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Governor promulgates “The Jammu and Kashmir Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018”

By
Team JK Report
J&K Governor N N Vohra

Governor N. N. Vohra has promulgated: (i) “The Jammu and Kashmir Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018”; and (ii) “The Jammu and Kashmir Protection of Children from Sexual Violence Ordinance, 2018”. 

In view of the surge in violence against women in general and sexual violence in particular in various parts of the country, including the State of J&K, need was felt to carry out certain amendments in the Criminal Laws (the Ranbir Penal Code, Samvat, 1989; the Code of Criminal Procedure, Samvat, 1989; and the Evidence Act, Samvat, 1977) on the analogy of   the amendments made in the Central Criminal Law in 2018.

The Jammu and Kashmir Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018 seeks to amend: (i) the Ranbir Penal Code, Samvat, 1989; (ii) the Code of Criminal Procedure Samvat 1989; and (iii) the Evidence Act, Samvat, 1977.

The salient features of the aforesaid Ordinance include: (i)      Committing Rape on a woman under sixteen years of age has been made punishable with rigorous imprisonment for twenty years and may extend to life sentence, which shall mean remainder of that person’s natural life; (ii)      Committing Rape on a woman under twelve years of age has been made punishable with death sentence; (iii)     Gang Rape on a woman under sixteen years of age has been made punishable with imprisonment for life, which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that person’s natural life; (iv)     Gang Rape on woman under twelve years of age has been made punishable with death sentence; (v)      Investigation in such cases is to be completed within a period of two months; (vi)     Trial to be completed within six months and reasons for any delay shall need to be communicated to the High Court; and vii)   It has been provided that no Bail shall be granted without hearing the Public Prosecutor.

The salient features of the Jammu and Kashmir Protection of Children from Sexual Violence Ordinance, 2018 are:

(i) It is a comprehensive Legislation which, inter-alia, provides for protection of Children from offenses of sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography with due regard for safeguarding the interest of the child and the well being of a child at every stage of the judicial process; (ii) it provides for alternative punishment for an act or omission constituting an offence under the Ordinance and also under various provisions of the State Penal Code relating to sexual assault. (iii) The Ordinance contains provisions relating to child friendly procedures and reporting, recording of evidence, investigation and trial of offences; (iv) It also provides for provisions relating to establishment of Special Courts for speedy trial of such offences; and (v) it makes it mandatory for the educational institutions to ensure safety and protection of children and not to expose them to any kind of sexual abuse.

While according approval to the aforesaid two Ordinances the Governor has advised stringent enforcement by the Home Department which should establish a system for regular monitoring of all cases registered under these Ordinances.

Govt to bring in new education policy in J&K

By
Team JK Report
Minister for School Education Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali in a high level meeting

Minister for School Education, Hajj and Auqaf and Tribal Affairs Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali today said that the Government is planning to bring in a new education policy which will regulate school curriculum, review teaching methods and regulate other related aspects.

The Minister expressed these views at a high level meeting, which was attended by Minister for Tourism Tassaduq Mufti, Secretary School Education Farooq Shah, Director of School Education, Joint Director State Institute of Education Kashmir, Principal DIETs and other concerned officers.

The Minister said that the policy will entail a proper monitoring system through which the department would not only assess the trainers, but could also review the effectiveness of these trainings among the students.

Zulfkar Ali said if the infrastructural work of the State gets delayed nothing gets delayed, but if a student is deprived of quality education, a cardinal sin is being committed. The Minister added that the need of the hour is to think beyond the set horizons, and aim for such a setting where education is not limited to a certain recognized board of the country.

Urging everyone to understand their roles, the Minister said it is important that everyone, especially our teaching staff understand their responsibilities and try teach their students through practical methods.

The Minister said a good teacher can make a huge difference in shaping the future of his student. He said therefore, it is important that a meticulous evaluation is done during selection of teachers and master teachers.

The Minister also asked the officials to ensure that everyone is made accountable for their actions. He urged the officers to make their subordinates accountable for their actions so that desired results could be achieved.

He informed that the Education department has 24,000 Government schools with an enrolment of 14 lakh students who get taught by two lakh teachers.

The Minister also directed for constituting of expert committee who will study world’s best curriculum and teaching methodology from around the country.

The meeting was informed that the present J&K Board of School Education follows the pattern of NCERT in terms of its curriculum.

Expressing his views, Tassaduq Mufti said books should be cumulative in nature. He said instead of having random chapters about English which include something about everything, there should be a gradual shift towards certain topic.

The Minister said it is better to face the weakness and focus on strengths so that better results could be achieved. He suggested that there is no need to follow NCERT like a holy book, instead concerned officials should explore other relevant options too.

PM Visit: Div Com reviews arrangements

By
Team JK Report
PM Narendra Modi

Ahead of Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Kashmir, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Baseer Ahmad Khan today reviewed the arrangements at a high-level meeting at his office.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Syed Abid Rasheed, Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Mohammad Haroon Malik, IG Traffic, Basant Rath and other senior officers civil and police administration.

Divisional Commissioners took stock of the arrangements for security, traffic management, sanitation, parking, drinking water, power supply, seating arrangements, medical facilities and other arrangements being put in place by the government agencies in connection with VVIP visit.

The Divisional Commissioner stressed upon the officers to make sure that all necessary arrangements are made well in time besides the need for close coordination among different agencies for the successful conduct of Prime Minister’s visit in the valley.

Mehbooba greets people on Ramadhan eve

By
Team JK Report
Ramzan Mubarak

As the holy month of Ramadhan is all set to start, Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti has felicitated people of the State while appealing them to seek blessings, forgiveness, peace and an end to violence during their prayers.

In her message on the occasion, the Chief Minister hoped the holy month marks the beginning of an era of peace, free from bloodshed and acrimony. “I pray that this holy month brings along all the divine blessings for our state and its people”, the Chief Minister prayed in her message.

Mehbooba Mufti appealed people to pray wholeheartedly during this month and seek His blessings and forgiveness. “This is a month of limitless mercies from The Creator and let us bow before Him in prayers, remember the helpless during fasting and seek His mercy in the night long prayers”, she said in her message.

Terming Ramadhan as a month of charity and compassion, Mehbooba Mufti appealed the well to do sections of society to donate generously for the social causes during this month. She added the holy month highlights the values of patience, self-restraint, tolerance and austerity, which promote feelings of compassion and respect for others. “Please remember during this month the widows, orphans, destitute, infirm and those who are unable to fend for themselves and try to donate generously for the social causes”, she said in her appeal.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister has directed the State administration to make all arrangements for the people during this holy month. She has directed the administration to ensure adequate supply of power, drinking water, essential supplies and facilities to people besides stressing on complete coordination between civil administration, Police and Army so that people are not inconvenienced during the month.

Mehbooba welcomes Centre’s announcement to halt security ops

By
Team JK Report
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti

Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti has welcomed the Centre’s announcement of halting the security operations in Jammu & Kashmir during the holy month of Ramadhan which is about to start.

In a statement, the Chief Minister said the decision would go a long way in healing the wounds of people of the State’s people who have been suffering the tragedies and pain of violence and uncertainty for the past three decades or so. What best a time to go for this significant decision than the onset of holy month of Ramadhan which promotes values of patience, self-restraint and tolerance, she said in her statement adding that it would also provide the necessary breather to the people from the violence which they have been craving for so long.

Mehbooba Mufti thanked the Central Government particularly Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and Home Minister, Rajnath Singh for making the momentous decision adding that this marks the beginning of listening to the accounts of agony of the State’s people by the country’s leadership and the policymakers which she has been requesting time and again.

The Chief Minister urged all groups to reciprocate positively to the gesture which is aimed at giving relief to the people of the State who have seen enough torment and tragedy.

Mehbooba Mufti also thanked all the political parties in the State which backed her idea of cessation of hostilities in one voice during the All Parties Meeting convened by her recently.

Written test for General Teacher posts postponed to May 27

By
Team JK Report
Teacher

Secretary J&K Services Selection Board today informed that the written test for the posts of General Teacher, earlier scheduled for May 19, is postponed to May 27, 2018.

“Objective type written test for General Teacher posts for advertisement number 06/2017/02, 06/2017/06, 06/2017/07 and 06/2017/10 is here postponed and now shall be conducted on May 27 (Sunday),” the Secretary said.

“Time of examination of the written test shall now be as 12 pm to 2 pm and reporting time at test venue shall now be 11 am,” he added.

However, the Secretary said that admit cards already downloaded by the candidates would be valid for May 27 written test.

Basharat Bukhari reviews progress on Railway, Highway projects

By
Team JK Report
Minister for Horticulture, Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs, Syed Basharat Ahmed Bukhari in a meeting

Minister for Horticulture, Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs, Syed Basharat Ahmed Bukhari, today convened a meeting to review the progress of ongoing prestigious projects being executed by Northern Railways and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Vice-Chairman Advisory Board for Development of Gujjars & Bakerwals Gulzar Ahmed Khatana, Lawmakers Aijaz Ahmed Khan, Vikar Rasool Wani, Neelam Kumar Langeh, Sham Lal Bhagat, District Development Commissioner Ramban Tariq Hussain Ganai besides representatives of Northern Railways, NHAI and executing agencies were present in the meeting.

The meeting took stock of four-laning of Srinagar-Jammu National Highway from Nashri to Jawahar tunnel and Katra-Banihal railway line project and also discussed issues hampering the pace of these prestigious projects.

The Minister directed both the authorities to accord priority to locals while employing people on the projects, especially with regards to skilled manpower. He also asked the authorities to ensure that the salaries being paid to local skilled manpower is at par with their contemporaries in other parts of the country and remove discrepancies if any.

Taking a serious note of the concern raised by legislators regarding delays in clearance of compensation claims by the Railways, the Minister directed the Northern Railways Authorities to expedite the process and clear pending cases within a month’s time. He also stressed upon authorities to expedite the rent claim cases for people who have been affected due to these projects.

Similar directions were passed to NHAI to ensure no delays in clearing the compensation claim cases so that people do not suffer undue difficulties.

With regards to the natural water sources being adversely affected by ongoing development projects, Bukhari directed agencies to take up simultaneous restoration and preservation measures for these water sources.  He also asked the agencies to take up remedial measures to ensure drinking water supply to left out areas affected due to drying of some water sources and judiciously utilize Rs 3.89 crore funds released for the purpose.

Additional directions were passed to Railway authorities to allow access to PHE Department to tap water from the mountain steam found at Tatnihal while dredging and excavation work for tunnel there within two days time.

Railways Authorities were also directed to take up regular maintenance and upkeep of roads being used by them as logistic lines, especially the Banihal – Bankoot – Tatnihal stretch and approach roads. Further, Railways were directed to release funds for construction of approach road from village Kaskoot to Railway Station so that works can be taken up for the same.

The Minister directed the concerned to expedite the land acquiring process for highway expansion works and transfer the same to NHAI and directed the executing agencies to ensure the upkeep of Banihal-Ramban and Ramban-Nashri stretches especially in the light of forthcoming Amarnath Yatra.

He also asked them to undertake anti-pollution for major towns along the highway stretch including Banihal, Ramsoo and Ramban.

Bukhari also directed the Railways and NHAI to take up CSR works in consultation with local legislators. He asked both the agencies to submit a detailed report for works completed, being taken up and proposed under CSR initiative.

Chairman LC for setting up multi-facility Indoor Stadium in Kargil

By
Team JK Report
Kargil Map

Chairman Legislative Council, Haji Anayat Ali, today said that establishment of a multi-facility indoor stadium in Kargil would go a long way in boosting sporting activities in the district which has an immense sporting talent.

The Chairman stated this while addressing players during the concluding ceremony of the three-day Badminton tournament organized by District Police Kargil under Civic Action Programme at Indoor Stadium here today.

Chairman and Chief Executive Councilor Kargil Kacho Ahmad Ali Khan and Senior Superintendent of Police Kargil Tsering Gyalpo were also present on the occasion.

Haji Anayat said that there is no dearth of funds in sports sector and the Government is keen to develop sports infrastructure in the district on modern lines so that sporting activities in the district get boosted up.

The Chairman urged upon Hill Council Kargil to identify suitable land for the establishment of a multi-facility indoor stadium in the district. he said it will cater to the growing demand for provision of indoor games facilities to hundreds of youth who have immense talent but are left behind due to the lack of proper facilities.

He also appreciated the efforts of District Police Kargil for organizing the tournament and expressed hope that the event would prove instrumental in giving a boost to police public relations in the district besides channelizing energy and talent of the youth in the right direction.

Later, the Chairman and the CEC Kargil distributed prizes, mementoes and certificates among the players and tournament officials.

Pertinently the tournament was a part of the small sporting events at the Police Station Level wherein 88 players including students of different educational institutions as well as amateur players under senior and junior categories participated.

Deputy SP HQR Ishtiyaq Kacho, Deputy SP DAR Tsering Sandup, District Youth Services and Sports Officer Muhammad Hussain Rehnuma, officers of the district administration, players and a large number of sporting enthusiasts were present on the occasion.

Dy CM discusses preparations for PM’s visit

By
Team JK Report
Deputy CM Kavinder Gupta in a meeting with officials

Deputy Chief Minister, Kavinder Gupta  on Tuesday convened a  meeting of officers  to take stock of the preparations being put in place for the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the State on May 19.

During his visit the Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate Tarakote Marg from Katra to Adhkuwari , Material Ropeway from Siar Dabri to Bhawan and lay foundation stone of Pakal Dul HE Project (1000 MW) and Jammu Ring Road from  General Zorawar Singh Auditorium  University of Jammu.

He will also address the sixth convocation of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu) during his visit.

Kavinder Gupta while chairing meeting with senior functionaries of various departments discussed in detail the overall preparation works being carried out in this regard. He asked the concerned departments to make sure that all necessary arrangements are being made well in time for the PM visit.

He was informed about the arrangements being put in place with regard to security, reception, traffic, healthcare, seating arrangements, sanitation, drinking water and other related arrangements.

Deputy Chief Minister stressed on maintaining close coordination among various departments including security to ensure successful visit of the Prime Minister.

The meeting was attended by Divisional Commissioner Jammu Hemant Kumar Sharma, IGP Jammu S. D. Singh Jamwal, Additional Commissioner Rehana Batul, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, Commissioner JMC Ramesh Kumar, Joint Director Information Naresh Kumar and other senior functionaries of various departments.

Governor reviews Shri Amarnath Yatra arrangements

By
Team JK Report
Holy Amarnath Cave
Holy Amarnath Cave

Governor N.N. Vohra, Chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, today reviewed arrangements for the forthcoming Yatra which is scheduled to commence on 28th June 2018. The review meeting was attended by Shri Umang Narula, Principal Secretary to Governor and Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board (CEO); Shri Bhupinder Kumar, Additional Chief Executive Officer; Shri R.K. Pandita, General Manager (Works) SASB and other officers of the Shrine Board.

Governor reviewed the status of preparations and the action being taken for timely securing the required arrangements for Yatra 2018. CEO briefed about the item-wise todate position of all arrangements required to be made for the Yatra, within and outside the Yatra area.

Governor was informed that till date nearly 1.39 lakh pilgrims have registered for Yatra 2018,  including 2122 under the Group Registration facility and 31 under the category of ex-India pilgrims. It was also informed that till date 28,516 intending pilgrims have availed the facility of online booking of heli-tickets from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes.

In order to strengthen the efforts already being made to disseminate Yatra related awareness amongst the intending Yatris, CEO informed that SMSs containing Health Advisories and “Dos and Don’ts” are being regularly sent through Bulk SMS facility of NIC to ensure that Yatris are better prepared for undertaking the arduous Yatra. In addition, a “Help Line” facility with short code 1364 has been set up, in the Additional  CEO’s office to answer the queries of Yatris. The Short Code is easier to remember than phone numbers. Governor  directed CEO to ensure that the website of Shrine Board should be kept constantly updated with relevant information to facilitate the Yatris for planning their Yatra.

Governor directed CEO to ensure that timely advance action is taken to complete registration of Ponies, Pony-wallas, Dandi-wallas and Palki-wallas and to ensure that no person embarks on the Yatra tracks unauthorizedly.  Governor further directed CEO to ensure that both the Deputy Commissioners of Anantnag and Ganderbal districts   timely issue permissions for pitching of Tents and Shops. Arrangements regarding the provision of safety measures at the Nunwan and Baltal Base Camps were also reviewed and CEO was directed to closely monitor each of the restoration and improvement works which are being carried out by various Government agencies to ensure that  the same are available for the ensuing Yatra.

After the review the Governor observed that while most of the arrangements are being made within the earlier fixed time lines it was necessary for sustained publicity being carried out to caution the pilgrims about the Dos and Don’ts of the Yatra, so that every pilgrim prepares to be physically fit before embarking on this arduous pilgrimage. Governor further observed that disaster management and preparedness should be accorded high priority; that Mock Drill and Table Top Exercises are conducted by NDMA, SDMA and other concerned agencies well before the commencement of Yatra. It was further directed that 9 Mobile Rescue Teams of State Police should be inducted in the Yatra area well before the pilgrimage starts.

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