Pak keen to change trade policies

Pakistan today said its decision to normalize trade ties with India reflects a desire to move away from the policies of the past 40 years but should not be taken as any dilution of its stand on "core issues" like Kashmir."We believe that the establishment of normal trade relations with India will be mutually beneficial for both countries. Significantly it also illustrates the priority that we attach to Pakistan's economic development," Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar told a news conference at the Foreign Office.

Her comments came a day after the cabinet introduced a negative list regime for trade with India and for doing away with the negative list of 1,209 items by the end of the year."This decision, however, should in no way be construed as any dilution of our principled stance on the core issues that have bedeviled Pakistan-India relations for the last 60 years, and notably the issue of Jammu and Kashmir," she said in her opening remarks.Pakistan, she said, will continue to "seek the peaceful resolution of all issues with India" and continue to insist on "meaningful progress in the dialogue process on all issues simultaneously".Khar made it clear that the Pakistan government was willing to try new means to engage with India that amounted to a shift from the policies of the past four decades.

She pointed out that Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah had bequeathed to the people "normal trade relations" with India at the time of the country's creation in 1947, and that these arrangements had continued till 1965, when the two countries fought a war.

Since the earlier policies for engagement with India had not produced results despite been in place for 40 years, this new track should be given some time, she argued."If from 1965 to now, we feel that we have done a great job in being able to achieve our objectives within Kashmir and within the foreign policy domain, then clearly we would not be encouraged to change the way we do business with our neighbors," she said in response to a question on whether Pakistan should normalise trade relations with India despite lack of progress in resolving the Kashmir issue.

"But I think there's a good case to be made in normalization of trade ties and all other ties and pursuing what you consider to be your core interests within this relationship," she added.The move by the Pakistani cabinet will allow traders to import about 6,000 products from India and pave the way for giving India Most Favored Nation-status by the beginning of next year.Khar said there was "complete consensus" in the cabinet on the issue of normalizing trade relations with India and the proposal was not opposed even by a single member.She further pointed out to a questioner that the cabinet was the "final authority and body" for defining the national interests of Pakistan.

In response to a question about India's alleged lack of interest in engaging on the Kashmir issue, Khar said: "There is no retreat by India. India is exceptionally keen to pursue dialogue to be result-oriented"."I think there is keenness on both sides for the dialogue process to be result-oriented"The current Pakistan People's Party-led government has been able to build "a degree of trust with our Indian counterparts" and this is a prerequisite to "pursue our goals and to be able to solve all the disputed issues between India and Pakistan," Khar said.

KHC for grant of constitutional guarantees to Pandits

Kashmiri Hindu Conference (KHC) in a meeting here today held under the chairmanship of ML Thusoo has urged the Government to grant constitutional guarantees in favour of Kashmiri Pandits as proposed by Human Rights Commission (HRC) of India.

Mr Thusoo said the internally displaced Pandits are worst sufferers and the community as such merits minority status like other communities.

Addressing the meeting P L Kaul Badgami convener said the KPs are only community which socio-religiously symbolizes with Kashmir history and geography. Being the real aborigines of Kashmir they are builders of Kashmiri culture and traditions. The present political condition need to be understood in the right perspective and rigidity should be given up. The people in general need to welcome the socio-religious order and shun fundamentalism, which leads to violence, he added.

K L Ganjoo said that it is high time that the community should fight for its respectable to Valley in a single township.

Seminar on innovative challenges organized

A two-day long seminar on "Innovative Challenges in Information Services: Changing Paradigm for Sustenance of Library and Information Centers in Digital Era" commenced at Rajinder Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu here today.

Prof MPS Ishar, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, was the chief guest on the occasion who underlined challenges ahead in University Libraries and recalled his College memories in using indexing and abstracting services.

He further said open information culture has shifted focus from subject experts and limited modes to common man's participative domain where inputs can be simultaneously added and accessed and new modes of wikis, blogs, information commons, instant messaging are in vogue.

Tanveer Jahan, Commissioner Secretary, Department of Higher Education in her presidential address advised teaching community to educate and conduct programmes for College Librarians in managing State run colleges effectively in changing digital era.

Prof. S M Shafi in his keynote address emphasised on new challenges different stakeholders in information sectors will be facing in the future and stressed upon librarians and Library Schools to gear up in cultivating the profession to manage better services for end users of Library.

A souvenir was also released on the occasion. Earlier, Prof Sangeeta Gupta , Head, Department of Library Science, in her welcome address gave brief profile of the Department and informed that seven technical sessions will be held during the two-day seminar wherein experts from different states will deliberate on the issues pertaining to library and information centers in digital era.

Among others Prof Naresh Padha, Registrar, University of Jammu, Prof N K Tripathi, Dean Students Welfare, Prof Kulwant Kour, Provost Hostels (Women), Faculty of the Department, delegates from various states, students and scholars were also present on the occasion.

Dr Meghna Dhar, Assistant Professor presented the vote of thanks.

The seminar is being organised by the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Jammu.

AJKPA on three day strike

Three-days pen-down strike was today started under the banner of All J&K Patwar Association (AJKPA) through out the State and it remained successful.

The speakers discussed long pending demands of the Association including pay anomaly, retrospective effect, placement of qualified GQ as Naib Tehsildar in OPG, stoppage of direct recruitment of Naib Tehsildars, enhancement of chances in PSC exam from four to eight, non-inclusion of Patwaries in PSGA, Departmental Enquiry Cell and providing training to all Settlement Assistant Patwaries and enhancement in their pay.

Meanwhile Girdawars and Patwaris of the Sub Division Nowshera also went on strike in support of their demands today.

They pointed out that after holding protest dharna at tehsil headquarters, they will move to district headquarters Rajouri on the third day of the strike. Mohd Yunis, general secretary criticized higher authorities for causing delay in mitigating their demands.

Workshop on Manuscriptology Paleography

A three-week long workshop for Research Scholars of Urdu and Persian got underway at University of Jammu here today.

The workshop is being organised by the Department of Urdu, University of Jammu in collaboration with National Mission for Manuscripts on the theme "Manuscriptology and Paleography".

The inaugural function was held in Prof Gian Chand Jain seminar hall which was presided over by Dean Faculty of Arts, Prof Archana Kesar.

Director School Education, Gulzar Ahmed Qureshi, was the chief guest on the occasion while Dr Khawaja Ekram of JNU was the guest of honour.

Prof Shohab Inayat Malik in his welcome address stated that Manuscripts have a great relevance in Urdu as well as in Persian literature and hoped that the Research Scholars would be benefited by this workshop.

Speaking on the occasion the Director School Education, Gulzar Ahmed Qureshi said that Manuscripts are the written heritage of a country’s civilization and culture.

Prof. Archana Kesar said these were the only source to know the secrets of Indian civilization and culture and the most important link in the continuity of Indian civilization from ancient period to the modern times.

Dr Khwaja Ekram and the Internal Financial Advisor National Mission for Manuscripts, New Delhi, R M Nawani, also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the importance of the manuscripts.

HoD Urdu, Prof Shohab Inayat Malik, Prof Sukhchain Singh, Dr Mohammad Reyaz, Dr Chaman Lal, Dr A R Manhas, Dr Farat Shamim besides students, scholars and faculty members of the various teaching departments of the university and citizens attended the function.

Bhalla introduces bill to amend Transfer of Property Act

Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Raman Bhalla today introduced in the Legislative Assembly a bill to amend the Transfer of Property Act, 1977.

In the statement of objects and reasons, the Minister said that 1000 Mega Watts Pakaldul, 600 MW Kiru and 520 MW Kawar Hydro Electric Projects on river Chenab are being developed by Joint Venture Company of State Power Development Corporation, NHPC and Power Trading Corporation on BOOM basis.

The MoU was signed by the State Government with NHPC and PTC on October 10, 2008 on the sidelines of the inauguration of Baglihar HEP-I in the presence of Prime Minister, he said, adding as per the MoU without prejudice to J&K Land Laws, the JVC will have exclusive rights over the projects.

Moreover, as per the Clause 10 of the MoU, the lease hold rights of the land required for the projects against payment of land revenue as fixed by the State Government will be granted initially for a period of 40 years, in accordance with the State law, and on the expiry of the period, the lease will be renewed for a further term not exceeding 40 years at a time subject to the maximum period of 90 years.

"The JVC has finally been registered and started functioning but it has been felt that the land has not been formally transferred to it for which a necessary provision is required to be incorporated in Section 140 of the Transfer of Property Act by way of amendment for carving out an exception in the favor of the company titled as Chenab Valley Power Projects (Private) Limited", the Minister said.

Poor performance of MGNREGA works in Jammu region

67 % funds utilized in J&K till Jan 31, in Doda just 44 %

True to the claims of several legislators, regarding worst performance under Centrally sponsored MGNREGA works, the Government today admitted on the floor of the House that just 67 % funds provided by the Centre could be utilized in J&K till ending January 31, this year under the Scheme.

The Ministry of Rural Development has to spend, remaining 33 % of the funds in just these two months despite the fact that the lowest funds (44.46 % ) could be utilized in district Doda while merely 50% in district Udhampur, followed by 50.14 % in Budgam. The issue in the Upper House was raised by National Conference legislator Dr Bashir Ahmed during Question Hour today.

Minister in charge Rural Development department and Law and Parliamentary Affairs Ali Mohd Sagar while replying said that during the year 2011-12, against the availability of funds to the tune of ` 609.62 crore, nearly ` 408.75 crore have been utilized till ending January, 2012. Giving region and district- wise break up, Mr Sagar said In Kashmir region, total 76.49 % MGNREGA funds could be utilized whereas, in Jammu region hardly 59.8 % funds have been spent by the concerned block officers.

The data revealed that in the districts like Anantnag, Baramulla, Kupwara, Pulwama, Shopian Ganderbal, Leh etc where work progress is always slow due to winters and heavy snow, the highest percentage of funds utilization has been shown while in the areas like Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Reasi etc the lowest percentage of expenditure has been witnessed. In Kathua the funds utilized are just 48.73 %, in Samba it is just 57 %, Doda is the lowest 44.4 %, Udhampur just 50 %, Ramban, 55.8 %, Kishtwar 71 %, Poonch merely 63 %, Rajouri 76 % whereas, in Reasi district just 70 %.

In Kashmir region, the lowest performance in the funds utilization has been shown in district Bandipora where hardly 54 % fund are shown utilized, 50 % in Budgam and 64 % in Srinagar. The highest (94.73 % ) performance has been shown in Ganderbal district in which Chief Minister's constituency falls. The minister disclosed that in Anantnag district, out of ` 28.69 crore, funds to the tune of ` 26.18 ( 91.2%) have been utilized. He also gave the details of funds utilization in each Block of district Anantnag. Block D has witnessed the lowest ( 65 %) achievement in the funds utilization in the entire district.

In response to yet another question, Mr Sagar said the wage rate of MGNREGA is fixed by the Government of India and not by the State. The wage rates are fixed on certain parameters which include price index, floor rate of wage in each state etc. It is not related to the market wage rate which is subject to fluctuations almost on daily basis. In the beginning the rate was ` 70 per day and then it was raised to Rs 110 and at present it is ` 121. A proposal has been sent for the wage revision (` 180/ day), keeping in view the price index, Mr Sagar maintained.

Slow Pace of Land Acquisition for CUs

The MLAs of Opposition parties today cornered the Government over delay in acquisition of land for both the Central Universities in the State and poor expenditure of the funds sanctioned by the University Grants Commission/ Central Government for satellite campuses of both the State Universities.

The cornering of the Minister for Higher Education, Abdul Gani Malik started when in reply to the question of National Panthers Party (NPP) MLA from Samba, Yash Pal Kundal, the Minister informed the Lower House that out of 4641 kanal and one marla land identified for the Central University of Jammu, 3000 kanal has so far been transferred to the varsity and 3321 kanal out of 4325 kanal identified for the Central University of Kashmir has been transferred till date.

"It is surprising that during the past three years, the Government has failed to transfer entire land to the Central University of Jammu", NPP MLA, Yash Pal Kundal, said and asked when this varsity will become fully functional if the land transfer process continues to be slow.

He was supported by Jammu State Morcha MLA, Ashwani Sharma and Kathua MLA, Charanjeet Singh in grilling the Government.

"The delay in transfer of land has put a question mark on the performance of the Government", Mr Sharma said while as Kathua MLA said that as per the law maximum time-period for transfer of private land is two years and Government should take erring officers to the task for delay in this regard.

CPM MLA, M Y Tarigami said, "though Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Kashmir was appointed in 2009 itself yet the University continues to function in rented accommodation due to delay in transfer of entire land", adding "the Government should complete this process at the earliest and at the same time ensure that adequate and timely compensation is paid to the persons whose land is being acquired".

Keeping in view the concern of the MLAs, the Minister said, "the Government will expedite the process of transfer of remaining land to both the Central Universities".

He said that as communicated by both the Central Universities, the job of land survey and contour mapping has been assigned to Educational Consultants India Limited after which Master Plans will be formulated and the construction work started.

The Minister informed the House that while Central University of Jammu will start six more courses during the 2012-13 academic session, the Central Varsity of Kashmir has proposed to introduce three more courses from July 2012.

Not only on land transfer to Central Universities, the Minister was also cornered over failure of the Government to utilize the funds sanctioned by the UGC/ Union Government for Satellite Campuses of both the State Universities.

NPP MLA, Harshdev Singh, termed it as pity that Government has failed to utilize the funds released for the Satellite Campuses and appoint adequate staff.

According to the data provided by the Minister, during the year 2011-12 an amount of ` 373.05 lakh was sanctioned for the North Campus Delina Baramulla but there was no utilization of funds. Similarly, there was no utilization of funds despite sanctioning of ` 360.21 lakh for South Campus Fatehgarh Anantnag, ` 195.07 lakh for Kupwara campus, ` 1293.16 lakh for Kargil campus, ` 1369.59 lakh for Leh campus, ` 1216.78 lakh for Bhaderwah campus, ` 895.66 lakh for Kishtwar campus, ` 974.94 lakh for Udhampur campus, ` 734.86 lakh for Poonch Campus, ` 516.95 lakh for Ramnagar Campus and ` 516.95 lakh for Reasi campus.

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.

Media ends Boycott

The unprecedented impasse in the form of media boycott of J&K legislature proceedings over the controversial remarks of the Speaker Mohammed Akbar Lone made on the floor of the House on February 27, 2012 ended on the third day today after the former retracted stating that he was misunderstood.Lone said that because of communication gap, the media persons could not understand his real intentions and what exactly was in his mind. In the same breath, he admitted that he should not have used the word ‘control.’
Speaker had earlier said in the House that ‘media was under his control.’

He was talking to media persons after making a statement in the Lower House on the issue.In the Lower House, he said, “While welcoming my friends in the Press Gallery I would like to remind them that what I said is confined to the House and the Galleries only as is provided in the rule…... I never meant to hurt them at all and feel that some misunderstanding has cropped in their minds which I think has now no scope at all.”
While interacting with media, an emotionally charged Lone said, “….Shayad Communication Gap Ki Wazah Say Kuchh Alfaz Aisay Meray Say Bhi Nikalay…Maine Word `Control’ Jo Istemaal Kiya….should not have done. Mujhe `Control’ Lafz Nahin Kehna Chahiye Tha. Meray Kehne Ka Us Waqt Matlab Yeh Hai….(Perhap because of communication gap…. this all occurred…I too uttered some words…the word ‘control’ which I’ve used I should not have used. Nevertheless I only meant to say that we all, be it the Chief Minister, Health Minister or the media persons, should adhere to the rules of the House.)”

He further added, “Iss Par Aapko Galatfehmi Paida ho Gayi. Par Mujhe Gila Yeh Hai Kay Agar Aapke Ilam Mein Meray Alfaz Say Koi Khalish Paida Ho Gayi… Aap Kisi Tariqay Say Mujh Tak Khud Woh Alfaz Pahuncha Detay (This created confusion. I’ve a grouse. If those remarks had hurt you, you should have conveyed it to me by any means..) but should not have allowed to happen what happened, perhaps then either I would have amended those words or would have withdrawn immediately. I would have definitely done something but because of lack of patience (on the part of media), the things went awry.”
He regretted that because of communication gap, the media persons could not comprehend his real intentions and “Dil Ki Baat.”

“Media Persons Ko Galat Fehmi Paida Ho Gayi. Mujhe Apni Jagah Afsos Hai Kay Communication Gap Honey Ki Wajah Say Aap Log Mera Sahi Intention, Dil Ki Baat Nahin Samajh Paaye. Meray Kehne Ka Matlab Sirf Yeh Tha Andar House Kay Andar Jo Hamara Yeh Muqaddas Aiwaan Hai Iska Taqaddus Tabhi Barkaraar Reh Sakta Hai Jab Hum Sab Milkar Iske Taqaddus Ko Barkaraar Rakhein………(I really feel sorry that the media persons misunderstood me. May be because of communication gap, the media could not understand my real intention, what was in my mind. I only meant to say that inside the House……..which is sacrosanct for us…, this is the responsibility of all to maintain its sanctity..). This is the responsibility of all, be it the treasury benches, opposition, independent members or even the Presiding Officer, to respect the oath taken,” Lone said.

“I don’t know whether it’s politics or it happened because of politics. Kyunki Kuchh Log Hain Jo Khush Bhi Hotay Hain Jo Bada Uncha Neecha Karnay Ki Koshish Kartay Hain. Iss Saarey Daur Mein Sabse Zyada Mujhe Jo Afsos Hai …..Sabse Zyada Afsos Hai Aur Jo Meray Dil Par Gujregi….. Dil Par Zabardast Gujregi ……..Woh Hai Jo Kal Chief Minister Sahib Ki Speech Ko Coverage Nahin Mil Gaya Magar Main Phir Bhi Unko Daad Detaa Hoon Unhonay Uskay Bawjood Bhi …Gila Nahin Kiya Kay Meri Wazah Say Unki Speech Ko Coverage Nahin Mili…..Mujhe Ek Lafz Bhi Nahin Kaha…. (There are certain people who try to exploit the situation for their vested interests. But my biggest regret is that because of me the Chief Minister’s address could not get coverage. Still I’m grateful that he did not complain, did not utter even a singly word to me on this account),” Speaker made a veiled attack on the bête-noire (read PDP).
He continued, “Iss Saarey Mahaul Mein Jin Logon Nay Galat Tareeqay Say Kaam Kiya Hai I Leave it to God…. Unko Saza Milani Chahiye Jinhonay Ismein Hamaarey Aur Aapke Beech Mein Jo Khalish Paida Karnay Ki Koshish Ki ….(In these circumstances those who tried to exploit the situation and tried to create a wedge between us and your fraternity, should get punishment yet that I leave it to God).”

He, however, extended gratitude to the senior ministers viz., Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ali Mohammed Sagar, Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control Taj Mohi-ud-Din Sahib, Minister for Industries S S Slathia, both Political Advisors to the Chief Minister Devender Rana and Mubarak Gul,  Director Information, JKNPP MLA Harsh Dev Singh, CPI-M MLA M Y Tarigami, MLA Jammu West Prof Chaman Lal Gupta and Abdul Rashid Engineer who, he said, made great efforts to end the impasse.
Lone said that they were concerned that in the given scenario, the issue could be used to create a wedge between the legislature and media.

He also thanked those media persons who tried to broker peace and cautioned him against step which could further widen the gap, yet refrained from making their names public.

Earlier in his statement in the House, the Speaker said that when he was unanimously elected as the Speaker of the Assembly, he had very humbly appealed among others the media that the state of Jammu and Kashmir was passing through very difficult and tough situation as such it was obligatory on the part of every body to adopt a constructive approach towards the welfare and development of the state.

“But it has been observed that sometimes the proceedings of the House are being published in a distorted and misrepresented character. Here we’re supposed to behave very responsibly and adhere strictly to the Business Rules to ensure the sanctity and sacrosanct position of this august House,” the Presiding Officer Legislative Assembly stated and quoted a rule.

The rule reads: The publication of false or distorted, partial or injurious report of debates or proceedings of the House or its Committee or willful misrepresentation or suppression of speeches of particular members, is an offense of the same character as the publication of libels upon the House, its Committees or members; and the persons who are responsible for such publication are liable to be punished for a breach of privilege or contempt of the House.

He said at various occasions the ministers and the Members approached him with the plea that ‘the media does not publish news based on facts and such a tendency tarnishes their image among the minds of the general masses.’

“Isn’t it imperative on the part of the media to adhere strictly to the rules of the House strictly in accordance with the factual position?” he questioned. Yet in the same breath he added that the media trial had no doubt its own importance in the system but it should be based on mutual respect.

“In case, there is any doubt in their (media persons’) minds while publishing any news item they can by all means approach the concerned quarters to receive their version as well or get it rectified/corrected by my Secretariat. I once again hope that they will, for the welfare of the state, desist from publishing the proceedings of the House in a distorted or misrepresented manner,” Lone said.

He also appealed to the Members to behave responsibly to ensure the credibility of this institution at all costs as this ‘House is supreme for all the pillars of the system and has to be respected in the same spirit.’

He added, “While welcoming my friends in the Press Gallery I would like to remind them that what I said is confined to the House and the Galleries only as is provided in the rule I have quoted above. I never meant to hurt them at all and feel that some misunderstanding has cropped in their minds which I think has now no scope at all.”

He stated the Leader of the House Omar Abdullah had all along been telling him to control himself while addressing the concerns of the House, the members of the opposition and the media.
The Speaker said that he (Lone) had great respect and regard for the media persons.

Moderate rains in Valley

Following a warm sunny day, moderate showers of rainfall lashed valley this evening. Rainfall was experienced in most parts of the valley accompanied by strong winds. Rainfall continued till filing of this report.

"This is just a brief spell of rain which will not cause any major disruption of life. It will get better soon," said Sonum Lotus, director meteorological department.

Meteorological Department has predicted moderate to light rain and snowfall across the state of Jammu and Kashmir from the evening of March 4 till March 7.

Sonum Lotus said higher reaches of the state will receive moderate snowfall. Plain areas of Jammu and Kashmir region will experience rainfall.

“From evening of March 4, we are expecting precipitation in the form of rain and snow across the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu regions will receive moderate rainfall as well,” said Sonum.

There will be a dip in the day temperatures while night temperatures shall rise by few degrees. Sonum ruled out the possibility of heavy snowfall anywhere in the valley.

He, however, cautioned people planning to travel across Jammu –Srinagar national highway.“People are suggested to consider the weather forecast before traveling in order to avoid inconveniences.”The month of February received persistent precipitation in the form of rain and snow across Kashmir, intercepted by brief sunny days. The total precipitation recorded during the month of February is 79 mm. In 2011, 100.9mm of precipitation was recorded, 88.9 mm in 2010, 108.9 minimum 2009 for the month of February.

The month of January has received more precipitation this year against past two year. This January recorded 60mm of precipitation which is above normal. In 2011, 54 mm of precipitation was recorded while in 2010, January saw 24 mm of precipitation.

This year December recorded below normal precipitation. While 48 mm of rainfall is normal for the month of December, 33mm of precipitation was recorded during this December.