Vol 10●No 01●Pages 16●February 15, 2017
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म त U N IR IV M ER H SITY OF KAS MERCMEDIA EDUCATION TIMES RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR
PRE-WINTER SALE OF SUN DRIED VEGETABLES
CM lays foundation INSIDE {STORIES} of Engineering College Demand of PoS machines increases in J&K women cricket team Kashmir post demonetization creates history P2 P5 P12 ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ
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म त U N IR IV M ER H SITY OF KAS Vol 10 | No 01 | February 15, 2017 2 Power cut irks Kashmir v Sheikh Adnan approval for its publication” said an official from PDD development remarked. Srinagar: The new power supply schedule by Reports pouring out from far flung areas such as Power Development Department (PDD) is making Kupwara, Kalaroos, Lolab and Kanagan suggested people suffer in the winter season that from last one month, the power woes have The unscheduled power cuts and low voltage worsened in the villages leaving the consumers in valley has evoked strong resentment from the high and dry. locals claiming that are facing serious problems “Power is playing hide and seek with us” ,said because of irregular power cuts. Mushtaq AhmedKirmani a resident of Kupwara, “The unscheduled power cuts have left us Kalaroos distressed, especially in winter season when we As per the schedule the need it more than anytime” said Hilal ahmed metered areas would have Sheikh resident of Nowshera. 1 and half hours break in ITI Zainakote As per the new power schedule for winter, the power supply between 5am people living is non-metered areas are subjected and 10 am, 10 to 5 pm and awaits completion to have 63 hours of power cuts a week, while as 5 to 11 pm every day. The metered areas would face 35 hours cut a week. consumers in non-metered v Bint Ul Huda Dr Mohammad Qasim Qureshi, a resident of areas, as per schedule Sanat Nagar while rebuking the new power would face 3 hours cuts on SRINAGAR: The construction of Industrial schedule said that the this new power schedule the same respective times The unscheduled power cuts have Training Institute (ITI), Zainakote, area of Srinagar is against the norms as they PDD department The scheduled power left us distressed, is in completed even after six years. promised to provide 24 hours round the clock supply time will change after especially in winter season when we The ITI which is being constructed in Zainakote supply in metered areas every 15 days said Bashir need it more than area of Srinagar city outskirts, was approved in “We are doing nothing of our own. We have Ahmed Khan an official from anytime 2009 under centrally sponsored scheme to decongest informed the government about it and sought PDD department Industrial Training Institute at Bagh-i-Dilawar Khan Srinagar. The Principal, ITI Bagh-i-Dilawar Khan, Mohammad Ashraf Wani, said that the idea is to shift some of the departments of Bagh-i-Dilawar Khan campus to newly constructed ITI at Industrial CM lays foundation Estate Zainakote to overcome the over crowdedness in the institute. “The Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Bagh-i- of Engineering College Dilawar khan is spread on just 12 kanals of Land and we are facing lot of problems here as there are v Imran Ali Buth 34 courses offered in this college and there is no playground in this institute as well”, he said. GANDERBAL: As a step towards development of the State, Chief Minister J&K, Locals also complained that the ITI is under Mehbooba Mufti laid foundation stone of engineering college at Safapora in construction for several years and the authorities district Ganderbal. Speaking at the occasion, Mehbooba Mufti gave directions are not serious about its construction. to the concerned departments for its earliest completion. She assured the “The construction work is moving at a snail’s pace, people that by March, 2018 the project shall be completed. six years have passed but the college is not completed An amount of Rs. 26 Crore has been earmarked for the construction of yet,” said Ishfaq Ahmad, a local resident. engineering college. The college campus spread over 65 Kanals of land would “It took them almost two years just to construct the have Academic blocks, Library block, administrative block & residential roof of the building. They are not doing their work hostels. properly,” he added. Speaking to MERC Times, Project Consultant, Hakim Sameer Hamdani Meanwhile the principal ITI Srinagar claimed that said, “The whole project is divided into two zones, public cum delay in funds and devastating floods of 2014 which private zone & a private academic zone. The project is designed wrecked havoc across the valley are the reasons harmoniously respecting the contours of the site. The buildings behind the incompletion of the institute. Besides will be intelligently incorporating passive solar techniques, rain the escalation of rates by the executing agency also water harvesting, waste management and solar lighting”. He affected its construction. He told MERCTIMES that further said that the college campus will also be eco-friendly the ITI Zainakote was approved for Total cost of and barrier free movement would be highly emphasized. Rs.484.03 Lakh which includes a Workshop block, The campus aims at multi usage of spaces creating Hostel block,compound wall and development of various levels and terraces for public participation and land. removing visual obstructions. He further added “The construction work is almost Minister for Education, Naeem Akhtar; MLA, complet except the compound wall which was Mohammad Akbar Lone, Divisional Commissioner, damaged due to floods and filling of land”. Later he Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan, Deputy confirmed that he had written to the government to Commissioner, Ganderbal, Tariq Hussain Ganaie; release more funds for the completion of the entire Managing Director, JKPCC, Dileep Thusu and campus. other senior officers were present on the occasion. ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا MEDIA EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ
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म त U N IR IV M ER H SITY OF KAS Vol 10 | No 01 |February 15, 2017 3 CAPD to provide Encroachment of consumer details online Sopore bus stand v Munawar Hussain the unregistered consumers have been asked leaves people to register at Deputy Commissioner Offices as SRINAGAR: In yet another move towards early as possible. digitization, The state Consumer Affairs and The department, as per the Director, is fuming Public Distribution (CAPD) department will also going cashless by encouraging digital have all the details of consumers and distribution transactions at all levels. v Sheikh Saman online to ensure transparency. Initially, digital transactions would be limited In the month of February the department will to ration depots and the department, he said. SOPORE: Encroachment at the bus stand Sopore by the upload all details of the ration card holders on its “Later on, the consumers too will have to pay roadside vendors is causing inconvenience to the commuter website for anyone to verify or enquire. digitally. They need to have a bank account as bus stand witnesses a complete traffic mess through out the The stakeholder identity management system and Aadhar Card for Aadhar-enabled mode of day. will be updating the list of FPS(Fair Price payments,” he said, adding that a meeting was While talking to MERC TIMES, Secretary Mini Bus owners Shops). Besides it, the list of TSO’s (Tehsil held in Jammu recently to discuss the future Union Sopore Farooq Ahmad Mir said, that everday the bus Supply Officers) will be available on the website. possibilities. station Sopore is turning into a complete cart vendors market. Details of Food grains Storage Depot or K-Oil ‘The bus stand is creating chaos and confusion among the Storage Depot will also be available online. It will be transparent for passengers. The shopkeepers have extended their goods about The consumers can also check the updated everyone. Only the registered 20 feet outwards, resulting in shrinking of pedestrian and price or quantity of different rations allocated ration card holders will now be parking space in the bus stand’, he added. to them and, subsequently, report any possible provided the rations The drivers of the bus stand alleged that the municipality fraud to the department. authorities have authorized the street vendors to continue “It will be transparent for everyone. Only their business at the bus station by issuing receipts of ten the registered ration card holders will now be rupees as ‘User Charge Fee’. provided the rations,” said Director CAPD, However while talking to MERC TIMES, Ghulam Rasool Tassaduq Jeelani. “We have received several Shah Executive Officer Municipality Council, Sopore, refuted complaints of irregularities in the distribution all allegations and said,the receipts issued to the street vendors of rations. But now the ration card holder will be is the sanitation fee and it does not allow them to operate their verified first at the ration depots and then only business in the bus station premises’. the rations will be provided to them according to ‘‘I assure the driver fraternity of starting the anti street cart their monthly quota.” drives inside the bus station in coming days’’,he added. He said the digital format is hassle-free, and it will interconnect all sections of the department for a smooth flow smooth of information. The shopkeepers have extended their goods The department, he said, has already updated about 20 feet outwards, resulting in shrinking of pedestrian and parking space in the bus stand its existing list of ration card holders while
v Asim Raja Education Department, a lot of interest in the education Akhter HussainShah from of their children.” Meanwhile, Sriinagar : Nine Kashmiri Persian Department and UNI, Srinagar Centre, staffers students were awarded gold Khalil Ahmad from Political have congratulated their fellow medals and three other students ScienceDepartment. staffer (Zahoor Hussain) for received Doctoral (Ph.D.) It is pertinent to mention here receiving gold medal at the Kashmiri Students degrees at the Sixth Convocation that Zahoor Hussain Bhat is a MANUU Convocation. of Maulana Azad National Journalist atUNI-Urdu Service Urdu University (MANUU), while Ulfat Ara works for the Receive Gold Hyderabad. ETV-Urdu as a Copy Editor. Zafar Sareshwala,Chancellor, Well-known educators Syed Medals at MANUU MANUU presided over the Zahoor Ahmad Geelani, Mudasir convocation and distributed gold Manzoor Kirmani and Zaffer Convocation medals among students.The gold Abdullah Wani also received medal recipients include Fowzia Phd degrees in the convocation. We are proud to tell Afaq, Zahoor Hussain Bhat, Kashmiri students who were that despite limited Ulfat Ara, Zahoor Ahmad Sofi felicitated in the convocation sources of income, from Mass Communication and said that the parental support, Journalism Department, Raheel love and prayers is the ultimate parentsin Kashmir Ahmad Trag from English secret of their success. show a lot of interest Department, Arif Ahmad Bhat They said, "we are proud to tell in the education of from MathematicsDepartment, that despite limited sources of their children Barkat Hussain Para from income, parentsin Kashmir show ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا MEDIA EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ
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म त U N IR IV M ER H SITY OF KAS Vol 10 | No 01 |February 15, 2017 4 Sumbal bridge construction CM starts super 50 in limbo winter tutorial for emerging students
v Wajahat Shabir
SRINAGAR: What could prove a breakthrough for the students of the valley, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti started a Super-50 Free Winter Tutorial initiative for pupil as well as medical and engineering aspirants of Jammu and Kashmir. Super 50 classes were started by Minister for Education, Naeem Akhtar. The initiative is a comprehensive free tuition program for 10th and 12th class students of Jammu and Kashmir who will be tutored by top faculty drawn from the State Government’s Education Department, an official v Kaisar Majeed bridge was dismantled in 2013 and locals statement said this evening. were assured that the re-construction of The Education Department provide free coaching for SUMBAL: The construction work of foot new foot bridge within six months. state-level medical and engineering entrance examinations bridge in North Kashmir’s, Sumbal area “The careless approach of the like JKCET, AIIMS, AMU and IIT main through an entrance has once again come to halt which has authorities in this regard and the delay exam. again added to the woes of common in the completion of this foot bridge is Shah Faesal, Director, School Education, Kashmir said, people. becoming troublesome for us. We have to “Guest lectures will be delivered by higher education The local villagers have accused that the walk extra 3 kilometres to reach the main department, medicos, professionals and IITians”. authorities are deliberately ignoring the market via another bridge”, said Mushtaq Imtiyaz Ahmed, higher secondary student, said, “it is a matter and the delay in construction of Ahmed. good initiative by state government for students like us as the bridge has annoyed the inhabitants The authorities are in deep slumber and we can’t afford to move outside state for better tuitions. I am of several local villages. nobody is listening to our grievances”, looking forward the exams and I have my fingers crossed as “The construction of this foot bridge is alleges Mushtaq. there will be a good competition among students”. going on since past 4 years and the work AEE, Sumbal division, told MERC TIMES, “Students have to pay for heating arrangements and they has not yet reached its end”, said a locale. that the department has no sufficient will get study material free of cost and will be educated by The local villagers said, that the old funds to complete the project. good brains”, said Education Minister, Naeem Akhter while starting the initiative. Ganderbal await construction of Bridge
through the bridge.” “There is huge rush of tourists and pilgrims during summers especially during Amarnath Yatara, throughout that time commuters suffer badly as the bridge is only one way which causes traffic jams for long hours.” Towseef Ahmad a commuter said. When we contacted, Executive Engineer R&B Ganderbal , Showket Ahmad. He said, “we have sent Commuters suffer a proposal to R&B ministry of 15 crore Central Road Fund(CRF) for v Mu’azzam Bhat construction of two lane concrete due to one way was constructed in 1993 after floods bridge. We are very hopeful that the GANDERBAL: Residents of central washed away the 40 year old wooden bridge will be constructed this year.” traffic on make Kashmir's Ganderbal district demand bridge. Residents of Ganderbal allege that construction of two lane Concrete Sharif-u-Din, Sarpanch of Wayil successive government have failed to bridge over Nallah Sind at wayil in village said, “We have many times construct the bridge so far. shift bridge place of a makeshift bridge. The bridge approached to ministers and officers is very vital as it connects Srinagar- for construction of Concrete Bridge There is huge rush of tourists and pilgrims during summers especially Leh National highway (NH 1D) at but nothing was done. All most all during Amarnath Yatara, throughout Wayil village , 8 KM from Ganderbal the vehicular movement which leads that time commuters suffer badly as town. to Sonmarg, Ladakh and to other bridge is one way which causes traffic Locals say that make shift Bridge northern places of district passes jams for hours ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا MEDIA EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ
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म त U N IR UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR IV M ER H SITY OF KAS Vol 10 | No 01 |February 15, 2017 Vol 8 | No 12 | OCTOBER 30, 2015 5
Demand of PoS machines increases in Kashmir post demonetization v Waseem Ahmad charge a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) as prescribed by the RBI. SRINAGAR: Most of the shopkeepers here “MDR is the big problem for us as our are now accepting money via e-payments sales are not that much enough due to the following the demonetization move by the demonetization. When we have to pay one Centre that created cash crisis in the entire percent from every transaction to bank what country including J&K. will be the profit of our sales,” Bashir Ahmad, Due to the non-availability of money, a shopkeeper said. many outlets have kept Point of Sale (PoS) He also added that this move has deeply machines available at their shops for the ease affected the vast section of our population, of customers. carving their livelihood. Some segment of “There were only 5-7 percent shops that used working society entirely depends on cash and to have PoS machines but now the number is hardly linked to the banking system. has increased by 15 percent in different shops Meanwhile Ex president of Kashmir Div. Com reviews of valley. After demonetization majority of Traders and Manufacturers Federation said, the shops have applied for PoS machines,” “We receive such customers who have to Chairman and President of Kashmir purchase above Rs 2500 and they are asking developmental scenario in Economic Alliance, Mohammad Yaseen for swipe machines, but we don’t have Khan said such swipe or PoS machines. As of now, Anantnag, Kulgam After demonetization, card transactions customers are more willing to spend an extra are estimated to have increased as compared 5 minutes at the counter swiping their cards v Ali Pathan is being provided to far flung to normal cash transaction. “We are facing than standing in an ATM queue for 10 to 30 areas of Anantnag and Kulgam. worst face of our business, as we are doing minutes to withdraw cash” ANANTNAG: Divisional The Divisional Commissioner only up to 30 percent transactions out of As per the recent study titled Indian Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer directed the PHE Department to which 80 percent transaction are through M-wallet market by The Associated Ahmad Khan, today chaired a devise daily, weekly and monthly plastic money,” Yaseen khan added. Chambers of Commerce and Industry in meeting to review the developmental roasters to ensure availability of PoS machines are meant to facilitate India (ASSOCHAM), the mobile payment projects and winter preparations of regular drinking water supply to transactions not only for the payee, but also transaction volume in India is likely to Anantnag and Kulgam districts. these areas. for merchants — both small and big. Small witness exponential compounded annual During the meeting, the Divisional While reviewing the winter merchants and businessmen involved in the growth rate (CAGR) of over 90 per cent to Commissioner directed the Chief preparations of Anantnag and informal sector were pegged to be the worst reach 153 billion by Financial Year (FY) Engineer PDD to ensure availability Kulgam districts, the Div Com hit. 2022 as against a meager about 3 billion in of power supply as per schedule. He directed the officers to establish According to Yaseen Khan, Every FY 2016. asked the district administration of control rooms for formulating a shopkeeper doesn’t have PoS machines in Mobile payment transaction value in India Anantnag and Kulgam to coordinate coordinated and effective response their shops and every consumer didn’t have is also likely to register over 150 per cent with the PDD to keep a check on to meet any emergency. credit or debit card. In such situation it is CAGR and cross Rs 2,000 trillion by FY 2022 power theft. The Div. Com was informed that very difficult for consumer as well as for from just over Rs 8 trillion as of FY 2016. It was given out that in Anantnag, adequate snow clearance machines businessman to be in the market. The study also highlighted that Mobile 130 MW power is being supplied have been kept ready to clear roads A businessman can acquire a PoS machine Point of sale (MPoS) segment’s share in while in Kulgam, 82 MW of power in case of heavy snowfall in these from a bank in which he or she holds an mobile payment is likely to fall further and is provided to the consumers. districts. account. Banks provide a PoS terminal free by FY22, share of mobile banking is likely to While reviewing works under R&B The Divisional Commissioner of cost to their account holders, but they rise to 14 per cent in terms of volume. sector, the meeting was informed asked the officers to put in extra that in Anantnag, 42 bridges are efforts to ensure better public in different stages of execution, delivery system in their respective out of which 18 bridges shall be jurisdictions. completed by March, 2017. While The meeting was attended by in Kulgam, out of 7 damaged DDCs of Anantnag and Kulgam, bridges, 3 have been restored and Director RDD, Chief Engineers work on the rest of bridges is of PDD, PHE, Mechanical going on under SDRF permanent Engineering, Joint Director restoration programme. FCS&CA, ADDC Anantnag, ADC On the occasion, the Divisional Kulgam, PO ICDS, SEs of R&B, Commissioner sought a detailed PDD, PHE, I&FC, Principal GDC list of the major projects from Khanabal, CEO of Development the DDCs which are yet to be Authorities, CPOs, SDMs, officers completed owing to the non- of Education, Health, Forest, Rural availability of funds Development, Tourism, Transport, The Divisional Commissioner Social Welfare, Horticulture, was informed that, the adequate Agriculture and other concerned safe drinking water supply departments. MEDIA EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ
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म त U N IR Vol 10 | No 01 |February 15, 2017 IV M ER H SITY OF KAS 6 First ever street photowalk held in Kashmir
v Hayat Manan Another curator Mir Yasir said that there are internationally- SRINAGAR: Srinagar’s downtown got reputed photojournalists in into the winter spirit with a photo Kashmir, but not a fullfledged walk held by a group of Kashmiri photography school. photo journalists known as Kashmir “If there would’ve been a school, we Scape. The group held a day-long would have easily undestood the skill photo walk in the lanes and by-lanes professionally. A school would teach of old Srinagar and tried to capture us how to get good stories and how to heritage and art present in the area. document them correctly,” he added. The team of Kashmir Scape “We have learned the topography comprises of Mir Yasir, Adil of street photography and I had some Hussain, Sharafat Ali, Zuhaib queries regarding street photography Hamza, Mubashir Hassan and Hakim which were answered by the respected Majid abbass all are internationally Not only this they had participants as “Our basic motive is to pool mentor; we wish them to organize published and award winning far as from Mumbai and Delhi also. the talent and nurture budding such Photowalks again in future Photographers. The group is only working photographers to become the artists as it matures us in photographic The photowalk was open to one through social media platform and of international standards. We want knowledge know-how,” said Akshay and all and around 66 participants thrives to work for the upliftment people to get aware about different Vaidya one of the participants hailing participated in the event. The of the Photography art here in genres of photography and eliminate from Mumbai. participants hailed from every corner Kashmir and make the artists of the negative notion of people, which The event was concluded with of Kashmir districts like Anantnag, photography especially young buds they hold for photographers here in distribution of participation Budgam, Ganderbal, Handwara, at par with international standards of Kashmir,” said Adil Hussain, one of certificates as a token of appreciation Srinagar, Sopore and even Pulwama. photography. the members of team Kashmir Scape. among the participants.
Apple growers in PRE-WINTER SALE OF SUN sonawari badly DRIED VEGETABLES PICK UP affected v Saher Iqbal The traders say that “it is not so distant past v Bisma Farooq the demand for dried vegetable would go up SRINAGAR: The consumption of sun dried considerably during winter. “People would SRINAGAR: As the recent uprising in Kashmir has inflated the vegetables was known to increase in Kashmir enjoy the dried vegetable and dried fish in entire Kashmir, sonawari has witnessed a blow in the most during the winters, especially during chilai cold winter. But now with the availability of important cash crop among its inhabitants. With more than kalans forty days period of the season. fresh vegetable in the market, their demand hundreds of hectares of apple orchids across sonawari, this But over the years, the vendors of dried has declined”, they said. fruit is life line for more than half of the population of the area. vegetables have witnessed a slum in number Ghulam Mohammad has been selling dried Sonawari is predominately an of customers. On chilly winter morning, vegetables and dried fishes on his hand craft for last twenty years. But he is planning to agricultural dependent economy and This year, we are a group of women dressed in traditional nearly 80 percent of its population is not getting better Pheran spread their baskets laden with dried switch over to some other business or job. engaged in apple production. Apple price for our apples vegetables on the famous Amira Kadal Bridge “It is not profitable at all. Earlier people used because the traders to purchase dried vegetables ahead of winter production of the area contributes nearly from outside did to earn their living. about Rs 200 crores income to the whole not reach to the Fatima Begum 46 starts her day in this and store it as there used to be shortage of area which further involves the employee markets on time fashion and calls out for prospective vegetables in winter due to cold weather and due to unsuitable closure of highway”, he said. rate of 70 thousand people of the area. conditions customers. “I work hard throughout the Turmoil has nearly sponge down the 50 summer to grow and dry up all the vegetables With better connectivity, valley gets supply percent of this cash crop in the area and in my home and in this part of the year I come of fresh vegetables throughout the year. has left a devastated effect on its growers. here to sell and earn my living” said Fatima Changing lifestyle and food habits of “This year, we are not getting better price who sells fresh vegetables in summer and people has also resulted in decline of dried for our apples because the traders from dries some part of it in winter. vegetables. outside did not reach to the markets on “It does not fetch me enough but I am Experts are of the opinion that these foods time due to unsuitable conditions,” an contented.” Fatima said that the demand of are safe provided they are hygienically apple grower said. the dried vegetable has gone down over the prepared and stored. The apples that used to hit the markets in year. “These foods are advisable in permissible the state as well as outside the state had dented in this year. Ali Mohammad, who sells dried vegetables limits and if stored well in special air-tight “We had got Kissan Credit Card (KCC) loan from banks in Maharaja Bazar market, is also in the containers. If air goes in these bags it can to make a better yield of apples but it is impossible to opinion that the demand has declined. induce growth of white coloured fungus”, recompense it after a huge destruction in the price of apple “earlier people used to buy these foods at remarked an expert. crop,” Apple growers said. the onset of the winter in bulk and used it Despite availability of fresh vegetables, As the supply of fruits from sonawari is not sufficient, the throughout the season but now people seldom some people prefer to eat dried vegetables in apple growers are unable to earn good returns for their crop. buy it.” He said. winter season and relish its taste. ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ
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म त U N IR IV M ER H SITY OF KAS Vol 10 | No 01 |February 15, 2017 7 CM visits Sports Council Fails To Kulgam, reviews developmental Maintain Ganderbal play field v Showkat wani and sports Ganderbal (YSS) because of poor projects performance of the sports council in managing GANDERBAL: Madra-e- Meharban stadium the stadium and this year too during board Ganderbal located at the heart of Ganderbal town meeting it was once again reiterated to handover is in shambles due to lack of maintenance by the stadium to YSS Ganderbal. J&K State Sports Councils . Firdous Ahmad in charge sports activities, YSS A group of local Sports players said the stadium Ganderabal said, “Most of our sports activates been has put on back burner by authorities. take place in the stadium .The condition of the They go through lot of problems while playing ground is not good which badly affects the in the stadium. The stadium in it self presents a sports activities. Sports council has many times pathetic picture as litter is seen to be lying every assured upgrading of pavilion and construction where which makes the. surface of field uneven, of changing room of the stadium on modern lines and it becomes very difficult to play on such a but nothing has happened so for.” feeble field. He further said DC Ganderbal has also sent “Water logging is common in the ground, representation to the sports council to hand over every time a little rain leads to water logging. the stadium to YSS Ganderbal. YSS is very able Many tournaments have been post phoned due to improve infrastructure of stadium because to deteriorated condition of the ground.” Afaq almost all activates off YSS are organized there v Danish Pathan Ahmad a local sports lover said. and we need stadium in good condition. Sports council has only employed one person as When contacted Jawaid Shah, secretary sports, Kulgam: Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti visited Kulgam and a watch man to manage the stadium as there is JKSSC he said. “I don’t have authority of shifting inspected the developmental projects in the district. no technical staff for the proper maintenance of the management of stadium but we will address The Chief Minister inaugurated a Degree College at Kilam the stadium. the development issues of stadium and the Kulgam. She reviewed details of the course curriculum and intake Mohd Rafiq a footballer who comes very field .we have recently brought some advance capacity. day to practice in the stadium said, “I am very equipments which include some innovative On the occasion, Mehbooba Mufti announced that apart from disappointed as infrastructure in the stadium is grass cutters and rollers. In Future there will be all arts subjects both medical and non-medical streams would be very poor. Many footballers have left practicing no such problems.” taught at the college. in the ground because of poor quality of the field.” Sports players of Ganderbal have appealed to The Chief Minister also inaugurated a branch of the J&K Bank District Development Board Ganderbal have minister for sports, Imran Raza Ansari to look and ATM facility at Kilam which was an impending demand of the many times recommended shifting of the into to the matter for prompt upgrading and people of the area. stadium from sports council to youth services maintenance of the stadium. “It was a pending demand of the area to have a J&K Bank Branch and ATM. I am happy that the bank has fulfilled it” said a local Later, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of Maternal & Children block of the District Hospital, Kulgam. Comprising 50 beds, the block would be completed within two years. The addition NATIONAL CONSUMER of this block would give a big relief to the children of the area who have to be shifted to Srinagar or Anantnag in the event of any DAY CELEBRATED ailment or medical complication. Mehbooba Mufti sought strict adherence to the time schedule of v Sabeeha Shaheen the projects from the engineers adding that no scope should be left to extend the completion deadline. She also directed early repairs GANDERBAL: To make consumer aware of the lift system at the District Hospital. about their rights, a day long functions The Chief Minister also inaugurated General Nursing & Mid- was held to celebrate National Consumer Wifery School at Kandipora. Built over a cost of Rs 5 crore, Day in Ganderbal and Bandipora district the school would have facilities of lecture halls, labs and other respectively. facilities. She also laid foundation stone of a nearby residential Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy complex for officers which would be built over a cost of Rs 68 lakhs Commissioner, Tariq Hussain highlighted and would comprise of 40 apartments. the role of National Consumer Protection Minister for Health & Medical Education, Bali Bhagat; Minister Act, Consumer Forums and other statutory for Education, NaeemAkhtar; MP, Nazir Ahmad Laway; MLA, bodies constituted for the redressal of Abdul Majeed Paddar; Chairman, J&K Bank, Parvez Ahmad; grievances of the consumers. Commissioner-Secretary, Higher Education, DrAsgharSamoon; He said, people must adopt these rights as Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan; they are for their welfare which include (i) Mohammad SartajMadni; Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Right to Protection. (ii) Right of Information. ShowkatAijaz; and other senior officers accompanied the Chief (iii) Right of Choice. (iv) Right of Hearing. (v) Minister during the visit. Right of Redressal. (vi) Right of Education. aware about such rights are delighted by this En-route the Chief Minister interacted with several deputations, He aslo urged people to be aware about their step of government. They are making us aware many of them comprising women, who sought redress of their rights as consumers and raise voice against of our rights and we are looking forward to day to day grievances. Mehbooba Mufti listened to their demands unethical trade related issues. utilise these rights”, said a local resident, patiently and assured them of appropriate and time-bound action. “For a commoner like me who aren't much khurshid ahmed. ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا ﻤ ٰ ा MEDIA EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR ﻠ
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Kashmir to get its Kashmiri boy makes it in first ever metro ‘Top 40’ in Indian Idol v Tajamul Islam
v Muneem Farooq SRINAGAR: A proposal has been brought before the State Government by SDA to introduce a mini metro SRINAGAR: A 23-year-old youth from Poonch in system in Kashmir. The proposal is yet to go through Kashmir has made an emotional debut on reality state cabinet for its approval. music show Indian Idol However RITES an infrastructure development Ehsan Asgar is one of the Selected Contestant of My parents agency has been hired to analyse the traffic patterns Indian Idol 2016-2017 Singing reality show. Ehsaan were against of Kashmir. The proposed project is estimated to cost a resident of border Palera village in Mandi tehsil, about 24000 Crores. As per the plan the metro will Ahsan had auditioned for the show on September 17 at singing because be having two corridors, the first corridor C1 will MIER College in Jammu. they thought it run from Galander in Pulwama to Budgam. Another His debut performance in round first was a tribute to has no bright corridor will expand from existing Nowgam Railway the soldiers.His Performance of Auditions and motto opportunity in station to Ganderbal through the heart of Srinagar touched the Heart of the Indian Idol 2016-2017 Judges. city. While talking on phone Ahsaan said “ I am thankful Kashmir but The project is aimed to curb the ever increasing to Indian idol for giving me such a great opportunity” they endorse it traffic congestion in the city. “My parents were against singing because they now It has been five years since train service was thought it has no bright opportunity in Kashmir but introduced in the valley ,which remained much they endorse it now” Ehsaan added successful project, train service is being used Ahsan has a bachelor’s degree in physical education extensively and overwhelmingly by a large section and has Ehsaans father, Mohammad Aasghar said “ My son of people in Kashmir. It has proven to be a success been participating in various talent hunt shows, worked very hard for the audition level and eventually in saving both money and time for the commuters. including ‘Choona Hai Aasmaan’, organised by the yielded it’s sincere fruits as the judges & the whole People are hopeful that the initiative to introduce Jammu and Kashmir Police. nation stood up for his performance” metro will not only bring convenience to the His Audition video has become viral & has received “He is pride of our village” said Tufail Ahmed a people of valley but will also boost the economy millions of views on social networking sites. native of his village Poonch. of the state.
KU holds awareness campaign on road safety
v Saba khan accidents.” and people visiting the University,” Presiding over the inaugural session, he said. SRINAGAR: Kashmir University’s Vice-Chancellor Prof Khurshid Iqbal In his address, Dean of Students Department of Students Welfare Andrabi prayed for peace to the Welfare, Prof Fayaz Ahmad said: (DSW) in association with J&K Traffic departed soul. He also underlined “For safety purposes we have to get Police Department organized a day- the importance of road safety and educated about various road safety day awareness campaign on road adherence to norms governing measures which we must follow to safety in the campus on Tuesday. driving. help save precious lives.” The ‘Basit Memorial Road Safety He said more such campaigns should DSP Traffic Police, Nasir Khan also Campaign’ titled ‘Alert Today, Alive be organized to spread awareness spoke on the occasion and highlighted Tomorrow’ was organized in memory about road safety. “I am not averse to the measures taken by department of a teenager who died in a tragic road the idea of making it mandatory for vis-a-vis road safety. accident in Srinagar in November this people entering the campus with their Besides students, scholars and year. Following his death, his friends bikes or vehicles to wear crash helmets faculty members from various initiated this campaign on road safety. and seat-belts,” he said, asserting that departments of Kashmir University, Dean and Head, Faculty of Law University is in the process of having Chief Proctor Prof Naseer Iqbal, Prof Mohammad Hussain laid stress dedicated parking slots for students Public Relations Officer Faheem on the importance of having special and staff in place to “lessen inflow of Aslam, Liaison Officer Ozair Nissar road engineers in J&K “who can play vehicles to the campus.” and Cultural Officer Shahid Ali Khan a crucial role in overall designing of “This shall only be done with the Cultural Officer were also present on roads in bid to help minimizing road sole intent of safety of our students the occasion.
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म त U R NI I VE HM RSIT KAS Vol 10 | No 01 |February 15, 2017 Y OF 9
v Musaib Mehraj kanal of land, the state-of-the art the area to maintain the facility,” double-storey community hall has On an average atleast half a dozen SRINAGAR: The newly inaugurated a capacity to accommodate over mariages are being hoisted at the Marriage Hall has come with 1000 persons. The locals will be Marriage hall. While speaking to a major relief to the Natipora able to organize social gatherings MERC TIMES Mohammad Shafi Newly residents and people of the said area (marriage functions) in the a local of the area said “we had to constructed are expressing their happiness over community hall. This development face lots of accomudation problems Government is committed to create better living and basic facilities for the community people. It is the responsibility of every citizen of the area to maintain the facility hall at Natipora the newly developed community has already witnessed many during marriage ceremonies earlier hall. The only thing that catches benefits since the time it has been on and now we are quite satisfied the eye in the area that has suffered thrown open. Minister for R&B with the construction of this inaugurated because of traffic mess due to flyover Syed Muhammad Altaf Bukhari marriage hall”. He further said that construction and resulting pollution said “Government is committed they see it as an advancement and is the inaugural of the Marriage hall. to create better living and basic they hope that every household will It is one of the biggest halls of facilities for the people. It is the benifit from the construction of this the entire area. Spread over a responsibility of every citizen of community hall. Civil Society appeals Kashmiri boys make it to government for attention Spanish Football Club v Sadia Mir engage with the youth of Kashmir. These boys have taken a huge stride SRINAGAR: Basit Ahmed and as this is for the first time that any Mohammed Asrar Rehbar, both aged Indian player will be playing for 18, will play with Sociedad Deportiva Spanish club. Lenense Proinastur - a third division All expenses of the two players professional club from the La Liga will be paid by the Spanish club. for the next six months. This comes As per the terms of the contract after the huge success stories of signed by the Central Reserve Police Tajamul Islam, who won gold in Force with them. Both Asrar and kickboxing in Italy and Hashim Basit have played various matches Mansoor, who won gold in Asian in national juniors category, with karate championship, The boys Asrar having played in Santosh and v Shah Tawqeer on the floor,” said convener Civil Society are all set to fly to Spain to play 3rd Durand tournaments were choosen Kupwara, Showkat Masoodi. division Spanish ball. after many trails carried out by KUPWARA: Not with standing tall claims One of the doctors on duty told MERC Both players were chosen by a selection committee in colabration of health department to provide best TIMES that the hospital doesn’t even have special committee formed by the with Jammu and Kashmir football health care facility to public, District life saving drugs. “We don’t have facilities CRPF, as a part of its initiative to club. Hospital Kupwara is functioning without to treat heart attack or blood pressure enough doctors and other basic facilities. patients. Patients have to buy medicines There is only one general physician and on their own,” he said. one gynaecologist for this District Hospital One of the senior doctors, who wished catering to entire Kupwara district. not to be named claimed that though Talking to MERC TIMES, Block Medical adequate funds were released for the Officer Kupwara Dr. Fareed Khan said overall development of the hospital, but that, the hospital is in a dilapidated the same were not utilized properly. condition and it was becoming difficult When contacted, the Chief Medical officer for the management to run it. “Without Kupwara, Dr Zakir Ahmad admitted proper staff, we are not able to cope with that they are short of doctors and other the patient rush. We have over 1200 OPD’s facilities, but turned down allegations of daily,” Dr Khan said. misuse of funds. He said that they have He further said that, “In the Out-Patient taken work of renovation and the problem Departments (OPDs) of hospital, there will be redressed soon. “Yes we lack staff are no specialized doctors available. As and other facilities, but that is a problem a result, patients coming from far flung with every hospital in Kashmir. There areas don’t get proper treatment.” is proper vigil on hospital development Despite the huge flow of patients, only six funds and nobody can misuse it,” CMO These boys have taken a huge stride as this is wards in the hospital are functional while Kupwara told MERC TIMES. rest are either not functional or locked. He assured that the hospital building was for the first time that any Indian player will be “Two patients on each bed is a routine going under renovation and people would playing for Spanish club. here. Some patients can be seen even lying see a marked difference in the near future.
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म त U R NI I VE HM RSIT KAS Vol 10 | No 01 |February 15, 2017 Y OF 10
Teen age girl shines in athletics
v Mehvish Mumtaz
PAHALGAM: Sakina Akhter,15 hailing from Gujran Batkoot, a village situated near the tourist Historical Kalai on the destination Pahalgam, created a milestone after becoming the first girl in her community to secure verge of extinction first position in athletic event in the state. Sakina is a tenth class student of Government high school v Nazima Rashid shopkeeper in Badamwari. He as Faseel-e-Akbari, started in 1597 Batgund and belongs to the Gujjar community. further continued, “This illegal by the orders of Mughal Emperor Already selected for Zonal level tournament SRINAGAR: With the failure of encroachment is leading to Akbar. It was completed in 1620, from her school, which paved her way to District authorities in curbing the illegal crumbling of the walls of Kalai, during the reign of Shahjahan. level, topping in both the tournaments. Later, she encroachment of the monuments and has become cause of concern This was the fortification of a city was selected for state tournament held in Jammu in Shaher-e-khaas the historical for the residents.” called Nagar Nagar which housed where she won 3000 meter race, and secured third Kalai is on the verge of extinction. Kalai has also been promoted by courtiers, officials and soldiers of position in shot-put. The absence of any conservation the tourism department, but with the kingdom. “I have not received any formal training but my has led crumbling of wall and official apathy in maintaining it, Kalai has three different entry personal skills helped me,” Sakina said. Talking encroachment at several places. the spot has seen huge decline in points- Kathi, Sangeen and Bachi about her journey, she continued, “I used to travel The wall which were 3.5 miles tourist rush. Darwaza, which already have two Kilometers to reach school through hills and long and 10 metre high, has been “In 2012, the tourist department been encroached by vendors and that strengthened my stamina.” reduced to just 2 to 5 metres at started the renovation of the remains jam packed creating The teachers are proud of her performance. several places. monument, but no concrete work a lot of inconvenience for the “If she receives formal training, she can be a good “At least 1400 residential houses was done on ground, it was only pedestrians. athlete,” said Aijaz Ahmad, her Physical Education have been built under the walls waste of money,” said a delegation Locals claimed that they raised teacher. “Without receiving formal training she of Kalai, which has become of locals. the issue many times with the has stunned everyone and her achievement speaks the threat to the monument,” According to historians, the authorities, but no action was volumes,” he added. said Bashir Ahmed, a local construction of the wall was called taken against the encroachers.
v Syed Jesarat development mean to them?" sector, more tourists mean more work for I got different answers but with some sort us." HAZRATBAL: This is an initiative I took and of similarity in between them. Concluding my days work, an old vendor spoke to few local vendors of Hazratbal, I asked one young man, sweets and who owned a shop of home essentials said, and discussed what development means to parantha selling vendor, his instant "development is a broad term, we don't need them. development in Hazratbal, a place in Dargah, on the left Hazratbal only, but bank of Dal Lake, is considered holy among in whole Kashmir, masses. The hustle and bustle in the streets, development for me is when there will be no killings LET US TALK, in Kashmir." All in all, I got responses DEVELOPMENT which are worth pondering over. keeps the place busy and noisy. Since, Kashmir Near the Hazratbal Shrine, are many is a conflict torn enthusiasts Vendors, doing their daily job, response was, "for me it would be when I territory, and every Kashmiri reflects it, selling. would be given a shop here and there will and Hazratbal vendors are no exception I went and spoke to different vendors, be no more strikes." to it. It was a great experience talking to each of whom sells different things and Another vendor, who sold copper things few vendors in the heart of Hazratbal and asked them a simple question, "What does said, "Development is boost in our tourism knowing them a little more was a delight.
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म त U R UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR NI I VE HM RSIT KAS Vol 10 | No 01|February 15, 2017 Y OF Vol 8 | No 12 | OCTOBER 30, 2015 11
Power crises in Msc.IT scrapped Kashmir by Central v Asif Iqbal However, residents from different areas University of said that there are more distress power cuts SRINAGAR: Kashmir valley in Kashmir valley and is reeling under worst power therefore people shiver We are facing distress Kashmir crisis of the season at a time cuts in Lal Chowk in sub-zero temperatures. when temperatures are -0 which is heart of “We are facing distress Anantnag town. What across the valley and Power will be the fate of the cuts in Lal Chowk which v Auqib Salam villages and remote is heart of Anantnag town. Development Department areas? (PDD) is resorting to distress What will be the fate of the SRINAGAR: In a set back to the aspirants of Computer power cuts. The power villages and remote areas?” Science, the Central University of Kashmir has scrapped consumption at this time says Younis Ahmed of Lal its foundation course with effect from academic year 2016. of the year is almost double Chowk as the majority of its As per the admission notification of varsity, they have not than what is generated from population dwells in rural mentioned Msc.IT which was the foundation course of the the state’s power generation areas. Due to scarcity of University when it was established in 2009 along with 12 sources, besides having very electricity the life of people other central universities across India. The university is low generation from different in rural areas almost instead planning to float in B.Tech and M.tech courses only. power plants due to low becomes hell. A faculty member while talking to MERC Times said that discharge. However the PDD officials it is a positive development that University is going to start However the PDD officials blamed people for the B.Tech and M.tech courses but they should have continued said that state is importing power crisis saying that the Msc.IT course as there are numerous computer power from northern grid the people resort to power graduates passing out from various colleges of Kashmir who to meet the power needs of thefts that leads to power are looking forward to get an admission in such courses. Kashmir valley at this time crisis. He said that as per He added by saying that there are very less colleges which of the year. As per the power demand we have sufficient provide B.Tech courses and the intake capacity is also low curtailment schedule, the power supply for this time which makes UG Computer Science more saturated as people living in urban areas, of the year but power thefts compared to B.Tech or B.E and therefore, university should where the curtailment is leads to crisis. Meanwhile have run both the schools, the school of Computer Science usually very low, the people hardly manage while we tried to convey the issue to the higher and the proposed school of B.Tech and M.Tech. their day to day activities as they get drastically authorities, we found out the share negligence Few students while expressing their views on varsity’s affected by the power shortage. on their part plan expressed their concern, “What if any student will fail in any subject? Where will they go since the University has closed down the course?”, said Tanzeela a student of Msc. IT. “We were hoping to get job opportunities in the campus itself but since university is closing down the program of LAWDA fails to take effective Msc.IT, we see no such thing happening in the near future.” she added. measures on Dal Lake Nayeem Ahmad, another student of Msc.IT said that there are many Bsc.IT graduates who were waiting to get v Rahil Hussain five feet only. It is not able to go down to the root an admission in Central University of Kashmir because of of weed”. the relevance of Bsc.IT with Msc.IT, now since varsity has SRINAGAR: Lakes and Waterways Development Dar argues that the manual de-weeding is stopped the program, students have no chance but to try Authority has failed to undertake effective better and effective. “The men used to manually outside the valley. Some aspirants of Msc.IT while talking continued de-weeding operations in Dal Lake uproot the weeds. While doing so, they also took to newspaper said that the fee structure of Msc.IT at Central thus threatening its aquatic life. care that seeds of these weeds don’t spread,” he University Kashmir was very affordable as compared to Weeds and red algal bloom have engulfed said. other varsities of the valley and therefore the decision by the larger portion of lake. The stretch from LAWDA Secretary, Bashir Ahmad Malik said Central University to scrap Msc.IT has come out as a bad Hazratbal to Boulevard is the worst affected. It that process of de-weeding is going on. news for students who come from humble background. has defaced the lake. “De-weeding doesn’t mean uprooting. It simply The University is further planning to utilize all the Msc. “No men or machine have been pressed this means cutting them,” he said adding that red IT faculty in B.Tech and M.Tech as all the faculty members year for de-weeding. The unattended weeds are bloom is because of the weeds. “It comes out come from M.Tech background. The University has already resulting in their multiplication,” said a Shikara from the roots of weeds in high temperature been widely criticized for not having the permanent campus, wala at Brien. and because of the pollutants in lake. We are it is functioning from rented buildings despite being set up Owner of a Shikara at Ghat number 24, Bashir exploring options to clear it”. eight years ago, and now the varsity’s decision of scrapping Ahmad Dar, 55, said that LAWDA authorities are However, Malik said that he was not sure its foundation course has raised many eyebrows. taking their job lightly. about the depth of lake. “I think it is nine and a “The introduction of machines for weeding half feet at most. But I am not sure as hydraulic has failed to yield any desired results. These officials can provide correct details about it,” WHAT IF ANY STUDENT WILL FAIL machines cut the upper portions of weeds, he added. IN ANY SUBJECT? WHERE WILL leaving roots untouched. Within few days, the On April 16, the Chief Secretary BR Sharma THEY GO SINCE THE UNIVERSITY weeds regrow,” he said adding that the depth of had assured the Jammu and Kashmir High HAS CLOSED DOWN THE COURSE? lake ranges from eight feet to thirty feet. Court that a permanent mechanism would be put “The length of cutter of the machine is four to in place for preserving and protecting the lake. ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا MEDIA EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ
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The extreme frailty of mental health care J&K women cricket team in Kashmir creates history v Useeba Bashir While talking to MERC TIMES, Bushra Ashraf, one of the faces behind the success of the team SRINAGAR: Creating history in the field of said that they will continue to play with same According to sports, J&K women cricket team, for the first determination. “Being a Kashmiri, we want our a 2006 study, time, won a match in Senior Women T20 League Kashmir to outshine in every sector, so we too 15.9 percent against Chhattisgarh by 8 wickets. The match are giving best to bring Kashmir first as it is the was conducted by BCCI and was held at Cricket job of every Kashmiri to work for the betterment population Association Ground in Jaipur. According to the of the motherland.” Bushra said. in the valley officials linked with the department, they said “Further the team will work hard and try to lift suffers from this kind of match has not taken place till date. the title next time.” she added. post-traumatic “It is first time that JK has won the match and created history.” said an official. stress disorder, Chhattisgarh scored 112 runs in 20 overs, with Being a Kashmiri, we often associated Yashi Pandey being the highest scorer from want our Kashmir with conflict Chhattisgarh. In reply, the J&K team completed to outshine in every the target in 17.4 overs with loss of just 2 wickets, Anju Devi scored 67 while as Sarla sector, so we too are Devi scored 35. giving best to bring v Rafiya Manzoor The women behind the success of JK team Kashmir first as it is the include Anju Devi and Sarla Devi, from Jammu job of every Kashmiri to SRINAGA: Rizwan Dar (name changed) of Kupwara district of and Bushra Ashraf, from Kashmir. Bushra North Kashmir, suffering from depression and mental disorder, Ashraf was the most successful bowler who did work for the betterment has been visiting the Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience, a wonderful job by taking 2 wickets while Sarla of the motherland Kashmir for the last four years for treatment. Devi and Sandhya Sayal claimed 1 wicket each. “We are very poor and it is very difficult for us to visit the hospital on a regular basis. There is a huge rush of patients outside the OPD every day. We spend the nights in hotels when visiting the hospital as it becomes difficult to return back in a day.” said Rizwan’s parents. Mental health care in Kashmir is limited only to Srinagar. There are many patients suffering from mental illness, distress and depression, all across Kashmir, especially the rural areas, who are still living without any care and help. Kashmir, with a population of over 69 lakh, still only has a single Government Hospital for mental health care - the Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience, with just 100 beds. Official documents reveal that from 1700 patients in 1990s per year, today 51,000 patients on an average visit the out patients department (OPD) of the psychiatric hospital, Srinagar, with an increase in the number of patients, each year. According to official statistics, over 5 lakh patients - most of them suffering from depression and anxiety disorders, have been treated since 2008 at district level hospitals across Kashmir. Experts cite conflict as a major contributor in rise of psychiatric illnesses in Kashmir. According to a 2006 study, 15.9 percent population in the valley suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, often associated with conflict.
v Iqra Akhoon brotherhood and a firth to needy not feel the scarcity of food any and poor people. more", Veena added. Anantnag ANANTNAG: When rest of Kashmir "During 2016 turmoil, people from "Needy people come to our was boiling, an Ashram in different communities who visited ashram and we offer them help and Ashram, in a Achabal, Anantnag, which was the Asharam, for food and other serve food, in return we receive proving a dwelling place of peace necessary things were provided peace "said Atul, working member dwelling hub and harmony for local residents. the necessary commodities, said of an Ashram. Shri Ramakrishna Veena, a Kashmiri Pandit, who Every year, yogashikha mela Mahasamellan Ashram in Achabal, lives in a nearby house. is held in the Ashram where of peace Anantnag district became a We did this work for our inner hundreds of peoplefrom different live example of tranquility, peace and whosoever comes will states participate. ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا MEDIA EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ
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म त U N IR UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR IV M ER H SITY OF KAS Vol 10 | No 01 |February 15, 2017 Vol 8 | No 12 | OCTOBER 30, 2015 13
DPS, first school to implement solar energy system HUMANITY CAN BE SERVED BEST BY DONATING BLOOD VOLUNTARILY TO THE NEEDY
v Sabha Gul help of JAKEDA (Jammu and Kashmir is taking various steps to reduce its Energy Development Agency). carbon footprint in the environment SRINAGAR: Delhi Public School, Grid connected solar PV system is a and this is one big leap towards that. Srinagar has become the first of its new technology under which, if a grid DPS has always strived to make kind institution in the whole valley to connect system is capable of producing a difference in the society by taking have implemented the innovative and more power than its consumption up such innovative projects and advanced system to run entirely on requirements, the surplus is fed into takes pride in being the trend setter electricity produced by solar energy. the main power grid. The excess power and setting bench marks in the The school has taken a big leap served to the grid can be consumed fields of scientific innovations and towards becoming eco-friendly by common users.. The entire school development for other organizations Blood system by setting an example for its including its classes, laboratories, in the valley emulate .Along with students as well as other institutions hostel and even the swimming pool many other projects like “Save Water” donation by successfully establishing a grid will run on electricity produced by the “grow more plants” and garbage connected solar power plant .This solar power plant of the school. disposal students are also working on project was commissioned with the School under its ‘Go Green’ initiative a project “Kashmir Garbage free”. camp held at Bemina
v Junaidn manzoor
SRINAGAR: A day long blood donation Government school turns camp for the social cause was organized by SAAYA an NGO. The Assistance for the camp was provided by Jawaharlal into dumpling site Nehru Hospital, Rainawari and Red Cross Society, Jammu and Kashmir v Fahmeeda Rashid Moha lah Wussan, collect waste branch in collaboration with Intizamia and throw that waste material Committee of Masjid-i-Iqra, Masjid-i- GANDERBAL: Schools are meant along with animal dung inside the Musaib and Masjid-i-Gani. for nourishing, but that is not the school premises.” Voluntary donors thronged the case in Ganderbal district, where Arshid Hussain, a teacher venue and registered their names in a small village Wussan, lays by profession said, “children’s for blood donation camp following a Government Middle School, are suffering from various announcements made by organisers which is in centre of attraction infectious diseases .In summers, through public address system of the not for education but surely for the conditions are worst, the bad We are proud to tell local mosques. the loads of scraps and dust waste smell of dung suffocates them and that despite limited "This is the joint effort of people of found inside the premises of it is a matter of concern. sources of income, Bemina, to contribute in the hour of school. When MERC TIMES connected, parentsin Kashmir grief", said one of the donors. There are surely many parents Chief Educational Officer, Abdul During the camp, 75 points of blood who can't efford to send their Rahman, Ganderbal, he said, show a lot of interest were donated by the locals. wards to private owned school. "I will look into the matter and in the education of Wasiq Ali of SAAYA said, " humanity Mushtaq Ahmed, a locale, hopefully the problem of the their children can be served best by donating blood complains that “women of Dar students will be addressed soon." voluntarily to the needy". ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا MEDIA EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ
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Swach Bharat Scheme a mere day dreamer
v Naveed Wani
PULWAMA: A wood depot at South Kashmir’s Awantipora, is in pity and pathetic condition. The depot is closer to National Highway and police station. We are uncomfortable over here as woods affects our health and we feel unsafe, said Joginder Singh a tea maker who is there from past 22 years. The wood which is now useless except that of burning should now be distributed", said another person working there from past 10 years. Meanwhile before the Kashmir Unrest, BONIYAR VILLAGE REMAINS CUTOFF the Forest Minister, Lal Singh, had visited the area and had assured to clear the rotten logs", said one of the depot FROM DISTT HEADQUARTERS employees. v Syed irshad Being cut off from adjacent areas no road connectivity which adds The locals demand for immediate led to many problems, like shortage salt to our wounds”. clearance of wood, as it is creating health BARAMULLA: The heavy snowfall of water, food, important essentials, “There is no medical aid facility issues and is exposing our indifference in the month of January brought road blockade and power cut offs, or dispensary in village, road towards our beautiful valley, he added many problems for the people of said a locale, Arshid Ahmed. blockade has also made patients when contacted cheif general manager Banali Village, as it was cut off Mushtaq Ahmed, a shopkeeper, to suffer as many a times. We have ( CGM) S & M, he said ‘ we used to hoard from its adjacent areas. Banali, a said, “It’s very difficult to send our to cross these slippery link roads”, wooden logs of low quality in this dpot, remote and mountainous village children for tuition as our life is said Ashaq Geelani, a local resident. therefore the corporation cant suffer lies in Pir Panjal range and is 50 restricted within our own village. When contacted Tehsildar loses’ Kilometres away from District Mostly food and consumer affairs Boniyar he said ‘ we will clear the Baramulla. are affected a lot because there is road as soon as possible.
Meet the 15-year-old author of a new book on Kashmir
v Muhammad Nadeem Kashmir, and tells a decidedly meets the 14-year-old protagonist, different story in the form of a fantasy Zoon Razdan, and her house—equal SRINAGAR: With two previously novel parts spellbinding, and subsumed published poetry books to her name, Initially, her story had been set with secrets and evil forces. Zuni Chopra—daughter of filmmaker in London—because the house that She’s among the youngest on the Vidhu Vinod Chopra and film critic inspired it was set in London—but Indian literary landscape—and she’s Zuni Chopra Anupama Chopra, and also niece “it wasn’t a place I loved or belonged got words of wisdom for you to award-winning writer Vikram to,” she says. Instead, she decided to “You don’t need to be a prodigy tells the tale of the Chandra—has certainly carried on take a different narrative route, and to achieve your ambitions and their literary legacy. Now, with her her tale travelled to Kashmir. “Set in make your dreams come true,” says first work of fiction due to release Kashmir, the story had a whole new Chopra. And while she’s grateful to state through this February, the 15-year-old is here purpose and dimension. It was now a Penguin for believing in her project, to carve a novel niche for herself. story that needed to be told, and I fell she’s a huge supporter of self-belief: Vogue finds out three things you need in love with it. So you see, it’s not so “One major tip I would give is to not to know about Chopra on the eve of much I set it in Kashmir as it is that be deterred by believing that you’re her enchanting debut with The House it came to be set in Kashmir,” Chopra somehow not good enough for any That Spoke. adds. It is in a brave blend of magical reason. If you believe in something She’s dedicated her book to and historical bits that the reader enough, it will happen.”
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म त U N IR IV M ER SH Vol 10 | No 01 |February 15, 2017 SITY OF KA 15 Patients visiting White blanket surfaces over Kupwara hospital for v Tahir Bhat mental illness KUPWARA: Like other parts of Kashmir. Kashmir’s Northern quite high: Dr district Kupwara, received winter’s first snowfall in the first week of Shafi. January as had been predicted by the weather department ending the long dry spell. The snowfall brought jubilations to the people. Youth posted selfies on social media expressing their happiness on change in weather. The administrations were not quick in taking action and clearing the snow on the roads on second day. On January 05, District Commissioner Kupwara visited different areas of the district to take stock of the situation and directed the authorities concerned to be ready for any eventuality that may arise out of v Qazi Tanzeela Rahat heavy snowfall, media reports said. dependent equipments stopped DTP shops were shut down due to The worst affected was the power working once the backups were non-availability of electricity. SRINAGAR: On any given day, one can see sector. To most of the villages the drained out. Most villages had to People alleged that the power hundreds of people lining up at the dilapidated power supply remained cut for more spend nights without electricity. development department only knows Rainawari Psychiatric Hospital, in Kashmir than 30 hours. The lack of power led The power cut affected the works how to generate bills and not how to Summer Capital Srinagar, for different to massive crises. The electricity at government offices as most of the supply power to people. treatments. To offset the rush the Jammu and Kashmir Government has come up with another administrations were not quick in taking counseling centre at the Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital (SMHS), which is equally action and clearing the snow on the populated. roads on second day "Dr Shafi says most patients that visit the hospital suffer from depression, chronic traumatic stress, anxiety disorders, suicidal disorders and numbers are quite high. Mental health ailments have immerged as one of evening.” the most pressing public health concerns in Tral girl bags Speaking about her future prospexts, Kour said she Kashmir." wants to become a doctor, "I want to serve the poor." “Remote hamlets have been abiding the According to records, 127340 students of different worst part of the brunt regional violence for first position in states of India had participated in All India Level years on end and many who line in the rural Dharmic Prikhya. The exam was conducted by Sikh outback have little access to counseling”, she Missionary College Ludhiana. added. AILDP Najeeb wani, who hails from Anantnang , says the situation will only improve when the v Faila Khan violence stops in kashmir. Another doctor added, “the true story PULWAMA: A 12-year-old girl from South of those sufferings from trauma or anxiety Kashmir's Arigam village has bagged first related disorders which are complicated to position in AIl India Level Dharmic Prakiya understand and will become better once things scoring an incredible 298 marks out of 300. starts working out normally. In a telephonic interview with MERC times, an overjoyed Amanpreet kour said, "I'm really Most patients that visit glad, I worked so hard for this exam and my hard work has finally paid off." the hospital suffer from Daughter of a bank employee, Kour is a Grade depression, chronic 6 student at Hamdard Grammar School, Tral. "It traumatic stress, anxiety was hard but I managed both my school work disorders, suicidal and exam preparations. I have been studying Punjabi and history of our religion since grade disorders and numbers are one, and been reciting Gurbani morning and quite high ﻮر य اﻟﻨ गम ﯽ त MEDIA EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR اﻟ ो ﺖ ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ
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म त U N IR IV M ER SH Vol 10 | No 01 |February 15, 2017 SITY OF KA 16 Is social media responsible for teenagers self-harm?
Our pain is deeply indexed to the messages we receive about what is and is not acceptable. From birth, we are surrounded by ideals of successful personhood and the good life which we internalize, and compare ourselves against. Our self-respect is thus indexed to how we are seen from outside. While newspaper headlines blame the 24/ 7 nature of social media for the cult of competitiveness causing distress in this cohort, social media is but a symptom of the root cause. Social media later provides a noxious mirror back to our success and failures and is the conduit of the values of any particular time. Thus is an actively used as a forum through which people who self-harm can v Syed Bilal teenagers, being admitted in hospitals, a national connect with one another, to reclaim the experience society for the prevention of cruelty to children and scars as meaningful and powerful. Rather than SRINAGAR: Is being blamed today for the huge (NSPCC) has revealed. Self-harm is when you blame social media for today’s figures, we must increases in the number of teenagers who are self- hurt yourself, normally your body, when feelings, encourage youngsters to have a relationship to social harming. Is social media really responsible? Can it memories or body tensions became too much. This media such that it is not a constant pressure to be really explain sudden leap in child self-harm hospital “tearing the body apart” is a way to attack oneself, to “on”, to sell an impossible image, but as a potential admissions in just two years? There is almost a 14% try to gain some agency over unbearable pain, and to source of creating new ways to be human, and to live increase in self-harm cases from 2013 to 2016 among communicate. a good, connected life.
DARK CHOCOLATE
v Shahzad ashiq will make them healthier. Chocolate, after all, usually and you have unsweetened chocolate, which doesn’t contains fat and sugar. But dark chocolate does have taste very good. Adding sugar produces the tastier, SRINAGAR:: You may have heard that dark chocolate some chemicals that research has linked to heart though still somewhat bitter, dark chocolate.Milk is healthier than milk chocolate. If you are like health. Known as antioxidants, these chemicals show chocolate contains cocoa solids and cocoa butter. many people, though, you prefer the sweeter, less up in many fruits, vegetables and nuts.Antioxidants It, however, has more sugar than dark chocolate. bitter type. That means you’re missing out on dark can stop a chemical reaction in the body known as It also has milk or cream. This makes the candy chocolate’s heart benefits. But you may not have to oxidation. Too much oxidation can damage cells. lighter in color and smoother in taste. But gram for accept this limitation much longer. Researchers have Research has shown that oxidation underlies a host gram (or ounce for ounce), milk chocolate contains just figured out how to give milk chocolate the same of illnesses, including cancer and heart disease. less cocoa than dark chocolate. That means it also nutritional punch as the dark stuff. And they did it All chocolate is made from cocoa beans, which has fewer antioxidants. .Yet scientists can’t just by adding a surprising ingredient. Even better news: contain antioxidants. To produce chocolate, the beans add antioxidants to make milk chocolate healthier The process doesn’t change the treat’s flavor. are broken down into cocoa solids and a type of fat without affecting its taste, anyway. After all, these No one should eat lots of chocolate thinking that it called cocoa butter. Put those two parts back together chemicals tend to taste bitter.
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Patron: | Chief Editor: | Editor: | Graphic Artist: ﻟ
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Prof. Khurshid Andrabi, Vice-Chancellor Faruq Masudi Muslim Jan Aga Shahi
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त Wajahat Shabir, Munawar Hussain, Kaiser Majeed, Junaid Manzoor, Naveed Wani, Sheikh Saman, Sadia Mir, Faila Khan, Auqib Salam, Rahil Hussain U Students Editorial Team: N IR IV M ER H SITY OF KAS e-mail: [email protected] | website: www.mercs.uok.edu.in