CMYK

CMYK

THURSDAY 16 January | 2014 | 14 Rabi-Al-Awwal 1435 AH | PAGES 12 | VOL NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 16 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 Paisa)Pen For JusticeLargely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&Khttp://www.zabarwantimes.com

Green Leafy vegetables reduces laziness

Attends ICAR annual meeting Want to work with Amitabh again

Feroz distributes Solar Lights among Nomad Gujjar, Bakarwal families

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CMYK

CMYK

WEATHER

TEMPERATUREMAXIMUM MINIMUM

SUNSET ON(WEDNESDAY)SUNRISE ON (THURSDAY) 07:37 AM

05:46 PM 1.7 0C

9.5 0C

FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:

FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:

Light rain/snow would occur at isolated places over the state

Partly cloudy sky. Maximum & Minimum temperatures will be around 10°C & 1°C respectively.

Inside story

On Edit Page

Strong ties in the best interest of India

and Pakistan

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Speaker attends Bhharti-ya Chhatra Sansad

2 die in separate incidents across JK

The ups and downs in Indo-Pak relations have created chaos and confusion in the sub continent. This has also resulted in wide spread disappointment amongst the people of the two countries who want bet-ter understanding and better relations so that people to people contact is increased and business activities get a boost. Howev-er despite several confidence building mea-sures the ties between India and Pakistan have not been as strong as anybody in the sub continent would expect them to be.

JAMMU, JANUARY 15- The Speak-er Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Mr. Mubarak Gul has called upon the youth to contribute their bit in strengthening democracy and democrat-ic institutions in the country.“We are proud of our great leaders and sincerely commemorate wholehearted sacrifices made by them for envisaging a Dem-ocratic and Parliamentary system for the future generation countrymen. We should not forget our freedom movement which has been achieved by our leaders by sacrificing their lives” Speaker said while addressing students at 3rd session of the 4th Conclave of the Indian Student Parliamentarians (Bhhartiya Chhatra Sansad) at Poona Maharashtra.He said that the freedom struggle under the lead-ership of the Father of the Nation

Mumbai, Jan 15: A local court in Mumbai trying the case of Lash-kar-e-Taiba operative and 26/11 key handler Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal, today issued non-bailable warrants against 12 more accused in the Mumbai terror attacks case. Special prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam told media persons that all the 12 persons against whom the court today issued NBWs are alleged-ly based in Pakistan. Earlier, the court which conducted trial

against terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Kasab had issued NBWs against 35 accused. With this, the total number of wanted terror-ists in the 26/11 case has gone up to 47. Those against whom NBW has been issued include Major Sameer, Sajid Mir alias Vashi and Commander Yakub. Sajid, according to police, was present at the control room set up in Pa-kistan during the strikes, which left 166 dead and many more in-jured on November 26, 2008.

26/11 attacksMumbai court

issues Non-Bailable Warrants against 12

more accused

New Delhi, Jan 15: Sonia Gandhi, Chair-person, United Progressive Alliance, in-augurated “SAMARTH 2014: Celebrating Diversity” organized by the Department of Disability Affairs, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment here today. Speaking at the inaugural function Gandhi said that this event will help in creating awareness about the abilities of persons with disabilities and will go a long way in engendering an inclusive & enabling environment for them. Gandhi said there is a need to link the issues of the dis-abled with the mainstream of the society and the gov-ernment and make their development a key compo-nent of policies. Gandhi further added that it was felt initially that disability was a medical problem and that it had to be dealt only by doctors. Today, the medical model has been replaced by the developmental and sociolog-ical model. “The disabled persons should not be kept aloof from the society. We

will have to ensure that they make their place within the

mainstream of the society and become its integral part." The UPA Chairperson also said that the Disability Act of 1995 is being amended to meet the norms of the UN

convention on the rights of persons with disabilities. The

Union Cabinet has given its nod to the amendments and the Gov-

ernment will be able to pass it in the next session.

In December last year, the Union Cab-

inet had approved the Rights

of Persons with Disabil-ities Bill to replace the Persons with

D i s a b i l i t i e s

(Equal Opportunity Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act of 1995. The bill covers a variety of issues relating to the dis-abled persons such as physical, mental and

multiple disabilities. W e l - coming Sonia Gandhi, the

Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, Kumari Selja expressed her gratitude and said that we are aware of your

deep commitment to the up-liftment and empowerment of

persons with disabilities. The Minister in her said that it is seen that people with disabilities have often been excluded from

mainstream, instead their right to life with dignity is to be promoted

and protected as they are an important hu-

man resource, and are a part-ner in nation-building.

Underlining the role of media in creating awareness on disability issues Kumari Selja said that the media is a very powerful tool - es-

pecially the print media, the film & television media

See UPA On Page 11..

UPA Chairperson Inaugurates “SAMARTH 2014: Celebrating Diversity”

Army Day Parade by

Chief of the Army Staff

New Delhi: An impressive pa-rade was held at Army Parade Ground, Delhi Cantt on 15 Jan 2014 showcasing the competency of the world’s second largest mil-itary in which tanks and the lat-est weaponry took part. Various Regiments marched in perfect unison at the 66th Army Day. General Bikram Singh, Chief of the Army Staff reviewed the parade and bestowed awards to Officers, Junior commissioned officers and other ranks in recog-nition of their gallantry and dis-tinguished service to the Army and the Nation. The Parade also revealed the might of the Indian Army by the eye catching display of OSA-AK, SMERCH and BRAHMOS Mis-siles. The Punch of

See Army On Page 11..

Jammu, Jan 15: State government on Wednes-day said that Cabinet Sub Committee has been constituted to ensure that new administrative units are formed in a transparent manner and as per aspirations of the people.Cabinet Sub Committee (CSC) constituted to ex-amine the creation of new administrative units today met with representatives of various politi-cal parties and civil society members of Jammu district as well as left over districts of Jammu province.40 delegations including left out delegations from district Poonch and Udhampur called on CSC at State Guest House.The representatives from cross sections of so-ciety presented their suggestions and demands before the committee headed by its Chairman, Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand and mem-bers including, Minister for Urban Develop-ment and Local Bodies Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for PHE and Flood Control Sham Lal Sharma, Minister for Planning & Development and Labour & Employment Ajay Sadhotra, Min-ister for Higher Education Mohmmad Akbar Lone and Minister for Law, Justice and Parlia-ment, Mir Saifullah.

Secretary Revenue Vinod Koul was also present in the meeting.Interacting with the local representatives, Dep-uty Chief Minister said that state government has constituted Cabinet Sub Committee to en-sure that new administrative units are formed in a transparent manner and as per aspirations of the people.“After examining view points and suggestions of the people and representatives of political parties, the Committee will submit its report for due consideration,” he added.A delegation from Akhnoor demanded district status for Akhnoor and Sub Division status to Chowki Choura block. Another delegation led by MLA Bishnah, Ashwani Sharma demanded Tehsil Headquarter in Arnia, three niabats for Arnia, Sub Division, CD Block and tehsil status to Arnia.Chamb constituency delegation demanded Sub Division in Khour, tehsil in Pargawal and Khour, CD Blocks in Pargwal and Kharah, Pat-war Halqa in every panchayat Niabats at Khar-ah, Samua, Dorre-Dagger, Jogma, Seri Palai.A delegation of Nationalist

See Govt On Page 11..

New admin units as per aspirations of people: Govt

Srinagar, Jan 15: The one man com-mission probing the killing of four youth in CRPF firing in Shopian Township of south Kashmir on Sep-tember 7, granted three days time on Wednesday to the CRPF counsel to submit the counter report.Official sources told GNS said that Justice (Retd) M.L. Kaul, Commis-sion of Inquiry today visited Sho-pian Township and held a hearing at the Circuit House. The hearing was attended by the victims and the counsel for the Union of India on behalf of the CRPF. The counsel sought some time for production of his counter report which he could not produce due to the fact that the counter could not be vetted by his legal cell till date.“At his request, time was granted to the counsel. He

was asked to counter on January 18, 2014 and petitioners will pro-duce their evidence on the future date fixed by the commission. The commission will hold its next hear-ing on January 18, 2014 at Circuit House, Shopian,” sources added.Pertinently, the troopers of 14th Battalion Gagran camp shot dead 4 youth and injured another on Sep-tember 7 in the main town. While police identified three of them as civilians, the fourth unknown per-son, they had claimed was a Lash-kar operative from Pakistan.Four days after the killings, anoth-er civilian was sho t dead and two others injured by the troopers of the Gagran camp triggering wide spread protests across the Valley. (GNS)

Shopian killingsJustice Koul Commission gives

3 day time to CRPF for reply

Srinagar, Jan 15: Police has arrested a Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant; who had escaped during a gunfight in Chadoora area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district that left a Pakistani militant dead, sources told GNS Wednesday.Reyaz Ahmad Dar, son of Ghulam

Rasool Dar of Panzan, Chadoora was arrested by police after launching a manhunt in the aftermath of Decem-ber 26 encounter in Hushroo village of Chadoora that left Pakistani mili-tant Omar Bilal dead. Besides Riyaz, police has arrested five more people in connection with the Hushroo encoun-

ter.“One AK-47 rifle with 03 magazines, 90 rounds and a hand grenade were re-covered from his possession”, sources said.Sources identified the arrested as Ashiq Hussain Bhat of Ichgam, Basharat Ahmad Mir of Manpapie, Mehrajdin Ak-hoon, Shabir Ahmad Wani, Irshad Ahmad Dar and Nizar Ahmad Kutchay. (GNS)

Lashkar militant who escaped Hushroo encounter held

Will take measures for

AFSPA revocation, once Delhi says

yes: NCSrinagar, Jan 15: Opposition Peoples’ Dem-ocratic Party (PDP) Tuesday said that chief minister Omar Abdullah is well within his powers to revoke Armed Forces Special Pow-ers Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kahsmir.“All Mr Omar Abdullah has to do is to with-draw Disturbed Areas Act, the AFSPA will automatically go,” PDP chief spokesman Naeem Akhtar told KNS, adding that so far the state government has failed to make any serious attempt to revoke AFSPA.He further accused Omar of making non-se-rious statements about the revocation of the black laws from the state. “Mr Omar keeps on changing his statements over this sensi-tive issue. On October 21, 2011, he claimed that AFSPA will be revoked within two days, then he said he will revoke the law after Dar-bar move. Mr Omar later stated that the law shall be revoked in his tenure and now he says it has become his life time mission.”Akhtar stated that when the chief minister claimed to revoke AFSPA in two days in

2011, he (Omar Abdullah) tried to divert the attention from the infamous Haji Yousuf kill-ing that took place 20 days before his state-ment on AFSPA. “If Mr Omar wants he can withdraw disturbed area act from Kashmir and revocation of AFSPA then becomes in-evitable.” Meanwhile National Conference leader Ali Mohammad Sagar Wednesday said that once the state government receives a ‘positive sig-nal’ from Delhi, it would take measures for AFSPA revocation from Jammu and Kash-mir.“We have to be sure that the central govern-ment gives positive response to our demand of AFSPA revocation and once it is done, we can take measures for its revocation.” Sagar stated further that New Delhi must take pos-itive measures for the sustainability of peace in the state. The NC minister told KNS that the gov-ernment here wants the revocation of AF-SPA from the places where militancy is on decline. “Let centre says that it will give positive response to our request of AFSPA revocation, the state government will act ac-cordingly.” He said that speculations galore that if the state government submits request for AFSPA revocation, its request would not be entertained. Reacting to the statement of Army chief that the presence of Army and AFSPA is needed in the state, Sagar

See PDP On Page 11..

CM well within his powers to revoke AFSPA: PDP

Srinagar, Jan 15: Jammu and Kash-mir Private Schools United Front (JKPSUF) has demanded an imme-diate inquiry into the recent surfac-ing of videos on social media where-in teachers seem to be tormenting small children by subjecting them to various forms of corporal punish-ment.In a statement issued to KNS, the Front said that it is a shame for the state education sector wherein such crude methods of punishment go unnoticed. “We are highly disturbed by those videos that have surfaced on social media like Facebook and Youtube and in which students ap-pear to be undergoing torture,” said G N Var General Secretary JKPSUF. “And the worst part is that the teach-ers in atleast one of the videos seem to be enjoying it.”The front demanded an immediate inquiry into these incidents. “The government particularly the de-partment of education should im-mediately investigate these videos and identify the culprits, whether they in private or government sec-

tor,” said Var. “We demand that the teachers be appropriately punished for subjecting children to such a treatment.”The front said that such methods of teachings should not be employed in the present scenario. “These meth-ods put the children in mental stress and his or her emotional state is scarred, sometimes for whole life,” said Var.“Currently children are under tre-mendous stress in this competitive atmosphere, they need guidance and not a hanging sword,” he further added. “Had it happened outside the state, there would have been a huge outcry and the children would have been recommended for psychologi-cal counseling to undo any emotion-al damage.”The front appealed the teacher fra-ternity to upgrade their teaching skills in accordance with global standards. “Numerous studies have shown that corporal punishment doesn’t help children, they are counter-productive,”

See JKPSUF On Page 11..

Videos showing corporal punishmentJKPSUF demands inquiry and

punishment to culprits

Eve-teasing;Parents seek stern

punishment for eve-teasers

Srinagar, Jan 15, CNS: The presence of eve-teasers in Nawab Bazar and Kaka-Sarai areas of Srinagar city has rattled parents of tuition going girl students. The eve-teasers are source of nuisance for these young girl students. A delegation of parents from Nawab Bazar and Kaka-Sarai told CNS that the girl students on way to their coaching centres are frequently being harassed and annoyed by eve-teasers. “Eve-teasers are always present on Sheeren Bagh Bund locally known as ‘Sunar Kul’ near Government Dental College Srinagar. My daughter, a class 9th student, who takes tuition at Kaka-Saria frequently, complain that these eve-teasers pass lewd comments while she passes through the bund. Yesterday, her uncle accompanied her and when he objected to the filthy remarks of these eve-teasers, they tried to assault him,” one of the aggrieved father told CNS. They said that due to absence of flying squad or patrolling police team, the eve-teasers enjoy a field day. “These

See Eve teasing On Page 11..

Srinagar, Jan 15: Two persons died on Wednesday in two separate incidents across Jammu and Kashmir, a police of-ficial in a statement issued to GNS said.“Vijay Kumar son of Ram Chand resi-dent of Emli, Samba, Jammu presently residing at Skalzangling Leh was found dead at his residence at Skalzangling Leh”, the official said, adding police has registered a case under section 174 CrPC in this regard to ascertain the cause of the death.Similarly, a laborer Tariq Ahmad Mir son of Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Mir resident of Sunderwani, Budgam came under a land slide while digging a drain constructed by UEED department near SRTC Bridge Kralkhud, Srinagar, result-ing in his on spot death, the official said.“After completion of all

See 2 Die On Page 11..

Kupwara, Jan 15: In a Shocking incident, a 20 years old girl set herself on fire in North Kashmir’s frontier district of Kup-wara on Wednesday. Police said that they are trying to ascertain what prompted teenager to take this extreme step. Police sources said that a girl (name withheld) in Manigah Kupwara after sprinkling kerosene all over the body set herself on fire. The girl was shifted to local hospital where from she was rushed to SMHS hospital in critical condition. Police said that the girl has received 95 percent burn injures and she ultimately breathed her last at the hospital. Police has registered a case in this regard. (CNS)

Girl sets herself on fire, dies in hospital

Owner , Printer & Publisher: Suhail Malik Editor -in-Chief: Shahana Malik RNI NO. JKBII/2011/39764, Email: zabarwantimes@gmail.com Publised at Govt. Quarters ( M-13 Magarmal Bagh Srinagar-190001 J&K, Printed at:- Sangarmal Offset Press Humhama Sheikhpora Tele/Fax: 2478370 Cell No. 09999964750, 9796 787844

11 Thursday 16 January 2014 Zabarwan Times

From the front page

UPA

Army

Govt

PDP

JKPSUF

Eve-teasing

2 Die

CPI (M) Stages protest against irregular power supply, shortage of

essential commodities in South Kashmir and of course, the Internet which is coming on now in a big way. There is also an urgent need for a lot of films to portray the peo-ple with disabilities in the right light. Of course, there are films like Nache-Mayuri, Iqbal, Taare Zamin Par, Sparsh etc. who have sensitively dealt with disability related issues but they have been far and in between. It is time that the Small Screen also starts pro-grammes on disability related themes, as this will help in bring-ing disability right into the family space and help bring disability out of the closet into the open, thereby leading to greater accep-tance of disability, which is the first step towards rehabilitation. The Minister added that it has been our experience that persons with disabilities given proper support and right environment have excelled in various fields, like education, employment, art, painting, music and dance. If we look at people like Rajeev Bagga (hearing/speech impaired), a National Badminton Champion in the early 1990s, Garimella Subramanium (visually impaired), a senior journalist with the Hindu, Prabha Shah (hearing/speech impaired), a painter/artist, Sudha Chandran (Orthopedically challenged), a dancer/actress, we are compelled to think differ-ently. There is hope, there is ability, there are pathways that can take us forward, there are solutions that can help us break free of the strangehold of challenges. Disability is thus a matter of cul-ture, attitude and not physical impairment. People with disabilities enrich our lives in ways we cannot begin to fathom and those of us lucky enough to be part of rehabilita-tion process have experienced positive changes that have been brought about in the lives of PwDs, their care-givers and society around. The Minister concluding with a quote from Dr. Helen Keller, “Until the great mass of the people shall be filled with the sense of responsibility for each other’s welfare, social justice can never be attained”. More than 280 participants with disabilities from all over India will perform in the various events organized, such as National Programme of Dance and Music in which 95 items will be pre-sented, a day-long Film Festival of 21 films on 16th January on Disability related themes and 5 exhibitions titled Colours of Ability displaying 60 art works, 9 Abilympics Champions, 21 ‘Dis-abled Artisans and craftsman in action’, and products made by them along with enabling aids and assistive devices for PwDs. Present on the occasion were Shri P. Balram Naik and Shri Manik Rao Gavit, Ministers of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Sudhir Bhargava, Secretary, Social Justice and Empower-ment, Ms. Stuti Kacker, Secretary, Department of Disability Af-fairs, Shri Anoop Kumar Srivastava, Additional Secretary (SJE), Maj. General Ian Cardozo, Chairman, Rehabilitation Council of India, Shri Prasanna Kumar Pincha, Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Ms Poonam Natrajan , Chairperson, National Trust and other senior official of the Ministry.

Indian Army, the T-90 main battle tank drew applaud from the audience as it proudly rolled. The grand finale was the Combat Demonstration.

Communist Party demanded fair and transparent distribution of administrative units.Deputations of Jammu West Constituency led by Chaman Lal Gupta demanded 2 tehsils in Jammu city and one CD block in Jammu East Constituency.A delegation from Marh constituency demanded Tehsil in Marh Block, Niabat in Mandaal Phalain, CD Block in Marh, Niabat in Shajailpur.Delegation of R.S. Pura led by Suman Bhagat, Nation-al Conference and Panther Party demanded niabats at Salaid, Saei and Simbal Camp, tehsil and CD Block in Chakroi and dis-trict status to tehsil R.S. Pura. Meanwhile, a delegation of BJP MLA’s including Ashok Khajuria, Jugal Kishore, Sukhnandan, Gharu Ram Bhagat, Sham Chowdhary and Both Raj met with CSC and apprised them about the demands of their respective constituencies. They demanded Akhnoor, Nowshera, R.S. Pura, Jammu Gramin Zila, and Billawar to be given District status.MLA Nagrota, Jugal Kishore and Ex MLA, Thakur Shiv Dev Singh demanded CD block at Nagrota, Kariri, Shibar, Kishanpur and tehsil at Jandrah, Dansal, Jandyal, Suriansar besides Niabat at Bajalta, Manwar, Jaggar Kothli, Ravta, CD Block and Niabat at Surainsar, tehsil status to Dansal, tehsil Hq at Bhalwal block besides Patwar Halqa at each panchayat.Delegation led by MLA, Raipur Domana, Bodh Raj demanded te-hsil status to Balwal.Another delegation led by MLA, R.S. Pura, Gharu Ram Bhagat demanded district status to R.S. Pura, tehsil status and Niabat at Miran Sahib.Delegation led by MLA, Marh, Sukhnandan demanded tehsil and 3 niabats at Jhiri Kanachak, Gajansoo and Pallain Mandal.A delegation led by MLA Suchetgarh, Sham Chowdhary, MLC, B.R. Kundal, Ex-Minister, RS. Chib and Taran Jeet Tony de-manded 3 CD blocks, tehsil headquarter at Dablairh, Chakroi, Niabat at Saei Kala, Baispur Parwa, Niabats at Simbal and Saei.Delegation of Chamber of Commerce and Bar Association also met with Cabinet Sub Committee and demanded free and fair distribution of administrative units. Representatives of Bar de-manded district status to Hiranagar and 2 districts in Jammu.Another delegation led by National Panthers Party MLA, Harsh Dev Singh and Balwant Singh Mankotia met with CSC and de-manded Tehsil Headquarter at Dudu-Basantgarh, CD Block at Khoon, Chanoonta and Patli Dhar in Ramnagar and Tehsil HQ at Rang. MLA Udhampur demanded Niabat at Jaganoo.The committee members gave them a patient hearing to valuable suggestions of public representatives and assured them that these would be given due consideration by the government. (GNS)

maintained that the Prime Minster himself stated that the mili-tancy has remarkably decreased from the state and peace is re-turning to valley. “We must discuss what the political leadership of country is stating and should take into consideration the issues with the broad parameters.” (KNS)

Licence LostI have lost my driving licence bearing No. 3700/MVD/Rajou-ri somewhere while travelling from Chadoora to Panzan.Now I have to apply for its duplicate. If any body have any objection in this regard may contact at below mentioned address within a period of 7 days of the publication of this notice. After that no claim will be accepted.Shabir Ahmad TeliS/o Mohammad Akram TeliR/o Kakawring, Chadoora Budgam

BN

A

said Var. “We are gradually phasing out these methods in pri-vate sector but the government education system also needs to change.”The front said that there is an immediate need to overhaul our entire education system. “We are light years away from other countries despite the fact that our students have competitive I.Q. in comparison to students from developed countries,” said Var. “Our education system should groom the talent and not depress it.” (KNS)

eve-teasers in booze fail to differentiate between a mother, sister and daughter,” the delegation said seeking stern punishment for these eve-teasers. Superintendent of Police, North, Tahir Saleem said that he will personally visit the area to ensure the safety of these girl students. “I will make it sure that no eve-teaser or drug addicts make ‘Sunar Kul’ a permanent station for eve-teasing,” he said. Station House Officer, Safakadal Police Station told CNS that he will take stern action against these eve-teasers. “I will not only place a flying-squad vehicle there but a chowki officer will also be deputed there. I will make it sure that no girl student gets harassed by these eve-teasers,” he said. (CNS)

necessary formalities the body of the deceased was handed over to his family members for last rites. Kraal Khud police station has registered a case FIR No. 03/2014 under section 304-A in this regard and investigation has been taken up”, the official added. (GNS)

Srinagar, Jan 15: CPI (M) activists Wednesday held a massive protest demon-stration in South Kashmir’s Kulgam dis-trict against irregular power supply, dis-mal functioning of Public Distribution System (PDS), scarcity of essential com-modities and safe drinking water. The protesting activists marched from Bus Stand to Mini Secretariat carrying placards, banners and shouting slogans. The demonstration culminated into a public rally at Mini Secretariat which was addressed by various party leaders. Addressing the protesters these lead-ers said that the overall power supply system in the state has become too faulty to cater to the genuine energy needs of consumers. As the valley is face to face with a grim electricity scenario, Kulgam district seems to be at the receiving end of this power crisis. Some rural areas of

the district receiving erratic power supply are for the most of the time facing numer-ous problems on account of low voltage and the people are compelled to arrange alternative sources of illumination, they asserted. The CPI (M) leaders lamented on the Power Development Department (PDD) for its failure to address the situation sur-faced due to damaged transformers. The step-down transformers, installed in the rural areas of the district develop tech-nical snags and the consumers are left helpless in darkness for weeks together. On the dismal functioning of Public Distribution System, they said that a substantial number of families have been left unregistered with Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) and they are forced to procure the ration from open market at un-affordable pric-

es. These leaders remarked that ration is being provided to the households on 2001 census and the government does not bother about the families that have split since 2001 and need ration. “The Public distribution system has gone for a toss in the valley and poor people are denied an opportunity of availing the ration, the party leaders said and added that the government was not in a mood to infuse responsiveness and accountability in its machinery to solve the peoples’ problems. The protesting activists demanded ear-ly restoration of freezed water pipelines to ensure smooth supply of safe drinking water. Most of the villages in the district are facing acute shortage of safe drinking water and women folk are forced to walk long distances to fetch water. (CNS)

Samba, Jan 15: District Con-gress Committee Samba has hailed the decision of Central Government for providing much needed relief to the In-dustrial Sector of Jammu and Kashmir by way of granting exemption in excise duty.According to a statement is-sued to KNS, in an emergent meeting of DCC Samba held today at Samba presided over by Prakash Sharma, EX-MLA, the members congratulated AICC Vice President Rahul Gandhi for his intervention which has brought much needed positive relief to State’s industrial sector. They also praised the role of PCC President Prof. Saifuddin Soz for pleading the case of J&K industrialists before Shri Ra-hul Gandhi.The members also demanded

early start of third phase of industrial expansion at Sam-ba for which land has already been identified in order to accommodate young ener-getic entrepreneurs who are much interested to set up their industrial units under various self-employment schemes. This will provide employment to large num-ber of skilled and unskilled workers. Already, there are about seven thousand work-ers employed in the various industries at Samba.The members also demand-ed compensation to persons whose land has been acquired by the Govt as per the recom-mendations of Legislative Council Committee which visited the Industrial Sector Samba under the leadership of MLC Ajat Shatru Singh.

Congress hails exemption in excise duty

Srinagar, Jan 15: Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Wednesday during a protest sit –in demanded the release of political prisoners lodged in various jails includ-ing senior separatist leader Dr. Qasim Faktoo.According to the KNS corre-spondent, JKLF held a pro-test sit-in at Partap-Park Lal Chowk in solidarity with the prisoners of Jammu Kashmir. The sit in was led by JKLF zonal president leader Noor Mohammed Kalwal and was attended by hundreds of JKLF leaders and activists.The reports stated that the pro-testors raised slogans in favor of prisoners and held banners and placards bearing slogans against the atrocities commit-ted against the prisoners of Jammu Kashmir languishing in jails all over India.

Kalwal while speaking to the media said ,” today’s sit in is intended to raise our peaceful voices against the atrocities committed against kashmiri prisoners across Indian jails.”He said that today our broth-ers in jails are today suffering from various ailments, JKLF leader Sheikh Nazir Ahmad and Muslim league leader Doc-tor Qasim Faktoo are serious-ly ill. “Two of our young boy’s sheikh Farhat and sheikh Im-ran languishing in Calcutta jail serving life imprisonment are on hunger strike from last many days, JKLF lead-er Zahoor Ahmad Bhat was attacked and injured inside Hiranagar jail. The relatives coming to meet their jailed kith and kin at Srinagar cen-tral jail are being humiliated,” reads the statement issued to KNS. (KNS)

JKLF stages sit-in

Demands release of prisoners including

Dr Faktoo

Shutdown, hunger strike continues for 5th day

Pulwama, Jan 15, CNS: Life was paralysed on Wednesday for the fifth consecutive day in South Kashmir’s Litter area of Pulwama district as people continued to oppose the government proposal for not granting tehsil status to Litter. Litter which connects Islamabad with Pulwama district is on boil and no ve-hicular movement has been reported from the past five days in the area. Hundreds of Litter and ad-jacent residents erected tents on roads on Wednesday and observed a hunger strike. The protestors alleged that State Government for politi-cal gains have made the Lit-ter population scapegoat. “In-fighting between people and villages will suit to National Conference and it is prepar-ing a ground for such infight-ing before the elections,” Pro-testors alleged. Rayees Qadri one of the pro-testors told CNS that Cabinet

Sub-Committee constituted to seek suggestions from peo-ple before the creation of ad-ministrative units are taking decisions on political basis. “On the behest of a Nation-al Conference leader who is from Nilora village, CSC has disapproved Tehsil status to Litter which is injustice towards the people,” he said adding that a massive agita-tion would be started in case government fails to grant teh-sil status to Litter. Amid complete shutdown and anti National Conference slogans, hundreds of people took to streets and staged a massive protest for not rec-ommending upgradation of Litter as a Tehsil. From past five days, no passenger bus was allowed by protestors to move towards Islamabad or Pulwama. The continued pro-tests in the area is proving nuisance for the people of dis-trict as employees and traders are taking different and long routes to reach their destina-tion. (CNS)

Litter protests over Tehsil status

Interacts with the reps of various political parties

JAMMU, JANUARY 15: Deputy Election Commissioner, Vinod Zut-shi convened a meeting with the representatives of various political parties to review the preparedness for the Lok Sabha elections . Chief Electoral Officer Umang Narula, Additional Deputy Com-missioner Jammu Sushma Chau-han and Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Rashpal Singh and other se-nior officers attended the meeting Threadbare discussions were held on various issues pertaining to the summary revisions of elector-al rolls, roping in of new voters, preparation of error-free electoral rolls etc Mr Zutshi said that it is vital that there are no errors in the electoral rolls and stressed that active par-ticipation of all the stake holders is vital for Special Summary Re-vision of electoral rolls conducted in order to make addition of fresh eligible voters, delete wrong entries and settle claims and objections

.He asked the representatives of all the political parties to ensure their cooperation to the concerned field functionaries in preparing error free electoral rolls .In this regard he also informed that to facilitate the voters and provide them in-formation a help line would be established soon so that they can have access to the required infor-mation .Mr Zutshi apprised the partici-pants about the various steps to ensure fair free and peaceful elections and also regarding the model code of conduct during the elections. He said that the election commission in order to ensure fair elections and to in-duce accountability will appoint observers for expenditure monitor-ing .Information pertaining to the issues related to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), setting up of polling booths and their accessibil-ity issues etc were also discussed during the meeting . Mr ZUT-SHI said that the deliberations with the participants would be help the commission to plug in the loopholes and streamline the process further to create a conducive environment for free and fair election process.

Deputy Election Comm reviews election preparedness

Cruising through DalNon-performing

LAWDA to charge entry fee for visitors

Srinagar, Jan 15, CNS: A day after Jammu and Kashmir Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) decided to charge entry fee from visitors who will cruise through world fa-mous Dal Lake, tourist players have said that it will send a wrong signal across the globe. They have suggested that it is better for LAWDA to charge Rs 100 from Shikara owners per season than to levy entry fee for the visitors.LAWDA, a government agency re-sponsible for conservation of the Dal Lake has decided to charge Rs 10 from every visitor who intends to cruise through Dal Lake from February 1. “We are not going to charge from any Kashmir but only visitors have to pay this entry fee. This amount will help us to maintain this precious water body,” Vice Chairman LAWDA, Irfan Yasin told CNS adding that LAWDA is spending huge amount on the maintenance of the lake.LAWDA is mulling to depute waterways officers at 16 Entry Points (Ghats) of Dal Lake who will issue tickets to the visitors before taking a ride in the water body.Besides general public, Tourism stake holders have castigated LAWDA for coming up with such a plan. For-mer Chairman House Boat Owners Association, Azim Tuman told CNS that nowhere in India or world, visitors are charged for cruising through water bodies. “It is not the question of Rs 10 but we have to analyze the development properly. Most of the time visitors comprising of families cruise through Dal and they always will not prefer to pay for 6 to 7 members of the family. Ulti-mately it will affect the business of Shikara owners,” Tuman said suggesting that government should charge Rs 100 for season from Shikara owners.

Man found dead in LehSrinagar, Jan 15 (KNS): Vijay Kumar son of Ram Chand resident of Emli, Samba, Jammu presently residing at Skalzangling Leh was found dead at his residence at Skalzangling Leh. Leh police has initiated inquest proceed-ings under section 174 CrPC in this regard to scertain the cause of the death. (KNS)

Laborer dies in SrinagarSrinagar, Jan 15 (KNS): A laborer died when he came under a slide while working at a drain construction site in Kraal Khud, Srinagar.A laborer Tariq Ahmad Mir son of Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Mir resident of Sunderwani, Budgam came under a earth slide while digging a drain constructed by UEED depart-ment near SRTC Bridge in the jurisdiction of Police Station Kralkhud, Srinagar, resulting in his on spot death.After completion of all medico-legal formal-ities the body of the deceased was handed over to his family members for last rites. Kraal Khud police station has registered a case FIR No. 03/2014 under section 304-A in this regard and investigation has been taken up. (KNS)

Fire IncidentSrinagar, Jan 15 (KNS): Fire broke out in the cowshed of Mohammad Yousuf Lone son of Mohammad Lone resident of Andarbug, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Lalpora. The cowshed was partially damaged in the incident. Fire was brought under control by Fire tenders and locals. No loss of life or injury was reported in the incident. (KNS)

KATHUA, JANUARY 15-In order to review the physical and financial achievements made by various departments under Annual plan 2013-14, District Development Com-missioner, Kathua Jitendra K. Singh convened a meeting of District officers in the DC office conference hall today. Among others, Addi-tional Deputy commissioner, Kathua, Chief planning offi-cer, Assisttant Commissioner, Development, Chief education officer. XEn, PHE PDD, PWD, and District officers of various departments were present in the meeting. The meeting reviewed the physical and financial achievements made by var-

ious departments which in-cludes, Rural Development Deppartment Sheep husband-ry, Animal Husbandry, PDD, PWD, Education, Agriculture, Horticulture, Health, DRDA, Social welfare deptt, Urban development deptt and seri-culture and under Annual District Plan 2013-14 and other centrally sponsored flagship programmes On the occasion, the DDC passed directions on to the District and sectoral officers to ensure quality of works and time bound completion of ongoing and targed develop-mental works in the district so that the benefits of the devel-opmental schemes reach to the people.

DDC reviews District Annual Plan 2013-14

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES NEWS Srinagar | thurSday 16. 01 .2014

Benefits of dev projects should accrue to people: Sharma

JAMMU, JANUARY 15- Minis-ter of State for Science Technol-ogy and Information Technol-ogy Mr. Feroz Ahmad Khan today distributed 30 Solar Lanterns(SL) among the nomad Gujar and Bakerwal families here at a func-tion organized by Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JKEDA) at Mobile Pri-mary School, Laker Mandi near Janipur. The Agency has also or-ganized 2-day awareness camp on New and Renewable Energy and a painting competition at the Mobile School to aware the com-munity about the usage of Solar Lights. Speaking on the occa-sion the Minister said that 15000 Solar Lanterns, under the Re-mote Village Electrification Programme (RVEP), have been distributed among the families of Gujjar and Bakerwal commu-nity who migrate from Kashmir Valley to Jammu, Himachal and Punjab dur-ing winter months and vice-versa in the summer season. He said that additional 15000 Solar Lanterns would be provided

to the remaining families of the commu-nity till ending March, 2014. Mr. Feroz said that 40,000 Solar Lights have also been distributed in various un-electrified remote villages in Gurez, Tangdhar and Keran areas of the Kashmir Division.The Minister said that a demand proposal of additional one lakh Solar Lights has been

sent to the Union Ministry for New and Renewable Agency for approval. He said that the Union Min-ister Dr. Farooq Abdul-lah has assured to meet the demand on priority. JAKEDA also organised a Painting Exhibition in the School to provide the stu-dents an opportunity to exhibit their talent. The Minister distributed prizes and awards among the students who participated in the Painting Exhibition. Among others Chief Ex-ecutive Officer, JAKEDA, Peer Hafizullah, District Officer JKEDA Mr. Deep-

ak Sharma, Coordinator and Engineer JKEDA S. Gurdeep Singh , Chief Edu-cation Officer, Jammu, senior officers of Science Technology and Information Technology, Forest, senior community members, large number of students and their parents were present on the occasion.

SRINAGAR, JANUARY: A meeting of designated officers was held here today under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary, Planning and Development, B.R. Sharma to discuss monitoring and physical verification reports of various executed and under implementa-tion developmental projects and works in valley under Central and State Plans and NABARD.

The designated officers briefed the meeting about the

various implemented and under execution projects through pow-er point presentation.

Mr. Sharma directed the concerned to work in close coor-dination for timely completion of projects. He asked the concerned to devise and formulate DPRs for developmental projects keeping technical and physical feasibility of the same in consideration to ensure judicious use of funds.

Mr. Sharma said that the government has taken up the projects like public health centres, approach roads, water and ir-rigation to provide basic amenities to the people at their doorsteps. He said these schemes need to be completed within stipulated time so that their benefits accrue to the people.

Feroz distributes Solar Lights among Nomad Gujjar, Bakarwal families

Work on 7 HEPs including 1000

MW Pukal Dal to start soon

JAMMU, JANUARY 15- Minis-ter of State for Industries and Com-merce, Mr. Sajad Ahmed Kichloo today said that for the first time in the history of the Statethat coalition government, under the leadership of Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah, has framed a well-planned policyto tap the huge Hydle Power Potential in the state.“Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah has conceived a well-planned and realistic power genera-tion strategy and set a target to gen-erate 9000 MWS of electricity in next 5 to 6 years in the State” Kichloo said adding that Chenab Valley in par-ticular is emerging as hub of power generation where about five hydro- electric power projects are coming up on the river Chenab.Discussing developmental scenario in Chenab

Valley with deputations of people from Paddar, Naghbini, Kishtwar and Bhaderwah at Civil Secretariat Jammu this afternoon, Mr. Kichloo said that the Chenab Valley is gifted

by God with abounded hydro power potential which is being exploited optimally under the New Power Gen-eration Policy of the Government. He said a separate agency Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Lim-ited (CVPPP) has been constituted by the government to explore all the possibilities totapmaximum power potential. He said tenders for about Rs8848 crore PukalDul Hydro Elec-

tricity Project have been floated as the No Objection Certificate/ clear-ance with regard to environs and ecology, forest and Defence has been cleared.“It has also been cleared by PWT, CWC and Geology and Mining cleared” he said and added that the project is being executed under Joint Venture mode as Chenab Valley Pow-er Projects has reached at an agree-ment with three consortiums, the State Power Development Corpora-tion (PDC), National Hydro Electric Power Corporation of India (NHPC) and CVPPPL. He said the HEP proj-ect will be executed on 49:49:2 share basis.“Other HEP2 projects which are being executed in Chenab Val-ley include 39 MW Kirthai II, 48 MW Lower Kalnai, 37.5 MW Parnai HEP, 9MW Dah, 600 MW Kirn HEP” Mr. Kichloo added and said that about 27 Mini Hydle Power Projects (HEP) with a combined capacity of 373 MW are also being executed in the State involving a whooping investment of about Rs. 2200 crore. He said these projects, on completion, would go a long way in socio- economic trans-formation of the State.

Chenab Valley emerging as hub of hydro power generation: Kichloo

Feed your mind today, Libra. The day’s energy supports growth and expansion, so why not see about learning about something you’re interested in? Challenge yourself by read-ing or taking a class. There are plenty of online subjects to engage you. Find something that interests you that you can do in your own time.

You’re more into socializing today than anything else, Scorpio. This could be great providing you don’t have a heavy workload. See who’s available and go for it. If you need to get something done, you’ll have to resist the temptation to chat too long. Use breaks for this and keep your focus on getting done what you’ve taken on. There’s always the evening to get together with friends.

You may find it hard to admit that you can’t do everything, Sagittarius. There are some jobs that you aren’t cut out to do. Why pretend when a better option would be to delegate the task to someone else? If you don’t feel a strong connection with something or someone, don’t force it. Pretending that you’re capable of something will only cause frustration for you and everyone else.

Don’t be surprised if you’re pensive, Capricorn. It’s one of those days when daydreaming can happen more readily. Your imagination may also be at a peak. Rather than fighting this so you can be more productive, jot your ideas down. It may be to your advantage, as better and innovative ways of doing things can pop into your mind. Take time to ponder. It can bring great results.

Chatting with your loved ones may be more appealing to you today than any other day, Aquarius. It may be important to curb this desire if there are many things that need your attention. If you’re at home, don’t spend all your time on the phone or loafing. Consider tending first to things that need to get done. Socializing will be far more enjoyable without guilty feelings about what you should be doing.

Pisces, you can expect to feel a little more energetic to-day. In fact, you may run circles around everyone. What a great way to start the day. Head out with the confidence that you can easily handle anything that comes your way. Take time to enjoy the company of others as much as possible. If there are meetings on the agenda, handle them right away.

Today may be a time of heightened reasoning and judg-ment for you, Virgo. What a great way to get things done! Pull out unfinished projects and get going. Tackle issues or problems that have surfaced recently by facing them di-rectly. Make the most of this day’s energy by thinking about ways to do things more efficiently. Be confident that you can handle anything.

You might feel like doing something different today, Ar-ies. Everyone needs a break from the regular grind and this is a good time to try something new. Perhaps you feel like varying your routine. If this is your day off, you might spend the day doing whatever strikes your fancy. Try a new ward-robe style. Go to a movie. Do something to spice up your life today.

Start your day writing in a journal, Taurus. This provides an avenue to communicate and connect with your inner be-ing. Things you need to do, ambitions, and even challenges can appear while you’re writing, providing a map that you can follow. Even if starting is difficult, stick with it. The words will come if you give it a chance. It can make your day much easier.

You might find it hard to get going, Gemini. Taking di-rection could rub you the wrong way, especially if you’re set on doing something different. Communicate your ideas and how you want to approach things rather than let irritation get to you. Your approach will be better received if you leave emotions out of it. You may even get kudos for staying calm and collected.

You might feel cheerful and generous today, Cancer. Helping others will probably suit you, and matters will move along smoothly. If there are outstanding projects from ear-lier, tackle them first. It’s an opportune time to get caught up on challenges. Don’t hesitate to lend a hand if you’re ap-proached or notice someone in need. This will benefit them as well as you.

Make an effort to connect with someone you miss today, Leo. Even if it feels painful at first, you’ll feel a lot better once you do. Pick up the phone, write a note, or send an email. Let the person know you miss and care about him or her. Expressing yourself is often far better than stuffing your feel-ings. The person may be missing you just as much.

Seeks coop-eration of ICAR to increase crop

production in J&KNEW DELHI, JANUARY 15:

Asserting that the agriculture sector has shown visible progress in Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Ghulam Has-san Mir has called for developing innovative technologies to en-sure long term sustainability and boosting the production of vari-ous crops in the State.He sought active involvement of Indian Council of Agricultural Research Society to help in harnessing the benefits of niche crops specific to mountain areas to boost income opportunities for small and mar-ginal farmers to make the State self-reliant in food grains.

Speaking at 85th Annual General Meeting of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research Society today, the Minister said that over a period of time the agriculture sector has shown visible progress in crop produc-tion in Jammu and Kashmir.Mr Hassan Mir maintained

that State is characterized by diverse agro-climatic condi-tions that favour the cultivation of vegetables, fruits and other crops of economic significance like saffron.“As an adapting mechanism, farmers are gradu-ally diversifying their farming systems and have shifted from traditional production of low productive and low value crops to high value cash crops, which are changing their household in-come pattern. However, he said that there are still many chal-lenges faced by the state, which include lack of proper market-ing infrastructure, poor value addition and post-harvesting losses for the grower,” said the Minister.The Agriculture Min-ister said that the program for popularization of rice-wheat cropping system in Kashmir valley was initiated with a view to enhance the food production and also make available the ad-equate quantity of fodder for livestock which started show-ing encouraging results. He underscored the need for de-veloping technologies to ensure long term sustainability of this production system.The Minister said that State has been experi-encing extreme weather condi-

tions due to changing climatic scenario and steps on climate resilient mountain agriculture, particularly in Kashmir and Ladakh, with regard to vulner-ability and adaptation are es-sentially required. “SAUs in the State need to be made partners in climate resilient agriculture of ICAR to address these issues” he asserted. Listing other prob-lems, he said the temperate horticultural crops, particularly ‘Apple’ have shown stagnation in yield potential. Transition to high density orchard Varity is an alternative that needs techno-logical support in terms of iden-tifying suitable rootstock and scion materials for production of quality planting material as well as management practices for proper canopy architecture, micro-irrigation systems and plant health issues to enhance productivity particularly in the dry land areas. ‘Walnut’ is anoth-er important commercial crop that has potential to be declared organic for increased accrual of income to the growers. Introduc-tion of ‘Kiwi’ on large scale could be another option that needs to be introduced with appropriate technological backstopping ar-rangements, said Mr. Mir.

JAMMU, JANUARY 15- The Speak-er Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Mr. Mubarak Gul has called upon the youth to contribute their bit in strengthening democracy and democratic institutions in the country.“We are proud of our great leaders and sincerely commemorate wholehearted sacrifices made by them for envisaging a Democratic and Parliamentary system for the future generation countrymen. We should not forget our freedom movement which has been achieved by our lead-ers by sacrificing their lives” Speaker said while addressing students at 3rd session of the 4th Conclave of the Indian Student Parliamentarians (Bh-hartiya Chhatra Sansad) at Poona Ma-harashtra.He said that the freedom struggle under the leadership of the Father of the Nation, Mahatama Gan-dhi, with his inspiring principle of non-violence had to pay a heavy cost to achieve the goal of Independence.

However, he said that during its post-Independence journey it has seen many of ups and downs but

the country is indebted to the people who with the passage of time not only succeeded to keep the Country united but also curbed the evil de-signs of the vested interests.

Speaker said that he feel hon-oured to place on record, his deep sense of appreciation for the organiz-ers to motivate the youth to assemble here especially when they are in need of proper guidance and direction.

Ours is a multicultural society with varied linguistic and ethnic origins bestowed with different lan-guages, communities, religions, be-liefs, customs and traditions, etc. and we are proud of this kind of unique and colourful Union””, he said.

Mr. Gul said that this kind of for-mation has indeed not only given a special identity to the nation in the entire World but has strengthened its federal structure as well.

“We have embraced and met tough challenges in the past and we should always be prepared in future, as well, to overcome our problems and ensure that there should not be any discrimination with any section

of the society or region”, he added. He advised the youth to follow the path and Principle of ‘live and let live’ with the spirit of tolerance, brother-hood and mutual understanding.

“Time and again, efforts were made to divide the Nation on com-munal lines by way of engineering communal riots and disturbances on one or the other pretext but the evil designs behind such acts were neutr-alised by the conscious citizens of the Country” he said . The Speaker said that under the prevailing circum-stances the biggest democratic coun-try on the planet is confronted with certain challenges and organizing of such kind of conclaves is inevitable.He said that it is not only obligatory on the part of every responsible citi-zen of India but for the institutions as well to contribute fully towards the strengthening of the Democratic System. Though our towering leaders in the past have contributed a lot to-wards strengthening this system we should also realize our responsibili-ties towards our Nation’’.Mr. Gul said as per the emerging challenges ahead

of this biggest Country we should always be ready to shoulder our re-sponsibilities by way of putting in our all-out efforts at our disposal with highest standards of sincerity. We have to inculcate inspiration, credibil-ity, leadership qualities and the spirit of selflessness into the minds of our youth in the process of Nation building and future responsibilities. I also appre-ciate the Organizing Committee for se-lecting the title “Innovative Education: Empowering Youth”. He said we need to understand the fact that after 67 years of independence of our country we are lagging behind in certain fields and in order to bring the country at par with the developed countries innova-tive education: empowering youth is essentially a prerequisite and needs to be addressed with utmost care and caution. We have achieved a lot but we have to achieve more and more for brining prosperity to the downtrodden classes SCs, STs, OBCs, the poor and the suppressed.“We have considerable number of our populace still living below the poverty line and it is only the democratic system which can

pave way for brining those sections also at par with other sections of the society. As a public representative, continuously for the last more than three decades, I have no hesitation in admitting the fact that unemploy-ment, nepotism and corruption have created an alarming situation in the Country and every parliamentarian is confronted with these problems and is unable to convince his electorate on this account and I am of the opinion that the youth of this country have to own the responsibility of brining the Country out of this alarming situation with their fair contribution, honesty and integrity. They have to suggest ways and means for minimizing the unemployment problem and curb-ing the menace of corruption and nepotism. It is imperative on the part of the youth of this vast Country to explore the possibilities of bringing it at part with the developed countries and in this process they have to take into account the past and present only then they can move forward and give a right direction to the coming generations.

KATRA, JANUARY 15 – As part of observance of the 25th Road Safety Week an awareness rally was jointly organised by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and the Motor Vehicle De-partment at Katra today.

Dr. Mandeep K. Bhan-dari, Chief Executive Offi-cer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, who was the Chief Guest on the occasion, flagged of the rally from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Spiritual Growth Centre to Govern-ment Higher Secondary School, Katra, in which a large number of students of various educational institu-tions of Katra and its adjoin-ing areas participated. The theme of this year’s Road Safety Week is “When on the Road Always Say Pehle Aap”.

The students participat-ing in the rally were having placards in their hands with slogans on road safety week passed through different lo-cations of the town reached at the Government Higher

Secondary School where the rally was culminated.

Addressing the students before flagging off the rally, Dr. Bhandari emphasised the greater need for strict enforcement and observance of traffic norms to make roads safe for road users. He said that a large number of precious lives are lost every year due to road accidents and called upon one and all to contribute to minimize the road accidents by follow-ing traffic rules and regula-tions.He said that a large number of precious lives are lost every year due to road accidents and called upon one and all to contribute to minimize the road accidents by following traffic rules and regulations.The CEO said that students can play a piv-otal role in enlarging aware-ness about traffic norms and called upon them to be the messengers of road safety so that the aims and objec-tives behind organising such events are realized. He com-

plimented the Motor Vehicle Department for organising the Road Safety Week Rally.

Mr. Kulbir Singh, Addi-tional SP, Katra, threw light on the preventive measures to be adopted by the road users to minimise road ac-cidents.

Dr. Jagdish Mehra, Project Officer, DRDA, Reasi, dwelt on the aims and objects of organising the students rally.

Mr. Rakesh Wazir, Chief Warden, Civil Defence, Katra, lauded the Shrine Board and the Motor Vehicle Depart-ment for creating awareness about traffic rules.

Mr. Rajesh Gupta, ARTO, Reasi, Mr. Sham Lal Kesar, President, Hotel and Restau-rant Association, Katra, Mr. Shiv Kumar Sharma, Presi-dent, J&K, Indian Style Wres-tling Association, officers of the Shrine Board, heads of various educational institu-tions, prominent citizens, teachers and students in large number were present on the occasion.

Speaker attends Bhhartiya Chhatra Sansad Asks youth to contribute in strengthening democracy

Road Safety WeekBhandari for strict observance of traffic norms

Mir attends ICAR annual meeting

LA panel seeks comprehensive plan for

protection of Hygam RakhJAMMU, JANUARY 15- The House Committee of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Wetlands Wednes-day asked the district administration Baramullah come up with a comprehensive plan for protection of Hygam Rakh.The Committee, which met under the Chairmanship of MLA Hakeem Mohammad Yasin, discussed the issues of en-croachments upon wetlands and BOCA permission details. The Committee also suggested to constitute a Committee in this regard to recommend measures for the protection of the Wetland.The Committee members Rafi Ahmad Mir, Syeed Bhasharat Ahmad Bukhari, Mr. Ashok Kumar and Peerzada Mansoor Hussain attended the meeting and asked the authorities to ensure that there should be no encroach-ments on wetlands.While discussing the issue of BOCA per-mission details in respect of building being constructed in front of Banquet Hall, Srinagar, the Committee directed the Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation to submit a physical verification report in this regard to the Com-mittee within four days.With regard to settlement process of leftover areas of Singhpora, Devar Yakhmanpora (Pari-haspora) and Rabir Garh and Partap Garh, it was informed in the meeting that settlement process has been completed and records of rights are being prepared.Among others, Di-visional Commissioner Jammu, Mr. Shantmanu, Addition-al PCCF and Director Environment and Remote Sensing, Vice Chairman, Srinagar Development Authority, Chief Engineers of Irrigation and Flood Control Jammu, Kashmir and other officers of Revenue, Environment.

Daily Zabarwan TimesEDITORIAL/ OPINIONEDITORIAL/ OPINIONDaily Zabarwan TimesThursday 16 January 2014

Frequently Asked Questions on Insurance Repository

Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer

1. What is Insurance Repository?“Insurance Repository” means a company formed and registered under the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956) and which has been granted a

certificate of registration by Insurance Reg-ulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) for maintaining data of insurance policies in Electronic form on behalf of insurers. The Insurance Repositories provide the ease of holding Insurance policies issued in an electronic form. 2. What is the objective of an Insurance Repository?The objective of creating an insurance re-pository is to provide policyholders a facil-ity to keep insurance policies in electronic form and to undertake changes, modifica-tions and revisions in the insurance policy with speed and accuracy. In addition, the repository acts as a single stop for several policy service requirements. The Insurance repository system also brings about efficien-cy and transparency in the issuance and maintenance of insurance policies. 3. Can any individual/firm act as an In-surance Repository?No, Only an entity which is registered un-der Company’s Act and who is granted a ‘Certificate ofRegistration’ by Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) can act as anInsurance Repository. 4. Can Insurance repository sell/solicit Insurance policy?No, Insurance repositories cannot sell/so-licit insurance policies. They are authorized only to maintain the policies in electronic form and provide a service record of all in-surance policies. 5. What is an eIA (e-Insurance account)?e-IA stands for e-Insurance Account or “Electronic Insurance Account” which will safeguard the insurance policy documents of policyholders in electronic format. This e-Insurance account will facilitate the pol-icyholder by providing access to the insur-ance portfolio at a click of a buttonthrough internet. IRDA has granted the Cer-tificate of Registration to the following five entities to act as ‘Insurance repositories’ that are authorized to open e-Insurance Ac-counts.M/s NSDL Database Management LimitedM/s Central Insurance Repository LimitedM/s SHCIL Projects LimitedM/s Karvy Insurance Repository LimitedM/s CAMS Repository Services Limited Each e-Insurance Account will have a unique Account number and each account holder will be Granted a unique Login ID and Password to access the electronic poli-cies online. 6. Do I need to pay for opening of e-In-surance Account or on periodic basis?No, e-Insurance account is offered ‘free of cost’ to the applicants. 7. Can any individual open more than one e-insurance account with any Insur-ance Repository?No, as per the IRDA guidelines, an individ-ual cannot open multiple e-Insurance ac-counts. 8. Who is an Approved Person (AP)?An Approved Person is a Point of Sale (PoS) appointed by Insurance Repository and will be working on behalf of Insurance Reposito-ry to extend the IR services. 9. What is an e-Insurance account appli-cation form? Where can it be obtained from?An e-Insurance account application form is one that is used by an individual to open an e-insurance account with the Insurance Re-pository. This form would be available with Insurance Company, Insurance Repository or an Approved Person. 10. What are the requirements to be completed for opening an e-Insurance account?

An e-Insurance account holder or policy-holder is required toa. Fill the e-Insurance account form andb. Submit· Photo ID· Recent passport size photograph· Cancelled Cheque (In case of ECS/NEFT services for insurance premium payment transaction)· Address proof to the office of Insurance Repository or Insurance company or autho-rized Approved Person (AP) appointed by Insurance Repository. 11. List of valid KYC documents: Identity Proof (Any One)· PAN card· UID Address Proof (Any One)· Ration Card· Passport· Aadhar letter· Voter ID card· Driving license· Bank Passbook (not more than 6 months old)· Verified copies of· Electricity bills (not more than 6 months old),· Residence Telephone bills (not more than 6 months old)· Registered Lease and License agreement / Agreement for sale. · Self-declaration by High Court and Supreme Court judges, giving the new address in respect of their own accounts.· Identity card/document with ad-dress, issued by· Central/State Government and its Departments,· Statutory/Regulatory Authorities,· Public Sector Undertakings,· Scheduled Commercial Banks,· Public Financial Institutions,· Colleges affiliated to universities; and· Professional Bodies such as ICAI, ICWAI, Bar Council etc. to their Mem-bers 12. Can I open an e-Insurance account without having a life or non life policy for my own self?Yes, an individual who is not having any insurance policy can open an e-Insurance account.After buying a policy, the policyholder can give a request for dematerialization to the Insurer orInsurance Repository or Ap-proved Person. 13. How many days does it take to open an e-Insurance account after all the nec-essary Formalities are completed?An e-Insurance account will be opened with-in 7 days from the date of submission of ap-plication complete in all respects. Once, an account is opened, a welcome kit with the details of how toOperate the same would be sent to the appli-cant/e-Insurance account holder. 14. How will I come to know that my e-Insurance account has been opened & how will I receive my User ID & Pass-word?Once e-Insurance account is created, you will receive a welcome kit. A pin mailer shall be sent separately. Using the login cre-dentials and PIN, you can access and start using your e- Insurance account. 15. Can I convert my existing paper po-lices into electronic policies?Yes, it is possible to convert the existing pa-per policies into electronic form. A service request may be made to the Insurance Re-pository or Insurer or the Approved person in this regard. 16. If I already have an e-Insurance ac-count, how do I buy a new policy in elec-tronic form?Once you have opened an e Insurance Ac-count, to buy a new policy in electronic form, you justneed to quote your unique e-Insurance ac-count number in your new insurance pro-posal form and make a request to issue poli-

cy in an electronic form. 17. Which are the insurance policies that can be held in electronic form?All Life insurance, Health insurance, Gen-eral insurance & Annuity policies that are issued by registered insurance companies with IRDA and who have signed up with the Insurance Repositories are eligible to be held in the electronic form. 18. How can I come to know that my policy is successfully credited into my e-Insurance Account?You will receive a mail and SMS on your registered e-mail id and mobile number. 19. What are the charges for maintain-ing policies in electronic form?All the services provided by Insurance re-positories are FREE of charge. 20. What are the benefits of holding In-surance Policies in electronic form?The following are the broad benefits of hold-ing Insurance Policies in electronic form:Safety: There is no risk of loss or damage of a policy as is common with paper policies; the Electronic form ensures that the poli-cies are in safe custody and can be easily accessed whenever and wherever needed. A copy of the policy can be downloaded at any time by accessing the e-Insurance account. Convenience: All insurance policies, be it life, pension, health or general, can be elec-tronically held under a single e-Insurance account. This means all details of all policies are available in a single account (place). The details of any of the policies can be accessed at any time by logging on to the online por-tal of Insurance Repository. Single Point of Service: Service requests in respect of e-Insurance account or any of theelectronic policy can be submitted at any of Insurance Repository’s service points. A single request can sometimes cater to the requirements of several Insurers. As an illustration, a single change of address request made to the Insurance Repository can update the policies issued by multiple Insurers. There would be no need to go to several offices of individual Insurers for service. Less Paper work and savings in time: An e-Insurance account holder is freed from the trouble of submitting KYC details each time a new policy is taken. Further, any changes in personal details like address or contact number can be effected through a single request thus saving onpaper and time. Statement of Account: At least once every year, the Insurance repository would send a statement of account to the e–Insurance account holder with the details of the poli-cies of the account holder. Payment Options: Premium for all the policies can be paid online and several service requests can be logged from the e-Insurance account.Increased number of service touch points: Since, the Insurance repositories function in addition to the Insurers, the policyhold-ers will have increased number of touch points for having their servicing needs attended. Easy payout transfers: Policy benefits would be paid through electronic facil-ity to the registered bank account, thus ensuring speedier and convenient settle-ment. Single view: Single view of all policies will be made available to an authorized person in case ofdeath of the e-Insurance account holder. 21. What all policy details will be available in the e-insurance account?A list of all policies that are credited will be available in the e-Insurance account. For each policy, policy level details like the sta-tus, commencement, maturity/expiry, nom-ination, assignment, endorsement, address, terms and conditions etc., would be avail-able. In addition, the e-Insurance account holder will be able to download a copy of the policy bond.

22. What is the procedure to effect changes in my policy or e-Insur-ance Account?Should the request be made to the Insurance Company or IR?All requests in respect of either your e-In-surance account or any of the electronic policies may be made to the Insurance Re-pository. However, requests in respect of the policies can also be made directly with the Insurer concerned. Upon a request, the Insurance repository would handle all servicing needs that fall within scope of their services directly and would forward the others to the Insurer con-cerned. An update to the policyholder would be provided by the Insurance Repository on the status of the request in respect of all the requests that it receives. 23. Who is an Authorized Representa-tive and what is his/her role?An Authorized Representative is a person who is appointed by e-Insurance account holder to operate his/her e-Insurance ac-count in case of unfortunate demise or in-capability of e- Insurance account holder to operate the account. The Authorized Representative will intimate the Insurance Repository about the demise/incapability of policyholder with valid proof.An Authorized Representative has only access rights to the e-Insurance account in the event of demise of the policy holder. The Authorized Representative would only act as a facilitator and is not entitled to receive any policy benefits unless designated as a ‘nominee’ or ‘assignee’ by the deceased pol-icy holder. 24. Can an Authorized Representative be changed?Yes, Authorized Representative can be changed by making a request to the Insur-ance Repository. 25. Can ‘Nominee’ and ‘Authorized Rep-resentative’ be the same person?Yes, both Nominee and Authorized Repre-sentative can be the same person. 26. What is the grievances redressal mechanism at Insurance Repository?Every Insurance repository will have a pol-icyholders’ grievances cell to address the grievances in respect of repository services and electronic policies held by them. 27. What communications shall the e-Insurance account holder re-ceive in a hard copy?· Welcome Kit with details of e-Insur-ance Account and modus operandi of its operation, the login ID.· A Pin mailer with the password.· The statement of account giving the details of all policies held whenever additional insurance is taken or a poli-cy matures/ surrendered/ lapses would be provided to the e-insurance account holder.· When a new policy is issued the insurer shall send an insurance informa-tion sheet containing the basic details of insurance policy to the address stated. 28. Is it possible to shift from one Insurance repository to the other?Yes, the e-Insurance account holder will have an option to shift from one Insur-ance Repository to the other. All the poli-cy details and transaction history would then be transferred to the new Insurance repository. 29. Is it possible to opt out of the Insurance repository system?Yes, the policyholder shall make a request to his insurer and upon completion of all formalities in respect of the same, the hard copy of the policy document shall be made available. 30. How will the Authorized person deal with the e-Insurance account?After the demise of the e-Insurance account holder and after settlement of all insurance claims, the Authorized representative needs to make a request to the Insurance Reposito-ry to close the e-Insurance account.

Darap village, around six kilome-tres away from famed tour-ist destination Pelling, has shown how the concept of village tourism would be pos-

sible when people from all classes get in-volved in economic activities and weed out poverty. With the dream to promote and devel-op the Limboo village as a tourist des-tination by using local resources, Mr. Sushil Tamang formed Darap Eco Tour-ism Committee in 2005 – the youth rev-olutionary year in Sikkim – drawing in members of the society. Through this apex committee, he helped develop home stays in the village houses, identified potential destinations for villagers and created an infrastructure to develop the tourist spots. The activities were slow in the first year but picked up gradually when more people joined in to develop the concept. Eight families, registered with the com-mittee started functioning over 20 ethnic

houses as home stays, each family hav-ing two-three single or double bed rooms to accommodate the tourists. As months passed by, the members of the committee came up with several off-beat attractions that would entail partic-ipation of people from all sections of the society. Attractions came in the form of traditional way of ploughing fields, milking cows, cookery using firewood, carpet weaving, making and drinking local brews around a hearth while sharing folktales, vil-lage and jungle walks, learning lo-cal language, etc. These attractions, besides being appreciated by the guests also generated massive interest when various stakeholders from the Society took it to international conventions and travel and trade fairs across the coun-try. For the adventurists, the home stays started options of trekking, picnic, an-gling, swimming and mountain biking. Besides, Darap’s proximity to various tourism spots and places of historical

and scenic significance are an added ad-vantage. With such varied attractions, the com-mittee has since its inception managed to pull more than 5,000 visitors including a few hundred foreigners. Unlike yester-years, the locals making a population over 3,000 under Darap-Nambu Gram Panchayat Unit, through varied subsid-iary units like dairy and poultry farm-ing, shops, etc., have a regular flow of earning now. The inflow of tourists in the village was 1,894 in April to June 2011. This is an indication that the idea of developing the place, as an offbeat destination for tourists willing to pay more than the usual hotels in Pelling has changed the lifestyle of the local people. For having shown “a tremendous amount of dedication, persistence and growth” since the inception of the Darap Eco-Tourism Committee, May-fair Resorts had also chosen the village for a short tie-up, assisting them in

capacity building, human resource de-velopment, marketing assistance and creating a sustainable business devel-opment module for the village. With this, it is also obvious that com-munity initiative led by Sushil Tamang towards promotion and development of Darap has been realised vis-a-vis in generating wide range of employment opportunities and livelihood support of many families in the village. The initiative has also been appreciated by the Sikkim government as Sushil was conferred with the States highest ci-vilian award (the Sikkim Sewa Sam-man in entrepreneurship) on the oc-casion of State Day on May 16, 2013. Darap has also been featured by Leap Local, best travel website of the United Kingdom, 2012 as one of the top ten locals in tourism in the world for his remarkable contribution towards society for local employment generation, which was published by Guardian News-paper in its June 19, 2012 edition.

Village Tourism: The Darap Way

The ups and downs in In-do-Pak relations have created chaos and confu-sion in the sub continent. This has also resulted

in wide spread disappointment amongst the people of the two countries who want better under-standing and better relations so that people to people contact is in-creased and business activities get a boost. However despite several confidence building measures the ties between India and Pakistan have not been as strong as anybody in the sub continent would expect them to be. The political compul-sions of the people at the helm of affairs in both the countries have played their role as everybody is hesitant to leap forward an extra mile in cementing the relations. The recent statement of Prime Minister Dr. Man Mohan Singh that it was his mission to visit Pa-kistan had created new hopes of cordial relations between the two neighbours but Pakistan as usual issued a disappointing statement saying that the talks on high level can only be resumed after the gen-eral elections in India. This state-ment has added to the confusion as both the countries should go forward on improving their rela-tions keeping aside the democrat-ic process which takes place in India smoothly and the transfer of power from one party to another in case of a defeat has never been complicated as has been in Paki-stan. Democracy in India is deep and strong rooted so the foreign policy of the country hardly chang-es with the change of government at union level. If Pakistan is hon-est enough it should welcome the Prime Minister Dr. Man Mohan Singh to visit Pakistan so that all outstanding issues between the two countries are addressed am-icably and through a sustained dialogue process. The dialogue between the two countries is pres-ently snapped hence there is an urgent need to revive it. The con-fidence building measures which were initiated since last some years need to be strengthened and more confidence building mea-sures should be introduced which will help to normalize the relations as soon as possible. India and Paki-stan can become world’s strongest economies if they strengthen their business ties and declare each oth-er a most favoured business part-ner. This will also help to develop the marketing avenues within the two countries and outside the two countries for their products particularly in the food and fruit packaging, software and informa-tion technology etc. The two have ample resources. What they need is to leave animosities behind and create an atmosphere of cordiality between themselves.

Strong ties in the best interest

of India and Pakistan