Opens 4-day course in power management at SMVDU

Plugging power pilferage, tapping alternate sources our priority: CM

Sim-activated meters to check pilferage, identifies hydel, solar power potential

JAMMU, JUNE 01 – Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah has said that power theft is one of the major reasons for huge transmission and distribution losses in the State which have touched 60 per cent even as he called upon consumers to change their mindset for minimizing the same.

Expressing concern over discomfort caused to people over large-scale power theft, the Chief Minister said two pilot projects will be started soon to remotely check pilferage of electricity in the State by installing sim-activated electronic meters. The Chief Minister was speaking while inaugurating a four-day short-term course on Energy and Power Management, organized by School of Infrastructure, Technology and Resource Management, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, at Katra today.

Referring to various initiatives taken by the government to speed up pace of development, Mr. Abdullah identified power generation, along with creating employment opportunities for jobless youth and maintenance and improvement in security as the three most crucial areas of intervention. He said J&K has only utilized 2,000 MW generating capacity out of 22,000 MW potential that power sector offers.

Mr. Abdullah said despite having vast potential, J&K was still an energy-deficit State. “We often say that energy saved is energy generated. In J&K, we lose more energy than perhaps anywhere”.

The Chief Minister said that near-perfection is required in generation, transmission and distribution of power for minimizing losses and bringing in efficient power management. He said the State can ill-afford transmission losses up to 60 per cent and measures have to be taken to prevent such huge losses. “We have to seriously address this aspect and bring about a reformative change”, he said, adding both the government and the consumers have to complement each other to plug this heavy loss.     

Referring to the prevailing global energy crisis, he said avenues in new and renewable energy resources have to be explored to supplement conventional energy base in the State. He spoke about his recent meeting with the Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah in New Delhi on Friday in which he discussed at length the potential of the State in mini-hydel power projects up to 25 MW as well as solar and wind energy potential the State offers, especially in Ladakh region.

The Chief Minister said the decision to revise State’s Hydel Policy was a step in the direction to tide over power transmission losses, adding that Central government is committed to setting up of non-conventional energy projects in the State. “Measures are being consolidated to harness vast resources of hydro-electric power. New and renewable energy potential would be optimally utilized to give a new direction in power generation in the State”, he added.   

Mr. Abdullah lauded the role of SMVDU in imparting quality education and becoming a centre of excellence in such a short span of time. 

The Chief Minister also asked the participants to suggest viable and purposeful projects which could be launched in non-conventional energy sector in the State.  

Vice-Chancellor, SMVDU, Mr. N. K. Bansal gave a resume of the achievements of the University.   

Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Central Workshop of the University comprising six departments and four modern laboratories.

The Chief Minister also met a joint delegation from Sall, Panthal, Chadwal and Sida Kotla, which demanded detachment from Reasi and inclusion in Udhampur district. He patiently heard the delegation and assured him that their demands would be looked into. 

Veeri chairs meeting on PUC 

            Srinagar, June 01- The Chairman of the Public Undertaking Committee, Mr. Abdul Rehman Veeri while addressing first meeting of the Committee stressed on the members to make the functioning of the Committee more effective. He asked them to ensure regular participation in the meetings so that the purpose of the Committee could be achieved in a better way.

            Legislators, Mr. G. M. Saroori, Mr. Vikar Rasool, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani, Mir Saifullah, Mr. Yashpal Kundal, Mr. M. Y. Taing and Mr. R. S. Chib attended the meeting. Secretary Legislative Assembly, Mr. Mohammed Ramzan Wani and officers of the Assembly Secretariat were also present in the meeting.

            Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Veeri said that the Committee will examine the submitted Audit Paras and send the report with the recommendation to the government for necessary action. He also directed the concerned departments which come under the purview of the Committee to come fully prepared for the meetings.

            The Chairman urged upon the Assembly Secretariat to circulate the agenda of the meetings among the members well before the scheduled dates.

             The members during the deliberation gave valuable suggestion to improve the working of departments and organizations coming under the purview of the committee.

             The Secretary on the occasion, briefed the members about the powers, rules and regulations of the Committee.   

Polythene cause for all human, environment ailments: SKUAST experts

Meet of environmental experts at Shalimar

 Srinagar, June 01 –“This year Environment Day in Kashmir will be celebrated as anti-polythene day and throughout Kashmir, vigorous public awareness will be launched to protect environment and beauty of Kashmir”, this was decided at a high level meeting of environmental experts and scholars held at SKUAST-K yesterday.

            Director Resident instructions, Prof. Sajad while chairing the meet appreciated the SMC particularly its Commissioner for taking bold initiatives to check the use of polythene in Srinagar city in the first instance. He said polythene was really a menace which has destroyed environment of Kashmir during last three decades. The experts revealed that the cause of methane contents present in polythene carry bags in abundance, had acted as toxic due to which not only bone, blood, stomach and head ailments were detected but overall it was found that its toxic effect had also adversely affected the entire nervous system of the human body. The experts lauded the state government for taking bold step in imposing ban on polythene. The experts said that the J&K Chief Minister, Chief Secretary and others who played vital role in a promulgating the eco-friendly law will be remembered in the environment history of Jammu and Kashmir.

            On this occasion, the Environmental Experts including Dr. Shafiq-u-Rehman, Environmentalist, Dr. Rather, HoD, Environment division, Srinagar, Dr. Zargar Assistant Professor, Dr. Farooq Aaga, Dr. Ara, Dr. Geelani (Dal Experts) Mr. Galib, Environmentalist, researchers and sizeable number of students were present.

            All experts unanimously said that the time has come that all people of state should work with dedication to protect the natural environment bestowed upon them by nature.

            The experts said that the Dal is presently passing through environment crisis and emergency measures are required to be taken by the government by declaring separate Dal Protection Act in the same manner as SRO 122 of 11th May, 2009 was issued with regard to banning of polythene. The experts were of the opinion that in case Dal and other water bodies are saved at present, it will be a big contribution for the future generation.

            The experts also appealed all those units who are distributing food and essential items in polythene pocket to shift over immediately to paper bags keeping in view the disastrous effect of polythene on children’s bones and blood. The experts also revealed that in entire Kashmir Valley, the reason for reduction of rice production and other vegetable products is because of polythene content which has gone deep in the soil and its toxic effect has caused havoc in plantation. The experts appreciated Forest department, Pollution Control Board, Agriculture, Horticulture and Floriculture departments who have now started taking emergency measures in removing polythene content from their respective areas which definitely shall prove beneficial in saving the plantation of entire Valley. The experts said that Kashmir being seismological zone requires greenery and plantation in abundance which proves balanced factor in seismologic zone and helpful in avoiding frequent earthquakes.

            Concluding the meet, all experts were of the opinion that on June 05, a rally will be taken out by all experts and eco-friendly people to protect the fragile environment of Kashmir and ensure that not only Srinagar but entire Kashmir is declared as zero polythene zone.

Welfare, Development of far flung areas Govt’s priority: Sagar 

            Srinagar, June 01-The Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats, Mr. ALI Mohammad Sagar today reiterated the coalition’s governments resolve to work for the upliftment and improving the life standard of the people living in rural and far –flung areas of the state.

            The Minister was addressing the performance review meeting of Pulwama, Shopian, Leh and Kargil districts of Rural Development Department here today. The meeting was attended by the Legislators of the four districts which included Mr.Mohammad Khalil Bandh, Syed Bashir, Mr.Zahoor Mir, Mr.Abdul Razzaq Wagay, Mr.Bashir Ahmed Magray, Mr.Tsetan Namgayal, Mr.Feroz Khan and Qamar Ali Akhoon. Secretary Rural Development, Mr. Mohammad Sayeed Khan, Director Rural development, Kashmir, Mrs. Dilshada Khan and other senior officers of the department also attended the meeting.

            The meeting was third in the series called by the Rural Development Minister to involve the legislators of all parties to oversee implementation of the rural development schemes, so that the same are effectively implemented and completed within the stipulated time.

The meeting was told that 53 model villages are nearing completion in the valley in which, 55 shopping complexes,51 children’s parks,115.49 Kilometers of rural roads,60 passenger sheds, 322 crossing culverts,20 play grounds, 762 solar lights,45 regional information centers and 423 sanitation points have been completed during  this fiscal.

            Calling upon the legislators to effectively monitor the schemes, the Minister said that the role of local representative is important as he is well acquainted with the needs of the people living in the respective areas and can well prepare detailed project reports which are both areas specific and can better cater to the needs of the local populace.

            While referring to the governments’ initiative to involve the legislators of the parties in the implementation of the various flagship schemes, the Minister said that by involving them we are introducing a concept of transparency and accountability and also listening to dissenting voices, if any, which forms the basis of a Democratic set up. He said that the government does not differentiate between any and it is our endeavour that the benefit of these welfare and development schemes percolates to everybody irrespective of their political or regional affiliation.

            Directing the officers to effectively implement the rural development schemes, Mr. Sagar said that the role of the implementing agency is of prime importance as they can only see to it that these schemes are completed in a time bound manner and the targets set are achieved in full. He said that utmost care should also be taken so that the funds earmarked are properly utilized for the particular scheme and strict adherence of codal formalities is ensured.

The Secretary Rural Development gave a detailed overview about the various schemes of the Rural development department and also about the status of the same Vis-à-vis completion and the funds utilized.

Speaker inspects children’s park at Manasbal

Discusses rehabilitation, resettlement program of KHEP 

          Srinagar, June 01-Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Mr. Mohammad Akbar Lone today inspected Children’s Park, Manasbal being developed at a cost of Rs.87 lakh  and took stock of the pace of work under execution in the park. The project is funded by Union Ministry of Tourism, under Destitute Development Scheme and is being executed by the Wullar- Manasbal Development Authority.

            During his visit, the Speaker directed the executing agencies to plant ornamental plants and saplings in the park to add colour to its beauty.

            Earlier, the Speaker convened a meeting with the officers of NHPC and officers of various departments to review rehabilitation and resettlement package for the families coming under Kishnaganga Hydel Electric Project (KHEP). Legislators Mr. Nazir Ahmad Khan, Mr. Nizamudin Bhat, District Development Commissioner, Bandipora, Mr. M. S. Sood, Chief Engineer, NHPC and other senior officers of NHPC and other departments attended the meeting.

            Threadbare discussions were held with regard to various issues like compensation for land, standing crops and trees, buildings and other structures, resettlement and rehabilitations of the affected and construction of 24 km long tunnel. The additional compensations for orphan and widows who belong to the area and are slated to be affected by the said project were also discussed.

            Addressing the meeting, the speaker directed the executing agencies to involve the local legislators including Mr. Nazir Ahmad Khan and Mr. Nizamu-ul-din Bhat, in further deliberations before taking any activities in hand. He asked them to work as a team so that the project is completed successfully. Mr. Lone said that the project is one of the mega projects of the State in which Chief Minister, Mr. Omer Abdullah is taking personal interest and is very eager to see its timely completion.

            Enroute, several deputations met the speaker at different places and apprised him about their problems and grievances. He heard them patiently and directed the concerned on the spot, for their redressal.

Gul Chairs Privilege Committee Meet

Srinagar, June 01-A meeting of Committee on Privilege was held under the Chairmanship of Mr. Mubarak Gul (MLA) here today.

Threadbare discussions on various issues pertaining to the Committee were held.

The Chairman directed the Secretary Legislative Assembly to ensure proper coordination between the members and the various government agencies for the smooth functioning of the committee. He advocated for providing full fledged office to the Members of Legislative Assembly (MLA) so that they can serve the people in a better way.

Deputations meet Ganai at CM’s Pvt Office

            JAMMU, JUNE 01 – Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Mr. Khurshid Ahmad Ganai met a number of delegations and individuals at the Private Office of the Chief Minister at Sonawar, here today.

            The delegations included IRCON Employees Association, Pharmaceutical Employees Association, Railways Protection Force and Anganwadi Workers. Besides, a large number of individuals also met the Principal Secretary.   

            Mr. Ganai heard the deputations and communicated instructions to the concerned officers on the issues brought to his notice.          

Today’s public hearing was extended by two hours, in view of the heavy rush of people at the CM’s office.

Besides the Political Advisor to the Chief Minister and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, who meet people from Monday to Thursday, Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah also meets public at his private office. 

I prefer credibility to power: Omar

Announces judicial enquiry to probe Shopian deaths

            SRINAGAR, JUNE 01 – Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah today announced  judicial enquiry, headed by retired Justice Muzaffar Jan, to probe the mysterious death of two women in Shopian district on Friday. He said Justice Jan will probe the circumstances leading to the death of these women and submit report in one month to the Government, which will be subsequently tabled in the Assembly to make the facts public.

 The Chief Minister said his government will not hide facts, nor shield guilty persons or tolerate abuse of power. “If I have to choose between credibility and power, I will sacrifice power since people’s trust is paramount for me”, he said.

The Chief Minister said this while addressing a crowded press conference here this afternoon. He was accompanied by Minister for Finance, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather and Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar.

Terming the Shopian incident as unfortunate, the Chief Minister said his government has acted to ascertain facts wherever use of excessive force has been alleged. Citing incident of Bomai in which the government ordered a time-bound enquiry, the Chief Minister said if the enquiry commission in the Shopian case establishes that the two women have been raped and murdered, the persons responsible will receive severest punishment.

 “This is not an open-ended probe. Though Justice Jan asked for one month to submit report, I requested him to complete his probe in lesser time”, the Chief Minister said, urging people to give time to his government to establish truth in the matter.

Giving details about the decision to institute judicial enquiry to probe the matter, the Chief Minister said this was done to reaffirm the resolve of the government not to hide anything and be transparent in such matters. He said the terms of reference will be given to the Commission which will investigate the incident in one month and the government will act on the report submitted by Justice Jan. “Please allow us to reach the truth”, he asked people and the media and urged them not to jump to conclusion.

 The Chief Minister said he will not shy away from exhuming the bodies of the deceased women to establish the truth, if the Inquiry Commission so felt. “In order to reach the bottom of the case, I will order exhumation of the bodies of the two women and fresh autopsy by an independent panel comprising doctors from any part of the country”, the Chief Minister maintained.

Asking media persons not to look for knee-jerk reactions in such sensitive cases, the Chief Minister pointed out to one English news channel which was running a ticker captioned – “Bandh call against rape and murder of two women by security forces”. He said he at least expected the channel to use word “alleged”, since nobody knows the circumstances that led to the death of the two women.

  While replying to a question, the Chief Minister said the Deputy Commissioner, Shopian has already been transferred for not dealing with the situation properly and added that it was also looking into the role of the Health Department and if it is found that any lapse in conduct of duties has been committed by the doctors, strong action will be taken accordingly.   

 Referring to the killing of a person at Alochi Bagh, the Chief Minister said it was a case of blatant misuse of power by an SOG official for his own personal interest. “The deceased person owed the SOG official Rs.40,000 for which he called him to the SOG camp”, the Chief Minister said, adding he has recommended the dismissal of the said SOG official from service.

In reply to a question whether the SOG still existed, the Chief Minister said that the SOG was never disbanded and he has inherited as it existed during previous regimes.

 The Chief Minister said certain elements are misleading the people and even trivial issues are blown out of proportion. He made pointed reference to an 18-year-old boy, Mehrajuddin Gilkar, who was returning home from Jammu. “He called his family from Batote informing them that he will reach by evening. After this, he switched off his mobile, probably to save battery. On finding his cell phone off, the family panicked and alleged that the boy had been kidnapped and some 250 people gathered outside UN office shouting slogans. The boy reached home safely by evening”, the Chief Minister said.

      The Chief Minister said frequent strike calls given by some groups will affect education of children as well as tourism in the State. “As many as 3,800 tourists arrived here on Saturday while only 2,600 visitors reached on Sunday. If strikes continue, this season will also be lost”, the Chief Minister feared.  

CM at Press Conference

HIGHLIGHTS ·

• Judicial enquiry ordered, headed by retired Justice Muzaffar Jan, to submit report in 1 month.     
• Report to be tabled in Assembly to make facts public.  
• Will sacrifice power rather than the trust of people I enjoy.   
• Will not shield the guilty.     
• Will exhume bodies, order fresh autopsy, if the Commission recommends.    
• Urges media not to pre-judge things.       
• SOG never disbanded. I inherited it as it existed during previous regimes.    
• DC Shopian transferred for not dealing with the situation properly.

Govt appoints Commission of Inquiry to probe death of Neelofar, Asiya in Shopian incident 

            SRINAGAR, JUNE 01 –The Government today appointed a Commission of Inquiry consisting of Mr. Justice (retired) Muzaffer Jan to enquire into the causes and circumstances which led to the death of Mrs. Neelofar Jan and Ms. Asiya Jan on the intervening night of May 29 and 30, 2009 at Bongam, Shopian and recovery of their dead bodies from Ranbi Ara Nallah, Shopian.  

            According to a notification issued by the Home Department here today, the Commission shall ascertain whether there has been any foul play in their death and if so, identify the person/persons responsible.

            The Commission will perform all other functions necessary for holding of inquiry and submit its report to the Government within a period of one month from the date of issuance of the notification.

            The Commission of Inquiry will also ascertain whether there was any failure on the part of any department in the government in the conduct of any investigation or handling of the post-incident situation.   

            The Inquiry Commission, appointed in exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 of the J&K Commission of Inquiry Act, shall recommend action as deemed necessary against the person/persons involved/responsible and suggest action as may be necessary to ensure non-repetition of such incidents.

            The government has further directed that the provisions of sub-section 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of Section 5 of Commission of Inquiry Act shall be applicable to the Commission.   people.