Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 28: A total of 87 posts of para-medics have been lying vacant in the SMGS Hospital and 97 in the Associated Hospitals of Jammu.
This information was provided by Minister for Medical Education, R S Chib, in the written reply to the question of National Conference MLA, Bimla Luthra.
“All these posts will be filled up as soon as the recommendations are received from the Services Selection Board as the vacancies have already been referred to recruiting agency”, the Minister said.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 28: Minister for Rural Development, Ali Mohammad Sagar while replying to a question Javed Ahmad Rana in upper House said that creation of a full-fledged mechanical division at Poonch is under active consideration of the Government. He said two more such division are proposed to be set up in Ramban and Kishtwar districts.
Replying to another question of Bashir Ahmad Margary, the Minister said that Rs. 80 lakh stand utilized expended for upgradation of Tahab-Naina- Wachi road while on Tahab-Chakoora-Naina road Rs. 40 lakh were incurred during last financial year.
Replying to a question by Ajat Shatru Singh, presented by Sheikh Ghulam Rasool, the Minister informed the House that 127 hectares of forest land have been retrieved in Jammu division out of 9469 hectares encroached at different places. Likewise, 987 hectares have been retrieved in Kashmir division out of 3890 hectares so far.
Replying to a question of Daram Bir Singh, Mr. Sagar informed the House that wearing belts and helmets is mandatory as per section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988. He said regular checking is being carried, adding that 34373 have been challaned for not wearing crash helmets, using mobile phone while driving while 14012 drivers violated wearing of seat belt norms and were booked during 2011. He said awareness programmes, seminar are being organized to sensitize people about the Traffic Safety Rules.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 28: Minister for Finance Abdul Rahim Rather today said that the selection process to various KAS and KPS posts is strictly done according to the merit cum-preferences list of the candidates.
Replying to a discussion initiated by Khalid Najeeb Suharwardy in the Legislative Council regarding denial of joining to 8 candidates selected by the Public Service Commission for KPS after passing combined competitive examination on the pretext that they do not full fill the physical criteria prescribed for the police service, the minister said that 189 posts were advertised out of which 31 were for Junior scale KAS, 36 for accounts and 122 for police services. Out of the 122 selected candidates, were not found fit for police service, he said.
Mr. Rather added that the public service commission allotted next service, in the order of preference to 10 out of these 21 candidates keeping in view their merit cum preference. In respect of remaining 11 candidates the next preference could not be allotted in view of non availability of any other service vis- a- vis their merit, he said
Subsequently, he said, as per the revised height/chest standards notified vide SRO-154 four candidates were found conforming to revised standards and as such were appointed to police service. The remaining 7 candidates did not full fill the revised physical eligibility criteria for the police services, he added.
Mr. Rather assured the house that the case would be further examined as per rules.
The members who took part in the discussion included Sheikh Ghulam Rasool, Ravinder Sharma, Murtaza Ahmed Khan, Naresh Gupta and Javed Ahmed Rana.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 28: Having remained inactive over the issue of preparing a comprehensive plan to preserve river Tawi and making it free from pollution, for which a resolution was passed in the Upper House last year, majority of the members in the House of Elders cornered the Minister of State in charge Housing and Urban Development, Nasir Aslam Wani, today.
The issue was raised forcefully by the National Conference member Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, who sought the details regarding comprehensive plan for preservation of river Tawi and saving it from polluted drains water of the old city, for which a resolution was adopted in the Upper House during Budget Session last year. He also sought the details of the funds sanctioned for the project and utilized for Tawi beautification and keeping it free from sewerage water pollution.
Mr Sadhotra expressed his displeasure over the issue and said that despite having passed a resolution, no serious concern has been shown by the Government and Tawi has virtually been allowed to become hell as all the dirty drains and nallahs are even today flowing directly into the river. He said this issue was also recently projected by some newspapers. He said this sacred river known has ‘Surajputri’ has its own importance. It is pity that Government has not taken this issue seriously. He apprehended that artificial lake which is going to be created may turn into most polluted city drain water body. He also sought details of the works of UEED, Tourism, JMC etc.
Javid Rana from NC said it is unfortunate that resolution was passed one year back and no cognizance of the matter was taken. How much time will the Government take to prepare a plan and make this river free from pollution. Syed Rafiq Shah, showing a report of a Regional English daily said that paper has drawn concern of everybody. It shows that river has virtually been turned into a ‘Gutter’. No measures were taken to divert city nallahs.
Naresh Gupta from Congress said how much time will it take to construct Sewerage Treatment Plant (SPT) and how much work has been done on it. He asked for the delay being caused in the completion of this work.
Murtaza Ahmed Khan from PDP said Tourism related Tawi beautification projects can be carried on without creation of artificial lake. What progress has been made to divert city waste material including solid or liquid, flowing from the sewerage to the river. Government should give the time frame of the project. Narbu Gailchan also raised supplementary.
The minister had to face the wrath of the members who almost cornered him on the issue. Mr Wani in his response said that comprehensive plan for preservation of river Tawi involves various agencies like UEED, Tourism, PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control department. The plan is being taken up systematically. UEED has been involved in city sewerage and drainage work and NBCC and ERA have been involved. The matter of diversion of four city nallahs has been taken up with Chief Engineer UEED. Two STPs at Bhagwati Nagar are under construction and the work on third has also been taken up. The proposal for treatment of sewerage on the left bank of river Tawi was under active consideration of the UEED. He said barrage/ lake and allied works with the cost of Rs 140 crore have been taken up. It will create 2 km long lake for the people and visitors. Over 90 % work of embankments on river Tawi has been completed, he maintained.

By Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Mar 28: While the legislators irrespective of their party affiliations today grilled the Government on the issue of growing problem of massive traffic jams in Jammu and Srinagar cities in the Upper House, the Chairman of the House, Amrit Malhotra, expressing grave concern allowed a detailed discussion in the current session of the Legislature, seeking suggestions from the members.
The issue was raised by National Conference Legislator from Doda, Khalid Najeeb Suhrawardy who sought the steps taken by the Government in curbing massive traffic jams in Srinagar, Jammu, National Highways and Doda area. He said every year the issue is raised in the Legislature and every time a casual reply is heard from the Government. The net result from all sides is zero. The Government claims to construct flyovers at Bikram Chwok, B C Road, Jewel Chowk, various parts of Srinagar city, widening of road etc but nothing is visible on the ground.
Huge volume of vehicular traffic goes unmanned. Traffic cops only ensure movement of VVIPs at the bottle-necks, otherwise they are hardly available to regulate the traffic. They always seem to be much interested in holding 2-3 commercial vehicles and making a deal with operators for easy buck. This has become the routine on the roads and highways. There is no check at all and no accountability. The things have gone from bad to worst and it has become very difficult for the ailing people to reach hospitals as they remain caught in jams. The Government and private employees and students are facing this problem daily. He said every time a mere assurance is given but nothing practical is coming out in this direction.
Ajay Kumar Sadhotra from NC said jam prone areas and their timings have been identified and every time it is told that there was shortage of manpower. Why agency is unable to tackle this issue during peak hours by making additional deployment. How do they manage the traffic with same strength when a VVIP passes that way.
Javed Rana from NC said that not only in Srinagar and Jammu, this problem is every where now, be it National Highway or other roads like Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch or in Mendhar town. This issue is needed to be tackled in the entire state by devising some effective mechanism. Jugal Kishore Sharma said over eighty lakh pilgrims visit Mata Vaishnodevi shrine every year. The traffic volume has increased on Jammu-Katra route. Lot of vehicles are caught in traffic jams. Alternate parking lots, road widening is needed.
Bashir Ahmed Magray from Congress said the Government in the last 4-5 years has projected the problem of shortage of traffic cops. If it was serious to tackle the issue, why adequate number of Traffic cops were not deployed to regulate the traffic at crucial points?
Mohd Ashraf Mir from PDP pointed out that despite tall claims of Govt many bottle necks at Srinagar City including Pantha Chowk, Dal Gate, HMT Chowk etc remain worst hit due to traffic jams. School going children, patients and employees remain trapped for hours together. No concrete steps are visible to tackle the issue.
Ghulam Qadir Pardesi (NC), Sayed Rafiq Shah from NPP, Dr Bashir Ahmed Veeri (NC), Ali Mohd Bhat and Jehangir Mir from Congress and Aga Sayed Rizvi from NC, also expressed their concerns over the issue and said that raising flyovers, over bridges, road widenings and creation of alternative roads was the need of the hour to tackle the issue. The members also stressed for the detailed discussion over the issue.
While responding on behalf of Minister for Transport, Minister in charge Law and RDD Ali Mohd Sagar, said that Government was seized of the matter. It is also true that the issue is of great importance. It is not that Government is not doing anything. Many steps have been taken in this regard. Fourth bridge on river Tawi near Bhagwati Nagar is almost ready. It will minimize traffic at Jewel Chowk and existing flyover side. The work on widening of Kunjwani-Satwari road is going on. The work on Bikram Chowk flyover in Jammu is being taken up by ERA shortly. Similarly several flyovers including Jehangir Chowk to Rambagh at a cost of Rs 256 crore have been proposed in Srinagar. Two-three new bridges are coming up at Jhelum and additional bus stands are being created. At district level roads are being widened and cooperation from all the sides is needed. M/S Rites agency has been engaged for preparation of a comprehensive Mobility Plan in Jammu and Srinagar cities. Doda road widening has also been taken up and a truck terminal at Akramabad in Doda at a cost of Rs 159 lakhs has been taken up. New bus stand at Doda is also under construction. He said some long terms and some short term measures are being taken to over come this problems.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 28: In what could be termed as blatant violation of transfer norms, around 249 Lecturers, Headmasters and Masters were transferred pre-maturely during the last two years, while as 17 have been attached with the Ministers and Vice-Chairmen of different Boards despite the fact that assignments given to them are contrary to their profession.
In the written reply to the question of National Conference MLA, Ajaz Ahmed Jan, the Minister Incharge School Education said that 249 Lecturers, Headmasters and Masters were transferred pre-maturely during the past two years.
The Minister said that around 17 Masters, Teachers and Lecturers have been attached with the Ministers and Vice-Chairmen of different Boards.
According to the details furnished by the Minister, Surinder Kumar (Teacher in PS Kotegarhi) has been attached with the Deputy Chairman, J&K Advisory Board for Gujjar and Bakerwal, Ashok Kumar (Teacher in ZEO Khour) and Prabhu Singh (Lecturer HSS Sai) have been attached with Deputy Chief Minister.
Similarly, Ashwani Sharma (Teacher in ZEO Chowki Choura) has been attached with Health Ministry, Alka Bukhari (Lecturer in HSS Bahu Fort) attached with Vice-Chairman of Advisory Board, Saleema Khan (Master MS Nowgram) attached with Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control.
Shah Mohd posted in the office of ZEO Basohli has been attached with Minister of State for Finance, Kalpana Sharma (Teacher ZEO Marheen) attached in the PWD Civil Secretariat, Jammu, Amrik Singh (Master in HS Rajpur Kamila) attached with Vice-Chairman, Advisory Board for Development of Gujjar and Bakerwal, Shazia Kousar (Teacher HS Ajmatabad) attached with MoS for Power and CAPD and Abdul Majid (Master HSS Lathoong) has been attached in Advisory Board for Development of Pahari Speaking People.
Though the Minister Incharge Education informed the House that Shamsher Singh (Master in HS Sersundhwan), Kuldeep Kumar Gupta (Master MS Kainka), Sham Paul Singh (Master MS Kun Kanyala) and Rajesh Singh Slathia (Master MS Chubbi) have also been attached but the places of their attachment was not mentioned.
In Kashmir division, Suneet Kour (Teacher Bali Middle School Rajpora Uller) has been attached with the Personal Section of Minister of State for R&B and Parvaiz Ahmad Maanous (Teacher MS Mirchipora) attached in State Advisory Board for Development of Pahari Speaking People.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 28: The State Assembly today witnessed heated exchanges between PDP and ruling NC Legislators when MLA Kupwara, Mir Saif-Ullah tried to make counter attacks on the Party and refuted the charges made by PDP leader Muzzafar Hussain Baig during participation in debate on Chief Minister’s grants in second sitting of the House this afternoon.
Mir, while disputing the figures given by PDP MLA and former Deputy Chief Minister, said that per capita income has increased from Rs 25,000 to Rs 38,000. He while ridiculing Mr Baig for stressing on identification of thrust areas, said that then PDP led Government got Rs 30,000 crore under PM’s reconstruction package and it failed to identify the thrust areas at that time and accused the Party of distributing the money in selective areas.
This was strongly objected by Baig and other PDP MLAs. But NC Legislators, including Aijaz Jan, Mohammed Ashraf, Peer Aufaq and Bimla Luthra, came to rescue of Mir and countered PDP Legislator.
Mir accused the previous PDP lead regime of not releasing additionalties in favour of opposition MLAs and said he will contest this allegation that funds were released for a particular constituency on the ground that then CM had made the commitment in this regard when he did not visit that area at all. “Your Government allocated additionalties on the basis of pick and choose’’ he added.
He accused the PDP of floating the DDB decisions. When Opposition NC at that time objected, the Government said that DDBs have no powers as they are recommendatory bodies.
Taking on leader of Opposition Ms Mehbooba Mufti, NC Legislator said that she has leveled allegation of backdoor appointments, injustice and corruption on this Government and during their regime an officer who was facing corruption charges was given premature retirement and later nominated as MLC. However Mehbooba also retorted saying that they did not take bribe for the same while you took bribe from Yousf Shah, she alleged.
Saifullah accused the previous coalition of making backdoor appointments in floriculture and alleged that at random 200 youth were appointed out of them 150 in a particular constituency. He said that he will also reveal the name of the Constituency. This again provoked PDP MLAs and Party chief whip Gafffar Sofi stood up saying let the MLA give proof, which Mir said he will provide.
The NC MLA also accused the previous regime that its workers took a bribe of Rs 50,000 per person for sending for training under crash programme. He was again countered by the PDP MLAs, who termed it as a lie.
Irritated over the remarks of the NC MLA, Baig said name the worker and if guilty, jail him and if proved right, he should be disqualified from the House. However intervening Speaker, Mr Lone, said that then Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayed had admitted that workers were appointed.
Saifullah while continuing his tirade on the party said 4700 persons were appointed in PHE through backdoor during previous regime and a Committee headed by then MLA Khem Lata Wakhloo was appointed by the House to probe. Also in Housing and Urban Development Department 1500 jobs were given. However this was objected to by Congress MLA, Majid Wani, who had also remained MoS of the Department during a brief period that time. He asked the MLA that he should mention the period of appointment.
He also accused the previous two ministers of coalition for Amarnath land row agitation by transferring the land to Shrine Board the allegation, which was outrightly rejected by Baig and he offered to quit if proved. Baig said he will quit at this time if proved that he had given opinion on transfer of land. He said he had given opinion on transfer of Railway land only. He also accused the NC of creating anti Hindu propaganda in league with Hurriyat during land row agitation and said that they had demarcated land for the Amarnath yatra, which is running for last 158 years.
Baig also asked the MLA not to mention about any thing on which House has appointed a Committee for probe unless the report is presented.