*Ministry strength down to 24

Sanjeev Pargal

JAMMU, Feb 7: Minister of State for Health (Independent Charge) Shabir Khan, who represented Rajouri Assembly constituency for the Congress, resigned today from the Council of Ministry after police registered a First Information Report (FIR) for attempt to outrage modesty of a woman against him on the basis of complaint of a lady doctor at Shaheed Gunj police station in Srinagar district.
The problems for Mr Khan have compounded with Srinagar police issuing summons to Mr Khan to appear before the police tomorrow. The summons have been sent to SSP Jammu Atul Goel for execution as the former Minister had his official residence at Gandhi Nagar.
Official sources said SSP Srinagar Amit Kumar has summoned Shabir Khan for appearance at Shaheed Gunj police station, where the FIR of molestation charges was registered against him yesterday. The summons have been sent to the SSP Jammu for handing it over to Mr Khan.
In the summons, the former Health Minister has been asked to appear before the Srinagar police tomorrow.
Sources said Mr Khan would be arrested as soon as he appeared before the police.
“Let us see. If he didn’t appear, only then we will initiate other legal courses of action,” sources said.
The summon was issued soon after Chief Justice MM Kumar refused the permission to Mr Khan to file bail application at Jammu wing and asked him to file it before the competent bench at Srinagar.
Advocates BS Salathia and Meenakshi Slathia appeared before the Chief Justice on behalf of Mr Khan.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tweeted this evening that he had received the resignation of Shabir Khan and was forwarding it to Governor (NN Vohra) for acceptance.
Late in the evening, the Governor accepted the resignation of Shabir Khan reducing strength of the Council of Ministry to 24.
Omar has not given additional charge of Health Department to any Minister so far, sources said, adding that the charge was likely to go to a Congress Minister named by the party high command.
Official sources told the Excelsior that soon after the reports poured that the Srinagar police had registered a case of attempted molestation against Shabir Khan on the basis of a complaint lodged by a lady doctors, PCC (I) chief Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz directed Mr Khan to resign.
Though Shabir Khan remained incommunicado, he  faxed his resignation to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at his official residence from an unknown place. Omar had reached here this afternoon from Hyderabad, where he had gone to attend a conference. Soon after getting the resignation, the Chief Minister  forwarded it to the Governor for acceptance.
“The letter of resignation of Mr Khan, Minister of State, recommended and forwarded by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has been accepted with immediate effect by Governor NN Vohra,” an official handout of Raj Bhawan said.
The Chief Minister would hold additional charge of the Health Department.
An official handout issued by PRO to Shabir Khan said: “Mr Khan today tendered his resignation from the Council of Ministers on the advice of party high command”.
Describing the allegations leveled against him as “false, fabricated and politically motivated”, the handout said the charges were aimed at maligning his image, popularity and political career.
“The Minister has stepped down on moral ground to ensure free, fair, impartial and transparent enquiry/investigation so that the truth comes out,” the handout added.
Police had yesterday registered a case against Mr Khan after a lady doctor alleged that the Minister had called him to his office in Srinagar and attempted to molest her.
A case was registered under Section 354 RPC (assault or criminal force on a woman with the intention to outrage her modesty) and Section 509 RPC (word, gesture or act intended to outrage the modesty of a woman) against him.
According to the complaint lodged against him, Mr Khan, a Congress leader and MLA from Rajouri, allegedly tried to make advances towards the woman and molest her when she visited his office in the State Secretariat at Srinagar, the summer capital of the State, on January 28, when Mr Khan was in Srinagar on winter Secretariat duty.
The woman said in her complaint that she felt uncomfortable and quickly left the room after the Minister allegedly tried to molest her.
Mr Khan, however, remained incommunicado throughout the day today but there were reports that he had reached Jammu from Manjakote, where he was last night and had spoken to the Excelsior denying all charges against him. He has reportedly explained his version to the party high command.
The sexual harassment charges against Mr Khan followed by his resignation came just three days ahead of the start of Legislature session on February 10, which has given the Opposition one additional point to score over the Government especially the Congress. An opposition leader has already stated that if a lady doctor was not safe in the office of the Health Minister, where else she would be (safe)?
Mr Khan has become fourth Minister in National Conference-Congress Government to resign or lose portfolio on various charges, three of whom belonged to the Congress.
Works Minister and Congress MLA from Inderwal, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori was dismissed from the Cabinet after a case pertaining to impersonation of her daughter in MBBS/BDS examination scam in ASCOMS Batra in August 2010 was handed over to the CBI. However, the CBI had later given clean chit to Mr Saroori. Saroori’s Works Department had remained with the Chief Minister till it was given to another Congress leader and MLA Doda Abdul Mujeed Wani on January 15, 2013.
Next was the turn of Education Minister and former Pradesh Congress chief Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, who escaped removal from the Ministry but had to lose his main portfolio of Education following involvement of his foster son in examination scam. Mr Sayeed is now virtually the Minister without portfolio as he holds the charge of insignificant Public Enterprises and Floriculture Departments.
In August 2013, Minister of State for Home and Independent Charge of Industries and Commerce Sajjad Ahmad Kitchloo, an NC MLA from Kishtwar, had to resign on the allegations that he didn’t handle August 9, 2013 riots in Kishtwar properly despite his presence in the town. However, Mr Kitchloo was re-inducted into the Ministry on December 21 after Justice (Retired) RC Gandhi Commission gave him a clean chit of the charges.
Mr Khan has become fourth Minister to resign in the present NC-Congress dispensation but first on the charges of sexual exploitation.
With the resignation of Shabir Khan, the strength of Council of Ministry headed by Omar Abdullah has come down to 24 from 25.
There are 17 Cabinet Ministers in the State including nine from National Conference, seven from Congress and one from DPN. There were seven Ministers of State, all with independent charge, four of whom belonged to Congress and three to National Conference. With Mr Khan’s resignation, the strength of Ministers of State has come down to six.
PTI adds from New Delhi:
The ruling National Conference and its ally in Jammu and Kashmir, Congress, today said action should be taken against State Minister Shabir Ahmad Khan if the molestation charges against him are found to be true.
“If it (charges) are true, action must be taken as per the law,” Union Minister and National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah told reporters outside Parliament House.
He said crimes against women like molestation and rape are not acceptable and “we are all against any such thing.”
Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said that if the complaint is found to be true, action will be taken according to the law.
“If this is true action will be taken and he will not be Minister anymore. One has to find whether it is true or not. If it is found true, action will be taken and the law will take its own course,” Azad said.

Fayaz Bukhari

Srinagar, Feb 7: The separatist leader’s wife, on whose complaint police have registered a case against former Minister of State for Health, Shabir Ahmad Khan, alleged that Minister acted like a sexual predator.
The doctor in her complaint alleges: “The Minister acted like sexual predator. I have been subjected to nightmares of the incident since then.”
The complaint says that the favours which Minister was bestowing upon the doctor were made with an intention of sexual favours. The doctor in her complaint says that she has been traumatised by the acts of the Minister.
As per the complaint, the doctor received repeated calls from the Ministers staff and was compelled to report to his office on January 28 where he made attempt to molest her.
The doctor in her complaint alleges that after asking her to sit in his small chamber Minister asked several questions like: “Q. How is Pampore doing? Is it improving? A. Yes, sir. I am trying my best but it will take some time. Q. Before that you were at Kreeri? A. Yes sir. Q. Tell me what announcement a Central Minister made at CHC Pampore? What were the demands raised by the people? A. Sir, locals are demanding laparoscope, Critical Care Ambulance and CT Scan. I handed over the requisition letter of the medical equipments needed for shifting in the new OPD block and Minister interrupted. Q. No madam it is alright but what the Union Minister had announced that day? See I remember what he said at JNLM hospital but forgot what he said at Pampore. A. I handed over to him letter showing what changes were required to be made in the building before shifting and conveyed to him that they have been made. Q. Why are you asking for such a minimal amount of Rs 10-20 lakhs? Ask for Rs 10-20 crores, I will provide you. The things you have mentioned will be provided by the Director. Ask something big?”
The doctor said in her complaint that she got disturbed by such questions and tried to leave his chamber but she shot up another question: “Madam, how is your husband? What is he doing these days? What about his separation from Hurriyat? What will happen to Kashmir problem? What do you think will be the ultimate solution of Kashmir problem?”
The doctor in her complaint said that on seeing my cold shoulder response to these questions, the Minister changed the topic saying: “your husband has his own place. He is a great person. Ok Madam, how is Health Department doing? Was it better at the time of former Minister or it is better now? What do people say about it? Ok Madam. How many kids you have, what are they doing and where are they studying? A. Sir, I have two daughters, one is in ninth and another is in seventh and they are studying in Convent. Q. Oh, why not in some good school? Do you want to send them to a good school? You have recently joined Pampore? A. Yes sir one month back. Q. Do you want to go to some higher post in AIDS Department somewhere?”
The complaint registered with police says that Minister wanted to make her Chief Medical Officer. The complaint reads: “What is the length of your service…Are you BMO, yes, you can go as CMO also.”
The complaint reads: “The Minister directed me to write down my phone number on a piece of paper and also note down his number.”
The doctor in her complaint has alleged that Minister told her to directly correspond with him and told her not to discuss any departmental problem with Director of Health Services. The compliant said that Minister told her that he will solve her problems whenever she comes to meet him and directed her to be in touch with him.
The doctor in her complaint alleged that the Minister asked her personal questions which reflect the intention of the Minister. The Minister as per complaint asked from her: “Where do you stay? What is the area of the house you live in? How many square feet? Don’t you think it should have more land? The Kehwa you made at Pampore was very delicious. It was very tasty. I want to have it again, when and where because I can’t come to your office.”
The doctor in her complaint told police that she replied the Minister that she will serve him Kehwa when he visits the Pampore hospital where she is posted as Block Medical Officer.
The doctor in her complaint reported to police that Minister replied: “No I want to have this Kehwa with you at the Guest House where I am staying. I am in Srinagar for two more days, tomorrow and day after tomorrow, do call me and come to the Guest House so that we will have Kehwa there.”
The doctor in her complaint says that whenever she tried to get up and go out of his chamber, the Minister insisted that he wants some official information.
The doctor in her complaint said that Minister insisted for her visit to the Guest House and when she finally got up and opened the door of his chamber, the Minister made provocative advances towards her and tried to molest her.
The doctor said that the whole episode lasted for about 10-15 minutes but she finally managed to run away from the room.
The doctor said that the Minister through his private secretary made her several calls on January 27 asking her to visit Secretariat with some information regarding the department. She told police that she didn’t go on that day but after repeated calls she went to Secretariat on January 28 at 4:15 p.m. She alleged that after her visit she was made to sit in a 6×4 feet cabin of the Minister and after he entered the cabin he started asking unnecessary and disturbing questions.

Nishikant Khajuria

JAMMU, Feb 7: The five-day Indian Science Congress in Jammu University concluded amid a call from  Vice-President  Mohammad  Hamid Ansari to the Scientists and Technologists to use their knowledge for greater public good while remaining rooted to the social and moral  imperatives  of society.
“Science has to be cognizant of the social and ethical imperatives, which are integral to our being human and the basis of our civilization,” he said while delivering valedictory address on conclusion of the 101st Indian Science Congress, here today in the presence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Governor N N Vohra, Union Minister Farooq Abdullah and others.
Expressing his concern over social and ethical implications of modern science, the Vice-President reminded that scientific advances are never in themselves a guarantee of social gain and hence science has to be fully integrated with broader needs of society.
“Modern scientific research and development in areas of genetics, biotechnology, nuclear physics, space technology etc have transformed our world as never before but at the same time also carry with them considerable social and ethical implications, which must be addressed,” he said adding that impact of social media networks and other threats emanating from new developments in Information and Communication Technology also requires serious examination.
Stressing that Scientists also have to guard against the phenomenon of rampant commercialization that has affected society in epidemic proportion, the Vice-President said the assumption that gaining of scientific knowledge must lead automatically to commercial exploitation of that knowledge for profit is morally dubious.
Terming the weapons of mass destruction as threat to very existence of mankind, the Vice President opined that the Scientists, who contributed to bringing about this situation, have a responsibility as citizens to help societies make a changeover from an obsession with economic growth at any cost to achievement of a sustainable environment and an ever growing economic system.
“Excessive commercialization also runs a risk that the benefit of scientific research and technologies innovation will be exploited in an unequal manner, mainly by the well-to-do, with little or no benefit accruing to the poor and needy,” he said and corroborated the views of Mahatma Gandhi that science without humanity is one of seven deadly sins.
Asking the scientists to distinguish between socially beneficial and socially harmful applications of their research and innovation, Mr Ansari said that such introspection was essential in order to undertake an objective cost-benefit analysis of their scientific output so that the outcome of their work is a balanced, sustainable, ‘win-win’ proposition for society.
He also asked the scientists to get more involved with the public, civil society and the policy-makers to find and implement solutions to issues of public need and interest. “They could also take into account important questions such as reconciling the profit motive with the common good; providing for contributions from and benefits to deprived and marginalized segments of society ; justifying current costs to prevent costs or damages to future generations; reconciling social and ethical imperatives to purely scientific pursuits and short term benefits,” he suggested.
Terming Science and Technology as indispensable for addressing major contemporary challenges of economic growth and social transformation of societies, the Vice-President said that health of a nation now depends, more and more on, among other factors, the health of the state of its Science and Technology.
Earlier, Governor N N Vohra, in his address, expressed his satisfaction over the successful conclusion of the  mega event, which was first of its kind in history of Jammu University. He hoped that the discussions and deliberations in the Congress would have generated new ideas and approaches among the young scientists.
Observing that theme of 101st session of  Indian Science Congress was rightly chosen as ‘Innovations in Science and Technology for Inclusive Development’, Mr Vohra  said that scientific innovations would go a long way in contributing to socio economic development of the country.
“We need to focus sharply in every area of innovation and join hands together for achieving our common goal of sustainable development,” he said adding that Science and Technology can play extremely important role in overall development of the society.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also addressed the gathering,  stressed the need of utilizing science, technology and innovations for the benefit to ‘Aam Aadmi’ (common man) and identified agriculture, horticulture and bio-mass energy generation as the areas in Jammu and Kashmir requiring intervention of science for inclusive and comprehensive growth.
“In Jammu and Kashmir about 70 percent population is rural and agriculture is their mainstay. Horticulture and related activities are also of pivotal importance in the State’s economy, which needs intervention of scientific innovations and technological advancement in these fields for overall development and growth of the State,” he said.
Stating that J&K has greater scope of generating energy from the abundantly available bio-mass in the shape of weeds in Dal and other lakes, Mr Omar invited scientific intervention in converting these weeds into the energy for the economic welfare of the State and the people.
The Chief Minister also sought scientific intervention in the inclusive development and management of agricultural and horticultural practices in high altitudes areas like Leh and Kargil. He said that most of the Kandi areas in the State are rain fed and require technological support to undertake agricultural activities that would enable the farmers to earn remunerative income and help significant increase in productivity and production.
Congratulating the participants and the organizers of the Indian Science Congress, he suggested that the recommendations finalized in the Congress for utilization of scientific innovations for inclusive growth should be sent to all the State Governments besides the Government of India.
In his speech, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr  Farooq Abdullah described organizing of Indian Science Congress in Jammu and Kashmir as an historic event and said that it has provided great opportunity for creating scientific temper in the State among the students and research scholars.
Earlier, the JU Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohan Pal Singh Ishar listed main features of 101st Indian Science Congress and  hoped that the deliberations during technical sessions of the five-day event would greatly help the participating delegates.
He also expressed his gratitudes to the Governor, Chief Minister and  State Government for their assistance in successful conduct of the mega event.
General President of Indian Science Congress delivered welcome address.
Pertinent to mention here that the 101st Indian Science Congress was inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Dr  Manmohan Singh here on February 3.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 7: Governor N N Vohra today called on Vice President Hamid Ansari and briefed him regarding the internal and external security situation of the State.
The Governor briefed the Vice President about issues related to higher education and the functioning of the Universities in the State.
He also apprised the Vice President of various other important matters pertaining to the socio economic development of the State.
Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah also called on Vice President, Mohammad Hamid Ansari who arrived here today to deliver valedictory lecture at the concluding function of 101st Indian Science Congress.
The Chief Minister briefed the Vice President about the development scenario in the State and highlighted the initiatives taken by the coalition Government to empower people, bring transparency in the functioning of administration, strengthen institution to check corruption and malpractices and ensure time bound delivery of public services.
Omar mentioned the schemes initiated for the upliftment of weaker sections and those living in far-flung and remote areas of the State. He also mentioned the achievements registered during the last five years in various sectors of development particularly in the fields of power, PHE, road communication, education and health.
The Chief Minister wished well being and good health to Hamid Ansari which he also reciprocated and prayed for peace and development of the State.
Earlier on his arrival, the Vice President was received at the Jammu airport by Governor N N Vohra, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah and other State dignitaries.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 7: General Officer Commanding (GOC)-in-C, Northern Command Lt Gen Sanjiv Chachra said today that militants have made some attempts to infiltrate inside the Indian territory from twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch but added that the troops have foiled all their intrusion attempts.
In a brief chat with media on the sidelines on Nowshera Day commemoration in Nowshera tehsil of Rajouri district, Lt Gen Chachra said the Army was fully alert on the Line of Control (LoC) and had taken various measures to ensure that the militants didn’t manage to sneak in.
“It is with the help of people.. the people living on the borders..it was with their cooperation that Army has succeeded in thwarting all infiltration attempts by the militants on the LoC in the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch,” the Northern Army Command chief said while strongly lauding the people of the border belt for their cooperation to the troops in foiling intrusion bids.
It may be mentioned here that during past few days, the militants had made infiltration attempts on the LoC in Poonch district. However, alert troops have not allowed the attempts by the militants to infiltrate into this side to succeed.
There had been reports that a large number of militants were camping across the LoC with a view to infiltrate.
Addressing a function in connection with Nowshera Day commemoration, Lt Gen Chachra recalled saga of the soldiers and said that their heroic deeds have been the guiding beacon for the Indian Army for generations and continued to inspire us even today.
He assured that the soldiers would continue to live up to the same saga of valour and sacrifice to guard the honour of beloved motherland.
Nowshera Day is celebrated on February 7 to remember the gallant heroes of Indian Army, who made the supreme sacrifices to save Nowshera (Naoshera) during the Indo-Pak war of 1947-48.
The Day is commemorated every year to celebrate the success of the `Operation Kipper’ conceived by the then Army Commander, Lt Gen (Later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa and executed by Brigadier Mohammad Usman, then Commanding the 50 Parachute Brigade.
The operation involved forcing the intruders out from the hills surrounding and dominating Nowshera town.
It was during this historical operation that the tribal intruders, under their Pakistan leadership, launched the attack on Nowshera on February 6, 1948 at 0640 hours. The attackers in large numbers, including 3,000 Sudhan tribals, surrounded the Tain Dhar picquet that bore the brunt of the attack.
At first light, the men in the picquet saw thousands of raiders moving up towards them. Inspite of heavy casualties, wave after wave of raiders hurled themselves at the picquet. In the resultant assault, 24 of the 27 men of Jadunath Singh’s picquet died or incurred severe injuries. Naik Jadunath Singh, displaying great valour and superb qualities of leadership, used the small force at his disposal so effectively that the enemy retreated in confusion.
The enemy attacked a second time. Jadunath Singh, though hopelessly outnumbered, re-organised his small group and once again withstood the attack. By now, all his men had been killed.
A third fierce attack soon followed, in a bid to capture the post. Naik Jadunath Singh, now utterly alone, came out of the bunker he was firing from and made the most magnificent single-handed charge on the advancing enemy. The enemy fled in disorder. Naik Jadunath Singh, however, met his death in this third and last charge when two bullets hit him in head and chest. For his incredible courage, Naik Jadunath Singh was awarded the Param Veer Chakra (posthumously) and is still fondly remembered as the ‘Savior of Naoshera’.
A wreath laying ceremony was organised by the ‘Ace of Spades Division’ at Jadunath War Memorial, where wreaths were laid by the GOC-in-C Northern Command, GOC 16 Corps, GOC 25 Infantry Division, Commander 80 Infantry Brigade and relatives of Naik Jadunath Singh. A felicitation ceremony for Veer Naris, Veterans and disabled soldiers was also conducted on the occasion.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 7: Army today foiled an infiltration attempt by the militants along the Line of Control (LoC) at forward area of Balnoi in Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch district forcing the militants to retreat.
Official reports said the troops observed movement of a group of militants trying to infiltrate into the Indian territory from a forward post of Balnoi in Krishna Ghati sector around 12.30 am today.
The militants were trying to take advantage of heavy rains and poor visibility in the area to Infiltrate. However, alert Army jawans spotted them and opened firing after which the militants retreated to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Troops conducted searches in the area this morning but there were no traces of militants, the reports said.

*Rajendra, Gupta being promoted as DGPs

Mohinder Verma

JAMMU, Feb 7: State Cabinet, which is meeting under the chairmanship of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah tomorrow evening, is going to order promotion of 12 IPS officers and give nod for carrying out amendments in the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act in order to incorporate provisions of 73rd Amendment. Moreover, it will accord sanction to the introduction of bill in the forthcoming Legislature Session for appointment of Ombudsman for Panchayats and proposal regarding creation of staff for the State Vigilance Commission.
Highly placed official sources told EXCELSIOR that Cabinet will accord approval to the proposal of the Home Department regarding promotion of two 1984 batch IPS officers namely K Rajendra and P L Gupta to the rank of Director General of Police.
At present, K Rajendra is Additional Director General Prisons and P L Gupta is Additional DG Coordination Police Headquarters. Similarly, Cabinet will order promotion of L I Mohanti as Additional Director General of Police. Mr Mohanti is presently posted in Bureau of Public and Research Development, New Delhi, sources informed.
They disclosed that Cabinet will also give nod to the promotion of four IPS officers of 2000 batch. They are S P Pani, Basant Kumar Rath, Ghulam Hassan Bhat and Kifayat Haider. Similarly, Cabinet will order promotion of 2010 batch IPS officers namely Rayees Mohd Bhat, Pandey Rajeev Om Parkash, Monika Raj, Shree Dhar Patil and Manish, sources added.
Sources disclosed that Cabinet will also accord sanction to the introduction of Bill seeking amendment to the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act during the forthcoming Budget Session of State Legislature in order to incorporate provisions of the 73rd Amendment as already agreed between the coalition partners.
It is pertinent to mention here that the directions regarding placement of amendment bill were issued to the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Ali Mohammad Sagar by the Chief Minister in the recent Cabinet meeting.
According to the sources, there is complete unanimity among the coalition partners over the incorporation of 73rd Amendment provisions pertaining to granting constitutional guarantee to Panchayats on completion of five years term followed by elections after every five years, financial and administrative powers including control over development and 14 identified departments, setting up of separate Finance Commission and Election Commission for the Panchayats, reservation in second and third tier of Panchayats for SC/STs and women i.e. BDCs and District Development and Planning Boards (DDPB), security to Panchayat members and providing emoluments to Panchayat members and to BDC and DDPB.
“There is also consensus among the Coalition partners over the amendment in the provisions pertaining to removal of Sarpanch, membership of Marketing Societies, status of Chairmen of BDC, financial powers of Panchayats and provision of separate Ombudsman for Panchayats”, sources added.
Sources informed that Cabinet will also discuss a bill of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department seeking establishment of institution of Ombudsman for the purpose of investigating charges of corruption and maladministration in the Panchayati Raj Institutions.
The bill is in this regard was deferred by the Cabinet in its recent meeting after some of the Congress Ministers particularly Tourism Minister, G A Mir and PHE Minister Sham Lal Sharma stressed that decision on Ombudsman and 73rd Amendment Bills should be taken by the Cabinet in one go.
Besides investigating charges of corruption and maladministration, the institution of Ombudsman is also mandatory for attracting funds under General Performance Grant of 13th Finance Commission as the State Government has not been able to access the same already allotted in absence of this institution.
According to the sources, Cabinet will also discuss the proposal of the General Administration Department regarding creation of staff for the State Vigilance Commission.
It is pertinent to mention here that State High Court has already taken serious note of inordinate delay in the creation of requisite staff for the Vigilance Commission, which is hampering its functioning.
Among the other agenda being placed before the Cabinet includes Bill seeking amendment to the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education Act, Maintenance of Parents and Senior Citizens Bill, promotions in the Telecommunication Wing of the State Police and transfer of forest land for non-forestry purposes.