Tag: debate

How Artificial Intelligence Is Unlocking New World of Possibilities?

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by Raashid Andrabi
With AI websites, tasks can be automated quickly and accurately, allowing businesses to be more productive and efficient.
Artificial Intelligence, Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Robotics
The introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the way we live, work and play. AI applications have made mundane tasks easier and give us access to more creative tools. From enhancing videos to composing music, AI websites are making waves across the internet and providing us with amazing opportunities to amplify our creativity quickly.
AI applications allow us to do more in less time, giving us the freedom to explore our creative sides in new and exciting ways. For example, we can create stunning videos with a few clicks of a button, compose beautiful music with a few simple commands and access powerful editing tools that can make our work look professional and impressive.
AI websites can also be used to help businesses automate mundane administrative tasks, such as analysing customer data, generating reports, and managing employee schedules. These websites are also providing helpful resources for businesses to stay competitive in a rapidly changing digital world. With AI websites, businesses no longer have to hire expensive consultants to analyse data and create custom solutions. Instead, they can use AI websites to get tailored insights and advice
Below are five AI apps to make your everyday life easier:
Mightygpt.com: One of the most widely used AI technologies today is ChatGPT. It is an AI-assisted technology that makes it easier and more efficient for users to create content. Using Mightygpt.com, users can access the world’s most powerful Chabot right from their Android or soon-to-be in iOS smartphones. With the website’s easy-to-use interface, even the most novices of writers can quickly create essays, poetry, emails, code, and more.
Along with being faster and easier to use than ever before, ChatGPT also allows users to speak with other users on WhatsApp while using Chabot. This makes the conversations more natural and the overall user experience more enjoyable. Furthermore, the service is affordable, making it an attractive option for those looking to speed up their writing process.

D-id: D-ID.com is a revolutionary website that uses the latest generative AI algorithms to create photorealistic animations out of any photo. This cutting-edge technology has been used by leading companies in the fields of marketing, learning and development, and customer experience. It has also been used by content creators of all kinds to create over 110 million videos. Not only is the platform fast and cost-effective, but it also makes video production a breeze. This has been proven by some of the leading brands in the world, such as Warner Brothers Pictures, Publicis, Mondelez, Skilldora, and My Heritage, who have used the platform to create remarkable experiences. With its cutting-edge technology, top-notch features, and unbeatable cost-efficiency, D-ID.com is the perfect platform for anyone looking to create amazing visuals with ease.
Landbot.io: Chatbots have revolutionized how businesses interact with their customers. Instead of having a direct conversation with a representative, these software tools enable businesses to have an automated dialogue with their customers through text or speech. Developing a Chabot requires knowledge of technology, but with the help of landbot.io, users can create and deploy their own chatbots.
With landbot.io, users can deploy their chatbots into their own applications, channels, and various other platforms. Through their website, users can automate their chatbots on WhatsApp, or use the platform’s API and SDK interface. With this, businesses can automate customer service and other customer-facing tasks, and reduce the human effort and time spent in customer interaction. This helps businesses reduce their long-term cost and improve customer experience. Additionally, by using AI and machine learning, chatbots are able to remember customer questions and data, and use it to provide personalized support.
Soundful.com: If it can write, speak and comprehend, it can also make music. Soundful is an AI-powered, royalty-free music generation platform that makes creating high-quality tracks a breeze. The website is built for producers, creators, and brands and provides users with a diverse range of music samples and customizable inputs.
With Soundful, users can quickly and easily generate their own unique tracks in a matter of steps. The platform also offers free, premium, and enterprise plans that offer users a variety of features at different price points. Soundful has truly revolutionized the music industry by allowing anyone to create professional-grade, customizable tracks with ease. Simply choose a genre, customize your inputs and create your tracks. Repeat until you find the track that is right for you. It’s that easy.
Talk to Books: Talk to Books is an incredible tool from Google that allows you to search through over 100,000 books to find relevant answers to your query. It’s an AI experiment to teach its AI how real conversations flow and how to respond to natural language inquiries. Talk to Books not only helps you discover exciting perspectives and books to read, but it also provides samples you can click on to help you comprehend the conversation better. This is an incredible tool that can provide you with interesting and valuable insights.
Overall, AI websites are becoming increasingly popular and are making life easier for individuals and businesses. With AI websites, tasks can be automated quickly and accurately, allowing businesses to be more productive and efficient. Moreover, AI websites are extremely user-friendly and offer a great deal of customization, allowing us to customize every aspect of our work. We can choose from a variety of themes, fonts and colours to make our work.
(Author is a Srinagar-based reporter. Ideas are personal)

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#Artificial #Intelligence #Unlocking #World #Possibilities
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

February 22, 2023
Why Pan-Chewing Is A Very Recent Phenomenon in Kashmir?

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by MJ Aslam
And, the young ladies loved to hear and hum pan khae Sainya hamaro, sanvali suratiya hont lal lal, a musical melody of Asha Bhonsley from Teesri Qasam of 1966.
In the Pan Masla, a lot of other things are added for aroma and taste. KL Image: Raashid Andrabi
Pan is the commonly known name of piper-betel-leaf, which is chewed in the Indian subcontinent and some other parts of the world. How the betel leaves chewing came to Kashmir is an interesting study.
In Rajatarangini, there are references to Tambuli and Nagarakhanda leaves, which were brought as presents to some Brahman Rajas, namely, Jayapida, Ananta, Kalasa, Harsa, in ancient times by “foreigners” which included mostly dancing girls.
Ranjit Sitaram has equated Tambuli and Nagarakhanda with piper-betel leaves, while, according to Dr M A Stein believes Nagarakhanda leaves are not betel-leaves. He translates Nagara as ginger but adds that Nagara was never used as an ingredient of betel leaf chewing. Ranjit Sitaram’s translation of Rajatarangini is based, in his own words, on Stein’s acclaimed translation. On Sitaram’s translation, some bloggers have tried to link the modern kind of betel-leaf-chewing to ancient times.
According to Stein, transporting fresh betel leaves from outside till the recent past was most difficult in absence of facilities and hence the practice of chewing fresh betel leaves (pan) was totally unknown to “Kashmiri masses” in history; albeit, some Brahman kings, their attendants and dancers had a habit of chewing “betel leaves”, which had made their teeth red.
On record, however, betel-nut/catechu was imported to Kashmir from Punjab in the late nineteenth century as a spice or medicine but not as an ingredient of any betel-chewing [pan masala] which was unknown to the native population.
For Lip Beauty

Notwithstanding the aforementioned, chewing betel was an ancient practice all over the Indian subcontinent during medieval and post-medieval times. Betel was used by both men and women to dye their lips red and make them look attractive. People in the olden days were as anxious to look young, bright and beautiful as in our times. It was used to redden the lips to serve as a lipstick by womenfolk in the past.
It was used as a masticator. Under common belief, that pan strengthens the stomach, sweetens the breath, and gives the tongue, lips and teeth a reddish tinge. It was customary among people of the Indian subcontinent, all classes and communities, to take pan after their meals but many people developed the practice of taking it throughout the day. The areca nut (supari) was/is cut into small pieces, put in betel leaf with lime water, called Katha (lime made by Oyster and areca) and chewed with rolled betel leaf. The rich would mix with it costly spices like camphor, cardamom, cinnamon, honey, musk flavours, and dried-rose-petals and tie both its leaves with a silk thread, and keep it in golden and silver betel boxes (pan dabi). Some people bruised a portion of falafel (areca nut/sopari) and put it directly in the mouth as a nasha like a cigarette or tobacco.
A betel leaf was moistened together with a grain of chalk/lime, rub one upon the other, roll them together, and then place in the mouth. It was used by such people as opium. Some people took as many as four leaves of betel at a time, and chew them. Sometimes they spit out red-colour saliva. Some used spittoon (pan dani) for spitting out red colour saliva.
Among common Hindus, it was offered to the bridegroom and attendants (Baratis) at the bride’s house with sweet drinks. Abul Fazl mentions 16 items of women’s fashion and charm in the Mughal Era among all communities which included pan eating also. The royals kept pans in golden and silver boxes, while the common masses kept them in brass and wooden boxes.
Kashmir Dandas
In Kashmir, we had an old tradition of using the bark of walnut-tree (dandas) by womenfolk to brighten the teeth for a beautiful look and keep the oral health good. It was believed that the use of dandas kept teeth and gums stronger, besides refreshing the breath. Betel leaves were not used by men and women in Kashmir.
A Kashmiri pan seller is busy making a ‘dose’ for a client on Srinagar’s Residency Road in February 2023. KL Image: Rassod Andrabi
The tradition of pan-chewing appeared in Kashmir only after 1953 when Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was removed from office and incarcerated for a decade. It was inducted into Kashmirian society during the Bakhshi era (1953-1963).
Betel does not grow in Kashmir. In the late 1950s, several pan-shops appeared first in the city centre of Court Road, Palladium cinema, Ameera Kadal, Residency Road, Habba Kadal, and then at Exchange Road, Khanyar, Bohri Kadal, and other places till the 1970s.
The earliest of these pan-shops was one of a Pandit at Habba Kadal, Mir Pan House at Residency Road, Regal Chowk and Churasia Pan House at the corner of Court Road opposite Palladium Talkie. Pan has a variety of metha pan, alaichi pan and tobacco pan. The fennel seeds, coconut powder and clove became added ingredients to the pan masala.
Credible eyewitnesses have recorded that in Bakhshi and Sadiq regimes, new trends of life, style and fashion appeared among Kashmiri youth. They would visit nearby cinema halls in city centre to watch a movie, take Kanti and Kabab, coffee and tea, at Ahdoos and other newly set up restaurants in Lambert Lane, in the background of Kishore Kumar singing Elvis Presley’s style, Inna Meena Dika, Dai manna Dika, rumpumpol, rumpumpol.
Visiting Amar Singh Club for billiards by rich people became order of the day, it is recorded. The young men would stroll from one end to another on Residency Road in the evening, puffing cigarettes and taking rass malai at newly established sweet shops. They would either sing or hum Bollywood songs of great hits of the time, Junglee, Janwar, Jab Jab Phool Khilay, Arzoo and the like.
MJ Aslam
The theme of these Bollywood hits, mostly shot in Kashmir revolved around Vale, and its beauty and they triggered a huge rush of tourists to Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Mughal Gardens. The valley was in full bloom and the city was in full buzz.
Chewing pan by young people emerged as the new trend among Kashmiris during this time as its aroma had an intoxicating effect on their minds. It became trendy to chew pan with cigarette puffs by young men of Kashmir. And, the young ladies loved to hear and hum pan khae Sainya hamaro, sanvali suratiya hont lal lal, a musical melody of Asha Bhonsley from Teesri Qasam of 1966. During two decades from 1953-1975, upheaval socio-cultural and political changes took place in Kashmir and the lifestyles of many well-offs and bad-offs also underwent drastic changes.
(MJ Aslam is a published author and a columnist. Ideas are personal.)

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( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

February 20, 2023
How India’s Fiscal Rules Strike A Balance Between Two Extremes?

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by Arshid Hussain Peer and Munshir C
The current budget has allocated a higher share to capital expenditure which is a step in the right direction. Besides, the recent budget is optimistic about meeting its fiscal target in the coming year.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman along with Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha lit a lamp during the inauguration of the new Income Tax Office ‘Chinar’, in Srinagar on Monday, November 22, 2021. KL Image by Bilal Bahadur
In a developing country like India, the role of the state is more nuanced. On one hand, the state must meet the development aspirations of the diverse population, but it also has to ensure macroeconomic stability to avoid situations like the 1991 crisis or the more recent 2013 fragile five. Striking a balance between the two remains not only a critical question but also imperative for a state like India.
After the disintegration of the USSR, there emerged a kind of consensus that markets are the primary drivers of prosperity and economic growth. This, however, does not mean that there is no role for the government, which continues to play its role through regulatory, monetary, and fiscal policies. But the government’s intervention in the monetary sphere should be transparent. In light of this view, rule-based policies started gaining traction in both monetary and fiscal aspects.
In the fiscal sphere, broadly four main types of rules exist- the expenditure rule, the revenue rule, the budget balance rule, and the debt rule. The countries either adopt all four rules or a few among them. While the budget balance rule focused on the balance between total revenues and expenditures, the debt rule imposed an explicit limit on public debt. The expenditure rule placed a limit on overall spending. The revenue rules are primarily concerned with the appropriate use of excess revenues.
India adopted the Fiscal Deficit and Budgetary Management (FRBM) Act, 2003 (balance budget rule) on the recommendations of the Sarma committee. The act specified three main objectives- ensure intergenerational equity, fiscal sustainability and transparency in fiscal operations.
To achieve these objectives, the act proposed that the fiscal deficit be progressively reduced to 3 per cent of GDP for each central and state government. The rule did indeed help to contain the fiscal deficit, which was 6.2 per cent of GDP in 2002-03 but decreased to 4 per cent (of which the central government deficit was 2.54 per cent) at the end of 2007-08. The global financial crisis disrupted the fiscal consolidation plan and subsequently, the fiscal rules were suspended until 2011–12. As a result, the combined fiscal deficit in 2009-10 increased to 9.3 per cent. In 2010–11, it declined to 4.8 per cent but again increased in the next year to 5.91 per cent.
The Vijay Kelkar committee(2012) was constituted to recommend mid-term corrections and reforms for medium-term fiscal consolidation. The committee recommended the fiscal deficit of 4.8, 4.2, 3.6 and 3 per cent targets for the next four years starting from 2013-14 onwards. In 2013-14, the fiscal deficit was within the target as laid down by the fiscal consolidation plan. But a closer look reveals that it was more of an arithmetic trick than actual consolidation. The fiscal deficit target was achieved by reducing planned expenditures and deferring the payment for oil subsidies to the next fiscal year.

From 2014-15 to 2017-18, the fiscal position improved considerably due to improvements on the revenue side also. The income tax-to-GDP ratio witnessed an increase from 2.1 to 2.6 per cent. Moreover, the sharp decline in crude oil prices enabled the government to find a new way to raise money by raising the excise taxes on petrol and diesel. Further, the subsidies, on diesel were reduced. It was due to these measures that the fiscal deficit in 2017 declined to 3.46 per cent as reported to Parliament. However, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) notified the Finance Commission that the fiscal deficit (centre) in 2017-18 was 5.85 per cent. The government has relied on off-budget borrowings to contain the fiscal deficit.
The fiscal rules have also undergone changes as it was felt that a single rule cannot help to achieve various objectives like fiscal sustainability, economic stabilisation and size of government debt. To keep pace with best international practices, Finance Minister in 2016, while presenting the budget, informed the parliament that there was a need for a review of the FRBM Act, saying, “While remaining committed to fiscal prudence and consolidation, a time has come to review the workings of the FRBM Act, especially in the context of the uncertainty and volatility that have become the new norms of the global economy. I, therefore, propose to constitute a committee to review the implementation of the FRBM Act and give its recommendations on the way forward”.
Subsequently, the committee under NK Singh was constituted. The committee recommended using debt as the primary target of fiscal policy, with a debt-to-GDP ratio of 60 per cent (40 per cent for the centre and 20 per cent for states) to be achieved by 2022-23. It also suggested reducing fiscal and revenue deficits to 2.5 per cent and 0.8 per cent, respectively, by the same period, with an escape clause for temporarily relaxing or suspending the target, but with clear specifications and restrictions on government notifications.
Then, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and governments all across the world adopted expansionary fiscal policies, including India. The fiscal deficit (centre) again increased and reached an all-time high of 9.18 per cent in 2020–21; it is now on a declining trend but still higher than the combined target of 6 per cent. The government is mentioning the much-touted “glide path”. Yet, throughout the past two decades, such a glide path has been nowhere in sight. Instead, the path looks more erratic, like the snake and ladder game, except that here the snake (bad times) takes you higher and the ladder (good times) helps you to come down, but nowhere to the target.
Similarly, the unequal targets for states and the centre for debt but with a similar target for deficit are creating tensions, as highlighted by Roy and Kotia. This has made the debt sustainability of states an issue. This is evident from the current debt levels. Except for Maharashtra (17.9 per cent), Gujarat (19.0 per cent) and Odisha (which is 18.8 per cent), every state has a higher than 20 per cent debt-GDP ratio, with the highest ratio in Punjab (53.3 per cent ). The current central government Debt-GDP ratio is 56.7 per cent and that of the general government (centre and state combined) debt-GDP ratio is 84 per cent. Therefore, there is a need to address this anomaly on an urgent basis and in consultation with states.
Conclusion
The containment of fiscal deficit targets can be achieved by cutting unnecessary expenditures. Also, fiscal consolidation can be realistic and meaningful only when revenues are increased. Otherwise, as stressed by the Sarma Committee (2000), without this golden rule, fiscal consolidation could lead to a disproportionately large compression of capital assets.
The under-reporting of the fiscal deficit needs to avoid, as it gives a false sense of security. Additionally, it conveys the wrong message to foreign investors for being uncertain and opaque on key policy measures. The current budget has allocated a higher share to capital expenditure which is a step in the right direction. Besides, the recent budget is optimistic about meeting its fiscal target in the coming year. Only time will tell whether these targets are overly optimistic or achievable.
(Authors are research scholars at the Department of Economics, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of TheNewsCaravan.)

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#Indias #Fiscal #Rules #Strike #Balance #Extremes
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

February 19, 2023
Giriraj challenges Rahul to a debate on MGNREGA, dismisses his ‘wild allegations’

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New Delhi: Dismissing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s charges related to MGNREGA, Union minister Giriraj Singh said on Saturday that both allocations for the scheme and asset creations under it during the Narendra Modi government were more than the previous UPA dispensation.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of Saras Mela in Noida, Singh took strong exception to Gandhi’s Facebook post alleging a reduction in MGNREGA budget and said the Congress leader should get his facts and figures right before making such “wild allegations”.
He also challenged Gandhi to a debate on the rural job scheme.
The Union rural development minister said that in the 10 years of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, the budget estimate (BE) for MGNREGA never exceeded Rs 33,000 crore and in most of the fiscals, part of the allocated funds got surrendered due to poor implementation of the scheme.
Whereas, under the Narendra Modi government, the revised estimate (RE) for the scheme exceeded the budget estimate every year, he said.
This year also the BE of Rs 73,000 crore has already touched the figure of Rs 89,400 crore in RE as the Rural Development Ministry received Rs 16,000 crore out of Rs 25,000 crore demanded due to accumulation of state dues.
According to a statement from the ministry, in 2019-20 the BE was Rs 60,000 crore and the RE went up to Rs 71,000 crore. In 2020-21 the BE of Rs 61,500 crore went up to a whopping Rs 1,11,500 crore due to the reverse migration of rural population amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased demand for work.
Similarly, in the financial year 2021-2022, the BE of Rs 73,000 crore touched Rs 99,117 crore in RE.

Singh also challenged Gandhi to check the asset creation under the rural job scheme during the UPA rule which, he said, was merely 17 per cent. Whereas, in the last nine years, the asset creation has already crossed 60 per cent.
He gave full credit to the prime minister for reorienting MGNREGA and its mandate from merely digging and filling holes.
On Friday, Congress leader Gandhi slammed the BJP-led government for reducing the MGNREGA budget and alleged that the scheme, which was the foundation of India’s rural economy, was becoming a victim of the Centre’s repressive policies.
He also accused the government of misusing Aadhaar against the poor sections of the society by linking it to the scheme under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
“MGNREGA is the foundation of India’s rural economy. A revolutionary policy that has supported countless families. The MGNREGA scheme, which is running the homes of crores of families, is becoming a victim of the repressive policies of the Centre,” Gandhi said in a Facebook post in Hindi while citing a news report.
Singh said the aim behind linking Aadhaar to MGNREGA is to bring full transparency in the implementation of the scheme.
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( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 18, 2023
What is Gene Editing and How Could It Shape Our Future?

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by Gavin Bowen-Metcalf
Gene editing is a controversial topic. Unless governments work together with scientists to regulate its use, it could become another technology that benefits only the wealthiest people.
Three different strands of DNA
It is the most exciting time in genetics since the discovery of DNA in 1953. This is mainly due to scientific breakthroughs including the ability to change DNA through a process called gene editing.
The potential for this technology is astonishing – from treating genetic diseases, modifying food crops to withstanding pesticides or changes in our climate, or even bringing the dodo “back to life”, as one company claims it hopes to do.
We will only be hearing more about gene editing in the future. So if you want to make sure you understand new updates, you first need to get to grips with what gene editing actually is.
Our DNA is made of four key molecules called bases (A, T, C and G). Sequences of these four bases are grouped into genes. These genes act as the “code” for key substances the body should make, such as proteins. Proteins are important molecules, vital for maintaining a healthy and functional human being.
Genes can be short, typically made of less than a hundred bases. A good example includes ribosomal genes, which code for different ribosomes, molecules which help create new proteins.
Long genes are made up of millions of bases. For example, the DMD gene codes for a protein called dystrophin, which supports the structure and strength of muscle cells. DMD has over 2.2 million bases.

How does gene editing work?
Gene editing is a technology that can change DNA sequences at one or more points in the strand. Scientists can remove or change a single base or insert a new gene altogether. Gene editing can literally rewrite DNA.
There are different ways to edit genes, but the most popular technique uses a technology called CRISPR-Cas9, first documented in a pioneering paper published in 2012. Cas9 is an enzyme that acts like a pair of scissors that can cut DNA.
It is assisted by a strand of RNA (a molecule similar to DNA, in this case, created by the scientist), which guides the Cas9 enzyme to the part of the DNA that the scientist wants to change and binds it to the target gene.
Depending upon what the scientist wants to achieve, they can just remove a segment of the DNA, introduce a single base change (for example changing an A to a G), or insert a larger sequence (such as a new gene). Once the scientist is finished, the natural DNA repair processes take over and glue the cuts back together.
What could gene editing do?
The benefits of gene editing to humanity could be significant. For example, making a single base change in people’s DNA could be a future treatment for sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disease. People with this disease have just one base that has mutated (from A to T). This makes the gene easier to edit compared with more complex genetic conditions such as heart disease or schizophrenia.
Scientists are also developing new techniques to insert larger segments of bases into the DNA of crops in the hope they can create drought-resilient crops and help us adapt to climate change.
Why is gene editing controversial?
Gene editing is a controversial topic. Unless governments work together with scientists to regulate its use, it could become another technology that benefits only the wealthiest people.
And it comes with risk.
The first case of illegal implantation of a genetically edited embryo was reported in 2019 in China and led to the imprisonment of three scientists. The scientists had attempted to protect twin fetuses from HIV being passed on by their father.
But when other scientists read passages from an unpublished paper written by the DNA experiment lead about the twins, they feared that instead of introducing immunity, the researchers probably created mutations whose consequences are still unknown.
The risks of developing designer babies are so high it is unlikely that it will become legal anytime soon. A tiny mistake could destroy the health of a baby or lead to other diseases throughout their lifetime, such as an increased risk of cancer.
Laws and regulations surrounding this technology are strict. Most countries prohibit the implantation of a human embryo that has been genetically altered in any way. However, as the 2019 example shows, laws can be broken.
Gene editing has its advantages. It holds the potential to cure genetic diseases and create crops resistant to drought. But scientists need to work closely with law and policymakers to ensure the technology can be used for the benefit of mankind while minimising the risks.
The fact a private company recently announced plans to try to bring back the dodo shows how important it is that international gene-editing laws keep up with the ambitions of corporations.
(The author is Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.)

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( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

February 16, 2023
How The Greed and Materialism Undo Relationbships?

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by Hurmat Altaf.
“The worker picked up Pakhom’s spade, dug a grave, and buried him—six feet from head to heel, exactly the amount of land a man needs.”
(Leo Tolstoy, How Much Land Does a Man Need?)
A Kashmiri Bakarwal bridegroom Mohammad Farooq, second right, watches as his relatives argue about the amount of Mahar which is a mandatory required amount or possession paid by the groom to the bride at the time of marriage and is often money or anything agreed by the bride such as jewellery, home goods, during a wedding ceremony at a temporary camp on the outskirts of Srinagar, India, Friday, May 31, 2013. Bakarwals are nomadic herders in Jammu Kashmir state, who wander in search of good pastures for their cattle. (KL Image: Special Arrangemnet)
The old Kashmiri proverb Mulan Droth Tah Patran Sagh brings my entire concept to fruition. The literal meaning of the famous saying is “a sickle for the roots, but water for the leaves.”
Owing to the ambiguous nature of literature, this proverb could be interpreted in enormous ways. A simple interpretation is that ‘you love the offspring of a person you dislike or hate’. The symbolic interpretations of the saying are related to the concepts of relationships.
In other words, close relations are left behind and mundane relationships are given importance. Besides, it could be interpreted as emphasising the trivial aspects of life, such as materialistic possessions, while ignoring the important ones. This proverb somehow befits the condition of our contemporary society, where people seem to forget the significance of all the worthwhile things around them.
With the advent of modernity, our society witnessed major changes, be it in the form of lifestyle, change in daily routines, or any other, followed by an increased gap between in-person meetings, miscommunication, and an increase in broken relationships (of any sort). However, we might have observed that over the years everyone has become so engrossed with their busy schedules that they don’t even have a spare moment to spend time with their loved ones, thus resulting in miscommunication and eventually broken relationships.
Having said that, have we ever considered what the root cause of all of the aforementioned events is? What makes a person so hardhearted that he is willing to end long-term relationships? It consists solely of three elements: greed, materialism, and jealousy. Greed means to have the desire for things more than one has in possession; materialism, on the other hand, means an excess want of materialistic things; and eventually, jealousy is the product of these two elements.
Cowries are small sea shells that in ancient were a form of currency. A huge quantity of this currency of the bygone era are protected by people living in Kehribal area of south Kashmir. Pic: Special Arrangement
We are overtaken by greed in such a manner that one such model is that in almost every family there is a conflict between siblings regarding a piece of land, property, or anything related to the same without even comprehending the fact that excessive desires can lead them to lose everything, including precious relationships. By this, I am reminded of a quote: “The worker picked up Pakhom’s spade, dug a grave, and buried him—six feet from head to heel, exactly the amount of land a man needs.” (Leo Tolstoy, How Much Land Does a Man Need?)

However, we live in a society where we must deal with these pressures, but that does not mean that we will betray our own blood and believe that by doing this agonising act against them, we will live a prosperous life.
Materialism is yet another matter of concern, the best example that I can specify in it is that of the lavish marriages we observe nowadays. In present times, marriage rather than a union of two beings on a simple basis has become more than that of a show-off in order to demean those who are devoid of material wealth, therefore leaving behind our roots.
It is quite unfortunate that in order to ensure the happiness of one’s daughter in her to be home, these materialistic things will prove how she will be received, or for that matter, treated, over there. As the saying goes, marriages are made in heaven, but due to these luxurious expenses one perceives at the moment, it seems to be what Eunice de Souza has said, “Marriages Are Made.”
Additionally, still after all these extravagances in marriages, we come up with ample cases of domestic violence, brutal killings of daughters-in-law, and many related ones. As Naseem Shafaie has rightly said in one of her notable works: “…Will they awaken her on gentle, mellow sounds? Or, will they, I misgive, snatch her sleep away?” thus materializing the condition of women in our worldly-minded society. Hence, materialism is working at all levels in our society, and we are under its clutches.
Another factor that is the end product of greed and materialism is jealousy or envy, which has engulfed almost everyone these days. If a person successfully attempts his course of action in life, followed by achieving great things through hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm, he is despised by his own kin, and the irony is that everyone will act quite jovial at face value while using illicit means to stop him prosper. Envy makes a person go to any extent without even considering their conscience.
Hurmat Altaf
Christopher Marlowe, in his splendid work, Doctor Faustus, considers Envy as one of the seven deadly sins. Envy is personified in the play and says, “I am Envy, begotten of a chimney-sweeper and an oyster-wife. I cannot read, and therefore wish all books were burnt; I am lean with seeing others eat – O that there would come a famine through all the world, that all might die, and I live alone; then thou shouldst see how fat I would be!.”
Therefore, these things are inherited in a human being, and he cannot altogether deprive himself of them, but I believe that there is a possibility for one to move beyond these things to some extent and value relationships more than anything else.
Otherwise, one is left with repentance and nothing else. Furthermore, these are things that lead a society slowly and steadily towards degradation. As the saying goes, “This is the way the world ends, Not with a bang but with a whimper.” (TS Eliot, The Hollow Men).
(The author is pursuing BA Honours in English from Cluster University Srinagar, Kashmir. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of TheNewsCaravan.)

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#Greed #Materialism #Undo #Relationbships
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

February 13, 2023
Telangana: Kishan Reddy dares KCR for debate on Indian economy

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Hyderabad: Union minister for Tourism and Culture G. Kishan Reddy on Monday said that he is ready for a debate with Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on the country’s economy.
Reacting strongly to CM KCR’s speech made in the state Assembly on Sunday, the central minister alleged that he insulted the country and its hardworking people through his baseless comments.
“We are ready for debate. Will you come to Press Club or martyrs’ memorial or want us to come to Pragati Bhavan or your farmhouse,” asked Kishan Reddy.
The BJP leader also wanted to know from the chief minister if he would come with his resignation letter in his pocket.
Describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the most inefficient Prime Minister the country has seen, KCR had reeled out statistics to say that the country is lagging on various economic parameters. The chief minister had said that if the statistics given by him proved wrong he was ready to resign.
Talking to reporters in New Delhi on Monday, Kishan Reddy remarked that KCR will anyway have to resign after a few months as BJP will come to power in Telangana.
Kishan Reddy alleged that KCR misused his office and the Budget Session of the Assembly to target the Centre and the Prime Minister. He said KCR overstepped his limits to compare India with other countries but did not speak even a word about the state Budget.
He said that KCR spoke out of his ignorance about the state of India’s economy and suggested that he search the data on Google.

Kishan Reddy asked if KCR did not know that during Manmohan Singh’s tenure India was the 11th largest economy in the world but under Narendra Modi, it became the fifth largest economy. He also pointed out that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has predicted that India will overtake Germany to become the fourth largest economy by 2027.
The BJP leader also disputed KCR’s claim on India’s high rate of borrowings and claimed that this is lower than the borrowings of countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. He said that the US’debt to GDP ratio is 120 per cent while for the UK it is 273 per cent. India’s debt to GDP is only 19.9 per cent, he said.
The central minister questioned KCR’s silence on the state’s finance position and claimed that Telangana’s debts, which were Rs 60,000 crore in 2014, have now mounted to Rs 5 lakh crore due to indiscriminate borrowings by KCR government.
He also alleged that thousands of crore of rupees were swindled in Telangana in the name of projects by raising debts.
The BJP leader asked why there was no debate in the Assembly on family rule in Telangana, double bed-room scheme, irregularities in Dharani portal, unemployment allowance and unfulfilled promise to allot three acres of land to every Dalit family.
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#Telangana #Kishan #Reddy #dares #KCR #debate #Indian #economy
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 13, 2023
What Is An Introverted Mind And How To Manage Introverts?

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by Ajaz Ahmad Khawaja
To create a more inclusive and supportive culture for introverts, societies must strongly discourage negative feedback about them from their talkative counterparts. This may require providing more opportunities for privacy and quiet environments.
Introvert extrovert, a LinkedIn graphic
Sitting in the cafeteria of his college, Rehan is nursing his coffee but is lost in thought. His heart races as he watches one of his peers approaching him – his mind scrambling for a way to avoid the impending interaction. Shrinking into his chair, he tries to focus on his coffee.
The boy is upon him, his voice cutting through the noise of the restaurant like a sharp-edged blade. “Rehan!” said the boy. His voice boomed – shattering the silence and causing Rehan to jolt in his seat. He wanted nothing more than to be alone. He is desperate to escape the constant barrage of noise and attention. The sound of his name is like a physical blow – such hard that Rehan can feel himself shrinking under his weight. His mind is a whirlwind of emotions as he struggles to find a way out of this situation.
Such incidents occur on a regular basis in Rehan’s life. It holds nothing new. He has devised numerous ways to get out of such tight spots. On some occasions, Rehan may have to pretend to be on the phone and skip the gathering to trick everyone else. Or he may have to devise new ways to escape scenes that are unfavourable to his persona.
Why is Rehan feeling this way? Why is he suddenly so unwilling to interact with others? The answer is not so complex. Rehan is an introvert! He cannot do anything but deal helplessly with such situations – in a society that does not recognise introversion at all.
People like Rehan are individuals who prefer to be alone or engage in quieter, solitary activities because they are more introspective and reflective. They may be more sensitive to stimuli like social events and crowds. They generally prefer to spend time in quiet, low-stimulation surroundings. Introversion is a spectrum feature. But make no mistake, people like Rehan are not a monolithic group. They possess their own unique set of characteristics and tendencies, existing along a spectrum.
Take Rehan, for example. He may exhibit traits of social introversion, finding comfort in small, tight-knit groups of friends. Or perhaps he is a thinking introvert, drawn to the depths of seclusion where his mind can wander through the labyrinths of thought. Or maybe, an anxious introvert, feeling suffocated by the pressures of social interaction and seeking refuge in the safety of his room environment.

It is possible for a person to be both shy and extroverted, or talkative and introverted. These characteristics are not mutually exclusive. It is common for people to have traits from both ends of the spectrum. A shy extrovert may enjoy socializing and being around other people, but may still feel nervous or self-conscious in certain situations, such as public speaking. On the other hand, a talkative introvert may feel comfortable speaking in front of others with no stage fright, but may still prefer to spend time alone or in a small group rather than in a large crowd.
MBTI Assessment
Introversion is one among 16 different personality types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). The MBTI is a popular personality assessment tool constructed by a mother-daughter duo Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers.
It defines introversion as a preference for inward-focused attention and reflection instead of seeking external stimulation and interaction with others. The MBTI is based on the theories of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung and is used to help people understand their own personality characteristics and how they interact with others. People who score high in introversion on MBTI tend to be more introspective and reserved, while those who score low tend to be more outgoing and sociable.
However, it is important to distinguish between introversion and shyness because they are two distinct characteristics that must be handled in separate ways. Understanding a person’s individual traits, whether shyness or introversion, can aid in identifying solutions to cope with or overcome the trait. It can also assist in the improvement of communication and understanding within relationships, as well as in the development of a more inclusive and understanding society.
Introversion versus Slyness
Shyness is characterised by a tendency to feel uneasy or self-conscious in social circumstances, particularly with strangers. It is a fear of rejection. It implies submissiveness—which can further lead to avoiding social contact and deteriorating relationships altogether. Shyness is often perceived as a negative trait; however, it is not always an issue until it interferes with a person’s everyday routine.
Introversion is characterised by a fondness for isolation and calm surroundings. Introverts may prefer to spend their time alone—thinking and pondering—and may find social circumstances exhausting or overwhelming. They may not be shy, but they do prefer solitude and introspection and ghost-quiet surroundings.
A shy person may long to be in the spotlight and gain exposure, but a lack of confidence can inhibit their ability to say or do what they need. An introvert, on the other hand, likes to spend time alone and avoids the spotlight. These two personalities are fundamentally opposed—with one wanting attention and the other seeking isolation. In order to follow their need for exposure, the shy person may need to focus on improving their self-esteem, whilst the introvert may need to push themselves out of their comfort zone in order to fully adapt to social situations.
The Introvert Behaviour Introverts tend to speak a lot less than extroverts, but this does not, in any way, signify that they dislike people or that they need to be fixed. Thinking (a lot) before speaking is one of their main characteristics, followed by communicating in writing rather than speaking out loud. Chatting on the internet does the job!
This does not make them any less social; it simply means they interact with the environment in a different way. Both introverts and extroverts have unique abilities worth bringing to the table. An introvert, though, is always hesitant to ask for favours, no matter to what extent they need them. They always prioritise self-reliance and believe more in helping those who are in dire need of it. Rather than attempting to alter someone who is an introvert, it is comparatively better if their distinctions are respected and appreciated.
Introversion is not a medical condition that narrows a person’s ability to achieve success and reach the pinnacle of their profession. Many prominent introverts have accomplished significant success in their respective fields, including Albert Einstein, JK Rowling, Bill Gates, Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Johnny Depp, Manmohan Singh, and Sachin Tendulkar.
Charles Bukowski, a well-known German-American writer, an introvert himself, famously remarked, “I do not hate people. I just feel better when they are not around”. This quotation exemplifies Bukowski’s conviction in the benefits of isolation—as well as the notion that introverts can thrive when given the opportunity to be by themselves.
Not Taken SeriouslyUnfortunately, introverts are undervalued in many of our societies. Most cultures place a strong emphasis on extroversion. This can make it difficult for introverts to completely express themselves and feel comfortable in their own skin. The urge to adhere to extroverted ideals is perhaps the most familiar obstacle that introverts encounter in society.
They may feel intimidated to participate in social activities with which they are uncomfortable. To engage in small chats and other superficial exchanges may not come naturally to them. This can be especially difficult in places, where socialising is sometimes regarded as crucial for prosperity and job progress. Because of their quieter and more reserved character, introverts are frequently targeted by bullies. As a result of being viewed as easy targets or weak, they may be exposed to emotional, or verbal abuse— if not physical.
Introverts are prone to suffer social complications that extend beyond instances of bullying. Because of their more reserved persona, they may be hesitant to call a waiter in a restaurant for fear of drawing everyone else’s attention to themselves. They may also be concerned about making a loud phone call or engaging in other forms of public communication. Shopping—which frequently requires engaging with salespeople—may be a difficult experience for introverts. In these instances, it is essential to acknowledge and promote introverts while also working to create a more inclusive and accepting atmosphere for all individuals.
Another difficulty that introverts may confront is the stigma of being introverted. Introversion is perceived as a negative personality trait, and introverts are treated as socially distant, or even anti-social. This might leave introverts feeling misunderstood or alienated, making it more difficult for them to connect with others. Lack of support and understanding for introverts can easily contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Introverts may find it difficult to locate others who share their interests and values and may feel as if they do not fit in with mainstream society. This can be especially difficult in contexts where there is a strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, such as crowded offices, schools, or businesses.
To create a more inclusive and supportive culture for introverts, societies must strongly discourage negative feedback about them from their talkative counterparts. This may require providing more opportunities for privacy and quiet environments.
Ajaz A Khawaja
If asked, they should be allowed to work separately. Tailored communication and fostering a more tolerant and understanding attitude towards introverts may also entail fighting the stigma associated with them. They just get more out of a peaceful sunset evening than a large crowd partying together. They can be assisted in reaching their full potential by providing them with a more inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. Identify them with their behavioural patterns.
Stay informed, one among the four of us is Rehan!
(The author is a teacher in the Department of School Education in Jammu and Kashmir. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of TheNewsCaravan.)

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#Introverted #Mind #Manage #Introverts
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

February 12, 2023
What Is An Introverted Mind And How To Manage Introverts?

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by Ajaz Ahmad Khawaja
To create a more inclusive and supportive culture for introverts, societies must strongly discourage negative feedback about them from their talkative counterparts. This may require providing more opportunities for privacy and quiet environments.
Introvert extrovert, a LinkedIn graphic
Sitting in the cafeteria of his college, Rehan is nursing his coffee but is lost in thought. His heart races as he watches one of his peers approaching him – his mind scrambling for a way to avoid the impending interaction. Shrinking into his chair, he tries to focus on his coffee.
The boy is upon him, his voice cutting through the noise of the restaurant like a sharp-edged blade. “Rehan!” said the boy. His voice boomed – shattering the silence and causing Rehan to jolt in his seat. He wanted nothing more than to be alone. He is desperate to escape the constant barrage of noise and attention. The sound of his name is like a physical blow – such hard that Rehan can feel himself shrinking under his weight. His mind is a whirlwind of emotions as he struggles to find a way out of this situation.
Such incidents occur on a regular basis in Rehan’s life. It holds nothing new. He has devised numerous ways to get out of such tight spots. On some occasions, Rehan may have to pretend to be on the phone and skip the gathering to trick everyone else. Or he may have to devise new ways to escape scenes that are unfavourable to his persona.
Why is Rehan feeling this way? Why is he suddenly so unwilling to interact with others? The answer is not so complex. Rehan is an introvert! He cannot do anything but deal helplessly with such situations – in a society that does not recognise introversion at all.
People like Rehan are individuals who prefer to be alone or engage in quieter, solitary activities because they are more introspective and reflective. They may be more sensitive to stimuli like social events and crowds. They generally prefer to spend time in quiet, low-stimulation surroundings. Introversion is a spectrum feature. But make no mistake, people like Rehan are not a monolithic group. They possess their own unique set of characteristics and tendencies, existing along a spectrum.
Take Rehan, for example. He may exhibit traits of social introversion, finding comfort in small, tight-knit groups of friends. Or perhaps he is a thinking introvert, drawn to the depths of seclusion where his mind can wander through the labyrinths of thought. Or maybe, an anxious introvert, feeling suffocated by the pressures of social interaction and seeking refuge in the safety of his room environment.

It is possible for a person to be both shy and extroverted, or talkative and introverted. These characteristics are not mutually exclusive. It is common for people to have traits from both ends of the spectrum. A shy extrovert may enjoy socializing and being around other people, but may still feel nervous or self-conscious in certain situations, such as public speaking. On the other hand, a talkative introvert may feel comfortable speaking in front of others with no stage fright, but may still prefer to spend time alone or in a small group rather than in a large crowd.
MBTI Assessment
Introversion is one among 16 different personality types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). The MBTI is a popular personality assessment tool constructed by a mother-daughter duo Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers.
It defines introversion as a preference for inward-focused attention and reflection instead of seeking external stimulation and interaction with others. The MBTI is based on the theories of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung and is used to help people understand their own personality characteristics and how they interact with others. People who score high in introversion on MBTI tend to be more introspective and reserved, while those who score low tend to be more outgoing and sociable.
However, it is important to distinguish between introversion and shyness because they are two distinct characteristics that must be handled in separate ways. Understanding a person’s individual traits, whether shyness or introversion, can aid in identifying solutions to cope with or overcome the trait. It can also assist in the improvement of communication and understanding within relationships, as well as in the development of a more inclusive and understanding society.
Introversion versus Slyness
Shyness is characterised by a tendency to feel uneasy or self-conscious in social circumstances, particularly with strangers. It is a fear of rejection. It implies submissiveness—which can further lead to avoiding social contact and deteriorating relationships altogether. Shyness is often perceived as a negative trait; however, it is not always an issue until it interferes with a person’s everyday routine.
Introversion is characterised by a fondness for isolation and calm surroundings. Introverts may prefer to spend their time alone—thinking and pondering—and may find social circumstances exhausting or overwhelming. They may not be shy, but they do prefer solitude and introspection and ghost-quiet surroundings.
A shy person may long to be in the spotlight and gain exposure, but a lack of confidence can inhibit their ability to say or do what they need. An introvert, on the other hand, likes to spend time alone and avoids the spotlight. These two personalities are fundamentally opposed—with one wanting attention and the other seeking isolation. In order to follow their need for exposure, the shy person may need to focus on improving their self-esteem, whilst the introvert may need to push themselves out of their comfort zone in order to fully adapt to social situations.
The Introvert Behaviour Introverts tend to speak a lot less than extroverts, but this does not, in any way, signify that they dislike people or that they need to be fixed. Thinking (a lot) before speaking is one of their main characteristics, followed by communicating in writing rather than speaking out loud. Chatting on the internet does the job!
This does not make them any less social; it simply means they interact with the environment in a different way. Both introverts and extroverts have unique abilities worth bringing to the table. An introvert, though, is always hesitant to ask for favours, no matter to what extent they need them. They always prioritise self-reliance and believe more in helping those who are in dire need of it. Rather than attempting to alter someone who is an introvert, it is comparatively better if their distinctions are respected and appreciated.
Introversion is not a medical condition that narrows a person’s ability to achieve success and reach the pinnacle of their profession. Many prominent introverts have accomplished significant success in their respective fields, including Albert Einstein, JK Rowling, Bill Gates, Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Johnny Depp, Manmohan Singh, and Sachin Tendulkar.
Charles Bukowski, a well-known German-American writer, an introvert himself, famously remarked, “I do not hate people. I just feel better when they are not around”. This quotation exemplifies Bukowski’s conviction in the benefits of isolation—as well as the notion that introverts can thrive when given the opportunity to be by themselves.
Not Taken SeriouslyUnfortunately, introverts are undervalued in many of our societies. Most cultures place a strong emphasis on extroversion. This can make it difficult for introverts to completely express themselves and feel comfortable in their own skin. The urge to adhere to extroverted ideals is perhaps the most familiar obstacle that introverts encounter in society.
They may feel intimidated to participate in social activities with which they are uncomfortable. To engage in small chats and other superficial exchanges may not come naturally to them. This can be especially difficult in places, where socialising is sometimes regarded as crucial for prosperity and job progress. Because of their quieter and more reserved character, introverts are frequently targeted by bullies. As a result of being viewed as easy targets or weak, they may be exposed to emotional, or verbal abuse— if not physical.
Introverts are prone to suffer social complications that extend beyond instances of bullying. Because of their more reserved persona, they may be hesitant to call a waiter in a restaurant for fear of drawing everyone else’s attention to themselves. They may also be concerned about making a loud phone call or engaging in other forms of public communication. Shopping—which frequently requires engaging with salespeople—may be a difficult experience for introverts. In these instances, it is essential to acknowledge and promote introverts while also working to create a more inclusive and accepting atmosphere for all individuals.
Another difficulty that introverts may confront is the stigma of being introverted. Introversion is perceived as a negative personality trait, and introverts are treated as socially distant, or even anti-social. This might leave introverts feeling misunderstood or alienated, making it more difficult for them to connect with others. Lack of support and understanding for introverts can easily contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Introverts may find it difficult to locate others who share their interests and values and may feel as if they do not fit in with mainstream society. This can be especially difficult in contexts where there is a strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, such as crowded offices, schools, or businesses.
To create a more inclusive and supportive culture for introverts, societies must strongly discourage negative feedback about them from their talkative counterparts. This may require providing more opportunities for privacy and quiet environments.
Ajaz A Khawaja
If asked, they should be allowed to work separately. Tailored communication and fostering a more tolerant and understanding attitude towards introverts may also entail fighting the stigma associated with them. They just get more out of a peaceful sunset evening than a large crowd partying together. They can be assisted in reaching their full potential by providing them with a more inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. Identify them with their behavioural patterns.
Stay informed, one among the four of us is Rehan!
(The author is a teacher in the Department of School Education in Jammu and Kashmir. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of TheNewsCaravan.)

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#Introverted #Mind #Manage #Introverts
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

February 11, 2023
Why There Is Inordinate Delay In Setting Up of National Law University?

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by 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.
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.)

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#Inordinate #Delay #Setting #National #Law #University
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

February 10, 2023