Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 5: The Legislative Assembly today witnessed pandemonium with the National Conference MLAs and Ministers clashing with the main Opposition People’s Democratic Party and seeking apology from the former Deputy Chief Minister and senior PDP leader Muzaffar Hussain Baig over his remarks against the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah. As there was no end to the ruckus and Opposition MLAs from Jammu staged walk-out over lapse of half an hour of the Question Hour, the Speaker had to adjourn the House.
As soon as the House assembled this morning, all the National Conference MLAs started protesting against the remarks of Muzaffar Hussain Baig against the Chief Minister and made it clear to the Speaker Mubarak Gul that they would not allow House proceedings till the PDP MLA tenders apology for using un-parliamentary language against the Chief Minister, who is also the leader of the House.
Though Speaker tried to pacify the agitating NC MLAs—Nasir Aslam Wani, Javed Dar, Aijaz Jaan and Bimla Luthra and asked them to allow smooth functioning of the Question Hour which had been disrupted ever since the start of Budget Session but the ruling party MLAs continued protest and even walked near the well of the House.
They were countered by the PDP MLAs, who stood up from their benches and started raising slogans—-“shame shame…”. “This is not the constitutional decorum that a senior member uses foul language against the Chief Minister. We want Muzaffar Hussain Baig to apologize for his remarks”, Nasir Aslam Wani said amidst verbal duel between the PDP and NC MLAs.
Joining the party MLAs in demanding apology from the PDP MLA, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Mir Saifullah said, “every member of this House has to maintain decorum and show respect to the post of Chief Minister, who is also the leader of the House but Muzaffar Hussain Baig has crossed all the limits and used un-parliamentary and derogatory remarks against the Chief Minister”, adding “Muzaffar Baig has no right to make such remarks against Chief Minister and he should apologise”.
Minister for Law was joined by Minister for Rural Development, Ali Mohd Sagar, Minister of State for Home, Sajjad Kichloo and Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Nazir Gurezi, who also demanded apology from the PDP MLA and warned that the insult to the Chief Minister will not be tolerated.
As the agitating NC MLAs continued to raise slogans “Mafi Maango, Mafi Maango”, the PDP members led by Mehbooba Mufti shouted back, “Fansi Dekar Lash Nai Wapas Karte Ho (you hang but don’t return the body for last rites” in an obvious reference to Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.
In the meantime, Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control and senior Congress MLA, Sham Lal Sharma appealed the agitating National Conference MLAs to allow smooth functioning of the House till Muzaffar Baig comes in the House and explain his stand. However, pandemonium continued in the House.
Expressing concern over lapse of 20 minutes of Question Hour, all the Opposition MLAs from Jammu stood up from their benches and remarked, “it is a drama scripted by the NC and PDP to settle political scores. There must be immediate end to the chaos as people’s problems are falling victim to the ruckus”.
Later, they staged walk out amidst slogans—“Gunda Gardi Nahin Chalegi Nahin Chalegi”. As tampers ran high between PDP and NC MLAs, Speaker adjourned the House for 10 minutes.
When the House reassembled, the Speaker said that when Baig will return to the House the issue of apology will be taken up as the NC MLAs once again started protest to press for apology. Amidst pandemonium, Muzaffar Baig entered the House and said, “Chief Minister has termed the PDP as Maut Ke Saudagar (merchants of death) and if CM takes his words back I will also take back my words”, adding “I have not done anything wrong by terming Chief Minister as daily wager. All the politicians here are daily wagers for six years—what is wrong in this. The daily wagers in the departments are terminated by serving notice but we are rejected by the people without any notice”.
As there was no let up in the protest from NC MLAs, Baig remarked, “I am ready to give them healing touch by certifying for their happiness sake that Omar Abdullah will remain Chief Minister for 40-50 years”.
The pandemonium came to end when Minister for Law, Mir Saifullah said, “Baig has himself accepted that he has used unparliamentary language against the Chief Minister and the situation is now resolved”.
NC MLAs, Ministers clash with PDP; seek apology from Baig over remarks against CM
BJP flays Omarfor AFSPA remarks
NEW DELHI, Mar 5:
BJP today expressed its disagreement with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over repealing of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, saying the State should not speak against this law as it has already passed a similar legislation in its Assembly.
“Omar Abdullah’s own State has proposed a law which has virtually the same provisions as AFSPA. The Jammu and Kashmir Police Act is similar to AFSPA. People can see the difference between his words and deeds,” BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar told reporters.
He insisted that Omar and his Government cannot oppose AFSPA when they have a similar law in force.(PTI)
Address misleading, directionless: Baig
Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, Mar 5: Dubbing Governor Address as “misleading, directionless and disturbing document”, senior leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Muzaffar Hussain Baig today said that all the claims made in it are “hollow and bereft of facts”.
Participating in the debate on Governor’s Address in the Legislative Assembly, Baig said this document has not laid down any target or guidelines for next year. He maintained that in the document, the Government has to narrate and set out its road map for the coming years and to highlight achievements of the previous years.
In this document the Government has also to reveal achievements it had made in the previous year in bringing peace, progress and prosperity and also the efforts to bring transparency and accountability in the governance, he said.
“Unfortunately on all these parameters, the Governor’s address shows no worth mentioning achievements”, he said and added that achievements mentioned in the document were either achieved or started during the previous regimes headed by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Ghulam Nabi Azad. The present Government has been brazenly trying to take credit of the achievements of previous PDP-Congress regime in the State, he added.
The Governor address has not mentioned or revealed any step that indicated that the Government was serious in bringing transparency and accountability in the governance.
While pointing out that there has been no progress in the front of peace, Mr Baig said that the Governor address was silent on the implementation of reports of the five Working Groups set up by the Prime Minister. “It is also silent on what action the Cabinet Sub-Committee has taken on the Sageer Committee report. Apparently no progress has been made due to difference between Congress and National Conference”, he said and added that the document was also silent on the report of the Interlocutors, who were appointed after killing of 120 Kashmir youth in the year 2010.
“It is also silent why no action has been taken against the culprits who were responsible for the killings of 120 youth”, he said, adding, “the document has no mention about Government’s stand on Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) after the Army Chief had outrightly rejected this demand on January 3, 2013”.
Mr Baig said that Government has not made its stand clear on the demand of a member of the ruling party to conduct plebiscite or statement of National Conference leader Mustafa Kamaal, who had claimed that Indian intelligence agencies were destroying Jammu and Kashmir politically and constitutionally.
Taking a dig at the State Government for its failure to formulate any comprehensive policy for unemployed youth of the State, Mr Baig pointed out that Governor’s address lacks clarity on all important issues.
Describing the Governor’s address as clueless, the CPI (M) State Secretary and MLA Kulgam, M. Y. Tarigami said even important issues like promotion of the peace process has not been addressed, neither there is any mention of ways and means how to overcome obstacles and stumbling blocks in strengthening the process of dialogue and reconciliation.
Tarigami said that the trade across LoC and People’s movement is virtually halted adding that the address has not detailed out the ways to remove the obstacles. He also sought to inform the House about the progress and status of rehabilitation plan announced by the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah about return of Kashmiri youth stranded across the borders.
He alleged that no forward movement has been registered about the return of Kashmiri migrants, though several announcements were made by the successive Governments at Centre and state levels. He said despite expressing keenness about the rehabilitation and return of Kashmiri migrants, no tangible progress was visible in this regard.
Tarigami also sought concrete measures to tackle the growing unemployment problem, strengthen the anti-graft institutions and urged to amend the Accountability Commission Act to empower the commission to take suo-moto cognizance of corruption complaints.
The Governor’s address is directionless to the extend that there seems no effort to bring out the State out of Chaos, confusion and growing dependence at the Centre, said senior leader and MLA Jammu West Prof Chaman Lala Gupta.
He said it is ridiculous situation that it was endorsed that the forces have played a great role in combating cross border terror and providing security to the common man but at the same time efforts are being made to malign the forces by leveling frivolous charges so as to create an impression if they are alien. Thus an encouragement is created to the elements of secessionism and cross border terror, he added.
Prof Gupta said Jammu Kashmir is legally and constitutionally an irrevocable part of India but under communal and other considerations the agents of hostile forces are being termed as stakeholders but the fact remains Pakistan has no locus standi and its position is not more than that of an aggressor.
He said greater autonomy is being sought to distance the State from the Centre but at the same time more and more funds are sought on the plea that the State is a part of India and thus to secure funds is our right.
Gupta took strong exception to naming Guru as Sahib saying he was mastermind in Parliament attack. Panchayti Raj should be made a reality by incorporating 73 and 74th amendment of Indian Constitution. There is much talk that Kashmiri Pandits are part of parcel of Kashmiriat but little practical steps are being taken for their return and rehabilitation with dignity in the Valley, he added.
JSM MLA Ashwani Sharma praised the security forces for restoration of peace in the strife torn state saying they deserve all applauds. Highlighting the problems of 1947,1965 and 1971 refugees he demanded that their problems be settled and strongly advocated for granting of citizenship rights to West Pak refugees.
Accusing Government of discrimination with Jammu, Mr Sharma said the region is facing total injustice and demanded constitution of Delimitation Commission to give Jammu its due share in representative bodies. He while strongly condemning the beheading of Indian soldier in Mendhar sector by Pak troops in January this year said the entire House should have condemned it.
He also stressed on increasing the honorarium of Sarpanchs and Panchs.
Engineer Rashid while defending his demand for demanding plebiscite in J&K said there was nothing wrong in it as Kashmiris still celebrate Eid with Pakistan. He said world saw the mourning of Guru by Kashmiris.
He said no one will beg before India for Guru’s body and the day will come as Britishers apologized for killings in Jalanwala Bagh in Punjab, India will apologize for killing of Guru, Bhat and other Kashmiris.
He said had his resolution on Guru taken for debate in Assembly the situation would have been different.
G M Saroori of Congress demanded tabling of Finance Commission report in the House. He regretted that Ghulam Nabi Azad who also did a lot of work for the development of the State was not included in Governor’s address. He demanded elections to Local bodies, municipalities and District Development boards.
Rashpal Singh (NC) demanded establishing more Polytechnic Colleges, factories to create job opportunities for the unemployed youth of the Rajouri. He also sought tapping of tourism potential in the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch. He also demanded launching of more welfare schemes for Gujjar and Bakerwals.
Mohammad Sharief Niaz (Congress) lauded the steps taken by the Government to restore peace and order in the State. He appealed all members cutting across party affiliations to make collective efforts to maintain sustained peace for the overall development of all three regions of the State.
Niaz appreciated the legislations brought for improving the basic services for the people, adding that the legislations, particularly the PSGA, and RTI are best tools to ensure services to the people in a time bound manner. He demanded opening new health centres and upgradation of power infrastructure in his constituency.
Jugal Kishore (BJP) while opposing the Governor’s Address said that Government’s policies are not people friendly and common man is hardly managing two times meals. He said prices of essential commodities have risen and Government has no control at all. He demanded addressing the issues of PoK/West Pakistani refugees on priority. He also sought review of present recruitment policy.
Syed Aga Ruhulla Mehdi (NC) asked the Government to concentrate on consolidation of infrastructure to reap the benefits of various schemes. He also stressed on all the parties to make united efforts to restore complete peace in the State, which is pre-requisite for the overall development and welfare of the people.
Aijaz Jan (NC) supported the Address and appreciated the performance of the Government. He said Government has tried to address the problems of people of all sections of the society and succeeded in ensuring good governance. He stressed the need for opening more bank branches, speeding up the process of development in the bad pockets of Poonch. He demanded streamlining the health facilities in Poonch.
Javid Ahmad Dar (NC) highlighted the landmark decisions of the Coalition Government for overall development of the State. He said that with the completion of these ambitious projects, the people of the State could reap its benefits soon.
Prof. Gharu Ram and Mr. Charanjit Singh demanded up-gradation of irrigation facilities in their respective areas.
Nizam-u-Din Bhat demanded taking concrete steps for addressing the issues confronting the State. He asked the State Government to adopt pro youth approach in its policies.
SAC challenges Single Judge judgment on suo-moto powers
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, Mar 5: In an interesting development, Jammu and Kashmir State Accountability Commission (SAC) has filed Letters Patent Appeal (LPA) challenging the judgment passed by the Single Judge on January 4, 2013 whereby it was held that Commission doesn’t have the powers to take suo-moto cognizance in any complaint, grievance or allegations and Regulation 9 framed by the Commission was declared as ultra-virus.
In the LPA filed through Senior Advocate Sunil Sethi and Advocate Veenu Gupta, it has been stated that Section 3(1) of the J&K Accountability Commission Act states that the Commission will conduct investigation and enquiries in respect of the complaints under the Act but it doesn’t refer to the written complaints only.
“Section 9(1) of the J&K Accountability Commission Act clearly lays down that the jurisdiction of the Commission is not confined only to the complaints but the Commission has been vested with the power to investigate any action, which is taken by or with the general or specific approval of the public functionary”, the LPA said, adding “Section 3 defining the establishment of the Commission has to be read along with Section 9 of the Act which deals with the jurisdiction of the Commission whenever question arises about the powers and jurisdiction of the Commission and the nature thereof “.
Similarly, a reference to Section 11 of the Act lays down that a complaint can be filed under the provisions of the Act only in case allegations or any case of grievance (which is the position before the amendment as the case under reference was before the subsequent amendment in the Act). “This makes it clear that no complaint is required in case of action as the Commission has jurisdiction to investigate any action and jurisdiction cannot be made subject to the provisions of Section 11 of the Act”, the LPA said.
“In order to regulate its working the Commission has framed Regulations by virtue of Section 31 of the Act and Regulation 9 provides for taking suo-moto cognizance by the Commission in the cases wherein the investigation/enquiry is required to be done”.
“Sub-Section (1) of Section 31 of the Act clearly shows that the Regulations could have been framed by Accountability Commission for carrying out the parties of the Act and because Section 9 dealing with the jurisdiction of the Commission, refers to its power to investigate any action as Such Regulation 9 which has been framed as per the powers vested with the Commission under Section 31 is within the confines of its authority”, the LPA said.
Seeking setting aside of the Single Judge Judgment dated January 4, 2013, the LPA said, “the Single Judge has not appreciated the controversy in the right perspective about the jurisdiction of the Commission but has gone on entirely irrelevant points urged before the Court about the scope of penalties to be imposed in case of false and frivolous complaints. The findings of the Single Judge that in case of suo-moto action, the provisions of the Act so far as penalties for malafide complaints will become redundant are absolutely irrelevant as in case of suo-moto action by the Commission, it cannot be presumed under law that the exercise of the powers of Commission was actuated by malafides. Such mechanism of penalty may be required in case of individual who is filing a complaint but cannot be pressed into service in case of suo-moto powers”.
Stating that Accountability Commission has been constituted to ensure that there is no corruption at the high-ups and to ensure that society becomes corruption-free to the extent it is provided in the Act, the LPA said, “it is necessary to presume that such powers to the Accountability Commission to take suo-moto action which otherwise is justified as per the provisions of Section 9 of the Act read with Section 31 and Regulation 9”, adding “this aspect of the matter has not at all been considered by Single Judge in true and right perspective resulting in passing of the judgement”.
“Though Accountability Commission is not a court in strict sense of the word but certain powers of the courts are vested with it under the provisions of the Act as such the presumption of there being inherent power with the Commission cannot be denied at the face of it”, the LPA said, adding “moreover the Commission has the express power of taking suo-moto cognizance as per Section 9 of the Act. The Commission also has implied powers of taking suo-moto action even in the absence of Regulation 9 by mere reading of Section 9, Section 13 read with Section 31 of the Act”.
“The Single Judge has further failed to appreciate that Commission in terms of Section 9 of the Act is fully empowered to investigate any action which is taken by or with the general or specific approval of the public functionary as defined in Clause 16 of Section 2. Moreover, Section 11 and 13 of the Act don’t limit the jurisdiction of the Commission”, the LPA said, adding “the Legislature while using the expression ‘action’ has made it clear that action must not necessarily have a complaint detailing the allegations before it. The Commission can look into any action like decision, recommendations or finding as also failure to act on part of public functionary on its own without there being any allegation leveled in a complaint against such public functionary”.
Stating that Single Judge while passing the order impugned has totally ignored the legal position that Sub-Section 2 of Section 31 is illustrative in character and doesn’t control Sub-Section (1) of Section 31 that gives the Commission power to make regulations for carrying out the purpose of the Act, the LPA said, “Regulation 9 doesn’t infringe or go beyond any of the provisions of the Act and has been validly used by the Commission to initiate suo-moto proceedings against the public functionary”.
“Viewed from any angle, the judgment impugned passed by the Single Judge is totally contrary to the provisions of law therefore the same deserved to be quashed”, the LPA said.
PDP moves adjournment motion as FM presents budget today
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 5: More trouble could be in store in the Legislative Assembly tomorrow when Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather presents annual budget for 2013-14 at 12 noon as the PDP has moved an adjournment motion for Wednesday to suspend entire business tomorrow and discuss the situation arising out of the killing of a youth in firing at Baramulla.
Sources said the PDP moved the adjournment motion this evening seeking suspension of tomorrow’s business, which includes presentation of annual general budget by Mr Rather at 12 noon.
The PDP MLAs including Mehbooba Mufti have submitted copies of the adjournment motion to the Speaker, the Law Minister and the Assembly Secretary.
Mr Rather tabled pre-budget economic survey in the Assembly today.
Tomorrow’s business in the Assembly included Question Hour from 10 am to 11 am, Zero Hour from 11 am to 12 noon and presentation of budget at 12 noon.
Kashmiri student committed suicide: DCP
HYDERABAD, Mar 5:
Even as the EFLU students demanding action against the faculty member allegedly responsible for the death of a Kashmirir student Mudassir kamran, Hyderabad East Zone police today clarified the kashmiri student had a fight with his room-mate hours before he committed suicide.
In the back ground of the case is that, Mudasir and Vasim Salim Tamboli are close friends and room-mates.
On examination of Vasim Salim Tamboli, it is revealed that the deceased Mudasir had made several physical advancements by touching his body, kissing, hugging. Over which Vasim got annoyed and shifted to another room, police said in a release here.
The deceased Mudasir was very possessive of Vasim and used to say that he is in love with Vasim, he cannot survive in the campus without Vasim. The deceased Mudasir used to assault Vasim demanding him to stay with him only and not to mingle with others.
Three or Four times , the Kashmiri student has assaulted Vasim over which he has submitted representations to the Dean Hostels, Dean Ph D and Proctor, the petitions of Vasim were under examination and Proctor issued memorandum and warning letter to Mudasir in connection with the petitions submitted by Vasim Tamboli, the release said.
The release also said in the late evening of March 1, Mudasir followed Vasim wherever he went near F-wing hostel Mudasir picked up quarrel with Vasim, assaulted Vasim and tried to throttle him.
Vasim along with students Gopal and Deepesh came to the Police Station and lodged a complaint at about 2230 hours.
Prof Vijra, Prof. Maya Pandit and Prof. Chanchala Naik also reached the Police Station and based on their complaint, the on duty Sub-Inspector A.Madhu Sudhan Reddy proceeded brought Mudasir to Police Station for enquiry.
In the presence of Vasim, Gopal, Deepesh, the SI advised and counseled Mudasir.
The students of EFLU namely D Kotesh, P Sandeep, G Seetharam, H Krishna, Satish along with Prof Vedasharan, Dean Campus Development came to Police Station and requested the SI to hand over Mudasir to them and assured that the issue will be resolved in the University .
In this regard Prof Vedasharan along with Satish gave an undertaking stating that they will take responsibility of Mudasir and arrange protection to Vasim.
They left the Police Station at about 2345 hours on March 1.
The students of EFLU namely D Kotesh, P Sandeep, G Seetharam, H Krishna, Satish are monitoring and observing the movements of deceased Mudasir ever since he was brought from Police Station, the release said.
On March 2 at about 2120 hours, H Krishan a close friend of Kashmiri student went to his room and knocked the door.
When there was no response he peeped inside through the window and found Mudasir hanging to the ceiling fan.
Immediately, he alerted security persons and mess workers and with the help of varsity security guards and other students broke open the door of Room No D-5 and took the deceased to Andhra Mahila Sabha Hospital at Nallakunta in the Ambulance, but the doctors at the hospitals opined that he was brought dead.
Post Mortem Examination was conducted and the body was handed over to his cousin Shammi Malik for final rites, the release added.
At about 2330 hours on the same day, received a joint complaint from the student organizations of EFLU led by N.Satish (TSA) , wherein he stated that one Muddasir Kamran(30), a first year research scholar in ELE has committed suicide by hanging to the ceiling fan in his room bolting from inside.
In the complaint, he also stated that the Ph.D student committed suicide as he was continuously harassed by Prof. Harish Kumar Vijra, Proctor, EFL University by saying ‘Mentally disorder Rascal,’ the release added. (UNI)
Economy to grow at 7.01%
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 5: The State economy is targeted to grow at 7.01% during the current financial year as compared to 6.22% in 2011-12 and 5.96% in 2010-11 and the expected higher rate of growth is in line with the projections made for the 12th Five Year Plan.
This has been revealed in the Economy Survey tabled in the Legislative Assembly by the Minister for Finance, Abdul Rahim Rather today.
“While it is expected that the Indian economy will turn around and revive its growth momentum, the J&K has not only maintained the increasing growth trajectory since 2009-10 but accelerated it further to new heights especially during 2011-12 and 2012-13 when the growth rate clocked to over 6%, better than the national level”, the Economic Survey said.
“As per the advances estimates of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at constant prices (2004-05), the State economy is expected to grow at 7.01% during 2012-13, which is in line with the projections made for the 12th Five Year Plan”, the Survey said, adding “the 12th Five Year Plan envisages growth rate to move up over the years starting with 7% in the first year of the plan and reaching to 8% in the fifth and terminal year thereby achieving average growth rate of 7.5% during the entire plan period”.
At disaggregated level, the trend growth of 2012-13 comprises 3.84% growth in agriculture and allied activities, 3.17% in industry and 10.10% in services as compared to growth of 3.69%, 2.1% and 9.38% respectively during 2011-12 (quick estimates).
The per capita income of J&K at current prices has been worked out at Rs 50806 in 2012-13 (advance estimates) as against Rs 44533 in 2011-12 thereby expected to grow at 14.09%. However, at constant (2004-05) prices, it is expected to rise to Rs 30889 in 2012-13 as against Rs 29215 in 2011-12 thereby expected to witness an increase of 5.73%, the Economy Survey said, adding the State has collected a record own revenue of Rs 4745 crore during 2011-12 and the percentage increase was 36.23 % over the figures of 2010-11.
“While the size of annual and five year plans is on steep increase with liberal central assistance, the need for ensuring a regular vigil on the quality parameters of developmental expenditure has surfaced more strongly than ever”, the Survey said, adding “conduct of evaluation studies across the State on wide spectrum of development projects/schemes is a regular feature of the Directorate of Economics and Statistics. In a recent evaluation study on Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme conducted in two sample districts with wide sample base, it has come to the fore that 18% of the reported beneficiaries were not traced in the field which puts a question mark on the genuineness of the beneficiaries. The promptness in weeding out the expired and other ineligible beneficiaries from the live list of beneficiaries too was lacking”.
According to the Economy Survey, transmission and distribution losses in the State have remained stagnant and are very high of the order of 61.61%. “The gap between receipts from power consumers and expenditure on power purchases has continuously been rising. From Rs 275 crore in 2002-03, the deficit has grown to Rs 1993 crore during 2012-13”, it added.
The Survey further said, “the State had a committed liability of estimated Rs 3368 crore on account of four installments of 6th Pay Commission arrears as on March 31, 2012 which are to be paid in four yearly installments”.
Budget 2013
Sir,
That is demeaning for a soldier. So, the Govt must consider paying the pension to its our basic sustenance.
The Govt also owes it to the people to provide commodities at the affordable prices. It can not afford to outsource its responsibilities with regard to the prices, be it eatables or fuel. Inflation has to be controlled so that atleast the poor man can eat two meals.
The UPA Govt now must ensure execution of the budget, and reforms suggested, in letter and spirit. The real test of the economy is when every Indian can atleast have a roof and eat two meals. That will be actual inclusive growth.
Colonel Ripu
Daman Singh (retd)
Defence Colony Ambala Cantt (Haryana)
Empowerment of VDCs
Sir,
The proposal for empowerment of Village Defence Committees (VDCs) as envisaged in the Draft Police Bill is more than welcome. It has been a long demand of VDCs members who played a key role in combating militancy in far flung areas of this region, particularly, during the early phase of militancy. They suffered terribly during the course of time. Despite numerous hardships and penury they did not succumb to pressure of militants. They fought bravely against the heavily armed militants.
But, unfortunately, their service was not acknowledged in a way it should have been. They got salary which was not sufficient to run their homes smoothly. They had to face hard times fighting militants on one hand and Government apathy on the other hand.
By granting statutory powers to VDCs in the Bill it is expected their living condition will improve besides being encouraged.
Yours etc…
Anil Verma
Kaluchak
Update JKSS site
Sir,
It is very annoying that the JKSSB site has not been updated by the concerned officials. The un-updated site has become troublesome for the candidates working outside the State and want to apply for Government jobs in the State.
It is requested to the SSB authorities to get it updated for the convenience of unemployed youth of the State.
Sanjit Kumar
on email