Monday, October 24, 2011

ship building yard in Dal lake

There is a ray of hope for dying houseboats in Kashmir. The government is now building a ship building
yard on the Dal Lake where houseboats will be built and rebuilt.
Built at a cost of Rs. 1.2 crore, it will be Kashmir's first ship building yard. The government plans similar shipbuilding yards to other lakes and waterways as well.
The move is set to change things for the better.
The 1200-odd shikaras, which have served as backdrops
for many Bollywood songs, have been the centre of attraction for tourists visiting the Dal Lake.
Many of the houseboat owners are fighting for their survival. Like the 75-year-old Azmim Tumaan, owner
of 75-year-old houseboat 'New Mascot' on the Nageen Lake. His boat is sinking and is desperate for repairs. After a government order in 1991, special permission is needed to repair houseboats
and new ones cannot be built.
"Earlier we didn't require any permission for construction and repair of our houseboats, but now we are facing a lot of difficulties,"
said Tumaan.
About a 100 houseboats have sunk in the Dal waters since that order, and most of the 1200 houseboats still afloat on the waters of River Jhelum, and Dal and Nageen lakes are past their shelf life.
Dal Lake, or for that matter, any lake of Kashmir
without houseboats is nothing; they really are the icons and hallmarks of Kashmir. Clearly steps need to be taken to preserve them, so that we don't lose an important element of her glorious heritage.

Dhanwantri Jayanti celebrated in Jammu

The Bhagwan Dhanwantri -the God of Health and Longevity Jayanti was celeberated with full charam and enthusiasm today and in this connection functions were held at different places throughout Jammu region.

Indigenous Medicines Organization (IMO) today organized a function to commemorate the jayanti of Lord Dhanwantri. On the occasion, Dr C D Thapa, patron of the organization was the chief guest who paid floral tributes to Lord Dhanwantri.

He stressed upon to follow the path shown by Lord Dhanwantri and serve the ailing humanity selflessly with the spirit of dedication. Among others who spoke were Dr KK Gandotra, president of the Association, Dr Mahesh Sharma, general secretary, Dr Narayan Dutt, Dr Som Dutt, Dr K K Kapoor, Dr Ashok Sharma, Dr Rohit Gupta, etc.

Vishwa Ayurved Parishad (VAP) and Arogya Bharti organized week-long health awareness programme on the eve of Dhanwantri Jayanti at Bal Niketan, Ved Mandir Amphalla. The function was presided over by Dr Subash Gupta, president, Arogya Bharti while swami Hriday Giri Ji was the chief guest. Dr Gautam Mengi, Principal, Dental College delivered the key address. Dr Arun Jandial while narrating the significance of the day recalled the medical ethics of those days when motivation of the doctors used to be relieving the suffering with a spirit of service and not material gains, fame, etc. Dr Govind Ram Gupta, president, VAP also addressed the gathering. Dr Sujata Sathoo, general secretary, VAP, conducted the proceedings of the function and Dr Jatinder Gupta, organizing secretary, VAP presented vote of thanks.

Kapsons opens fashion store in Jammu

Kapsons, one of the leading lifestyle stores in a venture to bring forth national and international brands under one roof for the fashion conscious customers, opened its mega fashion store in the winter capital today.

The Kapsons Mega Fashion Store at Apsara Road, Gandhi Nagar, was inaugurated by Raman Bhalla, Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation who was accompanied by Ajaz Ahmed Khan, Minister of State for Haj, Auqaf and Fisheries, Vipin Kapoor, Senior Director, Kapsons and Darpan Kapoor, Director, Kapsons.

Ministers had a glimpse on all the brands installed in the mega fashion store and applauded the efforts of the Kapsons Directors for bringing the national and international brands for fashion conscious Jammuites and that too under one roof.

Inspite of raining, hundreds of Jammuites attended the inaugural ceremony of the mega fashion store and also had glimpse of the brands put on display in the mega fashion store.

Speaking on the occasion, Vipin Kapoor, Senior Director, Kapsons, informed that the 14,000 sft store was setup in the winter capital in association with Apsara Multiplex, headed by Krishan Kumar Gupta.

Vipin Kapoor added that the Kapsons store would feature some of the leading international brands for men, women with a wide range of casuals, formals and semi formals besides a wide variety of accessories.

"The people of Jammu can experience all the leading international brands like Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Gant, Fcuk, Gas, US Polo, UCB, Puma, Arrow, Indian Terrain, Blackberry, Wills, Wrangler, Lee, Levis, Givo, Nino Mantelli, Nautical at Kapsons", Kapoor added.

Vipin Kapoor said that Kapsons had a modest beginning by the first generation entrepreneurs with one retail outlet in 1989 and today it has 11 Kapsons Lifestyle Stores, 100 exclusive brand outlets and four junior and 12 Krome stores.

Darpan Kapoor, Director, said that Kapsons entered Jammu in 2008 with its store for children wear, Kapsons junior in City Square Mall and because of the overwhelming response form the people of the city, they decided to bring in other international brands for adults also.

Fresh snowfall in Jammu kashmir

For the second consecutive day, normal life was affected in Kashmir as plains received fresh spell of rains while as light snowfall was recorded in the higher reaches as well as some of the important tourist destinations of the Valley.

Due to snowfall and incessant rains, Srinagar-Leh highway and Mughal road linking Kashmir valley with Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu province have been closed for traffic.

As the cold wave intensified in Kashmir valley, people could be seen looking for means to keep themselves warm. As people were greeted by rains and icy winds, very few people ventured out of their homes today.

The movement of traffic was also thin and everybody seemed to be in a hurry to reach to their respective destinations. The cold wave conditions forced the common masses to switch over to different forms of heating.

A Meteorological (Met) Department official said that the day temperature in Srinagar was recorded at 11 degrees Celsius while as the minimum temperature was recorded at 7.3 degrees Celsius. He said that Jammu recorded day temperature of 22.9 degrees Celsius while as the night temperature was recorded at 17.4 degrees Celsius.

The Met official said that rains or thundershowers are likely to occur at most of the places in Kashmir valley over the next 24 hours. He said both the Kashmir and Jammu divisions received light to moderate rains today.

"On Sunday from 8.30 AM to 5.30 PM, Srinagar received rainfall measuring 3.3 millimetres while as Jammu received rainfall measuring 4 millimetres. Maximum rainfall in the State was recorded at Bhaderwah where 17 millimetres of rainfall was measured," said the Met official.

He said that Qazigund received a rainfall of 3.6 millimetres while as 8.8 mm, 9.5 mm, 5 mm, 6.8 mm, 7.6 mm, and 5.4 mm rainfall was measured at Pahalgam, Kupwara, Kokernag, Banihal, Batote and Katra areas of the State respectively.

He said that 1.5 inches of snowfall was recorded at Gulmarg near the world famous Gandola adding that higher reaches of Pahalgam also received light snowfall. "The forecast for widespread rains and light snowfall is over for now. Most of the areas of Kashmir valley are likely to witness rain or thundershowers during the next 24 hours," said the Met official.

Due to rains and snowfall, the 434 kilometres long Srinagar-Leh highway was closed. A Government official said that the highway is closed since Saturday evening following snowfall at Zojila, Meenamarg and other places.

However, the 294 kilometres long Srinagar-Jammu national highway remained open for vehicular traffic despite light to moderate rains all along the route from Srinagar to Jammu.

Due to bad snowfall and incessant rains, Mughal road linking Kashmir with Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu division has been closed. The Deputy Commissioner Shopian has ordered that the Mughal road would remain closed between Dubjan and Peer Ki Gali and only the vehicle of the Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) building the road will be allowed to ply on the road.

Meanwhile, in Kashmir valley some of the people have started using Kangri (firepot) since Saturday, there are others who are using blowers and other electric appliances in order to keep themselves warm. The woolens are also out of the cupboards and people have started wearing Pheran (long gown) as the cold wave conditions have intensified.

The inclement weather played a spoilsport with the Sunday market here. While most of the roadside vendors decided to sit back at their homes the others braved the rains and set up their merchandise. But as very few people ventured out, the sale was at a dismal low.

"Sunday is an all important day for us since it is a day for earning for us. However, the rains coupled by icy weather conditions dampened our business for the day. I could not move out of the house and as such could not sell my merchandise on the Maulana Azad Road today," said Mohammad Maqbool, a roadside vendor.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Use of polythene in jammu kashmir

Continuing its efforts to contribute towards the society, One Young Kashmir (OYK) Thursday executed a cloth-bag distribution activity in The City Centre Lal Chowk to denounce the use of polythene. One Young Kashmir, a group of Kashmir youth - students, entrepreneurs and professionals from various other fields aim to create a platform, which other Kashmiri youth can join and work on the issues including environment, culture, entrepreneurship and various other issues concerning the society.
In continuation to their earlier programme of making and distributing paper bags, OYK members along with many volunteers today distributed cloth bags among the people and also apprised them about the hazards of polythene.

Thousands of bags were distributed free as part of educating the common masses. “The aim of this activity was to instill a sense of realization in the people about the hazards of polythene and encourage the use of bio-degradable bags,” said Zuhaib Qureshi, member of OYK.He said that this was a follow-up of the Paper Bag event organized by OYK in this June,. In that event students from 23 schools made thousands of paper bags and later on distributed them among the people.

“The money to procure the cloth bags was generated from the passes for the Cross Cultural Music Event (another event which they organized). As promised earlier, all the money will go back to the environment and to our Kashmir," Rayees Rasool, another member of OYK said.It should be noted that One Young Kashmir has organized many events till date including a youth leadership summit, paper-bag making event and a musical exchange programme. “We aim to bring a positive change in Kashmir.
The team wants to keep coming up with such attempts so as to bring their goal of "be-the-change" to the ground level” Rayees added.Kashmir saffron harvest on decline CHANDHARA, Oct 6(Agencies): For seven generations, Abdul Khalik’s family has cultivated saffron in the foothills of the Himalayas. The 65-year-old is one of several hundred farmers in his village south of Srinagar, the summer capital of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, who grow the delicate crocuses that produce the world’s most expensive spice.

Jammu and Kashmir’s climate has made it well suited to the complex growing and blooming cycle of the saffron crocus, and the state is the only one in India that produces saffron. The crop, growth since the 16th century in the area, is sold domestically and exported for use in food flavouring and colouring, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and dyes.But erratic rain and snowfall, likely related to climate change, have played havoc with the flowers, cutting Khalik’s yields by almost half over the past 15 years.With seven mouths to feed at home, “I have no choice but abandon my family’s calling,” says the despondent farmer.

PRODUCTION HALVED
In 1997, saffron covered 5,700 hectares (about 14,000 acres) of Jammu and Kashmir, but the cultivated area has now dropped by half. Over the same period the saffron yield has fallen from 3.1 kg per hectare (about 2.8 lb per acre) to 2.3 kg per hectare (2 lb per acre).Changes in temperature and rain patterns since 1999 have had a significant impact on saffron production,
according to Firdos Nehvi, a professor of plant breeding and genetics at Srinagar’s Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology (SKUAST).Nehvi says that over the past dozen years, annual precipitation has declined from 80 to 100 cm (31 to 39 inches) to 60 to 80 cm (24 to 31 inches).“Not just the quantity but the seasonal pattern of rainfall too has changed, because the (previous) temperature pattern has changed,” Nehvi says.Since 1999, the average temperature in early spring has risen by several degrees, and the resulting evaporation from melting glaciers brings rainfall in March that used not to occur until the early summer. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, an associate professor in the geology and geophysics department at Kashmir University, ascribes some of the responsibility for melting glaciers to high levels of particulate pollution
from industrial units and cement factories operating in the Pampore saffron belt since the early 1980s.

“Impurities like cement dust and the trapped warm air from industries melt snow faster in this area,” he says.
Nehvi says that rainfall during all six months of spring and summer is now too much for the saffron crocus, which is very sensitive to over-irrigation. Equally damaging is the pattern in some other years, when heavy spring rains continue from March until June but then no rain falls in the summer months. The saffron crocus bulbs lie dormant after each year’s harvest, and they require at least four short showers each month from July until September in order to grow new roots.
“Over the last three years, Pampore has not received the rooting time showers on schedule,” says Mubarak Ali Rather, a farmer from the village of Hatiwara who has grown and traded saffron for 20 years. 

FUNGUS PROBLEMS
Nehvi adds that when rain does fall in the later season, it can last for several days at a time, raising the humidity to a level where fungal rot attacks the underground crocus bulbs. Saffron flowers are normally harvested in October and November. Cutting the saffron flowers and hand-picking and drying the stigma and stamen are tasks traditionally done by women and children.“Flowers must be cut within three days of blooming, but sometimes in recent years sudden short bursts of rains devastate the flowers before we can pick them,” said farmer Meema Banu.The temperature at harvest time is equally important
to the success of the crop. Changes in the climate have caused a shift in the flowering cycle to November, when temperatures are several degrees lower than optimum for the crocus.“As a result, the bloom ‘aborts’ – it shrivels and the stigma cannot grow to its full length,” explains Nehvi.Saffron is a multimillion dollar industry in India, but the country’s 6.5 tonne annual production is a distant second to that of Iran, which produces 174 tonnes a year – 89 percent of global
production.

IRANIAN IMPORTS
As domestic supplies dwindle, smuggled Iranian saffron is taking over the Indian market. In response, some Indian traders have resorted to adulterating locally grown saffron with synthetic materials, with drastic consequences for the reputation of domestic saffron – and for its price, which has hit all-time lows.In 1999, saffron fetched 33,000 Indian rupees per kg ($685). Current prices offered by middlemen to farmers in Chandara are no higher than 8,000 rupees per kg ($166).To address the crisis, the federal Ministry of Agriculture has budgeted $77 million to assist in the economic revival of the Jammu and Kashmir saffron sector. The revival programme aims to employ scientific techniques to rejuvenate saffron bulbs, as well as to provide groundwater irrigation through bore wells and sprinklers, power tillers, and a high-tech Saffron Park with mechanized processing as well as a testing laboratory and e-trading facility.
The target is to double saffron production by 2014.

Dussehra celebrations 2011

Dussehra marking victory of good over evil was celebrated with full religious fervour and enthusiasm across Jammu region today with people torching the effigies of demon King Ravan, his son Meghnath and brother Kumbkaran.

The main function was organized by Sanatan Dharam Sabha (SDS) at Parade Ground, Jammu and thousands of devotees were witness to torching of the effigies of Ravan, Kumbkaran and Megnath.

As the effigies were put to flames the slogans Jai Sri Ram rented the air. Earlier pooja of Lord Rama, Laxman and Sita Mata was performed in a traditional way by the dignitaries. The procession was taken out from historical Raghunath Temple in Lord Rama's silver chariot by the devotees to the venue of Dussehra function at Parade ground.

The Raghunath Rath proceeded via City Chowk, Shalamar and Ranbireshwar Chowk to Parade and as the tradition goes the effigies are not torched unless and until holy Rath carrying the idols of Lord Ram reached the venue of the function.

At Raghunath Mandir pooja of Lord Rama, Laxman and Sita and the holy chariot was performed by president of Dharmarth Trust, Thakur Diwakar Singh. He was accompanied by his secretary Shashi Khajuria and other members.

Minister of Health Sham Lal Sharma was the chief guest. The function was also attended by Minister of Medical Education and Sports, R S Chib.

Addressing the function the ministers highlighted the significance of Dussehra. They said the day inspired us to fight against evil so that the world is made a better place to live in. The Lord Rama has set an example for people to follow.

The Ministers while greeting the people on the occasion stressed on maintaining peace, unity and brotherhood. They said that this is the only tool through which the State can overcome all challenges and fight the terrorism, which has given a jolt to its progress and economy during the last 22 years.

Others who were present on the occasion included MLA Jammu West and former Union Minister, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, BJP MLA Jammu East, Ashok Khajuria, MLC and NC leader Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, Divisional Commissioner Dr Pawan Kotwal, Mahant Rameshwar Dass of Purani Mandi, Mahant Jagpuran Dass, SDS president, Jagdish Dogra and its other office bearers including Ramesh Pahalwan.

The authorities had made elaborate security arrangements and a big posse of police was deployed in Parade Ground and outside to deal with any eventuality. The traffic on Parade route was diverted to other sides and no vehicle was allowed to enter the Parade via Ranbireshwar Chowk and Kacchi Chawni Chowk.

Scores of stalls were installed on Parade and the hawkers were selling the bows, arrows and crackers with children and their parents busy in purchasing the same.

There was such a huge rush of public to witness the Dussehra celebrations in Parade ground that after the function was over it took half an hour to the people to come out from the ground.

However, later the traffic jams were witnessed on Secretariat road, Kachhi Chawni road, Brig Rajinder Singh Chowk and Shalamar Chowk and the people faced a tough time in reaching their destinations.

Dussehra was also celebrated by Shri Amar Kshatriya Rajput Sabha in its premises today. A hawan was performed in the Sabha premises on the occasion which was followed by Shaster Poojan (arms). The Dussehra besides being celebrated for victory of truth over evil is also celebrated as preservation of weapons. A large number of people participated in the function. In his address president of the Sabha Kr Narayan Singh highlighted the significance of the day.

Dussehra was also celebrated with pomp and show and as per Vedic traditions at Sainik Colony today. The people from all walks of life including Lt Col (retd) S D Sharma and others participated. Thousands of people from Sainik Colony and other areas participated in the function which was organized by Sainik Colony Dusshera Celebration Committee.

Reports coming from other parts of the region said that Dussehra was celebrated with full religious fervour and gaiety at Poonch today where thousands of people from all walks of life participated in the celebrations. The function was organized by SDS Poonch led by its president Manjit Kumar.

Dussehra was also celebrated at Bishnah with full enthusiasm and MLA Bishnah Ashwani Kumar Sharma was the chief guest on the occasion. Mr Sharma highlighted importance of the day and called upon the people to follow teachings of Lord Rama. Several prominent persons were present on the occasion.

Another function was held at Mendhar Poonch in which also a large number of people from all faiths participated. A shoba yatra was taken from Hanuman Mandir Mendhar and after passing through entire Bazar it culminated back at the Mandir where the effigies of Ravan, Kumbkaran and Meghnath were torched. The function was organized by Hindu Maha Sabha led by Satish Sharma.

The reports of Dussehra celebrations have also come from Rajouri, Udhampur, Reasi and other districts of the region. At Udhampur MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia was the chief guest while at Reasi Deputy Commissioner P K Pole was the chief guest on Dushera function.

Reports coming from Srinagar said that Dusshera was also celebrated with traditional fervour at gaiety in the Summer Capital today. A large number of people attended the function.

On the occasion of Dusshera which is also called Vijay Dashami, 117 BN CRPF organized a function at Wazir Bagh Srinagar in which Hawan was also performed by N Kumawat Commandant. The weapon pooja was also performed on the occasion. The officers and jawans of the Battalion prayed for peace and prosperity.

Department of Wildlife Protection holds rally

The Department of Wildlife Protection, Jammu Wildlife Division, in collaboration with Global Green Peace and Environment Protection Middle School, R S Pura, organised rally-cum-interaction programme at Gharana Wetland Conservation Reserve to celebrate the wildlife week.

On the occasion, students from various adjoining schools of Gharana Wetland participated in the rally by holding banners, placards, etc to aware the common masses for the protection of wildlife. The rally after covering the distance of 2 km culminated at Nava Pind, which started from Gharna.

While speaking, Vijay Singh, Range Officer Wetlands and Davinder Choudhary, educated the children about the importance of wildlife sanctuaries/wetlands, its flora and fauna and their protections.

Later, group discussion contest was held in which Sheetal Verma of Global Green Peace Environment Middle School, R S Pura, Seema Choudhary of Model Public School, Shamaka, Seema Devi , Global Green Peace Environment Protection Middle School R S Pura and Priya Menia, Government Middle School Gouper Basti, R S Pura shared the top three positions. Tani Choudhary of Global Green Peace Environment Protection Middle School, R S Pura got the consolation prizes. 

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Pilgrimage up by 12 lakh Vaishno Devi shrine

Holy cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ji is witnessing heavy rush of pilgrims during the Navratras. Total pilgrimage during first nine months of this year, which concluded today, have recorded an increase of nearly 12 lakh over the corresponding period last year indicating that yatra to the shrine was all set to touch or even surpass the figure of 1 crore for the first time.

Last year, 87.2 lakh pilgrims had visited the shrine of Goddess Vaishno Devi, located between Trikuta hills at a height of 5200 feet from the sea level. With 12 lakh increase during first three quarters, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) authorities were confident that the yatra would cross 10 million mark for the first time in the history.

Though the SMVDSB authorities were anticipating a substantive increase in the pilgrimage in last quarter of the yatra over the same period last year, the yatra would touch 1 crore even if it remained at par in last three months as it has already gone up by nearly 12 lakh.

SMVDSB Additional CEO Dr Mandeep K Bhandari told the Excelsior that 77.75 lakh pilgrims paid obeisance to Goddess Vaishno Devi during first nine months of 2011 as compared to 65.80 lakh yatra in the same period in 2010, recording an increase of 11.95 lakh.

During the month of September, 8.25 lakh yatris visited the holy cave shrine as compared to 6.20 lakh last year, an increase of 2.05 lakh.

During first Navratra, 45,000 devotees offered prayers to Goddess Vaishno Devi as compared to 36,900 last year. On second Navratra, number of the pilgrims stood at 40,047 as against 38,800 in 2010 while on third Navratra today, nearly 35,000 people left holy town of Katra, the base camp of the shrine, for Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan. The figure was 31,300 last year, Dr Bhandari said.

Authorities were expecting heavy rush to the cave shrine during remaining Navratras in view of ongoing Navratra festival during which many functions were being organized daily.

Last year, highest number of 87.2 lakh yatris had visited the cave shrine. With nearly 12 lakh increase in the pilgrimage till September this year, the authorities hoped that remaining three months of 2011 would also lead to a substantial increase in the yatra, taking pilgrimage well beyond the magic mark of 10 million for the first time.

During the current year, 4.21 lakh yatris visited holy cave shrine of Goddess Vaishno Devi in January as compared to 3.99 lakh in the same month last year while the number came down to 3.69 lakh in February in response to 3.77 lakh in 2010. The pilgrimage jumped to 7.55 lakh in March up from 7.22 lakh last year.

In April, 9.77 lakh yatris paid obeisance to the Goddess while the number was 8.78 lakh last year while in May, 8.70 lakh people visited the shrine as compared to 9.14 lakh last year. The highest ever yatra in a month was recorded in June with 11.50 lakh yatris visiting the shrine as compared to 9.19 lakh last year. In July also, the pilgrimage crossed 11 lakh recording 11.27 lakh yatra while the number was 8.40 lakh last year. In August, 10.05 pilgrims visited the shrine as against 7.91 lakh last year.

Police parties led by SP Katra Mohan Lal and SDPO Katra P N Tickoo were supervising security arrangements for the pilgrims. Tight security arrangements have been made for the Navratras.

Jagti Township Scandal

Non State subject alloted quarter at Jagti

Dismissing the reports that one non-state subject was alloted quarter meant for Kashmiri migrants in Jammu, Revenue Minister Raman Bhalla said an inquiry would be conducted into the alleged irregularities in the allotments.

In reply to a question by National Conference (NC) member, Mir Saifullah, Mr Bhalla said 4278 flats were allotted to Kashmiri migrants in Jammu while 341 two room transit accommodation was allotted to migrants in the Kashmir valley.

He said the transit accommodation in the Kashmir division has been allotted to the migrant employees on sharing basis who have been appointed under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s employment package.

Mr Bhalla said as per the policy, the migrants who had continuously stayed in old camps and have not constructed their own houses, qualified for the allotment of flats.

He said proper verification was carried out and allotment made in favour of such migrant families.

He said that no single person has been allotted two flats.

Mr Bhalla also said that no non state subject has ever been considered for allotment so that question of allotting to any does not arise.

However, Mr Mir challenged the reply and alleged that some officials, including one kingpin Vinod Bhat and Commissioner have alloted flats to people on money consideration.

The member read out names of people, who have been allotted two flats.

He also alleged that a non state subject Ramesh Kumar, resident of Gurdaspur was also allotted a flat.

The member said that the officials in the Department responsible for the allotment of flats were ignoring the deserving migrants and allotting flats to those who pay bribe.

Mr Mir further alleged that 80 per cent of the flats were allotted to persons belonging to a particular district while others were ignored.

"I do not doubt your (Ministers) honesty, but the officials have not deliberately given the list of the persons allotted flats and quarters to hide the facts which could have exposed them," Mr Mir said.

Mr Bhalla assured the member and House that he will conduct inquiry and punish the guilty if any irregularities were found.