Wednesday March 6, 20196

STATE TIMES NEWSJAMMU: Governor Satya Pal Malikand Dr. Jitendra Singh, MoS, PMO onTuesday launched the Pradhan MantriShram Yogi Maan Dhan (PM-SYM)Scheme, a pension scheme for unorgan-ised sector, at the Convention Centrehere.

Khurshid Ahmed Ganai, Advisor toGovernor; Jugal Kishore Sharma, andShamsher Singh Manhas, Members ofParliament; Chander Mohan Gupta,Mayor JMC were among the dignitariespresent on the occasion.

Lauding the initiative of the UnionGovernment in conceptualising thisexclusive scheme, Governor described itas a significant step towards benefittingthe workers in Country's un organisedsector.

Governor on the occasion of launch ofPM-SYM, announced that the firstmonth instalment on behalf of registered

beneficiaries will be contributed by theState Government. Noting that theScheme has been launched with the high-ly laudable objective of providing socialsecurity coverage to labourers and work-ers in the unorganised sector, he observedthat the Government will make the bestpossible effort to ensure that benefit ofthe newly launched Scheme reaches

every eligible beneficiary in the State.Dr. Jitendra Singh described PM-

SYM as a mega pension yojana havingpotential to bring social transformationin the unorganised sector in India wherein 10 crore labourers and workers areexpected to avail the benefit of thisScheme within next five years making itone of the largest pension schemes of the

world. He said that the 'Scheme' has alsotargeted the youth of India with the pur-pose to aware them about the need offinancial planning when young in orderto secure their old age

Khurshid Ahmed Ganai, Advisor toGovernor, highlighted main features ofthe Scheme and informed that this pen-sion Scheme shall provide workers andlabourers in the Unorganised sector, anassured monthly pension of Rs. 3,000from the age of 60 years on a monthlycontribution of a small affordableamount during their working age.

Saurabh Bhagat, CommissionerSecretary Labour and EmploymentDepartment, while welcoming theGuests, gave a detailed description of theScheme.

Governor handed over PM-SYM Cardsamong the beneficiaries on the occasion.

A large number of workers and labour-ers were present on the occasion.

TSEWANG RIGZINLEH: Masters workingunder Rashtriya MadhyamikShiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) inLeh district staged a protestdemonstration at the ChiefEducation Officer's officeLeh on Tuesday demandingrelease of their pendingsalaries, which have not havebeen paid since Novemberlast year.

Masters submitted an en-masse joining report to theCEO office after reopeningof schools and warnedauthorities that they wouldnot resume their duties tillissue of their pending salaryand promotion cases areresolved. "Our salaries havenot been released sinceNovember last year andsame has not yet beenstreamlined with the 7th PayCommission recommenda-tions. Despite assurancesfrom all quarters over themonths, the issue has notbeen resolved till date,"Stanzin Sherap toldreporters here.

The protestors further saidthat masters working underRMSA have been constantly

suffering due to pendingsalary budget since imple-mentation of 7th PayCommission recommenda-tions. "Unlike others employ-ees, the benefit of 7th PChas not been given to us andmonthly salary from June toOctober 2018 was releasedas per 6th Pay Commission.Since then, funds on accountof salary from November2018 to till date has not beensanctioned," the aggrievedteachers of Leh district stat-ed in a letter addressed tothe Chief Education OfficerLeh. They further allegedthat the situation has madetheir lives miserable and dif-

ficult to survive from manyaspects like repaying bankloans, payment of childrenschool-fee etc.

"Despite frequent interac-tions with the higher author-ities to resolve the issues, itis quite unfortunate that wehave been kept deprived ofour right without any fault.Hence, we are submittingour joining report to youroffice and will not resumeduty at the place of postingstill release of pendingsalaries and permanentsolution for regularly pro-moted masters workingagainst contractual posts isformulated," the masters

informed officially on record.CEC, LAHDC Leh,

Jamyang Tsering Namgyaltold media that he was awareof the issues and has alreadytaken it up with higherauthorities. He informedthat State Government hasearmarked an amount of Rs1000 crore to clear all pend-ing salaries and hoped thatsame will be released afteruploading on BudgetEstimation, Allocation &Monitoring System(BEAMS). "I have taken upthe matter with higherauthorities and the pendingsalaries will hopefully bereleased within few days.However, the issue shouldnot be generalised. It's aproblem with RMSA alone,"the CEC added.

While acknowledging theproblems being faced bymasters under RMSA, JointDirector Education Ladakh,Tashi Dolma said that theproblem was caused by pro-cedural delay due to severalreasons and further hopedthat the pending salarieswould be released withindays.

RMSA masters hold protest demanding release of salaries

STATE TIMES NEWSJAMMU: Governor SatyaPal Malik on Tuesdaychaired the 8th GoverningBody meeting of theMubarak Mandi JammuHeritage Society at theRaj Bhavan.

Umang Narula,Principal Secretary toGovernor; RigzinSamphel, SecretaryTourism; Sanjeev Verma,Divisional CommissionerJammu; Deepika Sharma,Executive Director,Mubarak Mandi JammuHeritage Society; ZubairAhmed, Secretary Govt.Department of Culture;Zulfikar Ali,Representatives ofArchaeological Survey ofIndia and SanrakshanHeritage ConsultantsPrivate Limited attendedthe meeting.

Governor gave approvalto the Master Plan forConservation and AdaptiveRe-Use of Mubarak MandiPalace Complex as per theproposed Zoning(A-F)which includes CentralCourtyard, Knowledge

Centre, Interpretation andCollection Galleries,Lifestyle, ExperientialSpaces, and Crafts Centre.Execution of these subprojects will be fundedunder Jammu andKashmir InfrastructuralDevelopment FinancialCorporation Ltd. for anestimated amount of Rs.66 crore.

Governor observed thatthe Mubarak Mandi PalaceComplex represents theunique and rich culturalheritage of Jammu andKashmir and its repair

and renovation should bedone by observing com-plete heritage norms andusing material similar tothe old construction mate-rial. He stressed appropri-ate maintenance of Parksand Gardens in the com-plex and directed Sh.Sanjeev Verma to identifysuitable parking space forthe visitors and residentsof the adjoining areas.

On being informed aboutthe progress of preserva-tion and shifting ofarchival records to oldinformation building, and

to date completion statusof various buildings in theComplex, Governoremphasised on expeditingdigitization of thearchived records belongingto the Dogra period andthrowing open to visitorsthe part of the Complexwhich gets completed.

Governor advisedSamphel to fully developthe potential touristplaces of Jammu region sothat tourist and pilgrimtraffic could be diverted tothe scenic places ofJammu.

Governor chairs 8th Governing Body meeting ofMubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society

MahashivratriFestival; Over 1.6

lakh pilgrimsvisit Shiv Khori STATE TIMES NEWS

RANSOO: The three-dayMaha Shivratri Festivalconcluded here onTuesday witnessing vari-ety of events.

According Mela Officer,more than 1.6 lakh pil-grims visited the holytown during the three dayMela.

On the concluding day ofthe festival, traditionalDangal was organisedhere at High SchoolRansoo. A large numberof tourists and local peo-ple witnessed the event.

Around 20 wrestlersfrom across India partici-pated in the contests ofwhich the highest boutwith a cash prize of Rs16000 was bagged byNisar of JKP from Doda.Two young femalewrestlers, PoonamSharma and RehanaAkhtar also participatedin the dangal and wonhuge applause.

The three-day festivalwas conducted jointly byDirectorate of Tourism,District AdministrationReasi and Shri Shiv KhoriShrine Board.

STATE TIMES NEWSSRINAGAR: SSP BenamTosh, Commandant IRP-17thBn on Tuesday presented com-mendation certificates andcash rewards to officers and

Jawans for their outstandingperformance in the line of dutyduring a ceremony held here atMattan Anantnag.

Over 200 officers and jawanswere conferred commendation

certificates and cash rewards. Speaking on the occasion,

SSP Benam Tosh said thatcommendation certificateswere awarded for their exem-plary work on various fronts.

SSP Benam Tosh presents commendationcertificates to officers, Jawans

SSP Benam Tosh, Commandant IRP-17th Bn along with recipients of commendation certificates during a ceremony at Mattan, Anantnag.

Governor Satya Pal Malik chairing meeting of Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society at the Raj Bhavan in Jammu.

STATE TIMES NEWSJAMMU: NationalConference on Tuesdaycalled for simultaneouselections to Lok Sabha andLegislative Assembly inJammu and Kashmir, say-ing that recent incident-free conduct of Panchayatand civic polls in the Statestands testimony to con-ducive atmosphere for thedemocratic exercise.

A three-member NationalConference delegation, ledby Provincial PresidentDevender Singh Rana,comprising Sajjad AhmedKichloo and Javed Rana,met the ElectionCommission team headedby the Chief ElectionCommissioner Sunil Arorahere and put forth thedemand of NationalConference for immediateelections to LegislativeAssembly.

"Duly elected and repre-sentative Government hasno alternative, no matterhow experienced theAdvisors assisting theGovernor in running theadministration may be,"Rana told the visiting teamadding that even the worstof the elected Governmentis better than selected dis-

pensation. He said that thestate is passing through adifficult phase with bordershelling taking toll of peo-ple in forward areas. Tomitigate their problemsand to meet challengesbeing faced by the State,the need for elected govern-ment is all the more impor-tant, he said.

"Sagacity demands hold-ing of elections on immedi-ate basis, as any delay willonly deprive the people oftheir own government,"Rana said, hoping that theElection Commission ofIndia will take a call on thiskeeping in view the demo-cratic aspirations of peopleof the State. He said thatrestoration of democracy isin the larger interest ofpeople and the State, espe-cially in view of the obtain-ing situation. Given themultitude of issues faced bythe people, there isimmense need of a populargovernment so that theelected representatives canreach out to them andaddress their problems, headded.

The Provincial Presidentsaid that holding of elec-tions without further delaywill go a long way in

improving the situation, asattempts of communalismand regionalism besidesvoices of jingoism haspotential of vitiating thepeaceful atmosphere.These tendencies can bechecked only by the chosenrepresentatives of the peo-ple.

Reposing full faith in theinstitution, Rana also exud-ed confidence that the ECIwill ensure free, fair andtransparent elections.

Rana recalled how theelections to LegislativeAssembly were conductedin Governor's Rule duringthe tenures of L K Jhadecades ago, Gen K VKrishna Rao in 1996 andas lately as in 2008 byGovernor N N Vohra inbackdrop of Amarnath landrow agitation. "We see noreason why the smooth andsimultaneous elections toLok Sabha and LegislativeAssembly cannot be heldnow under the present dis-pensation, especially inwake of smooth conduct ofPanchayat and urban localbodies' polls," Rana told theCommission, hoping thatan early decision will endpolitical uncertainty in theState.

NC delegation meets EC; seeks simultaneous LS, Assembly polls in J&K

STATE TIMES NEWSJAMMU: Congress President,Rahul Gandhi on Tuesdayreviewed post -Pulwama attacksituation in Jammu and Kashmirand ongoing tension betweenIndia and Pakistan, during ameeting of senior leaders fromJ&K held at the Union capital.

AICC President, accompaniedby the Leader of Opposition inRajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azadand AICC General Secretary,Ambika Soni (MP), InchargeJ&K, took feedback from PradeshCongress leaders and expressedconcern over the tense situationalong borders.

Rahul took stock of present situ-ation along the International bor-der and the Line of Control andsecurity scenario in the State.Many important issues were alsodiscussed in the meeting. Theparty leaders also had detaileddiscussion over the ways and

means to be adopted for furtherstrengthening the party at grassroot level in the State.

The senior AICC leaders askedPCC functionaries to reach out tomasses, especially border dwellersand render helping hand to them.

Expressing party's resolve tofully support the UnionGovernment at this hour, theCongress leaders said that entirecountry is one against terrorismand asked the cadre to gear uptheir activities and remain vigi-

lant against designs of divisiveforces.

Others who attended the meet-ing included JKPCC President GA Mir, CWC Member Tariq HamidKara, former PCC Chief ProfSaif-ud-Din Soz, Peerzada MohdSayeed Ex-PCC Chief, ex-DeputyChief Minister Tara Chand, PCCVice Presidents Raman Bhallaand G M Saroori, formerMinisters Rigzin Jora, Sham LalSharma, Abdul Rashid Dar, AijazAhmed Khan, Asgar Ali Karbalai,Vikar Rasool, Ghulam NabiMonga, Shabir Ahmed Khan andManjit Singh.

Later, the JKPCC delegationalso met Ghulam Nabi Azad at hisresidence and briefed him aboutthe current social and politicalscenario of the State. They alsodiscussed with Azad variousorganisational affairs and activi-ties going on in all the threeregions of the State.

State Congress leaders call on Rahul, Azad; discuss issues

STATE TIMES NEWSJAMMU: A DivisionBench of State High Courtcomprising Chief JusticeGita Mittal and JusticeSindhu Sharma onTuesday directed F.ANatnoo, AAG and VishalBharti, Dy.AG to ensurethat reply on behalf of fourrespondents shall be posi-tively filed during thecourse of the day.

The court direction camein a Public InterestLitigation filed by Sudesh

Langeh seeking quashmentof Jammu and KashmirPrevention of Beggary Act,1960 along with Jammuand Kashmir Prevention ofBeggary Rules, 1964 alleg-ing that the same is uncon-stitutional as it violates theFundamental Rights guar-anteed under Articles 14,19, 20, 21 and 22 of theConstitution of India.

DB further observed thatVishal Sharma, ASGI hassubmitted that P.SChandel, CGSC would

appear on behalf of fifthrespondent and that thereply on his behalf shall bepositively filed within threedays from today.

DB further directed thatin the meantime counselfor the parties may exam-ine the Division BenchJudgment of Delhi HighCourt dated August 8,2018 passed in W.P.(C )No. 10498/2009 and con-nected writ petitions whichcovers the issues raisedherein.

STATE TIMES NEWSJAMMU: A DivisionBench of State High Courtcomprising Chief JusticeGita Mittal and JusticeSindhu Sharma onTuesday directed Member-Secretary, J&K StateLegal Services Authority(JKSLSA) to file statusreport before the next dateof hearing with regard toprogrammes which were tobe undertaken by the dis-tricts administrations ofJ&K for educating the chil-dren regarding sexual vio-

lence, culpa-bility of youngoffenders asalso issuesrelating to thecyber offence,as it was directed by theDB in its order datedFebruary 6, 2019.

The court direction camein a Public InterestLitigation (PIL) filed byAdvocate Shivan Mahajanagainst child abuse.

After hearing AdvocateParimoksh Seth for thePIL, the court observed

that the status report onbehalf of the State shall befiled in the Registry duringthe course of the day. Letthe same be so filed with anadvance copy to the coun-sel for the petitioner whomay examine the same andmake submissions on thenext date of hearing.

DB further observed thatMember-Secretary, J&KState Legal ServicesAuthority has not filed thereport in terms of its lastorder dated February 6,2019.

Child abuse: DB directsJKSLSA to file status report

DB directives in PIL forquashing Beggary Act

Governor, Dr Jitendra launch PM-SYM Scheme

Governor Satya Pal Malik and Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh presentingPM-SYM Card to a beneficiary during a function at Jammu.

RMSA masters briefing Joint Director Education, Ladakh.

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad along with senior leaders of J&K Congress at New Delhi.

Chanigund delegationcalls on CEC KargilSTATE TIMES NEWS

KARGIL: A delegation ofChanigund met CEC, LAHDCKargil, Feroz Ahmad Khan atCouncil Secretariat here onTuesday.

During their meeting with theCEC the delegation thankedCEC Kargil, CouncilorChanigund Altaf Hussain andthe committee headed by theCouncillor for taking up andpursuing the matter for up gra-dation of the school stronglywith higher authorities in theGovernor's administration atJammu.

The delegation said thatupgradation of the school was along pending demand of thepeople of the area which waspossible only due to the untiringand best of efforts by the CECKargil, Councillor Chanigundand committee involved forwhich they deserve all thankful-ness and appreciation.

SFRI distributes Baelsaplings on Mahashivratri

STATE TIMES NEWSJAMMU: The State ForestResearch Institute (SFRI)distributed saplings of Bael(Aegle marmelos) onMahashivratri festival at dif-ferent temples located inJammu division.

A total of 24,138 saplingsof Bael were distributedamongst the people.