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FRIDAY 28 March | 2014 | 26 Jamadi-Ul-Awal 1435 AH | PAGES 12 | VOL NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 86 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 Paisa)Pen For Justice Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&Khttp://www.zabarwantimes.com

WEATHER

TEMPERATUREMAXIMUM MINIMUMSUNSET ON(FRIDAY)SUNRISE ON (SATURDAY) 06:31 AM

06:45PM 6.5 0C 13.90C

FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:

FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:

Light Rain/Snow would occur at a few places over the state.

Partly cloudy sky. Maximum &Minimum temperatures will be around 14°C & 04°C respectively.

Inside story

On Edit Page

See More On Pg 09

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Tahir Muzter’s death anniversary observed

Protecting WildlifeHimalayan range is not only most fascinating & spectacular but also a natural wonder of the earth which is the richest in habitat of animal life. One third of the mammal species are living in the lap of Himalayan mountain range. Jammu & Kashmir has variety of geographical regions, climate and vegetation which are a delight to the wildlife enthusiasts and tourists. The richness of Himalayan range is a boon for the state econo-my. But unfortunately with the popu-lation explosion, rampant poaching, shrinking forests due to construction, wildlife is depleting very fast. Out of

Qualifies for semis Election Observer visits Baramulla;reviews SVEEP, MCMC progress

Pakistan will make his place in semi final

PG 06 PG 10 PG 06

Police arrest burglars

Srinagar, Mar 27: The Jammu and Kashmir Young Journalist Associa-tion (JKYJA) today held an import-ant meeting at its Central Office at Lal Chowk Srinagar.According to a statement issued to KNS, the meeting rich tributes were paid to Syed Tahir Muzter on his 1st death anniversary.The meeting was attended by all

Sopore colonies waterlogged

New Delhi, March 27: The World Health Organisation (WHO) to-day presented official certifica-tion to India for its ‘Polio Free’ status. India is among other countries in its South East Asian region which have been certified as being free of the wild polio vi-rus. The Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Ghulam Nabi Azad received the official cer-

tificate at a function, here to-day. This achievement makes the South-East Asia Region, the fourth WHO Region to be certified as polio-free, after the Region of the Americas in 1994, the Western Pacific Re-gion in 2000 and the Europe-an Region in 2002.Speaking at the function, Azad stated that India has been po-

lio free since January 2011. Speaking on the historic occasion on behalf of all South-East Asian Health Ministers, Azad expressed happiness andsatisfaction at the historic public health achievement which seemed impossible with India having the highest burden of Polio cases in the world. The Health Minister stated that India embarked on the programme to eradicate

See India On Page 11..

India achieves a mile stoneWHO certifies India as polio free nation; Azad receives certificate

Srinagar, Mar 27: The family of Mohammad Afzal Guru on Thursday took strong exception to Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde’s state-ment in which he said that Guru’s execution was mishandled.Talking to KNS, Aijaz Guru, brother of Afzal Guru said that if Shinde is so remorseful on the Gu-ru’s execution was han-dled by his department, then the government of India should return the body of his brother.“Shinde’s remarks are simply a poll plank. The statement has been made keeping in view the ensu-ing Parliament elections in India especially in Kashmir where the Con-

gress has aligned with Kashmir based National Conference,” Aijaz told KNS.He also took a jibe at the political mainstream of Jammu and Kashmir saying that they also talk about Guru just to reap their political benefits in Kashmir. “We have al-ready said that if chief minister Jay Lalitha and Punjab government could save their convicts from gallows why did the main-stream parties of Kashmir failed to do so,” Aijaz asked further.The brother of Afzal said that his family wants that Guru’s body be returned to it as soon as possible. “Everyone See Body On Page 11..

Shinde’s statement a ‘poll plank’: Guru’s family

‘If Shinde is true in his words, let him return Guru’s body’

Srinagar, Mar 27 (KNS): Keeping in view the 2009 Lok Sabha results, a tough fight is ex-pected to be witnessed between ruling National Conference (NC) and the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the three seats of Kashmir valley.The results that came in 2009 Lok Sabha elec-tions was a result of reciprocity between Na-tional Conference and the Congress. While NC benefited by the Congress support in three Lok Sabha seats of the valley, its coalition partner Congress candidates got elected with the active support of the NC voters in Jammu region.In Srinagar Parliamentary seat, the difference between NC and PDP was of mere 30242 votes. NC candidate Dr Farooq Abdullah had got 1,47,035 while as PDP candidate Molvi Iftikaar Hussain Ansari bagged 1, 16,793 votes in his fa-vour.The figures reveal that in North Kashmir’s Baramulla parliamentary seat, PDP candidate had given a tough fight to NC’s Sharief-ud-Din Shariq, with the later winning by a margin of 64,814 votes. Shariq had got 2,03,022 votes while as Mohammad Dilawar Mir the then PDP candidate had managed 1,38,208 votes in his favour. Peoples’ Conference lagged behind PDP with 65403 votes in its kitty.In South Kashmir’s Anantnag Constituency, the difference of votes between

See Valley On Page 11..

2014 Lok Sabah elections to witness tough fight between NC-PDP in Valley

‘Kashmiriyat’ depends on NC’s success: Dr. Farooq

Addresses party Women’s Wing in SrinagarSrinagar, Mar 27: National Conference president, Dr. Farooq Abdullah said that women have always played a vital and important role in the history of Kashmir ever since they were led towards social, economic and political empowerment by Madar-e-Meharbaan Begum Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. According to a statement issued to KNS, while speaking at a well attended women workers’ meeting

See Farooq On Page 11..

Srinagar, Mar 27: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president, Mehbooba Mufti Thursday said while the PDP is going into LokSabha with an agenda primarily for raising the issue of Kashmir and the prob-lems faced by the people, but it will also try to provide voice to

See Mehbooba On Page 11..

NC’s power lust even deprived Indian Muslims of credible voice: Mehbooba

‘Parting ways from NDA during Gujrat riots won’t have made any difference’Srinagar, Mar 27: Re-acting to the statement of Opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti wherein she had castigated NC for being in power with NDA after the Gujarat riots of 2002, Na-tional Conference while hitting back at PDP said that parting ways with NDA in 2002 would not have made any difference.“What would have been the result by parting ways from Delhi government in 2002. Gujarat happened and people were killed. It was the incident of cold blooded murder of inno-cents. But our resignation from the centre would not have made any differ-ence,” said NC leader Dr Mustafa Kamal.He added that NC had putted pressure on Va-jpayee at the time

See NC On Page 11..

NC strikes back at

Mehbooba

‘NC-Cong alliance symbolizes stability, growth’Reasi, Mar 27: Senior National Conference and Congress leaders on Thursday castigated BJP for pursuing divisive and destructive agenda, saying the party has no role in Jammu and Kashmir that believes in cohesiveness, peace and harmony with equal opportunities of progress to all .According to a statement issued to KNS, while ad-dressing joint election meetings for the alliance candidate Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad in Jammu-Ud-hampur Constituency at various places in Reasi this afternoon, they said that the progressive and forward looking people of the State have always rejected reactionary forces having myopic vision and vicious agenda.The leaders including Provincial President Na-tional Conference Mr Devender

See BJP On Page 11..

BJP epitome of intolerance, hate

Anantnag, March 27: Punc-turing the tall claims of au-thorities about the home delivery of LPG, people in different areas of South Kashmir’s Anantnag town continue to be seen waiting in queue outside LPG counters for getting a cylinder. People alleged that monopoly of the gas agencies is the only rea-son for the mess. In Anantnag hundreds of people could be seen waiting outside ‘Anantnag Gas Agen-cy’ counter for getting a gas cylinder as the dealer accord-ing to locals is reluctant to provide home delivery facili-ties to the subscribers for the reasons better known to him. “I have been visiting the counter for last four days to get a gas cylinder but every day I have to return dejected as the counter either remains

closed or the gas dealer clear-ly says LPG is not available,” a consumer Ghulam Nabi told CNS. He alleged that the dealers are selling the LPG in black to restaurant and tea stall own-ers taking the consumers for a ride. “The authorities have mis-erably failed to ensure the availability of LPG in the market and home delivery of the same. The officials seem to be hand in glove with the gas agency owners. We many a time lodged com-plaints against the gas dealer but nothing was done,” said another consumer, Abdul Rashid. Complaints of black mar-keting of LPG in Pahalgam are also on rise. People allege that the owner

See LPG On Page 11..

Shopian, Mar 27: Senior Na-tional Conference Leader, Member of Parliament and the NC-Congress Coalition Candidate from Anantnag, Dr. Mehboob Beg while ad-dressing a rally at Arhama, Shopian asked the people to inquire about the perfor-mance of the NC Parliamen-tarians objectively and judge them based on the fact that they have performed their duties with exemplary ded-ication and commitment at the Center.According to a statement issued to KNS, Dr. Beg en-couraged the people to pro-actively seek information about his performance and compare that to the dismal and lackluster performance of Mehbooba Mufti as his predecessor. National Con-ference leaders as parliamen-

tarians have always spoken resolutely about the rights, grievances and sentiments of the people of this State. The same Mehbooba Mufti who is waxing eloquent about rep-resenting Kashmiris in the Parliament had on one in-stance expressed her appar-ent helplessness and alleged futility of speaking up for

her own people in the Parlia-ment. This blatant and bra-zen hypocrisy is a trademark of PDP and the party would be well advised to respect the intelligence and integrity of the electorate before making rhetorical, hollow statements that defy its own track-re-cord in the State.

See Sagar On Page 11..

Consumers suffer as monopoly of LPG dealers continue

LPG cylinders sold in black in Anantnag and Pahalgam, AD assures action

Judge us on the basis of Performance: Dr Beg

PDP responsible for inflicting miseries on people: - Sagar

Srinagar, March 27: A fast track court has handed over a death sen-tence to a Kashmir man after convicting him of kidnapping and raping a minor girl in 2005.According to GNS, The court of Sanjeev Gupta Thursday found Mo-hammad Rashid Kumar, a resident of Magam Kokernag in south Kash-mir’s Anantnag district guilty of murder and rape of her cousin on August 28, 2005.The accused was given life imprisonment for rape and death pen-alty for murder of the 12-year-old girl by

See Rapist On Page 11..

Rapist gets death for

murdering minor cousin

Pattan, March 27: Pattan Trauma Centre that was inaugurated by then Chief Minister Mufti Mu-hammad Sayeed in 2002 missed the deadline for the consecutive seventh time. Locals alleged that it is a glaring example of official apathy, while even after 12 years; the Trauma Centre is still in-complete. A delegation from North Kashmir’s Pattan town told CNS that the Jammu and Kashmir govern-ment seems to be least concerned about the es-tablishment of a much-needed Trauma Centre

here even as the work on it started 12 years ago. They said that then Chief Minister Mufti Mu-hammad Sayeed had inaugurated this Trauma Centre with a promise that it would be completed in a year but ironically, since then it has missed the seventh deadline. Three Trauma Centres were inaugurated at a time during PDP-Congress rule. The Trauma Centres at Kangan and Bijbehara were completed in time but surprisingly, no

See Pattan On Page 11..

12 years on

Pattan Trauma Centre still not completed

Ludhiana, March 27: Kashmiri students who had gone to Bhopal to appear in M.ed examination in Barkatullah Uni-versity Thursday alleged that Punjab po-lice harassed them and demanded bribe from them while they were travelling in a train in Ludhiana city of Punjab. Number of students told CNS on phone that the Punjab police arrested a Kashmir student namely Syed Irfan Hussain resident of Dooru Sopore on the pretext that he was carrying a cig-arette pocket. “They took him along and when other Kashmiri students staged a protest, they demanded Rs 5,000 as bribe in exchange for his re-lease,” a Kashmiri student said.

He said that all the Kashmiri stu-dents contributed from their pocket money to collect Rs 5,000 but only managed to raise Rs 3,000. “Punjab police personnel acted as extortionist and took away all the cash from the apprehended student. They even took his valuables which he was carrying,” the student alleged adding that these ‘goons’ handcuffed him as he was a ter-rorist. Despite repeated attempts, Commis-sioner Ludhiana, Paramjit Singh Gil could not be contacted, however, a top police official from DG office Punjab told CNS that they would look into the mat-ter.(CNS)

Kashmiri students allege harassment by Punjab Police

Ganderbal, March 27, CNS: Police Thursday arrested two burglars for decamping goods worth lakhs of rupees from an automobile shop in Central Kashmir’s Gan-derbal district. Police sources told CNS that burglars had looted the auto-mobile shop owned by Ghulam Rasool Bhat resident of Bachpora. “Police cracked the burglary inci-dent after arresting two youth who hail from Tulmulla Ganderbal. They were identified as Imtiyaz Wani son of Ali Muhammad and Yaseen Bhat son of Ghulam Muhammad. During questioning it was found that duo had been already been booked in police station Sopore and Anantnag for indulging in theft and car lifting,” a police official told CNS.A case vide

See Police On Page 11..

Srinagar, March 27: The people of twin colonies in north Kashmir’s Sopore area of Baramulla district have demanded authorities to pump-out the water.The people of Alamdar Colony and Kranshivan Colony told GNS that their colonies are waterlogged since a month and it has badly affected their moment.“The elders and children can’t move out without long plastic shoes. The water is upto the height of 1.5 feet but authorities are sleeping,” a resident of Kranshivan colony told GNS.He said the children are the worst-affected due to water-log-ging and they face

See Sopore On Page 11..

11 Srinagar, Friday 28 March 2014 Zabarwan Times

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

India

Body

Valley

Mehbooba

Rapist

Pattan

Police

Sopore

NC

BJP

LGP

Sagar

Farooq

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

1

Resham Garh Colony, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu

(www.jkpsc.nic.in)

NOTIFICATION NO : 07-PSC (DR-P) OF 2 0 1 4

D A T E D : 20 . 03. 2014

Applications on prescribed form are invited from the permanent residents of Jammu & Kashmir State possessing the prescribed academic qualification and age for the posts of Superintendent Jails in prisons Department (Home Department) as per the category-wise break-up tabulated below. The posts carry the pay scale of Rs. 9300 – 34800 + G.P. 4800. The applications complete in all respects and accompanied with the documents detailed hereinafter should reach the office of the J&K Public Service Commission Polo Ground Srinagar/ Resham Garh Jammu by or on 20.04.2014. In case it is declared a public holiday the last date for receipt of Application Forms shall be following working day.

1. Discipline/Category-wise break-up;-

2. Prescribed Qualification

Age as on _1st January 2014:

Minimum = 18 Years Maximum = 37 Years Physically handicapped candidates = 39 years Candidates belonging to RBA/SC/ST/ALC/SLC categories = 40 years In Service Candidates = 40 years Ex-serviceman = 48 years

Note: In terms of the Government Order No. 102-GAD of 2007 dated 27.01.2007, the Contractual

appointees shall be deemed to be in-service candidates so far as the upper age limit for direct recruitment to Government Service is concerned provided they subsist in contractual appointment as on the date of issue of advertisement.

Note: Over-aged candidates having exceptional qualification relevant to the concerned subject may also apply at their own risk and responsibility without prejudice to the right of the Commission to reject their Application Form:

Provided that over-aged candidates, shall not be considered when other eligible candidates are otherwise available.

4. Application Forms: (a) Application Forms can be obtained from the office of the J&K Public Service Commission, Polo

Ground Srinagar/Resham Ghar Colony, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu on cash payment of 500/- (excluding processing charges of Rs.10/) in respect of General Category candidates and 250/- (excluding processing charges of 10/-)in respect of Category candidates through the counters of J&K Bank opened in the offices of J&K Public Service Commission at Polo Ground, Srinagar/Resham Ghar Colony, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm on all working days.

(b) The OMR Application Forms should be filled up neatly, correctly and completely. A copy of passport size photograph duly attested by the Gazetted Officer should be pasted at the relevant place/space in the Application Form.

(c) The Application Form complete in all respects should be photo-copied. The photocopies of the certificates/testimonials be attached with photocopy of the Application Form. The OMR Application Form together with the photocopy of the Application Form and enclosures be submitted to the Commission office in the envelope provided by the Commission along with the Application Form.

Item No.

Name of the Discipline OM RBA SC ST ALC TOTAL

152 Superintendent Jails in Prison Department (Home Department)

01 - 01 - - 02

1

Resham Garh Colony, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu

(www.jkpsc.nic.in)

NOTIFICATION NO : 07-PSC (DR-P) OF 2 0 1 4

D A T E D : 20 . 03. 2014

Applications on prescribed form are invited from the permanent residents of Jammu & Kashmir State possessing the prescribed academic qualification and age for the posts of Superintendent Jails in prisons Department (Home Department) as per the category-wise break-up tabulated below. The posts carry the pay scale of Rs. 9300 – 34800 + G.P. 4800. The applications complete in all respects and accompanied with the documents detailed hereinafter should reach the office of the J&K Public Service Commission Polo Ground Srinagar/ Resham Garh Jammu by or on 20.04.2014. In case it is declared a public holiday the last date for receipt of Application Forms shall be following working day.

1. Discipline/Category-wise break-up;-

2. Prescribed Qualification

Age as on _1st January 2014:

Minimum = 18 Years Maximum = 37 Years Physically handicapped candidates = 39 years Candidates belonging to RBA/SC/ST/ALC/SLC categories = 40 years In Service Candidates = 40 years Ex-serviceman = 48 years

Note: In terms of the Government Order No. 102-GAD of 2007 dated 27.01.2007, the Contractual

appointees shall be deemed to be in-service candidates so far as the upper age limit for direct recruitment to Government Service is concerned provided they subsist in contractual appointment as on the date of issue of advertisement.

Note: Over-aged candidates having exceptional qualification relevant to the concerned subject may also apply at their own risk and responsibility without prejudice to the right of the Commission to reject their Application Form:

Provided that over-aged candidates, shall not be considered when other eligible candidates are otherwise available.

4. Application Forms: (a) Application Forms can be obtained from the office of the J&K Public Service Commission, Polo

Ground Srinagar/Resham Ghar Colony, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu on cash payment of 500/- (excluding processing charges of Rs.10/) in respect of General Category candidates and 250/- (excluding processing charges of 10/-)in respect of Category candidates through the counters of J&K Bank opened in the offices of J&K Public Service Commission at Polo Ground, Srinagar/Resham Ghar Colony, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm on all working days.

(b) The OMR Application Forms should be filled up neatly, correctly and completely. A copy of passport size photograph duly attested by the Gazetted Officer should be pasted at the relevant place/space in the Application Form.

(c) The Application Form complete in all respects should be photo-copied. The photocopies of the certificates/testimonials be attached with photocopy of the Application Form. The OMR Application Form together with the photocopy of the Application Form and enclosures be submitted to the Commission office in the envelope provided by the Commission along with the Application Form.

Item No.

Name of the Discipline OM RBA SC ST ALC TOTAL

152 Superintendent Jails in Prison Department (Home Department)

01 - 01 - - 02

2

Please note that the application form on which correction fluid is applied shall be rejected outrightly.

(d) The Application Forms complete in all respects must reach the Secretary, J&K Public Service Commission, Polo Ground, Srinagar/Resham Ghar Colony, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu on or before the last date i.e 20.04.2014 in an envelope provided by the Commission alongwith the Application Form.

(e) The Commission will, in no case, be responsible for non-receipt of their Application Forms or any delay in receipt thereof on any account whatsoever. No applications received after 20.04.2014 will be entertained under any circumstances and all the late applications shall be deemed to have been rejected. Applicants should, therefore, ensure that their applications reach the Commission office on or before 20.04.2014.

(f) The in-service candidates shall have the certificate from the Head of the Office recorded in the format given at the end of the Scanable Application Form and submit the application form in the Commission office by or on the last date prescribed viz. 20.04.2014. A photocopy of the said application form shall be routed through their appointing authority.

5. CERTIFICATES TO BE ATTACHED WITH THE PHOTOCOPY OF THE APPLICATION FORM

Attested photo copies of the following certificates need be attached with the photo copy of the Application Form:-

i. Date of Birth Certificate. ii. Permanent Resident Certificate. iii. Educational Qualification Certificates Prescribed for the Post. iv. Certificate of Higher Qualification, if any. v. Marks certificate of all semesters of prescribed qualification. vi. Category certificate as per SRO 294 dated 21.10.2005 as amended from time to time

read with other relevant SRO’s which must be valid on the cut off date ( viz. last date for receipt of application forms).

vii. Disability Certificate on the prescribed format.

6. CERTIFICATES/TESTIMONIALS TO CLAIM WEIGHTAGE:-

The candidates in possession of the following certificates/testimonials should attach the photo-copies of the same along with the Application Form for claiming the benefit of weightage authorized under Rule 51 of J&K PSC (Business & Procedure) Rules, 1980.

a. Grade ‘C’ Certificate in NCC. b. Certificate of an Outstanding Sports Person certified by the Secretary, J&K Sports Council in

terms of J&K (Appointment of Outstanding Sports Persons) Rules, 1998. c. Experience against the post in a Govt./Govt. recognized institution including the

institutions authorized by MCI/DCI/ICAR/ICVR/AICTE/Bar Council of India(Certified by the Head of Institution and in case of private institutions to be countersigned by the District/Divisional/State authority of the concerned Government Department and/or Director College Development Council/authorized officer of the university granting affiliation, as the case may be). The weightage shall be calculated at 0.25 points for every completed three months.

The last date for receipt of applications as indicated above i.e 20.04.2014 shall, for all purposes be

the cut off date for determining the eligibility. Experience/improvement in the qualification/marks/additional qualification/distinction in sports/Games/NCC, if any, acquired by the candidate after the last date fixed for receipt of applications, shall not be taken into account nor given any credit.

7. OTHER INFORMATION/INSTRUCTIONS All applicants must fulfill the essential requirements of the post and other conditions

stipulated in the advertisement. They are advised to satisfy themselves before applying that they possess the essential qualifications prescribed for the post. No enquiry for advice as to the eligibility will be entertained.

i. The prescribed qualifications are minimum and mere possession of the same does not entitle the candidates to be called for interview. Further, the summoning of candidates for interview shall convey no assurance, whatsoever, that they will be selected. Appointment order of the selected candidates will be issued by the Government in accordance with the availability of vacancies.

ii. Save as otherwise provided, in any other Act, Rules, or Regulations in force, where the Commission considers that the number of candidates who have applied for the post to be filled by direct recruitment, on the basis of interview, is large and it is not convenient, or

JAMMU AND KASHMIR PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

RESHAM GARH COLONY, BAKSHI NAGAR, JAMMU(www.jkpsc.nic.in)

NOTIFICATION NO:07-PSC (DR-P) OF 2014DATED: 20-03-2014

Sd/-SecretaryPublic Service Commission

DIPK:14952

the nation of polio 19 years ago in 1995, when the dis-ease used to cripple more than 50,000 children in the country every year. He stated that this achievement has been possible with resolute will at the highest levels, technological innovations like the indigenous bivalent polio vaccine, adequate domestic financial resources and close monitoring of polio programme, with which immunization levels soared to 99% cov-erage and India achieved polio eradication. He stat-ed that this unbelievable operational feat has been possible due to the tireless efforts of over a million ASHAs and ANMs who gave a new momentum to po-lio rounds. A 2.3 million strong team of polio volun-teers and 150, 000 supervisors worked day and night to reach every child. The Health Minister expressed gratitude towards WHO, UNICEF, Rotary Interna-tional, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and others stakeholders, including the parents of the children, for their strong technical and operational support to this collective effort in this region.Also present at the certification ceremony were repre-sentatives from the WHO’s SEARO countries, senior officers from the Ministry of Health and family Wel-fare and representatives of partner agencies such as Rotary International, UNICEF, and DFID.

including mainstream, separatists, civil society, bar associations, and all those who matter should raise their voice in support of return of Guru’s mortal re-mains from Tihar jail,” he appealed. Aijaz said that his brother’s execution involves many procedural lapses. “He was hanged while the death sentence of many other convicts was commuted to the life sentence by the supreme court. Not only this, but the Kashmir’s mainstream parties should introspect about Tamil Nadu and Punjab government’s function-ing as to how they could save their citizens from gal-lows,” he added.Pertinently Guru’s family had received a letter inform-ing it about the execution plans two days after Guru was hanged in Tihar Jail in the morning on February 9, 2013.Shinde’s while talking a Delhi based news channel yes-terday, said: “As far as Afzal Guru's case is concerned, I had already instructed and given the file four days be-fore. And that was the job of the Secretaries (to inform his family). But something went wrong somewhere and they didn't inform a day before but informed in the night that the following day was his execution. In such cases I am of the view that the family must be informed properly as per jail rules.”Convicted in 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament in which 13 people were killed, Guru had repeatedly pleaded innocence and his wife Tabbasum had also filed a petition in 2006 asking for his death sentence to be commuted, which was rejected by President Pra-nab Mukherjee days before he was hanged. (KNS)

NC and PDP was 5224 votes. The winning candidate Mehboob Beigh had got 148317 votes while as PDP candidate Peer Mohammad Hussain garnered 143093 votes in his favour.Commenting over the past poll results, PDP senior leader Muzzafar Hussain Beigh said that PDP will reg-ister win with a very good lead in all the three seats of valley.Substantiating his claims, Beigh stated that in 2009 parliamentary elections, the people were optimistic about NC and Congress as both had entered into coa-lition to form a government in the state. “Our support-ers were depressed in 2009. Now they are fully enthu-siastic as they are aware that the parliament elections will have a direct impact on assembly elections.” Beig added that in 2009, the voter turnout was less and the same always affect the opposition party while as it ben-efits the ruling one.Commenting on North Kashmir’s Baramulla Parlia-mentary seat, Beig stated that he has been associated with the people of the North Kashmir from the last three decades and his personal public image will bene-fit the party at large in that constituency.On the other, NC’s Additional General Secretary, Mus-tafa Kamal claimed that NC will sweep all the three seats in valley. According to him the margin with which NC will win, will be higher than the previous one. “Opposition vote has been divided at present and the fact is that our voters never change sides.” (KNS)

organized at NC Headquarters at Nawa-e-Subh Com-plex in Srinagar by the District Srinagar NC Women’s Wing, Dr. Farooq said that history is a witness to the fact that National Conference has always given utmost respect, dignity and a sense of equality to women and made education accessible to them in the State.“It is because of the leadership of National Confer-ence, its vision and policies that women of J&K are today playing a vital role in the transformation and development of our State. National Conference came into being to uphold the self-respect and dignity of the people of this State and has rendered numerous sacri-fices for the sentiments and aspirations of the people.”Dr. Farooq added that from the very day Sher-e-Kash-mir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah started our move-ment for the rights and empowerment of our people, numerous conspiracies were hatched against National Conference and its leadership to weaken the State and dilute its special status.“There have been perennial as well as seasonal, covert and overt foes and detractors of the party who have left no stone unturned to weaken National Confer-ence so that the representational character and voice of J&K could be fragmented and fractured. However their nefarious designs have always been defeated in the past and will always be thwarted by the people of this State who consider National Conference to be the custodian of their rights, sentiments and honor – a

bond that has stood the test of time.” Dr. Farooq said that historic decisions and steps tak-en by Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and Madar-e-Meharbaan Begum Akbar Jahan for the upliftment and welfare of women continue to help us scale new heights even to this day. “National Confer-ence has always played a pivotal role to open closed doors and empower the women of our State to break the glass-ceilings of suppression and gender inequal-ity.”Dr. Farooq said that National Conference prioritized the dream of women empowerment by incorporating transformational policies in the Naya Kashmir vision document of National Conference, a historic document that has been a coherent script for J&K’s well-being, safety and honor. It was decades ago that National Conference in ‘Naya Kashmir’ spoke in detail about the empowerment of our womenfolk.He said that Kashmiriyat has been nurtured by the sacrifices and blood of National Conference and for Kashmiriyat to survive and flourish the flag of National Conference will have to stay hoisted in the State for all times to come. Dr. Farooq impressed on the Women’s Wing workers to mobilize their cadre with utmost ded-ication and zeal to ensure that the candidates put forth by the party in the Parliamentary elections emerge vic-torious with huge margins as has been proven at all junctures in the past. Those who spoke on the occasion included NC Provin-cial President Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Batamaloo Ir-fan Shah and Provincial President NC Women’s Wing and MLA Haba Kadal Shameema Firdous. Provincial Secretary NC Women’s Wing Sabiya Qadri and District President Srinagar of NC Women’s Wing Khalida Ji were also present on the occasion.

the aspirations of Muslims across to the country.According to a statement issued to KNS, while ad-dressing a well-attended workers meeting of Kulgam and Noorabad assembly constituencies in Kulgam, Mehbooba said the position of Jammu and Kashmir as the only Muslim majority state of the country is unique and National Conference’s failure in rising above ministerial positions for its members and per-sonal interests has deprived even Indian Muslims a credible leadership.Mehbbooba said the PDP will seek an implementable Kashmir policy at the national level and keeping that in view the present parliamentary elections could prove a turning point in asserting our democratic right. “While doing so, we will also try to fill the repre-sentation gap for the 20 crore Muslims of the country, who have unfortunately been pushed back in the race for development,” she said.The PDP Chief said the NC focused only on personal luxury and positions of power and never stood up for the rights either of the people who voted them or the Muslims of rest of the country.She said NC continued to remain part of the NDA even after the Gujarat massacre and didn’t sacrifice the Minister of State’s job, which Omar Abdullah was holding in the Vajpayee government. “Not only this, Farooq Abdullah gave a clean chit to Modi even before the courts did so and lately claimed to have seen Allah in his eyes,” she said.

of Gujrat riots but parting ways would not have helped the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “I want to clear that we were not the part of BJP but of NDA- several parties were associated with it in the forma-tion of government at centre.”While slapping PDP, Kamal remarked that whatever suits PDP- it says. “Sometimes they praise Modi and sometimes they vindicate that he was the culprit of Gujrat riots”Pertinently, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presi-dent, Mehbooba Mufti Thursday had said that NC continued to remain part of the NDA even after the Gujarat massacre and didn’t sacrifice the Minister of State’s job, which Omar Abdullah was holding in the Vajpayee government. (KNS)

Singh Rana, Minister of State for Revenue, Mr Aijaz Ahmed Khan, Mr Surjeet Singh Slathia, Mr Abdul Gani Malik and Mr Jugal Kishore exuded confidence about big win for Mr Azad, saying this is imperative for marginalizing the elements hell bent to disturb the communal fabric and destabilize democratic institu-tions in the State.The leaders cautioned the people against elements striving for abrogation of Article 370 and trampling of the permanent residence laws saying they were hood-winking the public opinion by playing communal card. In this context, they drew the attention of people to-wards secret understanding of BJP with PDP with a sinister motive of working complimentary and supple-mentary to the interests of each other.Mr Rana said the people of the State are sagacious enough to differentiate between treachery and sincer-ity. “BJP has never been straight forward towards the State which is discernible by the fact that it has always created stooges, in one form or the other, to execute its vicious agenda”, he said while exposing its unholy bonhomie with PDP.

of the Pahalgam gas agency is selling domestic gas cyl-inders to hoteliers and restaurant owners landing the common people in trouble. “We every day see the hoteliers loading the domes-tic LPG cylinders in load carriers at the counter but when consumers visit the counter for a cylinder they are being asked that the same is not available,” said a resident of Pahalgam.

Dr. Beg said that a cursory comparison between the utilization and dispensation of MP funds between his tenure as MP during the last five years and that of Me-hbooba Mufti would be sufficient to expose the lies and fabrications of PDP. As the Member of Parliament representing the people of Anantnag in the Lok Sabha,

I have done justice to the faith reposed in me by my party leadership and the people who I represent with utmost humility and dedication.

the court, the counsel for the minor girl said.The slain minor’s father, Abdul Rehman Kumar, a resident of Magam had lodged a complaint that his daughter was kidnapped by her cousin Rashid from her rented room in Jammu.

attention was paid towards the completion of Pattan Trauma Centre. “It took two years for the executing agency to construct the plinth of the centre, spread over 40 kanals of land at Babteng Pattan. The de-lay in its construction is notwithstanding recur-ring transfer of trauma patients, both with mi-nor and major traumas, to Srinagar hospitals from the health centres in north Kashmir areas, many of whom die in transit,” one of the mem-bers of the delegation told CNS.

FIR number 15/2014 under section 380 and 457 of RPC has been registered against both the burglars. (CNS)

enormous difficulties while going to school.An official of the Municipal Committee Sopore while talking to GNS said that they have pumped-out water from Alamdar colony. “We will soon de-water Kranshivan colony as well,” he said. (GNS)

Tahir Muzter’s death anniver-sary observed

Srinagar, Mar 27: The Jammu and Kashmir Young Journalist Asso-ciation (JKYJA) today held an important meeting at its Central Office at Lal Chowk Srinagar.According to a state-ment issued to KNS, the meeting rich trib-utes were paid to Syed Tahir Muzter on his 1st death anniversary.The meeting was attended by all senior members of the As-sociation including its President Ajaz Ibn Yousuf, Treasurer Bilal Bashir Bhat, Ra-meez Makhdomi and others.The participants on the occasion threw light on the life of Syed Tahir Muzter, who was a veteran Journalist, Author, Poet and the Social Activist of Valley.Bilal Bashir Bhat and the Editor-in-Chief Kashmir based news portal ‘Only Kash-mir’ said Muztar’s death is a big loss for the whole journalist fraternity. He was the man who inspired many Young Jour-nalists even after his death.“Tahir Muzter also penned poetry. Due to his political acu-men he had been political secretary to former Chief Minis-ter Farooq Abdullah. The first collection of Tahir Muztar’s poems “Neelam Ghar” was released in Jammu in 2000, his 2nd collec-tion of poem titled as “Laho Laho Kashmir” was released on 8th July 2013, 100 days after his death by his son Dr Qaiser Jah. During his last stage of life Tahir Muzter contributed many columns to my Web-site “Only Kashmir,” Bilal added. At the end of the meeting the participants offered Fathi-Khwani. (KNS)

Kar Irshad bereavedTral, March 27: Mother of noted journalist & senior cor-respondent of Sach News, Jammu Kashmir, Kar Irshad passed away today morning at her residence. She was 90. Her Nimez-e-Jinazah was offered at 11.30 am at her ancestral graveyard at Tral. Her chaharum will be ob-served on Sunday, 30th March, 2014 at her residence new Kar Mohalla, Tral. Sach News team condoles the sad demise & extends solidarity with the bereaved family & prays almighty Allah to rest her soul in Jannat-ul-Fir-dous. Sach News Jammu Kashmir team including chief editor Makbool Veeray, Bureau Chief Kashmir Bilal Habib, Bureau Chief Jammu Khaja Sharjeel, Chief Correspondent Malik Nissar, Misgar Bilal, Nawaz Rounyal, Ali Faiz, Doda, Farhan Qayoom, Farooq Shahmeeri, Nadeem Nadu, You-nis Khakiq and Beigh Irshad condole the sad demise and express their solidarity with the bereaved family.

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES NEWS Srinagar | friday 28. 03 .2014

Annual General Body Meeting of ASHI held

SRINAGAR, MARCH 27: A team of officials from district adminis-tration Srinagar along with police and officials of the SMC conducted extensive demolitions in Musta-fabad, HMT.

The demolitions were conduct-ed to retrieve an irrigation canal registered with the Revenue de-partment as Shaamilat (common) land. The canal was encroached upon by some individuals who had illegally conducted land filling in portions of the canal thereby blocking the natural flow of water.

During the extensive demoli-tion drive illegal encroachments were removed and the natural ir-rigation canal was retrieved.

A Spokesperson of the district administration revealed that the issue was taken up by the task force constituted by Deputy Com-missioner Srinagar for providing relief to people of that area who were adversely affected by wa-ter logging because of the recent snow and rainfall. The spokesper-

son further said that the general public should desist from illegally encroaching upon common land.

Anybody found violating of the law in this regard, would be dealt with severely under relevant pro-

visions of the law.Meanwhile the general public

of the area has widely hailed the initiative and appealed the district administration to continue such drives in the future also.

JAMMU, MARCH 27: The Annual General Body Meeting of Association for Social Health in India (ASHI), J&K Branch, was held here at Raj Bhawan, to-day. The AGM was chaired by Mrs. Usha Vohra, First Lady and President of ASHI.After discussion, the Gen-eral Body finalized new projects and activities which shall be undertaken by ASHI during 2014-15.Mrs. Vohra stressed the importance of a number of health camps being organized for generating awareness in the rural and far flung areas about the need for main-taining hygiene and following Family Planning prac-tices. She asked the members of ASHI to organize once a week hygiene awareness programmes in the project areas of Jagti and Panjgrain Panchayats.The First Lady asked ASHI members to enlarge their activ-ities for promoting education and generating aware-ness about relevant social issues by utilizing various possible means, including play acting and audio vi-sual means. She exhorted the members to form small groups with identified goals and work collectively to achieve their aims. ASHI members undertook to or-ganize Civil Defence training programmes for young girls in the rural areas.While reviewing the activities of the Short Stay Homes, Neha Ghar and Apna Ghar, the First Lady asked the representatives of the Health Department to undertake regular health check up of the inmates and particularly conduct Tuberculosis .

Encroachments demolished in Mustafabad, HMT to retrieve irrigation canal

JAMMU, MARCH 27: In order to provide better living facilities to the per-sonnel at their working places, Jammu and Kash-mir Police has been en-hancing its building infra-structure by constructing residential quarters in all the districts of the State.

This was disclosed by the Director General of Police (DGP), Mr. Ashok Prasad, while laying the foundation stone of Low-er Subordinate Residen-tial Quarters at Channi Rama, here today. He said that the Organisation, under its modernization scheme has launched a mega construction pro-gramme to strengthen its building infrastruc-ture in the State. Several residential quarters, bar-racks and alternate ac-

commodations have been constructed at various locations making a con-siderable improvement in the housing sector, he added.

Giving details, Mr. Prasad said that the up-coming accommodation, comprising 60 residential units for lower subordi-nates, would enhance the residential infrastructure and 70 more residential units for upper subordi-nates would be construct-ed at Sidhra under Mod-ernization Programme. He lauded the efforts of JK Police Housing Cor-poration (PHC) for their space and quality in the execution of works, say-ing that the Corporation is now expanding their scope of work and various works have been allotted

to them by other depart-ments also.

On the occasion, Man-aging Director, JKPHC, Mr. Dilbag Singh apprised the DGP about the archi-tect plan of the project. He informed that the residential quarters with modern living facilities, will be completed in a re-cord period of time, at an estimated cost of Rs. 20 crores. He also informed that the Corporation has raised a number of build-ings at various places to accommodate the per-sonnel, which include multi-storey barrack at Ambgarota, administra-tive block at Miran Sahib, double storey barrack with mess at Reasi and Poonch, class rooms at SKPA Udhampur, Dining Hall at PTTI Vijaypur.

JAMMU, MARCH 27: According to Inspector General of Police Traf-fic, J&K Jammu, LMV’s (Private/passenger) shall be allowed to ply, both ways, on NHW-1A viz from Jammu to Srinagar and vice versa), every day, w.e.f 01.04.2014, till further orders in view of improved weather con-ditions and condition of road, however, these LMVs shall cross TCP Na-grota upto 0900 hours, TCP Udhampur upto 1100 hours (when ply-ing from Jammu side to-wards valley) and Lower Munda upto 1200 hours and Jawahar Tunnel upto 1300 hours (when plying from Srinagar to-

wards Jammu) on daily basis.

The medium as well as commercial passenger vehicles including buses, heavy trucks and all load carriers shall continue to observe one way traf-fic till further orders as the restoration work of NHW is not yet complet-ed in few stretches. On 01.04.2014, all such type of vehicles shall ply from Jammu side towards Srinagar in a regulated manner and on the next day (Viz 02.04.2014) it will be from Srinagar side towards Jammu and this alternate movement will continue, till further orders. The heavy vehi-cles plying from Srinagar to Jammu are required

to cross Lower Munda (Qazigund) by 1400 hours positively while plying from Jammu to-wards valley shall cross TCP Udhampur by 1400 hours positively, beyond which no vehicle will be allowed to onward jour-ney.

The Trailers and Multi-axle vehicles (but not with more than 18m length) shall also ob-serve the above one way traffic plan, till further orders. However, keep-ing in view the overall road condition, such type of vehicles shall be allowed to ply during night hours only and in no case will allowed to ply during day time to avoid traffic jamming on

60 residential units coming up at Channi, Prasad lays foundation 2 ways traffic on Jammu-Sgr

NH-1A from April 1st

BARAMULLA, MARCH 27: The Election Aware-ness Observer for Baram-ulla-Kupwara Parliamen-tary constituency, Mr. Dheeraj Kumar today visited Baramulla and reviewed the status of election preparedness in Baramulla district.

Mr. Kumar specifi-cally took a review of the progress achieved in or-ganizing voter awareness drive in Baramulla district under Systematic Voters Education & Electronic Participation (SVEEP) programme. He also re-viewed the functioning of Media Certification& Monitoring Committee (MCMC) set up by the District Election Officer.

Mr. Kumar stressed on the need to involve

civil society in registering new voters and prepa-ration of Election Photo Identity Cards (EPIC). He expressed satisfaction over the efforts made by the District administra-tion in registering new voters and preparation of EPICs. He also expressed satisfaction over the poll preparedness by the District administration adding the momentum needs to be continued. He said though the pro-cess of EPIC preparation should continue, those voters who do not have EPIC can go for voting if their names are regis-tered in electoral rolls.

The Observer also reviewed the operation-alisation of Media Centre set up at DC office com-

plex. Earlier, the District

Election Officer, Dr. Fa-rooq Ahmad Lone briefed the Observer about the state of preparedness viz viz elections in the dis-trict. He said so far 92 % photo electoral rolls and 86 % EPICs have been pre-pared and the same is ex-pected to rise in coming days. He said 6600 new voters have been regis-tered in the district since last revision.

The DEO informed the observer that a core committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner has been set up to oversee the drive under SVEEP. He said besides the official electronic media, pri-vate radio and television channels, youth clubs,

panchayats, Lumberdars & Chowkidars have been roped in for the success of the programme.

Dr. Lone said the MCMC has been set up in the District with As-sistant Commissioner Development and District Information Officer as its official members and two mediapersons as non offi-cial members. He said the committee holds weekly meetings and so far it has had two sittings.

Later, the Election Awareness Observer vis-ited the Media Centre and interacted with the of-ficials there. He enquired about the facilities which would be extended to mediapersons during the course of election cover-age.

JAMMU, MARCH 27: Mr. M.A. Sikandar, Director, National Book Trust, India, called on Mr. N.N. Vohra, Governor, here at Raj Bhavan, today.Mr. Sikandar in-formed the Governor about the series of initiatives taken by the NBT for promoting reading habits among the people and generating a book culture in the coun-try. The Governor discussed with Mr. Sikandar the presently available opportunities for good quality books being published at reasonable prices and the efforts being made for organizing book fairs and ex-hibitions, interaction among authors, publishers and book lovers in the State.The Governor suggested to Mr. Sikandar the usefulness of classic literary works and biographies of important persons being translated into various languages and sold at moderate prices. To serve the book reading habit the Governor recommended that NBT may seriously consider bringing out easy to read comic books for children of various age groups, ensur-ing that such books are based on classic works.

Academy celebrates World The-atre Day; 4 plays staged, recitedJAMMU, MARCH 27- To commemorate the World

Theatre Day, J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languag-es today held a special functionNatya Path at the K L Saigal Hall here during which two plays, one each in Dogri and Hindi, namely O Koan Tha by N D Jamwal and Teen Seerhian by Prof. Rita Jitindra were recited and two short stories of famous author Prem Chand.

Director NBT calls on Governor

DC flags off farmers tour DODA, MARCH 27-As a part of the effort of the Department of Ag-

riculture to provide exposure to the farming community, a group of 30 farmers representing the District Doda was flagged off to participate in four days Training programme on “organic farming” at regional Centre for organic farming Chandigarh by District Development Commissioner Doda Mubarak Singh today.

The group of farmers is scheduled to take part in the Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela at Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI) New Delhi from March 27 to 30 March. The training is being conducted under Agri-culture Technology Management Agency (ATMA).

While addressing the touring farmers on the occasion, DDC Doda Mr. Singh asked the farmers to utilize the opportunity and make them-selves aware about the latest techniques applied in agriculture and allied sectors for the development of Agriculture sector in the District.

He said that such exposure visits help farming community to keep themselves abreast with the technological advances in the field of agriculture and allied sectors which prove beneficial for enhancing production in agriculture in the District and helps to uplift the socio-eco-nomic condition of the poor farming people of the region.

Consider making some plans for a vacation or short getaway, Libra. Looking forward to something fun can make even the tough-est of days far easier to handle. You’ll be amazed how much you can manage when there’s an end in plain sight. Your entire attitude can lighten. So take the bull by the horns and create an incentive for yourself. Do something special to reward the hard work you do day after day.

Don’t judge someone if he or she has a different lifestyle than what you consider to be OK, Scorpio. You probably lean toward the traditional, yet not everyone feels this way about re-lationships, working, or lifestyle. While it may seem impossible to understand and even frighten you, try not to be too harsh on those you deem odd. You’d be better off using that energy to keep your own life on track.

Friends seeking advice or a shoulder to cry on could be plentiful today, Sagittarius. You’re one of best people to give them the support and care they need. Just be sure that you don’t give so much to others that you don’t have anything left for yourself. True friendship is about sharing and the exchange of problems and help. Running yourself down will leave you in a place where you aren’t going to be much help to anyone.

Getting through today shouldn’t pose too big a problem for you, Capricorn. You may feel a huge second wind that can give you the drive and determination to see your chores and projects through. Make some plans for this evening, such as getting to-gether with friends or taking in an event that really intrigues you. Until then, go about your tasks bit by bit. You’ll get things finished before you know it.

Working within boundaries and restrictions could really get to you today, Aquarius. Yours is an independent spirit and your best achievements are often born of doing things your own way. Yet like it or not, we all have to follow guidelines and rules. Do your best to follow suit and finish what needs to be done. Afterward, you may find more freedom to act independently without consequences. Exercise patience and diligence as needed today.

Chances are that you’ll feel upbeat and positive today, Pisces. Consider sharing this energy with those around you who are feel-ing less than content. Your attitude can have a profound effect on friends, partners, spouses, and children. Even neighbors and ex-tended family can pick up on your spirit without you even real-izing it. Share your optimism with everyone you can today. If you see someone hurt or angry.

Feeling the effects of today’s energies, Virgo? Take heart if this is the case, because the end of the tunnel isn’t as far away as it seems. Do your best to take things one step at a time and see about making some plans for a little fun this evening. Get together with friends or take in a movie. Help yourself feel better by staying busy and focused and follow up with some recreation. Before you know it, the aspect will pass and you’ll be back to normal.

Don’t discount your ability to be extremely resourceful if you need to be, Aries. If you don’t have everything you need or all of the required information, take time to think. Who can you ask? What places can you access? Who might know where you can find what you need? Rather than panic because the pieces aren’t all there, instead make a list of contacts and go for it. Trust in yourself.

Try not to let today’s blues get you down, Taurus. While it’s true that some days can seem to drag on, the busier you are the faster time will pass. Get down to finishing any work still before you and then make plans for tonight. If there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, not only will things seem to speed up but you’ll feel better knowing it’s coming.

Dare to be different, Gemini. It can be so easy to fall into a drill. Sleeping at the same time, eating at the same time, wearing the same style, and going about work the same way day after day. Be-fore you know it, you feel like you’re in a rut. The only way to get away from this is to make a decision to break free by doing some-thing unique. Try a new haircut. Wear colors that are unusual for you. If the need is there, consider a new career. Pursue expansion.

If your lifestyle is considerably different than that of others, re-sist feeling self-conscience about it today, Cancer. Try to remember that you chose the life you have for specific reasons. Even if you’ve come to a point where you’re considering a change, there’s no need to feel badly, ashamed, or embarrassed about where you are now. Everyone has to make his or her own way. If this conforms to the norm, that’s fine. If it doesn’t, that’s fine, too.

An enhanced feeling of determination could motivate you today, Leo. Finish the things that aren’t complete and make some plans for this evening. Don’t hesitate to take on something that feels compli-cated or big. Chances are you’ll be able to handle most anything and it will feel great when it’s finished. Enjoy your day by making the most of opportunity.

Uniforms, Stationary items distributed among school childrenSRINAGAR, MARCH 27: A Civic Action Programme organized by the J&K Armed

Police 12thBattalion Zewan was held here today.DIG Armed/IRP North Kashmir Mr. Mushtaq Sadiq attended the function as

Chief Guest, while Commandant JKAP 12th Battalion, Mr. Baqar Samoon and other officers of the JKAP were present on the occasion.

During the function School Uniforms and other Stationary items were distrib-uted among school children of Govt Girls School Balhama and Govt Boys School Balhama belonging to Below Poverty Line families.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mushtaq Sadiq emphasized upon the teachers to inculcate ethical and moral values among students while urging the students to exhibit best performance both in curricular and extra-curricular activities. He also stressed upon the concerned authorities for holding such events in future also so that under privileged students can be motivated to get enrolled for higher studies.

Market checking, anti-polythene drive intensified at Lar

Realized Rs. 39,000/- as fine from erring tradersGANDERBAL, MARCH 27: A team of District Officers conducted surprise inspec-

tion of various markets of Lar Tehsil of Ganderbal district in connection with anti-polythene drive and to curb profiteering, hoarding and adulteration here today.

The team led by Tehsildar Lar, Dr. Nazir Ahmad seized polythene which was destroyed on the spot.The team also destroyed sub standard food items and realized Rs. 39,000/- as fine from erring traders.

Election Observer visits Baramulla; reviews SVEEP, MCMC progress

BARAMULLA, MARCH 27: A Lok Adalat was held under the Chairmanship of Sub Judge, Mr. Vinod Kumar, who is also Chairman of Tehsil Legal Services Committee, Pattan at Court Complex Pattan today.As many as 60 cases of vari-ous natures were taken up during the Lok Adalat, out of which 32 cases settled amicably on the spot. Besides Rs. 20550/- were released as fine and Rs.10000/- was awarded among the parties.Officials of Court Members, Bar Association, large number of litigants besides senior citizens of the area were also present on the occasion.

anti Tobacco workshop held at Bandipora

BANDIPORA, MARCH 27: An anti Tobacco workshop was organized by the district administration in collaboration with Education department and Volun-tary Health and Development Association (NGO) at Bandipora today, which was amid at making the general public aware about the demerits of use of tobacco on human life.The workshop was attended by the Assistant Commissioner Rev-enue Bandipora, Chief Education Officer Bandipora and Executive Director of JK Voluntary Health Association Srinagar, Mr. A.M. Mir besides senior doctors and prominent citizens were present during the workshop.

The speakers on the occasion stressed for the need of taking affective steps so that the whole population particularly the young generation is saved from such evils.

Lok Adalat settles 32 cases at Pattan Civic action Programme held at Zewan

Daily Zabarwan TimesEDITORIAL/ OPINIONEDITORIAL/ OPINIONDaily Zabarwan TimesSrinagar, Friday 28 March 2014

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

Protecting Wildlife

Daily Zabarwan TimesEDITORIAL/ OPINIONEDITORIAL/ OPINIONDaily Zabarwan TimesSrinagar, Thursday 20 February 2014

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

Unparliamentary happenings in Legislatures- unfortunate

Virtual ClustersThe Virtual Clusters concept con-

sists of a dedicated Web portal to be hosted by the Ministry of Mi-cro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).

It provides an opportunity for the following stakeholders to register and join. · MSME’s and their business units.· Academic institutions (engineering col-leges, polytechnics, ITI’s as well as MBA col-leges anddesign institutes).· Various experts, consultants and train-ers who can provide sector specific help to MSME’s.· Banks and other financial institutions who are interested in providing financing to MSME’s.· Various governmental organizations, NGO’s, and volunteering executives who have a special interest in the MSME sector. The main stakeholders in this initiative are the small business units. The role of the other stakeholders is to help the business units grow rapidly in the areas of increasing the sales and the profitability. The Virtual Cluster concept is being conceived such that small businesses belonging to differ-ent sectors can coexist with their fellow enter-prises on a web portal and realize the benefits of focused and targeted networking. Web based Virtual Clusters for different sectors can be cre-ated rapidly thereby responding to the needs of the stakeholders quickly. What is the difference between current physical clusters and virtual clusters? The current “physical clusters” scheme requires the MSME units to be physically located in one geographic area. It also requires time and sig-nificant resources to build and maintain the physical infrastructure. Virtual Clusters on the other hand remove the need to maintain a physical presence in these regions. Small Busi-nesses/ Enterprises can be located anywhere in India and yet be able to realize all the benefits that units in the physical clusters now realize. What are the Benefits to various stakeholders? Business enterprises · Awareness of various opportunities such as government tenders and export opportuni-ties.· Training in new technologies that will im-prove their operations and reduce costs.· New product development opportunities.

· Help from students and faculty from near-by academic institutions without having to pay for such help. Such help can be in areas such as quality improvement, cost reduction, new product designs, etc.· Targeted help from consultants and ex-perts specific to particular business sectors. Students Studies have shown that a large number of stu-dents are not able to get meaningful jobs after completing their studies since they lack the ex-posure to solving real life problems. Through the Virtual Clusters web site and other associat-ed activities we are aiming to address this prob-lem by linking various academic institutions to businesses. As a part of their industry intern-ship program students can help implement a number of systems at the business units with-out these businesses having to employ outside experts to provide such services. Consultants and other practicing professionals Professionals who have expertise in specific business sectors will be able to quickly reach businesses in that sector who are registered through the Virtual Clusters web portal. This will make the process far more efficient for both the parties. Banks and other financial institutions Many banks and other financial institutions offer special funding packages to small busi-nesses. Through the Virtual Clusters initiative they will be able to offer sector specific fund-ing packages rather than a standard offering in which the small businesses have to fit in. This will enable banks to specialize in sectoral funding and simultaneously spread their risks across a larger number of companies in a given sector. Businesses will benefit by saving time and having ready access to better suited fund-ing options. Central and State Government organizations A number of central and state level organiza-tions offer many programs targeted at the small business community. The Virtual Clusters por-tal will make it easier for policy makers and other implementing agencies to reach these businesses quickly and more efficiently. NGO’s and Volunteer advisors As in case of governmental organizations many regional NGO’s and volunteer advisors can reach MSMEs that are registered in the Vir-tual Clusters web site more effectively. Pilot Project Virtual Clusters model is being tested through a pilot that will first focus on businesses involved

in the Food Processing Industry. This includes companies that make food products and those that make equipment used in food processing. The concept will then be readily and rapidly ex-tended to a number of other sectors. Examples of food products Packaged honey and various honey based products Dry fruits Saffron Spices Various types of nuts: cashews, peanuts, wal-nuts, etc.

Juices Herbs

Biscuits and other baked products Etc. Examples of food processing machinery · Pasteurizing machinery· Baking ovens· Spice grinders· Packaging machinery· Juice making machinery etc.After getting some experience with the pilot project for a few months the Virtual Clusters web site will be opened up to a number of other sectors. How will the Virtual Clusters website and the initiative be administered? NIESBUD, a training arm of MSME Ministry will administer the Virtual Clusters web site and will pro actively perform the following ac-tivities: · Work with bankers and various stakehold-ers within the government in the best interest of the MSME’s. · Survey the needs of the Food processing sector and organizing the availability of re-quired technologies and· facilitating specialized training in the appli-cation of such technologies. · Work with the purchasing arms of the var-ious government departments and PSU’s to as-sess their purchase requirements that have been reserved for purchasing from the MSME’s. · Work with the academic institutions to review their experiences and help fine tune the process as needed. · Monitor web site usage and suggest any chang-es that might be necessary to enhance overall user experience. · Anything else that needs to be done to make the initiative a strong success at an early date. · Organize a package of software applications that will be of benefit to MSME’s. · Train academic institutions and MSME’s in the use of such software applications.

Regulator for the Housing Sector

The Cabinet recently ap-proved the real estate reg-ulation and development bill which provides for put-ting in place a regulator for

the housing sector in the country with a view to bringing transparency to the sector. The regulator will oversee the functioning of the sector which unfor-tunately has been most opaque in its dealings. The bill, aimed at regulating the sector which is beset with multiple problems, is therefore a welcome step which has been long overdue. The bill provides that the builder whose project is coming up on an area of 1000 Sq. metres or more will have to register with the regulator. The Agents, commonly known as property dealers, too will have to register themselves with the regulator and make public all the relevant information. The prospective house owners in the country have been facing lots of problems in the process of acquiring a dwelling unit. They are never told the status of the project advertised with regard to the mandatory clear-ances from different agencies. Projects are launched without obtaining such clearances leading to litigations and harassment for the consumer. There are also cost overruns and often in-ordinate delays in handing over the dwelling units to the consumers. Be-

sides, there are hidden costs which the consumer comes to know only at the time of taking over the possession. Not the least important is the confusion sought to be created by the builders with regard to the unit area. Instead of mentioning the carpet area--the actual area of a dwelling unit which one uses-- the builders sell the vague super area which includes all the common areas. To deal with such problems the bill provides for a number of mea-sures. For instance no project can be launched, in fact even publicized, be-fore all the necessary clearances for the project are obtained. Any violation of this provision through a misleading advertisement will lead to imposition of a penalty on the builder and if the offence is repeated for the second time, a jail term up to 3 years. The builder will have to put on his website all the relevant details about this. Similarly, in case of inordinate delay in hand-ing over the possession as per the agreement, the builder will have to make full refund of the money to the consumer along with interest. The bill makes it mandatory for the builder to sell the unit according to the carpet area and not the super area as is being done now. To prevent builders from di-verting funds collected for one proj-ect to other projects the bill provides

that 70 percent of the funds raised for a particular project have to be put in a different account and used for the construction of that project only. All this, indeed is going to bring transpar-ency, accountability and professional-ism to the sector which will enhance its credibility and bring some relief to the house buyers. But the question is whether this will be enough to deal with the massive housing problem the country is facing? Two things need to be given immediate attention if the bill has to serve the desired purpose. First, since the clearances have to be given by vari-ous government agencies, it is import-ant that they too are brought under its purview. Second, the regulator is pro-posed to be only for the housing sec-tor. The commercial sector has been left out for the time being. One hopes that this sector too will be brought un-der the purview of the bill sooner than later. Alongside, steps need to be taken to reform the sector to meet the massive housing demand in the coun-ty. The land use provisions and Floor Space Index (FSI), need to be given a fresh look. Better land use is the need of the hour in view of the huge short-fall in the housing field. Single window system needs to be given a push to avoid delays.

Growing urbanization, a growing middle class and migratory population is putting additional burden on the de-mand for housing in the country. It is therefore imperative that in addition to regulating the sector the supply side is also strengthened. Housing is one sector which gives a push to many oth-er sectors like steel and iron, cement etc. It also generates employment at various levels. It thus plays a major role in the economic development, partic-ularly at a time when the economy is facing a slowdown. The bill envisages a well structured grievance disposal system. There will be an Appellate Tribunal to adjudicate disputes which will be headed by a sit-ting or a retired judge. There will also be a National Advisory Council head-ed by the Housing minister to advise the regulator on crucial matters. That should take care of adopting a fair ap-proach with regard to all stakeholders involved in the sector. Since land and property is a state subject, cooperation from the state governments is of utmost importance to make the bill a success. One hopes this cooperation will be forthcoming in the desired measure, as it is as much in the interests of the states to regulate the housing sector as it is for the Cen-tral government.

The unparliamentary scenes witnessed for past some time in Lok Sabha,Rajya

Sabha and state Assemblies is in no way helping the cause of these high institutions which are ex-pected to be most respected in the society. It has become routine now that even on pity matters the members of legislatures barge in the well of the House, break chairs and audio system and even scuf-fle with each other. These institu-tions which are considered to be a guiding force for the whole society are now becoming wrestling rings and all sorts of unparliamentary things including abusive language against each other is the order of the day. One fails to understand as to what message we are giving to our young generation and what examples we are leaving behind for them to follow. What hap-pened in the parliament yesterday is really unfortunate and unbe-coming of the parliamentarians who are representing lacs of peo-ple. Their actions are shaming the whole nation and they are wasting precious time , money and energy of the country. Billions of rupees are spent on elections after every five years and millions on the ex-penditure incurred by these law makers which is all hard earned money of the general masses of this country. How unfortunate is the story of their activities which in no way help to mitigate the problems of the people who elect them with a lots of hopes and as-pirations. These members should realize that they have not to show their muscle power in the Legis-latures and have not to brow beat others by creating unruly scenes and pandemonium. In fact, they should attend to the problems of the people and spent their energy in solving them. It is better if they show patience and exhibit their maturity and use the precious time they spent in Legislatures for the betterment of the whole soci-ety which expects them to behave in that way. The pandemonium and unruly scenes do not help in any kind of contribution towards the society. It is not only the op-position but also the ruling class which should try to defuse the situation and show that they are parliamentarians in real sense and they understand their responsibil-ities and duties. For the last about three years most of the time and state legislatures has been wasted in unparliamentary things which result in adjournments most of the time. It will be in the fitness of the things if public representatives perform their duties in a responsi-ble, serious and mature way.

Himalayan range is not only most fascinating & spec-tacular but also a natural

wonder of the earth which is the richest in habitat of animal life. One third of the mammal species are living in the lap of Himalayan mountain range. Jammu & Kash-mir has variety of geographical regions, climate and vegetation which are a delight to the wild-life enthusiasts and tourists. The richness of Himalayan range is a boon for the state economy. But unfortunately with the population explosion, rampant poaching, shrinking forests due to construc-tion, wildlife is depleting very fast. Out of 15 prominent wild life spe-cies unluckily owing to human in-terference five species have been declared critically endangered including Hangul, Musk Deer, Markhor, Snow Leopard and Brown Bear. The forest area, the natural habitat of wild animals, is being encroached by human hab-itation which includes construc-tion of roads, buildings, industrial houses, tunnels, railway tracks & sense less felling of trees. All these factors pose a potential threat to wild life and a number of wild life species are vanishing with every passing day. Besides this the use of pesticides for agriculture and horticulture purposes contami-nated water adds to this tragedy every day. The contaminated wa-ter increases toxicity in the ani-mals and results in ailment which causes untimely death of birds, fish and animals. The shrinking of forest cover by ruthless cutting of trees, timber smuggling and other factors are the main cause of death of animals as they do not get sufficient food and therefore die of starvation.Though World Wildlife Fund is making all out efforts to save the endangered species by including them into Red Data Book, the state government must also take care of the natural habitat of these endangered species. The duty of the concerned department does not end by organizing some func-tions during wildlife week starting from 2nd October but constant and effective measures should be made by wildlife protection staff. They should be given advanced training in protecting the wildlife. Apart from this awareness, cam-paigns must be initiated to create consciousness among the people regarding the fall of the number of wildlife species. Though some clubs have been set up but their number is negligible in view of the magnitude of the problem. Moreover the poachers and wood smugglers should be severely punished so that a strong mes-sage goes across that nothing will be tolerated against the destruc-tion of forests and forest life.