District Administration Shopian has established on the Spot Sampling and Testing Collection Centre at Chitragam Village in Shopian, Which has been declared red zone after fresh Covid positive cases.
Pertinent to mention here that the Said village is the biggest populated village of the District.
On the directions of Deputy Commissioner Shopian Choudhary Mohammad Yasin a team of medical and paramedical staff has been deputed for on the Spot Testing of villagers at their doorsteps .Testing allows identifying the infected persons, guiding them to medical treatment, their isolation, tracing and quarantining their contacts.
Special rapid Sample Collection Centres have been setup in the village and other line departments have been pressed into service for reaching out to the people of this village to provide essential commodities at their doorstep, so that people should not face any kind of inconvenience.
Special COVID sample Collection centre setup at Chitragam Shopian
District administration Poonch sends 328 migrant labourers to their native places
District administration Poonch today sent 328 labourers of Bihar from district Poonch to their native places.
Deputy Commissioner, Poonch Rahul Yadav, informed that while interacting with media persons after giving green signal to three Buses carrying 72 passengers from tehsil Haveli.
The DC said that earlier 569 labourers from Bihar had registered in labour department and shown willingness to go back home, but due to some relaxation they started their economic activities in the district as a result their willingness number goes down to 328.
He further informed that these migrant labourers will go up-to Katra in 12 buses for their further journey to their native places (state/district) by trains.
DC further said that all arrangements have put in place by government for their transportation and food for hassle free journey to their native places.
Pertinent to mention that the whole exercise of migrant labourers movement is being carried out by Labour Department with support of district administration.
Advocate General chairs meeting regarding expeditious disposal of pending litigations
Advocate General, D C Raina today chaired a meeting regarding expeditious disposal of pending litigations of the UT of J&K, here at the Civil Secretariat.
Besides, Secretary to Government Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Achal Sethi, the meeting was attended by the Special Secretaries, Additional Secretaries, Deputy Legal Remembrancer /Senior Law Officers/Public Law Officers and the Legal Assistants posted in different departments at Jammu.
All the Law Officers were directed to compile the information of Court cases within three days and forward the same to the office of the Advocate General and Secretary to Government Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.
The detail of the cases, which have become infructuous and the cases worth to be contested on its merits was also sought.
The Advocate General stressed upon the officers to file replies/statement of facts and Letter Patent Appeals with promptitude, so as to avoid frequent personal appearance of Administrative Secretaries.
The officers were directed to flag the important cases and ensure that they are attended to with priority and try to get them disposed of in a time bound manner.
The Advocate General made it clear to the officers present in the meeting that there is a need to change the age old system and the performance of the law officers will be taken note of. “The working of the Law officers will be reviewed at different levels and those officers who will perform their duties promptly and in time bound manner will be rewarded/appreciated,” the Advocate General said.
The Secretary Law, Justice and PA assured the Advocate General that all the law officers will come up to the expectations of the Government and will perform their duties more diligently and provide the information within three days positively as directed by him.
J&K now No. 1 in the country in Covid 19 testing
With the testing rate of over 10,000 per million Jammu and Kashmir has now become number one in country in testing. The testing capacity in the UT has gone up from just about 100 tests/day in March to 8000 tests/day today. In the last one month alone it has gone up from 1800 tests/day to 8100/day – an increase of 350%.
This was stated by Principal Secretary to Government, Power Development Department and Information, Rohit Kansal, who is also the official spokesperson at a press conference here today. He said that aggressive and sustained testing is the only effective weapon against the disease and the administration shall continue to pursue it effectively.
On the efforts to of the administration in combating the situation arising out of Corona Virus and the COVID 19 pandemic for the last more than 8 weeks, Kansal said that the Government has taken a slew of measures on the health, economic and welfare fronts. “Jammu and Kashmir was probably one of the first states or UTs to take note of the emerging situation and initiate action and many of our interventions have not only been been fast but effective too.
It may be recalled that the total number of COVID 19 cases in J&K is 1668, out of which 1374 are from Kashmir division and 294 are from Jammu division. The number of active cases are 836 of which 620 are in Kashmir Division and 216 are in Jammu division. As many as 809 recoveries which include young children and 23 unfortunate deaths have also been reported. A total of over 1.34 lakh persons have been enlisted for surveillance out of which over 72,000 have completed mandatory period of surveillance. 47 new Covid positive cases have been reported today, out of which 33 cases are from Jammu division and 14 cases are from Kashmir. As per the media bulletin of the health department, no recovery has been reported today.
Kansal pointed out that while J&K had been able to achieve a low growth rate and a doubling rate of over 3 weeks, this should not become a cause of complacency. Reminding that effective lockdown, strong containment policy, aggressive testing and cooperation by the people of J&K has played a key role in containment of COVID 19, the spokesperson said that there is no room for any laxity. “What we now need is to understand that there are enough worrying factors in the situation. 15 deaths have been reported in last month alone. There is at least one district which has more than 200 active cases and at least one district with more than 150 active cases. There are at least 2 districts where the number of active cases per million are higher than 150. At least half of the districts have a doubling rate less than 14 days. At least 2 districts have seen a considerable increase in cases even when there are no returnees. In fact, there are many areas where the positivity rate of cases is much higher for local population than for returnees.” he said and added that a number of local, indigenous cases for which contact chains are not yet fully clear have also been reported which is a cause of concern.
He said that over 90,000 stranded persons have already returned to J&K in the last 4 weeks alone, they include 66024 persons by road, 25400 by 30 Shramik special and COVID special Rajdhani trains and 652 persons by air. “J&K is the one state/UT which has smoothly completed more than 85% of its evacuation process. The government has consciously adopted a policy of testing 100% of all returnees. All the returnees are being tested, and as a result of the strategy the administration has been successful in tracing 481 positive cases so far.” By testing people at the entry point we are ensuring that positive cases are traced and isolated at the entry point itself, thereby avoiding any infections getting into the community”, he added.
Emphasizing on the importance of economy and livelihoods, Kansal said that UT Government has issued SoPs for the reopening of markets, industry and trade. Similarly SOPs have been issued for returnees and passengers. “But as responsible citizens we need to realize that any complacency or letting down of the guard can cost us very dearly. In red zones and containment zones, there is a need to be vigilant otherwise all the efforts of the last 2 months will be wasted,” he cautioned.
The spokesperson appealed people to stay at home and go out of their homes only if it is absolutely necessary and follow the advisories, wear a mask, and practice social distancing. “Remember, the virus is alive, it is active and it has given no relaxation. So, our self restraint and discipline must continue, he warned.
JK records 30 new positive cases today, 513 cases recovered till date
JAMMU, MAY 15: The Government Friday informed that 30 new positive cases of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), 09 from Jammu division and 21 from Kashmir division, have been reported today thus taking the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir to 1013.
According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Coronavirus (Covid-19), out of 1013 positive cases, 489 are Active Positive, 513 have recovered and 11 have died.
Moreover, 28 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals of Kashmir Division.
The Bulletin further said that out of 70306 test results available, 69293 samples have tested as negative till May 15, 2020.
Additionally, till date 105941 travellers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been enlisted for surveillance which included 27760 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 142 in Hospital Quarantine, 489 in hospital isolation and 13254 under home surveillance. Besides, 64285 persons have completed their surveillance period.
Providing district-wise breakup, the Bulletin said that Bandipora has 135 positive cases (including 01 reported today) with 12 Active Positive, 122 recovered (including 05 recoveries today), 01 death; Srinagar has 153 positive cases (including 11 reported today) with 65 Active Positive, 84 recovered, 04 deaths; Anantnag district has 145 positive cases with 118 Active Positive, 26 recovered (including 03 recoveries today), 01 death; Baramulla has 116 positive cases (including 06 reported today) with 46 Active Positive, 67 recovered (including 10 recoveries today), 03 deaths; Shopian has 107 positive cases with 44 Active Positive, 63 recovered (including 03 reported today); Kupwara has 85 positive cases (including 02 reported today) with 37 Active Positive, 48 recovered (including 03 recoveries today); Budgam has 52 positive cases with 31 Active Positive and 21 recovered cases (including 03 recoveries today); Ganderbal has 23 positive cases with 09 Active case and 14 recoveries; Kulgam has 72 positive cases with 66 Active Positive and 06 recoveries; Pulwama reported 15 positive cases (including 01 cases reported today) with 10 active positive, 05 recovered (including 01 reported today).
Similarly, Jammu has 39 positive cases (including 01 new case reported today) with 12 active positive cases and 26 recoveries and 01 death; Udhampur has 24 positive cases (including 01 reported today) with 04 active positive cases, 19 recovered and 01 death; Samba has 11 positive cases with 07 Active Positive and 04 recoveries; Rajouri has 05 positive cases (including 01 case reported today) with 01 active positive case and 04 recovered; Kathua has 21 positive cases (including 04 cases reported today) with 20 Active positive and 01 recovered; Kishtwar had only 01 positive case who has recovered; Ramban has 06 positive cases (including 02 reported today) with 05 active positive and 01 recovered while Reasi has 03 positive cases with 02 active positive and 01 recovered .
The Bulletin said that the breakup represents districts from which the patients have been traced or are ordinarily residing.
As per the bulletin, the public has been informed that, “people of all ages can be infected by the Novel Coronavirus as the elderly people and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable towards severe illness with the virus. WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene”.
“The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by maintaining physical distance of at least 2 metre from others and frequently cleaning your hands with an alcohol based hand rub or wash them with soap and water”, the Advisory further informed the people.
The bulletin again explains that early detection of COVID-19 can prevent the spread of disease so we need to be responsible for the well-being of ourselves and everyone around us. “Not disclosing symptoms could put life of individuals and their families at risk. In case of symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing report early. Do not fear, call COVID-19 helpline numbers and seek medical advice”.
As a measure for social distancing in public places & workplaces wearing a face cover is compulsory.
Advisory urged people not to step out of home, unless absolutely necessary. “If you have to move out for unavoidable reasons, ensure that you wear a mask and practice social distancing, personal hygiene and frequent handwashing with soap and water.”
In case of any emergency people can avail free ambulance services 24×7 at their doorsteps by calling on toll-free number 108 while as pregnant women and sick infants can avail free ambulance services by dialling toll-free number 102.
People can also call on toll-free national helpline number 1075; J&K COVID-19 Helpline Numbers 0191- 2549676 (UT level Cell), 0191-2520982, 0191-2674444, 0191-2674115 (For Jammu Division), 0194-2440283 & 0194-2430581 (For Kashmir Division) for support, guidance, and response to health-related queries on Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
Public is advised to strictly follow the advisories issued by the government from time to time and are urged to rely only on the information released by the government through the daily media bulletin to print and electronic media.
People are also advised to refrain from spreading rumours and pay no heed to them at the same time.
SKIMS Bemina Continues recovery trend, 09 more discharged today
SRINAGAR, MAY 15 The SKIMS Medical College & Hospital Bemina a designated COVID-19 Specific Hospital a besides providing health care on scientific basis, the patients are provided hygienic nutritious food, and Psychiatric counselling which has enabled us to discharge 81% of admitted patients after recovery till date and expected to move above 900/0 in coming days.
Today another nine (09) patients, 04 from District Bandipora, 03 from Budgam and 02 from Kupwara were discharged after full recovery.
The dedicated team of doctors , paramedics , nursing staff , sanitation and security personals are putting up best efforts round the clock and their comfortable accommodation by the District Administration Srinagar has facilitated the delivery of high quality health care to the COVID patients including some highly co- morbid as well admitted in the hospital.
The Department of Microbiology did not lag far behind and commissioned a COVID testing lab in a short span of time with the help of assistance from SKIMS Soura. The department besides repeat testing on the admitted patients has started receiving samples from District Budgam and Srinagar for testing. Today 267 samples of Budgam were tested and 266 reported negative with 01 sample defective.
The Principal SKIMS Bemina Dr. Reyaz A. Untoo has complimented his staff and also put a message to the General Masses for respecting Lockdown, Maintain Social Distancing, constant use of Masks , Hand hygiene and avoid social and religious gatherings particularly in view of festive days ahead .
Advisor convenes meeting to resolve issues regarding 400 KV Baghlihar-Kishanpur line
JAMMU, MAY 15: Advisor to Lt. Governor, Baseer Ahmad Khan today convened a meeting to resolve to pending issues regarding 400KV Baghlihar-Kishanpur line so that uninterrupted power supply can be ensured to the common masses.
Secretary, Power Development Department, M. Raju, Chief Engineer, BHEP, General Manager NHAI, representatives of Power Grid Corporation besides other senior officers of the concerned departments were present in the meeting.
Chief Engineer, BHEP apprised the Advisor regarding the damage to the towers No:12 and 13 of Lilo of 400KV Baglihar-Kishanpur line while widening of National Highway.
Keeping in view the importance of the issue, the Advisor directed General Manager, NHAI to immediately carryout the necessary repairs and strengthening of the towers and complete the work within 30 days positively so that power transmission is not disturbed.
He also directed Secretary, PDD to personally monitor the same on daily basis besides the Chief Engineer BHEP was directed to place technical staff at the site for monitoring the execution of the work and to submit the Technical report along with Site photographs and the safety certificates of the towers.
Further, the Advisor directed the General Manager, NHAI to ensure that all the men and machinery along the National Highway necessary for its maintenance shall be put in place and the executing agencies of the National Highway should keep close liaison with the respective District Administrations, Traffic Police and other line departments involved.
Transfers and postings in J&K
Rohit Kansal transferred to PDD, M. Raju transferred to Planning, Development and Monitoring Department
JAMMU, MAY 15- As per a Government order issued by the General Administration Department today, Mr. Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary to the Government, Planning, Development and Monitoring Department, is transferred and posted as Principal Secretary to the Government, Power Development Department. He shall hold the charge of Administrative Secretary, Information Department, Managing Director, J&K Power Development Corporation Limited and Managing Director, J&K Power Corporation Limited, in addition to his own duties, till further orders. He shall also hold the charge of Principal Secretary (Coordination) to coordinate with Government of India for review and monitoring of issues/projects.
Mr. M. Raju, Secretary to the Government, Power Development Department, is transferred and posted as Secretary to the Government, Planning, Development and Monitoring Department. He shall also hold the charge of Administrative Secretary, Hospitality & Protocol, Estates, Civil Aviation Departments and Managing Director, J&K Project Construction Corporation Limited, in addition to his own duties, till further orders.
DC reviews arrangements at Quarantine Centres, Interacts with arriving residents
SRINAGAR, MAY 14:Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar Shahid Iqbal Choudhary visited more than two dozen quarantine centres in Panthanchowk, Nowgam, Shalteng, South, Khanyar and North Tehsils to review the arrangements and interacted with residents arriving from different states.
More than 90 hotels across the city have been taken over by the administration and designated as quarantine centres. Another batch of 1214 persons from Udhampur, Jammu and Kathua arrival points reached Srinagar taking the number to more than 4000 in last one week.
Dr Shahid interacted with management staff of quarantine centres, field officials and housekeeping staff. He also visited the premises to oversee the facilities and requirements in place.
He inspected the basic facilities at quarantined centres and also reviewed implementation of safety protocol by the staff. He interacted with the residents and obtained feedback about arrangements. In view of requirements baby food, medicines and other items were dispatched to respective hotels.
It is pertinent to mention here that hoteliers in Srinagar have provided their hotels as quarantine centres and packed food is being provided to more than 4000 guests. Health department has conducted sampling of 1800 persons and more than 500 test reports have been made available. The issue raised by residents about delay in test reports was also discussed threadbare during the visit of Deputy Commissioner and the procedure involved in the process in view of huge numbers of arrivals in various districts being catered by SKIMS and GMC was informed.
Earlier the Deputy Commissioner, accompanied by ADCs Syed Hanief Balkhi, Masarat Hashim, Jt Director Planning Mohammad Yaseen Lone, Chief Medical Officer Dr Jahangir Bakhshi and other officers visited TRC where arrangements have been put in place for registeration and screening in arrival from Udhampur, Jammu, Kathua as well as Srinagar airport . They interacted with the residents reporting at TRC after travel from various states. In many case of old-age, serious ailments and diseases special arrangements were allowed for such persons. A dedicated team has also been deployed for logistics in such cases.
The DC also visited Zakura and Hazratbal quarantine centres, along with Tehsildar North Dr Haroon Rashid and other officers. He interacted with inmates as well. Later, he visited Red Zones names Lal Bazar, Eidgah, Ahmed Nagar, Chhatabal and Rainawari for overall review and arrangements in place for essential services.
[7:27 pm, 14/05/2020] +91 88250 48183: Rs 14.47 cr released as cooking cost to children under MDM
Mid Day Meal provides dry ration to 8 lakh students in J&K during lockdown
JAMMU, MAY 14: An amount of Rs. 14.47 crore has been released as cooking cost Food Security Allowance for one month to 8.29 lakh eligible children who were provided dry ration under Mid Day Meal (MDM) Scheme some time back.
This was informed during a meeting convened by Advisor to LG, KK Sharma here today.
Principal Secretary, School Education, Dr Asgar Samoon, Mission Director MDM, Dr Arun Manhas and other senior officers participated in the meeting through video.
Pertinently, the 8.29 lakh eligible children were provided dry rations (rice) in view of COVID-19 Pandemic so that they could cook the same at their homes.
The amount released today would be credited into their bank accounts by the Chief Education Officers (CEOs) of their respective districts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Out of the total released amount, Rs. 4.97 would be given to those belonging to primary classes per child per day and Rs 7.45 per child per day to those belonging to upper primary as cooking cost.
Dr. Arun Manhas informed the Advisor that since the lockdown imposed due to Covid-19 pandemic, the Department in league with Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs has distributed dry ration (Rice) under the scheme among more than eight lakh students in Jammu and Kashmir. He further informed that 4,42,768 students belonged to Jammu Division whereas 3,59,718 students were given dry ration in Kashmir Division. Besides, Bank Account details of the students were also obtained for transferring the cooking component amount of Midday Meal Scheme to these students through DBT Mode.
It is pertinent to mention here that Midday Meal Scheme is aimed at improving nutritional status of the children from classes First to Eighth studying in the Government schools besides encouraging the underprivileged children to attend the schools on regular basis.
Bulletin on Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19)
12 new positive cases reported today, 485 cases recovered till date in JK
Smokers are at higher risk of Corona infection; Advisory tells people
JAMMU, MAY 14: The Government Wednesday informed that 12 new positive cases of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), 04 from Jammu division and 08 from Kashmir division, have been reported today thus taking the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir to 983.
According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Coronavirus (Covid-19), out of 983 positive cases, 487 are Active Positive, 485 have recovered and 11 have died.
Moreover, 19 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals of Kashmir Division.
The Bulletin further said that out of 63515 test results available, 62532 samples have tested as negative till May 14, 2020.
Furthermore, till date 103290 travellers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been enlisted for surveillance which included 26603 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 152 in Hospital Quarantine, 487 in hospital isolation and 12383 under home surveillance. Besides, 63654 persons have completed their surveillance period.
Providing district-wise breakup, the Bulletin said that Bandipora has 134 positive cases with 16 Active Positive, 117 recovered (including 09 recoveries today), 01 death; Srinagar has 142 positive cases (including 05 reported today) with 54 Active Positive, 84 recovered, 04 deaths; Anantnag district has 145 positive cases with 121 Active Positive, 23 recovered (including 06 recoveries today), 01 death; Baramulla has 110 positive cases with 50 Active Positive, 57 recovered, 03 deaths; Shopian has 107 positive cases (including 02 new cases reported today) with 47 Active Positive, 60 recovered; Kupwara has 83 positive cases with 38 Active Positive, 45 recovered; Budgam has 52 positive cases with 34 Active Positive and 18 recovered cases (including 04 recoveries today); Ganderbal has 23 positive cases with 09 Active cases and 14 recoveries; Kulgam has 72 positive cases with 66 Active Positive and 06 recoveries; Pulwama has 14 positive cases (including 01 case reported today) with 10 active positive, 04 recovered.
Similarly, Jammu has 38 positive cases with 11 active positive cases and 26 recoveries and 01 death; Udhampur has 23 positive cases (including 01 reported today) with 03 active positive case, 19 recovered and 01 death; Samba has 11 positive cases with 07 Active Positive and 04 recoveries; Rajouri has 04 positive cases who all have recovered; Kathua has 17 positive cases with 16 Active positive and 01 recovered; Kishtwar had only 01 positive case who has recovered; Ramban has 04 positive case (including 03 reported today) with 03 active positive and 01 recovered while Reasi has 03 positive cases with 02 active positive and 01 recovered today.
The Bulletin said that the breakup represents districts from which the patients have been traced or are ordinarily residing.
As per the bulletin, the public in general has been informed that smokers are at higher risk of COVID-19 infection , Stop Smoking now; The act of smoking means that fingers (and possibly contaminated cigarettes) are in contact with lips which increase the possibility of transmission of virus from hand to mouth, smokers may also already have lung disease or reduced lung capacity which would greatly increase risk of serious illness, smoking products such as water pipes often involve the sharing of mouth pieces and hoses, which could facilitate the transmission of COVID-19 and conditions that increase oxygen needs or reduce the ability of the body to use it properly will put patients at higher risk of serious lung conditions such as pneumonia.
“The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by maintaining p…
[9:36 pm, 14/05/2020] +91 88250 48183: Govt constitutes Committee to accelerate recruitment process in J&K
JAMMU, MAY 14: The government has constituted a committee to accelerate recruitment to government vacancies and ensure certain principles of transparency, inclusiveness and speed are maintained in the recruitment process.
As per an official order issued here today in this regard, sanction has been accorded to constitution of this Committee which will comprise of Navin K. Choudhary, Principal Secretary, Agriculture/Horticulture Department as its Chairman and Nodal Officer while Saurabh Bhagat, Commissioner Secretary, Labour & Employment Department, Farooq Ahmad Lone, Secretary, General Administration Department and Achal Sethi, Secretary, Department of Law, Justice &.PA would be other officers of the Committee.
The terms of reference of the Committee shall be to identify the vacancies for being filled up on immediate basis with priority to Class-IV vacancies; finalizing the procedure to be followed for recruitment, so that the principles of transparency and inclusiveness are maintained and the process of recruitment is concluded speedily; to ensure that necessary sanctions/approvals are obtained, rules notified (wherever required) for enabling Services Selection Board to commence the process of recruitment immediately and removing hitches in the recruitment process, if any.
The Chairman/Nodal Officer shall be responsible for the tasks assigned to the Committee and he shall be assisted by other officers of the Committee.
The Committee shall meet frequently, if necessary on daily basis, and interact with Administrative Secretaries to ensure that the indent(s) for recruitment(s) is forwarded to Service Selection Board by 22nd May, 2020.
The Committee will continue to monitor the process till the recruitment process is completed.
Beauty of Jammu & Kashmir
