THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 2021 DAILY EXCELSIOR, JAMMU Excelsiordaily Established 1965 Mubarak Mandi Complex is protected monument Founder Editor S.D. Rohmetra Capt Anil Gour b) The work orders for the execution of works article has been published giving a total go by to songs/dances), it would be the venue for Sound & to be awarded only through online tendering the Recommendations of the Master Plan & sub- Light / Lazer shows; propos, the article by a senior journalist process and all government orders with respect to sequent decision of not having any Heritage Hotel Zone B: Comprising the row of Palaces/build- "Be Rational on Mubarak Mandi Conser- tendering process to be followed. The ASI should OR such a commercial activity in the Mubarak ings along the western side of the central courtyard, Marketing of saffron vation" published in DE on 08 AUG 2021; A be consulted while framing the RFP's/ Eal's/ Ten- Mandi Complex. The gist of recommendations including the magnificent Durbar Hall, Raja Amar has come as a surprise. Being associated with the t is the usual way of intermittently interacting with ders. Zone wise of the entire Mubarak Mandi Complex Singh's Palace and other buildings, envisaged as a Tourism Industry & also having been the Chairman cross sections of the society that the Prime c) Hon'ble Chairman, while laying emphasis is as under of which ZONE - D, lays out how the Indian Association of Tour Operators for 14yrs I knowledge center for use as Visitor Information Minister shares important information and gets upon the historic significance of Mubarak Mandi Cluster of Zanana Mahals including Rani Charak's I have taken a very keen interest in our Heritage & Centre, Archives, Library, Conservation Lab, Con- Heritage Complex and its projection as major Mahal have to be preserved & reused. Noteworthy back necessary and valuable inputs as well. On Cultural monuments showcasing it to the Foreign ferences, Exhibitions, Administrative offices, etc.; attraction in tourism map of Jammu, underlined there is no mention of converting these Mahals into Monday, while releasing the 9th instalment of finan- Tourist. It is not understood how such a senior Zone C: Comprising the row of Palaces along the need to bring the Complex up to (interna- any Heritage Hotels as is being made out by the cial benefit of Rs.19500 crore to nearly 10 crore journo should make suggestions for the construc- the Eastern side of the Central Courtyard, includ- farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Kissan Samman tion of the Heritage Hotel, giving the rationale that ing the Marble Hall, Raja Ram Singh's Palace and the decision for the same was taken by one of the other buildings, earmarked for Museums and Gal- Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Yojna via video conferencing , he leries for paintings, armory, sculptures, coins etc interacted with farmers which included a Kashmiri Governing Body some years back so hence now this left over decision should be implemented with- and a theme based interpretation centre; Saffron grower also and said that the Government out going into the details as to why the previous Zone D: Cluster of Zenana Mahals, including wanted ''fragrance of Jammu and Kashmir saffron to decision was not implemented and what was the the Sheesh Mahal, the lavishly decorated Rani spread across the country''. It is not only the special approved Master Plan for Conservation of this Charak's Mahal and others, along the Eastern interest usually taken in Jammu and Kashmir by the complex on 5th March 2019 in the 8th Meeting of periphery of the complex overlooking the Tawi val- Prime Minister in respect of various developmental the Governing Body of Mubarak Mandi Heritage ley, identified for having galleries depicting the life Society under Chairmanship of Governor Satya Pal style and culture of Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, etc.; projects but his vision that the UT may come out Malik, (Chairperson Mubarak Mandi Heritage Zone E: Comprising the imposing GoleGhar from the static circle of violence, corruption, under- Society) with Ms Deepika K. Sharma, Executive on the South East corner of the complex, the stand- performance in various sectors and unresponsive Director MMHS; as Member Secretary; vide Item ing portion of which, with its predominantly west- governance for quite many past years in a row to No: 8.3 as under: ern architectural style, rounded portions and a vari- emerge as a performing UT especially on econom- I Item No. 8.3I Approval of Master Plan for ety of arches in different architectural styles, some- ic front. Verily, therefore, the decision of the Conservation and Adaptive Re-use of Mubarak what resembles the Coliseum of Rome, and whose Mandi Palace Complex, Jm. Government to cause the world famous saffron of grandeur even in its ruinous form leaves a lasting The Comprehensive Master Plan (Work Pro- impression on the beholder, proposed as an expe- Jammu and Kashmir to be sold through National gram) for Conservation and Adaptive Re-use of riential space; Agriculture Cooperating Marketing Federation of Mubarak Mandi Palace Complex Jammu consist- Zone F: Pratap Mahal and the Courtyard India Limited (NAFED) is aimed at ensuring direct ing of 59 sub projects was approved. Mubarak between Pratap Mahal and GoleGhar as a Craft benefit reached to the saffron growers. The step Mandi Jammu Heritage Society to follow all Codal Centre for Crafts Demonstration, Sale, Skill Devel- formalities, as and when, the Master Plan is imple- opment etc. has been taken to not only bail out the UT saffron mented. The Vendors/ Agencies having requisite In the passing I would also like to bring to the from various problems especially in marketability work experience and professional repute can only notice of all the readers that the Mubarak Mandi and the high level of competition faced from grow- bid for the projects. said article & issuance of the EOI by the Executive Complex has been declared a Protected Monument Even in his directions the then Governor made tional standards so as to make it an active Director is in direct contravention to the decisions ers of the aromatic stuff at the international market Vide SRO 126 DT: 26 APRIL 2005 of the Jammu but to boost its sale through the NAFED and ensure it very clear about the conservation of this complex tourism destination and depict Jammu as signifi- of the Governing Body in its 8th Meeting of cantly important culture centre on the world map. 5thMarch2021 & Kashmir Ancient Monuments Protection Act timely realising of proceeds thereof and resultant in Sl. 6 of the said minutes as under: 6. Directions by the Chairman Hon'ble Chair- d) Hon'ble Governor emphasized on expedit- Zone A: Comprising the Central Courtyard Samvat 1977, by the J&K Govt. hence no such com- benefit direct to the producers. Not only this, need- man gave the following directions:- ing digitization of the archived records belonging (Mandi) proposed to be the focal point for renewed mercial activity of having Heritage Hotels can take less to add, the Government by allotting the GI tag a) The restoration works be taken up strictly as to the Dogra period and throwing open to visitors civic pride and centre for cultural exchange. place. In Rajasthan only private places which have to saffron has changed the entire scenario of its per ASI norms, Hon'ble Chairman directed represen- the part of the Complex which gets completed. Besides cultural programmes depicting the rich been converted into hotels & protected monuments marketing altogether. tative of DG ASI to monitor the same as 3rd party. It is very surprising that only a half-researched Dogra culture (including the Cuisine and Folk viz. Amer Fort are preserved accordingly. The saffron which is also called Kong, Kum kum, Kesar and Lohit , needless to add, is not only used for culinary purposes but for medicinal uses also . Its special aroma and the properties of retaining its Engaging youth for transforming food systems colour, fragrance and texture for years together Dr. Parveen Kumar en a severe setback to the initiatives of global com- Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Plane- energy can be channelized constructively and pro- bestows upon it a particular speciality. Not only is it munity in fighting these challenges. Studies reveal tary Health', with the aim of highlighting that the ductively. The present government under the lead- ith the world's population expected to grown in Kashmir valley but also in Kishtwar in that enabling the engagement of youth in formal success of such a global effort will not be achieved ership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is focus- increase by 2 billion people in the next political mechanisms does increase the fairness of without the meaningful participation of young peo- ing more on skill development of Youth. For this Jammu region , both being of the same quality and W30 years, it has now been widely recog- political processes by reducing democratic deficits, ple. The aim is to highlight the ways in which the many programmes have been launched and many properties. Hence, growers of saffron of the UT were nized that simply producing a larger volume of contributes to better and more sustainable policies, engagement of young people at the local, national policies have been made to promote youth in agri- going to be vastly benefitted. One of the saffron healthier food more sustainably will not ensure and also has symbolic importance that can further and global levels is enriching national and multi- culture. A different Ministry of Skill Development human and planet well being. The world today and Entrepreneurship (MSD&E) has been created growers with whom the PM interacted , while being contribute to restore trust in public institutions, lateral institutions and processes, as well as draw stands at cross roads with multiple challenges that especially among youth. lessons on how their representation and engage- and entrusted with the task of skilling India. The all praises for the Prime Minister, admitted that saf- need to be addressed urgently. These challenges Moreover, the vast majority of challenges ment in formal institutional politics can be signif- government has set up the National Skill Develop- fron production had taken a hit in the last few years include achieving zero hunger, poverty reduction, humanity currently faces, such as the COVID-19 icantly enhanced. ment Corporation to provide skill related training social inclusion, access and availability of health to 500 million individuals by 2022. For this, the and was not fetching much returns but with govern- outbreak and climate change require concerted Engaging youth for transforming food sys- government is also promoting private sector in skill care to all, biodiversity conservation and climate global action and the meaningful engagement and tems: mental intervention, like Saffron Mission etc the change mitigation. The deadline for achieving training programmes besides providing funds for participation of young people needs to be addressed For ensuring food and nutritional security of all, them. The Pradhan Mantri Koushal Vikas Yojana farming has been revived. Not only had the saffron SDG 2030 is also approaching fast. This cannot be effectively. the participation of youth in this noble profession achieved without involving youths.. (PMKVY) is an important programme in this direc- growers problems of absence of timely irrigation History of IYD: The 'Key Club' has been rec- is must. Youth have the ability to adopt new con- tion. Skill Training of Rural Youth aims to skill Youth are important stakeholders in the devel- ognized as the oldest youth organization formed in cepts, ideas, technologies and various interventions facilities but that of low yield too . Both the issues opment process. They play an important role in rural youth in different activities like vermi com- reportedly stand vastly addressed. The said saffron 1925. It began at Sacramento High School to con- which are vital for augmenting food production. post, mushroom, cutting and tailoring, processing shaping the future of their country. Nearly one- tend against the negative effects of the fraternities They have the potential to transform our tradition- sixth of the world population is youth. India is and value addition and this is being done through grower acknowledged the PM's efforts for doubling and social clubs. In 1965, the UN hosted the first al food systems which are chemical intensive and KVKs. The government's prestigious Start-up pro- income of saffron farmers in 2021 ''much before the blessed to have much large number of youth and 'Declaration on the Promotion among Youth of the not eco-friendly to more sustainable and inclusive gramme has also revolutionized the agriculture this is described by policy makers and planners as Ideals of Peace, ones. Unfortunate- sector; with the necessary skills, credit facilities target of 2022 set by him''. 'demographic dividend' for the country. India's It is to be believed that due to the efforts of the Mutual Respect ly, youth are not and hand holding by Agri-business incubators set working-age population is now increasing because and Understand- International Youth Day Aug 12 attracted to agricul- up across different universities in the country, many Government in providing a need based support of rapidly declining birth and death rates. Accord- ing between Peo- ture, because it is youths have come forward to set their own agricul- base, while a kilo of saffron fetched Rs.90,000 to ing to the Minister for Agriculture and Family Wel- ples,' which promotes the development of youth. not considered as a profitable enterprise. Some ture related enterprises and become job providers fare, Narendra Singh Tomar, presently in the coun- The idea to celebrate International Youth Day was major lacunas holding back the youth from joining instead of job seekers. These steps have restored Rs.1 lakh some time back but with the creation of try the working population in the age group of 15 first proposed in 1991. Keeping in view the impor- agriculture include low profitability due to high cost the faith of youth in agriculture as remunerative to 59 years is more than the dependent population saffron park and other measures by the tance and the role of youth in shaping modern of inputs, access to land, lack of credit facilities, and attractive enterprise. and the average of working population is on the Government , the stuff was now yielding Rs.2.25 economies, the United Nations vide its resolution interest, inadequate marketing facilities, lack of At such a critical time, when the COVID-19 has increase. India's age dependency ratio, the ratio of hit hard the agriculture sector by disrupting the sup- lakh to Rs 2.3 lakh per kilogram. It can thus be dependents (children and the elderly) to the work- 54/120 endorsed the recommendation made by the specific skills and training. With lots of risk in terms World Conference of Ministers Responsible for of climatic uncertainties and physical labour ply chain food systems, the International Youth deduced that only by old conventional ways of look- ing age population is expected to only start rising Day reinforces our commitment for engaging in 2040, as per United Nations estimates. This pres- Youth at Lisbon (Aug. 8-12) that August 12 be cel- involved, the youth mostly divert to other job oppor- youth in this vital sector to transform it to a more ing at the most important sector of the economy- the ebrated as International Youth Day all over the tunities in the cities increasing the number of migra- agriculture, there cannot be any perceptible ents a golden opportunity for economic growth. sustainable, profitable and remunerative one by The economic survey 2018-19 pointed out that globe. The first day was celebrated in the year 1999. tion and unemployed each year. It is also true that practicing and advocating policies and pro- improvement in production and pricing to take place India's demographic dividend will be at its peak by The day further aims to bring youth issues to the knowledge and skill are the driving force of socio- grammes that have a profound effect of this noble but by employing newer and innovative ways only the year 2041 when the share of working people in attention of the international community and to cel- economic development of a country. If skilled youth profession and that demonstrate their resilience, can agricultural production keep on increasing and the age group of 20 to 59 is expected to reach 59 ebrate the potential of youth as active partners in are available in the country, there will be no short- collective action and creativity in responding to the the global society. The United Nations assembly age of skilled manpower for the agriculture, indus- COVID-19 pandemic. Youths have now been duly result in increasing the money incomes of the farm- per cent of the total population. As the United Nations turns 75 and with only also recommended that public information activi- tries, factories and other manufacturing units. All acknowledged for the efforts they play. There is a ers as well. Any move to oppose, such innovations 10 years remaining to make the 2030 Agenda a real- ties be organized to support the Day as a way to this will definitely boost productivity. With demo- need to further create inclusive support mecha- and new ways as is being practiced successfully by ity for all, engagement of youth is a key to make promote better awareness of the World Programme graphic dividend favoring India and with a greater nisms that ensure youth continue to amplify efforts of Action for Youth. emphasis on skill development and entrepreneur- almost all those countries who have shown excep- the objectives achievable and to make the planet a collectively and individually to restore the planet better place to live in. At a time when the world Theme : ship, the country has the potential to become the and protect life, while integrating biodiversity in tional results in farm produce and output costs, already has been confronted with many humanitar- Every year the International Youth Day is cel- world skill capital. the transformation of food systems. would prove retrogressive and not in the interests of ian challenges, emergence of COVID-19 has giv- ebrated with different themes. The theme of Inter- To tap the potential of this demographic divi- (The author is a Scientist at KVK-Leh; can be reached at the farmers. Saffron is such an agricultural produce national Youth Day 2021 is, 'Transforming Food dend, it is essential to skill our youths so that their [email protected]) which gives a special niche to Jammu and Kashmir Dr Shabir Choudhry blackmailing term. Pakistan is across the country and even abroad, the latest probably the freest country ritish security officials move in respect of its marketability was going to Exiled Pakistanis warned of threats in UK when it comes to freedom of and European intelli- make a lot of difference to the growers , financially speech. In fact, it is so free that Bgence services have now is that Pakistan appears to there is a death threat to the who said: “If there is illegal ter Fawad Chaudhry told Dawn there is no culture of libel and and otherwise. warned Pakistani dissidents liv- be moving from suppressing prospective victim. pressure, in particular on jour- it is “unfortunate and based on defamation laws. If it was there, ing in the region that their lives criticism within its borders to “Officers have even asked nalists in the UK, then I would conspiracy theories”. “The Met journalists would be bankrupt.” No permit needed to are in danger, a report in The targeting critics based over- her husband if anybody had expect the law enforcement Police is holding one of Pak- When asked to comment on Guardian said on Sunday. seas”. offered him money to ask his agencies and the British gov- istan’s biggest terrorists the man arrested in connection The report said exiled Pak- The story noted that a man wife to return to Pakistan,” the ernment to take notice of that there… how can they talk about with a conspiracy to murder Mr visit Ladakh istanis who are critical of the was charged in London last report said. and to make an appropriate threats? This is propaganda Goraya, the minister said: o give a boost to domestic tourism, the Union military have been warned by month with conspiring to mur- It quoted YouTuber and legal and/or diplomatic against ISI,” he said. “They may have their own prob- Territory Government of Ladakh has decided authorities here that they will be der political activist Ahmad columnist Gul Bukhari, who response.” Mr Chaudhry also dis- lems, it has nothing to do with targeted. to do away with the need for an Inner Line Waqass Goraya in the Nether- fled to the UK after she was “If British nationals or resi- missed the threats to journalists us [the government].” T “Pakistan, a strong UK ally lands. abducted in Lahore in 2018, as dents in the UK acting lawfully in Pakistan, saying the exis- The International Federation Permit (ILP) or an official travel document for all — particularly on intelligence It also said political analyst saying that the Met Police has are being harassed or threat- tence of hundreds of news chan- of Journalists puts Pakistan as Indian nationals to visit those areas of Ladakh which issues — might be prepared to Ayesha Siddiqa received an warned her not to share her ened by the ISI, or anyone else, nels “negates the perception the world’s fifth most dangerous are classified as protected. These areas, it may be target individuals on British Osman warning from the Met- home address with anyone. then the British government that the media is squeezed”. country for journalists. In a 2020 soil,” the story said. noted , are the ones bordering China and Pakistan , ropolitan Police — a warning The Guardian report fea- would certainly take an inter- “The truth is that interna- world press freedom index, It noted an erosion of press named after a case from the late tures a statement from Mark est.” tional powers squeeze coun- unfortunately both hostile to India . These restric- Reporters Without Borders freedom since Imran Khan came 90s. The warning is issued by Lyall Grant, the former UK When asked to comment on tries by putting sanctions, and ranked Pakistan 145th out of 180 tions, though in force for many years, primarily in to power and says “the concern British authorities who believe high commissioner to Pakistan, the report, Information Minis- freedom of expression is a new countries. respect of the security concerns, are now being felt Irfan Mughal in Hariwala in the Udhampur dis- unnecessary if not entirely redundant. That is not trict, through which water will be because there was any dilution in the levels of the unira Jan, a resident of supplied to the people of Seri Seri Khawaja village in Hopes from the Jal Jeevan Mission Khawaja via the lift. hostilities with these two countries especially with border district of China with which a faceoff is still existing in Eastern M families have access to clean ritory of Jammu and Kashmir is (also called the Siranriver) is the we only give tenders, and the All this work is being done Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir, under Jal Jeevan Mission - a Ladakh, but due to host of reasons , namely securi- has spent 60 years of her life water. concerned, as per October 2020 only other option left for the peo- contractors are responsible for Like Munira, thousands of report, out of the 18.17 lakh ple in this village. Although the laying the pipes. The contractors scheme by Union Government's ty apparatus being more powerful and to explore walking miles to fetch water. "I Jal Shakti Ministry envisioned to have always been on duty, like a women of Seri Khawaja village in households, 8.38 lakh house- work of installing water lift was will look into the calculation of and put to use these areas for tourism as they carry Haveli tehsil of Poonch are holds (46 per cent) have been pro- done recently, it did not benefit the pipes." Further, he directed to provide safe and adequate drink- soldier, to fetch water for my ing water through individual lot of potential, these restrictions, therefore, have family," said Munira who is now deprived of piped water connec- vided with tap water connec- the people the way it was antici- the Assistant Executive Engineer tions. Every morning, right tions.More than 50% households pated. when asked about the pipes laid household tap connections by now been removed. It is to be noted that Indian 70 years old, unable to walk and 2024 to all households in rural still without a water connection before the sunrise, they get in a were still deprived of water con- "The lift was installed a few for the old lift. "Water will be tourists visiting areas like beautiful Nubra Valley, queue to get water from the vil- nections. years ago but soon its operation available to people of Seri India. Jammu and Kashmir is in her house. She wonders if her planning to achieve 100 per cent Pangong Lake, Tsomoiri Lake and the Aryan dream of having a water-pipe lage's only hand pump. This While expressing the plight was stopped. Even when the Khawaja from the lift that is queue is there till evening and the of the villagers, Mohammad pipelines were laid in this area, being installed now. As for the coverage of tap water connection Villages etc in Ladakh needed prior permission from connection in her house will ever to rural households by December come true. process continues throughout the Basharat, a local resident said, only the influential people could pipes which were laid for the old district authorities . year. Without any option, the "With only one hand pump, vil- benefit from it. However, we are lift are still there," informed 2022 under this mission. The vil- Walking a long way to collect lagers are now hopeful of the new On the other hand, the restrictions shall remain water is a daily reality in rural women of the village continue to lagers struggle to conduct their hopeful of the new lift that is Mohammad Hussain, the Assis- follow this routine, affecting their daily tasks. For a very long time, being installed which runs from tant Executive Engineer of Jal lift being installed under this in force for those foreigners desirous of visiting India. Be it the desert region of scheme as work has begun in all Rajasthan or the mighty moun- physical as well as mental health. people have been longing to get Seri Khawaja via Bani Doba to Shakti Department. Although on these areas which means that they have to contin- According to WaterAid access to proper water connec- Mohalla Luna. But, as of now, ground, there is no sign of older districts of this hilly Union Terri- tainous areas of Jammu and tory. Wishing for water problem ue to obtain the 'Protected Area permit'. However, Kashmir, walking miles for water India's Fact Sheet 2019, approx- tions. Having access to water people still have no access to pipes. imately 84 percent of rural house- pipeline in houses is still a privi- proper water connection," said The Assistant Executive con- to be solved, the villagers espe- one relaxation in respect of the validity from seven is part of women's daily routine. cially women in Seri Khawaja Since fetching water for domes- holds in India do not have access lege for us." Muhammad Jameel, the Panch of firmed that the new lift will be to 15 days given vide the significant decision taken to piped water. With limited A population of about three Ward No.4. installed in Seri Chauhana vil- village await to reap benefit from tic consumption has always been the scheme after decades of queu- by the UT Ladakh government in this regard must considered a 'women's job', it is water sources, it takes twice the thousand people spread across Rajendra Kumar, the Execu- lage that will provide water to all effort, time, and energy to obtain four wards is totally dependent tive Engineer in Jal Shakti the houses of Seri Khawaja as ing at the hand pump from morn- be hailed by such section of tourists who now shall the village women who frequent- ing to evening. ly struggle to ensure that their just enough water for their daily on this hand pump. Aside from Department, while informing well. He also informed that a have enough time to visit more scenic areas of chores. As far as the Union Ter- the hand pump, the Poonch river about the lift scheme said, "Now water tank has been constructed Charkha Features Ladakh. (The views expressed by the authors are their personal) [email protected]