Javed describes how the latest State Budget ignores physically challenged people of J&K
(Mr. Javed Ahmad Tak, 35, was born in Bijbehara in the Anantnag district. He received his schooling from Government schools in Bijbehara, and his B.Sc. degree from the Government Degree College in Anantnag. Unfortunately, at the age of 21 he became a victim of a terrorist bullet which hit his spine and disabled him for the rest of his life. However, he overcome mental and physical odds to complete his Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Kashmir, and also completed certificate courses in Human Rights and Computers from the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). Although wheel-chair bound, Mr. Tak is recognized as a leader who has relentlessly and with extreme passion taken up the cause of disabled people in J&K, seeking full citizen rights guaranteed under the J&K Disability Act but never implemented in the past. He is a founder-member of numerous NGO's dealing with issues and sensitizing public about challenges faces by physically handicapped people in Kashmir. He has received numerous awards and citations for his selfless work and has attended numerous workshops on disability rights around the country.)
We the fortunate people without independence
When a physically challenged walks along a roadside physically fit people show greater concern to help him, show sympathies, give attention and sometimes provide extra helping hand to get satisfaction of doing appreciative job in this world. We are not given any heavy job and preferred to be seated with care. Thus making us more privileged without considering our Rights. We have not been given any place in the budget 2009. Neither railway minister nor finance minister said anything about us. All this shows that our leaders are no way considering us humans.
All this miserable conditions for the disable persons arise because of the cold shoulder from policy makers, planners and the concerned officials. The education policy includes the empowerment of persons with disabilities but the implementers don’t bother about it. The Example for this fact is that J&K state board of school Examination has passed a circular that there is a fee concession and concession in marks for the students with disabilities. But no disable student has so for taken the opportunity to avail such concession. The school heads are not aware of this concession. The examiners and assessors do not know who is eligible for said concession. Actually when a child with disability gets birth in a family, the negative feeling and social stigma comes in the way of development of the child.
Thus the child remains hidden inside the home and sympathies are shown in his favour. The Rights of the child are trampled under feet. The schools and other social institutions are not accessible. Therefore the persons with disabilities find it secure to remain inside their homes. When they reach such places they get humiliated. They are carried to a park to a school to a hospital instead of free mobility. A ramp and a lift can make most of the places barrier free at first instant but these things are beyond the concept of the architects who design our buildings. There are countless buildings under construction throughout the country and countless are going to be constructed in future. A simple decision with strong directions from planning commission of India can make whole India barrier free to attain the freedom of the persons with disabilities. No architectural design for a building to be constructed may be passes until it is made barrier free. The Public works and Urban development departments at the central and the state levels need to be very cautious about the infrastructure building. They can change the picture of the free India and thus can give a free access to all.
This is the 63rd time when the people of the independent India are celebrating the taste of Independence and freedom, sought after a lots of pains and bloodshed. The whole nation has got prosperity and happiness. But the big question that arises today is that “Are all of us free and independent after 63 years of the independence?”. The answer for this easy question seems obviously NO. This is because the under privileged classes are still living hand to mouth. Beggary and exploitation exist in our society. We couldn’t attain the 100% health surety, 100% literacy and 100% social security.
The marginalised class of the society is the persons with disabilities. Up to the year 2001 the class was not even counted to see the numbers and scale of severity in the disability sector. But in 2001 the disability activists put pressure on the government of India and a column was added in the census papers regarding the counting of the persons with disabilities. The overall scenario was at least 5% of Indian population is disable excluding old aged and the people caught in stress. But it was seen less than 2% persons with disabilities are educated and less than 1% is employed.
Education is important for all irrespective of cast, creed, colour, gender or disability. His Excellency the Ex. President of India Shri APJ Abdul Kalam set up 2020 programme that suggested India will be empowered with 100% LITERACY RATE and then Minister for HRD Shri Arjun Singh agreed to make whole India literate. But what has been done to literate persons with disabilities. The answer is obviously negative. Recently the Honourable union Minister for HRD presented Right to education Bill in the parliament. It was no doubt passed by the parliamentarians but for the persons with disabilities it contained nothing. The persons with disabilities protested in Delhi but nothing happened. So we have to sensitise the ministers first who are the law makers.
In J&K, according to census 2001 the population of the persons with disabilities is 306410 out of which 184000 are visually challenged (Blind). Here is no school where Braille technique can literate these special children. Then how can we be sure about the success of 100% literacy mission or Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. Only one parameter can prove it that is when an Act will be passed saying that persons with disabilities are no more humans. Then may be rest of the people are educated and the aim of educating all is sought. Otherwise if the real aim is taken in consideration then the school buildings need to be made barrier free so that children with disabilities feel free and secure go attend classes. The barriers like stairs and narrow doors need to be removed and ramps with railings, wide doors, Braille signage, tactile paths and special assistive devices need to be introduced in the schools. The special teachers that have enough knowledge to handle or deal the children with disabilities need to be appointed in schools. At least one special school at tehsil level need to be introduced, that can cater all children with disabilities like blind, Locomotors, deaf, dumb and other multiple disable.
There is special education subject already introduced in the syllabus of B.Ed and M.Ed programmes, which is meant to train teachers for teaching special children. But it an optional subject therefore no student opts for the special education subject. Manpower in disability sector is much less and what already exists in the field is idle or without work. Thus special teaching and special education is a myth.
Budget-2009 presented at state central level gave nothing special for persons with disabilities. After 63 years of independence we the persons with special needs are struggling to get our due in annual budget allocations and right to education and right to health.
When there is no tool to fight with, we are not secure to join the battle field. In the same way when the persons with disabilities are illiterate they prefer to beg or rely on sympathy than to earn with dignity. Because they are not in a position to attain the education with security, honour and decency. The reservation provided is not covering the professional courses. The zero concern towards disability has forced the disable persons to live idle life without any job. But whosoever fights the challenge shows he is the best. Thus the conclusion is that usable human resource is changed into a non usable stuff. Although little in numbers disabled educated youth have made their way in Indian leadership, Bureaucracy, official and working class. There they have proved themselves very dedicated, honest and reliable. But the ignorance from the Social justice ministry has stamped the disability as liability on the government.
There are success stories all around the world, Helen Keller, Christy Brown, John Milton and Stephen Hawking have proved it well that the disability is no way evil but a challenge saying can you? And the committed one reply Yes I can.
There are Acts existing in the favour of physically challenged. Indian Disability Act 1995 guarantees equal opportunities protection of Rights and full participation but still persons with disabilities are dependent on stipends and festival gifts. That clearly depicts that the Act has not been implemented in a concrete way. It is just on papers and the files are kept on shelves as food for moths. There are various activists’ organisations throughout India which have been struggling to keep the Act alive and persons with disabilities in good humour. Many organisations have proved govt. as non serious regarding disability issues. The organisations have made their infrastructure disable friendly thus giving clear indications everything is possible when the vision is clear and brain without handicaps. Freedom cannot be curbed at all.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Kashmir's Endemic Malignancy
Sahil is not simply idealistic but a pragmatist who believes that corruption inhibits prosperity
(Mr. Sahil Showkat, 24, was born in Badripora Naina Sangam, near Awantipora, in Pulwama district. He graduated from the Government Degree College in Anantnag, and his post graduation in Political Science from the University of Kashmir. He is currently a M. Phil. scholar in the Department of Political Science, University of Kashmir.)
Corruption in Public Life
''In the multitude of crisis, political and economic, that face us; perhaps the greatest of all is that of the human spirit. Till this crisis of this spirit is resolved it will be difficult to find a solution for the other crisis that afflict us.''
For the last fifteen years, there have been growing indications that corruption has stormed all aspects of our public life. It has become obvious that corruption is no longer a question merely of individual moral turpitude. Now it has become so wide spread that it has pierced into vitals of our economy, polity and society. It is cutting across every organization of all levels from top to bottom.
In Jammu and Kashmir corruption has seeped into the blood stream of Kashmiris. The Transparency International has now upgraded the people of J&K to the first position among the most corrupted states of India. It has been said that corruption is the deadliest enemy of good governance. It has taken several forms like bribe, nepotism, misappropriation, patronage and favoritism. The worst form of corruption is the political corruption because every thing depends upon the chief executive of an organization and it is more so for a political organization. If the top is clean, the bottom will have to get cleaned. If the top is dirty the cleanliness can’t be expected at the bottom. It is often believed that politicians and public officials also come from the society and so, the character of the politicians is the manifestation of the nation’s character itself. This situation can only be improved by a general character of the people. But it appears to be not a correct approach and it deemed to be the worthless appraisal of this prevailing crisis. Although it is explicitly true, that the character of the people in general, will influence of our public officials, they are not in fact, directly related to each other.
Undoubtedly, it would be far from truth to add that the vast majority of our people are corrupt or wanting in character. At the same time, it can not be denied that the majority of our senior public officials are corrupt. In other words it is true to say that the proportion of corrupt officials increases as we move top to the hierarchy of the bureaucracy. As such, it would be true to say that more than 90% of our central or state ministers are corrupt and the percentage of corrupt officials of the lower level would definitely be less. The recent dramatic Tehalka episode exposed what most of the people apprehended already that corruption has encroached the highest management of the government and that our defense forces are not even freed from this slow poisoning. In fact, there is also widespread corruption in defense procurement, stock exchanges, film world, revenue departments, cricketing community and in political establishments exposed in the form of power and committing criminal offences.
Now, the question arises what are the factors which are encouraging or promoting the corruption in public life. There are four such important factors, one is the, lack of transparency in public dealings, second is the public officials are still taking bribes because there is no law, rule or convention, compelling or encouraging public officials to lay open there income and assets to the people. Third factor is the dysfunctional of the system of lokpal and the fourth and the most important cause is the denial of right to information--what is happening in indoors and lack of vigilance.
Now, so far we have talked about the problems/factors of corruption. It becomes obvious to look upon the way out of corruption from the public life. First of all let's go to the institutional reforms because the persons in authority are not interested in any of these measures, which would restrict their independence to taking bribes and involve in all kinds of illegal activities. Second thing is the electoral reforms. Clean and fair elections are the very foundation of democracy and any attempt to upgrade the system, will have to begin with reducing the dependency of all political parties on unaccounted money. Thirdly, as far as our financial structure is concerned the full implementation of right to information is needed. Fourth, effective vigilance is also important and last but not the least is the role of media about the creating awareness in the public about the growing menace of corruption.
Thus, to conclude we can say that fair governance is the fundamental right of the citizens of a particular state. The above mentioned measures will go along way in ensuring the fulfillment of the same. Collective campaign against the menace is essential to do the needful.
(Mr. Sahil Showkat, 24, was born in Badripora Naina Sangam, near Awantipora, in Pulwama district. He graduated from the Government Degree College in Anantnag, and his post graduation in Political Science from the University of Kashmir. He is currently a M. Phil. scholar in the Department of Political Science, University of Kashmir.)
Corruption in Public Life
''In the multitude of crisis, political and economic, that face us; perhaps the greatest of all is that of the human spirit. Till this crisis of this spirit is resolved it will be difficult to find a solution for the other crisis that afflict us.''
For the last fifteen years, there have been growing indications that corruption has stormed all aspects of our public life. It has become obvious that corruption is no longer a question merely of individual moral turpitude. Now it has become so wide spread that it has pierced into vitals of our economy, polity and society. It is cutting across every organization of all levels from top to bottom.
In Jammu and Kashmir corruption has seeped into the blood stream of Kashmiris. The Transparency International has now upgraded the people of J&K to the first position among the most corrupted states of India. It has been said that corruption is the deadliest enemy of good governance. It has taken several forms like bribe, nepotism, misappropriation, patronage and favoritism. The worst form of corruption is the political corruption because every thing depends upon the chief executive of an organization and it is more so for a political organization. If the top is clean, the bottom will have to get cleaned. If the top is dirty the cleanliness can’t be expected at the bottom. It is often believed that politicians and public officials also come from the society and so, the character of the politicians is the manifestation of the nation’s character itself. This situation can only be improved by a general character of the people. But it appears to be not a correct approach and it deemed to be the worthless appraisal of this prevailing crisis. Although it is explicitly true, that the character of the people in general, will influence of our public officials, they are not in fact, directly related to each other.
Undoubtedly, it would be far from truth to add that the vast majority of our people are corrupt or wanting in character. At the same time, it can not be denied that the majority of our senior public officials are corrupt. In other words it is true to say that the proportion of corrupt officials increases as we move top to the hierarchy of the bureaucracy. As such, it would be true to say that more than 90% of our central or state ministers are corrupt and the percentage of corrupt officials of the lower level would definitely be less. The recent dramatic Tehalka episode exposed what most of the people apprehended already that corruption has encroached the highest management of the government and that our defense forces are not even freed from this slow poisoning. In fact, there is also widespread corruption in defense procurement, stock exchanges, film world, revenue departments, cricketing community and in political establishments exposed in the form of power and committing criminal offences.
Now, the question arises what are the factors which are encouraging or promoting the corruption in public life. There are four such important factors, one is the, lack of transparency in public dealings, second is the public officials are still taking bribes because there is no law, rule or convention, compelling or encouraging public officials to lay open there income and assets to the people. Third factor is the dysfunctional of the system of lokpal and the fourth and the most important cause is the denial of right to information--what is happening in indoors and lack of vigilance.
Now, so far we have talked about the problems/factors of corruption. It becomes obvious to look upon the way out of corruption from the public life. First of all let's go to the institutional reforms because the persons in authority are not interested in any of these measures, which would restrict their independence to taking bribes and involve in all kinds of illegal activities. Second thing is the electoral reforms. Clean and fair elections are the very foundation of democracy and any attempt to upgrade the system, will have to begin with reducing the dependency of all political parties on unaccounted money. Thirdly, as far as our financial structure is concerned the full implementation of right to information is needed. Fourth, effective vigilance is also important and last but not the least is the role of media about the creating awareness in the public about the growing menace of corruption.
Thus, to conclude we can say that fair governance is the fundamental right of the citizens of a particular state. The above mentioned measures will go along way in ensuring the fulfillment of the same. Collective campaign against the menace is essential to do the needful.
Can Entrepreneurship Succeed in the Land of Maximum License Raj?
Rafiuddin saheb has high hopes while doubts are for everyone to see and note all around
(Syed Rafiuddin Bukhari, 72, was born in Kreri in Baramulla District. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Kashmir Media Group that publishes the English daily, Rising Kashmir, and soon-to-be launched Urdu daily, Bulund Kashmir. He had his early education in Sopore, Beerwah and then in Srinagar where from he got his post-graduate degree in English from the University of Jammu and Kashmir, and took up job as a teacher in higher education department. He taught English in various colleges in Kashmir took voluntary retirement in 1995 as Professor. Even though not a professional journalist by training, he has been extremely successful in the field, launching SANGARMAL, the first ever multi-coloured Kashmiri newspaper from Srinagar which is now in its fourth year. Later in 2008, he created the Kashmir Media Group. His interests are reading and writing and building value based institutions.)
Boosting Entrepreneurship
In absence of sense of entrepreneurship, the educated youth have not been able to think beyond a government job which ultimately has turned the state government as the biggest job market
The Jammu and Kashmir government has taken a giant step by announcing an initial corpus fund for entrepreneurship development in the state. Finance Minister Abdur Rahim Rather in his first budget speech presented in the Assembly on August 10 earmarked Rs 25 crores for this purpose. This amount is being kept at the disposal of Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) which will further the agenda.
This is for the first time the government has seriously taken up the Entrepreneurship, which has been so far neglected. Mr Rather in his speech made the intentions of government abundantly clear saying “Centrally sponsored schemes are generally linked to motivated and prospective entrepreneurs. EDI is asked to offer a package which apart from sensitization, training and consultancy inputs shall include an incentive in the form of non refundable seed money to enable prospective entrepreneurs to kick start their ventures and make their projects bankable”. He said that in order to achieve this goal the Entrepreneurship Development Fund (EDF) has been created. Following this a well conceived scheme will be framed up for the prospective, motivated, trained and provisionally registered first generation entrepreneurs who can enter into agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, food processing and medicinal plants cultivation.
Government’s move to boost entrepreneurship is something which should be lauded as the entrepreneurship development has not been promoted in the state as has been done in other states of India. In absence of sense of entrepreneurship, the educated youth have not been able to think beyond a government job which ultimately has turned the state government as the biggest job provider. This is a stark reality that we have 40 percent more manpower in the government than required. Such a tendency has severely affected the skills of youth who always look for a government job which is considered to be the only secured area of employment. Even a Post Graduate in this state prefers to be a fourth class employee rather than trying to carve a place for himself.
This remains a fact that for being an entrepreneur an educated youth in this state suffers a lot in wake of red tapism and corruption at all the levels. His patience is tested at every stage through this sick system generally leave people crest fallen. Banks in the state also been a hurdle in the development of entrepreneurship as the age old tradition of discouraging people has come in way of enthusiastic youth. However, things have started changing now. First for the reason that corporatization around the globe has given tough competition to state owned institutions forcing them to toe the line which private institutions have set for themselves. Second that the less opportunity of jobs in government sector has somehow dawned the realization that it was a diminishing sector.
In this whole backdrop the only answer for eradicating unemployment is the entrepreneurship. No doubt this area is new to our state though JKEDI which came into existence in 2004 has carved a niche for itself. From the Union Minister of the stature of Jairam Ramesh to Finance Minister of Jammu and Kashmir all those who matter in the government set up have recognized its contribution in the field. That is the reason that EDI is considered to be the most trusted institution in the industrial sector and government has earmarked this significant for this. EDF for that matter is bound to revolutionize the concept of entrepreneurship in the state. Its simple purpose is to provide principle amount or margin money to young entrepreneurs who generally would call it a day after getting trained of sensitized from EDI. Not only this, but a large chunk of funds from National Minorities and Finance Development Corporation (NMDFC) is to be channelised through EDI. This was earlier done through Women’s Development Corporation and SC/ST Corporation in which latter has failed to lift the required amount of loans. Under this Corporation controlled by Government of India, the EDI will now give loans to prospective entrepreneurs on a very low interest of 6 percent upto Rs 5 lakh as against standing interest rate of more than 13 percent from other banks.
So far the scope of entrepreneurship in this state has been very low as it was not explored and the talent of youth was wasted in government jobs where they would end up laidback workers. Now the government has come up with a boosting scheme it is time to take it to its logical conclusion. We do not doubt the sincerity of government particularly that of Finance Minister at this stage. But the past experience has shown that such schemes are ultimately used as a tool by the political parties to strengthen their votebank. That is why the credibility of institutions is at stake in this state. In order to achieve the goal for which such a whopping amount has been earmarked, a path for a foolproof mechanism which is devoid of any political interference should be set out which will help state to grow in entrepreneurship thus finding a final answer to unemployment.
(Syed Rafiuddin Bukhari, 72, was born in Kreri in Baramulla District. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Kashmir Media Group that publishes the English daily, Rising Kashmir, and soon-to-be launched Urdu daily, Bulund Kashmir. He had his early education in Sopore, Beerwah and then in Srinagar where from he got his post-graduate degree in English from the University of Jammu and Kashmir, and took up job as a teacher in higher education department. He taught English in various colleges in Kashmir took voluntary retirement in 1995 as Professor. Even though not a professional journalist by training, he has been extremely successful in the field, launching SANGARMAL, the first ever multi-coloured Kashmiri newspaper from Srinagar which is now in its fourth year. Later in 2008, he created the Kashmir Media Group. His interests are reading and writing and building value based institutions.)
Boosting Entrepreneurship
In absence of sense of entrepreneurship, the educated youth have not been able to think beyond a government job which ultimately has turned the state government as the biggest job market
The Jammu and Kashmir government has taken a giant step by announcing an initial corpus fund for entrepreneurship development in the state. Finance Minister Abdur Rahim Rather in his first budget speech presented in the Assembly on August 10 earmarked Rs 25 crores for this purpose. This amount is being kept at the disposal of Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) which will further the agenda.
This is for the first time the government has seriously taken up the Entrepreneurship, which has been so far neglected. Mr Rather in his speech made the intentions of government abundantly clear saying “Centrally sponsored schemes are generally linked to motivated and prospective entrepreneurs. EDI is asked to offer a package which apart from sensitization, training and consultancy inputs shall include an incentive in the form of non refundable seed money to enable prospective entrepreneurs to kick start their ventures and make their projects bankable”. He said that in order to achieve this goal the Entrepreneurship Development Fund (EDF) has been created. Following this a well conceived scheme will be framed up for the prospective, motivated, trained and provisionally registered first generation entrepreneurs who can enter into agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, food processing and medicinal plants cultivation.
Government’s move to boost entrepreneurship is something which should be lauded as the entrepreneurship development has not been promoted in the state as has been done in other states of India. In absence of sense of entrepreneurship, the educated youth have not been able to think beyond a government job which ultimately has turned the state government as the biggest job provider. This is a stark reality that we have 40 percent more manpower in the government than required. Such a tendency has severely affected the skills of youth who always look for a government job which is considered to be the only secured area of employment. Even a Post Graduate in this state prefers to be a fourth class employee rather than trying to carve a place for himself.
This remains a fact that for being an entrepreneur an educated youth in this state suffers a lot in wake of red tapism and corruption at all the levels. His patience is tested at every stage through this sick system generally leave people crest fallen. Banks in the state also been a hurdle in the development of entrepreneurship as the age old tradition of discouraging people has come in way of enthusiastic youth. However, things have started changing now. First for the reason that corporatization around the globe has given tough competition to state owned institutions forcing them to toe the line which private institutions have set for themselves. Second that the less opportunity of jobs in government sector has somehow dawned the realization that it was a diminishing sector.
In this whole backdrop the only answer for eradicating unemployment is the entrepreneurship. No doubt this area is new to our state though JKEDI which came into existence in 2004 has carved a niche for itself. From the Union Minister of the stature of Jairam Ramesh to Finance Minister of Jammu and Kashmir all those who matter in the government set up have recognized its contribution in the field. That is the reason that EDI is considered to be the most trusted institution in the industrial sector and government has earmarked this significant for this. EDF for that matter is bound to revolutionize the concept of entrepreneurship in the state. Its simple purpose is to provide principle amount or margin money to young entrepreneurs who generally would call it a day after getting trained of sensitized from EDI. Not only this, but a large chunk of funds from National Minorities and Finance Development Corporation (NMDFC) is to be channelised through EDI. This was earlier done through Women’s Development Corporation and SC/ST Corporation in which latter has failed to lift the required amount of loans. Under this Corporation controlled by Government of India, the EDI will now give loans to prospective entrepreneurs on a very low interest of 6 percent upto Rs 5 lakh as against standing interest rate of more than 13 percent from other banks.
So far the scope of entrepreneurship in this state has been very low as it was not explored and the talent of youth was wasted in government jobs where they would end up laidback workers. Now the government has come up with a boosting scheme it is time to take it to its logical conclusion. We do not doubt the sincerity of government particularly that of Finance Minister at this stage. But the past experience has shown that such schemes are ultimately used as a tool by the political parties to strengthen their votebank. That is why the credibility of institutions is at stake in this state. In order to achieve the goal for which such a whopping amount has been earmarked, a path for a foolproof mechanism which is devoid of any political interference should be set out which will help state to grow in entrepreneurship thus finding a final answer to unemployment.
Corruption Without Limits
Farooq speaks about good citizenship and personal responsibility in a valley suffering from severe moral deficiency
Corruption is not confined to employees only
Dr. Farooq Peer
This is in response to Faheem Aslam’s article titled “First Deserve, Then Desire” wherein the noted journalist asks the government employees to introspect before demanding the higher perks. In the article, Aslam writes that the Transparency International (TI), a Berlin based international corruption watchdog , rated J&K State as the second most corrupt state after Bihar. [It did on the basis of the report card of the employees of this State who have been involved in embezzlements of the public money, favouritism, nepotism while disposing of their official duties.] Similarly, the author refers to the CAG report tabled in the previous Assembly session, indicting some government offices for failing to perform their duty well.
Faheem Aslam is right in stating some hard realities about the performance of the employees and their involvement in cases of corruption. However I believe that it is not only the employees but the whole society in Kashmir, which has been gripped by the disease of corruption. The problem is not confined to one sector in Kashmir but has spread everywhere and has awfully become a dominant aspect of our social, political, and economic life. We forget that we need to asses our deeds at our personal level before blaming others for aggressing us culturally and emotionally. The corruption is found everywhere in Kashmir, in education, administration and the trade and commerce sectors.
Usually corruption is linked with the government employees and offices but it is linked to every field of life. Bribe is not the only form of corruption. If an employee goes to his office late deliberately, it is corruption. If a teacher goes to school or college regularly but does not teach his students the way he should, it is corruption. If an officer does not take bribe but delays the disposal of files and shows favourtism to please somebody, it is corruption. If a driver does not follow the traffic rules and regularly goes for over loading and the traffic police ignores this, it is corruption.
Today in Kashmir, there is no department which is not affected by corruption. The more one studies the conditions of life around; more instances of corruption are witnessed. There are examples of people who are honest and firm on their principles but unfortunately there are less people in Kashmir to appreciate them. We watch politicians destroying the sanctity of the House where they are supposed to represent the problems of people but it is ugly that they squabble and engage themselves in mudslinging. Isn’t this corruption? Whenever, a commodity is in great demand and its supply is short, prices increase disproportionately. During winters, whenever the road to Jammu gets blocked, market witnesses worst kind of loot. In contrast, Ladakh remains cut off for six months but the traders there don’t loot their own people. But here traders create artificial scarcity of commodities, thereby increase the prices. And the people during winter become helpless in the hands of these traders. People in Kashmir are also involved in black money and corrupt practices particularly in Government services and it invariably heard that people involved in these practices would be punished but it has been seen so far that only small fish are caught and the big ones are left and at times gifted with prize postings and extensions in their services.
Faheem Aslam is right that buildings, roads, schools and other construction works are carried out with substandard material. Definitely academic standards are on a decline in Kashmir due to the lukewarm attitude of Government and teachers towards the institutions of learning and perhaps our State will be among the first where the infrastructure and physical facilities are still causality in today’s knowledge-oriented society. Yes, this is the society where doctors examine their patients very seriously and attentively only at their private clinics. They have time, kindness, sympathy towards patients at their private clinics but not in hospitals. We can see hundreds of doctors examining patients at their private clinics during official hours also while the poor patients suffer in the hospitals.
Modern man has developed the notion that only money can make him happy. If material advancements alone could bring joy, America would have been the happiest country in the world. But everybody knows that Americans are not happy in spite of the oceans of wealth and they are in search of spiritual peace and fulfillment. It is true that we cannot live without bread but it is regrettable that we have learnt to live for bread alone in today’s society which is induced by materialistic values. This tendency has brought moral decadence and mental corruption in the life of Kashmiris and consequently, we have lost love for others and have no sympathy with relatives, neighbors and fellow countrymen.
If we wish to live like pure human beings, we will have to rebuild in ourselves the moral sense and outlook which would be the specialty of our culture. The problem of moral degeneration and corruption is obnoxious and abhorrent and warrants immediate and thorough remedies, but all efforts will be useless until and unless Kashmiris as a whole become conscious of their responsibilities and duties and do not dupe their own people.
(Greater Kashmir)
Corruption is not confined to employees only
Dr. Farooq Peer
This is in response to Faheem Aslam’s article titled “First Deserve, Then Desire” wherein the noted journalist asks the government employees to introspect before demanding the higher perks. In the article, Aslam writes that the Transparency International (TI), a Berlin based international corruption watchdog , rated J&K State as the second most corrupt state after Bihar. [It did on the basis of the report card of the employees of this State who have been involved in embezzlements of the public money, favouritism, nepotism while disposing of their official duties.] Similarly, the author refers to the CAG report tabled in the previous Assembly session, indicting some government offices for failing to perform their duty well.
Faheem Aslam is right in stating some hard realities about the performance of the employees and their involvement in cases of corruption. However I believe that it is not only the employees but the whole society in Kashmir, which has been gripped by the disease of corruption. The problem is not confined to one sector in Kashmir but has spread everywhere and has awfully become a dominant aspect of our social, political, and economic life. We forget that we need to asses our deeds at our personal level before blaming others for aggressing us culturally and emotionally. The corruption is found everywhere in Kashmir, in education, administration and the trade and commerce sectors.
Usually corruption is linked with the government employees and offices but it is linked to every field of life. Bribe is not the only form of corruption. If an employee goes to his office late deliberately, it is corruption. If a teacher goes to school or college regularly but does not teach his students the way he should, it is corruption. If an officer does not take bribe but delays the disposal of files and shows favourtism to please somebody, it is corruption. If a driver does not follow the traffic rules and regularly goes for over loading and the traffic police ignores this, it is corruption.
Today in Kashmir, there is no department which is not affected by corruption. The more one studies the conditions of life around; more instances of corruption are witnessed. There are examples of people who are honest and firm on their principles but unfortunately there are less people in Kashmir to appreciate them. We watch politicians destroying the sanctity of the House where they are supposed to represent the problems of people but it is ugly that they squabble and engage themselves in mudslinging. Isn’t this corruption? Whenever, a commodity is in great demand and its supply is short, prices increase disproportionately. During winters, whenever the road to Jammu gets blocked, market witnesses worst kind of loot. In contrast, Ladakh remains cut off for six months but the traders there don’t loot their own people. But here traders create artificial scarcity of commodities, thereby increase the prices. And the people during winter become helpless in the hands of these traders. People in Kashmir are also involved in black money and corrupt practices particularly in Government services and it invariably heard that people involved in these practices would be punished but it has been seen so far that only small fish are caught and the big ones are left and at times gifted with prize postings and extensions in their services.
Faheem Aslam is right that buildings, roads, schools and other construction works are carried out with substandard material. Definitely academic standards are on a decline in Kashmir due to the lukewarm attitude of Government and teachers towards the institutions of learning and perhaps our State will be among the first where the infrastructure and physical facilities are still causality in today’s knowledge-oriented society. Yes, this is the society where doctors examine their patients very seriously and attentively only at their private clinics. They have time, kindness, sympathy towards patients at their private clinics but not in hospitals. We can see hundreds of doctors examining patients at their private clinics during official hours also while the poor patients suffer in the hospitals.
Modern man has developed the notion that only money can make him happy. If material advancements alone could bring joy, America would have been the happiest country in the world. But everybody knows that Americans are not happy in spite of the oceans of wealth and they are in search of spiritual peace and fulfillment. It is true that we cannot live without bread but it is regrettable that we have learnt to live for bread alone in today’s society which is induced by materialistic values. This tendency has brought moral decadence and mental corruption in the life of Kashmiris and consequently, we have lost love for others and have no sympathy with relatives, neighbors and fellow countrymen.
If we wish to live like pure human beings, we will have to rebuild in ourselves the moral sense and outlook which would be the specialty of our culture. The problem of moral degeneration and corruption is obnoxious and abhorrent and warrants immediate and thorough remedies, but all efforts will be useless until and unless Kashmiris as a whole become conscious of their responsibilities and duties and do not dupe their own people.
(Greater Kashmir)
Kashmir's Troubling Work Ethic
An editorial in the Kashmir Images addresses a burning issue of the day
Antidote needed!
On Friday, Aug 07, 2009, around 12:00 noon, a young girl of Rainawari area was rushed to the Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial (JLNM) Hospital after she complained giddiness. Even though the poor girl was still somewhat OK and could move around herself, but the doctors referred her to the Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital, citing she needed specialised investigations.
At SMHS Hospital , the doctors after examining her suggested immediate CT Scan. By the time she was brought to the CT Scan unit of the hospital, it was around 1:00 0’clock, so the staff there had a readily available excuse: “It’s Friday today and we are going out for prayers; come around 2:30 PM and we will do the scan.”
It is pertinent to note that the Friday prayers at the nearby mosque start at 2:00 PM and it does not take more than 15 minutes to conduct CT Scan on a patient! Obviously the requests and pleas of the patient’s relatives fell on deaf ears for they couldn’t move the hospital staff to do the needful. Unfortunately this ‘enforced wait’ proved too long for the poor girl. By the time the CT Scan unit resumed work after Friday prayers, the patient was already discharged from the hospital -- her cold body wrapped in a bed-sheet to serve as her temporary shroud brought home for last rites…! Period.
This is Kashmir and such things keep on happening without any respite. Some of these unfortunate incidents make it to media and attract some sorrowful sighs while the rest go unnoticed. The ones that get noticed also slip into oblivion within no time as nobody cares and certainly no one is interested in fixing responsibility for any wrongdoings. In fact fixing of responsibility is a philosophy we have not known and collectively we are resistant to any change that promises honest and accountable systems!
Poor girl, who was getting engaged soon (in next three days) died simply because of someone’s negligence and brazen lack of sense of duty. May be she would still have died even if the CT Scan was conducted in time, but in that case her death wouldn’t have been a ‘murder’ which otherwise it is.
The incident might no doubt seem pretty ‘ordinary’ – ordinary because, as mentioned earlier, people in Kashmir are yet to realize what call of duty means and what it entails. In fact all government offices, hospitals certainly being no exception, are plagued with the culture of unruliness and unaccountability which is otherwise also pervasive here even in private enterprises. While the government misses no opportunity to stress that it means business and wants to evolve a new work-culture that’s people-friendly and oriented towards alleviating their problems, these political statements have so far miserably failed in bringing about any visible change on ground.
Obviously nothing is going to change unless government sets some heads rolling here and there to assert its resolve of affecting change. Jammu and Kashmir could evolve healthy systems only if correct templates are set here. Although it would be only to naïve to expect things changing overnight, however, talking about the wrong and naming and blaming the wrong-doer is an antidote this society so desperately needs to neutralize the poison of wrong work ethics, corruption, dishonesty and unaccountability. A beginning needs to be made in this direction – sooner it’s done, better it will be.
Antidote needed!
On Friday, Aug 07, 2009, around 12:00 noon, a young girl of Rainawari area was rushed to the Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial (JLNM) Hospital after she complained giddiness. Even though the poor girl was still somewhat OK and could move around herself, but the doctors referred her to the Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital, citing she needed specialised investigations.
At SMHS Hospital , the doctors after examining her suggested immediate CT Scan. By the time she was brought to the CT Scan unit of the hospital, it was around 1:00 0’clock, so the staff there had a readily available excuse: “It’s Friday today and we are going out for prayers; come around 2:30 PM and we will do the scan.”
It is pertinent to note that the Friday prayers at the nearby mosque start at 2:00 PM and it does not take more than 15 minutes to conduct CT Scan on a patient! Obviously the requests and pleas of the patient’s relatives fell on deaf ears for they couldn’t move the hospital staff to do the needful. Unfortunately this ‘enforced wait’ proved too long for the poor girl. By the time the CT Scan unit resumed work after Friday prayers, the patient was already discharged from the hospital -- her cold body wrapped in a bed-sheet to serve as her temporary shroud brought home for last rites…! Period.
This is Kashmir and such things keep on happening without any respite. Some of these unfortunate incidents make it to media and attract some sorrowful sighs while the rest go unnoticed. The ones that get noticed also slip into oblivion within no time as nobody cares and certainly no one is interested in fixing responsibility for any wrongdoings. In fact fixing of responsibility is a philosophy we have not known and collectively we are resistant to any change that promises honest and accountable systems!
Poor girl, who was getting engaged soon (in next three days) died simply because of someone’s negligence and brazen lack of sense of duty. May be she would still have died even if the CT Scan was conducted in time, but in that case her death wouldn’t have been a ‘murder’ which otherwise it is.
The incident might no doubt seem pretty ‘ordinary’ – ordinary because, as mentioned earlier, people in Kashmir are yet to realize what call of duty means and what it entails. In fact all government offices, hospitals certainly being no exception, are plagued with the culture of unruliness and unaccountability which is otherwise also pervasive here even in private enterprises. While the government misses no opportunity to stress that it means business and wants to evolve a new work-culture that’s people-friendly and oriented towards alleviating their problems, these political statements have so far miserably failed in bringing about any visible change on ground.
Obviously nothing is going to change unless government sets some heads rolling here and there to assert its resolve of affecting change. Jammu and Kashmir could evolve healthy systems only if correct templates are set here. Although it would be only to naïve to expect things changing overnight, however, talking about the wrong and naming and blaming the wrong-doer is an antidote this society so desperately needs to neutralize the poison of wrong work ethics, corruption, dishonesty and unaccountability. A beginning needs to be made in this direction – sooner it’s done, better it will be.
When Locals Become Tourists
Independence Day celebrations in the subcontinent inexplicably drives valley folks to head to the hills! They cause the "system" to burst at its seams while the valley awaits its foreign visitors (two reports)
Beware! 1.5 lakh visited 6000 bed-resort last week
Srinagar: The weekends in Pahalgam, the Valley of shepherds may be chaotic as the famous tourist destination in South Kashmir’s Islamabad district has just 6000 beds and cannot fulfill the demands of lakhs of tourists visiting the picturesque hill resort.
To avoid security hassles associated with August 14 and 15 and to escape sweltering heat, a record number of Valleyites last week thronged Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Yousmarg and Sonamarg.
According to an estimate, on 14 and 15 August, 1.5 lakh people visited Pahalgam, which has just 6000 beds. The result was chaos and confusion.
Gulmarg has 1200 beds while Sonamarg can accommodate 400 people for a night. As a result people who had escaped to these heights to avoid tension and anxiety, found themselves grappling problems.
Abdul Rasheed who spent the days at Pahalgam said: “I visited Pahalgam on 14 August. The situation there was chaotic due to traffic jam.
“I saw lot of people wandering around with their families. Many had to sleep in local Masjids and open spaces for the night as accommodation in Pahalgam is limited.”
On what led to the unexpected rush, he said: “People want to avoid security hassles on 14 and 15 August. Besides, Ramadan begins next Sunday.”
Mushtaq Ahmad of North Kashmir who had gone to Sonamarg narrated the same story: “Sonamarg was packed on 14 and 15 August. Many people didn’t get accommodation and had to stay in open spaces for the night.”
Thousands of people also converged to Gulmarg on 14 and 15 August.
Director Tourism, Farooq Shah said: “Yes, we’ve reports that more than 1 lakh people visited Pahalgam on these days. The situation was same in Gulmarg.”
On what was the reason for this unexpected rush of people to these places, he said, “I think people want to enjoy.”
Although people generally visit these tourist spots with their families to enjoy and avoid security hassles in the plains, it has been observed that tension follows them even in the heights.
Due to unexpected rush of people in the hill resorts on 14 and 15 August, scuffles, arguments and brawls were witnessed between visitors, hoteliers and restaurant owners who overcharged people.
According to reports, a restaurant at Pahalgam charged Rs 300 for a single plate of rice.
Ghulam Hassan of Sopore who had gone to Pahalgam said: “I tried to escape the tension associated with 14 and 15 August but huge rush at Pahalgam created chaos.”
Hassan has a piece of advice. “People of the Valley should plan their picnics to these places in advance so that they don’t face problem of accommodation.”
In the same period, 935 international tourists visited Pahalgam this year against 1343 international tourists last year.
This was stated by Minister for Tourism and Culture Nawang Rigzin Jora in a written reply to a question of a PDP legislator from Pahalgam, Rafi Ahmad Mir.
Jora also informed the assembly that there was decline in the total number of tourists (both domestic and international) visiting Kashmir in 2009 compared to 2008.
“Between 1st April 2008 to 15 July 2008, 415078 tourists visited Kashmir. However, only 302628 tourists visited Kashmir during the same period this year,” he said.
The tourism minister said that for increasing the international tourist influx to Kashmir during this year, government was emphasizing to encourage tourist flow from South Asia, East Asia, Central Asia and Middle East and other countries.
“Tourism is our priority sector and we’ve adopted two pronged strategy for capacity building and promotion of tourism,” Jora said adding tourism department had enhanced its presence at international level through travel fairs, conferences and conventions held outside India.
He said that the State government was investing heavily on tourism sector for infrastructural development, capacitance building and promotion of tourism.
“We’re making a vigorous publicity campaign through print and electronic media inviting visitors to the State from South and Central Asian countries besides European and American countries.
The literature about the State has also been printed in various languages and distributed within India and through Government of India offices abroad,” the minister said.
Foreign visitors not coming often: Govt
Srinagar: As government is planning to woo tourists from South Asia, East Asia, Central Asia and Middle East to Kashmir, the number of international tourists visiting Valley has declined this year.
The official figures reveal that the international tourists who visited Kashmir between April to mid July this year were 6,501 while as 7,419 visited Kashmir during the same time last year.
In the same period, 935 international tourists visited Pahalgam this year against 1343 international tourists last year.
This was stated by Minister for Tourism and Culture Nawang Rigzin Jora in a written reply to a question of a PDP legislator from Pahalgam, Rafi Ahmad Mir.
Jora also informed the assembly that there was decline in the total number of tourists (both domestic and international) visiting Kashmir in 2009 compared to 2008.
“Between 1st April 2008 to 15 July 2008, 415078 tourists visited Kashmir. However, only 302628 tourists visited Kashmir during the same period this year,” he said.
The tourism minister said that for increasing the international tourist influx to Kashmir during this year, government was emphasizing to encourage tourist flow from South Asia, East Asia, Central Asia and Middle East and other countries.
“Tourism is our priority sector and we’ve adopted two pronged strategy for capacity building and promotion of tourism,” Jora said adding tourism department had enhanced its presence at international level through travel fairs, conferences and conventions held outside India.
He said that the State government was investing heavily on tourism sector for infrastructural development, capacitance building and promotion of tourism.
“We’re making a vigorous publicity campaign through print and electronic media inviting visitors to the State from South and Central Asian countries besides European and American countries.
The literature about the State has also been printed in various languages and distributed within India and through Government of India offices abroad,” the minister said.
(Rising Kashmir)
Beware! 1.5 lakh visited 6000 bed-resort last week
Srinagar: The weekends in Pahalgam, the Valley of shepherds may be chaotic as the famous tourist destination in South Kashmir’s Islamabad district has just 6000 beds and cannot fulfill the demands of lakhs of tourists visiting the picturesque hill resort.
To avoid security hassles associated with August 14 and 15 and to escape sweltering heat, a record number of Valleyites last week thronged Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Yousmarg and Sonamarg.
According to an estimate, on 14 and 15 August, 1.5 lakh people visited Pahalgam, which has just 6000 beds. The result was chaos and confusion.
Gulmarg has 1200 beds while Sonamarg can accommodate 400 people for a night. As a result people who had escaped to these heights to avoid tension and anxiety, found themselves grappling problems.
Abdul Rasheed who spent the days at Pahalgam said: “I visited Pahalgam on 14 August. The situation there was chaotic due to traffic jam.
“I saw lot of people wandering around with their families. Many had to sleep in local Masjids and open spaces for the night as accommodation in Pahalgam is limited.”
On what led to the unexpected rush, he said: “People want to avoid security hassles on 14 and 15 August. Besides, Ramadan begins next Sunday.”
Mushtaq Ahmad of North Kashmir who had gone to Sonamarg narrated the same story: “Sonamarg was packed on 14 and 15 August. Many people didn’t get accommodation and had to stay in open spaces for the night.”
Thousands of people also converged to Gulmarg on 14 and 15 August.
Director Tourism, Farooq Shah said: “Yes, we’ve reports that more than 1 lakh people visited Pahalgam on these days. The situation was same in Gulmarg.”
On what was the reason for this unexpected rush of people to these places, he said, “I think people want to enjoy.”
Although people generally visit these tourist spots with their families to enjoy and avoid security hassles in the plains, it has been observed that tension follows them even in the heights.
Due to unexpected rush of people in the hill resorts on 14 and 15 August, scuffles, arguments and brawls were witnessed between visitors, hoteliers and restaurant owners who overcharged people.
According to reports, a restaurant at Pahalgam charged Rs 300 for a single plate of rice.
Ghulam Hassan of Sopore who had gone to Pahalgam said: “I tried to escape the tension associated with 14 and 15 August but huge rush at Pahalgam created chaos.”
Hassan has a piece of advice. “People of the Valley should plan their picnics to these places in advance so that they don’t face problem of accommodation.”
In the same period, 935 international tourists visited Pahalgam this year against 1343 international tourists last year.
This was stated by Minister for Tourism and Culture Nawang Rigzin Jora in a written reply to a question of a PDP legislator from Pahalgam, Rafi Ahmad Mir.
Jora also informed the assembly that there was decline in the total number of tourists (both domestic and international) visiting Kashmir in 2009 compared to 2008.
“Between 1st April 2008 to 15 July 2008, 415078 tourists visited Kashmir. However, only 302628 tourists visited Kashmir during the same period this year,” he said.
The tourism minister said that for increasing the international tourist influx to Kashmir during this year, government was emphasizing to encourage tourist flow from South Asia, East Asia, Central Asia and Middle East and other countries.
“Tourism is our priority sector and we’ve adopted two pronged strategy for capacity building and promotion of tourism,” Jora said adding tourism department had enhanced its presence at international level through travel fairs, conferences and conventions held outside India.
He said that the State government was investing heavily on tourism sector for infrastructural development, capacitance building and promotion of tourism.
“We’re making a vigorous publicity campaign through print and electronic media inviting visitors to the State from South and Central Asian countries besides European and American countries.
The literature about the State has also been printed in various languages and distributed within India and through Government of India offices abroad,” the minister said.
Foreign visitors not coming often: Govt
Srinagar: As government is planning to woo tourists from South Asia, East Asia, Central Asia and Middle East to Kashmir, the number of international tourists visiting Valley has declined this year.
The official figures reveal that the international tourists who visited Kashmir between April to mid July this year were 6,501 while as 7,419 visited Kashmir during the same time last year.
In the same period, 935 international tourists visited Pahalgam this year against 1343 international tourists last year.
This was stated by Minister for Tourism and Culture Nawang Rigzin Jora in a written reply to a question of a PDP legislator from Pahalgam, Rafi Ahmad Mir.
Jora also informed the assembly that there was decline in the total number of tourists (both domestic and international) visiting Kashmir in 2009 compared to 2008.
“Between 1st April 2008 to 15 July 2008, 415078 tourists visited Kashmir. However, only 302628 tourists visited Kashmir during the same period this year,” he said.
The tourism minister said that for increasing the international tourist influx to Kashmir during this year, government was emphasizing to encourage tourist flow from South Asia, East Asia, Central Asia and Middle East and other countries.
“Tourism is our priority sector and we’ve adopted two pronged strategy for capacity building and promotion of tourism,” Jora said adding tourism department had enhanced its presence at international level through travel fairs, conferences and conventions held outside India.
He said that the State government was investing heavily on tourism sector for infrastructural development, capacitance building and promotion of tourism.
“We’re making a vigorous publicity campaign through print and electronic media inviting visitors to the State from South and Central Asian countries besides European and American countries.
The literature about the State has also been printed in various languages and distributed within India and through Government of India offices abroad,” the minister said.
(Rising Kashmir)
Quality Trounces Bureaucracy
Notwithstanding various official restrictures, valley consumers continue to favor "foreign marble/granite" over local variety
Valley construction agencies import Rs 400 Cr marble, granite
Srinagar: Kota stone and other glossy tiles worth Rs 400 crores are annually imported by state’s construction agencies against government orders. The local manufacturers have urged the government to impress upon these agencies for use of locally processed marble and granite.
The state government issued an administrative order no DivCom/Dev50/375-77 dt 13.05.2008 instructing the use of local marble/granite in place of imported Kota stone and other tile material used in all government buildings. Following this order Jammu and Kashmir Projects Constructions Corporation (JKPCC) also directed its executives vide order no GM/K/5751-60 dt 24.02.2009 to comply the state government order. Weighing the gravity of the issue the chief engineer R&B and PWD also passed a circular no PS/19808-12 dt 13.01.2009 stressing upon all their superintending engineers to encourage local products over imported ones.
“But despite these orders the Kota stone and other sandstone tiles continue to be imported worth Rs 400 crores annually,” said Abdul Majid Khan, president of the Chamber of Kashmir Marble and Granite Industries Kashmir. All the government directives and orders are put on the shelf and local product is discarded for ulterior motives, he said.
Khan said officials are flouting the state industrial policy that explicitly provides for protection of local products. Earthen and synthetic tiles are acquired by all the construction agencies although we have the world class marble and granite available here at reasonable prices.
He said the personal interests of certain officials have proceeded over the State. Not only the JKPCC but all the construction agencies in the state sector are flouting government directions. It is a criminal conspiracy that they are discouraging local talent and causing the flow of capital from the State.
According to official estimates the state has marble and granite deposits worth Rs 9 lakh crores. The extraction and processing of the reserves began in early eighties however, with the eruption of militancy all the marble extraction and processing units were occupied by the military and paramilitary forces. Although some unit holders managed evacuation of the forces and started production but a frosty approach by certain public servants in the high offices is discouraging entrepreneurs, said Atiq Ahmed an industrialist.
(Rising Kashmir)
Valley construction agencies import Rs 400 Cr marble, granite
Srinagar: Kota stone and other glossy tiles worth Rs 400 crores are annually imported by state’s construction agencies against government orders. The local manufacturers have urged the government to impress upon these agencies for use of locally processed marble and granite.
The state government issued an administrative order no DivCom/Dev50/375-77 dt 13.05.2008 instructing the use of local marble/granite in place of imported Kota stone and other tile material used in all government buildings. Following this order Jammu and Kashmir Projects Constructions Corporation (JKPCC) also directed its executives vide order no GM/K/5751-60 dt 24.02.2009 to comply the state government order. Weighing the gravity of the issue the chief engineer R&B and PWD also passed a circular no PS/19808-12 dt 13.01.2009 stressing upon all their superintending engineers to encourage local products over imported ones.
“But despite these orders the Kota stone and other sandstone tiles continue to be imported worth Rs 400 crores annually,” said Abdul Majid Khan, president of the Chamber of Kashmir Marble and Granite Industries Kashmir. All the government directives and orders are put on the shelf and local product is discarded for ulterior motives, he said.
Khan said officials are flouting the state industrial policy that explicitly provides for protection of local products. Earthen and synthetic tiles are acquired by all the construction agencies although we have the world class marble and granite available here at reasonable prices.
He said the personal interests of certain officials have proceeded over the State. Not only the JKPCC but all the construction agencies in the state sector are flouting government directions. It is a criminal conspiracy that they are discouraging local talent and causing the flow of capital from the State.
According to official estimates the state has marble and granite deposits worth Rs 9 lakh crores. The extraction and processing of the reserves began in early eighties however, with the eruption of militancy all the marble extraction and processing units were occupied by the military and paramilitary forces. Although some unit holders managed evacuation of the forces and started production but a frosty approach by certain public servants in the high offices is discouraging entrepreneurs, said Atiq Ahmed an industrialist.
(Rising Kashmir)
Thursday, August 13, 2009
"Our Present Has Vandalized Our Past"
Afshana laments about the downward spiral of a place of sages and saints, and an abode of dignity and decency, pulled into an ugly abyss by dubious politicians from mainstream and separatist camps
(Ms. Syeda Afshana, 35, was born in Srinagar. She attended the Vishwa Bharti High School in Rainawari, Srinagar, and the Government Women's College in Srinagar where she received a B.Sc. degree. She completed her Master's degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from the Kashmir University in 1999 and was the Gold Medallist (first position holder) in her graduating class. She is currently a Lecturer in the Media Education Research Centre (MERC) of the Kashmir University and pursuing her doctorate on the role of internet after 9/11.)
Reality versus Assertion
Time brings
change in us;
A fissure glides
the dream away, slowly....
now stuck up
in a deadwood frame.
Today I stare it,
peep into its
unpredictable contours;
mock its false form
and
weep at its emptiness.
People die for dreams;
water them with their
tears and blood.
But dreams still die!
Revolutions are aborted.
I find this revelation sad
yet shed no tear;
Rather I dance in
the dusty ruins of my dream,
drink from its dropped wounds,
and ridicule my silly creation.
I laugh at it, tragically...
Political histrionics are not new to Kashmir. People have been deluded to think the way politicians want them to. However, this time the political opportunism happening around is beyond compare. It’s disgracefully and debasingly unique. The defeated are not ready to reconcile with their loss of power, and the winners are terribly hypersensitive about their image and interest.
In Kashmir polity, it’s the theatre of absurd. People in politics are rarely consistent in their viewpoints and positions. Big lies and little lies; half-truths and twisted truths: There are no permanent points of political belief. The level of plausibility is so much exploited that the masses become abysmally credulous.
Of course, all the politicians have eventually the foul agendas to pursue. What makes the difference is the degree of camouflage that the politicians belonging to various camps practise in the realization of their agenda. The mainstream politicians in Kashmir are nearly power corrupt. They have failed to hide their lust for power, despite lot of masquerading. From ‘healing touch’ slogan to ‘public servant’ smokescreen, they stand exposed in their political designs. The masses are disillusioned with their authority.
However, it seems that the same holds true for many belonging to the separatist camp. Except for a few, their agenda remains obscure, almost invisible. Their confusing and contradictory position over different issues/events renders their agenda oblique. From prickly bothered about their personal visa/passport problems to establishing of commercial plazas and hotels, their real politics remains blurry. Politicking for them is somewhat slithery as well as a smooth shady walk. Time and circumstances decide for their cover ups. The masses are perplexed over their credibility.
The scenes in Kashmir politics appear no more spectral. Right now things have become so baffling and mysterious that the actual politics about the actual issue has been plastered with a pack of propaganda from all sides. The actual stories are viciously dumped down, whilst the fake ones float around conspicuously.
Truth has not been the only casualty in Kashmir. Our value-system too has been the target. And, it is a bigger damage. Almost, irreparable. A growing disguise in every role at every place, has become our hallmark. Swathed in numerous layers of superficiality, the reality of ours has got deeply buried in irretrievable chasm.
The reality that this was a place of sages and saints; the reality this was an abode of dignity and decency; the reality that this was a home of nice people; the reality that this once beautiful vale was a proud dwelling of good politicians, leaders, preachers, elders and youngsters equally. Today, this all seems a chimera; a wild imagination that wrestles to coat the contours of ugly reality with the texture of a fascinating dream.
If the reality has been our history, then why this painful tussle between the two? Surely, there is little point in striking our heads against walls and feeling betrayed. Our present has vandalized our past. The lumpenization is thriving in all aspects. We have been left rootless and roomless. We cannot hark back to anything sans message and moral. We are even helpless in nurturing anything for the future. Whenever such a kind of ethical dilemma rolls up in any society, it is to be taken as a distress signal. A forewarning buzzer of a menacing situation!
The facade of bluster and bravado has to go. The deception of manipulative elements has to be unveiled. It needs assertion: A strong assertion of our reality. Any such assertion is likely to be attacked. We may find this divisive and disruptive. But, it has to be pursued relentlessly. Following a wrong kind of approach can cultivate a wrong reality in the minds of people and it may be too late by the time a rectification is made.
(Ms. Syeda Afshana, 35, was born in Srinagar. She attended the Vishwa Bharti High School in Rainawari, Srinagar, and the Government Women's College in Srinagar where she received a B.Sc. degree. She completed her Master's degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from the Kashmir University in 1999 and was the Gold Medallist (first position holder) in her graduating class. She is currently a Lecturer in the Media Education Research Centre (MERC) of the Kashmir University and pursuing her doctorate on the role of internet after 9/11.)
Reality versus Assertion
Time brings
change in us;
A fissure glides
the dream away, slowly....
now stuck up
in a deadwood frame.
Today I stare it,
peep into its
unpredictable contours;
mock its false form
and
weep at its emptiness.
People die for dreams;
water them with their
tears and blood.
But dreams still die!
Revolutions are aborted.
I find this revelation sad
yet shed no tear;
Rather I dance in
the dusty ruins of my dream,
drink from its dropped wounds,
and ridicule my silly creation.
I laugh at it, tragically...
Political histrionics are not new to Kashmir. People have been deluded to think the way politicians want them to. However, this time the political opportunism happening around is beyond compare. It’s disgracefully and debasingly unique. The defeated are not ready to reconcile with their loss of power, and the winners are terribly hypersensitive about their image and interest.
In Kashmir polity, it’s the theatre of absurd. People in politics are rarely consistent in their viewpoints and positions. Big lies and little lies; half-truths and twisted truths: There are no permanent points of political belief. The level of plausibility is so much exploited that the masses become abysmally credulous.
Of course, all the politicians have eventually the foul agendas to pursue. What makes the difference is the degree of camouflage that the politicians belonging to various camps practise in the realization of their agenda. The mainstream politicians in Kashmir are nearly power corrupt. They have failed to hide their lust for power, despite lot of masquerading. From ‘healing touch’ slogan to ‘public servant’ smokescreen, they stand exposed in their political designs. The masses are disillusioned with their authority.
However, it seems that the same holds true for many belonging to the separatist camp. Except for a few, their agenda remains obscure, almost invisible. Their confusing and contradictory position over different issues/events renders their agenda oblique. From prickly bothered about their personal visa/passport problems to establishing of commercial plazas and hotels, their real politics remains blurry. Politicking for them is somewhat slithery as well as a smooth shady walk. Time and circumstances decide for their cover ups. The masses are perplexed over their credibility.
The scenes in Kashmir politics appear no more spectral. Right now things have become so baffling and mysterious that the actual politics about the actual issue has been plastered with a pack of propaganda from all sides. The actual stories are viciously dumped down, whilst the fake ones float around conspicuously.
Truth has not been the only casualty in Kashmir. Our value-system too has been the target. And, it is a bigger damage. Almost, irreparable. A growing disguise in every role at every place, has become our hallmark. Swathed in numerous layers of superficiality, the reality of ours has got deeply buried in irretrievable chasm.
The reality that this was a place of sages and saints; the reality this was an abode of dignity and decency; the reality that this was a home of nice people; the reality that this once beautiful vale was a proud dwelling of good politicians, leaders, preachers, elders and youngsters equally. Today, this all seems a chimera; a wild imagination that wrestles to coat the contours of ugly reality with the texture of a fascinating dream.
If the reality has been our history, then why this painful tussle between the two? Surely, there is little point in striking our heads against walls and feeling betrayed. Our present has vandalized our past. The lumpenization is thriving in all aspects. We have been left rootless and roomless. We cannot hark back to anything sans message and moral. We are even helpless in nurturing anything for the future. Whenever such a kind of ethical dilemma rolls up in any society, it is to be taken as a distress signal. A forewarning buzzer of a menacing situation!
The facade of bluster and bravado has to go. The deception of manipulative elements has to be unveiled. It needs assertion: A strong assertion of our reality. Any such assertion is likely to be attacked. We may find this divisive and disruptive. But, it has to be pursued relentlessly. Following a wrong kind of approach can cultivate a wrong reality in the minds of people and it may be too late by the time a rectification is made.
Dal Lake is Turning Into Real Estate
Arif says the Dal catchments are fast degrading
ECO-FRAGILE ZONES TURNING INTO HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
Arif Shafi Wani (Greater Kashmir)
Srinagar: Unabated constructions, deforestation and other land use changes in the Dal catchments has affected the flow of water into the lake leading to manifold increase in influx of silt and pollutants into the water body.
Experts warn that in absence of sustained catchment preservation measures, the pollution levels of Dal would increase and drastically affect its eco-system.
With catchment area stretching to 337 sq kms, Dal functions as the central part of a large interconnected aquatic ecosystem in Kashmir valley. The lake is fed mainly by Marsar, a glacial oligotrophic alpine lake through two main sub-watersheds Dhara Danihama and Dachigam. However experts say the land use change in the lake catchments has increased pollution regimes of Dal.
A study conducted by Dr. Shakeel Ahmad Romshu, Associate Professor of the University of Kashmir’s Geo-Physics Department, states that there has been decrease in forest area in the Dal catchments due to increase in human settlements particularly from 1991 to 2001.
Romshu said the urbanization or built-up area in the lake’s catchment particularly from Harwan to Boulevard has increased from 9.24 sq Kms in 1992 to 23.9 sq Kms in 2009.
“It is a dangerous trend and if the government wants to save the catchment from further deterioration, it has to ban further constructions in the eco-fragile areas,” Romshu states.
The study states that the water class has been reduced from 14.24 to 12.69 km² in nine years showing a percent reduction of 0.52 percent.
“Dense forests also show reduction by 1.35 percent, which is 3.85 km² by area. This could be attributed to the anthropogenic activities which mainly include deforestation and excessive agriculture over the deforested areas. The 4.05 percent increase in the perennial plantation can be well attributed to the decrease in forest area.”
The study points out that the lake vegetation has been reduced from 13.51 to 6.21 km². This reduction is related to the increase in the perennial plantation over the lakes. Besides the built up area has increased from 2.08 to 3.53 km². It has led to drastic decrease in agriculture land.
Romshu states that due to alterations in land-cover in Dal catchment over the study years, the predicted flow has increased. He states increased impervious surface like barren, built-up and deforested area in 2001 increased the peak flow, compared to 1992.
This increase was about 22.23 percent in the total annual flow from 1992-2001 under changed land use and cover conditions.
“The reduction in the soil cover decreases infiltration and increases runoff, hence leading to increase in the water levels over the receiving body. Increased runoff also causes lake ecology problems due to excess sedimentation. Higher water levels indicate possibilities of severe disasters in the form of floods,” the study warns.
The study recommends that the watershed areas need to be prioritized for conservation to minimize the non-point sources of pollution.
The chairman of Lakes and Waterways Development Authority, Irfan Yaseen, acknowledged deterioration of Dal’s catchment, particularly Dara.
“Due to catchment degradation, Dal is receiving heavy influx of silt and nutrients. Our problem is compounded by coming up of residential colonies in the catchment,” he said.
He said the restoration of catchment was imperative for Dal conservation. “Besides lake conservation, we are simultaneously constructing check dams, retards and going for massive afforestation to restore the catchment. It is a mammoth task but we are committed to accomplish it,” he added.
ECO-FRAGILE ZONES TURNING INTO HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
Arif Shafi Wani (Greater Kashmir)
Srinagar: Unabated constructions, deforestation and other land use changes in the Dal catchments has affected the flow of water into the lake leading to manifold increase in influx of silt and pollutants into the water body.
Experts warn that in absence of sustained catchment preservation measures, the pollution levels of Dal would increase and drastically affect its eco-system.
With catchment area stretching to 337 sq kms, Dal functions as the central part of a large interconnected aquatic ecosystem in Kashmir valley. The lake is fed mainly by Marsar, a glacial oligotrophic alpine lake through two main sub-watersheds Dhara Danihama and Dachigam. However experts say the land use change in the lake catchments has increased pollution regimes of Dal.
A study conducted by Dr. Shakeel Ahmad Romshu, Associate Professor of the University of Kashmir’s Geo-Physics Department, states that there has been decrease in forest area in the Dal catchments due to increase in human settlements particularly from 1991 to 2001.
Romshu said the urbanization or built-up area in the lake’s catchment particularly from Harwan to Boulevard has increased from 9.24 sq Kms in 1992 to 23.9 sq Kms in 2009.
“It is a dangerous trend and if the government wants to save the catchment from further deterioration, it has to ban further constructions in the eco-fragile areas,” Romshu states.
The study states that the water class has been reduced from 14.24 to 12.69 km² in nine years showing a percent reduction of 0.52 percent.
“Dense forests also show reduction by 1.35 percent, which is 3.85 km² by area. This could be attributed to the anthropogenic activities which mainly include deforestation and excessive agriculture over the deforested areas. The 4.05 percent increase in the perennial plantation can be well attributed to the decrease in forest area.”
The study points out that the lake vegetation has been reduced from 13.51 to 6.21 km². This reduction is related to the increase in the perennial plantation over the lakes. Besides the built up area has increased from 2.08 to 3.53 km². It has led to drastic decrease in agriculture land.
Romshu states that due to alterations in land-cover in Dal catchment over the study years, the predicted flow has increased. He states increased impervious surface like barren, built-up and deforested area in 2001 increased the peak flow, compared to 1992.
This increase was about 22.23 percent in the total annual flow from 1992-2001 under changed land use and cover conditions.
“The reduction in the soil cover decreases infiltration and increases runoff, hence leading to increase in the water levels over the receiving body. Increased runoff also causes lake ecology problems due to excess sedimentation. Higher water levels indicate possibilities of severe disasters in the form of floods,” the study warns.
The study recommends that the watershed areas need to be prioritized for conservation to minimize the non-point sources of pollution.
The chairman of Lakes and Waterways Development Authority, Irfan Yaseen, acknowledged deterioration of Dal’s catchment, particularly Dara.
“Due to catchment degradation, Dal is receiving heavy influx of silt and nutrients. Our problem is compounded by coming up of residential colonies in the catchment,” he said.
He said the restoration of catchment was imperative for Dal conservation. “Besides lake conservation, we are simultaneously constructing check dams, retards and going for massive afforestation to restore the catchment. It is a mammoth task but we are committed to accomplish it,” he added.
The Case for Zojila Tunnel
Ashraf makes a strong argument in favor of the Zojila Tunnel
(Mr. Mohammad Ashraf, 66, was born and raised in Srinagar. He attended the S.P. High School and the S.P College before joining the Regional Engineering College at Naseem Bagh in Civil Engineering. However, he changed his career to adventure sports like mountaineering and skiing, completing his training at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling and Gulmarg. He also completed a diploma in French language from the Alliance Française in New Delhi. He joined the J&K Tourism Department in 1973, rose to become its Director-General in 1996, and retired in 2003 after 30 years of service. He has been associated with the Adventure Sports at the national level and was recently re-elected as the Vice-President of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, the apex body of adventure sports in India, for two years. To commend his efforts in introducing rescue measures in Kashmir Mountains, he was awarded “Merite-Alpin” by Swiss in a special function in Les Diablerets in 1993. He continues to be a member of the Governing Council of IMF and is also the President of Jammu & Kashmir Mountaineering & Hiking Club.)
The Zojila Tunnel
Leh and Kargil districts at present remain totally cut off during six months or more in freezing winter. Apart from expediting the long awaited Zojila Tunnel, the opening of the routes to Tibet and Skardu needs to be considered on priority to end the unnatural siege!
Recently, many Ladakhis especially from Kargil district have been pleading for expediting the construction of a tunnel under the Zojila pass to provide year round access to Ladakh. In ancient times the greater Ladakh which encompasses all areas on two sides of the border was never really isolated and cut off even in the most severe winter. It is only after independence that the areas on this side of the border got totally blocked during winter. Normally, independence should have meant more freedom for travel but unfortunately the political conflict in the region has completely confined people in their permanent habitats especially in winter. The ancient routes connected Ladakh to Tibet through Demchok; to Yarqand and Kashgar through Karakoram Pass; and to Skardu and beyond through Kargil-Skardu link. In addition there was a summer link to Kashmir valley through the famous Zojila pass. There was also a link between Srinagar and Gilgit through Gurez called the Gilgit Transport Road, which was built by the British. This link was used to supply the garrison stationed in Gilgit. Ladakhi Buddhism is closely linked to Lahasa in Tibet. Dalai Lama who used to live in Patola Palace has always been the spiritual head for Ladakhi Buddhists also. A large number of lamas from Ladakh used to go to Lahasa for studies in Buddhism. In fact, after China invaded Tibet, quite a few lamas including the head lama of Hemis Monastery, the largest in Ladakh, got stuck there. These people used to travel along the Demchok route which got closed after the Tibetan upheaval. This route was also used for trade. It is said that the people from the other side used to come to Tsokhar Lake and a barter exchange of goods used to take place there.
Similarly, the route across Karakoram pass was linked to the famous Silk Route. A large number of caravans travelled on this route both in summer and winter. This was the most important link of Ladakh and Kashmir to Central Asia. During summer people used to travel through Nubra valley after crossing the Khardongla pass but in winter they used to go along the Shyok River up to Karakoram pass. This was probably the most adventurous journey in this part of the world. Ghulam Rasool Galwan in his book “Servant of the Sahibs” has very descriptively related a number of adventurous journeys he undertook with many foreign travellers.
Kargil-Skardu has been another route of great importance. In fact, the two sides of the border in this area have over seven thousand divided families. This route remains open throughout the year. It further connects with Gilgit and thence to Central Asia. These days the Karakoram highway passing through Gilgit is the main link of Pakistan with China and Central Asian countries. There is a regular bus service between Gilgit and Kashgar. In the past, Baltistan has been connected not only physically but socially also with our side of Ladakh especially the Kings of Ladakh. Gyal Khatoon of Baltistan was the mother of the famous Lion King Sengge Namgyal of Ladakh.
The Zojila route came into prominence only after the Indo-Pak conflict of 1947 when the state of Jammu & Kashmir was divided in two parts by the ceasefire line now called the Line of Actual Control. In the changed scenario of Ladakh, this was the only access to the outside world. A road was constructed by late Sonam Narboo over this difficult pass of over 11,000 feet. The construction of road in those days was an engineering marvel. Subsquently, Leh was connected with Manali in Himachal Pradesh. However, this road is worse than the one which crosses Zojila pass as it crosses three very high passes which close down in winter even earlier than Zojila. Presently plans are afoot to take a railway line on this route. This is welcome if it materialises but usually such projects through difficult terrain take decades and one is not certain when this one will fructify? It will also involve construction of many tunnels. Thus, at present Ladakhis on the Indian side are virtually imprisoned in a freezing prison during winter and the only relief are the air services started after the opening of the region for tourism. However, Kargil people do not have even this luxury. They have to travel all the way to Leh and wait for their turn to fly out. Only recently an Indian Air Force service has been started in winter which ferries passengers more or less like transportation of cattle. There are only two alternatives available to end the winter siege of Ladakhis. The most talked about and pending for a long time is the Zojila Tunnel. The Tunnel under Zojila is not a tall order given the technology and equipment presently available abroad. Europeans built a tunnel under the English Channel on which Euro-star train runs between London and Paris. The Mont Blanc tunnel which is about 11 kilometres long connects Italy to France. This tunnel is under the highest mountain in Europe which has many massive glaciers on top. Incidentally, I have had the opportunity of travelling through this tunnel between France and Italy. It hardly takes 10 minutes to traverse this tunnel which is connecting a motorway on two sides. There are separate tubes for incoming and outgoing traffic. This tunnel was constructed decades back. At present the equipment and technology has advanced further. There should be no technical hitch in constructing the tunnel which can be assigned to some global agency specialising in such projects. The only requirement is the political decision to undertake the project which has been in the pipeline from the day one of the construction of the road over Zojila. Unfortunately, such projects are undertaken in our part of the world only for protecting territory and for strategic reasons. No one bothers about the human angle. Had it been so, the tunnel should have been constructed long time back. The promise to construct the said tunnel has been made by no less a person than Jawahar Lal Nehru the then Prime Minister of India himself. Very recently the promise of a tunnel was not only renewed but reportedly measures were initiated for its execution. The Parliament is reported to have approved the construction of a 12 kilometre long tunnel at a cost of Rs. 1333 crores in March, 2007. Even global tenders are said to have been invited for the project but nothing further had been heard about it. However, the Parliament was informed on August 4, 2009, by the Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways that the contract of conducting feasibility studies for Zojila Tunnel has been allotted to M/S iBilt Technology, New Delhi and the study will take 18 months. This means that the actual construction is not slated to start soon and the access through the Tunnel may even take a decade or so! In fact, it may have been easier to fully upgrade and develop the road already constructed last year by the Defence authorities from Bandipore to Mushko valley in Drass crossing the valleys of Gurez and Tulail. However, this route being very near to LOC may not be dependable and safe from the security point of view!
The other alternative to end the winter siege of Ladakh till the Tunnels come up is to open all surface routes to neighbouring countries. This can be done if an agreement is reached between all the countries in the region for opening up all the surface routes. This requires an understanding on the pattern of the European Union where the borders have become irrelevant. Our leaders often talk about making borders irrelevant but when it comes to implementing these declarations, everyone develops cold feet! Such an understanding depends upon the politicians. There is only one way of making politicians realise the necessity and urgency of opening up the routes. They should be asked to stay for sometime in winter with the local people in the coldest places of Ladakh such as Drass. It is impossible to imagine the difficulties faced by the people in these remote regions in the severe weather conditions unless one practically faces these on the ground. Thus, there is utmost urgency to take immediate measures to relieve the sufferings of Ladakhis in winter. Choice is with the Government. Expedite the Tunnel and open up the routes!
(Mr. Mohammad Ashraf, 66, was born and raised in Srinagar. He attended the S.P. High School and the S.P College before joining the Regional Engineering College at Naseem Bagh in Civil Engineering. However, he changed his career to adventure sports like mountaineering and skiing, completing his training at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling and Gulmarg. He also completed a diploma in French language from the Alliance Française in New Delhi. He joined the J&K Tourism Department in 1973, rose to become its Director-General in 1996, and retired in 2003 after 30 years of service. He has been associated with the Adventure Sports at the national level and was recently re-elected as the Vice-President of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, the apex body of adventure sports in India, for two years. To commend his efforts in introducing rescue measures in Kashmir Mountains, he was awarded “Merite-Alpin” by Swiss in a special function in Les Diablerets in 1993. He continues to be a member of the Governing Council of IMF and is also the President of Jammu & Kashmir Mountaineering & Hiking Club.)
The Zojila Tunnel
Leh and Kargil districts at present remain totally cut off during six months or more in freezing winter. Apart from expediting the long awaited Zojila Tunnel, the opening of the routes to Tibet and Skardu needs to be considered on priority to end the unnatural siege!
Recently, many Ladakhis especially from Kargil district have been pleading for expediting the construction of a tunnel under the Zojila pass to provide year round access to Ladakh. In ancient times the greater Ladakh which encompasses all areas on two sides of the border was never really isolated and cut off even in the most severe winter. It is only after independence that the areas on this side of the border got totally blocked during winter. Normally, independence should have meant more freedom for travel but unfortunately the political conflict in the region has completely confined people in their permanent habitats especially in winter. The ancient routes connected Ladakh to Tibet through Demchok; to Yarqand and Kashgar through Karakoram Pass; and to Skardu and beyond through Kargil-Skardu link. In addition there was a summer link to Kashmir valley through the famous Zojila pass. There was also a link between Srinagar and Gilgit through Gurez called the Gilgit Transport Road, which was built by the British. This link was used to supply the garrison stationed in Gilgit. Ladakhi Buddhism is closely linked to Lahasa in Tibet. Dalai Lama who used to live in Patola Palace has always been the spiritual head for Ladakhi Buddhists also. A large number of lamas from Ladakh used to go to Lahasa for studies in Buddhism. In fact, after China invaded Tibet, quite a few lamas including the head lama of Hemis Monastery, the largest in Ladakh, got stuck there. These people used to travel along the Demchok route which got closed after the Tibetan upheaval. This route was also used for trade. It is said that the people from the other side used to come to Tsokhar Lake and a barter exchange of goods used to take place there.
Similarly, the route across Karakoram pass was linked to the famous Silk Route. A large number of caravans travelled on this route both in summer and winter. This was the most important link of Ladakh and Kashmir to Central Asia. During summer people used to travel through Nubra valley after crossing the Khardongla pass but in winter they used to go along the Shyok River up to Karakoram pass. This was probably the most adventurous journey in this part of the world. Ghulam Rasool Galwan in his book “Servant of the Sahibs” has very descriptively related a number of adventurous journeys he undertook with many foreign travellers.
Kargil-Skardu has been another route of great importance. In fact, the two sides of the border in this area have over seven thousand divided families. This route remains open throughout the year. It further connects with Gilgit and thence to Central Asia. These days the Karakoram highway passing through Gilgit is the main link of Pakistan with China and Central Asian countries. There is a regular bus service between Gilgit and Kashgar. In the past, Baltistan has been connected not only physically but socially also with our side of Ladakh especially the Kings of Ladakh. Gyal Khatoon of Baltistan was the mother of the famous Lion King Sengge Namgyal of Ladakh.
The Zojila route came into prominence only after the Indo-Pak conflict of 1947 when the state of Jammu & Kashmir was divided in two parts by the ceasefire line now called the Line of Actual Control. In the changed scenario of Ladakh, this was the only access to the outside world. A road was constructed by late Sonam Narboo over this difficult pass of over 11,000 feet. The construction of road in those days was an engineering marvel. Subsquently, Leh was connected with Manali in Himachal Pradesh. However, this road is worse than the one which crosses Zojila pass as it crosses three very high passes which close down in winter even earlier than Zojila. Presently plans are afoot to take a railway line on this route. This is welcome if it materialises but usually such projects through difficult terrain take decades and one is not certain when this one will fructify? It will also involve construction of many tunnels. Thus, at present Ladakhis on the Indian side are virtually imprisoned in a freezing prison during winter and the only relief are the air services started after the opening of the region for tourism. However, Kargil people do not have even this luxury. They have to travel all the way to Leh and wait for their turn to fly out. Only recently an Indian Air Force service has been started in winter which ferries passengers more or less like transportation of cattle. There are only two alternatives available to end the winter siege of Ladakhis. The most talked about and pending for a long time is the Zojila Tunnel. The Tunnel under Zojila is not a tall order given the technology and equipment presently available abroad. Europeans built a tunnel under the English Channel on which Euro-star train runs between London and Paris. The Mont Blanc tunnel which is about 11 kilometres long connects Italy to France. This tunnel is under the highest mountain in Europe which has many massive glaciers on top. Incidentally, I have had the opportunity of travelling through this tunnel between France and Italy. It hardly takes 10 minutes to traverse this tunnel which is connecting a motorway on two sides. There are separate tubes for incoming and outgoing traffic. This tunnel was constructed decades back. At present the equipment and technology has advanced further. There should be no technical hitch in constructing the tunnel which can be assigned to some global agency specialising in such projects. The only requirement is the political decision to undertake the project which has been in the pipeline from the day one of the construction of the road over Zojila. Unfortunately, such projects are undertaken in our part of the world only for protecting territory and for strategic reasons. No one bothers about the human angle. Had it been so, the tunnel should have been constructed long time back. The promise to construct the said tunnel has been made by no less a person than Jawahar Lal Nehru the then Prime Minister of India himself. Very recently the promise of a tunnel was not only renewed but reportedly measures were initiated for its execution. The Parliament is reported to have approved the construction of a 12 kilometre long tunnel at a cost of Rs. 1333 crores in March, 2007. Even global tenders are said to have been invited for the project but nothing further had been heard about it. However, the Parliament was informed on August 4, 2009, by the Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways that the contract of conducting feasibility studies for Zojila Tunnel has been allotted to M/S iBilt Technology, New Delhi and the study will take 18 months. This means that the actual construction is not slated to start soon and the access through the Tunnel may even take a decade or so! In fact, it may have been easier to fully upgrade and develop the road already constructed last year by the Defence authorities from Bandipore to Mushko valley in Drass crossing the valleys of Gurez and Tulail. However, this route being very near to LOC may not be dependable and safe from the security point of view!
The other alternative to end the winter siege of Ladakh till the Tunnels come up is to open all surface routes to neighbouring countries. This can be done if an agreement is reached between all the countries in the region for opening up all the surface routes. This requires an understanding on the pattern of the European Union where the borders have become irrelevant. Our leaders often talk about making borders irrelevant but when it comes to implementing these declarations, everyone develops cold feet! Such an understanding depends upon the politicians. There is only one way of making politicians realise the necessity and urgency of opening up the routes. They should be asked to stay for sometime in winter with the local people in the coldest places of Ladakh such as Drass. It is impossible to imagine the difficulties faced by the people in these remote regions in the severe weather conditions unless one practically faces these on the ground. Thus, there is utmost urgency to take immediate measures to relieve the sufferings of Ladakhis in winter. Choice is with the Government. Expedite the Tunnel and open up the routes!
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