Grid Station inaugurated at Pounichak

Omar expresses concern over huge transmission losses

Underlining the importance of power sector within the economic development of the State, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah on Saturday said that monetary self-reliance of the State is directly linked with harnessing of big potential of concerning 20000 MWs of hydro electricity offered within the State.

"My Government is functioning on a comprehensive conceive to create outstanding dent during this direction", he said, adding that considerable thrust is on the generation of power together with upgradation of distribution and transmission system. He said during a State where the entire income from all resources is Rs. 6500 crore and expenditure on salaries of state workers is Rs. 13500 crore, the sole hope for monetary self-reliance may be pinned to the facility sector.

The Chief Minister was inaugurating Power Grid Station at Pounichak in Jammu district these days. The station is of fifty MVA capability with 132/33 KV voltage level. the development of the Grid Station is accompanied with the installation of one.78 kilometres feeding line.

The construction of the station was taken in hand in 2010 at a value of concerning Rs. 16.72 crore. it'll profit the population of concerning one lakh inhabitants in Marh and Raipur-Domana Constituencies besides folks living in Talab Tillo, Trilokpur and adjacent areas.

The station will improve and regulate quality power provide at thirty three KV level feeding the sub-transmission system in Tehsil Jammu. it'll relieve the overloading of existing network and Grid Station at Janipur and Canal. The transmission line created together with the Grid Station is of one.7 kilometres long with seven towers of B+6 and D+0 varieties.

The Chief Minister said that improvement and upgradation of power provide to the shoppers is being ensured by construction of latest Grid Stations, Receiving Stations and Sub-Stations across the State. He, however, showed concern over the massive transmission losses the State should bear as a result of misuse of electricity. He said that the yearly losses on account of misuse and transmission leakage of electricity have touched over Rs. 2000 crore that ought to be serious concern to any or all. He said that this quantity if procured from the shoppers can be utilised on numerous development comes and employment generation for youth. He asked the shoppers to pay the electricity charges in accordance with the consumption they create.

Omar Abdullah said that the govt has place R-APDRP schemes to execution to scale back T&D losses by three % annually. He said upgradation and power reforms project R-APDRP has been taken in hand at a value of Rs. 1909 crore. He said that the project envisages improvement in HT/LT system in cities and cities with a population of ten,000 and higher than.

Omar Abdullah said that seven Grid Stations are completed in 2011 within the State whereas 2 are completed this month and another seven a lot of are in pipeline.

Minister of State for Power, Shabir Ahmad Khan, Legislators Sukhnandan and Ajay Sadhotra and Principal Secretary Power Development Department, Sudhanshu Pandey were gift on the occasion.

Joint venture for power projects in J&K

Union Power Minister inspects Alchi project

Omar steers J&K out of tumult waters

Political Advisor to the Chief Minister Devender Singh Rana today said that Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah steered the State out of tumult and turbulent ocean to the safe and secure shore of peace and prosperity adding that PDP in 2008 left its ally in the Government in isolation and State in a situation of uncertainty and disturbance.

"It was the stewardship of Omar and the courageous efforts of National Conference-Congress coalition Government which pulled the State out of the tides and turbulence in which PDP had left it in", he said launching pitched attack on PDP for running from the scene in 2008 when it was required to for the sake of the State and its people.

Mr Rana said that the peaceful year of 2011 attained by the hard efforts of Omar-led Government which laid the strong edifice for sustained growth and development in the State. "The year of 2011 was a year of peace, calm and economic resurgence", he said adding that 13 lakh tourists visited the Valley and one crore pilgrim to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji generating wide ranging economic avenues for the people.

Speaking in favour of the budget during the discussion in the Legislative Council today, Mr Rana described the budget an upto the mark document identifying clear roadmap for holistic development and inclusive economic progress in the State.

"It is all time best financial statement taking care of all aspects and providing relief of some or the other kind to every sector and every citizen", he said describing the budget as a real financial assessment and analysis aimed at addressing ground realities with firm footing.

Mr Rana said that during the PDP regime, the then Government created great hype in media and other circles about the presentation of zero deficit budget which was ultimately proved to be only jugglery of words and based window dressing. He complimented Finance Minister, Abdul Rahim Rather for exhibiting his experience, prudence and intelligence under the visionary leadership of Omar Abdullah for formulating best ever budget under the challenging and difficult circumstances.

Rana said that shirking responsibility and depicting double standards have been the outlook of PDP and its leadership since its inception. The PDP delayed the implementation of Sixth Pay Commission deliberately to facing the financial burden and manage the economic affairs at one hand and pretended to be employee-friendly by raising hollow slogans in their favour.. "It was Omar led NC-Congress Government which rose to the occasion and implemented the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission. Not only this, the coalition Government also released the first installment of arrears to the employees despite poor fiscal management inherited to it by the PDP", he said.

Describing Jammu & Kashmir Bank as the Corporate face of Jammu and Kashmir State, Rana said that the J&K Bank is the bank of people of the State and when NC-Congress coalition Government took a reformative initiative to strengthen the base and the functioning of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, the PDP as usual launched politically motivated campaign to create false impression about the Government. He said the reform in fact strengthened the bank as also led to better fiscal management of the State thereby leading to a saving of ` 200 crore in debt interest.

Taking a dig on the poor financial management that prevailed during the tenure of PDP regime, Rana said that Union Government in 2002 sanctioned ` 3900 crores to the J&K State for Power reforms, but the then PDP regime consumed the amount for purchasing additional power to exhibit political gimmickry and astray the people giving impression that it has improved upon the power supply scenario as compared to the previous Government.

"It was only a populace approach at the cost of State and its people by the then PDP government", he said adding that had PDP Government spent only ` 300 crores yearly out of ` 1300 crores it received annually for power reforms on the strengthening of transmission and distribution system the situation at present would have been better. He said had the PDP Government acted as a responsible Government and utilized the money properly the State's T&D losses would have been greatly fallen by today.

Rana said PDP made the State to lose the opportunity to transform the power situation and willfully and willingly caused the State to suffer on this count.

Stating that hollow political sloganeering does not lay foundation for strong economy and economic development, Rana said that the mismanagement of financial affairs and mis-spending of funds, the PDP regime willfully played with the economic health of the State and caused irrecoverable damage to development in all sectors.

Rana complimented the Finance Minister, Abdul Rahim Rather managing the financial matters prudently and said that the visionary financial management in the state during the last three years received appreciation and the 13th Finance Commission award of ` 40557 crore to the State as ` 20880 crores by 12th Finance Commission.

"This 100% jump is because of the prudence, right estimation, proper analysis and articulation by the Finance Minister under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah", Rana said.

Referring to the people-friendly measures incorporated in the budget provisions, Rana said that the concession in VAT and other Taxes has touched every kitchen, every soul and every sector positively. He said the brilliant financial statement presented by Mr Rather has taken due care of growth development in all sectors focusing on agriculture, industry, horticulture and other sectors bearing direct influence on economic growth and development. He said despite constraints there has been increase in the collection of taxes by 30% which is remarkable.

He also complimented the Finance Minister for exceeding the budgetary estimates this year in tax collections and said that it would positively effect on the economy of the State.

Underlining the need for concentrating on agriculture and allied sectors, Rana said that 80% population is directly or indirectly associated with this sector, but it contributes only 19% to the GDP of the State which needed to be focused. He said that hardcore measures are required to bridge this gap and put in place effective field level extension mechanism to implement the concept of 'lab to land'. He emphasized the need for introducing effective measures for transfer of technology from lab to land and its dividends to the farmers. He said that regular and constant rapport between Universities and Agriculture department is need of the hour in this regard. He said Agriculture department could act as conduit in this connection.

Rana highlighting the need of revamping and reviving the PSU sector, underlined its importance in generation of wide ranging economic activities in the State and contributing to the development. He suggested third party monitoring and involvement of expert consultancy in this regard to give tailor made inputs for the revival of these PSUs.

Rana also laid stress on the need for developing a real time data bank of all kinds of assets, works, expenditures, planning, monitoring etc at block, district, department and State level for better planning and monitoring.

Underlining the need for special purpose vehicle for inclusive and holistic development of bad and backward pockets, Rana said that Finance department needs to attend this aspect by earmarking special funds for areas because of their special needs. He referred to the initiative taken by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as Planning Minister for faster upliftment and progress of bad and backward pockets and said that similar initiative can also be put in place by the Finance Department to ensure a special focus on areas.

women empowerment

BSNL reduces broadband tariff 

14,359 hectares forest area encroached

Mobility plans for Jammu Srinagar

RITES likely to submit report in April

M/s RITES, which has been engaged by the Government for the preparation of Comprehensive Mobility Plans for both the capital cities, is expected to submit its draft report in the month of April 2012.

This was stated by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah in reply to the question of Bharat Bhushan.

"To address the issues of serious traffic congestion and jams in the capital cities, the State Government has engaged M/s RITES for preparation of Comprehensive Mobility Plans (CMP)", he said, adding CMP would serve as a necessary basis for eventually formulating detailed project reports for any possible mass transport system in the twin capital cities.

About the traffic snarls on Canal Road, Talab Tillo, Paloura and other roads between Jewel Chowk and Mishriwala, the Chief Minister said that Traffic Police has put in place adequate deployment of manpower under the supervision of a Deputy Superintendent of Police to effectively manage the vehicular traffic on the Jewel Chowk-Akhnoor road stretch.

Traffic Police has also resorted to both permanent and temporary regulatory measures which include diversions and restrictions depending upon the nature and volume of traffic to effectively manage the traffic on the city roads.

"Appropriate action is also being initiated against the erring drivers for violation of traffic rules and regulations", he said while informing that during the last two years 297812 challans have been made and a fine of ` 433,06,974 realized from the offenders by the Traffic Police City Jammu.

The Chief Minister said that construction of 4th Tawi Bridge was in progress and after the completion of the bridge, the traffic congestion will be eased. The construction of approach road from Bhagwati Nagar, Lower Barnai (near TV Tower) on Akhnoor road has also been taken up which will act as alternate route for the Army as well as other traffic to and from Akhnoor, Rajouri and Poonch, he added.

Release of GDC publication

Panun Kashmir on Amarnath Yatra 

Degree courses in Polytechnics soon

Youth rejected gun culture and Azadi

Govt working for political solution: Omar

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today stated that his government was working in the direction towards a political solution to the problem of Jammu and Kashmir as desired by the youth of the state, who had “rejected the gun culture, merger with Pakistan and Azadi.” 

Omar was talking to media persons on the sidelines of State Level Education Conference at Jammu University.

The Chief Minister said, “The youths want that there should a political solution to the problem of Jammu and Kashmir and we are also working in this direction.”

While referring to a study conducted by Delhi-based Institute for Research on India and International Studies, which said that youngsters in Kashmir did not support the gun, he stated, “This is true that Kashmir youngsters have rejected gun culture, merger with Pakistan and Azadi and have favored good governance and corruption-free state.”

Chief Minister, while commenting on Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) supremo Syed Salahudin's boycott call for Municipal elections, said, “It is not a new thing. We will hold elections and those who want to take part in it can take part.”

Earlier, speaking at the State Level Education Conference, the Chief Minister highlighted the role of teachers as architects of future impressing upon them to render sincere service of moulding students as responsible and qualified citizens to face futuristic challenges in a befitting manner.  He said, “It is my cherished desire to restore the unique dignity and honour of teachers who used to command respect in the society in the past,” and asked the teachers in realizing this goal once again. 

The function was held to facilitate the Chief Minister for regularizing over 8000 Headmasters and 10+2 Lecturers granting them one time exception. It was organized by the J&K State School Teachers Coordination Committee.  

  

“Your service delivery in making educational institutions as seats of academic excellence and moral teaching is imperative in this direction,” Omar said and added that the role of teacher was pivotal in bringing about social change and creating disciplined, honest, dedicated, qualified and responsible society. He asked the teachers to nurture and groom students in the best forms.

“I am here to address your all genuine demands,” he said telling the teachers to provide sincere and best service to the state without any asking for the same.           

Stressing the need of making education free from political and other influences, the Chief Minister said that he would always support a set pattern and norms for transfers, creation and upgradation of new schools and implementation of flagship programmes like RMSA and SSA.

“By utilizing modern technology we can easily ascertain the requirement of schools, colleges, technical institutes and the need for up-gradation of these institutions in far-flung, remote and backward villages. I want set norms for this purpose free, from political and other influences,” he said adding that the system could be only built when teachers would also shun the practice of using political influence for their transfers and attachments.

The Chief Minister said that he had put in place a transfer policy in the departments of Power and R&B under his charge and that, he said, was being followed thoroughly in these departments. “I would like similar transfer policies in Education and other departments,” he added.

Omar said that in order to make transparency rule the roost and ensure time line completion of projects he recently approved independent third party monitoring for flagship programmes of RMSA and SSA in Education department. He said the independent monitoring in Power Department and PMGSY scheme was already in place and McKensy and NABCOMS were conducting this monitoring at present.          

The Chief Minister said that one time exception in the regularization of teachers was first ordered by the Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah and then the same concession was granted by Dr. Farooq Abdullah and he was the third in the row to sanction this kind of exception to the teachers.

“This is in other words a ‘third time’ one time exception,” he said in a lighter vein. Omar said that his government believed in employee-friendly policy and nurtured the same during last three years to address the problems of employees and accommodate their genuine demands. “Whether it was granting 6th pay commission award, DA installments, pay commission arrears or regularization of Rehbar-e-Zerat, headmasters, 10+2 lecturers or others my government showed positive attitude in this regard,” he said adding that the enhancement of remunerations of ReT teachers was under live consideration of the government.           

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Education, Peerzada Mohammad Sayed expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for supporting the genuine demands of teachers and granting one time exception in the regularization of headmasters and 10+2 lecturers.            “This issue was hanging in balance for last 18 years and many beneficiaries had either been retired or passed away. You made the complex issue easy to resolve,” he said adding that the teacher friendly approach of Omar Abdullah was in his blood as Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah was keeping this fraternity dearest.

The Education Minister said that teachers in the state were both qualified and dedicated towards their service which resulted in the increase of literacy percentage in the state. He said Education department was pursuing the target of 100 percent literacy and measures were already in place in this direction.

Chairman Employees Joint Action Committee, J&K Teachers Coordination Committee and President Teachers Forum, Abdul Qayoom also expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for granting one time exception in the regularization of 10+2 lecturers and headmasters.

“We thank you for fulfilling your promise and resolving the most complex issue,” he said pinpointing various other demands of the teaching fraternity asking for Chief Minister’s similar support and attention towards these.President Lecturers’ Forum, S. D. Qureshi also thanked the Chief Minister.Director School Education, Jammu, Gulzar Qureshi in his speech highlighted the achievements registered in the education sector in Jammu division during last three years.Director School Education, Kashmir, Shugufta Parveen and other officers of the Education Department were present on the occasion. 

Speakers panel not related to Panchayats

The mandate of the Committee of Legislators constituted by the Speaker is only to discuss protocol and perks of legislators and it has nothing to do whatsoever with the transfer of powers to Panchayats.

This was stated by a government spokesman today setting at rest speculations which formed the basis of some news reports as well that the high level panel set up by the Speaker would also settle the issue of transfer of power to Panchayats.

The constitution of panel had created apprehensions in the minds of those votaries for complete empowerment of Panchayats that the draft to be prepared would aim at curbing the powers of Panchayats and ensure the dominating role to the legislators in the power conflict which has emerged after the Panchayat elections.

A spokesman of the government said that all misgivings and canards in this connection were spread by vested interests. He stated that the powers of Panchayats were enshrined in the Panchayat Raj Act and administrative orders issued from time to time in this regard and added that the government stands committed to a strong and empowered Panchayat Raj system in the state. He further asserted that no effort would ever be allowed from any quarter to dilute these powers.

The government spokesman reiterated the government’s firm commitment for a powerful Panchayat Raj and tried to dispel, what it was chosen to describe as, “all efforts to create confusion by some quarters on one or the other pretext” and described them as baseless.

“The government is committed to transfer of powers to Panchayats to make these powerful units of governance at the grass root level,” the spokesman said reiterating that the Committee constituted by the Speaker would have no role whatsoever in the transfer of powers to the Panchayats.

The spokesman said that Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah had already set in motion the process of transfer of powers to the Panchayats and till now more than fifty services of fourteen departments had been transferred to the Panchayats besides granting Rs 1.00 lakh to each Panchayat to carry out works in their Panchayat Halqas.

Notably the Speaker has constituted a joint committee of both Houses of the Legislature to prepare a draft for the legislation to identify powers of the MLAs. The panel is headed by senior National Conference leader Chowdhary Mohammed Ramzan.

The panel, also comprising MLAs Harsh Dev Singh, G M Saroori, Abdul Majeed Wani, Abdul Gaffar Sofi, Nizam-ud-Din Bhat and MLCs Ravinder Sharma and Ajay Sadhotra, will submit its report before the budget session so that the government could consider it.

The panel after its constitution met for the second time today and deliberated the issue. Given the lack of consensus on certain issues, the participants felt the need to deliberate them further. The next meeting of panel has been scheduled on February 2.

NCM writes to govt

In a bid to safeguard interests of pandits and other minorities in Jammu and Kashmir, the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) has written to the government to amend the NCM Act to make it applicable to the trouble-torn state as well.

The Commission, which has been taking up the issue with the state administration for a long time, has also written to the state Law Minister, Ali Mohammed Sagar, in this regard.

Copies of the letter have also been submitted to Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, Law Minister Salman Khurshid and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

"The Commission recommends that J&K consider extension of NCM Act-1992 to the state by making a recommendation to President that an amendment may be made to the Act to make it applicable to the state and by considering enactment of a law for promulgation of J&K Minorities Act along the lines of the model Act developed by this Commission and circulated to all states," the letter said.

The panel also expressed happiness over the state government's contention that it was "not averse" to the benevolent recommendations of the NCM.

NCM chairperson Wajahat Habibullah said the commission wants that minorities in J&K get benefits available to minorities elsewhere and has been regularly interacting with the state government in this regard.

The state government earlier contended that complexity in declaring any group a minority arises from the existence of a peculiar, region-wise and community-wise composition in the state, where no community is in minority in all the three regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Leh.

Habibullah, however, felt that the seeming complexity can be resolved through a dynamic combination of the NCM Act 1992.

The National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992 that extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir, empowers the panel to look into specific complaints regarding deprivation of rights of the minorities and take up such matters with appropriate authorities at the Centre or in the states. It also allows it to make recommendations for effective implementation of safeguards for protection of the interests of minorities by the Central government or state governments.

Currently, only 16 states have minority commissions, and hence it is virtually the NCM which handles such issues there. The NCM has already prepared a model law for setting up minority commissions by the states. In the letter to the Jammu and Kashmir government, the NCM had noted, "because of the territorial limitations of the Act, the state of Jammu and Kashmir, which has the largest percentage of national minorities' population in the country is outside the purview of the Act.

"This denial of the provisions of the NCM Act 1992 to large number of citizens, who belong to the minority communties...has been engaging the attention of the Commission and has, indeed, been a cause for concern." After the Commission had sent a proposal to the state government regarding setting up of a state minority commission in August last year, Habibullah also personally discussed the issue with the state Chief Minister and Law Minister.

In its reply to the NCM, the state government informed that the state had constituted a minority commission in February 1984, which did not submit any report and it was finally wound up a few months later.

While pointing out the complexity in declaring any group as minority in the state, the Secretary of the Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs of Jammu and Kashmir at the same time said that the state government was "not averse to the benevolent recommendations of the NCM".

Omar Abdullah enjoying PDPs frustration

The Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today sought to make light of remarks of his bete-noire People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti that he was running administration like a “headless chicken”, stating this demonstrated their (PDP’s) frustration and he was thoroughly enjoying it.Omar was talking to media after addressing a rally of Panchs and Sarpanchs organised by Rural Development and Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs departments at Parade Ground here today.

Though initially the Chief Minister restrained himself from reacting on this statement yet he could not resist the temptation to hit back and scoff at PDP leadership for long.So when he was first asked to respond to the statement, his reaction was, “Have you ever known me to respond to statements like this? I’ve never done it nor do I plan it.”However, when similar question was redirected to him at the end of interaction as whether PDP wanted to irritate or prick him with these kind of statements, he could not exercise similar restraint and mocked, “Neither I get irritated nor I get pricked by their these kind of statements. When they (PDP) use this kind of language for me, I feel very satisfied. Reason I feel as if I’ve done something really great job.”

“Lekin Jab Woh Khamosh Ho Jaatey Hain To Main Ghabra Jaata Hoon Kyunki Khamoshi Mein Mujhe Lagata Hai Woh Khush Hain. Jab Woh Bolana Shuru Kar Detay Hain To Main Khush Ho Jaata Hoon Kyunki Jab Woh Zyada Bolatay Hain To Is Say Lagata Hai Woh Ghabra Gaye Hai, Baukhla Gaye Hain Aur Main Aur Zyada Unko Ghabraaney Aur Baukhlaaney Ki Koshish Karta Hoon (In fact their silence troubles me as this gives me an indication that they are happy. However, when they launch a verbal offensive then I feel happy. Because this indicates their nervousness and frustration which I thoroughly enjoy by redoubling my efforts to increase their anxiety, irritation with our performance graph),” Omar said.

Interestingly even during rally, he did not leave an opportunity to take a dig at PDP leadership which had been lashing out at National Conference in general and Omar in particular over power crisis in J&K.

Criticising (PDP) for “shutting eyes to the revolutionary initiatives and considerable achievements” registered by the coalition during last three years, the Chief Minister said that those who were raising hue and cry over non-availability of power could not even help generate a single MW during their tenure. “They put Baglihar in cold-storage and closed Sawalakote, which was an initiative of Farooq-led government. They did not spend a single penny on power generation. Those who have covered their eyes with black glasses only see dark,” he added.        

Even Minister for Rural Development, Law and Justice, Ali Mohammed Sagar, joining the war of words with PDP on this occasion, said that those (PDP leadership) who had launched propaganda against the coalition government was in fact “very much frustrated by witnessing the success of Omar-led dispensation in all fields of life.”

“These people are jealous of the significant work culture put in place by the coalition and historic achievements registered to ameliorate the lot of masses,” he added and said that during their (PDP) tenure they could not even transfer one service to panchayats and urban local bodies and made these non-entity units.

“There should be some limit for making false propaganda, but opposition is devoid of all such traits and is upset to see the leadership qualities of Omar Abdullah who steered the boat clear of difficult water currents to the shore of peace, stability and progress,” he said.

SALMAN RUSHDIE’S VISIT NON ISSUE: Omar also played down the raging controversy in the country over Muslim organisations’ demand of denying visa to controversial India-born writer Salman Rushdie saying that he (Rushdie) was a non-issue. He said it did not bother Indian Muslims who were more concerned about their day-to-day livelihood issues.

“Is this the first time Salman Rushdie is coming to India? As far as I know has come before this also. Why suddenly is Salman Rushdie becoming an issue? Clearly there are those who are seeking to exploit this for political purposes given that there are elections in five states in the next month. I think we underestimate the intelligence of the Indian Muslims when we try and raise issues like this which have no bearing on the day to day concerns of the Muslims. I don’t believe there are very many Muslims in India for whom a visa to Salman Rushdie will be an election issue. They’re more concerned about their day to day concerns and their future concerns,” Omar said.

“Salman has visited India before. If it was the first time, he was applying for a visa, it might be different. I don’t think this is an issue that anybody (they) should really concern (themselves with). We’re more concerned with the day to day livelihood issues of Muslims in rest of the country,” he stated

READY FOR CAMPAIGN IN PUNJAB FOR CONGRESS:

Responding to a query, Omar stated that he had not received any request or invitation for campaigning in favour of Congress in Punjab or any other state so far. “As and when I get any such request or invitation from there, I’ll definitely go there,” he reiterated. 

Panchayat Maha Sabha at Parade

The Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Wednesday said that the government was examining two proposals of creating a separate department for implementation of Pubic Service Guarantee Act (PSGA) under the overall control of the Chief Minister or a Commission like that of State Right to Information Commission to be headed by an independent authority to enforce its provisions in J&K.

He was addressing a gathering of Sarpanchs and Panchs at Parade Ground here today. The function was organized by Rural Development and Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Departments.

Describing Pubic Service Guarantee Act (PSGA) as one of the biggest initiatives of his government for public empowerment and good-governance, Omar said that the state of Jammu and Kashmir was among the vanguard states in the country to have such a powerful and effective Act in place to ensure prompt service delivery.“Anna Hazare sat on hunger strike for similar legislation,” he said highlighting the importance of this piece of legislation to curbing corruption at lower levels and making service delivery time bound.“We are examining two proposals of creating a separate department for implementation of PSGA under the overall control of the Chief Minister or a Commission like that of State Right to Information Commission to be headed by an independent authority to enforce the provisions of PSGA in the state,” he said indicating the thrust government wanted to lay on the strict implementation of the Act across the state.

The Chief Minister said that Panchayats would be integrated with the planning process at Halqa level during the next financial year adding that this mechanism could not be rolled out in the current financial year as the elections to these institutions were completed in mid year.

Omar said that the elections of Block Panchayat Councils are likely to be completed by March 2012 and those of District Panchayat Councils soon after the Urban Local Body elections are held. Indicating allowances for Sarpanchs and Panchs, the Chief Minister said that a proposal in this regard has been prepared by the Rural Development Department and is presently under examination in the Finance Department.

“We intend to accommodate your demand in this regard to some extent,” he told the grand Panchayat meeting of Sarpanchs and Panchs asking them to devote their full attention to work for public good.

Underlining the role of panchayats in disseminating the provisions of PSGA, Omar said that these basic democratic institutions would play key role in helping the people to get public service delivery in fixed time frame as envisaged in the Act. The Panchayat members could create greater public awareness about the Act educating the people as to how they could take best advantage of it for obtaining public services from the administration in a fixed time limit.

Omar said that the Act turned the table so far as bribes were obtained by unscrupulous government employees for providing public services like issuance of building permission, driving licenses, state subject certificates, ration card, electric and water connections, etc., to common people. “Now the Act has empowered the people to receive compensation from the erring officials for failing or showing any laxity or delay in providing these services within the specified time frame,” he said asking the people to utilize the provisions of this Act to their best use.

“I have been told that the first fine under the Act has been imposed on a Tehsildar from Reasi for not providing Reserve Category Certificate to the applicant in fixed time limit. A portion of it will be paid as compensation to the affected applicant,” he said adding that the Act would be an effective tool in the hands of people to transform the service delivery system of the administration.

The Chief Minister said he had directed bringing some services of Home Department under the ambit of the Act which included issuance of copy of FIR and character certificates. The issuance of MGNREGA card had also been asked to be made time bound under the PSGA. Omar said “Despite many attempts made to disturb law and order and peace in the Valley and other parts of the state by certain elements utilizing different untoward incidents, the people understood the designs of these elements and rejected them totally”, he added and asked the hand of common masses for leading the state towards the shore of peace, prosperity and progress.           

Omar gave full credit to people for extending their full support to him in steering the state out of various troubles and said that the credit goes to people for creating 2011 as a year of peace and economic betterment.          

The Chief Minister said that the peaceful 2011 helped in registering large number of tourists in the state. “About 13 lakh tourists visited the Valley, 6.37 yatris visited Shri Amarnath and over one crore pilgrims visited Mata Vaishno Devi,” he said adding that this helped in generation of wide-ranging economic activities. He expressed the hope that 2012 would also be the year of peace and development in the state. Omar lauded the efforts of PDD, R&B, PHE, CAPD, BEACON, National Power Grid Corporation and other agencies and individuals who worked tirelessly in the biting cold to restore the public services that were severely damaged by the recent heavy snowfall in the Valley and Jammu areas. “I was overseeing the operation and showing my solidarity with them,” he said adding that they actually worked in most difficult conditions and restored the services.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Rural Development, Law and Justice, Ali Mohammed Sagar said that those (PDP leadership) who launched false propaganda against the coalition government are in fact very much frustrated by witnessing the success of Omar-led dispensation in all fields of life. “These people are jealous of the significant work culture put in place by the coalition and historic achievements registered to ameliorate the lot of masses,” he added and said that during their (PDP) tenure they could not even transfer one service to panchayats and urban local bodies and made these non-entity units.

He said coalition government would continue to work with added efforts to bring about socio-economic change and peace in Jammu and Kashmir making it prosperous, tranquil and progressive state as dreamt by Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah.

Presenting resume of the achievements registered in Rural Development and other sectors during the last three years, Sagar said that the funds earmarked for MGNREGA in 2008-09 when the present government took over were just Rs 69 Cr which have been raised to Rs 750 Cr this year and next year’s allocations would be Rs 1500 Cr. He said wide-ranging development works in huge numbers in the form of construction of roads, culverts, small bridges, check dams and protection bunds have been completed across the state besides raising plantations and conducting land development works.

Sagar said that the state government has sent a proposed to the Government of India for enhancing the daily rate of MGNREGA workers from Rs. 100 to Rs. 125. “We want to raise it to Rs. 200 in near future,” he added and said that snow clearance operation was also being brought under ambit of MGNREGA to provide additional mandays of work to the labourers in winter months.

Sagar expressed gratitude to the UPA leadership for extending full support to Omar-led coalition for meeting all challenges and carrying forward development process with a purpose and determination. He said that coalition government was working in tandem to bring about socio-economic change in the state and restore peace. “We would work with same determination and commitment during next three years under the leadership of Omar Abdullah to achieve the targets on all fronts,” he added.

The Law Minister also referred to the measures government has initiated for the welfare of Bench and Bar and talked about in detail about the enactment of historic Public Service Guarantee Act in the state.In his speech Minister of State for Rural Development, Ajaz Ahmad Khan said that the people were real judges to judge the performance of a government. He said the work card of coalition dispensation under the leadership of Omar Abdullah was the mirror of its public friendly and development oriented approach.Khan said that the achievements registered in rural development and other sectors itself speak of the government’s intension at revolutionizing the socio-economic conditions of the people especially living in far-flung and backward area.

He also talked about the holding of panchayat elections and transferring of powers to the sarpanches and panches and said that the powerful, effective and viable panchayat system is the aim of the government.

Both Sagar and Khan lauded the Chief Minister for himself monitoring the restoration of public services to the people that were disrupted due to heavy snowfall. “Your visits to various affected districts in the Valley and in Jammu and personally overseeing the restoration operation in difficult situation put in energy and enthusiasm in the functionaries and helped restoration of services as early as possible,” they said.

Omar inaugurated the photo exhibition organized by Information Department to depict the three years achievements registered in the Rural Development sector.The Chief Minister released Urdu, Hindi and English version of Public Service Guarantee Act in a form of a Book published by the Rural Development Department. He also released Report Card of the Department for last three years and a newsletter by the Department of Law and Justice.

The Chief Minister also released revised 3 Vols. of J&K Law Book. Its 6 more Vols. are expected by March 2012.Present on the occasion were Minister for Industries, S S Slathia, Minister for Higher Education, Abdul Gani Malik, Minister for Sheep and Animal Husbandry, Aga Syed Ruhulla, Minister of State for Power, Shabir Ahmad Khan, Advisors to the Chief Minister, Mubarak Gul and Devender Singh Rana, Vice Chairpersons of Advisory Boards, Swarn Lata, Rachpal Singh, Bashir Ahmad Naaz and Kuldeep Raj, legislators, senior officers and sarpanches and panches from various areas of the state.Commissioner Secretary Rural Development, Farooq Ahmad Peer presented the welcome address while the Secretary Law G H Tantray presented vote of thanks.

No Cabinet reshuffle soon Omar

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said no Cabinet reshuffle would take place at the moment and described the speculation as a 'rumour'. "There will be no Cabinet reshuffle at the moment. It is just a rumour," Abdullah told reporters at the sidelines of a foundation laying ceremony of Jammu and Kashmir State Data Centre (JKSDC) in Civil Secretariat premises here this evening. "Both National Conference and coalition partner Congress have to discuss the issue. I represent both of them and have to think over the matter when it comes to me," he asserted.

The Chief Minister said his government has completed three years and their performance was being assessed from time to time.Lauding the role of his Ministers,he said, "Each Minister of my Cabinet has played his/her role for thefirst three years. The government and the Ministers have done their job well." The performances would be reviewed and a final decision  would be taken thereafter, he added. On blocked Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, Abdullah said the road has been thrown open for stranded passengers and light motor vehicles followed by heavy vehicles. Earlier, laying the foundation, he said the state Government has initiated a programme of establishing Data Centres to provide core infrastructure for supporting e-governance, making service delivery to people fast and to the point. Underlining e-governance essentially important for making administration prompt on service delivery to the people, Abdullah also highlighted its significance in ensuring good governance and curbing malpractices."The State Data Centre would act as a central repository of the state providing secure data storage, disaster recovery and remote management functions," he added."These services would be extended to government agencies, citizens and business through the connectivity infrastructure to be rolled out as State Wide Area Network (SWAN)," he said.

Omar pays tributes to Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah

Omar pays tributes to late leader on his birth anniversary

Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has paid rich tributes to the Late Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on his birth anniversary on 5th of December describing Sheikh Sahib personification of the aspirations of people of Jammu and Kashmir and the symbol of unity and amity.“Sheikh Sahib denotes the State’s high traits of pluralistic ethos and communal harmony. He nurtured and strengthened this characteristic and cemented the bonds of love between various sections of the society and different regions of the State”, he added.“The slogan of ‘Hindu-Muslim-Sikh-Ithad’ raised and practiced by Sher-i-Kashmir throughout his life, still reverberates the valleys, plains and mountains in the State and the universal harmony cultivated by Sheikh Sahib has become the integral part of the State’s quality”, he said.The Chief Minister said that Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was the epitome of sacrifices and he always fought for the cause and dignity of general people. “His target was empowerment of common man and holistic development of the State. His vision of ‘Naya Kashmir’ embedded equitable and comprehensive development of all sections and all regions”, he elaborated. Omar Abdullah said that the establishment of powerful Panchayat System in the State is our tribute to Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and our determination is to realize the dream of prosperous Jammu and Kashmir dreamt by Late Sheikh Sahib. Omar said that the best way of paying tributes to the great leader is that we all strive for peaceful, progressive and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.

First Batch of Hajjis Reach Valley

The first batch of  Hajj pilgrims from the state arrived here today.Chief minister, Omar Abdullah received the pilgrims at the airport here. Minister of state for Hajj and Auqaf, Ajaz Ahmad Khan, was present on the occasion.279 pilgrims formed the first batch and were flown here in an Indian Airlines plane.While interacting with the pilgrims, Omar  enquired about their well being. He congratulated them for performing the Hajj successfully and returning to their homes.The pilgrims expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made by the government for their smooth travelling and stay at holy places.

Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today received the first batch of Hajjis at Srinagar Airport who returned back after performing the Hajj.

The Minister of State for Hajj and Auqaf, Ajaz Ahmad Khan was present on the occasion.

While interacting with the Hajjis, Omar Abdullah enquired of their welfare and shared wishes with them. He congratulated them for performing the Hajj successfully and returning back to their homes.

The Hajjis expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made by the Government for their smooth travelling and stay at holy places.

The first batch of 279 Hajjis arrived here today by Indian Airlines flight.

The Additional Commissioner, Kashmir, Abdul Majid Wani, DIG Srinagar-Budgam, Abdul Gani Mir, Director Information, Khawaja Farooq Renzushah, Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, Mohammad Rafi, Director, Airport Authority of India, Raj K. Malik, and other officers were also present on the occasion.

President on 2 day visit to Jammu

The president of India Pratibha Devi Singh Patil, today arrived on her two day visit in Jammu at around 1900 hours at Jammu airport where she was given a rousing reception. The President who was accompanied by Dr Karan Singh, Chairman ICC proceeded towards Raj Bhawan from the airport for overnight stay. The winter capital has been put under a thick blanket of security with heavy deployment of policemen and para-military forces. Tight security arrangements have been made in and around the town.

Earlier, Governor, N N Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, minister for Medical Education and Youth Services and Sports,  R S Chib, Chief Secretary,  Madhav Lal, Director General Police,  Kuldeep Khoda and other senior civil and police officers received her at the airport. The president will deliver the Convocation address on the occasion of 3rd Convocation of SMVDU in Matrika Auditorium tomorrow at 10 am. Governor NN Vohra and Chancellor of SMVDU will preside over the Convocation. Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah will also be present on the occasion.

In the evening, President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil will present Dogra Rattan Award to Prof. Nilembar Dev Sharma, Dhan Raj Badgotra, S Rangil Singh, Heera Lal Verma, Prof. Reeta Jatinder, Sohail Kazmi, Jagdish Singh Jamwal and Satpaul Sahni (Posthumously), at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu.

Eight distinguished persons have been conferred Dogra Rattan Award (2009-10) in view of their contribution towards promotion of Dogri language, culture and history by Dogra Rattan Awards Selection Committee comprising Prof. MR Puri chairman, Goverdhan Singh Jamwal, Abdul Gani Goni, Prof. Champa Sharma, Prof. DL Choudhary, Balwant Tahkur with Jitendra Udhampuri as member- secretary and Prof. Bhim Singh, convenor. The Dogra Rattan Awards are being instituted by The Council for Promotion of Dogri Language, Culture and History

On November 26, president would chair the meeting of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDB) at Katra and pay obeisance at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi cave shrine.

Chief Ministers Constituency Without Water Supply

Residents of many villages of chief minister Omar Abdullah’s Ganderbal constituency are up in arms against the government as despite years of wait, these villages are still without the proper drinking water supply. Though the pipelines and other necessary infrastructure has already been accomplished, but the taps continue to remain thirsty in the absence of the water supply. In Safapora of Tehsil Lar, Pahlipora, Sheikh Mohalla, Wani Mohalla, Chan Mohalla, Naid Mohalla, Choh, Danger Mohalla and many other adjoining villages have been waiting for the past many years now to see the water supply in their villages and mohallas. “There is no water available for us in this age of science and technology”, lamented Manzoor Ahmad, a contractual

lecturer.“Though the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department had already laid the pipelines in these villages to ensure the water supply to these villages, but till now, no any concrete  measure has been undertaken by the concerned district authorities to let the villagers avail the drinking water facility”, he further said.“Our taps are thirsty for water, not to talk of us”, Shabu, another local told News Agency.

Pertinently, in the abovementioned villages, the PHE authorities, only a couple of years back has started to lay down another pipeline to ensure the drinking water facility to the villages, but this laying down of the pipeline is going at the snail’s pace bringing lot of irritation on the faces of thousands of villagers.Furthermore, a filtration plant coming up from the last two years near Government Higher Secondary Educational Institute is still incomplete following the work that is going at snail’s pace. “If the work on the plant is speeded up and is made functional, we would have a breather”, said Mohammad Yousuf of Wani Mohalla.Not only in Safapora, there are many villages in Kangan Tehsil as well without the drinking water supply. Gonchi Mohalla, Checki Akhal and other adjoining villages have the same story to tell as that of the Safapora villages: “Pipelines laid, but no water available”.

Though a tanker deployed by the PHE authorities provides the drinking water supply to these villages, but the dilapidated condition of the approaching road to Gonchi Mohalla and Checki Akhal has been putting a great brake on the tanker to move to these villages. “In winters (as it has already marked its presence), we are the worst-hit sufferers as the tanker couldn’t enter our villages”, said Mohammad Ashraf, a local of Akhal. The villagers of both Safapora have made umpteen numbers of visits to all the concerned officials from Executive Engineer PHE Ganderbal to Superintending Engineer to the office of Chief Minister, but till now, the villagers continue to remain thirsty for water. “We appeal Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to look into the matter so that our problem is mitigated”, the  villagers said.When contacted, Niyaz Ahmad Laway, Executive Engineer PHE Ganderbal admitted before Kashmir Times that there are the problems of non-availability of drinking water in Safapora and Kangan villages.