Cabinet expansion

NC calls Cong as ‘impediment’

With three ministerial berths lying vacant in state cabinet since it was formed in 2008 and two more portfolios of congress falling in Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s lap, the National Conference on Monday gave a new twist to the already complicated issue, saying Congress was the biggest impediment in the ‘overdue’ cabinet expansion.

“We are ready for the expansion but unfortunately there has been no green signal from congress in this regard,” additional general secretary Dr. Mustafa Kamal has told KNS, a local news gathering agency.

 As per the present cabinet format National Conference has one cabinet vacancy available whereas Congress has two, besides two additional portfolios of R&B and Education which had gone vacant following the resignation of the two respective Congress ministers after allegedly helping their children pass the different exams.

 Sources told KNS that National Conference had four contenders for the single vacancy available to it as per the seat sharing agreement in the cabinet, whereas Congress was battling the factionalism within the party to pick up its two candidates for the cabinet.

“For one vacancy available to NC, we have Choudary Mohammad Ramzan, Mir Saif ullah from frontier district of Kupwara, Sajad Ahmad Kichlo from Kashtawar and Dr. Mustafa Kamal from Srinagar staking the claim,” a senior leader of the party told KNS .

He, however, added that now after party reorganization in which Dr. Kamal and Sajad Ahmad Kichlo have been given the important party assignments, things eased up a bit for the ruling party. “There are now just two contenders for the lone cabinet birth and both are from the same district.” added the sources.

 Meanwhile, party sources told KNS that Mir Saifullah is likely be picked up for the cabinet. They, however, added that no final decision had been taken as yet and maintained that this was only the possibility.

 In the meantime, NC  additional general secretary Dr.  Kamal made it clear that party leadership was satisfied with the performance of its ministers in the Omar led cabinet and it was unlikely that any of them would be called back at this point of time. He insisted that whosoever makes it to the cabinet, party should now take a decision on the expansion as that would ease pressure from Omar. “Taking one more party leader into cabinet will help Omar to concentrate on governance more,” added Kamal.

 Meanwhile, Congress sources revealed to KNS that the MLAs from Doda are lobbying hard to get a representation in the cabinet. Known for their loyalty to former Chief Minster and now the union health Minster Ghulam Nabi Azad, these MLAs have reportedly approached 7 Race Course in New Delhi to get their names cleared for the cabinet. “We won 5 out of six seats in assembly elections, but the irony is that none of us is in the cabinet,” claimed an MLA from Doda, wishing anonymity. 

 Sources told KNS that former Minster G.M Saroori  was  also lobbying hard for a come back which could be another big challenge for congress high command while taking any decision on cabinet expansion in Jammu and Kashmir. Sources maintained that CBI has not indicted Saroori and even Chief Minster Omar Abdullah had also hinted about Saroori coming clean of the charges soon.

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3 cops suspended in PTS Kathua

CS reviews darbar move arrangements

To review the arrangements being put in place for annual Darbar Move from Jammu, a high level meeting of Divisional and District Officers was convened by the Chief Secretary, Madhav Lal here today.

The meeting was attended by the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon, IGP Kashmir, S.M. Sahai and officers of Tourism, Information, Transport, Engineers of various disciplines.

The Chief Secretary was informed that Estates Department has arranged 1285 residential quarters out of which 780 are being provided to Darbar Move employees while 166 rooms are being allotted to senior officers by JKTDC at TRC, Kanposh and Heemal Hotels besides 43 huts in Cheshmashahi are also being acquired for the residential purposes for senior officers of the State. He was also informed that 115 hotels have been identified with the capacity of 3287 room.

The Chief Secretary directed the concerned officers to speed up the all the under construction projects so that they are completed within the stipulated time for the convenience of move employees. He also directed officers to ensure uninterrupted and water supply, sanitation in quarters of move employees, roads and parks. He asked the CAPD authorities to make LPG cylinders available for Darbar Move employees from Jammu to Srinagar with elaborate security arrangements.

Later, Madhav Lal conducted detailed tour of Civil Secretariat and took stock of renovation works being carried out. He also inspected the newly constructed additional block in the Civil Secretariat premises. He also inspected the newly setup 6 offices and 3 meeting halls in the Civil Secretariat.

Peerzada in Wikileaks

Darbar move to Srinagar on April 29

Annual Darbar move offices would close here on April 28 and reopen in the summer capital of the state on May 7.

“The Civil Secretariat will close on April 28 followed by Darbar Move from Jammu to Srinagar from April 29 onwards,’ reliable sources said adding that the offices would reopen in Srinagar on May 7.

“During week-long process, files, documents and other assets would be shifted to the Srinagar,” they added.

The practice of darbar move was started by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1872 to escape extreme weather conditions of Jammu during summer and harsh winters in Srinagar.

Over 5000 employees and trucks loaded of records were being shifted from Jammu to Srinagar and vice versa during Darbar move.

Nearly Rs 10 crore being spent every year for the shifting of offices. 

Placement drive by Kashmir University

CM regrets medias boycott of session

The Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah in his address on the concluding day of the current budget session in the

Legislative Assembly, today in a lighter way, expressed his feelings over the media’s boycott of the House proceedings earlier during the session.

While lauding the role of the media for its exhaustive and extensive coverage during the current session, Omar also said, “I have a little complaint. We get one opportunity to speak on Governor’saddress. But unfortunately, the media persons were not present here and we didn’t get the required coverage. But anyway we are thankful to the media for its extensive and exhaustive coverage of the proceedings”.

Lauding the members of the House for their participation and hard work, Omar said, “This has been a long and important session of the Legislative calendar. There were many good things during the session. There were harsh, bitter as well as sweet words exchanged, but this all happened in a cordial and good environment. I hope we carry the same in Srinagar. The motive for which people have voted and send us

here has been very truly served. We didn’t waste their votes and have come up to the expectations of the people by utilising the time in a better way.”

Throwing up yet another pun, Omar also added, “Thankfully property of the House remained intact. No fans were broken, no tables were broken and no mikes were thrown”. Chief Minister also thanked the Assembly staff, secretariat staff, officers, Chief Secretary, security personnel and others for their co-operation in conducting the session smoothly and successfully. Lauding the members of the House, he said, “Quality of our members was far-far better. The questions they raised made us accountable and we were on our toes all the time. This reflects the home work and efforts put in by  the members from both treasury and opposition benches” Omar also appreciated the balanced role played by both Speaker and the Deputy Speaker.

Panun Kashmir on Amarnath Yatra

Amarnath Yatra Politics

A K Thatai new IT Commissioner

Harsh moves privilege motion

Wrong info provided over education’

JKNPP MLA and leader of the Panthers Legislature Party Harsh Dev Singh today moved a privilege motion and sought fixation of responsibility and appropriate action against concerned authorities which had supplied wrong and misleading information in the Legislative Assembly during the course of current budget session.

Deputy Speaker who was in the chair took serious note of the issue and directed the Finance Minister A R Rather to have the facts verified in the light of the Privilege Motion and process the case for appropriate proceedings.

Earlier speaking during Zero hour in the Assembly, Harsh said that there were instances where false and misleading information was provided to the House with deliberate designs to conceal facts in a bid to cover up “the acts of misfeasance and malfeasance on the part of concerned authorities.”

He sought stringent action against ministers, bureaucrats and other concerned authorities who had supplied wrong and misleading information.

JKNPP leader said that such behavior constituted willful defiance of supremacy of the House and amounted to contempt of Legislature besides breach of privilege of members. He said that the House was required to take cognizance of such unscrupulous and reckless behavior of concerned government functionaries and proceed against them under prevalent norms, practices and rules of Procedure of the House.

Harsh said that the most glaring and unpardonable act of the concerned officers was discernible in the drafting of ‘Governor’s address’ to both the House of Legislature. He said that false and misleading information was incorporated in the ‘Governor’s address’ as well particularly by the School Education Department thereby involving the highest constitutional office of the Governor in the “bundle of lies” of the state government. He clarified that para 35 of the Governor’s address to the joint session of Legislature made on February 23, 2012 and subsequently circulated in the House stated that “under the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, 279 middle schools have been approved for upgradation to the level of High Schools. This has raised the number of High Schools in the state to 1697.” He claimed that the said information was wholly incorrect as out of the 279 schools which were required by Government of India to be established during 2011-12 in the state, none had been approved by the state government till date.

He further pointed out that existing number of High Schools in the state had also been inflated by the School Education department. He said that misleading picture was conveyed by the concerned authorities only to paint a rosy picture of the School Education achievements despite its extremely flawed and dismal performance and utter administrative inertia and red-tape prevailing in the department.

He further stated that in Para 38 of the Governor’s address it was stated that “A new centrally sponsored scheme, Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan, for providing opportunities to the rural youth in various sports events at the Panchayat level has been launched in the state with 90 percent funding by Government of India.” He however claimed that under the aforesaid scheme no funds had been provided by Government of India after the year 2009. He said for the last three years not even one percent funding was made by Government of India. As such calling it a ‘new scheme’ and making tall announcements of 90 percent funding by Government of India was highly misleading and mischievous especially when no funds had been provided during last three years, he said.

He said that the most deplorable and most shocking aspect of the matter was the highly unscrupulous conduct of concerned authorities in involving the high office of Governor in making the false and mis-leading announcements before the legislature.

Describing the act of concerned authorities as reprehensible, sacrilegious and highly contemptuous, Singh moved a Privilege Motion following which the Deputy Speaker issued direction to the Minister to look into it and process the case.

Joint venture for power projects in J&K

Shree Hudh Mata Yatra from July 4

Farmers awareness camp organized

Public importance during Zero Hour in Assembly

As many as 32 members raised the issues of public importance during the Zero Hour in the Legislative Assembly today.

MLA, Chadoora, Javid Mustafa Mir pleaded that Government should not disengage the employees of Municipal Committees of Kashmir division. However, if a decision has been taken the same formula should be applied with regard to engagement of employees since 2008 in case of Jammu and Ladakh divisions.

Ashok Khajuria sought expeditious disbursement of compensation to the business men who suffered loss due to Shri Amarnath land row in Jammu, as per an agreement reached between Shri Amarnath Sangarsh Samiti and Government.

Balwant Singh Mankotia raised the issue of extracting of debris, sand and bolders from various Nallahs along the National Highway, particularly in Udhampur areas by the agencies engaged for road widening. He demanded immediate action to avoid possible land erosion in the area.

Peerzada Mansoor Hussain sought thorough probe of allegedly illegal appointments made by the then Commissioner/Secretary Higher Education in the Education Department.

Abdul Gaffar Sofi raised the issue of 1200 labourers who were working for maintenance of National Highway and facing the threat of their disengagement by the BEACON authorities. He urged the Government to request the BEACON not to disengage the poor labourers.

Dr. Mohammad Shafi Wani called for repair of Magam-Beeru-Budgam road.

Jugal Kishore highlighted the plight of the workers who were engaged by the Forest Department some time back for forest conservation which are facing the threat of disengagement. He urged the Government not to disengage them as their services have proved very useful in protecting the forests.

Jagdish Sapolia drew the attention of the House towards large scale vacancies of teachers in Kathua district, adding that new academic session is about to start and urged the Government to take steps to fill these posts expeditiously so that the studies of the students do not hamper.

Syed Basharat Bukhari sought investigation of death of a forest guard who died in his Constituency under mysterious circumstances recently.

Prof. Gharu Ram stressed the need for launching Urban Housing scheme for the poor people in R.S.Pura town. G.M.Saroori urged for setting up of Vocational Centres boys and girls in his constituency. Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo urged for filling up of all vacant posts of doctors in Doda on fast-track basis.

Nazir Ahmed Gurezi called for waving off tax to taxi operators in Gurez. Radhey Sham Sharma demanded a special relief package for border migrants of Nowshera on the pattern of Khour border migrants. Mohammad Ashraf demanded construction of sports stadium Sopore.

Ashwani Sharma demanded early disbursement of compensation to the farmers whose land has been acquired for border fencing in Bishnah Constituency. Yashpal Kundal demanded installation of portrait of Baba Sahib Bim Rao Ambedkar in the Assembly/Council lobbies. Rafi Ahmed Mir called intervention of the Government to end the strike of J/K Universities Teachers.

Abdul Rehman Veeri sought enhancement of relief in favour of Kashmir migrants.

Hakim Mohammad Yasin, Khalil Band, Bharat Bhushan, Abdul Majid Wani, Mir Saifullah, Mohammad Sharief Niaz, Ashok Er. Abdul Rashid, Krishan Chander Bhagat, Peer Afaq and Durga Dass also raised the issue pertaining to their areas.

3G Services in j&k

Amarnath Yatra Politics

Fresh Rains and snow in Valley

Assembly passes PSA amendment bill

Bill to amend Public Safety Act was among the 11 bills passed by the state Assembly here today.

As per the amendment in Public Safety Act 1978, no person below the age of 18 can be arrested.

The House also passed bills to amend JK Development Act 1970, JK Municipal Act 2000 and JK Municipal Corporation Act 2000, JK Non Bio Degradable Material (Management, Handling and Disposal) Act 2007.

Besides, bill to provide for the facilitation of inclusive growth and slum-free cities, lay down general principles applicable to slum-free cities in all spheres of Government and according property rights to slum dwellers among others were passed by the Assembly.

The state government also tabled 20 reports, including CAG and State Human Rights Commission Report, in the Assembly on the concluding day of the budget session.

The reports included annual report of State Electricity Regulatory Commission for the year 2009-10; 52nd, 53rd and 54th Annual Reports of the JK Public Service Commission for the years 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11; and annual Report of the State Human Rights commission for the year 2010-11.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed satisfaction on the successful completion of the budget session.

“We are satisfied on the successful completion of the budget session...There was productive, purposeful and a long session during which matters of important public concerns were deliberated upon extensively in the House,” he said in his address to the Legislative Assembly members. 

J&K Panchayat Polls

Tree talk organised in Bagh-e-Bahu

Education standard exposed

Assembly adjourns sine die

Assembly was today adjourned sine die after a month-long session which witnessed ruckus over issues like Transworld Muslim University, JK Cricket Association scam and rising crime rate in the state.

Speaker Mohammad Akbar Lone declared the House sine die.

The month-long session of the Assembly was rocked by noisy scenes, uproar, protests, verbal duels, ruckus and walkouts by Opposition members over major issues like Transworld Muslim University, JKCA scam, political corruption, rising crime rate, passports issues besides amnesty to stone-pelters and withdrawal of cases against them.

The Assembly also witnessed boycott by media over the Speaker’s anti-media comments.

During the session, 14 bills were passed and 24 private members bills were also taken up, of which four bills were introduced.

Lone said 125 calling attention notices were received by the Assembly secretariat, of which 34 were taken up and 45 were disallowed.

Of the 84 resolutions received by the Assembly secretariat, 65 were admitted, 14 bills balloted for being taken up and six were taken up in the House.

The Speaker said the secretariat received 2,240 cut motions, of which 1,918 were listed and 322 disallowed.

A total of 145.40 hours were consumed for transaction of the business during the entire budget session.

103 legislators are defaulters

Tribute to Bhagat Singh

Heavy rain in kashmir valley

Constitutional Amendment among 4 bills introduced

The Private Member's Bill to provide for establishment of a residential Islamic University, Science and Technology that will offer education in various subjects with emphasis on the teaching of Hazrat Mir Syed Ali Hamdani, popularly known as Shah-e-Hamdan (RA), a renowned Islamic scholar and preacher was introduced in State Assembly during the second sitting of the House today.

The Bill was tabled by NC MLA and former Minister, Ch. Mohammed Ramzan and after Minister of Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Rural Development, Ali Mohmmed Sagar said that the Government has no objection in its introduction the Bill was deemed introduced in the House.

The purpose of establishing such a University is to offer education in various subjects with emphasis on the teachings of Shah-e-Hamdan, the member said.

In addition to it other two bills tabled by Ramzan were also introduced. However three Bills of PDP's Nizam-ud-Din Bhat were defeated when put to vote while the member withdrew his Bill on Amendment to J&K Panchayat Raj Act since Government agreed to make the Panchayat law comprehensive. Out of two bills of NPP MLA Harsh Dev Singh one on Panchayat Raj Act was withdrawn by the MLA while his second Bill on inclusion of Word Secular in the preamble of J&K Constitution was introduced in the House.

NC's MLA Mir Saifullah also withdrew his all four Bills on the assurance of Government though he tried his hard that Bill to amend J&K Brick Kiln Act be introduced in the House.

The other two Bills of Choudhary Ramzan which were introduced in the House included, the Bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Code of Criminal Procedure, Samvat 1989 and Bill to provide protection against sexual harassment of women at work places and for the prevention and redressal of complaints of sexual harassment and for matters connected therewith or incidental there to.

However the Private Member Bill of NPP's Harsh Dev Singh to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Raj Act was withdrawn by the member after the assurance of the Minister for Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Rural Development, Ali Mohammed Sagar, that the Government will try to over come the shortcomings as it is committed to empowerment of Panchayats in the State. The Panchayat elections were held after a gap of 34 years and hence it will take some time in overcoming the shortcomings, the Minister added . He also assured the member that the Government is considering to provide honorarium to Sarpanches and Panches.

Singh stressed that members of Panchayat Adalats be constituted on rational basis.

However Singh's ``The Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir (Amendment) Bill 2011'' was introduced in the House after the Government showed no objections in its introduction. The Bill is aimed at making an amendment in J&K Constitution by inclusion of word secular in its preamble. The Minister of Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Ali Mohammed Sagar said that Government has no objection in its introduction.

Nizam-ud-Din Bhat's Bill to make it obligatory on private Educational Institutions to provide reservation to children of BPL families was defeated in the House after put to vote. The Bill was opposed by Minister of Culture and Tourism, Rigzin Zora.

His other bills regarding Amendments in J&K Constitution to strengthening the Section 144, which gives a separate Flag to the State and downsizing of Ministry were defeated after put to vote. The MLA said ``the separate State Flag is not in rivalry with National Flag, which is supreme for us, but there are some sentiments attached to State Flag so New Delhi should not misunderstand the people of the State and State Flag be given its due place'', he added.

Strongly arguing for downsizing of Ministry and doing away with the deputy ministers in State Constitution which calls for three tier Ministry, Bhat said the same has become of no use as the deputy ministers concept has been given up completely now. Likewise the large size of ministry was a burden on exchequer as it is not quantity but quality, which matters, he added.

The N C MLA Mir Saifullah withdrew his Bill on Jammu and Kashmir State Planning Commission Act 2011 after Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather informed the House that Chief Minister has given categorical assurance in this regard already.

The MLA also withdrew his Bill to amend J&K Protection of Human Rights Act, 1997, Constitution of District Developmental Boards by making them statutory bodies on the assurance of Mr Sagar.

He also withdrew his other two bills one pertaining to Amend the J&K Brick Kiln Act and Another to amend the J&K Consumer protection Act on the request of Minister of Consumer Affairs and CAPD, Qamar Ali Akhoon.

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LC adjourned due to lack of quorum

How much interest the members of ‘the House of Elders’ take in the essential services, like water supply and another one, the road communication, could be well realized from the fact that the presiding officer had to adjourn the House due to lack of quorum today and even on Monday.

Vice chairman Ajay Kumar Sadhotra adjourned the Upper House at 2.12 pm today when a discussion on the working of the Ministry of Road and Buildings was going on. Congress member Naresh Kumar Gupta was speaking on the subject while Minister of State for R&B, Javed Dar, was there in the House to respond to the discussion being held in the House. As only eight members were left in the House of 30 members, the Vice Chairman, had to adjourn the House due to lack of quorum.

Though the members of this House generally complain of non-seriousness on the part of ministers and bureaucrats, today several officers from the concerned ministry were seen witnessing the proceedings. The media-persons were also performing their legitimate job at the Press gallery. The House resumed the proceedings again after about 14 minutes. Earlier, the quorum remained at its low ebb ranging from 10 to 12 members. Even for four minutes, the House continued without required quorum.

The Legislative Council was also adjourned on Monday when the discussion on PHE, I&FC Ministry was going on. Deputy Chairman M Y Taing was acting as presiding officer. He had to adjourn the House due to lack of quorum. Two members abruptly moved out, when Muratza Khan was speaking on PHE Ministry. Only seven members of the House were left inside, excluding presiding officer. The House was adjourned till 4 pm. Interestingly, hardly 3-4 members returned at 4 pm when the house was supposed to resume the business. Even at 4.15 pm the required quorum could not be managed. The minister concerned had to reply and two members were yet to speak. Unfortunately, the House of Elders could not carry on its business. It is not the first or the second time. Infact, it has now become a routine affair in the Upper House. The public and the media is closely watching the performance the representatives of this ‘House of Elders’.

Feb 2012 News

Trade unions hold protest in Jammu

Tainted Junior Doctor heads Valleys Prestigious Hospital

Zero Hour in Council

Fill up 800 posts of KP youth: Bakaya

Several members raised issues of public importance in the Legislative Council today.

Nurboo Gailchan raised the issue of stranded students of Leh particularly Zanskar due to closure of road and demanded their airlifting.

Rafiq Ahmad Shah raised the issue of two roads of Trehgam and Kralpora blocks and demanded their early completion.

Mohammad Ashraf Mir raised the issue of affected families due to Dal Development Project and demanded their early rehabilitation.

Murtaza Ahmad Khan raised the issue of up-gradation of high schools of Poonch, Mendhar and Surankote and demanded fulfillment of commitment made by the Government.

Dr. Bashir Ahmad Veeri demanded adequate irrigation facilities for Horticulture fields besides timely provision of pesticides and sensitizing orchardists about the benefits of technology mission.

Vijay Bakaya raised the issue of filling up of 800 posts meant for Kashmiri Pandits and demanded early implementation of Cabinet decision taken in this regard.

Javed Rana raised the issue of farmers of Poonch district living near borders who have to pass daily through several army check posts and sought intervention of Divisional Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner to take up this issue with Army authorities in order to ease the checking process.

Dharam Bir Singh Oberai raised the issue of cooking gas shortage in South Kashmir and demanded supply from Pampore.

January 2012 News

Protests against Peerzada

Geelani calls for strike on Feb 7

Assembly nod to property bill

Amid PDP's walk out the State Assembly today passed the Transfer of Property (Amendment) Bill 2012 with a voice vote by incorporating Congress legislators' one amendment in it that maximum period of lease for the project land should not exceed 40 years.

Earlier, PDP members including leader of Opposition in the House Mehbooba Mufti, Nizam-ud-Din Bhat, Abdul Haq Khan, Abdul Rehman Veeri and Choudhary Zulfkar who had moved amendments to the Bill did not withdraw them on Minister's insistence after his reply and pressed the same which were defeated by a voice vote.

Perturbed over the defeat of their motion of amendments the PDP members staged a walk out in protest and the House passed the Bill by adopting one amendment of Congress members.

While appreciating the concern shown by members, Minister of Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla assured the House that this amendment in Transfer of Property Act Samvat 1977, Bill No 1 of 2012 has been promulgated with the sole objective of ushering in economic self -reliance of the State and keeping in view the general well being of the people of the State.

He said this is one more step towards harnessing the vast hydro- electric potential of the State as the State which has the capacity of generating about 20,000 Mega Watts of power generation but most of it is going waste due to limited resources.

Bhalla, while justifying handing over of the Power Projects to a Joint Venture company i. e Chenab Valley Power Projects (Private) Limited, said this Company was framed for protection of the interests of the State as the Company is a JVC of J&K State Power Development Corporation (SPDC) National Hydropower Projects Corporation (NHPC) and Power Trading Corporation (PTC).

About the amendment in Act he said Section 140 of the Transfer of Property Act deals with creating exception for relaxing the condition of transfer of property to non -permanent residents of the State. The amendment in the Act is a routine exercise and several such amendments have been carried out by the Government to allow financial institutions, Banks, Corporations etc to carry out their business in the State as corporate bodies are considered non permanent residents of the State.

He said as far as lease is considered, it can be given to the JVC in which SPDC is a major partner.

Through this JVC, three hydro Electric Projects on river Chenab basin namely, Pakaldul 1000 mw, Kiru 600 mw and Kawar 520 mw with an aggregate capacity of 2120 MW on the basis of Build, Own, Operate and Maintain (BOOM) will be constructed, he added.

He said the MoU was already signed by the State Government with NHPC and PTC on the sidelines of the inauguration of Baglihar HEP-I in presence of Prime Minister on October 10, 2008 and the State Administrative Council (SAC) approved the signing of MoU on October 24, 2008 which was ratified by State Cabinet on June 13, 2009.

Bhalla dismissed the allegations that the amendment in the transfer of Property Act is aimed at facilitating NHPC to get lease hold rights for 90 years as the land in question is not proposed to be leased out to NHPC but to M/S Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited.

He said the State Government will make available unencumbered land as may be required for the projects, to be taken up by the company on lease hold basis as per the land laws applicable to the State of J&K from time to time.

The Minister said SPDC, NHPC and PTC are entitled to and will subscribe to the equity capital of the company in the ratio 49:49:2 and this ratio will be maintained at all times. Besides the Board of Directors will have equal representation from three companies and the Chairman and Joint Managing Director will be nominees of JKPDC, he added.

He said J&K Government will get 12 percent free power generated from the projects. Besides an additional one percent free power for Local Area Development fund will also be provided by the Company. Further, out of balance 87 percent power, the State Government will have the right to purchase power from the company in proportion to the share of JKPDC 49 percent in the equity of the company at the price determined as per regulatory norms. The remaining power will be sold by NHPC and PTC in proportion to their paid up equity share capital at the market price to the purchaser with J&K having the first right of refusal.

Bhalla said moreover 80 percent of group C&D staff in the company will be permanent residents of J&K State. A minimum of 49 percent of Group A&B staff in the Company will be permanent residents of the State.

He said apart from getting free power/ royalty the J&K will get its share of power /profit in proportion to its stake of 49 percent and would also have the right of refusal on the balance power. Besides the State would have joint administrative and management control in the affairs of the JV.

The Minister said it is not question that the transfer of land will be made to the JV company on ownership basis. Land is an important prerequisite for the project execution and in view of the large benefits that are accurable to the State in terms of power and profit, the same needs to be facilitated for which amendment has been sought to the existing laws.

However, he agreed the Congress Legislators demand that lease period be decreased to 40 years only.

The Congress Legislators including G A Mir, Abdul Majid Wani, G M Saroori and Mohammed Sharief Niaz through their amendments wanted that the ''Chenab Valley Power Projects (Private) Limited'' appearing in proposed clause (I) of the Bill be replaced by the Words ``State Power Development Corporation'', that the maximum period of lease shall not exceed 40 years and a lease of immovable property in favour of the successful bidder for projects of Bus Stand, parking and solid waste management under public private partnership be also added to the clause K.

But the last two amendments were later withdrawn by the members on the assurance of Minister.

The PDP members through their amendments wanted that the Bill be circulated for the purpose of eliciting public opinion, it be referred to Joint Selective Committee of the two Houses, that the agreement to be executed with Jammu and Kashmir Chenab Valley Power Projects Ltd, and land should be transferred in the name of JKPDC alone and with the lease period not exceeding 35 years.

Opposition leader Mehbooba Mufti while justifying her amendment said by seeking control over water resources of the state does not mean that regional parties are against Centre or NHPC an impression which has generally been created in the state. She also sought the cooperation of national parties in this regard. She said there is a general phenomena in the country like Bengal, Karnataka, TN etc seeking control on their water resources. She said regional parties should not come on defensive always on such issues as they are within their right to suggest how resources can be better utilized.

The Opposition leader said "when ever we talk of NHPC, people of Jammu think that they are talking anti national. As water and land are our capital and we have to preserve them and take full advantage of these resources for the development of the state. Once State is fully developed it would in turn result in the development of nation as a whole, she added.

Mehbooba said the water is the only natural resource with us which can compete with petrol as it is needed for generation of electricity.

Making a dig at NC she said it was their Government in 1951-52 which gave control of water resources to Centre and one year after that Indus Water treaty was signed surrendering all rights of the State. She wanted to know what State got in exchange of Indus Water Treaty. It was not given any guarantee or compensation, she added.

Maintaining that ''we are not against NHPC, she said the company is not to blame as we gave projects to them and kept our share less''. ``It (NHPC) is the company of our country and we are the part and parcel of the nation but the agreement signed by us with the company is wrong'', she added.

While justifying her party's amendments to the Bill, she said that regional parties are duty bound that State's resources are properly utilized for its development. She stressed that land be transferred to JKPDC and lease limit should not exceed to 35 years.

Justifying his amendment to the Amendment Bill, Abdul Rehman Veeri said it is a sensitive issue as water resources have become the part of political discourses in the

State. He recalled the Minister of PHE and Irrigation, Taj Mohi-ud-Din saying that the State will take Uri and Salal Projects back from NHPC which has become East India Company of the State.

Ch Zulfkar said that NHPC and other power generation companies exploited the water resources of the State and demanded GOI should give State its share in lieu of Indus Water Treaty. He said giving 90 year lease to non state subjects amounts to giving a permanent right to them.

Abdul Haq Khan also stressed that PDC be given the land on lease.

Nizam-ud-Din Bhat said that management of water resources of the State should not be given to a non -State subject but State itself. The two non state subjects are in joint venture while NHPC has already a bad impression, he added.

He said if the amendments moved by his party are not considered the basic spirit of the law will be broken. By way of giving the land on lease for 90 years will make the every law anfractuous, he added. 

Justice Masoodi Additional Judge of HC

Buddhist Heritage in Ambaran Jammu

cold wave in kashmir Valley

Jammu and kashmir 31272 cr outstanding debt

Economy grows at 6.78 pc, PCI at ` 41,833

The growth rate of State’s economy was estimated at 6.78 per cent during ongoing financial year of 2011-12 slightly ahead of 6.63 per cent in the last fiscal of 2010-11. Average annual growth rate of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) for 11th financial year plan ending in March this year was estimated at 6.21 per cent, which falls short of 8 per cent target.

Presenting pre-budget economic survey in the Legislative Assembly, Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather described the growth rate of 6.21 per cent during 11th five year plan as satisfactory on the ground that it was just 5.45 per cent at the end of 10th five year plan.

The survey revealed that Jammu and Kashmir had an outstanding debt of ` 31,272 crore comprising internal debt of ` 17835 crore, loans and advances from Central Government ` 2032 crore and other liabilities accounting for under public account ` 11405 crore, which didn’t include the investment of ` 11 crore made in the Calamity Relief Fund.

The Finance Minister, however, presented a gloomy picture of growth rate in agriculture and allied sector, which would stand at 2.28 per cent during 2011-12, a little ahead of just 2 per cent in 2010-11. He described the improvement as a healthy sign since agriculture had recorded negative growth rate of 5.37 per cent during 2009-10, the first year of National Conference-Congress coalition Government.

However, in the industrial sector, the growth rate marginally increased from 4.46 per cent in 2010-11 to 4.65 per cent in the current financial year, mainly due to improvements in mining and quarrying, electricity, gas and water supply sectors. Construction sector by and large remained stagnant at around 1 per cent growth rate.

"Banking, insurance and public administration sectors were likely to maintain their performance and grow at 11.58 per cent and 15.26 per cent respectively during 2011-12’’, Mr Rather said.

However, despite a boom in tourism sector last year with one crore pilgrims visiting holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi ji and over 10 lakhs in the Kashmir Valley including Amarnath yatris, the growth rate in trade, hotels and restaurant sectors slowed down to 6 per cent in 2011-12 as compared to 8 per cent in 2010-11.

"An analysis of sectoral percentage contribution to GSDP from 2004-05 to 2011-12 indicated a steady decline in percentage contribution of agriculture and allied activities from 28.06 per cent to 19.36 per cent reflecting average annual decline of 1.24 points. The contribution of territory and services sectors stood at 26.41 per cent and 54.23 per cent in 2011-12 as against 28.22 per cent and 43.72 per cent respectively during 2004-05. Major contribution to GSDP for current fiscal is from sectors like public administration (19.74 per cent), agriculture and livestock (15.74 per cent) and construction activity (13.34 per cent)’’, the Finance Minister said.

He said that GSDP at constant prices (2004-05) for 2011-12 was estimated at ` 41367.34 crore as against 38738.97 crore in 2010-11. The GSDP at current prices was estimated at ` 62364.80 crore in 2011-12 as against ` 54,731 crore in 2010-11 and was thereby expected to grow at 13.95 per cent.

Per capita income of the State at current prices has been worked out at ` 41,833 crore in 2011-12 (measured on the basis of Net State Domestic Product). The per capita income in 2010-11 was ` 27607 crore, Mr Rather said admitting that the State’s per capita income at both current and constant prices was far less than the national average.

He said notwithstanding the achievements made with regard to enhancement of literacy rate and enrollment ration, decline in general drop-out rate and percentage of ‘out of school children’, a lot more was required to be done.

"The infrastructure available at elementary and secondary levels was still inadequate, deficient, dilapidated and lacked drinking water and toiled facilities. Increase in enrollment ration followed by reduction/decline in drop-out rate at elementary levels is apt to put more pressure on secondary education system during the forthcoming years and, as such, this aspect was required to be taken into consideration during 12th five year plan period, starting April 1 this year’’, Mr Rather said.

The Finance Minister would present the budget on March 5 in the Legislative Assembly.

PDP moves adjournment motion

The Peoples Democratic Party, which is expressing solidarity with media persons following their boycott against Speaker’s  remarks had staged a walk out for two minutes also this morning, has moved a Motion of Adjournment of Normal Business for February 28-02-2012 under Rule 56.

The motion moved by the party stated that the normal business would become meaningless without media scrutiny and coverage; thus the same be suspended for February 28, 2012 to discuss the issue and appeal to the press to resume normal functioning.

Text of the motion moved stated:

“Since media has gone on boycott of the proceedings of Assembly against the remarks of some ministers and the Presiding Officer made on the floor of the house by them on 27-02-2012 during the course of proceedings , an ugly situation has been created with a potential danger to divide the 4th Estate and Legislature at peril of the larger legislative practices. Also, it has the repercussions which are likely to cause irreparable loss to the state polity. As an immediate consequence, the normal business will become meaningless without media scrutiny and coverage.

Therefore, we move that the same be suspended for 28-02-2012 to discuss this issue of urgent public importance, which also should precede with an appeal to press to resume normal functioning and facilitate task of legislature to accomplish the constitutional obligation in a desirable and cooperative manner in tune with democratic spirit and public good.”

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JandK Assembly to hold discussion on corruption issue

Jammu and Kashmir Assembly will today hold detailed discussion on the issue of corruption in the ongoing Budget session here. Mainstream opposition Peoples Democratic Party had moved adjournment motion demanding discussion on the issue of corruption.

Protesting PDP legislators said earlier,even Parliament remained paralysed over the issue of corruption and sought discussion.

Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker Mohammad Akbar Lone said, the issue cannot be discussed during Question Hour so I rejected the adjournment motion but later allowed to hold the discussion in the second sitting today.

Earlier Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said corruption is an important issue and must be discussed.

‘Corruption is an issue of concern and it must be discussed but not by disrupting the House proceedings,’ Mr Abdullah said.

Mr Abdullah said that if the opposition wants to hold detailed discussion on the issue, the government is ready adding, ‘we are ready to participate in the discussion on whatever time be fixed by the Speaker.

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