SRINAGAR: Ministry of Home Affairs has posted senior IPS officer Nitish Kumar to Jammu and Kashmir following his repatriation from central deputation.
Nitish Kumar
Quoting an order, news agency KNO reported that Nitish Kumar of AGMUT cadres was on central deputation for few years.
“Consequent upon his repatriation from Central Deputation, Sh. Nitish Kumar, IPS (AGMUT:1999) is hereby posted to Jammu & Kashmir with immediate effect and until further orders,” read the order.
SRINAGAR: Three members of a family were injuries after their house caught fire last night in Poonch district, officials said on Friday.
Quoting officials news agency GNS reported that yesterday around 10:30 p.m., house of Mohammad Akram son of Sadar Din resident of Arai Village caught fire. Subsequently there was also a cylinder blast which amplified the fire. Three members of the family sustained burnt injured and were shifted to district hospital Poonch for further treatment. They have been identified as Imer Din, his wife Zaytoon Akhter and Saleema Akhter wife of Mohammad Akram.
Soon after the incident a joint team of Police, army and firefighters reached the spot and the fire was brought under control, they said.
Meanwhile, a police officer said that investigation has been initiated to ascertain the cause of the fire.
In January 2022, the result of seven district judges’ posts was declared. None of the 217 appearing candidates from Jammu and Kashmir was able to qualify for the examination.
High Court of Jammu and Kashmir
In early 2022, the Supreme Court expressed concerns over the retrogressing quality of legal education in the country. The court observed that the problem starts at law schools only. The comment by the Apex court on the quality of legal education must be seriously considered.
People from different quarters of the legal fraternity from time to time have been flagging concerns over the deteriorating quality of legal education in India. In order to address the issue and improve the quality of legal education in India, the Bar Council of India envisaged a “model law school with university status to act as a pace-setter for legal education reforms.”
In line with the second-generation legal education reform proposed by the Indian Bar Council, various state governments replicated the idea, thereby paving the way for the establishment of a total of 23 such universities so far.
While the quality of legal education is constantly deteriorating in Jammu and Kashmir, the issue can be well addressed by the establishment of a National Law University (NLU), as envisaged by the Bar Council of India.
The proposal for the establishment of the National Law University in Jammu and Kashmir traces its origin to the resolution moved by the All India Law Ministers Conference in 1995. It was unanimously resolved to set up a law school in each state modelled on the National Law School University for raising the standard of professional legal education across the country.
In 2018, Jammu and Kashmir’s law students were thrilled, when the then BJPDP coalition government passed the Jammu and Kashmir National Law University Bill in the assembly. After the act was passed, the piece of legislation needed the governor’s nod. The then governor N N Vohra raised certain questions over the proposal, which stopped the process.
However, on October 1 2019, Governor Satya Pal Malik gave assent to the bill for the establishment of a National Law University in Jammu and Kashmir.
Soon after the bifurcation of the erstwhile State into two Union Territories, after some amendments in Jammu and Kashmir National Law University Act, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs formally adopted the Act. There has been an interlude of nearly two and half years since the Act was formally adopted by the Ministry of Home Affairs. But though approved two and half years back in 2019, there has been no headway on setting up of the University.
After three decades of establishing the first National Law School in Bangalore, we currently have 23 such NLUs spread across the country. Maharashtra has three National Law Universities. Similarly, Madhya Pradesh has two NLUs, of which the recent one is at Jabalpur. The state of Uttar Pradesh is set to establish its second National Law University in Prayagraj. Many NLUs are in the pipeline in various states like Tripura, Uttarakhand and Sikkim.
Regrettably, Jammu and Kashmir despite being the 12th largest among the 37 State/UT in terms of geographical area and 19th in terms of population with more than 14 million people are yet to have its own National Law University.
Presently, Jammu and Kashmir has a total of three government Universities and seven private law colleges which offer law courses like LLB and BA-.LLB. Government universities include the University of Kashmir, the University of Jammu, Central University of Kashmir. Private law colleges include Kashmir law college, Vitasta School of Law and Humanities, Kashmir Creative Education Foundation (KCEF) Law College, Sopore Law college in Kashmir division and KC Law College, Dogra Law College and Ashoka Law College in Jammu division.
But the aforementioned government universities and private law colleges are incomparable with the National Law Universities in terms of quality of education, admission criteria, curriculum, examination, and the qualifications of the faculty members.
Starting from low placement records to lack of infrastructure, law schools in Jammu and Kashmir, are today grappling with a series of problems. They are not student-friendly. They don’t have student bodies which could represent the academic interests of students and properly put the grievances and demands of students before the administration.
The government universities and private law colleges here are more focused on teaching theory and hardly give any training for mooting, debating etc. Their pedagogy and teaching methods are antiquated. Here in most colleges internship is still unheard of concept.
In these law schools, the classic examination pattern is used where students’ grades are based on their ability to memorise a few topics rather than their analytical and practical abilities. Students memorise the laws but are left confused by their application to our daily lives.
In fact, legal education in private colleges of Jammu and Kashmir has now developed as a potential business activity for law institutions, where legal education rules go for a toss repeatedly. These collages are still accustomed to the traditional style of lecturing in a classroom. As a result, the students studying in these colleges not only lack adequate knowledge of the subject but also lack the requisite skills to adequately practise in the courts.
Ummar Jamal
In January 2022, the result of seven district judges’ posts was declared. None of the 217 appearing candidates from Jammu and Kashmir was able to qualify for the examination.
Legal education is one of the most important fields for the country’s development and preservation of democracy and the rule of law. With such serious observation by the SC and declining standards of legal education, the Jammu and Kashmir government must acknowledge this demand and set up an NLU, where every bright mind from the various socio-economic class of society could make a career in law.
(Author is a Law student at Kashmir University. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of TheNewsCaravan.)
SRINAGAR: Ahead of formal inauguration of third edition of Khelo India 2023, a series of events were organized here at Highland Park, Gulmarg to mark the beginning of the biggest sporting extravaganza from tomorrow.
Union Minister Anurag Thakur inaugurates Night Ski Demonstration in LED Suits at Highland Park Gulmarg
On the occasion, Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Singh Thakur, inaugurated Night Ski Demonstration in LED suits by skiers.
Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, R R Bhatnagar, Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Secretary Tourism, Sarmad Hafeez, Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, Dr Sehrish Asgar and Secretary, J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul besides large number of sports lovers were present on the occasion.
Other events that lit the ambience of Snow Capped Gulmarg were Mashaal show by skiers besides LED dance group and Fire Cracker shows.
Addressing on the occasion, Union Minister said Khelo India is one of the major sports events initiated by the government which has received overwhelming response and participation from across the country. He informed that 1500 players from across India are taking part in this 3rd edition of Khelo India to compete for different sports.
“This will be a historical event which will give a unique and memorable experience to the participants,” Union Minister maintained.
While sharing his first time experience of playing Snow Cricket at Tangmarg, Union Minister said, “I have played multiple games and Cricket but it was really great to play this pleasant sport which has given me a unique feeling”.
He lauded the UT administration for launching this innovative game in J&K saying that efforts would be initiated to introduce this sport in other states having the similar climate.
He complimented Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, led government for transforming sports profile of the UT and taking the fit India movement to every nook and corner of J&K.
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President and MP from Srinagar Dr Farooq Abdullah on Thursday asked people to unite against the divisive forces that are trying to disenfranchise them of their identity, land and resources.
This he said while stressing on the importance of maintaining unity in the ongoing struggle for restoration of J&K’s rights in Budgam. “I see no way of achieving anything in J&K without a lasting unity between different sections of our society. Unity in diversity must be our creed to last for all times and under all circumstances, otherwise there is no end in sight to our common problems in the shape of poverty, unemployment,” he said.
The cost of not forging unity will be borne out by our future generations, he said, “Recent developments across Jammu and Kashmir have heighten people’s fears. They talked of hand holding youth and bridging ‘Dil Ki Doori’. Hearts aren’t won by making poor and hapless people homeless. Far from winning the hearts, they have further alienated the people. Kashmiris, Gujjars, Dogras or Paharis are already suffering on multiple accounts. Snatching roofs from their heads will only precipitate the already grim situation. I hope the government retracts from the path it has chosen in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani, and Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq were also present on the occasion.
SRINAGAR: The government on Thursday said that around 5000 kanals of custodian land have been retrieved across Kashmir in the last two years and that the people whose property is being illegally occupied by the land grabbers should approach the department to take a due course in this regard.
Quoting custodian Evacuee Property Department, Kashmir, Tariq Hussain Naik news agency KNO reported that the department has been putting every effort to identify the custodian land that has been notified years ago.
“We have been working from the last two years to ascertain how much land is notified and how much land is in the records in the Revenue department. Almost 80 per cent of our reconciliation has been completed with the Revenue Department so far,” he said. He also added that so far, the department has been able to retrieve around 5000 kanals of custodian land in different districts across Kashmir.
He added that there is a misconception and to end it, the people should know that the custodian land is only a private property. “We are retrieving the land and the process under Evacuee Act is being followed. If a property is notified once, it will remain so until and unless somebody will not claim the land through proper procedure,” he said.
Stating that the retrieval of custodian land at present is not new, but it is a continuous process; however, he said that nobody will be displaced or disturbed anywhere.
“As per the procedure, if a structure is being raised anywhere illegally on the custodian land, we demolish it, but if a structure is already raised years ago, then we have a provision for that and we will have to notify it following which the rent is being fixed,” he said.
He also said that if the land of any person has been grabbed illegally by anyone, he or she should approach the department and a due course will be taken as per the provision of the Act to restore the property under section 14 of the Evacuee Property Act.
SRINAGAR: The Geological Survey of India on Thursday said it has found lithium deposits for the first time in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to a statement, GSI said it has found 5.9 million tonnes of Lithium inferred resources in the Reasi district.
It said lithium inferred resources (G3) of 5.9 million tonnes have been found in Salal-Haimana area of Reasi.
The lithium deposits are very critical for India as the government has been focussing on electric cars.
Quoting District Mineral Officer Reasi Shafiq Ahmad news agency KNO reported that there was presence of Bauxite in composite form and during its further processing Lithium was also discovered.
“GSI has now approved it and it will be taken for auction after Lithium reserves were found. We had explored it earlier also but now this time it has been approved by GSI,” he said.
He added it will now be taken up for auction at the country and UT level as it is a major mineral and has been found first time in the country.
Deputy Commissioner Reasi Babila Rakwal said that they are further working on it and she will soon get the exact input from the concerned officials.
SRINAGAR: Taking cognizance of poor revenue realization despite providing a reliable power supply amid harsh winters, the Sub Divisions of KPDCL launched a fresh massive disconnection drive of chronic defaulters.
In the first place, connections of only 1329 consumers were disconnected to sensitize the masses to clear their liabilities on account of electricity bills and develop habits of paying electricity bills in time.
Presently, KPDCL is overburdened with huge arrears on account of domestic electricity dues of around 804 Cr and this sample base of 1329 defaulters had accumulated arrears to the tune of Rs 12.67Cr. The Disconnection drive has successfully realized substantial arrears as on date and is expected to be cleared soon.
Time and again, the general public is informed of the Amnesty Scheme launched by the Govt of JK (UT) for its domestic electricity consumers with large outstanding dues, wherein a consumer can pay his outstanding bill in maximum 12 easy monthly installments.
It is impressed upon all the consumers of KPDCL with huge electricity bill outstanding dues that this successful disconnection drive shall be continued with greater force.
Important to mention that KPDCL has come out with large infrastructure additions for providing better, more efficient and reliable power supply while keeping extremely low tariff rates to its consumers.
Although the Department has played an active role in motivating and facilitating revenue realization by way of social awareness of judicious electricity use and timely payment of electricity bills, still a large percentage of KPDCL consumers are hesitant in clearing their long outstanding electricity dues.
All consumers in general and defaulters, in particular, are advised to clear their electricity outstanding dues or avail Amnesty Scheme without further delay and help KPDCL to avoid the inconvenience to consumers by the act of disconnection of their power supply.
SRINAGAR: The Health & Medical Education Department, J&K has banned two doctors from the Government Medical College Baramulla from conducting private practice across Jammu and Kashmir.
The ban affects Dr Zafarullah, an Assistant Professor of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) and Dr. Shafaqat Ahmad Lone, an Associate Professor of ENT, Officials said that both are posted at GMC Baramulla.
According to Government Order No: 123 JK(HME) of 2023 the ban on private practice has been imposed on the two doctors for referral of patients from Public hospital to Private Hospitals for availing treatment/benefits.
The order prohibits them from conducting private practice across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Pending enquiry to the allegations, regarding the issue related to the referral of patients from Public hospital to Private Hospitals for availing treatment/benefits under AB PM-JAY & AB PM-JAY SEHAT Scheme and illegal up-coding of packages, two doctors are hereby banned from doing any private practice across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, with immediate effect,” order reads.
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday sacked an Assistant Prosecuting Officer from service, three years after eight gram contraband substance was recovered from his possession in Rajouri.
Quoting an order news agency KNO reported that Waseem Ahmed Qureshi, the then Assistant Public Prosecutor in the Court of Judicial Magistrate, Ukhral while on his way to Rajouri on 04-05-2020 was found to be in possession of 8 gms of Contraband substance by a Police party of Rajouri Police.
“A case FIR No. 230/2020 u/s 8(a), 21/29 of NDPS Act, 1985 was registered in Police Station, Rajouri. The Officer has acted in a manner unbecoming of a public servant and has also failed to maintain absolute integrity thus violating Rule 3(1)(i) and (iii) of J&K Government Employees(Conduct) Rules, 1971, Waseem Ahmed Qureshi, Prosecuting Officer (under suspension) was arrested on 10.02.2022 by Jammu Police for his alleged involvement in a case FIR No. 18/2022 u/s 8/12/22/25/29 of NDPS Act registered in Police Station, Nowabad for possession of Contraband substance. The Officer has acted in a manner, unbecoming of a public servant and has also failed to maintain absolute integrity thus violating Rule 3(1)(i) and (iii) of J&K Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1971 and his after his suspension vide Government Order No. 119- Home of 2020 dated 29.05.2020, failed to report in the office Deputy Director, Prosecution Ramban, where he was attached, w.e.f. 17.10.2021. The action of the Officer of not obeying the orders of the authorities is in Rule 3(1)(i) and (iii) of J&K Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1971,” it added.
Accordingly, in terms of Rule 33 of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1956, the government ordered an inquiry. “The Competent Authority, approved the report submitted by the Inquiry Officer and directed imposition of a penalty, provided in Rule 30(viii) of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1956, upon the delinquent officer.”
Pursuant to the decision of the Competent Authority and before imposing the penalty on Qureshi, a show cause notice dated 23 December 2022 alongwith the summary of the proceedings of the Inquiry was served upon Qureshi, giving him an opportunity to show cause, within a period of 15 days, as to why the penalty be not imposed on him, it reads.
“Instead of responding to the show cause notice, the delinquent officer vide his reply dated 10.01.2023, inter-alia, stated that he should be given more time to respond to the show cause notice,” it further reads.
“The reply submitted by the delinquent officer was examined in consultation with the DG, Prisons, J&K and it was observed that the delinquent officer was attempting to evade the penalty by narrating misleading facts,” the order said, adding, “It was further observed that the facts narrated in the reply had already been considered by the Inquiry Officer and the delinquent officer had failed to give any cogent reason, warranting consideration for imposing a lesser penalty.”
“The reply given by the delinquent officer alongwith all the details were again placed before the Competent Authority and the Competent Authority chose not to change the decision of imposing the penalty of ‘dismissal from service of the State which ordinarily disqualifies from future employment’ upon the delinquent officer,” the order reads.
“Now, therefore, in terms of Rule 30(viii) of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1956, Shri Waseem Ahmed Qureshi, Prosecuting Officer is dismissed from service, with immediate effect, which will also disqualify him from future employment,” it added.
