JKYouth News Desk

Srinagar : Scores of Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) job aspirants gathered here in Press Enclave on Wednesday to protest against the purported grant of contract to APTECH Ltd. for conduct of various exams.

The protesters, demanded that the LG administration must investigate as to why paper leak and scam issues only occur in Kashmir.

“All blacklisted companies should be banned in Jammu and Kashmir, until action is taken against these blacklisted companies, no student will sit for any competitive exams,” the protestors opined.

The protesters pointed out that APTECH Ltd. has been involved in numerous scams in other parts of the country including in Rajasthan, Leh, Ambala, and others. “Many national papers have also highlighted these scams, nothing significant is being done to allay the apprehensions of the job aspirants” they said.

The protesters demanded that the Lieutenant Governor administration should rise to the occasion and take necessary measures for the larger benefit of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. (GNS)

Srinagar : Two persons died after being hit by an Ambulance vehicle near the newly constructed children’s hospital at Bemina Srinagar during midnight, officials said on Wednesday.

They said that the duo was grievously injured after being hit by the ambulance and were shifted to Bone and Joint Hospital Srinagar where doctors declared them brought dead on arrival. They have been identified as Ali Mohammad Dar (56) of Nowpora Baramulla, and Fayaz Ahmad Chopan (40) of Hadipora, Rafiabad Baramulla.

Meanwhile, a senior police officer confirmed the accident as well as causality to GNS and said that a case has been registered and further investigations are going on. (GNS)

Srinagar : Amid forecast for mainly dry weather, the minimum temperature recorded a rise in Jammu and Kashmir barring Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Kupwara on Wednesday, officials said.

An official of the meteorological department here told Srinagar recorded a low of 3.5°C against 3.3°C on the previous night and it was 0.2°C above normal for the summer capital.

Qazigund, he said, recorded a low of 2.4°C against 2.0°C on the previous night and it was 0.2°C above normal for the gateway town of Kashmir.

Pahalgam, he said, recorded a low of minus 1.7°C against minus 1.4°C on the previous night and it was 0.3°C below normal for the famous tourist resort in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

Kokernag recorded a low of 4.1°C against 3.9°C on the previous night and it was 2.2°C above normal for the place, the officials said.

Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 1.6°C against minus 0.8°C on the previous night and it was 1.9°C above normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, he said.

In Kupwara town, he said, the mercury settled at 0.2°C against 0.4°C on the previous night and it was 1.2°C above normal for the north Kashmir area.

Jammu recorded a low of 14.6°C against 12.9°C on the previous night. It was 0.6°C above normal for J&K’s winter capital, he said.

Banihal, he said, recorded a low of 4.7°C (above normal by 0.6°C), Batote 7.6°C (above normal by 1.7°C), Katra 11.8°C (0.3°C above normal) and Bhadarwah 4.1°C (1.0°C above normal). The MeT department has forecast dry weather to continue till March 12. (GNS)

Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday expressed her astonishment over Central Bureau of Investigation’s message asking people not to pay any money or bribe to any government servant/employee, in the backdrop of purported awarding of contract to APTECH Company for conducting upcoming Jammu Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) exam(s).
Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter, Mufti wrote; “Amusing to receive a message from CBI to report bribes. A blacklisted company like APTECH is given contracts repeatedly to wreak the future of J&Ks youth. Hope CBI takes note of APTECH recruitment scam. Lets see how many heads roll (sic).”
Mufti’s reaction came after CBI (Srinagar) delivered a (text) message to mobile phone users, reading; “Do not pay money/bribe. If any Govt. servant/employee demands money/bribe, please inform CBI Srinagar on 9419900977 and 0194-2455514 or email to [email protected] (sic).”
Notably, the purported awarding of contract to APTECH Company has evoked widespread resentment from the job aspirants in Jammu and Kashmir even as condemnation from many political leaders.

ANANTNAG : The District Level Review Committee met here in presence of all concerned stakeholders including banks, officials from employment, industries and other departments under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Dr Basharat Qayoom to review credit facilitation by banks during the 3rd quarter of the present fiscal.

The chair was apprised by the Lead District Manager that both credit and advances have shown positive growth over the previous quarter. The District has extended more than 81% of the target credit to MSMEs in the district in a bid to boost employment among the youth.

There has been extensive effort towards the Financial Literacy of the residents in the district and 37 Financial Literacy Camps have been organised in the district, he added.

Sharing the target achievement under various Govt Schemes, the chair was informed that 435 cases under PMEGP (DIC), 157 under PMEGP (KVIB), 264 under PMEGP (KVIC), 116 under Mumkin, 23 under Tejaswini, 96 under stand up India and 228 Artisans and Weavers have received credit facility in excess of Rs 66 crores aimed at creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in the district.

Under RSETI, 128 candidates have received training through 6 programs so far out of which 111 candidates have successfully set up units. Sanctioning of cases and disbursal of funds under KCC and Progress under Social Security Schemes was also discussed on the occasion.

Dr Basharat instructed banks to ensure credit flow to the priority sector. He said that priority sector lending is a focus area and credit flow remains one of the primary drivers for modernisation of the sector.

He said banks should also be sensitive to rising social infrastructural needs and any capital requirements in this area must be handled on priority.

The DC said that over the previous months, there has been much progress in reducing the processing time for PMEGP and other self-employment scheme cases but there is still scope for sensitization among bank employees so that aspiring youth are not unnecessarily left wanting for credit.

The meeting was attended by ADDC, JD Planning, LDM, AD Employment and representatives from various banks.

GANDERBAL: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Shyambir today chaired a meeting, here on ‘Youth Entrepreneurship Festival’ to be held in the district.

In the meeting, a presentation was presented by Mahatma Gandhi National Fellow Ganderbal during which the DC was informed that by holding Youth Entrepreneurship Festival Ganderbal the District Skill Committee aims to achieve various objectives viz. developing entrepreneurial zeal among the youth by driving innovation based activities, making skill development an aspiration, thereby promoting Skill Entrepreneurship, Engagement of MSMEs via Skill Competitions, foster teamwork for successful Entrepreneurs in the district.

The meeting was informed that the District Skill Committee (DSC) Ganderbal aims to achieve these objectives by events like Idea Pitching, Idea Hunting Challenges, Employment Fair, Skill Competitions, Art and Craft Competitions, Guest Lecture by Entrepreneurship Experts and Sharing of Success Stories under the banner ‘Success Talks’.

Besides these activities, sports events and cultural events shall also be held which will showcase the local crafts and traditions.

The DC directed that mobilisation activities for the festivals should start as soon as possible and instructed all the participants in the meeting to advertise about the activities of the festival at large scale.

The Mobilisation and Counseling Sub-Committee of DSC was directed to hold workshops in all the institutions of Ganderbal for the success of the festival. It was further directed that the District Skill Committee shall design the format for accepting the entries for Idea Pitching Challenge and directed all the departments to motivate people for Idea Pitching in the festival for the maximum participation in the festival. The best ideas shall be filtered and trained for idea pitching on the final day of the festival.

Regarding Skill Competitions, the DC directed all the Institutions dealing with Skill Development activities to share the list of trades in which skill training has been imparted, therefore trade specific skill challenges may be organised and maximum participation may be encouraged in the festival. Moreover, an employment fair was also planned to be held as part of the event.

The festival has planned to hold the Entrepreneurship based Games which shall help in developing the affinity for Entrepreneurship in school and college going students. The activity-based learning in the form of games shall help the students to simulate the Entrepreneurship environment.

Indian Institute of Management Jammu, academic partner for Ganderbal Entrepreneurship Festival, was asked to provide expertise to make these activities a success.

The DC fixed the roles and responsibilities among the departments with strict instructions and deadlines. Further, all the departments were directed to work in convergence to make the festival a grand success.

The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner, Mushtaq Ahmad Simnani; State Resource Associate, MGNF, IIM Jammu; members of District Skill Committee Ganderbal, heads of departments implementing livelihood creation schemes, Training Partners and Project Implementing Agencies implementing Skill Development Schemes.

BARAMULLA : The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar today chaired 5th District Level Committee meeting under Narco- coordination Center (NCORD) and COTPA (Cigarette and Other Tobacco products Prohibition Act) and reviewed the functioning of Drug De-addiction Center which was recently established in PHC Singhpora.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sehrish  said that the drug menace is a threat to every household as it can knock on any door anytime. She said the constant parental control is important to check activities of children so that early detection can help to pit the spark off before it burns the house.

The DC reviewed various action points taken by the line departments on the directions already issued in the previous meetings.

It was informed that 222 Prahari clubs have been established in high schools across the district to sensitize the students about the menace.

It was also given out that training of youth clubs and functionaries of the departments have already been completed and the master trainers will further train other functionaries in a cascading way to help the victims of substance abuse to come out of this vicious circle.

The DC directed for identification of victims of Drug Abuse and the hotspot areas of drug addiction so that special drives will be launched in the hotspot and grey areas.

She stressed on mass awareness through IEC activities and directed the Transport and Excise departments to create awareness among masses  and launch sticker campaigns against drug abuse.

The DC further directed MCs for installation of hoardings at proper places across district highlighting the messages ” Yes to Life, No to Drugs”.

Reiterating upon its commitment to curb drug trafficking, the DC said that stringent measures are being taken to nip the menace in the bud and assured every possible action to dismantle the nexus of drug trafficking and peddling. She also urged the concerned stakeholders to play their part for its complete eradication.

The meeting also discussed relocation of tobacco and cigarette selling shops near schools besides mapping of areas with poppy and bhang cultivation.

The meeting was also informed that CCtv cameras have been installed in schools on a larger scale to keep vigil on the activities of students inside schools besides random checking of the cctv record.

Talking about the newly established Drug De-addiction Centre, Dr Sehrish said that the Drug De-addiction & Rehabilitation Centre is a milestone and a first of its kind in the district for treatment of the victims of drug abuse and their rehabilitation to come out of this vicious circle.

Principal GMC (Incharge) Dr Ifhat Hassan Shah; ADC Sopore,Tariq Ahmad Reshi; ASP Baramulla, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, all SDMs, ACD, CMO, CEO and other concerned officers and officials were present on the occasion.

Youth participation and collaboration critical in Drug prevention programmes: DC Srinagar

SRINAGAR :- Deputy Commissioner(DC) Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad on Tuesday chaired the 8th meeting of District Level Committee of Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) here at Conference Hall of the DC Office Complex to take review of the action taken by the concerned Departments with regard to decisions held in last meeting.

The future course of action to uproot the drug menace and narcotic trade from Srinagar District was also formulated during the meeting.

The meeting was among others attended by Superintendent of Police, Arif Amin Shah, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Syed Shabir Ahmad, SDM East, Murtaza Ahmad, Deputy Drug Controller, Nighat Jabeen, Chief Agriculture Officer, Mohammad Younis, Chief Education Officer, Mohammad Shabir, District Social Welfare Officer, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad,  Tehsildar Headquarter, Imtiyaz Amin Naik, Incharge Drug De-addiction Centre SMHS Hospital, Dr Yasir Rather, Deputy Nodal Officer ATF, SKIMS Bemina and other concerned .

While Zonal Director Narcotics Control Bureau(NCB), Rajesh Kumar participated in the meeting through virtual mode and threw light on various dimensions related to drug abuse and its peddling.

At the outset, the Deputy Commissioner took detailed feedback from every concerned Department regarding and measures undertaken for combating illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and its consumption in the District to save youth from the dangerous effects of the drugs.

At the outset, the Deputy Commissioner said that drug abuse is a serious problem that not only affects individuals, but also families and communities. He stated that it is essential to tackle the issue from multiple perspectives, including deterrence, treatment and enforcement.

The DC also reiterated that the District Administration Srinagar is committed to create a drug-free environment in the District and will continue to take all necessary steps to achieve this goal.

On the occasion, the DC stressed upon the Officers of all the line Departments including Enforcement agencies to ensure better coordination in imposing greater deterrence to combat dangerous trade of drug-trafficking. He said that efforts with Cooperation, Coordination and Collaboration are vital to contain the drug peddling and break the supply chain, besides taking stringent action against the culprits involved in the hazardous trade of drugs.

The DC said Deterrence initiatives have also been initiated including Educational campaigns at Schools and Colleges levels to sensitize students and common masses about ill effects of drugs as well as encouraging healthy activities and hobbies to discourage the drug abuse.

The DC asked the Chief Education Officer, Srinagar to conduct anti drug seminars, rallies and other programmes on the harmful effects of drug menace in Educational Institutions of the District so that youth is discouraged from tempting towards drugs.

The DC also emphasised on effective functioning of Addiction Treatment facility Centres to fight against drug addiction and mitigate the sufferings of the drugs affected persons. He also laid trust on ensuring proper counselling and rehabilitation for individuals struggling with addiction.

With regard to enforcement efforts, the DC said District Administration Srinagar has taken a comprehensive multi pronged approach and it has been made possible to make a significant decline in drug peddling in the. He said that crack down on drug trafficking and its peddlers would be further intensified to punish those involved in this societal heinous crime.

With regard to non-availability of the prescribed essential medicine for treatment of drug victims, the DC stressed on ensuring availability of medicines to drug affected patients at authorised medical stores on proper prescription duly signed and sealed by the concerned Doctor. He also instructed that the medical stores must maintain the proper register/database of sold medicine and the Drug Control Department would audit the prescriptions at medical stores.

The DC also instructed the Drug Control Department to cancel the registration of such chemists who violate laid down guidelines under Drugs & Cosmetic Act.

The DC said the drug menace is a major threat to the socio-economic structure and it has become imperative for the entire society to come together to uproot this menace and work as a strong entity to make Srinagar a healthy and drugs free District. He further underscored that Srinagar Administration has adopted a zero tolerance policy against drug suppliers and traffickers under the MISSION WAAPSI initiative.

The DC also sought cooperation from the families particularly from parents to overcome the menace among the youth which also leads to other social evils and crimes.

Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner was apprised by Incharge Drug De-addiction Centre SMHS Hospital, Dr Yasir Rather that Significant decrease has been witnessed in number of new patients of drug abuse related  during last 3-4 months after launch of MISSION WAPSI initiative by Srinagar administration , because of decrease in easy availability of illicit drug, after administration adopted a zero tolerance policy against drug suppliers and traffickers.

He informed that over 44000 footfall of patients have visited SMHS hospital to get treatment during the year 2022. And all of these patients were given free treatment there.

“In the last month of Feb 2023 around 3000 (new plus followup patients) were  given free treatment at the deaddiction center, SMHS” he added.

Similarly, the Deputy Nodal Officer ATF, SKIMS Bemina, informed that about 1500 affected patients have been given treatment at the Center till date with follow-up facility to 147 patients.

During the meeting, SP West, Arif Amin Shah apprised the chair about the overall scenario of drug abuse in Srinagar and measures taken to curb the menace. He informed the meeting that 20 cases have been registered so far in the district and 50 peddlers have been detained under Narco PSA. In addition, 13.42 grams of brown sugar, 684.33 grams of heroin, 3.36 Kgs of charas, besides 4734 psychotropic tablets and 38 bottles were recovered from the peddlers.

The Zonal Director Narcotics Control Bureau(NCB), participated in the meeting through virtual mode and threw light on various dimensions related to drug abuse and its peddling network and ways to break the chain.