SRINAGAR : The higher reaches of Kashmir Valley and Ladakh region received fresh snowfall today even as the minimum temperature rose by several degrees bringing relief to the residents.
“Many places in the higher reaches of Kashmir and Ladakh, including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Banihal and Drass, received fresh snowfall during the night,” an official of the MeT Department here said.
The plains of the Valley, including Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, received rainfall and the overcast conditions led to an increase in the minimum temperature, he said.
Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 1.8 degrees Celsius, over one degree up from the previous night’s 0.3 degrees Celsius, the official said.
The mercury in Qazigund, the gateway town to Kashmir Valley, settled at 0.8 degrees Celsius, up by over six notches from minus 5.6 degrees Celsius the previous night.
The town received 3.2 mm of rainfall till 8:30 AM.
The mercury in the tourist resort of Pahalgam increased by over three degrees to settle at a low of 0.2 degree Celsius as against minus 3.2 degrees Celsius the previous night, the official said, adding the resort recorded 2.4 mm rainfall.
The famous ski-resort of Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 3.2 degrees Celsius, same as the previous night. The resort received six inches of snow.
The mercury in Kokernag, in south Kashmir, went up by over three degrees from the previous night’s minimum of minus 3.7 degrees Celsius to settle at a low of minus 0.1 degrees Celsius last night.
Kupwara, in north Kashmir, recorded a low of 0.4 degrees Celsius and received 1 cm of snow along with 12.9 mm of rainfall during the night.
Leh, in the frontier region of Ladakh, recorded a low of minus 6.4 degrees Celsius, over three degrees up from the previous night’s minus 10.0 degrees Celsius.
The mercury in the nearby Kargil town jumped by almost ten degrees to settle at a low of minus 10.2 degrees Celsius as compared to minus 19.0 degrees Celsius the previous night.
The MeT Department has said heavy rainfall or snowfall may occur at isolated places of Kashmir division over the next 24 hours. (AGENCIES)
Kashmir Valley and Ladakh region receives fresh snowfall
Karvan-e-Aman bus service resumes
SRINAGAR : The weekly Karvane-e-Aman bus service, operating between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad, capital of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), resumed today after remaining suspended for two weeks due to drug row.
Official sources told reporters that the bus left Srinagar for Uri this morning for PoK.
They said nine fresh residents of Kashmir going to meet their relatives separated in 1947 and three returnees of PoK are travelling in the bus.
However, 48 truck drivers and their vehicles remained stranded at Salamabad, Uri as they refused to leave after PoK closed the gate on Aman Setu. Similarly PoK also did not allow 27 Kashmiri drivers to leave for here.
The PoK is demanding release of driver who was arrested after 114 packets of brown sugar were recovered from almond bags after the truck reached Salamabad. They wanted to prosecute the driver in PoK.
As the authorities on this side refused to handover the driver, truck and drug to POK, the weekly bus service was also suspended.
However, after three meetings between the authorities from both the sides, it was agreed to resume the bus service from today. However, no decision was taken on resumption of trade. It was however, agreed that they will meet tomorrow or day after tomorrow again to reach to any conclusion. The drivers, who had come here, also remained here for the past two weeks.
The bus service, operating since April 7, 2005 after India and Pakistan agreed to allow travel of divided families living on both sides of the LoC. The trade was included in 2008.
The relatives of trucks drivers on both sides of the LoC also protested demanding return of drivers to their homes. (AGENCIES)
659 new admin units
In a landmark decision, the State Cabinet gave its nod to creation of new 659 administrative units across the State. Flanked by his cabinet colleagues, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced in a press conference that the Cabinet had considered and accepted the recommendations of the Cabinet Sub-Committee (CSC). This Committee had been created under the orders of the Cabinet which had previously considered the recommendations of the Ganai Committee for creating additional administrative units of different categories across the state. At that time the Cabinet had some reservations in accepting the Ganai Committee recommendations, and, in order to further discuss the matter objectively, the Cabinet Sub-Committee had been constituted under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand.
There were some differences between the coalition partners on the subject of creation of new administrative units. However, after long debates and point-counter-point discussions, finally the report prepared by CSC did the balancing act and resolved the matter amicably.
Indeed, as the Chief Minister has said, it is a historic decision which was never taken before and will never be taken hereafter. The new administrative structure is perhaps the widest possible framework that could be construed by any Government. The ultimate purpose of this stupendous exercise in the words of the Chief Minister is to bring the people of the State closer to the Government and give them a feel that Government authorities and agencies are close at hand to listen to their grievances and provide them solutions. We have no doubt that this purpose will be met to a large extent once the work of creating new units is brought to completion and the system begins to function normally.
The recommendation is to create 659 new administrative units in all, 46 sub divisions, 135 tehsils, 177 CD Blocks and 301 Niabats. All 4098 Panchayats across the State will be co-terminus with equal number of Patwar halqas. It is noteworthy that except for the Patwar halqas, the CSC report has included almost all the recommendations made by Ganai Committee but added more to it what it thought would be just and equitable. By and large, the CSC report is fair and just. In particular, Jammu region has not been discriminated against in any way as has been the complaint from the region in the past. All the three regions of the State have got their due share. This is a good deal and the cabinet has done the right thing of giving it immediate green signal. Not only that, the Chief Minister without wasting any time directed the Planning and Finance Departments to prepare the roadmap for implementation of the report. But how much time will its implementation take, is something which the Chief Minister was unable to state. We know that new districts were created way back in 2007 and even after six years of their creation, they do not have the requisite staff and infrastructure as yet and have to borrow officers from other departments.
It is evident that creating such a huge new administrative structure requires enormous funds. According to one rough estimate the new administrative units will need 10,521 officials and its financial implication is estimated to be in the neighbourhood of Rs.1510.22 crore.
Creation of new administrative units does not really mean that something new by way of administration is going to be inducted into the State. When looked at very closely, one will find that the creation of new units is only extension of existing units. It is to lessen the burden of workload on them because the quantum of work has substantially increased in recent years. Moreover increase in population also demands that problems of the people shall have to be solved without forcing them to travel long distances for seeking redress of their grievances. Some observers will be disposed to link this far reaching decision of the State Government with the impending assembly and parliamentary elections in the country. We think that such hypothesis is out of place. The issue of creating new administrative units has been hanging fire for many years. Actually if the Ganai Committee report had not been sent by the Cabinet to the Sub-Committee for reconsideration and had accepted it, the matter would have ended there and then. As such it is clear that the matter has nothing to do with elections and it is a pure administrative exercise which coincidently has happened at a juncture when the country is making preparations for the elections also.
We congratulate the State Government for taking a decision of far-reaching consequences. It is a decision that will go in the interests of the people of the state especially those living in remote and far off places. Justice will come to their doorsteps. We would also like to implore the Government, especially the Chief Minister, to see to it that the roadmap for implementation of the recommendations is made available by the concerned within the shortest possible time and its implementation on the ground also begins simultaneously. If its implementation has to wait for years at end, this would leave bad taste in the mouth and that should never be allowed to happen.
Incidentally the Chief Minister disclosed in the cabinet meeting that the Government was going to introduce a bill in the forthcoming session for amending the Panchayat Act to make room for 73rd amendment. This, too, is good news and will fill the blank that was there in regard to empowerment of Panchayats.
NC pursuing mission of making J&K a progressive State: Rana, Malik
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 2: Describing youngsters as leaders and administrators of tomorrow, Provincial President National Conference Devender Singh Rana and former Minister and MLA Abdul Gani Malik on Sunday said that future holds a big promise for them, given the vistas of opportunities available in this fast changing and most competitive world.
Addressing annual day function of Diamond Public School Bajalta near here this morning, the Provincial President exhorted parents to set a goal for their children, keeping in view their aptitude, and help them achieve this with grit and sense of commitment.
“There is a marked difference between yesteryears and now, with lot many opportunities waiting for the younger generation just at their doorsteps”, Mr Rana said and referred to the initiatives with regard to expansion of educational sector and taking of utility services at the doorsteps of the people. In this context, he made a mention of new administrative units approved by the Government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and said this revolutionary measure will benefit the people, especially those living in remote and far off areas, in a big way.
He told young students how their parents were required to tread long distances and spent precious time and money in getting their problems sorted out in various Government offices. “Now, the administration has moved from distant places to just next door, which speaks of the sincerity of the Chief Minister in lessening the burden of the people”, he added.
Mr Rana said that while creation of new blocks will give new impetus to rural development, setting up of niabats, tehsils and sub-divisions will help in overcoming the administrative constraints.
The Provincial President also referred to the various other initiatives taken by Omar Abdullah led Government in bringing cheer in the lives of the people and said this odyssey will continue. He said National Conference is pursuing the mission of making Jammu and Kashmir a progressive, peaceful and forward looking State where all segments of the people, especially the youth will flourish and prosper.
Former Minister and MLA, Abdul Gani Malik also addressed the annual day function and enumerated measures taken by Omar Abdullah led Government in expanding educational infrastructure to meet the requirements of the people in far off places. He said education sector has received a major thrust during the present Government, which is showing discernible results.
Bani-Basohli neglected by Govt: Dr Jitendra
Excelsior Correspondent
BANI, Feb 2: BJP National Executive Member & Chief Spokesperson of the State Dr Jitendra Singh today said, the entire belt of Bani-Basohli has been constantly neglected by the NC – Congress Government and the only way to redeem this situation is to immediately address the long pending demands of the area which include better maintenance of roads, upgradation of education facility with offsite Campus of Jammu University and round the clock power supply.
Addressing a meeting of Party workers here Dr Jitendra Singh said, it is strange that even as rail tracks are being laid down in the rest of the State, why Basohli cannot be connected by rail link despite its close proximity to Pathankote-Jammu rail line.
Highlighting the role of local MLA, Lal Chand as a popular, firebrand leader, Dr Singh said, his re-induction into BJP will add impetus to the party activities in the area and also bring the BJP closer to the people of Bani.
The meeting, which was held to review the management of polling booths and composition of booth committees in the context of forthcoming Lok Sabha election, was also attended by Party’s district president Mr Mankotia, organizing secretary Inderjit, Mandal president Thakur Dass, Pawan Chouhan,Uttam Goswamy,Des Raj and several others.
Dr Singh said, BJP is the only democratic option for self-respecting, patriotic people, particularly in a State like Jammu & Kashmir, because here the other major national party, namely the Congress, has in its bid for power, yielded space to militant-friendly regional parties. This makes the responsibility of a BJP ”Karyakarta” all the more crucial because the entire nation looks up to him for holding aloft the tricolor of Indian sovereignty in J&K,he added.
BJP will go to people with Modi’s slogan of “Vote for India”, he said and reiterated the appeal for “Ek Note, Kamal Par Vote”.
MLA, Lal Chand, while welcoming Dr Jitendra Singh , assured maximum support to BJP from the area during the Parliament and Assembly elections. He said, he will continue to fight for just demands of the people of Bani.
Mankotia presented a detailed resume of booth composition and Incharges of polling booths as well as Shakti Kendras.
Nidra Mattress declares “Khwaabon Ki Lottery” results
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 2: Nidra, a leading mattress brand declared the lucky draw results of its “Khwaabon Ki Lottery” Festive scheme.
Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture Raman Bhalla was the chief guest and President Chamber of Commerce and Industries YV Sharma was the guest of honour. The members of Association of Industries, Gangyal and Bari Brahmana and Nidra dealers and customers also attended the function.
Lucky number 1716 won microwave, whereas 2029 won washing machine, 2212 won refrigerator, 1701 won TV, 2286 won motorbike and 1868 won bumper prize Honda Brio.
Minister said that such industrial units are much needed for the overall economic development of the State.
Sweesh Anand, Chairman Nidra Group along with other guests awarded Anil Gupta from KDP for his excellence in designing the campaign. Nidra dealers were also awarded for their outstanding performances during the year.
Jammu district bags national award for MGNREGA implementation
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 2: Jammu district has bagged the prestigious national award for the effective implementation of MGNREGA scheme .
The Award was given during the two-day MGNREGA Sammelan in New Delhi by the Union Minister for Rural Development, Jairam Ramesh. The award was given to K.K Sidha Assistant Commissioner Development (District Programme Coordinator) Jammu for his initiatives in improving NREGA implementation.
The district was shortlisted after scrutiny and inspection by the Award Committee constituted by Union Ministry of Rural Development after presentation by ACD Jammu K K Sidha.
The district has involved representatives of Panchayats in implementation and supervision of the scheme by duly establishing the procedures and processes involved, the review of which is held at Panchayat level, block level, and district level. Jammu has also taken lead in converging MGNREGA with other schemes and programmes being implemented by the other departments. A unique innovation which has been done by the district is maintenance of record files, books of accounts and other registers mandated under the scheme which will now being replicated in the whole country.
ACD, Jammu further acknowledged the guidance and support of Minister for Rural Development Ali Mohammad Sagar, Commissioner Rural Development, Farooq Ahmad Peer Director Rural Development Jammu, Shafiq Ahmad Raina, Development Commissioner Jammu, Ajeet Kumar Sahu and also to the field functionaries, members of PRIs, REW wing, and the team of Block Development Officers of Jammu district.
Wazir Masih was Masiha of poor: Prof Soz
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 2 : A grand function was organized in Ward No. 7 of Christian Colony, Jammu by All J&K Christian Minority Welfare Association to pay glorious tributes to late Wazir Masih, Ex-MLC.
Prof. Saif-ud-Din Soz, MP (former Union Minister) and President, Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee was the chief guest on the occasion while Congress leader and former National General Secretary, All India Youth Congress, Vikram Malhotra, besides, G. N. Monga MLC and Bashir Magrey MLC were the guests of honour.
Late Wazir Masih was the first MLC of Christian Community from Congress party in 1975, who was nominated by the then Chief Minister, Mir Qasim. He passed away in 1998 on this day (February 2nd) after rendering self-less service to the Christian Community for almost 25 years.
Prof. Soz gave a patient hearing to the problems and issues raised by the leaders of the Christian community. Gafoor Masih, Michel Masih and others raised the issues faced by the Christian community.
Nasir Masih, Chairman of the Association, demanded the opening of Social Welfare Centre, better cleanliness and repair of lanes in the colony. He also demanded reservation for the Christian community.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Soz, MP, lauded the role of Late Wazir Masih and his service to the poor and destitute. He urged the community leaders to follow the footsteps of Late Masih. Prof Soz assured quick redressal of the problems faced by the Christian community and announced Rs. 1 lakh from his MPLAD Fund for a computer centre and assured more funds to the shortly coming up Social Welfare Centre at Christian Colony.
Congress leader Vikram Malhotra paid rich tributes to Late Wazir Masih and described him as source of inspiration for the present day leadership. He appealed to the Christian community to put a united fight for their rights. He urged the Christian community to come forward and take the benefit of Centrally Sponsored Schemes of the UPA led Government at the Centre.
Parkash Sharma Ex-MLA Samba, Shiv Kumar Sharma – President INTUC Jammu, Inayat Ullah Rather – Congress District President Kulgam, Neeraj Gupta and Rajveer Singh, Congress leaders, also graced the occasion.
BJYM launches “Friends of Modi” campaign
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 2: Launching the BJYM’s “Friends of Modi’ campaign, a large number of young activists of Jammu joined the BJYM at its headquarter in a specially organized function here, today.
The function was organized by the State unit of BJYM which was presided over by its State incharge Yudhvir Sethi. BJYM president Ravinder Raina, BJP State President, Jugal Kishore Sharma along with BJP general secretary (org) Ashok Koul, BJP’s Jammu West district president Subesh Jandyal and All India vice president of BJP Muslim Morcha Ishtaq Wani attended the programme.
Over 200 youths from Jammu East, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu West and Marh Constituencies joined the BJYM during the inaugural function of the campaign. Jugal Kishore Sharma while welcoming the friends of Modi into the party, said that it is the duty of every right thinking person to garner and channelize the peoples disenchantment and anger against the Congress led UPA Government and general positive impression of BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate in a proper way.
He said, “if we fail to rise to the occasion, the people will not forgive us”. Mr. Kishore added that BJP’s electoral victory is all the more imperative for the State of J & K, because of Pakistan’s mischief and State Government’s ambivalent and irresolute policy against the anti-national elements.
He said that it is very encouraging and heartening to see youth and activists joining the BJP as “Friends of Modi” and portends well for the State as well as the entire country.
Yudhvir Sethi in his address said the new entrants into the party will find the working culture in it very invigorating, creative and would enable them to grow with party in a just and democratic manner. He said that BJP has glorious history of struggle for the full integration of the State with the country. The 1952-53 agitation against entry permits and prohibition for raising the National Flag in the State had made epochal contribution in the integration process and time has come for rank and file of the party to repeat the performance.
BJYM State President Ravinder Raina in his welcome address called upon new entrants to put in their best efforts in taking the message of Mr Modi to every home and person.
MLA asks women to take benefit of schemes
Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Feb 2: J&K Mahila Congress president and MLA Indu Pawar today addressed series of meetings in tehsil Hiranagar and asked the women of the area to take full benefit of the Centrally sponsored schemes meant for them.
While addressing women during meetings at Debuchek, Tegu Chak, Chak Deva, Haripur and Goale Chak in tehsil Hiranagar today, Ms Pawar stressed upon the women to remain vigilant about their rights and take benefit of all the scheme meant for them. She also asked the Congress activists to spread the policies and programmes of the party among the masses. She said that Congress was committed for empowerment of women. She claimed that Congress is the only party which ensures better development and upliftment of women, poor and down trodden members of the society.
The MLA further asked the party workers to get in touch with the people and take up their issues and problems with the concerned authorities.