Categories
EDUCATION

Prof Sheikh Ajaz Bashir assumes charge as Principal Amar Singh College, Srinagar

NASIR YOUSUFI

Srinagar: Prof Sheikh Ajaz Bashir assumed the charge of Principal Amar Singh College and as Nodal Principal Kashmir Division colleges as well here on Wednesday afternoon.

Prof Aijaz was accompanied by large number of Faculty from Islamia College and was received by Amar Singh college staff and students.

In his message to staff he impressed upon them to work as a team and ensure transparency and honesty in all the initiatives of college.

He impressed upon the faculty to work towards better enforcement of discipline in the campus. Further he called upon them to express maximum guardianship towards students.

Categories
EDUCATION

Prof. Khurshid Ahmad Khan assumes charge as Principal Islamia College of Science and Commerce, Srinagar

NASIR YOUSIFI

Srinagar: Prof. Khurshid Ahmad Khan assumed charge as Principal Islamia College of Science and Commerce, Srinagar here on Wednesday.

The Principal was formally welcomed by the outgoing Principal Prof. (Dr.) Sheikh Ajaz Bashir and staff members of the College. The outgoing Principal Prof. (Dr.) Sheikh Ajaz Bashir will assume charge as Principal Govt Amar Singh College, Srinagar. The staff members of the college bid warm send off to the outgoing Principal Prof. (Dr.) Sheikh Ajaz Bashir

Categories
JAMMU

Everyone should know Law being a responsible citizen: Chief Justice

Inaugurates Legal Aid Defence Counsel System at ADR Centre

SAMBA, APRIL 4: Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh (Patron-in-Chief, Jammu and Kashmir Legal Services Authority), Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, today inaugurated Legal Aid Defence Counsel System at ADR Centre, Samba, in presence of Justice Tashi Rabstan, Executive Chairman, Jammu and Kashmir Legal Services Authority.

Chief Justice and others also planted trees in the premises of ADR Centre.

Chief Justice inspected all the courts situated in the District Court Complex, Samba and issued directions in respect of different matters. He also interacted with Judicial Officers, Bar Members and staff, listened to their grievances and passed appropriate directions.

Later, Chief Justice presided over an awareness programme held on “Expanding Horizons of Access to Justice and Role of Legal Services Authorities” at Conference Hall, Mini Secretariat, Samba.

Chief Justice, in his presidential address, deliberated upon the importance and meaning of preamble of Constitution of India. He sensitised the student participants about the true spirit behind the Preamble of Constitution of India. He also briefly highlighted the provisions of Jammu and Kashmir Legal Services Authority Act, 1987.

While discussing the role of Para Legal Volunteers, Justice Tashi Rabstan in his special address shared with gathering as to how the Para Legal Volunteers working under District Legal Services Authorities can act as bridge between a common man and various departments and also how can they help the poor and needy people in providing free legal assistance through District and Tehsil Legal Services authorities.

Principal District & Sessions Judge (Chairman, District Legal Services Authority), Samba, Sonia Gupta, welcomed the dignitaries and Hitesh Sharma, Panel Lawyer, DLSA, Samba, presented vote of thanks.

Besides, Anuradha Gupta, District Development Commissioner, Samba also spoke on the occasion.

On the occasion, Ritu Sambyal, Assistant Professor, Bhargava Degree College, Samba; Bandana Kumari, student of BA Semester 4th, Bhargava Degree College, Samba and. Danish Tak, student of BA LLB Semester 3rd Dogra Law College, Bari Brahmana also delivered their respective discourses on the subject. They were presented with appreciation trophy.

These programmes were also attended by Shahzad Azeem, Registrar General; M.K. Sharma, Principal Secretary to Chief Justice; Yash Paul Bourney, Registrar Vigilance; Rajinder Sapru, Registrar Rules; Amit Gupta, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority; Anoop Kumar Sharma, Registrar Computers (IT); Prem Sagar, Secretary, High Court Legal Services Committee; Parveen Pandoh, Joint Registrar (Protocol), High Court of J&K and Ladakh; Benam Tosh, Senior Superintendent of Police, Samba; Judicial Officers of District Samba, Bar Members samba, students of Government Degree College, Samba; Dogra Law College, Bari Brahmana; Bhargava Degree College, Samba and Government Higher Secondary Schools for Boys and Girls, Samba.

The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Rekha Kapoor Nischal, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Samba.

Categories
EDUCATION

Prof. Ghulam Jeelani Qureshi assumes charge as Principal SP. College, Srinagar

NASIR YOUSUFI

SRINAGAR, APRIL 4: Prof. (Dr.) Ghulam Jeelani Qureshi assumed charge as Principal SP. College, Srinagar here on Tuesday afternoon.

The Principal was formally welcomed by the outgoing Principal Prof. (Dr.) Khurshid Ahmad Khan and staff members of the College. 

 The outgoing Principal Dr. Khurshid Ahmad Khan will assume charge as Principal Islamic College for Science and Commerce, Srinagar.

  The staff members of the college bid warm send off to the outgoing Principal Prof. (Dr.) Khurshid Ahmad Khan.

Categories
KASHMIR

1.5 million tulips bloom colorful flowers greet visitors

NASIR YOUSUFI

SRINAGAR: On a sunny morning, a middle aged man leaves for work on his aged bicycle. With his lunch box swinging from a side of the handle, he paddles through the lanes and by lanes on Srinagar outskirts. After paddling  six kilometer distance from his home, he halts his ride only to begin his day overwhelmingly tending  to vast stretch of garden filled with tulip bulbs.

Shabir Ahmad, a 48 year old gardener is not alone, he is soon joined by a number of co-workers in their routine endeavor. Every morning a troupe of workers take to the vast fields in a picturesque garden on the foothills of famed Zabarwan hills growing lakhs of bulbs which finally  grooms into world’s one of the largest  tulip show in  Asia’s largest tulip garden at Srinagar. Through out the  year these workers work in tandem to make the show a real success.

“I have been working in this garden for last eight years. Round the year,  we work hard to grow such a large number of bulbs in this garden. Interestingly all  our labour seems to pay off as the garden  witnesses  a majestic tulip bloom by the end of March ”, says visibly upbeat Ahmad.

The grand tulip display on the banks of Dal lake calls for a lot of care, maintenance and hard work.  “Growing tulips need a lot of hard work. We sow these bulbs in the month of November. From December onwards, the plants need lot of care in the form of pruning and deweeding. Even we clean the snow from patches to provide the requisite care to growing bulbs. From February the plants are sprayed with fungicides periodically. The process continues during their bloom too”, says Shaiq Rasool, Deputy Director Floriculture Kashmir while describing the growth cycle of tulip Himalayan climate. After the blooming period is over, the bulbs are plucked out from the fields, cleaned, sorted, fumigated and then stored in cold storage till the next sowing period. The whole process needs round the clock work and all the credit goes to this team of dedicated workers , adds Rasool while referring to the staff and labourers posted in the garden.

 Formerly  known as Siraj Bagh, the picturesque stretch of 600  Kanals of land nestled among mountains on the banks of world famed Dal lake was transformed and developed into Indra Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in 2007. The sensational additions to the flora of the valley in the form of tulips, daffodils,hyacinth and ranunculus were brought from Europe mostly Holland.

The garden  holds a record for growing the number of tulip bulbs. Comprising of scores of varieties of colored tulips, the soul refreshing garden is expected to bloom about fifteen lakh tulips this year.

 Dr Inam, In-charge tulip garden says this season, 1.6 million tulips comprising of 72 varieties are expected to bloom this season. He says the department has added four more varieties of tulips this year in the garden. 

 The mesmerizing view of thousands of blooming tulips sends any onlooker into gaiety, reminding one of the Words Worth’s ‘Thousands I saw in a glance … ’ couplet.  Made into terraces, the design of garden and pattern of tulip lawns give a unique outlook to the Asia’s largest tulip garden. The successful tulip show has preponed the tourism season in the region.

As the flowers bloom by the third week of March, every year the government throws open the garden for public for about a month. The natural display of vast number of tulips blooming simultaneously is an international fame now. Tourists from the country as wel as outside India  have started to visit the valley to have a glimpse of tens of lakhs of tulips at a single place in the valley.

“I have come to the valley for third time now. Tulips of different colours blooming over such a vast area of land is an absolute beauty. I have been totally mesmerized by the charming spell of this garden. It seems that the Netherlands has come to Kashmir!”, exclaimed a Rohini, a software professional  who has come to visit the garden for the first time with her husband from Mumbai. The tourist couple said that the people should come and visit this garden at least once in the life.

Tulip garden has become a centre of attraction in the spring season in Kashmir. In addition to drawing thousands of tourists from outside UT, the place is a popular destination among the local picnickers too.

 Traditionally valley used to witness the tourist footfall by mid April , But now the tulip garden has added more days to tourism season here, says Dr Ishfaq Ahmad, teaching economics in the university of Kashmir.

From school children , peer groups, families to foreign tourists, as the visitors enjoy the natures bliss  on the Zabarwan foothills, the workers like Ahmad cherish the moments watching the smile and smell in the air.

Categories
CITY

Saddar Treasury Sgr warmly farewells Mir Anayat Hussain, Bashir Ahmad Wani

SRINAGAR: Saddar Treasury, Srinagar gave a warm send-off to two staff member of the Saddar Treasury Srinagar, Mir Anayat Hussain and Bashir Ahmad Wani who attained their superannuation on 31st March 2023.

The Treasury Officer of the Saddar Treasury Syed Shabir Ahmad, Basharat Ahmad Zargar, Hilal Ahmad Kalla, Bilal Ahmad, Mubashir Shaheen, Syed Athar, Khurshid Tahir, Mehraj Din, Joginder Singh, Arshad Hussain, Sanjay Kumar, Mir Umar, and others were present at the farewell event.

On this occasion, the Treasury Officer of the Saddar Treasury Srinagar, Syed Shabir, congratulated them on the successful completion of their active services. He also highlighted their zeal and dedication towards their work.

He added that their punctuality and commitment towards the office will continue to inspire them and wished retirees a very happy and fulfilling post-retirement life.
At the end of the function, Basharat Zargar extended the vote of thanks on behalf of the staff to all the staff members and guests who attended the function.

Categories
CRIME

Police arrests 08 gamblers in Kulgam, stake money seized

Kulgam, April 01: Acting tough against the social crimes, Police in Kulgam have arrested 08 gamblers and seized stake money from their possession.
Acting on specific information regarding gambling in the jurisdiction of PP Mirbazar, a police party led by Incharge PP Mirbazar raided the suspected gambling site at Palpora and apprehended 8 gamblers on the spot. They have been identified as Mohd Yousuf Malla son of Ghulam Mohammad Malla resident of Kawaki Bazar Qaimoh, Nasir Ahmad Ganie son of Mohd Rafiq Ganie and Umar Hammid Wani son of Abdul Hammid Wani, both residents of Furrah, Mudasir Ahmad Rather son of Abdul Rashid Rather resident of Waghama Bijbehara, Bilal Ahmad Mir son of Mohd Ismail Mir and Nisar Ahmad Khanday son of Mohd Afzal Khanday both residents of Bumthan, Nisar Ahmad Mir son of Ghulam Hassan Mir resident of Zadoora and Tariq Ahmad Matoo son of Ghulam Mohammad Matoo resident of Gangipora.
Officers have also seized stake money of ₹50,000/- 08 mobile phones and a set of playing cards from their possession. They have been arrested and shifted to police station where they remain in custody.
Accordingly, a case under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Qazigund and further investigation has been initiated.
Persons found indulging in criminal activities shall be dealt as per law. Community members are requested to share information regarding the crimes in their neighbourhood with the local police units.

Categories
BUSINESS

J&K’s economic growth Vibrant: CS

Releases Economic Survey 2022-23 of the UT

JAMMU, MARCH 31: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta today released the Economic Survey 2022-23 of the UT, a document presenting the elaborate picture of the economy of J&K for the closing financial year prepared by Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Planning Development & Monitoring Department.

On the occasion the Chief Secretary observed that the document is vital in gauging the progress made by the UT. He also called the document a true account of what we have achieved during the financial year.

He complimented the Department for coming up with this Survey at an opportune time. He said that the survey presents a fine picture of our economic trajectory which is encouraging for all of us. He remarked that the yearly economic growth of the UT is a notch higher than National average which shows that approach we have adopted during last few years is working well for the economy.

The Survey reports that J&K is expected to grow at 8 per cent as against 7 per cent at National level during 2022-23 at Constant Prices. At Current Prices, GSDP of J&K is expected to record a growth of 15% which is at par with National level. Economy of J&K grew faster than the national average in recent years.

It further stated the GSDP is likely to be doubled in the next five years with emphasis on service sector, industries, agriculture, horticulture and tourism. UT Revenue Performance (Tax plus Non-Tax) is expected to double during current year.

The Survey has also applauded the time bound policies, action plans and development strategies being implemented to carry forward and sustain the positive environment and momentum of economic development. It also talks about various reforms initiated for good governance and transparency which includes, IT enabled innovations in administration like Janbhagidari, E-stamping, PaySys, BEAMS, eHRMS, e-GRAS, e-office, GST which are more secure, cheaper, efficient, time saving and reliable compared to the previous systems.

Besides the document brings forth the unique reformative initiatives like District Good Governance Index, Aspirational Blocks Development Programme, Aspirational Panchayat Development Programme, and Aspirational Towns Programme rolled out first time in the country.

It also discusses the prime ranking of J&K it got in different parameters of registering growth and development. Be it the Ist rank among the UTs in its e-office uptake in almost 400 offices with disposal rate of 97 %, first rank among UT’s in Renewable Energy Development, Ist rank among the UTs in registration coverage under e-SHRAM, Ist rank among the UTs in issuance of SWAMITVA Cards, 2nd rank in Nasha Mukt Abhaan, 2nd rank in performance under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahostav, 3rd rank at all India level in terms of total road length constructed under PMGSY, 4th rank in incremental progress of SDG, or 5th rank in reducing regulatory compliances burden under ease of doing business at All India Level.

In terms of achievements it makes out that the road network is extended to all the habitations with population over 250 persons as per 2001 census, facilitating growth and development across the UT. World class National highways, expressways, tunnels, bridges, flyovers, ring roads are coming up. J&K’s Rail link is expected to be connected to All India during 2023. Airports are also being upgraded. The Urban development is also high on agenda, smart city projects are being implemented in the capital cities of the UT,the Survey presents.

Regarding power generation capacity it says the same is likely to be doubled in 4 years and tripled in next 8 years. The response of people to the outreach programmes like My Town My Pride (MTMP) and Back to Village Four (B2V4) was also highlighted  in this report.

In education sector the indicators have shown notable improvement as per the survey. Adoption of National Education Policy 2020 and the J&K Education Investment Policy 2020 has set in new challenging targets for J&K. Quality education with provision of skill and research has been introduced at higher education level. The youth of J&K are being motivated to attain higher levels of expertise in productive skills and sports sectors, as per the report.

As far as the Tourism sector is concerned, it says that J&K is developing 75 new tourist destinations, 75 heritage/cultural sites, 75 sufism/religious sites & 75 adventure treks/sites attracting potential for all the four seasons in the areas of nature, adventure, pilgrimage, heritage, sports etc.  More areas of tourism like amusement, water parks, adventure (water sports, Rafting, Rock climbing, Snow parks) etc and entertainment are being explored to attract more tourists.

Empowerment of Panchayati Raj institutions is proving game changer as per this Survey. The centrally sponsored flagship schemes like MGNREGA, PMAY, SBM(G) being implemented are rejuvenating the rural landscape of J&K. It further goes on to say that SBM(G) has brought J&K an open defecation free status by providing IHHLs to 1952 villages. Under PMAY(G) 30381 families (1.14 Lakhs cumulative) were provided financial assistance for construction of Pucca houses besides numerous water bodies were rejuvenated under AmritSarovars scheme.

With respect to empowerment of women, the beneficiary oriented schemes are helping women in realising better lives for them and their families. UT envisions achieving Sustainable Integrated Development focusing on Connectivity, Eco-friendly Modern Infrastructure to meet people’s expectations with Transparent Governance over next 25 years. Tourism, Agriculture, Horticulture and Power clubbed with Improved Infrastructure, Connectivity, Logistics, better Health and Education facilities, Digital Governance and effective Grievance Redressal Mechanisms shall be the core areas for realizing Vision 2047, suggests the Economic Survey 2022-23.

Those who were present on the occasion includes Secretary, PD&MD; DG, Planning; Directors of Planning of different Departments besides other officers of the department.

Categories
JAMMU

CS launches 6 more services   under Auto-appeal

Asks for full integration of all the 105 services notified under PSGA

JAMMU, MARCH 31: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta today launched the PSGA auto-appeal feature for 06 more online services offered by the Housing& Urban Development Department. The feature is going to auto escalate the appeals in case the services are not provided to the applicant within the time limit set under the Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA).

Dr Mehta complimented the IT Department for integrating the feature in the vital digital services offered by the  Housing Department to the citizens. He directed for integrating this Auto-appeal feature for all the designated 43 online services by next month. He also advised them to work for activating this feature for all the 105 services specified under the Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA) at the earliest.

The Chief Secretary stated that these services form the bulk of the applications of citizens made in the department. He said that the auto-appeal feature for services related to  everyday life of the people  like  birth and death certificates are critical for enhancing ease of living.

He emphasized  that benefits like old age and  widow pension, scholarships under various social security schemes etc should also be included in the system without any delay.

He observed that this feature would act as a turning point in maintaining transparency and accountability in services to the public and eradicating corruption. He  stated that auto escalation feature of  online services is going to put an end to malpractices besides promoting  fairness, a priority set  by the current dispensation in all its affairs including offering of government employment and public contracts to its citizens on the basis of merit alone.

On the occasion it was  brought  out that the delivery of services  through online mode has greatly reduced the waiting period for processing of  applications. It was revealed that the bulk of applications in the Revenue Department pertain to such applications and it is going to benefit a large number of people.

It was also apprised that the feature like auto-appeal is going to bring a greater transparency in these services in future as these would ensure their delivery as per the timeframe set for them under PSGA and fixing of responsibility on part of any officer/official for any undue delay.

The Services which were today brought under the Auto-appeal system includes Non-Availability Certificate of Birth Record, Issuance of Birth certificate and inclusion of child name in existing record, correction in existing birth record, Issuance of Death Certificate, Non-Availability Certificate of Death Record and Correction in existing Death Record.

Those who were present includes Principal Secretary, H&UDD; Commissioner Secretary, IT; Secretary, GAD; SIO, NIC; Scientists from the IT Department besides other concerned officers of these Departments.

Categories
JAMMU

Lt Governor chairs the meeting of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board

JAMMU, MARCH 31: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha chaired the 44th meeting of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) at Raj Bhawan, today.
Hon’ble members of the Shrine Board – Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, Shri D. C. Raina, Smt. Kailash Mehra Sadhu, Shri K. N. Rai, Shri K.N. Shrivastava, Shri Pitambar Lal Gupta, Dr. Shailesh Raina, Prof Vishwamurti Shastri and Smt Manju Garg shared their valuable inputs and suggestions for improving the facilities for the pilgrims.
The meeting discussed the ongoing works and future projects for smooth and hassle-free pilgrimage.
Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor and CEO SASB made a detailed presentation and briefed the board on various aspects of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2023, including registration for Yatra, provision of helicopter services, service providers, Yatra camps, langar/NGO services, insurance cover for yatris/service providers etc. He further presented the action taken report on the decisions taken in the previous board meetings.
Chief Engineer BRO briefed the meeting on the progress regarding maintenance, restoration & development works of the Yatra tracks.
Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Sh Raj Kumar Goyal, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department; Sh Dilbag Singh, DGP; Sh RR Swain, Special DG CID; Sh Mukesh Singh, ADGP Jammu; Divisional Commissioners; Administrative Secretaries; Additional CEO SASB and other senior officers from Civil Administration, SASB, Police & Army also attended the meeting, in person and through virtual mode.

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