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Fayaz Bukhari SRINAGAR, May 1: A 15- day extension has been given to the Crime Branch (CB) on inquiry into misappropriation of Security Related Expenditure (SRE) of Rs 115.68 crore provided by the Government of India for “Carriage of Constabulary and Hiring of Vehicles” to the Jammu and Kashmir Police during Parliamentary and Assembly Elections 2014. Highly placed sources said the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Crime Branch Srinagar, and SSP Crime Branch, Jammu had submitted their preliminary report to the Crime Headquarters last week. But the Crime Headquarters after reviewing the reports of the two SSPs have given them 15 days more time to thoroughly investigate the case. As the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India’s report has been prepared on the documents provided by the 9 Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) of Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Crime Branch is going ahead with investigations carefully so that there is no lacunae as it can dent the agency’s image. Sources said that the two SSPs have been asked by the Crime Branch headquarters to thorough- ly probe all aspects and related matters so that a considerable view is taken. They have been asked to cross check all the infor- mation as the frauds found by the CAG are well documented. Sources further said that after the two SSPs will submit their report to the Crime Headquarters later this month, the Headquarters will cross check every detail submitted by them before submitting a fact finding report to the Police Headquarters. They said that Crime Branch may recommend thorough probe into the multi- crore scandal. Sources said that Crime Branch may soon issue a Public Notice asking the Transporters and Taxi opera- tors who had rented taxis and buses to the Police during Assembly and Parliamentary Elections 2014 about the pay- ment they have received from the Police. They will also ask them about the bribes if any they have paid to the police from the amount which they have received as cheques. Sources said that the SSP PCR Jammu has not so far sub- mitted documents relating to the “Hiring of Vehicles and Carriage of Constabulary” sought by the Crime Branch while all other DDOs have submitted the docu- ments. It may be mentioned here that Police Headquarters had already ordered investigations into alleged frauds in “Hiring of Vehicles and Carriage of Constabulary” by PCR Jammu soon after the 2014 elections. The Staff Officer of the IGP con- ducted the investigations and submitted it to Police headquar- ters but the findings of the probe and action taken has never seen the light of the day. In the meantime, another probe conducted by the Police on a complaint that was lodged before the Police Headquarters in May last year by four police men including an officer. A complaint (dated May 21, 2015, copy with Excelsior) sent to the Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police about the SSP Srinagar has high- lighted that a fraud was conduct- ed by the officer in “Hiring of Vehicles and Carriage of Constabulary” during 2014 elec- tions. Police headquarters on receiving the complaint had immediately ordered probe which has not seen light of the Excelsior daily REGD.NO.JK-71/15-17 RNI No. 28547/1992 Vol No. 52 No. 121 JAMMU, MONDAY, MAY 2, 2016 14 Pages ` 4.00 INSIDE WEATHER * JK can become ...Page 6 model state Exchange programs will help remove travel advisories on J&K, says Mehbooba ...Page 3 MoU signed for establishing IIT Jammu . ..Page 3 Bali directs attachment of Dy CMO for dereliction of duties ...Page 5 Cong to ‘Gherao’ Civil Secretariat on May 9 ...Page 5 KXIP stun Gujarat Lions as Axar takes hat-trick ...Page 12 JAMMU : Mainly Dry. TEMPERATURE Max: 40.9 Degree C Min: 22.0 Degree C RELATIVE HUMIDITY RH-I (Morning): 29.0 per cent RH-II (Evening): 13.0 per cent Sunset on Monday: 07.14 p.m. Sunrise on Tuesday: 05.44 a.m. KASHMIR: Mainly Dry. TEMPERATURE Max: 28.1 Degree C Min: 9.4 Degree C RELATIVE HUMIDITY RH-I (Morning): 57.0 per cent RH-II (Evening): 20.0 per cent LEH: TEMPERATURE Max: 20.9 Degree C Min: 3.4 Degree C Internet Edition: www.dailyexcelsior.com E-Paper: http://epaper.dailyexcelsior.com facebook.com/dailyexcelsior twitter.com/dailyexcelsior1 dailyexcelsior.com/apps Foreign tourists on the bank of world famous Dal lake mov- ing for a Shikara ride in Srinagar on Sunday. (UNI) New Deptt to implement all announcement s by CM PD&MD empowered to finalize budget allocations, release funds Sanjeev Pargal JAMMU, May 1: The State Government today announced major powers for newly con- stituted Planning, Development and Monitoring Department (PD & MD), which will replace Planning and Development Department with five divisions and author- ization to finalize capital budget allocations, release of funds related to Capital Expenditure Budget and mid course review of expenditure. Principal Secretary, Planning and Development Department, B B Vyas, who was also likely to be re-designated following reorientation of the Department has issued detailed set of guide- lines and powers the PD&MD will have on the instructions of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, who holds charge of the Planning Department. Official sources told the Excelsior that PD&MD will have five divisions including Development Strategy Division, Project Formulation Division, Area Planning Section, Project Monitoring and Evaluation Division and Coordination Division. “The PD&MD has been authorize to finalize capital budg- et allocation based on discussions with the line departments, alloca- tion/release of funds related to the Capital Expenditure Budget and mid course review of expendi- ture. It will implement all announcements and commit- ments made by the Chief Minister,’’ they said. The new Department will work out comprehensive long term development strategy and take steps to address development challenges and concerns in the medium and short term requirements. It will finalize comprehensive Public Expenditure Policy and documentation of best prac- tices including knowledge sharing and dissemination. Sources said finalization of allocations in respect of annual District Capex Budget and release of funds related to the Capital Expenditure Budget will also be the prerogative of the PD&MD, which will be headed by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti herself. The PD&MD will conduct meetings of the District Development Boards (DDBs) and implement decisions taken in the Board meetings, sources said, adding that formulation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) of projects worth more than Rs 10 crores will also be the prerog- ative of the PD&MD. “Coordination for time bound completion of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) and mega flagship programmes, Capacity building efforts includ- ing comprehensive plan and strategies for upgradation of available human resources and initiatives for institution build- ing and revival will also be looked after by the PD&MD,’’ sources said. The PD&MD has also been empowered with empanelment of Consultants for preparation of Detailed Project Reports in respect of projects related to var- ious sectors. It has also been authorized with standardization of type designs and building Govt groping in dark about funds for permanent infra Sanctioned nearly 2 years back, 158 admn units yet to be operationalized *501 units still reeling under manpower, other constraints Mohinder Verma JAMMU, May 1: Indicating that there was no proper follow-up after the much-talked about Cabinet decision of 2014, 158 adminis- trative units in different parts of the State have yet not been operationalized as a result of which the aspirations of the people have remained unful- filled during the past nearly two years. Moreover, 501 units, which have been set-up in tem- porary infrastructure, are still reeling under manpower and other constraints thereby ham- pering their functioning. After a detailed exercise spread over very long period of time, the then National Conference-Congress Coalition Government in the year 2014 arrived at a decision about cre- ation of 659 new administrative units. Accordingly, the State Cabinet vide Decision No.128/11/2014 dated July 16, 2014 put seal of approval on cre- ation of 659 administrative units---46 Sub-Divisions, 135 Tehsils, 301 Niabats under the control of Revenue Department and 177 blocks under the control of Rural Development Department. Thereafter, these two departments formally issued their respective orders for set- ting-up of these units in the identified places. However, despite lapse of nearly two years, 158 out of 659 administrative units are yet to be operationalized by the respec- tive departments thereby defeat- ing the purpose behind their being sanctioned by the highest decision making body of the State, official sources told EXCELSIOR. "Due to inordinate delay in operationalization of these 158 administrative units grave injustice has been done with the people, who had vociferously projected their demand for such units during the detailed exercise conducted by the Cabinet Sub-Committee", sources said, adding "in the absence of these units people are compelled to travel long dis- tance to get different services". Interestingly, the representa- tives of people, who too had put sufficient weight behind getting sanctioned these 158 administra- tive units, have failed to exert pressure on the successive Governments for making them operational, sources further said while disclosing that despite lapse of nearly two years no time-frame has so far been fixed by the authorities concerned for giving practical shape to such a large number of administrative units. Moreover, 501 administra- tive units, which were set-up in temporary accommodation both in Government and pri- vate sector, are still reeling under acute shortage of man- power as this aspect was also not paid any serious attention till date, sources informed, adding "whatever manpower was deployed in these 501 units was drawn from the old units as a result of which even the old units are presently short of manpower". PM launches LPG for poor scheme, to provide 5 cr free connections BALLIA (UP), May 1: Setting development and poverty eradication as agenda for the next Uttar Pradesh elec- tions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched a Rs 8,000 crore scheme to provide 5 crore free LPG connections to poor families and attacked previous Governments for not doing much despite many Prime Ministers being elected from the State. "Uttar Pradesh gave many Prime Ministers. But poverty increased. Number of poor increased. (Governments) could not empower poor to fight poverty. "There were many promises and policies were made. But these schemes were not framed keeping in mind the interest of poor. Rather, the focus was on ballot box (election)," Modi said. Elaborating about abject poverty in eastern Uttar Pradesh, he said, "In 1955, in Nehru's pres- ence, an MP from Ghazipur raised the issue of people washing cow dung to find grain to eat. After that, a Patel Commission was set which gave many recommendation for the State. Now after 50 years, what happened to those suggestions, God knows." Poverty, he said, can be erad- icated only if poor are empow- ered, given resources and oppor- tunities as well as education, jobs, houses, drinking water and electricity. He questioned the policies pur- sued by the previous Government for poverty eradication, saying poverty has only increased during past years. "We are working to fight poverty," he said adding under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, free LPG connections will be pro- vided in the name of women mem- bers of BPL households. In the first year, 1.5 crore such connections will be released and the target of 5 crore will be completed in three years, he said, comparing it to the just 13 crore LPG connections pro- vided in 60 years of independ- ence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributing the free LPG connections to the beneficiaries, under PM Ujjwala Yojana, at Ballia, Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. (UNI) Senior Army Comdrs meet at two places India, China resolve to maintain peace along LAC in Ladakh Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 1: The Armies of India and China today expressed resolve to maintain peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with their senior commanders hold- ing two border meets in Chinese and Ladakh regions as part of efforts to build cor- dial ties. Both the Armies, which met on the occasion of the International Labour Day, agreed to uphold the treaties and agreements signed between the Governments of the two sides during two ceremonial Border Personnel Meetings (BPMs) on the Chinese and the Indian sides today, Defence spokespersons (Ministry of Defence) Col SD Goswami said. He said the meetings took place at Chinese BPM Hut of Moldo and TWD Garrison in Eastern Ladakh. "The delegation parted amidst feeling of friendship and commitment towards enhancing the existing cordial relations and maintaining peace along the LAC,'' Col Goswami said. "Both sides also sought to build on the mutual feeling to uphold the treaties and agree- ment signed between the Governments of the two sides to maintain peace and tranquility along the LAC," he said. At Moldo, the Indian delega- tion was led by Major General Sudhakar Jee and the Chinese delegation by senior Col Zhan Peng Zhung and at TWD, Lt Col RC Barthwal, SM and Col Song Zhan Li led the Indian and Chinese delegations respectively. The border personnel meet- ing was marked by saluting the National flags by both the dele- gation members. It was followed by the cere- monial address by both delega- tion leaders which reflected the mutual desire of maintaining and improving relations at func- tional level at the border, sources said. A cultural programme show- Army officials of India and China in Eastern Ladakh on Sunday. Jammu to get big relief from power cut s Sarna-Gladni line with enhanced capacity to be commissioned by mid-May Nishikant Khajuria JAMMU, May 1: This summer, Jammu is likely to get a big relief from unsched- uled power cuts as the ongoing work on enhancing capacity of Sarna-Hiranagar-Gladni transmission line is all set to be completed in next few days. The capacity of 220 KV Sarna-Hiranagar section and 220 KV Hiranagar -Gladni section is being enhanced by carrying out Loop In Loop Out (LILO) of the existing transmission line which is presently on Zebra conduc- tors. With LILO of 220 KV Sarna-Gladni line at 400/220 KV, 630 MVA Jatwal Grid Station, Jammu can avail 200 MWs of additional power, offi- cial sources informed the Excelsior while adding that the ongoing work is near comple- tion and the transmission line with enhanced capacity is all set to be commissioned by the mid of May. With the enhanced capacity of Sarna-Hiranagar-Gladni transmission line, people of Jammu, Kathua and Samba are likely to get a major relief from unscheduled power cuts, which are forced during the peak hours of summer, sources further said. Even as LILO of 220 KV Hiranagar-Sarna was agreed and started around an year ago by the Powergrid under Power System Planning of Northern Region, the State Power Development Department had requested Powergrid in October last also to carry out LILO of 220 KV Gladni-Hiranagar sec- tion at Jatwal (Samba) on prior- ity, sources informed. The PDD request for extending the LILO was made in view of the fact that LILO of 220 KV SC Gladni- Hiranagar section at Samba (Jatwal) has more benefit, instead of LILO of 220 KV S/C Sarna-Hiranagar section of 220 KV S/C Sarna- Hiranagar-Gladni ISTS line, official sources explained. Further, the congestion is more on Gladni-Hiranagar sec- tion, which needed to be removed and therefore the PDD told the Powergrid that LILO of only Sarna - Hiranagar at Samba would have no benefit as the con- gestion would not be removed without extending the LILO. In the wake of this request, the Powergrid in its 37th meet- ing of the Standing Committee of Power System Planning of Northern Region, agreed to extend the LILO of Sarna - Hiranagar at Jatwal with LILO of Gladni -Hiranagar at Jatwal. LILO of 220 KV Hiranagar -Sarna S/C line at Samba (PG) was agreed during the 32nd and 33rd meeting of the Standing Committee of Power System Planning of Northern Region and the line was under advanced stage of implementation by Powergrid with commissioning scheduled in March, 2016 when State PDD had requested Powergrid to carry out LILO of Gladni - Hiranagar section at Jatwal. With the LILO of Sarna- Hiranagar-Gladni transmission line, Grid Station at Gladni will Honest babus need not fear: Dr Jitendra NEW DELHI, May 1: The Government is committed to protecting and providing incen- tives to honest and performing civil servants but determined to act tough against corruption, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said today. His comments came days after Coal Secretary Anil Swarup said institutions or “5Cs”— CAG, CVC, CBI, CIC and the Courts—create an “inhibiting environment” that impacts “quick and effective decision making”. “The Government believes that bureaucrats are essential tool of good governance and good governance cannot be achieved with bad tools,” said Singh, Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office. He said the Centre has been consistently working on creating a work-friendly atmosphere for the bureaucrats so their initiatives or Insecurity in PDP: Farooq SRINAGAR, May 1: Upping the ante on ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) over delay in the by-poll in Anantnag Assembly constituency and Local Bodies polls, former Union Minister and National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah said it shows the inse- curity in the ruling party. "I wish they (PDP) take the challenge and let people exercise their democratic right to vote to elect their representatives," Dr Abdullah said. "But, it is the insecurity among the PDP leaders that they are not allowing the polls to happen," he said. "It also show where PDP stand on the ground in Kashmir valley," he added.(UNI) Pak repatriates school boy Excelsior Correspondent POONCH, May 1: Pakistani authorities today repatriated minor school boy hailing from Balakote area of Mendhar Sub Division via Chakkan-Da-Bagh cross LoC point. Identified as 14 year-old Zulfkar Ali, son of Ghulam Hussain, resident of Balakote, the boy had crossed over to PoK three days ago after he was thrashed by his parents. The boy had stolen a mobile phone of his neighbour and the parents thrashed the boy. Annoyed over the thrashing, the minor boy, student of 8th class crossed the LoC and moved to PoK. He was captured by the Pak Rangers and placed under ques- tioning. The family contacted SDPO Mendhar Shahid Nahim who took up the matter with the SSP and DC Poonch. They contacted * Pic on page 4 Srinagar, Jammu record hottest day Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR/JAMMU, May 1: The mercury has started soaring in Kashmir valley as Srinagar recorded hottest day of the season today but the Meteorological Department has predicted three day wet spell starting from May 3. A MeT official told Excelsior that the day temperature in sum- mer capital here today crossed 28 degree Celsius for the first time in this season and thus is the highest so far. He said the maximum tem- perature was recorded 28.1 degree Celsius in Srinagar against 27.6 on Saturday. The night temperature settled at 9.4 degree Celsius. Due to bright Sunshine here today, the people removed warm garments and instead put cotton and other light garments. The peo- ple were also seen drinking soft drinks, juice and eating ice-creams to keep themselves cool. The Sunday flea market also witnessed a good rush with people buying cool garments for the summer season. The day temperature also increased in other parts of the Charges framed against Manager Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, May 1: Special Judge Anticorruption (CBI cases), Vinod Chatterji Koul has framed corruption and other charges against Tilak Raj Dogra, the then Chief Manager, Bank of Baroda, Gandhi Nagar, Des Raj (Patwari), Jaswant Singh and Said Mohd for committing fraud with the bank. According to the CBI case, Said Mohammed approached Bank of Baroda Gandhi Nagar for loan for setting up of a new bee keeping unit at Birpur sponsored by KVIC under REGP. He got prepared a forged project report from M/s Suresh Ajit and Associates, Gandhi Nagar to avail the loan. The pre inspection report was prepared by Jaswant Singh, Credit Officer, Bank of Baroda, Gandhi Nagar in which he projected require- ment of the borrower for term loan as Rs 21.37 lakh against the bor- rower requirement of Rs 20.12 lakh and working capital of Rs 3.50 lakh. It was falsely mentioned by him that the proposed loan was World’s largest telescope in Ladakh NEW DELHI, May 1: Hawaii’s loss may turn out to be Ladakh’s gain. After protests in Hawaii in the US against the proposed Thirty Metre Telescope (TMT) project, the largest to be built, alternative sites are being explored which includes Hanle in Ladakh. The project, aimed at exploring the universe, was to come up at Mauna Kea in Hawaii. But protests by the locals and indigenous population has stalled the project. “The construction was expected to start on Mauna Kea, Hawaii in 2015. However, it is now stalled due to the recent decision of the Supreme court of Hawaii revoking the construction permit on pro- cedural grounds. “The State of Hawaii agencies are working on the permit process following the prescribed procedure by the court. TMT is pursuing the matter in consultation with the University of Hawaii (land lease holder) and other agencies. It seeks to construct TMT on Mauna Kea which is the preferred choice,” said Bacham Eswar (Contd on page 4 Col 3) (Contd on page 4 Col 3) (Contd on page 4 Col 1) (Contd on page 4 Col 1) (Contd on page 4 Col 1) (Contd on page 4 Col 3) (Contd on page 4 Col 5) (Contd on page 4 Col 3) (Contd on page 4 Col 3) (Contd on page 4 Col 3) SSP PCR Jammu yet to submit document s to CB CB gets 15-day extension for report on SRE scam (Contd on page 4 Col 5)

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Page 1: page-1.qxd (Page 2) - EPAPER - DAILY EXCELSIORepaper.dailyexcelsior.com/epaperpdf/2016/may/16may02/page1.pdf · "There were many promises and policies were made. But these schemes

Fayaz Bukhari

SRINAGAR, May 1: A 15-day extension has been givento the Crime Branch (CB) oninquiry into misappropriationof Security RelatedExpenditure (SRE) of Rs115.68 crore provided by theGovernment of India for“Carriage of Constabularyand Hiring of Vehicles” to theJammu and Kashmir Policeduring Parliamentary andAssembly Elections 2014.

Highly placed sources saidthe Senior Superintendent ofPolice (SSP), Crime BranchSrinagar, and SSP CrimeBranch, Jammu had submittedtheir preliminary report to theCrime Headquarters last week.But the Crime Headquartersafter reviewing the reports of thetwo SSPs have given them 15days more time to thoroughlyinvestigate the case.

As the Comptroller andAuditor General (CAG) ofIndia’s report has been preparedon the documents provided bythe 9 Drawing and DisbursingOfficers (DDOs) of Jammu andKashmir Police, the CrimeBranch is going ahead withinvestigations carefully so thatthere is no lacunae as it can dentthe agency’s image.

Sources said that the two SSPshave been asked by the CrimeBranch headquarters to thorough-ly probe all aspects and relatedmatters so that a considerableview is taken. They have beenasked to cross check all the infor-mation as the frauds found by theCAG are well documented.

Sources further said thatafter the two SSPs will submittheir report to the CrimeHeadquarters later this month,the Headquarters will crosscheck every detail submitted bythem before submitting a factfinding report to the PoliceHeadquarters. They said thatCrime Branch may recommend

thorough probe into the multi-crore scandal.

Sources said that CrimeBranch may soon issue aPublic Notice asking theTransporters and Taxi opera-tors who had rented taxis andbuses to the Police duringAssembly and ParliamentaryElections 2014 about the pay-ment they have received fromthe Police. They will also askthem about the bribes if anythey have paid to the policefrom the amount which theyhave received as cheques.

Sources said that the SSPPCR Jammu has not so far sub-mitted documents relating to the“Hiring of Vehicles and Carriageof Constabulary” sought by theCrime Branch while all otherDDOs have submitted the docu-ments. It may be mentioned herethat Police Headquarters hadalready ordered investigationsinto alleged frauds in “Hiring ofVehicles and Carriage ofConstabulary” by PCR Jammusoon after the 2014 elections.The Staff Officer of the IGP con-ducted the investigations andsubmitted it to Police headquar-ters but the findings of the probeand action taken has never seenthe light of the day.

In the meantime, anotherprobe conducted by the Policeon a complaint that was lodgedbefore the Police Headquartersin May last year by four policemen including an officer.

A complaint (dated May 21,2015, copy with Excelsior) sentto the Director General ofJammu and Kashmir Policeabout the SSP Srinagar has high-lighted that a fraud was conduct-ed by the officer in “Hiring ofVehicles and Carriage ofConstabulary” during 2014 elec-tions.

Police headquarters onreceiving the complaint hadimmediately ordered probewhich has not seen light of the

Excelsiordaily

REGD.NO.JK-71/15-17RNI No. 28547/1992

Vol No. 52 No. 121 JAMMU, MONDAY, MAY 2, 2016 14 Pages `̀ 4.00

INSIDE WEATHER* JK can become ...Page 6

model stateExchange programswill help removetravel advisories onJ&K, says Mehbooba ...Page 3MoU signed forestablishing IIT Jammu . ..Page 3

Bali directs attachmentof Dy CMO fordereliction of duties ...Page 5Cong to ‘Gherao’ CivilSecretariat on May 9 ...Page 5KXIP stun GujaratLions as Axar takes hat-trick ...Page 12

JAMMU : Mainly Dry.

TEMPERATUREMax: 40.9 Degree C Min: 22.0 Degree C

RELATIVE HUMIDITYRH-I (Morning): 29.0 per centRH-II (Evening): 13.0 per centSunset on Monday: 07.14 p.m.Sunrise on Tuesday: 05.44 a.m.

KASHMIR:Mainly Dry.

TEMPERATUREMax: 28.1 Degree C Min: 9.4 Degree C

RELATIVE HUMIDITYRH-I (Morning): 57.0 per centRH-II (Evening): 20.0 per cent

LEH: TEMPERATUREMax: 20.9 Degree C Min: 3.4 Degree C

Internet Edition: www.dailyexcelsior.comE-Paper: http://epaper.dailyexcelsior.com

facebook.com/dailyexcelsiortwitter.com/dailyexcelsior1dailyexcelsior.com/apps

Foreign tourists on the bank of world famous Dal lake mov-ing for a Shikara ride in Srinagar on Sunday. (UNI)

New Deptt to implement all announcements by CM

PD&MD empowered to finalizebudget allocations, release fundsSanjeev Pargal

JAMMU, May 1: The StateGovernment today announcedmajor powers for newly con-stituted Planning,Development and MonitoringDepartment (PD & MD),which will replace Planningand Development Departmentwith five divisions and author-ization to finalize capitalbudget allocations, release offunds related to CapitalExpenditure Budget and midcourse review of expenditure.

Principal Secretary, Planningand Development Department,B B Vyas, who was also likely tobe re-designated followingreorientation of the Departmenthas issued detailed set of guide-lines and powers the PD&MDwill have on the instructions ofChief Minister MehboobaMufti, who holds charge of thePlanning Department.

Official sources told theExcelsior that PD&MD willhave five divisions includingDevelopment Strategy Division,Project Formulation Division,Area Planning Section, Project

Monitoring and EvaluationDivision and CoordinationDivision.

“The PD&MD has beenauthorize to finalize capital budg-et allocation based on discussionswith the line departments, alloca-tion/release of funds related to theCapital Expenditure Budget andmid course review of expendi-ture. It will implement allannouncements and commit-ments made by the ChiefMinister,’’ they said.

The new Department willwork out comprehensive longterm development strategyand take steps to addressdevelopment challenges andconcerns in the medium andshort term requirements. Itwill finalize comprehensivePublic Expenditure Policy anddocumentation of best prac-tices including knowledgesharing and dissemination.

Sources said finalization ofallocations in respect of annualDistrict Capex Budget andrelease of funds related to theCapital Expenditure Budget willalso be the prerogative of thePD&MD, which will be headed

by Chief Minister MehboobaMufti herself.

The PD&MD will conductmeetings of the DistrictDevelopment Boards (DDBs)and implement decisions takenin the Board meetings, sourcessaid, adding that formulation ofDetailed Project Reports (DPRs)of projects worth more than Rs10 crores will also be the prerog-ative of the PD&MD.

“Coordination for timebound completion of CentrallySponsored Schemes (CSS) andmega flagship programmes,Capacity building efforts includ-ing comprehensive plan andstrategies for upgradation ofavailable human resources andinitiatives for institution build-ing and revival will also belooked after by the PD&MD,’’sources said.

The PD&MD has also beenempowered with empanelmentof Consultants for preparation ofDetailed Project Reports inrespect of projects related to var-ious sectors. It has also beenauthorized with standardizationof type designs and building

Govt groping in dark about funds for permanent infra

Sanctioned nearly 2 years back, 158 admn units yet to be operationalized

*501 units still reeling under manpower, other constraintsMohinder Verma

JAMMU, May 1:Indicating that there was noproper follow-up after themuch-talked about Cabinetdecision of 2014, 158 adminis-trative units in different partsof the State have yet not beenoperationalized as a result ofwhich the aspirations of thepeople have remained unful-filled during the past nearlytwo years. Moreover, 501 units,which have been set-up in tem-porary infrastructure, are stillreeling under manpower andother constraints thereby ham-pering their functioning.

After a detailed exercisespread over very long period oftime, the then NationalConference-Congress CoalitionGovernment in the year 2014arrived at a decision about cre-ation of 659 new administrativeunits.

Accordingly, the StateCabinet vide DecisionNo.128/11/2014 dated July 16,2014 put seal of approval on cre-ation of 659 administrative

units---46 Sub-Divisions, 135Tehsils, 301 Niabats under thecontrol of Revenue Departmentand 177 blocks under the controlof Rural DevelopmentDepartment. Thereafter, thesetwo departments formally issuedtheir respective orders for set-ting-up of these units in theidentified places.

However, despite lapse ofnearly two years, 158 out of 659administrative units are yet to beoperationalized by the respec-tive departments thereby defeat-ing the purpose behind theirbeing sanctioned by the highestdecision making body of theState, official sources toldEXCELSIOR.

"Due to inordinate delay inoperationalization of these 158administrative units graveinjustice has been done with thepeople, who had vociferouslyprojected their demand forsuch units during the detailedexercise conducted by theCabinet Sub-Committee",sources said, adding "in theabsence of these units peopleare compelled to travel long dis-

tance to get different services". Interestingly, the representa-

tives of people, who too had putsufficient weight behind gettingsanctioned these 158 administra-tive units, have failed to exertpressure on the successiveGovernments for making themoperational, sources further saidwhile disclosing that despitelapse of nearly two years notime-frame has so far been fixedby the authorities concerned forgiving practical shape to such alarge number of administrativeunits.

Moreover, 501 administra-tive units, which were set-up intemporary accommodationboth in Government and pri-vate sector, are still reelingunder acute shortage of man-power as this aspect was alsonot paid any serious attentiontill date, sources informed,adding "whatever manpowerwas deployed in these 501units was drawn from the oldunits as a result of which eventhe old units are presentlyshort of manpower".

PM launches LPG for poor scheme,to provide 5 cr free connections

BALLIA (UP), May 1:

Setting development andpoverty eradication as agendafor the next Uttar Pradesh elec-tions, Prime Minister NarendraModi today launched a Rs 8,000crore scheme to provide 5 crorefree LPG connections to poorfamilies and attacked previousGovernments for not doingmuch despite many PrimeMinisters being elected from theState.

"Uttar Pradesh gave manyPrime Ministers. But povertyincreased. Number of poorincreased. (Governments) couldnot empower poor to fight poverty.

"There were many promisesand policies were made. But theseschemes were not framed keepingin mind the interest of poor.

Rather, the focus was on ballot box(election)," Modi said.

Elaborating about abjectpoverty in eastern Uttar Pradesh,he said, "In 1955, in Nehru's pres-ence, an MP from Ghazipur raisedthe issue of people washing cowdung to find grain to eat. After that,a Patel Commission was set whichgave many recommendation forthe State. Now after 50 years, whathappened to those suggestions,God knows."

Poverty, he said, can be erad-icated only if poor are empow-ered, given resources and oppor-tunities as well as education,jobs, houses, drinking water andelectricity.

He questioned the policies pur-sued by the previous Governmentfor poverty eradication, sayingpoverty has only increased during

past years."We are working to fight

poverty," he said adding under thePradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana,free LPG connections will be pro-vided in the name of women mem-bers of BPL households.

In the first year, 1.5 crore

such connections will bereleased and the target of 5 crorewill be completed in three years,he said, comparing it to the just13 crore LPG connections pro-vided in 60 years of independ-ence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributing the free LPGconnections to the beneficiaries, under PM Ujjwala Yojana, atBallia, Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. (UNI)

Senior Army Comdrs meet at two places

India, China resolve to maintain peace along LAC in LadakhExcelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 1: TheArmies of India and Chinatoday expressed resolve tomaintain peace along the Lineof Actual Control (LAC) withtheir senior commanders hold-ing two border meets inChinese and Ladakh regionsas part of efforts to build cor-dial ties.

Both the Armies, which meton the occasion of theInternational Labour Day,agreed to uphold the treaties andagreements signed between theGovernments of the two sidesduring two ceremonial BorderPersonnel Meetings (BPMs) onthe Chinese and the Indian sidestoday, Defence spokespersons(Ministry of Defence) Col SDGoswami said.

He said the meetings tookplace at Chinese BPM Hut ofMoldo and TWD Garrison inEastern Ladakh.

"The delegation partedamidst feeling of friendship andcommitment towards enhancing

the existing cordial relations andmaintaining peace along theLAC,'' Col Goswami said.

"Both sides also sought tobuild on the mutual feeling touphold the treaties and agree-ment signed between the

Governments of the two sides tomaintain peace and tranquilityalong the LAC," he said.

At Moldo, the Indian delega-tion was led by Major GeneralSudhakar Jee and the Chinesedelegation by senior Col ZhanPeng Zhung and at TWD, Lt ColRC Barthwal, SM and Col SongZhan Li led the Indian andChinese delegations respectively.

The border personnel meet-ing was marked by saluting theNational flags by both the dele-gation members.

It was followed by the cere-monial address by both delega-tion leaders which reflected themutual desire of maintainingand improving relations at func-tional level at the border,sources said.

A cultural programme show-

Army officials of India and China in Eastern Ladakh onSunday.

Jammu to get big relief from power cuts Sarna-Gladni line with enhanced capacity

to be commissioned by mid-MayNishikant Khajuria

JAMMU, May 1: Thissummer, Jammu is likely toget a big relief from unsched-uled power cuts as the ongoingwork on enhancing capacity ofSarna-Hiranagar-Gladnitransmission line is all set to becompleted in next few days.

The capacity of 220 KVSarna-Hiranagar section and 220KV Hiranagar -Gladni section isbeing enhanced by carrying outLoop In Loop Out (LILO) of theexisting transmission line whichis presently on Zebra conduc-tors.

With LILO of 220 KVSarna-Gladni line at 400/220KV, 630 MVA Jatwal GridStation, Jammu can avail 200MWs of additional power, offi-cial sources informed the

Excelsior while adding that theongoing work is near comple-tion and the transmission linewith enhanced capacity is all setto be commissioned by the midof May.

With the enhanced capacityof Sarna-Hiranagar-Gladnitransmission line, people ofJammu, Kathua and Samba arelikely to get a major relief fromunscheduled power cuts, whichare forced during the peak hoursof summer, sources further said.

Even as LILO of 220 KVHiranagar-Sarna was agreed andstarted around an year ago bythe Powergrid under PowerSystem Planning of NorthernRegion, the State PowerDevelopment Department hadrequested Powergrid in Octoberlast also to carry out LILO of220 KV Gladni-Hiranagar sec-

tion at Jatwal (Samba) on prior-ity, sources informed.

The PDD request forextending the LILO was madein view of the fact that LILOof 220 KV SC Gladni-Hiranagar section at Samba(Jatwal) has more benefit,instead of LILO of 220 KVS/C Sarna-Hiranagar sectionof 220 KV S/C Sarna-Hiranagar-Gladni ISTS line,official sources explained.

Further, the congestion ismore on Gladni-Hiranagar sec-tion, which needed to be removedand therefore the PDD told thePowergrid that LILO of onlySarna - Hiranagar at Sambawould have no benefit as the con-gestion would not be removedwithout extending the LILO.

In the wake of this request,the Powergrid in its 37th meet-

ing of the Standing Committeeof Power System Planning ofNorthern Region, agreed toextend the LILO of Sarna -Hiranagar at Jatwal with LILOof Gladni -Hiranagar at Jatwal.

LILO of 220 KVHiranagar -Sarna S/C line atSamba (PG) was agreed duringthe 32nd and 33rd meeting ofthe Standing Committee ofPower System Planning ofNorthern Region and the linewas under advanced stage ofimplementation by Powergridwith commissioning scheduledin March, 2016 when State PDDhad requested Powergrid tocarry out LILO of Gladni -Hiranagar section at Jatwal.

With the LILO of Sarna-Hiranagar-Gladni transmissionline, Grid Station at Gladni will

Honest babus need not fear: Dr JitendraNEW DELHI, May 1:

The Government is committed to protecting and providing incen-tives to honest and performing civil servants but determined to acttough against corruption, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said today.

His comments came days after Coal Secretary Anil Swarup saidinstitutions or “5Cs”— CAG, CVC, CBI, CIC and the Courts—createan “inhibiting environment” that impacts “quick and effective decisionmaking”.

“The Government believes that bureaucrats are essential tool ofgood governance and good governance cannot be achieved with badtools,” said Singh, Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office.

He said the Centre has been consistently working on creating awork-friendly atmosphere for the bureaucrats so their initiatives or

Insecurity in PDP: Farooq SRINAGAR, May 1:

Upping the ante on ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP)over delay in the by-poll in Anantnag Assembly constituency andLocal Bodies polls, former Union Minister and NationalConference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah said it shows the inse-curity in the ruling party.

"I wish they (PDP) take the challenge and let people exercisetheir democratic right to vote to elect their representatives," DrAbdullah said. "But, it is the insecurity among the PDP leaders thatthey are not allowing the polls to happen," he said. "It also showwhere PDP stand on the ground in Kashmir valley," headded.(UNI)

Pak repatriates school boyExcelsior Correspondent

POONCH, May 1: Pakistani authorities today repatriated minorschool boy hailing from Balakote area of Mendhar Sub Divisionvia Chakkan-Da-Bagh cross LoC point.

Identified as 14 year-old Zulfkar Ali, son of Ghulam Hussain,resident of Balakote, the boy had crossedover to PoK three days ago after he was

thrashed by his parents. The boy had stolen a mobile phone of hisneighbour and the parents thrashed the boy. Annoyed over thethrashing, the minor boy, student of 8th class crossed the LoC andmoved to PoK.

He was captured by the Pak Rangers and placed under ques-tioning. The family contacted SDPO Mendhar Shahid Nahim whotook up the matter with the SSP and DC Poonch. They contacted

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Srinagar, Jammu record hottest dayExcelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR/JAMMU, May 1: The mercury has started soaringin Kashmir valley as Srinagar recorded hottest day of the seasontoday but the Meteorological Department has predicted three daywet spell starting from May 3.

A MeT official told Excelsior that the day temperature in sum-mer capital here today crossed 28 degree Celsius for the first time inthis season and thus is the highest so far. He said the maximum tem-perature was recorded 28.1 degree Celsius in Srinagar against 27.6on Saturday. The night temperature settled at 9.4 degree Celsius.

Due to bright Sunshine here today, the people removed warmgarments and instead put cotton and other light garments. The peo-ple were also seen drinking soft drinks, juice and eating ice-creamsto keep themselves cool. The Sunday flea market also witnessed agood rush with people buying cool garments for the summer season.

The day temperature also increased in other parts of the

Charges framed against ManagerExcelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 1: Special Judge Anticorruption (CBI cases), VinodChatterji Koul has framed corruption and other charges against TilakRaj Dogra, the then Chief Manager, Bank of Baroda, Gandhi Nagar,Des Raj (Patwari), Jaswant Singh and Said Mohd for committing fraudwith the bank.

According to the CBI case, Said Mohammed approached Bank ofBaroda Gandhi Nagar for loan for setting up of a new bee keeping unitat Birpur sponsored by KVIC under REGP. He got prepared a forgedproject report from M/s Suresh Ajit and Associates, Gandhi Nagar toavail the loan.

The pre inspection report was prepared by Jaswant Singh, CreditOfficer, Bank of Baroda, Gandhi Nagar in which he projected require-ment of the borrower for term loan as Rs 21.37 lakh against the bor-rower requirement of Rs 20.12 lakh and working capital of Rs 3.50lakh. It was falsely mentioned by him that the proposed loan was

World’s largest telescope in LadakhNEW DELHI, May 1:

Hawaii’s loss may turn out to be Ladakh’s gain.After protests in Hawaii in the US against the proposed Thirty

Metre Telescope (TMT) project, the largest to be built, alternativesites are being explored which includes Hanle in Ladakh.

The project, aimed at exploring the universe, was to come up atMauna Kea in Hawaii. But protests by the locals and indigenouspopulation has stalled the project.

“The construction was expected to start on Mauna Kea, Hawaiiin 2015. However, it is now stalled due to the recent decision of theSupreme court of Hawaii revoking the construction permit on pro-cedural grounds.

“The State of Hawaii agencies are working on the permitprocess following the prescribed procedure by the court. TMT ispursuing the matter in consultation with the University of Hawaii(land lease holder) and other agencies. It seeks to construct TMTon Mauna Kea which is the preferred choice,” said Bacham Eswar

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SSP PCR Jammu yet to submit documents to CB

CB gets 15-day extensionfor report on SRE scam

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