In this Issue...

• Kashmiri youth benefit from Hunar-Se-Rozgar scheme

• ITIs for women

• Taj ‘Vivanta’ launched, will boost tourism

• Ladakh celebrates Earth Day by planting tree saplings

• Kashmir University introduces computerized registration system for students

• Poonch promotes inter-faith harmony

• Poultry business thriving in Kashmir Valley

• Golf tournament held to boost tourism

• Nishat Bagh gets a facelift

Vol.II, No.6 , June, 2011 Kashmiri youth benefit from Hunar-Se-Rozgar scheme

credit for this goes to the Institute She added: “It is very important of Hotel Management, its faculty that we try to provide all facilities and its staff.” to tourists to give the tourism sector a boost.” He further said: “It is an ongoing Hunar- se- Roozgar is a major effort to help the youth earn a The tourism ministry launched skill development scheme in the livelihood and to generate income the scheme in 2009-10 and fully tourism sector that trains youth for the state through tourism.” funded it to create employable ITIs for women of the state and enables them to skills among the youth. The earn a livelihood. The scheme has found many initiative was introduced to bridge Gender disparities often limit the tion of wings in other ITIs for the Banihal and Nowshera. takers in Jammu and Kashmir ability of women to participate in exclusive training of women can- the gap of skilled manpower in In the second phase, four ITIs Addressing a valedictory-cum- and enthusiastic youngsters have or benefi t from development. didates. the hospitality sector. (Hajan, Bani, Banihal and certifi cate/stipend cheques joined it not only to brighten their Gender equality is, therefore, a Administrative and workshop Nowshera) have been made distribution function organized job prospects, but also to promote Considering its success and core development issue and, pro- functional in rented buildings. ITI at the SKICC in Srinagar for the tourism industry. acceptability, it has been decided blocks have been completed in all outgoing trainees trained under to expand the coverage in terms moting it is an important part of nine women ITIs. Hostel blocks Gurez will be made functional the scheme, Tourism Minister “I feel proud to have completed the of the number of benefi ciaries development strategy in Jammu at Dharmari, Surankote and Ka- during the current academic year. Nawang Rigzin Jora said: “The training program. There is scope and the courses being offered. and Kashmir for both the central lakote are under construction. Land has been acquired for the name of the scheme makes it for employment in the hospitality and the state government. Eleven women wings at Kulgam, new ITIs and construction work Earlier, the programme offered clear that it is about teaching sector in Jammu and Kashmir,” has been allotted to different training courses covering food To achieve this goal, an important Budgam, Sopore, Handwara, them skills, which will increase said Humira who attended the agencies. and beverage service and food package for developing vocation- Leh, Kargil, Jammu, Udhampur, the employability of the youth and program. production. Three more courses al training facilities for women in Kathua, Poonch and Sunderbani The skill development and voca- help them get jobs.” “The tourism industry is the - housekeeping, bakery and a 2004 was announced as a part have been completed. The con- tional training initiatives will en- He added: “We have provided backbone of Kashmirʼs economy composite multi - skilled course in of the Prime Ministerʼs Recon- struction of a womenʼs wing at ITI sure that women in the region can training to 1300 students and in and has the potential to generate food production, besides a food struction Programme (PMRP) for Srinagar is in progress. Courses continue to take fi rm and steady the whole country Jammu and 70 percent of its revenue,” said and beverage service will start Jammu and Kashmir. The pack- have been started in all women steps for a better future. Kashmir tourism is on top. The Rehana Khan. soon. age was initially approved for ITIʼs and women wings. Rs.3060 lakhs but was later re- vised to Rs.3318. 57 lakhs for the Following the positive response fi rst phase. and demand generated by the establishment of nine ITIs, it was Under the PMRP, nine industrial decided to set up fi ve more ITIs training institutes for women, with at an estimated cost of Rs.2250 modern trades, were to be estab- lakhs under the second phase lished and supplemented by addi- of PMRP at Gurez, Hajan, Bani,

2 3 Kashmir University Taj ‘Vivanta’ introduces launched, will computerized boost tourism registration system The recent launch of “Vivantaʼ by rooms, suites, a presidential suite, Taj in Srinagar by Chief Minister restaurants, spa and fi tness cen- for students Omar Abdullah marks a new be- tres, banquet facilities and a busi- ginning for Kashmirʼs tourism in- ness centre. Education is a priority sector and trar, Kashmir University. the state government is working dustry. It will also reduce diffi culties faced “We thank Taj for showing cour- to make universities in Jammu by the students in obtaining other The hotel is a fi ve-star hospitality age in coming here. My under- and Kashmir centers of excel- documents like marksheets, de- brand in the upper upscale seg- standing is that 80 percent of the lence that impart education of the gree certifi cates etc., which now ment. It is located on a hilltop, hotel staff is local. The youngsters highest standard to youth in the will be easily available at the click overlooking the Dal Lake and the have now opportunities not only state to enable them to compete Tulip Garden. of a mouse. to work in international standard with the best in the country, in all At the launch, Abdullah said it was hotels in the valley, but in other arenas. “If somebody was admitted to the a signifi cant development that parts of the world also,” Abdullah Kashmir University in the 50ʼ 50ʼs,s, Ladakh celebrates Earth Day The government has taken vari- would boost tourism in the state. said. all his academic records right ous initiatives to expand and up- from matriculation to graduation, He added: “The establishment Union Minister for New and Re- by planting tree saplings grade educational infrastructure post graduation and PhD will be of Hotel Taj at a picturesque site newable Energy Dr. Farooq across the state. As part of these Authorities and residents in Leh such awareness campaigns were available on the website” said shall positively set an example for Abdullah said: “The hotel has efforts, Kashmir University re- and other nearby areas of Lada- necessary to educate the people Dr. Ahmad. other premier chain group of in- come up after facing a plethora of cently introduced a computerized kh, including school and college about the importance of a green- ternational hotels, so that they fol- diffi culties, including turmoil in the registration system for students in Further,Further, for the fi rst time in the students, celebrated the 41st low the line as the situation in the state. It will defi nitely help boost er environment. He also said the collaboration with the Directorate history of Kashmir University,University, stu- Earth Day with a mass tree plan- valley of Kashmir is gradually im- our tourism sector.” planting and maintaining of trees of Information Technology and dents will be provided pre-fi lled proving and consequently provid- tation drive. in Leh involves intensive care. Over the last few years, the tour- Support Systems. examination forms, which will be ing apt opportunities to the tourist Rigzin Spalbar, Chief Executive made available to them at colleg- ism industry in Jammu and Kash- “Here in Ladakh, the moisture The online registration system will industry to fi ll the tourism-oriented Councilor of the Ladakh Autono- es or can be downloaded directly mir has seen a distinct upswing. content in the air is less than 40 enable students, who enroll for space quickly.” mous Hill Development Coun- from the university website. The launch of the hotel will help percent and the atmosphere is various undergraduate courses cil (LAHDC), said the drive was The hotel, a combination of mod- project the state in the interna- also very dry. Due to this, it is very every yearyear,, to have direct access “We have created a web page, important for the region, as it is ern and traditional architecture, tional market and further boost diffi cult to plant trees here, and to their registration records on the which is very student friendly. On a cold desert. He added that the is spread over six acres, has 89 the tourism sector. since plants always need water, university website and the status the web page, the students can government is determined to con- so it is very diffi cult here (to plant of their registration for a particular fi nd a pre-fi lled examination form, vert the region into a greener and trees). Because when there is course. they just have to sign and submit healthier habitat. only 40 percent of humidity, water it online or through e-mails,” said “Sometimes, the students face fa- “This (plantation drive on Earth from the leaves dries up, result- Dr. Ahmad. tigue at the time of the registration, Day) holds even more importance ing in the drying up of the whole especially when it is not complet- The system of registration has for Ladakh, since we all know that plant. So it needs lot of intensive ed on time. But now everything been initially introduced for the this is a barren desert land. The care to grow a tree here,” Dr. Ba- is on the website and they donʼt undergraduate general course reason behind this is the scarci- laji said. have to face any problems,” said and will be followed for other ty of water. Even then, we have Dr. Nisar Ahmad, Deputy Regis- courses, later. gathered here and wherever it April 22 is observed as Earth Day is possible for us to give water, around the world. The aim of ob- we are planting trees there. So, serving the event is to inspire re- we have undertaken this drive to sponsible action leading towards make Ladakh a greener region,” environment conservation. Spalbar said. It was fi rst mooted in the United Dr. Badrinarayan Balaji, Division- States and is now observed in al Forest Offi cer, Ladakh, said 192 countries around the globe.

4 5 Poonch promotes Golf tournament held to boost tourism inter-faith harmony The daylong ʻTulip Golf Tourna- mentʼ was held recently in Srina- different faiths who believe that gar, marking the onset of the sum- whoever pays obeisance at the mer golfi ng season in the state. shrine on the occasion would be blessed. Inaugurating the event, Nawang Rigzin Jora, Tourism Minister, The culture of Kashmir, or Kash- “Both Hindus and Muslim visit this said: “We hope that in the up- miriyat “ as it is known, is a syn- place with devotion and trust to coming season, many golfers will thesis of different religions. offer chadar (holy cloth) and pay come here. We will try to organise And, Kashmiri society has been obeisance to the saint,” said Ijaz national level tournaments. Two a microcosm, refl ecting the es- Ahmed. years ago, Air India and the Pi- sence of this beautiful synthesis. ramal Group had organised (golf “Here, people of all religions - golf courses in the country is the tournaments) here. Even we had Poonch, one of the smallest dis- Hindu, Muslim and Sikh come pleasant weather. organised a golf championship tricts in the state, is known for together under one roof to seek for ambassadors. So, we will try The main golf courses of Kash- promoting inter-faith harmony. blessings of the saint,” added Manmohan Suri. to get more golfers here to play mir are at Gulmarg, situated at an This is most visible at the shrine and make them aware about the altitude of 2,650 meters, which is of Sufi saint Mira Baksh, which is The shrine symbolises religious facilities available. And this will the highest green golf course in located close to the India- Paki- equality and welcomes people Poultry business thriving in Kashmir Valley give a boost to golf tourism.” the world, the Kashmir Golf Club stan border. from all religions. in Srinagar spread over an area The tournament attracted over 70 The poultry business is experienc- lot for it, as it has become a lead- of 52 acres, that has served as a Sufi sm has drawn on and infl u- “I really feel very good after com- golfers from across the state. ing a huge rise in production with ing employment-generating sec- venue of many tournaments, and enced the practice of both Hindu- ing here. Hindus, Muslims and the introduction of new breeds of tor now. You know the employ- “This tournament has been initi- the Royal Spring Golf Course, ism and Islam in India. In doing Sikhs, everyone comes here, and, chicken. ment scenario of the state, and, ated by the tourism department of also in Srinagar, that was de- so, its practitioners have attract- it is our belief, that our prayers will we are trying to attract educated the government in Kashmir. So, it signed and laid out by the world- ed people of all faiths as followers be heard here. Itʼs a very famous “This year, hatching increased by youth towards poultry rearing, as is a great thing. And, we feel that renowned golf architect, Robert over centuries. place, and we hope our wishes about 30 percent. We have two the demand for poultry is high,” Trent Jones Jr. II. It has been vot- will be fulfi lled,” said Uma Devi. hatcheries. This year, till March the upcoming months will be a This harmony between different said Sopori. ed as Indiaʼs best golf course. 25, we had produced 297,000 good season for golf. It will give communities is exemplifi ed at the “People of all faiths come here for a boost to tourism in the region,” chickens in our hatcheries. Last Poultry-farm owners and farm- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Min- mausoleum of Sufi saints, espe- the blessings of the saint,” said said G. M. Wani, a golfer. year, production was about ers said the new breeds provided ister Omar Abdullah recently said cially during their Urs or death an- Shakeel Ahmed. 220,000, and this year, we have to them have helped them make Golf tourism is one of the main golf could strengthen the stateʼs niversary. Forgetting boundaries of faith, made an improvement of about profi ts. attractions of the Kashmir Valley tourism economy and asked the The annual Urs of Mira Baksh is devotees gather at the shrine and 77,000,” said K. K. Sopori, Joint in summers, and the peak sea- tourism department to create “New varieties like KCL (Kash- a special occasion that attracts a forge a common bond called hu- Director (Poultry) of the Depart- son is from April to November. a golf development authority to mir Commercial Layer), RAR and large number of devotees from manity. ment of Animal Husbandry. One advantage that the game attract high-end tourists to the now Wan Raja have been intro- of golf in Kashmir has over other valley. Poultry production has emerged duced. These have many advan- as an agro-based industry in the tages like with the Wan Raja; we state, which not only can pro- get both meat and eggs. This has vide high nutritious animal pro- attracted more people towards tein in the form of quality poultry this sector,” said Shafeeq Ahmad, meat and eggs, but can also be a a poultry farm owner. source of earning for unemployed youth. The new breeds of poultry birds Chabro, RAR, Wan Raja and The state government is provid- Kashmir Commercial Layer (KCL) ing assistance to poultry farmers introduced by the Department of in order to attract more people to- Animal Husbandry, have boosted wards this sector. the production of eggs and the “Poultry is growing in the state. number of broiler chicken in the Our government is also doing a Kashmir Valley.

6 7 Nishat Bagh gets a facelift

Kashmir is known for its natural beauty. It is now looking forward to preserving its rich cultural heri- tage and turning it into an added tourist attraction. Currently, the restoration of water channels and the laying of concrete pathways is under way at the his- toric Nishat Garden in Srinagar, to attract tourists. Asaf Khan, the brother of Nur Jahan, laid out the larg- est Mughal Garden on Dal Lake - Nishat - in 1632. The garden originally had 12 terraces. An enchant- ing central water channel, rippling fountains in large tanks, channels, sparkling cascades, lush lawns and mighty Chinars are principal features of the garden. “The restoration work at the garden will be complet- ed by this year, and it would become very beautiful. We received a lot of feedback from visitors and tour- ists that we should restore it. We took this issue up with the Jammu and Kashmir Government. And, the government was kind enough to say that we should restore it to its prestige and glory,” said Javed Ah- mad, the Floriculture Offi cer of Srinagar District. Srinagar residents say the initiative taken by the government would defi nitely boost tourism. “The garden was built hundreds of years ago by the Mughals and the government is trying to keep the beauty of the place alive. And this would make visi- tors from other states and countries appreciate the place,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, a resident of the city. Instability in the region delayed restoration work in the garden. But now, with the return of normalcy, de- velopmental work has gained momentum. Tourists who visited the garden have appreciated the changes. “The ones that are restored, you know, you look at them, and you can see the concrete is nice. And you can get a sense of what it looked like back in the days when the Mughal emperors came here and wandered around,” said Jessica, a tourist from America. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heri- tage is collaborating with the stateʼs Department of Floriculture in restoring the garden.