Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Mar 5: While advocating  the revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the State, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that the Act should be withdrawn in phased manner  whereas,  resolution of Kashmir issue was not possible without the involvement of Pakistan and the permanent peace can’t be restored in the State  till this problem is settled once for all.
Replying to the debate on  Governor’s address in the Upper House today, the Chief Minister reiterated his party’s demand for the revocation of  AFSPA from the State. He said the Union Government must review the situation and withdraw Act from the areas, where it was no longer required first and later it should be gradually withdrawn from the other areas where improvement in the situation is witnessed.   He pointed out that the issue of AFSPA has not been put on the back-burner by his party. “If the lone woman Irom Sharmeela from North East, can fast in protest against the AFSPA for 12 long years why can’t I speak against it,” Omar maintained.
“In the areas where we do not need Army, this Act can be repealed from those places. Our discussion with the Centre on this issue is on. I believe that we are right on this issue  and will continue to support our demand. A lady is on  fast for the last 12 years only for revocation of this Act and in her comparison I have done nothing. I am just talking about its revocation. I never said to remove it entirely and I am not that much senseless. I am just asking to remove it where it is not needed,” Omar added.
While referring to the  recent attack by the Naxalites  on the Indian Air Force helicopter  in a Naxal- hit Chhatisgarh, the Chief Minister said, “When you do not remove AFSPA there why do you need the Act in the State here. I am not politicizing the issue. It would have been better if I would have been in the opposition  and demanded to repeal the Act where I would have known that nothing could be done.”
Referring to the bloodshed and turmoil in the State during past few decades, Omar said, “We can not afford to linger on this issue any more. The people of this State have already suffered a lot and seen bloodshed. New Delhi should realize it. And for the resolution of  this issue we can not ignore Pakistan. Without the involvement of  Pakistan this issue can not be settled once for all.  If money or gun would have the solution, the issue would have settled till now. This is the political issue and can be settled with the political will and wisdom of all the stake holders including New Delhi and Pakistan.”
“We have told Delhi that one day, the solution of this issue has to be reached. It is not possible that no body will oppose the solution or it should be acceptable to all. There may be some opposition at some pockets or areas but it should be acceptable to the majority of the people in all the regions and major stake holders. Many people like Jawahar Lal Nehru,  Sheikh Mohd Abdulla and others tried for the resolution of the issue. We should keep trying and look into the external and internal dimensions of the issue. Centre must take initiate and involve Pak in the dialogue,”  the Chief Minister added.
Commenting on the over all situation, the Chief Minister said in last 25 years, 2012 remained the most peaceful year in the State. Compared to 2011, the year 2012 has witnessed 37 % improvement in militancy and violence front.
“We want that people live in peace here but some people tried to exploit the situation and disturb peace.  No body wants curfew. It was my compulsion to impose curfew in Kashmir, otherwise there would have been blood shed and innocent killings. Opportunists would get the opportunity to create violence, exploit people and engineer killings blaming Government as it happened previous years. The security forces also maintained maximum restrain and controlled the situation. There was only one casualty of a youth due to drowning, otherwise it would had not happened. I will not seek pardon from anybody  for that as I did what the situation demanded in the larger interest of my people, ” Omar maintained.
On the killings of Sarpanchs and Panchs, the Chief Minister said it was not possible to provide security to all but in area of domination, police patrols can be increased. It is unfortunate that elected representatives are being targeted to further exploit the situation. He said some vulnerable areas have been identified  and force deployment was  being strengthened. In view of situation arisen after Guru’s execution, the security force men from various areas were withdrawn and deployed in Srinagar and other major towns where situation demanded. Due to this some areas became vulnerable and militants got opportunity to strike.  It happened due to  the situation exploited by some people for political  benefit. They politicized the issue for power lust and have no respect for human values and sympathy for those being killed.
While referring to the postponement of Block Development Council elections, the CM said after issuance of notification by election authorities  the process was stalled in order to provide reservation to women, SCs and others. He said the process has almost been completed and the elections to the BDCs would be held shortly. He assured the House that elections to the Urban Local Bodies would also be held shortly and most probably in 2013.
Omar said RTI Act has been brought to bring transparency in the system of governance. Process of e-tendering has also brought great transparency in the system.  Accountability Commission was established by previous regime for vested motives to pin point some wrong decisions taken during 1996-2002 and it had specific agenda. But his Government has tried to make it a better and an accountable institution.
Some people tried to create a hype among masses that new police act was being enacted by State Government. Basically, we wanted to initiate an exercise to discuss Model Police Act as adopted by Himachal and Kerala States. It was put on the website for seeking public response before discussing it in the Cabinet and Legislature and moving ahead for making a new law but misinformation campaign was launched.  He also stressed  for educating Sarpanchs and Panchs about their duties and role and said that they should ensure that powers are being granted to them for public cause and it should not be compared with the financial aspects. He said Sarpanchs can check attendance of teachers in schools, Anganwadi functioning, quality of mid day meals and nutrition in Anganwadi centres etc. and then report to Administration at Block, Tehsil or district level for cognizance. The powers should not be mis-used.
Omar pointed out that unemployment, security concern and corruption were the major issues before the Government and  his regime was trying its best to deal with them. Fast track recruitment has been started and the purpose of offering half salary for first few months is to accommodate more and more unemployed educated youth. But from the day one they will be permanent employees and get entitlement of all the benefits from date of joining.
In obvious reference to the remarks of  a senior PDP member, Omar said, “ I am  also a daily wager and his Ministers are also so. Daily wagers work more efficiently than the permanent ones. And when an employee turns permanent, he has no fear of losing job and his performance go lower. While remaining daily wagers, he and his cabinet colleagues will perform better for the public cause,” Omar maintained.
The Chief Minister said great efforts are afoot for improving tourism infrastructure in the State.  Over one crore pilgrims visit Mata Vaishnodevi and if we managed to divert one to two percent pilgrims to other areas like Patnitop, Mansar Shiv Khori etc, it will be a great achievement.   He pointed out that in power sector Government was losing Rs 2000 crore  every year. The power theft  has created more problems for the Government. He said besides increasing power generation, increasing power infrastructure was equally important and his Government was working towards this direction. He also announced the officer for the domestic power consumers to wave off their interests and penalities if they want to settle their account. It will be unique offer and Rs 22 crore waive offer has been given to the consumers willing to pay their long pending dues.

Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Mar 5: A youth was killed in North Kashmir’s Baramulla town while 2 others were injured as security forces fired on protesters while over two dozen people including policemen were injured as protests broke out at several places across Kashmir over the mysterious death of a student in Hyderabad last week.
Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, G A Khawaja told Excelsior that he has directed for registration of an FIR against the Army for firing on protesters in which a 25-year-old youth, Tahir Latief Sofi, was killed. A Police spokesman later said that an FIR (80/2013 dated 05-03-2013) was registered against the security forces in the Police Station Baramulla against the Baramulla firing incident.
The Deputy Commissioner said that Army was not on law and order duty and as per their statement two Army vehicles came under stone pelting in Old town Baramulla in which one Army officer was hurt. “The Army fired that led to the death of the youth”, he added.
Khawaja said that inquiry into the incident will reveal the circumstances under which the Army fired on protesters that led to death of the youth.
However, Srinagar based Defence spokesman denied that the youth was killed in Army firing in Baramulla town. The spokesman said that Army fired in air when they were trapped by a mob in the township. Army has ordered internal investigations into the firing incident.
The Deputy Commissioner said that Minister of State for Home, Sajjad Ahmad Kitchloo, and Minister for Medical Education, Taj Mohidin will visit Baramulla tomorrow to assess the law and order situation. They already arrived in Srinagar this evening from winter capital Jammu to monitor the situation.
As the situation in North Kashmir is tense after the killing of the youth, curfew like restrictions have been imposed in Baramulla town and Police district Sopore. The Deputy Commissioner Baramulla said that they have imposed restrictions on the movement of people in Baramulla town and Police district Sopore under Section 144 of RPC.
Sources said that the curfew like restrictions have also been imposed in old city areas of Srinagar following clashes during the day today.
According to reports, a group of youth pelted stones on an Army patrol in old town Baramulla this morning. “One of the stones hit the Army vehicle and Army personnel in retaliation damaged over a dozen of vehicles and property”, alleged the residents.
Reports said that residents came out in large numbers in protest against Army’s alleged ransacking. The Army first fired in air and later fired on the protesters killing Tahir Latif Sofi and injured two others Abbas Farooq and Farhan Fayaz, reports added.
Tahir was removed to nearby district hospital Baramulla where doctors declared him brought dead. Hundreds of protesters carrying body of Tahir marched towards Deputy Commissioner’s Office. They ransacked the compound wall and broke several vehicles parked inside the complex. However, DC Baramulla later pacified the protesters and the body was then taken to old town for burial. Thousands of people took part in his last rites.
Residents said that Tahir who was running a medical shop had done Masters in Social Work from Dehradoon recently.
Protests also broke out in Sopore town and police charged batons on the protesters and fired tear smoke shells to disperse them. Protesters also attacked the Police Station Sopore, however, police chased them away.
The Defence spokesman while giving details of the Baramulla firing incident in which the youth was killed said that a foot patrol of Army while moving from Convoy Ground Baramulla to the company operating base was attacked by an unruly and violent mob of over 250 people.
“The aggressive mob, despite repeated warnings and caution, surrounded the patrol and people from within the crowd started attacking the Army personnel. The Army patrol was soon outnumbered, leaving some of them injured.  A person out of the mob assaulted the Army personnel with an iron rod creating a life threatening situation. To extricate themselves, the patrol fired, aiming in the air which could not have resulted into any injury.  In any case, the place of incident where the person died was well away from the location of the patrol and could have no way been affected by the firing by the patrol in the air.  This calls for detailed investigation by the Police”, the Defence spokesman added.
The spokesman further said: “Army reiterates that the death of Tariq could not have been caused due the firing by the Army personnel as extreme caution was exercised by them and the fire was deliberately aimed in the air.”
The spokesman revealed: “There were intelligence inputs with regard to the plans by the terrorists to entangle Army personnel, particularly in Baramulla, in a protest and to attack the Army taking shield of the crowd with a view to trigger large scale violence. This was aimed at providing fodder for the inimical elements to disturb the peace in Kashmir. The death of the individual seems to be a part of the said design and the Army has ordered an investigation to get to the bottom of the truth. Notwithstanding this, Army regrets the loss of life and assures the awaam that Army is always there for them and would do nothing against the security of the people. Army further appealed to the awaam not to fall prey to such nefarious designs of the inimical elements.”
In the meantime, to foil separatist march to Parigam village in South Kashmir’s Pulwama districts curfew like restrictions were imposed in Pulwama. Separatists had asked people to march to Parigam village to the residence of Mudasir Kamran Malla who died under mysterious circumstances in Hyderabad last week.
Police intercepted a group of protesters who were marching towards Pulwama in Budgam district’s Chadoora town leading to pitched battles between protesters and police.
Over a dozen persons including several police officers were injured in clashes. Those injured include SDPO Shalinder Mishra, SHO Manzoor Ahmad, Constables Waheed Ahmad and Ghulam Jeelani. Police charged batons on the protesters and fired tear smoke shells to disperse them.
Protests also broke out in Omarpora and Pakerpora in Central Kashmir district of Budgam against the mysterious death of a Kashmiri student in Hyderabad.
Scores of youth took out a protest march from Mirwaiz Manzil Rajouri Kadal in old city area of Srinagar this morning. The youth marched through Nowhetta, Malarata, Bohri Kadal, Fateh Kadal and several other areas of Srinagar city. Hundreds of protesters joined them and on reaching near Habba Kadal, police intercepted them by charging batons and firing tear smoke shells. However, Police managed to disperse the protests.
This was followed by protests and clashes in several areas of old city including Khanyar, Nowhetta, Rangar Staff and other places. Police fired tear smoke and charged batons on the protesters who pelted stones on them. Several police men and protesters were injured in the clashes and one protester is said to be critical. Half a dozen photo-journalists and vediographers were also injured in the clashes.
Protests also broke out in several areas of Kupwara and police fired tear smoke and charged batons on the protesters.
In the meantime, the life in Kashmir remained paralysed as there was spontaneous strike. The separatist although had not called for any strike but shops remained closed in several areas and traffic was off the roads.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 5: Northern Command Army chief Lt Gen KT Parnaik tonight ordered a time bound inquiry into the incident leading to the killing of a youth Tahir Latief Sofi in Baramulla town this afternoon.
“The Army Commander has ordered a time bound inquiry into the incident’’, PRO (Defence), Lt Col Rajesh Kalia said tonight.
He said Lt Gen Parnaik has expressed deep sorrow and regret over the loss of precious life in Baramulla. He has also offered his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

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)

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.

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.

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)

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”.