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Upper House passes Dehi Adalats Bill
Speaker to soon send summons to VK Singh
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Javed Rana is Dy Chairman
of Legislative Council
BJP leaders call for ‘Rajouri Chalo’ march today
Transfers, postings ordered in administration
VCs discuss functioning of varsities with Guv
Cabinet nod to Parnai hydel project
NSG win police golf tourney
‘Threat’ to Kathua school keeps police on its toes
Five bombs found in Leh
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Srinagar, October 10 The government today informed the Legislative Council that during 2013-14, the child sex ratio in the Jammu division had improved to 908 and in Kashmir division to 967. As per the Census 2011, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed the single largest decline in the child sex ratio in a decade, with the figure plummeting to 859 in 2011 as compared to the 2001 Census figures, wherein the number of girls per 1,000 boys (aged between 0-6) stood at 941. However, two years after the 2011 Census report, the government claims that the child sex ratio in J&K
has improved. “There had been a decrease in the child sex ratio in J&K as per the Census report of 2011, which had come down to 859 as compared to 941 in 2001….However during 2013-14, the sex ratio has improved to 908 in Jammu and 967 in Kashmir, against 1,000 male (children),” Minister of State for Health Shabir Khan today informed the House in a written reply to a question by MLC Devender Singh Rana. Referring to the child sex ratio figures in the 2011 Census report, Rana wanted to know “if the government had considered the reasons for such a big fall in a state, which is traditionally wedded to high morals and social ethics.” In his written reply, the Minister for Health further stated that several steps had been taken to generate awareness among the people and action initiated to check female foeticide in recent years. “Only one instance of female foeticide has been reported in J&K so for in the RS Pura region of the Jammu division. A case has been filed against the guilty,” he said. Following the 2011 Census report, though questions were raised over the government’s seriousness in implementing the Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostics Techniques (PC & PNDT) Act in J&K, the minister said several initiatives had been taken for its effective implementation over the years. “The aim is to ensure that the skewed child sex ratio is improved,” he informed the House, while highlighting the achievements of his department in this regard. The minister informed the House that 270 ultrasound diagnostic clinics in the state had been registered under the PC&PNDT Act and 65 unauthorised ultrasound machines seized. He added that so for five cases had been filed and five persons arrested for violation of various provisions of the Act. CENSUS DETAILS *
As per the Census 2011 report, the ratio plummeted to 859, registering a decline of 82 girls in the state per 1,000 boys *
The government now claims that the child sex ratio has increased over the years. It said the ratio in Jammu has improved to 908 and in Kashmir 967 *
The state government has also constituted a task force to study various aspects of the declining child sex ratio in the state. The task force held its first meeting in July this year |
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Upper House passes Dehi Adalats Bill
Srinagar, October 10 During discussions over the Bill in the Legislative Council, Law Minister Mir Saifullah said once the Dehi Adalats get established, they would provide access to justice at the grass-roots level. He said the government had mooted the idea of setting up these adalats due to huge pendency in the courts. He said the Bill entailed provisions of providing “free justice” to the people of the rural areas and the adalats would also ensure quick disposal of cases. Mir said the Dehi Adalats in the first phase would be set up in 20-22 blocks of various districts of the state. The adalats could award a sentence up to two years. The Bill stated that it was moved “to provide for establishment of Dehi Adalats at the grass-roots level for the purposes of providing access to justice to the citizens on their doorsteps and to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of social, economic and other disabilities and for matters connected therewith….” Earlier during the discussions, several MLCs of the ruling National Conference termed the bill “historic” even as some MLCs of the opposition parties suggested amendments. To this, the Law Minister urged the MLCs to bring the amendments later. He said if
the amendments were brought at this stage, it would delay the setting up of Dehi Adalats. The Dehi Adalats Bill was passed with voice vote and returned to the Legislative Assembly. Meanwhile, another Bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Energy Conservation Act, 2011, was also passed by the Upper House. FREE JUSTICE ASSURED *
The Dehi Adalats Bill entails provisions of providing “free justice” to the people of the rural areas. The adalats will also ensure quick disposal of cases *
The government mooted the idea of setting up these adalats due to huge pendency in the courts |
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Speaker to soon send summons to VK Singh
Srinagar, October 10 He said the summon letter would be dispatched to General V K Singh in the next few days, asking
him to explain his controversial remarks against J&K politicians. The official said the General would be asked to explain his position and if Speaker Mubarak Gul wishes, he can even call him in the Assembly to explain his position. “The Speaker has kept all options open and he can even refer the issue to the Privileges Committee,” the official said. Gul had yesterday said he would summon the former Army Chief but had not fixed any time frame. He had also announced that if the need arose, a special session would be announced to discuss the matter. The decision to summon the General was taken by the Speaker on the privilege motion moved by the ruling National Conference (NC) on September 30. The Assembly official said the former Army Chief would have to respond to the summon letter when he receives to it. “There is no provision for a stay from court to avoid a response,” he said. When contacted, the Speaker, however, refused to divulge when the summon letter would be issued. “I have said in the Assembly that the former Army Chief would be summoned and that is it,” Gul told The Tribune. “The law will take its own course.” Senior counsel Zaffar Ahmed Shah said the state could use cohesive power if a person did not obey the House summon. “If a person has been found prima facie guilty of breach of privilege, the House has the authority to use cohesive power against him if he does not obey the summons,” Shah said. |
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Javed Rana is Dy Chairman
of Legislative Council
Srinagar, October 10 The motion in this regard was moved by Ajay Kumar Sadhotra and Bashir Ahmad Magray. BA Veeri and Naresh Kumar Gupta seconded it. Legislative Council chairman Amrit Malhotra and other members of the House congratulated Rana after being elected as the Deputy Chairman of the House. Talking to reporters later, Rana thanked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union Minister Farooq Abdullah, Minister for Planning and Development Ajay Sadhotra and NC provincial president Devender Singh Rana for reposing faith in him. He said he would work for the development of the backward areas of the state, especially his constituency, Mendhar. Meanwhile, chairman Amrit Malhotra today extended the current session of the Council to October 11. The autumn session of the Council began on September 30. It was scheduled to conclude today as per the earlier announced programme. |
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BJP leaders call for ‘Rajouri Chalo’ march today
Jammu, October 10 Eyeing the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, the state unit of the BJP has started mobilising the minorities in the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri. The party has given a call for ‘Rajouri Chalo’ on Friday to expressing solidarity with the “fear-stricken” minorities living there. “Due to the biased attitude of the authorities, a fear psychosis has gripped the minority community in Rajouri. We have brought this matter to the notice of the officers of the civil administration and the police but to no avail,” alleged state BJP president Kishore Sharma. Sharma said a cavalcade of BJP workers would start the march from the party headquarters on Friday and would be joined by workers from Domana, Akhnoor, Chowki Chowara, Sunderbani and Nowshera before reaching Rajouri. “It is unfortunate that instead of acting on complains of both communities, the authorities have taken action only against the minorities,” he alleged and warned that the vindictive attitude of the authorities would deteriorate the situation in the sensitive Rajouri town. Meanwhile, addressing a joint press conference here today, general secretary of the state BJP Kavinder Gupta and former mayor of the Jammu Municipal Corporation and vice-president of the party Chander Parkash Ganga alleged that the local administration was harassing innocent youth to create a Kashmir-like situation in the border town. BJP leaders, who had visited Rajouri to assess the situation, regretted that instead of solving the minor scuffle between two groups, the authorities had been behaving in a vindicate manner to settle scores with some persons. No senior civil or police officer was ready to speak on the issue. “I along with the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, visited Rajouri on Wednesday,” said Inspector General of Police, Jammu, Rajesh Kumar but refused to give any details. |
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Transfers, postings ordered in administration
Srinagar, October 10 Shahid Anayatullah, Labour Commissioner, has been transferred and posted as the Secretary, Transport Department. Sanjeev Verma, Transport Commissioner, has been transferred and posted as the Secretary, Floriculture Department. Mehraj Ahmad Kakroo, secretary, Transport Department, has been transferred and posted as the Managing Director, J&K State Power Development Corporation. Anal Kumar Gupta, special secretary, Tourism and Culture Department, has been transferred and posted as the Managing Director, J&K Handloom Development Corporation. Nirmal Sharma, Managing Director, J&K Handloom Development Corporation, has been transferred and posted as the Labour Commissioner. Mohammad Sharif Sood, Secretary, J&K State Information Commission, has been transferred and posted as the Joint Financial Commissioner, Agrarian Reforms. Saurabh Bhagat, awaiting orders of adjustment in the General Administration Department, has been transferred and posted as the Transport Commissioner. Dilshad Khan, member of the J&K Services Selection Board, has been transferred and posted as the Special Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department. Shamim Ahmad Laherwal, awaiting orders of adjustment in the General Administration Department, has been transferred and posted as the Project Director, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan. Kamla Devi, member of the J&K Services Selection Board, has been transferred. She shall, however, await further orders of adjustment in the General Administration Department. Anil Kumar Gupta, under orders of transfer as the Executive Director, Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society, Jammu, has been posted as the Special Secretary, Higher Education Department. Rohit Khajuria, Additional District Development Commissioner, Kathua, has been transferred and posted as the member of the J&K Services Selection Board. Tsering Maroop, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Leh, has been transferred and posted as the member, J&K Services Selection Board. Rahul Sharma, Additional Secretary in the Personal Section of the Deputy Chief Minister, has been transferred and posted as the member, J&K Services Selection Board. Majid Khalil Ahmad Drabu, additional secretary, Agriculture Production Department, has been transferred and posted as the member, J&K Services Selection Board. Gazanfer Ali, secretary, J&K State Advisory Board for Social Welfare, has been transferred and posted as the Secretary, J&K State Information Commission. Babila Rakwal, Deputy Excise Commissioner (Accounts), has been transferred and posted as the member, J&K Services Selection Board. Mohammad Sultan Malik, Officer on Special Duty with Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, has been transferred and posted as the member of the J&K Services Selection Board. |
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VCs discuss functioning of varsities with Guv
Srinagar, October 10 The VCs, as per an official press note, briefed the Governor, who is the Chancellor of the universities, about common issues relating to the functioning of the main campuses and the off-site campuses of both varsities. They also discussed important issues relating to enhancing the teaching and research capacities and developing centres of excellence in both institutions. Navin K Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor, was present at the meeting. |
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Cabinet nod to Parnai hydel project
Srinagar, October 10 The Cabinet accorded sanction to the payment of compensation in favour of the occupants, for structures unauthorisedly raised over the state/shamilat (hahcharai)/department land, under acquisition for various projects being executed through agencies such as the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana authorities, Public Works Department, Roads and Buildings Department, Border Roads Organisation, National Highways Authority of India, Economic Reconstruction Agency and hydroelectric projects through the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation and the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation authorities. The entire cost of such structures shall be borne by the indenting department/agency concerned. “The payment of compensation shall be subject to the condition that such a structure existed on the said land for the last at least five years preceding the date of notification issued under section 4 (1) of the Land Acquisition Act,” an official spokesman said. The Cabinet also approved the proposal for introduction of Group Mediclaim Insurance Policy for the J&K Government gazetted employees for 2013-14 to 2015-16. |
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NSG win police golf tourney
Srinagar, October 10 Governor NN Governor, who was the chief guest at the prize distribution function today, congratulated the winner and runner-up (Punjab) teams and other participants. He also complimented Ashok Prasad, Director General of Police (DGP), for having taken the initiative of hosting the tournament. The Governor said all three defence services of the country had a healthy tradition of promoting sports. “While, happily, the sports culture has also developed in all police organisations of the country, there is also a need for focusing adequately on the welfare of police personnel and their families,” he added. The Governor also released a souvenir brought out on the occasion. Earlier, the DGP said over 100 golfers from 31 states and Central Police Organisations had participated in the tournament. He said such sports events provided a valuable opportunity to interact and develop camaraderie with other police organisations of the country. Additional Director General of Police (Armed) SM Sahai, who was the organising secretary of the tournament, presented a vote of thanks. K Rajendra Kumar, Director General (Prisons), PL Gupta, ADG (Coordination), SP Vaid, ADG (Headquarters), DR Doley, ADG (Home Guards), Navin K Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor; Farooq Ahmad Shah, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, were present on the occasion. |
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‘Threat’ to Kathua school keeps police on its toes
Jammu, October 10 Though the police suspects it to be an act of mischief, it increased patrolling outside the school besides alerting all check posts and village defence committees as a precautionary measure. Sources said this morning a Class XI student, who boarded a minibus from Ujh Bridge for her school, was approached by a man in his fifties. He handed her a letter and told her to give it to the school principal. “The man had a beard and wore kurta pyjama. He sat next to the girl in the minibus and started asking her about Army installations in the area and then handed her a letter to be given to the principal,” a source said. The girl after reaching the school handed over the letter to the principal. “The letter contained a threat demanding that the school be shut for two months or else it would be attacked like the Hiranagar police station,” the source said. Sub Divisional Police Officer of Basohli Rafiq Manhas along with other policemen rushed to the school after receiving information about the threat. Confirming the development, Manhas said the letter was written in Hindi on a simple page of a notebook. “We talked to the girl, minibus driver and the conductor. The driver and the conductor didn’t corroborate the claims of the girl. They said that no man matching the description given by the girl boarded the minibus this morning,” said Manhas. Terror outfits usually write such letters in Urdu language and that too on letterheads of their outfits, added the officer. “Though it looks to be a mischief, we didn’t want to take chances in the wake of the two major terror strikes on September 26. All check posts and village defence committees have been alerted,” he said. Security tightened *
A letter threatening a terror attack on a school in Kathua district was reportedly given to a Class XI student by a man in his fifties while she was on her way to school in a bus on Thursday. *
The police said though the ‘threat’ looked to be a mischief, it didn’t want to take chances in the wake of the two major terror strikes in the Jammu region on September 26. *
All check posts and village defence committees have been alerted in the area |
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Five bombs found in Leh
Leh/Poonch, October 10 Five bombs were found hidden under sand at Choglamsar in Leh district, where a new residential colony is being raised. Incidentally, despite 23 years of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in the state, Leh district has never witnessed a militancy-related incident till now and the recovery of five powerful bombs has taken the security forces by surprise. Deputy Superintendent of Police, Leh, Abdul Khaliq said, “All five bombs were discovered last evening by a labourer during the digging of sand needed for the construction of a house in Choglamsar.” “We were immediately alerted by the labourer, numberdar and residents of the colony around 8 pm. The Army was called in by the district police. We briefed them about the recovery at the Army headquarters and this morning they scanned the whole area,” said Khaliq. A case under Section 286 of the RPC (Ranbir Penal Code) and 7/27 of the Indian Arms Act has been registered and investigations have begun, the DSP added. However, after residents objected to the disposal of bombs before unravelling the mystery that how did the explosives reach Choglamsar, the police approached the District and Sessions Court seeking a direction for safe disposal of the explosives. The DSP said, “The police is now waiting for a direction from the court and formal orders of the Leh district magistrate for their (bombs) disposal”. Residents of Choglamsar have urged the district administration and the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. In another incident on the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch sector, the Army today defused five powerful IEDs, believed to have been planted by terrorists with the help of the Pakistan army with the motive for inflicting casualties on Indian troops. “The Army defused 5 IEDs in the forward area in the Shahpur sector and averted a major tragedy along the LoC in Poonch district today,” said an Intelligence source. Around 6 am today, one Mohammed Hussain residing in an area near the Kaian post in the Shahpur sector told the troops deployed near the post that he had found some IEDs near his house, which is located between the border fence and the LoC, the source said. However, the Army has denied any such incident in
Poonch.
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house in session
The Upper House today passed the much-touted Dehi Adalats Bill with the assurance that it would deliver justice “on the doorstep” in rural areas of the state.
The Legislative Council today unanimously elected ruling National Conference (NC) legislator Javed Ahmad Rana as its Deputy Chairman.
The motion in this regard was moved by Ajay Kumar Sadhotra and Bashir Ahmad
Magray. BA Veeri and Naresh Kumar Gupta seconded it.
The National Security Guard (NSG) team won the 17th All-India Police Golf Tournament-2013. The tournament was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Police at the Royal Springs Golf Course here.
Even as Defence Minister AK Antony today reportedly asked the Army to look into current security structures in Jammu and Kashmir, the recovery of 10 powerful explosives - five bombs in Leh district in Ladakh region and five IEDs (improvised explosive devices) in Poonch district of the Jammu region --- today sent security forces into a tizzy.
