Download - Epilogue Magazine, March 2010

Jam

mu ,

Mar

ch 1

,201

0 / V

ol 4

/ Is

sue

3 || P

rice

Rs.

30 ||

Post

al R

egd.

No.

JK-3

50/2

009

|| ww

w.ep

ilogu

e.in

EpilogueISSN : 0974-5653J&K ’ S MON TH LY MAGAZIN E

N E W S , C U R R E N T A F F A I R S , S O C I A L S C I E N C E S

P7

I have found interesting. May be you need to broaden your convas to look at

what has been happening in PaK and the Northern Areas and the solutions on offer

or desired. Also the surrounding scene - Tibet, Xinjiang, Afghanistan - the last being

closely linked to developments in J&K. And, of course, Pakistan.

Epilogue

BG VERGHESE

sin ble

es

j

f

o

o

u

r

rn

a

a

e

l

y

i

s

h

m

t 4

39th

issue of

sense

Would Budget 2010-11

address the Basics ?

IN FOCUS The Dilemma of Rather

How to Pay for the Predecessor’s Party!Dipankar Sengupta:

Evil Deeds of

Kot Bhalwal Jail

P46P17 P15

ARJIMAND TALIB ANMOL SHARMA

Subsidies Fiscal Surplus

Budget Surplus Capital Receipts

Plan Expenditure Revenue Deficit

Revenue Expenditure Aggregate Receipts

Revenue ReceiptsThe Money Movement

Balance from Current Revenues

Central Plan AmortizationBudget DeficitPlan Expenditure Primary Deficit Primary Surplus Non-Plan Expenditure Capital ExpenditureRevenue Surplus Aggregate DisbursementsMiscellaneous Capital Receipts

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT J&K BUDGETS

KEY FEATURES OF PAST 10-YEAR'S BUDGETS

Public Agenda ForJAMMU & KASHMIR

BUDGET2010-11

Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah UniversityRAJOURI - 185131

Attention Admission SeekersS.No Programme Admission Procedure

1. a. MBA - Management Studies

b. MBA - Financial Management

Through MAT Exam of February and May 2, 2010 followed by Group Discussion and Personal Interview.Centres for MAT Test : Rajouri, Jammu and Srinagar

2. a. MCA - Computer Sciences

b. M.Sc - Information Technology

Entrance Test : July 4, 2010Eligibility : Graduation in any discipline with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST)

3. M.Sc -

Biotechnology & Bioresources

Entrance Test : July 4, 2010Eligibility : B.Sc. in Biology / Agriculture / Forestry / Pharmacology / Biotechnology with at least 60% marks (50% for SC/ST)

4. a. M.Sc - Applied Mathematics

b. M.A. - Arabic

Admission on the basis of merit in B.A./B.Sc.

5. B.Techa. Computer Sciences & Engineeringb. Electronics & Communicationsc. Information Technology &

Telecommunicationd. Civil Engineering

Entrance Test : June 13, 2010

Eligibility : 10+2 with atleast 50% marks (45% for SC/ST) and Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.

6. Diploma Coursesa. Civil Engineeringb. Electronics & Communicationsc. Electrical & Renewable Energy

Engineeringd. Mechanical Engineering


Eligibility : 10th with atleast 50% marks (45% for SC/ST)

7. a. Bachelors in Computer Applications - BCA

b. Bachelors in Business Administration - BBA


Eligibility : 10+2 with atleast 50% marks (45% for SC/ST) with any subject combination

Application forms alongwith Information Bulletin : Available on payment of Rs. 600/- by Demand Draft, drawn in favour of Registrar, BGSB University payable at BGSB University Campus Rajouri, from the following offices :1. Office of Assistant Registrar (Admission), University Campus, Rajouri - 185131 (J&K), 09419171665;2. Camp Office, Opposite Channi Himmat, Bye Pass Road, Jammu - 180015, 0191-2466892 / 2464402;3. Regional Office, H.No. 201, Sector - B, Bagh-i-Hyder, Hyderpora Bye-Pass, Srinagar, 9419011449 and4. Can also be downloaded from University website : www.bgsbuniversity.org

MAT forms will be available from the above mentioned offices somewhere in the month of March.For More Details Contact : Dean Academic Affairs, 09419103563 and Assistant Registrar (Admission), 09419171665.

No. BGSBU/Acad/10/22

Vol. 4, Issue 3 Epilogue, March 2010www.epilogue.in

Epilogue because there is more to know

EditorZafar Iqbal Choudhary

PublisherYogesh Pandoh

Consulting EditorD. Suba Chandran

Associate EditorsIrm Amin BaigTsewang Rigzin

General ManagerKartavya Pandoh

Art EditorKeshav Sharma

Research OfficerRaman Sharma

Phones & emailOffice : +91 191 2493136Editorial: +91 94191 80762Administration: +91 94191 82518subscriptions : +91 90188 [email protected]@epilogue.in

Printed and Published byYogesh Pandoh for EpilogueNewsCraft from Ibadat House,Madrasa Lane, Near Graveyard,Bathindi Top, Jammu, J&K - 180012and Printed at : DEE DEEReprographix, 3 Aikta Ashram, NewRehari Jammu (J&K)

Disputes, if any, subject to jurisdictionof courts and competitive tribunals inJammu only.

RNI : JKENG/2007/26070ISN : 00974-5653Price : Rs 30

www.epilogue.in

I N FOCUSBudget 2010

15 The Dilemma of RatherHow to Pay for the Predecessor’s Party!Dipankar Sengupta

17 Would Budget 2010-11 address the basics?Arjimand Hussain Talib

18 Give women their dueManisha Sobhrajani

19 Put Rural Ladakh on AgendaT. Namgail

20 Think of saving precious glaciersPadma Sethi

20 Prioritise Quality EducationTashi Angchuk

21 Focus on EducationThukjay Tashi

21 Make Separate Power BudgetSyed Basharat Bukhari

22 Senior Citizens :Think of this 9% of total populationVikram Gour

23 Make Agriculture Engineer of GrowthAshwani Sharma

24 Make Tax Collection TransparentArjimand Hussain Talib

24 Bridge Rural-Urban DivideChoudhary Zulfikar Ali

25 Do the Regional Balancing ActBalwant Singh Mankotia

26 Give Air Connectivity to Unreachable AreasTsetan Namgyal

26 Do Need-Based MappingSajjad Kichloo

27 Revisit Your Previous Promises Before Making NewHakeem Mohammad Yaseen

28 Put Brakes on Price EscalationPeerzada Mansoor

29 Invest Creative IdeasAbdul Majid Wani

29 No Fresh Taxes, PleaseM R Qureshi

Volume 4, Issue 3, March 2010

Contributors to this Issue 3Prologue 5Letters 6Current AffairsKashmir Policy 8Create Discussion, not ConfusionsRam Chander Sharma

BooksWomen in Kashmir 30The Glorious Roles they PlayedNyla Ali Khan

Exclusive SeriesBy George : 33The Cunningham ContributionRakesh Ankit

Ladakh AffairsMedia: 36Ladakh’s Best Friend,AIR Leh needs urgent upgradeTsewang Rigzin

Political and Religious 37Organisations Join Hands for UTTsewang Rigzin

Gyalwang Drukpa Rinpochey 37visits LehSon of Ladakhi Soil, Stobdon 38 is Indian Envoy to KyrgyzstanEducation 38Students Launch Movementask ‘fourth idiot’ to come backRinchen Dolma

Governance 40Council reviews plan progressEpilogue Report

Academy Urged to Preserve 41Ladakhi Culture, HeritageProfile 42Nawang Rigzin Jora :The Unconventional PoliticanT. Norfail

Gender 43Not a fledging anymore :Women’s movement in LadakhTashi Morup

Rs 500 Crore for Illuminating Ladakh 4511998 Youths Jobless in Ladakh 45

Brain DrawnIndifference pushing youths away 47from their homesVikram Gour

OpinionPaying Price for Justice 49Assassination of Shahid AzmiM Shamsur Rabb Khan

ColumnEvil Deeds of Kot Bhalwal Jail 46Anmol Sharma

C O N T E N T

1

TOPIC:

YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT

NOW:

videos

INTERNATIONAL ESSAY COMPETITION 2010

www.essaycompetition.org

The World Band and its partners invite to participate in the

CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE

Ali, Choudhary Zulfikar; (In Focus Kichloo, Sajjad Ahmed; (In Focus

p24) is a Member of Legislative p26) is Member of Legislative

Assembly representing Darhal Assembly representing Kishtwar constituency in Rajouri district of constituency in Kishtwar district of Jammu province. He belongs to Jammu province. He belongs to Peoples Democratic Party.

National Conference.

Kumar, Ashok; (In Focus p28) is Angchuk, Tashi; (In Focus p20) is a

Member of Legislative Assembly businessman bases in Kargil district

representing Ramban constituency

in Ramban district of Jammu Ankit, Rakesh; (Forgotten History

region. He belongs to Congressp33) is a young historian from Bihar.

As a Rhodes Scholar recently he Mankotia, Balwant Singh; (In Focus studied various missing links in the p25) is Member of Legislative making of Kashmir conflict. Based

Assembly representing Udhampur on his first hand study, he is

contributing exclusive series to constituency in Udhamour district

Epilogue of Jammu province. He belongs to

J&K National Panthers Party. Bukhari, Basharat; (In Focus p21) is

Member of Legislative Assembly Mansoor, Peerzada; (In Focus p28) representing Sangrama constituency is Member of Legislative Assembly in Baramulla district of Kashmir representing Shangus constituency province. He belongs to the Peoples

in Anantnag district of Kashmir Democratic Party.

province. He belongs to Peoples

Democratic Party. Dolma, Rinchen; (Ladakh Affairs

p38) is a journalist and researcher Morup, Tashi; (Ladakh Affairs p43)

based in Lehis a journalist and researcher

based in LehGour, Vikram; (In Focus p22) is an

Engineer and activist. He Namgyal, T; (In Focus p19) is a specializes in energy matters and journalist based in Leh works for welfare of senior citizens

in Jammu and Kashmir. Namgyal, Tsetan; (In Focus p26) is

Member of Legislative Assembly Khan, M Samur Rabb; (Opinion p49)

is Editor with Indian Institute of representing Nubra constituency in

Dalit Affairs Leh district of Ladakh region. He is

an Independent LegislatorKhan, Nyla Ali; (Books p30) is a

Kashmir writer and scholar and Qureshi, MR; (In Focus p29) is author of (most recently) Islam, Member of Legislative Council Women and Violence in Kashmir: representing Poonch district of Between India and Pakistan. She is

Jammu region. He belongs to a professor of English at a US

National ConferenceUniversity


3

CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE

Rigzin, Tsewang; (Ladakh Affairs p36) Sobhrajani, Manisha; (In Focus

is an eminent journalist and p18) is a Delhi based independent

researcher. He is Associate Editor of researcher working at various

Epilogue based in Leh, Ladakh aspects of Kashmir conflict. She

divided her time between Delhi

and Jammu and KashmirSengupta, Dipankar; (In Focus p15) is a

Professor of Economy at the University

of Jammu Talib, Arjimand Hussain; (In Focus

Sethi, Padma; (In Focus p20) is a p17) is an international

development activist and Director of development consultant and a

an NGO Rural Development and You widely read columnist based in

Kashmir. His book 'Omar Abdullah:

The Burdens of Inheritance' is due Sharma, Anmol; (Columns p46) is a

for release in the coming monthslawyer based at Jammu. He has been

regular writer with Epilogue since 2008

Tashi, Thukjay; (In Focus p21) is a

development consultant working Sharma, Ashwani; (In Focus p23) is

in Leh Member of Legislative Assembly

representing Bishnah constituency in

Jammu district of Jammu province. He Wani, Abdul Majid; (In Focus p29)

is an Independent Legislator. is Member of Legislative Assembly

representing Doda constituency in

Doda district of Jammu province. Sharma, Baldev Raj; (In Focus p24) is

He belongs to Congress. Member of Legislative Assembly

representing Reasi constituency in

Reasi district of Jammu province. Yaseen, Hakeem Mohammad; (In

Belongs to Bhartiya Janta Party. Focus p27) is Member of

Legislative Assembly representing

Khan Sahib constituency in Sharma, Ram Chander; (Current

Badgam district of Kashmir Affairs p8) is a veterinary doctor based

province. He belongs to Peoples in district Rajouri. He is also an activist

Democratic Forum. working for the welfare of refugees.

Readers' requests for getting in touch with the

authors, for feedback, comments and further

discussions on their subjects of interest, are

welcome. Since all authors/contributors are not

interested in taking mails directly, the readers are

requested to send us interview requests at

[email protected] for passing on to the authors


4

PROLOGUE

From the Editor


t Epilogue, reporting same people who have been meeting

state budget has always the Finance Ministers for years with

been a very serious almost same sets of suggestions.

business. Since 2007, it Finance Ministers are not to be Ahas been a unique entirely blamed for keeping their

process for us involving the makers consultations limited to some known

of budget, the behind-the-curtains faces. In fact, the public at large,

architects, and experts on economy p a r t i c u l a r l y t h e e l e c t e d

and, of course, those seeking to representatives show a very little or

know how state's budget is prepared. no interest in such exercise. This lack

Each year we have brought out two of interest stems from the lack of

exclusive issues on the subject –one knowledge for the process as most of

pre-budget, analyzing the previous the people believe that budget is a

year's performance and listing public pure arithmetic and it better left to

expectations and one post-budget the Finance Minister and his key staff.

carrying comprehensive reports and In this pre-budget issue we have

analysis on the year's budget. We made an attempt to reach out the

have often been asked by our legislators with due care to the

readers that why we lay so much parties they belong to and the

emphasis on budget reporting. The districts they come from. First such

answer to this question is very exercise of this kind, it was aimed at

simple. It is all about public money gathering feedback for the Finance

and the public deserve to know how Minister on what the general public

their money comes and goes. Before want his Budget 2010 to reflect. Most

presenting Budgets, the Finance of the legislators, economists and

Ministers often engage with a not-so- other stakeholders we spoke to have

wide section of society in, what is strongly emphasized on capitalizing

called as pre-budget consultations. on the natural resources to create a

These consultations are always robust economic base in Jammu and

almost limited to a pre-identified set Kashmir. It is hoped that the Finance

of business chamber representatives Minister takes note of these

and a handful of teachers of suggestions.

e c o n o m i c s , c o m m e r c e a n d Feedback :

management from the Universities [email protected]

of Kashmir and Jammu. They are the

ZAFAR CHOUDHARY

Agenda for 2010-11

SEPTEMBER 2009

FEBRUARY 2008

5

Letters

Readers Write


Why You Ignored

Two Ministers

Dear Editor

At first sight, the

photographs of Ministers page

after page (performance review

of coalition government,

Epilogue Feb 2010) appeared

little out of place for a

scholarly journal like Epilogue.

However, the reading of

articles allayed the fears. This

kind of review was important,

timely and, of course, well

balanced exercise. The only

aspect of this review which

goes unexplained is that you

blacked out two Ministers –Taj

Mohiuddin and Agha Roohullah.

Even though I don't think it was

an oversight but bias is least

expected from Epilogue. It is

strongly suggested that working of the government is constantly monitored,

reviewed and reported for enabling the public to make well informed opinions.

AKNIT SHARMA

Jammu

Movement is Driven

by Peoples

Dear Editor

The movement for rights to self

determination in Kashmir seems to

have been slightly underplayed by

the author Ahmed Ali Fayyaz in his

essay 'Revisiting Srinagar Central 20

Years After Bloodshed'. The

sentiment for rights in Kashmir is as

strong today as it was 20 years back,

the leaders of the movement wield

far more influence today than they

did two decades back, the fire is

growing only brighter and stronger.

He is right in pointing out that

leaders are now a divided lot and

drawn in different directions but I

would like to assert that ongoing

movement in Kashmir driven by the

sentiments of the peoples and not

the leaders.

MIR IFTIKHAR

Sumbal, Kashmir

Three-points Govt Must Consider for Panchayat Polls

Dear Editor,

As you know, there are indications that the State Government is intending to hold the much - awaited Panchayat

elections soon. I am sure that while making preparations, the concerned Ministry is also considering policy measures

required to be taken before elections are held. I think that at least 3 aspects should not escape Government's attention.

First, it must spell out a timeframe for constitution of PRIs at all 3 tiers - Halqa, Block and District, so that this time the

entire structure of Local Self Government is put in place. Second, it must clearly spell out a mechanism for effective

devolution of functions and funds to local bodies at each level so as to rebuild people's confidence that PRIs are going to

be real (and not cosmetic). Third, it should declare reservation of 50% seats of Panches and Sarpanches for women so as

to ensure their effective participation in grassroots democracy. In my view, the above measures, taken before elections,

will send a strong signal to the people of J&K that the process of democratization of governance has finally begun here as

well!

G. M. SHEIKH

Director

Leh Development Organisation, Leh

FEBRUARY 2010

6

LettersReaders Write


Give Youths Choice, Not Chance

Dear Editor

Epilogue is one of the best Magazines and I request that Editors should focus more on youths. In our society the ethic of moral education in lacking behind, as a result of which many evils such as corruption, crime etc prevail very often. The logic behind all this is that the youth are in depression and this syndrome is increasing day by day.

With the growing significance and having seen the prevailing status of youth, it has becoming more challenge task to bring out the sustainable future for our younger generation. Unfortunately, under the present circumstance there is no common platform for our youth to discuss their problems. I strongly believe that youth can play an effective role in bringing about sustainable and equitable development in the world through their actively participation in the developmental work and their positive active.

Today's our youth are tomorrow social reformer that why they need to be encouraged in every positive field. They need right guidance and good environment, work environment, political environment, quality leadership, so that they can have a future by choice not by chance.

SONAM DORJEY Sakti, Leh

Give Fair Deal to Geo, Socio, Psychology

Dear editor,

This is the response to 'spreading literacy' (Epilogue, Feb 2010) in which I got to

know that the new government brought some good hopes for the future of the

education sector, especially the recruitment of various teaching and non teaching staff

in education department which also includes the creation of 200 posts of lecturers for

the subjects viz, IT, Bio chemistry, Functional English, Environmental Science and Bio

Tech. at Higher Secondary level. Impressively, the creation of 200 posts for above

mentioned subjects are welcome for those with career holders of those subjects and

for students as well. But on the other hand, there is no clear indication about future of

those with subjects specially Geography, Sociology, Psychology etc, as a career that the

concerned authorities of the Omer Government couldn't give the proper attention to

these mentioned subjects in creation of post for these subjects at Higher Secondary

level. If various states and central universities are offering master degree programmes

in these social science subjects under UGC, then why the concerned authorities of in

government fail to consider these subjects at 10+2 level. Moreover, the teaching of

these subjects at said level will not only solve the unemployment issue to some extent,

but also are more relevant for the indepth study of subjects that assume importance in

our state.

TSERING ANGCHUKLeh

Wish, Epilogue Stands Tall

Dear Editor,

It was really very nice to scan the special issue of

epilogue...luckily it was also first time for me to come

across this magazine and visualizing the warm

recommendation from my close mentor Mr Ramchandra

Guha. Hope to see good future of this magazine albeit also

wish for continuance of standing.

ATUL THAKUR

New Delhi

7

I have found Epilogue interesting. May be you need to broaden your

convas to look at what has been happening in PaK and the Northern

Areas and a the solutions on offer or desired. Also the surrounding

scene - Tibet, Xinjiang, Afghanistan - the last being closely linked

to developments in J&K. And, of course, Pakistan

BG VERGHESE

CURRENT AFFAIRS

Opinion


reaking the long frozen ice of ation with a faction of moderate Taliban Minister of Jammu and Ghulam Nabi

Indo-Pak dialogue New Delhi having the Pakistan backing –handing Azad has expressed reservations over Brecently jumped into Foreign over the administration and law and the scheme as similar to the right wing

Secretary level talks with Islamabad order to the beleaguered Karazai nationalist Bartya Janta Party.

putting terrorism as topic of discussion. Government. Pakistan is playing as a Pakistan's intelligence outfit the ISI Pakistan, on the other hand, insisted on mediator and guarantor to the new for- is running scores of armed training downplaying the issue of terrorism and mula. India as a major player in the sub camps in the PaK and Pakistan and push-stressed for resumption of composite continent has considerable interests in ing the Kashmiri youths across the LoC dialogue including discussions on 'core' Afghanistan. If the new set up turns a for subversion. The recent suicide issue of Kashmir and Indus water shar- reality than Pakistan would definitely attacks of Taliban inside POK areas ing. The Pak Prime Minister went to the cut Indian diplomacy to its size and the against the Pak army are the direct fall extent of declaring diplomatic win over Indians in a knee jerk reaction are on out of Pakistan's army action against the India –that its neighbor bowed before the fast mode to have bilateral dialogue Taliban and Al-Qaeda in Pak restive FATA international pressure over the bilat- with Pakistan and some populist mea- and North West Frontier Province eral issues and resumption of dialogue. sures in Jammu and Kashmir as well. including that of the South Waziristan The bilateral relations between two Keeping these fears and the recent with full military force under the terms nuclear South Asian neighbors are run- spurt in anti Indian emotional flare ups and conditions of Obama administra-ning at low after 26/11 terrorist in Kashmir valley following killing of two tion. The American drone attacks have attacks. young boys the Omar Abdullah govern- killed the top leadership of Tehrik-e-

The American engagement in ment proposed the carpet amnesty to Taliban inside the Pak territory making

Afghanistan and the failure of NATO the Kashmiri youths in Pakistan adminis- the anti American sentiment more vocal

forces with rising financial cost has led tered Kashmir who denounce militancy and open inside the Pak political circles

the Obama administration to review its and return to Jammu and Kashmir with- and the tribal Pushtun community term-

South Asian and Central Asian policy to out arms. The Home Minister has sup- ing the attacks as direct threat on the

lead and finance the war against terror. ported the scheme openly despite a sovereignty of the country.

US is in a hurry to wash its hands off the warning statement of Defense Minister Pakistan has fully exploited the sit-unending vicious cycle of violence and saying that the terrorist infiltration has uation in the troubled Jammu and possible fall out against the US national increased in the year 2009. The Union Kashmir to its main agenda of interna-interests and is on the track of reconcili- Health Minister and former Chief tionalizing the Kashmir issue. On the

RAM CHANDER SHARMA

KASHMIR POLICY

Create Discussions, not Confusions

The proposal for safe return and amnesty to the youths who crossed over to the Pakistan administered Kashmir during years of turmoil as mooted by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and quickly endorsed by Union Home Minister P Chidambram has kicked off confusion among several sections in Jammu and Kashmir. Recently the report of Prime Minister's Working Group headed by Justice Sagheer Ahmed has already caused criticism in Jammu and Ladakh regions. These developments have taken place at a time when many steps being taken on Kashmir are seen influenced by external pressures –may be America's dilemma in Afghanistan. Need of the hour is to evolve a broad consensus on Kashmir issue and not a confusion among the stakeholders.

8

other hand the Indians are failing

with every passing day in dealing

with the situation. The alienation of

people and the aversion against the

Indian army and other security

forces in J&K –release of Justice

Sagheer Ahmed report on the

Center and State relationship at

this juncture has proved disturbing.

The Ladakh Union Territory Front,

PoK Refugees, West Pak Refugees,

KP organizations and other Jammu

based political parties including the

BJP have opposed the 5th working

group report which was hurriedly

handed over to the Chief Minister.

Now, the new amnesty scheme for

the Kashmir youth across the LoC is

opposed tooth and nail by these

groups.

Government of India has been

generous with the surrender policy

of the militants in J&K. This has

already backfired in the valley, as

most of the surrendered ultras are

linked with further killings and loot-

ing on the behest of J&K Police and

the security forces.

The relief and rehabilitation of

PoK Refugees, WP Refugees, KP

Migrants and other Displaced

Persons has been put to cold storage

by the State and GOI and the state

government. On the other hand the

fresh amnesty and surrender policy

mooted by J&K Govt with full cen-

tral govt backing is creating confu-

sion. The quiet diplomacy is a fail-

ure right from the beginning with

major separatist groups and even

the moderate Hurriyat M is keeping

away for the moment due to inter-

nal opposition within the group. The

sensitive issue of resolving the

Kashmir imbroglio needs all party

discussion and consensus instead of

promoting the vested political

interest inside the state.


S President Barack Obama's Special Envoy Uto Pakistan and Afghanistan, Richard

Holbrooke has said that while Washington

supports renewed contacts between Pakistan

and India and wants the process to continue,

Pakistani leaders should not burden the

nascent process with insistence on core issues,

specifically Kashmir. Holbrooke said it was

encouraging that India had agreed to engage

with Pakistan and issues could be brought onto

the agenda once the talks progressed. Holbrooke was in Pakistan in mid-February and

had meetings with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani among others there.

hile commending the role of security forces in Wcombating terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, Home Minister P Chidambaram admitted, on February 17 in Jammu, that there has been an increase in terrorism-related incidents in the state. Sixty five terrorist incidents have taken place in the state in the first 45 days of this year, Chidambaram said at a press conference after reviewing the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir at a meeting of the unified command, a strategic group comprising representatives of the army, paramilitary forces, police and

intelligence agencies. "In these incidents, seven civilians, nine security personnel and 24 militants have been killed," he said, but felt that the "security forces were making gradual progress, and the situation was improving."

He commended the role of security forces. "They are dealing with the situation with great caution and wisdom." The home minister made it clear that zero tolerance would be exhibited towards human rights violations. Evidence of that was the arrest of a Border Security Force trooper who was suspected to be behind the killing of Kashmiri teen Zahid Farooq. "The commandant has been suspended and investigations are on," Chidambaram said. At the unified command meeting, sources said, the home minister took stock of the situation on the borders and also in the hinterland. He urged security forces to neutralize militants but avoid collateral damage.

Don't links talks resumption with Kashmir: Holbrooke tells Pak

HOME MINISTER: Incident of Terror up in J&K

rmy Chief Gen Deepak Kapoor said on February 19 that Pakistan was continuing to Apush in militants from across the border into Jammu and Kashmir but the armed forces deployed there were capable of tackling it. "Our neighbour is continuing infiltration of militants from across the border into Jammu and Kashmir. It (infiltration) will continue. Forces are deployed in the border and they will make all efforts to stop the infiltrators there. If some militants do come in, our forces will tackle them”.

Pak Pushing in Ultras: Army

CURRENT AFFAIRSReports

9


ew Delhi's show of resolve in continuing with the India-NPakistan talks despite the Pune blast has been heartening.

Now, it must also stand firm on defusing internal tension without

letting the latest terror attack cloud the issue. This is particularly

so when it comes to Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar

Abdullah's recent proposal backed by Union home minister P

Chidambaram for the return of Kashmiris who had crossed over to

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). It is a potent statement of

intent. And given that hard questions will be asked of Islamabad in

the wake of the Pune blast, this is an opportunity for it to back up

its rhetoric about a sustainable solution in the region with concrete

action by cooperating with New Delhi on the issue. The devil lies in

the details, of course. Concerns such as the ones raised by Union

health minister Ghulam Nabi Azad about militants using this as an

entry point are overstated. Similar concerns came up when the

Muzaffarabad trade route was opened; they came to nothing. But

this does not mean the process is risk-free. Rigorous controls and

screening mechanisms must be put in place before any such

initiative can be launched. There should be thorough procedures for

nion home minister P. Chidambaram's readiness to Uendorse J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah's suggestion

for the return of Indians trapped in PoK is a positive

development. Seen in any light, the chief minister's proposal

to grant amnesty to former Kashmiri militants stuck in PoK over the years, and encourage their return and reintegration into

society, is a useful one. Given the ups and downs the state has known for two decades, such an idea should have been

formulated long ago. In the light of experience, it was easy to see that bringing the former flame-throwers back into the

fold would have had a salutary effect on Kashmir society.

Using their ingenuity, some young men, who had crossed over to PoK for arms training in the late Eighties and the early

Nineties with one or another militant outfit in the backdrop of an insurgent movement, have been returning. Their narrative

is uniformly one of disillusionment with the “jihadi” establishment run by Pakistan in “the other Kashmir”. The articulation

of this on a wide scale — were an amnesty scheme available — was certain to have had a positive impact on the younger

generation in the Valley, some of whom continue to be wooed by jihadist ideologues. What has prevented a wholesale

trudge back of the prodigal is the absence of a suitable amnesty scheme and the consequent fear of long jail terms. Quite

apart from young minds in the Valley being influenced by the negative experiences of their brethren who had gone across,

accepting people back into society is a “public good” in its own right. It is such thinking that lay behind amnesty schemes in

respect of dangerous Chambal dacoits initiated through the aegis of stalwarts like Jayaprakash Narayan in the past. The

ending turned out to be good for all concerned, the government included. Taking people back into the system removes a

source of festering bitterness. This has been seen to be the case in some states of the Northeast as well. In Kashmir also,

there are several people who have committed serious crimes but have emerged as political leaders of the so-called

J&K IN NATIONAL PRESS

Times of India, Feb 17

Earning Goodwill

Amnesty Call Goodstep Asian Age, Feb 12

Establishing accountability for incidents such as the shooting of 17-year-old Zahid Farooq Shah is another. Credibility is the currency of any dialogue; moderate Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq's backing out of talks with the Centre because of the killing shows how such incidents degrade that credibility. It's essential to restore trust in the Valley where large sections of the people are alienated from the administration.


10


identification of returning militants, with corroboration from

family members. Abdullah and Chidambaram must focus on

reintegration efforts as well. Laying down arms can be

temporary if the individual finds himself alienated socially and

economically from a society that has changed drastically in the

intervening years. It's crucial that concurrent to any such

proposal, a concerted effort be made by the state and central

administrations for the rehabilitation of the tens of thousands

of Kashmiri Pandits still living in transit camps in Jammu. It

has been two decades since they were driven from their

homes in a blatant instance of ethnic cleansing. To facilitate

the return of those who might have crossed the border to

take up arms against the Indian state while ignoring the

continuing plight of the Pandits would be a gross miscarriage

of justice. These are all crucial pieces of the Kashmir

conundrum. Establishing accountability for incidents such as

the shooting of 17-year-old Zahid Farooq Shah is another.

Credibility is the currency of any dialogue; moderate Hurriyat

Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq's backing out of talks

with the Centre because of the killing shows how such

incidents degrade that credibility. It's essential to restore

trust in the Valley where large sections of the people are

alienated from the administration.

separatist camp. If they can be rehabilitated without the state

making a fuss, there is no reason why the rank-and-file

insurgent, who made the wrong choice at a given historical

moment, should be denied a similar opportunity.

J&K Congress leader and Union health minister Ghulam

Nabi Azad has raised some issues of procedure. He has noted

that a general amnesty can be exploited by PoK jihadist

networks to push in terrorists. Such concerns naturally need to

be taken into account while formulating schemes for the

return of Kashmir Valley people. Appropriate vetting

procedures will be required to be put in place. However, it

will be shortsighted not to see the wider picture. Clear

numbers may not be available about Kashmiris stranded in PoK

but keen to return. The scheme to be drawn up for their

rehabilitation necessarily has to be pragmatic, elastic, and

adequately funded, possibly with Central and state

government resources. The main idea is to see such a proposal

as a political act with wide social benefits. Successful

prosecution of the plan cannot but have a beneficial effect on

the wider “Kashmir question”, irrespective of the terms in

which it is defined. In any conversation with Pakistan as well

as the local separatist leadership, a successful rehabilitation

programme of this nature cannot but have a strong impact.

utting all speculations to rest,

the chairperson of Unique PIdentification Authority of India

Chairperson Nandan Nilekani has

brought Jammu and Kashmir on his

project agenda. It was earlier

widely believed that Jammu and

Kashmir might go untouched in this

ambitions national project.

Nilekani recently visited Jammu and made a presenta-

tion before the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other

government officials to be involved in implementation

of the project. The state government has already con-

stituted a high level committee headed by the Chief

Minister to coordinate with the UIDAI.

Making the presentation at the civil secretariat,

Nilekani said that this unique number will be based on

data to be provided by each person. His/her biometrics

like finger prints, iris scan and facial features will be

stored in the database and any person seeking any kind

of service will have to prove his identity using these

biometrics, Nilekani said. Abdullah appreciated the

UIDAI for taking proactive steps in introducing UID num-

ber in Jammu and Kashmir. He assured the state govern-

ment's full cooperation with the UIDAI in the implemen-

tation of the project. Abdullah said a committee will be

constituted to work on this project, adding permanent

resident certificates will also contain this unique identi-

fication number to make them more informative.

Nilekani takes J&K inch closer to UID project

ollowing a decision of the state cabinet in its Fmeeting held on February 15, the J&K

government has announced elections to the urban

locals bodies. The Election Department has been

told to to draw a schedule and complete entire

election process by first fortnight of May. The

election to two Municipal Corporations in two capital

cities of Jammu and Srinagar, six Municipal Councils

and about 71 Municipal Committees are likely to be

held in second fortnight of April.

Urban Local Bodies polls from Apr 15


11


enior BJP leader and SParliamentary Party Chairman L K

Advani on February 19 warned of

dire and unprecedented agitation if

the UPA took any action that

compromised national interests and

failed to take measures to check

prices of essential commodities. In

his concluding remarks at the three-

day National Executive and National

Council conclave in Bhopal, Advani

referring obviously about the Indo-Pak talks scheduled to be

held on February 25, said the talks of granting autonomy by the

committee headed by Justice Saghir Ahmad was nothing but a

'fraud', as no meeting had taken place. "I warn the Government

that if it takes any step to dilute Indian authority in the

Northern most State of the country, the Government will have to

face unprecedented national repercussions," Advani said.

alling for a consensus Camong various political

parties for resolution of

the Kashmir issue with

Pakistan, PDP has appealed

to the BJP-led NDA not to

create hurdles but support

the new efforts of the

Central government.

"There is a need for parties

across the political

spectrum of the country to evolve a consensus on

resolving the Kashmir issue with Pakistan and also

address its internal dimension," PDP patron and former

Chief Minister, Mufti Mohmmad Sayeed said. "There is

no substitute to resolving this festering sore that has

dampened the immense economic potential of South

Asian region for decades and bruised the body and soul

of Jammu and Kashmir," Mufti said.

Advani warns UPA against diluting Indian authority in Kashmir

Mufti appeals BJP to support peace process

harging the government of failing to protect the religious properties of pandits in the Kashmir valley, the Kashmiri Pandit CSangarsh Samiti (KPSS) has said temples were being leased out or sold by some non-state subjects and a former militant with

the help of revenue department. President of KPSS Sanjay Kumar Tickoo alleged that time and again it has been observed that the

state administration, particularly revenue department was working against the interests of pandit community. He said the

department was working with the unscrupulous elements in vandalising the religious property of the Kashmiri Pandit community

damaging the over all social fabric in general and the very existence of the community in the valley. Tickoo said KPSS takes strong

note about the recent development regarding the Shri Ganesh Temple, Sonwar, Srinagar. The non-state subjects alongwith one

ex-militant turned temple broker was trying to sell or lease the property of the temple. Even some persons (Non-State Subjects)

in the shape of Sadhus are trying to change the title of the temple and its property by corrupting the concerned Revenue Officials,

he alleged. This ex-militant turned broker in the temple land mafia is involved in many other sale and leases of other temples in

the Valley. He alleged that even after repeated complaints against the said person no action was taken by the authorities for the

reasons best known to them.

Even with the help of former militant some other non-state subjects (Sadhus) are trying to mutate the temple property in

their name with the help of the concerned officials of the Revenue Department. He questioned how state administration and

judiciary allows sale and lease of the temple property when Article 370 was in force in the state. Tickoo alleged that despite ban

by the government on the sale of such property, it was going on. This, he said, was a clear conspiracy against the Kashmiri Pandit

Community. In 1819, when Sikh Rulers invaded the Kashmir Valley they tried to demolish the muslim worship places in the Valley,

but the Kashmiri Pandits came forward and saved them from the invaders, he said adding now KPSS request the majority

community of the Kashmir Valley to come forward and save our religious places from these anti Kashmiri Pandit and Anti Social

elements and keep the spirit of Kashmiriyat alive in true sense.

Sadhus join ex-militants in selling Hindu temple properties in Kashmir


12

---images ----FEB 2007. Jan 2008.

Feb 2008. June 2009. Sept 2009.

Who Writes the Complex Stories ofJ&K Budget in Simplest Possible Form?

Epilogue, Of Course

Our Budget Reports and Analysis Are Written By Top of the Line Experts In A Manner That Even A Layman Enjoys Reading Them

FROM EPILOGUE ARCHIVES SINCE 2007

16 UNPUTDOWNABLE STORIESAvailable in Hard Copies, E-Files, CD-ROM

Employment to Empower Growth

Vol 1, Issue 2, Feb 2007 By Prof NISAR ALI

Economist

Some Basics About J&K Economy

Vol 2, Issue 1, Jan 2008 By BALRAJ PURI Author, Thinker

Buoyancy in J&K Economy and Budget 2008-09Vol 2, Issue 1, Jan 2008

By Prof NISAR ALIEconomist

Financing Development in J&K is Financing Peace

Vol 2, Issue 1, Jan 2008 Interview: TARIQ HAMEED QARRA

Finance Minister (2008)

J&K State in the Grip of Financial Crises

Vol 2, Issue 1, Jan 2008 By ABDUL RAHIM RATHER

Leader of Opposition (2008)

Budget 2007-08 The Unfinished Agenda

Vol 2, Issue 1, Jan 2008 By ARJIMAND HUSSAIN TALIB

Economist, Development Consultant

How Not to Promote Economic Growth: The Case

of Jammu and KashmirVol 2, Issue 1, Jan 2008

By DIPANKAR SENGUPTA Economist

An Economy in Disadvantaged Position

Vol 2, Issue 1, Jan 2008 By RAM SAHAI

Business Leader (Since Died)

A Lot Needs to be Done Vol 2, Issue 1, Jan 2008

By ANNIL SURI Business Leader,

Management Consultant

J&K is a Rich State Run By a Poor Government Vol 2, Issue 2, Feb 2008

Interview: HASEEB DRABU Economist,

Chairman, J&K Bank

Budget 2008-09: Political Courage Sans Innovation

Vol 2, Issue 2, Feb 2008 By DIPANKAR SENGUPTA

Economist

Figures Fudged, Statistics Faked

Vol 2, Issue 2, Feb 2008 By ABDUL RAHIM RATHER

Leader of Opposition (2008)

We Have Brought Turn Around in Economy

Vol 2, Issue 2, Feb 2008 By TARIQ HAMEED KARRA

Finance Minister (2008)

Enhancing Own Resources, Controlling

Non-Productive Expenditure Are Our Top

Priorities Vol 3, Issue 6, June 2009

Interview: ABDUL RAHIM RATHER Finance Minister (2009)

Ensure Taxpayers' Money Goes to Programmes

That Work Vol 3, Issue 9, Sept 2009

By BILAL HUSSAINFinancial Journalist

There are No Quick Fixes; We are Working on a

Workable Employment Policy Vol 3, Issue 9, Sept 2009

Interview: ABDUL RAHIM RATHER Finance Minister (2009)

IN FOCUS

Budget 201015


person to the masses who symbolise

political authority are state level

politicians. This unfair fact of life means

that Mr Rather will have to think of ways

and means to tackle this problem as

well. Last but not the least, he will also

have to deal with the consequences of

the drought.

Mr Rather's work therefore is cut

out. He will have to deal with the fall

out of three major timebombs none of here is no person in Jammu and Commission which no government would

which is his doing! As if that was not bad Kashmir whose position is as have the courage not to accept.

enough, the deficit on account of the unenviable as Mr Abdul Rahim The previous Congress-PDP T

power sector still remains abnormally Rather. His inheritance as the Finance coalition had handed Mr Rather a time

high even after generous power grants Minister of the state was an economy bomb in the form of a state government

for the central government under a MOU rocked by agitations in both in Jammu with a huge salary bill, the result of the

signed with the state government that and the Valley as the result of the Shree lifting of the freeze on government

was supposed to bring this sector to Amarnath Land Controversy and the employment for Jammu and Kashmir in

order. With the enhanced pay to be paid precarious financial position of the 2005. By not renewing the 5-year

for the entire year (unlike in the previous government made much worse by the moratorium on state government

year when it was paid for only part of the recommendations of the Sixth Pay employment agreed upon by the NC led

year), the salary bill will probably cross state government and the NDA

8000 crores as opposed to 6500 crores Government in 2000, the Prime Minister

the previous year. Thus Mr Rather has no Dr Manmohan Singh opened the

room for financial manouevre. Nor can floodgates for a surge in largely non-

her abuse the previous government to his productive government employment.

heart's content, as his coalition partner The Congress-PDP coalition did not

was part of it. Such, as they say is life! “disappoint.” The state's salary bill

The NC government therefore has doubled during the previous coalition's

two choices. It can seek to play the tenure spiking form 2005 onwards. Even

politics of victimhood and blackmail with buoyant revenues salaries as a

and seek extra central government proportion of total expenditure rose to

assistance and carry on with business as 30% towards the end of the Congress-PDP

usual. Alternatively, it may choose to rule as compared to 24% when NC lost

bite the bullet and carry out painful power in 2002. It has fallen to Mr Rather's

adjustments as it courageously did a lot to handle the consequences of the

decade ago when it froze hiring at the 6th Pay Commission which was

state level. The chances are it will do announced just prior to the present

neither. coalition coming to power. This coalition

Some financial room may accrue will have to think of ways to pay for the

to the state for an action that is purely previous coalition's party.

non-budgetary in nature. Once the As if this were not bad enough,

long-delayed panchayat elections are inflation, particularly food inflation is

held, grants-in-aid recommended by assuming alarming proportions. Strictly

the 12th Finance Commission that speaking this is a matter that the

could be spent only through Panchayati central government's responsibility.

Raj Institutions may resume. These However, in these matters, the closest

were withheld as the previous coalition

By not renewing the 5-year moratorium on state government employment agreed upon by the NC led state government and the NDA Government in 2000, the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh opened the floodgates for a surge in largely non-productive government employment. The Congress-PDP coalition did not “disappoint.” The state's salary bill doubled during the previous coalition's tenure spiking form 2005 onwards. Even with buoyant revenues salaries as a proportion of total expenditure rose to 30% towards the end of the Congress-PDP rule as compared to 24% when NC lost power in 2002. It has fallen to Mr Rather's lot to handle the consequences of the 6th Pay Commission which was announced just prior to the present coalition coming to power. This coalition will have to think of ways to pay for the previous coalition's party

The Dilemma of RatherHow to Pay for the

Predecessor's Party!

DIPANKAR SENGUPTA

Economist


had not held elections to these bodies

long after their terms had expired. .The

13th Commission has been requested by

the state government to release this

amount once elections are held.

Crucially this assistance, by its very

nature is biased towards rural areas.

Potentially therefore they may be

dovetailed with a state-government

sponsored scheme so that investment in

the state's rural economy especially

irrigation infrastructure receives a

m u c h n e e d e d f i l l i p . E q u a l l y

importantly, the State Government state government is unlikely to freeze must find a way to dovetail existing

hiring as it did in 2000. The trauma of schemes with NREGS for which

the subsequent loss of power in 2002 still Panchayats should be involved so that

lingers. In any case the space created by the farce of the entire allocation under

that action was utilised by its rivals in this scheme lying practically unspent

does not reoccur. Given the severity of power (although in a most wasteful

the recent drought and the fact that for manner.) What it can do is to take steps

most crops the state's productivity is to plug the power deficit. The much-

below (the already low) national touted political difficulty in executing

average, the importance of this step this measure is simply overstated. It

cannot be doubted. For a state facing a must be remembered that after initial

financial crunch, this will be a resistance, the exercise of metering

significant step taken largely at the power went ahead smoothly in the expense of the central government Valley. Indeed, this very fact led to a fall under the aegis of an arrangement open in power consumption as consumers to all states. realised that power would no longer be a

As for setting the state finances free commodity. The new government right and creating an environment for has now to begin charging for power growth, the government is unlikely to consumed. This may be unpopular in the take any courageous decisions. This short run, but in the long run may deliver

political dividends if the power outages

and shortages become a thing of the

past. But this too is essentially a non-

budgetary governance exercise. The

budget will merely signal if the

government wished to take this step.

The budget to be presented to the

state assembly cannot hope to

overcome the state's problems in a

single stroke. But its nature will tell

whether it is business as usual or long-

term political sagacity which will be at

play.

The NC government therefore has two choices. It can seek to play the politics of victimhood and blackmail and seek extra central government assistance and carry on with business as usual. Alternatively, it may choose to bite the bullet and carry out painful adjustments as it courageously did a decade ago when it froze hiring at the state level. The chances are it will do neither

As for setting the state finances right and creating an environment for growth, the government is unlikely to take any courageous decisions. This state government is unlikely to freeze hiring as it did in 2000. The trauma of the subsequent loss of power in 2002 still lingers. In any case the space created by that action was utilised by its rivals in power (although in a most wasteful manner.)

ØBudgetary deficit down to mere Rs 124.84 crore, Next year's budgetary deficit provisionally estimated at Rs 618.73 crores.

ØReceipts up by Rs 1701.81 crore. Expenditure down by Rs 205.80 crores.

ØTotal disbursements for next year decrease to Rs 9070.49 crores as against Rs 9178.59 crore provided in BE of current year.

ØTax collection targets exceeded by Rs 53.16 crore excluding electricity duty, which is lower by Rs 12 crore in comparison to budgetary targets.

ØTax revenue targets for next year fixed at Rs 794.91 crore and non-tax revenue targets at Rs 661.58 crore.

ØPlan expenditure estimated at Rs 1750 crore and for the next year provisionally fixed at Rs 2000 crore.

ØSecurity Related Expenditure over and above the normal expenditure on law and order up from Rs 253.12 crore to Rs 401.94 crore.

ØSalary payable to migrant employees estimated at Rs 83.41 crore in 2000-2001.

ØBudgetary support to PSUs kept in RE at Rs 75.41 crore.

ØRs 13.50 crore for modernisation of police force.

ØImport duty on IMFL up from Rs 5 per LPL to Rs 10 per LPL. Export fee on IMFL abolished. Liquor industry taken out of negative list.

ØToll tax rates increased upto 10 per cent . Fresh fruits and vegetables exempted.

F L A S H B A C K 2 0 0 1

IN FOCUSBudget 2010

16


&K state today looks akin to those African states which survive by foreign aid. For years, poverty Jeradication and economic growth strategies in such countries have failed to deliver for many reasons.

The most striking reasons being donor dictates, lack of political sovereignty, unjust international trade

regimes, poor taxation systems, abysmal governance and acute corruption.

Zambian economist, Dambisa Moyo's path-breaking book 'Dead Aid' has some unmistakable lessons –

especially why the 'aid model' has actually failed, and what havoc aid dependency was wrecking with

most of the African countries. Given J&K's case of aggravating aid dependency and poor tax revenues,

our case also needs to be looked from the same prism. As the government is finalising the state's budget

for 2010-11, a focus on the macro picture is expected. That macro picture would help us analyse where

the state is headed. Excessive focus on the micro aspects of the budget exercise would, at best, address

the populism constituency. We require a political will to look at the policy part of it – from a macro

perspective.

J&K state is at a highly critical juncture today. The level of dependency on the Government of India

(GoI) aid – in our case 'grants' – is reaching a critically high level. In Budget 2009-2010, the GoI grants

constituted 59 per cent of the state's total annual income. Salaries, pension liabilities, interest

payments and the power bill alone constitute 53 per cent of our expenditure. Capital expenditure in

2009-10 was a mere 34 per cent.

In 2002-03, the overdraft from the Jammu and Kashmir Bank (the state's official banker) was Rs 814

crore as against the maximum permissible limit set by the Reserve Bank of India of Rs 950 crore. Today,

the government has a whopping overdraft of Rs 2,200 crore to deal with. Then there are other systemic

problems, as acknowledged by the Finance Minister himself, related to delayed payment of salaries to

government employees and the delayed clearance of bills in the government treasury.

The state's debt to GSDP ratio also requires some imaginative thinking. J&K's overall fiscal liabilities

are constantly increasing. Fiscal and primary deficits are also burgeoning. The growth rate of fiscal

liabilities was 18.33 per cent during 2005-06 over the previous year. The ratio of fiscal liabilities to GSDP

also increased from 60.37 per cent in 2000-01 to 73.78 per cent in 2005-06. That means that the fiscal

liabilities had grown faster than the State's GSDP. The state's spiralling debt liabilities have become a

sort of a vicious cycle of deficit, debt and debt service payments.

There is a constituency that believes that since J&K's

GSDP and the per capita incomes are relatively better, the

state can ward off any public finance crisis. That is only partly

right. We must bear in mind that in J&K's case a relatively

better GSDP does not necessarily mean corresponding

buoyancy in the state's tax revenues. Our taxation system has

too many loopholes. Imperatives of public order and peace

through populism measures would continue to remain as

long as the larger political conflict remains unaddressed.

The crisis of our power sector is acute and beyond the band

aids of any budget exercise. The revenue deficit in the sector

is again likely to make the state's budget go haywire. It is

again a political issue, which requires a political solution.

And it remains to be seen whether Mr. Omar Abdullah can go

beyond the usual band aids or not.

As the government is finalising the state's budget for 2010-11, a focus on the macro picture is expected. That macro picture would help us analyse where the state is headed. Excessive focus on the micro aspects of the budget exercise would, at best, address the populism constituency. We require a political will to look at the policy part of it – from a macro perspective.

Would Budget 2010-11Address the Basics?

ARJIMAND HUSSAIN TALIB

International Development Consultant

ØElectric and electronic goods, Plaster of Paris and Earthmovers brought under the existing list of 12 items for purpose of entry tax.

ØSales Tax reduced by four per cent on motor spare parts, tyres and tubes and by three per cent on jewellery and ornaments.

ØSmall scale industrial units exempted from ST on service component of sales of their products.

ØBenefit of self-assessment scheme extended to the dealers with taxable turnover upto Rs 25 lakh as against the present limit of Rs 10 lakh.

ØGolden Handshake Scheme proposed for Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

ØDaily wagers wages enhanced from Rs 45 per day to Rs 60 per day. Freedom fighters pension up by 50 per cent. Ration allowance of police jawans up from Rs 300 to Rs 450 per month.

F L A S H B A C K 2 0 0 1

IN FOCUSBudget 2010

17


n any society, women—consciously or on a priority basis is the need of the hour.

unconsciously—strengthen social I In the 2009 budget speech made by structures and fabrics. In Jammu & the J&K Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Kashmir, they do much more. Contrary to Rather, the word 'women' is mentioned popular perception, women's issues are less than ten times in a 85-page long docu-not 'soft' subject matter, but a plethora ment. The references are as bleak as '...a of complex themes with unimaginable special scheme has been devised for parameters, and this is especially true of their economic empowerment. Under women in J&K. this scheme, 100 women entrepreneurs

As I write this column, the State shall be selected from each district tak-

Assembly has just got down with 45-day ing the total to 2,200 in the first phase.'

long budget session, one of the highlights The budget speech also mentions: of which will be the controversial Jammu 'Special provisions have been made in the and Kashmir Permanent Residents (Dis- budget for development of Gujjar and qualification) Bill which seeks to annul Bakerwals, Schedule Castes and permanent resident rights of Kashmiri Schedule Tribes, Women and Child women who marry outside the state. Welfare.' I am not sure if mentioning

Based on my interactions with sev- women in the same breath as other cate-

eral women from different walks of life gories mentioned above is the smartest

in many regions of J&K over the years, I thing to do.

have two suggestions towards the state's My second suggestion is towards cre-budgetary planning. Economic independ- ating educational awareness for women. ence is the one thing that is most crucial: And this does not simply mean knowledge creating work opportunities for women from books and educational institutions.

Rather, it is suggested that there are

interventions towards personality devel-

opment, self-defence, confidence-

building etc., keeping in mind the fact

that the region has been witnessing a

political turmoil—especially in the last 20 the field, make policy recommendations years—which has translated into extreme to the government. Based on their feed-situations for women where many have back of the ground realities, the govern-not had the chance to go to school or uti- ment will easily be able to assess the situ-lise their potentials to the maximum. ation and create suitable opportunities

My humble suggestions can be for women. achieved by initiating a grassroots repre- And hopefully, the next budget sentation of women in civil society orga- speech will acknowledge women as indi-nizations which, based on their work in viduals who ought to be given their due.

It is suggested that there are interven-tions towards personality development (of women), self-defence, confidence-building etc., keeping in mind the fact that the region has been witnessing a political turmoil—especially in the last 20 years—which has translated into extreme situations for women where many have not had the chance to go to school or utilise their potentials to the maximum.

Give women their due

MANISHA SOBHRAJANI

Researcher

REVENUE RECEIPTS are all those receipts, which do not incur repayment liability. These include, in addition to the State's own revenues (Tax and Non-Tax), share in central taxes, grants from the Central Government for the financing of State Plans as well as non-plan grants. These also include interest and dividend on investments made by the Government.

REVENUE EXPENDITURE is that which covers the routine administrative expenditure of the State, such as wages and salaries, expenditure on maintenance and repairs and other overheads like payment of rent, taxes, user charges of services, insurance premia and interest. It also includes expenditure on goods for sale like in Stationery Depots, Govt. Presses, Agriculture Production Department, Health institutions and CAPD.

BUDGET DEFICIT, the conventional deficit, is the difference between total expenditure and total receipts and has to be zero in the absence of monetization, State Governments have no access to the monetization route and as such Budget Deficit in their case ought to be zero.

B U D G E T G L O S S A R Y

IN FOCUSBudget 2010

18


n today's age of information and tech- crafts must also be encouraged. I-nology, there are many remote villages Ladakhis have seen that construc-

in our state which still don't have motor tion of greenhouses for producing vege-

road connectivity and telecommunica- tables in winter in Ladakh has revolution-

tion facility. Such things should be kept ized life in Ladakh in the past more than

as top priority of the government. At the one decade. Therefore the government

same time the government should also should come up with a scheme to provide

invest a lot in the field of information and subsidies and incentives for Ladakh

technology. region to construct green house at a large

Our government must also keep pro- scale so that every household in Ladakh

vision to produce electricity from differ- can produce vegetable for their own con-

ent kinds of renewable energy such as sumption in the winter months.

hydro, wind and solar energy. Ladakh is In the 2009 budget speech made by

perhaps the only area in the country the J&K Finance Minister Abdul Rahim

which has a very high potential for pro- Rather, the word 'women' is mentioned

ducing electricity from solar and geo- less than ten times in a 85-page long doc-

thermal energy and these should be ument. The references are as bleak as

tapped. '...a special scheme has been devised

As the unemployment is rising day for their economic empowerment.

by day everywhere, setting up of indus- Under this scheme, 100 women entre-

tries of different kinds needs to be preneurs shall be selected from each opment, self-defence, confidence-encouraged by providing due incentives district taking the total to 2,200 in the building etc., keeping in mind the fact by the Government. Production of local first phase.' that the region has been witnessing a and organic produces and local handi- The budget speech also mentions: political turmoil—especially in the last 20

'Special provisions have been made in the years—which has translated into extreme

budget for development of Gujjar and situations for women where many have

Bakerwals, Schedule Castes and not had the chance to go to school or uti-

Schedule Tribes, Women and Child lise their potentials to the maximum.

Welfare.' I am not sure if mentioning My humble suggestions can be women in the same breath as other cate- achieved by initiating a grassroots repre-gories mentioned above is the smartest sentation of women in civil society orga-thing to do. nizations which, based on their work in

My second suggestion is towards cre- the field, make policy recommendations

ating educational awareness for women. to the government. Based on their feed-

And this does not simply mean knowledge back of the ground realities, the govern-

from books and educational institutions. ment will easily be able to assess the situ-

Rather, it is suggested that there are ation and create suitable opportunities

interventions towards personality devel- for women.

Put Rural Ladakh on Agenda

T. NAMGAIL

Journalist from Zanskar in Kargil

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE relate to the creation of assets. This corresponds to the State's own investment outlay on the acquisition of permanent assets like land, buildings, power projects, Irrigation and water supply schemes, establishment of Industrial Estates, all extensions and structural alteration of existing assets, construction of roads, railways, airports, plant / machinery, Inter-State Bus Terminals etc. etc. Disbursements, which are comprised of repayment of State public debt and the loans and advances made by the State to the various entities, are also taken as Capex.


Government should come up with a scheme to provide subsidies and incentives for Ladakh region to construct green house at a large scale so that every household in Ladakh can produce vegetable for their own consumption in the winter months

IN FOCUSBudget 2010

19


e the people of Ladakh are has been home to a centuries old Wexpecting a lot from budget 2010- indigenous culture that has not only 11. I am sure the government will fulfill survived this land, but has thrived in it.ours basic needs in the upcoming budget. In view of above circumstances, I

has happened in the past in other parts of Ladakh, with its peculiar geo-climatic shall impress upon the government to

the globe on account of industrialisation condit ions, i s s i tuated in the come up with programs in the upcoming

and globalisation. Therefore the need of northeastern part of the Indian state of budget for Sustainable Development of

the hour is that the government should Jammu and Kashmir. It is a high-altitude Rural Ladakh and also for Renewable

take steps to bridge the gap between cold desert, with settlements located as Energy Development in Ladakh besides

Ladakh's traditional lifestyle and the high as 16000 feet above sea level where allocation of funds for saving the

modern development by striking a fine the winter temperatures dips down as precious Himalaya Glacier that have

balance between the two. At the end I low as - 40° C. Most of Ladakh's been lifeline for lakhs of people

am also expecting more and more fund population lives in rural villages where inhab i t ing in many H imalayan

allocation for the development of the people still follow agrarian lifestyle. mountainous enclaves.

far-flung areas of Ladakh like Dipling Scarce resources make everyday life The sudden advent of globalization area, such villages are still lacking very further difficult in this environment with and modernization has posed a threat to basic amenities. harsh climatic conditions. Still, Ladakh Ladakh's traditional lifestyle, like what

feel that the Finance Minister should wherein, unlike today, not a single dilapi-

give his top priority to the education dated school building should exist. Isector because it is only education that Secondly since the State is composed of

ensures a peaceful, bright and a sustained three distinct regions, Jammu, Kashmir cultural identities will help the

future. Teaching community should not and Ladakh, with their own respective Government to promote the State as a

face any obstacle while they pursue their culture and history, the Government unique tourist destination. Hence the

due rights, be it a case of getting promo- should also give its priority to promote government should come up different

tion or any other privileges, because and preserve the diversity of the cultural schemes and programs customized to dif-

teaching is a highly honored profession. richness of the State. Preservation different cultural identities of the State for

The Government should foresee a future ferent historical monuments and distinct their promotion and preservation.

Think of saving precious glaciers

Prioritise Quality Education

PADMA SETHI

Director, Rural Development and You (RDY), Leh.

TASHI ANGCHUK

Businessman, Chiktan village of Kargil District

I call upon the Finance Minister to come up with programs in the upcoming budget for Sustainable Development of Rural Ladakh and also for Renewable Energy Development in Ladakh besides allocation of funds for saving the precious Himalaya Glacier that have been lifeline for lakhs of people inhabiting in many Himalayan mountainous enclaves.

The government should come up different schemes and programs customized to different cultural identities of the State for their promotion and preservation

IN FOCUSBudget 2010

20

ammu and Kashmir is economically state development is the poor and lack of Jbackward state despite its high entrepreneurship development which

potential of economic development. Low drags the state way behind others.

literacy, quality education and lack of Centralized nature of entrepreneurship would not only rejuvenate and synergies

employment opportunities are enforcing promotes “survival of the fittest” and the state's crippled economy but a provi-

the violence in the state. The full poten- “have and have not” among the citizens sion of constitutional right to life.

tial of human resource is still a dream to that is against the state's social tradition In conclusion investment in better make a reality as a result the state is and human right therefore decentralized

educational infrastructure in order to infected by the low quality and unskilled small unit entrepreneurship is the solu-

produce skillful and resourceful citizens labour to be employed in a production tion for it. Economic decentralization

to be more productive is the need of the units while compromising the productiv- can be promoted through tourism indus- hour. The Promotion of decentralized ity and efficiency of a production unit. try that the state has unlimited scope to entrepreneurship by tapping the greater Thus it is most urgent that state allocates tap by promoting more attractive home potential of tourism industries will not its financial resource strategically in stays and travel companies. This is only provide livelihood to growing popu-building the education infrastructures already the main source of livelihood to lation but bring back the life in its econ-and in line with providing quality educa- thousands of people and still the pressure omy. Therefore sufficient budget alloca-

tion will meet twine objective of the tion to its citizens. on it is dramatically increasing. So rea-state peace and development. sonable financial resource allocation The second impediment for the


tional Budget brings to discussion the lat-

est economic scenario and proposals for

the next year, a separate budget for

power sector will serve as an annual real-y strong suggestion to the Finance help in better fiscal management but ity audit to improve the state of affairs. MMinister would be to consider also streamlining of the projects, supply My other suggestion is to make employ-

reverting back to the brief practice of of power and realization of revenue. We ment policy a workable proposition and presenting a separate budget for the talk of going about mega power projects support it with budgetary provisions. power sector. While sitting in the capital but there are many villages where people While, of course, I strongly suggest cities we talk big about the power pro- are yet see the first glow of an electric against imposing any fresh taxes, the jects while situation in the rural areas bulb and then there are villages and Finance Minister should also think of eas-still present a gloomy picture. A separate power supply lines are tied through the ing some areas to de-escalate prices of budget for power sector will not only trees. Like every March, our conven- essentials.

Focus onEducation

Make Separate Power Budget

THUKJAY TASHI

Programme Officer, GYURJA, TATA-LAHDC Support program

SYED BASHARAT BUKHARI

MLA, Sangrama

Centralized nature of entrepreneurship promotes “survival of the fittest” and leaves the gaps between “haves and have nots” among the citizens that is against the state's social tradition and human right therefore decentralized small unit entrepreneurship is the solution for it

FISCAL DEFICIT is the difference between aggregate disbursements net of debt repayments and recovery of loans and revenue receipts and non-debt capital receipts.


IN FOCUSBudget 2010

21


the population of the state and the num-udget 2010-11 is the second budget ber is on the increase. The population is of the present term of Abdul Rahim Bestimated to increase to more than 12% Rather, one of the ablest of the Finance by 2015-16. Majority of the SC are in the Ministers of the State so far. He must rural areas and most of them are uncared have many things in mind for running the for. Till date no FM has shown any interest government in most economical manner in the welfare of CS in the state. We to achieve optimum benefits for the citi-expect the FM in his budget will provide zens of the state. I would only like to add adequate funds to care for the SC in the a few public beneficial items to suggest shape of opening Day-care Homes, Old from both for increasing revenue as well age- Homes, Pay and stay Homes, as for meeting the aspirations of the peo-removal of VAT on Medicines for SC, ple of the state. reduction in charges on govern-The Senior Citizens: The Senior ment/tourism guest houses/tourism Citizens (SC) constitute more than 9% of huts, providing Emergency Services, both

medical and otherwise to the CS etc and

advise the government to enact laws that

will protect the right of the hapless CS

vis-a-vis their financially sound children.

Such laws already stand already enacted

by the GOI. This act of the FM will cer-

tainly assure greater political support to

the government from this large section of

the population of SC.

That Court Fee on registration of

the property in court at present is 21%

which is highest in the country. We do not

understand whether this high rate has

been fixed for optimising the revenue of

the state out of property registration or

encouraging people for under-valuing

the property while getting it registered

or not getting it registered at all. As per

our information majority of the incum-like to advise the FM to reduce the Court bents are keeping away from getting Fee to around 10% so that the purchasers their property registered and those who are encouraged to get their property reg-getting it registered or enormously istered thus increase the revenue of the undervaluing their property for registra-state.tion and final looser the state. We would

Senior Citizens :Think of this 9% of total population

VIKRAM GOUR

Engineer, Activist

CAPITAL RECEIPTS include loans

raised by the State from the market,

borrowings from RBI and other

institutions, loans from the Centre,

receipts from special securities

issued to NSSF and the State's

recovery of its own loans and

proceeds from disinvestment of

Government's stake in Public Sector

Undertakings, all form part of

Capital Receipts.

CENTRAL PLAN refers to the

Central Government's budgetary

support to the Plan and, the internal

and extra budgetary resources raised

by the Public Sector Undertakings.

SUBSIDIES are financial aid

provided by the Government to

individuals or a group of individuals

to become competitive. The grant of

subsidies is also aimed at improving

skills of those who benefit from the

subsidies.

AMORTIZATION refers to

liquidate (a debt) by repayment in

installments is called Amortization.

PLAN EXPENDITURE consists of

revenue spending and capital

spending in the plan. Under the

former is included salary and

maintenance expenditure. Latter

includes expenditure on creation of

capital assets.


The Senior Citizens (SC) constitute more than 9% of the population of the state and the number is on the increase. The population is estimated to increase to more than 12% by 2015-16. Majority of the SC are in the rural areas and most of them are uncared for. Till date no FM has shown any interest in the welfare of CS in the state. We expect the FM in his budget will provide adequate funds to care for the SC in the shape of opening Day-care Homes, Old age- Homes, Pay and stay Homes, removal of VAT on Medicines for SC, reduction in charges on government/tourism guest houses/tourism huts, providing Emergency Services, both medical and otherwise to the CS etc and advise the government to enact laws that will protect the right of the hapless CS vis-a-vis their financially sound children

IN FOCUSBudget 2010

22


eople of all the three regions of the two such projects costs Rs. 70 Cr. are

State have voted for good pending. I feel the government will also Pgovernance and as such expect peace take the problem of people into

and progress. Budget is not merely a heap consideration and complete the projects

of stapled papers with seal of well in time.

government. It must not only reflect the In my constituency, the people of agenda of the government but should the border area are not given also pave the way for various compensation by the government for the developmental projects (both ongoing loss of crops and fields acquired by the and new) in the state for the year ahead. army and other security forces for the As a public representative I would like to purpose of border fencing. The land is see allocation of more funds for my acquired but neither rent nor any other constituency which mainly comprises of compensation is being awarded to many rural population. Otherwise also in poor villager of my constituency. The overall context to state, around 80% our state government must take the issue population resides in rural area and with government of India.earning their livelihood through mean of Let us be hopeful that this time the agricultural pursuits. The crisis of Finance Minister is sincere in delivering it unemployment can be catered or to the people of the state, and Ladakh, minimized if the government comes with Jammu and Kashmir get their equal a comprehensive plan for agriculture share.sector. The attention of the government Special attention is also required should be focused for incentives to the towards health and education sector farmer's community. The fertilizer, loans especially in rural areas. Though in the government ignored Jammu region, and other requirements of the farmers government schools the situation has whether it was question of releasing may be given priority. Since we don't improved but yet we are not able to bring funds for the district development. have any major industrial establishments private players in rural education sector. Jammu is perhaps the largest district in in the state so the growth of the state is the state in respect of population and The Government Medical College in directly proportional to that of area. We are having 11 constituencies Jammu is under staff and over-burdened agriculture productivity. The irrigation but the amount released in the district with patients. To tackle this problem we facilities need to be strengthened. development board is not sufficient to must upgrade our rural health facilities.

Power is one of the major issues meet the requirements. There is need for Primary Health center may be concerning every member irrespective of allocation of more funds. strengthening, Sub District and other political affiliation. We have so much district hospitals must be equipped with I am hopeful that the Finance potential for hydro-power generation in modern techniques and proper staff Minister will not burden the ordinary Jammu and Kashmir. The pending power strength. citizen of the state with more taxes as generation and power grid projects already the poor man finding it difficult The regional discrimination is there should be taken into on war-footing to make both hands in this era of price-and no one can deny this fact, be it speed. In my own constituency there are hike and inflation.employment or other incentives each

Make Agriculture Engine of Growth

ASHWANI SHARMA

MLA, Bishnah

PRIMARY DEFICIT is Fiscal Deficit net of 'Interest Payments and Debt Servicing' under Non-Plan.

REVENUE DEFICIT is the difference between Revenue expenditure (Plan / Non-Plan) and Revenue Receipts (Tax / Non-Tax).

BALANCE FROM CURRENT REVENUES (BCR) is the difference between Revenue Receipts and the sum total of all Plan grants and Non-Plan Revenue Expenditure.

AGGREGATE DISBURSEMENTS include (i) Revenue Expenditure (ii) Capital Disbursements and (iii) Disbursements under Public Account.

AGGREGATE RECEIPTS include (i) Revenue Receipts (ii) Capital Receipts and (iii) Receipts under Public Account.

MISCELLANEOUS CAPITAL RECEIPTS (MCR) are treated as Non Debt Capital Receipts.


IN FOCUSBudget 2010

23


ple of this state.

The discrimination issue is not being sorted out. When Omar government took over there were big sloganeering of dealing with the regional discrimination. I feel it sorry to say that during the present govern-ment the level of discrimination has wid-ened instead of being bridged. The funds released for the district development are not sufficient. The districts of Jammu region and especially that of my constitu-ency is being almost ignored.

efore listing my demands for the dignified life. There is acute power shortage in the

upcoming budget, I would like to know B- It is shameful that the state govern-state and there are many remote villages

from the Honourbale Finance Minister, Did ment supported by union government is ask-that are yet to be electrified. The power

his government deliver all the promises ing for amnesty and other incentives to the scenario is also worst in towns and villages,

made in his previous budget? As an elected terrorist returning from PoK. It is unfortu-there power remains off even for days and

representative of the public I would like to nate that the Chief Minister of a terror vic-week together.

see a public friendly budget without bur- tim state is advocating amnesty to the ter-For the past few years, there has been den on common people in form of direct rorists.

dry seasons without rain. The wells are dry and indirect taxes. The tax collection The government is keen to rehabili-and it's just drought like situation. No water system needs more transparency without tate those who adopt the path of violence for irrigation and also scarcity of drinking humiliations to the tax payers. and killings but they have no sympathy with water. This issue needs to be address on pri-

In the budget it is also expected that innocent educated youth of the state. ority. The government must come with a

government make some announcements Today, educated youth of the state feels policy to deal with the alarming situation.

regarding a visible policy on Kashmiri being humiliated, carrying big degrees with The government seems concerned on Pandits. The government must make it clear them but denied of any job. Instead of ini-

Cross LoC trade but I feel it has not been that what do they want to do with them ? tiating a rehabilitating policy for the able to give any benefit to small business-there should be no more experiments. state, the focus of the government men and common people may be it is good

The migrants from Jammu region may should remain on exploring new job for a few businessmen. Don't orchestrate

also be treated at par with that of Kashmir opportunities for the people. The hyped about the political issues but concentrate

without any prejudice, discrimination and employment policy of the state is nothing on developmental issues.

delay. Now they must be allowed to live a but a joke with the educated young peo-

and disincentives for accelerating infra-structure and services in the rural areas.

I would also like to recommend that there should not be any new taxes in the Budget 2010. Instead of levying any fresh taxes, the Finance Minister should look at some areas where tax regime can be eased. Recently there has been central tax rebate to Jammu and Kashmir and its benefits should percolate down to the masses in general through measures in the upcoming Budget.

We understand that inflation is hether it is Union Budget or State first and foremost suggestion to the national phenomenon but some cess on WBudgets, when the presentation is Finance Minister would be that his bud-petrol diesel etc levied in last year's bud-round the corner it is just the urban- get should lay emphasis on schemes that get has further contributed to price esca-centric view point that comes under dis- are aimed at bridging the rural urban lation in Jammu and Kashmir. This local cussion. There has never been any pro- divide. You look at education, inflation is hitting the poor hard. Budget cess of consultation in the rural areas and healthcare, power supply and road net-2010 should come up with definite mea-therefore the fears of not factoring in work, the rural areas lag far behind.

majority feedback always remain. My There should be a scheme of incentives sures to ease the prices of essentials.

Make Tax Collection Transparent

Bridge Rural-Urban Divide

BALDEV RAJ SHARMA

MLA, Reasi

CHOUDHARY ZULFIKAR ALI

MLA, Darhal

IN FOCUSBudget 2010

24


udget def ines goa l o f the poor people are totally depend CAPD Bgovernment and it also reflects the ration stores and when they are shown

action plan of the government for various out of stock board they feel humiliation.

sectors in the state. I feel no hesitation in So this needs special attention and there

saying that this government has failed in must be accountability of the officers

meeting with the aspirations of the concerned.

people of the state, especially that of The affected people are not even Jammu region. The role of the paid compensations under drought government is not only to rule but also to relief fund. The drought relief fund govern and administer the system, the amount may be enhanced and should be Omar government is just confined to made flexible so that victims and 'rule' but failed to govern and administer genuine people are not being harassed in a proper way. unnecessarily.

Today, the common citizen is To deal with the rising graph of loaded with the burden of unchecked unemployed youth the government price hike of essential commodities. He should accommodate private investors is not even able to have bread and in the state, a industrialization policy butter for his family. It would be should be formed so that more private soothing to see Jenab Finance Minister players come in the state and our young making some announcements to take educated peop le get the job steps so that the graph of inflation is opportunities. Though the government brought down. has announced an employment policy but

The government needs to take it has no sense. The banks will be asked

immediate steps to revive its Pubic to give loan to the educate youth, but we

Distribution System, which is a total a all know that banks demand mortgage

flop show. The ration card holder are from the applicants hence if a person has

being deprived of their due ration. The own capital then what's role of

government. ? professionals. The pace of work on In the Health sector also we need ongoing projects should be speed up so more attention; we are at 3rd end and that they can be completed without any at number 28 in national health graph. further delay. People of the state and especially that

No one can deny and ignore the of my constituency have to cover a long discrimination with Jammu region of distance to reach Jammu even for minor the state. Be it tourism sector or any health related problems. Again in other area. The people of Jammu have Jammu patients are forced to visit AIIMS always felt the blunt. The government or PGI Chandigarh. We need more must ensure that discrimination be it health institutes in the state with regional or sub-regional will be erased. modern techniques and medical

Do the Regional Balancing Act

BALWANT SINGH MANKOTIA

MLA Udhampur

Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather had taken a Vote-on-Account of Rs 9503 crore on March 3 in a brief session of the Legislature for a period of five months for the financial year 2009-10 beginning April 1.

V O T E O N A C C O U N T

The last budget of the last National Conference regime was presented by then Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather on March 6, 2002. Aiming at Assembly elections due in September same year, Rather announced wide ranging concessions for tourism, hotel and entertainment industry ranging from slapping of taxes to extension of tax holidays. This Budget carried a deficit of Rs 1200 Crore. Finance Minister also appeased the State Government and public sector employees by announcing the installments of Dearness Allowance (DA) and Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) and reviving the scheme of housing loan upto Rs 50,000.

Key features ? 100 pc interest subsidy to

house boat, taxi owners? 5 years tax holiday on ST

charged from hotels? Surcharge on fruit orchards

totally abolished? Tax enhanced on deluxe

liquor, middle class exempted

? DA, COLA sanctioned for Govt employees, housing loan revived

? Show tax abolished, excise duty reduced in cinema halls

A P P E A S E A L L B U D G E T

IN FOCUSBudget 2010

25


grow besides giving employment to the

people of the area that are not able to

carry their agricultural pursuits during

the hostile winter season. The region can

be serve as corridor to Indo-China trade

helping both the countries. We can

import essential commodities from them

at a low cost and similarly export our

item to them making it convenient for

both the neighbours. Besides tourism, Ladakh region is

also enriched with minerals resources ith a positive hope and as a repre- be taken in a fast track manner so that the area has the potential to be devel-W-sentative of people of Nobra I am complete well in time saving precious life

oped as a hub for mineral resources. confident that in the coming budget of the people. The medicines and other

There is no need to go even deeper even there will be a good deal with the people goods of daily use are air-lift from other

minor mining can bring the results. The of the state and especially with the parts of the state-country which costs

state government must look into this remote areas. We all know that in Ladakh more carriage and ultimately the com-

and draft a policy in this direction to region the road connectivity is question mon people have to bear the burden.

explore more possibilities, funds may I am confident that the present gov-of life and death, because of difficult ter-

also be allocated for making further ernment is able to make it to the aspira-rain and hostile weather the people of

researches so that the possibilities could tions of the people of the state and will the area remain cut off from the rest of be developed. There is even possibility do justice to them. The traditional silk the world. Even within the region the peo-of exploring Uranium, hence we need to route can be of a great help as it can join ple find it difficult to reach the nearest go with pace and plan.the country with rest of the world.village. The only life line during the long

Since we have long winter span There is no industrial sector in the winter season is air-services which are making it difficult for the people to area and the people of the area have lim-unfortunately not in everyone's reach. make their routine work, we meet with ited resources to earn their livelihood e.g Since people and students of the area biggest challenge of power sector. This Ladakh region is a favourite destination have to either move to valley or to also needs a comprehensive plan, the for international tourists, the govern-Jammu region for education, health and present power system needs a revival ment of India if moves in direction to other official matters. It is prayed that in and up gradation. We require more open Mansarover Road, then there can be the budget more air-services are funds meeting out power crisis in the enormous expansion of tourism sector allowed with low-fare.region of Ladakh. which will help the regional economy to The pending tunnel projects may

sort. Many areas in my constituency

Kishwar and in Gurez and Tulail etc are

live examples. Road connectively should,

therefore, become a priority sector in

the rural areas. When I talk about the

need based development mapping, what

comes to my mind is the plight of people

in remote and rural areas. I am happy to

learn that the Chief Minister has shown

his keen interest in rural road

connectivity and has asked for Detailed

Project Reports for around 200 villages. I a m m u a n d K a s h m i r b e i n g development projects accordingly. The would suggest that 2010 should be geographically very uneven state ill J Government often talks of connecting all declared as a year of rural roads affords a uniform development policy. those villages with population of more connectivity and its reflection should What is important in our state to do a than 5000 persons but still there are come in the Budget speech of the Finance need based mapping in all rural and many areas with more than 60,000 souls Minister. urban areas and then formulate awaiting first 'invasion' of a vehicle of any

Give Air Connectivity to Unreachable Areas

Do Need-Based Mapping

TSETAN NAMGYAL

MLA, Nobra

SAJJAD KICHLOO

MLA, Kishtwar

IN FOCUSBudget 2010

26


would like to suggest the Finance Besides power there is also scarcity of IMinister that first of all he should re- skilled labour in the state, for the

study the budget 2009-10. He should purpose we need more ITI's and

come with all the related data about his Polytechnic colleges even at tehsil and

previous year's budget. What did he block levels.

promise and how much he could do. The The serving employees of the state

upcoming budget should not be merely government are being ill-treated and the

a reprint of the previous budget with few promises made to them are not made so

alterations and editions. The budget is far, they are forced to adopt the path of

not a document but it defines the fate of a g i t a t i o n , t h e s i x t h p a y

the state and its people. recommendations are not implemented

Today, world and the country are in toto. It is really an embarrassment for

facing unemployment problem and I the state government that the old retired

think the problem is more grave in our government employees are totally

state because of political unrest and ignored. The FM should announce proper

other allied factors. The proportional implementation of sixth pay panel

growing graph of educated unemployed recommendations and release the

youth is much more in our state than any pending arrears of serving retired be replaced with proper system. The

other part of India or elsewhere in the government employees.traders of the state are demanding for

world. I assure, if they (youth of the I am sorry to say that government is banking and communication facility

state) are given jobs then the state can exploiting the youth of the state, you are between the two business communities,

witness an unprecedented atmosphere not adhering even your own rules and under the present system the concerned

of peace and progress. The government laws, where is your rule of minimum people will not be able to carry on it.

has to match the policy on papers with its wage policy? You want a post-graduate It is quite unfortunate that we pose

implementation on grounds. Of course and professional graduates to stake his the state as tourism destination but

no government can accommodate future for your 1100 and 1500, what are every day people are being killed on

everyone in the government jobs but you you offering to ReT and other contractual roads, the state needs to be careful for have to carve out a policy so that more agricultural graduates?. I am hopeful that . The issues of road connectivity private players invest in the state and that in the coming budget the and widening of roads may be taken on people get employment opportunities. government comes with without any war foot. For industrialization in state we have to further delay you must enhance their Because of difficult terrain the provide un-interrupted power supply but wages. health system in the state is in a very even today the government has failed to I also feel that the government will vulnerable stage, you cannot allow a do so. Until and unless we tackle the make more efforts to appreciate cross- patient in some remote village of power crisis, we cannot dream peace and Loc trade, the on going trade between Kupwara to cover a long distance of some progress. We are naturally resourceful the businessmen of the two parts of 100 miles to reach SKIMS, Srinagar. The state well-vested with potential of Jammu and Kashmir should be given a budget-2010 should allocate more funds

hydro-power and tourism industry. for health sector. boost. The barter system of trading may

Revisit Your Previous Promises Before Making New

HAKEEM MOHAMMAD YASEEN

MLA, Khan Sahib

THE HARSHEST BUDGET Annual Budget for the year 1999-2000 presented by then Finance Minister Mohammad Shafi in the Legislative Assembly on March 4, 1999 is considered as the harshest of two decades as it carried a wide range of takes on almost all range of people in the state also hiked most of the existing taxes. The Finance Minister had said that he was left with no other option to bring Jammu and Kashmir out of the financial mess. A tentative breakup of Rs 1750 Crore Budget comprised a Revenue component of Rs 738 Crore and Capital component of Rs 1012 Crores.

In 2004 the Plan expenditure was pegged at Rs 3300 Crore and Non-Plan expenditure at Rs 7379 Crore. In 2002-03 the Plan expenditure accounted for only 25 per cent of the total budget.

B U D G E T F A C T O I D S

IN FOCUSBudget 2010

27


am not hesitant to say that this govern- tutes attributes impossible conditions I-ment has failed to act on the expecta- making it difficult for the poor applicant

tions of the people. More than 60 % peo- to either withdraw his application or stop

ple voted just for peace and progress and following the already submitted one. The

on both the fronts the Omar Abdullah gov- loan facility to the educated youth is not

ernment has failed. Peace and progress going to help. We demand that there

and interlinked the present government should be a separate employment budget

able fail to bring normalcy in the state. besides power budget.

During N-C Congress regime we tried to The Horti-Floriculture industry of

normalize things and of course we were the state needs special care because in

able to move forward in the direction of the absence of any major industry in the

normalcy and calm. valley the people of the Kashmir are

Today the people are crying and depend on these two industries. The hand-

dying because of the uncontrolled price icraft industry of the Kashmir has no

hike of essential commodities. The gov- match and that should also be given

ernment must ensure a check on the ris- incentives for boost.

ing inflation. The BPL and other weaker In the upcoming budget we want

sections of the society may be given more that there must be a separate power bud-

subsidies. The CAPD ration store has get for the state. Today the whole state is

failed to deliver it to the people. There is suffering because of power shortage and

need of transparency and accountability this needs to be addressed at an earliest.

in the Public Distribution system. The Power is key to growth, be it for industri-

ration quoto for the rationees must be alization or for irrigation purposes.

enhanced. The state needs an economical

There is a flood of unemployed edu- boost and that can be possible with peace

cated youth, they possess higher qualifi- in the region. We ought to have friendly

cations but are without job. It is the duty relations with our neighbours. The ongo-

of the government to take a note of that ing Cross-LoC trade can be of tremendous

and make proper arrangement for their help in this direction. People of both the

employment. Because when these edu- region can be benefited with this if it is

cated youth are deprived of their rights fully operational. At present the busi-

then they take the other way which is not ness communities of the two region are

good for the society. Though the govern- having traditional barter system (

ment has announced an employment pol- exchange of goods). And the businessmen

icy for them but again it would not be are finding it difficult to carry on, the

wrong to term it as a flaw. We are already communication link with PoK may be

having PMRY ( Pradhan Mantri Rozgar allowed and a branch of Jammu and

Yojna) and we know the financial insti- Kashmir Bank may be set up there in PoK.

Put Brakes on Price Escalation

PEERZADA MANSOOR

MLA, Shangus

would expect that the Minister for Finance, Abdul Rahim Rather to allo-I

cate special package for connectivity to far-off places in Ramban constituency. Still hundreds of villages are inaccessible and people have to walk on feet for kilo-meters together. If you don't have road connectivity, development in other sec-tors would remain elusive. Besides road connectivity, we have great expectations from the coalition government that it would announce measures for improving health sector in remote areas of the State. “The hospitals particularly sub-district and primary health centers, where infrastructure is very poor, we hope the government would take mea-sures for improvement of these institu-tions so that the people could be pro-vided better health care system. As far as power sector is concerned, my constitu-ency still has 20-25 villages which are still un-electrified. For instance Dessa, Sadan, Chortha and Balihota villages don't have electricity. Government should take a keen interest in providing electricity to these villages and I hope the ruling alliance would allocate special funds for electrification of rural areas. Last but not the least, the Government's main thrust should be on providing pota-ble water to villages where streams and other water resources got dried due to existing dry spell.

Give Roads to Villages

ASHOK KUMAR

MLA, Ramban

NON-PLAN EXPENDITURE consists of salary, interest payments, subsidies and grants. It can be divided into revenue spending and capital spending.


IN FOCUSBudget 2010

28


here is a unique paradox in Jammu and Kashmir. For years and decades we have

been hearing about abject poverty, unemployment and economic downturns. TThese terms sound strange for a resource rich state like Jammu and Kashmir. On one

hand we talk about the massive hydel potential, mineral reserves and forest wealth and

on the other hand we have to rush to New Delhi for funding for every petty schemes. I

would like the Finance Minister to break the precedence of presenting routine Budgets

and come up with systematic plan of exploiting the natural resources. The routine

patchwork exercises of cutting taxes from one sector and levying on the other will not

help for long. Someday, the government will have to sit down and think of major policy

initiates for massive economic growth. In the first stage, I suggest, a systematic and

scientific resource mapping. Second stage can involve fund mobilization and third

stage on execution.

Forget the losses accrued of Indus Water Treaty. We need to ask ourselves how

much of available waters have we been able to use? Not more than 10 to 15 per cent of

the total resources. I understand big hydel project need huge investments but these

projects can be put to Public-Private Partnership or Built Own Operate and Transfer

(BOOT) mechanism. For the economic development it is not always important to invest

money. What is important to invest creative ideas.

he Government must ensure that the commitments which it had made with the pub-T-lic last year and which have not been fulfilled thus far, should be on its priority. It

should assess the ground realities and basic needs of the people so that special provi-

sions are made in this year's budget. The theme of the Governor's address should be

given a practical shape on ground and the government must take measures for the wel-

fare of the people. Special focus should be made on education, health and power,

besides expediting recruitment process for unemployed youth. No new tax should be

introduced so that common man doesn't suffer in view of sky-rocketing prices of essen-

tial commodities. We hope that the Government would take pro-people and people-

friendly measures to resolve the genuine issues of the employees.

Invest Creative Ideas

No Fresh Taxes, Please

ABDUL MAJID WANI

MLA, Doda

MR QURESHI

MLC, Poonch

The year 1998-99 was of worst financial crisis. The mismatch between resource raising capacity of the State and the unavoidable mounting expenditure resulted into depletion of resources and cash crunch. The main reasons contributing to the severe resource gap were attributable to

(a) that the year opened with a high overdraft of Rs 944.92 crore and unpaid bills and hundies of Rs 206 crore.

(b) the State extended the benefit of pay/pension to its employees and pensioners as recommended by the 5th Central Pay Commission which resulted in financial impact of Rs 510 crore.

© two instalments of JDA of3% and 6% to the State Government employees/pensioners added the burden of about Rs 120 crore on the State exchequer.

(d) the losses of the State Electricity Board continued to be very high and since additional power became available from Uri, the expend hire for purchase of power reached the level of Rs 537 crore.

(e) the security related expenditure has not been fully reimbursed by the Government of India and as per claims of the State Government be outstanding is of the order of Rs 896.92 crore as on date.

W O R S T F I N A N C I A L C R I S I S

IN FOCUSBudget 2010

29

BOOKS

Extracts


women steeped in centuries old tradi- guards” and “guard of honor” the prac-ome Reminiscences about tions, abysmal ignorance, poverty, and tice was that men's contingents were Women's Agential Roles or Lack superstition could discuss their issues. followed by women's contingents.Thereof, 1947 and 1989:SAttired in traditional Kashmiri clothes During that gut-wrenching inva-While reminiscing about Begum and carrying a gun around her shoul- sion, Begum Akbar Jahan undertook Akbar Jahan's significant role in 1947, ders, Zoon Gujjari, symbolized the exhaustive relief work in order to reha-Krishna Misri writes about the formation WSDC. A milk vendor's charismatic bilitate displaced and dispossessed vil-of the National Militia and Women's daughter, hailing from a conservative lagers. “She addressed the volunteers Defense Corps, volunteer forces of men Muslim family that lived in downtown on political issues to raise their political and women organized under the leader-Srinagar, she received well-deserved consciousness. Miss Mahmuda Ahmad ship of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah to media coverage. Shah, a pioneering educationist and ward off the onslaught that occurred on

My elder brother, Pushkar Zadoo, champion of women's empowerment, October 22, 1947, when hordes of joined the National Militia, while I along along with other leading women, was in tribesmen from the Northwest Frontier with my sisters, Kamla and Indu, the forefront of WSDC. Begum Zainab Province, under the patronage of the became volunteers of WSDC. We were was a grass-root level leader. She took Pakistani army, crossed the border of first initiated into physical fitness and charge of the political dimension of the princely state of J & K in order to then divided into smaller groups, where WSDC. Shouldering a gun, she was in the coercively annex the region:weapons' training was imparted. It was forefront, leading women's contin-In the absence of a competent civil essential to follow the instruction given gents. Sajjada Zameer Ahmad, Taj authority, volunteers of the National by our instructor, an ex-army service- Begum Renzu, Shanta Kaul, and Militia filled the void. They patrolled man to a tee. Soon we understood the Khurshid Jala-u-Din joined the 'Cultural the city day and night with arms, kept operational details of loading and Front' and worked with Radio Kashmir as vigil, guarded strategic bridges, unloading a gun, taking aim, and finally anchors, announcers, and actors. approaches to the city, banks, offices, pressing the trigger. To get acclimatized Several women writers and poets etc. With preliminary training in weap-to shooting the 303 rifle, sten-gun, bren emerged on the literary scene and con-ons, some of them were deployed with gun, and pistol, practice drills were tributed to the cultural renaissance that army detachments to fight the enemy at organized in an open area, known as followed down the decades.”the war front. “Chandmari.” The initial nervousness Women, as evidenced by the work With its multi-faceted and radical soon gave way to confidence and we of constructive and rehabilitative work activities, Women's Self Defense Corps would hit the target when ordered. For undertaken by political and social (WSDC) was a harbinger of social all parades including “ceremonial women activists in the former princely change. It provided a forum where

NYLA ALI KHAN

WOMEN IN KASHMIR The Glorious Roles They Played

The articulation of the fervent patriotism of Kashmiri women, which manifested itself in their emboldened personae in 1931, 1947, 1950, and 1975 until the dawn of insurgency and counterinsurgency in 1989-90, requires research paradigms and hypotheses that give as much credence to the path paving work of women within religious, familial, and communal frameworks and to the work of those women who deconstructed well-established frameworks in order to lead subaltern movements, motivate minority education as opposed to state controlled education, and recognize culture and history as sites of struggle.

30

state during turbulent and peaceful power shared a patriarchal mindset that

times, have more or less power depend- views women as symbols of individual

ing on their specific situation, and they and collective “honor.” As has been the

can be relatively submissive in one situ- case throughout history, women's bod-

ation and relatively assertive in ies in Kashmir became sites of war irre-

another. Assessing women's agency spective of their class, caste, religion,

requires identifying and mapping power region, or ethnicity. Physical violations

relations, the room to maneuver within of women became common and were

each pigeonhole and the intransigence used to challenge the collective honor

of the boundaries. A woman's level of of the community. Rape, gangrape,

empowerment also varies according to abductions, kidnappings, naked corpses

factors such as class, caste, ethnicity, with amputated limbs hanging from

economic status, age, family position, tree tops, were visible manifestations

etc. In 1950, the government of J & K of the grim reality that gripped women's

developed educational institutions for lives in the Valley. In addition were the

Women on a large scale. That year the hordes of panic stricken people on the

first Government College for Women, a run, uprooted from their moorings,

watershed in the gendered landscape of bereft of their home, history, and iden-

the State, was established. This insti- tity. They had become refugees in their

tution provided an emancipatory own land. For women, the new reality

forum for women, broadening their was in part reflected in the new identi-

horizons and opportunities within ties they assumed, rape victims, abduc-

established political and social ted women, widows, grass widows,

spheres. Higher education in the State migrants, and so on.

received a greater impetus with the The United Nations Declaration on

establishment of the Jammu and Elimination of Violence Against Women

Kashmir University. The mobilization states that pervasive violence against

of women from various socioeconomic women is a product of “unequal power

classes gave them opportunities to relations” between men and women,

avail themselves of educational oppor- which characterizes gender relations in

tunities and enhance their profes- all parts of the world. Violence is built

sional skills, attempting to reform into patriarchal structures and it is prac-

existing structures so as to accommo- ticed during peace as well as war.

date women. The educational methods Kashmiri women have gone through

employed in these institutions were immense turbulence and torture in the

therefore revisionist in nature, not rev- last two decades and reconstituting

olutionary. But the pugnacious their devastated lives is a formidable

militarization of the political and cul- challenge. Given the urgency of the

tural discourse in the State in 1989-90 problem, what they need is empower-

marginalized developmental issues and ment. However, much of the discourse

negated the plurality of ideologies in the last two decades has focused on

through a non-negotiable value system. women either as victims/losers or wel-

In the e-mail, Misri wrote about the gory fare beneficiaries. Scant attention has

landscape of 1989: been paid to their attempts to reconsti-

In 1989, Kashmiris were caught tute their lives and to face the struggles

between the terrorists and state terror- of everyday existence. One of the ways

ism, two sides of the same coin. Women that that victimized and displaced

bore the brunt of the suffering since, Kashmiri women are rebuilding and cre-

ironically, the two forces wielding ating meaning in their lives is by taking


ISLAMWOMEN

VIOLENCE IN KASHMIR&

BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTAN

BOOKSExtracts

31

up agency oriented roles. The resource- common traits: they are based on a radi-

fulness of under-privileged women in cal politicization of religious identities

becoming part of a larger reconstitution and their agendas exemplify their

and conflict mitigation process is to be exclusionary ideologies; though these

commended. For example, Parveena women have served in the low and mid Ahagar's untiring search for her son cul- tiers of their respective organizations, minated in the creation of the they have to date been excluded from Association of Parents of Disappeared the upper echelons. Some organizations Persons. This association has become a have expressed deep reservations about rallying forum for parents and relatives including women in the top tier. None of in search of their missing kith and kin. these agencies has a plan of action for Others have set up self-help groups that women. How women perceive their deal with specific issues pertaining to future after struggle in a regressive dis-widows, grass-widows, and orphans. course is unclear. It appears that they Still others have become involved in

large scale social work and/or social

activism.

Agency oriented roles are highly

visible in the political participation and

mobilization of women. Outnumbering

men at times, they have made their pres-

ence felt in a big way in protest rallies

and dangerous political missions.

Women are organized under several

political organizations that are affili-

ated to their male counterparts.

“Dukhtara-e-Milat” (Daughters of the

Nation) is affiliated to a radical Islamist

group and advocates restrictive codes

of conduct for women. They even con-

done the use of coercive methods to

enforce their agenda. Those aligned look at issues from the lens of their

with moderate militant groups, on the patriarchies and believe in an illusion-

other hand, have less restrictive codes ary post-conflict resolution. While

and refrain from the use of coercive women have gained some “agentive

methods. At the other end of the contin- moments,” these gains are flawed as

uum is “Daughters of Vitasta” (Daugh- their agendas stem from an insulated

ters of the Jhelum, a river which is the worldview.

lifeblood of Kashmir), the women's wing I agree with Misri's passionate of “Panun Kashmir” (Our Own Kashmir), articulation of the merciless forms of mainly operating from Jammu and oppression that Kashmiri women now Delhi. They seek resolution of the prob- confront, “The focus has shifted from lems of internally displaced Kashmiri empowerment of women to the brutal Pandits in terms of a separate homeland politics of intimidation and coercion within the geographical space of the symbolized by attempts to enforce a Kashmir Valley. Despite their varying dress code on them. . . . The burden of perceptions, all women's organizations the new adjustments has disproportion-in India Administered J & K share some ately fallen on women.”


Women, as evidenced by the work of con-structive and rehabilitative work under-taken by political and social women activists in the former princely state during turbulent and peaceful times, have more or less power depending on their specific situation, and they can be relatively submissive in one situation and relatively assertive in another. Assessing women's agency requires identifying and mapping power relations, the room to maneuver within each pigeonhole and the intransigence of the boundaries.

Epiloguebecause there is more to know

Regional in Content

National in Presence

?Abhijeet Sagar Book CenterPune,MAHARASHTRA

?American Book CenterAnna Salai, ChennaiTAMIL NADU

?B N Dey & Co.Pan Bazaar, GuwahatiASSAM

?Deepak KumarMagazine Agents, PatnaBIHAR

?Dey & Bose Magazine AgentHowrah, WEST BENGAL

?Ideal BooksTutors Line, TrissurKERALA

?JMD Book HouseShimlaHIMACHAL PRADESH

?Life Book HouseHimidira Road BhopalMADHYA PRADESH

?Modern Book HouseLucknow, UTTAR PRADESH

?Rajesh AgenciesJaipurRAJASTHAN

?Shams News AgencyFarmanwadi, HyderabadANDHRA PRADESH

?Uniquality News AgencyBapuji Nagar, BhubaneshwarORISSA

Ask for your copy at :

India Book House, MUMBAI

Oxford Book Stores

NEW DELHI, MUMBAI, KOLKATTA,

CHENNAI, BANGALORE & GOA

Central News Agency, NEW DELHI

BOOKSExtracts

32

exclusive series

New Research on Kashmir


Facts are subversive, and expensive' – withdraw them. Once they go back, Instead they brought strong political

writes Timothy Garton Ash. Subversive India will pull its troops back. pressure on the tribes and refused to 'of political and historical claims; of Meanwh i le , She ikh Abdu l l ah ' s recognise the provisional government

lies, half-truths, myths and – it can be administration was a valid one as he set up by the Muslim Conference (on 6

added – memories. Yet as he asserts – a represented the people of Kashmir and October, headed by Md. Anwar) even

few lines down – 'the first job, not the a plebiscite will be organised under the though India had openly facilitated

only job, perhaps not the most Abdullah administration. Junagadh's provisional government.

important, but the first job of the Pakistan was unwise in not physically Pakistan responded by claiming

historian and the journalist is to find stopping tribesmen and doubtless local that it can not control the tribes till an

facts'. authorities showed some connivance impartial administration was in place.

but Jinnah could not actually have While the loc-marked frontier Plebiscite must be organised under a

stopped the movement of tribesmen between the two halves of Kashmir may neutral set-up and once India could

however ardently he had desired. be heavily wired, guarded and guarantee these two promises, Pakistan

Pakistan was weakened by the refugee patrolled; the frontier between fact can help bring the tribes back. In

problem and just like the Indian Punjab and fiction in the literature on Kashmir addition, it pointed out that Poonch,

had difficulty in imposing its authority is open and unmarked. In fact, much of Jammu and Sialkot had seen the Sikh

over local officials. The Indian it is history as storytelling – and a short and Dogra troops attacking the Muslims

government made a dangerous and way away from postmodernist leading to a refugee crisis in Western

provocative mistake by accepting even relativism. Punjab and NWFP. This excited the

provisionally the accession of Kashmir tribes to go into Kashmir which Pakistan India and Pakistan have disputed into India. There was no need to do this. tried to prevent short of use of force. over many 'facts' related to the October Military help could certainly have been And of course, the fountain of Indian 1947 conflict in Kashmir but none so sent to Kashmir from India without legality – the instrument of accession – heavily as India's conviction that the accession to the state. Moreover, India was stingingly termed as 'fraudulent and government of Pakistan gave raiders did not seek to keep alive the spirit of based on violence'.facilities in the October invasion. cooperation with Pakistan by informing Pakistan equally strongly denied the What of the British view? By 31 Jinnah what they were about to do and allegation. The British, on their part, October, HMG's position had crystallized of explaining that it was not intended to while being 'satisfied that Jinnah has thus: It would have been natural for produce a fait accompli as regards been feeble or unwise in acquiescing or Kashmir to have acceded to Pakistan Kashmir's future position. All this tolerating the activities of the given the demographic, geographical, suggested that one object of tribesmen or more probably in not trade-transport and communication government of India was to secure stopping his people from pursuing such a factors. Srinagar's conduct in Poonch in Kashmir's accession to India and policy', did 'not believe that Jinnah September and correspondence with Pakistan could hardly be expected to planned or designed what in fact has Karachi in October suggest that it put any other interpretation. The happened'. valued differences with Pakistan as solution: stop fighting to arrange providing an excuse for accession to To recapture the various positions, plebiscite or rather arrange plebiscite India. There was no evidence for very briefly, India claimed that Pakistan to stop fighting. Pakistan having organised incursion. gave raiders facilities and must

RAKESH ANKIT

FORGOTTEN HISTORYBY GEORGE:

The Cunningham Contribution

33

Now, among the many witnesses On 15 October, Cunningham wrote 24 October) The next morning 'several

with a ring-side view of the unfolding that 'the Kashmir affair is boiling up. I thousands' left Hazara and took over

events in Pakistan – events which were am not quite sure how far my own Muzaffarabad and Domel. On 23

at the very core of the above positions – ministers know about it, or sympathise October, Cunningham finally lost his

was Sir George Cunningham (1888-1963) with it, but they have sanctioned quite innocence when Liaquat asked: 'How

who was then the Governor of the a lot of petrol and flour'. He sought to do many men have we there? Are they

North-West Frontier Province (here his constitutional duty by warning the getting supplies all right?' The

after NWFP). Sir George, GCIE, KCSI and Governor-General. Writing to Jinnah, movement of tribes continued over the

OBE, joined the ICS in 1911. Early in his he said: 'I am perturbed by the move next couple of days as they took Garhi,

career, he served as Asst. Commissioner, which a lot of our people are making in Uri and Baramulla.

Punjab (1914-17); Political Agent, the Kashmir direction. The talk now is Cunningham confronted Abdul

Waziristan, NWFP (1922-23) and not merely of defence against attacks Qayyum on 25 October thus: 'I know

Councillor, Kabul (1925-26). He rose to from Kashmir by Sikhs, but of invasion pretty well all that had been going on in

be the PPS to the Viceroy, Lord Irwin into Kashmir'. Three days later, the Province, and who had been

(1926-31) and, subsequently, was Cunningham got his answer from his instigating our tribesmen to go to

appointed first as Acting Governor of Chief Minister Abdul Qayyum. A Kashmir'. In reply, Qayyum 'grinned'!

the NWFP (Nov. 1932- May 1933) and barrister and a member of the Muslim The next day clouds parted. Iskander

then confirmed in that capacity for a League in 1940s, Qayyum was the CM in Mirza [then Defence Secretary (1947-

nine-year long tenure from 1937 to NWFP in 1947 and later became the 54), Pakistan; later Governor-General

1946. He returned to Peshawar Federal Interior Minister during the (1955-56) and President (1956-58)]

following Sir Olaf Caroe's departure in Bhutto years (1971-77). He put it bluntly came to the Governor and finally

August 1947. to the Governor that, 'It would be a good brought him into the loop. The Defence

thing to fill Kashmir with armed Cunningham kept a diary – written Secretary briefed the Governor 'all the

Muslims. Even if we do not give any in longhand. It can be accessed as underground history; apologised on

support or sympathy to the movement, manuscript no. MSS Eur D670/6 at the behalf of Liaquat for keeping him in

it would be difficult to stop small Oriental and India Office Collections, dark and confirmed that it was decided

parties trickling over'. It was clear that British Library (London). This next few about a month ago that Poonchis revolt

Pakistan was nervous about the paras bring to light Cunningham's should be helped. Jinnah sanctioned the

strategic danger if Kashmir joined India entries between 6 October and 22 project 15 days ago while Abdul Qayyum

and there was a strong school of thought December 1947. was in it from the beginning'.

arguing that direct action now would Cunningham was worried at 'quite Cunningham met Jinnah for the make the Maharaja join Pakistan. a lot of talk of the actual danger of war' first time since the invasion began over

On 20 October, 900 Mahsuds left in as October began. On 6 October, he 28-29 October. In Karachi, the Qaid-a-

lorries for Kashmir along with 200 confided to himself: 'The Pakistan Azam convened a meeting of all the

Mohmands as 21 October was 'tipped as government seems to me to wink at very state governors and chief ministers to

the “D” day'. The same day, dangerous activities on the Kashmir explain the government's position.

Cunningham confidentially informed border, allowing small parties of While admitting that he 'could not quite

General Sir Rob Lockhart (C-in-C, Indian Muslims to infiltrate into Kashmir from follow Jinnah's reasoning about the

Army from August to December 1947): 'I this side. That might easily become a fraudulent accession of Kashmir';

am afraid that certain people up here casus belli'. A week later, one can see Cunningham, nevertheless, agreed that

have been playing with fire; I have the horizon darkening: 'There is a real 'the only thing to do now was to pump in

pointed out to them the probable move in Hazara for Jehad [sic.- more tribesmen but with proper organi-

results of their activities and they have underlined in original] against Kashmir. I sation of rations, ammunitions and sup-

at last realised, I think, the dangers; have warned everyone I could, including plies'. Cunningham quotes Jinnah

but, I am afraid that it may be too late. the Afridis and Mohmands, of the danger imploring that it was 'essential for

Anyhow we shall know one way or the of taking part in anything like this, in Mudie-Gracey-Cunningham [Sir Robert

other long before you get this'. case it leads to war between India and Francis Mudie, Governor West Punjab

(Lockhart got the letter on either 23 or Pakistan'. (1947-49); General Sir Douglas Gracey,


exclusive seriesNew Research on Kashmir

34

C-in-C, Pakistan Army from 1948 to much Pakistan may be criticised for look back and compose the picture of

1951] to enter into the full spirit of this encouraging this situation/invasion, it the past. There is a postscript, however.

struggle for safeguarding of the lives is quite certain that if they had not done Long after the initial dust had settled,

and rights of the Kashmir people'. On his so Kashmir would have joined the Indian Louis Mountbatten – always conscious of

part, he told Jinnah that if this was his Union; and this would have been unnat- his place in history – engaged

definite policy then he was quite pre- ural'. There was 'no question…of resist- Cunningham in a spirited correspon-

pared to support it. ing this movement from this side, any dence to thrash out the sequence and th the sentiments of those tumultuous The next couple of entries attempt more than a Turk in France in the 12

October days. Cunningham's response – some rationale and reflection. century would have resisted the

in the light of what we know now – is Cunningham insists on one hand that Crusade'! Which is why it did not matter

interesting and worth quoting at length. 'nothing could bring back the tribes that the Chief Minister of NWFP was 'so

I leave the readers to draw their own except to satisfy them that justice was occupied with Kashmir' – in the words of

conclusions about the personality and genuinely going to be given to the his Governor – that he had 'little time to

politics; character and conscience of Sir Muslims of Kashmir' and on the other attend to real administration'.

George: that 'we [Pakistan] must avoid suggest- As he wrote to his former boss Lord

ing that we can influence them'. He 'I am not able to say who were the Halifax [Viceroy, India as Lord Irwin

feels that he has become, previously actual people who incited our tribes and from 1926-31; later, UK Ambassador to

unthinkable, 'practically a member of a stirred them up. I know some of them US (1941-44)] on 17 December:

tribal lashkar'. He consoles himself by and suspect others but I honestly do not 'When the whole of India was being claiming that 'the fact that it is aimed know (I never felt there was much use in carved up it seems to me quite ridicu-against the Sikhs and people like Patel is enquiry) where the real initiative came lous that the states shouldn't some consolation'. This readiness to from. Facilities for the tribesmen's [be]…Hyderabad ought obviously to accept the fait accompli gets reflected actual transit through the province (lor-have gone to India, and Kashmir, just as in the advice that Cunningham gives to ries and petrol) were no doubt made obviously to Pakistan…[Because Brown of the Gilgit coup fame on 1 available which would have been impos-of]…this Kashmir business…official November. sible if officials had not shut their eyes'. eyes, from top to bottom, have to be

On 4 November, Cunningham's 'From the beginning the tribes closed to certain things that ought not

entry takes a tone of pained resigna- looked on the Kashmir conflict as a to be done. Whatever criticism may be

tion, naïve idealism, sober self- “holy war” – an obligation to help their made of those who have encouraged

righteousness and even irony. He admits fellow Muslims in Kashmir against – in this Muslim invasion of Kashmir, there is

that, 'with the backing of Ministers, particular – the Sikhs. If October no doubt that, if it had not been made,

Muslim officials have been giving orders onwards we had ordered our police to Kashmir would have irrevocably slipped

to help tribes'; and, notes: 'I could have shoot down the tribes as they passed away into the Indian Union, and some

found half a dozen excellent grounds for through (which would have been the two million more Muslims would have

resigning in the last two weeks or so, but only way of stopping them) we could been decanted on Pakistan'.

I feel that we may be able to get the probably have enforced in some cases On 14 February 1948, Sir George thing gradually under control again and under great protest, but the result Cunningham wryly noted the pattern of that one must try to see it through'. Ten would have been such an outburst of the 120 days since 14 October 1947: days later, Cunningham was still caught popular feeling that not one of our men 'There are probably…2 or 3, 000 at the crossroads of conscience: 'It is would have been left alive'. (tribesmen in Kashmir) now, though at difficult to keep the balance between Prediction and prescription about the outset there were 5 times that num-being cold and constitutional on the one the future of Jammu & Kashmir have ber. They often come and see me side and entering con amore into the proved dubious products. Description (though I am not supposed to approve), plots on the other'. and analysis of the history of past as and sometimes congratulate me on the

Four weeks later, Cunningham had well as 'history of present' provide a success of their operations! A funny situ-made his peace – much like almost every better preparation to answer the ever-ation'!British officer/official employed with present question, namely, 'What is to be T h i s t h e n i s S i r G e o r g e the Pakistan government: 'However done?' Cunningham's contribution in helping us


Exclusive SeriesNew Research on Kashmir

35

LADAKH Affairs


again requested by the people of Leh to ll India Radio Leh has been the upgrade this radio station in all only media for the people of A respects. Ladakh for decades to have

Recently in a letter to the Prime relied upon for things such as news, Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, issues related to health, education, Padmashree Morup Namgail, a former religion, science and so on. People of employee of the All India Radio Leh has Ladakh are extremely nationalistic and urged the Government of India to pay are very proud to be Indians, for which attention to strengthen the All India one cannot ignore the role played by Radio Leh and the Doordarshan Regional patriotic programs this radio station has Kendra Leh in all respects on the ground catered to even the remotest areas of that these media organizations are the Ladakh in the last few decades. In only source of communication and Ladakh a relatively poor family would information for the people of Ladakh have a radio set. region. In his letter Morup Namgail has As the world has entered an era of said that Leh radio station, which set up information and technology with in the year 1971, has served as a very sophisticated digital technologies, here that Doordarshan Kendra Leh important medium for the people of radio station Leh also needs to be telecast an hour long local program a Ladakh region to depend upon as the improved in terms of both power and day for five days a week. Padmashree only source of information for manpower. In the last few years, people Morup Namgial has requested Dr. everything. living the border areas of like Manmohan Singh to send a team of

Regretting the delay being caused Changthang, Nubra and Sham have been experts to asses and evaluate present in the renovation and construction of complaining for bad reception for Leh state of affairs the All India Radio and the All India Radio, new complex, radio on both Short-Wave or on Medium- Doordarshan Kendra Leh. Namgail has written: “To our dismay Wave. Ladakh's strategic location Over the decades since its there is no sign of getting them further makes it all the more important inception, Leh radio station has been completed till date, as a result it has led for the Government of India to give managed and run by a team of to poor infrastructure facilities to the priority to these media organizations dedicated local officers. Since many of employees in particular. Even many of because bad reception of Leh radio on the senior local staff are retiring from the staff members have already retired the border might even lead people to their services, it will be appropriate for from their services without seeing new listen to the programs broadcast by the Prasar Bharti to have relaxation with its infrastructure being materialized.” Mr high-powered stations across the norms in appointing editors and Morup Namgial has also apprised the borders as this region shares its borders program staff from the region itself who Prime Minister of the circumstances with Pakistan in the west and China in have adequate understanding of local under which local programs are being the east. issues and knowledge about Ladakh's telecast through the Doordarshan In view of these circumstances, the distinct linguistic, social, and cultural Kendra Leh. It is pertinent to mention Government of India has been time and conditions.

TSEWANG RIGZIN

MEDIA

AIR Leh needs urgent upgradeLadakh's Best Friend,

Ladakh's strategic location further makes it all the more important for the Government of India to give priority to these media organizations because bad reception of Leh radio on the border might even lead people to listen to the programs broadcast by the high-powered stations across the borders as this region shares its borders with Pakistan in the west and China in the east.

36


s reported in the previous issue of Epilogue that a conglomeration of

Leh based political and religious organizations was being floated in Athe wake of the Justice (retd) Sagheer led Working Group Report on

'Centre-State Relations' having not recommended Union Territory status to

Ladakh, the first meeting of this forum was held in Shenam Community Hall

Leh on February 18, 2010. The meeting participated by representatives of religious organizations, Ladakh Buddhist Association,

Ladakh Gonpa Association, Anjuman-mion-ul-islam, Anjuman Imamia and Christian Community, and political parties District

Congress Committee, Ladakh UT Front, Peoples Democratic Party, Bhartiya Janata Party and Bahujan Samaj Party, welcomed

this move and unanimously resolved to struggle for the UT demand for Ladakh in 'one voice' till Ladakh achieves it. Since there

was unanimity by all parties on the UT demand for Ladakh, it was unanimously agreed to form “Joint Action Committee for U.T.

demand” to struggle for the UT demand in a sustained and planned manner. This 'Joint Action Committee' will be led and spear-

headed by an individual who has not been actively involved in politics with any of the political parties in Leh. Somebody capable of

spearheading such a composite forum is yet to be looked for by all concerns. It was also made clear in the meeting that this com-

mittee will not be spearheaded by any religious association. However, all religious associations will be members of the 'Joint

Action Committee'. It was recommended in this meeting that another few sittings of this conglomeration are conducted in near

future for finalizing strategies of this committee to pursue the demand. In this regard, Ladakh Buddhist Association – the organiza-

tion that took the imitative to bring together all parties – has called the next round of meeting for the 8th of March.

TSEWANG RIGZIN

Political and Religious Organisations Join Hands for UT

Gyalwang Drukpa Rinpochey visits LehThousands of devotees holding khataks, traditional auspicious s comes spring session, Ladakh 'the land of lamas' starts white scarf, and flowers were seen all along the road from Leh getting blessed by highly spiritual lamas. His Holiness A to Shey Naro Photang to receive the Gyalwang Drukpa the Gyalwang Drukpa Rinpochey arrived Leh February Rinpochey.17 for holding a 10day religious sermon called “Takpo

On Feb 24, the 47th birth anniversary of His Holiness the Thargyan” at Naro Photang Pushpa Hari, Shey. The sermon is

Gyalwang Drukpa Rinpochey was celebrated today at Naro being organized by the Young Drukpa Association, Ladakh and

Photang Pushpa Hari, Shey which was participated by thou-is being attended by thousands of devotees.

sands of people from all over Ladakh including monks, nuns On his arrival at Bakula Airport Leh, Rinpochey was given and prominent political, social and religious leaders of Leh. a rousing reception by the people of Ladakh. Among the promi-Gyalwang Drukpa Rinpochey in his speech extended apprecia-nent who received Gyalwang Drukpa Rinpochey included the tions and thanks the people of Ladakh for celebrating his birth Chiarman, LAHDC, Mr. Chering Dorjay, President Ladakh day in such a befitting way maintaining the typical Ladakh's tra-Buddhist Association Mr. Lobzang Rinchen, former MP, Mr. ditions. He stressed for preservation and promotion of age-old Thupstan Chhewang, MLC, Leh Mr. Norbu Gyalson, Executive cultural heritage of this region which in the long run would Councilor Health Mr. Tsering Angchuk, and Vice President, help to protect the distinct identity of the people of this Ladakh Gonpa Association Leh. Himalayan region. Rinpochey has strongly emphasized for cul-The Ladakh Buddhist Association and Ladakh Gonpa tivating fine mind, compassion and helping attitude in order to Association have jointly accorded a warm reception to maintain peace and harmony among all the co-existing com-Gyalwang Drukpa at Chowkhang Vihara from where the munities.Rinpochey was taken to Shey Photang in a large motorcade.

LADAKH Affairs37

t is a pride and encouragement for all people of Ladakh region to

learn that Professor Phunchok Stobdan, a Ladakhi son, has been Iappointed by the Government of India as the Indian Ambassador to

Kyrgyzstan in February replacing J.S. Pande. Professor P. Stobdan was

born in Stok village in Ladakh to Loksyapa family.

Professor P. Stobdan is the third person from Ladakh to serve a

foreign country as an Indian Ambassador after Padmashree Late

Sonam Norbu, one of Ladakh's renowned engineer and former minister

in the State Government

and Padma Bhushan Late

Kushok Bakula Rinpochey,

the architect of modern

Ladakh, another former

State Minister and former

Lok Sabha MP from Ladakh.

Nawang Rigzin Jora,

Minister for Tourism and

Culture and Chering Dorjay,

Chief Executive Councilor,

LAHDC Leh were among the

prominent social and politi-

cal leaders from Ladakh

who congratulated Profes-

sor P. Stobdan for his

appointment as the Indian

Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan.

Professor P. Stobdan is a leading Indian expert on issues concern-

ing national and international security with specific focus on Asian

affairs covering Central Asia and Inner Asia, including Xinjiang, Tibet,

Myanmar and the Himalayan region. He has written extensively on a

wide range of security-related subjects in a number of professional

journals on strategic affairs, books and newspapers both in India and

abroad. He served in Central Asia as the Director of the Indian Cultural

Centre at the Embassy of India, Almaty, Kazakhstan between 1999 and

2002. He has also served as Joint Director in the Indian National Secu-

rity Council. Between October 2006 and November 2007, he was

Director of the Centre for Strategic and Regional Studies at the Uni-

versity of Jammu. He is a member of the India International Centre,

New Delhi.


Son of Ladakhi soil, Stobdon is Indian Envoy to Kyrgyzstan

Stobdan is third Ladakhi to serve a foreign country as an Indian Ambassador after Padmashree Late Sonam Norbu, one of Ladakh's renowned engineer and former minister in the State Government and Padma Bhushan Late Kushok Bakula Rinpochey

Introducing to new leaf in the book of their glorious history, the Ladakhi students, pursuing their studies in different parts of country, have resolved to put all their acts together for launching an education move-ment back home. Nearly a thousand of them recently gathered in Jammu, a rare gathering of its kind, called upon Sonam Wangchuk of SECMOL fame to come back and lead from front

Idiot is not one without brain but one with special brain and I'm an idiot with thousand other idiots “gathered here today,” said Sonam Wangchuk,

Founder and Former Director of SECMOL Leh, address-ing the jam-packed Zorawar Auditorium Hall, University of Jammu on February 21.

He was invited as the Guest Speaker in 'An Interactive Seminar on Education with Sonam Wangchuk' organized by the All Ladakh Students Association Jammu (ALSAJ). As stated by all the key speakers of the day this seminar was indeed a page writ-ten in the history of Ladakh because it was for the first time that all the Ladakh Students Unions from almost all parts of India, that is, Jammu, Chandigarh, Delhi, Dehradun, Dharamshala and Varanasi have united on one platform for one purpose which concerns them the most and that's nothing but 'Education in Ladakh'.

The seminar was attended, if not more, by thou-sand Ladakhi students besides student monks and their representatives from Dharamshala and Varanasi and many others from Ladakh who are in Jammu for winter holidays.

“When one talks of education in Ladakh one can-not ignore the name Sonam Wangchuk as he is the hero, the father, the path maker of education system in Ladakh, a precious gem that unfortunately we Ladakhis have lost,” said Gyan Konchog Rafstan, representa-tive of Varanasi Ladakh Student Union. The objective of the seminar was to know about the past, present and future of education standards in Ladakh from the man himself who has laid nearly 20 years of his life in mak-

RINCHEN DOLMA

EDUCATION

ask 'fourthStudents

LADAKH Affairs 38

LADAKH Affairs39


nent senior doctors, engineers, govt. officials in Ladakh are the result of Sir Joldan's hard wok. If you really want to bring a sea change in the education sys-tem of Ladakh and get it at par to the system in Delhi or UK then I suggest you to choose the teaching profession with clear mind because it demands great hard work, dedication and determina-tion as it is not so easy a job specially in regions like Ladakh,” added Mr. Wangchuk

Enthusiasm among the participating traits but my intentions are never ing and improving the education system students was clear from the sheer strength wrong; may be my actions contradict in Ladakh thus to ensure a bright future of their presence and they sat throughout the conventional system or tradition but for the aspiring young generation and the sessions that lasted till late evening. “I they are never done with an intention to for a better Ladakh.just wanted to know Sonam Wangchuk's harm the local public but with a mind to “Ladakh is diseased in terms of edu-views on education, and in case he decides bring prosperity through change,” cation and the Ladakhi students' going out-to come back to Leh what would be his

side Ladakh for studies after 10th or before future plan regarding education enhance-

has made them like educational refugees ment in Ladakh,” said Tsering Dolma M.Sc.

and reason being not having better educa-Jammu University. Speaking in tandem,

tion standards in the region at primary and Stanzin Zompa, a trainee in nursing, said,

middle class levels which is in dismal state “I had heard about SECMOL and had

and a matter of grave concern. some idea about their activities, but its

The onus is on the people of the role in educational aspirations and prog-

region; they have to leave the 'chalta hai' ress in Ladakh along with preserving

attitude and come forth with their needs Ladakhi tradition was what I was curious

and demands to bring the necessary to know.”

changes and improvements in the existing Besides Mr. Wangchuk who was the education system. I assure that the day peo-

guest speaker, other key speakers who too ple of Ladakh will feel the thirst for educa-expressed the views on status of education tion I will readily and happily come to serve in Ladakh on behalf of their students union you all again; its not that I don't want to included President of Student Union of shared Mr. Wangchuk. work for your welfare but I see no point in Chandigarg, Jammu, and Executives rep-banging head against the wall, its like Answering to the question on how can resenting Delhi, Dharamshala, Dehradun forcefully pouring water into someone's the education system be improved in and Varanasi. Later Mr. Wangchuk also mouth who is not thirsty at all, instead Ladakh asked during the open discussion advertised the annual magazines namely its better I give the water to others who session Mr. Wangchuk stressed on the Yontan (bi-lingual, English and bhoti) by are thirsty,” expressed Sonam importance on the profession of teacher. Central Institute of Tibetan Studies, Wangchuk in his speech. He said that teachers play a vital role in Varanasi and Singey Khababs by monk

Sonam Wangchuk said it loud and shaping the future as the making of the students from Dharamshala.

clear in the gathering of thousand students future lies in their hand; on their dedica-The programme was given a tinge of that neither he would possess a land on his tion, sincerity and efficiency towards their

entertainment with three songs sung by name nor he would have children of his duty rely the future of students and in turn the students of Jammu union and one of own and he has no interest in politics so his of the region. He cited the best example of the songs was sung by Norphel, President name would never be seen or heard in Sir Elizer Joldan who was the only post-of Jammu Union as he said the film 3 Idiots political sphere. “I have denounced my graduate in Ladakh during 1940s and is 'related' to Mr. Sonam Wangchuk and the personal life at the age of say 12-13 years had the offer to pick and choose any of story line projected in the film co-relates and I held it deep and strong that as a self the gazetted post but he opted for the to his life story, so this song is dedicated to I'm dead and it's physically I'm alive to work profession of teacher as he felt teaching Mr. Wangchuk and “we hope rather we for the welfare of others with education the best job to serve his people and dis-know that one day the education system as my tool. I don't say I am God or some- seminate his knowledge among them. will definitely shine in Ladakh.”thing, I too have negative qualities or “Today's most of the successful and emi-

idiot' to come backLaunch Movement,


o review the financial and physi- against Rs: 5.00 crore under Projectized The Executive Councilors have pre-

cal progress under district plan schemes. He further told in the General sented the progress reports and expen-Tand BADP for the year 2009-10 Council that against the allocation of diture statement concerning various

and to approve the drafts rules of proce- Rs: 12.00 crore under NABARD scheme, departments under their portfolio. The

dures and conduct of business of Ladakh Leh district has so far received Rs: 9.00 Chief Executive Officer, LAHDC, Leh AK

Autonomous Hill Development Council, crore and by the end of Jan. 2010, Rs: Sahu gave explanations of the quarries

Leh, a three-day General Council 8.39 crore has been spent registering raised by the Councilors.

Meeting of LAHDC, Leh was held in the 93.20% expenditure. Mr. Dorje said that The Councilors of respective

Council Assembly Hall between overall 65.63% of expenditure has been Constituencies have raised important

February 22 and 24. achieved in spite of the Planning and issues with relate to their constituen-

Development Department releasing The Chief Executive Councilor, cies and also demanded to complete the

funds in the month of October 2009.LAHDC, Leh Chering Dorje chaired the pending works.

meeting. The Executive Councilor The CEC further told that the During the second day of the meet-

Minority Affairs, Mohammad Khan, Action Plan under BADP has been ing, four resolutions were moved by dif-

Executive Councilor Health Tsering approved for Rs: 12.07 crore which ferent Councilors and out of these, only

Angchuk. Executive Counci lor, include Rs: 8.34 crore under Indo-China two resolutions were passed. The

Agriculture, Tsewang Tondup, Executive and Rs: 3.73 crore under Indo-Pak and so Councilor Deskit, Tsewang Rigzin moved

Councilor Education Dorje Stanzin, the far the Planning and Dev. Deptt. has a Resolution regarding preservation and

Opposition leader of the House and for- released only 85% of the approved fund. promotion of distinct culture of Ladakh

mer Chief Executive Councilor, Rigzin He said that against the released fund of was unanimously passed by the general

Spalbar, Chief Executive Officer, LAHDC Rs:6.19 crore under Indo-China Scheme, Council. This resolution demanding out

Leh Ajeet Kumar Sahu, the Councilors Rs: 3.76 crore has been spent while as of the four Executive Councilors, one

and the district officers attended the under Indo-Pak scheme, Rs: 1.92 crore should be named as Executive

meeting. was expended against the released Councilor, Art, Culture and Language in

amount of Rs: 2.77 crore registering a In his welcome address, Chering order to give due attention for promo-

overall expenditure of 63.37 % under Dorje said that a total of Rs: 71.31 crore tion of culture of this region, LAHDC to

BADP.has been allocated to Leh under district identify a line Department as the “Exe-

plan for the year 2009-10 which include The Opposition leader, Rigzin cuting Agency “ to carry out policies and

Rs: 54.03 crore under capital, Rs: 12.00 Spalbar took the issue of giving maxi- programs of the Council for the promo-

under NABARD loan, Rs: 5.00 crore as mum admission to the non local candi- tion and preservation of cultural heri-

Projectized Schemes and Rs: 27.96 lacs dates in the Polytechnic College Leh tage of Ladakh, all govt offices and

as Revenue. ignoring the interest of the locals. In institutions coming under the purview

this context, he strongly demanded the of the Council to have their sign boards Dorje said that against the alloca-

Hill Council Leh to properly investigate written in Bhoti script along with tion of Rs: 54.03 crore under capital nor-

the issue so that the interests of the English, Hill Council to honour individu-mal, Rs: 35.90 crore has been spent up

local students are not harmed. The CEC als and associations who contributed to ending Jan. 2010 which is 66.45% of

assured the General Council that LAHDC significantly for the preservation and expenditure. He said that an expendi-

will examine this case. promotion of Art and culture and LAHDC ture of Rs: 2.32 crore has been made

EPILOGUE REPORT

GOVERNANCE

Council reviews plan progress

LADAKH Affairs 40

to allot sufficient funds

under district plan for pro-

motion of culture. Such a

resolution also moved by

the Councilor Thiksay, Mr.

Tondup Spalzang demand-

ing the Hill Council to for-

mulate a plan on the promo-

tion and preservation of

Ladakh's Art, Culture and lan-

guage and allocation of suffi-

cient fund under district

plan was also unanimously

passed in the meeting.

La te r, t he Ch i e f

Executive Councilor, Mr.

Chering Dorje in his valedic-

tory address expressed sat-

isfaction over a fine

achievement under district

plan and realizing satisfying

expenditure. Mr. Dorje

made a special mention

that under the aegis of the

Deputy Commissioner, Mr.

Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Leh dis-

trict is doing well in all

developmental sectors and

hoped that the district will

have a remarkable achieve-

ment in its annual plan this

year too. He appreciated

the PWD, Sheep and some

other departments for per-

forming well in their fields

during last financial year as

well this year. At the same

time, Mr. Dorje also urged

other departments to

redouble their efforts in

achieving the target by the

end of current financial

year.

The meeting con-

cluded on the third day with

a Power Point presentation

on Greater Leh Master Plan

by Tetra Tech. India

Limited.


hen Zafar Iqbal Manhas, Secretary Jammu & Kashmir, Academy of Arts, Culture and

Languages, visited Leh recently for the launch of two volumes of Books on 'Lama Tsultrim WNyima', 19th century Ladakhi religious, cultural and social reformer, and 'Prophet

Mohammads Biography in Ladakhi', a delegation of Ladakh Cultural Forum Leh led by its

president Tsering Norboo Martse called on him and submitted a charter of points concerning

preservation, promotion and the development of rich cultural heritage of Ladakh.

Demanding the inclusion of a capable person from Ladakh into the Central Committee of J&K

Academy of Arts, Culture and Langues, the Cultuaral Forum regretted that for many years Ladakh

has been grossly neglected and not being incorporated in the Central Committee which has

deprived Ladakh region in terms of benefiting from all the privileges and shares at all levels.

It was also brought to the notice of Zafar Iqbal Manhas that a few years back, a Fine Arts

Institute was sanctioned for Ladakh but unfortunately it was never brought into existence or

implemented for whatever the reason maybe.

The fine arts institute has a wide scope and potentialities for the Ladakh community but it,

according to sources, never materialized on the pure pretext of lack of funds. Ladakh is known for

its century's old rich cultural heritage, and therefore, establishing this institute in Leh would play

a vital role in preserving, protecting and promoting the distinct culture of this unique Himalayan

region. Hence the Forum requested the J&K Academy to take up the funding issue with the

government to ensure setting up of the Fine Arts Institute in Leh with a special provision to

promote traditional musical instruments and other culture values of Ladakh.

Demanding creation of an Additional Secretary post for Leh Cultural Academy in order to

effectively and efficiently carryout the cultural policies, Cultural Forum pointed out that in

Kashmir and Jammu regions, the heads of the departments are of the Additional Secretary ranks

while in Leh the Academy has a mere Cultural Officer.

According to the newly constituted norm of Cultural Academy, the qualification for the post

of a Research Assistant should be an M.A in Urdu. This for Ladakh is completely irrelevant and not

applicable since the entire population of Ladakh speaks and writes Ladakhi (Bhoti) and as such,

the qualification of Research Assistant for Ladakh should be either BA or MA in Ladakhi (Bhoti).

Therefore an amendment in this regard was also demanded. Zafar Iqbal Manhas, Secretary

Jammu & Kashmir, Academy of Arts, Culture and Languages, assured the delegation that Ladakhi

knowing would be made an important criterion for this post.

Ladakh over the last decade has been a major producer of documentary as well low

budgeted feature films. But, Ladakhi filmmakers feels that Jammu & Kashmir, Academy of Arts,

Culture and Languages, has not acknowledged and appreciated our contribution in this creative

field and also never gave any opportunities to the film producers to represent our films in the

Annual J&K Film Festival despite repeated requests. Therefore, Secretary was requested to

include Ladakhi films in the annual J&K film festival in order to enrich Ladakhis cultural values.

All the post of the editors at the academy in all languages like Kashmiri, Dogri, and Hindi etc.

are all upgraded to chief editor post but unfortunately the editor for Ladakhi in Leh has been

retained as editor.

Ladakh has a rich drama culture (opera) and a drama instructor was appointed and also

various programs were carried out under this post. But the instructor along with the post has been

shifted to Kashmir years back and since then Cultural Academy Leh has been deprived of this

opportunity. It was therefore urged the concerned authorities that restore this post back to Leh.

Academy Urged to Preserve Ladakhi Culture, Heritage

LADAKH Affairs41


n utterly straight person and an constituency but for others with genu- ing is that on his initiative, four blocks avant-garde statesman, Nawang ine grievances. This distinctive trait (Kharu, Saspol, Chushot and Panamik) ARigzin Jora is a leader of a rare makes him a true representative of the have been regularised very recently

breed— one who always stands up to his people his constituency worthy of giving thereby, fulfilling a long pending promises and delivers the public goods popular mandate many times. Defying demand of the people of Leh District. efficiently. Some experts and journal- party and religious lines, he always Secondly some major projects have ists call him the “Reformist Politician”. extends a helping hand to every person been put into NABARD to materialise His tenure as a Cabinet Minister in the coming to his chamber for any kind of some of the major demands of his con-State Government has become a stituency. watershed era in the history of Under his current portfolio Ladakhi politics: Never before him (Tourism and Culture), there have came a leader from the trans- also been some noteworthy Himalayan region who has had achievements: such a popular and admired image ? T h r e e To u r i s m in the State Government; and it Development Authorities viz. would also be hard for the future Leh, Kargil and Zangskar have leaders from Ladakh to match the been created. persona and image that Mr. Jora ? Tourism infrastruc-has curved today in the politics of ture in Leh is being created at a Jammu and Kashmir. cost of Rs. 50 crores.

As far as clean and upright ? Food craft institute image and steady performance is at Leh has been set up at a cost concerned, nobody appears to of Rs. 4.75 crores. come close to him in the entire ? Revival of water Council of Minister. Innovative and sports like white water rafting in visionary, he has always been able Zangskar, Leh and Bhaderwa, to leave a mark in every depart- Sonamarg and Pahalgam is being ment that were/are under his port- done. folio (both during this and the pre- ? Development of tour-vious coalition). In fact, his per- ist facilities in Kargil has been formance as a Cabinet Minister in taken up at a cost 200 lacs. t h e p r e v i o u s C o a l i t i o n

? Development o f Government in the state was the

Drass and Panikhar has been only reason for his remarkable vic-

taken at a cost of Rs. 247.70 tory over the veteran Ladakhi

lacs. help. He almost lets nobody down, par-leader and LUTF mentor, Thupstan ? Development of Drass and ticularly the Ladakhis. Even a cursory Chhewang in the 2009 Assembly

Sankoo as tourist destinations is being look at his chamber will make one real-Elections. done at a cost of Rs. 472.32 lacs. ise this fact.Apart from his performance as an

In short, it appears that despite There are quite a few accomplish-innovative and dedicated Minister, one the ambiguity and haziness of the coali-ments during Jora's last one year tenure more thing that sets Mr. Jora from the tion politics, nothing seems to hold this as a cabinet Minister vis-à-vis his con-rest of the politicians is his easy accessi-man back.stituency. One of them worth mention-bility— not only to the people of his own

T. NORFAIL

PROFILE

Nawang Rigzin Jora: The Unconventional Politician

LADAKH Affairs 42


omen in Ladakh seem to have

taken it upon themselves to Wchange the socio-cultural and

political landscape of this traditionally

patriarchal society. Organising

themselves into groups, they have

taken up causes which according to

Stanzin Dolma, President Ama Tsogspa

Choglamsar are threatening their social

fabric.

Ama Tsogspa or Women Alliance is a

movement of housewives, mostly

illiterate which led a spirited campaign

against plastic in this highly sensitive

ecological zone. Polythene bags have

been officially banned in Ladakh since

1998, a pioneering move within India,

the need of the hour in the context of

environmental degradation on our Starting with a small group at Leh their society. Several Self Help Groups

planet. It goes beyond campaign for town Ama Tsogpa now covers virtually (SHGs) have also come into existence

plastic ban. Alcoholism has been all 111 villages in the district Leh over a short period drawn together for

rampant in the region having a extends to the icy Zanskar region and both economic self-reliance and a

disastrous effect on youth and women areas in Kargil district. “We have over greater participation in decision-

have taken up cudgels against it 5000 members spread across entire making processes. This has been the

beginning in 2006. Taking on the role of Ladakh including Leh, Zanskar and some domain of men but now women are

keepers of the law, in the light of a areas of Kargil,” says Rinchen Dolker, extending their more traditional roles

recalcitrant local police, women General Secretary. Ama Tsogspa is to take an active part in the

undertook several raids to recover a reflection of the changing face of development of society. While social

hidden supplies of liquors sold by illegal Ladakh, of its women speaking up and movements like the SHG's causes are an

bars and destroyed them in full public taking collective action for bettering express ion of th i s new ro le,

view.

TASHI MORUP

GENDER

Women's movement in LadakhNot a fledgling anymore:

In a traditionally patriarchal society, the rising awareness, collective action of women's groups has been a growing phenomenon. From addressing social evils like alcoholism, effecting a ban on polybags to forming SHG's for developing small enterprise, women in Ladakh have been leading movements for social, economic and political change. Policy levels however still remain very much a male bastion though there is a growing recognition of the women in this sphere too.

LADAKH Affairs43

representation of women at the policy activities like handicraft and fruit review report (2007) by Ladakh

level is woefully inadequate. processing. Development Organisation (LDO).

The highest policy level body in the Today there are 500 odd SHG The writing on the wall is clear.

region, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill groups in the entire district selling There has been a recognition of all

Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, agricultural produce like peas, barley, these developments at different levels

does not have a single elected women hay, vegetables, handicrafts like of governance and policy. The Ladakh

councillor. In Panchayati Raj, of the 639 pashmina shawls and carpets. The Buddhist Association, a leading soico-

elected Panches only 37 are women and collective saving generated through cultural organisation has opened a

not a single woman is Sarpanch. The micro credits runs into crores besides a women wing For the time being, even

sole woman MP from Ladakh was growing awareness and access to though access to the highest decision-

probably due to her royal lineage, the government schemes. “SHG has making process is denied, it is not

queen of erstwhile Ladakh kingdom. No greatly benefited us, we have learnt to diminishing their involvement in the

woman has ever represented Ladakh as speak for our demands with concerned affairs of society nor their move to

MLA or MLC. Out of 30 councillors in departments and it gives us a new strengthen their collective base,

LAHDC there are only two nominated economically and politically.

women. Political parties like Congress and

“It gets very difficult at times to Ladakh Union Territory Front(LUTF) too

put across our demands. Men can are unable to ignore the growing

relieve themselves in open we cannot, influence of women. In the Assembly

but Hill Council pays no heed to our elections last year, they held separate

strong demand for public convenience meetings with them, an indication if not

at different places including the Leh an assurance of a growing political

town,” says Dolma, a nominated Panch space in the region. Several women are

from Likir village. Dolma raised this today active members in the respective

issue in a meeting of various parties. Spalzes Angmo, former

representatives on Vision Document nominated Councillor (LAHDC) has

2020 prepared by Hill Council. The recently been appointed as member of

resistance by an entrenched mind-set Minority Commission of Government of

and an inflexible polity is strong. The India. Angmo has been pushing for

proposed 33% reservation for women by setting up of Women's Development

state government continues to be in Department in the region. In the

limbo while several moves to make Panchayat elections in J&K promised by confidence,” says Yangchan Dolma, an Ladakh an equitable society languish for the state government, women are SHG member and Deputy Chairperson want of attention by those at the helm expected to play a leading and decisive of SHG Federation at Saspol village. of affairs. roll not only as voters but as This Federation itself indicates a

Meanwhi le the sp i r i t and contenders. strategic step towards mobilizing momentum on the ground continues The winds of change are now women in the economic, social and unabated. Despite the challenges, unmistakable. For the women in political spheres in Ladakh. As a body, several SHG groups have come into Ladakh, the time is now, to speak up, they are able to leverage funds from existence under a guideline provided stand shoulder to shoulder alongside the Hill Council, which as individual by Central Government's Watershed men, to bring in their ideas and energy SHG's was difficult. “SHG has Development Project. In Saspotse into the public domain and to work established itself as a viable village one of the mother-SHG's towards a society that is inclusive. mechanism for organizing and formed in 2001, facilitated by Ladakh (Charkha Features. This was empowering women in Ladakhi Development Organisation, a local written under Sanjoy Ghose Medial villages. This should be taken note of NGO has triggered a chain of several Fellowship. Series Editor SUJATA while considering future policy options groups engaged in small enterprise RAGHAVAN) for women's development,” states a


The highest policy level body in the region, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, does not have a single elected women councillor. In Panchayati Raj, of the 639 elected Panches only 37 are women and not a single woman is Sarpanch. The sole woman MP from Ladakh was probably due to her royal lineage, the queen of erstwhile Ladakh kingdom. No woman has ever represented Ladakh as MLA or MLC. Out of 30 councillors in LAHDC there are only two nominated women

LADAKH Affairs 44


n a major step towards addressing energy issues in Ladakh, the Union

Government has allocated a budgetary support of Rs 500 Crores. This has Ibeen possible with endeavours of Ladakh's representatives, particularly

the State Tourism Minister Nawang Rigzin Jora, and Union Minister for New

and Renewable Energy Dr Farooq Abdullah. In his Budget speech in

Parliament, the Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said: “The Ladakh region

of Jammu and Kashmir faces an extremely harsh climate and suffers from

energy deficiency. To address this problem, it is proposed to set up solar,

small hydro and micro power

projects at a cost of about Rs.500

crore”

On behalf of the people of

Ladakh, Minister for Tourism and

Culture Nawang Rigzin Jora has

extended a sense of gratitude to

UPA Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi,

Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan

Singh and Finance Minister, Pranab

Mukherji for announcing Rs. 500

Crores for setting up of solar small

hydro and micro power projects

for Ladakh region of the state.

Jora said this was a much

needed package for years as the

area faces extremely hard climate

particularly in winter and the

package envisages construction of ease out the energy requirement of

people of Ladakh to make their lives more comfortable. He said this package

envisages construction of 30 small /micro hydel projects of 23.5 MW, 300 SPV

power plants of 5-100 KWs. Besides 2000 SPV home lighting and about 40,000

solar thermal systems such as water heaters, solar cookers, solar passie

building and solar green house will also be installed under the programme.

The Minister said that it is a major initiative by the Congress

Government to minimize use of diesel and kerosene as well as firewood and

to make the life of the people more comfortable and added that setting up of

a large number of green houses would also help people of Ladakh to grow

vegetables in the winter months. . He said that the amount of Rs. 500 Crore

will be spent over a period of 3 years.

s many as 11998 educated youth are

registered as unemployed in Ladakh Aregion of Jammu and Kashmir.

Over 5.67 lakh unemployed educated

youth have registered with various

District Employment and Counselling

Centres of Jammu and Kashmir as on

December 2009. In a written reply to the

state assembly, Minister for Higher

Education, Labour and Employment Abdul

Gani Malik said that of the total 567358

youth, 272072 belong to Jammu division,

283288 to Kashmir valley and 11998 are

from Ladakh region.

B e s i d e s , 2 7 0 6 9 u n e m p l o y e d

technocrats, agriculture graduates and post

graduates have registered with the district

employment and counselling centres.

The minister said the government has

introduced an employment welfare

programme whereby a monthly voluntary

service allowance (VSA) will be provided to

eligible unemployed educated youth having

educational qualification of matriculation

and above for the next three years,

commencing from the financial year 2010-

11.

The Minister said that it is a major

initiative by the Congress Government to

minimize use of diesel and kerosene as well

as firewood and to make the life of the

people more comfortable and added that

setting up of a large number of green houses

would also help people of Ladakh to grow

vegetables in the winter months. . He said

that the amount of Rs. 500 Crore will be

spent over a period of 3 years.

Rs 500 Crore for illuminating Ladakh

11998 Youths Jobless in Ladakh

LADAKH Affairs45

COLUMN

Errata!


ny thoughtful civilian or for that would go over there just to get their

matter any common man would legitimate and well earned pension?Ahave definitely come across a Why is that a patient hailing from a

situation, where an unexpected incident remote area of Thana Mandi has to die in

not only disheartened him but also left a the strike called by the GMC doctors over

lasting impression on his mind. It can be some (non)issue of few hundred rupees

because the kind of behavior he here and there in their pay scale. It

experienced or the words, conduct etc, would have been sufficient to humble

of the other person was far below the them down, nonetheless, to see that the

basic courtesy and not at all expected of Doctors of Apollo, Escorts etc throw their

him. reports into the dustbin merely at the

The extreme image clash we saw mention of the word GMC, Jammu.

unfolding on National TV in the graphic The suggestion that has to be

sexual escapades of Gov. N. D. Tiwari's understood very clearly is that the

with three young girls was in complete problem or the general rule here is not

antithesis to an image of a person who is that it is the self apologetic command

eighty something and a vociferous self man who has to each and every time bear

professed Gandhian, which we over the the brunt or be at the receiving end of

time had also adapted ourselves to the system. Be it at the hands of a

indentify with him. bureaucrat, a GMC Doctor or a

Similarly, incredibly savvy, 'secular' Policeman.

and sophisticated image which Dr. These incidents have two important

Farooq Abdullah flaunts was put up for lessons that they offer to teach to anyone

question mark when he shocked us by who experiences them. First is that they

arguing with Sheikh Shakeel Ahmad on teach the new aspects of human conduct

NDTV for being a Muslim but supporting and also they challenge you to not to take

Hindu Dogras during one of the SASB land things lying down and confront the

row debates. delinquent person how so ever high he

The cash-at-judge's-door-scam that may be.

jolted conscious of every Indian was in This kind of situation also

sharp contrast with the upright and confronted me when just a few days ago,

sincere image of an Indian woman and my friend took me along with him to get

also with the sacrosanct image of a High the charge sheet of one the detainee in

Court Justice. the high security Kot Bhalwal Jail. The

experience turned to a pretty What was the reason for the extraordinary one and forced me to think treasury officers of Town Hall or Mubarak out loud in the shape of this writing. I Mandi in the past to misbehave and treat know nothing will change but still it the elderly retired people like dogs who

ANMOL SHARMA

Evil Deeds of Kot Bhalwal Jail

I N S I D E J A I L S

ØAs per the latest details,

2329 prisoners of different

categories are lodged on

two Central and 12 District

Jails of Jammu and

Kashmir. Of all the

prisoners, 179 are

detained under Public

Safety Act (PSA), 337 are

convicts, 1805 undertrials,

4 juveniles and 4 civil

prisoners.

ØOf 179 PSA detenues, 55

are of foreign origin. There

are 61 other prisoners of

foreign origin lodged in

jails within and outside

the state.

ØAs many as 728 persons

were booked under PSA

during last two years, 16

of them were booked

more than twice.

Ø316 PSA detenues were released at different points of time between January 1, 2009 and January 31, 2010

46

might have some chance to snowball into a notch people managing the Jail are supposed

consequence. At least I am talking about the to be literate in the sense that they must be

nonsense in the form of a Kot Bhalwal Jail. knowing that oppression, atrocity etc can

never make a person repent. To make a person The standard thing anticipated from the repent and atone he has to be elevated to the jail staff is that they are meant to facilitate higher level of consciousness. the meetings between the detainees and the

near relatives that are allowed to meet them. The wisdom in the teaching of Lord

For this purpose various rules and orders have Buddha who transformed a hardcore criminal

also been made under which the visit has to be called 'Aungli Mar' into his most beloved

carried out and which are to aid the both. disciples or the way Sage Narada

metamorphosesed Saint Valmiki from a But in reality visit to this prison turns to barbaric dacoit reveal undoubtedly that be an insulting, dehumanizing experience. reforming a person needs a subtle and humane The trademark training of the staff is to be approach. Putting unnecessary pressure or totally uncooperative and utterly impolite strain upon the inmates or their families will with the people. The jail manual has been result in a similar kind of answer.rendered an empty formality and some other

unwritten commandments are being obeyed. If Jail staff deliberately makes their

They even have the nerve to flout the rules in families members to wait for 2 hours, even if

front of law knowing persons. they come within the scheduled time. If

money orders etc sent to the inmates for doing When I called the DG Prisons on his IGNOU courses never reach them or are sent official number, he kept on repeating the back. If the food items which family members words 'main kisi se baat nahin kerta phone pe, bring for their relative lodged in the Jail are main sunta he nahin baat phone pe'. Although gobbled by the staff themselves.it is debatable whether a public servant can

refuse to talk on his official phone or whether I If the members and the inmate are made

could have called him repeatedly until he to sit on the dirty floor and basic facility like a

listens! Are phone provided to them only to chair is not provided. If, even the chargesheet

make calls and not to listen the grievance of is not allowed to be discussed between the

an ordinary man? lawyer and inmate etc then what else remains

for them not breed disgust and anger for the Kot Bhalwal Jail is the victim of total Jail authorities. mismanagement and is being ignored by the

authorities. It needs a person like Kiran Bedi The Kot Bhalwal Jail which also houses

who took every posting as a challenge brought militants from Pakistan etc gives us an

radical reforms in the running of Tihar Jail, be excellent opportunity to deprogram them and

it spiritual Courses, Vipasna and the like. KBJ to understand the mind of the terrorist. These

does not need a bossy DG who does not bother people are living materials for the analysts

to look into the irregularities that are bought and also services of Islamic scholors could

to his notice. have been utilized to preach them the real

interpretation of Islam. On the other hand the The present form which this prison is impression that an outsider gets is that the evolving into is akin to that doomed hutment Jail Authorities are least bothered whether in the movie 'Evil Dead' where anyone who they live or die. went inside also became an evil spirit. The

simile here is that the people managing the We all know, by the way, that all of their

show are themselves evil in their conduct and 'strictness' collapses the moment someone

the poor soul who enters this prison also gets living in shanty area of Peshawar or in the

haunted. However, this engine of oppression plains of Afghanistan utters 'khul ja Sim Sim'

goes a step further and also harasses the and person like Moulana Masood Azhar reaches

relatives of the people who go inside it. grottoes of Kandahar on an Indian Airlines

fight free of cost.What is more surprising is that the top

Healthcare blues in J&K


BRAIN DRAIN

Indifference pushing youths away from their homesVIKRAM GOUR

ast month one of my

very close friends had Lan encounter with the

medical services both gov-

ernment as well as private

available locally in the heart

of the winter capital of the

state. I leave it to the readers

to decide how to rate this

most important public utility

service required in an emer-

gency.

My friend's wife was ail-

ing for some time and was

under treatment of a very

well known doctor. Her con-

dition worsened one evening

and she was rushed to gov-

ernment medical college for

immediate medical help on a

very cold and foggy evening.

The sick lady was admitted to

an emergency ward and

treatment was started. As

the condition did not

improve, my friend's family

and close doctor friends

insisted on immediately

removing the sick lady to

Delhi for further treatment.

A close relation with

some influence was able to

arrange for an 'Air Taxi' of

Escorts Hospital, since the

patient had to be trans-

Brain drain47

peak load hours. The ambulance had no required in an emergency. The ambu-ported to the Air Port in the cold and automatic Siren it had to be hand oper- lance reached within 10-minuts and in foggy evening the Medical College ated although it had the rotating red these ten minutes doctor in the ambu-authorities were requested to provide light at the top. With siren being han- lance obtained full information from an ambulance for transporting the dled by one of the patient's relation and the mother to keep himself ready to han-patient. Surprisingly, we were informed blowing and the red light rotating at dle the situation and continuously that the Government Medical College the top of the ambulance none of the advised the mother how handle the that the state has long been trying to traffic police men tried to clear the child during the intervening period. get converted into an institution of way and the traffic along the way giv- After shifting the child into the national importance like AIMS, New ing no preference to the ambulance to ambulance the accompanying doctor Delhi had no fully equipped ambulance move it took more than 45-minuts to enquired from the mother which hospi-to transport critically ill patients. They, cover the distance up to the air-port tal she wanted to take the child. The instead, advised us to look for such which should have taken not more ambulance immediately sped towards ambulance available with one or two than 20-minutes. The family members the hospital blowing siren and flashing private Nursing Homes in the city. One were greatly relieved after reaching red light at the top of the ambulance. such ambulance was provided by a pri-

vate Nursing home. Although, we were Although, there was no traffic police

charged Rs 7,000/- for transporting visible en route, yet the busy traffic

from medical college to air port yet it gave immediate gave preference to the

was found that the ambulance did not ambulance and cleared the way. The

have any heating arrangement in it to ambulance covered a distance of about

protect the patient from intense cold 15-km in about 10 minutes. In these weather and the emergency equipment intervening 10-minutes drive to the hos-installed in the ambulance was not auto- pital the doctor in the ambulance had matically switched on to watch the established contact with the hospital patient during transportation. The and informed them about the condi-accompanying doctor had to be per- tions of the child to keep them ready suaded to switch on the emergency with treatment they had to gi ve to the equipment to watch the patient's condi- child. After the ambulance reached the tion during transportation. destination the hospital authorities

The flight had taken off from New took charge of the child.

Delhi and we had reached Air Port but This latest experience of the ser-the air craft could not land on account vices available to citizens outside the of very thick fog. By 5-30 PM we were country as compared with the services informed that the air craft had landed in available in J&K made me think about the Air Port without any untoward hap-Amritsar and it could come to Jammu the reasons the younger generation pre-pening and putting the patient in the only next day in the morning. The fers to keep away from their air-craft.patient had now to be shifted back to hometowns. A doctor in the hospital or Immediately after this experience hospital. Knowing well the conditions his clinic, a traffic police man on duty, a I had a call from my son from Dubai ask-prevailing in the Govt. Medical College worker at work, a government ing us to visit him for a month, this being during night hours it was decided to employee on duty or even a common a pleasant weather period in Dubai.take a chance with the Batra Medical citizen driving/walking on the road or In Dubai, I had a similar experience College on National Highway for spend- attending to his routine work, all are of calling for emergency Medical ing the night. indifferent to others problems. And the Service. My grand child had swallowed

Next morning we again needed an government itself is indifferent to the something and my daughter-in law ambulance to transport the patient to people's problems. All this because being alone in the house immediately the Air-port. This time it was Batra there is no rule of law. No one is rang up for emergency medical service Medical College that provided the ambu- accountable to anyone above or below. kept available in each locality by the lance. The ill-equipped Ambulance was The party that rules is worried only UAE government free of cost. They to drive to the airport with patient at about the their vote and not about wel-immediately sent an ambulance fully around 10-30am almost at the traffic fare of the people or the country.equipped with all medical gadgetry

This latest experience of the services available to citizens outside the country as compared with the services available in J&K made me think about the reasons the younger generation prefers to keep away from their hometowns. A doctor in the hospital or his clinic, a traffic police man on duty, a worker at work, a government employee on duty or even a common citi-zen driving/walking on the road or attend-ing to his routine work, all are indifferent to others problems. And the government itself is indifferent to the people's prob-lems. All this because there is no rule of law. No one is accountable to anyone above or below.

Vol. 4, Issue 3 Epilogue, March 2010www.epilogue.in Vol. 4, Issue 3 Epilogue, March 2010www.epilogue.in

Brain drainHealthcare blues in J&K

48

opinion

In Defence of Justice


he bloody assassination of 32-

year old Shahid Azmi on TFebruary 11, 2010, the defense

counsel of Fahim Ansari, the 26/11 co-

accused, is not a simple murder. There

is a dark scheme behind this brilliant

lawyer's brutal killing when four

assailants barged into his office at

Kurla and pumped bullets into him at

point blank range. From Mumbai to

Jaipur to Lucknow, the thread of this

scheme running through various court

premises across the country whereby

Muslim lawyers are being targeted,

thrashed, shot at, injured or killed for

defending accused of bomb blasts.

Azmi is the third lawyer killed in

Mumbai. So, if the securities agencies

go on to arrest innocent Muslims

randomly, or on mere suspicion and

their lawyers are intimidated or

of UP Police that later admitted to a Jaipur serial blasts case. The threatened, where do they go for

case of mistaken identity. AM Faridi, Association took the decision after justice?

Shahbaz Hussain, one of the alleged another Lucknow High Court lawyer, On August 12, 2008, Mohammed masterminds of May 13 serial blasts who was successful in securing Shoaib, a senior lawyer of Lucknow was arrested in Lucknow in August acquittal for a terror accused, was High Court faced the wrath of angry 2008 and produced in a local Jaipur even threatened that his family would Hindu lawyers, who pounced upon him court. Defending the boycott, the be eliminated if he did not withdraw and beat him black and blue besides Association President Madhav Mitra from the terror cases. In August 2008, shouting slogan 'lawyer of Pakistani Sharma reasoned: "It might be wrong the Lucknow Bar Association held an terrorist', while he was going to defend legally but it is justified morally”. emergency meeting and passed a a terror case. The lawyers were angry Similarly, a resolution was issued by resolution expelling both Shoaib and at 56-year old Mohammed Shoaib since the Faizabad Bar Association warning Faridi. he was able to secure an acquittal for lawyers against representing those In Jaipur, lawyers affiliated to the one of his clients Aftab Alam Ansari of suspected of involvement in the Rajasthan High Court Bar Association Kolkata, who was framed as a Harkat-Ayodhya blasts of 2005, while the declared that they would not ul-Jehad-al-Islami (HuJI) terrorist in Varanasi Bar Association followed suit represent any of the suspects in the January 2008 by the Special Task Force

M Shamsur Rabb Khan

Paying Price for Justice :Assassination of Shahid Azmi

49

after the attack in that city in 2006. Special Cell of the Delhi Police has no get bail for their wards. In a scenario

Similar fatwas are being issued by parallel. In 2005, it arrested Maulana of gross injustice, if a lawyer likes of

lawyers' associations in Karnataka and Dilawar Khan and Imam Masood Ahmed Shahid Azmi, who was arrested under

Madhya Pradesh as well. of Delhi. Branded as LeT terrorists, TADA by Delhi police in 1995 for being a

they were falsely charged with member of SIMI, gathers courage to Along with terror attacks on our

plotting a suicide attack on the Indian take up cases of those falsely country came the great communal

Military Academy in Dehradun and implicated, they undergo a hell of an d i v i d e b e t w e e n t w o m a j o r

spent five years in jail before a Patiala experience. Azmi's first big case was communities, i.e. Hindus and Muslims

House Court judgement set them free Mumbai local explosions in 2006 in in the court premises and among the

in January 2010 for want of evidence. which he was defending three legal professionals. The divide is so

The court also criticised the Special accused, including one of the prime deep that those lawyers who have read

Cell for its lapses in investigation and accused, Faisal Sheikh, the LeT's 'innocent until proved guilty' a

for misusing its powers. Once arrested alleged Mumbai chief. In the fake thousand times are blinded by the

the two Muslim clerics were paraded encounter and murder of Ishrat Jehan, sheer hatred they nurse for the terror

Azmi played a pivotal role to get suspects, if they happen to be

justice to the bereaved family. In his Muslims. And while the Hindu lawyers,

short career, Azmi successfully like hooligans, beat up the Muslim

pleaded in court against the lawyers, police personnel are found to

application of MOCOCA as well as POTA be standing idly. Will the same bunch

for his clients. His successful pleading of lawyers and their associations go for

in the Ghatkopar blasts case of 2002 the same hostile treatment against

led to the abrogation of POTA. Hindu terror accused Pragya Singh and

Col. Srikant Purohit? The murder of Shahid Azmi is not a

murder of an individual only, it is a In this dark scheme, security

well-designed campaign to intimidate agencies, in collusion with media, play

and ultimately obliterate the idea of the major part. And as is the wont,

justice and silence the voice of the after every blast, Muslim names start

innocents. Every accused has a legal flashing on TV channels while the

right to defense and lawyers must police go on arrest innocent Muslims

respect since a fair trial will prevent indiscriminately. Like a lie, if spoken a

several retaliating minds to calm thousand times seems a hard truth, it

down, besides giving a new impetus to sends a strong message across the like animals in front of cameras, while our unified fight against terror. In the country that Muslims who are arrested the Special Cell officers were jostling face of many proven cases where the as terror suspects are actually the with each other to stand next to 'the security agencies have erred in perpetrators, and they have no legal terrorist' so that they could also figure prosecuting and killing innocent right to defend themselves even if prominently in the picture. In the Muslims as well as the threats to their they innocent. Albeit police as an aftermath of Batla House encounter, lawyers, there is an urgent need for institution has been rated one of the more than a dozen Muslim young boys the creation of a special court at Delhi most corrupt body, public sentiment have been taken into custody, and more or any one chosen city to try all cases tends to believe it in case it arrests than 50 cases have been registered related to terrorism. All such cases Muslims as accused in terror cases. against some of them in four states and pending in various states ought to be Numerous instances point to the six cities. Is it possible for a poor or transferred to this special court. On fact that many innocent Indian middle class family to defend their the lines of the National Investigative Muslims have been framed falsely by wards? Agency, the government should create the security agencies as terrorists only Such deliberate prosecutions such court so that it would be to be released after torturous trauma clearly show that the judicial process convenient for both – the prosecution and terror tag. In framing fabricated has been made so stringent for such and the accused – to seek justice. cases against innocent Muslims, the families a near impossible exercise to


The murder of Shahid Azmi is not a murder of an individual only, it is a well-designed campaign to intimidate and ultimately obliterate the idea of justice and silence the voice of the innocents. Every accused has a legal right to defense and lawyers must respect since a fair trial will prevent several retaliating minds to calm down

opinionIn Defence of Justice

50

Yes, I want to subscribe Epilogue Magazine

Name : .

Age : .................................. Education :........................................................................................................

Profession :..................................................................................................................................................

Phone : ............................................... Email :..............................................................................................

Mailing Address :..........................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................................................

F I have enclosed a payment of Rs. 300/- towards annual subscription F I will pay later, please send me a free trial issue.

www.epilogue.inPhone : (O) 0191 2493136, (M) 94191 80762, 94198 91777, 9018887136

Email : [email protected], [email protected]

Why Epilogue ?

Epilogue is perhaps the first scholarly, analytical and investigative monthly journal on Jammu and

Kashmir which addresses important issues ranging from economy, politics and culture to

security and strategic affairs in the region. Epilogue offers a variety of perspectives and

plurality of approaches to meet challenges of future and present predicament of our society.

Epilogue is collectively edited by leading editors and publishes original contributions from scholars,

experts and journalists having a keen eye on Jammu and Kashmir. The journal reaches and

further endeavours to reach all people in the South Asian region who contribute to policy

formulation.

Epilogue is backed by a network of journalists, media practitioners, academics, experts, researchers and

scholars belonging to different parts of Jammu and Kashmir across both sides of the Line of

Control.

Epilogue has a shelf life that extends far beyond the news or event period covered; therefore, this

journal becomes an important source of information and future reference on Jammu and

Kashmir. Precisely, Epilogue is a must read for all those for whom Jammu and Kashmir is

anything to look at!

Epilogueb e c a u s e t h e r e i s m o r e t o k n o w

Signature

Date...................

Mailing Address :Epilogue NewsCraft, Madrasa Lane Bathindi Top, Jammu - 181152 (J&K)

For booking your advertisement

on this page call

Ravi Verma @9018887136

Only those who have dreams

THE

BIG

Sunday Open

JOIN

MERCHANT NAVYBREAK

SUNRISE

(SEE THE WORLD, WHILE EARNING)10TH, 12TH, (PCM & Any Stream),

GRADUATE, IT), DIPLOMA & DEGREE.

Phone : 0191-2565032, Mb. : 9419100331, 9205011271Phone : 0191-2565032

Opp. Aastha Nursing Home239, Amphalla Jammuemail : [email protected]

9419804912, 9906084563, 9469602131, 9419144106Phones : 9419144106, 9419804912, 9906084563, Tel/Fax : 0191-2471956

ADD: 211-A North Block, Bahu Plaza, Railhead Complex, Jammu - 180012 (J&K)email : [email protected], [email protected]

J K Travels (India)

Epiloguebecause there is more to know

Classified MartREACH OUT TO DECISION MAKERS

M.JACKSON DANCING INSTITUTEImprove your Personality Special classes for Ramp Modeling for Boys & Girls

J.R. SHARMA (Jackson)Mb: 9419149906

Institute Timing :For boys and Girls 2:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M

Ladies Classes for 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon

MAIN CHOWK, JANIUR, JAMMU

M.J.C.I.SRegd. No. : 4515.S

Booking for eTicketing :AIR TICKETRAIL TICKET

GR

AH

PIX

DESIGN :Newspaper, Magazine, Hologram, Job Work,

Wedding Card, Multi-Colour Card, Greeting Card

eTICKETING :Air Ticket,Rail Ticket

CYBER CAFÉ :Chatting, Searching

160, Indira Chowk, Shalamar Road, JammuMobile : 94198 91777, email : [email protected], [email protected]

Near Anand Satsang Bhawan,

YOU'RE IN GOOD HANDS

50% selections in KAS-0160% selections in KAS-0465% selections in KAS-08KAS

BATCHES AVAILABLE FOR

(MAINS)

Download - Epilogue Magazine, March 2010

Top Related