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Govt to strengthen dairy cooperative movement in state
Natrang to stage 20 shows in Kashmir
Sweets to cost more this Diwali
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10 new degree colleges to be model institutions
Govt engages consultancy firm for Leh master plan
Workshop on gender budgeting concludes at Leh
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Govt to strengthen dairy cooperative
Jammu, October 21 Although some cooperative societies have been functioning in the state, the government is seriously thinking to start this movement on a large scale. While addressing a function of Jammu and Kashmir Milk Producers’ Cooperative Limited (JKMPCL) to distribute bonus among the dairy farmers, Minister of State for Cooperative Manmohar Lal said the dairy cooperative movement could play a significant role in bringing prosperity through the socio-economic transformation of the rural areas of the state. “Our mission is to promote the interests of the dairy farmers by ensuring the most remunerative price for milk,” he said. The minister said: “The JKMPCL has achieved significant progress over the past seven years and the milk producers as well as the consumers of the state are showing tremendous faith in us.” He lauded the efforts of the milk cooperatives and the Department of Animal Husbandry for their active support and cooperation given to the JKMPCL during the past few years. He said the government was working hard for the establishment of a transparent cooperative sector in the state. He added elections to all primary cooperatives were held and these institutions were functioning under elected boards. Manohar Lal appreciated the role of the JKMPCL to save the milk producers from exploitation by the middlemen by bringing stability to the milk procurement price. He said the JKMPCL was providing better quality milk products to the public at nominal rates. He said the growth of society depended upon improved coordination between society and the farmers. The minister said there was a need for collective efforts and active participation of the people to promote the JKMPCL for the benefit of the weaker section of society. The minister said the JKMPCL had achieved tremendous achievement in the sector, adding that strengthening of the JKMPCL was in the interest of the state, farming community and the public. He stressed upon other allied departments to give innovative inputs to the milk producers so that more milk should be produced to fulfil the requirement. The minister reviewed the achievements registered by the JKMPCL and asked the officials concerned to work with dedication and zeal so that consumers should get good quality milk and other products at reasonable rates. He also underscored the need for the expansion of such societies in the far-off areas so that the rural people should get the benefits on a par with their urban counterparts. On the occasion, the farmers put forth their demands and problems which mainly included the fixation of rates of milk, relaxation of tax on feed, seed, fertilisers and other products. The minister assured them that their demands should be addressed in a phased manner in a stipulated time period. |
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Natrang to stage 20 shows in Kashmir
Jammu, October 21 Balwant Thakur, Director, Natrang, said his group had initiated a major project to revive the traditional theatre of Kashmir, “Bhand Pather”. The first show “Chaat Kapat” is scheduled to be held at Momin Sahib, Pulwama, which will be presented by Kashmir Bhand Theatre. On October 23, two plays - “Tsalgoom” and “Do-Vout” - will be presented at Chikura, Tanmarg, and Tilgam Pattan by Baba Rishi Folk Theatre and Kaatrishi Bhand Theatre, respectively. Dilkash Folk Theatre and Gulistaan Folk Theatre will perform the plays “Naav-Laj-Danji” and “Daaj Pather” at Shatwaari Nagri, Kupwara, and Trukpora Rajawarah, Kupwara, respectively, on October 24. On October 25, Gulmarg Folk Theatre and Manasbal Folk Theatre will present their plays “Khoshwen-Aabmaler” and “Agnigaat” at Daangarpora Pattan and Nayedkhai Bandipora, respectively. There will be only one play “Naaz-Kukli-Hund Wazwan” on October 27 by Sultan Bhagat
Kashmir Bhagat Theatre will present the play “Maskhar Pather” at Lisser Kokernag Anantnaag and Alamdaar Bhagat Theatre will present “Khabar-Aawama” at Ashmkam, Anantnaag, on October 29. On October 30, Luk Pather Centre will present the play “Kakun-Pension” at Khanshab, Badgam, and National Bhand Theatre will present “Hanga-Te-Manga” at Hayatpora, Badgam. On the last day of this month, Wullar Theatre will present “Sounhair Qadam” at Raypora Ganderbal and Arnimal Folk Theatre will present the play “Yairvin Nav” at Sudanora,
Bandipora. On November 1, Alamdaar Luk Theatre will perform “Dandawazun” at Chirangam, Badgam, and Sheesh Mahal Folk Theatre will present “Panun Raaj” at Ratson Badgam. The series of these shows will conclude on November 2 with the performances “Kak-Volukh-Qabri” by Bomai Luk Theatre at Dilana, Baramulla, and “Yee Nar Ketha Chewi” by Bomai Bhand Theatre at Phurupath Handwara, Baramulla. This may be recalled that the scripts and the directorial concepts of these plays were developed in a workshop organised by the Natrang and the Sangeet Natak Akademi which was conducted by Moti Lal Kemmu with the help of nine top experts of the field which included Nissar Naseem, Amin Bhatt, Bhawani Yasir, Sajood Salini, Dr Farooq Fayaz, Mushtaq Ali, Balwant Thakur, Anil Tickoo and Ravi Kemmu.
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Sweets to cost more this Diwali
Dos
While bursting firecrackers: n
Avoid loose and synthetic clothes Don’t burst firecrackers n
Near any oil or petrol deposit
Jammu, October 21 As compared to the last year, the cost of milk has gone up by 25-30 per cent, say sweetshop owners. “With a sharp increase in the demand of milk and lesser supply, the prices have gone up. With this shortage, there has been a sharp rise in the prices of milk products like ghee, cheese and khoya, which are the integral component to prepare sweets,” says a
sweetshop owner in Gandhi Nagar here. He says: “There is also a drastic increase in the prices of other raw materials like sugar, dry fruits, gram flour, refined flour and semolina (suji).” Similarly, Lucky Sharma, owner of Sharma Sweets, Last Morh Area, says: “Last year, we bought milk at Rs 27 per litre, but this year the prices of milk are above Rs 35 per litre. This will definitely increase the prices otherwise the consumers will have to compromise with the quality.” “As far as we are concerned, we can’t compromise on quality. We are famous for our quality products and our customers know this thing. So, definitely they will buy sweets this year at increased prices,” adds Lucky. Giving further details, he says ‘ladoos’ or normal ‘barfi’, which was available at Rs 140-160 per kg last year, are
now available at Rs 180-200 per kg. Meanwhile, the Jammu Municipal Corporation has also launched a crackdown on the people involved in the making of adulterated sweets.
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‘Human rights need to be protected at any cost’
Jammu, October 21 The scenario continues to remain dismal as far as the implementation of the recommendations of the SHRC is concerned. The acting chairperson of the SHRC, Justice Sayed Bashir-ud-Din (retd), emphasises that commissions do not enjoy the powers of courts. He says human rights commissions are recommendatory in nature across the world. However, he believes that the government must implement the recommendations of the SHRC so as to prove its constitutional and democratic character. In an interview to The Tribune, Justice Sayed (retd) stressed the need for making the administration and the state agencies more responsive. Following are the excerpts of the interview: Q: Even in serious cases of human rights violations in which the SHRC has passed orders, do you think the victims have not got justice. A: I do not believe in giving up. Across the world, orders of the human rights commissions are recommendatory. But I have written to the government to bring a few fundamental changes in the state Act, which will certainly make the administrative machinery and the state agencies, including the security forces, more responsive to the recommendations of the SHRC. Also, I have been using all the platforms and occasions like workshops, seminars and discussions with officials of the administration, representatives of national and international organisations, including the media, to create awareness about human rights, which need to be protected and promoted at any cost. Q: Despite judgments by the SHRC in criminal cases against security personnel, legal action is not taken against them. What is your view on this? A: There are cases of heinous crimes like mass killings and gang-rape, besides extra-judicial killings against security forces. These cases have been taken up with the Central and state governments. However, both the governments have not responded to such cases yet. The government must reassure its people that the country is lawfully governed by taking cognisance of crimes that have been committed against ordinary people. Police action is not taken against the Central forces as the state government shows helplessness in view of the constitutional provisions. But that does not mean that these crimes should go unpunished. Though such cases may be far and few between, the situation need to be checked. We have compiled a list of more than 30 such cases and are shortly forwarding them to the National Human Rights Commission. Even the Army headquarters is aware of these aberrations in the security forces that lead to the alienation of people and it has come up with dos and don’ts for designated operational level forces. Q: What kind of problems you face in the commission to carry out your mandate? A: The government has responded to some demands lately, but a lot more needs to be done. The state Act provides for setting up sub-offices in militancy-affected areas like Rajouri, Poonch and Doda, but the same has not been done so far. The SHRC is operating from a cramped rented accommodation in Srinagar. The commission should have its headquarters at Jammu as well and the head office be made a move office like the other offices under the annual Darbar Move. Besides manpower, financial constraints are major impediment in the functioning. The commission has only one vehicle, which is obsolete and mechanically not sound. The commission should be allotted funds for upgrading its infrastructure for optimum functioning. Presently, the commission is not getting required funds for spreading human rights literacy and promotion of awareness. For wants of funds, NGOs and other institutions operating in the field are not being encouraged. Q: At policy level, what should be done for the protection and promotion of human rights? A: We have been pressing for making human rights a part of school curriculum, besides making it a part of training to the security forces engaged in counter-insurgency operations. Q: What is the trend of human rights violations in the state? A: Mostly the cases of human rights violations are direct outcome of Indo-Pak conflict and militancy wherein the victims or next of kin of the deceased have not got ex gratia relief. There are complaints of excesses by security forces as well as atrocities by militants on the people. The number of complaints is increasing every year, which means that awareness of human rights is increasing among the people. Q: How terrorism and counter-terrorism measures have affected human rights scenario? A: Terrorism has brought growing human rights consciousness. Now, people are more aware of the violations of human rights not only by the security forces but also by the police. In terrorism-affected areas, there are laws which give sweeping powers to the security forces. But the power ought to be used with accountability by the officers concerned. |
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10 new degree colleges to be model institutions
Srinagar, October 21 This was announced by Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs Abdul Rahim Rather while speaking at an open Awami Darbar at Charar-i-Sharief in Budgam district recently. He said the government had sanctioned a degree college for Charar-i-Sharief keeping in view the historic and socio-religious importance of the town, adding that this was a long-cherished demand of the area which had been fulfilled by the government as per the promise made to the people of the town. The college would feed and benefit a large number of the upper Kandi belt of Charar-i-Sharief. He said about 60 kanals of land had been identified for the college at Zaloosa, adding that Rs 13 crore would be spent for developing basic infrastructure for the college in the first phase. He said the college would start functioning from the next year. Maintaining that the government was keen to provide better educational facilities to the students, Rather said staff for all newly upgraded higher secondary schools had been sanctioned. He said about 35,000 posts were created for absorbing educated unemployed youth during the past two years. Responding to the demands put forth by prominent citizens of the area, Rather instructed the Revenue Authorities to start clearance of all genuine cases under the Roshni Act in the area within a week. He also announced that Charar-i-Sharief to Tilsara road would be extended up to Dalwan village, adding that this would boost economic activities in the area. He said the foundation stone of Rs 15-crore mini-secretariat at Charar-i-Sharief town would be laid shortly as the blueprint of the complex had been approved. He also assured to establish a blood bank in the Sub-District Hospital, Charar-i-Sharief, adding that 57 paramedical and medical posts had been sanctioned for the hospital already. Rather said the government had envisioned an ambitious plan to boost tourism activities in the area under the Yusmarg Development Authority. He also assured to recommend the extension of the Fruit Mandi, Charar-i-Sharief, which was expected to conduct a business turnover of Rs 300 crore during the current year. Mohammad Rafi, District Development Commissioner, Budgam, and the entire district heads of the Civil and Engineering Departments besides hundreds of prominent and senior citizens of Charar-i-Sharief and adjoining areas were present on
the occasion. |
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Govt engages consultancy firm for Leh master plan
Srinagar, October 21 In this regard, Tourism and Culture Minister Nawang Rigzin Jora reviewed the pace of progress of the formulation of the master plan for Greater Leh at a meeting here recently. The meeting discussed several issues related to the preparation of the master plan and it was felt that the jurisdiction of Leh town needs to be expanded for its holistic development, especially under the tourism sector, the back bone of the economy of Leh people. It was decided that the consultancy firm would submit a copy of the master plan to the District Development Commissioner, Leh, for its scrutiny and technical opinion of the Chief Town Planner before its approval for implementation. The representatives of Tetra Tech gave detailed resume of the formulation of the master plan in the meeting. The Minister said creation and upgradation of modern infrastructure facilities besides, improving basic amenities for Greater Leh was the priority of the government. He said the formulation of the master plan for the comprehensive development, especially under the tourism sector in the area, was the need of the hour. He said the plan was required to be completed well in time keeping in view the distinct topography and geography of the region which attracted tourists to this place. Jora directed the authorities concerned that due care should be given to cover tourism potential areas in the master plan for the creation of tourist infrastructure facilities in a strategic manner for their convenience. |
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Workshop on gender budgeting concludes at Leh
Srinagar, October 21 Speaking on the occasion, Shamim Firdous said the women folk had been facing multifarious hardships in every spheres of life. Therefore, the motive and responsibility of the Women Commission was to educate every section of women to fight for their rights. She said now the women were comparatively educated and they were much capable to contribute in policy decisions. She added: “It will be an honor for the state if we succeed to fill up the gap between men and women in terms of opportunity, rights and participation.” Speaking about the workshop, she said: “Gender Budgeting does not mean a separate budget for women but it is within the budget of a government. She hoped that this workshop would be a successful one, particularly for the women folk. Earlier, Hafiza Muzaffar, Secretary, State Commission for Women, while welcoming the resource persons and officers of Leh, explained in detail about the concept of Gender Budgeting. Later, in the technical session, Ritu Dewan, Centre for Women’s Studies-Gender Economics, Coordinator, UNDP Centre for Human Development, Department of Economics, University of Mumbai, gave a detail presentation about gender
concepts.
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srinagar
DIARY Every year at the fag-end of this month, the Civil Secretariat closes down in this summer capital for reopening in the winter capital. Within days after the government issues a formal order for the Darbar Move, the exercise to shift towards Jammu starts.
Employees of the Jammu region get ready in advance to reach their homes and avail week-long holidays before the government starts functioning there. It is the same case for Kashmir-based employees in Jammu, when the Darbar moves down to Srinagar early in May every year. After the formal orders were issued for the Darbar Move earlier this month, the exercise has been set in motion. It is not only for the employees, but also for the senior government functionaries and politicians. Most of the official functions are organised here during this month before the move starts. The political parties and leaders also try to utilise the time more in such exercises before embarking on the yatra to the warm environs during the winter. The famous Kashmir saffron “kahwa” is much in demand and is being served at most of the functions and festive occasion these days (see photo). The taste of sweet kahwa being served in Kashmir is known for the Kashmir hospitality, especially on festive occasions and these occasions are bound to go a long way to be remembered far away from the Valley during the winter months for many people. Dilapidated roads Notwithstanding an urge for the smooth flow of traffic on the roads, erring drivers are not only responsible for road blockades but also it is the road surface which is to be blamed. The rough road surface in most of the areas, in the capital city and elsewhere in the Valley, is a common sight. However, the main roads and those leading to vital installations and government offices are usually in a good shape. But a majority of the people in the capital city, its suburbs and the rural areas are facing inconveniences due to dilapidated roads. In general, a large number of speedbreakers, both over the smooth main roads and also on the dilapidated and rough roads, have been causing various problems to the commuters. There are no pointers showing the position of a speedbreaker on the roads, which sometimes leads to accidents. Instead of checking the speed of the vehicles, these speed breakers sometimes lead to accidents. (Contributed by
Ehsan Fazili)
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