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Author: gnsonline

  • Work on Poshana link road started today Chairman block development council Bufliaz Shafiq Mir opens ribon

    Work on Poshana link road started today Chairman block development council Bufliaz Shafiq Mir opens ribon

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

    POONCH OCTOBER 13:–The long pending demand of public of  Poshana villlage of district Poonch got fulllfilled today when the work on this road was started by Shafiq Mir chairman BDC Bufliaz in presence of PWD officials engineers and local people .

    On this occcassion whille expressing his gratitude to Deputy Commissioner Poonch  for his effforts to get this work started Shafiq Mir also congratulated the people of Poshana for their demand got full filled. People of Poshana village also appreciate the role of BDC Bufliaz .

  • DC reviews preparations for Navratras, Mahanavmi & Dusshera festivals in Rajouri

    DC reviews preparations for Navratras, Mahanavmi & Dusshera festivals in Rajouri

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    RAJOURI, OCTOBER 12:–Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Vikas Kundal, today chaired a meeting of concerned officers and representatives of various organizations to review the arrangements for the upcoming sacred celebration of Navratras, Mahanavmi and Dusshera festivals.

    With unwavering focus, the meeting delved into essential facets such as seamless water and power supply, healthcare provisions, parking logistics, and efficient transport services.

    Addressing the meeting, Deputy Commissioner, Vikas Kundal fervently emphasized the imperative duty of officers and officials to furnish the populace with indispensable amenities, encompassing potable water, sanitation, medical care, efficient transportation, uninterrupted power and water provisioning, and all other requisite essentials.

    The vigilant law enforcement agencies received firm directives to deploy ample police personnel on these holy occasions, safeguarding the security of the public. Traffic authorities, likewise, were tasked with crafting a meticulous traffic management and parking strategy to ensure the smooth flow of vehicles on the designated days.

    Furthermore, Deputy Commissioner Vikas Kundal enjoined the concerned authorities from the Power Development Department and Jal Shakti Department to guarantee uninterrupted power and water supply for the community during the festive period.

    The concerned officer from the fire and emergency department received explicit instructions to maintain a state of readiness for fire tenders, both day and night. The Executive Officer (EO) of MC Rajouri was mandated to ensure the cleanliness of the town throughout the festivities.

    Additionally, the Health Department was tasked with ensuring the availability of comprehensive medical facilities to address any potential emergencies. The Officers from the Legal Metrology was instructed to intensify market inspections, curbing overpricing, profiteering, and black-market activities.

    Deputy Commissioner Vikas Kundal impressively underscored the urgency of completing all essential festival-related preparations well in advance to ensure that the public encounters no inconvenience during these auspicious occasions.

    The meeting was attended by the Additional Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Rajiv Kumar Khajuria; Additional Superintendent of Police, Vivek Shekhar; Chief Medical Officer, Dr Rajinder Sharma; DySP Traffic, Nawaz Chowhan and other concerned officers.

    Rajesh Gupta, President Beopar Mandal; Kewal Sharma, District President VHP, Gaurav Mahajan ;Zila Mantri VHP; Deepak Sapotra, District Cashier, VHP; Naveen Mahajan, District Vice President VHP, Radhish Sharma, Vice President Sanatan Dharam Sabha and Varun Chandan from Ram Leela Club were also present in the meeting.

    NO: PR/DDI/J-3741//

  • Dr Andrabi visits Qaimoh Ziyarat of Hazrat Noor Uddin Noorani ; Revival of Sufi thought & sufi shrines is the priority of Waqf Board Darakhshan

    Dr Andrabi visits Qaimoh Ziyarat of Hazrat Noor Uddin Noorani ; Revival of Sufi thought & sufi shrines is the priority of Waqf Board Darakhshan

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

    SRINAGAROCTOBER  12 :–Chairperson of Jammu & Kashmir Waqf Board and Minister of State Dr Darakhshan Andrabi today visited Qaimuh in South Kashmir and paid obeisance at the Ziyarat of Rishi Noor Uddin Noorani (RA). It was her first visit as Chairperson of Waqf Board to the first spiritual abode of the torchbearer of rishi-order in Kashmir.

    Dr Darakhshan was accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner Kulgam Dr Bilal Mohiuddin, SSP Kulgam Sahil Sarangal Tehsildar of the area, senior district officers of various departments in addition to the officers of Waqf Board. Dr Andrabi took stock of the Urs celebrations and held a meeting with the administration for adequate arrangements for devotees visiting the shrine on Annual Urs. She also held a meeting with the local delegations to know about the requisites at this very significant shrine of Kashmir She ordered the Waqf Officers to formulate an upgradation proposal in coordination with the administration for the development of the shrine.

    Speaking to media after the meeting, Dr Andrabi said that soon the developmental works will begin at this prominent sufi shrine. “Central government and the LG administration is clear about the fact that all sufi-shrines need a developmental boost and Waqf Board is also working with pace on the same mission Revival of Sufism and the restoration of sufi complexes in whole of J&K is our priority in Waqf Board said Darakhshan.

    She thanked the administration for cooperating with Waqf Board in bringing out a great change in entire Waqf Working System in J&K. She also thanked the people for their continuous support to her very bold decisions during last seventeen months The Deputy Commissioner Kulgam Dr Bilal Mohiuddin said that district administration will extend full support to Waqf Board in development of this major shrine

  • Annual Convocation at ITI Handwara Celebrates Graduates’ Success

    Annual Convocation at ITI Handwara Celebrates Graduates’ Success

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

    SHAKIR BHAT 

    SRINAGAR HANDWARA OCTOBER 12:–ITI Handwara hosted its annual convocation program on Thursday, to honor the outgoing students of the academic year 2022-23.

    The event was graced by the presence of Mohd Yousuf Mir, a renowned industrialist from Kupwara, who served as the chief guest.

    The guests of honor for this memorable occasion included Aijaz Ah, the esteemed Principal of ITI Handwara. In his inaugural address, Principal Aijaz Ah emphasized that the Convocation day signified not an end but the commencement of a new chapter in the trainees’ lives. He extended his heartfelt wishes to all the departing students, inspiring them to achieve success in all their future endeavors.

    The highlight of the event was the awarding of certificates to the graduating students. Distinguished students who demonstrated outstanding academic excellence were honored with special awards for their remarkable achievements.

  • Rs 36220 cr worth AC, DC, GIA bills pending for settlement with Deptts PAG conveys concern to admn, Govt warns of action

    Rs 36220 cr worth AC, DC, GIA bills pending for settlement with Deptts PAG conveys concern to admn, Govt warns of action

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

    JAMMU OCTOBER  12: –Rs 36220 crore worth Abstract Contingent (AC), Detailed Contingent (DC) and Grant-in-Aid (GIA) bills are pending for settlement with the departments of Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Principal Accountant General has conveyed concern over the prevailing situation to the Finance Department.

    Now, the Government has warned of appropriate action in case of further slackness in submission of bills and Utilization Certificates for settlement and Director General Accounts and Treasuries will review the situation with the Director Finance, Financial Advisor and Chief Accounts Officers of all the Administrative Departments tomorrow.

    The list of outstanding AC Bills and Grant-in-Aid Bills was provided to the Administrative Departments from time to time since January 2023 for submission of Red Detailed Contingent Bills and Utilization Certificates against advance drawls and Grant-in-Aids in the office of Principal Accountant General for clearance of outstanding AC/DC/GIA Bills.

    The progress against the clearance of outstanding AC/DC/GIA bills is being monitored by the Principal Secretary to Government, Finance Department on weekly basis. Even format for providing information has already been sent to all Director Finance and Financial Advisor and Chief Accounts Officers of the concerned Administrative Departments with regard to the progress achieved by the concerned department.

    However, it has been observed that no information has been provided by the concerned Administrative Department which has created hindrance in providing information to the Principal Secretary to Government, Finance Department. This has been viewed seriously by the authorities, read a document, the copy of which is available with EXCELSIOR.

    As per the document, the latest position of outstanding AC/Grant-in-Aid Bills has been provided by the office of the Principal Accountant General with huge outstanding up to September 2023. Even Senior Accounts Officer of the Principal Accountant General (PAG) has personally visited some of the Administrative Departments in this regard.
    For quarter 6/2023 there was opening balance of Rs 19212 crore worth pending AC/DC bills and the closing balance was Rs 20678 crore. Likewise, for quarter 9/2023 there was opening balance of Rs 20678 crore and the closing balance was Rs 21327 crore. The clearance of the bills was far less than the addition of new bills in the list of pending ones.
    As far as GIA Bills are concerned, for quarter 6/2023 there was opening balance of Rs 14273 crore and the closing balance was Rs 14001 crore. For quarter 9/2023, there was opening balance of Rs 14001 but the closing balance increased to Rs 14893 crore worth bills.

    The Director General, Accounts and Treasuries, who has been specifically directed by the Principal Secretary, Finance Department to monitor the settlement and reconciliation of accounts, follow-up of the UCs and resolution of Audit Paras, has directed all the concerned to submit the AC/DC/GIA bills to the office of Principal Accountant General for settlement of outstanding against the department and furnish information on weekly basis for further submission to the higher authorities.

    “Any laxity on this part will be brought to the notice of higher authorities for appropriate action”, read the communication of Director General, Accounts and Treasuries. Moreover, he is going to convene meeting of all the concerned officers tomorrow to review the situation.(Daily Excelsior)

  • J&K Admin Ignored Own Depts’ Advice to Amend Multi-Crore Contract to Favour Private Co: IAS Officer

    J&K Admin Ignored Own Depts’ Advice to Amend Multi-Crore Contract to Favour Private Co: IAS Officer

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

    Ashok Kumar Parmar has written to the Central Bureau of Investigations seeking a ‘deeper probe’ by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India and the CBI into the matter.

    JEHANGIR ALI

    SRINAGAR OCTOBER12: –The Jammu and Kashmir administration headed by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha went against the advice of the finance and law departments and amended a multi-crore contract midway to favour a private insurance company, a letter by an IAS officer has alleged.

    The contract was signed between the State Health Agency (SHA), the nodal department involved in rolling out the Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojna (PM-JAY) insurance scheme in Jammu and Kashmir, and Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company, on December 26, 2020.A day later, on December 27, 2020, J&K Chief Secretary Dr Arun K. Mehta’s son, Lakshya Mehta, was hired by the insurance company where he currently serves as a ‘Senior Executive’, according to his LinkedIn profile.When the insurance company sought to pull out of the contract in September next year, the SHA modified the contract by providing a 15% addendum to the existing policy without any legal backing. The ‘illegal’ changes were regularised by the Administrative Council headed by Lieutenant Governor Sinha, even though J&K’s finance and law departments objected to the decision.More in Politics :Kheda Public Flogging: Hitting People on Buttocks with Stick Not Torture, Cops Tell Gujarat HCHP Govt Allows Construction in 17 Protected Green Belts Months After Torrential Rains, LandslidesLicence of Company Whose Cough Syrups Were Linked to Deaths of Uzbek Kids Remains Cancelled: OfficialsWoman’s Autonomy Over Body vs Right to Life of Unborn Child: SC’s Split Judgment DecodedNasir, Junaid Burnt on the Advice of ‘Senior’ Vigilantes, Reveals Prime AccusedAkhilesh Yadav Scales Gate to Garland Jayaprakash Narayan’s Statue on Birth AnniversaryWhen an activist flagged these alleged irregularities to the Central Bureau of Investigations, the agency transferred the complaint after six months to Jammu and Kashmir’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) whose director reports to the Lieutenant Governor, one of the alleged suspects in the purported case.These claims are part of a letter by the Chairman of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, J&K, and 1992 IAS officer, Ashok Kumar Parmar, to the Central Bureau of Investigations. The letter seeks a “deeper probe” by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDA) and the CBI into the matter.Also read: J&K: Why a Top IAS Officer Has Sought a CBI Probe Into the Flagship Jal Jeevan MissionParmar, who previously flagged the alleged irregularities in the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission, a centrally-sponsored scheme, in Jammu and Kashmir, has also sought protection under the Whistleblowers Protection Act, 2014 in his latest letter which is also marked to the Principal Secretary to Prime Minister in PMO, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Personnel and Training and Chairman, IRDA.The Wire has reached out to Yatish Yadav, the Media Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor, and also Chief Secretary Mehta, on the allegations of “abuse of official position” and “illegal acts” to “confer undue benefit” on a private firm linked to Mehta.

    This story will be updated as and when their responses are received.A top government official who did not want to be named said the government will hold a press conference on the issue.The CBI spokesperson could not be reached for comment.The PM-JAY insurance scheme is fully funded by the Union government in Ladakh while in J&K, local administration provides 10% funding support while the rest is borne by the Union government.According to Parmar’s letter, the State Health Agency (SHA) of J&K and Bajaj Allianz signed the three-year contract on December 25, 2020, with a provision of annual review after two years, according to official documents.Clause 9(A) of the contract, accessed by The Wire, states:

    “The three year term of this insurance contract is subject to renewal after two years for one more year.”In September 2021, less than a year after the contract came into force, Bajaj Allianz sought to withdraw, reportedly citing losses. A top official of the administration, who is privy to the matter, told The Wire that the insurance company didn’t have the freedom to withdraw from the contract unless the SHA agreed in writing.“The SHA never agreed to the plea in writing. Instead, it changed the contract into a full reimbursement contract on December 25, 2021 with a top up fee of 15%,” the official said, underlining that “the original contract happened as a part of tendering process, but the addendum was arbitrary.”“Insurance companies cannot claim that they are running into a loss due to a particular insurance policy for J&K as that is what insurance is all about. Diversification leads to its viability. These claims and the SHA agreement in this particular contract has no basis in the insurance world,” the official added, claiming that the number of families was also “increased by 1,087,108 to provide more financial benefit” to Bajaj Allianz.The alleged scam happened between December 2021 and April 2022, as per the modified agreement, and it has caused losses worth more than Rs 500 crore to the state exchequer, according to Parmar’s letter.As per a J&K government order (No. 49-JK(GAD) of 2019 Dated:
    19-11-2019), fund authorisation in central and state schemes in J&K having financial implication of more than Rs 50 crore need the approval of Chief Secretary Mehta.A notification dated January 9, 2020, by J&K’s finance department states that projects above Rs 20 crore shall be green-lighted after the approval of Lieutenant Governor Sinha. “Both the offices have to be in the loop on the matter. It is either pure incompetence or a criminal nexus,” the official quoted above said.A top J&K administration official, rejecting the claims made by Parmar in his letter to the CBI, said that the policy was modified midway because Bajaj Allianz “refused to renew” the contract.“New contract would have taken perhaps three more months to finalise. During the intermediate period, an arrangement was made by the Health department as per General Finance Rules,” the official said, asking not to be quoted.The official couldn’t point to the rules under which the contract was modified, “The choice was between continuity of service or disruption.

    Calculations made by the health department show that the model they adopted (to provide 15% extra charge to Bajaj Allianz was least costly,” the official added.

    https://m.thewire.in/article/government/manoj-sinha-jammu-kashmir-bajaj-allianze-pmjay

  • Govt proposes amendment in Municipal, PR Acts for providing reservation to OBCs Quota likely to be based on population like SCs, STs : Poll process to resume after changes in roster

    Govt proposes amendment in Municipal, PR Acts for providing reservation to OBCs Quota likely to be based on population like SCs, STs : Poll process to resume after changes in roster

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

    JAMMUu, OCTOBER 12:–The Government has proposed an amendment in Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Corporation, Municipalities and Panchayati Raj Acts to provide reservation to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Panchayats. Elections to the two bodies will be held only after providing reservation to the OBCs.

    Officials confirmed to the Excelsior that process for conduct of Municipal and Panchayat elections hasn’t been halted and will resume once the Acts to provide reservation to OBCs in both the bodies are amended.

    However, the reservation roster will have to be prepared afresh for both the bodies as presently only Women, Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) are entitled to the quota in Municipalities and Panchayats.

    While women have been provided 33 percent reservation in Municipalities and Panchayats, SCs and STs get quota based on their population in the two bodies. Similar process is likely to be followed for granting reservation to OBCs, the officials said, adding the reservation for OBCs may come around 10 percent.

    Pointing out that many States and Union Territories have already given reservation to OBCs in Local Body elections, the officials said such a reservation was missing in Jammu and Kashmir.
    “The Election Authorities received large number of objections to denial of reservation to OBCs in Municipalities and Panchayats. The Government of J&K also got many representations to this effect,” the officials said, adding it has now been decided that the OBCs will get reservation in Municipalities and Panchayats.

    And, for the purpose, an amendment will be carried out in Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Corporations, Jammu and Kashmir Municipalities and Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Acts.

    Only Women enjoy specific 33 percent reservation in Municipalities and Panchayats. Within 33 percent, reservation has also been given to SC Women and ST Women. Similarly, when OBCs are given reservation, a sub-category of OBC-Women will also be generated, the officials said.

    They said the process for conduct of Urban Local Bodies and Panchayat elections hasn’t been abandoned but the Government will wait for amendment in the Act granting reservation to OBCs and thereafter rotating the reservation roster by taking out the exercise for reservation of Wards in Municipalities and Sarpanch and Panch constituencies in Panchayats afresh.

    However, terms of Municipal Corporations of Jammu and Srinagar as well as other Municipal Councils and Committees across Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled to expire by the end of October or start of November and they will cease to exist. Similarly, terms of Panchayats will end on January 7 next year.

    Both Urban and Rural Local Bodies will come into effect once again after the elections are conducted to them.

    Polls to all Municipalities in Jammu and Kashmir were held in October 2018 after a gap of 13 years while elections to Panchayats were conducted in November and December 2018 after decades.

    Meanwhile, Summary Revision for Parliament electoral rolls has been initiated by the Election Commission of India in Jammu and Kashmir.

    As per the schedule, draft electoral rolls will be published on October 27.

    The voters can file claims and objections till December 9 to the draft rolls. Final voter lists will be published on January 5, 2024.

    This will be third Summary Revision of electoral rolls in Jammu and Kashmir after completion of delimitation exercise for Assembly elections. First such exercise was ordered after Delimitation Commission report was notified and final electoral rolls were published on November 25, 2022.

    Another Summary Revision was ordered on March 24, 2023 and final rolls were published on May 25, 2023. Jammu and Kashmir has almost 85 lakh electorates.
    The Election Authority had undertaken separate revision for electoral rolls for Municipalities while such an exercise for Panchayat polls was scheduled to be completed on October 10.(Daily Excelsior )

  • Vikas Kundal Deputy Commissioner Rajouri flags off Anti Drug Rally

    Vikas Kundal Deputy Commissioner Rajouri flags off Anti Drug Rally

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    RAJOURI, OCTOBER 12:–In a stride toward realising the vision of an “Addiction-Free India” or “Nasha Mukt Bharat,” Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Vikas Kundal, led an awareness rally with students today. The event began at the DC office complex and concluded at the PWD Dak Bunglow, echoing a resounding message against the scourge of drug addiction. Deputy Commissioner Vikas Kundal addressed the gathering, shedding light on the objectives and significance of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

    Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan is a nationwide initiative aimed at providing institutional support and empowering community outreach programs to create a society free from the clutches of various harmful addictions, including alcohol and drug abuse.

    Deputy Commissioner Vikas Kundal emphasised that the fight against addiction is a collective responsibility, stressing the importance of coming together to eliminate this problem, break the supply chain and hold those involved in drug abuse accountable for their actions.

    He underscored the district administration’s commitment to steer the youth away from the dangerous path of drug addiction and encouraged the rally’s participants to take the message to villages and schools, educating them about the devastating effects of drug abuse.

    Speaking at the event, Deputy Commissioner Vikas Kundal stated, “The growing menace of drug addiction among our youth is a serious concern. It is our duty to protect the future of our nation by addressing this issue head-on. The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan is not just a campaign; it’s a movement that requires collective efforts to eradicate addiction from the roots.”

    Among the others who attended the event were the Additional Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Rajiv Kumar Khajuria; Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Imran Rashid Kataria; Deputy DEO, Babu Ram Tandan; DSWO, Abdul Rahim; and other concerned stakeholders.

    NO: PR/DDI/J-3725//

  • Vikas Kundal chairs mega programme on “Meri Maati Mera Desh” in Rajouri block

    Vikas Kundal chairs mega programme on “Meri Maati Mera Desh” in Rajouri block

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    RAJOURI, OCTOBER 12:-‘-District Development Commissioner, Vikas Kundal, led a program today in Rajouri Block, “Meri Maati Mera Desh,” celebrating the unity and patriotism of the local community.

    Prominent figures, including BDC Rajouri, Darbar Chowdhury; 2nd IC CRPF 72 Bn Rajouri, Vivek Sakseena; 2nd IC BSF, Anil Kumar Lal; ADC Rajouri, Rajiv Kumar Khajuria; ACD Vijay Kumar, ACP, Sheraz Chowhan; DPO, Auqil Nuvaid; DYO, Nitin Hangloo; BDO Rajouri, along with several other officers and officials, graced the occasion.

    During the event, artists performed stirring patriotic songs, igniting a profound sense of national pride among the attendees. District Development Commissioner Vikas Kundal delivered a moving address, highlighting the pivotal role played by India’s freedom fighters in shaping the nation’s destiny.

    He emphasised the need to remember and honour these brave individuals whose sacrifices laid the foundation for India’s independence, urging the youth to connect with their stories and struggles. Understanding the sacrifices made by these heroes can serve as a wellspring of inspiration for the younger generation, providing a deeper appreciation of the principles of liberty, justice and equality that underpin India’s democracy today.

    He encouraged the youth to carry forward the legacy of these luminaries by becoming responsible citizens who uphold the values for which these freedom fighters fought. The campaign reminds the people of Rajouri about their profound bond with the soul of India, igniting a sense of responsibility among the youth to carry the torch of freedom and progress into the future.

    NO: PR/DDI/J-3723//

  • DC Rajouri approves 11 cases under PMFME in Rajouri

    DC Rajouri approves 11 cases under PMFME in Rajouri

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    RAJOURI, OCTOBER 12:– Deputy Commissioner, Vikas Kundal, presided over a pivotal meeting dedicated to reviewing and approving cases submitted under the prestigious Prime Minister’s Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme.

    This flagship initiative by the Central Government aims to provide financial aid to bolster the capabilities of micro food processing enterprises, supporting activities such as infrastructure development, technology acquisition and marketing assistance.

    After careful deliberation, Deputy Commissioner granted his approval to a total of 11 cases, paving the way for beneficiaries to access financial support under this laudable initiative. He emphasised the importance of equipping beneficiaries with comprehensive information and unwavering support related to the PMFME scheme, including the swift disbursement of funds. He stressed the necessity for rigorous monitoring of the progress made by these enterprises, ensuring that the allocated funds are deployed judiciously for their intended purposes.

    The meeting concluded with directives issued to officers to work closely in tandem, aiming for the seamless implementation of the PMFME scheme throughout the district. With the approval of these 11 cases, the district administration has taken a monumental stride towards fostering the growth of the micro food processing sector, actively contributing to employment opportunities and the overall development of the district.

    The meeting was attended by the Chief Planning Officer, Mohammad Khurshid; GM DIC, Ashwini Sharma; Chief Agriculture Officer, Sohan Singh; Chief Horticulture Officer, Madan Lal Tak; Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Dr. Khalid Hussain; Lead District Manager, Sanjeev Bhasin, alongside other concerned officers.

    NO: PR/DDI/J-3724//