Zabarwan Times E-Paper English 15 December

Srinagar, December 14:

An unidentified man died due to severe cold in north Kashmir’s Kupwara dis-trict, even as Srinagar, the capital city, witnessed the coldest night of the season, officials told Global News Service Saturday.

See Cold Claims on Pg. 11

FIR not lodged particularly against

Mobile Magistrate: Police

Senior Fellowship awarded to Dr. S.K. Raina

Srinagar, December 14:

Taking suo moto cogni-zance of media reports about the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) on Saturday issued notices to DGP, Chief En-gineer R&B Kashmir, IGP Traffic, Transport Com-missioner, RTO Kashmir, SSP National Highway, Ramban and SSP Traffic Kashmir with a direction to submit their reports on pathetic conditions of highways and roads without lights, unchecked traffic movements with omnipresent traffic jams and overcrowding of pas-sengers in mini busesRafiq Fida, member of the SHRC has asked these au-thorities to submit their replies by or before next date of hearing that has been listed on February 10, 2014. “A copy of this order along with the news stories

be sent to all the reporting officers with the notice….Both the news stories have highlighted a genuine con-cern regarding the pitiable and pathetic conditions of highways and roads without lights, unchecked traffic movements with omnipresent traffic jams and overcrowding of pas-sengers in mini buses that involve the rights of the individuals from almost all walks of life including passengers, commuters, tourists, government and private sector employees, school goers, passersby and above all the common man alike and the inac-tion on the part of the State Government which is in deep slumber in this re-gard. Even there is no sign boards near speed break-ers and no paint on Zebra crosses.”In his order Mr Fida has observed that the news

stories prima facie disclose violation of human rights. While quoting the news reports the member of the Commission has said re-ports reveal that the seats of the mini buses have been reduced to inhuman size and the passengers have to share a two odd feet seat with some five to six inches of leg space which terribly cause a great deal of annoyance and agony to the passengers and drivers pay heftily to the authori-ties to pass mini buses with seats of such “inhu-man size” and to the Traf-fic Police for overloading, wrong parking and mov-ing on snail’s pace which often results in heavy traf-fic jams and sometimes in fatal accidents causing heavy losses to life and property while the Traffic Police and Regional Trans-port Office have miserably

See SHRC on Pg. 11

Baramulla, Dec 14:

Police Saturday said that it has not regis-tered an FIR particular-ly against Mobile Mag-istrate Manzoor Ahmed Khan for directing traf-fic cops to stop an ambu-lance ferrying a patient Abdul Rehman Dar that led to his death. Reacting over the pro-test demonstrations by Bar Association Baramulla against the police and MLA Lan-gete, Deputy Inspector General North Kash-mir J.P.Singh told CNS that Police has men-tioned several accused in the FIR vide number 249/2013 under section 341. “This FIR was not lodged particularly against Mobile Mag-istrate but police has lodged it against sev-

eral traffic police cops as well,” Singh said adding that police had no option but to take ac-tion after MLA Langete as a citizen lodged a for-mal complaint against the incident in police station.DIG North Kashmir said that police is well aware of this fact that it is to seek the permis-sion from High Court to arrest any judicial magistrate. “Certainly we will seek the permis-sion from the HC when we will call him (Mobile Magistrate) into police station or arrest him,” he said adding that no-body is above law. Meanwhile, Bar Associ-ation Baramulla staged a protest against police and MLA Langete de-manding immediate

See FIR on Pg. 11

Srinagar, Dec 14:

The Legislative Assembly speaker Mubarak Gul Saturday said any decision on Gen. (Retd) V.K.Singh’s reply to the breach of privilege mo-tion will be taken after the mem-bers of the Privilege Committee (PC) submit their respective opinions. The decision will be taken on the basis of merit of the opinion of the committee and in light of the reply sub-mitted by the former army chief. “I have forwarded Gen. Singh’s reply to the respective members of privilege commit-tee and have asked them to submit their opinions within one week. The final decision over the issue will be taken after that,” Gul told KNS on phone.He further stated that the reply can be accessed by one and all and it

has already been made public. “If PDP wants, it can get the copy of the reply of Gen (Retd.) Singh from my office. I have also forwarded his reply to the members of the privi-lege committee.”Pertinently, Gen (Retd) Singh in his response to the breach of privilege

notice has said that in light of facts and circumstances, the allegations leveled against him by way of a breach of privilege motion by members of Legislative Assembly are not made out and appear to

be a case of misinfor-mation. The sources told KNS that Gen (Retd) Singh while replying to the privilege motion of the state legislative assembly has also attached the video

recordings of his interviews given by him to the section of press about the TSD funding.

See Will Decide on Pg. 11

New Delhi, Dec 14: Ministry of Culture, Government of India has very recently selected eminent scholar, educa-tionist and translator Dr. S.K. Raina of Alwar for award of Senior Fellowship under its Senior and Junior Fellowship Award-Scheme.. The Fellowship is awarded to such scholars and meritorious persons who have done commendable work in the fields of language, literature and arts. The period of Fellowship is two years and Dr. Raina has been awarded the Fellowship to work in the field of comparative lit-erature. Winner of several academic distinctions and honours, Dr.Raina is author of fourteen books and around 100 research papers all published by renowned publishers of the country like Bharti-ya Jnanpith, Rajpal and Sons, Sahitya Academi, Hindi Book Centre,J&K Cultural Acadey etc. Dr. Raina was National Fellow at Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla from 1999 to 2001 where he worked on the problems of translation. This work has already been published and is avail-able from IIAS. Some of his books were released by India’s former President, Dr Shankar Dayal

See Senior Fellowship on Pg.11

CMYK

CMYK

CMYK

CMYK

SUNDAY December 15 | 2013 | 11 Safar 1435 AH | PAGES 12 | VOL NO: 3 | ISSUE NO: 318 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 PAISA)Pen For JusticeLargely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K

Will decide V.K Singh’s reply on merits: Speaker

http://www.zabarwantimes.com

WEATHER

TEMPERATUREMAXIMUM MINIMUMSUNSET ON(SUNDAY)SUNRISE ON (MONDAY)

05:24 pm07:31 am

-3.7 0C8.5 0C

FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:

FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:

Weather will be mainly dry over the state.

Mainly clear Sky with Haze. Maximum & Minimum temperatures will be around 11°C & -3°C respectively.

Politicking on religion, regional basis worrisome

Govt ensured need based, sustained

development

See More On Page 10 See More On Page 07

See More On Page 10See More On Page 08

Court summons Musharraf

in treason case

Weightlifting reduces ris

k of

diabetes in men

Inside story

On Edit Page

Coalition politics – A danger for democracy

The mushroom growth of region-al political parties has beyond doubt strengthen the regional aspirations and created new av-enues for people to air their voice

Educate people about energy conservation

Minister for Higher Education, Mr. Mohammad Akbar Lone Saturday called for launching awareness campaign to educate people about the conservation of energy. He said students are a resource who can play a pivotal role in educating people about the conservation of energy.

See More On Pg 10

See More On Pg 9

SHRC takes notice of pathetic roads, frequent jams,

overcrowding in mini buses

Perception # 1

Supply has worsened against last year.

Fact

Against last year supply of 1025 MWs, Department is meeting the demand of

around 1200 MWs, increase of 17%

Department has agreements of about 550 MW with domestic consumers, but

is feeding 1170 MWs after curtailing about 300 MWs during peak hours.

OUT OF SERVICE

Perception # 2

Distribution Transformers get damaged due to insufficient capacities

Fact

At most of the places, transformer capacity is more than 5 times the load

agreements with consumers. So, are we to blame for the frequent transformer

damages?

Perception # 3

LT/ HT network is undersized and as such snaps on and off

Fact

Cross sectional size of the conductors used in HT and LT network is nearly

equivalent to 5 times the size required for the respective agreements with

consumers. Are we then to be blamed for the conductor snapping?

Perception # 4

Consumers are paying through their noses are charged at high rates.

Fact

While as Average cost of supply is ` 7.25 per unit, PDD is supplying power at a

highly subsidized rate of ` 2.34 Per unit. Still we are losing whopping Rs. 2500

Crores per year, as people are not paying as per consumption and not

consuming energy judiciously. Who to blame ? PDD or consumers

We as a dedicated department have devotion to provide 24x7 power supply to all our

esteemed consumers, if and only if, consumers cooperate by using loads as per their

agreements and shun the use of all their heating gadgets, particularly during morning

and evening peak hours.

Please ponder over the issues and let us all understand as to where we are heading to !

‘Reply forwarded to members of PC for opinion’Srinagar, December 14:

Panic gripped in city on Saturday afternoon when fire erupted at Kashmir’s Bone and Joints hospital, prompting the authorities to evacuate the patients.Eye witness told KNS that the fire started from the Out Patient Department

See Fire on Pg. 11

Fire at Bone and Joints hospital

triggers panic

Ambulance halt row

Cold claims life in Kupwara

Major fire erupts in Karna forestsSrinagar, December 14: The massive fire erupts in the dense forests of Karna, damag-ing the green gold in the area at large.According to the KNS district Correspondent, the fire erupt-ed in Karna forests during the intervening night of December 13 and 14 due to which flora and fauna in the forests got ablaze.The sources told KNS that due to the cut in the Kupwara- Karna transmission line of 33 thousand KV, the fire erupted in the forests. The fire was later brought under control by the fire and emergency services and by the people residing near the forests.The local officer of fire and emergency services of Karna Abdul Gani told KNS that the locals of Danah village along with the men of fire depart-ment played the vital role in dousing the dangerous flames. “It took us eight hours to extin-guish the forest fire but we can say that the fire is somewhere still alive and that the opera-tion by the department is still going on.”

ANC concerned over power curtailment Srinagar, December 14: The General Secretary of Awami National Conference (ANC), Mir Mohammad Shafi in a statement Saturday expressed deep concern over the increas-ing unavailability and curtail-ment of the power supplies in the valley which is resulting in the exacerbation of the prob-lems of common masses.The statement to KNS men-tioned that Mir said that the people of the valley are often

See ANC on Pg. 11

Srinagar, December 14:

Minister of State for Health, Mr. Shabir Ahmad Khan today inaugurated newly construct-ed Primary Health Center building at Tahab, Pulwama completed at accost of Rs 1.49 crore in a record period. The new hospital building with 20 indoor bed capacity having outpatient rooms, X-ray, den-tal, laboratory sections besides operation theater, dressing room and drug store facilities.

Member Legislative As-sembly, Rajpora, Syed Bashir Ahmad, Director Health Ser-vices, Kashmir, Mr. Saleem-ur-Rehman, Mission Director, NRHM, Dr. Yash Pal Sharma, Additional District Develop-ment Commissioner, Pulwama and Chief Medical officer, Pul-wama were present on the oc-casion.

Addressing a largely at-tended public gathering, after inauguration of PHC build-

ing, at Tahab, the Minister re-affirmed the government’s determination to provide bet-ter health care facilities to the people particularly in far-off and remote villages. He said under a comprehensive health expansion programme scores of health centers in the villag-es, sub-districts and districts have been completed while many are in the process of completion.

“Besides upgrading and modernizing the health in-stitutions, a mega expansion programme is in offing to ensure health coverage and better medicare facilities to the people across the State”, said Shabir Khan, adding that health sector is receiving fo-cused attention during last five years. The Health Min-ister asked the Health Depart-ment to ensure better facilities to the patients in government hospitals and utilize modern equipment’s. He said special-

ists, doctors and para-medicos have been placed in govern-ment health institutions be-sides equipment’s so that bet-ter service delivery is ensured.

Elaborating the benefits of NRHM, the Health Minister said that under Janani Surak-sha Yojana (JSY) and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karikram (JSSK), the Government has extended more incentives to the pregnant women to fa-cilitate their safe institutional deliveries. “Now onward every pregnant woman right from the day first of her conceiving the baby and till the delivery, the Government will bear all expenses on her treatment, including transportation from her home to hospital and back besides medication. He said that a new scheme RBSK is being launched in all districts under which the ailing chil-dren of the age group of 0-18 years would get free treatment in health institutions.

Jammu, December 14:

Minister for Higher Educa-tion, Mr. Mohammad Ak-bar Lone Saturday called for launching awareness campaign to educate people about the conservation of energy. He said students are a resource who can play a piv-otal role in educating people about the conservation of energy. The Minister was speaking at a function held in connection with celebra-tion of Energy Conservation Week, organized by Govern-ment College of Engineering and Technology (GCET) Chak Bhalwal Jammu in collabora-tion with NSS Unit, GCET, here today. The Minister said that “it is our primary duty to save the water bodies, forests and other resources required for generation of energy”. He said water bodies are shrinking day by day so conservation of the water bodies of the State is essential to save the energy.

Mr Lone said that holding of such events will provide a platform for exchange of ideas between student’s com-munity and experts about the benefits of energy conserva-tion. He said efficient use of energy has become impera-tive in view of the energy cri-ses across the world. Commissioner Secretary, Sci-ence and Technology Mr. Bi-pul Pathak, Secretary, Higher Education Sheikh Mushtaq Ahmad, Joint Managing Di-rector, Chenab Valley Power Project, Mr. Manzoor Ahmad Salroo also spoke on the oc-casion and highlighted the values of energy and impor-tance of celebrating of energy conservation week. Principal of the College in her welcome address highlighted the activi-ties of the college. Later, the Minister distributed prizes and certificates among the participant students. He also inspected models dis-played by the students and

appreciated the students for their concept with regard to conservation of energy.Earlier, the Minister laid foun-dation stone of SC/ST Girls Hostel to be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs.5.42 crore in GCET Complex at Chak Bhalwal Jammu. Mr. Lone directed the execut-ing agency to speed up the pace of work on the project and complete the same with-in the stipulated time frame.Later, the Minister inspected Boys Hostel of the College and interacted with the students and enquired about the fa-cilities being made available to them. The Minister also directed the concerned to pre-pare Detailed Project Report for installation of Solar Sys-tem in the college so that the funds could be arranged for the purpose. He also directed the JKPCC to prepare a project for construction of three room set residential quarter for Warden of the Hostel.

More healthcare sops to moms, youngsters: Shabir

Educate people about energy conservation: Akbar Lone

SUNDAY, DECEMBER | 15 | 2013Daily ZABARWAN TIMES NEWS

Frantic communications involving a project or family af-fairs could have you feeling scattered and unfocused. Too many important concerns have hit you at once. It can be confusing, but take them one at a time and don’t be tempt-ed to try to accomplish everything at once. Your mind is steady and analytical today. Go with the flow and all will get done.

Good news about money could fill you with ideas about how to spend it, particularly on your home. Maybe you need new furniture or have been thinking about painting or re-decorating. This is a great time to do it as long as you’re care-ful and not to let your exuberance get the better of you. You don’t want to have to repaint or take unwanted furniture back to the store.

Your mind is sharp and ready to take on anything thrown your way. Family members or friends could pick up on this pretty quickly, so don’t be surprised if they come to you for help and advice. You’ll probably give a lot of it today, so be prepared. Paperwork might be a bit overwhelm-ing. As long as you take it one step at a time, you’ll get it all done.

Books and magazines on psychic, spiritual, or metaphysi-cal matters could take up a lot of your attention today. Your inclination could be to let your routine tasks go in favor of continuing to read calling all your friends to tell them what you’ve learned. Save it for this evening. You’re too conscien-tious to let your work slide, and you’d feel derelict in your duty if you did.

A fairly recent goal that you’ve set for yourself might seem a bit overwhelming. You might wonder if you’ll get it done. Though you could easily become distracted, you can focus when you try, and this is what you should do now. Fi-nances may need attention, and possibly paperwork, but this is only routine work.

Today you should feel especially optimistic and enthusi-astic about life. You’ll have a lot of great ideas about what to do with your day, but unfortunately, your ability to put these plans into motion will probably be curtailed by other responsibilities. This could have you champing at the bit all day, but what the heck? Tonight you can do whatever you want!

You might be planning to attend a social event today. You’re looking forward to it. Paperwork could take up so much of your time today that you wonder if you can make it. The paperwork doesn’t seem to be that urgent. Do as much as you can and then take off and go to your party. You de-serve it. The planetary energies are lining up to break up the mental fog that you’ve been experiencing.

Discussions about religion could come up during your day. A recent rush of intuitive revelations could cause you to want to expound on your beliefs, but this could backfire. This isn’t the day to try to convince others of anything. This also isn’t a good day to think in terms of getting away for a while. Kick around a few ideas, but make definite plans later.

Friends or a group with which you’re affiliated might run into financial difficulties and ask for your advice. It wouldn’t be a good idea to give it, at least not today. Your thoughts aren’t as focused as they should be. You might use a little intuition to guide you. Your ability to see under the surface is good now.

Communication with family members and the special person in your life could be frustrating today. Either you aren’t in accord or you keep missing each other. Don’t be frustrated. It’s the planetary energy running a little interference. By tomorrow this aspect will have passed and you’ll once again find yourselves on common ground.

Plans for travel or advancing your education could be on your mind. Your excitement might keep you from focus-ing on whatever tasks you have to do. Don’t worry about it. Your steadfastness will enable you to get your tasks com-pleted in spite of anything that may distract you. Either that, or the people around you will keep reminding you of your responsibilities!

Thoughts of romance and dreams of a wonderful evening with that special someone are foiled by work that needs to be done right away. This might concern finances. It could involve a lot of deep thought on subjects that don’t particu-larly interest you. Don’t let this get you down. Get through the chores and then plan your evening. It won’t be too late to have fun.

Budgam, December 14:

Ridiculing divisive elements for exploiting religious and regional sentiments of the innocent people to satiate their petty political inter-ests, the Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Mr Ab Rahim Rather today called for united efforts to de-feat their nefarious design to disin-tegrate the secular fabric of the state, which has been the hallmark of our rich culture and ethos. Addressing a huge public gathering at Kaneera in tehsil Chadoora, after laying foun-dation stone of Rs 1.89 cr. Primary Health Center building, the Minister said that the tendency of politick-ing on the basis of religion, region , caste and creed was worrisome as it has disastrous consequences not only on the integrity of whole country but on state’s secular fabric too which is both politically as well as topographically a sensitive region in the whole sub continent. He asked the secular and peace loving people to alienate all the disruptive forces who

are inimical to the peace, tranquillity and development. Without naming BJP and PDP, the Minister enjoined upon political parties to shun their myopic and conservative mind set and play moral based politics instead banking upon policy of lie and deceit. “Public opinion can’t be hoodwinked

falsely for a long,” Mr Rather main-tained. The Minister assured the peo-ple that promises made to the people will fulfill earnestly adding that the upcoming hospital building shall have 14 rooms in ground floor and 10 rooms in 1std floor having all modern diagnostic and medical treatment fa-

cilities. He announced a new water supply scheme for Kaneera costing Rs 3 cr having one lakh gallon capacity with 25000 gallon capacity Service Reservoir. He also directed the con-cerned officers and engineers to work honestly with dedication to redress grievances of the people. He wowed

to make his constituency a model adding that there is any habitation left which is without road connectiv-ity. The Minister asked the people to judge governments by their perfor-mance adding that the report card of the present Govt for last five years is before the people for the purpose’.

Srinagar, December 14:

Maintaining that the Government has ensured need based and sustained development of rural and far flung areas by introducing several develop-mental schemes, the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar said that certain parties are trying hard to negate the achievements registered by the coali-tion in various fields of life.

The Minister was addressing a huge gathering after laying the foundation stone of a Model Village at Neosi, Block Mahore in the Reasi district being con-structed within an estimated cost of Rs. 1.12 crore.

Director Rural Development Jam-mu, Mr. Shafiq Ahmad Raina, District Development Commissioner, Ramban, Mr. Mohammad Hussain Malik and other senior officers of the district ad-ministration were present on the occa-sion.

Mr. Sagar said that the Government has ensured the holistic development of the State by undertaking various de-velopmental projects in different sec-tors like health, education, rural devel-opment, road connectivity of various

remote areas with the district head-quarter, augmentation of the electric and water supply schemes. He said that certain parties are trying their best to negate the work done by the pres-ent coalition but the people are aware

of the same and would give a befitting reply to these in near future.

“The tendency of negative politics of the certain parties would not suc-ceed as the people are well aware of their nefarious designs. They have always preferred their own interests over those of the State and history is testimony to the fact”, the Minister maintained.

Referring to the democratic decen-tralization of the powers to the grass root level, the Minister said that by putting in place a vibrant Panchayati Raj system by empowering the same with the powers of 14 vital depart-

ments the Government has ensured that the power trickles down to the people. He said that the clear instruc-tions have been passed down the line to involve Panchs and Sarpanchs in implementation and formulation of various developmental schemes which would ensure need based and sus-tained development of rural and far flung areas.

Jammu, December 14: Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture, Mr. Raman Bhalla asked the teaching fraternity to impart quality education to the students so that they become civilized and responsible citizen of the State.

The Minister was addressing at an Annual Day function of K C Public School, Paloura here today.

Inspector General of Police Mr. Sunil Sharma, Principal of the school Mr. B R Dogra besides principals of various other schools were present on the occasion.

Mr. Bhalla highlighted the role of the teachers and parents in the life of the children. He said education is imperative for be-coming civilized and responsible citizens of the State.

Mr. Bhalla asked the students to work hard and show their excellence in coming exams. He said education is vital for bet-ter tomorrow and asked students to share their knowledge with each other for improving their intelligence. Earlier, the students of the school presented a colourful cultural programme, which was highly applauded by the audience. Later, Mr. Bhalla distrib-uted mementos among the meritorious students who who have performed well in exams and extra- curricular activities during last year. Meanwhile, the Minister also attended the 7th Annu-al Day function of DRS Kids (Udaan) at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium. He said a child is nourished by parents while the teachers shape his personality besides giving them a new direc-tion in life. He called upon the parents to send their wards to schools for becoming good citizens of the country. The Minister said such programmes encourage the students besides giving them opportunity to explore their talent by participating in dif-ferent programmes.

Provide quality education to students:

Bhalla to teachers

Nasir directs for speedy completion of works in Sgr

ERA organizes 1-day workshop on “Road Asset Management

Govt ensured need based, sustained development: Sagar

Politicking on religion, regional basis worrisome: Rather

Srinagar, December 14:

MLA, Amira Kadal, Nasir Aslam Wani to-day asked district administration Srinagar to speed up the pace of developmental works, under execution in various areas of the district.

Mr. Wani was ad-dressing at an officers meeting held here to-day, convened to take stock of the implemen-tation process of devel-opmental and welfare activities, apace in Sri-nagar city.

The meeting was attended by DDC Sri-nagar, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Joint Commissioner SMC, Joint Director Planning, CEO Srinagar and other officers of the engineers.

Various issues related to development of Srinagar particularly Amira Kadal constitu-

ency came under discussion in the meeting.Mr. Wani asked PDD authorities to en-

sure adequate power supply in all the areas of Srinagar during winter months. He said that 1170 MW power is being supplied to Srinagar city besides 150 MW is being ex-tended as an additional supply in view of

demand of winter season. MLA impressed upon officers to speed up pace of develop-mental works and ensure completion with-in stipulated time frame, so that the people of the city are benefitted.

Jammu, December 14:

J&K Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA) organized a daylong workshop on “Road Asset Management” here today where in the Minister for Roads & Buildings and Me-chanical Engineering Mr. Abdul Majid Wani was the chief guest.

The workshop being a part of the Capacity Building Component of Asian Development Bank funded for Multi Sector Project for In-frastructure Rehabilitation was organized with the objective to get acquainted the par-ticipants about the practices being adopted in Road Asset Management System in and outside the country.

Addressing on the occasion, the Minister termed the engineering community a valu-able human resource of the society that plays special role for architecting and creating in-frastructure for the best use of the society. He asked engineers to work with missionary spirit while delivering their services to the society. He hailed the concerted efforts of the engineering community for constructing tunnels, roads and railway lines in hilly and inaccessible areas.

Mr. Wani underscored need for proper management of existing assets and their best use. He also called for adopting latest and innovative techniques in construction of sustainable infrastructure within the limited available resources of the state. He said that the State has meager resources of its own and mostly dependent on the central funding, therefore, the engineers should formulate projects which can run for long time but need less maintenance, he added.

Referring to introduction of Global Posi-tioning System (GPS) in the department, the Minister asked the Administrative Secretary R&B for conducting interactive session with the engineering fraternity for its best use and fruitful results.

Mr Majeed said that Roads & Buildings Department is the asset creating depart-ment of the government which develops assets like roads and buildings for the use of community. He said, apart from construc-tion of roads and buildings, the department needs to expand its ambit towards develop-ment of shopping malls on the vacant land of department for the creation of its own resources.

Daily Zabarwan TimesEDITORIAL/ OPINIONEDITORIAL/ OPINIONDaily Zabarwan Times Sunday 15 December 2013

Daily Zabarwan Times Sunday 15 December 2013

Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer

The mushroom growth of regional political par-ties has beyond doubt strengthen the regional aspirations and created

new avenues for people to air their voice through these parties. How-ever the emerging trend of more and more regional parties have created some problems also. The regional parties have divided the vote and subsequently weakened the larger parties resulting in the coalition government at central level as well as on the state level in many regions. At the central level no single party has secured major-ity since last many years and re-gional parties have played a major role in the formation of the gov-ernment at the centre. This trend has made the central government very weak as the coalition politics, representing many ideologies and aspirations does not allow the gov-ernment to take major decisions fastly besides resulting in keeping aside many vital issues concern-ing the country. Now whether it is Trinamool Congress, NCP, BSP, SP, DMK, AIADMK or Nation-al Conference, these parties are nowadays important components of coalition politics, hence they play their political cards for their own interests and make the cen-tral government a hostage of their whims and interests. Similarly in the states the coalition politics has on one side provided representa-tion to many sections of the soci-ety but on the other side it has in-creased regionalism and casteism thus diluting the very purpose of the democratic system. In Jammu and Kashmir the coalition politics is not only encouraging the ele-ments alien to the integrity of the state but also making the govern-ment a weaker entity which can-not take any decisive step for the welfare of the state. Whether it is NC, Congress or PDP these parties are only helping their own cause and negating the interests of the state and its people as a whole. The emergence of the regional parties has also resulted in hung parlia-ment and hung assemblies and ultimately those parties unite to form the coalition who before elec-tions seem to be after each other’s blood and after elections they join the government together to serve their petty political and personal interests. In politics friends turn foes and foes friends but ideologies remain the same and the coalition politics does not help the cause of the people as it always remains weak, objective less and aimless.

Coalition politics – A danger for democracy

Forward Markets: the Future of Agricultural Marketing

A Short History

Forward MarketsThe forward market is typically an informal financial market in which contracts for future delivery are

finalized. It is a market dealing in commodities, currencies and securi-ties for future (forward) delivery at

prices agreed-upon on the date of fi-nalizing the contract. In commodity and currency markets, such forward

trading is used as a way to hedge against sharp price fluctuations.***********************

The commodity futures market in India dates back to more than a century. The first organized futures market was established in 1875, under the name of the Bombay Cotton Trade Association to trade in cotton derivative contracts. This was followed by institutions for futures trading in oilseeds, food grains etc. The futures market in India underwent rapid growth between the period of First and Second World War. As a result, before the outbreak of the Second World War, a large number of commodity exchanges trading futures contracts in several commodities like cotton, groundnut, groundnut oil, raw jute, jute goods, castor seeds, wheat, rice, sugar, precious metals like gold and silver began flourishing throughout the country. However, in view of the delicate supply situation of major commodities in the backdrop of war efforts mobilization, futures trading came to be prohib-ited during the Second World War under the Defence of India Act. After Independence, especially in the second half of the 1950s and first half of 1960s, the commodity futures trading again picked up and there were thriving commodity markets. However, in mid-1960s, commodity futures trading in most of the commodities were banned and futures trading continued in two minor commodities of pepper and turmeric.

Current Scenario

Currently there are five national exchanges which regulate forward trading in

113 commodities. Besides, there are 16 Commodity specific exchanges recognized for regulating trading in various commodities approved by the Forward Markets Commission under the Forward Contracts

(Regulation) Act, 1952.

Benefits to Farmers and other

Stakeholders

Farmers and growers benefit through the price signals emitted

by the futures markets even though they may not directly participate in the futures market. The futures markets lead to reduction in the amplitude of seasonal price variation and help the farmer realize a better price at the time of harvest. This also helps the farmer in planning his cultivation in advance as well as to deter-mine the kind of crop which he would prefer to raise, by taking advantage of the advance infor-mation of the future price trends, and probable

supply and demand of various commodities in advance.

The Forward markets Commission (FMC), headquartered at Mumbai, is a regulatory authority which is overseen by the Ministry of Finance. It is a statutory body set up in 1953 under the Forward Contracts Regulation act, 1952.

Forward Markets Commission (FMC)

In a novel initiative, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) organized a One day Awareness programme on Commodity Futures Market and Derivatives for Farmers in Madurai district. Over 50 Farmers club members from Chellampatti and Usilampatti attended the programme.One of the participants, V. R. Muthupeiyandi, President of the Vaigai Vivasaya Nala Sangam, whole heartedly agreed that the programme did dispel several of their misgivings about the commodities market and acknowledged the role of the commodities and futures markets.

Madurai CampI

naugurating the training pro-gramme for farmers in Madurai, R. Shankar Narayan, Assistant General Manager, NABARD ex-plained that several dynamic

factors come into play in the context of the price discovery of agricultural commodities and it is essential for the farmer producers to be in sync with the scenario. With globalization dissolving the geographical boundaries, futures and derivatives markets across the world have been playing a significant role in the world economy and India was no exception. He further added that if the farmers expect to get the best re-

turns for their toil, they need to organize themselves into producer organizations and equip themselves with cutting edge information. With this end in view, NA-BARD over the years has propagated the concept of ‘one village one farm-ers club’ through banks which com-prised of progressive farmers from the respective villages. Mr Shankar Narayan also highlighted the need for aggregation of produce and direct marketing to the end consumers pref-erably as a value added commodity. Thavasi Muthu, Secretary, Madurai Marketing Committee called upon the farmers to embrace latest tech-

nology and access the market as one unified group to benefit from the economies of scale. They also need to utilise the storage facilities be-ing constructed by the government and stay away from distress sale by availing Produce Pledge loans on soft terms being made available for their produce stored in the Regulated Mar-kets.S. Senthil Velan, Regional Head, MCX, Chennai provided expert inputs on the workings of Commodity Futures mar-ket and guided them through the com-plex subject. He said that one need not have any inhibitions about the Futures

market which operates under the watch-ful eyes of the Forward Markets Com-mision (FMC). He said that the farmers who are already into aggregation with the guidance of NABARD should be ready for eventual expansion of the range of agricultural produces in the futures market. As an interesting culmina-tion of the training programme farm-ers were also given a first hand idea of the nuances of buying, selling, mar-gin, arbitrage, delivery, call options, put options etc through a live demonstra-tion of on-line trading in the commodi-ties market.