GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

Day: January 19, 2024

  • UPA hosts an interaction program with Indian Civil Society at Jammu.

    UPA hosts an interaction program with Indian Civil Society at Jammu.

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    JAMMU JANUARY 19:–Scores of sociopolitical activists participated in an interaction program with the prominent members of the Indian civil society at Jammu today.

    The meet was organized by the United Peace Alliance (UPA), an association of several sociopolitical organizations and activists, to discuss a wide range of issues and challenges being faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

    The visiting delegation of Indian civil society comprised Peace Activist Daya Singh from Gurgoan, Senior Journalist Anand Vardhan from Lucknow, Ashok Wankhede from Delhi, Sheikh Hussain from Mumbai, Arwind Khushwahah, Ajay Shukla from Chandigarh, Anokha Lal and others.

    The speakers belonging to the several sociopolitical organizations narrated a long saga of pain and suffering faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

    The speakers said being administered by the so called largest democracy on earth there are no traces of democracy in Jammu and Kashmir. They said there was no place for dissent with the strict restrictions on the right to expression in Jammu and Kashmir. They said continuing conflict in Jammu and Kashmir was eating into our generations and our youngsters are living in a state of uncertainty. They called for a comprehensive dialogue process among all the state holders to resolve the dispute of Kashmir once and for all. The speakers also called upon the visiting delegation of Indian civil society to highlight issues of basic human rights voilations in Jammu and Kashmir at all the forums across India.

    Mir Shahid Saleem chairman UPA, while speaking on the occasion expressed his profound thanks and gratitude the noted members of the Indian civil society who came all the way from across India to share the pain and sufferings of the people of Jammu and Kashmir who are being subjected to the worst kind of colonial treatment at the hands of New Delhi. He said Indian civil society can play a vital role in making the people of India understand the Kashmir conflict with its historic background. The members of visiting delegation assured participants of the meeting that they would continue to highlight the colonial treatment meted out to the people of Jammu and Kashmir at the National level.

    Those who spoke on the occasion included ID Khajuaria, Com Muhammad Yousaf Tarigami, Sheikh Abdul Rehman former MP, Tarsim Lal, Com Maqbool, Shibanji Koul, Kulbushan Singh, Inder Dev Singh, Sunny Kant Chib. Chodhary Sayeed, Narinder Khalsa, Com Subash Mehta, Babu Hussain Malik, Sr. Tajinder Singh, Lakash Bali, Dr. Muhammad Hussain, Sr Harjit Singh, Com Sukhdev Singh, Com Pritam Singh, Adv Jamil Kazmi, Mansoor Magray, Farooq Ahmed, Sheikh Yousaf, and others.

  • Deputy Commissioner Rajouri reviews preparedness for Republic Day celebrations

    Deputy Commissioner Rajouri reviews preparedness for Republic Day celebrations

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    RAJOURI, JANUARY 19:–Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Om Prakash Bhagat presided over a comprehensive meeting today to meticulously review the arrangements for the forthcoming Republic Day celebrations.

    The focus of the gathering encompassed an in-depth discussion on the intricacies of the cultural program, the meticulous composition of the parade, and the strategic execution of award presentations. The agenda extended beyond the ceremonial aspects, delving into the minutiae of arrangements for sanitation, provisioning of drinking water, seamless power supply, robust medical care facilities, emergency services, and a foolproof security apparatus.

    In underscoring the paramount significance of Republic Day, the Deputy Commissioner fervently directed the officers to synergize their efforts, leaving no stone unturned to ensure that all arrangements are seamlessly executed well in advance.

    The festivities of the day are set to commence with a soul-stirring Shehnai Vadan organised by the Information Department. This will be followed by the grandeur of the flag hoisting ceremony and a parade that will showcase the collective strength and pride of contingents representing District Police, NCC, CRPF, BSF, Home Guard, JKFPF and ITBP.

    To ensure the smooth conduct of these celebrations, the DC issued directives with a focus on key areas. The emphasis lies on reinforcing security measures, upholding cleanliness standards, illuminating government buildings, streamlining parking facilities, efficiently managing traffic flow, and meticulously arranging seating at the main venue.

    The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the significance of the day and directed the officers to put in coordinated efforts to ensure that all arrangements are put in place well in time

    The meeting was attended by the Commandant IRP 2nd Battalion Randeep Kumar; ADC Rajouri, Rajiv Kumar Khajuria; CPO, Mohammad Khurshid; SE Hydraulics, Bharam Jyoti Sharma; GM DIC, Ashwini Sharma; ASP, Vivek Shekhar; ACD, Vijay Kumar; DPO, Auqil Nuvaid; CEO Education, Bishamber Dass; CAHO, Dr Khalid Hussain; DTO, Mohd Rashid and other concerned officers.

  • Bill to grant ST status to Paharis, Paddaris, Koli & Gadda Brahmins likely to come up in last session ; Introduced in July but not taken up in two sessions

    Bill to grant ST status to Paharis, Paddaris, Koli & Gadda Brahmins likely to come up in last session ; Introduced in July but not taken up in two sessions

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    Will boost BJP’s prospects in Anantnag-Poonch seat

    JAMMU, JANUARY 19:–After missing two consecutive Parliament sessions last year, much awaited bill granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to Pahari Kabila, Paddari tribe and Koli & Gadda Brahmins is likely to be taken up for consideration and passing in last session of 17th Lok Sabha starting January 31 and scheduled to conclude on February 9 which could brighten prospects of the BJP on Anantnag-Poonch-Rajouri Parliamentary constituency.

    It was introduced in Lok Sabha in Monsoon session of the Parliament in July last year along with two other bills for nomination of two Kashmiri Pandits and one Pakistan occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK) refugee in the UT Assembly and grant of reservation to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in Government jobs and educational institutions in Jammu and Kashmir. Last two bills were passed by the Parliament in its winter session in December while the ST status bill was not taken up.

    As per the officials, the bill is likely to be taken up for consideration and passing in last Parliament session of the present Government starting January 31. It will be a brief session with Central Government taking Vote-on-Account and will conclude on February 9.

    Both Central as well as J&K Governments have repeatedly made it clear that reservation of Gujjars and Bakerwals will not be affected while extending ST status to Paharis. Paharis are mostly settled in twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch in Jammu region and Baramulla and Kupwara districts in Kashmir division.

    Paddari tribe is settled mainly in Paddar area of Kishtwar district which is one of the remotest areas in erstwhile Doda region while Koli & Gadda Brahmans are spread in different areas but their population is very small.

    Sources expressed confidence that the bill to amend Reservation Act in Parliament to grant ST status to Pahari Ethnic Tribe (Pahari Kabila), Paddari Tribe and Koli & Gadda Brahman could come up during last session of 17th Lok Sabha.

    “The Parliament has to take final call on grant of Scheduled Tribe status. However, since the BJP, which is pushing for ST status to Paharis and others enjoy majority in the Parliament, there will not be much problems for the Government to get the bill through,” they pointed out.
    There are a total of around 750 Castes categorized as Scheduled Tribes across the country.

    According to political observers, the grant of ST status to Paharis could boost the BJP prospects in Anantnag-Poonch-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat as this constituency has large population of Paharis. The BJP has been eyeing this seat besides Jammu and Udhampur which it won for two consecutive terms in 2014 and 2019.

    During his visit to Jammu and Kashmir from October 3-5, 2022, Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Amit Shah had announced that recommendations of Justice GD Sharma Panel have been received by the Government and that Gujjars, Bakerwals and Paharis will get the benefits but rights of no one will be diluted.

    The STs have 10 percent reservations in Jammu and Kashmir. Nine seats in 90-member Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir have been reserved for the STs. Five seats are reserved for STs in Jammu division and four in Kashmir.

    The STs enjoyed reservation in jobs, education etc, but they were denied political reservations in Jammu and Kashmir for a long time though such a reservation existed in Lok Sabha and Assemblies across the country. This was, however, after abrogation of special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019 that the Government extended political reservations to STs in J&K.(By Daily Excelsior)

  • DC Inaugurates Smile Train cleft Lip & Palate Screening Cum Awareness Drive at GMC Rajouri

    DC Inaugurates Smile Train cleft Lip & Palate Screening Cum Awareness Drive at GMC Rajouri

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    RAJOURI, JANUARY 19:–As a part of ongoing activities under Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) & in collaboration with Smile Train, a one day cleft lip/ palate screening cum awareness drive was held here today.

    The drive was organised by Smile Train in association with National Health Mission J&K at District Early Intervention centre, Associated Hospital GMC Rajouri.

    The screening drive was inaugurated by District Development Commissioner Om Parkash Bhagat in presence of Medical Superintendent AH GMC Rajouri Dr Mehmood Hussian Bajar and Dr Suhael Zahur Project Director Smile Train Jammu, Dr Sameer Kichloo Consultant Anaesthiest and Sandeep,Coordinator Smile Train.

    The Medical Superintendent said that the screening drive aims for early identification of children with developmental defects and appropriate intervention to save them from developing permanent disability in later life. Dr Suhael Zahur, Project Director Smile Train centre at Bee Enn General Hospital Jammu is the pioneer and partners of the Govt in combating these developmental defects (Cleft Lip/palate).

    A total of 44 children were screened with the developmental defects and their parents were imparted health education for early identification of these defects and the importance of early surgical treatment.

    As part of ongoing activity intervention in the form of giving Iron and folic acid drops, vitamins and refreshment were distributed among the attendees.

    A plan of action was formulated by the DEIC Manager in consultation with Smile train for the early and timely surgical intervention of these patients. The screening drive was done under the overall supervision of the GMC Principal, Dr A.S Bhatia, Chief Medical Officer Dr Rajinder Kumar and Medical Superintendent Associated Hospital GMC Rajouri Dr Mehmood Hussain Bajar and under the overall aegis of National Health Mission Jammu & Kashmir.

  • National Road Safety Month ; Free Medical Camp organised for Drivers, Conductors at Rajouri

    National Road Safety Month ; Free Medical Camp organised for Drivers, Conductors at Rajouri

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    RAJOURI, JANUARY 19:–Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Om Prakash Bhagat, inaugurated a free medical camp for drivers and conductors organized by the Motor Vehicle Department, here today.

    The initiative was a part of the special activities undertaken in the district under the National Road Safety Month, with the theme “Sadak Suraksha Jeevan Suraksha.”

    The objective of the free medical camp is to provide essential healthcare services to drivers and conductors who play a crucial role in ensuring safe and efficient transportation.

    Deputy Commissioner Om Prakash Bhagat emphasized the importance of this camp in promoting the well-being of these individuals and the community as a whole. He advised all drivers and conductors to strictly adhere to traffic rules and regulations, emphasizing the significance of following road safety norms to prevent accidents and protect precious lives.

    During his address, Deputy Commissioner Om Prakash Bhagat highlighted several key areas that require immediate attention to reduce road accidents. He advised the participants to avoid over-speeding, drunken driving, using mobile phones while driving, wrong overtaking, and underage driving. Such practices have been identified as major contributors to fatal road accidents, and their avoidance can significantly enhance road safety.

    The free medical camp aims to provide comprehensive health check-ups, including general medical examinations, eye tests, blood pressure measurements, and awareness sessions on preventive health measures. The initiative acknowledges the physical and mental health challenges faced by drivers and conductors, who often work long hours in demanding conditions.

    The Deputy Commissioner expressed his gratitude to all the participants and stakeholders who have contributed to the success of the free medical camp and the National Road Safety Month. He also advised the drivers and conductors to make the most of this opportunity and emphasized that their well-being is of paramount importance to the district administration.

    The Motor Vehicle Department is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all road users. Through initiatives like the free medical camp and the National Road Safety Month, the department aims to create a culture of responsible driving and enhance the overall road safety standards in the district.

    The event was attended by Anurag Daru(IPS), Additional SP Vivek Shekhar, ARTO MVD Pawan Kumar besides President Jammu Poonch SD Sher Singh, Vice Chairman Naresh Bhakshi, and Manager Bustand Rajouri Kamal Gupta and other prominent citizens.