girlfriend, JD Sampson, but later the couple split. The bisexual singer was reportedly not in any relationship recently before she got engaged to Erik.
The Australian singer became addicted to alcohol and suffered from depression after her boyfriend died in an accident when she was about to meet him in London.
For that reason, she got close with ‘Glee’ star Lea Michele whose boyfriend Cory Monteith died of alcohol and heroin overdose.
Sia collaborated with Lea on the actress’ debut album and wrote Lea’s recently released song ‘If You Say So’. (PTI)
Truck driver charged in Tracy Morgan crash
LOS ANGELES, June 8: A Georgia truck driver has been charged in connection with the wreck on the New Jersey Turnpike that left comedian-actor Tracy Morgan in critical condition and another man dead.
In a statement released by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, it said that Kevin Roper, 35, of Jonesboro, has been charged with one count of death by auto and four counts of assault by auto after the tractor-trailer he was driving crashed into the limo bus carrying the comedian and others, reported CNN online.
Initial reports indicated there were seven people injured in the crash, but the prosecutor’s statement put the number at four.
Morgan’s condition was not expected to change, publicist Lewis Kay said. “His family is now with him and he is receiving excellent care.”
Morgan, 45, was a regular on ‘Saturday Night Live’ for seven years and received an Emmy nomination for his role on ’30 Rock’, in which he played Tracy Jordan, an exaggerated version of himself.
The wreck occurred on Saturday on the turnpike in Mercer County, said Sgt. Gregory Williams of New Jersey State Police.
A limo passenger, 63-year-old James McNair of Peekshill, New York, was killed and three people besides Morgan were taken to the hospital, authorities said.
The prosecutor’s statement said Morgan and two others, whose identities have not been formally released, remain hospitalised in critical condition. The remaining passenger was treated at the hospital and was released, the statement said.
Four other vehicles subsequently were involved in the crash, the prosecutors said.
Morgan performed a comedy tour act Friday night at the Dover Downs Hotel & Casino in Dover, Delaware, the venue said.
The actor received messages of support and concern on Twitter. “Wishing a speedy recovery to our friend Tracy Morgan,” tweeted SNL Weekend Update.
“Shocked to wake up and read that Tracy Morgan is injured. Love to Tracy and wishing him strength,” said former SNL cast member Rachel Dratch.
“My thoughts are with Tracy Morgan and his family. I hope he pulls through this soon and gets back to making us laugh!” said Joan Rivers.
“Saying a prayer for Tracy Morgan,” said actor-director Jon Favreau. (PTI)
Jeremy Renner returning for ‘Mission: Impossible 5’
LOS ANGELES, June 8: Actor Jeremy Renner has confirmed that he will return with Tom Cruise adn Simon Pegg for another adventure in ‘Mission : Impossible 5’.
In an interview with Yahoo the actor was asked whether he might consider joining HBO’s ‘True Detective.
Renner then pointed out that he had a busy schedule which will prevent him from doing the show, reported the Wrap.
“I’m kind of strapped time-wise doing ‘Avengers 2’ and ‘Mission: Impossible 5’ is rearing its head, and then they want to do another ‘Bourne’ movie,” Renner said.
“Even if I really wanted to do it, which I don’t, I couldn’t,” he added.
The fifth film will be directed by Christopher McQuarrie, based on a screenplay by Drew Pearce. Produced by Skydance Productions, the Paramount Pictures has scheduled the sequel for a 2015 release date. (PTI)
Game of Thrones’ Pedro Pascal joins Netflix drama ‘Narcos’
LOS ANGELES, June 8: Actor Pedro Pascal, who played the role of prince Oberyn Martell in ‘Game of Thrones’, has joined Netflix drama ‘Narcos’ as a Mexican DEA agent.
Pascal has been cast opposite Wagner Moura on the upcoming show. Moura takes on the role of Pablo Escobar, a notorious Colombian cocaine kingpin, while Pascal will play Javier Pena, a Mexican DEA agent who is sent to Colombia in an attempt to take down Escobar, reported Deadline.
‘Narcos’ is based on the true-life story about the growth of cocaine drug cartels.
Chris Brancato has written the script and Jose Padilha is set to direct. The show will be shot in location in Colombia and is slated for a 2015 premiere. (PTI)
Jake Gyllenhall in talks to star in ‘Demolition’
LOS ANGELES, June 7: Actor Jake Gyllenhaal is in early negotiations to star in ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ director Jean-Marc Vallee’s upcoming film ‘Demolition’.
The film is a Black List ( a list of most promising screenplays) story by Bryan Sipe.
The story revolves around a young investment banker struggling to understand his emotional disconnect after the tragic death of his wife, reported Deadline.
He begins to tear apart his life in a distraught effort to see where he went wrong but ultimately is rescued by a woman he meets in a chance encounter. (PTI)
Two Kurdish protesters killed in clashes with Turkey soldiers
LICE (Turkey), June 8: Two Kurdish protesters have died of gunshot wounds sustained during fierce clashes with Turkish soldiers in the country’s southeast.
Ramazan Baran, 24, and Abdulbaki Akdemir, 50, died in hospital yesterday after the clashes between soldiers and Kurdish protesters angry at government plans to build military barracks in the Lice district of Kurdish majority Diyarbakir province, medics said.
Three people, including two soldiers, were hospitalised after the demonstrators opened fire, hurled stones and fireworks at security forces, according to an AFP reporter on the scene.
Witnesses told AFP Turkish soldiers also fired live bullets in the clashes.
Tensions have been on the rise in Lice since protesters blocked a road two weeks ago over the construction of new army posts in Kurdish-majority areas, seen as a threat to a peace process launched in 2012 between the government and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
Earlier this week, six soldiers trying to remove protesters blocking the road were wounded after coming under fire from demonstrators.
The Kurdish rebels declared a ceasefire in March last year following secret talks with the country’s spy agency. But the process came to a standstill after the PKK announced in September they were suspending their retreat from Turkish soil, accusing the government of failing to deliver on promised reforms.
The PKK, which is blacklisted as a terrorist organisation by Turkey and much of the international community, launched an insurgency seeking self-rule in the southeast in 1984 that has claimed about 45,000 lives. (AGENCIES)
Plastikman releasing first album in 11 years
LOS ANGELES, June 8: Electronic dance star Plastikman has unveiled plans to release his first album in 11 years.
The Canadian musician, real name Richie Hawtin, recorded Ex in November last year at New York’s Guggenheim Museum during its annual fundraising event and he is now set to release the new material online next week, reported Billboard.
“I locked myself away in a series of intense studio sessions and quickly recorded enough new material for the performance and realised I might also have enough for a complete new album,” Hawtin said.
“The music came out of me effortlessly as I was very inspired by the opportunity to play in this beautiful architectural space renowned more for art than music,” he added.
Hawtin released his last work as Plastikman in 2003 with the album Closer. (PTI)