Author: snskashmir

DM orders registering of FIR against erring LPG agencies for diversion of subsidy.

SNS KASHMIR

PULWAMA, JANUARY 28 :

In a major development, huge discrepancies have been found by the administration in implementation of PMUY-Ujjwala Yojana in Pulwama. The preliminary scrutiny & verification for the same which was going on for last few months in the district, concluded by District Magistrate, Dr Raghav Langer today ordering AD Food Civil Supplies Pulwama to lodge FIR against erring 03 LPG agencies.

The tip of this scam caught eye of the administration when last year in the month of April-May-June, 2020 entitlement for 03 free cylinders for Ujjawala Yojana beneficiaries was announced by Govt of India amidst lockdown situation along with extra ration entitlement under PMGKAY.

Following this, the first LPG subsidy amount of Rs 851/- got credited into accounts of Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries. Many of the naive Ujjwala beneficiaries who had not physically received any connection; got surprised with this credit entry and some approached their Tehsil Supply Officers (TSO’s) & bank branches to know the reason for such receipts.

On further enquiry, similar reports started pouring in from other areas as well as from public representatives that many of their SECC Ujjwala beneficiaries may be receiving LPG cylinder subsidy in their accounts but have not yet received any free connection, including LPG cylinder & gas stove.

As per the initial inputs that have been shared by administration; the modus operandi in this seems to be very well crafted. Ujjawala Yojana connections get online sanctioned to the entitled beneficiaries by the Oil Marketing/Gas Companies (OMC’s) based on recommendation & submission of papers by concerned LPG agencies/dealers. The same requires a filled up gas connection form, bank passbook and aadhar card copies which are arranged by the local agents of these agencies from the entitled families included in the SECC survey list. In most of the cases the Ujjwala beneficiary who is a female, doesn’t even know that a LPG connection already stands issued in her favour by the LPG agency. Since the Aadhar no & linked bank accounts are correct; the beneficiaries start receiving credit of Rs 95-200 per refill in their account. Most of the times the beneficiary is unable to understand the reason for this receipt, as it is simply reflected as a ABPS credit entry similar to quarterly/monthly receipt under other social security/pension schemes, PM-Kisan, scholarship schemes, State marriage assistance scheme etc.

Thus the gas refills keep on getting booked against the Ujjawala connections and these domestic gas cylinders go to the black market and most commonly are diverted for commercial use in hotels/restaurants/shops/dhabas/factories/heating purposes etc. The huge cost difference between domestic & commercial LPG cylinders is a natural lure for its mass diversion. While unsuspecting PMUY-Ujjwala beneficiaries feel happy to receive subsidy in their accounts on each LPG cylinder purchased against their LPG ID, the Govt exchequer loses heavily due to such diversion of domestic cylinders into black market.

Worthwhile to mention that each Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana connection comes with provision of 12 LPG refills per year linked with back ended subsidy @ Rs 1600/year. A new Ujjawala connection consists of a free cylinder and gas stove and is sanctioned in the name of females of the households enlisted in the SECC-2011 survey list. The scheme was launched in the year 2016.

During the first round of verification of sample set of PMUY connections in district Pulwama; hundreds of instances were found where the beneficiaries of the district had not till date physically received any Ujjwala connection (LPG cylinder plus stove) despite connections being shown as active since year 2017/2018/2019 and LPG refills affected against such customer ID’s. The same was corroborated by the administration through the Refill registry of the SDMS login accounts (Subscriber Dealer Management System) of concerned LPG agencies, which they were reluctant to provide in the beginning of investigation. Many beneficiaries confirmed receipt of only a free LPG cylinder without the gas stove. Also in several instances the addresses and phone nos of the beneficiaries were found incorrect in the database of the agency/dealer, most probably to make any verification process difficult.

The District Magistrate Pulwama has lauded the efforts of Asstt Director Food Civil Supplies, Pulwama Mr Sheikh Enayatullah KAS for thorough investigation in the matter leading to unearthing of the scam and his zeal to streamline the PDS in the district.

Sources confirmed that following sections are likely to be invoked in the FIR that is to be lodged viz; IPC sec 120-B Criminal conspiracy, sec 403 dishonest misappropriation of property, sec 406 criminal breach of trust, sec 417/420/463/464 for forgery & cheating read with sec 34 IPC ie acts done in furtherance of common intention; sec 3/7 EC Act 1955; relevant provisions of Essential Commodities (display of prices & stocks and control of supply & distribution) Order, 1977;LPG (Regulation of supply & distribution) Order, 2000; Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016;The Aadhaar (Targeted delivery of financial & other subsidies, benefits & services) Act, 2016.

Meanwhile the administration will also be writing to the concerned OMC’s (Oil Marketing Companies), Office of Dy. Chief Controller of Explosives Chandigarh, Petroleum & Explosives Safety Organisation Faridabad, Fire & Emergency Services Dept J&K, Legal Metrology Dept J&K; for initiating necessary action in view of gross violations, flouting of safety regulations, Weights & Measures Rules and non fulfilment of agreement conditions; found during surprise inspections of various LPG godowns carried out in the district on 20th Jan, 2021.

It may be recalled that even CAG and other audit agencies in the past have continuously raised concerns vis-a-vis implementation of Ujjawala Yojana in some areas pointing towards diversion of subsidized cylinders, high consumption of some Ujjwala households being reflected by agencies which is highly unlikely, large scale commercial usage of domestic cylinders, non availability of installation records & pre-installation check-ups, lack of validation checks etc.(KNT)

SNS KASHMIR

BARAMULLA JANUARY 28 :

I recollect the famous repetend from Tennyson’s masterpiece,
“The Brook”:
“For men may come and men may go But I go on for ever”.
In fact, the beautiful lines reflect the law of Nature. People come and go. They build institutions, run them and leave. However, their names and good work stay inseparably with the institution throughout its existence. Sir Syed Ad Khan established Mohammadan Anglo-Oriental College in 1875 and it was upgraded to Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in 1920, after 22 years of his demise; though people continue saying that Sir Syed Ahmad Khan established Aligarh Muslim University.
Prof Rutherford happened to be the Vice Chancellor of New York University in 1902. Incidentally, a building was coming up in front of his office chamber. He observed a stone cutter sweating hard from dawn to dusk. Prof Rutherford sent him message to see him in the evening and asked the stone cutter the reason behind working harder than any other stone cutter. The stone cutter replied, “I am not working hard to construct a building, I am working hard to construct an institution where thousands of boys and girls will come to learn”. Whereas I do believe, Dr Ghulam Nabi Itoo, during his tenure as Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, did work hard in the same spirit but his contribution in solving the grievous problems wreaked upon the Institution of our dreams, Government College Baramulla, by the vested interests, was unfortunately, far from being substantial. He strove every nerve towards development of the District and made utmost efforts in reaching out to people amidst Covid 19 pandemic crisis. He deserves kudos for coordinating not only with other departments but also stimulating various NGO’s ensuring awareness about Special Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and relief package disbursement to the Covid 19 sufferers.

In his Book, “You Can Win”, Shive Khera, an American Business Consultant writes: “Winners don’t do different things. They do things differently”. The way Dr Itoo maintained decorum and sanctity of his office, besides taking on board all other administrative units and NGO’s especially post August 5, 2019 lockdown, merits plaudits.
I have it worth to cite one more example. As Convenor Local Management Committee, Dar-ul-Muzaffer Children’s Home, Baramulla, I wrote a letter to Director School Education Kashmir to arrange Free Coaching for two Orphan Children for NEET, in Akash Institute Rajbagh, Srinagar. I posted copy of the same to Deputy Commissioner Baramulla as well expecting him to recommend and forward the letter to Director School Education Kashmir. However, Dr G.N. Itoo played a master stroke by doing it differently. He wrote DO letter to Mr Moeed Khan, the Owner of Akash Institute Rajbagh wherein he requested him to accommodate the two orphan aspirants for free coaching. Remember, the acts of kindness don’t go unnoticed. Body dies, beauty lies.

(Prof Mohammad Ismail)
(Former Principal Government College Baramulla)
President, Varmul College Alumni Association.
Email ID: profmismail47@gmail.com

Budget scheduled in Parl session beginning Jan 29

SNS KASHMIR

JAMMU JANUARY 28

At a time when Jammu and Kashmir is in the stage of giving final touch to its annual budget for 2021-22 which has to be passed by the Parliament in its budget session, Financial Commissioner (Finance) Dr Arun Kumar Mehta has proceeded on “long leave” to New Delhi.
Reliable sources told the Excelsior that the Finance Department is in the stage of giving final touch to annual budget of Jammu and Kashmir for 2021-22 which has to be approved by the Parliament in absence of Legislature in the Union Territory because of delay in holding elections to the Legislative Assembly.
Dr Mehta, who has already been empanelled as Secretary in the Government of India, was also scheduled to proceed on Central deputation.
However, right from October-November when the process is initiated for presentation of budget, the Financial Commissioner (Finance) was closely associated with it and was personally monitoring it.
“The Jammu and Kashmir administration has already held couple of rounds of meetings with the Union Finance Ministry officials on the budget,” sources said, adding that requirements of all Departments have also been taken into account by the Finance Department as a part of annual exercise for finalization of the budget.
Sources, however, admitted that some difficulties will arise with Dr Mehta proceeding on “long leave”.
Budget session of the Parliament is schedule to begin on January 29 with the address of President Ram Nath Kovind to joint session while Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present annual budget on February 1. Budget of Jammu and Kashmir will also be presented in the same session.
Describing proceeding of leave by the senior most bureaucrat engaged in monitoring preparations for annual budget as “unusual”, sources said the Government will have to a take a call within the next few days as budget exercise can’t be hampered.
Though no reasons could be ascertained behind Dr Mehta suddenly proceeding on “long leave”, he had recently voiced concerns over some Administrative Secretaries not attending the High Powered Committee meeting of Jammu Kashmir Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation (JKIDFC).
Absence of the Administrative Secretaries had angered the Financial Commissioner, Finance Department, who had taken serious cognizance of the non-participation and conveyed that the crucial meetings should not be attended by the representatives.
A strong worded displeasure in this regard was formally conveyed by Dr Mehta after he cancelled the recently scheduled JKIDFC High Powered Committee meeting due to non-participation of the Administrative Secretary, Jal Shakti Department and Administrative Secretary, Planning Development and Monitoring Department.
Because of non-participation of the Administrative Secretaries of these two Departments in the capacity of JKIDFC High Powered Committee members, proceedings of the crucial meeting could not be held and hence the development projects worth crores of rupees were not taken up for discussion and likely approval of the same.

(Courtesy Daily Excelsior )

SNS KASHMIR

JAMMU, JANUARY 28 :

The former chief minister of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti Thursday said that the violence in New Delhi on Republic Day eve was aimed to defame the farmers and the government must repeal the laws immediately.

In a brief interaction with reporters outside the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) office in Jammu, PDP Chief said that Republic Day is celebrated as the constitution day but some laws have been enacted in violation of the fundamental rights.

“Some of the laws have been enacted without the consent of the concerned”, she said as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) while referring to the farmer’s bill that led to mass agitation across the nation besides hoisting of the religious flag (Sikhs) at Red Fort on January 26.

“The laws have unnerved the farmers with fear of losing their land and everything,” she said.

“Government must repeal these farmer’s laws immediately,” she said.

While pointing at the induvial involved in the Republic Day violence in India’s capital, she said that “the man behind the act is BJP’s aide who has been with Prime Minister and Home Minister besides having campaigned for its Member Of Parliament Sunny Deol.”

“I believe the violence in New Delhi is a staged act to defame the farmers”, she said.

Notably, the three bills are the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020, Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill 2020. The laws were passed in last year’s monsoon session of the indian parliament —(KNO)

POONCH, JANUARY 28 :

A 40-year-old woman who had inadvertently crossed over to Pakistan Administered Kashmir returned home after four months on Thursday.

The woman, Zareena Bi daughter of Qutaib Din Bhatti of Chella Dhangri in Mandi area of this mountainous district had crossed over to PaK on 23 September last year. “Today the (PaK) authorities handed over the woman to officials here through Chakan-Da- Bagh crossing point Poonch,” an official told GNS.

DySP Chakan Da Bagh Mohammad Azeem Qureshi told GNS that the gate at the crossing point opened from 1255-1310 hours and the woman was received by the officials here. (GNS)

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR, JANUARY 28 :

The cold wave sweeping Kashmir Valley has intensified with Srinagar recording a low of minus 5.6 degrees Celsius, the weatherman said on Thursday.

A meteorological department official told GNS that Srinagar, the summer capital of J&K, recorded a minimum of minus 5.6°C against minus 2.0°C on the previous night.

The minimum temperatures have consistently remained far below normal this season. On January 14, Srinagar witnessed the season’s coldest night at minus 8.4°C which was the chilliest one in more than 25 years. In 1991, Srinagar witnessed a low of minus 11.8°C while the lowest ever temperature was recorded on 31 January 1893 when the mercury had plummeted to minus 14.4 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, the mercury settled at minus 12.3°C in Pahalgam against minus 7.7°C on the previous night in the world-famous health resort.

Qazigund, the gateway town of J&K, recorded a low of minus 10.5°C against 4.4°C on the previous night while Kokernag recorded a minimum of minus 10.7°C against 8.3°C on the earlier night.

Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 13.4°C against 12.0°C earlier night, the official said.

The mercury settled at minus 2.2°C in the in Kupwara against minus 2.0°C on the previous night, the official said.

Kashmir is in the middle Chillai-Kalan, the 40-day winter period which commenced on December 21 and ends on January 31. The period is considered the harshest of the winter when the chances of snowfall are most frequent and maximum.

The cold wave, however, continues even after that in Kashmir with a 20-day-long ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold) and a 10-day-long ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold). The weatherman has forecast mainly dry weather with morning mist for the next 24 hours. Scattered rains and snow has been forecast from January 31 onwards. (GNS)

SNS KASHMIR

JAMMU, JANUARY 28,

Krishan Dev Sethi, the last surviving member of J&K constituent Assembly, passed away at his Jammu residence this morning .                   

                    As per news agency Kashmir the 93- year-old Sethi, who was strong votary of resolution of Kashmir issue, was member of the constituent Assembly which framed the constitution of erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.  

He also represented Nowshera Assembly segment of Jammu and Kashmir. He is survived by son (Achal Sethi, Law secretary) and a daughter. 

According to family sources, his cremation will take place today  at 1:00 PM at Jogi Gate,Jammu

SNS Kashmir

Sopore: Setting an example to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, Manan Hassan Wani has travelled from Kashmir to Kanya Kumari (K2K) in a bicycle in 27 days, while spreading the message on drug addiction.

Manan Wani a resident of Sopore set the foot on a bicycle on January 1st and reached Kanya Kumari on Wednesday evening.

Talking to Kashmir Despatch over phone Manan Wani said, “I left Sopore on January 1st to Kanya Kumari, a 4, 000 km travel project, which I completed in 27 days including 4 days rest”.

“It was an 11 stage travel which started from Jammu and Kashmir then Punjab, Haryana, New Delhi, UP, Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, Andra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh”, he added.

“I wanted to send a message to all those youths there that if one is dedicated, they can achieve their dreams.

Everyone needs to give 100 per cent in whatever they are doing. I can tell you how happy I am to complete this travel from Kashmir to Kanya Kumari as it was my dream to reach here by bicycle”, he added.

“I am thankful to my coach and of course to brother Sameer who arranged everything in this tour and planned the route plan. Also, I want to send a message that youth should stay away from drugs as there is a better life there and people should focus on their dreams”, he added.

The areas through which Manan covered the distance from Kashmir to Kanya Kumari include Sopore, Qazigund, Ramban, Jammu, Pathankot, Ludhiana, Kurukshetra, New Delhi, Mathura, Agra, Gwalior, Jhansi, Sagar, Lakhnadon, Nagpur, Pandharkawada, Nirmal, Bhiknoor, Hyderabad, Kurnool, Anantpur, Bengaluru, Salem, Madurai and Kanyakumari.

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR JANUARY 27 :

A high level meeting, in view of University’s maiden Convocation ceremony was chaired by the Honourable Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mushtaq A. Siddiqi at the campus today. The meeting was attended by the chairpersons and members of several Convocation Committees. Important to note that the Convocation is scheduled to be held on 1st March 2021.

During the meeting, several agenda items were discussed. Among those present were Registrar IUST, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, Dean Academic Affairs Prof. A. M Shah, Dean Research Prof. H. R Naik, Director ITSS and Dean School of Technology and Engineering Prof. A. H Moon, Dean Schools of Humanities and Social Sciences Prof. A. S Bhat, Dean School of Sciences Prof. Rather, Controller of Examinations Dr. Mohd Amin Bhat, Finance Officer Mr. Sameer Wazir.

The Gold medalists and PHD awardees have already been asked to register for the ceremony and details are available on the university website http://www.iust.ac.in/

Says tourism linked to livelihood of people; stresses on promoting new destinations, focusing on all seasons, products

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR, JANUARY 27:

Director, Tourism, Kashmir, Dr. G N. Itoo Wednesday convened an extensive review meeting with senior officers of the Department including senior officers, resort officers and other employees to review the overall functioning of the department.

The Director Tourism observed that Kashmir is an all season destination offering visitors not only mesmerising beauty of its natural landscape, its perennial revisers and lakes, gardens and meadows, mountains and valleys, forests and wildlife but also diversity of tourism products with its adventure potential, cuisine, heritage, pilgrimage circuits and plenty of leisure tourism.

Dr. Itoo said tourism is an important sector which is directly linked to common masses and provides immediate employment opportunities and livelihood to lakhs of local people. He said tourists visiting Kashmir should leave with beautiful memories and in this regard instructed all resort officers to work with zeal and zest to ensure tourists feel comfortable while holidaying here.

He also directed the resort officers to submit the directorate office the daily updates on the tourists arrivals and other developments related to tourism in their territories.

The Director Tourism Kashmir said J&K is blessed with abundant natural beauty and splendour which needs to be explored to its fullest.

He also urged the officers to focus on maintaining existing infrastructural facilities at all the tourist destinations. He also asked them to work on attracting travellers to lesser known destinations and also identify new places which can be promoted and developed so that the rush at the major destinations can be eased to their carrying capacity.

He said all the employees of the department should work hard towards making JK the best tourist destination of the country.

Dr. Itoo also interacted with the employees and listened to various issues patiently and assured them that all their issues will be resolved in a time bound manner.

He also urged the Tourist Police to ensure the presence of their personnel at major tourist spots for the proper regulation of the trade practices and ensure no violation, cheating or fraud take place with the visitors.

He also stressed upon ramping up the publicity of all the tourism products through print, electronic, social media and outdoor advertising.

The Director Tourism further emphasised on preparing an advanced plan for the country wide promotional programmes through road shows while also involving local tourism stakeholders.

He stressed on organising various events at various tourists resorts while also following proper SOPs related to Covid.

Earlier, Joint Director Tourism Tabassum Kamili gave a detailed presentation highlighting the role of each wing of the department and also promotional activities being carried out within and outside J&K.

On the occasion, the employees also gave a warm send off to the outgoing Director Tourism Nisar Ahmad Wani who has been posted as Managing Director, JKTDC. They praised his efforts in promoting tourism during tough times during COVID-19 pandemic.