Kargil await tourists

Hussian Khaloo
Agence India Press, Correspondent
July 7, 2009
Kargil
They braved shells to feed and shelter about 100 scribes during the Kargil conflict and now ten years later they continue to function with a smile and open arms waiting for the area to be thrown open to tourists.
'Hotel Siachen' and 'De Zozilla' were the two hotels that catered to journalists from various media houses, which had thronged the otherwise little known Kargil for the coverage of the 1999 conflict.
And now a decade later, their staff still remembers the trauma and jubilation that they went through as news of either an Indian soldier being killed or another point being recaptured from the clutches of the Pakistan's army, poured in respectively.
"Earlier, I had thought of going to Srinagar but the reporters persuaded me in keeping the hotel open despite the shells which were landing in the nearby market (Lal Chowk) where my hotel is located," Mohammed Sadiq, the owner of 'Hotel Siachen' said.
Sadiq, 55, who ran the 23-room hotel when the conflict was as its peak and the town deserted because of heavy shelling from the enemy's side, said what kept him going was the fact that the journalists were taking risk and doing their job, and they would not have a place to stay if he shuts down the hotel.

Power shutdown on July 8, 14
Agence India Press Bureau
July 7, 2009
Srinagar

Following repairs of 33 KV Pampore-Chadoora lines, power supply to the areas fed from it shall remain disrupted on July 8 and July 14 from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Chari Mubarak reaches Pahalgam
Agence India Press Bureau
July 7, 2009
Anantnag



The Chari Mubarak led by Mahant Dependra Giri accompanied by a large number of Sadhus reached Pahalgam today.
Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag along with other district officers received the Chari Mubarak.

Vyas Purnima observed at Amarnath Cave
Agence India Press Bureau
July 7, 2009
Anantnag

Vyas Purnima, also known as Guru Puranmashi, was marked by a special Pooja at the Amarnath shirne early Tuesday morning with devotees chanting religious hymns and paying obeisance at the sanctum sanctorum.
The Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, B B Vyas, accompanied by Madan Mantoo, Additional Chief Executive Officer of the Board, Dr. C M Seth, Environment Consultant of the Board, K G Bamba, General Manager Works of the Board, and other officers of the Civil Administration and the Shrine Board joined the devotees in offering Pooja in the ambience of the Cave and the devotees praying for peace and universal brotherhood.
In the yester years, from times immemorial, the Vyas Purnima marked the commencement of the annual pilgrimage of Shri Amarnathji in the Himalayan region of Kashmir.
A large number of devotees kept thronging the Cave Shrine from the Baltal and the traditional route of Pahalgam on the 22nd day of the Yatra today. Groups of Yatris climbed up to the sanctum sanctorum from the wee hours this morning to perform darshan.
Vyas discussed the arrangements made in the Cave periphery, particularly with regard to the cleanliness and sanitation, with the officers of the Shrine Board and the Civil Administration. He also took stock of the facilities being provided by the various utility departments, especially the health services. He stressed the crucial importance of providing timely medical assistance to the ailing pilgrims all along the high altitude track, and informed that the Shrine Board was organizing prompt air-rescue of the critically ill Yatris. So far, seven such rescues by helicopters have been organized by the Board.
Later, the Chief Executive Officer took an extensive round of the Baltal Base Camp and reviewed the functioning of various service providers. He discussed with the local officers the arrangements put in place for the smooth conduct of the Yatra.
Vyas also interacted with the pilgrims and enquired about the arrangements made for them at the Base Camps, enroute and in the Holy Cave area who generally appreciated the arrangements made by the Shrine Board, the Civil Administration and the Security Forces for ensuring a smooth Yatra.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson of the SASB said the pilgrimage to the Cave of Amarnath was progressing smoothly on both the routes, adding that well over two lakh pilgrims had performed darshan at the Cave so far since the commencement of this year’s pilgrimage on June 16 from Baltal and June 26 from Pahalgam.
He said that 3000 pilgrims left from the Nunwan Base Camp and 4929 from the Baltal Base Camp to the Holy Cave this morning. Similarly, another batch of 1920 Yatris left from Jammu for the Nunwan and Baltal Base Camps today, he added.

DGP announces bravery awards
Agence India Press Bureau
July 07, 2009
Srinagar

The Director General of Police (DGP), Kuldeep Khoda presided over Police Establishment Board meeting held at Police Headquarters (PHQ), here today and sanctioned out-of-turn promotions in favour of 13 police personnel of Central Kashmir Range (CKR).
The promotions have been awarded in recognition of their bravery while fighting militancy in the State besides saving life and property of people. He lauded the role of these police personal for excellent liaison with the public as well.
Khoda said that during past 25 years of turmoil, the personnel and officers of Police played a commendable role in fighting militancy and normalizing situation during which many of them were killed. He said the police was indebted to those officers and personnel who sacrificed their lives in service of the nation. He said the department would always come forward to provide every possible assistance to the families of these men, adding these families were members of entire police organization and “it is our moral duty to nurture them”.
DGP said that in the second phase, 13 brave personnel have been promoted out-of-turn from District Srinagar and Budgam which include one Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) promoted as Sub-Inspector (SI), one Head Constable (HC) promoted as Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), three Selection Grade Constables (Sgcts) promoted as Head Constables (HCs) and eight Constables promoted as Selection Grade Constables.
Khoda said the Police had largely contributed in bringing normalcy in the State with active support of people, who are peace partners. He said had succeeded in maintaining a constant operational pressure on the militants in collaboration with other forces.

‘Allow functioning of schools during strikes’
Agence India Press Bureau
July 07, 2009
Srinagar

The minister for School Education and Public Enterprises, Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed has reiterated the commitment of government to provide quality and job oriented education to the students.
Peerzada said this while chairing a meeting of officers on Tuesday convened to take stock teaching activities as well as the conduct of examinations in the State.
He stressed for ensuring optimal utilization of current academic session to enable the students complete their syllabus well in time so that they can compete with students of other states in national level competitions.
Peerzada emphasised that effective schooling and responsible parentage are pre-requisite for equipping the younger generation to take up the emerging opportunities. He said by doing so poor people can enhance their socio-economic status. Denouncing the frequent hartals and bandhs, he said such conditions adversely affect the academics of the students.
Peerzada appealed to the people in general and of district Shopian in particular to allow proper functioning of the academic institutions. He reminded the people about the academic loss students are incurring due to continuous strikes and its implications on the society as a whole in the long run.

Rather takes stock of Charar fire incident
Agence India Press Bureau
July 07, 2009
Srinagar

The minister for Finance, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Abdul Rahim Rather accompanied by deputy commissioner, Budgam, today visited Charar-e-Sharief town and took stock of the situation arising out of the devastating fire incident which broke out in the town yesterday destroying 25 structures.
Interacting with the sufferers, Rather assured that immediate steps would be taken for the proper rehabilitation of victims. He said the government stands with the fire victims in the hour of grief.
The Minister issued on the spot instructions to Administration to assess the losses and furnish a detailed report to the government within two days so that adequate relief measures were taken.
He also directed the Administration for providing urgent interim relief to the affected families in the shape of ration, tents, blankets and utensils, enabling them to carry on their normal activities.

Religions teach tolerance, truth, honesty: Prof Wahid
Agence India Press Bureau
July 07, 2009
Srinagar


The Vice-Chancellor, Central University of the State, Prof Abdul Wahid today said the objective of education should be all round development of a person which include physical, mental and spiritual.
“By imparting education, we develop faculties and awareness among the students, adding that an educated person lives a purposeful life.”
Prof Wahid was addressing National Youth Camp on its seventh day here, organized by National Youth Services and Sports Department in collaboration with State Youth Services and Srinagar Municipal Corporation.
“Education not only builds capacity for enquiry and research, but also leads to innovation use of modern technology and leadership. Therefore, every individual should be provided education to bring perfection in his personality,” Prof Wahid added.
He said all religions teach tolerance, compassion, truth and honesty. He said the best approach towards life was to live in harmony and mutual tolerance in the society.
Referring to the efforts of Youth Services and Sports Departments and SMC to organize the youth camp, Professor Wahid said such camps create an atmosphere of National Integration, tranquillity and amity among various sections of the society.

PIB to launch awareness campaign
Agence India Press Bureau
July 07, 2009
Bandipora



The Press Information Bureau Unit here would launch a comprehensive Public Information Campaign in Bandipora to aware the masses about the implementation of various centrally sponsored schemes in the district.
This was disclosed in a joint meeting of the officers of district administration Bandipora and the officers of Information and Broadcasting Ministry here today.
Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, M S Sood chaired the meeting. Additional District Development Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Director, Press Information Bureau Unit Srinagar were also present in the meeting.
The meeting decided to organize 3-day exhibition from August 4 in SK Stadium Bandipora where nearly 40 stalls would be set up by various agencies implementing the centrally sponsored schemes in Bandipora district. During the exhibition achievements registered in various fields sponsored by the Central Government would be highlighted.
The meeting was informed that during the publicity campaign variety programmes, seminars, children rallies and interaction sessions would also be organized.

Govt committed to restore glory of Dal, Nageen: Tara Chand
Agence India Press Bureau
July 07, 2009
Srinagar


“Not only Dal and Nageen lakes are required to be revived, beautified, but the entire surrounding of these lakes demand massive beautification drive,” said deputy chief minister, Tara Chand, during his visit to Dal and Nagin, Pokhribal and its surrounding areas including Hazratbal, North Fore-Shore road (NFR), Shalimar, Nishat, Brain, Boulevard road, Dalgate and other areas.
Tara Chand said the Dal and Nageen were not only epitome of beauty, but their national and international importance has been acknowledged since times immemorial.
Last month, the Tara Chand, along with senior officers, had made a visit to this area and today within one month, outcome of his instructions was reflected on ground. He appreciated the concerned department of quick action for preservation of lakes and beautification of its surroundings.
It was only in the late 60s when traditional parapet, which has archive value, was constructed from Dalgate up to Lam, but within only one month, as per the instructions of the deputy chief minister, the parapet has been extended from Lam to Nishat and the work to connect it up to Hazratbal is in accelerated mode. The work is going on round-the-clock to extend the parapet to holy Hazratbal Shrine, covering entire area of NFR.
Tara Chand inspected the ongoing landscaping work on NFR done for enhancing the beauty of the lake. Detecting the junkyard of LAWDA on the sides of NFR near Ishbar, Nishat, he gave instructions to immediately remove it within 15 days so that the land is merged with surrounding piece of land. He also advised LAWDA to develop available 13 kanal of land on the sides of NFR into a beautiful park.
He visited Dal dwellers colony, inhabitants of which have been rehabilitated. He also inspected the under-execution work on roads.
Tara Chand instructed SMC to construct a bus-stop in front of Nishat Garden.
Later, the deputy chief minister inspected the Intermediate Pumping Station (IPS), work on which is presently underway at an estimated cost of Rs. 1 crore. He gave directions to LAWDA for immediate commissioning of the same and kept July 22 as deadline.
On a surprise check of sewerage line being laid outside National Institute of Technology (NIT) and Brain, the Deputy Chief Minister gave instructions were to executing agencies for proper quality check. Vice Chairman, LAWDA, was asked to submit a detailed report about the material used. SE, LAWDA was instructed to remain stationed to personally check ongoing works.


Pranab confident of growth
Manoj Khar
Agence India Press, Correspondent
July 7, 2009
New Delhi

In his first post-Budget interaction with India Inc, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday appeared confident of pushing India back on growth track despite the “calculated” risk of high fiscal deficit.
While accepting that fiscal deficit of 6.8 per cent (projected for current fiscal) was a cause of concern, Pranab said that it was a conscious decision to focus on growth even at the cost of fiscal prudence.
He, however, assured the gathering that it will be brought under control in the medium- and long-term.
Setting a target of bringing down the fiscal deficit to 5.5 per cent in 2010-11 and 2011-12, he said the Finance Ministry would work hard in the next 7-8 months to achieve this target.
"A single budget cannot solve all the problems," he added.
Dismissing concerns that the government may look to roll back the stimulus packages provided to the industry, Pranab said, “I am happy, at the same time a bit nervous; of course, I am assured, as I was told…thank God you have not rolled back what you gave (earlier stimulus packages) earlier.”
Throwing light on his decision against any roll back on the sops given to the industry even at the cost of an ever increasing fiscal deficit, he said, “No doubt I have taken a risk, perhaps it (fiscal deficit) is the highest in terms of budgetary figures, but the basic approach with which I worked is that we must come back to growth path as fast as possible.”
He added, “Growth should not be in mere statistical terms but it should be inclusive.”
With regard to the timing of the budget, Pranab said that he has fulfilled his political commitment of presenting the budget within 45 days of government formation.
Adding that the budget was presented at the earliest so as to remove the prevalent economic uncertainty, he however said on a cautious note that uncertainty will continue at least till the Finance Bill is passed and money is released.
Slowdown to continue
Pranab, while accepting that the dark clouds of a slowdown are still on the horizon said, “The available indications point out that the global meltdown is set to continue even in the current year.”
“It was difficult to prepare the budget in this view. My colleagues had to literally burn the midnight oil as tax receipts are down, thus we had to depend on borrowed resources to boost public resources," said Pranab.
“Few manufacturing sectors are starting to show positive signals but I cannot say we are out of the economic slowdown,” he added.
On the murmurs that more could have been done in terms of tax rate cuts to boost the industry, the FM categorically said that whatever was possible in the present context has been done, pointing to positive decisions on the Fringe Benefit Tax, Corporate Tax and Cenvat.
“All the tax decisions were… I hope were bold. They were meant to ensure that India Inc remains competitive.”
Disinvestment
On the lack of any announcement on any roadmap on disinvestment, Pranab said, the national budget was not the document to spell out micro policy details and the UPA government remained committed to divestment in state-run firms without diluting their public sector character.
"I have made it very clear that we intend to include the public in disinvestment programmes," Mukherjee told the interactive meeting with India Inc.
"Budget is not a document to chart out micro policy details," he said, responding to comments across the spectrum that the budget gave little direction on the government's divestment programme.

India Inc shells out Rs 1.75 lakh cr for taxes
Agence India Press Bureau
July 7, 2009
New Delhi
Corporate India shelled out Rs 1,75,428 crore as taxes, including corporate tax and the Fringe Benefit Tax, in 2007-08 financial year.
For the purpose of estimating the tax expenditure, data pertaining to 4,10,451 companies with a total income of Rs 4,79,898 crore during 2007-08 were analysed in the Budget for 2009-10.
"These companies paid Rs 1,58,225 crore as corporate tax (inclusive of surcharge and education cess) during the same financial year (2007-08)," the Budget document stated.
"These companies also paid Rs 6,533 crore as Fringe Benefit Tax and Rs 10,670 crore as Dividend Distribution Tax during the year," it added.
The total tax expenditure for Corporate India comes out to Rs 1,75,428 crore in the reviewed fiscal.
The companies reported Rs 7,11,557 crore as profits before taxes (excluding the loss-making companies) in 2007-08.
In a comparison of the effective tax rate of public sector companies with that of private sector ones, the document said, "It is evident that the public companies pay a larger proportion of their profits as tax than the private companies."

PM leaves to attend G-8 Summit
Ashish Mehra
Agence India Press, Correspondent
July 7, 2009
New Delhi


Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh left for Italy on Tuesday to attend the G-8 Summit in L'Aquila.
During his four-day visit, Dr Singh is expected to meet US President Barack Obama and other leaders.
He will discuss several issues, including climate change, energy and food security with G-8 leaders and those from outreach countries like China, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa.
Prior to the G-8 leaders meeting, he will attend a meeting of the G-5 group involving China, India, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa.
The summit will primarily focus on winding down expensive stimulus packages for recession-hit financial systems.
Besides the financial crisis, the summit will also discuss the issue of protectionism, food and energy security.
This will be the fifth time that the Prime Minister will attend a G-8 summit since 2003.
Briefing reporters on Dr Singh's visit, Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon said India is willing to discuss proposals to replace the US dollar as the global reserve currency.
Menon said India is open to discussing all issues relevant to finding a way out of the world financial downturn, including the dollar's status.
"This would be one of the ideas which are on the table. There have been ideas and we are ready to discuss all of them," he said.
Menon said the discussions would focus on "what might have caused the imbalances, what enables the world to prevent future imbalances".
"One of the big subjects will be the recovery, how to promote recovery, where to find the sources of future growth, what sort of growth we are looking at so that's going to be one of the big issue. The other big issue, which we think will run through the summit, is also climate change. As we work our way unto Copenhagen in December, this is an issue, which the national community will need to address there. They'll get a chance to talk about it," he added.
India has a more critical role to play on climate change, as the 17-member Major Economies Forum (MEF), responsible for about 80 per cent of carbon emissions, meets on the sidelines of the summit. Indian officials said MEF leaders are likely agree on a token declaration because Obama will chair and will not want to be seen leaving empty-handed.
Menon further said that for the first time the G-8 and the G-5 would issue a joint declaration.
"It's a process of evolution. To begin with perhaps, yes there was a tendency, for the G-8 to issue their declaration before they even met G-5 or whatever. This time for the first time ever there is likely to be joint G-8 plus G-5 declaration," he said.

‘India for coordinated response to counter recession’

Manoj Khar
Agence India Press, Correspondent
July 7, 2009
New Delhi


India wants a concerted and well-coordinated global response to address systemic failures and to stimulate the real economy, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said.
"Global economic slowdown that we are witnessing is mostly harmful for the development of developing countries like India. There has not been crisis of our production, but we have to stand its consequences," he said in a statement before leaving to attend G-8 Summit in Italy.
"The slowdowns in some advanced countries, has affected our exports, fortifies protectionist sentiments and have also impacted our credit and funds flows. We would, therefore, like to see a concentrated and well-coordinated global response to address systemic failures and to stimulate real economy," Sing added.

During his four-day stay in Italy, Singh will also attend a meeting of the leaders of the G-5 group of 'outreach' countries comprising Brazil, China, Mexico and South Africa and India.

The Prime Minister also said, "In the longer run, we would like to see a much higher level of stability and sustainability in growth patterns of the developed world, and in international financial governance."

Singh said this occasion will be for projecting India's views on major global issues relating to the world economic and financial crisis and the impact on development, food security, energy security and climate change, international trade negotiations and improvement of international institutions.

Besides G-8 summit in the Italian city LA-quila, Sing will also take part in the meetings of the main Economies Forum on Trade Matters and Climate Change, and will also be in a meeting on food security being organised by Italy, in which a number of African nations will take part.

In a statement Singh said those issues of food security; energy security and climate change were closely interlinked. "We have to be approached them as a single mission when we are to give meaning to the idea of sustainable growth."
The Prime Minister said, "It is the developing countries that are the worst affected by climate change. What we are observing today is the result of over two centuries of industrial activity and high consumption lifestyles in the developed world,” he said adding that, "They have to bear this historic responsibility.”
He said, India will actively take part in the international talks on climate change within the structure of the United Nations Framework gathering on Climate Change and the Bali Action Plan.
Prime Minister is expected to have bilateral meetings with leaders of the UK, Italy, Germany, Japan and Angola during his stay in Italy.

RBI, fin ministry officials meet on July 17
Agence India Press Bureau
July 7, 2009
New Delhi


Union Finance Ministry and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) officials will meet in New Delhi on July 17 to finalise the new borrowing plan for the April-September period, Finance Secretary Ashok Chawla said on Tuesday.
In the 2009-10 Budget released on Monday, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said the government would borrow Rs 4.51 trillion (USD 93 billion) in the year to March 31, much higher than an Interim Budget estimate of Rs 3.62 trillion.
The RBI had earlier outlined a schedule to borrow Rs 2.41 trillion in the first half of 2009/10.

Selja assures Jora of financial assistance
Agence India Press Bureau
July 7, 2009
New Delhi

The minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora called on Union minister of State for Tourism, Kumari Selja here today.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed various issues pertaining to development of tourism industry in J&K.
Asking for Centre’s cooperation in creation of tourism-related infrastructure in the State, Jora said the sector was vital to the economy of J&K and promotion of tourism-related activities could help the State in generating wealth, including foreign exchange.
He also invited Kumari Selja to visit J&K to take a firsthand appraisal of the tourism sector.
Kumari Selja appreciated the role of State Tourism Ministry in promoting tourism and assured Jora that liberal financial assistance would be extended to augment infrastructure so that the State is equipped to accommodate more and more tourists. Selja said she would be visiting the State in the second or third week of July and will take an overall view of the potential of J&K especially in adventure, pilgrim and heritage tourism.